1812
WHEREAS, Elijah Cherry and Daniel Boe [sic: Daniel Buie] came forward and were examined on experimental religion and their call to the ministry, and having obtained a good report of their moral character, the Presbytery recommend them to go to school, study English Grammar, and prepare a written discourse as a specimen of their abilities against our next Presbytery.
[Source: Minutes of Cumberland Presbytery, November 3-6, 1812]

1813
Elijah Cherry read a discourse to the Presbytery, which was sustained as a specimen of his abilities, and his moral character standing fair, he is now received as a candidate for the ministry.
Ordered, that John Barnett prepare a discourse from Romans VIII, 3; James Stewart from Ephesians II, last clause of the 5th verse; Robert Guthrie from 1 Peter IV, 18; Green P. Rice from John III, 36; Elisha Price from John III, 7, and Elijah Cherry from Psalms CXXVI, 3.
Source: Minutes of Cumberland Presbytery, April 6-9, 1813]