USA > Indiana > Henry County > Knightstown > History of the First Friends church, Brown Street between Washington and Adams streets, Knightstown, Indiana, 1876-1911 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 03147 4247
GC 977.202 K74hi
History of the First Friends church
Red for future Reference
HISTORY
ds
OF THE
Friend
First Friends Church
Brown Street
Between Washington and Adams Streets
Knightstown, Indiana
Meoutlety Meeting of
1876 -1911
1
TEAT
WATCHESTERIN. IND.
de
together with Raumville monthly beating
HISTORY
OF THE
First Friends Church
Brown Street Between Washington and Adams Streets Knightstown, Indiana
1876-1911
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
" Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. "-St. John, 15th chapter, 15th verse.
OUR CHURCH Brown Street, between Washington and Adams Streets
Furnished in modern style with art glass windows, lighted with electric lights. and heated by furnace
.
" Wherefore I give you to understand. that no man speaking by the spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed; and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." 1st Corinthians, 12th chapter. 3rd verse.
OUR PASTOR ESTHER COOK
1
STHER COOK, danghter of Jesse and Abigail Stafford Cook, was born E and reared near Greensboro, Indiana. She comes of a long line of Qnaker ancestry, and had a birthright in Duck Creek Monthly Meeting. Spiceland Quarterly Meeting of Friends.
Her education was obtained in the common schools of Henry County. high school of New Castle and Earlham College, Richmond. Indiana.
She was recorded a minister by New Castle Monthly Meeting in 1890, and for twenty years she has faithfully labored mevangelistie work within the limits of Indiana, Western and Wilmington Yearly Meetings.
By appointment of Indiana Yearly Meeting she attended the opening of Puget Sound Quarterly Meeting, opened and held at Seattle, Washing. ton, September, 10th to 12th, 1907. A second visit to this field was in re- sponse to a call from the Evangelistie and Church Extension Boards of the Five Years Meeting and Indiana Yearly Meeting This servicecovered a period of eleven months in the states of Washington, Oregon and C'al. ifornia
She served many yearson the Bible Institute Board of Indiana. West- ern and Wilmington Yearly Meetings, and is a member of the Peace Committee of Indiana Yearly Meeting.
She accepted a call to the pastorate of Knightstown Meeting October 44, 1910
CHARTER MEMBERS of Knightstown Meeting 1876
The Knightstown Preparative Meeting of Friends was opened 4th month 20th, 1876, with 46 charter members, whose names are as follows:
Dr. Wilson Hobbs
David W. Douglas
Zalinda Lynch Hobbs
Lydia M. Douglas
Orvilk. W. Hobbs
Ithamer W. Stuart
Mary Z. (lobbs) Davis Margaret Stuart
Walton C. Hobbs
Laura A. (Stuart) Morrison
Charles M. Hobbs
John E. Keys
Fannie B. Hobbs
Sophia L. Keys
Robert W. Hobbs
Harry E. Keys
Harry L. Holly
James Beeman
Mary B. Charles
William Penn Beeman
Elizabeth Deem
Margaret 1. ( Beeman) Ilaines
Benajah Parker
Ruth Stratton
Deborah Ann Parker
Lemuel Murray
Allen T. Kirk
Abigal D. Murray
Lucinda E. Kirk
They Showmaker
Anna M. ( Kirk) Sample
Albert W. Aiken
Catherine Morrison
Grace D. (Tatner) Viken
William G. Edwards
Caleb M. Pelle
William Kearns
Maria Polle
Elizabeth Kearns
Frank H. Pelle
Rebecca J. (Kearns)Midkiff
Walter Pelle Lom-a Pelle
Nathan T Coflin
Jennie Coffin
Mary Frederick
-
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." " One God and Father of all. who is above all. and through all. and in you all. " - Ephesians, 4th chapter, 5th and 6th verses.
WATCHWORD
"Ye are my Friends if ye do the things which I command von."
DECLARATION
"We believe in God the Father: we believe in God the Son and in God the Holy Spirit: everlasting three in One."
PRINCIPLES
Forgiveness of sins and the impartation of spiritual life through faith in the atonement on the Cross by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Direct communion of the believer with the Father. through the Son by the Spirit.
History of Knightstown Meeting of Friends For the Past Thirty-Five Years
The name of Dr. Wilson Hobbs is closely identified with the early history of the Friends Church in Knightstown, Ind. He moved here in July. 1873. He soon became convinced that there was enough of that faith to act as a nucleus around which to fashion a church. Early in the winter of 1873, shortly before the holidays. he called a meeting in his office. There were pres- ent at this meeting :- Dr. Wilson Hobbs. Mary B. Charles. Itha- iner W. Stuart, Margaret Stuart, William G. Edwards, Catherine Morrison. Allen T. Kirk, Lucinda E. Kirk and John E. Keys. to talk over the advisability of establishing & Friends meeting in Knightstown. We felt Dr. Hobbs was led by the Spirit. We read- ily and cheerfully united our forces and for a few times met in his other for prayer and guidance. We found that other Christian de- nominations were interested in us and our mission and granted ns the use of their churches for worship a few times.
We were united in asking Raysville Monthly Meeting for an indulged meeting. which was granted, and a room was im- mediately rented in the Reeves block early in 1874, now known as the G. A. R. Hall. Friends met on the first day of the week at 3:15 p. m .. also on Fourth day evening at " p. m. for worship. William G. Edwards was appointed Elder and was recognized as the head of the meeting. Dr. Wilson Hobbs, Zalinda L. Hobbs. Catherine Morrison. Ithamer W. Stuart and Margaret Stuart also sat with him at the head of the meeting. All this number and also all our first elders and overseers, Clerk. Assistant Clerk and the Treasurer have since been called home to receive their reward. Their zeal and loyalty to Christ and the church. as we look back upon their lives, was simply grand. Yet all
was clothed in such simple acts of kindness, their good advice and words of encouragement given here and there, and when duty called them they seemed (to us) to go without effort. None but they know of the pleading with God for light and leading. The burdens laid upon their hearts for others. were quietly and Intitully performed and God blessed them. There are people here today. living in the light of God's love and blessings, who owe much to those faithful Friends for their good advice and wise counsel and sweet persuasion, whose memory we honor to- day. Let us take unto ourselves the great lessons from their lives and characters, and put them into practical use here in our church and community, and thereby be truer friends and purer Christians, doing with our might what our hands find to do in the uplifting and building of our church, that it may grow and become a shining light for God, and all that comes within her doors may find the sweet peace and rest that belongeth to the people of God. Let us be ready as they were when we hear the Master say. "It is enongh: come up higher. "
Only fourteen of the charter members of this meeting are now living. as far as we know. Eight of this number reside in Knightstown.
For a few months we were strengthened by the ministry of Mary H. Rogers. Later David W. Douglas of Maine came and remained with us until after the erection of the church building. proving helpful, both spiritually and temporally. A committee was appointed consisting of Dr. Wilson Hobbs. John E. Keys and William (. Edwards, to locate and seeare a lot on which to creet a church building. The lot was bought and the present. church was built during the summer and fall of ist5. John I. Morrison and Harvey Burt were added to the building committee. John E. Keys is now the only living member of the committee that built this house.
An extract was received at the Ray-ville Monthly Meeting Brd month 25th, 1876, from the Spiceland Quarterly Meeting informing it that they united in granting the establishment ot a preparative meeting at Knight-town. as requested by Ray-ville
10
1 1
3 1833 03147 4747
- -
--
Monthly Meeting and directed that the meeting be opened at the time for holding the meeting for worship and preparative meet- ing in 4th month 20th, 1876. at 7p. m., which was at our regular prayer meeting on 5th day evening. This is the date of our organization and according to the monthly meeting record we are to be known as the "Knightstown Meeting of Friends."
The quarterly meeting appointed Seth Stafford. Caleb John- son. Jabes II. Henly. Jane Rateliff. Mary Saint, Retina White, Franci- W. Thomas. Reberca Hiatt, Jason Williams, Re- becca Thomas and Mary HI. Rogers to act in conjunction with a like committee appointed by Raysville Monthly Meeting to attend the opening, namely, William Hanghton. Isaac Park- er. Charles S. Hubbard. and Joseph Pritchard. They also proposed the names of Ithamer W. Stuart. Nathan T. Cottin. Lucinda E. Kirk and Elizabeth Kearns for overseers. with whom the monthly meeting united. held 4th month. 22nd. 1x76. and they were accordingly appointed to that station, with William G. Edwards as clerk. Jennie Coffin. assistant, and Allen T. Kirk as treasurer of the preparative meeting. At this time we had a membership of 46, twelve of whom were under 21 years of age. We all were members of Raysville Monthly Meeting prior to the establishment of Knightstown Preparative Meeting. 35 year- ago. At the opening of our preparative meeting the time for worship was changed for holding our First day meeting from 3:15 p. m. to 10:30 a. m. Our First day evening meeting was first held 11th month, 1877. This is not a recorded meeting.
In 4th month 23rd. 1876, our church was dedicated by the late David B. Updegraff. assisted by John Henry Douglas and David W. Douglas. At the monthly meeting held 5th month 26th, ISTT. a committee was appointed to revise the list of elder -. They appointed Wilham G. Edwards and Margaret Stuart a- elders for Knightstown Preparative Meeting. These were our first elder -.
The early members of this meeting have passed through some very dark and trying times. After our meeting house was dedicated there was a shrinkage on our subscription list
11
1
on account of the panic of 1876, causing an indebtedness on the church building. Ithamer W. Stuart and Lemuel Murray. members of this meeting, borrowed the money from the bank for the full amount of this indebtedness at 11 per cent interest. Our meeting, to make them secure, deeded them the church property. Our membership at that time was poor and few in number and not able to pay the interest which had accumulated until the total amount of interest and principal was fifteen hundred dollars. Mr. Stuart and Mr. Murray became uneasy. Then a Catholic priest came to them and offered to buy our church building. It seemed to them this was the only way to pay off the note in the bank. This was a gloomy hour for the Knightstown meeting. when the clouds were so dark and heavy that we could scarcely believe they had a silver lining. Sometimes we think the present generation would sink under such berdons. But God in His infinite love and because of our faith, turned the clouds into brightest sunshine, and the church grew in grace and in knowledge of the Master, and today we stand as it wore, shoulder to shoulder with the churches of our town.
Raysville Monthly Meeting held Ist month 27th, 1877. gave our meeting the first ray of hope, by authorizing Isaac Parker and Samnel Pritchard, trustees of Ray-ville Monthly Meeting, to sell the old "Elm Grove" meeting house and grounds, "as that meeting had been laid down by the sanction of the quarterly meeting," and the monthly meeting proposed to use the proceeds toward relieving the indebtednessincurred by Friends of Knights- town in building their meeting house, which is within the limits of Raysville Monthly Meeting.
At Raysville Monthly Meeting, held 11th month 24th, 1877. the trustees reported that they bad sold the Elm Grove meet- ing house for two hundred and fifty dollars and appropriated the funds as directed.
John E. Keys asked for thirty days time to see if the rest of the money could be raised. He visited White Water Quart- erly Meeting held at Richmond. Indiana, and met with some en-
12
couragement. also at Walnut Ridge and Carthage meetings, thereby cutting down the indebtedness to nearly nine hundred dollars. He also visited our own quarterly meeting at Spiceland on Seventh day. where he made a statement of our financial diff- irulties. Amos M. Kenworthy, then of Westfield. Ind .. arose and said. "Let the meeting proceed with the business. I will pay off the indebtedness of Knightstown meeting myself. No Cath- olie priest can buy the Knightstown Friends Church, for there is a place in Knightstown for a Friends meeting." On the fol- lowing 2nd day Amos M. Kenworthy came to Knightstown and arranged with the bank and Lemuel Murray and Ithamer W. Stuart to pay off the remainder of the indebtedness, which then amounted to a little over nine hundred dollars. Amos returned to Hamilton County, sold his home. and came back and paid off the debt on our church. By unanimious consent of the mem- ber- of our meeting. we deeded Amos all of the ground lying east of the church building, with the exception of two feet. This was all our meeting had to give in return for his generous gift to us. We feel our church owes a debt of gratitude to Amos M. Kenworthy that we never can repay, for he made darkness light before us and crooked things straight. The Lord. in a miraculous way, provided the means for Amos to build him a cottage home on the ground our meeting gave him. He served for a time as our pastor. New hope and life came to the httle Knightstown meeting under his ministry, assisted by his Christ tan wife. Phebe 11. Kenworthy. During the revival of les1. hold by him. there were So persons were added to our membership. A real spiritual uplift came to us all.
Amy Fulghum. who was much beloved. accepted a call to serve as our pastor during 1884. She held a revival early in the year of 1986, assisted by Emuma S. Garrison. This revival was much noted for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. During this revival of members were added to our church at the month- Is meeting held end month with. Isse. In all. 91 member- were added to Knight-town meeting during that year. Emma . Garritson remained here and assisted Amy Fulghum in the
13
1
pastoral work of our meeting until 5th month of 1887.
Joseph O. Binford, beloved by all our membership, came on call to serve as our pastor, Ist month, 1898. He soon opened a series of revival meetings, assisted by John Penning- ton. Thirty-three members were added to this meeting. During the same year seventy-five members were added to our church. These have been the three marked periods of revivals in the his- tory of our Knightstown meeting of Friends. when God's Spirit came upon the church with such wonderful power. Many who have joined our meeting during these three noted revivals are active members and domg much good for the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God. while many of this number are now on the other shore, whose memory we still revere for their untiring effort- to assist in building up the cause of Christ.
While our church has not increased so much in numbers during any revival of year since the above dates, yet there has been a steady growth, both spiritually and temporally. Our meeting has been blessed with excellent ministers from its earl- jest organization to the present time. While some have not been as successful as others in gathering into the church vet they have sown good seed and others have done the reaping. yet. ali have done the best they could and none have been failures. and many of these pastors whose wise contrel and pastoral care will never be forgotten.
Samuel C. Mills is the only minister who died while pastor of this meeting. His work among us was satisfactory.
The names of all ministers who have served as pastors of Knightstown meeting are as follows: Mary II. Rogers. David W. Douglas, Henry Merrill. Amos M. Kenworthy. Seth C. Roos. Amy Fulghum. Emma S. Garrit-on. Alfred Brown. Joseph (). Binford. Sanmel C. Mills. Minnie Bassett. Morton C. Pearson. Elbert Russell. Oscar Moon. S. Adelbert Wood. Levi T. Pen- nington. Frank B. Rhodes and Esther Cook, our present pastor. beloved by us all and who is doing much good for the upbuild- ing of the cause of Christ.
Our Bible School was first organized in the spring of Isit
14
Pastors and their time of Service for Knightshown Par- ticular Meeting of Friends= Continuation of names in rotation fromi chose printed in the sinall Membership Record, 3rd Month 1901, Rev. Morton b. Pearson was Pastor from 10.# Mouth 12-1900 90, 65 Mouth 1903 Rev. Elleri-Russell supply, from 6th, Mouth 1903, 90, 10 T Mouth 1903, Rev, Oscar Novon from. 10th Mouth 4th, 1903, Yo 9r Mouth 141- 1905.
of Knightstown Monthly Meeting in 5th month 25th, 1895, which
15
pastoral work of ot Joseph (. Bin on call to serve opened a series of ton. Thirty-three t the same year seve These have been t' tory of our Knig! came upon the ch' have joined our n active members a Kingdom of God. other shore, whi efforts to assist i While our during any revis been a steady gr meeting has beet iest organization been as sucressf they have sown all have done th and many of the will never be f
Samuel C. of this meeting The names Knightstown n W. Donglas. I Amy Fulghum Binford. Samu Elbert Russell nington. Fran! beloved by us .. ..... ing of the cause of Christ.
Rev, S. Adelbert-Dood fro 10ª Month 171 1905 90, 10th Month 12/ 1906
Rev; Levi Penningtoni. from 10 h Moonthe 1st 1907, Ju, 10ª Month 1st- 1909. Rev, Frank. B. Rlivads from 105. Mouth 11/ 1909 1095, Mount 1910.
Esther Cook from 105, Month 15 1910 yo 10th, Mouth 12,-1914. 1
Rev. Willis Bond from 105 Month 121 1914, 90 95 Minut 1916.
Our Bible School was first organized in the spring of Isit
14
1
·)
r
1
-
(Rev, Zeno 7. Lvan from 95 Mouth 1916 to the present-time And is still Pastor of this Meeting who is loved by us all and Who is doing much good for the upbuilding of the cause of Christ-
Respectfully Sophia L. Keys=Recorder Knightstown Particular 4
Meeting Of Friends. Knightstown. Ind 95 Mouth 14, 1918.
of Knightstown Monthly Meeting in 5th month 25th. 1895, which
15
pastoral work of or Joseph O. Bin on call to serve opened a series of ton. Thirty-three n the same year seve These have been th tory of our Knight came upon the chu have joined our me active members and Kingdom of God. other shore, whos efforts to assist in While our el during any revival been a steady grow meeting has been 1 jest organization t been as successful they have sown go all have done the b and many of the will never be forge Samuel C. Mil of this meeting 1
The names of Knightstown meet W. Douglas. Hent Amy Fulghum. Et Binford. Sanmel C Elbert Russell. O. nington. Frank B. beloved by us all a ing of the cause of
1
. -
1 1
1
-
:
Our Bible School was first organized in the spring of 1854
14
in the G. A. R. Hall, while we were yet an indulged meeting. with William G. Edwards as superintendent. There were two classes organized. with Mary Z. Hobbs Davis and John E. Keys as teachers. Attendance. 21. The monthly meeting record shows that in 9th month 23rd. 1876, we had an average of about one hundred scholars.
Our Young People's Christian Endeavor was organized in 4th month 10th. 1889, with a membership of 25.
The Junior and Intermediate C. E. Society was organized 11th month 6th, 1892. with 15 members.
Our Home and Foreign Missionary Societies are well organ- ized and doing excellent work.
Our Ladies Aid Society was organized August, 1907, with a membership of 38. Since then they have earned more than $600.00. They have recarpeted and repapered the church and put in new "art glass" windows, and paid $25 each year to the pastoral fund. also assisted the church financially otherwise, and now have nearly $50 in the treasury. Their work is highly ap- preciated by the entire membership.
Our church has always been blessed with a well organized and ethicient choir. The faithfulness of our young people is praiseworthy and appreciated by the entire meeting.
During the first twenty-five years of the organization of Knightstown meeting we have lost by death fifty nine members. During the past ten years our loss by death is 56 members. making a total loss of 115 who have died while members of this meeting. since the organization thirty-five years ago. Many of this number's memory will ever be sweet for their beautiful lives and Christian manence. We now have a membership of 285.
Raysville Monthly Meeting of Friends was opened and held at Ray-ville meeting house. Henry County. Indiana. on the 25th day of 4th month, 1857, agreeably to an extract from Spiceland Quarterly Meeting of Friends held Brd month 14th, 1857.
The name of Raysville Monthly Meeting was changed to that of Knightstown Monthly Meeting in 5th month 25th. 1895, which
15
1
1
is now held at Knightstown instead of Ray-ville as formally. It is held on the 4th Seventh day of each month and consists of live different particular or local business meetings, namely :- Rays- ville. Grant, Knightstown, Wilkinson and Shirley. The name of Knightstown Preparative Meeting (under the new discipline) was changed to that of Local Business Meeting in It-month. 23rt 1009. 12 5 Lur, 28-1901.
Knightstown Monthly Meeting of Friends is tributary to Spiceland Quarertly Meeting which was organized in 3rd month, 1840, which was held at Spieeland, Indiana.
Spiceland Quarterly Meeting is tributary to Indiana Yearly Meeting which is held at Richmond. Indiana, and was organized in 9th month. 1820. This is the largest Yearly Meeting of Friends in the world.
Let us all be faithful unto the end of life's journey and God will give us a crown of life.
Respectfully submitted, SOPHIA L. KEYS. Recorder of Knightstown Meeting of Friends. 4th month 23rd, 1911.
P. S. - The above history was prepared and read by Sophia L. Keys at the service of the 35th anniversary in commemora- tion of the organization of Knightstown Meeting of Friends. Fourth month 23rd. 1911.
Seth Stafford was present at this meeting and said he want- ed to put his seal to the truthfulness of this history. - S. L. K.
16
1876-RETROSPECT-1911
By DR. T R. WOODARD I
Upon this anniversary date We gather here to celebrate. In simple yet appropriate way, The church's dedication day.
We're all agreed with one consent That this should be a glad event: A time with joyous hearts to raise Our grateful voices in His praise, Who planted here a fruitful vine And blesses every fruitful sign.
II
To all who here their presence lend The hand of welcome we extend. And trust that all may truly sip The nectar of sweet fellowship.
III
Reviewing now with joy and tears The lapse of five and thirty years Of earnest toil, there comes a sense Of overruling Providence. His hand that set His people free And led them through the raging sea. That rescued them from sore distress And led them through the wilderness, Has made His people at this place
17
. ?
The object of His sovereign grace. Ilix Spirit prompted those who toiled With purpose that could not be foiled, To found a Friends church here to be A light in this community. No pillared cloud marked out the way, But Faith said, "Trust Him and obey." Let Ilis wise purpose be fulfilled By all who will arise and build. And barriers vanished one by one Like mists before the rising sun.
IV
All honor to those faith-filled Friends The fragrance of whose influence lends A sweetness to these passing hours Like air perfumed by unseen flowers. 'Twas their work to originate. Our duty to perpetuate The blessings to a future age Of this our "goodly heritage." For their work's sake we truly deem Them worthy of our high esteem. This building represents the price Of many a willing sacrifice; Of toil by day and prayers by night, And rare gifts like the "widow's mite," Which loyalty and lor, reveal, As larger gifts may greed conceal. Long may it stand an evidence Of faith's enduring recompense.
It is not strange that times like these Should call for sacred reveries.
18
7
And memory see before it cast A panorama of the past. Across the landscape of the years Like flying clouds each scene appears. Then vanishes e'en while we muse As one would shift dissolving views. How many pastors here have stood, And sought to do their people good, As shepherds faithful vigil keep In caring for each straying sheep. With living water from the rock They've watered here the thirsty flock. And often with the living bread. The multitudes have here been fed. As round this altar we have knelt His Spirit's presence we have felt. His matchless mercies multiplied To sinful hearts were not denied. But here they've found their doubts and fears Dissolved by penitential tears. And Christ from guilt has given release Its token-His abiding peace. And shown how His unmeasured grace Clasps the whole world in its embrace. VI
Like discords in some sweet refrain Life has its pleasure marred by pain. While here we mingle and reflect Upon a pleasing retrospect. A sadness steals into our hearts As night comes when the day departs. How many with us here have met Whose faces we can ne'er forget. The thought of friends whom we have known. And dear ones fondly claimed our own.
19
Recalls our pangs of deepest grief, For which earth has no sure relief. When on our ears from other shores We hear the dip of splashing oars. When loved ones drop their house of clay And from our grasp just slip away. Here 'round the caskets flower-bedecked- Our last sweet tokens of respect- We've thought of death's great mystery And mingled tears of sympathy. But hope has looked beyond the tomb And faith dispelled its deepest gloom. VII
Like streams that from a fountain run The church's work is never done. Remembrance of the former things A holy inspiration brings, To make this church by faith sublime A light-house on the shores of time. He. who our purpose understands Dwells not in temples made with hands. But seeks to make each heart by grace Fit temple for His dwelling place. And asks each one to pay the price Of new and living sacrifice. That this may be in a living way A true church dedication day.
20
HECKMAN BINDERY INC.
JAN 98
Bound - To-Please
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.