USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Covington > Semi-centennial at Covington, Ind. June 9th, 1882, Presbyterian Church > Part 1
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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7 ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02460 3323
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SEMI - CENTENNIAL JUNE 9TH, 1882
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH COVINGTON, INDIANA
[ Crawfordsville Presbytery no. 3]
1882
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D COVINGTON, IND. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
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289519 Semi-centennial at Covington, Ind., June 9th. 1882. n.p. [18827] 15р.
Caption title. At head of title: Crawfordsville presbytery, no.3.
Imperfect: p.15 mutilated. "A sermon preached June 11, 1882, by John M. Bishop, pastor": p.4-8.
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CRAWFORDSVILLE PRESBYTERY NO. 3.
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Semi-Centennial at Covington, Ind., June oth, 1882.
"Theologians may indulge the pleasing task of describing religion as she de scended from heaven arrayed in her native purity. A more melancholy duty is im- posed on the historian. He must drevet the inevitable mixture of error and corrupt- tion which she contracted in a long residence on earth, among a weak and degener. ate race of beings." Thus Gibbon introduced in- memorable chapters (sv, SVI) m which, on rationalistic principles, he accounts for the spread of Christianity through- out the Roman Empire. Aside from the latest sarcasm, there could be no better molto for church history. And, with the same qualification, another quotation from the same historian is in place: "Admitting without hesitation or inquiry all that history has recorded or devotion feigned on the subject of martyrdoms. it must still be acknowledged that the christians in the course of theu intestine dissensions have inflicted far greater severities upon each other thu. they had experiences from the goal of infidels '
But with these qualitication-, which an eren bass and all christians adont, we ask with confidence, where is anything more worthy of preservation than the anal- of the church? The mantle of charity is less needed here, than in secular affairs. The River of the Water of Life flow, through a world without vedure deprived of its refreshment. 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire would have occurred sooner and been more awful, but for the conservative power of christianity.
There is not a spot of the earth's surface where a christian church stands. which is not enhanced in value, in consequence. Hence as great epochs come and go, Ar are not ashamed of the record made, by those who have preceded us. God grant that they may not be astuned of us. "to be a good as our fathers we must be better!"
As the sen-centemnal of the Presbyterian church of Covington, Ind., drew neat. preparation in a small way, was made to conduemonate the event and learn the Ire- sons involved And, afterwards, there was an napression left on several minds that these lessons were of some general application, at least, to some parts of the Wabash Valley. This seemed especially worthy of thought in view of the revival of interest in Crawfordsville Presbytery, touching one old and treble churches. Many of the ministers who have theservice in Covington, at some time nom-tered in other places in this general region The wide spread itinerary of the preachers who planted
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Presbyteriansim in the West, has been considered and commended. No other d. nonation has a letter record. The result is that many churches cherish the memory of the same munsters. At the head of this list, in til that is excellent, stand., the name of Henry Little, D. D., with many of like queit and work. These pages may contante and promote this sympathetse increas, as the decendants wall road of the self-denying labors of their pioneer ancestors.
Another motive, personal, selfish perhaps, is net concealed, for printing this pamphlet. This is the seventh bida parish the writer, after a sort, has cultivated, At each of these county to she, and in the surrounding Freshstories, I have had a trust pleasant experience of ministerial life. All along, in every place, and not. he's Low , than at former times, we can truly say. The lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, and we have had a goodly heritage The "Seventh Act" may be the last It would be pleasant, it on this Mt. Nebo we should be remembered on the Wabach, to connection with the saintly men and women where names and deeds are here men tioned One -oweth and another nameth; if faithful we will soon a jeter together.
On Fuday evening, June 9th., 1-22, which was the tror semi-centennial, religious ervices were conducted; and the Following letters from forma pastors were found; lombo, Onto, June 5th,, 1382. DEAR BRO. Breiter. I have been expecting continually to find an hour to tawer your kind invitation, to the Semi Cent naid, of the Covington Church on the Site and since I received it, I have han part you to the Assunddy at Springu.M. Ils , and returned via Bethany and Wasteland Ind . net week but could not shy for any work is is imperative, and I have been abient two Sabbathe at the Assold, hur do I know that I could write anything that would do you my good. Our -t., . La vington embraced nothing romantic of warirlabi, except the kindness and faithfulness of the good people to u- and the cause of the Messed Redones 1 al- sase felt that then courage and .elf denied was more thoroughly tried, than is the case with most of God's children, and if they svondutch no more than to hold up a testimony for Christmas a with s against well, they would at least hate the Saving's site and rante well, pray that you and the couch and Covington may ir Med in your work and chewed while you tod (Read Number 1:21-26.)
J W. TORRENTE ALLORA, IND , May 31st .. ISS !. REv. Jons M. Binor. - Den Bra. - - Yours of per Both mul,, reminding me t the proposed Sous-entenda demoration of the organization of Covington Fresterian Church, on the 5th of June nest, and miviting the to be present, Was hay received. I have delayed applying, in the hope that i might and it practicathe to comply with your iquest, but as a jonthey to a mon distant plan con dit & that wat serie chevitable. Inou compelled to by that i had it to the to be with , oh that interesting o casal.
It would give the great satisfaction to go again on my old field, to rre th te the outline- at that i am on the valley of the Walk with it, fistile Faitout mal it- bordering prairies; to look one more about the town which was my the Worth home, with whose -freets and buildings and savent lot and surrounding Malas 1 b. came familia; to become a quanted with the tenements When he bell untived, sides ing rolle' d from curate, and equality to see the tetlent thing .the.
tout yom ltd di al re, i.
of Covington, and particularly the organization in which I was met intimately no lated. I would be glad to mate with your people in honoring the werthers of the post, both living and dead, who sustained that organization ly then shots and then prayers and offering .. And it would give me the greatest pleasure to salute as. I commune with my former esteried fellow hai tian- and trial, when atd! survive and might be present. The emotions I should experience in attending the vilebre you makes me feel that my absence will be at great cost, and I con strongly moved to reverse may decision as I write.
Winte I am interested in the entire history of that church, the przed of my pe- Tomate, of course, Las a transcendant interest. It is a period por nu- and hallo ... bremolls, Among these are the tecolle tions of the thd and ersidente urant is which I was received by the people; their red hat . to cooperate withit are in fiets I've work; then liberal regard for my comfort; their cordial fellowship; then ar- pary lives, then holy fervor of war hip; and their ad for the corner kon suls. I remember, also, then joys in property, and then patience and resignation in theen- of trial and sorrow.
Though, numercially, the church was not large, it was a power for good in the .... .cats, because of the spiritual uneledie's of many of its members. The who hin- Elder- James Long and Win. Hoffman; and David Brier anet the Campbell brothers, will a snowledge that they were cluisthmus without iproach. Hough ' n t shalliot jul in bosiness" and prominent in then respective railings, das war 'argent Juri, serving the Lord." 'Their characters, purified by religion and ant med by the graves, exalted them in the estimation of their follow citizens med kene the, wer hon- que men and their names will be cherished by the Presleytehan church n. Chungto's " long as it shall have existence. Nor should I out to say that their war Volfe h in that day, who were their it and equal conpenon, whose enthus: isis landing l me, and to whose prayers and conseciated lives de attributille, in a leg ion ate. whatevera good was accomplished in the period of any nanitry there. Lig Il. Bout pars and a half of my sqoads with that peoph, they, had . mind Lo mi .. . ind the results were seen In a good atten lanee it off ine tings, a houti-lng Saobah shoot the erection of a house of warlapared gran cotoletta mismo ." lay pleasule to say . also, that, thosete at that tan thon yie tyo Pt lyt imia. - gantations in that place, and, acd -sarily competiton in pill onage and - ofpolt, ind withal pressed to vindicate racks it van status, i cannot recollect may departure fun the 'unity of the spirit;" and my own relations with the brother (the fatey Chas. K Thomson and Henry Ml. Bacon, successive parts of the Old Skiand Klinik. .... padary with me, were most cordial and pleasant. Enjoyed the remain with. . . rentitaly, and would I've with you, it would be to me sugeriutot. fre ta gol. ine Pre try totian church in Continente, let. Just heavily & o ethe and radas. and should i investingused by salor other de . .... in tha church as Busyabout 'em. it didi resalef ood trt n .. .. Was porlh ill Her. that this man was born there." Sounded off. Book log a testa thanh techpi .. .. ur endless life. Other sided our lo & go. a to it & then early Down beer had fellowship with the Savior m dv mangia The Kingion adaen. -
I believe the Presbyterian church of Covington is testinglin fon while pustit
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be a fountain of the sing - to the pres Mail fate gestion. Will have their work to do and may have some really.
finingthee a straclion Hamagan -
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among the religions bodies born of the Reformation, as to intelligence, influence and beneficience. The system contemplates the christian mirture of children, worship at the family allar, the study of the Bible, a vigilant care of converts and the develop ment of all into strong men and women. A church organized with such aimy can- not be without value to a community. No sater place can be found for the young than under its guardianship; and no seeurer place for adults than within its fold.
My prayer, is, my dear brother, that the church to which we have each devoted a portion of our ministry, may have a new baptism of the spirit and that it may ever mierease as a power for good.
Please comtammeate my greetings to its members, who are thereby my kindred, and say to any of my old friends, who are still procrastinating, that I hope they will be moved by this review of the past, to identify themselves, for the future, with that kingdom which will endure beyond all the vicissitudes of earth.
In the fellowship of the Gospel, yours affectionately,
A. W FREEMAN.
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On Saturday evening, the 10th, in connection with religions services, Miss Mary Hovey made some made some very interesting statements regarding her father-the late Prof. Edmund O. Hovey, and then read from the original manuscript, the sermon her father preached at the organization of the church. His sermon was probably writ ten at Coal Crook, Fountain County, on a covered goods box, the study table in the coonnon room where the young pastor and his wife began their life work.
The text was found in Math. v. 14, " Ye are the light of the world; a city set ofa hill cannot be hid."
Claristians were shown to be the light of the world
1. By the doctrines which they embrace and profess.
11. By their example.
Closing with remarks :
(1) What distinguishing honor is conferred on christians.
(2) What obligations.
( i) The guilt of inconsistency .
On Sabbath a. m., June 11th, the M. E. Congregation with the pastor, Rev. It N. Ogden, mest courteously suspended their own meeting and wanted with the Pres byterian congregation, where the following historical discourse was delivered by the pastor :
A AERMON PREACHED JUNE 11, 1882, BY JOHN M. BISHOP, PASTOR
DANIEL, IV. 3- His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from jen- aration to generation.
Sphinx-like Nebuchadnezzar spake the text, But by accident; not with double meaning as the Delphie oracle, uor under Divine compulsion, as & hen Balsam's dumbass, speaking with man's voice, torbade the madness of the prophet. The wonder of wonders in the Scriptures, and, for that matter, in ult history, is the use made of ungodly and selfish men to carry out the holy designs of the benevolent God, Balaam, Cyrus, Herod and Judas and the ruthot of the text, are only ruinent examples of an innumerable company of free agents- kings and common men -- who "meaning not so, nelther in then heart thinking so," are fulfilling the purposes of the Great King. Every gom man builds butter the me thinks for himself, because he builds unselfishly .... giving a cup of cold weer to a disciple, he is rewarded. And the selfish man
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builds better than he intended, for God maketh the wrath of man to praise Him. Thus, various builders aid in erecting the edifice of Church History. *
Bronson Alcott said: "Thoreau hitched the Universe to Concord." The Uni verse is hitched to every village and to every person. And winle this truth may feel our vanity, it, also. stimulates us to good deeds and nourishes our contentednes- Many a mean act is done, because one thinks it done m a corner, and will never be known. It dignified the Apostles and their work when the Master said: That which ye have spoken in the var shall be proclaimed on the house top.
And this will we do, if God permits. Not laying agam the foundations of ot National, State or County History, or, even attending to describe the attractions of of this beautifully situated village of Covington-much less defending the hoing or andlessing the sins of the dead, I will in simple parase and with all possible accuracy, trace the history of this Presbyterian Church, whose Semi-Centennial we this day of Serve. Of course ats life and character are deeply affected by surrounding and ante cedent conditions. Especially has it been modified by other denominations, working on the same ground, with the same mond problems. Beyond any place I have known our village has religiously divided fannlies. The united heads do not, in many m. stances, belong to the same congregations, but the children are often separated from each other. But even this complication, shall only in this way be mentioned and regretted.
The hutle rivolet which comes down our hulside w tose doch in our noble Wal- bash, has an attraction of its own; and the dweller on its grassy bank, may be per- milted to spend a summer day, walking and its flower bedecked groves, listening to its muriaring waters over His own bright pebbles. Such is our promised ehier
dev. Minoch amesbury, who dle tet. 26, 1963, presented in Covington before the t durch was organized. He is the first munster od our faith and order of whose films. I can find any mention, einer from the record. or tradition. He says of himself, in t letter to liev. James al. Johnston, editor of ma Indata Christian Herald; "In Der., 1 550, you pointed me to the saintsh valley, as the mo I destitute region. so i hur I found it, not one house of find near the straat north of Vincennes, known to the
main whatished court house. The new saboth, which was the last in Dec. ISSO. i predicted ma layern mt Eugene, Ind., the room just washed and -runtel for a avea- Years ball. ^ ^ Few men have wandered over a wider field, while residing in our place, than I have. Multitades have done more good on a small heid." How often, to what congregations, in what rooms or groves this pioneer preached in Covington we have no som es of information-Over by years hat removed every trace of the. .. matters, as really as the flowing waters of our hatte brook has removed the ivo prints of the bir & from its sands. But the fields were cetteshed and sang sweetly of years ago. and the lonely, saintly King bury made our early citizens glad set's the good news of the gospel.
But while this node initeness marks the ministry of the toreimmer, all 1 100't deanty placed on record as to the dcund organization of the & hutch. On the the page of the sessional minutes, in the accurate and beautiful claroparaphy of William Hollman, we lind this statement:
"The Presbyterian Church of Covington, Fountain county, Indiana, was geht if on the 9th day of June, A. D., 182, with I members. Rev. G. O. Hover doing " Moderator, and Rey. E. Kingsburg, Secretary. At the que time an cheli'd hold for Elders, and Mesers, das. Long and Daniel Melathe wire duly chipet, a 1 were also requested to act as beacons, after which they were ordained to the office of ruling Elders. Sabbath, June 10, 1:52, the members of the church mail !
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in celebrating the Lord's Supper. Rev. E. O. Hovey, stated supply .-- July 9, 1832. Mr. Daniel Mebane, one of the Ruling Elders, removed to Chillicothe, ohio." This second entry, one month to a day, after organization, of the dismissal of an officer from the little band, is very suggestive, as it was trying at the time,
Of the first Eller, James Long, I find that he was born in Scotland, in 1775, and died in Covington in 1852, He came with his parents in his early manhood. to Chili- cothe, Ohio, and there he married his truthful wife, Sarah Burns, who died in Cos- ington two years before her husband, in 1850 .- In 12% Mr. Long and wite with their seven chil tren came to Covington, residing one year in the village. He then bought a farm a mile north of town, on which the family resided until his death. Rev. A W. Freeman in a very interesting sketch of his own ministry in this place says of Father Long: "He was a patriarch, tall. erret, courteous, yet meek and gentle, a very devour christian and a conscientious other of the church. He had been longest Elder. I have often heard the Key. E O. Hovey speak of enjoying his hospitality, when he was a home missionary on the field. Father Long was still favored with the companionship of the wife of his youth, a woman worthy of him, but on the 25th of October, 1×50, the temporary seperation took place. I conducted services at the fu- neral, and the aged man with trembling limbs bent over her coffin and saw his love onte buried from his sight. Not long did he survive his great bereavement."
There are other names on that first roll bringing pleasant and profitable memo ries of saintly, self-sacrificing lives. To call the name> without remark. giving time for thought should make us better men and women. - James Long, Sarah Long, Jno. Fisher, Margaret Fisher, John Long, Ellen Long, Samuel Campbell, Sr. Daniel Me- Lane. Elizabeth MeLane, Zion Reden, Jime Evans, Isabella Merrill. Hugh MeCon- nell, Elizabeth McConnell, Margaret Hennegan, and Margaret Hull.
Of these Mrs. Evans is the only known survivor, now over four store years, rest ding in Crawfordsville, Ind.
The life of a village church for 50 yours is a most instructive study. In its influ- ruce on its surrounding population it is more controlling than a city church-for very obvious reasons. It would be well for our young ministers to consider these obvious reat-unis and not turn ambitions eyes to vacant city pulpits. About five hundred tantes of condumeant . are found on our het, and racing all classes of citizens. Some of the most prominent county officers are found here. All the honest professions and occupations are represented. Here are men diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord :- Such men as Hoffman, Briei aml Cambern. ] mention these mien because they were officers, are absent from us, yet living. and have no relatives among us. We shield them not from criticism. Their Presbyterian christianity formed their noble character, -Then what women and young people are among the 500! Patient mothers and wives, a lorning then homes with pious industry and re linement. Some of them in comfortable, affluent circumstances; many of them poor, struggling with ill health. While, so far as I know,, no one has ever been forbidden by husband or parent in Covington, to connect with the Church; a great many receive no help in their religious life, from their nearest and dearest earthly relations, either by preceptor example. Dr. Payson once said to an unconverted man, who had a pious wife: "It is hard for your good wife that she receives no help from you. it is like a dove trying to fly heavenward with a broken wing." In all of our churches, here and elsewhere, women comprise a large majority of church members .- Only this most general view can be taken of these 500. Such a roll is very good reading for the closet and for more private occasions. And hence, in every field to which I have ministered, I have, as a part of pastoral work, furnished a printed roll of the com- municants. Please to read and meditate on these names. It has been a specially difficult matter to find out . on our minutes the names that should properly be thus associated. The present Membership has, so far, not responded very loudly to the
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roll call, Of this entire list we may say, it is not an exact copy of that found in the Lamb's Book of Life. Many names are found in that book which are not here, some here are not found there.
No church, however, need be ashamed of its roll, compared with any equal num- ber of names, not members of the church, in that commonity.
I can not particularly describe the Elders who have served this church. "Ruling Elders are properly the representatives of the people, chosen by them for the purpose of executing government and discipline in conjunction with pastors or ministers." As a class, here and elsewhere, our Elders are of nnquestionable value. Commencing with Jones Long and Daniel Mclane, who were elected and ordained Elder- 50 years ago, seventeen Elders have served in Covington. The successors of Long and Mclane are Joseph I. Farnham, W Ham Hoffman, George Graham, J. S. Jones. (name changed to Talbot ), Abrahan Gabriel, Harry L. Ross, Isaac A. Rice, Warren Anderson, Joseph Campbell, Samuel Campbell, Jr., David Parrott, M. A. Hills, Sam- nel Watson, Samuel M. Cambern and Isaar Hupt. It has already been stated, that the first Etder- were requested to act as Dearons, - and so, for the most part, it has been through all the years. A few Deacons have been set apart, who have been very useful, -the late Thomas Lyons was prominently so .- Unordained men, also, and wonen have helped in the financial management. But the burdens of temporal as well as spiritual affairs, have largely been in the hands of the Elders. We owe them an unpaid debt of gratitude.
The Sunday School and the various Women's Circles should be remembered to- day. We never get the full conception of a church as we are it on Sabbath morning. even at a sacramental meeting or a Semi-Centennial. There are wheels within wheels, aid m my of these surdler wheels are resting on most precious jewels. The real strength of a church is not demonstrative -This kingdom cometh not with obser- vation. A dozen or so of women, meeting regularly for prayer or work-to look after some mor d reform, to make a few garment, tor a poor family, to send a box of goods to a ho ne mission ary, or to wurm their hearts and inform their minds on Foreign Missions, slanderously accused of neglecting their home duties, and more shudderously accused of foolish talking; - such a circle of workers saved thuis Covington church. We only name the quiet Sunday School and the woolly prayer meeting, often wearing on the strength and patience of faithful ones, and more frequently refreshing to those who are the most self-sacrificing. For 50 years this church and community have been under such bemign influences. - And to-day theo existence and vitality are hopeful signs for the future. .
A long catalogue of preachers comes before as in this review. -- A shorter list would not merely be easier called, but in several ways would have benefitted the church. From most reliable sources it would be possible to make some suitable record of their toils and virtues. But many of them have honorable mention on more enduring pages. --- They have Itched the Universe to Covington, Hovey and Kings- bury and Thompson are famous names among the dead; and there are titular naamnes among the living, who have served well and contentedly in this humble partsh. h. fact, one of the most difficult problems in the present supply of the pulpit, grows out of the remembered ability of the former preachers. The Sessional Records make mention of near 50 excellent ministers, who have preached to this people. As, very unfortunately, from 1843 until the Re-union of 1870, there were two struggling Pres byterian churches in Covington. some of these ministers were here at the sono time. About all that can at this time be done, is to call the names of persons, who have la .
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