USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A twentieth century history of Delaware County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 48
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The wheels of prosperity were already rolling in our community. Fac- tories had sprung up and the population was rapidly increasing. A new school building was builded and the little one-room frame building was too small to hold the Sunday school any longer. Everybody was ready to help, for steady labor and good wages warm the heart and awaken the spirit of generosity. The building committee consisted of W. T. Warfel, Thomas Bauer and others. The trustees immediately proceeded to take subscriptions and the following year the new church was dedicated. Bishop
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Moore (who was then editor of the Western Christian Advocate) preached the dedicatory sermon and took the needed subscriptions.
Nearly all whose names are mentioned in this paper are now in the Glory Land, and it is with the sense of the fleeting of time that we realize that we are standing in the front rank of those who are numbered with the oldest members of the Church.
Mount Zion.
Mount Zion M. E. church, in the northwest corner of Monroe town- ship, had its origin in the first religious organization of Salem township. Judge John Tomlinson, at whose house the meeting was held; Dolly Tom- linson. Ralph Heath, Mary Heath, John Lain, Sarah Lain and Ella Price were members of the first congregation. Dr. S. W. Heath, of Sioux Falls, S. D., has given the following account of the church :
"The class was first organized about 1835, and meetings were held at the homes of John Brown, John McClintock and Ralph Heath. In the year 1849 a log church was built on the farm of Jesse McKimmey, one- fourth of a mile north of the present church. The following is a copy of the subscription list to pay for plastering and scating the old log church : John Lain, $4 payable in stock ; Harvey Heath, $1.14 in wheat; James Goff, Și in stock, paid 73 cents in grain ; Joseph Burges, $1 paid in corn ; Robert Heath, $1 paid in grain; Manlif Halstead, $1 to be paid in stock or grain; Seth Nation, $1 to be paid in cash, or five bushels of corn; Thomas Heath, 871/2 cents paid in cash ; James McKimmey, $1.20 paid in wheat. One hun- dred and fifty feet of ceiling plank was left over and sold to Thomas Heath at 75 cents per hundred. The following subscribers paid $1 each in cash : John W. Heath, James W. Heath, Ralph Heath, Jesse McKimmey, John Ross and John Lain.
"In the year 1863 John W. Heath and Thomas W. Tuttle donated ground on which the present church stands, which was built at a cost of $1,200. In the year 1879 it was remodeled at a cost of $700. The changes consisted of taking out the two single doors and placing double doors in · the center; the windows were remodeled and the two side aisles were changed to a central aisle, and a belfry and bell were added.
"My father, James W. Heath, drew up the subscription paper and so- licited for the building of the old log church, and the last act of the writer in the old Mt. Zion neighborhood was drawing up the subscription papers for remodeling the church and Thomas W. Tuttle taking one list and canvass- ing the south and cast part of the territory, and I took the north and west part. Allen Perdieu headed the list with $35, and we had his father-in-law, Jesse McKimmey, down for $15, but when we called on him and explained the plan he said that $25 ought to be all the committee should expect of him.
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That was certainly very liberal for a man living about four miles fromn the church and getting to attend only once in three months. Old Aunt Milley Heath in giving her subscription said it would do her no good, but might benefit her grandchildren. Ten years later, returning from the west and visiting the old neighborhood, as we were approaching the church the bell was tolling for the funeral of old Aunt Milley. This was the first time we had heard that bell tolling."
Daleville.
The early history of Daleville Methodism in Daleville and vicinity be- longs with the Mount Zion, Yorktown and other congregations of that vi- cinity. The Daleville M. E. church was organized August 16, 1894, at the home of J. C. Dale. Strong opposition tried to defeat the purposes of those whose hearts were set on this church, but since its organization the church has been prosperous. At the first meeting H. N. Herrick was presiding elder, and Rev. Thomas Petty, a local preacher, was presiding pastor. The first members, all of whom are living, were Mrs. Allie Dale, Mrs. Julia Feely and Miss Minnie Hoover. Meetings were held in a hall for one year, two revivals and fifteen additional members being secured during that time. James and Maria Fish, Thomas Feely and Mrs. Martha Nelson are the oldest of those members. During 1895 a church was constructed on South Main street in Daleville, and was dedicated in January, 1896. Charles Shoemaker preached the sermon at dedication, and C. U. Wade was elder. The church building cost $2,500. The pastors, with the length of their service, have been: Thomas Petty, seven months; C. N. Shoemaker, one year; E. L. Jones, six years; Rev. Porter, one year; G. N. Martin, two years ; Cook Graham, one year.
Wheeling.
The Methodists organized a class at Wheeling about 1835-36. For many years the society worshiped in a frame schoolhouse that stood on the ground now occupied by the Odd Fellows' hall, but during 1870-71 the pres- ent brick building was erected, being dedicated in the latter year. The charge has been included in different circuits, and the records of the church are fragmentary and not continuous. Of the oldest members now living are Mrs. Mary Milhollin, Mrs. Sarah Bryan, Amos Shaffer and wife. Of the pastors of later years may be named: George W. Green, George W. Mar- tin, George H. Myers, Edward Dickson, Calvin J. Graves, Carlos A. Luse and John M. B. Reeves. the present pastor.
Before the Wheeling class was organized, it is said that the first re- ligious meeting held in Washington township occurred in the home of Wil- liam Heal, conducted by Robert Burns, a Methodist missionary. This was in 1830, and the class then organized consisted of William Heal and wife,
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Thomas and Susannah Littler and Mrs. Martha Jobes. From this originated Olive Branch church, named in honor of Olive Heal. In 1863 the society moved from the log church to a new building situated within Grant county.
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Pleasant Valley.
This class was organized about 1896, and worships in the little church it then built one-half mile west of Anthony. Mahlon Crampton, Charles - Crampton, William Langsdon, Harvey Mckinley are the charter members still connected with the church. The pastors have been George W. Green, Rev. Hunt, J. H. McNary.
Delaware Chapel.
The Methodist society now known as Delaware Chapel, whose church is located west of Albany, in the northwest part of Delaware township, had its origin in a meeting of organization held in Stafford's schoolhouse prob- ably about 1863. Ralph and Jane Stafford, Jefferson and Rebecca Walburn, Joanna Williams, Mrs. Rhody Wright and Mrs. Susan Justice were the charter members. The oldest members now connected with the church are George Stafford, James E. Stafford, Mrs. Catherine Brammer, Jacob Peterson, Wilber Peterson, Mrs. Christina Black, Mrs. Sarah Parrett. The church, in which the society still worships, was erected in 1876 at a cost of $1,500. The pastors, so far as they can be recalled, have been: Rev. Black, Eli Rammel, G. B. Work, H. N. Herrick, R. J. Parrett, David Powell, D. C. Woolpert, W. E. Curtis, J. A. Ruley; S. L. Johnson, 1890-93; T. F. Frech, 1893; Eli Davis, 1894-98; J. B. Cook, 1898-02; C. M. Hollopeter, 1902-06; L. A. Sevits, present pastor.
Bethel-Albany Circuit.
The Bethel M. E. church was organized in 1836 at the house of Eli H. Anderson, the charter members being Eli H. Anderson and wife, John Wil- son and wife, Thomas Vincent, Jolin Dinsmore and wife. The oldest mem- bers now living are D. M. Bell and wife, Manaen Vincent and wife, William Shirk and wife, James R. Babb and wife, George Michael and wife. A hewed log building erected in 1839 served as the church home until it was burned a few years later, when it was replaced by another hewed log house. In 1859 the present frame building was erected, though it was completely remodeled eight years ago. The earlier pastors are not recalled, but begin- ning with 1890 they have been: S. L. Johnson, to 1893; T. F. Frech, 1893; Eli Davis, 1894-98; J. B. Cook, to 1902 ; C. M. Hollopeter, to 1906; L. A. Sevits, present pastor.
Muncie African M. E.
. This society was organized April 12, 1871, and of the small number of charter members Martha Fry is now the only one living. The society was
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incorporated in November, 1871, and the following year a church building was erected. William Walker, Edward Pearce, John Davis, William Haw- greens, Thomas Hawkins, John Davis were the first trustees and officers. The first building, at 1018 East Jackson street, was remodeled in 1902 at a cost of $2,800. The pastors who have served this organization have been: . Jason Bundy, H. H. Wilson, John Stanton, B. J. Coleman, Jason Bundy, H. E. Steward, G. H. White, T. E. Wilson, Martin Coleman, W. H. Taylor, E. A. Johnson, J. J. Evans, J. L. Craven.
Trinity M. E. (Colored).
This society was organized in 1895, at a meeting on High street. The names of charter members and oldest living members as given by the pres- ent pastor are: E. L. Benson, M. A. Pondexter, C. E. Maneall, L. A. Chandler, Mrs. Julia Downs, George W. Scott, Mrs. Hulda Gilmore, Enoch Fletcher, Susie Scott, Dora Benson, Elisha Benson. The building on East First street now occupied by the society was completed March 4, 1899, at a cost of $660. The names of the succeeding pastors are: John Downs, Joel Perkins, J. A. Smith, Fred White, G. W. Bailey, Henry Griffen, W. W. Heston, M. S. Johnson, W. W. Locke.
First Methodist Protestant Church of Muncic.
This society was organized in 1872, at 614 East Jackson street, the charter members participating in that organization being: Emanuel Rich, Mary Rich, Robert Gorden, Margaret Gorden, L. U. Buchanan, Susana L. Buchanan, Mary Campbell. The oldest members of the society now living are P. W. Patterson, Mrs. R. M. Patterson, Mrs. Sarah Nichols, Mrs. R. A. Calleson, Mrs. Belle Moles, August Maick, Mrs. Minnie Maick, S. D. Friar, Mrs. S. D. Friar, Simon Marshall, Mrs. Kate Marshall, Mrs. Sarah McIl- vane, Mrs. A. Perdieu.
In 1868 the Evangelical Association had built a brick church 24 by 44 feet at 614 East Jackson street, and in 1872, when Rev. J. H. Luse, who at that time was pastor of the Luray circuit M. P., organized the Muncie soci- ety, this property was purchased for use of the new church. The society re- mained a part of the Luray circuit until the conference of 1873, when it was named the Muncie circuit. In 1875 Muncie was made a station, with S. A. Flood as pastor. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. C. Mckinney in the spring of 1893 the old brick building, having served its time and pur- pose, was torn down and was replaced by the present new building, which was dedicated in the fall of 1893, having cost about $7,000.
The pastors who have served this church since Rev. Luse have been: B. F. Clark, S. A. Flood, H. M. Boyer, E. H. Moles, S. J. Jones, T. E. Lan- caster, G. W. Boxell, W. W. Lineberry, J. H. Langley, Hugh Stackhouse, J.
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M. Reeves, J. H. C. Mckinney, M. H. Sly, S. S. Stanton, George H. Sisson, W. A. Corkle, E. S. Hawkins.
THE BAPTIST.
Regular Baptist Church of Muncie.
It is said that church services according to Baptist doctrine and prin- ciples were held in Muncie as long ago as 1835, when the Methodists had the only church building in town. Elder Robert Tisdale was best remem- bered of the traveling ministers of this denomination who occasionally held services in the little village by White river. It would have been a small congregation had the Baptists alone attended. But a religious meeting was an unusual event, and persons of all creeds came to hear the preacher's message. Among the pioneers who were Baptists by profession was Edward Keasby, the hat maker. His wife and Mrs. Martin Galliher were also of the same church. Rev. Samuel Hervey preached here about twice a month from 1844 to 1847, and he was probably the most influential of the early ministers in molding opinion toward church organization.
A church organization was not effected until 1859, though the minutes of the meeting of the council speak of "reorganizing" a church at this point. The formal organization took place September 11, there being twelve orig- inal members: Martin Galliher, Rhoda Galliher, Abraham Helvie, Ann Helvie, Ann Keasby, Harriet McClellan, Hester Newell, Martha Patterson, Thomas Wireman, James S. Whitman, Eliza A. Whitman and Margaret Davis. Early history shows that services were held once a month in charge of Elder Williams.
On October 14, 1860, a committee was appointed to purchase a lot on which to build a church. Previous to this time services had been held in the court house. On June 12 it was decided to build of brick a house of worship 34x48. The structure stood on the northeast corner of Jackson and Jefferson streets, with entrance from the south, and although plain and unpretentious, yet the spirit of God was ever present. The church was dedicated June 8, 1862. Sermon by Dr. Bailey, of Franklin. The cost of the building was $2,131. During this time accounts are given of preaching by Elder Gage.
The first regular pastor, Rev. J. Bloomer, accepted a call on Septem- ber 12, 1863. He was here for only a brief period, and until November. 1865, the church was without a regular pastor. At this time Rev. J. C. Skinner was elected to serve as pastor. He resigned January 11, 1868, and in the year following Rev. James M. Bennett was chosen pastor. There are very few now living who came into the church prior to Mr. Bennett's pastorate-Mrs. Adah Helvie Bell, Mrs. Elizabeth Elliott, and perhaps a few others. Mr. Bennett resigned May 7, 1871. Rev. Virgil then supplied
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the pulpit for a short time. Rev. A. E. Edwards was elected pastor April 19, 1872. Rev. Abel Johnson, one of the pioneer preachers of northern Indiana, was called November 5, 1872. During his pastorate John D. Mock was elected deacon, which office he held continuously for about thirty years. There were at that time but two deacons, the other being Mr. Elijah Lang- don.
Rev. J. L. Irwin was called May 9, 1875. During his pastorate Edward Nutting was chosen deacon. All of the constituent members were active up to and after this date. In August, 1878, Rev. W. A. Stanton became pastor. He was succeeded in May, 1881, by Rev. N. B. Rairdon, whose labors were very successful. He served four years, during which time the building was remodeled and the church became self-supporting. In June, 1885, following Mr. Rairdon's resignation in April, Rev. W. H. Dennis took charge. He served until June, 1886.
In March, 1887, Rev. L. A. Clevenger was called. As the house was crowded at every service, it became necessary to enlarge or remove. Trus- tees A. L. Johnson, M. J. Galliher, J. D. Mock, Clerk S. Goodin, Brethren O. M. Tyler and T. J. Allen were appointed a committee to buy a lot and build a new church, modern and roomy, as the growth of the church de- - manded. They recommended as a site the southwest corner of Charles and Jefferson streets. Here the new church was erected at a cost of $27,000. The cornerstone was laid on October 5, 1889, ceremonies conducted by Rev. S. A. Northup, of Ft. Wayne. The dedication followed on July 20, 1890, by Pastor Clevenger, assisted by Rev. Albert Ogle, of Indianapolis, and Rev. W. W. Everett, D.D., of Chicago. During Mr. Clevenger's term of service the membership of the church was doubled, and to his faithful, in- telligent labors we are today indebted for many of our most valued, most val- uable members. Mr. Clevenger resigned in May, 1891, and during the sum- mer of this year the church was without a pastor.
Rev. S. S. Clark was elected pastor the following October. To the sea- son of his labors we are also indebted for many efficient co-workers. Mr. Clark resigned in April, 1895. In September of the same year Rev. J. B. Tuttle became pastor. The parsonage was built during his pastorate. Ile remained until November 1, 1897. Rev. C. M. Carter took charge of the church January 2, 1898. The church was at that time entering upon the period of large prosperity which it is enjoying to a greater degree today. Among the most noteworthy achievements, humanly speaking, since that time was the fitting and opening, in April, 1900, of the institutional annex, so prolific in results and so influential in shaping the policies which are now the basis of important lines of work.
The large additions which were made to the church in 1900 cost about $18,000. The parsonage, built in 1897, was rebuilt in 1900.
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First Presbyterian Church, Muncie.
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Seventeenth Street Baptist Church, Muncic.
This society of Baptists was organized April 16, 1893, in the old Con- gerville school building. The charter members were Jolin H. Dawall and wife, Jacob C. Lynn, William A. Reese, Sr., and wife, I. J. Langdon, Wil- liam Reese, Jr., Margaret Reese, Polly Reese, Albert Russel and wife. All these are living except Mrs. William Reese, Sr. In 1894 a house of worship was erected, costing $4,500, at the southeast corner of Seventeenth and Jef- ferson streets. The pastors who have served the congregation have been : J. P. Green, I. W. Martin, John H. Schenck, John C. Hayes (supply), C. C. Martin.
THE PRESBYTERIAN.
First Presbyterian Church, Muncic.
This church, which next year will celebrate the seventieth anniversary of its existence, has numbered among its members many of the best-known families of Muncie, and its history, which has several times been written in full, is filled with personal references to men and women who have been actively identified with Muncie from the pioneer times. The following brief sketch of the church has been contributed by Miss Neely :
The pastors who have followed one another in this church since its organization have been: Rev. Robt. Irwin, pastor from 1838 to 1849; Rev. William M. Stryker, from 1850 to 1852; Rev. John F. Boyd, from 1852 to 1853 ; Rev. Charles A. Munn, from 1854 to 1857; Rev. John W. Drake, from 1858 to 1861 ; Rev. I. N. Shepherd, from 1861 to 1865; Rev. Edward Barr, from 1865 to 1867; Rev. O. M. Todd, from 1867 to 1871; Rev. George A. Beattie, from 1871 to 1878; Rev. David S. McCaslin, D. D., from 1878 to 1882; Rev. George A. Little, from 1883 to 1890; Rev. Frank Harper Hays, D. D., from 1890 to 1896; Rev. William Henry Oxtoby, D. D., from 1897 to 1903; Rev. Harry Noble Wilson, D. D., from 1903 to 1907; Rev. B. M. Nyce, from 1907-
The First Presbyterian church of Muncie was organized July 14, 1838. As most churches of that day in what was then the carly west, its life was one of struggle from the start, yet its founders, firm in the faith that in- spired them, never swerved from the path of duty, never gave up the noble purpose which filled their hearts, though sometimes tried as by fire.
It was five years after its organization before the church had a building of its own. That was a grand day when the struggling congregation held their first service in the new house of worship-the frame meeting-house. An incident connected with the building of this church shows how misfor- tune followed them. The contract for finishing the church was given to Silas Morgan. Seasoned lumber was not to be had-the flooring had to be kiln-dried and worked by hand. About the time Mr. Morgan was ready to
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use the lumber thie kiln took fire and all burned. This caused a delay of one year in the work.
The frame church was dedicated July 15, 1843. P. D. Gurley of In- dianapolis preached the dedication sermon. Candles were used for lighting this church, an official member snuffing the candles round twice during an evening service. The form of announcement was: "There will be services in this house tonight at carly candlelighting." Rev. Robert Irwin, who is remembered here by many, was the first pastor. He was an earnest, faithful Christian. His work was done under great difficulties and many hardships. Through cold and heat, through storm and swollen streams, in weakness and in health, he kept steadily on. House-to-house prayer-meetings were kept up. The pastor's son, Rev. Robert Irwin, writing of these prayer-meetings, says: "Their value did not impress me then as now. I attended because my father took me; yet the early impressions then made have never left me; the simple exposition of God's word, the hearty singing of the grand old hymns, the earnest prayers of Godly men, and the cordial greetings after service, fixed their impress on my life."
In this letter, written a short time before his death at St. Charles, Mo., he says: "I do not remember very distinctly about the missionary efforts of the church, but I am sure so important a matter was not forgotten. At home we were taught to deny ourselves for the sake of the cause. We were offered so much each week if we would do without sugar, tea, coffee or butter so that the missionary fund might be enlarged. It was a valuable lesson, though not very easy at the time."
He further writes: "Before me is the first call presented by the Muncie church. It is a vencrable document and is dated Sept. 4, 1843. It bears the autographs of the following officers of the church: Thomas S. Neely, Jon- athan Wachtel, Thomas Barnes, William S. Slack, John C. Helm, John Gal- breath, Edward G. Keasby, Joseph Wilson, Jr., Benjamin Sayre. The call contains the usual formula of the Presbyterian church, 'And that you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay you the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars in half yearly payments during the time of your being and continuing to be the regular pastor of this church.' Living was cheaper then. I find, on my father's expense book, 'Beef 21/4 cents per pound, pork 3 cents, flour $1.50 per hun- dred, corn 25 cents, five turkeys for $1.00.' Sugar was high, 20 cents a pound. The revenue from marriage fees did not enrich very extravagantly -one dollar was the usual price. On one occasion father was called to go twenty miles to marry a couple. He was busy planting corn at the time and yet could not refuse to go. Promising my sister Caroline and her girl friend, Margaret Sayre (now Mrs. Margaret March), the wedding fee if they would complete the corn planting. He undertook the journey over almost im-
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passable roads ; was gone nearly two days and returned with a 95-cent piece as the fee. How the young ladies spent their fortune I will leave for Mrs. March to tell, for she yet remains with you, honored and beloved.
"Two entries in my father's journal may interest the ladies: 'June 21st, 1848, about 3 o'clock, I met with a number of our female members in the Presbyterian church to organize a sewing society. It was accomplished, but not without some opposition. A constitution was read and adopted and eleven females subscribed to it.' June 27th, 1849, the sewing circle pre- . sented two very neat and excellent chandeliers to the church. They cost $9.75. This being prayer-meeting evening, they were lit and performed most admirably, for we could read the hymn-books in any part of the church."
Rev. W. M. Stryker succeeded Mr. Irwin as pastor ; he was a good man and a fine scholar. The first parsonage-one-story frame-was built during his pastorate. Rev. J. W. Drake came next; the church prospered while under his care; he was a Godly man. Rev. I. N. Shepherd came to Muncie Nov. 13, 1861, preaching his first sermon the following Sunday, Nov. 17.
While the remains of President Lincoln were lying in state-Wednesday after his assassination-Mr. Shepherd, at special memorial services in the Presbyterian church, preached from the text, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" This was in April, 1865.
Nov. 20tl1, 1865, Rev. E. Barr was unanimously elected pastor with a salary of cight hundred dollars a year and fifty dollars for moving expenses. March 3d, 1867, Mr. Barr told his church he intended to leave them and go to Lafayette.
The building now occupied by the church was built during Mr. Hay's pastorate. To his interest, zeal, judgment and industry are largely due the completeness of this structure. It was dedicated June 24, 1894. Dedica- tion sermon by Rev. J. A. Rondthaler, D. D., of Indianapolis. The officers at this time were: Elders T. S. Neely, J. N. McClung, W. R. Snyder. George B. Best, George R. Green, J. C. Johnson, P. K. Morrison; Deacons W. A. Blair, S. L. Potter, J. W. Ream, D. K. Freeman, B. W. Bennett, O. B. Bannister ; trustees, F. E. Putnam, W. L. Little, J. C. Johnson ; super- intendent of Sabbath school, J. T. Thorburn ; musical director, George H. Andrews; organist, Clarence H. Carson.
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