USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 1 > Part 13
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THE MORRISTOWN CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The Morristown Christian church is the outgrowth of the old Han- over class, which was organized in the latter part of the thirties in a school-house which stood in section 23. Hanover township. Many of the early members and ministers were formerly Baptists. having been constituent members of a society of the denomination, which was es- tablished at the same place as early as 1824. Rev. Isaac Benjamin, hay- the most earnest supporters of the doctrines of the Church of Christ, and many of the members left the old church and with him as their pastor. organized the new. Among the most prominent early members were the Coles, Stones. Bloods. Dyers and Caulkins. Elder Butler was probably the first regular pas- tor after Benjamin. Reverends Hollingsworth. Hurst, Hobb. Smith. Dabbin- spike. Franklin, Land. Raynes. Conner MeDuffey and Campbell all served the church in an early day. In 1843 a large frame church house was erected, and although it has stood for almost a half century. it is still in good condition, and is an evidence of the character of the work done in those days. Within the last twenty years the membership of the church has been composed large- ly of citizens of Morristown and vicinity, and the convenience of having the church located in or near the town was universally conceded. The present brick edifice, costing three thousand eight hundred dollars, was completed and dedicated in 1880. The officers of the church are: H. B. Cole, trustee : John Keaton and William Carney, deacons, and Jesse Robinson, elder. The men- bership is one hundred twenty-five. Reverend Prichard. of Indianapolis, is the pastor in charge.
CAVE MILL CHRISTIAN CHURCHI.
The Cave Mill Christian church is located on Flat river, in Wash- ington township. Meetings anterior to the organization were held at the private residences, and in one of the rooms of the old mill, as
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early as 1855. It is probable that no permanent organization was effected before 1859 or 1860. While the organization was yet in its infancy, the tocsin of war was sounded, and so universally did the male members respond to the call of their country, that the church was almost deserted, and suspension became necessary. Prominent among the members of this first organization were: Doctor Norris and wife. J. C. Deacon and wife, Elder Higgins and wife. Sarah Bone. Stephen Knowlton and wife, and Mrs. Harvey. Rev. John A. Williams was the first pastor. After the war had ceased and the survivors had returned, steps were at once taken to re- organize. but this was not effected. however, until early in the seventies. A frame house was erected near the old water mill, and the church is now in a prosperous condition.
The ministers who have served the church are John Williams, Revs. Mc- Gowan, Huff, Finley, Howe and Brazelton.
FOUNTAINTOWN CHRISTIAN CHURCHI.
It is probable that more than a half century ago the members of this denomination held services in the vicinity of Fountaintown. The birthplace of the church was two miles east of the present site of Fountaintown, in what was known as the Pope neighborhood. The organization was effected in the old Methodist church, with the Popes. Davises, Dobbles, Duncans. Roans and Robinsons as active members. Meetings were, for several years, held at the residence of Peter Pope, and later at a church-house built in the Pope neighbor- hood, which was destroyed by fire about ten years after its erection. Early in the sixties the present church was erected. It is a frame structure and cost one thousand eight hundred dollars. The members who were active in build- ing and sustaining this church and who deserve special mention in this con- nection were: James Conner. D. Holt, James Smith, John O'Kane and Reverend Walker.
CHRISTIAN CENTER.
This church is located near Gwynneville, in Hanover township. This so- ciety was first organized at Beech Grove, probably as early as 1850, by the Rev. James Conner. Active in the organization were the Darmers, Swains, Pollitts. McConnells, Wests, Bogues, Webbs, Alexanders and Rigbees. The pioneer ministers of this church were: James Conner. Decatur Davis, Thomas Lockhart, Reverend Blackman, Aaron Walker and Noah Walker. After the lapse of a few years the place of meeting was changed, and the school-house of District No. 6 was used as a place of worship. In 1870 a frame church costing one thousand five hundred dollars, was erected on a lot donated by Mr. Gwynne. This is located three-fourths of a mile east of town. The pres-
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ent membership is about forty. The officers are: John Alexander, Benjamin Duncan, Alfred Pollitt, George Hayes and J. R. Harris, trustees; J. W. Alexander and Hamilton Watson, deacons.
THIE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF SHELBYVILLE
(By Will F. Little.)
After HI. H. Nesslage, the Rev. A. L. Crim was called. Rev. Crim was born in the southern part of the state. When a young man he farmed in the summer and attended school during the winter months.
His stay of two years was one of the most prosperous times the church had experienced up to the time of his coming. During his stay one of the most noted meetings, known as the Crim and Sellers meetings, was held, at which time one hundred and sixty members were taken into the church.
Rev. A. L. Crim was followed by C. M. Fillmore, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Reverend Fillmore was a member of Fillmore Brothers Music Publishers, and has since became famous as the author of the song known as. "Tell Mother I'll Be There," which has been translated into several languages. He remained two years and was followed by Rev. McArgue. E. B. Scofield and W. S. Groom.
In October, 1899. Rev. Finley Mahan was called to this place and took charge of the work at this time. Things were in quite a bad shape, the church having been without a pastor for several months. The church seemed to take on new life immediately. The attendance to hear Reverend Mahan was large and it was not long until the church had out-grown its place, and Reverend Mahan began to talk of a new church-house and while there were a great many discouragements, Mr. Mahan and his followers knew that where there was a will there was a way.
The old church was sold and a committee was appointed to find a place of worship. The place secured for temporary worship was the lodge room ci the Ancient Order of United Workmen, corner Pike and Washington streets.
A lot was procured on West Washington street, near Tompkins strect. for the erection of the new church building. Committees were appointed and at a meeting heldl nine thousand dollars was raised, a sum much beyond what anyone had expected at that time. Work was begun on the new church, Apri! 15, 1901. The church was completed and dedicated March, 1903. at a cost for lot and all near twenty thousand dollars.
Reverend Mahan held several large revival meetings in the new church, one of them being known as the Wilson and Lint meeting, at which two hun- dred and sixty members were taken into the churchi.
The first altar was erected Monday morning. April 15. 1901, by the pas-
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tor, Reverend Mahan, consisting of some boxes, under the wide spreading branches of an apple tree and from this altar the first Scripture lesson was read, and the first prayer offered preparatory to the building of the new edifice.
A large number of the church members were present to witness the first shovel of dirt thrown. After reading of the Scripture from Nehemiah, second chapter, and sixteenth chapter from Matthew, and an earnest and impressive prayer by the pastor. the first shovelful of dirt on the excavation was thrown out by Mrs. Mary Gatewood, president of the Ladies' Aid Society. This honor was bestowed in recognition of the valuable services this society had rendered in making it possible to establish this new home to the church it represents, but to the city as well.
The architecture is of an entirely different school from that employed in any other church in the city. It is a modification of the old Spanish Mission style, which was popular near the close of the fifteenth century. In this will be found the charming effect of the low side walls and sloping roofs, with just enough of the Gothic outline to add grace and dignity to the structure. The main audience room is octagonal in shape and will seat about five hundred peo- ple. The chapel is separated from the main auditorium by rolling slat parti- tions, which increases the total seating capacity to about eight hundred. Par- lors, reception rooms and pastor's study have been fitted up in modern styles. In the basement are dining rooms, kitchen and pantry. It is a building of which all Shelbyville should feel proud.
On the roth day of June, 1903. Reverend Mahan was married to Miss Jesse Means, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Means, of this city.
September 14, 1904. in the midst of his triumph, Mr. Mahan died, it being the second year of the new church. He left a wife and daughter and a congregation of seven hundred members to mourn his loss.
In January, 1905. Rev. II. O. Prichard tock up the work, laid down by Reverend Mahan, and faithfully served the church for two years. During this time he was given a leave of absence of nine months, which time he spent at- tending school at Harvard. The pulpit was filled at this time by Rev. H. H. Harmin, of Irvington. Indiana.
The present pastor is Rev. J. P. Myers. He came during the last days of January, 1908. from Portsmouth, Ohio, and took charge of this church. So broken in spirit was the membership of the church over the death of the former pastor that no attempt was made for about a year to secure another pastor. His successor, however, did all in his power to resume the work of the church. When Reverend Myers came he found an indebtedness of about six thousand five hundred dollars. This debt had been standing several years. Reverend Myers determined to have this amount raised and wipe out the debt by at farthest, the date of October. 1909. By the month of April, when this sketch was compiled, all had been secured but about
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seventeen or eighteen hundred dollars, and this amount is provided for, to be paid by October, as originally planned by the new pastor.
The society is growing: the Sunday school has doubled since Reverend Myers' coming. The Ladies' Aid Society of late years has been very active and helpful in the raising of necessary funds to carry on the work of the church. The leader and president of this society, Mrs. Hattie Bass, deserves special mention in this connection. During the last fourteen months thirty- eight have been added to the church membership. After having attended to the financial part of the church. Reverend Myers then turned his attention to the establishing of a men's Bible class, which now numbers about one hundred, and is doing efficient work. This is the largest class of its kind in Shelbyville. as is the Sunday school the greatest within the place, now numbering three hundred and fifty-seven.
Mr. Myers is a broad-minded. highly cultured minister, bringing with him diplomas from the best colleges and universities in this country. He is a great supporter of both home and foreign mission work. The church over which he now presides has a great mission to fill and has truly the confidence of all good citizens, whether in or out of the church.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL PROTESTANT.
Zion church, located in the southern part of Union township. Shelby county, was organized in 1836, and ten years later incorporated. The ineet- ings were held at the residence of its members until 1845. when a small log church was provided as a meeting place for the small congregation. This log church stood near the site of the present church edifice. Among the early with this church and denomination, may be named: George M. Hachl. John J. Hach1, Conrad Hachl, Peter Neeb. Henry Neagle, John Gegenheimer, Val- entine Freitag, John Fuchs. Adam Smith, George Burk. George Cowein, John Ohmer, George Keppel. John Keppel. George Zeisx, and G. M. Becker. The old log building referred to served as a place for worship for more than twenty years, but in 1868, at a cost of four thousand dollars a frame structure was erected. The first pastor of this church was Reverend Rice, who served his flock most faithfully. His successors were : Reverends Huhnholz, Miller, Cal- tenhaenser, Teichmann, Flick, Brandstratner, Baumann, Sachs, Anker, Wat- terstreem, Richter, Kissel and the present pastor. Dr. G. G. Winter, who has served almost forty years, and besides his many other duties as pastor at Shel- byville, where he has resided since 1880, his educational duties as teacher and a moderate medical practice. his is indeed an exceptional useful and busy life among the people of Shleby county.
The church in Union township had a membership of almost two hundred in 1886, but at this date-1909-has ninety-four families, or about double the number the society had then.
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The present pastor. Doctor Winter, caused the debt resting on the church to be paid off during the first year of his administration and since then no debts have been contracted.
In 1888 John and Caroline Hachl presented a bell to this church, valued at three hundred dollars. To place it an addition to the church was built and with it a steeple of high and inspiring altitude. In 1901 an imitation pipe organ was purchased and the year following an iron fence was built around the whole of "God's acre."
The present officers of the church are: George Fuchs, William Gegen- heimer, Edward Hachl. George A. Kuhn and Jacob Keppel. Jr.
This church has had an even, steady growth ever since Doctor Winter was made pastor, away back in 1870. It numbers among its members many of the best citizens within Union township and has been the means of accomplish- ing much good to mankind.
SHELBYVILLE EVANGELICAL PROTESTANT.
This church was perfected in its organization June 11, 1880. It was the outgrowth of a division in the German Presbyterian church. About seventy members of the Presbyterian church withdrew and applied to Dr. G. G. Win- ter for the organization of an Evangelical Protestant class which was effected as above stated. Meetings were held in the Christian church building. which they paid for by the Sunday. In 1887 the building fund had increased to seven hundred dollars, and when about to erect a building of their own they saw it to their advantage to purchase the frame edifice that they had been renting from the Christian denomination, which they did in 1900, on July 30th, paying for the same three thousand six hundred dollars cash. Since that date the church has been thoroughly renovated on the inside, papered, painted and new carpets laid. In 1905 a new pipe organ was bought from Pilchers Sons, of Louisville, for one thousand five hundred dollars, and in 1906 a water motor was procured and attached to the organ.
This congregation has: A Woman's Association, Sewing Society, Young Ladies' Association, etc., all of which societies have been doing excellent work for the good and support of the church.
The choir consists of sixteen members, under the leadership of the pastor, and ranks among the foremost of the city of Shelbyville, where much attention is paid to church music of a high class.
The present membership is two hundred and forty-six. The present offi- cers of the church are : president, Matthew Schoelch : secretary, Adam Reichel ; treasurer, Albert Weingarth : trustees, William Frechtling, Henrich Meyer, and George Reichel.
By reason of liis old citizenship, great learning in the professions and
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sciences, his zeal for his chosen work and his general character as an untir- ing worker, Doctor Winter, who has so many years been at the head of this cluirch, and one in Union township-Zion-he is known almost universally throughout Shelby county. He has, as pastor, married hundreds of couples and buried many of the oldl pioneer band that he found in the county when he first became a citizen. With the passing of the generations, the name of Dr. G. G. Winter will ever be referred to as one to be revered as will also that of his good wife who has always been true to the trust imposed on a minister's wife, while their family will ever be an honor to Shelby county and Indiana.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SHELBY COUNTY.
(By Father .\. Kaelin. )
The surrounding towns, with Indianapolis as a center. have, in late years. become a stronghold of moral force. A wave of temperance that now sweeps over the country, had its inception in this remarkable center of moral uplifting and virtuous activity. Prison reforms that seem to be so far beyond what experts had deemed possible, were not only planned, developed and tried, but put into practical use : had gotten their start in this distinguished locality. The betterment of the conditions of female prisoners in many ways not thought of before was ingeniously "studied out" by minds living either in the capital city or in one of the surrounding towns. To such work of charity and humane uplifting persons are seen to take an active part in, whose home is in one of the nearby towns, in a way that makes the looker-on think they have become completely identified with the works and issues of the great capital city. The out-lying towns round about Indianapolis act as potent tributaries in the cause of religion and humane treatment of the downtrodden, that in the good result their efforts becoming united, the good achieved goes to the credit of all who took a part in it. Indianapolis and its nearby neighbors have become closely identified in the doing of good.
It was not so in the early days. . This city of many beautiful churches, charitable institutions, hospitals, asylums, once upon a time was dependent on outside assistance for the establishment and progress of its religious work. As the numerical strength of the many denominations "increase from day to day," because the city is growing. so do the outlying towns round about In- dianapolis keep pace proportionately. But looking back to those days when things had their beginning, they were so modest and unpretentious.
In the Catholic denomination, which has now two bishops in Indianapolis. two hospitals, academies, schools, convents, asylumis and churches approach- ing the score figure-it had its mother church in Shelby county, near Shelby- ville .. Indianapolis was too small to have its own church or priest whilst out
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at Shelby county was a thrifty little community that had its own church and pastor. Here resided the pastor that looked after the welfare of the souls in Indianapolis. This was a dependency of the parish church, St. Vincent de Paul, near Shelbyville. In the then small town of Indianapolis lived a few pioneer Catholic settlers. These the parish priest from St. Vincent's visited and gathered together for divine services once a month on a Sunday. Rev. Vincent Bacquelin was appointed by the rightful ecclesiastical authority as its first pastor in 1837. From that date until 1840 his pastoral visits were once a month. He found it necessary, however, to come more frequently- sometimes twice or thrice a month. After ministering to these few faithful on the Sunday he would on Monday or Tuesday return again to his home at St. Vincent's. His journey on horseback. on the faithful little sorrel mare, was along the National road, touching north of Fairland, the little cross-road hamlet "Pin-Hook." thence northeasterly towards what we now call Pleasant View. New Bethel, and from there over that long stretch of country down to the place of what was called Military Ground. Often in winter the good father would arrive at his "church" at Indianapolis Saturday evening. late. covered with mud. wet. cold. hungry and exhausted from the tiresome journey. St. Vincent's church was the mother church of Indianapolis until 1846. Sep- tember 2d. of that year, when the zealous father was near Shelbyville, he was thrown from his horse and almost instantly killed. He was returning from a sick call. " On receipt of the startling news by his congregation in Indianapolis. a company of five persons started on horseback to the little church where the body lay. The party consisted of Douglas O'Reilly, Thomas K. Barrett. Val- entine Butch, Michael Barrett and Dr. George Negley. At the risk of their lives they arrived in time for the funeral. They devotedly assisted at the solemn obsequies of their beloved pastor and friend. Mr. Berry Sulgrove, a non-Catholic, says of Father Bacquelin : "He was a very modest, unpretending and amiable man : zealous in his duties and pious. if ever such a man lived."
ST. VINCENT'S CHURCHI.
This little church and flock at St. Vincent's. under the leadership of this good priest, held a meeting on January 6. 1838, to deliberate about building a church. On September 9. 1838. they entered into contract for the sum of six hundred nineteen dollars to build a house of worship on a two-acre piece of ground donated by Thomas Worland. In October, 1839, the first services were held in this newly built edifice, and dedicated it to the patron St. Vin- cent de Paul.
Previous to this time priests now and then visited the few members. scattered over a thinly settled territory. They were men sometimes sent by Bishop Flaget, of Bardstown, Kentucky, and at other times they were such as
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had been among the settlers former parishioners, whom they came to see, and would then administer the consolations of religion to all that could be reached. knowing that since leaving their home in Kentucky they had been unable to fulfill their religious obligations. Such a priest came to Shelby county from St. Pin's church in Scott county. Kentucky, to look after his former spiritual children. He was Rev. Father George Elder, who came in the fall of 1828. On this occasion he also preached the Word of God in the public school-house in the little hamlet of Shelbyville. Everybody was anxious to take a look at the Catholic priest. He came again in 1829, and on this occasion baptized several children. In 1830 Rev. S. P. Lalumiere was sent by Bishop Flaget from Bardstown. Kentucky, to visit the Catholic families of Shelby county. He came twice a year-spring and fall. Father Petit. a Jesuit, accompanied Father Lalumiere, making a tour through Indiana, preached a short mission here. during which George Laws was baptized and received into the church.
In 1834 Rev. Stephen Badin, the first priest ordained in the United States. on his way to South Bend, stopped with the congregation one week. Rev. Joseph Ferneding, from New Elsace. Dearborn county, Indiana. came on a visit in 1836. In May, 1837. Father Lalumiere paid his last visit here and then proposed to the congregation to have a resident priest among theni, to which they gladly agreed. In 1837 the bishop at Vincennes sent Rev. Vincent Bacquelin to take charge of this congregation. He thus became first pastor of the church and congregation, and from here visited and ministered the con- solations of religion to the faithful in the whole territory, south, beyond Co- lumbus, Indiana, Indianapolis, and all points in this large expanse of what is now Shelby. Bartholomew. Johnson. Marion and Rush counties. In this wise St. Vincent's church became the mother church of all those points now situate in this large tract. so beautiful and prosperous.
In October. 1840. Bishop de la Hailandiere, from Vincennes, Indiana. visited the congregation. blessed the newly built church, and confirmed seven persons. He was accompanied by Rev. M. E. Shame, an eloquent priest, who preached the sermon. Father Bacquelin was pastor of St. Vincent's for nine years and one month. While returning from a visit to Rush county. Septem- ber 2, 1846, this precious life was abruptly and sadly brought to a close by an unfortunate accident.
During the succeeding twenty years, four pastors ministered to this people. Rev. John Ryan followed soon after in the pastoral office. Then Rev. John" McDermott. Rev. Thomas Murphy. Rev. John Guegen, the latter having charge for a few years : then Rev. Daniel Maloney succeeded him ; then Rev. Father Martin. Father J. P. Gillig. Father William Doyle.
In 1861 the Sisters of St. Francis from Oldenburg opened a parochial . school on the church grounds. Faithfully from this time on they taught not only the children of St. Vincent's neighborhood, but the Catholics from all
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Shelby county woukl put under their gentle care their loved little ones. Many of the older members of the Shelbyville vicinity attended the Sisters' school at St. Vincent's.
In November. 1868. Rev. Joseph Rudolf was appointed pastor of this congregation by Bishop Saint Palais, of Vincennes. Indiana. Words can hardly do justice to the indefatigable zeal and energy that he displayed during his pastorate. The fine church that stands so majestically in that fertile plane of Shelby county, near Prescott. was the culmination of his splendid career. He, soon after completing it, was ordered to Connersville, Indiana, to build one more, even more beautiful than the one he with a generous, faithful and ener- getic flock had erected to the glory of the Eternal.
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