USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 1 > Part 14
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Since completing their church at St. Vincent's the congregation has con- tinued to worship there and prosper in a remarkable degree. Complete in all details as they have furnished and equipped their church. school and parsonage, they also helped others, with a generous, open hand. yet never forgetting their own house of God. Their several pastors since the days of Father Rudolf were such brilliant men that frequently their bishops promoted them to larger fields of labor and to give reward to merit.
SHELBYVILLE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The history of the Catholic church at Shelbyville is almost concomitant and cotemporaneous with that of St. Vincent's. The pastors of this nearby parish always looked after the spiritual welfare of the few Catholic families of the county seat. To the middle of the fifties, the number of families had increased so as to make it necessary to rent a public hall where their services were conducted. Until this time the priest would celebrate the holy mysteries in private houses. of the O'Connors, Morgans and others. During the ten years that the little congregation gathered in the public hall for worship they had occupied two different locations, however. their minds and hearts were directed towards having their own church some day. Ground was purchased on East Broadway, by Rev. J. P. Gillig, and other preparations were gotten under way. On August 6. 1866, the first spade was struck in the ground for the foundation. After "roof was on and floor in." unplastered. they began to hold services therein. It was on Sunday in the month of June, 1868. that they gathered for the first time to celebrate the mass in this crude structure. Rev. William Doyle was the pastor of the two congregations. When in the fall of this year. Rev. Joseph Rudolf was appointed pastor of St. Vincent's, the Shelbyville church also came under his charge. Soon he had put the un- finished structure in a more befitting condition for church services. Hither, this upright man come to serve his flock. every Sunday and several days in the week, winter and a summer, rain and shine. early and late, until the day
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of his removal to Connersville, in 1881. Under his careful guidance the congregation increased its membership quite considerably. In 1875 a paro- chial school was also opened in Shelbyville, by the Sisters of Oldenburg, in a wooden structure purchased with ample grounds, on East Broadway, with his personal funds, the indebtedness being reduced. year by year, with the ever ready charity of St. Vincent's congregation. From the very beginning. when the old church was being constructed, did the members of St. Vincent's church assist the struggling people in the county seat.
Father Rudolf was succeeded by Rev. Francis Torbeck, who was, like his predecessor, pastor of both churches. In 1886 the pastor was again changed -Father Torbeck being ordered to a larger field of labor after a very success- ful pastorate of four years.
An important event is now brought about-a new epoch in both churches. Each now received its own pastor-Rev. M. L. Guthneck came to St. Vincent's and Rev. Kaelin was sent to Shelbyville. Two separate parishes. Each had grown large enough to support their own congregations. The city of Shelby- ville grew with the advent of industries-so did St. Joseph's membership. Year after year a strong increase was recorded. All were then inspired with zeal and push, thinking that the little old church would soon be inadequate for the growing membership. All worked in harmony toward the one end ; the building of the new church which should be of such dimensions and striking in its architecture that should the city be twice its present size it would still be able to accommodate the whole membership. The purchase of the building space, the accumulating of monies, removing of obstructing buildings presage.1 the long-looked-for event. On September 8, 1902, the ground was broken for the foundation. On the 24th day of the following May, 1903, the corner- stone was laid with a great concourse of people-many priests from far and near came to assist the Rt. Rev. Dennis O'Donaghue, D. D., auxiliary bishop of Indianapolis. By autumn time the building operations had pro- gressed so far that it could receive its roof. July 4. 1904. the lower auditorium had been finished and arranged to hold the divine services therein. It served as a place of worship until the church was completed and dedicated-August 2. 1908. During the pastorate of twenty years and three, of Rev. A. Kaelin. the congregation has grown to three times the numbers it was in 1886, when he arrived July 22d, to take charge thereof. Four deals were effected in real estate, five structures built, large and small, and eight different organizations established in the church. The members are elated at their beautiful new church.
Both churches-St. Vincent's and Shelbyville-are a credit to the whole county. The structures are imposing. architecturally correct and beautiful. The members of both are proud of their work. As citizens they are patriotic. law-abiding and industrious. From little bands of worshipers, each has grown
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and developed into a large and prosperous community. The successful de- velopment. little by little, however, it was always the line of loyalty to their church, and in compliance with God's holy ordinances. They have built a house where God will hear their supplications, where poor man will be uplifted. where God will be adored in spirit and truth.
THE CHRISTIAN UNION CHURCH.
A somewhat peculiar religious sect was in reality the outgrowth of the Civil war, and had its beginning in a convention at Columbus, Ohio in the month of February. 1864. The delegates were from different sections and from various denominations, who had become aggrieved at some real, or sup- posed, offense against them. This sect was organized on the following basis : "Having a desire for more perfect fellowship in Christ, and a more satisfactory enjoyment of the means of religious edification and comfort do solemnly form ourselves into a religious society under the style of "The Christian Union." in which we avow our true and hearty faith in the received Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as the word of God and the only sufficient rule of faith and practice, and pledge ourselves through Christ to keep and preserve all things whatsoever he hath commanded us."
From this convention Mr. A. M. Hargrave returned imbued with its spirit and with the following named, proceeded to organize the Blue River Chapel: Henry Wolfe and wife. August Handy and wife, Alexander Smith and wife, Mrs. William Handy, John Jackson and wife. Mrs. Dallas Smith, Charity Wolfe. Simpson Chandler and wife and Mrs. A. M. Hargrave. These persons had all been members of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal church and had all been Democrats and most all the church had belonged to that party, hence it came to be styled the "Democratic Church." In brief it may be stated that nearly all the branches of the newly-formed sect were from out the Democratic ranks. The first preliminary meeting was held at Gale's school- house, over in Hancock county, in the summer of 1864. Later they erected a frame building. at a cost of one thousand dollars. Rev. O. H. P. Abbott was the first regular pastor and served many years. Nothing is now known of the society.
UNITED BRETHREN.
This denomination was among the early worshipers in Shelby county. The first meeting's were held at a school-house in Marion township. Some of the first meetings were held in a barn, while "God's First Temple"-the forest trees-were the shelter from the elements while these pioneer people worshiped after their own faith. Early in the forties what was styled Kingdom church was organized, and a hewed log house thirty by thirty-six feet, was built in
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section 30. Hanover township, near the Union township line. The Blue River Chapel house was completed about 1855. costing one thousand six hun- dred dollars, and was remodeled in the eighties. Among the early members of this denomination in these parts were: the Bowerses. Montgomeries, Tal- berls, Nights, Youngs. Andersons. Workmans, Sleeths. Myers and McCombes. In 1887 this church numbered one hundred and fifty-five members.
Winfall United Brethren church, on section 27. of Van Buren township. was organized about 1848. by Reverend Mooth, and services were held many years in school-houses, one of which stood near where this people erected their church later. This building cost one thousand two hundred dollars, and was dedicated by Bishop Edwards. Among the early-day members were: Joseph Dungan and wife. George Boss and wife. Noah Miller and wife and Hardy Wray and wife. In 1886 the membership here was abont seventy.
The third church of this denomination of the Blue River circuit was organized in the northeast corner of Hanover township, in 1877. A small church was completed in 1880. To Rev. Felix DeMunbrum, a Frenchman of great energy and rare ability, is due the credit of forming this church.
Liberty United Brethren church was organized as a class in 1881, by Reverend McNew, with a charter membership of fifteen. They purchased the old church owned and used jointly by the Baptists and Christian denominations.
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCHI.
As early as 1832-33 Revs. Peter Clinger and Hawkey came as mission- aries to Shelby county and established preaching at Joseph Hewitt's. in Han- over township: at Caleb Reeves. in Moral township; at John Carson's, in Sugar Creek township, and at Tandy Brockman's, in Hendricks township. Churches were established at these several points between 1832 and 183-4.
In 1850 Rev. Harvey Collings organized the church of this denomination at Morristown. with the following members: Rev. Henry Fletcher Levis and family. Cyrus Johnson, Samuel Boretz and wife. Belinda Johnson, Martha ; Morriston, Mariah Hewitt, William Judd, etc.
At Freeport a church was formed in 1866. In 1843 James Johnson. Sr., donated a lot to the church, and a house was built thereon costing one thou- sand two hundred dollars, at Boggstown. In 1850 Samuel Hamilton gave a lot to the church and there a log building was immediately erected. A frame structure followed this in 1871, costing one thousand eight hundred dollars. About 1852 a site was secured and a frame house built, costing one thousand five hundred dollars. At about the same time a house was built near the Kern school-house, which cost about one thousand three hundred dollars. Subse- quently a lot was secured in Morristown, and in 1858 a good building was provided there at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. In 1886 a lot
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was donated in Freeport and a neat frame church was erected, valued at one thousand five hundred dollars.
Of Peter Clinger it may be repeated what has been frequently remarked of him. "He was the John the Baptist" of Shelby county to the Methodist Protestant church. He with his faithful followers had to swim swollen streams and the spirit of the early church workers was to never miss an appointment, no matter how bad the elements and how precarious the journey to a preaching appointment. Camp meetings were sustained and much good accomplished. Thomas Hacker, one of the pioneers of this church, walked to the annual Con- ference at Cincinnati and secured a preacher and brought him home with him rejoicing. In 1887 the property of this denomination was valued at eight thousand five hundred dollars ; churches were in operation at Boggstown, Old Union, Marietta. Sugar Creek. Fairview, Freeport. About nine hundred mem- bers constituted the churches of Shelby county, of this special Methodist faith.
At this date there are known to be but two churches of this faith within Shelby county-me at Shelbyville and one in the vicinity of Morristown-the members residing both in and outside of that town.
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.
(By John W. Johnston. )
By the request of the county historian I write the following: In the sum- mer of 1878 I had occasion to take my wife to a sanitarium, at Lafayette, In- diana, on account of broken down health, and was there eight weeks with her, during which time I read Seventh Day Advent literature and compared it with the Scripture Upon my return home, a full believer in the doctrines held by that denomination, and in August. 1879. I attended a camp meeting held by this denomination in Noblesville, Indiana, where I was baptized.and united with the church. For convenience, my membership was placed in the New London church. in Howard county. Through the distribution of literature and an occasional visit from some of our ministers and a tent meeting in the summer of 1882. we kept up the interest during the eight years of my isolation, until the winter of 1885. when Elder A. W. Bartlett held a series of meetings at Boggstown, and at Pleasant View. The meetings resulted in the organiza- tion of a church in Boggstown by Elder William Covert, in the winter of 1886, with fifteen charter members.
The Lord blessed us in our efforts and during the same winter and spring following. we built a commodious house of worship, which was dedicated June 6, 188;, free from debt. We now have a membership of seventy-seven. We have a house of worship at Pleasant View, with an organization of twenty- nine members, the same having been organized with twelve charter mem-
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bers, in 1898. One of this number was also a charter member at Boggs- town, and by whose faithfulness, and the preaching of the word at differ- ent times by Ellers Steele. Collins. Roberts and others, the organization was effected. In 1886 Elders M. G. Huffman and O. C. Godsmark held a series of meetings at Waldron, which resulted in organizing a church with sixteen members, and the erection of a house of worship that was dedicated December, 1887. and now has a membership of seventeen.
The Seventh Day Adventists hold that the Scriptures are a sufficient rule of faith and that the word of God is its own interpreter.
For many years we had felt the need of church school facilities, where our children would be under the influence of religious teachers, so in 1889 we built a school room on the rear of the church building at Boggstown. which also serves for a school room for the primary and kindergarten classes in the Sabbath school. Later. we began to discuss the educational question a little stronger, which resuhed in locating the State Conference School near this place, in 1902, now known as the "Beechwood Manual Training Academy," with an enrollment of about sixty students at this date-April. 1909. They are from various sections of the state. The present value of building and lands is about ten thousand dollars, while the total value of all our church property in Shelby county is approximated at sixteen thousand dollars.
THE LEWIS CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH.
(By Mrs. Effie Conner.)
September 23, 1833. the brethren met at the residence of William Morris and held a meeting looking to the formation of a Baptist church. Danici Stogsdell acted as moderator, and William G. Eaton as clerk. Those of this church faith present were : D. Stogsdell. J. Long, Philip Stark, P. Whidow, Davis James Clark, James Grisham, James Robertson, Alexander Robertson, John Bush, William Wickiff. J. Reese and others from near by places in Shelby county. These represented Baptists from Shelbyville. Blue River. Mt. Moriah, and other points. The articles of faith of the Flatrock church were at hand and adopted. It was agreed that the name of the church to be formed should be called the "Baptist Church of Christ. at Lewis Creek." The charter members were: Polly Stafford, Simeon Stafford. Nancy Stafford. William Morris, Martha Morris. David Henrick. Matilda Henrick. Polly Morris, Neal McCann. Louisa McCann. The record says that "Brother Stogsdell preached a sermon on the occasion from-Peter 2: 17 -- 'Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God. honor the King.'" This record is signed by William G. Eaton, clerk ; David Stogsdell, moderator. This is the substance of the first recorded minutes of this church. The place where this church was formed
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was at the Morris home, and is now known as the Tony Minster farm. Rev- erend Eaton was engaged as pastor November, 1833. for one year. William and Jesse Morris were chosen deacons. On the first Saturday in February. 1834, it was the time for a business meeting and it was then decided to have a foot-washing. Again the minutes show that in November of the same year they attended another foot-washing, at evening session. Nothing later ap- pears regarding the subject of foot-washing. William Moore served the church twenty-three years as moderator. He performed all of his labors free, and it is said that he was easily offended if anyone tendered him pay. He was always called "Old Unele Billy." In December, 1836, it was thought necessary to secure someone to "set tunes" for singing at public wor- ship. and Buckner Candell was chosen. In February, 1837, trustees viewed grounds upon which to erect a church edifice. George Fisher about that date donated lands for this use: the material was also donated and a church was erected : it was about twenty by twenty-four feet and faced the west, and it had one window of one sash in the south and one in the east. The seats were slabs hewn out by the membership. They had no way of heating the church so they met in the building in summertime and at private houses in winter- time. Notwithstanding the rude edifice, these devoted people enjoyed their new quarters and sang praises unto the Lord and were thankful, possibly more so than church-goers of today. They went to church either on foot or on horse- back, clad in home-spun garb, including home-made shoes, and sometimes in warm weather bare-footed. The singing books being scarce. the preacher having the only one, he would read two lines, then the congregation would sing them. This was followed up until they had finished the entire hymn.
In August 1841, the pastor with several other visiting ministers, includ- ing Revs. Reese and Curtis, held special services and a number united with the church, including Allen Sexton, still living at the ripe old age of ninety- one years. The pastor was Reverend Stogsdell. and at the close of the meet- ings Reverend Barnes arose and stated that he was not going to scare them by taking up a collection, but that he wished them to accompany him to the out- side and examine the dilapidated saddle of Brother Stogsdell, after which if they felt that they could give anything to come in and lay it on the table. They would not pass the hat around for they thought that was too much like Methodists. They examined the saddle and found it worn out and he soon received a new one. Remember they did not believe in paying a preacher, and some even objected greatly at this expenditure, which was the first that had been tendered the pastor.
At one time this same pastor was a member at Clifty, but was excluded on account of preaching temperance. missions and advocated Sunday schools. He then organized a Mission church on his own account there. In 1842 the congregation wishing to be more modern agreed to ceil the church building.
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The work was performed by members, as was also the chinking and re-daub- ing in the log walls. They also decided to purchase a stove and sent Gideon Stafford to Lawrenceburg to get it, but there he found none on sale, so bought a second-hand one, which he brought back with him. But they had troubles of their own and even in that remote day "Sunday headaches" were frequent. but committees were sent out after them and if they could not send a reason- able excuse they were ex-communicated. What a busy time the present day church committee would have at trying this plan.
Sometime in the fifties the old church was abandoned for a frame building that stood just to the south of the present church. Silas Gore, the only bidder, got the contract to erect this church. It was thirty-six by forty feet, and many objected on account of its being too large. In 1838 it was ordained that each male member pay twenty-five cents toward the running expenses of the church, and Allen Sexton was made treasurer and served forty years.
In 1859 the church released Reverend Moore as pastor and called Jolin Reese for one year, agreeing to pay him one hundred dollars. He served this church until 1868. when James Young was called, but soon resigned and was succeeded by Reverend Calif. who in 1870 was followed by John Reese again, and he continued until 1884. making twenty-two years service.
The present church edifice was built in 1882-83. at a cost of two thousand three hundred and sixty dollars. In October. 1884. W. W. Smith was chosen pastor and continued three years and was followed by G. H. Elgin, who died while pastor. Since then the pastors have been -- Revs. Perry Markland, MIc- Gregor. Harper. Coulter. Huckleberry. Eberson, Jayne, Odell and the present pastor. W. T. Markland. Sixteen pastors have served ; six hundred and seven members have been taken into the church. the present membership being two hundred and fifteen. The seventy-fifth anniversary has recently been cele- brated. The society has accomplished much good in the passing decades and is doing good work today.
THIE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The only Episcopal church in Shelby county is that known as Christ Epis- copal church of Shelbyville. Services had been held by this denomination for ten years prior to the erection of their building at this point. These services were usually held at private homes. Although there were but a few Episcopal adherents in the vicinity, great interest was taken by this few. Too much praise cannot be given to the Ladies' Guild, who succeeded after years of hard work, in buying a building site and erected a comfortable, neat little edifice, called Christ Church, situated on the corner of Tompkins and Hendricks streets. The foundation stones were presented by William and Edward Price. The interior of this structure is well planned, suitably painted and provided with choir stalls, a lofty altar, and a roomy vestry, while it is heated by an
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excellent furnace. The ladies secured two hundred dollars with which to pro- cure an organ. by editing a local paper for a short time. A fine carpet was donated by Mrs. Carson.
The church was consecrated May 30, 1901. by Bishop Francis, and services have been held regularly ever since, with a good attendance.
Although the church society has suffered loss by death and removals, the remaining members are faithful workers. This was observed at the present year Easter services when the music was of very high order.
Among those who have had charge of this congregation may be named : Revs. Hobart. Martin, Heady. Comfort, Heilman and the present rector. Rev. George Gallup. M. A.
ST. VINCENT'S CHURCH.
The history of St. Vincent's church begins with the year 1837. It is the oldest Catholic congregation of the surrounding territory, antedating the foundation of any Catholic parish even in Indianapolis. Catholics, however. settled in Shelby county a number of years previous to the above mentioned year. Mrs. Cornell, a native of Maryland, is said to have come in 1824. In 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Leo. Worland. of Scott county, Kentucky, visited a sister of Mrs. Worland, living in this county, and in the following year settled permanently. John Newton and family came in 1827. Thomas Worland. father of Leo Worland, followed his son in 1828, bringing his entire family. He was a good, pieus Catholic. Through him other Catholics were induced to immigrate from Kentucky, and his coming may be said to mark the foun- dation of the present St. Vincent's congregation.
The Rev. George Eller. of St. Pius' church, Scott county, Kentucky. visited his former spiritual children in the fall of 1828. The holy sacrifice of the mass was then offered for the first time in Shelby county, in the log cabin of Thomas Worland. The congregation at that time numbered about thirty members. Father Elder paid a second visit to the infant congregation in 1829. and again said mass in Thomas Werland's house and also baptized several children.
In 1830 the Rev. S. P. Lalumiere, of Vincennes, was sent by Bishop Flaget, of Bardstown. Kentucky, to visit the Catholic families of Shelby county. coming twice a year, in the spring and fall. Father Petit, a Jesuit, accom- panied by Father Lalumiere, on a missionary tour through Indiana. preached a mission here. during which George Laws was received into the church. In 1834 the Rev. Stephen Badin, the first priest ordained in the United States. stopped with the congregation one week and baptized William S. Worland. The Rev. Joseph Ferneding. from New Alsace, Dearborn county, Indiana. came on a visit in 1836. In May. 1837, Father Lalumiere paid his last visit
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