History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 40

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Kingman Brothers
Number of Pages: 366

USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 40

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The first Presiding Elder that ever visited Fort Wayne in an official capacity was Rev. James Armstrong. His district comprised all of this State north of the Wahash, and he was succeeded by Rev. James Hargraves. The Church grew and prospered, and in 1849 a sufficient number withdrew to orgauize another Church, known as Wayne Street Church, and built a beautiful church edilice, and now surpasses the parent Church in membership and wealth. In still another Church was organized, to meet the growing demands of the residents of that part of the city known as South Wayne, known as "Centenary" Church, and in -- , still another Church was organized, to meet the demands of the residents of Bloomingdale, and known as Third Street Church.

The following table shows the present standing of the Church in Fort Wayne:

Value of

Number of

NAME OF CHURCH.

Date of organiza. tion.

Tolal member- ship.

church property, scholars in

NAME OF PASTOR.

including parsonages.

Sabbath schools.

Berry Street.

1830

168

$20,000

150

L. A. Retts.

Wayne Street

1849

3:21

28,000

135

A. E. Makin.

Centenary

102

4,000

170

F. L. Wharton.

Third Street.

18,000

100

James Woolpert.

Tolals

689

$53,800

555 1

REV. A. MARINE, Presiding Elder, Fort Wayne District.

CENTENARY M. E. CHURCH

was organized June 21, 1866, A. J. Wells, Pastor. Service held in the engine- house. Contract let and church building commenced December 31, 1866. Cost, $990.90. Frame building, 25x40. Of that amount, Berry Street Church members paid $350.

THIRD STREET CHURCHI.

Mission in Bloomingdale formed in 1874. Church, brick, built and dedi- cated in 1876. Nice church.

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

was organized on the 12th of December, 1872, hy Rev. Jason Bundy. The original members were W. L. Steward, Mary Steward, William Herdle and John Hall. Trustees-John Hall, William Hurdle and W. L. Steward. Treasurer, George Fisher. Names of Pastors-Rev. Jason Bundy, 1872; M. Patterson, 1873; H. Russell, 1874; Daniel Burden, 1875; A. H. Knight, 1876; G. O. Curtis, 1877; Robert McDaniel, 1878-79. Present membership-Full mem- bers, 20; on probation, 10. They have a church edifice of 40x50 fect dimensions.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN.

Hon. Jesse L. Williams, in his admirable sketch of the early history of this Church in Fort Wayne, in speaking of the efforts of those friendly to this branch of the Church, in advance of' a regular organization, alludes to the missionary work performed by Rev. Father Ross, who, from 1822 to 1826, preached five times in this place, and spoke of a society here at those times as especially unpromising. By this father, however, good seed was sown, which ere- long germinated and produced fruit.

In December, 1828, Allen Hamilton, then Postmaster, feeling an anxiety to enjoy church privileges, was instrumental in securing the services of Rev. Charles E. Furman for missionary work in Fort Wayne. Mr. Furman arrived here on the 13th of November, 1829, and, in a communication to the Missionary Rooms in New York, dated February 20, 1830, he says : " From this place 100 miles in every direction it is a perfect wilderness. * * * This county only contains seven or eight hundred inhabitants, hetween three and four hundred of whom live in town. I never knew, for the same number of inhab- itants, in any place, so many attendants upon the preaching of the Gos- * There are about seven or eight who have been professors of pel.

religion in our Church before, and I think a church might now be formed of at least a dozen quembers. *

* * The people are all hospitable, and have more intelligence and liberality of feeling than any similar town I have found in the country." Mr. Furman remained here ouly six or eight months, but left a good impression. Rev. James Chute came here in June, 1831, " and, on the Ist of July following, at the request of the few Presbyterians then residing here, organized the 'First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne,' con- sisting of eleven members. On the 4th of October, 1831, the Church was received under the care of the Miami Presbytery, whose place of meeting was some one hundred and twenty miles distant.

" Of the first members of this Church, two were half Indians, who had before, in 1820, joined the Baptist Church under the labors of Rev. Mr. McCoy, missionary to the Indians at this post. They were nieces of ' Little Turtle,' the celebrated war chief of the Miamis. * They were daughters of Capt. Wells, who, at the age of twelve years, had been taken prisoner iu Kentucky, and adopted by the Miami tribe.

" The want of a place of worship affording reasonable comfort was here a chief hindrance of church progress for the first six years. Six or eight different rooms were occupied successively within this period. The religious services connected with the organization were held in the open air under a rude shelter of boards, near the junction of Columbia and Harrison streets, on ground now occupied hy the canal basin. For a time, the little brick schoolroom, about 20x25 fect, then standing some two hundred feet southwest of the present county jail, in a cluster of sumne shrubbery, was the place of worship. Then the Masonic Hall, on the site of the Hill & Orbison warehouse, n room perhaps 20x40 feet, was occupied until driven out in June, 1833, l.y the advent of the first printing press. Next, a earpenter-shop on the north side of Columbia street, where I. W. Taylor's storeroom now stands, was for some length of time the sanctuary. At the close of each week's work, the shop was hastily transformed in its adapta- tion from material to sacred use by removing the shavings and adjusting the henches, minus their backs, with the work-bench for a pulpit desk. A small room on the opposite side of the street was for a short time used, as was like wise a room in the old brick tavern on the same strect. * * Such

were the wanderings and sojouroings of the little congregation until, in 1837, they found a home and a resting-place ir their own church building, the small frame forty feet square, near the east end of Berry street, since occupied by the English Lutherans. % *

* In this little frame church were organ-

ized both the Synod of Northern Indiana and the Presbytery of Fort Wayne."

The corner-stone of the present edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies in October, 1845, and the huilding formally dedicated in November, IS52. The Pastors have been Rev. James Chute, from the organization to the 28th of December, 1835; then Rev. Daniel Jones filled the pulpit from April, 1836, to August, 1837 ; Rev. Alexander T. Rankin from October, 1837, to September, 1843; Rev. William C. Anderson, temporarily, from the spring of 1844, about six months ; Rev. H. S. Dickson from November, 1844, until the fall of 1847 ; Rev. Lowman Hawes supplied for the ensuing six months, when, in August, 1848, Rev. J. G. Richeldeffer became Pastor and remained until 1851; Rev. Jouathan Edwards until July, 1855, when he was succeeded by Rev. John M. Lowrie.

The Rev. John M. Lowrie, D. D., continued Pastor of the Church from November, 1856, until his death, September 26, 1867. During a period of declining health preceding his death, he was assisted in bis pastoral duties by the Rev. H. M. Morey. The pastorate of Dr. Lowrie extending to nearly eleven years, covered a time of rapid growth for the city, and, under his able and laith- ful leadership, aided by wise counselors and efficient helpers in the session and membership, the Church grew from 171 to 318 members. During the time, in 1863, the church building was enlarged by an addition, which doubled its former capacity ; and, subsequently, a mission was established on Holman street, and initiatory steps taken for the organization of another Church, to be called the Third Presbyterian. In December, 1867, a colony of thirty-seven members of the First Church, with others, was organized into the Third Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Nathan S. Smith, who had managed the mission, as Pastor. The First Church people-one of them, Mrs. Alleu Hamilton, having already contrib- uted the lot, valued at $2,000-immediately proceeded to ereet the present Third Church building, which stands at the corner of Calhoun and Holman streets, and completed it, fully equipped with all the conveniences of rooms, at n cost of $15,000. In the mean time, the Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D. D., had been called to succeed Dr. Lowrie in the pastorate, and had entered upon its duties. Dr. Skinner's pastorate began in April, 1868, and ended in Octoher, 1871, when he resigned to accept a call to the Second Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati. He was followed by the Rev. David W. Moffat, who was called from the West Street Church, Georgetown, D. C., and whose pastorate of the First Church began May I, 1872, and continues at the present time, October, 1879. In the fall of 1872, the First Church established the mission in Bloomingdale, Fort Wayne, the lot and building erected upon it costing $2,500. Besides giving to miscellaneous causes, aiding loeal enterprises and continuing, in times of need, to help the Third Church, the contributions of the First Church to the general benevolent objects of the denomination have been, for many years, among the largest of the Presby- terian Churches of the State, and, indeed, of the West. The present number of members is 390. The church edifice, during the past summer, has been renovated and improved, and, outside and inside, presents a very neat and tasteful appear- ance.

THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This Church (situated on West Berry street) was organized May 5, 1844, by Rev. Henry Ward Beccher, and consisted of twelve members. It was known as the New School Presbyterian Church until alter the union of the Old and

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

New School Churches. On June 4, Rev. Charles Beecher was invited to beenme stated supply for one year. He remained as stated supply until April 28, 1850, when he was installed as Pastor. He went East the same summer for rest and for the benefit of his own health and that of his family, having suffered much from the malarious diseases of the place, and, through the importunity of his friends, was persuaded to dissolve his relation with the Church and remain in the East. He resigned August 30 of the same year. Mr. Beecher was a zealous worker in the Redeemer's cause. This heing his first eharge, he confined himself very closely to his studies and gave the congregation much food for thought and investigation ; and his peculiar manner of presenting Gospel truths invariably elicited the attention of his audience, so that much of the seed of truth that was dropped yielded fruit in the salvation of souls. The six years of his labor showed a result of an increase from twelve to one hundred and two members. The house we now worship in was built the first years of his ministry and much of the financial help was obtained through his exertion. After Mr. Beecher's resignation, Rev. Isaac Taylor, David C. Bloose and Rev. Mr. Ray preached for brief periods- about six months each. In June, 1852, Rev. Amzi W. Freeman was called as stated supply and remained two years. The time intervening between Mr. Beecher's resignation and the acceptance of the eall by Mr. Freeman were years of great spiritual dearth in the Church, and Mr. Freeman, not having the peculiar gift needed for the condition in which he found the Church, did not succeed in uniting the hearty interest and sympathy of its membership in the work of the Lord.

In November, 1854, Rev. E. Curtis was called as stated supply, and remained as such until May 3, 1856, when he was installed as Pastor, and remained as such till October, 1860, when he was dismissed at his own request. Mr. Curtis commenced his work with the Church after having many years' experi- ence in the Master's service; and by his faithful teachings and his genial Chris- tian influence while ministering with the people of his charge were many hearts in sympathy with him in the service of the Lord; and the bond of union in that service was very reluctantly dissolved between Pastor and people. But, believing his work done here and willing to follow wherever the Master indicated. he accepted another field of labor, leaving this Church much benefited by his six years' faithful service. Sixty-six were added to its membership while he was with us.

In 1861, Rev. W. R. Palmer was called as stated supply, and remained two years. Mr. Palmer was a very earnest worker in the cause of the Redeemer, and availed himself of every opportunity (not always wisely) to present the demands of the Gospel. Sixty-six were added to the membership of the Church the shinrt time he remained as supply.

In May, 1866, Rev. George O. Little was called as stated supply, and remained as such until May 3, 1868, when he was installed as Pastor, and resigned August 18, 1870. Mr. Little commenced his ministry with this Church under very favorable circumstances, having the congregation harmoniously united with him, and with an ambition to excel, he infused a great deal of vitality into the mem- bership, so that in the first few years of his work it became necessary to enlarge the church building, and at the same time the parsonage was bought, which added much to the value of the church property. During the second year of his work the Church was so blessed of the Spirit that a revival of great magni- tude took place, and resulted in a large increase to the membership. But unfor- tunately for the Church, Mr. Little's demands from the congregation increased more than it was practicable to respond to, and necessarily resulted in having the relation as Pastor dissolved, and also causing a division of the congregation, which led to an organization of a Congregational Church.

Rev. T. W. Erdman was called as stated supply, November, 1870, and remained as such until June, 1874. When Mr. Erdman took charge of this Church he found it very much disturbed, from the effects of the division caused by the Congregational element going out, and some members calling for letters to uuite with other churches. It seemed as a providential interposition of the Lord in sending Mr. Erdman at that time to restore quiet and order, he knowing and preaching Christ only as the Crucified One for all the maladies of sin, pre- senting the revealed Word of Truth in its simplest and most practical need for saint and sinner, so that the Church was much blessed through the manner as well as the matter of truth taught. The members were much revived, and many were added to its numbers during the short period of his ministry. The Glenwood Chapel was dedicated by him, to be used as a Sabbath-school mission, and the work done there had much of his sympathy aud help, and from its numbers inany were brought into fellowship with the Church. But believing that the Lord had a more important work for him, he resigned, and entered upon another field of labor.

Rev. Joseph Hughes was called as stated supply, July, 1874, and remained as such for two years, and resigned to go to Europe. This being Mr. Hughes' first charge, he had to labor under some disadvantage in following so able an expounder of the Scriptures, but having the sympathy and co-operation of the membership of the Church, his work was blessed in a great measure, to the increasing of its numbers.

The present Pastor, Rev. W. H. McFarland, had a unanimous call from the Church and congregation in June, 1876, and was installed as its Pastor in October following, and bas sinee then given his devoted services to the Church, with entire satisfaction to its membership, and with the blessing of the Great Head of the Church there have been many added on profession of faith in Christ, and there has also been a large increase from those uniting by letters of recommenda- tion from other Churches. This Church has a membership of about two hundred. The Sunday school connected with this Church is in a very prosper- ous and harmonious condition. The number of pupils enrolled aggregate about two hundred and forty, including the two Mission Chapels (Glenwood and St. Joe), which are connected with this Church. Mr. Thomas C. Caldwell is prin- eipal Superintendent.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

The First Baptist Church in Fort Wayne was organized in 1837, six or seven men and ten or twelve earnest Christian women covenanting together for God's worship and service, upon the hasis of New Testament truth, John Fair- field, Mrs. Jane Fairfield, his wife, Richard Worth and his brothers William and David and their wives, Mrs. Anne Gerard, who is still living ; Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan, James Emboy, Sr., and several members of his family; Jeremiah Mason, U. S. Armstrong, E. M. Ferris, and their respeetive wives, were among the carlier members of this Church.

Previous to this-indeed, as early as 1820-Rev. Isaac MeCoy, a mission- ary among the Indian tribes of this State, appointed and sustained by the American Baptist Missionary Union, came to Fort Wayne and preached the Gos- pel, as he had opportunity, to all that he could reach, and taught such children as would come to a school that he opened, as well for white people as Indians. Mr. MeCoy's preaching was blessed to not a few ; so that, in the course of that sum- quer, five persons were " huried with Christ in baptism," in the Maumee. In con- sequence of serious prevalent illness, the mission family and their associates were transferred to another position, in November, 1822, and no other Baptist minister seems to have been accustomed to preach here regularly for more than a dozen years, till Rev. Messrs. J. W. Tisdale, J. L. Moore, and one or two others, came to have regular appointments, that resulted, after awhile, in the organization already mentioned. Mr. Tisdale was the first Pastor of the little flock, and his ministry was both effective and successful.

The Church has had many ministers, who are remembered with grateful affection ; among them, Rev. Messrs. Tisdale, Gildersleeve, J. H. Dunlap. H. D. Mason, J. D. Mccson, U. B. Miller, G. S. Stevens, and the present Pastor, Rev. J. R. Stone, who has heen with them now nearly eleven years.

As might have been expected, the Church has had varied experiences and fortunes-seasons and epochs of prosperity and enlargement, withi intermediate times of trial, adversity and reverses-that have all served to give strength and firmness, maturity and power, trust in God and confidence in His eovenant, promises and gracious purposes. They have now an eligihle house of worship on West Jefferson street, worth $20,000, free from debt, a membership of 250, a Sunday school of 150 upon its register, and a congregation that will compare favorably with others in intelligence, social position, moral and Christian eharae- ter and personal worth. Their Pastor is Rev. J. R. Stone ; their Sunday-school Superintendent, Mr. H. N. Goodwin ; their Deacons are William Carter, Nathan Sibray and A. S. Prescott, and their Trustees, John M. Wort, W. Carter and P. A. Randall, Esq. Their prospects are good, their position, their zeal and their hopefulness encouraging and full of promise.

EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.

The Protestant Episcopal Church was organized May 27, 1839, when the following named gentlemen were elected Vestrymen: Thomas Brown, William L. Moon, James Hutchinson. Samuel Stophlet, Dr. Merchant and W. Huxford. The organization was effected through the instrumentality of Rev. B. Hutchins, a missionary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, who came here about that time, and was installed as the first Rector but nwing to some difficulty arising between him and the Vestrymen, the organization was discontinued.

On May 25, 1844, the Church was resuscitated under the name of Trinity Church, with the following officers : Jacob Hull, Senior Warden ; Peter P. Bailey, Junior Warden ; Lucien P. Ferry and R. M. Lyon, Vestrymeu; Elias Worth- iugton, Clerk, and I. D. G. Nelson, Treasurer. Rev. Benjamin Halsted was elected and took pastoral charge of the Church.

June 3, 1844, P. P. Bailey was elected a lay delegate to attend the Episcopal Convention to be held at Richmond June 7, 1844. August 13, 1844, Russelus P. Jones was elected delegate to attend the Episcopal Convention at Indianapn- lis September 5, 1844, for the purpose of elceting a Bishop of the Diocese. He, however, resigned and Elias Worthington was elceted to the position August 31. April 7, 1845, the following officers were clected: Peter P. Bailey, Senior Warden ; - Baldoe, Junior Warden ; R. M. Lyon, Elias Worthington and J. H. Keisted, Vestrymen, and Jolin Conger, Clerk.

In November, 1846, William Roekhill offered to donate a lot upon which to build a church, with the understanding that $1,000 should be subscribed to build it. Failing, however, to raise the money at that time, a lot was afterward bought for $85 on the northwest corner of Berry and Harrison streets, where the first church was built.

Rev. Mr. Halsted resigned as Rector and was succeeded by Rev. H. P. Powers, of Ypsilanti, Mich., April 6, 1848. He soon resigned, and an invitation was sent to the Rev. J. S. Large of the Diocese of Michigan. The following is an extract from the letter sent to him :

"Our parish is small, but we have the hopes of a respectable-sized congrega- tion when we shall be favored with one to administer to us in holy things. We have a small church, finished and paid for. We have just placed in the church a fine-toued organ of four stops, which is also paid for. We have no embarrass- ments-being out of debt. The population of our city is almost five thousand and constantly inereasing. We cannot doubt of the rapid growth of the church under the efforts of an active and zealous missionary of the Church. * * We are without services and are most anxious to have the vacaney filled before the close of navigation. May we ask for an immediate answer."

The invitation was accepted, and Mr. Large took charge November 21, 1849. A large addition was soon made to the church, largely increasing its capacity, and it was formally conseerated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Upfold May 23, 1850. Mr. Large continued with the Church until the summer of 1857, when he was sue- ceeded by the Rev. E. C. Pattison, who remained, however, but a short time, and was suecceded hy the Rev. Stephen H. Battin, of Cooperstown, N. Y. Mr.

HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.

Battin remained with the Church until October, 1863, when Joseph S. Large was uuanimously elected as Rector, he accepting at once at a salary of $1,000.

During the year 1863, n site for a new church was purchased at tho south- west corner of Berry and Fulton streets, at a cost of $3,000, and a new church was erveted upon it, heing completed August 1, 1866, at a cost of 821,050.

Mr. Large served as Rector until 1872, when he resigned and the Rev. Colin C. Tate was unanimously elected Rector .it a salary of 82,000, which he accepted, and continued until September, 1879.

The first burial of the church took place December 24, 1839. This was occa- sioned by the death of Thomas, infant son of Thomas and Catherine Tigar, aged three years two weeks and two days. Services were performed by the Rev. Benjamin Hutchins. The first Communion was administered May 26, 1839, hy the same Rector, the following persons receiving it: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Mary H. Hutchins. The first Communion in Trinity Church was administered by the Rev. Halsted on the Fifth Sunday after Trinity (July 7), 1844, to seventeen persons.

The present officers are: I. D G. Nelson, Senior Warden ; F. P. Randall. Junior Warden ; J. K. Edgerton, W. H. Withers, S. B. Bond, W. E. Hood, W. L. Carnahan, Dr. J. S. Irwin and D. B. Angell, Vestrymen ; W. E. Hood, Clerk, and W. L. Carnahan, Treasurer.

On the 24th of My, 1869, a petition, signed by C. D. Bond, William H. lones, I D. Bond, Henry H. Edgerton, D. P. White, S. B. Boud, W. R. Nelson, C. L. Hill, Joseph K. Edgerton, John S. Irwin, A. P. Edgerton, John Ryall, W. H. Walker and Peter P'. Bailey, was presented to the Rector, Wardens und Vestrymen, asking that the organization of another parish, within the jurisdiction of this parish, be established, in order to accommodate the people residing east of Calhoun street. It was unanimously granted, and the Church of the Good Shep- herd was organized. It is in a state of quiescence at present and has had no regular Pastor for some time.

GERMAN LUTHERAN.

The first. Lutheran congregation in this county was organized in the year 1834, and was composed of ahout twenty German families, who had settled in this city and immediate vicinity. The Rev. Mr. Huber, who was the first regular Pastor, labored here successfully until the year 1839, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Wyneken, who remained until 1845, the latter being assistel by the Rev. Mr. Jenners, during one year of that time.

The first church edifice erected by the Lutherans in this city was a small frame structure, huilt in the year 1840, upon the site of St. Paul's Church, on Barr street. Here they worshiped until the year 1846. Up to that time, tbe increase in the congregation had heen encouraging, hut not remarkably rapid. In the year 1845, Lutheranism received a great impetus hy the arrival in this city of Rev. William Sihler, D. D., who assumed the pastorate of St. Paul's Church in the beginning.of that year. Dr. Sihler hrought to the discharge of the laborious task of building up a new and fe-ble Cbureh, a vigorous and well- disciplined intellect, richly stored with theologie and elassie lore. Possessed of a firm belief in a deep love for the doctrines of his Church and zealous for their propagation, he at once addressed himself with vigor to the great work before him. Under his acceptable ministrations, the old Church soon proved to be too small for the rapidly increasing congregation, and therefore a new and more com- modious edifice became a necessity. Accordingly, in the year 1846 -- 47, the Barr Street Church was erected. This answered the purpose for which it was built very well, until the year 1858, when it was found that the congregation hid again outgrown its place of worship, and the church was considerably enlarged. Then again, in 1862, it was enlarged to its present proportions.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 40

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Kingman Brothers Number of Pages: 366

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Kingman Brothers
Number of Pages: 366