USA > Indiana > Bartholomew County > History of Bartholomew County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc. : Together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 44
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all valued at $2,500. The church was created during the able ministry of Mr. . Gent. The cemetery near the church comprises t o acres. Rev. Frederick G. Miller is the only minister buried there. His widow, Mrs. Clara Miller, lives in the neighborhood, and is still a devoted member of the church. Among the first members were Frederick Weichmann, Henry Krubel, William Tobroke, their families, and Mrs. Charlotte Krienhagen. The membership has always comprised a cair proportion of the best element of society in the neighborhood where it is located.
A society of this denomination was formed in Columbus about 1861, with a membership of ten, to which twenty additions were made in the ensuing two years. The first minister was Rev. George Syinn, and probably the most effective early minister was Rev. F. A. Iluff. By removals and deaths the membership was so decreased that the organization was abandoned more than a dozen years ago. Mr. Frederick Ulrich was among the early members, and ever faithful, was the last to leave. The society bought a brick church, 30x40 feet, which had been built in 1853 by an English Lutheran society, which subsequently gave up its organization. It stood on Mechanic Street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, and now belongs to Mr. Joseph I. Irwin.
Christian Union Church .- This denomination of Christians was organized May 14, 1865, under the name of " The Mount Pleasant Congregation," with forty-five members and the follow- ing officers and pastor: Philip Bambart, chief Elder; Harper T. Shields, recording Elder; John McClelland, financial Elder; Rev. Oliver II. P. Abbett, pastor. On July 9th following, Harper T. Shields was chosen as an exhorter. The members forming this organization were, prior to the Civil War period, connected with the Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church, O. II. P. Ab- bett, the leading spirit in the new organization, having previously been a prominent local preacher. W. W. Rundell, then on the cir- cuit to which Mount Pleasant was attached, commenced a discus- sion of the war is' s in his pulpit and so vigorously attacked and unmercifully denounced the views held by a large part of his con- gregation, that dissensions arose, causing the ultimate downfall of the Mount Pleasant Methodist Church and the upbuilding of the
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Christian Union congregation. From the organization to the resent time Rev. O. H. P. Abbott has been pastor of the church.
Immediately after he organization one acre of land was donated to the church, upon which a good, substantial, frame building, cost- ing $r,ooo, was erected, having a seating capacity for 300 persons.
The church government is democratic in form; the congrega- tion selects its pastor, elects its officers, and makes rules and regu- lations for its guidance and welfare, each member, male or female- in the election of oficers, selecting a pastor, or in any matter relat ; to the affairs of the church - having a vote. The church property is held by Trustees. The principles of the sect as de- clared at the organization, are as follows:
" We avow our true and hearty faith in the received Scriptures of the On !! and New Testaments, as the Word of God. That the said Scriptures constitute our only rule of faith and practice, and we pledge ourselves, through Christ, who strengthens us, to keep and observe all things whatsoever He has commanded."
Methodist Episcopal Church, South .-- The only church of this denomination was located in the southwest corner of Ohio Town- ship. Its meetings were first held in a public school building, and afterward at the residence of Mr. Job Sweeney, never being strong enough to erect a meeting house. For a time it had a devoted membership, composed of respected residents in the locality named, probably reaching its climax under the efficient ministry of the Rev. Mr. Taylor, when there were perhaps between sixty and seventy members. Mr. Taylor was succe ded by Rev. Leroy Herschberg, whose labors were not crowned with success. While in his charge, about ISSI, dissensions arose and the church organization was destroyed.
Jewish Synagogue .- The citizens of Jewish origin residing in Columbus formed themselves into an organization for the worship of God about the year 1866. The first minister was Rev. Solomon Levi. From the first the growth of the church was commensu- rate with the growth of the class in the city, from whom it drew its support, until its membership embraced some thirty families - probably ISo souls. Within the last few years, however, by rea- son of removals of its members from the city and other causes, the
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membership has been reduced until now it inchides but five families. The last resident minister was the Rev. Samuel M. Laski, who, though a scholarly man, was not popular, and under him dissen- sions arose which materially interfered with the prosperity of the church. A neat, but small, frame building on Mechanic Street be- tween Second and Third streets, belongs to the congregation, in which meetings are now held about once or twice a year, con- ducted by some non-resident rabbi secured for the occasion.
Presbyterian Church. Among the pioneers of Bard alomew County almost every Christian denomination was represented. The settler's cabin was scarcely completed before the itinerant or mis- sionary was there with Bible and hymn book gathering the widely separated families together for worship. To those pioneer preachers and their self-sacrificing devotion are the people of to-day indebted for the planting of churches, and the Christian influences that are seen and felt everywhere. Without the hope of remuneration they came to labor in the wilderness, foregoing all the joys of home, only to be instrumental in the salvation of souls. It is probable that the first adherent of the Presbyterian faith who came to Col- umbus to find a home was Mrs. Elizabeth Hinkson. She, with her husband, emigrated from Ohio early in the 20's, and settled in what is now the southern suburb of the city, soon after the organization of the county. Joseph and Mary Hart, who settled in what is now Clay Township, were also Presbyterians, and wer. among the first to make their home in the new county. Next came the Rogerses, the Hagers, the Mounts, the Henrys, the Browns and the Miskimonses, and these constituted the little band that for the first few years met at irregular periods at the cabin homes, where they might worship according to the teachings of their accepted church. The date of the first meeting is unknown, but , is stated upon the authority of Mrs. Harriet Jones that the first meeting over which a minister of the gospel presided was held at the house of her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Hinkson, and is believed to have been as early as the summer of 1822 -- two years prior to the organization of the church. The house in which this and other meetings were held stood south of the public square, not far from the present site of the Germania Hotel. The house was
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a frame, two stories high, and in the sitting room on the lower floor, on such occasions, an audience room was improvised by the use of a few planks resting on chairs at either end. The first ser- mon was preached by Rev. John M. Dickey, of the old Salem Presbytery, and a missionary of the Presbyterian Board of Domes- tic Missions. He was a man of scholarly attainments, and an earnest and conscientious Christian worker. Following the first meeting there was but little accomplished until July 3, 18244, the date of the organization of the first Presbyterian Church in Bartholomew County.
The number of members at the organization was seventeen, viz .: Joseph Hart, Mary Hart, Andrew Rogers, Sarah Rogers, David Ilager, Keziah Hager, Betsy Mounts, John Henry, Cynthia Brown, Elizabe HIinkson, Ruth Miskimons. These were received by letter. Samuel Miskimons, Abner Mounts, Mary Ann Rogers, Jane Rogers, Martha Gabbard and Edwin Brown were received on profession of faith. Sarah Snyder, Maria Wiles and Sarah Farmer ere received December 12, 1824, nine days later. The first building in which worship was held was an old church and school house which stood on Third Street, opposite the residence of Dr. Linton. By cor tesy of the Methodist Episcopal Church, they worshipped a number of years with them in the old " Classical In- stitute " as it was afterward called.
Elders .- Mr. Joseph Hart was the first ruling Elder. He was converted under the preaching of the noted Rev. Gideon Black- burn, and united with the church under his care, in Maryville, Tenn. For many years he was the only ruling Elder of this church, and while he lived was the clerk of the sessions. Presby- terianism in this region, and Christianity, owe a great deal to this godly man. Samuel Miskimons, one of the original members of the church, was the second Elder. He was elected and ordained some years after the organization of the church, and exercised his office until he was dismissed in 1836, to move to other regions. The third ruling Elder was John Ritchey, who was succeeded in 1832 by Dr. Joseph Baxter. Gideon Blackburn Hart, a son of Joseph Hart, was the fifth in office. He was much beloved, and died, greatly lamented, in 1851. The sixth Elder was Samuel B.
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McKechar. He was dismissed to the church in Franklin, where he died in 1859. John Hubbert was the seventh. and Lewis Cop- p rfield the eighth. They were followed by Nicholas Gilman and Herman Barber, who were both dismissed to other churches. Dr. Homer T. Hinman was the next ruling Elder chosen. He was ordained by Res. James Brownlee, in 1850, and continued in office, being several times re-elected, until his lamented death in 1860. Ile was a genial, well educated man, popular in his profession, and an efficient Sabbath School teacher. Randolph Griffith was both an Elder and a Deacon. He was installed into the former in 1855. He deserves much praise for his faithful work. October, 1858, John Hofer and Thomas Hart were elected to the Eldership; the former was in prayer meetings and in the Sabbath School in his neighborhood, four miles west of town, a faithful worker. Mr. Thomas Hart was ordained and inducted into his office in the Sand Hill meeting house, four miles cast of town, near which he resided. He seldom came to town or church, as he maintained while he lived, a Sabbath School and a prayer meeting in the branch of the church where he lived. December, 1859, Drs. W. O. Hogue and A. G. Collier were elected Elders. Dr. Collier died in 1872. One of the last official acts of Rev. N. S. Dickey was to ordain in 1870, Prof. Andrew Graham, a ruling Elder in the church. Messrs. James Fisher, Ezekiel Boyd, F. Donner and A. S. Rominger, were placed in office early in the 70's.
Other Ministers .- In 1826, Rev. Samuel Gregg supplied the church regularly once or twice a month. The sainted Tremble, the pastor of the church in Madison, preached here occasionally. His successor at Madison, Rev. J. H. Johnston, and Rev. John F. Crowe, D. D., of Hanover College, often preached here. Begin- ning in the fall of 1829, Rev. E. Kent, now residing in Shelby County, supplied the church two Sabbaths each month for a year. Ilis labors were much blessed, and the roll of the church consider- ably enlarged thereby. In 1830, Rev. Hillery Patrick supplied the church, more or less regularly. Rev. Henry Little, D. D., the agent of the Home. Missionary Society, more than any other man, preached here in protracted meetings and at other times, and not a few attribute their conversion and progressive sanctification to his
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labor . In 1831, Rev. Michael A. Remly resided here and sup- plied the church, working earnestly for the salvation of souls. Res. . William Stimson also supplied the church six months. Rev. David Monfort, of Franklin, preached here for a time. His ser- mons were represented as being of great power. Rev. Joseph Monfort, D. D., of the Herald and Presbyter, at Cincinnati, preached here for six months or a year.
About the year 1837, Rev. Winhor A. Smith took charge of the church and supplied it for two and a half years, doing a good work, and was highly esteemed by all. Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, while pastor of the Second Church in Indianapolis, preached here for a week or two in the old court house. [ Perhaps one of the proofs that Columbus was really a hard place, is in the fact that he could not attract more than a dozen or ty o of the people to hear him preach, though elsewhere the multitudes flocked to listen to his glowing words. ] Rev. Dr. Babb, then of Indianapolis, also preached here occasionally, and during a protracted meeting daily, as did also Revs. Drs. Curtis and Brown, of Madison. In 1844, Rev. Nycc, a teacher in the County Seminary became pastor. He re- mained in charge until succeeded, in 1849, by Rev. Daniel Lati- more, of Vernon, who supplied the pulpit one Sabbath a month for half the year.
During the fall of IS49, Rev. Chas. M. rwin was called to sup- ply the pulpit. For one year he labored faithfully and was blessed with a revival season, which added several names to the roll. In the fall of 1850, Rev. James Brownlee was invited to supply the church, which he did with much acceptance. In June, 1853, Rev. N. S. Dickey, a son of the founder of this church, became pastor. He served the church for more than seventeen years, and during the time preached more than 2,000 sermons. For a considerable portion of the time he served the county as school examiner. IIe was a man of much learning, plain and unostentatious in manners, courageous in support of the right. He was succeeded in I871, by Rev. Alexander Parker, who served the church with marked ability for more than thirteen years, and is remembered by the mem- bers with affectionate tenderness. Rev. George S. J. Brown took pastoral charge of the congregation in 188.1, and remained about
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one year and a half. He was a man of fine social qualities which enabled him to mix with people, and in this way brought many to the house of God that would otherwise have been beyond the reach of the influences of the church. During the pastorate of Rev. Brown, he, in connection with Rev. Hart, conducted one of the most successful meetings in the history of the church.
Rev. S. R. Frazier, the present acting pastor, came in April, 1887. His literary education was completed at Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Penn. His theological training was received in the seminaries of Newburgh, N. Y., and Alle- gheny City, Penn., and from the latter was graduated in 1877. The same year he received a call to the United Presbyterian Chir " of Cadiz, Ohio, where he was ordained to the ministry December II. In ISSo, he received a call to the pastorate of the United Presbyterian Church of Oxford, Ohio, where he labored successfully for about five years. During two years of this time he was professor of mathematics in Oxford Female College, and for the same length of time was chaplain of the Western Female Seminary of the same place. Somewhat broken down by the ar- duous duties of church and school, he accepted a call tendered in the mean time by the United Presbyterian Church of Rushville, Ind., in the latter part of the year ISS5, where he labored until April, 1887, when, by invitation of the official board of the Presby- terian Church of Columbus, he began the duties of acting pastor of this congregation, having been received into the Presbyterian Church by the Indianapolis Presbytery, April 12, ISS7, then in ses- sion in the Fourth Church of Indianapolis.
The first building erected by the church was the old frame opposite the Bissell Hotel, now owned by B. B. Jones. It was begun in 1844 or 18.15, and completed in 1846 or 1847. Rev. B. M. Nyce was then supplying the pulpit. Assisted by some ladies he would solicit subscriptions in material, labor or money, and then go on with the work till the means were exhausted. Then, after rest- ing for a time, the same process would be repeated. It was finally completed, free of debt, having cost about $1,200. This building was occupied till December, 187.4. On the first Sabbath, January, 1875, the present building was used for the first time. The work
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on the new builling was begun in 1871, according to plans and specifications prepared by Levi L. Levering, architect. The con- tract for the erection was awarded to Kellar & Brockman, and was completed at a cost of $26,000. It is a magnificent brick edifice, of modern style of architecture, and is divided into five apartments viz .: auditorium, lecture room, infant class room, Bible class room, and study. The present membership of the church is about 270. The Presbyterian Sabbath School which is, and always has been, one of the principal auxiliaries of the church, was or- ganized carly in the 30's, at the house of Rev. Michael Remly, who was at that time pastor in charge. It was the first Sabbath School organized in Columbus, and for several years it was attended by the members of all denominations. It has been a power for good and its influence can not be over estimated. Among those who deserve prominent mention for their efficient work as Superin- dents and teachers are: Charles C. Hart, Charles Hutchinson, D. D., A. G. Dunning, Randolph Griffith, Lewis Godden, Prof. David Graham. ... Hogue, Mr. Andrew Graham, J. B. Safford, George H. Friet and Mrs. M. F. Hinman. The last named was teacher of the in t class for nearly eighteen consecutive years, and for her earnestness and unremitting zeal in this and other departments of church work, she deserves conspicuous mention.
Christian Church .- The history of the rise and progress of the Christian Church in Indiana is but a reproduction of its history in this country. In order that the readers of this article may have an intelligent understanding of its growth in Bartholomew County, they must have some conception of the spirit and genius of the movement as a whole, and the special features of religious work sought to be emphasized by its existence. It is a mistaken idea to suppose that it was begun by men who were drawn together into a sect by some particular theological dogma. In fact, it began in a deep hatred of all sectism, and an earnest effort to banish from the general Christian world the evils thereof.
The men, who, in God's Providence, were the principal promot- ers of it, were not men who were out of sympathy with the vital doctrines of the Protestant world. Those things held as sacred and essential to the great religious bodies have ever been so held
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by this people. With all their power they have sought to give prominence to the incarnation, life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. His death as a sin offering for the workl, procuring for us redemption through His blood even the forgiveness of sins; His resurrection from the dead, ascension to heaven, and coronation at the right ind of God, and His lordship of all. The personal and perpetual mission of the Holy Spirit -the alienation of the race from God, the necessity of faith and reformation in order to salva- tion; the perpetuity of baptism and the Lord's Supper -- the obli- gation of the first day of the week as a day of convocation and praise. The necessity of righteousness and true holiness on the part of all who profess the name of Jesus Christ - a day of final judg- ment and punishment -- with the above broad platform they have ever been in close sympathy. What then, it may be asked, rompted them to form a new sect? The forming of a distinct body was not their original intention. They looked with alarm and distrust upon the noisy practices and teachings -purely human - that had crept into the body of Christ, and sought within the various bodies to which they belonged, to bring about a reforma- tion of these evils, or rather a restoration of the spirit, principles and practices of the New Testament church. In pressing this work upon the 'ttention of the religious world, they were somewhat before the time. What is now hailed everywhere by Christian people with joy, was then looked upon with great suspicion, by many er i- nent Christians. It soon became evident that the religious world was not then ready for such a work. As a result, those farseeing men were turned out of the various bodies with which they were associated, as heretics. They naturally enough began to organize independently, but this was a necessity thrust upon them by their exclusion and was not of their own seeking.
Religious communities sprang up rapidly all over the west and south, which had for their object, an 'endeavor: (I) To exalt Christ above party, and His word above human creeds. . (2) To illustrate the practicability of Christian union, New Testament faith and practice. (3) To build a church of Christ, without denomina- tional name, creed, or other barrier to Christian unity, whose terms of fellowship should be as broad as the conditions of salvation, and
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identical with them. (4) To lead alien sinners to Christ, in the clear light of New Testament teaching and example. (5) Towork with all other Christian workers, as far as possible, in extending Christ's reign among men, while seeking to promote the unity for which the Savior prayed
In the year 1829, a separation over the above principles took place in the Hope Baptist Church, three miles north of Columbus. A new organization was made under the leadership of Joseph Fassett, embi. ing the names of Benjamin Irwin, Joseph Vanmeter, William S. J. s, Samuel Crittenden, Daniel Singer, John Irwin, Rufus Gale, Foram Troutman, and their wives. Soon after the number was increased by William A. Washburn, John II. Terrell, Havilah A. Chenoweth, Joseph Robinson, and their wives. The first church edifice was a frame structure which served the purpose of the congregation until it was replaced in 1872 by their present beautiful and commodious brick structure. Many members were added to this body from the town of Columbus which necessitated the building of a house of worship in the town niSH A. D. The services alternated between New Hope and Columbus from that date until July 22, 1855, when a separate congregation was organ- ized, composed of about sixty members. The first house in the town was destroyed by fire in 1853, and was immediately replaced by the brick structure on Jackson Street, in which the congrega- tion worshipped until it removed to its present commodio .s struc- ture, which, in many respects, is the most handsome church edifice in southern Indiana. The entire cost of the present building is about $23,000. The congregation has been under the pastoral care of William Edmonston, W. A. Washburn, II .. R. Pritchard, J. B. Cobb, Jolin Brazelton, J. B. Crane, and the present pastor, Z. T. Sweeney, who has occupied the office for over sixteen years.
The Hartsville congregation was organized in ISÃo, and among those enrolled as charter members may be found the names of Thomas Stephen Bryant, Elijah Brady, Samuel Alley, Eldridge Hopkins and Horace Jones, with their wives. Their first Elder was Elijah Brady, and first preacher James Conner. J. B. New, Joseph Fassett and William Irwin were among the most prominent of the pir er preachers who ministered to it. and these were suc-
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ceeded by James Young and John Brazelton, the latter of whom has served the congregation for fourteen years. Their present. pastor is Elder William Gard. Among the prominent families in the congregation at present are the Hopkins, Galloways, Becks and Bradleys. The first house of worship was a frame built in 1845, 32x50 feet. Their second was finished in 1872, and is a handsome building, fox60 feet. It cost $2, 100, and was dedicated by Eller Z. T. Sweeney.
The church at Burnsville was started in 1838 by Eller J. II. Terrell, father of Gen. W. HI. H. Terrell, W. J. Brown, Will'am Bramwell, James Purvis and R. J. Burns. In ISto, a frame buikl- ing was erected. In 1855, a second house was built, and in 1887 was refurnished at a cost of several hundred dollars. They have at present 105 members, with Sammel Strickland, Senior Elder, and several other helpers. Among the prominent families are the Springers, Fultons, Eddlemans, Taskingtons and Bradfords. They have no regular pastor at present, but are occasionally served by county evangelist James Small.
The church in Elizabethtown was organized in 1850, under the labors of Elders Hollis, Brazelton and Powers, but after a time the organization disbanded and was revived again about 1879, under the labors of Eller Z. T. Sweeney. In 18So, a handsome new s ructure costing nearly $2,000, was dedicated by Elder Z. T. Sweeney, since which time the congregation has flourished. They number about 150 members and have a Sunday School of 140 pupils - present minister, William Gard. Among the prominent fami- lies represented in the church are the Springers, Trents, Vogles, Van Wyes, Gants, Hawleys and Wills.
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