USA > Indiana > Boone County > History of Boone County, Indiana : With biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families, Volume I > Part 32
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It has always been one among the most aggressive churches in the Craw- fordsville presbytery. In the report to the Home Mission Board it ranked third in amount contributed, fourth in membership, and tenth in proportion- ment giving.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
Paper read at the eightieth anniversary of the Presbyterian church :
The following is the paper read by Mrs. T. O. Matthews at the eightieth anniversary of the Presbyterian church, giving a brief history of the Mis- sionary society :
We are glad to have the privilege of giving you a short history of our missionary society. This is the thirty-seventh (37) year of organized mis- sionary effort by the women of this church. We feel that we have made great progress in our work and while it may not be as interesting to all, as a few, we will hastily give you some facts. We had the two Presbyterian churches each having an aid society, but no missionary society, and it was not until several years after the union of the churches, that the great need of special work for missions was impressed upon the hearts and minds of the women of the church.
On February 6th, 1875, a company of women met at the home of Mrs. Mary Hague to consider the situation and devise some means of doing sys- tematic work. The outcome of this meeting was the organization of a mis- sionry society. Mrs. Robert Caldwell, our pastor's wife was the first presi- dent, Miss Anna Sims, secretary, and Mrs. Susan LaFollette, treasurer. A constitution was adopted, which is the foundation of the one we have today. At the first meeting of the society, arrangements were made for the work of helping a Home Missionary and family, by sending a box of useful articles. The charter members were: Mesdames Amanda Cory, Mary Hague, Emma Hebb, Susan LaFollette, Dr. Rose, Dr. Boyd, Ann Taylor, M. A. Brown,
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Mary Sims, George Fielding, Emily Henderson, Jones, Eunice Sims, Elizabeth Matthews, Robert Caldwell, Sarah Moore, Irene Hughes, Samuel McCorkle and Misses Anna Sims, Mattie Matthews, Nelia Jacobs. The amount of money raised the first year was fifteen dollars, which was sent to a home missionary, the Rev. Tatesworth to help him buy a horse, as he was walking seven miles to his preaching place and was in need of a horse.
In 1880, Mrs. S. W. Elliott was our president. During this year the society took a scholarship in the Laos Mission in Siam which amounted to twenty-five dollars a year, which pays for the support of one girl for a year in our mission school. One of these girls we heard from several years ago. After leaving school she married a Christian native and they set up a Chris- tian home, which has been a blessing to many. No doubt other Christian homes have been started in the same way. Our society now has invested eight hundred and twenty-five dollars in this way in the Laos Mission. In 1880 we sent a box of clothing valued at thirty-two dollars to William C. Smith, a home missionary in South Carolina. In 1881 we sent a box valued at sixty-seven dollars and fifty cents to a home missionary in Iowa. and this year we purchased a small library of good missionary literature. Our presi- dents have been Mesdames Robert Caldwell, S. W. Elliott, Amanda VanNuys, Miriam Sawyer, Martha Williamson, P. T. Hague, J. H. Sherrard, Irene Hughes, T. O. Matthews, Dr. Rose, Samuel Carter, Frank Armstrong, at the present, Mrs. Dr. Brown. For several years our pastor's wife acted as su- preme president. These presidents each have had good helpers in their secre- taries and treasurers. In looking over the past we realize we have accom- plished much, but could have done so much more. Our membership has in- creased from the original twenty-one members to fifty-three at the present time. We have had all along, associate members, those who contribute but do not attend the meetings. We have lost many by removal and we have lost at the rate of one each year, by death, since our organization, Mesdames Mary Hague, Mary Shipp, Mary Kashner, John Wild Senior, Susan Patton, William Boyd, Kate Austin, Elizabeth Millikan, David Cory, Eva Woody, Elliott Senior, Samuel McCorkle, Eunice Sims, Mary Sims, Mary Corrie Mitchel Henderson, George Fielding, Nathaniel Gapen, Jane Cash, Amanda Hill, Andy Yost, Ann Taylor, Sarah Potter, Mary Brown, Mary Cochran, Emily Henderson, Nancy Rosaboom, Mary Torbett, Axy Hill, Elmer Bren- ton, Dr. Boyd, Amanda VanNuys, M. J. Barker, Jennie Craig, and Misses
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Lizzie McCoy, Nelia Kinkaid, Mary Jaques, Euphemia Hoover, Alma Mat- thews. We, as members of the missionary society would honor the memory of these departed ones. We do testify to their lovely Christian influence. We have honored the memory of our soldier boys today with flowers and starry banners; so tonight we would strew the garlands and cherish in our hearts the memory of these dear missionary workers, for by their influence and their most fervent prayers, our society is the strong Christian organiza- tion it is today.
We send our offerings each year to the mission fields, both home and foreign, as much to one as another. We have sent boxes and barrels of clothing to the home field to cheer anxious hearts and have made our money in many ways. We have had the time honored mush and milk suppers, corn husking, contests, pieced quilts, sewed carpet rags and had strawberry and ice cream festivals, sold sunbonnets, had box socials, sold dinner to the elec- tion board, served dinner on rally days, had our mite boxes and birthday boxes. In 1883 we secured a window in Mr. Cole's hardware store and fur- nished ready made clothing, such as aprons, bonnets, children's clothing, or any article that would meet a ready sale. We continued this each Saturday from March to July then the merchantile business was suspended.
We, as a society have entertained Crawfordsville Presbyterial Society and each year we send delegates to both Presbyterial and Synodical meetings. The ladies of the Lebanon and Thorntown societies have a county organiza- tion which meets each fall and always has good speakers. For many years the young people's organization Y. P. S. C. E. made a missionary collection on the day of its anniversary and the Sunday Sabbath school gave to missions the last Sunday of each month, these offerings going through our local mis- sionary society-but now these organizations act independently so our yearly contributions are decreased just that much. We have had organizations within ours outside of Y. P. S. C. E. and the Sunday school. We had a band called Willing Workers, consisting of Mrs. Farber's Sunday school class also the Little Gleaners organized by Mrs. Flora Welch McCoy and Miss Anna Sims. We had a boys' band and the King's Daughters organized by Miss Bell Torbet.
The Junior Missionary Society is now doing good work under the di- rection of Miss Mattie Matthews and Miss Ollie Mckinsey. The Brier Band, composed of young ladies in memory of Mr. Brier, who was ordained in this
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
church at a Presbytery meeting, who with his young bride were entertained in the home of Mark Moore and immediately afterward started for Africa. The climate soon caused his death and Mrs. Brier and little daughter re- turned to her home in Illinois and she was the guest of the Brier Band at one of their meetings at the home of Mrs. T. O. Matthews. These young ladies did excellent work and showed much zeal, but was gradually absorbed by the older society. The Westminister Guild of today is an organization in which we are much interested; they are working along the same line of work and only a few more years hence their names will be on the secretary's book of the older missionary society. Let us give them special thought and prayer and help them all we can. In 1912 we gave thirty dollars to the Gary fund. Our Golden Jubilee offering was thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents. We have our annual Praise Service and have interesting speakers such as Mrs. McCrea, Mrs. Hunter, of Indianapolis and Mrs. Starke, formerly of Frank- fort. Praise offering averages thirty-six dollars. Last year we enjoyed many good talks by Mrs. Lizzie Hamilton who had recently returned from a visit with her son in China.
We have an organization called The Sisterhood, whose work is devising ways and means of raising money for the purpose of beautifying the church building and manse and when we have the Easter dinner it seems every lady in the church responds so readily ; how glad we would be to have them be as energetic in our missionary work. Our missionary offerings have increased from fifteen dollars in the year of 1875 to one hundred eighty-five dollars and eighty-one cents in 1913. Our offerings for the thirty-seven years amount to three thousand seven hundred seventy-three dollars and eighty- nine cents, an average of one hundred and two dollars.
In June of the year 1900, we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary, about sixty ladies being present. Greetings from the Methodist societies were given by Mrs. L. S. Buckles: "It affords me great pleasure on this, your silver anniversary, as a representative of Methodism to voice like one of old. As our hearts are right with your hearts, we extend to you the hand of hearty greeting, and we will ride together in the great chariot of golden op- portunity, slaying with the sword of the spirit, till all nations become the fol- lowers of Christ. Life is not breathing but doing, not receiving but giving. It is not how long we live, makes success, but how well. We live in deeds not words-twenty-five speak the years, but eternity alone can reveal the work
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
accomplished. Our hearty congratulations are yours." Mrs. Starke re- sponded for the Baptist church. She spoke of the sacrifice missionaries made in carrying the gospel to heathen countries. It was a pleasure to be present and offer congratulations on our twenty-fifth anniversary. Warm words of greeting were read from past presidents and absent members. The silver offering amounted to fifteen dollars and sixty-two cents.
On behalf of the Missionary Society we welcome you back to our home church and voice the words of Miss Seegmiller :
Like beads upon a rosary
We count the joys of memory.
Blue sky seen through an open door
A patch of sunlight on the floor.
A sunny and a shady spot
A single blue forget-me-not. Work, and rest at work day's end
A hand clasp, yea a hand clasp friend.
Here we pause with thoughts of thee
And lose the count on my rosary.
We reach our hand, thy hand to take
Let's clasp once more for old time's sake.
UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
Lebanon, I ; members, 100; Wayne G. Miller, pastor.
Terhune, I ; members, 300.
Maple Grove, I ; members, 112.
Max, I ; members, 102.
Pleasant Hill, 1; members, 112; E. J. Jenkins, pastor, Crawfordsville.
Gravelly Run, I ; members, 80.
THORNTOWN CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
Early in the forties, meetings of this denomination were held in a frame structure on east Church street, across the railroad, on the south side. In- formation is meager in regard to its earliest organization. Elder Peter
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
Russell is the first whose name we have been able to obtain, as a regular preacher. What he accomplished we do not know. He was succeeded by Elder Milton B. Hopkins, who served the congregation faithfully, but one day came to his death by accident. He was followed by William Young, who was not only a good preacher, but won a lasting reputation as an exhorter, unexcelled at that day. The church moved along, growing in wisdom and liberality. The times were not auspicious for women; it was considered altogether out of place for their voice to be heard in prayer or testimony. Paul's exhortion, "Let the women keep silent in the churches," was impressed upon this congregation. Alvin Hobbs succeeded to this charge, inasmuch as he had a wife, who was an able assistant to him, he was more tolerant toward the ladies and encouraged them in church ministrations.
A revival broke out and two hundred accessions were gained to the church. A new meeting house was projected. The east corner of Main and Vine streets was chosen for a site, and Mr. Condra, in whose addition it was, donated the ground. The money was soon raised by subscription and a new brick structure, commodious and in every way adapted to the needs of that day arose speedily. This church stands there yet; it has weathered the storms, the stress and strain of sixty years, but a plan is now on foot for a new edifice this coming year. The church members are on the "qui vivi," already raising funds and have met with marked success. We have not been able to secure all the names of the worthy ministers who have filled its pulpit and platform with their eloquence, fervor, earnestness and holy zeal for the cause of Christ, but we have obtained a partial list: Elders John A. Johns- ton, Joseph Davis, H. R. Pritchard, S. M. Conner, U. R. Brewer, A. L. Crim, Morrison, E. T. Lane, B. F. Cato, Lee Tinsley, W. H. Newlin, H. A. Turney and R. E. Callithan.
In 1887, the congregation numbered seventy members. Fluctuations have taken place in membership, by colonization in the west, by removals and deaths, but a revival now in progress, will again strengthen and build the borders of Zion. The outlook is good and refreshing. A large and flourish- ing Bible school, ranging from three hundred to less, is constantly main- tained by this denomination. The Christian Woman's Board of Missions is aggressive, looking after the welfare of missions. Various social organiza- tions are ever on the alert and accomplish good results by their effective work. A comfortable parsonage is owned and maintained by the congrega-
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
tion, for the residence of the pastor in charge. A fine orchestra is kept up by this congregation and the choir contains artistic singers.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THORNTOWN.
The Methodist Episcopal church at Thorntown has been remodeled this summer, by changing it from a two-story building to a one-story and enlarg- ing it. so as to give ample room on the ground floor for all of its services. The steeple was removed and the roof lowered. The walls on the north and south sides were moved out so as to give more room. The building was veneered with dark brown brick, giving the building a new and modern appearance. The roofing is of tile instead of slate. Under the addition on the north side, twenty by sixty feet, there is a basement room commodious and airy. The old chapel room, formerly used as the lecture and Sunday- school room, has been changed into the auditorium by cutting windows in the west end, elevating the ceiling, making openings into the additions on the north and south sides and folding doors into the east rooms adjoining. Gables were placed in the roof on the north and south sides. The doors are three for entrance and egress-one on the east side of the tower room, one on the south side just west of the tower, one on the north side in the addition of that side. The building has a modern appearance and is fitted up with all the appliances for the needs and service of the church and it will be very commodious and convenient. It is expected to be ready for services the last month of the year, when it is to be used in a series of evangelistic services conducted by Rev. Frank Wright.
SIXTY-THIRD SESSION OF THE JUDSON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION WAS HELD IN BAPTIST CHURCH IN SEPTEMBER, IQII.
The Judson Baptist Association convened in the Thorntown Baptist church. It found the local church well prepared for the large task before it. A preliminary meeting was held Tuesday night, September 12, as a service of prayer which was led by Rev. Carl Tatem of Kokomo. The leader empha- sized the fact that prayer was not a gift but a spirit, "The spirit of prayer," and such a spirit characterized the entire meeting. Several remarkable experi-
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
ences were related. It was a good beginning for the great meeting that was to follow on Wednesday.
Wednesday morning the delegates and visitors began to arrive early, a goodly number being present for the opening session at ten o'clock. After a devotional service Rev. A. E. Clem delivered a welcome address in a few well chosen words, bidding welcome to the church, to the homes and to the entire town and on behalf of the authorities, delivering the keys of the town and bidding the guests be at home during their stay. The moderator, Rev. W. E. Abrams, of Camden, gave a most pleasing response, accepting on behalf of the association all that had been so cordially proffered.
Rev. J. H. Mitchell, of Young America, preached the annual sermon, using as a text John 12 :: 21. His theme was "Seeing Jesus." It was a mas- terful discourse, awakening a longing in many hearts to better know their Master. The Thorntown Letter was then read, after which adjournment was had for the dinner hour.
At one thirty Rev. T. T. Minnis, of Russiaville, led devotional services of unusual inspiration. The nominating committee made their report and the following officers were elected: Rev. W. E. Abrams was re-elected as moderator; Rev. H. H. Hurley, of Kokomo, vice moderator; W. J. Landis, of Flora, clerk and treasurer; Miss Iva Caldwell, of Elizaville, vice clerk and treasurer.
Then followed the reading of the church letters from various churches, which showed much progress during the year, that from some of the churches being exceptionally good. Miss Nina Chaney, of Russiaville, gave a well-prepared report on Sunday school work, which was followed by an ad- dress by Rev. E. B. Devault, of Galveston, on "Qualified Teachers." He emphasized the new birth as the first requisite and the teaching of right things as essential. The teacher should be original and not simply study what others have written in the lesson helper. Adjournment was then had and the congregation assembled in the front of the church, where a photo- graph of the association was taken by W. E. Mundell, of Frankfort.
The evening service was largely attended, not all being able to get in to hear the addresses. Rev. G. C. Chandler, of Rochester, spoke eloquently in behalf of the "Aged Ministers' Home," and Dr. Myron W. Haynes, field secretary for Franklin College, gave a stirring address on Education. His theme was, "Things That Are Worth While." He spoke of the call to the
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
ministry with its difficulties and discouragements until some become weary and seek other means of livelihood. This is not only true of the Baptist denomination but he cited one instance where in one large denomination in one conference recently nineteen came up and laid down their credentials. But notwithstanding all the discouragements he would rather be a minister than anything else. Second, it is worth while to be a Baptist because of their glorious history and the principles for which they stand. But they won't stand transplanting, they must be kept in their native soil. Third, we should be intelligent Baptists; should read and especially our own denom- inational literature. Fourth, we should be loyal Baptists; loyal to our own educational institutions. Fifth, he made an appeal in behalf of Franklin College and asked the churches to stand loyally by him in his effort to add $400,000 to the present endowment of the college of which the General Educational Society will give provided the rest be raised. A resolution was adopted pledging the loyal support of the association. Adjournment was then made until 8:30 Thursday morning, all feeling enthusiastic over the day's work.
THURSDAY MORNING.
After an inspiring devotional service the Women's Home and Foreign Missions were given the right of way.
The women's hour was in charge of Mrs. J. C. Smith, of Kokomo. She gave the report of the work being done by the various mission circles of the churches, and while it was encouraging in some respects, yet in others the work was not what it should be, especially in the offerings received. An appeal was made for greater loyalty on the ground of the great need and helplessness of the heathen women in comparison to the condition in this country.
Mrs. Smith then introduced Mrs. Dr. Haynes, of Franklin, Indiana, who spoke briefly of a home being built in Mandalay, Burma, for an In- diana girl, Miss Julia Parrott. She spoke very forcibly of the need in heathen land and the need in Indiana in supporting the work the women are doing. The work in the association is not what it should be. She quoted from another as saying, "The heathen may not need the American but the Ameri- can needs the heathen because of the need of having a Christian love
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
and sympathy for others." This interesting hour closed by a beautiful solo by Miss Ward, of Kokomo, a returned missionary from Japan.
Rev. O. R. Mckay, of LaFayette, spoke on Foreign Missions. He had been on the field in India and spoke with authority. He said in part: The missionary gets closer to the people than any other foreigner. The con- verted heathen makes a better consumer and also producer. So aids com- merce and agricultural interests. Heathenism has its hand on labor but the missionary releases it and at the same time the minerals and ores and valuable products, thus adding to the world's supply. The mission schools fit young men for these pursuits not only by educating but by making them morally trustworthy.
Rev. Samuel Samuelson, from the Shahn Hills, Burma, followed with a stirring address, giving facts and figures such as only one fresh from the field can do. Rev. O. A. Cook then spoke on State Missions. Eleven hundred were added to the membership through the efforts of our state evangelists and several new churches organized. So far about twenty thousand have been paid into the state board.
In the afternoon Rev. L. O. Egnew, of Bunker Hill, led the devotional service. Rev. J. B. Morgan reported on the Crawford Industrial School. Mrs. McIlwain and Miss Nellie Morgan, whose work is among the foreign population at Brooklyn, New York, spoke on Women's Home Missions. Miss Morgan always inspires her audiences.
Report of committees followed. Among others by the committee on resolutions was one as follows: That we greatly appreciate the excellent entertainment we have received at the hands of Pastor Clem and his loyal church and the citizens of Thorntown and return our hearty thanks for the same.
In the evening the Rev. H. H. Hurley, Ph. D., pastor of the First Baptist church, Kokomo, gave a stirring address to the young people on the subject, "How to Win a Soul to Jesus."
The association then adjourned to meet at Kokomo next year.
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
PASTORS WHO HAVE SERVED THE THORNTOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Years.
Stephen R. Ball ( Frankfort Circuit)
Sept. 1832-33
S. R. Ball and William Campbell
1833-34
B. Phelps
1834-35
Eli Rogers
1836-37
Thomas J. Brown (Lebanon Circuit)
66
1837-39
CLASS ORGANIZED.
Joseph White and G. W. Stafford
Sept. 1839-40
Ancil Beach and John DeMott.
1840-41
William Wilson and Samuel Beck
1841-42
John Edwards, first (old) church built
1842-43
Henry Wells and J. H. Newland.
1843-44
George W. Stafford (Thorntown Circuit)
1844-45
William Campbell
1845-46
J. W. Ricketts
66
1848-49
Jared B. Marston
1849-50
James Aldrich
1850-51
James Spinks
1851-52
William Campbell and H. C. Wilton
66
1852-55
Aaron Gurney and T. E. Webb
66
1855-56
John L. Smith ( Thorntown Academy built)
1856-57
1857-58 Charles A. Brook
Wiley Campbell
1858-59
William Watkins
1859-60
George W. Warner
1860-62
*Class meetings discontinued. (23)
1
1
I
1846 -- 47
George W. Stafford and J. W. Ricketts
1847-48
William Smith
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
T. C. Hackney Sept. 1862-63
C. B. Mock
1863-64
Richard Hargrave (Great Revivals) 1864-66
Lucus Nebeker 1866-69
F. M. Pavey
1869-72
Present church built. Dedicated in 1872. First revival held-146 added to membership.
Joseph C. Reed
Sept. 1872-73
G. W. Bower
1873-76
Samuel Beck 1876-77
John L. Smith 1877-79
L. C. Buckles 1879-81 1
Thomas Meredith 1881-82 1
J. W. Harris 1882-85
J. A. Clearwaters (Great Revivals)
1885-86
Isaac Dale
1886-89
John M. Stafford
David Hadley (Ester Frame Revival. Parsonage built)
1890-93
James G. Campbell
.. 1893-96
W. P. Mckinsey 1896-97
1897-99
T. J. Bassett ( Parsonage burned. Rebuilt)
1899-02
A. H. DeLong (Furnaces placed. Wall frescoed)
1902-05
J. C. Martin
1905-09
J. D. Krewel
1909-12
J. B. Rutter
1912-14
S. A. Bender
1914-15 Members of first class, Oliver Craven, leader; Elias and Sarah Talbert, Gheer and Sarah Foster, and a young man whose name was lost in old records.
1889-90
A. C. Geyer (Memorial windows placed in church)
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
MINISTERS OF M. E. CHURCH AT LEBANON AND WHITESTOWN.
Ministers who have served the Methodist Episcopal church, Lebanon since 1869: P. S. Cook, J. Foxworthy, E. W. Lawhorn, C. B. Mock, T. S. Webb, S. P. Colvin, H. A. Merrill, F. M. Pavey, J. L. Smith, H. C. Neal, Allen Lewis, F. M. Pavey, W. P. Mckinsey, H. L. Kindig, H. A. Tucker, D. M. Wood, D. Tillottson, M. H. Appleby, and K. W. Robins.
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