USA > Indiana > Madison County > History of Madison County, Indiana, from 1820 to 1874 : giving a general review of principal events, statistical and historical items, derived from official sources > Part 24
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BUSBY M. E. MEETING HOUSE.
THE M. E. society, which formerly met at the above meeting house, was organized about the year 1835; and was for a number of years in a very prosperous and flourish- ing condition ; and was a very popular preaching point. It is located on the pike, leading from Anderson to War- rington, a mile and a half from the county line, in Fall Creek township, and on the south bank of Lick creek. Among the first preachers, were F. M. Richmond and Saul Reger. The society has not met since 1865, the membership having become scattered and associated with other societies. The old church is yet standing, but time is fast telling upon it, and it will soon be numbered among the things of the past. Around it, however, cluster many pleasant recollec-
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tions ; here the pioneer was wont to meet and worship in times gone by. Mr. Richmond and Mr. Reger have both passed away, besides many others, who met here in early times. Among the last to leave these sacred walls, was the Rev. L. D. Reger, who was an active member of the above society.
M. E. CHURCH, PENDLETON.
THIS is the mother of churches in the county. Its exist- ence dates back to the year 1823. Among the first mem- bers were Thomas Pendleton and wife and daughter, Mrs. McCartney, Mrs. Samuel Holliday, Elias and Elizabeth Hollingsworth Samuel Hunley and wife, and James Scott and wife. They first met in private houses for several years, when a log house was built and used until the year 1839, when the present church was built. This is a large frame house forty by sixty and cost $1,800 and was, when it was built, the best church in the county. Although it will not compare favorably with the church architecture of 1874, it is nevertheless comfortably arranged and will seat six hundred persons. Among the first preachers who labored for this society, we find the names of James Reader, James Havens and Edward Ray, father of John W. Ray, of Indianapolis. This society has grown to be one of the strongest in the county, and flourished till the year 1870, when it lost to some extent its prestige by the financial difficulties of Bomgardner and Walker, both prominent members Among the ministers who have labored here since the above named are : F. M. Richmond, J. H. Hull, W. H. Goode, A. Eddy, O. V. Lemon, Samuel Lamb, H. Smith, L. W. Munson, V. M. Bemer, N. H. Phillips, E. Hasty, E. M. Baker and C. G. Hudson. This society has had for years a flourishing Sabbath school. I. N. Zeublin has acted for many years as its superintendent. The aver- age attendance is near one hundred.
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M. E. CHURCH, FRANKTON.
THIS church was built in 1867, and cost $1,500. It is a frame building, thirty by forty-five ; is a substantial house house, with a neat cupola, and will seat five hundred per- sons. The first trustees were John Townson, Jonathan Sutton, James French, B. Dwiggins and J. C. Montgomery The society is flourishing and has a membership of a hun- dred and twenty. The organization of this society dates back to the year 1837, when it was organized at the house of Joseph Miller. The first preacher was William Curtis. The first members were Joseph Miller and wife, William Taylor and wife, Robert Irvin and wife, Reuben Kelly and wife, John Goff and wife, John Chamless and Katy Mills. Thus, from a few members, it has grown to be one of the largest Churches in the county. It has a splendid Sabbath school, with an average attendance of seventy-five. The present superintendent is William Suman, the secretary Louisa Edson, and the treasurer Russell Cramer.
PLEASANT VALLEY. M. E. CHURCH.
THIS church is two and a half miles west of Pendleton, on the Noblesville turnpike, on the west bank of Foster's Branch. This has been a preaching point for many years, and was a branch of the society at Pendleton up to the year 1865, when a class was formed and steps taken to erect a church, which was done the same year, the size of which is thirty by thirty-six feet, costing about $1,200. It is a neat church, and will seat about three hundred persons. The trustees are O. B. Shaul, George Williamson and Wil- liam A. Baker. Among those who formerly met and wor- shipped here, we find the names of Andrew Shanklin and wife, William Williamson and wife, and John Shaul. The ministers have been F. M. Richmond, Heze- kiah Smith, N. Gillem, L. W. Munson, V. M. Beemer, J. C. Medsker, H. N. Philips, M. A. Teague and Mr. Baker.
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The present minister is Mr. Hudson. The society has a Sabbath school, which has been in operation nine years. C. Goodrich is superintendent, and T. A. Baker, secretary. Previous to the building of the above house this society was known as the Shanklin Class, from the fact of its having met at the house of Andrew Shanklin, who was among the first to organize and build up this society. A personal sketch of Mr. S. is given in another place.
RICHMOND M. E. CHAPEL.
THE above chapel is situated on Foster's branch, in the southern edge of Stoney Creek township, and three miles north of Pendleton. The house is a frame building, thirty- four by twenty-four feet, cost one thousand dollars, and was erected in 1858. The following are the trustees: William Shaul, G. W. Pavey, John Shuman and William Snell. Of those who composed the first class we find G. W. Pavey and wife, William Huntsinger and wife and William Shaul. The first preacher was F. M. Richmond, from whom the house derived its name. The names of the preachers suc- ceeding Richmond are N. Gillum, L. W. Munson, V. M. Bemer, J. C. Medsker, N. H. Phillips, and M. A. Teague. The society is week, meeting only occasionally. We find that the first class leader was G. W. Pavey. In 1860 the Sabbath school was organized, and has been kept up in the summer seasons almost ever since. The first superintendent was A. M. Ulin, who is an active member, not only of the Sabbath school, but of the church also.
M. E. CHURCH, ALEXANDRIA.
THIS society has been organized for many years, perhaps since 1840. The first church was built in 1843, and is yet standing. It is twenty-four by forty-eight feet, and cost
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$800. The first trustees were William Wilson, J. E. D. Smith, V. C. McNear. Among the first preachers were J. W. Bradshaw, Jacob Colcazier, J. H. Hull, and Abraham Hazely. The society is now erecting a new and splendid house which was commenced in 1873, and will be finished by Christmas, 1874. The size of the house is forty by sixty feet, with high ceiling, arched windows and cupola, and when finished, will be a credit to Alexandria and the society that built it. The estimated cost of the builbing, which is of brick, is $7,000. The present trustees are A. Birtchey, Thomas Norris, E. H. Menafee, N. E. Tomlinson, A. J. Lee, and Nathan O'Bryant. The society has a membership of fifty, and has a Sabbath school with an average attend- ance of seventy. The superintendent, G. W. Bailey ; sec- retary, L. Buck; treasurer, Kate Zimmerman.
MT. TABOR M. E. CHURCH, MONROE TOWN- SHIP.
THIS house is located five miles northwest of Alexandria. The society that meets at this house is the Methodist, the organization of which dates back to 1838. The society first met in private houses ; then in a log 'school house up to the year 1850, when the present house was built. This house is thirty-eight by forty-eight and cost twelve hundred dollars. Among the first members composing this society were : Samuel McMahan, David Osburn, Wright Smith, Lidia Smith, David Austin and wife, and Louisa McMahan. The first ministers were James Havens, Hezekiah Smith and John Hull. The present preacher is W. Peck. This society has had ups and downs and is not now in a very prosperous condition. The membership is small; they, however, keep up regular meetings and have a Sabbath school in connection. Just east and in sight is the Mt. Tabor cemetery where many sleep who formerly belonged to this church. All the persons referred to above have died with the exception of Lidia Smith and Mrs. Austin, to the
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latter of whom I am indebted for this church history. She lives near the church and has seen it in its prosperity and adversity ; has seen the house crowded and again has seen only the faithful few who have formed a nucleus here as elsewhere throughout the land. We hope there are yet in store brighter days for Mt. Tabor, and that its smoldering fires will burn with their wonted fervency as in days past.
MANNERING M. E. CLASS.
THIS class meets at school house No. 5, two miles east of Alexandria, in Monroe township. It was first organized in 1854, as a branch of the Alexandria M. E. Church. Among the first members we find the names of George and Rachel Hammond, James and Mary Mannering, William Mannering and wife, Nancy Kelly, John and Susanna Wil-
son. The first minister was A. Greenman. The present minister is Rev. W. Peck. This society at one time, was very strong with a membership of near seventy, but has been reduced, however, by death and removals to twenty- five. They keep up regular meetings and have preaching every three weeks.
ASBURY CHAPEL, M. E. CHURCH.
THIS church is on the bank of Kill Buck, four miles northeast of Anderson, in Richland township. The house is a neat frame, thirty-four by forty-six feet, and will seat comfortably four hundred persons. It was dedicated Sep- tember 13th, 1870, by Dr. Bowman. Previous to the build- ing of the above house the society met at the school house in the vicinity. Among the first members were Daniel Goodykoontz and wife, James Hollingsworth and wife, Thomas Thornberg and David Tappin. This church has a membership of thirty-five. It has a Sabbath school, with an average attendance of thirty ; John Mathers, superin-
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tendent ; Albert Dillon, secretary, and H. Tapin, treasurer. Among the first preachers were Hezekiah Smith and John H. Hull. The church was named in honor of Bishop Asbury, whose memory will live as long as Methodism is preached in the land. May Asbury chapel long continue to be an honor to this good man. The present trustees of the church are Samuel Falkner, David Tapin and Frank Watkins. The present preacher is R. H. Smith. R. N. McCaig was on the cireuit when the present house was built.
MIT. CARMEL M. E. CHURCH.
THE above house is located near the line dividing Fall Creek and Green townships, and on the Bellefontaine rail- road, four miles from Pendleton. This society dates back to the year 1828. They first met in private houses, then in a log school house, until the year 1848, when the present house was built. Among the first members comprising this society, we find the following: William MeCarty, John Marsh and wife, Samuel Gibson and wife, James Jones, and James D. Honley. This society is yet kept up, though it has lost much of its former prestige. Adjoining is the cem- etery, where lie buried Saul Shaul and Samuel Gibson, two honored pioneers, who, in days of yore, contributed much to the upbuilding of the society at Mt. Carmel.
TENNESSEE M. E. CHURCH.
THIS church is situated in Monroe township and was organized in 1870. The first members were John and Elizabeth Reaves, Catherine Childs, J. H. and Nancy Maynard, J. M. Reaves, Martin and Roda Waymire, Abram and Rhoda Devault, Elisha Smith, Margret Curtis, and J. W. and Ellen and Mary Mannering. The name of the first preacher was George Jenkins; the present one is R. H. Smith. The first class leader was J. H. Maynard
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The total membership is thirty. They have a Sabbath school, organized in 1869. The first superintendent was J. H. Maynard ; the first treasurer, Martin Waymire; the first secretary, William Reaves. This school keeps up its organization the year round and has an average attendance of sixty. The house which the above society meets in was formerly occupied by the United Brethren and is a log house.
THE M. E. CHURCH, FISHERSBURG.
THIS society dates back to the year 1827. It met at pri- vate houses a short time, but steps were soon taken to erect a small log house twenty feet square. This was used until the year 1831, when a larger house was required. This was also a log house and was occupied until 1853, when the present house was built, which is a frame building thirty-eight by fifty and cost $1.600. This church has a membership of near one hundred. The house is well finished and will seat six hundred persons, and is in every way a respectable building. The trustees are Charles Fisher, Samuel Busby and Thomas Aldred. The present preacher is John Harri- son. They have an excellent Sunday school with an aver- age attendance of seventy scholars. Among the first preachers were Charles Bonner, W. C. Smith, and L. W. Berry. Among the first members we find Thomas Busby, D. E. Studley and wife, Charles Fisher and wife, John Anderson, Z. Rogers and wife, Mrs. Thomas Busby, Samuel Busby and David Conrad.
M. E. CHURCH, ANDERSON.
The society was organized in 1827. Previous to that time it had met in the private houses of Collins Tharp, William Curtis and Elias Hollingsworth. In the year 1839 Collins Tharp gave the ground on which to erect the church, of
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1
which a portion was to be used as a cemetery. This is the ground known as the Old Cemetery, just east of the Stil- well Park. Soon after the ground was given, the society commenced the erection of a church. This house was never entirely finished. It was, however, used by them for sey- eral years. It was finally sold to J. E. D. Smith and used by him as a carpenter shop. A few years later it was consumed by fire. Among the first members were Collins Tharp and wife, Enoch Donahue and wife, William Curtis and wife, Mrs. Harpold, Matilda Shannon, E. Merrill and wife, and Henry Russell. Among the first ministers were John Strange, James Havens, Rev. Van Cleve, G. C. Beeks, Rev. Vance, C. Bonner and D. F. Stright. The society had become so numerous about the year 1849 that preparations were made for building a new church. A lot was obtained of R. N. Williams on the northeast corner of Williams and Meridian streets, and in the year following a house thirty- six by fifty was completed at a cost of about $1,200. This house was used by the society until the year 1870, when it was sold to D. W. Swank for $1,000. It was removed by him to the lot north of the post office, where it is now used for a millinery establishment. The proceeds were applied to the erection of the present house. The new church is situated immediately south of the old site; This house is a brick building fifty by eighty with a tower one hundred and forty feet high, and a steeple one hundred and seventy. The house has high arched widows and doors, capped with stone and ornamented with beautiful stained glass. The exterior of the church has a massive and tasteful appearance. It is covered with a slate roof. The basement or lecture-room below will comfortably accommodate about five hundred persons.
Having hastily glanced at the external appearance, we will enter the main audience room by a flight of stairs on the west. We find a main and two side aisles. The inte- rior is beautifully frescoed. The seats are arranged in a semi-circular form. The entire room presents a harmonious appearance. It has a commodious gallery, and is lighted
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by elegant chandeliers. It is furnished with an organ, both above and below. This church is a credit to the society that built it, and an ornament to the city of Anderson. It cost $28,000. The basement was dedicated November, 1870, by Dr. Read, of Chicago. The main, or audience room, was dedicated December 31st, 1871, by Dr. Andrus, of Green Castle, on which occasion an ample amount was subscribed and pledged to pay all indebtedness. The soci- ety now numbers two hundred and fifty, and is by far the most numerous and prosperous of any in the county. The following are the trustees : D. W. Swank, Alfred Walker, B. Rhoads, B. F. Alford, William R. West, A. J. King and H. J. Blackledge. The society has in connection a flour- ishing Sabbath school, which has kept pace with the church and been in operation for years. It has a membership of two hundred and fifty, and an average attendance of two hundred. Its superintendent is J. T. Smith ; secretary, M. A. Chipman.
BETHEL M. E. CHURCH, FLORIDA STATION.
THIS society was organized and first met at the house of William Lowe ; then at Croan's school house. The first members were : James Hollingsworth and wife, Allen Gor- don, Milton Longley, and Sexton Hilligoss. The first preachers were Robert Burns and J. H. Hull. In 1857 the society built the present house at Florida Station. It is a frame, thirty-two by forty-six, and costing $1,400, and will comfortably seat about four hundred persons. This society now numbers fifty-two members and has regular preaching every two weeks. The present pastor is R. H. Smith. They have a Sabbath school with an average attendance of thirty-five. This Sabbath school has been organized a number of years. Its first superintendent was Elizabeth Hollingsworth, since which time it has never ceased to exist. Mrs. H. was also one of the original members of this society.
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HISTORY OF
M. E. CHURCH, CHESTERFIELD.
THE above house was built in 1872, and dedicated in December of that year by Dr. Andrus, of Greencastle. This house is a frame, thirty-six by forty-eight feet ; is adorned with a cupola ; cost $1,600, and when thoroughly painted will present a neat appearance. The trustees are : Robert Goodwin, B. French and David Tapin. The mem- bership is small and they have been greatly aided by other societies in the building of this house. The society is, at this writing, laboring under embarrassment by having incurred a debt of $800 in its erection. Previous to the erection of this church the society met at the school house in Chesterfield. The society has lately made arrangements for regular preaching and are to be supplied by the Rev. R. H. Smith, of the Anderson circuit.
WESLEY CHAPEL M. E. CHURCH.
THIS house is situated in Richland township, and was built in 1860. It is a frame building, thirty-four by forty- eight feet; comfortably seated, and will accommodate about five hundred persons. It is in every way a neat church, worthy of the society that built it. The church is lit with chandeliers, and is surrounded with a neat fence, which also encloses a fine cemetery. The cost of the house and furniture was $1,800. The trustees are B. F. Walker, A. H. McNear, J. R. Holston, Alfred Walker, and Rich- ard Jackson. This society dates back to 1842, and for- merly met in an old log school house. The names of those who composed the society are, B. F. Walker and wife, J. R. and Nancy Holston, William Noble, A. H. McNear, Christian Lower, and B. Lower. Among the first preach- ers, we find the names of B. H. Bradley, Isaac King, Joseph Marsee, H. Smith, J. H. Hull and J. R. Lacy. The present preacher is R. H. Smith. The society numbers fifty members, and has a Sabbath school with an average
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attendance of forty, of which the superintendent is Addison Holston; secretary, Ellen Holston, and treasurer, J. W. Stephens. The above chapel was dedicated June 11th, 1860, by J. H. McElwee, who was on the circuit at that- time.
ANTIOCH M. E. CHURCH, MENDEN, FALL CREEK TOWNSHIP.
THIS society was organized about the year 1831. Their first meeting place was a log house used for meeting and school purposes. Among the first members were Manly Richards, Joseph Carter, Andrew Bragg, James W. Mani- fold, Jacob and John Lambord, and John Russell. The first preachers were J. N. Elsbury and Asa Beck. In 1842. a frame house was built, twenty-six by thirty-six feet, which was occupied until 1868, when the present church was built. This is also a frame, forty-six by fifty-six feet, good foundation, well finished, and is in every respect a good house. It cost three thousand dollars. It is beauti- fully located just west of the town of Menden, on the bank of Lick creek. Near it stand a United Brethren church and a school house, spoken of in another place. The pres- ent trustees are J. W. Manifold, Eli Patterson, J. E. Car- ter, J. W. Scott, and J. P. McCarty. The present mem- bership is fifty. In connection is a Sabbath school which has been in progress for several years. The average attend- ance is fifty scholars. Their superintendent is J. W. Mani- fold; G. C. Cook, secretary. The school is kept up during the whole year. This is one of the best houses in the county outside of Anderson. A little south, and on the bank of the creek, is the cemetery, where are buried several of the pioneers of the county, among whom are Ralph Williams, senior, one of the first citizens of Adams township, and father of Ralph Williams of Markleville.
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THE M. E. CHURCH, MARKLEVILLE, ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
THE first meetings held in this locality was at the pri- vate houses of Stephen Norman and Ralph Williams, sr .; afterward in a log school house near where the present house now stands. Among the first preachers were Saul Reger, Daniel Stright, Augustus Eddy. In the year 1856, a new house was built just south of town on the land donated by John Markle and George McCulough. The size of the house is thirty-six by forty-eight feet, fourteen foot ceiling ; has a cupola and a bell, and with the exception of the found- ation is a very good house. It has walnut seats, lighted with chandeliers ; cost of house, $1,400. The trustees are: R. Williams, L. D. Reger, J. M. Small. The society is weak and was aided greatly by members of other denomi- nations and outsiders in building. The house is used by other denominations when not occupied by the Methodists, who have at all times the preference. It was dedicated October, 1856, by O. P. Lemon and named in honor of him, consequently is known as Orange Chapel. Among those who contributed largely to its erection we find are : Ralph Williams, Samuel Huston, L. D. Reger, Daniel Cook, John Boran. The present preacher is J. F. Pierce. A Sabbath school has been successfully organized here and is kept up the year round. Its present superintendent is C. G. Mauzy ; secretary, Bell Harden ; treasurer, J. M. Small. Average attendance, forty-five.
THE M. E. CHURCH, PERKINSVILLE.
THI- society is among the oldest in the county with the ex- ception of those at Pendleton and Anderson. It was organ- ized about the year 1828. The members met in private houses until a small frame house was built, which they used till about the year 1850, when the present house was
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erected. This house is a brick building, thirty by forty feet and cost $1,500. It is a very comfortable house and will seat about four hundred persons. This society is strong and influential, including some of the best citizens of Jackson township. Among the first ministers were, James Havens, J. H. Hull, H. Smith, and F. M. Richmond. The present minister is, J. F. Rhoads. It has in connection also a Sab- bath school, which has been in operation for years, and a full account of which was furnished by F. M. Armstrong. This account is to long for insertion, but nevertheless Mr. Armstrong has our thanks.
ELM GROVE CHURCH.
THIS is a New Light Church, situated in the Western part of Lafayette Township. It was built in 1873, and dedi- cated in October of that year by Rev. McCollough, of Day- ton, Ohio. It is a neat frame house with a cupola, and is thirty-two by forty-six, and cost $1,600. The carpenter work was done by James Thompson, of Anderson. As the name would indicate, it is situated in a very beautiful grove, its snowy whiteness contrasting with the green boughs which overhang. Who is it that does not regard the beau- tiful churches and school-houses as omens of good ? They act as a kind of magnetism holding society together. Strip us of these, and society would soon be like a ship without a rudder. Pardon the digression, and we will close up the history of Elm Church. The trustees are Alexander Smith and George Thompson. The society has a member- ship of thirty. Several of the members of the above society formerly belonged to the Kill Buck Church in the eastern part of the township, and on its going down they attached themselves to this society. Elm Grove Church is five miles northwest of Anderson, and two miles southwest of Florida Station. Dr. Raynes is superintendent, and J. M. Bodkins, secretary of the Sabbath school that meets here.
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HISTORY OF
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, OF ANDERSON.
BY REV. W. M. GRIMES.
THE First Presbyterian Church, of Anderson, was organ- ized by Rev. Edward Schofield, September 4, 1851 consist- ing of eleven members, six of whom are still living. The first house of worship, a plain brick building thirty-six by sixty feet, costing $2,500, was built on Meridian street in 1855, and was sold to the First Baptist Church in 1872, for $2,000. The new church building, on the corner of Jackson and Washington streets, was commenced in 1872. It is of brick and when finished will be a beautiful struc- ture forty-six by seventy-four feet. The lecture room is finished and plainly bnt elegantly furnished, and pronounced by publie speakers to be a perfect gem. When finished and furnished the church will cost about $18,000, and will be an ornament to the city. Since the organization of the
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