USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 52
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in the basement of the church property have been completed, and Major W. P. Gould has placed in the chancel a beautiful carved oak altar and reredos in memory of his niece, Miss Grace Allen. The present Vestry consists of Heathcote R. McIlvaine, Senior Warden ; H. W. Alexander, Junior Warden; R. J. Greenhow, Guy MeJimsey, John B. Wise, John C. Watts, T. F. Palfrey and Napier Dyer.
TIIE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
It was on the third Sunday in June, 1833, that the Christian church was organized at Vincennes, but by whom is not definitely known, the list containing the names of the organizers as well as those of the charter members not being preserved among the archives. It is known, however, that Henry D. Wheeler and wife and Samuel Piety and wife were among the charter members. The church for fifteen years after its organization was without a house of worship. During this period services were held in the courthouse, town hall and private houses. In May, 1846, a plot of ground was purchased of Judge Blackford by Henry D. Wheeler, Al- pheus Draper and Dr. John R. Mantle, trustees, on which the erection of a church was begun the same year, on the present site of the Crystal laundry, in Second street. On October 19, 1848, the church was dedi- cated. Among its early pastors in the order named were Michael Combs, Morris Palmer, Maurice Trimble, David Worfor, James Mathes, Elijah Goodwin, John O'Kane, L. H. Jameson, P. K. Dibble, O. A. Bartholo- mew, Prof. Amzi Atwater, J. H. Speer, Stephen Burnet, Dr. Eccles, J. H. Harrison. Alexander Campbell paid the church a visit in 1861.
In 1869 Thomas Holton was installed as pastor to conduct all services. In 1871 the Rev. T. J. Clark, who was a teacher in the high school, ac- cepted a call and remained as pastor for twenty-one years. He was suc- cceded by J. W. Jessup, he by G. M. Weimes, who was followed by Rev. William Oeschger, who continued in charge for twelve years, having re- signed in the summer of 1910. Rev. Oeschger was largely instrumental in having the present handsome church built at the corner of Third and Broadway streets, and in augmenting the membership of the congregation, which now exceeds six hundred souls. Rev. Edgar F. Daugherty, the present pastor, assumed his duties in December, 1910. On his arrival in the city, Hon, Clarence B. Kessinger, an active worker in the church, tendered Rev. Daugherty the free use of a handsome ten-thousand dollar dwelling that had just been completed, which Mr. Kessinger subsequently presented to the church to be occupied as a pastoral residence. The house is located in the same block as the church, in Broadway street, and is one of the prettiest homes on that fashionable thoroughfare.
The Second Christian church is located at the intersection of First street and Reel avenue. The building is commodious and artistically de-
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
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signed, and was erected about four years ago. The congregation is quite large, and is presided over by Rev. James I. O'Neal.
TIIE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
The year 1810 is fixed as the date of the establishment of Methodism in Vincennes, the period at which the Rev. William Winans came to the city. He was at this time appointed a circuit rider of a territory which embraced eight or ten counties of southwestern Indiana. In all this vast scope of country he only found forty-two Methodists, who had made their way into the then sparse settlements from the south and east. From this handful of John Wesley's disciples the powerful organizations of Methodists existing to-day have grown. Rev. Winans' first religious services were held in the old fort, and his congregation was composed of government officials, militiamen and a few English and French settlers. Conspicuous among his auditors was General William Henry Harrison, who held a lighted taper near while the preacher read the scriptures and announced the hymns. From within the walls of that dimly-lighted fort the words of the minister, and the enthusiastic spirit which they kindled in the hearts of his hearers, went forth, and in a comparatively short time converts to the Methodist faith all over the state became numerous. So readily did the people embrace the new religion, and so rapidly were organizations of Methodists formed in the settlements, that in 1815 it was deemed advisable to divide the territory into separate charges. In 1827 Vincennes was made a distinct station. In 1828 a modern church was built on the corner of Third and Buntin streets. In 1854 the house was wholly inadequate to comfortably accommodate the congregation, and a more substantial church building was erected. This house, too, eventu- ally became too small for the growing congregation and a new location was sought. A beautiful lot was purchased on the corner of Fourth and Perry streets, and in April, 1899, Rev. H. C. Clippinger, then pastor of the church, laid the foundation of the present handsome structure, which was erected at a cost of $25,000. The building was dedicated on April I, 1900, by Bishop McCabe, during the pastorate of Rev. T. H. Willis, D. D. It is among the handsomest churches of the city, and is a monu- ment to Methodism in which every one of the five hundred members of the congregation feel a conscious pride. Since the establishment of the church over seventy pastors and junior preachers, nearly all of whom have gone to their long reward, have been associated with it. Such illustrious Methodists as Edward R. Ames and Peter Cartwright, who filled with distinction the office of bishop, were among the early pastors of the church. Rev. John Ward, who succeeded Rev. Doddridge January, 1911, is the pastor at the present time.
The Second Methodist church, Rev. G. E. Bennett, pastor, is located at First and Sycamore streets, where Epworth League sessions and prayer meetings are held every Thursday evening.
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Bethel Chapel Methodist church (colored) is at the intersection of Tenth and Bunten streets. It has been an organization for many years. Its present pastor is Rev. Robt. H. Williamson, who conducts regular Sabbath service and Sunday school and holds prayer meetings every Wed- nesday night.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHIURCII.
The year 1833 is the date when Presbyterianism in Vincennes had its second rise, because it was at this period when a certain number of per- sons withdrew from the Indiana church. As has been previously stated, the Indiana church, of which Vincennes Presbyterians were communi- cants, was organized in 1806-such an organization having been perfected in a barn owned by Col. Small, about two miles northeast of Vincennes and about midway between the courthouse and the site now occupied by the Upper Indiana church. The courthouse was for many years prior to 1833 used as a place of Divine worship by Vincennes Presbyterians, who were of the congregation and, hence, a part of the original church organization.
The oldest record book extant of the sessions of the Indiana church, from August 12, 1812, to September 29, 1844, shows that previous to the organization of the Vincennes church the meetings of sessions were held at Lower Meeting House, Upper Meeting House and Vincennes, and as often, or oftener, in Vincennes than either of the other places, which were located in the country. The synod met at Vincennes and held their meet- ings and the Lord's Supper here as early as 1828.
On the site occupied by the present handsome edifice, corner Fifth and Busseron streets, the first church was dedicated April 16, 1831 -- nearly two years before the withdrawal or organization of this part of the church.
The earliest roll of the church (Indiana) shows that of 188 members forty belonged to Vincennes.
The lot on which the present church stands was given to the congre- gation by John Bruner for the nominal sum of $80, with the condition that it be always used for church purposes. A building was erected and dedicated April 13. 1831. Quite an amount had been subscribed but not sufficient to pay for the building and raise the mortgage. However, through untiring energy, religious zeal and extreme liberality of its mem- bers the congregation were able to come into undisputed possession of its church building.
The country and town congregation was divided by Vincennes Presby- tery on April 6, 1842, and the church of Vincennes was organized Satur- day, January 5. 1833. Rev. William Martin was pastor and Dr. James Kuykendahl and Mr. John D. Hay were ordained and installed ruling elders. In 1834 the Rev. W. W. Martin received and accepted a call to Hanover, Ind., leaving the church vacant, which state of affairs continued
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until April, 1835, when the church was placed in correspondence with the Rev. John McNair, who signified his willingness to accept the call. Rev. Jolin McNair took charge of the church May 1, 1835, at a salary of $400 per annum. The congregation were well pleased with their minister, who labored zealously, and the church improved in every way. Rev. McNair remained with the congregation until his health demanded a change and rest and he returned to his old home, leaving the congregation without a pastor, and much discouraged, as they did not know where to apply, until 1836 a call was extended to Rev. Thomas Alexander, of Alabama, who accepted the call, at the same salary, and having arrived with his family took charge October 1, 1836. He fulfilled all the duties of his of- fice satisfactorily until 1847, when he received and accepted a call to his old home in Alabama. The connection between pastor and church was dissolved January 23, 1847. On February 17, 1847, the Rev. John F. Smith, of Bardstown, Ky., was invited to take charge, and arrived March 15th and entered upon his work.
In 1849 the officers of the church, after serious discussion, agreed to dispense with the services of deacons and elect four additional elders instead. The reason given was that they found it impossible to fulfill the duties of both boards satisfactorily from so small a number of male mem- bers. The congregation being willing, and due notice having been given, the following persons were elected elders, viz .: H. P. Brokaw, J. M. Cooke, H. T. Roseman and Dr. H. M. Smith.
On January 27, 1856. Rev. Smith presented a petition to the church to raise his salary or accept his resignation. After mature deliberation the church agreed to accept the resignation. Accordingly the Rev. Smith, having severed his connection, in April, 1856, the congregation invited the Rev. J. W. Blythe of Cranberry, N. J., to take pastoral charge. This was accepted and Rev. Blythe continued to fill the pulpit until March 8, 1858, when he resigned and on May 1, 1858, the pulpit was declared vacant and continued so until November 1, 1859, when the Rev. J. F. Jamison was invited for one year at a salary of $800. At the end of the year a meet- ing was held to consider the matter of retaining Mr. Jamison, which re- sulted in his remaining. As the congregation was very much divided- the vote being 24 to 25-it caused much dissatisfaction among the mem- bers and resulted in the withdrawal of Rev. Jamison. In 1861 the Rev. Eli B. Smith of Louisiana, Mo., was invited to visit the church for several Sundays. This he did so satisfactorily that a call was extended to him, and on May 11, 1862, was installed pastor of the church at a salary of $1,000 per year. In 1862 the church was divided into First and Second churches and so continued until 1873, when they were re-united. On October 28, 1866, the Rev. E. B. Smith severed his connection with the church, the pulpit was declared vacant, to be filled February 2, 1868, by Rev. J. F. Hendy, who closed his pastorate October 23, 1872.
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At a meeting of the Presbytery in Princeton, Indiana, April 16, 1873, a call was extended Rev. Joseph Vance, who accepted and served from April 10, 1873, to July 2, 1874. Rev. H. B. Thayer took charge March 15, 1875, and served until 1877. The church did not succeed in securing a pastor until 1878, when a call was extended to Rev. E. P. Whallon, of Liberty, Ind., who accepted and was installed September 10, 1878. Rev. Whallon's salary was increased in 1886 to $1,500 per year, and he con- tinued to serve until January 1, 1888, when he resigned to remove to Indi- anapolis. On March 28, 1888, at a meeting of the Board Rev. T. S. Scott was unanimously elected pastor.
In 1896 Rev. T. S. Scott requested the congregation to unite with him in a request to the Presbytery to accept his resignation, which was done, and the Rev. George Knox was installed pastor in 1897. For some time after the churches united it was found that the Fifth church was inade- quate to the wants of the growing congregation, and by unwearied dili- gence a new church building was erected from a plan that would give the church an apparently finished structure, and sufficient for a while until money enough could be raised to complete the building. During the proc- ess of erection of the new church, services were held in the Main Street church. At the end of fifteen years some very expensive repairs were needed, and as they had no difficulty in raising the amount of $15,000 from twenty-six members, upon inquiry it was found that many were in favor of finishing the church. At a called meeting March 18, 1898, it was decided to complete the building, and a committee composed of James Wade Emison, Royal E. Purcell and Earl H. Buck, with Rev. George Knox, ex-officio member, was appointed to solicit subscriptions. The com- mittee met with so much success that at a meeting, June 24, 1898, it was decided to appoint a building committee of five-the soliciting committee with the addition of John Bierhaus and James A. Plummer-and to begin work immediately. Before the church was fully completed and ready for dedication Rev. George Knox resigned and it was decided not to call an- other pastor until all indebtedness was paid-not to close the doors abso- lutely, but to have devotional exercises every Sabbath morning. October 30, 1901, it was agreed unanimously to extend a call to Dr. W. A. Hunter, which was accepted, and Dr. Hunter signified his intention of coming to Vincennes. He entered upon his pastoral duties December 1, 1901, and continued to serve the congregation faithfully until the early fall of 1906. He was succeeded by Rev. A. W. Sonne, who temporarily filled the pulpit during the remainder of 1906, assuming full charge the first of the year 1007, and continuing as pastor until the fall of 1910, since which time the church has had no regular minister.
THE BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCII.
Bethany until recently bore the name of the First Cumberland Pres- terian church. Its organization, which dates from April 28, 1890, was
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perfected by Rev. H. Clay Yates, the pastor, who was assisted by Rev. Alonzo Yates, of Monroe City. Those who subscribed their names as charter members were Mrs. Sallie Setzer, Nannie Setzer, Alfred Reel, W. H. Wilson, Lec Milam, Emma Presnell, John S. Sawyer, Cassada Pinkstaff, N. E. Medcalf. Wm. A. Reel, Mary A. Mass, Emma Setzer, Lucinda Watson, Mrs. Mary Underwood, Elizabeth Ingram, Joseph Roseman, Hannah Presnell. Jennie Hazen, Lucinda Sawyer, Ella J. Med- calf, Emma McCarrell. In 1890 the first Bethany (Cumberland) church was built. At the time it was constructed the growth of the congregation was anticipated, and it was so planned that by an addition its capacity would not only be increased, but its symmetry and beauty enhanced. The addition, which was made about four years ago, makes the church one of the most attractive in the city. It is located in Shelby street, near Eighth, and since its establishment has had five pastors, viz .: Rev. H. Clay Yates, April 28, 1890, to April 1, 1895; Rev. F. A. Grant, from July 1 1895, to January 1, 1896; Rev. J. N. McDonald, from March, 1897, to April, 1901 : Rev. J. B. Miller, who accepted his charge May 5, 1901, tendered resignation in the fall of 1910, to take up evangelistic work, and was succeeded by Rev. Elijah A. Arthur, the present pastor. The church has a membership of about three hundred with a Sunday school enrollment of two hundred and fifty.
The Presbyterians also have a church on the North Side, known as the Mckinley avenue church, which is presided over by Rev. Alonzo Yates and attended chiefly by members living in its vicinity.
ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CIIURCH.
The organization of St. John's Lutheran church, which was originally St. John's Evangelical church, took place simultaneously with its with- drawal from the latter society in 1859. At this time both congregations, which had been as one, worshiped in a modest church at the corner of Eighth and Scott streets, to which property the Evangelicals relinquished all claims to the Lutherans for a consideration of $400. Prior to the building of the church services were held in the town hall. The first pas- tor was the Rev. Peter Seuel, who was ordained and installed October 26, 1859, and continued to officiate until 1866, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. D. F. Myer, who served until 1869, at which date Rev. F. R. Tramm assumed the pastorate and continued in the discharge of duties pertain- ing thereto until 1880. During his administration the old church was torn down and a new brick structure, costing $11,000, was erected, the dedicatory ceremonies taking place December 10, 1876. Rev. Tramm was succeeded by the Rev. C. F. Huge, September 26, 1880. The latter's suc- cessor was Rev. G. Goesswein, who was installed January 11, 1885, and served until June, 1897. The present pastor. Rev. Carl Kretzmann, as- sumed his pastoral duties September 12, 1897. The church has a large congregation, many of whom became communicants after the inaugura-
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tion of Rev. Kretzmann, who is very popular with the members of his flock.
Since the date of its organization the church has maintained a paro- chial school, and as early as 1866 had a commodious two-story brick build- ing erected for school purposes on a lot adjoining the church. The pupils, who number more than one hundred, receive instruction from Mr. Au- gust Fathauer, who is ably assisted in his educational work by his accom- plished daughter, Miss Berthia.
The present trustees of St. John's Lutheran church are Emil H. Yung- hans, Henry Steffen, John Kirsch.
ST. JOHN'S GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
The German Evangelical St. John's Church, is located on the corner of Fifth and Hart streets. It has stood on this spot, seemingly favored by Providence for upwards of sixty years. In August, 1849, Reverend C. Tomson, a German theologian, crossed the waters with the avowed purpose of becoming a citizen of America and enjoying its freedom, and came to Vincennes. As soon as it was known that a German minister was in the city, a committee of Germans, composed of Messrs. Bieber, Hoffman, and Watjen called upon him to pay their respects, and request him to remain and conduct a service in the German language. This he readily consented to do, and conducted the first German Evangelical serv- ice ever held in the city. Reverend Tomson, signifying his willingness to locate in Vincennes, a second service was arranged for the second Sunday in September. At this service final arrangements were made, and the organization perfected under the name of German Evangelical Protestant Church of Vincennes, and an invitation extended all German Protestants to become members. The salary was the most serious consideration, as the members consisted of a few laboring men who were receiving only 35 or 40 cents per day. Nothing daunted, they circulated a subscription list and succeeded in securing $150 for the pastor for one year. Reverend Tomson had consented to remain conditionally, with the privilege of bet- tering his condition if an opportunity presented itself. In April, 1850, he was called to Louisville, Ky., and left Vincennes, after eight months' suc- cessful labor in the service of the church. After a few years the congre- gation desired to own its place of worship, and when Mr. Cochran, a resi- dent of Cincinnati, Ohio, presented the congregation with two building lots on the corner of Eighth and Scott streets, it was decided to attempt to build a church. The treasury, however, was soon depleted and work was compelled to cease. Almost discouraged, the congregation resolved to appeal to the English churches for assistance. Accordingly a committee composed of William Busse, John Hamm, Henry Hauser and D. Wat- jen was appointed to solicit the help of the other churches. They re- sponded promptly, and arranged a supper for the benefit of the German church. This supper was so well organized and attended that the sum of
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$450 was realized. This enabled the Germans to complete their church. Another difficulty presented itself at the dedication. They were left at this time to deplore the departure of Reverend Schlundt, who had been their pastor through inany vicissitudes for several years. Ministers were very difficult to obtain at this time and they were obliged to elect a Lu- theran pastor, who naturally dedicated the church according to the ritual of the Lutheran church, with the inscription: German Lutheran Evan- gelical St. John's Church, above the door. This occasioned a deplorable church war of several years' duration, during which time the church suf- fered in every way-spiritually and financially. Latterly, through an er- ror, the congregation, while accepting the two lots from Mr. Cochran, had built the church on a third, for which Mr. Cochran demanded payment. Realizing, however, to what straits this faithful congregation had been re- duced, he generously offered the lot at quite a moderate price. The ten- sion between pastor and congregation was so strained that the congrega- tion was finally divided, and a separate church organization formed with the faithful Evangelicals. The only survivors to-day are John Hamm and Peter Ritterskamp. On the seventh of December, 1862, a second small frame church, which had been erected at the corner of Fifth and Hart, was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. In 1886 the present elegant church was built at a cost of $12,000; a new organ was purchased for $2,000 and a handsome parsonage erected at a cost of $5,000. To further enhance the beauty of the surroundings, a handsome Memorial Hall was erected by two members of the congregation, Mr. L. A. Meyer and Mr. Wm. H. Vollmer, in memory of their deceased sons, to be used for church purposes. The church has had thirteen pastors. The Rever- end Louis Hohmann is in charge at the present time. He has under his care a large, prosperous congregation, with all the church property free of debt.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CIIURCH.
In all probability the Baptists enjoyed religious services at Vincennes at a date very early in the nineteenth century, inasmuch as the Rev. James McQuaid, a missionary of that faith, was in this community in 1809, and aided in the organization of the Maria Creek Baptist church in Widner township. However, there is no record of a movement towards a church or organization being made at Vincennes until 1860, at which date Mrs. W. J. Heberd, grandmother of William J. Heberd, Jr., took the initiatory in this direction by an effort to secure the services of a minister, which resulted in the Rev. J. S. Gillespie putting in an appearance in Septem- ber, 1861. He held a series of meetings in the Methodist Episcopal church, after which he went back to Greencastle to attend his flock. He returned to Vincennes in 1862, resigning his prosperous church at Greencastle, and refusing tempting offers from Terre Haute, in order to complete the work he had inaugurated here. Services were held in the city hall for
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a time and prayer meetings at the residence of Rev. Gillespie, corner Sixth and Perry streets. At the home of the reverend gentleman on May 1. 1862, an organization was accomplished, the following persons consti- tuting the charter members: Mrs. W. J. Heberd, Mrs. David Buck, Mrs. William Flora, Mrs. Eliza Wise, Miss Lou Duree, Mrs. L. Gillespie, Miss Gillespie, Rev. J. S. Gillespie and Christian Raller. A Sunday school or- ganization was perfected shortly after at the city hall with an enroll- ment of eighteen members. The question of building a church was agi- tated in the face of discouraging circumstances, and before a great while, contrary to expectations, the congregation had raised funds sufficient to pay Judge James C. Denny $1,200 for a lot at the corner of Broadway and Sixth streets. Soon after a frame church, costing $4,600, was erected on the lot, and in 1868 a bell and other furnishings had been added. Mrs. Heberd and Rev. Gillespie were most prominent in perfecting the plans for building the church, and the former active in equipping the structure after its completion. Conscious of having performed a good service to- wards his congregation, Rev. Gillespie resigned its pastorate in 1867, and was succeeded by the Rev. L. B. Robinson, who remained two years. In 1871 Rev. B. F. Cavens became pastor, remaining for two years; Dr. Stinson, of Terre Haute, from March to July, 1873. Rev. John Braden- burg accepted the pastorate on July 1. 1875, and remained until 1881. Rev. J. H. Butler was pastor from 1881 until 1883, and his successors were Revs. Patterson, B. F. Keith, William Thomas, Thomas Walford, W. G. Law and J. H. Rodes. The latter resigned his charge December, 1910, since which time the congregation has been without the services of a regular minister. Three years ago the old frame church was torn down, and upon its site began the erection of an imposing edifice, the magnificent proportions of which are shown in the accompanying pieture, from a drawing. Work of construction, owing to a scarcity of funds, was aban- doned after the completion of the sub-structure. The partially-built house, which will be a monument to the Baptists as well as an ornament to the city when finished, was temporarily roofed and nicely furnished, and af- fords to-day, even in its unfinished condition, a comfortable place for worship.
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