USA > Indiana > Shelby County > History of Shelby 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 34
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Second Presbyterian Church ( German) .- Was organized at the instance of the Indianapolis Presbytery, New School in 1867. Preliminary meetings, with this purpose in view, were held at the house of Father Shutt early in said year. The organization was effected by Henry Burkher, Sr., Mathias Schoelch, John De Prez,
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George Posz, Henry Hale, John Maholm, August Schwall, John Mohr, Jacob Stephens and John Shutt; Rev. Francis F. Friedgen was largely instrumental in bringing about the result. He served as pastor until March, 1872, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. I. Eshmeyer, who was educated in Germany and or- dained in 1855. Previous to his pastorate here he served as pastor at Tiffin. O., Toledo, O., and at Indianapolis. Until 1872, services were held in the old Presbyterian Church, which stood on the cor- ner of Harrison and Jackson streets. In said year the brick church on East Washington Street was completed at a cost of $6,500, Henry Burkher being the largest contributor. The church prospered be- vond the most sanguine expectations of the members, and in the latter part of the seventies the communicants numbered about 140. Early in ISSo dissentions arose and differences between the pastor on one side and a large number of the most influencial members on the other, having failed to be amicably adjusted, about sixty-five of the members withdrew. The church at present is in a healthy condition and has about forty-nine active members.
The Boggstown Presbyterian Church, was organized in 1831 or '32, by the Rev. E. Kent and William Woods. The meeting for this purpose was held in the old log school-house which stood near the town. Those who constituted the class as organized at that meeting were: William Morgan and wife. Joseph Boggs and wife, William Manwarren and wife, John White and wife, Mr. Vandebelt, and Mrs. Hopper. Other old and prominent members who became members soon after the organizatian were: Joseph Carson and wife, Hugh McFadden and wife, George W. McCon- nell and wife. John T. McConnell and wife. James Barngrover, Stephen Collins, Whallen Gibson and Dr. Smeltzer and wife. Soon after the organization preparations were begun for the erec- tion of a frame church house: was probably completed in I833. This house was used until 1852, when the present frame building costing $2,500 was completed. The old frame building is still standing and is now a part of the residence of Mrs. Rhoda McCon- nell. After its organization Rev. Kent served the church as its regular pastor for four years. He was followed by Revs. Dun- ning, Cable, Wood, and Gilcrist. The church has at times in its history been quite prosperous, but at present its membership is much depleted, and its prospects for the future not encouraging.
Catholic .- " In the settlement of Indiana and the Northwest Territory, the Catholic Church, through the agency of its mission- aries, played a most important part. If they were not the first to explore, they followed quick in the path of those who led the way into the unknown region, and began the work of civilizing and
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Christianizing the savage tribes of the forests. For their self-sac- rificing devotion, and the fervency and zeal of those followers of the Cross, they have been the admiration of the civilized and Christian loving people of the world. To the Jesuit Fathers, Indi- ana owes much, indeed, it is now a well-established fact that the first white man to enter the Territory, now Indiana, was a French Jesuit from the mission at St. Joseph. From this time until the first celebration of Mass at Post Vincennes, the work of the missionary was attended with many dangers, and not a few became the vic- tims of savage butchery. But for the last century the growth of the church has been almost phenomenal, and to-day there is scarcely a nook or corner in the State but that these devotees of Christ may be found. The first Catholic who settled in Shelby County was, according to good authority, Mrs. Mary Cornell, a native of Maryland, who probably settled here as early as 1824 .* " In 1825, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Worland, of Scott County, Ky., came to visit Mrs. Nancy Young, a sister of Mrs. Worland, and settled permanently in 1826. John Newton and family came in 1827, and Thomas Worland and family in 1828. The latter was a generous and pious Christian, and with him the Priests and Missionaries always found a pleasant and comfortable home.
Rev. George Elder, of St. Pius' Church, Scott County, Ky., came on a visit to his former spiritual children in the fall of 1828. The holy sacrifice of Mass was then offered for the first time in Shelby County, in the rude log cabin of Thomas Worland. He preached in the school-house where, by his eloquence, he attracted large audiences, although many no doubt, attended through curiosity, a Catholic priest at that time being looked upon with awe and as- tonishment.
Rev. S. P. Lalumiere was sent by Bishop Flaget, of Bardstown, Ky., to visit the Catholic families of Shelby County in 1830, com- ing twice a year, in the spring and fall. A few years later he was accompanied by Father Petit, a Jesuit, on a missionary tour through Indiana, preached a short mission here, during which George Lows, was baptized and received into the church. In 1834, Rev. S. T. Baden, and in 1836, Joseph Femeding, visited here, each remaining but a short time. In August, 1837, Bishop Brute sent Rev. Vin- cent Bacquelin to take charge of the congregation as resident priest. He was a native of France, a man of zeal and activity, and soon gained the love and esteem of his people. In July, 1838, Bishop Brute visited the congregation and administered the Sacra- ment of Confirmation to thirteen persons. The zealous Father Bacquelin held a meeting January 6, 1838, to consult as to the
*Taken from Rev. H. Alerding's History of the Diocese of Vincennes.
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propriety of undertaking the erection of a church edifice. The re- sult was that action was at once taken toward this end, and in Sep- tember a contract was let for $619. In October, 1839. Mass was first celebrated in St. Vincent's Church; and in October, 1840, Bishop de la Hailandiere visited the congregation, blessed the church, and confirmed seven persons. Father Bacquelin. after nine years' service at this church, was thrown from a horse September 2, 1846, and almost instantly killed. This sad event caused deep and lasting regret among his people, who mournfully followed his remains to their last resting place in St. Vincent's cemetery.
From 1847 to 1855, the following priests served as pastors: Revs. John Ryan, John McDermott, Thomas Murphy, John Gueguen and Daniel Maloney. In May, 1855, Rev. Edward Martinovic be- came pastor, and in 1861, with the assistance of Mother Superior of the Sisters of St. Francis, he established a Catholic School. The Sisters' home and school-house are each of brick, two stories high, and located in a beautiful grove near the church. Father Martinovic, who was very much beloved by his congregation, left in 1863, and was succeeded by Rev. John P. Gillig. He served until 1868, when Rev. William Doyle was assigned to this place. In November, 1868, Joseph Rudolf became pastor of St. Vincent's. In 1870, the parsonage was built, and in 1877, arrangements were made to build a new church, which was completed in 1880. The new church is a very fine brick building, 112x43 feet, with a steeple 138 feet high. In May, 1881, Father Rudolf left St. Vincent's and was succeeded by Rev. Francis G. Torbeck, who remained in charge of St. Vincent's and St. Joseph's congregations until June, 1886. Under his ministry the parsonage at St. Joseph's was completed. Until June, 1886, both congregations were at- tended by the one pastor, but since that time each have been pro- vided separately. The present pastor at St. Vincent's, is Rev. Michael L. Guthneck, who for the past eight years has served both St. Patrick's and St. Michael's at Cannelton, Indiana.
Shelbyville Congregation .- There were Catholics living in Shel- byville as early as 1825, but the congregation was not organized until 1865. Priests at St. Vincent's had charge of Shelbyville; also they had services in private houses a few times a year at the houses of Dr. Michael French, Joseph Lucas and Thomas O'Connor. In 1865, Father Gillig, appreciating the necessity of a church in Shelbyville, at first rented a hall of Samuel Hamilton, which was used temporarily. The lot upon which the church now stands was bought, and under the supervision of Father Doyle, not without much hard work, the church was completed. There was no paro- chial school in connection with St. Joseph's until ISSI, when the
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present school building was completed, at a cost of $2,500. The school is in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis, and is in excellent condition. In June, 1886, Rev. A. Kaelin, a young man of ability and excellent social qualities, who was ordained in June, 1882, was as- signed to the pastorate. Father Kaelin served as pastor of a Ger- man congregation at Vincennes from the time of his ordination till his appointment at this place.
Missionary Baptist .* - In the settling of Shelby County, per- sons came from different localities, some from one State and some from another. As they came they settled in neighborhoods. One of the early settlements in the county was five or six miles northeast of Edinburg. Among their number were a few Baptists. In their new homes, rude as they were, they longed for gospel privileges. Hence in this neighborhood the few Christians met al- ternately at their houses and held prayer meetings, until in the spring of 1823, when nine persons, (viz .: ) Thomas Russell, Polly Russell, William Barnet, Nancy Barnet, Lewis Bishop, Elizabeth Bishop, Simon Shafer, Sarah Shafer and Merit McGuire, were organized the first day of March, 1823, into a Missionary Baptist Church. They held their meetings at the houses of the members and neighbors until 1826, when they built a hewed log house on a lot bought of Mr. Isaac Harvey, in the edge of Johnson County. The church occupied this house until 1832, when a frame house on the same lot, was built. In 1843, this house was destroyed by fire, and the church immediately commenced to build a third house one mile northeast, in Shelby County at a cost of about $1,200.
Of the constituent members, it may very truthfully be said that they were earnest and faithful Christian men and women. Rev. John Barnet, was the first pastor of the church, sustaining that re- lation until 1825. a very godly, earnest preacher. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Harding, who served the church until his death in 1835. Following him as pastors were: Revs. T. C. Townsend, A. R. Hinkley, B. Reece, A. P. Titton and S. G. Miner, all pioneer ministers worthy to be remembered. Rev. S. Harding was one of the first to engage in efforts for the founding of Franklin College, was one of the constituent members of the general association ( now State convention). The church sent out a colony to organize a church in Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., also one to form the second Mount Pleasant Church, which are now, strong vigorous churches. The mother church is extinct. Among the early mem- bers worthy to be remembered, we may mention Waggoner and wife, Pierson and wife, Matthew Kelly, Sen., and wife, John Duck- worth and wife, all of whom have gone to their reward.
* By Rev. John Reece.
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The next Baptist Church organized in the county was in the town of Shelbyville, the county seat of Shelby County. Among the few inhabitants of the town there were some Baptists. They felt the need of religious privileges, hence Rev. S. Harding and Rev. D. Stogsdil were solicited to visit the town and preach to the peo- ple. On the third Saturday in October, 1826, there was a Baptist church organized with the following persons as constituent mem- bers, (viz .: ) George Titus, William Morris, James Emmit, Han- nah Titus, Patsy Morris, Phebe Emmet, Sally Gatewood, Catharine Wingate, Morning Simpson and Sally Hippers, making ten in all. This church was first called Shelbyville, which name it bore until February, 1883, when the location of the church was moved four miles east of Shelbyville, when it took the name Bethel, retaining this name a short time when it took again the name of Shelbyville, and finally was called Mount Pisgah, by which name it is still known. The meetings of the church for about eight years were held at private houses, but in December, 1832, the church resolved to build a hewed log house 28x36 feet, to be covered with clap board. For seats, rude benches were hewed out of logs. Rude as this house was, it was in keeping with the times, and these pioneer Christians were happy in their humble Sabbath home, and many were the precious seasons enjoyed in this primitive sanctuary. This house was used until the year 1853, when the log house was removed and a frame house built 22x30 feet, on the same lot. The church occupied this house until 1865, when they resolved to build a frame house 36x50 feet, costing $2,000. This last house is still occupied by the church as their place of worship. Rev. Samuel Harding was her first pastor. Rev. D. Stogsdil was one of her first pastors, a very earnest, faithful minister, often walking sixteen miles to meet his appointments. The church now numbers ahout rro members, with a flourishing Sabbath School. Rev. J. Reece served this church as pastor about twenty-seven years.
The Mt. Gilead Baptist Church located in Hendricks Town- ship, was organized on the 27th day of May, 1830. Ministers present in the council were Rev. C. Butler and Rev. Samuel Hard- ing. After an appropriate sermon by Rev. S. Harding the council was organized by electing Rev. S. Harding, moderator, and Lewis Morgan, clerk. Neither the names nor number of the constituent members can be given, but we may mention Alexander Miller and wife, Levy Laingor and wife, Thomas McFerrin and wife, Mrs. Lucy Miller, Mrs. Updegraff, as among the early members of the church. Among the early pastors were Rev. S. Harding, Rev. John Reece, Sen., Rev. B. Reece. They held their meetings at private houses until 1843, when a log house 24x24 feet was
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located on John McCray's land. This house was used until 1848, when a frame house was built on the farm of Jesse Laingor. This house was finished in 1848. June 22d, 1872, the church voted to build in Smithland, about one mile southeast of the present location. Said house was dedicated January 28th, 1873. In the year 1858, a number of the members withdrew by letter, and constituted a church in Marietta. This church soon dissolved and a part of them came back to the mother church. The history of the church has been varied between prosperity and adversity. At the present time it is in a very bad condition. The church property is worth about $1,300.
The Brandywine, now Fairland Baptist Church, was constituted July 30, 1832, with the following persons as constituent members, viz .: James V. A. Woods, Lewis Morgan, D. A. M. Morgan, Wm. C. C. Morgan, Henry Serber, A. M. Morgan, Levi Bishop, Johathan Bishop, Justice Hubble, Phebe Pope, Elizabeth Riggs, Sarah Oldham, Nancy Morgan. Nancy Surber, Nancy Oldham, Nancy Hubble and Mary Bishop. The church was first located near the town of Brandywine, six miles northwest of Shelbyville. The location was changed to Fairland in 1859. From 1832 to 1837, services were held from house to house. The third Satur- day in June, 1833, the church resolved to build a house of worship, which was not finished until 1837. The first sermon preached in the new house was by Rev. William G. Eaton, the third Saturday in May, 1837. This was a frame, and was built in the town of Brandywine, on a lot donated by Lewis Morgan, and was 30x46 feet. The present house is a frame 36x50 feet. and was built in the town of Fairland, on a lot donated by David Bradly. The first meeting in this house was in January, 1860, preaching by Rev. John Reece. The house was dedicated to the service of God the first Sabbath in February, 1860: sermon by Rev. M. G. Clark. Among the early pastors of the church we may refer to Rev. S. Harding. Rev. Lewis Morgan, Rev. D. Stogsdil. Rev. William G. Eaton, Rev. B. Reece. Rev. T. C. Townsend, J. M. Smith. Rev. J. Thares and J. Reece. Among the early members of the church outside of the constituent members we would mention J. Brimm and wife, Jeremiah Odell and wife, Joseph Odell and wife, Abraham Bishop and wife, William Bishop and wife, George Debourd and wife, Isaac Bishop and wife, and W. C. E. Wanee and wife. These, with others, did much to sustain the cause. The church has had seasons of prosperity and adversity.
The Second Mount Pleasant Baptist Church was organized July II. 1835, at a school-house in Hendrick's Township, Shelby County, Indiana, six miles east of Franklin, Johnson County. The names
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of the constituent members are as follows (viz.) : Joseph Reece, John Webb. Nancy Webb, Samuel Tetrick, Benjamin Reece, Sarah Reece, IIenry Williard, and Mary Kelly. The council organized by choosing Rev. S. Harding, moderator, and Rev. L. Morgan, clerk. For two years or more after the church was organized, they met for worship at private houses, in the woods and in the school- house where the church was organized.
January 2, 1836, the church agreed to build a house of worship which was located six miles northeast of Franklin, in the edge of Johnson County. The house was a frame, 30x40 feet, 14 feet story. The church occupied this house until June 10, 1865, when it agreed to build a brick house, on or near the old site, the size of the house to be 40x60 feet, 18 feet story. Satur- urday, July 2. 1868, the building committee reported the cost to be $4.413.56. May 14, 1881, the church agreed to re-roof the house with slate, and added a belfry, all of which cost $900. Rev. Ben- jamin Reece was the first pastor, serving the church until his death, which occurred November 9. 1853. He was very successful, and under the blessing of God, built up a strong church. Rev. John Reece assisted B. Reece a part of the time. There have been re- ceived into the church about 850 persons. The constituent mem- bers deserve to be remembered for their faithful, earnest Christian work. The church numbers at this time about 280 members. Be- sides the constituent members, the following deserve to be remem- bered as active workers in the church (viz. ) : John Williard and wife, William A. Reece and wife, William Needham and wife, Ephrain Tucker and wife, William Webb and wife, with many oth- ers, that did good service in the cause of Christ.
After the Baptist Church, which was organized in Shelbyville in 1826, and changed to the country in 1832, there was no further effort made by the Baptists to establish a church in the town until in the summer of 1848, when the State Convention of Baptists placed Rev. John Reece under appointment to labor half time in Shelby- ville. The first sermon preached by him was in November, 1848. The service was held in the old court house, with twelve persons present. At that time there were but five Baptists in the town. The meetings were held every two weeks until March, 1849, when a church was organized with thirteen members, viz .: William E. Midkiff, Mary Midkiff. Thankful Bassett, Olive Bassett, Samuel Midkiff, Agnes Midkiff, Elizabeth T. Brown, Eliza Robertson, Lydia Rodiffer, Ruben Deboard, Eliza Deboard, Jonah Bassett and Mary Veach. These were all true and tried men and women. For some years the church had quite a struggle to live, having no house of worship. In the winter of 1849, the members resolved to
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build a brick house, 40x60 feet, but this was not fully completed until 1863. This house was sold for $4,500, a new one, costing $17,000, built. The church has had a steady but slow growth, so that now, in 1887, it numbers about 250 members. Names that should be remembered in the early history of the church are: Z. T. Bullock and wife, L. C. Janes and wife, A. J. Vawter and wife, Ann Stewart, and Oscar D. Padrick and wife, with many of later date.
Little Blue River Baptist Church is located in Union Township, Shelby County, about seven miles northeast of Shelbyville, and was organized on the second Saturday in March, 1828, at the house of Thomas Golden, with the following persons as constituent members, viz .: Thomas Golding, Sarah Golding. Jane Golding, William G. Mor- ris, Nancy Morris, Jacob Rosel, Barbara Rosel, John Golding, John Derrickson, Eligah Cotton, Peter Dewitt, Tally Wicker, Bette Ann Wicker, Jane Cherry and Elizabeth Brown. For some time the church held their meetings at private houses. The first church-house erected was a log structure, which served the church for several years. A good degree of prosperity attended the labors of the church while occupying this primitive sanctuary. In time the church built a frame house 40x60 feet, which is occupied at the present time. For some years the growth of the church was slow. About 1839 and IS40, and from that time up to the present, the church has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity, numbering now 250. The church has been very fruitful in turning out min- isters of the gospel, having sent out six in all, viz .: Rev. James M. Smith, who has been very successful in winning souls to Christ. He has labored in Indiana. Fowa and Missouri, and at this writing, 1887, is actively engaged in the work in Missouri. Rev. M. B. Phares, graduated at Franklin College. His ministry was confined to Indiana. He died at Greenburg while serving the church as pastor. Rev. D. J. Huston received a liberal education at Franklin College: is at this writing actively engaged in the ministry. He spent several years as agent for Franklin College. Rev. John Phares entered the ministry when about fifty years old, not pos- sessing very great literaay advantages, vet made a very successful minister, is still living. Rev. William Golden proved to be a very acceptable minister and was quite successful. Rev. George W. Zike labored for a time in the Baptist connection, and then went to the Wesleyan Methodist. All of the above were converted and united with the church. The first pastor of the church was Rev. William Oldham. Rev. Landy Hurst succeeded him in the pas- torate and served the church in that capacity several years. The first marked prosperity was under the pastorate of Rev. Joshua Currier. Since that time the church has had great success.
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The Goodwill Baptist Church is located in Hanover Township, Shelby County, Ind .: was organized in May, 1859. with the follow- ing constituent members, viz .: Presly Morris, Rebecca Morris, Oliver Morris. Elizabeth Merideth, Archibald Canady, Eliza I. Love, Thomas Merideth, Deliah Talbert and Jesse A. Gibson. This church was organized through the influence and labor of Rev. John Phares who was her first pastor, and served the church in that capacity for six years. Through his labors and the blessing of God, the church was prosperous. Rev. Hendricks succeeded him, during his ministry trouble came and the church lost some ground that had been gained. Following him was Rev. Renales, Rev. A. C. Hume and Rev. Crews. The church at this writing numbers fifty members, and have a pretty good frame meeting house.
East Union Baptist Church is located in Moral Township, Shelby County, Ind. The constituent members came from the Pleasant View Baptist Church. It was through the labors and influence of Rev. J. M. Sinith that the church was organized. The following persons were in the organization which occurred March I, IS67: Lindsey Leonard, Lucinda Leonard, A. J. Joyce, Hetuvia R. Joyce, Margaret T. Joyce, Archibald Mann, R. C. Mann, Letia Mann. B. P. Mann, Caroline Mann, Emily Russel, Julia A. Ross, Telitha Ross. O. D. Mann, and Eliza E. Mann.
The church was constituted at the Center school-house, and for some time held her meetings there. They had no pastor until Sep- tember after it was organized in March, 1867. In September, 1867, Rev. J. M. Smith was called, and accepted the call to preach for the church one-fourth the time, the church agreeing to pay him thirty dollars per annum. He served the church about two years. The church has been, a large portion of the time since her organi- zation, without a pastor, which has been a great hindrance to her growth. April 16, 1868, the church agreed to build a house of worship, said house to be a frame 36x40 feet fourteen foot story. Revs. J. Reece, A. C. Hume, and B. Buckhanen have served the church as pastors. Rev. Crisp is the present pastor. The church at this writing numbers ninety members. The church sustains a fine Sabbath School.
Pleasant View Baptist Church is located in the northwest corner of Moral Township, Shelby County. It was organized December 28, 1836, consisting of the following members, viz .: James Bobbett, Archibald Mann, Elijah Mann, Elijah Vice, George Hume, Jacob Balor and J. M. Johnson. Rev. T. C. Townsen was chosen mod- erator, and J. Bobbett, clerk of the council. One thing remark- able about this church in its organization, there was not a female in the constitution, but the meeting held January 29, 1837, the follow-
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