History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 37

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 714

USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 37

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Kingsley Methodist Episcopal Church .- As a mission of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church, Kingsley was organized in 1868 and placed in charge of Rev. Edwin McJohnston, a local minister, one of the early settlers of Vanderburgh county, and a true Christian. For some time the society worshipped in Mr. McJohnston's wareroom,

organized into Ingle Street church with twenty- five members under the charge of Rev. Daniel Cloud. The pastors in succession have been: Revs. W. McK. Hester, W. F. Mason, J. H. Ketcham, M. M. C. Hobbs, | on the corner of Eighth and Canal streets,

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but efforts were very early made to provide | of Illinois street and Eleventh avenue a suitable house for the worship of God. A was erected at a cost of about $3,000. With appropriate ceremonies the chapel was dedicated in April, ISS4. The follow- ing is a list of the pastors who have served the church since its organization: Revs. E. H. Sabin, E. Hawes, H. B. Cassavant, J. Waring, John W. Webb, M. Wood, John Maddox, Edwin McJohnston, John Poucher, W. E. Robbins, J. W. Culmer, Levi S. Knotts, John Allen, Dr. James Dixon, J. Burr, J. B. Holloway, William Telfer, S. O. Dorsey, J. F. McGregor, W. E. Davis, G. C. Cooper, George E. Platt, Paul C. Curnick, W. S. Biddle, John B. Smith and T. P. Walter, the present pastor. The church is in a very prosperous condition, the membership numbering 128. The Sabbath school has an, average attendance of about 300. frame building, costing about $2,500 and of sufficient size to comfortably seat 400, was erected at the corner of Eighth and Gum streets, and in 1869 was dedicated, Rev. Reuben Andrus, D. D., then pastor of Trinity, officiating. The following pastors followed Rev. Edwin McJohnston in the work at this station: Revs. John Poucher, Francis Walker, W. W. Rundell, R. B. Martin, James Dixon, W. H. Grim, J. W. McCormick, I. N. Thompson, M. S. Heav- enridge, John W. Payne, Samuel Reed and G. W. Fanchler, the present pastor, who has recently entered upon the first year of his work at this place. The church now has about 200 members. From its organi- zation the Sunday-school at Kingsley has been a bright spot in the results of church work. Its first superintendent was Mr. John F. Glover, who exercised great zeal and in- telligence in the work of caring for the moral welfare of the children. The school has been blessed and prospered by God at all times. There are now in its classes 175 children. Mr. Edward Blackman is at present the superintendent.

Simpson Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. - In the fall of I859, the conference made an appropriation for the establishment of a mission at Evans- ville, and appointed Rev. E. H. Sabin missionary, who, upon coming to his work, organized at Ingle street the first quarterly conference, and selected a site for a church on Pennsylvania street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues. The work of construction was soon commenced, and the building was completed in February, 1861. This church was then known as the Pennsylvania Street Methodist Episcopal church, but later the building was sold, and the present edifice at the corner

First German Methodist Episcopal Church .- Organized in 1842, this was the first church formed by the German Metho- dists of the city. After four years the con- gregation had become able to build a house of worship costing $1,263, which was de- voted to this use twenty-two years, when it was replaced at a cost of $34,621.00, by a commodious brick structure now in use and standing at the corner of Fourth and Vine streets, on the very spot where was located the first graveyard used by the early citi- zens of Evansville. When dedicated, this church was said to be one of the largest and finest German Methodist churches in the United States. The following pastors have served the charge: Peter Schumaker, H. Koeneke, M. Mulfinger, John Hoppen, Christian Wittenback, Fr. Heller, John Bier, Charles Schelper, Henry Lich, Fr. Becker, John Reimer, John Hoppen, G. A. Breunig, John H. Lukemyer, John Reimer, Gottloeb Trefz, P. F. Schneider, Fr. Schimmelpfennig, C. Bozenhard, John C. Weidman, John W.

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Roecker, G. Nachtrieb, J. H. Lich, and E. F. Wunderlich, the present pastor, who took up the work here in 1887. Under the efficient labors of its pastors the church has maintained a steady growth, its present membership numbering 300. An interest- ing Sunday-school with an average attend- ance of 200, with Frank Weil as superin- tendent, is connected with the church. The members of the first quarterly conference were: Conrad Herchelmann, William Elliott, Jacob Kehrt, Peter Knauz, John Jugle, John Muth, Andreas Roth, Charles Kellar, John Kappler, and Carl Wiewel; and those of the present quarterly conference are : E. Weber, A. K. Stork, John Habbe, Jacob Meyer, Mike Meyer, A. P. Hoelcher, Jacob Schwam- bach, J. D. Becker, George Roessner, J. C. Muth, William Mull, Fred Tosettel, G. Herth, Phillip Gourdan, L. Roth, R. Blem- ker, E. Holtkamp and M. Manger. The present pastor is an able executive as well as a good preacher. The church is out of debt and in a prosperous condition both tem- porally and spiritually.

Sccond German Methodist Episcopal Church, on south side of Indiana street, be- tween Eleventh and Twelfth avenues, was established as a mission in 1887, and the church building, a small, neat frame struc- ture, costing $1,400.00, was dedicated by Rev. E. F. Wunderlich on the 23d of Octo- ber in that year. Rev. John C. Speckmann was the first pastor, his successor being Rev. John Bockstahler. The church now has 25 members and a small but growing Sunday-school. Two charges in the coun- try are also attended by the pastor.

African Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. -This society first worshipped in an old frame building on East Tennessee street, but now has a neat frame church located at No. 1704 Fulton avenue. Among the pastors who have had charge were Revs. Hardin, Temple and

Ervin. The present pastor is Rev. An- thony Bunch, whose earnestness and zeal in the work is fast building up a large congre- gation.

Fifth Methodist Episcopal Church (colored). - This church has a very small membership and holds its services in a rented room, north- east corner Garfield avenue and Illinois street. Rev. Stephen Anderson is the pastor.

African Methodist Episcopal Church .- This society was organized in 1843 in a log cabin near the river, by Rev. George Johnson, its first pastor. The present church building on Fifth street near Walnut street is 70x40 feet in size, and cost $5,000.00. The fol- lowing pastors have ministered to the con- gregation: Revs. George Johnson, William Curtis, Elisha Weaver, Daniel Winslow, Levi Bass, Charles Rollins, H. Green, A. Brooks, A. T. Hall, B. McCarry, Henry Brown, W. S. Sankford, J. H. Alexander, Johnson Mitchem, M. Lewis, Dr. D. P. Roberts, James Simpson, D. S. Bentley, H. H. Thompson, and Jesse Bass, the present able pastor. The church is one of the strongest in the city, its present membership numbering 325.

Frce Methodist Church .- This branch of the Methodist church clings to the original and simple faith of the primitive members, having organized as a distinctive branch at Pekin, N. Y., in 1860. They believe in simplicity in everything, in dress, houses of worship and manner of life. Their require- ments and discipline of members are very rigid. The denomination has made some progress and cherishes the hope of reviving the spirit of primitive Methodism. The work of the church has been among the poor and humble, from whence chiefly their earnest ministers have been taken. The church in this city was established largely under the labors of J. W. Vickery, a local preacher.

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EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The church, a neat frame building worth $2,000, is situated at No. 1321 Walnut street, with a comfortable parsonage at- tached, and was dedicated by Bishop B. T. Roberts, in 1872. Among the pastors have been John Hardin, M. C. Belem, J. Lewis, and Thomas W. Thornburg, the present pastor, who has had charge for two years. Through Mr. Thornburg's earnestness in his work the church has prospered, now hay- ing twenty-five members. The conference of this year has transferred Mr. Thornburg to Danville, Ill., and appointed as his suc- cessor here, Rev. A. F. Niswanger. A well attended Sunday-school is superintended by Mr. Louis Habenicht.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church .- Existing records do not show that any clergyman of this church ever officiated in Evansville until the year 1835. In December, of this year, Right Rev. Jackson Kemper, Bishop of the Northwest, came to Evansville and preached to the people. Rev. A. H. Lamon was probably here at that time. On January 9, 1836, a meeting was held in the store of Messrs. Goodsell & Lyon, and there a Pro- testant Episcopal church to be known as St. Paul's church, was organized. At that meeting William. Town was chair- man, and James Lockhart, secretary. Fred- erick E. Goodsell and John Mitchell were elected wardens, and John M. Dunham, Ira French, James Lockhart, Joseph Wheeler, jr., and William Town were elected vestry- men. January 17, following, Rev. A. H. Lamon was invited to take pastoral charge of the new church. He accepted, and meet- ings were held in the old court-house. Here they remained until 1840, but the place was unavoidably distasteful to churchmen. Be- fore the parish was a year old the subject of a church building was earnestly discussed. At length the rector and vestry were em- powered to obtain an eligible lot on which to

erect a temple to God. A building com- mittee was appointed January 7, 1839, con- sisting of John Mitchell, William B. Butler, F. E. Goodsell, Nathan Rowley, and Joseph Wheeler, jr. Soon thereafter ground was broken and earnest work on the new edifice was commenced. The energetic rector was so deeply interested in it that he even car- ried brick for the walls. On January 12, 1840, it was solemnly set apart for the ser- vice of God, by Right Rev. Jackson Kemper. For forty-three years the congregation worshipped in this house, which was of brick, 40x70 feet, with a ceiling 20 feet high. It was a comfortable and commodious house, and architecturally considerably in advance of the ordinary church structures of those days.

Mr. Lamon served as rector until 1844, when he resigned. He was indefatigable in his efforts to build up the church, and his Christian character was admired by all. While caring for and nursing yellow fever sufferers in Louisiana he contracted the disease and died. His heroism was un- doubted and his consecration entire. In 1845 Rev. N. A. Okeson took charge of the par- ish and resigned in the following year. For a time Rev. W. Vaux held occasional ser- vices. November 5, 1847, Rev. Charles A. Foster was elected rector. Mr. Foster was finely educated and his attainments were of a high order. He was an eloquent and a forcible speaker. In June, 1856, he was succeeded by Rev. Anthony Ten Broeck, a man of culture and sound churchmanship, and tenacious of the rubrics, but, on account of the austerity of his manners, he was not popular with many of his parishioners. From November, 1857, to January, 1860, Rev. Sidney Wilbur, a young, energetic and zealous man, served as rector. Rev. Elias Birdsall was next called to the rectorship. He remained five years; his pastorate was a

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happy and successful one; he was beloved, honored and respected by all who knew him. Rev. Henry Spalding assumed charge of the parish in January, 1866. His pastor- ate was crowded with noble, energetic and zealous work in all the avenues of church activity. The old church was much beau- tified, and aggressive Christian missionary and Sunday-school work was carried on. Rev. Mr. Strong followed Mr. Spaulding, remaining but four months. The next rec- tor was Rev. W. H. Van Antwerp, a cul- tured scholar and Christian gentleman, who had the respect and confidence of all. From the fall of 1874 to November, 1879, Rev. W. N. Webb was in charge of the parish. He was succeeded by Rev. T. J. Holcombe,

who remained only eighteen months. In November, 1882, Rev. Charles Morris, the present rector, was called to the pastorate. Mr. Morris was born in Lynchburg, Va., about thirty-five years ago. When he was ten years of age his father removed to New

York, and there he received his rudimentary training. In 1867 he entered William and Mary College, and upon his graduation, took up the study of law at Richmond Col- lege, Va., receiving the degree of LL. B. He practiced law for two years, then went

to New York, whence he soon returned to Virginia with the intention of entering the Virginia Theological Seminary. He was graduated from this institution, and then en-

tered the ministry. His first parish was Ashland, Va., whence he went to Hopkins- ville, Ky. As a preacher he is plain, earn- est, direct, forcible, practical. As a pastor he is affable, kind-hearted and pleasing. He

combines the qualities of a good pastor and and a good preacher. Services were held for the last time in the old

church on April 15, 1883. On his

arrival Mr. Morris began agitating the

efforts bore early fruit. In the spring of 1883 it was determined to build. Messrs. Charles Viele, M. J. Bray, jr., and A. H. Lemcke were appointed a building commit- tee. Mr. Viele gave the use of Viele Hall to the church as a temporary place of wor- ship; the old church was dismantled and torn down, and the work of erecting the new building went forward steadily, under the wise direction of the committee. On March 2, 1886, the congregation assembled in the new house for the purpose of dedi- cating it to the service of God. The Bishops of Indiana and Illinois and twelve other min- isters were present, to assist in the cere- monies, which, from first to last, were solemn, impressive. and long to be remembered. The building cost upward of $50,000. Its foundation lies in the form of a cross; its style is exquisitely Gothic; its proportions are nicely adjusted; the abutments and win- dows are judiciously placed; the colors of the materials are harmoniously blended; the tower and spire rise 124 feet heavenward; and the whole is crowned by a large gilded cross, which towers high over all, drawing the eyes of men toward it from all parts of the city, and emphasizing the words of Christ: " If I be lifted up, I shall draw all men unto me." The entire structure is an architectural triumph, and a lasting monu- ment to those who erected it. In 1865, a parsonage was built at a cost of $5,582.30, the greater portion of which was contrib- uted by Mrs. Charles Viele, by whose mu- nificence the church is being constantly blessed. In 1885, for $7,000, Mr. Charles Viele bought the large brick residence of the late Hon. John S. Hopkins, and recently remodeled and repaired it for use as a rec- tory. It is now a beautiful, modern dwell- ing. The present membership of St. Paul's is 320. The Sabbath school has an average

question of erecting a new church, and his attendance of 150; the rector is superin-

James Me. Shackelford

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EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

tendent, and E. N. Viele is assistant. The present vestrymen are: H. A. Cook, M. J. Bray, S. W. Douglass, S. S. Scantlin, E. N. Viele, A. S. Green, C. F. Artes, George W. Newman and F. B. Emery.

Church of the Holy Innocents .- This church was organized in 1868, and the same year the property, corner of Ninth and Division streets, was presented to the diocese by Mrs. Charles Viele. At a cost of about $25,000.00 the church building was also erected by Mrs. Viele, and dedicated on March 3, 1869, by Right Rev. Bishop J. C. Talbot. Two little children had been taken from Mrs. Viele by death, and she built this mon- ument with a finger pointing to another life, and here the tender love of motherhood, sympathy for fellow-creatures and devotion to the cross, have a comely personation for all time to come. The following rectors have had charge of the church: Rev. Spruile Burford, 1868-1870; Richard T. Kerfoot, 1870-1875; R. C. Talbott, jr., 1876-1879; A. O. Stanley, 1879-ISSI; John K. Karcher, March to October, ISSI; John A. Dooris, 1881-1885; L. F. Cole, 1885 to November Ist, IS88, when he resigned. The present officers of the church are: W. W. Flagler and John Ficthner, wardens; Charles Viele, John L. Avery, Levi D. Lockyear, William R. Carroll and John Constance, vestrymen. There are now 120 communicants. The Sabbath school is in a prosperous condition, having an average attendance of 125.

services being read by Mr. W. H. Boniface. At present the parish is in charge of Rev. Charles Morris, of St. Paul's. The church is in a prosperous condition and has an in- teresting Sunday-school.

First Baptist Church .- The Baptists were among the earliest of the pioneer Christian workers. They labored with great zeal and made many converts. Elder Ezekiel Saunders and Elder John B. Stinson were leaders of the two schools that held sway in early times. Churches were es- tablished in various parts of the county and camp meetings were annually held. In Evansville the first church building was erected by the followers of Ezekiel Saunders. It was built of hewn logs, and stands to this day as one of the lingering land-marks of olden times, being now used as a stable by Mr. William Dean, a well-known citizen. The oldest Baptist church organization now existing in Evansville, was effected July 4, 1847, when, agreeable to previous notice, several brethren and sisters belonging to Baptist churches met in the hall of the Neptune engine-house, above Main street, chose Rev. N. V. Steadman as moderator, and organized the church. There were present Rev. N. V. Steadman, Rev. E. D. Owen and wife, of Indianapolis, J. P. Matthews, Alvira D. Stoddard and S. Z. Millard, of Henderson, Ky., Elizabeth Bees- ley, of Cranfield, England, and Merriam Wilcox.

At subsequent meetings quite a number of additions were made, and on July 31st, the church held its first communion service. November 7, 1847, Sister Sarah Kazar (now Mrs. Judge Foster), was received into the church by baptism, and on November IIth, Sister Elizabeth Turnock was re- ceived by letter. These two sisters are yet alive, are still members of the church and

Chapel of the Good Shepherd .- This church, which is a mission under the care of St. Paul's Episcopal church, was established in 1874. The chapel is on the corner of Michigan street and Third avenue. Rev. Jesse R. Bicknell was the first pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. C. P. Jones, who remained in charge until 1879. For some time the church was without a pastor, the residents of Evansville; verily they are

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mothers in Israel, zealous in the cause of Christ and the welfare of their church. On the 27th of November, 1848, a committee was appointed to select a lot preparatory to the erection of a church building and to so- licit subscriptions. The committee was Rev. Steadman and Brother Millard, Sisters Kazar, Turner and Beesley. About 1851 a lot was purchased on the corner of Second and Clark streets, and on the Ist day of February, 1852, the first meeting was held in the basement and in November, 1853, the building was completed at a cost of $3,000. The membership at that time was only thirty-nine. After the removal of the E. & T. H. railroad depots from that por- tion of the city in which the church building was located, indications were plainly seen that the central portion of the city would be further eastward and it was decided by the members of the church to sell the build- ing and purchase a lot in a more desirable locality. Judge M. W. Foster proposed to sell the lot on the corner of Third and Cherry streets for the sum of $Soo. The locality and price being satisfactory the purchase was made. Judge Foster then donated lib- erally toward its purchase. In 1863 the old building was sold to Maj. Jesse W. Walker, and Marble Hall on Main street was rented and here the church held ser- vices for some time, but this arrangement was unsatisfactory and efforts were put forth toward obtaining the means to build a new church edifice. In due time work was com- menced, the corner stone being placed in position by Sisters Sarah K. Foster and Elizabeth Turnock, and on March IS, 1868, the building was dedicated to the service of God by the church and the pas- tor, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Baker. It cost about $25,000, is of brick and has a seating capacity for about 500 persons.

pastors of the church have been: Rev. N. V. Steadman, 1847; Rev. Joseph A. Dixon, 1850; Rev. H. Robb, 1855; Rev. F. D. Bland, 1856; Rev. H. A. Cook, 1859; Rev. T. E. Veach 1861; Rev. Isaac, Bloomer, 1865; Rev. George F. Pentacost, 1866; Rev. Samuel Raker, 1868; Rev. A. C. Caperton, 1870; Rev. S. F. Thomp- son, 1871; Rev. H. D. D. Straton, 1874; Rev. A. B. Miller, 1878; Rev. Ira D. Hall, 1885; Rev. F. J. Cather, 1887; and Rev. D. Heagle, D. D., the present pastor. The trustees have been: Asa Marsh, N. V. Steadman, William Felsted, Charles Morri- son and Eben Bray, 1850; Asa Marsh, Eben Bray, T. W. Simpson, Alfred White, Judge M. W. Foster, 1856; Alfred White, T. W. Simpson, R. S. Cobb, J. D. Wilcox, Judge M. W. Foster, 1860; Joseph Turnock, F. C. Gale, Alfred White, T. W. Simpson, Judge M. W. Foster, 1862. In 1863, a va- cancy occurred by the death of Judge Fos- ter, and, by a unanimous vote, Dr. I. Haas was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1871, F. C. Gale, having removed from the city, John J. Roach was elected to fill his place. Thus in twenty-six years only two changes have been made. The clerks have been: J. P. Matthews, N. V. Steadman, A. L. Robinson, William C. Turnock. Perhaps the most marked instance of devotion shown by a true and genuine Baptist believer is that of Mother Elizabeth Turnock, who took her letter from the Philadelphia church, March 30, 1837, and removed to the west, settling within fourteen miles of Evansville, then a little town, and the nearest point to her containing a church of her faith and or- der. This distance she often walked to at- tend divine service. Father Joseph Turnock joined the Baptist church in 1853. This aged couple still live, enjoying good health, and the respect of all, and remaining stead-

The membership is now about 200. The | fast to the faith of their earlier years,

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BAPTIST CHURCH.

Since the organization of the First Baptist church, several missions have been formed, or, it may be said, additional churches have been organized, which have taken some of the membership of the First church.

On April 6, 1856, the German church was organized, and held its first meeting in the basement of the First Baptist church. In March, 1857, a southern Baptist church was organized by the Rev. John Bryce and Rev. Jacob Cole, of Henderson, Ky. Meet- ings were held in the old Cumberland Presbyterian church on Chestnut street. It did not become a permanency. In 1860, the Robinson Baptist church was formed. It had an existence for about three years, after which nearly all the membership re- turned to the First church. In 1885, the Unity Baptist church was organized by the Rev. D. B. Miller, and prospered for about two years, and then ceased to hold meet- ings. In IS88, about fifteen or twenty members of the First church withdrew, and organized the present Baptist Calvary church. The congregation holds its meet- ings in the upper room of the engine-house, on Third street, near Walnut. The Rev. Fleming, of Boonville, preaches twice a month.

General Baptist Church. - This church was organized in this city in July, 1866. Elders Benoni Stinson, Alvah Parker, and George W. Moore being appointed by the General Baptist church in Perry township to constitute the church. A year after the organization was effected the society built a house of worship on Indiana street, between Wabash and Tenth avenues, which was afterward removed to the present site, cor- ner Indiana street and Twelfth avenue. The church is a neat frame edifice built at a cost of $1,260.00, including the ground. Rev. George W. Moore was the first pastor, serving for fourteen years, and what growth

the church has enjoyed has been due largely to his leadership. Rev. J. Blackburn suc- ceeded Mr. Moore. Rev. William H. Ivey, the present pastor, has had charge for two years. He is an efficient worker and is much respected. At the commencement there were but twenty-eight members, but before the building was completed the mem- bership grew to nearly 100. At this time the number remains about the same. Eze- kiel Burdette is superintendent of the Sun- day-school, which numbers about sixty. The members of this church worship ac- cording to the belief and doctrine promul- gated in early days by Elder Benoni Stin- son. They are a body of very earnest and benevolent Christian workers.

The Old Baptist Church .- About 1835, the followers of Elder Ezekiel Saunders, a pioneer preacher, organized this church, and for a time it prospered, but of late has be- come very weak. The association has no regular pastor, but meetings are held occa- sionally. It has a small brick church on Mary street between Michigan and Virginia streets.

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History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 37

Author: Publication date: 1889 Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller Number of Pages: 714

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 714