History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections, Part 61

Author: Bradsby, Henry C
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : S.B. Nelson & co.
Number of Pages: 1032

USA > Indiana > Vigo County > History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections > Part 61

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Asbury Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. I. Dale, Pastor .- In 1812 Jonathan Stamper, as chaplain to the Kentucky troops, preached in Fort Harrison. The settlements in this part of the territory were in the Vincennes district until 1818. In this year James McCord was sent to Fort Harrison circuit. In 1819 William Med- ford; again, in 1820, McCord; 1821, John Shrader; 1822, James Scott; 1823, David Chamberlain; 1824, H. Verdenburg; 1825, Samuel Hull; 1826, Richard Hargrave ; 1827-28, S. R. Beggs and S. C. Cooper; 1829, J. Madley and B. Stevenson; 1830, W. H. Smith and B. Phelps; 1831, R. Hargrave and D. Murphy; 1832, E. G. Wood and W. Taylor. In 1831 Edward Ray was in the town of Terre Haute as an experiment for a station, but it was returned in the circuit. At this time this territory ceased to form a part of the Illinois conference.

In 1833 A. T. Thompson and J. Richey ; in 1834, R. Hargrave and W. Watson; in 1835, Joseph White and D. Stiner. This year the town was made a station, and John Jackson and three others pledged and paid $400. Smith A. Robinson was the preacher. In 1836 J. A. Bartlett; 1837-38, John Daniel; 1839-40, E. Patrick; 1841-42, J. S. Bayless; 1843, Joseph Marsee ; 1844-45, S. T. Gillett; 1846-47, Amasa Johnson; 1848, J. L. Smith; 1849, H. B. Bears; 1850, G. M. Boyd; 1851-52, J. C. Smith; 1853, A. Wood; 1854-55,

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

W. Wilson; 1856-57, P. Wiley; 1858, S. W. Crawford, who died before his year closed; 1859-60, T. S. Webb; 1861-62, S. M. Boyd; 1863, L. Nebeker; 1864-66, William Graham; 1867-68, C. A. Brooke; 1869, Clark Skinner; 1870-72, James Hill; 1873-74, Joseph C. Reed; 1875, W. Graham; 1876, Dr. S. Godfrey.

Centenary Church, Rev. A. T. Briggs, Pastor .- About the year 1866, the Centenary church was built, and the old charge was divided in 1868-69 by C. Brooke.

The Methodist Episcopal church was the first religious organi- zation in Terre Haute. There are no records to show when the first society was organized. In 1833-34 a small brick church was built on the same lot now occupied by Asbury chapel, corner of Fourth and Poplar streets, but it fronted south. In 1841 the pres- ent edifice was erected, which has been several times repaired and somewhat remodeled. A small branch was organized in 1848 in the north part of the town, and a building was erected known as "the Sibleytown church." This did not prove self-sustaining, and in 1866 the society there was disbanded, the property sold, and the proceeds applied on the Centenary church then in course of erection.

In 1865, without any separate organization, the mother church proceeded to erect the building known as Centenary church, on the . corner of Seventh and Eagle streets, and finished the basement ready for occupancy. In the fall of the same year the organiza- tion of Centenary church was effected, with a membership of over 230.

At the fall conference of 1866, before the division, there were 479 members. In the fall of 1867, one year after the division, members were 254; in 1875, members, 234; Rev. A. T. Briggs, present pastor.

Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, of Terre Haute was organized in June, 1839, by the late Rev. William Paul Quinn, of Philadelphia, who had been sent out as a missionary, with five members: The first preacher was Rev. M. J. Wilkerson. The second preacher was Rev. D. Winslow, he served one year. The third was Rev. Shadrac Stewards; he served one year, and built the first meeting-house. The present minister is Rev. . J. Mitchen.

First Baptist Church was organized in Terre Haute, July 9, 1836, in the school-house corner of fifth and Walnut streets. There had been Baptist preaching, by Rev. Samuel K. Sparks, prior to that time, but no church organized. The church thus formed consisted of nine members: Rev. S. K. Sparks and his wife Catherine, Joseph Cooper and his wife Phoebe Ann, Henry and

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

Sarah Thomas, William and Keziah Stark, and Massa Pound. In February, 1837, William Stark was chosen the first deacon, and Joseph Cooper was the first clerk. Mr. Sparks acted as pastor, though never formally called to that work. In June of that year (1837) Mrs. Taylor was received a member, and became the oldest member in the church. Rev. S. K. Sparks served the church as pastor until November 1844. During 1837-38 Rev. George C. Chandler was assistant pastor for about eight months. During these years many persons had united with the church, but owing chiefly to the formation of several other churches near Terre Haute, with which the members from the country (who also constituted a large part of the church membership) united, the church in 1845 numbered but eight members. In the autumn of that year Rev. Joseph A. Dickson was called to the pastorate, and the Universalist house on Fourth street was rented at $5 per month. In 1847, with twenty- seven members, a church edifice was commenced and enclosed, and the basement finished for use, and in 1850 the upper part of the house and the cupola were completed. This house stood on the west side of Fourth street, between Mulberry and Eagle. In the spring of this year Mr. Dickson resigned, the membership number- ing about fifty-five. Rev. W. Leggett then became pastor, but ill health soon compelled him to resign. In the spring of 1851 Rev. F. Stanley was engaged for six months. Soon after the close of his labors he, with eight other members, obtained letters of dis- mission to form the Second Baptist church. In June, 1852, Rev. F. Snider was called, and labored with great acceptance. But he, too, was compelled by failing health to resign. In May, 1853, Rev. David Taylor became pastor. He was succeeded, in 1854, by Rev. J. R. Ash, who held the office till 1856. In December of the same year Rev. E. G. Taylor was called to the pastorate. He labored here four years. In December, 1860, Rev. Joseph Brown became pastor, but in less than a year afterward (September 10, 1861) the church building was destroyed by a tornado. Under its protecting roof the congregation had worshiped eighteen years. Again the

Universalist church was rented. In November following the lot

where the church building now stands, corner of Cherry and Sixth streets, was purchased, consideration $2,800, and a chapel was put up thereon. In May, 1865, Rev. S. M. Stimson became pastor. He remained seven years and added to the congregation until it num- bered 300 members. During his ministration the church was erected on South Second street, afterward known as the Strawberry Hill Chapel. In 1873 Rev. Charles R. Henderson became pastor. Dur- ing his time the chapel was improved at a cost of $3,300, and the list of members increased to 953 persons, 482 of whom were in communion.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

The corner-stone of the new building was laid July 22, 1877, and the completed house dedicated April 22, 1880. Present pastor, Rev. L. Kirkley. The Second Baptist Church had ceased as an or- ganization.

Third Baptist ( Colored) .- This is now the Free-Will Baptist, located at 1,330 South Fourteenth street; pastor, Rev. M. A. Jones.

Old South Seventh Street Baptist ( Colored) .- This is now lo- cated on Second street (second floor), between Main and Ohio streets; Rev. John Johnson, pastor.

Catholicity .- Vigo county has a Catholic population of over 6,000, 5,000 being residents of the city of Terre Haute. The value of the Catholic institutions is little less than $1,000,000.

St. Mary's is the oldest congregation in the county. It was in this parish that Catholicity first made a lodgment in these parts. Its territory was the home of many good men and women, who, be- ing full of the faith and very devout, gave all the aid possible to the missionary priests as they journeyed through or stopped over to minister to the scattered lambs of the flock. Prominent among these were the late Joseph Thralls and his wife, who are happily styled the pioneers of Catholicity in this section. In 1837 the Thralls donated the grounds for the first church and cemetery; and when the Sisters of Providence came, in 1840, this most excellent family vacated its log-cabin house, giving it up to the Sisters to be their home, and what has since proved to be the nucleus of St. Mary's renowned Academic Institute of St. Mary's of the Woods.

St. Mary's first church was a small frame structure built in 1837. It was burned in 1842, and two years later a small brick church was erected. This was blessed in 1844, November 7, by Bishop Hailandiere. Rev. J. Corbe was then pastor. The present brick structure, 35x75 feet, was erected in 1867, and in 1868 was built the first parsonage which is now a prominent part of the priest's house. The additions thereto and other improvements which render it habitable were made by Very Rev. Father McBar- ron in 1873, and by the present pastor, Father Riehle. These, with the purchase of the present cemetery adjoining the church, com- prise the chief improvements made in the history of the congrega- tion.

Rev. Stanislaus Butuex was the first resident priest in St. Mary's parish. He was its founder. He was active in the parish from 1837 until 1842, when he went to Boston, Mass., where he died in 1875. Rev. A. Parrett succeeded him at St. Mary's and re- mained until 1844, when he left to join the Jesuits. Rev. John Corbe was then given the parish in charge. He labored in that field until 1865, when he resigned and became chaplain to the Sis-

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

ters of Providence at St. Mary's of the Woods, where he died June 3, 1872. In 1866 Rev. M. McCarthy, O. S. B., became pastor. The year previons the parish was visited by members of the order from Terre Haute. Father McCarthy remained until 1871, when, in July of that year, he was succeeded by Very Rev. E. F. McBarron. Father McBarron, now dean and pastor of the Assumption church, Evansville, devoted over eight years to the good people of St. Mary's parish. Here is the Mother of the order in this country, and from these first five Sisters the order now numbers 500. Their house was burned February 7, 1879, but was immediately rebuilt and enlarged and improved. It was sufficiently detached from the school, as not to endanger the school buildings. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. A. Riehle, October 20, 1879.

St. Joseph's Parish was the first parish organized in Terre Haute. Rev. S. P. Lalumiére was the first resident pastor. He came and took charge in 1842, from which time the history of the parish proper begins. Of course Terre Haute was a mission station for many years previous, divine service being held repeatedly for the Catholics there as early as 1835, and quite regularly from 1837 to 1842, Rev. Father Buteux coming from St. Mary's for that purpose.

Rev. Father Lalumiére ministered to the people until his death in 1857. His remains are buried in St. Joseph's church. He was born at Vincennes in 1804, and at one time was the only priest Bishop Bruté had in his large diocese, which then comprised the whole State of Indiana and a portion of Illinois.

The records of the parish show that St. Joseph's was presided over by Jesuit fathers from the death of Father Lalumiére in 1857 until the arrival of Rev. P. Bede O'Connor, O. S. B., in 1859. These Jesuits were Rev. Father di Maria, 1857-58, and Rev. Father Lutz, 1859. Rev. O'Connor was in charge of the parish about seven years. During a part of the time he was assisted by four other fathers of his order, Revs. Fintan, Martin, Chrysostome and Meinrad. A col- lege which they conducted for a few years proving unsuccessful, they resigned and left the place after the removal of Father O'Connor.

Rev. J. B. Chassé succeeded Father O'Connor and remained until 1872. Very Rev. H. Alerding, present pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Indianapolis, and author of the History of the Diocese of Vincennes, was Father Chassé's assistant for two years and nine months.

The first St. Joseph's church is said to have been built by Father Buteux, perhaps in 1837 or 1838. It was then a mission attended from St. Mary's, Vigo county. Father Lalumiére made an addition

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

to the structure, and Father Chasse enlarged and ornamented it with a new front and steeple.

The Franciscan Fathers (O. M. C. ) took charge of St. Joseph's in 1872. Rev. John Kroeger was the first; Rev. L. Moczigemba was the second; he came in 1873. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Lessen during 1875-76. Rev. F. Neubaur came in 1877; Rev. D. Marzetti, 1878-79, since which time, 1880, Very Rev. M. C. McEvoy, O. M. C., has been pastor. He came as assistant to Father Kroeger in 1872. Rev. Joseph J. Frewin is Father McEvoy's present assist- ant. He came in 1883.

St. Joseph's church is a brick structure 45x110 feet, with stained glass windows, a good organ, and beautiful altars and furniture. It fronts on Fifth street, stands in the center of the parish grounds, which occupy half a block. South of the church stands the brick school for girls, taught by the Sisters of Providence. North of the church, on the corner of Ohio street, is the boys' brick school, built in 1888.

St. Benedict's Parish was the second parish organized in Terre Haute in 1864. This is the only German-speaking congregation of this church in the city. Its present pastor, Rev. Clement Luitz, came in 1886. At its organization this church had but thirteen families; now numbers 160. The church was completed February 3, 1865. The church is on the corner of Ninth and Ohio, and the school is on the corner of Ninth and Walnut streets.

St. Ann's Parish and Building .- St. Ann's parish was organized in 1866. Rev. M. Quinlan was its first pastor. It comprises the northeastern portion of Terre Haute, and has about 100 families be- sides the 110 people residents of St. Ann's Orphan Asylum. The parish was created to accommodate the few families residing north of Chestnut street. The pastor saying one mass at the asylum each Sunday and one for the small congregation at the church. The situation has changed somewhat since then, as St. Ann's parish is now large enough of itself to keep its pastor busy, nevertheless he is the chaplain of the asylum also.

The present St. Ann's church, at the corner of Fourteenth and Locust, is a frame structure 35x75 feet, was built in 1866. About the same time the greater part of the present pastoral residence was erected. It has since been added to and much improved. February 1, 1878, Rev. John McCabe was placed in charge of St. Ann's con- gregation as its second resident pastor. He continued his labors until about July, 1885, when its present pastor, Rev. John Ryves, was commissioned by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Chatard. Since his taking charge he has remodeled and added to the building and im- proved the parsonage, and to the parish grounds has added an extra

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

lot for school-house purposes, thereby making the enlarged lot 300x136 feet. This new lot fronts on Locust street. A parish school for St. Ann's congregation is to be an enterprise of the near future.

St. Patrick's Parish .- St. Patrick's congregation was set apart or organized in 1881, as much with a view to accommodate the peo- ple of the southeast section of Terre Haute as to establish a Catho- lic school there. Rev. Thomas X. Logan was placed in charge. He began at once the erection of St. Patrick's church, a gothic structure of large dimensions, is among the finest church edifices in the city. The parish grounds are at the southeast corner of Thirteenth and Poplar streets. The church is on the corner, and to the east is the parish school building erected and conducted by the Sisters of Providence. This is a spacious brick structure, and is attended by 200 children. In the rear of the church and fronting on Thirteenth street is the humble cottage home of the pastor.

St. Patrick's church was built at a cost of $22,000; Rev. V. A. Schnell, pastor.

Zion's Church of the Evangelical Associaton .- Terre Haute was taken up as a mission by the South Indiana conference in the spring of 1881. The Rev. Jacob C. Young was assigned to this new work, and he arrived April 13, 1881, to commence work at once for the Master. Having no members at all here the committee appointed by conference to locate and build a church consisted of the Rev. John Kaufmann, presiding elder; Rev. George Berstecher and Rev. J. C. Young. Before the church was completed the services were held at " Baur's hall," corner Main and Seventh streets. The com- mittee decided to buy the vacant lot on the northwest corner of Ninth and Walnut streets, and thereupon erected the present little brick church, 32x50. The dedication of the church took place Sunday, December 18, 1881, by Bishop J. J. Escher. The same brick parsonage was completed in May, 1882. Rev. J. C. Young served this mission three years since the society was organ- ized. The first church officers elected were William Deusner, class- leader; John E. Stortz, steward; Christ Hansing, Sunday-school superintendent; John E. Stortz, secretary; Christ Miller, treasurer, and O. Necker, librarian.

The second pastor assigned by conference was Rev. Charles Stockhowe, who served two years. His successor, Rev. William G. Braeckly, took charge in the spring of 1886. Present pastor Rev. J. C. Young.

German Reformed Church was organized October, 1857, with a congregation of seven families. Rev. F. W. Steffens. was the first pastor. That year they built their church edifice. Prior to.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

that time this congregation was with the Evangelical Lutheran con- gregation, which had been organized in 1854. The separation took place in 1857; it soon grew to be a large congregation, after the sepa- ration. Rev. L. Praikschetis succeeded Rev. Steffens. The present pastor is Rev. Schwdes. The present church building is on the corner of Fourth and Oak streets.

Christian Church was organized by the Evangelist M. R. Trim- ble, June 28, 1841, with twenty members. It has had for pastors Rev. W. F. Black, C. W. Cure, B. B. Taylor, and the present popular shepherd of the flock, Rev. John L. Brandt, who has ( July 1890) just resigned. The average congregation at church services is 400. The fine chapel is on Mulberry, east of Sixth street, which was erected in 1867.

Universalist Church, what was named the "First Universalist Church of Terre Haute," was organized, May 8, 1841, and had twelve members; the little congregation soon grew, and May 18, 1869, completed their church building on Eighth, between Cherry and Eagle streets. Their first building was on the corner of Fourth and Ohio streets. Of the early pastors were Rev. B. F. Foster, John Kidwell, George Knapp, James G. Burt, Henry Jewell, S. G. Gibson, W. C. Brooks, Manford and Allen. The church is without a pastor at the present time.

St. Anthony's Hospital was founded, as we now see it, in 1883. The site of the buildings, occupying an entire square, together with the buildings which formed the nucleus of the hospital, was pur- chased for the sum of $30,000. The improvements and additions cost an extra $30,000. To-day the hospital in its completeness cost $75,000. Mr. H. Hullman is the chief benefactor, having donated $30,000. The citizens of Terre Haute donated the balance, some of them, like Mr. Crawford Fairbanks and Mr. Riley McKeen, donating $1,000 or several thousand dollars each. The city and county pay $200 per month for their patients, while Mr. H. Hullman is a large contributor to defraying the balance of the running expense of the institution.

The Sisters of St. Francis, eighteen in number, with Sister Mary Raphaela at their head, have charge of the hospital. The Mother house of their order is at Lafayette. They began their hospital work at Terre Haute in a small way on Second street in 1882. They now have one of the finest hospitals in Indiana, with an annual list of over sixty patients.

The number now is over seventy.

This hospital is one of the creditable Catholic institutions of Terre Haute.

The Very Rev. M. C. McEvoy, pastor of St. Joseph's church, is the chaplain of the hospital.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

St. Ann's Providence Orphan Asylum .- This institution, begun by Bishop Bazin at Vincennes, in 1848, and fostered by the Sisters of Providence, was removed to Terre Haute in 1876. It took its present name since its removal. It is for girls only, of whom there are ninety at present in the institution. Twelve Sisters of Provi- dence have charge of the asylum, and its excellent management is most creditable to them. The building is spacious, and is conven- iently located, in that it is removed from the busy center of the city. It is worth $40,000. Rev. John Ryves, the pastor of St. Ann's church, is also chaplain of the asylum:

The Rose Orphan Home .- One of the many benefactions of Mr. Rose was the founding of a home for the orphan children of Vigo county, for the establishment of which he contributed by gift and will about $300,000, of which sum $100,000 have been expended in realty, and the necessary buildings and equipment combining the requirement of the most advanced theories in respect to convenience, sanitation and comfort.

The home includes a large and elegant building used for hospi- tal purposes, kitchen, dining, store and sewing rooms, bakery, office, library, and sleeping-rooms for employes; three handsome brick cottages used as homes for the children; a school-house, chapel, an engine-house and laundry, and various other houses all of brick, roofed with slate, and supplied with steam, water, gas, etc.

The plan of the work is based upon the cottage system, in which small numbers of children are grouped in home-like circles, each with its own matron. The accommodations are for about 100 chil- dren. There have been received up to date 109 children, of which number about thirty-four have been adopted or returned to their friends. Children between the ages of three and twelve years are admitted, and can not be retained after they are sixteen years old. Children are placed out as fast as good homes can be found for them. While in the home they are taught to work, and are sent to school about five hours each day, good teachers and the most ap- proved school books and apparatus being provided. A Sunday- school is held every Sabbath afternoon in the chapel, and simple religious exercises adapted to the eyes of the children are observed in the cottages each evening, making their entire life as home-like as possible. The boys and girls attend school together, as in the public schools, but live in separate cottages. The grounds are beau- tifully laid out and handsomely ornamented with slade trees, flowers, graveled walks, drives, fountains, etc.

The superintendency of the home is entrusted to Lyman P. Alden, whose natural aptitude for the work and long experience as superintendent of the Michigan State Orphan Home eminently qualify him for the responsible duties of the office.

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HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.

Friendly Inn is caring for the poor and hungry, and sheltering many a poor wanderer. This is in the old station or police house, in the rear of the city building. Matron Mrs. A. L. Stanley has sleeping accommodations for ten persons. It is under the control of the Organized Charity, and each church in the city appoints a member of the board, of which the mayor is ex-officio president; Will C. Smalwood, secretary. The pay of the matron is simply in furnishing the house room, and allowing her 15 cents for each meal given only on orders.

Free-Will Baptist ( Colored) is located 1330 South Fourteenth ; pastor, Rev. M. A. Jones; small congregation, twenty-five.

Newly-Organized Baptist (Colored) .- This was formerly the South Seventh Street Colored Baptist congregation. They rent a room in the upper story on Second street between Main and Ohio; Rev. John Johnson in charge.

In answer to the question: "Is Terre Haute a Godless town ?" the Evening Gazette, on one April Sunday, 1890, sent out a full corps of reporters to all the churches and counted the attendance at each. The enumeration was carefully made, and certainly was a triumphant vindication of the good people of the city from the imputations of the carper, who in such ignorance had slandered its good name. The following are the Gazette's returns: Centenary Methodist Episcopal, 342; Asbury Methodist Episcopal, 168 ; German Methodist Episcopal, 129; Mattox Chapel, 140; Allan Methodist Episcopal (Colored), 102; Sixth Methodist Episcopal Chapel ( Col- ored), 37; First Baptist, 496; Free-Will Baptist ( Colored), 43; New- ly-Organized Baptist (Colored), 43; St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 495; St. Patrick's, 325; St. Benedict's, 308; St. Ann's, 331; St. Stephen's, 249; Central Presbyterian, 267; Moffatt Street Presby- terian, 91; United Brethren, 79; Christian Church, 390; Congre- gational Church, 207; German Lutheran, 233; German Reformed, 106; German Evangelical, 85; Evangelical Lutheran Independent, 140.

Macksville Congregational Church .- The corner-stone was laid July 9, 1885. It is a neat little church building costing $2,000. The active mover in building this edifice was Mr. Corning. The history of this organization is in the simple fact that the Congre- gational church found that Macksville contained about 600 people and yet had no church of any kind, and they determined to supply the want. This was therefore built with the spirit of inviting to its sanctuary all Christians convenient thereto; and realizing that the place much needed a church, but was not large enough for two, they proposed to make their building supply the wants of all Christian people who had to depend upon that locality. They would not have built had any other congregation been desirous of so doing.

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History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections, Part 61

Author: Bradsby, Henry C Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago : S.B. Nelson & co. Number of Pages: 1032

Author: Bradsby, Henry C
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : S.B. Nelson & co.
Number of Pages: 1032