USA > Kentucky > Henderson County > History of Henderson County, Kentucky > Part 41
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While this was not an imposing structure in architectual design, it was nevertheless large enough for a number of years and as com- fortable a building as any congregation of Christians could want.
In 1861, during the sad and terrible war between the States, this church building was taken by the Federal authorities and used as a military prison and hospital, and during that time the congregation became once more disorganized and scattered. After evacuation by the soldiery and a reasonable certainty that the war was over, the church was renovated, thoroughly cleansed and made suitable for holding services in once more.
In the year 1865, Elder George Plattenburg, a minister of great pulpit power, reorganized the congregation, getting together a mem- bership of twenty-three. For one or two years the church flourished under the ministration of Elder Plattenburg, till his removal to Missouri. In 1869 Elder R. C. Flower accepted the pastorate and immediately held a very successful protracted meeting, adding to the membership thirty-five names.
435
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
During this time the congregation elected Henry C. Kerr and Philip Vanbussum elders, David N. Walden, John B. Mallory and Orville Collins deacons. For several years Elder Flower continued to labor with great zeal, preaching and working in the interest of the church.
In 1876 Elder J. P. Hadley was called to fill the place made va- cant by the resignation of Elder Flower. He began a useful and suc- cessful ministry, but, when in the zenith of his work, was stricken with typhoid fever, from which he soon after died. At the death of Elder Hadley, Elder Carter was called by the church, but remained only a short time. He was succeeded by Elder L. H. Stine, a young minister of great energy, and one who soon made himself beloved by all Christian denominations, by his Christian and unpretentious daily walk. He remained with the church a little over a year, when he re- signed and was succeeded by Elder R. C. Cave, of Hopkinsville. Elder Cave, according to agreement, preached twice a month, morn- ing and evening. His great personal popularity as a man coupled with his brilliant pulpit oratory, attracted large congregations and gave to the church a standing it had never before attained. A deep interest was awakened in many members, who, prior to that time, had become indifferent. They were aroused to the importance of the work, and apparently manifested a new and deeper confidence by buckling on the Christian's armor and going out into the broad field spread before them, laboring earnestly to build up the Master's king- dom in this community. Elder Cave preached here only a few months, when he was called to the church in Nashville, Tennessee.
January 1st, 1882, he was succeeded by Elder James C. Creel, of Glasgow, Kentucky, a great worker and preacher of power. During the ministry of Elder Creel the membership was wonderfully in- creased. During that time there were eighty-two accessions and the membership numbered 173. After a brief ministry of nearly two years he was succeeded by Rev. B. C. Deweese, under whose admin- istration the congregation has steadily increased.
This congregation is now one of the strongest in the city, and gradually but surely growing still stronger. During the year 1882, this house of worship was greatly enlarged and handsomely improved. The building at this time presents a very handsome appearance, in fact is regarded by many as the handsomest front exterior in the city. It has all the modern appliances and therefore is both comfortably and conveniently arranged.
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436
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY,
During the fall of 1886 Elder Deweese resigned the pastorate of the church and was succeeded January 1st, 1887, by Rev. William B. Taylor, of Newcastle, Ind., but a native of Kentucky. The con- gregation were fortunate in securing so excellent a man and preacher. Elder Taylor accompanied Rev. McGarvy, of Lexington, Ky., in his travels through the Holy Land.
The following are the officers of the church : Elders-J. D. Robards, J. F. Ruby, Henry C. Kerr, John B. Mallory, Philip Van- bussum. Deacons-A. J. Miller, Frank Hart, E. F. Robards, James H. Kerr and O. W. Rash.
THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
This church was established in Henderson in the year 1871, through the efforts of Rev. C. Kranz, who was at that time Inspector of the then nearly erected Pro Seminary of the German Evangelical Institute of the West at Evansville. Rev. C. Kranz had charge of the congregation for some time, coming down from Evansville by boat, and holding services for the congregation regularly every Sunday.
In the year 1872, when Rev. Kranz removed from Evansville, the congregation was for a time without a minister ; subsequent to that time Rev. Eppens took charge of the aforesaid institute, which was now changed into a college. Rev. Kranz induced him to take charge of the Henderson congregation. Two months after this the church elected Mr. Eppens minister, and he removed to this place. He retained charge of the church a little over two years, after which time he resigned his position and removed to Hermon, Mo. Notwith- standing this, the good work of building up the congregation was not neglected. A young minister, who had just graduated from the Sem- inary of Missouri, and who was just recently ordained for the minis- try, was sent to take charge of this little but faithful congregation of Christians.
This divine was the Rev. H. Brenner, who from the beginning won the confidence and esteem of the people and members of his church, and the community at large of the City of Henderson. By this time the church had become well established, but a house for worship had not yet been built. At that time, and indeed from the be- ginning, their meetings were held in the so-called Thompson Chapel. Dr. Pinkney Thompson and other members were kind enough to let the use of the Chapel to this little band of Christian soldiers for the term of three years. For such kindness the church acknowledges its obligation, and will ever hold them in grateful re-
437
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
membrance. A necessity had now arisen of having a church building which they could call their own; the want of a house for worship owned by the congregation was keenly felt by the members, and a determin. ation to that end was faithfully embraced. It was the ardent wish of the members to build right away, but, numerically speaking, they were so small the project seemed untenable ; however, in the year 1873, in the autumn, a meeting of the members was held, and the erection of a church building was proposed and resolved upon, the building to be thirty-six by fifty-six feet, but this plan was afterwards abandoned, and a resolve made to erect a house of much larger size.
After the passage of this resolution to build, a committee was ap- pointed consisting of the following gentlemen and members : Henry Kleymeier, William Brenning and Fred. Juergensmeier, to be known as a building committee. These gentlemen, as well as all of the mem- bers of the church, showed a lively interest in the building and the progress of the church. The building committee carried out the work allotted to them with much sacrifice of time, but the Lord well rewarded them for all their labor in the good cause, for they have thereby pro- moted his kingdom in the City of Henderson. The work of building this Christian temple was an arduous one, but in the course of time, enough money had been raised to authorize a beginning and the con- tract for the house according to the plan and specifications furnished was let out. The work was hurried on as quickly as possible and as circumstances would admit. To-day this church building, a splendid brick, with its tall slender steeple points to Heaven and stands as an ornament of God's blessings and man sacrificing, indefatigable labor. It is located on the corner of Ingram and First Streets, and is now a beautiful home for these God-serving people.
On the fourteenth day of December, 1873, the church was dedicated. It was a beautiful clear day, the sun, the great ruler of lights, arose that morning in all of his splendor, although during the whole of the previous week it had rained continuously. The day was a joyful and blessed one for this congregation. There were many guests and friends from Evansville, numbering, perhaps, as many as three hundred, and at morning service not more than half of those in attendance were able to gain admission within its sacred walls. The act of dedicating was performed by the pastor of the church, Rev. H. Brenner, assisted by Rev. Chris. Schenk, of Evansville, who preached the dedicatory sermon, choosing as his text "The Serving Martha." After the morn- ing service a sumptuous dinner was served in the City Hall on Main Street, American and German ladies serving in the good work of hos-
438
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
pitality. To this dinner all of the guests from Evansville as well as the home congregation were invited. The ladies of the church were especially active in preparing the feast, and then in contributing to the comfort and enjoyment of all who honored the hall with their presence. At the afternoon service, Rev. D. O. Davies, of the Pres- byterian Church, this city, preached 'a sermon in English, and was followed by Rev. E. B. --- , of the Evangelical Zion Church, Posey County, Indiana. At the evening service Rev. Chris. Schenk, Jr., and the Rev. J. M. Pringle, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, this city, addressed the congregation, the latter in the English language. The Rev. Chris. Schenk closed the services of the day in a few well chosen remarks gratifying to the congregation. The choir of the Zion Church of Evansville, led by Mr. Victor Wettle, and the choir of St. Paul Episcopal Church of this city, led by that cultured and pop- ular gentleman, Prof. C. F. Artis, served an important part in the dedicatory services of the day.
In the year 1878, the Rev. H. Brenner was called away from the good work he had been instrumental in bringing to such a happy actu- ality, and accepting a call to the church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Before leaving, however, the Rev. C. Mueller was called to the Hen- derson church and installed by him as his successor, and under his spiritual guidance the building up of the church was continued. Rev. Mr. Mueller remained in charge of the church about two years, when he accepted a call to the church in Newport, Kentucky. Once again the little, but struggling flock was left without a shepherd. For a time the Rev. A. Michel, then residing in Princeton, Indiana, came to Henderson, preaching for the congregation once in every two or three weeks. After many fruitless efforts of the President of the Second District of the Synod, urged by the congregation here, the Rev. C. H. Viehe, M. D., formerly of Freelandsville, Indiana, was called and ac- cepted the pastorate of the church, and was installed on the eighth day of May, 1881, by the late Chris. Schenk, of Evansville, Indiana. Since his residence and patient labor, assisted by the working laity, many improvements have been made to the church property, and a large number added to the communicant list. At present about thirty families of our German population take a warm active interest in the church, and are connected by membership. The attendance at regular services are generally large and devout, manifesting a religious zeal, which has been a prominent shining characteristic of the church since its little beginning, only a few years ago.
The Sunday School is in a flourishing condition and now num- bers fifteen teachers and eighty-five scholars.
439
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
Under the ministration of Dr. Viehe, the church has grown and is now one of the largest congregations in the city. The Doctor is a man of comprehensive views and an actice worker, and so far as our limited knowledge extends, greatly beloved by his flock.
N. B .- Since the foregoing was written Dr. Viehe has resigned the pastorate, and is succeeded by Rev. F. W. Adomeit.
THE METHODIST CHURCH
Was pioneer in Henderson County. As far back as 1805 the records are distinct. In that year there was a small Methodist society found in what is now the City of Henderson. They worshiped in a brick church, which was situated on the present vacant lot (Public Square) just south of the Court House, and was used as a Union Church.
The Rev. Thomas Taylor was the first Methodist preacher of whom any record can be had as connected with the church in Hen- derson. The work was then called Red Bank Circuit.
The records are missing from this period to 1831 and 1832, when the Rev. Abram Long was the preacher in charge in 1833-4.
J. D. Bennett, who is now living, and a member of the Louisville Conference, was the pastor in 1835-6. A. L. Alderson was the preacher. About this time the name was changed to that of Henderson Circuit ; it was in the Paris District Tennessee Conference. Mr. Alder- son was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph P. Stanfield in 1837-8. Mr. Stanfield was very successful as a revivalist and a large number of souls were converted under his ministry. He was followed by the Rev. Robert Gardner, and the membership at this time did not exceed 20 or 30. It was during his pastorate that the first great revival in Henderson is to be recorded. It is worthy of remark that while Mr. Gardner was the pastor, this revival was the result of the joint labors of the sweet-spirited Edwin Roberts and the preacher in charge.
In 1839 another revival followed of still larger proportions than the one in 1838. It was during this meeting that the Rev. W. H. Sandefur (" Uncle Billy," as we call him) was connected with the church. He is now superannuated, but was for many years an active and very useful local preacher. He is still living, but is unable to preach on account of age and feebleness. His name stands on the Quarterly Conference Journal as a local elder.
In 1840 we find the Methodists worshiping in a little frame church which stood right where the First Colored Baptist Church now stands, and was built during this year, and was the result doubt- less of the revivals that preceded it.
440
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
Henderson was made a station in 1842, with Richard D. Neale as presiding elder and James J. Ferree as preacher in charge. The first Quarterly Conference for the Henderson station was held De- cember 10th, 1842. It was then in the Hardensburg District, Ken- tucky Conference.
This year the Register shows the following list of official mem- bers : Trustees-Thomas Evans, Sr., Wm. B. Rudy, James H. Rudy, Daniel Rudy, James C. Hicks, Stephen R. Wilson, Elias Bar- nard, Charles T. Sandefur, Jacob N. Miller.
Stewards-Thomas Evans, Sr., W. B. Rudy, James C. Hicks, Dan'l Rudy, Blackman Moseley.
Class Leaders-Thomas Evans, Sr., and Jacob N. Miller.
Local Preachers-Thomas Evans, Sr.
On November 13th, 1842, there were just thirty-seven members and eleven probationers on the roll. There is an item of interest recorded in the minutes of the Quarterly Conference, which met tenth of December.
STEWARD'S REPORT.
Amount collected, $7.25.
R. D. Neale's claim, $6 ; traveling expenses, 50 cents.
J. J. Ferree's claim, $25 ; traveling expenses, $12.
Paid R. D. Neale, 50 cents.
Paid J. J. Ferree (quarterage), $6.75.
$7.25 to presiding elder and preacher in charge for one quarter of a year.
GOOD OLD DAYS OF YORE.
But times have changed. A pair of boots now would cost more than the whole amount collected during that quarter. This confer- ence year there were twenty-six infants baptised, and among the num- ber we note the names of W. S. Thomas Jefferson and Adam Rankin Johnson and John Jordan Holloway.
The Quarterly Conferences were short, since it only required about one finger's length to record all the minutes, and only two questions were asked, viz: First-Are there any complaints or ap- peals ? Second-Where and when shall the next quarterly meeting be held ?
During the early part of 1843 Zion was attached to the Hender son station. No mention of Sunday schools is made until February 17th, 1844, when we have the following note in the Pastor's Report, under the head of Sabbath Schools : "One formed with near forty
441
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
scholars." It is a fact, however, that there was a Sunday school that met in the Court House and was in a flourishing condition several years previous to this one. In 1843 '44, Richard Tydings was P. E. and J. J. Ferree, Pastor.
In 1844'45, Rev. N. B. Lewis, father of Rev. J. W. Lewis, the present Pastor, was Presiding Elder, and Rev. J. M. Cook ' was Pastor. He was a supply not yet in the Conference. This record occurs in the minutes of the last quarterly conference for that year, which met June 21st, 1845"46, the voice of the conference was taken upon division (of the church). They voted in favor of the South. That year the P. E. received $45 and the Pastor, $48.56. The charge at this time was in the Morganfield church and being on the border, they were allowed to vote as to whether they would adhere to the Church North or South. Hence the vote above referred to.
In 1845, '46, Rev. N. H. Lee was Presiding Elder and Rev. F. M. English, Pastor. In 1846'47, N. H. Lee was Presiding Elder, and Abram Long, Pastor. Along here the records are very meager. In 1847, '48, Rev. A. H. Redford was Presiding Elder and Rev. W, Alexander, Pastor.
The lot on which the present church stands, was bonght of Mr. Geo. Atkinson for $1,500 in 1850, and the lot where the Colored Baptist Church now stands, was sold for $900. The subscriptions to build the present church were secured largely in the second year of Rev. G. H. Hayes' term as Pastor, in 1855.
The first story was built under the administration of Rev. J. A. Henderson, in 1856. Here it stood for some time for want of funds to finish. During the term of J. J. Talbott, in 1859, the building was completed in its present form.
The Methodist Church now has, within the city limits, one church and parsonage, recently purchased, and one District parsonage, all of which property aggregates about $15,000 in value. There are two hundred and twenty-five members and one hundred and forty Sunday school scholars. A good library belongs to the Sunday School. It is now in a more flourishing condition than ever before, so far as I can gather from the history, which I have carefully read.
One fact deserves special mention : from the time this work became a station, in 1842, it has remained a station uninterruptedly to the present day.
442
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
P. E. AND P. C.
1831. A. Long, P. C.
1835-'36. A. L. Alderson, on Circuit,
1833. J. D. Barnett, P. C.
1838. Joseph Stanfield was in charge of the Henderson Circuit, which was the Paris, Tennessee, District Conference.
FIRST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE, HENDERSON STATION.
October 18th, 1843. Richard D. Neal, P. E., James J. Ferree, P. C. At this meeting, forty to fifty members were added to the church.
Year.
Presiding Elders.
Pastors Congregation.
1843
Richard Tydings.
James J. Ferree.
1844
. N. B. Lewis.
J. M. Cook.
1845
N. H. Lee.
F. M. English.
1846.
N. H Lee.
A. Long.
1847
A. H. Redford.
Wmn. Alexander.
1848
A. H. Redford.
A. A. Morrison.
1849
A. H. Redford.
G. R Browder.
1850.
.James J. Ferree.
J. W. Berry.
1851
. James J. Ferree.
E. M. Walker.
1852
.J. D Barnett.
1853.
.J. D. Barnett.
1854.
Z. Taylor.
Geo. H. Hayes.
1855
N. H. Lee.
1856
N. H. Lee.
1857
. N. H. Lee.
1859
J. S. Scobee.
J. J. Talbott.
1860
J . S. Scobee.
J. A. Henderson.
186:
.J. A. H. Preston.
J. A. Henderson .
1862
A. L. Alderson.
J. A. Henderson.
1863
A. L. Alderson
H. M. Ford.
1864.
A L. Alderson.
H. M. Ford.
1865
A L. Alderson.
A. A. Morrison.
1866
.J. R. Dempsey.
Dennis Spurier .
1867
.J. R. Dempsey .
Jacob ---
1868
J. R. Dempsey.
W. H. Anderson.
1869
J. R. Dempsey.
R. F. Hayes.
1870
T. C. Frogge.
T. S. Wash.
1871
T. C, Frogge.
T. W. Price.
1872
T. C. Frogge.
T. W. Price.
1873
N. H. Lee.
G. W. Brush.
1874
N. H. Lee.
G. W. Brush.
1875
G. H. Hayes.
H. M. Ford.
1876.
G. H. Hayes.
Dennis Spurier.
1877
G. H. Hayes.
Dennis Spurier.
1878
. G, H. Hayes.
Dennis Spurier.
1879
E. W. Crowe.
Dennis Spurier.
P. B. McCown. Geo. H. Hayes.
J. A. Henderson. Wm. Randolph. W. N. Farley.
443
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
1880
G. H Hayes.
J. W. Lewis
1881
T. D. Lewis,
J. W. Lewis.
1882
T. D. Lewis.
J. W. Lewis.
ISS4
G. H-Hayes
G. H. Means.
1885.
. G. H. Hayes.
G. H. Means.
1886
G. H. Hayes.
E. W. Bottomly .
1887
G. H Hayes.
E. W. Bottomly.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HENDERSON.
· The existence of the Second Presbyterian Church of Hender- son, is an apt illustration that we should not " despise the day of small things," and an encouragement to those who labor earnestly and faithfully in the Master's vineyard that "in due time they shall reap if they faint not."
Planted in faith, and nurtured by the prayers of God's people, the spreading branches of this vine, so humble in its beginning, has borne, and is bearing, precious fruit, that should fill the heart of every Christian with devout thankfulness and gratitude to Him who " alone giveth the increase."
To Dr. Pinkney Thompson, the most indefatigable worker and the most liberal contributor, the success of the enterprise is largely due, and the labors of the little band who, with Dr. Thompson, - through long years of patient seed sowing worked and waited, should be held in lasting remembrance.
The question of establishing a Mission School in the southeast- ern part of the city, for the purpose especially of gathering the poorer classes of children who did not attend Sabbath School elsewhere, had been frequently discussed among the officers of the Presbyterian Church, until in 1868 it was determined to make an effort in that direction.
A most eligibly located lot, situated on the corner of Washington and Alvasia streets, was purchased at a cost of $1,000, and a plain, substantial frame house erected on it at a cost of nearly $1,000. Al- most the whole of this expense was borne by a few persons, and that their children may know and emulate their good deeds, the names of those who so liberally responded to the call are given, viz .: Mrs. R. B. Stites, $150; Miss R. H. Stites, $100; James R. Barrett, $100; C. T. Starling, $100 ; John McCullough, $100; W. J. Marshall, $100; Mrs. Mary Burbank, $50 ; Mrs. J. H. Barret, Sr., $50; J. H. Barret, Jr., $50; S. B. Vance, $25. The balance of the expenditure, except a few small contributions, was borne by Dr. Thompson.
444
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
In November, 1868, the building having been completed, was dedicated. The venerable Sunday School Missionary, Rev. John Mc- Cullough, was present and took part in the exercises, and at the close of his inimitable address he named the building " Thompson Chapel," in recognition of Dr. Thompson's very valuable services in bringing the matter to so successful an issue.
The Sabbath School was duly organized, with Dr. Thompson as Superintendent, and W. H. Noaks, Librarian. Of those, who during sixteen years labored in maintaining and carrying on the school, we mention the names of Misses Nannie and Alice Rankin, Mrs. Mary Barret, and her daughter, Miss Mary Barrett, Mrs. Eliza Jones, Mrs. Jennie Cissell, Miss Lucy Beverly, C. G. Henson, Posey and Willie Marshall. Many of these were tried and valued teachers in the Old School, but with the hope of doing more good they cast in their lot with the new enterprise. The expenses of running the school during this time were borne almost entirely by Dr. Thompson.
The population in the vicinity of the Mission School increased very rapidly, and the field seemed so encouraging that in 1884 the officers of the Presbyterian Church deemed, in the providence of God, the time had come to organize at the Mission School another church. Between 1868 and 1884 the name Thompson Chapel seems to have been dropped and the school was called the Chestnut Hill Mission School-perhaps as a more euphonious title and also in honor of a large chestnut tree which still stands near the Sunday School room.
In January, 1884, a petition signed by certain members of the Presbyterian Church was presented to the session, asking to be set apart for the purpose of organizing a church to be called the Chest- nut Hill Presbyterian Church of Henderson. In the afternoon of March 2d, 1884, the session having at their own request dismissed for that purpose the following members, viz .: P. Thompson, Mrs. Nan- nie Thompson, M. Yeaman, Mrs. Julia Yeaman, J. C. Allin, Mrs. Su- san Allin Mrs. R. H. Elam, Miss Mary McCullagh, Miss Lucy Beverley, Mrs. Helen Henry, W. H. Noakes, B. W. Powell, Edward Atkinson, Mrs. Nannie Atkinson, Mrs. Mary Erhman, Mrs. Ella Helm, Mrs. Cornelia Hill, Miss F. A. Briggs and W. J. Marshall, Jr., who were organized into a church. Immediately after the organiza- tion the congregation met and proceeded to the election of officers. The following persons were chosen elders, viz .: P. Thompson, J. C. Allin, M. Yeaman and Edward Atkinson. W. J. Marshall, Jr., and W. H. Noakès were elected Deacons. These officers were then or- dained and installed, except that J. C. Allin having been an elder in
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