USA > Kentucky > Henderson County > History of Henderson County, Kentucky > Part 44
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
The church building at that time, a handsome and commodious one, was built in 1837, on the corner of Main and Third cross streets, on a lot of ground fronting seventy feet on Main Street, and purchased of James W. Marshall by Judge Towles and Rev. D. H. Deacon. Marshall, by title bond, agreed to deed to Towles and Deacon, but died before the deed was made. After his death the vestry applied to the County Court for a deed, and on proof being made, the Court on the twenty-sixth day of July, 1841, appointed Thomas Towles, Jr., Edmund H. Hopkins and William D. Allison, commissioners to con- vey the ground to the vestry of the church, and for this ground the church paid three hundred dollars. The church having been com- pleted, at a meeting of the vestry it was resolved to sell or rent the pews. Public notice having been given, fourteen pews were sold, bringing the sum of seven hundred and seventy-five dollars, payments to be made in five equal annual installments, and notes given for the tax or rents. Twenty per cent. was levied as a tax or rent in addi- tion to the sale price. A pew sold for fifty dollars was assessed an an- nual tax of ten dollars. What the object of the vestry could have been in selling a pew outright, is not known at this time, but that such a curious proceeding was a fact, the following deed is reproduced:
"This Indenture, made the eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, between Francis E. Walker, Thomas Towles, Edmund L. Starling, William Rankin and Henry Delano, the Vestry of St. Paul's Church, in the Town of Henderson, County of Hen- derson, and State of Kentucky, of the first part, and Thomas Towles, of the same Town, County and State, of the second part, witnesseth: That the said Francis E. Walker, Thomas Towles, Edmund L. Starling, William Rankin and Henry Delano, Vestry. as aforesaid, for and in consideration of the sum of sixty-five (65) dollars, to them in hand paid, at and before the unsealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bargained, sold, aliened, conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents they, the said Francis E. Walker, Thomas Towles, Edmund L. Starling, Wil - liam Rankin and Henry Delano, Vestry, as aforesaid, do bargain, alien, con- vey and confirm, unto the said Thomas Towles, his heirs and assigns, forever, one certain pew in the Church of St. Paul's, before mentioned, known and designated by the number seventeen (17), to have and to hold the said pew, with its appurtenances, unto the said Thomas Towles, his heirs and assigns, forever, subject, nevertheless, to such rent or tax as the Vestry of said St. Paul's Church shall annually assess, or levy ; and the said Francis E. Walker, Thomas Towles, Edmund L. Starling, William Rankin and Henry Delano, Vestry, as aforesaid, warrant a good, pertect and indefeasible title. in fee sim- ple (with the exception before mentioned), to the said pew, with its appurte- nances. against the right, title, claim and demand of all persons whatsoever, will forever warrant and defend by these presents.
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
In testimony whereof the said Francis E. Walker, Thomas Towles, Ed inund L Starling. William Rankin and Henry Delano, as Vestry, as afore- said, have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written.
F. E. WALKER, [SKAL.] THOMAS TOWLES, [SEAL ] WVM. RANKIN, [SEAL.] E. L. STARLING, [SEAL.] HENRY DELANO, [SEAL ]
On the first day of April, 1839, Easter Monday, the pewholders and communicants, met for the first time to elect a Vestry. Thomas Towles, Francis E. Walker, Edmund L. Starling, William Rankin, Henry Delano, James Alves and Dr. James Newland were elected. Edmund H. Hopkins was elected clerk of the Vestry.
February 13th, 1841, the following act of the General Assembly of Kentucky was approved :
"Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky :
" That Daniel H. Deacon, Thomas Towles. Sr., James Alves, Edmund L Starling, Henry Delano and William J. Alves, be and they are hereby created a body politic and corporate, by the name and style of the Vestry of St. Paul's Church in the Town of Henderson; and they, with their succes- sors, shall so continue and have perpetual succession, and by that name are made capable in law as natural persons to sue and be sued, plead and be im pleaded, contract and be contracted with, answer and be answered, in any court of law or equity in this Commonwealth, and elsewhere; to have and use a common seal, and alter the same at pleasure, and to receive and hold to themselves, and their successors, the free hold or lease hold title to any quantity of land, not exceeding four acres, and the emoluments thereof, and any tene- ments, goods and chattles, of any kind whatever, which may be given, granted, devised or demised, in trust to them, for the use and benefit of the members and congregation of the said church, subject, however, to such limitations and restrictions as may be imposed or reserved by the grantor of such prop- erty. Provided, however, that any land acquired and held by them, by virtue of this act, shall be used either as a site for a church edifice or house of public worship, or as a burying ground, or as a place for the residence of the pastor, or rector, of said church, and for no other use or purpose whatever.
" Said corporation shall have power to raise money by subscription or borrowing, to any amount not exceeding ten thousand dollars, and lay out the same in the purchase of any grounds, or the erection, improving, repairing and furnishing ot any houses they may deem necessary, subject to the limita- tions specified in the first section.
"Said corporation shall have the power (with the advice and consent of a majority of persons who elect them, upon their records expressed) to sell or otherwise dispose of any property acquired or held by them, by virtue of this act, and, by their deed duly acknowledged, to transfer and convey the fee simple, or other title, to any such property.
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
" That should any vacancy in said corporation occur by death, removal, resignation. or otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled by election, in the man - ner prescribed by the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, and of the Diocese of Kentucky, for the election of vestrymen.
" The said Vestry shall not have, or exercise, under this charter, any power or privilege not herein expressly granted. And the Legislature shall have the right to amend, modify or repeal this act, but the repeal shall not de - prive the said Vestry of the property and effects acquired and held under this charter."
November 7th, 1841, Rev. D. H. Deacon, having resigned, the vestry appointed Henry Delano and James Alves a committee to procure the services of Rev. Mr. Laman to preach twice a month, for which they agreed to pay him three hundred dollars per annum. On the twelfth day of June, 1842, the vestry called the Rev. William Jackson, of Winchester, Virginia, at a salary of six hundred dollars and a residence furnished. Mr. Jackson accepted the call and scon after removed to Henderson. July 16th, 1842, Colonel Hopkins resigned the secretaryship of the vestry. August 5th, 1845, just three years after he had been installed as rector of the parish, Rev. Jackson died. He had by the purity of his character and earnest religious work endeared himself to all Christian people and no man's death was ever more lamented. The vestry passed appropriate resolutions, and as an additional mark of their esteem, they wore crape for thirty days. October 27th, 1845, Rev. John Swann, of Bladensburg, Mary- land, was called at a salary of seven hundred dollars and accepted. He soon took charge of the church and remained in charge until the twelfth day of April, 1850, when he resigned. A committee, consist- ing of James Alves and Ira Delano, was appointed to secure another rector. This committee reported and on the thirtieth day of October, 1850, Rev. William C. Lewis was called, accepted and resigned on the eleventh day of June, 1851. Rev. W. G. H. Jones, a brilliant preacher, but unfortunately high tempered, was called from Acco- mack, Virginia, and assumed charge as rector of the parish November 1st, 1851. The old church, which had been built seventeen years before, being sadly in need of general repair, on the eleventh day of February, 1854, a committee, consisting of R. H. Alves, L. G. Taylor and Colonel L. H. Lyne, was appointed to ascertain the probable cost and expediency of repairing the building. On March 11th, Col. Lyne reported that the members of the church were opposed to adding to or repairing the church at any considerable cost. The committee was then instructed to ascertain what amount of money
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
could be raised to be applied to the erection of a new church build- ing, the amount to be paid quarterly.
As an additional inducement towards getting subscriptions, the vestry agreed to pro rate the amount arising from the renting of the pews among the subscribers to the new building. On the thirty-first day of March, 1855, E. L. Starling, William Rankin and Robert H. Alves were appointed a committee to negotiate for the sale of the church lot and parsonage and also for a suitable lot on which to build a new church and parsonage. About this time the Rector had, by his cranky notions and ungovernable temper, estranged most of the members of the congregation, and the congregation had dwindled down to an insignificant number of attendants. A few of the iron-nerved declined to surrender, and through their influence and unflinching devotion to the church, the rector, Rev. W. G. H. Jones, was forced to resign.
April 24th, 1856, Rev. D. H. Deacon was invited to meet with the Bishop in reference to the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church, and after this conference, Rev. Deacon was again called to the charge. He accepted and once more the congregation became united, and were soon as alive again to the purpose of building a new church edifice, as they were some time before. The committee on subscription was not only active but successful in securing quite a handsome sum for building purposes.
On the twenty-eight day of July, 1856, it was ordered that the lot on the corner of Center and Green Streets be purchased at and for the sum of three thousand dollars. This was done, and on the fourth day of March, 1857, a deed to that effect from the executors of James Alves, deceased, to the vestry, was recorded. The handsome edifice, an ornament to the city and a credit to the liberality of those, who contributed to its building, now standing on the corner of Green and Center Streets, was begun soon after the purchase of the lot. It was agreed that it should be fashioned after the early English, pointed Gothic style. At a meeting of the vestry, Rt. Rev. B. B. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky, was requested to have plans of such a church building drawn, including with it plans of a rectory or · parsonage. Nine thousand dollars were set apart for the completion of the church building and three thousand for the parsonage. Bishop Smith visited England a short time after this, and while there secured the plans of the present church with only a slight modification. The vestry adopted the report of the Bishop, and soon thereafter entered into contract with William Temperly, of Madison, Indiana, to build
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469
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
the church. F. H. Dallam, L. G. Taylor, George Atkinson and William Rankin were appointed to superintend the building of this house.
On the ninth day of May, 1857, the old rectory, which was purchased on the eleventh day of August, 1853, for $1,500, was sold to D. N. Walden for $3,000. On the twenty-eight day of April, 1857, a majority of the members and. pewholders, at an election held for that purpose, authorized the sale of the old church and lot. The property was immediately offered for sale, but from some cause, was not sold until October, 1858. On October 13th, 1858, Messrs. William Rankin and Robert H. Alves sold to A. H. Talbott, 23 feet, 4 inches, front on Main Street, for the sum of $1,050. On October 15th, 1858, the remaining 46 feet, 8 inches, was sold to George M. Priest for $1,750.
During the building of the new church, the congregation held service in the Court House. Early in 1859, the present church building was completed, and on Monday, twenty-fifth day of April, 1859, the pews were rented.
October 5th, 1859, Rev. D. H. Deacon was elected rector of the new church. In the summer of 1859, the organ was purchased of Simmons & Wilcox, Boston, Mass., the same being selected by Mrs. Mary H. Starling.
April 9th, 1860, the first vestry of the new church was elected, and was composed of the following named : Lucien Dallam, John J. Towles, John C. Atkinson, William Rankin, E. L. Starling, Jr., Ira Delano, F. E. Walker and William J. Alves. William Rankin was elected Senior Warden, L. C. Dallam, Junior Warden, and E. L. Starling, Jr., Secretary and Treasurer.
On Sunday, May 31st, 1860, the vestry, by proper legal and church instruments of writing, donated the building to the purposes for which it was erected, and the same was received and consecrated by the Rt. Rev. B. B. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese, in the presence of a large congregation.
Rev. D. H. Deacon continued in charge as rector until 1867, when he resigned. Rev. J. Maxwell Pringle, of South Carolina, was called in 1868 and accepted the call. On the first day of May, 1880, twelve years thereafter, Mr. Pringle resigned. In June 1880, a · committee of the vestry was appointed to select a suitable rector. On the fifteenth day of November, 1880, the committee reported, recom- mending Rev. R. S. Barrett, then employed as a State Evangelist by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Thomas U. Dudley. Mr. Barrett was notified
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
and accepted the temporary rectorship until April 1st, 1881. In the meantime the Bishop consented that he might become permanent rector and on the first day of April, he accepted the vestry's call and resigned his commission as Evangelist. During Mr. Barrett's rectorship, the church increased in membership and influence more rapidly than had ever before been known. His energy and Christian piety, his noble- ness of purpose and good deeds, won to him hundreds who had never known the beauties of the ritual of this church. As an evidence, the first Easter offering made on April 1st, 1881, amounted to the hereto- fore unheard of sum of one thousand dollars. During Mr. Barrett's term of service, he caused to be erected the handsome Sunday school and lecture room adjoining the church. This was built during the summer of 1881. It is elegantly arranged and furnished, and has proven a very valuable addition to the church. During the summer of 1884, he raised the necessary funds and caused to be built the handsome recess chancel so ornamental to the main church building. During the fall of 1884, through his instrumentality, the entire church was handsomely carpeted and upholstered. During the fall of 1885 the organ was rebuilt.
Of course it is not the purpose of the historian to detract one iota of credit from the ladies and gentlemen of the congregation, for it was their work and liberality that brought this great work about, but then with a listless, unconcerned, come and go easy rector, these things would never have been accomplished. During Mr. Barrett's rectorship he become noted as a writer of church books and pamph- lets, and some of these reached an unprecedented circulation. He was very active in establishing churches throughout the surrounding country, and through his efforts St. Barnaba's Chapel on Washington and Julia Streets, was built during the fall of 1886. This chapel has now a large flourishing Sunday School. St. Pauls Sunday School is one of the largest in the city.
On the thirty-first day of December, 1886, Mr. Barrett having received a call to one of the largest churches in the South, at At- lanta, Ga., resigned the rectorship of St. Paul's. His farewell ser_ mon to the congregation, whom he had served so faithfully and de- voutly for nearly six years, will long be remembered. In addition to his own congregation there were a great number of his friends from other denominations and others who belonged to no church at all. There were but few dry eyes in that congregation.
. It then became necessary for the vestry to fill his place, and to that end a committee was appointed to correspond with those best
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
informed and recommend some suitable person. February, 1887, the committee reported recommending Rev. R. W. Barnwell, of the Church of the "Holy Apostle," Barnwell, South Carolina. Mr. Barnwell accepted the call, and on April 7th, 1887, assumed the du- ties of rector of the parish. Mr. Barnwell is of a family of noted preachers, his father before him having been one of the most noted in the church.
I regret that I have not in my possession a copy of a very high and marked editorial testimonial to his eminent worth and great piety published a short time after his departure from South Carolina, in one of the leading papers of Charleston, for insertion in this sketch. St. Pauls at this time has upon its roll of membership nearly three hundred.
In the month of May, 1869, the Diocesan Convention met in St. Pauls and was attended by Governors J. W. Steveson and Merri- weather, besides other distinguished gentlemen, both of the clergy and laity. In May, 1887, the Diocesan Council again met in St. Pauls and was largely attended.
CHRISTADELPHIAN CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1856, but prior to its organization Dr. Thomas, the venerable and learned head of the church in Vir- ginia, visited Henderson County and preached for his people. This was in 1853. The followers of this particular church are few in num- bers, yet firm in the faith, as taught. This congregation, in addition to Dr. Thomas, has been visited by Revs. A. B. Magrudor, Albert An- derson and Wiley Jones, of Virginia ; Benjamin Wilson, of Illinois ; Robert Harper, of Wisconsin ; James Donalson, of Michigan, and Robert Roberts, editor of the Christadelphian, Birmingham, Eng- land.
THE NAME,
Christadelphian, is derived from the Greek words Christon Adelphoi- Brethren in Christ. They believe in the one faith taught by the Apostles, and believed in by Christadelphians. The one God re- vealed to Israel, Jesus of Nazareth a mortal man, born of Mary by the Holy Spirit, which constituted Him the Son of God. Put to death as a sin offering. Exalted to the Heavens "until the restitu- tion of all things." The promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The covenant made with David. The second (personal) coming of Jesus to the earth. The resurrection and judgment of the whole household of God (just and unjust). Immortality bestowed on those
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY,
who are found worthy, and appointed rulers in his kingdom. Con- demnation of the unworthy to the second death. Jesus Christ, the King of the Jews and of the whole earth. The Kingdom of God re- established as the Kingdom of Israel in the Holy Land. Restoration of the Jews from dispersion. Destruction of the Devil and his works, Scripturally understood as sin and the lusts of the flesh, in every mode of manifestation. Subjugation of all Kingdoms and Repub- lics on earth. Duration of the Kingdom one thousand years, de- ·stroying all enemies, including death itself. The human race essen- tially mortal, under the law of sin and death. Jesus, the Christ, through his death and resurrection, brought immortality to light. Salvation only on believing the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism (i. e. immersion) in water for a union with that name. The absolute necessity of understanding the Old Testament, in order to a correct New Testament faith.
This little band of Christian workers, while positively firm in the faith, never push their views upon other Christian people, only when challenged in debate. They prefer to let the students of theology read and study for themselves. The congregation own a church building in the county, but have no regular preacher. It is only oc- casionally they have service, and that when some minister of the church happens along or comes by invitation.
Every member of this denomination is a close reader of the Scriptures, and finds it his or her duty to be thoroughly posted in the teachings thereof. They have a church building in the Hebardsville precinct, seating capacity one hundred.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
From a very small membership and no church building only as far back as 1850, this denomination has grown to be one of, if not the largest, congregation in the city. There were, perhaps, not more than a dozen members at that time and they met and worshipped at different private residences.
The Catholics of Henderson were first attended by the Rev. E. J. Durbin, of the " Sacred Heart " Church, Union County, and his assistant. A few years subsequent to 1850, it became the duty of the assistant pastor to visit Henderson regularly during the year. Mass was said for long time in various private residences, principally at Mr. Francis Millet's on Third Street. The most distinguished clergyman who ministered to the Henderson Catholics at that time was the Rev. Michael Bouchet, who has been for many years the Vicar General of the Diocese of Louisville.
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
During the year 1858, while the Rev. William Bourke, now pro- fessor of ancient languages at St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, Ky., was visiting Henderson, the first and present brick edifice standing on the northwest corner of Third and Ingram Streets, was built.
While this church was being built, the Rev. Father William Dunn, in September, 1861, succeeded Father Bourke, as assistant to the venerable Father Durbin, and soon became the first resident pastor of the Henderson Catholics.
The church building was unplastered, its members few and, for the most part poor, but Father Dunn labored among them with a zeal and Christian charity that soon gained for him the good will of the entire community. In April, 1870, Father Dunn was removed to a higher field of labor, and was succeeded to the pastorate of the church by the Rev. Father Dom F. Crane, who was pastor only for the short term of seven months. He was succeeded, November, 1871, by the Rev. T. J. Jenkins, who held pastoral charge for one year. In November, 1872, the Rev. Jenkins was succeeded by the Rev. Father A. M. Coenen, who retained charge for two years and six months. In May, 1875, Rev. Coenen was succeeded by Rev. Father William Vanderhagen, who had charge for five years and seven months. In June, 1881, he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Father Thomas F. Tierney.
As an evidence of the liberality of this devoted congregation of Christian people, during the year, 1883, a beautiful lot lying on the northeast corner of Second and Ingram Streets was purchased. This lot fronts 167 feet on Second Street and 190 feet on Ingram Street. It is located in one of the prettiest portions of the city and upon one of the most traveled thoroughfares.
In May, 1886, an immense concrete foundation was laid for the new church edifice to be called the Church of the "Holy Name of Jesus," designed by the eminent architect, J. J. Egan, of Chicago. On Sunday, the seventeenth day of October, 1886, the corner stone to this immense building was laid with imposing ceremonies by the Rt. Rev. William G. McClosky, Bishop of Louisville. Father Dunn, the first pastor of the Henderson Church, preached a beautiful and touching sermon. The style of architecture of this church is strictly in keeping with the early English Gothic, outside surface of pressed brick with stone ornamentation. This building, when completed, will not only be the largest church structure in the city, but by far the most imposing in the State outside of the City of Louisville. When completed it will have cost those contributing to its building,
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
between twenty-five to thirty thousand dollars. In the earnest, un- tiring endeavor of these people, a lesson is taught, worthy of emulation by other Christian people. Under the ministrations of Father Tierney, the congregation is fast increasing in numbers and influence. Connected with the church is a large school, with three large rooms, under the supervision of four Sisters of Nazareth, Sister Charlotte, Superior. There are enrolled in this school between one hundred and twenty-five and one hundred and fifty scholars.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN.
One of the oldest denominations in the county, but many years ago, from a want of activity and zeal, ceased to exist. Of late years, reorganized a small congregation and Sunday school, called a pastor, and held Sunday services until June, 1887, when their pastor resigned. The church is now closed.
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