History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 52

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1166

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JACKSON HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS

was organized on March 7, 1877, the object and aim being to further medical and surgical science in Jackson and contiguous counties. The names of the thirteen charter members are as follows :

J. B. Tuttle, M. D., L. C. Reynolds, M. D., Wm. J. Calvert, M. D., S. P. Town, M. D., J. E. Smith, M. D., W. A. Gibson, M. D., Phil. Porter, M. D., J. R. Jewett, M. D., of Jackson city.

J. F. Brown, M. D., Leslie.

L. M. Jones, M. D., O. Q. Jones, M. D., Brooklyn.

N. J. Du Puy, M. D., Parma.

L. T. Van Horn, M. D., Homer.

The first officers were : J. B. Tuttle, M. D., President; L. C. Reynolds, M. D., First Vice-President; L. M. Jones, M. D., Sec- ond Vice-President; Phil. Porter, M. D., Secretary and Treasurer. Censors-W. A. Gibson, Wm. J. Calvert, N. J. Du Puy, J. R. Jewett and L. T. Van Horn.

The officers for 1881 are : Wm. J. Calvert, President; L. T. Van Horn, First Vice-President; N. J. Du Puy, Second Vice- President; W. A. Gibson, Secretary and Treasurer. The meet- ings of the society are held quarterly, on the third Tuesday of January, April, July and October of each year. The society has thus far been a flattering success, and is a source of mutual im- provement and profit to its members.

The Jackson Club of Microscopy was organized July 16, 1880. The object of the club as set forth in its articles of association is " mutual aid in the study of microscopy." The meetings of the club are held on Thursday evening of each week. It numbers 21 active members. The officers are: Dr. J. T. Main, President; Wm. Humphry, Vice-President; C. H. Bennett, Secretary; Dr. N. H. Williams, Treasurer.

Musical conventions were held successively in the years 1856, '57 and '58, by Profs. Foote and Pease which resulted in the organization of a musical society with Mr. W. Lewis, Director, and Prof. Carl B. Scheffler, Pianist. This was one of the most notable of the numerous societies of this city, being composed of a number of singers of more than ordinary abilities.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

In 1860 Mr. R. Bullock, widely known throughout the State in connection with musical matters, began a course of instruction to singing classes, and for a number of years continued doing ex- cellent work.

In 1864 and '65 conventions were held by Messrs. Suffern and Taylor. In 1866 a six weeks' convention was held by Prof. B. F. Baher, and the next year he conducted a four weeks' convention, which closed with a public performance of the Oratorio of the Creation.

Meanwhile Mr. E. Cooley was bringing his influence and ample means to aid in creating a general interest in music, and Jackson is largely indebted to him for his efforts in behalf of Church music. Through his exertions music as an educational element was intro- duced into the public schools in 1869, by Prof. Herrick. In 1870 the work was carried on by Prof. John Troutman, who continued its management until 1875. The following year he was succeeded by Prof. McChesney, who officiated until 1880.

The Philharmonic Society was organized in 1871, with Mrs. E. A. Cole as Pianist, and Prof. Troutman, Director.

In 1874 the Franz Schubert Quintet Club was organized by the following persons: A. O. Ravenaugh, 1st violin; F. Yerrich, 2d violin; A. C. Swezey, viola; F. Clark, cello; C. B. Scheffler, piano. This club was enlarged and reorganized in 1876, under the name of the Franz Schubert Club and Choral Society. Its first officers were F. Clark, President; H. D. Donmall, Vice-President; Mr. Dorrance, Secretary; Miss J. Bacon, Treasurer; Mrs. E. A. Cole, Pianist; C. B. Scheffler, Conductor. The first concert was given April 21, 1876, at the First Baptist church. In 1880 the Choral Society re-organized under the name of the Amphion Society, with Prof. McChesney, Director; Mr. Donmall, President. It is in good condition at present, and doing good work under the management of Mr. Verne Peare, President.

The Franz Schubert Club is strong and well organized. Mr. G. Mosher has been its efficient president for three years. C. B. Scheffler and Mrs. North-Cole continued to act as conductor and pianist. The club membership is 35, mostly ladies. This organi- zation has done much for the cause of music in Jackson. Its con- certs are well attended, and it is steadily gaining a reputation beyond the city.

The Orchestral Union is an organization of younger musicians, "girls and boys," some of them very excellent performers. It is managed and conducted by Prof. Mills.

The Seven Octave Club was instituted for the improvement of piano-playing, and consists of eight members. The piano recitals of this society are among the finest entertainments given in this city.

The Brass Band is under the direction of Prof. Louis Boos, who is an excellent musician, and who has won a deserved reputation as a skilled artist upon the cornet.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

The principal music teachers are Mrs. North Cole, Mrs. Charles Ford, Messrs. Scheffler and Swezey, piano; Profs. Hanna and Mills, violin; Prof. Boos, band instruments.

THE CHURCHES.

The first religious meeting in Jackson was held in June, 1830, at the house of J. W. Bennett. Mr. Roberts, of Sandstone, opened the meeting with praver, and a sermon was read. The question of future services was discussed and Mr. Roberts volunteered to con- tinue coming from Sandstone to open the meetings, there being no praying-man in Jackson. It was not long, however, before Capt. John Durand arrived, and took Mr. Robert's place.

The first sermon was preached in Jackson by a Baptist clergy- man, who came here on some business errand, on the evening of Jan. 26, 1831. Rev. E. H. Pilcher, a Methodist clergyman of the Ann Arbor circuit, established the first regular preaching ser- vice, having preached himself on the evening of Jan. 27, 1831, a week-day evening. The Rev. Henry Colclazer followed two weeks later, and these clergymen came regularly once a fortnight there- after, until in September, 1831, the circuit was so arranged as to afford Jackson, preaching on the Sabbath.

The Rev. John D. Pearce, a Presbyterian clergyman from Marshall, preached here occasionally in 1832. A Bible class formed in that year was taught by Mr. Joseph Smith, and main- tained with interest for some months but discontinued at length on account of prevailing sickness in the settlement.

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

(Sketched by Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D.)

This Church was originally organized as a Presbyterian Church, with 13 members, on the 9th of June, 1837, by the Rev. Marcus Harrison. Mr. Harrison came to Jackson county from the State of New York in 1835, and resided for a time upon a farm in the town of Springport. Early in 1837, he removed to the village of Jackson, having purchased a farm, lying upon "Moody Hill," upon which he lived in a log house not far from the corner of Lansing avenue and North street. He afterward built and occupied the house next below the residence of Gov. Blair, upon Lansing avenue. He was a man of great energy, a fearless, forcible and eloquent preacher, but possessed of a dominant will, which easily brought him into controversies.

The Presbyterian Church worshiped in a small wooden building, known as the "Session House." This building still stands upon its original site, being the first house upon the east side of Jackson street, south of the First Baptist church. It was then quite upon the southern edge of the young village. Across the street where the Unitarian church now stands, was a pond, fringed with willows.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

The street made its way between stumps. The first building south of the Session House was the dwelling, known as the residence of the late Walter Fish, and a little further on, the Woodbury man- sion, both of these being quite in the open country.

A Sabbath-school was organized in connection with this Church, June 28, 1837. Wm. R. De Land and Chester Yale took charge of it, and Mr. Raymond, Barney Smith, Eliza Bailey, Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. De Land, Mrs. Chas. Johnson and Miss Clara Porter formed the first corps of teachers.

The Session House was a plain structure, fitted with rough board floor and wooden benches. A bell swung above it, which was presently stolen, as was believed, by those who were embittered against Mr. Harrison by his fearless denunciations of intemperance. His horse's mane and tail were sheared for the same cause, and on one occasion he was compelled to spend the night in a corn-field to escape being mobbed by the friends of whisky.

Mr. Harrison and many members of his Church had formerly been Congregationalists at the East, but gave to their first organ- ization here the Presbyterian form, because at that early date Congregationalism was little known in the new States of the West, but in 1841, led by certain difficulties, which had grown out of the administration of discipline, and also of the pro-slavery action taken by the Presbyterian Assembly at Philadelphia in 1840, the pastor and a large majority of the members effected a new organization after the Congregational form of Church polity. A small portion, however, of the original membership continued to maintain a Presbyterian Church until the year 1843.

The record of the Congregational organization stands in these words: "A meeting of professors, called (in pursuance of previous notice) for the purpose of organizing a Congregational Church and Society in Jackson, convened at the Session House on Saturday, the 6th day of March, A. D. 1841. Appropriate services were performed by the Rev. Marcus Harrison, officiating clergyman, after which the meeting was called to order, and the Rev. Mr. Harrison chosen moderator, and Daniel Parkhurst appointed secre- tary, pro tem.

On motion, it was then resolved by the persons present, to-wit: Chester Bennett, William R. De Land, Daniel Parkhurst, Gordon Case, Silas W. Stowell, Peter C. Vreeland, Benjamin J. Mathew, Chester Yale, Berthier M. Sheldon, Aruna P. Woods, Frederick Jolinson, Charles Johnson, Daniel Rand, Jehiel Bartholomew, James Hamilton, Elihu Taylor, George Taylor, William A. Barrett, James A. Bannister, Amos A. Bartholomew, Clark Cole, John A. Bailey, Jehiel Bartholomew, Jr., and others, that we do now pro- ceed to form and organize a Congregational Church to be denomi- nated the First Congregational Church and Society of Jackson." Chester Yale and Jehiel Bartholomew were selected as the first deacons of the church, and Wm. R. De Land was chosen its first clerk. Of the 58 persons who subscribed to the Articles of Faith and Covenant, on that March day 40 years ago, only five are now

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

connected with the Church. These are Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Woods, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Stowell, and Mrs. Esther Case.

The "Society" held its first meeting March 22, when Daniel Parkhurst, Gordon Case, Amasa B. Gibson, Chester Yale, S. W. Stowell and Berthier M. Sheldon were elected the first trustees. Steps were immediately taken looking to the erection of a house of worship. In April, the society accepted plans for a building to be erected of brick, 40 by 60 feet, with the addition of a portico in front six feet wide. At the same time it was

Resolved, That we purchase the lot for said church of S. H. Kimball, on the west side of the public square.

Resolved, That a committee of four be appointed to build said house.

Resolved, That the society be requested to meet and hew the timber for said church.

Mr. Harrison brought his team and plow from the farm to aid in grading the site. A hill, which stood upon it was graded down and used to fill a considerable hollow, which disfigured the public square. The walls were carried up and the roof completed during the following year, 1842, and then the work came to a stand, the funds being exhausted.

Meanwhile the Church continned to worship in the Session House, the Presbyterians holding their services for a time in the school-honse, and afterward in a small church building which they erected upon the ground leased from the late Hon. Fidus Liver- more, at the southwest corner of Jackson and Pearl streets, now occupied by the rear of the Congregational church.

At the end of the year 1842, the society voted not to employ Mr. Harrison longer as pastor, whereupon he proceeded to build "The Academy," on the sight upon which now stands the resi- dence of Mr. H. S. Ismon, where he conducted a school and also maintained for some time an independent and rival Church service. This building was afterward removed to Pearl street, and trans- formed into a dwelling.

Early in 1843 the Session House was sold by Mr. David F. Dwight, who had bought ont the other owners, to Mr. B. Porter, who transformed it into a carpenter shop. The Congregational Society, being thus compelled to remove its services, obtained the use of the Presbyterian church, where for a brief time their pulpit was supplied by the Rev. A. Trotter, and then by the Rev. Nor- man Tucker. In June the Presbyterian organization disbanded, and its members united with the Congregational body. In July "the trustees were instructed to sell the church they then met in for $350." This building, often designated in those days as " The Pepper Box," was sold to the Methodist Church, and after a time removed to the north side of Pearl street. Still later it was again moved to the south side of Pearl street, where it still stands, being occupied as a dwelling by Mr. H. H. Gridley. Having made Mr. B. Porter building-committee, and instructed him to "proceed immediately to the completion of the brick church."

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

The society removed its services to " Porter's Hall," which stood west of the Astor House, on the south side of the public square, being the brick block on the east side of Jackson street, now owned by Mr. Henry Hague.

Here the Rev. Darwin Chichester served as minister for one year, commencing in July, 1843, and was succeeded by the Rev. Wm. Fuller in Angust, 1844. In the autumn following, the "brick church" was at last completed. Dedicatory services were held on the 17th of October, the sermon being preached by Mr. Fuller. In November, 1845, a call was extended to the Rev. G. L. Foster to become pastor of the Church at a salary ot 8500. This call was accepted, and Mr. Foster was installed by an ecclesiastical council, Jan. 21, 1846. Thus after a struggle of five years, or more properly of nine years, counting from the original organization of the Presbyterian Church, which was finally merged in the Congre- gational body, the Church was provided with a suitable house of worship and a settled pastor.

Mr. Foster, like Mr. Harrison, incurred the displeasure of the anti-temperance portion of the community, and in consequence an attempt was made during his pastorate to burn the church build- ing. Straw was placed under the pulpit steps and set on fire. A window was left open to fan the kindling flames, which burned sufficiently to consume one leg of the pulpit-sofa, and then singu- larly, shall we not say, providentially, went ont. The damaged sofa is still preserved, and forms part of the furniture of Dr. Hough's study.

This first "brick church " erected in Jackson, now known as the Jewish Synagogue, was occupied by the society for 16 years, 1844- 1860. During this period the pulpit was filled by the following pastors :

Rev. G. S. Foster, from Jan. 21, 1846, to Sept. 18, 1852.

Rev. Jas. A. Hawley, from Feb. 15, 1853, to Ang. - , 1855.

Rev. A. Mahan, D. D., from Sept. - , 1855, to April 25, 1858. , Rev. Wm. B. Dada, from June -, 1858, to Ang. 1, 1860.

During these pastorates the membership of the Church increased to the number of 226. The need of a larger house of worship be- gan to be felt. Some discussion was had with regard to the en- largement of the building then occupied, but in October, 1858, the trustees were directed to ascertain when a suitable site for a church could be obtained. In December, thereafter, they were authorized to purchase " the Livermore lots," on the north side of the public square, "for a sum not exceeding 85,000." At the same time, Messrs. Joseph E. Beebe, Geo. F. Rice, F. Woodbury, N. S. Hnb- bell, G. T. Gridley and P. Thurber were appointed a building committee. Early in 1859 they adopted plans and specifications furnished by H. N. White, architect, of Syracuse, N. Y., and entered into a contract with James Morwick, of the same place, to erect the building. This edifice, also of brick, occupies a beautiful location upon the north side of the public square, where its main entrance is flanked by massive towers, while its extent for 132 feet

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

along Jackson to Pearl street in the rear affords convenient side ap- proaches. A convenient "parsonage" upon the same lot also looks out upon the square. The church was completed in the autumn of 1860, and dedicated October 18, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Mr. Conklin, of Providence, R. I. The old brick church was soon after sold to the Congregation, Beth Israel, for the sum of 82,000.

In the 20 years, during which the Church has occupied its present house of worship, it has been served by the following pastors:

Rev. John Montieth, from Feb. - , 1861, to March 29, 1863.

Rev. Albert Bigelow, from Aug. 9, 1863, to Oct. 9, 1864.

Rev. Geo. H. Coffee, from Feb. 5, 1865, to Dec. 1, 1867. Rev. J. W. Hongh, from Feb. 1, 1868, to Oct. 13, 1872. Rev. F. W. Beecher, from May 4, 1873, to Oct. 7, 1873. Rev. Moses Smith, from Jan. 1, 1874, to March 31, 1879.

Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D., from Sept. 1, 1579, to the present time.

The following have been the years of largest accessions to the membership:

1847, when 95 members were received: 1866, when 150 members were received; 1869, when 89 members were received: 1875, when 50 members were received; 1876. when 57 members were received.

The present membership is 443.

The Jackson Association of Congregational Churches was formed May 17, 1842, and in pursuance of a call issued by that body, the " General Association of Congregational Churches and Minis- ters of Michigan" was organized in Jackson, Oct. 11, 1842. The General Association held its annual meeting in Jackson in the years 1847, 1852, 1856 and 1866.

The bell, which swings in the main tower, was procured in 1546. : The organ was furnished by Hook Bros., of Boston, in 1866. for the sum of $3,500. In order that it might be placed in the rear of the pulpit, the commodions lecture room, which formed part of the origi- nal building, was converted into an organ loft and also a study for the pastor.

The parsonage was erected in 1867 at a cost of about 83,000. During the same year the 2d Congregational Church was organ- ized as the result of a mission school maintained for some years in the eastern part of the city by members of this Church.

In 1871 the entire church building was raised and a basement story built beneath it, in which were provided spacious rooms for the Sabbath-school and prayer-meeting, with double parlors, dining room and kitchen for social uses. At the same time a steam heating apparatus was substituted for the furnaces, these various. improvements costing abont 86.000.

In 1880 the audience room was newly frescoed, and furnished with new carpets, chandeliers and pulpit furniture, at a cost of nearly 82.000.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

The present value of church property is estimated at about $50,000.

The present officers of the Church are: Rev. T. W. Hough, D. D., Pastor; F. W. Kirtland, L. Kassiek, M. J. Morrill, L. H. Field, W. W. Bennett and W. C. Lewis, Deacons; N. C. Lowe, Clerk; L. Kassick, Treasurer; Win. L. Bennett, L. Kassick, Geo. A. W. Dodge, W. W. Bennett, E. T. Weeks, Jno. C. Sharp, Trustees; W. W. Bennett, Treasurer of Society; Jno. C. Sharp, Clerk of Society.

Methodist Church .- The first services of the M. E. Church held in Jackson county were performed by Mr. Pilcher, Jan. 27, 1831, within the log tavern of W. R. Thompson. Mr. Colelazer came next, and in July of that year organized the first congregation, con- sisting of John Durand and wife, Ezekiel T. Critchet and wife, Orrin Gregory and wife, and Mrs. W. R. De Land. Shortly after- ward, they were joined by the Thompson families. The first camp-meeting was held on the border of Pulaski township in 1837; the first M. E. church was dedicated by Bishop Hamline in 1850; the first communion services, in April, 1832, and the first convert, Martin Flint. The progress of Methodism since 1850 has shown itself in their present magnificent church and large, wealthy, re- fined and liberal membership.

The dedication of the Methodist Episcopal church of Jackson was a social and historical, as well as a religious, event. The fol- lowing gentlemen, who served in the ministry of the Church, were present: Revs. Geo. Bradley, J. M. Pitezell, A. M. Fitch, R. C. Crawford, A. M. Daugherty, L. R. Fisk and P. C. Mead. At the predieatory meeting, Revs. Mr. Pitezell and Mr. Gillett recapit- ulated their reminiscences. The Methodist Church of Michigan was under the control of the Ohio conference up to 1834. The following year, Jackson was attached to the Ann Arbor district, in 1838; the village church belonged to the Spring Arbor Mission of the Marshall district, and in 1839 was created a mission of itself. The preachers of the Church were:

H. Colclazer and E. II. Pilcher 1831

Andrew Dixon 1832

Thomas Wiley 1833

J. F. Davidson, R. Lawrence. 1834

E. H. Pilcher, F. A. Seabor n . 1835

J. Kinnear, H. Perkizer. 1836

J. Kinnear, Z. C. C. Brown. 1837

G. W. Breckenridge, T. S. Jackway .1838 L. Davis. J. S. Jackway 1839

J. H. Pitigell, D. Thomas .. 1840

E. M. Crippen, S. C .: Stringham 1841

E. M. Crippen, Levi Warrene 1842

A. M. Fitch 1843

Hiram M. Roberts 1844

T. J. Champion 1845

E. H. Pilcher 1846

1847

Franklin Gage. 1848

Franklin Gage 1849

J. Blanchard . 1850

S. Clements. . 1851

W. H. Perrine, S. Clements, agent . 1852

J. S. Smart 1853 1854

R. C. Crawford .. 1855

Geo. Bradley, R. C. Crawford, Supt. 1856 R. Sapp. 1857

F. B. Bangs, F. Henderson. 1858

1859

N. Abbot.

1860

M. A. Dangherty . 1861

1862

L. R. Fisk, pastor to 1863. 1866

A. P. Mead, 66 1866. 1868

H. F. Spencer ..

1868

Rev. C. L. Barnhart 1880

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

The building committee of the new church consisted of S. O. Knapp, M. S. Hitchcock, M. J. Draper, E. J. Connable, S. Hey- ser, James Gould and C. C. Lathrop. This committee expended the following sums in the erection of the edifice and the purchase of the location:

Lot 141x132, bought in 1867. : 7,000 Foundation and elevation, enclosed complete with windows, under contract with W. H. Mallory. 32,000

Furnishing of basement. 1,500

Plastering-Dillon & Metler 1,200

Woodwork-John T. Cootes. 12,500

Frescoing-Edward Hague

900

Carpeting and furnishing, W. M. Bennett & Co.

2,000

Organ.

4,500

Heating apparatus-Davis & Co. 3,000

1,200

Gas pipes and fixtures.

Total. $65,800 This sum was increased $10,000 subsequently, so that the entire cost may be set down at about $75,000.

The church was dedicated Feb. 6, '1870, by Bishop Simpson. During the ceremonies of the day $20,800 were raised. The bal- ance due on the 875,000, which the edifice cost, was collected that evening, and the congregation free to worship in the temple which they raised and for which they paid.

The First Baptist Church was organized in 1838, with Rev. J. Hendee as first pastor, and J. MeConnell and H. Wheelock, dea- cons. Since the formation of the society the Church was presided over by Messrs. Hendee, S. Morton, E. H. Hamlin, G. W. Har- ris, E. Covey, J. J. Searrett, J. E. Johnson, L. D. Palmer, Butterfield, and Harris.

So early as 1864 the need which existed for a new Baptist church made itself evident; but not until 1868 was there any important action taken in the matter. That year a building committee, con- sisting of Messrs. S. Halland, J. R. Lewis, J. E. Smith, B. G. Mosher and C. E. Webb, was appointed. The congregation authorized them to purchase the ground at a sum not exceeding 88,000. The present site of the Baptist church was subsequently bought, and in June, 1868, the work of construction was entered upon. For a time, work on the building ceased; but in 1869 Mr. Mosher offered to put up the walls free of any cost, provided the congregation would furnish the material. The generous offer was accepted, and in 1870 the work progressed rapidly. In 1871 the building commit- tee borrowed 816,000, but this sum was comparatively insignificant and gave out in December, when another delay occurred. Friends were not wanting in this crisis. Messrs. C. E. Webb, L. M. Lyon, O. H. McConnell and. H. K. Fritts advanced the necessary funds to complete the building. The church was dedicated in March, 1872. At that period the property of the Baptist congregation was valued at 871,143.68, and the liability set down at 825,960.95. This church stands on the Southeast corner of Jackson and Court-

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

land streets, and services there conducted by the Rev. C. E. Harris.

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History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 52

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1166

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1166