USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 93
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105
byterian : at its beginning it was called Presbyte- rian but had no elders until about three years after its organization. Its business and discipline were conducted congregationally and from this fact, probably, the society connected with it came to be called the First Congregational Society of Ypsilanti. Mr. Page came and preached to this little band a number of times-chiefly in a school- room about where Mr. Sampson's store now stands.
"In October, 1829, Rev. William Jones came as a missionary and commenced to labor zealously in promoting a temperance reformation as well as in preaching the gospel. A room was fitted up, belonging to John Bryan, and now occupied by Mrs. Davis, where he preached during the fol- lowing winter. He also preached statedly at Dix- boro. Mullett's Creek and Stony Creek, traveling on foot. In the spring of 1830 he held a pro- tracted meeting at Mullett's Creek in the log house of Deacon Ezra Carpenter, a man eminent for faith and good works. Some yet living here walked to 'Carpenter's Corners,' evening after evening, to attend those meetings, and some were not as much benefited as they ought to have been ; but about thirty persons were hopefully con- verted, most of whom united with the Presby- terian church on the last Sabbath of May, the day which closed Mr. Jones' labors here. By the solicitation of the Home Missionary Society he went further into the territory, organizing churches at White Pigeon, Niles, Prairie Round, Kalamazoo, Otsego, Allegan, Battle Creek and Paw Paw. At that time there were but six Pres- byterian ministers in Michigan. The Presbytery of Detroit covered the whole territory and the indefinite northwest beyond. Mr. Jones' first sermon here is said to have been from the text: 'Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.' And his last one, as expressive of his opinion of providential teachings, was from the words: 'Up, get ye out of this place, for the Lord will destroy it.' Soon after Mr. Jones left, Rev. Ira M. Wead, then a young man in the bloom of health, having just finished his theological studies, came to employ the strength of his best days in helping to fulfill here the promise, that 'the wilderness and the soli-
746
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
tary place shall be glad, and the desert shall re- joice and blossom as the rose.' He commenced his labors the first Sabbath of July, 1830, taking for the text of his sermon: 'Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands. Thy walls are continually before me.' At this time, the congregation commenced to worship in the 'red schoolhouse,' which stood west of Mrs. Mc- Kinstry's and about opposite to the present old Presbyterian church. With that house are asso- ciated many precious recollections. Many were greatly blessed there; some have gone to heaven, and some such are yet lingering among us. The congregation, at first, was made up almost en- tirely of persons coming from the country -- some coming in with oxen, and some on foot, for six or seven miles. When Mr. Wead came only three of the members of this church resided in the village. These were Orin Derby and his wife. and Mrs. Whitmore, the wife of Judge Whitmore, who kept a public house on the bluff where the Tooker block now is. Those were days of 'small things,' but the Lord's face was turned towards his people for good. The young minister and his church felt their dependence. They had a work before them in which they could hope to accom- plish nothing alone. They were willing to be used, but they sought the Divine help as their chief reliance. They did not seek in vain. In the autumn of 1831 occurred what some of you will remember as 'the first revival in the red house.' This commenced while the Presbytery was holding its first session here. Rev. Mr. War- riner preached from the text: 'The redemption of the soul is precious.' The impression was deep. A work of grace commenced and went on, the pastor being assisted by Rev. Messrs. War- riner, Hornell and Clark. People came from Wayne, Monroe and Lenawee counties to attend the meetings, and many carried the saered fire home with them. There were added to the church so that it soon numbered seventy-five members.
"Up to August 6, 1832, the church had been governed congregationally, though Deacon Car- penter, who had been an elder in a church east, had sometimes represented this church in the Presbytery many had come to think that it was really a Congregational church. So, at this date,
upon the church records I naturally find the fol- lowing minute : 'On the question, What form of government shall this church adopt? it was moved and seconded that it adopt the Presbyte- rian form, and assume the name of The First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti.' After dis- cussion, this motion prevailed ; and after prayer for divine direction, Ezra Carpenter, Mason Hat- field, Jacob Bacon and James Loomis were elected elders. From that time to the present, there has been kept a regular record of the doings of the session.
"On the fifth of October, 1833, the following persons, members of this church, requested letters for the purpose of forming the Presbyterian church at Stony Creek : Elder Mason Hatfield, Azubah Hatfield, Cyrenius J. Dewey, Luna Dewey, Lucinda Rowley, Allen Crittenden, Em- ily Crittenden, Daniel W. Russell, Cornelia Rus- sell, Henry Albright, Catherine Albright, Elisha Pratt, Lucy Pratt, George McDougal, Mary Mc- Dougal and Mary Wickham, seventeen in all. The request was granted; and thus commenced a church between which and this one there has existed such a sympathy as the relation of each to the other would indicate as proper. In the au- tumn of 1834 Mr. Wead was formally installed, thus becoming the first pastor of this church. The Rev. J. P. Cleaveland, then of Detroit, preached the sermon ; and Rev. A. S. Wells, then of Te- cumseh, gave the charge to the pastor. Rev. C. G. Clark, then and now of Webster, gave the charge to the people. The installation was fol- lowed by a series of religious and temperance meetings. Upon the latter subject Mr. Cleave- land appears to have been both amusing and pow- erful. He will be thus remembered in many towns through the state. In order that we may see what progress this cause had made here by this time, I will extract from a letter written Decem- ber 21, 1834: 'Mr. Wead has recently been in- stalled over this congregation, at which time the church held a protracted meeting of four days- temperance meetings on three evenings. Mr. Cleaveland, of Detroit, was the principal speaker -a host in this cause. He addressed the people as to their temporal interests, and kept the house in bursts of laughter, or anon in tears, at his eccen-
747
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
trie stories. Eight became members during the three meetings, so that we have now nearly five hundred names.' About this time, a territorial temperance society was formed, having Austin E. Wing for its president, and Mark Norris one of its vice presidents.
"The winter of 1825-6 was distinguished for a revival of religion, adding about fifty to the church. In the November previous there had been observed a number of days of fasting and prayer, in reference to the low state of religion, and in respect to the appointment of more elders. After Monson Clark, Pereival W. Sage, William R. Post and John Geddes had been elected and ordained to that office, there was a faithful visita- tion of the church; which, with the use of other divinely appointed means, were productive of the commencement and continuance of such a work of grace as any of you will remember. Now the congregation had become so large that they very much desired the completion of the church edifice which had already been commenced. As early as the fourth of October. 1830, the First Congre- gational Society of Ypsilanti had been organized according to territorial statute. Ezra Carpenter. Timothy Darling, Elias M. Skinner, Jacob Bacon, Salmon Champion, Jr .. and Arden H. Ballard were its first trustees. This society has had the control of the financial affairs of the congregation worshiping with the Presbyterian church from that day to this. It had little to do at first. except to attend to the support of its ministers, in which it was helped by 'The American Home Mis- sionary Society' for four years, amounting to the sum of $650 in all, which has long since been re- funded in contributions. In 1832 a committee was appointed to see what could be done towards building a place of worship, and where it could be located. This committee reported so favor- ably that it was resolved to build a house 46 x 64 feet upon lots purchased of John Phillips, and here the matter rested for two years, when it was again resolved to push the matter forward. The society seemed to laek an efficient leader, a diffi- culty it has been slow in getting over. Abraham Voorheis, Charles Stuck and Monson Clark were appointed a 'building committee.' For some rea- son this committee soon resigned and P. W. Sage
was appointed in their stead, to superintend erect- ing and finishing the house, which was attended with many difficulties incident to a new settle- ment. When the frame was ready it was difficult to find men enough to raise it without the help of intoxicating drinks. It is said that when two bents were up a wind blew them down and that the wicked 'down town' sent up a shout of triumph in sympathy with the prince of the power of the air.' The raising of the timbers for the spire was very difficult because but three or four men could be found who dare work so high. However, the building was at last finished ; and on November 23. 1836, the house which we are now leaving. as an old one, was dedicated to the service of God. Rev. William Page preached the sermon. A printed program was passed through the congregation, containing hymns, etc. From this I learn that in the evening of that day a temperance meeting was held and addresses were made by Dr. Gibson, the State agent, and others. A curious parody was sung upon that occasion from which I will extract the first verse :
'From Sorrow's icy mountains, From Misery's burning strand, Where Rum's delusive fountains Roll down our happy land : From many a flowing river. From many a dreary plain. They call us to deliver Their friends from ruin's chain.
"Such a mutilation is a flagrant outrage upon sacred associations, however good the cause it was intended to promote. It is very much like punning with Scripture phrases. That appears to have been 'an high day' unto this church; but. as it often has been with a people entering upon the enjoyment of new privileges, spiritual pros- perity did not keep pace with temporal. Even until now. the old 'red building' may be remem- bered by some of you as the place where you have received the best blessings of all your Christian pilgrimage. That old building, which was often 'persecuted for righteousness' sake,' by stones and brickbats, will be thought of much in the day of final judgment. When it ceased to be occupied
748
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
by this congregation it was moved down town and afterwards destroyed by fire, but a great many things connected with its existence are im- perishable. Of the prosperity of the church after entering the new house Mr. Wead says: 'The first year. 1837, was a season of great stupidity. only two uniting with us by profession. In 1828 a refreshing season was enjoyed, resulting in the addition of fourteen. In 1839, there was an addi- tion of twenty-five. During 1840, the year of the great political campaign, spiritual death reigned, and even through most of 1841. In the very last of that year there was evidence of the spiritual presence of the spirit. During the winter a re- vival of considerable interest was enjoyed. Four- teen, as fruits, united with the church. Another revival was enjoyed in the winter of 1843 result- ing in the addition of twenty-six on the profession of their faith.' In February, 1844. the following persons took letters from this church, and organ- ized the Presbyterian church at Canton: Jared Stevens, Charlotte Stevens, Amos Stevens, Mary Stevens. Joseph Stevens, Frances E. Stevens, Martha Stevens, Perry Stevens, Orrin Stevens. Louisa Stevens, Amos Stevens 2nd, Thomas \V. McKee and Adelia McKee. Thus went out a second colony. From this time, for two or three years, the church passed through some unpleasant cases of discipline. For most of the year 1846 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. H. H. San- derson, while the pastor was absent on account of ill health. Before and after the pastor's return the question of dissolving the relation between him and the people was agitated. As would be expected, or rather as is too commonly the case. much occurred which ought never to have been ; and when the pastoral relation was finally dis- solved by the Presbytery, in July, 1847, it need not be wondered if the congregation and the com- munity were deeply moved. To tear up a tree by the roots which has been growing for seventeen years would, of course, disturb the soil in which it stood. Much will cling to it ; and very likely some of the elements of the soil where it stood will become so displaced as never to find their native place again. We do not say, however, but such a removal may sometimes be desirable : but it needs to be undertaken with great gentleness
and care. May all who in respect to that matter did, said, or thought anything wrong, be grac- iously forgiven of God, and have grace to for- give one another! Mr. Wead's last sermon was tender and affectionate, from the words: 'Where- fore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men : for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.' We are glad in having him with us today.
"In the autumn of 1847 Rev. Edward Marsh was engaged as a stated supply. He served the church and society with faithfulness and accept- ance two years. His memory will ever be sacred- ly cherished by many whom he led. or sought to lead. to Christ. He is now a successful pastor in Illinois. As several vacancies by this time had occurred in the Session, it was moved on the third of December. 1849. to fill them, and also that hereafter Elders he elected for a limited time. These motions prevailed and the existing elders tendered their resignations, that there might be an entirely new election. After due consideration and prayer the following were chosen: John Geddes, James Loomis, John Howland. Thomas S. Hill and Calvin P. Frost. Two of these were to serve for one year, two for two years, and two for three years -- making it necessary to elect ev- ery two years. Thus commenced among us what is termed the 'rotary eldership.'
"At the beginning of 1850 the church and soci- ety extended a call to the Rev. Ebenezer Cheever. then of Tecumseh, to become their pastor. This was accepted and the installation services took place. Rev. J. H. Agnew. D. D., preaching the sermon, Rev. W. S. Curtis, D. D., delivering the charge to the pastor, and Rev. A. Scofield, charg- ing the people. Mr. Cheever continued his labors until the early part of 1854 when his pastoral rela- tions were dissolved. His dispensation as a min- ister to the people seems to have been distin- guished for quietude and such a steady progress as would be likely to characterize one of his age and experience. In April. 1851. E. A. Pitkin was elected an elder for the first time. In April. 1852, D. B. Green, and in April. 1853. Charles Thompson, were elected elders for the first time. After Mr. Cheever's dismission the pulpit was supplied for six months by Rev. J. D. Pierce.
749
PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
who will long be remembered for his able expo- sitions of the Prophecies. In the summer of 1854 negotiations were had with the present pastor to come and labor among this people, in view of a permanent settlement, whenever it should seem desirable. He commenced his labors on the first Sabbath in October. A formal 'call' was pre- sented in June, 1855, which was accepted ; but for reasons given the pastor preferred that the public services of installation be delayed-and so they have been, even unto the present. It is ex- pected that these services will occur during the present week if Presbytery think favorably. These services occurred September 23d, 1857. After the dedication services of the new church in the evening the installation occurred as follows: In- vocation and reading of Scripture, by Rev. Rob- ert McBride, of Howell ; first prayer, by Rev. Seth Hardy, of Stony Creek; sermon by Rev. George Curtiss, of Adrian ; installing prayer by Rev. Hiram Elmer, of Chelsea ; charge to the pastor, by Rev. H. D. Kitchell, of Detroit ; charge to the people, by Rev. Ira M. Wead; benedic- tion, by the pastor. These exercises were inter- spersed by singing under the leadership of Mr. Town and very much enjoyed by a large congre- gation.
"Previous to the coming of the present pastor, m111ch was said of the desirableness of building a new church. It became, however, more and more evident that such a work was demanded, by the size of the congregation and the rapid growth of the town, and by the fact, too, that the old house had lost its original centrality of position. So. at a society meeting, June 26, 1855, after dis- cussing the question of erecting a new church edi- fice, it was resolved: 'That the trustees be re- quested to make, or procure to be made, a plan of a house suitable for this congregation, and also to issue a subscription for the building of said house, and report at a future meeting.' Messrs. Charles Shire, D. B. Rorison, D. Showerman, L. D. Norris, E. Morton and Rev. J. D. Pierce was appointed to associate with the Trustees in the above project. On the twelfth of June, 1856. those thus appointed reported so favorably, both in respect to plan and means, that the Trustees were instructed to proceed forthwith in the work
of erection. Deloss Showerman, Mark Norris, Walter B. Hewitt and Isaac N. Conklin were ap- pointed to associate with the Trustees in this work. Accordingly, on the morning of the next day, the cornerstake was set for that church edi- fice which we now hope soon to dedicate to the service of Almighty God. In respect to con- struction, the plan drawn by George S. Greene has been carried out. The dimensions of the house are 55x96 feet, with a lecture-room in the rear 23x50 feet. The height of the spire is 162 feet. The entire cost, including the lots upon which it stands. has been about $16.000. The contract for building was first taken by John Fer- rier, but the work had not proceeded far when he was removed by death. His brother, Philo Fer- rier, carried out the agreement. The under-con- tractors have been Eber Pattee, Joseph Griffin, J. B. Dow, M. Jones, Nicol Mitchel. Andrew Mc- Duff, James Boyd. J. W. Flowers, Moses Les- pronce and P. Haskell-all of whom have done their work honorably and satisfactorily to us. The last named was painter upon the old church, twenty-one years ago. We have reason to bless that providence who first inclined to build, and who has prospered the work to completion with- out serious accident. The Building Committee have been faithful in their trust, as to deserve the commendation of the congregation. Few are aware of the time spent by some of the members of this Committee, and for no other reward than the approbation of conscience in 'setting forward the work of the Lord.' This is the richest com- pensation in kind that any can have, this side eternal rewards. Christ yet sends men into his vineyard ; and he promises and pays them wages.
"The whole number of communicants added from 1830 to 1857 is 745. Many of these have gone to other places, and many have gone to give an account of their stewardship. I can not name all these, nor can I write such a memorial of them as is written upon many of your hearts. Of your pastors and stated supplies, none have yet been called from time. Of such as have been elders, only three have died-Hatfield, Carpenter and Sage. Of the first two, Mr. Wead says: 'It seems to me no other church ever embraced two such men. In their temperaments and natural
45
7.50
PAST AND, PRESENT OF, WASHTENAW COUNTY.
characteristics they were exceedingly unlike ; and yet grace had made them in many respects very much alike. Humility, meekness, faith and love were exhibited by each of them in an unusual de- gree. Both were active, consistent, faithful- 'chief helpers in the Gospel.' The usefulness which characterized Deacon Sage, particularly in the earlier years of his residence here, will be well remembered. The sun of the afternoon of his (lay, however, seemed shrouded in sadness ; and it is saddening to think that he was cut down and removed by a frightful disease, which shut him out from those manifestations of sympathy which otherwise would have comforted his dying hours and clustered around his grave. But we will hope that he is done with clouds and pesti- lenice and death. Two of those first elected elders survive. The night of their day is near. May they improve the passing hour. More than half of those who first constituted this church are yet living. But how soon it will be said: 'They all have gone!' How diligent they should be 're- deeming the time !'
"The present officers of the church are: Rev. Angustus L. Foster, pastor : Jacob Bacon, John Howland, John Geddes, C. P. Frost, E. A. Pit- kin. D. B. Greene, Thos. S. Hill, and Charles Thompson, elders : William Cross, F. K. Rexford, D. B. Greene, E. D. Lay, L. D. Norris and Phi- lander Stevens, trustees of the society. The pres- ent mimber of members is 266."
Rev. Mlr. Foster severed his connection with the church in September. 1862, to go to Coldwa- ter. He had served as university regent in 1850. He died at Lapeer. September 9, 1876, leaving a family of ten children. Rev. Joseph Estabrook acted as supply until the Rev. George P. Tyndall was called as pastor in October, 1863. Mr. Tyn- dall remained until January 1, 1876. Rev. John MI. Richmond became pastor in October, 1876. Rev. Curtis McIntire has lately become pastor of this church, succeeding Rev. Robert K. Wharton, who was pastor for a number of years.
The Catholic Church .- Jesuit priests had un- doubtedly visited Godfroy's trading post from 1809 to 1818 but a list of these early priests can not be given. After the village of Ypsilanti was established it was visited at intervals by Fathers
Montard, Cullen and Montcoq. In 1845 a lot was purchased by the Rev. Father Cullen, and a frame church built on it, only 24x16 feet in size. Here services were held once a month for thir- teen years. In 1856 the church purchased a new lot and by 1856 a large church building had been erected under the direction of the Rev. Father Lamejie, who was the first resident priest. He remained fourteen months when Rev. Father Van Jenniss, of Dexter, visited Ypsilanti once a month. In 1862 Rev. Edward Van Pammell became the resident priest, and a parochial house was erected. In 1865 cemetery grounds were purchased, in 1867 a schoolhouse was built, and in 1870 the church was enlarged to its present size. Rev. Father Willigan was priest in 1871-2, and Rev. Father Murray was given charge for the follow- ing three years, being succeeded by the Rev. Wil- liam De Beaver, under whose pastorate a church building was completed and decorated. In 1880 a residence was purchased for the priest and a large brick schoolhouse built.
The African M. E. Church .- This church was organized in 1855 with a membership of 12 and a small church built at a cost of $200. A new church was erected in 1869 at a cost of $1.100, and the present church was built in 1882. Rev. James F. Lyons is the present pastor.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Phoenix Lodge No. 12 F. & A. M. was organ- ized March 4. 1846, with the following members : Anthony Case, James Collins, Wilkinson Dean, J. Goodel. S. W. Osgood, J. Hornbeck, M. Curtiss, John Van Fossen, Philip Sines, Eurotas Morton, Luther Bennett, W. B. Hewitt, E. J. Hewitt, W. A. Haynes, W. R. Waldron and Madison Cook. The first officers were: W. M., John Van Fossen ; L. W., Edmund J. Hewitt ; J. W., Madison Cook ; Secretary, W. B. Hewitt : Treasurer. Abel Park- hurst : S. D., Elijah Grant ; J. D., Winthrop A. Haynes : Tyler, Wilkinson Dean.
Excelsior Chapter No. 25 R. A. M. has been doing a good work here, as has a second blue lodge known as Ypsilanti Lodge No. 125 F. & A. M.
The first Odd Fellows Lodge in Ypsilanti was
751.
PAST AND PRESENT. OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
organized September 17, 1845, and called Wyan- dotte Lodge, No. 10, with Benjamin Follett. N. G .; Alfred A. Hunt, V. G. ; Chauncey Joslyn, Secretary ; and Thomas O. Hill, Treasurer. It was prosperous for a number of years but dis- cord entered the lodge room in the '50s and in 1857 but 32 members remained. In 1860 it was finally dissolved. Ypsilanti was without an Odd Fellows Lodge until 1878. when Wyandotte Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F., was organized.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.