20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 50

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Clark County > Springfield > 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 50

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).

GRADUATES, ETC.

There have gone out from the Seminary since its first class in 1846 more than three hundred and sixty ministers. They are scattered over four continents, en- denvoring to bear the light of gospel truth everywhere for the betterment of the world.

The college proper has had an equally useful and prosperons career. With its first class in 1851 to and including the class of 1907. it has sent forth more than eight hundred and sixty graduates. They have been useful and successful in many fields, some as judicial officers in the courts of state and nation, some as legis- lators and statesmen in national and state legislatures, some as manufacturers and business men, some as lawyers, some as teachers in state schools and colleges, and some as ministers and many others in ontlined twenty-five or thirty years ago.

honor to themselves and credit to the col- lege that gave them their degree. Nor must there be forgotten the many who have spent one or more years at Witten- berg, but for various reasons, cut short their course and entered at once upon the struggle of life in the ranks of their fel- lows; to these also the college has meant something. It gave them a broader out- look and a better preparation for the duties and positions that fell to their lot. To all the college has been a benefactor and a source of help.

With the advent of young women in the college it became necessary to inaugurate music and art departments. The demand for music, especially, from the first was quite pronounced. This wish was met by securing such instructors as would be a help to the students and a credit to the in- stitution. The department has been quite well patronized and the work of instruc- tion satisfactory to the pupils.

In art also much has been done. The various instructors who have had charge of the classes have been able to secure creditable work, and thus advance the in- terests of the department.

There has been from the first an acad- omy connected with the institution. There are many who prefer to take their train- ing for entrance to the college classes in a school specially designed for that pur- pose. Hence such a school has been an adjunet at Wittenberg. It is well manned with experienced and capable instructors, and commends itself for the good work done. Its rounds of studies which are de- manded for college entrance cover a year or more of college work as the latter was

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SOCIETIES.

There are three literary societies con- neeted with the institution, the Excelsior, the Philosophian aud the Euterpean. These societies meet weekly and exercise themselves in declamations, orations, and debates. The first two were organized at the very beginning of the institu- tion, and for many years were a leading factor in the institution. Since the introduction of elective courses and the opportunity for a larger nmnber of recitation hours, not so large a num- her of the students give attention to literary exercises conducted by the so- cieties. Still much good work is done in them and they continue to be a very use- ful factor in the college.

A number of the professors in Witten- berg College have taken, in addition to their collegiate course, post-graduate courses in varions universities; others have and are now taking summer courses in such institutions. By it they are well- equipped for their work. It insures to the student an advantage in being taught by men who know the subjects which they are appointed to teach, and which can by their superior training give inspiration to those who are in their care. The tradi- tions of Wittenberg, coming down from the first derade and a half, are to the effect that the instructors of those early days created the spirit of self-reliance, in- dependent thinking, and thorough in- vestigation in the minds of their students. No better equipment for life's battles could be provided by any institution. That spirit still prevails; Wittenberg is trne to her traditions.

The college has yet much for the future.

Under the wise guidance of its energetic president, Dr. Charles G. Heckert, aided by an earnest and zealous faculty, with the prospect of many friends rising up to help it financially, as well as with their moral support, and with a loyal alumni, Wittenberg College has before it a bright future, and a promise for usefulness to the church with which it is connected, to the citizens of Springfield and Clark County, in whose midst it is located, to its patrons from whatever state they may come, and to all who may fall within the circle of its influence. It seeks to be a benefaction to all, whether rich or poor. and stands ready to do its part for the increase of knowledge among men and for the betterment of mankind.

THE FACULTY (1907-8).

Charles Girven Heckert, A. M., D. D .. President, Professor of Logie.

Samuel Alfred Ort, A. M., D. D., LL. D., Vice-president ; Frederick Gebhart. Professor of Christian Theology, Mental Philosophy and Ethics.

Benjamin Franklin Prince, A. M., Ph. D., Professor of History and Political Science.

Alvin Frank Linn, A. M., Ph. D., Pro- fessor of Chemistry and Mineralogy.

Karl Friedrich Richard Hochdorfer, A. M., Ph. D., Alumni Professor of Modera Language.

Edwin Oscar Weaver, A. M., Professor of Physies.

David Henry Bauslin, A. M., D. D .. George D. Harter, Professor of Practical Theology.

Franklin Skinner Fox, B. S., A. M., Pro- fessor of Elocution and-Oratory.

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Frederic Pierre Colette, B. es L., Pro- fessor of French.

Jolm Philip Sebeider, A. M., Ph. D., Professor of English.

Charles Gallatin Shatzer, A. M., Spring- field, Professor of Geology and Biol- ogy.

Jens Anderson Ness, A. M., Ph. D., Professor of Latin.

George Olaf Berg, A. B., Ph. D., Acting Professor of Greek.

Earl William Castle, A. B., Professor of Mathematics.

Loyal Herbert Larimer, A. M., Profes- sor of Exegetical Theology.

Raymond Williams MeKinney, A. M., Principal of Wittenberg Academy.

Alice Mary Mower, A. M., Instructor in Latin and German.

11. B. Martin, A. B., M. D., Lecturer on Histology.

J. Frank MeGuire, Director and Pro- fessor of Piano, Harmony, Counterpoint and Composition.

Jessie Crabill, Instructor in Piano.

Mark A. Snyder, Instructor in Violin and Stringed Instruments.

Dilla Edith Ellwood, Instructor in Art.

Mrs. Winifred Spangler Holton, In- structor in Wood Carving.

La Verne G. Ogden, Instructor in Physical Culture.

Benjamin Franklin Prince, Ph. D., Librarian.

Grace Prince, A. M., Assistant Libra- rian.

Alvin Frank Linn, Ph. D., Registrar and Curator of Museunt.

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CHAPTER XIX.

SPRINGFIELD (III.) --- CHURCHES. (General History from paper of Dr. Kay.)

Center Street Methodist-High Street M. E. Church-St. Paul's M. E. Clifton Avenue M. E .- Grace M. E .- North Street A. M. E .- Wiley A. M. E .- Allen Chapel A. M. E .- Methodist Protestant Church-The Christian De- nomination-Disciples' Church of Christ in Springfield-United Presby- terian-First Presbyterian-Second Presbyterian-Third Presbyterian Church-Protestant Episcopal-The Heavenly Rest Protestant Episcopal -First Baptist-Trinity Baptist-The Blessed Hope Baptist-St. John's Baptist Church (colored)-Universalists-First Lutheran-St. John's Ger- man Evangelical Lutheran-Zion's Lutheran -- Second Evangelical Lutheran -Third Lutheran Church-Fourth Lutheran Church-Fifth Lutheran-St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran-Calvary Evangelical Lutheran-St. Ra- phael's Catholic-St. Bernard's Catholic - St. Joseph's Catholic - United Brethren-Lagonda Avenue Congregational Church-First Congregational- Jewish Congregation-Seventh Day Adventists -Christadelphians-Grace Reformed-Church of Living God-Young Men's Christian Association- Young Women's Christian Association-Central Y. M. C. A.

In giving a history of churches of the city of Springfield, I have been unable to find anywhere so full a source of informa- tion as the interesting paper read by Dr. Isaac Kay, an honored practicing phy- sician of this city since 1853. The author has submitted the sketches of the various churches as given by him to the pastors of the several congregations, requesting them to correct any errors therein contained and to bring the articles down to date.

With very few exceptions the pastors have kindly responded, so that, in all probability, it may be safely said that the following pages contain the most complete and accurate history of the churches of Springfield that has yet appeared in print.

Dr. Kay in his paper in well chosen words gave credit for much of his infor- mation to the early writings of the late Dr. John Ludlow and to the excellent work of Oscar T. Martin in "Beers' History of

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the City of Springfiekl." While no doubt munch credit is due to the said authors, it would be unfair not to give to the Doctor himself a very large share for his work in gathering and putting into readable shape so much interesting historical matter con- cerning the churches of Springfield. With the omission of some formal parts and the insertion of some additional data, his account is as follows :

From the time that James Demint, with his family, came from Kentucky, in 1799, and commenced dwelling in his double log cabin, situated on the north side of La- gonda or Buck Creek, upon the site now occupied by our Northern School House, there were no white dwellers here, until the year 1801. when Griffith Foos' family and several others from the same state, came and settled in what is now known as Springfield. They built themselves log- cabin homes, after having selected lots already laid out by Messrs Demint and Daugherty, and soon a number of pioneers came in, and settled down, as citizens, until in the year 1804, there were about a dozen bouses in the place. Among the principal residents, at that time, were James Demint, John Daugherty, Griffith Foos, Charles Stowe, John Reed, James Lowrey, J. Fields and two Frenchmen named Duboy and Lucoy, who dealt in goods suitable, mostly, for the Indian trade. Even during this short while, above named. the agencies of evil were hore, several years in advance of the time when Chistian work had begun to exeet its beneficial influence upon the commun- ity. Whiskey, gambling, profanity, and occasional fighting, were all in evidence. but perhaps not to an unusual extent, as compared with other pioneer settlements. in her history.

The very first preaching ever held in Springfield was at Mr. Griffith Foos' log tavern. as early as 1803, first by a Rev. Mr. Thomas, a Baptist minister, and after- wards, at long intervals, by preachers of other evangelical denominations. But these irregular ministrations resulted, as it seems, in no church organization of any kind.

In the spring of 1804, a Mr. Walter Smallwood, with his wife, came to Spring- field from Virginia, purchased a lot on the south side of Main Street, and built a resi- dence near where the Western House now stands. Mr. Smallwood was a blacksmith and not a member of any church, nor was he a professor of religion. His wife was a woman of superior intelligence, cultivated manners and very active in all matters pertaining to the moral and social im- provement of the little community. She became a prime mover and original mein- ber of what was called the Methodist So- ciety, of that time, and she continued to labor in that sphere until 1806, when sev- eral persons of this religions affinity or- ganized themselves in what should be re- garded as the First Methodist Church of Springfield. Whilst speaking of this time as one of religious dearth and gloom, we have occasion to note the life of this Christian woman, especially, and to re- gard her as a sort of morning star. in the opening up of the religious day. She was said to have been remarkably gifted in prayer, and her choice words and sweet voice, melting in its tenderness, were frequently heard in supplication in sea- sons of social worship, at her church. The character and work of this good woman would naturally claim our strong interest

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Mrs. Smallwood was the mother of six Tatmn and Joseph Oglesby, when the children-three boys and three girls-all Mad River Cirenit had a membership of of whom reached mature years, and, nn- der the early teaching of their pious mother, identified themselves with the church and engaged in its active work. Her burning and shining light, amid the irreligions atmosphere surrounding her early life, had doubtless hurried the com- ing of a better religious era in Spring- field.

For several years individual Christians had assembled themselves occasionally for worship, but in a somewhat unorganized capacity. Their nsual place of meeting was at Nathaniel Pinkerd's log school- honse, on the northeast corner of Main and Market Streets, where a deep re- ligious feeling was experienced by many, who soon after began to look toward a regular church organization.

As we wish to consider the religions denominations in chronological order so far as possible, and inasmonch as the Methodist people seem to have been the pioneers in this regard, we shall make a note of their work, first, and follow the destinies of that denomination down to the present time.

CENTER STREET METHODIST.

The records go to show that to the Methodist Episcopal Church belongs the credit of first establishing public worship as an organization, though they did not creet their church building until the year 1814, four years after one had been built by the Christian Society, of which we will speak later on. This first-named Metho- dist Episcopal Church was built during the pastoral charge of Revs. Joseph tral M. E. Church, on the northwest

1,200. The incumbents of the Springfield Station for the next nineteen years may be summarized as follows: Rev. Abbott Goddard, for 1815: Moses Crime and Henry Bascom, 1816; Walter Griffith and William Williams, 1817; John Sale and John Strange. 1818; Russell Biglow and Robert W. Finley, 1820; A. McLean, 1521; Thomas S. Hitt and George W. Maley, 1822; James Collard and Jolin J. Taylor. 1823: William Larnin, 1824; James T. Wells and George Gatch, 1825; Angustus Eddy and Levi White. 1826 and 1827: Burroughs Westlake and Alfred M. Lorain, 1828 and 1829; Levi White and Elias Potter, 1830; William HI. Raper and James T. Donahoe, J. W. Reagan, Rich- ard Brandruff and Joseph Hill then served as supplies until 1833. In 1933 William H. Raper being Presiding Ekler of the Lebanon District, the new Spring. field Cirenit was formed with a member- ship of 950; the first preachers under this arrangement being Revs. Joshna Boucher. J. P. Taylor and A. Sellers. It was dur- ing this year that the church edifice was built at the southeast corner of Columbia and Market Streets. It was large, two stories in height, with a gallery, and af- forded ample room for the largest con- gregations that were likely to assemble in the town at that day. The church was without a belfry, and was called together at the ringing of the Court House bell. which, by arrangement, was rung at the same hour on the Sabbath for all the churches in the place. Afterward a lel- fry and a hell were procured, the hell being the same as now in use at the Cen-

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corner of Center and High Streets. This northwest corner of Center and High is the same organization, which was re- moved, later, from its okl location on the corner of Columbia and Market Streets.

In 1834 Revs. Joshna Boucher and Granville Moody were in charge of Springfield Cirenit, with Rev. William H. Raper as Presiding Elder. This church was then continuously served by pastors as follows: For the years of 1835 and 1836, Revs. William A. Barrett, John Alexander, Michael Marley, E. B. Chase and Joseph Gasner; Mifflin Harker and James L. Grover, for 1837; M. Harker and Solomon Howard, 1838; William Young and Samuel Clark, with Zachariah Connell as Presiding Elder, 1839. In 1840, the charge at Springfield became a station, with Rev. William Young as pastor and a membership of 330. The pastorates were then continned as fol- lows: Solomon Howard, in 1841; John W. Weakley, 1842 and 1843; William llerr. 1844: Uriah Heath, 1845; Randolph

About this time a portion of the old church colonized and formed the High Street M. E. Church, the two bodies being served by Revs. Charles Elliott and Solomon Howard. In 1849 and 1850, the parent organization was supplied by Rev. Maxwell P. Gaddis, when there was a membership of 446. Then came Rev. Granville Moody, in 1853 and 1854; Rev. James F. Chalfant, 1855: JJoseph Newson, 1856; W. T. Ellsworth, 1857 and 1858; M. Dustin, 1859: Charles Ferguson, 1860 and 1861.

Streets, and took the name of the Central M. E. Church of Springfield. The line of pastors then continued as follows: Rev. S. L. Yourtee, 1863 to 1865; J. W. Cassett, 1866 and 1867; Asbury Lowrey, 1868; S. 1. Brewster, 1869, 1870 and 1871; C. W. Ketchum, 1872. 1873 and 1874; E. T. Wells, 1875, 1876 and 1877; W. A. Robin- son. 1878, 1879 and 1880; A. B. Leonard, 1883 to 1886; Willinm Runyan, 1886 to 1887; John Pearson, September 1, 1887 to 1888: Thomas N. Pearne, from Septem- ber 1, 1858 to 1890; C. W. Barnes, 1890 to 1894: C. W. Rishell, 1894 to 1895; V. F. Brown, 1895 to 1899. C. M. Van Pelt, 1899 to 1901: C. L. Conger, 1902 to 1904; A. W. Leonard, 1905 to the present. Present membership 1,000. The church has decided to build on the present site a new house of worship at a cost of $40,- 000. Nearly one-half the amount has been pledged. The church is free from debt.

P. Foster, 1846 and 1847; Charles Elliott, at a cost of $22,000, added materially to 1848.

The present building, erected in 1862, the architectural beauty of the city, and constitutes a busy headquarters of Chris- tian activity. This venerable H. E. Church has had seventy-one pastors since its existence of ninety-five years, which, perhaps, with the exception of one or two other churches, is the greatest number of pastors which has ever served any other church in the State of Ohio during the century just past. Springfield should thank God for the high privilege of hav- ing had such a religious organization, all these years, in its midst.

HIGH STREET M. E. CHURCH.

In 1862, the church having sold its old property on Columbia Street, purchased The High Street Methodist Episcopal a lot and commenced building on the Church of Springfield, organized in April,

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1849, with about 80 members, and has Church of Springfield. This plan was ef- since become quite an efficient factor in fected on the 10th day of February, 1880, and involved the hearty and enthusiastic co-operation of 150 persons, many of whom were veteran Christian workers. They purchased a very fine. elevated lot, situated on the west side of Yellow Springs Street, and erected upon it one of the most beautiful brick church edifices in the city, nearly one-third of which was contributed by Mr. P. P. Mast, one of Springfield's most liberal and philan- thiropic citizens, and who was a faithful member of the church thus benefited. the Christian cause here in this city. Levi Reinhart, Edmund Ogden, Christopher Thompson, L. N. Olds, John M. Young and S. S. Moler constituted the Board of Trustees. Their first church building was dedicated .July 27, 1851, Rev. John Dillon, afterward professor in Drew Theological Seminary, preaching the sermon on the occasion. The pastors of this charge sue- cessively were as follows: Revs. Isaac Dillon, in 1849; John S. Inskip, 1850; John W. Weakley, 185]: William H. Southerland, 1852-53; M. Dustin, 1854-55;

The organization of this church was John F. Marley, 1855-56; W. I. Fee, 1857- formed in February, 1880, with 166 char- 58; Allen Trimble Thompson, 1860; George C. Crum, 1861-62; A. B. Wam- banglı, 1864; G. H. Dart, 1865-66-67; Thomas Collett, 1868-69-70. During this last-named pastorate the church edifice was remodeled at a cost of $18,000. Thence onward the pastors were: Rev. Lucien Clark, from 1871 to 1874; William L. Ilypes, 1874; S. B. Smith, 1875; F. G. Mitchell, 1876-77-78; Thomas J. Harris, 1879, during whose pastorate the member- ship was about 350. Next in the pastor- ates were: John F. Marlay, 1882-85; R. H Rust, 1885-90; John R. Shannon, 1890- 91; A. H. Lucas, 1891-95; John A. Story. 1895-1905. The present pastorate of Engene P. Edmonds began October, 1905. Number of church membership, 600 and of Sunday school, 300.

ST. PAUL'S M. E CHURCH.

The second colony from the First, or Central Methodist Episcopal Church, was organized into a church under the most favorable anspices, and took the name of the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal

ter members. including the following prominent persons: Mr. and Mrs. P. P'. Mast, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Deardorf, Mr. und Mrs. John Leuty, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. II. Houck, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Stafford, Mr. and Mrs. J. 77. Parsons, Mrs. E. S. Vale, and Mrs. M. E. Kinney. The church building was commenced in the spring of 1880, was finished in September, 1881, and dedieated by Bishop J. W. Wiley May T. 1882: Rov. S. A. Brewster and Rev. W. X. Brodbeck, pastor, participated in the ex- ercises. The estimated cost of the build- ing was $45,000. The following is the list of pastors: Rev. W. N. Brodbeck, from September, 1880, to September, 1883; J. W. Bushong, 1883-84; Henry Tuckley, 1884-87; Thomas E. Coliett, 1887-8º; J. R. Shannon, 1888-89: G. W. Guffette, 1590- 90; G. W. Dubois, 1890-92; Paul C. Cur- nick, 1892-97; J. W. MeGruder. 1597-99. and J. W. Peters, 1999-1905; Jolm F. Chenoweth, 1905-1907; U. T., Ulter. 1907- The present membership of the church is 480, and number of officers, teachers and scholars of the Sunday-school is 215.

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CLIFTON AVENCE M. E. CHURCH.

The organization of the Clifton Avenue M. E. Church followed the organization of the Sabbath school and prayer meeting. The idea of the organization originated in the Central M. E. Church of this city. The first session of the Sabbath school was held Sabbath afternoon, March 11, 1894; the first prayer meeting was held March 16, 1894. The first revival services were conducted by Rev. C. W. Barnes, the At the conference session held in Wil- nington, September, 1894, Bishop Good- sell appointed Rev. A. L. Brokaw the first pastor of the new church. The follow- ing pastors have served the church: Rev. A. L. Brokaw, 1894-1895; Rev. J. P. Shultz, 1895-1897; Rev. C. D. Munsey, 1897-1900; Rev. S. W. Campbell, 1900- 1903; Rev. Homer G. Curless, 1903 -. pastor of Central M. E. Church, during the week preceding Easter, in 1894. So encouraging was the great interest taken in the devotional meetings and Sabbath school, that it was determined to enter upon a church organization. The first step in this direction was a meeting called for consultation with the Presiding Elder, J. F. Marlay, D. D., by the pastor, C. W. The membership numbers about 350. The Sunday-school enrollment is 300 with an average attendance of over 200. The Barnes, at the parsonage, June 19, 1894. There were present at the parsonage Rev. Dr. J. F. Marlay, Rev. C. W. Barnes, J. Superintendent is F. R. Henderson. As- Griffith, J. S. Comer, J. B. Perrin, B. F. sistants, Fred Maurer, and J. B. Perrin. Kiplinger, and J. N. Wommer.

These five laymen were appointed to secure financial pledges for the coming year, and the pastor was instructed to secure a list of persons who would enter the new church. The number secured was about one hundred, and the formal organ- ization of the church was accomplished August 13, 1894. The first Trustees were J. N. Wommer, J. Griffith. B. B. Littleton, W. S. Richardson and J. S. Comer. The first official board meeting of the new church was held August 21, 1894. The ladies organized an Aid Society August 26. 1894; the young ladies made a similar organization August 21, 1894.

Methodist Union appointed Robert John- son and Jeremiah Griffith a committee to purchase the church building from the Free-Will Baptist Society. This the com- mittee did, and a united effort on the part of the church members and friends in the city enabled them to place the property in the church's name as the home for the future. On Easter Sunday, March 31, 1907, the mortgage was burned leaving the property free from debt.

GRACE M. E. CHURCH.

The third off-shoot from the Central M. E. Church was the Grace M. E. Church, situated on West Main Street, near the Pennsylvania House. This enterprise also was most liberally advanced and sup- ported from first to last by the personal labors and generous pecuniary aid of Mr. P. P. Mast, who became' most thoroughly identified with its religious work. A neat, but sufficiently commodious frame house, was built in 1872, at a cost of $1,800, which was dedicated on Sunday, August 12, 1873, the sermon on the occasion being

In November, 1899, the Springfield preached by Rev. Charles Ferguson. Al-

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20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 50

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993