USA > Ohio > A century of Congregationalism in Ohio, 1796-1896 > Part 4
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THOSE DAYS OF HOMESPUN.
It is next to impossible for us of this generation to re- produce in imagination the environment, material and spirit- ual, in the midst of which the men and women passed their lives whose laborious, but exalted task it was to lay in this great commonwealth the foundations of the Kingdom of God. What exhausting toil, what endurance of evil, and what deprivation of comfort and privilege. Dearth of re- sources to the verge of poverty, loneliness and frequent sickness, but the old home so far away. Let these few speci- fications stand for the entire trying situation. The omni- present forest, with wild game abounding. Roads scarcely more than trails, or blazed paths, with travel on foot, on horseback, or in ox-carts. To be sure, the canal was here or soon to arrive, and the locomotive was actually tugging and screaming over twelve miles of railway. The rude log cabin universal, whether for dwelling, school or place of wor- ship, and the fireplace the only resource for heat. And this other fact : throughout all these 40,000 square miles of fron- tier territory the population was next to wholly rural, and ple- beian, and provincial down to the end of the thirties. Of
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The Mischievous Plan of Union.
cities there were next to none, while the villages of any con- siderable size were few and far between. Cincinnati was the proud Queen City of the West, boasting of 29,000 in '30, and of 35,000 in '37. Next came Cleveland, but with a vast space between, mustering a brave 500 at the end of a gener- ation after the first settler arrived, doubling that figure by 1830, and fifty years after the birth of Marietta becoming the lordly possessor of 7,000. Columbus was incorporated in 1834, and three years after had 5,000 inhabitants. Day- ton followed with 4,000, Mansfield, with 350 houses, had reached 2,000, thus standing on a par with Toledo (!). Within the limits of Akron dwelt 1,600, Marietta's popula- tion of 1,200 dwelt in 180 houses, Elyria was " safely esti- mated " at 700, in 80-100 dwellings, Ashtabula at 600, while Medina is credited with 50 families, and 20-30 edifices loom- ing up in the near future. Such was the Ohio of about six- ty years ago.
THE MISCHIEVOUS PLAN OF UNION.
We come now to the consideration of an event, a trans- action, which to Congregationalism is of nothing less than first-class importance, and whether for the variety, the ex- tent, or the permanence of the results produced. And un- fortunately for our Israel the outcome was mainly evil. Nor was the damage confined to this state, but extended far beyond our border, and appears especially in New York, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin .* By the time churches began to spring up in the trans-Mississippi region the evils of the Plan had become so patent and so past endurance that its provisions were left in innocuous desuetude by those
*The case of Wisconsin was peculiar. The attempt was made there, not to amalgamate the two denominations concerned, but only to place them in fraternal conjunction and fellowship in a state Presbyterian-and-Congrega- itonal Convention.
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Congregationalism in Ohio.
whose ecclesiastical goings forth were from Plymouth Rock. The famous document follows, which stands, not indeed for the "first disobedience" of the remarkably wise and good New England Puritans, nor quite the cause of "all our woe," but certainly was attended by the loss of our Eden in the older Northern States :
" A Plan of Union between Presbyterians and Congregationalists in the New Settlements, adopted in 1801.
' Regulations adopted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, and by the General Association of the State of Connecti- cut (provided said Association agree to them), with a view to prevent aliena- tion and promote union and harmony in those new settlements which are composed of inhabitants from those bodies.
I. It is strictly enjoined on all their missionaries to the new settlements, to endeavor, by all proper means, to promote mutual forbearance and ac- commodation, between those inhabitants of the new settlements who hold the Presbyterian and those who hold the Congregational form of church govern- ment.
2. If in the new settlements, any church of the Congregational order shall settle a minister of the Presbyterian order, that church may, if they choose, still conduct their discipline according to Congregational principles, settling their difficulties among themselves, or by a council mutually agreed upon for that purpose. But if any difficulty shall exist between the minister and the church, or any member of it, it shall be referred to the presbytery to which the minister shall belong, provided both parties agree to it ; if not, to a council consisting of an equal number of Presbyterians and Congregation- alists, agreed upon by both parties.
3. If a Presbyterian Church shall settle a minister of Congregational principles, that church may still conduct their discipline according to Presby- terian principles ; excepting that if a difficulty arise between him and his church, or any member of it, the cause shall be tried by the Association, to which the said minister shall belong, provided both parties agree to it ; other- wise by a council, one-half Congregationalists and the other half Presbyter- ians, mutually agreed on by the parties.
4. If any congregation consist partly of those who hold the Congrega- tional form of discipline, and partly of those who hold the Presbyterian form ; we recommend to both parties, that this be no obstruction to their uniting in one church and settling a minister; and that in this case, the church choose a standing committee from the communicants of said church, whose business it shall be, to call to account every member of the church, who shall conduct himself inconsistently with the laws of christianity, and to give judgment on such conduct, and if the person condemned by their judgment be a Presby- terian, he shall have liberty to appeal to the presbytery ; if a Congregational-
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The Mischievous Plan of Union.
ist, he shall have liberty to appeal to the body of the male communicants of the church. In the former case, the determination of the presbytery shall be final, unless the church consent to a further appeal to the synod, or to the General Assembly ; and in the latter case, if the party condemned, shall wish for a trial by a mutual council, the cause shall be referred to such council. And provided the said standing committee of any church shall depute one of themselves to attend the presbytery, he may have the same right to sit and act in the presbytery, as a ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church.'"'
HOW THE PLAN CAME TO BE.
Of course, this well meant, but exceedingly ill-advised, scheme for Christian union and co-operation did not spring up by accident and of a sudden, but was rather the last step in a series of causal forces. For example, in that generation a quite general movement was in progress, both in the New World and in the Old, looking to the intimate affiliation of sundry Protestant bodies in various forms of missionary work at home and abroad. The London Missionary Society, formed in 1795, at first included Churchmen, Wesleyans, Presbyteri- ans and Independents. When all these came together in a great assembly and found themselves of one heart and mind, the spectacle was so novel and inspiring that the tide of no- ble enthusiasm rose and swelled and overflowed, and one brother in his ecstasy declared that the funeral of bigotry was being celebrated then and there! On this side of the Atlan- tic the American Board and a half score of union societies were another portion of the outcome. But as far back as 1774, Ezra Stiles and Samuel Hopkins, New England Con- gregationalists both, laid before the Synod of New York and the Scottish General Assembly a proposition looking to co-operation in sending certain missionaries to Africa, which but for the Revolution would have been adopted. Then fur- ther, the two denominations, dwelling side by side in several of the colonies, had discovered that at various points they had much in common. Some years before they had entered into friendly ecclesiastical intercourse, which had now developed
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Congregationalism in Ohio.
to such an extent that delegates appointed by either to visit the gatherings of the other were received to full member- ship even to voting power. Besides, of late in the presence of antagonists dreaded by both, to wit, Episcopacy and Uni- tarianism, they had come closer together for mutual defence. And, what constitutes the feature of their case for which they ought to have been most ashamed, the Connecticut saints of that time, under the Standing Order and the Say- brook Platform had lost all faith in the fitness of the com- mon people in the churches to think and decide for them- selves, and hence a demand that a "strong government" must be maintained through consociations and the dominance of the clergy. In other words, the Congregationalists who helped to father the Plan were themselves semi-Presbyterian. In 1799 a part of them had as good as renounced the Con- gregational name. Even to this day in some quarters of Connecticut our churches are commonly known as Presby- terian. And right here lies the very head and front of their offending, that they were false to the fundamental principles of their church polity.
In excuse for the part played in this lamentable affair by the General Association it should be remembered that when missionary zeal took shape in the provisions of the Plan, this phase of evangelizing effort was yet in its infancy. Vermont and Eastern New York had but just begun to cry for help. The need of raising money and sending men to the frontier had suddenly risen to proportions unanticipated and appalling. There were no adequate precedents to guide in the most pressing emergency. Something must be done, and that quickly, for the thousands of their kindred perishing in spir- itual destitution in the wilderness. Under the circumstances it could hardly be expected that they should plan calmly and with the prescience of statesmen. Their gaze, not strangely, was fixed upon the mere present and the immedi- ate future. What marvels of growth and achievement the
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The Mischievous Plan of Union.
closing decade of the nineteenth century was destined to be- hold throughout the imperial area of our Republic was hid- den wholly from their gaze, just as it was also from that of the most sagacious and far-seeing of their contemporaries. When Jefferson could affirm that the space between the At- lantic and the Mississippi would doubtless afford ample room for all our population for at least five hundred years, we need not be surprised that the plain preachers and laymen who united to fashion a plan for the conduct of home missions, set one on foot which while well enough for days of pioneer- ing, with settlements small and scattered, the population limited and removed but a step from poverty, would utterly break down and work grievous mischief when communities large and strong had come into existence. But all the same, the fathers ate sour grapes and the children's teeth were set on edge. The iniquity (blunder, that is, so colossal as al- most to constitute a crime) of the fathers is visited upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. The final suggestion is that neither one of the high contracting parties to the Plan of Union had as yet attained to any considera- ble degree of forceful and aggressive denominational con- sciousness. Connecticut Congregationalists were acting only for themselves. For yet fifty years there was no American Congregationalism. And until 1789 Presbyterianism had not advanced beyond the local and provincial stage of the synod and the presbytery.
THE WORKINGS OF THE PLAN.
When the pioneers entered northern Ohio, with few ex- ceptions only two religious classes were represented. Some had emigrated from Pennsylvania, so close at hand, who were Presbyterians and of Scotch-Irish descent. As a mat- ter of course, when in communities composed wholly or mainly of these, churches were organized, the majority shaped the polity according to Presbyterian rules and were
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Congregationalism in Ohio.
duly provided with ruling elders, session, etc. Of this ec- clesiastical type the Youngstown church was the first speci- men and, by a few months, seems to have antedated our Austinburg organization. But in almost all quarters of the Reserve the case was different. The population was derived mainly from Connecticut or her neighbor states, so that no doubt of those who sought church fellowship, with occasion- al exceptions, from three-fifths to four-fifths were Congrega- tional in sentiment. Therefore naturally it came to pass that in many cases churches were formed upon purely democratic principles, with all authority lodged in the body of the broth- erhood, and all important questions settled in public by discussion and a majority vote. But just about as often it occurred that preference and conviction as to church govern- ment were found widely divergent in the same company of disciples. The number of Pennamites and of Pilgrims might be nearly equal, or on the one side was the heavier vote, while on the other were a few determined and persistent spirits who would scheme day and night to have things ec- clesiastical fashioned according to their ideas. As a result of this condition which occurred in scores of cases, divers compromises were contrived which resulted in a class of churches neither Congregational nor Presbyterian in form, but a mixture of both. Here evidently, with human nature as commonly constituted, were supplied in rich abundance opportunity and provocation for endless debate and unseem- ly strife. The mere denominational name was something of importance. Now ruling elders would be appointed and or- dained, or a standing committee to rule with the pastor, and later after long agitation and much bitter feeling, a revolu- tion would occur with only plain deacons to care for the spiritualities. Several churches can be named which changed their internal polity a half dozen times in a generation and in the end were found in an almost hopeless state of ex- haustion.
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The Mischievous Plan of Union.
Then it soon became evident that some form of asso- ciation must be provided, both for fellowship and for co-op- eration in good works. The Plan in anticipation of this need made express mention of such bodies as both parties to the contract were familiar with. A majority of the male members should vote to be "under the care" of either Presbytery or Association. But, behold! while the latter were far away in the East and over the Alleghenies, the former were standing with open doors just across the Penn- sylvania line, with bounds able to hold the entire Northwest if need be! Redstone Presbytery was created in 1781, from it the northern portion was separated in 1793, forming Ohio Presbytery, out of which also Erie Presbytery was carved in 1801 with Eastern Ohio under its jurisdiction. Hartford Presbytery followed in 1808 commissioned especially to safe- guard the kingdom on the Reserve, some of whose ministers were transferred from Erie. Mr. Badger had early connect- ed himself with presbytery. In 1805 a few ministers and churches desiring some sort of affiliation and communion had ventured to organize the Ecclesiastical Convention of New Connecticut, which held several meetings. But then, as if conscience-smitten, or fallen from the grace of faith in the Congregational way, they asked the Hartford judicature to take their weakling under the protection of its mighty arm. Which thing was duly done, and for long years we hear no more of Congregationalism in these parts, except as it appears in the life of the individual churches. Facilis decensus Averni: The fashion soon became fixed and uni- versal for our churches to join presbytery at once, in all hu- mility and obedience receiving therefrom creed, covenant and rules of practice. It was common for a committee of presbytery to be sent to constitute the new body. Delegates were dispatched to sessions of presbytery, bearing also the records to be examined. They must meekly receive counsel or reproof, make reports as to their growth and condition,
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Congregationalism in Ohio.
pay their pro rata share of the commissioners' fund to the General Assembly, and in the annual report of the Presby- terian Church the names of all these Congregational bodies appeared regularly as forming a constituent part !! And worst of all, it at length came to pass that Congregational churches could neither call nor dismiss pastors without first securing the consent of presbytery ! ! So far from gospel liberty had our churches lapsed. And too many rejoiced to bear this yoke of bondage.
Then as to the working of the Plan on the clerical side. They also were to connect themselves at their pleasure with presbytery or association, and which of the two was a mat- ter of indifference. But it came out that ministers from New England were so complaisant, so accommodating, or so lacking in either conviction and sound discretion that, in- stead of creating their own organizations, they simply dropped into such as they found already at hand, presby- teries to wit .* And then also, from 1806 to 1812 the minis- terial supply from the East almost wholly failed. During one period the Connecticut Society had but a single repre- sentative upon the Reserve, while Pennsylvania Presbyterian preachers were sent in to occupy the needy field. All these had a horror of the "irregularities" and the "looseness" of Congregationalism, believed unquestionably in a "strong church government," and had the courage of their convic- tions. Nor was their faith without works to match. Rev. Thomas Barr is the most conspicuous specimen, and let his chef d'oeuvre belonging to a most critical and decisive occa- sion, set forth the serious disadvantage under which our pol- ity labored when brought into unnatural conjunction and en- tanglement with other ecclesiastical organizations. Church history contains not many spicier or more suggestive pas- sages than are supplied in the story of the transaction writ-
* Prof. Henry Cowles, an unimpeachable authority, affirms that "for thirty years almost every minister was drawn into the Presbyterian church."
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The Mischievous Plan of Union
ten by the chief actor himself. In 1814 the time had come to form some sort of a body upon the Reserve in which the churches, now become quite numerous, could be associated. By this time also Congregationalism had risen to a clear pre- ponderance, and the general judgment was that an associa- tion should be established. In fact Mr. Barr stood well nigh alone in thinking differently. But when the hour for final decision arrived so strenuous was he, so affectingly did he plead his case, that the Yankees succumbed to the last man .* At first a compromise was attempted and the "Consociated Presbytery of New Connecticut" was contrived. But when the Synod of Pittsburgh was asked to recognize this un- heard of ecclesiastical creature a refusal was sent back (Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?), and as a result a Congregationalized kind of establishment was set up known as Grand River Presbytery, which was divided in 1818, a part becoming the Presbytery of Portage, from this latter Huron was set off in 1823, and finally two years later the pile was made complete by the organization of the Synod of the Western Reserve. As for the ministers, some pres- ently came to prefer a system which gave them station and authority above the brethren. And in after years when from various causes the Congregational name without sufficient reason came to be a synonym for heresy and manifold fol- lies, for mere reputation's sake, and to avoid suspicion, not a few clung more closely to presbytery.
At first and all along it had been so that the Plan failed to find universal favor from New England immigrants to
*We find the same spirit displayed on both sides up in Michigan when a score or so were to have a church formed composed of Congregationalists with but a single exception, but notwithstanding, out of the process by some magic Presbyterian it came. Again in Ohio a similar minority of one, and a woman at that, with tears and prayers wrought the same phenomenal result. All which recalls the deed of the historic Hibernian, who bringing into camp as prisoners a baker's dozen of the foe and asked to explain the modus oper- andi, replied that he had simply surrounded them and so compelled surrender.
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Congregationalism in Ohio.
Ohio. In no narrow, bigoted, sectarian spirit, they loved the popular type of gospel rule to which they had from child- hood been accustomed, and brought no disposition to ex- change it for another less liberal and more cumbered with le- gal rules and precedents. Many accepted the disagreeable situation because they had been told and believed it was but a makeshift which would soon have its day and cease to be. The tide setting towards presbytery, however, rose so high as to be exceedingly hard to stem. But when in the thir- ties dissatisfaction with the operation of the existing eccles- iastical regime had become quite general, and here and there a church determined to break away from outside dictation and manage its own concerns according to its own judg- ment and convictions, yet another and hitherto unsuspected element of the Plan came to light. It was sufficiently easy to enter in, but it was now found to be oftentimes a most serious matter to undertake to depart. For the former a majority vote of the church would suffice, but the ruling was laid down by the presbyteries that only by a vote which was unanimous could the church withdraw. A handful, a minority of one, would be recognized as the original body. And when majorities would protest against such tyranny, the outcome would be division, and two warring bodies in the same locality. Cases like this occurred on the Reserve by the dozen. Some churches faced death rather than remain, and others died in the effort to escape, while still others, formed in later years, taking warning by what their neigh- bors had suffered, refused to unite with any organization, and stood aloof in isolation. Bear in mind, it was a plan of "Union," and behold its fruits. After a generation had passed the territory under view contained Plan of Union churches in quite large numbers, and all these others be- sides : Free Congregational, Union Congregational, Ortho- dox Congregational, Evangelical Congregational, Free Inde- pendent Congregational, Presbyterian-Congregational, Free
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Times of Tempest.
Presbyterian; and as if these were not enough, Independent Presbyterian also. It is difficult indeed to see how in the absence of the Plan evils half so many or so great could have befel. This appears to have stood for the highest wis- dom to be mustered from the combined heart and brain of two denominations in the opening decade of the century ; it is fervently to be hoped that we their sons in the closing decade, in planning for the maintenance and spread of the Gospel in our land, will not be left of heaven to contrive any scheme which shall be productive of results more disastrous.
TIMES OF TEMPEST.
We enter now upon the second period of our denomina- tional history in the state, of which the forties constitute the central portion, though the decade preceding and the one following are included. The herculean task of felling the forests, subduing the soil, of laying the foundations of all manner of institutions, political, social and religious, was now largely completed. This commonwealth was just about to make the perilous transition from early youth to the stalwart vigor and achievement of adult years. In order to under- stand the manifold besetments of our churches it is necessa- ry to recall that this same portion of the century is easily the most remarkable period in American history. At least for intense and universal uneasiness, excitement, agitation, and overturning, and that in every realm of thought and action. The nation had just attained to phenomenal bigness by the annexation of Texas and other northern states of Mexico, California included, and by establishing our claim to Oregon had secured an empire beyond the Rockies. Then followed the joyous and most exhilarating assurance of national great- ness in store, a future majestic and sublime of which the fathers had never dreamed. A swelling tide of humanity
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Congregationalism in Ohio.
was pouring into the Mississippi Valley and pushing towards the western sea. Democracy had now become a most pal- pable fact. The people verily held the seat of supreme pow- er. Multitudes went wild over financial speculations. An intellectual new birth occurred. The American mind was stirred to the depths and seemed to take on new capacities. A surprising transformation came to the national character. Of course much that resulted was crude and inchoate. Cost- ly experiments were tried, not unattended with transgression and folly. It was only through boundless confusion and chaos that old evil things could pass away.
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