USA > Ohio > Butler County > Middletown > A history of the life and work of the First Presbyterian Church of Middletown, Ohio (Dayton Presbytery) from its foundation in 1819 to 1919 > Part 3
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There was no marked spiritual awakening during Mr. Si- monton's pastorate, yet there was a steady increase in the membership. At nearly every meeting of the Session and at every communion there were accessions to the church, both on confession of faith and by letter.
The church services both on the Sabbath and on Wednes- day evenings were well attended. The statement is made that at this time one-fifth of the membership attended prayer meeting. The Sabbath School, although it did not increase in members, did not materially decrease.
A committee of six ladies was appointed at this time to look after and show due attention to any Presbyterian fam-
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ilies who might move into this city. This committee was to serve for six months and consisted of the following ladies : Mrs. Montgomery Patton, Mrs. C. S. Barnitz, Mrs. Dr. Mc- Clellan, Mrs. C. B. Oglesby, Miss Lou Hilt and Mrs. Joseph Shafor.
Mr. J. K. Thomas, who for many years had been the effi- cient chorister of the church and Sabbath School, tendered his resignation to the Session March 6, 1889. In accepting his resignation the Session unanimously adopted the follow- ing resolutions :
"Whereas, Mr. J. K. Thomas has tendered his resigna- tion as chorister of this church; and, whereas, his services for these many years in this capacity have been most faith- ful, his management wise and efficient,
"Resolved, That the resignation of Brother Thomas be accepted and that in its acceptance we would accord to him our due appreciation for his valuable and gratuitous serv- ices ; and,
"Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be entered on the records of the church and that it be read at the next an- nual meeting of the congregation."
On February 11, 1890, Mr. Montgomery Patton, an hon- ored member of the Session, passed away.
Mr. Simonton, having previously resigned on November 12, 1890, at his request a meeting of the congregation was called. Having received a call to the Third Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati, Ohio, which he had decided to accept, he wished the congregation to join with him in asking the Presbytery of Dayton to dissolve the existing pastoral rela- tion. With regret his request was complied with.
The pastoral relation between Rev. J. M. Simonton and this church was dissolved November 17, 1890, and his minis- try closed on Sabbath, November 23, 1890, and we were again without a pastor.
Mr. Simonton was a kind, genial man, a faithful pastor, a man of spotless and consistent Christian character.
After an interim of a little over two months, on Febru- ary 7, 1891, Rev. George M. McCampbell, of the First Pres- byterian Church of Stapleton, Long Island, was tendered a call to the pastorate of this church. The call was accepted,
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and on February 22, 1891, he entered upon his duties here as pastor-elect.
On May 22, 1891, Rev. G. M. McCampbell was duly in- stalled as pastor of this church. Rev. George E. Gowdy, Moderator of Dayton Presbytery, presided and propounded the constitutional questions. Dr. J. H. Hutchinson, of Jef- fersonville, Indiana, preached the sermon, Rev. Edgar W. Work, D. D., gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Mr. Willetts the charge to the people.
When Mr. McCampbell began his work the outlook was very encouraging. The congregation at the Sabbath serv- ices steadily increased in numbers, and there was a marked improvement in the attendance of the young people at those services. A large increase in the enrollment and average attendance of the Sabbath School was noticed, much beyond that of any former year. The same increase was noted in the Wednesday evening prayer meeting.
The Women's Societies were reorganized and were now working under the same plan as they had several years pre- vious, when they had done such efficient work.
Mr. McCampbell adopted a systematic plan of house-to- house visiting, and so kept in touch with his people. A spirit of harmony prevailed and the church seemed in a prosperous condition.
At the annual business meeting of the congregation, April 4, 1891, it was decided to proceed in the erection of a new church edifice. This was a dream of years and was now about to become a reality. Over $25,000 was reported to have been subscribed at that time for that purpose. A building committee of fifteen was appointed, consisting of the following persons : Theodore Marston, Wm. Caldwell, C. B. Oglesby, J. B. Hartley, Jos. Iseminger, C. B. Johnson, J. K. Thomas, Dr. C. S. Barnitz, Charles E. Margerum, George C. Jacoby, Murray Schenck, E. McCallay, H. P. Leibee, Dr. Samuel Mcclellan and P. P. LaTourrette. Full powers were delegated to this committee to select a site, adopt a plan of building and to secure further subscriptions.
On July 29, 1891, a congregational meeting was held to authorize this building committee, if the way be clear, to dis- pose of the present church site, excepting the parsonage.
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An interior view of the first building erected on the present church site. This photograph was taken on the last Sunday that services were held in this building, in the summer of 1891. Rev. George M. McCampbell is in the pulpit.
After a free discussion of the matter the congregation de- cided by a large majority to authorize the trustees and build- ing committee to dispose of the present site. They were also given the power and authorized to procure another site for the erection of a new church building.
In July of this year (1891) a meeting of the officers of the church was held to consider the advisability of holding outdoor religious services in Oakland Place, at that time a suburb of Middletown, as well as to conduct a weekly prayer meeting at private houses in that locality. It was decided that the pastor hold such out-door services during the time the weather would permit and also conduct the weekly prayer meetings. A committee consisting of Wm. Caldwell, C. S. Barnitz and J. W. Hill was authorized to erect the nec- essary seats and platform, as well as to obtain the permis- sion of the owner of the ground to use the same for this pur- pose. This movement resulted eventually in the organiza- tion of the Oakland Presbyterian Church.
In August, 1891, it is recorded that Messrs. C. B. John- son, William Caldwell, Theodore Marston, George C. Bar- nitz, James K. Thomas and Mrs. Rachel Magee, the last- named being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, had contributed six hundred dollars and purchased two lots on the corner of Woodlawn and Garfield Avenues, in Oak- land Subdivision, of the City of Middletown, Ohio, and that these persons had donated the same to the First Presbyte- rian Church of Middletown for the purpose of erecting thereon a chapel, or church, to be under the control of the trustees of the First Church until such time as the said church and congregation to be organized shall become self- sustaining. When the same shall be self-sustaining the donors desired that the lots be transferred by the trustees of the First Church to the trustees of the new church. The records state that this enterprise has had the support of many other persons, among whom were John L. Blair, Wil- liam McLean, Charles B. Oglesby, Dr. Samuel Mcclellan, Mr. John W. Hill, Mrs. Jeanette Crawford, Mrs. Joseph Thum, Mrs. George Swainey, Sarah Beard and, at a later date, Mr. A. L. Foster.
At the annual congregational meeting of the First
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Church, April 6, 1892, a resolution was introduced asking the congregation to donate the material in the old church building, or so much of the same as could be utilized for that purpose, together with all the furniture in it except the mu- sical instruments and the chairs, for the purpose of build- ing and furnishing a church or chapel on the lots above re- ferred to. After discussion the congregation voted in the affirmative.
During this year the Oakland Church was completed and regular services were held with large congregations, espe- cially on Sabbath evenings. A weekly prayer meeting was held. A committee from the First Church, consisting of Elders Marston, Evans and LaTourrette, was appointed to organize a Sabbath School, which was done February 19, 1893, with a very promising outlook for its future growth and prosperity as 86 names were enrolled as members of the school. Mr. John L. Blair was elected Superintendent. A Society of Christian Endeavor was also organized. The ex- penses of this church were borne by members of the First Church. These were busy times for the First Church with the building of two churches on at the same time.
It was finally decided by the building committee of fifteen to erect the new church on the old site. There was some ob- jection to a new site, and many were in favor of using the old one, largely through sentiment. So the work was begun, and on Saturday, November 5, 1892, at 3:00 P. M., the cor- rer-stone was laid with impressive ceremonies, in the pres- ence of a large gathering of people. The program on this occasion was as follows :
Hymn "With Joy We Lift Our Eyes"
Scripture Lesson
. Psalm 87
Hymn "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord"
Responsive Reading.
Repetition of the Creed.
Placing of the Box.
Prayer.
Laying of the Corner-Stone.
Hymn "Christ Is Our Corner-Stone"
Doxology.
Benediction.
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Mr. Alexander Ure, another of our honored elders, died November 21, 1892. Because of the death of three of the elders in a short time, it was deemed necessary to elect three others. At the annual meeting, April 5, 1893, this election was held and resulted in the choice of J. K. Thomas, George N. Clapp and Joseph W. Shafor. The last two mentioned are members of the Session today. On April 16 Mr. Thomas and Mr. Shafor were ordained and installed as Ruling Elders. Mr. Clapp, having been ordained in another church, was duly installed in this church. At this service the pastor preached a sermon on the office and duties of Ruling Elders in the Presbyterian Church.
The Session also decided to abolish the choir for reasons deemed wise, and Mr. C. S. Stanage who had been the leader of the choir was asked to act as precentor. He con- sented and acted in this capacity for some time.
On suggestion of Mr. McCampbell, the Session unani- mously decided to adopt the systematic plan of benevolence for raising money for the different boards of the church by the distribution of envelopes, and the pastor was appointed a committee to carry the same into effect. Also a general visita- tion of the families of the church by the pastor and one of the elders was arranged for. A short time after this the names of the members of the church were apportioned among the elders, and they were expected to visit the mem- bers on their list at least twice each year and give a verbal report at the monthly meetings of the Session and a written report at the end of every six months.
When the old church was being dismantled and torn down the Methodists, having built a new church between Fourth and Fifth streets, on Broadway, offered us the use of their old church on Broadway, a few doors north of Third street, for a stated sum, and all services of the First Church were held there for some time. The work on the new build- ing was progressing favorably, and when it was nearing completion it became necessary to determine who should have the authority to decide what decorations and furni- ture should be permitted in the new church edifice. A meet- ing of all the officers of the church was called to decide this question. Mr. J. K. Thomas was made chairman and P. P.
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Rev. Thomas M. Scott, Pastor 1896-1900.
Rev. W. Hamill Shields, Pastor 1900-10.
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LaTourrette clerk. On motion it was resolved that hereafter the Woman's Society of the church be given the authority to decide what decorations and furniture should be allowed, and said Society was further given full control of the parlor and kitchen furniture.
In the summer of 1893 we began to use the lecture room of the new church, and hoped to have the main audience room completed in the near future.
In the meantime the spiritual growth of the church was encouraging. The regular services were held as usual, at times with many discomforts. As a result of the extreme depression in business matters, there had been a falling off in giving. Our mission school in the Oakland Church con- tinued to grow. The Woman's Society was very active in furnishing the new church and deserved great praise. The membership of the church was 423 and of the Sabbath School 410.
In December, 1894, several members of the church en- tered into an agreement with Rev. Henry E. Neff to supply the Oakland Church at their own expense. This met with the approval of Session.
Rev. Mr. Neff's pastorate began in January, 1895, and proved so successful that a petition was presented to the Dayton Presbytery at its April meeting of that year pray- ing for the organization of a church in the Oakland field. This prayer was granted and the organization was com- pleted on April 18, 1895. At this time forty persons pre- sented themselves for membership and were received. Mr. John W. Hill and Mr. John L. Blair were elected elders and were duly inducted into office.
In the church narrative for the year ending March 31, 1895, we find much praise given the different societies of the church. The Woman's Missionary Society was commended for the noble work done. The Senior and Junior Endeavor Societies had been very active, as had also the King's Daugh- ters, and each of these organizations had done much good. The Woman's Society deserved special praise for the grand work accomplished. It had raised more money than in any former year, had managed its affairs with signal ability and the building committee was greatly indebted, not only to this
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Society, but also to the Senior and Junior Christian Endeav- ors, and to several classes in the Sabbath School for the ma- terial financial aid afforded toward lifting the debt on the new church building.
In May, 1895, is recorded the death of James Crawford, who for many years had been a faithful worker in the church and especially in the Sunday School.
The new church building was entirely completed and it was expected to begin to occupy the auditorium permanently on Easter Sabbath, 1895. The session appointed Dr. C. S. Barnitz chief usher, with a corps of assistants.
Articles of Incorporation for the First Presbyterian Church were taken out in October, 1895.
The pastoral relations existing between Rev. G. M. Mc- Campbell and this church were dissolved by Presbytery Oc- tober 14, 1895.
In the Sessional Records of April 26, 1891, during this pastorate, mention is made of the death of Mrs. Susan Pat- ton, a devoted, faithful and most conscientious member of this church, never absent from a service unless unavoidably detained. The session wished to place on record their sense of loss and bereavement, not only as representatives of the church and congregation of which she was so long a faithful member, but also of her large circle of friends among whom she was a recognized example of "whatsoever things are lovely and of good report," and to express their apprecia- tion for her liberal gifts to the church.
For nearly a year after the close of Mr. McCampbell's pastorate the pulpit was vacant. Several times meetings of the congregation were called for the purpose of calling a pastor, but the way did not seem to be clear until on August 16, 1896, a meeting was held which resulted in a unanimous call being made out to Rev. Thomas Smith Scott, D. D., to become the pastor.
Mr. Scott accepted, and on October 4, 1896, entered upon his duties here as pastor-elect. On November 16, 1896, he was installed as pastor. Rev. T. M. Hillman, Moderator of Presbytery, presided and propounded the constitutional questions ; Dr. Maurice E. Wilson, of Dayton, preached the sermon ; Dr. E. W. Work charged the pastor ; and Dr. W. O.
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Thompson, President of Miami University, charged the con- gregation.
When Mr. Scott took charge of the church it was not very prosperous spiritually, although the pulpit had been regularly supplied while we were without a pastor, but his first year among us was marked by increasing peace and harmony, also by an encouraging advance in all lines of Christian work. Five services were regularly held on the Sabbath-preaching morning and evening, Sabbath School and Senior and Junior Endeavor. New life and vigor seem to have been infused in them as shown by the increased number in attendance at these services, as well as at the Wednesday evening meeting, so that the outlook at the end of that year had much of encouragement in it. The King's Daughters, the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary So- ciety and the Woman's Society were deserving of much praise for their zeal and for the good they accomplished. The financial obligations of the church were met with promptness. The number of communicants was 358. The Senior Christian Endeavor paid $500 toward the church debt this year, 1896-7.
On January 16, 1898, Dr. S. R. Evans, senior elder, the oldest male member of the church, and a man highly es- teemed by all, was suddenly called to his reward.
During the year ending April 6, 1898, besides Dr. S. R. Evans, a number of the older members died, among them being Jacob Banker, Mrs. Mary Puls, Mrs. Christian Cald- well, Mrs. Elizabeth Breeding and Mrs. Elizabeth La Tour- l'ette.
At the annual congregational meeting of the congrega- tion, April 4, 1900, after the reports of the Treasurer and of the different societies were read, we find that a hearty vote of thanks was tendered Wm. Caldwell, Treasurer of the Church, as well as to the Women's Societies for their effi- ciency and their fidelity to their respective duties during the year.
In the narrative for the year ending April 1, 1900, it is recorded that the pastor had been faithful in performing his duties, preaching the Word in season; that the Gospel had been the theme which had been constantly set forth;
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Our present Church Home, Erected 1891-2.
that earnest work had been done, and that it would bring its harvest, for God had so promised.
Mr. Scott having previously announced his intention to resign as pastor, requested at the annual meeting that the congregation unite with him in his application to Presbytery to release him. By a rising vote the congregation resolved to concur with him in his request.
At a meeting of the Presbytery of Dayton, held April 10, 1900, the pastoral relation existing between Dr. T. S. Scott and this church was dissolved by mutual consent and his labors ceased here May 13, 1900. For nearly four months thereafter we were without a pastor, but we had occasional preaching by different ministers.
Dr. Scott was a faithful pastor, a true friend and an hon- ored and respected citizen. His pastorate labors here closed May 13, 1900.
On Sabbath, September 2, 1900, Rev. W. Hamill Shields, of Detroit, Michigan, began his ministry here as stated sup- ply under very favorable auspices. When Mr. Shields en- tered upon his pastorate there was a debt of between seven and eight thousand dollars on the church property. This debt was paid during his first year here and the mortgage cancelled, for which Mr. Shields and the contributors to that fund deserve great credit and praise for their liberality.
March 9, 1901, the Session resolved to hold the annual meeting April 3, 1901, and that if the way be clear to elect a pastor, and at the same meeting, the mortgage upon the church property having been satisfied, it was resolved that the dedication of the church be held on the second Sabbath of May, the 12th. A committee of five was appointed, con- sisting of three elders, Marston, Thomas and Clapp, and two deacons, Caldwell and Barnitz, to prepare a program for that event. Mr. Shields was to act with these gentlemen.
On April 3, 1901, Mr. Shields was given a hearty and unanimous call to become pastor of this church. He ac- cepted this call and on April 18, 1901, was installed as pas- tor. Rev. J. G. Black preached the sermon, Rev. G. E. Thompson delivered the charge to the pastor and Rev. Ed- gar W. Work, D. D., of Dayton, delivered the charge to the people. The services throughout were very interesting.
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On April 1, 1901, the report for the year gave the follow- ing statistics :
Whole number of communicants 363
Sabbath School enrollment. 197
Contributed to Home Missions .$161.16
Contributed to Foreign Missions 93.85
It must be remembered that throughout this part of our story the items of expenses and benevolences given are only those which were paid directly through the Church treas- ury and not through the societies and organizations of the Church. From time to time within the last few years dif- ferent methods have been followed for meeting the obliga- tions of the Church and its organizations and consequently the statistics are not always comparable.
On May 12, 1901, the First Presbyterian Church was dedicated to the service of Almighty God, free from debt, with intensely interesting services. Rev. W. O. Thompson, D. D., President of Ohio State University, preached the ser- mon, and an appropriate program of responsive readings and music was given. The prayer of dedication was made by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Shields. The ministers of the other churches were present and took part in the services. A very large and interested congregation was present.
During the year ending April 1, 1902, we find reported as items of interest that the pastor made 600 pastoral calls ; during this year the membership was 404; that 61 members were received, 31 on confession of faith, 24 of whom were from the Sabbath School; that Mrs. Margaret Suydam, one of the oldest members, was called home after but a brief ill- ness. Her love for the church has been shown in her be- queathing her estate to it, to be used for the glory of God. We find it reported also "that the passing away of Mr. James B. Hartley, one of the oldest members and a deacon for many years, leaves many with a sense of personal loss. He was a good man, full of faith and the Holy Ghost. His works will follow him and his memory will remain fragrant so long as we ourselves shall endure." Also Mr. Charles Barnitz, son of Dr. C. S. Barnitz, one of our members who served in the Spanish-American war, died on the very eve of his return
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home from the Philippines. It is a glorious thing to die at the post of honor and duty.
On April 20, 1902, W. H. Johnson and A. L. Foster were ordained and installed as deacons.
On April 1, 1903, at a meeting of the Session a committee was appointed to solicit funds for the Foreign Missionary Board to increase the amount already contributed to enable our church to have its own Missionary in the foreign field. This was a great movement for our church to take, and one that not only blessed ourselves, but was an example and in- spiration for others to follow. It was a forward step in the Kingdom of God. The year ending March 31, 1903, had been a year of blessing in spiritual things. The church gave to all the benevolent interests at home and abroad a total of $1,126.00, and now the new church year was to begin by the adoption of this new movement which was a success. All of the societies of the church received the same spiritual blessing. Thirty-six members were added to the church this year.
When the church year closed March 31, 1904, 163 new members had been added to the church since Mr. Shields had become our pastor. The church was still prospering spir .. itually and financially. To the Boards of the Church and other benevolences $1,234.00 had been contributed. This includes the paying of $450.00 in salary to our foreign pas- tor, Rev. A. E. Street, of Hainan, China. This was the re- sult of the movement begun in 1903. The Sabbath School gave $50.00 that year toward the support of a Home Mis- sionary in the South. During this year Mr. John D. Breed- ing, one of the oldest members, passed away.
On March 3, 1904, Mr. W. K. Rhonemous was elected elder, and on December 4, 1904, he was ordained and in- stalled by the pastor in the presence of a very large congre- gation. On September 1, 1904, the Sabbath School was changed to the morning, being held just before the church services. This made a marked increase in the morning con- gregation. The evening services were largely attended, and at some of the special services the auditorium was filled. This year of 1904-05 was a happy and successful one. The Sabbath School was in a most flourishing condition, with
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efficient officers and teachers. Many of the young people attended the church services. The Woman's Society was prosperous, too. The ladies refrescoed the Sunday School room and also recarpeted it. The Woman's Home and For- eign Missionary Society had done its usual good work. The total number of communicants was 470.
April 6, 1905, the following was placed in the records of the church :
Middletown, Ohio, April 6, 1905.
Mr. P. P. LaTourrette,
Middletown, Ohio.
Dear Brother :-
At a meeting of the congregation of the First Presbyte- rian Church held last evening a vote of thanks was extended you for your faithful and long continued services in its be- half, and as Secretary thereof, I was instructed to forward you notice of our action. Trusting you may receive your re- ward and that we may receive for many years the benefit of your counsels and advice, I am,
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