USA > Ohio > Trumbull County > A twentieth century history of Trumbull County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume I > Part 23
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During Mr. Winters' administration four thousand dollars was raised for the building of a church, Mr. John Reeves having given the land. It stood on the west side of Pine street, between High street and Market street. At this writing it is still stand ing, but it is in a very dilapidated condition, and suggests noth- ing of its early appearance. It has been used as a shop, a laundry, and a second-hand store.
During Mr. Winters' administration Nancy. the daughter of Jolm Reeves, afterwards Mrs. I. N. Dawson, nuited with the church and continued to be a member for more than fifty-six years. She was one of Warren's most respected and beloved citizens, sweet and gentle of manner, a devoted wife, a loving mother. She absolutely refused to take any part in any differ- ings or dissensions which came into the church, and stood as a living example of her Master's teaching, "that ve love one an- other." The Chronicle of September 5, 1843, gives notice that the Baptist Association of Trumbull County will meet in the Methodist Episcopal church the following day. Elder Hall to preach.
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Rev. Lewis Ranstead became pastor in 1849, and remained four years. He was popular and energetic, and many people brought into the church through his effort were long thereafter conscientious and faithful workers. Only one of this number is now living, Mrs. Abbie Haymaker. Rev. John D. Meeson served from 1852-'56.
Rev. E. T. Brown began his work in 1856, and in 1859 he and Elder Knapp conducted gospel meetings and fifty-seven peo- ple were baptized. At this time the Baptist church was the finest church in the city, and the largest number of young men were members of the congregation.
This church has sent out but one missionary, Miss Sarah A. Fuller, who married Rev. Mr. Satterly, going with him to India. Mr. Satterly died two years later of cholera. and Mrs. Satterly died on her homeward trip and was buried at sea.
Allen O. Enller and John T. Wilson followed the Rev. Mr. Brown. Rev. George Pierce served the congregation for three years. Hle was succeeded in 1869 by Rev. Robt. Telford. During Mr. Telford's administration, in 1870, Rev. George Balcomb, an evangelist, held special meetings. At this time forty-five people were converted and baptized. The services created great excite- ment. and the evangelist did not have the approval of conserva- tive church men or of liberal citizens.
Rev. J. P. Stevenson, who served about three years, was very popular with his church and with Warren people generally. He married Nellie Brooks, who was a grand-niece of Jeremiah Brooks, at whose house the early church services were held. Her grandfather was Oliver Brooks, whose house on South street is still standing back of the first site. Her father was James Brooks, who did business on Market street fifty-six years. She was a fine scholar, graduating in the class of 1873. Mr. Steven- son married for his second wife Miss Florence Tyler, daughter of N. B. Tyler, and they now reside in Des Moines, he being dean of the college there. Mr. Stevenson's place was supplied tem- porarily by Rev. A. G. Kirk, of New Castle, Pennsylvania. He was followed by Rev. W. T. Whitmarsh, who served until 1879, and soon thereafter became an Episcopalian.
Rev. J. S. Hutson, who served from 1879 to 1885, was one of the most popular men in the church's history. He interested men, and under his leadership the church grew in every way.
Rev. J. S. Rightnour, D. D .. served from 1885 to 1890. During these years preparations were made for the building of
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a new church. A lot was purchased from Dr. Lyman near the corner of Park avenue on High street.
Rev. William Codville followed Mr. Rightnour in 1890, and in 1891, August 31st, gronnd was broken for a new church. Here, for the first time, so far as is known, women, who through all ages since the time of Christ have aided in every way llis Church, were recognized in the preliminary services of the build- ing of a church. "The first shovel of dirt taken up was passed to Mrs. Uriah Hutchins, who, in turn. passed it to Mrs. Phoebe Sutliff, then to Elizabeth Quinby Stiles, and so on down the line. "
The name of the church was changed in 1893 from Concord to the First Baptist. On this date the Baptist church of Mecca united with the Warren church. The First Baptist church was dedicated in September, 1894, and the total cost was $23,000, and, as late as 1898, $9,500 was still dne on it. In January, 1900, this debt was paid. Since that time $1,000 has been spent in im- provements.
The house which had been occupied by Dr. Lyman was moved to the west of the lot, and now serves as the home of the minister.
Rev. Chester F. Ralston succeed Dr. Codville. He was a man of liberal views, and was successful in his work. Rev. F. G. Boughton followed Mr. Ralston, and Rev. W. E. Barker is the present pastor.
Among some of the old and prominent families connected with the Baptist church we find the names Quinby, Reeves. Tyler, Sutliff, Haymaker, Fuller, Park, Stiles, Griswold, Dawson, Tut- tle, Hoyt, Gillmer and Harmon. Facts in regard to these families are to be found elsewhere.
The church is now in a prosperous condition. About two years ago Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Ward presented the congregation with a beautiful organ.
This is not the place to make personal mention of late men- bers of the church, but we make an exception in the case of Mr. George Day, who was one of the stanchest supporters of the church for many years, and who was likewise a faithful citizen. He has but lately passed away ; we cannot but think of him as we write the facts connected with the church where he so long served as officer and instructor.
Among the prominent men who have been superintendents of the Sunday school are I. N. Dawson, U. II. Hutchins, R. S.
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HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
Parks, G. O. Griswold, J. C. Barney, E. A. Parmer, George E. Day and G. W. Byard.
The present officers of the church are:
Clerk. W. JJ. Kerr.
Financial Secretary, R. F. McCoy. Treasurer, Al. G. Ward.
Board of Deacons:
M. J. Sloan. W. A. Heald. K. T. Meade,
W. J. Kerr. Charles Miller, A. G. Judd.
W. A. Heald, A. G. Judd,
J. B. Phillips.
Grant W. Byard,
(. R. Batcheller,
Finance Board:
J. C. Oriole,
A. G. Ward. A. D. Griffith.
W. G. Hurlburt,
W. J. Kerr,
Presbyterian Church.
The Missionary Society of Connectient instructed Rev. Joseph Badger, the missionary elsewhere referred to, a Presby- terian, to preach in Warren. This he did in the homes of the different settlers, as did also Rev. William Wick of Youngstown and the Rev. Mr. Tait of western Pennsylvania. A Congrega- tional church under the Union plan was organized on the 19th of November, 1803, under the name, " The Church of Christ in War- ren, Ohio." The following six persons were the organizing mem- bers: Thomas Prior, Betsey Prior, Thomas Ross, Rosalinda Ross, Polly Land and Elizabeth Davison. So far as we know no descendants of these early Presbyterians are now living in Warren except Mrs. B. C. Baldwin, Miss Mary and Mr. S. C. Iddings. Elizabeth Davison was their great-aunt.
In the organization of churches at that early day, what was called a "plan of union" was frequently adopted, and churches consisted of members from both the Presbyterian and Congre- gational bodies. The original document said that they were sol- emnly charged to "keep the covenant with each other, looking for Divine assistance to the great Head of the Church, to whose grace they were committed."
From 1803 to 1808 Rev. Jonathan Leslie was an occasional supply for the Church of Christ, Warren. In 1804 Thomas Rob- bins was chosen moderator. The Rev. James Duncan acted as stated supply for two years. In 1817 the Hampshire Missionary Society of Massachusetts sent as missionary Rev. Joseph Curtis, and he was regnarly installed in 1820. He was a faithful pastor, and the church prospered under his ministry. Hle ceased his service because of failing health. It was not until October, 1808,
Trustees :
4
(Loaned by the Tribune. )
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
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HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
that they had a regular pastor, and even then he, the Rev. James Boyd. alternated between Newton and Warren.
During the years from 1836-1869 there was a division in the Presbyterian denomination known as the "old" school and the "new." ( This same division occurred under other names in other denominations.) The Warren church in those years be- longed to the Presbytery of Trumbull, and the Synod of the Western Reserve was affiliated with the "new" school. The Warren church has lived to see not only the union of the "old" and the "new" school in 1870, but the healing of the Cumber- land division in 1906 and the drawing together of all denomina- tions.
March 1. 1830, the lot on which the Presbyterian church now stands was sold to Simon Perkins, Zalmon Fitch, Asael Adams, possibly others, by Charlotte Smith, for $600. The deed states that for the purpose of preventing obstructions to the view and preventing destruction by fire, no buikling should be sonth of or near the proposed church building.
Josiah Soule, the grandfather of Mrs. Howard Weir, helped to build this structure. The ehrch was dedicated in 1832, Rev. Charles B. Storrs preaching the sermon, and the Congregational form of government was changed to Presbyterian in 1838. In 1845 it was incorporated under the name of "The First Presby- terian Church."
In 1849 the church was repaired and improved and the next year the lecture room, which was used for Sunday school and for many church meetings, was erected north of the church. This house, at the time the new church was built, was moved, and it now stands on the west side of Mahoning avenne, just north of the water works station. It is used as a dwelling for two families.
The old church edifice served its purpose until 1875, when it was torn down to make room for the present building. The «Imreh organization, a strong one in the beginning, has at times stood still as far as membership was concerned, but of late years has grown phenomenally, and is now one of the strongest in the city.
In the early days of the Presbyterian church Mr. Simon Perkins and Frederick Kinsman purchased for use in that church a violoncello. Mr. Ide, a partner of W. M. Porter, then a bookseller with a store where Masters Bros. now is, played this instrument. A goodly number of people in the church dis-
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HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
approved of this kind of music, and Mr. Thomas Pew, an uncle of H. S. and John A. Pew, with a number of followers, went to the Methodist church. They said they did not have to have a fiddle to help worship God. During the '50s this instrument was played by Junius Dana.
The bell in the present Presbyterian church is the oldest church bell in the city. It was bought in 1832 by George Mygatt, and was the only bell Warren had for many years. It announced the joys and the sorrows; it called out people in case of danger, fire, ete .; it was employed to wake people at six o'clock in the morning and to tell them that it was nine o'clock at night; it was rung when the people were called together in the interests of the Ashtabula-Warren turnpike; when the question of the academy was to be disenssed, and when the Ohio and Pennsyl- vania Canal question was agitated. In case of death this bell used to toll slowly the number of strokes announeing the age of the person dead. It was used for the last time in a general publie way to ring in the Fourth of July of Centennial year, and in a local publie way when the voters in 1908 decided to per- mit no saloons in Trumbull County.
The old church edifice stood very high. There was a long flight of steps leading up to it. The pulpit was high and the ceiling was high. To childish eyes the latter seemed quite near the sky. The pews had doors which swung open and shut with more or less noise ; in fact, the watching of these doors and the listening to the musie was about all the attraction the old church offered to children. The aisles were decidedly inelined-so much so as to make the elderly and the fat breathe hard as they climbed them. Two huge cannon-stoves stood by the doors. but the heat from them made little impression on the air of the large room. Foot-stoves were used there within the recollection of many residents of Trumbull County. Miss Anne Brown, of North Bloomfield, as a little child was a visitor in the family of Leicester King. She says she used to tease to prepare Mrs. King's foot-stove for her use in church. Mr. Whittlesey Adams, the oldest living member of this church, who, when quite young, accompanied his mother to church each Sunday, remembers that he always carried the foot-stove, and that when his mother's feet were warm so that she could spare it, she lifted it over the pews to the people near her who had driven some distance to church and who had no foot-stove. Mr. Adams says he remembers well
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the people attending that early church, and no picture is any more vivid to him than that of General Simon Perkins, who wore a military cape lined with scarlet, and on cold days, in church, wrapped one end of it around his head.
AAmong the early influential families attending this church we find the names: Kinsman, Adams, Perkins, Iddings, Dickeys, Dana, Estabrook, Stiles, MeLain, Stratton, Fitch, Abell, Spear, Harmon, Howard, Woodrow, Harrington, Davisons, and Porter.
Churches are somewhat like families in that they have serions squabbles and differences, important only to the men- bers, and which are kept from the world so far as possible. Most families, most churches have them, so none of us need feel dis- graced when ours are referred to.
Rev. Nathan Purinton, who was pastor of the church from 1840-1848, was a progressive man, and built up the church rap- idly. At one time, November, 1841, seventy-seven people joined the church, among whom was Mr. Whittlesey Adams. After a time Mr. Purinton ceased to please his people. This is not so recorded in the church record, but members of the church today whose fathers and mothers were then active remember distinctly the trouble, and letters and papers which have come into the possession of the writer substantiate the tales of today.
One of the early mothers in the Presbyterian church, writing back east to her family, says :
"I presume you have heard from some other letters of the great conflict we have had for several months past with Mr. Purinton, our minister. Nothing conld be done with him but to starve him out. Ile is gone at last, very reluctantly, to St. Louis. A rich son-in-law has established themselves in mercantile business. He will not be likely to trouble us any more."
Because there is nothing officially recorded, reports vary as to the cause of Mr. Purinton's impeachment. Opinion is divided. Some informants say it was because he was a Mason, or sympa- thized with the Masons; others that he chewed tobacco. Neither of these offenses is serions enough to produce a like result today. Therefore, whichever it was is immaterial: probably it was something doctrinal, since "the letter of the law" has created more discomfort to others than Masonry or tobacco.
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HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
The Rev. William C. Clark followed Mr. Purinton. He was installed in 1848 and served until 1853. Ile was a popular man and gave up work because of ill health. He died in Detroit in 1870.
Four men served the church from 1863 to 1884, Henry Rich- ard Hoisington, Benjamin St. John Page, Nathaniel P. Bailey, and Alexander Jackson. Mr. Hoisington served four years, was acceptable to his people and during this time more than a hun- dred persons united with the church. At one time, under his supervision, noon-day prayer meetings were held, conducted chiefly by young men. Rev. Benjamin St. JJ. Page, who followed Mr. Hoisington was one of the most eccentric and sensational preachers the church has ever had. He drew ontsiders to his meetings by giving out peculiar subjects, one of them being, the "'Devil's Fence." He and the Episcopal rector held spirited dis- enssions on dancing. Most of the members added during his administration were by letter.
Rev. Nathaniel P. Bailey served the church abont ten years. He was greatly respected, a man of fine presence, and ability. His wife, a daughter of Mr. Comstock, who wrote "Comstock's Philosophy," was a woman of education and refinement. She and her children entered into the life of the town and were of great assistance to Mr. Bailey in his work. The membership of the church during his administration was 329; the Sunday school had about 350 members, and was in a flourishing condition. Mr. Edward S. Kneeland was the superintendent. It was during Mr. Bailey's time that the new church was built and the Ladies' Aid Society earned $10,000, which was used in the building and fur- nishing. It was during his administration also that the first Woman's Missionary Society was organized. There were but six people present at the first meeting. Mrs. Olive Howard was made president. Only one of the charter members now survives, Mrs. Polly Stratton Reid.
Rev. Alexander Jackson came to the church in 1879 and sev- ered his connection in 1884. He was educated in the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, finishing his divinity course in this country. He was active in service, forceful in preaching. but dietatorial in manner and methods. Although the people of Old Trumbull County were largely English and Scotch-Irish, they do not take kindly to the spirit of these countries, and in Warren «Imrehes where ministers from these English countries have had
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HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
charge their ways have not been satisfactory to the people they serve. Mr. Jackson was no exception. During his pastorate the church did not grow, but this might have been the case under any minister because there is apt to be reaction after church building. Mr. Jackson was sneceeded by the Rev. James D. Williamson, who served three years and who was greatly hon- ored and loved by his congregation. He was cultured, refined. sympathetic and tactful. His congregation regretted very much his removal to Cleveland in 1888. He was educated at the West- ern Reserve University (then Hudson College) and upon his removal recommended a college friend, the Rev. W. L. Swan, to the ehreh. Mr. Swan served ten years. He was greatly re- spected, and did good work in all directions.
Rey. Samuel W. MeFadden followed Mr. Swan. He was a young man and interested young people in church work. He was engaged because of his ability as a preacher. In this respect he was a disappointment, not that he did not preach well, but his sermons had nothing unusual about them. Since leaving War- ren he has grown in his profession and now has a fine church in Seattle, Washington.
In 1904 Rey. Franklin P. Reinhold, of Windsor Locks, Con- nectieut, became pastor of the church. He has been the most successful minister the church has over had. He believes that religion to be effective nist be practical; he believes in institu- tional elmurches ; he believes that orthodoxy needs reforming ; he is exceedingly liberal in his beliefs, going back to the simple teachings of Christ, trying to follow those teachings himself, and to show others how to follow. He is interested in the civic life of the community, and raises his voice in behalf of all good works. He is industrious, zealous, magnetic and has the power of con- veving these attributes to the members of his congregation. Hle is respected by all other pastors and congregations.
The present edifice was erected in 1876, and was dedicated in 1878 on the seventy-fifth anniversary of the organization of the church society. Dr. Evans, of Youngstown, preached the sermon; Rev. Hoisington assisted in the service. The elders at that time were: Edward Spear, William Woodrow, Samuel Dickey, Hezekiah Peck, Julius King. and Spencer Parish. Hezekiah Peck is the only one of these men now living in Warren; Julius King, the only other living men- ber, resides in New York. The church, a handsome building, vost $52.000. There are three memorial windows, the first
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HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY
erected by the church in memory of Mary Bishop Perkins, the second presented by the sons of Edward Spear in memory of their father, and the third, Miss Estabrook's, purchased by church organization and friends. Miss Estabrook conducted for many years a large Sunday school class in this church. She was one of the best Bible scholars of this vicinity and although a teacher in our schools, a member and officer in most of the im- portant organizations of the city, her first thought was given to and her best work was done for her church. Her death in 1907 deprived the Presbyterian Association of a most valued worker.
Mrs. Lucia A. D. Park was one of the later members of the church who gave her thought and time to the welfare of the organization. She was particularly interested in the missionary work of the church, and her death, which occurred just before Miss Estabrook's, was greatly regretted by her fellow workers.
The church has had twelve regularly installed ministers, and six ministers who have served as pulpit supplies for periods of from six to eighteen months each :
1803- Rev. Joseph Badger, Organizer.
1803-05
Rev. Thomas Robbins, Supply.
1805-08
Rev. Jonathan Leslie, Supply.
1808-13
Rev. James Boyd.
1813-16
Rev. James Duncan, Supply.
1817-31
Rev. Joseph W. Curtis.
1831-32
Rev. George W. Hulin, Supply.
1832-34
Rev. J. A. Woodruff, Supply.
1834-39
Rev. Josiah Towne.
1839-48
Rev. Nathan B. Purinton.
1848-63 Rev. William C. Clark.
1863-67 Rev. Henry R. Hoisington.
1867-68
Rev. Benj. St. John Page, Supply.
1869-79 Rev. Nathaniel P. Bailey, D. D.
1879-84 Rev. Alexander Jackson, Ph. D.
1885-88 Rev. James D. Williamson, D. D.
1888-98 Rev. William L. Swan.
1899-03 Rev. Samnel W. McFadden, D. D.
1904- Rev. Franklin P. Rheinhold.
In the early churches the question of selling pews was one which called forth much discussion. Church-goers always felt and still feel that it is hardly right to own pews and vet it is
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trying for people who are really interested in church work not to have a seat on the very occasions, unusual services, when it is most wanted. The Chronicle of 1844 contains the following:
"Notice is hereby given to all who may wish to attend divine services at the Presbyterian church in Warren, hav- ing no seats of their own, that they are invited and requested to take seats wherever they may find one vacant, and it is hoped that those who have been detained from the House of God by the aforementioned cause, will banish those feelings and accept the invitation so cordially given.
"By request of the stockholders at their yearly meeting. January 1, 1844."
In the Whig & Transcript under date December 29. 1853, we read "The pews of the Presbyterian church were offered for sale to the highest bidders."
The following item shows humor on the part of an editor: A baby was found on the Presbyterian church steps the 1st of December, 1861. and the editor of the Chronicle says "whoever lost such an article can call at the County Infirmary and prove the property."
Samuel Dickey's family, his parents, his children, his grand- children have all been ardent Presbyterians. Nancy Dickey, the mother of Samuel, in a letter to her friends in New Hampshire tells all about their life in their home, both the new one and the old. about their neighbors, and especially about their grand- child, Of their neighbors she says: "Rev. DuBois ( Episcopal) is an excellent man and one of the very best of neighbors. * There have been donation parties this winter. Mr. Clark ( Pres- byterian ) had about $120 worth carried in. The Methodists and Baptists each had abont the same. Mr. DuBois is rich. He car- ries in, or sends in, to the rest." Mr. Bailey was the first of the Presbyterian ministers who did not depend somewhat upon being paid by gifts of hams, potatoes, wood, ete. Under the date of June 14, 1850, she says: "Our church has been thoroughly repaired, painted, and carpeted, shade trees set out around it and is now being enelosed with a pretty board fence. All of the churches here, except two. now have bells." Then the grand- mother's tenderness shows itself in the following, "Edward (Samuel's son) is now two years and eight months old ; cannot
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talk very plain. Ile learned his a, b, c's in a week and is now reading words of three letters."
In November, 1908. the Presbyterian church celebrated the 105th anniversary of the organization of the church in Warren. and the thirtieth anniversary of the dedication of the present church building.
Letters were read from people formerly identified with the church, and, as the names of the ministers who had served the church were called, the people who joined under that administra- tion arose. After this roll eall, communion was served to the largest number of communicants within the history of the church.
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