USA > Ohio > Delaware County > Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th > Part 42
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The Protestant Methodist Church was formed by members who had become dissatis- fied with the M. E. denomination, and formed a society and built a frame structure in Mill- ville in 1844. The building was small and another larger building was erected in 1857. and dedicated by Rev. Thomas Graham. The society soon began to decline and is now ex- tinct. The old building is still standing in Warrensburg, a relic of the past.
The Christian Union Church. This church was the outgrowth of several denomi- nations, near the close of the War of 1865,
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composed of those who favored peace and not war. They first met in the Methodist Protest- ant Church at Millville, now Warrensburg. It was in that church that a few gathered on August 5. 1866, to hear the Rev. James F. Givin, of Columbus. The first council met about 1867, and engaged the Rev. W. W. Lacy to preach for them at $300 per annum. From that date until 1869 the membership increased rapidly and a good frame church was erected that year, costing about $1.400, and was dedi- cated by Rev. George Stevenson. This pros- perity did not last long, and the decay was as rapid as its growth. The following minis- ters served the charge from its beginning to its dissolution : Rev. W. W. Lacy, G. W. Hagans. J. W. Hoskins, Purdy King, and Hanawalt. The church building still stands at Warrensburg, and for several years was looked after by Dr. McIntire until his recent death. It is now offered for sale.
The Wesleyan Methodist originated from a series of union meetings which were held with the Presbyterian Church at Edenburg, or Fairview, in the year 1854. With the zeal characteristic of a new enterprise, although few in numbers, they set to work and built a substantial frame church located about one mile west of Ostrander, which was dedicated with imposing ceremonies in 1859. But soon after the War of 1861-65 the zeal began to decline, and by the year of 1870 the fire had gone out, and the Wesleyan organization had become a thing of the past.
The Methodist Episcopal. Before the dis- solution of the Wesleyan Society the Methodist Episcopal Society had sprung into existence. It continued to grow, and finally absorbed the remnant of the Wesleyan Society. It soon became necessary to dispose of their building, and it was donated to the "M. Es." in 1870 on the following conditions. viz. : That they would move the building to a suitable loca- tion in the town of Ostrander. The proposition was accepted, and in compliance it was moved about half-way toward the town, when for want of funds to defray the expense it was deposited in a field where it remained for two years. About 1873 or 1874 Mr. Welsh, of
Delaware City, took the matter up and had it moved to its present location on North Street, and is now owned by the United Brethren Church. The church was dedicated and was supplied by Rev. Boyer, William Dun- lap. Prof. W. W. Davies, now of the Ohio Wesleyan University, J. W. Donnan, and Lucas Crawford, and after that, until the so- ciety ceased to be active, by students of the University. In 1888 the United Brethren or- ganized a society, under the ministry of Rev. E. Barnard. This society bought the prop- erty and it is now a flourishing congregation under that denomination. The Methodists also formed an organization at White Sulphur Station, about the year 1837. Its first meet- ings were held in a little log house. About the year 1864 and 1865 a good frame struc- ture was erected, costing them $1,000. The society ceased to flourish and was disbanded and the building fell in the hands of a Mrs. Thompson, who afterwards sold it and gave the money to the Radnor Stone Church, with the understanding that that church should bear the name, the Radnor Thompson Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church also early formed an organization near Millville, in what known as the Newhouse neighborhood.
is A good frame church was erected and dedicated in 1869, about one mile west from Warrens- burg. The congregation soon centered at Warrensburg, and erected a substantial frame structure in that village. This is now the only Methodist Episcopal Society in the township, but is in a flourishing condition. About the year 1893 the building west of the village was repaired and is now known as the W. C. T. U. Hall, the society which had charge of making these repairs.
The United Brethren Church. A society of this denomination was organized about the fifties, in the neighborhood half-way between Ostrander and Warrensburg. A frame struc- ture was erected and dedicated in the year 1866, by Bishop Weaver of the North Ohio Conference: Previous to this time, the meet- ings were held in the school house which stands near by the present church, or in the homes of the farmers. The first minister who
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held this charge was Chancy Barlow. This congregation is now united with the Ostrander United Brethren Church (already mentioned ) as one pastoral charge.
THOMPSON TOWNSIIIP.
In following through the history of the set- tlement of this township, it will be noticed that but comparatively few families found homes here at so early a period as in adjoining town- ships, and it was not until a late date that a suffi- cient number had been added to the neighbor- hood to enable them to support those institutions that are necessary adjuncts to the well-being of all civilized communities. It is not surprising then that churches and schools were not insti- tuted here until after they were enjoyed in almost every other locality throughout the country, Radnor and Scioto Townships be- ing contiguous, afforded opportunities for those living in Thompson for worship, and it was to churches in these localities that the good people would make their regular Sun- day journey. These, of course, were at times attended with some difficulties. The Scioto River intervened between Radnor and Thompson; this had to be forded, which in times of high water was not only a dangerous undertaking, but in the flooded stages impos- sible. Thus were the devout who journeyed in that direction either compelled to forego their accustomed pilgrimage to the temple of God, or avail themselves of similar privileges afforded in Scioto. It was not until about the year 1840, that religious organizations began to take shape here. About this time, the New Lights or Christians formed their society. and in 1843 erected a church on Tau Way Run, the Rev. Isaac Walters officiating as their first minister. Here they held their services until 1873. when the church burned down, it is thought through the act of an incendiary. Nothing daunted, and with commendable zeal, they immediately commenced their plans for . new building, and this they completed in 1875. the site being one mile west of the old church. Since that the society has been disbanded.
The Methodist Episcopal organization, it is supposed by some, existed prior to that of the Christian, but this is in doubt. The first meetings of the Methodists were held at the residence of Joseph Russell, and then in a small log church put up by them, in union with the Disciple Society. In this they worshipped under ministrations of the Rev. Ebenezer Web- ster, who was on the Richwood Circuit, this charge having been placed under that juris- diction. A few years later, they were changed to the Delhi Circuit, and the congregation as- sembled at the house of Henry C. Flemming to hear the "word expounded," changing oc- casionally to other conveniently situated resi- dences, and at times holding services in the neighborhood school house. In 1867 they were again changed, at which time the little charge was placed on the Prospect or Middle- town Circuit, and there they gathered together in their little circles, constant in their adher -- ence to faith and duty. During this unsatis- factory state of affairs, in 1868, they began agitating the question of building a church o1 their own. Accordingly one-fourth of an acre, situated on the State road, a short distance north of the covered bridge, was bought for a site, including space for a burying-ground. A subscription having been raised, work was immediately commenced for the construction of a frame building that would amply satisfy the wants of the people. At this time the so- ciety embraced in its membership but two male members, Henry C. Fleming and James Maize. To them belong a great share of the credit for the present prosperous condition of the organization. However, the ladies, constitut- ing as they did a large majority of its strength, must have wielded an influence in shaping the course of affairs that cannot be ignored, and to them, undoubtedly, is due great praise for their active co-operation in all matters per- taining to the welfare of the society. The new church was finished the latter part of De- cember, 1869, and dedicated the first day of January, 1870, by Rev. Benjamin Powell, at that time on the Delhi Circuit, Rev. Caleb Hill being the pastor in charge at the time.
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The first class was' composed of the following named persons : James Maize and wife, Henry C. Fleming, Ann Evans and James Fleming. The church is in a prosperous condition. Since the new building has been in use the following clergymen have filled the pastoral charge. Caleb Hill. A. D. Mathers. William Lance, Frank B. Olds, Henry Pilcher, John Hills, Benjamin Powell, and others.
Fulton's Creek M. E. Church is in the west- ern part of the township, near the creek from which it is named. Their present meet- ing-house was built in 1868, and cost $1. 100. It is a frame structure, conveniently located for the accommodation of the people, and well adapted for its purpose. The original trustees were Thomas Armstrong. John Kennedy. Thomas Love, John G. Curry, Lewis Wolfley and Henry Perry. It was dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Henderson. The organization ex- isted some years before the present church building was erected. the information in re- lation to time and its early condition not be- ing accessible.
The New Disciple or Campbellite denomi- nation have a comfortable frame church, situ- ated in the north central part of the township. which was built in 1853, and dedicated the same year. The organization existed as such previous to that date. The society has now ceased to exist, but the church building still stands on what is known as the Bill Decker farm.
TRENTON TOWNSHIP.
The first church society organized in Tren- ton, we believe, was that of the Presbyterians about 1836, by Rev. Calvin N. Ransom, with twenty members. The first elders were Silas Ogden, A. P. Condit, and Robert Lewis. This church until the reunion was connected with the Franklin Presbyterian. New School. Among the original members were Simeon Condit, Silas Ogden. A. P. Condit, Robert Lewis. Squire Wheaton, Elizabeth Condit. Elizabeth Leak. Magdalene Van Dorn. Maria Condit. Mercy Wheaton. Mary Condit, Jane Ogden and Andrew Herrons and wife. The
facts leading to the organization of this church were something as follows: After holding a meeting in June, 1835, with reference to the formation of a society, Messrs. A. P. and J. S. Condit were sent to Alexandria to confer with the minister of that place, but receiving no encouragement from him, they next visited the Presbyterian Church in Genoa Township. From Mr. Ransom, the pastor of that church, they received but little more encouragement than at Alexandria. He prevailed on them, however, to unite with the Genoa Church. In the September following these visits, a gloom was cast over the community by the death of J. S. Condit. Mr. Ransom being called upon to preach his funeral sermon, took occasion to refer to the visit of Mr. Condit and the object of his mission to him some time before. He said upon further reflection. he had come to the conclusion that he had done wrong in dis- couraging their project, and believed the time had come for them to organize a church in their neighborhood. Accordingly, a meeting was called at the Ogden School house to con- sider the propriety of at once organizing a society. At that meeting. A. P. Condit was appointed to present the matter to the presby- tery, which body decided in favor of the move- ment, and Rev. Mr. Ransom was directed to establish a church. He was the first pastor and preached to them for one year, for which he received the sum of $18.50, all that could be raised by the members. The second preacher was Rev. Mr. Allen for one year : the third. Rev. Ezra G. Johnson ; the fourth, Rev. Ahab Jinks. "But," adds our informant. "he being a farmer, and judge of the Court of Common Pleas, only a part of his time could be given to the church."
At a meeting held February 21, 1837. the practicability of building a church edifice was discussed, and finally a resolution was passed to proceed at once with the undertaking. Soon after, their first building was put up, which served them as temple of worship until 1855. The following is a transcript of the proceed- ing of a meeting held February 5, 1875: "At a meeting of the members of the First Pres- byterian Church, of Trenton Township, Dela-
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ware County, a motion was adopted that a committee be appointed to circulate a subscrip- tion paper for the purpose of building a new meeting house, and if a sufficient amount for the purpose is secured, they are authorized to act as a building committee, and to select a site and build the house." A. P. Condit, John E. Ketcham and E. M. Condit were appointed the committee, and the further duty imposed upon them of selling the old church building. This they accomplished April 1. 1875, selling it for the sum of $100, to the United Brethren Church for a house of worship. Mr. Miles and Mr. Skinner gave their obligations for the payment of the amount, and also agreed to either move the house or secure the lot upon which it stood for the benefit of their society.
The new building of the Presbyterians cost $1,000 and was dedicated by Revs. War- ren Jenkins and John W. Thompson. This building was erected about one-half mile west of where the new building now stands, and was sold to Mr. L. A. Pierson, who now uses it for a barn. It served the congregation until 1879, when a new church was erected at a cost of $3.000, and was dedicated May 25th, by Rev. Nathan S. Smith, of Delaware, assisted by Rev. Carson, of Westerville. Five years ago a Sunday school room was added, and with changes made in the audience room, it cost as much as the main room. It is now the best country church in Marion Presbytery. The church is in a flourishing condition, and has exercised a wide-spread influence in the entire community. The following ministers have served the church since Rev. Ransom :
Ahab Jinks 1837-1841
Joseph Fowler 1842-
Jolın Mccutcheon 1843-
Ezra Johnson 1844-1848 James Hamser 1849-1852 Edmond Garland 1853-1854
Warren Jenkins 1855-1860
Robert Wylie 1870-1887
Albert Sharpless 1888-1892
William D. Wallace 1893-1900 John Glenn, 1901, and continues as pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal Church dates back almost to the organization of the Pres- byterian Church. Sometime between 1835 and 1840, a society of this denomination was formed in a school house, embracing in its original membership many of the early settlers of the township. The first minister who preached to the congregation in the little school house was Rev. Curtis Godhard. An- other of the pioneer preachers of this society was Rev. Mr. McDowell. The present church was built in 1855. and was dedicated by Rev. Samuel Lynch. Its early ministers were : Revs. John Mitchell, William Morrow, Alex- ander Blamfield, D. R. Moore, and others. The church cost originally about $700. It has been repaired and is prosperous. A Sunday school is maintained most of the time. This church has been productive of much good in the neighborhood. and many souls, through its influence, have been brought home to Christ.
The Old School Presbyterians organized a society and built a church in this township, but did not exist any great length of time. In 1850 thep built their church, but became lukewarm and sold out to the Methodists. This society moved over into Porter Township, and es- tablished what is known there as the Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church. It is more fully noticed, however, in the history of that township.
The United Brethren had an organized so- ciety in the township and a church building was erected, but the society has gone down, and the church has not been used for five years.
Trenton Christian Union Church. This church was organized on the first Saturday of July, 1849, by Rev. William H. Ashley. Their church building was erected in 1863. and was dedicated by Rev. Mills Harrod, No- vember 9. 1863, the sermon being preached by Rev. James Marion. The church is located near the road leading from Sunbury to Tren- ton village. Rev. Miles Harrod served the church twenty-one years. The present pastor is Rev. A. D. Mann. Jacob Fisher has been
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clerk from the beginning, 1849, to 1892, since which time his son, R. W. Fisher, has taken his place. The present membership is seven- ty-nine. The principles of this church are : First. The word of God as our only rule of faith and practice: second, Christian character and spirit as the only test of fellowship; third, Christian as the only name by which the church shall be known. This church is the only one of this kind in Delaware County, and is con- nected with the Ohio Central Christian Con- ference.
TROY TOWNSHIP.
About the year 1806 a tornado passed over a portion of Delaware County, which, on ac- count of its strength and destruction was designated as "the Great Windfall." Many of the early settlers remember windfalls which did considerable damage, but this was the most devastating of which they have any recollec- tions. It struck Scioto and Thompson Town- ships, and with a curve swept across the north- west corner of Delaware Township into Troy. Here, in some cases for a mile wide, the great trees were prostrated, and it seemed as if a mighty scythe had cut a swath through the forest. For many years after the path could be discerned by means of the smaller timber and the decaying logs.
The first church built in this township, and around which clusters the most historie inter- est, is the old Marlborough Baptist Church. The records from which we take the accom- panying sketch are very full and complete, and appear to have been made a short time previous to July 14. 1810, and show the causes of organization. They run as follows: "It pleased God in His good providence to re- move a number of His people to this part of the world, and we were from different parts of the country and strangers to each other. We became acquainted in the love of Jesus Christ and the profession of our faith in God. and brother Joseph Cole gave them permission for meetings to be held at his house, and also did a number of other people open doors like- wise, and it pleased God to cause Elder Brun-
dige's lot to fall amongst us, and we are to be constituted into a church July 14, 1810, by EI- der William Brundige and Elder Jacob Drake."
The first meeting of the Baptist Church at Marlborough took place the Saturday before the third Lord's Day, July 14, 1810, and the following are the minutes of the first meet- ing :
"The church proceeded to renew covenant and found a union, and Joseph Cole was chosen deacon on trial, and David Dix, clerk. "The church voted to give Elder William Brundige a call to the pastoral chair of the church, and the clerk was instructed to write a letter to Liberty Baptist Church, request- ing a dismission for him from that church, and to lay the letter before the church for inspec- tion at our next church meeting, which is to be held at the cabin of brother Joseph Cole."
After the first meeting the letter was writ- ten to Liberty Church, and after being ap- proved was sent to Liberty Church.
August 19, 1810. The church met at brother Joseph Cole's cabin on Saturday be- fore the third Lord's Day in August. Elder Wyatt was chosen moderator. The church proceeded to renew covenant and found a union. The following is a copy of the letter sent to William Brundige from the church in Liberty :
Elder William Brundige, living a member in full communion with us, now living in the bounds of a sister church of the same faith and order, and being desirous of a letter of dismission from us so that he may join them, and applying now by the mouth of Elder Wyatt for a letter, we now give him a letter as a minister of the Gospel and recommend him as such, and heing in good standing with us at this time, and as soon as he is joined to another church of the same faith and order, he will be considered as fulty dismissed from us. This letter is given at Delaware town by order of the Baptist Church of Liberty. (Signed) JOSEPH EATON, clerk. Ang. 10, 1810.
Elder William Brundige came forward to join the church, and gave in his letter of dis- missal from the pastoral charge of Liberty Church, and was appointed to the pastoral chair of the church.
18
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In 1810 occurred the first withdrawal, Pierce Main severing his connection with the church.
The meeting on the Saturday before the third Lord's Day in April, 1811, was inter- rupted by the male members of the church being called to military training.
May 16, 1813. No meeting of the church as the men were called to the field against the enemy.
The meeting in June, 1813, postponed on account of the men being under arms to repel a threatened attack of the British and In- dians.
The meetings in August and September also postponed on account of a threatened in- vasion of the enemy.
In March, 1814, Pierce Main came for- ward, and, after confessing his fault, was re- admitted into the church. The following is a copy of the letter of dismissal of Nathaniel Wyett, the first settler in this section of the county, from the Liberty Church.
The Baptist Church, called Liberty Church, in Delaware County, State of Ohio, holding the doc- trine of unconditional election, justification by Jesus Christ, justification by the spirit of grace; the resur- rection of dead, both of the just and the unjust, etc. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: That our Elder Nathaniel Wyatt has requested a letter of dismissal from this church as his local situation, and the helps we are blessed with in the church justify his request. We do now dismiss him as being in full fellowship with us, and as such we recommend him to the other churches of the same faith and order.
Done on July 8, 1815.
JOSEPH EATON, clerk.
It was not until about 1819 that the so- ciety built their first church. lt was con- structed of hewn logs, from Joseph Cole's land. The situation was the same as now oc- cupied by the new church, which overlooks the river in the extreme northern and eastern part of the township.
In 1836 they tore down the old log church. Joseph Cole bought it and moved it to his farm and placed it opposite his house. It is now used as a hay barn. A frame one was then built, which they occupied until 1873.
when it was replaced with a new one. The present church is an elegant structure, large and commodious, and is built of brick and freestone, at a cost of $3.300. The first minis- ter that preached to the society was William Brundige.
The first Methodist organization in Troy Township was the Windfall Class. It took its name from the fact that it worshipped in ? small school house on the southwest corner of Hiram Welch's farm, which was situated in the path taken by the "Great Windfall," of 1806. This organization had an existence as early as 1834, and continued for a number of years, but had no church building.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, situated just above Judge Norris' farin, first came out as an organization and at first worshipped in the school house situated near where the pres- ent structure stands. The first frame structure was built upon the site of the present brick church, and was a very cheap affair. Soon after it was put up, they were joined by the "Windfall Class," and worship was continued for some time. At last their building becom- ing so poor and dilapidated as to seriously inconvenience those worshiping in it, the ser- vices were discontinued, and in 1867, finding all efforts to rebuild it unavailing, it was sold to J. B. Jackson for $25 and moved by him to his farm near by, where it can still be seen. It was not until 1872 that the organization again showed signs of life and activity. In that year, the congregation built a fine brick structure. at a cost of $2,200, which was dedicated the same year, by D. D. Mather. J. F. Richard- son is the present pastor.
The Baptist Church, which is situated in the eastern part of the township, near the "Horse Shoe," owes its origin to the revolt of elder Briggs and other members, in 1856, from the old Marlborough Baptist Church. The church is a frame structure, in good condition and the society maintains occasional services.
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