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

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1086

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

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In accordance with the practice of other educational institutions of the day, scholarships were sold at a very low fig- ure, with the hope that a large number would be taken, and from this source an endowment of considerable dimensions would accrue to the college; but the re- sults, as elsewhere, were far from satis- factory. At various periods during the presidency of Dr. Sprecher, he took the field to secure funds for the college and was able to add materially to the endow- ment of the institution. The war of 1861-5 affected greatly the attendance of students and thereby its resources. Many of the students enlisted, some for three months, some for three years and some for the war. The number who went was so large as to call from the government special commendation.

During Dr. Sprecher's administration of twenty-five years a high grade of scholarship was secured and maintained by the young men who passed through the courses of study then offered by the col- lege. The president himself was the em- bodiment of high thinking and by it he inspired many young men who came un- der his influence with an ambition for learning and scholarship.

DR. J. B. HELWIG.

In 1874 Dr. Sprecher resigned the pres- idency and was succeeded by Rev. John B. Helwig, D. D., who for eight years pre- sided over the affairs of the institution. He was earnest in his endeavor to build up its interest. During his administra- tion young women were admitted and the work of co-education at Wittenberg be- gan. A more extended and flexible cur- riculum of studies was adopted. The financial condition was somewhat im- proved. Plans for the erection of a new building, so greatly needed, were dis- cussed and subscriptions for that purpose taken. The college had now outgrown its contracted quarters and the pressure was at hand for enlargement. But the duties of administration and the labor connected with the effort to secure better facilities for carrying forward the work of the in- stitution began to weigh heavily on the mind and body of Dr. Helwig, and feeling the strain too great, he resigned in the spring of 1882.

DR. S. A. ORT.

The Board of Directors now elected to fill the vacancy Rev. Samuel A. Ort, D. D., who for two years past had filled a chair in the school of theology. He at once as- sumed the duties of the position and gave his first attention to the securing of funds for the proposed new building.

NEW COLLEGE BUILDING.

This was successful and by April, 1883, the work of construction was commenced. Owing to delays from various causes the

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building now named Recitation Hall was not ready for occupancy until September, 1886. Its completion meant much for the professors and students. Better class rooms with various added facilities were provided, which were a great help in car- rying on the work of the institution. The citizens of Springfield and Clark County generously contributed the greater part of the funds for the building.

In the meantime the field of instruction had been much broadened. In the sciences the opportunity for more extended and practical work was greatly increased and the new methods for their study fully in- augurated. The student was encouraged to become an investigator in the scientific field and find out for himself the secrets of nature. Also English and German, as well as the ancient classics, history and political science, philosophy and mathe- matics, all took an advanced step in the scope of their study and as far as pos- sible in the methods of instruction. All these improvements, together with the new spirit which necessarily followed on account of them, made the institution vastly different from what it had been a quarter of a century earlier.

ADMISSION OF WOMEN.

After the admission of young women as students in 1874, their numbers gradually increased from year to year. Those who applied from abroad began to be consider- able in numbers, and places had to be found for them in homes within a rea- sonable distance from the college. This brought continual annoyance to the presi- dent and his associates; neither was this condition always satisfactory to parents

who desired to send their daughters to Wittenberg. In consequence of this grow- ing need, the Board of Directors at its meeting in June, 1887, decided to erect a suitable building as a home for young ladies. The work was commenced and a neat and comfortable hall was finished in the spring of 1888. It was not, however, put into use until the following Septem- ber. Though not large, it has answered its purpose well, and Ferncliff Hall has become one of the features of college life. Plans are in hand for its enlargement as soon as there is a demand for it on ac- count of increasing numbers of young women from abroad. No building for the special use of the Theological School had been erected before 1890. In the fall of 1889 the cornerstone of such building was laid and the whole structure completed and dedicated in November, 1890. It sup- plied a great need and opened a way for securing many advantages to the young men preparing for the ministry. The teaching force had already been enlarged and a course of instruction prepared to meet the demands necessary for the times.

HAMMA DIVINITY HALL.

The building is known as Hamma Divin- ity Hall, in honor of the chief donor to the expense of construction, Rev. M. W. Hamma, D. D. This building was burned December, 1900, and rebuilt the following year. Since that time the corps of in- structors of the Seminary has been furth- er increased, new courses added and vari- ous facilities provided. For the better equipment of the Seminary the legacy of the late Rev. Charles Stroud and the gift of Dr. Hamma will furnish ample means

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for it on its present foundation when once the entire sum becomes available.

ZIMMERMAN LIBRARY BUILDING.

A place for housing and caring for the growing library of the college became more and more a necessity from year to year. Realizing the needs of the institu- tion for a library building, Hon. John L. Zimmerman, an alumnus of the college, proposed to erect such a structure as a memorial to his brother, Rev. Joseph Clark Zimmerman, deceased. The offer was gladly accepted. The Zimmerman library was begun in 1891 and dedicated in 1892. The building is now crowded with books, pamphlets and magazines. Its enlargement is fast becoming a necessity. The gathering of books must go on and no doubt there will soon be provided means for the extension of the building and its further equipment.

Substantial additions were made to the endowment fund during the presidency of Dr. Ort. The number of students was greatly increased. Plans for enlarge- ment were inaugurated, many of which were of much service to the college. After eighteen years of earnest and effective labor in building up the institution in equipments, in buildings, in finances, and by the extension and addition to the vari- ous departments of instruction, Dr. Ort offered his resignation as president of the institution, retaining, however, his chair in theology in the seminary and professor of philosophy in the college.

DR. J. M. RUTHRAUFF.

Dr. Ort was succeeded by Rev. J. Mosheim Ruthrauff, D. D., who, holding the position for nearly two years, was

suddenly stricken down with a fatal dis- ease. With the coming of Dr. Ruthrauff the policy of directors with regard to the duties of the president was changed. Hitherto the presidents were expected to do their full share of teaching, look after the conduct and discipline of the students, represent the college wherever and when- ever necessary, and secure needed funds and advance the financial condition of the college. Its growing interests made this a great and impossible burden. Dr. Ruth- rauff was relieved of all teaching. He began with commendable zeal to advance the financial interests of the institution, but his labors were destined to be of short duration. With a suddenness that falls to few the death summons came and again the presidency of the college became vacant.

REV. CHARLES G. HECKERT.

For one year after the death of Dr. Ruthrauff, Dr. Ort had temporary over- sight of the affairs of the college. In the spring of 1903 Rev. Charles G. Heckert, D. D., who held the chair of English and logic, was elected to the vacant place. He accepted the position with the condition that his duties should begin on the follow- ing commencement day, a wish that was granted by the Board of Directors. Hav- ing been an instructor and professor in the institution for fourteen years, Dr. Heckert was well acquainted with its af- fairs and could enter upon his duties without a period of tutelage to learn the methods of administration and the needs of the various departments. Under his efforts and advice the institution has broadened its courses, enlarged its faculty

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and advanced all the interests of the college.

CARNEGIE SCIENCE HALL.

Through his earnest efforts the latest addition to the facilities of the college, Carnegie Science Hall, has been secured. The building has been erected and equipped. It has been fitted up in the most approved method for scientific work. It equipments are of the mod- ern type and together with all its ap- pointments it adds much to the facil- ities for teaching the sciences. The build- ing proper stands as a monument to the generosity of the donor, Mr. Carnegie; the equipment expresses the interest of alumni and friends of the college in the progress of the institution.

GRADUATES, ETC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SOCIETIES.

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

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

The college has yet much for the future.

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

THE FACULTY (1907-8).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Philip Schneider, A. M., Ph. D., Professor of English.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jessie Crabill, Instructor in Piano.

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

Dilla Edith Ellwood, Instructor in Art.

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

La Verne G. Ogden, Instructor in Physical Culture.

Benjamin Franklin Prince, Ph. D., Librarian.

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

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

CHAPTER XIX.

SPRINGFIELD (III.) --- CHURCHES.

(General History from paper of Dr. Kay.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CENTER STREET METHODIST.

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

Mad River Circuit had a membership of 1,200. The incumbents of the Springfield Station for the next nineteen years may be summarized as follows: Rev. Abbott Goddard, for 1815; Moses Crume and Henry Bascom, 1816; Walter Griffith and William Williams, 1817; John Sale and John Strange, 1818; Russell Biglow and Robert W. Finley, 1820; A. McLean, 1821; Thomas S. Hitt and George W. Maley, 1822; James Collard and John J. Taylor, 1823; William Larnin, 1824; James T. Wells and George Gatch, 1825; Augustus Eddy and Levi White, 1826 and 1827; Burroughs Westlake and Alfred M. Lorain, 1828 and 1829; Levi White and Elias Potter, 1830; William H. Raper and James T. Donahoe, J. W. Reagan, Rich- ard Brandruff and Joseph Hill then served as supplies until 1833. In 1833 William H. Raper being Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District, the new Spring- field Circuit was formed with a member- ship of 950; the first preachers under this arrangement being Revs. Joshua Boucher, J. P. Taylor and A. Sellers. It was dur- ing this year that the church edifice was built at the southeast corner of Columbia and Market Streets. It was large, two stories in height, with a gallery, and af- forded ample room for the largest con- gregations that were likely to assemble in the town at that day. The church was without a belfry, and was called together at the ringing of the Court House bell, which, by arrangement, was rung at the same hour on the Sabbath for all the churches in the place. Afterward a bel- fry and a bell were procured, the bell being the same as now in use at the Cen- tral M. E. Church, on the northwest

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

In 1834 Revs. Joshua Boucher and Granville Moody were in charge of Springfield Circuit, with Rev. William H. Raper as Presiding Elder. This church was then continuously served by pastors as follows: For the years of 1835 and 1836, Revs. William A. Barrett, John Alexander, Michael Marley, E. B. Chase and Joseph Gasner; Mifflin Harker and James L. Grover, for 1837; M. Harker and Solomon Howard, 1838; William Young and Samuel Clark, with Zachariah Connell as Presiding Elder, 1839. In 1840, the charge at Springfield became a station, with Rev. William Young as pastor and a membership of 330. The pastorates were then continued as fol- lows: Solomon Howard, in 1841; John W. Weakley, 1842 and 1843; William Herr, 1844; Uriah Heath, 1845; Randolph P. Foster, 1846 and 1847; Charles Elliott, 1848.

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

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 1086

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1086