USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > Jefferson in Ashtabula County > Historic manual of the First Congregational Church of Jefferson, Ohio on the occasion of the celebration of the 75th anniversary 1906 > Part 2
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DARK DAYS OF THE CHURCH.
After the departure of Mr. Burton, for ahnost a decade, the "Brick Church," as it was termed, was given over to almost any and everything but sacred affairs. The Society dwindled away until but few members were left, and only occasionally was preaching to be heard within its walls.
The doors of the church were thrown open to concerts, panoramas, lectures, etc. We know of one series of alleged "lectures to men only," in which the speaker stood in the pulpit and related obscene anecdotes, which to-day would not be permitted in any public hall. About this time, there appears to have been a wave of skepticism and infidelity sweeping over the Reserve, which nearly drowned all re- ligions sentiment.
On one occasion, the late James Whitmore, who had strong con- victions as to religious matters and the sacredress of the church edifice, refused to open the church for some publie use, and declined to give up the key. This difficulty was overconk by some one raising a window, and opening the door from the inside.
The house was always open to anti-slavery meetings. Unfortu- nately, some of the speakers, in their denunciation of slavery, appeared to think it necessary to attack the church as well. On one occasion, Parker Pillsbury, who came to Jefferson quite often, stood in the pul-
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pit of the "brick church," and denounced the church as a body, in such terms, that the late William C. Howells, felt he should be rebuked, and arose in the congregation, and said he was sorry that no church member was present to defend the institution. Pillsbury, with his well known sarcasm, replied that he too, was "very sorry there was no one present to defend the church." Mr. Howells at once gave notice that he would endeavor to show that a man could be a consistent Christian and an anti-slavery man too; and spoke to that point on the following Sunday evening, from the same pulpit.
During these years, the pulpit would occasionally be occupied for a Sunday, by a passing minister or a divinity student, and in 1855-6, a Rev. Mr. Stickney preached to a mixed congregation.
As an illustration of the trend on religious subjects, the compiler of this history is furnished the following:
"He-Rev. Mr. Stickney-is not mentioned in the church records, therefore all information concerning him, must be gathered from pri- vate sources. He is described as being heterodox and preached very rosy sermons about flowers and sunsets. He was described as a come- onter, and again, as a Unitarian. * * * At the end of his year, a dance was held at the American house, to raise money to complete paying his salary-and he was present at the function."
The late Cornelius Udell, in his history of Jefferson, says:
"From 1857 to 1859, by means of removal and death, and many proving unfaithful to their profession, the church, as an active force, became extinct. In the fall of 1858, Rev. A. D. Olds came to Jeffer- son, and found a band of Disciples, holding meetings in the Congre- gational church. He preached to them until the Congregational Society was re-organized in 1859. The Disciples, having no place for worship, disbanded, and joined the Congregational and Baptist Societies, and the Disciple church at Eagleville.
COMING OF BRIGHTER DAYS.
Feb. 25, 1859 .- In porsnance of previons notice, the members of the Congregational church and other christians, convened for the purpose of re-organizing the church. Rev'd's. A. D. Olds, and E. Gale, being present. There was adopted a Confession of Faith and Covenant.
Although there is nothing to show such to be the case, we think
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Rev. A. D. Olds served as pastor a part of the time after the re-organ- ization of the church, in 1859 The records are quite meager for some years.
1864 .- A Rev. Mr. Conklin was minister for at least a part of this year. Rev. E. P. Clisbee was pastor for part of 1864-5, probably from October, 1864.
Rev. A. D. Olds having returned from the South, where he had been engaged in missionary work, during the latter part of the rebellion, settled in Lenox, and gave part of his time to the Jefferson church, and so continued mutil 1870.
July 5, 1866 .- Here is recorded a Resolution of thanks to the "Congregational church in Gloucester, for the gift of a Commmion set, consisting of four enps and plates, and one goblet "
1870 .-- Rev. E. Smith Barnes, who was located in Anstinburg, preached in the Jefferson church for a part of the year-some three or four months.
Rev. F. Millikin, who was living in Lenox, gave a part of his time to this church His connection closed July 14, 1872, when it was vo- ted to close the church until the indebtedness was wiped ont.
1873 .- Rev. Edmund Gale, began in July or Angust, and remained until Sept. 13, 1874, when letters were granted to him and his wife, to the Madison church. He resigned, much against the wishes of the congregation.
1875. - Rev. Samuel Wells Dickinson came in May or June, as a young man, just married, and served the church faithfully for more than ten years. No one pastor had been connected with the church for so many years, previous to this time. The church and society ob- tained a firm footing, which has since prevailed. The organ still in use, was purchased during his pastorate, and in 1883, extensive altera- tions and repairs, casting over $1,000, were made.
March 4, 1876 .- The committee which was named in February, to prepare a form of Creed and Covenant, made its report. The State Manual was accepted as a whole, and the Standing Rules, fourteen in number, were adopted. Abont this time, the hyphenated term, "Con- gregational- Presbyterian Church," was changed, and Presbyterian
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dropped, and it was voted that the church be known as the "First Con- gregational Church of Jefferson."
Jan. 20, 1884 .- The church was again opened, after being closed for changes and repairs noted above, with impressive dedicatory services. The pastor, Rev. S. W. Dickinson, for his sermon's text, quoted Rev. xxi-3. Addresses were made by Rev. W. A. Davidson, of the M. E. church, and Rev. E. J. Fox, of the Baptist church.
The services were most interesting, full of Christian spirit, and delightful in all respects. The report read, showed that the cost of the repairs exceeded $4,000. Of this, $660 was contributed by the Ladies Aid Society. The east Memorial window was furnished by the Sunday School, and that on the west side, by the children of James Whitmore, to whose memory it was dedicated.
A series of meetings followed the week of prayer, and much inter- est was awakened. March first, twelve persons presented themselves for admission into the church on confession of faith, and nine by letter, making a total of 21 added to the church roll.
Oct. 28, 1885 .- At a church meeting held this day, Rev. and Mrs. S. W. Dickinson were granted letters of dismission, and they were recommended to the Congregational church at Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio, where he had been called as pastor. Thus ended a long and useful pastorate.
Nov. 15, 1885 .- Rev. John S. Edmonds, of Brighton, Lorain Co., Ohio, preached, and a call was extended him, which was accepted the following day. He served the church faithfully for two years.
Jan, 22, 1888,-Rev. Samuel Bolton Cooper, of West Pittston, Pa., was asked to become the pastor, and Feb. 7, the call was accepted, and he remained with us for two years.
Jan. 13, 1891, -- A call was extended to Rev. E. J. Craft, which was accepted; he began Feb. 1, and remained with the church until Feb. 1, 1894.
March 17, 1894. - Rev. Dr. J. L. Collier, a man well advanced in life, came as our pastor, and remained with us until Sept. 30, 1895, when, owing to ill health, he was obliged to give up preaching. Not long after leaving Jefferson, both he and his wife died.
Ort. 20, 1895. Rev. L. J. Luethi, came as our pastor, and the
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church soon felt the influence of his work, as well as that of his excel- lent wife, in the Sunday School. The result was, many additions to the church rolls
Feb. 6, 1896 .-- This (Thursday) evening the first of the ammal meetings of the church and society was held in the voting room of the Town Hall, in the form of a "roll call". In case of absence, some oue present, if possible replied for them, reporting their location if known. We think 73. responded to call of roll. Refreshments were furuished by the ladies of the church. This meeting proved so pleasant and profitable, the cust in has continued up to the present. The annual meetings are now held at the parsonage.
Dec. 8, 1896 .- A council of recognition of our pastor -- L. J. Lnethi was convened in which the neighboring churches participated.
During Mr. Luethi's administration a sensible plan was adopted- that of not employing the pastor for a stated time, but at an annual salary, with the understanding that the union of the church and pastor should be dissolved at the request of either party.
No mention is made of the purchase of a parsonage, Lut at a meeting this year, 1898, the "parsonage fund" is reported to be $2139.41.
On May 22, 1904, greatly to the surprise of the church and congre- gation, the pastor, Mr. Luethi, after sustaining most amiable relations with all for nearly uine years, tendered his resignation.
Aug. 7, 1904 -- Rev. Dr. J. W. Barnett of the South Congregation- al church of Columbus, occupied the pulpit at the morning and evening services. Aug. 31, at the close of service, by a unanimous vote, a call to become our pastor was given Dr. Baruett. Sept. 28, a letter in reply to the call was received from Dr. Baruett and read to the church accepting the call -- beginning Oct. 2nd.
Det. 30 .- Union services of the village churches was held in the Congregational church to welcome the new pastors: Rev. Dr. Henderson of the M. E. church and Rev. Dr. Barnett of the Congregational church.
Nov. 16 .- A committee of five was named to revise the church roll and covenant, together with the form of admission.
March 20, 1905- Pursuant to letters missive at the request of the church and society, an Beksin the Council assembled in Jefferson,
in the Congregational church, this day, at 2:30 p. m. for the purpose of examining their pastor-Rev. J. W. Barnett-and if judged expedi- ent, of installing him as such pastor. Nine of the neighboring Con- gregational churches were represented by their pastors, or delegates Rev. L J. Luethi of East Cleveland was chosen Moderator.
This was the first installation service ever held for this church, and was most impressive. Rev. Washington Gladden, D. D., of Columbus Moderator of the National Congregational Conneil, delivered the instal- lation sermon.
January, 1906 .- For a long time there had been a growing senti- ment that the double basis on which the church was organized and continued to operate, was a needlessly burdensome arrangement, and so, after dne notice had been given, and the matter had been thoroughly discussed at several meetings, it was voted unanimously, to disband both the church and the society, and to organize and incorporate asa church. This was accordingly done, and at the annual meeting on Jan. 25, 1906, the new constitution and by-laws, together with a creed and covenant, were adopted, under the name of "The First Congregational Church of Jefferson, Ohio."
Rev. Dr. J. W. Barnett came from Cohunbus, where he had en- deared himself to his congregation by some eight or nine years of faithful service. He came to us in his mature manhood, with an en- ergy of purpose which soon made itself felt throughout the church and society. At no time since the organization of the church has there Been healthy growth recorded. His influence is felt in every department, especially among the young people and in the prayer meetings. In the growth of membership (there is no element of "revival"-it follows earnest work and properly directed efforts. Much could be said in re- gard to himself and his efficient helper -- his wife.
The church is now on a permanent foundation. Large congrega- tions listen with attention and profit to sermons which furnish food for thought and reflection to all.
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A THIRTY YEAR'S RETROSPECT.
1868-1898.
ADALINE SIMONDS CANFIELD.
Thirty years ago Rev. A. D Olds was serving this church in a joint pastorate with Lenox, having his residence there, and holding services here Sunday afternoons only, the Sunday School preceding the preach- ing service. As a rule, no other services were held, I think, during the week. The life of the church, as I recall it, was at a low ebb, but Mr. Olds was a great heart, who did not lose courage, and he faithfully preached the word, though men should hear or forbear. At this, the first annual meeting of the church since the close of his earthly life, I am glad to bear grateful tribute to his personal faithfulness toward the young people then under his pastoral care. Some encouraging signs among them, and his warm desire for greater results, led to the holding of several cottage prayer-meetings in the fall and early winter months. Later, the church united with the Baptist people in the memorable re- vival meetings conducted by Evangelist Rev. A. P. Graves. From that effort our church gained a considerable accession of members, a number of whom remain to share with us this retrospect.
During the ensning year, or perhaps a little later, Mr. Olds remov- ed to New York State, and Revs. Barnes and Milliken succeeded him for short pastorates. Afterward there was, as many of us remember too well, a dreary time of silence and inaction on the part of the church, but during this interval, there came into being a Ladies Society, which raised funds for the support of the Sunday School, which was main- tained during most of this period. In the spring of 1878, a meeting was called, of the Congregational Society, to take measures for the repair
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of the church building; my impression is, that both for the inception of this undertaking, and its successful execution, we were indebted almost wholly, to some of the generous members of the society. At this time, we parted with the old gallery and the high pulpit, and I believe the pew doors were also retired at the same time. I very much regret that we have no picture of the old interior, for the benefit of those of yon whose memories are too brief for its reproduction by them. Before these repairs were completed, Rev. Edirund Gale entered upon his short, but eventful pastorate, which distinctly marks a new era in the life of this church. For him, the field had many discouragements, but his labors were not in vain, for to us, that year brought the dawn of better things than we had known. Best of these, was the revival and accession of members, during the winter of 1874, and it is a fact worthy of note, that the weekly prayer-meeting instituted by him, has never since been abandoned. In the spring of 1874, our organ was put into the church, and though, in one sense, its tones have manifestly not improved with time and nsage, I think I may now safely say that some jarring notes, which at one time seriously threatened the welfare of the church, have entirely died away; and this is not the least of the causes for which we should all unite in praise to Him from whom all blessings flow. In the spring of 1875, Rev. S. W. Dickinson began his ten years ministry among us. They were years of faithtul, earnest service on his part, and the fruit of his labors were manifest in two special seasons of ingathering to the church, the first in 1876, and the last in 1885. It was in 1884, that the church building was entirely made over as to its interior; the alcove was added at the back, for the organ ; the large rectangular vestibule, with the room above it, known to us as "the vestry," was let into the audience room; the tower was built on in front; and colored windows replaced the former ones of three sashes and many panes each.
The furnace was then put in and new seats and carpet, all contrib- uted to make it very beautiful to our eyes when completed. We had hold services in the Town Hall during the long interval of building. and it was a glad day for both pastor and people, when we assembled once more in the church, for its dedication.
In the special services which followed shortly upon this great event
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in our history, our hearts were gladdened by the large class of young people who made profession of their faith, and united with the church.
A returned pastor of another church, said of this circumstance, "] have always observed that God honors a people when they honor his house." During the early part of Mr. D's pastorate, the Ladies Miss'y Sod'y was organized.
Rev. J. S. Edmonds came as pastor, in November of the same year and during his ministry of two years, a number of young people united with the church, and the Society of Christian Endeavor was organized. This circumstance certainly marks another epoch of advance in our church life. The successive pastorates of Rev's. Cooper, Craft, and Collier, are so recent as to be familiar to most of those present. I can not believe that those short pastoral terms are the ideal of any of us, but it is a matter for congratulation, that the church has not been for any considerable interval without pastoral care, or the preaching of the word, during the past nine years. We have passed through some try- ing experiences as a church, during these thirty years, but through them all, the light of true worship has not been suffered to go utterly out upon our church altar. Truly, the good hand of our God has been with ns. We have been very slow to move out of our old conservative ways, but in looking over this record, we rejoice to find that there is some real evidence of progression, and that under His guiding hand, we are coming more and more to see that we honor God most when, keep- ing pace with the opportunities and privileges that are placed within our reach, we give Him the best service that is within our power. When the history of the next thirty years shall be written, few, if any, will remain of those who began their church life with the former period, but we hope and trust that there shall be no backward movement, and that the standard of the Cross may be upheld by the sons and dangh- ters of the church, more wisely, more loyally and devotedly than ever before in all of its history.
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THE INCORPORATORS.
Joshua R. Giddings, whose name heads the list of incorporators of the church, was at this time a man of 38 years, trained in the law, and eminently fitted for such a work. He had lived in Jefferson ten years, and was well acquainted with the needs of the place.
Mr. Giddings, Samuel Hendry and Lynds Jones, were appointed the committee to draw up the Rules of Practice, which must have ex. pressed their views at that time. In early life he was very orthodox. Mr. Julian says of him: "Giddings had his religious training in the school of New England Congregationalism. For more than 40 years he was a member of the Congregational church; but as his zeal in the canse of freedom increased, and the indifference or hostility of nearly all religious denominations to the anti-slavery movement, became more and more pronounced, his views respecting creeds and sectarian agen- cies, were modified. He was not less religions, but his faith in cecle- siastical machinery, was serionsły impaired."
It was in this year that Mr. Giddings first went to Washington, to represent the 19th district of Ohio. He was a man of sunny disposi- tion, high courage, and strong personal magnetism. He and his broth- er-in law, Lyuds Jones, always worked together for the welfare of the church and community.
The characteristic which stood out most prominently in Judge Lynds Jones, was his love of justice. During his administration of the Associate Judgeship of the court of Common Pleas, quibbles and tech- micalities of the law, were not permitted to defeat the ends of justice where his influence counted. He did not possess an ardent nor intense religions temperament, but rather held firmly to a quiet Christian faith, which no waves of mere feeling could move. He may have been a little in advance of his time in feeling that religious independence of thought and conviction which characterizes our time, but he recognized Christianity in its outward organized form of the church, as the most potent factor in keeping humanity right and in furthering the ends of justice. Thus his influence was heartily thrown into the organization and support of this church, and it keenly felt his loss.
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Ahnon Hawley, M. D., was born at Farmington, Conncetient, Ang. 11th, 1801, and came with his father, Timothy R. Hawley, to Ohio in 1802, and lived in Ashtabula county all his life. His father first settled in Morgan township, but removed to Jefferson in 1811. As soon as the son, Almon, was of sufficient age, he went to Yale Col- lege, took a full course, and graduated from that institution in 1828. In 1829 he began the practice of medicine in Jefferson, and practiced until his death, which occurred in November, 1876. He was one of the founders of the Baptist church, in 1811, of the Congregational Presbyterian church in 1831, and of the Episcopal church in 1837. He was a member of the Episcopal church until his death, and was the Senior Warden for many years. He lived in the Hawley homestead, where his sou, Theodore E. Hawley, now lives.
John K: Hawley, a brother of Dr. Hawley, with his wife, Margaret Il., took letters from this church, and removed to Brownhehn, N. Y., in 1846.
Philetus S. Hall owned the place now known as the Judge Chaffee place, on the north side of East Park, from 1832 to 1838, when he and his wife took letters from this church to Morgan.
Archibald Grandison and his wife Isabella, brought letters from the Presbyterian church in Scotland. He was the first tailor who set- tled in Jefferson. We judge that he was held in high esteem by the people, for we find this entry in the clerk's records for 1831; "Letters were granted to the venerable and much beloved brother Archibald Grandison and his wife Isabella, to a church in Cincinnati."
James Hoyt was born Sept. 12, 1788, in Hopkinston, New Hamp- shire. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His oldest son was a member of Co. B, ith artillery, U. S. A., and was killed in the Mexican war. He had one son in the civil war, and four grandsons that served in the same war. He was an anti-slavery man from the first. He died Sept. 3, 1880, at the age of 92.
Mr. Hoyt was a shoemaker by trade, and followed the enstom of the early days in "whipping the cat." That was to go from house to
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house with his kit of tools, work in the room with the family, board with them and make their boots and shoes for the ensuing year.
George W. Hawley was received into the church from the church in Morgan, in 1832, and took a letter to Angusta, in 1837. He was a consin of Dr. Almon Hawley.
1825677
Samuel Hendry was a very earnest Christian, devoted to all the interests of the church, and given to hospitality. He was superintend- ent of the first Sunday School, a nion one, hall in the old court house. He is still remembered as a teacher there, as well as a leading member in the church prayer meetings. As a citizen, he was publie spirit.] and liberal, almost to a fault. A man respected and loved by every one.
He came to Jefferson from Harpersfield, and served the county as the first clerk of the court of Common Pleas, an office which he retained for many years.
Hle removed to Ashtabula, and later to Oberlin, where he died. His wife, who was associated with him in all good works, was Miss Stella A. Crary.
James E. Dann owned the house on West Jefferson St., where Prof. Foote now lives .. He also owned the front office in what is nos known as Lawyers Row.
He married Celia Hawley, a sister of Dr Almon Hawley. They moved from here to Quincy, III.
THE CHURCH SOCIETY.
As a church we do not wish this booklet to go out, without paying a tribute of gratitude to the church society.
The church, from the time of its organization until the present time, has received material aid from those whose names were never on the membership roll. It has been saved, many times, from embarrass- ment and possible dissolution, by this support.
From the carly days of the church, all were considered members of the society, who contributed to its support by pecuniary assistance, of
who strengthened the congregation by regular attendance upon its meetings.
So the organization known as the Congregational Presbyterian So- ciety, was composed of all the church members, together with many who were not church members.
It was this society that built the brick meeting house, bought the bell, made necesary repairs from time to time, rebuilt the church in 1884, and paid the ministers regularly.
To those who are outside of the church membership, who have stood shoulder to shoulder with us, many times bearing the greater part of the financial burden, we bear grateful tribute. The fraternity of the church society can be excelled only by the brotherhood in Christ.
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