History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 174

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728

USA > Ohio > Jefferson County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 174
USA > Ohio > Belmont County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 174

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CHURCHES SPRINGING FROM THE FIRST.

A number of churches have been organized from this, the parent church. In 1839 the Free Presbyterian, afterwards called the Second Presbyterian church, was organized mainly by members from the first church. In 1873 Potter Chapel was or- ganized at Mingo Junction, taking 21 members from the first church; and in the same year, the Old Presbyterian Church was organized with 27 members from the First Church. In 1875 the First Congregational church was organized, 52 members of the first church, entered into that organization.

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church on several occasions has been visited by the special outpouring of God's Holy Spirit. As the result of a revival of religion, which took place in the year 1831, 79 members were added to the commun- ion of the church on examination. In the year 1834, the church was greatly blessed; as the result 53 members were added on exam- ination at that time. In the year 1838 there was an addition of 55 at one communion. In 1839 there were 49, and in 1840 55 admissions on examination. At the May communion in 1855, there were twenty united on examination. In February 1858, there were added on examination 43, and in the following May, 26, making in the first half of the year 69. In February, 1874, 28 were added to the church on the profession of their faith, and in February, 1877, 28 were added on examination.

From the record of church members it appears that April 1, 1817, there were 72 members; in 1823 there were 87; in 1834 there were 263; in 1841 there were 368, and at the date of the last catalogue, May 1, 1858, there were 364; added since on cer- tificate, 226; on examination, 213. Total, 803. Removed by death and otherwise 503, leaving the present membership 300. The whole number, (including the 72 enrolled in 1817) added since the organization of the church is 1689 members.

THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

@[On January 1, 1838, the original members of this place of worship instituted a separate organization with Rev. Joseph Chambers as their first pastor. Their first house of worship was the building used by the Christian congregation on North Fourth street, which they occupied until June, 1871, when they re- moved to their new building then completed on the corner of Fourth and Washington streets. It is a handsome structure of pressed brick with stone trimmings, costing over $43,000, and with a spire 160 feet high. It has a seating capacity of 600. Three of the windows in this church arc memorials, they being to Rev. Mr. Chambers, D. L. Collier and Mrs. S. F. Beatty. A commodious chapel joins the church in the rear, and a comfort- able parsonage is the property of the congregation. There have been seven pastors of this church, the first being Dr. Beatty in 1844, and Rev. Wm. P. Breed in 1847, who were followed by

Rev. Henry B. Chapin, J. B. Patterson, David R. Campbell, J. A. Worden and W. W. McLane, the last named being still in charge. A mission chapel in the Fifth ward, to which there is attached a flourishing Sunday school, is under charge of this con- gregation.

THE OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The former site of the First Presyterian Church, between Adams and South streets, is occupied by the old Presbyterian congregation, formed in 1872, primarily by those who de- sired keeping up an organization south of Market street. The Rev. T. Milligan was their first pastor, and the Rev. G. N. Johnston is officiating with them at the present time. The old building left by the First congregation was used until 1877 when a new brick structure was erected, capable of seating 450 persons.

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

[Kindly contributed by the Rev. William S. Owens.]

This congregation was organized abont 1810, and it is there- fore one of the oldest in the city. It was connected originally with the Associate Reformed church, one of the bodies which by union in 1858, formed the United Presbyterian church. The first pastor was Rev. George Buchanan. He began his labors here in the fall of 1810, was ordained and installed as pastor June 4, 1811, and continued in his charge of the congregation until his death, which took place on the 14th of October, 1855, at the age of about seventy-two.

Mr. Buchanan was a zealous and faithful minister of Christ. His personal character was such as to command the respect and confidence of all. His labors were abundant, and can only be appreciated by those who are acquainted with the trials of a pioneer life. For nearly thirty years from the time of his set- tlement he served as pastor of two other congregations besides that in Steubenville-Yellow Creek, in the same county, twenty miles distant, and Hermon's Creek (now called Paris), in Wash- ington county, Pa. In 1838 he gave up these two congrega- tions and concentrated his labors in Steubenville. From an early period, in addition to his pastoral work, he conducted a classical school, and was the educator, in part, at least, of many who have attained distinction, among whom may be named the late Hon. E. M. Stanton. " He rests from bis labors, and his works do follow him."

The membership of the congregation was at first very small, only twenty-six names appearing on the joint call of the three churches above named for Mr. Buchanan, and of these twenty- six some few were only adherents and not communicants. It grew steadily, however. There is no certain information as to the membership at or before the death of Mr. Buchanan, but a few years after his death it numbered one hundred and eighty. During the course of its history many of the best and most influential citizens of Steubenville have been connected with it. Few of the older members now survive. Less than forty of those whose names are now upon the roll were received during Mr. Buchanan's life. The membership at present is about two hundred and twenty.

The long pastorate of Mr. Buchanan has been followed by several shorter ones. Rev. J. K. Andrews was pastor from January, 1857, until October, 1863; Rev. J. W. Clokey, from July, 1864, until December, 1868; Rev. T. J. Kennedy, from January, 1870, until April, 1873; Rev. S. J. Stewart, from February, 1874, until February, 1877. These ministers are all living and preaching still in other places. The present pastor is Rev. William S. Owens, who has been in charge of the con- gregation since July, 1877.

The elders of the congregation originally were George Ford, Robert Boyd, Moses Ross, Thomas Patton. They are all long since deceased. At various times others were elected, as follows : Before 1828, Andrew McMahan, Sr., Hugh Sterling, James McFettridge, Walter Walker; about 1830, Andrew McMahan, Jr., and William Cassel ; 1838, Thomas McConnel, Samuel Fil- son and M. O. Junkin, the latter being still alive and a useful member of the session : 1847, William Frazier; 1860, Dr. Thos. Miller ; 1867, William McGowan, James Archer, William L. Crawford; 1871, R. L. Brownlee, Dr. H. W. Nelson and M. L. Miller ; 1877, Dr. S. C. Shaur. Of these but four remain and constitute the session or growing body, of the congregations namely, M. O. Jonkin, James Archer, R. L. Brownlee, Dr. S. C. Shaur. Most of the others have been called from earth, and those who are living have ceased to be connected with the con- gregation.

503

HISTORY. OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES

The first place of worship was the old Court House. Here the congregation assembled until about 1815. From that time for nearly two years, services were held in a two story building, used as a school house, on Fourth street, east side, between Washington and North, the site of which is now occupied by the Christian church. The first building owned by the congre- gation was erected, as nearly as can now be ascertained, in 1817. It stood on the same lot, in the rear of the present edifice, front- ing on North street. In 1838 a building was erected on the foundation of the present structure, one story in height. In 1859 the roof was raised and a second story added, and as thus re- constructed the house is still in use.

" KRAMER M. E. CHURCH," STEUBENVILLE, OHIO.

[Kindly contributed by the Rev. D. C. Osborne, Pastor.]

In preparing the history of any local church in Methodism, we meet peculiar difficulties, not from any lack of material, but from the fact that our early work was connectional instead of local; and, consequently, the records are widely scattered through "Quarterly" and "Annual Conference minutes." The plan of the early itinerants was to embrace as much territory in a circuit as could be traveled around in four, six or eight weeks, preaching each day and establishing prayer meetings, and form- ing classes in private houses. As these classes grew in numbers and churches were built, the work was divided until at last the station was formed. The wisdom of the ages could not invent a more perfect system of ministerial supply for evangelization than the one devised by Mr. Wesley and carried out by Bishop Asbury. There was then no missionary society to assist in the support of the ministry. The country was wild, the settlements distant-roads not made-the church was to be gathered from the wilderness. The itinerant could only hope for a bare sup- port as he followed in the path of the pioneer and gathered the people to preach the Gospel. But these early ministers were grand men. The word of the Lord was like a fire shut up in their bones. They were really crucified to the work-poor, yet making many rich. One idea possessed them : to bring this world back to "Jesus Christ the Lord." If one entered the min- istry who had not this spirit of sacrifice he soon retired, and Mr. Asbury found himself at last surrounded by a band of moral giants-victors from an hundred fields. As we review the works of early ministry, gratitude rises to God, who inspired and di- rected them, and by their instrumentality led thousands to Heaven, who otherwise had perished from lack of knowledge. The Ohio circuit, which finally embraced Steubenville, was formed in 1787, but the first Methodist preaching here, of which we have any account, was in the summer of 1794, when Samuel Hitt and John H. Reynolds preached a few sermons in the midst of much opposition. Their circuit embraced Onio county in Virginia, Washington county in Pennsylvania, and the settle- ments on both sides of the Ohio river from the mouth of the Muskingum to near Pittsburgh.

1795-Charles Conaway, presiding elder. Samuel Hitt and Thomas Haymond. Brother Hitt had the means of support, but T. Haymond received from the conference tund £24, Pennsyl- vania currency. The elder receiving the same amount.

1896-Andrew Nichols, John Seward. Six months Shadrach Johnson and Jonathan Bateman. This year Valentine Cook was appointed presiding elder and is described as a man of great acquirements and an eloquent preacher.

1797-N. B. Mills, Jacob Colbert, with Daniel Hitt as elder. 1798-N. B. Mills, Solomon Harris ; members reported 427.

1799-Thomas Haymond, Jesse Stoneman. In June Thomas Haymond dicd, aged 35. By reason of lack of ministerial ser- vice there was a decrease of members reported of 106.

1800-Joseph Rowen, John Cullison. This was a year of re- vivals, and they report 521 members.

1801-This year the districts were first named. The Pitts- burgh district was formed and Thornton Fleming, "a man of great purity of life and strangely eloquent," was appointed pre- siding elder. Benjamin Essex and Joseph Hall as preachers. At the close of this year the Ohio circuit was divided, and the West Wheeling circuit formed, in which circuit Jefferson county Was included.

1802-Joseph Hall. ** 1803 -- John Cullison.

"This year Bishop Asbury visited Steubenville and makes this entry in his journal : "As the court house could not contain the people, we went to the Pre byterian tent, and as the Jews and Samaritans have no dealings, I must tender my thanks. I found a delightful home with the family of Bazalecl Wells, Erq., who is friendly to our church.

1804-Lasley Matthews. This was a year of growth, many coming from the east to settle here. Brother Matthews had been a soldier in the war of the revolution; was converted in the army. He never married, devoting himself entirely to the min- istry. He died on his way to the Baltimore conference in 1813. Having made a will in which he orders his horse, saddle, books, and cloak to be sold, and the net amount paid to the charter fund. He literally gave all for the ministry.

1805-Monongahela distriet, James Hunter, presiding elder ; John West and Eli Towne, preachers.

1806-Thornton Fleming was returned as presiding elder ; David Stevens and Abraham Daniels, preachers. This was a year of great enlargement. A preaching place, church and preacher's home was found at the home of John Permar, where many were converted.

1807- William Knox, James Reiley and J. G. Watt.

1808-Robert R. Roberts, Benedict Burgess. R. R. Roberts was a remarkable man; a great man physically, intellectually and religiously. He rapidly rose, filling stations, districts, and was elected a bishop. At the session of the Baltimore Confer- ence, the West Wheeling circuit was transferred to the Western Conference.

1809-James Quinn, presiding elder, with Jacob Young and Thomas Church, preachers. Young says, "I found my circuit included the whole of Belmont, Jefferson and Harrison counties. At Steubenville we preached in the old log court house, up stairs. During the year, Obadiah Jennings, a great lawyer, was our constant hearer. He was converted, and became a noted Presbyterian minister.

1810 -William Lamden. The time had now come to gather the harvest from the seed sown in Steubenville, and at the close of his first sermon, he announced that the next forenoon he would form a class at the house of Bernard Lucas. Twelve came at the appointed time, and were organized into a Meth- odist society. Their names were Bernard Lucas, Margaret Lu- cus, Matthew Worstel, Rachel Worstel, Wm. Fisher, Margaret Cummings, Archibald Cole, Elizabeth Cole, Nicholas Murry, Nancy Murry, Hugh Dunn and James Dougherty, with Bednard Lucas as leader. They were thoroughly united, and filled with zeal and good works, and some were added to their number at nearly every meeting which was held in private houses.

1811-Wm. Lamden and Michael Ellis. This was a year of precious revivals. Bazaleel Wells proffered the land on which the church now stands, as a lot for church purposes, and a church edifice, 50 by 35 feet, was begun, enclosed and used as a place of worship.

1812-The Ohio district was formed this year, Jacob Young, presiding elder. The West Wheeling circuit was divided, and the Cross Creek circuit formed of the north part-Michael Ellis and John McMahan as preachers. At the General Conference this year the Ohio Conference was formed ; at its session held Oct, Ist, Abel Robinson and William Knox were appointed.

Sept. 1, 1813 .- The Ohio Conference met here, Bishops As- bury and Mckendree being present. Bnt arrangements had been made for meetings in B. Wells' sugar orchard, where ser- vices were held thrice daily. These meetings were scenes of converting power. On Sabbath Bishop McKendree preached at 9 a m., and Phillip Asbury at 11 a. m., followed by the sacra- ment of the Lord's Supper. This was a memorable day to the hundreds who gathered here. The shouting and weeping were heard afar off. At the close of the Conference James Watts was appointed with one to be supplied. During this year the cold plague or spotted fever swept through the country. It was almost as bad as cholera in these latter days. It carried thousands to their graves. This was a year of great trial to ministers and members-the alarms of war, the high price of provisions and the scarcity of money tested their powers of en- durance.

September, 1814-JJ. B. Finley, Archibald McElroy. M.r. Finley says : " This circuit now embraced all of Jefferson and parts of Belmont and Harrison counties. It was a four weeks circuit, with an appointment for each week day and two for each Sabbath, making thirty-two appointments, with fifty classes to meet each round. This year the church at Stenben- ville was completed and dedicated. At the time of dedication a Bible was presented by twelve gentlemen of the town, with the request that a sermon be preached from Rev., 21st and 22d versos, which was complied with, and it pleased God to ponr ont His spirit in a wonderful manner. Eleven of the twelve were converted and joined the church. The work spread until the whole town felt its influence. We continued our meetings day and night. One morning before breakfast I was sent for

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

to pray with eight families, many of whom I found lying on the floor crying for mercy. During this year a money mania like an epidemic seized the people. There were seven banking es. tablishments in Jefferson county, one of them said to have been kept in a ladies chest. All these were engaged in issuing paper money. But it did not stop here-merchants, tavern keepers, butchers and bakers became bankers. This mania was followed by the mania for new towns, which were laid out at almost every cross road. The imaginary riches of the speculators soon fled, business was paralyzed and discontent prevailed every- where.

1815 .-- Steubenville circuit was formed; J. B. Finley was re- turned with J. Powell as junior preacher. "The following are the preaching places in Steubenville-here we spent the whole Sabbath :- Hale's meeting house, Edward Taylor's, Scarlott's, Davis', Moore's, Long's meeting house, Baker's, Kent's, Evans', Hinde's, Cadiz, Dickinson's, Roberts', Holmes meeting house, Creamlett's, Smithfield, Hopewell meeting house, Scott's, Dean's, Permar's, and one place forgotten."-J. B. Finley. This year was a year of discussion in which Calvinism and Arminianism grappled in strong, if not loving, embrace .- J. B. Finley's Autobi- ography.

1816 .- J. B. Finley, presiding elder; W. Dixon, B. Westlake, preachers. .

1817 .- S. Hamilton, W. Knox, Calvin Ruter preachers. This year the land on which the church was built was deeded by Bazaleel Wells to John P. Finley, Bernard Lucas, James Saun- ders, Samuel Dorsey, Alexander Sutherland, John Sutherland Basil H. Warfield, Isaac Harlemand John McCully, trustees of the Methodist E. Church of Steubenville, Ohio.

Aug. 1818 .- The conference met here, Bishop George presid- ing. At the close of the conference Steubenville was made a station, with Cornelius Springer as preacher.

1819 .- C. Springer.

1820 .- W. Swayze, presiding elder, C. Goddard, preacher.

1821. John Watermann. This year the congregation became too large for the church and they enlarged by building the ad- dition of a cross building, which gave the church the well-known title of the "old ship."

1822-Muskingum district-John Waterman, presiding elder, James McMahan, preacher.

1823-H. B. Bascom, the greatest pulpit orator of his time.

1824-West Wheeling district-Wm. Lambden, presiding el- der, W. Stevens, pastor. At the General Conference this year, the Pittsburgh Conference was formed, embracing Steubenville within its bounds.

1825-Joshua Monroe, pastor. This year, B. Wells in con- sideration of one hundred dollars, deeded more land to the trus- tees and prepared a quit claim to all the premises, as the trus- tees had not been incorporated at the time of giving the former deed.

1826-George Brown, pastor. This year the Sabbath school was organized and has since been continued with good results. Edwin M. Stanton, the great war secretary, was converted and joined the church this year.

1827-Conference met here, having a pleasant session, and George Brown was returned as pastor. His second year was one of growth in all departments.

1828-D. Limerick, presiding elder, Joshua Monroe, pastor. 1829-Joshua Monroe, presiding elder, R. C. Hatton, pastor. 1830-T. M. Hudson, pastor. The next morning after Brother H. arrived he received a letter signed by " Alexander Suther- land" and eighty-one others-full members-" requesting that their names be erased from the church record and they be eon- sidered withdrawn." These brethren proposed to form a new church which should reform certain imaginary grievances in church government. Their request was granted and they, with eleven probation members, withdrew, leaving ninety-six in the old ship. Rev. R. C. Hatton, our former pastor, served them for a time. Thus the Fifth Street Methodist Protestant church began here. Brother Hudson at once reorganized the church classes and Sabbath school, becoming its superintendent. The church felt their responsibility and discharged their duties with christian zeal and punctuality, and the Lord poured upon them a gracious revival, so that at the close of the year their number was nearly as great as the year before.

1831-T. M. Hudson, pastor. This was a year of ingathering to the church and also of sorrow. Scarlet fever in its most ma- lignant form swept through the town, carrying mourning to nearly every house. In one home seven died from this disease. Many promising young people died. The salary paid was $175 and house rent.

1832-W. Browning, presiding elder, H. J. Clarke, pastor. 1833-Robert Boyd, pastor.

1834-Charles Thorn, pastor.

1835-C. Thorn, J. C. Merriman. The parsonage lot was purchased July 22, 1835, of Abraham Shaw, the price being $200, of which amount Mrs. B. Wells donated $100, F. Risher and Henry Permar paying for the lot, being repaid afterward by the church.

1836-S. R. Brockunier, presiding elder. Edward H. Taylor. The parsonage was enclosed and completed in the spring of the next year and first occupied by Rev. George S. Holmes.

1837-George S. Holmes.

1838-George S. Holmes. This year the church was visited with a revival again.

1839-Samuel E. Babcock.

1840-Conference met at Clarksburg, Va., July 15th, Bishop Morris presiding, and Steubenville district was again formed and has been continued to the present time. Robert Hopkins, presiding elder. S. E. Babcock, pastor.

1841-Geo. S. Holmes.

1842-Geo. S. Holmes.

1843-S. R. Brockunier.

1844-Hiram Gillmore, presiding elder; A. M. Brown, pastor. 1845-C. D. Battelle.

1846-C. D. Battelle, F. Moore. During this year plans were made for a division of the church, and forming a second one in the northern half of the city, forty members of the old church agreeing each to pay or collect one hundred dol- lars for the new church. The site was agreed upon andlot pur- chased,

1847-Geo. S. Holmes, F. McClcary. This was another year of work, the second church was completed, so as to be used after the next conference. Its membership of about 200 was assigned and started with blessings from their old church home.

1848-Simon Elliott, presiding elder; E. Hays, pastor.

1849-E. Hays.

1850-J. Spencer, presiding elder; C. H. Jackson, pastor.

1851-C. H. Jackson.

1852-C. A. Holmes.

1853-W. Cox, presiding elder ; C. A. Holmes, pastor.

1854-A. H. Thomas. This year the " Old Ship" was torn down to make way for the present church. The services mean- while being held in the Baptist church on Church street.

1856-C. H. Jackson, presiding elder ; J. C. Pershing, pastor. 1857-J. C. Pershing. This year the church was completed and called Kramer Church, because of the munificent gift of Allen Kramer, Esq., of Pittsburgh.

1858-W. A. Davidson.

1859-W. A. Davidson.

1860-W. J Clarke, presiding elder ; S. P. Wolf, pastor.

1861-S. P. Wolf, pastor.

1862-3-S. F. Minor.

1864-D. L. Dempsey, presiding elder ; T. J. Higgins, pastor. Under his pastorate the parsonage was enlarged.

1865-W. Cooper, presiding elder.

1866-W. Cooper, presiding elder.

1867-E. Hingely.

1868-W. B. Watkins, presiding elder; E. Hingely, pastor. Another amicable division of the church took place, forming Thompson Church, Kramer uniting with the new church in building their church edifice. The members who left for the new church numbered sixty-three.

1869-E. Hingely.

1870-J. Williams, D. D. Another colony was sent off with help and blessing to establish Finley Church. The number go- ing being about fifty.

1871-J. Williams, D. D. This year the church was enlarged and the bell purchased to call the congregation together.

1872-J. Williams, D.D., presiding elder ; J. S. Bracken, D.D., pastor.

1873-4-J. S. Bracken.

1875-6-J. R. Mills, D. D., pastor.

At the General Conference of 1876, the East Ohio Conference was formed of the portions of the Eric and Pittsburgh Confer- ence, which were in Ohio, the first session of conference being held in " Kramer Chapel," Bishop Ames presiding. Rev. J. R. Mills was returned as pastor.

1877-D. C. Osborne, pastor.

1878-D. C. Osborne, pastor.

The church has always been the people's church. The seats are free. The congregational singing being led for the last few months by a noble pipe organ. There has been no time since

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

the organization of the first class that the church has lacked earnest christian workers-and though never a wealthy church there have always been generous hearts to uphold the cause of the Master. The revival epochs were not specially marked at the beginning, the church retaining a revival spirit for years. After the radical division hearts were separated and for a time the power seemed withheld, but under the ministry of C. Thorn, George S. Holmes, and notably of S. E. Babcock, who received over two hundred into full membership, C. D. Battelle, W. A. Davidson, W. Cooper, E. Hingely, J. S. Bracken and J. R. Mills, many were converted. Had all the members been alive to their duty there is no doubt but greater works had been wrought, but there is room for joy at what the Lord has wrought for and by this church.

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History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 174

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 728

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728