History of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Part 64

Author: Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co.
Number of Pages: 716

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The following pastors have served the society since its organization: Rev. Charles Ruddiek, 1870, Rev. -MeHenry, 1871; Rev. A. D. Knopp, 1872; Rev. II. L. Parish, 1873 to 1876; Rev. B. A. Disney sue- ceeded to the pastorate in 1876. The present officers are Rev. B. A. Disney, pastor; Revs. W. C. North and

Thomas Small, local preachers; Rev. W. C. North, W. D. Savage, Martin Winger, Wm. H. Barch, John Timmins and J. W. Flint, stewards; W. D. Savage, J. W. Flint, Mrs. Caroline A. Newton, Mrs. Hester Winger, class leaders; W. C. North, W. D. Savage, William H. Barch, M. Winger and J. M. Burns, trustees.

BROADWAY CHURCH.

For many years previous to 1871 the people resid- ing in' the Fourteenth ward had felt the want of a ehureh organization, and the agitation of the subjeet led to definite action in the spring of that year. In accordance with a previous arrangement a prelimina- ry meeting was held April 16, 1821, in the wigwam or polling-place of the ward, on Trumbull street, at which time a society was organized under the name of the " Broadway Union Mission Sabbath School Society."

The rapid inerease of membership and attendance at the Sabbath school led to the purchase of a lot on Broadway near Gallup street; a deed being taken by Alphonzo Holley, Jabesh Gallup, T. M. Irvine, Ed- ward Rose, and L. L. Crane, as trustees to hold for the society. During the autumn months a neat chapel was created on the rear end of the lot, where temporary serviees were held until the completion of the church edifice in October, 1872. The members of the Methodist societies of the city contributed largely toward the ereetion of this building, and in accord- ance with a previous agreement the property was conveyed to the Methodist Church. In September, 1872, the society, under the name of " Broadway M. E. Church," was regularly organized, with Rev. C. N. Grant, pastor, Rev. E. S. Gillette, associate pastor. The society then had but ten members, but now numbers over seventy. The several pastors have been as follows: Revs. C. N. Grant, E. S. Gillette, J. II. Tagg, and Dillon Prosser, the present minister.

WILLSON AVENUE MISSION.

This was organized in June, 1873, in a saloon ou St. Clair street, as a Mission Sabbath School. Mrs. Prosser, wife of Rev. Dillon Prosser, purchased the building and had it removed to its present location on Willson avenue. Devotional exercises were con- dneted there by Rev. Mr. Prosser, but no permanent church organization has ever been effected. A pros- perons Sunday school is maintained there under the charge of James Malpas, superintendent.

UNION CHAPEL (COLORED).

Union Chapel was organized April 29, 1824, with the following officers: John Pendleton, elass leader: HI. Woods, William Bailey, Frank Johnson, trustees. In October following a lot of land on Hackman street was leased for a term of five years, upon which a church edifice was built by C. II. Norton as a gift to the society. The church has a present membership of forty-eight. The Sunday school has an attend- anee of sixty scholars. The pastors in charge of this

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chapel since its organization have been Revs. Henry Steene, George W. Hatton, - Henderson, A. A. Priec, John Pickett, George Carr, Thomas Tomp- kins, W. J. H. McDade, D.D. The present church officials are Rev. W. J. II. MeDade, D. D., pastor; W. F. King and Samuel Justin, local preachers, (the latter being also class leader); William Harris, Andrew Wilkins, and James Monroe, trustees.

WOODLAND AVENUE CHURCH.

This church was organized in September, 1874, by Rev. D. Prosser. A lot was leased from Mr. John Wolcott on Woodland avenue, and the building, for- merly the Kingsley chapel, moved to the site, en- larged, refitted and otherwise improved, at an ex- pense of about six hundred dollars. Rev. Mr. Prosser acted as pastor for one year. The other pastors in succession have been Revs. C. N. Grant, - Palmer, J. G. Bliss and J. H. Tagg, the present incumbent.

WILLSON AVENUE CHURCH.

In the month of September, 1875, through the la- bors of Rev. Dillon Prosser, a school-house owned by the estate of Rev. William Day, and located on Pros- pect street, was purchased and moved to Willson avenue, corner of Prospect street. Ilere Rev. Mr. Prosser soon after organized a church, retaining pas- toral charge until September, 1878, when Rev. John Tagg was appointed, and still serves as officiating minister.

SADIE CHAPEL.

The Sadie Chapel, or, as it is generally known, the Kinsman street chapel, was organized as a subserip- tion church in the year 1877. Land on the corner of Kinsman and Herald streets was donated by Mr. Israel Hubbard, and in September of that year the chapel was completed and dedicated. The services on the occasion were conducted by Revs. Dillon Prosser and David Osborn. The chapel was built at a cost of six hundred dollars, and has two hundred sittings. Rev. Mr. Prosser had charge of the chapel society until 1878, when Rev. J. Il. Tagg, of the Woodland ave- nue church, was appointed pastor.

FIRST WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH .*

At the Erie Conference M. E. Church, in the fall of 1838, resolutions were passed dis approving any ex- pression by the churches on the question of Ameri- can slavery. This action was received with disfavor by a portion of the members of the church in Cleve- land. On September 1, 1839, an organization was effected, consisting of about sixty members, who withdrew from the First Methodist Episcopal Church for that purpose. This new church stood alone until May, 1843, when it sent delegates to a convention held at Utiea, New York, and there went into the organization which has ever since been known as the Wesleyan Methodist Connection of America.

Of the original sixty members but six yet remain.

The four following churches have organizations separate from that of the Methodist Episcopal churches; but there being but one of each deuomination in the city, we have thought it best to append them here.

These are Rev. James Christian, John Corlett, Wm. K. Corlett, James Gayton, Mrs. Elizabeth South- worth and Mrs. Sarah Parkhurst.

The church was first built on Enelid avenue, near Sheriff street. It was a plain, neat frame building, capable of seating about four hundred. In 1863 the society sold the lot on which it stood, and moved the house to its present location, at the corner of Brownell and Ohio streets.

The church has had a succession of pastors in the following order: Revs. I. Robbins, B. Preston, J. A. Pearson, J. B. Walker, S. D. Jones, J. MeEldony, W. H. Brewster, II. B. Knight, A. Crooks, Cyrus Prindle, I. W. Bainum, A. II. Kinney, J. E. Carroll, S. R. Royce and A. G. Hiatt. The following are the present officers: M. B. Clark, William Cowley, Wil- liam K. Corlett, David Whitehead, James Christian and S. W. IIill, trustees; S. W. Hill, J. II. Weaver - : and George Short, stewards; John Corlett, treasurer; J. P. Brown, elerk; John Collester, assistant clerk. The Sabbath school numbers about sixty scholars.

THE WELSH CALVINISTIC CHURCH.

The Welsh Calvinistie Methodist, or Welsh Pres- byterian, Church was organized about the year 1858, and ocenpies a framed building, creeted at a cost of about two thousand dollars, on Cannon street, corner Elmo street, at Newburg. The first pastor was Rev. John Moses who continued until about 1867, when Rev. Ebenezer Evans was called to the pastorate, and served the society for five years. In 1872 the present pastor, Rev. William Harrison, took charge. The present membership is about forty, and near the same number are in attendance on the Sabbath school.

ST. JOHN'S (A. M. E. ) CHURCHI.

This was organized about 1865, and has now a con- gregation of upwards of two hundred members, who worship on Erie street, under the ministrations of Rev. T. H. Jackson.

FREE METHODIST CHURCH.

This church, the first of its denomination in the city, was organized in 1870 with but six members. A small building was erected on Pearl street in that year and occupied as a place of worship until 1873. In the latter year the property was sold, and the society pur- chased the church-edifice and pastoral residence on the corner of Bridge and Taylor streets. The first officers of the church were A. Bradfield, Wm. C. Jones, E. Thomas and Thomas Service. The sue- cessive pastors with their terms of service have been as follows: Revs. W. II. James, A. V. Leonardson and E. Matthews, one year cach; A. Bradfield, two years; S. C. Stringham, one year; Joseph Lawrence, two years. Rev. C. F. Irish, the present pastor, was settled in 1878. The church officials are as follows: C. F. Irish, pastor; George Lawrence and Wm. C. Jones, local preachers; E. Thomas, E. Hlolkins and Joseph Cain, class leaders; Wm. Brooker and V. Jerome, stewards.

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THIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.

CHAPTER LI. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.

The First-The South Presbyterian-The Second-The North Presby terian-Memorial Church-Woodland Avenue Church Euclid Street Church.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN.

THIS chureli was formed on the 19th day of Sep- tember, 1820, in the old log court house, then stand- ing on the northwest corner of the public square. Rev. Randolph Stone was the first minister. The number of members at that time was fourteen. The services were conducted in that building for the next two years, until the brick academy was built on St. Clair street, the present site of the Firemen's headquarters. The second floor was arranged for a place of worship for this society, and occupied by it until 1829.

It then removed to the third story of a brick build- ing standing on Superior street, on the site of the American Honse, and there remained until the base- ment of the first stone elmurch was completed. Rev. William McLean succeeded Mr. Stone as a supply in January, 1822, and preached through that year one third of the time. In September following, Rev. S. G. Bradstreet was engaged to preach, and continued his services until January 21, 1830. From that time until July, 1831, the pulpit was vacant, except for a few months, when it was supplied by Rev. John Ses- sions. Rev. Samuel UIntehins took charge of the congregation July 21, 1831, and remained with them until 1833. He was succeeded by Rev. John Keep who remained to preach here till April 26, 1835. Thus, for a period of fifteen years this congregation was without a pastor, and depended for its public exercises entirely upon " stated supplies." Since that time down to the present date, it has had regularly settled pastors without any intermission.

In the winter of 1835, Rev. S. C. Aiken, D. D., was called as first pastor of this church. He ae- cepted the call, and was installed on the 24th of November of the same year. Dr. Aiken's active pastorate continued until March, 1861, since which time he has been pastor-emeritus. On August 12, 1858, Rev. William H. Goodrich, D. D., was installed as associate pastor. He continued to perform the duties of associate and sole pastor until the year 1872, when failing health compelled his resignation. On the retirement of Mr. Goodrich the present pastor, Rev. H. C. Haydn, D. D., was installed associate pastor, and as such associate and subsequently sole pastor, has continued to the present time.

On the 5th of January, 1827, the congregation was regularly incorporated, twenty-eight persons consti- tuting the " First Presbyterian Society of Cleveland,' and the first annual meeting was held on the first Monday of April of that year, when Samuel Cowles was chosen president, D. H. Beardsley, secretary, and P. M. Weddell, treasurer.

The first church building was completed and dedi- cated February 26, 1834. This was the "Old Stone

Church," which stood until 1853. In the spring of 1853, the "Stone Church" was demolished to make room for a new church, which was soon burned down, and this was immediately replaced by the present church edifice, which occupies the same lot.

The " Old Stone Church " was eighty feet long by fifty feet wide. The present Stone Church is seventy- two by one hundred and eighteen feet in size, and the chapel fifty-five by seventy feet; cost, abont seventy thousand dollars. This church may truly be called the mother of all the Presbyterian churches of Cleve land.

The members now number seven hundred and forty- six, and her Sabbath school five hundred and thirty- two, including officers, teachers and scholars.

The present officials are Rev. Hiram C. Haydn, D. D., pastor; Rev. Samuel C. Aiken, D. D., pastor- emeritus; George Mygatt, John A. Foot, Edwin tl. Merrill, Reuben F. Smith, Francis C. Keith, George H. Ely, Ilenry M. Flagler, Henry N. Raymond, Ed- win C. Higbee, Lyman J. Talbot, elders; L. J. Talbot, clerk of session; George Mygatt, treasurer of the church. Officers of the society: Samuel Williamson, president; James F. Clark, Amasa Stone, G. E. Herrick, George II. Ely, George Il. Burt, trustees; Charles II. Clark, secretary; Charles Whitaker, treas- urer.

The charities of the church and society for the last three years, not including society expenses, have been as follows: In 1875, 814,003; in 1876, $11,423; in 1877, 812,462.

SOUTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The first sermon heard in that part of Cleveland originally known as Newburg was preached in July, 1802, by Rev. Joseph Badger, an ex-soldier of the Revolution and a Presbyterian missionary to the far west. The preacher delivered his discourse under a tree upon the open highway, and subsequently wrote that "the people of Newburg were opposed to piety and gloried in their infidelity."

It is not known that there was any Presbyterian preaching in the town until 1821, when occasional services in the house of Noah Graves were enjoyed. These continued from time to time until 1832. On the 31st of December in that year a church was or- ganized in Noah Graves' house by Rev. David Peet of Euclid, assisted by Rev. Harvey Lyon. It was Con- gregational in form, although attached to the Cleve- land presbytery. Eleven persons joined the church by letter, to-wit: Edward and Theodosia Taylor. James and Sarah Ashwell, James and Elizabeth Sonth- ern, John and Martha Stair, John and Amy Righter, and Elizabeth Derrick. Of these, the only ones known to be living are Mr. and Mrs. Stair, now resid- ing in Brecksville.

After the church organization a temporary house of worship was obtained by fitting up a carpenter's shop on what is now Miles avenue. Rev. Simeon Woodruff of Strongsville used to preach occasionally,

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THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.

as did others, and in 1835 Rev. John Keys was oh- tained as stated supply. Rev. Matthew A. Fox suc- ceeded Mr. Keyes, and during Mr. Fox's ministry- in June, 1840-the church became Presbyterian in form and was attached to the Wooster presbytery.

In 1841 and 1842 a framed church-building was erected on the hill (near where the Insane Asylum stands) upon a lot donated by Judge Hosmer. This church, which was dedicated in July, 1842, was the first house of worship erected in Newburg, and now, standing upon the corner of Sawyer and Harvard streets, is known as Grace Church (Protestant Epis- copal). In 1869 the society built their present fine brick church which cost $15,000.

Rev. Mr. Fox's successors in the pulpit were Revs. Wm. MeReynolds, James Straw, Erastus Chester, D. W. Childs, Wm. C. Turner, Joseph S. Edmunds, Wm. C. Turner (second term) and E. Curtis-the latter who is the present pastor, having entered upon his charge in 1867. The membership of the church now aggregates two hundred and seventy and its trustees are John Davidson, llarvey II. Pratt and H. B. Marble.

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .*

This society was organized November 5, 1843, with eleven members, in the Hancock block, at the corner of Superior and Seneca streets. Messrs. 1. Campbell, J. Dodds and D. Pollock were chosen ruling elders.

In about two or three years a house of worship was built, at a cost of one thousand eight hundred dollars, at the south west corner of Michigan and Seneca streets. In 1853 the present church editice, which is of brick, was built on Erie street, near Huron street, at a cost of thirteen thousand dollars, The andience room contains five hundred sittings.

The congregation is understood to be an outgrowth of occasional visits and services rendered by Rev. Mr. McLaren, a minister of the Associate Reformed Pres- byterian church in New York. The permanent or- ganization was accomplished after a few months' ser- vice, by Rev. J. W. Logue, a minister of the Associate Presbyterian church, who, while giving part of his time to Northfield, Ohio, where he yet preaches, con- tinned also to minister in Cleveland until 1849, when he was followed by Rev. J. McGill, who resigned the pastorate in 1861. In 1862-3 the pulpit was occupied by Rev. J. S. MeConnell. In January, 1866, Rev. D. M. B. Me Lean became pastor, and labored as such until November, 1820. In November, 1872, Rev. II. A. McDonald came to the pastorate, which he resigned in 1875, In January, 1876, Rev. J. L. Aten, the present pastor, entered upon the charge, who reports a membership of one hundred and eighty, and a Sab- bath school of one hundred.

The official members, associated with the pastor, are Messrs. D. Pollock, R. S. Murray, A. Purdie,

Wm. Pope, T. Marshall, P. Begg, M. Rutherford, Dr. J. F. Gibson, D. Renton, D. Fleming and Wm. Latimer.

THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN.

This church was organized on the evening of June 12, 1844, under an old charter from the legislature of the State of Ohio, dated April 3, 1837, entitled "An act to incorporate the Second Presbyterian Society in Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga;" the officia- ting minister being the Rev. S. C. Aiken, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, to which the great majority of the members had belonged. Fifty-eight members constituted the church-fifty-three uniting by letter from the First Church and five from other churches.

The building first occupied stood nearly upon the site of the present jail, on the lot west of the county court-house, on Rockwell street. It was used until a larger church edifice on Superior street was erected, and its basement first occupied in the autumn of the year 1851. The old building was purchased by the Second Baptist Society and removed to the corner of Ohio and Erie streets, where it now stands.

The first officers of the church were as follows: David Long, Henry Sexton, Jeremiah Holt, Eli P. Morgan, Jesse F. Taintor and Samuel II. Mather, ruling elders; William A. Otis, T. P. Handy and S. II. Fox, deacons.

The following have been the pastors of the Second Church: Rev. Sherman B. Canfield, D. D., from 1844 to 1854. Rev. James Eells, D.D., from 1855 to 1860; and again from 1869 to 1873. Rev. Theron H. Hawks, D. D., from 1861 to 1868. Rev. Charles S. Pomeroy, D. D., the present pastor, was installed June 22, 1873.

Upon the 9th of October, 1876, the church build- ing upon Superior street was entirely consumed by fire, excepting the chapel in the rear, which being repaired, sufficed for the social services of the congre- gation and the home Sabbath school. The Sunday services were removed to the opera house on Euclid avenne for the term of six months, and thereafter to Case ball. A plot of ground, one hundred and five feet by two hundred feet, was purchased at the corner of Prospect street and Sterling avenue, and on the 12th of July, 1877, the corner-stone of the new church edifice was laid. The building is now complete and was dedicated October 27, 1878.

It is a massive, dignified and beautiful building, in the Norman style of architecture, constructed of cream colored stone. A large square tower, with pro- jecting turrets, stands at the corner, and a chapel is attached, with every appliance for Sunday school, lec- ture room and social parlors. The pews are in con- centric circles, and the aisles radiate from the center at the pulpit, the floor gently rising towards the cir- cumference. The seating capacity is about thirteen hundred.

The membership of the Second church numbers about six hundred and forty communicants. Two

*This is not of the same denomination as the other Presbyterian churches, but as it is the only one of its kind in the city we have classi- fied it with them.

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THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHIES.

Sabbath schools are sustained, with more than five hundred scholars, and the various missionary and benevolent societies are in a healthy and efficient con- dition. The present officers of the church and con- gregation are as follows: Rev. Charles S. Pomeroy, D. D., pastor; Leverett Alcott, E. I. Baldwin, Martin L. Brooks, Dan P. Eells, Erastus F. Gaylord. Tru- man P. Handy, John Mansfield, Samuel II. Mather, Edwin R. Perkins, ruling elders; O. J. Benham, Charles W. Chase, Charles J. Dockstader, George G. Johnson, Charles HI. Randall, Henry S. Whittlesey, deacons; the president of the society is Selah Cham- berlain; the treasurer, C. L. Lathrop; the secretary, Charles W. Chase: the trustees are II. B. Hurlbut, J. J. G. Hower. A. K. Spencer, S. II. Benedict, J. H. Morley, E. I. Baldwin.

EUCLID STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This church was organized on the 25th day of Jan- mary, 1853, in the lecture-room of the First Presby- terian Church. The original members were thirteen in number, all received by letters from the First Church. On February 1, 1854, Zalmon Fitch and Elisha Taylor were elected the first board of elders, and on July 5, 1854, Augustus Fuller and Joseph Perkins were elected as deacons. Dr. F. S. Slosson was the first chorister, and continned in that position for six years.

Rev. Joseph B. Bittinger was called to the pastorate of the church on May 9, 1853. Hle began his labors on the 18th of September, 1853, and was installed on the 26th of April, 1854. His pastorate continned until September 22, 1862.

The second pastor. Rev. John Monteith, was in- stalled on June 10, 1863, the pulpit having been sup- plied in the interval mainly by Rey Dr. Aiken, pastor of the First Church. Mr. Monteith's pastoral rela- tions were dissolved on the 2nd day of October, 1866.

The third pastor was Rev. Oxman A. Lyman, who was called on the 17th of February. 1868, and in- stalled on the 19th of May. 1868. His pastorate con- tinned until his death, January 19, 1822.

The fourth pastor was Rev. Charles H. Baldwin, who was called on February 18, 1823; installed April 20, 1873, and whose pastoral relation was dissolved on January 19, 1824.

The fifth pastor was Rev. W. II. Jeffers, D. D., who was called October 26, 1874; installed on May 9, 1875, and resigned his charge on May 8, 1827.

The present pastor, Rev. J. L. Robertson, was called October 15, 1877, and installed December 26, 1872.

The present membership of the church is three hundred and twenty-one. The average attendance at the Sabbath school for the past year has been two hundred and five.

The present officers of the church are Rev. J. L. Robertson, pastor; Joseph Perkins, J. B. Meriam, W. S. C. Otis, Angustus Fuller, II. J. Herrick, M. D., HI. R. Hatch, E. P. Morgan and Jay Odell,

elders: L. F. Lyman, and Geo. W. Stockley, deacons; Joseph Perkins, superintendent of Sabbath school: C. II. Fuller, assistant superintendent.

About December 22, 1851, a lot for a church edifice was bought on the corner of Brownell and Euclid streets for four thousand five hundred dollars, and in August, 1852, the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid. The lecture-room was first opened for public service on May 29, 1853, and the main building on April 9, 1854. Total cost about sixty thousand dol- lars.

The first officers of the society were Zalmon Fitch. president; George Worthington, F. S. Slosson and Elisha Taylor, trustees. The present officers are J. B. Meriam, president: Joseph Perkins, E. P. Morgan, L. J. Burgess, B. F. Rose and G. W. Pack, trustees; L. J. Lyman, treasurer; G. W. Stockley, secretary.

THE WELSH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

on St. Clair street, was organized in 1866 by Rev. John Moses, after whom Rev. Daniel Davis was called to the charge and remained therein until 1868. Since Mr. Davis' time the church has been shorn, by remov- als, of much of its strength. Originally including a membership of sixty, it possessed seventy members in its greatest prosperity, but has now declined to twenty. It has had no settled pastor since 1868, and continues to depend upon occasional supplies.

NORTHI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This church had its origin in a mission work of the First Presbyterian Church. That work began on St. Clair street near the corner of Lyman in 1859, as a Sunday school, under the leadership of Charles No- ble, Esq. Occasional preaching services were held at the Sunday school room, but it was not until Novem- ber, 1865, that regular worship was maintained there.

In January, 1866, Rev. Aaron Peck, Jr., was en- gaged as stated supply, and subsequently ordained as an evangelist. During the year 1866 the sum of eight thousand dollars was subscribed for the erection of a chapel on Merchant (now Aaron) street, which building was completed and occupied early in the following year at an entire expense of ten thousand dollars. Mr. Peck's ministry continued until Octo- ber, 1867. Rev. B. P. Johnson succeeded him, and remained about seven months.

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History of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Part 64

Author: Johnson, Crisfield Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co. Number of Pages: 716

Author: Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co.
Number of Pages: 716