USA > Ohio > Darke County > History of Darke County, Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume I > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
This denomination worshipped in the court house until
212
DARKE COUNTY
1850, when a substantial brick structure with four immense pillars on the front facade was begun on lot No. 10, on the north side of Fourth street, between Broadway and Walnut streets. This structure was not completed until about 1852. It served the congregation until late in the eighties, when a new building was determined upon.
On account of an unfortunate division in the main Presby- terian body in 1837. dissension prevailed for many years, which resulted in the establishment of competing churches in various localities. As a result of this divsion a Second or "New School" Presbyterian church was organized in Green- ville, June 21, 1843.
A small but substantial frame house of worship was erected on the south side of East Fourth. street, a short distance west of Walnut street, on the present site of the Lutheran church. Rev. Franklin Putnam was one of the early pastors in this church. He was succeeded by Rev. J. P. Kumler, under whose preaching the congregation increased in numbers and erected a substantial brick building on the northeast corner of Broadway and Fourth streets. Here they continued to worship under the pastorates of Revs. Jamison, Lyman and L. E. Jones until the spring of 1865, at which time the official bodies of the old school and the new school churches, after due deliberation, agreed to unite into one organization, and to call a pastor. Dr. Thomas of the First church, Dayton, Ohio, representing the old school, and Rev. L. E. Jones, pastor of the Second church . at Greenville, representing the new school, were authorized by their respective Presbyteries to form a union of the two bodies in Greenville, which union was consummated on the first Sunday in May, 1865, by unan- imous vote of both congregations. On May S. an election of trustees was held which resulted in the choice of James B. Avery, A. Gaskill, M. Creager, Stephen Baird. Charles Tate and David B. John to constitute the Board. The unit- ed church called Rev. H. A. Newell, a man of attractive per- sonality, and a fine speaker as its first pastor, under whose ministry it revived and made great progress. The Second church building was used as a place of worship for a few months after the union, but was afterward sold, as it was feared that the title to the property of the Old School church would revert to the heirs of the donor, who gave it as a site for the erection of the house of worship. Rev. Newell served the united church until 1868, and was succeeded by John S.
213
DARKE COUNTY
Gourlay, who served until March 26, 1871. J. C. Eastman came as a temporary supply in the spring of 1872 and re- mained until 1880.
The contract for the present structure was given in 1889 to Z. Benfeldt, of Richmond, Ind., for $14,989, and it was expected that the additional expense for furniture, furnace, glass, etc. would bring the total up to $17,000.00. The plans and specifications were furnished by John A. Hosacoster, and called for a structure 84 feet deep, with a vestibule under the central tower, opening into the reception room, the primary class room, the main Sunday school room and the auditorium. The Sabbath school rooms occupy the eastern part of the building, and consist of a lecture or assembly room 28x32 feet, and six class rooms, opening by movable partitions into it. This department is separated from the church auditorium by roller blinds, which are readily raised, throwing all into one audience room. The auditorium is on the west side of the building and has a seating capacity of about 450 with a gallery on the east, seating about 125. The pulpit is in the northwest corner with a large pipe organ immediately back of it. The pastor's study adjoins the pulpit in the rear. The auditorium is nicely furnished with body brussels car- pet, and adjustable seats, is beautifully frescoed, lighted with stained glass windows and heated and ventilated by a modern plant. The high ceiling with exposed beams adds to the beauty and harmony of the whole.
The building committee was: Henry St. Clair, J. H. Mar- tin and Alex. Kerr. Rev. J. P. Hutchinson was pastor at this time.
The pastors since 1880 were: Jas. Crawford, 1880-1887; J. P. Hutchinson, 1887 1890; C. E. Tedford, 1890-1894; W. C. Helt, 1894-1897; W. L. Swan, 1898-1903; J. R. Jones, 1903-1908 ; C. C. Mckinney, 1908.
Elders or Sessions: I. M. Pierson, clerk; B. F. Metcalf, M. G. Demorest, B. T. Hughes, W. L. Reece, E. M. Welker, WV. M. Limbert, W. D. Craig. J. J. Matthews.
Trustees: M. W. Westerfield, president; Gales Helm, clerk ; Chas. J. Herr, C. C. Pitts, C. R. Leftwich and D. L. Gaskill.
Treasurer, J. G. Reid.
Women's Missionary Society: Mrs. M. W. Limbert, pres- ident ; Mrs. A. B. Craig, vice-president ; Mrs. M. G. Demorest, secretary : Mrs. I. M. Pierson, treasurer.
214
DARKE COUNTY
The church now has an enrollment of about 385, with 240 in the Sunday school. The annual budget for all purposes for the last fiscal year was about $4,000.00.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal church dates from the year 1832. In that year Rev. Alva Guion, recently located at Piqua, visited Greenville to address the people on the im- portance of sustaining a Sunday school, and of establishing a library of religious books for children. This was done, al- though at this time there was not an Episcopalian in the vil- lage. In the spring of 1833, Rev. Guion, on a visit, was pleased to find a convert in the person of Mrs. Eliza A. Briggs. In 1835, an article of association was drawn up and circulated in Greenville, twelve persons subscribed their names to it. and in 1836, nine more were added, and the next spring the number increased to twenty-five. The following is a copy of the article, and of the names attached, May 29, 1837: "We whose names are herewith affixed, do hereby associate our- selves together under the name of the Parish of St. Paul's church. John and Eliza A. Briggs, W. B. and Mary A. Beall. Jane E. Ross, Evaline Dorsey, Margaret Kilbourne, Daniel R. and Ann B. Davis, Margaret Baird, Joseph Ross, Thomas F. Kilbourne. Stephen Perrine, W. M. Wilson, Eliza Duncan. Elisha Dawes, Hiram Potter, Francis Waring, William M. Crane, William McKhann, A. L. Northrop, John Wharry, H. Arnold. H. D. Williams and Chloe Herkeiner."
Pursuant to canonical notice, members assembled May 29, 1837. at the dwelling of Dr. John Briggs, to organize a parish. and the following names were clected to the vestry: John Briggs. W. B. Beall, Thomas F. Kilbourne, Joseph Ross and A. L. Northrop. A building committee was chosen January 13, 1840, which consisted of William M. Wilson, W. B. Beall and Hiram Potter. In due time, the building was erected, completed and properly furnished.
The original building was a small frame located on the northeast corner of Third and Walnut streets with front on the latter street. It was built in 1840 at a cost of some $600.00 and served the congregation until 1879 or 1880, when it was remodeled into a larger and more suitable frame structure facing on Third street. Mrs. E. Briggs and Eva- line Dorsey superintended the Sabbath school from 1832 to
215
DARKE COUNTY
1853, and B. Hubbard from about that time until 1851. As in many other churches to a few zealous women must be given a large share of the credit for establishing and nourish- ing the infant congregation. Mrs. Dr. Briggs was the leader of a coterie of workers and to her energy, tact and perse- verance, aided by her daughters, Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Workman and Mrs. Black, together with Mrs. Beall, Mrs. Dawes, Miss Evaline Dorsey and others was due the building up of the early church. The fairs, suppers and entertainments planned and executed by this band along in the forties are referred to as enjoyable and remarkable occasions.
The Sunday school was reorganized in 1874 by Mr. Henry A. Webb. At that time it had but twelve members. Under his direction it grew in numbers and efficiency until today it is known as one of the live schools of the city. Mr. Webb, although now past ninety years of age, is still the nominal superintendent, having served nearly forty years. In recent years he has been ably assisted by Mr. Frank S. Gordon and Judge Jas. B. Kolp.
The Episcopal church is not relatively strong in Ohio and seems to thrive best in the cities. It was a common practice among Protestant churches for years to decry its formal mode of worship but in recent years these same sects are gradually introducing some of the same practices and the future of the Episcopal church in the more populous centers seems secure. Up to March, 1868, forty-three persons had been confirmed. The church in Greenville made but slow growth until re- cently as shown by the fact that in 1880 the membership was only about forty.
Under Rev. Chas. H. Lee's pastorate a large and very de- sirable lot was purchased on the southeast corner of Broad- way and Water street.
A building committee was appointed comprising the fol- lowing named persons: J. C. Turpen, Frank S. Gordon, A. C. Robeson. The cornerstone was laid with appropriate Ma- sonic ceremonies under Grand Master WVm. Belt, and the new edifice onsecrated in May, 1906, by Bishop Vincent.
This structure is built of rough faced limestone on a con- crete foundation, and cost about $20,000.00. It is Gothic in style with high pitched slate roof, buttresses, pointed arch win- dows, substantial corner tower and is arranged inside to suit the mode of worship practiced in this church. A wing ex- tends on the southeast side which is used for parish house
216
DARKE COUNTY
and Sunday school room. It is one of the best furnished churches in the city, and in exterior appearance has no peer.
The present rector is Rev. Chas. H. Gross, who has served since 1906. Under his pastorate the church has made a sub- stantial growth in membership, is well organized, has made good progress in paying off the debt incurred in building the new church, and is now recognized as one of the strong churches of the county. The church now has 225 communi- cant members and the Sunday school 117 members.
The annual financial budget is about $2,500.00. The vestry is composed of the following persons: Henry A. Webb, sen- ior warden; J. C. Turpen, junior warden ; E. A. Grubbs, F. S. Gordon, Jas. B. Kolp. A. C. Robeson, D. Robeson, D. W. Bowman, H. C. Helm, Conrad Kipp, Joseph Menke, Jacob Menke, G. A. Katzenberger.
The Greenville church is the only one of this denomination in Darke county.
The following rectors have served St. Paul's Episcopal church since its organization : Rev. Alvah Guion, mission- ary, 1833, became rector on establishment of parish in 1837; Rev. Norman Badger, 1838-1841 ; Rev. J. J. O'Kill, 1841-1844; Rev. D. W. Tolford, 1844-1848; Rev. Wm. Miller, 1848-1852; Rev. Mr. Wiggins, 1852-1855; Rev. Mr. Whittinter, 1855- 1857 ; Rev. Daniel E. Brown, 1857-1860; Rev. J. N. Lee, 1860- 1862; Rev. Mr. McElroy, 1865-1867; Rev. Mr. Butler (died 30 days after arrival), 1867; Rev. Richard Wainwright, 1871- 1875; Rev. Geo. B. Sturgis, 1875-1877 : Rev. D. W. Cox, 1877- 1881; Rev. Lewis Brown, 1882-1883; Rev. J. H. Logie, 1883- 1885; Rev. Christian M. Young, 1887-1888; Rev. John W. Sykes, 1888-1895; Rev. J. P. Tyler, 1895-1896; Rev. Chas. H. Lee, 1897-1906; Rev. Chas. H. Gross, 1906 -.
Baptist Church.
In the early days of Ohio history the three denominations having the greatest number of adherents among the settlers were the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist. We have no- ticed how the former two got an early start in Darke county and are not surprised to learn that the Beptists likewise sought to get a footing here. John Childers and John Win- termuth were pioneer preachers of that denomination in Greenville and vicinity, where they held services at long in- tervals, beginning in 1819 to 1820. Childers is credited with
217
DARKE COUNTY
preaching the first sermon delivered in Richland township, and mention is made of a Baptist church in Versailles in early days. An early writer tells an interesting anecdote about one of these early preachers, as follows: Elder John Wintermuth was an old school Baptist, and had organized several churches in the county, with a tolerable number of members. He was an excellent man of great piety for the times and country in which he lived, and though in compari- son with many others was a very poor preacher, that is, he could not speak fluently, being no orator, but his great learn- ing in the scriptures, and excellent character, carried great weight among the people, and through a long time he did much good. He lived and died on his farm about five miles northeast of Greenville, in the year 1846. He had some pe- culiarities. It is recollected of being said of him that on one occasion he was called to marry a couple, about ten miles from his home. He answered the call, married the couple, and on his taking leave of them to go home the young mar- ried man handed him a bill of paper money folded up, which the reverend gentleman without looking at stuck into his vest pocket, mounted his horse and rode home. He then thought he would look at it and show his wife the dollar, which was the usual fee (dollars were scarce in those days), but great was his surprise when he unfolded the bill, he saw that instead of a dollar, it was a ten-dollar bill. Filed with mor- tification, and chagrined at his carelessness and lack of thought in not looking at the money he immediately saddled his horse, rode back, found the young man, presented him the bill, and began making the best apology he could, when the young man said: "I need no apology, there is no mistake, I intended to give you that bill and did not look for any change. He mounted his horse again and rode back home. In those days there were few church buildings in the county, meetings were held at private houses and in the green woods. Many preachers from a distance of various denominations visited and preached to the people in various parts of the county.
An old school Baptist church was organized in Greenville in early days, and, it seems, worshipped in a log meeting house on the rear of lot No. 32 on Elm street in the rear of the new Catholic church. Seymour Craig was one of the early preachers in this church, where he held occasional services along the forties. Rev. Cottrell served the congregation
218
DARKE COUNTY
for a while. Herman Rush, a brother of Isaac Rush, and member of one of the pioneer families, preached in this church in the fifties. The congregation was very small, being com- prised largely of the Rush, Potter and Bishop families. The Baptists and the United Brethren, it is said, built a union church here about 1856, which they were unable to continue. The building was sold to George H. Martz and J. W. Legg. who opened up a "select" school here for pupils who wanted to take advanced studies not included in the curriculum of the grade schools maintained by the city. This school was the forerunner of the high school.
These early Baptists belonged to the old order, and were commonly called "Hardshells." They believed in predesti- nation, were opposed to foreign missionaries, and on the whole, seemed to be opposed to advanced education and pro- gression. About the middle of the nineteenth century, or before, a split occurred in this body, and those who were op- posed to predestination and believed in missions formed a new denomination, called the Missionary or New Order Baptists. As a result the Old Order decreased rapidly in numbers and influence, and are now almost extinct, while the New Order made rapid strides and are today one of the strongest relig- ious bodies in the United States. The Hardshells disap- peared from Darke county at an early date.
The first Missionary or Regular Baptist church in Darke county was established at Gordon, and the organization is still in existence. S. M. Brower was the first preacher who conducted Baptist services in the Union church at this place about 1860. On Saturday, August 10, 1867, a number of brethren and sisters of the Baptist faith from the Gordon. Middletown, Caesar's Creek and Centerville churches met at the Union church four miles north of Greenville, and after prayer and exhortation, by Elder W. R. Thomas, organized into council by appointing Elder Thomas, moderator, and William Hicks, secretary. At this meeting a "Baptist Church of Chirst" was organized and called the "Regular Baptist church of Greenville." Jeremiah, John and Peter Deardoff were elected deacons. Jeremiah, John and Peter Deardoff. Thompson L. Bishop and Wm. Hicks were appointed a com- mittee to procure a house of worship in Greenville. The charter members of the society were: Jeremiah, John and Peter Deardoff, Wm. Hicks, Jas. Deardoff. Wm. Deardoff, Henry Collet, Thompson L. Bishop, Mary John, Hannah A.
219
DARKE COUNTY
Hicks, Debbie Deardoff, -- Deardoff, Sarah Collet, Sarah Deardoff, Maria Bishop, Cynthia A. Bishop. Elder Thomas was called as the first pastor. First meetings were held in private residences and at the court house. In 1868 the Chris- tian churchi was rented and became the place of meeting. About this time the church became a member of the Mad River Association. Services were also hold at times in the Union meeting house. From 1872 to 1874 meetings were held in the Evangelical church. In early days Elder Thomas was engaged to preach on one Saturday and the Sabbath following for $150.00 per year. $100.00 being furnished by the congregation and $50.00 by the Missionary Board of the Mad River Association. Many hardships were experienced in these days. Sickness in the family of Elder Thomas spe- cial meetings in other charges, the late arrival of trains, and extreme cold often prevented or interfered with regular meetings. The membership increased slowly and some mem- bers were expelled for misconduct. Elder Thomas served un- til 1874, when Elder James Simpson accepted a call. and served until 1878. St. Paul's Reformed church was rented for monthly meetings on Saturdays and on Sunday after- noons in 1875, and services were held here until Jan., 1881.
The church was without a regular pastor from March, 1878. to October, 1880, when Elder B. J. George of Urbana, was called. Services were then resumed in the Evangelical church on the first and third Sabbaths of each month. A lot was purchased on the southwest corner of Wayne avenue and Cypress street for $500.00 in the spring of 1881 and a frame church building about 32×48 feet was erected thereon during the summer, at a cost of some thirteen hundred dollars. The dedication of this church took place on the first Sabbath in November, 1881. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Fisher of Piqua, Ohio. in the morning, to a crowded congregation. A Sunday school was organized in the afternon, with T. L. Bishop as superintendent, and the evening sermon was delivered by Rev. T. P. Childs of Troy, Ohio. Rev. George served until the third Sunday in Sept .. 1882. Elder Childs served the church at intervals until Jan., 1883, when Rev. J. L. Wyley was sent by the Ohio Baptist convention and was called to fill the pulpit one year, the state convention furnishing three hundred dollars per year toward his salary. In 1883 the church was dismissed from the Mad River Association by request, and was admitted to the Day-
220
DARKE COUNTY
ton Association. Evangelistic services were held in Feb., 1886, by Rev. Palmer, which greatly revived the church and resulted in several additions. Rev. Wyley finished his pas- torate in April, 1886. There was no regular pastor until July, 1887, when Rev. Sherwood Fison preached his first sermon. He served until Jan .. 1890. During his pastorate of two and one-half years the church grew in numbers and organization. Rev. J. H. Smith entered on his ministry in the summer of 1891 and continued as pastor until October 1. 1892.
B. Y. P. U. organized in Dec., 1892. Rev. J. E. Lee ac- cepted call in Oct., 1893, served until Oct., 1895. Pulpit va- cant until May, 1897, when Rev. T. P. James accepted call. During his pastorate of nearly five years the church made substantial progress, several members were added, a new lot was purchased on the northeast corner of Washington avenue and Devor street for $1,600.00, and the church was moved.
A substantial frame parsonage was built on Devor street adjoining the church about 1904. The following pastors have served the congregation since the moving of the church to Washington avenue : W. L. Lemon, January, 1902, to October, 1902: E. M. Kessler, November, 1903, to July, 1905; E. L. Clevenger, October, 1904, to September, 1905; B. J. George, March, 1906, to October 1906: L. E. Smith, January, 1907, to July, 1908; Frederick Fisher, November, 1908, to April, 1911; T. J. Hall, November, 1911, to November 1912; William Pieffer. November, 1912, to -
The present membership of the church is about 100 and the Sunday school enrollment about 80.
John A. Miller succeeded T. L. Bishop as superintendent of Sunday school. A. B. Maurer served as superintendent of the Sunday school from 1887 to 1908. C. O. Howell has served since 1911.
Trustees: W. G. Bishop, treasurer; A. R. Guthridge, clerk ; C. O. Howell, A. J. Klinger, A. J. Miller, G. A. Beam.
The church is well organized, has an excellent site on which it is expected that a substantial church and Sunday school building will be built at no very distant day, and has exhibited a vitality and perseverance which promises to make it one of the strong congregations of the city.
221
DARKE COUNTY
The Catholic Church.
On account of the fact that the earliest settlers in Darke county were almost exclusively of native American stock the Catholic church did not become established here until a few French families settled in the northeastern section about the year 1836. At first they fanned the flame of faith and devo- tion in their own private homes and met at stated times for the public reading of the scriptures, and the recitation of mass prayers. This sufficed for but a short time when the zealous pioneer missionary, Father Louis Navarron, a priest from the French domains of Canada, came into their midst to min- ister to their spiritual wants. Shortly after his appearance the rude log hut inhabited by Joseph Smith, on the present site of Frenchtown, was used as a temporary chapel for about a year by the dozen families who had recently come into this neighborhood. Later the home of Mr. Marchal, some three miles eastward, was used. About this time other small col- onies of Frenchmen settled at Russia, some six miles east, just across the line in Shelby county, and at Versailles. Neither of these communities was large enough to maintain a resident pastor, so they agreed that all three should share the burden. It was then resolved to erect a church which would be of easy access to all. A committee chosen from each community examined various suggested sites and finnally agreed to erect a house of worship where the present St. Valberts cemetery is located, some two miles north of the present site of Versailles. Here a log church was soon erect- ed and in the spring of 1838 the first services were held within its rude walls. Daily mass was still said at French- town, but the Sunday services for Russia, Versailles and Frenchtown were held at St. Valberts, in the French lan- guage. A church was finished at Frenchtown in 1848, and one in Russia about this time, and St. Valberts lost some of its early popularity. On Easter Sunday, 1849, it is said, the great Archbishop Purcell preached in the English tongue, using the stump of a great oak as a pulpit. The devoted. saintly and faithful pastor Navarron served this parish until the above year. Desirous of having their church nearer their homes the Catholics of Versailles bought an old Baptist meeting house in 1864, and remodeled it for their first chapel, leaving St. Valberts at last as a burial site.
The further history of the Frenchtown and Versailles
222
DARKE COUNTY
churches, as well as that of those established in more recent years at Delvin and Osgood, will be found in the history of those villages under the proper township heads, and we will now consider briefly the story of the founding of St. Mary's church at the county seat.
The members of the Catholic church, who were the first to come to the central part of the county, settled on farms along the Versailles pike about two miles from the city of Greenville. They built a small log church on a tract of land donated for the use of a cemetery by Mr. Caron on the east side of the pike in the northwest quarter of section 19, range 3 east, Greenville township. The priests of the neighboring cities of Springfield, Dayton, Piqua and Minster occasionally visited them and held services for them. When the city of Greenville grew in population, several Catholic families came here, and religious services were at times held in one or other of the private homes. Among the first families re- called were the Carons, the Kuntzs, the O'Briens and the Lynchs. This was in 1854 and the succeeding years. In the year 1863 their number had so far increased that they decided to have a church in the city and to secure a resi- dent pastor. Accordingly, they bought a small brick church situated on Elm street betwen Third and Fourth streets, which had formerly been used by the U. B. congregation. This structure was enlarged, remodeled, and dedicated by Archbishop Purcell in the summer of 1863. About the same time they purchased the vacant lot on the northeast corner of Third and Elm streets, on which they erected a parson . age under the administration of the first pastor, the Rev. Charles F. Schellhamer. To accommodate the growing num- ber of members this church building was in 1871 or 1872 en- larged under the direction of Rev. John F. Kalenburg, their second pastor. In a few years after the vacant lot on the southeast corner of Third and Elm streets and adjoining the church was also secured. During the subsequent years the congregation prospered and became established on a firm basis. The members felt that they were in condition to support a parochial school for the better instruction of their children in religion and morality. Consequently, in 1888 a substantial school building on the lot adjoining the parson- age, and a new parish house on the opposite lot were erected at the cost of some $5.000. In September of the same year
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.