USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of Dayton, Ohio. With portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneer and prominent citizens Vol. 2 > Part 30
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
St. Mary's Catholic Church was organized in 1859 by members of Emmanuel Church, that congregation having again become too large for its accommodation. It is situated at the corner of Xenia Avenue and Allen Street. The ground upon which the church, pastor's residence, and schoolhouse stand, was donated by Albert McClure for church purposes. The lot is 150 feet front by 280 feet deep. The church building was erected in 1859-1860 at a cost of $9,427. It is of brick, 110x50 feet in size. It has a tower and spire, and within the tower are three bells and a clock. The interior of the building is handsomely frescoed, and the ceiling is decorated with many scriptural scones. A fine altar was placed in the church in 1881 at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. It is of Gothic design, and is made of black walnut with gold trimmings. The building itself was dedicated August 15, 1860, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Bishop Henry D. Juncker. Father Schiff was the first pastor of the church, remaining until 1869, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Father Henry L. Stuckenborg, who remains in the pastorate at the present time.
Holy Trinity Catholic Church was organized in 1860 by another off-shoot from Emmanuel Church. Ground was secured on the corner of Fifth and Bainbridge streets, upon which was erected a large one-story structure. It is 160x70 feet in size, is constructed of brick, with lime- stone trimmings, and has in the front center a massive tower, in which is placed a' large clock and three bells. The church is supplied with a large and fine organ, which is in the gallery in the rear of the audience room. The interior finish of this church is equal to that of any other Catholic church building in the city, the frescoing representing scripture scenes, and the altars are seldom excelled in point of magnificence in more pretentious church edifices. The seating capacity of this church is about one thousand persons. The corner-stone was blessed and laid May 17,
633
CHURCH HISTORY.
1860, by the Most Rev. J. B. Purcell, archbishop of Cincinnati. The building itself was dedicated August 18, 1801, by Bishop Henry D. Juncker, of Alton, Illinois. Rev. Father F. J. Goetz was the first pastor of this congregation and remains with it to the present time. He was at first assisted by Rev. Father Kress, and afterward by Rev. Father J. B. Frohmiller, the latter of whom was installed as such assistant pastor in July, 1875, and served in that capacity until Christmas, 1888. The congregation is very prosperous, and is out of debt. It consists of over four hundred and fifty families.
The organization of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church was sanctioned by the Most Rev. William II. Elder, archbishop of Cincinnati, December 12, 1887. Ground was purchased on Hanover Street, North Dayton, of- Mr. and Mrs. Adam Pritz, upon which the proposed church building was erected. Ground was broken April 30, 1888, and work begun. Services were held for the first time in the chapel on December 25, 1888. The church building was dedicated by the Rev. F. J. Goetz, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Dayton, Ohio, May 26, 1889. The building is of brick and of Dayton limestone. The foundations are massive and the walls are unusually heavy. It is 50x100 feet in size, and the height from the ground to the top of the cross is one hundred and ten feet. In the basement of the building is the heating apparatus; the first floor is used for school purposes, and the second floor for church purposes. The chapel has a seating capacity of between four hundred and five hundred; the tower contains a boll weighing over one thousand two hundred pounds; the cost of the building was about sixteen thousand dollars, and the congregation numbers about six hundred souls. The church building was dedicated on Sunday, May 26, 1889, by Rev. Father F. J. Goetz, assisted by all of the Catholic clergymen in the city, and by Rev. J. Wiezarck, of Toledo, Ohio; Rev. Peter Scheroek, of St. Elizabeth Hospital, and Rey. J. Isler and Rev. Mr. Weckesser, of St. Mary's Institute .. Owing to the illness of Rev. F. X. Wimsay, of Cincinnati, who had been invited to preach the dedicatory sermon, no sermon was preached, but the services were of a very impressive char- acter and were participated in by a large assemblage of people.
The Dayton Ministerial Association is an organization of the Prot- estant ministers of the city for consultation and cooperation. It was first organized several years ago and re-organized in 1883. It meets on the first Monday of each month in the pastor's study of the First Presbyterian Church. A chairman is elected at each meeting. The secretary and treasurer is Rev. Prentiss de Veuve, D. J).
Six general church boards of the United Brethren in Christ have had 47
634
HISTORY OF DAYTON.
their headquarters in Dayton ever since their organization-the Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society, the Church-Erection Society, the Woman's Missionary Association, the General Sabbath-School Board, the General Board of Education, and the Church Historical Society. All except the Board of Education have their offices in the United Brethren Publishing House building, and all are incorporated under the laws of Ohio.
The Home, Frontier and Foreign Missionary Society was organized by the General Conference at Miltonville, Ohio, in 1853. Its first officers were: Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner, president; Bishops HI. Kumler, Jr., L. Davis, and D. Edwards, vice-presidents; Rev. J. C. Bright, corre- sponding secretary; Rev. John Kemp, Jr., treasurer; William Longstreet, Rev. D. Shuck, T. N. Sowers, John Dodds, and D. B. Crouse, managers.
Its corresponding secretaries have been: Rev. J. C. Bright, 1853 to 1857; Rev. D. K. Flickinger, D. D., 1857 to 1885; Rev. Z. Warner, D. D., 1885 to 1887; Rev. William McKee, acting secretary, 1887 to 1888; Rev. B. F. Booth, D. D., 1888 to the present. The treasurers have been : Rev. John Kemp, Jr., 1853 to 1869; Rev. William MeKce, 1869 to 1873; Rev. J. W. Hott, 1873 to 1877; Rev. J. K. Billheimer, 1877 to 1885; Rev. William McKee, 1885 to the present.
The present board is composed as follows: Bishops J. Weaver, D. D., E. B. Kephart, D. D., LL.D., N. Castle, J. Dickson, D. D., and J. W. HIott, D. D .; and Rev. G. A. Funkhouser, D. D., John Dodds, Rev. W. I. Beatty, Rev. D. K. Flickinger, D. D., Rev. J. L. Luttrell, Rev. W. M. Weekley, and Rev. E. Lorenz. The present executive committee are Bishop J. Weaver, D. D., Rev. William MeKee, Rev. G. A. Funkhouser, D. D., John Dodds, and Rev. B. F. Booth, D. D.
Missionary work, under the direction of the society, is conducted in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Africa. The first foreign missionaries sent out by the society were Rev. W. J. Shuey, Dr. D. C. Kumler, and Rev. D. K. Flickinger, who sailed to the west coast of Africa in 1855, for the purpose of locating an African mission. Rer. W. J. Shuey has since been, for twenty-five years, in charge of the Publishing House in this city, and for a number of years a member of the board of missions, and of the executive committee. Rev. D. K. Flickinger became the corresponding secretary of the board in 1857, continuing in that responsible position until 1885, when he was cleeted foreign missionary bishop. He has made numerous voyages to Africa and Germany, in the interest of the work of the society. Four former citizens of Dayton are now employed as missionaries at Shaingay, West Africa-Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Gomer and Rev. and Mrs. D. F. Wil- berforce.
635
CHURCH HISTORY.
The total number of home and foreign missionaries employed is three hundred and forty-six. The organ of the society is the Missionary Visitor.
The Church-Erection Society was organized in 1872. The incorpora- tors were the following: Bishops J. J. Glossbrenner, D. D., D. Edwards, D. D., J. Weaver, D. D., and J. Dickson, D. D .; and Rev. D. K. Flickinger, D. D., Rev. William McKee, Rev. John Kemp, Jr., T. N. Sowers, B. F. Witt, Rev. W. C. Smith, Jacob Hoke, and Rev: W. J. Shuey. Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner was elected president; Rev. D. K. Flickinger, corres- ponding secretary, and Rev. William McKee, treasurer. Until 1889 its officers were the same as those of the Missionary Society. In May, 1889, the society was re-organized by the General Conference, and its present officers are the following: The Board -- Bishops J. Weaver, D. D., J. Diek- son, D. D., N. Castle, E. B. Kephart, D. D., LL.D., J. W. Ilott, D. D., and Rev. J. II. Snyder, Rev. C. I. B. Brane, Rev. G. F. Deal, Rev. J. W. Nye, and Joli Dodds; executive committee, Bishop J. Weaver, D. D., Bishop J. Dickson, D. D., John Dodds, Rev. J. Hill, and Rev. William MeKee; corresponding secretary, Rev. J. Hill; treasurer, Rev. William MeKee. The society has afforded assistance in building many churches since its organization.
The Woman's Missionary Association was organized in the First United Brethren Church, Dayton, Ohio, October 21, 1875. Its first officers were: Mrs. T. N. Sowers, president; Mrs. Z. A. Colestock, Mrs. M. H. Bridgeman, Mrs. S. Haywood, vice-presidents; Mrs. L. R. Keister, corresponding secretary; Mrs. D. L. Rike, recording secretary; Mrs. W. J. Shuey, treasurer. Its present officers are the following: Mrs. L. K. Miller, M. A., president; Mrs. A. L. Billheimer, Mrs. Bishop Edwards, Mrs. M. IL. MeFarlan, vice-presidents; Mrs. L. R. Keister, M. A., corres- ponding secretary; Mrs. Benjamin Marot, recording secretary; Mrs. D. I. Rike, treasurer; Mrs. W. J. Shuey and Mrs. E. S. Lorenz, other trustees. The work of the society has been in Germany, Africa, and among the Chinese on the Pacific coast. A mission in China is now projected. The organ of the association is the Woman's Ecangel.
The General Sabbath-school Board was first projected by the General Conference of 1865. Its first officers were: Rev. W. J. Shuey, superin- tendent; Rev. I. Crouse, secretary; J. B. King, treasurer. Its secretaries have been Rev. 1. Crouse and Colonel Robert Cowden; its treasurers, J. B. King, Rev. S. Vonneida, and Rev. W. J. Shuey. At present the board consists of the following: Rev. D. Berger, D. D., Rev. J. P. Landis, D. D., Ph. D., Rev. J. S. Mills, S. E. Kumler, and C. B. Rettew; secretary, Colonel Robert Cowden, who also has charge of the Bible
.
636
HISTORY OF DAYTON.
Normal Union and the Home Reading Circle; treasurer, Rev. W. J. Shucy.
The General Board of Education was organized in 1876. The first officers were: Rev. II. Garst, D. D., president; Rev. IL. A. Thompson, D. D., LL. D., secretary, and Rev. L. Davis, D. D., treasurer. The present board, elected in 1889, are: Rev. R. J. White, Rev. L. Book- walter, A. M., Rev. W. M. Beardshear, D. D., Rev. H. Garst, D. D., Rev. G. A. Funkhouser, D. D., Rev. J. P. Landis, D. D., Ph. D., Bishop E. B. Kephart, D. D., LL. D., Rev. J. W. Etter, D. D., Rev. E. S. Lorenz, A. M., B. D., and Rev. J. A. Weller. The secretary is Rev. L. Book- walter, A. M., and the treasurer is Rev. G. A. Funkhouser, D. D.
The Historical Society of the United Brethren in Christ was organ- ized in Summit Street Church, Dayton, Ohio, May 4, 1885. Its first officers were: Bishop E. B. Kephart, D. D., president; Rev. H. Garst, D. D., Rev. G. A. Funkhouser, D. D., Rev. G. W. M. Rigor, vice- presidents; Rev. A. W. Drury, D. D., secretary; D. L. Rike, treasurer; W. A. Shuey, A. M., librarian; managers ( with above named officers), Rev. W. J. Shuey, Rev. L. Davis, D. D., Rev. Z. Warner, D. D., Rev. M. Wright, D. D., Rev. D. R. Miller, Rev. J. W. Hott, D. D., Rev. D. K. Flickinger, D. D., and Rev. W. M. Beardshear, D. D.
Its present officers are: Bishop E. B. Kephart, D. D., LL.D., presi- dent; Rev. IL. Garst, D. D., Rev. G. A. Funkhouser, D. D., and Rev. C. T. Stearn, vice-presidents; Rev. A. W. Drury, D. D., secretary; S. L. Herr, treasurer; E. L. Shuey, A. M., librarian; managers ( with the above named officers), Rov. W. J. Shuey, Rev. L. Davis, D. D., Rev. B. F. Booth, D. D., Rev. M. Wright, D. D., Rev. D. R. Miller, Bishop J. W. HIott, D. D., Rev. W. M. Beardshear, D. D., and Rev. L. Bookwalter, A. M. The society has its office, museum, and library on the third floor of the Publishing House building. Excellent work has already been done in securing books, pamphlets, periodicals, records, letters, pictures, relies, etc., and a valuable collection already affords abundant material for the antiquarian and church historian.
The Dayton Young Men's Christian Association bad its immediate origin in the great religious awakening of 1869-1870. To perpetuate the unity of feeling of that occasion, and to maintain the beneficial results by giving to young men opportunities for effort, the pastors and leading citizens called a meeting at the First Lutheran Church, Sunday afternoon, February 13, 1870. Mr. J. H. Thomas presided and Colonel F. W. Parker was secretary. A committee, with Judge T. O. Lowe as chair- man, was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws for a Young Men's Christian Association. The formal organization occurred March
1
637
CHURCH HISTORY.
2, 1870, with the following board of directors: R. W. Steele, E. M. Wood, G. G. Prugh, J. E. Gilbert, C. G. Parker, J. H. Winters, Josiah Gebhart, J. C. Kiefaber, J. II. Thomas, II. E. Parrott, E. T. Sweet. T. O. Lowe, W. K. Eckert, Eugene Wuichet, J. A. Shauck, and G. W. Hoglen. The president was Mr. R. W. Steele, who from the beginning has been a warm friend of the association.
The object of the association, as set forth in its constitution, was " the physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual improvement of young men." With this in view, parlors, reading-rooms, amusements, entertainments, and religious services were provided for all young men. The religious meetings were open to all --- men and women. The membership during these years included only Christian men. The associate membership was added later. The home of the association at this time was on the second floor of the Journal building, just north of the court-house.
In accomplishing its object, in addition to the attractions named before, it was thought best, during these early years and for many years after, to do general missionary work. The association therefore en- couraged its members to assist in union efforts, especially in organizing Sunday-schools in the suburbs and in holding open-air services during the summer. At that time hardly a church maintained a mission school, but from these carly efforts of workers of the association have grown some of the best schools and churches: Harshmanville school has become a Lutheran Church; Wagner, a United Brethren Church; Patterson Chapel in Browntown, a Baptist school, and Calvary Chapel in North Dayton is now Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. The association was in these years a center of all forms of Christian effort, but as time passed it was found that the churches could do most of these things better in their regular channels, leaving to the association its proper work for young men. The period of this class of work continued till 1885.
Immediately upon its organization, in 1870, a secretary was chosen to dircet the work. This officer was Mr. IL. P. Adams, of Manchester, New Hampshire, who began work in May. Mr. Adams was a man of rare ability, and won many friends for himself and the association during his four years of service. In 1874, he resigned, to remove to Baltimore. In the interim that followed, Rev. James MeNary and Mr. W. A. Wag- oner served most faithfully. In June, 1874, the International Convention of Young Men's Christian Associations was held in Dayton. The local board of directors found among the delegates the future secretary, Mr. D. A. Sinclair, of Hamilton, Ontario, who accepted the position in August , 1874. Since that date there has been no change in this office, Mr. Sinclair having, by his rare tact and Christian life, led the association
638
HISTORY OF DAYTON.
through all its changes. It is but a matter of history that the high rank and great usefulness of the association to-day are largely due to his efforts.
Soon after Mr. Sinclair's arrival, the need of larger quarters was realized; therefore, in the spring of 1875, funds were raised, property bought, and the building remodeled, furnished, and occupied, all within a single month. This happy result was attained very largely through the efforts of Mesers. John Dodds and C. V. Osborn. The property thus speedily utilized was the Dunlevy residence, 32 and 34 East Fourth Street, the site of the present building. The lot is 66x200 feet, and cost originally sixteen thousand dollars. A year later a large hall was built in the rear, and was used for general purposes until converted into a gymnasium in 1885.
The history of the succeeding ten years is varied. While doing all the work possible with its appliances, there were days of seeming failure and meagre support. At one time, in 1878, the board seriously considered the best means of doing the work without expense. At last one of the oldest members proposed to close the doors, and put up a placard, " Closed for want of support." This proposition not only aroused the friends of the association, but touched the pride of all citizens, who rallied to the support, and soon the advancement began. Since that time there has been no hesitation.
Among those prominent in these years of the association's history were men whom Dayton still delights to honor. No one forgets Mr. Henry L. Brown, so strong in Christian life; Mr. Patterson Mitchell, for thirteen years a member of the board of directors, and the devoted friend of Calvary Chapel; Dr. E. F. Sample, genial and warm-hearted, a leader of young men; Mr. L. M. Davis and Mr. Herman Darrow, two most active laborers; or Mr. Charles H. Crawford, a trustee of the association's property and its staunch friend. Mr. Valentine Winters and Mrs. Letitia Eaker have expressed their interest by generous donations, forming the basis of an endowment fund. Among others who have been identified with the history are R. W. Steele, E. A. Daniels, J. II. Winters, C. V. Osborn, D. E. MeSherry, John Dodds, C. L. Hawes, W. B. King, and E. J. Barney.
As the plans were developed and the wants of young men better understood, the peculiar purpose of the association became more prom- inent. In 1885, the board of directors, after careful consideration, decided that it would conserve the interests of the association and bring it into more cordial relations with the pastors and people of the city, to restrict its activities to definite work for young men. At this time over three hundred of these young men agreed to pay ten dollars annually if the
-
639
CHURCH HISTORY.
association would introduce and maintain " appliances and agencies to meet the physical, social, and intellectual needs of the subscribers." The plans suggested were acted upon at once. Association Hall became a finely-equipped gymnasium, opened in the fall of 1885. This only demonstrated the necessity of greater facilities and a building adapted in every way to the wants of the association in its new life.
A brief canvass showed that there would be hearty cooperation on the part of Dayton's business men if a handsome building were under- taken and a reasonable pledge given that the work would be carried on in its particular line. The generosity of Dayton's citizens was seen at once, for in 1886 they contributed toward the new building, in sums of one dollar to five thousand dollars, over fifty-five thousand dollars. That building is one of the handsomest in the city and ranks among the best in the country. The old residence was vacated February 3, 1886, and the new building dedicated February 6, 1887. Governor J. B. Foraker laid the corner-stone July 7, 1886, in the presence of an immense audience. The property is valued at eighty thousand dollars. This handsome building, covering the entire lot, provides reading rooms for the members and their friends, social parlors and amusement rooms, class rooms for various evening educational classes, gymnasium and bath rooms for physical development, lecture room for religious meetings, and a beauti- ful hall for concerts, lectures, and general purposes. The enjoyment of all these privileges is conditioned only upon the payment of a small annual membership fee. The association employs a general secretary and his assistant, a gymnasium instructor, instructors in various educational branches, and numerous other helpers. The young men who are members carry out the details by their service on the various committees of the association.
As an indication of the difference in the interest under the earlier methods and those of to-day (1889), it may be noted that in 1883-a very prosperous year-there were 312 members, now there are 838; in the former year 47 served on committees, in 1888, 103; then 93 persons visited the rooms daily, in 1888, 235; then $3,480 were expended for the work, now $6,914; most of the money then received was in gifts, now it is largely from memberships and regular income. Then there were no evening classes, no gymnasium and bath rooms, few meetings for men alone; now these are all essential.
The management of the affairs of the association is in the hands of a board of directors, chosen annually by the active members. While any man may become a member, only members of evangelical churches can participate in the direction of its business.
HISTORY OF DAYTON.
The presidents of the association have been: 1870-1871, R. W. Steele; 1871-1873, E. A. Daniels; 1873-1874, II. E. Parrott; 1874-1876, C. V. Osborn; 1876-1878, John Dodds; 1878, W. C. Herron, three months; 1878-1880, D. E. MeSherry, eighteen months; 1880-1882, J. C. Reber; 1882-1885, G. N. Bierce; 1885-1888, E. A. Daniels; 1888-1889, E. L. Shey.
In 1889, the board of directors includes E. A. Daniels, John Dodds, G. N. Bierce, J. C. Reber, G. P. Huffman, Houston Lowe, J. R. Boalt, W. W. Smith, C. L. Hardman, W. G. Tanner, E.' L. Shucy, F. W. Gebhart, F. A. Moss, W. II. Sunderland, W. A. Scott, V. P. Van Horn, A. E. Thomas. The trustees are J. H. Winters, John Dodds, C. V. Osborn, W. Webster, E. Canby. The general secretary is D. A. Sinclair, and the gymnasium instructor is W. E. Day.
Nothing has shown more fully the character of Dayton than its support of this institution, and nothing brings larger returns in good citizenship, strong character, and Christian life.
The Woman's Christian Association, of Dayton, was formally organized Saturday afternoon, November 26, 1870. The work talked of that afternoon was that its efforts might be in unison with the Young Men's Christian Association, helping them in visiting and relieving the poor. It was determined to ask contributions from women only. The Young Men's Christian Association, anticipating the need, freely offered the use of their rooms for the meetings. Volunteers were called for, and committees were formed for visitation and missionary work in all the wards of the city.
In order to receive the property of the old Orphans' Home, which was no longer needed for that purpose, and which had been by an aet of the legislature through the special effort of the late Mrs. Nancy Bates, made transferable to a society for the support of widows and destitute women, this association became an incorporate body, adopting the name necessary : " Woman's Christian Association, of Dayton, Ohio, for the support of widows and destitute.women." Hon. L. B. Gunckel kindly arranged the legal transfer.
The fiscal trustees appointed were: Messrs. J. II. Winters, Robert W. Steele, and Charles H. Crawford.
The first managers and officers were as follows:
President .- Mrs. J. H. Winters.
Vice-Presidents .- Mesdames J. B. King, William Herr, and II. N. Stephens.
Corresponding Secretary .- Mis. J. Harry Thomas.
Recording Secretary .-- Miss Maggie Cox. Treasurer .- Mrs. HI. D. Carnell.
641
CHURCH HISTORY.
Managers .- Mesdames C. E. Corpe, A. L. Martin, C. L. Hawes, J. H. Brownell, Preserved Smith, M. E. King, Abia Zeller, Miss Joan Rench, Mesdames George Hoglen, David Gebhart, H. M. Van Doren, and Miss Ellen Brown.
Membership Committee .- Mesdames E. A. Daniels, John Achey, M. A. Hewens, J. R. Jacobs, and Miss T. R. Roberts.
Finance Committee. -- Mesdames H. N. Stephens, J. E. Gilbert, Charles Parrott, HI. M. Van Doren, James Turpin, E. E. Barney, T. S. Babbitt, and Miss Annie Harries.
The presidents of the association have been: Mrs. J. II. Winters, 1870-1882; in 1883, for six months, Mrs. J. Harry Thomas; 1883-1888, Mrs. C. E. Corpe; 1888-1889, Mrs. W. D. Biekham.
The present ( 1889) officers are:
President .- Mrs. W. D. Bickham.
Vice-Presidents. - Mesdames J. II. Winters, E. A. Daniels, M. II. Ramsey.
Corresponding Secretary .- Mrs. D. IL. French.
Recording Secretary .- Miss Virginia Whitmore. Treasurer .- Miss Carrie Brown.
Managers .- Mesdames C. E. Corpe, Abia Zeller, John Shank, J. R. Young, J. V. Dicks, Leonard Moore, D. E. MeSherry, G. W. Rodgers, J. D. Platt, G. A. Black, J. C. Kiefaber, L. B. Allen, A. C. Fenner, and J. M. Phelps.
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.