USA > Ohio > Delaware County > History of Delaware County and Ohio : containing a brief history of the state of Ohio biographical sketches etc. V. 1 > Part 69
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* By Rev. J. Vogt.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
about $5,000. In 1868, this was remodeled by building an addition of twelve feet to its front, re- moving the gallery, etc. Other changes and im- provements were made in 1877, costing together $2,300. This edifice, now 40x67 feet in size, is the one at present occupied by the congregation.
This church has enjoyed the labors and foster- ing care of eight ministers. Rev. C. H. A. Al- lardt served it from the time of its organization in 1837 to 1839. He was succeeded in 1841 by Rev. Jacob Van Linge, who prosecuted his work until 1843. In 1844, Rev. Henry Hess took charge of it, and ended his pastorate in 1849. After a vacancy of six months, Rev. S. K. Denius began his pastorate in the same year, and resigned in 1851. Rev. D. Rothrock took charge of it in 1852, and served it one year. In 1854, Rev. M. G. I. Stern became its Pastor, and remained until 1857. In the spring of 1857, Rev. J. B. Thomp- son began his labors as Pastor, and served it until 1862. On the 1st day of January, 1863, Rev. J. Vogt was settled here, and remains in his responsi- ble pastoral relation at the present time.
Numerous disadvantages and obstacles have im- peded its usefulness and progress from the start. Its original union arrangement was never satisfac- tory, and was, no doubt, a hindrance to both parties. For many years, its services were con- ducted exclusively in German, and many of its young people, and even entire families, became dissatisfied and sought homes in English churches ; while others, whose natural home was the Re- formed Church, stood aloof from it on this account. And even when the English language was in part introduced, neither the alternating of the German and English services, nor the mixed services, could. be satisfactory, either to the Pastor or the people. The numerous protracted vacancies necessarily had a deleterious effect. From its beginning, also, it was burdened with financial troubles, never be- coming clear of debt until 1866. All these diffi- culties but one, with many others, are overcome, and the ouly remaining one can continue only a short time longer.
Notwithstanding all these obstacles and bur- dens, however, this church has made steady and substantial progress, and thus has kept pace with the denomination of which it is a part. In the last third of a century, the Reformed Church in numerical strength, in establishing literary and theological institutions, and in the publication . of church periodicals, in literature and in mission work, has more than trebled ; and Zion's Church,
like its mother, has steadily grown in numbers, piety and efficiency. It numbers at present 235 members, has a large and efficient Sabbath school, and takes an active part in Christian work gen- erally. May He who has sustained and blessed it thus far, be its rock and guide for all time to come.
The German Methodist Episcopal Church* dates back to 1836. " This year, Rev. William Nast, D. D., the first German missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, traveled through Central Ohio from the river to the lake, preaching daily to the few German settlers, here and there, who had sought a home in this Western country. On these mission tours, Dr. Nast passed through Del- aware and preached to the few of his countrymen who were willing to hear his tidings. About 1844, the Rev. John Barth, the German Pastor at Colum- bus, traveled through Delaware and Marion Coun- ties, and once more looked up the Germans, in the in- terest of the Methodist Church. In the revival meetings which he held, many were converted and. joined the Methodist Church. This was the be- ginning of the German church in Delaware.
These people were poor and few, and their meetings were held at first in private houses. When these were filled, they moved, first to the stone schoolhouse at the corner of Franklin and Winter streets, then to the old Methodist church, one square south, and then to the old academy on Hill street. In 1846, the Rev. John Kindler be- came the Pastor for one year, and, in 1847, the Rev. G. A. Brauning. During his pastorate, a little frame church was built on a lot on Henry street, given by the first member of the church-Father Albright. It was not long, however, that the little building on Henry street was large enough to hold the congregation, and, in 1854, under the pastorate of the Rev. G. Nachtrieb, a lot on Hill street was bought, and the present brick church erected and dedicated in 1855, by Bishop Simp- son. From 1845, Delaware and Galion had con- stituted one mission, but in 1854 Delaware be- came self-supporting, and was made a separate sta- tion. Since the establishment of the mission, twenty- four preachers and assistants have labored in this work. Delaware belonged to the North Ohio Conference until 1865, when the German Conferences were organized, since which time it has been attached to the Central German Con- ference.
* By Rev. O. C. Klocksiem.
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The membership of the church has not been permanent, owing to the constant migration to the West, and the aggregate has never exceeded one hundred and fifty members. The present state of the church is healthy, and, though small, it is exercising a good influence on the German population of Delaware. The present Pastor is the Rev. O. C. Klocksiem.
First Congregational (Welsh) Church,* was organized in 1844. The first Welsh sermon preached in Delaware was delivered by Rev. George Lewis, in the year 1841, at the residence of Mr. Henry Thomas, on Washington street, between William and Winter streets. Prayer- meetings were held from time to time at this house, from 1841 till 1844. In this year the congrega- tion was organized, with the Rev. Rees Powell as Pastor, and with twenty-three charter members, as follows : Henry Thomas, Mrs. Henry Thomas, John E. Davis, Mrs. John E. Davis, John Row- lands, Mrs. John Rowlands, John Rowlands, Sr. Reese Price, George Pugh, David Thomas, John L. Jones, Robert Dolby, Thomas Rowlands, Will- iam Rowlands, John J. Davis, Edward Williams, John Jones, Evan Jones, Jane Williams, Mary Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Catharine Rowlands, Jane Rowlands.
Services were held in a small frame schoolhouse on Union. between William and Winter streets, which for atime was rented for this purpose, but was soon purchased, and served as a place of wor- ship till the year 1858, when the present brick building was erected on Winter street, between Liberty and Elizabeth streets.
Mr. Powell continued the Pastor of the church till 1862, when the Rev. John H. Jones took charge of the church, and remains here up to the present time, March, 1880.
The present membership is twenty-eight. The average Sabbath-school attendance is twenty-five. The first Welsh Sabbath-school in Delaware was held at the residence of John Rowlands, Sr., on West William street, in 1842.
There has been but little variation in the num- ber of members of this church since its first organization. There never have been many Welsh people living in Delaware, and the church has been sustained mostly by immigrants from Wales. The services have formerly been held in the Welsh language exclusively, and the children, who did not learn that language, have dropped away, one * By Rev. John H. Jones.
by one, to English churches. But, from this time forward, a better attendance is expected, as the services are now held almost exclusively in the English language.
* Religious services were first held in the houses of the early Catholic settlers by clergymen visiting from distant older Catholic settlements. Among the earliest who celebrated the holy mysteries here, were Fathers Schouat and Meagher ; Juncker, of Dayton, afterward Bishop of Alton ; Young, of Lancaster, later Bishop of Erie; and . Burgess, of Columbus, now Bishop of Detroit.
The frame portion of the present St. Mary's Church was built in 1850, on a lot purchased from Milo Pettibone. In 1856, Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, in whose jurisdiction St. Mary's then was, appointed Rev. Casper Wiese as the first resi- dent Rector. Father Wiese's first work was to establish a school, which he did by building a basement under the frame church and the tower that he had added. He also bought two acres of ground for a cemetery, which Archbishop Purcell blessed iu 1857.
In 1860, Father Wiese was removed, and was succeeded by short ministrations from Revs Joseph and Edward Fitzgerald. In 1863, Rev. Henry Fehlings was appointed, and had charge of St. Mary's and missions up to 1869. He built the brick addition to the old frame in 1865; and also purchased a store, and a dwelling-house ad- joining the church. The store he changed into a school, and the dwelling was made the parsonage.
In 1868, St. Mary's fell into the jurisdiction of the new diocese of Columbus, which was estab- lished from the largely growing diocese of Cin- cinnati. Bishop Rosecrans, of Columbus, removed the Rev. H. Fehlings, in 1869, and appointed Rev. J. C. McSweeney as his successor. Mc- Sweeney's stay was only of short duration, and he was soon followed by the Rev. Joseph McPhillips. who died here in February, 1874. Fathers A. O. Walker and Goldschmidt also remained only a short while after their appointment. The present incumbent, Rev. N. E. Pilger, took charge in 1875.
At present (1880) the church has about 700 communicants.
St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church t was originally embraced in the North Ohio Conference.
* By Rev. N. E. Pilger.
+ By the Rev. J. C. Jackson.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
In the fall of 1852, the Rev. John Quigley was appointed, by said conference, to organize a church in South Delaware, for the purpose of occupying more completely that part of the city, and to accommodate the resident membership, for whom it would be convenient. About thirty members constituted the nucleus to begin with. They met to worship, during the two years of Mr. Quigley's pastorate, in the old Delaware Academy building, which, at that day, was used for a ladies' seminary, under the superintendency of the Rev. Samuel L. Yourtee. The official records of this interesting period are lost, so that only the general facts can be given. In the fall of 1854, the Rev. Thompson F. Hildreth was appointed Pastor, and found his congregation without a house for wor- ship, as the seminary had, by this time, been sold to the Presbyterians. A vacant storeroom near by was procured, in which to hold class and prayer meetings, while, for preaching services, the congregation itinerated from place to place, as accommodations best allowed. The plans for church building were now rapidly forwarded, and, before the close of Mr. Hildreth's second year, a substantial and commodious brick building was erected on the site of the present one. It was dedicated by Bishop Morris.
The Rev. L. B. Gurley was next sent as Pastor, in the fall of 1856, and found the society with sixty-five members, and a debt of $2,500. His efficient labors, during two years, were crowned with abundant success. He was warmly sup- ported by an active membership; the women especially, through their sewing circles, and by every available Christian effort, raising funds to meet their indebtedness. The close of Mr. Gurley's second year found them with a largely increased membership and a greatly diminished debt ; for the people had a mind to work. The Rev. Jacob Caples followed as Pastor, and had charge one year. He was succeeded, in the fall of 1859, by the Rev. Horatio S. Bradley. Authentic records begin with this date. Among the prominent names of members we find President Edward Thomson and Prof. F. Merrick, who, from the first, belonged to this Quarterly Conference. The General Conference of 1860 transferred St. Paul's to the Ohio Conference. The Quarterly Confer- ence minutes, for the opening year of 1860-61, show, among official names, the following : Samuel Burkholder, William Cruikshank, Hiram Hull, Charles Neil, Prof. H. M. Perkins, Prof. Godman, Samuel Finley, Werts Atkinson, J. A. Clippinger,
Jason Waterman and Paul Randall. The Pastor's salary this year was. $530, and the Presiding Elder's claim $79. This Quarterly Conference licensed, among others, Thomas J. Scott, the present missionary to India, and Michael J. Cramer, now the United States Embassador at the court of Denmark. L. J. Powell appears as one of the leaders, since then Professor of Natural Science in Willamette University, Oregon. In 1860, the Rev. James F. Given was appointed as Pastor. These were the troublous times of war excite- ment, and the Pastor, unfortunately, sympathized with the rebellion. An enraged populace signifi- cantly hung a coil of rope at his door, and, on another occasion, were only restrained from open violence by the mediation of Prof. Merrick. At the next session of the Ohio Conference, Mr. Given withdrew from the church, and was suc- ceeded in his pastorate by the Rev. T. H. Phillips. The membership, at this time, was still not over two hundred, and the church and parsonage in- debtedness was $1,560. In the year of 1862-63, Prof. F. S. Hoyt was appointed, by the Presiding Elder, to serve as Pastor, generously bestowing his services gratuitously. A good Sabbath-school has gradually been growing up with the church. and appears, for a number of years, under the super- intendency of J. A. Clippinger, with Prof. Godman as assistant. The Rev. James M. Jameson next came to the work, as Pastor, in the fall of 1863, serving .two years, during which time the Stratford ap- pointment was connected with this charge. Among those licensed to preach at this time, appear the names of John F. Thomson, the South American missionary, and George Lansing Taylor, the poet and divine. Two other names have, for a year or two, been occurring on official boards, viz., those of Profs. John P. Lacroix and A. S. B. Newton. The former, by his extensive and schol- arly writings, stamped himself indelibly on the records of Methodism, and both, alas, died young.
The Rev. A. H. Windsor came as Pastor in the fall of 1865. The growing ability of the society is shown in the salary this year being $700 and parsonage. The opening of the conference year 1866-67, ushers in Rev. George W. Brush as Pastor. The church at this time reports out of debt, and the ministerial allowance for the suc- ceeding year is 81,200. After the decease of Rev. Brush, in the second year of his pastorate, Rev. L. B. Gurley, D. D., was appointed to fill the un- expired term. The Rev. David H. Moore took charge in the fall of 1868, and continued through
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two successful years. The present parsonage was purchased in the second winter of Mr. Moore's pastorate, and furnished by the funds of the Ladies' Industrial Societies.
The Rev. Joseph H. Creighton entered on his work in the fall of 1870, and remained Pastor for three years. Mr. Creighton took active measures for establishing a Mission Church in the adjacent territory of South Delaware, and a flourishing Sunday school was opened, which is still sustained mainly by workers from the university.
This charge elected as its delegate to the first Lay Electoral Conference of 1871, Thomas Evans, Jr. The Sunday school was large, provided with a good library, under the superintendency of Z. L. White. The Rev. Isaac Crook became Pastor in the fall of 1873. An effort to enlarge the church in the spring of 1874, to accommodate the overflowing Bible school, now under the enthusias- tic leadership of Prof. J. P. Patterson, resulted disastrously to the building, and necessitated a new church at once. The society rallied to the task, and, under the energetic direction of Dr. F. Mer- rick, in the Board of Trustees, the present edifice was erected, and the lecture-room dedicated in the fall of 1874. Dr. R. Hills, the late Superintendent of the Girls' State Reform School, was the architect. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Robert W. Manley, the new Pastor for this year. Services were held in the university chapel during the interim of tearing down and rebuild- ing the church. In the fall of 1875, the Rev. Samuel A. Keen was appointed Pastor, and re- mained through three eminently successful years. The present Pastor, Rev. John C. Jackson, came to the work in the fall of 1878.
The status of the church now is a membership of 500, about 150 of whom are students. The new church is large, and when completed will be a beautiful structure. It has been built to its present state of completion at a cost of $13,000. The basement portion is at present used for all church services, being admirably constructed for convenience, capacity and taste. A small indebt- edness still lingers, covered by subscription, and rapidly disappearing under the tireless energy of the Ladies' Aid and Debt Fund Association. . A good parsonage, well furnished, stands on the ad- jacent lot to the east, valued at $3,000. Meas- ures will soon be taken to complete the church, when it will be the largest, and, from its com- manding position, the most conspicuous church in the city.
St. Paul's has always been largely patronized by the students, and over 100 of them have been licensed here and sent out as preachers or mission- aries to foreign lands. Among the latter are Dr. T. J. Scott, John F. Thomson, H. H. Lowry, N. J. Plumb, A. Gilruth, C. W. Drees, L. R. Jan- .ney, and others. Five of the Alumni of the uni- versity have returned to serve St. Paul's as Pastors, viz .: George W. Brush, of the class of 1849 ; Isaac Crook, of 1859; S. A. Keen, 1868; J. C. Jackson, 1874; and I. F. King, 1858, Presiding Elder.
But three members of the original society re- main on earth, viz., Dr. F. Merrick and wife, and Margaret Burkholder. May they live long to see the prosperity of their Zion.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church* was organized by the Rev. John M. Brown, under whose fostering care it grew from a few members to quite a respectable congregation, and the corner- stone of the old church was laid in May, 1853. Mr. Brown was followed by the Revs. Davis, Shorter and Devine, all of them men of more than ordinary ability, and of earnest and devout Chris- tian character. Of these first Pastors, Davis and Devine are dead, and two, Brown and Shorter, are now Bishops in the church.
The Rev. G. H. Graham became Pastor in the year 1864. As a pulpit orator, he is the peer of any minister in the connection, and has been deservedly termed the silver-tongued orator. He was beloved by his congregation, and made numer- ous friends outside of it. Under his efforts the church had a large increase.
After him, the following were pastors: In 1865, T. W. Roberts, loved by his congregation ; in 1866, H. A. Jackson, who was both a church lawyer and a pulpit orator; in 1867, William Davidson, an energetic man, and an earnest Chris- tian ; in 1868, William B. Lewis, an earnest worker, and a man whose distinguishing character- istic was extreme kindness; in 1869-70, Robert Hurley, a young man of promise and possessed of a bright intellect; in 1871-72, C. T. Shaffer, an excellent preacher and worker, whose friends were found outside the church, as well as among the membership; in 1873, Robert Turner, a young man, who, though zealous, showed the effects of American slavery ; in 1874-75, Jesse Asbury, a young man of commanding presence and of intel- lectual promise, beloved of the people; in 1876,
* By the Rev. W. D. Mitchell.
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John W. Lewis, who served the people accept- ably ; in 1877, J. B. Stansbury, whose ability is well remembered by all in the city. Under his administration the new church reached its present state of completion. In 1878, T. E. Knox was Pastor, and his earnest Christian life was ac- knowledged by all. In 1879, Rev. W. D. Mitch- ell, the present Pastor, was appointed to this charge, and his pastoral labors have been crowned with the most gratifying results. The church has passed through a wonderful revival; and many earnest, active and intelligent young men and women have been brought under its influence and into its membership. The African Methodist Episcopal Church of Delaware is trying to do its own work faithfully, and is in a prosperous condition.
The First Baptist Church* was organized August 6, 1853, with thirty-seven members. The Rev. E. G. Wood was soon after called as the first Pastor, and served until May, 1855. The church held its meetings in Templar Hall until its house of worship was built. In March, 1854, the society purchased a lot on North Franklin street ; and a church building was here erected, which was dedicated August 1, 1858. Since the first Pastor, the church has had ten regular Pas- tors, who served as follows: Rev. Elias George, from October, 1855, to April, 1856 ; Rev. James Harvey, from May, 1856, to April, 1862 ; Rev. P. P. Kennedy, from May, 1862, to May, 1865 ; Rev. D. A. Randall, from August, 1866, to April, 1867; Rev. A. J. Lyon, from September, 1867, to April, 1870; Rev. J. B. Toombs, from April, 1870, to July, 1871; Rev. B. J. George, from March, 1873, to March, 1874; Rev. G. T. Stan- bury, from November, 1874, to November, 1876; Rev. T. J. Sheppard, from September, 1877, to May, 1878. The Rev. J. W. Icenbarger, the pres- ent Pastor, was settled in October, 1878. The present membership of the church is 110.
Grace Methodist Episcopal Churcht was organ- ized in January, 1860, by the Rev. Henry E. Pilcher, in a small schoolhouse near the grounds of the Agricultural Society. Twelve members in full connection and thirty upon probation consti- tuted the original organization.
When this church was first organized it was in the bounds of the Central Ohio Conference; but,
at the General Conference of 1860, it was trans- ferred to the North Ohio, where it has since re- mained. During the year 1861, by perseverance, and not without sacrifice, tho membership suc- ceeded in erecting a small frame church. In this the congregation worshiped until 1875. Many glorious outpourings of the Holy Spirit were re- ceived by the membership in the little white church ; here many weary sinners were moved to repentance, sought pardon, and started upon the upon the way of happiness and usefulness. .
The church edifice which is now occupied by the congregation, was begun by the Rev. Charles F. Creighton, in 1872. After many reverses, it was finally completed, and dedicated February 7. 1875, by Rev. Bishop Randolph S. Foster. It is located in the eastern part of the city, at the junc- tion of William and Berkshire streets. It is a neat building of brick, with spire and turret. It will comfortably seat 500 people. The seats are of ash, trimmed with black walnut, and flexed at the sides, giving all the auditors a front view of the pulpit. Its commodious and tasteful arrange- ment is commended by all who are acquainted with it.
Grace Church includes within its membership and congregation nearly all the English-speaking Methodists on the east side of the river, and many from the west side, but most of its members live in the country. It has never abounded in wealth, but, under liberal and wise management, it has been able to erect a substantial, neat edifice, and to pay annually the average amount of about $600. It has not increased in membership as rapidly as some other churches more favorably located. It has filled to a considerable extent the place of a mission church, and has exerted much influence upon the fallen, and the lower classes of society. . Its members have, however, as a rule, been good, substantial men and women, who have indeed been servants of the Lord. Consequently many revivals have characterized the history of the church. In 1865, the membership had grown to about 100 persons. During the winter of 1871-72, a powerful revival took place, in which many students of the Ohio Wesleyan University took an active part. At the close of this year the membership numbered about 150,
The church has never been a separate parish. From 1860 to 1865, it was included in the bounds of the Woodbury Circuit: in 1865, it was trans- ferred to the Galena Circuit; in 1868, it was made the chief appointment of a newly formed circuit,
* By Rev. J. W. Icenbarger. + By the Rev. S. R. Squier.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
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called Delaware and Eden Charge. It still belongs to this charge, which now includes also Eden and Cheshire.
The following is a list of the Pastors who have served the church: 1860-61, Revs. Samuel Mower and C. B. Brandebury ; 1861-62, Revs. Philip Plummer and John Blanpied; 1862-63, Revs. Chilton Craven and John Blanpied; 1863- 64, Revs. John Mitchell and William Jones. Mr. Mitchell died in November, 1863, and Rev. Oliver Burgess was sent to fill the vacancy. 1864-65, Revs. James Wheeler and William Jones; 1865- 66, Revs. Allen S. Moffit and Francis M. Searles ; 1866-67, Revs. Heman Safford and Jacob S. Albright ; 1867-68, Revs. Heman Safford and William Hudson ; 1868-69, Rev. Cadwalader H. Owens; 1869-71. Rev. Joseph F. Kennedy. Soon after the commencement of the year 1870- 71, Mr. Kennedy was appointed agent of the Ohio Wesleyan Female Cellege, and Rev. Wesley B. Farrah was appointed to fill out the year. 1871-72, Rev. Stephen Fant was Pastor ; 1872- 73, Rev. Charles F. Creighton ; 1873-76, Rev. Benjamin F. Bell; 1876-77, Rev. William L. Phillips; 1877-80, Rev. Samuel R. Squier.
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