USA > Ohio > Erie County > History of Erie County Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 39
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The Wayne street Baptist Church was organized in 1854, by Rev. L. Ray- mond, and the succeeding pastors were Rev. J. D. Fulton, D.D., 1855-1859; Rev. William Cormac, 1859-1860 ; Rev. Edward Jones, 1865-1867 ; Rev. C H. DeWolf, 1867-1868 ; Rev. E. P. Koberts, 1876-1878 ; Rev. James Samis, 1879; Rev. C. W. Palmer, 1879-1881, and Rev. Granger W. Smith, ISSI. Two men have served no stated supply, Rev. L. Bailey, 1862, and Rev. C. Havens, 1875. Previous to the present the longest pastorate was that of Dr. Fulton. He was with the church nearly three and one-half years, during which time quite a large number were received into its membership, although but little was added to its permanent strength.
The church was organized, and for a short time worshiped in what was known as Campbell's Hall, on Water street. Early in 1855, however, th: church purchased of the Wesleyan Methodists their house of worship, situated upon the northwest corner of the Court- House square. At that time only the basement of the house was finished, but the year following, under the leader- ship of Dr. Fulton, the church finished and furnished the room above. To accomplish this, a debt was incurred, which became so burdensome that in 1862 they exchanged buildings with the German Lutheran, thus coming into possession of their present meeting-house on Wayne street. In 1880 the church decided to enlarge its house of worship, but the city council having raised a question as to the legal rights of its ownership of the land upon which it stands, the matter was necessarily and indefinitely postponed. The final de- cision of the court was not rendered until November, 1887, by which the right to the property was confirmed and given all that it had claimed.
During the history of this church. extending over a period of thirty years, there have been three hundred and thirty-nine members. Of this number one hundred and eighty-one were received upon profession of faith and baptism. Two of those first baptized are still members of the church, Mrs. John Kel- ham and Mrs. Thomas Browning. The following brethren have served the church as deacons : H. B. Green, J. E. Norcross, A. H. Gale, Thomas Brown- ing. John Kelham, Edward Corbett, A. D. Kinney, J. S. Chandler and Daniel
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G. Olds. William Marshall served the church as clerk, for more than sixteen years. The present clerk has held the office for ten years. The church has had but two treasurers, A. H. Gale from 1854 to 1867, and Thomas Browning from 1867 to the present time. The following persons have been members of the church for a quarter of a century or more, viz .: Mrs. Louisa Benjamin, Mrs. E. Kelham, Deacon Thomas Browning, Mrs. T. Browning, Mrs. Wm. Mar- shall, A. Williams, Mrs. A. Williams, Mrs. C. Clemens, Harvey Warren, Mrs. Harvey Warren, Mrs. Elizabeth Sulton, Mrs. M. A. Owen, Mrs. Neil Moore, Mrs. F. Francisco, Mrs. J. W. Upp, and Mrs. Helen Stanley.
The pastorate of the present pastor, Rev. Granger W. Smith, began Octo- ber 1, 1881. Present deacons are : Thomas Browning, J. S. Chandler ; D. G. Olds, clerk ; secretary and treasurer of benevolent fund, Charles L. Polley ; treasurer, Thomas Browning; corresponding secretary, J. S. Chandler ; trus- tees : Thomas Browning, J. S. Chandler. D. G. Olds, William Kelham, C. Ben- jamin.
From its first organization this church has taken a very positive position on the questions of slavery and intemperance, and this at a time when it meant more than it now does. In its church covenant is included a total abstinence pledge, and it holds its position firmly on this basis to-day. The church is now healthy and vigorous and hopeful of a successful and bright future.
It would not be fitting in this brief history of Sandusky's first Baptist Church, to omit an allusion to one of its former pastors, Dr. Fulton, who has since earned for himself a wide reputation as an avowed opposer of Romanism. After a settlement in other cities, and a charge in Boston and Brooklyn, he has at last abandoned the pulpit to give himself entirely to the work of oppos- ing this evil that menaces American institutions.
Zion Baptist Church (colored), west side of Decatur, between Washington and Adams. In the year 1856 Elder Norman Campbell organized this church with only seven members, viz., William Hamilton, E. P. Reynolds, J. Reynolds, Mrs. M. French, Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Susan Jones, Mrs. Hamilton. Trustees, E. P. Reynolds, J. Reynolds and William Hamilton. Deacons, E. P. Reynolds and William Hamilton.
Elder Campbell took charge of the church and remained its pastor for three years. During that time the church increased in membership, and in March the following year a revival was held that resulted in the accession of thirty new members. Among the number was Nathaniel Jones.
In the spring of 1857 a building was purchased and partially paid for through the agency of Elder Campbell, who was appointed to collect funds for that purpose. In the fall of 1859 he left and was succeeded by Elder H. H. Hamilton, who became pastor and labored here during 1859. In that year the society was incorporated, and the following persons chosen trustees: Nathaniel Jones, Laurence Johnson and E. P. Reynolds.
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During the year 1860 the members made a great effort to pay off the deb: still remaining on the lot, but notwithstanding all their exertions they did no: succeed, and Nathaniel Jones met the difficulty by mortgaging his own hou-e and lot, for means to pay the debt. About this time William Hamilton, one o: the principal deacons died, praying that the debt might be removed. There was no regular pastor at that time, but in the autumn of 1861 Elder Dardes took charge of the church as pastor but failed to add to the church financial or spiritual power.
In 1862 they called Elder Bowser to be pastor. In 1863 there was a divi- sion the church caused by E. P. Reynolds, and as it could not be satisfactorily adjusted by the church itself, it was referred to the association, and it recom- mended that two sister churches be called in to settle the matter. Churches of Columbus and Urbana were selected, and the matter settled by a committee of three-Elder Poindexter and Mr. John Cooper of Columbus, and Brother Chaffee of Urbana. Soon after this E. P. Reynolds left the city taking with him the church books and papers. Elder Bowser continued to serve as pastor a year, and then for two or three years the pulpit was supplied by different min- isters until about 1865, when James Shoecroft was called to be the pastor, and filled that office for two years, during which time twenty- five members were
added to the church. He was succeeded by D. B. Huston, who remained in charge for four years. Elder McViney succeeded him and remained two years. During his pastorate the church was greatly blessed in a large accession of mem- bers, twenty-two being added in the two years. L. Burley followed him and remained one year, and he was succeeded by Elder P. Williams, who filled the pulpit for six months, when it was again occupied by Mr. Viney for six months. This was about one year ago and during the interregnum there has been no settled pastor. Brother W. Shelton from Cincinnati has supplied the pulpit as missionary for about five months. The present membership of the church is forty-nine. Present trustees are Harrison Bartlett, Harrison Washington and Nathaniel Jones. Deacons, Harrison Washington, Nathaniel Jones, Moses Washington, Moses Thompson.
Church of the Holy Angels, corner of Jefferson street and Tiffin avenue, Rev. John Tracy, pastor. Half a century ago, in Northern Ohio there were but few Catholic Churches, and these were widely separated. There are those still living who relate the difficulties they met in trying to attend the first meet- ing called in Sandusky for the purpose of establishing a church. After walk- ing from Bellevue, they reached Sandusky in time to see the people dispers- ing. Rev. P. Machebeuf had taken steps to bring about the desired result, and the meeting was held in a vacant store-room which now forms a part of Mr. Kunzman's carriage-shop, on Water street.
That year the walls were partly built, and during the next year they were completed. But the roof was not put on until the year following, and the un-
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THE CITY OF SANDUSKY.
finished building was at once occupied by the waiting congregation. At this time there was nothing within but bare walls and uncouth plank seats. This was in 1843.
It was a bold enterprise for a man to undertake in those days, when men had nothing to give toward it but their labor; Father Machebeuf found it no easy thing to carry out his design, and after exhausting all the resources within their reach he was forced to see the work stop and wait for new strength. At this time he was called to leave Sandusky and go to France on business of a private character, and decided to make this an occasion før raising funds to carry on the building he had begun. During his absence, Rev. Father Rappe, then of Toledo, but since bishop of Cleveland, took charge of the congregation in Sandusky.
There has been much fault found with these early fathers. It has since been thought by some to have been a lamentable mistake that this church should have been built so far from the center of the city ; but it must be re- membered that the few scattered Catholics of that time were poor, and when Mr. W. H. Mills offered four or five lots for a site for a church on a leading avenue, with several acres at a short distance for a cemetery, it was but too gladly accepted. At that time the growth of the town was westward. The Mad River railroad was just opened, with its shops at that end of the town, and the congregation was desirous of securing land enough for a school and priest's residence, for which the amount given was more than sufficient. The reverend gentlemen had but few such offers, and the generosity of the donor was the more marked because prejudices at that time were strong and bitter. What was afterward deemed a mistake has been blessed with abundant in- crease, having proved the nucleus from which two large and flourishing con- gregations have been formed, viz. : St. Mary's, and St. Peter and Paul.
When Father Machebeuf returned from his foreign trip, the work was at once resumed and completed. Its consecration followed immediately by Rev. Bishop Purcel.
Scarcely had it been finished before it was found too small for its rapidly increasing congregation. It was forty by sixty, with an octagonal niche at the west end of twenty feet. This formed a recess for the altar, but failed to furnish sufficient room for its worshipers. . Two wings were added. It was still too small, but the German-speaking portion of the congregation finally withdrew and built a church for themselves.
Rev. Father Machebeuf in the meantime continued to provide for the ac- commodation of his ever-increasing flock, and at one time occupied and held services in a large building on Wayne street, now occupied by Mr. C. Cook. This accommodated those who lived in the eastern portion of the town.
About the year 1850 Father Machebeuf was called upon to leave for other fields of duty in the far West, and although his congregation were greatly at-
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tached to him he was called upon to leave the church for which he had so faithfully labored. Success followed him to his new field of labor. He is now known as the first bishop of Denver. He was succeeded by Father Conlan in 1851, who saw that something must be done at once for the welfare of th church of the future in Sandusky. A more central location was looked for. and lots purchased on the corner of Jackson and Jefferson streets, at a cost of $2,000. On one of these it was decided to build a school-house at once, and in 1852 the large brick school-house, now used chiefly for girls, and also as .. dwelling for the Sisters was built at a cost of $7,000 by Father Conlan. This resulted in a debt of $10,000, which, in those times, was a heavy burden, bu: under the faithful work of Rev. Felix M. Boff, who succeeded Father Con- lan, this was greatly reduced and the troubles were tided over.
In 1856 Rev. Alexis Caron took charge of Holy Angels and labored zeal- ously for the glory of God and the good of Sandusky, in season and out of sea- son, and seeing the pressing need he resolved to build a chapel himself, which he called St. Mary's. He walked three-quarters of a mile, through heat and cold, sun and storm, to say mass on Sundays and holy days, and when he let he bequeathed this legacy of work and good deeds to his successor. He also built a school-house for boys on the chapel grounds, at a cost of $1,599. Thi- was built and paid for by penny collections.
Rev. Louis Molon succeeded Father Caron in 1861 and remained for a couple of years, and was followed by Rev. Father Sidley.
The demand for more room became more and more pressing, and in 186; Father Sidley having secured a suitable location on the corner of Columbus avenue and Jefferson street commenced the erection of a church there, which has since been known as that of St. Peter and Paul. After four years of per- sistent labor it was completed and the entire congregation of Holy Angels re- moved to it. For some years after there was an early service in the church o! the Holy Angels, but there was no organization, no revenue, and after a time the doors were closed, and all that remained of its former self was the deserted building.
There were some business complications, however, which could not be re- moved or transferred. In order that its obligations to Mr. Mills might be complied with it was evident that the church could not be abandoned, and therefore in 1875 Rev. Father Smythe was appointed pastor and the bounda- ries of the parish fixed and determined. From this period is dated the history of the second church of the Holy Angels.
By wise and prudent management Father Smythe rallied and united the members of his congregation, and succeeded in building a fine two-story brick school house, and also made many other improvements. He remained twelve years and was succeeded by Rev. Father Tracy, who entered on his duties or. the 7th day of August, 1887, and is still pastor of the church of Holy Angels.
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He has decided on renovations and improvements, which will add greatly to the prosperity of the church.
There are at present about one hundred and fifty families belonging to the congregation. They are all to be found in the humbler walks of life, but they are willing and anxious to assist their pastor to the extent of their ability, that their church in its new adornments shall stand as a lasting memorial of his faithfulness and earnestness.
St. Mary's Catholic Church, southeast corner Decatur and Jefferson street. St. Mary's Catholic Church (new), northwest corner Jefferson and Miami ave- nue, Rev. Nicholas Moes pastor. There was a meeting of German Catholics in the Bell House before the church of the Holy Angels was built, and for sev- eral years this organization continued without a building of their own, and wor- shiped in the church of the Holy Angels. In the year 1855 they built a stone church at the corner of Jefferson street and Decatur, also a residence for a pas- tor and a frame school-house, under the pastorate of J. Hamene. In the year 1862 and 1863 a stone school-house with four spacious rooms was built under the pastorate of Rev. Hackspiel and Nicholas Moes, the present pastor of St. Mary's.
In the year 1873 the corner-stone of the new edifice at the corner of Mi- ami avenue and Jefferson street was laid by Right Rev. R. Gilmour. This building was completed and dedicated the 28th of November, 1880. It is an elegant Gothic structure of the style belonging to the fourteenth century, and built of the cut stone out of native quarries. It is one of Sandusky's great or- naments, and from its conspicuous size and height attracts the eye in every di- rection. It measures one hundred and eighty-four feet long by seventy-eight wide. The steeple is two hundred and twelve feet in height. This church cost with all its contents and surroundings $100,000, and has a membership of seven hundred families. There are six hundred children in its schools. The entire property is valued at $130,000.
St. Peter and St. Paul's, corner Columbus avenue and Jefferson street, Rev. R. A. Sidley, pastor. The history of a church, like that of an individual, is so intimately connected with the past that it is sometimes almost impossible to dissociate them. In writing the history of this church we see its early life, in a measure, interwoven with that of the earlier organization known as the Church of the Holy Angels. We find its very existence was the result of a mistake of years ago, and all it has since been to the city is traceable to this cause.
Rev. Father Sidley came to Sandusky April 28, 1863, to take charge of the Church of Holy Angels. He was vigorous, enthusiastic, and in the prime of life. He found a building sadly in need of repairs ; a debt of $3,500 on the property, and a not very attractive house for the pastor to live in. He proceeded to have the church edifice put in order, at a cost of $900,
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and bought and paid for an addition to the old grave-yard at a cost of $1,080.
Two years later, in the spring of 1865, he called together the principal members of his church, by the advice of the ordinary of the diocese, Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe, to see what could be done for the better accommodation of his congregation. After due deliberation the meeting resolved that it would not be wise to add to the present church, whose location was not central, but that a lot be purchased on the opposite side of the street from the school, for the erection of a new building. This proved too small, and after great difficulty the two lots on which it now stands were selected and purchased at a cost of $2,400.
In the spring of 1866 the foundation was begun for a new church on the corner of Columbus avenue and Jefferson street. The corner-stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, and from this time, the 22d of July, until the following Easter the building was pushed rapidly forward to completion. On the 9th of April, 1871, the congregation took possession of their new edifice. The altar was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour on the 25th of May. 1872, under the invocation of the two great apostles, Saints Peter and Paul. The entire church was consecrated by the same prelate on the 3d of November. 1878. It is a handsome building, one hundred and forty-five feet in length and seventy-one feet in width. The height of the tower is one hundred and thirty-five feet.
The material is blue lime-stone ornamented with sandstone. The interior is neat and finished with taste. The ceiling is particularly worthy of mention. It is composed of several large arches, delicately tinted and heavily groined, entirely unsupported by pillars and giving an increasing effect to the altar and windows.
The cost of the church was $75.000. It can accommodate 1,200 people very comfortably.
Adjoining the church is the pastor's house, built also of blue stone at a cost of $5,000, in 1871, and increased by an addition the following year for the Sisters' school-house. This cost $2,000.
For five years the entire congregation worshiped in the new church. Then a division of the parish was made, a part of which afterward became the parish of the Holy Angels.
Father Sidley also interested himself in the transformation of the little chapel built by Rev. Father Caron, into a hall under the title of "St. Aloysiu- Young Men's Catholic Temperance Hall," and there all temperance meetings are held, as well as other Catholic meetings, and is neatly arranged and pro- vided with a library for the use of members who desire to benefit by it. There is also a reading-room for young men, a school-room for girls, and a. sewing- room for ladies' societies.
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At the time Father Smythe was appointed to the Holy Angels, the debt on St. Peter and Paul amounted to between $10,000 and $12,000. The schools of the church are well attended and in excellent condition. One fea- ture of this church cannot but strike the most thoughtless reader, and that is, the harmony and unanimity of action between pastor and people. During the years of trial and sacrifice always attending the building of a place of worship, a suggestion from the pastor was always sufficient to bring a response from his people, and the result is a building of which they may well be proud. It is an ornament to the city, and ranks with the best of the diocese in elegance, taste, and convenience.
The present amount of property owned by St. Peter and Paul's Church is $90,000, with an indebtedness of $2,000. Father Sidley is still its faithful pastor, laboring for the welfare of his people.
Congregational Church .- The first religious organization in Sandusky was that of the Congregational Church, established on the 28th day of May, 1819. Its members at that time were six in number, viz .: Nathan T. Jennings, Maria Jennings, David McMurray, Elizabeth McMurray, Lydia Watkins, and Anna Silvia. Revs. John Seward and Joseph Treat, missionaries of the Connecticut Missionary Society, conducted the exercises, and from the church record we make an extract of their entry at that time :
"And having obtained satisfactory evidence that these individuals were suitable persons to belong to Christ's visible church, notwithstanding the num- ber was small, still, as there were others who would have been present and offered themselves had they not been providentially prevented, it was thought proper to proceed and organize a church."
It was not, however, until a year later that any accessions were made to the number, when four more names were added to the original six. During this time nothing is found that shows the presence of any clergyman, and for a period of eight years no addition was made to their number. Sandusky grew but slowly. Death and removals reduced the list to two, viz .: Samuel Walker and his wife, Mrs. Sally Ann Walker. Six years passed, and these two souls, with a few others of different denominations, held regular prayer meet- ings and conducted a Sabbath meeting by reading a sermon and devotional exercises.
In 1825 Rev. Isaac S. Demund, employed by the United Missionary Society, preached every other Sabbath for six months. The alternate Sab- baths he preached in Milan.
The first minister employed by the people to preach the gospel in Sandusky was Rev. William M. Adams, in 1828, under whom several members were added to the church. He remained a part of a year, and from 1830 to 1835 Rev. Henry Cowles, S. J. Bradstreet, Lorin Robins and Bennet Roberts offi- ciated for different lengths of time.
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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
In 1836 the first pastor was installed, and dismissed in 1838. Since that time the following clergymen have succeeded to the pastorate :
Rev. Alvan Nash from 1836 to 1838* " J. A. Hart. 1838 “ 1845*
£ Leveritt Hull 1845 “ 1847*
N. W. Fisher 1847 " 1849*
R. B. Bement 1849 “ 1850*
C. J. Pitkin 1850 “ 1852*
J. S. Edwards
1853 “ 1854*
Alexander Duncanson
1854 " 1857*
James Walker 1857 " 1863*
E. P. Ingersoll
1863 “ 1868
" H. N. Burton 1868 “ 1876
Josiah Strong. 1876 “ 1881 " E. C. Barnard.
1881 “ 1883
" George H. Peeke. 1883 " the present.
From its first origin the church has been strictly Congregational, formed under what is known as the plan of Union. This did not mean that it should, under any circumstances, be under the care of a Presbytery, but made a pro- . vision for the appointment of ruling elders, who might be called upon to dis- cipline members.
In the year 1835 a charter was obtained providing that "The First Con- gregational Church of Sandusky be a body corporate and politic, with the power to hold property," etc.
During the first fourteen years this organization had no fixed place of wor- ship. Sometimes they worshiped in small school-houses, sometimes in an empty work-shop, and often in private dwellings. Sectarianism in these early times was not strong, and all who loved the Lord met together whenever and wherever occasion offered.
In 1835 the east end of the court-house (then called the academy) was fitted up for the use of this church and a select school for young ladies, and was used thus for eighteen months. At this time measures were taken :0 build, and a stone building measuring sixty by forty feet and fronting to the north on the Public Square was begun. It was finished in 1836 and dedicate ! to the worship of God. The single tower occupied the center of the north end and was furnished with a bell at once. This building was in use nineteen year -. when its walls were mostly taken down to the main floor and the materi .. used again in the present building, occupying the same site, but extending : Columbus avenue, on which it fronts. Its length is ninety feet; width sixt; . four feet ; height of main tower, with spire, one hundred and sixty feet. T. : audience-room has a seating capacity of more than five hundred, and this
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