History of Fairfield County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 36

Author: Miller, Charles Christian, 1856- [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co
Number of Pages: 874

USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 36

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).

In his autobiography, James B. Finley re- fers to Nimrod Bright and Jesse Spurgeon as two local preachers and Edward Teal, Wil- liam Hamilton and Benjamin Smith, as other devout men and prominent Metho- dists on the Fairfield circuit in that early day.

It is worthy of mention that after one hundred years of Methodism in Lancaster there are still in the old First Church in this city, members who are descendants of

the consecrated men of that early time. Mrs. Carrie Rising, widow of the late Philip Rising, being a niece of James B. Finley and Mrs. Ida Bellerman, Miss Libbie Webb and Mrs. Geo. O. Beery being direct descend- ants of both Nimrod Bright and Jesse Spur- geon.

From 1811 to 1830, Methodism had so spread that several circuits were formed, and this part of the work was called Fair- field circuit. The preachers on Fairfield circuit in this time were: Francis Travis, James B. Finley, assisted by Isaac Quinn. William Landon, Archibald McElroy. Charles Waddle, Michael Ellis, James Quinn. James McMahon, Sadosa Bacon. Peter Stephens, Abner Goff, Henry Mat- thews, Charles Thorn, William Stephens. Zara Coston, James Gilruth, Thomas A. Morris, Joseph Carper. Isaac C. Hunter. Homer J. Clark, Leroy Swormsted, James Laws, Gilbert Blue, Jacob Young, Cornelius Springer, Zachariah Connell, Henry C. Fernandes and Samuel Hamilton. The number of members at the close of this period was 1,276. From 1830 to 1839. Lan- caster and the surrounding country was formed into a half-station. The preachers during this period were: Zachariah Connell, William Young, John Ferree, Edward D. Roe, William H. Lawder, Levi White, W. T. Snow, John J. Bruce, Charles W. Swain. William T. Hand, Charles R. Baldwin, John Reed and Charles R. Lovell. The second church edifice was erected in 1838-'9, and dedicated by Rev. J. M. Trimble. There were at this time in Lancaster circuit 919 members.

In 1840, Lancaster was made a station. and the following ministers have been ap- pointed as pastors : Henry Baker, William R. Anderson, William P. Strickland, R. S.

321

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Foster. M. Dustin, Granville Moody. Will- church property including the pipe organ, iam H. Sutherland. Moses Smith, Ancel was sold to the Masonic bodies of Lancas- ter, and converted into one of the most beautiful Masonic temples in Ohio. Brooks, N. Westerman, J. M. Jameson. Ezra M. Boring. J. H. Creighton. William Porter, C. E. Felton. C. A. Vananda. Thos. The site for the present church edifice on the corner of High and Wheeling streets, was purchased from Miss Nellie C. Stutson and by her deeded to Joli A. Heim, John T. Busby, Frederick C. Whiley, Jesse l'. Out- calt. William Davidson, Joseph S. Sites, Charles C. Pickering. Henry B. Peters and Henry C. Drinkle, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lancaster, O .. April 1, 190.4. H. Phillips and L. Taft. From the pastor- ate of Rev. L. Taft in 1868 to the present time the following ministers have served the First M. E. church, Lancaster, Ohio: B. N. Spahr, two years; T. R. Taylor, three years : Joseph N. Creighton, one year : T. W. Stan- ley, three years : J. T. Miller, three years. 1877, 1878. 1879-'80; O. J. Nave, two years ; W. P. Mclaughlin, three years : J. M. Weir, two years: J. T. Miller, a second pastorate of three years : John W. Dillon, five years ; W. L. Slutz, two years : Charles C. Elison. ten years : H. B. Lewis, three years, and C. B. Pyle, the present pastor, who is serving his second year.

The following are the presiding elders who have presided over the district of which Lancaster and Fairfield county have formed a part. in the order of time as they have served: Daniel Hitt, Thornton Fleming. William Burk. John Sale. James Quinn, David Young, Jacob Young, Charles Wad- dle, Leroy Swormsted, Augustus Eddy, John Ferree, Joseph M. Trimble. David Whitcomb, Robert O. Spencer, John W. Clark. Zachariah Connell, John Stewart, D. D. Mather, John W. White, B. N. Spahr, J. M. Trimble. W. T. Harvey. T. H. Hall, T. WV. Stanley, S. A. Keen, A. C. Kelley, W. H. Lewis. W. L. Slutz. W. D. Cherrington and J. C. Arbuckle.

The second Methodist church, built on the same lot where the first one stood, was a commodious building, and continued to be used as a house of worship by the First M. E. church until September 8, 1907, when the last regular service was held therein. This

At the beginning of the building of the present church the quarterly conference ap- pointed a building committee consisting of William M. Leiby. Horatio G. Trout, Joseph S. Sites, Henry B. Peters and James T. Pickering. Richards, McCarthy & Bul- ford, architects of Columbus, Ohio, were employed to prepare the plans and specifica- tions for the new edifice and superintend its construction. The beautiful building itself stands as a sufficient testimonial to the ability and efficiency of all who had to do with its construction and adornment.

The cornerstone of the new church was laid October 10. A. D., 1905, by Dr. Herbert Welch, president of the Ohio Wesleyan university. The church was dedicated Sep- tember 15. A. D., 1907, by Dr. Thomas C. Iliff of Denver, Colorado, who preached the first sermon on the day of dedication. The lot and church together cost $80.000.00.

The whole building enterprise was the culmination of a ten-years' pastorate by Rev. Charles C. Elson, whose indefatigable labors in that behalf, made possible the con- sumption of the great work.

The new church has greatly prospered under the efficient ministries of Rev. Harry

322

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

B. Lewis, who served the first three years in the new church and Rev. Charles Bert- ram Pyle, the present minister.

Officers of the church-Rev. J. C. mary department.

Arbuckle, district superintendent; Rev. Charles Bertram Pyle, minister ; Rev. J. W. Ricketts, local preacher.

Stewards-H. G. Trout, William M. Leiby, James T. Pickering, E. Burgess, George M. Bell, Charles F. Fricker, George P. Rising, John E. Miller, Robert Whiley, C. G. Amendt, Amos S. Thomas, James A. Skinner, R. A. Gifford, Homer E. Elder, J. W. Deffenbaugh, James S. Reed, C. E. Ruble, J. L. Burnett, Dr. R. W. Mondhank.

Trustees-Joseph S. Sites, Chas. C. Pick- ering, H. C. Drinkle, John A. Heim, H. B. Peters, A. A. Dannison, D. P. Dickson, W. H. Radebaugh, D. F. Smith. James T. Pickering, treasurer ; H. B. Smith, financial secretary.

Class Leaders-H. T. Rockey, WV. A. Murphy. William E. Repass, president Ep- worth League; Mrs. J. L. Denny, president Ladies' Aid Society; L. E. Eyman, presi- dent Methodist Brotherhood; Mrs. C. T. Moore, president Woman's Foreign Mis- sionary Society; Mrs. L. E. Eyman, presi- dent Woman's Home Missionary Society ; Miss Emily Gifford, president Young Ladies' Missionary Society; Miss Helen Towson, director King's Heralds; Mrs. Brunella Miesse, organist; Samuel R. Gaines, chorister. '

ister; Miss Helen Towson, organist; Miss Mary Harris, statistical secretary.

Mrs. C. T. Moore, superintendent pri-

First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, Ohio .- At a meeting of the session and trus- tees of this church, June 16, 1905, it was de- cided to celebrate their centennial October 20, 21 and 22, 1905. The committee to prepare for this celebration was Messrs. John K. Henry, S. J. Wolfe, C. T. McCoy, Geo. M. Hickle. Rev. John Gurley, the pastor in charge, was requested to prepare a history of the church from its organization to the pres- ent time. The facts in this sketch are from that history.

The call to Rev. John Wright was signed by representatives of the united congregations of Hocking and Rush Creek on March 15, 1805, and the call was accepted October 15, 1805. There were twenty-five charter members; they came from Pennsylvania, Virginia and some directly from Scotland and Ireland. At a meeting held November 24, 1819, it was re- solved to be incorporated under the name of "The Congregation of Lancaster." By a spe- cial act of the legislature, February 4, 1836, it was incorporated as the "First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster."

The services were held in cabins until the completion of the first court house which they occupied as a meeting place for sixteen years. The first edifice built in 1823 was a modest brick structure (one story high), the second brick building in Lancaster. It cost $1,600 and the trustees shrewdly stipulated that the contractors were to collect $1,200 from the subscribers.

Officers of Sunday School-W. H. Radebaugh, superintendent; Laurence D. Thomas J. W. Deffenbaugh, assistant superin- tendents ; Burns Schryver, secretary; Wm. E. Repass, assistant secretary ; E. L. Du- Nine years after the completon of the first church it was sold to the school board and the maree, treasurer ; Ellsworth Pickering, Rus- sell Ash, librarians; Azariah Gray, chor- congregation built a second church in 1834.

OLD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ERECTED 1838

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LANCASTER, OHIO

325

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

It was a two-story building and a very hand- some structure for that day. There was a gallery extending around three sides. This church was used for sixty-six years. In 1890 the congregation decided to build a new church on the same lot with auditorium and Sabbath school room on the same floor. The cost of the new church was $13,600. The church was first occupied Thanksgiving day, 1892, but ow- ing to the panic of 1893, the indebtedness was not entirely liquidated until January 14, 1900, when the church was dedicated free of debt.

This is the list of faithful pastors who have served this church: John Wright, 1805-1836; William Cox, 1836-1850; John M. Lourie, 1850-1856; Robert C. Galbraith, 1857-1862; A. T. Fullerton, stated supply, 1862; J. M. Drake, stated supply, 1862: George H. Fullerton, 1862-1864; Edward P. Swift, stated supply, 1864; James A. Worden, stated sup- ply, 1865; Eben Muse, stated supply, 1865- 1866; George H. Webster, 1866-1867; Horace S. Snodgrass, 1868-1871; Joseph R. Boyd, 1872-1885; E. B. Andrews, stated supply, 1885; Thomas S. Huggart, 1886-1889; Will- iam McMillan, 1889-1892; John Gourley, 1892-1907; Rev. Gelvin, 1907-1909; Hugh Leith, 1909 -.

St. Mary's Catholic Church, at Lancaster, Ohio, has an old and interesting history. which is interwoven with the early settlement of Fairfield county, and is closely associated with names which have become illustrious, not only in the annals of the state of Ohio, but in those of the nation. It is only necessary to mention such names as Ewing and Sherman, zealous Catholics, to prove the statement.

The Dominican Fathers erected the first church, a frame structure, at what is now Lan- caster, Ohio, in 1820. It was situated near the canal, on Chestnut street, the lot having been donated by Thomas Fricker. Prior to this, re-

ligious services had been held, there having been many Catholic settlers even as early as 1800, in which year the pioneer of the Ewing family, Hugh Boyle Ewing, took up his home in what, in 1790 had been an Indian settlement of one hundred wigwams. In 1800, however, Ebenezer Zane, a settler of 1797, laid out the present town and its natural beauty and prom- ising future soon attracted seekers for a home. The Irish race was well represented and these worthy people immediately set about establish- ing church relations. The old records show that the first Mass was celebrated in 1817, by Rev. Edward Fenwick, a Dominican Father, who was afterward appointed the first bishop of Cincinnati.

The priests of the Dominican Order had charge of the church until October, 1839, when Rev. Joshua M. Young was appointed first resident pastor. Being a man of great energy, it was not long before he had work undertaken looking to the building of a new church edifice, and this was completed by 1841, a substantial brick structure arising on the cor- ner of High and Chestnut streets, which was later used as a parochial school. Father Young remained in charge until February, 1854, and was subsequently appointed first bishop of Erie, Pennsylvania. He was succeeded at Lancaster by Rev. Henry Lange, who soon found a rapidly increasing congregation with inadequate accommodations for them. Like so many other zealous and untiring young priests, he chafed under the disadvantage that thus confronted the parish and very soon had work started for the building of a larger church, with other improvements. Fortu- nately there were wealthy members in his con- gregation, who, in spite of their personal losses on account of the Civil war then in progress, came to his aid, and a suitable and beautiful church building was finally completed, its lo-

326

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

cation being on High street. The stately edi- fice was consecrated by Archbishop Purcell on June 5, 1864, the only note of sadness, in the midst of the rejoicings being that Father Lange had not lived to take part in these cere- monies, his death having occurred in the pre- vious spring. St. Mary's at that time was con- ceded to be by far the most attractive church edifice at Lancaster and even now compares favorably with other structures on the exte- rior, while its interior far surpasses the beauty of any other building.

In August, 1864. Father Bernard Evers took charge of St. Mary's and several other temporary pastors administered prior to 1865. when Rev. Regan took charge, who, in 1867. was succeeded by Rev. F. J. Rudolph. From then until 1884, the pastors were: Father Louis DeCailly. Father N. E. Pilger, and Rer. J. B. Schmitt, all of whom earnestly labored in the interests of the parish. In August. 1884, Father Pilger took charge and remained until his death, in 1905. In January. 1906. Rev. J. B. Mattingly, of Logan, Ohio, was chosen by the Rt. Rev. Bishop, to succeed Father Pilger, and he assumed his pastoral du- ties at St. Mary's in the following month.

While St. Mary's is the only Catholic church at Lancaster, in its various avenues of useful- ness it is in close touch with modern demands. It numbers many of its members in benevolent. First English Lutheran Church .- Prior to 1843 there was but one Lutheran church in Lancaster (St. Peter's) and both English and Germans occupied the same church, having alternate services until 1846, when the church burned. At this time the English members sold their interest to the Germans and bought a patriotic and purely church organizations, while probably no church has better or more numerous or more safe social advantages to offer to its congregation than has St. Mary's. On July 2, 1905, a council of the Knights of Columbus was organized at St. Mary's, Lan- caster, and among other prospering organiza- site on the east side of Columbus street, be- tions under its aegis are : the Holy Name So- ciety, the Ladies' Auxiliary. the Catholic Knights of Ohio, the Knights of St. John and the St. Joseph's Benevolent Society. In both

temporal and spiritual things, St. Mary's has accomplished much and under the earnest di- rection of its present pastor is still advancing. Being a man of work and attainments, of cour- age. faith and hope, he sets no limit to what St. Mary's may become to this section in the fu- ture.

St. John's Episcopal Church .- As early as 1835. there being a number of Episcopal fami- lies among the early settlers of Lancaster, a church organization was effected called the Episcopal parish of St. John. The first rector was Rev. Sherlock A. Bronson. In 1847 the lot at the corner of Broad and Wheeling streets was purchased and by the efforts of a band of church women and such honored sons of Lancaster as Henry Stanbery, John T. Brasee, Daniel Sifford, John Reber, Daniel Kutz and William T. Creed. Rev. Alva Quinn was pastor. After seven years-September 26. 1852-Bishop Mellvaine dedicated the church, and as the church record states. "It was beautifully finished and furnished, and ac- cording to the Bishops' requirements, out of debt." The following rectors have served this congregation : Revs. Strong. Bishop, Risser, Boutet, Gray. Lathrop, Simpson. Brittain, Scott, Gorrell. Cartwell, Colton, Burnett, Rip- pey, Hills. Pearson, Rambo, Mccutcheon and J. A. Miller.

tween Wheeling and Mulberry streets. In 1846 they built a brick church there. In 1892 this church was enlarged and very greatly im- proved. The following pastors have served

327

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

this congregation-Revs. McCrow, Shaeffer, Waddel, Kizer, Hamilton, Reinmund, Sprec- ker, Kneisley, Steck, Helnig, Hough, Halder- man, Morris, Schindler, Richardson and Bow- ers.

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church .- This is one of Lancaster's earliest churches. The precise date is not known, as the records were burned in 1846. Previous to 1810 the first society was formed by Rev. Steck and he was pastor till 1829; Rev. John Wagenhals filled the pulpit until 1845; he was followed by Revs. Burcher, Hart, Speilman and Mechling.

Rev. Mechling was a power not only in his church but in the community at large. He found a congregation of one hundred and fifty, nearly all speaking German. The few English speaking Lutherans felt that they were en- titled to a part of the services in English and Rev. Mechling insisted that half the services be German and half English. His congrega- tion increased to eight hundred, notwithstand- ing removals. In 1880 the present church was erected and it is a beautiful church. "The chancel is a close copy of Thorwaldsen at Copenhagen, the statues, Christ and the Apos- tles, being life-size, while the pulpit and font are works of art, and the windows of stained glass throw a halo on the entire interior, mak- ing it a most delightful place, restful, com- forting and instructive. The grand bell of three thousand pounds, added in recent years, can be heard for miles around. This church has a remarkable history, has done much for Lancaster and for many other communities to which have gone out the sons and daughters of Old St. Peter's. Rev. E. F. Ritter is pas- tor of this church (1912).

Emanuel Lutheran Church .- The organiza- tion of this church took place in 1849 by the withdrawel of twelve members from St. Peter's church. These twelve desired that the

services be held entirely in the German lan- guage and called their society "First German Congregation of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession." F. W. Richman was their first pastor. He was followed by J. P. Calb, F. W. Faclinger, J. S. Daib, M. Merz, J. Neitli- amer, E. J. Frederick, J. Slocum, C. A. Frank, E. Kailer, C. A. Frank, C. F. Boesch, C. Dreyer and Dr. C. A. Kaumeyer, who is the present pastor. The church has about three hundred communicants, but a larger number of adherents and members of the congrega- tion, and also a flourishing Sunday school.

Trinity Evangelical Church .- About 1869 there was a section of Berne township in which there was no church or Sunday school, and in that year there was a successful Sun- day school organized, with J. Gravett as super- intendent in a schoolhouse on what is now South Cherry street. In 1870 Rev. Schwartz and Rev. J. A. Hensel arranged for preaching services of the Evangelical denomination and in less than a year the interest in this com- munity was so great that the schoolhouse would no longer accommodate the people. Rev. A. Leohner succeeded Rev. Schwartz and in 1872 a church was built on East Main street. The pastors since 1872 have been Rev. Orwig, Rev. Schwartz (re-appointed), Shupe, Cochlin, Spiller, Hensel, Rife, Mohn, Sher- rick, Wengard, McCauley, Beery and Harry L. Zachman, pastor in 1912.

Grace Reformed Church .- Of the many in- teresting church edifices of Lancaster. Grace Reformed church is the oldest, having been begun in 1845 and finished in 1853. This church was organized as early as 1818, with twenty members and Rev. George Wise as pastor. The first church was occupied from 1832 till 1845. Rev. G. B. Mechling was pas- tor in 1861, and this remarkable fact bespoke of the patriotism of Grace Reformed church.

328

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Every official member of the church enlisted for the war, and but for the women services must have been entirely discontinued. The pastor removing to Butler county, they asked the aid of the Classes and as a mission church Grace was served three years by Rev. Milton Hockman and Rev. J. I. Swander. No history of this church should be written without a mention of the loyalty, perseverence and de- termination of Mesdames Geisy, Hood and Crutchey, through whose influence church work at Grace Reformed was carried on dur- ing this interim. Rev. Strousner and Rev. Hale followed and during this time this church received its present name, having been known up to this time as St. John's. The fol- lowing pastors have served since Rev. Hale : Revs. Spangler, Kendig, Scott Hershey, Smith, Shullenberger, Derr, Snepp and the present pastor, Rev. Wallace W. Foust.

United Brethern Church .- "After several unsuccessful attempts to establish this church in 1897, Rev. M. Hart opened a Sabbath school in the Baptist Church on Columbus street. The school continued during the sum- mer marked by a splendid growth. On No- vember 28, 1897, Rev. M. Hart and Rev. J. W. Miles, organized a United Brethren Class with 26 charter members. In 1899 Rev. L. J. Hopper was stationed here as pastor for one year."

Rev. M. Hart followed Hopper as pastor and during his pastorate of three years a new brick church was erected on northeast cor- ner of Broad street and King avenue at a cost of about $6,000.

Unfortunately, the building was poorly constructed and soon spread apart and threat- ened to fall in. But the congregation felt un- able to build again, and continued to use the building through the pastorate of Hart. Rev. W. H. Wright served the church two years;

Rev. J. B. Bovey, three years. The present pastor, Rev. C. C. Allton, took charge of the work September 13, 1909. About December 20th following, the old building was con- demned as unsafe by State Inspectors of Pub- lic Buildings. This was a testing time for a small class of poor people who had just fin- ished paying for their property on September I, 1909. But they rallied heroically and after many meetings of the official Board and Quar- terly Conference the present $35,000 "Mills Memorial Church" in memory of Bishop J. S. Mills, D. D., was constructed.

That Lancaster will prove an advantageous place for a good United Brethren Church is shown by the presence of eighteen churches of this denomination within a radius of two miles from the city. Many of them were es- tablished by other generations and have been maintained continuously. Now the members are moving toward Lancaster and the sons and daughters are leaving the country so eventually the country churches will decrease and the city church increase.

Maple Street Evangelical Church .- This society was organized in April, 1894, and that year built a beautiful church on North Maple street. Rev. W. S. Harpster was the first pas- tor and he was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Sherrick, in October, 1895. The church was in a flourishing condition during these years and soon was out of debt. The congregation numbers about 300. In 1899, Rev. N. W. Sayer, was the pastor. The present pastor is Rev. L. R. Herbst.

African Methodist Episcopal Church .- As early as 1825 there was found in Lancaster a religious society of colored people under the title of "African Methodist Episcopal Church." Soon after the organization of this society a church was built on land donated for that purpose by Emanuel Carpenter. Regular

329

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

services were held in the original church until 1860, when a much better edifice was erected on the same site. This denomination has thriven and accomplished a great work for the colored people of Lancaster. The following are the names of their ministers: Revs. Grey, Thomas Lawrence, Samuel J. Clingman, La- fayette Davis, C. H. Peters, George Coleman, Thomas Lawrence, Daniel Winlon, John P. Woodson, Jeremiah Bowman, John Tibbs, Edward Esse, John W. Jones, Arthur Howell, Isaac Dillen, Roberts, Daniel Cooper, R. Ho- gan, William Arnold, Gibbons, Lewis, Mitchel, Davidson, Clark, R. Morris, R. M. Wilson, P. Toliver and the present pastor, Rev. J. B. Harewood.

Sketches of churches outside Lancaster may be found in the chapter on Townships and Towns.

LANCASTER CAMP MEETING AND ASSEMBLY

The camp meeting movement is a product of the nineteenth century, Presbyterian by birth, Methodist by adoption. It took its rise in 1799 and the growth of the idea during the past century has been phenomenal.

The Ohio Conference organized a camp meeting and its first meeting was held in 1873 two miles south of Logan on the Hocking River. The original idea of the camp meeting was that it be itinerant. In two years the camp was moved to the farm of John Mason, six miles north of Lancaster. In 1879, six years after its organization, the Ohio Confer- ence camp meeting moved to its new quarters and it has occupied the same grounds for over 30 years. The new location was two miles west of Lancaster on the Hocking Valley Rail- road. At first the grounds were leased for ten years. The present plan is to lease for a period of 14 years. The grounds will be re- leased in 1915.

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.

History of Fairfield County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 36

Author: Miller, Charles Christian, 1856- [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co Number of Pages: 874

Author: Miller, Charles Christian, 1856- [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co
Number of Pages: 874