USA > Ohio > Guernsey County > History of Guernsey County, Ohio, Volume I > Part 14
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CUMBERLAND.
The Buffalo Presbyterian church, at Cumberland, was organized in 1816. It now has a membership of three hundred and fifty. It is one of the oldest and most substantial churches in Guernsey county, and of the entire state, in the list of country churches.
Three church buildings have served this people, the first being situated just to the north of the village of Cumberland, the second in the western end of the village and the present one about the center. The last named was erected in 1894, is of brick, and cost eighteen thousand dollars.
The pastors who have served this congregation have been: Revs. Bald- ridge, 1817-23; William Wallace, 1824-38: Thomas P. Gordon, 1840-42; M. M. Brown, 1843-1853: William R. Fulton, 1853-55; John R. Duncan, 1857- 1864: Henry C. Foulke, 1867-78; F. M. Kumler. 1880-89; H. C. Morledge. 1890-1909: David C. Whitemarsh, 1909, the present pastor.
LORE CITY.
The Lore City Presbyterian church is midway between Washington and Senecaville. The people erected a neat little church here and effected an
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organization in 1884, with forty-seven members. This church has been min- istered to by the pastors of Washington and Senecaville.
WASHINGTON.
Washington Presbyterian church was formed by early settlers from out the sturdy Scotch-Irish people. They first met at the village hotel and they depended on traveling ministers. The first house of worship was erected in 1812, and was a small log house built by the people. It stood just outside the village, near the old graveyard. Ten years later an addition was made to this log church and in 1827 a new brick church was provided in the town. This was almost totally destroyed in 1834 by a wind storm, was rebuilt and enlarged, and served until 1860, when, in a year later, the present church was erected.
This church was organized in 1811, under the name of Leatherwood, which was changed to Washington in 1822. Rev. John Boyd was instru- mental in founding this congregation. The pastors serving for many years are found in the Lore City and Senecaville church histories of this denom- ination. This church has experienced many great revivals, the largest prob- ably in its entire history being that of 1839, under Rev. Samuel Hair. Other revival seasons were in 1858 and 1885.
SENECAVILLE.
The Senecaville Presbyterian church was organized in 1810 by Rev. John Boyd, whose labors were divided between this point and Leatherwood. In 1815 Rev. James Smith accepted a call, and he died in 1819. The next pastor was Rev. Thomas B. Clark, who began in 1821 and continued nine years. The church then remained vacant a number of years, during which time a great revival broke out. But without a pastor, the congregation became scat- tered again, and a Cumberland Presbyterian society was formed which almost absorbed the original mother Presbyterian church. In 1835 came Rev. David Polk, who brought the fragments of the church together again and their prop- erty was restored to them and much good done. Following him came Rev. John Arthur for eighteen months, then came Rev. John Alexander in 1842, continuing until 1853. During this period the congregation flourished and grew in numbers greatly. In 1854 came Rev. William Ferguson, and gave the church one-fourth of his time until 1862, after which all of his time was devoted to the church at Washington. During his labors a church was built
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and a great revival followed. Then the churches of Senecaville and Washing- ton were dissolved and separate congregations formed. Then was built the church of Bulah, at Claysville ; Rev. W. R. Miller took charge of this and con- tinued until 1867. In 1868 Rev. Courtwright became pastor and he resigned in 1870. In 1874, Rev. R. B. Porter was made pastor, continuing until 1876. After the resignation of this man took place the former relationship with the church at Washington was resumed, and Rev. A. G. Eagleson became pastor of the Washington church, supplying this church two years. In 1879 Rev. J. P. Stafford, D. D., began his labors as stated supply, continuing a year and a half. Doctor Miller also supplied for a short season. In 1883 Rev. Newton Donaldson, a pastor of the Washington church, became pastor at Senecaville, remaining for five years. Soon after his coming a new church was formed at Lore City, composed of members from both Senecaville and Washington. These three churches constituted the charge of Mr. Donaldson, and his min- istry was very successful. Rev. Charles McCracken succeeded Mr. Donald- son, continuing three years. The next pastor was Rev. McMaster, who re- mained three years. (No further data was sent to the author of this work. )
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
A church of this denomination was organized in Spencer township, in 1835. by a number of Presbyterians who were dissatisfied with the creed and teachings of the mother church; hence they. in connection with Rev. Isaac Shook, of Tennessee, formed what they desired and finally were permitted to call it the "Cumberland Presbyterian church." It was made up largely from members of the old Buffalo Presbyterian church. The first membership (August, 1835) was forty-two. It has flourished well and had many strong pastors, including Revs. Shook, Thomas Thomas, Ezra K. Squire, D. D., A. D. Hail, D. D., W. G. Archer and others of later days. In 1895 they oc- cupied their second church building, a fine brick church.
UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
There are now, in this county, the following United Brethren churches : The Cambridge churches, the Four Mile Hill church, the one at Gibson, the one at Senecaville and one at Chestnut Hill.
The Otterbein United Brethren church, near Four Mile Hill, east of Cambridge, in Centre township, was formed many years ago. It now has a membership of fifty-four. Its house of worship consists of a frame structure,
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thirty by fifty feet, now valued at two thousand five hundred dollars. This is served by the pastor of the Second church of Cambridge, at present, and has been for three years.
The Madison avenue United Brethren church, at Cambridge, was organ- ized in August, 1891, by Rev. I. Dennis, pastor. The charter members were Peter Grudier and wife, Mrs. Naff, Mrs. R. Evans, Miss Anna Bailey and Joseph Moore. The following winter seventy-five members were received into the church from a revival conducted by Reverend Dennis. The present num- ber of active members is two hundred and seventy-six.
The following have served as pastors: Rev. W. S. Coder, 1893; Rev. A. M. Shepherd, 1894: Rev. J. S. Jones, from 1895 to 1904; Rev. W. S. White, from 1904 to 1906; Rev. W. O. Siffert, 1906 to 1911.
The society purchased the Madison avenue school property in 1892 for one thousand five hundred and ten dollars and have remodeled the building and built a good parsonage. The present value of the church property is fixed at seven thousand five hundred dollars and free from debts.
The Second United Brethren church, located in East Cambridge, on the road leading to Byesville, was organized by Rev. W. O. Siffert, of the First United Brethren church of Cambridge, September 6, 1908. The charter mem- bers were as follows : James H. Barrow, Mrs. J. H. Barrow, Mrs. J. H. Buck- ingham, Cecil Buckingham. Mr. and Mrs. Landman, Charles Landman, Martha Landman, Ernest Landman, J. H. Hollett, Mrs. J. H. Hollett. H. W. Thatcher, Mrs. H. W. Thatcher, Mabel Thatcher, Mrs. Jane Willis, Maud Willis, Mrs. Maud Biggs, Mrs. Lizzie Bebout. J. D. Olliver.
Rev. C. C. Slater began his pastorate-the church's first-October 4, 1908. A frame church was erected, twenty-eight by forty feet in size, costing one thousand two hundred dollars. The present membership of this society is one hundred and four.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Christ's Evangelical Lutheran church, at the corner of South Ninth street and Madison avenue, Cambridge, was organized September 9, 1901. There were twenty-two charter members and at present the church enjoys a member- ship of one hundred.
The pastors who have served this society are as follows: Rev. O. Z. Horshman, 1901 to 1904: Rev. W. J. Kratz, 1904 to date, 1910. A neat church, built of tile, was erected so that it was dedicated December 21, 1902. Its cost was four thousand dollars.
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PLEASANT CITY.
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, of Pleasant City ( formerly Point Pleasant), was organized April 1, 1864, by the following charter membership : Isaac Secrest, Mary Secrest, Elizabeth Albin, John W. Spaid, Elizabeth Spaid, Thomas Albin, Thomas A. Dyson, Christina M. Dyson, Sarah M. Dyson, Eliza A. Savely, Sarah Dyson, Martha J. Albin, Elizabeth A. Kackley, Levi Secrest, Elizabeth Secrest, Timothy Hickle, Hannah Hickle, Elizabeth Jordan, John Sluter, Barbara Secrest, Baylis D. Kackley and Mahala Secrest. These persons were also nearly all charter members of the Harmony Evangelical Lutheran church, organized at Hartford, Ohio, in 1848. The organization of the church now being treated was effected in the old school house in Pleas- ant City, under direction of Rev. Reuben Smith. The Methodist Episcopal church building was used by the Lutherans until in 1869, when the Lutherans decided to build for themselves a house of worship. During the remaining months of 1869 and into the early months of 1870. while the new building was being completed, the congregation held services and Sunday school in the brick building now owned by John Stranathan, on the northwest corner of the pub- lic square.
Early in 1869, the building committee purchased from Jonas D. and Sarah A. Arnold, for one hundred and fifty dollars, the southeast corner lot from the public square. The building committee consisted of Abraham Thompson, Dr. William Teeter, John W. Spaid, John H. Finley and Thomas Albin.
A substantial frame structure, forty by fifty feet, was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars. Early in June, 1870, this building was dedicated to the worship of God.
The first officers were : Thomas Dyson and Timothy Hickle, elders; John WV. Spaid and Thomas Albin, deacons. Mr. Albin is still living and has served his church in an official capacity since 1864. The congregation worshiped here from 1870 until 1898, when the house was removed and a new church building erected. The old building was moved to the north side of Main street, and is now used as a business room and dwelling apartments. When the new church was built the building committee was as follows : W. F. Bierly, Samuel Finley, T. S. Nicholson, C. F. Floto and J. A. Kackley. The corner- stone was laid July 3, 1898, and the house was dedicated on New Year's day, 1899. Rev. S. A. Orl, D. D., of Springfield, Ohio, delivering the dedicatory sermon. The new structure cost about four thousand dollars, but the build- ing and furniture could not be furnished today, at the going prices for labor
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and material, for less than six thousand dollars. It is a very comfortable, commodious and churchly structure.
The present membership of the church is one hundred and three com- municants and one hundred and forty-one baptized members. It now enjoys its largest membership. It has a Sunday school of two hundred and fifteen scholars, with W. F. Bierly as its efficient superintendent.
The charter members of this prosperous church still surviving are: Thomas Albin, Eliza A. Savely, Elizabeth A. Kackley, Martha J. Dyson and Levi Secrest.
The 1910 officers are: Dr. J. A. Kackley, A. C. Flanagan and Thomas Albin, elders; T. A. Spaid, Robert M. Shields and O. E. Trenner, deacons. The church society is free from debt and has a good working balance in its treasury. Harmony and good will mark the work of this church.
The parsonage, which is the joint property of Harmony, St. Paul and Mt. Zion congregations, is a comfortable, commodious eight-room dwelling, located on the same street and lot of the church.
The following pastors have served this people: Reuben Smith, 1864 to 1866; James Shrieves, 1867 to 1873; A. R. Smith, 1873 to 1876; D. M. Harme, 1878 to 1880; J. Steck, 1880 to close of ; A. C. Martin, 1881 to close of: I. S. Jones, 1881 to 1882; A. Sell, 1882 to 1883: J. R. Booher, 1883 to 1884 ; S. B. Hyman, 1885 to 1887; S. E. Slater, 1888 to 1890; A. J. Hauk, 1890 to 1892; A. R. Felton, 1893 to 1895; C. F. Floto, 1895 to 1900; Wil- liam Hesse, 1900 to 1902; C. F. Floto, 1902 to 1905 : J. F. Hershiser, 1905 to 1908; H. A. Richardson, 1908, April 15, and is still serving as pastor.
SENECAVILLE.
The Lutheran church at Senecaville was founded in 1827 by Rev. Wil- fiam G. Keil, born at Strasburg, Virginia, in 1799 and died at Senecaville in 1892. His labors were great and extended over much of the territory in southern Ohio. This faithful man preached here more than forty years. The church has never been strong since his labors ceased. The greatest revival in the history of this church was in the winter of 1833-34, when many prominent citizens were converted.
A call was extended to Rev. William G. Keil to become pastor. Henry Secrest and Henry F. Frye, elders, and Peter D. Robins and James L. Gil- breath were the first regularly elected officials of the congregation. Peter D. Robins was elected clerk and Robertson Rose and Casper Lurrick were chosen choir-masters.
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During the first year of this church's existence the membership was in- creased to sixty-nine. But one of the church members, Miss Elizabeth R. Frye, of Derwent, is still living. The old church building served its purpose and was replaced by the present structure. It was in 1896 that a new house was built on the site of the old one. W. H. Spaid, E. E. Nulund and J. R. Miley were chosen to serve as a building committee. The contract was let to J. W. Spaid. The corner-stone was laid June 14, 1896, and the church was dedicated to the worship of God December 27, 1896, Rev. H. L. Wiles, D. D., of Mansfield, Ohio, officiating. The estimated cost of the building was about three thousand dollars, and at a time when wages and material were much cheaper than at present. Recent improvements amount to additional expense of about seven hundred dollars.
THE HARMONY CHURCH.
The Harmony Evangelical Lutheran congregation has a very beautiful, comfortable and churchly edifice in which to worship. Rededicatory services were held November 6, 1910, the present pastor, Rev. H. A. Richardson, de- livering the sermon and Rev. W. J. Krutz, of Cambridge, delivering the even- ing discourse. This church now has one hundred and thirteen communicants and one hundred and fifty-one baptized members. It is out of debt and has a neat sum to its credit in the treasury. There is no internal strife, and a general good feeling and spirit prevails. It has a flourishing Sunday school, an inter- esting prayer meeting, a well attended Christian Endeavor society and an active, helpful Ladies' Aid Society. The prospects for the future are very bright. May Almighty God continue to bless and favor this congregation in the future as He has during the past sixty-two years of its existence.
The following have served as the pastors of this church: Revs. W. G. Keil, 1848 to 1860, twelve years ; George Sinsabaugh, 1860 to 1862, two years; A. C. Felker. 1862 to 1864, two years; Reuben Smith, 1864 to 1866, two years ; James Shrivers, 1867 to 1873, six years; A. R. Smith, 1873 to 1876, three years ; D. M. Harmer, 1878 to 1880, two years; J. Steck, 1880 to 1881 (supply), three months; A. C. Martin, 1881 (supply), three months; L. S. Jones, 1881 to 1882, one year ; A. Sell, 1882 to 1883, one year ; J. K. Boolur, 1883 to 1884, one year ; S. B. Hyman, 1885 to 1887, two years ; S. E. Slater, 1888 to 1890, two years; A. J. Hank, 1890 to 1892, two years; A. K. Floto, 1895 to 1900, four years and nine months : William Hesse, 1900 to 1902, two years ; C. F. Floto, 1902 to 1905, three years ; J. F. Hieshiser, 1905 to 1908, two years, two months; H. A. Richardson, 1908, present pastor.
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Harmony Evangelical church, of Hartford, was organized and has had the following history, as written by the present pastor, Rev. H. A. Richardson :
Preliminary steps leading to the founding of a Lutheran church at Hart- ford, Guernsey county, Ohio, were taken about three years before a permanent organization was effected and a church edifice built.
On the 30th day of January, 1845, at a special meeting of the under- signed held in Hartford, for the purpose of considering the erection of a house of worship and effecting a church organization, it was resolved :
"First-That it be and is hereby recommended that the contemplated building be thirty-four feet by forty-four feet, a good substantial frame struc- ture. weather-boarded with planed poplar boards, four windows in each side and two in one end and opposite the doors in the other end, windows to have twenty-four lights each, ten inches by twelve, and one row of same size above each door.
"Second-That the trustees invariably belong to the Lutheran church.
"Third-That we proceed to the election of three trustees. The election resulted in the choice of Henry Secrest, Henry F. Frye and Peter D. Robins.
"Fourth-That the said trustees proceed forthwith to carry the above pur- pose into execution."
Signed by Henry F. Frye. Henry Secrest and Peter D. Robins, John Hickle, John Birkhammer, William Spaid. Abraham Albin. Michael Spaid, Henry Trumer and Jacob Cale.
The above specifications do not seem to be very explicit for the building of a house of worship, but it is presumed that they were amply sufficient for those days of simple and honest dealing. With a few minor changes the house was erected according to these plans, sometime within the next three years. On the 22nd day of January, 1848, a permament organization was effected. The names of the following persons appear as church members: John Stins, Henry Secrest, Elizabeth Secrest. Henry Trumer, Sarah Trumer. Abraham Albin, John Hickle, Robertson Rose, James L. Gilbreath, Henry F. Frye, Timothy Hickle. Margaret Spaid. Casper Lurrick, Peter D. Robins, Deborah M. Robins. Mahala Moore, Christina Dyson, Mary Dyson, Elizabeth R. Frye and Mary Frye, twenty in all.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH (EPISCOPAL).
St. John's Mission, Cambridge. Ohio, was organized by the Rev. J. M. Kendrick, D. D., general missionary of the diocese of Southern Ohio. The exact date of the organization is unknown, but it is certain that it took place
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in the fore part of the eighties. Services were first held in the old Methodist church on Gaston avenue and Ninth street. Before long the place of holding services was changed, and the congregation worshipped in the hall above Haw- thorne's drug store on Wheeling avenue. The present church building on Steubenville avenue, near Sixth street, was opened for services on November 15. 1891. The church was consecrated by the bishop coadjutor of the diocese of Southern Ohio, our present Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Boyd Vincent, D. D., on October 26, 1897.
When the mission was organized Dr. William T. Ramsey was appointed lay reader. The first clergyman in charge was the Rev. C. B. Mee, 1886- 1888. During a vacancy of two years the Rev. R. K. Nash officiated oc- casionally. After this the following clergymen served at St. John's : Rev. C. E. Butler, 1890-93; Dr. William T. Ramsey, 1893-95; Rev. R. Mccutcheon, 1895-96; Rev. Geo. P. Torrence, 1897-1899; Rev. C. E. Byrer, 1901-1903 ; Ven. John R. Matthews, 1903-1904; Rev. Smith, 1904; Rev. A. Ramsey, 1904-1907; Ven. J. H. Dodshon, 1907-1910; Rev. Alexander J. J. Gruetter, 1910. The present rector is the arch-deacon of Columbus, the Ven. J. H. Dodshon, and his assistant is the minister in charge, the Rev. A. J. J. Gruetter.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
The First United Presbyterian church of Cambridge was organized in 1814, hence is one of the oldest religious societies in the county. Its pastors have been as follows : Revs. James McClain, 1824-1839 ; James McGill, 1839- 1850; Thomas Brown, 1850-60; William H. McFarland, 1860 to 1900; Thomas D. Edgar, October 4, 1900, to April 30, 1905; J. W. Ashwood, No- vember 5, 1905, and still serving. The present membership of this church is seven hundred and fifty-seven.
Their various places for worship since 1814 have been, first, a tent on the hill above the "fish-basket" on Wills creek; second, a small brick church on the lot where is now located the J. E. Sankey house, on East Steubenville avenue; third, a frame church on the present site of the church now in use; fourth, the present church edifice, a large brick structure erected about 1860, located on Steubenville avenue, between Seventh and Eighth streets.
The Second United Presbyterian church, Cambridge, was organized May 20, 1897, with a membership of seventy. The following named persons were elected the first ruling elders in the congregation : W. S. Heade, Esq., W. W. Hawthorne, David P. Wilson, W. E. Boden and A. N. Thompson. The fol- lowing named persons constituted the first board of trustees of the congrega-
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tion : J. N. McCartney, W. N. Patterson, R. D. Hood, W. L. Boden, W. V. Garvin, and James Reynolds.
The congregation worshipped in a hall for some time until the present church building, located on West Eighth street, was completed in June, 1900. The congregation has had three pastors. The Rev. Thomas C. Pollock was chosen as the first pastor, and began his work August 1, 1897, and served the congregation as pastor until November 4, 1901. The Rev. Gilbert O. Miller was selected as the second pastor, commencing his labors July 1, 1902, and served in this capacity for five years. The Rev. R. A. Elliott was the third pastor chosen, and commenced his labors October 1, 1907, and is still serving this congregation as pastor. During the thirteen years of the church's exist- ence eight hundred and fifty-one persons have been added to the church roll. There is now a membership of more than five hundred.
THE CHURCHI AT BYESVILLE.
The First United Presbyterian church of Byesville was formed September 7, 1904. The following were the charter members: Dr. W. T. Long, Mrs. W. T. Long. Miss Gail Long, Mr. M. S. Guthrie, Mrs. M. S. Guthrie, Mrs. Nettie A. Fulton, Mrs. J. S. McMunn, Miss D. Rata McMunn, Master J. I. McMunn, Mr. J. L. Patterson, Mrs. J. L. Patterson, Mr. J. R. Duff, Mrs. J. R. Duff, R. B. Henderson, Mr. C. J. White, Mrs. C. J. White.
The present membership is about forty-five. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. J. S. McMunn, April to October, 1904; R. R. Caldwell, Janu- ary I, 1905, to August 1, 1906; A. P. Duncan, July 1, 1907, to June 30, 1910; L. A. Kerr, August 7, 1910, and still the pastor.
A church edifice, located on West Main street, Byesville, was dedicated on April 18, 1909, which cost five thousand dollars. It is a frame structure.
WASHINGTON.
The United Presbyterian church at Washington, Wills township, this county, was organized in 1824 and none of the charter members are now liv- ing. The present membership of this church is seventy-three. The following pastors have served here: Revs. Samuel Findley, 1824-36; Alexander Miller, 1838-40; Hugh Forsythe, 1842-52 : William Johnston, 1856-66; S. M. Hutch- man, 1867-74; I. N. White, 1875-1904; E. G. Mckibben, 1905, to present time.
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PLEASANT HILL.
Pleasant Hill United Presbyterian church was formed in Jefferson town- ship, November 5, 1867, by the following persons: T. C. Kirkwood, Mrs. Sydney -, Mrs. Mary Maxwell and possibly others. The pastors have been: Rev. Rufus Johnston, Rev. J. W. Martin, 1874-82; Rev. J. H. Nash, 1883-1902; E. G. Mckibben, who commenced his pastorate in 1905. The present membership is one hundred and nine.
THE LEBANON CHURCH.
The Lebanon United Presbyterian church in Adams township was formed April 24, 1824. David Proudfit was transferred from Laurel Hill, Pennsyl- vania, to Crooked Creek, Muskingum county, Ohio, and Lebanon was made a connection. He died June 11, 1830.
In 1834 Reverend Welsh, a young man, came, and was installed April 22. 1835, over Crooked Creek and Lebanon. He lived only one year and in 1836 Rev. Benjamin Waddle, D. D., took charge. By 1838 Lebanon had increased to seventy-three families and was organized as a separate charge by electing William Proudfit, John Duff, Samuel McKnight and Robert Wagstaff as ruling elders. In 1842 Doctor Waddle was released and in 1843 Rev. Samuel Wallace was installed and released in 1849. In April, 1850, Rev. James Duncan, D. D., took charge and served until 1874, being followed by Rev. R. C. Criswell in April, 1878, serving until October, 1885. Then came Rev. E. E. White in 1886, being released in 1894. In 1908 Rev. H. B. McElree took charge for one year. The present membership is one hundred and ten. In 1905 a church was erected at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. The present officers are: W. L. Simpson, J. C. Cowden, Elmer Duff and James Stewart, ruling elders. The trustees are Clark Trimble, Mathew Wells and Fred McCleary.
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