History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 45

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207

USA > Ohio > Madison County > History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions > Part 45

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ANTIOCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

It appears that the first religious society to enter Pleasant township and to organ- izze for church work was the Christian denomination and their first church was what is now known as the Antioch Christian church. On June 30, 1812, a few persons of the Christian faith assembled at the house of Forgus Graham, and entered into a compact as follows: "We, the undersigned Christians, hereby organize ourselves into church fellowship by taking the Bible as our only rule of faith and practice, and Christian character as our only test of fellowship, and Christian as the only name, and to be

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known as the Deer Creek Christian Church." This was signed by the following: Forgus Graham, Betsey Graham, Malinda Graham, Francis Grant, Nancy Grant, James Gra- ham, Polly Graham, Roling Graham, Roling Grant, Betsey Grant, Samuel Powell and Betsey Powell. A few other names were added later. They had no church building but the society had preaching at the house of Forgus Graham for many years; occasion- ally, however, preaching services being held at other homes in the neighborhood .. In those times, when the country was sparsely settled, and roads were few and muddy, it was difficult to hold preaching with any regularity; hence the people often became negligent of church duties and the church would have to be reorganized. This was the condition of this church. It was reorganized on February 27, 1825, under the name as given above. And again, March 25, 1832, it was reorganized, under the same name, with Forgus Graham and John Alkire as elders; Patrick Davidson and John Graham, deacons, and John Graham, clerk. The next and final reorganization was effected on February 13, 1854, by Elder Samuel Wilson and Cyrus Gordy, under its old name. In September, 1858, money was raised by subscription and a house was erected for church purposes, which was formally dedicated on November 21, 1858, by Elder Dr. Dawson, at which time it was decided that it should thereafter be known as the "Antioch Chris- tian Church." In 1864, the following persons were elected trustees: John M. Smith, John S. Robison, A. N. Wilson, H. G. C. Alkire and F. O. P. Graham. Rev. M. M. Lohr was the pastor in 1882. The present pastor is Rev. C. C. Ryan. This church is a station of the Mt. Sterling circuit.

MT. STERLING CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

It is believed that soon after the organization of the Antioch Christian church, that congregation received some members from the vicinity of what is. now Mt. Sterling, and that they continued to meet with the Antloch brethren, and were identified with them in church relationship until about the year 1825, when the Mt. Sterling Christian church was organized with the following members: George Hornbeck and wife, John R. Robison and wife, John J. Smith, Pleasant Southward and wife, Mary Alkire and George Alkire, with John R. Robison and George Hornbeck, as deacons, and George Hornbeck, clerk. The first pastors who ministered to the church were James Burbridge, Forgus Graham, Daniel Long and George Alkire. For several years services were held in private houses, and among the houses where they most frequently met were those of George Hornbeck, Mary Alkire, John J. Smith, John R. Robison and George Alkire. In 1837, they erected a brick house for church purposes, on the site of the present build- ing. This house served the church for several years, but was from the time of its erection a defective building, and was finally pronounced unsafe and taken down. The membership of the society became greatly reduced by deaths and removals, and finally the organization ceased to have an existence.

From that time there was occasional preaching by various ministers of the denom- ination. services being held in the Methodist church, but not until February 3. 1870. did the church again have an identity as a religious body. At that date the church was reorganized by Rev. W. N. Overturf, with fifteen members, of whom F. O. P. Graham and D. E. Robison, were made deacons; B. F. Thomas, clerk, and William Heath, John R. Robison and B. F. Thomas, trustees. During the year 1871, a neat and substantial brick church was erected and was furnished at a cost of about four thous and two hundred dollars, in which house a Sunday school was formed which has con- tinued to flourish to the present time. There services were held regularly every alter- nate Sunday for many years and now are held every Sunday. In 1907, the old brick building was removed and the present beautiful brick structure was erected. The pres- ent pastor is Rev. C. C. Ryan.

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GRAABY POINT CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The Grassy Point Christian church was organized in 1832, by Rev. Joseph Thomas, better known as the "White Pilgrim," with thirty original members, a part of whom were: Joseph Thomas, Jr., Samuel Hornbeck, Thomas Green, Margaret Green, James Hornbeck, Catharine Messmore, Samuel Messmore, Sarah Thomas, Maria Hornbeck, Polly Carr, John Lohr and Sophronia Carr. Preaching and services were held for sev- eral years at the house of Reverend Thomas. About the year 1845, under the preach- ing of Rev. Joseph Thomas, Jr., a hewed-log house was erected for church purposes, in which services were held for a period of about fifteen years. The church grew in number, strength and usefulness, and about 1860 a frame building was erected and dedicated to the service of God in 1861. Rev. Joseph Thomas, the organizer, was the first minister and was followed by Enoch Harvey, James McInturf, Joseph Thomas, Jr., John Greene, Benjamin Seaver, Louis Greene, James Hornbeck, Daniel Griffin, Caleb Morse, W. N. Overturf, Jonatha Pugh, W. B. Fuller and W. N. Overturf. Since the organization of the church, there have been enrolled nearly eight hundred members The church is situated in a fine country, and in a neighborhood of church-going people.

FAIR PLAIN CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

In 1872, under the auspices of several persons of the Christian faith, a Sunday school was organized at the Finley school house, and from that time commenced to have occasional preaching at the school house by various volunteer preachers, until, on December 13, 1875, under Rev. William Webb, a church organization was effected, con- sisting of the following thirteen members: R. Nagley, J. W. Prugh, W. A. Finley, D. W. Finley, John Armentrout, J. M. Bradley, S. M. Prugh, A. Nagley, R. J. Finley, N. Armentrout, C. E. Prugh, R. Finley and S. Bradley, with J. W. Prugh as deacon. They had preaching regularly once a month, and during the year 1876 several members were added to the church. From the time of their organization they had a minister employed to preach to them once a month, with the exception of 1880, during which year they had no minister. Rev. S. A. Caris was the pastor in 1883, when the membership had fallen to twenty-one enrolled names. The church was discontinued a few years later.

LAFAYETTE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

A Christian church was organized at Lafayette about 1843, when the following per- sons, under the leadership of Rev. Jesse B. Ferguson, met and organized themselves as a Christian, or Disciple, church : T. J. Shryack, Ann Minter, Joseph Rafferty and wife, William Rafferty and wife, William Foos and wife, and Nacy Marks, nine persons in all. During the year many additions were made and soon the congregation consisted of forty-three persons. Meetings were held and preaching dispensed in the school house until 1849, when a frame house was erected which served for many years. The church was quite prosperous for some time, and reached a membership of about eighty per- sons. The lot for the church was donated by William Minter for that purpose. The first minister was Rev. Jesse B. Ferguson, who was succeeded by James Henry, and he by Rolla Henry, after which there was no regular minister and the church began to lose its vitality. The membership decreased, the organization was abandoned, and the church building was sold in 1877, since which time there has been no organization of that denomination in Deer Creek township.

SUMMERFORD CHRISTIAN CHURCH. By Mrs. Mary Earsom Dhume.

The Christian church at Summerford was formally organized on May 1, 1847, by Daniel Sommers and John Zimmerman with six members: Daniel and Rachel Sommers,

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John and Martha Zimmerman and John and Judy Bradley. These members adopted the following covenant : "We, the Christian church, take no other name but the name that, was given the disciples at Antioch (Acts X1 :26). We take no other discipline for our rule of faith and practice but the word of God, which we do sincerely and firmly believe to be an all-sufficient rule for all Christians to be governed by. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for construction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished unto all good work."

Although the church was weak for some years after its organization, yet by 1850 they were able to build a house of worship. This continued in use until 1898, when preparations were made for the erection of a new building. This building was dedicated on June 4, 1899, by Rev. D. A. Long. In the summer of 1914 the church was completely remodeled and on Thanksgiving day, 1914, was rededicated with appropriate ceremonies.

Many ministers of unusual ability have served this church during its long career. For the first two years (1847-49) Elders Daniel Sommers and John Zimmerman preached alternately in private homes and added only three members during this time. Samuel Wilson (1849-53) was the first regular pastor and not only built a church, but, what was far more important, added sixty-five members to the church roll. The pastorate of C. A. Morse (1853-56) saw the addition of thirty-five members. Daniel Griffin (1856-64) was a very effective preacher and brought one hundred and twenty-five members into the church. The two years' service (1864-66) of William S. Manville was productive of forty-two new members. The next pastor, William Overtur (1866-82), labored faithfully for sixteen years and added an average of twenty members each year, bringing in a total of three hundred and twenty new members into the fold of the church. Since 1882 the following pastors have served the church: C. L. Wingett, 1882-85; A. C. Haner, 1885-88; S. A. Cario, 1888-90; Charles Jones, 1800-91; S. F. Morris, 1891-94; S. D. Bennett, 1894-96; Hugh A. Smith, 1896-97; R. H. McDaniel, 1897-99; Mills Harrod, 1899-1900; S. M. Mill- · holland. 1900-02; Albert Dunlap, 1902-04; J. B. Hagens, 1904-05; H. J. Duckworth, 1905- 07; J. A. Hagens, 1907-09; A. W. Hook, 1909-10; O. W. Powers, 1910-11; E. C. Klink, 1911- 12; R. G. Mell, 1912-14; S. D. Bennett, 1914-15, and J. E. Spriggs, 1915. Reverend Ben- nett was the pastor the four years prior to February, 1915, and Rev. Spriggs served the church from February to August, 1915.

Since the organization of the church in 1847 about seven hundred have been enrolled as members; the present membership is one hundred and twenty-five. There are two members who united with the church during the first ten years of its career who are still living, Mrs. Jane Prugh Fauver and Mrs. Ellen Prugh Wilson. The first pastor received thirty dollars a year for his services; the present pastor is paid three hundred dollars annually and preaches every other Sunday.

It is not known when the first Sunday school was organized, but Gabriel Prugh was the first superintendent. The Christian Endeavor Society was organized under the pastorate of Reverend Bennett by Rev. H. E. Butler in 1895, and Walter B. Earsom, now deceased, was its first president. The Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1900 under the pastorate of Reverend McDaniel. It was a noteworthy fact that the first session of the conference of this district was held at Summerford on August 23-24, 1850. The minutes of that meeting make the statement that "At candle-lighting there was a sermon by Brother Ellis."

SUMMERFORD DUNKARD CHURCH.

The only Dunkard church in Madison county is located at Summerford and within the next few years it will be a thing of the past. The church was organized in 1867 and the building stood a mile and a half west of the town until 1908, when it was moved to the town. The records of the church have been lost and consequently it is impossible to

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furnish a list of the charter members. There are only twelve members now' living and the youngest of these is sixty-eight. Mrs. Elizabeth, aged seventy-six, is the oldest living member of the church. In the summer of 1908 the building was torn down and the same lumber used in rebullding the church in Summerford, the only new material being the slate rooffing. It was rededicated in November, 1908, and since then the various ministers have served the church once a month without pay. Among these self-sacrificing pastors may be mentioned David Leatherman, Ida Miller, David Dredge, William Piper and Henry Sandy. The congregation still observes the annual foot-washing ceremony each fall. It is interesting to note the various names by which this denomination bas been called. They were first known as German Baptists, later Dunkards and still later Brethren. The old members now refer to their church as the Church of the Brethren, although they are commonly known in the community as Dunkards. No new members have been taken in for the past several years, and with the death of the few remaining members the church will be closed forever in Summerford.

LILLY CHAPEL, EVANGELICAL. LUTHERAN CHURCH.

Lilly Chapel of the Evangelical Lutheran church was organized on Christmas day, 1880, with the following charter members: Louis Gierich, John Gierich, Charles Grass- ley, Henry Wise, J. F. Schwartz, Lawrence Miller, John Manz, Michael Billman, August Kuntz and Mrs. H. Young. Two years after the church was organized, a brick house of worship was erected at a cost of thirty-six hundred dollars. Since the church has been organized the following pastors have served the congregation : H. Peters, John Snyder, J. Weber, Reverend Kinard, J. Rumbarger, C. E. Schweikert, A. J. Hall, Reverend Stupp and G. Schmogrow. The present membership is twenty.

DENNISON CHAPEL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.

The Dennison Chapel United Brethren church was started about the year 1849, when a class was formed at the old log school house which stood on the farm of Lemuel Lawrence, with thirteen members, a few of whom were John Creath, James Dennison, W. Estep, Elizabeth Dennison, Michael Robey, Jesse Tommons, with Joseph Timmons as class leader. They had preaching every three weeks in the old school house. Their first minister was the Rev. Jesse Bright. Subsequently, they held their meetings for awhile at the house of William Peel, who then lived on the Lawrence farm. About 1852 or 1853, they built a log house for church purposes, each person furnishing a specified number of logs. It was built on the lot on which the present church stands and was large and commodious. The church burned down in 1860, but efforts towards a new building were at once started, and in 1861, the present frame building was erected, and was dedicated, in the fall of that year, by Rev. Joseph M. Spangler, pre- siding elder of the Winchester district, in the Scioto conference. The church prospered and increased in membership quite rapidly under the faithful and earnest labors of Rev. William Ferguson, James Ross and others, and at one time the membership numbered over one hundred and forty. Subsequently the church declined, one among the various causes of decrease being a heavy emigration to the state of Missouri. However, the church is still prosperous. The church building is in very good repair and presents a beautiful appearance, surrounded with its burial ground. Rev. L. L. Harris is the pres- ent pastor.

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF LONDON. By Kate Farrar Wilson.

The history of Trinity Episcopal church in London seems to fall into perioda. As far as can be ascertained, the first prayer-book service was held in the early spring of the year 1855. In his report as rector of St. John's parish, Worthington, Ohio,

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printed in the journal of the diocesan convention of 1856 the Rev. Mr. Roberts includes the following : The rector has also been engaged in a missionary enterprise in the town of London, capital of Madison county, Ohio, where services have been held twice a day on the third Sunday in the month, in the Presbyterian church, corner of Fifth and Oak streets." Of the church people resident in and about London at this time, these first services were due to the efforts of Jonathan Farrar. At a meeting held on June 28, 1858, at his residence, South Main street, after devotions conducted by Rev. Mr. Robbins, a parish church was organized, called Christ Protestant Episcopal church. The vestry- men chosen were Jonathan Farrar, Richard Cowling, Edward Cowling, Jesse M. Dun- gan, Dr. U. S. Darling, B. G. Custer, Edwin Bird, James Baker and D. M. Creighton. Jonathan Farrar was chosen senior warden; Edward Cowling, junior warden, and D. M. Creighton, treasurer. The Rev. Mr. Robbins was extended a. call and became the first rector of the newly organized church, which was incorporated on November 23, 1859. From the years 1860 to 1870 we find many familiar names: Mr. and Mrs, Baldwin. Gwynne and child, Edminston ; Mr. George Lincoln and wife, Harriet Mathews Lincoln and child, John Ashley, Mrs. George Mitchell, Mrs. Jacob Peetrey, Mrs. Georgia Kellogg Gould, Mr. Edward J. Gould, Mrs. Sobrina Custer. (wife of Benjamin G. Custer), Mr and Mrs. John Chambers.

The church record states that in 1872, the period of revival, the chief figure still was Jonathan Farrar, a devout and unassuming churchman, whom local prints. of the . day describe as a venerable patriarch, and his fellow-laborer was Edward Cowling, also · a devout and earnest churchman.

In a later record we read: "Thomas J. Bolds was for many years senior warden, conscientiously and efficiently performing all the, requirements of that office, zealous in all the interests of the church." Mr. Bolds entered into rest, July 1, 1901, having served as a committeeman almost constantly, from his confirmation in 1877. He .. had been to the church for many years what Jonathan Farrar had been in years gone by. He provided . that his property should eventually pass into the hands of the church committee as a permanent endowment. His wife, Francini Bryan, was equally zealous in all that pertained to the . welfare of the church. An altar. in memory of, Mr. Bolds was given by the congregation, and a few outside friends.

Mr. Charles Butler was for, twenty-two years on the executive committee, while his wife, Mrs. Jane Toland Butler, was an active and energetic officer in the Ladies' Guild. Mr. and Mrs. Butler presented to. the church a . beautiful eagle lectern, in mem- ory of Mrs. Butler's mother, Mrs. Aquilla Toland. This lectern was the work of . R. Geissler, New York City. Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Hubbard presented a handsome silver. com- munion set. Mrs. Hubbard was made the president of the first ladies' guild that was organized. The ladies of this guild held a very successful entertainment, "The Cen- tennial Tea Party," the 22d and 23d of December, 1875, the net proceeds being three hundred and twenty-five dollars. The character of Martha Washington was taken the first day by Mrs. Walter Dun, who presided over the party; the second by Mrs. S. J. Hubbard. It is stated in the minutes of the guild that no raffling or other questionable methods were used. In soliciting subscriptions special mention must be made of Miss Margaret Hubbard, who contributed liberally, and also rendered valuable assistance in collecting. Miss Annette Phelps, who, although for several years a teacher in Hillsboro, Columbus and Ohio Wesleyan College, now became a permanent resident of London as the bride of Hon. George Lincoln. As a proof of her loyalty to the church, Mrs. Lincoln left a substantial legacy. which will in time prove a very valuable asset to the finances of Trinity church. At her death she was laid to rest in Kirkwood cemetery with the beautiful Episcopal (prayer) services by the Rev. Dr. Jacob Streibert.

The second period began on September 1, 1875, when the Rev. John Ely was made

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general missionary for central Ohio with headquarters at Yellow Springs. On November 1 he conducted his first service, which was the first held in the community for two years, the congregation assembling in the village council chamber. On the evening of Friday, December 10, the Right Rev. Thomas Jaggar, bishop of the newly organized diocese of southern Ohio, assisted by Rev. Mr. Ely, conducted services in the Methodist Episcopal church, and on the following day organized the present mission, giving it the name of Trinity. On February 21, 1877, Bishop Jaggar administered confirmation to the first class received in the history of the church. It was during this period that the need and the desire were felt to build this present church. The plans were made and eventually a lot was secured and a house of worship erected through the generosity of the communicants and their many friends. The largest single subscription, two hun- dred dollars, was given by Mrs. Baldwin Gwynne. Two subscriptions of one hundred and fifty dollars each were given by Messrs. Bolds and Charles Butler. The Rev. Mr. Bower gave one hundred dollars. Sums of fifty dollars each were subscribed by Mr. A. C. Watson, Dr. H. J. Sharp, Mrs. S. J. Hubbard and Mrs. Margaret Johnston Dooris, making it possible for Trinity church to be consecrated, November 16, 1878, by the Right Rev. Bishop Jaggar, assisted by clergymen from Cincinnati, Pomeroy, Springfield, Ken- yon College and New York. A very pleasant entertainment "The Kettle-Drum" was given, at which General Beatty made the principal address. The following responded to "toasts": Messrs. George Lincoln, John F. Locke, M. J. O'Donnell and the Rev. Mr. Patterson. During the year 1883 Mrs. Margaret Johnston Dooris presented the church with a handsomely-carved bishop's chair, the work of Mr. Henry. L. Fry, of Cincinnati; also beautiful linen for use in holy communion, embroidered by her daughter. On Easter Sunday the Rev. J. Mills Kendrick, bishop of New Mexico and Arizona, conse- crated a baptismal font presented by Dr. and Mrs. H. J. Sharp in memory of their children, Rena and Madaline. An oak chancel rail, constructed by Mr. Edward Gould and paid for by funds raised by Miss Jennie Hubbard (Mrs. Xerxes Farrar), Etta Peetrey (Mrs. Gideon Clark), and Mrs. Effie Custer Rankin (Mrs. Harford Rankin) was an added improvement, and was greatly appreciated. The vestry room was fur- nished by Mr. and Mrs. John Pancake, consisting of a walnut wardrobe, mirror, toilet set and linen towels. Mrs. Pancake was always thoughtful for the comfort of others. They also gave a set of fine altar linen. The Misses Mary and Florence Thomas pre- sented violet hangings to adorn the chancel from J. and R. Lamb, New York. Other helpful communicants at that time were Col. H. H. Prettyman and wife, Mrs. May B. Prettyman (Morse), who gave most valuable and pecuniary assistance. Both have served very efficiently on the church committee. Among other gifts made were an altar- rail, in memory of Algiers C. Watson, whose fidelity is recorded. Also a brass altar cross, in memory of Robert Pierre Edwards, whose beautiful young life was lost to the church. An altar prayer book was given by the Misses Margaret and Sallie Dooris, in memory of their sister, Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas. It is a joy to have gleaned the fol- lowing from the church record of the special mention of Mrs. John Farrar, the secre tary and treasurer of the united offering, as written by the rector: "The writer desires to record his appreciation and that of the church, of not only this but many other of her good works, and to record, in a way, many others still of which the mission, though directly or indirectly the beneficiary, has no knowledge." Mrs. Farrar at the present time still retains the same office, is vitally interested in its welfare and is reverently designated the mother of our church. Mrs. Ida Farrar Porter, who was a faithful com- municant, "entered into rest" on September 27, 1908. She was especially interested and unceasing in her efforts in behalf of the young people, ever seeking to inculcate in them a spirit of reverence for the church and all things pertaining thereto. She longed for its growth and upbuilding, and left a perpetual endowment, which has increased in

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value and is a present aid to the church. Special mention is made of Mr. Noah Thomas who, although an unconfirmed member, served for two years as a committeeman, and gave his voice and presence to the services, aiding much thereby, which was greatly appreciated.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 45

Author: Chester E. Bryan Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1207

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207