History of Madison County, Ohio : its people, industries and institution with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families, Part 43

Author: Bryan, Chester Edwin
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : Bowen
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Ohio > Madison County > History of Madison County, Ohio : its people, industries and institution with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families > Part 43

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This old building could not be heated and was used only in the summer. In cold weather, the school house on the same lot was brought into requisition, its more limited space proving sufficient to accommodate the few members who attended in that season. In 1836, a large brick structure, forty-six by fifty-two feet. was reared on the same site. It was constructed by Mr. Gifford, of Union township. The con- gregation numbered about seventy-five. Scarcely had it taken possession of this new building when the trouble arose which produced the division in the church. Of the four ruling elders then in office, James Ewing, T. M. Ewing and John Taylor adhered to the "Old School." and David Chapman united with the "New School" branch. While the congregation was strongly self-supporting, both divisions were too weak to maintain efficient organizations and struggled between life and death for about sixteen years. The "Old School" division kept possession of the church, but by agreement the

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other branch had the use of the church each alternate Sabbath. About 1853 both societies disorganized. Four years later a reconciliation was effected among the mem- bers and a new organization entered into, which re-assumed the old name, Lower Liberty.

Among the old and prominent families of this congregation were the Mitchells, Ewings, Robinsons, Gills, Currys, Rickards, Bucks, Allens, Guys, Taylors and Chap- mans. T. M. Ewing, James Ewing, Jesse Gill, Stephenson Curry, James Robinson, Jesse Mitchell and Abner Chapman were the ruling elders for many years. A number of their descendants are now prominent members of the Presbyterian church at Plain City.

As was the custom, the pews for the men were placed at one side of the church and those for the women at the other. The pulpit was in the front of the church, so that on entering the church one would face the congregation. The platform of the pulpit was about six feet high, and only the head and shoulders of the ministers could be seen, as the front wall of the pulpit was so high. The seats all had high board backs and a door next to the aisle had a button to it which was turned as soon as the children were all counted in. In those days families all sat in the same seat and the seat of each family was well known. Strangers and transients were seated in the rear of the church unless invited to sit with some family. Sunday school was held in the morning at nine-thirty, preaching at eleven; two prayers, and a sermon an hour in length. Then came a half-hour intermission for dinner, which had been brought along in baskets. After eating, all took their seats in the church for another long sermon.

The music was not classical, but there were many good voices and it was a real praise service. The singing was usually led by two of the elders of the church. As there was not a sufficient number of hymn books to go round, the two leaders would stand up in front of the pulpit and "line out" two lines of the hymn and then lead the singing. Jesse Gill and James Robinson were the leaders for many years. Later Benjamin Fay, who played a flute and was quite a musician, organized a choir of young people. The old brick church drew great congregations during the summers and was often full to overflowing, for the people came from miles around, even from as far away as Milford Center and Fairview, in wagons, on horseback and on foot. When the young folks would start home on their prancing horses the cavalcade would look like a troop, the young women being as skillful riders as the young men. The regular Sunday services usually lasted until about two o'clock. After the disorganiza- tion of the congregation the old church building was abandoned to the birds and bats, the windows were knocked out, the yard grew up in weeds and bushes, and so it remained until after the Civil War.

Upon the reunion of the congregation. the brick building was torn down and in 1870 the brick was hauled to Plain City, where a commodious structure, graceful in appearance, was erected on the present site of the Presbyterian church on Main street, the church then taking the name of the First Presbyterian church of Plain City, William H. Galbreath, the pastor in 1839, in the old church building, becoming the minister. Among others who served the church should be mentioned David G. Robinson and James Curry.

The old brick building was torn down in 1893, in which year the present beautiful stone edifice was erected, under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Work. The present church property consists of the church building and a frame parsonage, the two valued at about twenty-five thousand dollars. The membership is about two hundred and fifty, served at present (1915) by supply.

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MIT. STERLING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

On March 20, 1847, by appointment of the Columbus presbytery, Rev. Timothy Stearns and Rev. Chauncey P. Taylor called a meeting at Mt. Sterling for the purpose and organized a church with the following constituent members; Mrs. Margaret Creath, Sr., Mr. William Creath, Mrs. Mary Creath, Mrs. Jennie M. Alkire, Mr. Samuel Thornton, Dr. David E. MeMillan; Mrs. Lydia McMillan, received by certificate from the London church: Mrs. Julia Worthington, received by certificate from the church at Chillicothe, and Amanda Creath, received on examination. William Creath was installed as elder. The church was furnished with a supply minister for many years; the first being Rev. James Dunlap. Services were continued in the old frame building until the erection of a brick edifice in 1868-69, at a cost of about two thousand dollars. In December, 1869, the house was dedicated to service in due form, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. George Carpenter, of Washington C. H. The church was dedicated free from all debt or incumbrance. The first regularly called and installed pastor was Rev. George S. J. Browne, on February S, 1878. Since that time a new brick building has been built. The present pastor is Rev. Charles J. McCracken. Mt. Sterling is the station point of a circuit composed of the churches at MIt. Sterling, Sedalia and Darbyville.

BIG DARBY BAPTIST CHURCH,

The Big Darby Baptist church was the first church organization in Canaan town- ship and one of the earliest in Madison county. This church was instituted in 1810 by Elder John Thomas, of Champaign county, Ohio, who was a traveling minister through this then almost unbroken wilderness. He gathered together a little band of seven, which first constituted the Big Darby church, and Elder Thomas preached on the occasion. In 1812 the Mad River Baptist association was organized at the house of Abijah Ward, on Buck creek, near Springfield, where the following churches were represented : Kings Creek, Little Beaver, Nettle Creek, Antioch and Big Darby ; min- isters present, Elders Jolin Thomas, James Johnson and Lemuel Cottrel. There is no doubt that Elder Thomas was the first pastor of the Big Darby church, which at that time had no regular place of meeting, sometimes holding meetings at the homes of the members, and at other times, when two or more ministers met together, in the barn of some brother. Jeliu Guthridge, an elder of the Baptist church in that early day, was the second pastor of this church, and the successor of Elder John Thomas, his name being found among the list of ministers added to the association in 1813, only one year after its organization. Elder Guthridge was succeeded by Elder Thomas Casto, who preached for the church as pastor or supply. In 1828-29, Elder Miller served the church as pastor, and was succeeded by Elder Hess, who served the church one year, some time subsequent to which the church was served by Elder Peters. During the early history of the church, among the ministers who frequently visited and ministered to them were Elders William Sutton, Chandler Tuttle, T. J. Price and William Fuson. About 1834-35 Elder Isaac Jones was called to take pastoral charge of the church. He was a faithful and highly-esteemed minister and served the congregation until removed by death. In 1841, before the death of Elder Jones, Elder William Fuson visited the church and commenced to labor with the people of that neighborhood in a "protracted effort." The meeting continned for several weeks, dur- ing which time fifty persons confessed faith in Christ and were added to the church.

After the death of Elder Jones, Elder V. E. Bunker was called as the pastor of the church. He was from New Hampshire, a man much esteemed for his excellent qualities of heart and mind. During his pastorate, a period of trial was passed over by the church. The new members becoming dissatisfied with the old declaration of faith, what was known as the declaration of faith of the Baptists of New Hampshire

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was introduced and adopted by them, which caused dissatisfaction among the old members. The difficulty was finally adjusted by both parties agreeing to leave the matter in the hands of two brethren-Elders Enos French and T. J. Price-with a request that these brethren would pay the disunited congregation a visit and furnish it a declaration of faith on which it could unite. Brother French, not being in good health, did not visit the church, but he and Brother Price met and agreed upon a declaration of faith, whereupon Brother Price visited the church, in December, 1844. and induced the church to lay aside the two sets of articles upon which it could not agree and adopt those he and Brother French had agreed to recommend. These were unanimously adopted by the church. Thus through the wise and prudent advice of these brethren, discord and division that threatened the life of the church was removed and peace and harmony were restored. Elder V. E. Bunker resigned the pastoral care of the church in July, 1845. In September, 1845, Elder Martin, from near Dublin, Franklin county, was called to the church and he served as pastor for one year. Dur- ing his pastorate, Brother J. B. Sutton was called to the church to serve as supply once a month. He was then a licentiate and served but a short time, resigning ill order that he might attend school at Granville. In December, 1847, James Simpson, of the Mechanicsburg church, who was serving that church half the time, paid the church a visit, and in February, 1848, was called by the church to preach twice a month and to take charge of the church. In the month of June following a council was called by the Mechanicsburg church and Brother Simpson was more fully set apart for the work of the ministry of the Gospel, Elder Enos French being moderator and Elder V. E. Bunker, clerk of the council. Brother Simpson served the church as its pastor for over a quarter of a century. During this long period, the church gen- erally prospered and continued in peace and harmony, but sometimes had its disturbing elements; then again Grace would calm the spirits and all would again move in unison. In 1866 thirty-two were dismissed from the church for the purpose of constituting the Bethesda church. In November, 1869, a protracted meeting was begun by the pastor, assisted by Brothers T. J. Price and W. R. Thomas. This was the most remarkable in its progress and results of any meeting held within the church during its entire history. The meeting was continued seventeen days and seventy new members were added to the church. In January, 1873, Brother Simpson resigned his charge; the resignation to take effect in the June following, after, which Elder W. R. Thomas was called to serve the church as pastor one-half the time. He accepted and served three years, closing his labors on June 4, 1876. From that time to January, 1877, the church was without a pastor and was visited from time to time by the following brethren: Elders John Kyle and E. B. Smith, Brothers Turner and W. S. Kent, after which the church extended a call to Brother Kent, who accepted and entered upon the labors as pastor on March 3, 1877, serving until. 1882. The present pastor (1915) is Rev. F. M. Myers.

The first regular place of holding meetings of the church was an old log school house with paper windows. The next was a small frame building erected on the same lot where the present church now stands. This was used for several years, when, by the increase of the congregation the house was found too small to accommodate the people. In the summer time, when the weather was pleasant, it was quite common to hold meetings in the grove near the meeting house, the pastor addressing the people from a wagon. At. last the pastor and people resolved to build a suitable house for church purposes, and the present structure was erected. On Saturday, February 1, 1862, the first sermon was preached in the new house by the pastor, from Psalms 27, iv. Elder David E. Thomas preached that evening and on the next day, Sabbath, Elder T. J. Price preached the dedicatory sermon from Second Chronicles, 16, xviii, the house (20)

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being dedicated free from all debt. The meetings were continued for several days and umbers were added to the church. The building is at present in very good condition and presents a beautiful appearance, surrounded by the cemetery, with the cozy white parsonage close by.

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF LONDON ( COLORED ).

The First Missionary Baptist church of London (colored) was organized on the fourth Sunday in February, 1866, by Elder George Dardis, with the following mem- bers: John Cain. Samuel Johnston, Levi Taylor, Samuel and William Lewis, Alfred Henrys, Henry White. Lemuel Lewis, David Cain, Isaac Jenkins, George HI. Hill, Precilla Carter, Julia Rammah. Laura Cain, Eliza Taylor, Nacy Wintersmith, Alice Mack. Josephine Roberts, Mary Butler, Francis Whales, Lucy Lewis, Julia Andrews, Jennie Robinson. R. Meredith, A. D. Meredith, Elizabeth Wright and Henry A. Johnson. A frame house was purchased by these members, together with a lot situated on Fourth street of Michael Carroll, for one thousand dollars, and the same was occupied by the society as a place of worship until the building of the present brick structure. In the spring of 1876 preparations for the building of a new building were begun, and on July 16 the corner stone was laid by Silver Urn Lodge No. 29, Free and Accepted Masons. Visiting lodges of the same order from neighboring places were in attend- ance, and music for the occasion was furnished by the Columbus barracks band. In the morning services were held in the court house, Rev. James Poindexter, of Columbus, preaching, and in the afternoon the same minister delivered an address in the Presby- terian church, after which the procession formed and marched to the church. where the ceremonies were performed in an impressive manner. The building, a one-story brick, located on Fourth street near Water street, was completed in 1881. at a cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars. The church also owns a small, but neat, frame parsonage which adjoins the church. The pastors have been the Revs. George Dardis, William Balay, William Alfred, Peter Everett. Henry Randolph, Mr. Lewis, C. E. Morris, B. J. Shadd and the present pastor, Cyrus A. Payne. The present member- ship is ninety-two.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCHI OF LONDON. By Bertha Coover.

Not having access to any of the church records, most of which were unfortunately destroyed by fire, and since nearly all the older members of the Universalist church of London have passed away, the best account of the organization of this church that can now be obtained is to be found in the "History of Madison County," published in 1883. It is given as follows :

"On the 12th of July, 1858, the following persons assembled for the purpose of organizing themselves into a Universalist church society : William Jones. J. F. Willis, Lathrop Willis, B. F. Montgomery. J. W. Curd, W. S. Shepherd, J. W. Low, J. Peetry. Jedyer Willis, Josephine Jones, Lonise Shepherd, M. J. Curd, Mary Low. C. Chandler, Frances Curtis, Minerva Acton, Josephine McCormack. Lorain Byers, Minerva Sothoron, Hannah Powell, Josephine Powell, Adelaide McCormack, Margaret Mcclintock and Edward McClimans.

"On the 12th day of the following month another meeting was held. presided over by Jedyer Willis, at which the organization of the society was completed. Jedyer Willis, J. F. Willis, J. W. Curd, William Jones and Jacob Peetry were appointed trus- tees of the church. Jedyer Willis was made treasurer and Jacob Peetry, clerk.

"It should have been stated, however, that prior to the regular organization of the church as given above occasional preaching was had by this class at London by min- isters supplying neighboring pulpits, one of whom was Rev. H. R. Nye, pastor of the Universalist society of Columbus. Rev. Nye was active in the interests of the church

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and the organization here was in a measure due to his efforts. He continued in the pastorate of the church at Columbus until the spring of 1859 and served the London congregation regularly during that time.

"Previous to 1864 the services of this denomination were held in the court house and for a period in the Presbyterian church. In 1864 a brick house for worship was erected by the society on Second street, between Main and Union, which was completed and dedicated on September 27, 1866, sermon by Rev. George Messenger. In 1875 the church building was enlarged and improved. It was reopened and dedicated on Sab- bath-June 20th of that year-the dedicatory sermon being preached by Reverend McCalister, president of Buchtel College. There were present on this occasion Doctor Manly, of Auburn, New York, Reverend Tomlinson and Rev. T. P. Abell.

"Going back to the Reverend Nye's pastorate, we find that he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Gorman, who had charge of the Columbus church and preached regularly at London until 1861. From 1865 until 1868 various ministers filled the pulpit, among them being Rev. G. L. Demorest, of Cincinnati, and A. I. Bruce and Dr. E. L. Rexford, ot Columbus. The first resident pastor of the society was Rev. R. F. Polk, whose ministry began in 1867 and continued until 1869. Doctor Abell was chosen as resident pastor in 1875 and continued for some years. He was followed in 1880 by Rev. J. W. and Rev. Lotta D. Crosley, who preached on alternate Sundays for several years."

Others who occupied the pulpit in more recent years were Dr. J. W. Henley, Rev. R. N. John, Rev. S. G. Dunham, Rev. U. S. Milburn and for many years past Dr. E. L. Rexford, of Columbus, who discontinued preaching in the London church a little more than a year ago.

The Universalist church of London can point to a not inglorious past in educational endeavor and spiritual uplift. Its ministers have without exception been people of ability, energy and mental force. Many of the progressive movements, lectures, etc., were fostered and encouraged by their efforts and assisted by this congregation.

The Universalists started the first Sunday school ever held in London. This was founded when they were holding services in the court house. During much of the time of later years, Sunday school was conducted, inspiring the young people with good ideals and a rational philosophy of life. Among the other various activities carried on was the woman's missionary alliance. For a time a class for Bible study was con- ducted. The church was the scene of many pleasing entertainments, socials, etc. For thirty-eight years the ladies of the church served dinner on "sale day" as a financial aid to the church.

All through the half century of its existence the church exercised a most liberal policy in allowing the audience room and basement used for various helpful purposes. For instance, many will remember the "Evening With Dickens," which was so suc- cessful, given for the benefit of the library. The church donated its audience room to the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association for the state convention held in London in 1904. Many delightful musical and literary entertainments were held here. The church has left a pleasing picture in the annual chrysanthemum show that was held for a number of years, when it was transformed into a bower of beauty. It is endeared to many in its kindly friendships and a thousand sweet and happy associations.

Just at present no regular services are being held, but in looking over the past all will unite in agreeing that this pretty, quaint building has filled a most useful and beneficent place in the social life of London and vicinity. Without doubt the doctrine expounded, that we should do right for the love of right, rather than through fear of future punishment for endless time, was a needed message to the wailing world. While Universalism as a separate creed may not in some localities have increased as rapidly as other denominations, the central thoughts of universalism have modified the

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unqualified acceptance of the severer creeds of most other denominations. If a census of the believers in universalism in other churches could be taken it would be found that Universalists have increased in very great proportion as time goes by.

The writer can remember well what a popular question for country debates was that of everlasting punishment in that awful hot place that some believers in it had ever ready for other people but not for themselves or their families. Indeed, the person at that time who thought a finite being could not commit an infinite sin was to some extent ostracized. a real martyr to his religion and certainly needed all his faith in a God of love and mercy to endure the opposition. one might almost say persecution. One of my earliest recollections is of attending one of these debates on the subject of eternal torment in which my father was one of the debaters for the Universalist side and I was wonderfully impressed by it. We no longer hear much of this question as a . topic for a debate. The people have simply grown nearer together, it seems to me.

Truly can the advocates of the hopeful, geutler philosophy say with Markham, the poet of the twentieth century :

"He drew a circle to shut me out- Ileretic, rebel, a thing to flout ; But love and I had the wit to win, We drew a circle that took him in."

PLAIN CITY UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.

The history of the Universalist church of Plain City in reality dates as far back as the year 1832, when arrangements were made with the Rev. Chandler Rogers, then residing in the town of Worthington, Ohio, to come to Plain City occasionally and preach. He agreed to come and preach once a month, his compensation being only what he would derive from the penny collections. This was in 1832 and the reverend gentleman came near losing his life that summer while returning home from his June appointment. The number of persons interested in the cause of Universalism became gradually stronger and in 1835, Reverend Jolly, of Jersey, Licking county; Ohio, was chos- en pastor. He was the first minister regularly employed and was engaged to preach once a month. Reverend Jolly was an uncle to Zenas Rice, residing in town, and also of Joseph Rice, residing on the plains. He preached in an old school house which then stood about two and a half miles west of town. At the close of his pastorate Rev. William Y. Emmett was employed as the regular minister. He also preached in the school house mentioned above for a short time. or until Dr. D. K. Bigelow erected a barn on the farm later owned by Daniel Boyd, after which this barn was used for holding church services. The barn was filled to its utmost capacity every time services were held, persons sitting on the cross beams and large timbers overhead. Seeing the congregation growing in numbers and interest Reverend Emmett took advantage of the situation and proceeded ro effect an organization. The organization was finally effected in 1842, and Dr. D. K. Bigelow, Elihu Knapp and E. C. Smith. Sr .. were chosen trustees. The articles of church government were written by Zenas Martin, a brother-in-law to Reverend Jolly, a former pastor. In the organization twenty-five persons united with the church, of whom the following is a complete list: D. K. Bigelow, Liddle Bigelow. Zenas Martin, Elmira Martin, E. C. Smith, Sr., Irena Smith. Asaph Allen, Aaron S. Curry, Hiram Dodge, Lucinda Baxter, Fannie Harrington, Elisha Cutler, D. C. Ellis, Mary L. Ellis, William Dougherty, Mary Dougherty. William Orr. Elihu Knapp, M. E. Curry, Abram Baxter, Clarinda Dodge, Emeline Stevens. Solon Harrington, Emma Cutler and Farmery Hemingway.

Just previous to this organization, however, the spirit of Universalisin was being aroused all over this section of the country as the natural result of the co-operation

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and active labors of a few zealous workers. These were Rev. Truman Strong, Reverend Jolly and Timothy Bigelow. They are known by the Universalists as the "pioneer ministers" of Ohio, and on horseback they traveled from place to place organizing societies and associations. Au association was simply a district affair and was made up of representatives from the several churches in the district. The one to which the Plain City church belonged was known as the Winchester association. These men went still further in their work and finally succeeded in organizing a supreme head for the church throughout the state, and this organization was termed the state convention, which name is still retained. The state convention consisted of representatives from the association, but in later years the associations were abandoned and the delegates are now sent direct from the several churches. The last meeting of the association for this district was held at Springfield, Ohio, and the representatives from' Plain City were J. K. Holycross, E. C. Smith and Russell B. Converse.

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History of Madison County, Ohio : its people, industries and institution with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families, Part 43

Author: Bryan, Chester Edwin Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : Bowen Number of Pages: 1150

Author: Bryan, Chester Edwin
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : Bowen
Number of Pages: 1150