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 45
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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 lmundred 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 190S the building was torn down and the same lumber used in rebuilding the church in Summerford, the only new material being the slate rooffing. It was rededicated in November. 190S, 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 anual foot-washing ceremony each fall. It is interesting to note the various names by which this denomination has 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 CHURCHI.
Lilly Chapel of the Evangelical Lutheran church was organized on Christmas day, 18SO, 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 CHURCHI.
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 CHURCHI OF LONDON. By Kate Farrar Wilson.
The history of Trinity Episcopal church in London seems to fall into periods. 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. 1 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 chancei 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.
Mrs. Catalina Bail, one of our older communicants, made a beautiful gift of brass altar vases, and also gave generously to the needs of the Sunday school. The Misses Margaret and Sallie Dooris are ever zealous in the progress and growth of the church, Miss Sallie being the organist and has the supervision of the Sunday school, which sends annually, a generous offering for missions.
Mrs. Shields has for many years shared these duties. Mrs. Guy Underwood, during her residence, has accomplished much and given her voice in the music which forms such an important part in the services. Mrs. May M. Rowland, the president of the woman's auxiliary, with the aid of the members, has done good work in making and sending boxes of clothing and assisting in other ways smaller and needy missions. The writer has not given the names of the officiating clergymen, as the record seems to show only a succession of activity, change and apathy, and for lack of space has omitted the names of many persons who were ardent in the work of the church during their limited residence in London. The Rev. Dr. Jacob Streibert of Kenyon College, came for services continuously each Sabbath for some years, and has an abiding interest in Trinity church, making many lasting friendships both amongst his parishioners and citizens. For years Doctor Streibert celebrated holy communion monthly, while Mr. Frank Nel- son, lay reader, conducted services the remaining three Sabbaths. His untiring energy and conscientious ability were greatly appreciated. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, their family and Miss Gertrude Dun entwined themselves into all hearts. Mr. Nelson felt with his many duties he had not the time needed for the growth of the church and urged that we have a resident priest. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson presented in loving memory of the mother of each, a most beautiful and exquisitely embroidered altar cloth, the design being the passion vine. A resident priest was appointed in the person of Rev. Charles E. Oswald, who was followed by the present rector, Rev. C. C. Schmeiser. The outlook for the future is most encouraging. Theodore Irving Reese, D. D., bishop, with Mr. John Pancake, senior warden and treasurer, faithful and efficient in all duties pertain- ing to the church, purchased the beautiful lot, corner of Main and Fifth streets, to which the church was' moved in the summer of 1915 and improved to the extent of several hundred dollars. There are at present one hundred and four communicant members.
DUN LAWN EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The lot upon which this church was built was given or leased by Mrs. Mary A. Thurman for the purpose of a church which should be open and free for all denomina- tions in which to worship. It was deeded in trust to D. W. C. Sawyer, Walter A. Dun and Robert G. Dun, the lease to be perpetual as long as the church remained in use for the specified purpose. In 1858, a neat frame building was erected by the following persons : Jolin G. Dun, James Dun, R. G. Dun, D. W. C. Sawyer, W. A. Dun, Mrs. Mary A. Thurman and Mrs. Nathaniel Sawyer, and the first minister who preached there Rev- erend Finley, of London. The church stood in the extreme northern part of Deer Creek -township on the Urbana, Mechanicsburg and Jefferson pike. Services in this church have long been discontinued. The Protestant Episcopal church came to have control of it about 1885, and for a time it was served by the pastor of the London church, services having been held in the church up to June, 1890.
ANTIOCH MISSION UNION CHURCH OF WEST JEFFERSON.
The Antioch Mission Union church began its work on the streets of West Jefferson in October, 1907. In November of that year, the weather becoming too cold for street
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work. the old colored church was obtained for the repairing. After giving it a good clean- ing-it had been unoccupied-repairing the roof and putting in new window lights, a four weeks' revival was held. during which more than one hundred came to the altar at the call of Rev. Mrs. Jenny Lind and professed their faith in God. After the revival the old church was rented at the cost of four dollars a month and there services were held until June 1. 1910. At the first preaching service of this mission there were but six present ; at the second meeting there were ten; at the third. twenty-five. The first Sunday night of the revival mentioned above the old church was crowded to its doors, Ou moving into the old church building a Sunday school was organized and fifty children were there to enroll on the first day. In 1910 a campaign was started for the building of a church. This campaign was very successful and on June 26. 1910, the new mission house, to be known as Antioch mission, was dedicated to the services of God. This building is a comfortable, neat, frame structure. thirty-six by sixty feet, with a seating capacity of about five hundred people. The material in the building cost about two thousand dollars, and nearly all the labor of construction was donated. This debt was all paid off within sixteen months.
There are at present two hundred and sixty-eight members of the mission. There are one hundred and sixteen names enrolled on the cradle roll. and one hundred and seventy-five enrolled in the Sunday school. The Sunday school is conducted by a super- intendent, a treasurer and nine teachers, Elmer Rhodes being the superintendent. Since the dedication of the church, a primary room has been added to the building, at a cost of a little over three hundred dollars; also a vestibule at the front of the building. which cost one hundred and sixty-five dollars. The church recently has been papered and the interior varnished. and now presents a very pleasing interior. The secret of the great success of the mission has been the great zeal and interest mani- fested by its leaders. No officer-from the preacher to the janitor-receives even the smallest salary. Rev. Mrs. Jennie Lind. the founder, and the leader of the mission. has been faithful to her call for nearly seven years and her mission is steadily grow- ing in numbers and strength.
UNION CHURCH AT AMITY.
About 1866-67, by the combined efforts of the citizens of that community, led by Rev. George Hathaway, who labored diligently, a sufficient sum of money was raised, a good, comfortable, frame building was erected and a union church was organized at Amity, the same being dedicated to service the year in which it was built. The building remained a "union" church, in which various denominations held services. and where at one time a union organization was maintained for many years. The building still stands, in a very dilapidated condition. There have been no services held in it since 1910.
ROSEDALE UNION CHURCHI. C
The Union church at Rosedale was first started, it is thought, about twenty-five years ago, the lot on which the building is erected having been donated by Charles Phellis. It was built originally as a "union" church, but was in the hands of the Methodists for many years and was on the same circuit as Irwin. Milford Center and Lewis Chapel. The church is without a regular pastor at present, Rev. Frank Tooton having been the last who served the congregation. A Sunday school is maintained, of which M. E. Thomas is the superintendent. The trustees of the church are Mrs. Lily McCarty. Eugene Thomas, Lewis Burnham, Pearl Stoddard and Charles P. Guy.
ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH OF LONDON.
The absence of records or any other documentary sources makes it impossible to state with any degree of accuracy the date of the first Catholic services that were held
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in London, or the names of the persons participating. The building of the Columbus & Xenia railroad through London took place during the years 1848-49, and about that time several Catholic families located in this neighborhood. From scattered sources there seems to be positive assurance that mass was first celebrated in London in the year 1849, and though there is much room for donbt, there is reasonable data to establish the fact that Father Kelliher is the one to whom that honor belongs. How- ever, it should not be forgotten that there is respectable anthority for the statement that Father Borgess, later bishop of Detroit, preceded Father Kelliher.
The workmen engaged in the construction of the railroad mentioned above, as was common in those days, lived in camps or sought lodging accommodations where most convenient. At that time a man of the name of McGuire kept a boarding house in what is now commonly known as "The Porch" property, corner of Second and Walnut streets, and it seems to have been in that dingy dwelling that the first mass was cele- brated in London, with the few Irishmen and their families assisting.
This service was participated in thereafter, at intervals of three months, from 1849 to 1851. In the latter year the Catholic population increased so rapidly that the attention of Father Maurice Howard, of Springfield, was arrested, and he was awakened to the necessity of making more generous and regular provision for the spiritual wants of the newcomers. During the four or five following years mass was read monthly, and the sacraments administered as occasion demanded in different private dwellings; but most frequently, according to tradition, in the home of Thomas Singleton. Early in 1852, among the families residing in the town and neighborhood were John Dwyer and family, Philip Lackey and family, Thomas Singleton and family, Michael McCarty and family, Edward Donahue and family, Daniel Graham and family, John Fogerty and family, Thomas Kennally and family, Patrick Masterson and family and James McCarty and family.
During the two years, 1851-52, Father Maurice Howard had undivided supervision of this mission. From 1852 to 1856, Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia, attended to the duties connected therewith, and was assisted at various times by Fathers J. N. Thisse and D. J. Cogan, both of Springfield. After the building of the Phifer House, on the corner of Main and High streets, inass was celebrated in the Phifer House hall until 1856, in which year a lot was purchased on Center street, near Main. and a small frame church was erected thereon, the same being dedicated in the fall of that year. This modest edifice was used as a house of worship in St. Patrick's parish until the completion of the second church building, in 1866.
On Christmas Day, 1864, Rev. Father John M. Conway became the first resident priest of the London parish. Father Conway was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1842. At the age of nine he accompanied his parents to this country, the family settling at Blanchester, Clinton county; Ohio. After some years spent in the local school, in 1856 he entered the seminary to prepare himself for the priesthood. Father Conway, as report has it, was well equipped mentally, and after a brilliant course was on the 17th of December, 1864, ordained and was immediately assigned to London. His first mass was celebrated in the frame building on Center street, which at that time was in a rapidly decaying condition. He at once set himself resolutely to the task of securing a location and erecting a church in a more central part of town, and as a result of his labor, soon was able to build, on the site of the present church, an edifice more in keeping with the time in which he lived. The ground on which this building stood and upon which the present beautiful church stands, situated on the corner of Second and Union streets, was purchased of James Dwyer and building was begun in the summer of 1865. The church was of Gothic style of architecture, one hundred
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