History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 55

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 55

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And now the record of half a century is made. Would it were better, vet, as it is. it must stand. It has its lights and shadows; its memories and hopes. To obscure to have place in the world's annals, it is yet in God's Book of Remembrance. God grant that all the names in our parish register may be found in the Lamb's Book of Life, that all who have here hearkened to the glad tidings may hear the glad welcome: "Enter thou into the joy of the Lord;" that all who have kneeled at this sacramental table may sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The first German church in Marietta was organized in 1839, under the name of the Ger- man United Evangelical Church ( Deutsche

Vereinigle Evangelische Kirche ). The church building occupied the corner of Fifth and Scamnel streets. In 1858 personal difficulties among the members caused a division. The larger portion of the members withdrew and organized January 26, 1858, as the United Evangelical Protestant St. Lucas Congrega- tion. The new congregation purchased for $1,500 its house of worship. the only one in Marietta built due north and south. It had the form of a Grecian temple and was situated on the corner of Fourth and Scammel streets, where the new church now stands. In 1860 a neat parsonage was built on Third street, and in 1878 a large pipe organ was bought, it being the pride of the congregation and for many years the largest in the town.

For several years the congregation kept up a parish school. May 30, 1875, a new consti- tution was adopted, and the name changed to the German Evangelical Protestant St. Lucas Congregation or Church. It is now known as St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church. It has been served by the following pastors : Revs. Zobel Mosebach, Seipel Fleischer, Ar- m ld. Bruckner, Moser, Blass, Kannmacher, \bele. Herberg, Fritza, Fleischer, Kruger. Rev. F. Theime and Rev. W. E. Brinckman.

These ministers belonged to different syn- odical associations, while the congregation it- self kept always independent,

In 1893 some of the young people organ- ized under the name of the "Evangelical Mis- sion," as an English-speaking branch. They joined the same year the Miami Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Amer- ca, of which their pastor is a member.

St. Luke's Church has at present far above 500 members, two Sunday-schools with 350 scholars enrolled, and is very active in all branches of church work.

Their beautiful new edifice erected on the corner of Fourth and Scammel streets, was dedicated on Sunday, December 15, 1901. The sermon of dedication was preached by Rev. J. A. M. Ziegler, President of Miami Evangel- ical Lutheran Synod.

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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church.

So far as the records show, Robert Man- ley was the first Methodist preacher to set foot in Washington County. He crossed the Ohio River from ( West ) Virginia to Marietta June 20, 1799. He soon visited every settlement in the county and before the close of the year a number of classes were formed in the rural districts and a circuit was organized. In 1800 Jesse Stoneman and James Quinn were ap pointed to this work.

It was with difficulty that Methodism gained a foothold in Marietta. In 1804 George Askin held a camp-meeting within the town, but with meagre results. The next year a similar effort was made by Jacob Young and George C. Light, with larger success. A num ber of persons were converted and a class was formed under the leadership of Jones Johnson, who had been before his conversion a follower of Thomas Paine. This class was the begin- ning of Marictta Methodism. The members were: Neath Fearing. Jones Johnsom and wife, Samuel Green and wife, William Bell. and Elijah Francis and wife. This small be- ginning was as good seed sown in good ground. It has brought forth fruit abundantly.

In 1800, during the pastorate of the fa- mous Peter Cartwright, a camp meeting was held in Harmar at which a number of influen- tial persons were converted. Marietta was at this time a part of the Marietta and Kanawha circuit which extended along the Ohio River for 150 miles and far into ( West ) Virginia. In 1808 the Marietta circuit was formed. The winter of 1800-10 brought another gracious revival which greatly strengthened the church. In 1815 John Stewart, a dissipated colored man, was converted and went out as a mission ary to the Indians, thus inaugurating the great missionary movement of American M shodism.

For the 10 years after their first organiza- tion. the Methodists worshiped in private homes, the old Academy, and the Harmar school house. In 1815 the first church build- ing was erected on Second street, near Scam-

mel. It was a plain structure, 32 feet long and 28 feet wide. It was twice enlarged to meet the demands of the growing society.

In 1819 disaffection entered the society, but by the wise administration of Leroy Swormstedt, who was appointed to Marietta in 1825, it was healed and 125 members were added to the church. In 1833 Crawford Chapel was erected on the Harmar side. In 1835 these two churches were permanently sep- arated from the outlying circuit and composed the Marietta charge until they became separate stations in 1848.

An epoch in the history of Marietta Meth odis was the erection of the Centenary Church in 1839. It was a commodious, brick building on Putnam street between Front and Second, admirably adapted to the work of a progressive society. It was dedicated by Leon- idas L. Hamline (later Bishop Hamline ), as- sisted by David Young. The official Board that inaugurated and completed this splendid work was made up of the following persons : John Crawford. Joseph W. Babcock, R. P. lams, Joseph Kelly, Jumia Jennings, Wylly- Hall, Robert Howeson, John C. MeCry, Abran Daniels, Daniel Protsman, Charles lidd. Jamies Whitney. Alexander Shanklin, and Ben- jamin Soule. The members contributed to the utmost of their ability and were abundant- I rewarded for their generosity. 'The socie- ty prospered gre. tl. in its new home. It would be difficult to find the record of a nobler body of Christians than that which composed the working force in this church.

In 1842 i notable revival care and 18; men bers were received. The greatest revival in its history swept the church in 1856 when 210 persons were added to its membership.

Il 1850 the Whitney Chapel society wal- formed, principally from the membership co the Centenary Church. This separation wa- caused by the "painful differences in Centen- ary Charge, intensified by lack of wisdom in administration." This society erected a brick church on Second street near Butler and con- tinued separate until 1875. During this period its pastors were: I. B. Brodrick. D. H. Moore late Bishop Moore), E. M. Kirkham, William

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

M. Mullenix, Earl Cranston (later Bishop Cranston), Levi Hall, T. W. Stanley, J. HI. Acton, Jesse Vanlaw, and James Kendall. The pastors of Centenary during the time of the separation were: A. G. Byers, T. J. N. Sim- mons, W. T. Hawey, H. R. Foster, C. D. Bat- telle, J. T. Miller, T. R. Ross, A. C. Hirst, and S. C. Frampton. The consolidation in 1875 was untimely and entire harmony did not prevail for a number of years. \ revival during the pastorate of S. B. Mathews ( 1876- 79) did much to re-unite the churches. Pros- perity continued during the wise pastorate of W. G. Burns.

Another epoch in the history of Marietta Methodism was the selection of the present site on the corner of Wooster and Third streets and the erection of the present splendidly equipped building. This was a venturesome enterprise. The site was then on the outskirts of the town and the church was far beyond the needs of the membership that built it. The importance of this move cannot be easily over- estimated. It was a preparation for a larger future. Since entering this church, the growth has been steady and substantial. The building now stands in the heart of the city and the membership fills it to overflowing. The build- ing was constructed during the pastorate of T. M. Leslie and was dedicated July 19, 1885, by Charles H. Payne, D. D., LL. D. T. MI. Leslie was followed by T. R. Taylor, T. G. Dickinson, L. H Binkley, R. E. Bishop, W. M. Acton, W. V. Dick, W. D. Cherington and FIerbert Scott.

During the pastorate of W. M. Acton, a fine pipe-organ was placed in the church. Three years ago the entire interior of the church was renovated and greatly beautified. It is now an attractive and impressive place of worship. The society now has a membership of over 650 and property valued at $25,000. The present members of the official Board are : Trustees, H. H. Burns, Dr. C. W. Eddy. Judge W. H. Leeper, M. McMillan, M. M. Rose, Judge Hiram L. Sibley, H. E. Smith, C. R. Stevens, and J. W. Sturgiss. Stewards, N. Bergen, Robert Dempster, WV. L. Gorham, C. B. Jacobs, Lewis Klintworth, Dr. Oscar .1.

Lambert, T. E. Mckinney, G. A. Palmer, W. 1. Patterson, E. L. Pixley, George D. Schad and Jolin A. Stone. Class leaders, J. II. Young, S. S. Stowe, Mrs. Sophia Patterson, Mrs. Sarah Swingle, John W. Gorley, Rev. F. D. S. Bickley, and Mrs. Luella Pixley. Local preachers, Judge Hiram L. Sibley, F. W. Combs. Exhorters, H. H. Burns and John R. Franklin.

-Herbert Scott, Pastor.

The Gilman Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church

Was dedicated May 5, 1895, by Bishop Isaac W. Joyce, under the pastorate of Rev. F. R. Crooks. It is the outgrowth of what was known for a half century as Crawford Chapel. Up until about 1833 the history of Methodism on both sides of the Muskingum River was one and the same under the circuit plan ; after that, separate organizations were formed, and the different societies began a work of their own.

The first house of worship was built on the west side in 1833, the lot having been donated by Rev. John Crawford. It was remodeled under Rev. W. H. Wallace, and the building occupied until the society moved into the hand- some new structure on Gilman avenue.

The growth of the society has kept pace with the city. A great revival was held under the pastorate of Rev. C. B. Longman in which many were gathered into the church, a number uniting with other churches.

Many able ministers have been associated with the society, among whom may be men- tioned Bishop Stephen Merrill, James Jamison, C. F. Creighton, D. D. Under the efficient la- bors of Rev. A. Hanby, the Epworth League was organized, and the new parsonage erected. Among the laity, the names of Crawford, Price, Spaulding. Judd, Barber, Burlingame, and ! Preston will shine resplendent in the local an- nals of Methodism.

Today the church has a membership of nearly 300. The Sabbath-school enrolls 200. The church is well organized, and is doing ef- ficient work under the care of its present pas- tor, Rev. Adam J. Hawk.

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It has sent two missionaries to the foreign field,-Miss Carrie Jewell to China, and Miss Esther Devine to India.

The German Methodist Episcopal Church.

(This history of the German Congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Marietta, Ohio, is from the semi-centennial report of the church.)

This congregation is one of the oldest in German Methodism, founded in the month of June, 1839. At the session of the Pittsburgh Conference ( 1839) Charles Best was appointed minister to Monroe and Marietta Mission, and Nath Callender as presiding elder. Both were English preachers, and, because of their knowl- of the German language, they were appointed to this mission, which extended to 70 miles in length and 40 miles in width. Father Danker had prepared the way in 1838 and preached as a Lutheran minister to the Germans in Mariet- ta and borne the Gospel so earnestly that the promise, "My word shall not return unto me void," was gloriously fulfilled. Spiritual awak- enings took place and prayer meetings were in- stituted. But as Dr. Luther said, "Where God's word is preached clearly and purely, there ! it begins to rumor." Danker's parishioners di- vided and he said farewell to them and united with the Methodist Church and preached regu- larly in the old English Methodist Chuch build- ing at Marietta. To be sure he had gone in the right direction, he asked the Lord to seal his preaching in the conversion of one soul at his beginning. This prayer was answered ; Pe- ter Wilkens experienced a very vigorous con- version-the first fruit.

The second quarterly meeting was held in November, 1839. Many were converted then and joined our congregation in Marietta and Bonn. Father Danker and J. H. Bahrenburg acted as local preachers until the former was re- ceived in 1840 as member into Pittsburgh Con- ference and was appointed to Cantina Mission and HI. Kœneke to Marietta Mission.

Kæneke's work was of great success and in spring, 1841; the old frame church was bought from our English brethren for $800. This frame church constitutes a prominent part in

Ithe history of Methodism. It was in 1841, when Jacob Stewart, the Indian pioneer mis- sionary, was converted in this church, who went first to the Delaware Indians and then to the Wyandots.

The work spread among the Germans and at Christmas, 1840, John Geyer and William Dressler from Chester, manifested deep inter- est in quarterly meeting and in lovefeast they asked to be prayed for. Both were converted and went their way rejoicing, asking Mr. Kineke to visit them. Shortly after New Year's, the following brethren went 40 miles on foot to Chester: H. Kæncke, J. II. Bahren- burg, C. Koneke, J. Ficken, J. Link, C. Hel- wig. Great was the success, and Chester and Pomeroy were made appointments and good classes organized. Pittsburgh Conference ap- pointed, in 1841. H. Koneke to Chester Mis- sion, J. H. Bahrenburg to Captina and John Miller to Marietta. In 1843 John Geyer was sent to Marietta and worked two years with great success, especially among his country- men, the Bavarians along Bear Creek.

The names of the first members were: The families of Allers, William Klingworth, H. Bahrenburg, John Olhaber, George Helwig, P. Wilkens, Claus Otten, Claus Duden, James Link, J. Sildren, J. Fischer, J. Ficken. The single persons: Caroline Helwig, Carl He !- wig, Kurt Bahrenburg, C. Bahrenburg, Sophi: Helwig, Herman Weber, Adelheid Berscher and Eliz Brickwede.

The Marietta congregation was the spirtu- al birth-place of such noble men of God and stanch pioneers as G. Danker, C. Kceneke, J. Ficken, C. Helwig, J. Geyer. P. Ilelwig, J. Brawer, P. Wilkens, Il. Bahrenburg, George Oettinger, and will be original types of old Methodistic fiery zeal and acts in the power of the Holy Ghost, and historically will remain to German Methodists an interesting place. To save souls was their missions, devoting them- selves wholly to their work in spite of all mock- eries and severe persecutions.

Here is a list of preachers who consecutive- ly served at this congregation : C. Best and E. Riemenschneider, 1839: G. Danker. 1840: Il. Kæneke, 1841-42. John Miller, 1843: John

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

Geyer, 1844-45: John Mayer, 1846: Paul Brodbeck, 1847-48; Conrad Bier and William Dressler 1849-50: C. Vogel, 1851: F. Heit- meier and G. Ricke, 1852; W. August, 1853: G. Danker, 1854: A. Wuensch, 1855; C. G. Fritsche and J. H. Horst. 1856; F. Schimmel- pfennig and W. Eckemeier. 1857-58; G. Weidmann and A. Graessle, 1859-60: J. Rixse. 1861: P. Broadbeck, 1862-63; C. Nogle. 1864-66: I. G. Reiber, 1867: J Mayer. 1868; J. Phetzing, 1860: J. Haas, 1870; C. Helwig. 1871-72: H. Warner, 1873; W. Riechenmeier. 1873-70.

The old frame church on Second street be- came irreparable and in 1874 a much more suitable place in the midst of the city was bought for $1.500. Under W. Riechenmeier's of Cemetery Hill, on the Houghland Farm. and at the homes of Duty Green, Abner Wood- ruff, the MeGuires, Vincents, Iloughlands and at the Old Hickory school house

administration the election of a new church was planned and when Mr. Fischbach came here he found the building in progress. With- in the limits of the then small Cincinnati Con- ference and at a financial famine he collected $900.

Our church is situated on the corner of Third and Wooster streets, with a steeple IIO feet high, and fronting to the north is a two- story brick building 36 by 60 feet A fine church bell of 1,800 pounds weight is mainly due to P. C. Fischer and Martin Seemann. The church with all its appurtenances cost $7.300.

The preachers hereafter appointed were : J. W. Fischbach, 1877-78; A. F. Miller, 1879; J. H. Horst, 1880-81 : D. Grassle, 1881-84 ; G. H. Fiedler, 1884-87; A. F. Miller, 1887 and March, 1800: J. Mayer, 1890; William Andree 1800-93: 11. Jend, 1894-99: and at present H. Herzer.

A nice parsonage was built on the southern side of the church at the expense of $1.500.

If all those that were converted here and joined our society had remained resident here. we would have a membership of over 800.

The Barlow Methodist Episcopal Church.

( .! Paper by E. H. Palmer.)

At the request of Rev. Reese Woolf, a local

preacher of Parkersburg, ( West) Virginia, the Baltimore Conference, in 1798, sent out Rob- eit Manly, to what was then known as the Ka- nawha circuit. During the year, he crossed over and commenced preaching at the differ- ent settlements in this county. Societies were formed at most of the settlements by him and his successors, and it can be said that no society has ever been without a regular minister.

The society of Barlow was formed during the early years of the century, consisting of the Greens, Woodruffs. Vincents. MeGuires, and Houghland families, with Cornelius Houghland, class leader.

Meetings were held at the Houghland school house, located on the northwest point

In 1816 Cornelius Springer and Thomas A. Morris were sent to the circuit, with Jacob Young, presiding elder. It was during their ministrations that severai camp meeting, were " held on the line between the Gordon and Green- lees farms, a short distance west of Wolf Creek. At one of these meetings Jacob Young baptized over 80 persons by immersion, pour- ing and sprinkling.

At the death of Cornelius Houghland. March 10, 1818, the class consisted of the Houghlands, Duty Green and wife, Smith Green and wife. Caleb Green and wife, Duty Green, Jr .. Ely Green, Mrs. Turner, two sons and two daughters. John Laflin and wife, Ly- man Laflin and wife, Ilerman Chapman and wife. Rhoda Chapman, Samuel Chapman, William Vincent and wife. Beman, Pamelia, Eliza and Lyda Pond, Joseph Palmer, Jr., and wife of Palmer, Isaac Hutchinson, Moses Gill and others.

After Mr. Houghland's death, Joseph Palmer, Jr., was appointed class leader, which office he filled until after the formation of the class in Palmer, when Duty Green, Sr., was appointed. He filled the office until the spring of 1823. Ilis successor was John Houghland.

In April, 1826, the society bought a lot of Smith Green at the Cross Roads, on the farm

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

now occupied by Robert Ilays, and built a log church, which was used until 1836. It was dleeded to the trustees of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and successors, Duty Green, Sr .. John Latlin, Isaac Hutchinson, William Vin- cent. Moses Gill. Caleb Green, Smith Green, Jeseph Palmer, Jr., and Samnel Chapman.

The use of this house was tendered to the "Old School" Presbyterians until they built their church at Barlow Cross Roads. This latter church was in turn tendered to the Meth- odists for holding quarterly meetings.

In 1834 the class was divided and Luman Richards was appointed leader of the north class. February 12, 1836, John Houghland, David Ormiston and Luman Richards were ap- pointed a committee to make arrangements for building a new church in Barlow.

The site of the present church was selected and deeded by Jesse Lawton and John M. Proc- ter to John Houghland, Luman Richards, Da- vid Ormiston, Daniel Goss and Jacob Bridges, trustees.

After the erection of the present church. the north class, when not favored with preach- ing at the church, held prayer meeting at the North school house, located near Edward Tom- kin's old residence.

In 1836 the name of the circuit was changed to Belpre, with William P. Strickland and Dudley Woodbridge, ministers and John Fer- ree, presiding elder.

At a quarterly conference held at Barlow July 15. 1837, the first Missionary Society was formed with John Ferree, president, William P. Strickland, vice-president, Cromwell Culver. secretary and Luman Richards, treasurer. The first Sabbeth-school report. made at this meet- ing. reported Sabbath-schools. six. officers. teachers and scholars, 252, volumes in library, 514, amount collected $38.10. This was for the entire circuit. In 1838 Mathew Scoval and Shelden Parker were sent to the circuit with Samuel Hamilton. presiding elder. At the commencement of a portracted meeting in Barlow, Miss Roxana Devol, a very zealous church worker, was teaching our schools. She became so interested in the conversion of her scholars that she called the attention of the

school to the subject of religion and earnestly entreated each one to seek Christ as their Sav- ior and to make his service the main object of their lives. Her appeal was so earnest and sincere that it made a lasting impression on all present. The result was the conversion of a large portion of the school. Owing to the many additions at this time, a third class was formed which was known as the central class, with Benjamin Baker, Jr., leader,

In the summer of 1840 the old parsonage was built and was first occupied by Mr. and Mrs. James B. Austin. Their memories are still cherished by all who knew them. In 1843 the name of the circuit was changed to Barlow. with Andrew S. Murphy and Richard A. Arth ur, ministers and R. O. Spencer, presiding eld- er. Two camp meetings were held on the Houghland farm a short distance southwest of the cemetery. At this time Benjamin Baker resigned his office of leader of the central eliss and Joseph Palmer was appointed.

In the spring of 1848, John Houghland re- moved to Guyandotte, ( West ) Virginia, and Darius Baker was appointed leader of the south class, which office was filled by him and Shnon Evans until 1860, when John Milligan was ap- pointed. In 1848, Luman Richards resigned and David Huffman was appointed leader of the north class. From 1852 to 1859 the Bar- low circuit was regularly filled by .A. Cartlich. W. W. Cherrington and Levi Munsell. Dur- ing the pastorate of J. L. Durant-the trustees, Daniel Canfield, John Milligan, Joseph Palmer and David Huffman-rebuilt the old church, adding cupola and bell in 1872.

At the death of David Huffman, Lewis Lawton was appointed leader of the north class. In 1874 J. C. AArbuckle was sent to the circuit. During his pastorate an organ was placed in the church by the Ladies' Social of Barlow. Ezekiel Canfield was the first organist, Mrs. T. J. Nourse from 1875 to 1878, Miss Fannie Lasure until 1881, Miss Anna Ford until 1883. Miss Blanch Riggs until 1891, Miss Edna Ford until 1896. . Since 1896 the organ has been pre- sided over by Miss Bessie Ford with Rena Steed, assistant. This society has given to the church in the past, Mighill Dustin, Charles H.

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

Lawton and Richard A. Huffman, who proved to be very effective ministers, and, recently, Daniel D. Canfield. As local preachers Rev. Elza Houghland, late of Fort Madison, Iowa, Gabriel Raine and Elias Davis. In the past, our church has lost many members by emigra- tion, and lastly though not least by the forma- tion of the church in Vincent. The leaders in recent years are all so familiar that i did not think it advisable to take up time in rehearsing them. I should state that the church was thoroughly repaired during the pastorate of Rev. J. L. Landsittle. Our parsonage at pres- ent is located in Barlow village.

The Palmer Methodist Episcopal Church.

It is not supposed that there was preaching as early as 1788 here except on this circuit. There is a correct record of the church-and when this place had preaching first-as it was written out in the history of Palmer township for the Centennial and it is in Marietta now. In the same book in which Joseph Palmer kept the above record, he writes : "Dedication of the new meeting house in Marietta November 7th, 1841, by David Young from Psalms 132, 17: by Bishop Hamlin Psalms 8:4 'What is man that thou art mindful of him?' also Romans 8:7, Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:' also Mlatt. 11.29, 'Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.'"

The Palmer Church spoken of and dis- cussed through the Register by several was built during the year 1837; the money for the building was raised by subscription; the list is still preserved. The house was made upon honor, the frame heavy and strong, the inside ceiling of pine. the land donated by Isaac Palm- er, and the property deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church January 4, 1838. The church stood as built with some small repairs but no change, until 1873, when the people of this place organized a Mite Society, the pro- ceeds to be used to give the house a thorough repairing ; all took an active part, not only church members but those that were not work-

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 55

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490