USA > Ohio > History of Ohio Methodism : a study in social science > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
300
OHIO METHODISM.
day is for good, strong men, with nobility of purpose, to wrest them from their hands, and drive back the invading foe, and give these institutions over to right- eous action.
The lawlessness of the liquor power is illustrated in the effort to intimidate or bribe the politicians, thereby placing our representative system in peril. The Church must manifest its hostility to this per- nicious power, and become increasingly political. Men of high character and integrity must be placed in public positions, who will work for civic righteous- ness. Good laws will be enacted and enforced when Christian men seek earnestly in their respective parties to have good, honest men nominated and elected. Wickedness will be overthrown, society purified, and Christ's glorious kingdom on earth established, if the Christians are only faithful in their day and generation.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Ohio has abundant reasons for a hopeful and promising future. In view of her past history and present strength, she should walk steadily forward with a brave and trust- ful spirit in the footsteps of the Master, and work diligently until the Church stands before the world "bright as the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners."
.
Chapter XI. Methodism in Cities. 30I
0 the neglected masses of the people, neither the fashionable atheist, nor the subtle philosopher, nor the humdrum ortho- dox sermonizer has any message which could be of the least avail. The mass of ordinary men can not live on the dead husks of nega- tion and traditionalism. Ignorant and brutal as the lowest classes had been suffered to become, it was impossible that any form of religion should, in any way, reach them which did not go to seek them; which did not sympathize with them; which did not speak in a language which they could understand ; which did not in very truth believe in the Holy Ghost; which did not bring them living truths, and a living God, and a living Savior."-Canon Farrar. 60 LARGE proportion of the vice and misery abounding in large cities is owing to such facts as these: The people depreciate the dignity of labor, are ignorant of any occupation by which an honest living may be secured, and of the economies essential to home-making. Every avenue of employment offering any inducement is crowded by young women anxious to secure self-support. A large number of the applicants are unable to do anything well. It is not surprising that ' ten thousand girls a year are lost in the maelstrom of sin in a single city.' This wrong might be largely remedied if the youth were given industrial train- ing, shown the advantages of skilled labor, and assured of employ- ment. If instruction could be provided for girls in all branches of home service, cooking, sewing, dressmaking, in bookkeeping, stenography, typesetting, etc., and provision could be made for distributing these trained women over the country, where their skill and strength are in demand, incalculable good could be secured to young girls."- General Conference Report.
6
F America is ever ruined, the Methodist Church will be to blame; for she is the strongest and most influential Church on the continent of America to-day, and can do more to turn back the tide of ruin than any other Church. Among her communicants, in her pulpits, and at the head of her schools she has some of the finest minds. We used to think the Methodists adapted to only frontier and missionary work. But the frontier of our country to-day seems to center in our large cities, where more missionary work is needed than anywhere else, and where our greatest peril is; and the Methodist Church adapted to the city as well as the country, and every kind of work, can do much to solve the problem -how to save America !- Joseph Cook.
302
CHAPTER XI.
T HE growth of city evangelization commands more interest to-day than any phase of Christian work. There is no better place in the world to solve the ques- tion than in America. The growth of American cities is something phenomenal. This country will soon be a nation of cities. In the beginning of this century one-thirtieth of the population only were in towns and cities; now there is one-fifth. At the same rate of increase in population, fifty of our largest cities will double their numbers in less than twenty years. Truly, the cities are the storm centers of America. They are not only the centers of evil forces, but centers of re- ligious reformation and theaters of great revivals. The time is ripe for a more thoroughly organized ag- gressive movement for the evangelization of our cities.
Sixty-two per cent of the population of our large cities are non-communicants. In 1890, Cincinnati had a population of 296,908; and the number of communi- cants of all the Churches was 115,777, or 39 per cent. For the same year, Cleveland had a population of 261,353 and 94,385 communicants, or 32 per cent of the population.
Methodism has flourished in cities, and continues to be an increasing power among the unsaved masses. Her doctrines and efficient methods are adapted to the non-church-going people. When Methodism be-
303
304
OHIO METHODISM.
gan her work in this country a little more than a cen- tury ago, the cities were quite well occupied by other denominations. They had the advantage of wealth, learning, and social prestige, which powerfully as- sisted in establishing their Churches; yet Methodism has grown to equal any of them in the point of mem- bership.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is not only keep- ing pace with the growth of population in great cities, but is making more rapid advance than the growth in population. In thirty of the largest cities the population from 1870 to 1890 had gained eighty-four per cent, while the membership of the Church had increased one hundred and two per cent, or nearly one-fourth faster. Its peculiar doctrines, its methods of religious work, and its adaptation to all classes of society has given it general favor.
In 1890, the Protestant communicants in Cincin- nati and Cleveland were distributed among six lead- ing denominations as follows:
CITIES.
Bap.
Cong.
Luth.
Meth.
Pres.
Epis.
Cincinnati, . Cleveland,
4,063
2,253
3,449
1,047 3,333
1,252 7,162
6,849 4,983
5,1IO 5,553
3,257
Note that the Methodist Churches have more communicants in Cincinnati than the Baptist, Congre- gational, and Lutherans combined; more than the Presbyterians and Congregationalists combined.
The following table shows the membership of the
METHODISM IN CITIES.
305
Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-seven years in four of the largest cities in Ohio:
CITIES.
1871.
1881.
1891.
1897.
Cincinnati,
3,138
3,630
4,658
5,384
Cleveland, .
1,508
2,470
4,794
7,520
Columbus,
1,268
2,454
5,129
6,52I
Toledo, .
549
782
1,634
2,956
Compare the proportion of membership to the population, and the percentage of increase in popula- tion and in membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1870 to 1890.
PROPORTION TO POPULATION.
PER CENT INCREASE.
CITIES.
1871.
1881.
1891.
Popu- lation.
Mem- bers.
Cincinnati, .
I to 69
I to 70
I to 64
49%
Cleveland,
I to 62
I to 65
I to 55
37% 182%
218%
Columbus,
I to 25
I to 2I
I to 18
189%
305%
Toledo,
I to 58
I to 64
I to 52
161%
198%
The Methodist Church is not doing all she should to evangelize the cities; yet these facts are encourag- ing, and inspire confidence that better work will be done in the future.
It is to be hoped that Methodism will escape the danger of becoming self-centered. The Church is something more than a social club for a select few. A Church imbued with the gospel will be active and earnest to reach all classes. The Methodist Church in Ohio has been reasonably successful in large cities; but we little dream of the possibilities before the
20
306
OHIO METHODISM.
Church, if she will but utilize the means placed within her power. One reason why the Church has not made greater advances in cities is chiefly due, says Rev. A. U. Beall, "to the absence of a central directing mind of supereminent ability, backed by a permanent fund, the income from which should be sufficient to give freedom and energy to his movements." The National City Evangelization Union is certain to accomplish a great work in correcting many of the past efforts of the Church, and calling attention to wiser and better methods of work.
We herewith give in alphabetical order sketches of Methodism in forty cities in Ohio, written by as many different authors, who are familiar with the work in their respective cities. We hope these sketches will awaken a deeper interest in city evangelization, and inspire the membership of the Church with fresh impulses for working out the Divine mission of the Church to reach the unsaved masses in our cities.
METHODISM IN AKRON.
The first camp-meeting ever held in this part of the country was held a few miles southwest of Akron on the lands of Dr. Clarke. The "word preached was attended with power to the hearts of the people."
Gregg says that Akron "was frequently visited by Methodist preachers, who found a welcome home in the house of Mr. Paul Williams. Yet no society was organized until 1824. Rev. James McIntire, on the Huron Circuit, Ohio Conference, succeeded in form-
307
METHODISM IN CITIES.
ing a class, consisting of Mr. Singlee and wife, Mr. Barkdull and wife, and a few others."
Rev. E. C. Gavitt states in his biography that he preached in Akron in 1829, in a warehouse owned by Mr. Green. During this year he established the first Sabbath-school in that city, with two teachers and nine scholars. Akron was at this time within the bounds of the North Ohio Conference.
In about 1832, and under the pastorate of Rev. John Janes, of the North Ohio Conference, the erec- tion of the first Methodist Episcopal Church edifice was commenced, and it was several years in building. It was a plain wooden structure of 40 by 60 feet, and was located directly in front of the present one, and fronting westward. It was not entirely completed when destroyed by fire, March 16, 1841, Rev. John Robinson being the pastor at this time. Not dis- heartened by the misfortune in the loss of its church edifice, the society, with its scanty means, caused it to rise, phoenix-like, from its ashes, another of like character, which served as the spiritual birthplace of many who have joined the Church triumphant.
During the pastorate of J. D. Norton, in order to meet the increased wants of the society, it was found that the old church must undergo extension and reparation. The necessity for this having been urged upon the trustees by the pastor, the work of reversing its front, and of enlarging and otherwise improving it, was effected at a cost of about $3,500. In the spring of 1867 ground was broken for the pres- ent edifice, and by the late autumn the stone foun- dation walls were raised to about one-half of their
308
OHIO METHODISM.
intended height. The work of building was then per- mitted to rest for the winter, and was again resumed in the spring of 1868, and prosecuted to the entire inclosing of the building by the return of the autumn following. Another winter's cessation from the work was followed by its resumption in the spring of 1869, and by the completion of the Sunday-school and the remaining first-story apartments in April, 1870.
The present church edifice, erected during the years 1866-1872, was at the time a radical departure from existing practice in church construction; its principal peculiarity being its more prominent recognition of the Sabbath-school and accommodations for it than had been the custom in the past. The plan, since widely known as the "Akron Model," was the out- growth of the combined efforts of Hon. Lewis Miller and the late Jacob Snyder, architect, both of this city.
It would seem useless at this late day to go into details regarding the plan of this church and school, as the "Akron Model" has been so widely adopted in the succeeding years that it has become well known, not only to Methodists, but to nearly all denomina- tions in the country, as its general idea has been adopted almost universally in prominent buildings erected during recent years. Although the pioneer church built after this model, it is generally con- ceded that it has never been surpassed in working efficiency. Not only was it the first church built on these original lines, but it was the first Sunday-school operated on the graded plan. Methodism in 1897 was represented by five Churches, with a combined mem- bership of 1,723 and 2,012 Sunday-school scholars.
309
METHODISM IN CITIES.
METHODISM IN ALLIANCE.
A Methodist class was organized in Alliance, Ohio, in 1839, with eleven members. The Rev. M. L. Weekly was the first pastor, and the Rev. Simon Elliot the first presiding elder.
The first church building erected by this society was a modest frame structure, which stood in that part of the city formerly known as Freedom. This building was subsequently owned and occupied by the Friends, who purchased it from the Methodists in the spring of 1865.
The building until recently occupied, located on Main Street, was begun under the leadership of Dr. A. B. Leonard, in 1864. Dr. Leonard helped to dig the foundation, and in person managed the brick- yard where the bricks were burned, out of which the building was erected. Before the building was com- pleted, Dr. Leonard was removed from the charge. He was succeeded by the Rev. Wm. Cox, under whose direction the building was completed and occupied by the society. The value of the building was esti- mated at $20,000.
During the latter part of the pastorate of the Rev. G. B. Smith, D. D. (1889-1894), a subscription was taken for the purpose of securing funds sufficient to build a new church. This effort resulted in the se- curing of $29,000. A fine lot was secured at the corner of Broadway and Freedom Avenue. This is one of the finest, if not the finest, building-lot in the city, so that the new church shall be "beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole community." When Dr. Smith
310
OHIO METHODISM.
was removed by expiration of time, the Rev. E. A. Simons, D. D., was appointed to the pastorate. Under his very wise and efficient management, and by the aid of his taste and good judgment, a most excellent plan for the new building was secured; and the work of erecting the church was begun and under very care- ful administration carried forward till the close of the Conference year of 1896.
The work has gone forward somewhat slowly on account of the great financial depression, which has made the collection of money almost an impossibility. As the business conditions improve, the work will be pushed to completion; and when this building is com- pleted, the Church in Alliance will have one of the most comfortable and commodious church-homes to be found anywhere.
On Sunday, March 6, 1898, the basement of the new church was occupied for the first time for wor- ship. It was a great day to the Methodist people of the city. The Sabbath-school began the service of the day with an attendance of 573. The congregations were large at each service, those of the morning and evening numbering at least one thousand each. The Rev. D. H. Moore, editor of the Western Christian Advocate, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was present. He preached grandly at both services. Under his skillful management, $6,400 was raised to pay off indebtedness, and to go forward with the work of completing the church. The society is now settled in its new home, and is hopefully looking forward to the time when the completed temple shall be theirs, and shall be owned of God in the salvation of souls. T. W. LANE.
3II
METHODISM IN CITIES.
METHODISM IN ATHENS.
According to "History of Hocking Valley," pub- lished in 1883, "the Methodist Episcopal Church is the pioneer religious organization of Athens, and, in- deed, of the whole Hocking Valley. The Methodists have had a society here from the year 1800, when Rev. James Quinn made a missionary tour up the Hock- ing Valley, and preached in Athens, and during the early as well as later years of their Church history here, have numbered among their preachers some very able, earnest, and useful men." Among the other pio- neer preachers who labored to build up Methodism in Athens may be named Jacob Young, Peter Cart- wright, Cornelius Springer, Curtis Goddard, Absalom Fox, John Ferree, and Robert O. Spencer.
It will be seen from the above that the Methodist Church in Athens is nine years the senior of her Presbyterian sister; three years older than the State of Ohio; and was five years of age when the county of Athens was erected by legislative enactment into a separate county.
Until 1813 the struggling little society worshiped in private houses, being too small and too poor to fur- nish for itself better accommodations. In that his- toric year, however, a little brick church was erected, and was occupied until 1837, when the more commo- dious edifice on College Street was built. In 1861, this house, proving inadequate to the needs of the growing congregation, was thoroughly remodeled. Since then it has had several improvements made from time to time, one of the most important being the ad-
312
OHIO METHODISM.
dition of a comfortable lecture-room in the rear of the main building, built in 1875. Last year the au- dience-room was remodeled and handsomely furnished at a cost of some $3,000, and is now one of the most beautiful and comfortable places of worship in South- ern Ohio. The massive pulpit furniture of carved oak (than which there is nothing more handsome any- where) was the gift of Professor W. M. Stine, a memorial tribute to his wife, Mrs. Corinne Super Stine.
In 1828, under the pastorate of Rev. Henry S. Farnandis, the Church enjoyed a great revival, at which such men as J. M. Trimble, the son of Governor Trimble, and afterwards for many years one of the most prominent and useful ministers of Ohio Meth- odism; Edward R. Ames, who for twenty-seven years was one of the bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and William Herr, late of the Cincinnati Conference, and a tower of strength in the ministry of the Church for more than sixty years, were among the converts. In addition to these distinguished men there have gone out from the Athens Methodist Church, Bishops Earl Cranston and C. C. McCabe, and Dr. D. H. Moore, the able and beloved editor of the Western Christian Advocate, with many other equally faithful servants of the Master.
Methodism in Athens was never stronger than it is to-day. With a membership of more than five hun- dred (including the probationers); a Sunday-school numbering some three hundred; an Epworth League and Junior League, both well officered, the Church is thoroughly organized for the successful accomplish- ment of its mission. D. C. THOMAS.
313
METHODISM IN CITIES.
METHODISM IN BARNESVILLE.
Methodism is closely associated with the earliest history of Barnesville, Belmont County, Ohio. In 1806, James Barnes, of St. Clairsville, entered the land on which the village now stands, and formed a partner- ship with Rev. James Rounds to start a tannery. It was stipulated, as a part of the agreement, that two acres of land should be set apart for a Methodist church and burying-ground, and that Mr. Rounds should have the right to select the spot. The place selected was indeed "beautiful for situation." Bishop Asbury, who was making an episcopal tour through Ohio the next year, visited Barnesville, and when taken to the site selected for the church, remarked: "Brother Rounds, you have chosen wisely; now build your house, and, my word for it, Methodism will take possession of both town and country." His predic- tion has been verified.
The first sermon preached in Barnesville was by James Rounds, a local preacher, at his own house. After the sermon a society was formed, class-meeting held, and Methodism planted. In 1808, Robert R. Roberts, who afterwards became bishop, was sent to this circuit, and was greatly successful in carrying forward the work. In the year 1810 the society built the first church on the spot selected by Mr. Rounds. It was a rude structure, built of large logs, roughly hewn, clapboard roof, puncheon floor; slab seats minus backs; a large, open fireplace at each rear corner, sufficiently capacious to receive the proverbial "big back-log." The pulpit, with its filigree trim-
314
OHIO METHODISM.
mings, was placed between the two fires (rather sig- nificant), and, of course, the indispensable "mourners' bench" in front.
About the years 1811 and 1813, Rev. James B. Finley traveled this circuit, and imparted to it a good measure of that spiritual vigor which so characterized that holy man.
But the time came at length when a new house must be built. The rough log had lived its day. For twelve years it had been used for worship, and it must give way to something better. In 1821 it was determined to erect a brick building just east of the log structure. A plan was submitted by Mr. Charles Scurr, which was accepted; and to him was awarded the contract for building. The ground plan was 40 by 50 feet, one story.
In 1822 the house was ready for occupancy; and the congregation, with joyful hearts, because "the wilderness and the solitary place" were indeed being made glad, moved into their new church-home. The first sermon was by Rev. John Graham, and, did space permit, a long list of the families might be named which, strong in the faith of the gospel, laid here the foundation of an enduring spiritual fabric.
In 1853 the Official Board concluded that the in- terests of the Church would be subserved by making Barnesville a station; and the action necessary to that end was taken. So the Conference of 1854 recognized the change, and Rev. John W. Baker was sent as the first pastor. While many had their misgivings as to the advisability of the change, yet the Lord recognized the work in the conversion of ninety souls that first
315
METHODISM IN CITIES.
year. Rev. John Coil, who several years afterward was mobbed in Pennsylvania for his bitter denuncia- tion of the liquor-traffic, and from which vile assault he never recovered, was sent as Mr. Baker's suc- cessor. During his pastorate it dawned on the society that the brick on the hill was too small for the largely- increased congregations, so it was determined to seek a more central location, and build on a larger scale. The best available location proved to be the corner of Chestnut and Church Streets. Accordingly the lot was secured, and the work began. The house was to be a brick, two-story, 48 by 72 feet, with a gallery across the rear end of the upper audience-room.
The first revival service held in the new church re- sulted in just one hundred souls being converted. And so the Lord owned the work. Dr. I. N. Baird, presi- dent of the Pittsburg Female Seminary, conducted the dedicatory services, and another victory was inscribed on the banner of Methodism in Barnesville. While Rev. J. L. Deens was pastor, in 1863, the society was seized with the idea that we were strong enough and generous enough to entertain the Pittsburg Confer- ence. So a cordial invitation was extended to that body, which was accepted. The Conference was held in the spring of 1864.
The greatest revival in the history of the Church visited this people under the pastorate of Rev. S. L. Binkley, a missionary from China. It lasted over two winters, and more than four hundred souls pro- fessed conversion. During his labors at Barnesville the East Ohio Conference held its session there, and was royally entertained. Bishop Foster presided, and
316
OHIO METHODISM.
his sermon on the Sabbath, from Psalms viii, 3-5, was a marvel in thought and eloquence.
Once more it became apparent that the church was too small for the largely-increased congregations, and it was voted once more to build larger. The site be- ing too small for the new plan which was adopted, the very desirable location on the corner of Church and Broadway was secured, and the work undertaken. Pos- sibly-yes, probably-Dr. C. E. Manchester was sent to this charge with a view to carrying the project to completion. And, verily, he proved to be the right man. The old church and lot having been sold, a large frame tabernacle, 40 by 70 feet, was hastily built; and in this rude structure the Lord visited his people for one whole year. But it did seem like getting back to first principles. The plan of the new church-build- ing was on the most modern scale, and combined as fully all the advantages and conveniences as could be well united in a single structure. The total cost was $26,000. The tabernacle was abandoned in May, 1890, and the Sabbath-school room occupied. The new temple was at length completed, and Sabbath, Sep- tember 28, 1890, set as the day for dedication. Bishops Joyce and Thoburn conducted the services, and after a debt of $7,000 was provided for, the place was sol- emnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God. And so still another victory was the heritage of Barnesville Methodists.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.