USA > Ohio > History of Ohio Methodism : a study in social science > Part 23
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Afterwards this appointment became part of Can- ton Circuit, Pittsburg Conference, which at that time contained thirty-four appointments, filled by two preachers, who were expected to preach from two to four sermons every Sunday, besides preaching at least once each week-day. When this class became a part of the Canton Circuit it was composed of only four- teen members. A short time after, it became necessary to find a larger room than any hitherto occupied, in which to hold services, and an abandoned brewery,
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located in North Erie Street, was secured. In 1832 a Sunday-school was organized, which also met in the same place.
On February 16, 1833, the first Quarterly Confer- ence of which any record can be found was held in Massillon. At this Conference a committee was ap- pointed "to secure a site, and ascertain the cost of erecting a house of worship in Massillon." This com- mittee did not succeed in accomplishing its object; but as a result of its efforts an interest was awakened among the citizens of the village, and they erected a building in East Plum Street, in which religious and other public meetings were held. The Methodists were glad to abandon the old brewery and occupy this new place of worship, where they remained till 1836, when they removed to a brick building on the corner of Main and Erie Streets, now known as Harsh's Block, and occupied a hall on the third floor.
An agreement was made with the Masonic Lodge of Massillon, in 1840, to erect a building conjointly in East Charles Street that would be suitable for the use of both parties. The corner-stone was laid June 24, 1840. The structure was a frame, two stories above the basement. The first story and the north side of the basement were used by the Church, and the second story and south side of the basement were used by the Masons. Simon Elliott was the presiding elder, and D. R. Hawkins pastor. The latter gave his per- sonal attention to the enterprise, and greatly assisted in the consummation, which was reached in June, 1841, when, with great rejoicings, the edifice was first oc- cupied. The seats were nearly all without backs, the
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sermons were more than thirty minutes long. The serv- ยท ices were frequently interrupted by the remnant of a ruffian element that still lingered as a reminder of frontier life. It now became possible to keep the Sun- day-school actively at work all the year, without the injurious effects of frequent interruptions, which, up to this time, seemed unavoidable.
The Church continued to hold its services in the building on Charles Street till 1860, when they dis- posed of their interests to the Masons, and removed to a more commodious building.
Under the ministry of James White, in the winter of 1842-3, a remarkable revival added such substantial strength to the appointment that in 1845 Massillon was detached from Canton Circuit, and was given the dignity of a station. It thus became the first station in the district, and it has maintained an honorable place among the stations ever since.
In 1848 the General Conference transferred Mas- sillon Station from the Pittsburg to the North Ohio Conference. A retransfer was effected in 1856, and the charge remained in the bounds of the Pittsburg Conference till 1876, when the East Ohio Conference was formed, and the Ohio Canal, which divides the city of Massillon, was made the boundary line be- tween the East Ohio and North Ohio Conferences. The church being located on the east side, belongs to the East Ohio Conference.
The Baptist church, located on the corner of North and Mill Streets, was sold at sheriff's sale, March 28, 1858, and was bought by the Methodists for $800; but several thousand dollars had to be expended upon it
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before the place was fit for occupancy. The repairs on the building were completed in 1860. The re- opening services were conducted by Dr. I. C. Per- shing. During the winter of 1860-61, a revival service of unusual interest was conducted by the pastor. A session of the Pittsburg Annual Conference was held in this church in 1866. In process of time the church- building became so insecure that it was abandoned, and the congregation met in an edifice used during the week-days as a skating-rink.
The Church was not prepared to build, yet they felt it to be their duty to provide a substantial and appropriate place of worship. Accordingly, in May, 1882, the property located on the corner of Main and East Streets was purchased, and a subscription was raised amounting to $15,000, when a building plan was accepted, and the corner-stone laid June 7, 1884.
The work on the building progressed, and a part of it was completed in January, 1885. As $31,626.65 had been expended on the building and lot, it was thought prudent to stop the work for the time being, and secure more funds. The lecture-room, together with class-rooms and parlors which could be utilized, afforded a seating capacity of five hundred. At this time another heavy drain was made upon the people in the erection of a new parsonage, and it was not until the fall of 1887 that efforts were renewed to raise the funds necessary for the completion of the audi- torium. The work was continued till January, 1889, when the audience-room was furnished, and the house was dedicated. The entire cost of this property was $48,950.
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The new church was a most convenient, tasteful, and comfortable building, with pipe-organ, bell-tower, and clock. The occupancy of this commodious house of worship was attended with great gladness on the part of the congregation, and it was thought that at last a permanent place for holding divine services had been provided; but, alas! on a fateful Friday morn- ing, May 13th, at two o'clock, the building was dis- covered to be on fire, and in a very short time was entirely consumed. The pastor, the Rev. A. R. Chap- man, gathered his official members together, and in a short time it was determined to rebuild on the same site. An additional lot was purchased adjoining the east side of the one already owned, and steps were immediately taken to build better than before. The result is all that could have been anticipated. A mas- sive, artistic stone structure has been erected as a monument to the faith and self-sacrificing spirit of the people.
Most substantial assistance was rendered by many of the citizens of the place who were not connected with the Church. Louis K. McClymonds, Esq., of New York, placed a memorial to his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth McClymonds, in the elegant pipe-organ, valued at $6,000. The council and citizens furnished a town clock. The trustees and Building Committee spared no pains to make the edifice an up-to-date church in all respects. It has a Sunday-school room that will seat between six hundred and seven hundred. The audience-room will seat twelve hundred. Besides these, there are ladies' parlors, class-rooms, dining- room, kitchen, lavatories, and store-rooms. The audi-
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ence-room is furnished throughout in oak, which gives it a very substantial and tasteful appearance. The property is valued at $80,000, and free from debt. The dedicatory services were held June 23, 1895. There are few finer churches in the United States, and it is sincerely hoped that the good people who assemble here for worship may not need a new building for generations to come! GEORGE B. SMITH.
METHODISM IN MT. VERNON.
Knox Circuit was formed in 1810. In 1812, in a log cabin on the northwest corner of the Public Square, the home of Anthony Banning, the Meth- odists held service. This was a preaching-place in a large circuit of many miles. The next meeting-place was the court-house, also on the Square.
Time came when the society must have a building of their own. This was erected in 1831. It was a brick structure with a high pulpit. The house was without one extra dollar's worth of adornment. The lot was sold to the city in 1852, and is now occupied as a High School building.
In 1851, a division occurred in the Church, a part of the congregation going to the Banning Chapel, built by Rev. Anthony Banning, on Sandusky Street, for use of Methodists so long as thus used. The Con- ference sent as pastor Rev. Harvey Wilson. It was said that a contention in the choir occasioned the split. The choir party remained on the hill, the anti- choir going to the chapel. Both congregations built new churches during the year 1852-3. The two con- gregations worshiped separately until 1865, when they
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united. The chapel was sold, and with the money the present parsonage was bought. The chapel still stands, near the cooper-shops on Sandusky Street.
Rev. George Elliot, during his pastorate on Mul- berry Street, died. The Church built a home for his family. When they vacated the house, it became the parsonage as long as the church on the hill was used. This house still stands, 104 Hamtramck Street.
The Church from its beginning has made a steady advance. Our worship has lost the stringent form of the past, and other things have changed.
In the old church the seats in the rear were raised for the choir. The Congregational choir was led by a bass-viol. The Methodist choir had only a tuning- fork for getting the proper pitch; but even this simple instrument disturbed some of the Methodists. A min- ister who deemed choirs a sin, filled the pulpit one Sab- bath morning. The singers were ready. He ignored their presence; sermon followed prayer, prayer fol- lowed sermon. Since then his son has led the choir, and his descendants have been our best singers.
Concerning the Sunday-school: For years the Church had no school. The first school was begun by students from Gambier. When the church was built in 1831, the first Methodist Episcopal school was or- ganized. William Burgess, a merchant, was one of the first superintendents. William L. Harris, after- wards bishop, was an earnest worker in the school. At first the school would live during the summer, and die out in the winter. Rev. William Sanderson was chosen superintendent. The school gained strength enough to endure the winter. One morning found
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him snow-bound miles away. Rain fell in torrents; streams were swollen; dangerous was the journey for himself and horse. He thought of the school, his duty, and started on his perilous ride, as wonderful as that of Sheridan or Paul Revere. Just as day dawned he rode into town, weary, wet, and worn. Nine o'clock found him at his post. Sunday-school celebrations were then held on the 4th of July. The school marched to some grove, there to feast and listen to speeches and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. (MRS.) C. A. AGNEW.
METHODISM IN NEWARK.
Prior to 1803 there was probably no preacher who traveled in Licking County and established regular appointments for preaching. But as the circuits were very large, and districts extended over portions of three States, some of the preachers may have come as far as Newark, and held meetings in this settlement. The first preaching was in private houses. A log house of one room, which stood on West Main Street, nearly opposite present site of the High School building, was used for school and occasionally Church services. Accommodations were such as the times afforded.
The place of holding service was changed to the two-story frame building located in the middle of the street, between West Main and Third Street, called Market House, the upper story being used for church and schoolhouse. Presbyterians and Methodists held services here until a disagreement occurred, and Meth- odists moved to the house of Mrs. Jane Goodridge, where they held class and prayer meetings. Not find-
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ing these quarters desirable, Mr. Goodridge erected a frame building between First and Second Streets, to answer a double purpose of school and church. An improvement was noticeable in this building-the seats had backs. Here the Episcopalians also worshiped.
From growth in membership and increasing popu- lation, it was deemed wise to erect a Methodist Epis- copal meeting-house. A committee of three was ap- pointed by the preacher in charge, Jacob Hooper, to see if ground and means could be procured. Accord- ingly, on January 16, 1828, a subscription-paper was addressed to the "generous people in the town of New- ark and its vicinity," for the sole purpose of obtaining funds and materials for building a brick house in the town of Newark, on a lot to be obtained from Thomas Reed, on Fourth Street, a few rods north of the old burying-grounds. Subscribers' names were affixed, some contributing money, others in trade, such as hats, shoes, tinware, leather, timber, labor, cabinet- work, etc. The largest subscriptions were forty-five dollars and fifty dollars.
On the 5th day of August, 1828, the pastor ap- pointed the first Official Board in Newark Methodism. A fund of fifteen dollars was necessary to obtain a deed for the lot, which was made on the 6th of August, 1828, for ground bought from Thomas Reed and wife for the consideration of thirty dollars. This location was on adjoining lot, just south of the present site. The church was inclosed, and used without plaster for two years, and seated with rough boards. In July, 1830, a collec- tion was raised to be appropriated toward plastering
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the Methodist Episcopal meeting-house; fifteen dollars and seventy cents was the required amount.
During the winter of 1833, a wonderful revival, which lasted eighteen days, was held in the church, and conducted by Revs. H. S. Farnandis, L. L. Ham- line, and S. H. Holland. The Holy Spirit came in power upon the people. Such was the interest that at five o'clock A. M. meetings were held, sometimes at private houses, and at other times in the church. Mid- night frequently saw the interested ones returning home. Often, after retiring, the Spirit would so quicken some heart that neighbors would be called and prayer-meetings held. Three hundred souls were led from darkness into light, and made happy in the Redeemer's love.
In 1834 the first permanent Methodist Episcopal church in Newark was completed, at a cost of $1,500. In 1837, Jacob Barrick came from Pennsylvania to Newark with a local preacher's license. Newark Cir- cuit now consisted of eight appointments, seven Sun- day-schools, and four hundred and twenty-five scholars.
In 1840, Methodism in Newark had a membership sufficiently large to justify a change from circuit to station; accordingly this independence was assumed, and Cyrus Brooks was the first regular pastor.
During the year 1847, a division occurred in the Church, the membership being too large for the ac- commodations. A lot, upon which stood a frame building, formerly designed as Universalist Church, and situated upon East Main Street, was purchased
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for eight hundred dollars. By September, 1848, this church was placed in readiness for service, at an ex- pense of $3,000, and it was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God one week before the session of the Ohio Annual Conference, which was to convene in that church September 27th. This church was known as the Eastern Charge. The two distinct Methodist Churches existed for sixteen years, although an at- tempt was made in 1859 to reunite.
In 1864 the final union of the two congregations was effected, and services were held at the Eastern Charge for two years. During this time subscriptions were solicited preparatory to erecting a larger build- ing. A sale was made of the church property, and a new lot purchased. The foundation for the church was laid in 1866, and the building commenced in 1867. The basement was completed in November, 1868, and the congregation came to their new church home. On March 29, 1874, the hearts of the people were glad- dened by the completion of the auditorium, and Meth- odism could again utter praise, rejoice, and be glad. The Church membership was five hundred and twenty- nine. During that quarter there were two hundred applicants for membership. The church property was valued at $40,000.
East Newark had contributed liberally to the sup- port of Methodism, but an opening seemed provident for the organization of the Second Methodist Epis- copal Church in that part of the city. For some time, Sabbath-school and services had been held in Epis- copal Chapel. In the spring of 1889 this society was organized, and a lot purchased on the corner of East
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Main and Cedar Streets. A chapel was there erected, and dedicated in March, 1890, by President J. W. Bashford, of Delaware, Ohio.
In 1897 the two Methodist Churches had 1,063 members, and 584 scholars in the Sunday-school.
LUCY M. CONNEL.
METHODISM IN NORWALK.
In January, 1818, Alfred Brunson was the first itin- erant who visited Norwalk. The first place in the vicinity where Methodist services were held was at the home of Hanson Reed, two miles south of the village, and the first Methodist Sunday-school was organized there in 1823. The organization of the first Methodist society in the village of Norwalk was in 1825; it had seven members. In connection with early Methodism in Norwalk that famous old institution of learning- Norwalk Seminary-stands out like a great arm of power. Jonathan Edwards Chaplin was one of its first principals, and after him came Edward Thomson, Hol- den Dwight, Alexander Nelson, and others. This seminary was a fountain of sanctified learning, exert- ing a healthful religious influence in the community, and out from it there went many strong recruits into the holy ministry.
In 1832-3, H. O. Sheldon and Edward Thomson were the circuit preachers. In 1834, the first Meth- odist church-building in Norwalk was erected on Seminary Street, and it was used continuously until 1856. This building still remains, and is now occa- sionally used for Church services by the Adventists.
In 1853 it was resolved to build a new church. A
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lot, corner of Main Street and Benedict Avenue, had been dedicated by Elisha Whittlesey, Esq., for Church purposes, and this was at once taken possession of by the Board of Trustees. This second building was dedi- cated October 26, 1856, by Rev. Edward Thomson. It was estimated to be worth twelve thousand dollars, and was used until sold and torn down in April, 1893, when a most pathetic farewell to it was said.
At this time, having no Church home, Methodist altars were set up in old Whittlesey Hall, and active preparations were begun for the erection of a church edifice, commodious and modern, that should meet the growing needs of Norwalk Methodism, which had developed from the original class of seven, in 1825, to five hundred and fifty members in 1893, with a Sunday- school and other organizations as powerful auxiliaries.
During 1895-6 the present new church-building, of which a cut is herewith presented, was erected, at a cost of $40,000. It was dedicated on February 14, 1897, by Rev. Dr. D. H. Moore, of Cincinnati. As yet the interior of the main auditorium is not finished; but the Sunday-school department, and basement par- lors, choir-room, dining-rooms, kitchen, and lavatories, are complete, with the most modern equipment. The Sunday-school room is semicircular in form, with eighteen class-rooms, auditorium, and library. The Sunday-school auditorium is now used for all regular Church services, and the seating capacity is eight hun- dred. This magnificent edifice is now regarded by many as the finest church-building within the boun- daries of the North Ohio Conference, and it is fitting that it is so. It stands as a monument to the steady,
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onward progress of Methodism in the heart of the Western Reserve, the seat of Norwalk Seminary, and the early home of Finley, Sheldon, Chaplin, and Bish- ops Thomson and Harris. The First Methodist Epis- copal Church society is in this year, 1898, the largest Protestant organization in Norwalk, having six hun- dred and thirty members. ED. L. YOUNG.
METHODISM IN PAINESVILLE.
Painesville was first settled in 1800. The popula- tion now numbers between five and six thousand. The first Methodist class was formed in 1820, and services were held in a schoolhouse. The first church-building was erected in 1820. The second church-building was erected in 1844, and was dedicated free of debt. The building still stands on the same lot, now used as a dwelling-house. The present elegant church-building was begun in 1872, and the last dollar of debt was paid in 1897. The membership of the Church is a little over three hundred. It ranks second or third in mem- bership of the Churches of this place. All the depart- ments of the Church are in a flourishing condition. R. M. FRESHWATER.
METHODISM IN PORTSMOUTH.
Portsmouth, according to James Keyes, was laid out in 1803 by Henry Massie. On the bank of the Scioto is an old stone house, the home of Philip Moore, where the first Methodist class of Portsmouth was formed. There the great lights of the Church preached in the mighty days of early Methodism. Those walls have echoed to the voice of Asbury and
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McKendree. At a quarterly-meeting held there in 1813, Henry B. Bascom received his license and preached his first sermon. The stanch old house seems well preserved, and looks good for another hun- dred years. Henry Smith was the first itinerant, Scioto the first circuit, and the old stone house the first preaching-place in this vicinity.
Scioto Circuit first appears in the Minutes in 1804. In 1805 the Ohio District was formed, and of this dis- trict the Scioto Circuit formed a part. The same year (1805) the illustrious Peter Cartwright was assistant preacher on this circuit. Scioto Circuit remained in the Ohio District until its division, in 1809, into the Muskingum and Miami Districts, into the latter of which the circuit then passed. This was a large district, extending from Cincinnati, up via Yellow Springs, to Chillicothe; thence, via Lancaster, to St. Clairsville, near Wheeling, over into West Virginia, where it in- cluded the Kanawha and Big Sandy territory; then back again to this side, and down the river to Cincin- nati. This one district contained then as much as two Conferences now; but we can see that Methodism was narrowing down, and getting the work into compacter form. Eleven weeks were required to ride round this spacious district. Now it could be crossed in the frac- tion of a day.
In 1813, Miami District was cut into Scioto and Miami Districts, and the old Scioto Circuit was itself divided, and Salt Creek Circuit formed. A part of the society at Philip Moore's fell into Salt Creek Circuit. The same year a new society was formed here. The old frame court-house, completed in 1817, stood on
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Market Street, between Front and Second. This was for some years the preaching-place for all denomina- tions. The first circuit preacher visiting Portsmouth was Nelson Spring. He came in 1814. In 1814, united Methodism was able to show a grand total of seven members. It would appear that Methodism was the first Church organized here. Our Presby- terian and Episcopalian brethren came four and six years after, respectively.
After some years of worship in the old court-house, the society first purchased a church of their own. This was the first Church property held by any denomi- nation. It stood on the corner of Fourth and Market, and cost $1,100. It was heated by two old-fashioned fire-places, one on each side. Its chandeliers were tal- low candles, held in tin candle-sticks on the walls. The entire Official Board constituted the sexton, and "took turns" in sweeping and building the fires. Then it meant much to be an official member. In 1821, John McDowell, of blessed memory, was made class-leader, and the little society had grown in seven years to sixty. They continued in this first room until 1834.
During the pastorate of George C. Crum, a site was purchased on Second Street, and a new church erected. This "new church" was "old Bigelow," a church destined to quite a remarkable history. It was 40 by 60 feet, and was built at a cost of $2,700. Great difficulties were encountered in securing this appar- ently meager sum. Men gave labor, teamsters hauled, and it was finally dedicated by James B. Finley. Dur- ing its stay in this old church, Methodism made rapid strides, keeping pace with the growth of the city.
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Methodism continued to grow until the original class of seven had become too numerous for the room on Second Street, and a division was made. In 1853, Rev. R. O. Spencer donated a lot on Seventh, near Chillicothe, where a frame building, now known as Allen Chapel, was erected. Part of the congregation of old Bigelow went out to form Spencer Chapel. This branch was prosperous, and grew into our present Sixth Street Charge.
The enlarging Church needed enlarged facilities, and by 1858 it became apparent that a larger structure must be provided. The present site was accordingly purchased, and the church erected. For thirty-four years the Bigelow society has dwelt prosperously within these walls.
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