USA > Ohio > Putnam County > History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions > Part 16
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The first class was organized under the joint pastorate of Elmer Day and Peter Hollopeter. The following persons were members of the class and, therefore, charter members of the Columbus Grove church, namely: Philip and Rachel Hooper, their children, Mary, Julia, Rachel, John and Elmira; George and Mary Stevenson and their children, Mary, Enoch and Rachel; Adam and Loruma Van Meter, and Mrs. B. Kliver.
The records of the pastors from 1839 to 1860 is not complete, but among the preachers of that period were Jacob Albright, John Kellam, Messrs. Hookbrick and DeLisle. Since 1860 those who have served the charge are : G. O. McPherson, Adam C. Barnes, B. B. Powell, William Deal, Josiah F. Crooks, Philip Lemasters, Harrison Maltbie, J. C. Clemons, B. J. Hoadley, George Matthews, W. H. Scoles, Reuben Rauch, John M. Mills, Peter Biggs, L. O. Cook, A. Harmount, N. B. C. Love, D. F. Helms, William Hook, Jacob Baumgardner, M. C. Howey, W. J. Green, J. W. Gibson, Daniel Carter and the present pastor, C. M. Monosmith.
From a small beginning, seventy-six years ago, this church has grown until it now has a membership of nearly three hundred. A subscription has
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been raised for a church building and the work on this structure will soon begin.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT LEIPSIC.
The Leipsic Methodist Episcopal church, one of the strong and aggressive churches in the old Central Ohio conference, was organized about the year 1870. Most of the members of the newly organized class came from the Methodist church of West Leipsic.
For nearly fifteen years the faithful men and women of this church wor- shipped in the school house and in the Lutheran and Presbyterian churches of the town. For a number of years this church was a part of the Ottawa circuit, and later was attached to the Gilboa circuit. In 1884, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. S. G. Reeder, the contract was let for a new church by the board of trustees, W. W. Edwards, J. H. Edwards, S. B. Webber, Lorenzo Fulk and W. Galogby, the contract price being three thousand, five hundred and sixty-five dollars. This was completed and dedicated in 1885, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. R. Rushbridge.
The society prospered and grew so rapidly that in ten short years a larger and more commodious building was needed. and in 1895 the congrega- tion was led in a new church enterprise by the pastor, Rev. A. A. Thomas. In 1896 the present beautiful church, with a seating capacity of nearly one thousand two hundred, was dedicated, at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars.
The following ministers have served the church: Jason Young, O. E. Palmer, J. F. Davies, James Long, Jeremiah McCane, Rev. Mr. Maltbie, J. C. Miller, R. M. Culver, W. E. Seuman, Rev. Mr. Reeder, J. R. Rushbridge, George Matthews, A. A. Thomas, George B. Wiltsie, Daniel Carter, W. J. Hagerman, Jacob Baumgardner, Edwin L. Davis and C. W. Barnes, the present pastor.
The Leipsic church has grown from a small class until now, at the age of forty-five years, it has a membership of over three hundred and fifty. It has been represented in the general conference three times, once by John Edwards and twice by Mrs. Florence D. Richards. It is characterized by its large missionary and educational contributions and for its benevolent spirit.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT GILBOA.
The Methodist Episcopal church in Gilboa was organized in 1833, with the following charter members : Moses Williams and wife, Sarah Crafus, Lou-
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isa Gensinger, H. W. Montgomery and Samuel McDonald. It was connected with the McComb circuit at first, but was later changed to the Leipsic cir- cuit, and afterwards it became the head of the Gilboa circuit, which at first embraced Pleasant Chapel, Shawtown and Pandora. In 19II Gilboa was made a station, with the Rev. E. H. Snow as pastor. The ministers who have served the church are: Eli Myers, S. R. Colgan, J. W. Shultz, William J. Green, E. S. Keeler, J. B. Gottschall, J. H. Carter, Samuel Given, L. B. Smith, M. J. Nash, J. W. Miller, E. H. Snow and C. E. Bowley.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CONTINENTAL.
The Methodist Episcopal congregation at Continental was organized in 1895. The adherents of this faith at Continental had desired a meeting place of their own for some time but were not able to get the proposition started. The church building was constructed at a cost of three thousand dollars. This is a very pretty frame church structure. The members have also con- structed a parsonage, at a cost of one thousand dollars.
The church is in a very prosperous condition at the present time, with a total membership of one hundred and forty. Rev. J. D. Parker is the present minister and through his efforts is largely due the present good standing of the church in this community.
NORTH CREEK METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Rev. J. D. Parker also serves the Methodist church at North Creek. The church building at this place consists of a frame structure, which was erected at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. The member- ship at present numbers twenty. Although this church congregation is smaller than some of its sister congregations, it is on a firm basis and the membership is increasing.
CLOVERDALE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Cloverdale Methodist Episcopal church has a congregation at pres- ent of twenty-seven members. The present frame church building was erected at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. Rev. J. D. Parker serves this congregation from Continental.
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TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OTTAWA.
The Methodist Episcopal church at Ottawa was organized in 1855, with Rev. John A. Shannon as pastor. The first church building was a brick structure, built in 1858, the brick for the building being made by M. Galla- way. The Ottawa society was organized as a station in 1869 by the Rev. L. C. Webster, who was presiding elder. Rev. C. W. Miller was pastor in charge. About ten years ago plans were talked of for the erection of a new church building and the matter agitated until, on August 8, 1899, the corner stone of the new edifice was laid. On July 8, 1900, the new church was dedicated to the service of Almighty God by Bishop David H. Moore.
The names of the pastors from 1869 are as follows: 1869-70, G. W. Miller ; 1870-71, H. M. Shaffer and John Wilson; 1871-73, Jason Young ; 1873-74, H. S. Bradley and S. L. Beiler ; 1874-76, J. W. Miller ; 1876-78, H. E. Pilcher ; 1878-79, Albert Foster; 1879-80, Joseph Ayers; 1880-83, Caleb Hill; 1883-86, R. R. Bryan; 1886-88, Joseph Ayers ; 1888-93, William S. Philpott ; 1893, Caleb Hill : 1893-96, A. S. Watkins ; 1896-98, J. Williams ; 1898-1901, C. B. Holding ; 1902-03, Charles W Sullivan ; 1908, J. W. Don- nan ; 1909, C. B. Cuppett ; 1910, S. Baumgardner ; 1912, F E. Higbie; 1914. E. J. Webster : 1915, James William Gibson.
DUPONT METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The congregation of the Methodist Episcopal church at Dupont is also served as a charge from Continental. Rev. J. D. Parker serves this church along with the congregations at Cloverdale, North Creek, and also Conti- nental, as was previously mentioned. This church has a membership of fifty-eight active workers. The present frame building was erected at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars.
Although the town of Dupont is not as prosperous and flourishing as it has been, still this little church has held together its band of followers and the prosperity which the congregation experiences is fully merited by their untiring efforts and also the efforts of the minister.
KALIDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The beginning of Presbyterianism in Kalida dates back about seventy years, the first organization appearing in 1845. At that time Oliver Tol- bert, Sr., Joseph Tingle, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Rice, Mr. and Mrs. Coulter,
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Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Crawford, Dr. Robert Thrift and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain, Mrs. Jane Hughes and Isaac and Robert McCracken met and formally organized a Presbyterian church at Kalida. They met in private homes and in the old court house until a frame building for church pur- poses was erected in 1852. The building erected in 1852 is still standing and has the honor of being the oldest church building now standing within the limits of Putnam county. The timbers are of oak and walnut and the building bids fair to stand for many years to come. The dedicatory services, in 1852. were in charge of the Rev. Thomas Elcock. The ministers from the beginning down to the present time are as follows: Revs. Elcock, Brice, Emerson. Bedem. Cooper, Fuller, Echolls. Hyatt, McGee, Adams and Will- iams. The church now enrolls about eighty members and is one of the most flourishing Presbyterian churches in the county. A Sabbath school is main- tained. under the superintendency of A. F. Skinner. The president of the Christian Endeavor is K. Murray.
LEIPSIC PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The history of the first Presbyterian church in Leipsic dates back to about 1873. Although this church was organized some years prior to this time, the session records were burned and there is no mention of its early history except in the report of Lima presbytery in 1873, but it was proba- bly organized by the Maumee presbytery. The following are charter mem- bers and early members of the church: Mrs. Elizabeth Foltz, Solomon Young and wife, Charles McDonald and wife, Walter Day and wife. John Sturgeon and wife. William Barton and wife. John Askam and wife and James R. Lafferty and wife.
The present brick church building was erected in 1873 at a cost of three thousand dollars, on a centrally located lot near the present high school building. It is modern and thoroughly equipped in every respect, with steam heat, electric lights and a new piano, which has recently been purchased for the use of the church and Sunday school.
The following ministers have served the church: Rev. Perry C. Bald- win : Rev. Winfield Hill, 1878-79; Rev. D. W. Cooper, 1880-83 : Rev. I. N. Thomas, 1886-87; Rev. Adam Schafer, 1891-92: Rev. J. L. Grim, 1894-98; Rev. David Demster. 1899-1900; Rev. Harry C. Cunningham, 1901-02: Rev. W. H. Hyatt. 1905-08; Rev. A. S. Kerr, 1910-II. Rev. E. Layport, D. D., the present minister, began his work on October 1, 191I.
The church saw the greatest years of its prosperity under the lead-
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ership of Rev. David Demster and Rev. Harry C. Cunningham. During their pastorate the church membership numbered one hundred and forty. The present membership of the church is sixty-five. The church has main- tained a very prosperous Sunday school throughout its entire existence and at present Charles Henry is at the helm. He is ably assisted by a faithful and competent corps of officers and teachers. The church has been weak- ened at times by removals and deaths, yet it has always maintained its har- monious and prosperous standing in the village. Some of the leading fami- lies of Leipsic have been enrolled under its banners and the church at pres- ent is in a prosperous condition and is doing a splendid work with an ever- increasing membership. The session is composed of Thomas H. Rower. H. F. Wendell, Orville Young, Charles Henry, Herman Montouth, Hartley McClung and James McDonald.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, COLUMBUS GROVE.
The Presbyterian church at Columbus Grove bears the distinction of being the oldest congregation of Presbyterians in Putnam county. The first church was organized on September 9, 1836, with the following charter mem- bers : Samuel McComb, Anna McComb, Adam Turner, Joseph Belford, Eleanor Belford, Joseph Nichols, Hannah Nichols, Martha Nichols, William McComb, Elizabeth McComb, Job Combs, Jane Combs, Martha Combs and Jane Pier.
A log church building was constructed in order that this loyal band of fifteen advocates of Presbyterianism could have a place in which to worship. The congregation soon began to grow and flourish, as more settlers came into the county and the country became more prosperous. The log structure was soon found to be inadequate to accommodate the ever-increasing workers, and on January 28, 1851, the contract was let for a new frame building. This was dedicated on December 28, 1851, under the pastorate of Rev. Wil- liam K. Bryce. The cornerstone for the present beautiful structure was laid on November 3, 1901. This building was dedicated on October 5, 1902, under the pastorate of Rev. S. Delmar Conger, at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. The parsonage was purchased in 1884, under the pastorate of Rev. Edward Lauport, at a cost of three thousand dollars.
The following ministers have served the church: William McCookin, exact date unknown; James H. Anderson, September 1, 1840-April 14, 1843; William K. Bryce, February, 1849-September, 1868; Francis Lynn. August,
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1870-August, 1872; J. B. Strain, January, 1873-January, 1876; David Kin- gery, October 1, 1876-November 10, 1878; J. Emory Fisher, April 1, 1879- April 1, 1882; R. H. McDonald, May 1, 1883-May I, 1884; Edward Lay- port, June 1, 1884-May, 1889; A. M. Chapin, October 1, 1889-October I, 1891; Thomas F. Boyd, January 1, 1892-April 1, 1894; George Mckay, Oc- tober I, 1894-April 1, 1898; James K. Argo, October 23, 1898-November I, 1899; S. Delmar Conger, January 1, 1900-January 1, 1909; Ralph W. Kohr, April 1, 1909, to the present time. Revs. McGookin, Anderson, Brice, Lynn, Strain, Kingery, Fisher, McDonald, McKay and Argo have served the church as stated supply. The other ministers who have served the congregation were regular pastors.
This congregation is one of the largest in the county and has had a steady growth from the time it was founded. The resident membership num- bers two hundred and fifty-five at the present time, with out-of-town mem- bers three hundred and fifteen.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational church of Vaughnsville, Riley township, was or- ganized in 1889. This church is an offspring of the Gomer Congregational church of Allen county and bears the distinction of being the only Congrega- tional church in Putnam county. Dr. John Gethin Thomas was the founder of this church and under his leadership the beautiful church building was erected, at a cost of five thousand dollars. This church building still serves the congregation and is in excellent condition.
The ministers who followed Reverend Thomas have been as follows: D. A. Evans, exact date unknown; John G. Evans, 1906-1912; John Mor- gan Williams, 1912 to February 13, 1915; and the present pastor, David Will- iam Fletcher, who began his duty in March, 1915.
The church parsonage has but lately been remodeled and is now valued at three thousand dollars. It is a very pretty and commodious structure in which to house the minister. The growth of this church has been steady and no divisions or dissensions have ever arisen in its ranks of workers. There are at present one hundred and forty-two members enrolled under its banner.
The Sunday school, under the direction of Lloyd Roberts, is very active and has an attendance of one hundred and twenty-eight. The Young Peo- ple's Society of Christian Endeavor has an enrollment of forty members
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UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH, CONTINENTAL.
The United Brethren church of Continental, Ohio, was organized in 1888 with twenty-four charter members, comprising thirteen families in Continental. The following ministers have served the church: W. J. East- brook, R. . \. Bales, F. E. Fitzwater, A. F. Light, G. B. Fisher, F. V. Newell, E. E. Williams, C. W. Jamison, M. F. Scouten, J. G. Turner, S. S. Wag- ner, R. WV. Wilkis, Bittner, R. W. Kester, G. E. Burrell, Cora Fester and the present incumbent, O. M. Martin, who is finishing his third year. The present church building was erected under the pastorate of Rev. A. F. Light, at a cost of three thousand dollars. Since that time the congregation has built a parsonage, at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. The mem- bership at present numbers one hundred and thirty. The church has the following auxiliaries: Sunday school, Young People's Christian Endeavor, Woman's Missionary Association and Ladies' Aid Society.
UNITED BRETHERN CHURCH, WISTERMAN.
The Wisterman United Brethren church was organized in this strong community with thirty-five charter members. The congregation began to grow and flourish and about the year 1884 a frame church building was erected, at a cost of six hundred or seven hundred dollars.
The following ministers have served the church: Swaney Newell, Frank E. Fitzwater, Williams, Jameson, Wagoner, Keineth, Miss Cora Tester and the minister, O. M. Martin, who serves the church from Continental. The church has an active Sunday school and also a Young People's Christian Endeavor Society, both of which are well patronized by the younger mem- bers of the church. The congregation numbers eighteen.
ST. JOHN'S UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH, COLUMBUS GROVE.
The congregation of St. John's United Brethren at Columbus Grove was formally organized in 1858, by Rev. Daniel Glancy. The church was organ- ized with seven charter members, as follows: Rev. Daniel Glancy and wife. Amanda Fruchey, Lucy Monntz, Mr. and Mrs. Tracy, Joseph Billhamer. The church was christened St. John's United Brethern in Christ. The first church building, which was erected in 1860, served as a place of worship until 1878, when the present beautiful brick structure was erected, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. A parsonage was erected in 1897, at a cost of one
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thousand dollars; in the spring of 1914 the parsonage was remodeled at a cost of one thousand four hundred dollars, and now provides the minister with very pretty and commodious quarters.
The ministers who have served the church are as follows : Daniel Glancy, Miller, Essics, Chester Briggs, E. B. Maurer, Kemer, T. J. Harbaugh, East- man, Cyrus Bevington, S. H. Radabaugh, H. Shaffer, I. P. Lea, John Hipple, G. L. Bender, John Sergent, U. S. Long, J. O. Rhodes, T. D. Ingel, B. F. Fritz, W. E. Davis, C. J. Roberts, O. F. Langhbaum, M. E. Gibson, C. N. Crabb, and the Rev. C. M. Eberly, the present pastor, who took charge of the congregation on October 1, 1913.
The growth of this church has been marked by its prosperity and rapid growth and at present four hundred members are enrolled under its banners. The church has a Woman's Missionary Society, Ladies' Aid Society and the Otterbin Guild, as auxiliaries of the church. All of these church societies are in a good working condition. The church is thoroughly organized and doing a good active work in all of the different departments.
UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
The United Brethren church of Cascade, was organized in 1885, with eight charter members. The early records of the church have been destroyed and a complete history of the society is not possible. Rev. W. Davis served this charge as the first pastor. A frame church building was erected, at a cost of eight hundred dollars, this being made possible by the donations of the members. It was indeed a monumental task in those days to secure proper financial co-operation even in so worthy a movement. The original membership numbered eight families and this was all there was to draw on to secure the funds for the erection of the first church. But, with a sublime self-sacrifice, they measured up to the situation and finally enough money was mustered together and soon the first United Brethren church at Cascade be- came a reality. The present membership embraces twenty-five souls and these are ministered to by the present pastor, F. Fitswater.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, VAUGHNSVILLE.
The Christian church in Vaughnsville was organized on June 16, 1850, by Rev. Michael Martz, with seven charter members. The first services were held in a log school house near Vaughnsville. After a short time a
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church building was erected in the village. The service of the pioneer pastors and their successors is of sacred memory to the settlers of this locality.
Rev. Michael Martz's pastorate extended over a period of twenty-one years, from June 16, 1850, to September 30, 1871. The church at that time had preaching services one Sunday each month. In 1870 began the services of Rev. William Mormon, who became the regular pastor and continued as such until September 30, 1878. The following pastors have served since that time, most of them beginning their labors in October and concluding their services in September, in accordance with the conference pastoral year : Daniel Lepley, 1878-79; G. B. Garner, 1879-80; Rev. Lepley and Rev. Rimer, alternating, 1880-81 ; G. B. Garner, 1881-82; H. H. Holverstott, 1882-86; C. J. Hance, 1886-87 ; Daniel Lobaugh, 1887-89; Revs. Holverstott and Garner, alternating, 1889-90; A. Noffsinger, 1890-93; J. N. Steffanni, 1893-95; G. WV. Foltz, 1895-00; O. E. McCleary, 1900-02; A. L. West, 1902-04; G. B. Garner, 1904-06; Ford Bolton, 1906-07; F. E. Rockwell, 1908-10; J. M. Miller, 1910-13; Otto Halfaker, 1913-14, and the present pastor, Sanford Beougher.
There have been more than eight hundred names recorded in the roll book of the church since its organization, sixty-five years ago, and at present there are two hundred and seven active members. Prayer meetings, a Sun- day school, Christian Endeavor Society, teachers' training and mission study classes, together with other societies, have assisted in the progress and de- velopment of the church.
The present church building was dedicated in 1873. Since that time it has been remodeled and enlarged. Many improvements have been made, including a new church parsonage. Throughout its history the church has been the recipient of divine blessings and the future successes of the church are assured.
ANTIOCH CHURCH.
The Antioch church is located in section 12, Monterey township. It was organized on June 20, 1882, with fourteen charter members. The mem- bers of this church built the present frame church building in the fall of that year, at a cost of six hundred and twenty-five dollars. Although this band of workers was not large, this was easily overcome by their liberality and desire for a place of worship.
The first pastor to minister to their spiritual needs was S. E. Smith. The church has prospered and at present has a membership of forty-three.
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The present minister is A. W. Sparks. The young people of this congrega- tion are also active in the Sunday school work and Young People's Society.
OTTAWA RIVER CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The Ottawa River Christian church was organized in 1860. Through the earnest efforts of W. F McLane, Elder Enos Foster held a series of meetings at the home of Mr. McLane and, on June 20 of the following year, Rev. Enos Foster and Rev. D. B. Wilson organized a church, to be called the Ottawa River Christian church; thus, the real organization did not occur until 1861. The charter members were: W. F. McLane, Elizabeth McLane, Martha Clevenger, Ruth Chandler, Susanah Clevenger, Phoebe A. Guffy, Anna Evans and Jane Mckinley.
A number of additions were recorded in February of the following year and Elder Foster was retained as the church pastor. In 1862, with the aid of the citizens in the neighborhood, a neat little house of worship was erected on a lot donated by John Guffy, on the banks of the Ottawa river. This building was completed and dedicated to the services of God, November 30, 1862, by Elders Harvey and Martz. On December 13, of the same year, church officers were elected. Jesse C. Darbyshire was elected to the office of deacon and served in that capacity until his death, August 14, 1894.
In 1863 Elder Martz was chose as minister and served the church for fourteen years. On May 4, 1867, Henry Funk was chosen as assistant deacon and held that office until his death, in 1879. The following ministers have served the church since Elder Martz ceased his labors, up to the year 1895: \V. C. Rimer, John Gelispie, Lewis Gander, G. B. Garner and A. Noffsinger.
The present beautiful church was erected in 1879 and will accomodate four hundred and fifty persons. The membership of the church numbers over two hundred and fifty souls.
MT. ZION CHURCH, MONROE TOWNSHIP.
The Mt. Zion church was organized in 1875 with twelve charter mem- bers. This was the first church organized in this township, outside of the town churches of Continental.
The first building, which is still serving the congregation as a place of worship, was completed in 1874. It will be seen that the church building was constructed and a place of worship afforded and later the congregation
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was formally organized. This building was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars and is in a good state of preservation at the present time.
Rev. Gelispie served the congregation as the first regular minister. The present incumbent, Rev. C. J. Hance, serves the church as a charge from Spencerville.
This church is situated in the northwestern part of Putnam county and has drawn its members from the country around this section. The present membership numbers forty-five. The church supports a well-attended Sun- day school.
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