History of Richland County, Ohio : (including the original boundaries) ; its past and present, containing a condensed comprehensive history of Ohio, including an outline history of the Northwest, a complete history of Richland county miscellaneous matter, map of the county, biographies and histories of the most prominent families, &c., &c., Part 67

Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co.
Number of Pages: 968

USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio : (including the original boundaries) ; its past and present, containing a condensed comprehensive history of Ohio, including an outline history of the Northwest, a complete history of Richland county miscellaneous matter, map of the county, biographies and histories of the most prominent families, &c., &c. > Part 67

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).

Thus, in brief, was founded the church, which has made for itself a history, has become an ornament and honor to the city, and whose channel of usefulness is broadening and deep- ening with each succeeding year.

Shortly after building the church. a comfort- able frame parsonage was erected on the same lot. During the first year. more than forty members were added to the church. most of whom had counseled its organization, and part of whom joined by letter from other churches. Thomas Smith, Daniel Cook, William Maxwell, John E. Palmer and Mathias Day were chosen Deacons. The following are the names of the Pastors : Seth Waldo, from August, 1835, to

August, 1836; Theodore Keep, from October, 1836, to May, 1837 ; Leonard Parker, from No- vember, 1837, to September, 1840. Rev. Parker was succeeded by John Keep, who labored dur- ing a portion of the year 1842. and was suc- ceeded by James B. Walker, who remained four years. George M. Maxwell was in charge from 1846 to 1850, when Mr. Walker was re- called, and remained several years. During his absence in Europe, in 1854, Rev. Mr. Ely, of Rochester, N. Y., occupied the pulpit. Follow- ing Mr. Walker, were W. W. Woodworth, Starr H. Nichols, J. G. W. Cowles. J. E. Twitchell, E. B. Fairfield and S. B. Bell. The latter was not installed, but supplied the pulpit for eighteen months.

During Mr. Fairfield's pastorate, oceurred some of the most important events in the his- tory of the church, by which it gained a national reputation. The Pastor's stand regarding the troubles of Plymouth pulpit is well known to the reading world. On the 18th of August. 1870. the old church. around which clustered many tender memories, was destroyed by fire. This fire seemed almost to have been a provi- dential occurrence. The old church was some- what dilapidated ; seemed, as it were, to have outlived its usefulness ; was not up to the re- quirements of the time, or the needs of the con- gregation, and yet was too good to abandon. Some of the members were in favor of building new, but many yet clung to the old; the fire .came to end this controversy. Subscription papers were immediately circulated, money pledged both inside and outside the organiza- tion. and, in the course of time, the present magnificent edifice was an accomplished fact. Mr. Fairfield was an incessant worker in the building of this church. It was dedicated June 8, 1873, and is a building of which the entire city is justly proud. One thing only remained to mar the pleasure and dampen the hopes which the building of this church brought with it ; a debt of $40,000 hung like a pall over it;

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and, when the panic of 1873 burst suddenly upon the country, no midnight storm-eloud, hanging continually above its graceful steeple, could have been more depressing in its influ- ence. Five years passed under this cloud- years of alternate hope and despair ; and, mean- while, Mr. Fairfield and Mr. Bell had retired, and the Rev. Frank Russell, the present Pastor, was installed May 15, 1878. The church had been somewhat divided by internal dissensions, -

which seriously impaired its progress and use- fulness. Earnest efforts were at once inaugu- rated to remove the one great cause of trouble. A correspondence was opened with Mr. Kim- ball, of Chicago, the celebrated church-debt Ex- tinguisher ; his services secured, and, on the 29th of September, 1878, he made his appear- ance in the pulpit of the church, in his favorite role. In one week from that day the entire amount had been pledged ; the pall was lifted, and the church stood in the sunlight of free- dom. Mr. Kimball started the ball rolling, and it was kept rolling through the heroic efforts of a few influential members, until the end was reached.

At this date, these subscriptions are being rapidly and promptly paid (good times having returned), and the future outlook for the church is as bright as its friends could wish.

The church has shown its enterprise by bringing the telephone into practical use within the last few months. To enable invalid mem- bers to enjoy divine service at their homes, a Blake transmitter is neatly attached near the platform occupied by the minister. Invisible wires reach out to the residences of those desir- ing telephonic connection, where, by applying a Bell receiver, every word uttered by the Pastor. as well as the vocal and instrumental music, is distinctly heard. It is believed this church enjoys the distinction of being the first to suc- cessfully apply electrical science in this manner.

Several mannals for this church have ap- peared from time to time. It is not known

when the first was issued. but the second one made its appearance in 1851, when the Rev. J. B. Walker was Pastor. There were 95 mem- bers at that time. A third manual appeared in 1856, while it was still in charge of Mr. Walker. The membership had increased to 289. In 1869, a fourth manual was brought out by the Pastor, Rev. J. E. Twitchell. The membership was 384. A fifth is now in course of prepara- tion by Rev. Frank Russell, and promises to be more complete than any yet issued. It will con- tain a complete digest of all matters pertaining to the church, and will make a valuable book for study and reference. The present member- ship of the church is 557.

In 1852, the Congregational Church of Mari- etta issued a call for a general conference of the Congregational churches of the State. This Conference was held here on the 23d of June of that year, during the pastorate of Mr. Walker. He was Moderator of the conference. Forty- three churches were represented by 73 dele- gates. It was aseertained that there were 33 English and 12 Welsh churches in the State. with a membership of 2.515. Since that first conference, it has continued to meet regularly on the first Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in May of each year. At present, it is com- posed of 14 local conferences. representing 229 churches in the State, with 170 ministers and a membership of 23,392. These churches report 26,690 pupils in their Sabbath schools. The Central North (local) Conference, with which it is connected. was also organized in this church.

One of the most active and efficient organi- izations in this church is the Ladies' Aid Soci- ety. During all the struggle for the building and payment of the debt. it has distinguished itself for zeal, carefulness of management and wisdom of expedients. They have raised over $19,000 during ten years, and, at the meetings for raising funds for the payment of the debt, courageously assumed $4,500 more. which, by continued effort. they are surely canceling.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

1 Sabbath school has been connected with the church since its organization, and is now strong in numbers, with an efficient and active corps of teachers. H. L. Reed is Superin- tendent.

The Associate Church was called the Associ- ate Congregation of Mansfield, and was organized in 1826 by the Rev. John Walker, of Harrison County, Ohio. The Finneys were prominent and influential in the organization. Before the erection of the church, meetings were held in the upper story of the old court house, as was the case with other early religious socie- ties. Rev. Samuel Hindman was installed Pastor at the organization, and continued until 1841. when he resigned. During his pastorate, a pleasant lot was purchased on West Market street and the frame church erected, which is yet standing. It was built in about 1834. The early members were John, James and William Finney, Samuel Craig and Mathew Morrow-the latter doing the carpen- ter-work.

In 1843. Rev. J. L. McLean was settled Pas- tor. and continued until 1853. In 1854, Rev. D. W. Collins was installed, and continued until the union of this church with the Asso- ciate Reformed. in 1858, at which date the num- ber of members was fifty-two.

The union left a few members in this church, who would not go into the union. They re- mained as a church. but have not been able to support a regular Pastor. Services are still held, however. about once a month. There is no Sabbath school connected with the church.

The Associate Reformed Church is almost as old as the city. a few persons having met to consult about its organization as early as February 2. 1818. At this preliminary meet- ing. Andrew Ritchie was Chairman: John Stewart. Secretary. and Richard Hoy. Corre- sponding Secretary. The latter was instructed to write to the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Kentucky regarding the organization.

committee was also appointed to ascertain the number of persons willing to enter the organ- ization. The petition for an organization was granted by the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Monongahela. and the Rev. William Taggart appointed to officiate. This was in June, 1820. Twenty-seven persons connected themselves with the organization ; of these, Richard Hoy, Robert Finney and James Larimer were chosen Ruling Elders. Mrs. Margaret Stewart only remains of this original congregation. Like other early religious societies, their first meet- ings were held in the old court house, and afterward in the old Methodist Church on Water street, between Third and Fourth ; also, part of the time in a building on South Main street. Their first minister was Rev. James Johnson, who entered upon his duties in Novem- ber. 1821. He was called by this congregation and the one on Clear Fork, afterward Troy, and divided his time between these and a church at Utica, Ohio. In the same year (1821), measures were taken to erect a building. Money was scarce. and the congregation generally helped by giving materials, time and labor. The brick for this church was made on the east part of the lot on which it stands, by a Mr. Ridgeway, who came from Pennsylvania for that purpose. Services were held as soon as the outside walls, floor and roof were in place, the building being warmed by iron kettles, filled with charcoal; the windows, being open, per- mitted the escape of gas.

When this church was finished, it was the finest and most substantial building in the town. It is yet standing on West Third street, plain, solid and comfortable. The church seems to have prospered under Mr. Johnson's preaching, and many members were added from time to time. His pastorate extended over a period of more than thirty years. He retired in 1850, but his pastoral relation was not dissolved until 1852. He was rather a remarkable man, being of fine presence, address, and very

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eloquent. He was a graduate of Washing- ton College. in 1814. At the time of his retire- ment, about sixty-five or seventy families were connected with the church. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1850. He died in 1858.

Rev. William Dalzell was called in 1853. and remained about three years, when he resigned to connect himself with the Old School Pres- byterian Church, and the pulpit was vacant until April 24. 1858, when the Rev. David Paul was called.

In 1838, negotiations were commenced for the the purpose of uniting the Associate and Associate Reformed denominations into one organic body. By various steps, and espec- ially by mutual consideration of a variety of propositions and terms of union, the two churches became gradually more harmoni- ous in their views, until 1856, when a gen- eral basis of union was proposed for the con- sideration of both churches. In May, 1857, this basis of union was adopted by both bodies as the terms on'which they were agreed to unite. May 26. 1858. the union thus agreed upon was formally consummated in Pittsburgh, Penn .. the united body assuming the name of " The United Presbyterian Church of North America."

After this consummation, the Rev. David Paul and the Rev. David Collins, of the Asso- ciate Church of Ontario, labored as copartners in these two churches. This relation continued about a year, when the congregation at Mans- field gave a call to Dr. Paul for all his time, and the church at Ontario called Dr. Collins. Mr. Paul filled the pulpit very acceptably until 1864. when he resigned to accept the presidency of the Muskingum College. Rev. Joseph McKee followed Mr. Paul, and was Pastor until 1866.

In June. 1867, the congregation, in connec- tion with that of Monroe, made out a call for the Rev. D. H. French, the former tak- ing two-thirds, the latter one-third of his time. In 1870, the congregation petitioned |

the Presbytery for the whole of their Pastor's time, which was granted. Mr. French lab- ored faithfully, effectively and acceptably for twelve years. When he entered upon the pas- toral charge, there were sixty-three members on the roll. In the Sabbath school were three classes, three teachers, and seventeen scholars. The membership is about one hundred and sixty, and the number of pupils in the Sunday- school 133. .

The Ruling Eklers are James Clark, Sam- uel Hill, Robert B. Maxwell, Dr. D. R. Johnston, R. G. Wallace and David Sturgeon. Trustees-John Neel, William Johnson, John P. Ferguson, William Rusk and R. N. Stew- art. Mr. French resigned November 3, 1879. having accepted a call in Dayton, Ohio. His last sermon was preached December 7. He was much beloved by his people, and, in his retirement, was followed by their prayers and benedictions.

A Sabbath school has been connected with the church since its organization, and is now in a flourishing condition.

It is to be regretted that the larger part of the history of the Methodist Episcopal Church is involved in obscurity. and that those immediately interested in it have failed to keep a record. especially one that would throw light on its early history. The history of no other church in the city would, perhaps, be so full of interest as this ; yet, while the history of the others is comparatively complete. no official record has been kept, or. if kept, either lost or neglected ; and all that is left for the historian is to collect the few scattered items in old publications, which occasionally crop out in the history of other churches, and which still live in the memory of its older members. These extracts are very meager indeed.

Of one thing, however. there is no doubt : that is, that the first church erected in the town of Mansfield was a Methodist. and the organization

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

was one of the earliest, if not the earliest, in the town. Dr. William James. a Meth- odist missionary, settled in Mansfield soon after the town was laid out, probably between the years 1810 and 1814. It is a question whether he or Rev. Mr. Van Eman, of the Presbyterian Church, was the first to preach in the town, but the fact that the Methodists erected the first church building and that their missionaries, generally, were in advance of the early settle- ments everywhere, may be taken as evidence that Dr. James was the first preacher of any denomination in the town. John Weldon, a well-remembered pioneer, says that William James was the first preacher that settled in Mansfield ; and the historian of the Presbyterian Church, while conceding this, still claims that Rev. Van Eman preached the first sermon in the town. This, however, is not known ; there is no proof of it, and it is reasonable to sup- pose that, as Mr. James came here for the pur- pose of preaching, and was here before the others, he preached the first sermon.

Mr. Weldon says that Rev. James was followed hy Charles Waddle and Rev. Mr. Somerville. and that all three were here before 1816. Rev. James built a log house on the corner of Third and Water streets, which would indicate his inten- tion of settling here permanently. Ile did not live long, being horned by his bull, from the effects of which he died. Henry Newman says the first Methodist church was built about, or before. 1816. It stood on Water street, between Third and Fourth. At that time, other build- A large and flourishing Sunday school has always been connected with the church. ings had been erected around the big spring. 'and this was one of the most important parts The history of the First Baptist Church of Mansfield dates back to 1818. In Novem- ber of that year, Elder French, a mission- ary, visited Mansfield and held meetings in private houses. Some of these meetings were held in the house of Mordecai Bartley, two miles northwest of Mansfield. Mr. Bartley was received for baptism by Revs. French and Matthew of the new town. This church was frequently used by other denominations during those early years. Mrs. Smith, who, in 1823. was living on North Main street, where she now resides. remembers picking her way through the hazel- brush to this church. The well-known circuit- rider, Harry O. Sheldon, was one of the earliest preachers in this church ; it is certain that he | Cunen and his mother, who had been members

preached in it as early as 1818, and that, ten years later, he was stationed here. He claims to have formed the first Sabbath school ever held in Mansfield, and while he does not say that it was formed in this church, the probabil- ities are that such was the case, as it would be natural for a Methodist preacher to select a a Methodist church in which to organize a Sab- bath school. if such a church existed at the time. This is about all the early history that could be gathered of this church.

After using this old church many years, they sold it, in 1837, to the Lutheran and German Reformed organizations, who occupied it until 1852, when it was abandoned.

The Methodists built a new frame church, yet standing, on the corner of East Market and Water streets. This church must have been erected about the year 1836 or 1837. when the old one was sold. This building they occupied more than thirty years, commencing the eree- tion of the present fine, substantial brick edi- fice, on the east side of the square. in 1867. which, however, was not finished until 1870. Dedication services were held on the 3d of July in that year, by Bishop Clark and Rev. Dr. Pershing. The cost of the building was $35,- 000. On the day of the dedication, $8,000 of this remained unpaid, but the amount was raised the same day. and the new church started on its career of usefulness free from debt. Rev. J. A. Mudge, since deceased, was a hard worker in the building of this church.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

of the Baptist Church before they came to this country. Afterward, they received William Van Horn and wife, Charles Stewart and Eliza- beth Bartley. These formed a conference for divine worship, and constituted the first organ- ization of the Baptists in this part of the coun- try. The first minutes of their meetings appear April 17, 1819. Mr. Bartley was Moderator and Mr. Cunen, Clerk. and, on the 15th of May following, they agreed to be constituted into a church, to be called the Mansfield Church. The number of names at that time enrolled in the organization was fifty-three, among the most prominent of which were Mordecai Bartley. D. I. Swinney. Nehemiah Story, Matthew Cunen, Eliphalet Flint, John Palmer, John C. Gilkison, John Rigdon, Robert Bentley, Baldwin Bent- ley, Charles Spooner, Richard Woodhouse, Pe- ter Ogden, James M. Gilkison and their wives. This membership was scattered through all the townships adjoining Madison, and meetings were held in different places in the county to accommodate the membership. This organiza- tion continued many years, but, as the county grew and increased in population, organizations began to be formed and churches built in the different townships, and this organization was thus divided, the members withdrawing and joining the organizations in their respective townships.

It was not until 1838 that an organization was formed in Mansfield, called the First Regu- lar Baptist Church of Mansfield, but which was constituted the Second Regular Baptist Church of Mansfield. Elder Isaac Bloomer was first Pastor of this church. He came as a mission- ary from the Home Missionary Society in the fall of 1838, and held services in schoolhouses and in the court house during the winter. The couneil, which was called to recognize this or- ganization as a church, met March 16, 1839, and consisted of Elders Jones, Going. Sage, Cosner, Converse and Cox. Nineteen persons united with the church, either by letter or

otherwise. Rev. Bloomer served until 1846, and was followed in their order by the following ministers :

Benjamin Thomas, Luther L. Hill, S. B. Web- ster, Lewis L. Still, J. M. Winn, George Wil- son, R. Newton. David E. Thomas and John Fulton. The latter occupied the pulpit in 1859, and. in December of that year, the church was divided, thirty-nine members withdrawing and forming the Central Baptist Church of Mans- field.

This church was organized Jan. 7, 1860, at the residence of George Armentrout, by George Ar- mentrout, Mary Armentrout, B. Dunn, Fanny Dunn, Isaac Hedrick and wife, W. S. Hickox and wife, and others. The fine, substantial brick church, now standing on the northwest corner of West Market and Walnut streets, was erected in 1862, at a cost of about $25,000. It was dedicated January 17, 1863. J. W. Os- born was first Pastor, and continued preaching for the congregation eight years. He was fol- lowed by S. A. Collins, J. Barstow, E. D. Hunt, John E. Chessore, T. J. Seigfried and J. W. Davis. The present membership is 125. The organization of the Sunday school was coeval with that of the church, and now numbers about 100 pupils. H. Colby was first Super- intendent.

The Synod of Maryland and Virginia sent the Rev. F. J. Ruth, the founder of the English Lutheran Church of Mansfield, to this city, where he preached the first sermon in the Presbyterian · Church, October 1, 1831. He found but six persons in the town at that time who were Lutherans ; but, in the summer of 1832, he organized the church with fifteen members. Some of these were Jacob Hammer and wife, George Coher, George Peterman and wife, Mr. Flory, wife and daughter, Samuel Startzman and wife, Mr. Shroeder and wife, and a few others whose names are not now known. Their first meetings were generally held in the old court house. Having seen the church fairly

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

on the road to prosperity and permanence, Mr. Ruth left it in 1835, and was followed, in 1836, by George Leiter. He preached for both the English and German Lutherans, at that time united in one congregation, under the title of the English and German Lutheran Congrega- tion of Mansfield. For some time, the congre- gation worshiped in a schoolhouse situated on the southwest corner of the lot upon which the market-house is built. In 1837. they united with the German Reformed congregation in purchasing the old Methodist Church on Water street-the first church erected in the town. This they jointly occupied until the fall of 1852, when, by mutual consent. the property was sold, the building having become unfit for use. In 1849, the English and German Luther- ans separated, and the society was incorporated under its present title. The Pastors were : George Leiter, six years ; H. K. Henick. one year ; George Leiter, recalled, two years ; J. H. Huffman, four years. In 1849, the Rev. S. Fenner was installed, and remained seventeen years. During Mr. Fenner's pastorate (1851). the lot was purchased, on which a substantial brick church was erected. which was dedicated October 16, 1853. Rev. M. J. Firey followed Mr. Fenner, and, during his pastorate of six years, the church was enlarged to its present dimensions. The present Pastor, Rev. D. W. Smith, followed Mr. Firey, and has filled the pulpit very acceptably nearly eight years. During the year 1879, a society was organ- ized within the church, "for church work." It is divided into the following committees : (1) on visitation, (2) on sick. (3) on poor, (+) on missions, (5) on Sabbath school, (6) aid soci- ety. It promises to be very efficient.

The present membership of the church is 350; the Deacons are A. J. Bortz, Elias Trout- man, M. D. Harter and Samuel G. Eyerly. Elders are B. Bair. Daniel Gerberich, Abraham Small and S. S. Balliet. Trustees-David Bell, Lewis Bowers and Leonard Sheets.

A Sabbath school was organized in 1849. The Superintendent is James Livingston, and present membership, 355. The contributions of this school, for the last year. for missionary purposes were $177.82.

The Church of Christ. in Mansfield, was organized about the year 1834. James McVay was doing the work of an evangelist in the West at that time, and was influential in the organization. He arrived in Mansfield in 1833. At the organization, James and John Gilkison, and, soon after, Benjamin Gass and William B. Hammett, were chosen Bishops. Their first meetings were held in the old court house, and in the ballroom of the old Wiler House. This church was founded by Alexander Campbell, and has been known as the Campbellite and Disciple Church. In 1836. they occupied the building belonging to the Disciples, at the foot of Walnut street. on the present site of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad freight depot. In addition to the Bishops, above named. John Read, John Rigdon and James Porter took part in the dedicatory exercises. and John Read preached part of the time for the three years immediately following the ministry of James McVay.

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Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848- Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co. Number of Pages: 968

Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co.
Number of Pages: 968