USA > Ohio > Lorain County > Lorain > History of the First Methodist Church, 1856-1956 > Part 2
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Landing at Lakeside was clearly impossible so the "Mona" anchored on the lee side of Cedar Point to ride it out and everybody was desperately seasick. Lizzie McPhail was one of the sickest.
The Lakeside building was a big barracks with five rooms ranged along each side, each with a room up- stairs above it to be reached by means of a ladder and a trap door. The families then drew lots to see which set of rooms-one down, one up-each one should have. Cooking was done outdoors over an open fire at first and later over an old wood range. The partititions on the second story of the barracks ran only part way to the roof, and the rest was left open for purposes of ventilation. The young people, who slept upstairs on straw ticks because of their greater agility with the ladder, often a half dozen to a room, quickly found another use than ventilation for the open upstairs. Many a pillow, not to mention other items, was tossed over those upstairs partitions and the young folks frequently got pretty noisy. Taps at ten was a grounds rule, and when things got too gay T. R. Bowen used to wrap sharply on the walls and call the barracks to order.
Part of that old barracks still exists. It was cut in two and remodeled in 1929 and the front half is now the Bowen-Gregg cottage at 350 Maple Ave., while the back part is the cottage directly behind it on 4th St.
These two cottages are the second-oldest buildings on the Lakeside grounds.
Prayermeeting
Prayermeeting was the last of the old religious customs to survive. In a measure it helped to take the place of the old class meetings and it was held traditionally on Thursday nights. It was simply what its name indicates: the people gathered together to pray and sing hyms, and the last of these meetings took place in the present church building not being abandonned until sometime after the First World War. They prayed over many things, always storms on the lake, and over three wars, and the state of the world and the nation and their own souls.
Funny and serious things happened there over the years. Devotion to prayermeeting brought on John Nichols' last illness. He never missed one, and on that night he walked from his farm where the Country Club stood all the way to the church in a pouring rain, sat in his wet clothes, then walked home again in the rain, contracted pneumonia, and died. In a lighter vein, old Mrs. Carney of the hot temper wandered away one day into a Disciple meet- ing where immersion was presented as the only real way of attaining Salvation. The more the man talked the angrier Mrs. Carney became, and when she stalked back into her own prayermeeting the next night it still hadn't worn off. She was called on to pray, and still indignant hissed into Mrs. Bowen's ear, "You pray, Kate! I can't!"
Good Times in the old Church
As Elizabeth Wickens Fisher wrote recently "Way back the little old church was a great place to make and keep friends." The folks always had a good time together; they knew how to laugh as well as sing and pray, and did all three heartily. In the summer there were hayrides and in the winter sleigh- rides, not just for the young folks, but for everyone.
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The sleighrides used to converge often on the old Crehore farm where the folks made taffy and had a candy pull. They would perhaps be forgotten now were it not for the misadventure of one sledge full of folks which upset one snowy night back in the late '70's or early '80's. The photographer Didero, who had married one of the Haynes girls, happened to be on that sledge, so when it proved impossible for them to go further they all went to Didero's studio and had their picture taken while the other sledge proceeded to its destination. The oldest person
in the picture is Grandma Chapman, the charter member of our church, who was then in her seven- ties. The youngest, the tall young fellow standing on the right, Burt Nichols, was still in his teens, so the ages of the people on that sledge covered seventeen to seventy and they all look in high spirits, Sym- pathy between the young and the old was much greater in those early days than now, and perhaps our world today would be a happier place if some of it could be recovered.
Catherine Gregg, 1956
Pastors and Pastorates
A separate account is written about the Circuit Riders.
Rev. A. P. Jones: Sept. 1875 - Sept. 1877
His history will be found in the "Green Book," compiled by Rev. J. Frank Smith. Rev Jones was paid $625 per annum.
Rev. Uriah Richards: Sept. 1877 - 1879 His name is found in Methodist Church history of other nearby towns, Elyria, Berea, etc. He was living in Berea at the time he served Lorain as pastor. Quite a drive, or horseback ride, it seems.
Rev. B. A. Disney: Sept. 1879 - Sept. 1881
From the scrapbook of Lillie Fox Lyons we found two articles written by Rev. B. A. Disney concerning two events of his ministry.
One dealt with the profession of religion of Mrs. Eveline Dennison, her illness and her request to be baptised as a seal of her profession. Rev. Disney performed the sacred rite in the presence of members of her family and some friends. He also preached her funeral service on the text, Matthew 24, 44, "Therefore, be ye also ready."
Mrs. Dennison, daughter of Mrs. Lucy Bradley, died Dec. 19, 1879.
The second article said, in part, "The children of the M. E. Sunday School assembled on Wednesday evening and were treated to popcorn and candy. Even the old people who came seemed to catch the con- tagion of good cheer, and could be seen "laughing all over" at the witicisms of Messrs. Harry Jones and Gorie Baldwin as they distributed the treat." On the program were some numbers which would probably create a smile were we to hear them today. (1.) A German speech, Rusha Reid; (2.) Recitation, "Fore- closing the Mortgage," Annie Vorwerk; (3.) Speech, "The Right Use of a Penny," Walter Root. Dec. 1879.
Rev. L. A. Markham: 1881 - 1883
An account in the Lorain Times of Sept. 26, 1883, tells of Rev. Markham and wife celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in the M. E. parsonage. It even mentions the gifts they received i.e., "two silver pitchers, one swinging, one standard."
Dr. Wm. Markham, a son of Rev. and Mrs. Markham, kept in touch with the Vorwerk and Whitehouse families. He was a writer and became president of Baker University, Kansas. His late home was Washington, D. C. As a small boy in Lorain, "Willie" helped keep the church clean. He probably had to look after the fire too and carry out the ashes.
Rev. J. P. Mills: Sept. 1883 - Sept. 1885
This pastor's photo and history are given in the "Green Book." Civil War service. Simpson Chapel (20th St. Church) started. We find his name in other nearby towns, Amherst, for one. One of his daughters served in the capacity of secretary at Baldwin-Wallace College.
Rev. W. H. Painter: Sept. 1885 - Sept. 1888
Somewhere we have a photo of Rev. Painter. At his retirement he chose to live in Lorain. His home was the house that sits on the rear of the lot next to the Emmanuel parsonage. He was a physician turned preacher. Mrs. Painter (second wife) lived there several years after Dr. Painter's death. Mrs. Painter's interesting father, Rev. Wm. Pitezel, a re- tired missionary to the Indians, lived with the Painter family.
Rev. Robert McCaskey: Sept. 1888 - Sept. 1890
A photo and long history of him is in the "Green Book." He was on the "circuit" in 1874 and preached here before he became our regular pastor. Mrs. McCaskey was a short, stout, good-natured person. There were no children.
Rev. J. Frank Smith: Sept. 1890 - Sept. 1895 (?)
Mrs. Smith has written the story of her husband. It appears in the "Green Book." He was pastor when the little old brick church was torn down and the new one built on Bank St. Rev. Smith compiled the "Green Book."
Mrs. Smith helped in all organizations of the church and kept their four daughters busy, too. An account of her activity is found elsewhere.
Rev. John Wilson: 1895(?) - 1896
A tall, stern, stately man who was serious about everything and very definite in his opinions. He was of Scotch-Irish ancestory. In later years he served as pastor of Gawn Ave. Church.
Mrs. Wilson was a small, dainty person, who seemed pleased to permit the two strong male mem- bers of the house to be the dominant ones. The son, Jerome, was a scholarly boy. He became professor of Greek in one of our midwestern colleges.
Rev. Albert Van Camp: 1896 - 1899
This pastor and his wife were a wonderful elderly white-haired couple of the "old school." Comforting and comfortable to be with. They had no family. During his pastorate, Delaware Ave. Sunday School was started.
Rev. Frank W. Pcole: Sept. 1899 - Sept. 1901 A very tall young man whose health failed him
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while here. The family was obliged to move to the southwest states, where it was thought he might re- cover. He died while there.
Mrs. Poole was a tower of strength spiritually and did well her part as the pastor's best assistant. Their two children were Helen and Ralph. In later years Mrs. Poole married again, and as Mrs. Krafts lived part of the time in Lakeside, Ohio. Her last place of residence was the Elyria Methodist Home where we often had such splendid visits with her.
Rev. W. A. Dawson: Sept. 1901 - Sept. 1903
Was a large, muscular man, with ruddy complexion and white hair. He was a scholar and his sermons demonstrated that fact.
Mrs. Dawson was a large woman ,physically, and had a ready smile for everyone. There were four children. The eldest, Charles, was not in residence here, so we did not get to know him. Arch N. was a student at Ohio Wesleyan during his father's pas- torate here. He later became a physician, practicing in Lakewood. He died rather young. Mabel attend- ed school here and was later a student at Ohio Wes- leyan. A recent visit with her revealed that she had been a teacher in one of the Cleveland high schools for many years, but is now (1956) retired. Her home is in Brecksville. William attended Lorain schools. He was a brilliant scholar, inclined to be on the argumentative side. He became professor of law at Western Reserve University and was called from that position to serve the government as an advisor on our affairs in Europe. He died in Germany. As a young boy here in Lorain he objected very strongly to be called "Willie," when one of the elder sisters of the church so addressed him. It was "William or nothing." No compromise.
Rev. Dawson served as pastor of the Elyria Metho- dist Church after leaving here. He was active 27 years. He died in Cleveland at the age of 56 years.
Rev. P. B. Stroup: Sept. 1903 - Sept. 1905
Small in stature and a merry twinkle in his eye. Came to Lorain from Norwalk. The family formed a happy group, and the young folks called them- selves "P.K.'s"-Preachers' Kids. There never seemed to be a dull moment when you were with them.
Six girls and two boys and it was a lucky thing that they were not all home in Lorain at the same time because the parsonage couldn't possibly hold them all. The oldest daughter was a semi-invalid who remained at home most of the time. Bertha was Mrs. Gallup of Norwalk.
Mary and Alice were milliners who worked in different cities during the "season." They always wore "the last word" in hats and we loved that. Grace and Florence were the housekeepers and we'll admit Mrs. Stroup was happy to have their help. Phil and John were in school here. Philip graduat- ing in 1905. Later, at Ohio Wesleyan he was an outstanding football star. He became coach at Cleve- land's West High School.
Mrs. Stroup was not too strong. She had a real challenge to keep as sweet as she was with such a busy household. The family had to live in that un- pretty, over crowded parsonage-too close to the church. Grace and John are the only ones living now (1956).
Rev. E. D. Barnett: Sept. 1905 - Sept. 1910
A kindly, friendly man who inspired us all. He radiated the goodness of a real human being doing God's work on earth. The Barnetts were all fun- loving people and got a lot out of life. The Barnett home was a good place to go.
Mrs. Barnett taught a young woman's Sunday School class. Capt. Richard Thew and family became great friends of the Barnetts and it must have been because of their frequent visits to the parsonage that they became much aware of the short comings of the house. Anyway, the Captain strongly urged the Official Board to buy a better home to house our ministers. It was during Rev. Barnett's pastorate that the house on the corner of Reid Ave. and 7th St. was bought.
The Barnetts stayed with us for six years, the limit allowed by Conference regulations. Many of us went to see them often after they were assigned to the Glenville Church in Cleveland.
There were two Barnett children. Edgard Grove Barnett, a student at Ohio Wesleyan during the Lorain pastorate. His last home was in Garretsville. He died there several years ago. His widow, Mary, still resides there. Bessie graduated from Lorain High School in 1910. When the family moved to Cleve- land and after her graduation from Ohio Wesleyan, she was affiliated with the MacPheeter's Insurance agency. Her last known residence was Buffalo, N. Y.
Rev. N. E. Davis: Sept. 1910 - Sept. 1913
A good-natured fellow whose sermons covered every subject and wandered far afield from the real text. He always made a wonderful start, then "That reminds me," would take him away. He was good for us in many ways. Rev. and Mrs. Davis were effective singers of Gospel songs and Rev. Davis had time to play the cornet in the Sunday School orchestra. After they left here the General Confer- ence appointed Rev. Davis to have charge of all Methodist Hospitals and Homes. That was a large order and Rev. "Newtie" for Newton proved to be a very efficient administrator. He radiated cheer. His work entailed much traveling throughout the U.S.A.
Mrs. Davis' health was always a deep concern. On their golden wedding anniversary in Ashland, Ohio, she looked as attractive and pleasing as always, but had to stay in a wheel chair. Since retirement the Davises have resided in Florida and his handwriting still shows his propensities. There were no children in this family.
Rev. Josephus R. Jacob: Sept. 1913 - Sept. 1916
We have an idea that the parents of Rev. Jacob must have been students of History to have named their son Josephus. Josephus was an early Jewish historian. Dr. Jacob himself gave evidence of being a student of worthwhile subjects. His sermons were never light. They contained substance.
It always seemed as though, in his personal deal- ings, he was torn between two loyalties, because a member of his family gave him, and us, a hard time. It must have been difficult for him to keep the church and its work on his mind and sometimes we didn't help. When he left here I think he was much troubled.
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Rev. Vernon Wade Wagar: 1916 - 1919
Dr. Wagar was our pastor during World War I. He hurt the hearts of many of his members who were of British birth by his open criticism of the beginning and conduct of the war. Dr. Wagar is an energetic, nervous fellow. His wit is pretty snappy and sometimes carries a barb. Dr. Wagar was a good musician and urged very strongly that we have the very best choir, choir leader and organist. He him- self was an organist.
An early pastorate of his was at 20th St. Methodist. Later he was assigned to Oberlin Church. That was perhaps his favorite charge. There was much to interest him at the college and he had great oppor- tunity to expound his different theories. On his retirement he chose Oberlin as his home and became much in demand as a speaker for clubs and dinners. It would seem as though he has never had a dull moment. And that is good for one of his tempera- ment.
Mrs. Wagar was a quiet, retiring woman. There had to be a balance in the family. There were three children, John, Clara and Pauline.
Rev. Charles H. Hauger: Sept. 1919 - Sept. 1923
A serious-minded man, very methodical in his work. He kept a book in which we find a record of the baptisms he performed during his pastorate. There must be other such records but the Historical committee does not have them. Rev. Hauger's suc- cessor, Rev. Hess, carried on the record of baptisms and membership.
Mrs. Hauger was a quiet, unassuming woman, much interested in making her husband's work effective. There were no children. At the end of Rev. Hauger's fourth year the membership of the church was near one thousands.
At Christmas time, 1922, the most elaborate Christmas pageant we had ever had was staged by Miss Grace Vorwerk. Some of our local artists con- tributed their talent to make very elaborate scenery depicting the whole Christmas story.
Rev. Charles Bentley Hess: 1923 - 1927
The pastorate of Rev. Hess proved to be full of good works as well as much disaster. Little did he imagine when he and his family came to Lorain in 1923 to begin the 49th year of our regular minister. ial service, that "heavy, heavy" hung over his head.
In case you are adding or subtracting around that 49th year, and letting our 100th year puzzle you, remember that in our very first year's we were "on a circuit" and did not have a regular minister.
The story of the destruction of our church by "The Lorain Tornado" is written elsewhere in this history. When you have read that, think of the responsibility resting on Rev. Hess' shoulders and consider how he labored on things other than his normal pastoral duties. When a new church build- ing became a necessity, he and his Official Board lived to know the meaning of the Cross. They were harassed by days and nights of anxiety and labor.
After leaving Lorain Rev. and Mrs. Hess presided over the beautiful Elyria Methodist Home on West Ave. in Elyria. On their retirement from that work they bought a home next door to the Methodist Home where they reside at this time (1956).
Mrs. Hess was always a willing helper in church
affairs. She was especially interested in music, was a member of the choir and had charge of some of the children's work. A very genial lady. The two children were Anna Catherine, who is at present a teacher in the Elyria High School, and John Knox, who has followed in his father's calling. He is now pastor at Chagrin Falls.
Rev. Elmer Smith: 1927 - 1929
The pastorate of Rev. Elmer Smith brought us our first "Joash Day." This innovation was suggested by Rev. Smith. It was patterned after the Biblical story of King Joash who found a way to collect money for the repair of the Temple. We have fol- lowed his pattern to some extent and it has afforded 'us a ceremonial way to help lift some of our financial obligations over the years. It is interesting to note the sums deposited in the Chest from year to year. For your own enjoyment and understanding, read the historical account of King Joash in II Kings, Chapters 11 and 12, and II Chronicles, Chapter 24. The names may confuse you, but don't give up.
The honor for designing and building our Chest belongs to Mr. Harry Naylor, a layman of genial personality whose services were always available when something along his line need doing. His daughter, Erma Naylor Askew (Mrs. Alfred T.), told us that her father selected special types of wood and was proud to blend them into the chest he fashioned. It was designed to be easily carried, shoulder high, by four attendants. During the first years of our using the Chest, the attendants were dressed in special costumes resembling those of Bible times. It seemed impressive, but of late that custom of specially dressed bearers has been discontinued. Some one objected.
After the Chest had been deposited inside the altar rail, the congregation formed a continuous procession down the aisles, all the while singing "We're marching to Zion," as we deposited our en- velopes containing our offerings in the Chest. Lately we have changed our tune to "Onward, Christian Soldiers." Now - just so we don't change the whole idea and cease bringing our offerings. Mr. Naylor was much disappointed some years after he made the Chest and we had used it as he made it, to find that someone considered it necessary to paint over his selected wood.
An important event took place Sept. 18-24, 1928, when our church entertained the Annual North-East Ohio Conference of Methodist Churches. This meant a large amount of planning by the women of the church. Mrs. Charles Tope was president of the Ladies' Aid Society at that time. Her efficient service was a great gift she gave to our church for many years.
At about that time also, Mr. Lewis Goodell, one of a long line of servants of the church, advanced the idea of giving time and space at the church for both Boy and Girl Scout activities. Miss Hazel Little and Miss Grace Nichols (both deceased-1956), women with much experience in teaching, were put in charge of Girl Scout affairs. Boy Scouts were in charge of Lewis Goodell, James Gelwicks (regional Scout Master), Richard Fauver, Andrew Keep, Frank Ayres. What! Did the boys need more mastermind- ing than the girls?
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Each minister's wife has a different idea of how she can best promote her husband's work. Wouldn't you like to hear some of the parsonage conversations on this subject? Mrs. Elmer Smith was a quiet, re- tiring lady. She had a ready smile and was pleased to do whatever church work she was asked to do. The Smiths had one son, whose work was in another city, consequently we did not see him often enough to become acquainted. Their later home was in Ashtabula County.
Rev. Homer W. Courtney: April 1929 - 1933
The spiritual leadership of our parish was con- tinued by Rev. Homer W. Courtney, who came to us from St. Paul's Methodist Church of Tiffin, Ohio. The Official Board record states that the pastor's salary was to be $4,200.
In 1929 the Official Board sent word to two of our faithful members, Mr. and Mrs. N. B. Hurst in this form, "The Church is yours." They celebrated their golden anniversary that year. Mr. Ralph Hurst, a very faithful member of the Official Board for a long period of years, is their son. Ralph and his wife, Margaret Rosalind King Hurst, were members of the first Historical committee.
Rev. Courtney introduced the use of stereoptican slides in our evening service. A visual sermon was presented which he hoped would bring a goodly at- tendance and thus carry on a custom that seemed to be going out of favor, the evening service.
In his pastorate, also, there was a Dramatic club formed with Miss Grace Vorwerk in charge. Miss Vorwerk is (1956) the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Vorwerk, who were among the early faithful in the little brick church. Each member of the large Vorwerk family worked in some department of the church.
An amusing story is told of a boat excursion from Lorain to Lakeside during Rev. Courtney's pastorate. It involved a nor'wester storm, young Albert Doane and that good Samaritan, Mr. Frank Proctor. That trip was but a revival of the custom carried on over many years, a boat trip to Lakeside. The good old "Chippewa" carried many happy, some sick, excur- sionists.
On Joash Chest Day, Dec. 2, 1929, two years after it's initial celebration, Rev. Courtney reported $3,500. There was a complete church membership list published with the Current Expense and World Service pledge and payment of each member shown. This frank showing of our strength and weakness did not please everyone. Rev. Courtney was always very forthright in his expression of presenting sub- jects of both financial and personal service. And, he could defend his action in plain talk.
On Sept. 3, 1930, Grace Methodist Church of South Lorain, having been disbanded, its members were invited to join First Church. There is a full story of these members which will appear elsewhere in this History.
Mrs. Celia Bowen Gregg (Mrs. A. S.) retired as organist of our church. Her services extended back over 30 years. Mrs. Gregg belonged to the Lyons and Bowen families, which had been identified with our church many years. Mrs. E. M. McCaskey (Rae George) was elected to fill the position of organist.
A low spot hit Rev. Courtney's service in our
organization when on June 30, 1932, hard times came a knockin' at the door. The great financial depression of that date was making itself felt in the church and salaries could not be paid, thus a reduc. tion was necessary and expenses were reduced to the minimum. The December, 1932, Joash Chest brought only $1,400, but it was counted as a really sacri- ficial offering.
The parsonage lady, Mrs. Ethel Courtney, was a tireless worker in every organization of the church. She had a happy way of reaching our hearts. A Christian diplomat, I would say. The Courtney children were Paul, Ruth and Robert. Robert is now (1956) the pastor of one of the Methodist churches in Tiffin, Ohio.
Rev. Courtney served a remarkably successful pastorate at the Elyria Methodist Church. Later he was appointed manager of the Lakeside Association. Since his retirement from that position he has con- tinued to make his residence in Lakeside.
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