USA > Ohio > Logan County > Bellefontaine > History of the First Presbyterian Church of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and addresses delivered at the celebration of the thirty-fifth anniversary of the pastorate of the Reverend George L. Kalb, D.D > Part 8
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"Any person can become a member by paying twenty-five cents.
"Meet every two weeks.
"Unlawful to pass refreshments.
"Officers :- President, vice president, secretary, treasurer. Term of office, three months. Two committees, Managing and Auditing. A permanent trustee."
III
LADIES' AID SOCIETIES.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOCIAL. [LADIES' AID SOCIETY.]
This society was organized on the evening of March 5, 1878, by the ladies of the church for the purpose of raising funds for paying the church debt, and to promote good feeling and so- ciability among the members of the church and congregation.
By means of entertainments given by it the debt was paid, the present pipe organ was bought, funds were raised for repairing the church building several times; for painting and decorating the audience room, papering and painting the other rooms of the church, and the purchasing of all the carpets and furnishings of the church.
During the 27 years this society has been in existence it has raised over $6,000, by means of the various entertainments given. They have been lectures, concerts, bazaars, markets, fairs, sup- pers, etc.
The mutual interest and effort has brought the ladies into bet- ter acquaintance with each other and greatly strengthened their zeal for the cause. The value of their faithfulness and their sacri- fices for the benefit of the church cannot be easily estimated.
The entertainments have been a great factor in the social and moral upbuilding of the congregation, The first mention found of it in the records as the "Ladies' Aid Society," was in 1889. The following have been the officers so far as now known:
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OFFICERS OF THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY.
Years.
Presidents.
Vice Presidents.
Secretaries.
Treasurers.
1878
Mrs. Lucy A. Bartram
Mrs. E. Patterson
Miss Lou. McCracken
Miss Edith Niven
1879
May Howenstine
Mary Kalb
Alice Irwin
Jennie Emery
1880
66 Emily Frey
66 Mary Emery
Ella M Kerr
Sallie McColloch
1881
Emily Frey
6.
Mary Emnery
Ella M. Kerr
Sallie McColloch
1882
Mary Lamb
Christina Nelson
Emma Shaw
Sallie Emery
1883
Belle Allmon
Calvina M'Laughlin
Mrs. Carrie B. Linsley Sarah A. Knight
Laura Nichols
1884
Corn1. McCracken Laura Wallace
66 Calvina M'Laughlin
Mrs. Cornelia M'Cracken
Margaret Chalfant
1886
Mary E. Brandon
" Cornelia M'Cracken Mrs. Estelle Campbell
T. Taylor
1888
.. Estelle Campbell
.. Ella Wilson
Cornelia McCracken
1889
Margaret Chalfant
Ella Wilson
Cornelia McCracken
1890
Effie Howenstine
Ella Wilson
Cornelia McCracken
1891
66 Mary S. Lamb
"
Ella Wilson
Miss Edith G. Niven Mrs. Mame E. Griffin
1892
Mollie Emerson
Margaret Chalfant
Cornelia M'Crackent
1893
Elle11 Dickinson
Margaret Chalfant
=
Margaret Chalfant
Ann R. Annat
Ella Wilson
6.
Clem Kalb
Mary S. Lamb
Ann R. Annat
Ella Wilson
1896
Clem Kalb
Margaret Marquis
Ethel Bryant
Ella Wilson
1897
Murtie R. Plum
Alice Staniats
Narcissa Davis
Helen Harner
1898
Frankie Johnston
Alice Staniats
Carrie Hamilton
Hele11 Harner
1899
6
Carrie Hamilton
Laura Wallace
Miss Elizabeth Griffin
Heleit Harner
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY.
Mrs. Margaret Chalfant
1885
Margaret Chalfant
1887
Marie Defrees
Alberta Bartram
Miss Margaret M'Colloch Mrs. Estelle Campbell
A1111 R. Annat
Ella Wilson1
1894 1895
Elle11 Dickinson
.. Ellen Dickinson
Ellent Dickinson
II3
TEMPORARY SUPPLIES AND EVANGELISTS.
TEMPORARY SUPPLIES AND EVANGELISTS.
There have been several others whose valuable services de- serve mention.
WILLIAM H. BABBITT.
Rev. William H. Babbitt now resides at 77 Tilden avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.
He says: "I think it was late in January or early in Febru- ary 1854, that, at the suggestion of my college class-mate, Rev. N. C. Burt, D. D., I was invited to spend a Sabbath with the Bellefon- taine church. The invitation was accepted, and resulted in my acting as supply until the succeeding March or April. "Father" Stevenson was then living and Pastor Gregg had recently died. I received the kindest treatment from every one and was interested in my work. But I was only a licentiate, and did not feel at the time prepared to make any permanent engagements. So, though invited to remain longer, I bade adieu to my Bellefontaine friends, and returned to my New Jersey home.
"Interesting reminiscences throng upon me when I recall this brief season of service. I am glad it was rendered, and shall feel honored by even the briefest mention in your annals.
"After terminating a fourteen years' pastorate at Glendale, I entered on one at Tecumseh, Michigan, which lasted eleven years, and have been without charge, on account of failure of health, nearly six years. I still preach as brief supply, however, when called upon."
REV. W. A. BODELL.
Rev. W. A. Bodell was born March 14, 1863. His parents were christians, and, at the age of twelve, he united with the Re- formed church at Glenford, Ohio. Graduating from Heidleberg College in 1886, he spent one year in the Theological Seminary at Heidleberg, after which he entered the work of the Young Men's Christian Association, spending six years in that work in Massa-
114
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY.
chusetts and Indiana, being located at Springfield, Massachusetts; Crawfordsville, and Lafayette, Indiana. He organized asso- ciations at Crawfordsville and Lafayette, erecting buildings in both places, the one in Crawfordsville being one of the finest in the West, and costing $33,000. His work during his three years' stay at Lafayette was largely formative, leaving the association in 1893 with a membership of almost five hundred.
In March, 1893, he accepted a call to become Synodical Mission- ary of Illinois, where he remained for one year, and feeling called to gen- eral evangelistic work, he began the work of a general evangelist, which he has continued for five years, hold- ing meetings in ten different states in the Union. He is now supplying the pulpit of Bethany church, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Rev. Mr. Bodell is very successful in his work. His organizing ability, impressive preaching and deeply earnest, but quiet manner, reaches the hearts of the young and the old; of the men as well as the women. Immed- iately following his meetings here in February, 1898, over 100 united with the church.
REV. W. A. BODELL.
He was ordained by the presbytery of Crawfordsville in 1894. Was married to Miss Mary Robinson, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, June 25th, 1890.
115
STEVENSON PRAYER MEETING.
GENERAL.
Not the fair places To which the great resort Are once to be compared with this, Where Jesus holds His court.
THE STEVENSON PRAYER MEETING.
BY REV. J. H. STEVENSON.
NY history of this church which did not make special men- tion of the Stevenson Prayer Meeting, would be incom- plete, for among the many streams of influence, which have contributed to the spiritual life and power of the church, especially during the first half of its existence, few have been more potent than this, which for many years, was the only "evergreen" prayer meet- ing in the congregation.
It was not often called a prayer meeting in the years of its greatest influence. Its original name was probably "The Praying Society," or "The Society for Social Prayer," after the manner of similar societies in Western Pennsylvania, whence its founder came. Those of us who are now from fifty to seventy years of age, were accustomed to hear it spoken of and announced simply as "Society."
The usual place for meeting was the "big room" in the old Stevenson homestead, which had been built "big" on purpose to accommodate religious meetings, and without doubt has been oftener used for such services than any other room in a private home in the county. The "Society" met on alternate Thursdays at 2 or 2:30 p. m., and was never intermitted except when the day fell in the throng of wheat harvest. During the farmers' "busy seasons" the attendance was usually smaller, frequently consisting principally of women and children, but memory recalls many oc- casions when the plow was stopped, and other work arrested for "Society." Sometimes, in cases of protracted sickness, the meet- ing would be held, by request, at the home of the sick, thus min- istering the comforts and benefits of worship and christian sympa- thy to those who were deprived of the privileges of God's house; but it always came back again to its home in the "big room."
I16
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY.
For more than a generation that fortnightly meeting for prayer was maintained. The people came there to meet with God. Parents remembering their baptismal vows to train up their child- ren "in the nurture, fear and admonition of the Lord," brought them there. In times of drought, when there was no rain until pastures were browned and fields were parched, sometimes the fariners, with humble confession of sins, and acknowledgment of their helpless dependence, there besought the God of Elijah to send refreshing showers upon the thirsty earth.
Children grew to manhood and womanhood under its hallowed influence, and were scattered far and wide, and some of us were stronger and safer in the stress of temptation and trial, and more faithful and earnest in christian duty because of its memories. Often, on Thursday afternoons, the thought that parents and friends were gathered in that prayer room; that in that sacred place they were thinking of us, and asking the God of the covenant to think kindly of us, encouraged our hearts in the struggle, renewed our purpose and efforts to live right, be useful and try to please God.
Among the families more frequently represented in that prayer meeting were those of Elder John Faris, John Kerr, Sr., Elder James Kerr, Josiah Moore, (afterward elder) James Byers, Elder T. M. Stevenson, Deacon, (later elder) J. E. Stevenson and Elder Joseph Stevenson. The families of Davis Faris, John Lamb and William Kerr. Sr., were less frequently represented. Elder J. W. Marquis was sometimes present. Seldom did any except deacons and elders lead in prayer, and few remarks were ever made except by the leader. As it was his home, "Grandfather" Stevenson was almost always present, and in the absence of the pastor usually led the meeting. Perhaps the founder of the Steven- son Prayer Meeting conducted the exercises more frequently than all others together during its entire history, and God alone knows how much of its power, helpfulness and vitality through so many years was due to his presence, personal influence and prayers.
A few remembered incidents will indicate the relation of this prayer meeting to the most vital interests of the church. On one occasion, when the congregation was vacant, and without a house of worship, a candidate preached in the "big room," and it was the only place he appeared before the people. He was not called, however.
The question of building a house of worship was discussed
I17
STEVENSON PRAYER MEETING.
and perhaps finally decided at "Society," and the "Little Brick" on North Main street was the result.
In the darkest days in the history of the church, in that same room, arrangements were completed and announcements made for the communion service, which, by the blessing of God, proved the turning point in the life of the congregation.
During his pastorate Mr. Gregg regularly conducted the servi- ces. His successors were less frequently present, which was perhaps owing, in part, to the fact that after this time a weekly prayer meeting was maintained in the church. For several years at every fourth meeting of "Society," Mr. Gregg "catechised" both young and old. On these occasions the entire family, parents and chil- dren, were expected to be present. It was the ambition of the children to recite the catechism promptly, correctly and as far as they could, while it was their parents' mortification, as well as their own, if they hesitated and blundered. Those who had not completed memorizing the catechisin were arranged in a class, and the pastor began at the youngest with "What is the chief end of inan?" and continued as long as two or three in the class were able to answer. Then he turned to the seniors, taking all in the room in turn, asking the questions from memory without referring to the book. "Uncle" James Byers being less familiar with the shorter catechism, the pastor was always prepared with the appropriate question from the larger catechism for him, to the great wonder- inent of the youngsters. After "The Conclusion of the Lord's Prayer" was reached in this way, the remainder of the hour and a half, or two hours, allowed for the service, was spent in getting at the marrow of one or two questions which had been previously as- signed, by skillful questioning, of which Mr. Gregg was a master, after the manner of Patterson and Fisher. In that way he went nearly, or quite through the shorter catechisni, and all who faitlı- fully attended these "catechisings" had a pretty thorough course in theoretical and practical theology.
Some of us will praise God throughout eternity for the mould- ing influence of that prayer room upon our lives. If its walls could repeat the sermons, exhortations and prayers which have been uttered there, and the hymns of faith, hope and holy aspira- tion, which have borne the souls of the worshipers heavenward; and if it were possible to describe the experiences, the longings, the purposes, the heart-struggles, the deliverances, the hopes and
118
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY.
joys of those who have participated in these meetings through all the years, it would be seen that this prayer meeting has been one of the most important, powerful and blessed factors in the life of the old church, and especially in the lives of many individuals, who came more immediately under its influence.
It is a significant fact that out of six of the families sustain- ing the "Stevenson Prayer Meeting," six sons have entered the ministry, five of whom are still preaching the gospel of salvation, and the same families have given six daughters to the missionary work. May there not be the relation of cause and effect here.
God alone knows the full measure of the blessings which have come, are still coming, and to the end of time shall continue to come upon this church, and those families, and the world in an- swer to the prayers that have ascended to the Covenant-keeping God from that hallowed place.
REV. THOMAS MARQUIS.
The Rev. Thomas Marquis was in many respects the grand- father of this church.
Through his active participation in the management of the Western Missionary Board, he was greatly interested in Ohio and Kentucky, and made several western trips as early as 1800 and as late as 1817.
The heirs of Lieutenant James Park, who was an officer in the Indian war, and his wife's brother, having been given the right by President James Madison, under the act of Congress of August 10, 1790, to select 2667 acres of vacant land where they chose, were undoubtedly largely influenced by Mr. Marquis, on account of his personal knowledge of this section, to select, in 1806, the land immediately north of and adjoining our present city limits, but embracing over four square miles.
Almost immediately afterward, Mr. Daniel McCoy, who had also married a sister of Lieutenant James Park, settled on the land near Rush Lake.
It was to this land and neighborhood that his son-in-law, Rev. Joseph Stevenson, was induced to come in 1825, and later his rela- tives and neighbors the Stevensons, Marquises, Kerrs, Faris, Mor- risons, Byers, Parks, Perrins, Nelsons, Clarks, Yates, Alexanders,
119
REV. THOMAS MARQUIS.
Scotts, Coalters, Cooks, Moores, Adams, Watkins and probably others.
Thomas Marquis was born in Opequon Valley, near Winches- ter, Virginia, in 1753. His grandfather, William Marquis, emi- grated front Ireland to Fredrick county, Virginia, in 1720. His father, Thomas Marquis, married Mary Colville, of Winchester. Dying young, his property, which was considerable, was under the laws of Virginia, inherited by the eldest son, Our subject, Thomas Jr., was raised by his uncle, Joseph Colville, an elder in the Presbyterian church. At 12 or 13 he went to learn the weavers' trade, which was his means of support many years. During his apprenticeship he studied under a Mr. Ireland. At 22 he married Jane, sister of Lieutenant James Park, of the Virginia line, who was afterwards killed by the Indians in frontier warfare. Her firmness, self-denial, industry, and economy were of great service to him in his preparation for and exercise of the gospel ministry.
They removed about 1776 to the wilderness of Washington county, Pennsylvania, near Vances Fort, now Cross Creek. Here in 1778 they united with the church, and theirs' was the first child baptized in the place.
It was not until he was 36 years of age that he started to study for the ministry, under Dr. Smith, of Buffalo, and Dr. McMillen, of Cannonsburg.
He was licensed by the Redstone Presbytery in 1793, and in 1794 called to Cross Creek, under the Presbytery of Ohio, where he continued for 32 years as pastor, also serving Upper Buffalo much of the timne.
As an active manager in the Missionary Board, he visited the Seneca Indians in this section in 1800.
In 1801, he spent three months in Ohio, visiting this section. The revivals under his and others preaching in Washington county, Pennsylvania, about 1802, were wonderful, and are a prominent feature in the religious history of this country.
He continued to visit the Indians and white settlements as a member of the Executive Committee of the Missionary Board; was in this place in 1808, 1817 and probably other years.
He died September 29, 1827, while visiting his daughter, Mrs. Rev. Joseph Stevenson, in Bellefontaine, and his remains lie buried on the highest point in our cemetery, under a peculiar stone tablet.
120
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY.
He was below the average height and inclined to corpulency. Kindness, courtesy and dignity blended in his demeanor.
Mr. Marquis was a Director of the Board of Jefferson College. His musical and irresistible voice and appeal brought him the term, "The Silver Tongued." Dr. Matthew Brown, President of Jeffer- son College, pronounced him the most effective orator to whom he ever listened. Many have been aided by his bequest for the bene- fit of the education of pious youths. Eleven of his decendants have gone from this church into the ministry or mission field.
Mrs. Marquis died January 19, 1841, aged 90.
SARAH MARQUIS STEVENSON.
Sarah Marquis Stevenson, eldest daughter of Rev. Thomas Marquis, was born in Western Pennsylvania September 5, 1780. She married Rev. Joseph Stevenson August 21, 1804. She was a woman of strong character; a faithful, industrious wife and moth- er, and a zealous servant of Christ. She greatly aided her husband in publishing the good tidings of the gospel by her persistent self-sacrifices and labor.
After seeing her children settled in life, she passed to her re- ward July 25, 1849. See her cut on page 34.
BUILDINGS IN WHICH SERVICES WERE HELD PRIOR TO 1829.
The first Court House of Logan county was erected in 1822 on lot No. 142, immediately south of and adjoining the site of the present Empire block on Main street. It had a frontage of 40 feet and was 36 feet deep and 24 feet high. The Presbyterian services were held there from 1824, when the congregation of the "Church of Logan" was organized, until 1829, when the South Main street church was completed. See picture of this building and the ad- joining residence of Robert Patterson opposite table of contents. It was drawn by James Kernan, Esq., for this work.
The residence of Robert Patterson was purchased by him when he came to Bellefontaine in 1824. Prayer meetings and some other meetings of this congregation were held there prior to 1829.
I2I
BUILDING OF THE FIRST CHURCH.
RECORD OF THE BUILDING OF THE FIRST CHURCH EDIFICE IN 1826-27.
The Bellefontaine Presbyterians, as a congregation, engaged a portion of Rev. Joseph Stevenson's time April 1, 1825. The treas- urer's record begins on that date.
At a meeting of the Bellefontaine Presbyterians Nov. 15, 1826, for "devising ways and means for building a Presbyterian church," it was resolved "that the building be undertaken the follow- ing spring." Rev. Joseph Stevenson, Robert Patterson, Raphael Moore, Robert Smith and Samuel Newell were elected a Building Committee. Robert Patterson was made treasurer and Samuel Newell secretary. Under their management a brick building 43 feet square was erected. "It had a stone foundation raised 2 1/2 feet above the ground, the story being 15 feet high."
March 21, 1827, Robert Patterson was authorized to close the contracts. December 25, 1827, the report of receipts and expendi- tures was approved, and Mr. Patterson was ordered to proceed with the building as fast as possible. September 22, 1928, it was resolved that the treasurer proceed to have the floor laid and the doors and windows put in as soon as he could. The building was apparently soon completed and occupied the following winter.
See cut on page following table of contents.
"LINING OUT THE SINGING."
Raphael Moore was the first clerk of the congregation and as such was expected to "line out the hymns," but in 1831 it became necessary that assistant clerks be appointed to assist in leading the singing in the absence of the clerk of the congregation. Those selected were David Robb, William Marquis and John Marquis.
RULES.
Among the rules adopted June 23, 1831, for the inanage- ment of the church, was one, "That it shall be the duty of the trustees * * * to provide candles." Another "That it shall be considered decent and orderly for the children to sit with their parents until they take sittings elsewhere for themselves."
RESIDENCES OF THE PASTORS.
Rev. Joseph Stevenson lived on his farm from the time he came here, in 1825, until his death. First in the old log house that stood just south of his large brick residence.
I22
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY.
Rev. George A. Gregg lived on North Main street where Mrs. W. A. Ginn's residence now stands.
Rev. E. B. Raffensperger owned and lived in the house on North Mad River street, now owned and occupied by Mr. Emery Lockhart.
Rev. George P. Bergen lived in the same house.
Dr. Kalb lived first in the house standing on the southwest corner of Elm and Sandusky streets, but he soon bought and inoved to his present residence on North Detroit.
Rev. George E. Davies resides at No. 40212 East Columbus avenue.
RECORDS OF COLUMBUS PRESBYTERY.
October 6, 1824 .- "The Church of Logan having been duly or- ganized, requested to be received under the care of the Presbytery. Their request was granted. Report received from Church of Lo- gan."
January 4, 1825 .- "The Congregation of Logan (organized on Cherokee Run) through Mr. Robinson, requested liberty to pre- sent a call to the Presbytery of Washington, Pennsylvania, for a portion of the ministerial labors of Rev. Joseph Stephenson. Granted."
January 3, 1826 .- "The Rev. Joseph Stephenson presented a certificate of dismissal from Washington Presbytery, Pennsyl- vania, and requested admission to this Presbytery. Granted."
January 4, 1826 .- As Mr. Stevenson had declared his accept- ance of the call of "The Congregation of Logan," it was resolved "that Mr. Stephenson be installed pastor of the Congregation of Lo- gan, at Bellefontaine, on the first Thursday of April next, at II· o'clock a. m. Mr. Vandeman was appointed to preach the instal- lation sermon, Mr. Washburn to give the charge to the minister and Mr. Robinson to give the charge to the people."
The Presbytery met in Bellefontaine April 5, 1826. Present, Revs. Messrs. James Robinson, James Hoge, Joseph Stephenson, Ebenezer Washburn, Henry Vandeman and several elders. Ser- mon was delivered by Rev. James Hoge of Columbus, from 2 Cor. 12-9-"My Grace is Sufficient for Thee."
"The people known by the name of Logan, on Cherokee Run, presented a paper * ** with regard to the labors of Mr. Stephenson, their pastor elect, viz., that they expected at present three-fourths
123
RECORDS OF COLUMBUS PRESBYTERY.
of Mr. Stephenson's time, to be equally divided between four places of preaching or congregations; one at Cherokee Run, where a church is organized to be known by the name of the Church of Cherokee Run; one at Bellefontaine, one at Newell's Mill, where a church is organized to be known by the name of Stoney Creek, and one at or near West Liberty. That for the purpose of church government the congregation of Bellefontaine shall, for the pres- ent, be connected with the church of Cherokee Run, and the con- gregation of West Liberty shall be connected with the Church of Stoney Creek."
April 6, 1826 .- "Rev. Joseph Stephenson, agreeably to the call accepted by him and the agreement * * * was installed pastor of the congregations of Cherokee Run, Bellefontaine, Stoney Creek and West Liberty, as included in the churches of Cherokee Run and Stoney Creek." The services were performed according to previous appointment.
April 3, 1827 .- "The congregation of West Liberty requested the Presbytery to unite them with the congregation at Bellefon- taine, and to direct Mr. Stephenson, their pastor, to devote one-half instead of one-fourth of his ministerial labors to the congregation of Bellefontaine. Granted."
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