USA > Ohio > Jefferson County > Steubenville > The church in eastern Ohio; a history with special reference to the parishes of St. Paul's, Steubenville, St. James's, Cross Creek and St. Stephen's, Steubenville > Part 7
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CHAPTER VI.
PARISHES INCORPORATED.
New St. James's Church Consecrated-Unprecedented Congre- gations and Confirmation Class-Early Pewholders at St. Paul's-One-fifth of Diocesan Communicants in Jefferson County-St. James's Largest Parish in the State-St. John's, East Springfield, Organized-Morse-Chase Wedding.
During the earlier events related in the preceding chapter the little flocks at Steubenville and Cross Creek pursued the even tenor of their way with fifty-five com- municants in the former parish, and ninety-five in the latter, with Mr. Morse, their common pastor, perform- ing an incredible amount of parochial and missionary labors. Joseph Beatty was the convention delegate in 1823 from St. Paul's, and Messrs. Wells and Chapman in 1824, with Mr. Dunlevy from St. James's. Edward Wood was appointed lay reader at St. Paul's in 1823, and Thomas Lewis collector, in 1824. Mr. Morse, while returning from convention, fractured his leg, which dis- abled him for five weeks, but fortunately not perma- nently.
At the annual meeting held on April 4, 1825, it was resolved that the parish be incorporated, and D. L. Col- lier was requested to cause the requisite entries to be made in the County Clerk's office according to the fol- lowing certificate :
State of Ohio, Jefferson County, ss: Court of Common Pleas. Be it remembered that on the twenty-third day of May in the year of Our Lord, 1825, the Wardens and Vestry of St. Paul's Church, Steubenville, filed with the Clerk of Said Court the following proceedings and certificate, to-wit:
To the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Jefferson and State of Ohio: This certifies that whereas
.
74
THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO.
heretofore, to-wit, on the seventeenth day of May in the year of Our Lord, 1819, a religious society was formed in the town of Steubenville in said county. consisting of upwards of twenty persons denominated Episcopalians, and have thence -hitherto continued to hold public worship and transact business in said town under the name of St. Paul's Church, Steubenville. And whereas the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States have by their usages and canons appointed Easter Monday for electing all church and parish officers in the several congrega- tions belonging to that religious denomination; Now therefore, be it known that at a meeting of members of said religious society, denominated St. Paul's Church, Steubenville, held at their usual place of worship in said town on Easter Monday, the fourth day of April, 1825. notice of said meeting having been first given at least ten days before the said Easter Monday by proclamation, when the said society was assembled for public worship, and by writing put up in some conspicuous place 'where the worship of said society is usually held, the following named persons were duly elected officers of said religious society for the year ensuing the said Easter Monday with the appellation affixed to each according to the rules, regulations. usages and canons of said Episcopal Church of the United States, that is to say: Bezaleel Wells, Joseph Beatty, Wardens; George Chapman, Brice Veirs, Edward Wood, Vestrymen, and the said Wells, Beatty, Chapman, Veirs and Wood having taken an oath faithfully to discharge their duties of our said offices, to give to the said religious society the name of St. Paul's Church. Steubenville, that being tlie name by which it has here- tofore been known, and we, the said Wardens and Vestrymen. do further certify that the said meeting and proceedings were held and had in the township of Steubenville in said county and state. All of which is certified and made kuown for the pur- pose of obtaining corporate powers pursuant to the acts of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, entitled "An Act for the incorporation of Religions Societies." passed the fifth of February, 1819, and an act to amend the same, passed on the fifth of January, 1821.
In testimony whereof, We, the said Wardens and Vestry- men, have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals the ninth day of May in the year of Our Lord. 1825. [Signed and sealed by the parties above named.]
State of Ohio, Jefferson County ss:
On the ninth day of May, 1825, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county. the above named [names recited]. who duly qualified according to law incorporating religious societies. Given under my hand and seal the above date.
J. G. HENNING, J. P.
The proceedings for the incorporation of St. James's
RT. REV. PHILANDER CHASE.
Chat- P. Mi tham
RT. REV. CHARLES P. MCILVAINE.
75
PARISHES INCORPORATED.
Church, which were filed on May 23, 1825, were prac- tically the same, the certificate reciting that the parish was formally organized on December 1, 1816 (just six- teen years after the preliminary arrangement with Dr. Doddridge), that at the Easter Monday election hield April 4, 1825, Edward Lewis and Gabriel Armstrong were elected Wardens, and William Cunningham, James Dugan and Daniel Dunlevy, Vestrymen, with Daniel Dunlevy, Robert Henderson and John McConnell, Trus- tess, all of whom were qualified, and on May 10 Messrs. Dunlevy, Henderson, Cunningham, Dugan and Arm- strong signed the certificate. Mr. Lewis qualified as Warden before Peregrine Dempster, J. P., on May 20, and the others before Joseph Dunn on May 12.
The convention delegates this year were Messrs. Wright and Veirs from St. Paul's, and John McCul- lough and William Dunlevy from St. James's, all of whom, including Mr. Morse, took leading parts in the proceedings. Messrs. Morse and Wells were continued on the Standing Committee, and the latter elected deputy to the General Convention. On September 15 the Bishop arrived at Steubenville, where he preached on that and the three succeeding days, on the last date confirming thirty-two persons, and administering the Holy Com- munion to about sixty. The next day, 19th, accon- panied by Mr. Morse and Rev. John Armstrong, the Bishop consecrated the now completed St. James's Church. Hundreds were present in the grove surround- ing the church, and many were unable to obtain admit- tance. Fifty persons were confirmed and seventy-three received Communion. It will be noticed that episcopal visitations were not hurried in those early days. No. doubt Steubenville was especially favored in this respect on account of the family connections of the Bishop and the prominence of its citizens in the affairs of the infant
76
THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO.
diocese. The advantage was mutual, and as every men- ber of the parish had the opportunity of becoming ac- quainted with the head of the diocese, the benefit was great. Belmont and Monroe counties were visited at this time.
On April 1, 1826, the Vestry of St. Paul's assessed the annual pew rental as follows :
No. 1. Bezaleel Wells $20
No. 2. William R. Dickinson 15
No. 3. John C. Wright 20
No. 4. Nathaniel Dike 12
No. 5. Brice and John Veirs. 15
No. 6. Jacob C. Hoghland and Dr. Dickson 12
No. 7. Roswell Marsh and Mrs. Mason 12
No. 8. Nicholas Hutchins 12
No. 9. Joseph Beatty 15
No. 10. George Chapman and J. Means
15
No. 11. Thomas Maxwell and Mr. Durbin 12
No. 12. Robert Thompson and Andrew Bustard. . 15
No 13. Joseph Brashear and Mrs. Hines.
11
No. 14. William Armstrong and Mrs. Henderson. .
8
No. 15. James Henry and Thomas Foster
8
No. 16. Benjamin Tappan
10
No. 17. James Maley and Charles McDowell
10
No. 18. John Ward and William Gwinn
10
No. 19. Joseph Watkins and Mr. Fowler
5
No. 20. Robert Campbell and James Watson.
6
No. 21. John Foster and Mrs. E. Johnston
6
No. 22. Mrs. Egan and Dr. B. Mairs.
6
No. 23. Benjamin Doyle and Jacob Winters 6
No. 24. Peter Wilson 10
No. 25. John Dehuff
10
No. 26. D. L. Collier and Mrs. Jones 15
No. 27. Thomas Lewis 7
No. 28. Edward Wood 8
77
PARISHES INCORPORATED.
No. 29. Mrs. S. Barron. 8
No. 30. James L. Alger and John Finley 7 John Hanlon Total . $325
The convention delegates for 1826 were Mr. Wells from St .. Paul's, and James Dugan and Daniel Dunlevy from St. James's. Cross Creek Vestry this year, and until 1829, was composed of Alexander Cunningham, John Henderson, William Cunningham, James Dugan and Lewis Detur.
Out of 768 communicants reported in the diocese in 1826, St. James's is credited with 107, the largest of any parish on the list, leading the next highest, Christ Church, Cincinnati, by 36. St. Paul's had 54, thus at this time Jefferson County had over one-fifth of the whole, and if to these we add scattering returns from Columbiana, Belmont, Harrison and Monroe, the ratio is increased to about one-third. But being sheep without a shepherd, the natural increase from this source was lost to the Church in the next generation. One feature of Mr. Morse's work was the formation of parochial libraries, a custom which has unfortunately fallen into disuse.
During this year Mr. Morse organized St. John's Church, East Springfield, with about twenty families. part of whom had been members of St. James's parish. In his report he says: "Full employment ( for a mis- sionary ) would be found within the bounds of Jefferson County alone, among the scattered members of our Com- munion, could one be procured; but although the fields are already white unto the harvest, there is, alas, no one to put in the sickle. It is impossible to combine with advantage the duties of a parochial clergyman and mis- sionary." A lot of ground was donated, and a brick build- ing 45x30 feet erected, there being no other house of wor- ship in the village. 'The society was incorporated on
.
78
THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO.
April 5, 1826, the Wardens and Vestrymen being John Mccullough, John Scott, Jacob Shull, William McKin- ley and Charles Hunter. In the absence of -regular services, the majority of the congregation continued to attend St. James's Church, twelve miles distant, whose communicant list the following year reached 114, and St. Paul's 69, while the diocese as a whole remained about stationary.
Another event ,was now at hand, not only interest- ing in itself, but destined to have an important influence on St. Paul's parish. Shortly after taking orders, Mr. Morse married the widow of a Moravian missionary, an Englishwoman and a very accomplished lady. During their honeymoon they stopped with Zanesville friends. where Mrs. Morse was attacked with sudden illness, end- ing in death. After his settlement in Steubenville, Mr. Morse was naturally thrown a great deal into the society of Miss Rebecca Wells, who, as related, became the wife of his cousin, Philander Chase Jr. After Mr. Chase's death, early in 1824, this friendship ripened into a stronger affection, resulting in their marriage on De- cember 6, 1826, with Rev. John Armstrong officiating minister. The ceremony took place on Sunday after Evensong in the temporary chapel in the Academy. The bride is said to have worn on that occasion a beautiful white leghorn hat, trimmed with an embroidered veil of white net, which was thrown back over the silken wed- ding gown. The veil was embroidered by Miss Sarah Wood, a respected member of the parish. The union thus formed lasted over a third of a century, and the fatherless daughter of Mr. Chase grew to womanhood under the loving protection of her mother's husband.
The only change in the Vestry in 1827-8 was the election of J. C. Hoghiland in place of George Chapman. Benjamin Doyle was appointed Collector. James Dugan
79
PARISHES INCORPORATED.
and Robert Maxwell were convention delegates from Cross Creek, and Mr. Wells from Steubenville, in 1827. Mr. Dugan attended from St. James's the next year, and the high water mark of 116 communicants was reported. In 1829 Edward Lewis took the place of J. C. Hoghland on St. Paul's Vestry, and in 1830 Brice Veirs succeeded Joseph Beatty as Junior Warden, which position he held until 1838. John H. Veirs succeeded B. Veirs as Vestry- man, continuing such until 1847, when he became Junior Warden until 1852, then Senior Warden until 1859. Mr. Morse was made a trustee of the theological seminary in 1828, and that year started a Sunday School with sixty pupils. William Brown was convention delegate in 1829 from St. James's. Lewis Detur became Vestryman and remained until 1844.
On July 21, 1827, Mr. Morse purchased from Thomas Hamilton lot No. 45 in the Original Plat of Steubenville, joining the Academy property on the north, for $150. On this Mr. Wells erected a substantial brick house, still standing, which was the rectory until Mr. Morse's death in 1865. The grounds were improved by trees, flowers, and vines, from the last named being gather the fruit which furnished the parish Communion wine for many years. In the meantime the Academy corporation, having become financially embarrassed, its house and lot were put up at sheriff's sale and purchased by Mr. Morse for $666. The old Academy still stands, but having been altered into a dwelling, as stated, is scarcely recognizable. Lot No. 43 below this was bought by Mr. Morse from John M. Patterson on July 27, 1831: Some small tenement houses were erected on it, but they . were razed a few years ago to make room for an en- largement of the city electric light plant, which also in- cludes the Academy.
80
THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO.
Messrs. Wells and B. Veirs represented St. Paul's at the convention of 1830, and James J. Foster, St. James's. Mr. Morse's report was of continuous labor performed, supplemented by lay reading. About this time he formed a temperance society at St. James's, hav- ing previously participated in the organization of one at Steubenville, the first in the county. With a private dis- tillery on almost every farm, the outlook was very dis- couraging, but the leaven was a work until distilling, if not drunkenness, finally became an extinct industry in Jefferson County. He remained an ardent temperance advocate until the day of his death. The warning note was sounded, that if a missionary coud not be obtained, it would soon be too late.
Probably because of absorption in his labors at Gam- bier, with the increasing duties connected with his grow- ing diocese, Bishop Chase was unable to hold another confirmation at St. James's until July 31, 1831, when nineteen were confirmed, and at Steubenville until Au- gust 7, when eleven were confirmed. John H. Veirs was the convention delegate this year, and Robert Maxwell from St. James's.
CHAPTER VII.
NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS.
Activity of the Woman's Society-Purchase of Lot -- Brick Edifice for St. Paul's-First Pewholders-Consecration Services-First Pipe Organ in the Town-Mr. Morse in Charge of St. Paul's Alone-Mr. Gray at St. James's-A New Brick Church at Cross Creek-Educational Work- Diocesan Convention at Steubenville.
'The time was now approaching when it was evident to the St. Paul's congregation that more commodious quarters as well as a more central location were neces- sary for a permanent place of worship. The women of the parish under the direction of Mrs. Morse had already formed a society to raise money for this purpose, and the results were so encouraging that at meetings of the Ves- try held on January 21 and May 3, 1832, Messrs. Wells, Hoghland and Lewis were appointed a committee to secure subscriptions for a new church edifice. A paper was drawn up for signatures, which should be binding when the total should reach $3,000. This amount being obtained, Dr. J. Andrews, Nathaniel Dike, John H. Veirs, D. L. Collier and James Means were appointed a Building Committee. In the meantime the important matter of site had been settled. Robert Abraham, owner of lot No. 207, 60x180 feet, in the Original Plat of Steu- benville, on the northwest corner of Fourth and Adams streets, had become involved financially, and, by order of court, the lot was put up at public sale on March 24, 1832, and purchased by the parish for $268, the deed be- ing made by Roswell Marsh, Commissioner in Chancery. James McKinney had previously purchased a tax title in this lot, which, on April 2, 1832, he sold to Mr. Dike for
82
THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO.
$25, and on August 3 the latter conveyed it to St. Paul's for the same amount. 'This with some other items brought up the total cost to $307.95.
Plans for a church building were procured from Rev. John H. Hopkins, then rector of Trinity Church, Pitts- burgh, who, on October 31 following, was consecrated Bishop of Vermont in company with Rev. C. P. Mell- vaine, for Ohio, and B. B. Smith, for Kentucky. The standard of ecclesiastical architecture in America was not very high at that time, the existing buildings being mostly remnants of the Georgian period, representing a deca- dence rather than progress. But Dr. Hopkins's church- manship, combined with good taste, secured quite a churchly edifice for St. Paul's, which was in advance of any similar edifice then in this section. The plans pro- vided a stone and brick structure of Early English or pointed architecture, 60x40 feet externally, with main entrance on Fourth street through a tower 12 feet square, with room above for organ loft and belfry. 'The top
corners of the tower were ornamented by wooden horns, probably suggested by the altar horns in the Hebrew temple, from which the structure received the popular ap- pellation of the "horned church." A basement about nine feet high was provided, of which about half was below the ground surface, allowing light and ventilation. The ceiling was rounded and quite lofty, and the nave, which, architecturally, included the whole building, was lighted by ten long lancet windows, four on each side and two at east end. A small choir gallery projected inwards from the tower, which was afterwards extended over the cen- tre block of pews, and subsequently the entire width of the church. It will be seen from the accompanying dia- gram that the centre of the church was occupied by a solid block of pews with an aisle on each side, and short pews extending to the walls. The inside dimensions
83
NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS.
were 57 feet 9 inches by 38 feet, of which 11 feet 8 inches were set off for chancel and pulpit. The latter was a large high structure standing about three feet from the west wall, reached by a stairway behind a screen, which afforded a receptacle for vestments, which in those days consisted of a surplice reaching to the feet, black silk stole, and black gown for preaching. The prayer desk was placed in front of the pulpit facing the people, and the altar or communion table in front of that, the whole popularly known as the "three decker." Outside buttresses were placed more for the sake of appearance than of necessity.
Work progressed with sufficient rapidity to allow the laying of the corner stone of the new building on July 9, 1832, which ceremony was conducted by Rev. Mr. Morse. The structure was about a year in reaching com- pletion, the first assignment of pews dating from Septem- ber 21, 1833, although they may have been in use shortly previous to that date. At first only 44 out of the 62 seats are recorded as having been taken at the following rates :
No. Name. Price. No. Name.
Price.
1. Rector
18. Martin Andrews 6
2. Nathaniel Dike $12
19. Mrs. F. Wilson. 10
3. James Means 15 20. Nicholas Hutchins. 10
4. Benjamin Tappan 15 21. Mrs. S. Page. 10
5 Alexander Wells 15
6. James Maley 15
23. Edward Wood 24. John B. Doyle.
8
7. Benjamin Mairs 10
8. John H. Veirs .. 10
9. Samuel Stokely 12 26. J. Algeo 7
10. John Andrews 12 27. Mr. Walker 6
11. C. C. Wolcott 12
12. J. C. Hoghland 12
29. Thomas Taylor 6
30. Andrew Bustard 5
12 31. Mr. James 4
32. Mrs. Elliott 4
16. F. Lewis 12 33. Mr. Blackburn 3 17. Mathew Henderson
34. Finley & Gamble, 3
and Winters.
6 35.
..
8
25. Clark & Wm. Speer. 7
28. David Foster
6
13 Roswell Marsh 12
14. Henry Holdship
14. George Beatty 12
22. Richard Hooker 10
84
THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO.
36.
37. Edward Lewis 6
38. Isaac Jenkinson 5
39. Wm. Armstrong 4
40. Mrs. Patience Doyle. 8
42. Mr. Scott 8
43. Mrs. May 8
44. Alexander Doyle 6
41 McGuire Doyle 8 Total $360
The two front pews on the sides seem to have added to the original plan, the one on the south being assigned to B. Wells. About the same time Messrs. Bartly and Hebron appear to have taken Nos. 45 and 47.
The church now being ready for consecration, the new Bishop of Ohio, Rt. Rev. C. P. McIlvaine, made his first visitation to Steubenville, arriving here on the even- ing of Friday, December 6. The next morning he ad- dressed the Vestry and assembled the candidates for con- firmation, twenty-two in number. In the service which followed the Bishop and rector were assisted by Mr. Armstrong. The next day, Sunday, the solemn service of consecration was held, followed by the Holy Com- munion, and an offering of $27.50 for missions. The Bishop in his convention address the following year, said : "l'he new church at Steubenville is one of much interest, not only on account of commodiousness and excellent appearance of the building and the kindness and growing Christian spirit of the those who worship there, but par- ticularly as it presents a striking evidence of how much the untiring, unpretending efforts of the female members of Christ's flock may accomplish for the building up of His Kingdom."
The Bishop adds : "I next visited St. John's Church, East Springfield, yet unfinished, and preached twice. The day following visited St. James's, Cross Creek, preached twice in what I believe is the oldest Episcopal Church in the diocese, and confirmed seven persons. I also visited
Chancel
5/3
246
37
7 8
38
39
9 10
40
41
11 12
42
43
13
14
44
15
16
17
18
1
Store
LL
47
23
24
48
25
26
50
51
27
28
52
29
30
51.
31
32
5-6
3 3
34
58
35
36
59
60
61
62
45
21
22
Store
19
20
49
59
35
17
PEW PLAN OF ST. PAUL'S, 1833.
85
NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS.
St. Thomas's Church, St. Clairsville, and St. Peter's, Morristown."
Mrs. Morse was an accomplished musician, and no doubt with her small melodeon, aided materially in ren- dering that portion of the Church service at the Academy. With the erection of the new church a small pipe organ was purchased, which, with its successor, was the only instrument of that kind in the town for many years.
Immediately after the consecration the Building Committee submitted a report of its receipts and expendi- tures as follows :
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT OF LOT AND BUILDING.
By the President Ladies' Sewing Society. . . $407.96
By the Citizens of Pittsburgh 299.00
By the Citizens of Steubenville 2,623.50
$3,330.46
Borrowed from F. & M. Bank of Steuben-
ville, $400, deducting $8.47 interest. 391.53
Total receipts $3,721.99
EXPENDITURES.
For Lot
$307.95
Payment to H. Phillips, stone work 755.10
" A. Shaw, brick work
" William Thompson, carpenter. . 929.10
1,267.75
" Mr. Drake, excavating, etc. 62.49
" A. Doyle, plastering 143.75
" J. C. Hoghland, Trav. Ex. 14.75
" William Hawkins, painting 15.00
66
" John Nixon, painting fence. 10.00
" M. Roberts, spouting 31.10
6.
" Sundries 9.271/2
86
THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO.
on account of Organ. 115.6212
on account of lamps. 37.00
Total on account of lot and house. $3,698.79
Balance on hand. 23.20
Paid on account of stoves to Mr. Means 18.00
$5.20
Balance due on good subscriptions .
100.25
$105.45
Due to William Thompson
$217.52
" " A. Doyle
30.00
" " M. Roberts 8.00
" Bank 400.00
Total
$655.52
Deduct 105.45
Net indebtedness
$550.07
Deducting payment on organ 115.621%
Due on lot and building $434.4412
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT OF ORGAN.
From Ladies' Society
$100.00
From Subscriptions
167.1212
From Church fund.
115.621/2
$382.75
DISBURSEMENTS.
Purchase money
$350.00
Setting and tuning
30.00
Freight and drayage
2.75
$382.75
87
NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS.
ADDITIONAL RECEIPTS.
From Ladies' Sewing Society, carpeting, pul-
pit trimming, etc .. $70.00
From Mrs. J. S. Dike, pulpit lamps. 25.00
From Bequest from Mary Lord, Bible,
Prayer Book and Hymn Book. 25.00
From Mr. Holdship, Prayer Book 5.00
From Mr. Lewis, chairs. 8.00
From Mr. Browning, charity boxes
4.00
$137.00
Total receipts from all sources . $4,126.1112
Total indebtedness 550.07
Total cost of property . $4,676.1812
As an offset to the indebtedness there was a vacant tract on Adams street, 90x60 feet, and vacant room in basement, which might be rented for $30 per annum.
A pewter Communion set was procured, consisting of large flagon, paten, two chalices and alms plates, Queen Anne style, which remained in service until the year 1864-5, when their place was taken by a silver set presented by E. F. Andrews and wife as a thank offering for recovery from illness. The original set is still in pos- session of the parish, together with the quaint alms boxes and chancel books. A portable font, the bowl hollowed from a marble block about eight inches high, was also among the furnishings, which disappeared a few years ago. The offerings, except at Communion, were re- ceived in a velvet bag attached to a pole the length of a pew, subsequently replaced by walnut boxes with short handles, and these were used until about 1872, when alms plates succeeded them. The mensa of the altar was a marble slab, resting on four mahogany supports. A
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