The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 61

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > Ohio > Madison County > The history of Madison County, Ohio > Part 61

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Since 1861. the Presiding Elders and pastors of the church have been as fol- lows: 1861-Rev. G. W. Brush, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. M. Jameson, pastor. 1862-Rev. G. W. Brush, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. M. Jameson, pastor. 1863 -Rev. G. W. Brush. Presiding Elder, Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1864- Rev. G. W. Brush. Presiding Elder, Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1865- Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1866- Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Rev. II. K. Foster. pastor. 1867-Rev. C. A. Vananda, Presiding Elder. Rev. H. K. Foster, pastor. 1868-Rev. C. A. Vananda. Presiding Elder, Rev. H. K. Foster, pastor. 1869-Rev. C. A. Van- anda. Presiding Elder; Rev. C. D. Battell, pastor. 1870-Rev. C. A. Vananda, Presiding Elder. Rev. C. D. Battell. pastor. 1871-Rev. J. W. White, Presiding Elder. Rev. J. F. King, pastor. 1872 -- Rev. J. W. White, Presiding Elder, Rev. T. H. Monroe, pastor. 1873-Rev. J. W. White, Presiding Elder, Rev. T. H. Monroe, pastor. 1871-Rev. A. B. Lee, Presiding Elder, Rev. T. H. Monroe, pastor. 1875-Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. T. Miller, pastor. 1876-Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. T. Miller, pastor. 1877-Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. C. Jackson, pastor. 1878-Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder. Rev. J. C. Jackson, pastor. 1879-Rev. J. F. King. Presiding Elder. Rev. J. C. Jackson. pastor. 1880, 1881 and 1882-Rev. J. F. King. Presiding Eller, Rev. J. W. Peters, pastor. The present membership of the church is 520. The spread of Methodism in Madison County has been rapid. In 1820. the old log meeting-house was the only church building on London Circuit. which then embraced all of the country north as far as Marys ville; and south, Williamsport, Pickaway County, there are now within that scope of country at least fifty church edifices. The London Church and Sab- bath school are in a prosperous condition.

First Presbyterian Church of London .*- On the 26th day of September, 1829, a sermon was preached in London by the Rev. D. C. Allen, missionary, with reference to the formation of a Presbyterian Church. After service, a meeting for this purpose was held at the house of Mr. Charles Berry. A church ses- sion was present, consisting of Samuel Reed, an Elder from Upper Liberty Church, David Mitchell and David Chapman, Elders from Lower Liberty Church. in Union County, and Rev. D. C. Allen, an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church. The session being constituted with prayer, twenty per-

*This historical sketch in main, was embodied in a paper prepared and read before the congregation of the church by B F Clark, in October, 1876.

Andrew bary

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sons were received on examination, as members of the Visible Church of Christ on Earth. Two persons were then nominated for election as Ruling Elders. and articles of faith and covenant were read for the consideration of all con- cerned. An appointment was made for the ensuing Sabbath, and the meeting adjourned. On Sabbath, September 27, the session met in the morning and re- ceived one other candidate. The names of all the candidates having been called, they presented themselves, gave their assent to the articles of faith and covenant and by prayers were set apart and constituted a church of the Lord Jesus Christ. John Rayburn and William MeCoy, the persons nominated for Ruling Elders, were duly elected and ordained as officers in this church, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to about thirty persons. This was the first Presbyterian communion service held in London for several years. Formerly an organization of twenty-five or thirty members had been formed, but having been long destitute of Presbyterian preaching it had be- come almost extinct. When Rev. D. C. Allen came on the field, in 1829, there were no Elders living in the congregation, and no church records could be found. The names of the persons composing the church as re-organized by him, twen- ty-one in number, are as follows: William McCoy, Ann P. McCoy, John Da- vidson, Mrs. Sallie Davidson, JJohn Rayburn, Mrs. Rebecca Rayburn, James Rankin, Mrs. Margaret Rankin, Charles Berry, Mrs. Elizabeth Berry. Mrs. Elizabeth Stockton, Mrs. Mary Withrow and Mrs. Mary Temans received by certificate and examination. John Byers, Mrs. Matilda Byers, William T. Da- vidson, Mrs. Rachel B. Davidson, John H. Kennedy, Mrs. Hannah Hill, Mrs. Elizabeth Houston, Miss Maria P. Rankin and Mrs. Hume received by profes- sion of faith and examination.

"May this little vine he owned and blessed as oue of the Lord's own planting." (Signed )

D. C. ALLEN, Missionary.

The minutes of the organization of the church were approved at a meet- ing of the Presbytery of Columbus, in Circleville, Ohio, April 7, 1830. May 23, 1831, after public worship. a meeting of the congregation was held according to previous appointment, at which time Charles Berry and William T. David- son were elected Ruling Ellers, and were ordained on the 5th day of June, 1831; June 30. 1832. Samnel Haller and William Creath were ordained as Ruling Elders of the church. March 13. 1833, the congregation of the Pres- byterian Church was regularly convened in the court house, in London, for the purpose of electing a pastor. The Rev. Benjamin Dolbear was present, by in- vitation of the session. preached, and presided, as Moderator of the meeting. The Rev. D. C. Allen, who had been serving the church as missionary supply from the time of its organization. was unanimously chosen as their pastor. At the same time and place, William T. Davidson, James Rankin and James Ray- burn were elected Trustees. and William McCormack Treasurer of the congre- gation. Rev. D. C. Allen was installed pastor of the church April 13, 1833. The church was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio on the 28th day of February, 1834.

The first church building, a frame structure. on the corner of Fifth and Oak streets. was erected in the years 1831-35. The first bell was purchased for the church in the year 1849; J. I. Robinson, Samuel P. Davidson and J. M. Rayburn were appointed the committee to solicit subscriptions for the purchase of the same. April 1, 1837, eighty members were reported to the Presbytery on the roll of the church. April 16. 1837, the Rev. D. C. Allen resigned his charge as pastor of the church. February 4, 1838, James Rayburn, William McCormack and JJ. H. Kennedy were elected and ordained as Ruling Elders of the church. May 13, 1838. nine members were dismissed for the purpose of forming a church in Jefferson. Ohio. This organization. after maintaining an existence for several years, with JJohn Byers and Dr. David Wilson as

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Ruling Elders, at length become so much reduced by death and removals, that the few remaining members returned again to the church in London, John Byers and Mrs. Sarah Byers being received by letter October 16, 1858. April 2, 1839, Rev. J. Hoge, D.D., by invitation, preached a sermon and moderated a meeting regularly convened for electing a pastor. The Rev. E. Van Derman was called as pastor, and installed on the 3d day of April, 1839. His pastor- ate was very brief. The Master called him to a higher service and an eternal reward in November. 1839. After the death of Rev. E. Van Derman, the church was without a pastor for about one year. November 20, 1840, at a meeting of the congregation, presided over by Dr. J. Hoge, the Rev. R. C. MeComb was called as pastor of the church, and was ordained and installed as pastor No- vember 21, 1840. This pastorate continued until April, 1854. September 25, 1851. R. C. Amos and Joseph Rayburn were elected and ordained as Ruling Elders of the church.

In July, 1855, Rev. C. W. Finley, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Red- stone, having been employed by the Presbytery of Columbus as a missionary, within its bounds, began his labors at London, Midway, Mt. Sterling, Genoa and Grove City, preaching also at several private houses in the community, making London his headquarters. During the year 1857, he was assisted in his labors by Rev. Mr. Irwin, for the period of six months. October 16, 1858, at a congregational meeting, regularly convened, and moderated by Rev. James Dunlap. the Presbyterian Church of London called Rev. C. W. Finley as their pastor for the whole of his time. He was installed pastor of the church Janu- ary 7, 1859, Rev. James Hoge, D. D., Rev. E. Woods and Elder R. Paul being present at the service by appointment of the Presbytery. March 9, 1858, P. W. Taylor and Maxwell Murray were elected and ordained Ruling Elders of the church.

The old church building on the corner of Fifth and Oak streets, having become too small to accommodate the congregation, and having fallen out of repair by use and lapse of time, it was decided by the congregation that they would erect a new building rather than repair the old one. During the year 1859, the present building, a one-story briek with large tower in center front, was erected. The pastor, Rev. C. W. Finley, donated the lot on which it stands, Maj. Richard Cowling, besides contributing liberally toward the construction, had the clock placed in the tower at his own expense, and by his last will and testament left a legacy of $5,000 for the benefit of the church. In September, 1859, the congregation authorized the sale of the old church building, the pro- ceeds to be applied to the erection of the new church. April 14, 1860, B. F. Clark was elected and ordained a Ruling Elder of the church. November 9, 1861, John Lohr and William M. Kinney were elected, and December 1, 1861, were ordained Ruling Elders in the church. June 20, 1862, thirteen members were dismissed for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church in Mid- way, Ohio. The devoted and abundant labors of Rev. C. W. Finley were ended April 12, 1877. when after a lingering illness, the Master came to him with the gracious summons: "Enter thou into the joy of the Lord."

During the pastorate of nineteen years, the church experienced a health- ful and steady growth in numbers and usefulness. In January and February, 1866. it was visited by a season of special religious interest, and forty-four were added to the roll of membership on profession of their faith in Christ. Again, in 1875, forty-five were added on profession of faith. The number of members received on examination from April, 1855, to July, 1877, was 271. The number of members received on certificate from April, 1855, to July, 1877, was 131, making a total of 402. The number on the roll July 21. 1877, was 211. The loss by deaths and removals during the twenty-two year's, was 191. The number now on the roll. December, 1882, is about 205. Rev. J. G. Pat-

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

terson succeeded the Rev. C. W. Finley to the pastorate of the church, being called June 14, 1877, and installed October 17 of that year. Rev. J. A. Ewalt, the present pastor, was installed April 11, 1882. Present members of the session are B. F. Clark, John Lohr, William T. Davidson, William M. Kin- ney. The Board of Trustees is G. W. Wilson, W. D. Williams and James Hamilton.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church of London .- In the absence of records, we are unable to give the date that the first Catholic services were held in London, and the names of the first members participating. The building of the Colum- bus & Xenia R. R. through London took place during the years 1848-49, and about this time several Catholic families located in this vicinity. Early in the year 1852, among the families residing in the town and neighborhood were John Dwyer and family, Philip Lackey and family, Thomas Singleton and family, Michael McCarty and family, Edward Donahue and family, Daniel Graham and family, John Fogerty and family, Thomas Kennally and family, Patrick Mastoson and family and James McCarty and family. At this time, mass was celebrated once a month, at private houses, principal among which was the house of Michael McCarty. The priest administering to this people was the Rev. Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia. After the building of the Phifer House, on the corner of Main and High streets, mass was celebrated in the Phifer House Hall until 1856. when a lot was purchased on Center street, near Main, and a one-story frame church erected thereon, which was dedicated in the fall of that year. This was used as a house of worship by St. Patrick's congregation until the completion of their new edilice.

From the celebration of the first mass in London by Father Blake, until the church here was supplied with a resident priest, in 1864, the following- named priests, and in the order given, administered to the spiritual wants of St. Patrick's congregation : Revs. Father Thomas Blake, Father Maurice How- ard, of Springfield, Father D. J. Cogan and Father J. N. Thisse, both of Spring- field. On Christmas Day, 1864, Rev. Father John Conway became the first resident priest of the London parish, and to this gentleman's untiring energy and perseverance is the church indebted for their beautiful and commodious edifice. The ground upon which the building stands, situated on the corner of Second and Union streets, was purchased of James Dwyer. The building was commenced in the summer of 1865. It is of gothic style of architecture, one hundred feet in length by fifty feet in width, with a thirty-eight foot ceiling ; at the west end is a gallery, for the choir and organ, extending the whole width of the building ; the tower is one hundred and ten feet in height, slated at the top ; the windows are twelve feet in height. filled with a beautiful and costly article of stained glass. The cost of the building, with organ and bell, was $22,000. The plan for the building was drawn by Pickett & Son, of Cincinnati. The brick and stone work was done by Winn & Robinson, slating by Gephart, of Dayton, plastering by William Gulick, of Columbus. and the painting by Joseph Corns. The church is the largest in the county. and willl seat about 1.000 persons.

The corner stone of the edifice was laid September 17, 1865. Bishop Syl- vester H. Rosecrans delivered a discourse explanatory of the Catholic faith and replete with good advice, immediately after which he administered confirmation to about fifty persons. A small tin-box containing the date of the ceremonies, the names of the Bishop, the pastor, and other facts relating to the church was deposited in the corner-stone.

The edifice was dedicated by Archbishop John B. Purcell on Sunday. November 18. 1866. Many visitors came from neighboring cities, and at 11 o'clock a grand procession was formed at the old church, headed by a Colum- bus band. and proceeded to the new church. It was impossible for one-half

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

the crowd to get within the walls of the building. The Archbishop delivered a short discourse out doors, after which the crowd was admitted inside as fast as the money could be taken at the door, as this was the means in which the donations wore received. The building had not yet been seated, but it was supposed that fifteen hundred persons were admitted. The music on the occa- sion was furnished by the choir of St. Patrick's Church of Columbus. The fol- lowing church dignitaries were in attendance from abroad: Archbishop John B. Purcell, of Cincinnati; Rev. Father Edward Fitzgerald, of Columbus; Rev. Father Joseph Retcker. D. D., Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati; Rev. Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia, and Rev. Father J. N. Thisse, of Springfield. The interior of the editice is neatly finished. There are three altars, the main one being dedicated by Archbishop Purcell, October 27, 1872. The Scriptural paintings are fine works of art. the fourteen representing the way of the cross were purchased by Father Conway in Paris.

The resident pastors of the church, with their assistants in the order named, have been as follows : Rev. Father John Conway, from Christmas, 1864, until June, 1877; Assistants-Rev. Fathers J. Maroney and Rowekamp. During Father Conway's absence from the church while in Europe, the priests of St. Patrick's Church were Rev. Fathers P. H. Cusack, J. J. Kennedy and B. M. Mueller. Rev. Father Michael Hayes, from June, 1877, until August, 1878. Rev. Father James Burns, from August, 1878. until January, 1881 ; Assistants -Fathers Michael Hayes and Charles McCallion respectively. Rev. Father C. M. Berding, the present incumbent, became pastor in October, 1881. His assistant is Rev. Father James O'Kieffe, who entered upon his duties in October, 1882. The congregation numbers about two hundred and fifty families.

Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church of London .- At a meeting held at the residence of Jonathan Farrar on the 28th of June, 1858, opened by prayer by the Rev. Chandler Robbins, of Springfield, the above-named society was organ- ized and styled " Christ's Protestant Episcopal Church of London," and subse- quently was incorporated under that name. The officers elected at that meeting were: Richard Cowling, Jonathan Farrar, Edwin Cowling, Jesse W. Dungan, Dr. N. S. Darling, B. T. Custer, Edwin Bird, James Baker and D. M. Creighton, comprising the Vestry; JJonathan Farrar, Senior Warden; Edwin Cowling, Junior Warden ; and D. M. Creighton, Treasurer of the church. On motion, a commit- tee of two was appointed to extend an invitation to the Rev. Chandler Robbins to become the first rector of the church, which invitation was accepted. The first communicant members of the church were Mrs. M. Dooris and two daughters. Maggie and Sarah, Dr. H. J. Sharp and wife, Mrs. A. C. Watson. Mrs. E. J. Gould, Mrs. S. J. Hubbard and daughter Maggie, Mrs. George Mitchell, Mrs. Noah Thomas, Mrs. John Chambers, Mrs. W. H. Carter. Mary Green and Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Bolds. For the first two years of Christ's Church, services were held once a month in the old Presbyterian Church building, under the rector- ship of Mr. Robbins. From that period until the year 1866-67, the pulpit was unoccupied. For a portion of this year, occasional services were conducted in the court house by Rev. W. T. Hehn, of Xenia. Before the close of the year, Mr. Helm was succeeded by Rev. H. C. H. Dudley, of the same city. Mr. Dudley remained rector of the church for about two years, when he was suc- ceeded by Rev. Dr. Kellogg, who served the people about six months only, being compelled by failing health to sever his connection with the church. His suc- cessor was Rev. J. HI. Ely. The next rector of the church was Rev. William Bower, under whose rectorship the church prepared to build in the spring of 1878. A lot was purchased of Eugene Freeman for $500, located near the corner of Fourth and Union streets, upon which was erected, at a cost of $2,500, a beautiful frame edifice, which was consecrated to the service of God by Bishop

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Jaggar, of the diocese of Southern Ohio, on the afternoon of Saturday, Novem- ber 16. 1878. In the spring of 1878, Rev. John Rose, of Boston, became rector of the church. Other rectors have been Revs. Mr. Morrell and J. W. Gillman. The church is now (1882) without a rector. Membership, seventeen.

In connection with the church there has been carried on a successful Sun- day school for several years, which is now in a prosperous condition, under the superintendency of Dr. H. J. Sharp. The number of scholars in attendance is twenty-five.

The First Universalist Church of London .- On the 12th of July, 1858, the following-named persons assembled for the purpose of organizing themselves into a Universalist Church society : William JJones. J. F. Willis, Lathrop Willis, B. F. Montgomery, J. W. Curd, W. S. Shepherd. J. W. Low, J. Peetrey, Jedyer Willis, Josephine Jones, Louis Shepherd, M. JJ. Curd, Mary Low, C. Chandler, Frances Curtis, Minerva Acton, Josephine MeCormack, Lorain Byers, Minerva Sothoron. Hannah Powell, Josephine Powell, Adelaide McCormack. Margaret MeClintock and Edward McClimans. On the 12th of the following month, another meeting was held and presided over by Jedyer Willis, at which the organization of the society was completed. Jedyer Willis, J. F. Willis, J. W. Curd, William Jones and Jacob Peetrey were appointed Trustees of the church; JJedyer Willis, Treasurer, and Jacob Peetrey, Clerk. It should have been stated, however, that prior to the regular organization of the church as given above. occasional preaching was had by this class at Lon- don by ministers supplying neighboring pulpits. one of whom was Rev. H. R. Nye, pastor of the Universalist society at Columbus. Mr. Nye was active in the interests of the church, and the organization here was in a measure due to his efforts. He continued in the pastorate of the church at Columbus until the spring of 1859. and served the London congregation regularly during that time. Mr. Nye's successor to the Columbus charge was Rev. Thomas Gormon, who remained the pastor of the church until 1861, and likewise preached regularly at London.

Unfortunately the early records of the society were destroyed by fire some years ago, and a complete succession of the different ministers who have served the charge cannot be given. Revs. G. L .. Demorist of Cincinnati, A. W. Bruce, pastor of the society at Columbus, from 1865 until 1868, and E. L. R. Reexford, subsequently pastor of the same society, have preached for this so- ciety. The first resident pastor of the society was Rev. R. T. Polk, whose ministry began in the spring of 1867. His resignation was tendered in June, 1869. The next regular pastor was Rev. T. P. Abell, who assumed such rela- tion in the spring of 1875; since the fall of 1880, the pastor and pastoress of the church have been Rev. J. W. Crosley and wife, who preach on alternate Sundays; until 1864, the services of this denomination were held in the court house, and for a period in the Presbyterian Church. In 1864, a brick house for worship was erected by the society on Second street, between Main and Union, which was completed and dedicated September 27, 1866; sermon by Rev. George Messenger. In 1875, the church building was enlarged and im- proved, and was re-opened and dedicated on Sabbath, June 20, of that year, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. Dr. McCalister, President of Buchtel College. There were present on the occasion the following clergymen: Rev. Dr. Manly of Auburn, N. Y .; Rev. M. Tomlinson and Rev. T. P. Abell, the regular pastor. The present membership of the church is about eighteen. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of London. In the summer of 1877, after repeated efforts to organize a Lutheran Church in London, under the au- spices of the first joint Synod of Ohio, the members of the Lutheran Church who had been engaged in the previous efforts resolved to turn their attention to the General Council, and to beseech assistance from this quarter. Accord-

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

ingly, word was sent to Rev. G. W. Mechling, then President of the district synod of Ohio, stating the condition of things, and asking whether it could be done. The matter was referred to the Rev. H. Peters of the missionary synod of Columbus. The result was this field was soon visited by Mr. Peters, who found favorable prospects for organizing a charge; regular services were held from this time on until the meeting of the District Synod of Ohio in the fall. A statement of affairs at the synod attracted the attention of Rev. A. Poorman, of Farmersville; arrangements were made for him to visit the field, which he did, and soon thereafter a joint meeting of the people of London and Lilly Chapel was held in London on the 7th of November, 1877, at which the following action was taken. It was resolved, that a call be extended to Rev. Mr. Poorman, and $500 be promised him for his support; at the same meeting the following resolution was adopted:

" Resolved, That we now resolve ourselves into an Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, to be known as

A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws for the government of the congregation.

The Rev. Mr. Peters took charge of the congregation (Poorman having de- clined), and in the spring moved to London with his family. He remained pastor of the church three years, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Brown, the present incumbent, whose labors commenced with this people April 1, 1882. Services were first held in Buff Block, then in the hall in a building on Main street, known as Byers' Building. While in this hall the entire furniture of the society was destroyed by fire. From this location they removed to the Cartz- dafner Building, where they worshiped until the building of their present neat one-story brick edifice, situated on the corner of Walnut and Second streets. The corner-stone of this edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies in the summer of 1881. The building was put under roof that fall, and completed the following fall at a cost of about $2.300. The church was dedicated June 11, 1882, by an address from Rev. G. W. Mechlin, of Lancaster, President of the Lutheran Synod.

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The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 61

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1180