The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 70

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 70

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The building was inclosed, and the basement room first occupied for wor- October 26, 1839.

In 1838, Peter Odlin and Dr. John Steele, Elders of the First church, with yoty-three other members withdrew and organized the New School church, 1Second Presbyterian Church of Dayton.

A colony under Joseph Barnett, John F. Edgar and John Morehouse in Dicecond year of the pastorate of the Rev. P. D. Gurley, organized the Third r byterian Church, and built on the north side of Second street, east of Mad- c'street. They afterward came to St. Clair street and organized what is now nun as the Park Presbyterian Church.

In 1856, a colony of " country members " with William King, Sr., Herbert Williams and David Osborn, as leaders, organized the Miami City Church, to the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Dayton.

In May, 1867, the old church was torn down, and the work of preparation building the present elegant stone edifice began, which was so successfully recuted under direction of the following named gentlemen as the Building omittee: T. A. Phillips, H. Stoddard, Jr., C. McDermont, Isaac Haas, John r. Jowe, John W. Stoddard, Thomas O. Lowe, Isaac Van Ausdal, E. A. Par- 01 D. W. Stewart, Collins Wright and Samuel Craighead. Col. John G. ice, Chairman; D. W. Stewart, Secretary.

Committee on Plans and Correspondence, T. A. Phillips, T. O. Lowe and V. Stewart. On Contracts and Materials, Henry L. Brown, T. A. Phillips, T. toddard, Jr. Rev. Dr. T. E. Thomas being a member ex-officio of all com- l'ees.

The church was dedicated, and a report of the committee shows the total exclusive of old material used to be about $100,000.

August 15, 1876, the main room was greatly damaged by fire; the loss how- vi was fully covered by insurance, and necessary repairs were made with lit- lelelay.

The Rev. James Welsh was the first pastor, and continued with the con- ration for thirteen years, and was succeeded by the Rev. Backus Wilbur, l died here after preaching a year and a half. Rev. Ahab preached for w years; Rev. William Graham, three years; vacancy, two years; Rev. Frank- irPutnam, eight years; Rev. James C. Barnes, nine years; Rev. William C. Aperson, four years; Rev. Phineas D. Gurley, four years; Rev. James H. Bikes, four years; Rev. Thomas E. Thomas, twelve years; vacancy, one year;

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Rev. John McVey, two and a half years: vacancy a year and a half; Rev. R. Smith, four years; Rev. Mr. De Veuve is now pastor.

The following is the list of Ruling Elders: First session, May 18 John McKaig, John Ritchie, James Hanna.

May 1807, John Ritchie, James Hanna, John Miller, Robert Parks.

Before 1817, John Ewing was made an Elder, and shortly after the fi! brick church was completed William King, Sr., was added to the session.

1821-Dr. Job Haines.

1823-O. B. Conover.

1829- David Osborn, Dr. John Steele, Matthew Patton.

1836-Peter Odlin, Charles C. Patterson.

1840-James Steele, Samuel M. King, Charles H. Spinning.

1846-Joseph Barnett, Henry Stoddard, Sr.

1850-Henry L. Brown, John Morehouse, Dr. George Green.

1853-E. A. More, H. S. Williams.

1857-Dr. C. McDermont, Francis Mulford.

1864-Y. V. Wood, Isaac Haas, Leonard Moore.

1874-J. F. Edgar, William A. Barnett.

1878 -- C. U. Raymond, A. F. Payne.

1879-E. A. Parrott, J. H. Thomas.

Organization April 1, 1881.

Elders-Francis Mulford, J. F. Edgar, C. U. Raymond, A. F. Pay W. A. Barnett, E. A. Parrott, John H. Thomas.

Deacons -- O. P. Boyer, Joseph D. Dubois, D. A. Bradford, D. W. Ste art, Houston Lowe.

Trustees -- John W. Stoddard, William Craighead, Samuel B. Smith, I. Cummin.

Hugh Conover was elected to the office of Treasurer.

THIRD STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

During the early period of the ministry of the Rev. J. C. Barnes, in First Presbyterian Church of this city, the harmony of the Presbyter Church in the United States was disturbed by a controversy that arose am its leading members and resulted, in 1838, in separating the church into 1 branches, known as the New and Old School. The First Church of Day contributed a colony to the New School organization. This colony consis of seventy-five members, under the lead of Peter Odlin, Esq., and Dr. J. Steele, both Elders of the First Church. On the 11th of March, 1838, first session meeting of this church was held under the Dayton Presbytery, M School. Rev. B. Graves was appointed Moderator, and Dr. John Stecle : Peter Odlin, Elders. Forty-nine of the above-named number enrolled w women. At once, steps were taken toward the building of a church. John Steele, Peter Odlin and Nathaniel Wilson were appointed a build committee, sixty-one subscriptions, ranging from $7 to $500, having been gi to the building fund. Ground to the extent of 100x200 feet, on the sot east corner of Third and Ludlow streets, was purchased for $2,700, and f same year (1838) thereon a two-story brick building was commenced, wb was finished in 1840. and cost about $15,000. The basement of the chu was occupied in March, 1839, and on the 25th of March, 1840, the church dedicated to the service of God, Dr. Lyman Beecher, then of Lane Se nary, officiating. The first Pastor of the church was Rev, Randolph St whose salary was $800. In 1840, Rev. John Hall was called, who served u 1852. He was succeeded by Rev. G. P. Tyndall, whose pastorate contin until 1857. When the church was finished there remained on it a deb

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CITY OF DAYTON.

7.00, which was not liquidated until 1855. For two years and a half fol- ong the ministry of Rev. G. P. Tyndall, the church was without a Pastor, ih pulpit being supplied by Drs. Allen, Smith and Day, from Lane Seminary. _0.858, twenty-two feet were added to the length of the building at a cost of 34.50. The next Pastor of the church was Rev. S. G. Spees, and following hi, in 1865, was Rev. Rollin A. Sawyer, who remained until 1870. This 'e' an organ was purchased, costing $6,000, and $3,765 put on the church in ce irs. Rev. J. H. Montgomery, the present incumbent of the pastorate, as- vued his duties in 1871, at a salary of $3,000 per annum. In 1874, a chapel Tyi; erected in the rear of the church. It is of stone, gothic style, 50x90 feet nize, with a spire in front, and cost $16,000. In the rear of the chapel is t ched a kitchen, for festivals, socials, etc. The present officers of the hrch are: D. Keifer, H. Strickler, R. W. Steele, P. Smith, W. S. Phelps, .. V. Davies, J. H. Winters and E. A. Daniel, Elders; W. F. Comly, John Da- .i{D. Carroll and G. M. Dixon, Deacons. Membership, 375.

The Sabbath school was organized soon after the organization of the chech, with Dr. John Steele as Superintendent. The attendance is now about 25 with J. H. Winters, Superintendent.

In April, 1880, the old church building was torn down and the present nosing edifice began, which is now (April, 1882) almost ready for occu- acy. It is constructed of stone, and is of the old English gothic type, and ugests, in the general outline, some of the old cathedral architecture. The e ral doors make the church very easy of access, and from the corridors it is a few steps to the farthest side pews. It is beautifully frescoed, and the of inclines gradually to the pulpit, so that the minister can be seen from n part of the church. The pews will be arranged in circular form. The poit will be three feet above the floor, with the choir and organ back of it. Pus of black walnut, carved to conform to the circular manner in which they rarranged. The style of the interior is the Queen Ann gothic, that trans- ons into curves and arches the sharp points and angles of the pure gothic. "] ceiling proper is finished in blue, studded with stars and in Ecru panels, vna floral work. The windows are of rolled cathedral glass, of which there r but two or three specimens in this part of the country. The auditorium vi be lighted by two sunburners suspended from the ceiling; one burner has i ty-five jets and the other sixty-five; and they are lighted by an electric v3. The building will cost, when completed, about $65,000, and will be ur of the most beautiful places of worship in the West. At one corner of L building is a massive tower, surmounted by a tall spire, and within the ofer is hung the bell from the old church. The church is connected with hichapel by a corridor. Its seating capacity will be 750.

THE PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This church is the outgrowth of a colony of thirty members that left the 1st Presbyterian Church, November 13, 1851, and formed themselves into vlt was then called the Presbyterian Church Mission. In 1851, a lot was nehased by them, on Second street, near the northeast corner of Second and Ilison streets, and a church built thereon at an expense of $4,000. It was . ro-story brick church, very plain, with a low, square-topped tower. It was le cated to the service of God by the Rev. Kemper on the 13th day of March ISB. In the same month the name of the church was changed to the "Third Pisbyterian Church." After the organization of the colony, John More- hel and Joseph Barnett, were elected Elders, and John F. Edgar and Joseph Binett, Jr., Deacons. The pulpit of the new church was filled by Rev. P. D. G'ley, Pastor of the mother church until January 6, 1852, when James T.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Kemper was called. He served for twenty years, or until July, 1872, when th pastorial relation was dissolved at his request. During his pastorate in 1857 the church seemed to be weakening, and to avoid total disaster, they resolver to change their location; accordingly they sold their church to the Catholics an a lot having been donated by Joseph Barnett on St. Clair street, opposite th park. the building of a church was commenced. It was completed at a cost c $25,000. It is a two-story brick, sixty feet wide by eighty feet long. Th lower floor comprises the Sunday school, lecture and side rooms, and the uppe floor comprises the main auditorium, capable of seating about 400 people. 0 Rev. Kemper's departure, in 1872, Rev. J. R. Russell was called. He served until 1876. The church was then without a Pastor until May, 1878, when th present Pastor, J. W. Walden, came. He was called in September of the yes previous. The church is now in a very prosperous condition.

SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The Sunday school of this church was organized with the church. Th, first officers were: Isaac Hawes, Superintendent; Algernon S. Pettigrew, Assist ant Superintendent; John W. Morehouse, Librarian; William A. Barnett, Assis ant Librarian and Secretary. Hawes decided not to colonize, and Pettigrew bi came the Superintendent. The school has fared about as the church, sharin in its adversity and in its prosperity. The officers of the school now (1881) a) Samuel Johnson, Superintendent; Charles J. Moor, Assistant Superintenden W. J. Jones. Secretary; J. L. Marquis, Librarian.

FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This church sprang from a mission school established by Robert Stover son in September, 1854, in what was then Miami City. Sabbath school w. first held in a frame building standing on the southeast corner of Willar and Third streets. The building was afterward changed into a dwelling house, and is still used as such. At a meeting of the Miami Presbytery il Urbana in October, 1856, a petition for the establishment of a church i; Miami City was presented and acted upon. Revs. Brooks and Kemper, an Elders J. Harries and J. Barnett, all of the Presbyterian Church of Day ton, were appointed a Committee to carry into effect the prayer of the pet tioners. They met on the 25th of November-Thanksgiving Day-in the D E. Church, Miami City, now Davisson's Chapel, and organized the church und the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Miami City. Daniel Osbor Moses Marquis, H. S. Williams and Isaac Brown were elected Ruling Elder, and Robert Stevenson, W. B. King and Hiram Lewis, Deacons. Services wer first held in the brick college, then used as a military institute. Both tl' church and Sabbath school met here until 1859, when the basement of the ne church building was ready for occupancy. From the organization of the chure until April, 1857, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. James H. Gill. He w followed by Rev. J. S. Grimes, who served until February, 1858, and was su ceeded by Rev. A. (. Kemper, whose pastorate ended in May, 1859. The fc lowing-named ministers have since served the charge: Rev. McKeehan, unt January, 1861; Rev. John Hancock, until May, 1863; Rev. C. B. H. Marti from November, 1863, until May, 1864; Rev. Dr. Findlay, from August, 186 uutil June, 1870; Rev. R. T. Drake, until November, 1872; Rev. A. M. Junki from May 1, 1873, until October, 1877; and the Rev. John H. Graybill, pre ent pastor, who assumed the pastorate in March, 1878.

The present church building was completed at a cost of about $20,00 and dedicated in May, 1874. It is a substantial building, constructed of bric and has a spire. Its location is on the northeast corner of Summit and Fif

yours respectfully

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CITY OF DAYTON.

3. In 1971, when Miami City became a part of the city of Dayton, the mof the church was changed to the Fourth Presbyterian Church. The erbership is now about one hundred.

it the organization of the Sabbath school, Robert Stevenson became the p intendent, and the following ladies and gentlemen teachers: Misses un' and Eliza King and Carrie Bellville, Mrs. Eliza Osborn, Dr. F. R. Wil- dJoseph Stevenson, D. Osborn and W. B. King. Four years later, Robert -e nson was succeeded by H. S. Williams, who has since held that office. Le verage attendance is about one hundred and twenty.

MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Carly in the year 1867, a committee of the Young Men's Christian . siation, of the Third street Presbyterian Church, purchased the ground e corner of Third and Terry, where this church building now stands, o aost of $1,000. During the spring and summer following, they erect- frame building, whose dimensions were 28x40 feet, costing about {0, which was dedicated to the service of God July 7, 1867. A Jath school was organized on the next Sabbath Day, at which time were present fifty-eight scholars, and thirty-seven teachers and visi- Mr. Lambert Woodhull was elected Superintendent, and Winslow Phelps L.brian, for one year. The school soon increased to such an extent that it sound necessary to enlarge the building, and two rooms were added. The Inos' Society of the Third Street Church furnished comfortable seats for the al. On the 29th of October, 1867, it was determined by the originators te mission to have preaching services held in the chapel. Rev. Joseph ttle was chosen as preacher, and entered upon his duties November 10, 6. The sum of $1,400 was pledged as his salary. In April, 1868, a church sorganized here by a committee of the Dayton Presbytery (then New s.hbl). Rev. R. A. Sawyer, Rev. H. Calhoun and Mr. Solon Massey were the mittee. The name by which the church was designated was "The East yterian Church of Dayton." Messrs. Jesse P. Conklin and Lambert wothull were ordained as Ruling Elders and Mr. Festus Munger as Deacon. teen persons, most of whom were members of the Third Street Church, pre- nd certificates of dismission that they might unite in the formation of the rechurch. Three additional persons were at that time received on profes- of their faith. The pastor, Mr. Little, labored with zeal and fidelity and u. acceptance, for twenty-three months. Twenty-five persons were added to e hurch during his ministry. In October, 1869, a unanimous call to be- n pastor of this church was given to Rev. James R. Hughes, of the Presby- mof Blairsville, Penn., (then Old School). The salary promised was $1,200, paid monthly. The call was accepted, and Mr. Hughes began his labors > mber 28, 1869. The number of members at that time was thirty-four. installation of Mr. Hughes occurred April 23, 1870, and up to this date. ", his pastoral relations to the church have not been dissolved. Early in ), it was determined to build a substantial brick edifice. Friends of the it prise in the parent church contributed about $14,000, and about $3,000 acontributed by members of this church and their friends. The scholars in tabbath school also contributed liberally to the building fund. The work a so far advanced by October 13, 1872, that the house could be comfortably cpied in the first story, and it was then devoutly dedicated to the worship Mod. The Ladies' Society of the church contributed the chair, carpets and Fixtures As a memorial of the liberality of friends to whom we owe so LT), and also of the happy re-union of the Old and New School branches of tiPresbyterian Church, it was resolved to ask the Presbytery to change the

646

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

name of this church, and to call it " The Memorial Presbyterian Church Dayton, Ohio." This was granted in May, 1872. On the 6th of March, 18' the last dollar of indebtedness for the building was paid. The total cost ground, building and fixtures was about $19,000. In 1872, the plan of wee! contributions for church revenue, given on the Sabbath, was adopted. 1874, a Young People's Association was organized, the object being the cul vation of personal piety and the more efficient accomplishment of church wo On the 26th of March, 1876, a Missionary Society was organized in the S. bath school, called "The Anthropois Eudokia Society," its contributions be divided between the Foreign and Home Missionary Boards. The Sabba school at this date, latter part of 1881, contains over twenty-two teachers, a over three hundred scholars. During the spring of the year 1880, after ceiving very liberal offers of help from friends in the mother church. it v decided to complete the upper room, and a committee was appointed to sup vise the work, consisting of J. R. Andrews, L. Woodhull, A. St. John, Jc McGregor, J. M. Waldie, J. B, Lehman and T. D. Hale. This work was cc pleted at a cost of about $3,000, and the church was dedicated Sabbath, Oc ber 10, 1880, Rev. J. H. Montgomery preaching the dedicatory sermon. ] following is the present church organization: Rev. J. R. Hughes, Past Messrs. John McGregor, L. Woodhull. C. P. Treat, W. Phelps and A. Cu bertson, Elders; Morris A. Carter, James R. Andrews, J. Harry Thomas and J. Lehman, Deacons; W. Phelps, J . R. Andrews, H. F. Strickler and Jobn Waldie, Trustees,

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,

The first attempt to organize a church of this denomination in Dayton y made in 1853 by a few followers of the doctrines of the old Scotch Covenante The effort, however, was not then successful, and after a short struggle i project was given up. In 1859, fresh attempts were made, the Presbytery si plying ministers. The congregation was regularly organized November 23, 18

In May, 1859, the Rev. J. W. Bain was appointed stated supply and ser one year. The church on the southwest corner of Fourth and Jefferson strer erected in 1841 by the First English Lutheran congregation, had been p viously purchased by the U. P. Brethren, and has since served them as a ho of worship. The pastors of the church since organization as been as follo Rev. J. B. Foster, Rev. E. Creny, Rev. W. S. McClanahan, Rev, Robert St art, Rev. W. S. Owens, Rev. T. A. Hutchinson, Rev. J. W. McNary and R D. H. French, D. D., the present pastor. The present membership is ab thirty-five. A successful Sunday school is maintained.

GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,

The early history of the Methodist Society in Dayton is closely connec with and forms part of the early history of the Dayton settlement.

William Hamer, who, with his family and others, were the first whites arrive at the mouth of Mad River for settlement in the neighborhood, form a class of Methodists in 1797, who met for worship at stated times at his hol three miles up Mad River. A feeble class, yet strong in the faith, a gorm fr which have grown the powerful congregations of Montgomery County. though not a circuit rider, he did what he could, as a man of God, to gat the few Christians as a nucleus for church organization.

In 1798, Bishop Francis Asbury sent John Kobler to organize the Mia Circuit, and on Sunday, August 12, 1798, he preached at Dayton. That the first religious meeting held at the Dayton settlement, of which there is i record or other evidence, therefore great interest will attach to it, and we p lish the following notes from the diary of the Rev. John Kobler:

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CITY OF DAYTON.

Lord's Day, August 12, 1798 .- Preached in Dayton. a little village by tame on the bank of the Big Miami River, and just below its junction with River. Here are a few log houses and eight or ten families residing. rd saw some tokens for good ; the people seem to receive the word with all diess of mind ; indeed. several in the little company were mnuch affected, In the neighborhood, there are six or eight Methodists, and among them ris a local preacher by the name of Hamer. Last year he raised a class of w scattered Methodists here, and for awhile met them as leader. I visit- It m severally ; as far as possible, examined into the state of their souls, l und some of them filled with prejudice. I held a second public meeting of; them, and read the rules of the society ; laid before them the great ne- y of Christian unity in church membership, and invited all who could fel- 's p each other to come forward and join in class. So we organized a reg- " lass of eight members. of whom brother Hamer was appointed

Monday, August 13 .- Rode down the Big Miami River twelve miles uiaisburg), and preached in an old fortress (probably the stockade and block- If at Hole's Station), to a small congregation, consisting chiefly of the few nies that lived at the fort. On inquiry I found that this fortress was on bontier, and no settlement around or near them."

August 26 .- Preached in Dayton on this Sabbath to all the people which and country could afford. who were but few at best. The word preached ought to bear upon the company with a powerful, quickening influence. peared to be struck under conviction, and some made inquiry-' What 1. do to be saved?' Some followed me to the house where I stayed, and r sed an increasing desire to be wholly devoted to God. The success of Ospel on this missionary field is no longer a problem,"

I was at this time a very sick man. Started from Dayton down to my citment at Hole's Station, twelve miles : reached the place ; the people ejollected ; was not able to preach. Under present circumstances, I was ss to know what course to pursue. To travel and preach was impossible. lie sick at any of the houses, in these parts, would be choosing death; t's next to impossible for a well man to get food or sustenance, much more cp prostrate on a bed of sickness. Next morning I started to brother Mc- rck's, about fifty miles distant, as the only place where I could stay with gree of comfort."

January 1, 1799 .- Preached in Dayton to a mixed company of traders Detroit, some Indians, French and English. Knowing that they all hnd u tal souls to be saved, I took for my text : 'In every nation, he that ( God and worketh righteousness is accepted of him ;' I lifted up my "( ike a trumpet, and cried aloud and spared not ; laid before them the cor- ons of their wicked hearts and the fearful consequences of a life of sin, pressing terms. that many of them looked wild and stood aghast, as if would take to their heels.

After preaching I met the class, found them in a prosperous state, walk- the fear of the Lord."

anuary 2. - On Monday expounded the 126th psalm at Hole's Station, with serable success."

April 2, 1799 .- Preached in Dayton for the last time, to all that town buntry round about could afford, which were not many ; subject of use was Esau selling his birthright. I then met the class, read the rules, ut essed on the society the various duties devolving upon them as church memors. Preached at Hole's Station next day, and at Franklin at night. In timejt the first prayer, a company of fifteen Indians came to the door. When

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

we rose up from prayer, the old chief fixed his eye on me, and pushed throu the company to give me his hand."

In the year 1800, the ordained preachers who had been traveling in 1 West were recalled by Bishop Asbury; Henry Smith was the Presiding Ek for the Miami and Scioto Circuits. In the fall of that year, the Rev. Willi McKendre was appointed Presiding Elder over all of the Western country.

But very little record is in existence pertaining to affairs of the Day' society; public meetings could only be held as an occasional preacher ca along. Class meetings were held at Hamer's cabin, and afterward at the ca of William Cottingham, who was a class leader, then at Thomas Cottor. about a mile east of the village, and at Aaron Baker's in the village.

September 22, 1811, Bishop Asbury, then on his way to the annual con ence of Ohio, held in Cincinnati October 1, preached to a concourse of & th sand people, who had assembled at the court house in Dayton, in anticipation his coming.

Dayton was at that time included in the Mad River Circuit, and at t conference the Rev. John Collins, Rev. Moses Crume and the Rev. Jos Tatman were appointed to the circuit. On the next Sabbath after his appo ment, Mr. Collins preached at the court house in Dayton, and also on the s ceeding Sabbath. Very shortly after this, possibly on the next Sabbath. again had a meeting here, at which he proposed to the society that they bi a " meeting-house." The members of the society at that time were: Will Cottingham, class leader: Mary Cottingham, Anna Cottingham, Leah Cotti ham, Joshua E. Cottingham, William Hamer, Sr., Mary Hamer, Polly Han Betsy Hamer, Thomas Cottom, Priscilla Cottom, James Cottom, Nancy Cott Jane Snodgrass, Aaron Baker, Hannah Baker, Philip Sowers, Peggy Sow Peter Brewer, Barney Brewer, Joseph Wilson, Jane Wilson, Stephen Spray and Jemima Sprague-twenty-four in all.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 70

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214