The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 72

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 72

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656

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

ty had already dismissed them. They also petitioned the Supreme Court possession of the property, but lost the case. (Sec. 6th O. R., P. 363.) ' little band continued to hold their meetings, having occasional services for years by Elders Mulford and Thompson, the latter, with Elder Gard, hay done much to hasten the division by preaching "sound doctrine, which mne election and limited atonement, and preaching against educated ministers, B and Missionary societies, and all human institutions." The nine meml were soon increased by some new residents from other points, and in 1835 " New Light " church was rented, and Rev. Samuel R. Clark, who had I sent west by the Home Mission Society, was called to preach half of the time. died shortly after, September 11, 1835. The church now numbered thirty ei At this time the Anti-Mission schism took place. The "old school " be opposed to spreading the Gospel otherwise than by preaching, the "New Schc favoring missions, Sabbath schools, etc. The Dayton church went with New School. Elder M. E. Cook was pastor of the church for one year, f 1837. In the summer of 1838, Elder J. L. Moore came to Dayton, an January, 1839, became pastor of the church, which had been incorporated an act dated February 25, 1837. In speaking of this time, he said his ob in accepting the charge was to aid them in erecting a church. The cht only numbered fourteen males, and all together they did not pay taxes on $ 000, yet over $2,000 was subscribed. A lot was purchased on Jefferson si for $1,350, and a church built at a cost of $5,164.50. It was not finished 1 1841-42. During this time, the Sunday school was organized with 100 schr and twenty teachers, with Deacon E. E. Barney as Superintendent, in wl capacity he labored for fifteen years. Elder S. S. Parr was the next pasto the church; he served from July 1841, to December 1843. He was succed by Rev. Frederick Snyder, who entered upon the duties of pastor in A 1844, and remained seven years, or until 1851. The next pastor was ] Samuel Foljambe, who was called on the 5th of January 1852, and resigne the close of 1855. Rev. Samson Talbott succeeded him; he came in J. 1856, and left to accept the presidency of Dennison University at Grany in July, 1863. Rev. H. Harvey was called April, 1864, and remained 1867. Just previous to his pastorate the old church on Jefferson was disp of. a lot purchased on Main street, and the present beautiful and commod building was erected at a cost of $45,856 for house and ground. It is a l two-story brick, with the usual rooms down stairs and the auditorium up st It has a tall and graceful spire about 150 feet high, supplied with a i bell. It was formally dedicated free of debt, October 25, 1863. In 1865 a Mission Chapel was built by the young men of the church, on East F street. This brings up to the present pastorate. Rev. H. Colby. who called in 1867, and has been an able and efficient pastor ever since. church now numbers about 400 members, and the Sunday school 375 sch with thirty nine officers and teachers.

THE WAYNE STREET REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH.

December 29, 1848 forty-four members of the First Regular Ba Church of Dayton, who had asked for letters of dismissal therefrom. vot organize themselves into a church and adopted articles of faith, a covenant temperance pledge. On the 9th of January, 1849, they were publicly ro nized as a Regular Baptist Church, by a council of delegates from Baptist Church, called together to consider the questions of their reco tion. For the first few weeks of the existence of the church it was ki as the "Oregon Regular Baptist Church of Dayton." The first of of this church were J. H. Thomas, Clerk; J. B. Turner, J. McCammon

657

CITY OF DAYTON.

Jot, Washington, Deacons; John Ewing, Treasurer; and J. B. Turner, S. P. are and John Clarke, Trustees. Their first meetings were held in the church owid by the Dunkards. Next they worshiped in the Oregon Engine-house, Ta was found too small, and on February 27, 1849, it was resolved to build a te of their own. Ground for this purpose was purchased of E. Thresher ' '300, Mr. Thresher giving one half of the ground, as the lot was valued :00, upon condition that the lot should be appropriated exclusively to the wuose of building a Baptist meeting house thereon. Subscriptions were ki, and a brick building 40x60 feet was begun. During the year 1849, in benidst of building, the cholera broke out, business in the city was suspended enche work of the church was greatly impeded. However, the basement was Dleted and occupied January 1, 1850. The exercises of the occasion being Lucted by Rev. F. Snyder, of the First Church, assisted by Rev. J. L. Moore,

eformer preaching the sermon.

The auditorium was finished and dedicated

853. The first pastor of the church was Rev. S. Gorman, who served until La 1852, when succeeded by Rev. Marsena Stone, who was the pastor a few ochs only. In April, 1853, Rev. J. Chambers became the pastor and served iwear. His successor was the Rev. Nicholas S. Bastian, whose pastorate : egn in October, 1854, and continued until the spring of 1856. During the iter of 1855-56 the church witnessed a powerful revival, the pastor was as- - s'd by Rev. D. E. Thomas, who was a stated supply for several months ing the summer of 1856. The result of the meeting is thus stated in the nich records, "as the first of our labors during our long protracted meeting, , e ave added to our numbers as follows: By letter, six; by experience, five; and aptism, seventy-four, making in all eighty-five." Rev. E. W, Dickinson be- up the pastor in October, 1856, and served until August, 1861. Another ex- I've revival occurred during the winter of 1858-59, in which the First a ist Church united with the Wayne Street Church. Fifty-six accessions were Lale to the church. Mr. Dickinson was succeeded by Rev. E. F. Strickland, b served one year. The eighth pastor was Rev. D. F. Carnahan, who as- sived the pastorate in the summer or early fall of 1863. Other pastors of the v'ch up to April, 1878, with the term of service of each are as follows : Rev. Viam D. Bunker, from July, 1865, to July, 1868; Rev. P. M. Weddell, from erember 9, 1868, to the latter part of 1873 : Rev. Hugh A. Marshall, from atary 1, 1874, to April 1, 1874; Rev. H. A. Delano, from December 21, 1874, pril 17, 1876; Rev. H. M. Dean (a supply), from some time in December 93, to the latter part of March, 1878.

The church then had no pastor, and was arranging with the Baptist Union f he City of Dayton about giving up its property and debts to the Union.

It voted August 12, 1878, to disband, and give letters of dismission to all n'ood standing, who should call for them previous to November 12, 1879, In the disbandment should be completed.

The Sunday school had been in charge of E. F. Sample, during the sum- ir and was rapidly growing from the discouraged condition in which he void it.

The Baptish Union secured the services of Rev. H. H. Bawden, who be- r& his labors with the interest which has been since that known as "The tral Baptist Mission of Dayton," on November 20, 1878. Since that time, h Baptist Union have steadily prosecuted the work amid many difficulties.

In the early part of 1880, the Union effected a sale of the old meeting. i(se and lot, and immediately paid off the debts which had accumulated to hextent of more than $4,000.

J. B. Thresher, E. M. Thresher and Albert Thresher then offered to pay $000 each toward a new meeting house for the mission, provided a house

658

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

should be built, costing not less than $10,000, which should be free from de (We should have mentioned that when the debts were all paid, there remain in the possession of the Baptist Union, a lot on the corner of Clay and \ Buren streets, 66x132 feet, with a brick dwelling-house on it, which had c "in flush times " $8,500 ; and they had $3,386.36 in money.)

The offer of the Threshers gave a good start, and soon they had relia subscriptions amounting to nearly $11,000.

E. E. Barney, who had always been deeply interested in the church, th became responsible for $4,000, cash. (The Union having determined not incur debt). It was decided to build, and the beautiful church edifice loca on the corner of Clay and Van Buren streets, an admirable view of which obtained from Fifth street, is the result.

It is of brick, two stories high and one of the most perfect churches outline and finish in the city. Its style of architecture is an adaptation of Romanesque or semi-Gothic, and presents an imposing appearance with square tower and fully rounded arches. It was first proposed not to erec tower, and afterward an octagonal spire was suggested, but the present c adds materially to the appearance of the building.

The auditorium is 48x50 feet, with a seating capacity of over 500. T dedicatory services took place in the evening of May 4, 1882, sermon by Rev. Dr. King, of Cleveland.

The total cost of the building, outside of the furniture is $14,000, ev cent of which is paid. Not a particle of debt remains upon it. This is one the most encouraging features of its auspicious opening.

FIRST GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH.

In June, 1852, twelve persons, formerly members of a Society in Beri Prussia, met and organized the above named church. J. J. Werthner was pointed to preside over the church society at that time. There were present the organization of the church, Rev. A. Heinrich, of Rochester, N. Y., Cha man of the meeting; Rev. M. Stone, Rev. Samuel Foljambe, of Dayton; R J. L. Moore. of Springfield; B. C. Cane, of Carlisle; O. B. Stone, of Xenia, a J. G. Brown, of Cincinnati. The first meeting of the church was held at Wayne Street Baptist Church, after which they met at the Sixth Street Eng House until 1854, when it was decided to build a church. Ground for 1 purpose, situated on East Fifth street, was purchased of William Hoffmau $500, on which was built a church, 40x60 feet, consisting of a basement : an upper story, at a cost of $3,000. In 1861, Henry Koehler, of York, Pen became the Pastor. bering 150 members.

In 1866, G. D. Menger was called, the church then nu At this time an additional $1,000 was expended in co pleting the church. G. Eisele assumed the Pastorate, and remained ar 1877. In 1872, a division occurred in the church, on questions of church d cipline, sixty members leaving. They worshiped at Rocky Mission Chapel 1 til 1878, when they returned to the church, Rev. G. D. Menger having bo recalled to the pastorate. In connection with the church, a Sabbath school 100 scholars and sixteen teachers is maintained. The church now (1881) without a Pastor.

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (COLORED).

On the 30th day of November, 1870, the religious society bearing above name was organized at the residence of Humphrey Moody, in Mia City, with the following-named persons: Albert Matthews, Sarah Anders Humphrey and Elizabeth Moody and William Lenyear. Rev. Albert M thews became the pastor of the church. Services were at first held in the hot of the Pastor, then in a hall on Wayne street, and in the Baxter Street Eng:

659

CITY OF DAYTON.

H v. In the fall of 1876, a lot on Sprague street, in West Dayton, was pur- hast by the congregation for $400, on which a one-story brick church was e cid at a cost of $1,800. Other pastors of the church, in the order given, novebeen Rev. Spencer Young, Rev. Albert Matthews, Rev. William Harris, vHenry Roberts and Rev. James Shocraft.

LINDEN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH.

'he organization of Linden Avenue Baptist Church, was effected Septem- : ), 1872, with fifty-seven members, thirty-five of whom were from the First ost Church of the city, twenty from the Wayne Street Baptist Church, and o om elsewhere. The first Pastor of the church was the Rev. Frederick atorthy, who was ordained on the 18th day of October, following, and Fl until in September. 1878. December 1, of the same year, the Rev J. Irks, present Pastor, assumed the pastorate. Not long after the organiza- n f the church, ground was purchased of W. P. Huffman, and the present ruh edifice erected. It is a beautiful temple: in external architechure, it snuch resembles the Main street Baptist Church, though not so large. The Iirium is 86x46 feet, the whole of the upper floor, except the vestibule, ten -t ide. Above the vestibule is a gallery, in which is a pipe organ. At the noite side of the church is the pulpit platform, back of which is a shallow icyity in the wall, arching to a point two-thirds of the way to the ceiling; wer part of the concavity is lined with white walnut panel work; the part is made to represent a firmament by stars of gold on a back ground ize blue. The finish of the auditorium is in exceeding good taste, nothing gus. but elegant. The body of the frescoing is light, with a faint blue The ceiling is variegated in subdued colors. Two gas suns in the ceil- ght up the auditorium brilliantly at night. It has a seating capacity of r 600. The pulpit desk, an elegant piece of workmanship, is of black wal- On the first floor are the Sunday school room, Bible-class rooms, and n for kitchen and pantry, furnished with all necessary culinary utensils to und in church festivals, socials, etc. The lower story was completed and Id for services in the evening of December 30, 1873, when dedicated by J. F. Behrends, of the First Church of Cleveland. The auditorium was ited to God December 12. 1879. There were present on this occasion, .R. Hughes, of the Memorial Church; Rev. C. F. Colby, of the Main Street it Church, Rev. H. H. Bawden, of the Wayne Street Baptist Church : Rev. I Menger, of the first German Baptist, and Rev. J. H. Parks, pastor of urch to be dedicated. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Dr. John 1G, of Chicago. The membership is now 175.

THE BAPTIST UNION.

his society consists of a union of the Baptists of the city for the pur- f giving aid and support to churches of the denomination requiring as- ate. It was organized January 12, 1874, with the following officers: sent, W. P. Huffman: Vice President. E. E. Barney; Secretary, James vir; Treasurer, J. K. McIntire. Until 1878, any member of the Baptist L'o residing in the city was an ex officio member. That year, it was incor- ad, when the Trustees of the Union became virtually the Union. Each ra now elects five persons who represent them as members of the Union. issions are represented by their Pastors. Present officers (1881): Presi- tC. Parker; Vice President, Rev. J. H. Parks; Secretary, E. R. Still- well Treasurer, C. H. Crawford.

CHRIST CHURCH.

in the 15th day of May, 1817, the Rev. Philander Chase, then on a mis- study tour through Southern Ohio, held the first service of the Episcopal

660

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Church in Dayton. Immediately following this service, a parish was orga ized under the name of St. Thomas' Church, and its articles of associati were signed by seven persons, who bound themselves together as interested the continuance of such services. This organization, however, does not se to have possessed much vitality, and we hear no more of it, nor of the se ices of the church here, until nearly two years later, when he who held i first service, and in the meantime had been consecrated Bishop of Ohio, turned to Dayton and held a second service in October, 1819. Noveml 27, 1819, St. Thomas' Church was re-organized, and this time its artic of association were signed by twenty-three persons, prominent among wh were Judge Crane and Warren Munger, Sr., Esq. The parish was withou settled pastor until October 19, 1821, when the Rev. Spencer Wall, a Dead then in charge of the missionary work at Piqua and Springfield, took char of the congregation on alternate Sundays, and served until March, 1822, ; he was the only regular clergyman during the years that St. Thomas' Chu was in existence. The Rev. Samuel Johnson continued occasional services several years, and so did other clergymen of the diocese, among them i Rev. Thomas A. Osborne, the Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg, the Rev. Gideon Mcl lan and the Rev. Alexander Hall. The services during these years were h in the Lancasterian Schoolhouse, which then stood on St. Clair street, oppo! the park; in the houses of worship of other Christian bodies, in the old co house, and in private houses. But inability to procure the regular service a clergyman. even at stated intervals, discouraged the leaders and scatte the congregation; and after several years of earnest struggle, St. Thon Church succumbed to these disheartening influences and ceased to exist, exc. in name. The last service of the decade of which there is any record held some time in 1827, and from then until 1830 the voice of the chur feeble for a long time previous, was hushed in death. On the 7th day of tober, 1830, the Rev. Ethan Allen, on a missionary tour of inspection throw the southwestern counties of the State, visited Dayton and stated bis miss to Judge Crane and Warren Munger, Sr., saying that he had come to sp. Sunday here, and would like to give them services if agreeable to them. Tl two faithful pioneers were so completely discouraged by the experiences of past that they gave him no encouragement. Mr Allen, early the follow morning, left the town; he, however, returned October 21, and bringing v him letters of introduction announcing his intentions. His services were cepted, the old Presbyterian Church standing on the corner of Second Ludlow streets was procured, and there two services were held October The following morning a subscription paper was started to secure a sup: for Mr. Allen. Fifty-nine persons had pledged the aggregate amount of * a year toward his salary. He entered regularly upon his duties in the court house, on Sunday, November 24. It was not until May 15, 1831, articles of association for the Parish were signed, and it was as late as 1 that it was incorporated, and that by special act of legislature. At a mee held June 25, 1831, it was resolved to start a subscription for the purchas a lot and the building of a church. On May 17, 1832, $1,800 was repo raised, a lot was selected on South Jefferson street, and was purchase Henry Bacon for $480. An edifice was erected thereon (where the ( building now stands), which was completed, and was first opened for di service by the rector, assisted by brother clergymen from Piqua and I ware. The general style of the church was gothic. It was in size. sixty feet long and forty-five feet wide. November 17, 1833, Bishop McIly made his first visit to the parish, and consecrated the church. The Bis in making a note of his first visit to this parish, says: "There a very fl

P. Mitchell

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CITY OF DAYTON.

Enig congregation has been formed and a very excellent church erected, in the lace where, a short time since, scarcely the least encouragement could be -wojfor the labors of an Episcopal minister."

In October, 1843, the rector resigned. The Rev. Richard S. Killin, his c ssor, entered upon his duties February 4, 1844, and after a ministry of ul eight months, resigned the parish October 15, of the same year. The ul rector of the parish was the Rev. William W. Arnett, who accepted the are January 5, 1845. His rectorship covered a period of nearly five years, dig October, 1849. The Rev. James B. Britton, the fourth rector, took are of the parish November 12, 1849. That the church grew under his ris the testimony of the vestry and parish records. June 14, 1852, it was e ed to enlarge and improve the church, the increasing congregation making room a necessity, and a new front was added at a cost of nearly $5,000. r Britton resigned the parish June 1, 1855, and a call was extended to the / H. H. Morrell, who became the fifth Rector of the parish in November, 150 and remained in charge until July, 1857. September 21, of that year, Jelev. John Woart was called to become the sixth rector, and, accepting the I at once entered upon his duties. During his rectorship, an effort was a. to establish a second church in Dayton, a parish known as St. Paul's h ch, having been organized by a number of the former parishioners of hst Church, May 12, 1859. It continued its existence until 1863. when 3 Tarden (John Powell) closed his report to the convention. In March, 1860. helev Anthony Ten Broeck became the seventh rector of the parish, and i nued in charge thereof until Easter day, April 20, 1862. The Rev. Ed- va. H. Jewett was called to the parish in September, 1862, and entered on Is uties as its eighth rector on Sunday, October 19, 1862. and remained in kage eiglit years, during which time the church witnessed a steady increase umbers and financial strength. April 24, 1868, a committee of the vestry a appointed to co-operate with the ladies, who were greatly interested in the ion of a mission chapel, and, on Monday, June 20, 1870. the parish had ( atisfaction of seeing the present Ascension Chapel consecrated to the wor- i of Almighty God. It was during this rectorship that the Rev. Royal B. laom was assistant minister of the parish, from July, 1868, to July, 1869. b Rev. Edward P. Wright, D. D., became the ninth rector of the church in Omber, 1870. The event of this rectorship was the erection of the pres- i' beautiful edifice, constructed of brick, in the decorated gothic style, imed with Dayton limestone, and is capable of comfortably seating 700 e.ons. It is sixty-eight feet front and 126 feet deep; is substantially built, a cessed and capped with stone. The bell-tower, on the northeast corner, is anty-six feet high, upon which is a slated octagon spire of ninety feet, sur- unted by an ornamental cross, making total height of steeple, 166 feet. I windows are of mottled glass, with figured borders. The audience room ry handsome. The furniture. all of black walnut, is of elegant design n finish, and with the memorial-figured windows, gives a bright and cheerful parance to the room. The pews are upholstered in damask rep. the ends e g very chaste in design and of gothic pattern, as is everything connected i. the building. It is located on the south side of First, between Main and ul low streets, and cost $47,000, of which $17,000 was paid for the ground [] which it stands. The corner-stone was laid July 12, 1871, by Bishop Bcell, and the building completed and opened for worship March 22, 1874. { Wright was succeeded by Rev. E. H. Jewett, who again entered upon the bige as its tenth rector, May 18, 1873, and the second time resigned the pish in May, 1879. The present rector, Rev. J. T. Webster, entered upon hijduties January 1, 1880. The Sunday school of the church was organized

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

in the old court house in January, 1832, by the rector of the church, w seven teachers. The number of scholars in the school was thirty. The s sions of the Sunday school were continued until May of the same year. wł it was discontinued until in July, 1833, when Sabbath school was for the f time held in the new church, which has continued uninterruptedly until to-d. Dr. Allen, then the rector of the church, was the first Superintendent. T school at present is large and flourishing.

ASCENSION CHAPEL.

In 1868, a mission Sunday school was established in the eastern portion the city by Christ Church. It was soon thought that the location was un vorable and the school was removed to the southern portion of the city. the 24th of April of the above year, the ladies of the parish having been int ested previously in the establishment of a mission, the vestry appointed committee to co-operate with them in establishing this one, and the lot purchased on Ascension Day following, and hence the name of the chapel. lot was purchased in South Dayton and a building commenced, which finished in 1870, at a cost of $9,000, including the lot, and on the 20th June of that year, it was consecrated to the worship of God by Bishop Bed December 23, 1870, Rev. A. W. Seabrease was called to take charge of chapel work. He having declined the call, July 18, 1871, the Rev. F. Bartlett was called to it, and he also declined to come. These and other ( couragements deterred the vestry from making any other calls, and since th no effort worthy of note has been made to secure a laborer for that tie The Sunday school has been kept up steadily ever since its organization, m. than thirteen years ago, and from it many have been brought into the chu and confirmed.

THE FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.

In the year 1839. Rev. Reuben Weiser, a missionary of the Evangeli Lutheran Synod of Maryland, visited Dayton in the interest of the Luther Church. He found a few scattered members of the denomination whoin gathered together, and induced to form themselves into an organization. meeting for this purpose was accordingly called on the 6th of July, in the st of Frederick Gebhart, at which the following article of agreement was adopt " We, the subscribers, feeling the importance of forming an Evangelical I theran congregation in the city of Dayton, Ohio, for ourselves and children, hereby in humble reliance on the great head of the church, form ourselves il a Lutheran congregation. We acknowledge ourselves members of the Luthe Church, and of course subject to the discipline and church government of General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United State This article was signed by those present: Henry Creager, Philip Beav John Prugh, Peter Baker, Frederick Gebhart, Elijah Ealy, Samuel Kell John Hoppert and J. G. Hoppert. Of these, the following persons were elec officers: Elders, Henry Creager and Philip Beaver; Deacons, Frederick G hart and Peter Baker. A committee was appointed to obtain temporary usc the German Reformed Church, and the Vestry authorized to procure a su: ble lot for the erection of a house of worship. At a meeting of the congre tion held August, 1840, Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller was elected pastor. In Ap 1841, a lot was purchased situated on the southwest corner of Fourth and J ferson streets. and a brick building 45x60 feet erected thereon. Here the c gregation worshiped until 1856. when the house becoming too small it was si to the United Presbyterians, and the eligible site on Main street purchas and the large and beautiful structure now there erected. The congregat has ever been a vigorous and flourishing one. Its membership has reached

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 72

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