Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 49

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Youngstown > Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 49

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ing January it was completed with accommo- dations for 300 people. The church cost about $4,000. The pastoral residence was added during the same year at a cost of $3,000. In 1892 Father Leeming bought the Haselton public school, a frame buikling consisting of three class rooms and a large hall, 32 by 80 feet, with a fine basement of the same dimen- sions. The structure will serve the purpose of a school admirably when that necessary ad- junct to the future welfare of the parish is once established. In the years 1899 and 1900 a number of improvements were made in the property and the church was removed from its first location sixty feet eastward and placed upon a substantial basement. Most of the stained glass windows by which the church is enriched were donated, as was also the main altar. These and other improvements that might be mentioned evidence the generosity and religious earnestness of the congregation, which numbers sixty-five families.

STS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS (SLOVAK) CHURCH.

The Catholic Slovaks who began to settle in Youngstown and the vicinity about 1880, and who for a number of years had attended the churches nearest to their homes, called- a meeting in 1896 for the purpose of taking steps to organize a separate congregation. A subscription was started, but nothing further was done for several years owing to the fact that the Rt. Rev. Bishop could not send them a pastor conversant with their language. In May, 1899, with the Bishop's approval, the Rev. J. Klute bought two lots for the Slovaks as a church site, at the corner of East Wood and Watt streets for the sum of $5.500. In June of the same year the Rev. A. Kolar was appointed resident pastor of the Slovaks, whom he organized as a congregation under the patronage of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. The foundation of the church-a brick struct- ure of Roman architecture-was commenced in the summer of 1900. Its cost on comple- tion was about $35,000. The parish now has a membership of over 260 familes and is

steadily increasing, as a large number of the foreigners who arrive almost daily are Slovaks. The present pastor is Rev. J. W. Becka.

METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.

The "Brown Church," as the Methodist Protestant Church in Youngstown has been usually called, was established about 1841, the church building being erected in that year. This religious body is an offshoot from the Methodist Episcopal Church and dates its origin to 1828, when an agitation that had been started within that church a few years previously for a representation of both min- isters and laymen in its law-making depart- ment, culminated, after some persecution of the reformers, in the withdrawal of some 250 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cincinnati. The reformers subsequently withdrew in considerable numbers in other parts of the United States, and at a convention held at Baltimore in 1830 drew up the consti- tution and discipline of the Methodist Protest- ant Church on the principle of constituting the General and Annual Conferences of an equal number of effective ministers and duly dele- gated laymen, there being neither bishops nor elders.

Philip Kimmel. Abraham Powers, Jonah Stout and Wilson Thorn were the chief -found- ers of the church in this city, which began with about fifty members. Owing to internal dis- sensions, however, the annual attendance was reduced in 1881 to no more than twenty. At that time the Rev. E. W. Brindley, a gradu- ate of Bristol College, Pennsylvania, suc- ceeded to the pulpit, and within a year the congregation had increased to 150, with a Sunday school membership of thirty-four.

The next pastor was the Rev. J. F. Dyer, who served for nine years, heing followed by Rev. J. M. Bennett and S. F. Crowther. Rev. J. F. Dyer was then recalled and was pastor again for six years, or until September, 1906, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. II. Glad- den, who now has charge.

Rev. W. H. Gladden has been a member

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of the Pittsburg Conference for more than twenty years, and has been especially success- ful in evangelistic work. He was formerly pastor of the Fifth Street Methodist Protest- ant Church at East Liverpool and received 700 members into that church. During his pastorate at Connellsville, Pennsylvania, he was able to double the membership of the church. At Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to which church he was sent in 1892, and where for seven years there had not been even a pastor, he succeeded in building a fine church, which now numbers 300 members, and a sec- ond church of 200 members. He has also held successful revival meetings in nearly all the leading churches of his conference. He hopes to be able to accomplish a good work in the upbuilding of the church in Youngstown, the present membership of which is about one hundred.

BAPTIST CHURCHI.

Regular Baptist worship was not instituted in Youngstown until 1860, although there were a number of members of that church liv- ing in the vicinity. In July, 1859, Mrs. Young, an aged lady, succeeded in having a Sunday school organized, and it is probable that the formation of a church was the out- growth of this movement. This school was formed with thirty-seven scholars, in a hall on Federal street.

A meeting of Baptists in regular commun- ion was held in the Protestant Methodist Church June 6, 1860, which resulted in the formation of a church society. W. M. Ingersol was ordained first pastor. He resigned in 1872. and B. F. Ashley succeeded in 1873. C. F .. Nicholson was ordained pastor in the fall of 1875. and D. B. Simms, in Oc- tober, 1879.

In June, 1881, Rev. John A. Snodgrass assumed pastoral charge, having come to Youngstown in January of the preceding year. Mr. Snodgrass was born in Noblestown, Pennsylvania, in 1836. At the age of eigh- teen years while a student at Mansfield, Penn- sylvania, he was sincklenly thrown upon his

own resources, owing to the business reverses of his father, and began teaching school. In 1862, with nine other teachers in the McKees- port school, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, and became the first lieutenant. Of his associates who went out with him only four returned. He was mustered out at Harris- burg, Pennsylvania, in 1865. After his re- turn he took charge of the union school at Mckeesport. March 29, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Eva J. Haney, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, who had been his efficient assistant in the various schools of which he had been the head. Soon after his return from the army he began the study of theology and was ordained, Septem- ber 10, 1868, in the Sandusky Street Baptist Church of Allegheny City. As pastor of the First Baptist Church of Youngstown, Mr. Snodgrass added about one hundred names to the membership and discharged a debt of six thousand dollars.

On January 6, 1887, the church building was destroyed by fire, which originated from an explosion of natural gas in the Andrews block, which stood at the southwest corner of Boardman and Market streets. The church at once made plans for rebuilding on the same site. The new building was first occupied in the basement December 18, 1887. It was com- pleted and the dedication took place July 1, 1888.

The Rev. J. A. Snodgrass presented his resignation, effective February 1, 1889.

In the following June the Rev. Clement Hall was called to the pastorate which he as- sumed about September 1, 1889.

On January 1, 1899. Rev. Clement Hall tendered his resignation to take effect from the first of the following April.

On October 4. 1903. the Rev. Henry Par- rish tendered his resignation effective Janu- ary 1. 1904.

On January 31, 1004. the present pastor. the Rev. C. H. Pendleton was called. He as- snmed the pastorate February 10, 1004. His previous charge was at Mount Holly, New Jersey.

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It is a fact worthy of note that at the pres- ent writing, March. 1907, the first pastor of the church, the Rev. W. M. Ingersol, is still living, residing in Cleveland, Ohio.

The present membership is about 550.

WELSHI CONGREGATIONAL. CHURCH.

The Welsh Congregational Church, whose place of worship is on Elm street, near Wood, was started about 1845 in an old log school- house at the intersection of Hamburg and West Federal streets, Brier Hill. Rees Her- bert. Thomas Morgan, Joshua Davies, David Evans, John Edwards, William Owens and William Matthews, with their wives, consti- tuted the original members. The installation ceremonies were conducted by Rev. D. Davies. who came from Brady's Bend, Pennsylvania, to officiate. For some years the pulpit was filled at intervals by visiting pastors.

The first regular pastor was Rev. Thomas Evans, who at the time he took charge was a lay preacher and a recent innnigrant from Wales, and who was ordained some time after becoming connected with this church. At the time the call was extended to him the church had almut twenty-five members. It continued as a small community of worshippers until abont 1865, at which time the city was ex- periencing a rapid growth along industrial lines. Rolling mills were being erected, and other important industries springing into life or developing with new vigor. These condi- tions attracted large numbers of immigrants. among whom were inany Welsh miners and iron workers, Tlmis the church became in- fused with new vitality, and it was soon found necessary to seek more commodious quarters.

A piece of land including the present church site and extending to Wood street was purchased, and the present frame building erected. That part of the lot bordering on Wood street, not being needed, was sold.

At this time the church extended a call to its present pastor. Rev. Thomas W. Davies, who continued in the pastorate for about three years.

In January, 1870, Rev. Thomas W. Divies

was succeeded by Rev. David S. Davies, a bright young man from Centreville, Ohio, a fluent speaker, possessed of considerable ora- torical power, and an ardent supporter of the temperance cause. His temperance lectures and sermons are remembered and spoken of to this day by the older members of the con- gregation. The next pastor was the Rev. Lot Lake, an eloquent preacher, who came from South Wales. He remained with the church until 1875. His successor, Rev. John Morgan Thomas, was also from Wales, and had the advantage of a former personal acquaintance with many of the original members of the church in their native land. During his pas- torate 161 members were added to the church. The Sunday school was also in a flourishing condition. The singing at this time was led by Thomas Griffith, Jr., whose sisters, talented vocalists, rendered able service in the choir. Their father, the elder Thomas Griffith, had previously been chorister.

About this time some of the younger cle- ment in the church demanded a pastor who conld speak the English language, all the services up to this time having been held ex- clusively in Welsh. In 1880, therefore, a call was extended to Rev. John L. Davies, of Paddy's Run, Ohio, who was a fluent speaker in both languages. During his pastorate. which continued till 1885, he organized and solidified the English element, which in that vear separated from the mother church to form the organization now known as Plym- wuth Congregational Church. Their first meetings were held in the court house, but smlrecently they built an edifice on West Rayen avenne, where they worshipped until it was burned down in 1891. They then built the present large edifice on West Rayen avenne. Mr. Davies remained pastor of Plym- with church until 1800.

He was succeeded in the pastorate of the Elm street church by Rev. Lot Lake, men- tioned above, to whom the church had ex- tended a second call. The latter returned and fortinmed as pastor until 1888. Rev. J. P. Williams, of Racine, Wisconsin, was the next pistor. While he had charge the church

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reached a membership of over three hundred. In 1894 he left. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. J. B. Davies, of Genoa, Illinois, who took charge on the first Sunday in December, 1895.

In 1887 the church was remodeled and a pipe organ installed.

The church services are conducted in the Welsh language, except one sermon a month, which is in English. The Sunday school has several Welsh classes, but eight out of eleven classes are taught in English.

Rev. John B. Davies was born in Pem- brokeshire, Wales, in 1859. He was educated in his native land, where he took a college course and also studied theology. In 1884, when a young man of twenty-five, he came to this country, and in the following year was ordained to the ministry at Radnor, Ohio. After his ordination he pursued further theo- logical studies at Oberlin College, taking the regular three year course. Before coming to Youngstown he had filled done but English pastorates. His first charge was the English Congregational Church at FredericksInirg, Ohio, whence he went to Lexington, Ohio, and subsequently to Chenoa, Illinois. From the last-named place he came, twelve years ago, to Youngstown, where he has since re- mained in the pastorate of the Welsh Con- gregational Church. He was married in 1885 to Miss Enuna Watkins, a native of Radnor, Ohio, but of Welsh parentage.

WALNUT STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.

This church had its origin in 1845 when the Rev. Robert Probert. who came to Brier Hill, Youngstown, from Brady's Bend, Penn- sylvania, began preaching the gospel in private houses to the Welsh people who had Hocked to the place on the opening of the coal mines by David Tod. afterwards governor of Ohio.

In December. 18446, a few of the brethren and sisters organized themselves into a church in the house of Thomas Edwards.

In 1847 the two deacons, Mr. Thomas Pro- lert and Mr. David Jones, were instructed to look for a suitable lot upon which to erect a

building that should be a house of worship and church home for the members. An acre of ground was purchased on West Federal street and a neat frame house erected thercon, the balance of the ground being reserved for a cemetery. About this time the church was strengthened by the addition of Richard Wooley, a pious and able man who came from Brady's Bend and who was elected dea- con. The chapel was completed free from ‹lebt in June, 1847, by which tinie it numbered sixty members. Here the congregation wor- shipped for nineteen years during which time it had a gradual and regular increase of many Imindreds by baptism, restoration and letters of dismissal from other churches.

The membership in Brier Hill was composed mostly of coal miners, consequently with the approaching exhaustion of the coal mines which became apparent about 1863, and the erection of the iron works, some began to move to other places and some to the town.

L'nder these circumstances the church in Brier Hill came to the conclusion to build a church edifice in the town and abandon the canse in Brier Hill.

Accordingly in 1866 a committee of three was appointed who selected the lot on Walnut street, on which the church edifice now stands. the cost of which was $60.00. The church building was erected at the close of 1866. the total cost, including the lot, being about $5.000. When the church was dedicated in January, 1877. it was entirely free from debt. The membership at this time numbered about ninety.

In December, 187t, Rev. D. Probert re- signed the pastorate of the church and was succeeded by the Rev. Lumley Evans who was pastor for eleven months. He was followed by Rev. D. Rhys Jones, of Johnstown, Peim- sylvania, who officiated for two years and one month. In 1877. Rev. Probert again became pastor and so continued until his final resig- nation in February. 1805. after a pastorate of forty-three years and of fifty-three years in the Christian ministry.

In 1883 extensive improvements were made in the church. Rev. Probert was snc-

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ceeded in the pastorate in 1895 by Rev. R. C. Morgan of Jolinstown, Pennsylvania. On his . coming the order of services was changed, a Welsh sermon being preached on the Sabbath morning and an English sermon in the even- ing, as there were many Welsh in the city not conversant with the language of their fathers.

Owing to the increasing congregation it was resolved in the spring of 1896 to erect a more commodious place of worship. The work was commenced in May of that year. The new building contains several handsome memorial windows and was dedicated Novem- ber 16, 1806.

Rev. R. C. Morgan resigning after a pas- torate of one year and ten months, the church was without a pastor until a call was extended to Rev. J. T. Lloyd, of Wilksbarre, Pennsyl- vania, an eloquent preacher and tireless worker who commenced his ministry in De- cember. 1898. Since he became pastor the church debt has been raised and some further repairs have been made and paid for.

MARTIN LUTHER GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

"Owing to the large number of Germans among the early setlers of Mahoning county, whose ancestors were members of the Church . gregation, which by this time had increased to of the Reformation, we find the German Evan- gelical Lutheran Church established in dif- ferent parts of the county at an early date. In those days ministers served from ten to fif- teen congregations, sometimes scattered over several counties.

"The Rev. G. Kranz of North Lima, who served in Boardman in 1857, frequently preached in Youngstown and attempted to organize a congregation here about that time. In the following year the Rev. Mr. Fehr, who had just been called as pastor of the German 'Reformed Church of Youngstown, proposed that the two parties should unite and build a union church. After the church was built, it was claimed as a Reformed Church. The Lutherans being thus deceived, resolved to -organize themselves as a German Evangelical

Lutheran congregation, which was done Au- gust 1, 1859. There were at first twenty-two members. Rev. F. C. Becker served the church temporarily, until in July, 1859, the Rev. L. Krebs of Brookfield was called to be their pastor. For some time services were held in various localities, until the lot on the corner of Wood and Champion streets was purchased on which the church now stands. To this lot which was 45x120 feet, fifteen feet more was subsequently added by purchase.

"In the spring of 1862 the corner stone of the church edifice was laid, and on November 2d the church was dedicated. There were then fifty members in the congregation. The Rev. L. Krebs, who moved to Youngstown in 1862, was called to be their regular pastor. January 1, 186g, he was succeeded by the Rev. G. F. H. Meiser. During this year a piece of ground adjoining the church was purchased and a parsonage erected thereon.

A parochial school, for the purpose of training the children in the German and Eng- lish languages, and to combine religions with secular instruction, was established in 1876, with Prof. A. W. Lindemann as teacher. At first this school was held in the church build- ing, but in the following year a school house was erected on the lot belonging to the con- some 200 families, with 120 scholars.

In 1880 a pipe organ was purchased for the church. Soon after, it becoming apparent that the congregation had outgrown the church and school accommodations, it was resolved to make a division, and in 1881 St. Paul's Church at Brier Hill was organized, and soon a suitable church and school house were erected. The building plat was donated to the congregation by Messrs. David James and Robert Mackey."

In the early part of 1885 Rev. G. F. H. Meiser received a call to Detroit, which he accepted. To fill the vacancy a call was ex- tended by the church to Rev. E. A. Boehme. of Columbus, Ohio. He arrived April 15. 1885. and has since continued as pastor of the church. \ Ladies' Society had been organ-

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ized in 1870; and in August, 1885, a Young People's Society was organized. Both these sncieties have been of great benefit in the up- building of the church. In October, 1890. English evening services were introduced, and were held regularly until the organization, in September. 1895, of the English Lutheran Trinity Church, when they were discontinued. In 1801 it was found necessary to build an addition to the church, not only to provide sufficient accommodation for the people at the regular church services, but also because more room was needed for the school. This addi- tion, 35x60 feet, and costing $12.500, was so constructed as to give the church the form of a double cross. The parochial school was taught by Prof. R. O. Kieling for sixteen years-from 1885 to 1901. Towards the end of his connection with it an assistant had been engaged, and the school formed into two classes. The present teachers are Prof. C. F. Theiss and Miss Caroline Walther. The pres- ent strength of the congregation is 860 bap- tized members, 580 communicant members, and 125 voting members.

Rev. E. A. Boehme was born in Zittau, Germany, May 11, 1848. He was educated at the Gymnasium (College), at the same place, completing his studies there in 1804. lle studied theology at the German Lutheran Seminary, at Columbus, Ohio, and was or- dained to the holy ministry July 31, 1868. His first pastorate was at Union City, Indiana, where he remained until 1878. He was then pastor at New Washington, Ohio, up to 1882. From that time until 1885 he hekl college pro- fessorships at Columbus, Ohio, Since then he has been pastor of Martin Luther's Church, Youngstown. From 1886 to 1896 he was the German secretary of the Evangelical Intheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other states, and has since been first vice-president of the same truly. Ile has been a member of the board of trustees of Capital University, Columbus. Ohio, since 1876, excepting four years, and has been president of the seminary hoard since 1894. Ile was editor of the Kinderfreude (Sunday school paper) from 1886 to 1808,

and editor of Kirchenzeitung (German organ) from 1898 to 1904.

GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

Thirty years ago, in the month of Septem- ber, 1877, a small number of German Luther- ans met together under the leadership of the Rev. Samuel Baechler, to hold divine ser- vice. The service was held in the English language. These persons formed the nucleus of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran congrega- tion in Youngstown. It continued its services as a mission in the Reading Room Hall, on Federal street, with the Rev. E. J. Meissner. pastor. In the spring of 1878 a Sunday school was organized, embodying the name and faith of the organization, together with rules of business. The mission grew slowly but sub- stantially. Soon a longing was felt to worship in a consecrated church home. During the summer of 1880 active steps were taken toward buikling such a house of worship. Committees were appointed to secure a location and to solicit subscriptions. Through their efforts a plot of ground was purchased, at the corner of Wood street and Belmont avemme (then Liberty street ), and a building erected, which was consecrated to the service. December 31, 1881. The organization of the congregation was fully completed by the formal adoption of its constitution, December 31, 1882. In the fall of 1885 the mission became a member of the Pittsburg Synod of the General Council of the Lutheran Church. In the early part of the year 1887 Rev. E. J. Meissuer tendered his resignation as pastor, which was accepted April 24th of that year.

Ile was succeeded by the Rev. H. W. Tope, D. D., who began his lahors in the fall of 1888. During his pastorate the mission be- came self-sustaining, a parsonage was built and the church enlarged at a cost of $5,000. After a period of a little more than seven years Rev. Tope resigned in the spring of 1895.

He was followed by the Rev. A. D. Potts. Ph. D., who entered upon his duties in the spring of 1896, but on account of ill health,

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was obliged to relinquish them and to resign in the early part of the ensuing year.

July 18. 1897, the congregation extended a unanimons call to the Rev. Jesse LeRoy Miller. August I the call was accepted and a new page began in the history of the congre- gation. The first thing necessary was a change of location. The pushing and pulling of the powerful freight engines over multi- plied tracks, the puffing and blowing of the electric powers, both in proximity to the church's situation, made such a change most desirable. And an old debt, which always hangs like a millstone around the neck of a congregation, appeared at the time like one of the Himalayas. But after many prayers and much generosity, the debt disappeared and the mortgage was burned May 30, 1897. It was a moment of great relief and was followed by an increased desire and renewed hopes for a better and more beautiful place of worship. March 3. tyof, the old church property was sold and a new site was secured on West Rayen avenue, on which, AAugust 10, 1902, the corner stone of a new church was laid.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 49

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 993