USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > Uniontown > A history of Uniontown : the county seat of Fayette County, Pennsylvania > Part 67
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A brick parish house was erected on West Church street in 1894-5, which contained an auditorium, reading room, rector's study, etc.
ST. PAUL'S A. M. E. CHURCH, MORGANTOWN STREET.
A class of colored Methodists was formed in Uniontown in 1822 under the charge of Rev. George Bollar, a regular minister, sent out by the annual conference of the African Meth- odist Episcopal church. The members composing that class were: John Woods, Hannah Burgess, Henrietta McGill, John Webster, Sarah Woods, Sarah Griffin, David Lewis, Betsy Pritchard, Hannah Webster, and Barney Griffin. Meetings were held at the house of Mary Harmon on Morgantown street for two years, after which they were held at the house of Joseph Allen on the same street.
A congregation was organized in 1832 with a member- ship of less than a dozen. On June 10, 1835, Zadoc Springer and wife deeded to Wilson Jack, John Woods, David Wedlock, Thomas Waller and David Lewis, trustees in trust for the Zion African Methodist Episcopal congregation a lot on Morgantown street for the consideration of $75. A log meet- ing house was soon erected on this lot, and Miss Mary Ann Truly, who became the wife of Eli Curry, then a servant in the
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home of the Hon. Andrew Stewart, from her meager earn- ings, freely gave the first fifty cents toward the erection of this new meeting house. This house served the purpose of the congregation until 1855, when it was torn away and a plain brick structure was erected on its site. This structure was used until 1891, when it was torn away and a more modern one was erected at a cost of about $10,000, under the pastorate of Rev. Carter Wright, who served this congregation for five years.
This congregation has had many good and faithful pastors and is in a very flourishing condition.
ST. JOHN'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, MORGANTOWN AND CENTER STREETS.
In 1849, Rev. Father Thomas McGowan celebrated mass once a month at the home of Christian Keffer in Uniontown. The Hagans (John and James), the Keffers, Griffiths, Dorseys, Monaghans, Lonergans, Keenans, and later, the Lynches, formed a congregation.
On October 21, 1852, a part of lot No. 29, in Henry's Addi- tion on Morgantown street was purchased from John Hagan, for the sum of $75, the deed being made to the Rt. Rev. Michael O'Connor, the first bishop of Pittsburgh. A brick church was erected on this lot the following year and was consecrated De- cember 7, 1853, under the invocation of St. John, the evangelist, by the Rev. Father Krutil, C. S. S. R., who had been delegated for the work by Rt. Rev. Michael O'Connor. Rev. John Larkin was the pastor while the church was building.
A communication from Rev. Malachi Garvey, in 1856, re- ported that sixteen families and forty-two communicants at- tended the Easter communion that year, and on the 5th of Sep- tember of the same year, Bishop O'Connor administered con- firmation to fifteen persons.
In June, 1881, the Uniontown mission and adjacent dis- tricts, were set off as the Uniontown district under the pastorial care of Rev. C. A. McDermitt.
Rev. Edward Brehnan was appointed by the Rt. Rev. John Twigg as the first resident pastor of this church in September, 1877, and he remained until May, 1878, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. A. McDermitt, who arrived by appointment, July 1, 1881, and he was promoted to the charge at Connellsville in June, 1885. In the same month Rev. Edward Dignam was ap-
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pointed to this charge but was transferred in December, 1885. From this time until May 30, 1896, the affairs of this congrega- tion were under the charge of the Passionist Fathers Hughs and Bernardine. With the advent of the Rev. William Kittell the congregation began to prosper in a remarkable degree.
During the years 1890-91, lots on Center street were pur- chased from Hon. J. K. Ewing and others, and during the sum- mer of 1893, plans and specifications for a new church edifice were completed, and in the fall of the same year the contract was let to the Union Planing Mill company. On December 13, 1893, the pastor was promoted to the chancellorship of the diocese of Pittsburgh, and Rev. B. P. Kenna was placed in charge of the congregation.
The corner-stone of the new church was laid June 10, 1894, by Rev. C. A. McDermitt who was delegated by the bishop for the work. This church was consecrated May 10, 1895 by Rt. Rev. Richard Phelan of Pittsburgh. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Charles J. Coyne.
A bell, the largest in Fayette county, was presented to this church by Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Lynch. This bell was blessed, under the name of "Patrick " by the Rev. Francis McCourt of Connellsville, December 19, 1895.
The old church on Morgantown street lay idle for several years after the building of the new church on Center street, but has since been put in repair and continued to be used as a place of worship. An addition was added to this building in 1912, and otherwise improved.
The Saint John's congregation purchased the Dr. J. S. Hackney property on Center street in 1911, and in 1912 erected thereon a large brick building for a parochial school at a cost of about $30.000. This building was dedicated by Bishop Regis Canevin of the diocese of Pittsburgh, assisted by a number of prominent clergymen, Sunday, September 7, 1913, and on Mon- day morning, following, the new parochial school was opened with an enrollment of over 200 pupils. The Dr. Hackney resi- dence was fitted up as a convent.
JOHN WESLEY A. M. E. ZION CHURCH.
Zion Chapel of the A. M. E. church was organized Sep- tember 19, 1849, by Rev. Isaac Coleman from a class of five
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persons, and the first membership numbered fifteen. The first place of meeting was at the home of Brother Boggus Johnson who then lived in a small stone house belonging to James Boyle, near the corner of East Fayette and Grant streets. This congre- gation was under a mission charge for several years and was supplied by Revs. Isaac Coleman, J. B. Trasty and S. L. Jones. This mission became a separate charge under Rev. Charles Clingman, whose successors have been the Revs. J. R. Harner, W. Burley, Charles Wright and others.
On February 24, 1857, a lot was purchased from Joseph Benson on the north side of East Main street, on which an old frame building stood. This building was fitted up the following summer and used as a house of worship under the charge of Rev. Charles Wright. On the 27th of April, 1869, additional land was purchased and added to the original lot on which a brick church was erected under the pastorate of Rev. Nicholas Williams and a frame manse erected under the pastorate of Rev. W. A. Ely. This church was used as a place of worship until 1913, when it was torn away and a finer building projected of buff brick and stone trimmings capable of seating five hun- dred and sixty people. This building was projected under the pastorate of Rev. Martin B. M. Butler.
Rev. J. H. Trimble, a layman, received his license from this church and since served as presiding elder.
THE GERMAN BAPTIST BRETHREN CHURCH.
On August 2, 1884, the Great Bethel Baptist church meeting house on Morgantown street was offered at public sale, and Elder John C. Johnson, as attorney-in-fact for the German Baptist church of Georges Creek, purchased the property for $1,200, which sale was confirmed by the court October 4, 1884. The property sold faced seventy-six feet six inches on said street. The deed bears date of December 3, 1896, and is recorded in Deed Book No. 262, page 267. The building was remodeled and improved to a considerable extent, and was dedicated by the Georges Creek congregation as the property of the German Baptist Brethren church. The dedicatory services were con- ducted by Elder James Quinter, November 8, 1884. The trustees of the Georges Creek congregation who assumed charge of the property that day were Ephraim Walters, Samuel Newcomer and Jefferson Fouch. At this time there were sixteen
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members in and near Uniontown, and Elder John C. Johnson was placed in charge.
About $3,400 were spent in the purchase and remodeling of this property of which sum only about one-fourth was paid by the congregation, and the balance by Elder John C. Johnson and his friends. Thirteen years passed away when some dis- satisfaction as to the management of the affairs of this branch of the church arose, and a settlement of the balance of purchase money was demanded.
In the month of August, 1897, a committee of Elders as- sembled at the Fairview church for the purpose of hearing the case, and after hearing the evidence, decided that as Elder Johnson had proceeded without an order from a regular council, the members of the Georges Creek congregation were not re- sponsible for the debt, and that the property be passed over to those holding claims against the property.
Elder Johnson held possession and full control of this church, which he designated as the First German Baptist Brethren, until 1906, when he removed from the town. The property has been vacant for some years, and is owned by the heirs of Mary Ann Johnson and Sarah Beachley.
FIRST BRETHREN CHURCH.
The church now known as the First Brethren church was organized in 1906, and Rev. John C. Mackey was installed as pastor January 6, 1907, coming here from Nebraska. This was a mission church and occupied the old Baptist or Dunkard church until a new house of worship was erected on Union street extension. Dr. Mackey was a scholarly man and a good preacher. He delivered his farewell sermon here December 27, 1908. Dr. Mackey was succeeded by Rev. William Crawford of Johnstown, who supplied the pulpit for one year, when Rev. Dyoll Belote of Ashland, Ohio, was called, who after a pastor- ate of four years preached his farewell sermon on Sunday, June 30, 1913. He was succeeded by Rev. Arthur L. De Lozier.
This congregation began a new church building in April, 1910, on Union street extension, of light buff brick, with a seating capacity of about 500. This building was dedicated Sunday, August 14, 1910, by Rev. H. L. Goughnour of Myersdale.
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CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
The Georges Creek congregation of the German Baptist Brethren was organized about 1833, and a few years later erected the Fairview meeting house near Masontown where they still continue to worship. In 1902, this church concluded to erect another house of worship, and for this purpose a lot was purchased on Robinson street in Uniontown and the work of construction commenced. A brick building was erected at a cost of about $6,000 which was dedicated February 15, 1903, by Elder Henry C. Early of Montevidio, Va. The deacons of the church at the time were: John A. Walters, D. F. Johnson, S. C. Johnson, James P. Merriman, Joseph G. Cover, J. C. Cover, Emanuel Maust, Jacob W. Galley, and Andrew S. Fisher. The trustees were D. F. Johnson, Jacob W. Galley, Joseph G. Cover, and Andrew J. Moser. Elder Jasper Barnthouse, with associate Elder Alpheus DeBolt, was placed in charge.
THE SALVATION ARMY.
The Salvation Army post was established in Uniontown and Staff Captain William Trevitt took charge of the post here August 12, 1901, coming from Pittsburgh. The meet- ings were then held on the third floor of the Tremont build- ing. He conducted the affairs of the post with energy and ability and gained the confidence and respect of the people. It was mainly if not wholly through his efforts, the building of the Salvation Army citadel was made possible. He preached his farewell sermon here Sunday evening, August 12, 1906, going to Toledo, Ohio.
The exercises of laying the corner-stone took place Sunday, July 17, 1904, Staff Captain William Trevitt being in England, Rev. George H. Sisson took charge and laid the corner-stone in the absence of Lloyd G. McCrum. The invocation was pro- nounced by Rev. Dr. E. G. Laughrey and addresses were made by D. M. Hertzog, Esq., Hon. E. H. Reppert, J. T. Sembower and R. F. Hopwood. The building is a three-story buff brick. Hon. J. K. Ewing donated the ground, and Lloyd G. McCrum gave $5,100 toward its construction.
The Salvation Army citadel was dedicated March 12, 1905. It cost $40,000. Col. R. E. Holtz presided and announced Judge R. E. Umbel who made an address and unfurled the U.
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S. flag, from which fell many small ones. Major Hunter of Cleveland welcomed the crowd on behalf of the local corps. The doors were then thrown open by Lloyd G. McCrum, and, after being seated, Rev. Dr. Milholland offered prayer. Ad- dresses were then made by Judge E. H. Reppert, Dr. J. D. Gold, Dr. Seth R. Gordon, Rev. J. J. Hill, Dr. H. F. King, Rev. I. H. Minerd, Rev. J. S. Leland, Rev. Herbert Yeuell.
Collections were taken in the churches that day amounted to $488.66, and from other sources $410.
MOUNT OLIVE CHURCH, STEWART AVENUE.
This congregation was organized by Rev. Thomas Ford in 1882, and under whose pastorate a brick house of worship was erected on Stewart avenue. The congregation soon outgrew the capacity of this house and in 1892, it was decided to erect a more pretentious and commodious one on the same site at a cost of about $7,000.
In 1887, Rev. Parker H. Thompson became pastor of this congregation and which relation he still holds.
MINERD CHAPEL OR SECOND METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.
Following a series of meetings held by Rev. D. E. Minerd in January, 1894, in the school house in the McCormick Ad- dition, a congregation was organized with forty-eight members of which Robert Snead, John W. McDowell, Andrew Barron, James Myers and John Kunkle were elected trustees. On Feb- ruary 12th it was decided to buy a lot and build a house of worship in the East End, at a cost of $4,000. On March 27, ground was broken, and the corner-stone was laid May 17th and the church was formally opened for service July 29th, and a Sunday school was organized on August 12th, and other so- cieties organized later. H. J. Hedley was pastor, 1900.
ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church was organized December 18, 1885, with a membership of forty-one communi- cants. Rev. John Armstrong Waters was chosen as pastor, and George W. Brawner, Henry Lape, J. Harry Johnston, M. D. Baker, Amos Pickard, Quincy A. Partridge were chosen as deacons. Services were held in the public school building until
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DR. SOLOMON DROWN.
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the completion of a house of worship on North Gallatin avenue. The corner-stone of this new building was laid July 24, 1887, with services which were conducted by Rev. W. A. Passavant, D. D., Rev. W. A. Passavant, Jr., Rev. Asa H. Waters, D. D., Rev. John A. Waters, Rev. L. L. Seibert and Rev. J. W. Smith. The dedi- catorial services were held Sunday, April 29, 1888, by Rev. J. Frey, D. D., of Reading, Pa. Rev. John A. Waters served this congregation as its pastor until October 5, 1890, and he was succeeded by Rev. Alfred Ramsay from October 12, 1890, to April 5, 1896, and he was succeeded by Rev. George J. Gon- gaware who was succeeded by Rev. Ernest Anton Trabert in 1902. Rev. Trabert preached his farewell sermon August 6, 1906, after a service of five years. Rev. I. K. Wismer was called and was installed as pastor November 11, 1906. He preached his farewell sermon to this congregation September 28, 1913.
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
A bible class was organized at the home of M. M. Cochran, Esq., Sunday, October 24, 1888, and on April 7, 1889, a Sunday school was organized, and on January 26 following the Central Christian church was organized in the public school building with twenty-six charter members. The officers were: M. M. Cochran, Hugh Darsie, Mrs. Myra S. Reid, Mrs. T. B. Craig, George Newmyer as trustees.
In December of 1889, aided by the Western Pennsylvania Missionary society, Rev. J. C. B. Stivers of Kentucky was called as pastor of this church, whose labors continued until October 1, 1893. During the pastorate of Rev. Stivers a lot was pro- cured on the corner of South Gallatin and South streets and a brick church was erected thereon at a cost of $13,200, which was dedicated June 28, 1891. In the spring of 1892, this church established a mission in the village of Hopwood and erected a frame chapel at a cost of $1,800, which was dedicated April 3, 1892.
Rev. C. H. Plattenberg of Missouri, immediately succeeded Rev. Stivers, and closed his pastorate February 2, 1896. Rev. Plattenberg was succeeded by Rev. W. J. Cocke of Virginia, June 7, 1896, and resigned June 15, 1898. He was succeeded by Rev. Plattenberg, for a second term, September 1, 1898, who served until September 1, 1902. Rev. Herbert Yeuell succeeded Rev. Plattenberg October 31, 1902, and his resignation took ef-
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fect June 11, 1905. Rev. J. Walter Carpenter immediately suc- ceeded Rev. Yeuell, 1905, and his resignation took effect No- vember 1, 1911. Rev. H. Maxwell Hall became pastor of this congregation November 1, 1911, and resigned October 1, 1913. He was succeeded in this pastorate by Rev. C. L. Goodnight of Shelbyville, Ind.
Additional grounds were added to this church property and in 1906 the building was enlarged and improved at a cost of nearly $40,000, which building was re-dedicated May 19, 1907.
A parsonage was built by this congregation on Lincoln street in 1898.
SAINT MARY'S SLAVONIC ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
This congregation erected a frame meeting house on the corner of Stockton street and North Mt. Vernon avenue in 1903, with Dr. L. Laush as pastor. In 1904, Rev. S. J. Prybil was pastor, and in 1909, Rev. Frank G. Sebik was pastor. This frame church being inadequate to accommodate the congrega- tion, which numbered about 3,500, it was decided to erect a handsome brick church on the corner of Gilmore street and North Mt. Vernon avenue, the corner-stone of which was laid with great ceremony on Sunday, July 30, 1911, under the charge of Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Doudelka of Cleveland, Ohio, assisted by several of the clergymen. Rev. Frank G. Sebik had been in charge of this congregation about two and a half years. This new building cost about $40,000. The three bells that sur- mounted this church cost $1,100, and were consecrated May 5, 1912. The new church was consecrated August 25, 1912, under the charge of the Right Reverend Bishop Canevin of Pittsburgh.
The old frame building was converted into a school room, in which a parochial school has since been taught.
TEMPLE ISRAEL.
The Beth-Israel congregation was organized and incor- porated in August, 1904, and held its first meetings in the Standard Club rooms, with Rev. Isadore Reichert of Johns- town as rabbi, having been called here July 8, 1904.
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This congregation erected a neat brick synagogue on East Fayette street at a cost of $25,000.
After serving this congregation three and a half years, Rabbi Reichert resigned this charge and preached his farewell sermon January 10, 1908.
The congregation now numbering 100 pew holders. On January 10, 1908, William Baum presented to the church a fine perpetual light for over the altar, in memory of his deceased mother, Mrs. Max Baum, this being just nine months to the day since her death.
Rabbi J. E. Dobrin, for the past three years pastor of a Cleveland congregation, assumed charge of this congregation, Friday night, September 11, 1908. Services were opened by Sol. J. Rosenbaum, who read the regular Friday night services. Rabbi Dobrin resigned this charge April 30, 1909.
Rabbi William Lowenberg of Philadelphia, was extended a call to this congregation and preached his inaugural sermon October 28, 1910. The officers of this congregation were: Max Baum, president; Lee Stern, secretary ; and Sol. J. and Joseph Rosenbaum, Isadore Frank, G. M. Silverman and D. Goldstein, trustees.
MOUNT VERNON STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
From the outgrowth of a mission Sunday school organized April 16, 1905, at the school building near Continental No. 1, by Rev. S. W. Davis, the Mount Vernon street Methodist Episcopal church was formed. Lots on Mount Vernon avenue were donated by Thomas S. Lackey, Esq., on which a frame meeting house was erected. The opening services were held in this house, Sunday, June 28, 1908, Dr. T. N. Boyle of Allegheny, preaching in the morning and Dr. W. P. Turner of Wilkinsburg, preaching at night. The building cost $3,070, and will seat 300 persons. The walls are 16 feet high, and the spire rises 50 feet above the sidewalk. This church was formally dedicated Sunday, July 5, 1908, by the venerable Dr. H. L. Chapman. This is the twelfth church that has been built mainly through the efforts of Rev. S. W. Davis. Rev. John T. Eastburn became pastor of this church in 1911.
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MOUNT ROSE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Mount Rose Baptist church was organized in 1897. and the congregation built a frame church on East Main street in which they worshipped for a while.
Thomas Ford is given as pastor in 1900-1913.
In 1907 this congregation began the erection of a neat and comfortable house of worship on Grant street. This house was built of brick, with a seating capacity of 450, and was dedi- cated Sunday, July 30, 1911, by Rev. John H. Pryor, D. D., of Vanderbilt. Rev. Thomas Ford, D. D., pastor.
TREE OF LIFE CHURCH.
The Tree of Life congregation of the Orthodox Jews was organized in 1906, and held their meetings for a while at the home of Rev. Samuel Cohen, 57 Pittsburgh street until a place of public worship could be procured.
This congregation purchased the White school house from the Uniontown school board, July 6, 1908. The building was re- modeled and adapted to church purposes, with a seating capacity of about 250. The dedicatorial services were held October 12, 1908 by Rabbi Shinsky, chief rabbi of the Orthodox Jews of Pittsburgh, who made the address, Solomon Cohen was the principal mover in the establishment of this congregation, which numbered about fifty members. The congregation was under the charge of Rabbi Shinsky.
SAINT JOSEPH'S POLISH ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
This congregation erected a buff brick house of worship on South Mount Vernon avenue in 1907, with Rev. B. Pawloski as pastor. This church was re-opened for service August 28, 1910, after having been closed for renovation and re-decoration. The exercises were presided over by the Right Reverend Bishop J. F. Regis Canevin of Pittsburgh and Rev. Father B. Pawloski as rector.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK CHURCH.
The Saint John the Baptist Greek congregation purchased the old Madison college building in 1912, and remodeled and changed it into a house of worship and it was dedicated July 4, 1912.
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The Union Church in the McCormick Addition was dedi- cated to the service of Almighty God Sunday, July 11, 1899. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. H. F. King, D. D. Other ministers who participated on the occasion were: Revs. H. C. Bird, G. J. Gongaware, T. F. Pershing, E. J. Wilson and J. H. Minerd. The lot was donated by Daniel Downer and the building was completed in 1896, at a cost of $700. A Sunday school was organized here in 1894, with R. H. Blacka as super- intendent and preaching was conducted by ministers of different denominations.
HUNGARIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This congregation of Presbyterian Magyars was organized by Rev. Dr. V. D. Moricz, formerly a professor in a university in Hungary, and spent two years in the Western Theological seminary. This congregation was organized in 1908, with a membership of 100, and first met in the Second Presbyterian church and later in the Salvation Army hall.
The laying of the corner-stone of a buff brick meeting house for this congregation, that will seat 400 people, was laid amid great ceremonies and demonstrations on Connellsville street, November 28, 1909, and was attended by about 5,000 people, including numerous bands and fraternities-this being the first Magyar Presbyterian church in this section of the state.
This building was dedicated June 26, 1910, with appropriate exercises, by Rev. Dr. W. Scott Bowman, pastor of the Second Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. Dr. Moricz, pastor, and in the name of Redstone presbytery, the doors were opened for the worship of Almighty God, after which Dr. Moricz delivered a sermon and Dr. Bowman installed Dr. Moricz as pastor. This neat house of worship is mounted with a tower clock-a dona- tion from A. G. Kail.
A school was taught in the basement. The building cost about $13,000. In March, 1911, Dr. Moricz resigned.
Rev. Alexander Szkely of Columbus, Ohio, was on Tues- day, July 4, 1911, formally installed as pastor of this congrega- tion by Dr. W. Scott Bowman, assisted by Rev. C. C. Millar.
Financial troubles overtook this church and the property was sold at sheriff's sale in December, 1912.
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