USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 37
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
bell. Jr .. February 6. 187I. The present officers are: President. J. W. Irwin: Cashier, William Campbell. Jr .. and E. W. Vogeloy, Teller, the latter having oc. cupied his position since 1875. Under these officers the Butler Savings Bank is popularly and prosperous- ly condueted. doing a large general banking business. John Berg & Co. established their private bank- ing business in 1870.
Private banks were opened in Butler and Greece City in April. 1523, by a company of which J. W. Irwin. Jacob Stambaugh and S. A. Wood were the principal stockholders. Capt. J. E. Ray was Cashier of the Butler bank. The Greece City bank was soon merged with the Butler institution, and this in turn was closed. in 1575. by Mr. Irwin, who bought into the Butler Savings Bank.
POST OFFICE.
Following is the succession of Butler Postmasters: William Young. John Potts, William Gibson, Jacob Mechling, Jr., Jolm Gilchrist, David A. Agnew. Peter Duffy, James Potts, Patrick Kelley, Daniel Coll, Will- iam B. Lemmon, Joshna J. Sedgwick, Frank M. Eastinan, Thomas White, Miss Sallie A. Robinson.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
Presbyterian Church .--- The Presbyterian Church is the oldest organized religious society in Butler. It came into organie being in the year 1513, and com- prised the congregations at Thorn's Tent, Harmony, Salt Spring and portions of Minddy Creek. Thorn's Tent was the first preaching place in this immediate neighborhood. The pioneer of Presbyterianism in Butler County was the Rev. John McPherrin,+ who settled here in 1805, having accepted calls from the congregations of Concord and Muddy Creek. The records are not clear in regard to this period of his pastoral labors. In 1806, he is reported as pastor of Concord. Muddy Crook ant Harmony, and, in 1809, as pastor of Concord and Harmony. He was installed as pastor of the Butler Church by the Presbytery of Erie, April 7, 1813. This church was then connected with the church of Concord. Mr. MePherrin fo- mained as pastor of the united charge until the rela- tion was severed by his death, which occurred on the 10th of February, 1822. His sneressor was Rev. John Coulter, who was ordained and installed Sep. tember 10. 1823, and continued as pastor for nine or ten years. Rev. Loyal Youngt began his labors on on the first Sunday of July, 1833, and was ordained and installed pastor by the Presbytery of Allegheny December 4 of the same year. His pastorato closed
A biographie il sketch of the Rev. John Mc Pherrin, the fire' Presbyterian preacher of Butter, appears elsewhere in this work. bre index of fame
VA biography of the Rev. Loyal Young appears in this volume. The his- tury of the church as here given is largely taken from the " Quarter-t'entury Sermon " delivered by Mr. Young, January 2, 1:59
in April. IS6S, and he was succeeded by Rev. (Prof.) W. I. Brugh. who was installed November 2. 1569. He resigned his charge in April, 1871. Rev. C. H. MeClellan was installed in Jannary and rosigned in June. 1878. Rev. W. T. Wiley was called in Jann- ary. 1879, entered upon his labors the first Sunday in March, was installed on the 24th of June, 1879, and resigned on the 31st of December, ISSI. His suc- cessor, the present pastor. Rev. W. E. OHler, was called in the summer of ISS2.
The first Ruling Elders, elected in 1813. were John Neyman, Alexander Hamilton and Robert Gra- ham. Those subsequently elected have been James MeCurdy and Malachi Richardson, in 1533: Robert Thorn, William MeJunkin and Jonathan Plummer, in 1834: Hon. Walter Lowrie, in 1836: David Mell- vain and Thomas Walsh. in 1839: Henry MI. Boyd and William Campbell. Sr., in 1841; William Max- well. James Mitchell and John Campbell, in IS49; Dr. R. L. MeCurdy. Sammuel Martin and Thomas H. Bracken, in INSS: George A. Black. in 1875; W. D. Brandon. J. C. Redick, James D. Anderson and James Stevenson, in 1877. The present Ruling El- ders are William Campbell. Sr., James Mitchell, William S. Boyd. W. D. Brandon, J. C. Redick and James Stevenson.
The first church edifice erected in Butter was that in which the Presbyterian congregation worshiped. It was a small stone building standing on the ground occupied by the present large and commodions brick structure, and was built in 1815. The first movement toward erecting the old stone church was made in 1811. A subscription paper was circulated and sub- scriptions received varying from $1 to $50. To in- sure the success of the enterprise, the Rev. John Me- Pherrin and twelve others entered into an obligation, December 12, 1814. agreeing " to pay an equal share of whatever might be lacking, to the Trustees of But- ler congregation for building a meeting-house." The names subscribed in addition to Rev. McPherrin's. were those of William Noyman, James MeCurdy, John Neyman, John Gilmore. Alexander Hamilton, David MeJunkin. Robert Thorn, William Beatty, Robert Scott, Andrew Speer, John MeQuistion and James Martin. The first Trustees wore John Ney man, John Potts and William Campbell. They se- lected the site for the building, and purchased just one-half of the present church lot from Alexander Scott for the small sum of $20. The stone church cost $1.500. John Neyman was the contractor.
The church was chartered in 1823. At that time the Trustees wore Walter Lowrie, John Leslie Max- well. John Gilmore. Robert Scott, William Campbell and John Sheridan.
A second house of worship was built in 1833 at a
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
cost of about $3,200. and a third in 1862. at a cost of about 87.000. In 1875, what may be called the fourth house of worship of this church was built at a cost of over $16,000. The greater part of the old building was left standing and formed a part of the new.
The growth of the society has been fully as rapid and large as the frequent rebuilding would indicate. Not quite half of a century since (in 1834), the church had 105 members. During the period from that year until 1859 there were received, on examination, 317 members, or an average of nearly thirteen per year. During the same time there were received, on certifi- cate, 182 members, making in all 499. The years 1836, 1843, 1851, 1853, 1555 and 1865. In the first year mentioned, twenty-six members were received: in 1843, twenty-four; in 1851, twenty-six: in 1853. twenty-two: in IS58. fifty-six, and in 1865. thirty- nine. The present number of members is about two hundred and seventy-five.
The Presbyterian Church of Butler has sent ont many men eminent and useful in the cause of relig- ion. Hon. Walter Lowrie, for many years Secretary of the American Board of Foreign Missions and the leading spirit in the work of building it up, went out from this church in 1835, relinquishing, to accept the position, the office of Secretary of the United States Senate. While the Rev. John Coulter was pastor, Dr. Scott, who afterward became President of Washington College, was received into the church on examination. Seven ministers have gone forth from the church who were born and baptized here-six of them Presbyterian and one a Methodist. They were Alexander S. Thorn, Alexander B. Maxwell, Loyal Y. Graham, William O. Campbell. Alonzo Lin and Josiah McPherrin (of the Presbyterian ministry ) and Robert Cunningham (of the Methodist). Three other young men who became ministers- J. Fulton Boyd. Samuel M. Anderson and Matthew L. Anderson- while students. were converted here and received into the church. Rev. John C. Lowrie. D. D., Rev. Wal- ter M. Lowrie, the martyred missionary, and Rev. Renben P. Lowrie, who went to China, had their birth and baptism here.
United Presbyterian Church. The date of the organization of the Associate Reformed Church in Butler is not known. It must have been organized several years before the arrival of its first pastor. the Rev. Isaiah Niblock, in 1819. As far back as 190s. the Rev. Matthew Henderson was appointed to preach a day in Butler. In 1810, application was made for supply of sermon and an ordained minister to baptize the children. In February. 1811, application was made for the moderation of a call from the united congregations of Butler and Deer Creek. A call was
made ont for Rev. James McConnell, but it was not prosecuted by the Butler Branch, and. in March, the society presented a petition praying "the dissolution of their connection with Deer Creek and the establishment of a connection with Slippery Rock, and for a mnom- ber to moderate in a call." The petition was granted and a call was moderated for Mr. George Buchanan, at Butler. in the following mouth. but was declined by him. A call was extended in 1815. to Rev. Rob ert. Reed, then settled at Erie, but the people were again disappointed and continued dependent upon supplies -- among whom were Revs. Matthew Honder- son. John Riddle, David Proudfit, Mango Dick. Jo seph Kerr. Moses Kerr. MeElroy and others. At length, however, they had a settled pastor. In the minutes of the Presbytery, the following note occurs: "Mr. Isaiah Niblock.4 a licentiate from the Presby- tery of Monaghan (late Burgher), Ireland, presented credentials on the credit of which he was received as a probationer under the direction of the Presbytery." A call was made out and accepted. The original is in the possession of his son, the Rev. John Niblock, and is dated April 23, 1819.
Mr Niblock was ordained and installed November 17. 1819, there being present on that occasion, Mat- thew Henderson, JJohn Riddell. Mungo Dick, James McConnell. Joseph Kerr. Moses Kerr. George Bu- chanan. Mr. Craig and Allen D Campbell. The Rev. Niblock's pastorate continued from 1519 until a short time prior to his death, which occurred June 29. 1864. a period of forty-six years. After his death. the church had supplies. The Rev. John Gailey, was called, accepted and ordained April 24. 1566. He served six years. Rev. George M. McCormick was installed as pastor October 22, 1572. and served about one year. The present pastor. Rev. R. G. Furguson. was called in April. 1874, commenced his labors the 1st of July and was installed January 15. 1875. The first Elders of whose installation there is any record. were Thomas Dodds and Hugh McKee. The date was 1812. Next in oxder of time came John Potts. Robert Lemmon. Benjamin Wallace and James Cris. well, but the dates of their installation are not known. In 1834. William Jamison. Robert McNair. William Borland and George Miller were elected. and. in 1842. Thomas G. Berry, Samuel G. Purvis, John L. Bartly. David Logan and Isaac Brewster.
The society had no church building for five or six years after Mr. Niblock began his ministry, services being held in the old court house and in the ravine below the North Cemetery, near a spring. Hugh Me Kee obtained permission, and members of the congre. gation hauled logs to the spot, and, placing them
-A Hjogradical sketch of the Rev. Isaith Niblock for more than forty- five years pastor of the United Presbyterian Church, appears elsewhere in this
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IHISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
upon blocks, made rudo seats or pews. In 1821, a deed was given by Robert Campbell and wife to John Potts in trust for the Associate Reformed Church of Butler, for Lot 138, o 1 which the church now stands. The sum paid for it was 850. In 1825. John Potts. Benjamin Wallace, James Allison, John Dodds, Rob- ert Lemmon and Hugh MeKee. Trustees of the church made a contract with the Bryson brothers for the erec- tion of a house of worship. The brick work was com- menced in June. The building was duly completed and remained without alteration or improvement until IS67, when a vestibule of fourteen feet was added on Mclean street, and the gallery was taken down. In 1871. an extension of twenty feet was made at the east end of the church. In the first improvement. about :1,000 was expended and in the second. $3,000. Various lesser improvements have been made from time to time.
The Sabbath school in connection with this church has existed since 1923 It was originally a union school, Episcopalians and Presbyterians joining with the Associate Reformed people. The officers, elected in the spring of 1524. were: President. William Ayres; Secretary, Jacob Mechling: Superintendents, Hugh McKee, John Gilmore, Joseph MeQuistion. Maurice Bredin, John Potts and Robert Lennon. The school was re-organized in 1829, with John Potts as President. and, in 1931, became a denominational school, with Hugh McKee as President.
Butter Methodist Episcopal Church .-- The first society or class of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Butler was organized as nearly as can be ascertained about the year 1825. Among her first members were Andrew Sprout and wife, Mr. Dobbs and wife. Bennett Dobbs and wife. David Albright and wife. Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. John Negley. Elijah Burkhart. and Caleb Brown, the first class loader.
In 1826, Rev. JJohn Chandler was appointed as preacher in charge of Butler Cirenit, at which time Rov. William Swarzie appears to have been Presiding Elder. In 1827, Caleb Brown, the class leader of Butler society, and son of Robert Brown, Esq. of old Middlesex Township, by the vote and recommen- dation of the Butler society, was licensed as an ex- horter; and in the fall of the same year was placed. in charge of Meadville Cirenit as a supply, in place of Rev. J. Leach, whose health had failed
The records for the Butler Circuit for the year 1528-29-30 cannot be found From 1831 to and in cluding 1582. the following statement, as nearly as can be ascertained, gives the names of the preachers in charge of Butler Circuit and of Butler appoint ment and station. The conference years do not dato from the beginning of the years, but takes in or in- cludes parts of two years:
1831 32, James Gilmore: 1932 33 34. William Carrol and Harvey Bradshaw: 1834 -35. Abner Jack- son and Lewis Janney: 1535 36, Abner Jackson. E. J Renney and D. K Hawkins: 1536-37. William C. Ilerderson and L. Whipple: 1837- 38. J. MeClean: 1539 40. Peter M. McGowan. 1810-41, P. M. Mic- Gowan and William Cooper. 1841. Joseph Ray and James Patterson: 1912, Joseph Ray and Jacob S. Patterson; 1512 13. P. M McGowan and Jer. Philips; IS13 14. C. C. Best and G M. Maurice: no records of the society can be found from your ISHI: 1848, J. K. Miller and R. Hamilton: 1550-51. Alfred G. Williams and Samuel Baird: 1851 52. A. G. Will- iams and John Gilliland: 1552. A. G. Williams, sta- tion preacher: 1852-53. A Huston and W. A. Locke: 1553 54. A. Huston and J. D. Knox: IS51, James Borbridge and R. Morrow: 1855 56. Jame, Bor- bridge: 1556-57. J. Ansley and Honry Neff: 1557. 1. Ansley and D. Baker: 1558, J. Ansley and D. Baker: 1555-59. Samnel Crouse and Levi JJ. Reagle: 1859. H. Mansell: 1860. Thom is Starer and II. Man - sell, R. G. Heaton, supply: 1561. Thomas Starer and E. H. Baird: 1862, A. J. Rich and A. Baker; 1863, 1. B. Leonard: 1864 65. W. H. Tibbles: 1965 66, J. D. Leggett: 1867. J. D. Loggett: 1865-69, W. D. Stevens: ISTO. J. F. Core: 1871, A. P. Leonard; 1872-73. D. M. Hollister: 1874, James M. Swan; 1575. J. J. Mellvar: 1876-77. J. J. Mellvar: 1575 70. M. J. Montgomery: 1879 80-91, William P. Turner: ISS2, Homer J. Smith.
The first church edifice of the society in Butler, a plain substantial brick building of one story, was erected, as nearly as can be ascertained, about the year 1827, in the southwest part of the town, on Let No. 57, purchased of John Negley, Sr .; consideration $125: doed executed July 12. 1537. to William Stew art. Esq .. Andrew Spront. Houry Carsner. James Mc- Nair. John Wagley, Joshuy J. Solwick, Andrew Carns. John Howe and James Miller, Trustees.
January 26, 1533, James M Nair and William Stewart were class leaders.
April 24. 1841, the membership was reported as soventy-nine. Butler Sunday school in 1542 con- sisted of seven teachers, fifty scholars and had 306 volumes in the library. In 1813. the Butler Circuit was composed of eighteen appointments, with a total membership of 522.
From the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Butler in 1825 or 1926, it was one of the regular appointments of Butler Circuit up to August 9, 1551. when by a voto of the Quarterly Conference it was set off as a station. having sixty-two members, with Roy. Alfre l G. Williams as preacher in charge. George C. Browsing, John Millinger. Daniel Moser and William Derrimore were elected Stewards. It
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
remained a station for only one year. when it was again united with Butter Circuit.
During the prevalence of a terrible storm on the 19th day of April, 1856. a considerable portion of the briek walls of the church were blown down. the re- pairing of which cost about $1,000.
December 15, 1860, articles of incorporation were duly granted the Butler society by the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County. In 1865. Butler Cirenit was composed of four appointments, viz., But- ler, Brownsdale. Petersville and the Temple. W. H. Tibbles was preacher in charge.
In the spring of 1867, Butler appointment was set off as a circuit, with Rev. J. D. Legget as preacher in charge; James McNair, local Deacon: Thomas Husel- ton, S. R. Dieffinbaeher. C. E. Anderson. S. E. W. Thompson and Jesse M. Jones, as Stewards. and S. R. Dieffinbacher and C. E. Anderson, as Class Leaders.
November 5, INGS, the church decided to proet a new house of worship, and Theodoro Huselton, Rev. J. D. Legget and C. E. Anderson were appointed a committee to select a suitable site. April 1. 1873. a deed to the present ground occupied by the church was procured at an expense of $3.500. April 4, 1873. the old church property was disposed of for $2,500.
The new church building (brick) was completed in the spring of 1874, costing in round numbers $16,- 000-furnishings. 82,000. Total value of church property. $20,000. A this writing ( 1882), the church has a membership of 250 and a flourishing Sunday school of 300 seholars. Pastor's satary, $1,200.
St. Peter's Church .- The Protestant Episcopal Church of Butler ealled St. Peter's Church, was or ganized in the year A. D. 1824.
The first minister was the Rev. Robert Ayres, and the membership at that time consisted of but few families. When the first meeting was held to organ- ize and take steps toward the erection of a church building, the members present in the court house were Hon. John Gilmore, Hon. John Bredin, Manriee Bredin, Esq .. John B. MeGlanghin. James Bredin. Benjamin Wallace. Moses Hanlin. Samuel R. Will- iams, Campbell E. Purviance, Samuel A. Purviance, William Dixon. Samuel A. Gilmore, John N. Purvi. ance. Mis. John Gilmore, Mrs. Ann Anderson. Mrs. John Purviance. Mrs. James Bredin. Miss Susan Bredin. Mrs. Hugh MeGlaughlin. Mrs. Thomas Col lins and others. The Right Rev. John MI. Hopkins. then Rector of Trinity Church. Pittsburgh, Penn .. and afterward Bishop of the diocese of Vermont, pro. sided. The first matter of consideration after divine serviees was the procuring of a suitable lot of ground. Judge Bredin. then a praetieing attorney. generously proposed to and did donate a lot suitable in size and location on Jefferson street, it being the lot upon
which the church building was greeted, and is now at this writing (1582) the building in which the congre gation has worshiped ever since. Subscriptions were next in order, and Bishop Hopkins headed the list by a very liberal donation, in that day. of $100, and all other- present followed by contributions as they fett able, the amount then subscribed being about $1. 000. This siun and a free lot of ground was doomed sufficient to justify commencement of a church build- ing. Accordingly, the same was soon after put under contract to Robert Brown. of Kittanning, and is the same church building now in use, though consider ably enlarged and beautified. Prior to the erection of the building of the church, divine services wore hold in the court house, the Rev. Robert Ayres officiating as rector. The first pastor of the new church was the Rov. M. P. Bonnell. He commenced to officiate in 1821. hokling services for a time in the court house, and continued about three years. He was sue. ceeded by the Rev. William G. Hilton, who contin- ued to officiate as rector about six years, when he re- signed. The Rov. Thomas Crumpton took charge and continued for six months; then the Rev. William White, D. D .. began his duties in the year A. D. 1837, and continued to officiate for a period of forty years, up to 1877, when upon his resignation, or soon thereafter. the Rev. Daniel 1. Edwards accepted a call to succeed him on the Sth of January. 1575; he re signed on the 13th of April. ISSO, to take effect on the Ist, of June the next, when, after au interreginin of a few months, a call was extended to the Rev. Edl mund Burke. of Carthage. N. Y., who accepted and eommeneed his duties as rector on the Ist of Decent- ber. ISSO, and is now. 1SS2, the minister of St. Po. ter's Church.
The church services are well attended. and the communicants number, according to the last report of the rector on the 10th of May. 1882. to the Anunal Dio- cesan Convention. LIS communicant members. Present reetor and officers: Rector. Rev. Edmund Burke: Vestrymen. E. MeJunkin. Jacob Ziegler. William Mechling. John N. Purviance. Thomas Lindsay. James Bredin and Dr. S. R. Diffenbacher: Senior Warden, John N. Purviance: Junior Warden, Jacob . Ziegler: Seerotary. John N. Purviance, Treasurer. E. MeJunkin: Superintendent of Sunday school. P. S. Bancroft: Collector. William Mechling: Sexton. W. E. Henry.
It may be noted that prior to the organization of the church, the Rov. Jackson Kemper. afterward Bishop, visited Butler in the year ISIS, as agent for the society for the advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, and hold divive services in that year in the parlor of the late Hon. John Gilmore: a noun- ber of children were then baptized by him.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
It may also be noted that the church was greatly aided in its early struggles by the help of the Rev. John M. Hopkins, afterward Bishop of Vermont. then rector of Trinity Church. Pittsburgh, whose efforts contributed largely to the establishment of the church in Western Pennsylvania.
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church .* - Offi- cial records of ministerial aets among German Li- therans of this place date from A. D. 1813. The first entry in the " church book " is the baptism of Sam- uel Bernhard, son of Philip and Mary Margaret Bera- hard. August 29, 1513, by Rev. Jacob Schnee. This reverend gentleman continued his missionary visits, preaching occasionally in a carpenter's shop, to the end of 1817, baptizing in the meanwhile the follow- ing persons: Elizabeth, Solomon and Samuel Pilneger. Magdalena, Henry, Abraham and Margaret Brinker. Anna and Jacob Branm. Joshua H. Carre, Michael An- dre, Samuel and Thomas Mechling, Susan, Robert, Abraham and Sarah Ossenbacher, William and Anna M. Henry, Frank and Elizabeth Wormkessel, Abraham and Martin MeCandless, Sarah Step, Franklin Bash, Daniel Shaner. George Koenig, Margaret Buechle, Anna MI Slater and Mary Barkstrasser.
In November, 1821, Bishop J. C. G. Schweizer- barth. a scholarly divine, somewhat eccentric, hailing from Stuttgart, Germany, then licensed, took charge of the interests of Lutheranisin in this vicinity, at- tending for a series of years from his headquarters at Zelienople, to eleven stations in Butler and adjoining counties. It is said that he invariably wore a elerical robe in all his ministerial perambulations. preached every four weeks in the old court house, whilst for communion services, he availed himself of the courtesy of the U. P. Church. He records that when he came he found but six members. On Inne 3, he first administered communion to the congrega- tion, having the day previous confirmed his first class of catechumens and effected a preliminary organiza- tion. The officials chosen were Jacob Mechling, John McCullongh and John Handschuh. In addition to these, those first communicants were: Joseph Mo- ser. Henry Young, Isaac Yedder, Jacob Baht, Henry Steinmann. A. Buechle, Mrs. Elizabeth Shaner, M. MeCollough, Magdalena Handschuh. Catharine Mo- ser. Lonise Brinker, Anna Young, Mary Yedder, Eliza- beth Fransn. Elizabeth Bescht and Miss Holen Hand-
schuh. Together with the catechumens: "Jacob Shaner. Philip Grub, Peter Pflueger, David and Abra ham Handschuh. Catharine Grub, Elizabeth Brann, Sarah Baht, Mary Buechle, Elizabeth Handschuh. Elizabeth M.Cullough and Magdalena Young.
Ten years later, steps wore taken to draft a per- manent constitution, to secure a charter and build a
church. The application to the Legislature of Penn. sylvania for an art of incorporation, was signed, No- vember 25, 1837. by the following council: G. Schweizerbarth, pastor; Jacob Mechling. Jacob Shaner, Jacob Walter, Isaac Yedder, Peter Nicklas. John Sorber, David Handschuh, Dr. Carl Eichholtz. John Dull. John Oesterling, Michael Zimmermann.
The charter was officially indorsed by David R. Porter, on April 13, 1811. According to this doen - ment, the foregoing council, or their successors in oflier, are constituted a corporate and body politic in law and in fact, to have continuance forever by the name, style and title. " The Ministers, Trustees, El- dors and Deacons of the German Evangelical Luther- an Congregation of St. Marens Church in Butler." Meanwhile, the corner-stone to a brick church struct- ure. 10x60x22, with a basement of eight feet for school purposes, the whole surmounted by a belfry. was laid on the corner of Wayne and MeKeau streets, Butler, July S. 1810. It was dedicated September 26, 1841, by the Revs. J. C. G. Schweizerbarth. D. Rothacker and H. Melsheimer, respectively the Presi- dent, Secretary and Treasurer of the " Eastern District of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other States," at its sixth convention, then being held in Butler. The legend on the inscription stone of that building runs this:
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