Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 71

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Pennsylvania > Indiana County > Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I > Part 71

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Three young men from this congregation have entered the ministry: Rev. J. T. Mc- Leister, Hillsdale, Pa., Rev. T. H. MeLeister, Rochester, Pa., and J. B. Clawson, Stone Lake, Wisconsin.

MANOR CHURCH

This church was organized about 1856 by Rev. Benjamin Longhead. The following named persons composed the first congrega- tion : Giles Stephens, Agnes Stephens, Thomas W. Stephens, Anna E. Stephens,

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

James Stephens, Nancy Stephens, Elizabeth Fetterman, Jacob Craig, Susan Craig, Cath- erine Craig, William Craig, Margaret Ly- dick.

In 1885 a new church was built.

The pastors who have served this congre- gation are: Revs. P. B. Campbell, G. W. Richardson, A. D. Ferro, W. W. Williams, F. D. Rockwell, Ingersoll, F. J. Davis, Wil- liam Osgood and the present pastor, A. M. Cordner, who also serves Rich Hill, Dixon- ville and Spruce Grove.

The membership of the church at present is 30. The church officers are: Secretary, Emma Mumau; clerk, George Stephens; treasurer, S. F. Brown ; trustees, John Shank, S. F. Brown, George Stephens. Mr. Edward Putt is the superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an enrollment of 40.

Miss Marie Stephens has gone out as a mis- sionary from this congregation.

PINE GROVE CHURCH

The Pine Grove Church of the Wesleyan connection of America was organized near Gettysburg by Rev. R. S. Ensign in 1848. The following names composed the first or- ganization : Samuel Rank, Mary Ann Rank, George Rank, Jesse Thomas, Sarah Thomas. This congregation has a good substantial church building in which they meet steadily for public worship.

FREE METHODIST

Origin and Character

(By a Member of the Church)

Wesley says: "In the year 1729 two young men in England, reading the Bible, saw they could not be saved without holiness: they followed after it and invited others to do so. In 1737, they saw, likewise, that men are justified before they are sanctified; but still holiness was their object. God thrust them out to raise up a holy people. Methodism spread through England and America, and other countries. As it became popular there was more or less departure from the origi- nal principals and practice of Methodism." In the Genesee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church about the year 1858, sev- eral preachers and many members were ex-

cluded from the church on various charges and allegations, but really for their adher- ence to the principles of Methodism; espe- cially to the doctrine and experience of en- tire sanctification. Appeals were made to the General Conference which were denied. Therefore they felt compelled to form a new organization.

The Free Methodists are a body of Chris- tians who profess to be in earnest to get to heaven, by conforming to all the will of God as made known in His Word. They do not believe that either God or Bible has changed to accommodate the fashionable tendencies of the age. They solemnly protest against the union of the Church and the world. The con- ditions of salvation as they teach are the same now that they were eighteen hundred years ago.

In doctrine they are Methodist. They be- lieve in the Holy Trinity, in a general atone- ment, in the necessity of the new birth, in the witness of the Spirit, in future rewards and punishments, in that perfect love which casts out fear.

INDIANA CHURCH

The Free Methodist Church was organized in 1894, at Fairview Chapel. The first offi- cers were: Trustees, Simon Anthony, H. S. Weaver, Miss Mattie Dixon, W. W. Bril- hart, Mrs. Lucy Abby; Sunday school super- intendent, H. S. Weaver.

The ministers since 1894 have been: Rev. F. Osborn, Rev. J. F. Silver, Rev. L. Kight- linger, Rev. J. G. A. Lenkerd, Miss Mary Elliott, Rev. L. C. Andre, Rev. W. W. Bruba- ker, Rev. S. F. Hielman, Rev. Mr. Wading, Rev. L. N. Large, Rev. J. P. Foy, Rev. A. L. Duncan, Mrs. Cora Spiker, Rev. E. H. Ken- nedy.

The present officers are: Sabbath school superintendent, Mrs. Cora Spiker, assistant superintendent, Arthur Palmer. Trustees : John Woolweaver, Alice Clawson, Harry Mc- Clurkin, A. T. Palmer, Drusilla Rink, Arthur Palmer, secretary.

BLACKLICK CHURCH

This church was organized about 1893, when a Pentecostal Band of the Free Meth- odist Church held services. The following ministers have served the church: Revs. Cobb, J. F. Silver, W. N. Spicher, Fox, Wil-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

son, M. J. Anthony, Mrs. Clara Fay, E. E. the pastorate of Rev. W. B. Elliott, at a cost Finley, John E. Douglas, J. H. Spears, J. O. of $1,000.

Archer and O. O. King, the present pas- tor. The membership is 18.

The present (1913) officers are as follows : Class leader, D. E. Henry; stewards, Zetta Howard and Vina Palmer. Zetta Howard is the superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an enrollment of 30.

In connection with Blacklick there is an organization at Homer City. The member- ship is 8. Effie Martin is the class leader and Maud Martin and Harry McNutt are the stewards. They do not have a house of wor- ship.

BLAIRSVILLE CHURCH

This church was organized in 1893 when Rev. Mr. Shelhamer and wife had charge of a Pentecostal Band of the Free Methodist Church. The church was organized in the old Methodist Church where they first wor- shiped and which is now used by the Bap- tists. The same year they began building a church of their own at a cost of $1,100. In 1901 a second church was built, Rev. Albert Wilson preaching the dedicatory sermon. At this time the membership numbered 28.

The ministers since organization have been as follows: Revs. Cobb, Lenkerd, H. A. Bald- win, R. A. Zahnizer, H. L. Spear (under whom the parsonage was built at a cost of $2,500), D. W. Rose, J. P. Foy, J. H. White- man, B. H. Edwards, H. W. Armstrong, R. B. Campbell and J. O. Archer, the present pastor.

The following are the present (1913) church officers: Trustees, Edw. Cummings, C. S. Richardson, Grover Evans, William Walter, L. G. Piper; stewards, Mrs. Cathar- ine Dennison, Mrs. Hannah Cummings, Mrs. Daisy Richardson, Mrs. Nellie Evans, Mrs. Mary L. Piper ; class leaders, Mrs. Mary 'L. Piper and Miss Edna Cummings. The mem- bership of the church is 36.

C. S. Richardson is the superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an enrollment of 40.

CHURCH OF GOD

The Church of God in Green township was organized in 1881, and the present church, a frame building, was erected in 1886 during

The pastors who have served the congrega- tion are: J. C. Cunningham, J. H. Hovis, John Brown, W. B. Elliott, A. Hetrick, H. Armstrong, J. Smith, J. S. Boyd and Harry White, the present pastor.

The officers of the church are: Elders, T. S. Griffith and E. P. Coble; deacons, J. E. Douglass and Andrew McManis. The pres- ent church membership is 18. Mr. Andrew McManis is superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an enrollment of 60 and is kept open during the entire year.

BRETHREN: GERMAN BAPTISTS

TUNKERS OR DUNKERS

All the Brethren Churches in America are the offspring of one organized at Schwarzenau, Germany, in 1708, consisting of seven souls, six of whom had been bred Presbyterians and one Lutheran; not one of these knew there was a Baptist in the world. They increased rapidly, spreading to other places, but perse- cution drove them, some to Holland, others to Crefeld, and the mother church moved from Schwarzenau to Serustervin in Fries- land, whence about twenty families, with Peter Becker (Baker) as leader, emigrated to Amer- ica in 1719, landing in Philadelphia in not the best spirit of brotherly love owing to difficul- ties among them en route. A portion of them only settled in Germantown, while others set- tled at Skippaek, Oley, Conestoga, and else- where. Thus separated, they grew cold in religious service, but in the year 1722 Peter Becker, Johan Gomery, Balser Gansz, Henrich Trant and others, grieved, and zealous for their religion, by their exhortations in behalf of the church, succeeded in a measure in re- storing the lost interest insomuch that a great revival was the result; new converts were baptized by Peter Becker, whom they delegated to the ministry.

The first converts were Martin Urner, Hen- ry Landes, Frederick Long, with their wives, and John Mayl. A church was organized with seventeen constituent members and the seven converts to the faith, the first organized church of this kind in America. We subjoin the names of those who partook of the first "love feast and holy communion": Peter Becker, Henrich Traut, Jeremiah Traut, Bal- ser Trant, Henrich Holsopple, Johannes Gom-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ery, Stephen Koch, Jacob Koch, Johannes Brallier, 1858; Joseph Holsopple, 1866; Hildebrand, Daniel Ritter, George Balser Daniel Brallier, 1868; Caleb Seerist, 1873. Gansz, Johannes Preisz, Johannes Kempfer, Magdalena Traut, Anna Gomery, Marie Hil- debrand, Joaan Gansz, and the seven converts named.

This organization, the baptism and love feast were accomplished in 1723 at German- town, Pa. These people worked earnestly for about three years and organized many other societies during the year 1724, one at Coven- try. Chester county, and another in Laneas- ter county. After this time of earnest work the churches lapsed into a lukewarm state until 1729, when Alexander Mack, who had been the temporal head of the first church at Schwarzenau, being still persecuted, hav- ing fled to Crefeld, thence to Holland, now with about thirty families emigrated to Pennsylvania. This influx so encouraged the brethren that new zeal became general and results of their labors were manifested. The church increased, extending its influence to all the States, and in 1870 numbered 100,- 000 communicants.

MANOR CONGREGATION

The membership in 1870 was about 180, but was reduced by removal to 160, and the Sabbath schools had an aggregate attendance of 150. The first meetings of the congrega- tion were held in the houses of David Brown, Adam Gier and John Blickenderfer, in Cher- ryhill township, but they afterwards erected houses of worship at Manor, near Greenville, one at Purchase Line, Green township, one at Belsano, Cambria county, and one at Crooked Creek, Rayne township. These buildings were not large, but comfortable, erected at a cost of about $700 each and built in the order named, 1856, 1870, 1875, and 1880. Bishop Lydy lived to see two of these com- pleted. The tribute paid him by one who knew his worth is conched in the words, "He was a good citizen, firm friend and devoted Christian."

In 1906 the congregation at Manor pur- chased the United Presbyterian Church in Greenville and abandoned the church at Manor. Rev. Walter Myers has been the min- ister for the past seven years. There are fifty-two members in the congregation. Mr. C. B. Widdowson is the superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an enrollment of fifty-seven.

This congregation embraces all members within an area bounded by the Purchase Line, west by Mahoning road, and the road from Indiana to Blackliek, south by Black- liek creek, and eastward extends into Cam- MONTGOMERY CHURCH, GRANT TOWNSHIP bria county without any definite line. The first meetings were conducted by Elders The first meetings were held in 1843. The first minister was Joseph Shoemaker. who commenced his work in 1844 and continued until the organization of the church in 1858. The church was organized at Cornelius Row- ley's. George Rairigh, Sr., was among the early ministers. The first members were Samuel Spicher and wife, Joseph Spicher and wife, George Rairigh and wife, and Cornelius Rowley and wife. The first deacons were Samuel Rairigh and Henry Spicher. Peter Beer was chosen for the ministry at the time of the organization of the church. The first communion meeting was held on the 24th of August, 1861, when J. W. Spicher was elected to the ministry. Other ministers were Mark Minser, who located here in 1868. elder; and John W. Spicher, Crissman, John and George Samuel Lydy and George Rarich, of Arm- strong county. Elder Lydy was elected to the ministry in 1825 and preached in Somerset county, and moved to this county about 1840; like most ministerse of the Brethren, he la- bored on his farm during the week and vis- ited his brethren, preaching for them on Sun- days until his death, in April, 1873. Among the pioneer members of this congregation were Mrs. Mary and Catharine Fyock, nee Hoffman. The organization of the society was effected in 1843 at the house of John Soyster : the record of constituency is now lost, but Elder Lydy was commissioned bishop and Adam Helman and David Brown elected dea- cons, probably at the same time, for Mr. Hel- man was chosen for the ministry but two years later. John Soyster, a minister, moved here S. Rairigh, Jr., assistants. The first meeting from the East. Levi Fry was elected to the house was built in Grant township in 1873, ministry in 1847; David Ober, 1855; Samuel at an expense of $1,500.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

GARFIELD BRETHREN CHURCH

This church was built in 1887 at a cost of about five hundred dollars. Robert Bowser was the resident minister at that time, but the church was under the care of Elder Hiram Musselman from 1887 to 1891. The church has been presided over since 1891 by Elders George Hannawalt, from 1891 to 1898; Joseph Holsopple, from 1898 to 1902; D. J. Myers, in 1903; Abram Fyock, from 1904 to 1909; S. U. Shober, from 1909 to 1912; and W. M. Have has charge at present. The pres- ent pastor is Rev. C. A. McDowell, who gives all his time to the congregation.

The church officers at present are as follows: Finally, on March 28, 1855, the follow- Deacons, J. N. Betts, H. T. Montgomery, Mr. ing order was made: "The application be- Shetler; trustees, H. T. Montgomery, H. P. Donahue, C. J. Bowser. The membership is sixty. H. T. Montgomery is the superintend- ent of the Sabbath school, which has an en- rollment of 160. The school is open the entire year. ing heard and considered, the court do here- by decree and declare that the Reverend Sylvester S. Nash, Rector, Thomas White and William Scott, Wardens, Titian J. Cof- fey, William M. Stewart, Edmund Paige, John H. Lichteberger and James M. Sloan, David L. Little, who was reared in this con- gregation, was ordained to the ministry and is now located at Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. Vestrymen, and their successors in office, may be and are hereby declared to be a corpora- tion and body politic by the name and style of The Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church in the County of Indiana."

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL

CHRIST CHURCH, INDIANA

Prior to 1855 there was no Protestant Epis- copal Church in Indiana, but services were held by Rev. Mr. Nash, who with his wife re- mained some time in town, doing much good and making such an impression upon the people that the need of a church was felt. The services were conducted in the Lutheran Church, through the kindness of the pastor, Rev. Mr. Sharretts.

briefly stated the objects, articles and condi- tions of the said association in compli- ance with the Act of Assembly, they stated that they had elected Thomas White and Wil- liam Scott as wardens and John Hargrave, William M. Stewart, Edmund Paige, James S. Coulter and Titian Coffey as vestrymen of the proposed new Parish of Christ Church. At that time the parish was under the pas- toral care of Rev. William H. Paddock, who in 1854 was called to another field of labor. Rev. Sylvester S. Nash took his place and in this year we find the new names of James M. Sloan and John H. Lichteberger on the list of vestrymen.

Hon. Thomas White bought two lots on the corner of Philadelphia and St. Clair streets, and donated them to the church, and a sub- scription was then taken up, Judge White making up the balance necessary for building a small frame church. The 13th day of Octo- ber, 1855, the deed was made, and Christ Church of Indiana was organized and its house of worship consecrated by Bishop Alonzo Potter. The services for organizing and consecrating the church were arranged by Rev. William H. Paddock, then rector at Greensburg. The original members were Judge White and Mr. and Mrs. William Scott.

At various times prior to the year 1853 services were held by clergymen of the Epis- Rev. Mr. Oliver was the first rector, coming shortly after the church was organized and remaining about two years. During his stay William M. Stewart and wife were confirmed and their family baptized by Bishop Alonzo Potter. During that period Bishop Potter's son, afterwards rector of Grace Church, New York, then rector of the church at Greens- burg, visited Indiana several times and held services for Rev. Mr. Oliver. copal Church in the village of Indiana, and in the early part of that year it was deter- mined to organize a church. Steps were taken to have a charter granted by the court, and on May 6, 1853, a petition was presented by Messrs. William Scott, Thomas White, William M. Stewart, Edmund Paige, James C. Coulter, Titian Coffey, John Hargrave and Alexander Taylor, on behalf of them- selves and certain other citizens, asking for After Mr. Oliver was called away Rev. Ed- ward B. Spaulding, a very able, learned gen- tleman, had charge of the church for about incorporation as a congregation worshiping Almighty God, "according to the faith and discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church six months, when he was called to a profes- in the United States of America." Having sorship in the college at Racine, Wis. Many

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

were the regrets when he left. He was fol- Thomas White died, leaving a place that has lowed by Rev. John Cromlish, who remained never been filled. His presence was never three years, and several members were added missed from the church when he was able to to the church during his stay. The church attend. Many times he made the responses · was then taken in charge hy Rev. Floridus A. alone-oftener with but two or three to as- Steel, rector at Greensburg, who held services in Indiana every two weeks. He remained several years, doing good work, making many

sist. He and William M. Stewart made the expenses of the church very light to the others, and his death threw a heavy burden on Mr. friends for himself and the church. He left Stewart. It seemed as if the last stay was here to accept a call to Hartford, Connecticut.

For some time the church was without a regular rector, but supplied by missionaries, an occasional service being held whenever a clergyman could be spared from anywhere within reach. Rev. B. B. Killikelly, one of the oldest clergymen in the diocese, came often. Rev. Mr. Edwards, Rev. Mr. Spaulding and others were among the number who visited here. For some time Mr. Steel, then princi- pal of the public schools of Indiana, read lay service, kept the church open, and had a flourishing Sabbath school with about forty children in attendance, giving work to the few church people and others who were inter- ested.

In 1870 the church was given into the hands of Rev. J. Heber MeCandless, of Pittsburg, a most energetic, earnest, hard-working church- man. He held services every two weeks on Sabbath, often giving weekday services, al- ways holding Lenten services, was devoted to his work, always willing to do anything that was to do, and finding plenty. The Sabbath school was made most interesting under his care, and more members were added to the church than during any other rector's term. He remained for five years, but resigned on account of an insufficient salary to support him. For some time the church was only open when the dean, Rev. G. C. Rafter, of Johns- town, or his assistant could visit it.

In 1866 Rt. Rev. John B. Kerfoot was elected bishop of the diocese and was most faithful in his care of this little church. It must have been a failure but for the sym- pathy and kindness of the good bishop. He made his visits regularly, causing his peo- ple to feel and know that, although few in number, he thought them worth while looking after. The people were coming and going, and the membership never exceeded eighteen or twenty.

gone when, in 1871, Mr. Stewart moved his family to Philadelphia. The church in all her struggles was never forgotten by Mr. Stewart, who always remembered how much need there was in Indiana and never turned a deaf ear to a call for help from her. In 1874 a pave- ment was ordered on Philadelphia street in front of the church, which was a great ex- pense, and the church property was adver- tised for sale for the payment of the debt contracted in making it. Bishop Kerfoot came to the rescue and saved the church with the aid of some small subscriptions. In 1875 the ladies of the church held a "Mush and Milk" festival for the purpose of securing a new organ. In one evening $130 was raised, and the new organ purchased and put into the church for the Christmas service. In 1878 a pavement was made on the St. Clair street side of the church with less trouble than the first, and this debt was soon paid.

For many years the congregation wor- shiped in this church, which within recent years was remodeled, and was made into what was generally conceded to be one of the most beautiful churches in this part of the coun- try. Rev. Alexander Vance, D. D., was then rector. In the early part of 1899 Rev. Dr. Vance resigned to take charge of a parish in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Rev. Graham Adams was elected in his place.

On December 10, 1899, the parish met with a great misfortune. The beautiful little church was burned to the ground and scarcely anything was saved. All the rec- ords were destroyed and almost all the fur- niture, very little being rescued from the flames. Undaunted the congregation, though few in numbers, owing to many deaths and removals, determined to rebuild. They at once went vigorously to work and within two years not only rebuilt the church, but in ad- dition erected a chapel for Sunday school and other purposes and a rectory for the

The church lost much when in 1867 Judge clergyman in charge of the parish.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

During the year 1900 Rev. Mr. Adams suf- man, of Pittsburg, was to visit Indiana, the fered much from ill health, and in the spring weather set in very cold. The service was held in William Stewart's parlor, quite a number of persons being present. Another time, when the church was open and service commenced by Rev. J. Heber McCandless, it was found to be so uncomfortably cold that they decided to conclude the service at the house of Mr. Edward Nixon, which was done, and the sacrament administered, almost all the members of the church being present. Once again, when Dr. Killikelly was holding a service, it grew so cold that he was obliged to dismiss the congregation before he was through with his sermon. One winter, when without a rector, not wishing to give up the Sunday school, which was in good condition, and the church being too cold for the chil- dren, it was held at the house of Mr. Nixon for many weeks, until serious sickness in the family prevented doing so any longer. of 1901 he was granted six months' leave of absence in the hope that he would recover. In the summer of that year services were sup- plied by various ministers and the work of the parish was maintained by the vestry and Ladies' Guild. Being still incapacitated by sickness Mr. Adams, in October, 1901, sent in his resignation, and in the following month the vestry unanimously called Rev. George Rodgers, D. D., who assumed charge of the parish on the 17th. The resignation of Rev. Dr. Rodgers was accepted April 16, 1906, and Rev. John Vaughan Lewis, D. D., of the Dio- cese of New York, was appointed rector in charge by the Bishop of Pittsburg and began his duties July 15, 1906. In May, 1908, Rev. T. A. Gilbert, Ph. D., became rector, serving until September, 1909; Rev. Emil S. Harper served from March, 1909, to December, 1910; Rev. R. W. Nickel, B. D., June, 1911, to Janu- Although for some years the church did not make much progress, the past history only adds to the interest of it, and it is now in a flourishing condition. ary, 1912; and Rev. Clarence D. Frankel, the present rector, has been here since June, 1912. Other rectors who have served since 1880 are: Dr. Herbert Clarke, Lawrence Bower and Willis Hawkins.

Some few items are worthy of notice. The church, from being closed so long, was often damp and very hard to heat during the win- ter, and on one occasion, when Rev. Mr. Hart- liam Banks, Esq .; Harry Bell.

The members of the board of vestrymen are: Hon. John P. Elkin, senior warden; W. F. Elkin, Esq., junior warden; Harry White, Jr., secretary; Richard W. Watson, Esq., treasurer; William Robinsteen; Wil-

CHAPTER XVIII

MEDICAL PROFESSION

A meeting of physicians for the purpose of ported, and both reports were adopted with forming a county medical society was called a few modifications. It was decided that the name and title of the society should be "The Indiana County Medical Society." June 23, 1858, and was responded to by the most influential physicians in Indiana county at that time. The meeting was organized by "The objects of this society shall be the advancement of medical knowledge; the pro- motion of harmony, union and friendly in- tercourse amongst its members; the protec- tion of the interests, honor and usefulness of the profession, and to preserve the health and to protect the lives of the community." calling Dr. James M. Stewart to the chair, and appointing Dr. William Anderson secre- tary. The usual preliminary business neces- sary for the purpose of effecting a permanent organization was promptly carried through. Drs. Thomas St. Clair, Thomas Mabon and Christopher McEwen were appointed a com- A number of by-laws were adopted. The. code of medical ethics adopted by the Amer- ican Medical Association in 1847 was estab- lished as the code of the society, and its ac- ceptance a requisite of membership. The. constitution and by-laws were signed by all mittee to prepare a constitution and by-laws. Drs. William Anthony, William Reed and Thomas McMullen were appointed a com- mittee on fee bills. The meeting adjourned to meet July 21, 1858.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 71

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930