USA > Pennsylvania > Crawford County > Our country and its people. A historical and memorial record of Crawford County, Pennsylvania. > Part 34
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In August, 1861, Bishop Bowman, assistant bishop of the diocese of
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Pennsylvania, while journeying toward the oil country, suddenly dropped dead on a railroad track near Kittanning, Pennsylvania. The sad occurrence produced a great shock among the people of his church, by whom Bishop Bowman had been beloved. Moved by a feeling of deep regard for the mem- ory of the deceased prelate, in response to an appeal by the senior bishop for contributions for the purpose of erecting a memorial church in the region where Bishop Bowman, while on an episcopal mission, had lost his life, the people had sent offerings to the amount of $4,000. The money was placed on deposit at six per cent interest until a location could be selected. In April, 1862, Dr. Purdon received the following appointment :
"The Rev. H. Purdon is hereby appointed to minister at Franklin, Titus- ville, etc. He is a Presbyter in regular standing, enjoying the confidence of his bishop and brethren of the clergy, and is commended to the cordial regard and affectionate co-operation of the people among whom he is to labor.
"Alonzo Potter, Bishop, etc."
In a private letter accompanying this commission, Bishop Potter wrote to Dr. Purdon: "It is a very critical and important time for the church in the oil regions. We have collected some $4.000 for a memorial church to Bishop Bowman in that region. At one point named in your commission, Titusville, a large sum additional is promised in case the church is erected there. We need greatly a resident minister on the ground, who, by thor- ough survey of the different points and by intercourse at large with the people, and familiar with the probabilities of the future, shall be able to aid us in choosing wisely for all time the location of the church, and superintend the erection of it."
Dr. Purdon came forthwith to the oil country and held his first service at Franklin on Sunday, May 7, 1862, and came on to Titusville the next day. The actual residents of the place did not then exceed six hundred, but there was a large crowd of strangers present, a floating population in pursuit of wealth from the production of oil. Then followed a remarkable inissionary work at different points of this section of country. After supply- ing a pulpit in a temporary absence of the rector at Meadville, during the rest of May, Dr. Purdon was again at Franklin on Sunday, June Ist, and on the afternoon of the same day he conducted services at Oil City. The next Sunday, June 8, he preached his first sermon at Titusville, in Crittenden Hall. For many weeks he was constantly on horseback, rain or shine, riding at a
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single stretch thirty miles, from point to point, between Franklin and Tion- esta, and between both of these places and Titusville, and ministering in turn to several congregations. In 1862 he established, as already stated, a mis- sion in Titusville, and organized a vestry. Both Warren and Franklin were anxious to get the Bowman Memorial Fund, but they were unable to add to it a domestic endowment, such as Titusville was prepared to guarantee. For- tified by this guarantee, under the direction of the Titusville vestry, Dr. Purdon went alone at the beginning of December, 1862, to Philadelphia, and presented Titusville's claims. As a result of Dr. Purdon's appeal, Titusville was selected as the site of the Memorial Church, $3,000 of the fund was appropriated by the diocese to that end, and subsequently the rest of the fund was given toward the erection of the Trinity Memorial Church at Warren. When the Titusville Church was completed it received $552.50 from the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania.
St. Titus Catholic Church .- This church was the outgrowth of St. Stephen's Church built in 1827 about two miles northeast of Titusville. At an early day Father Ratigan from Philadelphia visited all this section of country in looking after the many scattered members of the church. Among those who ministered in the early periods were Fathers Brown and McCabe of Erie. Then Bishop Kenrick of Philadelphia from 1834 to 1840 visited St. Stephen's and made confirmations. Afterward, up to 1849, the mission was attended by priests from the various sections of the State. In 1849 it was officiated over by Rev. Joseph Deane of Erie for about a year. Next, Rev. T. A. Smith attended for two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Arthur McConnell, from Crossingville, who remained about a year. In the beginning of 1854 the church was attended by Father Berbiger. He was immediately succeeded by Father De La Roque, who remained until 1861. Father De La Roque in that year began the organization of the St. Titus Church at Titusville. He said mass in a cooper shop near the head of Frank- lin Street. About the fall of 1862 he broke ground for a church building on the present location of the church. This edifice was completed in the latter part of 1864 under Father Napoleon Mignault, who had been sent to the parish that year by Bishop Young, of Erie. John M. Kuhn, of Erie, was the contractor who built the church. The church was dedicated in 1865 by Bishop Young. Father Mignault remained the rector until the summer of 1871.
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In the interregnum which followed Very Rev. P. I. Sheridan, now Vicar General of the diocese, ministered. Very Rev. John D. Coady was pastor from October 1, 1871, to March, 1892. Rev. Joseph M. Dunn has been rector ever since. Father Dunn's pastoral work has been eminently successful and he has the confidence in a strong degree of his people. Dur- ing the last three years he has had the assistance of Rev. D. F. Curley, a young priest of much promise.
Father Coady in his two decades of ministration was a most faithful pastor. He was not only beloved by his parishioners, but he was universally respected in the community, and his memory will long remain fragrant with the people of Titusville. St. Titus' Church has long had the benefit of an excellent choir. To Mr. Joseph Seep's guardianship and training the suc- cess of the choir is largely due, and the church owes a great deal in other respects to Mr. Seep for his generous support and earnest co-operation.
The devotedness of the communicants of St. Titus' Church ought to be a lesson to people of other denominations. When several hundred worship- ers congregate not on Sundays alone, but on every day of the week, at an early morning religious service, as are seen assembling every morning in all kinds of weather the year round, at St. Titus', it must be that the pro- fessed religious belief of such people has a deep meaning.
St. Walburgas' Church, Catholic .- The German congregation of Titus- ville was organized in the latter part of the year 1871. After a consultation with the bishop of the diocese, the German Catholics, anxious to have a church of their own, began to build on the northern part of the town, on Brook Street, a small wooden edifice. The frame building was finished in the beginning of the year 1872, and on February 25 following, it was dedi- cated to God by Right Rev. Tobias Mullen, bishop of the diocese.
The first pastor of the congregation was Rev. George Meyer, who was afterward stationed at Meadville. He was succeeded by Rev. James Lach- ermaier, who ministered from 1872 until October 1, 1885. Under his ad- ministration a parsonage and later a schoolhouse was built. A great deal of energy was manifested by the congregation in the early years, when the number of menibers was small, but with the assistance of the good citizens of the town, irrespective of religious belief, the little church, the parsonage and the schoolhouse were all paid for.
Father Lachermaier was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Nau, the present
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pastor, on October 1, 1885. Under his administration, the congregation, having increased in numbers, became more ambitious, and they planned the erection of a new church. The cornerstone of this was laid September 20, 1891, by Bishop Mullen, assisted by several priests. In the cornerstone was placed a statement written in the German language, giving the date of the ceremony, the name of Pope Leo XIII., the name of the bishop of the diocese, the name of Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore, the names of the pres- ent and former pastors, and the names of the President of the United States and the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Mayor of the city of Titusville. After this the work was pushed forward to the completion of the church in the summer of 1893, when the handsome edifice was solemnly dedicated to divine service, on August 27, by Bishop Tobias Mullen. There were pres- ent on this solemn and joyous occasion, besides the resident pastor and sev- eral other friends, the former pastors of the congregation. Solemn high inass was celebrated by Father Lachermaier, and the sermon preached by Father Meyer. The new church is a beautiful and imposing structure, veneered with brick, an honor to the congregation and to the city. It is sur- mounted by a very fine spire covered with aluminum, containing a sweet- toned bell, which was presented to the church in December, 1895, by the former pastor, Rev. James Lachermaier. On the 25th of February, 1897, the congregation celebrated the silver jubilee of their organization, by a sol- emni high mass at 9 o'clock A. M. A large concourse of people partici- pated in the solemn services, thanking God for the benefits received for a quarter of a century.
Baptist Church .- About the month of February, 1864, two Baptist cler- gymen, Revs. B. C. Willoughby and H. H. Stockton, began a series of meetings in the old Universalist church on Pine Street. A paper to organize a Baptist church in Titusville was signed by fifteen persons on February 15. On May 9, 1864, an organization of a church society was effected with eleven members, as follows: Russell Chappel, James Parker, David Hanna and wife, Henry J. Esler and wife, Mrs. G. W. Hughson, L. S. French, D. K. Williams and wife, and John R. Madison. Of these original members, D. K. Williams and wife alone remain. Rev. J. J. Gundy was the first pastor. He assisted in the organization of the church society, and remained pastor until July, 1865. He was succeeded by Rev. J. L. Hayes, who resigned the next year. Rev. J. N. Webb was the next pastor, serving from February,
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1867, to November, 1869. Next, Rev. Andrew Murdock was pastor from May, 1870, to April, 1875. Then Rev. William Gilkes served from October, 1875, to 1877. In April, 1877, Rev. J. H. Gunning succeeded and served two years. In 1879 Rev. Frank H. Rowley became pastor, and served until 1885. He was succeeded by Rev. L. D. Lamkin, who served for the next five years. Rev. F. W. Lockwood next served five years. From 1895 to 1897 Rev. J. C. Thoms ministered. Since then the church has been without a pastor. But recently, Rev. Owen James, D. D., of Nashville, Tennessee, has accepted a call from the church, and he is expected to enter upon his duties during November, 1898.
The present beautiful and imposing church edifice was begun in the summer of 1865. But after finishing the basement and beginning the brick walls of the superstructure, a temporary roof over the whole was constructed and the work suspended until after the Rev. J. N. Webb entered upon his pastoral work. Mr. Webb soon began the completion of the church and after two years of hard effort he succeeded. The church was dedicated in the summer of 1869. Mr. Webb is entitled to a great deal of credit for his indefatigable perseverance, in giving to his people a home for divine wor- ship. The church now has a fine slate roof. The church building is situated on the southeast corner of Walnut and Perry streets.
St. Paul's Reformed Church .- In 1861 the congregation, afterward known as the German Reformed Church of Titusville, was organized by fifteen original members. Not one of the persons who entered into a com- pact as a church society is now living. Rev. Zischka was the first shepherd of this fold. Besides him, the following ministers served up to 1871 : Revs. Leberman, Ebbenhaus, Berner, Masaltsky and Kraus. Their first church, the old Universalist churchi, was on Pine Street,-now Central Avenue -- on the north side, near the northwest corner of Pine and Martin. In 1871 the society sold this church and purchased a site at the head of Franklin Street. At this time the society had about one hundred members. The new organization then took place, with the name of the German Reformed Church of Titusville, Rev. Fuendling being the first pastor. The church at the head of Franklin Street was finished and dedicated in 1872. The Emperor of Germany made to the congregation the present of a cannon, captured in the Franco-Prussian war. This cannon was melted and cast into a church bell which now hangs in the church whence it sends forth, not the roar of
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angry battle, but notes of peace and mercy. Following Mr. Fuendling, Rev. J. H. Eberly ministered to the congregation. From 1878 to 1881 Rev. John Roesch was pastor. From 1882 to 1886 Rev. John Niehoff. From 1886 to 1893, Rev. Henry Dieckmann. Since 1893, Rev. Loren Selzer, the present pastor, has ministered.
In 1897 the congregation, by more than a two-thirds vote, decided to change the name of the church and, in part, the mode of worship. Previous to this, the services had been in the German language. It was decided at this meeting that the morning services should be in German, and all others in the English language; also that the name of the society should be "The Re- formed Church of Titusville."
B'Nai Zion, Hebrew .- The first meeting of the Jewish Reformed So- ciety was held August 2, 1863. A Strasburger was chosen president and Jacob Strauss, secretary. On September 6 Felix Jesselsolin was elected teacher and reader. On November 15 the name of "The Titusville Hebrew Congregation" was adopted. The congregation first worshiped in a build- ing where the Palace Livery Stable now stands, on Exchange Alley. The next place of worship was in the Merchants' Exchange building, on the north side of Spring Street, and immediately east of Exchange Alley. The next place was in a building where the Exchange Block now stands. They next held meetings where now is the building of James Brown, on Diamond Street. until 1872, when the B'nai Zion Temple was completed on the east side of Franklin Street, a short distance south of Spruce. This temple was dedicated by Dr. J. A. Wise of Cincinnati, on June 28, 1872.
Rabbi Jesselsohn remained pastor until 1869. Rabbi Joseph Swed next officiated two years. Then Rev. Dr. Eger ministered three years. He was succeeded by Rev. Felix Jesselsohn, who remained until 1887; but liis ser- vices during this time had several intervals. From 1887 Rev. M. Faber served constantly for the next ten years. At the present time the temple is without a rabbi. The congregation owns the house of worship, the temple, and the building adjoining it on the north side, and a burying ground on Cherrytree Hill, a little south of the city limits. This property was pur- chased at the first organization of the society. The congregation was char- tered under the laws of the State, and the name of the society was changed. in 1871, from the "Titusville Hebrew Congregation" to the "B'nai Zion Congregation of Titusville."
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B'nai Gomiluth Chesed Orthodox Hebrew Church was first organized in 1863. In 1870 the church was chartered. The first rabbi was Mr. Bern- stein. Another was Mr. Sigel. After 1870 among the pastors were Revs. Jacobson, M. G. Levensolin, H. Cohen and H. Levin. Then there were Rev. M. Mendelsohn, and Rev. Levensohn again. The present pastor is Rev. J. Newman. At first the congregation met in different halls. Then they built a synagogue near the northeast corner of Martin and Water streets. In 1880 they sold the synagogue to the D. A. V. & P. R. R., and built the pres- ent synagogue on North Martin Street, and in that temple they have wor- shiped since. The present officers of the church are E. Steinfirst, president ; M. Berwald, vice-president ; F. Phillips, treasurer, and H. Gerson, secretary.
The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church was organized October 10, 1871, in the basement of the M. E. Church, corner of Perry and Pine streets. Rev. C. O. Hultgren, of Jamestown, N. Y., presided, and Rev. H. O. Lindeblad. of Sugar Grove, acted as secretary. It started with forty communicants. Its first trustees were Rev. C. O. Hultgren, G. F. Palm- quist, John Henrickson, John Peterson, L. J. Cederquist, P. J. Hultgren and Jacob Svenson. Its first recording secretary was John Peterson. A con- stitution and by-laws were adopted, and by vote it was decided to have the congregation incorporated. Its first deacons were L. J. Cederquist, N. P. Ekman and A. Ryden.
The first church edifice was a frame building on the northeast corner of Oak and Second streets, built in 1872, at a cost of about $3,000. Here the congregation worshiped nineteen years. Then, as the location was not quite convenient, and the building in need of repairs, it was decided at a congre- gation meeting on September 30, 1890, to buy the corner lot on the northeast corner of Elm and Perry streets, and upon it erect a new church building. The lot was purchased and a new church built. It was finished in 1891, but was not dedicated until 1893. The new lot is 90x90. The church is a wooden structure with its walls veneered with brick. Its dimensions are 38x60x20. The entire cost of building and lot was $8,000. The congrega- tion owns a parsonage at 166 North Monroe Street, bought in 1886. On Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, 1896, the church celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary.
The names of the pastors and their respective terms of service are as. follows: Rev. J. W. Kindborg, from 1872 to 1875; Rev. A. J. Ostlin, from
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1877 to 1879; Rev. M. U. Norberg, from 1880 to 1881 ; Rev. N. G. Jolin- son, from 1882 to 1886; Rev. J. A. Hultkrans, from 1886 to 1889; Rev. A. J. Ryden, from 1892 to 1894; Rev. A. P. Sater, its present pastor, has min- istered since 1894. This church seems to be in a prosperous condition.
The Swedish Congregational Church was organized February 1, 1893, with ten members. Their first minister was Rev. C. O. Seaburg, who served eight months. The next and present pastor is Rev. A. J. Isaacson, who has served during the last five years. The church has now thirty-five communi- cants, and the number is steadily growing.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about 1869. Rev. Benjamin Wheeler was the first pastor. He served until 1872. The colored people had held religious meetings before 1869, but not with a reg- ular organization. The erection of a house of worship was begun in 1870, but it was not completed until the following year. Its first location was on the southeast corner of East Elm and Myrtle streets. It was called "Trinity Chapel," and it was dedicated in August, 1871, by Right Rev. D. A. Payne, D. D., bishop of the diocese. It was subsequently moved to its present site, on the north side of Spruce Street, between Kerr and Brown. Mr. W. J. Booth contributed the lot on which the parsonage stands, adjoining the church on the west side. Rev. J. M. Morris was the next pastor, serving from 1872 to 1875. Next, B. Wheeler, from 1875 to 1877. Next, WV. A. J. Phillips, from 1877 to 1879. Next, J. M. Morris, 1879 to 1880. Next, A. B. Palmer, 1880 to 1883. Next, S. T. Jones, from 1883 to 1885. Next, I. N. Ross, from 1885 to 1889. Next, WV. S. Lowery, 1889 to 1893. Next, George C. Sampson, 1893 to 1898. Rev. Ishmael D. Till, B. D., is the present pastor.
The Free Methodist Church, whose house of worship, a brick structure with a slate roof, stands on the southeast corner of Perry Street and Central Avenue, is described by a prominent member of the denomination, as follows : "The organization of the Free Methodist Society of Titusville is coincident with the first camp-meeting held by the Oil City district of the Pittsburg Conference of the Free Methodist Church in Roberts' Grove about ten years since. This meeting continued for eight days and was emphasized by a sim- ilar meeting one year later, the converts of said meetings being the nucleus of the present organization, which holds regular services in its neat brick church, corner Central Avenue and Perry Street, under the pastorate of Rev. F. E. Glass. The principles and issues of this denomination are so rigid and an-
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tagonistic to the popular mind and the general trend of men's everyday life, that their growth is small in comparison with some other bodies of Chris- tians, and, because of their rigid adherence to the doctrines and practices of original Methodism, they are now by many regarded as peculiar and unneces- sarily particular. But they steadfastly refuse to change and alter either their doctrines or practices, to conform to meet the caprices, demands and styles of what to them is this ungodly "worldly" nineteenth century. For several years they met from place to place, at a "pilgrim's house, empty store- room or hall, easily accommodating their demands. Six years since, their Pittsburg annual conference met and was entertained here, holding their business sessions and religious services in Armory Hall. Many converts were made at this time, and steps were immediately taken for the erection of a suit- able place of worship. The same was consummated a year later under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Critchlow. The short itinerant system of pastorates obtains with the Free Methodist Church, never exceeding two years. This has given Titusville the services of several representative men of this de- nomination. We recall in order, Revs. D. B. Tobey, now presiding elder of the Oil City district; A. C. Shower, S. M. Sandy, now of Hope Mission, Pittsburg; R. H. Bentley, now of Mckeesport; J. M. Critchlow, now of Franklin; W. B. Roupe, now of Hite and Tarentum; Thomas Wain, now of Bolivar ; C. F. Reid, now of Leechburg, and F. E. Glass, the present pastor."
TITUSVILLE INDUSTRIES.
The Titusville Iron Company .- The foundation of this institution was laid more than a generation ago. In 1860 an iron foundry was erected on the spot which has ever since been occupied as an iron industry, which every year, since its beginning, has turned out large quantities of manufactured products. Among those who, in the early days of the plant, after a machine shop was added to the foundry, were interested in the works, was Jonathan Locke, who subsequently continued during the remainder of a long life to operate a machine shop at Titusville, Pleasantville and Bradford. John C. Bryan was many years a prominent figure as one of the proprietors and managers of the works. With him was long associated Captain John Dil- lingham. The institution has finally passed into the hands of some of Titus- ville's wealthiest and most enterprising citizens. Under their direction for nearly ten years, the plant has prospered and grown to large proportions.
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The present owners of the industry, on October 20, 1889. organized themselves into an association under the name of "The Titusville Iron Com- pany, Limited." On January 1, 1896, the association reorganized as a cor- poration, under the laws of Pennsylvania, absorbing at the time and adopting, as one of its component parts, the Joy Radiator Works, with the new name of "The Titusville Iron Company," and with an addition of $250,000 to its capital.
The executive officers of the company are: John Fertig, president; J. C. Mckinney, vice-president; D. Colestock, secretary; B. F. Kraffert, treas- urer. The board of directors are John Fertig. J. L. Mckinney, J. C. McKin- ney, John J. Carter, E. C. Hoag, B. F. Kraffert and D. Colestock. The company manufactures as specialties the Acme steam engines and boilers, the Olin gas engines, steam pumps, stills, agitators and blowers, tanks, tank cars, general plate workers, eccentric powers, pumping jacks, brass and iron castings.
This institution has done more work in the construction of oil refineries, that is, in the construction of stills, engines and boilers. pumps, and brass fittings of all kinds, etc., than any other similar plant in the United States.
At the radiator branch of the company's works, are made steam and hot water heaters and radiators. The Joy radiators are gaining a world-wide reputation. The demand for them comes not only from all parts of the United States, where the heating of rooms is necessary, but from several foreign countries. The radiator branch has eight acres of land, which the company is rapidly covering. The heavy increase of orders for the radiators has caused the company to give a contract for a large addition to its build- ings, as well as to order a large amount of new manufacturing machinery. The company has secured control of the Bryant moulding machine, a re- markable contrivance, one of which does the work of one hundred men.
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