Ashland County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Religious Societies and Churches, 1880

Chapter 32: Religious Societies and Churches

The L'.ckley Church. - The Presbyterians. - Methodist iqiiieopal Churches. - The Evangelical Lutheran. - Baptists and Disciples. - .German Baptists, or Tunlcers. - The. Evangelical Association. - Gorman Reformed. - Catholics.

In the early settlements of the territory now composing Ashland county, there were but few -organized churches. An occasional minister, of the Presbyterian or Methodist persuasions, traversed this region. The pioneers, for a number of years, assembled in a log cabin to hear preaching. If the weather permitted, people often gathered in the forest, and sometimes in a log bain to hear a new minister. As the country improved, and the settlements became more densely populated, religious societies of kindred faith, by voluntary contributions of labor, prepared timber, and ether necessary materials, began the erection of small hewed log churches, and employed a preacher to deliver an occasional discourse. In this way, all the early organizations struggled along from year. to year, until Providence enabled j them to build more elegant structures for public worship.

The Presbyterians

Upon carefully comparing traditions, we are inclined 10 | the opinion that the firs* organized congregation wa > within the present limits of Montgomery town hi -. I'hc membership w as largely composed of the resident .

| Milton township, it was organized by the settlers . : j Si s 16, w ho wore 'he descendants of the Scotch 1. si . In 181G these people, mostly from western IVnnsv Ivania, 1 were visited by Rev. Joshua Beer, who \. reached a : w sermons m the cabins of the pioneers, and became a candidate for settlement among the congregation then organising. About the same time Rev. William Mathews also became a candidate for employment. Upon consultation, the members gave Mr. Mathews the preference, and employed him one-third of the time. The balance of the time was di sided between Mt. Hope, in Perry, and Jerome vide, in Mohican township, where a few Presbyterians were beginning to organise, with a view of erecting churches. In 1.817 the Hopewell congregation was organized, and twenty-two persons received on certificates and twelve on examination. In 1818 Robert Nelson and Abraham Doty were elected elders, ordained and installed. The members, so far as we can learn, were Robert Nelson, Abraham Doty, David McKinney, William Huston, David Pollock, Abel Montgomery, William Andrevvs^George Ryall, Samuel Burns, David Burns, Jasper Snook, James Clingin, James Ferguson, Hance Hamilton, Thomas Cook, Robert Culbertson, Isaac Mathews, Jesse Mathews, William Lions, John Hall, George Hall, Samuel Urie, James Black, William Shilling, and their wives, and Mrs. Jane Burgett, Mrs. Mary Stevenson, Mary Vanoshand, Susan Vanmeter, Nancy Owens, Margaret and Mary Owens, Mary Callen, Nancy Starret, Obediah Ferrell, John Crabs, John Prosser, Joseph Scott, Elisha Kelley, and Cornelius Eaton.

In 1819 a hewed log church, thirty by thirty-five feet, was erected one and a half miles west of Uniontown, now Ashland, on what is now the Olivesburgh road. According to the recollection of Mr. John Nelson, son of Robert, "the building had a cabin roof, plank floors and door, plank benches without backs or cushions, the windows very high from the ground, the pulpit elevated after the old style, fouv or five steps, and boarded as high as a man's shoulders. The church was heated, in winter, by a large box-stove, capable of receiving four-foot wood. The building was erected by tire voluntary efforts of the pioneers and members, some furnishing a quota of hewn timber, others, plank and boards, and others, clapboards,, sash, glass and nails, while others, with teams, hauled the materials to tire ground where the church was to he erected. William Andrews and George Ryall, excellent singers, were chosen to conduct the music. They were stationed near the pulpit, on a platform, wh_re they lead two lines ot a psalm or hymn -

These services - reading, singing, and preaching Lemur about ten o'clock in the forenoon, and continued un'il about twelve o'clock, when there was a recess after winch the services were renewed for one or two hours. In the absence of the pastor, a leader was selected from among the church officers, who read a printed or written discourse for the edification of the members. This tuW frequently fell upon Fide: Robeit Nelson, who is -.aid to luoe been a fluent reader. It was not uncommon, at dial period, for members and others to ride or walk

We have been thus careful in the desciiption of the early practices of the pioneers, for the reason that all other denominations passed through a similar routine until their organization and membership were sufficient tc warrant the erection of denominational church buildings.

The Rev. William Mathews continued, a portion oi his time at Hopewell, until 1821, and was succeeded by Rev. Robert Lee, who remained until 1826, when he was succeeded by Rev. William Mathews, who devoted one-third of his time, until 1833, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Robinson, who gave halt his time, until 1S37, ihe congregation, in the meantime, increasing to about one hundred and fifty members. In 1837-3S a lot was purchased in Ashland, and a large frame church erected thereon, ar.d the old church was abandoned.

The minister officiating at that time was Rev. Samuel Hare. In 1839 Rev. S. N. Barnes supplied the pulpit . He was succeeded by Rev. Robert Fulton, then principal of Ashland academy. He remained until 1841, and was succeeded by Rev. James Robinson, who remained until 1843, when he was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Moody, who was pastor until his demise, in 1856.

The Jeromeville Presbyterian church, in point of time, succeeds Hopewell. The congregation was organized as early as 1817, and Rev. William Mathews divided his time with Rehoboth, as it was called in 1820, and Hopewell. The first church edifice was erected in 1820. Mr. Mathews was succeeded, in 1820, by Rev. Robert Lee, and he, in 1829, by Rev. R Brown, who remained until 1832. He was succeeded by the following, in the order named: Revs. Robert Fulton, Samuel Fulton, William Colmar'/, S. Diefendorf, and Thomas Beer. The last named remained until 1857, and was succeeded by Rev. fames Bower. In the meantime, after 1830, Revs. Samuel Baldridge, Joseph W> lie, Benjamin Lowe, and J. W. Knott are believed to have acted as supplies. The membership L thirty-five.

The Mu Hope. Presbyterian church, in the northeast part of Perry township, was organized in 1820, ar.d a small log building erected. At that period, it was known as the "Muddy Fork church," being situated near that stream. In 1831, the name was changed. Its first pastor was Rev. William Mathews, who, at that time, had charge of Hopewell, neai Ashland. He was succeeded by Rev. Robert l ee. In 1S29, Rev. R. Btown became pastor. He preached also at Congress and Teromeville. In 1S34, Rev. Thomas Beer took charge of the church. In 1S36, the building was accidentally burned. In 1841, a new church was built. Mi. Beer remained until t S e 7 , when he was succeeded by Rev T. B. YanKmmons. The church rcased to exist in *861-2, having lost its membership by emigration.

some time, and was succeeded by Rev. William Hughes, ; in iS'9. The present church building was erected in j i $C$, and is thirty-four by filly-five feet, and has a bell. The building is neat, and cost three thousand dollars, j The church also possesses an organ. The original elders were Thomas Coulter, John VanHorn, and George I Crawford. The Rev. William Hughes, who filled its j pulpit for thirty-seven years, retired in 1866, in const:- j < [uence of age and feeble health. He states that, when j he came, there were no church buildings m either Han- j

The Lake Fork Presbyterian church was organized in j 1826, through the efforts of Rev. Samuel Baldridge. ! The congregation met in the cabins of the pioneers, ur.- j td 1831, and in 1832 erected a church. The congrega- .j tion, always smgll, ceased to exist in 1858, since which t time there has been no regular service.

The Savannah Presbyterian congregation was organized by Rev. Robert Lee, in 1S33. He and Rev. William Mathews are believed to have supplied the church, occasionally, ad ministers, until 1840, when Rev. F. A. Shearer succeeded to the pastorship of the church, and continued two years. In 1843, Rev. W. C. Kniffm became, pastor, remaining three years; and in 1848, Rev. W. T. Adams became the pastor, and remained two years. In 1856, Rev. A. Scott became its pastor, and remained until 187?. In the interval between 1850 and j 856, Rev. William Bonar, Rev. James Anderson, and Rev. Jacob Coon, labored as supplies. The membership, at present, is one hundred and seventy-eight ; and Rev. John Kelley is pastor. In 1861, the church j building was consider >.bly enlarged and unproved.

The Orange Presbyterian church was organized in j 1834, principally through the efforts of Rev. William Mathews. In 1835, Rev. Nathaniel Cobb was pastor; and in 1841, Rev. F. A. Shearer became pastor, devoting one-third of his time. In 1843, Rev. Samuel Moody became its pastor, dividing his time equally between Hopewell and Orange. He continued until his decease, in 1856; when Rev. A. Scott become its pastor, and continued until 1872. Rev. S. 'I' Boyd, the present pastor, was his successor. The number of members is ! about eighty.

The United Presbyterian church of Hayesville was organized in 1S3S, by Rev. Samuel Hindman. He had preached in Hayesville occasionally, one or two years prior to that time. lie devoted one-fourth of his time i to Hayesville, and the balance to Mansfield, Iberia, and i Savannah. He retired in 1842. In 1844 Rev. j. L McLain took charge of the congregation, dividing his i time equally between Mansfield and Hayesville.' Here- j tired in 1855. From that period until 1856, the church J had occasional supplies. In 1856, Rev. J. Y. Ashenlvust j became the pastor, dividing his time equally between Savannah and Hayesville. In 1859, after the union of the associate reformed churches, Mr. \shcnhust confined his sen ices to Hayesville. The present membership is about eighty.

qucncc of a division in Hopewell, on the subject of music and modes of worship, was organized in 1S41. The congregation of Hopewell opposed cboii music. Those concurring in the propriety of a choir, after a number of conferences and consultations, withdrew from the mother church, and established a new one, which received the name of the First Presbyterian church of Ashland.

The new congregation erected a fine free stone building, forty-three by sixty-five feet, and fifteen years afterward increased its length to eighty-four feet, and otherwise greatly improved it. It has a large bell and a good organ. It was served by Rev. Robert and Samuel Fulton, as supplies, until 1843, when Rev. John Robinson became the pastor, and has continued ever since, a period of over thirty-one years. It has prospered greatly under his ministry, and now contains a membership of about three hundred and twenty.

The Second Presbyterian church of Ashland was removed in 1879, and a new and handsome brick church built by the congregation, at an expense of about twentyfive thousand dollars, on the old location. The present structure presents an imposing appearance, and retains the old bell.

The Presbyterian church of Hayesville was organized in 1846, through the efforts of Rev. Benjamin T. Lowe, who divided his time between the churches of Jevorneviile and Hayesville. Rev. William W. Calmary succeeded the former, and remained until 1850. when he was succeeded by Rev . S. Diefendorf. In 1852, he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Coon. In 1853 he lcsigncd, and the church remained without a stated minister until 1854, when Rev. Diefendorf again supplied the pulpit. In 1859, a new frame building was erected by the congregation, and Mr. Diefendorf continued, as supply. The church, at present, has no minister. The membership is about one hundred.

The Mifflin Presbyterian congregation was organized in 1S51, through the efforts of Rev. W. T. Adams. The membership being too feeble to erect a church building, worshipped in the union church, which was erected in 1851, and occupied by the Baptists, Albrights, Methodists, and Presbyterians, jointly. The congregation ceased to exist, through inability to sustain the preaching of the gospel, in 1854.

The Free Presbyterian church of Savannah was organized in 1851, by Rev. F. M. Finney. It had but fourteen members at its organization. The congregation still occupies the Associate Reform church. It has not increased largely in members, and at present has no minister.

The United Presbyterian church of Savannah was organized in r853. Its membership was derived from liie union of the Associate and Reformed Presbyterian churches. The membership is now believed to be about oire hundred. The first pastor was Rev. (. Y. AW.-nli u s t . In 1861 Rev. William Price became th md supply. The congregation occupies the f ree l'rosbrterra 1 1 church, and the present | ...stor is Rev. Mr. Milit r ing the first minister. He was succeeded by Rev. James ; Arbuthnot. 'The congregation erected a house of war- j ship in 1834, and a new and more commodious one in 1845. Originally the church was the strongest in Clear creek township, having among its members some of the most influential of the pioneers, among v, hors were the Me Meek ins, the Welshes, the Hc-arsts, the Fastens, the Dunlaps, the Marshalls, Longbridges and Craytons, of Scotch-Irish descent. We are unable to give the exact number of members.

The Presbyterian church of Savannah, presided over j by Rev. Kelley, removed their old church in 1879, and built a new one at an expense of about five thousand dollars. It is a frame, has a bell, and presents a fine appearance. It is located a little east of the old church on another lot.

The Presbyterians of the village of Polk, in Jackson , township, formerly connected with the Orange church, erected a handsome frame edifice in 1875. The exact, number of members we am unable to give. The minister is Rev. Samuel T. Boyd.

The Loudonville Presbyterian church was organized in 1873. The pastor was Rev. Homer Sheely. In 1874 he resigned, in consequence of ill health. In 1S75 a neat church edifice was erected. The membership is about fifty. The present pastor is the Rev. F. R. Davis.

Methodist Episcopal Churches

The first Methodist preachers held their meetings in the cabins of the pioneers until a sufficient number of 1 members were obtained to form a class, with, leaders. When the membership became sufficiently numerous, small log or frame churches were erected, and their congregations speedily enlarged. As communities improved in wealth and means, a new era dawned, log churches disappeared, and neat frame or brick structures took their place. The circuits were large, and traveled on horseback. The early preachers were proverbial for their good horses. Strong, active animals were chosen. In making the round of their circuits through the forests, across the valleys and amid the hills of Ohio, in the inclement seasons of the year, these animals often carried their faithful riders across swollen streams and through bogs and swampy paths to their appointments. The characteristic hat, white cravat, and Quaker coat, of the Methodist preacher, enabled the pioneer to recognize his mission. The zeal and energy manifested by the early Methodist preachers captivated the plain settlers; and small classes were formed in almost every section of the country.

The first church building occupied by the Methodist people of this county, is believed to have been erected by George Eckley and his neighbors, in the northeast part of Vermillion township, in 1816 or 1 S 1 8, and was free to all Protestant denominations. Mr. Kekley was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and that people being the most numerous in the settlement, occupied the church a plain log building, the 11. uj r part of the time. At an early day, a number of quarterly conferences were held at this church. Flic members from a distance prepared and brought food from home, upon which to subsist during the progress of the meetings. In fact, Methodism radiated from "Eck ley's'' to every part of the county, and that church must he credited with being the originator of Methodismjn this region. The old church has long since tumbled into ruins; and a more showy frame structure, known as "Newman's church," occupies its place. The membership is small.

The Methodist Episcopal church of Ashland, was organized in 1823. Tire first class was composed of the following members: Jacob Grubb and wife, James Hull and wife, Elijah Oram and wife, James Kent and wife, Therygood Smith and wife, James Swaney and wife, John Smith and wife, Mrs. Henry Gamble, Belinda and Mary Smith. James Swaney was the first class leader. The class was organized by Re"s. James Hazard and James Haney. It met at the house of John Smith,

! (which stood near the site of the brick residence of the j late Christopher Mykruntz,) for a number of years. In | the meantime, Father Goff Mclntire, and Rev. H. O. i Sheldon, are remembered as having traveled this circuit.

In 1835 - 6, the congregation erected a large freestone ! church in which they worshipped until 1847, when it was j disposed of to the county commissioners for a temporary j court house. In 1848, a new brick church was coni- | rnenced. It was about ten years before it was completed ! throughout. It is fifty by eighty-five feet, and has a basement for class room* and official meetings - a choir and melodeon and a good bell. The church is frescoed and the seats are neatly arranged and finished. The membership is about three hundred.

In this, as in all the other Methodist churches of this county, it is impracticable to give a full list of ministers, owing to the fact that they have been changed every one or two years.

The Methodist Episcopal church of Orange was organized in 1830, and a small church erected. In 1S53 the present edifice, forty by sixty feet, war. built Yachel Metcalf and John Sloan were very active in organizing ! the first class. The Reverends Elmer Yocum and John Jaynes were the first, circuit preachers. The early member:; were John Sloan, Yachel Metcalf, Jacob Fluke, John, Isaac and Andrew Mason, Wesley Richards, Isaac Gordon, Thomas Richards, Henry Gill, George Koonlz, John Fluke and their wives. The present membership I is about one hundred and fifty.

i The Jerome vilie Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1820, and a log church built. I he first class was composed of the following members: I .tike Ingmand, Edmund Ingmand, Robert Cope Is, Samuel Warner, John Nayior and their wives, Mrs. Ezra Warner and daughters. Preaching was at first held in cabins, and somciinn.s in the finest, until the first church wa built. The congregation, in 1858, erected a new frame ( hur. h. The membership is now about one hundred

The Hayestille Methodist Episcopal church was ganized about the war 1S30. A class had been fiaun I prior to that time, and preac hing held in the cabins ot the pioneers. The first church, was of 1 gs, twenty eight by thirty-five feet. In 1855 the congregation erected a new frame church thirty-eight by fifty feet. The present number of members is one hundred and fifty.

The Ford Methodist Episcopal church, of Clearcreek ' township, was erected in 1830, by the voluntary contributions of the pioneers of Clearcreek. From about the year 1821 the cabin of Thomas Ford was the prominent place for public worship. A large class was formed, principally through the exertions of Father Goff and Rev. James Haney. Thomas Ford was a zealous and influential member. When the new church was completed the quarterly conferences were held in it for several years. We a;e unable to give the present number of members, probably about fifty.

The McKay Methodist Episcopal church was organized by the formation of a class in 1834, and in 1837. after having had preaching in cabins for some time, a neat church was erected at the corners. The church subsequently became a union church, owing to its feeble i membership, and is now free to all Protestant denom- | . inations.

The Loudonviile Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1834, by the formation of a class, by Rev. Elijah Yocum. The class and congregation met in the warehouse - of Thomas McMahon. A church twentyfour by thirty-six feet was erected in 1836. In 1S56 a new church, forty by fifty feet, was built. The membership is about one hundred.

The Mohicanville Methodist Episcopal church was organized by Rev. Elijah Yocum, as a class, in 1S2S. The congregation, for some years, met in cabins and a i log school-house, near the village. In 1844 the congre- | gation built the present church. Its members number about seventy.

The Rowsburgh Methodist Episcopal church was originally organized, as a class, in 1822, at the house of the late John Kelman, north of the village, and continued to meet, for preaching, .at his house, for about thirty years. In 1854 a church, thirty-eight by fifty feet, was built in the village. The present number of members is about seventy.

The Perrysville Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1S7 1, and cost one thousand five hundred dc liars. It has a good bell, and is neat in all its arrangements. It is thirty-two by fifty feet, and heated by a furnace. Its membership is about seventy-five.

The Polk Methodist Episcopal church was organized some time prior to 1 83 9, as a class. In that year a church was built. The congregation, at that, time, belonged to the Ashland circuit. Its leading members were the Bryans, Chilcotes, Richards, Proudfits, Ruffeurns, Gordons and Barracks. It has now about sixtyfive members.

The Perrysburgli Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1839 by Rev. John Mitchell. Its members j were the Coles, Buchanans, Bryans, Berrys, Withouls, Reeds, Smiths, and others. The church was built in the year 1839. Its membetship numbers about seventylive.

in 1838. It is twenty-eight by thirty-four feet. A class had been formed some time prior to that. time. Elijah Yocum was quite active as a local preacher in that part of the county, and was influential in the promotion of many classes, which subsequently increased in numbers until a small church was built. The present membership is ! small. In 1876 a new church was built, which cost two thousand five hundred dollars. It is finely finished j and frescoed.

The North Orange Methodist Episcopal church was ! erected in 1848, and had but eleven members. It is twenty-five by thirty feet. The members now number about sixty.

The Hammond Methodist Episcopal church, in the i northwest part of Vermillion township, was erected in | 1852. It is a neat frame building. The membership : numbers about sixty.

The Sherradden Methodist Episcopal church, in the | east part of Montgomery township, was erected sometime between 1830 and 1835. U was torn down about 1870,

I Adam Smith, Thomas Ford. Anthony McLaughlin, and I A. G. Richardson, as trustees, from James Bureau, being | lot ninety-nine. It has been repaired at different times, j and is now known as in Savannah circuit Its present I membership is about fifty. Mr. Joseph McCutchin, our | informant, has been a member and leader for twenty-five [ years. The congregation have also a parsonage, which * | was erected in 1S68.

j The Ruggl.es Methodist Episcopal church, thirty-six j by fifty-two feet, was built in 1873, an^ has a good beli. * | The building is a neat frame. The membership is sixty.

The Troy Center Methodist Episcopal church, a neat | frame, forty by sixty feet, with a good bell,,, was erected in 1870, The membership is about one hundred and sixty.

In addition to the ministers already mentioned, we are ; informed that the following have traveled cureuits-and been located within this county : Russell Bigelow, William B. Christie, Henry O. Sheldon, Elmer Yocum, Edward Thompson, H. F. Harris, Thomas Barkdulk John H. Power, Adam Poe, J McMahon, David Gray, Peter i Sharp, John Wheeler, John Mitchell, James McNabb, Jesse Warner, Joseph Kennedy, Philip K. Rosebew*, James Sutherland, John Sloan, Joshua Carr, James East, James A. Reliant, H. 1. Parish, 11. G. IKthoic, I Parker, E. Bush, T. Hildreth, E. C. Gault, Hiram M. Shaffer. Kolia H. Chubb, P. B. Stroup, and \. 1 . You tee. The majority of the fon < for their talents and efficiency in the pulpit. Gi course, j there were mam others, but want nl space prev uG the appeara nce ol their names.'

The Kv Angelica I. Lutherans

The membership of the Lutheran church is largely composed of Pennsylvanians, and the descendants of Germans. It is a strong denomination, and its ministers are now generally educated in colleges founded by the Lutherans.

The Ashland Lutheran church is believed to have been organized in 1839. It originated from the efforts of Rev. W. J. Sloan, who became its first minister. The late Christian Miller, sr., and Jacob Young, were among its leading members. The first church was located one mile north of Ashland, on tiie Troy road. InTfiga the congregation purchased a small church from the Universalists on the corner of Orange and Third streets, -which was occupied until 1852, when the present brick church, forty by sixty feet, was erected on Third, between Orange and Church streets. It is a good building, neatly seated, and has a bell. The ministers have been: W. J. Sloan, E. Eastman, J. J. Hoffman, William A. G. Emerson, S. Ritz, Isaac Culler, Samuel McReynolds, W. A. G. Emerson, A. R. Myers, J. W. Swick, and M. L. Wilhelm. The church is in a prosperous condition. The membership is about two hundred and eighty:

About 1820 Father S tough preached to the scattered Lutherans of this county. The Masons. Crouses, Youngs, and Rrinderberrys were among the membership. Me introduced revivals, and the doctrine that 'for every drop of intoxicants distilled the distillers would have to sweat drops in heii." He is now dead.

About 1030 F. J. Ruth came and preached in school-houses, dwellings, and in the open a*r to the Lutherans and citizens, catechised, and held revival meetings with great success. lie still lives in Gallon, Ohio, and preaches regularly. Rev. Shew organized a congregation of Germans about the same time, and built the Neff church, one mile north of Ashland, on the present site of Peter Lessen berg's residence. All that remains of that congregation hash) n abso.bcd in this congregation.

Res . W. J. Sloan canu- about i8j8, and organized this congregation in 1839, preaching in the Neff church a short time, then in a school -house in Ashland, then the brewery which stood on the southwest corner Of Orange and Third streets was purchased and com -rted into .1 church.

Rev. W. A. G. Emerson took charge in 1847. During his ministry great meetings were held, and many converted. The present t, '.aiding v as crei ted at a cost of tlin - thousand dollars. Alexander M- i'lelland. Henry Woods, and N Ranchman, were the building committee ; Henrv Woods, carpenter; S. Bauch man, brick-mason. Rev. Richard Emerson preached the tie i ica lion sermon. A. McClelland, !i. Grosscup, 1). Gtosscup, W. Irnhoff, Jacob Stoner, ami S. Ranchman, were among the contributors. The Sabbath school was organized at this time; W. A. G. Emerson was the first superintendent, and Abraham Hoffman the first lay superintendent.

Ret. S. Ritz followed, and continued two and one-half vears, with gicat success, directing His efforts against formalism and drunkenness. He left m 185 5, arid lias since gone over the riter.

1 Rev. A II. Myers took charge October 1. 1862, and continued tour ! and one-half years. During this lime, the civil war raged. Seventysix were added to the church. He is now dead, having died most glo j tiously ir. our common faith.

Rev. J. W. Swick took charge May 1, 1866, continuing :o Decemi ber r, 1874, making a. term of eight years and seven months. During 1 his ministry the church was extensively repaired, the present parsonage I built, and two hundred and seventy-three added to the church. He ! still lives, and preaches in Leetonia, Ohio.

Rev. M. L. Wilhelm your present pastor, took charge June 20, 1875, having been "here one year. Fifty-four have beer added, and i concord prevails. This makes thirteen pastors who have served this j charge, six of whom are dead, seven still living. During this time, j fiftv-four members have died.

There have been not less than eight hundred connected with the ! church; two hundred and eightv-nine answer to their names now, five ; hundred have died, or been dismissed by letter to unite elsewhere, and ! wandered we know not where. Where, O! where are the fnc hundred?

I There has been not less than an average of one thousand dollars con- ! tributed each year to the necessities of the church, making in all th:r- | 'tv-seven thousand dollars. Let the congregation but maintain the principles of its origin and history, and its future will be alike glorious for, first, piety; second, temperance; third, benevolence. Its means of success, first, prayer; second, labor; third, sacrifice. Do but this and the future will surpass' the past.

Prior to 1839, say from 1825, the German Reformed and Lutherans, new school, had formed an organization in Ashland, to which the German Reformed ministers preached. About 1832, Rev. Francis Ruth, new school, preached alternately with a German Reformed minister, to a small number of members, who assembled in a brick school-house in Ashland. Mr. Ruth preached until Rev. Mr. Coon, German Reformed, took charge of the organization. Under Mr. Sloan, the Evangelicals and German Reformed separated, and formed the new j church.

The Hanover Evangelical Lutheran and German Re- I formed church, in the southeast part of Hanover towni ship, was built in 1S46. The Evangelical Lutherans | subsequently occupied the church. The Rev. M. Hartsi banter has been the regular minister. The membership is small

The Loudonville Lutheran church was built in 186 1, on the site of the German Reformed church, which had been accidentally burned in i860. The minister was Rev. M. ILtrisbarger. The membership is m.x II.

The German Evangelical, or Mennonite, church, of ! the northwest part of Vermillion township, was erected i in 1847. The late Rev. John Risserwas the first pastor.

The German Reformed and Lutheran church in the j l inger settlement, in Orange township, tw< uy might by ! fifty feet, was built in 185(1. The original German lie j formed church was built in 1S32. Rev. D. R. Moore ' was the stated minister for sevei.il years The membership is about seventy five.

The St. Jacob's German Reformed, in the east part of Orange township, was built in 1853. It is twenty-four by thirty-six feet. It has about fifty members. It has, at present, only occasional preaching.

'Flic Evangelical Lutherans, of Teromeville, built a church in 1850, thirty-six by forty-six feet. It has been very prosperous. The present number of members is one hundred.

J. Sloan, in Rowsburgh, in 1842, and erected a church thirty by forty-five feet. Mr. Sloan continued to preach for some time. Rev. Richard D. Emerson subsequently ; took charge of the congregation. The membership is ! now about one hundred and twenty-five.

The German Reformed and Lutherans built a church on the present site of the village of Polk, in Jackson township, in 1830. A small congregation organized in 1827.

In 1840-41, the members of Orange township withdrew, and those remaining in Jackson town erected a new church, thirty-five by forty met, half a mile west of Perrysburgh. It has about seventy-five members.

The Evangelical Lutherans, of Miffiin, organized soon after the separation of the German Reformed, and erected a church, rvhich was accidentally burned in i860. A new church has since been built. The late Michael Culler, a wealthy and zealous member, contributed largely to the support of the church. Its early ministers were Revs. F. Ruth and W. A. G. Emerson.

The G e; man Lutherans, about 1840, built a good frame church four miles southwest of Ashland, on the Mansfield road. Its membership is small, and there is no regular minister.

The Lutherans of P.uggles township built a church in 1852, twenty-six by thirty feet, in which irregular services are held. The congregation is small.

The Baptists And Disciples

The Baptists, in the early history of the county, were quite numerous, and had a number of smaii churches in which their people assembled for preaching. Sometime prior to 1824, the Baptists organized a small congregation in Ashland. Rev. John Rigdon became the stated minister. His labors were successful, and the church was prosperous. Sometime after the organization in j Ashland, Alexander Campbell, of Bethany, Virginia, he- j came the leader and exponent of certain reforms in the doctrines and modes of church government in the Baptist-organization. Those adopting his views were admitted into what is now known as the Disciple or Christian church, having withdrawn from the Baptist organization. Mr. Rigdon passed under censure for accepting and | teaching the ideas advocated by Mr. Campbell, withdrew and joined in organizing the present Disciple church of Ashland.

Ashland, until about 1849, when the congregation ceased to exist, because of the migration of its members to the west Rev. Solomon Neoff was the last pastor. In ! 1S60 a tew Baptists, who had in the meantime located | in and about Ashland, through the efforts of Rev. 1. N.

The Baptist church of Taylor's corners, in Green township, was erected in 1837. It was of brick, thirty-five by forty-four feet. The organization prospered, and some thirty-two years afterward- -1869, the old church was torn down, and a neat frame, thirty-two by forty -six feet, built. The McGuires, Gladdens, Rices, and other leading families, are active members. Rev. Mr. Tulloss, of Knox county, was recently the minister. It has about sixty members.

The Perrysville Baptist church was erected in 186-5, and is thirty-four by fifty feet. It is a neat structure, and cost two thousand five hundred dollars. It has about sixty members. The present minister is Rev. Mr. Wiley.

The Loudonville Baptist church was formed as early as 1839. It was organized by Rev. Mr. Willson. The building is a frame, forty by forty-five feet, and was erected in 1843. The ministers have been Revs. Willson, Stearns, Thomas, Lecte, Eddy, and Seigfreid.

The Hayesville Baptist chinch was erected in 1842. Rev. John Gox. late of Mansfield, was perhaps the earliest minister at Hayesville.- Rev. Granger, of Granville, preached occasionally at this church. The church j some years since, owing to a feeble membership, ceased lo exist.

't he Baptist church at Weddel's corners, in Vermillion township, was organized in 1869, and a neat frame building, thirty by forty feet, erected. It has about one hundred members. Rev. S. Stanley is the minister.

The Sullivan Baptists organized about 1830, and held their meetings- in the town hall, until 1 S3 7, when, under the exertions of Elder Freeman, a frame church was erected, in which the congregation still worships The membership is small.

The Baptists organized and < rected a small church in Savannah about 1830, which continued to exist until about 1850. It finally yielded to the zeal of the Disciples. Elder Andrew Barnes was among its latest preachers.

The Disciple church was organized in Ashland in the fall of 1836, by James Porter, and erected a building in 1S42 on Orange street. Prior to the erection of said church, the congregation met in the Universalist church at the corner of Third and Orange streets (subscquentlv the property of the Lutherans), and at die residence of John Myk rants, west of Ashland an.i that of Michael Riddle, four miles east of Ashland. '1 he original members were Frederick SuRer and wife. John Anderson ami vote, Mother Matthews and two dang!' lets, Bat bara Sigler, Mary Hazlet, Mr. Justus ami who, John Gilkerson and wife. Jonas Stmigh and wife, Mar\ Redluirn, John llorick and wife, Michael Riddle and wife, John Mykrants and wife, Elizabeth Luther, Michael Shoup and wife, Isaac Van Nood Strand. Elders, | Michael Riddle and John Giikerson. Deacons, John j Horick and Mr. Justus.

The Disciple or Christian church., of Ashland, was erected in 1842. We are unable to give room for a disquisition on the tenets of the church. It is sufficient to state that the modes of worship and baptism are nearly identical with the Baptists. The Disciples, however, appear to have no printed creed, each member reading and interpreting the Scriptures for himself. The minis- ; ters or elders of the church in Ashland have been John Rigdon, Janies Porter, John Reed, Abner Woods, Jud- j son Benedict, Andrew Barnes, I. N. Carman, Isaiah Jones, Leroy Norton, James L. Parsons, John F. Rowe,

'The Jeromeviile Disciple church was organized in 1854. The church building is thirty-five by fifty feet. The Hootmans, Winbiglers and Wilsons were among the organizing members. Elder Arius Rumfield was, until recently, the minister. The church is strong in ! its membeisnip.

The Clearcreek Disciple church was organized as early as 1.330. It is on the southwest line of the township, and known as Bryte's church. The present church building, a neat frame, thirty by forty feet, was erected j in 1853. The late David Bryte, Joseph Harvuot, Ab- i ner Mercer, Peter Vanostrand, and Philip Shriver, were !

. among its early members and officers. Eider John j Bryte has .been the principal, speaker for many years., j The membership is about sixty.

The Sullivan Disciple church was organized about 1.835. Its first members were Syivanus Parmely, Milo Carlton, Parmely Mann, and their wives and daughters.

1 hese members seceded from the Baptist organization, and the new chinch was organized by Elders Almond Green and Sutton Hayden. These members were soon followed by others. In 1850 the present church was erected. The present number of members is about ninety.

The German Baptists Or I'Umcers

As this oiganiz.ation lias recenllv appeared in tiiis region, it may be interesting to give some explanation of ! its faith and mode of worship, for which I am indebted ; to the courtesy of Professor S. Z. Sharp and David West- I man, speakers in the church, who are regarded as author- j ity in that denomination. Professor Sharp states that i the following synopsis, published in the Ashland Times, contains a fair statement of the history and religious teachings of that people :

At the present time there are in the C/nited States about one hundred thousand people whose religious faith and practice are wry itnper. 1 feetly understood by the generality of American readers, and in Europe, very little is known of them. Manv papers have g. ne forth purporting to give a eorree.t account of their religious tenet and some i of their peculiar principles, but. so far, have l»vt v igtu.- and of' n very incorrect. IT.* . irtteie can be strictly relied upon , -. . iug c« reet, is liki.lv the m >st complete account i f tit t pi ople that ha* vet ! published, and is iutendud to set forth some of (lu ir arguments lit I . wnieh tlu-v defend their faith mil praeticc, along w ilh many ul t lit ir j peculiarities, for which they are noted.

Iri history they are generally known by the name of German Bapt'sls, but, more commonly, among outsiders, Dunkers, or, as it is more generally spoken, Dtinkards. The latter, however, are nick-names, derived from a German word meaning to dip, and is somewhat expressive of the'r manner of baptizing. Among themselves they' are known as Brethren, taken from the declaration of Christ on a certain occasion when he said: "All ye are brethren." (Xlatt. 23: 8).

The origin and history of this reformatory movement dates from the year 1708; having taken its rise in Germany about that time, in a portion of country where Baptists are said to haw been unknown. Some eight persorts in number, who had been bred Presbyterians, excepting one who seas a Lutheran, became much dissatisfied with the then prevailing religious principles of the day, consorted together, in order to., prayerfully read the Bible and comfort one another, and, if possible, find the old path, and walk therein, for as yet they knew not tnat there were any Baptist churches in existence.

After a careful study of the sacred word, they were fully convinced that faith and strict obedience in all things laid down in the perfect law of liberty, were essential to salvation, and agreen 10 "obey from the heart that form of doctrine once delivered unto the saints." Consequently, in the year 1708, they all repaired to tne river Lder, by Schwarzi nau, and were buried with Christ in baptism. They' all were baptized by trine imi'nersion, organized themselves into a church, and chose Alexander Mack for their minister. Though Alexander Mack was chosen as their first minister, yet the church has never recognized him as the originator of either their faith or practice.

They increased rapidly; their doctrine spread far and wide, and soon excited the hatred of persecution, bv which they were driven from place to place, until the year 1719, when they comm need emigrating to America, and settled in the vicinity of Philadelphia and Germantown. Ip. 1829 nearly the whole church found herself quietly' settled down hi the western world. Among these was their first preacher, Alexander Mack, who, though formerly a man of considerable property, was nowpoor in this world's goods, yet rich in grace and knowledge. He quietly settled himself on a small lot near Germantown, in the vicinity of Philadelphia. He did not live long to enjoy the quietude of a home in the new world, for only six years after his arrival in A merer, closed his labors on earth. And now in the Brethren's public burving-ground in Germantown, the stranger is shown the spot where rests the remains of this humble and venerable reformer. He is said to have been a man of great influence in his own family. AH his sons united with the church in their seventeenth yea: , and some of them lived to be useful men in their Master's cause.

It may be proper to observe that nil the Dunkards in America hav e sprung from the little band of eight souls, who started up in Germany in the vear 1708, and that, too, in a portion of the country where r.o Baptist had lived in the memory of man, and even now. none exist there. Most all reformatory movements have usually been itur.- .1 and kept up by some one of great influence and latent, but r.ot so in this. This movement was pu1. on foot by men and women who occupied humble positions in life, and, consequently, at the head of the organization is no man to whom the body can appeal for human authority or precedent, and, hence, in all their faith and pr.-.ctice they are under the necessity of appealing directly to tne Scripture*, the only infallible source of correct information, for all their authority iu religious practices.

This little leaven has spread itself fat and wide til! now nearly every State and territory has its members. They are, however, most numerous in Pennsylvania. Maryland. Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, illino - Kansas, Iowa and Missouri.

But while tin present organization dates its history f- n n ve ment in Germany, the careful reader will observe that the rwc nf .mir ,aith and practice generally is hid in the remote depths of Christian antiquity.

Owing to the fa< t that they h c e never published any dene inin.titou il statistics, it is somewhat difficult to determine their exact n ,:-cr Those, however, who are acquainted with the entire body, state ih 1 tlmir number is not far from one hundred thousand. A> this e»t:m -to -. , made several years ago, it is likely short ol - r in various h>c ilities they have increased in numbers very :a.*t, i ; ir perhaps safe to place their number considerably above ora !-;: aired thousand.

considerable wealth. As it is a part of their religion to inculcate in- j tjiistry and frugality, abstaining from all extravagance and worldly j display, they are likely to become, in possession of property. By j abstaining from superfluities of all kinds, they not only improve 'their 1 health, and increase their wealth, but set before the world a good ex- ! ample of plainness and frugality.

They have no written cr> ed, save the Xow Testament, which they regard as an only rule of their religious faith and practice. They consider tins to be all that was used by the primitive Christians in the first century, and by virtue of the same is sufficient now. The minutes of their annual councils arc published, from year to \_ar; this is by not a few innocently regarded as their discipline, but they do not regard it as such, but recieve it as advice from those who are assembled on that occasion. Lately they have collected and published nil the minutes of their annual councils and bound them in book form.

They believe in the Trinity - that there are three divine persons or powers in the Godhead. They accept the entire Old and New Testaments as being of divine inspiration, and strongly contend for a literal interpretation of the same, as we would interpret the language of other books, so far as it may appear in harmony with the general tenor of the Bible. They believe in future rewards and punishments - that the wicked, those who wilfully disobey the gospel, "shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into iife eternal." - Matt.

They believe that all idiots, all infants, and persons who die before they arrive at the years of knowledge - to know good from evil - will be saved without obedience, being sufficiently atoned for by the death of Christ. They are. however, strong opposers of infant baptism, believing like the Baptists in general, that baptism is intended for believers only, and as infants cannot believe, and are not required to do so, they arc perfectly safe without it. It is further believed by them that baptism in connection with faith and repentance is for the "remission of sins" (Acts 2 : 38), that is, actual sins committed - and as the children have committed no actual sin against a law of which thev know nothing, they are fit subjects for heaven without being baptized. It being further maintained that baptism is "the answer of a good conscience towards God " (1st I'eter 3 : 21). cannot apply to children as they know nothing of baptism and cannot, therefore, have any conscience in the matter.

Faith, repenta.r-.ee and baptism are considered essential to salvation and for the remission of sins. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." He that believed) not shall be damned. " "Except ye repent ye shall, all likewise perish. " "Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ fertile remission of sins." "Except a man bo born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." None are recognized as members until after baptism.

First in order of the ordinances is baptism, which is to be observed immediately after the exercise of true repentance, according to the command, " Repent and bo baptized." The mode of baptism is peculiar, is called trine immersion, and -their general service attending it is as follows : At the water-side they kneel down, especially the applicant and the administrator, and the administrator then offers up a short prayer to God. This being over, they both go down into the watt r to a proper depth, and the applicant kneels down The administrator then asks the following questions, ali of- which - the applicant answers in the affirmative : Dost thou believe that Jesus Christ is the

Son of God. and that He has brought from Heaven a saving gospel? Dost thou willingly renounce Satan, with ali his pernicious wavs, and all the sinful pleasures of this world? Dost thou covenant with God, 111 Christ Jesu-, to ta: faithful unto death? Then he proceeds: "L'pon this, thy confession of faith, which thou hast made before God and these witness-;,, thou shy.lt, for the remission of sin, be baptized in the name of the Father" (then bends the applicant forward until he is wholly immersed), "and of the Son" (dipping him the second time), "and of the. Holy Ghost" (dipping him the third time). . After this, and while the applicant is yet kneeling, the administrator lavs his hands upon the applicant's head, and offers up a short prim r to God, in his behalf. Baptism makes the recipient a mein bet' of the church, and 15 never repealed fi r the same individual. Excommunication does not impair the validity of tire baptism, so that they can be received again, on proper re pen inner and reformation, w itl-ont the re-ad in ini. si r.ttmn of tii-.- ordinance.

In deleave of their pincticc it is maintained by them that the eomini-- xion- "Baptizing them into the name of the l-'atb -r, of tie- Son, and of '.lie Holy Ghost. " is very elliptical, ami when tilled up agreeable with the rules of the I'.ng'isb as well as the Greek language, will read as folt lows: '- Baptizing them into the name of the Father, and baptizing them into tin name of the Son, and baptizing them into the name of t! e I inly Ghost." Tills is claimed to be the grammatical import of trie i n purge ---amply sustained by till the ancient Greeks of Christian antiquity who have written on the subject. It may be in place to remark that Chrysostom, the most renow tied Greer scholar of antiquity, and wiro lived and wrote in the fourth century, says: "Christ delivered to his disciples one baptism in three immersion: of the body, when said unto them, 'Go teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of tire Son, and of the Holy Ghost. " The Greek portion of Christendom, who received the gospel directly from the apostles themselves, to this day, amid ali their speculations and ceremonies, su'd retain the use of the three-fold immersion, which is an unanswerable argument in defence of the antiquity of the trine immersion as now practiced by the German Baptists. As they believe in the Trinity - -that there are three persons in one Godhead, they maintain that there should also be three actions in the one baptism. Their method is invariably performed by the forward motion of the body in the water, believing that backward immersion is a human invention, and cannot be traced beyond its origin among the English Baptists in the sixteenth century Hudson on Baptism, page 112). They hold that as baptism is an act of obedience, like all other obedience, must be forward and not backward, and being in the likeness of Christ's death, which took place on the cross where He bowed His head (forward), they in iike manner must bowforward in the water.

Next in order is the ordinance of feet- wash big. The authority is from the incident of Christ washing His disciple's feet, narrated in John 15- They believe the command in the fourteenth and fifteenth verses of this chapter to be as literally binding as the commands elsewhere for the observance of the communion. It is observed as a. preparation for tire iove-feast and communion, according to tire statement of Christ to Peter in the tenth verse. In the observance of the ordinance the brethren wash the feet of the brethren only, and the sisters of the sisters. The sexes never, under any circumstances, wash the feet of each other, as has sometimes been charged. Everythin" connected with the ordinance is done decently and in order. It is observed at every love-feast and communion. It is proper to observe, however, that those who perforin the service of feet-washing arc not "chosen" from the members, but any member may perform this . ervice, which is always a purely voluntary one.

Next is the love-feast. The authority for this is predicated upon the fact that before Christ instituted the communion, on tire right of His betrayal, He first partook of a supper with His disciples. They make this a real meal. There is no limit as to kind or quality of food. The only requirement is, that it be a real supper. Aftei this, and immediately preceding the communion, is tiic salutation of the kiss, which they claim was observed by the apostles and Christian churches following them, in this ordinance the brethren salute each other, and the sisters the same. The sexes do not interchange salutations.

In the observance of the communion, which is tire ordinance next in order, the sisters all have their heads covered with plain caps, and the brethren with heads uncovered. Thanks are given both for the bread and wine. The minister breaks the bread to the brethren, ar.d thev to each other. The minister breaks to the sisters also, but thev do not break to each other; and the same is the case in passing the wine. '1 he communion and its attendant ordinances arc always observed at night, as this was the hour of their institution by Christ. It is observed usually once or twice a year in every church.

In addition to these ordinances, is that of tne laying on of hands, and anointing the sick with oil; founded on James, 5: .-.p 15. It is done only at the request of tiro sick person, and always by an elder, if one is within reach; but if it is not convenient to secure the presence of an elder, the ordinance is then administered by a minister. To perfi >.-ni this ceremony, two are always required.

must first be submitted. If not settled here, thev me carried a if, - council of the district. These districts generally include ab ut twentv churches, sometimes less; and the council is composed of from each church if not settled here, and is a matter of gem d ii. terest, it is taken to the national council, or o nfereiHe: but no 1 . ! matte.- is allowed to conic up befou- that ! In some - il l ire nation..', conieivn e is composed 1' two delegates from e. d tiiet. One of the two serves on the standing committee, wh, .' lus importan'.'offices to perform; and the other attends more p..:: ,n' Iv to the matters before the conference. But, white these delegates con- j statute the official conference, opportunity is given to all members present to speak, and participate in the proceedings. In the lower | councils, all matters are decided by vote, and the sisters are allowed j the same privileges as the brethren, in this respect; but in the national conference, the decisions are by common consent, and the sisters do i not participate in the official deliberations.

The special object of this national conference Is to decide matters for I which no "Thus saith the l ord'' can be found. Questions naturally ] arise which cannot be decided by reference to the Bible teachings, and ; the object of this annua.' conference is to take all such questions into consideration and decide upon them. A clerk keeps a careful record of a!! the proceedings, and at the close the record is printed and sent to each church, and becomes the final authority, so far as advice is concerned, on all the subjects considered.

Their mode of worship does not differ materially from that of other people, save in the use of the Lord's prayer, which they repeat at the end of each prayer. In case two ministers are together, one offers up a j prayer and the other repeats the Lord's prayer. Meeting generally 1 opens with singing and prayer, after which a chapter is read. Then follows preaching by one or more of the ministers present. If no min- 1 ister is present, the meeting is generally conducted by one of the dea- | cons. The services are closed in the same way they are opened, by r singing and prayer. They do not use the benediction. The minister j usually .says: "We are dismissed in the name of the Lord," or some

During services the sisters are required to have their heads covered with a plain covering, in compliance with Paul, who says; "It is a shame for a woman to pray or prophesy w ith her head uncovered." The men keep their heads uncovered at all times during services.

The Dickey church may be regarded as the pioneer denomination of Dunkers, in what is now Ashland county, and the late Joseph Roop, as the pioneer who was instrumental in introducing the first " Dunkard" speakers to Montgomery township. As early as he invited Mr. Tracy, one of their speakers, to address ; a few hearers at his (Mr. Roop's) residence, in the east i part of the township. These meetings were frequently j addressed by Mr. Tracy and other speakers, and finally : resulted in the organization of a small society, which i continued to meet frequently at the residence of Mr. ! Roop, and being joined by others, finally became sufficiently numerous to erect what is now known as the i "Dickey church," one of the leading speakers being the I late Elias Dickey. The church was a neat frame, in ! the east part of Montgomery township, and was erected | about iS5o; but a new and larger one was erected by ! the same congregation in 1877, forty by eighty feet.

The Ashland City church assembles at the chapel in the new college of the Dunkards. '1 he congregation was organized during the summer of 1879, and mostly ! addressed by Professor S. Z. Sharp, David Wertnian i and Cash or. The members number about fifty, and aie ' increasing.

The Lafayette church, in the north part of Perry ! township, was organized in 1856. The congregation is -mostly made up of Pennsylvanians, who speak the Ger- ! man language and conform to the faith of the Dunkards. ! Mr. Snowlarger, a member of that denomination and a I man of wealth, donated the church building.

The Maple Grove or Beigh ley church was organized in ! 1S50. 'The church was erected four or five years earlier than the Dickey church, say about 1855. 'The B figh- Ioy.s, Roops and Myers were among the first and lead- 1 ing members. The membets number about one hundred and fifty.

The Hcishey or Oak Grove church, in the northwest part of Vermillion township, was purchased from the German Reformed Lutherans about 1870, and has about twenty members. It is a branch of the Dickey congregation, and increasing in members, and evinces prosperity.

The Burns organization, in Milton township, is a branch of the Maple Grove or Beighley church, and meets at the Burns school-house. It lias about twenty members.

The speakers for the Dickey church and its branches are : David Whitmer, Henry Kilheffner, David Workman, Dillon Parker and Isaac Kilheffner.

The Loudonville, or Workman church, in Green township, was built about 1S63. It is thirty by forty feet, and has about one hundred members. The speakers are Morton Workman, William Workman and J. Wotkman.

It is proper to state that the speakers for the Dunkards receive no salary ; but if the speaker be a poor man, and devote his time and talents to the spread of their faith, the Dunkards regard it as incumbent to reward their speaker by gifts.

The United Brethren

The United Brethren church of Ashland was erected in 1867. It is a neat frame. The members number about two hundred. The present minister is Rev. David Sprinkle.

The United Brethren church, of Mohican, near the Lake fork, was built in 1847. It is thirty by thirtyeight feet, and known as Fair view chapel. The membership is about sixty.

The Oak Grove United Brethren church's seme three miles north of Fairview. The building is twenty-six by thirty feet. The membership is about seventy-five.

The United Brethren, of Lafayette, have a small frame church. There is also a small church near the south line of Perry township. The number of members in each is believed to be about forty.

The Linked Brethren church, of Jackson township, known as Ottcrheim chapel, thirty by thirty-six feet, was built in 1S61. It has about thirty members, and has occasional preaching.

The Evangelical Association

This church has been represented in Ashland by a few members for upward cf forty years. Occasional preaching has been held in private dwellings. The Heilmans and Michael Thomas were earh members. When Michael Thomas moved to Ashland a class was formed, consisting of himself, C. Kreishtr, H. Campbell, Jose oh Heltman, Mr. Rehman, Mr. Wenrick, William, Dtniei and Philip Mcrr, Mr. Shaffer, and M. Proudfit. in 1 875, the society built a very fine brick chute! eight by sixty-six feet, in modern gothic style, with a f*vvr and fine bell. It is beautifully frescoed, and costover six thousand dollars. Rev. Dr. IX H. Resenburg is the pastor, and the new church is the result of his zeal. The mem- j her ship is now about sixty in town : and five miles east he j lias another class called Trinity society, consisting of one j hundred and ninety-six members. This class was formed in 1832 by Andrew Morr, Daniel Morr, Mr. Sh re filer, benjamin Myers, Jacob Myers, Michael Morr, Jacob Morr, John Myers, Adam Echelbargcr and others. The first ministers were Revs. C. Hammer and J. J. Kopp. In 1S50, a neat frame church was erected. In 1S70 a new frame superseded the old one. It is thirty-six by fifty feet, and has a good bell. This church is undei the care of the Ashland station, its members are wealthy farmers, and j possess a good deal of enterprise and Christian zeal.

At Lafayette a class was formed in 1830, by Henry Zimmerman, John Betts, Henry Kiplinger, Henry Shaffer, Nicholas Shaffer, Mr, Swaisgood and George i Walkey. Preaching was held in cabins till 1846. At that | time a log church, thirty by thirty-five feet, was built. In I 1858, tiiis was vacated, and a new frame church built, and j again remodeled and enlarged, in 1865, to a fine church, J thii ty-six by fifty feet, with a steeple and bell. The I membership is now about one hundred and fifty. The people are very harmonious and prosperous.

In Jackson township, in section twenty-two, a fine frame church, thirty by forty feet, with a tower and bell, was erected in 1873. The leading members are John Swaisgood, Mr. Landis, Mr.. Stelzer, Mr. Nickle, Jones, and Isaac Eshelman. The entire membership is about fifty-six.

Near Lakeville, in Lake township, is another church, which was organized in 1840. It has now about one hundred and fifty members. The building is a neat frame.

la the southwest corner of Green township is another church of the same denomination. It was organized about 1846. The church is a neat frame. The members number about seventy.

It is proper to observe that the Evangelical Association, in its doc trines, modes of church organization, and appointment of classes and ministers, resembles the Methodist Episcopal church. The ministers are appointed by the annual conference of the Association.

The Evangelical Association was originally formed by Rev. Jacob Albright, of Pennsylvania, and the members of the church are known in some localities as "Albrights." Jacob Albright was born May i, 1 759. He joined the Lutheran church in 1 791; and subsequently joined the j Methodist Episcopal church and was licensed to preach. He lost his place by absence from class. He began to preach as an independent, in 1796, and in rSoo the for- ! mat ion of the Evangelical Association took place. He I was then thirty-seven years old. He died May xS, r8oS, | aged nearly fifty years. The present membership of the j Association is one hundred thousand.

In 1S27 a small Congregational socictv formed in | Huggles Center. The minister was Rev. E. T. Wood- | ruff; the members Harvey Sackett, K. 1). Smith, Reuben Fox, Tholia Sackett, Norman Carter, Rachel Curtiss,

The Catholics

St. Peter's Catholic church, of Loudonville, was built in 187 r. It is of brick, seventy by forty feet, and thirtyfive feet high in the clear. The corner-stone was laid by Rev. Father Valet, of Massillon, June 25, r S 7 r , assisted by Father Ankly, of Wooster. Father Magenhann sang high mass in Loudonville or. the occasion. The building was completed in 1872, and Rev. Father Schrnitz took charge. It has a membership of thirty-five families, and is a neat, comfortable church. It cost about twelve thousand dollars. It has no school as yet.

The Catholic church, of Ashland, St. Edward's, was organized in 1863. Mass had been said as early as 1853, by Father Brennan, who came from Wooster, Ohio, saying mass in private houses. He was followed by Fathers O'Neill and Molony, and Rev. J. F. Gallagher, of Wooster, in 1S63, in which year the Presbyterian church was purchased, for six hundred dollars; and from that time the organization of the congregation may he dated. Rev. J. Kuhn took charge in 1865. attending every four weeks, from Mansfield, Ohio. About this time, the church, a wooden structure, quite old, was repaired, at an expense of about five hundred dollars. The congregation consisted, at that time, of about thirty members. By the time of the completion of the Atlantic and Great Western railway, it had a less membership. Father Kuhn continued in charge until 1067, when Rev. A. Magenhann, of Mansfield, took chaige. At this time, the old church burned down. A new church (brick) was built in 187 c, thirty-six by fifty feet, at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars; and in 1S72, Rev. M. Schmidt, of Loudonville, took charge, and has continued ever since. Mass i» said every five weeks. St. Edward's has no school, and has never had a resident pastor.

German Reformed

About the year 1838, a small congregation of Evangelical Lutherans and German Reformed Lutherans organized in the Gierhnrt settlement, on the east line of Montgomery township, and erected a brick church. Rev. Mr. Wolf was the first preacher. The Rev. Adam Staump preached at .the same time, the congregation being partly Lutheran and partly German Reformed. The Rev. William Gilbraith subsequently took charge - f the congregation.

The German Lutherans of Ashland, hav ing organized some time prior, erected a neat brick church in x8>>8. The first minister was Rev. Mr. Schmidt. The present

The German Reformed Lutherans of Ashland, having organized some time prior, erected a new frame church in 1 S6 7 . The membership is about fifty. The present minister is Rev. Mr. \lut Anger.

The Winebrenarians erected a church, near the east line of Vermillion township, in 1835. It has now about seventy-five members. The early ministers were Rev. Thomas Hickeral! and Jacob Keller.