Clinton County, Ohio - Chapter 10: Churches of Clinton County, 1915 (part 2 of 2)

The next record of a minister was the installation of C. A. Hoyt on June 16, 1843, his connection with the church continuing until October, 1845. Again there was a period when the church had no regular pastor. In 1847 Samuel Miller asked permission to serve as a supply in the Wilmington church and, his request being granted. he remained with the congregation until he removed to Washington Court House in 1850. He was succeeded by S. P. Dunham, who acted as stated supply until 1856. R. W. Wilson was engaged as pastor on June 3, 1856, and served the congregation until he was succeeded by Alexander Leadbetter in 1859. Reverend Leadbetter came from the presbytery of Connecticut and remained at Wilmington until 1865. He was followed by Elijah Kuhns, who, in turn was succeeded by Samuel J. Miller, a former pastor. The latter remained only a short time, resigning to enter the evangelistic field. k

Following the departure of Reverend Miller, the pulpit was vacant from 1870 to July, 1876, when Samuel W. Elliott became the pastor. During his three years' pastorate the chureh was remodeled. The entrance was changed from Locust to Mulberry street; a low platform was raised at the east end, surmounted by a neat pulpit; the small panes of plain glass were replaced by large panes of ground glass; the walls were frescoed a soft gray; the benches were stained walnut - and thus the church remained until it was torn down to make way for the present edifice. It was at this time that a carpet of rich red was purchased with the proceeds of a lecture given by Mrs. Alden, better known as "Pansy."

The church was without a pastor from 1879 to 1881, when the Rey. Julius Strauss accepted a call, his pastoral relations continuing until November 16, 1886. During his ministrations, the church took on new life. New members were added, aid and missionary societies were organized and every department of church work was quickened.

It is well to state that the church was never without a pastor save for the lack of funds. After having several supplies, the Rev. J. O. Pierce, of Greenfield, was called in 1889, and from the very beginning of his ministry he urged the necessity of a new building. He preached it in the pulpit on the Sabbath day and talked it in the homes of his parishioners through the week until the congregation caught his enthusiasm. The result was, that on January 8, 1890, at a meeting of the officers of the church it was "Resolved, that we make an effort to secure the money for the erection of a new church on the lot where the old church stands; furthermore, that we adopt the following plans for soliciting the membership and the public for subscriptions:

"Tt being proposed to build a Presbyterian church at Wilmington, Ohio, on the lot where the old church now stands, at a cost of six thousand two hundred and forty dollars, on a subscription of shares ten dollars and forty cents, each aggregating that amount, now, we whose names are attached do, in consideration of the premises hereby, subscribe and agree to pay the number of shares attached to our respective names for the purpose aforesaid, no subscription to be binding or payable until the said sum of six thousand two hundred and forty dollars is so subscribed. When the full amount is subscribed as aforesaid, then we agree to pay to the trustees of said church, or the person or persons appointed by them, the sum represented by the number of shares set opposite our respective names, either in full when called on for the same or in weekly or monthly installments of twenty cents weekly until all is paid." list was several yards long, due to the valiant efforts of Messrs Pierce and Crary, who rode hundreds of miles to secure signers. The arrangement for obtaining the necessary funds was so successful that on Thursday, October 2, 1890, the cornerstone was laid with an impressive service. It was a notable day in Wilmington, not only among Presbyterians, but other denominations as well. It was a sad day and a glad day, for many tears were shed - some for the loss of the old landmark, dear to their hearts as the result of so many years of precious association together in the old building. Yet there was: another side to their emotions on this eventful day; tears of joy were also theirs hecause they saw on this day the realization of their labors and sacrifices.

The exercises on this day were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Pierce, assisted by Dr. Alexander Campbell. of the Christian church, N. FE. Bennett, of the Baptist church, Rey. H. D. Ketchum, of the Methodist church, and Jonathan Wright, of the Friends.

Reverend Crothers, of Greenfield, preached the sermon. In the course of his remarks he stated that thirty years before he had considered a call to the ehurch, but, after careful consideration, felt that his duty lay in another direction. Among the many things placed in the corner stone were copies of the Clinton Republican, Wilmington Journal, Clinton County -Democrat, Buckeye Volunteer, Ohio Messenger and New York Observer. Other articles consisted of some old coins, including a Roman coin dated A. D. 68, bearing the head of Caesar, and a United States: coin, bearing the date of 1823, the same date as the organization of the church. A photograph of the old church was also given a place. By great energy and perseverance, the church was ready for dedication on June 28, 1891.

The following, taken from one of the county papers, is a better account of the dedication than any that could be given at the present day. It will awaken pleasant memories in the minds of those who were then present and be of interest to those who have since become connected with the church.

' "Sunday, June 28, 1891, was made memorable to the Presbyterians of Wilmington and interesting to the large number of friends who met with them on that day in the beautiful new church on the corner of Mulberry and Locust streets: This building represents, as it stands in its elegance and sacredness, prayer and generous giving, which only those who have been especially interested in its erection can tell. The plain old brick house which was torn down to make room for the new one was erected in 1830, the church having been organized in 1823. The ground for the new building was broken on August 18, 1890. Much of the brick of the old structure was placed in the walls of the new, and for nearly another hundred years will, we hope, hold their places in the sacred structure.

"The pastor, Rey. J. O. Pierce, to whom much of the credit of the enterprise must be given, conceived the plan of raising the money on the share plan, each one contributing the sum of $10.40, and in this unique way over $6,600 was raised. The building as it stands now, not counting the windows, which were all gifts, or the furnishings, has cost a little over $7,000.

"The windows, which without exception are very handsome, are of stained glass, and are from the Wells Company, of Chicago. The large south window is the gift of D. A. Lamb and at once attracts attention by its exquisite design and coloring. The center figure shows an anchor and crown in heavy beveled glass. The jeweled glass with which it is studded gives the window a very rich effect.

"The window in the west wall, corresponding in size to the one just described, is the gift of Mrs. Henry P. Stoddard, and is in honor of her beloved son, Charles N. Prentice, whose untimely death saddened the hearts of all less than five years ago. The design is that of the Good Shepherd, a strong and tender figure of the Christ occupying the center. holding in his arms a young lamb. The picture seems particularly appropriate to the subject - the only son of his mother, taken, as was this boy, from this weary world to the ineffable security and happiness of a Saviour's arms Charley Prentice, boy as he was, made a distinct impression in Wilmington, and the many who loved him, as they look at this window will 'think of him and wing the thought.' The upper part of the window shows a descending dove, and is inscribed to Lucy B. Parkman, an aunt of Mrs. Stoddard, whose life was consecrated to good works, and whose hand was ever outstretched to give and to help. This aunt and Mrs. Stoddard's mother were cousins of Francis Parkman, the famous American historian.

"The window south of the chancel shows a beautiful design of an open Bible and sword of the law; the lower section being a design of the rose of Sharon. The lower section is the wift of Mrs. Oliver C. Crary.

"The corresponding window to the north is the gift of Mrs. Alfred J. Crary, in memory of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs C. E. Leonard, of Griswold, Connecticut. In the upper section appears the monogram JT. H. S." (Jesus, Saviour of Men) and in the

"The windows in the choir arch are gifts of Mrs. Samuel Johns to the memory of her twin sisters, Mary Caroline and Jane Campbell Denver, both of whom exhibited rare poetical gifts. Their beautiful young lives and early deaths are fittingly remembered by this act of sisterly love, none the less tender that a lifetime separates them.

"The large bay window in the church parlor is inscribed to the memory of Miss Emily L. Grand Girard, and is presented by her many nephews and nieces. Miss Grand Girard was for many years at the head of the Highland Institution at Hillsboro, Ohio, and one hundred and sixty graduates of the school, not to speak of many others who attended, rise up to call her name blessed. She was a French woman by birth, coming to this country when she was eight years old.

"The window in the vestibule opening into the lecture room was presented by Mrs. George W. Brown to the sweet memory of her young sister, Elsie, who died a few years ago.

"The north windows in the lecture room were purchased by the birthday fund of the Sunday school. while those on the east side were the gift of the Ladies' Aid Society. The transom windows in the main vestibule are the gift of the Busy Bees, a society of little people. who do not belie their name, and who have been directed in their industry by Mrs. Stoddard. Over the west door there appears in yellow ground glass a hive of bees, a pleasantly suggestive emblem of the little ones. These young girls raised over one hundred dollars to be applied to the building.

"The members of the Ladies' Aid Society, by their good works, raised sufficient funds to purchase the carpet, a beautiful one, with Brussels effect, costing about three hundred dollars. They also raised the money for the oak pews, costing four hundred dollars, the choir chairs, vestibule furnishings, reflector, gas brackets, and the brass rod and plush curtain for the chancel.

"The lantern in the main vestibule is the gift of Rev. Ezra Withy, of Connecticut, a Methodist minister and a cousin of Mrs Olive Crary. The beautiful and elegant silver communion service is the gift of Samuel Cromwell, of New York city. It is in memory of his father. grandfather., grandmother and aunt. It is inscribed, 'In Memoriam. Cromwell.' It consists of two cups. two plates and a pitcher. The pulpit Bible was presented in memory of James Brown, of Hillsboro, father of George W. Brown, by his grandchildren. The pulpit. of elegantly carved oak, with arched supports. was given in memory of Rey. Emil Grand Girard by his wife and children. This good man, a brother of Miss E. L. Grand Girard, was a minister of the Presbyterian church throughout his whole life. dying but a few years ago, full of honor and peace. His large family are, without exception, we believe. earnest workers in the church of their good father. The two handsome pulpit chairs and divans, upholstered in dark green plush, were also gifts of the Busy Bees

"The communion table, the baptismal font, the altar chair, and the pulpit hymnal were presented by thirty-four friends of Mrs. Alfred J. Crary as memorials to those who slept in quiet graves in New England and Wilmington. Twenty-eight of these friends were in New England and the rest in Wilmington. The idea is a beautiful one and to the strangers in fact, but friends in fancy in the far East, the thanks of the people of Wilmington are wafted. The communion table is of carved oak and inscribed with the words of the Saviour. 'In Remembrance of Me.' In the pulpit Bible are recorded the names of the donors and of those in whose memories the gifts are made, together with their places of burial.

"So on Sunday morning, everything being in rendiness. the doors of the sacred edifice were thrown open to the public. Before the time for the service to begin the church was crowded, chairs being so judiciously placed in the unseated parts of the building that over six hundred persons were accommodated. The sermon, a strong and eloquent one, was preached by Rev. John McKee, of Center College, Danville, Kentucky. He took his text from Titus ii, 10-12. The scripture lesson was read by Rev. S W. Elliott and prayer was offered by the pastor, Rey. Pierce. The music was in charge of a large choir under the direction of Walter G. Fisher. Mrs. W. S. Creighton sang 'Abide with Me.' At the close of the service, Rey. Pierce made a statement of the financial condition of the church as reported to him by the building committee and asked the people to open their hearts to lift the debt which stil] remained. So generous was the response that within a very short time over nine hundred dollars was subscribed, which, allowing a liberal discount for non-collectable subscriptions, will place the building, as it now stands, entirely out of debt Not-counted in this nine hundred dollars was a draft from Mr. and Mrs. George Stimson, of California, for three hundred dollars, which was due 'the morning after the day the first sermon was preached in the church.' As these generous people had already given one hundred dollars, it makes their subscription the largest eingle subscription received.

"In the afternoon a congratulatory service was held, in which all the ministers of Wilmington took part. Rev Elliott: presided and addresses were made by Revs. Gough, Ketchum, Mills, Wright, McKee and Pierce. The service was marked by a beautiful spirit of friendliness and encouragement. Later, a meeting of the Christian Endeavor was held. This society, which has rather languished during the past few months, will at once be respiritualized. In the evening Doctor McKee preached again, taking his text from I Corinthians i, 21-24, and at the close of his sermon solemnly dedicated in prayer the beatiful sacred edifice to the eternal use and glory of God. The church was crowded at the evening service, as it was in the morning.

"When the entire floor is thrown together, parlor, lecture room and large vestibules, all of which are in sight and hearing of the chancel, the seating capacity of the new church is the largest in the town, although to see the auditorium, seated with its handsome circular pews, one would not imagine this to be the case. To the general public, for generous support and encouragement during the year just past, the officials and congregation of the Presbyterian church desire to extend their heartfelt thanks." - ey. Pierce continued as pastor of the church until 1898 and was followed by Walter G. Mitchell, a retired minister, then residing in Wilmington, who acted as supply until William J. Mills was called in 1896. After remaining here a year, Rey. Mills was succeeded by Mr. Mitchell, who again acted until J. L. McWilliams was called and installed in 1898. He remained until 1903, when he severed his connection and removed to western Pennsylvania. In the autumn of 1903 W. C. Kendall, of Bloomingsburg, accepted a call, but he was succeeded a few months later, December, 1903, by William A. Ferguson, of Manchester, Ohio. Rey. Ferguson was with the church four years and was followed by Rey. N. E. Bennett, a retired Baptist minister, and other supplies, until July 4, 1909, when W. F. McCauley was installed. He served until 1911, when the present pastor, A. J. Marbet, was installed.

As already stated, there was a Presbyterian mission started in Wilson township, which, in time, became a small church called Union. Among its members were the Telfairs, Richies, Spencers, Bevans and Frittoes. For many years this church was served by the pastor of the Wilmington church, though a separate congregation. On June 4, 1890, this church became a part of the Wilmington church and three of the six trustees who were elected were former members of the Union church, to wit: M. W. Richie, M. M. Spencer and George M. Telfair. Since the union of these two churches the Wilmington church has the distinction of being the only Presbyterian church in the county.

Cuba Universalist Church

Moon, Martin H. Moon, William Bates, Emily H. Moon, Sallie Moon, Margaret Mann, Sarah Mann and Jane Mitchell. On the night following the organization a business meeting was held and on this same evening Mrs. Mary Clevenger was admitted to membership.

Services were beld in the Cuba school house until a church building was erected in the fall of 1870. The first church was dedicated on August 14. 1870. by Rey. S. P. Carlton; the present building was dedicated on September 26, 1909, by Rev. F. W. Evans. the corner stone of the building having been laid on July 30, 1908. In 1807 a parsonage was erected at a cost of four thousand dollars.

The list of pastors as taken from the church records is not complete. Some of the minutes are not dated and in some instances it was impossible to tell when a minister began and when he closed his service. The list follows: W. S. Bacon, Saxton. William Tucker, Mrs. M. V. Andrews, October, 1889-93; John Richardson. 1893-97: O. G. Colegrove, 1897-98; R. N. John, 1898-03; John Richardson, 1903-04; George Lewis. 1905-08; F. W. Evans, 1908-10; R. S. Kellerman, 1910-12; Sara L. Stoner, May, 1913-14; Henrietta Moore. 1914 (resigned in fall of same year); since Rey. Moore resigned the chureh has been without the services of a regular pastor. The last report gives the church a membership of seventy-two. distributed among fifteen families. Mrs. Jennie TUible is the superintendent of the Sunday school. which has a membership of thirty.

Wilmington Episcopal Church

The Episcopal church (so-called in the United States) is that branch of the Christian church which, according to tradition, was started by St. Paul in Britain about the year 60 A. D. Through varying fortunes it has continued from that day to this. Its chief ofticers are bishops, priests and deacons - called apostles, presbyters and deacons in the early church. It is peculiarly the church of the English-speaking peoples, numbering twenty-nine millions of members among those who speak the English language - a third more than any other branch of Protestantism. When the United States was a colonial possession of England, the English church was naturally the first church in the colonies, being organized at Jamestown. Virginia, in 1607. It was not until after the Revolutionary War that the English church in the United States changed its name to Episcopal, the change being made on account of the dislike in those days of all things savoring of the English. At the present time the Episcopal chureh in the United States consists of over a million members and is steadily growing from year to year.

The Wilmington Episcopal church is the only one of this denomination in Clinton county. It was organized in the fall of 1901 by Archdeacon George H. Edwards. of Cincinnati, under the direction of Bishop Boyd Vincent. The first meeting was held in the hall of the Grand Army of the Republic on Sunday, September 29, 1901. Bishop Vincent making his first visitation on December 1 of that year. The charter members were Allen E. Browning, Mrs. Mabel Cowen Browning, Emma Hill, Mrs. Grace B. Ballard, Mrs. Lucie E. Hinman, Mrs. Hannah C. Owens, Lida Cherrington and Bertha Collett.

Under Archdeacon Edwards as minister, the chureh continued for ten years (except for the winter of 1905-06, at which time Dr. T. W. C. Cheeseman, of Circleville, Ohio, was the minister), meeting regularly each month in the G. A. R. hall. Bishop Vincent continued his visitations about once every two years for special services. at which children received confirmation in the church. On July 8, 1907, the Brown property. at the corner of Walnut and Locust streets, was purchased with the purpose of ultimately using it for a house of worship. During the ministry of Doctor Edwards the following members were added to the church: Mrs. Maude James Frisbee, Robert L. Owens, Mrs. Minnie W. Wegman, Mrs. Jessie F. Orebaugh, Fred M. Wegman, Edith Hildebrant. Isanec Turner Cartwright and George U. Lewis. During this time the church lost by death Allen E. Browning, George N. Lewis, Isaac T. Cartwright, Mrs. Lucy E. Hinman and Mrs. Maude J. Frisbee.

On January 1, 1911, Archdeacon Edwards resigned and Bishop Vincent appointed Rey. Thomas W. Cooke, of Dayton, archdeacon, who sent his assistant, Edward Phares the first of each month to conduct the services of the church in Wilmington. and various lay readers the third Sunday in each month. In February of that year it was determingd to turn the house standing upon the Brown property into a small church building, and on July 38 the first service was held in the remodeled building, Archdeacon Cooke officiating. On July 13 of the same year Mrs. Hinman died. leaving her property. valued at three thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. toward the building of a new church. On July 7, 1912, Mr. Phares became a resident minister, and services held every Sunday morning. About this time the church was declared out of debt through the gift of five hundred dollars from the Women's Auxiliary of the diocese. On August 4 of that year the Sunday school was started. The following members were added to the chureh during the ministry of Reverend Mr. Phares: Mr. and Mrs. Fred O. Tyrell. Mr. and Mrs. L. Phillip Kleitz and Leroy Brewington. .

In January, 1914, Rey. J. H. Dodshon, of Zanesville, having been appointed archdeacon in place of Mr. Cooke, succeeded Mr. Phares in the ministry of the Wilmington church. On October 1 he secured the services of Rev. Eugene C. Prosser, of Washing: ton Court House, to act as the resident minister, the services to be held every Sunday evening. Bishop Reese. of Columbus, the recently consecrated assistant bishop. made his first visitation to the little church on November 8. confirming three persons. On July 5, 1915, the first marriage was solemnized there by Bishop Reese. the marriage of Rev. E. C. Prosser to Miss Edith Hildebrand. The growth of the Episcopal church is a slow but steady one. The members are at present looking forward to the building of a new church in the near future.

Blanchester Mennonite Church

In the latter part of the nineties the Mennonites began holding! services in Blanchester in a large tent. Rev. John Hall was the leader of the band of worshippers and by 1898S had built up a congregation which felt able to erect a building. This frame building is still standing on Wright street and has been closed for some:time. The church flourished for a number of years and then gradually grew weaker until there were not enough members to justify the employment of a pastor. The church is now classed with the large number of Clinton county churches which have closed their doors.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

The Seventh-Day Adventist denomination was the outgrowth of what is known as the Millerite movement, which began in the United States at Lou Hampton. Washington county, New York. This movement had as its basis the proclamation that the second coming of Christ to this earth was to take place in a few years, and those adhering 'to this faith were known as Millerites. They proclaimed the coming of Christ to take place on the 22nd day of October, 1844. The followers of this movement consisted of devout believers from every Protestant denomination of that time and they were joined by many ministers of different denominations in the United States, who united in the proclamation of Christ's return to this earth and its destruction on the aforesaid date. After this date was passed and Christ did not return, many of the ministers of that time and many adherents of the former movement were turned out of the Millerite organization. They

Among the most prominent members to further the organization of this denomination and make it a lasting body were Joseph Bates, J. N. Loughborough, James White and Bllen G. White. This body has for its purpose the preaching of the messages of the three angels in Revelations 14. This organization has gone forth with its work until at present they have a large following in seven different countries of the world. Churches and conferences have been organized in every state in the Union. and the present strength of this church is one hundred thousand members. The organization consists of a general conference, two division conferences, and many local conferences where they are strong enough to organize.

Many sanitariums, colleges and schools in different parts of the world are maintained by the followers of this faith. Many printing houses in different lands are devoted entirely to their publications. The work of this denomination consists in preaching and publishing their sermons. These publications are sold and last year the sale of these publications amounted to oyer two million dollars. This is the only denomination in the world that sends out its books by the carload, their demand being so great that this is necessary.

The first Seventh-Day Adventist church to be organized in Clinton county was located at New Antioch. This was organized in July, 1877, with thirty-two charter members, as follow: Richard Vandervort, Catherine Vandervort, Naman Naftsger, Mary Naftsger, William Bloom, Miranda J. Bloom, John A. Haughey, Ann B. Haughey, Charlotte Haynie, John W. Durham, Mary E. Naftsger, Mary Sprigg, James Hogan, Mary Bernard, Sarah Bloom, Martha Pond, Jennie Bloom, Butler Naftsger, Melissa Bloom, Emily Bloom, Emily Naftsger and Anna Naftsger. The first church building was erected and dedicated in January, 1883.

The second church society of this faith was organized at Bloomington, Ohio, in May, 1887, with a membership of thirty-six. The charter members were Jessie and Hattie Pope, E. B. Haughey, Emma Haughey, Stephen Haughey, Nancy Young, Jonah Wical, Pamelia Wical, Caleb and Mary Cline, Jane and Arvil Bariette, Rebecca Bowmaster. Marcissa Compton, Eva, Frank, Daisy and Mollie Huffaker, A. G. Haughey, J. B. and Ella Wical, Louisa Johnson and Warren Huffaker.

The third church to be established in Clinton county was organized at Wilmington in August, 1887, with the following charter members: J. M. Rannells, Susan B. Rannells, Mrs. M. M. Palmer, Mrs. Lydia Babb, Alberta Starbuck, Georgia Palmer, Bell Palmer and Hattie Palmer. The first permanent organization was the outgrowth of a six-weeks' meeting held in a tent in Wilmington. This meeting was well attended and much enthusiasm shown for a permanent organization. This was brought about through the conibined efforts of Revs. H. M. Cotrell and L. B. Haughey. There are at present thirtyfive members in this congregation. An active Sabbath school and a missionary society are also maintained by the church.

Many of the different members of the societies at New Antioch and Bloomington have gone to distant parts as missionaries, others have passed over the great divide until the congregation of these two places were thinned to such an extent that it was decided to abandon them and concentrate their efforts on the Wilmington church. The place of meeting in Wilmington is a rented hall over the First National Bank. Regular meetings are held and, although small, the church is on a strong financial basis.

St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Wilmington

The families of James 'Trimble, John Burk and Edward Powers were the first Catholics to settle in what is now Clinton county. They were natives of Ireland and left their native land on account of the persecution to which they were subjected in the community in which they lived. On coming to this county, in 1807, they located near the present village of Cuba and in their humble log cabins they held the first Catholic services in the county. These families were worthy citizens any many of their names may be found in the lists of the citizens who assembled at the monthly musters until the close of the War of 1812. It is not known how long these families remained in the county, neither is it known where they located on leaving it, but it is certain that they all left at an early date. James Trimble was a man of education, a school teacher, in fact, while the heads of the other families were farmers.

As far as known, the next Catholics to settle in the county were Thomas and Arthur McCann, also natives of Ireland, who located in Wilmington in the summer of 1811. They opened a pottery on South street and continued to follow this line of activity for many years. During the War of 1812 they took a prominent part in upholding the cause of the United States against the mother country. It appears that the McCann brothers left the town of Wilmington about 1818, but where they went or what eventually became of them is not known.

Just who were the next Catholics to settle in the county is a matter of conjecture, but there is no authentic record of any coming to the county from 1818 until the arrival of Patrick Denver, Patrick Dolan, William Rankin and Hubert Clement and his brother-in-law, John P. Bigville. The latter two were natives of Belgium, in the province of Superior. -The three former came to the county direct from Ireland. 'These men came to the county in the early thirties and many of their descendants are still living in or near Wilmington. The Denvers and Rombachs eventually became among the most prominent and influential men of the county and some of the members of both families became national figures. x

Although there had been Catholics in Clinton county from the time it was organized, it was not until August, 1852, that mass was said for the first time in the county. At that time Rev. Thomas Blake celebrated the first mass in the home of Jerry Coakley on Sugartree street. Father Blake was brought overland from Corwin, Ohio, by Michael Devanney, Patrick Creedon and Timothy Coakley. At that time he was stationed at Xenia, having come to this country from Ireland in 1850. There were ten persons present at this first mass in Wilmington: Michael Devanney, wife and daughter, Timothy Coakley, Patrick Creedon, Jeremiah Coakley and wife, Catherine Knaughton and two young men whose names have not been preserved. When mass was said in the same house a month later, there were eleven persons present and for the succeeding two * years mass was said regularly once a month at the homes of Devanney and Coakley. In 1854 the Catholics had increased in numbers until Father Blake found it necessary to provide larger quarters. Clinton hall was first secured and, some time later, the little congregation located in Preston hall.

Father Blake remained in charge, with occasional visits by Rev. Cornelius Daly -and Rey. Philip Foley, until October, 1862, when he was succeeded by Rev. John B. O'Donohue. Father O'Donohue was also a native of Ireland and, after receiving a good education in his native land, came to Cincinnati in 1848, where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1853. When he took charge of the mission at Wilmington, in the fall of 1862, he also had charge of the churches at Milford, Loveland, Morrow, Lebanon and Washington Court House. Father O'Donohue was an indefatigable worker and during his long service in this section of Ohio he built or acquired churches at Greenfield, Loveland, Milford, Morrow, Wilmington and Washington Court House, besides the pastoral residence at Millsboro.

The first step toward the acquisition of property in Wilmington was taken by Father O'Donohue in the spring of 1868, when he made a tentative contract for the old nursery lot in the southwest part of the town. However, the congregation was not satisfied with the site and the present lot was finally secured, at a cost of thirteen hundred dollars. On June 6, 1866, ground was broken for the first Catholic church in Wilmington, and eighteen days later the corner stone was laid by the Right Rey. Sylvester H. Rosecrans, bishop of Columbus. Four years were to elapse before the building was ready for dedication, although services had been regularly held in it for some time previously. The dedicatory services, on October 5, 1870, were in charge of the Most Rev. John B. Purcell, archbishop of Cincinnati, at which time the church received the name of St. Columbkille.

spire, surmounted by a large gilt cross. On the tower, at the base of the spire, are four similar symbols of Catholicism, the whole giving to the front a handsome appearance. The church has undergone many improvements since it was first erected and, being no longer of sufficient capacity to meet the demands of the congregation, at this writing, there is being planned and about to be erected a better and handsomer St. Columbkille' son the same site as the first structure.

Father O'Donohue was the faithful leader of the congregation from 1862 to November, 1882. when he was succeeded by Rey. Michael O'Donohué, who remained with the church as its beloved pastor until 1907. He was followed by Rey. A. Higgins. The present membership now numbers a hundred and ten families.

St. Michael'S Catholic Church, New Vienna

The first Catholic services at New Vienna were held in 1854 by Rev. John B. O'Donohue in a private home. Irregular services were held from that time in the homes of members of the church for several yéars. -In 1875 a small brick church was erected by: Rey. Michael O'Donohue and dedicated on September 29 of that year. But owing to the small number of Catheclics, regular services haye not been maintained.

Most Holy Name Of Jesus Catholic Church, Blanchester

the Most Holy Name of Jesus church at Blanchester was erected in 1873 by Rey. Michael O'Donohue. The building cost about fifteen hundred dollars. The congregation has always been small and it has not been possible to maintain regular services at all times. At the present time the church is a mission of St. Martin's church in Brown county and attended by Father Connell from that church once a month.