Cuyahoga County, Ohio - Chapter 52: The Baptist and Disciple Churches, 1870

Chapter 52: The Baptist and Disciple Churches

Tuk First Baptist Church of Cleveland was organized February 16, 1833, under the pastoral care of Rev. Richmond Taggart. The sermon on the occasion was delivered by Rev. Moses Wares, of Columbia. The pastor extended the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. T. B. Stephenson, of Euclid, delivered the charge to the church. The society came into the fellowship of. the Rocky River Baptist Association vened in the old academy on St. Clair street and the old red court-house, until the removal to their own new house of worship on the corner of Seneca and Champlain streets. The foundation of this edifice, a brick structure, was laid in 1834, being dedicated on the 25th of February, 1836. The building cost thirteen thousand dollars, and was considered at its completion decidedly in advance' of most houses of worship in the West.

In June, 1836, Rev. Levi Tucker succeeded Rey. Mr. Taggart, and, during his pastorate, which ended November 18, 1842, there was added to the church by baptism two hundred and twenty-nine, and by letter two hundred and four, members. Thenceforward the church continued to grow strong and useful, and from its fold have gone forth colonies which are now influential and self-sustaining churches.

In 1855 the society purchased of the Plymouth Congregational Church their new brick building, corner of Euclid and Erie streets, where services were first held April 8, 1855. Rev. S. W. Adams, having been pastor of the church since 1846, continued in the pastorate until removed by death, September 27, 1864.

Subsequently, and during the pastorate of Rev. A. Il. Strong, extensive improvements were made on the building and a fine steeple erected on the old tower. 'he basement is well adapted and arranged for Sunday school and meeting purposes. The Sunday school, begun February 16, 1833, with forty scholars, now numbers three hundred and sixty. There is also connected with the church a flourishing mission and Sunday school, of one hundred and forty scholars, held at Idaka Chapel, corner of Prospect and Kennard streets. The present membership of the church is five hundred and fourteen.

The following are the present officials: Rev. Philip S. Moxom, pastor; Moses White, William T. Smith, Charles G. King, Benj. F. Rouse, R. P. Myers, J. Wm. Taylor and James Rabon, deacons; C. A. Crumb, C. H. Seymour, J. P. Stanard, A. N. Mead and W. H. Harris, trustees; G. A. Hyde, treasurer; Geo. B. Christian, church clerk.

Second Baptist Church

In the year 1851, at meetings held August 14th and 18th, a formal request was made to the First Baptist Church by several of its members, asking that they be dismissed from that body for the purpose of organizing a new society, to be known as the '' Erie Street Baptist Church." The request was granted, and on the 2d day of September of the same year the new society was organized as a corporate body; electing as its first board of trustees, Ransom Green, president, V. A. Payne, H. Ranney, A. J. Farrer, Peter Abbey and Daniel Himebaugh, trustees; B. F. Rouse, elerk; Ezra Thomas, treasurer. The number of constituent members was forty-three. J. Hyatt Smith accepted a call as first pastor October 5, 1851.

In 1860, as for several years before, the church was burdened with an indebtedness that it could not pay, and it was decided to sell the edifice and lot. They were accordingly sold to Deacon A. A. Stoddard, for his claim of two thousand, one hundred and sixty dollus; he agreeing to assume all other liabilities. He then leased the property to the society for a term of three years, with the privilege of redeeming the same on paying the prior encumbrances. In due time the church debt was paid, and the society again became the owner of the property.

On April 30, 1867, the building and land were sold to the society of the German Evangelical Protestant Church, and land was purchased on Euclid avenue, corner of Huntington street, for the erection of a new church edifice. The new place of worship was completed and dedicated March 5, 1871, under the name of the '*Second Baptist Church of Cleveland."

The following is the succession of pastors: Rey. J. Hyatt Smith, from October 5, 1851, to March 28, 1855; Rev. Alfred Pinney, October 21, 1855, to July 31, 1856; Rev. D. 8. Watson, April 1, 1857, to June 3, 1860; Rev. S. B. Page, January 3, 1861, to May 2, 1866; Rev. Samuel W. Duncan, called as supply for six months, April 18, 1867, ordained as pastor, and continued until his resignation March 10, 1875. He was succeeded in the May following by Rev. G. O. King. In 1877 Rev. Mr. King was followed by Rey. Geo. Thos. Dowling, the present pastor. The present church membership is about three hundred and forty.

20, 1860; Women's Missionary Circle, organized in 1873; the Sabbath School, with about three hundred and fifty members; Judson Missionary Society, organized in May, 1871.

Third Baptist Church

On the 14th of December, 1852, the Third Baptist Church was organized under the name of the First Baptist Church of Ohio City - as the West Side was then called. The name of the church was changed on the union of the two cities in 1854. The organization mecting was held in the Disciples' Church, Franklin street, being presided over by Loren Prentiss. C. A. Crumb was chosen clerk. Hight men and twelve women coyenanted together to form this church. The society became legally incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, September 30, 1853, when the following officers were elected: Rev. N.S. Burton, D.D., chairman; William Tompkins, treasurer; C. A. Crumb, clerk; John McClelland, Wilham Tompkins, John Honeywell, Richard Phillips, C. A. Crumb, trustees.

On August 18, 1853, the church having adopted the New Hampshire confession of faith, was recognized as a regularly constituted Baptist church by a council called for that purpose. For a few weeks ufter its organization the members met for worship in the Disciples' church, and also a few times in the building owned by the United Brethren Socicty. Whitman [Tall was used for Sunday services from January 23, 1853, until June, 1856.

Ground was broken for the present commodious house of worship August 28,1855. The corner stone of the new building was laid September 24, 1855. In June, 1856, the church occupied the basement of the new structure, and continued there until 1866, when the auditorium was completed.

The building stands on the northeast corner of Clinton and State streets, and is two stories high. The lower story, which is entirely above ground, is divided into Sabbath school, bible and infant-class rooms. The auditorium and choir gallery are located in the upper story. The former will seat about five hundred persons. The seats, wainscoting and platform are made of butternut, trimmed with black walnut. The room is frescoed and lighted by stained glass windows. A tall and shapely spire surmounts the front entrance. ;

The church now numbers two hundred and forty members, and supports two Sabbath schools. One of them, numbering one hundred and fifty, is in the church building (John E. Spencer, superintendent); the other called the Dare Street Mission, numbers two hundred (J. H. Lapham, superintendent). The Dare street mission, at the corner of Bridge and Dare streets, was opened January 1, 1871, and has sinee been maintained as a mission by the church. The school meets in a chapel which was erected by the church and dedicated January 1, 1871.

Superior Street Baptist Church

This society grew out of what was known as the 'Cottage Baptist Mission" Sunday School. The school was organized by the Cleveland Baptist Union May 30, 1852, with Benjamin Rouse, superintendent, and twenty-three teachers and thirty-four scholars. The school building was a cottage, arranged for the purpose, and located on St. Clair street, near Dodge. The school increased until January 30, 1859, when a new chapel was erected and dedicated. From this time services were held there until September, 1869, when the chapel building was removed to the corner of Superior and Minnesota streets, and Rev. E. A. Taft employed as minister by the Baptist Union. During this year a baptistry was put into the chapel, and sixty-three persons united with the First Baptist church, A church was organized September 15, 1870, called the '' Cottage Baptist Church," with one hundred and six members; Rev. Edwin A. Taft being the pastor. Mr. Taft continued with the church after its organization about three years, to August 22, 1873. During these years there were one hundred and six additions. On October 1, 1873, the present pastor, Rev. Gilbert H. Frederick, began his ministry, with the church. During the six years since, there have been about one hundred and eighty additions. The present number of members is near two hundred and forty.

The name of the society was changed from "' Cottage Baptist " to Superior Street Baptist church in May, 1878. The societies organized for church work are the 'Ladies' Benevolent Society," the " Young Peoples' Society " and the '' Band of Little Workers." There is a home Sabbath school of two hundred and fifty members, and a mission school known as Payne Avenue Mission.

The officers are as follows: Rev. Gilbert H. Frederick, pastor; H. S. Julier, John Coulton and John Stephens, deacons; H. S. Julier, treasurer; John Coulton, clerk.

Tabernacle Baptist Church

The organization and establishment of this church resulted from the work known as the Scovill Avenue Baptist Mission, which was established in the year

The Baptist Churches

1858, under the joint efforts of the pastors and members of the First and Second Baptist churches, and so continued until about 1865. After that year it was conducted as a mission of the Second Baptist church alone until December, 1867, when the preliminary steps were taken for the organization of the Tabernacle Baptist church. Rev. T. L. Rogers was invited to assist in this organization, and became the first pastor. The first officers were John Alexander, Oscar Townsend, Wm. TT'. Seller, Isaac Beare and Richard Chandler, trustees; John Abbott, clerk; Osear 'Townsend, treasurer; Isaac Beare, William Merur, John Bennitt and A. I. Pratt, deacons. The church ut its organization had seventy members, of whom thirty-four remain. The property on the corner of Scovill and Sterling avenues, which had been previously occupied as a mission, was purchased at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, and occupied until February, 1879.

The church has now a membership of over two hundred, and a Sabbath school with an average attendance of about three hundred and fifty. It has had as pastors Rev. T. L. Rogers, serving from the organization to September, 1870; Rev. A. H. State, from January, 1871, to October, 1872; Rev. Frank Remington, from December, 1872, to February, 1874; Rev. B. F. Ashley, from September, 1874, to May, 1878. In June, 1878, the church extended a call to Rev. G. O. King to become its pastor, which was accepted July 19, t878. Through the efforts of Mr. King, the Garden street Baptist Mission was united with this church. Soon after alot was purchased on the corner of Willson avenue and Quincy strect, at a cost of seven thousand two hundred dollars, upon which a church was erected at an additional cost of twelve thousand dollars. The building is conveniently arranged, seated with chairs, and will comfortably accommodate seven hundred and fifty persons. The present church officials are Rev. G. O. King, treasurer; John Bennitt, J. W. Thompson, William Barker and William Merur, deacons; Richard Chandler, John Philpott, John Bennitt, William Akers and William Thompson, trustees.

on Sterling avenue, was urganized about 1865, and for a time the members of the congregation worshipped in halls and the open air. 'They now own a frame edifice on Sterling avenue, but are few in number, and have at present no preacher.

First German Baptist Church

In the fall of 1862 Rev. Gerhard Koopman, of Rochester, New York, was employed by the Eric Street Baptist Church, (now the Second Baptist, ) to labor among the Germans, of whom there were many in the congregation. He preached to them afternoons in the Scovill Avenue Mission Chapel, and conducted weekly devotional meetings. As the result of his labors many Germans, through Rev. Mr. Koopman asinterpreter, were added to the Erie Street Church. On October 4, 1866, letters were granted to twenty-six persons to form the First German Baptist Church, and two thousand dollars was contributed toward the erection of their church edifice on the corner of Scovill avenue and Forest street. Rev. Edward Greutzner is the resident pastor of this church. The number of members is one hundred and seven. WELSH BAPTIST CHURCH.

.On the 19th day of April, 1868, the Welsh Baptist Church was organized at Newburg with thirty-six members. The first services were conducted inaschool house, by Rev. William Owen, of Pittsburg, and Rev. Richard Edwards, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Soon after, a building committee was appointed, a lot selected on Wire street near Broadway, and on September 16, 1868, the corner-stone of a new church edifice was laid by Rev. 'Mr. Duncan, of Cleveland. The building was completed in the latter part of the same year, and dedicated under the name of the First Welsh Baptist Church of Newburg. In October, 1868, Rev. S. Thomas was called to the pastorate, remaining until March, 1869. J. T. Griffiths was called and ordained in July following. In March, 1871, Rev. D. C. Thomas became the successor of Rey. Mr. Griffiths, and coi.tinued nine months. Rev. Moses Wright became pastor of the church in May, 1873, staying only four months. In October, 1873, Rev. Mr. Probert was called to supply the pulpit, continuing until December, 1875, when he resigned. The pulpit, after that and until October, 1877, was supplied by S. Job, of the Bethel Home and W. Brees respectively, each serving without cow:pensation. Rey. W. J. Williams, the present pastor, was called in September, 1877. He commenced his duties October 21, 1877, and was ordained November 25, 1877. The society is entirely free from debt, and the buildings and property are in good condition. The church membership numbers over forty. The officers are Rev. W. J. Williams, pastor; Edward Jones, Edward Rodway and John Stephens, deacons; John E. Jones, choir leader.

At a meeting held at the residence of Mr. John Robertson in the city of Cleveland, April 23, 1868, of which Rey. A. G. Wilder was chairman and Rey. 8. M. Prentiss clerk, a church was organized called the First Free Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio,

A lot for a house of worship was purchased and a chapel was erected on the corner of Scovill avenue and Putnam street, which was dedicated August 23, 1868.

* This society is not in connection with the Baptist denomination, but is classified with it on account of there being no other of the kind in the city. i

Rev. A. H. Chase, who commenced his labors July 17, 1869, but resigned before the end of the year. The Rev. A. K. Moulton then accepted the pastorate of the church, commencing his labors February 3, 1870, and continuing in that relation until October 21, 1872. The church was still under the fostering care of the Home Mission Society, in response to the solicitations of which, the Rev. A. D. Patch accepted a call to the pastorate of the church, entering upon its duties March 1, 1874. In the autumn of the same year, the society, having for a long time been embarrassed by serious hindrances, decided to seek a more eligible location. After mature deliberation the present site on the corner of Scranton and Clark avenues was selected, and the name of the church changed to that which it bears at the present time. A new brick house of worship was immediately commenced, and carried rapidly forward to completion, being formally dedicated to the worship of God on the 21st of November, 1875, the Rev. Ransom Dunn, D.D., of Ilillsdale College, Michigan, officiating.

The three years of religious work in the new church home have been cminently successful. During this time the church has been wholly self-supporting, the entire indebtedness against the church property has been cancelled, a membership of nearly one hundred communicants has been gathered, and a growing Sabbath school of cver three hundred members is supported. The house of worship has recently been newly carpeted and frescoed, and otherwise improved, adding to its attractiveness and the comfort of the worshipers.

Trinity Baptist Church

' The edifice used by the society of Trinity Baptist Church was not completcd until 1876, although the church was organized in March, 1872; then numbering thirteen members. They held their meetings in Oviatt's Hall. At the dedication of the new edifice the socicty was entirely free from debt. Rev. F. Tolhurst was the first settled pastor of the society, and still remains so, Under his charge the number of members has increased to one hundred and ten. 'The Sabbath school has two hundred and seventy scholars, and is under the direction of Riehard Coulton, superintendent.

Garden Stheet Mission

The Garden street mission of the Second Baptist Chureh was organized and held its first session in the public school building on Garden street, August 11, 1872, with I. P. Chandler as its first and present superintendent. The first attendance showed eight teachers and fifty-eight scholars. In 1873 the mission society moved into a new chapel on Garden street,

Eighteenth Ward Disciple Church

The records of this church show that as early as 1828 a religious interest was awakened in Newburg, under the preaching of Ebenezer Williams, from which this church grew. In 1832 meetings were held in the town house, conducted by Elder William Hayden, and in the following year under the ministry of Elders Hayden and Williams. John Hopkinson was elected elder and served in that capacity for over forty years, until his death. In 1835 an important "yearly meeting" was held on the farm of Colonel John Wrightman. Alexander Campbell, William Hayden, A. B. Green, M. S. Clapp, and other ministers were in attendance. At this time a permanent organization was effected. On the 2lst of April, 1842, the church was reorganized by Elder Jonas Hartzler with thirty-five members. Soon after, while the church was under the care of Elder J. D. Benedict, the chapel on Miles avenue was built, where the congregation still mects for worship. From that time the ministers who have served the church are Revs. F. M. Green, J. A. Garfield. O. M. Atwater, L. Cooley, John Pinkerton, J. M. Monroe, 8. K. Sweetman, J. H. Jones, and E. D. Barclay. The church now has a membership of two hundred, and is under the ministerial care of W. R. Spindler. The Sunday school, superintended at present by Josiah Browning, numbers about one hundred and eighty.

Franklin Street Disciple Church

This church was organized February 20, 1842, in a small house of worship on Vermont street, Ohio City. John Henry was the officiating evangelist. Captain D. P. Nickerson and G. B. Tibbitts were appointed bishops or overseers. There were over thirty original members, and this number doubled the first year. 'The first services were conducted by J. P. Robison, A. S. and Wm. Hayden, John Henry, J. H. Jones, and other pioneer Disciple ministers. After December 10, 1848, the society met in Apollo hall, and still later in Empire hall, on Superior street. In 1846 the church, by mutual consent, divided, and the part constituting this church met at Sanford's hall, on Detroit street.

Lathrop Cvoley, in February, 1846, was selected as the first pastor. In the spring of 1846 the Sunday school was started. A building lot was secured on the circle and Franklin avenue, and a house of worship, forty by sixty-four feet, was commenced in 1847

In 187+ a new lot was secured on the south side of the circle, and the foundation of the present house was laid. The Sunday school chapel and parlors were dedicated November 5, 1876. The present prop- erty has cost, thus far, forty thousand dollars. The edifice is one hundred and three feet long and sixtyfour feet wide; irregular in contour. It is built of red pressed brick, laid in black mortar, and is trimmed with brown sandstone. The irregular shape of the material with which it is built, and the surroundings, make itone of the most attractive churches in the city.

The members of the Detroit street mission, in East Rockport, belong to this church. The present enrolled membership is three hundred and fifty. The average attendance at Sunday school is two hundred. Though this is not a church of wealthy members, it has always materially helped the educational and benevolent enterprises of the Disciples.

Euclid Avenue Disciples Church

The Euclid Avenue Church of Christ (or Church of the Disciples) was organized on the 4th day of September, 1843, at the residence of Colonel Gardner, near Doan's Corners, in what was formerly Kast Cleveland township.

Mcetings had been held the previous month, under a tent, by members of the church in Euclid, desiring to organize a braneh church in this locality. There were some thirty additions, and a petition dated August 7, 1843, was presented to the parent church in Euclid, signed by seventeen persous, asking to be set off as a separate church.

Elder M. S. Clapp seems to have been the first minister who preached at regular intervals, and meet- - ings were held in the old stone school-house near the corners. Revs. William Hayden, A. B. Green, eee Jones and Dr. J. P. Robison held meetings, and ministered during the earlier years of the church.

In 1847 substantial framed building was erected as a house of worship on the old cemetery lot, corner of Doan and Euclid streets. In 1867 this building was removed to the corner of Euclid and what is now known as Streator avenue, and, being remodeled, served as a chapel, Sunday school room and pastor's study. In 1866 an elegant and commodious church edifice was erected on the same lot, and is now used by the society. The building is of wood, in the Gothic style of architecture, and has a seating capacity of four hundred and twenty persons: Tts cost was about twenty-four thousand dollars.

For donation of the lot and much of the means employed in the erection of this building, the church is indebted to the generosity of Dr. Worthy 5. Streator.

The church is now in a flourishing condition, and numbers about two hundred and twenty members. The Sunday school numbers over one hundred and fifty scholars.

The following have been the more recent pastors: Revs. J. B. Pinkerton, 1868; CO. C. Foot, 1869; ai: H. Jones, 1870; J. B. Johnson, 1871; Jabez Hall called in 1872, who yet retains the pastorate.

The present officers arn C. B. Loekwood and HC: White, and Rev. Jabez Hall, elders; - Asa Hudson, J. W. Simpson, D. R. Whitcomb and Paul Hewitt, deacons; W. 8. Streator, Ira Adams and B. F. Powers, trustees; B. L. Pennington, clerk and treasurer.

The Disciples Mission

The mission on the corner of Eric and Hamilton streets, was first opened for church worship on January, 1877, by Rey. Lathrop Cooley. No permanent church organization has ever been effected, and the pastor receives no fixed salary, his remuneration depending entirely upon voluntary contributions from the congregation.