Delaware County, Ohio - Chapter 13: Religious or Chvrch History of Delaware Covnty, 1908 (part 2 of 3)

Another organization of the M. E.'s was effected at the Berkshire Corners in 1858, by Rev. Amos Wilson, with twenty members. This society erected a good frame church in i860, and have maintained an even course, with about sixty members to the present time.

Protestant Episcopal

The second denomination to organize in point of time was the Protestant Episcopal. The first sermon was preached in Major Brown's house in 1818, by Bishop Chase, the first bishop of the diocese, on Monday after Easter, March 23, 1818. Those of this belief met at the house of David Prince and organized a society and elected the following officers : Clerk, Carlos Curtis ; wardens, Ichabod Plumb, Zenos Ross and Aaron Strong; lay readers, David Prince and Carlos Curtis. For ten years or more services were held in private houses and Rev. Stern and others served as rectors. A brick church ' with a triple Gothic windows in front was erected. This church was considered a great achievement at this early date. This building is said to be the third Episcopal church building erected in the State. The society has been abandoned, but the building still stands at Berkshire Corners, and has been used for a number of years as a public school building.

The leading church of this denomination is at Galena, and was organized in 1875 by Rev. John Eley, with ten members. The remaining members at Berkshire Corners united with this society. In 1877, assisted by the community, a handsome brick church was erected, the plan being drawn by a Xew Jersey architect. The society still exists and is in a moderately flourishing condition.

Presbyterian Church

There were at the Corners several families, viz. : Bennett, Gregory and Paterson, who attended services at the old Court House, Delaware, conducted by Rev. Hughs, a sonin-law of Colonel Byxbe. In 181 7 Rev. Ebenezer Washburn, a Presbyterian minister, drove in the Corners in a steel-shod sled, a circumstance which gave him no little distinction at that time. He held services in the cabins, but the Presbyterians united with what is known as the Blue Church, and he moved to Genoa Township. In 1844, a church called Galena, and in 1846 another called Porter, had been organized by Rev. Ahab Jink's, and supplied by him. These churches were united in 1848 and called Union. Union was united with Sunbury in 1861. The society had but little preaching, and in 1866 was dissolved. These organizations w:ere connected with the New School branch of the Presbyterian Church.

In 1878, a society was again organized at Sunbury by Rev. Robert Wyley and others, with thirty-four members. The society was served by Rev. Wyley, but did not flourish. The services were held in the school house and hall, no house of worship being erected. The society was disbanded by Marion Presbytery at the April meeting in 1885.

Baptist Church

This denomination was represented in Berkshire as early as 1812 by Elder Henry George. He was a Welshman, spoke with 1 marked brogue, and a plain man with excellent common sense. No church was organized, however, until 1835. This occurred in District No. 2, of Trenton Township, and was called the Walnut Creek Baptist Church. They worshiped in a log school house until 1837, when the society moved to Sunbury. and in 1838 erected the structure which has been used continuously until the present time. The first pastor after coming to Sunbury was Rev. Gildersleve, followed by Rev. Roberts.

Free Will Baptist

In the winter of 1876-77, Rev. Mr. Murray of Sunbury held a series of meetings at Rome Corners, which were crowned with success, and he sought to establish a church at that place. There did not seem to be a desire for such an organization, and in a perfectly friendly spirit, the minister and people joined m inviting Rev. Mr. Whittaker to organize a Free Will Baptist society. This society in 1877 erected a substantial frame church, located at the Corners. This building still stands, but is not occupied, the society having been disbanded several years ago.

Sunday Schools

The Sunday schools, as they existed in the early settlements, were not such as we have now In many cases the rudiments of education were joined with instruction in the Scriptures. The first school of this sort was opened by Julia Strong, daughter of Major Strong, about [814. The house stood on the Gaylord property near the bridge east of Sunbury. Another school akin to this was opened about [816 by Miss Bowen, a sister-in-law of Rev. Ebenezer Washburn. Her method was to invite the little folks to her bouse on the Sabbath, and read to them a passage of Scripture, then a historical sketch calculated to interest children's minds, and then would teach them a short passage of Scripture, which they were to repeat the next Sabbath. The Hon. O. D. Hough was one of her pupils, and believes these to have been the first Sunday schools in the east part of the county, if not the first in the county.

The Baptists were the first to enter the field in this township. Rev. Mr. Wyatt came early in this locality and organized a society in the Olentangy Valley, and went into Berlin Township once a month and preached in the cabins of the early settlers. He carried on his work as far East as Trenton Township, and from time to time as the membership would warrant it, would set off from the parent society in Liberty Township separate organizations.

The Alum Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1816. and met for the first time in the blockhouse which had done service in time of war. For eight years the Baptist Church held its meetings here, and then voted to erect a frame building, on the road about half-way between Cheshire and Berlin Station, where the old cemetery is. The building is now a town hall, and the cemetery is sadly neglected.

Among the members at that time were Isaia Muuroe, David Lewis. Sr., Joseph Eaton, and their wives, John Johnston, Sarah Brady and Polly Noko. The two latter were colored women. Sarah Brady died at the age of one hundred and fourteen. She was a servant in George Washington's family and for a long time was connected with the family of General Sullivan of Revolutionary fame. In 1854, the Baptist Church building now standing in Cheshire, was erected at a cost of $700. It was dedicated the latter part of the year, and a bell placed in the belfry the next year. Rev. Philander Kelsey was the first pastor in this edifice. Another minister contemporary with Rev. Wyatt was Elder Jacob Drake. He was a surveyor and was much among the people. His preaching was done mostly in the cabins of these early pioneers. An incident is related which shows that "chickens" were not considered then the only diet good for a minister. He came out from Delaware one morning- in 1808 before breakfast, and a meal was prepared for him. The table was a puncheon, smoothed off on the upper side, and supported by pins driven in the logs of the cabin. When the meal was announced he sat down to a single baked potato, with salt in a clam shell, and water in a gourd. He hail walked seven miles and relished this breakfast as well as we do our fine dinners.

Probably the first Presbyterian minister who preached in the bounds of Berlin Township was a Rev. Stevens who came from the East on a missionary tour of exploration. Rev. Ebenezer Washburn came to Berkshire in 181 7. He organized the Presbyterian families in Kingston, Berkshire and Berlin Townships in a congregation in 181 8. A great revival occurred in 1828, and the families living in Berlin Township were organized into a separate congregation in October, 1829. The first elders were John Roloson. Stephen Chandler and Paul Ferson. In 1830 there were ninety members. Rev. Ahab Jinks liecame stated supply from 1829 to 1832. He was a man peculiar in more respects than his name. It is said that when a young boy he was the leader of a godless band of young ruffians, for whose support he would mimic the preachers he heard, giving their sermons verbatim. Going to hear Dean Swift, his course of life was changed, and he turned his ability toward the right. On one occasion he preached from Isaiah 1 .2. an especially brilliant sermon to his parishioners in Berlin, which greatly impressed them, and it was generally regarded that the minister had outdone himself. One of his parishioners went to Genoa in the afternoon where the heard to his utmost astonishment the same identical sermon delivered by Mr. Judson, the earliest of the Sunday school agents. At another time, desiring t* 1 get up a camp-meeting in Berlin, Mr. Jinks preached a sermon which carried everv obtacle before it, and aroused the people to the pitch of camp-meeting fervor. The arrangements were made for the meeting in the Dickermaii woods, and it was carried on with great success. Near the close, Mr. Jinks had a Rev. Mr. Pomeroy to assist in conducting the meetings. He came and delivered for his first effort the very sermon which had so aroused the people some time before. When asked to explain these coincidences, Mr. Jinks quietly remarked that he had heard them delivered, considered them good sermons, and thought he would give his parishioners the benefit of them.

During this time a frame church edifice was erected. Milton H. Sackett became an elder and Rev. Calvin N. Ranson was pastor from 1832 to 1837. At this date the membership was one hundred. Elders alter that date to 1870 were Benonah Dickerman, Joseph Roloson. A. M. Spear, Lewis Thompson, C. W. Smith and J. C. Ryant. Ministers, Darius C. Allen, Henry Shedd, A. D. Chapman, A. S. Avery, John W. Thompson. Since 1870, J. L. Tower, Thomas Hill, A. C. Crist. James Darah, W. F. Cellar, John McDowell, S. S. Arkman, M. W. Brown, James Hickling, E. M. Scott, Samuel Heucker. J. M. Wyhe have served the church, and at present J. G. Curry is the pastor. The church was rebuilt all but the old frame in 1875, under the pastorate of Rev. A. C. Crist, and is in good repair. The building stands about three-quarters of a mile south of Cheshire.

West Berlin Presbyterian Church

This church was organized in 187'). Rev. Thomas Hill, Rev. W. G. March, and Elders Dr. J. M. Briggs, being the committee designated by Presbytery, with thirty-two members, eighteen of these being dismissed from the Berlin church to join in the organization. For several months before the organization Rev. Thomas Hill had preached in the West Berlin schoolhouse, which led to the above result. A frame structure was soon erected, and is now the home of a substantial congregation of worshippers. The congregation has for the

Methodist Episcopal

This church was the third in point of time organized in the township. Rev. \ "inal Steward was the first minister who in 1814 formed a class composed of Jacob Aye, wife and children, John Jacob, Jr., Henry, Betsy, Katie, Polly, and Peggy, Lewis Sherwood and wife, John Lewis and wife. About 1829 they put up a hewed log meeting-house, north of Cheshire Corners in which they worshiped until 1845. They then held their services in the Presbyterian Church for about three years. A frame house of worship was erected at a cost of $500 in the village, and dedicated in 1849. In 1878 the society added a bell. The building is in good repair and occupied by a flourishing society.

The Wesleyan Methodists had an organization in the southwest corner of the township about 1870, and was continued for about twenty years. This society became extinct, and the Christian Union occupied the building for five years. This society has also become extinct, and a Society of Friends now occupy the building, which is known as the Fair View Church.

United Brethren

The Peach Blow Church in the southern part of the township belongs to this denomination. It was organized in 1857 with twenty members. Their meetings were first held in a schoolhouse in the west side of the township. The house of worship now occupied was erected in 1808 on land belonging to G. A. Stover. The building is a neat frame one and cost at the time $700. The first pastor was Virgil Pond. The church was dedicated as Berlin Chapel, but on account of the color which it was once painted, it is said to have taken the name of Peach Blow, the name by which it is now known. A few members of this denomination settled around Alum Creek Postoffice on the road from Delaware to Sunbury, and previous to i860 held services at the home of O. R. May. About this time, a frame building was erected on the land of Nathaniel Roloson, and was known as the North Berlin United Brethren Church. Mr. Roloson gave the aid he did with the understanding that the house would be open for the use of all denominations. The first pastor was Rev. William Davis. The society is now abandoned and the church not used.

Universalist

The Umiversalists made an attempt to get a foothold in this township in 1820. They held a camp-meeting in a grove near the bridge south of Cheshire, conducted by Rev. Mr. Rogers, but no results came of the effort.

The early training of the pioneers of Brown Township soon made itself felt after their settlement in the wilderness. Though their trials and cares were heavy, they found time to read a chapter from the old Bible, and return thanks to God for preservation and protection. The first society formed in the neighborhood was in 1828. and of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. It was organized at Mr. Thurston's, and consisted of himself and wife, Joseph Thurston and wife, Zenas Leonard and wife, and Phoebe Thrall. Once a week they would meet together, and. as they were without a shepherd, prayer-meetings only were held. Soon after the Methodists got well into the harness, the Presbyterians commenced work. They organized a society at Mr. Thurston's, as his cabin seems to have been a kind of religious headquarters. For a number of years, these two societies continued their -meetings under these limited circum- stances. At length, a society of the New School Presbyterians was formed, with the following members: John Hestwood and wife, Hugh Lee anil wife, Robert Kinkaid and wife, James Kinkaid and wife. They, with the Baptists, in 1836, built a church of hewed logs, in which they worshiped for several years ; the Methodists also occupied it on special occasions. In 1841, a frame church building was erected by the congregation near the same spot. But they allowed their imagination to run away with them, and laid their foundation on such an extensive scale, that they were unable to complete the building. Finally they tore it down, and of the material erected a smaller one upon the same site. This building was superseded by a more pretentious one in 1855, and the old church converted into a residence, which is now occupied by Norton T. Longwell. This building was erected in the south part of the village of Eden. The New School Branch mentioned above was disbanded in 1S48, and nearly all the members united with the Old School Branch, and it was the united society that erected this church. The building has been improved at various times, and is still occupied by a flourishing congregation. During the existence of the New- School church, it was served by the following ministers : The first pastor of the congregation was Rev. Mr. Jenks. who had charge of a church in Kingston Township at the same time. A. D. Chapman, from 1838 to 1842; John Hunt, from 1845 to l840- The Old School Church was served by William D. Smith, occasionally; John Pitkin, 1841-1843; Ahab Jinks. 1S44-1854; David McCarter, 1 855- 1 860; Robert L. Adams, 1863- 1864; David H. Coyner. 1865-1866; J. L. Lower. 1868- 1871. Members in the vear 1871 numbered sixtv-eight. A. C. Crist 1872-1876; M. M. Lauson. 1877-1878; D. C. Porter and D. H. Green. 1879: W. E. Thomas, 1880-1885; T.' 1'. Atkins. 1 887-1888; E. A. Scott, 1892-1900; A. C. Crist, six months : Samuel Huecker, 1901-1906; present supply, H. Huffman, a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University.

took an active part in the Underground Railroad. The most of them are buried in the old cemetery by the place where the log church was erected.

There were others who took an active pari in the formation of a Free-Will Baptist Church, and the original members were John Moore, Thomas Cowgill and wife. Isaac Eaton and wife, Orlando Root and wife, Zenas Root and wife, Thomas Agard and wife. Spofford Root and wife. Nathaniel Arnold and wife, and Isaac Thurston and wife. Rev. Isaac Eaton was the pastor, assisted occasionally by Rev. S. Wyatt. In 1848. some twelve years after its organization - years of more or less usefulness - it was discontinued as a society. The next year, after the disbanding of this society, the Baptists and Methodists, together with Charles Neil, O. D. Hough. Vinal and Norton Thurston, and Thomas Hargraves. with their families, built the church in the village of Eden. Rev. William Godman. a son of Lawyer Godman, of Marion, was the preacher in charge of the circuit at the time the church was built. He was a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University, and a minister of considerable merit. An addition has just been added to this church and Rev. C. A. Edington, a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University, is the present pastor.

Leonardsburg M. E. Church. This church was organized in the winter of 1862. In i860. Rev. William Litell and some students of the Ohio Wesleyan University preached in the school at this place. In the fall of 1861 a prayer meeting was held on the Sundays when there was no preaching, and Isaiah Williams was the leader of this meeting. In the following January, revival meetings were held by Rev. H. Van Gundy and Valorus Pond (United Brethren preacher), Rev. Van Gundy being retained as pastor for one year. An M. E. society was organized and in 1862 a frame building was erected costing in all about $1,500, being dedicated about the first of January, 1868, by Rev. Harvey Wilson. The church now has a membership oi fifty, and Rev. Frank T. Cartwright is their pastor.

The Baptist Church at Leonardsburg was organized September 12, 1880. with a membership of eleven members, as follows: Edward Evans and wife, Elias Frost and wife, James Beckwith and wife, James Jones. C. Main and wife, Sarah Hornbeck and Sarah Evans. Only two of the number now remain. C. Main and Sarah Nelson, nee Evans. Rev. J. Wenman was chosen pastor and C. Main as clerk, and Edward Evans treasurer. In 1882, they erected a frame church, costing $860. J. Hevalow being the builder. The society now consists of nine members, but has no regular preaching.

The first church building in Concord Township was an old granary, donated for that purpose by James Kooken. Soon after this, A. Depp ( colored) put up a log-cabin church on his farm, as a place of worship for the colored Baptists. The Bellepoint United Brethren Church was formerly situated in close proximity to the old Oiler Cemetery. about a mile below Bellepoint, on the east side of the river. The church was originally started by the Oilers, Jacob, Peter and George, and was a frame building. The early records are lost, and hence much of its history cannot be obtained. In 1864, being somewhat torn by internal strife and differences, some of the most prominent members left and formed a new society called the Christian Union Church. The frame structure, after existing for thirtyfive years, was torn down, and the charge transferred to Bellepoint. The present church is a fine brick building, and is the first built at the village. It cost about $2,600, and the fund for its erection was raised by general subscription. It was dedicated by Bishop Weaver, of the Northern Ohio Conference, in June, 1873, and the first sermon preached in it was by Elder Long, a Christian minister. The names of the different ministers since its removal to the village are as follows: Revs. John V. Pott-. |. C. Beady, D. W. Downey, I. B. Resler. J. IT Cray ton, C. 1.. Barlow, D. F. Cender. J. E. Hill, E. Barnard, and others.

The Christian Church was formed of dissatisfied members of the old United Brethren Church, the dissatisfaction growing out of questions as to the result of the War of 1861-65. The society was organized the first Sunday in April, 1864, at the house of Rev. R. Gates, and the first sermon was preached by him. For several years, the society had no meetinghouse. They made an effort to buy the old frame church from the United Brethren, hut owing to the high price they were unable to do so, and for a time their meetings were held in private residences and. when the weather would admit, in the groves, "God"s first temples." Alter great exertions, they at length succeeded in building a comfortable brick edifice, 40x30 feet, at a cost of $1,050. It was erected on the site occupied by the United Brethren Church. The following ministers have officiated since its formation : Revs. R. Gates, W. W. Lacy, George W. Higgins. Jacob Haskins, Levi Ely, Purdy King, William Davis, Rev. Hanawalt, and others.

The Baptist Church is situated on the pike, a half mile east of Bellepoint, and was established in 1853. The following ministers have had charge of the society : Rev. Levi R. Jones, who officiated from October, 1855. to March, i860; Rev. R. Gates, who held the charge from March, i860, to March, 1865. when he joined the Christian Union Church. The church then accepted the ministrations of Rev. Seth Gates, his brother, who had just repudiated the United Brethren Church. He officiated until 1869. when the church completely died out, and continued in a dormant state until 1879, and was then resuscitated. On the 24th of May, of this year, it was again opened for worship, and the day following Rev. Isenbarger, of Delaware, preached an excellent sermon. For a time they had their pulpit occasionally supplied by pastors of other charges. The old building still stands, but the society disbanded several years ago.

The Eversole United Brethren Church takes its name from old Father Eversole. who fault it, and was long instrumental in keeping it up. No records are to be found, and authentic history of it is not easily obtained.

Presbyterian Church. In 1852, Rev. \V. H. Brinkerhoff organized a church in tins township with thirteen members. He was the only supply, and the church was dissolved in i860. The name given to the church was Stanbury. Xo church building was erected.

Many years ago, camp-meetings used to be in vogue in Concord, as they were in many other sections of the country. The first of these of which we have any account was held at the house of Mr. Eversole, near where the United Brethren Church'now stands. After a few years, the place of holding the meetings was changed to grounds near Rigger's bridge, which spans the Scioto where the Marysville pike crosses it. The bridge is now in Sen >t< > Township, but at that time (about 1838-39), was in Concord. For a number of years, this was a place for holding camp-meetings, and the scene of much good and some evil.

Spring View. This church situated on the east bank of the Scioto, overlooking the Girls' Industrial Home, was the outgrowth of a Sunday school held in a schoolhouse near by. When Rev. Thomas Hill was pastor of the Liberty Presbyterian Church, he urged his members to look up places where Sunday schools could be organized. C. T. Carson and wife were members of the Liberty Church, and took heed to the request of their pastor. They asked leave of the school directors to use the schoolhouse for a Sunday school, which was readily granted. Thomas Hall, who was employed at the Girls' Home, was elected the first superintendent. Some difficulty was experienced in getting some one to open the school with prayer. But Mrs. Carson volunteered to perform the duty and was the first to offer prayer for the new enterprise. Dr. Frederick Merrick, of the Ohio Wesleyan University, was a trustee for the Home, and t' x >k an interest in the work, and helped the school by a donation of books for their use. He also arranged for the Methodist Episcopal minister who was preaching at Jerome, to go and hold services at the school house. A revival was the result, and those desiring a Methodist organization predominated, with the result 1l1.1t a .Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. The schoolhouse was soon found too small for the growing interest, and the need of a church building was felt. The proposition was made by Lige Carl (not a church member), George Stokes and C. T. Carson, that they would give $400 ($133 each), if the enterprise was consummated. This was done by smaller contributions, and a frame church was erected (the building now occupied), and dedicated by Elder King. The following ministers were the first to serve the new organization : Revs. Thurston, Shoop, the wife of whom died when he was living on the field, Abernathy, Argo, Prios, Creighton, Holcomb, A. S. Rodgers, Judd, Tubbs, H. H. Miller. T. M. Ricketts. T. Z. Wakefield, P. H. Mindling. The society is connected with the Jerome circuit. A good Sunday school is maintained.

There have been two organized churches in this township, outside the limits of the city of Delaware, Wood Grove, and Stratford, both Methodist Episcopal.

Wood Grove. This church was organized in the early fifties, and a frame building erected on the Bellepoint Road, about two miles southwest from Delaware. It formed a part of the Delaware circuit. Regular preaching services were maintained only for a few years, and then it became a mission in connection with St. Paul's Church. A mission was established in South Delaware about this time by St. Paul's church, and the Wood Grove building was purchased by the Presbyterian Church of Delaware, under the pastorate of Rev. N. S. Smith, about 1874. A Sabbath school w^as maintained by the Delaware church for several years and among the workers was Dr. H. N. Allen, who afterwards went to Corea, and became the noted missionary worker in that land. The school was maintained irregularly until five years ago, when the building was sold to Wayne Hazelton. Mr. Hazelton moved the building to Eaton

Stratford Methodist Episcopal Church. After a lapse of more than sixty years, since a church was first built in what is now Stratford, and with the absence of all the old pioneer ministers, elders, class leaders and members, either in other sections of the county, or in the Happy Land, it is a very difficult matter to give a definite account of its original and early history.

A little later than the middle of the 30*s, Messrs. Hosea Williams and Caleb Howard, of Delaware, secured a site and commenced work on a large stone structure for the purpose of manufacturing paper, and while one set of men were engaged in this, another set were engaged in building a commodious frame house a few rods farther north for a boarding house. This was completed first, and here was the first public preaching place. In fine weather, the preacher stood on a porch on the south side of the house, the congregation seated in the shade of a mammoth elm tree, apparently of several centuries' growth. In bad or indifferent weather, services were held in the large west room. The first preaching was done by an Episcopalian minister from Delaware, Mr. Fairfield, the first boarding-house keeper, and Mr. Howard, both being members of that denomination. Rev. James McElroy and Rev. Mr. French, being some that I recall. The second boarding-house keeper was Alex. Anderson, of Delaware, a Presbyterian, and while he was there, the people listened to Revs. Putnam and Henry Van Deman. During this time, a large Sunday school was in existence during the summer, held in the Meeker schoolhouse some distance north. Stratford was named July 4, 1841. a few months after the paper mills first burned out.

After some trouble in securing a site, work was started early in 1842, on what is now the present Methodist Episcopal Church at Stratford. This church was about midway between Delaware and the Cellar (Presbyterian) Church in Liberty Township. The first public service held in this new church building was on July Fourth, 1844, on the occasion of the celebration of the sixty-eighth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was filled from pulpit to the door. There was fine singing, an eloquent prayer, reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a grand oration by Rev. Adam Poe, of Delaware ; then a procession was formed which marched to the yard at the Meeker homestead, where, under the cedar trees, a great dinner was spread; after this was disposed of, some fancy drills were given by the Delaware Lancers under command of Captain Eugene Pi well. (This Fourth was on Thursday.) For nearly three years, the congregation and Sunday school continued like the small cloud, no larger than a man's hand, until the winter of 1846-47, when came what was popularly called for long years thereafter, "Pilcher's Revival." This meeting was opened early in January, 1847. and continued until "sugar making." At the same time, the Olentangy River was a mighty flood of waters. Rev. H. E. Pilcher, of Delaware, had general charge, while Methodist Episcopal ministers from Delaware, Professors in the College, students and local exhorters assisted. A long list of souls were happily converted and added to the church. It soon became under Methodistic control, and for some years, the congregation worshiping there was the largest of any single Methodist Episcopal Church in Delaware County. Through deaths, removals and other good reasons, for many years, the attendance has greatly decreased. Not long since the building was enlarged, improved, and will compare favorably with any in this section. It is attached to the Lewis Center Circuit, and the pastor, a Rev. Mr. Davis, is a good and worthy man residing there. The presiding elder, Rev. A. Mann, resides in Delaware.

In the winter of 1806-07, John Williams, a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, came to this locality and erected a cabin on the hill, near where the covered bridge crosses the Big' Walnut, at what was known as Williams' Ford. It was not until the summer of 1807 that he moved his family, consisting of his wife and ten children, into their new home. He found this country almost an unbroken wilderness, and, like a true, earnest pioneer, worked as well as prayed. In the daytime, the blows of his axe could be heard resounding through the woods, while in the evening he gathered his family about him and held a service of prayer. When Sunday came, he would repair to the home of one of the early settlers, and deliver a sermon to those who had assembled. His first sermon was preached in the cabin of Joseph Latshaw, on the farm now occupied by John Roberts. Mr. Williams was the first minister in the neighborhood, but lived only five years after he had erected his cabin.

The Rev. E. Washburn came with his wife to Genoa in the winter of 1816-17, when society and all else in this newly settled country was comparatively in a primitive state. Money was almost unobtainable, and the little in circulation was, in many instances, unstable and depreciated. Necessities were more difficult to secure than luxuries are now. Under such circumstances, and amidst these trying conditions, it would appear that a field of great usefulness was open to the advent of a man like Mr. Washburn. He was a universally esteemed and beloved father in the Presbyterian ministry, an ordained and appointed missionary of the Cross, but was solely dependent for support upon his labor and the voluntary contributions of the people among whom he devoted his untiring energies. At the time of his coming, there resided on Yankee Street only the families of Jonas Carter, John Curtis, William Hall. William Cox, Marcus Curtis, Johnson Pelton and Sylvester Hough. Previous to Mr. Washburn's arrival, there had been but one sermon preached by a Presbyterian clergyman within the present limits of the township, and not one had been preached upon the Sabbath day. He immediately commenced preaching throughout the regions which are now embraced in the townships of Blendon, in Franklin County. ( lenoa,

Berkshire and Trenton, in Delaware County, and continued so to preach until the year 1829 or 1830. He often spoke of the many acts of kindness and fraternal regard he and his family received from the hands of the early settlers and pioneers of the forest. Just previous to his coming, there had been organized by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, then of Delaware, a Presbyterian Church in Berkshire, the members of which were scattered over Genoa and adjoining townships, but on looking for the records, none were found; so that, in 1818, the church was again formally organized, and Samuel Thompson, Julius White and John Brown were chosen and ordained as its ruling elders. This society soon became absorbed in the Kingston and Genoa churches. A New School church was organized in 1837 by Rev. C. N. Ransom, with ten members. No church building was erected, and the society was dissolved in 1839. Mrs. Rachel Curtis, Mrs. Katy Curtis, Ralph Smith, William Hall and Alexander Smith were members of the Berkshire church, but resided in the vicinity. In 1830, the Presbytery set off the members who resided in the vicinity, and constituted them into a separate church, known as the "Presbyterian Church and Congregation of Genoa." The members who were thus set off were sixteen in number, and, as near as can possibly be ascertained, were Marcus Curtis and Katy, his wife, Ralph Smith, Rachel Curtis, William Hall, Alexander Smith, Nancy Allen, Freeman Chester, Simeon Chester and Clarissa, his wife, Diadatus Keeler, Eleazar Copeland, Obediah Seebring and Abigail, his wife. Mary Foote and Augustus Curtis. Just previous to this time, the Rev. Mr. Washburn was living upon a tract of land containing a few acres, which he had purchased and improved, situated on the farm then owned by William Hall, nearly opposite the road leading to the mill, a little north of Mr. Roberts' residence on Yankee Street. He continued to supply his neighborhood with preaching until some two years after he removed his residence to Blendon.

the Rev. Ahab Jinks being moderator, and Diadatus Keeler and Dr. Eleazar Copeland, elders. These men were appointed by the Presbytery, and as there is no mention made on the records of their ordination, it is presumed they were elders in the Leburn, or Blendon Church, at the time of their transfer to this organization. The Rev. Ahab Jinks continued to minister to the congregation until 1836, when he was succeeded by Rev. Calvin Ransom. During this year, fourteen members who resided in Trenton Township and its immediate vicinity, were set oft* and organized as the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton. In 1837, Mr. Jinks was again the stated supply, and so continued until 1841. During the year 1840, a protracted meeting was held, in which the Rev. Mr. Cable assisted the minister in charge. In 1842, the Rev. John McCutchen was their pastor, and continued to minister to the congregation one year. In 1844. the Rev. R. De Forrest came and preached as an evangelist for the space of about eight weeks. In the succeeding year, 1845, the Rev. Mr. Avery officiated, and continued his ministrations one, or perhaps, nearly two years. From the year 1845 to the >'ear '850, the congregation enjoyed the labors of the Rev. Mr. Whipple, Rev. Milton Starr and Rev. M. Brown. In 1850, the Rev. Warren Nichols occupied the pulpit and remained until about the close of the year 1852. In the summer of 1853, the Rev. David Coyner, then a licentiate of Franklin Presbytery, was employed, and continued his labors for two years and part of a third. From the fall of the year 1855 until the summer of 1856, the pulpit was vacant. At that time, the Rev. Homer McVey, then a student of Lane Seminary, during his vacation preached for the charge occasionally. August 1, 1856. the Rev. Warren Jenkins - from whose discourse delivered January 1, i860, has been gathered this information in relation to the church, and other items of interest - entered upon his labors, and, at the time this sermon was delivered, had supplied this congregation and that of Trenton alternately. Following him, and for the space of three years and five months thereafter, the Rev. Mr.

Coyner had charge, after which time for a number of yerirs the}' had no regular pastor. The following ministers have supplied the church since those above mentioned : Ebenezer Washburn, Hugh B. Scott, lohn Campbell, 1867-68; Levi P. Sabin (J. A. F. Cellars and Arnold Glass became elders in 1858), James A. Darrah, Wilson F. Cellar, H. j_. Nave, S. S. Aikman, 1885, the last minister. In the summer, however, they had a Sunday school. When the church was first organized', it held meetings in the schoolhouse then standing in the rear of the present residence of Augustua Curtis. In the year 1837-38, a house of worship was erected, and the same was dedicated the 8th of December, 1838. The society wras dissolved September, 1890. The house still stands, but is now used for a hay barn.

The Methodist Episcopal Church existed as an organization as early as 1840, worshiping in schoolhouses and cabins of the settlers. It was not until 1849, they commenced to build at Maxwell Corners a frame church at a cost of $800. The church was dedicated by an English minister named Taylor. The ministers who have held this charge are as follows: George G. West, Havens Parker. William Porter, Havens Parker, Samuel C. Riker, Martindale, Brown, Dr. Gurley, Hooper. Ellis, Adair, and Elliott. This denomination existed and worshiped in this church until about 1865. At that time, the ministers in charge, Revs. Adair and Elliott, declined preaching longer on account of political differences, and brought the matter before the Quarterly Conference. The conference decided the church to be a non-organized band, and appointed a committee, consisting of John Millicent, Bijah Mann and Eligah Adams, to sell the church edifice. This committee immediately advertised the church for sale, and H. Bennett bid it off for $336 for the Christian Union denomination, which had been formed out of the dissolution of the Methodist Episcopal Society. The church was then rededicated, about 1866, by the Rev. Green, from Columbus, who had organized it. The ministers that have officiated since its last organization are as follows :

Axd Representative Citizens

The first church or meeting-house built in this township was by the Methodists, in the year 1812, on the farm of Benajah Cook, Esq. It was a plain log house, small in size, and the first minister who officiated in it was the Rev. Daniel Bennett. For many years, there was regular preaching on "week days," once a month, and at first it belonged to the Columbus circuit, but afterward was attached to the YYorthington circuit. The congregation worshiped in this log house until 1838, when a new church was built upon the present site, about one-half mile north of Harlem. It is a large and commodious brick structure. The dedication sermon was preached by the Rev. Uriah Heath, of Worthington. At Centerville, the Methodists have a church, an offshoot of the Harlem Church, which was built about the year 1845. At first the congregation worshiped in a schoolhouse just east of the village, and the Campbellites also worshiped in the school house on alternate Sundays, and. on account of the difficulties that would sometimes occur between the respective congregations, it was called, in derision, "Confusion Schoolhouse." The present structure was built about 1855, at a cost of $1,600. The bell cost §372. This church was also dedicated by the Rev. Uriah Heath.

The Disciples, or Campbellites, organized a church in this township, in the year 1840. at the residence of Jonathan Bateson. The first organization consisted of nine members, as follows, viz. : James Oglesbee and wife, Jonathan Bateson and wife, James Beauseman and wife, C. D. Clark and Daniel Hunt and wife. The present church edifice is located about one mile east of Centerville, and cost $1,500. The membership is about seventy-five. A Sunday school is maintained, but there is no regular pastor at this time.

in the year 1861, the Old School Predestinarian Baptists organized a church, and built the church edifice in [868, the monej to build the same having been donated by Mrs. Huldah Fairchild. The first pastor was the Rev. John H. Biggs, followed by Elder Lyman B. Hanover. Jackson Hanover, his son, is now pastor.

The early settlers of this township were a God-fearing and Christian people, and believed implicitly in that religion that promises to the meek an earthly inheritance, and they brought with them the Bible, the prayer book and the hymn book, and they immediately applied themselves to the improvement of their homes, the construction of roads, and the building of churches and schoolhouses. For many years, religious services were conducted in private houses and in the early schoolhouses, and, when the weather was pleasant, meetings were held outdoors in the groves.

Kingston Presbyterian Church. This church was organized in 1818 by Rev. Ebenezer Washburn, who had come to Berkshire in 1817 and preached there and in Kingston Township. The first elders were John White, William Gaston and John Wan Sickle. Rev. Washburn supplied the church from 1818 to 1820, and William Matthews from 1821 to 1824. In 1822, the first church was built. In that year, the Presbyterians erected a log meeting-house near the center of the township, as well as the center of population at that time, on the present site of the Old Blue Church, the cognomen by which it is now so widely known; and. while this humble church edifice belonged exclusively to the Presbyterians, when not occupied by them its doors were thrown open for all denominations. The Presbyterians in numbers were the strongest and next in numerical strength were the Methodists, and then the Baptists. At this time, the church membership and the population were rapidly on the increase, and five years after this, in 1827, they raised by subscription the necessary amount to build on the old site a frame structure in place of the old one. This was quite an imposing church edifice for that day. Among the membership of this church, at this early day, were Moses Decker and wife, John Van Sickle and wife, John White and wife, Mr. Finley and wife, James Wheeler and wife, Isaac Finch and wife, Gilbert Potter and wife, John Brown and wife, Benjamin Benedict, William Wigton and his wife, Richard Waldron, Thomas Carney and his brother James and his wife, William Waldron and others. The Rev. Ahab Jinks was their pastor. When finished, all but the painting, a skillful painter was employed, who went to work, and soon had the outside painted a beautiful drab color. Not long after its completion, to the surprise of all. the color turned to a beautiful blue, which gave the church the church the name of the Blue Church, and it has ever retained that name, notwithstanding the change of color. This church was occupied until early in the 50's, when a new frame church was erected on the same ground. This church has been remodeled in 1907, and beautified, and is now a beautiful structure. Ahab Jinks supplied the church from 1827 to 1838. The membership at this time was one hundred and twenty-one. John Pitkins was pastor from 1841 to 1844; Ahab Jinks, second pastorate, from 1849 to J854; David McCarter from 1854 to i860; Calvin Mateer from 1861 to 1862 (Mr. Mateer afterwards went to China as a missionary and has done a great work in that country): Robert L. Adams, Sr., from 1863 to 1865; David H. Coyner from 1865 to 1866; J. L. Lower from 1868 to 1871 ; Rev. Best a short time; A. C. Crist from 1873 t0 1874; M. M. Lawson from 1875 to 1877; David H. Green from 1877 to ^78 ; John Mc- Dowell from 1878 to 1880; Nelson K. Crowe from 1881 to 1882; W. E. Thomas from 1883 to 1886; T. B. Atkins from 1887 to 1888; E. M. Scott from 1893 to 1900; Samuel Huecker from 1901 to 1906; H. Hoffman, a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University is the present supply. For Kingston New School, see Porter Township.

Corners. It was built in the year 1836, although the society that built it was organized ten years previous. The society held their meetings for many years in the old log schoolhouse, located on the first cross road west of Olive Green. This society also organized about the same time a Sabbath school, which was held in this schoolhouse. When the weather would permit, they would hold their quarterly meetings in a grove near by. where they had seats and a stand, and everything in readiness for the occasion ; but, when the weather was unfavorable or inclement, they used, by invitation, the Old Blue Church of the Presbyterians. The schoolhouse became too small to accommodate the congregation, and they changed their meetings to the dwelling- house of Mr. John Haselett. By his own personal effort, unaided by others, Mr. Haselett raised by subscription sufficient funds to build the church spoken of. The services of this congregation were irregular. The pastors who rode the circuit were compelled to hold meetings nearly every day of the week to get round once a month over their charge. Thus they were compelled to have week-day services and hold prayer meetings on the Sabbath. Moses Decker, the architect and builder of the Old Blue Church, was the architect and builder of the M. E. Church, aided by Mr. Reid M. Cutcheon. At this church the society met and worshiped for many years, when the question of repairing the old church came up ; it needed a new roof, re-plastering, re-seating and re-painting. All these needful repairs would cost nearly as much as a new church, with the assistance offered them; and then again, the congregation in numbers had outgrown the capacity of the church for their accommodation, and to repair it they thought would lie a useless expenditure of money and time. Olive Green is a village three-quarters of a mile distant, in Porter Township, and its citizens held out inducements to rebuild the church and locate it there. At a meeting of the society, the Board of Trustees were directed to rebuild the church at Olive Green, which was done accordingly; and the new and much more capacious edifice was erected in the year 1853. Many of the membership in the southern part of the township obtained their letters from the Olive Green charge and joined the M. E. Church at Berkshire.

The same year the Old Blue Church was built, Moses Decker, Isaac Finch, Samuel Finley and a few others, and their pastor. Rev. Mr. Jinks, came together and organized a Sunday school, and held it in the old log schoolhouse on the corner, near the church. It is thought this was the first Sabbath school organized in Delaware County. They organized at the same time the first Sunday school library in the county. It was made up of small Sabbath school books and kept by the superintendent, Mr. Decker, in a trunk. The M. E. Sabbath school was the second in order of time in the county, but it was organized several years afterward.

The first organized congregation of this township was the Liberty Presbyterian Church. This society was organized by Rev. Joseph Hughes in 1810, and was supplied by Rev. Hughes until his death in 1823. The session during the pastorate of the above and that of Henry Van Deman was united with the Delaware Church, and the first elders were Thomas Cellars, Josiah McKinnie, Leonard Munroe, James Gillis, Andrew Harter, S. W. Kuapp and Thomas C. Gillis.

The membership in 1837 was about one hundred. After the death of Rev. Hughes, Rev. Van Deman supplied the church until the division into New School and Old School in 1837. From this time there was a divided congregation, the elders of the New School party being Andrew Harter, S. W. Knapp, Seth S. Case. The membership in 1840 was seventy-one. The following ministers supplied the church : Joseph Labaree, James Brown, Charles W. Torrey. W. H. Brinkerhoff, Stilman Tucker, John \V. Thompson. About the year 1854, the society was dissolved, and some went to the Old School and some to the Second Church of Delaware.

The Old School branch continued to exist with the following elders: James Gillis, Thomas C. Gillis, Robert M. Cellar, and some others whose names could not be obtained The membership of this branch in 1840 was eighty, and in 1863 eighty. The church was without a pastor much of the time, but during this time, 1837 to reunion 1870, was supplied by the following ministers : John Pitkin, Rufus D. Antell, John D. Hervey, S. K. Hughes, David McCarter. At the reunion in 1870, there were one hundred and thirty members. At an early date a frame structure was erected on the west bank of the Olentangy River, eight miles south of Delaware. This building has been repaired, remodeled, and an addition added to it, so that at the present time, it is a beautiful building, and situated as it is, by the cemetery where are buried the old pioneers of this neighborhood, forms a sacred and attractive spot. A Sunday school was organized at an early date in connection with this church, and has been continuously maintained from the beginning with a very few interruptions. Since the reunion the church has been supplied by the following ministers in the order named : Henry Shedd, David Anderson, Thomas Hill, E. M. Shultz, Samuel P. Herron, W. F. Cellar. James Hickling. \Y. D. Wallace, J. M. Wylie and at present time by J.. G. Curry. May this church long live.

"Where cordial welcomes greet the guest, By the lone river of the west, Where faith is kept and truth revered, And man is loved and God is feared, In woodland homes."

Methodist Episcopal. Before any society of this denomination was formed; Rev. Mr. Beach and other itinerant ministers, preached in the neighbirhood at the homes of the pioneers. A local minister by the name of Bacon held meetings at the home of a Mr. Carpenter. The first society was organized by Rev. Mr. Emery at the home of Jarvis Buell about the year 1825. The society built its first house about 1840, a log structure just south of Pow- ell. It was christened Emery Chapel, in honor of Rev. Every, who had organized the society. In 1859, a new frame structure was erected just across the road from the first structure, under the pastorate of Rev. Levi Cunningham. This building was moved up to the village a few years ago, has been remodeled, and beautified, and is now the home of a flourishing society.

Hyattsville M. E. Church. This church was organized about twenty-five years ago, largely through the influence of H. A. Hyatt, D. E. Hughs, George Curmode, and others. A substantial frame structure was erected in the village of Hyattsville, H. A. Hyatt having donated the lot. The society is united under one pastorate with Faith Church of Delaware at this time, 1907, and Rev. Mr. Myers, a student of the "O. W. U." is their pastor.

A Baptist society was formed at an early date, probably as early as that of the Liberty Presbyterian society, but the details of this society cannot be obtained. It soon became a part of the Berlin Township society.

The old Baptist Church situated in what is now Troy Township, was the first to organize in Marlborough, Its history will necessarily fall within the historical limits of Troy. The Lutheran Church was situated just across the Olentangy River, east about a mile from Norton. The congregation used to worship in an old log schoolhouse, near where the present church now stands. Just when the organization took place cannot be ascertained, but the name of the first minister was Henry Cline, and it must have been at an early date. In the year 1X52, from some cause a revolt occurred en the part of some of the members, the result being the organization of the German Reform Church. The Germans immediately set to work and built a new frame church, which was dedicated by Prof. Loy in the year 1853, and the German Reform congregation, not to be outdone, put forth their energy and, in [855, also succeeded in building for themselves a frame church adjoining the Lutherans. It was dedicated the same year by J. G. Ruhl, who took charge as their .pastor, while the first minister in the new Lutheran Church was a man by the name of Gast. The little cemetery in the same lot in which the two churches stand is used conjointly by both congregations. The first interment in it was a man by the name of Snarr, who was buried there in 1835. He was poor and a stranger. Both societies built churches in Waldo, Marion County, where they are still flourishing. One of the old churches still stands by the cemetery.

The Baptist Church is situated in the village of Norton. The society was an offshoot from the Old Marlborough Baptist Church. The present building is a substantial frame structure, and was erected in 1859 and cost $1,200. It was dedicated in i860 by James Harvey, who used to preach at Delaware. The following are the names of the ministers since its foundation : James Harvey, Thomas Jenkins, Air. Weiter, C. King. Thomas Deal, Thomas Griffith. The church is without a regular pastor, but maintains a Sabbath school.

The Methodist Episcopal Church is a frame structure situated in the village of Norton, and was built in 1855, and dedicated by the Rev. Pilcher. There was an organization in existence some two years previous to this date, originated by the Rev. Plumer, and the class used to worship in schoolhouses and other convenient places. The church cost $1,200. The pulpit has been supplied of late quite frequently by students from the Universitv at- Delaware. S. W. Metz, of the "O. W. U.," is the present supply.

The Wyatt Cemetery is the historical burying place of this vicinity. It is situated across the line in Marion County, being located in that part of Marlborough set (iff to that county in 1848, and the white marble slabs mark the resting place of the earliest settlers of Marlborough Township. Here lie the Wyatts, Drakes, Brundiges, and others whose names are familiar to the reader. The cemetery is pleasantly situated on a knoll near where the old fort once stood, and in sight of the mili- tary road. The occasion of the first burial in this cemetery cannot be ascertained, as a number of the soldiers of 1812 found their last resting" place amidst the evergreens that adorned its surface.

The Methodist denomination was probably the first church influence that found its way into the wilderness of Orange Township. A Methodist settlement on the east of Alum Creek is among the earliest traditions, and a church of that denomination was established in this neighborhood as early as 1828. They erected a church building which still stands, and fell in the hands of the United Brethren denomination. About 1847, another church was organized at Williamsville, but seems to have died out at an early day. In 1843. the fierce agitation of the slavery question in that body throughout the land, culminated here, as in many other places, in a separation - the anti-slavery portion organizing the \Vesieyan Church. Their first services were held in a calbin on the flats, near the present residence of Samuel Patterson, with Rev. Mr. Street as pastor. This church started with a membership numbering twenty-nine, which has since increased to one hundred. In 1876. they built a modest building on the hill, at a cost of $800. About five years ago the church was remodeled, and modern windows and seats substituted for the old. and the house heated by a furnace, making it a convenient and pleasant church. Rev. E. F. Calhoun is pastor at this time. A good parsonage has also been secured for the use of the pastor. In 1864, a Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Lewis Center, with a membership of twelve, which has since increased to one hundred members. Their building, winch cost at war prices $2,600. was dedicated November 4. 1866. In 1871. a parsonage was built, at a cost of $2,000. Since its organization, the church has maintained a Sunday school without a break, which now numbers about ninety members. Rev. F. D. Davis is now pastor.

A United Brethren Church was organized at Williamsville in 1877. This church occupied the building erected some years before by the M. E. Church, but disbanded about 1895. .

Friends' Church. About 1900, a society of Friends was organized in this neighborhood and in 1904 erected a new building costing $4,100. This work was the result of a revival. The membership at present is fifty-five. They have no regular pastor at this time.

The earliest church organization in Oxford Township was the Methodist Episcopal Church. A society of this denomination was organized at Winsor Corners as early as 181 5. They accommodated themselves as the circumstances of the case afforded until 1857. when they built a neat frame building, which was dedicated by Elder Harvey Wilson. In February, 1839, Rev. E. S. Gavitt, of this denomination, came from Muskingum County and bought the Houston farm, situated about three-quarters of a mile southeast of Ashley. In the following year, with considerable ministerial enterprise, in company with the Shoemaker family, he erected a log church a few rods north of his home. The logs were hewn square on the inside. Mr. Gavitt dedicated the building and conducted services in it and about here until he died in 1892, aged eightynine, at home. He was respected and there is scarcely a family within a radius of five miles of his home, but that sometime or other called upon him to marry the living or bury the dead.

The church thus organized held its services in the old log house until the spring oi 1852, when the meetings were transferred to Ashley. Here the church occupied the 1< *g house built by Robert Brown for a dwelling, and afterward the town schoolhouse until April, 1855, when they bought the building used by T. Chapman as a residence. In December, 1866, the church sold this building, and, from that time until 1868, they used the Presbyterian place of worship, which they finally bought, using it until about 1896, when they erected a brick church, costing $5,000. The first regular pastor was the Rev. L. Warner. The present pastor is Rev. E. B. Shumaker ; the present membership is one hundred and twenty.

From the remains of an Episcopal Methodist society, which had existed for some years in the Alum Creek district, slavery having something to do with its disorganization, the Wesleyan Methodist Church in East Oxford Township, Delaware County, Ohio, was organized in the year 1862-3, by Rev. George W. Bainum. It consisted of about twelve members, among whom were Henry Bell and daughter Sarah, Samuel Nelson, Israel Potter and wife, Solomon Shoemaker and wife and Vinol Thurston. A revival the next year resulted in about thirty additions to the membership. Among those since prominent in the affairs of the church were Edmon Scott and wife, Noah Whipple and wife, Henry T. Crist and family, George White and family, William Thurston and family, William Nelson and family. John McCurdy and wife. Rev. 11. R. Smith and family. Adolphus Crist and family and Mrs. Frank Westbrook and children. The present church building was dedicated February 9, 1868, by Rev. George W. Bainum, who preached from the text, "Lord, send now prosperity." The church has been served by the following persons as pastors : Rev. George W. Bainum, Richard Horton, Evans Thompson, Thomas Hicks, William Sewell, I. J. Xonrse, Henry R. Smith, T. H. Teter, Levi White, M. Friedley, I. W. "Rice, O. H. Ramsey. Ralph Davy and C. H. Whetnall. Revs. Horton, Sewell and Smith each served two pastorates.

The Baptist Church was organized in the Ashley neighborhood in June of 1835, ')V Rev. Daniel Thomas. Seven years later, the society built a frame building near the present site of the cemetery. Here they worshiped until 1 85 1. when they moved their building to Ashley, where it still serves them as a place of

On April 27, 1852, a committee, consisting of Rev. Henry Shedd, Rev. John W. Thompson, Rev. William S. Spaulding, and Elders John Mateer and John McElroy. having been appointed by the Franklin Presbytery to go to Ashley to establish a Presbyterian Church, met and proceeded to organize a society as directed. The first elders were Z. P. Wigton and Henry Slack. On May 24, 1857, James M. Eckles was added to the list of elders. Rev. Henry Shedd was the first minister of the church. In the summer of 1853, the society purchased Lot No. 2j, in Ashley, and two years later built a place of worship, which they used until 1868. Six years later, the society sold this building to the Methodists and erected a neat brick building, costing $3,000, in which they still worship. Its present membership is twenty. The following persons have ministered to the congregation : Henry Shedd, 1852-53; Stilman Tucker, 1854-55; Homer McVey, 1857-61; John O. Hall, 1862-63; Thomas J. Domeny. 1865-66; John McCutcheon, 1870-73; Horace Snodgrass, a short time; Milton McMillen, 1874; A. C. Crist, a short time in 1875; Russel A. McKinley, 1876-77; David H. Green. 1878; W. E. Thomas, 1879-1883; Isaac I. Holt, 1885; Robert Colmey, 1891 ; E. M. Scott, 1893-98; C. O. Anderson, 1889-1902; Samuel Heucker, 1903-05; the present pastor, John R. Lloyd.

Friends' Church. More than twenty years ago, two ministers, Revs. Noah McClain and Willis, of the Friends denomination, held revival services in Ashley, and the result was a large number of conversions. These converts were organized into a Society of Friends, and soon proceeded to erect a large and commodious frame building which has been their home since that time. The society is not as prosperous as formerly, but still maintains services and a Sabbath school. Miss Geyer ministers to them at this time, 1908.

society soon after the division of the church, probably in 1837 or 1838. John Van Sickle, Muses Decker and a Air. Richards were the first elders, and soon after Charles M. Fowler became an elder. Rev. Abner B. Chapman was their first minister in the years 1838-1X44. The membership at that time was fifty-four. The church was at first named Kingston, as man}- of the members, probably a majority, of the Kingston Church (Old School) had joined with this society, and there were two organizations claiming the name Kingston. A frame church edifice was erected in East Liberty, Porter Township, and the church was called Kingston and Porter, but afterwards the name Kingston was dropped and the church ever since has been known as the Porter Church. The principal parties in the building of the church were Mr. John Van Sickle, Charles M. Fowler, William Gaston, Isaac Finch, Jesse Finch, Charles Wilcox, George Blainev and others. They at once organized a Sabbath school in connection with the church, which for several years prospered, and was productive of great good. In the year 1864. the same parties who built this place of worship laid out and established a cemetery just east of the church and town of East Liberty, in which the remains of many of those most conspicuous and enterprising in the construction of the church and the Sabbath school now sleep. The church still stands, has been repaired several times, and is now in a good condition. Services are still maintained, but the society is not in as prosperous a condition as in some former years. The following ministers have supplied the church since Rev. Chapman's time :

Olive Green M. E. Church. For the history of this church, see Kingston Township. The society is in a flourishing condition, and Rev. C. A. Edington, a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University, is their pastor at this date, 1908.

Mt. Pleasant M. E. Church. This organization first used the Old School Presbyterian building in Trenton Township, but afterwards moved to Porter Township, and became known as the Mt. Pleasant Church. The present frame building" was erected about 1868. An incident occurred in connection with the erection of this building worthy of mention. The night after the frame was raised a wind storm came up and blew it down, much to the discouragement of the congregation. They, however, pressed on, and the church was dedicated about one year after this event. As was the custom at that day. a cemetery was located by the church, the land being donated by William Baker. In this cemetery nearly all the old settlers are buried. Rev. C. A. Edington is pastor at this date.

Advent Christian Church. This society was organized August 27, 1890, and a frame church edifice was erected in 1891. on land donated by Samuel Clawson. on the road leading from Olive Green to Rich Hill. The building was dedicated November 27th by Elder Shamhart. The membership at that time was twenty, at the present time it is about eighty. They have no regular pastor at present.

Porter Congregational Church. A church of this order was maintained for a short time. Charles Wilcox. Liman C. Meeker and Morgan Johnston were prominent members. A frame building was erected in Olive Green, but the society did not flourish and became extinct about 1873, and the members for the most part connected with the Porter Presbyterian Church at East Liberty. The church building was sold for a Township House and is now used for that purpose.

The Baptist was the first religious society organized in the township. It was constituted May 4, 1816, in a log schoolhouse, on land owned by William Lawrence, Esq. The council consisted of Elder Henry George, of Knox County; Elder William Brundage. and Brethren Cole, Dix, Bush and Wilcox, of Marlborough Church, and Elder Drake, and Brethren Monroe and Phelps, of Liberty Church. The constituting members were John Philips and Hannah, his wife, William David, Thomas Walling, David Penry and his wife, Mary ; James Gallant, Eleanor Lodwig. Daniel Bell. Reuben Stephens and his wife. Elizabeth, eleven in all. They had no pastor for two years; Elders Drake, George and Brundage supplied the church with preaching once a month. From 1818 to 1824, Elder Drake served the church as pastor, and his labors were greatly blessed. In 1827, the church called the Rev. Jesse Jones, at a salary of $100 a year, one-fourth in money, the rest in trade. He was an able preacher in Welsh and English, a scholar and a faithful pastor. He served the church acceptably for two years, and returned to Oneida County, Xew York, where he died, an old man and full of years, honored and beloved by all who knew him. In 1830, Elder Thomas Stephen, recently from Wales, an eloquent and earnest preacher, was called to the pastorate and served the church for six years. He is now living in Oregon, enjoying the eventide of a long and useful life. Rev. William Terrer and Rev. Thomas Hughes preached for several years in the Welsh language. In 1836, Elder Elias George was called and labored successfully until 1842. Since that time, the following ministers have labored in the service of the church: Rev. lames Frew Rev. F. V. Thomas. Rev. D. Pritchard, Rev. T. R. Griffith, Rev. R. Evans, Rev. R. R. Williams. Rev. E. B. Smith. Rev.

The first deacons chosen at the organization of the church in 1816 were John Philips and David Davies. The first house of worship was built of logs, 20x22 feet, and located near the graveyard. The settlers, without regard to denomination, were glad to help build the house of the Lord. Each one brought a few logs already hewed, and assisted in the raising and' completing of the tabernacle of the Most High. The memory of that old log church is yet fragrant, and cherished by the descendants of those whose piety and zeal secured its erection. In 1833. the congregation built, near the site of the log, chapel, a neat stone edifice 30x40 feet, and, in 1867, the present house of worship, of brick, was built at the cost of $4,500. This venerable church of Christ, numerically strong and spiritually prosperous in sixty-three years of its existence, welcomed into its fellowship and communion over five hundred members ; ordained four ministers, and sent out five of her sons to preach the Gospel, one of whom, Rev. W. Williams, is a very successful missionary in India ; another, Rev. C. D. Morris, became an esteemed pastor of the First Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio. In January, 1901, the brick church burned down, and a lot was secured a little east of the cemetery, and in 1902, a more commodious brick structure was erected costing $13,000. The present membership is one hundred and seventy-five, and the pastor is Rev. L. Dickerson.

The Methodist Episcopal Church had its representatives in Radnor at an early day. Tradition informs us that, in an early period of our religious history, an itinerant preacher found his way to the settlement and preached unto the people the word of the Lord. The cabin of Henry Perry, who was a Wesleyan. afforded a house for the faithful herald of the Cross, and there the first Gospel sermon was preached in the township - probably as early as 1 80S. Several years afterward, the cabin of Elijah Adams became a regular preaching place, and a class was formed. Among the first members were Henry Perry and wife.

Elijah Adams and wife. Robert Perry and John Hoskins. In 1827, the writer attended a quarterly meeting held in the double log barn on the farm of Elijah Adams. With other boys, he sat in the hay-mow. for the crowd tilled the barn floor and stable to their full capacity. The seraphic Russell Bigelow was the preacher. His text was, "Which things the angels desire to look into." - I Peter, 1, 12: and his theme, "The marvels of redemption." On the mind of a boy seventeen vears old, instructed in the teachings of the Bible concerning the redeeming work of Christ, and in full sympathy with the eloquent preacher and his theme, the effect of this discourse was powerful and enduring. In 1838, a frame meeting-house was built, and the congregation supplied with preaching regularly. A Sunday school was established about this time, with Robert Perry as superintendent. Besides the persons already named as the early Methodists of Radnor, may be enrolled George Wolrley, Duncan Campbell. David and Ebenezer Williams, John Owens. David Lewis and families. In 1855. the brick meeting-house was erected - evidence of the growth and prosperity of the church. This is the building occupied at this date. 1907, and the society is still prospering.

The Radnor Welsh Congregational Church was another of the early established churches in this township. From 1818. when a large accession was made to the Welsh population of Radnor, meetings for prayer and religious conference were held in the Welsh language. These services were held in the cabin home- -1 the settlers, and sometimes in the log chapel, through the courtesy of the Baptist Church. In 1820. Rev. James Davies, of Aberhaferp. North Wales, organized a Congregational Church at the cabin of John Jones (Penlan). The original members were William Penry and his wife, Mary (who died in 1878. aged ninety-two years). John Jones (Penlan), and Mary, his wife. Margaret Morgan. D. Morgan and wife, John A. Jones and wife. J. Jones (Penlan), and Walter Penry were chosen deacons. Mr. Davies, the pastor of this little flock in the wilderness, was a good scholar, educated in the Theological Seminary in North Wales, and an eloquent preacher. In 1822, he received a call to the city of New York, and labored there until 1828, when he returned to Radnor and served the church for rive years. In 1825, Rev. James Perregrin. from Domgay, North Wales, came to Radnor and preached with acceptance for two years. In 1827, Rev. Thomas Stephens, from Oneida County, New York, accepted a call and labored with success for one year. In 1838, Rev. Rees Powell, from South Wales, became pastor of the church, and continued until 1852. Under his labors the church increased. In 1841, the frame meeting-house, 30x40 feet, was built. At the time, this was a great undertaking, but the people had a heart to work and to give, so that in 1842 the dedication services were held - a memorable and interesting occasion. In 1853, Rev. Evans was called, and served the church for three years, preaching in Welsh and English with encouraging results. In 1857, Rev. Rees Powell was recalled, and labored successfully for five years. In 1863, Rev. James Davies, formerly from Hanfair. North Wales, but for several years the efficient pastor of the Welsh Church at Gomer, Allen County, Ohio, was called. During his pastorate, the brick meeting-house was built at a cost of $3,000. On the 7th of April, 1867, twenty-three members were received into the church on profession of faith in Christ, the fruits of a gracious revival. The same year, the useful and venerated pastor died, aged seventy-one years. His grave is in the midst of his people in the old cemetery, honored by a beautiful monument placed there by his sons, James and Benjamin Davies. In 1870. Rev. Thomas Jenkins, of Johnstown. Pennsylvania, was called, and his useful pastorate continued eight years. His successor was Rev. Mr. Evans, who was followed by Rev. J. P. Davis. Rev. J. B. Stevenson, and Rev. Benjamin Harris, the present pastor.

The Radnor Presbyterian Church was organized, in the Dunlap neighborhood, between what is now known as the Stone Church and the village of Radnor, formerly called Delhi. A hewed log church was erected in

1820, in a sugar-grove on the farm of Joseph Bunlap and was widely known as the Dunlap meeting-house. This was the home of B. W. Chidlaw, afterwards so widely known as a minister, and State superintendent of the Ohio Sunday School Association, also as the author of "The Story of My Life." Services were often held in the Welsh language. Conditions changed, and the congregation changed the locality and built the stone church in Scioto Township, and further history of this church will be found in the history of that township.

The Protestant Episcopal was another of the early church organizations of this section of the county. In 1836 Rev. Abraham Edwards, a native of Wales, educated at Kenyon College, and a minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church, labored in Radnor, preaching in the Welsh language. A church was established and a house of worship erected. David E. Jones, Richard Savage. William Watkins and Joseph Cox were the vestrymen. In a few years Mr. Edwards left the field, and after his departure, having no regular services, the church disbanded.

Delhi, now Radnor Presbyterian Church. This church was organized April 23, 1849 (New School), by Reverends Henry Shedd, E. W. Torrey and W. S. Spaulding and Elder D. Davids, committee of Presbytery (Franklin N. S.) with twenty-two members. The first elders were Robert Davis. Thomas Cratty and Dr. Albert Mann. The brick church was erected in 1854. The church is still occupied, having recently been re-roofed, papered and otherwise repaired. The church prospered, so that in i860 there were one hundred and two members, and at the time of the reunion of the New School and the Old School, there were ninety-eight members. The community was largely composed of Welsh people and they were a church-going community. Four churches have been maintained in this little village through all these years, and many able and distinguished ministers have supplied these churches. In recent years, through the changes in the community the Presbyterian Church has not been able to keep up its membership with that of former years. The following ministers have supplied this church: Reverends Shedd. Spaulding, O. H. Newton, Evan Evans, Homer McVey, David M. Wilson, Samuel D. Smith. D. S. Anderson, Chester H. Perkins, Nelson H. Crowe, Thomas Hill, Robert A. Watson, Thomas J. Cellar, Frank S. Kreager, A. D. Hawn, and John R. Lloyd, the ' present pastor.

The Welsh Presbyterian is of more modern organization than any other of the Radnor churches. Many of the Welsh settlers were members of the Calvinistic Methodist Church in Wales, but for many years they had no distinctive church relations, but united cheerfull)' with the American Presbyterians or the Welsh Congregationalists. About the year 1N50. it was determined to secure a church, and they occupied the Episcopal building. In faith and church government, the Welsh Calvinist Methodists are almost identical with the Presbyterian Church in this country, and therefore they have adopted the name, and they maintain a correspondence with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, by sending and receiving fraternal delegates, and their young men are educated for the ministry in Presbyterian theological seminaries. The pastors of this church have been Welsh-speaking ministers, good and faithful shepherds of the flock of Christ. Among them may be named Rev. Hugh Roberts, Rev. William Parry, and Rev. Daniel Thomas. In 1877 the congregation built a house of worship, a neat and beautiful temple consecrated to the services of God and the promotion of religion in the community. Their Sunday school was conducted in the Welsh language and is attended by the parents as well as the children, a feature which everywhere characterizes Welsh Sunday schools, in Wales and in the Welsh settlements in this country. The children did not take to the Welsh service and the congregation declined, and in 1892 ceased to hold services. Evan I. Jones secured the house, remodelled it, and now occupies it as a dwelling house.

a Welsh name which means "At the foot of the hill," a name given in memory of the Welsh church in Wales from which the early settlers had come. Before the organization was effected the Welsh settlers were accustomed to meet in their homes for service, and especially in the home of David Perry. The services were held in the Welsh language. The society was formed in 1839. A hewed log church was erected about 1S46 on the lot near by where the brick church now stands, on the Delaware and Warrensburg road, about midway between Delaware and the above village. This log building was used for about ten years, when the present brick building was erected. A lot for a cemetery was purchased at the time when the first building was erected, and in this lot many of the old time settlers are buried. Services and a Sabbath school have been maintained from the beginning. There were thirty members at the time of the organization, and there are ninety at present The minister who supplies the congregation at Radnor preaches for this society in the afternoon. The following ministers have supplied this church : Rev. Powell, Rev. D. A. Evans, Rev. J. B. Davis, Rev. James V. Stephens, and Benjamin Harris, the present pastor, and earlier probably some others.

The first Sunday school in Radnor was established April 18, 1829, in the log meetinghouse. A constitution was adopted and signed by forty-two members, constituting the "Radnor Sunday School Union," John N. Cox and Mi rgan Williams were chosen superintendents, and B. W. Chidlaw. secretary and treasurer. The payment of twenty-five cents constituted any person a member. The original records, still extant, show that the school was eminently successful. The following were the teachers : John Lodwn'g, John Cadwalader, B. W. Chidlaw, David Kyle, Miss M. A. Adams. Mary Foos and Nancy Wolfley. Primers, spellers and the Bible were the text-books. The records show- an attendance of from seventy to ninety scholars. One Sunday six hundred and nine verses of Scripture were recited from memory, and in five months a total of 6,990 verses. In May, 1829, the treasurer went on horseback with a large leather saddle-bag to Gambier, Knox County, Ohio, and invested $6.75 in books published by the American Sunday School Union, and sold by Prof. Wing, of Kenyon College, an early and faithful friend of Sunday schools in Central Ohio. The books were of good service to the youth of Radnor, as they greatly needed such valuable helps in acquiring a taste for mental and moral improvement, and storing their minds with religious knowledge.

-In after y«ars. as churches were organized, other Sunday schools were established and exerted a wide and blessed influence on the rising generation. These schools have been conducted in the Welsh and English languages; popular sentiment has always been in their favor. At present five Sunday schools are sustained in the township, and are accomplishing much good.

The first religious services held in' Scioto Township were in the cabins of Richard Hoskins and Zachariah Stevens. The date of these first meetings cannot be definitely settled, but the facts gathered indicate as earlv as 1810.

In the year 1814 or 181 5, three Presbyterian families, viz. : William C ratty. John Lawrence and Andrew Dodds, settled in the neighborhood of Little Mill Creek, and at first connected with the church at Delaware, which church was prospering under the ministry of Rev. Joseph Hughs. The journey to Delaware in those days was quite an undertaking, as they were compelled to ford the Scioto River, which at certain times was dangerous or impossible. When these pioneers could not reach Delaware, the next most available place of worship was a log meeting-house on Big Darby, in Union County. The only route to this place was a trail through the dense woods. About the year 1816, several other Presbyterian families were added to the Little Mill Creek settlement, and a number located on the Scioto River. With these acquisitions, it was deemed advisable to organize in a separate church. A meeting was held and the proper authorities petitioned for the privilege which was granted, but with the proviso that they should join with the families of Radnor Township and that the church be known as the Presbyterian Church of Radnor. This was acceded to, and the organization consummated in the year 1816.

This connection continued until 1834, when those of Little Mill Creek neighborhood, having received many accessions, were organized in a separate church by the authority of the Presbytery of Columbus, November 9. 1834, and the name of the new organization was to be the Little Mill Creek Presbyterian Church. The following are the names of the original members : James Dean, Hannah Dean, Hannah R. Dean, James Flanegin, Margaret Flanegin, William Cratty, St., Sarah Cratty, William Porter, Samuel D. Dean, Eleanor Cratty. William M. Flanegin. Jane Flanegin, Mary Flanegin, Nancy M. Flanegin, William

C. Dodds, Mary Dodds, Joseph Lawrence, Mary Lawrence. Elmer Winget, Alexander Ross, Nancy Ross. Sarah Dodds. These persons were transferred from the churches of Radnor, Delaware and Marysville. William Cratty, Sr., William Porter and William C. Dodds were elected elders.

A church building of hewn logs was erected about one-half mile north of Ostrander. and just north of what was then known as Edenburg, and where the cemetery is located. This was the first house of worship erected in Scioto Township. It was not provided with permanent seats for some time, in consequence of which, during service the congregation presented a novel appearance, each providing liis own seat, being chairs used in their wagons when riding to and from church. This church was torn down. The first minister secured was in 1836. being the Rev. James Perigrin, who also supplied the church of Marysville. He supplied the church only eight months, then gave all his time to Marysville. In the fall of 1837. the churches were again united, and secured the services of Rev. W.

In the year 1862 a new building was erected in Ostrander and the name was changed to the Ostrander Presbyterian Church. At this time Rev. W. Mitchell was in charge. He was followed by Rev. O. H. Newton, Henry Shedd, Mason, Horace Snodgrass, John Price, Thomas Hill, Elias Thompson, A. C. Crist, M. W. Brown, William Wilson. J. P. Warren. A. M. Chapin and J. S. Galbreath. who is pastor at this time, 1907. During the pastorate of Thomas Hill, a good parsonage was erected. The membership at present is about one hundred. A Sabbath school was organized in the year 1827, and probably has not failed to meet every Sabbath since, only a few times, when prohibited by the prevalence of small-pox. This school is also the first Sabbath school organized in the township.

The Baptist Church was organized in 1828. Previous to this date a minister by the name of Drake had held meetings in the cabins of the early settlers, and seems to have agitated the question of an independent church. The first permanent organization took place about the year 1835 or 1836, with a membership of eighteen. About this time a log meeting-house was erected on the north bank of Mill Creek, one mile south of Ostrander. In the year 1853 a substantial brick church was erected to take the place of this structure. This building was occupied until 1889, when it was torn down and a substantial frame building was erected in Ostrander, where the congregation of more than one hundred members now worship. Probably more than eight hundred members have been received into the church, either by baptism or certificate.

The Protestant Methodist Church was formed by members who had become dissatisfied with the M. E. denomination, and formed a society and built a frame structure in Millville in 1844. The building was small and another larger building was erected in 1857, and dedicated by Rev. Thomas Graham. The society soon began to decline and is now extinct. The old building is still standing in \\ arrensburg, a relic of the past.

composed of those who favored peace and not war. They first met in the Methodist Protestant Church at Millville, now Warrensburg. It was in that church that a few gathered on August 5, 1866, to hear the Rev. James F. Givin, of Columbus. The first council met about 1867, and engragred the Rev. W. W. Lacy to preach for them at $300 per annum. From that date until 1869 the membership increased rapidly and a good frame church was erected that year, costing about $1,400, and was dedicated by Rev. George Stevenson. This prosperity did not last long, and the decay was as rapid as its growth. The following ministers served the charge from its beginning to its dissolution: Rev. W. W. Lacy, G. W. Hagans, J. W. Hoskins, Purdy King, and Hanawalt. The church building still stands at Warrensburg. and for several years was looked after by Dr. Mclntire until his recent death. It is now offered for sale.

The Wesleyan Methodist originated from a series of union meetings which were held with the Presbyterian Church at Edenburg, or Fairview, in the year 1854. With the zeal characteristic of a new enterprise, although few in numbers, they set to work and built a substantial frame church located about one mile west of Ostrander, which was dedicated with imposing ceremonies in 1859. But soon after the War of 1861-65 tne zeal began to decline, and by the year of 1870 the fire had gone out, and the Wesleyan organization had become a thing of the past.

The Methodist Episcopal. Before the dissolution of the Wesleyan Society the Methodist Episcopal Society had sprung into existence. It continued to grow, and finally absorbed the remnant of the Wesleyan Society. It soon became necessary to dispose of their building, and it was donated to the "M. Es." in 1870 on the following conditions, viz.: That they would move the building to a suitable location in the town of Ostrander. The proposition was accepted, and in compliance it was moved about half-way toward the town, when for want of funds to defray the expense it was deposited in a field where it remained for two years. About 1873 or 1874 Mr. Welsh, of

Delaware City, took the matter up and had it moved to its present location on North Street, and is now owned by the United Brethren Church. The church was dedicated and was supplied by Rev. Boyer, William Dunlap, Prof. W. W. Davies, now of the Ohio Wesleyan University, J. W. Donnan, and Lucas Crawford, and after that, until the society ceased to be active, by students of the University. In 1888 the United Brethren organized a society, under the ministry of Rev. E. Barnard. This society bought the property and it is now a flourishing congregation under that denomination. The Methodists also formed an organization at White Sulphur Station, about the year 1837. Its first meetings were held in a little log house. About the year 1864 and 1865 a good frame structure was erected, costing them $1,000. The society ceased to flourish and was disbanded and the building fell in the hands of a Mrs. Thompson, who afterwards sold it and gave the money to the Radnor Stone Church, with the understanding that that church should bear the name, the Radnor Thompson Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church also early formed an organization near Millville, in what is known as the Newhouse neighborhood. A good frame church was erected and dedicated in 1869, about one mile west from Warrensburg. The congregation soon centered at Warrensburg, and erected a substantial frame structure in that village. This is now the only Methodist Episcopal Society in the township, but is in a flourishing condition. About the year 1893 the building west of the village was repaired and is now known as the W. C. T. U. Hall, the society which had charge of making these repairs.

The United Brethren Church. A society of this denomination was organized about the fifties, in the neighborhood half-way between Ostrander and Warrensburg. A frame structure was erected and dedicated in the year 1866, by Bishop Weaver of the North Ohio Conference: Previous to this time, the meetings were held in the school house which stands near by the present church, or in the homes of the farmers. The first minister who held this charge was Chancy Barlow. This congregation is now united with the Ostrander United Brethren Church (already mentioned) as one pastoral charge.

In following through the history of the settlement of this township, it will he noticed that but comparatively few families found homes here at so early a period as in adjoining townships, anil it was m.it until a late date that a sufficient number had been added to the neighborhood to enable themlfc 1 support those institutions that are necessary adjuncts to the well-being of all civilized communities. It is not surprising then that churches and schools were not instituted here until after they were enjoyed in almost every other locality throughout the country, Radnor and Scioto Townships being contiguous, afforded opportunities for those living in Thompson for worship, and it was to churches in these localities that the good people would make their regular Sunday journey. These, of course, were at times attended with some difficulties. The Scioto River intervened between Radnor and Thompson; this had to be forded, which in times of high water was not only a dangerous undertaking, but in the flooded stages impossible. Thus were the devout who journeyed in that direction either compelled to forego their accustomed pilgrimage to the temple of God. or avail themselves of similar privileges afforded in Scioto. It was not until about the year 1840, that religious organizations began to take shape here. About this time, the New Lights or Christians formed their society, and in 1843 erected a church on Tau Way Run, the Rev. Isaac Walters officiating as their first minister. Here they held their services until 1873. when the church burned down, it is thought through the act of an incendiary. Nothing daunted, and with commendable zeal, they immediately commenced their plans for '. new building, and this they completed in 1875. the site being one mile west of the old church. Since that the society has been disbanded.

The Methodist Episcopal organization, ii is supposed by some, existed prior to that of the Christian, but this is in doubt. The first meetings of the Methodists were held at the residence of Joseph Russell, and then in a small log church put up by them, in union with the Disciple Society. In this they worshipped under ministrations of the Rev. Ebenezer Webster, who was on the Richwood Circuit, this charge having been placed under that jurisdiction. A few years later, they were changed to the Delhi Circuit, and the congregation assembled at the house of Henry C. Flemming to hear the "word expounded," changing occasionally to other conveniently situated residences, and at times holding services in the neighborhood school house. In 1867 the}' were again changed, at which time the little charge was placed on the Prospect or Middletown Circuit, and there they gathered together in their little circles, constant in their adherence to faith and duty. During this unsatisfactory state of affairs, in 1868, they began agitating the question of building a church 01 their own. Accordingly one-fourth of an acre, situated on the State road, a short distance north of the covered bridge, was bought for a site, including space for a burying-ground. A subscription having been raised, work was immediately commenced for the construction of a frame building that would amply satisfy the wants of the people. At this time the society embraced in its membership but two male members, Henry C. Fleming and James Maize. To them belong a great share of the credit for the present prosperous condition of the organization. However, the ladies, constituting as they did a large majority of its strength, must have wielded an influence in shaping the course of affairs that cannot be ignored, and to them, undoubtedly, is due great praise for their active co-operation in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the society. The new church was finished the latter part of December, 1869, and dedicated the first day of January, 1870. by Rev. Benjamin Powell, at that time on the Delhi Circuit, Rev. Caleb Hill being the pastor in charge at the time.