Fairfield County, Ohio - Chapter 13: Religious Development, 1912

Chapter 13: Religious Development

Sketches of the Various Churches and Religious Societies in Lancaster - The Lancaster Camp Meeting and Assembly - Rev. Geo. H. Leonard, D. D. - Tidlius Clinton O'Kane.

First Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, Lancaster, Ohio - At a session of the quarterly conference of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Lancaster, Ohio, held October, 9, 191 1, a resolution was passed authorizing the celebration of the one hundreth anniversary of the founding of Methodism in Lancaster, the celebration to be held in the First Methodist Episcopal church during the year A. D., 19 12. A committee consisting of James T. Pickering, Joseph S. Sites and Amos Thomas was then appointed to co-operate with the pastor of the church. Rev. Charles Bertram Pyle in the preparation of a program for the occasion.

With a desire to perpetuate the memory and the heroic deeds of the consecrated men of God who planted Methodism in this section of the country, the committee submitted, with the centennial program, a history of the founding and progress of Methodism in Lancaster, Ohio, from which we quote in part.

The great Ordinance of 1787, guaranteeing civil and religious liberty to the vast territory north of the Ohio river, was passed July 13, 1787. In that same year the Methodist Episcopal conference in session at Petersburg, Virginia, organized what was known as the Ohio Circuit, or district, covering portions of Virginia and the country north of the Ohio river. At that conference two young men, Charles Conaway and George Callahan were admitted on trial and were assigned as the first preachers on the Ohio Circuit or district of which Joseph Cromwell was then made the Presiding Elder. They were followed on this Circuit by other heroic and consecrated men, as follows, the names being given in the order of their appointment: Richard Pearson, John Todd, Thomas Carroll, Daniel Fidler, William Mcl^nahan, Thomas Raymond, I. Lemford, L. Mathews, Daniel Hitt, Samuel Hitt, Andrew Nichols, John Seward, Nathaniel B. Mills, Jacob Colbert and Jesse Stoneman. Jesse Stoneman served the Ohio Circuit in 1799 and was transferred to the "Muskingum and Hock-Hocking" circuit in 1800, when it was first organized. This territory remained in the Pittsbvirg district of the Baltimore Conference until 1804 when it was transferred to the Western Conference and became a part of the Ohio district.

In 1799 there were two circuits in the Northwestern Territory. In 1800 there were three - Miami, Scioto, and "Muskingum and Hock-Hocking" circuits. On the latter. Rev. Jesse Stoneman, who afterward lived and died in Perry county, was preacher in charge. Rev. James Quinn, then a young man, was sent to assist Mr. Stoneman. By the labors of these indefatigable pioneers of Methodism, the circuit was greatly enlarged. The College Township, where Athens is now situated, was taken in and societies formed there. In the winter of this year Mr. Quinn ascended the Hock- Hocking from the College township to a settlement near where the city of Lancaster now stands, and found a few members of the church joined in a class by the advice of Edward Teal, an old class-leader of Baltimore county, Maryland, who was then preparing to move his family to this country.

This was the first Methodist society formed in what is now Fairfield county. The following are the names composing the class: Edward Teal and wife, Jesse Spurgeon and wife, Ishmael Dew and wife, Nimrod Bright and wife, and Elijah Spurgeon and wife. They met for worship at the cabin of Mr. Teal, some three miles east of Lancaster, on Zane's trace. Mr. Quinn preached for them twice or thrice, and a small collection was taken up for him as they were not regularly in his circuit.

Jesse Spurgeon and Nimrod Bright were licensed exhorters. The first quarterly meeting in this county was held at the house of Mr. John Murphy. Bishop Asbury was present, as also Rev. Daniel Hitt, a presiding elder of the Baltimore conference.

Jacob D. Deitrick, Elizabeth Deitrick, Peter Reber, Sarah Reber, Christian Weaver, Elizabeth Weaver, George Canode, Mary Canode and Thomas Orr and wife. It is believed that a small class had been formed prior to this, but for some cause, now unknown, had lost its existence. The first church edifice was erected by the Methodist Society in Lancaster in 1816 or '17, probably in 1817 as the deed for the lot on which the church was built was not executed and delivered until January 8, 1817. This lot was the generous gift of Emanuel Carpenter, Esq., and was deeded by him and his wife, Sally Carpenter to Daniel Arnold, Benjamin Smith, Peter Reber, Nimrod Bright, Jesse Springer, Jacob Claypool and James S. Collins, trustees of the Methodist church.

Rev. James Quinn preached the first sermon therein, standing upon a carpenter's bench. In 1801, Rev. Joseph Chenworth was preacher in charge on the circuit, and the members numbered 366. Next year Nathaniel B. Mills was preacher. In 1803 Rev. James Quinn reported the state of the country and the wants of the people to the Baltimore Conference, and Rev. Asa Shinn was appointed to what was then called Hock- Hocking circuit. He extended it to a large four weeks' circuit, and raised fourteen or fifteen classes, and returned at the close of the year, one hundred members.

The two succeeding years, Rev. James Quinn was preacher in charge; the latter year. Rev. Joseph Williams assisted him, and the membership was increased to 228.

From this time to 181 1, Fairfield county and Lancaster were in Hock-Hocking circuit. The preachers during this period were: John Meek, Joseph Hays. James Axley. James King, Ralph Lotspiech, Isaac

At tlie last session of the Western conference lield in Cincinnati, Oliio, October i. 181 1, James B. Finley was admitted into full connection in the conference, and assigned to Fairfield circuit, Muskingum district, of which James Ouinn was then presiding elder.

Fairfield Circuit extended from the town of Putman on the Muskingum river to ten miles west of Lancaster, and from the head water of the Licking to the falls of Hock- Hocking.

When Rev. James B. Finlej' arrived on the circuit there were twenty-five appointments, which he increased to thirty-eight during the year. During a portion of the year he was assisted by Isaac Ouinn and they made the rounds of this vast circuit . once a month.

At the session of the general conference in May, 1812, the old Western Conference was discontinued and out of it came the Tennessee and Ohio Conferences. The first session of the Ohio conference was held at Chillicothe, Ohio, October 17. 1812, and with the convening of that conference. Rev. James B. Finley closed his important work on Fairfield circuit.

In his autobiography, James B. Finley refers to Nimrod Bright and Jesse Spurgeon as two local preachers and Edward Teal. William Hamilton and Benjamin Smith, as other devout men and prominent Methodists on the Fairfield circuit in that early day.

It is worthy of mention that after one hundred years of Methodism in Lancaster there are still in the old First Church in this city, members who are descendants of the consecrated men of that early time. Mrs. Carrie Rising, widow of the late Philip Rising, being a niece of James B. Finley and Mrs. Ida Bellerman, Miss Libbie Wel)b and Mrs. Geo. O. Beery being direct descendants of both Ximrod Bright and Jesse Spurgeon.

From 181 1 to 1830, Methodism had so spread that several circuits were formed, and this part of the work was called F^airfield circuit. The preachers on Fairfield circuit in this time were: Francis Travis, lames B. Finley. assisted by Isaac Ouinn, William Landon, Archibald McElroy, Charles Waddle, Michael Ellis, James Ouinn, James McMahon, Sadosa Bacon. Peter Stephens, Abner Goff, Henry Matthews, Charles Thorn, William Stephens, Zara Coston, James Gilruth, Thomas A. ^lorris, Joseph Carper, Isaac C. Hunter, Homer J. Clark, Leroy Swormsted, James Laws, Gilbert Blue. Jacob Young, Cornelius Springer, Zachariah Connell, Henry C. h^ernandes and Samuel Hamilton. The number of members at the close of this period was 1,276. From 1830 to 1839, Lancaster and the surrounding country was formed into a half-station. The preachers during this period were : Zachariah Connell, William Young, John F"erree. Edward D. Roe, William H. Lawder, Levi White, W. r. Snow, John J. Bruce, Charles ^^^ Swain, William T. Hand, Charles R. Baldwin, John Reed and Charles R. Lovell. The second church edifice was erected in i838-'9, and dedicated by Rev. J. M. Trimble. There were at this time in Lancaster circuit 919 members.

In 1840, Lancaster was made a station, and the following ministers have been appointed as pastors : Henry Baker, William R. Anderson, William P. Strickland. R. S.

And Representativk Citizens

The following are the presiding elders v\'ho have presided over the district of which Lancaster and Fairfield county have formed a part, in the order of time as they have served: Daniel Hitt, Thornton I'^leming, William Burk, John Sale, James Quinn, David \'oung, Jacob Young, Charles Waddle. Leroy Swormsted. Augustus Eddy. John Ferree, Joseph M. Trimble. David Whitcomb, Robert O. Spencer, John W. Clark, Zachariah Connell, John Stewart, D. D. Mather, John W. White, B. N. Spahr, J. M. Trimble, W. T. Harvey, T. H. Hall, T. W. Stanley, S. A. Keen, A. C. Kelley, W. H. Lewis, W. L. Slutz. W. D. Cherrington and J. C. Arbuckle.

The second Methodist church, built on the same lot where the first one stood, was a commodious building, and continued to be used as a house of worship by the First M. K. church until September 8. 1907, when the last regular service was held therein. This church pru|jerty including the pipe organ, was sold to the Masonic bodies of Lancaster, and converted into one of the most beautiful Masonic temples in Ohio.

'i"he site for the present church edifice on the corner of High and Wheeling streets, was purchased from Miss Nellie C. Stutson and by her deeded to John A. Heim, John T. Busby, brederick C. W hiley, Jesse P. Outcalt. William Davidson, Joseph S. Sites, Charles C. Pickering, Henry B. Peters and Henry C. Drinkle. trustees of the Methodi.st Episcopal church at Lancaster. O.. Ai)ril i. 1904.

.\t the beginning of the building of the jM-esent church the quarterly conference ap- ])ointed a building committee consisting of William M. Leiby, Horatio G. Trout, Joseph S. Sites, Henry B. Peters and James T. Pickering. Richards, McCarthy & Bulford. architects of Columl)us, Ohio, were employed to prepare the plans and specifications for the new edifice and superintend its construction. The i)eautiful building itself stands as a sufficient testimonial to the ability and efiiciency of all who had to do with its construction and adornment.

The cornerstone of the new church was laid October 10. .\. 1)., 1905, by Dr. Herbert Welch, president of the Ohio Wesleyan university. The church was dedicated September 15. .\. D.. 1907. by Dr. Thomas C. Iliff of Denver. Colorado, who preached the first sermon on the day of dedication. The lot and church together cost $80,000.00.

The whole building enterprise was the culmination of a ten-years' pastorate by Rev. Charles C. Elson, whose indefatigable labors in that behalf, made possilile the consmnption of the great work.

Officers of the church - Rev. J. C. Arbuckle, district superintendent; Rev. Charles Bertram Pyle, minister; Rev. J. W. Ricketts, local preacher.

Trustees - Joseph S. Sites, Chas. C. Pickering, H. C. Drinkle, John A. Heim, H. B. Peters, A. A. Dannison, D. P. Dickson, \V. H. Radebaugh, D. F. Smith. James T. Pickering, treasurer; H. B. Smith, financial secretary.

First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, Ohio. - At a meeting of the session and trustees of this church, June i6, 1905, it was decided to celebrate their centennial October 20, 21 and 22, 1905. The committee to prepare for this celebration was Messrs. John K. Henry, S. J. Wolfe, C. T. McCoy, Geo. M. Hickle. Rev. John Gurley, the pastor in charge, was requested to prepare a history of the church from its organization to the present time. The facts in this sketch are from that history.

The call to Rev. John Wright was signed by representatives of the united congregations of Hocking and Rush Creek on March 15, 1805, and the call was accepted October 15, 1805. There were twenty-five charter members; they came from Pennsylvania, Virginia and some directly from Scotland and Ireland. At a meeting held November 24, 1819, it was resolved to be incorporated under the name of "The Congregation of Lancaster." By a special act of the legislature, February 4, 1836, it was incorporated as the "First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster."

The services were held in cabins until the completion of the first court house which they occupied as a meeting place for sixteen years. The first edifice built in 1823 was a modest brick structure (one story high), the second brick building in Lancaster. It cost $1,600 and the trustees shrewdly stipulated that the contractors were to collect $1,200 from the subscribers.

It was a two-story building and a very handsome structure for that day. There was a gallery extending around three sides. This church was used for si.xty-si.x years. In 1890 the congregation decided to build a new church on the same lot with auditorium and Sabbath school room on the same floor. The cost of the new church was $13,600. The church was first occupied Thanksgiving day, 1892, but owing to the panic of 1893, the indebtedness was not entirely liquidated until January 14, 1900, when the church was dedicated free of debt.

St. Mary's Catholic Church, at Lancaster, Ohio, has an old and interesting history, which is interwoven with the early settlement of Fairfield county, and is closely associated with names which have become illustrious, not only in the annals of the state of Ohio, but in those of the nation. It is only necessary to mention such names as Ewing and Sherman, zealous Catholics, to prove the statement.

The Dominican Fathers erected the first church, a frame structure, at what is now Lancaster, Ohio, in 1820. It was situated near the canal, on Chestnut street, the lot having been donated by Thomas Fricker. Prior to this, religious services had been held, there having been many Catholic settlers even as early as 1800, in which year the pioneer of the Ewing family, Hugh Boyle Ewing, took up his home m what, in 1790 had been an Indian settlement of one hundred wigwams. In 1800, however, Ebenezer Zane, a settler of 1797, laid out the present town and its natural beauty and promising future soon attracted seekers for a home. The Irish race was well represented and these worthy people immediately set about establishing church relations. The old records show that the first Mass was celebrated in 181 7, by Rev. Edward Fenwick, a Dominican Father, who was afterward appointed the first bishop of Cincinnati.

The priests of the Dominican Order had charge of the church until October, 1839, when Rev. Joshua M. Young was appointed first resident pastor. Being a man of great energy, it was not long before he had work undertaken looking to the building of a new church edifice, and this was completed by 1841, a substantial brick structure arising on the corner of High and Chestnut streets, which was later used as a parochial school. Father Young remained in charge until February, 1854, and was sulisecpiently appointed first bishop of Erie, Pennsylvania. He was succeeded at Lancaster by Rev. Henry Lange, who soon found a rapidly increasing congregation with inadequate accommodations for them. Like so many other zealous and untiring young priests, he chafed under the disadvantage that thus confronted the parish and very soon had work started for the building of a larger church, with other improvements. Fortunately there were wealthy members in his congregation, who, in spite of their personal losses on account of the Civil war then in progress, came to his aid, and a suitable and beautiful church building was finally completed, its lo- cation being on High street. Tiie stately editice was consecrated by .Archbishop Purcell on June 5, 1864, the only note of sadness, in the midst of the rejoicings being that Father J^ange liad not lived to take part in tliese ceremonies, his death having occurred in the previous spring. St. Mary's at that time was conceded to be by far the most attractive church edifice at Lancaster and even now compares favorably with other structures on the exterior, while its interior far surpasses the beauty of any other building.

In August, 1864, F'ather Bernard Evers took charge of St. Mary's and several other temporary pastors administered prior to 1865, when Rev. Regan took charge, who, in 1867, was succeeded by Rev. F\ J. Rudolph. From then until 1884, the pastors were: Father Louis DeCailly, h'ather X. E. Pilger, and Rev. J. B. Schmitt, all of whom earnestly laliored in the interests of the parish. In .\ugust, 1884, Father I'ilger took charge and remained until his death, in 1905. In January, 1906, Re\-. J. B. Mattingly, of Logan, Ohio, was chosen by the Rt. Rev. Bishop, to succeed Father Pilger, and he assumed his pastoral duties at St. Mary's in the following month.

While St. Alary's is the only Catholic church at Lancaster, in its various avenues of usefulness it is in close touch with modern demands. It numbers many of its members in benevolent, patriotic and purely church organizations, while probably no church has better or more numerous or more safe social advantages to offer to its congregation than has St. Mary's. On July 2, 1905. a council of the Knights of Columbus was organized at St. Mary's, Lancaster, and among other prospering organizations under its aegis are : the Holy Name Society, the Ladies' Auxiliary, the Catholic Knights of Ohio, the Knights of St. John and the St. Joseph's Benevolent Society. In both temporal and spiritual things, St. Mary's has accomplished much and under the earnest direction of its present pastor is still advancing. Being a man of work and attainments, of courage, faith and hope, he sets no limit to what St. Mary's may become to this section in the future.

St. John's Episcopal Church. - As early as 1835. there being a number of Episcopal families among the early settlers of Lancaster, a churdi organization was effected called the Episcopal parish of St. John. The first rector was Ke\'. Sherlock A. Bronson. In 1847 ^^^ lot at the corner of Broad and Wheeling streets was purchased and by the efforts of a band of church women and such honored sons of Lancaster as Henry Stanbery, John T. Brasee, Daniel Sifford, John Reber, Daniel Kutz and William T. Creed. Rev. .\lva Ouinn was pastor. After seven years - September _'(), 1852 - Bishop Mcllvaine dedicated the church, and as the church record states, "It was beautifully finished and furnished, and according to the Bishops' requirements, out of debt." The following rectors have served this congregation : Revs. Strong, Bishop, Risser, Boutet, Gray, Lathrop, Simpson, Brittain, Scott, Gorrell, Cartwell, Colton, Burnett, Rippey, Hills, Pearson, Rambo, McCutcheon and J. .\. Miller.

l<"irst English Lutheran Church. - Prior to 1843 there was but one Lutheran church in Lancaster (St. Peter's) and both English and (iermans occupied the same church, having alternate services until 1846, when the church burned. At this time the English members sold their interest to the Germans and bought a -site on the east side of Columbus street, between Wheeling and Mulberry streets. In [846 they built a brick church there. In 1892 this church was enlarged and very greatly improved. The following pastors have served this congregation - Revs. McCrow, Shaeffer, Waddel, Kizer, Hamilton, Reinmund, Sprecker, Kneisley, Steck, Helnig, Hough, Haiderman, Morris, Schindler, Richardson and Bowers.

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. - This is one of Lancaster's earliest churches. The precise date is not known, as the records were burned in 1846. Previous to 1810 the first society was formed by Rev. Steck and he was pastor till 1829; Rev. John VVagenhals filled the pulpit until 1845 ; he was followed by Revs. Burcher, Hart, Speilman and Mechling.

Rev. Mechling was a power not only in his church but in the community at large. He found a congregation of one hundred and fifty, nearly all speaking German. The few English speaking Lutherans felt that they were entitled to a part of the services in English and Rev. Mechling insisted that half the services be German and half English. His congregation increased to eight hundred, notwithstanding removals. In 1880 the present church was erected and it is a beautiful church. "The chancel is a close copy of Thorwaldsen at Copenhagen, the statues, Christ and the Apostles, being life-size, while the pulpit and font are works of art, and the windows of stained glass throw a halo on the entire interior, making it a most delightful place, restful, comforting and instructive. The grand bell of three thousand pounds, added in recent years, can be heard for miles around. This church has a remarkable history, has done much for Lancaster and for many other communities to which have gone out the sons and daughters of Old St. Peter's. Rev. E. F. Ritter is pastor of this church (191 2).

Emanuel Lutheran Church. - The organization of this church took place in 1849 by the withdrawel of twelve members from St. Peter's church. These twelve desired that the

Trinity Evangelical Church. - About 1869 there was a section of Berne township in which there was no church or Sunday school, and in that year there was a successful Sunday school organized, with J. Gravett as superintendent in a schoolhouse on what is now South Cherry street. In 1870 Rev. Schwartz and Rev. J. A. Hensel arranged for preaching services of the Evangelical denomination and in less than a year the interest in this community was so great that the schoolhouse would no longer accommodate the people. Rev. A. Leohner succeeded Rev. Schwartz and in 1872 a church was l)uilt on East Main street. The pastors since 1872 have been Rev. Orwig. Rev. Schwartz (re-appointed), Shupe, Cochlin, Spiller, Hensel, Rife, Mohn, Sherrick, Wengard, McCauley, Beery and Harry L. Zachman, pastor in 1912.

Grace Reformed Church. - Of the many interesting church edifices of Lancaster, Grace Reformed church is the oldest, having been begun in 1845 and finished in 1853. This church was organized as early as 1818, with twenty members and Rev. George Wise as pastor. The first church was occupied from 1832 till 1845. Rev. G. B. Mechling was pastor in 1861, and this remarkable fact bespoke of the patriotism of Grace Reformed church.

Every official member of the church enlisted for the war, and but for the women services must have been entirely discontinued. The pastor removing to Butler county, they asked the aid of the Classes and as a mission church Grace was served three years by Rev. Milton Hockman and Rev. J. I. Swander. No history of this church should be written without a mention of the loyalty, perseverence and determination of Mesdames Geisy, Hood and Crutchey, through whose influence church work at Grace Reformed was carried on during this interim. Rev. Strousner and Rev. Hale followed and during this time this church received its present name, having been known up to this time as St. John's. The following pastors have served since Rev. Hale : Revs. Spangler, Kendig, Scott Hershey, Smith, Shullenberger, Derr, Snepp and the present pastor. Rev. Wallace W. Foust.

United Brethern Church. - "After several unsuccessful attempts to establish this church in 1897, Rev. M. Hart opened a Sabbath school in the Baptist Church on Columbus street. The school continued during the summer marked by a splendid growth. On November 28, 1897, Rev. M. Hart and Rev. J. W. Miles, organized a United Brethren Class with 26 charter members. In 1899 Rev. L. J. Hopper was stationed here as pastor for one year."

Rev. M. Hart followed Hopper as pastor and during his pastorate of three years a new brick church was erected on northeast corner of Broad street and King avenue at a cost of about $6,000.

Unfortunately, the building was poorly constructed and soon spread apart and threatened to fall in. But the congregation felt unable to build again, and continued to use the building through the pastorate of Hart. Rev. W. H. Wright served the church two years;

Rev. J. B. Bovey, three years. The present pastor, Rev. C. C. Allton, took charge of the work September 13, 1909. About December 20th following, the old building was condenmed as unsafe by State Inspectors of Public Buildings. This was a testing time for a small class of poor people who had just finished paying for their property on September I, 1909. But they rallied heroically and after many meetings of the official Board and Quarterly Conference the present $35,000 "Mills Memorial Church'' in memory of Bishop J. S. Mills, D. D., was constructed.

That Lancaster will prove an advantageous place for a good United Brethren Church is shown by the presence of eighteen churches of this denomination within a radius of two miles from the city. Many of them were established by other generations and have been maintained continuously. Now the members are moving toward Lancaster and the sons and daughters are leaving the country so eventually the country churches will decrease and the city church increase.

Maple Street Evangelical Church. - This society was organized in April, 1894, and that year built a beautiful church on North Maple street. Rev. W. S. Harpster was the first pastor and he was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Sherrick, in October, 1895. The church was in a flourishing condition during these years and soon was out of debt. The congregation numbers about 300. In 1899, Rev. N. W. Sayer, was the pastor. The present pastor is Rev. L. R. Herbst.

African Methodist Episcopal Church. - As early as 1825 there was found in Lancaster a religious society of colored people under the title of "African Methodist Episcopal Church." Soon after the organization of this society a church was built on land donated for that purpose by Emanuel Carpenter. Regular services were held in the original church until i860, when a much better edifice was erected on the same site. This denomination has thriven and accomplished a great work for the colored people of Lancaster. The following are the names of their ministers : Revs. Grey, Thomas Lawrence, Samuel J. Clingman, Lafayette Davis, C. H. Peters, George Coleman, Thomas Lawrence, Daniel Winlon, John P. Woodson, Jeremiah Bowman, John Tibbs, Edward Esse, John W. Jones, Arthur Howell, Isaac Dillen, Roberts, Daniel Cooper, R. Hogan, William Arnold, Gibbons, Lewis, Mitchel, Davidson. Clark, R. Morris, R. M. Wilson, P. Toliver and the present pastor. Rev. J. B. Harewood.

Lancaster Camp Meeting And Assembly

The camp meeting movement is a product of the nineteenth century, Presbyterian by birth, Methodist by adoption. It took its rise in 1799 and the growth of the idea during the past century has been phenomenal.

The Ohio Conference organized a camp meeting and its first meeting was held in 1873 two miles south of Logan on the Hocking River. The original idea of the camp meeting was that it be itinerant. In two years the camp was moved to the farm of John Mason, six miles north of Lancaster. In 1879, six years after its organization, the Ohio Conference camp meeting moved to its new quarters and it has occupied the same grounds for over 30 years. The new location was two miles west of Lancaster on the Hocking Valley Railroad. At first the grounds were leased for ten years. The present plan is to lease for a period of 14 years. The grounds will be released in 191 5.

This camp meeting was a religious center and most wonderful revivals have been witnessed there. The influential and powerful preachers of the church have been heard there. Bishop Thoburn spoke there on many occasions, the first time in 1876. Bishops Taylor, McCabe, Leonard and Dr. C. H. Payne were often present. The camp meeting was run with \arialjle success, sometimes heavily in debt, occasionally with a surplus. At last the question of open gates on Sunday came up and in 1895 the Ohio Conference turned it over to a Board of Trustees and it is under such a control now. There are 400 lots on the grounds which are leased every 14 years for from $15 to $40 according to location. The leasees own their cottages but not the grounds. Mr. J. M. Kennard was local manager for 20 years and upon his death he was succeeded by J. W. Bishop. Mr. W. M. Wikoff was business manager from 1899- 1903.

The most famous men of the country have been heard from the platform at the Lancaster Camp Ground during the assembly which has been conducted for the last 15 years - Bryan, McKinley, Dolliver, Champ Clark, Gunsaulus, Sam Jones, Sam Small, Geo. R. Stuart, Bishops Fowler and Taylor.

The present Board of Trustees is : Religious Superintendent, Dr. Herbert Scott; Board of Trustees - Rev. Swinehart, Athens; Rev. J. W. Mongey, Waverly; H. G. Trout, Lancaster; E. C. Dilger. Carroll; A. B. Vereblome, Circleville; Dr. Blem Vales, Circleville; Dr. J. F. Grinds, Columbus; Rev. T. E. White. Columbus: Re\-. J. H. Fry, Columbus; F. W. Dunlap, Circleville; E. J. Chenowith, Columbus: R. M. Fontaine, Somerset; J. W. Weller; W. H. Radebaugh. Lancaster; W. H. Lanning, Logan. The business manager is J. W. Bishop of Carroll.

Trinity Reformed church, Basil, Ohio, was horn in Basil, Ohio, Sept. 20, 1837. He attended the public schools until about twelve years of age, and then became a student at Heidelberg Academy, at Tarlton, Ohio, then under the charge of Rev. S. S. Rickley. When sixteen years of age he entered Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio, and completed the classical course in 1859, and two years later graduated from the Theological Seminary. He was pastor of the Highland Charge for more tlian three years, and began serving the Basil Charge on January 15, 1865, continuing as pastor until January t, 1894. During his pastorate in the Basil cliarge, 367 persons were received into membership in the two congregations. In 1894 he retired from the active ministry and spent the remainder of his days in well-earned rest and fpiiet reflection at the l)eautiful old homestead in Basil.

Rev. George H. Leonard was the son of Rev. Henry Leonard, known far and wide as "The Fisherman." The young man had l)een carefully trained and educated for his life work. No man ever entered upon his task with greater zeal and fervor, and for almost tiiirty years he faithfully served his people and the entire comnumity. He baptized their children, married their young people and burietl tiieir (lead. But this was not all ; he taught the beauty of Christian character and the strength of truth by word and example. Alive to the i|uestions of the day, he called distinguished men to his pulpit to discuss questions of history present-day prol)lems. The Editor has a most distinct recollection of hearing, when a lad of fourteen, the Chaplain of the Ohio Penitentiary lecture in Rev. Leonard's church upon the beautiful character of Esther. The scene described by the eloquent speaker, when the carriers, mounte<l upon horses shod with sil- \er slices, hastened away to the ends of the kingdom; when Mordecai was vindicated and Haaman hung - will never be forgotten. The lecture was the first the lad had heard and it influenced to a certain e.xtent the current of his life. Thus did Rev. Leonard extend the blessings of his pure Christian life and his untiring labors to others. He lived for those whom he served and died full of honors and with the benediction of his fellow men.

Tullius Clinton O'Kane was born at Pickerington, Fairfield County, Ohio, March 10, 1830, and died at his home in Delaware, Ohio, where he sang himself into the lives of those with whom he came in contact. He was not only a singer but a song writer of note. Few men of his generation so touched with music the uncounted multitudes as did Prof. T. C. O'Kane. Wherever his inspiring hymns have been sung, there are those who grieve at his death. Wider than his native land, wider than Methodism, has been the range of his influence. Thousands who never heard his name and who will never know it till tiiey greet him on the other shore, are nearer the Great Master whom he served, Ijecause of the music that he wrote and sang. A great multitude are indebted to him for a deeper sympathy and a larger hope, awakened by his inspiring song. T. C. O'Kane belonged to a class of singers and composers who had the honor of revolutionizing Sabbath School Alusic and his publications found their way into more than one hundred languages and dialects. Some of his liest known songs are: "Home over There." "Gathering One by One," "Behold a Stranger at the Door," "Hold the Light up Higher," "We'll not Give up the Bible," "Jesus the Rock of .A.ges," "Sweet Resting

By and Bye." At liis funeral, a quartet sang his two most noted songs - "Home over There" and "Gathering One by One." Prof. O'Kane for many years had a book store in Delaware. He left two sons, Edward, who lives at Delaware; and William, of Springfield. Mr. Henry O'Kane of Columbus is a brother of T. C. O'Kane.

Sixth Avenue M. E. Church. - The beginning of the Sixth Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church was a Sunday-school started by Mr. J. D. La Ross, which first met in C. P. Cole glass factory in 1895. Mr. La Ross was first superintendent. The church was organized Oct. 24, 1901. The building was erected on the west side of Garfield Ave. and Sixth Ave. The first pastor, the Rev. L. B. Bradrich, was appointed in September, 1901. The church was dedicated May 17, 1903. The pastors have been: L. B. Bradrick, 1901-1905; W. H. Mitchell, Jr., 1905-1907; Andrew Plumb, 1907-1909; H. F. Deweese and R. A. Blair, 1909-1910; Pascal A. Bright, 1910. The church has about 250 members.