Guernsey County, Ohio - Chapter 9: Church and Denominational History, 1911

Chapter 9: Church and Denominational History

The first settlers in Guernsey county were not all Christians, or members of any religious organization, but it is quite certain tliat a majority of the pioneer band were of some special religious faith and adhered to some particular church creed. The Methodist and Presbyterian churches had the greater majority of those who first came here to make for themselves homes. The Methodist Episcopal church, of all others, had a peculiar origin here, especially at Cambridge, where first it existed in the county. Like the good old Pilgrim church, it was transplanted from beyond the big seas to the wild forests of this county. It was in 1806 and 1807 that there came from the beautiful island of Guernsey, Europe, Thomas Sarchet, William Ogier, James Bichard, Thomas Lenfestey, Daniel Ferbrache and Thomas Naftel, with their wives and children, who settled in Cambridge and immediate vicinity. All these parents were members of the Methodist society, when they left Guernsey, in the old country, from which this county took its name. They came into the wilderness, indeed. In the year 1808 these emigrants and their wives organized themselves into the Methodist Episcopal church of Cambridge, Ohio, being assisted by Rev. James Watts, a preacher of the Western conference. As far as is now known, this was the first attempt at church organization within the territory now known as Guernsey county. This being the case, very naturally the history of this denomination in the county will take the first place in this chapter, and here follows :

The Methodist Episcopal Church

The church at Cambridge, formed in 1808, held its services for the first few years in the house of one of its founders - Thomas Sarchet - on the corner of Main and Pine streets ; later at the court house, and in the lower room of the old Masonic Hall, a building then occupying the lot opposite the Presbyterian church. Late in 1831, the trustees, Jacob Shaffner, James Bichard, John Blancipied, Nicholas Martel, Joseph Neelands, Joseph Wood, Joseph Cockerel, Joseph W. White and Isaiah Mclllyar, purchased a piece of ground sixty feet square. It was located on Turner avenue, west of where the Ham- mond opera house stood many years later. No betl house of worship can be given than was given by tin work, and which was published in the Jeffersonion lows:

The first Methodist Episcopal church was built cated in [835 by Rev. Joseph Rl. Trimble. He too nl" ] lusts is with us, and the God of Jacob is our r been occupied for some time before being dedicated. The church was located on what is now Turner avenue, of Cambridge, on the smith side and west of the Hammond Opera House. The lot was sixty feet square, the church a frame thirty-six by forty feet, costing four hundred dollars. We look back at this old church. It stands before us in all its simplicity. The front, mi the north, had two doors and two windows, and a quarter circular window in the gable. On the east and west sides, three windows, and on the south side three, one being in the centre above the pulpit. The lot was enclosed with a board fence, with two gates opposite the doors. The females entered at the west gate, and the males at the east. In the church there were two centre aisles and a cross aisle in front of the altar rail and pulpit. The seats to be right and left of the pulpit ran north and south. These corners were designated as the "Amen corners." and were occupied by the older men and women, who often responded "Amen" and "God grant it" when the preacher was preaching. To the right of the west entrance door were the seats for the women, and to the left of the east entrance door were the seats for the men. The sheep and goats were separated. Between the aisles were short seats, where old men and women, with their children, could sit, but there was no general indiscriminate sitting. If a stranger took a seat on the women's side, he was politely notified that he was "in the wrong pew."

The pulpit was five or six feet above the main floor, and was reached by a flight of steps and entered through a door. The preacher, when seated, was out of view of the congregation. On the front of the pulpit was a circular sounding board, for the preacher to pound on to awake his drowsy hearers. There was a book board in the centre, and a foot board for the short preachers, and when one of these missed the footing he was out of sight until he regained his footing. The hymns were lined out. a stanza at a time, by the preacher. The congregation singing at the last stanza, all turned around to kneel in prayer. Some of the preachers often sang alone a favorite hymn. Dr. James Drummond, who preached in the church, had two which he often sang: "The Chariot, the Chariot, its Wheels Roll in Fire," and "Turn, Sinners, Turn, for the Tide is Receding, and the Saviour will Soon and Forever

I4O Guernsey County, Ohio

Cease Pleading." The church was at first heated with a large tin-plate stove, in which was burned corchvood, and was lighted by candles suspended around the walls. There were movable ones on the pulpit for the convenience of the preacher. There were no young people's meetings or Sunday school until 1835. and then it was only a summer school. Most of the scholars came from the country barefooted, the boys with straw hats and in their shirt sleeves, the girls with sunbonnets and cottonade dresses. It was a day of small things. There were no Sunday school books nor Berean leaves. The John Rogers primer and the Testament were the text-books. This is but a meagre description of the first church and the manner of worship. We close with this pioneer verse :

The second church was built in 1852 and 1853, a two-story brick located in Gaston's addition, on the lot now owned by J. F. Salmon. This church was dedicated January 2, 1854, by Rev. James G. Sansom, Andrew Magee, the preacher, in charge of the Cambridge circuit, Pittsburgh conference. The preachers who preached in this church were. Andrew Magee, T. J. Taylor, John Huston, W. Devinney, F. W. Yirtican. James L. Deens, W. B. Watkins, Tertnllis Davidson, James Henderson, Edward Ellison, A. L. Petty, J. D. Vail, Samuel Crouse, J. H. Conkle, James H. Hollingshead, Ezra Hingeley. W. H. Locke. T. R. Mills.

Presiding elders: John Moffit, W. F. l.auck, W. A. Davidson, James Henderson, S. F. Minor, A. L. Petty, John Williams. Allen II. Norcross, James R. Mills, \Y. L. Dixon. The third church, located on North Seventh street and Steubemille avenue, was erected during the pastorates on Cambridge Station, East ( >hio conference, of W. II. Locke and James K. Mills.

The edifice, costing thirty-two thousand dollars, was finished in 1885, and was dedicated January 9, [886, b) Bishop Edward G. Andrews, assisted by Dr. Joseph M. Trimble and Dr. C. II. Payne, James R. Mills being the pastor. The preachers who were on the station were J. R. Mills. John Brown, Sylvester Burt, J. M. Carr, and R. B. Pope. Presiding Elders: W. L. Dixon. John 1. Wilson, John R. Keyes. The trustees and building committee were G. J. Albright, Joseph 1). Taylor. T. II. Anderson, John C. Beckett, C. P. B. Sarchet, Alfred P. Shaffner, J. 0. Mcllyar, B. F. Fleming and W. M. Scott.

On Thanksgiving day, November 25, 1890, the union services were held in this building. Saturday afternoon. November 27th, it was discovered that the structure was afire. The flames had been at work for some time before discovery, and continued their destructive course with great rapidity. In spite of the fire department, which responded very quickly, in the course of half an hour portions of the roof began to fall in. and it became apparent that the building was doomed. Doctor Pope, the pastor, also lost much of his household goods, which were not protected by insurance in the burning of the pastorage, but managed to save a rare library of books, the accumulation of a lifetime. In the end nothing was left but the main tower and belfry, comparatively uninjured, and the stone walls. Insurance on the church and its contents amounted to twelve thousand three hundred dollars. For some time the dispossessed congregation was accommodated by other churches of the city, and later services were held in the opera house, and in the assembly room in the Taylor block, the free use of which was given by the late Col. J. D. Taylor.

At a meeting on December 6, 1896, less than ten days after the fire, the officials of the church, without a dissenting voice, formally resolved to rebuild the church, upon an improved and enlarged plan. December 10, 1897, Architect S. R. Badgley, of Cleveland, was employed, at once viewed the site. and submitted a rough outline of a plan for its reconstruction. On February 4, 1S97, the plans were finally approved. The contract was let to Vansickle Brothers, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, April 14th. to be completed by November 1st, following. This firm began work the last week in April, and on the evening of May 7th, without any previous warning, abandoned the undertaking, and the member of the firm who was on the work left town in the night, and never returned. The work was continued under new contracts made for separate parts of the work, the carpentry and joiner work being done by the day. W. C. Carlisle, of Cleveland, was superintendent on behalf of the building committee.

In April, 1898. the building committee took up also the matter of building a new parsonage, a work which was in contemplation when the church burned. The contract was let to Hoyle & Scott, of Cambridge, and the work progressed rapidly. The entire cost of construction of the church and parsonage is in round numbers, thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars. The former church building cost about thirty-five thousand dollars, including site. The first meeting held in the new church was Sunday. November 26, 1899, when a long and impressive service was held, at which spoke many of Cambridge's foremost pastors.

The pastors of this church since the list above mentioned have been:' Revs. R. B. Pope, from 1897 to I9°3< si-x years ; W. B. Winters, 1903 to 1905 ; Edwin Jester, from 1905 to 1908; C. N. Church from 1908 to the present time (fall of 1910), to serve under present appointment to close of conference year of 191 1.

The present membership of the church is twelve hundred and forty-six; number in Sunday school, thirteen hundred and fifty. The church is in a prosperous condition and will soon be aided by an assistant to the pastor in way of a lady who has been employed for special work in the community, the time of her coming being fixed at January. 191 1. The present pastor receives one thousand eight hundred dollars per year and house rent, four hundred dollars. The estimated value of the church property of this church is sixty thousand dollars.

Besides this church in Cambridge, there is the Second Methodist Episcopal church, in the Glass-plant addition, which was formed a few years since. It has a neat frame building and is laboring hard to free itself from debt. It is supplied by the present pastor at Lore City, Rev. Bevington.

The African Methodist Episcopal church is now under the charge of Rev. Beck, recently appointed to this charge. They have a modest, but well arranged edifice in the city and a good congregation of colored people of the Methodist faith.

The Byesville Church

The Methodist Episcopal church of Byesville. Ohio, had its beginning in the year 1870, in the organization of a church at Rainey's Chapel, which was located about two miles from Byesville, and was organized in 1870 with eleven charter members by the Reverend Fotrtz. Byesville being the most central point, it was thought best to move the church to that place: so accordingly in [879, the church at Rainey's Chapel was torn down and moved to Byesville

Since its organization the following ministers have served as pastors: Reverends Foutz, Webster, Timberlake, Waters and Stewart, while the church remained at Rainey's Chapel. Since the church was moved to Byesville, Reverend Stewart was its first pastor. He was followed by Reverends Dennis, Ream, Gruber, J. K. Crimes, Forsythe, Davidson, Neeley, Bowers, Collier, M. C. Crimes, Petty and \\". (). Hawkins.

In June, 1907, a new church was projected and the money subscribed. At a meeting held in August. 1907. a contract was let to F. Wentz & Company for the sum of twelve thousand eight hundred and seventy-five dollars. The corner-stone was laid October joth, that year, and it was completed the following season.

Since the building of this fine church, which is valued at twenty-five thousand dollars, the membership has increased to three hundred and sixty, with a Sunday school of five hundred pupils. The present pastor is Rev. W. O. Hawkins.

The Church At Cumberland

The Cumberland Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1852. It now enjoys a membership of three hundred and twenty-five. The records are not now at hand and cannot he obtained, hence no further detail concerning this branch of the church in the county. The minutes of the last conference show the church to have a membership of three hundred and twenty-three, with a Sunday school of two hundred and twenty ; the church property is valued at five thousand five hundred dollars. The present pastor is Rev. T. H. Taylor.

The Salesvh.Le Church

The Salesville Methodist Episcopal church, located in the village of this name, was organized in the summer of 1837, with the following charter members: Francis Linn and wife, William Crouse and wife, Thomas Wolford and wife, James Foreacre and wife, John Rimmer and wife. James Bell and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson. Francis Linn was elected class leader, which office he faithfully filled until called to his home above in 1890.

The first church was built in 1840. the class having worshiped in a building located on the hill north of the village : it was known as the and was free to all denominations to hold services in. The building of the first church was done chiefly by the members and the material was also donated, so the cost is not known. It was located just east of the present school building. The present edifice, which took its place in 1873. is located west of the school building. The material is frame and its cost was one thousand eight hundred dollars. It has been improved and repaired much since then and is now said to be worth two thousand five hundred dollars. It is lighted by a gasoline plant.

The present membership is eighty. The Salesville and Millers church, and also the Quaker City church, were on the same circuit for sixty years, hence the history of one is the same as the other. Recently the Millers church has been dropped from the circuit and is now a part of Washington circuit, also with Salesville.

Among the pastors now recalled are these : Revs. Bishop, Boyd, Butts. Phillips, Rich, Hollister, Hamilton, Rogers, Olp, Baird, Cartwright. Fouts, Webster, Grimes, Robbins, Armstrong, Taylor, Hollett, Strahl, Petty, Westwood, Wilson, Lepage, Wycoff, Merrill, Romic and Dunn, the present pastor.

Other Methodist Episcopal Churches

Rev. W. Reeves organized a class in the township of Spencer, as early as 181 5 and erected a house of worship on land owned by Col. Thomas Bay, Sr., one of the first pioneers of the valley. It was a frame building, twenty by twenty-eight feet in dimension. In 1852 the class had so grown that more room was demanded and they sold to the Presbyterian church and in 1853 built again. Rev. Hamilton was pastor when this change was effected.

Quaker City church is in the Barnesville district. The church here was formed at a very early date, and the present building was erected in 1871, on the corner of Pike and Main streets. The property of the church and parsonage is estimated at six thousand dollars. The present pastor is Rev. E. R. Romig. The membership is now six hundred and ten, while the Sunday school is six hundred and forty-six.

The Claysville church has a membership of two hundred and nineteen ; Sunday school of one hundred and eighteen; church property valued at seven thousand dollars. The pastor is Rev. J. W. Rich.

At Kimbolton the church has a membership of five hundred and seventyfive, with a Sunday school of three hundred and thirty-five. The church property is valued at sixteen thousand dollars; the present pastor is Rev. M. W. Bevington.

five, with a Sunday school numbering- four hundred and twenty. Church property valued at twelve thousand eight hundred dollars. The pastor is Rev. C. R. Poulson.

The Senecaville Methodist Episcopal church has a membership of four hundred and six, with a Sunday school numbering four hundred and twenty. The present value of the church property is thirteen thousand eight hundred dollars. The present pastor is Rev. F. G. Fowler.

Pleasant City has a church property valued at fifteen thousand dollars and a membership of five hundred and sixty. Its Sunday school has a membership of six hundred. The present pastor is Rev. R. J. Xorris.

The church at Washington has a membership of nine hundred and eightyfive and its property is valued at nine thousand five hundred dollars. The present pastor is Rev. W. H. Stewart.

At Buffalo the membership is about one hundred and fifty and the value of church property is estimated at six thousand five hundred dollars. The present pastor is Rev. J. F. Cash.

There are other Methodist Episcopal churches in the county that have not been properly reported to the editor of this work. Among these are preaching places at Hopewell, Birds Run, Antrim, Londonderry, Wesley Chapel, etc.

The Christian Church

The Christian church of Quaker City is an old organization. In 1859 they had a good building in the eastern part of the village. This was abandoned in March, 1875, for the new brick building on the corner of South street and Broadway.

There is also a society in Cambridge, but they own no building. They hold services over a business house on the north side of Wheeling avenue.

Another church society is the Associaters, - a branch of the Methodist Episcopal church, - who by some are termed "Holiness People." They believe in a much higher life than that taught by the church generally. Some of the best citizens in Cambridge unite with this sect in their weekly worship.

Among the early settlers in various part of Guernsey county the Friends predominated, especially in the vicinity of what is now Quaker City, where the Hall family planted a church of this faith. A meeting house, as they call churches, has always been maintained near the village, and a prosperous soci- ety of Friends has had much to do with the morals and religion of the community. At an early day the Friends had a much harder time than at present. Just before the opening of the war of 1812-14, with England, the Friends, carrying out their belief that war was always wrong, aggressive or defensive, refused to engage in that war and were badly dealt with by the authorities. They had heavy fines imposed upon them and in cases sacrificed much of their property. In cases, the fine collectors were cold, hard-hearted officials who feathered their own nest, as well as causing this sect any amount of trouble and loss of valuable property. One Elijah Dyson, then sheriff of Guernsey county, took it upon himself to enforce the law as against these people and through his arrests made bad work among them and worked incalculable injury to them. Among these people are found some of the "salt of the earth" and today the members of this sect are honored for the carrying out of their religious convictions.

The Catholic Church

The first Catholic church in Guernsey county was probably erected about 1840 at Washington, where some years previous a number of Catholic families had settled. They continued to worship there until about 1865, under priests from various parts of the state, especially those from Beaver township, Noble count}- (then within Guernsey). About 1867 Father Jacket, pastor at Temperanceville, Belmont county, built the church at Gibson Station. He used some of the rrtaterial of the church at Washington in the construction of this church. Father Jacket came to Temperanceville in 1854, from Tennessee, serving this congregation and others in this vicinity, traveling on horseback over Guernsey, Belmont and Noble counties. In 1868 he was transferred to Coshocton, Ohio. Fathers O'Brien, Laughlin and Hall succeeded Father Jacket in the order named, each remaining but a short time. About 1870, Rev. Father Heary, now of Dennison, Ohio, came to Temperanceville, and attended to the wants of the Catholic people of Guernsey county. He said mass and held services part of the time at the residence of Steve Ouinn. at the corner of Second street and Gomber avenue, Cambridge, and part of the time at Michael Slaymons. at Guernsey Mines. At that date there were not more than a dozen families near Cambridge.

Father Heary was followed by Father Montag, who for a long time held services at Slaymon's, Guernsey Mines, then at Adam's hall, near the court house, which building was leased by the Catholic people. Later the Carlisle Hall, on Wheeling avenue. Cambridge, was rented. Following Father Heary came Rev. Nathaniel McCaffrey in 1897, Nvn0 was trie ^rst priest to regularly reside at Cambridge. Shortly after his coming, the Catholics bought the Shultz property, at the corner of Gomber and North Ninth streets, and while they were erecting a small church on the rear of the lot, he said mass and held services at William Armbuster's, on West Wheeling avenue.

Then let it be recorded that the first Catholic church in Cambridge was on Gomber avenue, between Seventh and Eighth streets, and it was dedicated by Bishop Watterson in December, 1897. The Bishop being of national reputation, and many never having seen a bishop, the attendance was very large. This good bishop was noted for his zeal in the cause of temperance.

The first parish formed in Cambridge was organized by Father McCaffrey, who was succeeded by Father James Slevin, who remained only eight months, retiring on account of his extreme old age. Then came Rev. C. H. A. Watterson as pastor, beginning his labors in July. 1901. The congregation grew and flourished spiritually, under his administration. In June, 1904, he was selected to organize a parish in East Newark, Ohio. The same year and month he was succeeded by the present able pastor. Rev. J. H. Wagner. Under his guidance, the congregation has almost, if not quite, doubled its membership.

In 1910 (present year) there is being completed a magnificent brick church, with a parochial school building on the lots above described, on the corner of Gomber and North Seventh streets. This is known as St. Benedict's church. The church will easily seat seven hundred persons. The interior finish of this building is indeed elegant; its altars are works of high art, the main one costing in excess of eight hundred dollars. This church building is considered one of the finest in this section of the country. Its dedication was on Sunday. November 20, 1910, when Bishop Hartley, of Columbus, officiated, being assisted by Father Waterson and Father O'Boylan, of Newark, and Father Mattingly of Lancaster.

The Slavish Roman Catholic church at Byesville was begun in June, 1905, and completed in November of the same year. It was erected at an expense of seven thousand dollars, and its location is on Fifth street, south of Main. The congregation in 1907 was over seven hundred. A nine-room parsonage was provided south from the church, at a cost of five thousand dollars. Rev. E. F. Rahtarsik, pastor, was the man who put this church on its present standing.

Methodist Protestant Church I48 Guernsey County, Ohio

Services were held in the lower room of the old Masonic building, on Seventh street. A small brick church was built in 1832, Thomas Sarchet having donated the lot and built the church. In 1832 the society was reorganized and Thomas Sarchet, Solomon Tomolson and wife, Sarah Tingle and others, became members in full communion. The local church at this time belonged to Cambridge circuit. Rev. William Reeves and wife and Rev. George Broure served as evangelists before any regular pastor -was appointed. Rev. Jacob Meyers and Rev. A. H. Basset seem to have been on the Cambridge circuit at this time and preached at Cambridge, as Rev. Springer lived at Zanesville. The first pastor in charge was Rev. Jacob Ragan, he having been appointed by the Pittsburg conference in the autumn of 1832. Rev. Ragan died here October 3, 1834, and his body rests in the old cemetery here. Singular enough to relate, it appears that with the passing of all these years only two pastors died in Cambridge from this church. Revs. Ragan and John Rowcliff. Rev. Dobbins filled out Rev. Ragan's time. The records show that Revs. J. Burns and George Claney were appointed pastors of Cambridge circuit in 1834 and supplied Cambridge. Rev. John Herbert came in 1836; Revs. Israel Thrapp and A. H. Basset, in 1838 and 1840. Following came pastors, Jacob Nichols and John Rowcliff, the latter dying in 1846. Then came Rev. William Munhall and Rev. Washington Mannard in 1849. These were succeeded by George Caney and Joel Thrapp. This brings it to 1851, when Cambridge became a station and Rev. Springer became pastor in 1852. In 1853 came William Ross; Rev. Washington Mannard, 1855; Rev- J°hn Burns, i860. Then Cambridge was attached to Cambridge circuit again and Rev. C. L. Sears and Rev. J. W. Case were appointed pastors in 1863. In 1865 came Revs. J. M. Woodward and T. H. Scott. In 1866, Revs. E. S. Hoagland and Rev. Walter Moore served. In 1871 came Revs. J. W. Woodward and O. V. W. Chandler. 1872, came Rev. K. M. Woodward. At that date Cambridge again became a station and Rev. S. A. Fisher was appointed pastor in

During the seventy-five year,- history of this church there seems to have been thirty-one regular pastors. Of these only twelve are now living. It was during the pastorate of Rev. Selby that the third church building was erected ' at a cost of thirteen thousand and ten dollars. It was dedicated June i<;. [898, by Doctors F. T. Tagg. of Baltimore, and M. L Jennings, of Pittsburg, assisted by Doctors D. C. Coburn, W. L. Wells, J. A. Selby and F. A. Brown. During Rev. Sheppard's time as pastor here, the heating plant system was installed and a beautiful pipe organ was secured and other improvements made upon the church, which is indeed a model house of worship.

The Byesville Methodist Protestant church was organized about 1873, Rev. John Burns, D. D., of the Cambridge Methodist Protestant church, officiating. The organization took place in the home of Liburn B. Rodgers. then living at Old Town, just east from Enon Baptist church. The following is a list of charter members: L. B. Rodgers and wife, Isaac Hoopman and wife. Weslev Gorsuch and wife, Mary (Kaufman) Cummings.

At first they met at private houses and in a log building at the forks- of the road near Trail run, where they worshiped until the fall of 1853, when a church known as Bethlehem, was dedicated. Rev. Joel Thrapp, D. D., officiating. This served until 1880 when the society bought a lot and erected a new church at the corner of Main and Depot streets in Byesville, which served until 1903, when the present commodious edifice was erected, at the corner of Main and North High streets.

The Presbyterian Church

Presbyterianism has always been a strong factor in the county - both the regular and United Presbyterian bodies. The following facts have been furnished by the present pastor of the Presbyterian church at Cambridge, at the request of the publishers of this work :

I5O Guernsey County, Ohio

In the year 1827 Rev. 'William Wallace was authorized by some presbytery to visit the village of Cambridge and establish a Presbyterian church organization. In accordance with directions he effected such an organization in April of that year. Three elders were elected, viz: Thomas Oldham, James Wilson and Jesse Johnston. Their meetings for preaching services were held in the court house, and for some time Rev. William Wallace ministered to the congregation, preaching for them at stated intervals. In the year 1834 the names of John B. Thompson, M. D., David Burt and Ehenezer Smith were added to the roll of sessions, and the names of Silas Burt and Michael Rogers were added in the year 1837.

About the year 1837 Rev. James Black supplied the church for some little time ; he was followed by Rev. John Arthur, who supplied the congregation for two or three years. After this Rev. William Wallace furnished whatever preaching service they had until the year 1850.

At a congregational meeting held in 1845 tne following elders were elected : Samuel Wilson. Hugh Wilson, Thomas Oldham, Jr. Later the name of John McFarland was added to the roll of eldership. The church records will show that these men were of the strictest sect, and administered the law accordingly.

The congregation of Cambridge was a part of the presbytery of Zanesville and when the union of the Old-School and New-School Presbyterian churches was formed it was transferred to the presbytery of St. Clairsville.

Al out the first of October, 1853, Rev. William V. Milligan, a young man who had been licensed by the presbytery of St. Clairsville in April, 1853, went out to Uniontown, Muskingum county, Ohio, to preach for Rev. William Ferguson, while Rev. Ferguson would fill an appointment that he had made at Cambridge, Ohio. The young man suggested that Rev. Ferguson let him fill the appointment at Cambridge, the request was granted and on the first Sunday of November, 1853. Rev. Milligan preached his first sermon for the congregation that he was to serve for forty-five years. He agreed to preach as supply until the first of April, 1854. During the winter his work was very successful, and the records show that there were two meetings of the session held that winter for the purpose of receiving new members. As the pastor in charge was not an ordained minister. Rev. William Ferguson moderated one meeting and Rev. Jacob Milligan the other. The congregation was so well pleased with the ministrations of Rev. Milligan that in the spring of 1854 they gave him a call to become their pastor, and in the little brick church which occupied the site of the present commodious structure, he was ordained by the presbytery of Zanesville, May 10, 1854.

The history of the congregation is practically the history of the work of Rev. W. V. Milligan, D. I)., for the next forty-five years. The work begun on the first Sabbath of November,. [853, was continued without intermission or a single vacation, missing but two Sundays appointment till the last Sabhath of November, 1898. The last service of Doctor Milligan was Sabbath evening and a large congregation was present. At the close of the service Doctor Milligan announced that the pulpit of the Presbyterian church would be vacant that night at twelve o'clock. Doctor Milligan retired from the active work of the ministry with the good will of not only the members of his own congregation, but of the entire community. Coming to the congregation fresh from the seminary, he had given to the congregation a life of faithful service: the strung, vigorous church that he left as a monument is a fitting testimonial to the character of that service rendered, not as unto man but as unto God. Since Doctor Milligan resigned he has seen three pastors called to the pulpit. The present pastor attributes much of his success to the helpful counsel and cheerful advice given by him. who, as a father in Israel, is loved and respected by all who know him. He has already passed the mark of fourscore years, yet is his natural force not abated, nor his interest in the congregation which he served so long lessened.

When Doctor Milligan took charge of the work in 1853 there were eightythree names on the church roll. The village of Cambridge had a population of less than a thousand, and had at least four other congregations at work in this limited territory, viz : Methodist Episcopal. Methodist Protestant. Baptist, and Associate, afterward the United Presbyterian. The growth of the Presbyterian organization was a steady one. about twenty names being added each year, and when Doctor Milligan closed his pastorate in 1898 the church had a membership of two hundred and fifty.

Doctor Milligan was quite a builder in more senses than one. In 1857 the congregation, under his direction, erected a building costing over four thousand dollars, and in 1893 the present modern structure was erected at a cost of twenty thousand dollars.

In 1876 Rev. William Bryant was elected elder. In 1892 the following were selected elders: Samuel J. McMahon, Alexander Fulton, Jonathan F. Oldham, W. B. Green and Howard W. Luccock. In the year 1900 William F. Dollison, Samuel W. Luccock, Oscar Dougherty, Robert H. Mills and Samuel E. Boden were elected to the eldership, and in 1906 the following were elected and installed as elders: C. C. Laughlin, George M. Williams. Chester Lloyd. J. M. Carr. Edward B. Milligan, E. A. Scott and J. M. Wood.

May 24. 1899, and was installed August 6th of the same year. Doctor Weir came to the congregation just at a time when an active, aggressive man was needed. Cambridge had begun to grow very rapidly. He proved to be just the man tor the place. In a short pastorate of less than four years he added over two hundred members to the church and when he left the congregation, to accept a call to Ashtabula, he left a strong, vigorous congregation of over four hundred members.

On July 15, 1903, Rev. Ken C. Hayes was called to the pulpit made vacant by the resignation of Doctor Weir. Rev. Hayes was installed September 28, 1903. Doctor Hayes was a very forcible preacher, a man of most pleasing persi iriality, and had a quiet but successful pastorate of six years, when he resigned to accept a call to another congregation.

The present pastor, Rev. William L. McCormick, was installed September 21, 1909. Since the beginning of the present pastorate there have been ninety accessions to the church and the congregation is in a most prosperous condition financially, and on every hand there is evidence of the presence and blessing of the Holy Spirit. At present the congregation has a membership of almost five hundred, and the prospect for future growth were never more promising.

The Buffalo Presbyterian church, at Cumberland, was organized in 1816. It now has a membership of three hundred and fifty. It is one of the oldest and most substantial churches in Guernsey county, and of the entire state, in the list of country churches.

Three church buildings have served this people, the first being situated just to the north of the village of Cumberland, the second in the western end of the village and the present one about the center. The last named was erected in 1894, is of brick, and cost eighteen thousand dollars.

Lore City

The Lore City Presbyterian church is midway between Washington and Senecaville. The people erected a neat little church here and effected an

Guernsey Coixtv, Ohio Washington

Washington Presbyterian church was formed by early settlers from out the sturdy Scotch-Irish people. They first met at the village hotel and they depended on traveling ministers. The first house of worship was erected in 181 _', and was a small log house built by the people. It stood just outside the village, near the old graveyard. Ten years later an addition was made to this log church and in 1827 a new brick church was provided in the town. This was almost totally destroyed in 1834 by a wind storm, was rebuilt and enlarged, and served until i860, when, in a year later, the present church was erected.

This church was organized in 181 1, under the name of Leatherwood, which was changed to Washington in 1822. Rev. John Boyd was instrumental in founding this congregation. The pastors serving for many years are found in the Lore City and Senecaville church histories of this denomination. This church has experienced many great revivals, the largest probably in its entire history being that of 1839, under Rev. Samuel Hair. Other revival seasons were in 1858 and 1885.

The Senecaville Presbyterian church was organized in 1810 by Rev. John Royd, whose labors were divided between this point and Leatherwood. In 1815 Rev. James Smith accepted a call, and he died in 1819. The next pastor was Rev. Thomas B. Clark, who began in 1821 and continued nine years. The church then remained vacant a number of years, during which time a great revival broke out. But without a pastor, the congregation became scattered again, and a Cumberland Presbyterian society was formed which almost absorbed the original mother Presbyterian church. In 1835 came Rev. David Polk, who brought the fragments of the church together again and their property was restored to them and much good done. Following him came Rev. John Arthur for eighteen months, then came Rev. John Alexander in 1842, continuing until 1853. During this period the congregation flourished and grew in numbers greatly. In 1854 came Rev. William Ferguson, and gave the church one-fourth of his time until 1862, after which all of his time was devoted to the church at Washington. During his labors a church was built and a great revival followed. Then the churches of Senecaville and Washington were dissolved and separate congregations formed. Then was built the church of Bulah. at Claysville : Rev. W. R. Miller took charge of this and continued until 1867. In 1 868 Rev. Courtw right became pastor and he resigned in 1870. In 1874, Rev. R. B. Porter was made pastor, continuing until 1876. After the resignation of this man took place the former relationship with the church at Washington was resumed, and Rev. A. G. Eagleson became pastor iif the Washington church, supplying this church two years. In 1879 Rev. J. P. Stafford, D. D., began his labors as stated supply, continuing a year and a half. Doctor Miller also supplied for a short season. In 1883 Rev. Newton Donaldson, a pastor of the Washington church, became pastor at Senecaville, remaining for five years. Soon after his coming a new church was formed at Lore City, composed of members from both Senecaville and Washington. These three churches constituted the charge of Mr. Donaldson, and his ministry was very successful. Rev. Charles McCracken succeeded Mr. Donaldson, continuing three years. The next pastor was Rev. McMaster, who remained three years. (No further data was sent to the author of this work.)

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church

A church of this denomination was organized in Spencer township, in 1835, by a number of Presbyterians who were dissatisfied with the creed and teachings of the mother church ; hence they, in connection with Rev. Isaac Shook, of Tennessee, formed what they desired and finally were permitted to call it the "Cumberland Presbyterian church." It was made up largely from members of the old Buffalo Presbyterian church. The first membership (August, 1835) was forty-two. It has flourished well and had many strong pastors, including Revs. Shook, Thomas Thomas, Ezra K. Squire, D. D., A. D. Hail, D. D.. W. G. Archer and others of later days. In 1895 they occupied their second church building, a fine brick church.

United Brethren Church

There are now. in this county, the following United Brethren churches : The Cambridge churches, the Four Mile Hill church, the one at Gibson, the one at Senecaville and one at Chestnut Hill.

The Otterbein United Brethren church, near Four Mile Hill, east of Cambridge, in Centre township, was formed many years ago. It now has a membership of fifty-four. Its house of worship consists of a frame structure, thirty by fifty feet, now valued at two thousand five hundred dollars. Tin's is served by the pastor of the Second church of Cambridge, at present, and has

The Madison avenue United Brethren church, at Cambridge, was organized in August, [891, by Rev. I. Dennis, pastor. The charter members were Peter Grudier and wife, Mrs. Naff, Mis. R. Evans, Miss Anna Bailey and Joseph Moore. The following winter seventy-five members were received into the church from a revival conducted by Reverend Dennis. The present number of active members is two hundred and seventy-six.

The society purchased the Madison avenue school property in [892 for one thousand five hundred and ten dollars and have remodeled the building and built a good parsonage. The present value of the church property is fixed at seven thousand five hundred dollars and free from dehts.

The Second United Brethren church, located in East Cambridge, on the road leading- to Byesville, was organized by Rev. \Y. O. Siffert. of the First United Brethren church of Cambridge, September 6, lgc'S. The charter members were as follows: James H. Barrow, Mrs. J. II. Barrow, Mrs. J. H. Buckingham. Cecil Buckingham, Mr. and Mrs. Landman, Charles Landman, Martha Landman. Ernest Landman, J. H. Hollett. Mrs. J. H. Hollett. II. W. Thatcher. Mrs. H. \Y. Thatcher. Mabel Thatcher, Mrs. Jane Willis, Maud Willis, Mrs. Maud Biggs, Mrs. Lizzie Bebout. J. D. Olliver.

Rev. C. C. Slater began his pastorate - the church's first - October 4, [908. A frame church was erected, twenty-eight by forty feet in size, costing one thousand two hundred dollars. The present membership of this society is one hundred and four.

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Christ's Evangelical Lutheran church, at the corner of South Ninth street and Madison avenue, Cambridge, was organized September 9, 1901. There were twenty-two charter members and at present the church enjoys a membership of one hundred.

The pastors who have served this society are as follows: Rev. O. Z. Horshman, 1901 to 1904; Rev. W. J. Kratz, 1904 to date, 1910. A neat church, built of tile, was erected so that it was dedicated December 21, 1902. Its cost was four thousand dollars.

I56 Guernsey County, Ohio Pleasant City

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, of Pleasant City (formerly Point Pleasant), was organized April 1, 1864, by the following charter membership: Isaac Secrest, Mary Secrest, Elizabeth Albin, John W. Spaid, Elizabeth Spaid, Thomas Albin, Thomas A. Dyson, Christina M. Dyson, Sarah M. Dyson, Eliza A. Savely, Sarah Dyson, Martha J. Albin, Elizabeth A. Kackley, Levi Secrest, Elizabeth Secrest, Timothy Hickle, Hannah Hickle, Elizabeth Jordan, John Sinter, Barbara Secrest, Baylis D. Kackley and Mahala Secrest. These persons were also nearly all charter members of the Harmony Evangelical Lutheran church, organized at Hartford, Ohio, in 1848. The organization of the church now being treated was effected in the old school house in Pleasant City, under direction of Rev. Reuben Smith. The Methodist Episcopal church building was used by the Lutherans until in 1869, when the Lutherans decided to build for themselves a house of worship. During the remaining months of 1869 and into the early months of 1870, while the new building was being completed, the congregation held services and Sunday school in the brick building now owned by John Stranathan, on the northwest corner of the public square.

Early in 1869, the building committee purchased from Jonas D. and Sarah A. Arnold, for one hundred and fifty dollars, the southeast corner lot from the public square. The building committee consisted of Abraham Thompson, Dr. William Teeter, John W. Spaid, John H. Finley and Thomas Albin.

A substantial frame structure, forty by fifty feet, was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars. Early in June, 1870, this building was dedicated to the worship of God.

The first officers were : Thomas Dyson and Timothy Hickle, elders ; John W. Spaid and Thomas Albin, deacons. Mr. Albin is still living and has served his church in an official capacity since 1864. The congregation worshiped here from 1870 until 1898, when the house was removed and a new church building erected. The old building was moved to the north side of Main street, and is now used as a business room and dwelling apartments. When the new church was built the building committee was as follows : W. F. Bierly, Samuel Finley, T. S. Nicholson, C. F. Floto and J. A. Kackley. The cornerstone was laid July 3, 1898, and the house was dedicated on New Year's day. 1899, Rev. S. A. Orl. D. D., of Springfield, Ohio, delivering the dedicatory sermon. The new structure cost about four thousand dollars, but the building and furniture could not be furnished today, at the going prices for labor

The present membership of the church is one hundred and three communicants and one hundred and forty-one baptized members. It now enjoys its largest membership. It has a Sunday school of two hundred and fifteen scholars, with \Y. F. Bierly as its efficient superintendent.

The charter members of this prosperous church still surviving are: Thomas Albin, Eliza A. Savely, Elizabeth A. Kackley, Martha J. Dyson and Levi Secrest.

The i<)io officers are: Dr. J. A. Kackley, A. C. Flanagan and Thomas Albin, elders; T. A. Spaid. Robert M. Shields and O. E. Trenner, deacons. The church society is free from debt and has a good working balance in its treasury. Harmony and good will mark the work of this church.

The parsonage, which is the joint property of Harmony, St. Taul and Mt. Zion congregations, is a comfortable, commodious eight-room dwelling, located on the same street and lot of the church.

The Lutheran church at Senecaville was founded in 1827 by Rev. William G. Keil. born at Strasburg, Virginia, in 1799 and died at Senecaville in 1892. His labors were great and extended over much of the territory in southern Ohio. This faithful man preached here more than forty years. The church has never been strong since his labors ceased. The greatest revival in the history of this church was in the winter of 1833-34, when many prominent citizens were converted.

A call was extended to Rev. William G. Keil to become pastor. Henry Secrest and Henry F. Frye, elders, and Peter D. Robins and James L. Gilbreath were the first regularly elected officials of the congregation. Peter D. Robins was elected clerk and Robertson Rose and Casper Lurrick were chosen choir-masters.

I58 Guernsey County, Ohio

During the first year of this church's existence the membership was increased to sixty-nine. But one of the church members, Miss Elizabeth R. Frye, of Dei-went, is still living. The old church building served its purpose and was replaced by the present structure. It was in 1896 that a new house was built on the site of the old one. W. H. Spaid, E. E. Nulund and J. R. Miley were chosen to serve as a building committee. The contract was let to J. W. Spaid. The corner-stone was laid June 14, 1896, and the church was dedicated to the worship of God December 27, 1896, Rev. H. L. Wiles, D. D., of Mansfield, Ohio, officiating. The estimated cost of the building was about three thousand dollars, and at a time when wages and material were much cheaper than at present. Recent improvements amount to additional expense of about seven hundred dollars.

The Harmony Church

The Harmony Evangelical Lutheran congregation has a very beautiful, comfortable and churchly edifice in which to worship. Rededicatory services were held November 6, 19 10, the present pastor, Rev. H. A. Richardson, delivering the sermon and Rev. W. J. Krutz, of Cambridge, delivering the evening discourse. This church now has one hundred and thirteen communicants and one hundred and fifty-one baptized members. It is out of debt and has a neat sum to its credit in the treasury. There is no internal strife, and a general good feeling and spirit prevails. It has a flourishing Sunday school, an interesting prayer meeting, a well attended Christian Endeavor society and an active, helpful Ladies' Aid Society. The prospects for the future are very bright. May Almighty God continue to bless and favor this congregation in the future as He has during the past sixty-two years of its existence.

Harmony Evangelical church, of Hartford, was organized and lias had the following history, as written by the present pasti >r. Rev. 1 1. A. Richardson :

Preliminary steps leading to the founding of a Lutheran church at Hartford, Guernsey county, Ohio, were taken about three years before a permanent organization was effected and a church edifice built.

On the 30th day of January. 1845, at a special meeting of the undersigned held in Hartford, for the purpose of considering the erection of a house of worship and effecting a church organization, it was resolved:

"First - That it be and is herein- recommended that the contemplated building be thirty-four feet by forty-four feet, a good substantial frame structure, weather-boarded with planed poplar hoards, four windows in each side and two in one end and opposite the doors in the other end, windows to have twenty-four lights each, ten inches by twelve, and one row of same size above each door.

"Third - That we proceed to the election of three trustees. The election resulted in the choice of Henry Secrest, Henry F. Frye and Peter D. Robins.

Signed by Henry F. Frye, Henry Secrest and Peter D. Robins, John Hickle, John Birkhammer, William Spaid, Abraham Alhin. Michael Spaid, Henry Trumer and Jacob Cale.

The above specifications do not seem to be very explicit for the building of a house of worship, but it is presumed that they were amply sufficient for those days of simple and honest dealing. With a few minor changes the house was erected according to these plans, sometime within the next three years. Oil the 22nd day of January, 1848, a permament organization was effected. The names of the following persons appear as church members: John Stins, Henry Secrest. Elizaheth Secrest, Henry Trumer, Sarah Trumer, Abraham Albin, John Hickle. Robertson Rose, James L. Gilhreath. Henry F. Frye. Timothy Hickle. Margaret Spaid, Casper Lurrick, Peter D. Robins, Deborah M. Robins, Mahala Moore. Christina Dyson, Mary Dyson, Elizaheth R. Frye and Mary Frye. twenty in all.

St. John's Mission. Cambridge, Ohio, was organized by the Rev. J. M. Kendrick, D. D.. general missionarv of the diocese of Southern Ohio. The exact date of the organization is unknown, but it is certain that it took place in the fore part of the eighties. Services were first held in the old Methodist church on Gaston avenue and Ninth street. Before long the place of holding services was changed, and the congregation worshipped in the hall above Hawthorne's drug store on Wheeling avenue. The present church building on Steubenville avenue, near Sixth street, was opened for services on November 15. 1891. The church was consecrated by the bishop coadjutor of the diocese of Southern Ohio, our present Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Boyd Vincent. D. D., on October 26, 1897.

When the mission was organized Dr. William T. Ramsey was appointed lay reader. The first clergyman in charge was the Rev. C. B. Mee. 1886- 1888. During a vacancy of two years the Rev. R. K. Nash officiated occasionally. After this the following clergymen served at St. John's: Rev. C. E. Butler. 1890-93: Dr. William T. Ramsey, 1893-95: Rev. R. McCutcheon, 1895-96: Rev. Geo. P. Torrence, 1897-1899; Rev. C. E. Byrer, 1901-1903; Ven. John R. Matthews, 1903-1904; Rev. Smith, 1904; Rev. A. Ramsey, 1904-1907: Ven. J. H. Dodshon, 1907-1910; Rev. Alexander J. J. Gruetter, 1910. The present rector is the arch-deacon of Columbus, the Ven. J. H. Dodshon. and his assistant is the minister in charge, the Rev. A. J. J. Gruetter.

United Presbyterian Churches

The First United Presbyterian church of Cambridge was organized in 1814, hence is one of the oldest religious societies in the county. Its pastors have been as follows: Revs. James McClain, 1824-1839; James McGill, 1S39- 1850: Thomas Brown, 1850-60; William H. McFarland, i860 to 1900; Thomas D. Edgar, October 4, 1900. to April 30, 1905 : J. W. Ashwood. November 5, 1905, and still serving. The present membership of this church is seven hundred and fifty-seven.

Their various places for worship since 1814 have been, first, a tent on the hill above the "fish-basket'' on Wills creek; second, a small brick church on the lot where is now located the J. E. Sankey house, on East Steubenville avenue ; third, a frame church on the present site of the church now in use ; fourth, the present church edifice, a large brick structure erected about i860, located on Steubenville avenue, between Seventh and Eighth streets.

The congregation worshipped in a hall for some time until the present church building, located on West Eighth street, was completed in June, 1900. The congregation has had three pastors. The Rev. Thomas C. Pollock was chosen as the firsl pastor, and began his work August I. 1897, and served the congregation as pastor until November 4, 1901. The Rev. Gilbert O. Miller was selected as the second pastor, commencing his labors July 1, 1902, and served in this capacity for live years. The Rev. R. A. Elliott was the third pastor chosen, and commenced his labors October 1, 1907. and is still serving this congregation as pastor. During the thirteen years of the church's existence eight hundred and fifty-one persons have been added to the church roll. There is now a membership of more than five hundred.

The Church At Byesvhxe

The First United Preshyterian church of Byesville was formed Septemher 7. 1904. The following were the charter members: Dr. W. T. Long, Mrs. \Y. T. Long, Miss Gail Long, Mr. M. S. Guthrie, Mrs. M. S. Guthrie, Mrs. Xettie A. Fulton, Mrs. J. S. McMunn, Miss D. Rata McMunn, Master J. I. McMunn. Mr. J. L. Patterson, Mrs. J. L. Patterson, Mr. J. R. Duff, Mrs. J. R. Duff, R. B. Henderson. Mr. C. J. White, Mrs. C. J. White.

A church edifice, located on West Main street. Byesville, was dedicated on April 18. 1909, which cost five thousand dollars. It is a frame structure.

Washington

The United Presbyterian church at Washington. Wills township, tin's county, was organized in 1824 and none of the charter members are now living. The present membership of this church is seventy-three. The following pastors have served here: Revs. Samuel Findley, 1824-36; Alexander Miller. 1838-40; Hugh Forsythe, 1842-52; William Johnston, 1856-66; S. M. Hutchman, 1867-74: T. X. White, 1875-1904; E. G. McKibben, 1905, to present time.

Pleasant Hill

have been: Rev. Rufus Johnston, Rev. J. W. Martin, 1874-82; Rev. J. H. Nash, 1883-1902; E. G. McKibben, who commenced his pastorate in 1905. The present membership is one hundred and nine.

The Lebanon Church

The Lebanon United Presbyterian church in Adams township was formed April 24, 1824. David Proudfit was transferred from Laurel Hill, Pennsylvania, to Crooked Creek, Muskingum county, Ohio, and Lebanon was made a connection. He died June n, 1830.

In 1834 Reverend Welsh, a young man, came, and was installed April 22. 1835, over Crooked Creek and Lebanon. He lived only one year and in 1836 Rev. Benjamin 'Waddle, D. D., took charge. By 1838 Lebanon had increased to seventy-three families and was organized as a separate charge by electing William Proudfit, John Duff, Samuel McKnight and Robert Wagstaff as ruling elders. In 1842 Doctor Waddle was released and in 1843 Rev- Samuel Wallace was installed and released in 1849. I" April, 1850, Rev. James Duncan, D. D., took charge and served until 1874, being followed by Rev. R. C. Criswell in April, 1S78, serving until October, 1885. Then came Rev. E. E. White in 1886, being released in 1894. In 1908 Rev. H. B. McElree took charge for one year. The present membership is one hundred and ten. In 1905 a church was erected at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. The present officers are: W. L. Simpson. T. C. Cowden, Elmer Duff and James Stewart, ruling elders. The trustees are Clark Trimble. Mathew Wells and Fred McCleary.

The Church At Fairview

The United Presbyterian church of Fairview was formed about 1823. Among the pastors who have served this people may be recalled now : Revs. Samuel Findley, D. D. ; Hugh Forsythe. 1842 to 1861 ; G. W. Goudy, [862-66; S. M. Hutchison. 1868-74: I. N. White. D. D., 1875-1904: E. L. Eagleson, 1905-08, and the pastorate has been vacant since that date.

west of Fairvieu. The second one was a large frame building west of the village and the third in the village, a frame costing three thousand five hundred dollars.

The present membership is seventy. For main years this was a strong church, but by removals, the erection of ether churches and other causes the society had dwindled to its present number.

There are other churches of this denomination in the county, but they have failed to furnish data for a historical sketch. Among these may be named the churches at Ml. Harmon. Nbrthfield, The Ridge, Salem. Clear Fork, Londonderry and Sand Hill meeting places.

Baptist Churches

The First Baptist church of Cambridge was organized June 4, 1851, by the following constituent members : David A. Meeks, Matilda Meeks, Wyatt Hutchison. Mary Hutchison, Mordecai McPeek and wife, Nancy Deets. Mary O'Haven. John S. Suitt, Helen Suitt, Philo Stoddart, Nancy Stoddart, John 1!. Ambler. Sarah A. Ambler. Nancy Ambler, Jacob O'Haner, Rebecca O'Haner, Lewis Ambler, Mary Ann Ambler, Batsheba Ambler. Jane Ambler Waves, Margaret Jackson, Hannah Jane Sarchet, Clarissa Alters, Levi Clark, A. S. Dennison, Mary Gillett, Julia Ann Sigman, Elder James Murray, Isabel! Murray. Ellen Mcllyar, Sarah Laird Gudgeon, Albright McPeek.

A frame church was erected in i860 at a cost of two thousand dollars. Preparations are being made to erect a handsome church on the site of the old one. on the corner of Steubenville avenue and Eighth street. The present membership of this church is four hundred and twenty-five.

In the Cambridge Baptist Association are the following points : Adamsville. Beaver, Brushy Fork, Byesville. First and Second Cambridge churches. Old Centre church. Clear Fork, Mt. Zion, Xewcomerstown. Otsego. Pleasant View, Salem. Salt Fork, White Eyes Plains, Wills Creek.

Union of the First Baptist church. The three persons most active in the organization were Airs. J. M. Amos, Rev. L. B. Moore and Charles L. McCollum. The school was organized in a little store room at No. 514 North Second street. February 18, 1899. a new church edifice, valued at one thousand two hundred dollars, was dedicated free of debt. The building was twenty-four by forty feet and erected on a lot between Second and Third streets, on Woodworth avenue. The lot was given to the school by Mrs. Lucy Broom. Two additions have been made to this building. The present value of the property is three thousand dollars. October 24. 1902, the West End. as it was called, became a branch of the First church of Cambridge, with Rev. L. F. Taylor as assistant pastor. July 10, 1907, the branch became an independent church organization. Thirty-three members from the First Baptist church of Cambridge formed the new society. Rev. H. H. Bawden organized the church and became its first pastor. Those who have served as pastors since the Sunday school was organized are Revs. L. B. Moore, F. C. Boughton, L. F. Taylor, D. E. Cannon. George Phillips, Justin Nixon, H. H. Bawden and the present pastor, Rev. E. E. Barnhart. The first deacon was B. F. Johnson. With the exception of sixteen months, Charles L. McCollum has been the superintendent since the school was organized. The present membership of the church is ninety-five.

The Macedonia Church

The Macedonia Baptist church, of Cambridge, was formed in 1875, by Revs. Mason and James and now enjoys a membership of sixty-one. The charter members are : Rev. William Flowery and Missonia Flowery, Henry Cavender. Martha Turner, Frank Clark. Maria Thomas. Martha Buries, William T. Loggan, Neb Isaac, Eli Turner, Hannah Turner and Lewi- Lacy.

The pastors who have served here are: Revs. William Howery, Moses Pickett, W. II. Beasley, II. B. Brown, - - Peevey, M. Allen. P. P. Holland, I.. S. Holies and |. K. Green.

The Goshen Baptist church records show that in October, 1822, seventeen persons were organized into a Baptist church, by Elders William Reese and W. K. McGowan. Elder Reese was chosen pastor. For two years services were held at private houses, but in 1824 they erected a church building on Flat run. which shows that this body of "baptized believers" built the first church in the township. Reverend Reese remained ten years, up to 1842. He received but little pay, but kept on laboring among- the poor and lowly of the community in the name of the Master. Elder McGowan was the second pastor. He remained four years. Elder J. Sperry came in [836, remaining ten years, when Elder Brown served one year. In 1848 Elder Peter Ogan was called and served until 1852. He was converted under the preaching of the first pastor. Reverend Reese.

In 1849 trns church sold its property in this township, and erected a house of worship a short distance west in Rich Hill township, Muskingum county, where they still hold fast to the "faith once delivered to the saints.*'

Cumberland Church

The Cumberland Baptist church was formed April 5, 1865. by the following members : J. R. Knowlton, Sarah B. Knowlton, Edmond R. Muzzy, Elizabeth Muzzy. John H. Daniel, Caroline F. Daniel, Thomas C. Downey, Lucinda Muzzy, Mary A. Erskine, William B. McElroy, Mary J. Harper, Mary A. Muzzy, Mrs. Lorinda Muzzy.

The first pastor was Rev. G. W. Churchill and at the end of four years the membership had increased to fifty-two. By removals and deaths this society went down, after having performed a good work.

The First Baptist church of Byesville began its history in the summer of 1891, when Rev. J. R. Campbell, of the old Cambridge Baptist church, began preaching to a few faithful Baptists. After two months the services were held in the old school building, having used the United Brethren church for a few months. The present church was dedicated February 22, 1903, Rev. G. E. Leonard officiating and raising the debt from the society. August 9th the church separated itself from the old Cambridge church, freeing itself from the relation of a mission church and was admitted into the Cambridge Baptist Association August 24. 1905. Rev. W. H. Wilson, the first pastor, was called to the work December 6, 1903. In 1907 the reports show a membership of one hundred and seventy-five. For three or four years this young church carried off the banner awarded to the churches in Ohio. for strength and efficiency of systematic work, and two years for Christian culture work. Its benevolences in 1907 Were five hundred and fifty dollars.