Madison County, Ohio - Chapter 25: Churches of Madison County, 1915 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 25: Churches of Madison County

There is no more potent factor in the life of any community than the churck, and the influence of an active religious denomination is measured by the wholesome spirit which may be found in the community. More than a hundred years have elapsed since the first settlers of Madison county made their permanent homes here, and within that time many churches have arisen in the county. Many of them have long since closed their careers, but the good which they accomplished still remains. There are those who maintain that the people of today are not as religious as were the pioneers of the state, but things religious are not to be measured by human standards. The mere fact that there-are fewer churches in Madison county today than there were fifty years ago does not argue that the people are any the less religious; neither does it imply that the life of the people is of a lower standard than it was in the "good old days." ;

'Churches may come and churches may go, but a better civilization is not ganged by the mere number of churches. Many factors have entered into the disappearance of the rural church, and not the least of these is the shifting of population from the country to the towns and villages. For this same reason there are hundreds and even thousands of public schools throughout Ohio which have been discontinued within the past twenty-five years. Many a neighborhood which had from fifty to seventy-five school children half a century ago cannot even support a school with the minimum number required by the law at the present time. This ever-increasing drift from rural to urban centers affects not only the church and school, but life along all lines. Nor does it mean, in any sense of the word that the people are becoming less religious because of fewer churches, or more ignorant because of the abandonment of so many rural schools.

There can be no question that Madison county has passed through a marked religious change during the past three-quarters of a century, nor can it be denied that things might be better. Yet it must be admitted that the people of the county are living today much closer to the Ten Commandments than ever before. History reveals that the forefathers were not always as good as they have been pictured; could we of today see them in their daily life we should be surprised at some of the things they did. The great majority of them drank - and drank whisky; they were very profane; they were prone to fight; they grafted in public affairs, just as has been done since; they had many shortcomings which we have not been accustomed to associate with them. Yet, they were religious - though the preacher often. worked his 'sermon out with the aid of a whisky flask. In those cold churches of the twenties and thirties the bottle was called upon to supply the heat denied by the fireplace or rude stove. It was the way people lived in those days; in their point of view a bottle of whisky was as essential to the farmer on harvest day as the bottle of machine-oil is today.

Under truly pioneer conditions did our forefathers live for many years, and to see them file to church on Sunday morning in the thirties, one would certainly think so. The historians of the Central West often find where the congregations were mostly barefooted. Some wore moccasins, some buckskin breeches and hunting shirts, with 'coon, fox or 'possum-skin eaps on their heads. Many of the caps were ornamented with fox tails. According to the custom of the period, the men sat on the left side of the centre aisle and the women on the right. Husbands and wives and sweethearts went to and from church together, but sat apart during the services, lest their attention be distracted from the preacher's sermon. Then the women used to sing treble, and one would hear a woman's voice away above that of the congregation. They thought it was fine, but, under the new way, the men sing the tenor. The hymns were "lined out," as it was then called. Two lines would be given out by the minister or clerk, then sung by the congregation; then two more lines would be read and sung, and so on te the end of the psalm or hymn.

Primitive Houses Of Worship

The forefathers in Madison county. did not worship in beautiful churches, but gathered in their own homes, in school buildings, in groves when the weather permitted, and even in barns. They neither grumbled nor complained, but were joyful and happy in the position in which Providence had seen fit to place them. Their services were very irregular; they had no Sabbath schools and no musical instruments. Without any of the modern attractions which are now deemed a necessary part of the church, they worshipped in a quiet, simple and unostentatious manner. Often weeks must pass without a regular minister, and then some pioneer would conduet the services; if not in an orthodox manner, yet with true Christian spirit, which, no doubt, found favor with the Giver of all good things. In these humble meetings - and often the little band did not number over a dozen - they thanked God for what He had vouchsafed them and asked Him to continue His blessings toward them. And who is there to say that they did not do all they could to advance the cause on earth of the Kingdom of Heaven?

As one writer puts it, what is wanted is ''a religion that softens the step and tunes the voice to melody and fills the eye with sunshine and checks the impatient exclamation and harsh rebuke. A religion that is polite, deferential to superiors, courteous to inferiors, and considerate to friends; a religion that goes into the family and .keeps the husband from being cross when the dinner is late and the wife from fretting when he tracks the floor with his muddy boots, and makes him mindful of the scraper and the door-mat; keeps the mother patient when the baby is cross and amuses the children as well as instructs them; cares for the servants, besides paying them promptly; projects the honeymoon into the harvest moon; makes a happy home like the Easter fig tree, bearing in its bosom at.once the beauty of the ripened fruit; a religion thut shall: interpose between the ruts, gullies and rocks of the highway of life and the sensitive souls that are traveling over them.' And who shall say that the simple faith of its forefathers was not as potent in bringing all that about as the religion preached today.

The Methodists and Baptists were the first to establish churches in Madison county, and they were closely followed by a number of. other denominations. The Presbyterians and Christians were early in the field and by the middle of the last century more than fifty churches were scattered throughout the county. The Protestants had the field to themselves until about 1850, when the first Catholic church was organized, and since that year the Catholics have steadily grown in power and influence. But whether Protestants or Catholics, the influence of the church is always exerted in behalf of cleaner living and for a higher conception of the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God.

In the discussion of the churches of Madison county it seems best to, submit a list of all the churches, both active and discontinued, which have appeared at one time

Jefferson - West Jefferson, Methodist Episcopal ; Foster Chapel, Methodist Episcopal; Blair, or Gullivan Chapel, Methodist Epigcopal ; West Jefferson, Baptist; Alder Chapel, Universalist, Sts. Simon and Jude, Catholic, Antioch Mission Union and African Methodist Episcopal. : ois | .

London Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal church of London was established shortly after the town was laid out, in either 1813 or 1814. The society worshipped in private residences, and belonged to a large circuit, which in 1819 had twenty- -four preaching places. Its first church was erected on a lot at the corner of Walnut and Fifth streets, purchased from Patri¢k McLene for eleven dollars. Its officials were 'William Erwin, Jonathan Minshall, John McDonald, Williai Warner, Sr.,_ William G. Pritchard, Robert Warner, 'David Watson, James Greenley and Amos G. Thompson. This was a log meetinghouse with puncheon floors and seats of split rails and was the first church structure in London. For twenty years this humble building served the congregation. ' Then two lots were secured on the southwest corner of Second and Oak streets, where they built a new church about the year 1840 - a frame structure some sixty feet square, with a gallery and two upstairs class rooms. A small brick parsonage stood on the west side of the church. The congregation worshipped there another twenty years, when this building was removed to make way for a brick building, forty feet wide, ninety feet long, with a tower seventy- -two feet high. It faced Oak 'street and its site is now occupied by the corner residence. This church was begun in 1859 under the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Tippett, and was dedicated on February 25, 1860, by Bishop I). W. Clark, under the pastorate of Rev. Levi Hall and his colleague, Rev. A. M. Alexander. The former but recently passed away at his home in Minneapolis while a son of the latter is now a resident of London. This church cost seventy-five hundred dollars, of which one thousand six hundred was raised at the dedication.

other appointment little Kingsley chapel, three miles west of town, which has since _gone out of, existence. It stood on the farm of Joseph Warner and was named for Bishop Kingsley.

In 1862-3 a new brick parsonage was built, which still stands as the residence of the late Dr. W. H. Christopher. It was begun by Rev. J. M. Jameson, and was first occupied by Rev. Levi Cunningham. In 1866, Mrs. Eliza Chrisman donated seven thousand dollars for a chapel at the rear of the church, which was dedicated by Bishop Clark on Christmas day. This building is now a double residence structure facing Second street.

By 1868 this church had grown strong enough to entertain the conference, which was presided over by Bishop Kingsley. Rev. H. K. Foster was then pastor, serving three years. He was followed in 1869 by Rev. C. D. Battelle, who also remained three years, the full limit.

The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of this church was organized in 1871. Rev. I. F. King succeeded Mr. Battelle, staying one year, and then was made a presiding elder. Rev. T. H. Monroe came next, remaining three years, during which time the great revival under the evangelists, Mr. and Mrs. Frame, occurred. In the fall of 1875, Rev. J. T. Miller became pastor, remaining three years. He was followed by Rev. J. C. Jackson, Sr., who came from Bigelow chapel, Portsmouth, and remained three years. The next pastor was Rev. J. W. Peters, who also came from Bigelow, Portsmouth, and remained three years. In 1881 this church again entertained the conference, under Bishop Andrews. Rev. T. R. Taylor was the next pastor for three years. Rev. J. W. Dillon followed him, staying four years, as the pastoral term had then been lengthened to five years. In the fall of 1890, Rev. W. LL. Slutz became pastor, coming from Bigelow, Portsmouth, and staying five years, during which time the old church and parsonage were sold, and the present edifice erected, costing about forty-five thousand dollars. It was dedicated on November 18, 1894, by Bishop Joyce.

A house which stood on the lot of the present church was removed to a lot donated by Mr. Jereia Sweatland, on Elm street, and: remodeled for a parsonage, June 17, 1894. Mrs. Slutz died in this parsonage, and on September 21, following, Rev. Mr. Slutz's two daughters and his sister-in-law were killed by a passenger train. He was followed by Rev. B. L. McElroy, from Bigelow, Portsmouth, where he had succeeded Rev. Mr. Slutz. The next autumn, 1896, this church again entertained the conference. Remaining but one year, Rev. Mr. McElroy transferred to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was followed by Rev. A. H. Norcross, who stayed three years. Rey. Franklin McEIfresh became his successor, also remaining three years. Rev. D. Y. Murdoch next came as pastor, but after six months was claimed by death. Rev. J. H. Gardner filled out the unexpired year, as a supply, and Rev. T. G. Dickinson was appointed pastor in the fall of 1903, remaining four years. He was succeeded by Rev. F. M. Evans, who remained two years, and was followed by Rev. John C. Jackson, coming from Bigelow, Portsmouth, who served five years and was followed by Rev. C. B. Pyle, the present pastor. Under the pastorate of Rev. John C. Jackson, the church was renovated at a cost of over ten thousand dollars. Its present membership is about six hundred and fifty, with a Sunday school of seven hundred and forty-six, in which is a men's Bible class that has averaged over one hundred and ten for the past year, with a membership of over three hundred, and also a woman's Bible class with an enrollment of about one hundred.

' Tt is impossible to give the present membership by name in this brief sketch. Among those who were prominent in early years, and many of whose families are still represented here are the Warners, the Watsons, the Farrars, the Minshalls, the Gosslees, the Dungans, Dunkin (David), the Boyds, the Joneses, the Morgans, the Chenoweths, the Chrismans, the Clarks, the Slagles, the Adairs, the Lotspeiches, the Lohrs and the Phifers. The officiary today is as follow: Trustees, J. B. Van Wagener, R. W. Boyd, J. A. Long, Miss Minnie Cheseldine, F. C. Bostwick, J. P. Skinner, William Cryder; stewards, C. W. Farrar, G. F. Dodds, W. T.. Booth, O. E. Duff, H. H. Johnstin, H. Hathaway, L. C. Houston, T. H. Orcutt, W. E. Lukens, J. J. Yearian, S. L. Turner, E. P. Fisher, J. W. Hume, J. H. Asher, M. L. Bryan, S. S. Van Cleave; Sunday school superintendent, Chauncey T. Jones; president Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. C.. E. Gain; president Epworth League, Glenna West. . :

Converse Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church

The Converse Chapel Methodist Episcopal. church was organized in 1816, for many years the congregation's only place of worship being the Converse school house of that neighborhood. This society subsequently became the most flourishing society in the township. In 1840 it erected the largest church edifice in that part of the county. For about thirty-five years, this commodious building was used as a place of worship. About 1875, the congregation was united with that of Plain City.

Chapel Methodist Episcopal church, at the home of Rey. Lewis Foster, in 1808. Following are a few of the names that constituted the original class: Lewis Foster and wife; Joshua, John, Benjamin and Joseph, four sons of Rev. Foster, and their wives; Rebecca Tomlinson; Cassa Dwyer; Joseph Downing, his brother Frank and their wives, and John Hayden, wife and family. Among the first ministers who served the class were Rey. William Simmons, Rev. Daniel Davidson and Reverend Finley. The congregation worshipped in their respéctive homes, alternately, until March, 1825, when Reverend Foster and wife deeded two acres and forty-three poles to a body of trustees for the sum of ten dollars, and for the purpose of erecting thereon a church. building, the trustees at that time being John Hayden, Frank Downing, John Buck, John Foster and Joseph Powers, and the deed was acknowledged before Squire. Samuel Sexton, of New Hampton: A comfortable hewed-log church was soon erected, wherein the notes of praise were sounded to the All-Wise, and the peoples' hearts rejoiced in.the privileges they then enjoyed. Later a comfortable, neat and attractive brick church was built on the same ground.

Gillivan Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1844, largely by the efforts of the Blair family, a Methodist society was organized about four miles northwest of the town of Jefferson. In the year mentioned Rev. J. W. Young, of the Marysville circuit, was solicited to eome and organize the society, which resulted in the following membership: John Blair and wife Jency, G. W. Blair, R. C. Blair, Jacob B. Coon, J.C. Coon, Elizabeth Tillman, Leonard Thomas, J. Zadock Chapman, Hiram Stodard and Eliza Stodard. For nine years after the society was organized the members worshipped in the residence. of G. W. Blair, after which they threw their mites together; Mr. Blair donated a lot from his farm, and a frame chureh edifice was constructed, plain but comfortable, at a cost of about seven hundred dollars, and was dedicated in the fall of 1853, by Rev. Uriah Heath. The building served for a period of twenty-nine years, with the nominal expense for repairs of twenty dollars. The present building was, constructed in 1882, at the little villnge of Gillivan, five miles northwest of Jefferson. E. B. Haynes donated the lot on which the building stands. This church was known as Blair Chapel until it was moved to its present site, since which time it has gradually assumed the name of the village in which it is located. The building is a beautiful, large structure, thirty-two by fifty-two feet, with steeple and bell, surrounded by a nice lot and lighted by a gasoline lighting system. The church contains but one room, the auditorium, with a seating capacity of about two hundred and fifty persons. The cost, of its erection was two thousand six hundred dollars. This church is at present a point on the Lafayette circuit, with Rev. J. P. Landsittel as pastor, the trustees being Harry Wilson, Clint McCoy, W. R. Prose, Thurman Bidwell, Richard Wright, Jacob Beers and Dan Hoover. The present membership is eighty-one and the congregation maintains a thriving Sunday school of seventyfive members, of which Clint McCoy is the superintendent. Mrs. Della Bradley is president and Mrs. Thurman Bidwell, secretary of the ladies' aid society.

Methodist Episcopal Church At West Jefferson

_ The society at Foster Chapel had grown and cast its seeds in the vicinity of the village of Jefferson, but not until 1833 was there a class organized there. The original class consisted of about ten or a dozen members, among whom were Ezekiel Arnett and wife; a Mr. Mortimore and wife, who lived in a log house where the residence of James Penne later stood, and in whose house the society was organized; Mrs. Jarvis Pike and Mrs. Mary Lewis. The officiating minister was Reverend Gavett. The members were industrious and zealous in the good work begun, and ere long the class numbered almost double as many as at first. They worshipped in Mortimore's residence mostly until 1836, when they commenced holding. their meetings in the school house at Jefferson, where they were served by Reverend Sutton. _ They experiencd some unpleasantness with the Universalists, who also, used the same building, and in 1837, even though the flock was small, and not financially able, they, had the will and found the way to erect a substantial frame church on lot No..50, in the village of Jefferson. While in this house the society still enlarged, and in 1862, a more modern and comfortable brick edifice was erected at a cost of about five thousand dollars.

Methodist Episcopal Church Of Lafayette

There is no evidence of the organization of a church among the early settlers along Deer creek until after the laying out of the town of Lafayette. About 18438, a few Methodists met together and, under the leadership of the Rev. Silas B. Chase, of Mechanicsburg, organized a class as follows: Reason Lotspeich and wife, James Wright, John Shryack, J. H. Badley, Rachel Badley and Sarah Warner - seven in all - with Reason Lotspeich as class leader. Their first meetings were held in the school house. They were received into the Jefferson circuit of the Chillicothe district and from that time on had regular preaching. About 1849 they erected a frame church edifice in the village of Lafayette, which house of worship was dedicated in June, 1849, in the presence of David Kemper, presiding elder. The first minister was Alanson FWieming and he was succeeded as follow: .In 1850, by John W. Locke and James Tv. Bail; 1851, William Sutton and Thomas J. Loyd; 1852, William Sutton and John C. Fulton; 1858-54, Samuel T. Middleton and William Z. Ross; 1855-56, Archibald Fleming and Henry H. Ferris; 1857, William Sutton and Samuel P. Tippet; 1858, William Sutton and James Finch; 1859, John W. Young and James Finch; 1860, John W. Young and William P. Grantham; 1861, Levi Hall and William P. Grantham; 1862, Levi Hall and Jacob S. Adams; 1863, F. F. Lewis and Jacob S. Adams, after which date the church was served by the following, in the order given; Charles Lewis, Middleton, Burns, McLaughlin, Anderson, William Lewis, I. B. Brodrick, S. D. Hutsenpillar, C. A. Naylor, C. W. Bostwick and F. F. Lewis. Rev. Lewis was pastor about 1882. From that date until 1894 there is a breach in the pastors that the historian has been unable to fill out. After 1894 the church was served. by the following pastors: R. Callaghan, 1894-96; Howard E. Wright, 1896-99; J. BE. Walters, 1899-1903; T. G, Wakefield, 1903-05; J. I. Tyler, 1905-09; A. C. Bostwick, 1909-13, and J. P. Landsittel, the present pastor, since 1913. The old frame church was torn down and the present. brick church building was erected in 1892. It contains an auditorium that has a seating capacity of about two hundred and a primary room used by that department of the Sunday school. The building is lighted by a gasoline lighting system. The present trustees are George Kaufman, Walter Headley, Johnson Headley, Sherman Simpson, A. H. Long, Lucy Beech, Herbert Harper, Louis 'Tracy and John Lane. The membership at present is about one hundred persons. A thriving Gunday school is maintained in connection with the church, with a membership of about eighty. Forrest Baker is the superintendent. There is a ladies' aid society of about twenty-five members, organized during Reverend Tyler's pastorate, of which Mrs. Alice Taylor is president and Mrs. Sylvia Tracy, secretary. In December, 1909, a women's foreign missionary society was organized, which at present has about fifteen members and is maintaining two 'women teachers in the foreign field. The president of the society is Mrs. J. L. Landsittel, with Minnie Kaufman as secretary.

This church is at the head of a circuit that includes the following stations: Lafayette, Summerford, Gillivan and Plumwood. Until 1913 the circuit contained only the three points of Lafayette, Summerford © oe Gillivan, but in 1914, Plumwood was added to the charge.

Sedalia Methodist Episcopal Church

It is 'thought that the Sedalia - then' known as Midway - Methodist Episcopal ehurch was the first church organized in Range township. The first preaching point was at the house of William M. Linton, where it appears a class was early formed, probably about 1812-14, consisting of the following persons: David Dye and wife, Joseph Pancake and wife, Lockhart Biggs and wife, Elizabeth Counts and Septimus Stuthard and wife. These nine persons, with David Dye and Joseph Pancake, as class leaders, formed the first class. Soon after the following persons were added: Thomas Hughs and wife, William Chappell and wife, Andrew Johnson and wife, Zachariah Adams and wife, Thomas Bethard and wife, Lemuel Bethard and wife, and Isaac Fisger and wife. The home of Mr. Linton continued to be the preaching point until the erection of the David Dye school house, after which the latter building was used for church purposes until about 1844, when a frame building was erected at Sedalia, which was occupied until the erection of the present edifice, about the year 1850. The church is a frame building, capable of seating about three hundred persons and has a gallery in the rear. Among the first ministers who preached at this point .were Reverend Nation, Rev. William Sutton, Reverend Young, Rev. Alexander Morrow and Rev. John Stewart. The following pastors have served thir station in more recent years, in order and period of their ministries as follow: Isaac Mackey, D. J. Smith, two years; L. F. Postle, 1885-88 : D. L. Mark, 1888-92; Ralph Watson, 1892-94; W. L. Alexander, 1894-97; George Cherrington, 1897-1900; A. L. Cherrington, 1900-03; George F. Simms, 1903-05; A. L. Madden, 1905-07; E. B. Foltz, 1907-09; C. N. Smith, 1909-13, and N. C Patterson, since 1913. The present membership is one hundred and twenty-five with the following as trustees: John V. Fenny, John Allen, Jesse Hankins, Crosby Duff, R. P. Shotts, Dr. F. B. Whifford, C. C. Hewit, and A. C. Kelso. The congregation maintains a prosperous Sunday school of about one hundred and twenty-five members, of which Mrs. Jennie Meade is the superintendent. Mrs. Lou Richardson is president and Mrs. Kate Williams, secretary, of the ladies' aid society of about sixty Members. The women's home missionary society, of which Mrs. Florence D. Patterson is president and Mrs. Amanda Tenney, secretary, is a progressive group of twenty-two members. It was organized on November 11, 1914, and has sent boxes of clothing, etc.. to the Eliza Dee home at Austin, Texas. The circuit of which this church is the head consists of the congregations at Bethel, Concord and Sedalia, in Range township, and Newport, or Walnut Run, in Paint township. This circuit at one time also included a congregation at the Foster school house in Oak Run township. The parsonage of the circuit is located in Sedalia. A lot adjoining the church there on the north was purchased, and in the summer of 1868, a large two-story frame house was erected by Thomas Hughs, at a cost of about two thousand dollars. This parsonage is occupied by the present pastor. The pastor of the circuit preaches at each place every other week, at Sedalia and Newport on one Sunday, and at Bethel and Concord on the next.

Concord Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal church of Concord was organized in 1816-17, at the house of Richard Gosslee, with a class consisting of the following persons: Richard Gosslee and wife, Charles Holland and wife, Thomas Dawson and wife, and a few others whose names are not now obtainable. The house of Mr. Gosslee continued as the preaching place until 1837, when the present church building was completed, and in due form was dedicated to service. In 1860, this church was remodeled and repaired, and rededicated to service by a sermon preached by Rev. A. B. See. Some of the early preachers who held services at the house of Mr. Gosslee were Jacob Hooper, James B. Findley, William Findley and William Westlake. The membership was about thirty-eight persons in 1880, but this has grown to the present membership of ninety-eight. The trustees are Nathan Gillespie, Frank Thomas, M. L. Shepherd, James Gillespie, Edward Shepherd, E. J. Gillespie, Allison Grimm, and Daniel Call. The congregation maintains a prosperous Sunday school of about fifty members, of which Oliver Shepherd is the superintendent. Mrs. Warner Snyder is president and Mrs. Maggie Call, treasurer, of the ladies' aid society. This church is a point of the Sedalia circuit, of which Rev. N. C. Patterson is the present pastor. The church is a neat frame building with a gallery in the auditorium and a basement that is fitted for entertainments.

Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church

The Bethel Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1820 or 1821, by the Rev. Mr. Maley at the house of John Fisher. It is thought that the class consisted of the following ten persons: John Fisher and wife, Elizabeth Fisher, John Morris, Elizabeth Morris, Robert Farrar, Isabel Cox, James Fisher, Sarah Fisher and Prudence Steel. They continued to have preaching at the house of Mr. Fisher and in the summer in the groves of the neighborhood, until the erection of the church building, which it is believed was about 1847-48. The membership now consists of about one hundred persons. The trustees are J. W. Chenoweth, Howard Chenoweth, E. M. Tway, J. F. Martin, John Gill, Charles Wissler, C. M. Foster, T. L. Creath and J. E. Baker. It has a thriving Sunday school of about fifty members, of which J. E. Baker is the superintendent. Mrs. Martha Baker is president and Mrs. Minnie Kellough is secretary, of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society. The Ladies' Aid Society has about one hundred members and Mrs. Beatrice Junk is the president, with Mrs. Gertrude McCallister, treasurer. The first church building is still standing and is a nice brick structure with a gallery. This church is a point on the Sedalia circuit, of which Rev. N. C. Patterson is the present pastor.

Barrow Run Methodist Episcopal Church

Early in the settlement along Barrow Run a Methodist class was organized by John Rathburn, with himself, the Allens, the Carrs and some others as the original members. They held their meetings for years in private homes and in the school house, but about 1832-33, they erected a frame building for church purposes, which stood for many years in a dilapidated condition long after its use was discontinued, but which has not entirely disappeared. Meetings and services were held at this house until about 1865-66. At one time it is thought that this society was quite large and prosperous, but following the death of some and the moving away of others, the church waned and finally became extinct, over forty years ago. Among the early ministers who preached there were Reverend Morrison, Elder William Raper, Elder George Walker, Reverend Chase and Reverend Webster.

Wilson Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church

The origin of the Wilson Chapel Methodist Episcopal church dates from the spring of 1873, when a subscription was started and money was raised to erect a church edifice, which was built the same summer on land donated for that purpose by Washington Wilson, located on the Wilson and Winget pike, east of Little Darby creek about one-half mile, and the house was dedicated to service in the fall of the same year (1873), the dedicatory sermon being delivered by Elder I. F. King. The house was dedicated to service free from debt and incumbrance. Rey. R. D. Anderson was appointed to administer to this church and preached every two weeks the first year. In the spring of 1874 a series of meetings was held and several accessions were made to the church, and a class was organized consisting of the following persons: Mrs. Jennie Taylor, Daniel Anderson and wife, Isabel Woods and Mrs. Margaret Bradley, with Daniel Anderson as class leader. He was succeeded by Martin Huddle and he by Hiram Anderson, who was the last. Reverend Anderson was succeeded as minister by Rev. S. S. Sears, and he by Reverend Rudisil; then came to the charge Rev. Tressen Rider, then Reverend Carter, and during 1883, Reverend Lewis was the pastor, The church at one time reached a membership as high as sixty; but by the death of some and the moving away of others, the membership was reduced until during Reverend Lewis' pastorate it was only fifteen. At that time the church supported a good Sunday school of about sixty members, with Hiram Anderson as its superintendent. This church was discontinued a few years later.

Amity Methodist Episcopal Church

A Methodist Episcopal church was founded at Amity about 1833-5, when a few persons, under the leadership of John Mann, organized a class, embracing, it is believed, the following persons: Henry Downing and family, Eli Douglas and family, John Finch and family, Obil Beach, Benjamin Willey, Lorenzo Beach, Theron Eastman and wife, Rev. Henderson Crabb, and perhaps a few others, with John Mann as class leader. About 1837-38 the little congregation erected a brick church, which was duly dedicated to service, and the society continued in a very prosperous condition for' several years, and at one time was quite large in membership. About 1849-50, Mr. Mann -sold out his effects, having carried on a large business in an ashery and becoming quite wealthy. _He started for California during the prevailing gold excitement there, and from the time of his departure the church began to wane, and finally became extinct - more than sixty-five years ago.

Lilly Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church

From the best information obtainable it appears that the Methodist Episcopal church at Lilly Chapel was organized about the year 1828, with the following persons constituting the first class: Philip Durflinger, Isaac Morris, George Bell, Amos Morris, . Stephen Morris, William Tway, David Sidner, David Crane, Daniel Durflinger and Samuel Tway, with their wives. For many years their meetings were held in private homes of the neighborhood and then in the school house. In 1850 a frame building was erected and the congregation received the name of Lilly Chapel Methodist Episcopal church. This building served its purpose until 1887, when the present church edifice was erected at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. It is a brick structure located in the center of the village of Lilly Chapel at the cross roads. A few of the ministers who have served this charge are David Kemper, William Westlake, Reverend Pillsbury, David Young, Reverend Finley, B. F. Durling, Theodore Creighton, D. J. Smith, and J. D. Smith. The present pastor is Rev. R. S. Myers. In connection with the church is maintained a prosperous Sunday school which has a membership of about one hundred. S. A. Sidner is the superintendent. Mrs. Bessie Sidner is president of the ladies' aid society and Flora Truitt, president of the women's foreign missionary society. . METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF BIG PLAIN.

Here as elsewhere the Methodist itinerant preachers are found early breaking into the field. A class early was organized at Spring Hill, about three miles northeast of Big Plain, and another class at the old Bales school house. At the latter place preaching was held regularly every two weeks. These meetings were generally conducted by a number of Methodist preachers, one after the other, as they came on the circuit, until the town of California, now known as Big Plain, was laid, when, in 1852, they decided to build a church in that town. Robert Thomas gave them a lot, and, in the summer of that year a frame house was erected, and they organized with the following members: John F. Chenoweth, Charles Henderson, Charles Warner, Moses Ellsworth, Hezekiah Chenoweth, Andrew White, John Callander, Thomas Corder, Richard Johnson and their wives, Rachel Bales, Sabina Hume and undoubtedly a few others whose names are lost at this late date. The class leaders for many years were Hezekiah Chenoweth and Charles Warner. Among the first ministers were the Reverends Hurd, Wolf, Smith, William Sutton, Stewart and Young. Others who have served the church as pastors in later years are J. W. Waite, Herman Carter, J. P. Pillsbury, J. W. Baker, T. W. Creighton, G. A. Marshall, T. J. Danforth, N. C. Patterson, I. M. Sollars, J. S. Griffith, J. Herman Mindling and Samuel Bishop, the present pastor. This church is in the Derby circuit, which includes Derby, Big Plain, Hra and MecKendre stations, with the parsonage at Derby. The membership is about one hundred and thirty-five. In 1883, the present church edifice was erected at a cost of thirty-five hundred dollars. The trustees of the church are Dr. F. P. Fitzgerald, E. O. Fitzgerald, E. C. Griffin, Frank D. Edwards, W. R. Laird, T. W. Nowland, with T. W. Nowland and E. O. Fitzgerald as stewards.

Summerford Methodist Episcopal Church

The first church to be organized in Somerford township was by the Methodists, about 1828, at the house of Charles Soward, by Rev. James B. Austin, with the following members: Sutton Potee, Charles Soward, Joshua Davis and Samuel, with their wives, with Sutton Potee as class leader. About 18384, the organization changed the place of holding its meetings to Summerford, and services were held in private houses and in the school house until about 1848-44, when a brick church was erected in the east part of town. There services were held until the fall of 1878, when the building was torn down and the brick was used to help build the present church, which is located in the western part of the village, at a cost of about one thousand seven hundred dollars. This house was dedicated to service by Rev. Granville Moody on October 25, 1874. The membership of this church some ten years later was about fifty persons. At present the membership is ninety-eight. This church for several years past has been a point on the circuit of which Lafayette is the head, with the parsonage. For the ministers of the circuit see the history of the Lafayette church. Rev. J. P. Landsittel is the present pastor. The trustees of the church are J. W. Edwards. B. H. Woosley, North Pitzer, Albert Fisher, C. G. Wilson, Earl Edwards, H. Nicewarner, Dan Hendricks and Clarence Potee. The congregation maintains a prosperous Sunday school in connection with the church, of about eighty members, of which B. H. Woosley is the superintendent.

Newport Methodist Episcopal Church Of Walnut Run

One of the first, if not the first, churches to be organized in Madison county was the Methodist Episcopal church of Walnut Run, known as the Newport Methodist Episcopal church. In 1807, at the house of Jonathan Minshall, a class was organized with three members - Jonathan Minshall and wife and David Watson, with the former as class leader. Meetings were held, with occasional preaching, at the house of Jonathan Minshall until, in 1809, David W'atson's father, Walter Watson, having located near his son's place, meetings were held at his house until 1822, when David's mother died, after which meetings were held at David's home. As the settlers in the neighborhood increased in number, the class grew. Between the years 1816 and 1820, there was held each year, for two or three years, a camp meeting in that neighborhood, which was probably the first of the kind ever held in Madison county. People came to these meetings from many miles distant and camped in tents. At one evening meeting twenty persons joined the church, under the preaching of Rev. Alexander Morrow. The members held their meetings in private homes until the building of a public school house. about 1831-82, when the services were held in the school house, which was erected where the cemetery is now located. There the church continued to hold services until about 1850, when the society built a church about one mile east of Walnut Run. 'The building was a good substantial frame structure, erected at a cost of about seven hundred dollars. This building served until the erection of the present edifice in Walnut Run, about 1872. It is a neat brick building, fifty-six by thirty-two feet, and cost. about four thousand five hundred dollars. At the time of the erection of the first church building the society numbered about twenty members and at the time of the erection of the brick building, about seventy-five members, and at present about two hundred and forty members. The church building was dedicated in November, 1872, with Rev. Joseph Trimble preaching the dedicatory sermon. Since the erection of the first building the church has been served by the following ministers: Mr. Smith, John Stewart, Joseph Brown, Mr. Crum, Archibald Fleming, Mr. Spahr, Samuel Tibitt, J. T. Miller, Mr. Pitzer, A. Alexander, Mr. Heath, Mr. Vananda, A. R. Miller, I. Bradrick, Mr. King, and Isaac Mackey. For the ministers serving since the time of Rev. Isaac Mackey see the history of the Sedalia Methodist church, the head of the circuit of which the Newport church is a member. The present pastor of the circuit is Rev. N. C. Patterson, with his residence at the parsonage in Sedalia.

The present trustees of the church are J. W. Johnson, James Withrow, D. M. Withrow, D. G. Kilgore, Stephen Gregg, S. E. Thompson, Frank Kulp, J. M. Neff and Byron Snyder. In connection with the church is a flourishing Sunday school, which has been in existence continuously since the erection of the first frame church. It has a membership of about one hundred and fifty, with Elroy Moody as _ superintendent. Mrs. S. E. Thompson is president of the ladies' aid society and Oliver Withrow, president of the Epworth League.

Mt. Sterling Methodist Episcopal Church

The first class of the Mt. Sterling Methodist Episcopal church was organized in August, 1831, at the home of John Puckett, with the following members: Lewis Devoll and wife, John Puckett and wife, Sophia Puckett, Sarah Puckett, George W. Ingrim and wife, John Blain and wife and probably a few others whose names cannot be ascertained at this late date, with John Puckett as class leader. For the following three years the class continued to meet and occasionally had preaching at the house of John Puckett. Some of the men who preached there at that time were William Morrow, Jacob Martin, William Westlake and Philip Nation. Mt. Sterling was at that time one of thirty-four preaching points on the London circuit. About 1834, by an earnest effort, money was raised and a church building was erected on the ground now occu- pied by the present church. This structure was of brick and cost about seven hundred doHars. In this building preaching and services were continued until the summer of 1859, when the old building was torn down and a frame edifice was erected at a.cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. This building was dedicated in the fall of the same year, Reverend Clark, later Bishop Clark, of Cincinnati, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The historian was unable to obtain a complete. list of the pastors that have served this congregation, but the following roster has been obtained through the generous help of the present pastor, Rev. Charles E. Hill: - A. R. Miller; J. P.. Pillsbury, 1881; P. B. Davis, 1884-85; J..M. Adams, 1885-87; W..S. Benner, 1887-88 ;. David Storer, 1888-90; J. B. Bradrick, 1890-94; A. B. Sniff, 1894-96; J. W. Mougey, 1896-99; H. E. Wright, 1899-1901; A. A. Sayre, 1901-05; S. A. Crosby, 1905-09; Charles E. Hill, since 1909. The. frame. church building was used by the congregation until 1912, when the present heautiful building was erected at a, total cost of about. twenty-two thousand dollars. The cornerstone of the new. building was laid on July 20, 1912, by Bishop Daniel H. Moore, of Indianapolis. The church was dedicated on August 31, 1913, with Bishop William F. Anderson preaching the dedicatory sermon. The building is a handsome brick structure, trimmed in stone. . It contains an auditorium and a Sunday school room that may be thrown, together and is then capable of seating about eight hundred persons in view of the speaker.. The basement is equipped with a kitchen and a dining-room for the use of the auxiliary societies of the congregation. It also eontains the heating and ventilating apparatus. and a large.room that may be finished as.a gymnasium and social room. The entire building is lighted by both electricity and gas. The church owns its parsonage, a. neat frame cottage, which was built in 1865 and was remodeled in the winter of 1901-02, during the pastorate: of Reverend 'Sayre. The church is planning to build a new parsonage in the near future, adjacent to the church. The present. membership is about three hundred and twenty-five and Herman Carter, C.-H. Clark, H. Clay Johnson,. William Blaine, John S. Core, Harvey G. Beale and Willis Jones are the trustees of the church. A flourishing Sunday school is maintuined, which has an enrolled membership of about four hundred and an. average attendance of about two hundred and fifty. Milton Shepherd is the superintendent of the Sunday school. LOWER GLADE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

It seems certain that the first church organized in Union township was' on Glade run, and is now known as the 'Lower Glade, or' Melvin, Methodist Episcopal church. About 1808-09 several persons met at a log house on the farm later owned by' Preston Adair, situated between what is known as the upper glade and the lower glade, and there, by- the: Rev. Mr. Pavey, a class was organized consisting of the following persons: John McDonald, James McDonald, Charles Ewing, Samuel Ewing, John Ewing, Jacob Sidener, John Adair, James Wright, Eliza Wright, William Erwin and his mother, Charles Melvin, John Melvin, Benjamin 'Melvin, - Joseph' Melvin, and their wives, Isaac Wright, James Wright, William Ragan, Abby Melvin, Schuyler McDonald, Phebe Melvin, Henry Coon and wife and Polly McDonald. While they continued to hold their meetings at this Tog house, they were ministered: to- by the Reverends Pavey, Smith, Bacon, Robert. Finley, James Finley, William Sutton and William Simmons. About 1812, by mutual agreement, for the convenience of the members, the class was divided, those who lived in the vicinity of the upper glade, forming a class, which was the nucleus of the McDonald church, or the Upper Glade Methodist Episcopal church, and those who resided in the vicinity of the lower glade constituted a class, and the beginning of the church, the history of which is here given. This class was composed of the following : James McDonald, William Erwin and his mother; Schuyler MecDonald, Charles Melvin, John Melvin, Benjamin' Melvin, Joseph Melvin, Henry Coon; and their wives; Abby Melvin, Phebe Melvin, Adam Bennett and wife; Jacob McCuen, Samuel Adair and wife,.and John Harrison and wife, numbering twenty-six members in all. They held services in. the house of James McDonald, and the homes of the others, and in the school house until about 1831, when they erected a log meeting house, which at that time was considered a fine structure. It was probably. dedicated by. Rev. William Simmons. The people worshipped in this log house for some time without a floor, the minister preaching to the people from a platform of boards laid upon .some of the hewed joists: Many years afterward this log building was weather-boarded and repaired, and made.to take on quite an improved appearance. Thus fitted up, this house continued to serve the people until 1881, when arrangements were made to erect, upon the same site, a substantial brick edifice, which. was, built by James Self, of London, and was a fine specimen of workmanship. This house was thirty-two by fifty-four feet, with an eight-foot tower projecting in front, making the extreme length sixty-two feet. In the interior, the house was neatly and tastefully furnished, the 'seats being of heavy ashwood, trimmed with walnut. The whole cost of the building was a little over twenty-seven hundred dojlars. The house was dedicated to service on June 11, 1882,.by the presiding elder of the district, Rev. J. fF. King,. The sermon was delivered on Sabbath. morning at ten o'clock, from the text, "We shall. be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house. even of Thy temple." (Psalm 65, iv). There were present two of. the former pastors, Rev. A. M. Alexander and Rey. B. Tressenrider, also Rev. J..W.: Peters, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of London, all of whom participated in the services. At the close of the discourse, a financial exhibit 'was made by the pastor, and the congregation was. asked. for six hundred and twentyfive dollars, the' amount necessary to liquidate. the indebtedness of. the church.. The response made to the call' by the elder was both generous and general,. and.in:a half hour or. so, 'the .membership and. friends contributed: about eight . hundred and. ten dollars. Several friends who were not: present had remembered the church and had sent subscriptions. This.liberality enabled the church to pay all of 'its indebtedness and. -to provide itself with a: good :bell. After the subscription, the church was_presented, on the part of the trustees, by Brother J. J. Melvin, and was then: formally dedicated to God as a house of worship, according to the ritual of the church. Rev. John Waite was pastor at that time. This building was occupied until August 23, 1912, when, during a. storm, the. tower was struck by lightning, setting fire to the edifice. The progress of the fire was swift and all that could be saved was the pulpit furniture. .Insurance to the amount of two thousand dollars was carried. on_.:the building and came as a relief. to the church in distress. The pastor. at that time was Rey. E. A. Harper. Others who were. pastors in the old brick church. were Revs. -Pearly Davis, Pillsbury, George Marshall, Herman Carter, J. W. Baker, Danford, Sollars, Creighton, Steel, Darling, George M. Hughes, Gilmuth, Crosby and Watson.. The present handsome frame structure was completed in January, 1915, at a cost of about two thousand four hundred dollars. This church has..had. no minister or regular preaching since August, 1912. Its Sunday school was organized in April, 1915. with J. J. Melvin as superintendent. The present membership of the church. consists of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Summers, Libby Summers, Edward Summers, Mrs. Nancy Wheeler, Mrs. George Street, Mrs. James Holway, Mrs. Rebecca Lane and J. J. Melvin.

It is thought that the first church organized within the present limits of Deer Creek township was. the Upper Glade, or, as it is also called, the McDonald, Methodist Episcopal church. Further, below in the glade was a. settlement of Methodists, of whom the Melvin family were numerous and active, and a class was early established there and a church organized. But it was too far distant for the people of the upper glade to attend; so, about 1812, a class was organized at the upper glade with the following members: John McDonald, Jacob Sidener, Samuel Samuel and John Ewing, Daniel Wright and John Adair, with their wives. Their meetings were first held at their several homes. One of these homes where they met most often, and whose 'Jatch string" was ever out to the intinerant minister was that of John McDonald, and from him and others of the McDonald family the church received strong support throughout the many years of its existence. After the building of the log school house on Mr. McDonald's land the meetings of the Methodist class were held there, where they continued, and where they had preaching as often as possible, until, about 1836, when the members contributed of their means and erected a frame building on a site provided by John McDonald, where they later erected their brick church. In this building they worshipped until the building became so dilapidated that it could no longer be occupied, after which they again resorted to the school house. Finally the members and people again rallied, contributing freely of their means, and, in the fall and winter of 1873, a neat and comfortable brick church edifice was erected. When ready for dedication, in March, 1874, it was clear of debt, lacking but forty dollars, whereupon George G. McDonald came forward with two twenty-dollar bills, cleared all indebtedness, and the church was dedicated free of all incumbrance.

The church prospered and increased in membership, until at the period of her greatest prosperity it probably numbered seventy or seventy-five members. Some forty yeurs ago the church began to decline. However, the organization continued to be maintained until July, 1912, in which month a severe wind storm yisited the county, wrecking the old church. It has never been repaired, though the old walls are still standing. At that time the membership consisted of about forty persons. This membership was then transferred to the West Jefferson church for the first year, and since that time has scattered. The remaining members continue to hope that they will again be assigned a pastor and then hope to erect a new building. Meanwhile irregular meetings are held when the opportunity offers itself in the school house. The Sunday school is still maintained with about twenty members, Mrs. Howard: McDonald, superintendent.

In March, 1852, a class was organized at the King school house by Rev. David Smith, consisting of the following members: William Stone, Elizabeth Stone, Washington Morain, Nancy Morain, Bliza Ann Morain, Harrison Morain, Lizzie Morain, Albert Stone, Joseph Lane, Mary Lane, William Lane, Dilliann Lane, Samuel Thornton, Catharine Thornton, Philip Kyle, Mary Kyle, Harriet Kyle, John Kyle, Rachel Frazier, Millie Smith, Matilda Oglesbee, Mary King, Stephen Anderson and Margaret Anderson, with William Stone as class leader. Their meetings continued to be held in the school house above mentioned for about three years, after which they purchased a house and lot; the building was a large log house, which had been erected for a dwelling, but had never been finished or occupied. The congregation finished this building and fitted it for church purposes, and used it as a house of worship until the summer of 1874, when a substantial and comfortable frame church was erected, which was occupied the same year, but was not dedicated until in October of 1879. Rev. Joseph Trimble, of Columbus, preached the dedicatory sermon, and the building in due form was set aside for the worship of God. This church is at present on the same circuit as Derby, Era and Big Plain.

Tradersville Methodist, Episcopal Church

The Tradersville, or Fletcher East, Methodist Episcopal church was organized, it is believed, at the school house in 1888. Among the first members who organized a class were Moses Bales, Rev. Eli Adams, Mr. Geer, Isaac Newman, Charles Rigdon, William Davidson and their wives and Edwin West and his wife, Margaret, and daughter. About 1843-44 they erected a frame church, in which services were held for many years. In 1873 another frame church was erected, at. a cost of about two thousand two hundred dollars. The church at one time was numerically strong. and prosperous, but in later years decreased, many moving away and others dying. Some of the first or early ministers of this church were tke Revs. Eli Adams. George Boucher, Cherry, Conrey, Ellsworth, Williams, Keck, Jackson, Fiddler, Hull, Havens and Smith. Others who have served this church were J. H. Davis, R. Callaghan, Howard E. Wright, J. F. Walters, T. G. Wakefield and J. I. Tyler. In 1909 this church was on a circuit composed of itself, Wilson Chapel, Lafayette, Upper Glade and Lower Glade churches, but in that year it' was dropped.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Plain City

The Methodist church at Plain City is the oldest one of the denomination in Madison county. It dates from 1815, when seventeen members of the church organized a class at the home of Titus Dart, about a mile south of Plain City. Six years later (1821) the little congregation built a church a half mile south of Plain City, which was known as the Block church. This church was dedicated by Rev. Russell Bigelow. The next building was erected on East Main street, in Plain City, in 1848 and dedicated in 1850 by Rev. Uriah Heath. In 1875 the third house of worship was erected, the location being on North Chillicothe street. This third church was dedicated by Dr. C. H. Payne. The present beautiful structure was completed in 1903 under the pastorate of Rev. W. A. Palmer. The dedicatory sermon was preached by J. W. Bashford, president of Ohio State University. oF

The list of pastors who have served this church during the century of its existence includes practically every minister who has preached in this section of Ohio. The list follows: Robert Finley, Collins, R. Finley, Hooper, Solomon, Glaze, Baker, Stewart, Alsup, Baker, W. Finley, Carr, Simmons and Davidson, Ballard and Branduth, Carnell and J. Smith, Shaw & Haven, Wood .and Haley, Banahoe and Williams, Lawrence and Crabb, R. Finley and Simms, Davidson and W. Worrow, Woaley and W. Worrow, Camp and Cartney, Westlake and Kemper, Manear and 8S. Chase, J. B. Finley and Sutton, A. Morrow, James Brown, Owens and J. Brown, Gilruth and Havens, Parcels and J. Smith, Webster and Johnson, Sutton & Kimber, Young and Warrington, Young and Hud, Webster and J. Brown, Holtzinger and Hauffman, Gaseox and Millize, Sharp and Gilruth, Sharp and Risker, E. Chase and Muril, Muril and Loyd, Taft and Martindale, Mann and Adams, Wharton and Adams, Wharton and Miller, Sangman, Law and Slocum, Sangmas, Bennet and Granthan, West and Ferris, West and Heagler, Tippet and Heagler, Tippet and Mann, Lewis, Moore, Carrol, Prudens, Pilcher, S. Danshoe, Adams, Henley, Ferris, Sayer, Tressenrider, Rudisil, Brandnick, Rife Smith, Tilfer, Creamer, Partle, Croaks, Palmer, Evans, Smith, Priar, Wilhim, and S. A. Stephan, the present pastor.

This church since its early history has supported a Sunday school, which, in the way of a continuous record is probably the oldest Sunday school in the county. It also has a Ladies Aid Society, that has been an important factor in the continuous prosperity of the church. The Epworth League supplies the younger members of the congregation with their religious training. The other auxiliary societies are the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, Woman's Home Missionary Society and the Standard Bearers. The membership of the church at the present time is five hundred and thirty.

Plumwood Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal church, of Plumwood, was organized on July 13, 1897, with the following board of trustees: William Murray, Henry Watrous, James Rutan, A. E.

Garrett, S. K. Reece and J. W. Elkins. Among the ministers who have served the congregation may be mentioned H. E. Wright, J. E. Walter, T. BE. Wakefield, J. I. Tyler, A.C. Bostnick, G. M. Hughes, E. A. Haber, J. A. Weed, A. L. Rogers and J. L. Landsittle. The church erected a frame building in Sanford at a cost of eight hundred dollars. The building stands on lot 86 on the main street of the village. The auxiliary organizations of the church include a flourishing Sunday school, Epworth League and a branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The present membership of the church is seventy-five.

African Methodist Episcopal Church Of London

The St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal church, of London has its buildings, located on West Center street, on ground made sacred and hallowed by having been the previous site of the Catholic church. Its earliest meetings were held in the homes of families; that of Mrs. Sarah Jenkins, then living on the Chrisman land, being the most prominent. About the year 1870 the services of pastors became more regular, the interest and congregation increased and the voluntary use of halls was given for services, especially the Silver Urn Masonic hall, which was then over what is now Lanigan Brothers' store.

In the first preserved records is found the name of Rev. George poke a theological student of Wilberforce University, in charge. . Owing to its proximity to this institution, it has been the policy of the-conference to serve this point mostly from that source. Rey. George Whitfield, beginning in 1872, gave three years' service, during which.the present location. was, purchased. The Union Sunday school in Toland hall, that had been established and fostered by such Christian spirits as I. S. Davidson, William Morgan, Giles James. Mrs. George W. Lewis nee Beir, Miss Lida Farrar and Frank Shaw, associated with Reuben Heathcock, George Black, Spradely Betts and George White and others, was succeeded. by a separate Sunday school organiaes on December 1, 1872.

In: securing the above ieee and in the winch of the ministry too ele ened can hardly be given to Edward Mumford and family, Mrs.. Clarrisa -White, Mrs. Eliza Nicolson and the family of Robert Jenkins, who in those early days of the church extended the hospitality of their, homes to the pastors without stint. or expectation of pay. During this administration the society was incorporated. About that time a very helpful factor was brought into service in the person of S. B. Norris, then and for a number of years a teacher in the public schools. Rey. Burton Lewis.was the pastor in 1875, followed by E. W. Taylor in 1876 and M. R. 'Wilson in 1877, the latter continuing for four years, by which time the society had attained the dignity of:a well-organized and fairly well-furnished mission. The year 1880 brought Rev. W. T. Artis, a strong and vigorous man, who extended his energies beyond the limits of the immediate vicinity and established a strong and active class near Mt. Sterling, in Pleasant township, in school district No. 9, thereby nearly doubling the membership. Among the standard-bearers of this class were the Lowry brothers, then prosperous farmers of that locality. With this addition, petition was made and the mission was changed to a station.

With the previous success 4 threatened calamity came, the collapse of the venerable church building, but Providence provided a man sufficient for the emergency, the Rev. Silas French. With an abundance of latent determination, a good. stock of experience, and aided and encouraged by such noble-hearted people as Hon. S. W. Durflinger, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Watson and other like-minded spirits, within six months the present substantial brick structure was dedicated and ready for use. Having incurred a debt, it required wisdom and activity to meet. the demands, but Rev. Jesse 'Henderson, in

1885, Alexander Smith, in 1886, and J. D. Singleton, 1887 to 1889, had well nigh met all obligations. In the meantime the spiritual and moralizing influence had not faltered.

In their time and turn, Hilman Hurd, Noah Hodges, Addison 'Tyree, William Tyler, Theopholous Cromwell, P. Q. Jenkins, Washington Boone, Frank Lowery, Dlias Lowery, Miss Emma Washington, Anna Phonosdall, Maime Jenkins, Arshiel Tayler, Sarah Roberts, Grace Roberts and many others to whom limited space will not permit reference, stood like beaten anvils to the stroke and did what they could. From the inception of the temperance cause by the women's crusade, the Murphy movement, mission work, Christian endeavor, church aid, Allen league, men's bibie study, Sunday school institute and ladies' sewing circle all have had a place and received more or less attention. Rev. Isaac Williams was appointed pastor in 1889, C. H. Coleman in 1891, Joseph Stevens in 1893, J. H. Grant in 1894, George Bundy in 1895, J. W. Young in 1896, R. P. Clark-in 1898, M. N. Culpher in 1900, E. L. Bell in 1908, and Benjamin Carson in 1904, the latter of whom advised and got the consent of the society to purchase a parsonage.

-George H. Cotton came in 1906, but was soon transferred to Lockland and his place was supplied by S. H. Savage, who was followed by C. D. Young in 1907; R. B. P. Wright in 1908, J. H. Mason in 1910, S. S. Adkins in 1911, and-I. H. Alston in 1912, the latter being followed in 1915 by W. W. Dawkins, 'the present incumbent. The trustees are Richard Taylor, Horace E. Tyree, Elias H. Lowery. :

The society, at no time since its incorporation, in 1873, has been without a regularly appointed pastor, and its services at no time have been suspended, except for some temporary purpose. A pure Gospel in accordance with its church faith has been proclaimed. Its Sunday: school and other 'auxiliaries have been kept well intact: The society, thankful for the blessings of the past, hopes still to: be of use for the uplift of those who may attend its services.

African Methodist Episcopal Church Of West Jefferson

The African Methodist church of West Jefferson was. organized in 1865, when the spirit of Methodism was first kindled among the coiored people of that town, of whom it seems fitting to mention the names of Mary Smith, Andrew Bayless and wife, David Slago, Louisa Walker, Pereene Ricks, Mary Cooper and. a few others. This class was first visited by Rev. Edward Wright, and through his efforts a few accessions -were made, and the society was regularly served with a minister. The membership for the next twenty years included about twenty. The society first worshipped in private dwellings, and mostly assembled at the house of "Mother" Smith, whose door. was always open and her reception warm to any who might desire to enter. The second step, by and by, was to rent a house; though very poor, it answered the purpose, and finally, in 1870, the members. purchased their present property, the old academy and surrounding grounds. This building still stands, but is no longer used as a church. Of late years the society grew weak and presently discontinued services, although it still possesses the church, which is under the control.of a board of trustees. Regular services have not been held for about ten years.

Methodist Protestant Church Of Rosedale

About 1840 a few persons, under the leadership of John H. Surfus, caused the erection of a brick church in the west part of the village of Rosedale, then called Liverpool, in which was organized a Protestant Methodist society. The class embraced John H. Surfus and wife, I. Whitcomb and wife, some of the Williams family. and a few others. This society continued as an organization but a few years, as, after the 'death of its principal support, Mr. Surfus, it dwindled away and the property was sold to the Catholics, who held services there for several years, after which their organiza-

Methodist Protestant Church Of Newport

The Methodist Protestant church of Newport, now known as Walnut Run, was founded in 1850, when a few persons met at the school house and, under Rev. Rameth Hussey, were organized into a- class, consisting of the following persons: Presley Rains, wife, three sons and one daughter; James Jewell and wife; Elias Forbis and wife; Joseph Stroup and wife; Gideon Peck and wife; Isabel Stroup, Josie Watson, Sarah Jones, Polley Wagoner and Elizabeth Siffrit, and' perhaps one or two others whose names are lost at this late date. Elias Forbis was the class leader. The society held meetings at the school house for three or four years. In 1854-55 a frame house for 'church purposes was erected in Newport, which was completed and dedicated to service the same year. It is believed that Rev. A. H. Trumbo preached the dedicatory sermon. This church gradually declined until it finally was discontinued.

London First Pbesbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian church of London, Ohio, was born on September 29, 1829, with twenty charter members. Rev. D. C. Allen was the first pastor. The first church building, a frame structure on the corner of Fifth and Oak streets, was erected in 1834 and 1835. On April 16, 1887, Rev. Allen resigned. his eharge as pastor of the church and on April 2, 1839, Rev. E. Van Derman was-called as pastor, being installed the following day. His pastorate was short, as death called him in November, 1839. On November 20, 1840, Rev. R. C. McComb was called as pastor, his pastorate continuing until April, 1854. In July, 1855, Rev. C. W. Finley began his labors at London, Midway, Mt. Sterling, Genoa and Groye City, preaching also at several private houses in the community, making London his headquarters. On October 16, 1858, he was called and installed as pastor of the London church. The old church building having become too small to accommodate the congregation, it was decided to erect a new one. This building - the one now in use - was erected during the year 1859.

Major Richard Cowling, besides contributing liberally towards the construction of the church, had the clock placed in the tower at his own expense, and by his last will and testament left a legacy of five hundred dollars for the benefit of the church. During: the twenty-two years of faithful service of Reverend Finley, 'the church experienced a healthful and steady growth in numbers and usefulness. His faithful and abundant labors were ended on April 18, 1877, when, after a lingering illness, the Master came to him with the gracious summons: thou into the joy of thy Lord." During the last two years of his life he was compelled to give up active service and by the advtce of his physician was granted leave of absence for one year, during which time the Rev. A. N. Carson was employed to act as pastor.

On June 14, 1877, Rev. J. G. Patterson was called to the pastorate, which pastoral relation was dissolved on October 5, 1881. At a meeting of the church and congregation, May 22, 1879, the trustees were authorized to purchase a tot and build a parsonage. The present commodious building was the fruit of that decision. Rev. John A. Ewalt, who was installed pastor on April 11, 1882, resigned on October 31, 1900, making a pastorate of almost nineteen years, in which time there were nearly three hundred accessions to the church.

On February 1, 1901, Rev. R. G. Roscamp was employed as supply for one year, after which he was called as pastor and was installed May 12. During his pastorate the church was remodeled, the pipe organ was put in, and beautiful memorial windows were donated by different members of the church. 'This pastoral relation was dissolved on April 11, 1905. Rev. D. C. Jones was elected 'supply for one year in October, 1905, after which he was called as pastor and was installed in November, 1906. He resigned on June 28, 1908. Rev. J. A. Liggitt began his work in November, 1908, and served until March, 1915. He was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Carl H. White.

There have been employed eleven ministers since the organization of the church. The following ruling elders have been elected and ordained: John Rayburn, William McCoy, Charles Berry, William T. Davidson, Samuel Haller, William Creath, James Rayburn, William McCormack, J. H. Kennedy, R. C. Arios, Joseph Rayburn, P. W: Taylor, Maxwell Murray, B. F. Clark, John Lohr, William M. Kinney, Noah Thomas, Robert Knight, Samuel Withrow, Berthier Lohr, Fred Webster, J. W. MacKinnon, M. Rasor, Murray Creath, Filmore Jackson, Robert Adams, Harry Armstrong, R. K. Shaw, James Bell and'C. C. Hankinson.

This congregation looks back on a splendid record; nearly eighty-five years of eontinuous service, years that speak of God's faithfulness and man's loyalty. The present membership of the church is 'three hundred and seventy-five. The Sunday school, C. C. Hankinson, supérintendent, has four hundred and ten members enrolled, in which is the 'busy men's" Bible class, enrolling one hundred and twenty' members. with R. K. Shaw as teacher and the "Golden Rule" Bible class of seventy women, with James F. Bell, teacher. The board of trustees of the church consists of John Lohr, Walter Engard, H. W. Robinson and R. K. Shaw, the latter of whom is financial secretary; George H. Van Wagener, treasurer; Walter Engard, president of the Christian Endeavor society, and Mrs. John R. Tanner, president of the "Wimodaughsis" society. :

Plain City Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian church of Plain City appears to have been the first church organized in Madison county. Joshua Ewing and his family, James, his brother, Betsey, his sister, and their aged mother emigrated from Kentucky to Darby township in 1798 and settled a short distance northwest of the present site of Plain City. Archibald Steele, a synodical missionary of the Presbyterian church, hearing of the Ewing settlement, on the bank of Big Darby creek, went there and in 1800, in the cabin of Joshua Ewing, organized the First Presbyterian church in Madison county, if not the first church in Madison county, Joshua Ewing and Samuel Kirkpatrick being elected the first elders of the congregation. Very few families had then settled in the neighborhood and the membership of the church included the most of _ these. The people lived far apart and had no pastor nor stated supply. Samuel Kirkpatrick lived about eight miles to the north of the Ewing cabin and soon after such families as the Carys, the Mitchells, the Sagers, the Robinsons and others came and settled nearby. The old Ewing settlement had became known as Liberty and the church there was early known as the Liberty Presbyterian church. In the latter part of 1807 or early in 1808, a church was organized at the Kirkpatrick settlement, as a branch of the Liberty church, and Samuel Kirkpatrick transferred his eldership there and became its leader. To distinguish these churches they were designated, respectively, as, the Lower Liberty and Upper Liberty churches. Rev. Samuel Wood was the first pastor. On the tombstone marking his grave appears the following inscription : "Rev. Samuel Wood, first pastor of the Presbyterian church of Upper. and Lower Liberty, was installed pastor in this church June 15, 1808, and died April 27, 1815, in the thirtysixth year of his age." Mr. Wood was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1779, and was a graduate of Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The Upper Liberty church was situated on the north side of Big Darby creek about two miles from Milford: Center. 'The church building was erected in 1809, and was the first house of worship to be erected in Union county. It stood on the line dividing the farms of Rev. Samuel Wood and Elder Samuel Reed, between the road and the old graveyard. It was a plain, primitive building of hewed logs, twenty-four feet square. All the materials and labor were supplied by the membership. It was not necessary. to consult an architect and get up plans and specifications and give out the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, and then, when dedication day came, report a few thousand dollars as a debt to be removed before the Lord could get the building. This primitive building, however, was for many years without the means of heating; the people, therefore, meeting during the winter in school houses and private dwellings. The building was very plain internally; slabs, with rude legs, being used as seats. Tradition has it that two or three families, in process of time, became so aristocratic as to construct backs to their pews, thus showing that at an early date invidious distinctions intruded themselves into a church. About 1822-23 an addition of eighteen feet was made to one side of the old church and the building was used until 1834, at which time a brick structure was erected at Milford Center, and the congregation removed there.

As has been pointed out, Upper Liberty was organized as a branch of the Lower Liberty church. Rev. Samuel Wood remained the pastor until his death, in 1815. From that date, Revs. William Dickey, Archibald Steele, James Hodge, D. D., Elder Hughes and others supplied the church until 1821, when Rev. James Robinson was installed as pastor. He served the church seven years. Rev. Darius C. Allen was stated supply from 1829 to 1831. The year following Rev. Benjamin Dolbear became the pastor and continued his labors with this charge until about 1838. In 1887 Lower Liberty was rent in twain by the internal dissensions then troubling Presbyterians. The two branches were nearly equally divided, but a slight majority favored the "Old School" branch, Reverend Dolbear remaining with this latter division. His successor, Rev. William Galbreath, was installed on October 7, 1839, and served until April 18, 1848. Rev. Benjamin Evans was the next and last pastor of this branch. In the "New School" division, Rev. Henry Shedd was the only settled pastor, but Reverend Kuhn, Reverend Ulfeld and others acted from time to time as supplies.

Among the earliest prominent members of this church mention must be made of James Ewing, Joshua Ewing, David Mitchell, Jr., David Chapman and John Taylor. The early services were held in private homes; then in the school house, which stood on the lot where the first meeting house was erected. This primitive church stood on four acres donated by Walter Dun, and was situated about a mile northeast of Plain City, in the fork of the Post pike and the road leading northeast to Big Darby. The building was erected as early as 1820, perhaps sooner. It was a large, unfinished frame structure; weather-boarded, but not plastered; roofed, but without a chimney. The seats were only slabs supported by rough sticks. There was a broad center aisle, at each end of which a door was originally designed but never inserted. The women occupied one side of this room; the men held undisputed possession of the other.

This old building could not be heated and was used only in the summer. In cold weather, the school house on the same lot was brought into requisition, its more limited space proving sufficient to accommodate the few members who attended in that season. In 1836, a large brick structure, forty-six by fifty-two feet, was reared on the same site. It was constructed by Mr. Gifford. of Union township. The congregation numbered about seventy-five. Scarcely had it taken possession of this new building when the trouble arose which produced the division in the church. Of the four ruling elders then in office, James Ewing, T. M. Ewing and John Taylor adhered to the "Old School," and David Chapman united with the "New School" branch. While the congregation was strongly self-supporting, both divisions. were too weak to maintain efficient organizations and struggled between life and death for about sixteen years. The "Old School" division kept possession of the church, but by agreement the other branch had the use of the church each alternate Sabbath. About 1853 both societies disorganized. Four years later a reconciliation was effected among the members and a new organization entered into, which re-assumed the old name, Lower Liberty.

Ewings, Robinsons, Gills, Currys, Rickards, Bucks, Allens, Guys, Taylors and _ Chapmans. T. M. Ewing, James Ewing, Jesse Gill, Stephencon Curry, James Robinson, Jesse Mitchell and Abner Chapman were the ruling elders for many years. A number of their descendants are now ee members of the Presbyterian church at Plain City. As was the custom, the pews for the men were placed at one wad of the church and those for the women at the other. The pulpit was in the front of the -church, so that on entering the church one would face the congregation. The platform of the pulpit was about six feet high, and only the head and shoulders of the ministers could be seen, as the front wall of the pulpit was so high. The seats all had high board backs and a door next to the aisle had a button to it which was turned as soon as the children were all counted in. In those days families all sat in the same seat and the seat of each family was well known. Strangers and transients were seated in the rear of the church unless invited to sit with some family. Sunday school was held in the morning at nine-thirty, preaching at eleven; .two prayers, and a sermon an hour in length. Then came a half-hour intermission for dinner, which had been: brought along in baskets. After eating, all took their seats in the church for another long sermon.

The music was not classical, but there were many good voices and it was a real praise service. The singing was usually led by two of the elders of the church. As there was not a sufficient number of hymn books to go round, the two leaders would stand up in front of.the pulpit and "line out" two lines of the hymn and then lead the singing. Jesse Gill and James Robinson were the leaders for many years. Later Benjamin Fay, who played a. flute and was quite a musician, organized a choir of young people. .The old brick church drew great congregations during the summers and was often full to overflowing, for the people came from miles around, even from as far away as Milford Center and Fairview, in wagons, on horseback and on foot. When the young folks would start home on their prancing horses the cavalcade would look like a troop, the young women being as skillful riders as the young men. The regular Sunday services usually lasted until about two o'clock. After the disorganization of the congregation the old church building was abandoned to the birds and bats, the windows were knocked out, the yard grew up in weeds and bushes, and so it remained until after the Civil War. '

Upon the reunion of the congregation, the brick building was torn down and in 1870 the brick was hauled to Plain City, where a commodious structure, graceful in appearance, was. erected on the present site of the Presbyterian church on Main street, the church then taking the name of the First Presbyterian church of Plain City, William H. Galbreath, the pastor in 1839, in the old church building, becoming the minister. Among others who served the church: should be 'mentioned David G. Robinson and James Curry. .

The old brick building was torn down in 1893, in Priel year the present beautiful stone edifice was erected, under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Work. The present church property consists of the church building and a frame parsonage, the. two valued. at about twenty-five thousand dollars. The membership is about: two hundred and fifty,

Mt. Sterling Presbyterian Chubch

On March 20, 1847, by appointment of the Columbus presbytery, Rey. Timothy Stearns and Rev. Chauncey P. Taylor called a meeting at Mt. Sterling for the purpose and organized a church with the following constituent members: Mrs. Margaret Creath, Sr., Mr. William Creath, Mrs. Mary Creath, Mrs. Jennie M. Alkire, Mr. Samuel Thornton, Dr. David E. McMillan; Mrs. Lydia McMillan, received by certificate from the London church; Mrs. Julia Worthington, received by certificate from the church at Chillicothe, and Amanda Creath, received on examination. William Creath was installed as elder. The church was furnished with a supply minister for many years; the first being Rev. James Dunlap. Services were continued in the old frame building until-the erection of a brick edifice in 1868-69, at a cost of about two thousand dollars. In December, 1869, the house was dedicated to service in due form, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rey. George Carpenter, of Washington C. H. The church was dedicated free from all debt or incumbrance. The first regularly called and installed pastor was Rev. George S. J. Browne, on February 8, 1878. Since that time a new brick building has been built. The present pastor is Rev. Charles J. McCracken. Mt. Sterling is the station point of a circuit composed of the churches at Mt. Sterling, Sedalia and Darbyville.

Big Darby Baptist Church

The Big Darby Baptist church was the first church organization in Canaan township and one of the earliest in Madison county. 'This church was instituted in 1810. by Elder John Thomas, of Champaign county, Ohio, who was a traveling minister through this then almost unbroken wilderness. He gathered together a little band of seven, which first constituted the Big Darby church, and Elder Thomas preached on the occasion. In 1812 the Mad River Baptist association was organized at the house of Abijah Ward, on Buck creek, near Springfield, where the following churches were represented: Kings Creek, Little Beaver, Nettle Creek, Antioch and Big Darby; ministers present, Elders John Thomas, James Johnson and Lemuel Cottrel. There is no doubt that Elder Thomas was the first pastor of the Big Darby church, which at that time had no regular place of meeting, sometimes holding meetings at the homes of the members, and at other times, when two or more ministers met together, in the barn of some brother. Jehu Guthridge, an elder of the Baptist church in that early day, was the second pastor of this church, and the successor of Elder John Thomas, his name being found among the list of ministers added to the association in 18138, only one year after its organization. Elder Guthridge was succeeded by Elder Thomas Casto, who preached for the church as pastor or supply. In 1828-29, Elder. Miller served the church as pastor, and was succeeded by Hider Hess, who served the church one year, some time subsequent to which the church was served by Elder Peters. During the early history of the church, among the ministers who frequently visited and ministered to them were Elders William Sutton, Chandler Tuttle, T. J. Price and William Fuson. About 1834-35 Elder Isaac Jones was called to take pastoral charge of the church. He was a faithful and highly-esteemed minister and served the congregation until removed by death. In 1841, before the death of Elder Jones, Elder William Fuson visited the church and commenced to labor with the people of that neighborhood in a "protracted effort." The meeting continued for several weeks, during which time fifty persons confessed faith in Christ and were added to the church.

After the death of Elder Jones, Elder V. E. Bunker was called as the pastor of the church. He was from New Hampshire, a man much esteemed for his excellent qualities of heart and mind. During his pastorate, a period of trial was passed over by the church. The new members becoming dissatisfied with the old declaration of faith, what was known as the declaration of faith of the Baptists of New Hampshire was introduced and. adopted by them, which caused dissatisfaction among: the old members. The difficulty was finally adjusted by both parties agreeing to leave the inatter in the hands of two brethren - Elders Enos French and T. J. Price - with a request that these brethren would pay the disunited congregation a visit an@ furnish it a declaration of faith on which it could unite. Brother French, not being in gcod health, did not visit the church, but he and Brother Price met and agreed upon a declaration of faith, whereupon Brother Price visited the church, in December, 1844, and induced the church to lay aside the two, sets of articles upon which it could not agree and adopt those he and Brother French: had agreed to recommend. 'These were unanimously adopted by the church. Thus through the wise and: prudent advice: of and. peace and harmony were restored.. Elder. V. E. Bunker resigned the pastoral care of the church in July, 1845. In September, 1845, Elder Martin; from near Dublin, Franklin county, was called to the church and he served as pastor for.one year. During his pastorate, Brother J. B. Sutton was called to the church to serve as supply once a month. He was then a licentiate and served but.a short time, resigning in order that he might attend school at Granville. In December, 1847,: James Simpson, of the Mechanicsburg church, who was serving that church half the time, paid the church a visit, and in February, 1848, was-called by the church to preach twice a month and to take charge of the church. In the month of- June following a council was called by the Mechanicsburg church and Brother Simpson was more fully set apart for the work of the ministry of the Gospel, Elder Enos French being. moderator and Elder V. E. Bunker, clerk of the council. Brother. Simpson served the:church as its pastor for over a quarter of a century. During this long: period, the church generally prospered and continued in peace and harmony, but sometimes had its disturbing elements; then again Grace would calm the spirits and all -would again move:in unison.

Bethesda church. In. November, 1869, a protracted: meeting was begun by the pastor, assisted by Brothers T. J. Price and W. R. Thomas. This was the most remarkable in its progress and results of any meeting held within the church during its entire history. The meeting was continued seventeen days and: seventy new members were added to the church. In January, 1873, Brother Simpson. resigned his. charge, the resignation to take effect in the June following, after which Elder W. R..Thomas_ was. called to. serve the church as pastor one-half the time. He accepted and served three years, closing his labors on June 4, 1876. From that time to January, 1877, the church was without a pastor and was visited from time to time by the following brethren: Elders John Kyle and E. B. Smith, Brothers Turner and W.'S. Kent, after which the church on March 3, 1877, serving until 1882. The present pastor (1915) is Rev. F. M. Myers, The first regular place of holding meetings of the church was an old log school lot where the present church now stands. This was used for.several years, when, by the increase of the congregation the house was found too small to accommodate the people. In the summer time, when the weather .was pleasant, it was quite common to hold meetings in the grove near the meeting house, the pastor addressing the people from a wagon. At last the pastor and people resolved to build a suitable house for being dedicated free from all debt. The meetings were continued for several days and numbers were added to the church. The building is at present in very good condition and presents a beautiful appearance, surrounded by the cemetery, with the cozy white parsonage close by.

The First Missionary Baptist church of London colored) was organized on the fourth Sunday in February, 1866, by Elder George Dardis, with the following members: John Cain, Samuel Johnston, Levi Taylor, Samuel and William Lewis, Alfred Henrys, Henry White, Lemuel Lewis, David Cain, Isaac Jenkins, George H. Hill, Precilla Carter, Julia Rammah, Laura Cain, Eliza Taylor, Nacy Wirtersmith, Alice Mack, Josephine Roberts, Mary Butler, Francis Whales, Lucy Lewis, Julia Andrews, Jennie Robinson, R. Meredith, A. D. Meredith, Elizabeth Wright and Henry A. Johnson. A frame house was purchased by these members, together with a lot situated on Fourth street of Michael Carroll, for one thousand dollars, and the same was occupied by the society as a place of worship until the building of the present brick structure. In the spring of 1876 preparations for the building of a new building were begun, and on July 16 the corner stone was laid by Silver Urn Lodge No. 29, Free and Accepted Masons. Visiting lodges of the same order from neighboring places were in attendance, and music for the occasion was furnished by the Columbus barracks band. In the morning services were held in the court house, Rev. James Poindexter, of Columbus, preaching, and in the afternoon the same minister delivered an address in the Presbyterian church, after which the procession formed and marched to the church, where the ceremonies were performed in an impressive manner. The building, a one-story brick, located on Fourth street near Water street, was completed in 1881, at a cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars. The church also owns a small, but neat, frame parsonage which adjoins the church. The pastors have been the Revs. George Dardis, William Balay, William Alfred, Peter Everett, Henry Randolph, Mr. Lewis, C. E. Morris, B. J. Shadd and the present pastor, Cyrus A. Payne. The present membership is ninety-two,

Universalist Church Of London

Not having access to any of the church records, most of which were unfortunately destroyed by fire, and since nearly all the older members of the Universalist church of London have passed away, the best account of the organization of this church that can now be obtained is to be found in the ''History of Madison County," published in 1883. It is given as follows:

"On the 12th of July, 1858, the following persons assembled for the purpose of organizing themselves into a Universalist church society: William Jones, J. EF. Willis, Lathrop Willis, B. F. Montgomery, J. W. Curd, W. S. Shepherd, J. W. Low, J. Peetry, Jedyer Willis, Josephine Jones, Louise Shepherd, M. J. Curd, Mary Low, C. Chandler, Frances Curtis, Minerva Acton, Josephine McCormack, Lorain Byers, Minerva Sothoron, Hannah Powell, Josephine Powell, Adelaide McCormack, Margaret' McClintock: and Hdward McClimans.

"On the 12th day of the following month another meeting was held, presided over by Jedyer Willis, at which the organization of the society was completed. Jedyer Willis, J. F. Willis, J. W. Curd, William Jones and Jacob Peetry were appointed trustees of the church. Jedyer Willis was made treasurer and Jacob Peetry, clerk.

"It should have been stated, however, that prior to.the regular organization of the church as given above occasional preaching was had by this class at London by ministers supplying neighboring pulpits, one of whom was Rev. H. R. Nye, pastor of 'the Universalist society of Columbus. Rev. Nye was active in the interests of the chureh and the organization here was in a measure due to his efforts. He continued in the pastorate of the church at Columbus until the spring of 1859 and served the London congregation regularly during that time.

"Previous to 1864 the services of this denomination were held in the court Toe and for a period in the Presbyterian church. In 1864 a brick house for worship was erected by the society on Second street, between Main and Union, which was completed and dedicated on September 27, 1866, sermon by Rev. Gecrge Messenger. In 1875 the church building was enlarged and improved. It was reopened and dedicated on Sabbath - June 20th of that year - the dedicatory sermon being preached by Reverend McCalister, president of Buchtel College. 'There were present on this oceasion Doctor Manly, of Auburn, New York, Reverend Tomlinson and Rey. T. P. Abell.

"Going back to the Reverend Nye's pastorate, we find that he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Gorman, who had charge of the Columbus church and preached regularly at London until 1861. From 1865 until 1868 various ministers filled the pulpit, among them being Rev. G. L. Demorest, of Cincinnati, and A. L. Brucé and Dr. E. L. Rexford, of Columbus. The first resident pastor of the society was Rev. R. F. Polk, whose ministry began in 1867 and continued until 1869. Doctor Abell was chosen as resident pastor in 1875 and continued for some years. He was followed in 1880 by Rey. J. W. and Rev. Lotta D. Crosley, who preached on alternate Sundays for several years."

The Universalist church of London can point to a not inglorious past in educational endeavor and spiritual uplift. Its ministers have without exception been people of ability, energy and mental force. Many of the progressive movements, lectures, etc., were fostered and encouraged by their efforts and assisted by this congregation.

The Universalists started the first Sunday school ever held in London. This was founded when they were holding services in the court house. During much of the time of later years, Sunday school was conducted, inspiring the young people with good ideals and a rational philosophy of life. Among the other various activities carried on was the woman's missionary alliance. For a time a class for Bible study was conducted. The church was the scene of many pleasing entertainments, socials, etc. For thirty-eight years the ladies of the church served dinner on "sale day" as a financial aid to the church.

All through the half century of its existence the church exercised a most liberal policy in allowing the audience room and basement used for various helpful purposes. For instance, many will remember the "Evening With Dickens," which was so successful, given for the benefit of the library. 'The church donated its audience room to the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association for the state convention held in London in 1904. Many delightful musica! and literary entertainments were held here. The church has left a pleasing picture in the annual chrysanthemum show that was held for a number of years, when it was transformed into a bower of beauty. It is endeared to many in its kindly friendships and a thousand sweet and happy associations.

Just at present no regular services are being held, but in looking over the past all will unite in agreeing that this pretty, quaint building has filled a most useful and beneficent place in the social life of London and vicinity. Without doubt the doctrine expounded, that we should do right for the love of right, rather than through fear of future punishment for endless time, was a needed message to the wailing world. While Universalism as a separate creed may not in some localities have increased as rapidly as other denominations, the central thoughts of universalism have modified the unqualified acceptance of the severer creeds of most other denominations. If a census of the believers in universalism in other churches could be taken it would be found that Universalists have increased in Very great proportion as time goes by.