Montgomery County, Ohio - Chapter 7: Churches, 1882 (part 1 of 2)

First Presbyterian Church

THE Presbyterians were the first to avail themselves of the donations of 1< for church purposes. The families who were living in the village had ; sembled at each others cabins for whatever worship they enjoyed in the li three years of the settlement. In the fall of 1799, and through the succeedi winter, occasional services were held on Sabbath Hays in the block-house t] had been built at the head of Main street. Later, in the year 1800, the Pr byterians took the first step toward building a meeting house, and with lit delay the settlers all aided them in getting out the logs and putting up i cabin church on Lot 134. This log cabin was used by the Presbyterians, a occasionally by the Methodists, until, in 1805, it was sold for 822. The Pres! terians had raised by subscription enough to increase this sum to $412, I finally decided not to build a new church at the time, so they loaned the moi to the County Commissioners with an agreement that the use of the new co room should be granted them in which to hold services until the money shoi be refunded. For a short time the court room in the Newcom Tavern at 1 head of Main street was so used, then afterward the court room in McCollui Tavern, and finally in 1806 in the new court house at the corner of Third a Main streets, and was continued there until the brick church at the north v/ corner of Second and Ludlow streets was finished in 1817.

The Presbytery of Washington, Synod of Kentucky, was organized in 17 the jurisdiction of the Presbytery extending over the Miami Valley. Thu Pr byterian people of Dayton made application April 14, 1801, for occasional si plies, and the Rev. James Kemper was appointed to preach one Sabbath.

The Rev. William Robinson, who lived at the mills, about three miles | Mad River, occasionally preached to the Dayton Congregation and at RfeU Church near Beavertown. In 1804, the Rev. James Welsh was called as regular minister of the Dayton Church, and so continued until the spring 1817.

At a congregational meeting, held October 23, 1804, John Miller, Rob Edgar, David Reid, John McCabe and John Ewing were elected Trustees May 3, 1806, the following Elders were elected as the first session of First Presbyterian Church of Dayton, Ohio: John McKaig, John Ritchie ; James Hanna. A year after, John McKaig having resigned, John Miller ; Robert Parks were elected to the board.

In the spring of 1812, the church was incorporated, and the Board Trustees organized as follows: James Hanna, Chairman; John Ritchie, Cle William McClure, Treasurer; Matthew Patton, Collector. Trustees: B Cooper, John Ewing, Andrew Hood, John H. Williams, John Miller, Jar| Hanna, William King.

City Of Dayton

In the spring of 1815, plans were adopted and contracts made for building irwo-story brick church at the northwest corner of Second and Ludlow rfits, but the building was not completed until two years thereafter, and was rfused for worship in October of 1817. The entire cost of the building was 194. 121.

The Sunday school, the first organization of the kind was the Presbyterian -i ol in 1817-18. The Rev. Backus Wilbur was called as pastor of the church j ugust, 1817, but was not installed until August 27, 1818.

During the winter of 1828-29, at the time when the population of the hi was rapidly increasing, the church experienced a great revival, adding Laty-nine to the membership. After which the congregation increased steaduntil in 1837 it became necessary to provide a larger place of worship.

The church was torn down, and a brick building 50x70 feet, with the Saba school room in the basement, with handsome front and a tall steeple, was rued at a cost of $14,213.08.

In 1838, Peter Odlin and Dr. John Steele, Elders of the First church, with ' ity-three other members withdrew and organized the New School church, nSecond Presbyterian Church of Dayton.

A colony under Joseph Barnett, John F. Edgar and John Morehouse in < second year of the pastorate of the Rev. P. D. Gurley, organized the Third rbyterian Church, and built on the north side of Second street, east of Madc street. They afterward came to St. Clair street and organized what is now nyn as the Park Presbyterian Church.

In 1856, a colony of "country members " with William King, Sr., Herbert illiams and David Osborn, as leaders, organized the Miami City Church,

In May, 1867, the old church was torn down, and the work of preparation apuilding the present elegant stone edifice began, which was so successfully pecuted under direction of the following named gentlemen as the Building omittee: T. A. Phillips, H. Stoddard, Jr., C. McDermont, Isaac Haas, John Lowe, John W. Stoddard, Thomas O. Lowe, Isaac "Van Ausdal, E. A. Par- ! D. W. Stewart, Collins Wright and Samuel Craighead. Col. John G.

August 15, 1876, the main room was greatly damaged by fire; the loss how- Vl was fully covered by insurance, and necessary repairs were made with lit- > delay.

1 died here after preaching a year and a half. Rev. Ahab preached for Ayears; Rev. William Graham, three years; vacancy, two years; Rev. Frank- 1 . utnam, eight years; Rev. James C. Barnes, nine years; Rev. William C. Person, four years; Rev. Pliineas D. Gurley, four years; Rev. James H. 'b'kes, four years; Rev. Thomas E. Thomas, twelve years; vacancy, one year;

Before 1817, John Ewing was made an Elder, and shortly after the fii brick chtu-ch was completed William King, Sr., was added to the session.

Third Street Presbyterian Church

During the early period of the ministry of the Rev. J. C. Barnes, in First Presbyterian Church of this city, the harmony of the Presbyter Church in the United States was disturbed by a controversy that arose am< its leading members and resulted, in 1838, in separating the church into 1 branches, known as the New and Old School. The First Church of Day contributed a colony to the New School organization. This colony consis of seventy-five members, under the lead of Peter Odlin, Esq. , and Dr. Jc Steele, both Elders of the First Church. On the 11th of March, 1838, fii'st session meeting of this church was held under the Dayton Presbytery, ? School. Rev. B. Graves was appointed Moderator, and Dr. John Steele : Peter Odlin, Elders. Forty-nine of the above-named number enrolled w women. At once, steps were taken toward the building of a church John Steele, Peter Odlin and Nathaniel Wilson were appointed a build committee, sixty-one subscriptions, ranging from $7 to $500, having been gi to the building fund. Ground to the extent of 100x200 feet, on the sot east corner of Third and Ludlow streets, was purchased for $2,700, and I same year (1838) thereon a two-story brick building was commenced, wh was finished in 1840, and cost about $15,000. The basement of the chu was occupied in March, 1839, and on the 25th of March, 1840, the church j dedicated to the service of God, Dr. Lyman Beecher, then of Lane Se nary, officiating. The first Pastor of the church was Rev, Randolph Sti whose salary was $800. In 1840, Rev. John Hall was called, who served u 1852. He was succeeded by Rev. G. P. Tyndall, whose pastorate contini until 1857. When the church was finished there remained on it a deb

7X)0, which was not liquidated until 1855. For two years and a half folo rixg the ministry of Rev. G. P. Tyndall, the church was without a Pastor, ii pulpit being supplied by Drs. Allen, Smith and Day, from Lane Seminary, y 858, twenty-two feet were added to the length of the building at a cost of 4 50. The next Pastor of the church was Rev. S. G. Spees, and following \i, in 1865, was Rev. Rollin A. Sawyer, who remained until 1870. This -e>; an organ was purchased, costing $6,000, and $3,765 put on the church in f-elirs. Rev. J. H. Montgomery, the present incumbent of the pastorate, asaed his duties in 1871, at a salary of $3,000 per annum. In 1874, a chapel Wi erected in the rear of the church. It is of stone, gothic style, 50x90 feet iaize, with a spire in front, and cost $16,000. In the rear of the chapel is iched a kitchen, for festivals, socials, etc. The present officers of the ifrch are: D. Keifer, H. Strickler, R. W. Steele, P. Smith, W. S. Phelps,

The Sabbath school was organized soon after the organization of the A rch, with Dr. John Steele as Superintendent. The attendance is now about i; with J. H. Winters, Superintendent.

In April, 1880, the old church building was torn down and the present nosing edifice began, which is now (April, 1882) almost ready for occupy. It is constructed of stone, and is of the old English gothic type, and . ujjests, in the general outline, some of the old cathedral architecture. The eral doors make the church very easy of access, and from the corridors it is Lha few steps to the farthest side pews. It is beautifully frescoed, and the lioi' inclines gradually to the pulpit, so that the minister can be seen from apart of the church. The pews will be arranged in circular form. The rpit will be three feet above the door, with the choir and organ back of it. krs of black walnut, carved to conform to the circular manner in which they r arranged. The style of the interior is the Queen Ann gothic, that transits into curves and arches the sharp points and angles of the pure gothic.

1 ceiling proper is finished in blue, studded with stars and in Ecru panels, nil floral work. The windows are of rolled cathedral glass, of which there r but two or three specimens in this part of the country. The auditorium v;1 be lighted by two sunburners suspended from the ceiling; one burner has -i ity-fivo jets and the other sixty-five; and they are lighted by an electric 7ii. The building will cost, when completed, about $65,000, and will be of the most beautiful places of worship in the West. At one corner of 1 building is a massive tower, surmounted by a tall spire, and within the °F is hung the bell from the old church. The church is connected with h chapel by a corridor. Its seating capacity will be 750.

The Park Presbyterian Church

This church is the outgrowth of a colony of thirty members that left the ' t Presbyterian Church, November 13, 1851. and formed themselves into 7|t was then called the Presbyterian Church Mission. In 1851, a lot was piphased by them, on Second street, near the northeast corner of Second and llison streets, and a church built thereon at an expense of $4,000. It was - ro-story brick church, very plain, with a low, square-topped tower. It was located to the service of God by the Rev. Kemper on the 13th day of March p-o- i-u the same month the name of the church was changed to the "Third npbyterian Church." After the organization of the colony, John More- 1(1 and Joseph Barnett, were elected Elders, and John F. Edgar and Joseph 3 nett, Jr., Deacons. The pulpit of the new church was filled by Rev. P. D. <J %, Pastor of the mother church until January 6, 1852, when James T.

Kemper was called. He served for twenty years, or until July, 1872, when th pastorial relation was dissolved at his request. During his pastorate in 1851 the church seemed to be weakening, and to avoid total disaster, they resolvei to change their location; accordingly they sold their church to the Catholics an a lot having been donated by Joseph Barnett on St. Clair street, opposite th park, the building of a church was commenced. It was completed at a cost c $25,000. It is a two-story brick, sixty feet wide by eighty feet long. Tb lower floor comprises the Sunday school, lecture and side rooms, and the uppe floor comprises the main auditorium, capable of seating about 400 people. 0 Rev. Kemper's departure, in 1872, Rev. J. R. Russell was called. He serve; until 1876. The church was then without a Pastor until May, 1878, when th present Pastor, J. W. Walden, came. He was called in September of the yes previous. The church is now in a very prosperous condition.

Sunday School

The Sunday school of this church was organized with the church. Tb first officers were: Isaac Hawes, Superintendent; Algernon S. Pettigi'ew, Assisi ant Superintendent; JohnW. Morehouse, Librarian; William A. Barnett, Assis ant Librarian and Secretary. Hawes decided not to colonize, and Pettigrew b came the Superintendent. The school has fared about as the church, sharin in its adversity and in its prosperity. The officers of the school now (1881) ai Samuel Johnson, Superintendent; Charles J. Moor, Assistant Superintenden W. J. Jones, Secretary; J. L. Marquis, Librarian.

Fourth Presbyterian Church

This church sprang from a mission school established by Robert Steve] son in September, 1854, in what was then Miami City. Sabbath school ml first held in a frame building standing on the southeast corner of Willai and Third streets. The building was afterward changed into a dwellini house, and is still used as such. At a meeting of the Miami Presbytery i Urbana in October, 1856, a petition for the establishment of a church i Miami City was presented and acted upon. Revs. Brooks and Kemper, an I Elders J. Harries and J. Barnett, all of the Presbyterian Church of Da; ton, were appointed a Committee to carry into effect the prayer of the pet tioners. They met on the 25th of November - Thanksgiving Day - in the 5 E. Church, Miami City, now Davisson's Chapel, and organized the church undij the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Miami City. Daniel Osbor Moses Marquis, H. S. Williams and Isaac Brown were elected Ruling Elder} and Robert Stevenson, W. B. King and Hiram Lewis, Deacons. Services wei! first held in the brick college, then used as a military institute. Both tlj chiu'ch and Sabbath school met here until 1859, when the basement of the nej church building was ready for occupancy. From the organization of the chan until April, 1857, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. James H. Gill. He w followed by Rev. J. S. Grimes, who served until February, 1858, and was su needed by Rev. A. C. Kemper, whose pastorate ended in May, 1859. The u lowing- named ministers have since served the charge: Rev. McKeehan, u/ii January, 1861; Rev. John Plancock, until May, 1863; Rev. C. B. H. Marti from November, 1863, uutil May, 1864; Rev. Dr. Findlay, from August, 186 until June, 1870; Rev. R. T. Drake, until November, 1872; Rev. A. M. Janki from May 1, 1873, until October, 1877; and the Rev. John H. Graybill, prt ent pastor, who assumed the pastorate in March, 1878.

The present church building was completed at a cost of about $20,0|! and dedicated in May, 1874. It is a substantial building, constructed of brie and has a spire. Its location is on the northeast corner of Summit and T if

,<3. In 1871, when Miami City became a part of the city of Dayton, the r of the church was changed to the Fourth Presbyterian Church. The ri'ership is now about one hundred.

Lt the organization of the Sabbath school, Robert Stevenson became the : j intendent, and the following ladies and gentlemen teachers: Misses i <u and Eliza King and Carrie Bellville, Mrs. Eliza Osborn, Dr. F. R. Wil- .1 Joseph Stevenson, D. Osborn and W. B. King. Four years later, Robert -mson was succeeded by H. S. Williams, who has since held that office, i verage attendance is about one hundred and twenty.

Memorial Presbyterian Church

Early in the year 1867. a committee of the Young Men's Christian . ^ iation, of the Third street Presbyterian Church, purchased the ground ,e corner of Third and Terry, where this church building now stands, aost of $1,000. During the spring and summer following, they erectframe building, whose dimensions were 28x40 feet, costing about 50, which was dedicated to the service of God July 7, 1867. A I ith school was organized on the next. Sabbath Day, at which time were present fifty-eight scholars, and thirty-seven teachers and visi- Mr. Lambert Woodhull was elected Superintendent, and Winslow Phelps l brian, for one year. The school soon increased to such an extent that it isoum necessary to enlarge the building, and two rooms were added. The ices' Society of the Third Street Church furnished comfortable seats for the ail. On the 29th of October, 1867, it was determined by the originators te mission to have preaching services held in the chapel. Rev. Joseph : title was chosen as preacher, and entered upon his duties November 10, 6 The sum of $1,400 was pledged as his salary. In April, 1868, a church ^organized here by a committee of the Dayton Presbytery (then New cl||. Rev. R. A. Sawyer, Rev. H. Calhoun and Mr. Solon Massey were the afittee. The name by which the church was designated was " The East nyterian Church of Dayton." Messrs. Jesse P. Conklin and Lambert olhull were ordained as Ruling Elders and Mr. Festus Munger as Deacon.

iteen persons, most of whom were members of the Third Street Church, pre- 1 certificates of dismission that they might unite in the formation of the drarch. Three additional persons were at that time received on profesbf their faith. The pastor, Mr. Little, labored with zeal and fidelity and acceptance, for twenty-three months. Twenty-five persons were added to Lurch diming his ministry. In October. 1869, a unanimous call to bepastor of this church was given to Rev. James R. Hughes, of the Presbyof Blairsville, Penn., (then Old School). The salary promised was $1,200, paid monthly. The call was accepted, and Mr. Hughes began his labors mber 28, 1869. The number of members at that time was thirty-four, installation of Mr. Hughes occurred April 28, 1870, and up to this date, i his pastoral relations to the church have not been dissolved. Early in . it was determined to build a substantial brick edifice. Friends of the prise in the parent church contributed, about $14,000. and about $3,000 Contributed by members of this church and their friends. The scholars in Sabbath school also contributed liberally to the building fund. The work pO far advanced by October 18, 1872, that the house could be comfortably pied in the first story, and it was then devoutly dedicated to the worship pd- The Ladies' Society of the church contributed the chair, carpets and ixtures As a memorial of the liberality of friends to whom we owe so jb and also of the happy re-union of the Old and New School branches of presbyterian Church, it was resolved to ask the Presbytery to change the name of this church, and to call it " The Memorial Presbyterian Church Dayton, Ohio." This was granted in May, 1872. On the 6th of March, 18' the last dollar of indebtedness for the building was paid. The total cost ground, building and fixtures was about $19,000. In 1872, the plan of wee1 contributions for church revenue, given on the Sabbath, was adopted. 1874, a Young People's Association was organized, the object being the cul vation of personal piety and the more efficient accomplishment of church wo On the 26th of March, 1876, a Missionary Society was organized in the S; bath school, called " The Anthropois Eudokia Society," its contributions be divided between the Foreign and Home Missionary Boards. The Sabbi school at this date, latter part of 1881, contains over twenty-two teache".1- a over three hundred scholars. During the spring of the year 1880, afior ceiving very liberal offers of help from friends in the mother church, it \ decided to complete the upper room, and a committee was appointed to sup vise the work, consisting of J. R. Andrews, L. Woodhull, A. St. John, Jc McGregor, J. M. Waldie, J. B. Lehman and T. D. Hale. This work was cc pleted at a cost of about $3,000, and the church was dedicated Sabbath, Oc ber 10, 1880, Rev. J. H. Montgomery preaching the dedicatory sermon. 1 following is the present church organization: Rev. J. R. Hughes, Past Messrs.. John McGregor, L. Woodhull. C. P. Treat, W. Phelps and A. Cu bertson, Elders; Morris A. Carter, James R. Andrews, J. Harry Thomas and J Lehman, Deacons; W. Phelps, J .R. Andrews, IP. F. Strickler and John Waldie, Trustees.

United Peesbytebian Chuech

The first attempt to organize a church of this denomination in Dayton \ made in 1853 by a few followers of the doctrines of the old Scotch Covenimti The effort, however, was not then successful, and after a short struggle I project was given up. In 1859, fresh attempts were made, the Presbytery si plying ministers. The congregation was regularly organized November 23, 1 8

In May, 1859, the Rev. J. W. Bain was appointed stated supply and ser one year. The church on the southwest corner of F ourth and Jefferson strei erected in 1841 by the First English Lutheran congregation, had been p viously purchased by the U. P. Brethren, and has since served them as a ho of worship. The pastors of the church since organization as been as folio' Rev. J. B. Foster, Rev. E. Creny, Rev. W. S. McClanahan, Rev. Robert Sti art, Rev. W. S. Owens, Rev. T. A. Hutchinson, Rev. J. W. McNarv and K D. H. French, D. D., the present pastor. The present membership is ab thirty-five. A successful Sunday school is maintained.

Geace Methodist Episcopal Chuech

William Hamer, who, with his family and others, were the first white.1 arrive at the mouth of Mad River for settlement in the neighborhood, form a class of Methodists in 1797, who met for worship at stated times at lusho three miles up Mad River. A feeble class, yet strong in the faith, a germ h which have grown the powerful congregations of Montgomery County, though not a circuit rider, he did what he could, as a man of God, to gal. the few Christians as a nucleus for church organization.

In 1798, Bishop Francis Asbury sent John Kohler to organize the Mis Circuit, and on Sunday, August 12, 1798, he preached at Dayton. That ' the first religious meeting held at the Dayton settlement, of which there is i record or other evidence, therefore great interest will attach to it, and we p lish the following note's from the diary of the Rev. John Kobier:

Lord's Day, August 12, 1798. - Preached in. Dayton, a little village by ame on the bank of the Big Miami River, and just below its junction with driver. Here are a few log houses and eight or ten families residing, r, [ saw some tokens for good ; the people seem to receive the word with all less of mind ; indeed, several in the little company were much affected.

In the neighborhood, there are six or eight Methodists, and among them -rjis a local preacher by the name of Hamer. Last year he raised a class of t; w scattered Methodists here, and for awhile met them as leader. I visit- 1 tiiim severally ; as far as possible, examined into the state of their souls, I uud some of them filled with prejudice. I held a second public meeting them, and read the rules of the society ; laid before them the great nes y of Christian unity in church membership, and invited all who could f el- 's peach other to come forward and join in class. So we organized a regr lass of eight members, of whom brother Hamer was appointed

Monday, August 18. - Rode down the Big Miami River twelve miles f iisburg), and preached in an old fortress (probably the stockade and blockif at Hole's Station), to a small congregation, consisting chiefly of the few lies that lived at the fort. On inquiry I found that this fortress was on L untier, and no settlement around or near them."

August 26. - Preached in Dayton on this Sabbath to all the people which rpd country could afford, who were but few at best. The word preached r i fought to bear upon the company with a powerful, quickening influence.

Ipeared to be struck under conviction, and some made inquiry - ' What ;h i i do to be saved ?' Some followed me to the house where I stayed, and used an increasing desire to be wholly devoted to God. The success of Aspel on this missionary field is no longer a problem."

I was at this time a very sick man. Started from Dayton dowD to my ; citment at Hole's Station, twelve miles ; reached the place; the people ejollected ; was not able to preach. Under present circumstances, I was |ss to know what course to pursue. To travel aud preach was impossible.

' lie sick at any of the houses, in these parts, would be choosing death ; t s next to impossible for a well man to get food or sustenance, much more cp prostrate on a bed of sickness. Next morning I started to brother Mc- LTck's, about fifty miles distant, as the only place where I could stay with sgree of comfort. "

January 1, 1799. - Preached in Dayton to a mixed company of traders npetroit, some Indians, French and English. Knowing that they all had am|tal souls to be saved, I took for my text : 'In every nation, he that hi God and worketh righteousness is accepted of him ;' I lifted up my a trumpet, and cried aloud and spared not ; laid before them the -cor - his of their wicked hearts and the fearful consequences of a life of sin, u pressing terms, that many of them looked wild and stood aghast, as if pould take to their heels.

April 2, 1799. - Preached in Dayton for the last time, to all that town puntry round about could afford, which were not many ; subject of 1 'lose was Esau selling his birthright. I then met the class, read the rules,

1 'essed on the society the various duties devolving upon them as church inju's. Preached at Hole's Station next day, and at Franklin at night. In the first prayer, a company of fifteen Indians came to the door. When

In the year 1800, the ordained preachers who had been traveling in 1 West were recalled by Bishop Asbury; Henry Smith was the Presiding Eli for the Miami and Scioto Circuits. In the fall of that year, the Rev. Willi McKendre was appointed Presiding Elder over all of the Western country

But very little record is in existence pertaining to affairs of the Day society; public meetings could only be held as an occasional preacher ca along. Class meetings were held at Hamer's cabin, and afterward at the ca of William Cottingham, who was a class leader, then at Thomas Cotter about a mile east of the village, and at Aaron Baker's in the village.

September 22, 1811, Bishop Asbury, then on his way to the annual con ence of Ohio, held in Cincinnati October 1, preached to a concourse of a th sand people, who had assembled at the court house in Dayton, in anticipatioi his coming.

Dayton was at that time included in the Mad River Circuit, and at t conference the Rev. John Collins, Rev. Moses Grume and the Rev. Josi Tatman were appointed to the circuit. On the next Sabbath after his appo ment, Mr. Collins preached at the court house in Dayton, and also on the t ceeding Sabbath. Very shortly after this, possibly on the next Sabbath, again had a meeting here, at which he proposed to the society that they bi a " meeting-house." The members of the society at that time were: Will Cottingham, class leader; Mary Cottingham, Anna Cottingham, Leah Cotti ham, Joshua E. Cottingham, William Hamer, Sr., Mary Hamer, Polly Han Betsy Hamer, Thomas Cottom, Priscilla Cottom, James Cottom, Nancy Cott Jane Snodgrass, Aaron Baker, Hannah Baker, Philip Sowers, Peggy Sow Peter Brewer, Barney Brewer, Joseph Wilson, Jane Wilson, Stephen Spray and Jemima Sprague - twenty-four in all.

The next month, three subscription papers were circulated to raise the essary fund, and December 26, the following trustees were appointed: And Read, Thomas Smith, Henry Opdyche, William Cottingham, Thomas Coi and Aaron Baker, who upon examination found that 1457.55 had been scribed, and Aaron Baker was appointed to make the collections.

In the winter of 1813-14, the church was incorporated by the Legislal and Lot 155 donated and deeded to them byD. C. Cooper. On the east ha this lot the Methodists built their first church, a one-story frame building 30 feet, painted red. It was finished and occupied in 1814. Up to this t meetings had generally been held in the open air when the circuit ri would come along; occasional meetings had been held by the Methodis the log cabin meeting-house of the Presbyterians, and afterward in the ( house.

In 1805, William Burke, Presiding Elder, John Meek and Abraham 1 were assigned to the Miami and Mad River Circuits, both preaching alternj to the Dayton society.

In 1815, George S. Houston was Steward of the Dayton Methodist Episr. Church, at which time the society had increased to a membership of r , and in 1818. there were two classes with a total membership of sixty-three, aaas Sullivan and Thomas Cottom, leaders. In this year, the Methodist i ay-school Society was formed.

The out-door meeting of the classes and society held in the early days of lie liurch and county cannot be considered as camp meetings, nor were there a aprotracted meetings held in Dayton until after the war, and possibly not it in 1817. The earliest camp-ground of which there is record was loti in a small prairie at the foot of Ludlow street, near which was a large nrfg. Very large and specially interesting meetings were held there, while lelev. John Watterman was stationed here in 1819, then again under the e Arthur Elliot in 1821. Canal construction in 1828 caused a change of .vocation of the camp-grounds to the grove on the north side of Mad River,

- above the Miami, near an unusually fine spring; by the change of the tflnel of Mad River, this grove is now on the south side of the river, a short snce southwest of the Dayton & Michigan Railroad bridge.

The frame church answered every purpose of the society, until in 1828 the cbership had so increased that^it became necessary to erect a new and large <wa of worship. In 1829. the frame building was sold to George C. Davis, h moved it to the north side of East First street, just west of Foundry street, is afterward destroyed by fire.

The preachers who officiated in the frame church were: In 1814-15, .the Benjamin Lakin, John Sale, Abbott Goddard and Marcus Lindsey; 1815 T MosesCrume, Jacob Miller, John Sale and Henry B. Bascom; 1816-17, Afcbtt Goddard, Moses Crume, Walter Griffith and William Williams; 1817 - ' him Brooke, John Sale, Moses Crume and John Strange; 1818-19, William him, John Watterman, Moses Crume, John Sale and John Strange; 1819- 1 lohn Strange, William Quinn and Moses Crume; 1820-21, John Strange,

; es B. Finley, Russel Bigelow7 and Robert W. Finley and Arthur W. Elliott; v', Arthur W. Elliott, John Strange, Thomas S. Flitt and George W. Maley; Y-25, George W. Maley, James B. Finley, James Collard and John P. Tay- 1826-28, John Collins, Augustus Eddy, Levi White, John F. Wright, aes B. Finley, Burroughs Westlake, Alfred M. Lorain and William H. k'ier; 1828-30, Augustus Eddy, James B. Finlev, Bur roughs W estlake and Ted M. Lorain. '

The celebrated Lorenzo Dow7 had also preached in the little frame church n 327, attracting great crowds from the country about. The work of buildn. the second Methodist church was begun in 1828, and finished the next ®j< The building was of brick, and was 50x40 feet, and twenty-four feet 1 L with a cupola in front, and a gallery around three sides.

in 1830, the Rev. D. D. Dyche was located at Dayton as the first regu- ' ' stationed preacher for Dayton station. The Rev. John F. WYight was the hiding Elder, with the following Board; Thomas Sullivan. Local Preacher; Is;;c Wareham, Thomas Cottom. William Kirk, Daniel Stutsman, Aaron Baker, vl.liam Patterson, Ephraim Broadweli, William Tyler, Thomas Parrott, with ^ him H. Brown Secretary of the Board.

March 16, 1833, Thomas Sullivan, Aaron Baber, William Patterson James Slaght were appointed to provide a house of worship for the cole members of the Methodist Church. The result was the building of the II leyan Methodist Church on Bruen street.

At a called meeting of Quarterly Conference, held in Dayton Decembe 1839, it was " unanimously resolved to raise a centenary subscription for erection of another Methodist Episcopal Church in Dayton. "

In July, 1841, the following Board of Trustees were appointed for new church: John Chase, W. L. Williams, Jacob W. Griswold, Thomas Sullivan and Jeremiah Wilt. In the fall, contracts were made for buildin frame church. It was completed and called Finley Chapel, in honor of Rev. J. B. Finley, who was then Presiding Elder of the Dayton district.

During the pastorate of the Rev. John S. Inskip, a new brick church erected on the site of the old church, on Third street. The ceremonies at laying of the corner-stone were conducted by the Rev. Arthur W. Elliott, A 10, 1848. This church building was fifty-five feet wide, and eighty -two long, with end galleries, and a tower in front, in which tower the first t< clock that had been in the town was placed.

In J anuary, 1854, the church was greatly damaged by a portion of a 1 ing building next west of it, crushing through the roof and side; and din the following summer, shortly before the church was to be re-dedicated, it again injured by the walls of the new building in process of construction west of it being blown on to it. This, however, was quickly repaired, and church re-opened.

In 1866, more room was needed, and a new location was determined u] The present lot on the southeast corner of Ludlow and Fourth streets bought, and on the 2d of July that year the corner-stone of Grace Chuich laid. Three years was. occupied in its construction, and on Sunday, Mai 27, 1870, the magnificent Grace Church was formally dedicated by the fi E. O. Flaven, now Bishop, and John S. Inskip.

In 1854. Davisson Chapel, in Miami City, was built on a lot donated Mr. George Washington, and named after the late Rev. Dr. Davisson, who queathed $500, with interest until paid, amounting finally to upward of when paid by Rev. W. Herd, executor of the estate, and Presiding Fide: Dayton district from 1852 to 1855. The Rev. W. Fitzgerald was the preacher assigned there.

The foundation, progress and success of Raper Methodist Episcopal i !ch of Dayton is a fair illustration of what is so often witnessed in this t prising country - of great results springing from most unpromising be- .ngs. From such a beginning, dating back just forty years, there has rein up one of the most useful and prosperous societies in the State. This , y result is largely attributable, under the Divine blessing, to the high acter, integrity and energy of the leading members of the Church, who \ at all times occupied a high position in business, social and religious cir- The society has several times been honored in the selection of its pasi is the conference representative to the quadrennial grand legislative - ably of the Methodist Episcopal Church - the General Conference; and a the introduction of lay- representation into its general legislative councils, a r Ch arch has once been honored with the selection of one of its laymen ch representative.

The organization of this society, whose plain but comfortable church - due stands on the northeast corner of East Fifth and Jackson streets, was laed in the year 1841. When it was first proposed, in the Official Board resley Chapel, then the only Methodist Church in the city, to build a new iia!) of worship east of the canal, considerable opposition was manifested, that, too, from far-seeing and competent men. The site was unpromu - a mere frog-pond - and the settlement in that part of the city not suffi.it to justify the enterprise. On the 9th of August, 1841, at a meeting of Quarterly Conference of Wesley Chapel, presided over by Rev. David kcomb, it was resolved that, inasmuch as it was contemplated to build a jcid "meeting-house" on the east side of the canal, and a lot had already > purchased and conveyed to J. W. Griswold, that the preacher in charge

e discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Daniel Coffin, Thomas ullivan and J. W. Griswold were appointed a committee to estimate the of the new meeting-house. The new Board of Trustees were author -

On August 12, 1841, the title to Lot No. J 01, on the east side of the canal, Ag in the name of J. W. Griswold, the novel plan was resorted to of him a committee to execute a deed to the Trustees of the Church.

1 result proved the wisdom of the expedient. Brother Griswold made the aeyance at once August 14, 1841, the Trustees named the new meeting J e " Finley Chapel," in honor of the eminent pioneer preacher, Rev. James 'iuley. In pursuance of public notice, bids were received for the building ; le new house, and the contract was awarded to Daniel Coffin and Daniel ' mire, September 2, 1841, for the sum of $763, to be paid in subscriptions.

as provided, however, that the Trustees should make good to the condors any subscription that might prove uncollectable. On the 15th of De- -Der, a further contract was made with Coffin and Waymire to seat the b ch and inake the altar and pulpit for $100. It will be seen that the jice completed, seating and all, cost less than $1,000. It was a one-stcry

September 26, 1842, Samuel Marshall succeeded Dr. Williams as Triis which position he held with honor and profit to the church for a third of a & ury - to the day of his death. In 1845, James R. Hoglen and Soloi Price became members of the Board and held their positions for about Ik years, when Mr. Hoglen passed away, while Mr. Price still lives, a ha veteran, loved and honored by all who knew him. Other men of deci character and influence were subsequently added to the Board of Trust and to the Official Board, of whom space will not allow particularizat: many of whom have fallen asleep, while some remain to this day. The society, situated as it was, in a growing part of the city, prospered beyond expectation: and it was found, in 1851, necessary to tear down and build In and more firmly. This matter took shape and form under the vigilant popular pastorate of the Rev. Thomas (Tor such, while the new edifice erected and completed during the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Lawder, in 11 In honor of a much-esteemed, scholarly and accomplished former Pastor, 1 William H. Raper, one of the noblest men in the whole connection, the n of the church was changed from Finley Chapel to "Raper."

Many changes have been made in the interior of the church, suck as putting in of stained glass, frescoing the walls and ceiling, substituting hectors for gas jets, carpeting the whole louse, remodeling and cushioi the pews, refurnishing the lecture room, and placing an elegant pjpe-crga: the audience room. The original cost of the new building was about $10,( The improvements made in it have cost about $10,000 more. To this shout added $3,000, the cost of the parsonage, built in 1862. The lot on which |: church and parsonage now stand originally cost, in 1841, $500. The gr< is now worth $25,000, and the whole property not far from $40,000. Th a fair illustration of the rapid increase in the value of property in the eas part of the city. The membership, which, at the outset, consisted of a faithful and active men and women, now numbers about 550, among w are some of the most prominent citizens and business men and Methodisl Southern Ohio.

The Sunday' school is, perhaps, the largest in the Cincinnati Confere the regular attendance ranging from 525 to 625. Both the Sunday school the audience rooms have come to be entirely too small for the large congr tions attending the regular services, and soon a new, more commodiouf more convenient house will be required.

The enterprise, vigor and devotion of this church will be found equ; the requirements of the times. When the new edifice is imperatively manded, it will be built.

Raper has at all times been faithful not only to the doctrines bull usages of the Church, as formulated by the higher powers. As late as 1 the " Rules " hanging in the vestibule said, "Let the men and worner apart." That has passed away. For long years, opposition was manin to choirs and musical instruments. In twenty years, to the satisfaction of progress has been made from a "Prince" reed organ to an excellent organ, while, during the same period, the singing has been led by preeen choirs and quartets, as the tastes and wishes of the musicians mighi. die ales T. Bail, George C. Crum, D. D., L. F. Yaucleve, John F. Mar ley, I>. [). Thomas Collett, William A. Bobinson, Edward T. Wells and Lucien Clark. it! of these, Drs. Crum and Smith, were recalled and served each a second -i . The church is entirely free from debt, has a firm hold on the sympa- : i;; of the people of that portion of the city, and exercises a very great iniiice in Methodism.

Davisson Methodist Episcopal Chuhch

The church society denominated Davisson Methodist Episcopal Church, locatj i West Dayton, on the southwest corner of Fourth and Broadway, was organ - 3t, by the Methodists of Dayton in 1854, it being the third Methodist Episcopal . lech established in the city. In J anuary of that year, the Bev. W. Fitzgerioyas appointed minister in charge. Soon thereafter, a one-story brick edit ciwas erected, at a cost of $2,500. The church was so named in honor of £ D. D . Davisson, who did much toward its erection. We cannot give a : irjlete list of the Pastors of the church, but will mention those at our comif cl. The church was still a mission in 1857, when the pulpit was filled by e G. H. Kennedy, who served the congregation two years. At a later period, hi congregation, with the one at Ebenezer, constituted the charge for one or v years, then for several years Davisson was self-supporting. It was also for as conference years 1867-68, connected with the Buckeye Street Mission, nlng the recent Pastors of the church have been Bev. G. W. Gowdy, who ®d one year and nine months. He was succeeded by Bev. W. Williams, i remained in the Pastorate three years. Mr. Williams was succeeded by e J. W. Gaddis, who served three years, and during his pastorate, the charge oisted of Davisson Chapel and Sears Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In Jail of 1881, Davisson again became a station, and Bev. M. M. Kugler, Fed in charge. The membership is 160.

Seaes Street Methodist Episcopal Church

On the 1.1th day of October, 1857, a Sabbath school was organized, in what ; then known as the Friends' Meeting House, on Sears street, between Second a Third, by Bev. Maxwell P. Gaddis, who became the first Superintendent, uiorted by the following officers: S. C. Emily, Assistant Superintendent; Tries Parrott, Treasurer; Thomas B. Stevenson. Librarian, and Charles Burhfer, Secretary. The outgrowth of this school was Sears Street Methodist jpcopal Church, long known as Gaddis Chapel. The Bev. Maxwell P. Gadiwasthe first minister appointed to Dayton City Mission, and he commenced Labors at Sears Street Chapel, September 30, 1860. preaching his first ser- 11 from the 205th Psalm, "In the name of our God we will set up onr ban- |J The church organization took effect November 17, I860, and the society ; first officially re-organized by Bev. J. F. Chalfant, Presiding Elder, Janur|l) 1861. The first Board of Stewards were John Birch, J. H. Cheever, bander McCandless and J. Hicks. Tho first sacrament was administered in aiary, 1861. The church record exhibits further, that Bishop Simpson ocu .ed the pulpit March 3, 1861, and Bishop Morris June 22, 1862. Mr. Gadi served the people two years, when Bev. M. Marley, D. D. , was appointed to 'i Mission (1862). On the the 11th of June, 1863", the pulpit was filled by %p Ames. Bev. William Simmons was appointed to succeed Dr. Marley B;863. On the 24th day of November, 1863, they purchased the Friends' fitting House, for the sum of $950. Mr. Simmons served three years, and was Bteeded by the Bev. E. F. Hill, who remained one year. In 1867, the Bev. fitwell P. Gaddis was returned to the station. Other Pastors have been as ows. Bev. J. B. Ellsworth, 1868-69; Bev. A. Bowers, 1870-71; Bev. G. H. A nedy, 1872. Bev. William B. Polling, 1875; Bev. W. N. Williams, 1876-

77 ; Rev. J. W. Gaddis, 1878-79-80, and the present Pastor, Rev. J. Y. L ing, who came in September, 1881. At this writing (May, 1882), the chr is disbanding to form another organization, in East Dayton, to be kxown as East Dayton Methodist Episcopal Church. They have disposed of the Chapel building for $2,000, and have purchased ground on Huffman ave and May street, where they intend to erect a beautiful house of worship. 1 membership is about 150.

Cavalry Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1871, a Mission school was established in North Dayton, and Cat Chapel building erected by the Young Men's Christian Association of the t This edifice, in April, 1882, was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal Chn The amount paid for the building was $1,350. Rev. J. Y. Leming is the ] tor of this charge, which now has a membership of sixty, besides a flourisl Sabbath school of 160 scholars. The edifice is well located, and the new terprise will, Ave doubt not, be successful. It has been made a regular t sustaining Methodist Episcopal Church.

The German Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1840, twelve persons assembled and effected this organization, know the First German Methodist Episcopal Church of the City of Dayton. T' years later, they built, on the corner of Jackson and Sixth streets, a one-& brick edifice 35x50, which cost between $1,500 and $2,000. This was dedic. to the service of God by Revs. Achmoker and Dr. Nast. About the close of war, the building was sold to Rev. S. D. Clayton. Ground was then bough the southeast corner of Clay and Yan Buren streets for $700, and the prejj church building erected. In size it is 45x75 feet, tivo stories high, and structed of brick, at a cost of $14,000. The auditorium with gallery will from 500 to 600 people. The following named ministers have served the chn Rev. Englehart, Rev. Riemeschneiver, Rev. Joseph Hebner, Rev. JohnKeisI Rev. Charles Shelver, Rev. George A. Bruenich, Rev. George Dancker, ill John Bier, Rev. Wilhelm Ahrens, Rev. John Hopen, Rev. Jacob Rhodwei j Rev. Bonneville Braumiller, Rev. Christian Foegler, Rev. George Dane Rev. Charles Kissinger, Rev. Conrad Gohn, Rev. George Widman, Rev. Ear Wunderlect, Rev. J. F. H. Pietrman, Rev. Edward Ulnict, Rev. Philij Weber, Rev. John Bier, Rev. F. W. Rinehart, Rev. A. Kressley, Rev. j Swinefoot and Rev. Charles Bozenhard, who is now in charge of the congr tion. There are now enrolled about 200 names. The Sabbath school wai ganizecl with about twenty- live scholars; Jacob Metz was the first Superint ent. There are now about 200 scholars enrolled under the superintendent Henry Raber.

Owing to the loss of the records of this church, we are unable to giv extended sketch, and the same will apply to the remaining three colored gregations of the city. The organization was effected in 1842 with a thirty-five members. They are strict followers of the father of Methodisn whom the church was named. Soon after the society was organized, they chased ground of the Daughters of Zion, a colored society, and built a story frame church, which stood on the present site of their place of won on Wilkins between Bruen and Zeigler streets. In 1854, this building was and the present two-story brick church erected at a cost of about $2,500. following ministers have served the charge; Rev. Shadracli Green, Rev. Ck Clemens, Rev. William Clemens, Rev. Robert Anderson, Rev. John Fall. William Jackson and Rev. Thomas Clinton,

African Methodist Episcopal Church

This church was organized in 1865,' in a public hall on East Fifth street, le Rev. Matthew Hogard, with nine members. Until 1872. they worshipped -ivate houses and in the churches of other religious bodies; that year, their ' mt house of worship was erected, which, with the ground, cost 13,000 It Bated on Eaker between Ludlow and Perry streets, and is a one-story brick Ofeet. Ten pastors have served the church since its organization. Rev. W. 'axwell is the present pastor, and the membership of the church is ninety.

The First Baptist Church

Who the first Baptists that settled in Dayton were cannot now be Gained. In the county records of 1806, it appears that one Charles 1 o in behalf of the " Baptist Union Congrega ion of Dayton " applied >r and on the southeast corner of Main and Third streets, which had

0 of public worship. A few months later, it is recorded that the peii of the Anabaptist Church, as it was called, was granted. This is the -mention of Baptists in Dayton. It is not known now what this first church exactly, nor how strong it was. At any rate it did not realize the claim t p, for we find the land applied for by them afterward conveyed by Cooper icais heirs. The commencement of the Baptist interest which resulted in formation of this church may be associated with the removal to Dayton -cfc 1823, of certain Baptists from the Lebanon Church and other places.

- t leir request ministers occasionally visited them and preached. Among a were Stephen Gard, pastor of Elk Creek Church, in Butler County, and on Thompson, pastor of the chinch at Lebanon. The chinch was not orswed until May 29, 1824, when a council assembled in Dayton to draw up e onstitution of the church. The articles of faith were drawn up by Elder 'oMulford, of Wolf Creek and Tapscott chinches. The church council its first meeting on the porch of William Huffman's house, on the corner and Jefferson streets, where the Beckel House now stands. After ces the Sunday following, Mrs. Lydia Huffman was baptized in the river,

' le east of the head of Main street, the first baptism that was ever wit- ,s >d in Dayton. The church now numbered ten members. In September of ; year, 1824, the church was received into the Miami Association. For the "Hu'ee years after its organization, the church was supplied with preaching 1( a month by Elders Thompson, Gard, Martin and others. Elder Gard was

rst pastor. In 1827, the membership was only thirteen. Rev. D. S. Buri then a young man, became pastor, and the chinch was encouraged to build

use of worship. The house and ground together cost $2,000. They were 11 the west side of Main street, on the corner of the alley, between Water ;| First streets. Up to this time they had worshiped in the old court house,

; sometimes in a room on St. Clair street, between Second and Third. At '>md of the second year of Mr. Burnett's ministry, the church numbered ~ y-f our members, but the young pastor was becoming fascinated with the doctrine of Campbellism, and on the 24th of March 1829, everything t written articles of faith were neglected. Thus the church became a Camp- church, only eight or nine members refusing to stay. These few met e house of Elizabeth Crowell, and passed a resolution to " keep the stand First Baptist Church in Dayton." At a subsequent meeting held at iani Huffman's, they excluded the pastor and those following him from af>aptist Church of Dayton, although these persons constituting the majori-

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTYty had already dismissed them. They also petitioned the Supreme Court possession of the property, but lost the case. (Sec. 6th O. R. , P. 363.) ' little band continued to hold their meetings, having occasional services for years by Elders Mulford and Thompson, the latter, with Elder Gard, ha\ done much to hasten the division by preaching "sound doctrine, which me election and limited atonement. and preaching against educated ministers, B and Missionary societies, and all human institutions ." The nine meml were soon increased by some new residents from other points, and in 1 835 " New Light " church was rented, and Rev. Samuel R. Clark, who had 1 sent west by the Home Mission Society, was called to preach half of the time, died shortly after, September 11, 1835. The church now numbered thirty ei At this time the Anti-Mission schism took place. The "old school 1 be opposed to spreading the Gospel otherwise than by preaching, the "New Schc favoring missions, Sabbath schools, etc. The Layton church went with New School. Elder M. E. Cook was pastor of the church for one year, fi 1837. In the summer of 1838, Elder J. L. Moore came to Dayton, an January, 1839, became pastor of the church, which had been incorporated an act dated February 25, 1837. In speaking of this time, he said his ot in accepting the charge was to aid them in erecting a church. The chi only numbered fourteen males, and all together they did not pay taxes on 8 000, yet over $2,000 was subscribed. A lot was purchased on JeffeVson si for $1,350, and a church built at a cost of $5,164.50. It was not finished i 1841 - 12. During this time, the Sunday school was organized with 100 schc and twenty teachers, with Deacon E. E. Barney as Superintendent, in wl capacity he labored for fifteen years. Elder S. S. Parr was the next pastel the church; he served from July 1841, to December 1843. He was succec by Rev. Frederick Snyder, who entered upon the duties -of pastor in A 1844, and remained seven years, or until 1851. The next pastor was 1 Samuel Foljambe, who was called on the 5th of January 1852, and resigne the close of 1855. Rev. Samson Talbott succeeded him; he came io J 1856, and left to accept the presidency of Dennison University at Gram in July, 1863. Rev. PI. Harvey was called April, 1864, and remained i 1867. Just previous to his pastorate the old church on Jefferson was disp of. a lot purchased on Main street, and the present beautiful and commod building was erected at a cost of $45,856 for house and ground. It is a 1 two- story brick, with the usual rooms down stairs and the auditorium up st It has a tall and graceful spire about 150 feet high, supplied with a ! bell. It was formally dedicated free of debt, October 25, 1863. In 1865 a Mission Chapel was built by the young men of the church, on East I street. This brings up to the present pastorate. Rev. H. Colby, who called in 1867, and has been an able and efficient pastor ever since church now numbers about 400 members, and the Sunday school 37 < > scln with thirty-nine officers and teachers.

The Wayne Street Regular Baptist Church

December 29, 1848 forty-four members of the First Regular 13a Church of Dayton, who had asked for letters of dismissal therefrom, vote organize themselves into a church and adopted articles of faith, a covenant temperance pledge. On the 9th of January, 1849, they were publicly r; nizecl as a Regular Baptist Church, by a council of delegates from Baptist Church, called together to consider the questions of their rec< tion. For the first few weeks of the existence of the church it was ki as the "Oregon Regular Baptist Church of Dayton." The first of of this church were J. H. Thomas, Clerk; J. B. Turner, J. McCammon

1 Washington, Deacons; John Ewing, Treasurer: and J. B. Turner, S. P. }ate and John Clarke, Trustees. Their first meetings were held in the church jwj|d by the Dunkards. Next they worshiped in the Oregon Engine-house,

. x was found too small, and on February 27, 1849, it was resolved to build a 1 .13 of their own. Ground for this purpose was purchased of E. Thresher r r 300, Mr. Thresher giving one half of the ground, as the lot was valued 00, upon condition that the lot should be appropriated exclusively to the apse of building a Baptist meeting house thereon. Subscriptions were ':i, and a brick building 40x60 feet was begun. During the year 1849, in he, aidst of building, the cholera broke out, business in the city was suspended ltlhe work of the church was greatly impeded. However, the basement was dieted and occupied January 1, 1850. The exercises of the occasion being >i ucted by Rev. F. Snyder, of the First Church, assisted by Rev. J. L. Moore, i ormer preaching the sermon. The auditorium was finished and dedicated . 153. The first pastor of the church was Rev. S. Gorman, who served until

Fa 1852, when succeeded by Rev. Marsena Stone, who was the pastor a few ;hs only. In April, 1853, Rev. J. Chambers became the pastor and served iyear. His successor was the Rev. Nicholas S. Bastian, whose pastorate in October, 1854, and continued until the spring of 1856. During the her of 1855-56 the church witnessed a powerful revival, the pastor was asiijd by Rev. D. E. Thomas, who was a stated supply for several months big the summer of 1856. The result of the meeting is- thus stated in the hiefl records, " as the first of om labors during our long protracted meeting, e ave added to our numbers as fol lows : By letter, six; by experience, five; and aptism, seventy-four, making in all eighty-five." Rev. E. W. Dickinson beii s the pastor in October, 1856, and served until August, 1861. Another ex- -tve revival occurred during the winter of 1858-59, in which the First a list Church united with the Wayne Street Church. Fifty-six accessions were if e to the church. Mr. Dickinson was succeeded by Rev. E. F. Strickland, h served one year. The eighth pastor was Rev. D. F. Carnahan, who asd the pastorate in the summer or early fall of 1863. Other pastors of the kfch up to April, 1878, with the term of service of each are as follows : Rev.

The church then had no pastor, and was arranging with the Baptist Union 1 he City of Dayton about giving up its property and debts to the Union.

It voted August 12, 1878, to disband, and give letters of dismission to all ' ood standing, who should call for them previous to November 12, 1879, 'In the disbandment should be completed.

The Sunday school had been in chai'ge of E. F. Sample, during the sumi! and was rapidly growing from the discouraged condition in which he o.id it.

The Baptish Union secured the services of Rev. H. H. Bawden, who be- ;; his labors with the interest which has been since that known as " The tral Baptist Mission of Dayton," on November 20, 1878. Since that time, ^Baptist Union have steadily prosecuted the work amid many difficulties.

In the early part of 1880, the Union effected a sale of the old meeting- " se and lot, and immediately paid off the debts which had accumulated to hextent of more than $4,000.

should be built, costing not less than $10,000, which should be free from dt (We should have mentioned that when the debts were all paid, there reman in the possession of the Baptist Union, a lot on the corner of Clay and 1 Buren streets, 66x132 feet, with a brick dwelling-house on it, which had c " in flush times " $8,500 ; and they had $3,386.36 in money.)

E. E. Barney, who had always been deeply interested in the church, tl became responsible for $4,000, cash. (The Union having determined noi incur debt). It was decided to build, and the beautiful church edifice loca on the corner of Clay and Yan Buren streets, an admirable view of wind obtained from Eifth street, is the result.

It is of brick, two stories high and one of the most perfect churches outline and finish in the city. Its style of architecture is an adaptation of Romanesque or semi-Giothie, and presents an imposing appearance with square tower and fully rounded arches. It was first proposed not to eree tower, and afterward an octagonal spire was suggested, but the present c adds materially to the appearance of the building.

The auditorium is 48x50 feet, with a seating capacity of over 500. T dedicatory services took place in the evening of May 4, 1882, sermon by Rev. Dr. King, of Cleveland.

The total cost of the building, outside of the furniture is $14,000, evi cent of which is paid. Not a particle of debt remains upon it. This is one the most encouraging features of its auspicious opening.

First German Baptist Church

In June, 1852, twelve persons, formerly members of a Society in Beri Prussia, met and organized the above named church. J. J. Werthner was pointed to preside over the church society at that time. There were present the organization of the church, Rev. A. Heinrich, of Rochester, N. Y., Cif man of the meeting; Rev. M. Stone, Rev. Samuel Foljambe, of Dayton; II J. L. Moore, of Springfield; B. C. Cane, of Carlisle; O. B. Stone, of Xenia, s J. G. Brown, of Cincinnati. The first meeting of the church was held at Wayne Street Baptist Church, after which they met at the Sixth Street Eng- House until 1854, when it was decided to build a church. Ground for t purpose, situated on East Fifth street, was purchased of William Hoffman $500, on which was built a church, 40x60 feet, consisting of a basement s an upper story, at a cost of $3,000. In 1861, Henry Koehler, of York, Pen became the Pastor. In 1866, G. D. Menger was called, the church then nr bering 150 members. At this time an additional $1,000 was expended in co pleting the church. G. Eisele assumed the Pastorate, and remained m 1877. In 1872, a division occurred in the church, on questions of church d cipline, sixty members leaving. They worshiped at Rocky Mission Chapel i til 1878, when they returned to the church, Rev. G. D. Menger having b< recalled to the pastorate. In connection with the church, a Sabbath school > 100 scholars and sixteen teachers is maintained. The church' now (1881) without a Pastor.

On the 30th day of November, 1870, the religious society bearing above name was organized at the residence of Humphrey Moody, in Mia City, with the following-named persons: Albert Matthews, Sarah Anders Humphrey and Elizabeth Moody and William Lenyear. Rev. Albert M thews became the pastor of the church. Services were at first held in the hoi of the Pastor, then in a hall on Wayne street, and in the Baxter Street Engi

X. In the fall of 1876, a lot on Sprague street, in West Dayton, was pur - ad by the congregation for $400, on which a one-story brick church was ,. -cjd at a cost of $1,800. Other pastors of the church, in the order given, Jjeen Rev. Spencer Young, Rev. Albert Matthews, Rev. William Harris, Henry Roberts and Rev. James Shocraft.

Linden Avenue Baptist Church

'he organization of Linden Avenue Baptist Church, was effected Septem ). 1872. with fifty-seven member's, thirty-five of whom were from the First pfct Church of the city, twenty from the Wayne Street Baptist Church, and i fom elsewhere. The first Pastor of the church was the Rev. Frederick itorthy, who was ordained on the 18th day of October, following, and 1 until in September, 1878. December 1, of the same year, the Rev. J. irks, present Pastor, assumed the pastorate. Not long after the organizanjf the church, ground was purchased of W. P. Huffman, and the present ah edifice erected. It is a beautiful temple ; in external arfehitechure, it much resembles the Alain street Baptist Church, though not so large. The liirium is 86x46 feet, the whole of the upper floor, except the vestibule, ten t ide. Above the vestibule is a gallery, in wrhich is a pipe organ. At the cite side of the church is. the pulpit platform, back of which is a shallow icpty in the wall, arching to a point two-thirds of the way to the ceiling; >wer part of the concavity is lined with white walnut panel work; the i! )il part is made to represent a firmament by stars of gold on a back ground i.z:e blue. The finish of the auditorium is in exceeding good taste, nothing _ a ms, but elegant. The body of the frescoing is light, with a faint blue ca,;. The ceiling is variegated in subdued colors. Two gas suns in the ceilbht up the auditorium brilliantly at night. It has a seating capacity of r 600. The pulpit desk, an elegant piece of workmanship, is of black wal- . On the first floor are the Sunday school room, Bible-class rooms, and i for kitchen and pantry, furnished with all necessary culinary utensils to l tuid in church festivals, socials, etc. The lower story was completed and for services in the evening of December 80, 1873, when dedicated by J. F. Behrends, of the First Church of Cleveland. The auditorium was lifted to God December 12, 1879. There were present on this occasion,

. R. Hughes, of the Memorial Church; Rev. C. F. Colby, of the Main Street "t Church, Rev. H. H. Bawden, of the Wayne Street Baptist Church: Rev.

I Monger, of the first German Baptist, and Rev. J. H. Parks, pastor of 1 ' 'arch to be dedicated. The dedicatory sermon Avas preached by Dr. John 10, of Chicago. The membership is now 175.

The Baptist Union

bis society consists of a union of the Baptists of the city for the pur- 1 f giving aid and support to churches of the denomination requiring as- -> af;e. It was organized January 12, 1874, with the following officers: sent, W. P. Huffman; Vice President, E. E. Barney; Secretary, James ir; Treasurer, J. K. Mclntire. Until 1878, any member of the Baptist lL"b residing in the city was an ex officio member. That year, it Avas incor- Avhen the Trustees of the Union became virtually the Union. Each 1 ri now elects five persons who represent them as members of the Union.

Christ Church

;n the 15th day of May, 1817, the Rev. Philander Chase, then on a mis- S10uf four through Southern Ohio, held the first seiwice of the Episcopal

Church in Dayton. Immediately following this service, a parish was orgs ized under the name of St. Thomas' Church, and its articles of associati were signed by seven persons, who bound themselves together as interested the continuance of such services. This organization, however, does not so to have possessed much vitality, and we hear no more of it, nor of the se: ices of the church here, until nearly two years later, when he who held ( first service, and in the meantime had been consecrated Bishop of Ohio, turned to Dayton and held a second service in October, 1819. Noveml 27, 1819, St. Thomas' Church was re-organized, and this time its artic of association were signed by twenty-three persons, prominent among wb were Judge Crane and Warren Hunger, Sr., Esq. The parish was withou settled pastor until October 19, 1821, when the Rev. Spencer Wall, a I)ea< then in charge of the missionary work at Piqua and Springfield, took chai of the congregation on alternate Sundays, and served until March, 1822, : he was the only regular clergyman during the years that St. Thomas' Chu was in existence. The Rev. Samuel Johnson continued occasional services several years, and so did other clergymen of the diocese, among them Rev. Thomas A. Osborne, the Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg, the Rev. Gideon McS lan and the Rev. Alexander Hall. The services during these years were h in the Lancasterian Schoolhouse, which then stood on St. Clair street, oppo; the park; in the houses of worship of other Christian bodies, in the old cc house, and in private houses. But inability to procure the regular servici a clergyman, even at stated intervals, discouraged the leaders and scatte the congregation; and after several years of earnest struggle, St. Thorr Church succumbed to these disheartening influences and ceased to exist, exc in name. The last service of the decade of which there is any record held some time in 1827, and from then until 1830 the voice of the elan feeble for a long time previous, was hushed in death. On the 7th day of tober, 1830, the Rev. Ethan Allen, on a missionary toiu- of inspection throi the southwestern counties of the State, visited Dayton and stated his mist to Judge Crane and Warren Hunger, Sr., saying that he had come to sp; Sunday here, and would like to give them services if agreeable to them, 'l l two faithful pioneers were so completely discouraged by the experiences of past that they gave him no encouragement. Hr Allen, early the follow morning, left the town ; he, however, x-eturned October 21, and bringing v j him letters of introduction announcing his intentions. His services were cepted, the old Presbyterian Church standing on the corner of Second j Ludlow streets was procured, and there two services were held October The following morning a subscription paper was started to secure a supi for Mr. Allen. Fifty-nine persons had pledged the aggregate amount of a year toward his salary. He entered regularly upon his duties in the court house, on Sunday, November 24. It was not until May 15, 1831. articles of association for the Parish were signed, and it was as late as 1 that it was incorporated, and that by special act of legislature. At a meheld June 25, 1831, it was resolved to start a subscription for the purchasl a lot and the building of a church. On May 17, 1832, $1,800 was repo raised, a lot was selected on South Jefferson street, and was purchase] Henry Bacon for $480. An edifice was erected thereon (where the 0 building now stands), which was completed, and was first opened for h service by the rector, assisted by brother clergymen from Piqua and E ware. The general style of the church was gothic. It was in size, sixty feet long and forty-five feet wide. November 17, 1833, Bishop Mclh made his first visit to the parish, and consecrated the church. The Bis in making a note of his first visit to this parish, says: "There a very tl

[n October, 1843, the rector resigned. The Rev. Richard S. Killin, his , ssor, entered upon his duties February 4, 1844, and after a ministry of

1 eight months, resigned the parish October 15, of the same year. The -j ij rector of the parish was the Rev. William W. Arnett, who accepted the

-e January 5, 1845. His rectorship covered a period of nearly five years, ]i.g October, 1849. The Rev. James B. Britton, the fourth rector, took age of the parish November 12, 1849. That the church grew under his i is the testimony of the vestry and parish records. June 14, 1852, it was e ed to enlarge and improve the church, the increasing congregation making room a necessity, and a new front was added at a cost of nearly $5,000. Britton resigned the parish June 1, 1855, and a call was extended to the H. H. Morrell, who became the fifth Rector of the parish in November,

' and remained in charge until July, 1857. September 21, of that year, Rev. John Woart was called to become the sixth rector, and, accepting the . at once entered upon his duties. During his rectorship, an effort was . u to establish a second church in Dayton, a parish known as St. Paul's rich, having been organized by a number of the former parishioners of list Chinch, May 12, 1859. It continued its existence until 1863, when Arden (John Powell) closed his report to the convention. In March, 1860. bellev Anthony Ten Broeck became the seventh rector of the parish, and inued in charge thereof until Easter day, April 20, 1862. The Rev. Eda: H. Jewett was called to the parish in September, 1862, and entered on uties as its eighth rector on Sunday, October 19, 1862, and remained in nge eight years, during which time the church witnessed a steady increase unbers and financial strength. April 24, 1868, a committee of the vestry a appointed to co -operate with the ladies, who were greatly interested in the ion of a mission chapel, and, on Monday, June 20, 1870. the parish had satisfaction of seeing the present Ascension Chapel consecrated to the wori pf Almighty God. It was during this rectorship that the Rev. Royal B. t Dm was assistant minister of the parish, from J uly, 1868, to July, 1869. 4) Rev. Edward P. Wright, D. D., became the ninth rector of the church in umber, 1870. The event of this rectorship was the erection of the presi beautiful edifice, constructed of brick, in the decorated gothic style, med with Dayton limestone, and is capable of comfortably seating 700 3ns. It is sixty-eight feet front and 126 feet deep; is substantially built,

! "essed and capped with stone. The bell-tower, on the northeast corner, is jaty-six feet high, upon which is a slated octagon spire of ninety feet, suri: nted by an ornamental cross, making total height of steeple, 166 feet.

I windows are of mottled glass, with figured borders. The audience room >ry handsome. The furniture, all of black walnut, is of elegant design n finish, and with the memorial -figured windows, gives a bright and cheerful psarance to the room. The pews are upholstered in damask rep. the ends eig very chaste in design and of gothic pattern, as is everything connected the building. It is located on the south side of First, between Main and Mow streets, and cost $47,000, of which $17,000 was paid for the ground 1) which it stands. The corner-stone was laid July 12, 1871, by Bishop

II ell, and the building completed and opened for worship March 22, 1874. 1 Wright was succeeded by Rev. E. H. Jewett, who again entered upon the k'ge as its tenth rector, May 18, 1873, and the second time resigned the sk in May, 1879. The present rector, Rev. J. T. Webster, entered upon n duties January 1, 1880. The Sunday school of the chinch was organized in the old court house in January, 1832, by the rector of the church, w seven teachers. The number of scholars in the school was thirty. The s sions of the Sunday school were continued until May of the same year, wl it was discontinued until in July, 1833, when Sabbath school was for the f time held in the new church, which has continued uninterruptedly until io-d; Dr. Allen, then the rector of the church, was the first Superintendent. 1 school at present is large and flourishing.

Ascension Chapel

In 1868, a mission Sunday school was established in the eastern portioi the city by Christ Church. It was soon thought that the location was nn vorable and the school was removed to the southern portion of the city, the 24th of April of the above year, the ladies of the parish having been ini ested previously in the establishment of a mission, the vestry appointee committee to co-operate with them in establishing this one, and the lot. i purchased on Ascension Day following, and hence the name of the chapel, lot was purchased in South Dayton and a building commenced, which i finished in 1870, at a cost of $9,000, including the lot, and on the 20th June of that year, it was consecrated to the worship of God by Bishop Bed December 23, 1870, Rev. A. W. Seabrease was called to take charge of chapel work. He having declined the call, July 18, 1871, the Rev F Bartlett was called to it, and he also declined to come. These and other < couragements deterred the vestry from making any other calls, and since th no effort worthy of note has been made to secure a laborer for that fit The Sunday school has been kept up steadily ever since its organization, in than thirteen years ago, and from it many have been brought into the elm and confirmed.

The First English Lutheran Church

In the year 1839. Rev. Reuben Weiser, a missionary of the Evangeli! Lutheran Synod of Maryland, visited Dayton in the interest of the Luthraj Church. He found a few scattered members of the denomination whom gathered together, and induced to form themselves into an organization, meeting for this purpose was accordingly called outlie 6tli of July, in the st of Frederick Gebhart, at which the following article of agreement was adopt "We, the subscribers, feeling the importance of forming an Evangelical i| theran congregation in the city of Dayton, Ohio, for ourselves and children, hereby in humble reliance on the great head of the church, form ourselves ii a Lutheran congregation. We acknowledge ourselves members of the Luthe Church, and of course subject to the discipline and church government of j General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United State This article was signed by those present: Henry Creager, Philip Beat

John Prugh, Peter Baker, Frederick Gebhart, Elijah Ealy, Samuel Kell John Hoppert and J. G. Hoppert. Of these, the following persons were elec: officers: Elders, Henry Creager and Philip Beaver; Deacons, Frederick G hart and Peter Baker. A committee was appointed to obtain temporary use the German Reformed Church, and the Vestry authorized to procure a su blelot for the erection of a house of worship. At a meeting of the eongre tion held August, 1840, Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller was elected pastor. In Ap 1841, a lot -was purchased situated on the southwest corner of Fourth and J ferson streets, and a brick building 45x60 feet erected thereon. Here the c gregation worshiped until 1856. when the house becoming too small it was s to the United Presbyterians, and the eligible site on Main street purchas and the large and beautiful structure now there erected. The congregai has ever been a vigorous and flourishing one. Its membership has reached

,j as 700, while its Sabbath school is the largest in the city, as well as the r,s5 in the Lutheran General Synod. The church building is a very large //story brick, with a tall and massive square tower, which contains a chime la bells. The church since its organization has been served by nine pastors: 'ev. D. P. Rosenmiller, from 1840 to 1849; by Rev. P. Rizer. from 1849 to v'; by Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., from 1856 to 1862; by Rev. D. Steck, from 1862 to 1864: by Rev. L. A. Gottwald, D. D., from 1865 to 1868; ev. Irving Magee, D. D., from 1868 to 1812; by Rev. J. B. Helwig, D, rom 1872 to 1874; by Rev. T. T. Everett, from 1874 to 1876. The presit astor, 1880, Rev. G. F. Stelling, D. D., was called in August. 1877. These -rs are all living, with the exception of Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller, who died eptember, 1880. This church has sometimes been called the " Gebhart ir|ch," for the reason that the Gebhart name has been connected with it )i the beginning, and during the history of the congregation formed so large p tion of the membership. No less than forty Gebharts have stood on the _ uih record at one time, and it must be said that much of its prosperity has e due to the strength, activity and the liberality of this distinguished Daya unity. The present church building cost in construction over $75,000. i 3 a seating capacity of about 900.

Phis congregation took its rise in the troublous times of the Presidential * on in 1864. At that time Rev. D. Steck, D. D., was pastor of the Main nt Lutheran Church. 'His political views not being in accord with those of e hurch Council, the pulpit to which he had been called was taken away )- him without aught of previous notice. Naturally this act was resented e friends of Dr. Steck, and in the daily papers of December 9, 1864, ej appeared a card requesting them to assemble at Huston Hall to form a congregation, of which he should be pastor, and signed by a number of :» inent members of the Main Street Church. In response to this call, a -g congregation assembled in the hall on Sunday, December 18, to hear the 1 usd pastor. Out of those present, a congregation was formed under the Inf St. John's English Lutheran Church, and Rev. D. Steck was elected its T. Huston Hall continued to be the regular place of holding service until o-; 24, 1865. On the morning .of that day, however, it was discovered to be tines, and in a few hours nothing was left standing but the bare walls, congregation lost a valuable organ and Sunday School Library, and their jjl'dp furniture. Steps were immediately taken to procure another place for Wig services, and erelong the congregation was comfortably established in -V s Hall, which continued to be the place of worship of the congregation veral years. In December. 1868, Rev. Steck resigned the pastorate. / Jp to this time the Congregation had been in no synodical connection u-wer, nor had it been incorporated. Just prior to Rev. Steck's departure, u ffis of incorporation were taken out, and application made shortly after to peived into the District Synod of Ohio. The congregation also about this ipegan negotiations for the purchase of their present chtu'ch edifice, loe on St. Clair street, between Second and Thi rd streets. This property was r t time in possession of the First Congregational society, and in March,

' its purchase was consummated. The congregation now in possession of ipwn church property, extended a call to Rev. M. C. Horine, which was ded, and he became the pastor.

luring his pastorate the congregation was placed upon a thoroughly 1 ntjiran basis, and was received into membership in the District Synod of ' a in connection with the General Council of the Lutheran Church of North Amcica.

Rev. Horine's pastorate only continued for one year, many circuinstair arising tending to discourage liim in liis labor. Soon after his departure a c was extended to Rev. Prof. S. L. Harkey, and by him accepted. He labo) faithfully amid many discouragements until in October, 1872, he very an pectedly handed in his resignation, and again left the congregation withou pastor. Now began a severe struggle for continued existence. There still mained a mortgage on the church property of $2,000, on which the interest 1 slowly accumulated for a couple of years. No pastor could be obtained, i irregulars supplies could not collect the funds so much needed to discha these pressing obligations. For nine months, the congregation continued wi out a pastor, and the inevitable results followed. In March, 1873, the m< gage was foreclosed, and the property advertised for sale. At this janct application for aid was made to the Home Mission Committee of the G'eni Council. The Chairman, Dr. YV. A. Passavant, of Pittsburgh, Penn., came Dayton in person, gathered together the scattered remnants of the once He isliing congregation, collected from them the back interest on the mortg; and paid off the old mortgage by obtaining the required amount on a i mortgage Rom parties in the East. But a church without a pastor can kai hope to succeed, and therefore in May, 1873, a call was extended to the p: ent pastor, Rev. A. F. Siebert. This was accepted, and in July of that yea) came and took charge. During his pastorate there has been a slow but ste growth; the mortgage on the church property has been canceled mainly thro a bequest from the late H. II. Hartman, for some years an officer in the ohu: who died in 1875. The congregation, now thoroughly Lutheran, withpoli entirely eliminated, seems to be entering upon an era of renewed prosper Having passed through its darkest days, it looks forward to the future with | hope of permanent success.

In 1872, a mission school was established in East Dayton, by the I English Lutheran Church of the city, with a view of forming another Ln ran congregation. The large brick building on the corner of May and Pi streets was erected and Sabbath school carried on therein for years, bn congregation organized.

In November, 1880, the Rev. O. S. Oglesby, who was serving as missio of the English district of the Evangelical Lutheran, Joint Synod of Ohic tablished a mission in Dayton, which developed in August, 1881, into above named congregation. The church organization began with seven v< members, and has now thirty-five communion members, who are under the cl: of the pastor named. A Sabbath school averaging eighty scholars is in prog They worship in " Union Chapel " on the corner of Barr and Commercial sti

The church bearing this name was organized in the old court house i year 1838 or 1839, with a membership of some twenty-five families. VVi only approximate at the date, owing to the absence of the church records, v have either been mislaid or are lost, as diligent search on our part fail find any traces of them, which fact will prevent any detailed account o! church being given. On the 18th day of July, 1840, the congregation i| the pastorate of Rev. Federick Reiss made a constitution, and in 1842 or this church was incorporated as the German Evangelical Lutheran Ch The Rev. Grosskardt was most likely the first pastor of the church, as tk v.ence of his having served the charge prior to the minister above named. A mas purchased on Wilkinson street, about the year 1840, upon which the j!-ch intended building a house of worship, but the lot was sold and the one -]re the old church now stands on Sears street purchased. A one-story brick :1 ice was begun in 1841, which was soon completed. In 1849, an addition made to the building, leaving it about as you see it to-day. Their meeta were here held until the completion of the new church edifice, which was ean in 1869, the lower story being ready. for occupancy and was dedicated in re, 1870. Two lots were bought for between $4,000 and $5,000, located on thnorth side of Third between Madison and Sears streets, upon which this t: cture stands. The name of the church was changed about 1852, to St.

: n's German Evangelical Church, which name it has since borne. The city visited July 9, 1871, by a furious storm, accompanied by terrific winds, ch did great damage to property throughout Dayton. This church was lost totally demolished, the walls all falling, except the one in front, the r in striking the building when the teachers and Sabbath school scholars were sinbled. Between 300 and 400 children and teachers had gathered when h storm burst in all its fury. The Superintendent, Christian Thomas, Mrs.

resa Randall, a teacher, and Lronhardt Weyrangh, a child, were killed and a uaber injured. This occurred under the ministry of Rev. C. A. Fritze, who wed the church sixteen years. The edifice was at once rebuilt and cost about ,000. It was again dedicated, the basement in 1872 or 1873, and the audijum in 1874. The latter has a seating capacity of nearly 1,000 persons. It - eatly frescoed and furnished, and is supplied with a fine organ, which cost ,000. The following named have been pastors of the church : Rev. .Mr. risskardt, Rev. Frederick Reiss, Rev. Randolph Barthels, Rev. Andrew Horl<jf, Rev. T. E. Hertzsch, Rev. Mr. Borehard, Rev. C. A: Fritze and Rev. P er Born, the present minister in charge. In connection with the church there warried on a flourishing Sabbath school, of about 500 scholars.

St Paul S German Evangelical Lutheran Church

On the 18th of January, 1852, during the pastorate of the Rev. Andrew - 'dorf. of St. John's German Evangelical Church of the city, a split ocred in that church on questions of church government, which resulted in the vhdrawal from the church of the pastor and about twenty-five families, who, on

0 25th of January of that year, organized themselves into the religious body - >wn as St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dayton. They y a time held services in the old Christian Church on Main street, heretofore Marred to in connection with the history of other churches. They soon purc -sed of Raper Methodist Episcopal Church a one-story frame building prevrusly occupied by that congregation as a house of worship (now owned and u d by this congregation as a school house), for $1,350. This they used for u'ch pmposes until the erection of their present structure, a one-story build- ' located on the southwest corner of Wayne and Short streets. The ground 'in which it stands was purchased in the fall of 1865, of John Butt, for $5, - -1 In the fall of 1867, the foundation of the church was laid ; and in July the following year, the corner stone was laid and the building completed dedicated to the service of God, August 15, 1869.

Mr. Hordorf resigned the pastorate in June, 1859. and was succeeded by ' r. Frederick Zur Meuhlen, whose ministry continued until November 1, 1861. (e third pastor of the church was Rev. Frederick Groth. who was succeeded

1 1876 bythe present pastor, Rev. Godfrey Loewenstein. The membership is Iw between 200 and 300 heads of families. A Sabbath school with an enroll- 1!,nt °f about 230 scholars is carried on.

The First United Brethren Church

About the year 1849 or 1850, a colony from Miami Chapel, the pan church of this denomination in the vicinity of Dayton, organized themselves ii a religious body, known as the First United Brethren Church of Dayton 1 colony numbered fifteen persons, who worshiped in what was then styled t Oregon Engine House, situated on the corner of Sixth and Tecumseli stree The pastor was Rev. Robert Norris, who was assisted by Rev. W. J. Shu In 1852, the congregation built a brick church on Sixth street, just e; of the canal, now occupied by the police court of the city. This edit was consecrated to the service of God by Bishop J. J. Glossbrenuer. a served them as a temple of worship until 1873. The first pastors of t charge on the erection of the Sixth Street Church were Rev. Willi R. Rhinehart and D. K. Flickinger, who served jointly in the new hou Prominent among the laymen of that time were John Dodds, E. W. MeGov and D. L. Rika The pastors, during the twenty years that the congregati occupied that house, were Rev. John W. Price, Rev. L. S. Crittenden, Ri Henry Kumler, Rev. Alexander Owen, Rev. John Walter, Rev. Willi J. Shuey, Rev. S.' M. Hippard, Rev. Jacob M. Marshel, Rev. D, Berger. R W. H. Lanthum and Rev. C. Briggs. In 1872, the church and parsonage w sold to the city, and on the 1st of January, 1873, the congregation vacated" house, and removed temporarily to the Universalist Church, on South M: street. At this time the membership numbered less than 200. In 1872, 1 site upon which the present church edifice stands (on Fifth, between Main a Jefferson streets) was purchased, and the following year the new house v erected, the basement, including the lecture room, infant room and two cl rooms, being completed and opened November 29, 1873, and dedicated to vine worship by Bishop Weaver. The auditorium was completed and dedica Sabbath morning, December 17, 1876; sermon by Bishop Weaver, text 9th ve 21st chapter of Revelations. The church edifice, though not gorgeous magnificent, is convenient, chaste and attractive. Altogether it is a monua to the liberality and taste of the congregation that has erected it, and an onj ment to the city. The Rev. Chester Briggs was appointed to the pastorate 1870, and served until 1874. His successor was Rev. W. J. Primer. N came Rev. E. S. Chapman, who remained seven and a half years, until Ma 1, 1882. The present pastor is Rev. S. A. Mowers. Since the change of lo tion, this church has enjoyed a great prosperity. Its membership has increa to 555 (1881). Its Sabbath school is large and flourishing, numbering 1 scholars. The church has also sustained a mission on High street for in than twelve years.

This church organization was effected in 1853. Services were at first, ; for a time, held in the lecture room of the First United Brethren Church "Sixth street, the Rev. H. Staub then proclaiming to them the Gospel, was succeeded by the Rev. J. A. Sand. The one-story brick church located the East side of Wayne street, near Jones, was built by the congregation 1855, and has since been used by them as a place of worship. The Rev. IV Cranmer was the next pastor in order. The pulpit has since been filled the following ministers as pastors of the congregation: Rev. E. Licht, nev Fritz, Rev. G. Schmith, Rev. A. Krause, Rev. M. Bussdieker, Rev. C. Stre Rev. E. Lorenz and Rev. Charles Schneider. The present pastor, Soloi Yanmeda, at one time agent and editor of the Telescope, and Rev. W. Mitt dorf. now editor of the " Joyful Messenger " and " Youths' Pilger in com tion with their offices, served the church several times a.s its pastor. There now enrolled about 100 members.

i King, and was organized in the spring of 1858, with a membership of be- , i fifteen and twenty. For a few months, meetings were held in the Teneh Street Engine House, and next for a time, in Buckeye Chapel. In the rLr of 1868-69, ground on Ludlow, between Fifth and Sixth streets, was uased of Mrs. Eaker, and a small one-story brick church erected thereon, ;ost of §1,000. Here the congregation have since held their meetings.