Putnam County, Ohio - Chapter 8: Churches of Putnam County, 1915

Columbus Grove Methodist Episcopal Church

A Methodist class was organized two miles south of Columbus Grove, at the home of Philip Hopper, Sr., in October, 1839. His house continued to be a preaching place until 1853, when services were held in a school house, later a public hall, and in the United Brethren and Presbyterian churches in the town of Columbus Grove until 1869. Then a lot was given by Father Hooper and during the pastorates of Philip Lemasters, Harrison Maltbie and J. C. demons, a frame church was built. The congregation continued to worship in this building until 1891, when the present brick church was erected, under the pastorate of the Rev. Alexander Harmount.

Until 1868 Columbus Grove was an appointment with the St. John, Elida and Ottawa societies, but at that date it was made a separate charge. It so remained until 1903, when it was again made a station.

The first class was organized under the joint pastorate of Elmer Day and Peter HoUopeter. The following persons were members of the class and, therefore, charter members of the Columbus Grove church, namely: Philip and Rachel Hooper, their children, Mary, Julia, Rachel, John and Elmira; George and Mary Stevenson and their children, Mary, Enoch and Rachel; Adam and Loruma Van Meter, and Mrs. B. Kliver.

The records- of the pastors from 1839 to i860 is not complete, but among the preachers of that period were Jacob Albright, John Kellam, Messrs. Hookbrick and DeLisle. Since i860 those who have served the charge are: G. O. A-IcPherson, Adam C. Barnes, B. B. Powell, Wihiam Deal, Josiah F. Crooks, Philip Lemasters, Harrison Maltbie, J. C. demons, B. J. Hoadley, George Matthews, W. H. Scoles, Reuben Ranch, John M. Mills, Peter Biggs, L. O. Cook, A. Harmount, N. B. C. Love, D. F. Helms, WiUiam Hook, Jacob Baumgardner, M. C. Howey, VV. J. Green, J. W. Gibson, Daniel Carter and the present pastor, C. M. Monosmith.

From a small beginning, seventy-six years ago, this church has grown until it now has a membership of nearly three hundred. A subscription has

Methodist Episcopal Church At Leipsic

The Leipsic Methodist Episcopal church, one of the strong and aggressive churches, in the old Central Ohio conference, was organized about the year 1870. Most of the members of the newly organized class came from the Methodist church of West Leipsic.

For nearly fifteen years the faithful men and women of this church worshipped in the school house and in the Lutheran and Presbyterian churches of the town. For a number of years this church was a part of the Ottawa circuit, and later was attached to the Gilboa circuit. In 1884, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. S. G. Reeder, the contract was let for a new church by the board of trustees, W. W. Edwards, J. H. Edwards, S. B. Webber, Lorenzo Fulk and W. Galogby, the contract price being three thousand, five hundred and sixty-five dollars. This was completed and dedicated in 1885, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. R. Rushbridge.

The society prospered and grew so rapidly that in ten short years a larger and more commodious building was needed, and in 1895 the congregation was led in a new church enterprise by the pastor, Rev. A. A. Thomas. In 1896 the present beautiful church, with a seating capacity of nearly one thousand two hundred, was dedicated, at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars.

The following ministers have served the church: Jason Young, O. E. Palmer, J. F. Davies, James Long, Jeremiah McCane, Rev. Mr. Maltbie, J. C. Miller, R. M. Culver, W. E. Seuman, Rev. Mr. Reeder, J. R. Rushbridge, George Matthews, A. A. Thomas, George B. Wiltsie, Daniel Carter, W. J. Hagerman, Jacob Baumgardner, Edwin L. Davis and C. W. Barnes, the present pastor.

The Leipsic church has grown from a small class until now, at the age of forty-five years, it has a membership of over three hundred and fifty. It has been represented in the general conference three times, once by John Edwards and twice by Mrs. Florence D. Richards. It is characterized by its large missionary and educational contributions and for its benevolent spirit.

Methodist Episcopal Church At Gilboa

The Methodist Episcopal church in Gilboa was organized in 1833, with the following charter members : Moses Williams and wife, Sarah Crafus, Lou- isa Gensinger, H. W. Montgomery and Samuel McDonald. It was connected with the McComb circuit at first, but was later changed to the Leipsic circuit, and afterwards it became the head of the Gilboa circuit, which at first embraced Pleasant Chapel, Shawtown and Pandora. In 191 1 Gilboa was made a station, with the Rev. E. H. Snow as pastor. The ministers who have served the church are: Eli Myers, S. R. Colgan, J. W. Shultz, William J. Green, E. S. Keeler, J. B. Gottschall, J. PI. Carter, Samuel Given, L. B. Smith, M. J. Nash, J. W. Miller, E. H. Snow and C. E. Bowley.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Continental

The Methodist Episcopal congregation at Continental was organized in 1895. The adherents of this faith at Continental had desired a meeting place of their own for some time but were not able to get the proposition started. The church building was constructed at a cost of three thousand dollars. This is a very pretty frame church structure. The members have also constructed a parsonage, at a cost of one thousand dollars.

The church is in a very prosperous condition at the present time, with a total membership of one hundred and forty. Rev. J. D. Parker is the present minister and through his efforts is largely due the present good standing of the church in this community.

Rev. J. D. Parker also serves the Methodist church at North Creek. The church building at this place consists of a frame structure, which was erected at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. The membership at present numbers twenty. Although this church congregation is smaller than some of its sister congregations, it is on a firm basis and the membership is increasing.

The Cloverdale Methodist Episcopal church has a congregation at present of twenty-seven members. The present frame church building was erected at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. Rev. J. D. Parker serves this congregation from Continental.

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Ottawa

The Methodist Episcopal church at Ottawa was organized in 1855, with Rev. John A. Shannon as pastor. The first church building was a brick structure, built in 1858, the brick for the building being made by M. Gallaway. The Ottawa society was organized as a station in 1869 by the Rev. L. C. Webster, who was presiding elder. Rev. C. W. Miller was pastor in charge. About ten years ago plans were talked of for the erection of a new church building and the matter agitated until, on August 8, 1899, the corner stone of the new ediiice was laid. On July 8, 1900, the new church was dedicated to the service of Almighty God by Bishop David H. Moore.

Dupont Methodist Episcopal Church

The congregation of the Alethodist Episcopal church at Dupont is also served as a charge from Continental. Rev. J. D. Parker serves this church along with the congregations at Cloverdale, North Creek, and also Continental, as was previously mentioned. This church has a membership of fifty-eight active workers. The present frame building was erected at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars.

Although the town of Dupont is not as prosperous and flourishing as it has been, still this little church has held together its band of followers and the prosperity which the congregation experiences is fully merited by their untiring efforts and also the efforts of the minister.

Kalida Presbyterian Church

The beginning of Presbyterianism in Kalida dates back about seventy years, the first organization appearing in 1845. At that time Oliver Tolbert, Sr., Joseph Tingle, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Rice, Mr. and Mrs. Coulter,

]Mr. and ]Mr5. Hugh Crawford. Dr. Robert Thrift and wife, Mr. and Airs. Chamberlain, Mrs. Jane Hughes and Isaac and Robert [McCracken met and formally organized a Presbyterian church at Kalida. They met in private homes and in the old court house until a frame building for church purposes was erected in 1852. The building erected in 1852 is stiU standing and has the honor of being the oldest church building now standing within the limits of Putnam county. The timbers are of oak and walnut and the building bids fair to stand for many years to come. The dedicatory ser^-ices, in 1852, were in charge of the Rev. Thomas Elcock. The ministers from the beginning down to the present time are as follows : Revs. Elcock, Brice, Emerson, Bedem. Cooper, Fuller, Echolls. Hyatt, [NIcGee, Adams and ^^'illiams. The church now enrolls about eighty members and is one of the most flourishing Presbyterian churches in the county. A Sabbath school is maintained, under the superintendency of A. F. Skinner. The president of the Christian Endeavor is K. Alurrav.

Leipsic Presbyteriax Church

The history of the first Presb\terian church in Leipsic dates back to about 1873. Although this church was organized some years prior to this time, the session records were burned and there is no mention of its early history except in the report of Lima presbyter}- in 1873, but it was probably organized by the Maumee presb}i:er}-. The following are charter members and early members of the church: Airs. Elizabeth Foltz, Solomon Young and wife, Charles McDonald and wife, AA'alter Day and wife, Tohn Sturgeon and wife. William Barton and wife. John Askam and wife and James R. Lafferty and wife.

The present brick church building was erected in 1873 at a cost of three thousand dollars, on a centrally located lot near the present high school building. It is modern and thoroughly equipped in ever\- respect, with steam heat, electric lights and a new piano, which has recently been purchased for the use of the church and Sunday school.

ership of Rev. David Demster and Rev. Harr)- C. Cunningham. During their pastorate the church membership numbered one hundred and The present membership of the church is sixt)--five. The church has maintained a \-ery prosperous Sunday school throughout its entire existence and at present Charles Henr\- is at the helm. He is ably assisted by a faithful and competent corps of officers and teachers. The church has been weakened at times Ijy removals and deaths, }'et it has always maintained its harmonious and prosperous standing in the village. Some of the leading families of Leipsic have been enrolled under its banners and the church at present is in a prosperous condition and is doing a splendid work with an everincreasing membership. The session is composed of Thomas H. Rower. H. F. Wendell, Orville Young, Chaftes Henry, Herman .Montouth, Hartley AlcClung and James :\IcDonald.

Presbyterian Church, Columbus Grove

The Presbyterian church at Columbus Grove bears the distinction of being the oldest congregation of Presbyterians in Putnam countv. The first church was organized on September 9, 1836, with the following charter members: Samuel McComb, Anna AlcComb, Adam Turner, Joseph Belford, Eleanor Belford, Joseph Nichols, Hannah Xichols, Martha Nichols, William -AlcComb, Elizabeth .AlcComb. Job Combs, Jane Combs, Martha Combs and Jane Pier.

A log church building was constructed in order that this loyal band of fifteen advocates of Presbyterianism could have a place in which to worship The congregation soon began to grow and flourish, as more settlers came into the county and the country became more prosperous. The log structure was soon found to be inadequate to accommodate the ever-increasing workers and on January 28, 185 1, the contract was let for a new frame building This was dedicated on December 28, 1851, under the pastorate of Rev William K. Bryce. The cornerstone for the present beautiful structure was laid on November 3, 1901. This building was dedicated on October 5 190-. under the pastorate of Rev. S. Delmar Conger, at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. The parsonage was purchased in 1884, under the pastorate of Rev Edward Lauport, at a cost of three thousand dollars.

i870-Aug"ust, 1872; J. B. Strain, January, 1873-January, 1876; David Kingery, October i, 1876-November 10, 1878; J. Emory Fisher, April i, 1879- April I, 1882; R. li. McDonald, May i, 1883-May i, 1884; Edward Layport, June I, 1884-May, 1889; A. M. Chapin, October i, 1889-October i, 1891; Thomas F. Boyd, January i, 1892-April i, 1894; George McKay, October I, 1894-April I, 1898; James K. Argo, October 23, 1898-November i, 1899; S. Delmar Conger, January i, 1900-January i, 1909; Ralph W. Kohr, April I, 1909, to the present time. Revs. McGookin, Anderson, Brice, Lynn, Strain, Kingery, Fisher, McDonald, McKay and Argo have served the church as stated supply. The other ministers who have served the congregation were regular pastors.

This congregation is one of the largest in the county and has had a steady growth from the time it was founded. The resident membership numbers two hundred and fifty-five at the present time, with out-of-town mem-' bers three hundred and fifteen.

The Congregational Church

The Congregational church of Vaughnsville, Riley township, was organized in 1889. This church is an offspring of the Gomer Congregational church of Allen county and bears the distinction of being the only Congregational church in Putnam county. Dr. John Gethin Thomas was the founder of this church and under his leadership the beautiful church building was erected, at a cost of five thousand dollars. This church building still serves the congregation and is in excellent condition.

The ministers who followed Reverend Thomas have been as follows : D. A. Evans, exact date unknown; John G. Evans, 1906-1912; John Morgan Williams, 1912 to February 13, 1915 ; and the present pastor, David William Fletcher, who began his duty in March, 1915-

The chui-ch parsonage has but lately been remodeled and is now valued at three thousand dollars. It is a very pretty and commodious structure in which to house the minister. The growth of this church has been steady and no divisions or dissensions have ever arisen in its ranks of workers. There are at present one hundred and forty-two members enrolled under its banner.

The Sunday school, under the direction of Lloyd Roberts, is very active and has an attendance of one hundred and twenty-eight. The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor has an enrollment of forty members

United Brethren Church, Continental

The United Brethren church of Continental, Ohio, was organized in ! with twenty-four charter members, comprising thirteen famiHes in Contmental. The following ministers have served the church : W. J. Eastbrook, R. A. Bales, F. E. Fitzwater, A. F. Light, G. B. Fisher, F. V. Newell, E. E. W'illiams, C. W. Jamison, M. F. Scouten, J. G. Turner, S. S. Wagner, R. ^V. Wilkis, Bittner, R. W. Kester, G. E. Burrell, Cora Fester and the present incumbent, O. M. Martin, who is finishing his third year. The present church building was erected under the pastorate of Rev. A. F. Light, at a cost of three thousand dollars. Since that time the congregation has' built a parsonage, at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. The membership at present numbers one hundred and thirty. The church has the following auxiliaries : Sunday school, Young People's Christian Endeavor, \\'oman's Missionary Association and Ladies' Aid Society.

United Brethern Church, Wlsterman

The AVisterman United Brethren church was organized in this strono- .community with thirty-five charter members. The congregation began to grow and flourish and about the >-ear 1884 a frame church building was erected, at a cost of six hundred or seven hundred dollars.

The follou ing ministers have ser\'ed the church : Swanev Xewell Frank E. Fitzwater, Williams, Jameson, AA'agoner, Keineth, Miss Cora Tester and the minister, O. M. Martin, who serves the church from Continental The church has an active Sunday school and also a Young People's Christian Endeavor Society, both of which are wel! patronized bv the younger members of the church. The congregation numbers eighteen.

The congregation of St. John's United Brethren at Columbus Grove was formally organized in 1858, by Rev. Daniel Clancy. The church was or<.anized with seven charter members, as follows: Rev. Daniel Glancv and wife Amanda Fruchey Lucy Monntz, Mr. and Mrs. Tracy, Joseph Billhamer.' The church was christened St. John's United Brethern in Christ. The first church building, which was erected in i860, served as a place of worship until 1878, when the present beautiful brick structure was erected, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. A parsonage was erected in 1897, at a cost of' one thousand dollars; in the spring of 1914 the parsonage was remodeled at a cost of one thousand four hundred dollars, and now provides the minister with very pretty and commodious quarters.

The ministers who have served the church are as follows : Daniel Glancy, Miller, Essies, Chester Briggs, E. B. Maurer, Kemer, T. J. Harbaugh, Eastman, Cyrus Bevington, S. H. Radabaugh, H. Shaffer, I. P. Lea, John Hippie, G. L. Bender, John Sergent, U. S. Long, J. O. Rhodes, T. D. Ingel, B. F. Fritz, W. E. Davis, C. J. Roberts, O. F. Langhbaum, M. E. Gibson, C. N. Crabb, and the Rev. C. M. Eberly, the present pastor, who took charge of the congregation on October i, 191 3.

The growth of this church has been marked by its prosperity and rapid growth and at present four hundred members are enrolled under its banners. The church has a Woman's Missionary Society, Ladies' Aid Society and the Otterbin Guild, as auxiharies of the church. Ah of these church societies are in a good working condition. The church is thoroughly organized and doing a good active work in all of the different departments.

United Brethren Church

The United Brethren church of Cascade, was organized in 1885, with eight charter members. The early records of the church have been destroyed and a complete history of the society is not possible. Rev. W. Davis served this charge as the first pastor. A frame church building was erected, at a cost of eight hundred dollars, this being made possible by the donations of the members. It was indeed a monumental task in those days to secure proper financial co-operation even in so worthy a movement. The original membership numbered eight families and this was aU there was to draw on to secure the funds for the erection of the first church. But, with a sublime self-sacrifice, they measured up to the situation and finally enough money was mustered together and soon the first United Brethren church at Cascade became a reality. The present membership embraces twenty-five souls and these are ministered to by the present pastor, E. Fitswater.

Christian Church, Vaughnsville

The Christian church in Vaughnsville was organized on June 16, 1850, by Rev. Michael Martz, with seven charter members. The first services were held in a log school house near Vaughnsville. After a short time a church building was erected in the village. The service of the pioneer pastors and their successors is of sacred memory to the settlers of this locality.

Rev. Michael Martz's pastorate extended over a period of twenty-one years, from June i6, 1850, to September 30, 1871. The church at that time had preaching services one Sunday each month. In 1870 began the services of Rev. William Mormon, who became the regular pastor and continued as such until September 30, 1878. The following pastors have served since that time, most of them beginning their labors in October and concluding their services in September, in accordance with the conference pastoral year : Daniel Lepley, 1878-79; G. B. Garner, 1879-80; Rev. Lepley and Rev. Rimer, alternating, 1880-81; G. B. Garner, 1881-82; H. H. Holverstott, 1882-86; C. J. Hance, 1886-87; Daniel Lobaugh, 1887-89; Revs. Holverstott and Garner, alternating, 1889-90; A. Noffsinger, 1890-93; J. N. Steffanni, 1893-95; G. W. Foltz, 1895-00; O. E. McCleary, 1900-02; A. L. West, 1902-04; G. B. Garner, 1904-06; Ford Bolton, 1906-07; F. E. Rockwell, 1908-10; J. M. Miller, 1910-13; Otto Halfaker, 1913-14, and the present pastor, Sanford Beougher.

There have been more than eight hundred names recorded in the roll book of the church since its organization, sixty-five years ago, and at present there are two hundred and seven acti\'e members. Prayer meetings, a Sunday school, Christian Endea\'or Society, teachers' training and mission study classes, together with other societies, have assisted in the progress and development of the church.

The present church building was dedicated in 1873. Since that time it has been remodeled and enlarged. Many improvements have been made, including a new church parsonage. Throughout its history the church has been the recipient of di^-ine blessings and the future successes of the church are assured.

Antioch Church

The Antioch church is located in section 12, Monterey township. It was organized on June 20, 1882, with fourteen charter members. The members of this church built the present frame church building in the fall of that year, at a cost of six hundred and twenty-five dollars. Although this band of workers was not large, this was easily overcome by their liberality and desire for a place of worship.

The first pastor to minister to their spiritual needs was S. E. Smith. The church has prospered and at present has a membership of forty-three.

The present minister is A. W. Sparks. The young people of this congregation are also active in the Sunday school work and Young People's Society.

Ottawa River Christian Church

The Ottawa River Christian church was organized in i860. Through the earnest efforts of W. F McLane, Elder Enos Foster held a series of meetings at the home of Mr. McLane and, on June 20 of the following year, Rev. Enos Foster and Rev. D. B. Wilson organized a church, to be called the Ottawa River Christian church ; thus, the real organization did not occur until

1 861. The charter members were: W. F. McLane, Elizabeth McLane, Martha Clevenger, Ruth Chandler, Susanah Clevenger, Phoebe A. Guffy, Anna Evans and Jane McKinley.

A number of additions were recorded in February of the following year and Elder Foster was retained as the church pastor. In 1862, with the aid of the citizens in the neighborhood, a neat little house of worship was erected on a lot donated by John Guffy, on the banks of the Ottawa river. This building was completed and dedicated to the services of God, November 30,

1862, by Elders Harvey and Martz. On December 13, of the same year, church officers were elected. Jesse C. Darbyshire was elected to the office of deacon and served in that capacity until his death, August 14, 1894.

In 1863 Elder Martz was chose as minister and served the church for fourteen years. On May 4, 1867, Henry Funk was chosen as assistant deacon and held that office until his death, in 1879. The following ministers have served the church since Elder Martz ceased his labors, up to the year 1895 : W. C. Rimer, John Gelispie, Lewis Gander, G. B. Garner and A. Noffsinger.

The present beautiful church was erected in 1879 and will accomodate four hundred and fifty persons. The membership of the church numbers over two hundred and fifty souls.

The Mt. Zion church was organized in 1875 with twelve charter members. This was the first church organized in this township, outside of the town churches of Continental.

The first building, which is still serving the congregation as a place of worship, was completed in 1874. It will be seen that the church building was constructed and a place of worship afforded and later the congregation was formally organized. This building was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars and is in a good state of preservation at the present time.

Rev. Gelispie served the congregation as the first regular minister. The present incumbent, Rev. C. J. Hance, serves the church as a charge from Spencerville.

This church is situated in the northwestern part of Putnam county and has drawn its members from the country around this section. The present membership numbers forty-five. The church supports a well-attended Sunday school.

Lutheran Church, Continental

The Lutheran church at Continental was organized on August 2, 1896, by Rev. Frank C. Longaker. The total membership is the beginning numbered only eighteen.

The corner stone for a church building was laid in August, 1897, and in November of the same year the building was completed. This was a brick structure, erected at a cost of two thousand six hundred dollars. It is rather remarkable to note that this little band of eighteen followers were permaently located in a year after they were organized.

The ministers who have served this congregation are Rev. Frank C. Longaker, the founder of the congregation and under whose charge the church building was erected ; Rev. Schroeder, date not known definitely ; Rev. J. N. Barrett, June, 1901-June, 1906; Rev. J. Walter Bressler, June, 1908- February, 1910; Rev. G. M. Gran, June, 1910-October, 1914; Rev. Richard Rassmussen, May, 1915.

The church has passed through many years of prosperous growth and at present has a membership of forty-five. The Ladies' Aid Society is a strong auxiliary to the church.

It is a lamentable fact that the early records of Blanchard have never been recorded or have been very carelessly destroyed. This makes the church history a matter of memory and not altogether authentic in some of the dates. In 1840 the first Dunkard (Brethren) church was located at what is now the Blanchard church, at a point five miles southeast of the town of Continental.

One of the first Dunkard settlers seems to have been a man whose name was Prowant. Mr. Prowant was the father of five sons, four of whom later

Meetings were held in the homes of brethren and were conducted by ministers from Allen county until the year 1850. In that year, John Prowant was elected to the ministry of that church, and this must be about the date that the Blanchard church was organized. After the church organization the services were held in school houses and the homes of members until 1886, when the church building, which is located one-half mile west of DuPont, was erected and dedicated. It is a neat, plain house of worship and was erected at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. The following is a list of ministers who have been elected to the ministry from Blanchard church membership: John Prowant, first elder or bishop; Henry Prowant, William Prowant and Daniel Prowant, all of whom are deceased; Amos Budd, Harry Fuller, D. P Weller and L. H. Prowant. Reverends Fuller, Weller, Prowant and Prowant are still actively engaged in the labors of the Blanchard church, with Elder D. P. Weller as overseer of the work.

Between the years 1886-90 the Sunday school was organized and is now in a prosperous condition, with an attendance which rivals any in the county, under the superintendency of Floyd Clevenger. Many members have been lost by emigration. The membership at present numbers one hundred and fifty souls.

The complete history of quite a number of the township churches of Putnam county is impossible to get. This is due to the fact that there have been many changes. Churches have been organized and lots purchased, and later some of these churches have been disbanded, to unite with other congregations. In consequence of these changes, the records of the churches were, in many instances, lost or destroyed.

By running the deed records of the county, the denomination of many of these churches was ascertained, but other information concerning the church was not obtainable. A list of these follows, which proves rather interesting :

In Liberty township, section 16, a lot was purchased, April 3, 1888, for two hundred dollars. The Evangelical church trustees transacted this business, but other early history of this church was not available.

In Liberty township, section 11, a lot was purchased, December 28, 1883, by the trustees of the Bethel church for a consideration of five dollars.

church property. The trustees of the Sugar Creek Baptist church purchased a lot for church purposes, April 21, 1854; also, the trustees of the Predestinarian faith purchased a lot. On April 19, 1884, the trustees of the Baptist church sold their lot and in the same year leased it of the new owner for church purposes.

In Sugar Creek township, section zj, there are three records of land conveyance to trustees of different churches for purposes of worship. These are the Welsh Methodist Episcopal church, the Welsh Congregational and the Salem Congregational.

In Jennings township, section 2, the trustees of the United Brethren church purchased property for one thousand five hundred dollars. This was on February 23, 1892. In section 26, the trustees of the ?\Iethodist Episcopal church purchased a lot for church purposes, May 22, 1877.

In Greensburg township, section 10, a conveyance was made on January 13, 1896, to the trustees of the ATennonite church for the consideration of one hundred dollars.

In Blanchard township, section 13, the trustees of the Church of God purchased a lot for one dollar, May 7, 1887. A rather interesting conveyance is noted in Blanchard township, section 8. On October 25, 1856, the trustees of the United Brethern church purchased a lot for a consideration of one dollar. On April 13, 1875, the trustees of this denomination sold the lot to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church.

In Perry township, section 8, a conveyance was made to the trustees of the German Baptist church, on February 5, 1887, for the consideration of thirty dollars.

In section 11, the trustees of the United Brethren church purchased a lot for one dollar, July 22, 1886. Another conveyance in this same section was that of the Methodist Episcopal church trustees, March 14, 1874. On October i, 1899, they transferred this lot to the trustees of the United Brethern church, who used it for church purposes for a short time and then sold it to the township to be used for a township house.

In Riley township, section 11, a conveyance was made to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church, June 27, 1863. On May 12, 1900, the Citizens Society of Riley township, section 3, purchased a lot to be used for church purposes. On November 7, of the following year, they transferred their deed to this lot to the trustees of the United Brethren church. On June 15, 1888, the trustees of the Mennonite church purchased a lot in Riley township, section 16, for fifty dollars and erected their beautiful church building. The society is very active at the present time.

On September 21, 1868, the trustees of the United Brethern church purchased a lot in Pleasant township, section 22, to be used for church purposes.

On October 5, 1889, the trustees of the Christian church purchased a lot for church purposes in Monterey township, section 12. In this same section the trustees of the Antioch church purchased a lot, August 16, 1904. Some of these churches are still active, others are served by a supply minister and a few have been disbanded entirely.

Ss. Peter And Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa

In January, 1861, Matthias Muller, a resident of Ottawa, donated one acre of land as a site for a church. Although the Catholics residing at Ottawa were identified with the parish of St. John's church at Glandorf, they had been petitioning for permission to build a church of their own. This rec[uest was granted by Bishop Rappe in 1868 and the Rev. A. Reichert, pastor of Glandorf, was commissioned to solicit subscriptions for that object. The cornerstone for the new church was laid .on June 14, 1868, but the building was not completed until 1872. It was dedicated on August 15, of that year, by Bishop Gilmour and placed under the patronage of the apostles, Ss. Peter and Paul. It is a handsome brick structure, fifty by one hundred and thirty feet, and the building alone cost approximately eighteen thousand dollars. The present fine organ was purchased in 1882, at a cost of one thousand eight hundred dollars. The children of the parish attended the Catholic district schools until 1887, when a brick school and residence for the teachers was erected, at a cost of four thousand five hundred dollars. This is conducted by Sanguinist Sisters. The present spacious brick pastoral residence was built in 1892, under the pastorate of Father Dick, at a cost of nearly three thousand dollars.

Dentinger, 1900 to the present time. The church property is in excellent condition and free from debt. The congregation is composed chiefly of Germans, or their descendants.

Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville

Through the untiring efforts and self-sacrificing generosity of Father John Otto Bredeick, the spiritual wants of the few early settlers of Ottoville were ministered to faithfully until his death in 1858. In 1850 Father Bredeick purchased forty acres of land and laid it out in town lots. The best were set aside for church purposes and the rest were sold, setting aside the proceeds of their sale for the benefit of the church. In i860 Rev. F. Westerholtz, who attended Ottoville from Delphos, took up this work left off by' Father Bredeick and in the fall of the same year the foundation for a new church was blessed. This was a frame structure, forty by eighty feet, and was dedicated in the spring of 1861. It was assigned to Rev. J. J. Goebbels, pastor of the Ft. Jennings church, who had charge of it until 1864. Rev. A. J. Abel, the first resident pastor of Ottoville, had charge of it until July, 1865, from which time until June, 1866, it was attended from Ft. Jennings. The following served as resident pastors: 1866-68, Rev. H. D. Best; Rev. Michael Muller, to January 27, 1900; Rev. H. AVichmann, to June, 1900; Rev. J. B. Mertes, the present pastor, who has the distinction of being the only irremovable priest in the county. The rich land around Ottoville was a great inducement to many Catholic German farmers to become its owners, with the result that the parish grew very rapidly. Father Muller, seeing the increase in wealth and size of his charge, realized that a larger and more ample church was necessary, and with this object in view, he started a subscription for the erection of a church, his call on their generosity being met with a ready response. The plans for a church of pure Gothic design were submitted and approved by Bishop Gilmour. The cornerstone was laid on June 7, 1885, by the Very Rev. Administrator BofT, and in the summer of 1888 it was completed. It was dedicated on September 23, 1888. The church is seventy-eight feet wide by one hundred and seventy feet long, and ninety feet in the transept, with two towers one hundred and eighty feet tall. Much taste is shown in the painting and frescoing of the pillars and groined ceiling; in fact, the whole presents a beautiful and striking appearance. It was finished at a cost of sixty thousand dollars. In 1890 a steam plant was installed in the church, at a cost of two thousand one hundred dollars. In 1892 a set of stations was placed in position, at a cost of two thousand two hundred dollars. In 1898 the present splendid altar was placed in the church, at a cost of three thousand dollars. The church is now fully equipped and it is needless to say that its furnishings are the best. In 1901 a pastoral residence was built; this is of brick and highly in keeping with the adjacent church. In 1898 an organ was installed. at a cost of four thousand dollars.

The history of the congregation at Leipsic dates back to about 1873, when a few Catholics began to settle here and were attended by Rev. Henry Kaempker, of New Cleveland, from 1874-78- The first church, a small frame structure, twenty-five by forty-five feet, was erected, under the direction of Rev. Kaempker, in 1876, at a cost of five hundred dollars. Rev. John Bertemes served Leipsic, from New Cleveland, as a mission from January, 1889, until February, 1891, when he was appointed first resident pastor.' From 1878 to 1889 the congregation was attended by Revs. Joseph Rosenberg and Joseph Eyler. During Rev. Rosenberg's administration, two lots were purchased, in May, 1887, to serve as a site for the prospective pastoral residence and school. The pastoral residence was built during the time of Rev. Eyler, at a cost of one thousand four hundred dollars. The foundation of the large frame church was blessed on August 30, 1891, by the Rt. Rev. Mgr. F. M. Boff, and this structure was completed in 1892, under the pastorate of Rev. Bertemes. It was dedicated on May 14, 1893, by Bishop Horstmann. This church is forty-five feet wide, fifty-seven feet in the transept and one hundred and two feet long; the interior height is thirty-four feet and the spire is one hundred and twenty-five feet high. It has a seating capacity of six hundred when the large gallery is used, and was erected at a cost of about twelve thousand dollars. Father Bertemes organized the first parochial school, in October, 1890, and it was in charge of lay teachers until May i, 1899, when the building was destroyed by fire. During the summer of the same year a new four-room brick buildmg was constructed, at a cost of five thousand dollars. Three teachers are in charge of the school, which has an attendance of one hundred and five pupils. The ministers who have served the congregation since 1900 are: Rev. John Baumgartner, Rev. Stephen Weber, Rev. Carl Alter, Rev. Leon Plumanns, and the present pastor. Rev. John B. Wendling.

St. Michael S Church, Kalida

The Catholics at Kalida were identified with St. John's parish at Glandorf, but as early as 1861 they were desirous of having a church of their own. In the year 1861 they put their desires in the form of a request, and the Rev. Joseph J. Goebbels, pastor of the Ft. Jennings congregation, made the preliminary arrangements for its erection. A lot was purchased and active work was begun on the building, but destiny decreed that the workers" desires should not be granted, at least at that time, for in the same year the county seat of Putnam county was transferred from Kalida to Ottawa. This caused a great disturbance in the business interests of Kalida and cpite a few of the Catholics removed to other places. In consequence of this, the unfinished structure was abandoned. Sixteen years elapsed before anything more was done towards the erection of a new church. But, in the meantime, many Catholics had settled in and near Kalida, so that by 1877 they numbered seventeen families. In 1877, after they bought and paid for a fine lot in September of the previous year, they petitioned the Rev. Michael [Nluller, pastor of the Ottoville church, to aid them in erecting the much-desired church, for which they also obtained Bishop Gilmour's consent. A subscription to the amount of four thousand dollars was raised by Father ^luUer, after which active work was begun on the building, a brick edifice, forty-two by sixty-five feet. Its cornerstone was laid on June 16, 1878, and the church was dedicated on December ist of the same year, to St. ;\Iichael. The congregation was attended, alternately, from Ottoville and Ft. Jennings, on every second Sunday, until January, 1888, when the mission was placed in charge of the Sanguinist Fathers, at Glandorf. The first was Rev. Rochus Schuly, who was succeeded, in June, 1894, by the Rev. Chrvsostom Hummer, who had the church greatly enlarged in 1895. Its width at present in the transept is fifty-six feet, and its length is one hundred and thirteen feet; the present graceful spire was also built during Father Hummer's regime. About seven thousand dollars was expended on the enlargement of the church, the frescoing and other improvements. The renovated and practically new church was dedicated on May 17, 1896, by Bishop Horstmann. In September of the same year Father Hummer was succeeded by Rev. Valentine Schirack, and, being the first resident pastor of the congregation, Rev. Schirack resided at Kalida from May, 1900, until 1903, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. M. Muehe. Father Schirack succeeded in paying off the entire church debt, besides procuring two church bells, at a cost of one thousand dollars, and in the spring of the following year, 1899, he raised a subscription of four thousand dollars for a pastoral residence, which was completed in May, 1900, at a cost of five thousand dollars. The children attended the so-called Catholic ."District Schools" until recently, when a parochial school building, a two-story brick structure, was constructed at a cost of ten thousand dollars. Four Sisters of Divine Providence serve the school, which has an enrollment of one hundred and seventy children. The present parish numbers nine hundred and forty-five souls. The total value of the entire church property is approximately sixty thousand dollars.

St. Nicholas' Church, Miller City

The present flourishing parish of. Miller City was organized in 1886 by the Rev. Joseph Rosenberg, then pastor of the New Cleveland church. Nichols Noirot presented two lots for the church site and in 1887 active work was begun on a building by Father Rosenberg, which was completed in the following year under the direction of Rev. Joseph Eyler, at a cost of about two thousand dollars. St. John's parish, of Glandorf, donated four hundred dollars to the mission of Miller City and also gave the pews which were formerly used in their church. The church was dedicated on August 26, 1888, by Mgr. F. M. Boff, V. G., and placed under the patronage of St. Nicholas.

Before the appointment of the first resident pastor, Rev. Charles Wagner, in July, 1899, it was attended as a mission from New Cleveland, and later from Leipsic. During the time Rev. J. Bertemes attended Miller City from Leipsic (1889-99), he purchased two acres of land to be used as a cemetery. This was blessed on June 11, 1893, and, on November 30, 1896, he purchased three lots as a site for a school and pastoral residence. The present pastoral residence was built in 1899 by Father Wagner. The church was so badly damaged by lightning on September 4, 1898, that preparations were at once made for a new building. The cornerstone for a brick church, fifty-four by one hundred and- twenty-four feet, was blessed October 28, 1900' by Bishop Horstmann. It is of Gothic architecture and cost twenty-three thousand dollars. The pastors serving this charge since Father Wagner (1899-1903) are as follows; Rev. Widemer, 1903-1913; Rev. Henry Gerwert, 1913 to the present time. During the pastorate of Father Widemer a parochial residence was built, in 1909, at a cost of five thousand dollars.

The spiritual wants of the early settlers of Ft. Jennings were attended by Father Horstmann, of Glandorf, for many years before the town was laid out, services being held in private houses during that period. In 1^38, Rev. Tunker, pastor of the Dayton church, attended the mission of Ft. Jennings and two years later the Catholics and Protestants united and built a log house to ser\e for church and school purposes. This very unusual arrangement, made with the sanction of Father Horstmann, remained in effect over fourteen years. Rev. Henry Herzog was appointed the first resident pastor in 1840, but remained less than a year. Father Horstmann then took charge of the mission and attended it until his death in February, 1843. His successor at Glandorf, Rev. George Bohne, also attended Ft. Jennings until 1 85 1, when he was appointed resident pastor of the place. Upon his death, September 20, i860, it was attached to Delphos as a mission and attended by Rev. F, Westerholt until March, 1861, when Rev. Joseph Goebbels was appointed resident pastor; he remained until 1864. His successors are the following: Rev. H. E. Hamers, 1864-66; Rev. C. Viere, 1866-67; attended from Ottoville by M. Muller, 1867-70; L. Zumbuhl, 1870-73; C. Darbier, September, 1873, until his death August 23, 1876; J. A. Michenfelder, August 1876, to May, 1879; G. Peter, 1879-81 ; J. Heidegger, 1881-88; C. Braschler, 1888-99; M. Arnoldi, 1899, to November 5, 1914; the present incumbent, John A. Christ, became pastor of the church on the latter date.

Father Bohne was desirous of a new church as soon as he became resident pastor in 1 85 1, but he did not get the second of his people until a year later, when the foundation of a brick church, forty by sixty feet, was laid. Two years later it was completed at. a cost of two thousand dollars and on December 24, 1854, it was dedicated to St. Joseph. Although plain and without any architectural adornment, it served its purpose until the erection of the present beautiful structure. This was begun during the pastorate of Father Heidegger in the fall of 1882, and was dedicated on May 4. 1884, by Bishop Gilmour. It is of Gothic architecture, one hundred and thirtytwo feet by fifty-five feet, and the furnishings are all of white oak. It cost about twenty-one thousand dollars. A two-story frame building served as pastoral residence for a number of years. In 1899 the present brick pastoral residence was built at a cost of seven thousand dollars. The congregation at present numbers eight hundred and twenty-seven.

St. John The Baptist Church, Glandorf

The first Catholic place of worship in Putnam county was erected for Father Horstmann in Glandorf and on Easter Sunday, March 30, 1834, he celebrated the first mass in it. It was a small house, built of hewed logs, and served as a residence for Father Horstmann and also as a chapel. By 1836 the little colony of sturdy Germans had increased so that Father Horstmann's chapel would not accommodate them, and this necessitated the building of a new place of worship. The new church, a log structure, twenty-two by forty feet, and covered with split weatherboards, was built and dedicated in 1837. St. John the Baptist was chosen as its patron saint. In the same year a log school house was built and Father Horstmann served as its first teacher. The following year a log pastoral residence was built to replace the one of four years previous. Father Horstmann, whose health had begun to fail, asked Bishop Purcell for an assistant. In 1841 Rev. George Bohne was supplied. Two years later, February 21, 1843, Father Horstmann was called to his reward. Father Bohne soon began the task of erecting a brick church. The corner stone was laid in 1846 and the entire parish seconded Father Bohne in the undertaking. The building was dedicated on the first Sunday in Advent, 1848, and placed under the patronage of St. John the Baptist by Rev. A. Kunkler. The building was fifty by ninety feet and at that time was -considered without an equal in northwestern Ohio. Father Bohne resigned a few months before the church was dedicated and was transferred to Ft. Jennings. The Sanguinist Fathers were then placed in charge of the parish and in the fall of the same year established a convent. A list of the Sanguinist Fathers who have had charge of the Glandorf congregation follows: Revs. A. Kunkler, A. Herbstritt, M. A. Meyer, 1848-50; Rev. M. Homburger, 1850-53; Rev. A. Schelbert, 1853-58; Rev. M. A. Kramer, 1858-61; Rev. A. Reichert, 1861-74; Rev. B. Dickmann, 1874-81; Rev. M. Menk, May to October 1881 ; Rev. F Nigsch, 1881-97; Rev. T. Wittmer, 1897 to January, 1914; Rev. L. Schupp, since January, 19 14.

In 1874, when Father Dickmann took charge of the church at Glandorf, he realized the pressing needs of a new church, as the present building was too small to accommodate the entire parish. In 1875 the foundation was laid and on June 24, 1876, the cornerstone was laid by the Rev. A. Kunkler. Owing to an unforeseen delay, when the completed spire was struck by

The church, of pure Gothic architecture, is built of clear red brick, trimmed with sandstone. It is one hundred and seventy-five feet long and seventy feet wide, the width at transept being eighty-six feet; the spire is two hundred and twenty-five feet high. The interior is very impressive and inspires a feeling of reverence and awe. The richly-carved oak pulpit, which was exhibited at the World's Fair at Philadelphia, cost one thousand four hundred dollars. In 1888 altars, pews, stations and statuary were added, at a cost of five thousand three hundred dollars. In 1897 a town clock and four bells were installed by Father Wittmer. The parochial residence was finished in 1904 at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. Glandorf has an excellent school, and although it is public in name, it is in charge of the church. In 1893 a fine house was built for the combined use of the organist and principal of the school. At present one lay teacher and six Sanguinist Sisters conduct the schools.

In 1 861 the Rev. Sebastian Ganther organized a mission at New Cleveland, while he was pastor of St. John's church at Glandorf. It was attended by the following pastors of Glandorf until 1873: Rev. Ganther, 1861-68; Rev. Engelbert Ruf, 1868-72, and Rev. Jacob Marte, 1872, to April, 1873^ from Glandorf as a mission.

John Weis donated a two-acre tract of land in 1861 as a site for a church and pastoral residence. The church was built in the fall of the same year at a cost of one thousand seven hundred dollars and dedicated to the Holy Family. This was enlarged in 1881 and at present the church is fully equipped and its furnishings are very complete. In April, 1873, Rev. Charles Barbier was appointed to take charge of the congregation and bears the distinction of being the first resident pastor. He served until March, 1874, when he was succeeded by Rev. H. Kaempker, who served until April, 1878. The following pastors have since served the church: Rev. E. Hipelius, April, 1878, to June, 1880; Rev. J. Rosenberg, June 1880, to April, 1888; Rev. J. Eyler, April, 1888, to January, 1889; Rev. J. Bertemes, January^ 1889, to 1891; Rev. Amadeus Dambach, 1891,1905; Albert Cerup, 1905-

1914; A. R. Noltia, 1914, to present time. The first parochial residence was buiU by Father Barbier in 1873 at a cost of one thousand dollars. In 1906 Father Cerup built the present parochial residence at a cost of eight thousand dollars. Three years later a frame parish school was erected on a lot opposite the church, and placed in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis, who conducted it until 1889. At present the children attend the Catholic district schools.

The Catholic families of North Creek, prior to the year 1889, were desirous of having a church of their own, as they found it difficult to attend mass at New Bavaria, with which parish they were identified. They made their desire known to Bishop Gilmour and he acceded to their wish in April, 1887. Three acres of land were donated by Ferdinand Ball as a site for the proposed church. The church building was a frame structure and cost one thousand two hundred dollars. The Ft. Jennings church donated the altar and a supply of vestments and the Glandorf congregation donated the pews. But for more than a year they were without the services of a. priest, owing to a shortage, and the little church was not used for its sacred purpose. The people who had made the sacrifices were obliged, therefore, to continue their afl[iliations with the parish of New Bavaria. But their desires were soon realized and in January, 1889, the resident pastor of Holgate was directed to attend the mission. In March, 1890, the Holgate pastor was removed to Toledo and the mission was again without the services of a pastor. Again, in June of the same year, it was attached to Holgate and hasbeen attended monthly from the place since that time.

The Cloverdale congregation is an outgrowth of the Ottoville parish and consisted at first of only ten Catholic families. The surrounding country is settled largely by prosperous German Catholic farmers, who form the principal membership of the congregation. In order to obviate the necessity of going to Ottoville, seven miles distant, the farmers petitioned Bishop' Horstmann for permission to erect a church for themselves. This permission was granted as soon as they gave evidence of their ability to build and pay for the desired church. This was done in January, 1895, and the Rev. Michael Mueller, pastor of Ottoville, was commissioned to secure a proper site to serve for a church, school and pastoral residence. A three-acre tract of land was bought and in the summer of 1898 a frame church, forty by ninety feet in size, was built at a cost of five thousand dollars. It was dedicated in August of the same year to St. Barbara. For two years Cloverdale was attended from Ottoville every Sunday as a mission by Father Mueller, assisted by Rev. Henry Wichmann. Father Wichmann was appointed resident pastor of Cloverdale in June, 1900, and in the fall of the same year he had a residence buih at a cost of about three thousand dollars. The parish numbers about eighty-five families at present. The school children are accommodated by the Catholic district schools, a regular parochial school being impracticable, as the children live too far from the church. In 1903-04 Father Wichmann succeeded in erecting a brick school building at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. Four teachers serve the school, which has an attendance of one hundred and eighty pupils.