Washington County, Ohio - Chapter 14: History of the Churches, 1902 (part 2 of 2)

This parish was organized March 27, 1826. October 17, 1834, the first church was formally consecrated by Bishop JMcIlvaine. September 20, 1857, "^^'s h3ide the old church farewell. In those 31 years there were six rectors, 160 baptisms; 64 were confirmed; there were 48 marriages, and 65 funerals. I am running hurriedly over these items. But there are memories which will not be hurried. E^ch item touches magic springs of association, and joys and sorrows are moving back in review. While I am giving figures some are recalling images; sitting again in the old-time seats, and sitting beside them are the forms of friends and kindred who have passed into the unseen. To strangers, to the eye of sense, that old building is but a meeting place of worshipers. To our eyes it is a hallowed chamber in Christ ; gallery of grace, filled with living images of Himself. That church is sa- cred with sacred memories. In it, hearts ached, and hearts rejoiced; around it chister the sweetest and the saddest associations of many a hfe. It holds in it the echoes of Te- Deum and Miserere ; the records of baptism, - baptisms of sorrow, baptisms of the spirit. Bridal parties have joyously entered it; funeral trains have moved mournfully out of it; "Till death us do part' echoed back by "dust to dust." He who consecrated the old church, and five who ministered in it are walking together in white. Yet the outer form is valuable only for the life which it conserves. Shall the mother-bird flutter and cry over the empty shells from which her fledglings have flown? The church is budded not of the stones in the walls, but of the souls in its communion. The Holy Spirit dwells not in the material, but in the mystic house. Let the old scaffoldings give way to the new, if only the mystic temlple he Ixiilded and adorned. An artist of this city took a photograph of the new church, and, without himself knowing it, so placed his camera that far in the background is the distinct picture of the old one. It is a parable in art. Even when this new church is in the foreground of our thoughts and activities, in the background, transfigured in the perspective, is the church of the first love, with all its hallowed memories and associations. All that in passing was painful is now dissolved in the haze of the distance; and the heart holds only the endearments ; the rose remains in full fragrance without the thorns. The ministrations of the old church I divided with five others, all of whom rest from their labors. The new church knows no ministry but mine. Wednesday, September 9, 1856, the corner-stone of the new church was laid, in the hopes and prayers that it might mark an era in our spiritual history. In this stone we placed the Bible, significant of our faith, built up on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-stDue, and also the Prayer Book, as our distinctive, in which the spiritual substance of the Bible 13 assimilated for purposes of devotion. Standing on the corner-stone your minister spoke as follows: In the spirtual temple, of which this house is the symbol, we recognize One God, - Father, Sen. and Holy Ghost; One Gospel, - "The glad tiding of great joy - a Savior;'' One aim and object, - the glory of God in the salvation of men ; One day of grace in which to secure this, - this life only; One Name given among men whereby they may be saved, the Nanif; above every name; One Fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, - -the blood of the new covenant; One Altar, - the cross of Christ; One Sacrifice, once offered for all, of which the sacrament is the memjorial; One Priest, - He who offered Himself for the expiation of sin, and who ever lives to make intercession for us; One incense, - the sweet savor of Christ, making fragrant our persons and our prayers ; One Book, - the Bible as our rule of faith and life; One Interpreter, - the Holy Spirit who guides us into all the truth; OiiC distinctive faith, - ^Jesus Christ and Him Crucified; One Church, - the mystical body of Christ which is the blessed company of all faithful people, whose unioi> in Christ is the Communion of Saints; One Baptist, - the baptism of the Floly Ghost, symbolized in the baptism of water; One Confessional, - the Mercy-seat of Christ; One Absolution, - Him hath God appointed to give repentance and remission of sins ; One Assurance, - the witness of the Holy Spirit with our spirits that we are the sons of God; One jMotive-power, - the love of Christ ! constraineth us ; One Heaven, - the inheritance ! of holiness in the Presence of our Father and

Savior. j These words were sealed in the cornerstone of the new building, with the hope and I prayer that at each service they might be the '' inspiration of the message of the pulpit and the devotions of the desk and tlie pew.

September 24, 1857, the new church was consecrated by Bishop Mcllvaine in due ritual form. Since then it has been receiving oftrepeated spiritual consecrations in fact; - consecrated in baptisms of the Holy Ghost; in I souls new born to God; in sighings of contrite hearts; in concerts of penitential confessions; in jubilant songs of captives delivered from bondage into the glorious liberty of the sons of God; in refreshings from the Presence of the Lord; consecrated in the fountains of joy and song welling up all along the Sabbaths, - Sabbaths of the week, Sabbaths of the soul; consecrated in our home memories of birth and death, and of the new birth of that which dieth not ; in associations of friendships and fellowships, formed in Christ, never to be sundered ; in hours of communion of saint with saint, and saints with the Savior. We thought the church beautiful when first we entered it. Now it has new, associated beauty. Pulpit and chancel and choir and pew hold each its fragrant secrets. Memory touches the magic spring, and the inner life of each one comes up in review before him. Under the fading frescoes are memories that shall never fade. From every panel come up associations that gild and glorify the timestained walls. In the soul's vision its ceilings are enameled with the beauty of holiness inlaid with jewels of grace; its tablets are transparencies and the Spirit as a lamp within illumines the letters of the Covenant of love. Here we have heard the voice of the Lord, and "seen His goings in the Sanctuary." Here Jesus has come in and supped with us and we with Him. Fathers have seen their children taken up in the arms of Jesus, mothers have had their sons and daughters received with them into the covenant and communion of grace. \\'ives have seen their husbands bending low their heads and hearts to receive the benediction of the Savior. Six who kneeled here ii; youth to join in our communion have since ministered in this pulpit and at this chancel, distrilmting here th*" 'elements which they had here received. three of them holding the sacramental cup to the mothers that gave them birth ; two of tliem to mothers now translated : one of them a Missionary Bishop, administering confirmation here in this navish fn m w hich he had gone out, laying apostolic hands on the head of the now sainted grandchild of his own sainted mother. And thus this church, new in the calendar, is old in endearing associations, - associations with the heart experiences of well-nigh half a century; the birth-place of the Spirit to the many, the spiritual home and nursery to all. Were the building gone it would still abide in the memories, in the associations, in the annals of the soul's life. Would that every one who helped to build and decorate and sustain it were himself a living stone in the mystic temple, and that every one who joins in its responses and anthems were a voice in the orchestra of the saved.

Li recalling our long relation you will pardon me if I record with satisfaction one experience. Never once in all these 50 years has there been one unpleasant word between the rector and his choir, never once in all this half century has there been a conflict or even a jar between the rector and his vestry and congregation. Disappointment there may have been, but no collision, no controversy. They may have desired better ministrations. He may have desired fuller attendance, deeper interest, yet there has been no alienation, no friction. If there has not been power there has been peace. If there has not been wisdom, there has been love. This pulpit has never once given vent to a personality, never spoken a bitter word, "a word which dying I would wish to blot."

We are small and isolated, off in a remote corner, 75 miles from the nearest parish in the diocese, practically cut off from parochial and ministerial fellowship. Yet, our little out-ofthe-way parish has been remembered and honored by the diocese, in twice holding its annual convention here; and in choosing its minister to represent it in general conventions four several times. We have had here three ordinations ; - one to the presbytership. two to the diaci mate, one of whom had here been baptized and cijnfirmed, a son of the parish. And remote and cpiiet as is our little parish in its eddy, it is yet made to feel the currents of change. It has been in two dioceses, under five bishops, two of whom are not. and one is laid aside. Still we keep our identity. You are worshiping in a church which was conse- crated by Bishop Mcllvaine, and are ministered to by one who was baptized, confirmed, ordained deacon, and ordained presbyter by the bishop who consecrated botli of your churches.

Looking over the congregation I see some still out of Christ ; so many years farther from God and life. Some contribute to send the Gospel to the heathen, while their own souls are dying under the sound of its glad tidings. Some liberally subscribe to sustain the preaching of the Word, whose preaching condemns them. Tliey support the ministrations of him who is constrained to tell them that they are strangers from the covenant of promise. They welcome to their homes the one whose presence is a reminder that their names are not in the parish register, nor in the Lamb's Book of Life. They attend here where saints commune, while they are not in the communion of saints. I see friends to me who are not friends to my Savior ; who kindly regard the messenger, yet accept not the message. It bewilders me that I can have place in a heart that has no room for the Lord ; that the poor services of a human friend are more than appreciated, while the sacrifice of the divine Friend is treated lightly.

But coming out from under this shadow, I see faces radiant with spiritual light, getting brighter as they near the coming glory. If it has been graciously given me to put new gladness into the glad tidings, to remove from before the vision a doubt or a shadow, to glorify the Savior in their eyes, to transfigure the cross, to throw light upon the new and livingway into the holiest, to fix the faith when it would waver, to bring to them the Comforter in moments of sorrow, to break to them the living bread as Jesus had blessed and broken it to me, it is ministry enough. We shall rejoice together when our pilgrimage is ended, and we lay our staff and sandals down at home with the Lord.

Nearly all the old familiar faces are gone, they turn no more to listen to the message, they are in the beatific Presence, new faces are here in their stead. Some kindle at the word ; some give back no response. Seven thousand times I have here told the old, old story ; told it to hearts that drank it in as life; told it to ears that hearing heard not; told it to some who have gone beyond its sound, gone where it is told nevermore.

To one portion, far the largest portion, of the congregation of days far past, I have not yet spoken; nor could they hear me now, nor need they. Their lesson of grace is learned; their work of faith and labor of love is finished. They have gone up from the fellowship of the saints below to the saints above. Our little church has a stairway to the skies; and one by one as the night comes down and the angel calls, the tired ones go aloft where He giveth His beloved rest. All of you have kindred there. Our several families are represented in our Father's family on high, knowing as they are known, loving as they are loved. Many who here have sung with us our faint anthems, often in the minor key, now swell the tumultuous chorus of the harpers on the sea of glass. May your voice and mine in due time join them in the glorified song which none but the ransomed from sin can sing.

Fifty years of ministry. How long, and yet how brief. The ministry of your present rector reaches over a little more than twothirds of your history. Half a century have his interests been identified with yours, his life bound up with your life. He has contributed to shape your views and experiences. His impress is on you. You are the better or the worse for his ministry.

Five still on our roll, and now present, were here when I came. Fifty years in Christ! How much must they have known of the divine communion ; how much learned of the fullness of Christ for his people ; how many promises many times proved in the experience. How ripe the character should be. Fifty years make of an infant a matured man, strong of sinews, broad of thought ; make of a "babe" in Christ a "young man," strong to overcome the wicked one, and make of the young man a "father" rich in the knowledge and love of God. If, to anv one, all these vears have been lived out of

Christ what irreparaljle loss; years of orphanage witliout f^ither, without hope and home. Here we reckon b}- days and years and centuries. Within the veil in the ineffable Presence the only calendar is consciousness, - one abiding consciousness of home, Father, Savior, ministry, unwearing; joy unspeakable, communion the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our sun goeth no more down.

Fifty years of ministry to one people. And this is the summary : - Many in Christ, many out of Christ; Some getting daily nearer to God; the light growing brghter, the communion richer, going from strength to strength; some getting farther from God, self-repelled; the voice of the Spirit growing fainter; the heart emptied of that which satisfieth: full oi self-flatteries and promises which tantalize; promises made to the hopes broken to the heart; holding phantom cups to the lips while the soul is dying of thirst; - thirst which only Christ can quench. Is such a one here! Brother in Adam be our brother in Christ. The friend of sinners calls you to his fellowship. We, saved sinners, call you to our communion. Let me record below, let the angel of the covenant record on high, another soul saved ; and let that soul be yours ; and let it be now.

My first text was I. Cor. II, 2 : "I determined to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." I then accepted this as the one burden of my ri;inistry. And here at the close of the half century, I call you to witness that I have kept my pledge. Ministers are not essayists, offering tentative solutions of the problems of life. These are solved in the revelation of grace. Men meet theory with theory and logic with logic. Conscience responds only to the authoritative work of God. We deliver God's message as yea and amen, challenging instant implicit faith and obedience- We are not apologists, but heralds, proclaiming pardon to the penitent; pointing the unclean to the one only Fountain for sin ; oiifering the Gospel as the specific provision for the soul's specific needs. We are not reformers but evangelists; preaching not culture, but grace ; not reform, but regeneration ; not morality, but holiness. We are ambassadors bearing messiages of grace ; we are witnesses testifying what we do' know. This pulpit has studiously kept itself aloof from the passing politics, the current questions of the press, the conventional moralities, the ever-,changing philosophies and skepticism. The spirit of the Gospel is the conservative in politics; grace in the heart is the answer to the skeptic ; the love of Christ is the soul of morals. The man surcharged with the spirit of God will carry that spirit alike into his Sunday devotions, his week day industries, and his political relations. Social problems are solved only in the spirit of brotherhood. When we know God as our Father, we will know man as our brother, and in that brotherhood feeling all social problems solve themselves.

I have indeed sought to keep this pulpit true to all the interests of man as man in all his relations, true to logic, - the logic of truth and life and love, logic on fire with grace; true to science, - the science of God immanent and transcendant ; true to philosophy, - the philosophy of salvation by grace through faith ; true to theology, - theology with tlie incarnation in the center, raying out the light of life; true to morality, - the morality whose body is the golden rule and wdiose soul is the love of Christ. I have devoutly sought in the fellowship of the Spirit, to glorify Christ, to unfold the unsearch" ! able riches in Him for us. I have known only a Gospel of glad tidings, a Gospel of grace, a Gospel of holiness, a Gospel of brotherhood, a Gospel -of trust and love and loyalty. I have sought to fill myself and you with the gladness of the glad tidings of a Savior. I have longed and prayed for a heart of fire, and a tongue of fire. tO' give the message in burning words, causing hearts to burn within them, burn with a flame of love; a flame that purifies and inspires. I shall not have prayed and preached in vain, if I have made spiritual things more real and Jesus more precious ; if I have widened some one's horizon, kindling in the vision foregleams of the hereafter; if I have caused some despondent one to glow with hope; if I have manifested the love of God in Christ till hearts responded in trust and love and adoration; if I have held Him up till he fills all the field of vision. I shall have fulfilled my ministry, if I have stimulated any to higher ambitions and holier purposes; if I have helped souls struggling out of darkness into the light; let in a ray of sunshine into some shadowed life; made the glad tidings a personal gladness ; put a new star - the star of Bethlehem - into some leaden sky; thrown a gleam of light across the path of some perplexed pilgrim ; quieted a haunting fear; constrained a bowed heart to lay off its burden on the Burden-bearer ; lifted a shadow from some home; put a jubilant note in some one's Psalm of life; kindled a redder glow over life's sunset, prophetic of a brighter sunrise beyond ; taken a thorn from some pillow, resting the restless head ; held the cross before the eye of the dying; given the viaticum to a soul in the last hour, as he passed to the Presence of his God. If I have been privileged to do this, I am content. My. Master will graciously own my services done to His little ones as done to Him; and in eternity some hearts will bless God for my little ministries. And the Savior may fill for me, with tlie wine of life, the cup I have held in His name to thirsty lips.

And now the record of half a century is made. Would it were better, yet, as it is, it must stand. It has its lights and shadows ; its memories and hopes. Too obscure to have place in the world's annals, it is yet in God's Book of Remembrance. God grant that all the names in our parish register may be found in the Lamb's Book of Life, that all who have here hearkened to the glad tidings may hear the glad welcome; "Enter thou into the joy of the Lord;" that all who have kneeled at this sacramental table may sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Vereinigle Evangelische Ivirche). The church building occupied the corner of Fifth and Scammel streets. In 1858 personal difficulties among the members caused a division. The larger portion of the members withdrew and organized January 26, 1858, as the United Evangelical Protestant St. Lucas Congregation. The new congregation purchased for $1,500 its house of worship, the only one in Marietta built due north and south. It had the form of a Grecian temple and was situated on the corner of Fourth and Scammel streets, w^here the new church now stands. In 1869 a neat parsonage was built on Third street, and in 1878 a large pipe organ was bought, it being the pride of the congregation and for many years the largest in the town.

For several years the congregation kept up a parish school. May 30, 1875, a new constitution was adopted, and the name changed to the German Evangelical Protestant St. Lucas Congregation or Church. It is now known as St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church. It has been served by the following pastors: Revs. Zobel Mosebach, Seipel Fleischer, Arnold, Bruckner, Moser, Blass, Kannmacher, Abele, Herberg, Fritza, Fleischer, Kruger, Rev. F. Theime and Rev. \\'. E. Brinckman.

In 1893 some of the young people organized under the name of the "Evangelical Mission," as an English-speaking branch. They joined the same year the ]\Iiami Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Amerca, of which their pastor is a member.

St. Luke's Church has at present far above 500 members, two Sunday-schools with 350 scholars enrolled, and is very active in all branches of church work.

Their beautiful new edifice erected on the corner of Fourth and Scammel streets, was dedicated on Sunday, December 15, 1901. The sermon of dedication was preached by Rev. J. A. Ml. Ziegler. President of ]\liami Evange'lical Lutheran Synod.

Methodist Episcopal Churches

So far as the records show, Robert Manley was the first Methodist preacher to set foot in Washington County. He crossed the Ohio River from (West) Virginia to Marietta June 20, 1799. He soon visited every settlement in the county and before the close of the year a number of classes were formed in the rural districts and a circuit was organized. In 1800 Jesse Stoneman and James Ouinn were appointed to this work.

It was with difficulty that ^Methodism gained a foothold in Marietta. In 1804 George Askin held a camp-meeting within the town, but with meagre results. The next year a similar effort was made by Jacob Young and George C. Light, with larger success. A num" ber of persons were converted and a class was formed under the leadership of Jones Johnson, who had been before his conversion a follower of Thomas Paine. This class was the beginning of Marietta Methodism. The members were: Xoah Fearing, Jones Johnson and wife, Samuel Green and wife, William Bell, and Elijah Francis and wife. This small beginning was as good seed sown in good ground. It has brought forth fruit abundantly.

In 1806, during the pastorate of the famous Peter Cartwright, a camp-meeting was held in Harmar at which a number of influential persons were converted. Marietta was at this time a part of the Marietta and Kanawha circuit which extended along the Ohio River for 150 miles and far into (West) Virginia. In 1808 the Marietta circuit was formed. Tlie winter of 1809-10 brought another gracious revival which greatly strengthened the church. In 181 5 John Stewart, a dissipated colored man, was converted and went out as a missionary to the Indians, thus inaugurating the great missionary movement of American ^Methodism-

For the 10 years after their first organization, the Methodists worshiped in private homes, the old Academy, and the Harmar school house. In 181 5 the first church building was erected on Second street, near Scammel. It was a plain structure, 32 feet long and 28 feet wide. It was twice enlarged to meet the demands of the growing society.-

In 1819 disaffection entered the society, Ixtt by the wise administration O'f Leroy Swormstedt, who was appointed to Marietta in 1825, it was healed and 125 members were added to the church. In 1833 Crawford Chapel was erected on the Harmar side. In 1835 these two churches were permanently separated from the outlying circuit and composed the ^Marietta charge until they Ijecame sq:)arate stations in 1848.

An epoch in the history of Marietta Methodism was the erection of the Centenarj- Church in 1839. It was a commodious, brick building on Putnam street between Front and Second, admirably adapted to the work of a progressive society. It was dedicated by Leonidas L. Hamline (later Bishop Hamline), assisted by David Young. The official Board that inaugurated and completed this splendid work was made up of the following persons : John Crawford, Joseph W. Babcock, R. P. lams, Joseph Kelly, Junia Jennings, Wyllys Hall, Robert Howescm, John C. IMcCoy, Abram Daniels, Daniel Protsman, Charles Tidd, James Whitney, Alexander Shanklin, and Benjamin Soule. The members contributed to the utmost of their ability and were abundant- 1}' rewarded for their generosity. The society prospered greatly in its new home. It would be difficult to find the record of a nobler body of Christians than that which composed the working force in this church.

In 1842 a notable revival came and 187 members were received. The greatest revival in its history swept the church in 1856 when 210 persons were added to its membership.

In 1859 the Whitney Chapel society was formed, principally from the membership of the Centenary Church. This separation was caused by the "painful differences in Centenary Charge, intaisified by lack of wisdom in administration." This society erected a brick church on Second street near Butler and continued separate until 1875. During this period its pastors were : I. B. Brodrick, D. H. Moore ( late Bishop Moore), E. M. Kirkham, William

M. Mulleiiix, Earl Cranston (later Bishop Cranston), Levi Hall, T. W. Stanley, J. H. Acton, Jesse Vanlaw, and James Kendall. The pastors of Centenary during the time of the separation were : A. G. Bvers, T. J. N. Simmons, \\'. T. Hawev, H. k' Foster, C. D. Battelle, J. T. Miller, T. R. Ross, A. C. Hirst, and S. C. Frampton. The consolidation in 1875 was untimely and entire harmony did not prevail for a number of years. A revival during the pastorate of S. B. Mathews (1876- 79) did much to re-unite the churches. Prosperity continued during the wise pastorate of W. G. Burns.

Another epoch in the history of Marietta Methodism was the selection of the present site on the corner of Wooster and Third streets and the erection of the present splendidly ecjuipped building. This was a venturesome enterprise. The site was then on the outskirts of the town and the church was far iDeyond the needs of the membership that built it. The importance of this move cannot be easily overestimated. It Avas a preparation for a larger future. Since entering this church, the growth has been steady and substantial. The building now stands in the heart of the city and the membership fills it to overflowing. The building was constructed during the pastorate of T. M. Leslie and was dedicated July 19, 1885, bv, Charles H. Pavne, D. D.. LL. I). t. M. Leslie was followed bv T. R. Tavlor, T. G. Dickinson, L. H Binkley, R. E. Bishop, W. \ :\I. Acton, W. V. Dick, W. D. Cherington and Herbert Scott.

During the pastorate of W. M. Acton, a fine pipe-organ was placed in the church. Three years agO' the entire interior of the church was renovated and greatly beautified. It is now an attractive and impressive place of worship. The society now has a membership j of over 650 and property valued at $25,000. The present members of the official Board are : Trustees. H. H. Burns, I>. C. W. Eddv. ; Judge W. H. Leeper, M. McMillan, M. ]\I. [ Rose, Judge Hiram L. Sibley, H. E. Smith, C. R. Stevens, and J. W. Sturgiss. Stewards, ' X. Bergen, Robert Dempster, W. L. Gorham, ' C. B. Iaco!}s, Lewis Klintworth, Dr. Oscar A.

Lambert, T. E. :\IcKinney, G. A. Palmer, \\\ , A. Patterson, E.. L. Pixley, (leorge D. Schad : and John A. Stone. Class leaders, J. H. Young,

; \\'as dedicated May 5, 1895, by Bishop Isaac \V. Joyce, under the pastorate of Rev. F. R. Crooks. It is the outgrowth of what was known for a half centurj' as Crawford Chapel. Up until about 1833 the historv of Methodism on both sides of the Muskingum River was one and the same under the circuit plan ; after that, separate organizations were formed, and the different societies began a work of their own.

The first house of worship was built on the west side in 1833, the lot having been donated by Rev. John Crawford. It was remodeled under Rev. W. H. Wallace, and the buildingoccupied until the society moved into the handsome new structure on Gilman avenue.

The growth of the society has kept pace with the city. A great revival was held under the pastorate of Rev. C. B. Longman in which many were gathered into the church, a number uniting with other churches.

Many able ministers have been associated with the society, among whom may be mentioned Bishop Stephen Merrill, James Jamison, C. F. Creighton, D. D. Under the efficient labors of Rev. A. Hanby, the Epworth League was organized, and the new parsonage erected. Among the laity, the names of Crawford,Price, Spaulding, Judd, Barber, Burlingame, and Preston will shine resplendent in the local annals of Methodism.

Today the church has a membership of nearly 300. The Sabbath-school enrolls 200. The church is well organized, and is doing efficient work under the care of its present pastor. Rev. Adam T- Hawk.

This congregation is one of the oldest in German Methodism, founded in the month of June, 1839. At the session of the Pittsburgh Conference (1839) Charles Best was appointed minister to Monroe and Marietta Mission, and Nath Callender as presiding elder. Both were English preachers, and^ because of their knowlof the German language, they were appointed to this mission, which extended to 70 miles in length and 40 miles in width. Father Danker had prepared the way in 1S38 and preached as a Lutheran minister to the Germans in Marietta and bo-ne the Gosiiel so earnestly that the promise, "My word shall not return unto me void," was gloriouslv fulfilled. Spiritual awakenings took place and prayer meetings were instituted. But as Dr. Luther said, "Where God's word is preached clearly and purely, there it begins to rumor." Danker's parishioners divided and he said farewell to them and united with the Methodist Church and preached regularly in the old English Methodist Chuch building at Marietta. To be sure he had gone in the right direction, he asked the Lord to seal his preaching in the conversion of one soul at his b-Fo-inning. This praver was answered : Peter Wilkens. experienced a very vigorous conversion - the first fruit.

The second quarterly meeting was held in November, 1839. Many were converted then and joined our congregation in Marietta and Bonn. Father Danker and J. H. Bahrenburg acted as local preachers until the former was received in 1840 as member into Pittsburgh Conference and was appointed to Cantina Missioai and H. Koeneke to Marietta Mission.

Koeweke's work was of great success and in spring, 1 84 1, the old frame church was bought from our English brethren for $800. This frame church constitutes a prominent part in the history of Methodisnii. It was in 1841, when Jacob Stewart, the Indian pioneer missionary, was converted in this church, who went first to the Delaware Indians and then to the Wyandots.

The work spread among the Germans and at Christmas, 1840, John Geyer and William Dressier from Chester, manifested deep interest in cjuarterly meeting and in lovefeast they asked to be prayed for. Both were con\-erted and went their way rejoicing, asking Mr. Ivoeneke to \-isit them. Shortly after New Year's, the following brethren went 40 miles on foot to Chester: H. Koeneke, J. H. Bahrenburg, C. Koeneke, J. FicRen, J. Link, C. Helwig. Great was the success, and Chester and Pomeroy were made appointments and good classes organized. Pittsburgh Conference appointed, in 1 84 1, H. Kreneke to Chester Mission, J. H. Bahrenburg to Captina and John Miller to Marietta. In 1843 John Geyer was sent to Marietta and worked two years with great success, especially among his countrymen, the Bavarians along Bear Creek.

The names of the first members were: The families of Allers, William Klingworth, FI. Bahrenburg, John Olhaber, George Helwig, P. \\'ilkens, Claus Often, Glaus Duden, James Link, J. Sildren, J. Fischer, J. Ficken. The single persons: Caroline Helwig, Carl Helwig, Kurt Bahrenburg, C. Bahrenburg, Sophia Helwig, Herman Weber, Adelheid Berscher and Eliz Brickwede.

The Marietta congregation was the spirtual birth-place of such noble men of God and stanch pioneers as G. Danker, C. Koeneke, J. Ficken, C. Helwig, J. Geyer, P. Helwig, J. Brawer, P. Wilkens, H. Bahrenburg, George Oettinger, and will be original types of old Methodistic fiery zeal and acts in the power of the Holy Ghost, and historicallv will remain to German Methodists an interesting place. To save souls was their missions, devoting themselves wholh- to their work in spite of all mockeries and severe persecutions.

Here is a list of preachers who consecutively served at this congregation : C. Best and E. Riemenschneider, 1839: G. Danker, 1840; H. Kceneke, 18 + 1-42; John Miller, 1843: John

The old frame church on Second street became irreparable and in 1874 a much more suitable place in the midst of the city was bought for $1,500. Under W. Riechenmeier's administration the erection of a new church was planned and when Mr. Fischbach came here he found the building in progress. Within the limits of the then small Cincinnati Conference and at a financial famine he collected $900.

Our church is situated on the corner of Third and Wooster streets, with a steeple no feet high, and fronting to the north is a twostory brick building 36 by 60 feet A fine church bell of 1,800 pounds weight is mainly due to P. C. Fischer and Martin Seemann. The church with all its appurtenances cost $7,300.

preacher of Parkersburg, (West) Virginia, the Baltimore Conference, in 1798, sent out Robert Manly, to what was then known as the Kanawha circuit. During the year, he crossed over and commenced preaching at the different settleinents in this county. Societies were formed at most of the settlements by him and his successors, and it can be said that no society has ever been without a regular minister.

The society of Barlow was formed during the early years of the century, consisting of the Greens, Woodruffs, Vincents, McGuires, and Houghland families, with Cornelius Houghland, class leader.

Meetings were held at the Houghland school house, located on the northwest point of Cemetery Hill, on the Houghland Farm, and at the homes of Duty Green, Abner Woodruff, the McGuires, Vincents, Houghlands and at the Old Hickory school house

In 1816 Cornelius Springer and Thomas A. Morris were sent to the circuit, with Jacob Young, presiding elder. It was during their ministrations that several camp meetings were held on the line between the Gordon and Greenlees farms, a short distance west of Wolf Creek. At one of these meetings Jacob Young baptized over 80 persons by immersion, pouring and sprinkling.

At the death of Cornelius Houghland, March 10. 181 8, the class consisted of the Houghlands, Duty Green and wife, Smith Green and wife, Caleb Green and wife. Duty Green, Jr., Ely Green, Mrs. Turner, two sons and two daughters, Tolm Laflin and wife, Lyman Laflin and wife, Herman Chapman and wife, Rhoda Chapman, Samuel Chapman, William Vincent and wife, Beman, Pamelia, Eliza and Lyda Pond, Joseph Palmer, Jr., and wife of Palmer, Isaac Hutchinson, Moses Gill and others.

After Mr. Houghland's death, Joseph Palmer, Jr., was appointed class leader, which office he filled until after the formation of the class in Palmer, whai Duty Green, Sr., was appointed. He filled the office until the spring of 1823. His successor was John Houghland.

now occupied by Robert Hays, and built a log church, which was used until 1836. It was deeded to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church and successors, Duty Green, Sr., John Laflin, Isaac Hutchinson, William Vincent, Moses Gill, Caleb Green, Smith Green, Joseph Palmer, Jr., and Samuel Chapman.

The use of this house was tendered to the "Old School"' Presbyterians until they built their church at Barlow Cross Roads. This latter church was in turn tendered to the Methodists for holdinig quarterly meetings.

In 1834 the class was divided and Luman Richards was appointed leader of the north class. FAruary 12. 1836, John Houghland, David Ormiston and Luman Richards were appointed a committee to make arrangements for building a new church in Baidow.

The site of the present church was selected and deeded by Jesse Lawton and John M. Procter to John Houghland, Luman Richards, David Ormiston, Daniel Goss and Jacob Bridges, trustees.

After the erection of the present church, the north class, when not favored with preaching at the church, held prayer meeting at the North school house, located near Edward Tomkin's old residence.

In 1836 the name of the circuit was changed to Bdpre, with William P. Strickland and Dudley Woodbridge, ministers and John Ferree, presiding elder.

At a quarterly conference held at Barlow July 15, 1837, the first Missionary Society was formed with John Ferree, president, William P. Strickland, vice-president, Croniiwell Culver, secretary and Luman Richards, treasurer. The first Sabbeth-school report, made at this meeting, reported Sabbath-schools, six, officers, teachers and scholars. 252. volumes in library, 514, amount collected $38.10. This was for the entire circuit. In 1838 Mathew Scoval and Shelden Parker were sent to the circuit with Samuel Hamilton, presiding elder. At the commencement of a portracted meeting in Barlow, Miss Roxana Devol, a very zealous church woi'ker, was teaching our schools. She became .so interested in the conversion of her scholars that she called the attention of the school to the subject of religion and earnestly entreated each one to seek Christ as their Savior and to make his service the main object of their lives. Her appeal was so earnest and sincere that it made a lasting impression on all present. The result was the conversion of a large portion of the school. Owing to the many additions at this time, a third class was formed which was known as the central class, _ with Benjamin Baker, Jr., leader.

In the summer of 1840 the old parsonage was built and was first occupied by Mr. and Mrs. James B. Austin. Their memories are still cherished by all who knew them. In 1843 the name of the circuit was changed to Barlow, with Andrew S. Murphy and Richard A. Arthur, ministers and R. O. Spencer, presiding elder. Two camip n:eetings were held on the Houghland farm a short distance southwest of the cemetery. At this time Benjamin Baker resigned his office of leader of the central class and Joseph Palmer was appointed.

In the spring of 1848, John Houg-hland removed to Guyandotte, (West) Virginia, and Darius Baker was appointed leader of the south class, which office was filled by him and Simon Evans until i860, when John Milligan was appointed. In 1848, Luman Richards resigned and David Huffman was appointed leader of the north class. From 1852 to 1859 the Barlow circuit was regularly filled by A. Cartlich, W. W. Cherrington and Levi Munsell. During the pastorate of J. L. Durant - the trustees, Daniel Canfield, John Milligan, Joseph Palmer and David Hufifman - rebuilt the old church, adding cupola and bell in 1872.

At rhe death of David Huffman, Lewis Lawton was appointed leader of the north class. In 1874 J. C. Arbuckle was sent to the circuit. During his pastorate an organ was placed in the church by the Ladies' Social of Barlow. Ezekiel Canfield was the first organist, Mrs. T. L Nourse from 1875 to 1878, Miss Fannie Lasure until 1881, Miss Anna Ford until 1883, Miss Blanch Riggs until 1891, Ikliss Edna Ford until 1896. Since 1896 the organ has been pre" sided over by Miss Bessie Ford with Rena Steed, assistant. This society has given to the church in the past, Mighill Dustin, Charles H.

Lawton and Richard A. Huffman, who' proved to be very effective ministers, and, recently, Daniel D. Canfield, As local preachers Rev. Elza Houghland, late of Fort Madison, Iowa, Gabriel Raine and Elias Davis. In the past, our church has lost many members by emigration, and lastly though not least by the formation of the church in Vincent. Tlie leaders in recent years are all sO' familiar that I did not think it advisable to take up time in rehearsing them. I should state that the church was thoroughly repaired during the pastorate of Rev. J. L. Landsittle. Our parsonage at present is located in Barlow village.

It is not supposed that there was preaching as early as 1788 here except on this circuit. There is a correct record of, the church - and when this place had preaching first - as it was written out in the history of Palmer township for the Centennial and it is in Marietta now. In the same book in which Joseph Palmer kept the above record, he writes : "Dedication of the new meeting house in ]\Iarietta November 7th, 1 84 1, by David Young from Psalms 132. 17; by Bishop Hamlin Psalms 8:4 'What is man that thou art mindful of him?' also Romans 8 7, 'Because the carnal mind is enmity against God;' also M|att. 11.29, 'Take my yoke upon you and learn of me. for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ve shall find rest unto vnur souls.'".

Tlie Palmer Church spoken of and discussed through the Register by several was built during the year 1837; the money for the building was raised by subscription; the list is still preserved. The house was made upon hrimr. the fran^i? heavv and strong, the inside ceiling of pine, the land donated bv Isaac Palnr er, and the property deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church January 4, 1838. The church stood as built with some small repairs but no change, until 1873, when the people of this place organized a Mite Society, the proceeds to be used to give the house a thorough repairing; all took an active part, not only church members but those that were not working for the interests of the church and its people; after the Mite Society began the work, there was soon a sufficient sum raised so that in 1877 the house was repaired, weatherboarded and painted on the outside, house raised, inside plastered, re-seated and furnished at a cost amounting to $380.85. Many of our most influential memljers have been taken from us by death,- but others take their places. In 1892 the Society again repaired the church, painted both out and inside, carpeted it anew, and put in an organ,; still it is the same old church - nothing left but the massive frame of former years. In the past 20 years, the Mite Society has benefited the church and Sabbathschool $840.72, and yet we have been set down as "devoid of religion ;" yet we strictly adhere to the rule "Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you." "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and especially "Bear ye one another's burdens."

It is not definitely known when the African Methodist Episcopal Church was formally organized, but meetings were probably held as early as i860, at first in private houses, and later in the lecture room of the Baptist Church. The mfenifoership was small, but in 1865 the "Old School" Presbyterian Church on Third street was purchased. The membership has steadily increased, and much good has been accomplished. The Sunday-school has a good number of attendants, and a small library.

Among colored circles the Wesleyan Methodist Church, situated on Second street, between Sacra Via and Montgomery streets, is an important factor. Services were first held in a building on Third street, above Scammel, and next in a school building on the corner of Third and Scammel streets. The old engine house on Fourth street was next purchased, and moved to Second street, on the location of the present church structure. Services were held in that l>uilding for a number of years, until about four years ago, whai during the eldership Oif Rev. AuTlos Lawrence, the present church edifice was erected. Funds for the new building were raised bv the memtl>ers, and also by a number of church entertainments. The church building is neat and comfortable, and the church society is large and flourishing. The church has an excellent choir, and a large Sabbath-school.

The First Presbyterian Cliurch. Presbyterianism was late in effecting a permanent organization in Marietta. There seem to have been those of Presbyterian preferences among the early settlers, for a movement toward the forming of a second church organization, Presbyterian in polity, in the lately founded village was started in 1803, under Rev. Stephen Lindley. A church building was begun on lower Third street, near the river, but was never finished. It is doubtful whether a regular organization was effected, and in 18 16 the enterprise was given up. For many years the Presbyterians in Marietta worshiped with the old Congregational Church. It is well known that early in the last century, under the socalled "Plan of Union," the relations between Presbyterianism and Congregationalism were very close, and Presbyterians, coming to Marietta, were quite content with the already existing church, wlhich they regarded as practically their own. Biut as the city grew in population, the separation was sure to come; that it was so long delayed proves how harmonious the relations were. In 1841 a Presbyterian Church connected with the "Old School" branch was established; a house of worship was built on Third street, and services were held there for some time. The building is now owned by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This little Presbyterian Church ceased its separate existence after a few years, but was united with the Beech Grove Presbyterian Church, about six miles to the east of the city. On several later occasions the suggestion of a Presbyterian organization was made, but nothing further was done until 1S65.

In the summer of that year, a favorable opportunity having occurred, the movement started again, and this time it succeeded. On August 27th the church was organized with 53 members, and was shortly after received by the Presbytery of Athens, of which it is still a part. Of these 53, the names of 14 still stand on the church's roll ; probably a third oif the rest are living. Tllie first elders elected were Silas Slocomjb and Sala Bosworth, both now deceased. The first trustees were J. D. Cotton, M. D., Silas Slocomb, R. R. Dawes, Stephen Newton, and G. N. Eells. Rev. Henry Bal- lantine, D. D. nowl of Baltimore, Maryland, was called to the pastorate, and the building now owned by the Central Christian Church was erected and dedicated January 28, 1866. In June, 1869, after a most successful work, Rev. Mr. Ballantine resigned, on account of impaired health, and in the following September Rev. William) Addy, D. D., was called. His long and blessed pastorate continued for 22 years, but in December, 1891, this good man passed away to his reward. During this period the present parsonage was purchased, and the church enlarged. In June, 1892, Rev. William E. Roe, D. D., was installed as pastor, which office he still occupies. In June, 1897, the present handsome stone building was dedicated, and the name, previously "The Fourth Street Presbyterian Church," was changed to "The First Presbyterian Church of ^arietta." Subsequently a fine organ was put in, largely through a bequest of the late Miss Mary Cone, of Marietta, and the debt, resting on the church was provided for.

The present membership is slightly over 300; since the beginning 800 in all have been connected with the church. At present the elders are Stephen Newton, Charles H. Newton, Elmer M. Monfort, Clifford E. Corwin, and Charles D. Webster. Quite recently H. B. Shipman, an elder for many years, passed away. The trustees of the church are J. D. Cotton, president; Charles H. Newton, secretary; T. M. Sheets, treasurer; W. F. Robertson, L. J. Cutter, G. B. Sunderland, and M. F. Noll. The Sunday-school numbers 240; the superintendent is Clifford E. Corwin. The president of the Christian Endeavor Society is William Wagner; of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society, Mrs. W. E. Roe; of the Women's Home Misionary Society, Miss S. J. Cutler; of the Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. A. \\'. Hiitcliison.

With a central situation, complete equipment, and a united people, its early struggles past and on the pleasantest terms with all its sister churches, the Presbyterian Church looks forward most hopefully to its future work, believing that it will not be unimportant.

The da}' has arrived when I tliink an attempt should be made to form and organize a Unitarian, libera!, national, religions society in this place, for the worship of God in Unity and not in Trinity, in accordance with the plain, unmyjtified letter of the Bible. I shall be most happy to meet such Christian friends at the court room of the Court House, on Saturday next, Feb. 3, at seven o'clock, P. M., that we may exchange Christian views of our duty to God and man, and then and there agree, if we can, upon our future course. Nahum Ward.

In accordance with the above notice, a few friends assembled at the appointed hour, and were addressed by Mr. \Vard in regard to the object of the meeting; after which he submitted the following, as a basis of organization for a society:

Believing in the Unity, and in the paternal character and merciful government of God; in man's natural capacity of virtue, and liability to sin; in the supernatural authority of Jesus Christ, as a teacher sent from God; in his divine mission as a Redeemer; in his moral perfection as an Example ; in the remedial as well as retributive office and intention of the divine punishment in the soul's immediate ascension, on release from the body, to its account and reward ; and thai salvation rests, not on superficial observance of rites, or on intellectual assent to creeds, or on any arbitrary decrees, but, under the grace of God, on the rig'htness of the ruling affection, on humble faithfulness of life, and integral goodness of character: -

Overlooking all minor differences, sinking all alienating controversies, in the generous and conciliatory spirit that becomes us best, that we may go forth and live the Christian life. - not as a form, but a principle, a warmer philanthropy, a holier conservation, a deeper piety, a more united front, than we have yet shown; in the fear and affection of God, in the faith and love of Christ : -

Do form and organize ourselves, and such persons as may hereafter unite with us, into a church and society, to be known and called the "First Unitarian Society in Marietta." -

The foregoing basis of organization being then signed by a number of persons, Nahum Ward was elected chairman, and John C. Mc- Coy, Jr., secretary.

A code of by-laws was then adopted for the government of the Society, and in pursuance of the provisions of the hrst bv-law, Nahum Ward, WiUiani S. Ward and John C. McCoy, Jr., were elected the first Board of Trustees. '

The church building was begun on July 2, 1855, when the first corner stone was laid, and from that time until its dedication, June 4, 1857, the work was pushed steadily forward. The entire cost of this splendid structure, with furnishings, including an organ which at the time was the finest in the city, together with the lot upon which the building stands, amounting to about .$25,000, was contributed by Mr. W'ard.

The dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. S. K. Lothrop, D. D., I'resident of the American Unitarian Association, assisted by Rev. Drs. Miles, of Boston, Ellis, of Charlestown, and Burnap, of Baltimore. At the commencement of these services, Mr. Ward made a formal presentation of a deed of the property to the trustees of the society.

In June, 1856, William S. Ward was elected treasurer of the society, wdiich position he filled until the time of his death, louring his life time, Mr. ^Vard made a gift to the society of the lot adjoining the church, upon which the parsonage now stands, besides providing by his will a fund that went far towards paying for the parsonage itself. He was the first superintendent of the Sunday-school and remained in that position until his death. -

A-uong those who were active in the early .'^upport and mhnagement of its affairs were Gen. I. C. H. Smith, Capt. J. F. Huntington, Theodore Scott, William Warren, Dr. Felix Regnier, Judge Davis Green, James M. Booth, Capt. Owen Franks, Tames Holden, J. W. Baldwin, Capt. Beale Whittlesey, A. S. Curtis, J. J. Brenan and many others .

and the "First Universalist Church of Marietta," was consummated for the purpose of jointly carrying on the work of the societies. This union has proven a most happy one and today it would be difficult to point out those who belong to the one or the other of these two faiths.

The Society from its organization has been an efficient agent for good in the community, carrying on to the extent of its ability all the departments of religious and charitable work. It has been especially prosperous during the administration of Rev. Mr. Coil, and is at th.is time stronger in every respect than ever before.

Probably no citizen of Washington County except the late Douglas Putnam, ever contributed so much for religious and charitable purposes as the founder of this church. He deserves especial praise for his large-hearted generosity, but as proi:)er mention is nmde of him elsewhere in this history nothing further will be said here of him or his work.

A Universalist Society was organized in Marietta in 18 17. On the 2nd of February, 1832, the Legislature passed an act to incorporate the "First Universalian Religious Library Association, of Marietta." It was the purpose of the Society to build up a large collection "of valuable miscellaneous books, and to this object the property which annually accrued to the Society was appropriated. The more prominent members were Griffin Greeny Jr., James M. Booth, Stephen P. Hildreth, Argalus Pixley, Louis Mixer and Count de Bonny. It is not known just when the Society began to hold religious services. The frame church, on Second street, was built in 1842. It \'.as dedicated by Rev. J. T. Flanders, wdio was then regular pastor. One room of this building was fitted for the library, and used for that purpose until the books were destroyed during the flood in April, i860. In March, 1850, the Western Liberal Institute was established and placed under the care of this church.

George S. Weaver, T. C. Eaton, Mr. Bartlett, TTionias Barron. Afr. Hicks. J.,AI. and J. W. Henley. The church, previous to the destruction of the hbran,', in which the ministerial funds of 30 years had been invested, was in a very flourishing condition The Hbrary contained about 3,000 volumes, and many liberal Christians supported the Society that they .might receive in return tlie benefits of the library.

In the spring of 1869 a successful movement was set on foot for uniting the First Unitarian Society and the First Universalii-t Church into one society, which since that date has maintained public worship in the church edifice erected by Mr. Ward.

The United Brethren Church was orq-anized with a membership of about 90 sometime during the winter of 1857. I" the early part of the winter a series of protracted meetings were commenced, which resulted in one of the greatest revivals ever known in Marietta. This revival increased the membership to nearly 200. It was deemed advisable by these converts and others who had taken part in the meetings to organize a church independent of the Wesleyan Methodist, whose pastor had conducted the protracted meetings, and a vote taken for the purpose, showed a decided partiality for the United Brethren, and the conference at its next session formally received the new organization as the United Brethren Church of Marietta. A' new chapel affords the congregation, now a large one, a comfortable place for services.