Wayne County, Ohio - Chapter 13: The Churches of Wayne County, 1910

Chapter 13: The Churches of Wayne County

While the pioneers of Wayne connty, Ohio, came to the wild woods to carve out homes for themselves and their families, and were men of the world in a sense, who followed the chase and loved amusement, there was also in them a sentiment of true respect for all sacred things and not a few were devout Christians when they settled this county. This element at a very early day sought to establish the teachings of the Man of Galilee, and were much interested in securing missionaries, being liberal in their support of the founding and maintaining of the church of their choice, though scant was their means at first.

Baptist Church

The earliest church formed in Wayne county was of the Baptist denomination, and at Wooster. It is known as Bethany church and has a history as old as the city itself. Although the society was not formed until 1812. some of its charter members were among the first settlers of the place. From the sermon delivered by the pastor. Rev. J. B. T. Patterson, in 1876. we draw the following facts concerning the history of Bethany church of Wooster :

In 1812 a block house, for the protection of the people against the Indians, who had allied themselves with the British in the war then just begun, was built on the premises of Col. John Sloan. 1n this block house and in the same year, the Baptist church was formed and has kept its organization ali\ e and active ever since - a period of ninety-seven years.

The first Baptists who settled in Wooster included David and Lvdia Kim])ton and Philip B. Griffith, who effected their settlement here in 1810. The following year came Ezekial Jones and family, and otliers of the Bajjtist faith settled in this township about the same time. To this faithful band of believers Elder Kim])ton ])reached here in the wilderness, but he did not succeed in organizing a church. It was July 25. 1812. when a meeting was held

"to take into consideration the propriety of organizing a church in this new country." The following named persons were present : David and Lydia Kimpton, Ezekial and Hannah Jones, Oliver Jones, William Robison, John Robison. Ann Robison, Catherine Kirkendall, Thomas G. Jones and Philip B. Griffith. The record adds that "several of the brethren prayed." It was voted that the organization take place on the first Lord's day in August, and that Elder T. G. Jones should write the constitution and present it at the next meeting, on Eriday before the first Lord's day in August. July 31, 1812, this constitution w'as adopted and also provided that a business meeting be held on a Saturday in each month, alternately in Wooster and at Brother Kimpton's settlement. Mr. Kimpton w^as appointed moderator of the church.

On August 2d, being the Lord's day, the brethren convened in the block house, and whilst "a body of men, armed with guns, stood guard about the building, to give warning and protect them in case of an attack from the Indians," the church constitution and the covenant, knowm as the "Philadelphia Confession of Faith," w-as formally and solemnly ratified, and the church constituted.

"There seems to be a vacuum in the minutes, which w'as occasioned by the war of 1812 betw'een the United States and Great Britain, as many were afraid of the Indians and their allies, by reason of ivhich some fled and the church became hike-warm, by reason of the w^ar, as that w-as almost the universal topic, and the event of it was of much importance to this country."

Meetings were at first held in private houses, but in 1814 a frame building was erected in the rear of the lot on wdiich the Reformed church was afterwards erected. It was situated within convenient distance of the block house, which overlooked it. The ivorshipers sometimes carried their guns with them to the meeting house, though it does not appear that the settlement was ever disturbed by the Indians.

This house being the only church in the settlement, it was generally used by visiting ministers of other denominations, and at times also as a school house. One entry in the records of this church states that previous to 1819 there w^as "cash paid for meeting house $125.00." This did not include the frame work, weatherboarding, roofing nor chimne3^ but mentions the flooring, and among other items, hair and hickory brooms. This building was later sold and removed to the east side of Buckeye street, turned end for end. the doors and windows altered, and converted into the Wooster City Tannery, where it still stood and was thus labeled as late as 1878.

Brother Kimpton was moderator, or overseer, but never a pastor. The first pastor was Elder Thomas G. Jones. The church, however, had in its membership several preachers, who, in connection with the pastor, not only preached to the church, but also engaged in missionary work, making tours to the surrounding settlements.

This church was very careful in the reception of its members, holding firmly to the New Testament principle that the churches of Jesus Christ are to be composed only of converted persons. July i, 1815, is found the following in the minutes : "Motion by Brother Thomas G. Jones, that the members absent from church meeting should not enjoy the privileges of the next communion, except they render satisfactory reasons for such absence, to the church or deacons."

The annual growth in membership during the earlier years of this church is not known, as the books of record are silent on the cjuestions of membership and baptisms. The first list of members, as found appended to the minutes, and dated November 4, 1815, shows that there were one hundred and fifteen, who had been added by baptism and letter, to the original eleven or possibly twelve which made up the charter membership. After the first three years the growth of the society was slow but solid. In 1816 this church had a call and responded in sending their minister and other brethren to constitute the Baptists at Mohican into a church, and to ordain their minister, Alpheus French. This was the first Mohican church. The land on which the first church was built was donated by William Robison. October 4, 1817, the church resolved to have a weekly prayer meeting.

Another account says: "In 1819 all the Baptist churches in Pennsylvania west of the Allegheny river, and all the churches in Ohio, east of Wooster and as far north as the lake, were included in the Beaver association." This association was organized in 1809, by twenty-five delegates, representing ten churches. Five of these delegates were ministers. In 1819 the Mohican association was formed from the Beaver association. The Wooster church assisted in forming that body, and remained a member of it until 1840. In 1818 the Beaver association held its meeting in the Wooster church.

In 1827, a schism was produced in the body by the introduction of the .sentiments of Alexander Campbell, at which time some eighteen members seceded and went over to the "Disciples." It was a number of years before the church at Wooster recovered from this shock.

March 5, 1831, it was resolved to build a new meeting house and the minutes show that the congregation had great trouble in raising sufficient funds with which to complete the new church, it not being completed until 1839. The house was floored and plastered through the efforts of the ladies of the church. Sister Cynthia Van Ostern promised to pay forty dollars (a large sum those days) and while she knew not where the money was to come from, she pledged it, and by industry and economy, she was enabled to raise the money and redeem her pledge. In that building there was a gallery extending around the sides and end of the building, but later this was removed and in 1865 the house was all remodeled.

Wooster association was formed in 1837 and was composed of Massillon, East Union, Warren, WToster, Salt Creek, Sugar Creek, Sandyville, or Magnolia, Mohican, Canal Dover, Green township and Clark township churches, eleven in all, with each an ordained minister. There were four hundred and fifty-three communicants.

In December. 1845, the subject of instrumental music was brought up, but was indefinitely postponed. In October, 1846, a resolution "to continue the choir" was passed. In January, 1847, ^ special meeting in regard to instrumental music was held, and the following resolution adopted : "Resolved, that instrumental music be prohibited from coming into this church henceforth." In December of that year a motion was passed, that "members at evening service be allowed to conduct the singing as suited to themselves."

In 1876 the lecture room was completed, the same having been erected through a legacy bestowed by Mary B. Larwill. The baptistry was also remodeled. deepened and a heater connected with it. the funds for this coming from Mrs. Joseph H. Larwill.

The present membership is one hundred and eighty-eight. A comfortable parsonage of eight rooms was built in 1896. Nearly two thousand dollars was expended during the pastorate of Rev. H. D. Allen in repairing and decorating the church and parsonage. The church is now in a flourishing condition and looks forward to the celebration of its centennial in 1912. The following have served as pastors since the organization :

Baptist Church Of Millbrook

The Baptist church of Millbrook was formed by the aid of members of this denomination who lived at Wooster. At first, when they organized, they built what was styled the Dunbar church. In 1854 they erected a church of their own, the same being over the line in Clinton township. The early Baptists here were Elijah Pocock, Mrs. Irvine Keys, Mrs. Williams, John Reider and wife and Elizabeth Knox. This church has wrought great good in Plain township since the long-ago pioneer times in Wayne county. The membership is small now and it is believed the property will be sold and a church formed at Orrville. LInion services are continued at this point yet, however.

Second Baptist Church Of Wooster Colored

This church was organized in January. 1892, with thirteen members, by Rev. James Cheetman, Dr. Chestney and Judge Swartz. The organization was effected at the house of R. L. Morrison. The services at first were held in Engine House No. 5, which was leased by the society. A church building was at once put under construction and dedicated in the autumn of the year 1892, by Reys. Ford and Cheetman. It is a frame structure, located on East A^ine street, and is about forty by eighty feet. Its cost was one thousand eight hundred dollars. The present membership is about thirtytwo. The pastors w ho have been called to preside here are : Revs. Cheetman, D. S. Orner, Joseph Speers and the present pastor, H. B. Brown.

The Reformed Church Of Wooster

Washington, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1819 made a missionary tour through the counties of Wayne, Jefferson, Tuscarawas and Richland, in Ohio, and, according to appointment, preached in a brick school house at Wooster on the first day of August. This was the first sermon ever heard in this locality from a minister of the Reformed church. This first service awakened a desire and holy enthusiasm. The visiting clergyman was urged to effect an organization and consented to serve it. Though not immediately according to his wishes, his sympathetic heart was touched. He made a second visit November 21st of the same year, when he again preached, and effected an organization in conjunction with the Lutherans, and accepted a call to become their pastor. November 21, 1819, is therefore the date of the birth of this church. January 14, 1820, Rev. Sonnedecker removed his family to Wooster, and on the 23rd of the month preached his introductory sermon in the old school house. For seven years he had the distinction of ministering alike to the Reformed and Lutheran people, when the Lutherans called to their pulpit Rev. G. H. Weygandt.

The first communion of the Reformed church at Wooster was held July 16, 1820, when twenty-five persons communed, of whom ten had been received by confirmation the previous day.

Services continued to be held in the old school house, or in private houses, until the fall of 1820, when a one-story frame house was built conjointly by the Reformed and Lutherans. This house bore the significant name of "Die Friedens Kirche." Rev. Sonnedecker here continued his services for eleven years, with great acceptance, closing his pastorate April 3. 1831. During this time he baptized two hundred and forty-six children and received into the church fellowship fifty members. The records tell us, "He was beloved by his congregation, and the day on which he preached his farewell sermon was a solemn and memorable one."

The strippling church, after the resignation of Rev. Sonnedecker, was left without a pastor for nearly two years. He was followed by Rev. Charles Zwisler, who remained seven years, beginning early in 1833 and closing the latter part of 1839. It was during his pastorate that steps were taken toward the erection of a new church. The lot (the same as the German Lutheran church now stands on) was purchased for one hundred and fifty-five dollars and ten cents and contained two and a half acres. September 28, 1833. the graveyard was laid out. December 17, 1833, the union organization was incorporated. The brick building, forty-six by fifty feet with a gallery on three sides, was begun during the summer of 1836, the corner-

Stone being laid in September. The walls of the building were left unroofed during the winter of 1836-7. Thus exposed, a considerable portion of the west wall was blown down by a severe storm. The church was finally completed in June, 1838, at a total cost of four thousand one hundred and thirtyone dollars. The church was dedicated during the annual meeting of the Ohio synod, on Saturday, June 16, 1838, Rev. Abraham Keller preaching on that occasion.

Rev. A. L. Begman succeeded Rev. Zwisler as pastor, continuing about three years, closing his labors in June, 1843. The Union Sunday school was organized in February, 1843, Isaac H. Reiter was elected superintendent. The school opened properly April 2, 1843, with a hundred scholars. The next pastor was Rev. J. P. Manshenschmidt, who remained but a year, leaving September 29, 1844.

The fifth pastor was Rev. Kaemmerer (afterward D. D.), who began his pastorate under rather adverse circumstances, but soon secured the confidence of the entire congregation. Alay 16, 1853, the Lutherans and Reformed amicably separated and on that date the Reformed were organized into a separate congregation. Up to this time the church had been served only in German. To supply the growing need of English, in August, 1853, Rev. Hiram Shawl was called to officiate in English, whilst Rev. Kaemmerer still continued to preach in German. Rev. Shawl remained but one year, but Rev. Kaemmerer continued nineteen years, closing his pastorate in April, 1864.

Rev. Joshua H. Derr came next, continuing until 1869. Rev. Kaemmerer, who had returned from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, having regained his health, found the church scattered with a positive disposition toward partition and sale of the church property, which sale was finally effected at public auction in the early part of 1869. The Reformed people realized from said sale only one thousand one hundred and thirty-seven dollars. After three years, Eather Kaemmerer could not longer wait, but commenced to gather up his old people and, with courage and abiding faith, called upon and personally invited his old hearers to attend services and hear him preach again. Services were held in the court house. After three powerful sermons he succeeded in reorganizing the church and a lot was bought and in a few days two thousand four hundred dollars was raised to pay for the same, its location being on the corner of Buckeye and North streets, where the ])resent church stands.

in France's Hall. This lasted until a billiard hall and gambling club secured ([uarters in the third story of the building. This drove the congregation into Zimmerman's block, in a room on the third floor, but in the very nature of the case thi,s could only remain as temporary Cjuarters. May 21, 1871, after service, it was, with a sole exception, determined by vote to begin the erection of a building. It was decided to build in the Gothic style a building fortyfour by seventy feet, one story high. The corner stone was laid August 12, 1871, Rev. J. F. H. Deichman preaching the sermon in German and Rev. J. Voght, of Delaware, Ohio, in English. Services were begun in the Presbyterian church, the remainder of the services being held on the open church lot. The children were marched in a body to the church and lot in order that they might all see the laying of the cornerstone. The work of building was pushed during the summer and fall of 1871, so that all was in readiness for dedication by the end of the year. At the dedication, December 31, 1871, Father P. Herbruck preached in German and A. F. Zartman, a student, preached in English. The church was then in debt six thousand dollars and on one day three thousand dollars was secured. The statement made at date of dedication was as follows: Entire cost of building, $12,221 ; lot, $2,400; total cost of property, $14,621 ; balance yet unpaid, $1,926. The membership was then but one hundred and thirty. Mr. Zartman was called to become pastor, and he preached in English, while Eather Kaemmerer preached in German. Mr. Zartman was ordained May 5, 1872. He remained about two years and died soon afterwards of consumption.

The next pastor was Rev. Henry Hilbish, beginning September i, 1874, and he served until 1876. Next came Rev. Milton H. Groh. It was at this juncture that difliculty arose over the introduction of English in the church. Times had changed and something had to be done. The result was that, after much troulile, the German element, properly speaking, gave up their rights and also their property rights and the English-speaking people carried on the church finances and work alone. The German element, now without a worshiping home, under the leadership of Father Kaemmerer as pastor, secured the okl vacated Lutheran church, which stood on the corner of North Market street, and there worshijied in their own manner in the German tongue until the autumn of 1888, when, by reason of the declining years of the devout pastor, the church was allowed to go dowm.

In 1878 the English Reformed church called Rev. T. J. Bacher to become pastor. He was instrumental in lifting a large debt before he left in 1881. The next pastor was Rev. John S. Stoner, who died in 1882. Rev. R. C.

Zartman began his pastorate in April, 1883, coming direct from the Theological Seminary at Toledo, Ohio. Improvements, including a slate roof on the church, were made and before he left the large church debt had all been Aviped out. He resigned in 1888 and was succeeded by Rev. E. M. Beck in 1889.

In August, 1896, the church had to have a thorough remodeling. Again in 1904 material changes were made, and the two-story Sunday school room was added, making a total expense at that date of about eight thousand six hundred dollars. A parsonage was built in 1892, costing about one thousand six hundred dollars.

The membership in September, 1909, was two hundred and seventy. The pastors since 1878 (the others having already been given) are as follows ; Rev. T. J. Bacher, Rev. John S. Stoner, Rev. R. C. Zartman, Rev. E. M. Beck, Rev. S. E. Neikirk, Rev. E. Cromer.

Reformed Church Of Reedsburg

The Reformed church of Reedsburg was founded by Adam Stump, a pioneer minister of the west, who labored here in 1840 and organized the congregation. Rev. J. Schlosser was the second pastor, and he was followed by Rev. Jesse Hines and he by Rev. J. J. Excel, under whose ministrations the church edifice was constructed. In 1878 the church was credited with being in a prosperous condition. At present, 1909, the church has a membership of many faithful Christians. Rev. D. Martz is the present pastor. He also has charge of the churches at or near Blachleyville and one in Chester township.

Reformed Church Of Marsh Allville

church building erected with the Lutheran denomination in 1836. This was in the country, but in 1874 the Reformed people Iniilt a church of their own in the village at a cost of seven thousand dollars. Rev. E. Strassner was the first pastor, and others were faithful pastors at an early time, including Rev. Sonnedecker, Monosmith and Swissler. The present membership is of good number. The present pastor is Rev. C. E. Brouse.

Reformed Church Of Orrviele

d'his clnirch was organized and incorporated January 20. 1869. Services from the first have been conducted in English and each other Sabbath in

German. The present membership is large and the congregation occupy a church building erected in 1908, the first one having been erected in 1869. The last one built is a handsome brick costing twenty-six thousand dollars.

The charter members were J. Wert, J. Frey, M. Gruger, P. Krick, A. Wirth, J. Speicher, J. Hurni, G. Yaekley, Benj. Eyman, Z. K. Long, F. Piens and C. Albright.

This church at an early day was associated with the Lutheran denomination, but in 1870, after their separation, they erected their own edifice, which was completed in 1872.

Wooster and neighboring churches of this faith were included in one charge until 1864, with Rev. J. H. Derr as pastor. In that year he began services in Applecreek in Gashat's FTall, but in 1867 laid the cornerstone for a church and it was dedicated in 1870. It was of the Gothic type of church architecture, and at the time it was considered one of the best churches in Wayne county. The first regular pastor was Rev. Philip Becker. In 1878 the church had a membership of ninety members. At present it has the largest membership of any of this denomination in Wayne county. Rev. Flohr is pastor.

Zion's Evangelical English Lutheran church, of Wooster, Ohio, was organized September 13, 1840, by Rev. Solomon Ritz, although English Lutheran services were held occasionally for some years prior to this time by Rev. E. Greenwald, of New Philadelphia, Rev, George Leiter, of Mansfield, Rev, Francis Ruth, of Galion. This church was organized with the follow-

The present membership of this church is six hundred. The edifice in which this congregation worships was erected about 1884, and the property is now valued at forty-five thousand dollars. The former building stood on Market street near North street. This church enters heartily into all union Christian services, fellowshiping all orthodox denominations.

Evangelical Lutheran Christ Church

The first of this church's history began when Rev. D. Henkel, a missionary, preached the doctrines of the denomination in Wooster as early as 1813. Rev. John Stauck succeeded in 1816 and for the first time administered the Lord's Supper, when Mrs. McIntyre, Mrs. Anspach and IMrs. Ihrig were received into the church by rite of confirmation. In 1820 the Reformed denomination united with this body and erected a joint house of worship, a small frame structure, which stood north of school building No. 4. L^nion churches in early times were very common, not because they agreed in religious faith, but because of nationality, there being many Germans here who desired to speak in their mother tongue, and then in union services the expenses were much lighter than to support two or more building enterprises. This state of worship continued for seven years, when, in 1827, Rev. G. FI. Weygandt came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, and became pastor, and a second joint church was built. Weygandt remained pastor until 1840, preaching only in German. Subsec|uently the purely German element felt slighted at the introduction of English speaking, and withdrew and started a church on Buckeye street. This, however, only lasted two years, when they returned and brought with them a pipe organ with four stops. In May, 1833, a distinctive Lutheran constitution was adopted. It was in 1867 when the

Reformed and Lutherans finally separated. The society adopted a second constitution in 1885. when the word Lutheran was dropped and simply the word Evangelical was made use of in the name of the denomination. The same church as was jointly used by the Reformed and Lutherans up to 1867 is still in use, with a few modifications and the adding of a one thousand five hundred dollar organ in June, 1907. The upper story of the building is used as a Sunday school room. This old pioneer church building stands on the corner of Henry and Grant streets, and is still in excellent repair; it is a substantial brick building, two stories high. The present church membership is about one hundred and fifty.

The Lutherans in Plain township first held services in 1836, at the residences of Jacob Smyser, Sr., and M. Starn ; aFo at an old log school house east of the village. ]\fr. Smyser was the first Lutheran to settle in Plain township.

As early as 1827 Rev. G. H. Weygandt preached in this vicinity, and with him as pastor the Lutherans, with a few German Reformed settlers, laid the cornerstone of a church in 1828, on joint ground procured for church and graveyard purposes, from land owned by John Lehman. This union building was dedicated in 1830. The Lutherans erected a new building in 1871.

The Canaan or Kopp's meeting house was built in 1830 by the German Reformed and Lutheran denomination, the Lutheran minister being Rev. A. Kuhn. Among the earliest members were the Weygandts, H. H. Hoffman and the Schuhs. In 1870 these congregations dissolved.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church

In 1834 the Reformed and Lutheran churches united in building this church, in Plain township. A permanent organization was effected November 5, 1843, years later a new building was erected b.y the Lutherans.

St. Paulas Reformed Lutheran Church

This congregation originally attended the Lvangelical Lutheran church. In the summer of 1842 a new church was erected, or rather commenced, but not finished until 1846. In March, 1845, Rev. Robert Koehler became their minister and served one year. The congregation separated into two - the German and Lrench elements, the congregations retaining their common property, creed and name. This church is located in Paint Creek township. i\It. Laton being its seat.

English Lutheran Mission Church

This church was organized at Orrville. January 6, 1877, with ten members, and was incorporated January 31, 1876, with the following trustees: Jesse Good, A. W. Bomberger, Otho Miller, G. G. Wear and A. McGriffin. March 28th A. C. Miller. M. D., of Cleveland, and J. H. Stoll, AI. D., and wife, in April, deeded grounds to the trustees, thus securing to the church the entire block lying on the southeast corner of Vine street, for a consideration of one thousand nine hundred dollars. In Ju1}l 1876, they began the erection of a church, the cornerstone of which was laid in September. By October the same vear the building was ready for occupancy. At present the congregation worships in the same church edifice, a good brick structure, aud the membership of the church is not large, but in a prosjierous spiritual condition.

West Lebanon Evangelical Church

The first church here was erected in 1831, prior to which there was no organization there of this denomination. This huilding was built by the Reformed and Imtheran societies.

Evangelical Churches

F. Felger, John Radebaugh, M. Rittenhouse, Philip Kettering and John Weltmer. They erected a house of worship in 1856 and another was provided in 1876. It is now known as the Grand View church.

Evangelical Association

The first church of this denomination was built in 1848, and was dedicated by Bishop Seibert. It had a membership of forty. The new church 'vas erected in 1874.

Church Of Christ

What was styled the Church of Christ w'as organized in Wooster July 26, 1835. The organizers were William F. Pool, Peter Willis, Frederick Kauke and wife, John Miller and wife, Jacob Watchel and wife, Samuel Zimmerman and Mary his wife, George K. Zimmerman, Griffith L. Jones,

Elizabeth Scott, Eleanor Jones, Mary McCurdy and a few others. This organization left no record, but it is known that they kept alive their meetings and "broke the loaf.' In tw-elve years it had growm to a society of one hundred members. For several years the church had no meeting house.

originally organized. Sometimes it assembled in the school building in the south part of town. At other dates it met at some of the members' houses. For a time it met in a cooper shop, but finally in 1847 ^ church building was completed by them on the corner of Walnut and South streets. The first regular pastor was J. H. Jones, who began his labors in 1845 ^.nd continued until 1857; after him came the following: Errett, Jones, White, Walker,

Bauserman, Moffett, Lowe and Carlton. Among the noted evangelists who frec|uented the place and worked zealously was Alexander Campbell. Up to 1878 there had been connected at one time or another seven hundred different persons, but many removed, died, changed to other churches and were excluded, thus lowering its membership greatly. The present church was erected in 1889. The present pastor. Rev. James K. Shellenberger, came September 7, 1905.

Shreve Christian Church

The Disciple or Christian church at Shreve has always been a strong, healthy society and has fi'om an early date been the means of doing much active church work. This church was first established a mile and a half to the north of the present village, on the farm owned by James Moore. Rev. John Chester, Rev. Lewis Comar, Rev. Jewell and Rev. Mitchell were among the pioneer preachers. In 1856, the society moved to Shreve and erected a small frame building in which to worship. This served until 1902, when the present magnificent brick edifice was constructed at a cost of ten thousand dollars. _ It overlooks the village from the hill north of the business portion.

The present membership of this church is four hundred, while that of the Sabbath School is four hundred and sixty-two, the same having been presided over for over forty years by one man. R. D. Wells.

This church was formed at Blachleyville and a church building erected in 1866. Flugh Funk and family. Peter Baker and his father's family. Casper Swart and others were among the earliest of this denomination in this part of Wayne county. Rev. Harrison Jones was the first preacher.

First Presbyterian Church Of Wooster

It is to be regretted that the very earliest date of Presbyterian organization in Wooster, and of course in Wayne comity, is a very uncertain conjecture, as the earliest records, if indeed there were such, have long since passed beyond the mind of the present day Presbyterians of the county. It may be remarked, however, that in nearly all of the first settlements of Maryland, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio there was an element of Scotch-Irish Presbyterianism, and wherever it located it found a place to worship God. While not largely represented in Wayne county, it still had an opportunity to sow the good seed which in later decades grew and flourished. They had in them the ring of the true metal and blue was their color.

The earliest record of this church was found many years ago in a book dingy and yellow with age, quaint in style and wonderfully humorous in its many suggestions. It bears the date of October 30, 1821, and bears this inscription : "Presented to the First Presbyterian Church of Wooster by Reasin Beall." This book indicates that there had been a constitution prior to that date. It also mentions the fact that on that date they had met to devise means to relieve their minister from wordly cares and avocations, and second, to provide a place for holding public worship. There are other circumstances that would tend to place the organization of the church as early as 1815. In a little house on West Liberty street, some ten or a dozen Presbyterians assembled before 1815, and doubtless in that house, about 1815, the birth of the church, now so strong and well known, had its origin.

Ben Douglas, in his history of Wayne county in 1878, declared that Alexander McBride told John McClellan that this church was organized with fifteen members in 1815, by Rev. William Mathews, by the order of the presbytery of Richmond, at which time Mr. McBride and Walter Buchanan were chosen ruling elders. For the first five or six years the record is silent ; what prosperous or adverse winds blew over this congregation, none can now tell.

The records of the Mansfield presbytery show that Rev. Thomas Banaccepted, April 4, 1820, the call of this congregation for one-half of his time, and that on May 24, 1820, he was installed pastor over the united charge of Wooster and Applecreek. It was Reverend Barr who was chairman of the meeting held in the Baptist church, October 30, 1821, when the constitution, as now known of record, was adopted. John Christmas, of Wooster, donated the society a lot for building purposes about that date.

This lot was situated on West Liberty street, the same being duly accepted at a meeting at the house of Reasin Beall, November 2, 1821, and the same was ordered recorded in the records of Wayne county. It now appears in book B. page 407-8-9. The committee on building went forth armed with a subscription paper which allowed the same to be made "in money, grain or such produce as is usually taken in stores, in two ecpial installment, viz : The first to be paid March ist and the balance in December following.'' The process was a slow one indeed, but finally the first contract was let for fifty thousand bricks, for which thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents were to lie paid in cash, and seventy-five dollars in equal proportions of wheat, at sixty-two cents a bushel, delivered at Mr. Stibbs' and Mr. Plank's mills. This was onehalf the contract price for the brick and the remainder was to be paid in June on terms equal to that of the first installment.

To give the reader of today a glimpse of the manner of liuilding and also of doing business in those days, it will here be pertinent to give some of the incidents and items : "Four outside doors to be made of good, sound and well-seasoned pine or white walnut boards similar to the front door in Reasin Beall's dwelling house.'' The thirteen windows, washboards, posts and gallery floors, lathing and plastering stairs to the gallery, and its front, the pulpit, the seats and the railings, were each and all as quaintly and as minutely specified. No record is left of the date of the first meeting in this new house of worship, but it is believed that it was in November, 1825, possibly the 24th of that month. The seats w^ere sold to the highest bidder on the 20th of that month, to raise funds with which to complete the church. Three months' time was given to bidders for a part of the price, the remainder in nine months, one-half in mone}^ and the other part in wheat, rye and com At the- market price. The following curious receipt shows that they worshiped in this building in 1826:

"I have received from Reasin Beall and others, twelve dollars in full, for making fires, lighting candles and sweeping the meeting house for the vear 1827, commencing November 30, 1826, and ending December 31, 1827.

In such an age as this one can scarcely realize the way in which churches were built and how scarce money was. This accounts for the bartering in all kinds of truck and merchandise, even to whisky, which then went as current for debts as did corn, wheat and stock. The subscription list, said still to be retained by the congregation as a rare and curious relic of "ancient (lavs in Wooster,'' will here follow:

"$508.75, $34 in work, $20 in bricks (2000). $16.00 in wheat, 200 bushels of wheat, $105 in sawed stuff, $42 in flooring, $47 in hauling, 258 bushels of corn, $10 in digging stumps and foundation, 175 lights of sash, $10 in poplar boards, 114 bushels of rye, ten joist at ten cents per foot, $12 in leather, $75 in cloth, flve yards in linen, five yards in tow linen, twenty pounds of flax, $9.37 cents in coarse shoes, $20 in sil\'er-work, $10 in teaspoons, five dollars in tailoring, $6.00 in blacksmithing, $2.00 in cabinet work, $13 50 in hats, $8.00 in saddlery, $30 in nails, one spinning Avheel, and forty-two gallons of whisky.''

The clerk neglected to give names of the church members who gave these contributions, even to those who donated whisky. The whole subscription amounted to $1,568.58. The amount obtained from sale of seats was $1,136.15. Delinquent subscriptions, $184.40.

After several unsuccessful attempts, the union existing between Wooster and Applecreek charges was abrogated September 13, 1831, after which time Wooster had her own pastor all the time. In January, 1840, steps were taken toward the providing of a more commodious church. But deep water had yet to be crossed b}^ the congregation, and delays were thwarting the plans for building - they had foes within and foes without. Rev. Joseph Chambers was called to the pastorate in 1850, but only remained until August, dying in the following month. Again the matter of building was broached and subscriptions taken freely, the same to apply on a church to be erected on West Liberty street, the old site. But through the work mostly of the ladies of the church the project was changed and the new plan was to build on the site of the present church. A building committee composed of five men - J. P. Coulter. James Jacobs, Fqihraim Quinby, Isaac Johnson and Rev. J. N. Shepherd - was set to work again with renewed vigor. The cost of this structure was between five and six thousand dollars. The first meeting was held in the new church January 2, 1854, when E. Quinlw, Jr., was elected trustee, and he later served as treasurer a number of years. Steps were taken, to provide the church with a suitable parsonage at a meeting held January ii. 1859. The lot on which the bnilding was erected was purchased of Mr. Quinby for seven hundred and fifty dollars.

In 1870 the Westminster church was organized, in connection with the Wooster University, which was a child of the original Presbyterian church of Wooster.

The record of membership is as follows: Organized in 1815 with fifteen members ; when Reverend Barr was made pastor the membership had reached thirty-three: when he left it had one hundred and seven; from 1846 to 1853 the aggregate membership was three hundred and seventy. In 1878 the membership had reached, after counting out all removals, deaths and other changes, a net of four hundred and sixteen. According to the records of the church in 1909 the church was made up of five hundred and twenty members. The present house of worship is the same as in 1854, aside from the improvements made from time to time. The present pastor is Rev. David Ayrton Heron.

The pastors have included the following, though not possibly all, in the order here named: Rev. Matthews, 1815 on for a number of years; Thomas Barr, many years; William Cox, one year; William Wiley, one year; George W. Warner, from 1832 to 1836; William McCandish, 1839 to 1849; Joseph H. Chambers, 1850 to August of same year, when he died; J. N. Shepherd, 1850 to 1851 ; James H. Baird, to 1854; J. B. Stewart, to 1857; R. Colmery, to i860; S. W. Miller, called 1868 to 1874; T. A. McCurdy, D. D. ; Oscar A. Hills, D. D. ; Hamilton W. Lowery, D. D. ; Scott F. Hershey, LL.D., Ph. D. ; David Ayrton Heron, came from Indianapolis in July, 1908.

Westminster Presbyteri.Vn Church

This church is in Wooster and is the outgrowth of the Wooster Luuversity and the child of the First Presbyterian church of the city. Its present membership is three hundred and fifty-five. The Westminster congregation worshi]ied in the chapel of the university from its organization in 1874 until Decemher, 1901, when the University building was destroyed by fire. In the spring of 1902 the present Memorial chajiel of the university was dedicated. built at a cost of forty thousand dollars, the money having been secured through the liberality of a number of friends. In style of architecture it follows strictly the English gothic of the thirteenth century. The building is a light buff Ohio sandstone and will accommodate aliout eleven hundred ]ieo- ])Ie. The five-thousand-dollar organ was constructed by the .Austin Companv of Hartford.- Connecticut.

Marshallville Presbyterian Church

This church was organized January 19, 1843, by Rev. A. Hanna, with a membership of fifty-seven. Rev. John Andrews was the first pastor, in 1843.

Sugarcreek Presbyterian Church

This church was organized in 1816, but had held services as early as 1814. The charter membership was twenty-three. Rev. James Adams, who formed the society, remained from 1814 to 1823. The first meeting house was of logs, and it was situated two miles west of Dalton ; the second was on the site where the third church was erected in 1853-54.

Orville Presbyterian Church

Prior to the formation of the church at this point occasional services were held. Rev. Archibald Hanna preached the first sermon in the interests of this sect in 1852, in an old school house. No further record of any services is had until those of July 9, 1854, by Rev. John E. Carson, held in the Union church. Here they henceforth worshiped until the basement of their own church was fit for occupancy. During the ministry of Reverend Semple, the church was organized July 25, 1865. The original membership consisted of the following: Mr. and Mrs. Gailey, Mr. and Mrs. Reaser, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Johnston, James A. Taggart, Margaret F. Crites, Rebecca Wilson, Lydia Wilson, Mary L. Wilson, Mary J. Ewing, Delilah McFarland, Sarah A. Orr, Rebecca M. Storrs, Catherine Schriber and Sarah J. Taggart.

Rev. Semple's labors ceased September 16, 1866, and he was followed by Rev. M. L. Anderson. L^p to 1878 there had been connected with this church two hundred and fifty-seven persons. The number in 1909 was shown to be two hundred and sixty-three. The same brick church erected in 1871 is still doing good service. The present pastor is Rev. Joseph V. Findley.

The first church organized in Canaan township was by the Presbyterian people at Jackson, May 25, 1827, with sixteen members. Nathan Hall and Thomas Hays were chosen ruling elders. In 1838 the congregation called its first regular pastor. Rev. Thomas Barr, who served them nearly forty years. Their second house of worship was erected in 1837, the third in 1854, and at present the congregation is flourishing with a church membership of sixty-two.

Wayne Presbyterian Church

This Presbyterian church was organized August 22, 1833, with thirteen members, b}^ Rev. William Cox. The original members were as follows : James and Sarah McCoy, Robert and Elizabeth Eakin, Moses and Sarah Eoltz, Margaret Beer, Abigail Johnston, Nancy Orr, John Rose, Mary Rose, Mary Lawrence and Maria McClarran. Its membership is now about fifty.

Applecreek Presbyterian Church

This is one of the pioneer churches in Wayne county. It dates its organization from 1815 or 1816 and it was brought about by Reverends Hughes and James Adams. The membership was at first thirty persons, four of whom were James Bingham, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Jonathan Peppered and Moses Dunham. These were ruling elders. The first church was built in 1817, the congregation being occasionally supplied until 1819, when Rev. Joseph Harper became the stated supply. In 1820 Rev. Thomas Barr settled as pastor at Wooster and Applecreek. In 1825 a larger house was built and in 1830 Rev. William Cox became pastor. In 1837 he was followed by Rev. Richard Graham and he in turn by Rev. Joseph Wylie. During his pastorate a third church building was erected and there was a great revival in the church. In 1850 came Rev. J. E. Carson. In i860 Rev. Andrew Virtue came and remained almost nine years. In 1868 came Rev. W. Engleson, who in 1875 was followed by Rev. S. C. Ferris. Then came Rev. J. C. Truesdale in 1878 and remained seven years. The next pastor was Rev. L. T. I.averty in 1885, during whose pastorate the present church was erected. In 1891 came Rev. A. W. Verner, who served until August 2, 1896, then came Rev. G. S. Hachett, who served until 1902. Rev. J. W. Boyer then became pastor and preached until October, 1906, when Rev. D. H. Johnson came in May, 1907, remaining until May, 1909. The church was repaired during this period. The present pastor is Reverend McGrath. The membership is two hundred and thirty-one.

Paintville Presbyterian Church

The church of Paintville - now Mt. Eaton - was organized June 20, 1818, with thirteen members. The Rev. James Adams officiated at the organization. Up to 1878 this church had on its rolls four hundred and nine persons. The names of the first members were James and Margaret Kilgore, Jane McKinney, William Kilgore, Isabelle Kilgore, William Hunter, Mary Hunter, Rowland Armstrong, Jane Armstrong, John Anderson, Agnes Anderson, James Galbraith and Sarah Galbraith.

United Presbyterian Church

Of the Wooster church it may be stated that the Associate congregation of Wooster was organized in August, 1817, and Rev. John Walker, D. D., and Rev. William Wilson presided at the meeting, which was held in a large tent erected at the south end of Buckeye street in Wooster.

The Associate Reformed congregation of Wooster was organized in 1843, ds pastor being the Rev. J. H. Peacock. Its worship was commonly held in the court house.

These two organizations were united into one congregation in 1858, under the present name of "The United Presbyterian Congregation of Wooster," having then a total membership of one hundred and twenty. The pastors of the Associate congregation and the United congregations were : Rev. Samuel Irwin, from 1819 to 1835; Rev. Joseph McKee from 1837 to 1849; Rev. Hugh Sturgeon from 1852 to 1856; Rev. J. W. McFarland from 1857 to 1864; Rev. R. H. Pollock, D. D., from 1865 to 1875; Rev. Daniel A. Wallace, D. D., LL.D., from January i, 1878, to October 20, 1883; Rev. R. A. Gilfillan, from May i, 1885, to April 18. 1886; Rev. John A. Wilson, D. D., from November i, 1886, to October 29, 1893; Rev. J. D. Irons, D. D., from October i, 1894, to November i, 1895 ; Rev. J. O. Campbell, D. D., from May 17, 1896, to October 15, 1901 ; Rev. W. A. Littell, from March 2, 1902, to December i, 1908. The congregation is now without a jiastor.

Dr. David A. Wallace was called to a professorship in the Nenia Theological Seminary of the church, but died at the close of his pastorate in Wooster. Dr. John A. Wilson was elected to a professorship in the United Presbyterian Seminary at Allegheny, Pennsylvania ; Dr. J. D. Irons was elected to a professorship in Nenia Theological Seminary and Dr. J. O. Campbell was elected to a professorship in Westminster College, at New Arlington, Pennsylvania.

The first house of worship in AAMoster for this denomination was erected by the Associate congregation in 1819 and stood on South Buckeye street m the south part of the city. It was a frame building. The second building was on the same site, erected in 1837. The present church building, located on North Bever street, is a brick structure erected in i868, at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars.

During the pastorate of Dr. David A. AA^allace a large and commodious Sabliath school room was added to the ])resent church building, and during the pastorate of Dr. John A. AA'ilson a handsome jiarsonage was purchased l)y the congregation, on East Bowman street.

Hart, W. T. Peckinpaugh and Mahlon Rouch. The trustees are as follows : J. S. Wallace, William King, Harry Hurst, W. J. Giffen, Dr. L. A. Yocum, Robert H. Smith and T. E. Ewing. The present membership of this congregation is one hundred and ninety-three.

Fredericksburg United Presbyterian Church

The Fredericksburg United Presbyterian church was organized by Rev. William Wilson, in 1818. Prior to 1858 this congregation was called the Seceders, or Associate Presbyterians. Some of the first of the church were : John Sorrel and George Miller, who had settled in the neighborhood in 1812 and 1813; William Truesdale in 1817, and Samuel Miller, David Cox and George Boon. The first place they called meeting house was built of logs and stood near the old Associate burying ground on the hill. In 1821 Rev. Samuel Irvine, D. D., was ordained pastor of this and three other congregations. In 1838 a brick building was built in the southwest part of towm. At present they worship in one built later. The membership is now fifty-seven, and the pastor is Rev. W. J. Grimes. *

Dalton United Presbyterian Church

The United Presbyterian congregation of Dalton \vas organized by the Associate Presbytery of Chartiers in 1820 at the home of John McDowell. Rev. Samuel Irvine was the first stated supply and Rev. Joseph McKee was the first pastor, his pastorate lasting from 1836 to 1842. Services were first conducted in private houses and in a tent erected on the farm of James Douglas. In 1828 a log church was built, which was used until 1839, when a frame building was erected in Dalton. The present lirick clnirch was erected in 1871. The following is the succession of pastors: Rev. J. R. Doig, 1842- 1848; Rev. D. W. Collins, D. D.. 1850-1852; Rev. J. Y. Ashenhurst, 1854- 1856: Rev. A. McCartney, 1858-1860: Rev. W. M. Gibson, 1863-1867: Rev, J. G, Madge, 1870-1896; Rev. Will H. Hubbell, the present pastor, was installed as pastor in June, 1897. The congregation has greatly prospered under his leadership. There were one hundred members when he took charge and about one hundred and fifty new^ members have been added since. The Sabbath school has grown from an enrollment of fifty-nine to one hundred and sixty. Not only has the congregation made many improvements on the church building during the present pastorate, but a fine modern parsonage has been built for the pastor. The session at the present time is c(;mposed of Thomas E. McDowell, Allan Arnold, D. C. Rudy and C. R. Suavely. The board of trustees consists of Albert E. Dague, Lewis S. Berg and Oliver W. Hanenstien.

Church Of God

The founder of this denomination was Rev. John Winebrenner, a German Reformed minister, who about 1830 preached in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was too excitable to longer be retained and tolerated in the Reformed church, and separated from it in 1825 and formed the Church of God. This church was organized in Pennsylvania and soon planted itself westward and is now well known in many sections of the country. At Wooster, Ohio, it was organized in May, 1848, by Elder A. Medgrew, with a membership of but sixteen persons. The officers were : Charles Hoff, elder ; J. P. Winebrenner, deacon. June 27, 1850, the lot and bethel were purchased from J. P. Winebrenner. Rev. G. U. Plarn commenced his labors as pastor in April, 1851. January 24, 1866, they rented their house to the Lhiited Presbyterian society until they could erect one of their own. Their first church property was purchased for the sum of sixty-nine dollars and fifty cents by Mr. Winebrenner from Lindol Sprague and John Hanna, administrators of the James Clendennen estate. Tt was the old building to the east of the present bethel. It was repaired and fitted up for a church and sold at five hundred and thirty dollars. The new church building was commenced in 1854, and completed in 1855, by David Atkins, at an expense of four thousand seven hundred and thirty dollars. It is forty-five by sixty-five feet, with vestibule and basement above ground. It was dedicated August 5. 1855. by Elders J. Winebrenner and A. Swartz. On the morning of August 7, 1854. a serious accident befell the workmen at this building. The girders and rafters for a half of the structure fell to the ground, carrying with the frame work and timbers the many working men. Citizens soon went to the scene of disaster, accompanied by physicians. The list of killed and injured is : Mr. Henderson, of Milbrook, killed: John Cope, of Massillon, wounded; Henry Miller, hurt; Joseph Kimber, hurt: David Atkins, collar bone broken: Henry Harris, badly bruised: Charles Pond, fractured bones; John Hamicar, Charles Hickman, John Vanmeter, D. Baker, .\. Hummer and a Mr. Smith, injured.

At this date the church is still in use. The membership of the congregation is one hundred and sixty and the present pastor is Rev. Ak E. Turner.

This church was built in 1843, Moreland, Adam Weiker, Isaac Tate and Samuel Metzler being the chief movers in the enterprise. The first preacher of this charge was Archibald Megrew and following him was Jonathan West. In 1878 the membership had grown to thirty.

St. James Episcopal Church

The Wooster parish of the Episcopal church was organized in December, 1840, by Hon. Levi Cox, J. W. Schuckers, Henry Lehman, James Johnson, J. C, James, David Sloane, George James, John A. Holland, R. H. Catherwood and a few other associates, of Wooster and vicinity. They adopted the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States of America. This parish was incorporated by act of the Legislature of Ohio in February, 1841. In April, 1841, Rev. Ervin Miller was called to the rectorship. Services were held in the court house until December, 1841, when the first services were held in the new church edifice, on West South street, erected by the parish, on a lot donated by James L. Bowman. Services were held there until May, i860, when the building was regarded as unsafe and was abandoned and sold, after which services were held in the basement of the English Lutheran church and later in Arcadome Hall until November, i860, when a new edifice was ready for occupanc)L This was built on the corner of Market and North streets. The first church edifice was consecrated in May, 1842, by Bishop Mcllvaine, and the new Gothic church in 1867 by assistant Bisbop Bedell. In 1869-70 the parish erected a frame building as a rectory.

Methodist Episcopal Church

The First Methodist church of Wooster was the outgrowth of the labors and prayers of this devout people, some of whom sought to plant the seed of Methodism here as early as 1817-18. It is unfortunate for the present day historian that the records are lost and the exact date of its organzation cannot be definitely fixed. Lip to 1832 the history of this church is lacking. At a quarterly conference, held in Wooster, December 15, 1832, for Wooster circuit and district, William P. Christie appeared as presiding elder. Class leaders for that day are known to haue been A. Stewart, A. Warner, J. Sampson, D. Chacey, C. Yordy, George Snider, H. Kizer, D Black, M. Warner and William Spear.

The Sunday school was organized about 1832, and in 1835 the Wooster class numbered one hundred and twelve scholars. In April, 1836, William Spear, Christian Eyster and DaYid Fairfield were appointed a committee to estimate the cost of building a church. In 1837 ^ proposition was made to divide the circuit, embracing all the appointments north of Wooster and the state road, leading to Mansfield, which was agreed to. In 1837 Adam Poe was presiding elder, and in 1838 J. H. Power.

"First, the meeting house has been pulled down and lies even with the ground. Second, they have determined to build a new house of the following dimensions; seventy-five by fifty feet, a portico eight by thirty, with columns in front, etc. They have contracted for building the same for two thousand seven hundred dollars and two thousand five hundred and three dollars have been subscribed; the building is now in a state of forwardness and they expect to have the basement fully ready for use by the first of September next and the house finished sometime during the summer.

October 17, 1840, E. Yocum appears as presiding elder. October 14, 1843, M a quarterly meeting the question arose whether it was best to divide the circuit and make Wooster a station, which, upon a vote, was carried in the affirmative, whereupon it was moved and seconded that Bodine and Smithville appointments be attached to Wooster, which was carried. The circuit was now divided as before decided by the conference, and Wooster was constituted a station.

May 6, 1849, 11'*^ trustees reported the church entirely out of debt, lint suggested some repairs and improvements to the building. William Henry donated the parsonage grounds.

"Resolved, That the members of the Methodist Episcopal conterence prohibit the use of it in their own families, and discountenance the use of it by the members of the church."

"Resolved, That we hereby request our pastor to preach discourses at his own pleasure and convenience, on the subject of dress; and that we will sustain him in the execution of the general rules of our discipline, without exception."

On a Sunday morning in February, about 1885, the old Methodist church building burned. Insurance was carried to the extent of four thousand dollars, which was promptly paid and this enabled the society to go ahead with new building plans. Right at that juncture, the Trinity church of the same denomination, which owned and used a small brick cburch where now stands the First Episcopal building, concluded to unite, or ratber reunite, for they had left the parent church some years before, and so the property of the two congregations was united and the Trinity building was taken down and the present First Methodist church building was erected at a cost of about thirty-five thousand dollars. In the year 1906 a very fine pipe organ was added to the church. Its cost was about four thousand five hundred dollars, and Andrew Carnegie donated one-third of the amount, one thousand five hundred dollars.

The present membership of this church is seven hundred. Considering the fqct that Wooster is largely a Presliyterian place (owing to the university influence and interests), the Methodist church is indeed a strong, influential denomination and is doing most effective work.

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Wooster

This is one of the more modern churches of this denomination. It dates its organization from November 23, 1872, and then started out with a membership of thirty-five. The St. James Episcopal church was rented for the use of the newly formed society. The first pastor was Rev. John Toner, of Canton, Ohio. The first official l)oard was as follows: stewards, Daniel Black, Henry C. Harris, C. M. .'\msden, J. C. Knoblc, F. L. Parsons, John Van Meter, W. S. Leyburn ; trustees, D. O. Liggett, B.

In 1874 it was determined to erect a house of worship and about the middle of June the work was begun on a lot on the corner of North Market and Lanvill streets, where a new, handsome structure rapidly rose. In size it was fifty-eight hy ninety-two feet and seated four hundred, while the Sunday school room accommodated fully two hundred more. This building was dedicated January 24, 1875. The first sermon was preached by Rev. D. S. Gregory, D. D., of Wooster University, and the regular dedicatory sermon was by Bishop \\h X. Ninde, D. D., then of the Northwestern University, Chicago. In 1878 the membership of this church was even two hundred. Early in the eighties this church, after the burning of the old First Methodist Episcopal building, united with that church and since then only one Methodist church has existed in Wooster. The brick church above named was torn down and the present fine edifice was erected as common property of the united congregation - the First church putting in the insurance money it had received and other monies and the Trinity people putting in the lot and material of their church.

Fredericksburg Methodist Episcopal Church

The First Methodist Episcopal church of Fredericksburg was built in 1830 and stood south of town. The first minister in charge was Rev. H. O. Sheldon. The second edifice erected was built in i860. Some of the earlier members of this charge were : John Miller and family, David Griffith and family, Samuel Brown and family, Robert Armstrong, Sr., J. R. Armstrong, Jacob Kiser (the singing shoemaker), Stinson IMcWilliams, Nancy Sefton and family, C. P. Tennant and family, R. S. McEwen and family.

The church, at present, has a membership of two hundred and fifty-eight. Besides this there was an early-day organized Presbyterian cburch in Sugarcreek township.

A Methodist Episcopal church was erected in Windsor in 1850-51, which they continued to occupy until 1874, when they again bnilt a neat edifice. Among the early members here may be remembered the Strattons, Notestines. Yhles. V^an Doorens, Haskins, Stephenson, Haws and others.

This was the name of a church built in Canaan township in 1831-32, through Dr. Barnes, a minister of that denomination who had preached at that point as early as 1815. The earliest to attend and support this society were the Weeds, Bowmans, Strattons, Kearns, Thrapps, Zuvers and Hills. The church became extinct just prior to the Civil war, yet the "Bend Methodists" left their impression on the community.

The First Methodist Episcopal church was built in Moreland about 1830, and was a one-story frame building thirty by thirty feet, located on Robert Buckley's land and was donated l>y him for church uses. For the first fifteen years before the church was built services were held at private houses, generally at that of William P. Force. The second church was built in the summer of 1863. At present, 1909, the church has a membership of one hundred and sixty.

Creston Methodist Episcopal Church

Methodism in this immediate section began its work at Jackson at a very early date - about 1850. In 1863 the old frame church at Jackson was moved to Creston and stood on the site of the present church. The old building served until 1884, when the present brick church was erected at a cost of eight thousand dollars. It is sixty-one by sixty feet, to which has been added during the last year parlor and Sunday school room thirty by thirty feet that cost two thousand dollars.

The present membership, in good standing, is two hundred and eighty. W. A. Wells has served this church as its recording steward and generally had charge of the collections and finances of the church for the past thirtv years. Through his management, the treasury always has a credit when conference meets.

The following have served as pastors in the order here named since 1850: Revs. M. T. Ward, A. R. Palmer, Munsinger, Reeder, Jones, IMoffett, Owen, Peters, Col. S. R. Clark, WTlls, T. S. Warner. Hushouse. Huntsherger, Warner, Saholzer, Snyder, Wager, Whitnorth, Peterson, S. E. Sears, and present pastor (1909), C. D. Castle.

Methodist Episcopal Church At Orrville

A Methodist Episcopal church was formed in the district in which Orrville was situated as early as 1853 by Joseph Hayes, and services were held in a school house in the western part of the little village. Among its first members were David Huston, leader; Mrs. Joanna Hayes, Daniel Hoover and wife, Mrs. Mary Van Buskirk, Father Wilford, a local preacher, and Mr. and Mrs. Skelton. They completed their church edifice in 1868-69 'f dedicated by Rev. Alfred Wheeler. Pastors who served this church in the order here given are (since 1869) : Revs. Clinton Craven, N. J. Close, A. E. Thomas, Philip Reiser, J. L. Sanford, J. T. McCartney, W. Reese, J. F, Brant, Freshwater, Ashbaugh, F, S. Wolfe, Boothe, Dunbar, Slutz, Barnett, Hyde, Adeyer and Fleming.

The present membership is two hundred and fifty. The cornerstone of the church has this dating, "1866-1905," meaning the date of old and new edifices. The new building is perhaps the finest in Wayne county. Its stone walls and elegant finishings make it all round modern. Its cost was eighteen thousand dollars. It stands on Church street, and was dedicated by Dr. Mitchell of Cleveland, now of Chicago.

Other Methodist Churches

Other Methodist Episcopal churches within Wayne county in 1909 have a membership, as shown by the 1908 conference minutes, as follows: Applecreek, 210; Burbank, 144; Congress, 170; Dalton, 275; Doylestown, 170; Marshallville, 95; Moreland, 160; Shreve, 209; Smithfield and Canaan, 134; West Salem, 183,

The Catholic Churches

It appears that Catholicism first had its start in Wayne county in the early forties and St. Alary's church was erected in 1847 Wooster. The cornerstone was laid during that year in the month of September by Archbishop Purcell. The first resident priest was Father Champion, succeeded by Fathers Brennan, Haley, O'Neal, Arnold, Gallaher and Ankly. When the church was erected there were but fifteen resident members, but by 1878 it had increased to over a hundred members.

The old burying ground, to the east of the church, was used until January, 1871, when the first lot was sold in the new cemetery to Joseph Holland. In 1869 Father Ankly purchased these grounds from David Robison, Jr., paying therefor two hundred dollars per acre for ten acres. The beautiful brick parsonage was built in 1906 at a cost of seven thousand, two hundred dollars. The same church is in use that was erected in 1847 and seems as good as the day it was built, due to honest workmanship.

This congregation now numbers eighty families. Father Fridolin Ankly has been in charge of this congregation since the autumn of 1865 - fortyfour years. He is a native of Switzerland, came to America when eighteen years of age, was partly educated in Europe and finished here.' He served in Sandusky, Ohio, before coming here ; also in Cleveland. Protestants and Catholics alike vie with one another to do this man of God honor. He is one of Ohio's most venerable priests and makes friends wherever he goes. This church is now styled the Immaculate Preferred Conception.

The original organ for this church came from Westfield, Massachusetts, and cost one thousand dollars. In 1866 the bell was bought in St. Louis at one thousand and four hundred dollars and weighed (gross) three thousand five hundred pounds.

This Catholic church was erected in Baughman township in 1849 'A Ambrose Halter, and the first priest was P. Morat. The church here is now known as St. Joseph's, and numbers seventeen families.

A Catholic church was erected in Milton township in 1858, the cornerstone having been laid July 26, 1858. This embraced the so-called "French Settlement," and lately the church has laid a cornerstone for a new building to be located at the town of Rittman, where there are twenty families of this faith.

This church is located at Doylestown and was organized a mile to the south of the pre.sent town in 1827. Their first building was a log structure twenty-eight by forty feet, which served until 1849, when a church was erected on the site of the present magnificent church in the village. This was thirtysix by sixty feet in size and cost four thousand dollars. This served until 1877 when the present brick church was erected at a cost of thirteen thousand dollars, now worth twenty-five thousand dollars. It is fifty-six by one hundred and ten feet in size and its ceilings are forty feet high. Recently the church has built a fine two-story brick school building near the church. The present membership of this congregation is about eighty families.

French Settlement Church

The work among the Catholics began here in 1855 and in July, 1858, a church was dedicated - a frame building which is still standing. A frame church was built in 1909 costing four thousand dollars. The Catholic work in this section is being rapidly transferred to Rittman, the railroad point, and is all served by the priest at Doylestown at this date.

At Sterling

The work here was established in 1883 and that year there was bought a frame house twenty-eight by thirty-five feet that had been a school house. This work will also be removed to Rittman eventually.

Died Among Strangers

On September 20, 1832, Father Ed D. Fenwick, a bishop, died at Wooster, among strangers, there being no Catholic hand to administer the last sacrament to him. No Catholics lived in the place at that time.

Sonneberg Swiss Mennonite Congregation

In Sugarcreek township is located one branch of the Mennonite church - the one above named. The total membership of this congregation is now four hundred and seventeen. Its ministers are Jacob Nussbaum (bishop), C. N. Amstutz, J. S. Moser (ministers), J. J. Moser (deacon). A Sunday school is in connection with the church work.

Sonneberg is neither a town nor postoffice - simply a German Mennonite settlement which received its name from the first settlers who emigrated direct from Switzerland where they had lived on a mountain called in Ger- man, 'Sonneberg." Hundreds of years ago the rulers of Switzerland had a prejudice against the faith of the Mennonites and hence bitterly opposed and persecuted them, and they were compelled to flee to the mountains, where they were not allowed to live in towns or to own land, and were forced to farm wild mountain lands and pay high rent for the same. In 1817 Benedict Schraag started for America and located in Green township, near Orrville, Ohio. He wrote to his friends telling them what opportunities there were in America for the Mennonite people. They persuaded Isaac Sommer, David Kirchhofer, Peter and Ulrich Lehman to come to America. They started from Berne in April, 1819, boarded the ship "La Havre," from France, and after a forty-seven-days voyage landed in New York, from which place they went on foot to Ohio, via Lancaster, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and on through Canton, Ohio, to within four miles of Wooster, Wayne county, near the southwest corner of land now owned by the Ohio Experimental Station, where they lived in a school house for over a month. After traveling around for some time they bought a piece of timber land from the government, James Monroe then being President of the L^nited States. The purchase was made in the center of what is now^ known as the Sonneberg settlement. They at once began to fell the giant forest trees and clear up land on which to raise grain and vegetables upon which to subsist. There was no money and all the settlers about them spoke a strange language ; they had to exchange produce for other articles, as there was no market for what they raised. One of their number rode to Canton, twenty miles away, wdth a sack of wheat, the grist for four families. They were ever glad, however, that they came to free America. In 1821 seven families more came across the ocean to join them. Among this number were John Lehman, Abraham Zuerich, Jacob Bixler and others. In 1824 came Christian Beer, Peter and John Welty, John and Abraham Tschantz, David Baumdarder, Ldrich Sommer and Peter Schneck. Others came in 1825 and located in Greene township, near the Old People's Home.

The first minister in the Sonneberg congregation was John Lehman, who arrived from Switzerland in 1821. The first to be ordained of this congregation was Ulrich Sommers and Peter Schneck. This was in 1827 and two years later Peter Schneck w'as ordained a bishop.

The first baptismal service was held in 1828. The first marriage performed was on December 31, 1822, that of Ldrich Lehman and Barbara Gerber. The first death to occur in the settlement was that of Elizabeth, wife of Ulrich Gerber, in Septemlier, 1823.

Church services were held in private dwellings until 1834, when the first church was built; it was rebuilt in 1861, and again in 1907, when the building was dedicated on September 29th. Its cost was six thousand dollars. Since 1828 more than seven hundred persons have been received into the church by baptism ; over three hundred couples united in marriage and more than four hundred deaths have occurred. In this congregation there are now one hundred and fifteen families, or over four hundred single memberships.

Amish Mennonite Church

1'his branch of the Amish Mennonite church was organized in 1816 in Green township, Wayne county, with six or eight families, or about twenty members. They conducted their services in private houses until 1862, when they erected their first house of worship, one mile east of Smithville, a frame structure, at the cost of three thousand dollars. This house served well its purpose until 1905, when a new building was erected at the same place ai a cost of about seven thousand dollars. In 1880 the congregation erected a church edifice in Milton township at a cost of about two thousand dollars, and since conducts regular services at both places. Its present membership is about six hundred.

The first ministers were Daniel Zook (Zug for German) and Christian Brandt, who organized the church. The bishops, since its organization, have been Christian Shantz, Jacob Yoder, John K. Yoder; the last named served forty-five years, and since 1896 its bishop has been Benjamin Gerig. The assistant ministers are Jacob S. Gerig, C. Z. Yoder and D. Z. Yoder. The church is active in home and foreign missionary work ; several of its members have been to far-away India where the church helps to support a number of mission stations. Some are at work in the home missions that are scattered from east to west in some of the larger cities.. The church also helps to support other church institutions, such as the publishing house, old people's home, orphans' home, schools, etc., and is interested in the evangelistic work throughout the world.

Much might be added concerning the good work being accomplished by this devout people who are among the most thrifty and law-abiding citizens within Wayne county, but in a work of the character of this the above will suffice.

This branch of the Mennonite church is a strain of the original Mennonite church of America and is under the Mennonitish conference of Ohio that meets annually in different parts of this state. They endeavor to teach the whole gospel of Jesus Christ and make it practical in their daily lives. As a people, they are industrious and are, for the most part, farmers. They are hospitable, kind and generous, and opposed to war, secret societies, swearing of oaths and conforming to the world. This branch of the Mennonite church has a membership of about two hundred and fifty.

It had its beginning in 1834 when it was organized in this county. John Bohrer and Jacob Buchwalter came from Lancaster county, P.ennsylvania, and settled southeast of Orrville and organized what is known as the Martin church. This band was soon followed by others of like faith, including the Martins, Lengers, Brennemans and others, after which the church grew rapidly. A few years later a second church was built across the line in Stark county to accommodate the people. A few years after that a third church was built, called Salem church; this was south of Smithville, and in 1909 a fourth church was organized at Orrville. These several buildings were erected at an average cost of about three thousand dollars.

These four churches are under one charge, with Bishop Michael Horst, of Orrville, as their old retired bishop. I. J. Buchwalter, of Dalton, grandson of the above named Jacob Buchwalter, as their active bishop, has general oversight of the church's work and he is assisted in his duties by the following ministers: A. H. Brenneman, Marshallville ; David Hostetler, Weilersville ;

David Martin, Dalton, and Aaron Eberley, of Dalton. The deacons are John Hackman, Orrville; S. K. Plank, Orrville; William Shoup, Orrville; Abe Burkholder, Orrville.

This church helps in the noble support of the Mennonites' Old People's Home, near Rittman, as well as assists in the organization of other church societies in adjoining counties. Sunday schools and young people's meetings are kept up with much interest at its different places of holding meetings; they also do a good foreign missionary work.

Salem Mennonite Church

The Salem Mennonite church was organized in 1887 with sixteen meml>ers, and is located in Sugarcreek township, southwest of Dalton. A neat and comfortable church was built in 1887 at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars, and improvements to the amount of one thousand dollars were put on the building in 1895. In connection with the church there is a well-organized Sunday school of two hundred and twelve members, of which J. H. Tschantz has been superintendent for the last fifteen consecutive years. There is also a Christian Endeavor Society of sixty members and a Ladies' Aid Society of thirty-five members. The present pastor is A. A. Sommer, with the following officers: John Badertscher and A. J. Welty, deacons or elders; Sam Geiger, J,. H. Tschantz and Philemon Sprunger, trustees. The church now has a membership of one hundred and sixty-three. The church, as a whole, is organized into a missionary society and the first Sunday of each month is set aside as a missionary Sunday, when a special program is carried out and an offering taken for missionary purposes.

Congregational Church Other Early Churches

Among the churches and religious societies in Wayne county, not classified and written of in their regular denominational order the following should not be forgotten :

Oak Chapel, Methodist - The old log edifice was erected in 1827, and was dedicated by Rev. Russell Bigelow. A new church was provided in 1861, dedicated by Rev. Adam Poe. In 1877 repaired, a cupola added and a bell introduced. The society was flourishing in the eighties, and it may be added that this building stood near the site of the old-time camp meeting grounds of 1818 held in Plain township.

Geyer's chapel was completed in 1876, the project of building having been agitated since 1862. Bishop Markwood dedicated it January 27, 1863. The first class was organized there in 1863, with a membership of seven. From that small beginning grew up a prosperous church.

The first church built in Clinton township was that erected by the Disciples about a mile and a half northeast of Shreve, on the James Moore farm.

The Methodist Episcopal church near Newkirk's Spring was the first of that denomination in this township and it was built in 1843. David H., Son of Henry and Jane Newkirk, was the first person buried in the graveyard by this church.

"There are nine different churches represented in this township; Methodists, organized in 1814; the Amish, in 1816; the German Baptists, in 1826; the Presbyterians, in 1830; the Winebrenarians, in 1839; the Brethren of Christ, in 1843; Evangelical Lutherans, in 1844; the United Brethren, in 1845, the River Brethren."

If there are other churches whose history is omitted in this work, it is because the officers have failed to respond to the call of our historian for necessary data from which to form such historical sketch.