Bartholomew County, Indiana - Chapter 6, 1888 (part 2 of 3)

Hope M. E. Church was organized in 1854, ^3' ^^^'- Ephraim with the following twelve members: G. W. Norman, class leader, Levina Norman, Alexander Cook, Polly Cook, William Miller and wife, Mrs. Jane Barme, Emanuel Snjxler and wife, Harriet Cook, Rebecca Cook and Sarah Cook. The leader of this class and several of its members, are still faithful supporters of this church. God has prospered the society, giving it grace, and increasing its members until now 320 souls look to its altar as their place of worship. The first meetings were held in a small log school house that stood in the lot where Mrs. Trisler now lives; but Avith increased numbers a larger house was required, and in 1857, a frame church of ample size and neat design was dedicated to the INIastcr's service, and there for thirty years the Word was preached. In 18S7, at a cost of $8,000, a handsome brick edifice, capable of seating 725 people, was erected on Washington Street, near tlie coi-ner of Harrison, and on October 23, of that year, was dedicated by Dr. J. H. Bayliss, assisted by Presiding Elder S. Tincher. Payment for this work was provided for without the incurrence of debt, principally tlirouoli the \\(irk if llcv. \V. W. Reynolds. The old church, still well preser\ed, will he iisetl as a chapel after being removed Irom its present site to a lot near the new building. 1 1. G. Solomon is Superintendent of the Sabbath School, which has an average attendance of about 200 children.

A^ciubcnt J/. J£. Church was organized about 1S56. Among its early members were Alexander Kennedy, a local preacher, John Boyer, William McClintic, James C. Gant, Anderson Jones and David E. McCallic. Tlic membership has grown to 120. Captain George W. Wright, an excellent singer, has for man}- j'cars been a good helper in this congregation. Soon after the organization a substantial frame chm-cln was erected, which is still used. It was recentl}' remodeled and thoroughl}'^ repaired; and on Febju.ar}'- 5, 1888, was re-dedicated by Rev. W. W. Reynolds. The Sabbadi School, with an avciage attciidance of about 100, is superintended by D. E. McCallie.

The three churches last named constitute the Hope circuit. The St. Louis Church for man}- years was in the Columbus circuit, and from about 1S44 to 1S49, in the Auburn circuit. In 1S50, it was called the St. Louis circuit, and this church was the recognized headquarters of the charge until 1S64, when it was changed to the Hope circuit. In 1866 the work was divided, Hope and St. Louis being heads of distinct circuits. They w^ere re-imited in 1868, designated as Hope circuit, and so continue to the present. A parsonage was located at St. Louis, in 1851; was sold in 1864 (the proceeds being invested in a parsonage at Hope); was re-purchased in 1866, and again sold in 1S68. The parsonage is now at Hope. These cliurches have"been frequently shifted from one district to another, but prior to 1B55, they were generally in the same district; the Columbus church had the Presiding Elders, elsewhere named, in the early history of that society. The early preachers are also there named. Joseph McQueen, Uriah INIcQueen and James N. Love, were early local preachers at St. Louis; Louis Rominger and George W. Zeigler, were zealous and powerful exhorters. When Columbus and St. Louis became separated in 1844, John C. Kelley was pastor at the latter place. After him came Landy Havens, Philip Berwick, J. V. R. Miller, Ilaydon

Ilay.s, George B. Taylor, P. I\ Ilolmcs. A. !>. Sliaw, Harmon Richardson, Thomas Crawford, Ephraim WriLflit, AXilHam Mont- ^ oomcry, WilUam Roam, Samuol C. Ncjblc, James Crawford, W. II. Mull-er, James Davidson, ^\'i^iam Lonj;-, F. II. Turk, David Stivers, William Maupin and Jacob Norton. In iS66, William Maupin was at Hope, and S. H. Whitmore, at St. Louis; in 1867, S. C. Noble, at Hope, and Samuel Longden, at St. Louis; and in the lext year jNIr. Longden had both charges. To complete the list for the Hrst half century of the church's existence, ma\' be named Thomas W. Jones, James Crawford, George W. Winchester, John P. Pell and William M. Grubbs. The circuit is now traveled by Rev. W. W. Reynolds, Avho in 1. ministry of ten years, has had 1,037 accessions to the churches in his charge, and has built, or radically repaired, nine church edifices. On this circuit, where he is now on his second year's work, he has had about 200 accessions. He was born September 6, 1845, near Brownstown, Indiana; was educated at the Illinois Universit}-, at Bloomington, in that State, where he was graduated in 18S0. His zeal and Christian spirit, are evidenced by his works.

HartsziVc M. E. Chtirch.' - The societ}' here was organized about 1854, i" the Baptist Church, with twelve members. Robert Powell and wife, James Powell, John Quinn, Levi Moore, William Smiley, William Black, Solomon Miller, Enoch Richmond and wife, and Elizabeth Alexander, were among the first men:ibers. John W. Winchester was the first minister and " Father " Countr}-- man led the first class. The second leader was Thomas C. Fo"Ie, long a faithful member. Among the early preachers were William vSmith, Constant B. Jones, Jacob Miller, Charles Mapes, Nimrod Kerrick, Joseph Tarkington, James Crawford, Land}' Havens, John S. Tevis, Milton Heath, and Lewis Dale. At first the meetings were held in the Baptist and Christian churches, the temperance hall, the college building, and at the homes of members, but about 1863, during the pastorate of William Maupin, a pious and energetic man, a substantial and commodious frame church was erected, costing about $1,500. The church also owns a neat parsonage valued at $2,000. The present pastor is Rev. William Wykoff ; the membership numbers eighty-five. The Sunday School

Car/cr's Chapel, located in Columbus ^l\)\vnshi]i on the crossroads at Lowell StatifMi, was organized by Rev. James Garner, in 1821. Its early members were: Elijah S. Carter, Mariah Carter, Nathan Carf'-'-, Elizabeth Carter, Joseph l>evis, Aaron lievis, Sarah Moun; . William Lumbick, Sarah Lumbick, Ik-njamin F. Arnold, Matilda Arnold, IJenjamin Piatt, Mary Fiddrick, lulia Arnold, Samuel Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Rebecca Ann Carter, Rebecca Ikvis, Jamima Lumbick, Rhoda Iliatt. Elijah Carter was the first class leader, : id continued as such about thirty years. For many 3'ears this chuich was attached to the Columbus circuit, and afterward to the Taylorsville circuit. In early times the meetings were held at the houses of Nathan Carter, Samuel Mounts and others. At least fiftj'-five years ago a log church, the first Methodist church in the county, w^as raised just north of the present building and west of the grave-yard. On the same site, early in the 40's, a small frame church was built, which served the congregation till 1870, when a brick edifice, 40x45 feet, w^as erected at a cost of about $2,200, which was dedicated in 1871, b}^ Revs. Sampson Tincher and Joseph Cotten. The membership is now twent3'-nine.

Bethel Church, located in Union Tow'nship, about two and a half miles west of Taylorsville, was organized in 1853 b}^ Smith D. Jones, William Lightfoot and wife, Vincent Foster and wife Sarah, Thomas L. Jones and w'ife, Elijah Dj'son and wife Ann, Elza Browning, w'ife Fanny, and daughters Sarah and Matilda, Kat}^ A. Bevis and Mary Groves. A frame church, early constructed by this societ}', WMS destroyed by fire in 1863, and rebuilt in 1S66, at a cost of about $800. Present membership fifty-seven.

St. Louis Crossing- Church. - In 1863 a society was organized and a church built by the Presbyterians at this place. In 1871 the building was purchased by Henr^' Drake and presented to the Methodist congregation. The building up of the congregation was the work of Rev. James Crawford. Among the early members were Henry Drake, Peter Shank, John Drake and their waives.

One (jf the most iiiijMjrlanl events in the liistorv of this rliuit h was the revival concluded in 1887 by Ke-v. Daniel Ryan, In winch he -brought into the church 122 members. The present membership IS 150. The Sunday School is also large; II. Ferry, Superintendent. Tayhirsvillc ]\L E. Church wa^ organized in 1833. Among the early active mendiers were Dr. Ikdl, David Groves, Mary Groves, Thomas James, William Smilli, George Iiaker, Robert I-Iobson, Richard Hendricks, Sarah Swisher, Samuel and lizabeth Brown. The Taylorsville congregation was organized in a logcabin, and for some lime held its meetings at the homes of members. About 1850, a frame edifice, 36x46 feet, was erected at a cost of about $1,000. Present membership sixty-nine. Rev. W. C. Watkins has charge of the four last named churches, which, togethcr, constitute the Taylorsville circuit.

Clifford M. E. Church. - As early as 1S50 Ilawpatch Chapel, on the road to Columbus from Clifford, about two and one-half miles from the latter place, was the meeting house of a goodly number of the leading farmers in that section. About 1S65, a Methodist society was formed at Clifford into which the Mawpatch society was merged. The first class was composed of about fifteen members, among whom were Johnson Joiner, leader; Frank Miller, Elmira Barb and W. L. Linke. The first preacher was Rev. J. S. Reager, and subsequently those best remembered were J. C. White and J. C. McCaw. About 1858, an independent church building was erected in Clifford, the United Brethren having preference in its use. It still stands in the east part of the village and is used by the New^ Light Christians. In this church the Methodist Episcopal class was organized, and here in the township hall its meetings were held until 1879, when, at a cost of about $1,000, a neat frame church, 36x50 feet, was erected in the west part of the village. The church is very prosperous, having 165 m. mbers. Its Sunday School has an average attendance of fift}', with Julian P. ^vlorton as Superintendent.

PdcrsviUcM. E. C//?//r//. - Over fifty years ago, CHfty Church was built on Clift}- Creek, near the present site of Petersville. Among its early members were Dr. H. B. Roland, John Singleton, Asa Hunt, Jesse Davis and their wives. The society moved to

Petersvillc ul.iout 1867 or 1S68, and erected a frame churcli, 25x40 feet, selling the old house to Peter Blessing. Rev. Samuel Longden was instrumental in building the new church. INIrs. Jennette Burnett has been a faithful member for many 3-ears, coming with the society from old Clift}'. Present membership 150. The Sunda}'' School has an average attendance of about sevent3'-rive, with Dr. F. Norton as Supciintendent.'

DiirnsviUc J\l. E. Church was organized about 1S32. Wesley White and James Thomas were among the carl}' class leaders, and one of the first preachers here was Williamson Terrell. About 1S58, the church built a frame meeting house, comfortable and of moderate size. The society' was weak for man}' years prior to the pastorate of Daniel Ryan, but now has seventy-five members.

Trinity^ located in Clay Township, about two and one-half miles southeast of Petersville, was organized in 1S85, through the work of Rev. Edward L3'ons. Those instrumental in organizing and supporting the church were Henr}' Glick and famil}^, Peter Glick and wife, Frank New and wife, James Collier and famil}--, L3'man Bo3'er and wife, E. B. Newb3' and famil3'-, S3dvanus Glick and wife, William Ross and wife, and man3' others equally as devoted. The congregation uses a church built b3'' the Lutherans, which was recentl3' removed and rebuilt. Present membership about 100. The Sunday School has an average attendance of about fift}', with P. Glick, Superintendent.

The four churches last named constitute the Clifford circuit, and are under the charge of Rev. Daniel R3'an, a faithful and successful worker. He is now on his second 3'ear's work in this count}', and has had nearly 500 accessions; and all the churches in charge have been repaired at considerable expense without incurring debt.

Azalia M. E. Church was organized about the year 1836, by Rev. W. W. Hibben. Williamson Terrell and J. B. Abbett were among its earl}'- preachers. Its first class leader was Samuel Baker. The oldest member now is Washington Polen, whose name has been identified with the histor3' of the church since August, 1838. The first meetings were held in a log school house; but in 1840, a hewed log building was raised which served the congrega- lion until ihc early pari of the 7o"s, when a frame house, 36x10 feet, ^costing $800, was ereeted on the site of the old cluireh. The membership now numbers ci<;-hty-three.

Jc)iicsvi/lc JI. E. Church was organized about the }ear 1840, by William Pruther, W:.!ter G. Trather, John Clive and others. The society had no fixed j^laee of worship for a jieriod oC more than ten years, but in 1853, built a large frame structure which has since been remodeled. Present membership forty-live.

WaJcshoro Jf. E. Church was organized in the latter part of the 40's by Reuben Cisler and wife, Milton Keller, John Walker, William Kennard and wife, Joseph Stanley and others. In 1S58, the society erected a neat frame church, of ample size for the congreo-ation, which is still used. Present membership forty-five.

ElizahdhUnvn M. E. Church was organized about the year 1850. The early uiembers prominent in church work were R. H. Wilber, James Newsom, Richard Newsom, Jacob Seibert, Thomas Norton and Peter Gwinn. Rev. Boone was the first minister. The church was built in 1854 ^3' Enoch Harrison. It is 42x60 feet, and cost about $900. Its congregation now numbers 138.

The four churches last named are in the Jonesville Circuit, and are now in charge of Rev. J. L. Perry. Among the early preachers remembered by these congregations were Revs. Maupin, Puett, Carter, Conner, Bright, Potts, Rossin and Beswick. The early records of this circuit have been lost and many facts connected with its early history are not ascertainable.

New Zion, in Harrison Township, w^as established as a mission church soon after the settlement of the country round about it. For several years preaching was had at the houses of Samuel Thompson, John Cooper and others; then at Smith's school house. The early members were: James Sims, Samuel Thompson, Thomas McConnell, Joseph Mitchell, Moses Cooper, John Cooper, John JNI. Polan, WiUiam Lucky, Reece Schwartwood, Nelson Fitch, and John Linson. Mrs. Clara C. Cooper is one of the oldest members of the church, and has been prominently identified with its history from its formation. About 1S50, a hewed log building was erc-ted, which served the congregation until 1882, when it was replaced by a frame structure, 36x_,o, costing about $700; Benjamin De Vore

0///'o Cfhrpc/, in Ohio Township, Mas organized soon after l!~'50, chielly thron-h the elTorls of C. W. Rnetgers, a faithful local preacher. A\'illiam Puett was the first minister in ch;n\L;"e. The early members wei'c : William R. IjocIIc, Samuel Kilzmiller, Moses Coo]-)cr, John Lyod and others. The lirst meetings \vere held in St. Paul's E^ angelical Lutheran Church, but soon after its organization the church raised a log house on William Bodle's farm, for a place of worship. In 1S59, a frame house, 24x36 feet, was erected one-half mile from the site of the log church, and in 1S72, a little south of the old site, a second frame ediiice, comfortable and commodious, was erected at a cost of about $2,000. The church now has sevent}' members.

Soul/i Bcihany was organized as early as 1850. Among its early members were Joel Avers, Joseph Patterson, Moses Merving, Thomas Gent, William Rose, and their wives. The fir.st minister was William Powell, who preached at the house of Joel Ayers. A frame church was earl}- built, but was destro}'ed by fire soon after its completion. A log house was then raised which served th. congregation till 1872? when a neat frame church of ample size, costing about $1,000, was erected. Present membership about thirt}'. The Sunday School has a large attendance ; Samuel Price, Superintendent.

MoiDif IlcaltJiy^ organized about 1866, had among its early members: Samuel Fitch, Isaac Wantland, Morris Dye, William Linson, their families, Thomas McDonald, his wife, and Mrs. Elza Stiles. The first meetings were held in the seminary building xmtil a frame church was built. The church has upward of fifty members, and recentl}' erected a neat frame church of moderate size.

Mount Olive, located in the northwest corner of Harrison Township, was organized about 1870. The first minister was Rev. George D. Conner. Among the first members were Hugh Stewart, James Sparks, Joseph Hawk, Benjamin Whittington, William Perrv, and their families. The first meetings were held iVincvcJi, located in the northwest ]iart of the county in Xine\-eh Township, was organized through the leadership of Oliver P. Applegate, now^ more than half a century ago. The early j^reachers Avere Revs. Tinsley, Jackson, Clifford, Durwert, and that powerful man, Joseph Woods. Among the later preachers, William Smith possessed marked ability. This church has always had a very respectable congregation. Mrs. Elizabeth Barnhill and Mrs. Collin McKinne}^ are probably the oldest survivors of its early members. The families of the Applcgates, Bakers and Smith were prominently connected with its earl}^ history. In i860, a frame church, 30x60 feet, was erected at a cost of about $1,000, which was dicated by I^ishop Bowman. The present pastor is Rev. Isaac Turner. This church is the only one in the county in the Nineveh circuit.

Mt. Plcasaii/, located near W. A. Abbett's, three miles southwest of Columbus, was organized about 1S46 in a log school house, by J. M. Abbett, A. M. Abbett, Nelson Fitch, Samuel Linson and others. O. H. P. Abbett was the leading local preacher. The society prospered and had a large congregation until 1863, when Rev. W. W. Rundell, a good man and a good preacher, but most radical in thought and expression, discussed war issues in his pulpit so vigorously and with such scathing words that many of his hearers holding different views on the subject discussed, left the congregation, forming the Christian Union Church, and eN'entuall}^ destroying the Methodist society. Within a few years after the organization a frame clunxli, 30x40 feel, was erected, \vhich lias not been used fur several years, except iiiion occasions for the Innylnoof tlie dbad. For a time it was on the Columbus circuit, and then on the Jonesville circuit until droj^ped altogether. About 1S28, a class was formed at the house of Mrs. JMlmund Day, in Sand Creek Township. The first preacher was x\sa Beck, and the first class leaders, Jesse Evans and William Ilaniner. Preaching was afterward held at the cabins of Evans and Ilamner, and later at that of Jacob Seibert. Amos Bussey was the last to preach in that neighborhood. The society was abandoned and soon the; after the class at Elizabethtown was formed.

Antlion}" Head's meeting house was buil; b}' himself, at his own expense, on the east side of the Rockford State road about a mile south of Columbus. It was a good sized hewed log building, and was free to all religious sects, though the Methodists used it most as it was near the Glanton and Gabbert neighborhoods. It was built long before there w^as any church in Columbus, and probably earlier than the Liberty Meeting House in the Hawpatch. Mr. Head was a very eccentric man, and b}^ many ^vas thought to be crazy. It is not known to what denomination he belonged. He named a son for Lorenzo Dow^ and probably was a disciple of that celebrated character. His dress was peculiar and he entertained some most remarkable theories concerning hail and other generally understood products of the elements. At one time he announced that he would preach, and a large crowd assembled curious to hear what ideas he might have to advance. But his eccentricity manifested itself in a change of mind with no reasons assigned, and the disappointed audience dispersed. The Methodist class in this neighborhood in 1830 was larger than that at Columbus, having forty or fifty members. These were later drawn off to the other organizations. With the springing up of villages, preaching in the woods and in the log cabins of the forest became less common; many classes went out of existence, but the growth of Methodism was not checked. In 1825 there were but 642 members in the entire circuit, extensive as it was, and in 1838 there were 719. In the count}' alone in 1879 there were over 1,506 Methodists, and now there are not less than 2,800. The church property' in 1879 w-as valued at $20,600, while now it reaches the sum of $57,75t>-

African Af. Ji. Church. - I'lic first wlu) had an \Mni.rss iji cf- .fet'.inq; an or^aiii/ation among" ihc colored Methodisls of Cohnnlnis, was Elder Steen, who formed the Second AFethodist Kjiiscop.d Chmxh, in TS84, ihough ]ii-e\'ious to lliat time others had jtre.iched the \\'ord to these brethren. h^ldei" Steen remained about six months, and when he left the church oro-anizalion was abandoned. Jason ]5undy, a I'residing Elder of the African JNlethodist Episco})al Church, then came among the people and organized a society of the denomination which he represented, and in 18S5, Elder John Jordin had it in charge. He was relieved by Elder Green, and he in turn, bv Elder Harper, during" whose time Elder C. M. White, a local preacher with some followers, made an effort to go back to the original organization effected by Elder Steen and abandon that under which they were then working, with about fifteen members. As a result, dissentions arose; Elder Harper was taken to another conference, and the members were soon with no house of worship and no place to which the}' could direct their children, except to the altar of some other faith.

Baptist Church. - Flat Rock Church was among the earliest established in the county. At the house of Benjamin Crow, February 10, 182 1, Mignon and Sally Boaz, Joshua and Agnes Sims, Joseph H. and Elizabeth B. Van Meter, Benjamin Crow, James Quick, John McEwen, Eleanor Folkner and William Dudley, signed the following act of constitution: "We, the undersigned, met at the house of Benjamin Crow, and examined each other's faith, and find it to be tliat of the Silver Creek Association, of August, 1819, and do hereby proceed to unite; first, b}' giving ourselves to God and b}' His grace to one another, to live in a church state, by filing our letters on the day above written." These pioneers were joined by others of like faith, and soon the membership of the new church was quite large. A spirit prompting mission ar}' labors grew up, and meetings were held at other settlements throughout the new country.^ Among the churches brought into existence through tlie efforts of this association, were the Haw Creek and Sharon churches. Tlu church itself has had a varied career, at times being strong and at others, weak. Its membership now numbers forty. Elder Elijah Pope was tlie first pastor of the church, wlio, after a ^-ear's ministr}", was succeeded by Elder JMignon Boaz

^vho served for l\veiit\--foiir \-e;irs, Ini'.idiiiij up llie church, and by his t^race and ]")0\ver saviiit;" nianv souls, hi the years dial followed tlie clij^arch was. ministered uiilo b}' ]'21ders William G. Eaton, Evan Snead, Jesse Robinson, ]-5. R. Ward, Wilham Golding-, James Pavey, A. Pa\ ly, Albert Carter, A. J. Esse.x, Ilugli McCalip,John Recce, J. W. f^ewis and others. It is now in chari;"e of Rev. V. O. Duncan. The church has ordained to the (jospel ministr}' M^ignon Boaz, James McEwen, Uriah McQueen and A.J. Essex. The earl}' meetini^s were held at the house of iMigivu Tjoa/., who, in 1821, donated two acres of land upon which the members raised a small loy cabin - - their first house of worship. In 1S25, a larg'er and more comfortable house of hewed logs, was erected on the same site, and continued as a place of worsliip until 1S50, when it gave way to the frame house now occupied.

S/iaro)! Baptist CJiurch was the second formed in the counlv, of this denomination. The organization was effected in 1823, principally through the labors of Samuel Nelson, a pious and influential pioneer. The first roll soon bore the names of thirtA^-eight members, but dissensions arose as to the reading of the " Article of Faith" and "Rules of Decorum" which reduced the number to fifteen. The second roll of members began about 1833, and in six years increased from fifteen to thirty-four, when again the numbers were decreased b}- conversions to Mormonism, until there remained but nineteen. William McFall, Elizabeth Keller, D. R. Trotter, and Nancy Vanskike, were among the faithful, members from the lirst. Through revivals, the number was subsequently increased to about 125, the principal of these being in 1862 and 1865, following the labors of Revs. A. Pavey, Albert Carter, Hugh K. McCalip, J. Ramse}*, and others. Among the early members not already mentioned, were Jesse Spurgin, R. A. C. Elliott, Thomas Dudley, Dr. R. Vanskike, Goodson McCalip, Esther Robertson, Milton J. Nelson, Eli Critzer, Aaron Ray, William S. Jones, Margaret Yealey, Lucinda Kent, Martin Keeler, and many others. The congregation at first met at the homes of its members, usually at those of Samuel Nelson, William McFall, and the Kents. A lof meeting house was t;arly erected on the north bank of Clift\' Creek, below Petersville, and for man}' years was used by the

Joseph JPassett, the powerful pioneer jireacher, was the lirst to preacli the Gospel to this congregation. For almost a year before his oi'dinatio!) as a minister in May, 1824, he went a.bout proclaiming tiic Word of God from many pulpits and doing much good in bringing souls into the Kingdom. Among other preachei-s were Revs. A. Pave}-, A. '^'oung, E. Snead, Hugh JNIcCalip, J. Ramse^^, and for many years past, the venerable Albert Carter. The present membership is eighty-tw"0. A Sabbath School is conducted during the summer months.

//azu Creek Baptist Churchy located about three miles northeast of Hope, was organized Septenil:ier 22, 1827, by William Carter, Moses Wilson, William Moore, John Carter, Isaiah Carter, Mar}' Carter, Grace Powell, Jacob Powell, Nancy Ra}-, Nancy Wilson, Jemima Moore, Arls}' Lauderback, Jennie Cantwell, Elizabeth Carter, and Jehoda Wilson - fifteen in all. Elder Daniel Stogsdill was moderator, and Benjaniin Crow, clerk at the organization. Mrs. Nancy Carter was the first convert to the church, being baptized in November, 1S27.

The first minister was Rev. Adani Cantwcll, who served from Februar}', 1S28, to September, 1829. Subse(|uent ministers serving the church were: Dudle}' Mitchell, William Moore, Absolom Pavey, Evan Snead, James Pave}', x\lbert Carter, Hugh McCalip, L. E. Lane, James Lewis, Andrew Young, Charles Boaz, and others. At present the church is supplied by Rev. T. C. Smith, of Decatur County. The church has ordained as ministers. Revs. William Moore, William Carter, and Charles Boaz. Rev. William Moore served the congregation for more than twenty-seven years, and accomplished great good. Remarkable for its success was the ministry of Rev. Andy Young. He found the harvest ripe, and, in one year of his ministry, gathered into the fold sixty-two members, forty-two of whom were received by experience and baptism.

The first meetings were held at the homes of the members, and occasionally at a school house not far from the present church. In 1S2S, it was decided to build a meeting house; a committee selected the site of the present church as most suitable, and a log building,

20x30 feet, as ere(;'''<.l thereon, ''i'his was used luiti! 1S55, ulien it was torn down to gi'.e plaee to the frame ehureli, 3[\.|0 feet, now occupicKl. Tlie congreyalion has ever been large and most respectable, wielding a great influence for good in the community where it is located. It has been rich in grace and strong in numbers. At the last conference it reported 114 members in good standing.

Little Sand Creek Baptist Chiireh was orgajiized at the dwelling house of George S. ]?ottorff in Rock Creek Township, on the nth day of January-, 1S39, b}' the following persons: John and Margaret Redenbaugh, George S. and Nancy Pottorff, George and Mary Ta3lor, Josej)hus and Mary Ham, Stephen Rodgers and Eleanor Christy, ten in all. To this number others were soon added, AVilliarn Christy- and Iliram Pond being the most prominent in church work. The meetings of the church for the first few 3'ears were held at the dwellings of the members, generall}' at those of George S. Pottorff, Williinn Christ}- and Iliram Pond. In 1S43, they erected their first meeting house, a ver\- cheap structure, built of logs covered with clapboards, and seated in primitive stj^le with backless slabs supported by wooden pins. The present house, a frame 35x45 feet, was erected in i860 at a cost of about $2,000.

The first pastor was Rev. .Chesky Woodward, of Decatur County, Avho continued in that relation for nearly ten years, and emigrated to Missouri at the close of the year 1848. Elder Hiram Pond then became pastor, serving th church until his death in 1S51. Tlijreafter Elder Evan Snead served most of the time until i860, w^hen the church called to the pastorate Elder A. Carter, who has continued to the present with the exception of two years, one 3^ear being supplied by Elder S. H. Thompson, and one year by Elder Harry Smith. This church has set apart and ordained to the Gospel ministr}^ Elders Hiram Pond, A. Carter and James C. Remv; has had continued public service from its organization to the esent; has sustained a Sabbath School during the summer . months since i860, and has contributed liberally to home and foreign missions, and to ministerial education. From its organization it has numbered among its membership many of the most substantial men and women of the communit\-, and now has a membership of ninety-two.

Baplisl CltnrcJi of C\)Ii(iii/>iis. - On JanuaiT 30, i!^52, a ^argc council composed of ministers and delei,falcs from Flat Tlock, V^ernoii, J')cthel, Siiaron and Fi-icndslii]-) churches, assembled in the Presbyterian Church at Cohunbus, and after appropriate religious exercises and an examination of the Articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum adopted In- the church, recoo-ni/.ed as the First ISaptist Church of Columbus, an organization that day perfected In' the following constituent members: IChjah Devore, Rebecca Dcvore, W. H. Nading, Ruth W. Nading, Naiicy E. Lacv, Joshua vSinis, Agnes Sims, Jeremiah Fur, jNlariah Fur, Syh'ester Fur, Baker Fur, Kercheville Fur, Obadiah Sims, Margaret Sims, Ruhama Sims, J. Sims, Elizabeth Griffith, Mrs. Matthews and Martha E. Edmiston. Rev. W. T. Stott, of Vernon, Ind., nas moderator, and Rev. M. B. Phares, of \''ernon, secretary of this council. The first Trustees of the new church were W. H. Nading, Obadiah Sims, and John Martin. For some time meetings were held in the Commercial Row, on Washington Street, and later in the court liouse. In 1S55, the handsome brick edifice on Franklin Street, now used by the church, was erected. It seats comfortably about 300 people. At first the church had a hard struggle for existence but was oriven jjreat strenoth bv a revival of religion brought about by the efforts of Rev. William Ha\v, assisted by Rev. C. C. Covey, some ten 3'ears after its organization. Then, during the Ci\il War period, dissensions arose which weakened the church considerably, and for a time threatened its destruction. But a revival followed through the efforts of Rev. T. W. Moro, which put new life into the church and started a growth which has continued to the present time. The first pastor was Elder Jesse AV. Robinson, who was followed by Elders Evan Snead, E. S. .Smith, J. M. Weaver, W. ]L3'on, John Reese, J. D. Huston, William Haw, I. X. Clark, A¥. T. Stott (ordained b}' this church, September 24, 1S6S, and now a Doctor of Divinity, and President of Franklin College), W. F. Moro, William Y. Monroe, G. II. Elgin (ordained by this chm-ch, August 3, 1875), C. Hall, T. R. Palmer, Harvey Smith, and Noah Harper, the present pastor. The Deacons have been, W. H. Nading, J. Edmonson, Joshua Sims, D. Doll, M. J. Quick, G. G. Gabbert, William Castell, Erastus Dunlap, J. M.

Soii/h Bctlhoiy JiapHsl C/'-'/y'r//.- - This conj^-ri'L^^ation, organized about 1865, h;is always been small in nn.nibers. The early members ^yere: T. N. Ilaisclup, William llaiselup, Isaac. Wink, John Butler, Andre\v Young, Abraham Stull, and others. The early preachers were: Elders John \'an Arsdell, John Rag'sdale, A. Young, James Barrooi. and others. There is now no preacher in charge. The membership is twenty-two. In 1874, ^^^^ congregation erected a comfortable frame church, at a cost of about $500. Charles Van Horn is the present clerk of the church.

One of the early Baptist churches, was that called " Hope, " located near the present site of New Hope Church. It was for a time yer}' strong, once haying as man}' as 150 members. Its leader ^yas Joseph Fassett, \yho, born in 1784, was a school teacher, a Thompsonian doctor, and finall}' one of the most powerful preachers known in the pioneer religious life of Bartholomew County. He \yas the first to embrace the doctrines of Alexander Campbell, and deserting the Baptist faith, took many of his congregation with him. He continued to preach the new doctrines, and the number of his followers grew until the Hope Baptist Ciiurch was ultimately abandoned. Soon after the town of Taylorsville was laid out, a Baptist church was founded there rmd kept up principalh' by INIr. R. M. J. Cox, he at one time being the only male member. The congregation built a brick church and at one time had about forty members. The organization was abandoned and the church sold, in 18S0, and conyerted into a residence.

Old Friendship' C/inrch, organized in earl}' days, for a long time did a good work, but the association has grown yery weak, and has practically been abandoned. It is located in Sand Creek Township.

Arzt.' Fricmhltip Church was organized in later years, at Jonesville, but was abandoned after a few years. Missionary work has been done in yarious parts of the county by the established socie-

H Scroinl BaplisI [Colored) Church. - The only soeiit\- of this denomination is at Cohimbus, and was formetl Ajiril i.j, 1879, tliroug-h the instrumentality of IClder George W. Clayhroi'ks, of Charlestown, Ind., with eleven members, as follows: G. W. Claybrooks, Ophelia Childs, Alexander Childs, Ella Hardin, William IMcKee, Frank Preston, Charles Sands, IMary Sands, John Jackson, Celia Jackson and Thomas jNloor. Among the preachers who have served the cliurch were Charles Sands, W. Isl. Miller, John Williams and Elder Senseco. For four years past, Elder Charles Cheatem has liad ch;u-ge of the church. He is energetic and ever active in visiting the sick, burying the dead, and attending to the spiritual wants of the living. He has had three successful revivals, Avith about twenty-five accessions to the church, and has put the societ}^ on a very prosperous footing. The church building is a frame, 16x32 feet, and cost $.100. The present intention is to build a larger church at an early da}-, to satisfy the growing needs of the congregation, which now numbers about fort}-.

It is a matter of some interest, though in fact not connected with the histor}- of any now existing organization of the Baptist Church, that probabi}' the first sermon preached in Columbus was by a black man, a Baptist, at the log cabin of Luke Bonesteel, which afterward became the courthouse. lie lectured the rakish citizens and 3'oungsters with much severit}-, incurring their displeasure to such an extent that they threatened to h-nch him, but were deterred from making an attempt by the better and more moral portion of the communitv. These facts were many years ago related to Gen. Terrell b}- Joshua McQueen, as being within his recollection.

Catholic Churches.'^- - St. Bartholomew's at Columbus. - The first Catliolic in Bartholomew County was jNIrs. Basil Owens, a sister of Elias Mahone}'. Mrs. Owens came from Maryland to Kentuck}-, thence to this count}- in 1820. Her three brothers, Elias, Robert and George Mahoney, soon followed her. A record of 1840 mentions the following Catholics living here: James D.

Farrell, johii ?\r. Gwiim, Juhn I\IcC;ibe, jiicol) Farrcll, Peter Kinney and ralriek Fanell. In 1S50, the congregation numbered about thirty famihes, among them being IChjah E. Brown, Matthew Gaffney, Anthwn^' Deacon, Thomas McCarth\-, John K. Cunningham, James TaA-lor, Patrick Dow cl and Thomas McGarr. Shortly afterward came the Dillons, the Rileys, the Fischers, the I'urcelis, the Warners and the Iluglies. In 1S75, the congregation numbered sevent\--five families, and now numbers ninety families. The first church was built in 1841, 50x30 feet: an a.tldition, 45x25 feet, was made in 1S74. Anne Farrell was the tirst buried in the cemetery, in 1843. In 1855, a school was established and conducted by the Sisters of Providence; but the Sisters withdrew at the breaking out of the war. In 1865, '^ parsonage was erected at a cost of $1,000; in 1S74, improvements were made costing $1,500. In 1875, the house and lot south of the church, now the parsoTiagc, were bought for $2,875. I" 1S79, a magnificent two-stor}' brick school house was erected between the church and the old parsonafje. The Sisters of Providence have a flourishing" school of about seventy-eight Catholic children and eighty-three in all.

Bishop de St. Palais visited Columbus on October 19, 1849, and administered confirmation. This was the first Episcopal visit. Rev. S. P. Lalumierc was the first priest attending the Catholics here. The date of his ministr}' can not be fixed, but it is supposed to have commenced as early as 1821. Rev. M. E. Shawe, residing at Madison, next had charge of the Columbus church. The first regular pastor was Rev. Vincent Bacqueline, Avho built the church in 1841. In 1846 while visiting the sick, he was thrown by his horse and dragged to death. From 1846 to 1853, Rev. Daniel Maloney was pastor. He was energetic and punctual in tliC perf.jrmance of his dut}", conscientious in his ministry-, just, generous and a hard worker for the church. It is said that with all these good traits he was nevertheless exacting, and that this, his cnl}' fault, made him unpopular. He died in August, 1874, ^^^^ ^^ years, but without the honors which his long and hard missionaiy labors ought to have gained for him.

friend to children, atid kind to ;dl. lie was o-cn croiis to a fault, of ten <;'iving a'wav his traveling;' fare and walkinj^" liome, ten miles, earr3'in<i;" his earpct sack. The war distressed him, and in 1S63 lie obtained pern lis- ion to return to ICurope. Wlun last heard from he was in Rome, and it is supposed that he secluded himself in some monastery of his country. ITis friends speak of him as "Good Father ]Martin,'' and one of them says he was too 14'ood Lo do gootl. Rev. P'rancis Goucsse, Rev. Joseph Petit, <uk1 Rev - W. H. Orem were pastors in charge from 1863 to 1S68.

Father Orem was a convert to the church, able, eloquent, and a zealous worker. Motives of a filial nature prompted him to ask that his field of labor be changed, and he was transfered to the Diocese of Newark, New Jerscw. From 186S to 18S5, Rev. Victor A. Schnell was the popular and beloved pastor. He was a conscientious and zealous clergyman, charitable to all and beloved b}' all who knew him. He was born in Loraine in 1S42, and came with his parents to Indiana in 1852, was educated at St. Meinrads, in Spencer Count}-^, and was ordained as a priest September 22, 1868. He w^ns succeeded in 1885, b}'' Rev. Andrew Oster, the present pastor, an energetic and wise manager, a faithful and conscientious w^orker, and beloved by all. He has received ten into the church, has j n'd a debt of about $1,000, and has raised $1,700 for the fund for building a new church. Definite plans in this regard have not b-^en made, but it is hoped to build a suitable edifice earh^ in 1S89. S new cemeter}'. Garland Brook, containing seven acres, situated east of the cit}-, has been purchased during his pastorate. Father Oster was born in the Province of Alsace, Februar}- 23, 1S52, pursued his studies at Strasburg, came to Indiana in 1873, completed his theological study at Indianapolis, and was ordained a priest May

St. John's Church, at Mt. Erin, in Nineveh TowMiship, has alwa^'S been attended b}' the priest stationed at Columbus. It now has about twelve or fifteen families. The congregation was formerly larger than now. The church was built in 1S55, of logs, with a frame extension.

(JiiTlcd ^^JJrc^/ircii. - Tlic lu'st church of Uiis denomination organized in the county, was in TSj6or 1827, at Newbern, by Revs. Aaron Davis and Aaron Fanner. John I^awrence and Isi. 'SI. Hook were other early prcacliers at this cliurch, and aniony the more prominent who followed in htter years were, Revs. John Rile}-, J. L. Stearns, J. M. Dosh, Jacob Antrim, J. W. Uoughert\-, Daniel Shuck, H. Floyd, Thomas Elrod, W. L. DeMunbrun, and Noah Elrod; Rev. David Clark is the present minister in charge. The early members were Richard Davis, Ransom Davis, Aaron Da\'is, John Edwards, John Davis, M. IM. ITook and their wives; of these Mrs. Edwards still remains, a faithful and devoted member. A plain, comfortable frame church about 30x40 feet, was erected about 183S and is still used. INIt. Pleasant, in Clifty Township, three miles south of Ilartsville, was organized as early as 1843, at the house of John Rohrer> probably by Rev. Peter Gra}-. A number of families from Ohio, chiefl}' New Light Christians, settled in Decatiu" County near the borders of this county, and through the preaching of Aaron Farmer, Aaron Davis, John G. Eckees, and others, were converted to the faith of the United Brethren. Rohrer's house was in Decatur Count}', but the church, a neat frame structure, was erected on the soil of this county, soon after the organization was effected. John Rohrer was the leader in establishing the church. His wife, his sons. Martin and John, and his daughters, IMagdalen and Solome, were members, and such was his zeal that he provided all the money \ised in building the church, and donated one hundred days of his own labor to its construction. Solomon Dillman, Henry DeWitt, William Smith, Enos Woodruff and their wives were other members of the first class. Beside the early preachers named, others who have ministered to this congregation are. Revs. Joseph Stearns, J. A. Ball, John Smith, Daniel Shuck, David Shuck, Amos Hanaway, Caleb Witt, Amos Da}', tmd James Crow. Through deaths and remo\-als the society was much decreased in numbers, when, about six years ago, through the effective work of Rev. Asbury Myer, the church was revived and put in a prosperous condition. The meeting house was reniodeled some years ago at a cost of $600. The work

In 1S47 or K^; ]S, at TIartsvi!;. . a small class of the lirethren was formed, its members principally beloii_i,n"ng to other societies. Rev. William A. CardwcU was prob-.bly the first preacher lu'rc, b\it the main inorathering was effected by the united efforts of Rev. David Shuck and J. M. Johnson. A frame buildinn-, now in the center of the public square, at Ilartsvillc, had been erected by John R. Morledg-e and other citizens, and was offered to the society at Dethel, Decatur County, for school purposes on certain conditions, to induce their removal to Hartsville, which occurred about 1853. For this reason this society has e\-er been considered an offspring of that at Bethel. The early meeting-s were held in the frame school house, and subscfjuently in the college buildings, particularly mentioned in another chapter. Other early preachers than those'named were: Revs. Daniel Shuck, Thomas j. Conner, Alexander Long, Lyman Chittenden, Thomas Elrod, and Noah Elrod. Among thos'e of later years, the more prominent were: Re\-s. Caleb B. Witt, Jacob Scammahorn, Milton M' ight, and B. F. Morgan. Rev. D. A. Wjmegar is now in charge. The early members who came from Bethel were Philip Fix, David, John and Ehas Huffer, A. C. Chamberlain, their wives, and George Youngman and others. This church has always been strong, and now has a membership of about 240. The Sunday School in charge of President C. H. Kirracofe, is one of the largest in the county.

Oh'vc Branch, on Haw Creek, about four miles northeast of Columbus, was organized as early as 1850, principally through the liberality, energy and w^ealth of Henry and SamuerCoblentz, and their wives; and v/h them its chief sui^porters have been John Childs, Peter Wright, Henry McCullagh, A. H. K. Beam, Henry Lambert, Samuel Beam, their wives, and others. Among the early preachers were Revs. Thomas J. Conner, William A. Cardwell, John Riley, Alexander Long; later, Lewis Crawford, William Hall, H. Floyd; and at present, A. T^Ij-er. A brick church about 36x50 feet, was dedicted in 1854, ^^'^^ '^^^s ever since been used. Shiloli, three miles south of Hope, was orj^anized in the earh' 7o"h ihrouah the zealous labors of Rev. Lewis Crawfcjrd. Its ministers have been: Re\s. Ir\in Cox, J^. N. Jones, Asbur} ]\Iyer, William Hall, and at present, Alonzo Myer. Its leading early members were James Seward, James Barger, their wives, the Lamberts, and others. T^he frame chureh now occupied was built about twelve years ago, and dedicated by liishop Milton Wright.

Soricty of J^ricinh.- In 1822 a committee of four was appointed by the Driftwood monthly meeting of Friends in Jackson Count}', to sit with the Friends at Sand Creek, and though meetings were occasionally held thereafter, it was not until 1824 that the Sand Creek societ}' was organized. This was at the house of Isaac Parker, where the meetings continued to be held for some time. Among those belonging to the society were John S. Chawner, Samuel Nicholson, Isaac Parker, Joel Newsom, Isaac Cox, David Newsom, Willis Newsom, William Parker, Phineas Parker, Jonathan Cox, John Hall, with their families, and Walter Cox. John S. Chawner w-.as the first minister, and for man}' years conducted the services of the society. Isaac Parker from the beginning until his death in 1852, was a faithful and effective worker as an exhorter and Elder in the church. Ligni Moffett was also an exhorter of early times whose power was great. Joel New'som, Isaac Cox, William Parker, John Thomas, Cadcr Newsom, Charles Lindle}', William Cox, and Joseph Hall were among the later Eiders. Among the ministers following Rev. John Chawner and coming down to the preseni., may be mentioned Margaret Cox, Benjamin Nicholson, Elam Stevens, Mary Stevens, David T. Newsom, Pha;be Cox, Rachel H. Woodard, Margaret M. Newsom and Ewey Pearson.

The first meeting house was a smoll log structure, built soon after the society was organized, and added to as it increased its membeiship. Tliis was replaced by a frame building, probably 30x40 feet, erected in the early part of the 30's, to which an addition of equal size with the original building was subse(}uently made. In 1859 a commodious and comfortable frame church was erected on the site of the old building, 35x60 feet, capable of seating between 400 and 500 persons.

In 1876 ;ibonl onc-lialf tlic Sarul Creek or-aiiizalion associated themselves logellier, fonuiny- a new scjcit-ty at A/.alia, where they s- erected a substantial brick edilice, 40x60 feet, capable of seatingabout ^50 persons. The lirst officers of this society were : Luke Newsoni, William Co.v and Joseph II;il1. Services are re^^ularly held at each of these ciiurches, and Sunday Schools, witli large menibersliips, are connected with both. The church membership exceeds 500 in the two societies. Socially and morally, from their advent into the county in 1821, the members of this society have exercised a controlling influence for good throughout the entire comnuinity. The pioneers of tlie sect gained the resjicct and admiration of all with whom they came in contact, by the purity of their lives, and their quiet, gentle, and pleasing ways; and their descendants have retained to the present, the confidence of the community and the esteem of all who are brought into social or business relations with them. In the society there is a recognized equality between the sexes, women being deprived of no social or religious right or privilege which is granted to man.

Nezu Light Christians. - This denomination was organized first in 1778, in North Carolina, and ten years later, in 17S8, a child was born in Shenandoah County, Va., who was destined to be in the days of his manhood a great instrument in the hands of God for the enlargement of His Kingdom. Frederick Steinberger came as a pioneer, in 1819, to the then untrodden wilderness of the New^ Purchase and was the first New Light, as they were commonly called, in the territory afterward formed into Bartholomew County. He had raised a cabin, and there in 182 1, formally organized a congregation which in three or four years grew^ to a membership of forty. For twenty years the meetings were held in his house; it was so built that a large room was set apart for the purpose of God's worship; and such w; his generosity and goodness of heart that he often entertained with genuine pioneer hospitalit}-, not only the preachers, but also the entire congregation, many of whom, barefooted and roughly clad, had walked many miles to hear the preaching of the Gospel. The first general conference was held in his house; the second in his barn; and the third in the woods upon his lands, near his house, that stood with open doors where all were welcome guests. In his personal aiipcarance he was tall, erect, ^vith a 'oniniaiuling tii;-ure. and noble bearing. JanlIa^^' 25, 1S67, on the i^d farm wliere he had reared eleven children, he passed over to the brighter shore after llfty years of de\oled Christian labor and undoubted piet\', commanding the respect and love of all who knew him.

David Douglass, called the "traveling Bible," so familiar was he with the divine word, and Jesse Fraziei", a sturd}', devout man, were the Inst that preached to the society formed in 1821. These early preachers, and others who came afier them, often reached the place of worship in their hunting shirts and barefooted, and with some of them Mr. Steinberger di\ided his own clothes. Other early muiisters, whose powerful preaching left a deep impression on the memories of the people, were: Revs. Daniel Roberts, Henr\' Logan, Elijah Dawson and Jesse Hughes; and, later: Revs. Mr. Ray, John Cummins and George Witters. One of the early preachers of great abilit}' and power was a negro called Black Aaron. He was a good preacher and met with much success. His color, which was an intense black, made him somewhat of a curiosity to tlie pioneers, and especially to the children. After twenty } ars of happy gatherings under the Steinberger roof, it was deemed best, to accommodate the increasing numbers, to build a church, and in consequence a plain but comfortable frame house was erected and called Union, which served the purposes of its construction until 1885, when a handsome brick edifice, 45x55 feet, was erected at a cost of $3,500.

After the town of Taylorsville was founded, a church of this denomination was established there, chiefly- through the instrumentality of Hendrcn Steinberger. Elder Henr}- White was probably its first preacher. About 1862, a frame church, which is still used, was built at a cost of about $2,600, which left the organization considerably in debt, of which about one-half was paid by Mr. Steinberger.

At Clifford, about 1S68, an organization was formed with about thirt3'-si.\- members, b}^ Elder A. S. Downe}-, through the zealous work princijnilh' of Thomas Hendrickson. A frame church, 40x60 feet, built by the United Brethren, was purchased by this society about twelve }-ears ago, and is still used.

Scparaic Bap//s/s in C /iris I. - Th.\s organlzati>.;i held its lirst association in Shelby County about the year 1827. It is an offshoot from the Regular Baptist denomination, coming into existence because of the custom of close commimion which prevailed among the latter sect, this denomination belie\ing that communion ought to be free and open to all who love and serve the Lord without regard to the sect to which the communicant ma}- belong. In early days there were two cieties of Separate Baptists in the countv, one at the old Liberty clun-ch in the HaAvpatch, and the other near Mt. Sidne}', a village about three-quarters of a mile northwest of the present site of St. Louis Crossing. At Libert}-, Joseph and Uriah INIcQueen were the leaders, and were prominent preachers. Both had been Methodists, but differences on doctrinal points drove them from that church and the}' helped to form a societ}-, or went into an organization already formed of the Separate Baptists. This society held its meetings for a time at Liberty Church, and in about 1S45 or 1846, built a church northeast of Clifford on the Maj. Nye farm. In the society near Mt. Sidney, Martin Leamon was the leader. The two organizations consolidated and, about 1850, built the United or Owen's Church, about midway between Clifford and St. Louis C ossing, which is still used. It is a very large frame, seating 500, and cost probably $2,500. Among the early preachers besides those named, were: Thomas Hendricks, Uriah Randolph, Samuel Randolph and Joshua INIcQueen. For about forty }-ears John Kelin, and for a shorter period, Martin Douglass, have, at invals, served this congregation. Benjamin Stoughton w'as licensed here and has been preaching about lifteen years. Among the local preachers of recent years are Samuel Stoughton and J. II. Mill.

Amono- those composing th( first class were George Stouglitoii and wife, Ehzabeth Stoughton (yet remaining at tlie ach-anced age of inet3'-two _years\ Thomas Hendricks and wife, Nathaniel 0\ 's and wife, and Charles Klipsch and wife. In later years, the votion of these oi^iginal c nstituent members has been supplemented by that of J. II. li and wife, L. Klipsch, William Klipsch and wife, Mrs. Sarah Thayer, Henry Quer}-, Eli Abernathy and wife, George Conner and wife, IMalcom Petri and family, and many others.

At Brush Creek, about three or four miles southeast of Columbus, a society was formed as early as 1850, and a brick church was built, but the organization was abandoned probably fifteen years ago.

]\It. Pleasant, six miles w^est of Columbus, in Harrison Township, was organized in later years. Benjamin Whittington, Frank Whittington, and tlieir wives, were prominent among the early members, and continue attached to the church. A small log building was erected about fifteen ^-ears ago. The congregation numbers about fort}', and is under the care of Rev. Joshua McQueen.

Oak Ridge, in Ohio Township, about four miles southwest of Mt. Pleasant, w'as organized about 1883, through the instrumentalit}' of Joshua M. McQueen and Benjamin Whittington. The congregation here is about equal in size to that at Mt. Pleasant, and is in charge of the same pastor.

SL Paul Episcopal Alissioii. - About twent3'-two years ago the Episcopal residents of the city began to hold services in the public hall and elsewhere, continuing these meetings till 1S76, when the present mission was established and arrangements were made for the building of a church. The first rector was Re\'. M. Turner, who, after one year, was followed by Rev. James Mitchell. For a time the church was then without a resident rector, services being occasionally conducted b}-^ R.vs. Thomas McLean, Herbert Root, Edward Bradley, and Dr. E. A. Bradley, the establishment of the mission being the i- suit principally of the efficient and zealous labors of Mr. Root. Subscqiu'iiily iho conqTci^ation was ininistc-rcd unto, from lime lo time, hv Revs. J. Saninlers Reed, ^ Joseph R Jcnks, G. W. Gates, and Willis D. En-le. Since December, iSb7, Rev. ]]. A. Ihown ha.s had charL,'e of ihr church and already gives promise of doint;- much good. Dr. |. 11. lless has been warden from the organization of the church lo the present time. It commenced with fifteen members, and though manv discouragements have been met, there are now twent\-live conimunicants and a number of baptized children. The churcli property consists of a very neat, though small frame Gutliic edifice, on Eighth Street between Washington and Franklin streets, with a capacity for seating 150, which cost about $2,000.

Gcnuan Evaugclical Litlhcraii Church. - This chui'ch has five congregations in Bartholomew County. The oldest of these congregations, that on White Creek, called St. John's, ^vas founded about the^ear 1S40 h\ a number of settlers who had emigrated to this country from German}-, principally among whom were: V. Vornholt, II. Zurvewsta, D. Sanders, D. D. Pardrick and B. Burbrink. Its first pastor was Rev. C. Frincke, whose successors were: Revs. R. Klinckenberg, C. II. Juengel and G. Markworth, the present pastor. This congregation owns a large brick church building, erected in 1862, a brick school house, a parsonage, and a dwelling for the teacher, all worth at least $10,000. A parochial school is connected with this congregation, which is taught at present by JNIr. Vouder Au, and contains eightv-three children to whom must be added a number of children in the public school' The number of members belonging to this congregation is 103, the number of souls 558.

The congregation beyond Clifty Creek is almost as old as the one on White Creek. Its first pastor was Rev. C. Frincke, who was succeeded ])y Revs. J. Rauschert, A. Zagel, E. Rolf, G. Schumm, -Augustus Heitmueller (who died in March, 1SS6) and Martin Mertz, the present pastor. lis children, numbering sixty, are taught by iNIr. William Menzendick, who teaclies the public and the parochial school. This congregation numbers forty-three members, 216 souls. In 18S7, a handsome brick church edifice, with a capacity for seating 500, was erected at a cost of about

The conn'regalion in Cohiiiibus anil vieiiiily was (>rnaiii>;ed in llie year i*^5S, byTI. Fehiinir, IC. Kaiser, A. Geilker, .V. Kiel and G. Kiel, anil calkxl '- Si. IV-ler's."' Its lirst pastor was Rev. (t. Kuechle, suceeeded in the year 1867 b}' Re\'. John (i. Nuetzel, and he in 1882, In' Rev. Charles A. Trautnian, the pi'esent pastor. I'he church maiiitains two parochial schools, one in Cohnnbus wiiheight3'-rive children, taught by ^^i'- C. Gotscli, and one ll\e miles west of Columbus with forty children, taught by ]Mr. II. Engelbrecht. The large and handsome brick church on the corner of Fifth and Sycanioi'e streets, with a capacity for seating 650, was erected in 1870, at a cost of $9,000. In 1883, a parsonage was purchased for $2,000, and the sum of $800 was expended in repairing and remodelling the same. In 1887, a two story brick school building near the church was erected at a cost of $3,800. The membership January, 18S7, was 150 families or 900 souls; and the schools have become so large that the present intention is to organize another class at a very early da}'. The Sabbath School under the superintendence of the pastor, is ver^' prosperousa and large in numbers. The ministerial work of Mr. Trautman has been remarkably successful. AVhen he came to this church there were 555 communicants, and last 3'ear the number swelled to 1,125.

The congregation in Waymanssille was organized about 1870, by Rev. F. Wendt, who continued as its pastor for many 3-ears. The present pastor is J. G. Sliafer. In January', 1887, it had fift}- six voting members, 284 souls. There are fort\' children in die parochial school. A commodious brick church costing vver $5,000, a parsonage, and a school building erected in 18S5, constitute the church propert}'.

"St. Prairs " congregation at Jonesville was organized August 16, 1877, at the house of C. F. Scluefer b}- a number of the members of Rev. IT. Juengcks congregation, who severed their connection with the mother church for the purpose of establishing this new society. Among them were M. F. Woesner, C. F, Sch;ufer, Lewis Donhost, John jNIoellencamp, D. Pardieck, C. Brandt and manj' others of the prominent people of that section. In the same year, a second Sunday in , -mber, 1877, was dedicated In- t!ie pastor. Rev. llichard Eirii.il, who, continiiino- to serve the chun h to the present time, lias increased its stren«(lli to a voting membership of forty-seven, and about 250 souls. The society also owns a parsonage and intends building a school house for the parochial .scb.ool Avhich now has about fifty children.

These live congregations are connected with the German Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States. They accept the Bible as the inspired word of God, and the symbolical books of the Lutheran Church as the true explanation of the Scripture. In their parochial schools are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, singing, the catecliism, the Bible and the German and English languages. The entire church throughout the county, and the parochial schools attached to it, are in a very prosperous condition.

English Evangelical Lu/hcraii Church. - St. PanPs church of this denomination, in Ohio Township, was organized by Rev. Jacob Keller in 1S50, and in three weeks from the time of organization a hewed log church, 20x30 feet, was erected by the energetic members. Among the early preachers, following ]Mr. Keller, were Revs. Huffman, Exline, Brown, and Presley. Rev. Dolbear wa-' the la.st to minister to this congregation; at present there is no pastor in charge and the membership is verv small. The leadinf early members were Bunis Moore, Abraham Ilowbert, Samuel Ogilvie, William Polen, Solomon Went, Nathan' Went, Thomas Earhart, George A¥. Lucky, and their waves. In the latter part of the 6o"s a substantial frame church, 30x42 feet, costing $1,500, was erected.

German Methodist C///^;r//. - The only church of this denomination now in the count}- is three miles east of Wa3-mans\ille on the Jonesville road, and was organized in 1S46. The first preacher was Rev. Frederick ]3aker, and following him were Re\-s. Fred- «erick G. Miller, John H. Huber, Louis Miller, Mr. Reinhart, Wesley Freihoffer, Henry Gent, John H. Leppert and George Stoll, the present pastor. There are now 133 members; the church property consists of a frame church, 40x60 feet, and a parsonage,

A society' of this denomination was formed in Cohuubus about 1861, with a membership of ten, to which twenty additions were made in the ensuing two years. The ilrst minister was Rev. George wS}inn, and probabl}- the most effective earl}- minister was Rev. F. A. Iluff. B3' rcmo\'-als and deaths the membership was so decreased that the organization was abandoned more than a dozen 3'ears ago. Mr. Frederick Ulrich was among the early members, and ever faithful, was the last to leave. The societ}^ bought a brick church, 30x40 feet, which had been built in 1853 by an Fnglish Lutheran societ}', which subsecjuently gave up its organization. It stood on Mechanic Street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, and no^v belongs to Mr. Joseph I. Irwin.

Chrislian Union Church. - This denomination of Christians was organized Ma}^ 14, 1865, under the nan-ie of " The Mount Pleasant Congregation," with fort^-five members and the following ofTicers and pastor: Philip Bambart, chief Elder; Harper T. Shields, recording Elder; John McClelland, financial Elder; Rev. Oliver II. P. Abbett, pastor. On July pth following. Harper T. Shields was chosen as an exhorter. The members forminf this organization were, prior to the Civil War period, connected with the Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopil Church, O. li. P. Abbett, the leading spirit in the new orgaii.zation, haA'ing previously been ;. prominent local ])reacher. W. W. Rundell, then on the t ircuit to which Mount Pleasant was attached, commenced a discussion of the war is- s in his pulpit and so vigorousl}- attacked and inmiercifully denounced the views held by a large part of his congregation, that dissensions arose, causing the ultimate downfall of the iNTount Pleasant Methodist Church and the upbuilding of the

Christian Union con^^iv-ation. From tlic oi -ani/.alion to llie resent time Kev. O. 11. P. Al^bctt has been pastor of llic cliuroh. lininrdiately aftei h.: organization one acre of land was donated to tlie eliurch, upon whicli a .i^'ood, substantial, frame buildii),<;-, costin:^^ $r,ooo, was erected, havino- a seatin-- cajiacity for 300 persons. The chureh government is democratic in form; the eon^-rei;ation selects its pastor, elects its ollicers, and makes rules and regulations for its guidance and welfare, each member, male or female - in the election t)f oflicers, selecting a pastor, or in an\ matter relal' to the affairs of the chm-ch - having a vote. The church property is held by Trustees. The principles of the sect as declared at the organization, are as follows:

" We avow our true and hearty faith in the received Scriptures of the Oi! and New Testaments, as the Word of God. lliat the said Scr..,tures constitute our only rule of faith and practice, and Ave pledge ourselves, through Chris!, wlio strengthens us, to keep and obser\'e all things whatsoc\'er He has commanded."

MclJiodist E-piscopal C/iiiir/!, Sonlh. - ThQ only church of this denomination was located in the southwest corner of Ohio Township. Its meetings were tlrst held in a public school building, and afterward at the residence of iMr. Job Sweeney, never being strong enough to erect a meeting house. For a time it had a devoted membership, composed of respected residents in the locality named, probably reaching its climax under the efficient ministry of the Rev. Mr. Ta3'lor, \\-hen there were perhaps between sixty and seventy members. ]Mr. Taylor was succe ded by Rev. Leroy Herschberg, whose labors were not crowned with success. While in his charge, about 1881, dissensions arose and the church organization was destro3'ed.

yeii>is/i Synao-oo-iic. - The citizens of Jewish origin residing in Columbus formed themselves into an organization for the worship of God about the year 1S66. The first minister was Rc\\ Solomon Le\i. From the lirst the growth of the church was commensurate with the growth of the class in the cit3', from whom it drew its support, until its membership embraced some thirty families - probably 180 souls. Within the last few years, however, by reason of removals of its membe)-s from the city and other causes, the ine!ul)L-rshi]) has been reduced until uow it ineUidis but i\vc families. I'he last resident minister was the Jiev. Samuel ^l. J>aski, wlio, thougli rKSclu)l;u-ly man, was not popular, and under him dissensions arose wliich materially interfered with the prosperity of the church. A neal, but small, frame building on Mechanic Street between Second and Third .streets, belcng.s to the congregation, in which meetings are now lield about once or twice a year, conducted b}- some non-resident rabbi secured for the occasion.

J''rcshY(cn'an Church. - Among the pioneers of Barl!.olome\v County almost cver\' Christian denomination wwa represented. The settler's cabin was scarce!}'' completed before the itinerant or nussionar}'- was there with oible and hymn book gathering the wideh' separated families together for worship. T'o those pioneer preachers and their self-sacriiicing devotion are the people of to-da}- indebted for the planting of clnu-ches, and the Christian influences that are seen and felt everywhere. Without the hope of remuneration they came to labor in the wilderness, foregoing all the joys of home, onl}"^ to be instrumental in the sah'ation of souls. It is probable that the lirst adherent of the Presbyterian faith who came to Columbus to find a home ^vas Mrs. Elizabeth ITinkson. She, with her husband, emigrated from Ohio early in the 20's, and settled in what is now the southern suburb of the city, so<;n after the organization of the count}-. Joseph and Mary Hart, who settled in what is now Clay Township, were also Presb3-terians, and wer'. among the first to make their home in the new county. Next came the Rogerses, the Hagers, the Mounts, the IIenr3-s, the Browns and the Miskimonses, and these constituted the little band that for the first few j^eai-s met at irregular periods at the cabin homes, where they might worship according to the teachings of their accepted church. The date of the first meeting is unknown, but 1. is stated upon the authorit}^ of ^Nlrs. Harriet Jones that the first meeting over which a minister of the gospel presided was held at the house of her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Ilinkson, and is believed to have been as early as the summer of 1S22 - two years pi-ior to the organization of the chmxh. The house in which this and other meetings were lield stood south of the public square, not far from the present site of the Gcrmania Hotel. The house was

The number of members at the organization was seventeen, viz.- Joseph Hart, Mary Hart, Andrew Rogers, Sarah Rogers, David Hager, Keziah Tlager, Betsy Mounts, John Henrv, Cvnthia Browh, Elizabe, . Hinkson, Ruth Miskimons. These uerc received by letter. Samuel Miskimons, Abncr Mounts, Mary Ann Rogers, Jane Rogers, Martha Gabbard and Edwin Brown ^^'ere vcctWed on jirofession of faith. Sarah Snyder, .Alaria Wiles and Sarah Faj-mer -ere received December 12, 1824, nine days later. Tlie first building in which worship N\-as held was an old church and school house which stood on Third Street, opposite the residence of Dr. Linton. By con-tesy of the Methodist Episcopal Church, they worshipped a number of years with them in the old " Classical Institute " as it was afterward called.

Elders. - Mr. Joseph Hart was the first ruling Elder. He was converted under the preaching of the noted Rev. Gideon Blackburn, and united with the church under his care, in Maryville, Tenn. For many years he was the only ruling Elder of this church, and while he lived was the clerk of the sessions. Presbyterianism in this region, and Christianit}-, owe a great deal to this godly man. Samuel Miskimons, one of the original members of the church, was the second Elder. He was elected and ordained some years after the organization of the church, and exercised his ofTice until he was dismissed in 1S36, to move to other regions. The third ruling Elder was John Ritchey, who succeedt-d in 1832 by Dr. Joseph Baxter. Gideon Blackburn Hart, a son of Joseph Hart, was the fifth in ofllce. He was much beloved, and died, greatly lamented, in 1854. '^'l^e sixth Elder was Samuel B.

Uki.Icious Iiistorv

McKechaiu lU- was clisnii.s.si'cl to the cluiixli in I'rniiklin, \\ here he died in 1^59. J<^Ihi llul^bcrt was the seventh, and J^ewis Copj.frfield th^ eii^dillv. Thev were followed l)y Nicholas Cjilman and Herman Iiarber, who were both dismissed to otiier churches. Dr. Homer T. ITinman was the next ruling Elder chosen. He was ordained by Rc'\ . James Brownlee, in 1850, and continued in ollice, being several times re-elected, until his lamenU-d death in i860. He was a genial, well educated man, popular in his profession, and an cfllcient Sabbath School teacher. Randolph Gi-illith was both an Elder and a Deacon. He was installed into the former in 1855. He deserves much praise for his faitbiful work. October, 1858, John Hofer and Thomas Hart were elected to the Eldership; the former was in pra3-er meetings and in the Sabbath School in his neighborhood, four miles west of town, a faithful w"orkex\ Mr. Thomas Hart was ordained and inducted into his ofhce in the Sand Hill meeting house, four miles east of town, near which he resided. He seldom came to town or church, as he maintained while he lived, a Sabbath School and a prayer meeting in the branch of the church where he lived. December, 1859, ^^'^' ^^'- ^' Hoirue and A. G. Collier were elected Elders. Dr. Collier died in 1872. One of the last official acts of Rev. N. S. Dickey was to ordain in 1S70, Prof. Andrew Graham, a ruling Elder in the church. JNIessrs. James Fisher, Ezekiel Boyd, F. Donner and A. S. Rominger, were placed in ofTice early in the 70's.

Ot/icr Mill ii^t CIS. - In 1826, Rev. Samuel Gregg supplied the church regularly once or twice a month. The sainted Tremble, the pastor of the church in Madison, preached here occasionally. His successor at Madison, Rev. J. II. Johnston, and Rev. Jolui F. Crowe, D. D., of Hanover College, often preached here. Beginning in the fall of 1829, Rev. E. Kent, novv' residing in Slielby County, supplied the church two Sabbaths each month for a year. His labors w^ere much blessed, and the roll of the church considerably enlarged thereby. In 1830, Rev. Hillery Patrick supplied the church, more or less regularly. Rev. Henry Little, D. D., the agent of the Home-Missionary Society, more than any other man, preached here in protracted meetings and at other times, and not a few attribute their conversion and progressive sanctitication to his

About the year 1837, Rev. Windsor A. Smitli took charge of the church and supplied it for two and a lialf years, doing a good -work, and \vas highly esteemed by all. Re\-. Ilenr^- Ward Pjcechcr, >. hile pastor of the Second Church in Indianapolis, pi-cached here for a week or two in the old court house. [Perhaps one of theproofs that Columbus was realh'- a hard place, is in tlie fact that he could not attract more than a dozen or \\ o of tlje people to hear hini preach, though elsewhere the multitudes flocked to listen to his glowing words.] Rev. Dr. Babb, then of Indianapolis, also preached here occasionally, and during a protracted meeting dail}', as did also Revs. Drs. Curtis and Brown, of jNIadison. In 1S44, Rev. Nyce, a teacher in the Count}- Seminar\' became pastor. Me remained in charge until succeeded, in 1849, by Rev. Daniel Latimore, of Vernon, who sujiplied the pulpit one Sabbath a month for half the j-ear.

During the fall of 1849, R*-'^'- Chas. M' rwin was called to suppi}' the pulpit. For one year he labored faithfully and was blessed with a revival season, which added several names to the roll. In the fall of 1850, Rev. James Brownlee was inxited to sup|)ly the church, which he did with much acceptance. In June, 1853, Rev. N. S. Dickey, a son of the founder of this church, became pastor. He served the church for more than seventeen }'ears, and during the time preached more than 2,000 sermons. For a considerable portion of the time he served the county as school examiner. He was a man of much learning, ])lain and unostentatious in nianners, courageous in support of the right. lie was siu'ceeded in 1871, bv Rev. Alexander Parker, who serve;! the church with n;arked abilit}' for more than thirteen 3-ears, and is remembered by the members with affectionate tenderness. Rev. George S. J. Brown took pastoral charge of the congregation in 188. |, and remained about one yoar and a half. lie was a man of Inie sov'ial (jualities wliicli cnalilc^ liiin to mix \v1l1i jK-op!e, an-.] in tliis \va\' ]ii"ou^ht iiian\' to the liousc of God that would otherwise have been beyond the reach of the influences of the church. Dining" the pastorate of Ke\'. Hrown, he, in connection with Kev. Hart, conducted one of the most successful meetings in the history of the church.

Rev. S. ]<-. Fra/ier, the present acting" pastor, came in April, 1S87. His literal'}' education was comjileled at Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Penn. His theological training was received in the seminaries of Newburgh, N. Y., and Allegheny City, Penn., and from, the latter was graduated in 1877. The same AXar he received a call to the United Presbyterian Chu- : of Cadiz, Ohio, where he was ordained to the ministr\- Dece. ibcr 11. In 1880, he received a call to the pastorate of the United Prcsb\'terian Church of Oxford, Oliio, where he labored successfully for about five v-ears. During two years of this time he was ]-)rofcssor of mathematics in Oxford Female College, and for the same lengtli of time was chaplain of the Western Female Seminar}- of the same place. Somewhat broken down by the arduous duties of church and school, he accepted a call tendered in the mean time b}' the United Presbyterian Church of Rushville, Ind., in the latter part t)f the year 18S5, w'here he labored tuitil April, 1887, when, b}- invitation of the ollkial board of the Presbyterian Church of Columjus, he began the duties of acting pastor of this congregation, having been received into the Presbj'terian Church b3-the Indianapolis Presb3'tery, April 12, 1887, then in session in the Fourth Church of Indianapohs.

The first buildiuij erected by the church was the old frame opposite the Pissell Hotel, riow owned by B. B. Jones. It was begun in 1844 or 1845, and completed in 1846 or 1847. Rev. B. M. Nyce was then supplying the pulpit. Assisted by some ladies he would solicit subscriptions in material, labor or money, and then go on with the w ork till the means were exhausted. Then, after resting for a tinie, the same process would be repeated. It was llnally completed, free of debt, having cost about $1,200. This building was occupied till December, 1874. On the first Sabbath, Januar}-, 1875, the present building was used for the first time. The work on tlu' new buiUlinsj^ was licguii in i^>7i, laconlini;' to ]i!an,s and specillcations prepared bv Levi L. l-,e\ering, architeet. Tl\e con- Ipact foi- die erection was awarded to Kellar & Tiroekman, and was completed at a cost of ^26,000. It is a niagnilicent biick edilice, of niodein st)lc of architecture, ami is divided into t!\ e apartments ^iz. : auditorium, lectiux- room, infant class room, Bible class ritom, and study. The present membership of the clnu"ch is about 270. The Presbyterian Salibath School which is, and always has been, one of the principal auxiliaries of the church, was organized early in the 30's, at the house of Rev. ]Michael l^i'ml}^, ^vho was at that time pastor in charge. It was the first Sabbath School organized in Columbus, and for several years it was attended by the members of all denominations. It has been a power for good and its influence can not be over estimated. Among those who deserve prominent mention for their eOlcient work as Superiudents and teachers are : Charles C. Ilart, Charles Hutchinson, D. D., A. G. Dunning, Randolph Griflith, Lewis Godden, Prof. David Graham. -. Hogue, JNIr. Andrew Graham, J. B. Safford, George IL Friei > and Mrs. M. F. llinman. The last named was teacher of the ir L class for nearly eighteen consecutive 3'ears, and for her earnesLuess and unremiiiing zeal in this and other departments of church work, she deserves conspicuous mention.

Chyistiu)! Church. - The histor}' of the lise and progress of the Christian Cluirch in Indiana is but a rej^roduction of its history in this countr}'. In order that the readers of this article ma}' have an intelligent understanding of its growth in Bartholomew Count}^ they must have some conception r>f the spirit and genius of the movement as a whole, and the special features of religious work sought to be emphasized by its existence. It is a mistaken idea to suppose that it was begun b}' men who were drawn together into a sect b}' some particular theological dogma. In fact, it began in a deep hatred of all sectism, and an earnest effort to banish from the general Christian world the evils thereof.

The men, w ho, in God's Providence, were the principal promoters of it, were not men who w^ere out of sympathy w'ith the vital doctrines of the Protestant world. Those things held as sacred and essential to the irreat relii-'ious bodies have ever been so held b}- this people. Willi all iheir power they ha\-e souglit to gh-e prominence to the incurnaiioii, life and teaehini;s of Jesus of Nazareth. His death ;!S a >\n offei-ing for the world, procuring;- for lis retlemption through Ilis blood e\ en tin; forgiveness of sins; Ilis resurrection from the dead, ascension to heaven, and coronation at the riglit \nd of God, and llis lordship of all. The personal and perpetual mission of the Holy Spirit - the alienation of the race from God, the necessit}- of faith and reformation in order to salvation; the p.erj-jetuity of baptism and tlie Lord's Supper - the obligation of the first day of the wec:. as a da}' of convocation and praise. The necessity of righteousness and true holiness on the part of all who profess the name of Jesus Christ - a day of linal judgment and punishment - with the above broad platform they have ever been in close sympaUiy. What then, it may be asked, rompted them to form a new sect? The forming of a distinct body was not their original intention. The}' looked \\ith alarm and dislrust upon the noisy practices and teachings - purely human - that had crept into the body of Christ, and sought within the various bodies to which the}' belonged, to bring about a reformation of these evils, or rather a restoratiDn of the spirit, principles and practices of the New Testament church. In pressing this work upon the M.tention of the religious world, they were somewhat before the time. What is now hailed everywhere by Christian people with joy, was then looked upon with great suspicion, by many ei -inent Christians. It soon became evident that the religious world was not then ready for such a work. As a result, those farseeing men were turned out of the \'arious bodies with which the}' were associated, as heretics. They naturally enough began to organize independently, but this was a necessity thrust upon them by their exclusion and was not of their own seeking.

Religious communities sprang up rapidly all over the west and south, which had for their object, an endeavor: (i) To exalt Christ above party, and Ilis word aboA'e human creeds. (2) To illustrate the practicability of Christian union, New Testament faith and practice. (3) To build a church of Christ, without denominational name, creed, or other barrier to Christian unity, whose terms of fellowship should be as broad as the conditions of salvation, and identical with tlifin. (4) To lead alien sinners to Christ, in the clear li^-ht of New Testament teaching- and examjile. (5) 'J\)\vork -Svith all- other Christian workers, as far as pcjssible,' in cxiending Chrisl's reign among men, while seeking to promote the unity for ^vhich the Savior prayed

In the year 1829, a sei)aration over the above principles took place in the Hope Baptist Church, lliree miles north of Columbus. A new organization Avas made under the leadership of Joseph Fassett, embi; ing the names of ]>enjamin Jrwin, Joseph Vannieter, William S. J, s, Samuel Crittenden, Daniel Singer, John Irwin, Rufus Gale, Hu-am Troutmati, and their wives. Soon after the number was increased by William A. Washburn, John H.*Terrell, Ilavilah A. Chenoweth, Joseph Robinson, and their wives. The first church edifice A\'as a frame structure VAhich ser\ cd the purpose of the congregation until it was replaced in 1872 by their present beautiful and commodious brick structure. Many members were added to this body from the town of Columbus which necessitated the building of a house of worship in the town ui 1841 A. D. The services alternated between New Hope and Columbus from that date until July 22, 1855, when a separate congregation was organized, composed of about sixty members. The first house in the town Avas destroA'ed by hre in 1853, and was immediately replaced by the brick structure on Jackson Street, in which the congregation worshipped uiilll it removed to its present commodio s structure, which, in many respects, is the most handsome church ediiice in southern Indiana. The entire cost of the present building is about $23,000. The congregation has been under the pastoral cai-e of William Edmonston, W. A.Washburn, H.,R. Pritchard, J. B. Cobb, John Brazelton, J. B. Crane, and the present pastor, Z. T. Sweeney, who has occupied the office for over sixteen years. The Hartsville congregation was organized in 1S40, and among those enrolled as charter members may be found the names of Thomas StephcTi Bryant, Elijah Brady, Samuel Alley, Eldridgc Hopkins and Horace Jones, with their wives. Tlaeir first lilder was Elijah Brady, and first preacher James Conner. J. B. New, Joseph Fassett and William Irwin were among the most prominent of the pi' er preachers who ministered to it; and these were suecccded by Jnmcs Youiii;' ami John IJra/.cllon, ihc lalter of whom has scrvod tlic i;on<4"rcL;aiion for founccii ^rars. Tlicii" [nc.^cnl. [lastor is Ji^UUt WilHani (jard. Aiiioiil;" the proiiiiiicnL laniih'os in llu- congregation at present are the Hopkins, Gallnwavs, ik'cks antl J^radleys. Tlie lirst hou.^e of worsliij) was a frame IjnilL in i8-i5, 32x50 feet. Their second \vas finished in J872, and is a liandsome liuiiding, 40x60 feet. Jt cost$2,roo, and was tledieated 1.1V I'ylder Z. T. Sweeney.

The cliurch at Jhnnsville was started in 1S3S b}' l:^lder J. II. Terrell, father of Gen. W. II. 11. Terrell, V\^ J. iirown, Will-am Bramwell, James Purvis and K.. J. Burns. In 1S40, a frame building was erected. In iS55; ^ second house was built, and in 1887 was lefurnished at a cost of several hundred dollars. Thev have at present 105 members, with Samuel Strickland, Senior Elder, and several other helpers. Among the prominent families are the Springers, Fultons, Eddlemans, Taskingtons and Bradfords. They have no regular pastor at present, but ai-e occasionally ser\'ed by count}' evangelist James Small.

The church in Elizabethtown was organized in 1850, under the labors of Elders IloUis, Brazelton and Powers, but after a time the organization disbanded and was revived again about 1879, under the labors of Elder Z. T. Sweeney. In 1880, a handsome new t "ucture costi ig nearly $2,000, was dedicated by Elder Z. T. Swcene}', since which time the congregation has flourished. They number about 150 members and have a Sunda}^ School of 140 pupils - present minister, William Gard. Among the prominent families represented in the church are the Springers, Trents, Vogles, Van Wyes, Gants, Ilawleys and Wills.

At Inrush Creek the cliurch was organized in 1857? under the labors of Samuel Stricliland, A. J. Burns, George Myers, "^i^hey do not at present have any regular preaching and do not number over sixt}' members. They ha^-e a nice brick building and one of the best working Sunday Schools in the count}'. The church at Newbern was begun in 1S38, by Elder Joseph Fassett. He was succeeded b\' such men as John Brazelton and John Campbell, who have been followed in later 3ears by Elders Young, Grigsbj', Tingle}', Gard and Tritt, the last ministering to them at present. They have a irood frame house built in i860 and is still used.

Tlic cluiivli at Joncsville was or^aiii/.nl as early as iS^^:;, and cmhr.wrd anx.ii- tlic cliarU-r members, "Jack "Smith, JoluiSinilh, ^ W. ] I. .Crump and I Jricc Gatlicr. Tlieir iirst. ])]aee of meclin-; was the old school buildin^r that stood just east of the villa,i;-e. For several 3-ears they met in barns, shops and llie open woods. . In 1S40, a small church was built southeast of die village, but afterward was removed to its present location. AmoiiLr ih'e earl^- preachers were Elders Ilollis, Edmondson, Fassetl ancrHramwcll. Many of the members luive moved away, and its mcmbcrsln> does not number over 125. It has no regular preacher. The Shuniways, Davises, Wrights, Kings and Gilberts, are among its present representatives.

The church at Moore's \^ineyard is of recent origin, holding its first meeting in the new house Christmas day, iSS7,^it xvhich Ume it Avas dedicated by Elder Sweeney. The meeting was continued for several weeks by Elder James Small, county cwangelist. The church is not yet regularh' organized but will be soon. The IMevritts, Wagners, Brewsters, Snyders, S\v-anks and others, compose its membership. It now^ has about sixty-jfive membei's.

The church at Kansas was organized by Elder A. Elmore, August 5, 1876. It began with about twent^^-five members, and was ministered to by Elder J. M. Brown. In 1876, they erected a brick structure, which was dedicated by Elder Z. T. Sweeney. Ii was blown down, and in its stead was erected a frame structure, at a cost of $3,000. The present membership is forty-five, and it is served by Elder J. P. Findlcy. The Deraings, Wheatbvs and Dry breads are ail members. It has a Sunday School of some sixty scholars.

The church at Bethany was organized early In the work of the disciples in this country. It now numbers about 100 members. "While not rich in this workFs goods, it nevertheless is rich in faith and good works. It is now ministered to by Elder Clark, and embraces the names of the Gates, Smallwood and Stucky families on its roll of membership. It has a good Sunday School, and also a Society of Christian Endeavor among the young folks of the congregation.

Histoid

T//C Aforaviai! Cluorh of Hope. - Since this con;4iH\i;"ation of the Moravian Church, with a small aililiated charg-e, situated southwest of Hope, 's the onl}^ congregation of this denomination in the State of 1 liana, and as a consequence, not well known, it is desirable to preface this sketch with a statement as to who and what the Moravians are.

The name of the church first needs explanation. Its original name was "United Brethren," but in iSoo another denomination appropriated the title of "The United Brethren in Christ," which naturally led to confusing the tv>o bodies; hence the adoption of the name of IMoravian, because the church was founded and expanded in Bohemia and Moravia. It is a Protestant Episcopal Church. In faith it is purely e^'angclical and orthodox in the strictest sense of the term, subscribing to the Augsburg Confession. The church had its origin in Bohemia, in 1457, anti-dating the Lutheran Reformation sixty years, and constitutes a fruitage of the preaclnng and mart3frdom of John Huss, of Prague. Noblemen and scholars flocked to its standard, numerous seminaries of theology were founded, and the Bible translated and published into Bohemian, b}- i^-. It also spread rapidty throughout Moravia and Poland. At the time of the great reform ion in German}^, the church already numbered 200,000 members, and over '400 parishes. But a dark da}^ was in store. When Ferdinand of Tyrol, a Roman bigot, ascended the throne, he instituted so relentless a persecution against this people, that in consequence of emigration and slaughter, the 3^ear 1627 found but a small number of them left, and these surviving in secrecy.

For ninet3--four years the church was thus continued, until in 1722, owing to a revival in its midst, the membership left home and native land, finding a refuge on the estates of Count Zarzendorf, a wealth)' and pious nobleman of Saxony, where they could worship (nul with iuhk' to make afraid. As the resuU of aiviihor _l^"caL re\i\'al, in 1727, so ^rv-al a zeal for tlie glory of (jikI maiiifcslod itself, ih.it failiii:^- to liiul a conf^'eiiial soil for its orowih in its a(Io])tecl eouiilrv, owing to the State C'lmreh, it llowed out into niissionar\' cluannels. The ehnrcli now nuinln-rs its missions among neai'ly all nations of the gl^'he, and a pioneer of the later times, in lliis work. It \\as this eonditlon of affairs tliat brought it to Ami;i-"e.i, where a century and moi'e ago it carried on a lai'gc work a.mong the Indians, a number of the headtjuarlers of that woik still remaining as seats of iniluential congregations. An esteemed member of the Ilojie congregation, Mr. John Henry Kluge, was born at one of tliese missions, near Muncie, Ind., the child of th.e missionaries there, over eight3'-two years ago. The Isloravian Church is an unbroken unit throughout the world, extending its activities into three directions: i. The Home Church. 2. Foreign I\lissions. 3. The Dias]-)ora. The last mentioned is a home mission work among the members of tlie State Church in Germany, Avhere the church ministers spirituall}- to 70,000 souls, who, however, are not expected to unite ^^-ith the Moravian Church. Including these three fields of activity, the church numbers in comiUUTiicants, according to the statistics of iS86> at Home, 20,464; in Foreign Missions, 83,052, and in the Diaspora, 70,000, making a total of 173,516 members. The enormous drain made upon the church in men and mon.-y for the support of this work, readily explains its smallness.

We now proceed to the istory pi-oper of the Moravian Church at Hope, Ind. It is a result of the Sunda}" School in Korth Carolina, about the year 1S24. Among the converts of that work \Tas a handsome, tall and robust j'oung man of about twentj-five years of age, by the name of Martin Ilauser. Burning with zeal for the Lord, he sought authority to establish a Moravian Church among the emigrants to this place, quite a number of whom had been his friends and neighbors. Having received' permission to carry out his plan, he, with his wife aul children, arrived liere about the end of the year 182c). He at once made known his intentions, and on January 2, 1830, held a meeting as an initiatory ste]). The persons present at this meeting were: Martin Ilauser,

Daiiirl Zicglcr, John ICssl-x, Saimul Roir.inn'or ami ]osei>U Sp;iii<;li, all of whom are now dead. It ^vas agreed that, tlie Lord willing, the}' wcyild at oilre begin efforts to found a clnu\h. The next step taken was to secure land for the enterprise. This would jM-ovide not (jnly a site for a ehiu-ch cditice, but also a resource for the mainlena.nce of the congregation from a fiiianeial point of view. Accordingly, upon their request, the Rev. Lewis de Schweinii/, a member of the Provincial Church Board, residing at l^ethlehem, Pa., advanced them "$200 for this purpose, \^''ith tins sum 160 acres of land were at once purchased. This land now forms the location of Hope. Later, eighty acres more were bought, and after a few^ 3'ears sold again, j-ielding an amonnt sufTicient to pay all the debts previously incurred.

On April 5th, preparations for the building of a log church were begun, and the first tree was felled in Hope, and for this purpose, b}' Hcnr\- Clayton, near the center of the north side of the public square. On Ma^- 5th, the logs were gathered at the site selected for the building, by Daniel Ziegler, and on June 9th, the new church was raised on the north side of Jackson Street, directly- opposite the center of the public square. June 17th was appointed as the da}' on which the first meeting was to be held witliin its walls. This da}' was selected as it is memorable in the history of the Moravian Church, as it w^as on June 17, 1722, that the first tree was felled for the building of Ilerrnhut, the first home of the Moravian brethren in Saxony. Both churches built later by this congregation, were dedicated to the worship of God on this da}'.