Clark County, Indiana - Chapter 22: History of St. Paul's Parish, Jeffersoxville, Indiana, the Only Episcopal Church in the County, 1909

Chapter 22: History of St. Paul's Parish, Jeffersoxville, Indiana, the Only Episcopal Church in the County

Few there are who do not take an interest in the beginning of a family, a town or parish : is it not interesting to know who were the first church people of Clark county, where they worshiped and who first administered to them of the Word and Bread of Life? The slow growth of the church in Indiana is no criterion to judge of its founding and growth elsewhere.

It is a matter of history that the first religious service in the English tongue, on this Western Continent, was that of the Church of England, conducted by the Chaplain of Sir Francis Drake on the California coast, in 1579, in commemoration of which George W. Childs has erected on the spot a beautiful Celtic cross of mammoth size.

The majority of tlie signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of the Church of England. Thomas JefTerson, who planned our city, was a regular attendant upon the services of the church.

In 1823, the Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, of New York, was sent here by the Domestic and Foreign IVIissionary Society. His report says he found in Jeffersonville, "members who welcomed him gladly." In 1835, the saintly Bishop Kemper paid Jeffersonville a visit, and also a second visit in 1836. The fonnation of the parish followed these visitations. The Rev. James G. Britton, who was assistant at Christ church during this time gave occasional services. The Rev. Benjamin O. Peers, a prominent presbyter and educator, officiated prior to this visitation of the bishop, and was present and presided at the organization of the parish, August 14, 1836. The record stands thus in the old register:

"At a meeting of those desirous for the formation of an Episcopal parish in the town of Jeffersonville on Sunday, the 14th of August, 1836, the Rev. Mr. Peers was called to the chair and Mr. G. Stearns appointed secretary, the following preamble being adopted." etc. The Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper was bishop of the diocese and the signatures were as follows : Robert Weinmer,

At the first election of vestrymen, the Rev. Mr. Peers in the chair, the following were chosen: Charles Fisk, Andrew Fite, Francis Barnes, George Stearns, Ira Robinson. Mr. Stearns was elected secretary. In November of the same year, the Missionary Board appointed the Rev. Mr. Steele as First Missionan^ to the parish; he also had charge of St. Paul's parish. New Albany.

The congregation first worshiped in a school-house on Market street, but soon the lower room of the court-house was fitted up and afforded a convenient accommodation.

Januaiy, 1837, Rev. Mr. Steele removed to New Albany and confined his ministrations to that city ; he was succeeded by Rev. Samuel R. Johnson.

In 1837 the primary convention to organize the diocese was held in Madison, and the Rev. Robert Ash is reported as pastor from Jeffersonville.

The first confirmation service was held July i, 1838, when the following persons received the Apostolic Rite at the hands of Bishop Kemper: ^Irs. Ira Robinson, Mrs. N. Kerms, Miss Mary Buchannan and Miss Mary A. V. Idell.

The first vSt. Paul's church was erected on a leased lot on Spring street, at what is now No. 238. Later a debt of three hundred dollars was paid ofif W'ith the very kind aid of the ladies of Christ church, Louisville, Kentucky.

The Rev. Charles H. Page, who resided in Louisville, had charge of this parish from 1839 to 1840. He was a godly man and left his imprint upon the parish. He writes in the old parish register: "In 1839 the house of Ira Robinson was the only house where the minister was entertained, but now in 1849, there are eight families where the minister is kindly entertained. Upon the Rev. Mr. Hickox, my successor, may grace, wisdom and strength be multiplied."

Rev. Air. Page says in the first published report of the parish, the Sunday school has twenty-five children and the church twenty communicants. The assessment for convention expenses was two dollars.

In May, 1843, the bishop says in his address, "The remainder of Sunday, January 15th, was devoted to Jefifersonville, where I found the congregation in a flourishing condition." He confirmed eight persons.

Baird S History Of Clark Co., Ind

whicli commenced with twenty-five children." It is evident from tliis tliat the Sunday school formed in 1836 hatl died ont, and from a resolution by the vestry at this time, we conclude that our parents were \-ery bad children, or else that the vestry held very high notions with regard to the sancitv of the building. The resolution was, "That the church be not used for the purpose of a Sunday school, it being considered by the vestry that the sanctuary should not be used for that purpose."

In 1843 a special meeting or convention was held in Indianapolis for the purpose of electing a bishop, and for the first time the parish had a representation in the person of Doctor Collum.

During the winter the Rev. Mr. Hicko.x, of ^ladison, took charge of the parish and also of New Albany ; but not receiving the encourag'ement he hoped for, he determined to go South for the benefit of his health, as he had an afliection of the throat. He was. however, suddenly attacked by sickness which in three weeks' time proved fatal. He died Sunday morning May 5th, and was interred at New Albany.

In 1845 ^Messrs. Bottorff, Cookerly and Collum were appointed a committee to purchase a lot upon which to remove the church from Spring street, where it stood on leased ground. They purchased on Chestnut street, between Spring and Pearl streets, on which, still in 1897 stood the original building used for a kindergarten school. A vestryroom large enoug-h to accommodate the Sunday school was erected and the church painted, all costing about four hundred dollars.

Report for 1846. Communicants twenty-eight, Sunday school scholars twenty-five. He regrets that the ground upon which the church stands has not yet been paid for, owing to the divided estate of the population, there being five different denominations and the too prevalent apathy to eternal things.

In 1845 the Rev. Mr. Page regrets that he cannot report the prospects of the church essentially improved. The congregation varies from thirty to fifty, teachers four, scholars twenty, communicants twenty-six, marriages five.

In 1848 he reports that it was difficult to sustain the Sunday school ; teachers three, scholars twenty, communicants forty, contributions for missionary work fifteen dollars, diocesan assessment, two dollars, not paid. At the diocesan convention the apportionment made on Jef¥ersonville for the support of the bishop was twenty-five dollars or one thousand dollars to be raised.

In 1849 the Rev. R. M. Chapman came to the parish as rector. He was a man of fine character and education. In 1852 for the first time the parish was represented among the clerg}\ In 1854 the convention was held in New Albany, the Rev. Dr. Chapman and two lay delegates, \V. F. Collum and H. P. Murry being present. Report : diocesan assessment or bishop's salary, twenty dollars; missionary fund fifteen dollars. Now the parish is beginning to show real life. In 1854 Doctor Chapman resigned his charge and confined himself to his duties as principal of a ladies' seminaiy.

On January i, 1855, Rev. James Runcie took charge of the parish. He reports thirty-three communicants. Sunday school thirty-four, contributions thirty-three dollars. Rev. Air. Runcie was elected alternate delegate to the general convention.

In 1855 the first convention was held in the parish, being that of Central Indiana, at which time the bishop ordained Rev. John B. \\'akefield, who was chosen as rector of St. Paul's. Richmond, and as priest the Rev. W. G. Spencer, rector-elect of St. Stephen's, Terre Haute. This was the first ordination service held in the parish, offering for missions at convocation, thirty dollars.

In 1857 Mr. Runcie was appointed chaplain at the penitentiary. In 1858 a fund was started by the Ladies' Guild looking towards a new church, and the amount of one hundred and fifty dollars placed to its credit. The Rev. Mr. Githens assisted the rector during this year. In 1859 Rev. Mr. Runcie resigned the parish but still remained chaplain at the penitentiary.

The Rev. R. A'\'. Trimble, deacon, officiated from April to November. 1859. This year the Ladies' Guild contributed two hundred and five dollars, most of which was used to repair the church. Deacon Trimble speaks of the Sunday school as being increased fourfold, and of the ofifering as being taken up weekly instead of monthly. The Rev. Mr. Runcie was a man of genial personality, and upon his departure left none but friends.

Januai-y 9, 1862. the Rev. P. Chariot took charge of the parish, init his stay was short as he was appointed chaplain of the Twentv-second Indiana Volunteers.

January i, 1864, Rev. C. \V. Fitch, D. D., took charge of the parish, rendering as his report says such services as did not interfere with his duties as chaplain to a L^. S. Amiy hospital. In his time a committee was appointed to procure subscriptions for the erection of a new church, and four hundred and ten dollars was raised. Communicants thirty-eight. Sunday school fifty, burials three hundred and thirty-six. This extraordinary large number of burials was from the army hospital, where Mr. Fitch was chaplain. In 1866 Doctor Fitch removed to the diocese of Michigan.

March, 1867, Rev. F. G. Carver officiated in the parish, and then Doctor Davidson as hy reader. The latter was a Presbyterian minister, who came from New Albany. He was ordained deacon March 31, 1867.

ship, being then only a deacon. He came from the Methodists and was ordained priest in New Albany, April 15, 1868. The vestry decided to purchase the Government chapel at Camp Joe Holt and a lot was procured from the Baptists on Mulberry street. They gave one hundred dollars for the old church and there was an even exchange of lots. For the chapel three hundred dollars was paid, and Hiram Wright received four hundred and fifty dollars for moving the building-, repairs, furniture, etc., making the total cost two thousand eight hundred dollars. The Ladies' Guild gave one thousand three hundred and twenty-six. Judge Read one hundred dollars, INlrs. Childs two hundred and five dollars. Mr. Willacy one hundred dollars, Mr. Shryer one hundred and fifty dollars. Mrs. Merriwether one hundred dollars, the Misses Shryer eight}'-five dollars and many smaller amounts. The church was consecrated by Bishop Talbot, April 16, 1868.

May I, 1870, the pews were declared free. In this year the Rev. Dr. Austin we!it to St. Stephen's, Terre Haute, and the Rev. Thomas B. Bacon took charge of the parish; but in 1872 he went to Ohio. In 1872 Rev. Richard Totten took charge, but in i87_i. went to the diocese of Easten.

December, 1875, Rev. G. \\\ E. Fisse was sent as locum tcncns; he left in 1876. The parish being vacant for some time, the services were supplied by Rev. Dr. Chapman. Rev. John Girlow, of Xew Albany, and Rev. Dr. Fitch. At this time a bell was placed in the church, being borrowed from the Government Depot.

Rev. G. C. Waller, of Louisville, officiated part of 1878, until Rev. Charles A. Cary, of Mississippi, took charge as rector and remained five years, the longest pastorate to date. A reed organ was placed in the church. ^Ir. Frank Burke being organist.

In 1 88 1 the first rectory was purchased principally with the bequest of one thousand dollars left by Mrs. Buchannan ; it stood on Mulberry and Chestnut streets. In 1883 Rev. Mr. Cary resigned and went to Florida, when Rev. J. R. Bicknell took charge until 1885. In his pastorate the congregation began to look toward a new church, and a fund was commenced of one hundred and fourteen dollars.

In 1884 Bishop Knickerbacker, of blessed .memoiy, was elected to the diocese. It was in the year of the great flood, and the first note of relief came from him ; he sent fifty dollars and telegraphed, "How much more do you want?" Rev. Mr. Cary also sent a donation. In all the money donations aihounted to five hundred and twenty-five dollars, which placed the church in good repair. There was over ten feet of water on the site of the present church. During the flood services were held on board the steamer. Grey Eagle, and in the O. F. Hall on Market street. Our services and those of our Roman Catholic brethren were the onlv ones held in those davs.

December, 1885, Rev. F. C. Jewell, of the diocese of Chicago was called and assumed charge. The endowment fund of the diocese was started and this parish gave its bond for eight hundred dollars, which was paid in full in seven vears. New additions were constantly made to the building fund. The parish was honored by the appointment of its senior warden, E. \V. Fitch, as supplementary deputy to the General Convention.

A lot on which the present church now stands was finally purchased from James Burke, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, five hundred dollars of which was provided by Miss Hannah Zulauf and five hundred dollars more provided in a manner unknown to the vestry, but which was supposed to have come from the same generous family. In 1889 the parish lost two old and valued communicants, Mrs. J. G. Reed and her daughter, Mrs. Merriwether. They remembered the parish liberally in their wills.

February, 1890, the old church and rectory were sold for two thousand dollars, with the privilege of using the church for two years and the ownership of the furniture. A terrible cyclone struck the town March 27th. causing loss to eleven church families, amounting to over twenty thousand dollars. Rev. Mr. Jewell resigned July, 1890, the state of the church being as follows: Communicants ninety-eight, Sunda}^ school sixty, current expenses seven hundred and fifty-nine dollars, total expenses, one thousand three hundred and nine dollars and seventy-one cents.

October 12, 1890, Rev. W. H. Bamford became rector and remained for one year. Mr. Bamford insisted that the building of a parish house and rectory were of equal importance with the building of the church.

July, 1892, the plans of Arthur Loomis for church and parish house were accepted and the offer of Captain Ed. J. Howard for both, for the sum of fourteen thousand f(jur hundred and sixty-six dollars and sixty cents, was accepted ; this did not include the furnishing of the church which was about one thousand five hundred dollars. October 6, 1892, the corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The list of principal contributors to the new church, St. Paul's: Mrs. S. C. Ransom, four thousand dollars; Captain E. J. Howard, five hundred dollars ; Joseph V. Reed, five hundred dollars ; R. M. Hartwell, five hundred dollars; Mrs. Wilhelmina Zulauf, five hundred dollars; Miss Hannah Zulauf, five hundred dollars ; John C. Zulauf, five hundred dollars ; Mrs. John Read, five hundred dollars ; E. W. Fitch, five hundred dollars ; Misses Ellen and Georgiana Shryer, three hundred dollars each ; Captain John Hoffman two hundred and fifty dollars; Ladies' Guild, three thousand six hundred and twenty-seven dollars ; Arthur Loomis, the architect, contributed all the plans and superintendence of the work, which was in itself a large contribution. Words should fail to express the gratitude of the congregation to Mr. Loomis. Some of the other contributors were :

Much praise is also due to Capt. Ed. J. Howard, tlie contractor, who has saved the congregation one thousand five hundred dollars or two thousand dollars in the cost of the church, and given more honest work than any other would.

]\Larch i, 1894, Rev. Dr. C. Graham Adams accepted the rectorship of this parish, and came at a time when a pilot at the helm was sorely needed. A handsome rectorv was erected next to the church at a cost of five thousand dollars.

Should the dead who took such an interest in the beginning and progress of the parish, but revisit the scenes of their toils and trials, or the familiar and cherished places which they loved on earth : should they be with us in the Holy Temple, and listen to the prayers and sermons, the chants and hymns, they w^ould not think they labored in vain.

Easter, 1897, a beautiful pipe organ was placed in the church by the munificence of that ever-liberal and truly Christian lady, Mrs. S. A. Ransom. It was built by the Pibcher Organ Company, of Louisville. In the sanctuary of the church stands the beautiful white marble altar, the noble gift of the Zulauf family. The Stealey family placed a fine memorial window in the church. ^lany other gifts were given, as an altar rail, literary desk, pulpit, etc.

Comparison - A. D. 182 1, church property, three thousand dollars; communicants, seventy-one; Sunday school average, forty; offering, eight hundred and eighty-three dollars.

A. D. 1891, church property, two thousand five hundred dollars; communicants, one hundred ten ; offerings one thousand three hundred and nine dollars ; Sunday school average, sixty.

A. D. 1893. church property, nine thousand eight hundred dollars; communicants, one hundred fifteen ; current expenses, nine hundred and eightyfive dollars ; Sunday school average, forty-six.

A. D. 1897, church property twenty-seven thousand five hundred dollars; communicants, one hundred eighty-five ; Sunday school, the 28th of November, sixty-two present on the rolls ; current expenses, one thousand five hundred and seventy-five dollars ; total offering, three thousand six hundred and fifty dollars.

February 5. 1900. the Rev. C. Graham Adams resigned the rectorate, and the Rev. Frank N. Chapman, of Kirksville, Missouri, was called June 8th. Mr. Chapman served the parish about four years, resigning June i, 1904. In October of this same vear the Rev. ]\lr. Bamford, who had ser^-ed the pari.sh in 1891, but who had been in cliarge of St. Paul's at Madison since that time, was called to the rectorate. He remained in charge of the parish until February, 1908. During the two succeeding months the Rev. E. A. Xeville, rector of St. Paul's, New Albany, gave such time as he could spare from his own church. The Easter offering while Mr. Neville was temporarih' in charge, was a large one.

The Rev. A. O. Bailey was called from Hartwell, Ohio, to assume the rectorship and took charge in April, 1908. Mr. Bailey seemed to be able to enthuse a new life in the people, and under his tactful and wise administration the church is building up and strengthening itself in all the different phases of parochial work. The vestry at present, 1908, is: J. Howard Fitch, senior warden: Thomas Sparks, junior warden: Thomas Bohon, treasurer: Lewis C. Baird, clerk ; John C. Zulauf, A. T. Allmond. \\'. J. Schwaninger

The church societies of St. Paul's, the St. Ag-nes Guild, the Woman'' Auxiliary and the Ladies' Guild are earnest and enthusiastic bodies. The St. Agnes Guild was organized by the Rev. W. H. Bamford, during his first rectorate and was strictly an altar guild, but it became ambitious and branched out into other work Ijesides its altar duties. This guild erected the brass railing- in front of the organ, and also gave the stone wall around the church property. Part of the money for the wall was raised by entertainments, the remaining one thousand dollars being a bequest to the St. Agnes Guild for that purpose, by Miss Hannah Zulauf. Much of the best work (if the jjarish has been accomplished by this guild. It has been a society of unmarried women, so the members were expected to leave as soon as they changed their names. The following are the officers at present: ]\Iiss Nora \\'liitesides, president: Miss Bess Hoffman, treasurer; Mrs. Bettie Allmond, secretary.

The Woman's Auxiliar}' of St. Paul's was organized diu'ing the rectorate of the Rev. F. C. Jewell. It is the missionary societv of the church. After several years of activity it was discontinued, but was revived again bv Doctor Adams. During the rectorate of Mr. Chapman it became a live factor in the activities of the parish and the diocese. At that time the officers were : President, ]\Irs. J. V. Reed : treasurer, Mrs. Thomas Sparks : secretary. Miss Lila Jewett. This society has the reputation of being one of the most active in the parish, and of being one of the best and strongest auxiliary branches in the diocese. It has given twenty-five dollars each year to the arch-deacon's salary, it has sent a number of very good boxes to different mission stations, besides responding to many special appeals. It has distributed missionary literature and in many ways has endeavored to interest the parish in missions. At present the work is being carried on by twenty-five members, with the following ofificers: President. Miss Lila Jewett: treasurer. Mrs. C. E. Poindexter; secretary. Mrs. Lewis Girdler.

with very few breaks in its service has had a continuous history to the present day. This body of earnest women has accomplished a great deal for the parish in various ways. It has raised much money for different church purposes and is one of the strongest societies in the parish.

St. Paul's Sunday school has the most modern organization of any Sunday school in the county. The new method of adopting the graded system of the public schools for Sunday school work has worked wonders in the school, and the systematic study of the Bible, the church and the prayer book is carried on up clear through a high school course. The use of this new method and an excellent staff of enthusiastic teachers presages a bright future for this school. A system of home study for those who cannot attend regularly has just been organized, and will afford an opportunity to many to take up a study of church subjects and learn more of the church and her ways.

The history of the Baptists in Clark county, Indiana, is most peculiar and sad. but withal, very interesting. It is peculiar and sad because of its many trials, discords and divisions, thereby weakening the local strength of the Baptists and their doctrines of faith and practice ; interesting because of its early date in the history of the country, its continued existence through its many trials, and its influence for good in the cause of Christianity.

In the year 1765 representatives from Baptist churches met at Philadelphia and adopted what is commonly known among Baptists of today as the "Philadelphia confession of faith."

In the brief space alloted in this work it is impossible to give in detail the facts contained in this document, but it is probably sufficient to say that it declares the "Bible to be the only infallible, sufficient, certain rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience," and teaches the doctrine of regeneration as prerequisite to salvation, a principle peculiar to the Baptists and the promulgation of which relieves the Baptists of the unkind and unjust criticism of the term, "close communists" (communionists).

On November 22, 1798, the first evangelical church organized in the territory west of Cincinnati, Ohio, was called into existence by the announcement of the following constitution, which is copied from Elder William H. McCoy's pamphlet entitled, "The oldest church in Indiana" :

"We. the church of Christ, on Owens creek in the county of Knox, and territory northwest of the Ohio river, in the Illinois grant, were constituted as a churcli on the principles of the Baptist Confession of Faith, adopted at Philadelphia in the year of our Lord 1765. Being constituted by Brother Isaac Edwards, we have hereunto set our hands this twenty-second day of Xo\-ember. 1798. John Fislar, John Pettet. Sophia Fislar, Cattern Pettet."

Thus two men and their wives constituted the first e\angelical church in the Northwest Territory, "A Baptist Church," originally known as "Fourteen Mile Church." because of its location on Owens creek, which was soon afterwards and to this day, known as Fourteen Mile creek.

The church was subsequently called the Charlestown Baptist church and is now known more commonly as the Silver creek Baptist church, Isaac Edwards, who organized the church, was a Baptist preacher from Kentucky, but the records of the church show no further reference to him immediatelv following the organization.

The first recorded meeting of this church following its organization was held on Februaiy 16. 1799, at which time William Kellar was chosen moderator and John Pettet church clerk.

The former was at this time pastor of the chuixh, being a Baptist preacher from Kentuck}-. On July 16, 1799. the first additions to the church are recorded, viz : James Abbett and Margaret Abbett by letter and Ste]ihen Shipman by experience and baptism.

James Abbett was chosen pastor on ]\Iarch 13, 1802, and tlie same day the church "agreed to attend to communion and washing feet." However, at the meeting in the following June the records read, "that as considerable light was shown upon the thirteenth chapter of John by several of the members present, the matter of washing feet was deferred."

On July 8, 1801. Elisha Carr was received by experience and baptism. For some time following, the meetings of the church were held at the residence of Elisha Carr, on Silver creek, near the present location of the Charlestown or Silver creek church. In April and May, 1803, the matter of building was considered and in December, 1804. an amount had been secured sufficient to erect a comfortable log house on "Silver creek, near the mouth of Sinking Fork," on ground donated for the purpose.

In 1818 the house had become too small and too old to be sen-iceable and it was agreed to build a brick house on a piece of ground donated by Elisha Carr, near the old house. This house was forty-six by twenty-eight feet and it was completed and ready for occupancy November 27, 1824. the trustees at the time of building being John McCoy. John Bowel and Jonah Harris. The church prospered greatly for thirty years, and was the leading church of all denominations in Clark and adjoining counties. It was also the "Mother Church" in all the surrounding territory, the following named churches in

Baird S History Of Clark Co., Ixd

Clark county being organized by members of the Charlestown church : Xew Providence (Borden). 1820: Jeffersonville. 1839: Utica (probably), 1844; Memphis, 1858. In addition to these, many of the Baptist churches in Washington and Scott counties as well as the church at New Albany were the result of aggressive work on the part of this church. In 1829 the first serious problems confronted the church in dealing with the questions advocated in the "Christian Baptist," edited by Alexander Campbell. The articles of faith on which the church was constituted were voted out. and a split resulted, the division taking place on May 23, 1829.

Each party met at the church, but the minority being aggrieved at the action of the majority and its continued persistence, on April 23. 182c). withdrew to the "shade" near a large basin not far from the church, and here it was that this minority received the approbrious epithet, "The Sink-Hole Elect." Here in the shade, with prayers and tears, they prepared a remonstrance and detemiined to stand fast, maintain the Baptist faith, ask their constitutional rig-hts and declare themselves. "The Silver Creek Baptist church."

The two branches continued to occupy the house, alternately, until about 1834. when the majority built a commodious and neat house in Sellersburg and styled themselves the "Silver Creek Christian church." On December 4. 1858, the majority gave its entire right and title in the old meeting-house to the Charleston Baptist church. The schism of 1829 caused by the propagation of the principles advocated in the Christian Baptist resulted in the adoption of extreme views by those of the minority. However, the strict adherence of these few to what they believed to be the scriptural teaching regarding missionary activity soon led to renewed growth and for a number of years the little church was again prosperous. We find also that from this early church went out as missionaries to the Indians, Rev. Isaac McCoy, Christiana McCoy, Eliza McCoy and Sarah Osgood. At present the church house still stands, but is used very little except for funeral ser\'ices. The location is rather isolated, the settlement being now along the railroad and in Sellersburg, and there is probably little future for the church. In Jeffersonville the Baptist church was organized on June 22, 1839, the meeting being held on Sunday afternoon in the Presbyterian church, the following being the constituent members : Mason J. Howell, Eleanor Howell, by letters from Spencer county, Indiana : Judith Halstead, by letter from Cincinnati, Ohio : Asa Marsh, by letter from Madison. Indiana; \\'i]liam ]\IcCoy. by letter from Charlestown, Indiana : Levi Hall, Esther Hall. Sarah Shrj-er. James Gill, baptized in the Ohio river at foot of Pearl street. Sunday. June 22. 1839.

Besides these there were present seven ministers and five laymen from points in Kentucky. Indiana. Missouri and Louisiana. Rev. William C. Buck was the first pastor, and the church met regularly on Saturday afternoon of each week in the Presbyterian church until a house was built on the southwest comer of Pearl and Market, where subsequent meetings were held.

Whether or not this house belonged to the organization or was only leased could not be learned, but some time later the organization built a house on leased ground on the south side of Market street between Wall and Locust streets, but owing to what was termed an exhorbitant rental for the real estate, the church bought a lot on the opposite side of the street where the residence of Capt. William Howard now stands, and the house was moved to this lot. ]\Ieetings continued here until some time in 1866, according to the best information, when the house was destroyed by fire. It is presumed that the records of the church were destroyed in this fire, as nothing can be found between October 21, 1856, and January 15. 1869. It is rather a peculiar coincidence that on the night of the fire a business meeting was held in the church and the matter under consideration brought about a division of the church, the minority organizing the Enon Baptist church. This latter organization held meetings for some time in the old engine house on W^est Maple street, until the present house on the square below was built in 1868.

This organization of the Enon Baptist church was wholly uncalled for and the church was doomed to failure. The pastor of this organization, taking advantage of the opportunity, solicited aid to rebuild the church which was destroyed by fire and used the money for the Enon church, and while the buncHng was completed and occupied, the church was not sufficiently strong to live.

In the meantime the original organization had held meetings at various points throughout the city and soon purchased the property of the Episcopalians on West Chestnut street, near Pearl. Here many overtures were made to secure a union of the two churches, but all to no avail, as both sides were unwilling to make concessions, and finally after most of the Enon membership had returned, few at a time, to the parent church, the house passed to the control of Capt. Ed. J. Howard, from whom it was purchased by the First Baptist church on June. 1880.

Wliile still holding meetings in the Chestnut street property the First church called to its pastorate a young man then at the Seminary in Louisville, Rev. Nelson B. Rariden, and during this pastorate perhaps greater progress was made than at any time in the previous history of the church.

The Rev. Mr. Rariden is now one of the prominent men of the denomination, being District Secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, having charge of the work west of the Mississippi river.

Notablv among the men who have served this church are the following: Rev. E. F. Strickland, who together with George C. Lorimer, was an actor plaving an engagement in the old Third Street Theater in Louisville, when thev were visited by a couple of the women and prevailed on to attend a service then being held in one of the Louisville churches. They were both converted and immediately went into the ministn,-. Rev. Strickland sen'ing the church in Jeffersonville during his term in the seminary. He is now one of the prominent men in the denumination. Rev. F. C. ^VlcConnell, at present pastor of one of the largest cliurches in Kansas City and considered one of the ablest men in the Southern Baptist convention, served the First Baptist church in this city about 1880-1. With all of the difficulties and trials which the church appears to have experienced the organization is at the present time in a very prosperous condition, and, in fact, this is true with respect to the Borden church, which has had a seemingly peaceful existence. A peculiar thing is the fact that along the entire northern bank of the Ohio river in the state of Indiana, the Baptists are as a rule weak. Located as they are at Jefifersonville and the immediate surrounding country' in the very pale of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, it appears that they should be very strong, but for some unknown reason the seminary appears to have been a hindrance rather than a help. But with all the struggles and discouragements, the several churches are not satisfied : they seek enlargement ; they desire to do even greater things for the cause of Christianity. They have been cast down, but not forsaken ; discouraged, but not despondent. Through it all the spirit of the Master has inspired and lead, and with an unwavering faith in Him, they pray, labor and wait, looking forward with hope to the time, "when Christ shall come the second time without sin unto salvation."