Clark County, Indiana - Chapter 24: The Presbyterian Church Ix Clark County, 1909

Chapter 24: The Presbyterian Church Ix Clark County

Presbyterianism in Clark county began with the organization of the cliurch at Charlestown in 1812. by the Rev. Joseph P. Lapsley. This was the second Presbyterian church in the state, the first being "The Presbyterian chnrcli of Indiana," organized near Vincennes in 1806.

It is impossible to give any of the particulars of the early days of the Charlestown church, as there is no record of the first eight years of its life. The first book of records in possession of the church contains this statement on its first page: "Charlestown church was organized in the year 1812: but no record was kept of its proceedings until April, 1820, at which time there were thirty-nine members, of whom fourteen were the heads of families." The first minister was the Rev. John Todd, but of his origin or end we know nothing. He came out of the mists of obscurity, labored well in this field for a few years and then disappeared. He probably began his ministrv in Charlestown in 1815 or 1816 and closed it in September, 1824. The Rev. John T. Hamilton came in the fall of this year and remained until April. 1827. In the spring of 1827 the Rev. Leander Cobb was called and remained until 1838. During his pastorate the church prospered and increased in meml^ership from sixty-eight to ninety-three. In March, 1839, the Rev. \\'illiam Orr took charge and remained until March, 1841. In August. 1843. th^ Rev. H. H. Cambern was installed as pastor and remained in charge until 1853. He was a man of strong character and made his influence felt in educational as well as spiritual matters. Under his leadership the "Barnett Academy" was built. This school was in existence for a number of years and during its life did much for the mental growth and advancement of the community.

In July, 1853, the Rev. John S. Hays came and remained until March, 1857. Mr. Hays was a young man, fresh from the seminars-, this being his first charge. He was a genial, popular and earnest man and made a strong impression upon the community. His departure was regretted by all.

The Rev. Henry E. Thomas held the pastorate from 1837 until September, 1859. In his manner he was dignified, in his habits, studious and scholarly, and was careful and faithful in the discharge of his pastoral duties. The church was ministered to until October, 1862, by the Rev. J. L. Matthews, when he was succeeded by the Rev. C. B. Davidson. Mr. Davidson remained until the fall of 1864. The Rev. Henry Keigwin was in charge from April, 1865, until October, 1867. Mr. Keig\vin was a brother of the late Col. James Keigwin, of the Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantiw, during the War of the Rebellion.

In November, 1867, the Rev. William Torrance took charge of the church and remained until October, 1871. He was a man greatly beloved by all, both as a man and as a minister. Faithful as a pastor and elocjuent as a preacher, he impressed himself most powerfully upon the church and community.

The Rev. Samuel Barr came in November. 1875, and remained until the fall of 1879. Under his leadership the church prospered, the greatest result of his labors being the erection of the present beautiful and commodious brick church in 1877. The old church which this building replaced was built upon ground deeded to the Presbyterian church by John Work, one of the pioneers of Clark county, and one of the very early members of the church. The old building served for more than fifty years as a house worship and at one time was one of the best church edifices in Indiana. Among the prominent men who shouldered the burden of building this first church may be mentioned Samuel McCampbell. Judge James Scott, James McClung and Jacob Simmers.

The First Presbyterian Church In Jeffersonville

On February 16, 1816, a church of Presbyterians was organized at Jeffersonville, called the Union church of New Albany and Jeffersonville, and composed of residents of both places. It was organized by the Rev. James Mc- Gready, under commission of the General Assembly. In this church the Hon. Thomas Posey, Governor of Indiana, then residing here, was a ruling elder. The organization was only temporary and by the removal of the members to New Albany was afterward transferred to become the First church of that city.

The First Presbyterian church of Jeflfersonville was organized by a committee of Salem Presbyten.^ May 22, 1830, with twelve members. Samuel Merriwether was elected ruling elder. On June i, 1830, the Rev. Michael Remley was received as stated supply, and remained with the church until

September 28, 183 1. Many of tlie members were lost by death and removal, but not being discouraged, the remaining ones began the erection of a small brick church on lower Market street, now occupied by the German Reformed congregation. The church lot was donated by Dr. Samuel Merriwether. and the means to build the house were contributed by him in a large measure. James Keigwin, of the Methodist church, aided materially, and the cornerstone was laid September 24. 1832. by the Rev. Mr. Fleiner, pastor at that time.

Up to December, 1833, the church seems to have had no permanent minister, but on December i, 1833, the Rev. Edward P. Humphrey, D. D., was called as stated supply, and served until the summer of 1835. At this time the membership was eighteen, only two of whom were male members.

On January i, 1836, the Rev. P. S. Clelland began his ministry in this church, and remained until the troubles of 1837-1838, known as the New and Old School controversy, began. The pastor and two of the elders, Messrs. Heiskell and Rodgers, adhered to the new school body, and they carried with them almost the entire membership : but it was not long before they began take letters to the churches of the other denominations in the town. Doctor Merriwether fitted up a room in his residence for the members of the old church to worship in. This bodv of Presbyterians finally purchased the church from the new school party, who had kept possession of it, and called the Rev. H. H. Cambern as pastor. He was an energetic, active, faithful man and ser\'ed until the winter of 1841, when he resigned to accept a call to Charlestown. The Rev. John Clark Bayless was called and entered upon his labors here October 9, 1842, and was ordained and installed as pastor June 30. 1843. He resigned his pastorate in the summer of 1844. Mr. Bayless was a splendid preacher, strong mentally and a successful pastor, who endeared himself greatly to his congregation. The Rev. W. H. Moore was stated supply from 1845 to 1848. From the fall of 1848 to the fall of 1851 the Rev. W. W. Hill, D. D., of Louisville, supplied the church. On November 18, 1851, the Rev. R. H. Allen accepted a call as stated supply and on November 6, 1S53, was called as pastor. The regular quarterly communions were established under his ministry and in 1853 the church had one of its greatest revivals. It was during these meetings that Doctor Merriwether died. April 13, 1856, Mr. Allen resigned and the Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Thomas supplied until November 8, 1856.

On ]\Iay 13, 1857, the Rev. S. F. Scnvel, a graduate from the seminary at New Albany was called as supply, and on September 6, 1857. was elected pastor, his ordination and installation taking place October 18, 1857. He had a prosperous pastorate, and it was during his ministry here that the present church was built. The fecundations were laid in August, i860, and the lecture room was dedicated to the worship of God in December, i860. The complete building was dedicated in October, 1864, Dr. James Wood, of Hanover College, preaching the dedication sermon.

In the latter part of December, i860. Air. Scovel resigned, but regular services were kept up until the Rev. Thomas F. Crowe, D. D., began his ministiy May i, 1862. The pastorate of Doctor Crowe lasted until his death, January 13. 1871, and was one of healthy growth in numbers and influence.

Shortly after Doctor Crowe's death the Rev. J. M. Hutchinson was invited and on April 26, 1871, he was installed. Mr. Hutchinson's labors were abundantly rewarded, and his long pastorate lasting until his death. April 2, 1896, was one of sound growth in all lines of church work. His untimely death was a loss not only to the church, his family and his wide acquaintanceship, but to the city as well.

On June 10, 1896, Rev. J. P. Hearst, Ph. D., was elected pastor, and was installed October 7, 1896. Doctor Hearst resigned on the nth day of April, 1899. On the i6th day of August, 1899, Rev. John Simonson Howk, D. D., was elected pastor and was installed October 19, 1899.

A church manse was begun February, 1900, and completed in the summer of that year. This building is- situated in the rear of the church at No. 222 Walnut street, and furnishes the pastor a commodious, convenient and beautiful home.

Doctor Howk resigned as pastor October i, 1908, and on the 23d day of December, 1908, Rev. C. I. Truby was elected pastor and occupied the pulpit for the first time January 31, 1909.

Among those who have taken prominent parts in church work may be mentioned Henry E. Thomas, an elder in the forties ; ^\'ilIiam Lackey, an elder in the fifties, and Elders James W. Gilson, John G. Fenton, Charles Paddox, Abraham Carr, Dr. O. S. Wilson, W. H. Fogg, John S. Hall, Thomas Caise, George C. Zinck, William Smart, Prof, R. L. Butler and Charles D. Kiernan. But of those who bore the burden when it was heaviest and who labored the hardest for the upbuilding of the church no names can be written higher than those of Dr. Samuel ]\Ierriwether in early days, and James H. McCampbell. in later ones. Capt. Addison Barrett, an elder, and for many years the superintendent of the Sunday school, was an example of dignified Christian manhood and loval)le character seldom encountered.

Pisg.Ah Presbyterian Church

The (lid Pisgah Presbyterian church on Camp creek, tlrree miics east of New Washington, was organized on the 27th day of February. 1816, at the house of Alexander \\"alker by the Rev. James !McGready, a missionaiy under the direction of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church. The Pisgah church was supplied by missionaries until the year 1819, when the members of the Pisgah church with the Rev. Samuel Shanon presiding, elected the Rev. John M. Dickey pastor, and appointed two of the elders to confer with the

New Lexington churcli in preparing- a call. This call was laid before the Louisville Presbytery of Kentucky in April by I\Ir. Walker and accepted by Rev. John AL Dickey, who was a regularly installed pastor of the two churches on the first Saturday of August, 1819, at Lexington, Scott county, Indiana, Rev. Isaac Reed preaching the installation sermon. Rev. David C. Banks presiding and giving the charge. J. M. Dickey settled in the bounds of New Lexington church and continued there until January, 1827. About the year 1837 the Presbyterian church di\-ided, forming two separate congregations known as the Pisgah church, Xew School, and the Xew Washington church, Old School. The new school congregation retained the old church building, the old school going to New Washington. The early memliers of the Pisgah church were true, devoted Christian men, who were guided by a conscientious regard for law and justice. AniDug these earh- members were Alexander Walker, John Henderson and John Matthews, with their wives and families. The early life of the church was prosperous, but it received a set-back after the controversy arose which divided it into two parts, and Presbyterianism has never been very strong in that part nf the county since.

The Mount Vernon Presbyterian church at Xew Market was organized in June, 1833, with fourteen members. The Rev. Enoch Alartin preached to the settlers in this locality about the year 1830. Peter Amick and John Cortner were the first ruling elders and they also acted as deacons. It was owing to the labors of such men as these that the unity of the Presbyterian church was preserved, and the code of morals which she so untiringly maintains, kept to a respectable grade.

In 1839 the first Sunday school was started with John Covert and George Stith as superintendents, but the school has been allowed to die out. During the history of the church there have been received into membership about four hundred fifty members. At present the membership is forty. The present church was built in 1874, and it stands on the site of the old church. The list of the fourteen charter members of the Mount Vernon church represent some of the oldest families around X^ew Alarket. They were Abraham Cortner, Levi Amick, John Covert, Gideon Amick, Daniel Cortner, Margaret Amick, Barbara Cortner, Mary Amick, Elizabeth Cortner. Catharine Cortner, Fama Cortner, Sophia Amick, Gilbert Ray and Elizabeth Ray.

The Owen Creek Presbyterian Church. '

An application was made to Salem Presbytery in 1840. The Presbytery appointed a committee consisting of the Rev. James Wood and the Rev. William Orr, and William McAIillan as elder. These men met on Saturday. Tune

13, 1S40, and (irganized Owen Creek Presljyterian church, with Uie follf.iwing charter members : William Crawford and his wife. Jane ; Mary Ann Crawford, Catherine McNulty, William McGhee, father of the Rev. Clark McGhee, and his wife, Tamar, Charlotte Henderson, ^Martha McGhee, Jacob Bare and his wife, Polly ; Harriet Taggart, Rebecca Ray, James McGhee and Joseph Bare. William Crawford and Jacob Bare were elected elders at that time. The Presbvterv appointed the Rev. Samuel Orr as supply for the year, from May I, 1840, and he was succeeded by the Rev. Josiah Crawford, who served from 1841 to 1848. The Rev. H. H. Cambern came next and supplied from 1848 to 1852, when the Rev. Josiah Crawford returned and sen-ed until 1887. The Rev. E. B. Harris came in 1887, Rev. William A. Cutler in 1889. Rev. \\\ B. Brown in 1892, Rev. J. M. Oldfather in 1896.

During the life of this church it has had three ^-oung men brought up under its care: Rev. C. R. McGhee. Dr. J. F. Baird and Dr. ^^'illiam Baird. The present brick church ^vas erected about 1842, and the Sunday school Avas also started about this time. The present elders are C. L. Bare. W. W. Taggart and S. E. Taggart. The congregation numbers seventy-five.

The New Washington Presbyterian Church

The early history of the New ^^"ashington church is identical with that of Pisgah. The memorable pastorate of the Rev. John 'M. Dickey is dear to to the New Washington church as well as Pisgah. It was under his pastorate that the commodious brick church was built, and his residence, a substantial hewed log house, plastered and weatherboarded, built in 1827, still stands in a good state of preserA-ation on the farm now owned by his grandson, W. A. Britan. It was also under his pastorate that the branch church was erected at Bethlehem. He was a great believer in higher education and induced Thomas Stevens, a wealthy member of his church, to build a seminary or boarding school on his farm near Bethlehem. Teachers were brought from the East, and Mr. Dickey lived here for a number of years and boarded the teachers and some of his pupils. He was also instrumental in the founding of Hanover and W'abash Colleges. In the unhappy division of the Presbyterian church in 1838, about one-third of the membership of old Pisgah withdrew and formed another church under the name of the Old School church. Their first pastor was the Rev. James A. McKee, who was instrumental in building their church in 1841. It still stands, the home of the united church and a monument to their fidelity. The old Pisgah church building having become much cracked it was considered dangerous, and it was torn down, the brick being used in the home of W. A. Britan. The New School division also built a chtirch in New Washington, a church and seminary building combined, the lower part for the church and the upper rooms for the scliool. It was used as such for a numljer of years until the pubHc schools were started when it was sold to the township and for many years used by it for school purposes. The present high school building stands on its site. Mr. Dickev served this church faithfully fur thirty years, until his death in 1849. He rests with many nf his fold in the old Pisgah cemetery. A simple marble slab marks his grave, on which is inscribed : "Rev. John M. Dickey ; died May 21, 1849. aged fifty-nine years, eleven months and five days. A pioneer preacher of the Presbyterian church. He was a good man, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and many people were added unto the Lord." Some of the pastors after him were his son. Rev. N. S. Dickey. Rev. Enoch ]\Iartin, Re\-. John Gerrish, Rev. Josiah Crawford, Rev. John Creath, Rev. Isaac More. Rev. ^^^ H. Brown and the Rev. J. M. Oldfather, D. D. In 1870 the two divisions were happily united, taking the name, "New ^^'ashington Church," antl in 1902 the Bethlehem branch became a separate church, retaining the old church name. Pisgah. Since its organization eight hundred ten persons have been connected with it. and some of its members have become distinguished ministers of the Gospel, among these being the Rev. N. S. Dickey, whose son the Rev. S. C. Dickey. D. D., is the promoter and manager of the \\'inona Chautauqua: the Rev. J. L. Taylor, D. D., of Fairmount Park, New Jersey : the Re\-. Joseph Taylor Britan, of Yonkers, New York, and the Revs. Homer and Virgil Scott.

Sunday schools were organized about 1850. and have continued until the present time, the membership being about forty. The church membership is now sixty-five.

The Bethlehem Presbyterian church was founded some time in the thirties, while the Rev. John M. Dickey was pastor of the Pisgah church, near New Washington. Mr. Dickey had founded his seminary and boarding school on Mr. Stevens' farm near Bethlehem, and it was in active operation at an early day. The church building there must have been completed in 1842. In 1902 the Bethlehem branch became a separate church and it retained the old church name of Pisgah.

In March, 1885, the session of the Lexington church decided to send the Rev. Frank M. Gilchrist to establish a preaching point here. He began by holding sen-ices in the school-house until the Rev. Georg-e Ernest came and held a series of protracted meetings. About t\venty-ti\'e persons were received intci membersliip and tiie ciiurch was organized Deceml^er 5. 1885. The following were the charter members : Anna Belle Tilford. Lizzie Lukenbill, Rose Cole, Alary Izzard, Robert Henderson, Sarah Alice Henderson, Franklin Henderson, Addie Henderson, James C. Bussey. Jolm AI. Graves, William L. Tilford, John Boyd, Frank Bussey. Edwin Lukenbill, (ieorge Cyrus Bussey, Ella Bussey, John Tilford, Alary Tilford. Hugh R. Ursher. Alary Ursher and Alary E. Tafflinger.

August 19th, preceding the organization of the church, William Gray deeded a lot to the church and subscriptions were started toward erecting a building. With about four hundred and fifty dollars raised locally and further assistance from the board of church extension, a church was built and opened Saturday night, June 18, 1887. Rev. F. AI. Gilchrist preached to a large congregation, but the happy anticipations of the dedication the next day were rudely broken by the complete demolitiiin of the building by fire that night. Plans for rebuilding were made immediately and in ALav, 1888. the second church was dedicated, the Rev. T. G. Bosley preaching the dedicatory sermon. The following pastors have served this church since its organization :

Previous to 1901 this church had been a branch of the Lexington church, but on Alarch 25th of this year it was organized into a separate church with a membership of thirty-nine souls. A series of protracted meetings held at this time resulted in twelve additions. The first elders were John Kennedy, \V. D. Tilford and Sanford K. Peck.

April 10. 1839, when G. C. Zinck came to Utica. there was a small Presbyterian church here, consisting of Robert AIcGee and wife. Theophilias Robinson and wife, Jacob Aliddlecofif and w'ife and daughter, Elizabeth and Aliss Sallie Byers. Alessrs. Robinson, AIcGee and AIiddlecof¥ were then acting elders. The division in the Presbyterian church had taken place just before this in 1838, into the New and Old School. Air. Robinson had identified himself with the New School church just before he moved here from New Washington, and after being elected elder here, attended Salem Presbytery, it being a New School Presbytery, and had this church enrolled with Salem Presbytery. The other members of the church were Old School in sentiment, and the New School Presbytery being short of ministerial strength, were not able to supply the church with preachers but very rarely. About 1841 John C. Bayless and family moved here from Louisville, he having been an elder in the First Presbyterian church for years and Dr. William Orr and family moved here from Covington, and being in the regular enjoyment of the means of grace felt the loss of it and would have been satisfied if the New School Presbytery could have supplied the church with preaching, but that could not be done. Mr. Bayless drew up a petition to the Old School Presbytery, of New Albany, which was signed by all the members of the church to be organized into an Old School church. New Albany Presbytery granted the request and appointed a committee to eiYect the organization and appointed Rev. Josiah Crawford the stated supply. He continued preaching here for seven years, every other Sabbath. Mr. Bayless and Doctor Orr were also elected elders in the new organization. Mr. Robinson declined to unite with the new organization. The church prospered and God visited the little church with a revival of wondrous power : by it the church more than doubled itself as to the eldership in the church. In the absence of the church records, the writer must speak from memory. Dr. Robert Sprowl came here from the Charlestown church. Some of the former elders having moved away, Doctor Sprowl was elected elder and was also a verj' efficient one. G. C. Zinck was elected shortly after and George Summers was elected in due time. N. B. Wood and Moses W. Tyler and a Mr. Patterson were the next called to the eldership and Marion Gunter followed. John Tyler is one of the present elders.

The [Mount Lebanon church was organized on May 22. 1853, in the Steuart meeting-house near the Lexington road, and moved to the Mount Lebanon church in 1871. There were ten charter members, all from the Mount Vernon church : Mrs. Polly Nicolls was received by profession of faith. A committee of two, the Rev. J. G. Atterbury and Elder Haines, from the Salem Presbytery, assisted in the organization. William Hartman was elected ruling elder and Cyrus Park, deacon.

The Sunday school here was organized in the earlv forties, bv the Cumberland church, and has continued down to the present day. The present church building was erected in 1871. There have been two hundred fourteen members of this church, all told, with a present membership of forty-five.

The Otisco Presbyterian Church

Tlie Otisco church was organized December ii, 1875, with eighteen charter members. There have been received into membership of this church one hundred sixteen persons, with fifty on the roll at the present time. The building now occupied by this congregation was built by the German Lutherans in i860. In 1882 the Sunday school was organized, its membership being fifty now. The following ministers have served this church since 1875 :

Mount Zion Presbyterian Church

The Mount Zion church was organized at Pleasant Hill in 1876 with thirteen charter members. The church building was erected at this time, but it burned down in the fall of 1892, and was rebuilt at Mount Zion in 1893. It was dedicated November 12, 1893, by the Rev. Mr. Vandyke, of New Albany. The Sunday school was organized in early days. This church was first organized at Henryville, and its building was used as a place of worship for a great many years until the members became so scattered that it was abandoned. It was in after years that it was reorganized at Pleasant Hill by the Rev. John McCrae. The following ministers have served ]\Iount Zion church : Revs. John McCrae. Theodore McCoy, George Ernest, W. C. Broady. W. E. Prather. Clinton H. Gillingham, John Engstrom, I. I. St. John, William Lewis, R. H. Bateler, J. M. Oldfather, D. D., and the Rev. L. V. Rule. The first elders were Thomas Lewellen, David Cass and William T. McClure. The first deacon was Charles Franke.

Since 1876 tliere have been received into this church about one hundred members, and at present the roll shows forty-three. The membership of the Sunday school is forty. The present elders are George F. Guernsey, Michael Fetter and T. J. McClure. The present deacons are C. S. Dunlevy and Charles Fetter.

Hebron Presbyterian Church

The Hebron church was organized about three miles east of Underwood on November 17, 1894, with fifteen charter members. The first elders were William F. Zeller, Fred Ester, and the first deacon was Charles Does. There have been received into membership here sixty-six persons. The membership is at present thirty-eight. The Sunday school was organized in 1895, and has an average attendance of forty children. The pastors who have served Hebron are Rev. W. C. Broady, Rev. R. C. Hartman, Rev. W. C. Prather, Rev. R. H. Bateler. Rev. J. M. Oldfather, Rev. J. Gillingham and Rev. Lucien Rule, the present incumbent. The present building was erected in 1896. The present elders are William F. Zeller and J. W. Gladden. The present deacons are Joseph Clak and Edward Bolly.