Daviess County, Indiana - Chapter 12, 1886

Chapter 12

Religious History of the County - A Connected Account of the Various Church Organizations; theirObigin, Members, Ministers, Buildings, Revivals, Camp-meetings, and General Progress, Together with Much Other Matter of Public Interest.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

THE history of the Catholic Church of Vincennes, in the earlyyears of its existence, is almost a history of Vincennes itself. The history really begins with Father Marquette ami other Jesuit missionaries, who went forth with wonderful zeal for their religion and fidelity for their king. Since 1748 the history is a matter of record, yet some very authentic history exists before that date. Father Marest, in a letter dated Kaskaskia, November 9, 1712, says: ''The French having lately established a post on the Wabash, demanded a missionary, and Father Mermet was sent them." True to the instincts of his teaching he labored zealously with the French and their neighbors, the Indians. His efforts were particularly directed to the Mascoutins in trying to teach them the worship of the true Manitou. Father Mermet died at Kaskaskia. It is supposed that Father Senat was pastor at Vincennes about 1736. He accompanied an expedition under Francis Morgan de Vinsenne and Dartaquette against the Chickasaws, and perished along with his companions. The second record bears date April 21, 1749, and is signed by the Jesuit Father, Sabastian Louis Meurin, and records the marriage of Julien Trattier, of Montreal, Canada, and Josette Marie, the daughter of a Frenchman and an Indian woman. The following record of baptism is made on June 25, 1749:

I baptised John Baptiste, son of Peter Siapichagane and of Catharine Mekieve; Francis Filatraux was god-father, and Mary Mikitchenseire was godmother. Sabast. Lou. Meuiun.

In December, Madame Trattier, whose marriage was before mentioned, died and was buried in the church "under her pew on the Gospel side." The last recorded official act of Father Meurin was the burial of the wife of a corporal in the garrison, March 17, 1753. Father Meurin was called to a broader field, and was succeeded at Vincennes by the Jesuit Father, Louis Vivier, from 1753-56. His first record was a marriage, May 20, 1753, and on the 24th the burial of Pierre Leonardy, lieutenant of the garrison; his last was August 28, 1756. Half of the records are of "red or Indian slaves " belonging to the commandant and to the inhabitants. The last Jesuit missionary at Vincennes was Father Julien Du Vernay, from 1756-63. In the interval from 1763-70, Philibert dit Orleans, a notary public, kept the records. In 1770 the Very Kev. Pierre Gibbault arrived in Vincennes, where he remained at intervals till 1770. On his arrival at Vincennes he estimated the population at 700 or 800. Col. Clark met Father Gibbault at Kaskaskia and explained his intention of capturing Vincennes, and sent him back to use his influence with the French for the American cause. The people were assembled in the church and the matter explained by Father Gibbault, when they, en masse, took the oath of allegiance to Virginia and chose Capt. Helm commandant of the post, from which the cross of St. George was hauled down and the stars and stripes unfurled to the breeze. Gov. Hamilton took possession again in a short time in the name of the British king, but it was again retaken by Clark's heroic band February 25, 1779. During the interval from 1775-84 Philibert again performed the duties as done heretofore. In 1784 Father Gibbault again visited Vincennes, accompanied by Eev. M. Paget, who invalidated the work done by Philibert. In May Gibbault again took up his residence in Vincennes. A church was in existence at Vincennes as early as 1750, as Father Meurin records the burial of Madame Trattier in that year, in the church, "under her pew on the Gospel side." Father Gibbault says, in 1784, a new church had been built, 90x42 feet, and he had adopted the old one as a parsonage. At this time English names appear on the register. In July, 1786, for the first time a man was buried who had been murdered by the Indians. In 1789, Father Gibbault installed Pierre Mallet, a layman, as guardian of the church until the arrival of Rev. M. Flaget, in 1792. Father Flaget found the church in Vincennes in a sad condition. The building was poor, open and neglected: the altar, a temporary structure, was of boards, and badly put together. He found the congregation in a worse fix even than the church. Out of nearly 700 but twelve could be induced to approach holy communion during Christmas festivities. He labored zealously among the French, who, he says, were intermarried with the Indians, and had contracted many of then- savage habits, and were more careless than the Indians. Rev. Flaget, after a brief interval, was succeeded by Father Levadoux. sent at the request of Col. Vigo ; was succeeded by Rev. John Francis Rivet.

He was particularly zealous among the Indians. Many marriages and baptisms among the Indians were recorded by him, the greater number being among the Pottawattomies. There were also many among the tribes of Miamis, Shawanees, Charaguis, Piankeskaws, Weas, Sioux and Kaskaskias. The first record was the marriage of a Pottawattomie to a Shawnee. He mentions with praise "the old praying man," Louis, a converted chief, who died at their encampment on White River. Father Rivet died January 31, 1804, the only one of thirty up to 1834 who died at that place. The tenth in order was Rev. Donatian Olivier, in 1805, who was succeeded in 1806 by Father Nerinckz for a short time, and he by Father Urban Guillet, a monk, in 1808 ; in 1809 he was succeeded by Father Olivier. In 1810 came Father Etienne Theodore Badin; in 1813 Father Olivier, and in 1814 Bishop Flaget paid two visits to Vincennes, and the same year Rev. G. J. Chabat had charge. In 1817 Father Rosati was called; in 1818 Rev. Father Acquaroni, and in the same year Rev. Anthony Blanc, followed by Father Jeaujean. In 1819 Rev. A. Ferrari; 1820, Rev. M. Dakman; 1821, Rev. Richard; 1823, Rev. Father Champomier; 1826, Father Durbin; 1827, Father Abell, Father Fouche ; 1830, Father Timon ; 1831, Fathers Picot and Reynolds; 1833, Rev. S. P. Lalumire and Father Petit; 1834, Bishop Bute. In 1836, Rev. G. de la Harlandiere till 1839 ; Rev. Aug. Martin until 1843 ; Rev. T. Courjault until 1846, and Rev. Ernest Audran until 1870. Rev. John Contin had charge till 1876, when Rev. John Gueguen succeeded him. who had for his as- sistants Eevs. Mousset and Oster respectively. Eev. Hugh Peythien was the next in order, assisted by Rev. Oster at first, and afterward by Rev. Thomas McLaughlin. This congregation numbers about 250 families. On its grounds are the church, library and episcopal residence. Faux Chenal and St. Rose are attended from Vincennes. A large brick schoolhouse stands near the cathedral, which is used as a boys' school, and is taught by the Brothers of the Holy Cross. The girls have been taught by the Sisters of Providence since their arrival in the diocese. The attendance of the two schools is about 200.

The see of Vincennes was erected in 1834, and the Rt. Rev. Simon G. W. Bunti was made its first bishop, and performed the work of that office faithfully until his death in June, 1839. Rt. Rev. Celestine Rene Lawrence Guynemer de la Hailandiere became the second bishop of the diocese of Vincennes in 1839, and remained in that office till his resignation in 1847. John Stephen Bazin was consecrated bishop of Vincennes October 24, 1847, but died April 23, 1848. Rt. Rev. James M. Maurice de Long d'Aussac de St. Palais was administrator of the diocese from the death of Bishop Bazin, April 23, 1848, till his consecration January 14, 1849. His death occurred June 28, 1877. Rt. Rev. Francis Silas Chatard was duly installed bishop August 11, 1878. Since his installation the residence of the bishop has been at Indianapolis instead of Vincennes.

Church Of St. John The Baptist

Previous to 1851 the German Catholics worshiped at the cathedral, with occasional services in German. In 1846 Rev. Charles Oppermann attended them, and in 1847 Rev. Conrad Schneider] ans, with their residence at the cathedral. In 1851 Rev. Nicholas Stauber built the first church, a portion of the present church, of brick, 80x40 feet. After Stauber came Rev. Leonard Brandt, who had charge till 1856. The first resident priest was "William Engeln, who remained till 1853. The first pastor, Rev. Aegidius Joseph Merz, took charge in September 1863. In 1866 he removed the sanctuary and enlarged the build- ing in the form of a cross. It is now 154x40 feet, and has a transept 80x40 feet. The congregation numbers about 350 families. The grounds and buildings are considered among the finest in the diocese. Their erection and completion are largelydue to the present pastor, Eev. Merz. The first school was opened in 1851, and taught in private houses for several years. In 1856 a small one-story brick house was erected on the present church property. In 1873 Father Merz had this removed, and erected in its stead the present spacious two-story building. The school is taught by a layman and four Sisters of Providence. The attendance is about 300 children.

The Presbyterian Church Of Vincennes

This church was organized by Rev. Samuel B. Robertson, of Kentucky, in'1806, a short distance in the country. The Rev. Samuel T. Scott was the first pastor. He began his work in 1807. Preaching in Vincennes was either in private houses or in the old court house at the corner of Third and Buntin Streets. Membership was held either with the upper or lower congregation until 1833, when the number of members in Vincennes was deemed sufficient for a separate organization. To the Rev. Scott is due the credit of establishing the Presbyterian Church in Vincennes and Knox County. Rev. Scott continued his work with the church till his death in 1827, and was succeeded by his son-in-law, Rev. S. R. Alexander, who continued to preach in Indiana until within a few years past. Rev. Scott was an intimate friend of Gen. Harrison and Col. Vigo, the wife of the latter being a member of the church. On January 5, 1833, the following persons were organized into a church at Vincennes: John Buner, Samuel Harris, Lydia Harris, Samuel Smith, James Kuykendall, Sarah Hay, Patsey Hill, Elizabeth Decker, Mrs. Shaddock, John McGriffin, Elizabeth Wyant, Minerva Roseman, Andrew Graham, Mrs. Graham, Elizabeth Graham, Jane Suler, Mrs. Driatt, Francis Bruner, Joseph Maddox, Mary Small, Elizabeth Smith, Catherine Kuykendall, J. D. Hay, R. Dooley, Elizabeth McCall, William R. Mc- Call, John C. Holland, Elias Budle, Hannah AVise, Mrs. Lucree and Mrs. Nycewonger. A considerable amount of funds was raised in the East for the erection of the new church. This was done through the influence of Eevs. Alexander and Hawley. A brick church was erected at the corner of Fifth and Busseron Streets, 40x60 feet. The first pastor of this church was Eev. W. W. Martin, who remained from January, 1833, till 1835 ; others haVe been John McNarr, 1835-36; Thomas Alexander, 1836- 47; John F. Smith, 1847-56; John W. Blythe, 1856-58; J. F. Jennison, 1859-60; Eli B. Smith, 1861-66; John F. Hendy, 1868-72. On April 20, 1872, there occurred a division in the church, and eighty-seven members withdrew and organized themselves into the Second Presbyterian Church. For a time they worshiped in the old frame building used as the university, but soon erected the large brick church near the corner of Main and Sixth Streets at a cost of $9,000 ; each also erected parsonages for their pastors. On April 8, 1873, the First Presbyterian Church being without a pastor, the two united on' Rev. Joseph Vance. The two churches are now united. There were debts overhanging both parsonages, and by agreement the First was sold to pay the debts of both; the church on Main Street was taken for preaching services, and the other for Sunday-school, prayer meeting, etc. In 1884 a new and elegant church was erected on Sixth Street, opposite the university. This church is the most handsome in the city, and cost about $14,000. Rev. E. P. Whallon became pastor of this church August 13, 1878, and has served acceptably ever since. The present membership of the church is about 300.

The Methodist Episcopal Church Op Vincennes

This church was organized in 1803 by Rev. William Winans. Rev. Winans was an intimate Mend of Gen. Harrison, and was a frecpient guest at his house. Mr. Winans' first appointment was "in a small room in Post St. Vincent. The appointment was at night, and tallow candles were used to give light for the occasion. Gov. Harrison held one of the candles while the minister read his text and his hymn. The government officers, a few English and French settlers, and two or three Indians made up the congregation." The Rev. Winans was succeeded in the pastorate in 1810 by John M. Baker, and he by Thomas Stilwell in 1811. In 1812 came James Turner, and Rev. Richard Richardson in

1813. Zachariah Chitten was pastor in 1814, and John Shrader in 1815. The last named did as much, or more, perhaps, than any other man to build up Methodism in southern Indiana. The next was Thomas Davis, in 1816; James McCord, in 1817, and a part of the time Charles Slocum; and in 1818 John McCord. The appointments then extended over Knox, Daviess, Martin and Greene Counties. Steps were taken April 18, 1828, for the erection of a church. For $50 Lot 132, the same "being on the corner of Buntm Street and the third street parallel with the Wabash River," was procured. The deed was made to David S. Bonner, Richard Posey and Thomas Collins, of Lawrence County, 111., and their successors in office forever, by John CI eves and Symmes Harrison, attorney-in-fact for Gen. Harrison, of North Bend, Hamilton Co., Ohio. It was to be used for the erection thereon of a Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was for the preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church to expound "God's Holy Word," and "for all other denominations of reputable standing when not in use by the Methodists, subject, however, to the wish of a majority of the trustees." The present church stands on the same lot, the house having been twice remodeled. This church now numbers about 350 members, and maintains a Sabbath-school of about 200. The church owns its house and parsonage, and is out of debt. The present pastor is Rev. W. H. Grim.

The Christian Church

The Christian Church in Vincennes was organized on the third Sabbath in June, 1833. Among the first members were H. D. Wheeler and wife. Other old members were Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Harriet Judah, Dr. John R. Mantle and Stephen Burnet. The congregation worshiped in private houses, the court house, and in the town hall till 1846, when a brick house was erected on the corner of Buntin and Perry Streets. The trustees at that time were Dr. John R. Mantle, Alpheus Draper and H. D. Wheeler. In 1878 this house was repaired and remodeled at a cost of $3,600. The congregation has had the following pastors: Elijah Goodwin, one of the pioneers of the State; P. K Dibble, J. M. Mathews, Dr. Eccles, O. A. Bartholomew, T. T. Holton, W. H. Tiller and Thomas J. Clark, who has been serving this congregation for the last thirteen years. The church, according to its custom, maintains a Sabbath-school, which now numbers about 125. The membership of the church is about 200.

The Baptist Church

The organization of the Baptist Church in Vincennes is due mainly to the exertion of Mrs. Heberd, who began to make efforts to secure a pastor and have a church organized in 1860. The Rev. J. S. Gillespie came to Vincennes in September, 1861, and held a series of meetings in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He returned again in February, 1862. The Rev. Gillespie resigned a prosperous church at Greencastle and refused a tempting offer at Terre Haute and came to Vincennes, where he had not even a church organization. Meetings were held in the city hall at first, and prayer meetings at the house of the Rev. Gillespie, at the corner of Sixth and Cherry Streets. The church was organized at the Rev. Gillespie's May 1, 1862, with the following members: Mrs. Heberd, Mrs. Buck, Mrs. Flora, Mrs. Gus "Wise, Miss L. Duree, Miss M. Gillespie, Mrs. L. Gillespie, Rev. J. S. Gillespie and Christian Raller. Sunday-school was organized in the city hall with eighteen members. The erection of a house was begun under very discouraging circumstances. A lot was procured from J. C. Denny for $1,200, and a house erected at a cost of $4,600. This, with the lot and improvements, made a total cost of about $6,000. The bell and furnishing of the church were added in 1868. Mrs. Giis Wise and the Rev. Gillespie were particularly prominent in the erection of the church. After having completed the church and established it on a good basis the Rev. Gillespie resigned in 1867, and was succeeded by the Rev. L. D. Robinson, who remained two years. B, F. Cavens became pastor in 1871, and continued in that office two years; Dr. Stinson, of Terre Haute, from March to July, 1873. On July 1, 1875, Rev. J. Brandenburg accepted the pastorate and remained six years. On February, 4, 1883, Rev. J. H. Butler became pastor. During the last few years the church has had great prosperity, having had over 100 accessions, and all debts of the church paid off.

St. James' Episcopal Church

The parish of St. James of Vincennes was organized by Bit. Rev. Jackson Kemper, October 27, 1839. The following were elected vestrymen: George Davis, George Cruikshank, John Cruikshank, James W. Greenhow, Samuel Langdon. A. T. Ellis and Joseph Somes. George W. Davis and James W. Greenhow were chosen wardens ; Joseph Somes, treasurer, and G. W. Rathbone, clerk of the vestry. The use of the large room in the town hall was obtained and fitted up at a cost of $117.21. Services were held there from February 5, 1840, till the consecration of the church in August, 1813. St. James has always had talented rectors and its membership embraces some of the most wealthy and refined people in the city.

st. john's evangelical Lutheran church. This was originally the St. John's Evangelical Church. The first building stood on the corner of Eighth and Scott Streets. Services were originally held in the Vincennes Market House. The first church was 36x60 feet. In 1859 a division of the church took place, and the Lutherans remained in possession of the church by paying those who withdrew the sum of §100. The present organization took place August 29, 1859, under the ministrations of the Rev. Peter Seuel, who continued pastor of this church till 18G6, when he was succeeded by J. D. F. Myer, and he in 1873 by J. W. Mueller. The old church was torn down in 1876 and a new brick church erected in its place at a cost of about $9,000. The building is 10x70 feet. This denomination has a large Sunday and day school.

st. john's evangelical church. This church was organized on the separation of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in August, 18 59, by Rev. C. Hoffmeister. The leading members at that time were John Haman, Frederick, William and Peter Ritterskamp, Jacob Brenhaus, Louis Bonsil and August Kitcher. A frame building was erected in 1862, on the corner of Fifth and Hart Streets, at a cost of $1,000, size 21x50 feet. In 1866, a frame parsonage was built at a cost of $1,200. The following have been pastors : Rev. C. Hoffmeister,

African Methodist Episcopal Church Of Vincennes

This church was organized by Rev. W. P. Quinn. Among the first members were Samuel Clark, Cornelius Sims, A. Megill, James Brunswick, William Johnson, Mary Johnson, Henry Bider, Anna Eider,. T. Perry and H. H. Stewart. Services were held at the residences of members until the erection of a frame building 35x50 feet, at the corner of Tenth and Buntin Streets. Extensive repairs were made on this church in 1850. In 1875 a new brick church 35x50 feet was erected on the site of the old church, at a cost of over $5,000. The following have been pastors of this congregation: Bevs. Daniel Winslow, G. W. Johnson, Bobert Johnson, James Curtis, Bobbin Jones, W. B. Bevels, Benjamin Hills, Emanuel AYilkerson, John Turner, B. L. Brooks, Levi W. Bass, Thomas Strotter, H. C. Nelson, Madison Patison,

G. N. Black, William Jackson, H. B. Smith, J. H. Alexander, I. S. Lewis, Jesse Bass, H. H. Wilson, J. B. Ferguson and Jason Bundy. The church is out of debt and has a membership of about 150.

The lower settlement of Washington attended church at old Indiana Church, and as churches were few and settlements scattering, people went long distances to church. The people living in the northern and western parts of the township were accommodated at Maria Creek. In the vicinity of Bruceville services were held at the residence of Maj. Bruce, also at the Be v. Bichard Posey's. The first ministers to labor in Washington were Isaac McCoy, Moses Tremble, Albert P. Shaw, John Harrison, Bichard Posey, William Hargrave (a son-in-law of Posey), William Bratton, J. Miller and Solomon Teverbaugh, an exhorter. Preaching was held by the Methodists in Bruceville as early as 1820, but no class was organized by them until 1832. The house of worship belonging to the Methodists was not erected till 1840. This denomination now has a new and elegant house and a membership of 100. The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1840 and the house erected in 1845. The membership of this denominazy» HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

tion is not large. The Christian Church was organized in 1841, and the house erected in 1843. This people have also an excellent house and a membership of over 100. The Christians here, as elsewhere, maintain an excellent Sabbath-school.

Marie Creek Baptist Church is beyond question the pioneer Baptist Church of Indiana. It bears the same rank among Baptist Churches that Indiana does among Presbyterians. Marie Creek was organized May 20, 1809, by Elder James McQuaid, with thirteen members, ten of whom lived in the vicinity of Marie Creek and three in Illinois. The members were A. Polk, William Polk and Sally, his wife, John Lemon and Polly Lemon, Charles Polk and Margaret Polk, William Bruce and Sally Bruce, and Charles Polk, Sr. ; Samuel Ellison and wife Phebe, and a colored man, William Morris, were from Illinois. Isaac McCoy and wife joined soon after. Mr. McCoy became pastor of the church. He was a man of remarkable merit and was a lion in the cause. A log meeting-hoiise about twenty feet square was erected in 1810. This old house was used as a temporary residence by G. S. Cox, who came to the township in 1821. A schism arose in the church which caused a division in 1824. Marie was rebuilt in 1837 and now stands on Location 238, but a short distance from where the old church stood, and bears the date, 1809, in the corner-stone. Marie Creek Church is a kind of Mecca for the old pioneers, and it brings to their minds many fond recollections of the past. A Methodist class was organized at Miller's residence in 1818. The first members of this class were A. Miller, wife, and two sons, Samuel and John, and Hugh Ross and wife. Soon after the families of John Scanling, Jacob Miller, J. Baker and Mr. Mclntire became members of this class. This organization still exists, but no house was erected till some time between 1840- 50. It is now called Morris Chapel. A class was also organized in Freelandsville in 1875. The members consisted of G. W. Stafford, Anna Freeland, L. Patterson, E. D. Patterson, S. Johnson, John Johnson, E. Johnson, Mrs. C. Johnson and a few others. Their first house of worship was the old schoolhouse, which was purchased by them and refitted in comfortable style in 1875.

Their ministers in order have been Kevs. Stafford, Lester, St. Clair, Cnlmes, Gaskins and G. D. Wolf. The United Brethren Church was organized at Freelandsville October 15, 1878, by- Elder Jacob Ernst. The members were twelve in number. Among them were Adolf and Wilhelmina Dresman, William and Louisa Droste, Henry and Catharine Lane, H. A. and Agnes Albert, John and Caroline Gogum. These people used the houses of one or the churches till 1879, when they erected a house of their own at a cost of $2,150. This house was consecrated December 21, 1879. The present membership of this church is about fifty. The Christian Church at this place was organized December 23, 1869, by J. W. Wolfe and J. A. Chowing. They numbered at that time thirty-two members. Among that number were H. L. Bergeman, A. P. Cox, H. C. Cox, Joseph Conley, Jacob Faught and others. A house of worship, 32x52 feet was erected in 1872. This house was built by Henry Heithecker at a cost of $2,300. The membership of this church is now quite strong. Adjacent to the church is a church cemetery. About one mile east of Freelandsville is a large Lutheran Church. To this the majority of the families of the community belong. A parochial school is also maintained in connection with this church.

The first preaching in this township was by Bev. John Schrader, a prominent minister. He was a German by birth and began preaching "in the pocket" at a very early age, and continued till his death but a few years ago. He was followed later by Bevs. McBratten, Beed, Stone and Stamer. All the churches in this township now belong to the Wheatland Circuit. BeeFs Chapel, is on the road leading from Monroe City to Petersburg. This church was organized and a house built over forty years ago. Among the charter members were Abram Beel, E. Palmer, and a Mr. Perry and Stibbins. The membership of this class now is thirty-seven. A class was organized by Mr. Aultleir, since known as Aultleir class. The members of this class were Charles Aultleir, G. W. Owens, the Coonrads, Ballards and Weltons. Hamelin Chapel was built about 1830. Its first members were Solomon Teverbaugh and daughter, Mrs. Stuckey,

Simpson, Henry Thorn, J. H. Anderson and the Snyder family. Preaching was first held at Teverbaugh's residence. He was a man of strong convictions, rough exterior and of prodigious strength, and was one of the first settlers in the county. The membership of this class now is 123.

Walnut Grove was built about 1836, both for a church and a schoolhouse. This was the favorite child of Governor William. The first members of this class were Jacob Teverbaugh and the Collins family. The membership of this class now is twentytwo. This was a favorite spot for camp-meetings in the early history of the Methodist Church in Knox County. Revs. John Shrader and Starnes here poured forth the gospel with apostolic zeal. Welton Chapel, near the Palmyra line, belongs also to this circuit. The membership at this place is thirty-seven. There is also a class and a church of the Methodist denomination at Monroe City. Preaching is supplied from Wheatland. The class numbers nearly 100. The church has a good house of worship, built in 1860-61, and maintains a Sabbath-school. The Presbyterian Church at Monroe was built in 1860. The membership of this church is not large, but embraces some of the best families in the place.

The Christian Church at Edwardsport was organized by Elder Morris Tremble, July 26, 1840. The house was erected in 1849. The church was organized at the time of great religious changes in that vicinity growing out of local differences. The class at the time numbered about 100 members. Among them were Nancy Hoover, Jane Hulen, Mary Azbell, A. J. Azbell, James Clark, Lucinda Culbertson, H. Hulen, L. Reeves and Rebecca Reeves. The first elders were S. S. Prince, A. Azbell and David Ruble. The most distinguished ministers that have been connected with this church were Elders Tremble, Stansil, Frakes and Fields. The membership is still about 100. The Christian Church at Sandborn, the only one in the place, was built in 1884 on Lot No. 60, formerly owned by Anna and C. E. Crane. The house is a frame building, 35x54 feet, and was built at a cost of about $2,000. The following are the trustees: C. Copper, S.

W. Bailey and Samuel MeGiniiis. The Christian Church at Bicknell was organized in 1874, with about fifty members. The majority had held membership elsewhere, but were attached to Bicknell as a matter of convenience. Their house of worship was erected in 1875, and their membership is now about the same as it was at the time of organization. The Baptist Church at Edwardsport was organized June 3, 1858. A good house of worship was erected in 1859. The following families were members of the church at the time of its organization: McCrea, Reeves, Hargis, Keith, Carmichael, Rowen, Harrington, Greenfield, Ashley, Miller and Chambers. This is now one of the leading churches of Edwardsport. A Baptist Church was organized in Bicknell about 1869. A house of worship was erected in 1870-71. This was built on land obtained from John and Eliza Ann Bicknell. The deed calls for Lots No. 55 and 57, and is dated September 7, 1879. The pioneer Methodist visited this township at an early day, when church services were in danger of being interrupted by Indians, and not unfrequently people went to church armed with gun and hunting-knife. The Methodist Church in Edwardsport was built about 1865. It is a neat frame building and stands near the railroad.

Meetings in Johnson Township were first held in private houses, but the increasing population soon made this inconvenient and steps were taken to erect a church. What is known as Salem Meeting-house was the first that was built in the township. This was built as a Union Church and erected without regard to denominational affinities. The land upon which it was erected was deeded by. St. Clair Minor and wife, Matilda, to George Catt, Jacob Pea and Phillip Catt, as trustees, and their successors in office forever. The transaction took place on February 28, 1828. The house was called the "Township House of Learning and Worship." The grounds contained two acres and were used for church and burial purposes. For many years this was the only house of worship in the township. This was the place of worship for the Catts, Peas, Mehls, Edwardses and Purcells. Early ministers who preached at this place were Samuel Alexander,

Benjamin Hall and the Rev. Martin. Recently an additional church not far from Salem near the residence of Mr. Purcell was commenced, but owing to financial embarrassment it was never completed.

Churches Of Steen

The first classes in this township were attached to what was called Blue River Circuit. This was in 1820. A little later the name of the circuit or mission was called White River. In 1859 the name of the circuit was changed to Delectable Hill, and soon after it became the Spauldingville Circuit, then Knox Circuit. In 1862 it was changed to the Bruceville Circuit, but is now called the Wheatland Circuit. The first house of worship built was Smyrna, near the edge of Wheatland. Since that time a good house of worship and parsonage have been built in Wheatland. The first members of this class were Richard Merrill, A. Nicholson, S. Stuckey, Mrs. Sanders, Nixon, Palmer and McKinney. The ministers from 1863-76 were Alexander. Brocks, O'Flynn, Martin Heavenridge, Lee Buck, Lester and Willis. The present pastor is the Rev. Broving. The membership of the church now is quite large. The Presbyterians formerly worshiped at Smyrna with the Methodists, but recently they have erected a good house of worship in Wheatland. Royal Oak, a Presbyterian Church, is near the line of Palmyra. This is one of the oldest in the community. It was built as a union church and schoolhouse. A good house now stands near where the old log house stood.

The first and only church ever built in Decker was erected there the last year. It was built as a Union Church by Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians. The house is a large frame building 60x40 feet, and stands on ground owned by Henry Decker. There never has been a resident minister in this township, only itinerants attend them, when occasionally some local exhorter takes up his residence in that township. Before the erection of the present building the people worshiped in schoolhouses or private residences.

Highland. St. Vincent'S Asylum

Highland was formerly the seat of the diocesan seminary, but is now the Orphan Asylum for boys. The grounds were purchased in 1846, and a large frame building erected in 1847. "Worship was usually held in the chapel of the seminary. Since 1853 Highland has had seven pastors. These pastors also attend the church at St. Thomas, another Catholic Church. St. Ann's Asylum was projected by Bishop Bazin, but his death put a stop to its progress for a time. This was again started by Bishop de St. Palais. It was opened in a building near the cathedral August 28, 1849. Maggie Dill's name first appears on the roll of inmates. The Orphans' Home remained in this building till 1863, when it was removed to the college building, now St. Rose Academy. It then took the name of St. Ann's Asylum, which was before called the Girls' Orphans' Asylum. In 1878 this asylum was removed to Terre Haute. St. Vincent's Asylum for boys was soon after located at Highland. This had been attempted in July, 1850, but the enterprise failed. In April this institution was opened in the college building at Vincennes, but in 1860 it was permanently located at Highland about three miles from Vincennes. In 1862 began the erection of new and substantial buildings, which were completed in 1864. There is a farm in connection with the asylum which is used in training boys in various kinds of work. Since the foundation of these two institutions 2,218 orphans have been cared for in these asylums. St. Thomas' Church, a short distance from Highland, is one of the oldest in the county, as about sixteen square arpents were granted to the members of that church in 1790.

Indiana Church, a Presbyterian, was organized about two miles east of Vincennes in 1806 by Samuel B. Robertson in Col. Small's barn. Robertson was sent by the Transylvania Presbytery of Kentucky. This is said to have been the first organized north of the Ohio River and west of Ohio. In 1807 Samuel Scott, who was pastor of Mount Pleasant and Indian Creek Churches in Kentucky, was sent by the General Assembly as a missionary. On October 10, 1808, the West Lexington Presby- tery sent him as a stationed minister to Indiana Church. From that time till May, 1815, he was the only stationed Presbyterian minister in the State. At that time John M. Dickey went to Washington, Daviess County, to take charge of a church organized by Scott at that place. In 1814 the congregation was divided, and there were made three preaching points: one at Vincennes, one about six miles northeast, and one six miles southeast of Vincennes. At the two last named places log houses were erected. At Vincennes preaching was held in the court house for many year s. On May 18, 1815, Daniel McClure deeded to Samuel Thompson, John McDonald, George McClure, Joe Williams and Jacob Kuykendall a small tract of land in Donation 72 " for the encouragement of Presbyterian religion." At the first Presbytery there were fifty-four communicants present. The Rev. Scott died December 30, 1827, and in May, 1828, the Rev. S. R. Alexander was sent to take charge of the churches, where he continued his labors till his death in 1857. The two county churches were known to the public as Upper and Lower Indiana till 1841, In 1836 Upper Indiana built a new brick church in Donation 26, near the Palmyra and Vincennes line. This house is still in use, with some repairs recently made, and still presents a good appearance. Connected with the church building is a cemetery, which Tvas deeded to the trustees of the church. On July 1, 1815, Patrick Simpson deeded 100 acres of land in Donation 4 "for the encouragement and propagation of Presbyterian religion." The land was deeded to Jacob Kuykendall, Samuel Thompson, John McDonald, George McClure and Joseph Williams as trustees. In case the church should fail to maintain a minister the benefits should go to the poor of the church. There were two places of worship, one in the neighborhood of William Purcell's and one near Ephraim Jourden's. Until there was a division the benefits should go to both, but he thought that there would soon be two churches, and after that the property should go to the support of the church in the neighborhood of Jourden's. The parsonage of the church was built in I860. The membership of Upper Indiana is about 80, that of Indiana 152.