Delaware County, Indiana - Methodist Episcopal Church, 1881

Methodist Episcopal Church

EARLY INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM - VISITS AND LABORS OF CIRCUIT RIDERS AND " ITINERANTS " - SUCCESSES AND REVERSES - FIRsT CLASS FORMED - MUNSEYTOWN CrixcUIT ESTABLISHED - SOCIETIES AND CHURCHES ORGANIZED - THE LocAL CHURCH - LIST OF PRESIDING ELDERS AND PREACHERS IN CHARGE OFFICIATING IN MUNCIE - CHURCH EDIFICEs, Ec.

methods and doctrines taught by the Wesleys, in the Territory of Indiana as early as 1802, or, as claimed by others, three years later. During the latter year, 1805, Rev. Hugh Cull, a local preacher, settled in the Whitewater Valley, having visited the country the year previous.

the Western Conference, when Joseph Williams, also, was referred to as the preacher in charge, and John Sale as the Presiding Elder of the district. |

The experiences of Mr. Williams were especially characteristic of the experiences of that class of pioneer preachers whose labors have yielded the magnificent results exhibited in the society of to-day. A short review of the career of this gentleman will not be out of place in this connection. We copy from Rev. W. C. Smith's "Indiana Miscellany" article, " Introduction of Methodism " [pages 49, 50]:

"The settlements visited by Mr. Williams were remote from each other. The traveling was laborious and hazardous. The roads along which he had to pass were Indian traces and newly blazed ways. The streams were unbridged; the country was full of ravenous beasts and of the much-dreaded Indians. The emigrants to whom he ministered could afford him but scant accommodations. He labored faithfully, hunting up the Methodists who had pitched their tents in the wilderness, and, at the end of the year, returned one hundred and sixty-five white members, and one colored.

" According to the most reliable data, these were all the Methodists who had, to this date, been organized and numbered in Indiana. In 1808, Indiana contained but one circuit, with one hundred and sixty-six members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Now, 1866, there are four Annual Conferences, with a membership of about one hundred thousand in the State. How great the change in fifty-eight years! Mr.

Williams has the honor of being the first itinerant Methodist preacher appointed to a circuit in Indiana. We would, if we had the particulars of his life and death, give them to the public to perpetuate his memory. In 1809, he was sent to Scioto Circuit, in the State of Ohio, and in 1810 he located."

The cotemporaries and the successors of Mr. Williams, traveling in the wake of the advance guard of civilization, with untiring vigilance and zealous labors for the advance and development of religious faith peculiar to their sect, kept pace with the onward movement, planting the good seeds which, by healthy germination and seasonable culture, have flourished, budded and blossomed, and borne the rich fruits enjoyed by the successors of those former generations.

As early as 1819-20, the Ohio and Missouri Conferences, so called, were established, comprising three districts, known as the Miami, Lebanon and Illinois Districts, the first embracing the territory of Western Ohio, while the second covered Eastern Indiana, and the Third Western Indiana and Illinois. About this time, three new circuits were formed, called the Madison, Indian Creek and Harrison. 'hese and other "circuits were placed in districts, as follows: Whitewater in Lebanon District, with Moses Crume Presiding Elder; Lawrenceburg and Madison,-in Miami District, with John Sale Presiding Elder; and Silver Creek, Indian Creek, Blue River, Harrison, Vincennes, Patoka and Pigeon, in Illinois District, with Jesse Hale Presiding Elder." Allen Wiley and Zachariah Connell were sent to the Whitewater Circuit during these years. Afterward, the districts and circuits were changed, and James Jones served the Whitewater Circuit. This was in 1821; the following year, 1822, Allen Wiley and James T. Wells were engaged in the Whitewater Circuit, embracing the lately acquired territory of Delaware County, then just beginning to be inhabited by the white people. Whether the labors of these pioneer ministers extended to and traversed these wilds at that early period is, perhaps, questionable, but their influence exerted in adjacent territory spread abroad and enlightened the vision of some of our primitive settlers. From that time forward the work went on, the " circuit rider," as the settlements extended, venturing farther west, keeping up with the influx of emigration, which brought with it larger or smaller numbers of persons of their accepteg faith. Occasionally, during the fall and winter of 1825-26, Rev. Stephen R. Beggs, a circuit preacher, and Rev. John Strange, Presiding Elder, traversed the region of country represented by the villages of Rushville, Greensburg, Newcastle, West Liberty (Knightstown) and Shelbyville, and the territory adjacent and intermediate, administering to the spiritual wants of the people as circumstance and opportunity afforded. Again, in 1828, Mr. Beggs, laboring in the Wayne Circuit, with Richmond and Centerville as the principal points, in concert with William Evans, his colleague, and Rev. Strange as Presiding Elder, more extensively busied himself in his labor of love in this vicinity. Indeed, a labor of love it must have been, for the. pecuniary compensation, as stated by himself, for a whole quarter amounted to the paltry sum of $23. This, the foundation, was laid for the subsequent growth and usefulness of the denominations in Delaware County and contiguous territory. ©

In the fall of 1829,'says Mr. Linville, Rev.: William Downey was the Methodist minister itinerating for the conference exercising jurisdiction over this county, and held a series of meetings in the town of Muncie, preaching around at the houses of his parishioners, and at times in the old " court house," which then stood on the west side of the public square, occupying as his domicile a. two-story log house on the south side of the square. Exact data are not now at hand from which to determine to a certainty when the first class was formed in Muncie - or at what time the society was first organized. The reasonable presumption is, however, that it was as early as the fall of 1828, when Mr. Downey seemed to exercise the position of preacher in charge. Be yond this we cannot venture an opinion. Whatever the facts may estab- lish touching an anterior date, there can be no question that a permanent organization was effected as early as the fall of 1836, if not before that time, since the record of the church inform us that the Muncietown Circuit was formed about that period, and has had a place among the circuits of the Indiana Conference thenceforward. In 1851, Muncie was erected into a station and given a special charge.

The first Quarterly Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church for Muncie Station, and the first Conference of the church held as a station, was in the church edifice, commencing on the 4th day of October, 1851. On that occasion, there were present Rev. Samuel T. Gillett, Presiding Elder; Rev. Jacob Colelazer, Station Preacher, Thomas J. Sample, Melvnoth Lindsey and Jacob Calvert, Exhorters; Joseph Martin, William Andrews and George Truitt, Stewards; Job Swain, John Nottingham, E. N. G. Ebright, Class Leaders. T. J. Sample, Recording Steward, was chosen Secretary.

As a part of-the business of the Conference, the station preacher, Mr. Colclazer, reported that there was at that date but-one active Sabbath school in his jurisdiction. The division of the work left but three in the station, and two of these, from uncontrollable causes, the principal of which was from the prevailing epidemic [flux] in the neighborhood, were not in operation - -and not likely to be before the following spring. The active school was not in healthy condition from the same cause. The prospects of future usefulness in these schools were reported to be favorable notwithstanding. The annual expense of the station was found to be $434.

The second Conference was held on the 27th of December following. At that session the entire work was reported to be in a flourishing condition. At this time, the congregation was worshiping in a frame church edifice, in dimensions 30x45 feet, fourteen feet between

High streets, in the town of Muncie, the front or entrance being on Washington street. The pulpit occupied the space between the two doors on the north end. 'This building had been erected some years previously, but at what time we have been wholly unable to ascertain because of the loss of the early church records. This original building, however, continued to be used by the society for a few years after the date of the meeting above referred _to. .

At a quarterly session of the Conference, held on the 5th of February, 1853, a committee was appointed to make an estimate of the cost of a new church edifice, consisting of Messrs. Matlin, Zimmerman and Sample. A further committee, consisting of Messrs. Young, Andrews and Zimmerman, was appointed to select a site suitable for the erection of such a building as was contemplated and equal to the requirements of the times, present and future. From all the records disclose, these committees did not act upon the questions submitted to them, and subsequently, at a meeting on the 21st of January, 1854, the Trustees were appointed a committee, with instructions to "estimate the cost of a new church building. At the same time, a resolution was submitted and passed, requiring said committee to estimate, also, the cost of inclosing. At the next quarterly meeting, held on the 8th of April following, the President of the Board of Trustees reported that the board had closed contracts for the building of a new church edifice, 43x73 feet, at the price of $4,647.80, the stone and brick work having been let to John Hamilton, and the carpenter-work and painting to J. K. Turner, who were progressing satisfactorily with their work. During the session of the quarterly conference, on the Sth of December, 1855, the Board of Trustees, having the building of the church in charge, reported through its President that the sum of $1,300 would finish the church and pay all the outstanding debts; that it was resolved, under the circumstances, to finish the building and have it ready for occupancy by the time when the succeeding annual conference was expected to meet. The report concerning the condition and operations of the Sabbath school were entirely satisfactory.

question under consideration for the purpose of occupying the unoceupied ground in the vicinity, they recommended the formation of a new circuit to be called the Muncie Circuit, comprising 'and covering the

| following plan: First, Harter's Schoolhouse; Second, Watt's Schoolhouse; Third, Shaffer's Chapel; Fourth, Freeman's Schoolhouse; Fifth, Collins' Schoolhouse; Sixth, Stover's Schoolhouse; Seventh, Bro. Tuttlis'; Eighth, Bethel Meeting-house and the unoccupied territory adjacent, deemed to be sufficient for two additional appointments.

By a report submitted at the session of March 31, 1873, the average attendance of the Sabbath school was 300. The church membership, during the three years preceding, was reported as follows:

" Received on probation, 168; into full fellowship, 135; by letter, 75; removed by letter, 50; removed without letter, 17; withdrawn, 4; joined other churches without letter, 4; deaths, 16; baptized, adults, 77, infants, 5; present membership in full connection, 404; pastoral visits, 1,300. J. E. Ervin, Pastor."

"= a * Funds received for benevolent purposes this past year - Missions, $34.50; Church extension, $30; Freedman's Aid Society, $25; Education, $10; Tract Society, $4; Sunday School Union, 6; Bible Cause, $10." ;

Date. Presiding Elders. Preacher In Charge

BRAG as oss sc scrsee Robert Burns.....sccowssceceseees J. S. Donaldson, B. Webster. IBST 5... .c6csccee Robert Burns........0.-++.. 'John L. Smith.

TBGG hos. os cces Charles W. Miller...............H. N. Barnes (changed to spring). je Charles W. Miller...... iasied ia H. N. Barnes. EOD scis> veseocesnee Samuel Lamb.........eeeeesceeees Francis A. Hardin.

The present church edifice of the Methodist congregation in Muncie is located on the northwest corner of Jackson and Mulberry streets, and was built in the summer of 1854. It is known as Simpson Chapel.

given an extra consideration. The record says: "Flour rose in this place to $8 and $9 per barrel; beef, fresh steaks, to 10 cents per pound; other things in proportion. The great head of the church gave us the means to pay our minister liberally, and we have done it."

The following are the claims of the several Elders, etc., for the same period. Elders' claim for 1853-54, $50; Rev. Green's claim, $382. Paid G. W. Bowers, the Elder, in full, $55; Nelson Green,

Presbyterian Church

[For the facts contained in the subjoined sketch, we are indebted to Mr. Thomas S. Neely, who, having collated and written has carefully preserved them. On the fiy-leaf of the record from which they have been gleaned, is the fullowing explanatory note: 'Record of the first Presbyterian Church, Muncie, Ind. The first part was dictated by Rev. Robert Irwin, Sr. - the balance was written by T. S. Neely.''] by Oxford Presbytery to the Stony Creek Church, I preached at the house of Robert Templin, one mile northeast of Blountsville. After public services, I was introduced.to Messrs. Joseph Wilson and John Guthrie. The former was an Elder in the Union Presbyterian Church now located at Elizabethtown, Delaware County, and organized the February before by Rev. Mr. Post, of Davenport. The little pioneer church, emphatically located in the wilderness, sent Mr. Wilson, their most aged Elder, to represent their destitute condition, and urgently requested me to go over and help them. After hearing the simple but touching appeal of the veteran father, stating, among other things, that he and his family had lived there for nine years without having heard a Presbyterian minister preach until their organization about a month before, I very willingly consented to go with him. 7

_ "On Monday, as we journeyed on, we came to this town, then called Munseytown (so called for the Munsees, a tribe of Indians who had formerly dwelt here), a village, at that time, of about 300 inhabitants. There I was introduced to Dr. G. W. Garst, Dr. Anthony, Samuel Collier, and others who had been accustomed to hear Presbyterian preaching; then solicited an appointment to preach on my return, when the following Sunday, at 11 o'clock, was indicated as the time. After spending the intermediate time with Mr. Wilson's people at Union Church, I returned and preached in Muncie, according to appointment, when and where I was permitted, in the providence of God, to preach the first sermon by a Presbyterian minister ever delivered in Muncie, on the 5th day of April, 1838.

"The congregation met in the old court house, on the ground now occupied by Walling's Hall (immediately to the south of this hall) for there was no church edifice here at that time. 'The congregation was large and attentive, and many looked at the minister as if they were on the alert to hear some of the reputed popular errors promulgated by some other denominations. Some, as I was informed, had never enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a Presbyterian minister.

_ "As I was standing on the old rickety bench used by the Judge, presenting, with a good deal of earnestness, the claims of the Gospel, my attention was drawn particularly to a noble-looking, intelligent. man sitting on a chair in front of and near me, down whose hard cheeks the tears were trickling. He said to me, afterward, that his early religious training was so forcibly brought to his mind as to produce this unusual effect upon him. This was Samuel Collier, the County Surveyor, whose subsequent sudden and unexpected death was greatly lamented by his family and friends. |

"On the 14th day of July following, I returned to Muncie, accompanied by Rev. John M. Crabb, who, with myself, was appointed a committee by Oxford Presbytery to visit Muncie, and, if we found it expedient, to organize a-church, which we did at that time, consisting of the following members: John Fitzsimmons, Mary Fitzsimmons,

"On the Ist of October, 1838, I arrived with my family from Camden, Preble County, Ohio, and commenced my ministerial labors in the little church at Muncie. * * * Through nearly the first sessional act, the church was reduced to six members. This retrograde movement, which was very discouraging to the few members who remained, was not to continue long, for our Heavenly Father did not despise the day of small things, but He had a blessing in store for the little flock in the wilderness.

"In April, 1839, the church was transferred from Oxford Presbytery to Indianapolis Presbytery, within whose bounds its geographical limits were located. At the first communion season held after my removal to Muncie, on the 2d of December, 1838, we received two members. I was assisted by Rev. D. M. Stewart, of Rushville, Ind., who was a fellow-student of mine at Miami University, and was licensed to preach the Gospel when I was. At the next communion, held June 23, 1839, we received seven members. I was assisted on that occasion by Rev. Charles Sturdevant, then Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Richmond, Ind. The only one of those then received who still remains here, is Mary A. Neely, wife of Moses L. Neely. On the 16th day of July, a meeting of the congregation was held, to choose an additional Elder, which resulted in the election of William Bates, who co-operated cordially with brother Guthrie and myself in the management of the church only for a short time, when he removed with his family to the Far West.

"The next communion session of this little church was held in January, 1840, when I was assisted by Rey. D. M. Stewart again. This was a most precious time, for we enjoyed the presence and influence of God's Spirit in a large measure, and our. hearts were gladdened and hands strengthened by the accessions to the church - not so much numerically as the substantial and servicable material brought in on that occasion. The whole number received was twenty-one, of whom Col. B. Sayre and wife, and Mrs. Julian, on certificates from other churches; on examination, Jonathan Wachtel and wife, Daniel Keesling and wife, Thomas 8. Neely and wife, Thomas Barnes and wife, Mrs. David Ribble and others. It is only necessary to know the above-named persons to appreciate the value of the accessions to our little church. The Lord did great things for us then, whereof we did not fail to be glad. On the 16th of March following, Mary Walling and Anna Gilbert were added to our numbers, and they were most valuable mothers in Israel.

'*' About this time, the first temperance meeting was held in the old court house. The attendance was very large, and the subject was one of thrilling interest to the people, for those in the opposition were in as great earnest as its friends. Three clergymen were the orators of the occasion: Brother Posey, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and I, were its advocates, but the third, whose name I forbear to mention [''A. Buckles" |, a Hard-Shell Baptist, spoke at some length in opposition to the cause of temperance. I recollect one of his arguments was, that St. Paul recommended Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach's sake; the second was, that our fathers had fought, bled and died for liberty, and for one, he would not let us take his liberty away. Warren Stewart presided, and Dr. Kennedy was Secretary. Jack and Russey, Dr.

Aaron Corey, for whom nature had done much in giving him a genial heart, was there, but feared a downfall to his craft, for he kept a continual buzzing around among the opposition. He kept a whisky-shop or doggery.

"In May, 1840, I-was assisted at a communion season by Rev. V. D. Smock, who at that time was Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Knightstown, Ind. While only two persons were added, quite an inter- the preacher presented the claims of the Gospel. On the 17th of November following, a meeting of the congregation was held to elect two additional Ruling Elders, which resulted in the choice of T. 5. Neely and Jonathan Wachtel. Both of these brethren had been

"About this time, I was appointed by the Indianapolis Presbytery to visit New Burlington, which is about eight miles southeast of Muncie, and, if. the way seemed clear, to organize a church there, which was done according to expectation. Eight members of the church at Muncie, who resided in the neighborhood of the new church, were dismissed to unite with the new organization. John Guthrie was the only Elder at first, but in a short time Ephraim Carey, now an aged disciple of over fourscore years, yet sound in mind, though in body very infirm, was added to the eldership of that little church.

"From the time I first came to Muncie, I gave them one-half of my ministerial labors, and one-fourth was devoted to Stony Creek Church, near Blountsville, Ind., which is twelve miles southeast of this place. IT mention this church to mention a remarkable circumstance which transpired in Blountsville, about the beginning of the year 1842. William Murray and James Templin were Elders in that church, and most godly men they were, as many years of faithful service in the church fully testified. The former had a daughter whose husband's name was Abraham Lennington,. who kept a tavern in the town of Blountsville. He was a member and also a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was generally supposed to be a good man, as he was disposed to attend with commendable zeal to the performance of religious duties, at least, social and domestic. His wife, Mrs. Betsy Lennington, was a member of the Presbyterian Church of that place, and one of the most upright, consistent Christians with whom I was ever acquainted. I know whereof I affirm, as I had the very best opportunity of a particular acquaintance, so as to form a correct estimate of their social and religious characters, for at their house I always found a little room on the wall, and a bed and other appliances for the comfort of a weary pilgrim. They had no children upon whom to concentrate their affection, but a good looking, sprightly girl, who had been living some time in the family as a domestic, stole the heart of the husband, who, too successfully attempted the death of his wife by administering arsenic to her in an apple. She lingered in great pain for almost twenty-four hours, but at last fell a victim to the vile assassin. She died, February 14, 1842. At the first communion I administered after her death, he partook with us apparently more affected than ever before, because, I supposed, of the absence of her who had always been present on such occasions. A little improper familiarity with Rebecca Jones, the girl above referred to, awakened suspicion that Lennington had been accessory to his wife's death. A post mortem examination was determined upon, and as speedily as possible, executed; but, before her body could be exhumed, he was on the flight. Let it suffice to say, he was arrested before he reached Louisville, Ky., and, as the boat returned with him to Madison, Ind., he thréw himself out over the wheel and was killed. Thus ended this horrible tragedy.

'November 23, 1842, the congregation met for the purpose of choosing Deacons to manage the temporal affairs of the church, whereupon Thomas Barnes and Simpson Slack were elected. They were the first Deacons of this church. April 22, 1848, commenced one of the most remarkable and profitable revivals that this church has enjoyed, at least under my ministrations. I was assisted Saturday and Sabbath, the first two days, by Rev. T. H. Alderdice, who was then serving the Presbyterian Church at Elizabethtown, in this county, and I could not obtain any other ministerial help during our protracted meetings, which continued for more than two weeks, with preaching every day, and generally at night also. On that occasion, we enjoyed the spirit of prayer and an answer to the prayer of faith. We also enjoyed the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. I visited all day, conversing and praying with the people - for every person was ready to converse fully upon the subject of religion - and preached at night to large congregations with more ease than I did often when I studied all day. On the second Sabbath of this revival, the influence of the Spirit was so powerful, even at the introduction of public worship, that the Clerk, T. 5. Neely, was overcome and could not proceed; and Col. Sayre, attempting to raise the tune, immediately filled to overflowing and failed. After a moment's calm I commenced a tune. Frequently, through the services, not only of that day, but that whole occasion I observed the tearful eye an heard the groans of the sin-sick heart. Every evening after worship, inquirers were yequested to remain and converse with the Elders and myself as to their religious views and feelings. And there was such a general disposition to come and converse that we were frequently overrun with inquiries. Among those who remained to converse, but did not unite with us, nor did they with any other church, were Andrew Kennedy, John Jack, James Russey and Dr. G. W. Garst. Twentysix persons were received on that occasion, and all on examination but three. Some of those received at that time were Isaac Rhodes and wife, Edward Keasby and wife, O. H. P. Kennedy and wife, Susan Putnam, Margaret Sayre, Caroline Irwin, Moses Neely, Daniel Gilbert and others. One of those received on examination, Mrs. Nancy Matthews, deserves a word of notice. She came to us from a branch of the Covenanters called the Warwickites, in Butler County, Ohio. She came from Ireland to Philadelphia after she was married, at so early a period that she heard the great Whitfield and John Wesley preach in in that city. She was an excellent woman and well stricken in years at - her death. * |

"July 15, 1843, our new church edifice, neither out of debt nor completed, was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The sermon was preached by Rev. Phineas D. Gurley, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, and the dedicatory prayer was offered up by Rev. D. M. Stewart, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Rushville, Ind. = *

"October 31, 1843, the congregation met for the purpose of electing one or two additional Elders; whereupon, John Galbraith and Dr. John C. Helm were chosen, and on the 31st. gf December following, these brethren elect were regularly inducted into their offices according to the requirements of our form of government."

Prior to the 8th of June, 1844, Mr. Irwin had been serving the church at Muncie as a stated supply. At that date, however, a call having been regularly presented by the members of this church, for his services one-half the time, a committee was appointed to attend to the duties connected with such settlement. 'Accordingly, Rev. D. M. Stewart preached the sermon and proposed the constitutional questions, and gave the charge to the Pastor, Rev. George 8. Rea giving the charge to the people. The whole transaction connected with the installment was solemn, and, as far as the parties were concerned, with perfect unanimity, closing with singing, prayer and the benediction." baptism at that. Previous to that time, other large families had been baptized, among whom were those of Jonathan Wachtell and Baltzer Lutz, each consisting of six members; and Lewis Smith, his wife and four children. Special mention is made of the parties named, only to show that in the early history of this church, such instances of family baptisms were not infrequent. On the 10th of June following, an additional bench of Deacons was chosen, consisting of Benjamin Sayre and Samuel Parkison, who, on the succeeding Sabbath, were formally inducted into office.

Returning for a brief period from the consideration of events in direct connection, let us call the reader's attention to the circumstances attending the building of the first church edifice. On the 23d of June, 1839, a communion meeting was held at the court house. The next day, while the hearts of the people were still warm with the earnest - and affectionate address of the preacher, a very successful beginning was made toward the erection of the building. On Monday following, the Pastor having visited Mr. Thomas Kirby, whose wife had previously united with the church, that gentleman, without hesitation and most cheerfully, donated the four lots upon which the church and parsonage were afterward erected, worth at that time at least $300. A solicita tion of subscriptions for the purpose of building the church was immediately commenced with the following result: Charles F. Willard, $100; Russey and Jack, $100; Dr. S. P. Anthony, $30; George W. Garst, $35; G. C. Gilbert, $25; John Guthrie, $40, with many others, almost every one who was asked subscribing cheerfully to the popular

'The building proposed to be erected was a frame, 40x40 feet, with a sixteen feet story. The first contract, which was only to raise and inclose the house, was let to Lewis Smith and A. Gates;sthe second contract was let to Silas Morgan, with Eleazer Coffeen as security for the performance of the work. The contractor had all the finishing lumber in the kiln drying, when it took fire accidentally and was all consumed. The contractor being individually unable to replace it without embarrassing his business, the security, for a like reason, was unable to respond, consequently the matter was not pressed at the time. In the meantime, the floors had been half laid and the doors hung, in which condition the building remained during the next half-year or more. At length Mr. Neely, one of the Trustees, procured and put a lock on the door, and told the contractor, who had manifested consid_ erable dilatoriness in the matter, that other mechanics would be procured to complete the structure. Finally, after much solicitation on his part, the contractor was permitted to go on and finish the job, which was accomplished, but in a very indifferent and unworkmanlike manner, after the lapse of about four years from the date of commencement. Thus a debt of more than $600 had been accumulated, and the means to liquidate it were not at hand. The principal claimant, Dr. Anthony, becoming anxious for the return of his money, grew impatient and threatened execution and the sale of the property. At this period in the progress of events, the Elders and Trustees of the church, after much persuasion, induced the Pastor, Mr. Irwin, to accept an agency to solicit aid, in behalf of the congregation, from Eastern churches. About the last of January, 1845, the agent started on his mission, armed with the following introductory address: To our BRETHREN IN THE East:

We, the undersigned, Elders and Deacons of the Presbyterian Church at Muncie, Ind., would make the following statement and appeal: Some timesince, asubscription was circulated to obtain funds to erect a meeting-house. The amount raised was far short of enough tu erect the building. The Trustees gave their obligations to the contractors, which amounts now, principal and interest, to $596, one payment of which has been sued upon, a judgment obtained and an execution issued, consequently our house is in danger of being sold. The other two payments are due, and we are exposed to the disgraceful and uncompromising requirements of law. We have exerted ourselves, and we are unable to collect money that is absolutely necessary to save our church edifice. Our house is unfinished, and will require at least $150 to complete it.

Now, dear brethren, in view of the above facts, we turn our attention to you, whom God hath blessed with riches of this world, hoping you will put forth a beneyolent hand and save a tottering, feeble church from ruin and disgrace.

For the purpose of securing these funds, we have prevailed on our Pastor, Rev. Robert Irwin, to act as our agent. That the Lord may give success and thereby secure to this young and feeble church prosperity, is the prayer of

Mr. Irwin haying procured a recommendation from Rev. Dr. J. L. Wilson, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, to the Pastors of Hastern churches, among whom were Rev. Dr. Heron, Swift and others, Pittsburgh, Penn.; Rev. Dr. Boardman, Philadelphia; Rey, Dr. Breckenridge, of Baltimore. Arriving at Philadelphia, he obtained the following important paper from Dr. Boardman:

The Presbyterian Congregation in Muncie, Ind., have~become involved to the amount of $600 in erecting a new house of worship, Their edifice must soon be sold by the Sheriff unless they can liquidate the debt. Their Pastor, Rev. R. Irwin, has come to the East on this errand. I seldom approve of tnis class of applications and very rarely recommend them to my people. The circumstances of this case, however, are peculiar, and, as Mr. Irwin will expect only small donations, I deem it proper to express my convictions that the object is worthy of being aided, and whatever is appropriated to it will be judiciously bestowed.

Upon arriving in New York, he first called on Rev. Dr. Spring, finding him in his study in the old brick church. He wrote upon Dr. Boardman's paper, as follows:

Gardner Spring

Most of those Pastors kindly furnished him with the names of those members of their congregation who were able and probably willing to respond to the application. In Philadelphia, he was greatly encouraged in his work by the uniformly cheerful manners of the people, and their readiness to appropriate their means to the worthy object. At Baltimore, he was kindly treated by Drs. Breckenridge, Backus and Musgrave, and through their influence others aided in the good work. On the whole, the agency was wonderfully successful, about $500 haying been accumulated.

A special case was mentioned in the city of New York. James Lenox, of that city, a very wealthy and benevolent gentleman, being solicited, contributed to the church extension committee $500, of which sum $100 was appropriated for the relief of the church at Muncie.

Upon the arrival of the agent at his home, a meeting of the church was called for the purpose of arranging for the cancellation of the indebtedness and the appropriation of the fund acquired as above. After some satisfactory compromises had been made with the creditors, all the obligations of the church were met and liquidated, thus entirely relieving the society from embarrassment.

On the 25th of March, 1848, a meeting of the congregation was held for the purpose of electing Deacons. The result of this election was the choice of Joseph M. Davis and Isaac Rhodes, who were subsequently inducted into office according to.the usages of the church.

recently published under the sanction and with the recommendation of the general assembly of the denomination. The differences of opinion became serious and almost savored.of open rupture, but the interposition of a judicious committee, representing the elements of discord and accord, the question was eventually referred to a vote of the church membership, by which the question was set at rest by the expression of the majority in favor of the introduction of the new book.

Subsequently, another important era was marked by Mr. Irwin seyering his pastoral relation with the church. This dissolution occurred. in the month of October, 1849. In view of the fact that Mr. Irwin and all that time judiciously and successfully, his separation was of more than ordinary consequence, denominationally and otherwise. Whatever may have been the causes that induced this step, the pleasant memories clustering around the experiences of the pastoral relation are a sufficient guaranty of the high appreciation of this people for an honored Pastor.

Six months later, Rev. William M. Stryker began labor as a supply for the church, but, owing to an unfortunate dissension between the Pastor and certain members, officers of the church, Mr. Stryker, after one year and a half of faithful ministration, severed his connection also, leaving the church vacant. This was in the year 1852. Ata later date, a meeting of the Presbytery being called to settle the differences existing, when, in view of the situation, the dissenting Elder, who is reputed to have in some measure contributed to the dissension, withdrew. The year following, 1853, the pulpit was occupied by Rey. W. Boyd, for the succeeding twelve months, when he resigned because of ill health. On the 21st of May, 1854, Rev. Charles Munn began to preach to this congregation, remaining for about two years. |

In 1857, the old frame structure which had been occupied many years by the society as its place of worship was torn down and removed and replaced by an elegant brick edifice, the one now occupied by the congregation. This building, after its erection, was used and occupied as a place of worship for about two years, when it was finally completed and tastefully furnished, at a cost of between $6,000 and $7,000, the

In the fall of 1857, Rev. John W. Drake came at the call of the church, and, during the succeeding two years, while the church building was in an unfinished condition, preached in the lecture-room until the main or audience room was completed. It was during the period of Mr. Drake's settlement here that the new church building was projected; hence, in this connection some account of the movements incident to the work are here introduced. Says Mr. Neely:

"T was, one evening, in my brother's (M. L. Neely) store, and George W. Seitz was clerking for him. I told Dr. Seitz that we should build anew church. He said he thought we could not do it; but went to amounts that I thought people would subscribe, writing them down. He thought if we could get those amounts we could build. The next morning we started a subscription, which overran our estimates of the previous evening, the people subscribing very liberally. The subscription being completed, 1 went to Mr. D. J. Silver, a contractor, to ascertain how much he would require to build the church according tu the | _ was $1,000, including the parsonage. In 1873, the salary was increased ~ to $1,200, but in 1876, on account of the financial depression, only plans and specifications submitted. In a few days he handed me his bid. On examination of subscription I found we had not enough by $200. I was then a Trustee, and told our people I could not let the building without knowing where that $200 was coming from; consequently, a few of us met in the old church and pledged ourselves to make up that amount, in proportion to the amounts we had then on the paper.

''T then went to Mr. Silver and told him if he would take that subcluding the counties of Miami, Wabash, Grant, Blackford, Jay, Howard, Tipton, Hamilton, Madison, Delaware and Randolph, leaving Indianapolis and Marion County out of the territory prescribed. On the 7th of April, 1871, Mr. Todd, by the action of the Wabash Synod, dissolved his connection with the Muncie church. He was succeeded by Rey. G. A. Beattie, who preached his first sermon as Pastor on the 2d of July; his salary was fixed at $1,000 per annum.

Among the notable events in the history of this church was the departure of Miss M. L. Sellers, a member of this church, on the 9th of June, 1873, as a missionary to Ning-po, China. On the 4th of November, of the same year, Rev. Robert Irwin, the first Pastor and early friend of this church, departed this life into the full enjoyments of a higher, after a protracted illness of several years. He was in his seven- prayer meetings were but poorly attended. It seemed to be overshado wed by other churches, with the community apparently prejudiced against, while the membership was only about 130. The salary paid the basement, he could have it signed over to him. He concluded to do it, and finally finished his contract, doing all the collecting himself, taking all the responsibility from the Trustees. While the church was in process of building, in the summer of 1857, we were without a Pastor." |This was prior to the incoming of Mr. Drake. |

In the fall of 1861, Rey. I. N. Shepherd was called to supply this pulpit, and on the 18th of November preached his first sermon. He continued his relation during the four years following, and was succeeded by Rev. Edward Barr, who, on the 24th of December, 1865, then has been healthy, exhibiting a fair degree of prosperity, which is preached his first sermon. About the middle of November, 1866, he was regularly installed as Pastor of the church, remaining until the 10th of April, 1867, when, having received a call, he moved, with his family, to La Fayette, Ind. .

the advance. In December, 1873, one of Esty's $750 cabinet organs, with pedal bass, was purchased for the choir. A missionary band was formed in connection with the church in November, 1874. Mr. Beattie preached his farewell sermon to a large congregation, on the 24th of February, 1878. During the balance of the year, the pulpit was filled from time to time by transient ministers, until the employment of the Rev. Mr. McCaslin, who preached his first sermon as Pastor, on the 21st was elected Trustee, and, on the 2d of July following, F. E. Putnam was also elected Trustee, each for a term of three years. The status of the church, as shown by the assembly report for the year 1878, was 16 admissions upon examination, 15 by certificate, 12 adults and 27 in- his acceptance. Again, about the last of October, Rev. O. M. Todd, of Lima, Ohio, was invited. The invitation was accepted; and on the 22d of November he arrived here with his family, and two days after he preached his first sermon as Pastor of the church.

to be interesting and promotive of much good, continuing for the three successive weeks. In April following, at a meeting of the Muncie Presbytery, the Clerk, William Armstrong, reported that the members of Muncie church had contributed to the benevolent objects of the church the sum of $4.59 for each member, which was just $1 more per member than was contributed by the Indianapolis church; that no other church in the Presbytery had contributed as much as $1 per member. On the 12th of May, 1868, Rev. O. M. Todd was regularly installed as Pastor, ata salary of $800 per year. |

October 26, the foundation for a new parsonage was commenced, on the same lot and immediately east of the church. The building was completed on the 9th of February, of the next year, and on the Sth of March was occupied by the Pastor and his family. It cost about $1,000.

The Synod of Northern Indiana met at Logansport on the 28th of June, 1870, to organize Presbyteries, by the action of which body the Presbytery of Muncie was established with the following boundary: Inlikely to continue.