Delaware County, Indiana - Chapter 3: First Universalist Church, 1881

Chapter 3: First Universalist Church

the means of knowing. Certain it is, however, that, at a very early day in the history of the place, there were persons more or less numerous, who lived and.died here in the full enjoyment of the faith which dis- the past, and the inner thoughts, occasionally expressed, of professing and of non-professing Christians. Such persons, while not thinking in accord with the popular teachings of the day, nevertheless were not the least exemplary of those whose daily walk and conversation tended to give character to the better elements of society, as well in the remote past asthe immediate present. Were these statements untrue the popular society known as the First Universalist Church in Muncie could never have existed, because of the absence of such germs as have been found essential to the early growth and subsequent prosperity of a body of worshiping Christians, representing so fully the distinguishing character of our citizens.

When the doctrine was first proclaimed in this city, the number of interested listeners demonstrated the presence of a large liberal element awaiting organization as a means of cultivating a- better acquaintance with the teachings in natural accord with the promptings of the highest moral sentiments exemplified in the love of God as a common Father, and of man as a common brotherhood. A short time anterior to the organization of the church here, occasional. ministers of that denomination delivered their messages of peace and good will to an appreciating auditory. In the winter of 1858-59, Rev: B. F. Foster and others held a series of meetings, which culminated in manifesting the necessity of "a more perfect union," the natural outgrowth of organization. That organization was perfected, as shown in the following paper prepared and executed on the 3d of February, 1859, and recorded February 4, 1859.

We, the undersigned, do hereby voluntarily associate ourselves together fur the purpose of erecting and maintaining a suitable building for public worship and such other moral and literary purposes as may be agreed upon, to be located in Muncie, Delaware County, Ind., to be called the First Universalist Church Building Association.

Jonn Jack

"February 18, 1850. The persons who, at a public meeting, subscribed to the declaration of principles contained in the book that contained the constitution and names of the members of the First Universa. list Church of Muncie, received the fellowship of the denomination by Rev. B. F. Foster, an ordained minister thereof, met, pursuant to appointment, to perfect an organization of the 'First Universalist Church of Muncie.' the time intervening between this date: 'Thomas Kirby, William B. Kline, James Hodge, John Jack and Adam Wolfe. .. On motion, the constitution and laws, as laid down in the ' Universalist Church Companion,' were unanimously adopted for the government of this church. The following persons were elected to serve as officers for an indefinite period of time: John Richey, William B. Kline, 8. I. Watson, Elders; Peter Fullhart, S. O. Budd, James Charman, Deacons; Samuel W. Harlan, Clerk; Arthur W. Charman, Steward. " April 6, 1859. The following names were presented as applicants for fellowship: M. J. Davis, N. E. Davis, Charles Rodman, William S. Cooley, George McAdams. Accepted May 4, 1859.

"At this meeting, a_resolution was passed to meet regularly every | Sabbath, at Putnam Hall, the proprietor having donated the use of said |

"May 4, 1859. The following names were presented for fellowship: Thomas Kirby, Sarah Kirby, Elizabeth Richey, James Hodge and George Harter. Accepted June 1, 1859.

" At this meeting | May 4], a resolution was passed to adopt efficient measures to organize a Sabbath school, in connection with the church, and the following committee was appointed on organization: Eliza Willard, Elizabeth Richey and Mary C. Kline. 'The committee was authorized to ascertain the number of scholars, to solicit funds and to furnish books. ;

"July 6, 1859, the following officers were elected: James Hodge, John Richey, Thomas Kirby, Elders; 5. O. Budd, James Charman, W. H. McCormick, Deacons; A. W. Charman, Clerk; W. B. Kline, Steward.

"August 3, 1859, Thomas Kirby, Adam Wolfe, S. I. Watson and James Hodge, were appointed a committee to consult as to securing a Pastor, for part of the time. On the dth of October, they made report that they had concluded arrangements with Brother Gifford, of Ohio, to preach once a month for an indefinite period of time, or until a suitable person can be obtained as settled Pastor." During the spring of this year (1859), two lots, at the southeast corner of Madison and Jackson streets, were procured of Thomas Kirby, and the present building was commenced, the corner-stone of which was laid early in the first week of June. In autumn, it was inclosed, and finished during the winter, being occupied during the dedication, which took place on Sunday, the

- On the 7th, 8th and 9th of September, 1860, the annual session of the Indiana State Convention of Universalists was held here. The attendance was very large, and an unusual interest was manifested, the cause also, being greatly strengthened by the exercises connected therewith. The meetings were held in the basement of the new building. As the

_ outgrowth of this annual gathering of the representatives of the chureb _ from different parts of the State, this young society, at a meeting held | on the 3d of October, following, resolved to call Rev. Josiah Davis, of _ Illinois, to its pastoral charge, at a salary of $600 per annum. Mr.

_ his first year, however, a spirit of disunity manifested itself so strongly, _ that it was found necessary for him to sever his connection with the society and seek another field of labor, in the month of December, 1861. Whatever the primary cause may have been, the differences between Pastor and people were permitted to assume so positive a character that dissolution became imminent, and the informal disbanding of the society was seriously contemplated. In the meantime, an attempt had been made to compromise the differences, and a committee was appointed with that end in view. The report of this committee, submitted on the 18th of December, 1861, was voted down and the meeting adjourned

_ reconciliation was the result of its deliberations. Secretary of the meeting. The following-named persons were elected | Trustees of the church for the year commencing June 1, 1859, and for |

_ that time, May 6, the Clerk and three others met and decided, owing | to all want of interest, it was advisable to suspend all meetings for the present. They were suspended accordingly, the first meeting of which we have any notice being on the 2d of September, at which Brother Hodge presided. At this meeting, which seems to have been the first formal one after the suspension, Rey. Marion Crossley was invited to preach on the following Sunday. At a meeting on the 7th of October, on motion, Rey. EK. Case was unanimously chosen to preach each alternate Sabbath for the ensuing six months. It was provided however, that the employment for that time was contingent on the sufficiency of means being raised from time to time to meet the demand.

At this time, there was a debt. on the church for building and repairs, which had not been provided for, to the amount of $200, of which $100 being past due, was required te be paid at once to avoid cost. This amount was promptly raised and soon after paid. Subsequently, on the 10th of November, a melodeon was ordered to be purchased, "to be used as an aid in congregational singing." William B. Kline was appointed a committee to obtain subscriptions to purchase the same. On the Ist of December, he reported that he had received subscriptions to the amount of $106, and held a surplus of $16 over expenses attending the purchase of the instrument. This surplus was appropriated to the purchase of singing books. From that time the meetings were very well attended and there was a fair interest manifested, which increased with the progress of events. A meeting was held on the 8th of February, 1864, of which we have the following satisfactory record: ''The church at this time became enthused with new life. Accessions were made to it in the persons of Mrs. Almira Case, Mary _ Case, Sarah Miller and William Linn and wife. Brother E. Case was employed to continue. preaching each alternate Sunday for one year." A preamble and resolution were adopted by the society, the purport of which was to overlook the past differences, and invite all again to unite in and perpetuate the cause of the common brotherhood of man, and the Fatherhood of God, dissipating every evidence of estrangement. This resolution was taken and accepted on the 6th of July, 1864. Then, on the 3d of August, the church became quiet, and peace reigned in the bosom of the church, but no meetings appear to have been held until January 3, 1866. At that time, the church again met, at which James Charman was appointed Clerk pro tem. A resolution was also

: passed, looking to the liquidation of the church debt. In the meantime, Rev. W. B. Linell was called to the pastoral charge of the church for one year, commencing the second Sabbath in September, 1865, at a : salary of $400 for his services one-half the time. During the period : of Mr. Linell's ministrations to this church, an excellent feeling prevailed and his labors were crowned with success. Among other evidences of prosperity, the purchase of a bell for the church was proposed.

On August Ist, 1866, the committee to whom the matter was referred, reported the purchase of a bell weighing 620 pounds, at a cost of : $295.65, including the hanging and adjustment in the belfry. In addition to this, however, a further expense of $47.07 was incurred in | repairing the belfry, making the aggregate cost only $342.72. While | in charge of the church at this place, Mr. Linell died, after a brief illness, at Indianapolis, on the 6th of September, 1867. Subsequently, . his remains were brought home and interred with appropriate ceremonies, in Beech Grove Cemetery, September 8. Mr. Linell was a noble speci. men of humanity. Though well stricken in years, he did most excellent work in the field of labor to which he was so well adapted by nature. Peace to his ashes. Even the good die, and their works do follow them.

Mr. Linell was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. William C. Brooks, of Vernon, Ind., who, being temporarily called, occupied the pulpit on the 18th of September. The effort was satisfactory and Mr. Brooks was chosen Pastor, to devote one-half his time to the church here, at a salary of $600. The call was accepted and he preached his first sermon to a good congregation on Sunday, October 6, 1867, making a very favorable impreSsion.

On the 4th of March, 1868, the propriety of changing the organic regulations having been previously considered, the proposed amendment to the constitution was put upon its third reading and passed. On the 20th of May following, Article I of the constitution, as amended, was adopted.

est and efficient labor of about one year and a half, directed toward§the promotion of the best interests of the church, the result showing that his labors were not in vain, Mr. Brooks resigned his charge on the 24th of March, 1869, leaving the church in the enjoyment of a spirit of harmony and good feeling. In view of its high appres ciation of his work, the church on the 7th of April following, unaniye see Dear it © eS "Le al @ E rS ® 16 9) © =) ct Cc B rs - pa) cr (a) a by ir' (a) @ fa) 'a rS fa?) = 169) (e?) mn sy os @® ie) he. ct tS i = pel) hee -

Rey. Marion Crossley, of Mount Gilead, Ohio, was called to succee fi ; Mr. Brooks, on the 15th of September, 1869, to labor for this charge BR and preach each alternate Sabbath, at a salary of $650 per annum. Mr. Crossley entered upon his work early in November, and labored successfully, commanding universal respect for his exemplary demeanor. About the time of Mr. Crossley's employment here, a committee was appointed to make certain improvements and repairs of the church building and assembly room. On the 6th of October, 1869, this committee reported that the following sums had been expended for the purposes contemplated:

An examination having been made of the condition and status of | the membership of the church, Mr. Crossley, on the 5thof January, i) 1870, reported that there were sixty-five persons entitled to be recog- +. nized as members of the society. During the first week in February, thirty-nine other members were added. A subscription having been started for the purpose of raising the Pastor's salary, on the 4th of May it was reported that $1,200 had been subscribed. Then, Mr. Crossley was engaged as the regular Pastor, to preach every Sabbath, for one year, commencing May 1, 1870, at a salary of $1,200. At the

January 4, 1871, an organ was ordered purchased, and the choir was removed from the gallery to the side of the pulpit. The cost of this new organ was $400, the old one being given in exchange. A financial report submitted on the Ist of March showed that collections had been from November 1, 1870, to February 26, 1871, $73.01, and $51.62 paid out during the same period, leaving a balance in the treasury, from this source, $21.39. On the 3d of May following, a further report showed that subscriptions had been collected to the amount of $1,221.75, which sum, less Mr. Crossley's salary, $1,200, remained as a' balance in the treasuary.

Application having been made by the Christian Church of Henry County, in behalf of its members at this point and adjacent, they were oranted the use of this church in which to hold their meetings, at such times as it was not otherwise occupied. This arrangement was perfected on the 6th of August, 1871. One of the results, perhaps, of the occasional oceupancy of this church edifice by the Christians, early known as Campbellites or Reformers, was a religious discussion between Rev. Mr. Crossley, the Pastor of this church, and Elder J. W. Howe, of the Christian Church. The question in controversy was stated as follows:

The debate continued during a period of four days of four hours each. Mr. Crossley made the opening arguments on the first two days, Elder Howe replying. On the Succeeding two days Elder Howe, as affirmant, opened the argument and Mr. Crossley replied, making also the closing argument at the end of the discussion. The friends of both disputants, of course, manifested satisfaction as to the presentation of their respective views on the controverted points. On the 30th of October, this church gave expression to its preference in the following, among others presented: "Resolved, That we feel Brother Crossley has done justice to our cause and fully vindicated Universalism, at the sacri fice of health." DuYing the progress of the debate, Mr. Crossley suffered greatly from an attack of fever, which, when the excitement incident to the occasion had subsided, entirely prostrated him, physically.

During a series of meetings held in January, 1872, twenty-two members were added to the church, and otherwise the prosperity of the society was greatly enhanced. On the 6th of March, a series of resolutions was passed, favoring the building of a parsonage. One of the resolutions created a sinking-fund for that purpose.

Mr. Crossley, on the 24th of October, 1872, a little more than three years having elapsed since his engagement with this church, resigned his charge to accept the position of Superintendent of the Missionary Box enterprise. The resignation was accepted with many regrets, for the value of his services had been so great as to endear him to the members of his charge. He preached his farewell sermon on Sunday morning, October 27, 1872. er

For a few months after, the church was without the services of a regular Pastor; finally, on the 5th of February, 1873, Rev. J. J. Austin, of Morrison, Ill., was called to the pastorate. Mr. Austin, however, resigned the charge on the 22d of July, taking effect the 27th. During the interim between the resignation of Mr. Crossley and the employment of Mr. Austin, the pulpit was filled nearly every Sunday, at times by Mr. Crossley, and again by Revs. D. R. Biddlecome and W. W. Curry.

Rey. T. S. Guthrie, then of La Fayette, was called to the charge of this church on the 18th of November, 1873, but he did not commence his work until January 4, 1874, at a salary of $1,500 per annum. During the months of January and February, twenty-nine members were added to the church, a lively interest having manifested itself under the influences exerted by the new Pastor, and from that time for. ward the cause was onward and upward.

became necessary to raise the old list, a committee was appointed therefor which performed that duty, the result showing at this time a membership comprising 176 names, including 30 added since Brother _ relation with a salary of $1,000 per annum.

has been quite successful, and the concerts given by it merited and | the 4th of September, from which we glean the following items: received good attendance, adding quite a fund toward the purchase of | .

a library. * = * to the report of the Superintendent, bearing date February 4, 1873, shows - scholars, 89; teachers, 10; officers, 4; penny collection, $89.37."

At the meeting held in July, 1874, the Quakers, on their request» were granted the use of the building on Sabbath afternoons whenever they so desire. .

A committee was appointed at the regular monthly meeting in March, 1876, to examine and revise the list of members. At the meeting held on the dth of April, that committee submitted the following report: 'The record shows since the first organization of the church, a total membership of 254; number of deaths, 23; removed by letter, 17; number removed without letter, 32; number united with other churches, 4; total, 76; leaving a resident membership of 178."

Total amount subscribed for salary......2......ccsceecesecceeccecscces $862 60 Total amount subscribed for expemses............6.-sceeecseeeeeeeees 111 00 take effect on the 10th instant. The resignation was occasioned by a call received from the church at Cleveland, Ohio. The call being accepted by the Pastor, his resignation was also accepted by this church-

On the 18th of July, 1877, the following report was submitted, exhibiting an itemized statement of the receipts covered, into the Ladies' Social Fund, since April 19, 1875:

With the 14th of August, 1879, came the sad announcement that Thomas Kirby, venerable in years, full of honors, in the enjoyment of the highest confidence of his fellow citizens, an active and exemplary member of this church, was dead. In consideration of its loss, the church, on the 25th, at a special meeting called.for the purpose, prepared and submitted a series of resolutions which were unanimously adopted. He was one of the original founders and one of the most generous patrons of the church at Muncie, though his benefactions were not co findd to this church alone.

January 1, 1880, the officers of the Sunday school filed a report of the condition of the finances of that branch of the church, from March 5, 1879, to the Ist of January, 18580:

During the month of January, 1880, the choir, which formerly occupied the gallery, was removed to the northwest corner of the church, where it is at present. ; The term of service of Mr. Dobson, as Pastor, having expired, he was employed on the th of April for another year. The following is a statement of the disbursement of salary and incidental funds for the fiscal year, commencing May 1, 1878, and ending April 30, 1880:

About the middle of November, 1880, Rev. Mr. Dobson - who, at the monthly meeting in April preceding, was employed to serve the church as its Pastor for the second year - felt called upon to resign his charge, and, accordingly, severed his connection with the society and with the church at large. Since that time, the society has been without a settled Pastor. That it will continue to so remain for a lengthened period is not at all probable, since there is a respectable membership here in point of numbers and quality, and, from the above showing, manifestly in a good financial condition, guarantees likely to induce a prosperous future in all that pertains to its usefulness as a branch of the Christian Church. 3