Delaware County, Indiana - Chapter 25: Church Organizations of Delaware County, 1908 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 25: Church Organizations of Delaware County

The history of Methodism in Muncie began in 1829, when Rev. Charles Downey held services in the two-story log court-house, or from house to house, after the old Apostolic custom. The Muncie circuit was formed in 1836, and the faithful few continued to worship God without a church home until 1839, when the first church was built. The ministers who rode the circuit, fording swollen streams, enduring many hardships, and suffering great privations to keep alive the Master's work, before the church was erected, were Rev. C. Downey, G. C. Beeks, Robert Burns, F. H. Carey and Wade Posey.

The members of High Street church sit in their comfortable pews, absorb the warmth and cheer that come from a modern steam-heated building, and listen to the quartet of trained voices, supported by the pipe organ, filling the entire building with a flood of triumphant music, without a thought of what it cost the pioneers to lay the foundations of this great church. We cannot estimate the cost by mere dollars and cents, but must consider the sacrifices made by the founders of Methodism to erect the two churches that preceded this one, for High Street church is the outgrowth of two other buildings.

The M. E. church that was erected in 1839 on the northwest corner of Washington and Elm streets was the first church to be built in Muncietown. There are still living some of the members of this first house of worship, and they love to tell about the grand revivals held there. The building was a frame structure 30x45 feet, costing $450. The windows were on the sides. The pulpit was in the north end, and was a square box sort of affair, with a door in each side, with two steps leading up to them, the desk in front, and a bench against the wall. The minister entered the pulpit and closed the door, thus separating himself from the people. On either side the pulpit were some benches. These were the amen corners. The seats were in four rows, a double row in the center, two aisles, and a single row next the walls.

There were tallow candles around the pulpit for light. Very few had hymn-books, and the minister lined the hymns. Mr. Job Swain led in the singing. During prayer every one knelt on the bare floor ; no one thought of remaining seated during prayer.

The first quarterly conference of the Muncie Station was held in this church in October, 1851. The Sunday-school reported an average attendance of 50 pupils and seven teachers. This was the only Sunday-school in the county. The entire claims on the Muncie Station, including the pastor and presiding cider's salaries, was $434. Twelve ministers served as pastor of this church before a new building was erected.

In 1853 it was decided that the church was no longer a suitable house for the increasing membership. A lot was purchased on the northwest corner of Mulberry and Jackson streets. In April, 1854, plans for a two-story brick church with stone basement were submitted and accepted. The contract was let and work begiin. Only the lower part was finished in 1854, and this was used until 1856, when the auditorium was completed, and Simpson Chapel was dedicated to the worship of almighty God on July 20, 1856. Bishop E. R. Ames preached the. dedicatory sermon. The church cost when completed $4,467.80. Nineteen pastors served in this church.

In the fall of 1886 natural gas was discovered in Muncie, and the town had a phenomenal growth for twelve years. Many of the new people that came to live here were Methodists, and soon this church was no longer adequate for the growing membership, and the trustees began to look for new quarters. Up to this time nineteen ministers had served Simpson Chapel congregation as pastor.

High Street church and parsonage occupy two lots on the northwest corner of High and Adams streets. The lots were purchased for $6,000, and the building was erected in 1888. It is a modern church edifice, built of brick with stone trimmings, and the first cost was $26,000. It was dedicated on June 2, 1889. by Rev. C. H. Payne, D.D. Rev. C. U. Wade was pastor during the erection of this church, and for two years after. It has been remodeled since, in 1901, to suit the growing needs, at a cost of $10,000. The official board are now considering the advisability of making still greater improvements. The church now has a membership of nearly 1,500. In 1906 $4,026 was raised for missions and other benevolences, besides the pastor's salary of $2,200 and parsonage. Other running expenses of the church arc $3,000 per year, so that it is necessary to raise $10,000 every year to carry on the work of High Street church.

bcth Haines, Mrs. Rebecca Maddy, Mrs. Mary Mecks, Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Franklin and Mrs. Mary Strcetcr. Rev. C. U. Wade was the first pastor, and Dr. Clark Crawford is the pastor now.

The Sunday-school is one of the best in the State, having an average attendance of 500. John W. Dragoo, superintendent; Fred McClelland, assistant superintendent; Harden Roads, superintendent senior department; Mrs. Zula M. Valentine, superintendent intermediate department; Mrs. Olive Roberts, superintendent junior department; Mrs. Elmer Gamble, superintendent primary department; Mrs. Catherine Zihn, superintendent home department; Mrs. Mabel F. Lewis, superintendent messenger service; Ira J. McKimmey, director of orchestra. The W. F. M. S. was organized in Simpson Chapel January 23, 1872, during Rev. J. E. Ervin's pastorate; Mrs. Mary Marsh, first president. It had 40 members the first year and raised $41.75; in 1906 it has 163 members and 59 life members, and raised $940.50. Mrs. Sue Harrington, president. The Y. W. F. M. S. was organized in 1899 by Mrs. C. J. Hudson, and has 45 members. Mrs. Emma M. Ervin was the first president. Miss Zenobia Stewart is president in 1906. They raised $91 for missions last year. Standard Bearers, organized in 1906, have 42 active members and 16 contributing members; Mrs. Zeralda Stewart, supervisor, and Miss Mildred Lambert, president. They do the same work as the woman's society and are being trained to step into their places at the proper time. King's Heralds have a small band, organized in 1902 by Miss Elizabeth Wilkinson; Miss Daisy Colvin, president. Little Light Bearers are a band of 252 children under and up to 10 years of age. This is the largest band in the Northwestern Branch. Mrs. G. W. Bucklin is the superintendent. The W. H. M. S. was organized May 1, 1891, with Mrs. Maggie Driscoll president, and 13 members; $40 was raised the first year. In 1906 Mrs. Ida M. Watson was president ; $545 was raised, besides other special work. This society has two auxiliaries, the Queen Esther Band, organized August 2, 1896, by Mrs. Elmira McCarty, and has 35 members, Miss Nellie ' Carmichael, president; the Mother's Jewels have 12 members; Mrs. Jessie Mitchell, president. There is also one of the best chapters of the Epworth League in the State, organized in 1889 by Rev. C. U. Wade. It has 150 members; J. M. Kirkpatrick, president. The Ladies' Aid Societyjs composed of all the ladies in the church. They furnish the kitchen in the church, .buy all the carpets and keep the church clean. They have bought new pews, individual communion set, and in many other ways have aided the official board in keeping up the church. They also furnish many things in the parsonage and keep up some of the repairs. Mrs. W. A. Meeks is president. List of ministers who preached on the Muncie circuit before they had a church: Rev. Charles Downey, 1829; Greenbury C. Beeks, Robert Burns, Francis H. Cary, Wade Posey. Those who served in the first M. E. church,

This church was organized in Hcckin Park, June 2, 1895, by Rev. N. H. Phillips and John Richards. Besides these, the charter members were: John L. Crawford, Elizabeth Crawford, Mary A. Richards, U. Ticknor, Flora Ticknor, Charles N. Ticknor, John W. Max, James Hundley, Jessie Hundley, Sophie Miller, Matilda Miller, Anna Graham, Leah Hilty, Lena Crawford. The society did not erect a building for several years. The corner stone of their present church was laid in the fall of 1899, and on the following February 4, 1900, the church was dedicated by Dr. Lewis Curtis. The pastors of this congregation have been : N. H. Phillips, John K. Cecil, Herman G. Porter, I. W. Singer, Frank C. Morris.

In the fall of 1895, several years after Whitely had taken its place among the suburbs of Muncie, a Methodist Episcopal society was organized in a store room on Broadway. The church building, at the corner of Courth and A streets, was begun in the same year, and was completed in 1897, at a cost of $3,000. The charter members and oldest members of this church are: Dr. Charles Frazer, Anna Frazcr, Mabel Frazer, W. R. Deaton, Emma Deaton, Emily Shaw, Lottie Johnson, Jennie Johnson, Celia Coat, Arthur Coat, Laurence Coat, Annie Pearson, Clarence Pearson, John Pearson, E. P. Hubbard, Sophia Hubbard, F. H. Hubbard, Rose Hubbard, Electa French, J. F. Mavnard, Lora Maynard, R. R. Johnson, Cora Johnson, Emma Palmer, Cyntha Shafcr, Henry Clingcr, Aggie Clingcr. The list of pastors is: George W. Wilson, C. W. Coons, R. S. Reed, John K. Cecil, Herman C. Porter, Charles W. Shoemaker, P. J. Albright, Gilbert E. Martin, J. Cook was formed, composed of the following: Charles W. Parr, Amanda Parr, John F. Hutchings, M. J. Hutchings, Myrtle Hutchings, E. G. Stevens, Lydia Stevens, Maggie Stanley, Nora George, Samuel Huston, Catherine Huston, Earl H. Bryant, Aggie Bryant, Catherine Cook, J. W. and Rebecca McKinlcy, John and Lydia Spanplcr, Sarah Twibblc. In 1906 improvements were effected on the church building at a cost of $1,250. The pastors who have served this congregation with the dates of their pastorates have been: C U. Wade, Nov. 8, 1891, to April, 1892; A. I. Ruley, to April, 1893; T. Sells, to April, 1894; C. A. Wilson, to Aug. 1, 1895; C. W. Coons, 1895; J. F. Bailey, to 1898; C. J. Everheart, 1899-1900; C. H. Shoemaker, to 1902; G. W. Martin, to 1903; J. P. Chamnes, 1904 to April, 1907. Normal City M. E. Church. The Methodist congregation in Normal City was organized June 16, 1900. The building of the church was begun December 11, 1900, and when finished cost $8,000. A parsonage was built through the untiring efforts of Charles J. Everson while pastor, and is one of the best in the city, costing $3,200. The church was built with extensive plans to meet the conditions resulting from the founding of the Normal University, it being designed to afford sufficient accommodations for the students. When the university failed it was seen that the church was larger than needed, and the members were unable to meet the financial obligations. Rev. Everson has borne the brunt of the labors in rescuing the church from bankruptcy, and since the commencement of his ministry the indebtedness has been reduced from $3,100 to less than a thousand dollars, and that is, at this writing, provided for. As stated, the parsonage has also been built in the meantime. Mr. Everson has served the church four years. Those preceding him were: J. K. Cecil, six months; W. A. Griert, two years and a half; P. J. Albright, one year. The charter members and oldest members now living are: Mr. George Birt, Mary A. Covalt, T. J. Cheeseman, Martha Higman, A. R. Hoover, Mary J. Hoover, Emily F. Martin, J. W. McDaniel, Barbara Mc- Daniel, J. W. Mendenhall, Lucy Mendenhall, Philena Wilson.

Yorktown* In the year 1871 I came to this place and opened a small millinery store. The town was about one-fourth the size it now is, but was big enough to have two saloons and several fighting men in it. The Methodist Episcopal church stood upon the ground now owned by Sol Donovan and is occupied by a dwelling near Mrs. Mock's home. It was a very old frame building with leaky roof and smoky stove. A few faithful hearts kept the fire burn-

-Thc article on the Yorktown church, written by Mrs. Elizabeth A. Mattho and revised by the present pnstor, contains so much incidental history that -wo feel justified in publishing it entire.

ing on the Lord's altar. Rev. Fish was the pastor. He lived in Middletown and preached every three weeks in the afternoon. His salary was mostly paid by Mrs. Dr. Hittlc, who was a life-long Methodist.

The members of the class so far as I am able to remember them were Mrs. Hittlc, Thopolis Davis and wife, Mother Moore and family, Mrs. Eliza Parkinson, Joshua Dickcrson and wife, Mrs. Jane Bryant, Joseph IJurgess and wife, Samuel Bennett and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Browning, Mrs. Nancy Swift. The old members now living are Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ovcrmirc, Mrs. Elizabeth Matthc, Mrs. Esther Mock, Mrs. Mary Marker, Mrs. Nancy Jane Swift, Mrs. Mary Yingling.

The names of the old trustees so far as we arc able to find out are: Wm. K. Helvie, Jas. Burgess, Sam. Parkinson (all dead) and David Campbell. The old church was dedicated in June, 1878, during Rev. McCarty 's pastorate, which stood until the present beautiful structure was built.

My parents had taken their membership to the Pike's Peak school house a few years previous, where a small class had formed and where my sister Taressa and self had become members under the pastorate of Rev. Leroy Rammel. There was also a few Protestant Methodists here at that time who held services once a month in the old church. Jason Miller was the pastor. Father Warfel and wife belonged to that church.

The Presbyterians owned an old brick church that stood on the ground that the old school house stands upon. The members of their class were: Dr. Home and wife, Dr. Slack and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Yingling and their family. They had preaching once a month by Dr. Todd of Muncie. Neither church had any Sunday school class or prayer-meeting.

Near this church stood the school house, which was a low, one-story frame building, containing two rooms. Mr. Austin VanWinkle and Henry Brandon were the teachers. Mr. VanWinkle superintended a small Sunday school that met in this building. Very few parents attended. It was looked upon as a kind of prelude to the clay school. Mr. VanWinklc lived in the country and on Sunday morning when the weather was bad he would not come, hence there was no Sunday school for that day. I remember one morning when he did not come the boys insisted that we have Sunday school anyway. Jacob Koonts volunteered to lead the singing if I would open with the lesson. I was very much disturbed about the prayer, but finally found the Lord's Prayer in the Bible and we read it in concert.

The next spring, Rev. Fish was removed and Rev. McDaniels was sent on the work. The Sunday school died out, with the close of the day school, and the next winter a different teacher was employed who did not take up this work.

The next spring, Bro. John Pierce was sent to the work and we were put into the Muncie District. He resided in Muncie and preached at Mount Zion, West Chapel, and Dalevillc, Yorktown. I think he also preached at Florence Chapel, Anthony town.

By reason of the death of some of the members, the class had drifted from Pike's Peak to Daleville. The next winter Mr. H. H. Shoemaker and Julia Sparr of Muncie were employed as teachers in the school. They immediately opened the Sunday school in the old house, with Mr. Shoemaker as superintendent and Miss Sparr as secretary. She had a sweet voice and led the singing. One song I remember as being a great favorite with the school was "Gates Ajar." The parents began to take more interest, which resulted in a Bible class, taught by Mr. Shoemaker. Owing to the sickness of his wife he was compelled to give up the school, and a Mr. Bodkin took his place. He did not continue the Sunday school work.

In the spring of 1874 Bro. Pierce was removed and Bro. Carnes came. He immediately took steps toward building a new church and prevailed upon my parents to bring their membership back to Yorktown. He organized a building committee and a board of trustees. David Campbell, Daniel Parkinson, Joseph Burgess and my father, William Hclvie, were the trustees.

The members of the Pike's Peak church put their names here also. There was Aunt Betsy Hclvie, Esther Richmond and Mr. Bratton and family. Hard work was' done that year in subscribing for the new building. The Protestant members joined with us, for all realized the need of strength for the new building. There were Father Warfcl and wife, Mr. Jester and wife, Jilcs Patterson and wife and Mrs. Carrie Spann. The old church and lot was sold to David Campbell. One lot was bought of and another donated by Mr. Summers. In December the contract was let for the building and everybody was happy.

The' women of the town put their heads together and planned for a new carpet for the rostrum and aisles. They succeeded in getting the carpet for the platform, but objection was raised against the matting for

(he aisles, as it was considered useless to put something for the men to spit upon. Finally Mother Moor offered to weave a rag carpet if the material was furnished. By much hard work we got enough together to make it. The next year Bro. McCarty was sent on the work. In June the new church was dedicated. The young men of the town, at the very last moment, bought the new bell. In the afternoon a Sunday school was organized, with William Fontick as superintendent. Prayer-meeting was decided upon and Joshua Dickcrson chosen class leader. Mrs. Henry Ovcrmire, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Spann, Mother Moor and Father Warfel were the teachers.

The next spring (1876) Bro. McKaig was sent to us, and Dick Hall was made superintendent of the school. He organized the first teachers' meeting. He also introduced the Lesson Leaves, which caused some people to think we were not studying the Bible.

The next year Bro. Woolpert was sent here and remained two years and lived in Yorktown. During the year 1879 Bro. Sells was the pastor, living in Middletown. Bro. Wayman succeeded him in 1880, being on the work two years. We had left the town for some time, and upon our return we found that Dick Hall had died and James Cook had moved away, and the Sunday school had taken a vacation for want of a superintendent. Very little interest was shown in church matters, but one good sister suggested that we pray for the Lord to send us a superintendent. The result was that in 1883 Bro. L. D. Colvin and family moved to town and brought their letters to the church. We immediately organized a Sunday school, with him as superintendent, his son Frank as chorister, and Mary Overmire secretary. An organ was purchased and the school was well attended.

That year Bro. Miller was sent here and remained two years. In 1885 Bro. Wolverton was sent to us, but gave up the work in a few months. The local preacher filled out the year. In 18S6 Bro. Powell became our pastor and remained three years. About this time we were feeling the need of a resident minister and commenced to talk parsonage. But this would mean a division of the circuit, and this my father greatly opposed, feeling sure that Yorktown and Mount Zion could not support a minister alone. The matter was brought to a climax by Middletown becoming a station and we were left without a pastor.

Bro. McMahan of Middletown was sent to us as a supply, but did not bring his familv. Owing to the sickness and' death of my mother nothing was done toward the building of the parsonage for several months. One thing was sure, the church board made no effort toward it.

About the last week in July Mrs. Sparr and several other ladies of Muncie desired to organize a W. C. T. U. and set a date for that purpose. The first time they came there was not enough to organize, but they made another date, and as some of our women were very desirous to have a society of that kind we organized with 18 members. Mrs. Syntha Pauline was president and Mrs. Nettie Goings secretary. Quite a number of our country friends were included ill this company, among them being Mrs. J. II. Koontz, Mrs. David Campbell, Ida Aldridgc and others. This was the first woman's organization in Yorktown, and while a great many of the members were inspired with the hope that it would banish the saloon from our village, some of us had a hope that through it we could build a parsonage. So in a short time a few of us met in Mrs. Colvin's parlor to discuss the situation and form plans whereby we could carry out both objects. Our plans were laid before the society and met no strong objection. We had Mr. Harvey Koonts write us a form to take subscriptions on and commenced the work at once. The church board fell into line readily and came down with their subscriptions and advice. Mr. Colvin, Mr. Warfcl and my father were made a kind of advisory board and all helped willingly. Enough subscriptions were taken during the fall to insure the success and some time had to be given to let them secure the amounts. Rev. Reinhart was removed at the end of the first quarter and his place filled by Bro. Melvin Pittinger, who was most helpful. So the building slowly but surely was finished. Mrs. Flowers had organized a Loyal Legion, and through their efforts the means was raised to build the veranda. The next year Bro. Pittinger was returned to us and married a very sweet young wife and brought her to the little home we had worked so hard to get ready for them.

In 1892 Bro. Peck was sent to us and stayed two years. In 1894 Bro. McElwce was sent to us and remained two years. During his pastorate the Woman's Aid was organized and has not had a day's rest since. Then came Bro. Shoemaker for one year. He organized the Epworth League, with Miss Daisy Colvin president and Miss Melissa Helvie Jones as president of the Juniors. In 1897 Bro. Jones was sent here and remained pastor six years. During his second year Miss Harriet Kemper organized the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society with Mrs. Mary Williamson president. It has been one of the greatest blessings in showing us the need of those less fortunate, and is educating us to self-denial and helpful work. During the first year of Bro. Jones' pastorate he held a good revival, and on his return for a second year it became expedient to build a new church.

The wheels of prosperity were already rolling in our community. Factories had sprung up and the population was rapidly increasing. A newschool building was builded and the little one-room frame building was too small to hold the Sunday school any longer. Everybody was ready to help, for steady labor and good wages warm the heart and awaken the spirit of generosity. The building committee consisted of W. T. Warfel, Thomas Bauer and others. The trustees immediately proceeded to take subscriptions and the following year the new church was dedicated. Bishop

Nearly all whose names are mentioned in this paper are now in the Glory Land, and it is with the sense of the fleeting of time that we realize that we arc standing in the front rank of those who are numbered with the oldest members of the Church.

Mount Zion M. E. church, in the northwest corner of Monroe township, had its origin in the first religious organization of Salem township. Judge John Tomlinson, at whose house the meeting was held; Dolly Tomlinson. Ralph Heath, Mary Heath, John Lain, Sarah Lain and Ella Price were members of the first congregation. Dr. S. W. Heath, of Sioux Falls, S. D., has given the following account of the church :

"The class was first organized about 1835, and meetings were held at the homes of John Brown, John McClintock and Ralph Heath. In the year 1849 a '°g church was built on the farm of Jesse McKimmey, onefourth of a mile north of the present church. The following is a copy of the subscription list to pay for plastering and seating the old log church : John Lain, $4 payable in stock; Harvey Heath, $1.14 in wheat; James Goff, $1 in stock, paid 73 cents in grain; Joseph Burges, $1 paid in corn; Robert Heath, $1 paid in grain; Manlif Halstead, $1 to be paid in stock or grain; Seth Nation, $1 to be paid in cash, or five bushels of corn; Thomas Heath, 87 ]/2 cents paid in cash ; James McKimmey, $1.20 paid in wheat. One hundred and fifty feet of ceiling plank was left over and sold to Thomas Heath at 75 cents per hundred. The following subscribers paid $1 each in cash: John W. Heath, James W. Heath, Ralph Heath, Jesse McKimmey, John Ross and John Lain.

"In the year 1863 John W. Heath and Thomas W. Tuttle donated ground on which the present church stands, which was built at a cost of $1,200. In the year 1879 it was remodeled at a cost of $700. The changes consisted of taking out the two single doors and placing double doors in the center; the windows were remodeled and the two side aisles were changed to a central aisle, and a belfry and bell were added.

"My father, James W. Heath, drew up the subscription paper and solicited for the building of the old log church, and the last act of the writer in the old Mt. Zion neighborhood was drawing up the subscription papers for remodeling the church and Thomas W. Tuttle taking one list and canvassing the south and cast part of the territory, and I took the north and west part. Allen Pcrdieu headed the list with $35, and we had his father-in-law, Jesse McKimmey, down for $15, but when we called on him and explained the plan he said that $25 ought to be all the committee should expect of him.

That was certainly very liberal for a man living about four miles from the church and petting to attend only once in three months. Old Aunt Millcy Heath in giving her subscription said it would do her no good, but might benefit her grandchildren. Ten years later, returning from the west and visiting the old neighborhood, as we were approaching the church the bell was tolling for the funeral of old Aunt Millcy. This was the first time we had heard that bell tolling."

The early history of Daleville Methodism in Daleville and vicinity belongs with the Mount Zion, Yorktown and other congregations of that vicinity. The Daleville M. E. church was organized August 16, 1894, at the home of J. C. Dale. Strong opposition tried to defeat the purposes of those whose hearts were set on this church, but since its organization the church has been prosperous. At the first meeting H. N. Herrick was presiding elder, and Rev. Thomas Petty, a local preacher, was presiding pastor. The first members, all of whom are living, were Mrs. Allie Dale, Mrs. Julia Feely and Miss Minnie Hoover. Meetings were held in a hall for one year, two revivals and fifteen additional members being secured during that time. James and Maria Fish, Thomas Feely and Mrs. Martha Nelson are the oldest of those members. During 1895 a church was constructed on South Main street in Daleville, and was dedicated in January, 1896. Charles Shoemaker preached the sermon at dedication, and C. U. Wade was elder. The church building cost $2,500. The pastors, with the length of their service, have been: Thomas Petty, seven months; C. N. Shoemaker, one year; E. L. Jones, six years; Rev. Porter, one year; G. N. Martin, two years ; Cook Graham, one year.

The Methodists organized a class at Wheeling about 1835-36. For many years the society worshiped in a frame schoolhouse that stood on the ground now occupied by the Odd Fellows' hall, but during 1870-71 the present brick building was erected, being dedicated in the latter year. The charge has been included in different circuits, and the records of the church arc fragmentary and not continuous. Of the oldest members now living are Mrs. Mary Milhollin, Mrs. Sarah Bryan, Amos Shaffer and wife. Of the pastors of later years may be named : George W. Green, George W. Martin, George H. Myers, Edward Dickson, Calvin J. Graves, Carlos A. Luse and John M. B. Reeves, the present pastor.

Before the Wheeling class was organized, it is said that the first religious meeting held in Washington township occurred in the home of William Heal, conducted by Robert Burns, a Methodist missionary. This was in 1830, and the class then organized consisted of William Heal and wife,

Thomas and Susannah Littler and Mrs. Martha Jobcs. From this originated Olive Branch church, named in honor of Olive Ileal. In 1863 tne society moved from the log church to a new building situated within Grant county. Pleasant Valley. This class was organized about 1896, and worships in the little church it then built one-half mile west of Anthony. Mahlon Crampton, Charles Crampton, William Langsdon, Harvey McKinley are the charter members still connected with the church. The pastors have been George W. Green, Rev. Hunt, J. H. McNary.

Delaware Chapel. The Methodist society now known as Delaware Chapel, whose church is located west of Albany, in the northwest part of Delaware township, had its origin in a meeting of organization held in Stafford's schoolhouse probably about 1863. Ralph and Jane Stafford, Jefferson and Rebecca Walburn, Joanna Williams, Mrs. Rhody Wright and Mrs. Susan Justice were the charter members. The oldest members now connected with the church arc George Stafford, James E. Stafford, Mrs. Catherine Brammcr, Jacob Peterson, Wilber Peterson, Mrs. Christina Black, Mrs. Sarah Parrctt. The church, in which the society still worships, was erected in 1876 at a cost of $1,500. The pastors, so far as they can be recalled, have been: Rev. Black, Eli Rammel, G. B. Work, H. N. Herrick, R. J. Parrett, David Powell, D. C. Woolpert, W. E. Curtis, J. A. Ruley; S. L. Johnson, 1890-93; T. F. Freeh, 1893; Eli Davis, 1894-98; J. B. Cook, 1898-02; C. M. Hollopeter, 1902-06; L. A. Sevits, present pastor.

Bethel - Albany Circuit. The Bethel M. E. church was organized in 1836 at the house of Eli H. Anderson, the charter members being Eli H. Anderson and wife, John Wilson and wife, Thomas Vincent, John Dinsmore and wife. The oldest members now living are D. M. Bell and wife, Manaen Vincent and wife, William Shirk and wife, James R. Babb and wife, George Michael and wife. A hewed log building erected in 1839 served as the church home until it was burned a few years later, when it was replaced by another hewed log house. In 1859 the present frame building was erected, though it was completely remodeled eight years ago. The earlier pastors are not recalled, but beginning with 1890 they have been : S. L. Johnson, to 1893 ; T. F. Freeh, 1893 ; Eli Davis, 1894-98; J. B. Cook, to 1902; C. M. Hollopeter, to 1906; L. A. Sevits, present pastor.

This society was organized April 12, 1871, and of the small number of charter members Martha Fry is now the only one living. The society was incorporated in November, 1871, and the following year a church building was erected. William Walker, Edward Pearce, John Davis, William Hawgreens, Thomas Hawkins, John Davis were the first trustees and officers. The first building, at 1018 East Jackson street, was remodeled in 1902 at a cost of $2,800. The pastors who have served this organization have been : Jason Bundy, H. H. Wilson, John Stanton, B. J. Coleman, Jason Bundy, H. E. Steward, G. H. White, T. E. Wilson, Martin Coleman, W. H. Taylor, E.

Trinity M. E. (Colored). This society was organized in 1895, at a meeting on High street. The names of charter members and oldest living members as given by the present pastor are: E. L. Benson, M. A. Pondexter, C. E. Maneall, L. A. Chandler, Mrs. Julia Downs, George W. Scott, Mrs. Hulda Gilmore, Enoch Fletcher, Susie Scott, Dora Benson, Elisha Benson. The building on East First street now occupied by the society was completed March 4, 1899, at a cost of $660. The names of the succeeding pastors are : John Downs, Joel Perkins, J. A. Smith, Fred White, G. W. Bailey, Henry Griffcn, W. W. Heston, M. S. Johnson, W. W. Locke.

This society was organized in 1872, at 614 East Jackson street, the charter members participating in that organization being: Emanuel Rich, Mary Rich, Robert Gorden, Margaret Gorden, L. U. Buchanan, Susana L. - Buchanan, Mary Campbell. The oldest members of the society now living are P. W. Patterson, Mrs. R. M. Patterson, Mrs. Sarah Nichols, Mrs. R. A. Calleson, Mrs. Belle Moles, August Maick, Mrs. Minnie Maick, S. D. Friar, Mrs. S. D. Friar, Simon Marshall, Mrs. Kate Marshall, Mrs. Sarah Mcllvane, Mrs. A. Perdieu.

In 186S the Evangelical Association had built a brick church 24 by 44 feet at 614 East Jackson street, and in 1872, when Rev. J. H. Luse, who at that time was pastor of the Luray circuit M. P., organized the Muncie society, this property was purchased for use of the new church. The society remained a part of the Luray circuit until the conference of 1873, when il was named the Muncie circuit. In 1875 Muncie was made a station, with S. A. Flood as pastor. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. C. McKinney in the spring of 1S93 the old brick building, having served its time and purpose, was torn down and was replaced by the present new building, which was dedicated in the fall of 1893, having cost about $7,000.

It is said that church services according to Baptist doctrine and principles were held in Muncie as long ago as 1835, when the Methodists had I the only church building in town. Elder Robert Tisdale was best remembered of the traveling ministers of this denomination who occasionally held services in the little village by White river. It would have been a small congregation had the Baptists alone attended. But a religious meeting was an unusual event, and persons of all creeds came to hear the preacher's message. Among the pioneers who were Baptists by profession was Edward Keasby, the hat maker. His wife and Mrs. Martin Galliher were also of the same church. Rev. Samuel Hervey preached here about twice a month from 1844 to 1847, and he was probably the most influential of the early ministers in molding opinion toward church organization.

A church organization was not effected until 1859, though the minutes of the meeting of the council speak of "reorganizing" a church at this point. The formal organization took place September 11, there being twelve original members : Martin Galliher, Rhoda Galliher, Abraham Helvie, Ann Helvie, Ann Keasby, Harriet McClellan, Hester Newell, Martha Patterson, Thomas Wireman, James S. Whitman, Eliza A. Whitman and Margaret Davis. Early history shows that services were held once a month in charge of Elder Williams.

On October 14, i860, a committee was appointed to purchase a lot on which to build a church. Previous to this time services had been held in the court house. On June 12 it was decided to build of brick a house of worship 34x48. The structure stood on the northeast comer of Jackson and Jefferson streets, with entrance from the south, and although plain and unpretentious, yet the spirit of God was ever present. The church was dedicated June 8, 1862. Sermon by Dr. Bailey, of Franklin. The cost of the building was $2,131. During this time accounts are given of preaching by Elder Gage.

The first regular pastor, Rev. J. Bloomer, accepted a call on September 12, 1863. He was here for only a brief period, and until November, 1865, the church was without a regular pastor. At this time Rev. J. C. Skinner was elected to serve as pastor. He resigned January 11, 1868, and in the year following Rev. James M. Bennett was chosen pastor. There are very few now living who came into the church prior to Mr. Bennett's pastorate - Mrs. Adah Helvie Bell, Mrs. Elizabeth Elliott, and perhaps a few others. Mr. Bennett resigned May 7, 1871. Rev. Virgil then supplied the pulpit for a sliort time. Rev. A. E. Edwards was elected pastor April 19, 1872. Rev. Abel Johnson, one of the pioneer preachers of northern Indiana, was called November 5, 1872. During his pastorate John D. Mock was elected deacon, which office he held continuously for about thirty years. There were at that time but two deacons, the other being Mr. Elijah Langdon.

Rev. J. L. Irwin was called May 9, 1875. During his pastorate Edward Nutting was chosen deacon. All of the constituent members were active up to and after this date. In August, 1878, Rev. W. A. Stanton became pastor. He was succeeded in May, 188 1, by Rev. N. B. Rairdon, whose labors were verv successful. He served four years, during which time the building was remodeled and the church became self-supporting. In June, 1885, following Mr. Rairdon's resignation in April, Rev. W. H. Dennis took charge. He served until June, 1886.

In March, 1887, Rev. L. A. Clevenger was called. As the house was crowded at every service, it became necessary to enlarge or remove. Trustees A. L. Johnson, M. J. Gallihcr, J. D. Mock, Clerk S. Goodin, Brethren O. M. Tyler and T. J. Allen were appointed a committee to buy a lot and build a new church, modern and roomy, as the growth of the church demanded. They recommended as a site the southwest corner of Charles and Jefferson streets. Here the new church was erected at a cost of $27,000. The cornerstone was laid on October 5, 1889, ceremonies conducted by Rev. S. A. Northup, of Ft. Wayne. The dedication followed on July 20, 1890, by Pastor Clevenger, assisted by Rev. Albert Ogle, of Indianapolis, and Rev. W. W. Everett, D.D., of Chicago. During Mr. Clevenger's term of service the membership of the church was doubled, and to his faithful, intelligent labors we are today indebted for many of our most valued, most valuable members. Mr. Clevenger resigned in May, 1891, and during the summer of this year the church was without a pastor.

Rev. S. S. Clark was elected pastor the following October. To the season of his labors we are also indebted for many efficient co-workers. Mr. Clark resigned in April, 1895. In September of the same year Rev. J. B. Tuttle became pastor. The parsonage was built during his pastorate. He remained until November 1, 1897. Rev. C. M. Carter took charge of the church Jannuary 2, 1898. The church was at that time entering upon the period of large prosperity which it is enjoying to a greater degree today. Among the most noteworthy achievements, humanly speaking, since that time was the fitting and opening, in April, 1900, of the institutional annex, so prolific in results and so influential in shaping the policies which are now the basis of important lines of work.

Seventeenth Street Baptist Church, Muneic. This society of Baptists was organized April 16, 1893, in the old Congcrville school building. The charter members were John II. Dawall and wife, Jacob C. Lynn, William A. Reese, Sr., and wife, I. J. Langdon, William Reese, Jr., Margaret Reese, Polly Reese, Albert Russel and wife. All these are living except Mrs. William Reese, Sr. In 1894 a house of worship was erected, costing $4,500, at the southeast corner of Seventeenth and Jefferson streets. The pastors who have served the congregation have been : J. P. Green, I. W. Martin, John H. Schenck, John C. Hayes (supply), C. C. Martin.

This church, which next year will celebrate the seventieth anniversary of its existence, has numbered among its members many of the best-known families of Muncie, and its history, which has several times been written in full, is filled with personal references to men and women who have been actively identified with Muncie from the pioneer times. The following brief sketch of the church has been contributed by Miss Neely:

The First Presbyterian church of Muncie was organized July 14, 1838. As most churches of that day in what was then the early west, its life was one of struggle from the start, yet its founders, firm in the faith that inspired them, never swerved from the path of duty, never gave up the noble purpose which filled their hearts, though sometimes tried as by fire.

It was five years after its organization before the church had a building of its own. That was a grand day when the struggling congregation held their first service in the new house of worship - the frame meeting-house. An incident connected with the building of this church shows how misfortune followed them. The contract for finishing the church was given to Silas Morgan. Seasoned lumber was not to be had - the flooring had to be kiln-dried and worked by hand. About the time Mr. Morgan was ready to

The frame church was dedicated July 15, 1843. P. D. Gurlcy of Indianapolis preached the dedication sermon. Candles were used for lighting this church, an official member snuffing the candles round twice during an evening service. The form of announcement was: "There will be services in this house tonight at early candlelighting." Rev. Robert Irwin, who is remembered here by many, was the first pastor. He was an earnest, faithful Christian. His work was done under great difficulties and many hardships. Through cold and heat, through storm and swollen streams, in weakness and in health, he kept steadily on. House-to-house prayer-meetings were kept up. The pastor's son, Rev. Robert Irwin, writing of these prayer-meetings, says: "Their value did not impress me then as now. I attended because my father took me; yet the early impressions then made have never left me; the simple exposition of God's word, the hearty singing of the grand old hymns, the earnest prayers of Godly men, and the cordial greetings after service, fixed their impress on my life."

In this letter, written a short time before his death at St. Charles, Mo., he says: "I do not remember very distinctly about the missionary efforts of the church, but I am sure so important a matter was not forgotten. At home we were taught to deny ourselves for the sake of the cause. We were offered so much each week if we would do without sugar, tea, coffee or butter so that the missionary fund might be enlarged. It was a valuable lesson, though not very easy at the time."

He further writes: "Before me is the first call presented by the Muncie church. It is a venerable document and is dated Sept. 4, 1843. It bears the autographs of the following officers of the church : Thomas S. Neely, Jonathan Wachtel, Thomas Barnes, William S. Slack, John C. Helm, John Galbreath, Edward G. Keasby, Joseph Wilson, Jr., Benjamin Sayre. The call contains the usual formula of the Presbyterian church, 'And that you maybe free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay you the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars in half yearly payments during the time of your being and continuing to be the regular pastor of this church.' Living was cheaper then. I find, on my father's expense book, 'Beef 2% cents per pound, pork 3 cents, flour $1.50 per hundred, corn 25 cents, five turkeys for $1.00.' Sugar was high, 20 cents a pound. The revenue from marriage fees did not enrich very extravagantly - one dollar was the usual price. On one occasion father was called to go twenty miles to marry a couple. He was busy planting corn at the time and yet could not refuse to go. Promising my sister Caroline and her girl friend, Margaret Sayre (now Mrs. Margaret March), the wedding fee if they would complete the corn planting. He undertook the journey over almost im- passable roads ; was gone nearly two days and returned with a 95-cent piece as the fee. How the young ladies spent their fortune I will leave for Mrs. March to tell, for she yet remains with you, honored and beloved.

"Two entries in my father's journal may interest the ladies : 'Junc 21st, 1848, about 3 o'clock, I met with a number of our female members in the Presbyterian church to organize a sewing society. It was accomplished, but not without some opposition. A constitution was read and adopted and eleven females subscribed to it.' Junc 27th, 1849, tne sewing circle presented two very neat and excellent chandeliers to the church. They cost $9.75. This being prayer-meeting evening, they were lit and performed most admirably, for we could read the hymn-books in any part of the church."

Rev. W. M. Stryker succeeded Mr. Irwin as pastor ; he was a good man and a fine scholar. The first parsonage - one-story frame - was built during his pastorate. Rev. J. W. Drake came next ; the church prospered while under his care; he was a Godly man. Rev. I. N. Shepherd came to Muncie Nov. 13, 1861, preaching his first sermon the following Sunday, Nov. 17.

While the remains of President Lincoln were lying in state - Wednesday after his assassination - Mr. Shepherd, at special memorial services in the Presbyterian church, preached from the text, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" This was in April, 1865.

Nov. 20th, 1865, Rev. E. Barr was unanimously elected pastor with a salary of eight hundred dollars a year and fifty dollars for moving expenses. March 3d, 1867, Mr. Barr told his church he intended to leave them and go to Lafayette.

First United Presbyterian Church, Muncie. April 10, 1889, in the Board of Trade rooms in the Boyce block, this society was organized, after a sermon by Rev. J. T. Wilson. The following nineteen persons constituted the original membership: Peter T. King (a ruling elder), Mrs. Isabelle King, Miss Margaret T. King, Miss Mamie B. King, Peter K. Morrison, Mrs. Jane Wilson, Mrs. I. M. Wilson, Alexander

Giboncy, Mrs. Mary Giboncy, Miss Ella M. Giboncy, Jesse E. Gartin, Mrs. Nannie J. Gartin, William Dunlap, Mrs. Mary Dunlap, Warren K. Moore, Andrew McComb, Mrs. Mary McComb, Alexander Halliday, Mary B. Dunlap. Of these Peter T. King is the only one remaining in the congregation, though most of them are still living.

In September, 1890, the society began the erection of a church building on Adams and Ebright streets, and the church was dedicated December 7, 1800, the total cost of the property being $8,000. January 31, 1892, the church was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt the same year. In 1906 a parsonage was built on the north end of the church lot, at a cost of $3,200, giving a complete, comfortable and modern home for the pastor.

The organization of the Jackson Street Christian Church dates from June 27, 1868. As early as 1848 Elder Benjamin Franklin held a meeting in a school house called the "Seminary," located at the present site of the Jefferson school, and at several other times before the organization was effected itinerant preachers paid visits to Muncie, and some converts to the Disciple's plea were gained, but these early records are incomplete. The present history begins with the summer of 1865, when the families of Jonathan P. Adamson and Andrew J. Slingcr, then strangers, came to the town of Muncie. An incident happened about this time which illustrates the feeble status of the Disciples of Christ here. Mrs. Slingcr, while attending a picnic at Smithfield, met a lady acquaintance from Muncie who mentioned a number of her friends, and then added that she had a neighbor, Mrs. Emily Adamson, whom she thought a splendid woman, but whose acquaintance she did not desire as Mrs. Adamson was a "Campbellite." Mrs. Slinger understood what this meant and lost no time in calling on Mrs. Adamson. In similar ways a few Disciples found each other and under the stress of severest opposition known to that day of intense religious prejudice the history of the Jackson Street Christian Church began its career.

Two itinerant Christian preachers from New Castle, David Geary and Aaron W. Moore, held occasional meetings. However, Dr. George W. Thompson of Union City did the important ministerial work of organizing the congregation and of giving it the start which has led to the great devel- opment of the church. Most of the early meetings were held in the Louthian school house about two miles south of the city, but later they were held in the homes of the members.

After the organization in 1868 the congregation continued to meet in the private homes of the members, principally at the Adamson home on North High street. During the year 1873-4 Walling's Hall, just west of the present Court House, was used for a place of worship. But after one year the church found itself financially unable to pay the hall rent and the members. were again compelled to hold their meetings in their homes or in the Court House. Finally, however, under the wise leadership of Dr. Thompson, the membership grew in numbers and financial strength until they were able to secure a church home. In 1875 a lot was purchased on the northwest corner of Jackson and Council streets at a cost of $500 and a church house built thereon at a cost of $3,739.14, exclusive of furniture. A part of the furniture was donated, the remainder cost $226.20. Dr. L. L. Carpenter, of Wabash, Indiana, preached the dedicatory sermon Sunday, November zist, 1875. Mary J. Carmichael (now Mrs. Marcus Topp) was the first person baptized in the new church.

The following were among the names of those first identified with the organization of the church: Jonathan P. Adamson and wife, Emily; Amos Wilson, George Moore, Andrew J. Slinger and wife, Linda M.j Lizzie Louthian, Sally Mansfield. Martha A. Graves, Mrs. Matilda Rader, Hannah J. Pucket, Abigail Hines, Mrs. Rebecca Cumings, Mrs. Rebecca Carmichael, Mrs. A. J. Claypool, Harvey Wilkins, Elizabeth Frank, Sarah J. Wilkinson, Nancy Eber, Maggie Louthian (now Mrs. H. C. Haymond), George Louthian, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Wachtell and Andrew McGalliard.

The first board of elders consisted of John Shoemaker, James Stewart and Jonathan P. Adamson. Messrs. Shoemaker and Stewart were members at Daleville, but served as officers here until other members were gained who cuuld take their places. Mr. Adamson continued an elder until his death, June 17, 1889. His wife, "Aunt Emily," as she is affectionately styled, still survives and is the oldest charter member of the church.

The congregation grew so rapidly that before the year 1895 it was found necessary to provide larger quarters, so a lot was secured at the southeast corner of Jackson and Elm streets at a cost of $3,600, and a commodious building was erected thereon at a cost of $20,000. The furniture, including the pipe organ, cost $5,000 more. The building committee consisted of Dr. W. A. Spurgcon, chairman ; Robert M. Ball, C. S. Wachtell, A. M. Waggoner and Robert H. Branch. The main auditorium of the present building has a seating capacity of 400 and the Sunday school room which opens conveniently into the main auditorium, has a seating capacity of slightly more than that number. The building was dedicated on Sunday,. May 12, 1S95. Elder Z. T. Sweeney, of Columbus, Indiana, preached the dcdicatorial sermon.

The Rev. W. B. F. Treat, who was pastor at the time of the removal of the congregation from West Jackson street to its present location, continued to minister to the congregation until October of that year. Then Rev. William D. Starr became the minister and served for three years. He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. MacNeill, who served for three years. Rev. T. A. Reynolds then served for four years, when in the fall of 1905 Rev. William Huddleston Allen became the minister and is still serving the congregation. The congregation has grown so rapidly that within a short time a still larger building must be erected. The present building cannot be made to seat with comfort more than 850 people, whereas the membership of the church numbers about 1,200.

When the church was first organized in 1868 it took the name of "Church of Christ meeting in Muncie, Indiana." Soon after the congregation began worshipping in their building on Jackson and Council streets they adopted the name '*First Christian Church of Muncie, Indiana," and this name was continued until 1905, although during a portion of that time the title of the real estate owned by the church remained in the original name. In 1905 the congregation adopted the name "Jackson Street Christian Church of Muncie, Indiana."

It is one of the tenets of this brotherhood that any New Testament name, such as Church of God, Church of Christ or Christian Church may appropriately be adopted by any congregation as a church name.

The official board of the church consists of thirty members; five elders, including the minister ; sixteen deacons and five trustees, the treasurer, the clerk, the Sunday school superintendent, the president of the Senior Christian Endeavor Society.

The personnel of the official board is as follows : Elders, W. H. Allen, minister; C. C. Pavey, W. R. Windsor, Prof. Ernest P. Wiles, Dr. James M. Quick ; Deacons, Charles C. Bryan, Charles D. Gray, Arthur B. Jester, Charles W. Collins, M. A. Butterfield, E. J. Butterfield, C. S. Wachtell, Horace G. Murphy, D. W. Stacy, G. W. Rowlett, W. P. Gilmore, D. M. Miller, Walter Clark, I. B. Howard, C. F. Grunden and E. L. Addison; Trustees, Robert M. Ball, J. A. Meeks, Dr. John C. Quick, P. V. Stewart

I and C S. Wachtell. J. C. Bartling is church clerk, Robert M. Ball is treasurer. Horace G. Murphy is president of the official Board and J. W. Allen is secretary.

The Sunday school has an enrollment of more than 500 members and as far as the room in the church building will permit, is modern in every respect. Clayton Bartling is superintendent.

It is the custom of the church to provide flowers for poor people or persons suffering from illness and for the funerals of deceased members. Mrs. E. L. Addison is chairman of the Flower committee.

The Senior Christian Endeavor Society has an enrollment of about 100 members. There is also a strong Junior Society. Mr. John W. Allen is president of the Senior Society and Miss Olive Spurgeon is superintendent of the Junior Society.

The church also has a Ladies' Aid Society of more than 100 members, of which Mrs. R. M. Ball is president. The society is very active in raising funds and carrying on the local missionary benevolent work of the church.

The Auxiliary to the Christian Women's Board of Missions has a membership of about 100 members. Mrs. Sarah Allen is president. The activities of the organization are given to religious education and missions in both home and foreign fields. During the last year it raised more than $250 for those purposes. It has a permanent endowment fund of $500, known as the Mary Mansfield fund.

The Young Ladies' Mission Circle has about 75 members. This society acts in connection with the C. W. B. M. Miss Grace Addison is president of the Circle and Mrs. Horace G. Murphy is superintendent.

All of the missionary enterprises of the church are centered in a committee of six members from the official board and known as the committee on missions and benevolences. Prof. Ernest P. Wiles is chairman of this committee. On the fourth Sunday evening of each month a collection is taken for the benefit of poor and needy people in the city. The church has become a living link in the American Christian Missionary Society. It gives $300 annually and supports a missionary in that field. It has also been given a life directorship in the foreign Christian Missionary Society, the church having given more than $500 to foreign missions during the past year. Horace G. Murphy.

This church, whose home is at Elm and Xorth streets, was organized February 15, 1892, in the Blue Ribbon hall. The charter members were: Jim Garrard, Savannah Garrard, William Fisher, Maggie Fisher, Madaline Pershing, Laura Selman, Anna Selman, Harvey M. Cates, Cordelia Cates,

The first church building had the outward appearance of a dwelling, two stories high, and was built in the fall of 1896. In 1902 was commenced the present building, and was completed and dedicated in June, 1903, the cost of the building complete being nearly $20,000.

The society was organized by Rev. J. R. Cortner, and the pastors who have followed him have been : W. T. Warbinton, D. L. Shoemaker, Daniel B. Atkinson, A. L. Piatt, Frank P. Trotter, J. F. Burnett. At the time this information was given the church was without a pastor, but Daniel B. Atkinson was to commence his duties September 1, 1907.

This church was organized January 14, 1881, in Delaware township, three miles south of Albany, by Rev. John R. Cortner. For a house of worship they purchased the church formerly owned by the Methodist class, that had disbanded.

There were thirty-three charter members, viz. : Samuel Campbell, Pauline Campbell, Eliza Campbell, Levi Booner, Amelia Booncr, Martha A. Jones, Catharine Jones, Benjamin Jones, Geo. W. Jones, William Goings, Adelia A. Goings, William H. Thornburg, Cynthia Thomburg, Henry Reasoner, Ella Reasoner, Madaline Pershing, Mary A. Godlove, Emma Godlove, Mary Garretson, Wm. K. Garretson, James Marquell, Louise Marquell, John Crites, Martha J. Jones, R. A. Bunch, William Walburn, Emery C. Cline, E. H. Dowell, John Friddle, Mary Friddle, Alice Baily, Lina Cline, Louisa Sutton. The oldest members now living are: Pauline Campbell, Eliza Campbell, Levi Booner, Amelia Booner, Adam Boots, Scott and Amanda Cline, James and Ellen Friddle, Ella Reasoner, Dortha Whitehair, John and Orila Burden, Henry and Esther Canter, Calvin and Elisabeth Jacobs, James and Louisa Markwell, Harvey and Elizabeth Pogue, Benjamin Selvey, Zachariah Shreves, Elisabeth Zehnor.

The present church building was purchased of the trustees of the M. E. Society at Albany, at a cost of $300, some time in the month of January, 1882, and was the third building on that same site. Prior to the organization of the church, services were held in the schoolhouse at Sharon by Rev. Thomas Brandon and Rev. John R. Cortner. After the organization of the church in January, 1881, Rev. John R. Cortner' served the church as pastor until September, 1884. Those that have since served the church in that capacity are as follows: Rev. D. S. Davenport, 1884 to 1886; Rev. Gossctt,

The church was organized in a hall known as "Smith's Hall," in Albany, February 19, 1883, by the Rev. John R. Cortner, with 15 charter members, as follows : Ezra Bantz, A. J. Delong, Elisabeth Delong, John Criles, Elisabeth Crites, Levi Friddlc, Martha Friddle, Isaac N. Flinn, Abner Wolvcrton, Rachel Wolverton, Rueben Bartlett, Catharine Bartlett, Joseph Hunt, Rachel N. Hunt, Christopher Star. The oldest members now living are : Levi and Martha M. Friddle, Rachel Wolverton, Reuben and Catharine Bartlett, Philip Cochren, Catharine Strong, William and Mary Champ, Miles and Catharine Miller, Edward Pace, John Brown, Stephen D. Frank, Clara Phillips, Samuel and Elisabeth Barkman, Harvey and Dora Meranda, Philip and Sarah Vincent, Joseph and Christie Wasson, George and Sarah Friddle, William and Ella Hobbs, Milton and Matilda Meranda, David and Elisabeth Slonakcr, James and Comfort Burnsidc, James and Ann St. Clair, Joseph and Phebe Allen, Henry and Alice Marquell.

They built a substantial frame church house on the corner of Water and Manor streets in Albany on the present site. They have a very neat and commodious parsonage on the same lot.' The entire value of the property is about $2,500.

Rev. J. R. Cortner served as pastor for three years; Rev. Clement Myers, Rev. W. L. Lundv, Rev. Geo. W. Johnson, one year each in the order named; Rev. C. F. Bvrkctt, for three years; Rev. F. F. Canada, one year ; Rev. R. P. Arrick, for five years ; Rev. I. V. D. R. Johnson, for three years ; and Rev. A. M. Addington is now serving his sixth year. The church is in a very prosperous condition, free from debt, and pays all expenses by the free-will offerings of the members and the friends of the church.

This society was organized during the nineties, and their church building, which cost $1,300, was dedicated to worship May 1, 1892. The charter members of the organization were: Elijah Stevens, Mary Stevens, Alfred Jones, Lillian Jones, Joshua Jester, Eliza J. Jester, Sarah Crawford, Mrs. Cora Burk. The pastors who have served the congregation have been Elders

Articles of agreement were made in 1841 by the members of the Christian congregation at what is known as the Philadelphia church. The charter members were the following: Vesta Halstcad, Leonard Halstead, Martha Halstead, Charley Miller, Mary Miller, Martha McAlistcr, Lucinda Whitehead, Mary Jane Halstcad, Jefferson McLenahan, Basha Hart, George Whitehead, David Wolf, Cornelius Vanarsdol, A. H. Kenedy, Abraham Yockcy and Mary McCormick. Of these sixteen members the only one alive at this writing is Mary McCormick.

The first building, which was erected on the present site probably about 1842-43, was constructed of hewn logs, the labor of hewing and putting the timbers together being about the only expense connected with the building. The second and present building is of brick, constructed some years ago at a cost of about $1,200. The officiating ministers at the organization of this church were Rev. C. Vanarsdol, Andy McNccs and James Lisk. As the early records arc gone, only some of the later pastors can be given, namely: S. M. Stone, 1892; T. A. Spitzer, 1893; Wesley Grey, 1895; A. M. Addington, 1902; T. A. Spitzer, 1905; Bales, 1906; N. H. Thornburg, 1907.

The original society is said to have been organized at the barn of Major John Hupp, two miles east of Daleville, in 1845, but from another source of information it seems that the active organization was not effected until 1853, in the brick schoolhousc in Salem township, where the meetings were held after being transferred from the barn. Among the earliest members of the church were James and Drusilla Stewart, Jonas and Jane Shoemaker, Samuel and Mary Dusang, John and Maria Shoemaker, David and Amanda Shoemaker, John and Catharine Hupp. Part of the society after united with that at Middlctown. In the late sixties a church building was begun in Daleville, and was dedicated in January, 1870. The original cost of this building was $3,000, and in 1903 it was remodeled into a modern church edifice at a cost of $6,000. The pastors who have served the congregation have been: David Franklin, Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Trowbridge, George W. Thompson, Robert Edmonson, John P. New, Jospeh Franklin, Daniel Franklin, Wesley Hartley, John Brazelton, Ludwig, Love H. Jameson, Walter Carpenter, Arthur Shoemaker, Burner, Bass, C. B. Coleman, A. L. Orcutt, Tine Carmichael, Harkins, Collins, Blankenship and F. D. Muse.

Hoffhcrr Chapel, situated in Mt. Pleasant township, a mile and a half northwest of Yorktown, was erected in 1901 and dedicated to worship the first Sunday in April, 1902, by Elder Oliver Caimichacl and J. H. Vinson, of Gas City, Ind. The building cost $1,500. The church society, which now has a membership of seventy, was organized May 8, 1902, the first officers and members being as follows: Elders, O. P. Snodgrass, A. F. Jones, James Jester; deacons, Joshua Jester and D. L. Humbert; members, R. H. Curtis, Marncva Reed, Elizabeth Jones, Maranda Kemp, Kate Jester, Eliza Jester, Rebecca Snodgrass. Oliver Carmichael, J. H. Vinson and T. A. Reynolds arc the ministers who have conducted services at the chapel since the organization. The trustees at this writing are Joshua Jester, A. F. Jones and D. C. Childs.

The Hoffhcrr Chapel, mentioned above, is a branch of the older organization called Pleasant Run, and is now the most vigorous society outside of Yorktown in Mt. Pleasant township. Services under the Christian denomination have been held in the township for seventy years, but the organizations have grown and declined with the passing of the years. The Pleasant Run church record shows an organization as far back as 1858, with such names as Samuel Snodgrass, Daniel Van Buskirk, Thomas Cummings, William Reed and others among its leading members. During the war the society dwindled and finally broke up. In 1885 there was a reorganization, with the following as officers : Elders, George B. Snodgrass, A. F. Jones, James A. Jester, Jefferson K. Snodgrass; Deacons, Frederick Applcgatc, I. G. Snodgrass, John W. Jones. The church built up to 175 members, but it has since declined on account of deaths and removals and various causes, and in 1902 a large part of the Pleasant Run congregation organized as the Hoffhcrr Chapel. The present elders of the Pleasant Run church are: O. P. Snodgrass, J. A. Jester, A. F. Jones.

The first notice of any service of the church in Muncie is in a report to the General Board of Missions in June, 1839. It reads as follows: "The Reverend Mr. Fiske has officiated not only at Richmond, his proper station, but at Cambridge, Philometh, Muncietown, and at Eaton, Ohio; having at the latter place organized a parish." The next church service in Muncietown, so far as known, was held in the Presbyterian place of worship in November, 1859, by the Right Rev. George Upfold, D. D., Bishop of In-

I 460 History Of Delaware County

I B. Englc, rector of Holy Innocents, Indianapolis, and still canonically resident in the diocese. Mr. Englc came to Muncictown at the invitation of Mrs. Caroline J. McCulloch and Miss Mary Burbank.

In 1875, through the efforts of Mrs. J. A. Heinsohn, a service was held in the opera house by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Cruikshank Talbot, D. D., LL. D., and an organization effected. The Rev. Jesse Richard Bicknell was appointed missionary, and services were held in the opera house and the council room in the city building. In March, 1875, a business meeting of the church people and others interested was held in the parlors of the Kirby House. A committee was appointed consisting of Charles A. Willard, John M. Kirby, A. R. Brown, A. H. Hamilton, J. E. Burson, J. A. Heinsohn and J. D. Williams to prepare a certificate of organization. Through the earnest work of the Rev. Jesse R. Bicknell a class of fourteen was presented to the bishop for confirmation ; this was the fourth Sunday after Easter, May 14, 1876. Those confirmed were: John M. Kirby, Mary F. P. Kirby, Florence Shaw Brown, Wm. Shaw, Malvina R. Swain Spilker, Milissa Ann Turner Ethel, Clarissa Jackson Shipley, Fannie Shipley, Henrietta Holmes Hodge, Mary Caroline Smith, Letitia Smith, Harriet Galbraith, Anna Galbraith. During this same year the original church was built, at a cost of $650, on a lot the lease of which was donated by Mrs. John W. Burson.

In 1881 the lot on the southeast corner of Adams and Mulberry streets was purchased at a cost of $1,850 cash, and the church moved to its new foundation. During the three years' rectorship of the Rev. John W. Birchmore, the church was enlarged by the addition of a graceful nave, at a cost of $1,200, the old church forming a chancel and vestryroom. The church and sanctuary were at various times enriched by beautiful memorial gifts of altar and reredos, credence, bishop's chair, chancel rail, altar cross, vases, processional cross, font, prayer desk, organ, chancel books and music. The first gift to the church was the altar in memory of Mrs. Mary F. P. Kirby, wife of John M. Kirby. The baptismal font was a thank offering given by John M. Kirby at the baptism of his daughter Sarah, now Mrs. Wm. Church. The pipe organ was the gift of Mrs. Caroline McCulloch, a few years be- ; fore her death. The prayer desk was carved by Miss Jeanette Love and presented by Miss Jeanette and Miss Nannie Love. The litany desk was given by Mrs. Samuel P. Anthony in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Bayless of Fort Wayne. Mr. George Olcott, brother of Mr.

-The followine item occurred in one of the old Muncictown papers: "Rt Kcvcrend nckson Kemper, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri, and Missionary Bishop of Indiana, reached at the court house in Muncietown, Tuesday, June 12, 1844. - G. W. H. K.

Edward Olcott, was the donor of the bishop's chair and large front window in the present church. This window had been in the old parish church of Mr. Olcott's home town in Charlcstown, New Hampshire. An oil painting of the Ascension of Christ was Riven by Mrs. J. R. Marsh and Mrs. R. J. Bcatty. The altar desk, chancel books and markers were given by Mrs. Ada K. Over as a memorial to her son. The altar rail was given by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick E. Putman and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Olcott as a memorial to Mrs. Mary Kirby. The altar cross was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Olcott as a thank offering at the christening of their little daughter Mary. The credence was given as a memorial to her. A pair of brass vases were also given by Mr. Olcott in memory of his mother; and the silver communion service as a memorial to his brother, George Olcott. The processional cross was the gift of Mr. Willis Kutz. Mrs. Sarah Hartley gave the cover to the font; also the ewer and shell successively at the baptism of her children. The white brocade dosscl cloth was the gift of the Guild of the Royal Cross, while the brass pole on which it rests was the gift of the Ladies' Auxiliary and the Guild of the Royal Cross. Mrs. Mark Claypool embroidered and gave one of the handsome altar cloths, while Mrs. Harriet M. Johnston and several of the other women of the church have embroidered and given altar cloths and book markers for the service.

Since the beginning of the regular services the following clergymen have had charge here: They are the Rev. Jesse R. Bicknell, the Rev. Mr. Root, while the church was yet a mission ; and the following were the rectors after organization: The Rev. Mr. Allen, the Rev. F. D. Jaudon (1881 to 1882), the Rev. J. W. Birchmore (1883 to 1886), the Rev. R. Collison (1886), the Rev. F. W. Henry (1887 to 1890), the Rev. J. A. Antrim (1891), the Rev. F. O. Grannis (1891 to 1896), the Rev. H. M. Denslow (1896 to 1902), the Rev. W. K. Berry (1902 to 1906), and the Rev. F. F. Kraft, who is the present rector, having taken charge of the parish in September, 1906. During this time there have been 304 baptisms, 229 confirmations, 83 marriages, and 114 burials. During the last year there have been 3 marriages, 6 funerals, 12 baptisms, 16 confirmations. The church now has three societies: St. Martha's Guild, Saint Monica's Guild, and the Woman's Auxiliary. St. Martha's Guild makes a regular and generous contribution to the church work. Saint Monica's Guild is the sewing society of the parish and has made and given to the church the vestments for the choir boys. The Woman's Auxiliary was organized under the rectorship of the Rev. Mr. Henry and is a branch of the missionary society of the general church. Mrs. Caroline McCulloch was the first president of local branch of the Auxiliary, and continued to be so as long as she lived. Other organizations which have existed in the church, but which have been succeeded by the later societies, are the Ladies' Afternoon Social Guild, Order of the

Sisters of Bethany and Brotherhood of Saint Andrew. The Sunday school has worked along with the church from the first and has always done creditable work. The good these church societies have done can scarcely be overestimated, and indeed it is certainly showing an honor to women's work that Mr. McCulloch is to build the beautiful new church on the site of the old one in memory of his wife and mother, two of the best workers of Grace church parish. Probably the parish owes its existence more to Mr. McCulloch's mother than to any other person. At one time she was the only communicant in Muncietown, and the church today is the result of her efforts when she started alone in the work.

In the spring of 1906 Bishop Francis, bishop of the diocese, announced that Mr. McCulloch would build a church, parish house and rectory in memory of his wife and mother. A building committee was appointed consisting of Bishop Francis, Messrs. Olcott, Marsh, Brady and Sampson, Mrs. Arthur Smith and Mrs. Sarah Kciscr, sisters of Mr. McCulloch, and Mrs. Harriet Johnston, who immediately arranged for competitive plans. Several thousand dollars was given to the building committee by Mr. McCulloch to defray the expenses attendant upon the selection of plans. Plans were submitted by Architects Wing and Mahurin of Fort Wayne, Abram Garfield of Cleveland, Sutcliffe of Chicago, and Alfred Grindel, formerly of Muncic, but now of Indianapolis. The latter was successful in making a satisfactory set The plans as drawn by Mr. Grindel called for the erection of a church, parish house and rectory of the Old English style. The three edifices will be of Bedford stone, rock faced. The church, the central building of the group, will be particularly beautiful. The nave will seat 350 people, and the morning chapel will accommodate about forty-eight. The chancel is very large and will house a marble altar of striking design ; the choir rooms and sacristies will be connected with the church by an ambulatory which will afford the choir an entrance to the chancel. The baptistry will be in the rear of the church, near the main entrance. This arrangement will be in accordance with the Episcopal teachings that baptism is the entrance to the church. The parish house will be about 76x64 feet, and will follow in architectural style the church and the rectory. This building will be used for Sunday school work, meetings of the various organizations of the parish, entertainments and social events. In the basement of the parish house will be a fully equipped gymnasium for the use of the younger social organizations. The rectory, which will be at the extreme corner of the lot in Munroe street, will be of stone, the upper story to be of half timber. In arranging the buildings it has been Mr. McCulloch's wish that Old English lines be used in all the details. In the belfry will be installed a set of chimes costing, it is said, about $5,000, - and a $6,ooo organ will furnish the music for the church. The organ will be built with a console in the morning chapel so that it can be played either from there or from the main keyboard. The grounds surrounding the building will be made into lawn, intersected by cement walks leading to the entrances of the various buildings. The steps leading to all the buildings will be of stone. Grace parish is at the present time steadily growing, sixteen persons having been confirmed at the last visitation of Bishop Francis. It is believed that the erection of the new church buildings will bring out greater interest in parish work and force it to the front rank of Muncie churches.

After some two years of occasional preaching of the doctrines of Univcrsalism, instituted by Samuel I. Watson (a layman), he invited Rev. Benjamin F. Foster, a noted clergyman of Indianapolis, to come and hold a protracted meeting of alxnit two weeks, in the court house. This resulted in his extending the "Right Hand of Fellowship" to the Universalist confession of faith to the following persons, who organized the First Universalist Church of Muncie on the following Wednesday evening of February i8, 1859:

Samuel I. Watson arid Mrs. C. Watson, E. M. Watson, Alice Watson, A. W. Charman and Mrs. Jane Charman, James Charman, Samuel O. Budd, W. B. Kline and Mrs. M. Kline, John Richey, Peter Fullheart and Mrs. A. Fullheart, J. F. Fullheart, Miss E. J. Fullheart, Cynthia Fleming, Amy C. (Fleming) Ireland, Eliza Willard, Jane Spear, Mary Jane (Gilbert) Edmonds (first white girl born in Muncie), Mrs. E. Proud, Dr. W. H. McCormick, Mrs. C. A. McCormick, S. W. Harlan, R. Antrim, G. Goodman, W. H. Howell, L. B. Bonham, and A. B. Thomas. The oldest charter members living now are S. O. Budd, 77 past, and James Charman, 76.

At the corner of Jackson and Madison streets, the original building was dedicated September 9, i860, at a cost of $6,000. This was remodeled in 1899 at a cost of $14,000. More recent improvements and the value of ground increase this by $10,000.

The Cvtholic. St. Lazvrcncc Catholic Church. The spot where now stands the prosperous city of Muncie was occupied as late as 1828 by a few straggling cabins," and thickets of hazel brush, and was noted chiefly for its ague and mud. Missionaries in the earliest days occasionally visited the few Catholic families scattered here and there. The first priest visiting- Muncic was Father Daniel Maloncy, who came from Indianapolis. The first Holy Mass was celebrated at the house of Patrick Tuhcy, upon which site the magnificent Carnegie library is erected.

For nearly four years Father Maloncy made monthly visits celebrating Holy Mass alternately at the homes of Patrick Tuhcy and Peter Mutch. Patrick Tuhcy has long since gone to his eternal reward. Peter Mutch and his wife, both nearly ninety years of age, still occupy the home which was often the scene of the devotion of the Catholics of Muncie in the early missionary days.

Father Maloney today might have his choice of the Big Four Railroad or the interurban lines, but in his time, lacking these convenient modes of travel, he made his journey on horseback from Indianapolis.

Father Bessonies attended Muncie from Indianapolis in 1855 and 1856. Father Clark came to Muncie in 1857. He attended the missions of Winchester, Anderson, and ' Union City. He endeavored unsuccessfully to build a church in Muncie. The missionary visits continued, Fathers Seechrist, Shcllamacher, Black, Vanderpoolc, McMahon, Geoghan, Maloncy and Doyle having care of this mission for short periods of time.

Father Fitzmaurice took charge in the early 60s and administered to the spiritual wants three years. Fathers Bleckman and Von Schwedler.both attended Muncie from Union City. The Rev. Lawrence Lamour of Union City began the building of the church in 1869. The congregation at that time numbered 75 members, none of them possessing an abundance of this world's goods, but what they lacked in wealth, they supplied in zeal and persistence. They finally bought the lots in block 8 at the corner of Charles and Hacklcy streets, upon which the church was built. To Father Lamour belongs the credit of completing the church, a brick building, 35x60 feet in size. The church is named for his patron, St. Lawrence the Deacon. It was dedicated in 1873 by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Dwenger, at that time Bishop of Fort Wayne. The lots on which it was erected were bought by his predecessor, Bishop Luers. Father Joseph A. Marshall was stationed at Muncic from June to September, 1873. Father Crowley of Anderson succeeded Father Lamour and was zealously devoted to the care of the little flock in Muncie. He attended Muncic as a mission once a month and by collections paid off the indebtedness of the church all but $250, which remained when his successor was appointed. The present pastor, the Rev. William G. Schmidt, was ordained priest on December 19, 1874, by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Dwenger at the Cathedral in Fort Wayne and was then appointed pastor of Muncic, whose congregation comprised at that time about 45 families. - He erected a small frame residence which served as a priest's house until 1899, when he built the present rectory at the cost of $7,000. The first parish residence was partially destroyed by fire on November 1 1880.

Father Schmidt built a frame schoolhouse in 1881 wherein he taught from 1881 to 1882. He attended Hartford City in 1875, and Montpelier from 1S75 to 1896. Sick-calls to Hartford City, Montpelier, and the surrounding country, were made by such modes of travel as horse-back riding, hand-cars, and similar primitive conveniences. The pastor describes one of these sick-calls made on a very cold winter night, the distance being from Muncie to Montpelier, in which he took his turn in propelling the conveyance, a hand-car, managed to keep from freezing, and spoiled with the grease used on the car one side of his new suit of clothes, a rare luxury in those days.

The present church edifice, a magnificent structure in the Gothic style of architectural beauty, cruciform in shape, and symmetrically perfect, was built by the Rev. William G. Schmidt, and dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Rademacher of beloved and blessed memory on the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, A. D. 1895. The altars and furniture are of fine oak, the high altar being a splendid Gothic creation in this wood, and a joy to the eye of a devout Catholic assisting at the Holy Sacrifice offered up to God on this Calvary erected by the devotion of the Muncie people. The cost of the church approximated the sum of $43,000. The money was raised by the efforts of Father Schmidt, ably seconded by the congregation. Its value today is about $50,000. The seating capacity of the church is 950.

After the new church was built, the old church was converted into two school-rooms which, with the frame structure erected in 1881, served for the accommodation of the parochial school pupils until 1901, in the spring of which year Father Schmidt began the erection of what is todayone of the finest parochial school buildings in Indiana. The work progressed throughout the spring and summer of 1901 and in October of that year two rooms were prepared for occupancy in the new building. These rooms accommodated those children who had formerly attended in the "Old Church" school-rooms, which latter Father Schmidt tore down at this period. He rented for the first four to six weeks of the fall term two rooms in a neighboring building, formerly used as a blacksmith shop, and many of the children now attending school laughingly recall their school days in the "Blacksmith Shop." One of the Sisters having written her brother a description of her school-room at the time, received a humorous reply stating how he pictured his dear sister standing in the door of the "Blacksmith Shop" wistfully peering down the street in anticipation of the coming of the next horse.

air of the "Blacksmith Shop" the teachers and pupils of those two rooms received the earliest accommodation that could be prepared in the new building. The rooms of the rest were read}' for occupancy by December, 1901. The building contains eight (8) splendidly-lighted, scientifically ventilated, and well equipped school-rooms, each 27x27 feet. Two spacious halls separate the rooms on each of the two floors occupied by the latter. A large auditorium occupies the third floor. The heating and other conveniences arc of the most modern type, and not one of the upwards of 400 children who attend school is at any time exposed to aught dangerous to health from the opening hours of morning to the time the children are dismissed in the afternoon. The cost of the school approximated $20,000, while its value is about $25,000.

The school was first taught by the pastor, later by a lay teacher, then by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and since 1886 by the Sisters of St. Agnes from Fond du Lac, Wis. Ten Sisters form the Mission, eight of whom teach the school of eight grades followed by a modification of the ordinary high school and commercial college work combined with a view of affording a useful educational equipment in favor of children of a manufacturing town, some of whom are obliged to start early in life the task of winning a livelihood. The school is supported by a very small tuition fee and the proceeds of such entertainments as may be necessary for such balance as the tuition fees fail to cover. The Sisters attend to the entire care of the altars, making and washing the altar-cloths, albs, and all linens used in the sanctuary, attending to the sanctuary decorations and light, preparing the altar-breads, etc. The teachers reside in a frame building near the school-house. Father Schmidt contemplates the erection of a more spacious residence for the Sisters and hopes to accomplish it this year (1907).

The estimated value of the entire church property is: Ground, $15,000; improvements, $90,000. The balance of indebtedness on the same is $17,000.

The St. Vincent de Paul Aid Society established April 18, 1894, does a great good work among the poorer members of the congregation and even extends aid to cases of distress reported to them in favor of poor people not of our Faith.

The A. O. H. established May 1, 1892, and the Ladies' Auxiliary of A. O. H., besides extending charity to the sick, etc., among their members, are always ready and willing to assist any undertaking for the benefit of the church.

Other societies are the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association, the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, and the Knights of Columbus.

The Rev. John Schmitz was assistant in 1899-1900. Later the Rev. L. R. Paquct, and still later the Rev. Z. Iluot assisted the pastor for some time.

The Rev. William George Schmidt, pastor of the St. Lawrence's congregation since his ordination in 1874, was born at Lahr in the Province of Nassau, Germany, February 5, 1852. Father Schmidt attended school for three years in his native country, and came to the United States when his father brought the family hither in i86t. They settled at Mineral Point, Wis., where his good father died on January 29, 1862. He attended school at Mineral Point for three years, and then became a student at Calvary College, Fond du Lac, Wis., in which institution he pursued his studies for a period of three years with the object of entering the priesthood. Subsequently he was engaged as a salesman in a mercantile house at Warren, 111., and was occupied in a similar capacity later on at Dodgeville, Wis.

He then entered the seminary of St. Francis at Milwaukee, where he studied three and one-half years. He finished his theological studies at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, and was ordained by Bishop Dwenger on December 19, 1874. He assumed pastoral charge of St. Lawrence Congregation on January 28, 1875, and has been identified with the interests of the church in Muncie since that date. His mother resided with him from the period above mentioned until her holy death, October 31, 1889. On tne occasion of the silver jubilee of his ordination, which was likewise that of his appointment to Muncie, the Catholics were seconded in their celebration by the foremost non-Catholic citizens of the town, many of whom, remembering the days of Muncie's sorrow when the small-pox caused dire suffering in the town, seemed happy, indeed, to give public expression to their appreciation of fidelity of the Catholic priesthood to suffering humanity at the risk of any sacrifice. The celebration was a great source of joy to the Catholics of Muncie chiefly because of the tribute of reverence paid by those outside of the fold to religion in the respect shown their pastor by all the citizens of Muncie. Father Schmidt is justly proud of his magnificent church - but the joy and delight of his heart, the theme of all themes interesting to him, is his Parochial School.

He is one of the priests of the Diocese of Fort Wayne, who, besides teaching his school himself in the first beginning, paid part of the expense of its maintenance out of his own meagre salary in the early years of the school's existence.

their "Little Father," quiet, reverent, and docile. No dissensions arc heard of among them, and should a little misunderstanding threaten to arise, Father Schmidt's decision satisfies all parties, as his people have full confidence in his management of affairs, a trust born of the experience they have enjoyed in his long and edifying pastorate.

Ten or fifteen years ago the members of the Catholic Church residing in or near Albany considered themselves sufficiently strong to effect a church organization, which was done in the spring of 1895. During that summer a church building costing about $1,500 was erected in the east part of the town. The charter members of the church were Mr. McGee, Mr. Hinkel, Andrew Tuttlc, William Russell. At the present time there are only three Catholic families residing at Albany, and they attend service in Dunkirk. While the church remains in Albany and a semblance of organization, there is practically no parish. The three pastors who have held services there have been Rev. Constantine Manjay, Rev. William Hogan, Rev. John C. Wakcfer.

The Quaker influence in the early settlement of southeastern Indiana has been referred to on previous pages. Nevertheless, though many Friends have lived in Delaware county from the early times, no regular meetings were held in Muncie until the seventies. It is said that Mrs. Mary H. Goddard was mainly influential in starting the movement that resulted in the formation of a meeting. William S. Wootcn and other ministers came to Muncie occasionally, during 1875, preaching in the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and as a result, on April 2, 1876, steps were taken for the organization of a Muncie meeting. Eighteen persons, six of them children, constituted the meeting, namely: Samuel Haines. Joseph A. and Mary H. Goddard, Calvin and Mary Haines. Margaret Burt, William and Deborah Carson, Harry Harrington, Lydia Harrington, William and Laura Jessup, Walter and Harvey Haines, Clarence Carson, William H., Grace and Anna Goddard. Mrs. Mary Burson gave, rent free, a small frame building on the north side of the square as a meeting house, but during a revival held by Nathan and Esther Frame, the first regular ministers, Walling Hall was used. The membership was greatly increased by the meetings, and in the summer of 1879 the contract was let for the building of the first church home, at the corner of Mulberry and Seymour (it was then Wall street).

Following Nathan and Esther Frame, the ministers of the society have been: John Riley, Oliver White, Luke Woodard, Nevius Hodgin, William P. Angel, and Charles E. Hiatt.

In 1903 a lot was purchased at the corner of Cherry and Adams streets, and in 1906 was begun the erection of a modern church edifice, to cost about $30,000. It is one of the handsomest of Muncie's modern churches, though in its architectural lines and in its interior decoration and equipment a chaste simplicity characteristic of the church has been maintained. The building committee are: Joseph A. Goddard, Frank E. Osborne, H. H. Rayle, C. A. Ramsey, E. E. Elliott, and C. E. Hiatt.

This society was organized in January, 1905. They bought from the Presbyterians the old church building standing at the corner of Calvert avenue and Adams street, and it was in this house that the organization took place. The church, though only two years old, now has 144 members, but those who were the first or charter members were George Calvert and wife Anna, Andrew Kane and wife and son, Rev. J. W. Gibson and wife, R. Bowden and wife, Rev. Ella Priddy and daughters Clara and Odessa. The church property was bought for $500, but recently the society have paid $400 for a lot at Jackson and Calvert and plan, at this writing, the building of a $10,000 church. Rev. J. Walter Gibson is the only pastor who has served this congregation, having organized the class and conducted it to its present success.

Elders D. F. Hoover, I. E. Branson, J. W. Rarick, and George L. Studebaker organized this church in Muncie, June 30, 1898, George L. Studebaker being chosen pastor of the congregation. The names of the charter members : George L. Studebaker, Mary E. Studebaker, Henry C. Brown (deceased), Bertha Brown, A. D. Bowman, Carrie Bowman (deceased), W. H. Cooper, Caroline Cooper, Phebc Yount, Lillie Yount, Silas Arnold, Fannie Arnold (deceased), Esta Arnold, Noah Witters, Mrs. Noah Witters, Charles Witters, Maggie Witters, Dora Nixon, Jessie Nixon, Ernest Nixon, Nora Acord, Viola Paul, Mary E. Dick, W. A. World, Mrs. W. A. World, S. M. Funk, Leola Fletcher, Catie Roeger, Dora Roads, George Gump, Harriet Gump. The church house and parsonage on Jackson and Council streets arc valued at $6,000. George L. Studebaker has had charge of the congregation since its organization. There arc now about ninety members. The following have been chosen to official position in the church: Savior G. Greyer, ordained to the ministry, and Henry C. Brown, Ed Saltcrs, D. O. Moomaw, Calvin W. Ilookc (deceased), deacons.

This church of the United Brethren in Christ was organized February 17, 1903, in Jack Will's old bakeshop on Wheeling avenue, the constituent members of the first congregation being the following: Emmit P. Dav, May Day, Samuel Fadcly, Florence Fadely, Melville Fodge, Priscilla Fodcre, A. J. Shcllenbarger, Moriah Stephenson, Harry Gamble, Jennie Gamble, Olivet Hanking, Sarah Hanking, Nancy Hancock, C. C. McCrillus, Kate McCrillus, Hazel McCrillus. William Mader, Sarah Mader, Orla Mader, Ernest Snider, Minnie Snider, Ed Schmitts, Delia Schmitts, William Shellenbargcr, Mary Shellenbarger, Emma Wills, R. G. Hammond, Hortense Hammond, Lucile Hammond. The brick church on Wheeling avenue, the only church home this society has had, and which cost about $7,000, was dedicated January 17, 1905, by Bishop William M. Weekley, D.D. The pastors have been R. G. Hammond, two years, H. S. James, one year, and James B. Parsons.

The Congerville United Brethrens were organized in 1893, and their church was erected in the same year, in the Congerville addition, corner of Mulberry and Twenty-second streets, the building costing $z,ooo. The charter members were: Rev. Mr. Tharp, Mrs. E. F. Crossgrave, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Bell, Mrs. Jennie Mathews, Mrs. Mary Williams.