Dubois County, Indiana - Chapter 16: Church History of Dubois County, 1910 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 16: Church History of Dubois County

Early church services - Early ministers - Early church buildings - The Rev. A. J. Strain - List of early ministers of various denominations - The Rev. John Strange - The Rev. Wilson Thompson - The Rt. Rev. August Bessonies - Early church deeds - Impressive language used in church donations - William Clark Kendall on pioneer days - Kundeck, Strain, Shively, Goodman, Nix, etc., leaders of their church creeds - The Bailey log church - Origin of the Reformed Methodist Church - St. Joseph's cross at Jasper - Early Catholic services - The Sherritt graveyard - Moral, religious, and educational forces of pioneer ministers - Detailed history of various churches in Dubois county arranged by townships - Columbia, Harbison, Boone, Madison, Bainbridge, Marion, Hall, Jefferson, Jackson, Patoka, Cass, and Ferdinand.

In the pages devoted to the religious organizations in Dubois count}' it is our desire to record the facts as thej- have come down to us without favor or reflection. "My mouth shall speak the praise of the Uord" - (Ps. 145 : 21.) Pioneers did not spend their time in uninterrupted scenes of sylvan pleasures and work, but paid some attention to the world beyond, as the present church organizations in this covmty bear evidences.

Little minds are interested in the extraordinary ; great minds in the commonplace. Those small congregations of nearly a century ago labored hard, and the churches of to-day in Dubois county are the result. There could well be a thousand pages of details, for details are in numbers as the sands of the sea, but enough only is given to indicate the source whence came our church organizations, and to serve as a guide to what may be expected of the future.

In the settlement of Dubois county, the pioneer minister was not far behind the pioneer cabin builder. In fact an opening in the forest made by the woodman would hardly appear before a pioneer minister would come along to attend to the needs of the soul. The first minister to put in an appearance visited Fort McDonald soon after it was erected. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was followed bj^ others of the same denomination, and by Methodists, Baptists, and Catholics. While these pioneer ministers were making their way from one settlement to another, the pioneer settlers were clearing their land and putting in their crops under many difficulties and amidst many dangers.

The Cumberland Presbyterian church was the first to appear upon the frontier in Dubois county. In 1818, that denomination began holding services in the county. Perhaps the first regular services were held at Shiloh camp meeting ground, said by some to have been in the Irish set- tlement in section 25, southwest of Ireland. At any rate, it was the forerunner of the present Shiloh in Madison township. This is considered the second church organization of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination in the state of Indiana. One thing seems certain, and that is, that the Presbytery for Indiana was organized at Portersville, Tuesday, April 18, 1826, and its fourth meeting was held at Shiloh church, October 2, 1827.

When Jasper became the county seat, a Cumberland Presbyterian church was built of logs. Later, a frame one was built, which was torn down in 1886. The timbers of the latter became a part of a dwelling house on "Little Round Top" at Jasper.

While Dubois county was yet a part of Knox county, and the early settlers were moving into the wilderness, devout Christian families feeling the loss of religious services, would write back to their former homes and earnestly solicit some one to come and hold religious services for them. The distance and hardships were great, but ministers finally came. [Luke 9:2.]

Then there were no railroads in the United States ; no telegraphs ; no canals west of the Allegheny mountains. Then fire was produced by striking a piece of steel with flint, the spark emitted being caught upon a spongy substance called "punk," found in knots of hickory trees. The wooden shovel-plow was the only cultivator. Worship was generally conducted, in fair weather, from a stump, for a pulpit, where conveniences were greatest for sitting upon the ground. Sometimes the minister stood in the door of a cabin, with the auditors seated promiscuously around, each with his rifle conveniently near, in case of opportunity for killing wild game, or of intrusion by the Indian.

Among the pioneer ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian faith were William Harris, Wm. Chapman, Alexander Chapman. John Barnett, William Barnett, Finis Ewing, Dr. James Johnson, John M. Berry, Aaron Shelby, David Lowry, Henry Delany, John Edmonston, Hiram A. Hunter, William L}'nn, Thomas Porter, William C. Long, and Alexander Downey. All came frequently except the first six mentioned. They were here only for camp meetings. The Rev. David Lowry is said to have been the first circuit rider. After him, came Messrs. Hunter, Downey, and Lynn, in the order named. The circuit extended from the Ohio river as far north as Terre Haute and far enough east to embrace Jasper.

One could hardly record the early history of Dubois count}' and not mention the itinerant ministers who contributed so much to the establishment of good order, quiet, intelligence, morality, and religious sentiments among the first settlers. Dubois county owes much to its earl}' itinerant ministers - Cumberland Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists. Their systems carried their church work into every settlement in the countj', and where two or three were gathered together, there was a minister or exhorter in their midst.

The itinerant ministers were on their knees at the bed-side of the dying man, and at the grave their voices were heard in songs of praise. Some denominations waited for people to come up from the wilderness to worship, but the Baptist, the Presbyterian or the Methodist preacher mounted his horse, proceeded to the cabin-in-the-clearing, held his meetings, preached the gospel, and when he departed, he left the Bible and the hymn book to keep the people in touch with his labors.

The forests of Dubois county were not settled without much sickness, many deaths, and great suffering among the people. Malaria, milk sickness, and cholera were dreadful in their results. Ministers were useful in many lines.

Man}^ of the early ministers spoke of the "zigzag forked lightnings," the hell of brimstone and fire - a literal hell and damnation kept in proper condition by a forked tail devil and an army of imps. Some in beginning the sermons, were slow, deliberate and cautious, thus feeling their way to the hearts of the audience, until their emotions would take charge of their tongues ; then they would throw their whole soul into the subject, and close with such appeals to the congregation as left but few dry eyes at the singing of the closing hymn.

These itinerant ministers usually had a strong ph5'sique, expanded lungs, clear and powerful voices, reaching to the verge of the camp ground, the eyes of eagles, and both a moral and a personal courage that never quailed. Their chief characteristic was good common sense. Most of them knew how to feed babies with the "milk of the Word," and how to hurl the terrors of the law at old sinners. They seemed to know that old blood never runs in young veins.

Most of these ministers were strong in doctrine, but their great forte was in exhortation. They knew how to bring the mourner before the altar. They talked with the force of a strong and masterful conviction, and thej^ were sincere ; thus they won the good graces and confidence of their hearers. The pioneer minister was the compass of heaven, for he always pointed to the sky. Dubois county owes man}' of these itinerant ministers a heavj' debt of gratitude for their efforts to form society on the basis of morality, education, and religion.

The circuit riders were constant and untiring in their labors. They conducted religious services almost daily. The home of some good settler served as a gathering place in the absence of a meeting-house or a schoolhouse. Such a residence soon became known as the preaching place of the communit5^

Shiloh was one of the largest religious organizations of its day in Indiana. Ashbur}' Alexander was one of its strongest elders and supporters. Rev. James Ritchey, Sr., was an elder in the same congregation ; so were Joseph I. Kelso and John Niblack. The Presbyterians seemed to gather near the "Irish settlement," while the Methodists found their favorite location near Haysville.

By 1833, the Cumberland Presbyterian membership in Dubois county had grown so that each church could support a minister. Rev. James Ritchey,

Sr., was chosen for Shiloh church. A few years later the Rev. H. A. Hunter became its pastor. Later, he became a pastor at Portersville, and also taught school there.

The most prominent minister of the Protestant faith that has ever been located in Dubois county was the Rev. Andrew J. Strain. He lived at Jasper for many years. He was a leader in every public and patriotic enterprise worthy of support. The public schools of Dubois county owe him a debt of gratitude for his efforts in their behalf in the early days of the common school system.

Among the pioneer ministers of different denominations were the Rev. Johnson C. Main, a United Brethren, who lived near Huntingburg, and who died in 1842 ; Rev. John Strange, a Methodist, who entered the conference in 1811, and died December 2, 1832; Rev. Wm. K. Richards, Rev. John Mickler, Rev. James B. Admire, a Methodist; Rev. John W. Julian, Rev. James Blackwell, Rev. Edward Hall, Rev. Benj. Hall, Rev. Metcalf, Rev. Wm. Mavity, a Methodist ; Rev. James St. Clair, Rev. Silas Davis, a United Brethren minister; Rev. Harry Davis, Rev. Strain, a Baptist; Rev. Jacob B. Shively and Rev. B. T. (Bird) Goodman, Christian ministers ; Rev. Powell and Rev. Smith, both Methodists. Smith had been to the Holy Land and was a favorite minister. Rev. Thomas Hill was a Baptist. Judge Willis Hays, founder of the Haysville M. E. church, was a minister.

The Rev. John Strange mentioned among the pioneer Methodist camp meeting ministers was a great orator. In the summer time there were always camp meetings, and the attendance was large, including the representative men of the vicinity. These furnished rare inspiration for oratorical display, and the Rev. Strange never failed to improve them. His hair was black and his eye piercing; his voice musical and capable of every modulation. Withal he was intensely imaginative and often highly dramatic. When at his best in his line, if his theme was the endless punishment of the wicked his portraiture of everlasting burnings were fearful beyond description, and it was not uncommon for scores of the rough characters, who had come to disturb the meetings, to fall as dead men under the dramatic touches of the minister. On the other hand, when the theme was the lives of the redeemed, he could make the fields beyond the swelling flood a great deal greener and the living water much sweeter, and the fruits of the tree of life much more delicious than ever before described, and the emotion of the congregation would become uncontrollable.

There used to be Methodist churches at Thales; at Haysville in Harbison township; and at Shiloh and Robert's Chapel in Hall township. The Methodists were pioneers in church work in the northeastern part of Dubois county, but most of them moved west, and the Germans who bought their farms are members of other religious organizations.

The best known, and by far the most popular Baptist minister in early times, was the Rev. Wilson Thompson. He was born in Kentucky in 1788. In 1818, he made a quasi-missionary tour through this part of Indiana, and charmed everybody with his unusual eloquence. He died in 1866.

The Methodists and Baptists were not far behind the Cumberland Presbyterians in their religious efforts in Dubois count}'. A class of Methodists was organized at Jasper as early as 1S32. The Baptists held religious services on the banks of the Patoka river as early as 1838.

Church services vi'ere held long before church buildings were erected, but the dates subjoined will serve to establish permanent organizations.

On June 8, 1S39, John P. Farris sold fort}' acres in section thirtj'-five, one mile from Haysville to the "Trustees of Union Meeting House." On June 8, 1 841, he sold land to " Trustee of Union Church."

On December 7, 1839, James Hawkins, John Donald, Capt. John Sherritt, Joseph McMahan and Samuel Kelso were elected trustees of a seminar}' called " The Bible Institute.''''

On March 18, 1842, Moses and Mar}' Kelso sold to John G. Sourdeck, John C. Shelling, and John Price, trustees of the " Meeting House in the Town of Haysville" lot ten (10) in Haysville.

On March 13, 1848, Samuel Wineinger sold to Samuel Scarlet, Enoch Blagraw, and Charles Bruner, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church three acres of land at Hillham, for the " Eove of God and the advancement of His glory." On June 25, 1849, Samuel Jackson sold land in the same locality for " The Love of God."

On August 14, 1848, lot twelve (12) in Huntingburg was sold by Samuel Main to William Lukemeyer, Adam Trusman, and Charles Quelmalz. trustees of a Methodist Episcopal Church.

On March 20, 1849, John Boyles sold to Hugh H. Boyles, Elijah Kendall, and Thomas Shoulders, trustees of a Methodist Episcopal Church, two acres in section thirteen, two miles west of Schnellville, for the "Love of God."

On October 15, 1S49, Isaac Alexander sold to Samuel Dillon, Sr., Ashbur}- Alexander, Madison Armstrong, Lewis Greene and Andrew F. Kelso, " trustees Shiloh ^Meeting House" six acres of land in section twenty-nine, southeast of Ireland. This is the historical Shiloh used years before a deed was made. Shiloh was so named by the Rev. A. J. Strain. He was ordained there, October 10, 1S47. [Joshua, 18:1.]

On September 16, 1850, Bamberger and Bretz sold to Philip Jacob Bretz, William Bretz and Valentine Limp, trustees of St. Paul's Lutheran Reformed Church, land in section thirty-three east of Bretzville.

The Chinese locust, " Tree of Heaven," " Paradise tree," or " Methodist tree," known by all four names - is found in many of the adondoned pioneer cemeteries, and curiously enough in practically every pioneer Methodist settlement.

congregation finally tore them down and built a frame structure near where the depot stands at Huntingburg. ' The log buildings were known as the Indian creek churches.

In 1850 a Christian church was built one-half mile west of Schnellville. It was known as the Bethlehem church. Bethlehem lodge of Masons, at Birdseye, perpetuates its name.

Rev. Jacob Banta Shively, Rev. B. T. Goodman (also known as " Bird " Goodman), Rev. Lewis Wood, Rev. Abner Hobbs, and Rev. Green Cato were early Christian ministers in Dubois county. Rev. Shively's work extended from 1828 to 1868; Rev. Goodman's from 1837 to 1873; Rev. Lewis Wood's from 1835 to 1859; Rev. Abner Hobbs from 1835 to 1856. The Rev. Green Cato also served several years. Rev. Lewis Wood died in 1859. There are about five hundred members of the Christian church in Dubois county.

The pioneer women were Christians in a marked degree. Brave women in the cause of Christ made brave men in the field and forest. The primary studies of pioneer women, as they saw them, were the three " C's " - church, cooking and children. It was their hearts' desire and their hands' endeavor to make the world better.

The language used in some of the pioneer donations for church purposes in Dubois county shows an intensity of purpose seldom found at present. John Armstrong and his good wife, Jane, in 1853, deeded Mt. Zion in Madison township, to James Anderson, James Stewart, William Rose, George Washington Armstrong, and Barton Armstrong, trustees. The language in this deed follows. It will serve as a sample :

John Armstrong and Jane Armstrong, his wife, for the love of God and a desire to glorify Him among men, do give and release, confirm and convey unto them, the said trustees, in trust and their successors in oflSce, for the uses and purposes herein afterward mentioned all the estate, right, title, interest, property claim and demand whatsoever, either in equity or law, which he, the said John Armstrong, and his wife, Jane Armstrong, have in, to, or upon, all and singular, a certain lot or piece of ground or land situated in and being in the county of Dubois (here the land is described), together with all and singular the meeting-house with "grave yard -house," woods, ways, waters and privileges, hereunto belonging, to have and to hold all and singular, the above described lot or piece of land situate and being as aforesaid together with all and singular the Mt. Zion meeting-house, grave yard-house, woods, ways, waters, and privileges, thereunto belonging in any wise appertaining unto them, the said trustees, and their successors in office, in trust forever. That they shall build or cause to be erected from time to time with the approbation and co-operation of the above said Mt. Zion Presbyterian church in connection with the Salem, Indiana, Presbytery and that general assembly of the Presbyterian church, usually styled "constitutional" or "new school;" such house of worship, parsonage house, dwelling, and other buildings as may be deemed useful and necessary to advance the Redeemer's Kingdom on earth among men, and for the comfort and benefit of their minister or pastor in charge or under the employ of the above said Mt. Zion church or sanctioned by the above said presbytery in the above specified assembly, etc.

William Clark Kendall, who came to Dubois county in 1822, when he was one year old, has this to say of pioneer days, churches, and ministers :

In my early days there were no public roads leading to Jasper. A horse path served the purpose. Wagons were not in use. The trees were blazed along the path to serve as guides. Father was a mighty hunter and knew all the surrounding country. Theie were four families on the path between our settlement and Jasper. There were no bridges across the creeks. The traveler waded, or swam his horse.

Occasionally we saw a friendly Indian. I remember when I was about eighteen years old an Indian minister preached in our neighborhood on Grassy Fork. He could read. There were no houses of worship. We gathered at the log cabin of a settler, first at one place, then at another. We had religious gatherings often; preaching every four or six weeks. The Methodists were the pioneers in our section. Edward Hall and William Mavity were my favorite ministers. I can not recall more than two denominations an)' where near the neighborhood where I lived in Dubois county. That is, not more than two until I was passed fourteen years of age. They were the Methodists and the Regular Baptists. These denominations held church services in dwelling houses most convenient to the members of the congregation. At one time the circuit rider had work assigned covering eight weeks, making at least one appointment every day and sometimes tv\ o, or even three, a day . The members generally took their trusty guns and dogs with them. The salary for such a minister was never more than $300 a year. When the countrj- filled up and people became more able to build houses of worship more denominations came into prominence, and buildings worthy of the cause of Christ were erected.

As has been said before, the English Protestant churches of Dubois count}- had their great leader in the person of Rev. A. J. Strain. He also served as county school examiner and died while holding that position. He was pastor while most of the Cumberland Presbyterian churches in Dubois count}' were erected.

The German Protestant churches of the county found a pastor and leader in Rev. Christian Nix, of Haysville. He was a pastor in Dubois county for twenty-nine years, and was serving in that capacity when he died in 1882.

Among former citizens of Dubois count}' who have worked in foreign missionary fields may be mentioned Miss Ida Ellis and Miss Lillian Greene.

The Rev. Jacob Banta Shively, a pioneer minister of the Christian church, in southern Indiana, was born near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, December 25, 1797- of German parentage. He lived in his native state until about 1824, when he moved to Orange county, Ind. About 1829 he moved, with his family, to Dubois county and was one of its pioneers. He was a minister of the gospel and a farmer. His first cabin was built on what is known as the Temple farm, located on the Troy and Jasper road. Here it was that his ministry began in Dubois county, preaching in the homes of the people scattered over several miles of territory. As soon as a sufficient number had settled around him , he organized them into a church, which they called "The Indian Creek Christian Church." Meetings were held in cabins and groves, for a number of years, but finally a log house was built in which to worship. It was located north of the Temple farm and as long as it was used it had nothing but a ground floor. The house has long since crumbled to dust. An old burying ground lies near where the old church stood.

In the fall of 1840, Rev. Shivel}^ sold his farm to John Temple, and in March, 1841, he moved on a farm he had previously bought about one mile south of Huntingburg, where he lived the rest of his days.

A new log church building was erected two miles north of the old one on Indian creek and meetings were held there, until the organization was transferred to Huntingburg, in 1852, where it still remains, having had a continuous existence for at least sevent5^-five years.

The Rev. Jacob Banta Shively united with the church, in 1818, in Montgomerj' county, Kentucky, and was soon brought into notice as a sweet singer. The solemn earnestness of his looks and the dazzling l)rightness of his eyes are still fresh on the tablets of memories in this county. Before coming to Indiana he had served God in Bath, Fleming, Bourbon and Montgomery counties in Kentucky. He was ordained to the ministry by the Rev. David Stewart, of Marengo. Rev. Shively was a preacher of acknowledged ability. He had a commanding appearance, was five feet eight inches tall, had coal black hair, piercing black eyes and very regular features. He preached, and built churches in the counties of Dubois, Perry, Spencer, Warrick and Pike, and when time permitted, he traveled and proclaimed the Word, in Orange, Crawford, Daviess, and Posey counties.

For his life's work, he received a mere pittance. Sometimes a good sister would present him with a pair of home-knit woolen socks, or, perhaps, home-made jeans, enough to make a pair of trousers, and sometimes he would receive a few dollars for his work. He depended upon his familj^ for support.

His wife was Miss Anna Mavity, a Virginian, by birth. They were married, February 5, 1817. Rev. Shively died, at Huntingburg, Februar}' II, 1868.

Rev. B. T. (Bird) Goodman, a great singer and leader of the Christian church was born in Barren county, Kentucky, June 5, 1807. He moved with his parents to Marengo, Indiana, in the autumn of 1825. In the spring of 1831 he married Miss C5'nthia Cummins, sister of the late Charles Cummins. He moved to Dubois county, in 1834, and entered land near Bretzville. His first work in the ministry dates from 1837. He was a member of the Indiana legislature, several terms. He was a Democrat. He moved to where Schnellville now stands in 1847. He moved to Crawford county in i860, and was again elected to the lower house of the legislature. Gov. O. P. Morton appointed him, in 1863, to fill Capt. W. W. Sloan's unexpired term in the legislature. He was appointed enrolling officer during the Civil War.

Rev. Goodman delivered addresses over all southern Indiana encouraging young men to enlist in the service of their country. He was a minister for thirty-six years, and was instrumental in the conversion of several hundred people. His first wife died in April, 1863. Rev. Goodman married his second wife, Mrs. Sallie Philips, in September, 1868. He moved to Huntingburg in 187 1, and died there, December, 1873. He was instrumental in giving the town of Birdseye its name. His ablest and most prominent successor in the work of the Christian church in Dubois county is the Rev. Sampson Cox, of Birdseye. The cloth, the vows, and the traditions of Father Shively descended unto the Rev. B. T. Goodman, and were by him handed down to the Rev. Sampson Cox.

The German Methodists established themselves in Dubois count}^ in 1S43, and their congregations are now found in the southwestern part of the county. The Rev. Henry Koeneke and the Rev. Conrad Muth were the first German Methodist missionaries in the county.

In a general way it may be said that, in the early days, the English Methodists occupied the northeastern part of Dubois county ; the Cumberland Presbyterians, the northwestern part ; the Chri.stians, the southeastern part; the German Methodists, the southwestern part, and the Catholics and the Lutherans, the central part. These lines have not been entirely obliterated even to this da5\

Pioneers were sometimes affected with what was known as the "jerks." This was a peculiar affection brought about by heavy and long tension of the nervous system during exciting religious revivals. It affected emotional sinners. It made itself known by a jerking, and violent contortion of the body. Its cause has never been fully understood. Emotional people were easily affected. It was commonly seen at protracted camp meetings, where emotional sermons were delivered, day after day.

In Hall township, facing the rising sun, bounded on the southwest by a pasture and on the northeast by a woodland, stands one of the most interesting examples of the pioneer log churches now in Dubois county. It is not old, having been built as late as 1874, yet there is something about its very make up that is food for thought, and a splendid subject for meditation. The lessons taught bj' the past are here brought out to the eye in a manner that impresses them upon our memories, never to be forgotten. It was built at a time when the citizens of Dubois county were beginning to recover from the loss by death, and the burden of debt, caused by the Civil War, and, at a time when there was a general revival of religious work throughout Dubois county. The fact that this log building, with but four windows and a door, was built as late as 1874, in this county, is proof that the people of that community waited not on the manner of doing, but did. Their religious impulse was strong, and they cared not for the modern structures of architectural beauty. The floor was made of puncheons. The altar or pulpit was a single upright piece with a short board nailed horizontally across its upper end. This held the Holy Bible. The seats were made of small sized poplar trees split into halves, and held at the proper height by four sticks driven into the auger holes made for their reception. The house was covered with clapboards. It had no ceiling. All these things are here to-day. The door is open as if inviting the faithful to return to the days of 3'ore. The birds, after their day of song on the wing, or in the surrounding forest, return to the building at night and safely rest upon the timbers under the roof. These timbers are poplar saplings, and not the sawed timbers of to-day.

Occasionally a slow, solemn procession winds its wearj^ way along the creek, and across the pasture field. It is the concourse of mourning friends bringing the remains of some member of the congregation to its last resting place. The Baily grave-3'ard was started in 1863, Esquire Wm. H. H. Pinnick, burying the first child there in that year.

We, the Disciples of Christ whose names are herein enrolled do this day congregate ourselves together on the North Fork of Brushy Pond Creek, Dubois Co., Ind., taking the Bible, and Bible alone for our rule and faith of practice.

The record does not record it, btit it is very likely that these religious people had read verses 15, 16, and 17 of the apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy.

Theelders were Wm. H. H. Pinnick and Jonathan Kesterson- the deacons were ba.nue BaUy and Dyar D. Burton. In addition to the ablve he fo, lowmg family nan.es appear on the reeord: Sanders. Parson Mclve Curtrs, Gnllett, Andre. Taber. Nicholson, Williams, Conrad Hembrel Chanley, Frentres, Wineinger, Goodman. Campbell. Blum, Zeh . fnd W ' It appears that the Rev. Benjamin T. Goodman, who died at HuntinJbnr. December ,873, was the spiritual directorat the organization. LatefRev Thos A. Cox and Rev. Benj. F. Nicholson served as ministers. ' iliis log building stands on a hillside, about three-fourths of a mile west of the Bender school-house. Nearly all the members of the old congregation have passed away, gone to other churches, moved to other fields of usefullness, or scattered to the four winds of heaven.

soTelv r; 77 k'' ,' ""'"^ °^ ''' conception. It was intended to be heard of b' ,1 ' , -' ? ^^^"""^-^ Methodist church of Birdseye was heard of by other religiously inclined people and they followed its example and re^e^rb , .' T7 "1°^''" ^'f-made, and acquire positions of honor and respectability before the world. Like men. they sometimes begin life .n the lonely valleys, surrounded by the primeval forests. An example easily found is the case of the Reformed Methodist church. This church had its origin in a little district school-house in Dubois county, since abandoned by the school authorities and now owned by the church organized within its narrow confines. Its original record reads, in part, as follows :

On the 30th day of January, A. D. 1877, Rev. William Newton, of Dubois county, Indiana, and ten others, met at Hobb's school-house two miles southwest of Birdseye in order to devise some means for counteracting what they considered the errors prevailing in the then existing ecclesiastical bodies in this country, and after prayerful deliberation they decided to form themselves into a church which should be liberal in government and yet strict in doctrine. They, therefore, took the Scriptures for their guide as to doctrine and discipline, which will be seen by their church law, and being citizens of a country in which the people govern themselves, they chose a form of church government which should be something similar to that of the nation; and with this end in view, it was declared that no rule for the government of the church should be binding without the consent of three-fourths of the members of the church at the time of the adoption of said rule. And it was further declared that the ministers should be the servants of the church, and not the arbitrary rulers. With this thought uppermost in their minds, the several churches choose their ministers yearly, without having any special mode prescribed by the general church.

For the preservation of harmony, union, and purity, the several congregations hold regular church meetings once a month, usually on Saturday, when they select a chairman, who proceeds to ask the following questions:

Soon after the first church was organized other ministers were added to It, among whom where Peter Newton, W. W. Eastman, James P. Walton, George W. Aders, and James Kendall. The exhorters were Randolph Carter and Sister Nancy E. Eashbrook. In May, 1878, Rev. J. E. Walton, an ordained minister of the M. E. church, from Van Wert county, Ohio, entered the church at Friendly Zion, in Crawford county. The church now numbers many ordained elders.

The first annual conference was called at Hobb's schoolhouse, the cradle of the church, on December i, 1877. The conference was opened with singing and prayer by Rev. Isom Smith, elder in the General Baptist church. Rev. Peter R. Newton was elected president and J. W. Jacobs, secretary, of the conference. The roll was then called as follows : Elders, Peter R. Newton, W. W. Eastman, James P. Walton, George W. Aders; local preacher, James Kendall; exhorters, Wm. Newton, Randolph Carter, Nancy E. Eashbrook ; lay delegates, John G. Pollard, Milton Waddle, J. W. Jacobs, James K. Mynett, Eewis Pugh, and Harrison Nicholson.

The committee on church government was called and submitted the Articles of Faith and Rides and Re^^iilations, which were unanimouslj^ adopted.

An example of the Catholic pioneer missionary work in southern Indiana is found in the life and work of the Rt. Rev. August Bessonies. who was born June 17, 1815, at Alzac, department of Lot, in the southwest of France, and who died at Indianapolis, February 22, 1901. He was a vicar general, and a nobleman by birth. In 1839, he came to America under the care of Father Brute, the first bishop of Vincennes. He founded the town of Leopold in Perry county and named it in honor of Leopold I, King of the Belgians. He built Catholic churches at St. Mary's (six miles from Leopold); on Anderson creek ; on Little Oil creek; and where Tell City now stands. He used to say mass on Sunday at Derby and Leopold ; on Monday at Leavensworth ; on Tuesday at Corydon ; on Wednesday at Newton Stewart ; on Thursday at Jasper ; on Friday- at Taylorville ; on Saturda}^ at Rockport. It was on these trips, and while on his waj- to and from Vincennes that he became identified with the earl}' pioneer life of Dubois county. He had as man}' friends among the non-Catholics as in his own church. In 1884, Father Bessonies was raised to the dignity of a Monsignor, which made him an honorary member of the papal household, by Pope Leo XIII.

In 1S38, Rev. Joseph Kundeck, of Vincennes, arrived at Jasper to look after the spirtual interests of the fifteen families of the Catholic faith living there His locating at Jasper proved to be the farthest reaching event in the early history of the county. He founded several towns in Dubois county, enlarged Jasper, erected several Catholic churches, and built the first brick court house in the county. He served for many years as county school examiner, and in many ways showed himself to be a leader among men of any and all religious denominations. To his early labors are due the large German Catholic congregations in the county, congregations numbering into the thousands, and possessing church and school properties valued at a million dollars.

The early Catholic churches of Dubois county are so closely interwoven with the life of Rev. Joseph Kundeck, that his biography should be read in this connection. The reader is referred to the chapter on Rev. Kundeck.

The early Catholics that came to Dubois county were very sincere and devout Christians. Their passage to America from their Fatherland was an epoch in their lives, and all incidents of the voyage were long remembered.

On the 25th of March, 1847, eleven families emigrated from the town of Pfaffenweiler, Gross Herzogthum Baden, to the United States (via Rotterdam, Havre and New Orleans.) Among the families w^ere the Eckerts, Becks, Kieffers, Schmidts, Erbs, Schubles, and George Bauman, a sculptor. During the first week of their voyage on the Atlantic a most dangerous storm reminded all on board the ship that perhaps the}' were nearer death than they were to the cherished shores of America. In this time of peril, the pious George Bauman vowed to erect a cross near the church of that congregation wherein he would make his future home. Arriving at Jasper, Mr. Bauman, in union with a Mr. Heim of Tell City, Indiana, and Frank Beck, fulfilled his vow. Joseph Gramelspacher, father of ex-county Auditor John Gramelspacher, aided these men materially in carrying out their design. Up to this day the cross stands south of St. Joseph's church, and bespeaks the faith of these Catholic pioneers of St. Joseph's congregation.

''The Diocese of Vincennes,'" a history by Rev. H. Alerding, says that in 1834, only two or three Catholics were found at Jasper. Rev. St. Palais visited them. Services were held on the banks of Patoka river; later, on lot No. 118 in the town of Jasper. In 1840 and 1 841, the first brick church was built at Jasper. It is now used as a parochial school and for music and lecture rooms. Its erection antedates that of the court house of 1845-1909. Both were built by Rev. Joseph Kundeck.

At Huntingburg, Catholic services were first held October 20, 1859; at Ferdinand, April 22, 1840; at Celestine, in 1842; at St. Anthony about i860; at St. Henry in 1862; at Schnellville, November 10, 1873; at Ireland, February 15, 1891 and at Dubois, December 24, 1899.

Any close observer of buildings can readily see the resemblance among the old cathedral at Vincennes, the old St. Joseph's church at Jasper, and the court house of 1845-1909. The two last named were copied from the cathedral. Of all the church property in Dubois county, that of the Catholics is by far the most extensive, and represents many hundred thousand dollars.

The Lutheran church has some of the finest buildings in the county. The German Evangelical Salem's church, at Huntingburg, erected in 1890, cost $25,000. It is a handsome edifice.

There are more than fifty church buildings in the county, valued at more than one million dollars, and they represent as much as one-tenth the assessed value of the county. For the number of church buildings in the county, Huntingburg ranks first. For the size of congregations Jasper and Ferdinand rank first.

The early cemeteries of Dubois county are an index to the religious inclinations of its people. Church organizations often had burial grounds, but no church edifices; residences, school-houses, and campgrounds being used as places of worship. The Sherritt grave-yard, Shiloh grave-yard.

and the pioneer grave-yard at Jasper, contain the graves of many leading pioneer citizens. The Sherritt grave-3^ard was the first burial ground used by Caucasian inhabitants of the county. Here lies the advance guard of civilization in Dubois county.

Here at the Sherritt grave-yard is a place where those who love to dwell upon the past history of the county may find fooa for thought. If you are like Sir Walter Scott's Old Mortality, you may brush away the moss from the French Lick headstones, and read beneath, " Born 1765," "Born 1776," "Died 1815," "Died 1825," and any number of similar dates. Beneath your feet lie the remains of many hardy pioneers, whose graves are unnumbered and unmarked, save by the ivy that the blasts of a hundred winters have not eliminated. The dignity and eloquence of the names on the mossy marbles justify the pride of the living who loyally trace the most valued influences of their lives to the time when they knew and loved those now beneath the sod.

Touching the enclosure on the south side is the first field cleared from the primeval forest; touching the same enclosure on the north was built the first rude cabin of the McDonalds, while on the east stood their first double log cabin, and in it was born the first white male native of the soil, that now constitutes Dubois county. That child was named Allen McDonald. He was a child of a Scotch father and a German mother.

Let those who now own fine farms and homes in Dubois county pause here for a moment, and pay their respects to the bodies now crumbling in death, who, when in life, directed the axe that cleared the forest and held the rifle that stayed the Indian, or felled the bear and the panther. Their labors and their efforts to advance civilization on the frontier in their days deserve a fitting memorial.

Mrs. John McDonald, who came to Dubois county about 1802 was the first white person buried at Sheriffs grave-yard, and the first in the county.

William McDonald, the pioneer who was born in Scotland, October lo, 1765, and who died in Dubois county, July 19, 1818, lies buried at Sherritt's. He had a son, John, born in 1806, who died April 21, i860. His remains are also at rest at Sherritt's. Here also lies the remains of Allen McDonald, the first white male child born in the county.

It is generally conceded that the Presbyterian ministers of pioneer days were the best educated Protestant men in the earh^ settlements. They seemed to be the leaders in educational movements. There were few highly educated Methodist or Baptist ministers in pioneer days, and the Presbyterians were called on to serve as teachers. Schools generally came with Presbyterian churches. Most of the seminary teachers throughout Indiana were Presbyterians. The leading spirit of free schools in Dubois county, when forming under the present constitution, was the Rev. A. J. Strain, a Presbyterian.

The parochial school system of Dubois county was founded by the Rev. Joseph Kundeck in 1840, and these two systems - free and parochial - the first championed by the Rev. Strain, the second by the Rev. Joseph Kundeck, have been in existence in the county for three-quarters of a century.

The moral, religious and educational forces of the pioneer ministers played no minor part among the forces that have evolved the present county from the crude material of a hundred years ago. Though their syntax was often faulty, and their language often inelegant, the common people heard them gladly, and cultured people never failed to attend church services, with pleasure and profit. The earlier ministers won their way deep into men's hearts to remain there in a greater degree than is done to-day.

Methodist Episcopal Church At Hillham

Since about 1840 the Methodists have had an organization of some kind at Hillham. Their early services were held in a grove and their camp meetings were well attended. A log church building was erected and was used for many years. In 1848 and 1849 real estate was purchased at Hillham from Samuel Wineinger and Samuel Jackson

The present congregation of Methodists at Hillham was organized about 1884. Their church property is valued at $1,000. On October 9th, 1899, their building was destroyed by fire, and a year later the present building was erected. The United Brethren people also use this same edifice for their services.

The Regular Baptist Church At Crystal

The Davis creek Regular Baptist church was organized on the first Saturday in May, 18S3, with about thirty members. The church property is worth about $400. Its first trustees were Enoch Cox, Columbus Harbison, and W. B. Shipman. Its early pastors were Peter Baker, Joseph Allen, and J. E. Baker. In 190S, there were sixty-four members, the Rev. J. B. Emmans was paster and Wm. R. Combs was the church clerk. The church is located at Crystal.

Simmons' Methodist Episcopal Chapel At Cuzco

This church was organized in 1S80. Among its first trustees were Benjamin Simmons and Wm. A. Wineinger. The present building was erected in 1888 at a cost of about $500. The church membership is about fifty. There are about thirty members in the Sunday school.

The following ministers have served the congregation: Revs. Blue, Pinnick, Winn, Haskins, McXorton, Vancleve, Sidebottom, Ragsdale, Morgan, Carnes, and Stiles. Rev. Geo. Stiles was serving in 1908; M. E. Wineinger, Wm. H. Nicholson, Jos. E. Beatty, B. B. Simmons, and Thos. J. Parsons were serving as trustees.

Methodist Episcopal Church At Crystal

In 1898, a Methodist church was erected at Crystal at a cost of $600. The church has about forty members, and a Sunday school class of twentyfive pupils. Revs. Coleman, Ragsdale, C. P. Zenor, Huring, Charles Dobson, A. Erickson, and George Stiles have been ministers on this work. Among the trustees of the church are W. H. Payton and Wm. L. Goss, Sr., Thomas Pinnick, Sandford Davidson, and Andrew W. Cave. The parsonage at Crystal is in charge of the following trustees: Solomon W. Clapp, Lafayette Davidson, Wm. L. Goss, Samuel Kerby and Thomas J. Parsons. In 1908, Rev. W. S. McMichael was a pastor at Crystal.

In 1882, fifteen families organized the "Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Congregation," near Kellerville. David Raab, Henry Meyer, and John Arnold were the first trustees. In the beginning the Rev. G. Loewenstein, of Holland, served the congregation. Rev. W. Rein, of Canada, became the first resident pastor, in 1884. He remained until May, 1S85, when the Rev. F. J. lyange, a student of theology from Capital University of Columbus, Ohio, was called. He entered upon his charge on September 13, 1885, and is enjoying the confidence and love of his congregation at this time, 1909. There are fifty voting members, one hundred fifty communicants, and two hundred thirty members. The congregation has a fine church, parsonage, and school house, without debts. These buildings are valued at $5000.

In the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section two, south of Kellerville, stands the Emanuel Lutheran church. It was organized under the Rev. C. Risch, in 1853. A church was erected in 1863, under the charge of the Rev. C. Trauth. The tower was added in 187S, when the Rev. A. Sterger was pastor. There are about two hundred communicant members. It supports a parochial school of twelve pupils. The schoolhouse was bought of Harbison township about 1889. In 1891, a handsome modern parsonage was erected. The congregation owns forty acres of land, and it is one of the largest church land owners in the county. Rev. M. Rein, Rev. J. J. Keerl, and Rev. Henry Hessemann have served as pastors. Among its well known members who have served as trustees may be mentioned Andrew Thimling, J. G. Hemmerlein, Martin Barr, Christ Hagen, and John L. Hemmerlein.

This church was founded in 1901, during which year the church building was erected. There were about thirty families in the original organization. The pastors have been the Rev. J. C. Krellmann, the Rev. G. Vogtlin, the Rev. G. Howe, the Rev. W. Holz, and the Rev. Wm. Cramm. St. Peter's congregation is associated with the Evangelical church, and of the Indiana district of the Evangelical Synod of North America. In 1906, the congregation built a new parsonage at a cost of $1550. In 1907, there were one hundred forty-seven communicant members, a Sunday school of sixty pupils and a Ladies' Aid Society of forty-two members. The prop- erty of the congregation is valued at $5000. Besides supporting its own congregational expenses, the congregation is greatly interested in missionary work, orphans' homes, and other charitable institutions, to which it has always given a helping hand. The church has a school in connection.

This church was started in the early forties. Its first constitution was framed by the Rev. John Herrmann and adopted on October 15, 1848. From 1853 until 1882, the Rev. Christian Nix served the church. Among his successors were Rev. Adolphus Baur, Rev. John Lautenschalger, Rev. Henry Grabau, Rev. Julius J. Keerl, Rev. W. W. Arndt, and Rev. G. W. Stock. This church has the largest congregation in Harbison township. The cornerstone of a frame church was laid on December 15, 1867, and the edifice was dedicated September 13, 1868. This building was destroyed by a storm, January 15, 1906. A new church was erected in 1907 and dedicated June 16, 1907. The church properties are valued at $20,000, This is a flourishing and financially strong congregation. It has a parochial school with an average enrollment of thirty-five pupils.

Portersville Union Church

The Presbytery for Indiana was organized at Portersville, Tuesday, April 1 8, 1826. There were present nearly all the prominent men of the church then in Indiana. This indicates that the Presbyterians were early in Dubois county and that they were strong in and about the early "countytown" of Portersville. The Rev. Hiram A. Hunter was a well known pioneer minister in this congregation, at a time when a Union church stood about three miles southwest of Portersville.

On April i, 1876, Rev. Geo. C. Cooper, Richard F. Milburn, and Simon Bixler were the leaders in the organization of the present Union chuich at Portersville. Mr. Bixler, a Methodist, had $300 of funds derived from the sale of the Methodist church at Haysville, and Mr. Milburn, a like sum derived from the sale of the old Union church in Boone township. This money with assistance from IvUtherans erected the church.

The Evangelical Lutheran St. John's congregation, of Boone township, Dubois county, Indiana, was organized August 21, 1892, bj- the Rev. H. Hennings, a Lutheran minister of Stendal, Pike county, Indiana, and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other states.

Tramback, Herman J. Wiesmann, Frederick W. Wiesmann, Andrew Braun, Michael Hacker, and John Mann. The first services were conducted in the Miley school-house. In 1S93, a church was erected, and a year later, a parsonage. Jacob Frick, Andrew Braun, and Herman J. Wiesmann were the first trustees. On September 15, 1892, a German Sunday school was organized under the leadership of Philip Voelkel. In 1908, there were sixty pupils and Christian Hoffmann was superintendent. There are fifty-two voting members in this congregation. The property value is $3,220. These ministers have served: Rev. H. Hennings, 1892- 1S93; Rev. H. G. Koenig, 1893-1897; Rev. Gustav Route, 1897-1900; Rev. Wm. Grabermann since 1900. In 1908, the elders were John Kck, Sr., and Andrew Braun, Jr.; thedeacons were Charles Weisheit and Philip Mann, and the trustees were Christian Hoffmann, George Frederick Mann, and Samuel Himsel.

One of the old sustained land marks in Protestant church history in Dubois county is Lemmon's church, in Boone township. It was built by the Cumberland Presbyterians. This church was founded in i860, by the following trustees: Richard Harris, Hamilton McCain, Capt. John M. Lemmon, David Lemmon, Jacob Ivcmmon, Sr., Elijah Ivcmmon, Sr. , and Mordica Hopkins. It was dedicated by the Rev. Andrew J. Strain in i860, and he remained its pastor until his death, February 2, 1873. The older members of this congregation still honor his memory.

Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church

This church was erected in 1870, at a cost of $1,200. At this date it is abandoned. It is included in the Otwell circuit, and has, in general, been served by the same ministers as served the Methodist church at Ireland.

Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Shiloh camp ground was for years a place of Protestant worship, and here gathered the Armstrongs, Alexanders, Andersons, Dillons, Stewarts, Normans, McMahans, Kelsoes, Roses, Brittains, and many other pioneer families from the northwest quarter of Dubois county. It is said that the most eloquent sermons of pioneer days were delivered at Shiloh. I,og houses or huts were erected forming a hollow square, and in this square church services were held. This was long before a meeting-house had been erected. A deed, in fee simple, to the ground was not made until October 15, 1849, when Isaac Alexander sold six acres to the trustees of Shiloh Meeting House. The church edifice was built in 1849. A cemetery was started in what was once the hollow square, in i860. Miss Minerva Kdmonston, a daughter of Col. B. B. Edmonston, was the first to find a grave at Shiloh. She died August 10, i860. Shiloh is the fountain head of Presbyterianism in Dubois county, but the church property is slowly going to decay. An effort is being made to preserve the burial grounds. It is a favorite spot for interments. Protestants, strict in their church creed, both at Ireland and Jasper, favor Shiloh as a burial ground. Here lie the remains of many of the most prominent pioneer families associated with Jasper and the " Irish Settlement." There is more in Shiloh than meets the eye, and its preservation is almost a sacred duty of future generations. Protestants worshiped near Shiloh as earl}^ as 1835.

On June 4, 1908, the trustees of the Shiloh Meeting House deeded the property to " Ireland lyodge No. 388, Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons," under certain conditions, including keeping the house and cemetery in proper condition, etc.

Rev. A. J. Strain who was ordained a minister at Shiloh, October 10, 1847, by Rev. Hull, was a prime mover in the organization of this congregation. He early held services on the Mark's farm on the Huntingburg road in Bainbridge township, and also at the "school house in the bend." These were aids to this congregation and the one at Shiloh.

The Hillsboro congregation was organized about 1S56 and its ministers have been the same as at the Shiloh and Ireland Cumberland Presbyterian churches. The present church at Hillsboro was erected about 1874. It is valued at $1,000. It has about twentyfive church members and about fifty Sunila}' school members.

Ireland Cumberland Presbyterian Church

This church was erected about 1S85, but the congregation was organized in 18S2. It has a membership of eighty and a Sunday school of seventythree pupils. The church is now a Presbyterian church. The property is valued at $3,500. In 1908, Dr. L. B. W. Johnson, James L. Norman, and Wm. B. Morgan were its trustees.

Ireland Methodist Episcopal Church

x\ church was erected in 1S68. The congregation was organized in 1866. Among its first trustees were Israel Adams. Thomas Kellams, and Benjamin Dillon. There are about one hundred twenty members. The Sunday school has a hundred pupils. The church property is valued at $1,200. Among the later trustees are Albert H. Stewart, W. P. Anderson, and A. R. Horton.

St. Mary'S Catholic Church, At Ireland

In 1890, about eighteen farmers living near Ireland asked Father Fidelis, O. S. B., pastor at Jasper, to build a little mission church at Ireland. The plan met with favor, and a subscription was taken. Four acres of ground were bought adjoining Ireland and the erection of a small frame church was begun. Services were first held in this new church February 14, 1891, by the Rev. Father Fidelis, but he immediately turned over the care of the mission to the professors of the Jasper College, and the Rev. P. Dominic Barthel, O. S. B., or some other professor made weekly visits to Ireland on Sundays covering a period of five years.

In 1894, a parsonage was erected. In 1S99, this parsonage was turned over to the Sisters of St. Benedict as a residence, and they opened the parochial schools. Rev. P. Martin, O. S. B., took charge of the work in 1S95. In 1903, the people made preparations to build a larger church and the Rev. Anthony Michel, O. S. B., was called to be the first resident pastor of St. Mary's. He built a new and larger church of brick. Rev. Anthony found forty-five Catholic families when he took charge of the place September 28, 1903. He began at once to make the plans for a new church and gathered the necessary materials and funds, and on August 15, 1904, the corner stone of the church was laid by the Rev. Athanasius Schmitt, Rev. Dominic Barthel. and Rev. Anthony Michel. The building is forty-eight by one hundred eighteen feet, of brick with Bedford stone trimmings, and slate roof. It was frescoed in 1905, and used for divine services for the first time on Christmas, 1905. Only $11,000 in cash was paid for the building, but members donated much in labor and material during its construction. There were sixty-three families in this congregation in 1906; the membership was three hundred sixty. A new up-to-date parsonage was erected in 1906, and in 1908, a $1,500 altar was placed in the church.

St. Joseph'S Catholic Church, At Jasper

On April 8, 180S, Bardstown, Kentucky, was made the see of a Catholic bishop, and Indiana was under his jurisdiction until 1834, when the diocese of Vincennes was established. The Right Rev. Simon Gabriel Brute was the first bishop of the newly created diocese, and he is said to have been highly distinguished for talents, learning, and piety. His zeal for the spreading of the Catholic faith was so great that before his death, which occurred in July, 1839, he had established Catholic churches at about twenty-five points in Indiana. Jasper was one of them.

The early Catholic church history of Jasper and the life of the Rev. Joseph Kundeck are so closely connected that the reader is referred to- Chapter XV, devoted to the Rev. Kundeck personally, for the earlier histor}' of St. Joseph's cliurch. The following sketch will deal mainly with the modern achievements of the congregation.

The massive stone church, at Jasper, is dedicated to St. Joseph. It is one of the largest churches in the Ohio valley. Though this great edifice, including grounds, is worth about one-quarter of a million dollars, it was built by the Catholics of Jasper.

The Rev. Fidelis Maute, O. S. B., began the erection of St. Joseph's church. On September 14, 1868, Bishop St. Palais laid the corner stone. After the death of Father Fidelis Maute, O. S. B , the work was taken up by Father Stephan Stenger and Father Basil Heusler, O. S. B.

Except for the ornamentation, the materials used in the construction of St. Joseph's were prepared and put in place by the members of the congregation, which for four decades have been making sacrifices of all kinds to realize the ambition of their lives. Besides the vast amount of labor contributed, $100,000, in cash, have been raised and $50,000 more will be necessary to complete the work entirely.

When Father Fidelis Maute, O. S. B., conceived the idea of the great structure he was anxious that it be built in a most substantial manner, and certainly his wishes have been followed. The tile roof is supported by huge trees, the largest in southern Indiana, that serve as imposing ninetj^ foot columns. The roof structure is composed of forest trees used as rafters and braces. Between the outer roof and the ceiling there are over 1,000,000 feet of the finest hardwood in the state. There is an immense amount of stone in the structure. The story is that after farmers had hauled stone for months and had all the surrounding land covered, they thought there was enough for the entire structure. Instead, there was only half enough for the foundation.

The foundation and walls of the church went up under the direction of Father Fidelis Maute, O. S. B., who after preaching a sermon Sunday morning, announced who had been selected to work during the coming week. By this means about one-seventh of the entire congregation labored each week. Father Fidelis Maute, O. S. B., not only assigned the men to work, but he, the busiest, directed it all. Year after year this continued until gradually the structure took shape.

The dimensions of St. Joseph's are eighty-five feet by two hundred four feet. From the foundation to the eaves is sixty-seven feet and from the floor in the interior to the ceiling is ninety feet. Some walls are four feet thick; others are six. The steeple is two hundred twenty feet high. The chime of bells in it, with their hangings, weigh twelve tons Its sonorous and grand voice may be heard, with a favorable breeze, ten miles from the church.

Father Basil Heusler, O. S. B., now in charge, is doing all he can to beautify the great structure, unfinished at the death of the Rev. Fidelis Maute, O. S. B.

Besides putting in a splendid heating system, there have been added fine art windows. Over the entrance is an art window showing Christ feeding the multitude. It cost $600. Near the altar is another of the Good Shepherd that cost $475, while on the other side is the Nativity of the Lord, that cost $450. Over the center altar is a small window, the glass in which cost $300. The other smaller windows cost $175 apiece, and the side windows $300 apiece. These windows were put in through the efforts of the Rev. Stephan Stenger, O. S. B., while he served as rector.

The windows are not the most expensive part of the ornamentation. The three altars are especially fine, being constructed entirely out of Italian marble. The high altar with the two groups, each seven feet high, cost $19,000. The side altars, one crowned with the Blessed Virgin, the other with St. Joseph, the patron saint of the church, cost $6,000 apiece. The railing separating the sanctuary from the church auditorium is of onyx and brass that cost $1 ,000. The other decorations are proportionate in expense and beauty.

When Father Fidelis, O. S. B., died, he had not made any provision for properly heating and lighting the vast structure. At present, electricity is used for the illumination. The immense organ is operated b}- water power.

The congregation of St. Joseph includes five hundred fifty families, or about three thousand communicants. In Jasper, ninety per cent, of the inhabitants are Catholics and Dubois county is one of the strongest Catholic districts in the state. They have made many sacrifices to construct this magnificent edifice. The monastery at St. Meinrad has received considerable aid from these people. It is thought that the aggregate amount of Catholic property in the county of Dubois is worth nearly $1,000,000.

The Jasper congregation is one of the wealthiest in the county, supports the largest parochial school system, and has the most valuable church grounds in the county. The parochial school buildings, St. Joseph's hall, and the parsonage are among St. Joseph's possessions. Just west of St. Joseph's church is the Jasper College for men.

Dating from its organization the following ministers have been in charge of St. Joseph's congregation : Rev. Joseph Kundeck, October 14, 1838 to January, 1S58; Rev. Beda O'Connor, O. S. B., January, 1858 to November, i860; Rev. Ulrich Christen, O. S. B., November, i860 to February, 1865; Rev. Wolfgang Schlumpf, O. S.B., February, 1865 to July, 1865; Rev. Fidelis Maute, O. S. B , July 1865 to June, 1897; Rev. Stephan Stenger, O. S. B., June 1897 to September, 1S98; Rev. Basil Heusler, O. S. B., since September 8, 1898.

The Jasper College and Sisters' residence each have private chapels for use of pupils and instructors. The chapel at the college was dedicated September 27, 1908.

Rev. Fidelis Maute was born in 1837, in Inneringen, Province Hohenzollern, [Sigtnaringen, Prussia.] He received his classical education in Hedingen, near Sigmaringen and Maria Einsiedlen. His theological studies he finished in Mainz. In 1861, he left for America. On June 21, he landed at New York, and on the 29th he arrived at St. Meinrad, Indiana.

The character of the Rev. Fidelis Maute possessed such length and breadth, and his life was so full of church activity that any attempt to epitomize them must seem narrow and insufficient. His death left upon the town of Jasper a marked sense of vacancy, a feeling that one was gone whose place could not well be filled.

The basis upon which rests the splendid life record of Father Fidelis was a hearty, brave, strong, and genuine manhood. His sincerity was so deep and thorough that it was never questioned. To many his word was law. He met all comers with the truth. No one could come in contact with him without feeling the genuineness of his nature. If he was for a man or measure it was known and felt. He thought not of himself but of his church.

Trinity Church At Jasper

Older readers will well remember the name of Col. B. B. Edmonston, for a long time one of the most prominent officials of Dubois county. His hospitable home stood at the west end of Eighth street in the town of Jasper, and here he fed and housed hundreds of guests. His residence has been moved aside to make room for the extended boundaries of the town and in what was once a corner of his front yard now stands Trinity church, an object of pardonable pride and pleasure to many of the Protestants of Jasper. The church buildings are used by the Presbyterians and Eutherans, and are valued at $6,000. The building has a Sunday school annex, library room, chime of bells, artistic memorial windows, and good seats. There are no debts. The principal initiative donors were Eckert Brothers, Friedman Planing Mill Company, Frank Joseph, W. S. Hunter, Wm. A. Traylor, *Geo. R.Wilson, August H. Koerner, Herman Eckert, Philip Dilly, and John Gramelspacher, each contributing one hundred dollars. Scarcely half of these were members of the church, thus showing Trinity to have been built from a standpoint of public spirit.

The Trinity church organization of Jasper is composed of the German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Congregation and the Cumberland Presb)^- terian Trinity Congregation. German services are held on the first and third Sundays. English services are held on the second and fourth Sundays. On the fifth Sundays the time is divided. The deed bears date of July 30, 1898. Trinity church was erected in 1898.

This church supports a Sunday school, and a Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. The Commercial club and the Ladies' Aid Society contribute valuable service to the church.

The Methodist Episcopal Church At Jasper

The Methodist Episcopal church at Jasper was organized about 1S32. Meetings were held at the residences of Dr. Aaron B. McCrillus and Benjamin Enlow. The Reverends Cartright, Talbot, and Ravenscroft were its early ministers. Rev. Ravenscroft's circuit extended from Madison to Newburg, both on the Ohio river, to White river. He arrived at Ja.sper, on horseback, traveling through the forest without road or bridge. About 1836, a Protestant church was erected on lot 83, at Jasper. When the court house was lost by fire, in 1839, this building was used as a court house and served as such for six years, during which time church services were held at residences and in groves. Lot 83 was sold and a new site was purchased on west Sixth street, where a brick church edifice was erected. The Methodist Episcopal church property is estimated to be worth $5,000.

The first move to build a Catholic church at Dubois was made at St. Celestine's church at Celestine, Sunday, September 17, 1899. At that time the people at Dubois and vicinity belonged to the Celestine congregation. Another meeting was held September 21, 1899, the Rev. Charles Bilger and Mr. Bernard Rowekamp taking the initiative. About four acres were donated by John Seng, October 13, 1899 and George Dekemper, Henry Dudine. John Kempf, and Charles Nordhoff were selected as the building committee, Contractor John M. Schmidt of Jasper erected the church, and services were first held, December 24, 1899. A parsonage was also built, and by the end of January, 1900, all had been paid for. The building was dedicated June 7, 1900 by the Rt. Rev. Bishop O'Donaghue, of Indianapolis.

Rev. Charles Bilger, an organizer and energetic minister, was pastor of both the Celestine and Dubois congregations, until July 4, 1902. Services were held at Dubois once a month, but since July 4, 1902, St. Raphael's has had a 'resident pastor and regular services each Sunda3^ The Rev. E. J. Zirkelbach was pastor for two years previous to July 4, 1906. During his term, the cemetery as at present located, was established. Rev. Richard Hoeing succeeded the Rev. E. J. Zirkelbach, and under his care the parish is prospering. Among the early church trustees are the following well known citizens: Joseph Friedman, Joseph Segers, John Fischer, and Herman Teder. The membership exceeds four hundred. The school enrolls about seventy-five pupils. The parish takes an interest in Indian and Negro missions, and in orphan children. lyiberal contributions are made annually.

The Methodist Episcopal Church At Dubois

In the year 1SS8, the members and friends of the Methodist Episcopal church in Harbison and Marion townships erected a substantial and commodious frame church building at Dubois, but its membership is small. Many of its original founders have moved away or have gone to their rewards. The Rev. Charles W. Kllis was one of its strong supporters. He moved away in 1891. The property is estimated to be worth one thousand dollars.

Upon one of the many points in Hall township stood Robert's chapel, a Methodist Episcopal church. It stood there for twenty years, a beacon light to the surrounding country. A log church was built where Robert's chapel stood about the years 1 858-1 859. The leaders in this enterprise were James Kendall, Wm. Jacobs, and others. It is said that James Kendall hewed the logs and James Ellis hauled them with a yoke of cattle. The log house stood for some years without door, shutter, or window sash. Isaac Harmon put in the door and windows about 1862-63. The house never contained a stove. The lumber used in its construction was sawed by a little water-power mill known as McMahel's mill. It stood on the banks of Lick Fork creek. The first services were conducted by that pioneer preacher, Rev. A. O. Barnett.

The frame church was erected and dedicated during the summer of 1879. The new house was built through the efforts of Levi K. Ellis, Valentine Roberts, John W. Coble, James M. Ellis, Lafayette Ellis, Wm. Ellis, the two Geo. W. Roberts and many other earnest men, and their wives. Sawlogs were cut and floated down Lick Fork creek and Patoka river to Dubois, where Rev. Chas. W. Ellis, now a capitalist of Greencastle, sawed them into lumber, gratis. Mr. George W. Roberts, Sr., built the church. Services were conducted by Rev. Thomas Mann, the pastor at that-time.

In this church worshiped the following families : Ellis, Parks, Kellams, Jacobs, Nolan, Coble, Maudlin, Line, and a host of others who lived in the neighborhood of Ellsworth.

The house stood in a commanding position by the side of the public road, and it was often a subject for contemplation by travelers. It was torn down, in 1908, for lack of church membership in the neighborhood.

The class of Methodists who founded the first church in Hall township for years controlled the destiny of Hall township to such a degree that an extended mention is in order, even though the house and congregation have passed away.

About 1843, James Kendall (father of Lieut. W. W. Kendall), Elisha Jacobs, Benjamin Hawhee, Joel Mavity, and Page Mavity concluded to erect a log meeting house to be used for school and church purposes. David Morgan Wise owned forty acres in the southwest corner of section three about three miles from Celestine. It was the home of his grandfather David Morgan, a retired Methodist minister, who had spent fifty years in the ministry. Upon this tract of land the first Methodist church in Hall township was erected. The first house proved to be too small, and the site was unfavorable. In due time a larger house was erected at the half mile corner between section three and four on the New Albany road, on the land of Thomas Fleming. In this new log church the first services were held by Rev. Kisting, who named the new structure Shiloh. The first meeting lasted fifteen days. This house was used for school purposes. It was also headquarters for the local philomathical society, called the "Shiloh Polemic Society," the main subjects discussed bearing on polemics. The discussions were thought to be masterful efi"orts.

Among the teachers who taught school at Shiloh were Alexander Shoulders, Samuel H. Jacobs, John Z. McMahel, Aaron McCarty, Jane Coplinger, and William Jones - all pioneers.

In 1872, the old log house was torn down and a frame erected, but about 1896, this was torn down, the beautiful grove cut away, and the lot now forms part of a field. The influence of this church and school was felt in its pupils and in their social, political, and military history as well as in their citizenship in general. It served well its purpose and then passed away.

The estimated value of this propert}^ is $700. It was constructed about 1 868. The membership numbers about fifty, and services are held monthly. Elders Abbot, Simon Wood, G. B. Campbell, Lon Wood, Wm. Chessar, and W. F. HighfiU have been associated with St. Joseph's.

Among the families worshiping here are those of Isom Smith, Jackson Gross, Mary E. Gross, Henry Bradley, G. W. Nelson, Nancy Bradley, Steven Sanders and wife, James H. Deal and wife, Jesse Adkins and wife, Charles Dearborn and wife, William Adkins and wife, Delbert Adkins and wife, and John Ferguson and wife.

Hailandiere. It was founded in November, 1843, by the pioneer resident priest of Dubois count}-, the Rev. Joseph Kundeck. He began with fortj-- six families under the leadership of Bonifatius Fehrn and Bernhardt IMerkel. emigrants from the grand duchy of Baden, Germany.

(Here several Benedictine fathers served until the arrival of the next resident pastor.) Rev. Joseph Meister, August 31, 1859 to February, 1865; Rev. B. Brunding, June, 1865 to November, 1877; Rev. Alex. Koesters, June, 1878 to June 6, 1883; Rev. Joseph Fleishman, June, 1883 to February, 1891; Rev. Charles Bilger, February 3, 1891 to the present time.

In 1S55, the membership was one hundred families; 1867, one hundred forty-two families; 1891, one hundred eighty-two families; 1899, two hundred six families. In 1899, the erection of St. Raphael's church at Dubois reduced the membership to one hundred forty-seven families. The church properties and grounds are valued at $30,000.

This church has in its archives a most excellent oil painting which once hung in a cathedral in the city of Mexico. After the capture of the city in the Mexican War, an American soldier cut the picture from its frame, with his sword, and carried it back to this countr}- with him. Daniel Woelker had the picture in Louisville, and sold it to Bernhardt Merkel for fifteen dollars. Mr. Merkel donated the painting to the church. Its real value is not known.

In 1 90S, this church had a membership of seventy-five, and a Sundayschool of fifty pupils. The building was erected in 1886, and is valued at $1,200. Wm. Koerner, James E. Glenn and David Petitt are the trustees.

The Inman, Boston, Petitt, Koerner, Smith, Baxter, Taylor, Glenn, and Zimmer families are the main supporters of the church. The church honors the name of the Inman family, pioneers of the town.

The following ministers have been in charge of the church: Revs. Baan, Bubler, Barnett, Miles, Kiper, Robinson, Crow, McKee, McMichael, Maupin, Roof, McCowen, Bostic, and Erkson, though not in the order named. In 1908, the Rev. L. G. Black was pastor. Rev. McKinley was pastor in 1909.

The Christian Church At Birdseye

The Christian church at Birdseye was erected in igo8, and dedicated on May 24th of the same year. It is valued at $1,000. The membership is one hundred. Rev. Sampson Cox was a resident minister in 1909.

The General Baptist Church At Birdseye

This church was organized by the Rev. h. Wood in 1889. The property is valued at $1,000. There are forty members. Among its pastors were the Rev. h. Wood, Rev. Wm. Chessar, Rev. Raymond Selby, Rev. O. E. Johnson, Rev. E. Cox, Rev. G. B. Campbell, and others. The church belongs to the "Flat Creek Association." In 190S, the trustees of New Hope General Baptist church were Reuben F. Bates, John Potts, and Samuel B. Gilliat. In 1909, Rev. Haydon was minister.

The Bethlehem Congregation At Mentor

The Bethlehem congregation has its church immediately north of the village of Mentor. Its first trustees were Alvin T. Whaley, Levi M. Grant, and Bazil B. Abell. James Kellams, A. A. Leonard, William Pruitt, and Theodore Whaley have also served as trustees. The church building was erected in 1897 at a cost of six hundred dollars. There are about one hundred members, and services are held twice a month, usually. The first minister was the Rev. Sampson Cox, one of the best known Christian ministers in southern Indiana. The Rev. Thomas Stalling has also served as a minister.

A cemetery adjoins the church. The location was selected in 1S67, by James E. Sanders, Sr., and Marion Sanders, Sr. The remains of Mary Sanders were the first to find a resting place there in April, 1867.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church At Schnellville

The Schnellville congregation had its origin in families once belonging to the St. Anthony congregation. On November 10, 1873, Bishop de St. Palais visited Schnellville and consented to the erection of a small church. It was under the direction of Rev. P. Placidus Zarn, O. S. B. On May 4, 1S76, services were held at Schnellville for the first time. St. Meinrad supplied the ministers until December, 1882, then the Rev. Joseph Villinger, O. S. B., became the first resident pastor. There is a good frame church and parsonage, and a fairly prosperous congregation, constantly on the increase. The church schools are under the care of Benedictine Sisters. The church property is estimated to be worth $12,000.

The Methodist Episcopal Church At Kyana St. Anthony'S Catholic Church At St. Anthony

The members of this congregation previous to 1864 belonged to the churches at Celestine, Jasper, and Ferdinand. In 1864, the Rev. Joseph Meister formed St. Anthony's congregation and built a log church and a log parsonage. There were about forty families in this congregation in 1864. Father Meister lost his life February 25, 1868, a tree falling upon him while the woods about the church property were being cleared away. He was born in Switzerland, July 11, 1793. Rev. Joseph Kaufmann served as pastor from July, 1868, until December, 1869. The Benedictine Fathers of St. Meinrad then took charge, and the following fathers have been at St. Anthony: P. Eberhardt Stadler, P. Placidus Zarn, P. Conrad Ackermann, P. Maurus Helfrich, P. Henry Hug, P. Benedict Brunet, P. Alphonse Leute, P. Basil Heusler, P. Simon Bosler, and P. Clement Klingel.

A new stone church was erected in 1881; it is fifty feet by one hundred six, and a handsome structure. The congregation has a handsome parsonage, and an excellent school house, probably the best, for a congregation of this size, in the county.

Lutheran Church At Bretzville

The St. John's Evangelical Congregation at Bretzville was organized in 1848 by about twelve early German settlers. Jacob Bretz, Sr. , and Peter Bamberger, Sr., jointly donated an acre of land for the site of a church and a cemetery. The church was constructed of logs and had a board roof. At first the congregation was served by ministers from Huntingburg. The earlier ones were Rev. Ruscb, Rev. Bauermeister, and Rev. Onkeli. Peter Bamberger, Sr., Jacob Bretz, Sr., and Jacob Limp were among the earl}- trustees.

In 1 87 1, the membership reached about thirty and a new house was erected at Bretzville. The church and parsonage cost about $2,500. Rev. Karl Ritzman was the first resident pastor. Rev. E. Mahlberg was in charge in 190S, and Philip Bamberger, Jacob H. Bretz, and Jacob Bretz, Jr., were trustees.

German Evangelical Salem'S Church At Huntingburg

This church was founded in 1843 with about thirty members. The following were the trustees: W. G. Helfrich, Herman Behrens, Henry Roettger, Paul Gerken, Jacob Eimp, Christ. Schuermann, Gerhard Rothert, and Fred Kruse. In 1908, there were more than two hundred families connected with the church. Originally the church organization was known as the "German Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church," which name was afterwards changed. The first house of worship was a little log house. A handsome brick building succeeded it, and served until the present building was erected in 1890. The present immense and beautiful structure is supplied with electric lights, steam heat, grand pipe organ, and three melodious bells. There is an elegant parsonage. The church property is valued at $30,000, and is one of the finest in the county. Connected with this church is a large Sunday school, a thriving Young People's Society, an active Ladies' Aid Society and a very successful Sick Benefit Society. These men have been pastors: Rev. W. Lauer, Rev. C. F. Risch, 1854; Rev. M. Schrenck, 1858; Rev. W. Bauermeister, i860; Rev. D. Ankele, 1865; Rev. Fred Weissgerber, 1869; Rev. C. Spathelf, 1878; Rev. Val. Ziemer, 1881; Rev. P. Scheliha, 1886; Rev. H. Wulfmann, 1896; Rev. G. A. Kienle, 1903; and Rev. Paul Repke.

This church congregation is one of the wealthiest among the Protestant churches of the county. In 1908, the following men were trustees: Philip Partenheimer, Walter F. Bretz, John Mutchman, Conrad Landgrebe, Philip Bamberger, John H. Kreke, Wm. Borner, John Burghof, and Herman Steinker.

For many years this church used a pipe organ constructed by C. Kornrumpf, a member of the congregation. For perfection, tone, mechanical construction, and workmanship it was the pride of the town and known throughout the state by lovers of instrumental church music.

In 1871, Huntingburg and Jasper were organized into a mission with the Rev. N. E. Boring as minister. The Huntingburg charge was organized in 1872. The Rev. James Moore was the first minister. The record of ministers on the charge is incomplete, but these do appear: James Moore, James B. Holloway, Geo. D. Wolfe, S. F. Anderson, John Woods, J. T. Edwards, J. B. Thomas, Thos. G. Beharrell (an Englishman, who died in 1908); John W. Payne, W. P. Wallace, John Royer, J. E. Fisher, J. S. Washburn, F. L. Priest, and J. A. Breeden (1908.)

The church Ijuilding is of brick, in good condition and valued at $4,500. It was dedicated in August, 1894, by Bishop Bowman. Its first trustees were Dr. G. P. Williams, Wm. Elshoff, P. T. Gresham, S. C. Miller, and E. W. Blemker. The parsonage is valued at $1 ,500. The church membership in 1908 numbered one hundred seventy-eight.

The early history of this congregation is almost the same as that of the Zoar's Methodist Episcopal church, in Cass township. During the years 1S50-1851 a small frame church was built at Huntingburg. The early members were Adolph Katterhenry and wife, Adam Arensman and wife, E. J. Blemker and wife, John Brandenstein and wife, and Wm. Eukemeyer, Jacob Blemker, and Rudolph Blemker. In 1864, a good substantial brick

The three German Methodist congregations in Dubois county are at Zoar's, Holland, and Huntingburg. The origin was at Zoar's and dates from 1843. This church has about five hundred members in Dubois county. In 1 85 1, Rev. John H. lyukemeyer became the minister in charge. Up to that date the church had been connected with one at Boonville.

This congregation was established in the year 1850 and a small brick church was built, but it soon became too small to accommodate its membership. A new and larger house was erected in 1866, and dedicated by the Rev. Chris. Wessling of Warrenton. A more modern and spacious building was erected in 1904. Among the leading communicants of this church are the Miessners, Dufendachs, Salats and Katterhenrys. This congregation annually holds a camp meeting in connection with the church at the "Maple Grove Camp Ground." Its principles and doctrines are similar to those of the Methodist Episcopal church. Emanuel's church has a membership of two hundred and thirty-five and its church property is estimated to be worth $20,000. The Sunday school has two hundred members.

In 1908, Eouis Hemmer, Ben Niehaus, Eouis Wessel, John Reutepohler, and Frank G. Katterhenry were trustees. The following ministers have served the members: J. Trometer, A. Nickolai, G. Platz, P. Bretsch, J. Esch, C. Glaus, B. Uphaus, F. Wietkamp, Fr. Schuerman, P. Burgener, G. Fraenzen, Wm. Bockman, J. Kiper, Wm Wessler, M. Maier, M. Hoehn, C. Wessling, J. Fuchs, H. E. Fischer, G. Scbmoll, and S. J. Euhring.

St. Mary'S Catholic Church At Huntingburg

On October 20, 1859, the Rev. P. Bede O'Connor said mass, at Huntingburg, for the first time. In August, i860, the corner-stone for a new church was laid. Pastors of Ferdinand and Jasper served the church until 1873, when fathers from St. Meinrad took charge.

At present this congregation has very valuable church property, a handsome brick edifice having been erected. It has excellent parochial schools, and bids fair to retain a strong following in its locality. Rev. Simon Barber has made the church very popular and progressive. He took charge in 1898.

The United Brethren Church At Huntingburg

This church was erected at the northeast corner of Third and Main streets in the city of Huntingburg, and the class of members was drawn principally from other denominations. The congregation was a small one and the conference decided to sell the property, which was worth about SSoo. In 1908, John W. Kemp, Wm. L. Wood, and Frank T. Brown were trustees.

The Christian church at Huntingburg is a direct descendant of the first Christian churches in Dubois count}-, the ones on Indian creek, near Bretzville. Its property- is valued at 83,000. There are two hundred fifteen members. Among its early ministers were the Rev. Jacob Banta Shively, Rev. B. T. Goodman, Rev. Abner Conner, Rev. Henry Kays, and Rev. Green Cato. Mrs. Blemker was for years one of its great workers.

Maple Grove And Camp Ground West Of Huntingburg

In pioneer days camp meetings were the great religious occasions of the year. The "Shiloh Camp Ground," near Ireland, was the leading place of worship. As such it has passed away. At present the only camp ground in Dubois county is the "Maple Grove Camp Ground," about four miles west of Huntingburg. It is under the supervision of the Evangelical Association of North America. This denomination belongs to the socalled Methodistic churches. Its principles and doctrines are similar to the Methodist church proper, only somewhat more rigid. It dates its origin back to about 1793. Jacob Albright, the founder of the church, realizing the so-called degenerate conditions of the churches at that time, began to preach the word of God in a new light.

Jacob Trometer, who found his way to Dubois count}- in 1841, was the first ordained minister of this church. He began his labor as a missionary a few miles west of Huntingburg, preaching to the Germans of that vicinity in private houses, even in log huts or barns, as there was no place of public worship. After a year and a half of hard and earnest labor he was pleased to see his ideas of religion gain favor with the people and the Lord gave him a goodly number of souls for his hire. These he received into communion with the church after they had been converted to his faith.

In 1S43. Revs C. L,inder and Andrew Nickolai, of the Mt. Carmel circuit, to which Huntingburg had been added, preached alternately as often as the means of travel permitted - to the little flock that had been gathered near Huntingburg. The latter held the first protracted meeting in the house of Mr. Gerhard Niehaus, where a number of communicants w-ere added and the organization of a congregation completed. In the latter part of 1843, this newly founded congregation bought a tract of timber land containing forty acres about four miles west of Huntingburg on which to build a church and lay out a cemetery and camp ground. Twenty-five acres have since been sold. Work on the church was at once begun and a log structure was built. This was dedicated to God's services by A. B. Schaefer, presiding elder, in the autumn of 1S44. The cemetery and camp ground were also laid out a few years later. Services were then regularly conducted in the old log church and a large-sized congregation established. As the membership increased the church became too small. A new and larger frame building was erected in 1880, at a cost of about $1,600. This is the church now standing just south of the beautiful maple grove.

The history of this ground is one of interest as well as of growth. It was laid out soon after the land was purchased, and log huts to the number of about twenty-two were built, which served as temporary homes for the people camping there during the week of the meeting. These were, one by one, replaced by frame structures and others were added. The first annual camp meeting was held in 1847, when Long was the principal speaker. Meetings were held there each year until 1889, when for five or six years no meetings occurred. In 1897, interest in the camp meeting was revived and a very successful one was held. There are now many pretty frame cottages, many of them two stories high.

A large number of people from a distance come to spend the week at this camp ground. A large three-story frame hotel has been erected to accommodate persons from distant places. It will accommodate over a hundred people. The dining hall is large enough to seat at the table eightyfour persons at one time. A deep interest is felt in this meeting over the entire Louisville district. It is estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 people attend each year. Good speakers, including pastors, professors, and bishops are annually in attendance, and much good is being accomplished.

The Christian Church At Duff

This church property at Duff is valued at |6oo. There are about forty members in the congregation. For many years the Rev. Henry Kays served as minister.

The St. Paul'S Church At Duff

This church was organized July 5, 1896. In 1897, a church was built at a cost of $2,000. In 1908, the membership consisted of twelve families. It is composed of former members of the " Evangelical Augustana Congregation" of Holland, which congregation is its founder.

Regular Baptist Congregation At Duff

This congregation began to hold services at Duff in 1888. In 1896, the house was destroyed by a storm, since which time services are held at the school house, as per arrangement with the school authorities, some of the church material having been used in the construction of the school house. There are about forty members in the congregation. In 1908, Elder Louis Fleener was the minister, and P. M. Eemond, Wm. Maxey, and Peter Small were trustees.

The Central German 3Iethodist Church

The early history of the Central German Methodist church, which stood two miles northeast of Holland, Indiana, is closely connected with the derelopnient of the Methodist church in many places in southern Indiana. The first Methodist ministers in this part of the state came from Evansville, by way of Boonville, as early as 1838. Five years later (1843) two missionaries, H. Koneke and C. Muth, came to Pike and Dubois counties. They found a number of German families near Zoar, and also several living in the vicinity where the Central church was later erected. These men made most of their visits here on horseback from Evansville and Boonville. Not having a public place to hold their meetings they met first in the homes of the people who would admit them. The first meetings in Zoar were held in the home of H. W. Katterjohn, who lived about a mile east of the boundary line between Pike county and Dubois county. At about the same time H. H. Fenneman permitted them to preach in his house, which stood about one-half mile south of the church.

In the spring of 1844, they won eight converts and in the fall of the same year thirty-three others were converted in this community. A society w^as then organized and called Evansville mission, belonging to the Cincinnati district of the Ohio conference. In 1846, this field was separated from Evansville and was called Boonville mission. During the next few years churches were built at Zoar and Huntingburg, while in the center they continued to hold the meetings in the homes of the people. In 1851 , the name of this field was again changed and called " Huntingburg mission," and Rev. J. H. Lukemeyer (who still lives - 1908) was made the first pastor. To this mission belonged Huntingburg, Zoar, Cannelton, Rome, Rome settlement, and Oil creek. They numbered in all about sixty in membership in these places at that time. This mission was again divided in 1852 because the field was too large. Huntingburg, Zoar, Santa Claus, and "Center" were retained.

At the regular session of the quarterly conference at the home of William Kuck, April 3, 1856, " It was decided (literal translation of German church record) that a brick church should be built in the 'Center,' on the lands of William Kuck and Herman H. Feldwisch or near ' Bob's field,' which shall cost not less than $600."*

The following persons were appointed as a building and subscription committee: H. E. Finke for Zoar, Philip Doerr for Center, and E. J. Blemker for Huntingburg. The brick used in the construction of the church was made and burned on the farm of Herman H. Fenneman onehalf mile south of the church. William Kuck donated the ground on which the church was built. No statement as to the size of the church is to be found. It was about twenty-two by thirty feet. The entire structure was of brick. It had no steeple. Practically all the work, except the masonry, was done by the members and their time donated. The record does not report the actual cost of the building. John Hoppen, presiding elder, and John Ficken, pastor, dedicated the church October 22, 1859. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the elder.

In i860. Rev. Ficken began to teach the children of the congregation, giving lessons in the German language. The membership continued to grow in number, influence, and wealth. Several camp meetings were held by this congregation on the Maple Grove camp ground of the Evangelical Association between 1855 and i860, at which they secured a number of converts. This congregation and that at Zoar decided June 21, 1862, to build cottages and lay out a camp ground of their own, near Zoar, where meetings were held annually until the buildings were destroyed by fire in 1 87 1. In 1 88 1, the first frame Methodist church was erected at Holland. Shortly after this the brick church in the center was taken down, the lot given back to William Kuck, and all the members attended church at Holland. The growth and progress of the Methodist church in this community was slow but continuous. In 1901, the total membership, including Huntingburg, Holland, and Zoar, was 383. Their members to-day include some of the best citizens in the community, standing for the highest in education and morality, and imbued with the spirit of progress and achievement.

*NoTE - " Bob's. Field" was a part of the farm of Herman H. Feldwisch, having been cleared by Bob Bolin, who later moved west, where he was killed by the Indians.

In the house of H. W. Katterjohn, a class was organized in 1844. The young congregation grew rapidly in membership. In 1848, a church was erected at a cost of $27.50. H. W. Katterjohn donated the two acres of land upon which it was erected. On July 8, 1848, the fourth quarterlj^ conference was held at Boonville. They also arranged a camp ground. The buildings were lost by fire. In 1871, a new brick church was erected. The congregation numbers eighty-four. There is a Sunday school and an Epworth League. These men have served as ministers: H. Koeneke, C. Muth, John lyukemeyer, Louis Miller, John F. Severinghau-;, C. G. Friische, George Kalesch, W. Bockstahler, H. Bau, and John Floerke.

The following men have served as trustees: August Mangel, Ernest Finke, Fred Hemmer, August Sakel, August Weitkamp, Henry Huellsmeyer, and W. Katterjohn. Church services are conducted in the German language. The property is valued at $3,000 Rev. Edward H. Hildebrand and Rev. Charles J. Schweitzer, two promising young ministers, were members of this congregation. The first members of the Zoar's church were Herman W. Katterjohn and his sons, William and Adolph, and their wives.

Among the early ministers of this church were the Rev. M. Mulfinger, Rev. John Hoppen, Rev. G. M. Busch, Rev. Fred. Heller, Rev. C. F. Heidmeyer, Rev. C. Wyttenbach, and Rev. Chas. Derking.