Franklin County, Indiana - Chapter 18: Ciiukches of Franklin County, 1915 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 18: Ciiukches of Franklin County

The first house of worship in Franklin county was completed in 1S12 and since that time there have been more than eighty churches erected in the county. They have been built to accommodate the grov.th of the county and with the shifting of population many of them have ceased to exist. More than a score of once-tlourishing congregations have disappeared and there are many churches now in the county which have services only once a month. A study of the religious conditions of the county reveals the fact that the shifting population has had much to do with the decline of most of the churches of the county. Local conditions often enter into the religious life of a communit)^ and divisions have arisen in churches in the past which today seem most trivial. ^lore than one church in Franklin county has become divided as the result of some petty differencs which today seem very ridiculous. The use of organs, congregational singing, secret societies and even personal encounters have been the means of dividing congregations into two rival camps. No doubt, every church has its liberals and its radicals, but fortunately they do not cause a division in most of the churches.

The Methodists and Baptists entered the field in Franklin county before the county was organized in 181 1 and for several years had the only churches of the countv. The Presbyterians entered the county in 1822 and were in Brcx)kville by 18-I.0. In the latter part of the thirties the great German migration to this countv began and by the end of that decade there were a number of Catholic churches organized in the county. - The Catholics settled in Brookville, Ray. Butler and Flighland townships, principally. The United Brethren appear in the thirties, as do the German ^Methodists and Lutherans. The Christians and IJniversalists date their churches from the forties. The Holiness church, as well as the Nazarenes, are comparatively new in the field, having come into the county since 1900.

For purposes of reference, a table has been prepared which shov.s the distribution and location of all the churches of the county. In several instances more than one denomination has used the same building, so there have really been more church organizations tlian there have been church buildings. In order to eive this table the most valtie the exact location of

There ha\e been no less than eighty-eight diti'erent congregations which have existed in Franklin county during the century of its existence. The Protestants are represented by at least twelve different denominations, while the Catholics all belong to the Church of Rome. The Catholics have about three thousand members and the ^Methodists, who are second in numbers, enrolled seventeen hundred in 19 14. Xo otlier Protestant denomination has over four hundred members. The following table shows the number of active and discontinued churches of the various denominations in the countv. The churches will be discussed in the order in which they are given in this table

It will be noted in the above table that the denominations with no active churches are not listed as having members, although there undoubtedly are many Baptist and ^fethodist Protestants, as well as German Methodists in the county. These statistics have been ascertained from church records and inquiry from memliers of the various denominations. Of course, there are other denominations re])resented in the county, but they do not have church organizations. About half a century ago there were a number of Christians (Xew Lights) in Metamora township in the vicinity of Elm Grove. They held services in a log school house at Elm Grove. Jonathan Alley was the best known minister of this church in the county. Another denomination which has sought to obtain a foothold in this county is that of the Reorganized Church of the Latter-Day Saints of Jesus Christ. There were a number of members in the vicinity of Xew Trenton and in igo6 there was regular preaching by Elder C. E. Harp in that \illage. In 1888 the local newspapers make mention of the fact that the "Ancient Brethren" (Dunkards) "'are holding services two miles and a half east of Brookville, and that they are in charge of Elder Cripe. of Laurel." The Holiness society has come into the county within the past few years and has confined its activities to three center.s. Oak Forest, Whitcomb and at the old stone church two miles west of Blooming Grove. In the summer of 19 14 they held a series of meetings at Whitcomb. which were attended by thousands of people. They have boug^ht a lot at \\ hitcomb anfl intend to erect a house of worship. In Blooming Grove township the Holiness people Iiave become separated into two branches, one being called the Xazarenes and the other retained the old name. Thev wor- (27) ship in the h'ttle f)](l stone church in section 8 of Blooming Grove township, which was formerly the property of the Methodist Protestants.

The Methodist church is the strongest Protestant denomination in the county and was one of the first to estabhsh churches. For more than a hundred years Methodism has flourished in FrankHn county and during this time at least thirty different churches have been established by this denomination. Eighteen of these churches still maintain an active organization and have regular services. There is only one indejiendcnt charge in the county and that is at Brookville. The other seventeen churches are divided among five circuits, namely: Brookville. [-"airfield. Laurel, Metamora and Mt. Carmel. The following table shows the main facts of these churches as set forth in the conference report of 1914:

Active Methodist Episcopal Churches

Wesley chapel was attached to the Laurel circuit in 191 3, but the 1914 conference detached it, although the church is still served by the minister of the Laurel circuit. After the 1914 conference had placed Columbia in the Laurel circuit, it was ftjund that the latter con.cjregation could not support a minister, and Wesley chapel, of Posey township, was again attached to the Laurel circuit.

Discontinued Methodist Episcopal Churches

There have been no less than eleven churches of this denomination which have ceased to e.xist as independent congregations. These churches, with their location, are set forth in the following table:

In the discussion of the Methodist Episcopal churches of the county they will be treated in the order in which they appear in the above tables. Every effort has been made to get complete data on all active as well as discontinued churches, but there are some concerning which ven,- little information has been obtained.

Methodism In Brookville

The first provisions made by the Methodists for worshiping in this vicinity was in 1806, when the White Water circuit of the Mad River district of the Ohio conference was formed, extending from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to Dayton, Ohio.

In 1809 Rev. Ilezekiah Shaw, belonging to the Ohio conference, held services at the house of Eli Adams on the "school section,'' two miles above town, which resulted in the formation of the first class organized within a radius of twenty or thirty miles of Brookville. It was composed of Jacob and

Hannah Bloyd, Betty and Margaret Brij^gs. David and Mary Bell. Charity Adams. Rachel Stoops and Joseph Williams. Jacob Bloyd, residing two miles above Fairfield, was chosen leader. Shortly afterward it was moved to the West fork and remained there until 1816. When Samnel r.oodwin moved to Brookville the class was moved to his home and he was appointed leader, in which capacity he continued to act till his death, in 1857.

The class on the West fork w as greatly reduced by emigration and later classes were formed at Carmichael's, west of the Boundary hill, at Brooks', on the East fork, and at Smith's, now known as Ebenezer, three miles above town. The W^hite Water circuit belonged to the Ohio conference until 1824, except during a short interval, when it was a part of the Indiana district of the Missouri conference. In the .same year (1824) the Illinois conference was organized and the \"\'hite Water circuit transferred to the Madison district of that conference, the district comprising about the same territory later occupied by the Southeast Indiana conference. In 1825 one presiding elder and nine preachers administered to the spiritual wants of the district, while at present (1915) there is one district superintendent and 114 preachers required. In 1832 the Indiana conference was organized and in 1S35 ^^^ ^^^ Brookville circuit mentioned for the first time.

An interesting history of the first class-room in Brookville was written several years ago by the late Rev. T. A. Goodwin, a son of Samuel Goodwin, one of the first class leaders.

"The history of the class-rooms runs back to the dark age - the dark age of Brookville. The original class-room, the north one, was built for a dwelling about 1820, a single room about eighteen feet square. An old-fa<^hioned chimney, with a huge fireplace, occupied much of the south end. When the New Purchase to settlers about that time, there was a complete hegira from Brookville. Lawyers, doctors, preachers, merchants and mechanics left almost in troops. They settled in Rushville. Connersville. Centerville. Greensburg. Shelbyville and Indianapolis, and, of course, thev left their houses behind them. Some of these were the most pretentious and palatial residences then in the state; others were only medium, and some onlv the one-roomed frame or log dwelling. The to-be clas.s-room was one of the latter. In one respect all these deserted houses fared alike. Thev could not be sold at any price, and there were few left to rent them: hence in a short time the palace of Governor Ray. as well as the one-storied frame house, became

"My first recollectitjn of the old class-room was bcinj? sent to it after some 'sheep-saftron,' an invaluable medicine for measles. For several years my father's sint,de room was used for prayer-meetings and class-meetings - the class on Siuulay mornings and the prayer-meetings on Thursday evenings. To this was added, very frequently, preaching services, when the presiding elder, on his way from Madison to Fort Wayne, would stop for the night or some one going from Ohi(j to the New Purchase did the same. We were prepared for these occasions by keeping in the yard a dozen or more_ benches made of slabs, with legs driven into one-and-a-half-inch auger-holes, which were carried in when the meeting time came. This was no little ta.x upon my mother; but she and her sister, Mrs. Robert John, bore it cheerfully, though it always involved the scrubbing of the floor after the meeting, where some pious tobacco-user had defiled it. One evening - it must have been about 1823 - after the congregation had retired, it was discovere<l that some brute had discharged his filth against the whitewashed wall and the clock - nearly to the ceiling. They knew the wretch; butit.would have done ivj good to remonstrate, though my father's first impulse was to 'take it out of his hide' after the fashion of the period. I remember Itow bitterly jny mother cried, at the same time begging my father to say nothing about it to anyone, but after the next Sunday's class-meeting to close the house to all meetings forever. .

"The following day my father was gone from his shop longer than usual. When he came back he informed us that he had bought a clai>s-room. and that it would be ready for occu])ancy by Sunday. It was that sheep-cote. He bought only the house and the ground it stood upon - not over twenty feet sc[uare. My recollection is that he paid twenty-five dollars in cash for it - a sum of money which implied more labor than ten times that sum would today. It was deeded to him and he held the title until his death. Soon after his death the heirs deeded it to the church. ; ;::

"This is the early history of the old jiart of the class-rooms. And now who shall say that that stream of tobacco-filth running down the white wall and besmearing the old clock-case almost its whole length was not providential? It was a very frowning Providence, I remember. The property was immediately repaired and renovated. One or two of my father's apprentices carried the slab seats from our yard to the class-room, where some of them remained and did service for more than twenty years. The sheep were driven out, and the old-fashioned split scrub-broom was vigorously applied. Class was held on the following Sunday and every Sunday thereafter until it was finally abandoned in 1883. It did not need to be announced in the papers - there was none then, but everyone in town knew all about it before Sunday. Such an enterprise, one involving such an outlay of money and muscle, could not be concealed in what Brookville was then.

"The class having increaseil in numbers by 1828, one room would not hold them, for every Methodist attended class in tho^e days. Additional ground was bouglit on the south of this for another room of the same size. The chimney was torn down and the two rooms were separated by foldingdoors, usually thrown open for prayer-meetings. This was deeded to the church and built by subscription. The class-rooms were frequently used for school purposes. There was no public school house in Brookville until the seminary was built in the early thirties."

Methodists Of Brookville

About 1820 an agitation was begun for the erection of a house of worship and on October 7, 1821, Amos Butler deeded to Samuel Goodwin and William Sims, Jr., trustees of the meeting house in Brookville, and to their successors, for the use of the Alethodist society, lots 64 and 65, Amos Butler plat of the town of Brookville, upon which was erected the brick church in \vhich the Lutherans now worship. This, the first church erected in Broolcville, was dedicated some time in 1822, and was occupied by the Methodists until 1840. when the church on Mill street, now the Christian church, was built.

For the erection of this second church Samuel Goodwin and lames Speer each gave five hundred dollars ( the ground the church stands on being part of ATr. Goodwin's subscription) ; John W. Hitt and Robert John, three hundred dollars each; George Holland, two hundred dollars; Joseph Meeks and R. P. C. Barwick, fifty dollars each. A committee was sent to solicit donations in Blooming Grove, Springfield and Fairfield townships. Laurel contributed some, but it was slow work, the committee often onlv securing ten or fifteen dollars, and several calls would have to be made on the parties to collect it.

The contract for the erection of the church was let to a Mr. Bacon, and a man by the name of Speer laid the foundation. It w'as said that the contractor lost money on the church. When completed it cost two thousand one hundred dollars, of which the trustees, Messrs. Barwick, Sleeks. Johns. Goodwin and Hitt, paid the greater part. Rev. Allen Wiley was presiding elder and Rev. James Jones, pastor in charge at the time.

We transcribe the followincj from the old church Bible under date of June 26, 1840, and supposed to have been written by Robert John, father of J. P. D. John, ex-president of DePauw L'niversity : "Today services commenced in the new Centenary church (this name being in letters over the door in front) in the following order: Prayer meeting at 9 o'clock a. m., led by Rev. James Jones. Lesson, Kings 8, 22-61. First hymn, No. 174, Methodist hymn book, 'Prayer is Appointed to Convey,' tune, Windham ; preaching at 1 1 o'clock a. m., by Rev. James Jones, from John 9-6; [this was the first sermon preached in the new church]. Preaching at 4 o'clock by Rev. James Conwell from Romans 2 7."

This church was built by the Methodists in 1839-40 and was used in the congregation until 1884, when they moved into their present building. Within a year after moving into the new church the Alethodists sold their old church to Joseph Urmston, who used it for a skating rink. In the spring of 1886 a Christian minister (locally known as a Campbellite) held a revival in the town hall at P)rookville and as a result of his efYorts gained enough converts to establish an independent congregation. The old Methodist church was bought by the Christian church from Mr. Urmston and it has remained the property of that denomination ever since.

The first services in the new ^Methodist church were held in the chapel March 2, 1884, although the formal dedication did not occur until the i ^th of the following June, The dedicatory sermon was preached by Bishop Thomas Bowman, who took for his sermon the text, "It is more blessed to give, than to receive." This text was peculiarly appropriate in view of the fact that there was still four thousand dollars to be raised to clear the church debt. Before the services were closed the money was raised and the church started out in its new building free of debt. It had cost nine thousand dollars, of which sum the women of the church raised about three thousand. The yearly report in 1884 showed that the church had a total of two hundred and thirty members. During the past thirty years various improvements have been made to the church in the way of adding to its convenience and comfort. A pipe organ was installed during the pastorate of lohn W. Duncan, his wife being the first organist. A parsonage, built while James E. Fisher was pastor of the church, is located immediately east of the church and cost about six thousand dollars.

The present pastor. Rev. F. L. Priest, assumed charge of the church in September, 191 1. The Sunday school superintendent is John C. Shirk, under whose administration the membership of the Sunday school has increased to

In 1835 the Brookville circuit was organized anrl it continued to be served as such until it was made an independent charge, in 1848. 1835-36. Boyd Phelps and IM. L. Ree^-es; 1836-37, Isaac Kelso, H. S. Dane supplied: 1837-38, J. T. Robe and H. S. Dane; 1838-39. James Jones and Lysander Wiley, 1839-40, James Jones and F. A. Conwell ; 1840-41. W. \\'. Hibben and C. B. Davidson: 1841-42. \\'. W. Hibben. James Hill and Landy Havens: 1842-43. Miltaiades :\Iillcr and O. H. P. Ash; 1843-44. Miltiades ^[iller and Samuel P. Crawford; 1844-45. R. H. Robinson and G. H. McLaughlin; 1845-56. Joseph Tarkington and H. McLaughlin: 1846-47. Joseph Tarkington and Thomas C. Crawford; 1847-48, Williamson Terrell and J. Whiteman.

In 1848 Brookville was deemed large enough to support a resident minister and has continued as an independent station since that time. 1848- 49. Williamson Terrell; 1849-51. E. H. Sabin : 1851-52. William Fraley.

The Southeast Indiana Conference met in September. 1852. at Rushville. This conference had been organized by the general conference of the church in the same year. The following ministers are those who have been stationed at Brookville since that year; 1852-54. Thomas Eddy; 1854-55. E. D. Long: 1855-56, Hiram Gilmore ; 1856-57, James E. Lathrop ; 1857-58. Samuel Langdon; 1858-59. E. G. Tucker (health failed and he resigned); 1859-60. John W. Mellender; 1860-61. W. W. Snider: 1861-63. J-'^mes Crawford:

Whitcomb M. E. Church

This circuit has five churches. West I'ork. Union fWhitcomh), New Trenton, Center (Palestine or Wynn) and Elm Grove. The minister in charge of the circuit. Rev. H. M. Elwyn, resides in Brookville and preaches in each church every other Sunday, alternating between morning, afternoon and evening services. Each church has Sunday school the year round with exception of Center and Elm Grove, which have Sunday school only during the summer season. This circuit had a total of three hundred and eighteen members, with property valued at seveft thousand dollars, according to the conference report.

West Eork church has a brick building, located on the banks of White Water, about three miles west of Brookville. It was esta1)lished in the seventies and has always been attached to the Brookville circuit. The Union church, or Whitcoml). as it is locally known, is located hi Brookville township, in the village of \\'hitcomb. In an old moth-eaten Bible, which still lies on the pulpit, is written some interesting facts which have been given the historian by George S. Golden. The old Bible says the church was built in 1861 and dedicated the same year l)y the Rev. Dr. John W. Keeley. of Brookville. who was assisted by the circuit pastor. Rev. J. W. Winchester. However, meetings had been conducted for three or four years previous to this time in an old log house which ser\ed the double purpcjse of a school building and a house of worship. .A.s soon as the congregation numbered twentv-five souls the courageous little band decided to Iniild the building just mentioned. Fifteen new members were added to the church in the fall of the same year the church was dedicated. The acre of ground on which the church was erected was donated by \\'illiam Cumins and some of the forest trees which surrounded the little church in 1S61 still lend their grateful shade to the worshippers. The first board of trustees was composed of William Tucker, E. S. Adams, John McCoy. John Greenley and John J. Kennedy. The trustees in 191 5 are Royal Updike. Oliver Miles and George S. Golden.

The church at New Trenton \\a- l)f>rn in the tavern of Thomas Manwarring and, strange as it may seem to the present generation, religious services were held in the har-room of the tavern. Tt may Ije literally tnie that IManwarring sold whiskey and at the same time was active in religious affairs. It must he rememhcrefl that in those days the selling of whiskey was not incom[)atiblc w ith nienihcrship in the church and that our good old forefathers drank whiskey with as much religious fervor as they sang songs of praise. The tavern of Manwarring served as a house of worship as late as 1835, and it is reported on good authority that Rev. Thomas .A.. Goodwin preached the last sermon in it to the clinking of the glasses over the har. In 1835 a Methodist church was erected in the village of Xew Trenton, due largely to the enterprise of Benjamin Smitli. Righly years have passed since that time, and today this church boasts oi more than a hundred members.

The Center church, usually called Palestine, is located in Springfield township, near the Brookville townshi]) line, one mile north of the village of Palestine. This church was establish.ed in the sixties and has been in continuous existence down to the present time.

The Elm (irove church is located in ]\lctamora township, on Pipe creek, in section 7, about two miles southeast of Aletamora. This church was established in the early part of the seventies, immediately after Abl>ott's chapel, two miles to the south in Cutler township was abandoned. A building was completed in 1874 and services have been regularly held from that vear down to the present time. For several years the church has been attached to the Brookville circuit. An active membership of nearly fiftv insures the church a sufficiently large congregation for effective work in the communitv.

Fairfield Circuit

There are only two churches on the Fairfield circuit, one at the town of Fairfield and the other at Colter's Corner, in Bath t<iwnship. Although the circuit has only two churches, yet it has a total membership second only in numbers to the Metamora circuit. The Fairfield church was organized in the early days and has maintained an organization down to the ])resent time. W^ith one hundred and eighty members, the church has the largest membership of any church in the county with exception of the town of Broolcville. The present pastor is Rev. Oscar Pcjlhemus.

The Bath ^lethodist church at Colter's Corner was organized about i860 under the leadership of Grover Laird. A building was erected two or three years later and Rev. Montgomery became the first pastor. The church has

Reifel's history, on p. 427, in the second full paragraph under "LAUREL Circuit," lists stained glass memorial windows in the Methodist Episcopal church at Laurel. One he lists as "Martha Elizabeth Taylor Brown." Below is a photo of the window, clearly saying "Mother Elizabeth Taylor Brown," not "Martha Elizabeth Taylor Brown,"

The window was given to the church by Thomas Brown (bom 1 848) in memory of his mother, Elizabeth Taylor Brown (1807-1896), who was bora in North Thoresby, Lincolnshire, England, and is buried in Laurel Cemetery. She was the widow of Thomas Brown ( 1 804- 1871).

Franklin Cocntv, Indiana

also been known as Winchester chapel, in honor of a minister of the church by that name. Rev. Polhemus, the present pastor, has built up the con«,'regation until there are now one hundred and forty members enrolled.

Laurel Circuit

The Laurel circuit was chan;];ed by tlie conference of 1914 to include Laurel and Columbia in Fayette county. Before that time Wesley chapel, in Posey township, had been attached to the Laurel circuit. However, the church at Columbia could not pay the pastor and Wesley chapel was again attached to the Laurel circuit. Rev. M. S. Taylor has charge of this circuit.

The Methodist Episcopal church at Laurel dates back to an early class of which James Conwell was tlie head and leader. At first the society worshiped in a little log church which stood in the cemetery. This was the church built by Benjamin Maple about 1820. In 1S31 they built a brick building one and a fourth miles above the village of Laurel, near Mr. Conwell's home. This was known as "Bocum church." They next worshiped in the old Presbyterian church until the completion of their present story-and-a-half brick edifice, which was finished in 1846. It was dedicated. November i, 1846. by Bishop Hamline. In 1907 the old church, which was evidently a well-built structure, was overhauled and ren;odeled. A modern heating plant, new circular seats, a fully equipped basement for the work of the Ladies' Aid Society, with all modern kitchen equipments, was made in a substantial manner. The expense was about two thousand seven hundred dollars. The interior w^as all made new ; stained glass memorial windows bearing the following inscriptions were provided at that time : "Elizabeth Hun^ingc-r." "Rev. J. L. Brown and wife," (the then pastor and his wife), "Sunday School." "Ei>- worth League," "John T. Wilson, Julius C. Burgoyne, Isaac \\'eir, Richard M. Day, Trustees." "Xewton Grant," "James Shea and family," "Martha Elizabeth Taylor Brown," "Father and Mother." by Sarah Clements : "Amos M. Council," "Mrs. Catherine Reiboldt" (now living and eighty-eight years of age).

The church at Laurel was a station by itself from 1882 to 1910 and then for tW'O or three years had Columbia addecl to its work. In 1913 Columbia was cut off and W^esley chapel, Posey township, was added and one pastor serves the two charges now. The present membership is two hundred and the Sunday school has a membership of about one hundred.

The pastor's record having been lost, it is impossible to give the list complete. It is known that Rev. James Havens was the pastor first stationed at Laurel after the cluircli was dedicated in 1846. He held a revival and added three hundred to hi> church; in 185 1 Rev. John McColIough had a second great revival at which many more were added. Rev. John Sullivan was among the earlier pastors. The present pastor is f<ev. M. S. Taylor, who has been pastor at Laurel on tw(j occasions. The present value of the church property is seven thousand eight lunidred dollars, including the parsonage that was built many years ago.

Wesley chapel is situated ('our miles west and one mile south of Laurel, near old Bull Town, in Posey township. It is a small frame building answering well the purposes of the Methodists at that point. The building at Wesley chapel formerly stood at .\ndersonvilIe. but was mo\ed to its [iresent location many years ago.

Meta.Mora Circuit

Metamora circuit includes the churches of Blooming r,rove, Cupp's chapel, F.benezer and Aktaniora. This circuit has a total meml)ership of three hundred and fifty-four and is now served by Kev. E. ¥. Lewis.

In the village of Blooming Grove there was formed one of the early Methodist Episcopal churches of the county. A class met at the homes of William and Charles Harvc}-. \\'illia:!n Smith, at David (ilenn's and later at a school house. Finally a Ijrick building was erected and services have been held regularly since that time. In 1869 a large, handsome church edifice was erected in the village of Blooming Grove and the old building became the township hall. Jr.st north of the village is the old burying ground where repose the dust of many pioneers. The present membership is one hundred and thirty-five.

Cupp's chapel is located in section 2 of Metamora township, near the Salt Creek township line. It was so named in honor of Joseph and Reljecca Cupp, who deeded (September 19, 1S73), to the trustees of the church the lot on which the building now stands. They also gave sufficient land for cemetery purposes. A comfortable frame Inn'lding was erected at once and from that time forward the church has been a useful factor in the life of the community which it seeks to serve. Services are now held every Sundav and a flourishing Sunday school is maintained the year round.

Ebenezer church formerly stood near the southern line of Blooming Grove township, in section 23. A log church was erected here before 1820 and became the center of Methodist activities early in the history of the county. Rev. T. A. Goodwin, the late well-known minister of this denomination, wrote manv vears ago :

"The Ebenezer church was probaljly fifty years ago Cthis was said in 1880) the strongest MethcxJist society in eastern Indiana, in point of weahh and general stanchng; at least I have no knowledge of any community which was its equal. The house was a little log house, using cliarcoal in a hearth in the middle of the church for heating purposes; hut there were few places in Indiana then and there are not many now that can present such a set of men as Thomas Smith, Thomas Slaughter, Richard and Isaac Clements. Caj)!. Thomas Webb, David Genn, Daniel Skinner, Blacklidgc Lynn and several others whose names I cannot recall. .\s a class they were educated alx)ve the average of their day and they were stalwart Christians as well as model farmers and citizens. The fathers all .sleep, as well as most of their children, here and there an old man, like Da\id Slaughter and William Lynn, remaining as representatives of the second generation."

Today (1915) there is a cemetery where stood the little old log church. The building was removed and a large church was erected, though not on the same ground. The old burial place contains the remains of nianv who figured in the early church of that locality. The fir.st Sabbath school in the township was organized at this ])lace. with Thomas Smith as superintendent: this was early in 1822. In 1S19 Charles Hardy had taught his famous singing school here.

The Methodist Episcopal church at the town of Metamora traces its history back to the early days of Franklin county, when Allen Wilev and John Strange were riding the Methodist circuits of the White Water valley. The first meeting place was at the house of W^illiani Gordon and later at a log meeting house which was built on the farm of Mr. Gordon. At one date the society met at the wagon shop of Mr. Kennedy in the village, and there a memorable revival sprung up in 1840 under the preaching of Rev. James Conwell and Joseph Barwick. In 1843 o^ i'^44 ^ frame church, called "Watcoot," was erected in the cemetery, near the village of Metamora. In 18^3 a better church building was erected in the village. It now has one hundred and forty-four members, the third largest Methodist congregation in the county.

Mt. Carmel Circuit

There are four churches on this circuit, namely: Mt. Carmel. \\'esley. Springfield and Asbury. all being located in Springfield and White Water townships. This circuit has a total ineml)er.ship of one hundred and seventyeight and is now in charge of Rev. L. D. Park, who makes his home at Mt. Carmel.

The Mt. Carmel church had a society descending from a pioneer clas.s, of wliich John Clcndening was the First leader. Tlie old Stewart homestead, north of Mt. Carmel, was the headquarters for the class for many years, but in 1850 a house of worship was erected in Mt. Carmel. The records of the church give as members in those early days the following: John Clendening. Sr., and wife, Xancy ; Isaac W'amsley and wife. Rachel: Ely James and wife, Susan; Reuben Pheli)s : Thomas Keen, a local preacher; Thomas Gregg and wife, Nixon Olive and others. When the society was moved to the church above mentioned, the principal members were .X'i.xon Stewart. Jacob Larens, Caleb Seal, the Clarksons and a few whcjse names have been forgotten with the flight of years. There are now fifty-si.x memljers.

Wesley chapel, in section 10 of White Water township, was l>ui]t in the forties and remodeled and rededicated September 26, 1875. by Rev. Dr. Moore, of Cincinnati. Ohio, and Alonzo Murphy, the regular pastor. Lpon the occasion last mentioned there was raised by v(jluntary subscription the amount of si.x hundred and ninety-seven dollars. It was donated by the following: Lemuel Sparks, one hundred dollars: Hannah Heron, one hundred dollars: Jacob Conrey, John Sparks, Elizabeth H\de, each fifty dollars; William Whitehead, Cassa Mitchell. Rev. A. Murpliy, George S. Golden. Mrs. M. L. Davis, each twenty-five dollars ; Ezra Portteus. Samuel Walling, William Lowes, John Dixon, George Willson. Thomas Willev. R. E. Bums. L. Gregg, C. Merrill, ^Liry Truitt, J. W. Bess. G. S. Ladson. Mary A. Cofield. W. H. Black, each ten dollars; \\'illiam Laird, Mary Conrey, A. Raridon. W. Storms, F. Fossett, .\. Cooj>er, Isaac Lame, Thomas Xesbet. Daniel Baughman. Sarah Wilson. W. W. Lowes. Mrs. M. J. Baughman. David Portteus, each fi\e dollars. Donations of one dollar each were received from J. M. Johnson, Mahlon Stokes, H. Greatbatch, John Follick. W. J. ^^'aItz, G, S. Larue, John Lowes, James Fossett. Jane Stevens. Clara Johnson, Elizabeth Portteus. M. J. McClellan. Cary Conrey. A. Colinder, Jeanette Whitehead and Mrs. M. A. Holden.

The Springfield church is not located at the old village by that name, but about a mile and a half east, half way between the site of the former village of Springfield and the town of Raymond. The congregation has a substantial brick building and, with fifty members, is strong enough to be a

Asbnry Methodist Episcoijal church, located two miles northeast of Mt. Carniel, was orc^anized in 1840 by Rev. James Jones, who raised eight hundred dollars with which to erect a house of worship. An old log schcK»l house had been built on the same ground in i8'20 and had been used for Ixjth school and church purposes. ,\sbury was named for the good bishop of the church and was first represented by such men as Arthur Cunningham, Jacob Gates, William M. Baird, their wives and families. Among the numerous early-day revivals, two are spoken of as being wonderful in their power and influence - those of 1844 and 1860. Early ministers on this circuit were Revs. James Jones, John and George Winchester, Joseph Parkington and G. \V. Wilson. There are now eighteen memljers.

Locke chapel, in the northeastern part of Brookville township, was organized and a chapel erected in i860. The society flouri.^hed ahjut forty years and in 1900 the building was converted into a dwelling. It was situated _on the Fairfield circuit. Among the prominent members were George O'Byrne, Maria O'Byrne, John Smith. Hannah Smith, Mrs. William Carman. Mr. William Carman, John Carman and wife, Abner Sering and wife. George Templeton and wife.

~ One of the earliest Methodist churches in Franklin county was located in "the northern part of Butler township, in section 24. The members of the church in that vicinity erected a large building of hewed poplar logs in the latter part of the thirties and named it Abbott's chapel, after the preacher who was instrumental in organizing the first congregation. The building 'was later weather boarded. The land on which the church was erected was donated by Samuel Alley, one of the principal members. While the building was being raised ^Ir. Alley boarded all of the laborers and contributed generously of his time and means to the church from the beginning. The church was about sixty by thirty feet and at that time was probably the largest church building in the county. Services were held regularly until about 1874 and then, on account of the removal of many of the members, it was decided to discontinue the organization. The building remained standing unused for many years and was finally torn down and today the massive logs out of which it was built are in a barn on the farm of Lafayette Jones in Butler township. Part of the lumber was used in building a rostrum in the Elm Grove school house. Owing to the shifting of i>opulation the greater portion of the memhers of this congregation attached themselves hiter to the Elm Grove church in Metamora township. Among the ministers of Abbott's chapel may be nienti(;ned the following; Revs. Abbott. William Younts. Isaac Turner, Othniel iind Will Bruner. Richardson, X. F. Tower. William M'orrow. John W. Dole, George Havens. Orlando Havens. Williani-on Terrell and Pennell. .\moug the early members of the church may be mentioned John Cragan and family. James Ray and wife, Rolx-rt Holland and wife. Isaac Coolev and family. Thomas Biggs and wife. Richard Jackson and wife. Ambrose Mannering and family, Henry Cooley and family. Samuel Alley and wife, Thomas Alley and wife. David .\lley and wife. Joseph Alley and wife.

The Oak Forest church was Kjcated in section 20, on the road between the old town of Franklin and Oak Forest. Here the Methodists uorshipiicd for many years in a small frame Ijuilding, but. due to deaths and removals, the congregation was disbanded a few years ago.

Hickory chapel was located on Walnut fork, in section 24 of Butler township. The building was erected in 1878 by John McCurdy. John Kile and Jacob Colver and se\eral others who helped to cut the logs frotn which it was constructed. The logs were of hickory - hence its name. Hickory chapel. It was used for church jnirposes until about 1888, then converted into a re.-idence, and manv vears later burned. Church services, Sunday schfK)l and public schocjl were all held in this pioneer building. In 1885 there was a three months' term of public school taught there by George Alley. Among the pastors who preached there are recalled Revs. Samuel Foster. Towers, Spicer. John Green and Storkes.

About 1842 there was a small log church built in Butler township, section 14. township 10 north, range 12 east. Later it was converted into a dwelling. This was styled Providence chapel. A few deserted graves now mark the spot where it stood.

Butler chapel was first organized as an independent congregation in section 28 of Butler township, about the center of the section. Later, another building was erected by this congregation in the northern part of this same section, near the village of Oak Forest. It has long since been discontinued. ' McKendrie church was located in the extreme northeastern comer of Metamora township. It was the center of Methodist activity for many years, but, like manv other rural churches of the county, has been abandoned on account of the deaths of its members, removals and the shifting of population. The first hewed log church built is still standing and sen-ices are held in it once each year.

worship erected in Cedar Grove was built by the members of all churches then living in the village and was free for the use of all orthodox churches.

The Methodists erected the first house of worship in Salt Creek township in the nearly seventies. It was a rude log structure and stood in the little village of Stips' Hill. It was used for several year> and then torn down to make way for a frame building which is still standing. This church is now numbered among those which have closed their doors.

Zion church was a flourishing congregatirm in section 16 of White Water township for many years. A church was built and dedicated January 8, 1 87 1, at a time when there were only six male meml)ers in the congregation. Immediately after the dedication of the church Rev. S. H. Whitmore conducted a revival which resulted in llie addition of twenty-two members. It should be mentioned that services had been held for three years previous to the building of the church in a school house in that vicinity.

In Highland township what was called Franklin meeting house was built of logs. It was situated west of where the village of South Gate stands. It was built by the early pioneers of that neighlx)rhood.

Methodist Protestant Churches

What is known as the "Stone church," five miles northeast of the town of Laurel, in section 6 of Glcjoming Grove township, is a very small structure erected by the Methodist Protestant denomination about 1877, in the Sherwood neighborhood. Amos Xeptune was a leading factor in organizing this church society, and it is believed that Rev. Joseph Williams was the first pastor in charge. At first the old-fashioned log church served their purpose, but it was finally burned and in about 1877 the present stone building was erected. The society went down many years ago and the Holiness wing of the Methodist church got control of the building, and used it until recently, since which time the same class of religionists, but now styled the Xazarenes. occupy it and have within the last few months hired a pastor, who lives on a farm near by the church. The society is not a strong one in point of membership.

The Methodist Protestants built a church in section 24 of Laurel township in 1866-67, which thev called Bethel. Services were held here more or less regularly until 1886, when the building was burned to the ground. Milton Curry later bought the farm on which the church stood and built a dwelling house on the foundation of the old church. (28)

At the town of Laurel the Methodist Prr>testants maintained a church from 1888 until within the past few years, since which no services have heen held. They formerly worshipped in what is now the Christian church building, but litigaticjn arose and a mort^a-^t held by the (Jhristian church finally took the little frame church jjroperty. Then the Methodist Protestant people hauled in a large frame church Iniilding from one of the southern townships of this county, and in that they continued to worship from 1893 until the society disbanded. The church was a very old weather-beaten building, erected about 1850; it is a very large structure, but is fast going to decav. An ornamental semi-circle u\) in its front gable has carved in the wood, "M. P. Church, 1893."

At Brook\ille. some time in the forties, there was organized a ^^ethodist Protestant church. In about 1850 they built a small brick church on James street, east from the public sfpiare. In this the county courts were held after the burning of the court house. 1-V)r such use it was put fluring 1852-53. till better quarters could be secured by the county.

At one time there was a church of the German Methodist denomination located at Brookville. As early as 1845 the people of this faith were worshipping in a private house where a class was held. In 1847. desiring a house of their own in which to hold meetings, they commenced the agitation for a building. In May, 1848. lot number 27. in Allen's ])latting of the town, was donated by Isaac Price and wife to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church "heretofore apjK)inted l)y the Society of Germans connected with said church" and a church was erected on Fourth street the following year. It was, however, not fully completed for several years. In the winter of 1S49 Dr. O. F. Fitch taught public school in this building, and in 1850 e.x-Governor Cumback occupied it as a school room. During the erection of the court house, court was held in it. The first presiding elder was Rev. John Kiesling and the first pastor was Rev. Conrad Muth. The congregation was composed of the following, with possibly a few more members : The Heidrons. Hamans, Houcks, Latins. Roofs, Batzners, Messes. Snu'ths. Rittengers, Sniders. Conrads, Trichlers. Metzgers, W'altzs, Rowes. Poppes. and Mrs. Rosa Linck. Deaths and removals weakened the society until finally. alx)ut 1865, it disbanded. In i8g6 the church building was sold, before it should be desecrated by being used for other than religious uses. So it was that Mrs. Amelia Ilaman purchased it and kindly permitted other denominations

Baptist Churches

Beyond any doubt the rtr.st church organized witliin the present limits of Franklin county was the Little Cedar Grove Baptist church, which was formed just prior to i<So6, nearly all authorities agree, and none place it later than 1806. The church building was erected in 181 2, as is indicated by the inscription on the brick building, which is still standing, and is the proj)erty of the Franklin County Historical Society. The following is the remarkable history of this, the pioneer church of the county, and among the very first within the state.

Little Cedar Baptist Church

Overlooking White Water river, there stands, three miles south of Brrxjkville. a quaint, old-fashioned l)rick church and high in the western gable of this .old structure may still be plainly seen the date - 1812. This is not only the first Baptist church erected in Indiana, but one of the first in the Mississippi valley.

It is known that as early as 1805 there was a society of Baptists in southeastern Indiana in the vicinity of where Brookville now stands. This is supjjosed by many to be the first Protestant society established in Indiana. In those very early years there were no church buildings, and the religious services were held in the rude cabins of the settlers. Tradition has it. however, that there was a log meeting house erected about 1806 on ihe Hackleman farm, three miles south of Brookville. This meeting place was known as Little Cedar, taking its name from a creek that flows nearby. Men of rare merit served at Little Cedar from time to time. The Rev. Tyner and William DeWeese were two men of rare worth, whose names were long as ointment poured upon the troubled souls of their community.

Rev. DeWeese was a quaint, old-fashioned man, of kindly demeanor, and was not opposed to having a bit of fun at times. A characteristic story is told of him in regard to a young coujjle whom he actually married before they knew it. He performed a large number of marriage ceremonies, but this particular one has been handed down to the succeeding generations as being «MJe out of the ordinary.

It is said that one time he was driving his ox team to mill, when he was met by a young man (in horseback, with a young woman on the same horse behind him. The youns; man hailcfl the ox-driver and said : "Mr. DeWeese, we are going to your house to be married. Can you go hack?" "Have you got a hcense?" said the preacher. The hcense was produced. He examined it a moment, then, looking at tht-m as they sat on the horse. - her arm encircling his waist, - said: "So you want to be married, do you? Both of you?" Roth nodded assent. "Then I pronf>unce you man and wife. Go home now; you are married.'' .Anrl struck his ox team a crack with his whip and drove on to mill. And "man and wife" were at first dumbfounded at the suddenness of tlie ceremony, but soon recovered from their surprise and went on their way rejoicing - married sure enough.

The church was built of brick which were molderl anrl burnt at the side of the church. It is plain and rectangular, planned like a dry go<jds box, more for use than for beauty. It contains a gallery, supported by strong cohimns of ash, which on their octagonal surfaces still bear the ax-marks of the pioneer builders. The jndpit is large, high, s(|uare and plain, and is placed against the center of the north wall. The wooflwork is all unpaintefl and unvarni.shed. time having given it a l>eautiful brown color. Originally there were two stairways to the gallery, and the building wa- heated by burning charcoal on a hearth in the center of the Hoor. in front of the pulpit. The seats are high-backed and old-fashioned, decorated by many letters and names, rudely carved by the pocket knives of Ijoys. who have grown up to manhood, chosen their different wa_\s and finally laid down life's burdens and gone away to God. The building has three doorways, opening to the east, south and west, with aisles running from each to the center of the room. Outside, high up in the western gal)le, is the date of the building. i8r2. West of the church, on a high point, running out between Little Cedar creek and the lowest river terrace, is the old graveyard. It is filled with sunken, nameless graves, only a few low, rude headstones and one tall gray tablet remaining. This stone bears the following rnscriptfon. beautiful in simplicity:

That the bnilditig of this old church was in contemplation in iSC. is evident from the old record book. But there is a little lej,'end in rej,'ard to its origin, which was related to me several years ago and is as follows: In those long-g'me days, those of the Baptist faith would meet at the houses of the different memljers and join in praise and prayer. But they became somewhat careless of their duties, and one day, after long forbearance, they were sternly reminded of negligence somewhere, for along came the great earthquake of i8'ii. the most severe ever experienced in the history of our little valley. The earth trembled and vibrated, while the water in the river plashed from shore to shore as if its bed was a trough that was being rocked, and the tree tops waved like heads of barley in a June wind. The people, with a sudden and awful sense of scare, ran to and fro. called prayer meetings, exhorted each other to good deeds and repented of their sins as if the judgment day was at hand. They met together in solemn conclave, and made covenant with the .'-Mmighty (just as if man could not trust God and He must be bribed to be good to the race) that if He would send no more of those terrible earthquakes, they would build him a church. But I wish to doubt the foregoing story and to prove that it was more in love than in fear that they reared the buildings, so I will turn to the records themselves. The book is made of heavy unruled paper, once white, now yellow with age. The covering is of leather, soft as velvet to the touch, with the edges turned neatly under, and it has been carefully lined with plain white paper glued smoothly and tightly to the leather, and the whole sewed together with strong cord. Lift it carefully, for its age is more than three-score years and ten. Open it, and the first words which greet the eye. in large, graceful, bold letters are these: '^ames Tyner was born August the 17th, 1770." Then follow faded letters in another hand (tired hand, it. too. is faded now and rested), recording that this is "The Little Cedar Grove church book." The first leaves of the books are missing, and the date of the first complete minutes is October 5, 1806.

The records cover a period of twent>^-four years, and on October 5. 1806, the members of the church agreed to erect a meeting house, and at the next meeting, one month later. John AlilhoUand and Conrad Saylor were appointed to secure the title of two acres of land purchased of William Wilson, and it is agreed that we meet at John Milholland's until we get our meeting house built. Also at this meeting a "petition was presented and received from a body of members in the Big Bottom, to constitute them a church."

The two acres of land purchased of William Wilson are the lots on which the church and old cemeterv, with its one sentinel gravestone, are now located, Init there were a number of changes made before the position was finally settled. And "the IxkIv (jf members in the Big Fiottoin" ( now Elizabethtown, Ohio, and vicinity) seem to liave been the "arm" of the society, which withdrew from it and became a separate church; for. during the rise and progress of this Little Cedar Grove church, it had many "arms" reaching out in all directicjns. There was one on the West fork of the W'liite Water, one at a place known as Mt. Happy, one on Indian creek, another on Joseph Hanna's creek, and still another on Dry fork, which became separate churches between 1806 and 18 10. After these many other arms grew out. as neighljorhoods become more thickly i)opulatecl. One on Dig Cedar creek, "in the neighborhood of Brother Joab St(jut :" f)ne on the West fork, "in the New Purchase;" one called Xew Ho])e and many others.

After November i, 1806. nothing of interest occurs in the minutes until February 7. 1807. on whicli day is recorded a subscription for the minister, and to Brother Tyner is given three days' work by each of the following named members: John Milholland. Conrad Saylor and William G. Eads. while Henry Eads. Aljraham llackleman and John Saylor each ga\e two days work. On May 2, 1807. Eli Stringer was admitted intc) the church by letter, and then followed a long series of minutes, consisting of little more than dates of meetings and admissions of members, among whom were John Tyner "and Fannie, his wife," and James Tyner. Catherine Blades. Mary Jack, Jonathan and Mary Gillim. Abraham and Eunice Lee, Jacob and Sarah Youngblood and Jahez Winshi]>.

The year 1810 seems to have been a year of prosperity ior the church, since in that year, twenty-four new members were added, on X'ovember 3. It is at this time that the congregation reconsidered the building of the meeting-house. Nothing definite was decided upon until March 2, 181 1, a portion of the record. On that date it was agreed that "we move our meeting-house (it was not then Iniilt ) on a piece of ground purchased of William Tyner, said ground or land lying in northwest corner of cpiarter section said Tyner now lives on. Appointed a committee to meet on Friday of this month on said piece of land, to procure a title and lay out said piece of land for the use of the Little Cedar Grove church, and to devise a plan to build the meetinghouse. The committee are Conrad Saylor. W'illiam G. Eads. Abraham Hackleman. John Hall and James Tyner." This committee had the privilege of selecting two different sites and finally chose a site on the bank of the river "at the ford which crosses to go over to John Halls." The said committee decided to build a meeting-house with hewed logs and the size to be twentvtwo by forty feet with a room for a gallery. This site, however, was not satisfactory to the church and at the next meeting it was moved to reconsider the matter. A second site was ch(jsen at the foot of the hill near the first place chosen, hut again the congregation refused to give its assent to the report of the committee. Like the charm that never works until the third time, it was the third site chosen which proved to l)e the one on which the church was to be built. This was finally decided on June 29, 181 1, and on that date Conrad Saylnr was authorized to employ hands to aid him in making and baking the brick. The material for these bricks was kneaded by driving o.xen around in it. On .\ugust 3, 181 1, Conrad Saylor, William Kad' and .\braham Hacklenian were appointed to confirm a contract between the church and Enoch McCarty for the land purchased of Enoch McCarty, on which the church was to be built. Evidently the building had not commencefl before November 2, 181 r, since on that date a number of men were api>r>inted "to superintend the whole business" as regards the building of the meeting-house.

Just wdien this building was started and when completed does not appear, although it was in a sufficient stage of completion on .Vugust i. 18 12, that the congregation met in* it for the first time. The members paid their subscri[>- tions in money, corn, pork and produce of all kinds and it does not take much stretching of the imagination to sec the two workman, Thomas Carter, the carpenter, and Thomas Winscott. the mason, going home Saturday night with their weekly wages in the shape of cabbage and coonskins. So much energy was expended by the meml>ers in building the church that- they seemed to have taken sort of a religious rest for a couple years afterwards. At least it was not until June 4, 1814, that any new members were taken in. In the fall of that year Luther Hinman was received into the church before it was found out that he was a Mason. Upon the discovery that he belonged to a secret society he was promptly expelled and his faithful wife at once withdrew with him. However, Hinman was such a good citizen and excellent man that his expulsion cau.sed not a little trouble in the church. Quietly, but persistently, he applied year after year to be reinstated in the church and finally, probably because they admired his evident desire to be again in the fold of the church, his name was again entered on the church roll. Others who belonged to the Masons were expelled, l)ut they. too. were reinstated.

By 1830 the congregation had become very strong and flourishing, no less than one hundred and sixty members having been taken in since the church was organized. This church has been practically discontinued since the Civil War. although occasional services were held during the seventies. In 1908 the Brookville Historical Society acquired possession of the building and intends to utilize it eventuallv as a memorial buildin"- and museum.

The last available statistics on the Baptist churches of Franklin county gives the meinhcrship of the four churches in existence in 1831. The Brookville American in its issue of .\ugust 14, 1913, gives the membership statistics for 1831 as follows: Big Cedar. 171 ; Little Cedar, 1/9; l-'airfield, :^- \ Indian Creek, 135.

As early as 1806 Baptist preachers called at Fairfield settlement and preached, but no society was organized until that of the Fairfield Regular Baptist church, June 2j, 1818, with twenty-five members. Being a branch of New Hope church, the society worshipped in the meeting-house on the oUl school section. Elders Dcweese, Tyner. Oldham, Wilson Thompson, Hornady and Thomas were among the early preachers. In 1825 the society purchased a lot and erected their church, which was constantly in use by the Bafn tist people and others until near the eighties, when an«jther building was [)rovided. Death, removals and general changes in religious sentiment in the community caused the church to go dcnvn and the remaining Baptists of the community worship with other denominations.

Bethlehem Baptist church was in Bath township in section 22 near Caleb Barnum's old place. It was organized as a branch of old Indian Creek Baptist church, but has not been in existence for many years.

At Metamora there was also a sprinkling of Baptists and there Revs. William Wilson and Elder John Baker frequently preached this doctrine, and of the latter, it is related that he was "lengthy in his remarks.''

Another pioneer church of the Baptist faith was the one situated in White Water township, about one mile south of present Drewersburg. Its name was the Johnson's Fork Baptist church, a remnant of which societv still remained in the early eighties. In 1882 the old-fashioned log church building was standing as a monument of those far-away years. The manv graves nearby had inscriptions on the head-stones such as Saters. Golds. Stalcups, Bentons. Russells, Stanburys. all of that faith.

In section 5 of Metamora township on the bank of \\'hite Water, was a Baptist church which was swept away by the flood of 1847. ^t was a brick building and had been in use for several years. The history of this church seems to have disappeared as completely as did the church and to be equally as hard to locate.

Big Cedar Grove Baptist Church

The early history of this church was written several years ago bv John P. Brady, who was the recording secretary of the church for fortv vears. The following account of the early church is taken from his own record :

"Immediately after the constitution, in September, 181 7, the church organized for business l)y the appointment of Elder DeWeese as moderator. The first items of business were to appoint Jonathan Stout as writing clerk and Job Stout as deacon. Arran.i^ements were also made to call upon Elder Lewis DeWeese and William Tyner for ministerial supply. The business meetings of tlie church were arranged for the second .Saturflay in each month at eleven o'clock A. M., which has been carried out with slight exceptions since. One month after the organization the church met and appointed Jabez W'inship, moderator. At the same time Charity Merrill, Rebecca Glisson, Peggy Blue and Sarah Jones were received by letter. On this same day Da\id Shirk was appointed deacon and Samuel Shirk, singing clerk.

"Joab Stout was received into the church on October 12. 1821, and liberated to e.xercise a gift \\itliin bounds of the church, Se[jtember 13, 1823. David Shirk was ordained to the ministry at the same time, while Joab Stout was ordained December 13, 1828. The church enjoyed the services of Elder Stout from the time of his ordination up to February 8, 1851. when he resigned his pastorate, took a letter of dismissal and removed to Decatur county, Indiana. D. H. Drummond served part of the time with Stout as pastor. Elder George Harlan followed David Shirk as pastor of the church and continued in charge until 1854. Elder Jeremiah Whitnev was received in the church on December 13, 1851. and died on December 18. 1854, while absent on ministerial duties.

"The first church services were held in a log school house which stood near the site of the present brick house. The latter was built about 1838 and is still in use. The pioneer church is located about a mile east of Whitcomb and stands on section 18 of Springfield townshi]). The brick for the building was made on the Shirk farm adjoining the church."

The church prospered from year to year until dissensions began to creep into the congregation. There were many things which entered into the separation of the church, and. like all religious controversies, there are two sides to the story. Erom the conflicting rejwrts which have been handed through the years, it appears that the facts in the case are substantially as follows : son by name, preached several sermons for the Big Cedar congregation, and he appears to have been the first one to sow the seeds of chscord in the church. Gradually there arose two divisions in the church, one a liberal element and the other more or less radical. Questions of church discipline and management, of music in the church, of Sabbath schools and of an educated ministry were the most important factors in bringing about the ultimate separation.

Those who believed that it was not necessary for a minister to have any education were caljed Hardshells, or Anti-means, while the other faction were known as the Missionary Baptists, or Means. About ]^Gj the two factions became so estranged that it seemed complete separation must ensue. Revs. Thurston and Kingham became the leaders of t!ie Hardshells and S. P. Roberts, Ira Stout and John B. L'pdike, of the Missionaries. Joab Stout became pastor of the Missionary branch in 1869. Now the question arose as to the control of the church property. Both sides claimed the right to manage the church property and it was not settled until after the question was taken into court in 1871. The leaders of the Hardshell.s - John P. Bradv, Samuel Goudie and John W. Smalley - represented one group, and Ira Stout. Samuel P. Roberts and John B. Updike were representatives of the Missionary branch. A compromise was finally effected whereby each division of the church was to have the use of the building half the time. The Missionary branch were to have the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays and tlie Hardshells the first and third Saturdays and Sundays. This agreement was to remain in force until April, 1872, at which time it was to be renewed. The factions hatl their own woodsheds, although both used the same stoves to heat the church. The Missionary group used an organ, hauling it to the church on their day for services and hauling it away each Sunday. This was done for two or three years and then the Hardshells allowed it to remain in the church. 1"hey had Sunday, school and were advocates of an educated ministry. Joab Stout ser\-ed the Missionaries for two years (1869-71) as pastor, and was succeeded by H. B. RujMi (1871-77).

The pastors of the Missionary branch of Big Cedar church have been as follows: Rev. John E. McCoy, March. 1877 to December, 1888; from January. 1888. to January. 1890. the pulpit was supplied by Rev. F. M. Chamberlain and other ministers: Rev. G. W. Bowers' pastorate began in January, 1890, and ended in December. 1890: Rev. John E. ]\IcCov was again called as pastor in January. i89r. his pastorate being ended bv death. July 24, 1891 ; Rev. H. B. Rupe's second pastorate began in September. 1891. and ended November. 1892:^ from December, 1802, until January. 1894, I. C.

Tedford. a student of Franklin College, acted as pastor of the church; from June, 1894, until September, 1894, R. R. G. Hodge preached for the church; at the September meeting he was formally called as pastor and continued his work until December, 1896: in May, 1897, Rev. Chesley Holmes began preaching for the church, and in December of this year he was called to serve as pastor of the church for the year ending in December, 1898. and continued as pastor until December. 1899: on October 7, 1900, Rev. John Howard was called as pastor for the remainder of this year. At the request of the church he continued his work until December, 1901, when the last regular meeting was held by the church.

John Kingham and .\. L. Thurston continued to ser\e tlie fTardshells as long as they lived, .\fter the death of Elder Kingham, Elder Thurston continued in charge alone until his death, in 1898. Elder A. ^[. Hackleman served the church from 1900 to 1904. He was followed by Elder E. \V. Harlan, who, in turn, was succeeded in 1907 by the present pastor. Elder E.- W. Harlan.

The old members on both sides have long since pas.=ed to their reward and the once flourishing congregation is now only a memory. The children of those sturdy pioneers have moved away and the memhership of both factions is but a fraction of what it was formerly. The Missionaries have very few left and no longer employ a pastor. The Hardshells have service once a month. The old graveyard adjoining the church is kept in good condition and here sleej) the remains of scores of worthy men and women who were once members of the Big Cedar Grove Baptist church.

Presbyterian Churches

The Presbyterian church at Brookville properly dates from 1839, although as early as 1809 the few Presbyterians were served occasionally by Rev. Samuel Baldridge, who had charge of churches at Harrison, Lawrenceburg and Dunlapsville. For a period of twenty-five years. 18 15 to 1840, the scattered members of this church had no place of worship in Brookville. During the time. Revs. Baldridge, Robinson, Dickey, Piatt and Barton, and possibly a few more, preached occasionally in the town.

In 1 8 18 Judge William B. Laughlin visited the presbytery at Cincinnati and asked that some one be appointed to visit Brookville and organize a church. Rev. Joshua L. Wilson was appointed and in May of 1818 organized a Presbyterian church in the court house. In 1820 and 1821 an effort was made to erect a church near the pre.sent site of the Catholic church., but after a lot had been secured and i)art of the material on the ground, the enterprise failed and the society soon disl)anded. Xi>thing further was done until August 8. 1839, when Revs. John \V. Scott, \V. W. Robinson and William Graham began a series of protracted meetings that resulted in the formation of a church made up of seventeen members, four of whom were received on certificate and thirteen on examination. The names of these charter members were: John and ?\Iary Cam])bell. AI. \V. Haile, Hannah Adams, Mary Hewitt, Jane AlcGinnis. Mary Welch, Emeline Reniy, Rliza Jane Remy, Nancy May Smith, Racliel \\V)ods, Xaomi Campbell, William McCleery, George and Jeanctte May Smith and Elizabeth Shawcross. The first communion was administered on August 11, 1839.

At a meeting of the meniliers and friends of the Presbyterian church at Brookville on December 2, 1839. it was resolved "That it is expedient to make an effort to have stated Presbyterian preaching."" It was agreed at this time to invite William J. Pattison, a licentiate of the Madison presbytery, to supply the local church. Mr. Patterson accepted the invitation and served as a supply, preaching his first sermon in Brookville on the last Sabbath in January, 1840.

On September 5, 1840, there was held a congregational meeting and by a unanimous vote Re\'. William J. Patterson was duly called to the pastorate of the Brookville Presbyterian church. Fie accepted the call and was ordained at a special meeting of the presbytery held in Brookville. November 18. 1840, and installed later on the same day. This meeting on the date just mentioned was the first Presljyterian meeting held in Brookville, if not the first ever held in White \\'ater valley.

It will be noticed that there have been about twenty years when the church did not have a regularly ordained minister. During much of this time services were conducted by licentiates. The complete list of ministers and pastors here given has been compiled from the original church records by Dr. J. E. Morton.

In 1840, when the Methodist Episcopal church erected their new building (now the Christian church building), the Presbyterians purchased the old Methodist building and occupied it until the erection of the present Presbyterian building. 1852-1855. The basement was fitted up some years prior to the main edifice and used for school purposes. Rev. Abbott organized the Brookville high school and conducted it in the church from 1857 to 1863. The present pastor. Rev. F. B. Stearns, preaches twice a month, dividing his time between Caml)ridge City and Brookville. The present membership is about forty. The church is fortunate in owning a portion of the block on which the church stands, which part runs to Main street, and on which are two good business houses owned by the church.

Mound Presbyterian Church

This church should be styled a mission church of the congregation at Brookville. During its whole career its property was vested in the name of the church at Brookville, while its services were always conducted by the ministers of the mother congregation. A building was erected on the Brookville-Cedar Grove pike, about four miles south of Brookville, in 1883. However, services had been held by the Presbyterians in the Little Cedar church for some years previous to this. It seems that there was some disagreement between the Presbyterians and the Baptists concerning the use of the church by the former and this resulted in the building of the ^lound church about a mile below Little Cedar.

The deed for the transfer of the fifteen-hundrechhs of an acre in section ID, township 8, range 2 west, from Jacob and Ellen Harvey to the church was recorded March 8, 1883, the consideration being only tive dollars. The church was built in the spring of that year and dedicated on June i, with appropriate services by Rev. David R. Moore, the pastor of the Brookville Presbyterian church. This was never an independent congregation, since all those who attended there were regularly enrolled as members of the Brookville church. The synod had no control over it and did not recognize it in any way as an independent church. It was served during its whole career by the pastors from Brookville up until the pastorate of Cieorgc W. A])plegate ( 190J-1904J, who was the last minister to hold services there.

During this score of years services were held there on Sunday afternoon at irregular intervals, but by 1904 there were so few members residing in the vicinity that Rev. Wright, at that time the pastor of Brookville, discontinued services there altogether. The church stood idle until 19 10 and on July 9, of that year. Charles Samoniel bought it from the trustees of the Brookville Presbyterian church for the sum of^three hundred dollars. It is now used as a fishing camp.

Harmony Presljyterian church, l<x'ated in Bath township, was organized May 26, 1837. by Rev. Archibald Craig, with charter members as follow Henry .Schultz, Elizabeth Schultz, Emily .Miller, George Black, William Ferguson, Mary I'^erguson, William Webb, Catherine Webl), Mary Spiers John Schultz, Xanry Telford, Ezra L. Bourne. Cyntha Bourne. William Cregg Mary Gregg, Eleanor Abbott, David Black, David Robertson. Patience

The church first worshipped in a frame building, standing a few rods south of the present cement church building. Before the building oi a regular church home, many services were held and a large number of sermons were preached in private houses and barns. Harmony and Mt. Carmel churches were branches of Bath church, located on the count\'^line I)etween Franklin and Union counties. The four acti\e Presbyterian churches in Franklin county today are the ones at Brookxille. Mt. Carmel, Harmony and Drewersburg.

The following have faithfully served as ];)astors of the Harmony church : Archibald Craig, Ellis Howell, John W. Scott. David Swing, C. H. Raymond, William Rodgers, J. M. Wampler, W. W. Colmary. J. P. Englestrom. Frank Grandstaff, \^'illiam H. Sands, J. \\\ Royer, F. G. Stevenson, F. F. Dobson. N. C. Shirey, M. Baer, B. W. Jones and William J. Frazier, the present pastor.

The Mt. Carmel Presbyterian church, at -Mt. Carniel, in Springfield township, was organized at the home oi Ximrod Brackney, in 1824, by Rev. John Thompson, assisted by his two sons. Revs. W'iHiam and James. Rev. William Thompson was the ruithr^r of "The Land and the Book." The charter members were: J<jseph Goudie. who died September 19. 1879. aged eightyfour; Catherine Webb, who died Se])teml)er 16. 1879, aged ninety-one: Mrs. Sarah James, who died in 1881 : Mrs. Susan ( Milspaugh) Hinds, who died in 1892. Tlie following served as elders: James (ir.udie, John Cummins. Peter B. Milspaugh, Charles Hasson. .Andrew Fveed. Samuel Sering.

The present membership of the church is eighty-six. The first church building was a brick erected in Mt. Carmel, in 1828. The second was erected in 1870, and a third a few feet south of the old brick which is still standing.

There is a Presbyterian church one mile north of Drewersburg in White Water township, which building was formerly owned by the Baptist .Kssociation, who purchased the property in 1854. In September. 1876. Mrs. Elizaeth Sater ])ought the property - land and building - and gave it to the Mt. Carmel Presbvterian church. In 188 1 the old building was torn down and replaced by a beautiful little frame building, which was dedicated January 8. 1882. It cost one thousand three hundred sixteen dollars and forty-three cents and all but one hundred and sixty dollars raised by dedication day and paid. This is still standing and used as a place of worship. The same ministers preach at Mt. Carmel and Drewersburg. -^

What was known as Bath Presbyterian church in Fairfield township, was organized in 1822. The members were scattered over a large neighborhood. common alike to Union and FrankliTi counties. The original building was in Union county, about two and one-half miles northeast of Fairfield. It was finished in 1825. At one time this was the strongest church in the Presbytery. Two hundred and thirty-four members were received into its fellowship, and two hundred and thirty-one were baptized. Among its early min- isters were Revs. Isaac X. 0,^flen, Thomas A. Hughes, ArchihaUl Craig, David B. Kted. James B. Gilchrist. L. D. Potter, D. D. McKee and John Gilchrist.

In 1857 the organization was removed to FairfieUl. where a new church was erected. In 1H74 this church received a hequest of one thtjusand dollars from A. W. DuBois, of I-'airfield. deceased. This was to be e.Kpenfled in restoring the building as a house of worship, and it was so expended. It was re-dedicated July 18. JP'/^. when several members were present who had united with the church fifty years l)efore that date, and yet the record says not one of the charier members were then living. The church is U'iW discontinued.

At Metamora Presl)yterianisin flourished for a time but not for many years has the denomination been in existence. In 1845 I'^^^'- J'^hn Gilchrist made this place a stopi)ing place and preached alKnit once a month, in the afternoon. Previous to this there had been irregular services a numl>er of years. After Rev. Ciilchrist left Brookville there was no preaching until Rev. Ludlow D. Potter began his labors in Brookville and Bath. In 1849 Mr. Potter began regular services once each month. .\t the autumn meeting of the White Water presbytery in 1850. the church at Metamora asked to be admitted to that body, and the request was granted. The original members were then recorded as: John Gartner and wife; Mrs. Maria Banes. Jonathan Thomas, Gilbert Van Camp, Margaret \^'atson, Isabella Watson. Mary Cooley, Mary Ann Bell. Elizabeth Beler, Emeline Thomas. That year the Avidow of David Mount donated a lot and a building was erected, and dedicated in 185 1, by Rev. Dr. J. W. Scott. The old building still stands and is used as a public hall.

The Christian Church

The oldest organization of the Christian denomination in Franklin county is the one located at .Metamora, formed July 18, 1841 - almost threequarters of a century ago. The charter members -ivere as follow: Arnold Murray, Hannah Lamb, Catherine Pond, H. B. Martindale. (ieorge Stewart, John Garrett, Archibald Hahn. Levi Sherwood. John Thomas, Sarah Murray, Hugh M. Davis, Jesse W'ashburn, Eliza ]\lartindale. Sampson Jones. John Mormann, T. H. Conner. Marinda Pliggs. Thomas H. Pond, William Lamb, Henry Pond, Nancy Pond, David Clark, Sarah Jane Pond, Hannah Hawkins. William Wheeler, Mrs. Van Camp, Mrs. Senour. None of the charter mem-

The first btiikling used for church purposes was the upper room of a large frame building located about two hundred feet east from the present church edifice. There the organization was perfected in July, 1841. The present building, dedicated by L. L. Carpenter, January i, 1872, cost about three thousand dollars. It is in size thirty by fifty-eight feet. The furnishings cost an additional five hundred dollars.

The first attempt to organize a Christian church in Brookville may be dated from Monday, November 25, 1850. On that date Alexander Campbell came from Rushville and preached in the building now owned by the Christian church, then owned by the Methodist Episcopal church. Then Knowls Shaw held a meeting in the courthouse in 1866 and organized a church with twenty-five or thirty members. They rented the German Methodist building, now owned by the United Brethren, for fifty dollars a year. Here Rev. Thomas J. Murdock preached for a year or two, but the congregation was not strong enough to keep up. The building was given up, although the members met at private homes for a while.

The present Christian church at Brookville was established in May, 1886, by J. H. O. Smith, state evangelist, with charter members as follow: Dr. William Munnell, Mrs. Dr. Stodard, "Robert Henry, :\rr. and Mrs. Austin, John Dennett, Lucretia Dennett, Ed O'Hair, Caroline O'Hair, Keturah Templeton. R. D. Templeton, Wylie Templeton and Scott Templeton.

Rev. Smith conducted a series of meetings from April 9 to May 18, 1886. and during this time received ninety-three into the church by immersion and about thirty others renewed their membership bv letter. In (29)

June the tnistees of the new organized church purchased the old Methodist building-, and on July 25 the church was dedicated by Rev. J. H. O. Smith with appropriate services. He was assisted by Rev. J. B. Chafee, of the local Methodist church, Elder Foster, of Indianapolis, and Elder James Oakshett, of Brookvillc. This same building had been dedicated by the Methodist cliurch June 28. 1840, and there were twelve people i)resent at the dedication in 1886 who had attenderl the one forty-six years before.

The church has had a steady crrowtli from the time of its reorganization in 1886. Regular services are Iield every Sabbath by the pastor and a Sunday school has been maintained from the be^n'nning.

I Laurel

The Christian church at I.aurcl was organized by Elder O. F. McHargue, March 31, 1888, with charter members as follows: E. C. Chafee, Mrs. Inez Chafee, IMrs. M. J. O'Hair, Mrs. Lizzie Groves, Mrs. A. R. Bosley. Gertrude James, Melis.sa Anderson, Curtis Gardner. John W. Plough. Luella Stephens, Charles Stephens. George W. Weir. Adonijah Wiley. Belle. Zella. Gussie and John OTIair. Florence Manley. ^tinnie Goehner, Amelia Herman, Anna and Julia Henuan, Flora Manley. Nannie and Lizzie McDonald. John F. Morgan. Thomas A. Clark, John W. Clark, Milton H. Clark, Martha J. Clark, Phoebe Clark and J. H. Groves.

The present membership is sixty-five. Among the faithful pastors are the following: O. F. McHague, H. S. Riggs, D. W. Campbell. John Beekey. D. J. Miller, L. A. Moore, W. O. Moore, L. A. Winn. J. A. Jones. E. J. Cain, D. T. Weaver and Omer Hufford.

At first, meetings were held in Gififord's hall (Red ^^fen's hall^. then in the old Lutheran church, and still later in a school building. Next the old Presbyterian church was purchased and remodeled and is still in use. It is valued at about two thousand dollars. Sendees are held every other week and a flourishing- Sahbath school is carried on each Lord's day. Many a man and woman has g-one forth from this society prepared to battle in life.

In Metamora township, more than eig-hty-five years ago, a church was established by the New Light society - a forerunner of the Christian church - which was situated at Elm Grove. There primitive services were conducted and much excitement prevailed; some of the worshipers had what was termed the "jerks." such as described by Edward Eggleston in his "Circuit Rider." They had great mental excitement. People used to come from far and near out of mere curiosity, even from Brookville. This society existed until about 1850

It is related of this society that about seventy years ago at a big monthly meeting they had a number to baptize, and marched to the Trace branch, where a big flood had recently washed out a basin in the stream's bed on either side of the creek. A foot-log extended to the drift. John Dillard walked out on the log to observe the ceremony of baptism. The log turned over with him and he floundered in the depths of the v/ater which splashed the shore. As he came out of the water a brotb.cr extended to him the "right hand of fellowship," believing he was a newly baptized convert. It greatly entertained the assembled crowd and amused the man of God in the water who was performing the ceremony so that he had to turn his face from the throng assembled on the banks.

About 1S55 William Pruett, the proprietor of the village of Buena Vista, in Salt Creek township, erected at his own expense a church building in his town. He let all denominations have it and it was sometimes used bv the Methodists, and later by the Christian church. Still later this denomination built a place of worship of their own, and the old chapel went to ruin. The Christian people still maintain a good congregation in the place.

The Christian church at Andersonville was organized in 1846 by Henry R. Pritchard, with charter members as follows: James Anderson and wife, George Jones and wife, Xed Farthing and wife, Samuel Watson and ^^lorgan Hunt and wife. The present total membership is sixty. A church building was erected in 1855 - a frame structure still standing and in use. The following have faithfully served as pastors of this church: Revs. Henrv R. Pritchard. Franklin Thomas. J. P. Orr. J. E. Taylor. I. X. Teeter. O. F. McHague, L. D. ^^IcGowan, W. D. Willonghby. F. D. Muse. Dr. I. W. Rav-

At Buena Vista there are now two Christian churches - one split off from the other on account of church music, so it is reported. Thi.s division occurred about two years ago, in 19 13, and one branch purchased a residence, which they have converted into a church building, in which they hold regular services at this time.

The Evangelical Protestant Trinity Congregation, in the southwest corner of section 16 of Highland township, was organized March 28. 1H48. by Rev. Wier, with members as follows : Peter Reidinger. Hcnriech Wolber, Johannes Gesell, Herman Frederick Doebbeling, Philip L. fjesell. Jacob Gesell, William Klemme. Herman Wolber, Pliilip Gesell. Frederick Minnemann, Balthasar Berg, Heinrich Hahn. Jacob W. Jacobson, Philip Kratz, Johann Frederick- Precht, Johan Heinrich Ellermann and Johan WOlbcr.

The present voting membership is seventeen and the communicant membership of those baptized is one hundred and twenty. Since 1882, one hundred and ten infants have been baptized. Since 1884 about eighty-five voung people have received catechetical instructions and have been confimied members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Thirty persons have been buried from the congregation. This church belongs to the Ohio synod. The same pastor serving here also serves a church in Dearborn county, the total salary being five hundred and twenty-five dollars.

The congregation worshipped in a log church until the autumn of 1893. and then built its present building, a brick structure. The cornerstone was laid in August, 1893. The seating capacity is one hundred and fifty. Its value is two thousand dollars. The parsonage Ts valued at eighteen hundred dollars. Both German and English languages are taught and spoken in church and Sunday school.

The following have served as pastors: Rev. Wier (1848). followed bv Revs. Jones, Meisner, Links. ^leisner the second time, C. Althott. 1881-1903; J. C. Einfalt, 1904-09; Fred Ihrig. 1909-10: A. C. Kleinlein, 1910-12. The present pastor, Rev. G. A. Spring, has been sen-ing since December, 19 12.

Evangelical Protestant St. Peters church. In that year they IxAight forty acres and built a small lo^'- church. In 1868 a j,'0<jd I)rick Jjuildin;,' was erected. The congreti^'ation has kept up its existence through all these years.

The old Lutheran church building at Laurel stanrls totally deserted, probably the most in positive dilapidation and decay of any of the old church buildings in the county today. The few Lutherans in the vicinity have either united with other clnirches in Laurel or attend the Lutheran church at Bro<'jkville.

St. Thomas Evangelical Protestant Luthera.N.

Shortly after the GeiTtians began to settle in Brookville they took steps toward the organizaition of the Lutheran church. In the early forties meetings were held in the town hall and Presbyterian church, ministers coming from Hamilton, Cincinnati and Klemme's Corner. The formal organization took place July 6, 1848. In 1848 the Lutherans bought the Presbyterian church, and on Septeml^er 17 of the same year it was dedicated as a Lutheran church by Rev. Alvis Anker, assisted by Rev. Porter, of Cincinnati. Rev. Anker continued as pastor for one year and was then succeeded by Rev. Dr. Herman Blecken, who was a physician as well as a minister, and sen-ed his flock in this double capacity from 1849 ^o ^Sji- He was succeeded by Rev. Henry Cordier, who instructed and confirmed the first catechetical class in the church at Brookville. This class was as follows: Thomas Stang. John G. Stang, William Vogle, Fred Starkel, Fred Ulrich, IMartin Baxner. William ElleiTtian, Christian Hofer. Christina Ilofer. Christina Reidenbach, Marie Nestheimer, Marie Grimme, Anna EUerman, Louisa V'eith, Louisa Schmerle and Maria Muller.

Under the influence and guidance of Rev. Blecken the first school for Lutheran and Catholic children was started. The first classes were held in a small frame house built on the bank of the canal back of Mrs. Wilhelm's confectionery store. Later the school held forth in the little brick schoolhouse which stood on the lot in the rear of Master's new hardware store. This building stood there until a railroad was built through Brookville. and after that the pupils attended school in the old seminary building.

While Dr. C. C. Thomas was pastor T 1868-70) the old papers and records of the church were destroyed and he wrote in the new^ church record as much as he could gather up concerning the material in the old records. It was during his ministry that the first parsonage was acquired. It is still standing on Franklin avenue and is now occupied by Mr. Brooks. In 1868 the first organ was put in the church. In 1872 the church was remodeled and at that time its name was changed from Orthodox Lutheran to Evangelical Protestant Lutheran. Between 18S5 and 1888 the cluirch was aj,'ain 'repaired and remodeled ; a new floor, seats, stained glass windows and doors were added. The financial condition of the church was never ver>- strong; the record sliows that Rev. C. A. J. Cramer recei^-cd only six hundred and sixty-five dollars for his three-year service. Fortunately' Rev. Cramer received somcthino- for his services at Klemme's Corner, since he sen-ed that church during- the same three years and lived there. In 1902 the present parsonage was built.

The first members of the Brookville church included the following: George Ulrich. Ernest Dantrich. Conrad Metzger. George W^iedner. George Stang, John Rumple. Daniel Starkel, Louis Feddermann, Freri Scheibe, Gotlieb Kiescler, John Henrici, Jacob Knerr, George Schlapp. Daniel Devcning, Peter Spitzfaden, Zachariah and Adam Fogel, the Finks, Ritzis, Hoefles an"d many others.

They have rented their parsonage to the Christian minister. Rev. Crawley. The interior of this historic old brick church, surrounded by many score of graves and a numi.er of the old-fashioned tombs, is. indeed, beautiful. The carpeting, organ and all furnishings go toward makino- a very attractive place for worship.

In 1837 the first Lutheran church was established in Huntersville. at which time a log church was erected. The present church building was dedicated August 5, i860, and has been in continuous use down to the present time. In 1912 the church celebrated its diamond anniversarv. The first pas- tors were Rev. Bauernieistcr, who remained a year, and was followed by Rev. Brant. Rev. H. Stediiig- has been the pastor for the past twelve years. This is the largest Lutheran church in the county. It has a membership of over two hundred.

At Peppertown, Salt Creek township, in the center of a large German community, a log church was built in 1S50, under the pastorate of Rev. Jones. A lot was offered them for thirty-five dollars by John S. Scott, but they were too poor to pay that sum, and later purchased one at twelve dollars. On this they erected a log church, borrowing fifty dollars from the German friends at Huntcrsville in order to finish the building. Among the leaders were John Koerner! A. Pepper, N. Heineman, H. Koch and C. Pouchs. This log house served the cong-regation until 1875, when a brick building was erected at a cost of four tliousand dollars. Rev. William Younts was the first pastor, and served the church many years. Joseph Schniatzel was pastor from 1875 to 1885. The society is still flourishing and is served by pastors from other points at the present time. The church has been completely overhauled. The interior has been dcorated ver\- artistically. The church is built over an old graveyard.

United Brethren Churches

The first church organized in Posey township was the United Brethren, about 1830, by Rev. John ]\Iorgan and Rev. Aaron Farmer, known as the "United Brethren in Christ." The society grew in numbers and was a potent factor for good in the community' many years. It built a neat frame church building. As early as 1880 no less than nine preachers had gone forth from this congregation as heralds of the cross. Some of these are men of note, holding responsible positions in the great work entrusted to the churches of their choice, including the United Brethren, Methodist Episcopal and Christian churches. This church is still a working force in the community, or rather the successor to the above, as it was re<Trganized in 1S47. It now has a membership of seventy-six and owns property in Andersonville valued at about eight hundred dollars. Among the pastors here may be named Revs. O. \V. \\'hitecotton. Planson. Wattering. Brock, Shaw. i\Ioody, Seelig, I. T. Osborn, N. G. Gray, Burchard, and the present pastor, Rev. A. B. Grubbs.

The Oak Forest church still has occasional services in the building which they sold a few years ago to James Stewart. He allow^s them to use the building free of charsfe.

Otwell Chapel

Otwell Chapel is the only United Brethren church ever orji^anized in White Water townsliij). It is nearly two miles southeast of Dreuersijurg. It is named in honor of the two men, E. Otto and W. Hollowell, wlio donated the land on which to build the church. The name is a curious compound of the names of the two donors - Ot-well.