Gibson County, Indiana - Churches of Gibson County, 1914

Churches of Gibson County

The pioneers in Gibson county were made up largely of a God-fearing band. This county was no exception to most counties in southern Indiana, in that the church and school house went hand in hand with the general settlement and more perfect development of the country. Many of the early records of theses pioneer organizations have long since passed from view and have crumbled with the ever-collecting dusts of time. The best that can be accomplished in way of setting forth the religious societies, their origin and location, is to pick from such writings as have been culled over and used by previous historians, so far as the first history of such churches are concerned.

The tirst Methodist Episcopal society in this county was that formed in 1811 at Patoka, with Rev. Benjamin Edge as minister. The conference minutes show that Rev. John Scripps was stationed at that point in 181 5. About that date a congregation was perfected at what is now Princeton. The first preaching services were held in a grox-e near town, and at times, when weather prevented out-of-door meetings, the homes of settlers were the meeting places. It was not until 1825 that the Methodists at Patoka enjoyed the privilege of holding services in a school house. They had no church building until 1S52. Among the early "circuit riders" were Revs John Scripps, Thomas King, Thomas Davis, Charles Slocum, John Wallace, Daniel McHenry, Elias Stone, James L. Thompson, Ebenezer T. Webster, William Medford, Richard Hargrove, Enoch" Woods and Elijah ^^''hitten. The first Methodist church was erected in Princeton in 1838. Judge Elisha Embree was one of the subscribers and an ardent worker in the church up to the date of his death. In relating the history of this church the good judge once remarked : "We have been driven from private houses to the jail and from there to the court house, and I propose now that we build a house of our own." Methodism from an early date prospered and today its churches are scattered everywhere over the thickly settled county. The church at Princeton was organized ahmit 1S15, and the lirst cluirch was erected in 1838. The second was a brick edifice on the .site ut tiie present building, which was erected in 1896; the second church was Ininied in 1893. The present churcli stands on the corner of Emerson and West streets. Tlie present vahie of this church is twenty-five thousand dollars ; the value placed on the parsonage is four thousand dollars. The membership of this society in September, 1913, was i\\e hundred and fifty-nine. The present ])astor is Rev. C. C. Edwards, who is now in his fifth year as pastor and is an able, enthusiastic Methodist.

In Gibson county there are now - 1913 - the following Methodist churches: Princeton, with a membership in the First church of li\e hundred and fifty-nine; Gibson Street church, in Princeton; Fort Branch has a membership of about three hundred ; Francisco, a membership of one hundred and fifty-two; Oakland City, a membership of three hundred and fortythree; Owensville has a membership of two hundred and ninety-three; Patoka, a membership of one hundred and eight; others are at Hazelton, two near Patoka (same charge); at Wheeling, Mt. Olivet, Right's Chapel, Cunningham Chapel, Blythe Chapel, Forsythe, near Oakland City, and Antioch, on the Owensville circuit.

The Methodist church at Patoka was organized in 185 1, and now has a membership of one hundred and eight. Its church building was erected in 1 85 1 at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. The present pastor. Rev. E. F. Shake, came in 191 1 and is doing a good work in the cluirch to which the conference sent him.

The Methodist church at Hazelton now has a membershi]) of one hundred and one members, and has preaching ser\ices every other Sunday, being supplied by Rev. Shake, of Patoka.

In Washington township there is what is styled Shiloh church, organized in 1815, and has forty members; the building was erected in 1S93. costing one thousand five hundred dollars. It is said by some that this was the first Methodist church regularly organizerl withm the state of Indiana - it was early in the .field, of course, if it was formed as early as 18 15.

The Afethodist F,]Mscopal church was organized in Oakland in the early fifties. There are at present three hundred and fifty members here, in charge of Rev. Elmer St. Clair. The church was built in 1906. and cost twenty thousand dollars, including an up-to-date pipe organ.

The Salem presbytery held its first session at Princeton, May 9, 1828, and at that session the first Presbyterian church was organized. This was the first perfected society of this denomination, but there had been another partly perfected previous to this date. The first ruling elders elected and ordained were William French and James R. E. Goodlet. The first stated supply was Calvin E. Butler, who, in the spring of 1832, was succeeded by Rev. W. \V. jNIartin. Among other pastors recalled, and whose names should never be forgotten, was Rev. John D. Paxton, of rare attainments and many beautiful traits of character. In i860 he accepted the presidency of Highland University, Kansas; served two years antl resigned to return to Princeton, Indiana, and served as pastor until his death, aged about eightyfive years. The church here had, by that date, attained considerable strength and has ever since been one of the county's best church societies.

On January 12, 1910, was consummated a union between the Broadway Presbyterian church and the Presbyterian church of Princeton. The Broadway Presbyterian church was formerly the Cumberland Presbyterian church until the union between the Presbyterian church in 'the United States of America and the Cumberland Presbyterian. P>nest G. Hildner was the first and present pastor of the new church, the First Presbyterian.

The present church building was dedicated on April 29, 1894, and cost eighteen thousand dollars. The present membership is about tliree hundred. The church is complete in every respect, and contains a pipe organ of the latest model, installed by the Welborn family in memory of Dr. W. P. Welborn.

were united in the year 1905, and at present have a membership of one hundred and fifty-six. The church was built in 1906, and cost about fifteen thousand dollars, including- nn excellent pipe orc^an.

Fairview Church

The cause leading up to the organization of Fairview church was a Sabbath school organized at the Page school house in 1890 h\- Rev. J. Beveridge Lee and Gil. R. Stormont, of the United Presbyterian church of Princeton. Mr. Stormont, as superintendent, with the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Morton, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Townsend, W. H. Stormont and other workers, carried on this school for several months. \\'hen the Page school house was bui"ned, the school was transferred to the Lawrence school house and continued with Amos Legier as superintendent. AniHher step towards the organization of the church was a pmtracted meeting conducted by Rev. W". D. Landis, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Princeton.

On Alarch 21, 1897, the church was organized by Rev. A\'. D. Landis at the Lawrence school house with sixty-three charter members. The elders elected at that time were John C. Clark and E. L. Townsend, and John Boal, A. N. Sttu-ges and Samuel Binkley as trustees. It was deciderl that the name of the church should be the Fairview Cumberland Pre.sbyterian church.

In August of the same year the work of building a regular house of worship was begun on a tract of land donated by Mrs. Josiah E. Carithers. This house was completed and dedicated November 21, 1897. ^^'th Rev. A. FT. Kelso officiating, Rev. J. E. Jenkins assisting. The first pastor called was Rev. G. W. May, who began his work in the following May.

Since that time the following pastors ha\e served the congregation : Rev. John Welch, Rev. William Carhart, Rev. G. F. McMican, Rev. J. O. Ashburn, Rev. J. H. Kiracafe and Rev. J. G. House.

On the consummation of the union between the Cumberland Presbyterian church and the Presbyterian church this congregation became identified with the Presbyterian church. .\t a later time some of the nieniliers withdrew from the church, thereby reducing the membership. But, liy the help of the Lord, and the work of a faithful few, the good work continues.

About the year 1904 the manse enterprise was started which resulted in the building of a five-room house, situated on a four-acre lot adjoining the church building. The little church has been without a pastor during a part of its history, but the Sunday school from which it had its beginning has

The Cumberland Presbyterian Churches

The first church of this branch of Presbyterianism in Gibson county was organized by Rev. William Barnett in August, 1S17, at the place of worship of the Methodists at Shiloh, Washington township. By many it is contended that this was the first Cumberland Presliyterian church formed in Indiana. Trouble arose l^etween the Methodists and this sect over camp meeting ground dates, and the Cumberland Presbyterians withdrew and made grounds of their own in the township, a half mile distant, and this was known as Mt. Zion. Rev. Alexander Downey served this people six years. In September, 1839, the society divided and Mt. Pleasant was the name of the new church, with l<]lder Aaron Lewis in charge. Later this church was dissolved and many of the meml^ers returned to Mt. Zion. The Bethel church was formed in 1832 and Rev. \\'illiam Lynn was pastor until 1841, and was succeeded by Rev. T. B. McCormick. Members living in and near Owensville became members of Bethel church in 1876, and later Bethel erected a church at Owensville. Mt. Moriah church was organized at the residence of David Robb, near Fort Branch, in 1828. The first minister in charge was Rev. Downey. In 1839 a church was built near Mr. Robb's. This was used until the erection of a church at the town of Fort Branch in 1866. The Princeton church was the outgrowth of the Patoka church. The Princeton congregation was organized by Rev. Hiram A. Hunter in December, 1832. Subsequently, the Patoka congregation was dissolved and added to Princeton church. Rev. J. E. Jenkins began his labors at Princeton in 1857 and for more than thirty years was the faithful pastor at Princeton. During the last half of the nineteenth century, beyond any question, Mr. Jenkins was th.e best known minister in Gibson county. The Patoka congregation was again separated from Princeton in 1870. In 1850, near Oakland City, a congregation was formed and called Montgomery, but, owing to internal strife, it never succeeded well. At Princeton, f<ir many years, the church was much stronger than those outside in this county. In Januarv, 1910. the union of the regular Presbyterians and the Broadway or Cumberland Presl)yterian churches was effected. The old Cumberland church was sold to the Christian denomination societv.

The Cvimberland Presbyterian church of Owensville has a meml)ershi]) of one hundred. It was organized about sixty years ago. The Rev. T. .V. Devore took charge of the church on October 3, 1913. He also preaches to the Bethel and Antioch congregations, of forty members each.

United Presbyterians And Reformed Presbyterians

During the first decade of the last century Samuel Hoguc came from Tennessee and Thomas Archer fr(5m South Carolina and Ixith were tle\-out men and. wanted religious services in tlieir settlements. In i8jo Mr. Hogue went on horseback to his old home in Tennessee to .seek permission of his old church, the Seceders, to preach the Gospel. He was denied the right on account of his not having been educated for the ministry. On his return to Indiana he chanced to fall in with a missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian church. His name was John Kell. of near Knoxville. Tennessee. Hogue begged the young minister to visit the little settlement at Princeton, not yet named as such, however. It was in the ripe harvest time in 18 10 that Kell arrived, and from his coming came the l)irtli of the congregation so well known in the county today. He cnntinued to visit Princeton for six years and then settled here, but still continued his circuit work. The s'iciet}- at Princeton used the old Hardshell Baptist church until 1820. when they erected a frame building on Prince street between Broadway and Water streets. This served until 1836, when a brick church was erected at the corner of what is now Broadway and Prince streets, the site of the Christian church.

From the start the congregation had been of the Reformed Presb}-- terian creed, descendants of the old Scotch Covenanters. About 183J there arose trouble over the fpiestion of a ruling of the s\'nod forbidding members taking jiart in governmental affairs, generally construed to include jury service and \oting at the polls. This did not meet with the appro\al of the Princeton church and it was left to a committee, and a majority of such committee voted in favor of meml^ers being permitted to serve as jurors. This caused a bad break and the anti-faction, headed by Robert Stormont, withdrew and formed a new congregation, which came to be styled the "Old Side." while the majority body was known as the "Xew Side."

The Old Side Reformed Presbyterians formed an organizati(jn and in 1851 built a frame church on what i> now State street, and secured Re\-. John Stott as pastor. Rev. Stott was also a physician and had a considerable practice, in additifju to his pastoral lalior^. He ca'.uc fr(.)ni irclan 1 and through his intiuence a large number of his former parishioners emigrated to this county and identified themselves with his church here. Dr. Stott was a man of fine intellectual attainments and was an able preacher. Owing to some internal dissensions his congregation was divided in the later sixties, and the dissenting members withdrew and erected another church on east Broadway. Dr. Stott, however, continued preaching at the old church to the members who adhered to his side in the separation until the infirmities of age compelled him to give up the work. After this the congregation was disbanded and the building sold to L. H. Wheeler, who con\erted it into a business house. This house, in its remodeled form, still stands in the old location on east State street, and is used as a grocery store.

The Old Side organization, located on east Broadway, has been fairly prosperous in all the years since the separation, and has had the ministration of some able men as pastors, among them Rex. D. C. Martin, Rev. Mathews and others. Their present pastor is Rev. ]\I. S. McAlillan. They have recently remodeled their old church and now ha\e one of the neatest and most conveniently arranged churches in the town. The present memliership is sixty-five.

While all this was going on, in 1832, was formed the first Sunday school in Gibson county, the same ha\-ing been organized by James Hogue and William Orr for the study of the Bible. The first United Presbyterian church in Princeton was founded in 1858. It was during that }'ear that the union of the Associate Reformed and Associate or Seceder churches was brought about under the title of United Presbyterian church.

In 1870 a union was efifected between the Reformed Presbyterian (New Side) and the United Presbyterian churches, by which the name of the former was dropped and the tmited body became known as the United Presbyterian church. A remnant of the Reformed Presbyterians who could not see their wav clear to change their church allegiance continued with the old organization and built another church on the corner of Gibson and Water streets. Here they continued to worship for several years, with Rev. Robert Blair as their pastor. Finally this organization was abandoned, the pastor departed to other fields and the members found a place in their former church home.

When the Reformed Presbyterians had grown beyond the capacity of their brick church, located on what is now the corner of Prince and Broadway, thev secured a lot and erected a building thereon, on what is now the corner of State and Prince streets. This building was completed in 1858 and it has been the church home of this denomination, and the denomination that has succeeded by virtue of the union, ever since. Tliis old church was wrecked by the tornado that passed through Princetcju in 1876, and has been subjected to various attempts to improve the architecture liy remodeling the structure, with more or less success. In 1807. largely through the ijeneficence of Mrs. Ann Eliza W'dods llu<lelsi)n, a life-time member of the church, the old church was ])raclically rebuilt and it is now thorougiily modern.

A Proud War Rfxord

In 1910 the United Presbyterian church celebrated its one hundredth anni\ersary. .\.t that time a number of historical addresses were given, and one pertaining to the attitude of this church on questions that agitated the public prior to the Civil war. and the record of that congregation in that war, will be of interest in this connection. This is a record that represents the spirit of patriotism and loyalty that prevailed at that time and is a part of the history of Gibson county. Quoting from the adtlress referred to;

"In this congregation, if there was any lack of lo}'alty or patriotism inherited from the fathers this lack was more than suj^plied by the precept and example of the pastor. No man of his time was more lo}'al to his country, or more devoted to his country's honor and integritx- than was Rev. John Mc^Master. * * * n^^ ^vas fearless in denouncing slavery as an evil, which he. with others, believed to be a menace to the national life. * * *

"In this community, as in many others, there was a divided sentiment as to the right of slavery, and there were many who advocated the right of this institution. Indeed, it required courage ami boldness for one to take a stand, in opposition to slavery, and there \\ere not many who cared to take that unpopular stand.

tion were the Covenanters, most of whom had left their homes in the South because of slavery's blighting influence. The man who was in the forefront and the leader of those in opposition was the pastor, Rev. John McAlaster.

"With prophetic eye. Doctor McMaster could see the impending judgment that must come upon a nation because of the evil of slavery, and most earnestly did he pray in his pulpit that threatened war might be averted. In public addresses he pleaded for righteousness and peace, and hesitated not to denounce the wrong. Because of his boldness he was bitterly denounced by the apologists for slavery, and on one occasion he and Dr. Andrew Lewis, another prominent citizen of Princeton, of like sentiment, were assaulted with rotten eggs while making what was called an abolition speech in Owensville, this county.

"While Doctor McMaster prayed earnestly that the war might be averted, yet, when war came, by the rebellious acts of those who would perpetuate slavery, he himself became a man for war. He gave his voice and strong influence on the side of those who would suppress rebellion by force of arms. He encouraged the young men of his congregation, and of the community, to enlist, and expressed a willingness himself to enlist.

"How vividly we call to mind (says the writer of this sketch) that day when the news came that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, and later when the lightning flashed the news of surrender and the lowering of the flag. The people of this communit}', as all over the nation, were thrilled as by an electric shock. How well do I remember, as a boy, that first Sabbath after the fall of Sumter. We all came to church as usual, but there was more than usual in the impressive solemnity of the congregation that day. Doctor McMaster began his service as he always did, without variation. This introduction to the service always seemed solemn and impressive, but, it ap- ]5eared to me, was more than usuall\- impressive that day, when he said T.et us, with reverence, comjiose our minds for the public worship of the Lord our God. Let us unite in seeking His presence and blessing by pra^-er.' Was there ever greater need to 'compose ourselves' ? \\"as there ever greater need to seek 'His presence and blessing?'

"I do not remember his text on that occasion. I only remember that it was appropriate and that his sermon was deeply impressive, and how earnestly he prayed for his country, now trembling in the balance.

"In the midst of the afternoon service that day a sound of the fife and drum was heard. The sound came from the courthouse yard, where a company of men were being enlisted in response to Governor Morton's first call for volunteers. Will anvone who heard that fife and drum ever forget its thrilling effect? It was an unusual sound for Princeton, on a quiet Sabbath afternoon. It brought to that worshiping congregation a realization of the serious condition threatening our nation - a foretaste of the tragedy of war that was to follow. To me, as a country boy, the sound of martial music was somewhat of a novelty at that time, but I had abundant opportunit}- to become familiar with it a short time afterward.

"The first man in Gibson county to enlist for the defense of his country's flag was from this congregation, Dr. Samuel E. Munford. He enlisted as a pri\'ate in a company that was afterward known as Company H, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers. On the organization of the regiment he was made assistant surgeon and later promoted to surgeon, and later medical director of the Wilder Brigade."

In an historical address by Doctor McMaster, on the occasion of his twenty-fifth anniversary as pastor of the congregation, in June, 1871, he gave an account of the war record of his congregation, of which the following is an extract :

"At the call of their country si.xty-four persons in full communion, or baptized members belonging to this congregation, volunteered in her armies and fought, and some of them died, for their countr}-. In some instances two, three and four went from one family. In one case, a father and his two sons enlisted. Two sons of the pastor went nut, one of them in his seventeenth year. These, with many others, re-enlisted as veterans and were with Sherman on his march to the sea.

"There were no skulkers, no deserters among them. There \\ere none who, being armed, turned back in the day of battle. .\s the_\- rallied around and fought for the 'Red, White and Blue flag' of their country, tlie\- jjrcned themselves the true successors of those who fought and died so bravely imder the blue flag of the Covenanters in the hills and valle}-s of Scotland.

"Of the sixty-four who went forth, at the close (.)f their ser\-ice. two held the position of medical director, two were captains, two were quartermasters, two were first lieutenants, two second lieutenants, one hospital steward, one sergeant major, three sergeants, eight corporals and the remainder served their country as privates and all served it well. Of the number enlisted, sixteen died in the service, one-fourth of the whole number. Eight died on the battle field or of wounds received in battle. The others died of various diseases contracted in the service.

"These sixteen included some of our best men, men whose Christian, character was established and also some of the most promising youths of the congregation."

In the annals of this congregation during the century of its existence, there is no more creditable record than its war history. Of those who gave up their lives for their country, it may be said no better soldiers ever girded on the armor, no truer patriots ever lived.

Baptist Churches

Different branches of this denomination have long existed in Gibson county. The Regular Ba])tists date back to 1808, when Rev. Stephen Strickland came from Kentuck}- to Indiana, settling near Princeton. He was the pioneer Baptist preacher of this county and, like John the Baptist, went ahead and paved the way for those who should come after him in preaching baptism.

The Patoka Baptist church was organized about 1810 by Rev. William Hanks. Pigeon church, near Princeton, was oi'ganized in 181 1, by Rev. Strickland, but later was dissolved. The next congregation was the Salem church, at Owensville, constituted by Elders William Planks and James Mootry. A church was soon built near Owensville, and in 1840 the society was moved into Owensville, where a frame church was erected, Providence . church, eleven miles southeast of Princeton, was formed in 1822. New Salem church was organized twelve miles north of Princeton in 1838. Other Baptist churches, here and there over the county, were soon organized.

What is known as the General Baptist church had its origin in Gibson county in 1829, when Elder Jacob Speer came to Princeton from Tennessee. He organized the church of Baptists in 1830. Later, in 1831, this united with the Liberty Association of General Baptists, and Elder Speer continued to preach to his chosen flock. The other flourishing Baptist churches in the county, of this faction, were formed at Owensville, Columbia, Fort Branch, Hazelton, New Liberty, at Francisco, and one at Oakland City.

The First General Baptist church was organized in Oakland in 1853. The church building was built in 1894, and cost fifteen thousand dollars. This amount includes the recent additions, among them the pipe organ, which cost one thousand two hundred dollars. There are one hundred and sixty-four members at present, and Rev. Frank S. Hartley has charge.

The Primitive Baptist church of Owensville was organized in the early sixties, and has had a steady growth since. There are at present one hundred and thirty members. Rev. Clayton has charge of the church. The present church Imilding was erected in 1906, and cost ten thousand dollars.

The Missionary Baptists have an organization and a tine church at Princeton, and up to two years ago had a society at Oakland City, but this has been dissolved. At Princeton the church was formed in 1894 and now has a membership of one hundred and thirtv. The church propert}- is valued at eight thousand dollars. The church building is located on the corner of Prince and Water streets and was dedicated in 1902.

lliis was first organized at Old Bethesda church, two and one-half miles northwest of Francisco, Indiana. Bethesda, one of the oldest churches in the eastern part of the count}-, was built in the year 1834. The timbers for the frame work were split and hewn from the trees of the forest, and the work was done by the labor of the surrounding neighborhood. After completion, the house was used by the different church organizations for preaching services, and the Methodist Episcopal congregation of Francisco was first located there, and later removed to Francisco about 1856 or 1857.

In ]\Iav, 1874. after a series of meetings held at the did church by Re\-. T. B. ;\[cCormick, Rev. Jacob Scammahorn and Rev. F. '\\. Kerr, there was organized by Revs. Jacob Speer and F. M. Kerr a church, under the name of New Liberty church of General Baptists. The following named persons were enrolled as charter members : William J. Blythe, Eliza E. Blythe, William Lowe, Mary A. Lowe, James LI. Lowe, Rosa Lowe, Daniel Kenerly, Artimesa Kenerly, and Joseph Douglass, none of whom are now living except Rosa (Lowe) Yeager.

Upon the completion of the organization. Rev. Kerr was chosen pastor, James H. Lowe as clerk, and they still held services there until the fall of 1875, and added a number of members to the church.

About November, 1875, through the kindness of the Methodists at Francisco, Indiana, the Baptist organization was removed to their church, where meetings were held for the next seven years, when they Iniilt a house of their own.

Commencing in January, 1876, there was held a protracted meeting at Francisco, which lasted several weeks and had quite an increase in meml66 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.

bership. And during that time and afterwards there was a number of accessions from the Rev. Sands' foHowers of Old Providence Regular Baptist church, which increased the roll of members up to sixty to that time.

Rev. Kerr, having ser\'ed as pastor to September, 1876, was succeeded by Elder Jacob Speer for two years. There being a vacancy in the office of clerk, b}- the death of James H. Lowe, September 28, 1876, John Marvel was chosen and served two years.

In September, 1878, Rev. ^Villiam Clark was chosen pastor, N. S. Meade, clerk, and in 1879 Elder Clark was re-elected, and W. J. Blythe, clerk.

In October, 1879, having effected a consolidation with Pleasant Hill church (at Mitchell school house), a committee was appointed to raise funds and make the necessary arrangements for building a house, viz : J. S. Meade, Martin I\Ieade, Nathaniel Martin, J. W. Blythe and S. R. Davis, and to be co-workers, with the following trustees: J. S. Meade, J. M. Gentry, N. Martin and Martin Meade, who, through their untiring efforts and the assistance of many friends in and out of the church, their work was crowned with success. There was dedicated a good stibstantial building on Main street in Francisco, on the 2d day of January, 1882, Rev. William Clark being pastor, and assisted by Rev. T. M. Strain, who managed the finances, and W. P. Hall, who preached the dedicatory sermon.

Meetings were then continued for some time, a numlier were added to the church, making the church roll one hundred and thirty-two members, the highest, except Owensville, reported to the association held at Francisco that year.

In September, 1895, Rev. Clark, having served as pastor for seven years and wishing to retire from the charge. Rev. \\'illiam Chesser was chosen, and served for the next three years, and S. R. Davis was elected as clerk. During the pastorate of Rev. Chesser, the question came came up as to organ, or no organ, which caused some warm discussions. The question was finally decided in favor of having an organ in the church, Imt this caused a loss of several members.

On April 29. 1909, the church was badly wrecked by storm, the south end of the roof and cu])ola, and the east side of the roof being Ijlowii off, and a short time thereafter the north end was badly wrecked by lightning. But in the next seven months the church was completely remodeled, inside and out. an additional room, twenty h\- thirt}- feet was added, a roomy basement and hot air furnace placed under tlie building, at an approximate cost of three thousand dollars. It was re-dedicated on the 29th day of November, 1909, the pastor. L. \\'. Sjjann, being assisted by Rev. J. R. Edwards, managing the finances, and Rev. W. P. Decring, who preached the dedicatc:)ry sermon.

The church was organized as Xew Liberty church of General Baptists, having meetings once a month, but about the year 1903 the name was changed to Francisco church of General Baptists and have services twice a month and pay the pastor two hundred and fifty dollars per year.

There is a Ladies' Aid Society, a Christian Endea\'or. and a Sabbath school with an enrollment of one hundred scholars and an average attendance of se\cnty. Ralph Goldman, superintendent, and Mar\- Drysdale. secretary.

General Baptists Of The Pioneer Day

The first recollection that I have of seeing a religious congregation, and of hearing a sermon preached, was about 1842. when Uncle Jacol) Speer stood in the door of one of my father's log cabins and preached to the people assembled before him in the yard. The same log cabin now stands in my yard - a well preserved old log building. There were but few preachers in this section at that time and but few sermons were preached.

an old schoolhouse one mile south of where Oakland Cit)- now stands, with ten members. I'ncle Jacob Speer and William Rea\is preached alternately to that little church, monthly, for several years. In 1856 the church was reorganized and moved into the little village where my father had built a good, substantial church building. This was occupied until the brick building which is now used took the place of it, and since the reorganization it has been known as the Oakland City General Baptist church.

Some may wish to know why the little stream for which the church was named was called Keg creek. The creek was named from an incident that happened to a corps of surveyors who in 1804 were surveying the land ceded by the Pian-Ka-Shaw Indians that year to the United States. This surveying corps had three pack-horses on which they transported their cooking outfit, together with their surveying outfit and two twenty-gallon kegs of Kentucky whiske}-. They had a camp near the little creek, and one day a large hunting party of Indians came into the camp. The surveyors felt that it would be dangerous for the Indians to find the whiskey, so they Ijuried the two kegs in different places in the creek near the camp; and after the Indians were gone they could find but one keg, as the parties who buried the whiskey were probably drunk while they were hiding the kegs from the Indians. Thus they named the creek Keg creek. One of these kegs was found forty years afterward. This was the same surveying corps that, a few weeks later, was working near Foote's pond, where young Ziba Cook was drowned.

The General Baptist denomination has had and does still have many true and noble men upholding the Cross, and ailding greatly to the Christian cause ; bnit none of them have done more than Uncle Jacob Speer, who stood on Zion's wall for more than fifty years proclaiming the glad tidings of the Saviour's lo\'e to all mankind. Today, whilst your large assembly is holding their meeting in your beautiful church building. Uncle Jacob Speer is making music in Paradise, surrounded by a mighty host of those who under his preaching were adopted into the Christian family.

There is but little question that the Primitive Baptists were the first to hvild religious services in what is nmv Gibson county. They had some al)le ministers, among whom were Reverends John Tegue, Stephen Strickland, Alexander Devin, William Hanks, James Mootree, James Strickland, Joel Hume, and man\- others who occupied the field at that early date in southern Indiana.

Up on Blue Rix-er these Baptists at one of their churches had a great revival and seventy-fi\'e joined the church and there was that number to lie baptized at the Alay meeting. Tlie cliurch was located not far from the Ohio river. These people decided that they would hold their baptismal meeting at a famous place for such purjjose on that river. The health of the resident minister was not good, so the congregation had him secure the

The day for the great meeting was at hand and ten thousand people were assembled on the beautiful shore r,f the I.al'.elle ri\'er. The weather \vas warm. The candidates for bai)tism were all in a bod)- near a point where the immersion was to take place. The men were all in their shirt sleeves. There were three or four newspaper re]jorters from Louisville and other nearb}- cities who were there present and read\' to get reports of the wonderful gathering. The elder who was to do the work was on hands and ready to commence, wading out into the water, singing a favorite old hymn used on such occasions :

"Come, Holy Spirit. Do\'e divine. On these baptismal waters shine. And teach our hearts, in highest .strain To praise the Lamb for sinners slain."

Locating the point that was of the right depth for the work in hand, he stuck his stalY down to indicate where to bring the candidates, then commenced the work, baptizing one a minute, singing the rest of the old h\-mn and others suited to the occasion, as he led the candidates in and returned them to the shore. As I said before, the crowd was immense, the weather was warm, and many were in their shirt slee\'es.

A small young man whom John D. Prentice had sent tliere to report for the Lotiisznllc Journal, in his zeal to make a note of everything that was done, had gotten down to the edge of the water an<l amongst the candidates, who were so compact that he could not readily get out of the jam. Unfortunately for him, he had an impediment in iiis speech. In other words, he was one of the most stuttering unfortunates. At times it would take him two or three minutes to say the most simple word. The minister was leading the candidates in, singing as he went, ba])tizing and returning them to the shore.

Finally he came to where the young reporter stood, took lim by the arm and started into the water, singing as loud as he could. The young reiiorter tried to pull back. Then the preacher turned and said: Never fear, young man, the water is not deep," and kept leading him on. The young man was all the time saying -

The preacher told him not to be scared, that the bottom was good and there was not the least danger. Getting in to where the water was deep the preacher had no difficulty in leading the resisting youth to the ])roper place, when he said the ceremony and put him under, head and ears ! When the stuttering fellow's face and head struck the water it seemed to have loosed his tongue. Spurting the water out of his mouth, he said: "Sir, I am .a-a-a-a r-r-r-reporter and a-a-a-a M-M-Meth-Meth-]Methodist !"' The preacher replied : "That's all right, young man, you are not hurt in the least; but yon are thoroughly baptized all the same."

The Christian church was organized in Princeton, April 7. iS8g, at a meeting of the members held in what was then kno\\n as Old Temperance hall on West State street. Temperance hall stood where the Agar building now stands and at the time of the organization of the church was occupied in part by a printing office run by James McCormick, who was then editing the Prohibition Era.

The late ?ilrs. Taura J Baker and Mrs. E. D. McCurdy were instrumental in bringing about the organization. Mrs. McCurdy v,-rote the state de]iartment of the church with reference to perfecting an organization here and, in response to her letter. Rev. J. T. Ewing, then state evangelist, was sent to conduct a meeting, winch resulted in sixty-four members uniting and these became the charter members of the church.

Meetings were held in Temperance hall for a short time until Jessups hall, corner Main and Broadway, was secured as a meeting place. Rev. J. T. Purvis was called as pastor of the congregation and in October, 1889. a deal was consummated whereby the congregation purchased from the Reformed Presbyterian people the church building in East Water street. This building was occupied by the congregation until December, 19 10, when they purchased the church property at Broadway and Prince streets, formerly owned by the Cumberland Presbyterians. The price paid for the building was six thousand dollars. The building is modern, is equipped with a pipe organ that cost two thousand dollars at time of installation, and has a lieating plant. The present membership numbers two hundred and seventy-five

There are fonr other congregations of the Christian church in the county, at Owensville, Oakland Citw Old Union, near Pose}-ville, and Nauvoo church, south of Princeton. The a]iproximate membership of each is: Owensville, one hundred and fifty-seven; Old Union, four hundred; Nauvoo, fifty, and Oakland City, sixty members. The congregation at Oakland City was organized five years prior to the Princeton congregation.

The Christian church of Owensville was organized about 1850, and loda)- has a membership of one hundred and fifty-seven. J- A. Persinger took charge of the church im Ju.ne 14, 1913. In 1905 the church Inn'lding was erected at a cost of three thousand dollars.

Catholic Churches

The oldest congregation (if the Catholic denomination in Cilison county is that of .St. James, heather Czackart, a Redemptorist. fn.ni Illinois, is the first priest known to have visited this congregation He celelirated holy nsass in the house of F. X. Weis in 1S36. He continued ti> visit during 1837. Rev. A. Deydier, of Evansville, next ministered to the congregation until 1840. From the 9th of April, 1840, until May, 184J, Rev. Roman \\'einzoepfel, of Evansville, had charge. P>om Octolier, 1842. until the latter part of 1845 the mission was in charge of Rev. Conrad Schnif derjans, who lived at St. Wcndel. During his time a log church, thirty-five Ijy twenty-five feet, was erected, but the bishop refused to hold services therein until he had a deed to the property. This was effected on the return of Father \\'einzoepfel in April, 1846, and the chapel was blessed on July 25, 1817. Bishop l>azin authorized the pastor to rent the seats in the chapel, but the action so incensed the people that they broke into the church on the night of January jt,, 1848, and destroyed the pews. leather Weinzoepfel was lirought into court for breaking the Sabbath, and the bishop interdicted the church. On July 25, 1850, the ordinary harmony was restored in St. James.

In the month of March, 1855, Rev. F. W. Pepersack was appointed resident priest. On July 25, 1855, the corner stone of the new church was laid. The church, of Roman architecture, was completed that }ear, also a commodious parsonage, heather Pepersack remained until June, 1866. Rev. AT. Ficker came next, and he died July 18, 1868. The Benedictine Fathers had charge until Septemljer, and then Re\-. J. B. H. Scepe became pastor until the spring of 1875. He was removed on account of ]ioor health.

and the Benedictine Fathers again took charge. On Jnly 12, 1875, Rev. J. J. Merckl took charge, and in his time added a sacristy, repaired the parsonage, and otherwise impro^-ed the property. He also l^nilt the church at Haubstadt.

Prior to 1S66 the Catholics at Haubstadt belonged to the St. James congregation. In this }'ear a frame school house was built at Haubstadt, in 1867 a frame dwelling \\as built, and ten years later the church, under direction of Father Merckl. Rev. George Widerin was the first resident priest, coming on July 12, 1877. The next pastor was Rev. Bernard Ewers. The church cost twehe thousand dollars, and there is a beautiful frame parsonage adjoining. A large building for a parochial schiiol is also kept. Other pastors have been Revs. Fwers, Zoglmann and Set^r.

St. Bernard's church is situated about ten miles southeast of Princeton. The members were formerly a part of the St. James congregation. The church is a mission, and is attended either from Princeton or Haubstadt.

St. Joseph's church at Princeton was built in the year 1866 by Rev. F, \y. Pepersack. U]) to this time Princeton Catholics were meml:)ers of St. James. Until his death on July 18, 1868, Rev. M. Ficker visited St. Joseph's. Rev. Henry Hug attended until 1868, and Rev. J. B. H. Seepe paid visits until the spring of 1875. Rev. J. J. Merckl also came until the next year. In 1876 Princeton received its first resident pastor. Rev. Alexander Koesters. On his arrival a parsonage was built. Rev. George Widerin. pastor of Haubstadt, had charge from July 15. 1877. to I'-ebruary, 1S78. Rev. B. H. Kintriep, the second resident priest, was here from March 3rd to November 3, 1878. Father \\'iderin attended until iSyq. when Rev. A. Oster came from \'incennes until February, 1880. Rev. John Joseph Macke also attended. Rev. Celestine Schwarz was the third resident priest, from December 7, 1880, until June, 1882. The next pastor was Rev. Augustine Peckskamp, who was appointed August 10, 1882. Then follo\\'ed Revs. Peter Hommers, E. B. Ledvina, William A. Jochum and present pastor. Rev. Nicholas Hassel, who came in June, 19 12.

The present membership of this congregation is two hundred and seventy-five. There is a fine parocliial school in conjunction with this church. It now has an enrollment of about one hundred pu|)ils.

The Evang

This congregation was formed during the latter part of the decade of 1840, or the beginning of 1850, and from a small licginning the growth has been gradual and healthy. Tie first pastor was Rev. Weil, of the Lutheran synod: he served them about one year. .Vfter he left he established a Lutheran church at Hahnville, to which alxnit one-third of the congregation followed him ; the remainder comprised about thirty members. A new preacher. Rev. Adams, was called and served about one year; his successor was Rev. Schrenk, who lived in Darmstadt and preached here once in two weeks. This was prior to 1856. from which year all meetings and records were kept in the regular record book. In 1S56 Rev. Buhler de\ise(l rules and by-laws for the congregation, which were accepted. The old church could not accommodate the meetings and during the year 1865 a new edifice was built and Rev. Gulbue was called into this ])astoral charge. The congregation joined the Evangelical L'nion of the West. The ])resent name of this ecclesiastical body is the Evangelical Synofl of Xortii America. I<"rom 1869 to April, 1884, Rev. J. G. Rausch administered to this congregation. The congregation is the possessor of a new, commodious church and pipe organ. The old church is kept in good repair and used as a parochial school. It is located in Johnson township. Since 1854 there have been baptized in this church four himdred and two children and two hundred and seven confirmed.

The Evangelical St. Peter's church was organized in the early fifties. Being the only church home available to the German immigrants who settled in and about Princeton, there were included within its fold members of all the different branches of the Lutheran church, and as a result the church was known as Lutheran, now as Reformed Lutheran, and again as Evangelical Lutheran, etc. Since 1879 the church has I)een E\angelical. For many years it remained an independent congregation. During the pastorate of the Rev. William F. Alehl, the congregation was received into the membership of the Indiana district conference of the Evangelical synod of America.

In 1858 the church bought of the First Reformed Presbyterian church the lot now occupied by the Christian church at the corner of Broadway and Prince streets, and in 1873 exchanged this property for the property of .the Cumberland Presbyterian church on east Emerson street. The brick building

Owing to the fact that Princeton is not a German town the congregation has never been a 'large and powerful one. In the past it has sought only to give a church home to German immigrants, and the only language used in the church service until recent years was German. Both English and German have been used in the church services since the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Mehl.

The present membership numbers fifty-six. The Sunday school has an enrollment of thirty-five. The congregation has no regular pastor at present. The board of elders are William Toelle, president; H. H. Niekamp, \icepresident; Philip Leaser, secretary, and John Portenheimer, treasurer.

The Colored Churches Of Princeton

About Ci\'il-war time the colored people of the Methodist Episcopal faith organized a church at Princeton and are still a separate society but under the control of the regular Methodist church. Afterwards what is known as the African Methodist Episcopal church was formed here and both are doing good work among their people, and have each a church building and prospering. The former is on Seminary street, while the other is on Prince street.

The colored Baptist church at Princeton, styled Olive Branch Baptist church, was organized right after the close of the Civil war. .\t first they worshipped in an old shed, until such time in 1871 as they came to be able to build their present frame church, at No. 712 Broadway, which is ample for the congregation. The present membership is one hundred and eighty, about four-fifths of whom reside in the city and the remainder in the surrounding country. The present pastor, Rev. W. E. Clark, came from Iventucky aliout one vear ago, succeeding Rev. Waddell, who died here.

Other Societies

At Princeton are alsii the societies of Advents, Christian Science, Episcopal, Salvation Army, etc., each doing religious work in their own peculiar manner. The United Brethren church at Oakland City has a membership of one hundred and fifty, and is now in charge of Rev. J. W. Settle. The church was built about 1883. of frame, and cost one thousand live hundred dollars. The society was formed in the early fifties. There is also a colored church known as the Church of Christ, at Patoka, with a membership of thirty-five : Hester Grear is present pastor.