Hamilton County, Indiana - Chapter 19: Religious History, 1915

Chapter 19: Religious History

From the pen of R. S. Truitt we are enabled to present many excellent points concerning early Methodism in Hamilton county, and more especially in Noblesville. On account of the loss of many church records, with the pass¬ ing of so many decades in the church life of this denomination, the best that can be done in this work is to quote freely from Mr. Truitt's "Pioneers in Methodism," published last January, then add what has been furnished the author by other friends of the church, bringing the history of the various Methodist churches of this county down to date as closely as possible.

The first Quarterly Conference in the county was held at Wise's school house December 27, 1828, and comprised those churches within the territory known as the Fall Creek Circuit, whose boundaries took in parts of both Madison and Hamilton counties, extending north to the* Indian Reservation now in Tipton and Howard counties. The early official members were: Allen Wiley, presiding elder; Charles Bonner, circuit preacher; Jeremiah S. Williams, local preacher; Stephen Martes and Thomas M. Pendleton, exhorters; Charles McCarty, James Vest, William Bell, class leaders. The rec¬ ords show that the total quarterly receipts for that quarter amounted to but nine dollars and ninety-three cents. The total amount received for support of the ministry the first year was sixty-eight dollars. The preacher in charge in 1831 received one hundred fifteen dollars and twenty cents. In 1835 the name of the charge was changed from Fall Creek to Pendleton Circuit. The first Quarterly Conference in the Noblesville Circuit was held December 12, 1835. James Havens was presiding elder and J. C. Harbin circuit preacher. In October of 1853 Noblesville held its first Quarterly Conference. John Hall was presiding elder and L. W. Munson, local preacher.

Many of the records of the church at Noblesville long since have been lost or destroyed, so that only here and there can one get a glimpse of the doings of the early years of the church here. Financial troubles were exper¬ ienced in these good old golden days of the county, even as in later decades.

For example, one finds a record of July 17, 1847, *n which it is stated that the Noblesville church was in a precarious financial condition. Upon the pre¬ sentation of this report it was "moved and carried" that an effort be made immediately to pay for the meeting house. On June 15, 1850, the parsonage committee, John Pontius and William H. Guy, reported the house "in good order, eighteen dollars in debt, well fenced, but with enough money sub¬ scribed to pay the indebtedness in full."

As to church buildings in Noblesville, let it be stated that from the best evidence, mostly traditional, however, that can now be obtained, a log church was built on the site of the present church edifice. It is certain that the society has had three brick edifices, including that in use today. The January, 1852, church record shows that the church passed a resolution "that we build a meeting house and that another lot be purchased on which to build said house." The lot then desired could not be secured and it was agreed to build on the old church lot, which plan was carried out. At about that date a contract was entered into with Alfred D. Davidson to erect the new church for the sum of one thousand nineteen dollars and ten cents. This refers to the second brick church building. Just when a parsonage was pro¬ vided cannot be learned, but one entry shows that a smoke house was built at the parsonage in 1854, the same costing the sum of one hundred two dollars and sixty-nine cents.

The present church edifice, a beautiful brick structure, modern in every particular, was erected in 1891 and the church property is now estimated to be worth twenty-five thousand dollars. The present membership is about seven hundred enrolled. Rev. F. A. Hall receives a salary of one thousand eight hundred fifty dollars. The Sunday school has a membership of about six hundred.

Church For Colored Methodists

The African Methodist Episcopal church of Noblesville was organized in March, 1862, by Mr. Indicutt, a local preacher from Indianapolis, at the old school house, three and one-half miles north of Noblesville, with thirteen charter members. Rev. Indicutt remained in charge of his flock three years and was followed by Elders Langford, Brown and Depaugh. Camp meetings frequently were held in the nearby woods. In 1868 the society removed to Noblesville and on a lot that had been given them, bought for one hundred twenty-five dollars in Gray's addition. Elder Harper erected a church build¬ ing, which was first occupied in 1871. This was a one-story frame structure,

It appears that this church either was reorganized or a new one started in 1872 by Rev. Jason Bundy, with members as follows: Alicons Evans, Archibald Freeman, William Thomas, Richard Steward, Kelus Baker, Allen Spinks, Dan Scott, Weedham Scott, James Southers, Ben Roberts and Will¬ iam Pur. The wives of all these united with their husbands as charter mem¬ bers, with the exceptions of Mrs. Spinks.

The present value of this church property is about one thousand five hundred dollars. The pastors who have served are as follows: Revs. Jason Bundy, Aaron Knight, J. Pope, William Alexander, Quinn Tootlle, Richard Huntchinson, J. W. Harper, James Ferguson, J. W. Harper, James Fergu¬ son, John Mitchem, Johnson Burton, William Townsend, Jesse Bass, William Clark, Martin Coleman, Lemuel Stokes, William Chambers, J. F. Velliford, R. Z. Roberts, William Caylor, J. Sherman, P. H. Lewis, G. Crossland, C. H. Mooreman, V. Kirk and the present pastor, E. L. Rabitoy.

The Boxley Circuit

In Adams township the Methodists first commenced to worship in class in the year 1837, at the home of Eber Teters. In 1838 a regular class was perfected at the house of Samuel Baker, this class having a membership of twelve members. It was attached to the Nobles ville circuit, and had preach¬ ing services once each month at private houses and then in a school house in the village of Boxley. Thus came into existence the Boxley Methodist Epis¬ copal church. In 1852 a house of worship was erected, which was dedicated by William H. Good in the summer of 1853. At present Boxley circuit com¬ prises Boxley, Salem and Ekin. No list of membership appeared in the last conference reports for these several places, but there is a lively, success¬ ful work going on there.

The Church At Carmel

A class of Methodists was organized at Cannel in the winter of 1857-58 by Rev. L. P. Berry, of Noblesville. Preaching services were conducted at the house of Robert Cutts and at Dan Smith's. In 1845 Willis Atkins do¬ nated a lot upon which the Methodists built a hewed log church, which was used for a number of years. Later school houses and private houses were used for services by the society until, in 1871, a good modern house of wor- ship was erected. The present stone church was erected in 1905. Carmel is now on a circuit with Pleasant Grove and White Chapel, and has a member¬ ship of its own of ninety-five, while Pleasant Grove has eighty-eight and White Chapel eighty-two, a total membership of two hundred eighty-five. The church property is valued at twelve thousand dollars, and a Sunday school enrollment of two hundred ninety is reported.

In the winter of 1867-68 Rev. R. A. Newton organized a class of Meth¬ odists, which met in the school house at Sheridan village till 1870. In the spring of 1873 a lot was purchased and a building was started, but the money panic, involving the famous "Crime of 1873," talked of so much in Silverite days, intervened and operations had to be suspended for a time. In 1874, however, the thirty-six by fifty foot church, with a spire seventy-seven feet high, costing two thousand four hundred dollars, with lot costing one hun¬ dred fifty dollars, finally was completed. This church now has a member¬ ship of two hundred eighty-five, with a Sunday school enrollment of four hundred eightv-seven. The value of its property is estimated at eight thou¬ sand dollars, the church and parsonage both being modern buildings.

Some Rural Churches

In Clay township in early days the Methodist people held services at their private houses. Reverends Hezekiah Smith, Welch and Asa Beck were the pioneer preachers in that vicinity. All the people of the neighborhood regardless of religious faith, attended these Methodist meetings. In 1833 a class was regularly formed at the house of Isaac Sharp. A year later a log house was erected on land donated by Mr. Sharp, this building being known as "Sharp's Meeting House." There the society was housed until about 1855, when Pleasant Grove church was built in the place of the old log struc¬ ture. The present membership of this church is eighty-eight.

Poplar Grove church was the result of a class organized in the southeast portion of Clay township, at the home of Nathan Wilson. Elijah Patterson donated a lot on which was erected a log church building. Early in 1856 Mr. Wilson gave land, a half mile east of the former site, and there was built and was still being used a few years ago a good church edifice.

In Delaware township, at the home of Mrs. Dorothy Heady, in 1829, Reverend Roy preached for the Methodist people. Other early preachers of this faith were Reverends William Way, John and Jacob Miller.

In 1836 Hezekiah Smith, a local preacher, became a resident of the township and was soon followed by Rev. W. D. Roker. In the summer of 1838 a small class was formed at the "Farley School House," and continued holding services there till 1852, in which year a modest frame church was erected in Section 33 and called "White Chapel/' in honor of the Rev. White, the congregation's beloved pastor. The present membership of this church is eighty-two.

At Carmel a class was formed in 1848 by a dozen members, under Rev. N. Gillam, who preached in a log cabin which had been used for a black¬ smith's shop and abandoned. In 1850 a good church was provided, at a cost of eight hundred dollars. There were forty members in this society in 1880.

New Britton Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1852, and reorganized in 1868. This congregation conducted their services in the Bap¬ tist church building.

The Fisher Methodist church was organized in 1874 by the Rev. D. D. Powell and fourteen members. This congregation met at the school house till 1875, m which year the Union church building was erected. The Masonic order used the upper story of this building.

The first Methodist church in Fall Creek township was formed in 1828, though possibly there had been a class there a year or so earlier. Rev. Allen Wiley preached at the house of James Murrer. A class was organized in 1831, with twelve members, and the same was attached to the Pendleton circuit. In 1842 the first church edifice in that township was erected. This was situated on the Peter Staats farm and was called "Staats' Church." It was a log building. In after years this congregation united with the Fortville church and the old log building was torn down. Services were then held in the school house till 1855, in which year a small church was built, the same being popularly styled "Ebenezer Chapel."

Some Other Early Churches

Zion's Methodist church in Fall township was organized in 1858 by the Rev. Metzker at the Morgan school house. In r86o a frame church was erected in section 33 for the accommodation of this society, which in 1862 had a hundred members. Bv the year 1880, however, on account of death and removals, this congregation had decreased until it had only thirty-nine mem¬ bers.

The Jackson township Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal church was organized March, 1838, at the home of Wilson Baker and held services here and at other private houses for a number of years. Then a log building was erected on land donated by Joseph Sanders, on the bank of Taylor's creek, which served well its purpose until 1867, when a new and better building was provided, the same still being in use in the eighties. This church was within the Cicero circuit.

The Cicero Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1842-43, with a membership of forty-three. At first this congregation met in a log house fitted up by Dr. William Clifford. The church that was being used in the eighties was erected in 1854, at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. The class at this point was organized by ReV. J. V. A. Miller. It now has a membership of one hundred seventy-eight, and the value of its property is placed at sixteen thousand dollars.

Kring's Chapel (Buena Vista) class was formed prior to 1867 and held its meetings at the Union church building until the same was sold to the Lutheran people, at which time the Methodists built a church of their own, at a cost of two thousand thirty-five dollars, the building being finished in

In White River township a Methodist church was formed as early as the year 1827 at the house of Jonathan Carey. Meetings later were held at school houses in the neighborhood. This was the pioneer denomination in the township, but no church building was erected for many years after the forma¬ tion of the class.

The Strawtown Methodist church building was completed, at a cost of two thousand two hundred dollars, in 1870, a class having been formed two years prior to that date. The building cost the society two thousand two hundred dollars. The present membership of this congregation is given as twenty-five.

In Washington township, in 1865, Rev. J. V. R. Miller, presiding elder, organized a class of Methodist Episcopal believers, of about twenty-five mem¬ bers. They met at private houses till 1866, when they bought the old Con¬ gregational church building. Among the pastors recalled at this place were Reverends George Havens, Smay, J. R. Smith, F. A. Fish, O. H. Harrison, A. N. Cottingham, Samuel Lamb, William Brown, McCaig, William Peck, William Blake, A. M. Kerwood and William Parr, who was there in the early eighties, when the society had a membership of seventy-five.

early as 1825, meetings being held at the homes of Joseph Woodell and John Hare. Reverends Havens and Royse were among the first preachers. This class was reorganized in 1835, a log church being erected on land donated by Philip Carr. This primitive edifice was torn away in 1846 and a good frame structure erected, known as "Bethel Church/' the present membership of which is ninety.

The Church At Fishers

The first Methodist Episcopal church at Fishers began with the or¬ ganization of a class by Rev. D. D. Powell in 1874. There were fourteen members in this class and meetings were held in a school building until 1875, when a church was built near the school house on the road running east and west. Rev. Beal succeeded Rev. Powell in 1877; the next pastor was Rev. I. J. Rhodes, and he was followed by R. B. Powell in 1879. From this year until the erection of the new church the pastors were : Reverends Carpenter, Beal, and Curry, who was appointed chaplain of the penitentiary before his term had expired. Following him came Reverends Graham, Hunt, Huddleston, South, Dewitt, Kirk, Albright, Bruner, and the present pastor, Rev. Perry. The membership of this church is now about one hundred and seventy.

The Methodist Episcopal church at Atlanta was organized in 1870, the first meeting being held in the old Union church building, now the Wesleyan church, by Rev. A. H. Curry, of Cicero. I11 1875 a* building was erected by one of the members, Philip King, from lumber prepared in his saw mill. In 1893 Atlanta became the head of a new charge, with Ekin and Boxley as circuit appointments*. In 1896 Atlanta was made a station, after a series of revival meetings. In 1902 the town received a financial back-set and the church was unable for a time to pay the preacher's salary. In 1912, however, a new building was erected and the next year the church was made a per¬ manent charge. The present membership is about one hundred and fiftyfive. Pastors since 1883 have been: Reverends T. H. C. Beall, 1882-84; E. W. Osburn, 1885; W. M. Stranahan, 1886-88; J. S. McElwee, 1889-91; E. Davis, 1892; S. H. Stokes, 1893-95; J- E. Earp, 1896-97; W. O. Pierce, I897-i90o; S. C. Poor, 1900-02; Bachus, 1903-04; Mellinger, 1905-06; Carry, 1907; W. F. Kerr, 1908-10; C. Bailor, 1910-12 ; Bailey, 1913, and still pastor.

The Methodist Episcopal church at Arcadia was organized in 1867, as a result of a revival held bv Rev. J. W. Diefendorf and Rev. J. W. T. Mc¬ Millan, the former being pastor in charge at Cicero at the time. Fifty-three members were enrolled under the leadership of Amos Dickover and they met

Some Interesting History

Sheridan-Boxley Methodism has an interesting history, a brief extract from which we are able to quote in this connection. Prior to the founding of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sheridan this territory was covered by Boxley circuit, composed of the churches at Boxley and at Poplars, two miles northwest of Sheridan. When Sheridan, then called Millwood, was established and became a good thriving town, the old Oakland church was abandoned and a class formed there. Meetings at first were held in the schoolhouse, the same now being used as a residence by J. K. Rhodeman. For years the society struggled on in its poverty and came near being sold for the debts hanging over it. The trustees wanted to give notes for the society for the amount of the one thousand three hundred dollar mortgage, but the party declined to accept these notes, saying, however, that he would take individual notes from church. members. John Boatman and John Stahl carried the burden of debt a number of years. Later, Rev. Leonard, aided by the Monon railway, conducted several excursions to the lakes at the north, and from the profits of these excursions cleared the church of its debt. The church has been three times remodeled, the last time being in 1894. The first Methodist church erected at Sheridan was in 1874, while Rev. C. H. Wilkenson was pastor. Poplar church was sold and Sheridan became a regular charge. Since the early times these churches - the original mother church at Boxley and the present church at Sheridan - suffered many severe trials.

It is set out in one of the church histories that the following men of God served at Boxley: Reverends Igo, Berry, Stabler, Sbrite, Armstrong,

Union Chapel, in Wayne township, was organized as a class about the year 1836 by John Castor and wife, Major Shelby and wife, Dorcas Hare, Sarah Griffith, Polly Hare and Alexander Stephenson and wife. The first class leader was John Castor who served till 1873. Meetings were held at the old Hare school house until 1845, in which year James Hare donated land for a church and he, John Castor, and William Goe built a neat church building of logs. Rev. Donaldson was the first pastor. The old log church lasted till 1868 when a frame structure was erected on the site to take its place. This new building was fortv-five by sixty feet in dimensions and cost two thousand two hundred dollars. The present membership of this congregation is about forty.

At Harvey Chapel there is a membership of fifty-one and at Bealls Chapel the membership is eighty. The Ninth Street church at Nobles ville has a membership of one hundred. Eagleton has a membership of twentysix Big Springs has a membership of sixty-two. Hortonville has a mem¬ bership of eighty. Jolietville has about eighty. Fishers church has a mem¬ bership of one hundred and seventy-one. Arcadia church has two hundred. Atlanta has a membership of one hundred and fifty-five and property valued at eight thousand five hundred dollars. Sheridan has a membership of about lour hundred. Thus it will be seen that Methodism is pretty well scattered throughout the length and breadth of Hamilton county.

Wesleyan Methodist Churches

In January of the year 1844 there was organized at Westfield village in Washington township, a class of the above denomination under the direction of J. L. Pfaff, M. D. He was succeeded by Rev. Alex Heywood. Both were strong anti-slavery men, their feelings in this regard but reflecting the general sentiment in the class. By reason of this position they met with violent opposition on the part of some of the pro-slavery people in their community. Their kindness, however, was long remembered by the colored people, many of whom no doubt would have been recaptured and likely some of them killed, had it not been for the protective care thus bestowed upon them. Westfield village was a very important station on the "Underground Railway" mentioned elsewhere in this work, and many of the "conductors" were members of this Wesleyan class. Also many of the Friends or "Quakers," hereabout were just as faithful in their service in behalf of the blacks seeking refuge in the north. By 1856 this society of Wesleyan Methodists had grown to be a good-sized church society and they soon erected a large, comfortable church building.

At Sheridan, the Wesleyan Methodists formed their organization in 1880, under the leadership of W. H. Kennedy. This church and the one at Boxley were placed together in the same circuit. A building was erected, forty-four by fifty-two feet. In 1913 this church building was destroyed by fire. A new one was at once erected, a brick structure, which was finished in the same year. The present pastor is Rev. Washington Smith, of Taylor University.

Church Of The Brethren

The Church of the Brethren at Arcadia was organized in 1856. Elias Caylor was a bishop, assisted in the ministry by Joseph McCarty and William Pierce. They held meetings in school houses and dwellings and the love feasts in barns until 1866, when the present church house was built, a half mile east of Arcadia. J. M. Perry, G. W. Bowser and James H. Hill also assisted in the ministry. In 1907 the house was remodeled. In 1885 Elias Smeltzer was elected to the ministry. In 1893 James Hill and Elias Smeltzer were ordained bishops. Elias Smeltzer has presided over the congregation nearly all the time since then, free of charge. In 1866 the annexed cemetery was platted and now contains about twelve hundred graves.

Baptist Churches

The Baptist church at Noblesville was organized December 8, 1827. The first trustees were: Messrs. Carey W. Harrison, Robert Colburn and Jordan Peyton. The first clerk was C. W. Harrison and Isaac Hurlock was moderator. The first to serve as pastor was Rev. Nathaniel Richmond who preached once each month at this point.

Noblesville and later was styled the Christian church, which society origin¬ ally had been formed in 1834 by Elders John L. Jones and Clarence Butler. Among the first members from the Baptist wing of this society were: Isaac Hurlock, Anna Hurlock, C. W. Harrison, Matilda Harrison, Robert Col¬ burn, E. Hurlock, Joanna Granger and Mary Wood. Meetings for a time were held in the court house and by 1839 fairly regular services were being maintained, this situation continuing on down to 1850, when a Sunday school was organized and in September of which year the Rev. Hopkins was en¬ gaged as pastor at a salary of three hundred dollars per year, he dividing his time between this point and Cicero town. This salary included the pastor's house rent.

This early organization of Baptists now is known as Calvary Baptist church, which latter organization was perfected in August, 1910, with twenty charter members as follows: Rev. J. H. Smith and wife, B. F. Wise and wife, Mr. Comstock and wife, M. D. Gatewood and wife, G. D. Robin¬ son and wife, Everett McCarty and wife, Ed Coverdale and wife, Ed Baker and wife, Abner Riley and wife, Oscar Riley and wife. At present the church has a membership of seventy or more. This church was organized in a tent and during the first year of its organization the congregation wor¬ shipped in a store room on Maple avenue. The old Evangelical church on Ninth street, then was rented for a time and in 1912 the Baptists purchased the old church, the frame structure on the comer of Ninth and Cherry streets, at an agreed price of three thousand five hundred dollars for lot, church and small parsonage. The present pastor is Rev. Arthur E. Myer, who took charge in March of 1914 and who had been preceded by the Revs. O. E. Miller and G. W. Livingstone. The only other Baptist church in Hamilton county is the one out nine miles from Noblesville - Prairie Baptist church.

This refers to the white churches, there also being a colored Baptist church in Noblesville, which is known as the First Baptist Church of Nobles¬ ville (colored), and which was organized in 1868 by the following charter members: Jack Smith, Aaron Mitchell, Henry Hurley, Ricks Monday, Marjory Howard, Lizzie Howard, Bell Bush, Anna Monday, Lizzie Hurley and Plance Davis. This church has a membership of fifty and its church property is valued at one thousand dollars. The African Baptist church at Noblesville originally was organized September, 1853, at the old schoolhouse, by Rev. Jesse Young, of Indianapolis, with about fifteen members. He served as pastor until 1859, from which time services were irregular until the spring of 1865, after the close of the Civil War, when the same preacher, Reverend Young, came back and re-organized the church of colored folks, meetings being held in the same old schoolhouse. Only seven members re¬ mained through the years between organization and 1865. After Reverend Young came Reverends Chapman, Harris, Henry Johnson, Benjamin Gard¬ ner and C. A. Roberts, the latter of whom served in the early eighties. Through his influence the church building was provided in 1873, at a cost of six hundred and forty dollars. It was erected on Amo street west of Brock street and was a frame structure twenty by thirty feet. The membership of this society in 1881 was about seventy.

Mount Zion's Baptist church in Clay township was organized at an early day, but no building was erected until 1867, in which year John Will¬ iams gave a lot to the infant society on which to erect a neat frame building. In 1880 this building was occupied by the Methodist and Friends societies, the Baptist congregation having disbanded.

The Regular Baptist church in Delaware township was organized at New Britton in 1864 by Elders L. Peters, W. Thompson, W. W. Brandon and P. Keeney with ten other charter members. These held services in a school house in the village until 1870, when a good building was erected at a cost of one thousand one hundred dollars, the same being dedicated by Rev. John T. Oliphant, who then was the pastor.

A German Baptist church was organized and held services in Jackson township as early as 1840. In 1850 Elder Eli Caylor, of Noblesville, preached for the society. A good church building was erected in 1866, three-fourths of a mile from Arcadia, before this time services having been held in private houses.

The Stony Creek Baptist church was formed in Wayne township about 1 851 at a private house. Services later were conducted at the school house and in i860 a church was erected.

Prairie Baptist church in Wayne township is a Missionary Baptist church, organized about 1845. Among its constituent members were: George and Elizabeth Castor, Reason and Esther Castor, Nathan and Free¬ land Castor, John and Margaret Hamilton, Jacob and Sarah McDonald, Jacob and Hannah Sherer, and Mrs. Sarah Byrum. The first house of worship was a hewn-log structure erected in 1848, but not really completed until 1856. The present frame church was erected in 1884 and stands about twenty rods from the old church site, a mile from the north line and two miles from the east line of Wayne township. It was remodeled in 1900 and again in 1910. About two hundred members are enrolled in this congrega¬ tion of whom about one hundred and fifty are reported to be active members. The property is valued at two thousand five hundred dollars.

The following are among the faithful ministers* who have served as pastors of this church : Revs. Nathaniel Richmond, Thomas, James, Augustus Price, William Kertley, J. E. Ellison, M. T. Carver, J. B. Sommerville, Jacob Barrow, John Schenk, Harry Hill, J. H. Smith, J. H. Mitchell, T. E. Bowles, and its present evangelist pastor, Charles Stoddard.

Presbyterian Churches

The Presbyterians always have been prominent in this county, especially at Noblesville. A church of this faith was organized here December 20, 1848, with a membership of less than twenty, among whom were men and women of much influence and prominence, Rev. W. H. Rogers being the moderator at the preliminary meeting at which the following persons signed the charter of the First Presbyterian church in Noblesville: Curtis Mallery, Joseph Curlin, John T. Curlin, Robert T. Curlin, Margaret Curlin, J. S. Lower, Sabina Lower, Abner Jones, Nancy Jones, W. F. Wagoman and Mrs. Dunlap. The following February Mrs. H. A. Rogers and Rachel Potts added their names to the roll of membership. Rev. Rogers was the first installed pastor and remained in charge until in October, 1854, when he was succeeded by Rev. James McCoy. Other early ministers were Revs. Ed Sco¬ field and L. P. Webbers. In December, 1865, it was resolved that the church building be sold if a purchaser could be found who would pay as much as one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. The building was sold and another erected on South Catherine street, one square from the court house square. That building was in use in 1880, when Rev. John S. Craig was pastor. Pastors since that date have included : Reverends J. C. Craig, Revenaugh, Gowdy, Davies, Charleton, Overstreet, Campbell, Gibson and Frank P. Miller, who is now acting pastor. The present (1914) mem¬ bership is one hundred and sixty-five. The present church was erected in 1893 and cost about fifteen thousand dollars. It is a fine brick edifice and compares favorably with any in the county. This is the only Presbyterian church in the county. At one time there was a church of this denomination in Cicero but it long since has been abandoned.

Congregational Church

This denomination never has been very strong in Hamilton county. Several attempts have been made to establish permanent congregations, but all to no purpose. At one time there was an organization at Westfield.

Washington township, which was organized by Jabez Neal. A building was erected at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars and three hundred dollar^ was expended for a bell. During the trying days of the great Civil War the congregation dissolved and never was re-organized.

Noblesville also had a Congregational church at one time, but this congregation also gradually dissolved, many of its members going into the Presbyterian church.

United Brethren Churches

In 1849-50 in Washington township a log house was erected a half mile south of Eagletown, and a congregation of twenty-five members was formed to hold services under the direction of the United Brethren church. The early ministers there were Reverends Hamilton, Winsett and Sherill. Twelve years later the society moved to Eagletown.

In 1866 a congregation of United Brethren was organized in Delaware township under the direction of Rev. Henry Mooth. This congregation worshiped in a schoolhouse eight years and then in 1874 built a frame church east of the village, which served till 1877, when a wind storm destroyed it and it never was re-built, services being conducted thereafter in the Baptist church at New Britton.

Bethlehem United Brethren church was written up as follows at the time of the recent dedication of the new church : "It seems that at an early day before the class had been formed at Mt. Zion in an old log church, in which services were held, Mrs. Elizabeth Crook took her two small children on horseback and rode some three miles to attend meeting in this old church and while there invited the preacher to come over and hold a meeting in her neighborhood. The meeting was held in an old log barn at the Crook home¬ stead and was attended by people frorrt far and near. The result was the forming of a class with the following charter members: Trustees, Samuel Patterson, Jr., George Steffev and John Wertz: members, Samuel J. Patter¬ son, Margaret Patterson, Jacob Steffey, John Wertz, Anna Mary Wertz, Josiah Crook, Wilson Allen, Caroline Allen, George Steffey, William Kinneman, Charity Kinneman, Samuel Patterson, Sr., and Elvina Cahill.

"The circuit of which this class became a part was about forty miles long, extending almost from Chesterfield, Delaware county, to Indianapolis. The early ministers of this circuit were: Revs. William Richardson, J. R. Brown, George Muth, Amos Hand way, A. R. Day, William Nichol, B. Hoi-

"For some time meetings were held in the private houses of members, but soon a log church was erected near the site of the present church. In the sixties the old log cabin church gave way to a better edifice of frame, which for more than half a century was one of the landmarks in the country. The recently dedicated church is a handsome building and duly appreciated by the community in which it stands in Fall Creek township." At present the society has a membership of one hundred and fifty. The church build¬ ing was remodeled in 1913 and is now presided over by Rev. C. R. Archer who also has charge of the work at Union church.

The Union United Brethren church, not far from Bethlehem, was or¬ ganized in 1877 and a building was erected in 1883. This congregation now has one hundred and twenty-five members. Rev. William Gossert was the organizer of this church.

Noblesytlle United Brethren

The United Brethren church at Noblesville was organized by Rev. M. F. Dawson, the charter members being : Mary Frazier, Mary McVey, Samuel George and wife, Susan Wall and David Stage and wife. The present (January, 1915) membership is one hundred and eighty-three. A church building was erected under the pastorate of Rev. A. C. Wilmore and dedi¬ cated December 22, 1895. This is a frame building on the corner of Plum and Eleventh streets and cost between two thousand eight hundred dollars and three thousand dollars. In 1913 the building was remodeled under the direction of Pastor John Rosenbarger at an expense of about two thousand four hundred dollars, the re-dedication taking place on June 15th of that year. Under the pastorate of Rev. D. W. Zartman in 1899 a good, frame parsonage valued at about two thousand dollars was built next to the church building.

Mount Vernon United Brethren church in Fall Creek township was or¬ ganized in April, 1840, by the Rev. William Stewart. The original class consisted of nine members and was formed at the Barnes schoolhouse. In 1842 Isaac Helms donated a lot and a log church was erected, which served the class till 1858, when a better house was erected. This was a frame church twenty-six by thirty feet, costing one thousand dollars. Among the original membership were Samuel Brooks and wife, John Heath and wife, Alonzo Sherman and wife, Hugh Duke and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Davis and Isaac Helms and wife. The society now has a membership of sixty. The frame church above named was repaired and remodeled in 1911 at a cost of three hundred dollars. The present board of trustees are: Marion Brooks, M. E. Ogle and Arthur Wolfgang.

Among the ministers whose names are not soon to be forgotten in the community which they so unselfishly served were: Revs. Stover, T. E. Evans, Hanway, Batty, Mures, J. M. Ware, Gronendike, Crawford, Roberts, Tharp, McNew, Veal, Robins, J. Halsread, Gossett, Baily, Rice, Darling, M. F. Dawson, Jarvis, J. Dawson, Willmore, Lydy, Bartlett, Hunt, Wyant, Hobsin, Kinneman, Smith and Kindred.

At an early day there was no church of this primitive order at Sheridan, the few disciples who lived in this community having no church home nearer than Boxley. They had the occasional use of the Methodist church and sometimes preaching brethren on their wray to other appointments stopped over here. In 1885, however, plans were laid to erect a church building and the following year one was finished and dedicated by Abraham Plunkett, Messers Hand, Coyner and Simpson being selected as the first overseers of the little flock. There are now two hundred and seventy-five members in this congregation. The following have served as pastors: Revs. Plunkett, Goodykoontz, Hudson, McKinzie, Hall, Mavity, Brickert, McCallum, Con¬ ner, Burton, Brown and W. D. Bartle. In 1910, when Elmer Payne was pastor, the present church building was erected. Other ministers were A. A. Assetor, Rev. Jackson and the present pastor, Rev. L. H. Graham.

In 1838 a church of this denomination was organized at Boxley by Tom Lockhart. A church building was erected in i860, at which time there were twenty-five members. After this the society gradually declined and in 1893 it was re-organized by Mr. Goodcomb.

The Christian Churches

This denomination long has been a power in Hamilton county. The oldest Christian church in the county probably is the one at Noblesville, the congregation of which recently celebrated its eightieth anniversary. This church was founded here in November, 1834, by a few men and women of this faith and it was not long before a frame church building was erected near the site now occupied by the Baptist church on South Ninth street, formerly the Evangelical church. Then came a brick building on the loca¬ tion where stands the present Christian church, in the center of the city. The last named was erected in 1897 under the direction of Rev. E. S. Conner, and is a handsome brick edifice.

Preceding the Civil War period there arose a sectional dissension in the church which was not healed until after the great civil conflict had ended, after which all was union and harmony. This "split" occurred in the forties under the pastorate of Reverend Edmundson. Among the ministers well remembered by the older residents of this county may be recalled: Revs. John Longlev, Thomas Burnau, D. H. Gary, the Coles and Rosses, Schofield, J. W. Loher, O. S. Reed, Edmundson, Mercer. E. B. Barnes, Starr, and Darst. The present membership of this church is five hundred and the present pastor is Rev. L. C. Howe.

In reviewing the history of the four score years of service of this church, one cannot but feel that great good has come to the community through the weekly ministrations from this pulpit where nothing but the simple New Testament truth has been preached and then fairly well lived out by the men and the women of the congregation during the days fol¬ lowing.

The Church At Clarksville

"We whose names are hereunto subscribed solemnly agree and covenant with each other and God our Heavenly Father, to constitute a church of Jesus Christ, to be known as Antioch, taking the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as our only rule of faith and practice and would humbly pray that the blessings of our Heavenly Father may rest upon us now and ever more. Dated this 18th day of March, i860."

The above was subscribed to by the following persons: John Burk and Mary Burk, John C. Kinneman and Elizabeth Kinneman, Silas and Mary Helms, Michael Bennett, Michael Souders, James L. Danaha, Asenath Danaha, George Burk, John T. Danaha (killed at the battle of Stone River), Z. D. Whetsell, Eliza Whetsell, Miriam Lennen, Martha J. Kinneman and Sarah Burke.

The treasurer's account shows that during the first year of the history of this church there was collected the sum of sixty-one dollars and sixty-five cents.

From i860 to 1867 the church was without a home of its own. This was seven long years of church life and hard struggles. Meetings were held at Bethel Methodist Episcopal church through the kindness of that people. A series of revival meetings were held there, and several were added to the church, including T. J. Shoemaker, William and Mary Brittain, Fannie Leonard and several others whose names are not now at hand. These meet¬ ings were held under the administration of Rev. Burnau. Later, meetings were held in schoolhouses, especially that located a little east of where Z. W. Paulsel now resides.

A favorite meeting place during the summer season was under a large oak tree on the farm now owned by W. L. Hosmer, just to the north of Clarksville. These meetings continued at various points, a Sunday school was organized and held its sessions in the old schoolhouse. In the spring of 1867 Mrs. Sarah Nicholson deeded to the trustees the plot of ground now occupied and the church-house was erected, being dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on the last Sunday in August, 1867, by Reverend Burnau, assisted by Rev. Van Winkle. Probably the greatest progress ever reported by this church was during the years between i860 and 1870, when scores were added to the roll of membership.

The first funeral service held in the church was that held over the remains of the little daughter of Harrison and Mary Nicholson, a short time after th$ dedication of the building.

The present membership is one hundred and eighty. The present build¬ ing, a frame structure, was erected in 1850 at a cost of eight hundred dol¬ lars. The following have served as pastors of this church: Revs. Thomas Burnau, Hobson, Charles Martz, Axline, Dale, Daugherty, Van Winkle, Gary, Wilson, A. H. Morris, Wiley Ackman, Mark Collins, J. F. Ross, J. P. Finley, Kerr, J. C. Kutts, Sells, C. B. Taylor, 1900: L. T. Van Cleave, 1901; W. H. Knotts, 1902; B. L. Allen, 1903; Goodykoontz, 1904-5; T. A. Cooper, 1906-7; Morris, 1908; Samuel Hawthorne, 1909-10; E. C. Kuhn, 1911; E. C. Wells, 1912; G. A. Waller, 1913; Rev. Payne, of Irvington, 1914.

Church Organized In A Barn

earliest of this sect in Indiana. Meetings were held in school houses at first, but in 1869 the organization was formally perfected and a frame church was erected on the corner of Olive and Main street. This church was or¬ ganized by twenty-four members' under the direction of Elder C. B. Austin, of Noblesville. Before the real organization was effected nineteen different ministers had preached to these people. These received no regular salaries, but were paid by donations. There were forty-two preachers from the in¬ ception of the society until the erection of the new church building. In 1896 the Sunday school had a membership of one hundred and forty-two. In time the old church became too small and May 31, 1896, the corner-stone was laid for a new edifice, situated one square south of the old site. This new structure cost about $7,000. The church today is in a splendid condi¬ tion.

Betheny Christian church was erected in 1863. This was a frame build¬ ing thirty-six by fifty feet and cost one thousand four hundred dollars.

The Buena Vista Christian church was organized October 11, 1874, with a membership of forty-six. In 1875 a church building was erected on a lot costing two hundred dollars, in the southeast part of the village. It was a neat frame structure, well finished and had ash seats, trimmed in walnut. Its cost was two thousand five hundred dollars, and a bell was added costing one hundred and fifty dollars more.

In the year 1845 Rev- Carey Harrison organized a church at Arcadia, with twenty-five members. In 1850 a lot was given the sofiety by Isaac Martz and a church and school were built on the same. This was used until 1866, when a new building took its place, costing two thousand two hundred dollars.

The Christian church at Atlanta was founded in 1842 with three mem¬ bers. The first preaching services were held in a bam and were conducted by Rev. Stampfer, who chanced to pass through the country. There were ten conversions at that meeting. Other preachers in that early day of the church were Revs. VanDake, Cora Harrison and others whose names are lost in the flight of years, but whose labors were not in vain.

This society was reorganized about Civil War days, at which time B. M. Blount became, the regular minister. In the reorganization Bethany (now Omega), five miles to the east of Atlanta, became the centralization point. A church building was erected in 1876, under the direction of B. M. Blount. In 1809 this building gave way to a more commodious structure, which was fully finished a year later. The present membership of the Arcadia church is four hundred and a Sunday school attendance of two hundred is reported. Though the early records of this church were destroyed by fire, it is known that the following ministers have been among the number who have served at this point: Revs. Frazer, Grasso, Conner, Van Cleave, Cooper, Sumner, Jackson, Pierce, Hemsey, 1905 : Long, 1906; Baker, 1907; Honeywell, 1910; Montgomery, 1913.

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Mt. Pleasant Evangelical Lutheran church - the Arcadia church - was organized in November, 1837, with fifteen charter members. It was situated near Cicero, two miles east of Arcadia. Land was donated by Peter Achenbach on which to build a church. This was cleared of forest trees and brush and a neat frame building erected in 1838-9. In 1855 a new constitution was adopted, after which the organization was called the "English ,and German Evangelical Lutheran Church.,, A new church building was then erected near the site of the old, this present church property being valued at about eighteen hundred dollars. Associated with Mt. Pleasant, both being in the same charge, is the Olive Branch church, which conducts its services in a school house northeast of Noblesville and which has a membership of sixty.

Immanuel church was erected two miles east of Arcadia in 1848 by the German members who had attached to the Mt. Pleasant church. In 1853 this church building was burned and a frame church was built to take its place and was still in use in the early eighties. The cost of this structure was six hundred dollars.

An account of the work of the Lutheran church at Arcadia was sent to the author by a student of the public schools, from which account we have made the following extracts : In the early forties Freiden Wynecken, the first Lutheran missionary, found scattered through this section many Penn¬ sylvania Germans of this religious faith. His circuit from Fort Wayne to Seymour was made on horseback. After his time came, the Reverends Kuns and Ficke, and in June, 1852, Rev. Frederick Schumann was installed pastor, after which a rude church was erected, the same being dedicated January 6, 1853. Then, in 1854, came Rev. J. L. Daib, who was followed by Rev. G. Reinhardt, under whose charge a new church was erected, the first one having been destroyed by fire. Following this came Rev. Koesteining, who built a parsonage and added a parochial school. Following this faithful minister came Rev. M. M. Michael and in 1869 came Rev. Schles- selman, who preached and taught school until 1875, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Bethke, who had spiritual direction of the congregation from 1875 to x888. Since this latter year the ministers have been: Revs. Hussman, nine years; Rev. Jensen, who not only established the English-speaking school and preached also in English, but under whose direction a new brick church was erected at Arcadia; in 1900 came Rev. Theodore Hahn, who served until 1903, he being followed by Rev. Bopp, who remained till 1910, when the present minister, Rev. G. A. Schimmel came to the charge.

Bethel English Lutheran church at Cicero was organized October 12, 1856, with eight members. ' The organizer was Ambrose H. Scherer. This society now has a membership of one hundred and five. A church was erected from brick material in 1864 and has been several times repaired. Today it is said to be worth two thousand dollars. A parsonage, valued at one thousand five hundred dollars, is a part of the church property. Among the earlier ministers may be recalled Revs. Presley, Kuhn, Martin, Mohler, Hamer, Mumma, Shanks and Mohler. Rev. M. L. Smith is the present pastor.

Rqman Catholic Churches

The Catholics never have been very strong in Hamilton county, though there have been a few parishes in existence at different points with the passing years. These include St. Mary's Catholic church in Jackson town¬ ship, which was organized in 1840 by Rev. Father Backlen. A church build¬ ing was erected there in 1863, at a cost of one thousand one hundred dollars, but the parish declined and finally was abandoned, at present there being but one Catholic church in the county - that located at Cicero, at which point the members of this denomination from Noblesville and the upper portion of the county are served by a priest residing out of the county. The church build¬ ing at Cicero is a substantial structure, but the membership, since the removal of the glass factories from that point has been very small.

The Society Of Friends

The Friends have always been a strong denomination in these parts. Many of the sturdy pioneers of Hamilton county were of this faith and Meetings were early established throughout the county, which have been kept up until the present day. Many of the best people within Hamilton county are faithful members of this society and the good accomplished by their presence can only be known in the endless years of eternity.

Early Meetings were held by the Friends in Clay township about the year 1833, when twenty families met at Jacob Cook's in the northeast part of the township and organized a "Monthly Meeting."

At the village of Aroma, in the northeast part of White River town¬ ship, in 1837, eleven families of this religious faith met and held meetings at the house of Caleb Harvey. A log meeting house was erected and served well its purpose until 1870, when a better house was provided by the pur¬ chase of a school house, which was remodeled for church purposes.

The first public worshippers in Washington township were Friends, who organized a society in 1834 at the home of Ambrose Osborn. Twelve famil¬ ies constituted the first membership of this church. A meeting house, twen¬ ty-four by forty-eight feet in size, was built in 1835. This was divided into two rooms, each twenty-four feet square, separated by a -heavy log partition. This building was in use until 1848, when it was torn away and a frame church, fifty-six by seventy feet in dimensions, was erected, at a cost of one thousand dollars.

In 1841-42 the Friends organized at Eagletown, the first meetings being held in a log cabin on Ephraim Stout's place. Fifteen members constituted the first meeting and two years later a meeting house was erected for their use. This church society was a radical branch of the anti-slavery type and had withdrawn from the Westfield Monthly Meeting on that account; later they united with the Anti-slavery Friends Society. In 1853 the meeting was reorganized at Eagletown, where a comfortable edifice was built, which was still in use in the eighties, in which year the society had a membership of one hundred and thirty.

The Chester Friends church has a history beginning with the first set¬ tlement of the neighborhood. In February, 1837, Robert Tomlinson, with his family, settled two miles north of Westfield. In September, of the same year, Enoch Jessup and family settled near by. In good time other families came to the neighborhood, most of whom belonged to the Friends church. There was no church nearer than Westfield. As there were no roads the mode of traveling was on foot or on horseback. This distance was traveled for a few years until they believed they ought to have a church established in their own neighborhood. To this end, on March 31, 1859, the following petition was presented to the Westfield Monthly Meeting:

"We, the undersigned members of the Westfield Monthly Meeting, re¬ quest the privilege of holding a meeting for worship and a preparative among ourselves to be known by the name of Chester, two miles north of the town (21) of Westfield, in the county of Hamilton, in the state of Indiana. Said meet¬ ing to be held on first and fourth day of each week, except first day of quarterly and fourth day of monthly meeting weeks. The preparative meet¬ ing to be held on fourth day before the last seventh day in each month."

This petition was signed by Robert Tomlinson, Peter Rich, David Stal¬ ker, John Stalker, Joseph Moore, William Baldwin, Lydia Tomlinson, Pru¬ dence Jessup, Amy Rich, Annie Stalker, Deborah Moore, Mary Baldwin, Noah Tomlinson, Allen Tomlinson, Eli Carey, Isom Hiatt, Jonathan Carey, David Fodrea, Abigal Tomlinson, Martha A. Tomlinson, Mary Carey, Asenath Hiatt, Eliza A. Carey and Tamer Fodrea.

The Monthly Meeting at Westfield united with this request and the information of this action was forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting held at Westfield in May, 1859. The Quarterly Meeting appointed a committee to visit those Friends making the request and this committee reported to the Quarterly Meeting held in the following August, as follows:

"The committee appointed at last Meeting to visit those Friends on ac¬ count of their request to hold a meeting for worship and a preparative to be known by the name of Chester, have attended to the object of our appoint¬ ment and are free ; said request be granted, which we submit to the Meeting. Signed, on behalf of the committee - Andrew F. Evans, Anna Baker."

"At Union Quarterly Meeting of Friends, held at Westfield, Indiana, eighth month, sixth day, 1859, the committee appointed to visit Friends in the north part of the settlement of Westfield on account of their request for a Meeting for worship and a preparative, report that they have attended to the object of their appointment and are united in judgment that it would be right to grant their request, with which the Meeting unites; and appoints the following named Friends to attend the opening Meeting in the tenth month next, namely: Donagan Clark, Jacob Carson, Noah Stafford, Clark¬ son F. Cook, Benjamin Harold, Jesse Horney, Jemima Stanley, Sarah Hiatt, Elizabeth Bray, Edith J. Commack, Phebe Cook, Eunice Doan. (Signed) Levi T. Pennington, Ellen R. Hunt, Clerks."

In accordance with the above action Chester was organized on October 26, 1859, with Robert Tomlinson and Lydia Tomlinson as heads of the Meeting and Joseph Moore and Amy Rich as clerks. The first minister hav¬ ing a Meeting appointed for the proclaiming of the Gospel in Chester house, was Joseph Pickett, with M. Sittler as his companion, which Meeting was held October 31, 1859. The first marriage in Chester house was that of Henry Roberts and Keziah Lamm. The first minister recorded was Zimri

The ground upon which the meeting house was built was donated to * the church by Allen Tomlinson to Joseph Moore, Allen Tomlinson and Noah Tomlinson, as trustees, in 1859. In the erection of this edifice the labor was donated by the members. A part of the house was used for a school room for eight years.

The history of the Friends church at Carmel is best told by a quotation from a booklet published by the society in 1895, which reads, in part, as follows :

"About the year 1830 a few Friends met at Harmon Coxe's, a mile and a half east of Carmel, to consult about a place to hold public meetings for worship. The decision was that the first Meeting should be held in a log cabin, one-half mile north of Carmel, and a few rods west of the road running from Carmel to Westfield. This cabin had been built by an early settler but was at this time deserted.

"For near three years this continued to be the meeting place of those upright Christian families who formed the first Meeting of Friends in Hamilton county, Indiana.

"The following are the names of early settlers who are now recalled and found on records: Benjamin Mendenhall, in 1827; Charles White, John Morris and William Hawkins, in 1828; Harmon Cox, Timothy Sumner, Barnebv Newby, Daniel Warren and Jonas Hoover, in 1831 ; Stephen Hiatt, Eli Johnson, Jacob Cook, Isaac Rich and Charles Davis, in 1832. From 1833 to 1835 came in the subjoined: Zimri Cook, Jonathan Carey, Eli Phelps, Joseph and Abraham Jessup, Jonathan Evans, William Comber, Samuel Small. George West, Nathan Harold, Joseph Randall, Jr., Isaiah Davidson, Benjamin Wells and possibly a few others.

"The Name of the Church . - When established the Meeting was called Richland. The name was suggested by Benjamin Mendenhall, who had moved from a Meeting by that name in Greene county, Ohio. It belonged to Fairfield Monthly Meeting, which is situated in Hendricks county. It was at first indulged meeting, but in 1833 a Preparative Meeting was established by the above Monthly Meeting. In 1835 Richland Preparative joined with Westfield Preparative Meeting and Westfield Monthly Meeting was established by White Lick Quarterly Meeting held in Morgan county. The committee appointed to attend the opening of this Monthly Meeting were: Eleazor Bales, Robert W. Hodson, John Carter, Jr., Richard Day, Elizabeth Mendenhall, Ann Bales, Esther Newlin and Asenath Moore. These were all present, except Richard Day and Elizabeth Mendenhall. Westfield Meeting for some years was held alternately at Richland and Westfield.

"Richland Monthly Meeting. - In 1840 Richland Monthly Meeting was set off from Westfield and by White Lick Meeting. Those appointed to attend the opening of Richland Monthly Meetings were: Samuel Spray, Robert W. Hodson, William Whitson, James Kearsey, Samuel Millhouse, Esther Spray, Rhoda Carey, Asenath Moore, Margaret Goffin and Lydia Tomlinson.

"In 1868 Richland Quarterly Meeting was established. It was com¬ posed of Richland, Poplar Ridge and East Branch Monthly Meetings, the latter two having been established a few years previous to this.

" First Friends Child Born. - The first child born in a Friends family was Elizabeth Ann Stanton, daughter of Benjamin Mendenhall. The first marriage according to Friends disciple was William Hiatt and Mary Moon. In 1841 Charles Lane and Julia Cook, Cyrus Carey and Margaret Harold, Jesse Small and Eliza Bond were three couples who were married in Friends Meetings.

" Education . - Very early in the history of this Meeting, the subject of education claimed its attention. Ever since 1841 committees were interested in the person of both men and women, who have kept apace with the times ever since. Liberal contributions of money and interest have been given to aid in the establishment of Union High Schools at Westfield, and from the above date until about 1878, one or more schools were merged by the Monthly Meeting. Those of Poplar Ridge and Carmel deserve special men¬ tion, being excelled by few, if indeed any, in the county.

"School Buildings. - At one time Richland Meeting spent three thousand dollars in the erection of a building in the north end of Carmel, which was used for several years by the public schools, after the church ceased to con¬ trol its management. Nor has the matter stopped here. Earlham College has had frequent contributions and a number of our talented youth have graced the halls of these and other institutions. They have developed and are developing into useful men and women, fitted for positions of honor and trust in both church and state. . The freedom and elevation of the colored race has had a prominent place in the deliberations of the church, especially during the past. * The civilization of the Indians has, in like manner, claimed its attention.

"The mutual dependence of the early settlers made them very con¬ siderate of the poorer members and the Meeting has often rendered substantial help to those whose necessities required it.

" The Sabbath School. - Not among the least items of interest in con¬ nection with the work of the church has been the recognition and growth of Sabbath schools. This work was commenced about the year 1852, and care¬ fully guarded lest there should come out of it unprofitable discussions. At first there was only one class and that kept up only in summer. It was com¬ posed of a few students ; a whole chapter was not considered too much for a lesson. The interest steadily grew until it has reached present proportions. For about thirty years school has been kept up the year round (this was written in 1893), and the enrollment had then reached one hundred and twenty.

"In addition to the above mission work, temperance reform, circulation of the Holy Scriptures, the distribution of books and tracts and evangelistic and pastoral work have been made prominent.

"The First Minister. - The first minister that belonged to this Meeting was Samuel Stafford, who settled in 1836. The first minister recorded was Asaph Hiatt in 1849. Since that time the Monthly Meeting has recorded a number of others, among which were Elizabeth D. Reynolds and Isaac Rob¬ erts. Besides these ministers there have been a number of other workers of equal importance in their line of work.

" Church Buildings. - After holding meetings for three years in the log house west and north from Carmel, the Friends, in 1833, concluded to build a house on the ground where the house just vacated now stands. This was a log house at first, eighteen by twenty feet, but in 1835 another room near the same size was added. The floor in this structure was made of hewn timber of even thickness. The fire-place was in the center of the room and was a square box filled with clay and mortar. Charcoal was used for fuel.

"The frame house vacated in 1893 was commenced in 1843 and finished in 1845. The first sermon that was preached after the house was so it could be used, was by Daniel Williams, of Wayne county, in the autumn of 1844. The next five years of the Meeting's history shows the largest membership and attendance the Meeting has ever had. After that time Meetings began to be established nearby.

"There was a peculiar feeling of sacredness in the minds of many on leaving this old house on account of the many blessings an<d memories which cluster about the old walls and cemetery nearby.

"The church that was first occupied in 1893 ls a commodious structure, having two rooms. The largest is thirty-four by fifty-two feet, the other twenty-five by thirty feet. These are separated by folding doors and can easily be thrown together. The building has a seating capacity of five hun¬ dred. It is heated by a furnace, has a slate roof, stained window glass, circle seats in the larger room, and has all the necessary requirements of modern churches."

The Church At Sheridan

The Friends church at Sheridan was founded in the summer of 1888, the first Meetings being held once every two weeks in the Methodist church. There was also several Meetings held in school houses during the summer. It was then removed to the south room of the upper story of Union Block, over a beer saloon, where Meetings were held until January, 1899, when a church house was completed and ready for occupancy. There is no record of the society dating back of 1890. hence it is impossible to speak of early membership. At that date there are about one hundred and forty members. There are now one hundred and twenty-five members - not as many as for¬ merly. The building was remodeled several times before the new one was erected. The pastors here have included the following: Revs. William Haworth, Eunice Furnace and John Griffin, who preached here as resident ministers, receiving no salary until November, 1893, when Oliver Hunt was engaged, who was followed by Thomas Inman, Zeno Doan, Shoesmith, in 1902, who preached a year, then John Griffin till 1906, when Addison Parr came. The next was Charles Hudleston, 1907 to 1909. Then came Addison Parr again, remaining until 1911, he being followed shortly by William Smith, who remained till the fall of 1912, when I. G. Lee and wife, present pastors, came to take charge of the work, and have enthused new life into the church. Robert Pelt, an evangelist, resides at Sheridan and works in all the surrounding country.

Hinkle Creek Friends Church

Hinkle Creek Friends church is situated six miles northwest of Noblesville, in Jackson township, at the corner of Noblesville and Washington townships. The community was settled in the early thirties and meetings were held at the homes of the settlers for two or three years before any church organization was made. The Meeting was organized in June, 1836, and the first house, which was of logs, was built in that year.

The first frame house was twenty-six by twenty-six feet and was erected in the early forties. This house was destroyed by fire in 1872 and was replaced the same year by the present commodious structure, which is thirty-six by fifty-two. This house was remodeled a few years ago, nearly all the work being done by the members.

The Meeting was established by Westfield Monthly Meeting, to which it was attached for some years. The charter members of the Meeting were William and Sarah Rich, Richard and Hannah Rich, James Rees and wife, John and Mary Beals, Jesse and Dinah Beals, Jacob and Esther Carson, Amer and Achsah Hiatt, Jonathan and Esther Haworth, Joel and Phoebe Rees, Jonathan and Esther Rees, Enos and Lydia Hiatt, Joseph Sumner and wife, Samuel Sumner and wife, James Harris and wife, Edward and Eliza¬ beth Bray, and probably .some others. When the Monthly Meeting was es¬ tablished, Jacob Carson was appointed clerk and William Pickett, assistant. Esther Carson was the first recorded minister.

Later ministers recorded by this Meeting were William Haworth, Jackson Morrow, Amos and Lydia Carson, Albert Willets and Raymond Hold¬ ing. The latter was a very efficient missionary in Mexico until the recent disastrous wars in that country, which compelled him to bring his family away.

The membership now is two hundred and nine and the Meeting is in good condition. The pastor is Arthur Hendrickson. A. L. Horney is the superintendent of the Bible school. The present trustees are B. C. White, M. C. Beals and P. A. Bray. Many members of this Meeting have served the county and various ownships in different capacities. M. L. Cardwell is now county treasurer and J. D. Bray, recorder.

The first funeral was that of a young daughter of James and Nancy Fisher. This occurred in 1836. The large cemetery adjoining the church is an object of pride to the members and especially to the trustees, who have spent so much time of recent years on its improvement. Additional ground has recently been purchased and laid off in lots, with walks and a gravel drive, with nice iron fence and gates. There is a large fund on interest for the maintenance of the cemetery, which is constantly being added to, thus insuring its permanency.

Friends Church At Noblesville

The Friends church at Noblesville is one of the youngest churches in town. A few Friends living in Noblesville decided to meet and plan for the organization of that denomination. The first Meeting, at which a dozen persons were present, was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. Stanley, on South Tenth street. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Amos Sanders and son of Westfield, Mr. and Mrs. John Harrold, Mr. and Mrs. James Hollowell, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Roberts and Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Phelps. This meeting was held in the summer of 1890. Shortly after that a sum of money was raised by subscription to fit up a hall for services. This sub¬ scription paper was started August 3, 1890, and as soon thereafter as possi¬ ble the room over the present site of Albert's shoe store was fitted up for church services. Meetings, church and Sunday school were held in this hall until February 28, 1892. After this, until the opening of the new church, Meetings were held in the county superintendent's room in the court house, the last services being held there October 16, 1892. The following Sunday, October 23, 1892, the church on Division street was dedicated. The entire cost of the erection of the church was four thousand, four hundred dollars.

Rev. Amos Sanders began as pastor when the Meetings began in the hall. He was then living in Westfield, but in November, 1890, he moved to Noblesville. During the month of July, 1891, the lot was purchased where the church was later erected. On September 1, 1891, work was begun on the new building. At the organization of the Monthly Meeting, February 2, 1893, members were received from East Branch, Westfield and Hinkle Creek Friends churches and also from the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Several were taken in by request. The membership at that time was about one hundred and sixty-eight.

Rev. Amos Sanders and his wife were very earnest workers in the new church. To them is largely due the early growth and prosperity of the church, both in spiritual and temporal things. Rev. Sanders continued as pastor until October, 1900. The pastors following Rev. Sanders up to the present time have been Revs. Brown, Lewis, Reise, Hawkins, S. Newlin, F. Moorman, F. Cope and the present pastor, Mrs. Gertrude Reinier. This is the third year of Mrs. Reinier's pastorate and the church has had quite a growth during that time. Numerous members have been added to the church and Sunday school rolls and a new Sunday school room and base¬ ment have been built to the church, at the cost of twenty-six hundred dollars. The walls, also, have been newly decorated, and the structure now is one of the most beautiful and commodious churches in Noblesville. The present membership is two hundred and sixty and the church is in a very flourishing condition.

Gray Meeting

A Friends' Meeting was organized at Gray as early as 1850. The meeting for many years was called East Branch Meeting of Friends. It was established by Richland Monthly Meeting as a Preparative Meeting, and later became a Monthly Meeting. Some of the early members were Samuel Stafford and wife, Robert Lancaster and wife, Oman Bond* Levi A. and Hindman Haines and their wives, Jared Patten, Joseph Randall.

The old frame building that stood for many years where the present structure stands, contained two rooms. The upper part of the partition that separated the two rooms consisted of shutters that were raised - opened - on all occasions except at business meetings. The sexes sat in separate rooms. It may have been that "distance lends enchantment to the view," but cer¬ tainly no girls ever appeared fairer to the eyes of young men than did the Quaker maidens sitting on the other side of that partition.

The name of East Branch Monthly Meeting was changed to Gray when a post office by that name was established in this community. This meeting has always had a large and faithful membership. The attendance on Sab¬ bath morning is always large.

Some of the ministers who have labored here are: Nathan S. Davis, Anson Cox, Brison Hiatt, in early days. Some of the more recent ones are: Jehu Reagan, Mrs. Holliday, David Hadly, and the present one, Thomas Brown. The pioneer members have all passed away. Many of them lie sleeping in the beautiful little cemetery that adjoins the church on the north.

Poplar Ridge Meeting

Poplar Ridge Meeting was established December 26, 1850, sixteen families joining in the request. The first meeting house was erected on a two-acre tract of land donated by Jonathan Wilson. In i860 Mr. Wilson donated two acres for school purposes, being instrumental in establishing

As the years passed the meeting grew in numbers and influence, the members standing ever ready to do anything for the advancement of the com¬ munity. The first minister was Franklin Merideth. Jehu Regan has been pastor for five years. Henry Hodgin was the first minister acknowledged by the monthly meeting and John Reagan is now the only living charter mem¬ ber of this society. .

Other Churches

In Noblesville there are thirteen religious societies, most of which have been treated in the pages preceding this from data furnished the author. Aside from such churches may be mentioned, in brief, the following : The Wesleyan church on South Fifth street, where there is a good building and a membership of about one hundred under direction of a faithful pastor.

One of the greatest religious revivals ever conducted in Hamilton county was that in Noblesville during the month of January, 1915, commencing January 3d and continuing until the end of the month, by Bob Jones, the Alabama evangelist, who, with his company, consisting of his assistant, Mrs. Allison, Prof. McKenzie and wife and Mr. and Mrs. Meinardi, conducted the month's campaign in a large tabernacle built of lumber and covered with paper. This structure easily seated 2,500 people and there were few services when it was not filled to overflowing. The first three weeks there were over eleven hundred converts. In all there were near fifteen hundred conversions. The expenses of the campaign amounted to four thousand dollars, including the one thousand eight hundred and forty-six dollars paid the evangelist, through contribution.