Howard County, Indiana - The whole text, 1909 (part 9 of 9)

On March 2, 1881, pursuant to public notice, the membership of the church met at the new church building. Elder M. M. Preble was in the chair, and declared the object of the meeting to be to settle the cpiestion, "What shall be done with the church debt?" Several speeches were made. A. F. Armstrong spoke of the general situation, and indicated that it might prove impossible to meet the heavy debt. He advised that the buildings and lots be sold for fourteen thousand dollars. Brother A. B. Walker offered the following resollition : "That the new church building and lots be sold to the city of Kokomo for fourteen thousand dollars, secured by ten-year bond?, drawing six per cent interest, and that the trustees be and are hereby authorized to complete said sale." Mr. Armstrong seconded the motion. It was unanimously adopted. Many persons objected to the city buying the property, some advising to hold out longer, while certain influential persons hoped that it would sell cheaper at sherifif's sale, expecting to buy it at their own price. The movers in the proposed sale had shrewdly calculated the effect upon the congregation intended, the fire of the church's spirit was rekindled and the sparks began to fly as desired. A subscription paper was started, headed by Dr. Edward A. Armstrong, who subscribed one thousand dollars, A. F. Ai-mstrong pledging a like sum, and there were many five hundred dollars, three hundred dollars and two hundred dollars subscriptions until a total pledge reached seven thousand dollars.

The pioneer church structure was sold for two thousand two hundred dollars and the general indebtedness brought below five thousand dollars. That amcunt of debt was placed upon the church building in the shape of a first mortgage, bearing six per cent, interest. It took seven years to liquidate this encumbrance, but on the 31st day of December, 1888, the last dollar of it was paid. Under the second pastorate of Rev. E. L. Frazier, in 1885, the old boards were knocked out of the windows and new cathedral glass substituted. Individual donators were Lawrence Snyder, in honor of little May Snider, deceased, H. M. Sailors, Mary Jackson-Cooper and the Winfield heirs. The various church societies raised considerable money for the improvements started thus auspiciously. During the pastorate of Rev. S. M. Jefiferson, in 1890, the building was completed and furnished, about six thousand dollars beingexpended. It was fourteen years from the laying" of the foundation to the completion of the building. The ground on which the building stood, the building and furnishings cost more than thirty thousand dollars.

In the end the brick structure was destroyed by fire, the furnace in the basement in some way becoming overheated, presumably, and firing the structure, which was soon a mass of ruins. LTpon its site arose the present beautiful structure.

The church has alwaj's been a missionary church and a great power for good in the community, and hundreds of souls have been persuaded through its efforts to accept the cause of the Master.

With such pastors as the sweet-souled Father W. S. Winfield, the zealous and able B. M. Blount, the oratorical and enei-getic A. I. Hobbs, who ministered during the trying days of the Civil war; the true and determined agent for the right, regardless of consequences, E. L. Frazier; the scholarly M. B. Hopkins; the Socratic debator, Aaron Walker, and a number of others whose names are too numerous to mention, the church has occupied a leading position in the community from the earliest day and progressed steadily forward to greater and higher things.

For years Dr. J. M. Damall was a pillar of strength to the church and of impressive physique and deliberate mein, and devoted with all the ardor of his nature he constituted an impressi\'e influence in the church life. Though of a different type, John Nicholson, who resembled a kindly, benevolent father, whose affection was ever dominant for the souls of all, left a wholesome influence upon the congregation which time has not obliterated. Dr. Darnall and Mr. Nicholson were, for a long period,' elders of the church, in which relation Dr. Damall served thirty-eight years, having been re-elected a short time before his death. May lo, 1902.

The old brick church was destroyed by fire February 27, 1904. and the new church was erected the following summer under the pastorate of J. H. McNeil. While the congregation were without a house of worship they used the City Hall as a place of meeting. Up to the 1st of December, 1908, there had been paid on the new house thirty-one thousand nine hundred and eighteen dollars and ninety-eight cents, leaving a balance yet due of four thousand two hundred and twelve dollars. Rev. E. Richard Edwards is their present energetic pastor.

Recent History Of Main Street Christian Church

In the fall of 1902, under the pastorate of Rev. J- H. AlacXeill, a new pipe organ was installed at a cost of twent_\--si.\; hundred dollars, the Ladies' Aid Society paying for the same. A gallery was constructed at a cost of about twenty-four hundred dollars, and other improvements made aggregating a total cost of twenty-seven hundred eighty-eight and twenty-three hundredths dollars.

On February 27, 1904, about fifteen months after finishing such improvements, and while twenty-six hundred dollars oi the cost of the same was unpaid, the church took fire from an cjverheated furnace and was totally destroyed, together with all of iti contents, the church not saving as much as one dollar's worth of property. The church building was insured for five thousand dollars, and the contents for three thousand dollars, all of which was fully paid. The building burned about two o'clock a. m. February 27, 1904. and at nine o'clock the same morning the ot^cial board of the church met at the oflice of the Kokomo National Bank and resolved to rebuild at once. And further resolved that the loss should be a financial loss only, and not a loss to the cause of Christ, which is nearest and dearest to the hearts of the official board as well as the general membership of the church.

Subscription papers were soon started and subscriptions to the amount nf fourteen thousand thirty dollars speedily obtained. The new building was commenced in INlay. 1904, and completed l)y .\ugust, 1905. The building and furnishings cost thirty-nine thousand si.x hundred twenty-five and fifty-fi\-e hundredths dollars. The same was dedicated on August 6, 1905, F. 'M. Raines, of Cincinnati. General Secretary of the Foreign Missionary Society, officiating.

The following amounts were contributed upon memcjrial windows : Mrs. A. F. Armstrong and daughter. Jennie Howe, seven hundred fifty dollars ; Mrs. Mary A. Holmes, two hundred fifty dollars ; M. M. Wiley, one hundred dollars : F. F. and Walter Jackson, one hundred dollars ; family of Alex. C. Hopkins, one hundred dollars; family of Rev. W. S. ^^'infield, fifty dollars; Mrs. Julia Jackson, fifty dollars ; Thomas Turle}-, fifty dollars ; Rev. J. H. MacNeill and family, fifty dollars ; Aaron Albaugh. fift}- dollars ; Mrs. Emma Moore, fifty dollars; E. E. Reynolds, twenty-five dollars ; Will S. Clore, ten dollars ; L. C. Hoss' Sunday school class, fifty dollars; Miss India Martz's Sunday school class, thirty-five dollars; Mrs. Jennie Knipe's Sunday school class, twenty-five dollars.

The pastoi^ate of Rev. MacNeill ceased in the spring of 1907. and the present pastor, E. Richard Edwards, entered upon the duties of his pastorate on May i. 1907. The membership of the church is about eight hundred. The average attendance of Sunday school is three hundred. Every department of the church under the leadership of its efficient and energetic pastor is making satisfactory advances.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church

The Episcopal church of Howard county dates back to 1885. Then Bishop Knickerbocker, who was a thorough missionary, made his first visit to Kokomo. The Congregationalists kindly lent their place of worship and many who had been identified with the church in former years, in other and even distant lands, came to assist the good bishop in the sen'ice. Brother R. L. Wilcock, prominent among the Kokomo Methodists for many years, and who has now returned to old England, came down to that first service of Bishop Knickerbocker in Kokomo expressly to make the required responses for the bishop. The Episcopal service is a responsive service and Brother ^^'ilcock was much exercised lest the good bishop have no one "to talk back to him." A congregation was organized which worshiped in various places, sometimes in church buildings, sometimes in lodge rooms and halls and office rooms. Clergymen came from a distance to hold the services. The future was rather uncertain for the little company, but they kept together and kept on. Accessions came.

The discovery of natural gas brought factories and hundreds of new families to Kokomo. Many of these new families belonged to the church in old England, or in the Eastern states. Their arrival served as a stimulus to the little congregation and strenuous endeavors were made to raise money for a lot. These efiforts were finally successful and, in 1891, there was a resident minister ready to put up a church on the lot that had been secured on the corner of Taylor and Lafontaine streets. A church building was erected two years later and all seemed flourishing. But the panic of 1893 was at hand, and as most of the congregation got their living from the factories, which now utterly failed, there was not the strength to maintain the organization and meet the obligations due to the new church.

The Rev. T. C. Woodard, now of Rochester, New York ( 1908), struggled most heroically under most difficult conditions, for two years, to keep the congregation together and bring everything to a successful issue. He kept the congregation together by his loving and most faithful ministrations and is remembered with gratitude to-day by many families in South Kokomo whom he aided b}- min- istering with his own hands to their necessities. He inspired his people and the to\\nsfolk to the same unrivaled self-sacrifice. The effort to put St. Andrews church into Kokomo seemed to fail. But this was only apparently so. The congregation was still very loyal, due largely to Rev. Mr. \\'oodard's fine leadership and pastoral care. The revival of church life came through the personal efforts of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Fred Beacon, who are now residents of Kokomo. In 1897 Mr. and Mrs. Bacon invited the church people to meet in their own house in South Kokomo. Then the Rev. E. W. Averill, of Peru, came down to hold regular services during the week. A hall was secured above Charles Jinkerson's grocery on the corner of South Main street and JNIarkland avenue. The services were characterized by unbounded enthusiasm and zeal and exerted a wide influence, but the work was crippled by the removal of active workers.

Steps For A New Building

A considerable sum was collected in the East, through the efforts of the Rev. J- O. ^^'ard, for a permanent building. Mr. Ward severed his connection with St. Andrews in 1901. He had secured several earnest new members for the congregation and h'..d given an example of faithful and persistent work. The present rector, the Rev. H. R. Neely. came to Kokomo in 1901. and has been in continuous charge for o\-er seven years. He moved the church from Love's Hall, on Markland avenue, to the center of the town. He was not afraid to take up the site of the former disaster. Under his leadership the congregation occupied their former place of worship for over two years, until a more suitable location could be found. Meanwhile the congregation increased in strength. The large lot at the corner of Market and Sycamore streets was secured by the personal efforts of ]\Ir. Neely and held in tnist for the benefit of the congregation. The monthly rental of the old brick house on the premises, known as the Scoven house, pays for the privilege of church occupation. On the rear of the lot stands the well-known and well-ecjuipped parish house, built at an expense of over five thousand dollars. On this building there was a debt in July of four thousand seven hundred dollars, which had to be held by private parties because no loan company would lend the congregation so large a sum. This debt has been reduced to two thousand four hundred dollars and a mortgage to that amount has been given to a loan agency. This result has been accomplished by simple, steady, plodding work. The great advantages of the parish house have also helped. The expense of administration is the lowest possible. The parish house is really a structure of three buildings under one roof.

The Rectory

The upstairs is the rectory, or parsonage, and is hardly equaled in any parish for comfort, convenience and pleasure. It is a roomy concern and built for busy workers, and no less for needed rest and refreshment of soul and body. The main room downstairs serves as church and also for all activities that go with vigorous church life. Social gatherings are often held there and it is a center for enterprises that are intended for the good of the community. It is the hope of the rector and the congregation that this may be even more true of the future than it has been of the past. When the church is built facing Sycamore street, the parish house will serve for all sorts of guild and club meetings. It is greatly to the credit of St. Andrews that it is conspicuous for missionary zeal. The best meetings it has are the missionary meetings, once each montli, and all contribution to church work elsewhere are made promptly and generously. The wise financial foresight of the Rev. Neely has given the church a central location in the city and a very valuable property holding, which by his able management, go far towards being a profitable return for the church at present.

Grace M. E. Church

In about the year 1S41 the first ISIethodist church was organizetl in this, now Howard county, at what was known as Spice Run, in a little log hut about twelve by eighteen feet, and located about two and one-half miles west of the place of the present court house on the ^^'ild Cat turnpike. About three years afterward, in the year 1844, that pioneer preacher for this section of Indiana, Rev. Jacob Colclazer. organized the first Methodist church, and. in fact, the first religious organization in Kokomo. The house of the late David Foster, near where the new jail now stands, was used as a preaching place until a new log church could be built. The members of this organization were: Adam Clark and wife. Elizabeth Foster. X. R. Linsda}- and wife, Thomis Lamburn and wife, Dennis McCormick and wife, and Mrs. Joseph Skeen. Xo one man did more for the growth of Methodism in this community than Judge X'. R. Linsday. Dr. J. McLean Moulder, in his interesting monograph on the Methodist church in Howard county, says :

"A log church was built on South Washington street, in the year 1844. It was, at the time of its erection, probably the most expensive building in the county. The following year a Sabbath school was organized with Adam Clark as superintendent. Its average attendance was about fifteen and it was conducted only during the summer months. This church was used until the year 1851, when a frame church was built upon the site of the present church.

X. R. Linsday, Hayden Rayburn, and Joshua Sharp were leading spirits in this enterprise. The church was completed in 1852 under the pastorate of Rev. AI. S. Morrison. The old log church and ground were sold for sevent3--five dollars and the money put into the new edifice. During the next ten years the church and town had a rapid growth, and the frame church became too small to accommodate the congregations, and in 1864 it was decided to begin a larger building, and the brick structure, that was torn down for the erection of the present church, was the result. The pastor was the Rev. Charles ?ilartindale, and he rendered valuable service in this vast undertaking.

"Judge X. R. Linsday, J. W. Cniwley. C. Sharp, H. Rayburn, Worley Lease, Eli \\'ea\er. William Styer, John Steward, John Jamison, David Hazzard and Dr. I'uck were among the most liberal givers for the erection uf this cliurch. During its erection two men lost their lives, one being (i\erci>me by heat and the other being instantly killed by a piece of timber falling on him.'"

It is related that about this time, somewhere near the year 1869, an I rgcm w as jdaced in the clmrch. and was the cause of much bitterness. So intense was the feeling that on one occasion, no less notable than the Northern Indiana conference, someone placed a quantity of cayenne pepper in the organ belli^ws, and the meeting was nearly broken up as a consequence. Times changed, and at last the organ was permitted to remain unmolested. Dr. ]\lnulder continues :

"The first choir leader was Samuel C. Moore, and Emma ^Nlason was organist. In the year 1873, under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Stabler, the church was remodeled, frescoed, etc., at a cost of four thousand five hundred dollars. The following were quite active in this work: D. Hazzard, N. R. Linsday, James O'Brien, J. \\'. Crowle}-, S. G. Lane, T. M. Kirkpatrick. George Deft'enbaugh.

"The Sunday school has ahvaj's been a power in this church. The foUowing have been the superintendents : Adam Clark, Reuben Woods, John Jamison, John Prebble, N. P. Richmond, Henry Wooten, David Hazzard, J. McLean Moulder, S. Cox, J. F. Elliott A. N. Grant, G. O. Roach, J. E. Hillis, G. E. Meek, H. G. Woody, E. E. Springer, W. E. Sollenberger.

"During the winter and spring of 1876-7, during the pastorate of Rev. H. J. Meek, a great revival caused about one hundred ninety to unite with the church. Also great revivals have occurred under the pastorates of Rev. C. H. Brown, J. S. Bitler and W. D. Parr. The church has been noted for years in the conference as being spiritual and progressive.

"February -2, 1890, under the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Brown, the first sei'vice was held that resulted in the building of the Markland Avenue church, which cost about four thousand dollars. Rev. Brown, Rev. J. W. Oborn and Judge James O'Brien were the leading workers in this enterprise. The corner stone was laid in August by the Rev. C. E. Disbro, and the church was dedicated by Rev. A. W. 'Lamport on the 14th of December.

New Church Edifice

"It was dvu'ing the very efficient and prosperous pastorate of the Rev. ^^^ D. Parr that the present commodious and handsome church was erected, which, as an auditorium, is said to have few, if any, equals in the state. This building is not only a credit to the Methodists of Kokomo, but the entire city and Methodism as well. The first meeting looking to this enterprise was held May 6, 1893, but owing to the financial panic that was sweeping the country, it was postponed until March 4, 1894, when a committee composed of Dr. Parr. A. A. Charles and Dr. J. L. Moulder was appointed to visit churches and select a plan. March 24, 1895, this committee made a report, and the building proposition of E. S. Hunt was unanimously accepted. August 5, 1895, the contract was let for the building to the Armstrong, Landon & Hunt company, the contract price for the building, without furnishings, being twenty-five thousand three hundred dollars. The entire cost of the buildingcompleted was about thirty-five thousand dollars. The old brick building was torn away and on the 19th of August, 1895, the first exca\'ation was made for the new edifice.

Onl)- two accidents occurred during the erection of the liuilding, neither of which was fatal. September 30, 1895, the name of the church was changed from the Mulberry Street to Grace Methodist Episcopal church. The new church was dedicated December 6, 1896. Rev. Charles H. Paine, D. D., LL. D., preached the dedicatory sermon and had charge of the finances, assisted by Bishop Charles C. McCabe, D. D., LL. D. The successful accomplishment of this great undertaking was almost wholly due to the zeal, energy, and wise management of the Rev. \\'. D. Parr, who gave his undivided attention to eveiy detail of the work from the inception of the purpose to build until the structure was completed. During his pastorate Beamer chapel was built, as a result of his foresight and faithfulness. In the spring of 1898 the pastorate of \V. D. Parr expired by limitation, and the Rev. Edward Tiniberlake Gregg was assigned to the church and did most acceptably discharge the duties of pastor for one year and about two months of his second year, when the Father called him frnm labor to reward at 6:15 p. m.. May 30, 1899. No one ever died in Kokomo to whom greater respect was shown. His body lay in state in the west tower of the church and for three hours a constant stream of sympathizing friends passed by and reviewed the remains. There was scarcely a dry eye in the vast concourse of people. The Knights Templar had charge and the church services were conducted by his presiding elder, the Rev. M. S. Marble, assisted by many ministers of the North Indiana conference. During the funeral every business house, including the saloons of Kokomo, front door and back, were closed. In September, 1899, Rev. Jacomiah H. Jackson was appointed to fill nut the remainder of the year. He did most efficient work under trying circumstances. The following April the Rev. Arthur S. Preston was appointed to this church and served with good results for one year. In the spring of 1901 the Rev. Leslie J. Naftzger was appointed, and did a grand work for the On June 24, 1901, the board of trustees purchased the property at the corner of Clay and Mulberry streets of Joshua C. Leach for the sum of three thousand dollars, to be used as a parsonage.

Markland Avenue M. E. Church

^^'hile the Rev. C. H. Brown was pastor of the ^Mulberry Street ]\Iethodist Episcopal church in 1890 a Sunday school was started in South Kokomo, the school being held in the building owned by Dr. Lewis C. Kern, an ardent member of the church. From this Sunday school grew the Markland Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. The idea of a church in South Kokomo was conceived by the quarterly conference of what is now Grace Methodist Episcopal church, which had charge of it until the church was dedicated in December, the same year. Rev. J. W. Oborn was pastor a few months, being succeeded by the Rev. Ross Gahring, who put the church on a substantial basis. In turn were the Revs. Fred Stone, D. H. Guild, C. C. Cissell, Charles White, Dora V. Williams, G. B. McNary, and Rev. C. W. Shoemaker, the present efficient pastor. It was to the Rev. Williams that the good fortune fell of lifting the church from its load of debt, and who pre- sided over tlie ceremonial of Ijurning- the mortgage, \v1iicli Iiad been given for fourteen hundred dollars. The congregation is now erecting a splendid edifice on South Main street, which, when completed, will represent a cost of not less than twenty-six thousand dollars. The members of the present board of trustees concerned in the building of the new church are J. F. Morrison, president: E. J. Showalter, secretan,-; J. M. Jackson, treasurer; O. B. Albright, James Burrows. Dr. J. O. Greeson. J. B. Davenp;)rt, Harry Raines, and .\. M. Jackson. The church is active in religious societies, which are the Ladies' Aid Society, the Home Missionai-y Society and the Epworth League. Mr. W. E. Jacks' Sunday school class is a singular agency for good in promoting special church work. The Markland Avenue Methodist Episcopal church has done an incalculable good in the locality wherein it is situated. Its demand has been amply and faithfully met, and it has touched spiritually the large element of population within its jurisdiction employed in the South Side factories. It is a growing and flourishing congregation, with its membership alive to the possibilities of spiritual growth in the future. It is an active, successful church.

First Church Of Christ Scientists

The First Church of Christ Scientists perfected a formal organization in 1908, but services have been held by the believers for four years past. The congregation, which now numbers thirty-five, and includes representative people of the city, is enjoying an excellent growth within and enlisting public favor to its tenets.

an organized Presbyterian church in Kokomo is Xovember 22. 1868. On this date there is an enrollment of four names. Dr. R. O. Wilson, Mrs. Isabelle \Mlson, Joseph Cain, and Airs. X. A. Cain. The first record of a meeting of the official board is December 2. 1869. Rev. C. AI. Howard was acting as stated supply of the church. At that time there was an enrollment of sixty members. In September, 1870, Rev. W. A. Hutchison became pastor. There was considerable interest and growth during this pastorate and that of Rev. F. M. Elliott, who preached for about one year. But in 1875 the church virtually ceased to exist and for fourteen years the name of the church was on the roll of the Presbytery with only eight names. The present organization dates from November 25, 1887, when a meeting was held at the residence of Mr. John Jay. Rev. Charles Little, D. D., of Wabash, and Rev. Mr. Gregg, of Noblesville, were present by appointment of the Presbytery to organize the church. At that meeting seventeen persons were enrolled as members of the church. This number was soon augmented until it reached fortyfive. The organization showed great vigor and determination and at once began the erection of the building in which the church now worships. March 27, 1889, the Rev. R. G. Roscamp was called to the pastorate and sened until April 13, 1892, when he was called to Greensburg, Indiana. During his pastorate the church building was completed and dedicated. He was followed by the Rev. Henry Gardner, who acted as stated supply from June i, 1892, to June t. 1894. During his pastorate the indebtedness of the church was considerably reduced. On September 30, 1894, the Rev. R. G. Roscamp was recalled, and served until April i, 1897. The pulpit was then vacant until Januaiy i, 1898, when Rev. E. A. Allen became stated supply, serving until September i. 1901. when he accepted a call to the Presb)-terian church at Decatur, Indiana. During his pastorate the last indebtedness upon the church building was paid and at an anniversary serA-ice in 1900 all of the nKirtgage papers which had been held against the church were burned. Rev. W. A. Hutchison, who had been pastor during the time of the first organization, was recalled to the pastorate and began the work December i,

1901, but on account of ill health was not able to continue, and closed his work with the church here September 30, 1902. Rev. M. L. Pearson began his work as pastor of the church November 9,

1902, and closed his work December 25, 1904. During his pastorate the pipe organ was installed. At a congregational meetingheld in the church May 30, 1905, the present pastor. Rev. ^^^ T. McKee, was called. His first sermon was preached July 2, 1905, the formal installation taking place September 27, 1905. At the same meeting of the congregation at which the pastor was called a committee was appointed to secure a home for the new pastor, and they succeeded in purchasing the delightful home of Dr. F. H. Smith, adjoining the church property on the west, and is now occupied as a manse. The elders who served the church since its organization were : William H. Sellers, Peter A. Sassaman, George S. Humphrey, W. M. Souder, W. E. Stansbury, Elwood Haynes, John R. Cain, T. H. Penn, A. L. Harter, ^.L C. Kitchen and John C. Kessler. Mr. Sellers and Mr. Sassaman were the first elders elected. Mr. Sassaman died July 13. 1906. 'Sh. Sellers has been serving faithfully and continuously in the office ever since the reorganization of the church. Tlie church looks forward into the future hopefully. A\'ith an active membership of something over two hundred members, with an able body of men as the elders nf the church, at the present day, the church is well organized in her temporal and spiritual agencies and moves forward to do her share of the moral and spiritual uplifting of Kokomo.

The Colored Churches

There are two prosperous colored churches in Kokomo, with good memberships and active in the good cause of the Lord. Rew W. H. Irvin is pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal church, which has been in existence many years. The spiritual director of the Second Baptist church is Rev. Gaines.

The meeting of the Friends was established in Kokomo in 1865, the first sen-ices being held at the home of Richard Nixon. There were but few families of Friends living here at the time, they being those of Richard Nixon, Robert Coate. W. S. Wooten. and William Moore. Additions to the society were had from time to time, the more prominent being Jesse Turner and wife, Robert Haskett, David Cof^n, Mrs. ^^'illiam Mavity, Mrs. James \Mldman, Amos Hollowell, ^^'illiam Trueblood, Nathan Dixon, Jesse Johnson, Minnie Trueblood, Francis ]\Iacy, Eli Overman and wife, Asa Hockett and wife, Thomas Rich and wife, and Thomas Moulder and family. While the first meetings were in silence, mostly after the fashion then of the Friends, there was usually some one selected for reading and prayers. In time the meeting assembled in a hall on the north side of the Court House square, where it worshipped for several years. The pioneer members were garbed as became the faith, and after the William Penn fashion, but. these distinctive characteristics of the church began to loose their hold as early as 1865, and finally disappeared altogether.

The church originally had no minister, but the first pastor selected by the Kokomo church, in fact, the first recognized in the world bv an official title, was Robert Douglas. In time William

L. Butler. Henry Coate, Jesse Turner, Emily Ellis, and Dr. Charles Kirk were enrolled as ministers. Dr. Kirk finally entered upon missionary work among the Indians. The membership continued to increase until the year 1870, when an eftV>rt was made to build a church house, which resulted in the erection of the present church building, a good, substantial brick, forty by sixty-six feet, with d stone foundation and costing about six thousand dollars. From the time of the completion of this building, in 1872, until the present time, the meetings have been held in it. Erequently ministers from abroad conducted services in the years gone by. The church is in a healthful condition, both spiritually and financially, having 385 members. The Rev. G. H. Moore is the minister, having been called to the Kokomo pulpit September, 1907. The church has four societies engaged in the promotion o-f spiritual progress, they being the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, the Ladies' Aid Society, and the Junior and Senior Christian Endeavor societies.

Courtland Avenue Friends' Church

The Courtland Avenue Friends' church, a branch of the Union street meeting, was organized November, 1898, by Dr. S. T. Kirk. It has a membership of 165 members and is under the pastorate of Rev. Calvin R. Choate, who is doing an excellent work. His assistance in the way of church societies are the well-kmiwii Bible class and the Loyal Legion.

Congregational Church

On the 8th day of September, 1863, the First Congregational church of Kokomo was organized under the direction of Rev. Joseph* E. Ray, D. D., of Chicago, who, at that time, was the r£presentative of the Congregational Home Missionary Society for the district of Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana. Fourteen persons constituted the membership at the time of the organization. They were: Rev. J. L. Jenkins and wife, Mr. and Mrs. M. R. An- drews, Mr. and ^Nlrs. H. Y. Kelso, ]\Ir. and ^Mrs. James 'M. Patterson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Flemming, Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, Mrs. Margaret ]\Iurray, >ilrs. Lucinda Hathaway, and ]\lr. James Kaufman. Rev. J. L. Jenkins was the first pastor. He served the church for two years and was succeeded by the Rev. C. H. Richards. The beautiful church edifice started during the pastorate of Rev. Jenkins, was completed during the ministry of Rev. Richards. The Rev. Jenkins terminated his ministry- in September, 1865. The church received new life under the pastorate of Rev. A. S. ^^'ood, who sen-ed from 1871 to 1877. The house was renovated, refitted, a fine new pipe organ added, and best of all, the membership of the church was increased. Eventually the Rev. ^Vood, much to the regret of the congregation, severed his connection with the church and removed to Michigan. Another long pastorate was that of the Rev. Robert McCune, a very able minister, who served the congregation from 1 88 1 to 1887.

The present pastor. Rev. Charles W. Choate, was called to the pulpit in December, 1898. He has builded up the church to a highdegree with the assistance of the Home and Foreign Missionary societies of the church, which have revealed a remarkable record m benevolence and Christian spirit, and a valuable auxiliary to the church life is the Ladies' Aid Society, and, in addition, the monthly social. The Rev. Choate celebrated the tenth anniversary of his pastorate Sunday. November 29, 1908.

For ten years the Rev. C. \\\ Choate has been the pastor of the local Congregational church. The decade in which he has served the charge has been the most important, perhaps, in the city's history. The Re\'. Choate has seen Kokomo double in population and increase in wealth threefold. He has been an interested and pleased observer of the city's material progress, but his mission has not been with the city's material welfare. His callino- has not been among the things concrete, but among the things spiritual. Xo man has had the honor of a higher mission and no man has served among us more faithfully and efficiently. His actix'ities have nnt been confined to his own church and congregation. He has gone modestly along the way, serving wheresoever he might and whomsoever he could, doing it always unobtrusively, gently and in a beautiful spirit of helpfulness. In the church circles of Kokomo, irrespecti\-e of denominations, he is held in kindliest regard. Among those who sent him congratulatory messages on this occasion were not only pastors and members of the other Protestant churches of the city, but Father Lordemann, members of the local Jewish congregation, and many persons who affiliate with no church. In a way, the Re\-. Choate has come to be known as the people's pastor, and it is hardly conceivable that he could wish a more agreeable position than that in the community.

The church building located at the corner of Harrison and South Market streets was completed and dedicated December, 1,896. Rev. Kendall E. West laid the foundations of the sciciety in his gathering- together the following- as charter members : A. L. and Mrs. M. A. Vickery, D. H. and Mrs. D. M. Stewart, J. I. and ^Irs. Jennie Martindale, Rev. Taylor and ]\Irs. S. J. Jackman, James and Mrs. Lucinda McCool, M. M. Garritson, L. S. and Mrs. E. M. Irby, America Cox, L. J. Groves, D. L. Philips, David and Mrs. Etta Klepper, Joshua and Mrs. Rebecca Hurley, Vie Barkalow. and Lizzie Chapman. The dedication of the church building occurred under the auspices of Pastor West, Rev. J. R. Costner. of Winchester, Indiana, preaching the sermon. In May, 1893, there had been organized an efficient Ladies' Christian Aid Society, which did nnich to make possible the future formation of the church ;uul the erection of their cozy temple of worship. Immediately following the installation of the pastor and people in their new quarters there was the organization of a Sunday school, Christian Endeavor, and the midweek prayer meeting. These societies have been in active working" order ever since their organization. Tangible results have been witnessed through their effective efforts by many having been brought to acknowledge Jesus as their Redeemer and becoming working members of the church. The polity of the Christian church is unique, making Christian character only the test of fellowship, the Bible the only rule of faith and practice, individual interpretation of the Scriptures, the undisputed right, and duty of all. In the matter of Christian baptism, in, or with water, the three modes, "sprinkling, pouring, and immersing," are employed, leaving the selection of either to the candidate. Members are also received to full fellowship, if they so elect, without conforming to either of the three several modes of baptism. During the twelve years' history of the local church it has made a remarkable a remarkable impress as a moral force in South Kokomo. The present pastor, R. H. Gott, is now in his fifth year's service with this people, and aided by his excellent wife and a number of consecrated local workers, every department of the church is moving grandly forward.

Evangelical Church

Several families belonging to the Evangelical Association at the Zion church and elsewhere, settling in Kokomo. made the establishment of an Evangelical church in Kokomo feasible. The Indiana conference of the Evangelical Association in session at South Bend, six years ago, 1902, authorized the establishment of an Evangelical church in Kokomo, and appointed Re\'. A. S. Fisher as pastor of the charge. The Garrigus building was leased and June i.

1902, a Sunday school was organized with thirty-two members, J N. Loop serving- as superintendent. The present clnnxh site was purchased in the spring of 1905, and during the summer the church building was erected, and dedicated on the third Sunday in November. The charter members of the society consisted of the following persons: A. S. Fisher, Minta Fisher, Elizabeth Fisher, Feme Fisher, A. J. Troyer, Maud Troyer, Caroline Stutesman, C. D. Rarey, Luella Rarey. The society has grown to a membership of over eighty and the Sunday school to an enrollment of one hundred fifty. There is a Young People's Society of twenty-fi\-e members, and a Junior Alliance numbering forty. There is also a splendid Ladies' Aid Society, which has done much toward helping to cancel the church debt, and rendered valuable service in other ways. The official board at present consists of J. A. Weaver, A. J. Troyer, O. L. Webb, J. T. Lines, Merle Toops, J. W. Thomas, Mrs. Matthew Anaker, and Mrs. Solomon Fisher. The first pastor, A. S. Fisher, sensed for four years, Jacob Wise for two years, and the present pastor, M. L. Scheidler, has served since April.

Freemont Street Chapel

The Freemont Street Christian congregation is the result of an association had in September, 1885, for the promulgation of the principles for which it stands. Literature was sent out, and there was a teaching of the tenets for which the church stands, which later bore fruit. The society was formally incorporated ten years ago, in 1898, and then the formal and active dissemination of its doctrines began in earnest. The new church, so far as Kokomo was concerned, was brought into being by the diligent, self-sacrificing, and able efiforts of Dr. J. L. Puckett, in which he was seconded by his dausrhter, May Puckett-Foster, and later Ijv Mrs. Ida \\'\'gants.

The Christian congregation is sharply distinguished from the ordinary cliurch in tliat its cardinal tenet is to make philanthropy through the church as efficient and wide as that of the secret, benevolent orders, but after a much different manner, in several particulars. In the first place a member of the Christian congregation can be a member of any other church at the same time he belongs to the Christian congregation. He may be a [Methodist, a Presbyterian, or a Catholic, that is of no consequence, so he believes the fundamentals, believes in God, the divinity of Christ, and other essentials to the Christian system, but no details of these beliefs are inquired after.

The congregation is a practically organized agency of philanthropy. If a member falls sick the president of the official board at once sets in motion the relief agency of the society. The sick member is visited. If sociability alone is demanded the matter ends there, but if aught else is needed it is administered. Need is the sole criterion governing the action of the church in every particular. Need may mean the employment of a nurse, the securement of a doctor, the purchase of medicine, the expenses of a burial after mdical skill has exhausted itself. But as a guard against imposition there is a record kept of receipts as well as disbursements, and it is easy soon to discover if one is receiving more than has been contributed, which leads to a reason for the situation, which, if not justifiable, can be soon tenninated. The official board of die local congregation is responsible to the District association and the official linard of that body to the General association, so that there is a general system of balances and checks. The entire scheme of philanthropy is based upon business principles. A complete set of books is kept, and each member contributing is given a receipt for the sum donated. The Sisters' Home Helpers are a valuable auxiliar}^ to the realization of the church's ideal. They often visit the home of some one sick, and finding the children needy supply the wants in the way of clothing, and discovering that much sewing is needed hviug up the family sewing to the needful standard. The benevolent fund of the church is augmented by constant accretion and is always available for any emergency which may arise. The doctrines of the congregation have been gradually spreading until there are congregations at Jewel, Darrough's chapel, and Finch chapel. The accredited ministers are Mrs. May Puckett-Foster, pastor of the Freemont Street chapel, and at Jewel, Mrs. Ida Wygants, J. S. Butler, and Charles Laird, of Jewel. The Freemont Street chapel has a membership now of about one hundred. The subdivisions of the church work include the Junior congregation, the Sisters' Home Helpers, and the Sunday school. Dr. Puckett, who organized the Freemont Street chapel, and was for a long time its pastor, preachesi as a general rule, each Sunday evening, when his practice will permit.

The United Brethren Church

About eighteen years ago Mrs. Maria L. Woodsworth, a trance evangelist, held a series of remarkable meetings in Kokomo. She drew immense crowds of peiiple to hear her preachments and to witness the heavenlv visions, as she presented them. Her evangelism was impressive upon large numbers of representative people of the citv, who, for a lifetime, had been indifferent to the wooings of the Spirit. Her followers, in accordance with her example, fell into a trance, which enabled them, they said, to penetrate into the glories of the future life and approach even unto the gates of Heaven. The evangelization differed from an_\' experience, in a religious way, Kokomo had undergone, and when she departed Mrs. Woodsworth left a large number of converts determined upon the Christian life, and who have trod the path of Christian duty steadfastly ever since. For several months her followers maintained a church near the Clov- eiieaf Railroad station. The Re\'. Shep Shutters preached for several months with con\'incing gospel power. In the meantime the ministers of numerous religious faiths were called into the pulpit, an indication that the congregation was seeking a permanent Christian home, but undecided upon just what allegiance to assume. Among the leading proselyters addressing the new congregation were : The Rev. Fletcher Thomas and the Rev. John Farmer, of the St. Joseph conference of the United Brethren church. Their work was done well. They earned the conviction and the affection of the congregation, which decided to abandon the name of the Mission church and ally themselves with the organization known as the United Brethren. The present church, in which the excellent people of the faith worship, was completed about eig'ht years ago. It, with the parsonage, represents an investment of about twenty-two thousand dollars. The present pastor is the Rev. C. E. Ashcraft. The membership of the church is two hundred twenty-five. The spiritual success of the church is. in no small degree, indebted to the influence of the various societies which constitute such valuable auxiliaries, they being the Young People's and Junior societies, the Ladies' Aid Society, the ^^''omen's Missionary x\ssociation, and the Young Ladies' Band.

Beamer Chapel Adventist Church

The Adventist church, which for several j^ears has maintained an organization in Kokomo, has a church located upon West Taylor street. This congregation believes that Saturday is the real

Kokomo Library

In December, 1844, the county commissioners ordered the county agent to retain ten per cent, of the money secured from the sale of lots in the tract donated by David Foster, for the assistance of the county librarjf. The directors of the library chosen by the commissioners were: William H. Grant, Franklin S. Price, David Foster, William Grant, John Vaughan, and Austin C. Sheets. Mr. Vaughan was selected as librarian. Vaughan being a long time absent from the county, Austin North was finally appointed in his place. Harles Ashley was chosen treasurer of the library funds.

In June, 1850, the county commissioners ordered the treasurer of the county library to pay all money he had in his hands to Rev. McDade C. Richmond and N. R. Linsday for the purchase of books. June, 185 1, James McCool was appointed librarian and Ailam North treasurer. The library was to have a catalogue, with the price of all books annexed, to keep account of all monies and persons taking and returning books. All persons keeping a book seven days over the limit allowed to keep a book were to be fined one cent for each day. The fee for using the books was fifty cents a year and fnr a shorter time in proportion. The time for keeping books was as follows : Volumes less than two hundred pages, thirty days : volumes over two hundred and less than four hundred pages, sixty days: volumes over four hundred and less than six hundred pages, eighty days; volumes over six hundred and less than one thousand pages, one hundred twenty days; volumes over one thousand pages, one hundred twenty days.

With all the improved library laws of the state. Kokomo still clings to the old and tried law of 1883, under which the Kokomo, now the Carnegie, library was organized. Among the first to take advantage of this law was the Kokomo school board, then comprising A. F. Armstrong, Dr. I. C. Johnson, and W. E. Blacklidge. This board levied a tax of one cent on the hundred dollars for a public library. This small tax brought to the libraiy support about ninety dollars a year. With J. C. Leach as librarian, the library was thrown open to the public in December, 1885, seventy-five books having been purchased and placed upon the shelves. One small case in the chemistiy laboratoiy of the old high school building was ample room for library purposes, the librarian being present each Thursday afternoon for the distribution of books. Naturally these books were limited to high school teachers and their pupils. The recitation room Avas soon outgrown and the library was transferred to the office of the school superintendent in the Xormal building, the time of opening being changed to Saturdays in the term time of school. The next move was to an entire room upon the top floor of the old Xormal school building and the time of opening extended to the entire year, Saturday afternoons.

The library having grown into an imposing one of thirty-eight hundred volumes, it was thought worthy of a place in the city building, and accordingly the council donated a room for that purpose. The levy was now increased to three cents and was growing in usefulness and popularity. At this time ]\Ir. Leach classified the library under the Perkins system and made a printed catalogue. The city building was soon outgrown, and a room was rented in a downtown district, the Blacklidge block, and the hours changed from Sat-

LiRla}- afterncion to each afternoon from one to live o'clock, with an all-day opening on Saturday. I\Ir. Leach linding cares to numerous to devote more time to library matters, and having accepted state oiifice, Miss Olive Moreland, who had been his faithful assistant for some time, took charge of the library until in the spring of 1900. During this time the library had been steadily growing, under the management of the school board, the shelf list showing in the neighborhood of eight thousand \olumes. During 1900 the librarian, assisted by Miss Belle Hanna, of the Greencastle public library, commenced the reclassification of the librar}- on the Dewey system. In the spring of 1900 Miss Eva M. Fitzgerald, of Madison, Indiana, was appointed librarian and immediately took up the work of classification under the system begun by Miss Hanna. The library then consisted of ten thousand volumes, all classified with card catalogue, according to Cutter rules. In 1901, the library having once more outgrown its home, was removed to the commodious room in the east wing of the Blacklidge block. The hours of opening were extended from afternoon openings to all afternoons and evenings, and including Sunday opening. A reading room was established, several periodicals and the daily newspapers being subscribed for. The library was in charge of Librarian Fitzgerald and one assistant, the assistant averaging five hours a day and the lilirarian nine hours.

Growth Of The Lip.R.Vrv

From a small, poorly lighted, poorly \-entilated back room in a block, with a half-day service and no reading room, and one person to do all, to a thirty-thousand-dollar buildingr spacious reading and children's rooms, with a stafif of trained emplo)-es. is the record of the Kokomo Public library between 1900 and 1904. Possibly the first suggestion that Kokomo might have a puljhc library building of its very own was made by the librarian, Aliss Fitzgerald, during the winter of 1901, when Miss Fitzgerald read a paper before the Kokomo Equal Suffrage and Literary clul), in which she drew a picture of Kokomo's future public library. The discussion following this paper started the agitation which resulted in some action on the part of the library trustees, who were also the school trustees. i\Ir. R. A. Ogg, the superintendent of schools, was delegated to write a letter to Mr. Carnegie and lay before that prodigal library building promoter the claims the Kokomo librar}' had to a hearing. Nothing came from this letter and the matter was allowed to rest until Mr. J. A. Kautz, a member of the board, took a little trip to New York. Mr. Kautz, ever mindful of the various interests he had in hand, found time in the midst of his private business to call upon \lr. Carnegie and in a heart-to-heart talk to urge Kokomo's desire to be numbered among the "fifty-se\en varieties" of Carnegie libraries in Indiana at that time. \\'hi]e ]\Ir. Kautz did not exactly bring back the twenty-five thousand asked for, in his pocket, he did bring back the promise that the matter would be looked into, and if Kokomo could show her ability to make good the twenty-five thousand would be forthcoming in due season. As the sentiment of the place was almost unanimous in favor of the building, there was no difficulty in making the necessary municipal arrangements. There was not even that usual bugbear of getting a popular subscription for the purchase of the lot, one of the necessary requirements, as the school board decided that, under the law which the Kokomo Hbrars' operates, they would be justified in making the purchase from the special school fund, which they did. The Kokomo board, as seems to be the universal rule with Carnegie library boards, were not satisfied with the gift of t\vent}--five thousand but planned for a much more ornate and elaborate style of architecture than twenty-five thousand could possibly cover. In order to meet these plans the board was obliged to borrow some money. A tax was levied to meet the needs of the library which brings in a fairly good income. Miss Fitzgerald carried the library through its evolutionary period, when it was seeking to emerge from a mere collection of books accessible to a limited public, to a real, live factor in the public scheme of living. Miss Fitzgerald superintended the moving, arranging, and planning for the new library, doing no small part of the actual labor herself. In 1906 Miss Fitzgerald was succeeded by Miss Edith Trimble, of Vincennes. Indiana, the present librarian.

In 1903 a gift of twenty-five thousand dollars was accepted from Mr. Carnegie on the usual terms for a library building. The city added about six thousand dollars, making the total cost about thirty-one thousand dollars. The library is sustained by an income from the taxes, the rate being five cents on the hundretl dollars.

The building is classic in architecture and made of Bedford stone. In the basement is a club room used by various societies, some of which are : Matinee Musical, Chautauqua League, and Bible classes, \\'omen's Christian Temperance Union. Gentlemen's Literary Society, and Howard County Medical Association.

In 1907 the "Story Hour" was instituted, the object of which is to interest the children in the best in literature. With book lists and bulletins the children are also guided in their reading.

The library contains approximately twelve thousand volumes. These books are at the disposal of all persons living within the city limits. County people pay one dollar a year for tlie use of h(X)ks. The library hours are from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. on week days and from

The library board is as follows: \V. E. Blacklidge. president; W. C. Overton, secretary, and H. C. Thomas, treasurer. R. A. Ogg, superintendent of schools. Librarian, Edith Trimble, and assistant librarian, Idabelle Ford.

It sems to be well authenticated that the ashes of two other soldiers of the war of the Revolution lie buried in Howard County. The Kokomo Tribune of December ii and 15, states that in the Brown graveyard one-half mile west of Poplar Grove, a now unused burying place, there is a small, weather-stained headstone bearing this inscription : "Abner Clark, died October 15, 1847, aged 84 years, 3 months and 8 days." Andrew J. Forgey, an octogenarian of that neighborhood, states that he lived near him for a year prior to his death and had many conversations with him. and is sure that Clark was a Revolutionary soldier.

The Tribune of December 14, 1908, states that James \V. .Swope, a most reliable man, says that Jackson Gullion. who was buried in the Twin Springs graveyard, five miles southwest of Kokomo, was also a soldier of the Revokition.

The Tribune of December 16, 1908, contains a letter from James W. Cooper, of Russiaville, saying that two other soldiers of the War of 1812 were buried there : Joseph Taylor, who has been mentioned in the Pioneer life of Howard County, was a soldier of the \Yav of 1812, and was buried in the Russiaville cemetery: John Gregg, served under Gen. Willian H. Harrison at Fort ]\Ieigs and was also in the battle of the Thames, where the British, under Gen. Proctor, and the Indians under Tecumseh, were defeated. He also was buried in the Russiaville cemeterv.