Johnson County, Indiana - Chapter 10 (2 of 2 so headed), 1888 (part 1 of 3)

Chapter 10

Religious History - -Presbyterian Churches at Franklin, Greenwood, Whiteland, Shiloh, Hopewell, Edinburg, and Others - Baptist Churches at Franklin, Greenwood, Amity, Mt. Zion, Trafalgar, Mt. Pleasant, Edinburg, and Other Points - Christian Churches of the County - Methodists - Catholics.

HE history of the Presbyterian Church in Franklin* dates from the 30th day of November, 1824. In what house the little congregation met to engage in public worship on the occasion of the organization is not known, but it is not unfair to presume that it was the old log court house. The record chronicling the organization reads as follows: "Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana, November 30, 1824. - This certifies that after public worship, the following persons, who were members of the Presbyterian Church, came forward and were, by administration of the subscriber, with prayer, constituted a Church of Christ, which was, by agreement, called Franklin: George and Eleanor King, Joseph and Nancy Young and David McCashn. The members proceeded to choose George King and David McCaslin to the office of ruling elders, who were ordained to that office after a sermon by the Rev. George Bush. The session then received Jane McCaslin a member of the church on examination. (Signed) Rev. John M. Dickey, moderator."

At this point it may not be improper to speak a word with reference to the ministers who officiated on the occasion. From the internal evidence contained in the record it is apparent that Rev. Tohn M. Dickey preached the organization sermon, lhe Rev. George Bush, who preached the ordination sermon, was born in Vermont in 1796, was educated at Dartmouth College, and studied theology at Princeton. In 1824, he came to Indianapolis and remained in this state for nearly five years. He was the author of a number of well-known works, and died about the year 1869. lhe record shows that Jane McCaslin, who was the wife of David W was the first member admitted "on profession of faith. On the

25th of June following, Simon Covert and Mary, his wife, were admitted on "certificates," and at the same time, their infant daughter, Dorothy Ann, was baptized, the first celebration of this ordinance occurring within the church. In August of 1827, Mrs. Margaret Gilchrist, the wife of Robert Gilchrist, died, hers being the first death of a member of this church.

For many years there were neither pastor nor house of worship. Sometimes meetings were held at Pleasant Hill, now Hopewell, and sometimes the members met at private houses, occasionally in the open woods, but oftener in the old court log-house. Those who ministered to the people then came at the charge of others; Franklin was a missionary station. Of these missionaries, the names of Revs. Isaac Reed, William Duncan, John Moreland, Jeremiah Hill and William Wood, are the most familiar. In 1830, Rev. David Monfort, of the Presbytery of Chillicothe, Ohio, came into the state as a missionary, and was installed pastor of the Franklin Church six months after his corning. Dr. Monfort served the church until 1850, when he was succeeded by Rev. James A. McKee, whose pastorate continued ten years. He was succeeded by Rev. Alexander B. Morey, whose labors continued a little over ten years. Rev. Samuel E. Wishard was the next pastor. His labors began in i87i,and closed in 1877. His successor was Rev. William Torrence, whose pastorate continued about nine years, ending in 1886. Toward the close of the latter year, Rev. Ernest McMillen, the present pastor, was installed.

The church now embraces 646 members, being the second in the state in point of numerical strength. The following named ministers were members of this church prior to licensure, the first two being deceased: Revs. John C. King, Anderson Wallace, Samuel E. Barr, James H. L. Vannuys, Robert M. Overstreet and Sylvester Bergen. The church worshiped in a frame structure until 1852, when a plain, commodious brick building was erected. This was taken down in 1875, and the present church edifice erected on the same site. The present building is of brick and stone, Gothic style, with slate roof, and seats 650 persons, with a lectureroom seating 500 adjoining in the rear, and so arranged with sliding doors, that upon occasions the two can be thrown into one large audience chamber. The value of the property is estimated at $30,000. Officers, 1888. - Elders: A. Bergen, R. V. Ditmars, J. R. Covert, W. H. Lagrange, George W. Voris, George W. Demaree, C. H.Voris, I. N.Lagrange, W.B.Ellis. Deacons: W. B. McCollough, J. C. Smith, C. M. Demaree, E. C. Miller, O. C. Dunn, and R. A. Brown. Trustees : John Clark, I. M. Crowell and R. A. Alexander. Congregational Clerk : W. B. McCollough. Treas-

Greenwood Presbyterian Church. - The settlements in the northern part of Johnson County were visited by ministers of the Presbyterian Church as early as 1824, in December of which year, Rev. George Bush held religious services at the residence of John B. Smock, a short distance south of the present site of Greenwood. Rev. James H.Johnson preached in the neighborhood at an early day, as did also Rev. Isaac Reed, and on the 31st of December, 1825, the latter officiated at the organization of the Greenwood Church, which was constituted with nine members: James, Charity, Isaac, Rachel, Mary, Henry, John B. and Mary Smock, and Garrett Brewer. James Smock and Garrett Brewer were elected ruling elders, and in January, 1826, trustees were chosen, and steps taken toward the erection of a house of worship; a "parcel of land," one-half mile north of the present limits of the town, was donated for the purpose by Isaac Reed and Garrett Brewer, and in due time a small log house, about iSx20 feet in size, was erected thereon, and formally dedicated with appropriate ceremonies.

For some time after the organization the church did not enjoy the labors of a regular pastor, but was ministered to from time to time by transient preachers, among whom were Revs. H. Patrick, Jeremiah Hill, William W. Woods andEliphalet Kent. In 1839, Rev. P. S. Clelland became pastor. He was a man of ability, and a logical speaker. Rev. Horace Bushnell became pastor in 1866, and served with great acceptance till 1869. The next pastor was Rev. A. Dunn, who ministered to the congregation until 1878. His successor was Rev. J. B. Logan, whose term of sen ice extended from 1878 to 18S0. Rev. J. B. Jones then became pastor, and after serving one year was succeeded by A. Dunn, who preached about eighteen months. The next pastor was. Rev. James Williamson, whose term of service expired in October, 1S87, at which time the present incumbent, Rev. D. R. Love began his labors. The first church edifice was replaced about the year 1832, by a commodious frame building, fitted up with two apartments, one of which was used for school purposes. The building stood on the ground occupied by the first house, and was used until about the year 1852 or 1853. In 1S52, it was decided to erect a new house of worship, and a building committee was appointed to select an appropriate site for the same. A lot near the central part of Greenwood, on Bluff Street, was secured, and the building, a substantial frame structure, was completed and formally dedicated in 1853. The house is still in use, and is a comfortable place of worship. Present membership, 175.

Bethany Presbyterian Church (Whiteland) was organized September, 1833, by Rev. David Monfort and William Sickles, pursuant to an order from the Indianapolis Presbytery. The following are the names of those who petitioned for an organization: A. V. and Emma Banta, Jane, Jane Ann, Mary, and Francis Dobbins, John Fitzpatrick, Thomas, L. R., Samuel C, Elizabeth, James H., Archibald C. and Polly R. Graham, Samuel G. and Jane Henderson. The organization was effected at the residence of Lewis Graham, a short distance from the present site of Whiteland, and at the first meeting the following persons additional to those enumerated, were received into membership: A. Banta, Adaline Dobbins, Allen D. and Elizabeth Graham. For about four years services were regularly held in a school-house, three quarters of a mile southeast of Whiteland, and at the end of that time, a building for the especial use of the church, was erected, about two miles northeast of the village. This was a frame edifice, 30x40 feet in size, and answered well the purposes for which it was intended, until 1866. In that year a beautiful brick building, 40x60 feet in size, was erected in the village of Whiteland, at a cost of $4,000. A neat parsonage was built in 1875, and the church property is now among the bes^t in the county. The following ministers have sustained the pastoral relation to the church: Revs. William Sickles, B. F. Woods, J. Q. McKeehan, James Gilchrist, J. G. Williamson, J. B. Logan, John H. Harris, William H. Hyatt, and the present incumbent, Rev. H. L. Dickerson.

Shiloh Presbyterian Church (Union Township) was organized on the 5th day of October, 1832, at the residence of James Wylie, by Rev. David Monfort, the following persons presenting certificates of admission: Jesse Young, and Margaret, his wife, from Strait Creek, Ohio; Rebecca Clark, Rachel Titus, and Rachel Young, from West Union, Ohio; and John Young from Franklin, Ind. Jesse Young was elected, ordained and installed ruling elder, and it was unanimously resolved to call the new organization the Shiloh Presbyterian Church. Before July, 1834, four additional members were received, all upon examination: Joseph Young, Mary Young, Thomas Titus and Mary Titus. The congregation had occasional preaching until July, 1834, when the first church building was erected. The firsc meeting in this house was held July 30, 1834, K-ev- David Monfort preaching, and ordaining and installing an additional ruling elder, Joseph Young. From this period until 1840, the church records show an addition of thirty-one members. From the same source it is learned that from the organization, until 1887, 243 members had been received into the church, of whom only twelve were remaining July 1, 1SS7. It was in the decade between 1840 and 1850, that old log meeting house was removed, and the present tasteful frame structure erected in its stead. The value of the present building and grounds would be from $600 to $800. Pastors and stated supplies: Revs. David Monfort, William Sickles, David V. Smock, James II . McKee, Robert M. Overstreet, John Lyle Martin, Benjamin T. Wood,

Hofewell. - The history of this prosperous church dates from 183 1, but several years prior to that time the Hopewell settlement was visited at intervals by Presbyterian ministers, who held public worship in the residences ol the pioneers. " The first of these preachers, it is believed, was Rev. Samuel Gregg, of Tennessee, and his first sermon was preached at the house of Mr. Simon Covert, in the fail of 1825. " After laboring a short time here as a missionary, Mr. Gregg seems to have returned to Tennessee, where soon afterward he entered into his rest. Rev. Isaac Reed, of Bloomington, seems to have preached a few sermons in the neighborhood during the same year, and the nest, and in March, 1827, Rev. William Lowery visited the neighborhood and preached here and at Franklin. " Revs. William Henderson, William Duncan, Jeremiah Hill, J. R. Moreland and E. Kent, are also remembered as having preached here and at Franklin occasionally, prior to the organization of the church in 1831. "

« A petition was forwarded to the Presbytery of Indianapolis in 1831, then in session at Greensburg, asking for an organization, which was granted." The organization was effected May 23, 183 1, by Messrs. Monfort and Moreland, with forty-one members, whose names are as follows:

" During the first four years after the organization, the church worshiped in the log house, built for the joint purpose of a school-house and church." It was built about the year 1828, three years before the church was organized. It was a hewed log structure, 20x30 feet in size, and was probably much the best house in the neighborhood at the time it was built. The second house, the first regular church building, erected in 1835, was 45x^o feet, with ceiling fourteen feet high, sustained by four large substantial posts or pillars near the middle of the auditorium. The minister who served the church after Dr. Monfort was Rev. William Sickles. He seems to have supplied the church for about one year, during which time eighteen persons are reported as having united with the church on profession. The next pastor was Rev. Sayers Gazley, who gave three-fourths of his time to the church, for about two and a half years.

Rev. D. V. Smock was pastor from 1842 to 1849, in which time the first parsonage was built. Rev. James Gallatin supplied the church for a short time, and was succeeded in 185 1, by Rev. E. K. Lynn, who resigned February, 1854. His successor was Rev. A. C. Allen, who began his labors August, 1854, and continued until June, 1859. Rev. John F. Smith was called to the pastorate November, 1859, and continued with the church until his death in 1864. The next pastor was Rev. S. E. Bat»r. Rev. E. Black served eight years, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. J. W. Pugh, who began his labors December, 1883. The present church building was erected during the pastorate of Rev. E. K. Lynn, about 1853, remodeled during- the pastorate of Rev. S. E. Barr, in 1867, and repaired during the present pastorate, at a total expenditure of $S,ooo. A Sunday school was organized in the Hopewell neighborhood in 1827, with John Covert, superintendent.

Edinburg Presbyterian Church* - The Presbyterian Church in Edinburg was organized by Rev. Henry Little, D. D., September 4, 1864, in connection with the N. S. Branch of the Presbyterian Church. The original members were twelve in number, viz. : A. S. Rominger, Amanda Rominger, Clarissa Remley, Rachel Stuart, Martha Toner, Catherine Cox, Sarah Deming, Sarah Adams, Mary (Shipp) Givens, Emily A. Rominger and Adelaide Rominger. A. S. Rominger, was elected ruling elder. The first minister was Rev. William I. Clark, who preached his first sermon in March, 1865. He served the church nearly two years. Rev. G. D. Parker began his labors with the church as stated supply, April 21, 1867, and closed the same, April, 1869. His successor was Rev. J. B. Logan, who labored for the church from May 1, 1869, until November 13, 1870; was then called as the S. S. for three-fourths of his time, on January 2, 1871, and continued until November, 1872. I. A. Williams was called as S. S., November 17, 1872, and served until March, 1875. Rev. Henry L. Nave, of the senior class of Lane Seminary, was called to be pastor of the church, March 15, 1876. His labors were earnest and successful, and closed in August, 1879. September 4, 1879, Rev. Alexander Parker, of Columbus, was engaged as stated supply for one year, to preach four, sermons every month. This engagement continued for two and a half years. Rev. Mr. Scofield served the church as stated supply for one year, from April 2, 1882. The church was subsequently supplied more or less regularly by seminary students for several years. Among these were : W. L. McEwen, of Princeton, Burt E. Howard and Thomas Turnbull, of Lane. Since January, 1887, the church has been supplied by Rev. Thomas N. Todd. The church began with twelve members, and has had a checkered career, but has done faithful service and been greatly blessed at times. The highest number enrolled was in Rev. H. L. Nave's pastorate, when there was reported a total of 131, and an actual membership of 108. The building in which the church worships is a tasteful frame structure on Main Cross Street, valued at $3,000. Ruling Elders: A. S. Rominger, Stewart Wilson, G. W. Downs, C. C. Forrer, H. Ewing, George Williams, S. B. Jenkins, Joel Kinsey, Ephraim Adams, Samuel Binley, W. B. Wilson, W. C. Williams and S. H. Kyle, clerk of session.

New Pisgah (O. S. Presbyterian Church), Needham Township, was organized August 6, 1842, by Rev. John M. Dickey, sixteen persons uniting with the organization : James Magill, Maria Magill, James Patterson, Cretia Patterson, Thomas Patterson, Nancy Ann Patterson, Madison Kelly, Eliza Kelly, Jefferson Kelly, Catherine Kelly, William Kelly, Julia Ann Kelly, Henry Kelly, Francis Stewart, David McAlpin and Diana Pullen. David Mc- Alpin, James Magill and James Patterson were elected elders. The succession of stated supplies was Revs. William M.Stimson, Benjamin W. Nyce, John B. Saye, James McCoy, John Faircmld, James Brownlee, L. P. Webber, T. A. Steele and William Clark. In the same neighborhood with the New Pisgah Church the New Prospect (O. S.) Church was organized by Rev. B. b. Wood, April 10, 1850, the following persons joining the organization : John Henderson, Isabell Henderson, Joseph Henderson Mitchell Henderson, James Henderson, Sarah Henderson, Jane McAlpin, Sarah

McAlpin, John McCord, George Allison, John P. Henderson, Jane Henderson, Thomas Patterson, Nanc}^ Patterson, William H. Patterson, Eliza Jane Patterson and Sarah Patterson. Thomas Patterson and John P. Henderson were chosen ruling elders. The Rev. B. F. Wood was the first stated supply, followed by Revs. Blackburn, Leffler, John Gilchrist, John Q. McKeehan and James Gilchrist. On September 15, 1870, the New Pisgah (N. S.) and the New Prospect (O. S.) churches were consolidated. The united church assumed the new school name and occupied the old school building, the membership being fifty. The Rev. J. G. Williamson was the first stated supply; the Rev. A. R. Naylor and Rev. Mr. Reeves followed, supplying the church in the order named. In 1875, Rev. James Williamson commenced to supply the church, and continued to do so for twelve years, closing his labors October 1, 1887. The present membership is about seventy-live.

SJiiloh Churchy Cumberland Presbyterian (Needham Township), was organized about the year 1835, in a school-house one mile north of the present site of Amity village, Rev. Alexander Downey officiating. Among the charter members, seventeen in number, were John Kerr and wife, David Alexander and wife, John Alexander and wife, John Gribbin and wife, James Taylor and wife, John Taylor and wife, and John R. Kerr and wife. The first house of worship, which was not erected until several years after the organization, stood about a half mile north of Amity. For some reason not now known, this building was never completed. In 1852, a frame house was erected about three and a half miles southeast of Franklin, Needham Township, on land donated by James Taylor. It was a fair building, and answered the purposes for which it was intended, until 1882. In that year the present temple of worship, a beautiful frame edifice, 32x42 feet, was built on the same lot, at a cost of $1,600. The following list embraces the majority of the pastors of the church since its organization : Revs. Elam McCord, James Ritchey, J. W. Neely, G. W. Edmondson, W. D. Hawkins, N. D. Johnson, L. J. Hawkins, A. Hunter and the present supply, U. L. Montgomery. Present membership, 100.

First Baptist Church of Franklin* - This history begins at the time when society in Indiana was in a plastic state. The country was quite new, and was being settled by men of various religious views. Among others, Baptists came. The Franklin Presbyterian Church had been in existence eight years, and had about sixty members when the Baptist Church was formed. Blue River Church, the country church from which Franklin came, was organ- izeci in 1S23. As early as January 23, 1S29, an " arm " of the Blue River Baptist Church was constituted at Franklin. Elder Chauncey Butler (father of Ovid Butler, founder of Butler University) was chosen moderator of the meeting, and Samnel Harding, of sacred memory, clerk. Andrew Vannoy (a tanner) was elected church clerk, and Elder Samuel Harding, who lived in the vicinity of Blue River Church, was requested to preach for the church " once a month."

The names of the members who constituted this "arm,'' are Simon Shaffer, Sarah Shaffer, Andrew Vannoy, Rebecca Vannoy, David Tilson, Stephen Tilson, Mary Frary (mother of Mr. Frary, of East Franklin), Eleanor Foster, Jefferson D. Jones, Eleanor Jones and Mrs. Sidney Tilson. On the third Saturday in August, 1832, the Regular Baptist Church of Franklin was formed. Rev. James Woods was made moderator of the meeting The constituent members of the church, were Simon and Sarah Shaffer, John Adams, Jefferson D. Jones, Eleanor Jones, John and Eleanor Foster, Simon Hunt, Stephen Tilson, Mary Frary, Catharine Bennett, Abraham Stark (brother-in-law of J. A. Dunlap), John Johns, Martha McDaniel, Mary Tracy, Keziah Tracy, Andrew Vannoy, Rebecca Vannoy and Elizabeth Cravens - in all nineteen members. John Foster was elected clerk. The monthly meeting, in September, was held in the house of Simon Shafrer, and John Foster, J. D. Jones, W. G. Eaton and Stephen Tilson were appointed to ask admission for the church into the Flat Rock Association. At the November meeting, J. D. Jones and Simon Shaffer were ordained deacons. At the December meeting the Articles of Faith of the Flat Rock Association were adopted. Elder Samuel Harding was the first pastor of the church, having been elected in May, 1843. .

The church seems to have had uniform prosperity under the pastorate of Elder Harding. The membership the first year was thirty-two; the second, thirty-six; the third, thirty-four. Elder Harding was an acknowledged leader in all enterprises undertaken by Indiana Baptists. He died at his home near Smiley's Mill, Shelby County, in the latter part of 1S35, or early part of 1836. In June, 1836, Elder Byram Lawrence was called to the pastorate for one year. In October, 1837, Rev. A. R. Hinkley, of Sparta Church, was called to the pastorate. Under Pastor Hinkley the church bought a lot and built a church-house, the most commodious at the time in the town, and it had few superiors, if any, in the state. It cost $2,500. Prof. Tilton was of great service to the enterprise. Hesecured most of the money, and did it in a short time. The dedication services took place on the 28th day of January, 1841.

The sermon was preached by Pastor Hinkley. Pastor Ilinkley came to the church when the membership was forty-one. He left it with 100. During Rev. Mr. Hinkley's pastorate, Judson Benjamin became a member by experience and baptism. He went to Shurtliff College, Brown University, and Newton Theological Seminary, and then went as a missionary to Burmah. Failing health obliged him to come home, and he died near Boston, in 1854.

The next pastor was Elder S. G. Miner, who began the pastorate in July, 1 84 1, and continued one year. Elder Miner's successor was Rev. George C. Chandler, who came from the pastorate of the First Church of Indianapolis. He resigned the pastorate sometime before he did the presiding over the college, and was succeeded by Elder B. C. Morse, or possibly Elder John Currier. Elder Benjamin Reece was elected pastor sometime in 1850, and continued till August, 185 1, when Elder J. C. Post was chosen. During Rev. Post's pastorate, November, 1852, Dr. S. Bailey and wife, and Prof. A. J. Vawter and wife, joined the church, and in March, 1853, upon petition of A. J. Vawter, J. N. Waggener,

C. A. Whipple, J. W. Dame, R. F. Grubbs, J. S. Houghan, and William Hendricks, letters were granted them to join a new interest in East Franklin. At the same meeting, Rev. J. C. Post and wife were granted letters to the East Franklin Church, soon to be, and his pastorate of the First Church ceased.

On the 26th day of March, 1855, the following persons met in the college chapel to organize a church : S. Bailey, Man- P. Bailey, J. C. Post, Adaline Post, Mary Parkhurst, J. S. Hougham, Mary A. Hougham, R. F. Grubbs, Louisa Grubbs, John West, C. A. Whipple, Mary A. Whipple, Lydia Whipple, Mary L. Whipple,

D. T. Whipple, Ithamar Whipple, Caroline Waggener, A. J. Vawter, Maria A. Vawter, G. W. Grubbs, James N. Waggener, Milas T. Hendricks, Mary Hendricks, Sarah Hendricks, W. T. Brand, M. B. Brand, M. M. Brand, j. W. Dame, J. D. P. Hungate, W. H. Mitchell, J. W. A. Webb, Mary A. S. Hodge, Melia Shepherd, Rebecca J. Fox, Josephine Mayhall, Elizabeth Johnston, Julia McGriffin, Cyrene A. Peggs, Sarah L. Peggs, Margaret Eoff and Elizabeth J. Nance. J. S. Hougham was elected chairman, and A. J. Vawter secretary, and Daniel Trichler was received on a letter. President Bailey was selected to supply the pulpit. In June, Rev. E. J. Todd was called to the pastorate of the church for one year. The next pastor, Rev. J. W. B. Tisdale, of Ohio, was elected in May, 1855, and continued till November, 1856.

Rev. E. J. Todd was again called to the pastorate in January, 1857, and served until January, 1858. His successor was Rev. John G. Kerr, during whose pastorate the union of the First Church and East Franklin was consummated. President Bailey was engaged to supply the pulpit for an indefinite time, and served until July, 1861. Rev. J. S. React was then elected pastor, and served two years. In August, 1862, the church was dismissed from the Mt. Zion Association to join the Indianapolis Association,. Prof. Brumback acted as pastor from July, 1863, to July, 1864, and was succeeded by Rev. M. D. Gage, who preached from September, 1865, till July, 1867. August 14, 1867, Rev. J. H. Smith was called to the pastorate. November, 1868, Rev. I. N. Clark became pastor, and served as such until January, 187 1. His successor was Rev. J. S. Boyden, who preached one year, at the end of which time, February, 1872, Rev. L. D. Robinson was elected pastor. From December 17, 1876, till February, 1878, the church was without a pastor, but the latter year, Rev. F. M. Huckleberry was called to rill the pulpit, and served till 1881. October, 1881, Rev. C. S. Scott entered upon the pastorate, and the year following, work began upon the new building, which was erected in due time, and formally dedicated by Rev. Reuben Jeffrey, D. D., of Indianapolis. It is a commodious brick structure, elegantly furnished with all the modern conveniences, and represents a capital of about $20,000. The present pastor of the church is Rev. A. Ogle. The present membership is 360. Superintendent of the Sunday school: Prof. W. J. Williams.

Greenwood Baptist Church. - The Baptist Church at Greenwood was constituted on the 17th day of July, 1839, by Rev. T. W. Haynes, with eighteen members, seven of whom had been baptized by Mr. Haynes, while eleven held letters of recommendation from Regular Baptist churches elsewhere. After a sermon by Mr. Haynes, and the giving of the right hand of fellowship by the brethren present, principles of faith and rules of decorum were adopted, and under the name of " The Regular Baptists of Jesus Christ, at Greenwood," the organization was completed. The names of the constituent members are as follows: Elder Henry Hunter and wife, Mrs., Nancy Ransdale, Elizabeth Smith, Abigail Smith, A. H. Bryan, Mrs. Ann Bryan, Garrett Vandiver and wife, M. D. West, John Whitenack, Sr., Addison Wilson and wife, Mrs. Abbott, Jesse Weathers, Mrs. Weathers, Miss Ann Vandiver, Mrs. Vandyke and Miss Urey Vandyke. The first meetings were held in a grove near Greenwood, and at one of the earliest business sessions a committee was appointed to circulate a petition for the purpose of raising funds for the erection of a house of worship. The necessary steps were taken, but several years elapsed before the building was completed. It was finished about the year 1844, and stood a short distance west of the village, on ground now included within the corporate limits. Rev. Mr. I Iaynes served as pastor several years, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas C. Townsend, who was called by the church in 1844. H. H. Hunter preached at intervals for some years, as did also Rev. J. Brumback, both of whom sustained the pastoral relations. About the year 1858, Rev. J. W. B. Tisdale held a series of meetings, the immediate result of which was the addition of quite a number to the church, and a great revival of interest among its members. The next preacher was Rev. Mr. Golden, who was followed in a short time, by Rev. I. N. Clark, whose pastorate extended over a period of three years. Rev. E. S. Riley preached at intervals for about ten years, and was succeeded by R. W. Arnold. Following Arnold came Rev. Mr. Keplinger, since the expiration of whose pastorate the church has been served from time to time by the following ministers: Charles Davis, R. W. Rariden, N. C. Smith and J. T. Green. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. C H. Hall, of Franklin College. The large brick house in which the church now worships, was erected about the year i860. It stands on Bluff .Street, has a seating capacity of about 400, and cost $2,400. Present membership, seventyfive.

Amity Baptist Church was constituted April 10, 185S, Rev. John yawter officiating. The original members were: Travis Burnett, Milton S. Vawter, James S. Vawter, James M. Goldsborough, William Shipp, Harrison Burnett, William Brown, Mrs. Caroline Shipp, Rozana Goldsborough, Martha E. Armstrong, Sarah E. Armstrong and Caroline Shipp, the majority of whom had formerly belonged to the old Blue River Church, in Shelby County, and Mt. Pleasant congregation, near Trafalgar. James S. Vawter was the first clerk, and in 1859, he was duly licensed to preach the Gospel. The following ministers served the church as pastors: Revs. E. W. Garrison, William Elgin, A. J. Essex, J. W. B. Tisdale, F. M. Buchanan, J. W. Lewis, T. J. Murphy,

The year in which the organization wras effected witnessed the erection of a large and commodious brick temple of worship, 35x60 feet in size, with a seating capacity of about 400. Present membership, seventy-eight. Clerk, Andrew Barrow; deacons, S. M. Devore, L. O. Abbott and J. H. Brown; treasurer, Harrison Adams; trustees, P. W. Brown, John Fishback and J. H. Brown. Services are held regularly once a month by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Barrow, and at intervals in the meantime by Rev. J. M. Wagner.

Religious Iiistorv

June S, 1S44, at what was known as "School District No. I," a short distance from the town of Trafalgar, by Elders Reece and Chandler. A council from Franklin, Second Mt. Pleasant and First Mt. Pleasant churches, was convened for the purpose of constituting the organization, and after a sermon by Elder Reece, the following persons were formally organized into a Regular Baptist Church: Frederick Ragsdale, Sarah Ragsdale, Simpson Sturgeon,' Sarah Sturgeon, William M. Clark, Martha Clark, Annie 13. Lee, Mary Sturgeon, Absalom Clark, Samuel Sturgeon, Burgess Wagoner, and John W. Ragsdale. Of the above, only two are living : Sarah Sturgeon and John W. Ragsdale. Other early members are the following: Martha Eaton, Henderson Ragsdale, Lucinda Ragsdale, Mary Sturgeon, Jane Alexander, Mary R. Forsyth, Martha Hunt, Nicholas Selch, Mary Cole, Lucy Vandiver, Thomas Clemmer, James M. Buckner, Helen Sturgeon, Harrison Halbert, James Sturgeon, Lucy Clark, E. A. Clark, Margaret M. Clark, Isabelle Clark, Nancy Shoemaker, Elizabeth Featherngill, Jackson Adams, Mrs. Adams, William Lee, Martha Long, Rebecca Sturgeon, Nancy Warren, John High, Isom Bridges, Elizabeth Bridges, William M. Clemmer, and others. Elder J. Reece was called to the pastorate in 1844, and the same year a committee was appointed to select a suitable site for a house of worship. The ground chosen was "one acre on the northeast corner of Steth Daniel's land," and in October, 1845, a frame building, 30x40 feet in size, was decided upon by the committee. The house was not erected until some time later. It was a frame structure, and answered the purposes for which it was intended until 1866, at which time the present large building in the village of Trafalgar was erected. This house is in size, 36x50 feet, and cost the sum of $2,500. The following ministers have sustained the pastoral relation to the church at different times; Revs. Reece, Roberts, Ragsdale, Buchanan, Parker, Barrel/, Huckleberry, Smith, Moore, Murphy, Hall, and Stewart. Present membership, 140.

First Mt. Pleasant (Franklin Township), one of the oldest Baptist churches in Johnson County, was constituted July, 1828. The following were among the earliest members : Henry Byers, Elizabeth Bvers, Peter Zook, Margaret Zook, Seaton Beadles, John Garshwiler, John Brunk, Aaron Mitchell, Nolly Kilbourn, Mariah Vaughn, James P. Beadles, Lamenta Beadles, Elizabeth Zook, Polly Helms, George Burkhardt, Elizabeth Burkhardt, Sarah (Byers) Le?ch, Benelta Beadles, George P. Bartlett, Thomas Bartlett, Nancy Roberts, Francis Elliott, George Bridges, Polly Harbert, Cynthia Warren, Matilda Brunk, Paul Harbert, Margaret Harbert and Abraham Brunk. One of the first preachers was

Rev. John Reece, who held meetings in a little log school-house which stood a short distance from the present church building. About the year 1837, or perhaps a little earlier, dissensions arose in the church, between the conservative and progressive or missionary elements, the result of which was a division of the congregation. In May, 1S38, the difficulty was partially adjusted by a re-organization under the original name, since which time the society has been known as a Missionary Baptist Church. The re-organization was brought about by the efforts of Rev. A. R. Hinkley, and the following persons were enrolled as members : Henry Byers, Peter Zook, Batson Dennis, John Herrell, Stephen Rollens, Aaron Zook, Adam Cofman, Elizabeth Byers, Margaret Zook, Emarine Jones, Paulina Herrell, Margaret Harbert, Mary Rollens, Phebe Townsend and Polly Harbert. The present membership is seventy-five. The following ministers sustained the pastoral relations at different times: Revs. A. R. Hinklev, John R.eece, D. Huston, E. J. Todd, J. W. Ragsdale, R. M. Parks, N. C. Smith, J. M. Barrow, L. E. Duncan, Robert Moore, T. J. Murphy, C. C. Palmer and J. C. Rhodes. The first house of worship was a log structure erected a number of years ago, and used until the building of the present edifice. The present church building is brick, well finished and furnished, and stands about five miles southwest of Franklin, on the Martinsville turnpike.

Mt J Pleasant Number 2, near the Shelby County line in Needham Township, was organized about the year 1834, by Rev. Samuel Hardin, with about eight members, among whom were the following : Joseph Reece and wife, John Webb and wife, and John Duckworth. Meetings were held in private residences and schoolhouses for about eight years, when a frame building was erected on land donated for church purposes by Jesse Beard. This was a fair building, and answered the purpose of a meeting place until the erection of the present substantial brick edifice about the year 1867 or 1868. The present building is 35x65 feet, and represents a value of $4,500. The church has enjoyed the labors of quite a number of pastors, among whom are remembered the following: Revs. Benjamin Reece, Mr. Glessner, E. J. Todd, Mr. Blood, John Reece, Mr. Edwards, R. M. Parks, John W. Ragsdale, T. W. Jolly, F. M. Huckleberry, G. H. Elgin and W. T. Vancleve. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. P. O. Duncan. The church is in a prosperous condition, numbering about 300 communicants. The present deacons are William Reece, Jesse Beard and John R. Ragsdale; clerk, William Fisher.

gation, and continued as such about three years, when it was constituted an independent organization. The following were among the earliest members: Stephen Tilson, Lemuel Tilson and wife, James Tilson and wife. Mrs. John Brown, John Whitesides. Even Bennett and wife, Conrad McClain and wife', and James Whitesides and wife. The organization was effected by Rev. Benjamin Reece, who preached for several years thereafter, holding meetings in the old log- building, known as Friendship Church. Later, about the year 185 1, a frame building was erected on ground where the old house stood, and served the purposes of a place of worship, until the growth of the congregation made the erection of a larger house a necessity. In 1S79. the present handsome temple, a brick edifice, representing a capital of $3,200. was erected. The following is a partial list of the pastors of Hurricane Church: Revs. Benjamin Reece, John Reece, Ragsdale, Miner, Todd, Elgin, Edwards and Hall. The present membership is 138.

Beech Grove Baptist Church, in the northwest corner of Nineveh Township, was organized a number of years ago, and appears to have been the outgrowth of the Primitive and Separate Baptist churches, organizations of which denominations were founded in the neighborhood prior to the late war. A log house of worship was built a number of years ago, in which the old churches held services, but later, after the organization of the Missionary branch, a frame, the one now in use, was erected. The church is reputed in good condition, and has an active membership, among which are enrolled the names of many of the leading citizens of the community. Among the early pastors were Revs. Barrow and Ragsdale. The pastor at this time is Rev. R. E. Stewart.

Baptist Church ( Colored) , Franklin, was constituted about the year 1872 or 1873, with eight members, a number which has since increased to ninety-three. The first deacons were Samuel Elkins and Squire Moore. The following ministers have sustained the pastoral relation : Revs. Mr. Singleton, Thomas Robinson, Mr. Winyard, Ephraim Tyler, William Harris, George Smith, and the present incumbent, Rev. David Slaughter. A frame house of worship was built on West Madison Street, in 1878, and formally dedicated the same year. The officers of the congregation are: M. Clark, Anderson Beaty, and Edward Blakemore, deacons, and H. Clark, clerk. Mr. Blakeman is also superintendent of the Sunday school.

wife, David Johnson and wife, Elizabeth Gooden, Letitia Lee and Elizabeth Johnson. Rev. Mr. Miller served as pastor four years, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Walker, who preached one year. Then came Rev. David Slaughter, the present incumbent. The building used by the church was erected a short time before the organization went into effect. It is a substantial frame edifice, and will comfortably seat a congregation of 300 persons. The membership of the church at this time, is about 100.

Bethlehem (Primitive) Baptist Church, Nineveh Township, was organized a number of years ago, and is now one of the oldest religious societies in the southern part of the county. Of its early history but little is known save that the Bass, Roberts, Hensley, Davenport, McNutt, Hoolman and Hughes families were among the first members. The organization was brought about by the labors of Elder Hiram T. Craig, a preacher of fine ability. He preached for the Bethlehem congregation a number of years. The first house of worship was a log structure which stood near where the present one now stands. It was used several years, but finally gave place to the frame building in which the congregation now meets. The society is not as strong in numbers as in the early days of its history, having lost quite a number of its members in recent years by deaths and removals. Services are regularly held by the pastor, Elder E. D. Herrod.

Stotfs Creek Baptist [O. S.). - Some time in the thirties there was erected in Section 10, near the present site of Union village, a log building which served as a place of worship for several denominations. In this house, what is known as Stott's Creek Baptist Church (Old School) was organized over fifty years ago. The following are the names of a few of the early members of the organization: Bennett Jacobs and wife, Austin Jacobs and wife, William Burkhart and wife, David Vidito and wife, James Jacobs and wife, John Herrell and wife, William Utterback and wife, and Andrew Wysick and wife. Elder Bennett Jacobs was an early minister. Hiram Craig and Enoch Taber preached for the congregation a number of years ago, as did others whose names are not now remembered. The present pastor is Elder E. D. Herrod. The building in which the congregation worships is a small frame structure near Union village, 'erected about the year 1S56 or 1857. The society has -never been very strong numerically, and at this time has the names of only about twenty-five members upon the records.

Lick Springs Baptist Church (Nineveh Township) Was organized in the year 1836. Among the early members were the following: Aaron 'Hendricks, Merida Wilkerson, Separate Hen- dricks, Susan Hendricks and Nancy Handy. The church building was erected about 1S39, anc* rebuilt in 1850. In the latter year there was a good membership, about 100. Since-then the number has greatly decreased, until at this time there are only about forty belonging. The following were among the pastors of the church : Samuel Randolph, Jariah Randolph, James McQueen, Joshua McQueen, Pond and Asa Dowd.

South Scott's Creek Regular Baptist Church (Union Township) was organized April, 1S36, at a school-house near the present site of Trafalgar. The following were among the first members: Thomas Sturgeon and wife; Simpson Sturgeon and wife, William Clark and wife, Frederick Ragsdale and wife, Henry Musselman and wife, Jane Forsyth, Jane Allen and Mary Catlett. Frederick Ragsdale was the first moderator, and J. R. Callihan, first clerk. For a number of years, Rev. Asa B. Nay ministered to the congregation, and much of its success was due to his efforts. Revs. Ransom Riggs and Willett Tyler preached for the church at different times. The present pastor is Elder R. W. Thompson. Schoolhouses and dwellings were used for meeting places until about the year 1845, at which time a frame temple of worship was erected in Union Township, Section 25. The building was afterward improved, and is still used by the congregation. The membership at this time is quite small, numbering about fifteen. The moderator is S. T. Riggs; clerk, Henderson Ragsdale.

Franklin Christian Church. - The Christian Chinch of Franklin was organized on the 3d day of July, 1848. Previous to that time ministers of the current Reformation visited the town at intervals, and held public worship in the court house, the immediate results of which were quite a number of conversions. Among the early preachers were: Elders Love H. Jameson, J. M. Mathes and John O'Kane, who were widely and favorably known throughout the United States, where the Disciples have gained a footing. The meetings held from time to time eventually crystallized into an organization, Julv, 1848, of which the following were the prime movers: John B. Cobb, J. V. Branham, Horatio Jones, John V. Parrish, Herriott Henderson, Elizabeth Howard, Margaret Bridges, Mary Branham, Catorah Chenoweth, Lucretia Branham, George W. Branham, W. M. Bridges, Sanderson Howard, John McCorkle, Margaret Palmer, Rhoda Koyle, Elizabeth Bridges, Nancy Jones, Elizabeth Howard, Mary H. Branham and Elizabeth Hogue. At the next meeting Joseph P. and Margaret Gill united with the congregation by letter from a sister church, and Barney Clark was received upon confession.

place of worship. This was found for some time in the court house, but shortly after the organization went into effect a movement was inaugurated for the erection of a building for the especial use of the congregation. J^. lot on the corner of Jefferson and Water streets, was procured, upon which in due time was built a substantial twostory brick structure with auditorium above, while the lower part was divided into two commodious store rooms. The chapel was formally dedicated to the worship of God on the 17th dav of July, 1852, by Elders John O'Kane, J. M. Mathes and T. J. Edmonson. From the date of organization until the erection of the building in 1852, no records appear to have been kept. For some years the church had no regular pastor, but was ministered to from time to time by transient preachers, a number of whom conducted successful revivals, resulting in many additions to the congregation. Elders Jameson, Mathes, Edmonson, O'Kane, Cobb and others preached at intervals, and in 1S58, Elder J. J. Moss was called as as evangelist, at a salary of $700 per annum. He preached the allotted time and was successful in awakening an interest and building up the church. In 1864, Elders John B. New and O. A. Burgess held a series of revival meetings, and the same year O. A. Bartholomew became pastor and served during 1864 and 1865, and was succeeded by Elder H. T. Buff, who served until about the served one year, after whom came the following pastors in the order named: Elders John Davis, a little over one year; J. M. Land, served three years; E. L. Frazier, eight years, and A. W. Conner, two years. In December, 18S3, the present pastor, Elder S. F. Fowler, began his labors with the church, since which time, through his efforts, about 350 members have been added to the congregation. Elder Fowler is a man of splendid powers, superior oratorial abilities, and great pulpit earnestness. In 1871, a suitable lot on the corner of Yandes and Madison streets was procured, and in the same year, a magnificent brick structure, costing $26,000, was erected thereon. It was formally dedicated by Elder O. A. Burgess, and at the time of its completion, was the largest and most commodious church edifice in Johnson County. The building was struck by lightning in June, 1885, and greatly injured, all the wood -work being completely destroyed. It was immediately rebuilt at an expenditure of $6,000, and now ranks among the besi; houses of worship »in the city. The membership of the church at this time is much stronger than at any previous period of its history, numbering 685. The Sunday school connected with the church, from the time of its organization, a number of years ago, has been regularly and successfully kept up.

Edinburg Christian Church. - The first attempt to establish a Christian Church in Edinburg, was made in 1834, although traveling ministers had visited the village at internals, previous to that date, and held meetings in the houses of the- few members in the town and vicinity. Among these early preachers are remembered, Elders William "irvin, J. Fawcett and James M. Mathes, under whose joint labors, on the 23rd day of February of the above year, a small organization was effected, with the following members: Gavin Mitchell, Rebecca Mitchell, David McCoy, C. McCoy, J. W. Dupree, Thomas W." Thrailkeld, Elizabeth Thrailkeld, Abram Dupree and Hannah Dupree. Of the above little band who constituted the organization, all but one, Hannah Dupree, are dead. Elder J. M. Mathes, the chief mover in the organization, is also living, at his home in Bedford, Ind. The society held its first meetings in the residences of the different members, and later obtained the use of the building erected by the Edinburg Benevolent Association in 1834. Here the church met and prospered until 1846, at which time the increasing growth foreshadowed the necessity of a building of enlarged proportions. Accordingly, in that year, a movement was inaugurated to erect a house of worship for the exclusive use of the congregation. A lot on Walnut Street was procured, and a frame house, 40x50 feet, erected, which is still standing. The building is a commodious structure, and at the time of its completion was the best temple of worship in town. At the close of 1834 the membership of the society numbered twentv-two, and among the additions of that year were the Thompsons, Knowltons, Waylands, Smiths, Vaughns and others, whose names cannot be recalled. In 1846, Abram Dupree was licensed to preach the Gospel, and for that year the records show a membership of 198. For a number of years after its organization the church was ministered to in word and doctrine by Abram Dupree, William Irvin and William Oldham. From 1834 until l87°> the church enjoyed the labors of twenty-eight transient preachers. The following is a list of the ministers thus employed: Elders McFadden,Lockwood, Roberts, Woodfill, Egan, New, Brewer, Cobb, Pritchard, Jones, McCorkle, O'Kane, Hall, Walden, D. Franklin, Benjamin Franklin, Snoddv, Gosney, Miller, Hoshour, McCullough, Buff, Ludwig, Davis, Holton, Goodwin, Brazzleton and Lanham. The first regular pastor appears to have been Elder B. K. Smith, who began his labors in 1852, and served one year. Following him in the order named, came J. R. Frame, Knowles Shaw, D. H. Gary, T. J. Tomlinson, R. T. Brown, J. F. Sloan, W. L. Germane, W. T. Sellers, William Hough. A. W. Conner, W. W. Carter, E. W. Darst, J. H. O. Smith, N. S. McCallum. The pastor at this time is

In 1886 a new building was commenced on that part of the lot lying south of the old house, and, when completed, will be the finest specimen of church architecture in Johnson Countv. The building covers an area of 90x60 feet, and the ceiling of the auditorium is twenty-eight feet high. Sunday school room in front will seat 300, gallery 100, and, when all the rooms are thrown together, which can be easily done, a congregation of 800 persons can be conveniently accommodated. The aggregate cost of the structure will be about $18,500. Not the least among the potent working forces of the church, is the Eureka Aid Society, organized December 8, 1883. for the ostensible purpose of raising funds for furnishing or assisting in furnishing the new house of worship. These ladies deserve great credit for their untiring efforts in behalf of the church. By weekly contributions, festivals, sociables, lawn fetes, lectures, and by making quilts, carpets, bonnets, etc., etc., they have succeeded in raising quite a large fund, thus materially aiding the completion of the present handsome temple of worship.

Williamsburg Christian Church. - Among the early settlers in the vicinit}' of Williamsburg, was Elder William Irwin, a Baptist minister, who, having been convinced of the correctness of the views promulgated by Alexander Campbell, went into the current Reformation, and in the spring of 1831, was instrumental in organizing a small congregation. Among the earliest members of the society wrere William Keeton and family, Alonzo Gale and family, Aaron Dunham and family, Jeremiah Dunham, Emily White, Richard Gosney and family, John Prime and wife, John Elliott and wife, Milton McQuade and wife, John Wilkes and wife, and David Dunham and wife, the majority of whom had previously belonged to the Baptists. Elder Irwin is remembered as a man of eminent social qualities, and a good preacher. Under his ministrations the little band of worshipers soon increased until a house of worship became a necessity. Accordingly, a small log building was erected a year or. two later, about a quarter of a mile northwest of the present site of thje town. It answered the two-fold purpose of church and school-house, and was used until about the year 1840, at which time the place of meeting was changed to Williamsburg, where a more commodious frame structure was erected. In the early years of its history the society enjoyed the ministerial labors of Elders Irwin and Joseph Fawcett, the latter a learned and logical preacher. Elders John L. Jones, J. M. Mathes, i\aron Hubbard, Asa Holingsworth and Hardin Watson visited the congregation at intervals, and in the meantime, Elan Richard Gosney, a local evangelist, preached for the church, when not similarly employed in other fields. Since 1850, the congregation has been ministered to by Elders James Blankenship, Henry R. Pritchard and Prof. J. C. Miller, the last named having filled the pulpit the greater part of the time since 1858. During Mr. Miller's absence. Elder Alfred Elmore preached for the church at different times. Present membership, 225. The brick temple of worship now in use was erected in i860, at a cost of $3,000. It stands in the southeastern part of the village and is one of the best church edifices in the southern part of the countv.

Greenwood Christian Church is the successor of an old society which was organized a short distance north of the town in Marion County, as early as 1S38 or 1839. ^n t'ie ^ °^ I837' George Shortridge moved to the locality from Wayne County, and being a devoted member of the church, soon induced preachers to visit the neighborhood, and hold public services in his dwelling and barn. In order to build up a serviceable church of his own choice, Mr. Shortridge, about the year 1840 or 1842, erected a small house of worship on his farm, in which an organization was soon effected. Among the earliest members of this society, were Mr. Shortridge, Charles Robinson and family, James Webb and wife, and a few others, whose names have been forgotten. Services were held regularly for several years, by Elders L. H. Jameson, Asa Holingsworth, and other pioneer ministers of the Reformation, but owing to the unsettled condition of the early residents of the community, many of whom were transients, the society soon lost the majority of its members, and was in course of time abandoned. Early in the fifties, exact date unknown, a society was organized in Greenwood, with which several of the members of the old church at once became identified. Among the early members of the Greenwood society, were the following: William Blake and wife, Joseph Harmon and wife, John Shortridge and wife, George Oldaker and wife, Edward Pate and wife, James Pate, Simeon Frazier and wife, Mrs. James Stewart and Hugh A. Morris. The village school-house had been purchased a short time previous, and fitted up for church purposes, and it was in this building that the organization took place. The school-house was used as a meeting place for several years, but the constantly increasing con- gregation eventually made the erection of a building, of enlarged proportions, necessary. Accordingly a lot in Dobbin's addition was donated by Dr. Guthree, and within a short time thereafter the present beautiful brick temple of worship was erected at a cost of $4,500. The building is well finished and furnished, and will comfortably seat an audience of 500 people. The church has enjoyed the labors of a number of able ministers, among whom may be mentioned Elders R. T. Brown, Elijah Goodwin, William Patterson, W. R. Couch, Dr. Huff, E. L. Frazier, John C. Miller, the congregation were Hugh A. Myers, William Blake and Joseph Harmon. There is at this time but one elder, George Robinson. Average attendance about seventy-five, including teachers.

Trafalgar Christian Church. - The early history of the Trafalgar Christian Church is enveloped in considerable obscurity. From the most reliable information it appears that services were held at the residence of Thomas Lynam as early as 1848, and among the first members were the Lynam, Watkins, Duckworth and Thompson families. Henry Branch, Benjamin Branch, Mr. Bridges, William Clark, E. Clark, Absalom Clark, with others, became members in a very early day also. Elders Thomas Lynam and Asa Holingsworth did the first preaching for the congregation. A small log building with one door and a single window was erected about 1849 or I^5°- ^ stood about one mile southwest of the village on Indian Creek, and was used by the congregation until replaced by a frame structure a few years later. The second building stood a short distance south of the present house of worship, and answered the purposes for which it was intended until about the year 1S70. For a number of years the organization was known as the Hensley Town Christian Church, and among the members in i860 were the following: George Duckworth, Thomas Gillaspv, G. T. Bridges, Jerry Dunham, Thomas Lynam, Nancy E. Lynam, Eliza II. Lynam, Matilda M. Lynam, James S. Lynam, Thomas O. Lynam and John D. Lynam. Others who became members a little later were: William J. Lynam, Mary J. Lynam, Lorinda Lynam, Sarah Duckworth, Sarah Morgan, Mary J. Dunham, Sarah A. Daniel, William Daniel, Alonzo Dunham, Lydia Bridges, Susan Peffley, Mary Perrley, Catherine Zook and others. The following preachers labored for the church at different times: J. C. Miller, J. II. Phillips, G. R. Gosney, Mr. Blankenship, J. R. Surface, Knowles Shaw, Asa Holingsworth, Thomas Lockhart and W. V. Trowbridge. Since. 1865, the church has been ministered to by Elders W. V. Trowbridge, George E. Flower, J. B. Ludwig, J. C. Miller, John Henry, Marion Boles, Henry R. Pritchard, J. H. Phil- lips, John Brazzleton, Mr. Elmore, Richard Gosney, and the present pastor, A. M. Hall. The membership at present is about 150. The present house of worship was erected about the year 1870. It is a frame building, 35x44 feet, and represents a capital of $^,400.

Jjnion Christian Church (Nineveh Township) was organized June 12, 1853, Elder Richard Gosney officiating. The organization was the outgrowth of a series of meetings conducted by Elder Asa Holingsworth, during the progress of which a great religious awakening was experienced, resulting in the conversion of over thirty persons. The organization was effected "with the following members: Clark Tucker, Sr., Margaret Tucker, Lydia Tucker, George Hargan, Benjamin Branch, Matilda Branch, Susan S. Branch, Mary Sattewhite, Henry Branch, Sarah A. Branch, Francis Branch, John T. Tucker, Jenette Ann Tucker, John Sattewhite, Paulina Branch, Delia M. Tucker, John H. Featherngill, Job B. Parkhurst, Mary Parkhurst, David F. Featherngill, Martha J. Featherngill, Thomas Branigan, Paulina Branigan, James Kimberlin, George F. Featherngill, George Huston, Emily Beadles, James Townsend, John Morgan, James La whom, Sarah Kerby, Joseph Lee, Sarah Duckworth, Mary A. Huston, Sarah J. Hunter, Samuel Brown, Mary G. Brown, Parthena Tucker, Loven G. Pritchard and Nancy Pritchard. The first church officers were Benjamin Branch, elder; Thomas Tucker and D. F. Featherngill, deacons. Meetings were first held in a log school-house, but soon after the organization, a frame building was erected on land donated for the purpose near the line of Franklin and Nineveh Township. This was a substantial edifice, 30x40 feet in size, and served as a place of worship until 1869. In that year the present handsome brick structure was built at a cost of $9,000. It is a two-story building, 40x60 feet. The following preachers have ministered to the church at different times since its organization: Eiders Richard Gosney, Asa Holingsworth, B. K. Smith, Uriah Watson, William I. Welsh, Henry R. Pritchard, John Brazzleton,

Clarksburg Christian Church was organized in what was known as the Leatherwood school-house, about one mile north of Clarksburg, on the 14th day of April, 1846, by Elder Love H. Jameson, of Indianapolis. The charter members were C. G. Dungan and wife, John Irwin and wife, David C. Mitchell and wife, Joseph Dupree and wife, John Eastburn and wife, L. M. Dupree and wife, Moses F. Clark and wife, Robert Ross and wife,

Oliver Harbert and wife, John Harbert and wife, Richard Harbert and wife, Stephen Tinker and wife, John W. Curry and wife, James Williams and wife, Silas Breeding and wife, John J. Dungan and wife, R. B. Green and wife, Thomas Parttock and wife, Joseph Irwin, James Tinker, Amos Williams, Parous Harbert, Mary A. Parttock, Hisler A. Green and Father Harbert. The first officers were as follows: Elders, C. G. Dungan and Joseph Dupree; deacons, M. F. Clark and J. J., Dungan. Shortly after the organization went into effect, a frame house of worship was erected about a quarter of a mile west of the village on land donated for the purpose by J. J. Dungan. The building was not fully completed until 1849, anc^ was used as a meeting place until 1873. In the latter year the present handsome frame edifice on the same lot, was built at a cost of $3,300. It is a substantial structure, 38x56 feet in size, and will seat an audience of four hundred persons. During the first few years of its history the church had no regular pastor, but was ministered to from time to time by different preachers, among whom are remembered Elders L. H. Jameson, Thomas Lockhart, Asa Holingsworth, John CTKane and George Campbell. In 1849, Elder Giles Holmes became pastor, and labored as such the greater part of the time until his death, in i860. Following Elder Holmes came the following preachers:

Huff, J. M. Canfield, J. W. Connor, E. L. Frazier, S. R. Wilson and W. S. Tingley. The present pastor is Elder S. J. Tomlinson. The membership at this time is about 200, a number considerably smaller than formerly, owing to the numerous removals during the last few years. A flourishing Sunday school is maintained.

Mt. Carmel Christian Church, in Nineveh Township, was organized by Elder John C. Miller, on the 28th day of March, 1870. The original members were: Valentine Burget, Aaron V. Burget, Sarah D. Burget, Louisa Burget, Rebecca Burget, Nancy Burget, Lucinda Burget, James B. Bell, Mary Bell, Cynthia A. Cook, John W. Collins, A. B. Dunham, Nancy Dunham, Mary Gillaspy, Catherine A. Linton, J. W. Linton, Noah F. Linton, Charles M. Linton, Nancy Mathews, Sarah E. McFaddin, Cornelius McFaddin, T. J. McMurry, Christina McMurry, Lethana McMurry, Mary McMurry, Sophia Jacobs, P. C. Jacobs, Sarah J. Slack, Rebecca A. Smyser, Sarah J. Smyser, x\melia Smyser, Mary E. Smyser, James Shoemaker, Susan Shoemaker, J. F. Wheaton, Lucinda Wheaton, James Work, Margaret Work and W. W. Wilkerson. The present membership is seventy; the house of worship, a neat frame building, was erected in 1870. The following ministers have had charge of

Samaria. - The Christian Church at Samaria, was organized several years ago, and for some time met for worship in a store building, which had been fitted up for church purposes by the Christians, Methodists and Baptists. In the fall of 1887, a house for the especial use of the Christian congregation, was erected, since which time the church has grown and prospered. There is a good membership at this time, ministered to at stated intervals, by Elder J. C. Miller. There is a congregation of the Christian Church at the village of Needham, where a neat and substantial temple of worship was erected several years ago. The society, although weak numerically, has accomplished a good work in the community, and bids fair to become a flourishing organization at no distant day. The membership at this time is small, and no regular pastorate is sustained. There is also a flourishing Christian Church in Blue River Township, a few miles from Edinburg, which has a large membership. The house of worship is a commodious frame structure, and the society has been a potent factor for good in the community.

Union Village. - The Church of Christ, at Union village, was organized at the residence of Wesley Deer, as early as the year 1834. The following were early members: Wesley Deer and wife, Samuel Park and wife, George Byers and wife, John Harris and wife, Cornelius Luyster and wife, John Garshwiler and wife, and others. Elder Thomas Jones was among the first preachers, and the permanency of the organization is largely due to his untiring efforts. Soon after the church was organized, a house of worship (log) was erected on the land of John Mullendore, on Section 14, but as no deed for the property was obtained, a subsequent owner of the land refused the congregation the use of the building. Later, a frame building was erected on the farm of Wesley Deer, which after being used for some time, was burned, the fire supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. It was replaced by another frame structure, which was also destroyed by fire during the late Civil War. The present temple of Worship at Union village was built soon after the war, and is a very neat and commodious edifice. The church has grown and prospered, numbering at this time about 250 communicants.

Bluff Creek Christian Church (White River Township). - This society was organized a number of years ago, as early, perhaps, as 1834 or l835> in a Baptist Church that stood near the village of Far West. The Baptist society had been in existence for some years, but at the time services began to be held by ministers of the Christian Church, it was extinct. Among the early members of the Bluff Creek congregation were Henry Brown, Mary Brown, Daniel Brag, Lydia Boaz, Jacob Sutton, Abigail Sutton, William Dunn, Christina Dunn, John Warren and wife, Barbara Tresslar, Valentine Tresslar, Mary Tresslar, Henry J. Tresslar, and others whose names cannot be recalled. Elders William Irwin, James Fawcett, John B. New and J. L. Jones, ministered to the congregation during the early years of its history, and later, it enjoyed the labor of some of the leading preachers of the Reformation. For many years the old Baptist Church building served as a place of worship. It was removed to the village of Brownstown, in 1884, and thoroughly remodeled, and greatly improved. The church has been a potent factor for good in the community, and is still in a flourishing condition, with an active membership of 105.

BargersviUe Church. - The Church of Christ at Bargersville, was organized in a school-house near the village, April 7, 1861, by Elder J. R. Surface, twenty-eight persons comstituting the original membership. The first officers were the following: Elders, Willis Deer, George O. List and John Clore; deacons, Joseph Combs, Abraham Clore and Abner Clark; treasurer, Abraham Clore; clerk, John Clore. Since its organization the church has been ministered to from time to time, by the following preachers: Elders, John R. Surface, Asa Holingsworth, John C. Miller, James

Aaron Walker, J. W. Connor, William Mullendore, Newton Wilson, Thomas Lockhart, Elmore, and others. Present membership, 150. Present officers: Elders, W. V. King, John Clore, George V. List and Alfred S. Deer; deacons, John Parks, M. Clore and Landen Robards. Abaham Clore is treasurer, and John Clore, clerk.

New Hope (White River Township). - The New Hope Christian Church was organized December, 1883, in what is known as school-house No. 10, White River Township, Elder E. W. Darst officiating. About sixty-five members went into the organization, and at the first meeting the following officers were duly elected: Elders, C. M. McCool, George W. Wyrick and R. J. Johnson; deacons, W. H. Dresslar, W. F. Williams, J. W. Stewart and John Hardin ; treasurer, David Glassburn ; clerk, L. B. Zaring. The church has made commendable progress, numbering at this time about 135 communicants. Meetings are still held in the school-house, which has been fitted up for church purposes. Since its organization the society has been ministered to by the following pastors, in the order named: Elders, George W. Smith, Irwin Young, John C. Miller and S. R. Wilson.

Christian Chanel (Union Township). - This society was oiv ganized at the Beech Grove Church, Hensley Township, in January, 1876, by Elder A. Elmore. The original membership was eighteen; present membership, about 125. In the fall of the above 3-ear, a frame house of worship was erected in Union Township, and since that time the congregation has been in. prosperous condition, with a steadily increasing membership. The first officers were I. L. Ragsdale, Benjamin Thompson and Frank Vandiver, deacons. Benjamin Thompson was also treasurer, and James Davis, secretarv. The officers at this time (1888) are as follows: Elders: John J. Vandiver, Robert Vandiver and Isaac Tumy. Deacons: J. K. Badgley, Harvev Miller, James B. Paris and Millard F. Kennedy. Treasurer: M. V. Taylor. Secretary: Rosalia A. Vandiver.

Mt. Pleasant Christian Church (White River Township) was organized on the 17th day of April, 1S84, by Elders B. M. Blount and E. W. Darst, with a membership considerably in excess of sixty. The first meetings were held in a building formerly used by the Presbvterians. But the same year in which the organization was effected, a subscription was taken, resulting in the erection of the present beautiful temple of worship, in Section 28, which was formally dedicated the following fall. The membership has steadily increased and Mt. Pleasant, at this time, is one of the prosperous Christian churches of the county, numbering over 100 communicants. A flourishing Sunday school is sustained throughout the year, and has already proved a valuable auxiliary to the church. The present pastor of Mt. Pleasant is Elder Wilson. Young's Creek Church (Christian Connection). - This is an old organization, dating its history from about the year 1S29 or 1830. It was founded by Elder Joseph Ashley, one of the earliest settlers on Young's Creek, and among the first members the following names are the most familiar: Elijah Dawson and family, William Harter and wife, James Mitchell and wife, Samuel Dawson and wife, Fleming Harter and wife, Lucinda Ware, Martha Williams and members of Elder Ashley's family. For some years meetings were held in private residences, but later a school-house about one mile north of the present building was secured for church purposes. A frame edifice a short distance north of the present house was erected about the year 1851 or 1852, and was used bythe congregation until 1875. In the latter year the neat frame; building in which the church now worships was erected, at a cost of $1,500. The following is a partial list of those who have served the church at different times:. Elders, Joseph Ashley, Elijah Dawson, Henry White, Isaac Marshall, A. S. Downey, Peter Baker, John Carney, and the present incumbent, Rev. Mr. Threlkeld. Present member- ship, 100. Elders, S. T. Vandiver and John \V. Abbott. Deacons, William Coy and Charles S. Legan. Trustees, W. E. Adams, Miles DeCoursey and Benjamin F. Williams. Superintendent of Sunday school, Newton Alexander.

Franklin Methodist Episcopal Church. - It is impossible to fix definitely the date of the organization of the Methodist Church in Franklin, as the records of the original class, if any were kept, are not accessible. It is known that the settlement in the county of a number of Methodist families secured the presence and attention of traveling ministers, and doubtless led to the temporary formation of classes or societies, as they are called, and in that way Unquestionably gave the church here a historical existence in a very early day, yet it is not at all certain that the denomination had any permanent footing in Franklin until about the year 1832. From the most reliable information obtainable, the first class appears to have been organized in one of the above years, but memory fails to recall the names of but two of the original members: W. W. Robinson and wife, parents of Rev. R. D. Robinson, D. D., of Indianapolis. For some years after the organization, the class met for worship in the dwellings of the members, and later in neighboring school-houses, but the methods of the church in those early days were such that it is not possible now to give a reliable account of what it accomplished. Among those who were known to have been members in 1842, were the following: William Carson and wife, William Clark and wife, Samuel Hall and wife, James Donovan and wife, James Harvey and wife, McKinney Johnson and wife, Andrew Lewis and wife, Zachariah Kelley and wife, William Robbins and wife, Abram Vestal and wife (colored), J. Hill (colored), Mrs. Mary Williams, John Bowen and wife, George Hunt and wife, C. Springer and wife, J. W. Dawson and wife, O. Fugua and wife, and Mrs. Williams. As already stated the first meetings were held in private residences and school-houses, but about the year 1844, a room in the county seminary was secured for church purposes, and here the congregation worshiped until 1847- 48. The increase in membership in the meantime foreshadowed the necessity of a building for the especial use of the church ; accordingly, in 1848, a lot on the corner of Jefferson Street between Madison Street and Home Avenue, was procured, and in due time a substantial frame edifice, 50x60 feet in size, was erected thereon. The building was formally dedicated by Rev. E. R. Ames, afterward Bishop Ames, and served the purpose for which it was intended until 1869. Owing to the absence of the early records of the church, it will be impossible to give a list of those who served as pastors prior to 1842. Since that year the society has been ministered to from time to time, by the following pastors : Revs. J. V. R. Miller, Erastus Lathrop, Landy Hewens, James Mitchell, under whose ministration the first building was commenced, Mr. Shaffer, J. B. Lathrop, E. D. Long, William Montgomery, John V. R. Miller, E. G. Tucker, John A. Brouse, Joseph Cotton, F. S. Potts, G. P. Jenkins, H. B. Collins, F. S. Woodcock, J. M. Crawford, M. L. Wells, J. H. Lozier, E. L. Dolph, M. N. Marlatt, J. K. Pye, R. D. Black, James S. Rager, J. W. Duncan, Reuben Andrus, D. D., and the present incumbent, Rev. S. A. Bright. Until 1850, the church was the head of Franklin circuit, which for a number of years included several appointments: Edinburg, Greenwood, Mt. Auburn, Salem, Waverly, Shiloh, Glade, Clarksburg, and others. Franklin was made a charge the above year, with Rev. J. B. Lathrop as the first stationed preacher.

During the pastorate of J. M. Crawford, in 1867, the church took the necessary steps toward the erection of a more commodious house of worship, and secured for the purpose a beautiful lot on the corner of Madison Street and Home Avenue. Work on the new building was pushed forward as radidly as circumstances would permit, but some time elapsed before the edifice was completed. It was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, September, 1869, Bishop Simpson officiating. The building is a handsome brick structure, 50x80 feet in size, surmounted by a lofty and graceful spire, and represents a capital of $23,000. It is a very useful religious organization in the county, with an active membership of 450. The present pastor, Rev. S. A. Bright, possesses large acquirements and other advantages, eminently fitted for his field of action. A Sunday school was organized shortly after the church was established, and with but little interruption has since continued. At present it is in a flourishing condition, numbering 175.

Edinburg Methodist Episcopal Church. - But limited satisfaction was derived in tracing the early history of Methodism in the city of Edinburg, as the records of the first class have long since been lost or misplaced. According to the most reliable information it appears that a small class was organized about three miles northwest of Edinburg, on Sugar Creek, early in the twenties, and for some years public worship was held in private residences, principally in the dwelling of an early settler by the name of Gifford. The preaching was done by traveling missionaries, who visited the neighborhood at regular intervals. Unfortunately the names of these early pioneers of the Cross have been forgotten. Among the early members of the old Sugar Creek class are remembered Wiliam Freeman, Isaac Marshall, Arthur Robinson, Mr. Gifford, and members of their respective families, all of whom have long since passed from the " church militant to the church triumphant." One of the early preachers, but by no means the earliest, was Rev. Mr. Strange, who is remembered as a very devoted and earnest Christian man, and good pulpit orator. After meeting for two or three years on Sugar Creek, it was decided to move the organization to Edinburg, where services were afterward held in the private residence of William Hunt, one of the earliest Methodists of the town. Here the class contiuued to meet until the erection of a house of worship by the Edinburg Benevolent Society, after which services were regularly held in said building for several years, the congregation increasing in numbers and influence in the meantime. In 1846, a frame building for the especial use of the congregation, was erected on Walnut Street.

It was made a station some time in the fifties, and since i860, has been ministered to by the following pastors in the order named, to-wit: Andrew Hester, David Stiver, John F. McClain, Jesse Brockway, Samuel Noble, William Mopin, John K. Pye, Enoch G. Wood, Robert Roberts, Francis Potts, Dr. Gelet, Robert Roberts, Henry E. Woods, Charles W. Lee, James W. Turner, and Martin L. Wells, at the present time. The church prospered greatly under the ministry of Rev. J. K. Pye, whose labors were blessed by a large increase in the membership. Rev. Mr. Roberts also was instrumental in strengthening the church, and during the pastorates of Revs. Lee, Turner and Wood, large revivals were held resulting in many additions to the congregation. In 1869, a movement was inaugurated for the erection of a building of enlarged proportions. Accordingly, a beautiful lot on the corner of Main and Thompson streets was procured for the purpose. Work upon the new building was pushed forward as rapidly as circumstances would permit, and the structure fully completed, was formally dedicated in the year 1870. It is a handsome brick edifice, the main building, 45x70 feet in size, connected with a chapel, 30x50 feet, the whole representing a capital of $16,000. The seating capacity is fully 800. The membership is now 280. A large and flourishing Sunday school is sustained throughout the year.

Methodist Church (Williamsburg). - This societv is the successor of an old class which was organized in the vicinitv of the village as early as 1824, or 1825. Of the early history of the class but little is now known, save that meetings were held in private residences for a number of years, and that it was disorganized some time prior to 1850. A re-organization was effected in 1853, with about thirty or forty members, and the same* year witnessed the erection of a house of worship in the town, the one now used by the congregation. Among the ministers since the re-organization were Revs. Talbott, Rice, Woods, Fish, and later, Thomas Jones, Sydney Tinker, E. M. Farr, Thomas Brooks', George. B. Young, J. B. Alley, Mr. Clouds, Thomas McClain, James Jamison and Isaac Turner. The church is quite feeble, numbering at this time only twenty-five members. The stewards are: Green B. Cobb and O. P. Burgett. The Sunday school, under the efficient superintendency of Daniel Britton, has an average attendance of about sixty scholars.

Glade Methodist Episco-pal Church (Pleasant Township). - The history of this flourishing society dates back to a very early period in the settlement of that part of Johnson County embraced within the present limits of Pleasant Township. The first meetings were held in what was known as the Glade school-house, near the eastern boundary of the township, as early as 1840, by Rev. Mr. Huffaker, who, the year following, organized a small class, among the first members of which were the following: John L. McClain and wife, Henry McClain and wife, Jesse McClain and wife, Jacob Peggs and wife, Sophia Cummings, Sarah J. Cummings, Elizabeth Cummings, Moses McClain and wife, Isabelle Peggs and Nancy Peggs. Of the original members all have passed from the scenes of their earthly labors, except Sarah J. McClain [nee Cummings), Elizabeth Lemon {nee Cummings), and Jacob Peggs. The school-house was used for a meeting place six or eight years, after which a frame temple of worship was erected upon ground donated for the purpose by Elijah Cummings. This building answered well the purposes for which it was intended until the growth of the congregation made a house of larger proportions necessary, when a more commodious structure was erected on land of Benjamin Draper, a short distance east of the original place of worship. The present house is a frame edifice, well furnished, and represents a capital of about $2,000. Among the early pastors of the church are remembered Revs. J. V. R. Miller, Havens, Winchester, J. W.

McMullen and William Goodwin. The church is in a prosperous condition, with the names of nearly if no^ quite 200 members upon the records. Present pastor, Rev. C. W. Tinsley.

Greenzvood Methodist Episcopal Church* - In the summer of 1849 the pastor of Franklin circuit, Rev. Mr. Shafer, began stated preaching in the Baptist Church of Greenwood, and the year following, Rev. Elijah D. Long, pastor of the South Port circuit, continued preaching, and organized a class, among the early members of which were the following: M. Dashiel and wife, Mrs. Selch, Mrs. Prewett, George Noble, Louisa Noble, Noah Noble, Rev. Samuel

Noble, John Vorhies and wife, and others whose names are not now remembered. In the fall of 1850, Greenwood was made the head of a circuit, and Rev. John A. Winchester, at present a superannuated member of the Southeast Indiana Conference, appointed pastor. During his pastorate, the erection of a church building was undertaken, and prosecuted to successful completion in the early part of the conference year following. The building was a substantial frame edifice which stood near the central part of town, and cost about $2,500. In the fall of 1851, Rev. Jacob Whitman was appointed to the pastorate. For the conference years of 1852-53-54, Rev. J. W. T. McMullen served as pastor, with Rev. Strange Sinclair as assistant the second year. Rev. Sinclair came next. Succeeding him came Rev. H. M. Boyd, in the fall of 1857. Others were, Revs. William K. Ream, W. R. Goodwin, L. Havens, A. Kennedy, J. M. Crawford, F. S. Turk, T. W. Jones, Samuel Langdon, D. C. Benjamin, A. H. Reat, Jesse Miller, W. S. Falkenburg. Rev. Samuel Noble was appointed in 1882, Rev. M. Falkenburg having been transferred to the Texas conference that year. In the fall of 1882, W. H. Wydman was appointed pastor, serving until the fall of 1885, and was succeeded by Rev. Alonzo Murphy, who, in September, 1887, was followed- by the present incumbent, Rev. C. W. Tinsley. In the spring of 1887, the society began the erection of a new house of worship, which was completed and dedicated December, 1887. The building stands in the northeast part of the town, and is one of the finest specimens of church architecture in Johnson County, representing a cost of $7,000. It is a beautiful gothic structure, built of brick, and will comfortably accommodate an audience of 700. Class leader, Vorhies Brand; assistant, William H. Bishop. The Sunday school, under the auspices of the church, was organized in 1851, with M. Deshiel, superintendent.

Whiteland Methodist Episcopal Church. - The organization of which the present class of Whiteland is an outgrowth, was founded a number of years ago at the residence of Martha Lamasters, about three quarters of a mile southwest of the present site of the village of Whiteland. Among the early members were a Mr. Crawford, Mrs. Lamarters, Isaac Clem and wife, Creed Dawson and wife, and John Smith and wife. The first meetings were held at the residence of Mrs. Lamasters, and later a school-house about three miles southwest of Whiteland served the congregation for a place of worship. Early in the forties, a log house, especially for church purposes, was ' built a .short distance west of the present site of Whiteland, and was known in early years by the name of Mt. Vernon. It was used until the growth of the congregation made a more commodious building necessary, when a frame structure was erected, about two miles west, on the land of David Smith, and the name changed to Pleasant Grove Church. Here the congregation met and prospered until 1881, at which time it was mutually agreed to erect a building in Whiteland, and move the organization to the village. Accordingly a beautiful frame edifice costing $2,000, was built that year, and since its completion the society has been making substantial progress in numbers and financial strength. For the first few years" the church was an appointment of the Franklin circuit, and later it' was attached to the Greenwood circuit. The majority of the preachers mentioned in connection with the Greenwood class, ministered to the Whiteland church at different times. Pastor in charge at this time, Rev. C. W. Tinsley. Present membership, 120.

Fair View Methodist Episcopal Church, White River Township, formerly known as Pleasant Hill, was organized some time between 1830 and 1835. Of its early history little that is» reliable is now known. The old Pleasant Hill society was kept up for several years, and accomplished much good in the community. A part of the class afterward withdrew and formed what is now the Mt. Auburn Church, and still later, the original society ceased to exist. Subsequently, a remnant of its former members re-organized, and taking subscriptions, succeeded in raising a building fund with which the present frame house of worship in Section 28, was erected. Among the early members of the class were William K. Davis and wife, Joseph Smith and wife, Nicholas Orme and wife, and others. The present membership is nearly 100, and the church is reputed one of the flourishing appointments of South Port circuit.

Mt. Auburn Church. - As already stated the church is partly an out-growth of the old Pleasant Hill society, and dates its history from a very early day. Traveling ministers visited the neighborhood as long ago as 1834 and 1835, and preached in the dwellings of the settlers, and about that time a small class was organized among the early members, of which are remembered the following: John Surface, Eve Surface, Jesse Hughes, Nancy Hughes, William and Jane Harrell, Jane Ross, Amos and Polly Smith. About the year 1835 or 1836, the members of the class and others, erected a short distant east of the present church edifice, a small frame building, the walls of which were made of mud. It served for church and school purposes, and for many years was familiarly known as the '; Mud School-House." Here the congregation met until 1848, at which time the present church edifice in the eastern part of the township, Section 11, was erected and dedicated. As originally constructed, the building was a rough frame structure.

Changes were afterward made in the building, and it now surpasses the average country church in its appearance and appointments. Among the early pastors of the church, were Revs. Eli P. Farmer, John Myers, A. Beck, A. Beech, James Scott, John Powell, J. V. R. Miller, James Mitchell, Jacob Whiteman, Hensley, Lathrop, Havens, Bowman, Ray, Shafer and others. Originally, the class belonged to Franklin circuit, but about the year 1850, it was attached to Greenwood. As a class of the latter circuit, it was organized December 21, 1850, by Rev C. W. Ruter, presiding elder, and J. S. Winchester, preacher in charge. Since 1850, it has enjoyed the labors of the following ministers: Revs. J. W. T. McMullen, S. W. Sinclair, N. M. Boyer, W. R. Goodwin, L. Havens, A. Kennedy, J. M. Crawford, F. S. Turk, T. W. Jones, S. Langdon, D. C. Benjamin, A. R. Reat, Jesse Miller, W. S. Falkenburg, W. H. Wydman, A. Murphy, and the present incumbent, C. W. Tinsley. The society has an active membership of over 150.

Methodist Episcopal Church (Trafalgar). - This society is the successor of the Old Pleasant Grove Church, which was organized in the northwest part of Nineveh Township as early as the year 1827. A number of the pioneer settlers of that locality were Methodists, and the names familiar in the earl)' history of the church were the Thompson's, Bailey's, Watkins', Day's, Carroll's, Law's and Wilson's. Early meetings were held in the cabins of the settlers, and later the Watkins school-house served as a place of worship until a building for the especial use of the congregation could be erected. Late in the thirties, Mr. Mullendore, an early settler in the northern part of the township, donated for a church building a lot about one-half mile north of the school-house, and in due time a frame edifice was erected thereon. Here the society met and flourished for a number of years, and at one time became a strong organization with over 100 members. James Hill, S. W. McNaughton and George F. Mullendore were among the earry preachers and stated supplies of the church. Owing to deaths, removals and other causes, the membership gradually became weaker, until at one time meetings ceased nearly altogether. A re-organization was effected in 1870, and the place of meeting changed to Trafalgar, where the same year a frame house of worship, costing the sum of $1,650, was erected. This building stands near the central part of the village, and affords a comfortable and commodious meeting place. Among the pastors of the church since its re-organization, haye been the following: Revs. Tinker, McClain, Cloud, Young, Farr, Alley and Jamison. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. Mr. Turner.

spring of 1878, as a branch of Shiloh Church, in Morgan Countv. For some time meetings were held in a school-house near the village, but in the fall of the above year, a neat frame building was erected. Among the early members of the class were the following persons: James Matthews, George Smith, John W. Taylor, John Selch, Henry Knox, John Shrockmorton and John L. Knox. The following preachers have ministered to

Asbury, Thomas Jones, J. V. R. Miller, Charles Spray, Samuel C. Kennedy and John D. Hartsock. The society belongs to the Waverly circuit, Indianapolis district, and numbers at this time about fifty members.

Friendship Church (M. E.), Hensley Township, is an old organization, which meets for worship in a frame building, not far from the Morgan County line. The society is not as strong as formerly, but is still in good condition, with an active membership. Rev. Mr. Turner is pastor.

Salem Methodist Episcopal Church, an old organization 111 White River Township, dates its existence from about 1834 or 1835. The first meetings were conducted by Rev. Jacob Brumwell, at the residence of Anthony Brunnemer, and among those who became members in an early day were Jacob and Charlotte Brumwell, Berrien and Catharine Reynolds, William Dresslar, Margaret Dressier, George Duke, Mary Duke, John Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Anthonv Brunnemer, Magdalene Brunnemer, Henry Dressier, Malinda Dressier, William Brunnemer, Sarah Brunnemer, Abraham Lowe, Harriet Lowe, and a number of other early settlers of the community. In 1848, Henry and Elizabeth Dressier deeded to the trustees of the congregation a lot for church purposes, upon which was erected, a little later, a log house of worship. It answered the purpose for which it was intended until 1868, at which time the present frame edifice was erected upon the same lot. Among the pastors of Salem, from time to time, are remembered the following: Revs. Farmer, Beck, Brown, Crawford, Huffaker, McMullen, W. C. Crawford, George Havens, Landy Havens, Goodwin Sparks, Shelton, St. Clair, J. M Crawford, Boyer, Ream, Kennedy, Smith, Wilks, Crane, Heavenndge ;, Woods, Charles Woods, Jones, AsburyjRhoades, Miller, Sray, C. Kennedy, and Hastrock. The membership in 1888, is about 100, and the church is reported in prosperous condition.

Rock Lane Methodist Episcopal Church (Clarksburg) was organized about the year 1873 or 1874. A substantial frame house of worship was afterward erected at a cost of $2,000, and the society though weak in numbers, the membership being about forty, is now making substantial progress. The class leader is William Dunlavy. Stewards : William Dougherty, Harvey Fisher and William Dunlavy. The church is a point on the Acton circuit, and is ministered to at this time by Rev. James Hughes. There are three or four other Methodist churches in the county, additional to those mentioned, but owing to the absence of early records, their histories were not learned.

African Methodist Episcopal Church, Franklin, was organized in the year 1868, with the following members: Augustus Hammond, Mary Leonard, Mary Elkins, Jane Blakely and Mary Stark, Rev. Whitton Lankford officiating. The following pastors have ministered to the church from time to time: Revs. Henry Brown, Henry Depew, Hezekiah Harper, Joseph Alexander, Whitton Lankford, John Fergerson, Daniel Winslow, Alexander Smith, John Jordan, M. Lewis, Richard R. Titus, Nathaniel Jones and George Pope. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. John Fergerson. The building in which the congregation meets for worship, a frame structure on West Madison Street, was erected and dedicated in the vear 1S68. Present membership, fifty-five. Class leaders, Adam Moore and Charles A. Pettiford. Stewards, Charles A. Pettiford, John Fossett, Hillery Moore, Chades Jordan and John Pettiford.

Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Church (Clark Township). - This flourishing organization dates its history from the year 1836. The first minister of the M. P. Church in the "Hurricane" neighborhood was Rev. Mr. Cable, who, by invitation, preached at the residence of Dawd Parr, as early as the above year. Subsequently, Rev. Peter dinger became his associate, and the result of their labors was the organization of a Methodist Protestant Church, consisting of the following far. ilies : Samuel Overstreet and wife, David Parr and wit , Milton Knapp and wife, Henry McAlpin and wife, Lewis Jones and wife, and Nancy Yager, all of whom are now dead. In the year ol 1836, a place of worship was in demand, and the new organization united with the Baptists and United Brethren, in building the old log church known as "Friendship," which was used as a place of worship by the three denominations; also, as a school-house. This old log church was built in the years of 1836 and 1S37, on a lot donated by the late Harvey Sloan, of Franklin, and now occupied by the Hurricane Baptist Church. Samuel Overstreet appears to have been the first Methodist Protestant trustee. The first Methodist Protestant pastor was Peter Clingler, who was followed by George Baxter, John Williams, Thomas Shipp.

Shipp and C. H. Williams as pastors, and Isaac Wills and wife became members of the church. From 1842 to 1843, T. Shipp was pastor. From 1843 to 1845, the church had the services of James Edmeston as pastor. In February, 1844, tne Methodist Protestant Church resolved to build for themselves a separate place of worship, and, having secured a beautiful lot (deeded to, and held in trust by, Milton Knapp, Jackson Williams and Lewis Jones, as trustees), began immediately to build the old frame church known as Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Church, situated on the Hurricane pike four and a half miles northeast of Franklin, in Clark Township, Johnson County, Ind. From the years 1845 to 1848, H. Collings was pastor; from 1848 to 1851, T. Shipp; from 1851 to 1854, J. Gardner. From the year 1854 to l855> L W- B- Taylor was pastor. Others who followed were: T. Bland, T. Shipp, J. Bogle, S. M. Gentry, George Hunt, Joseph Proctor, H. Duckworth, S. M. Louden, O. R. Carlton, A. S. Baker, H. Stackhouse, A. W. Motz, C. Caddy, E. Conn, H. M. Boyer, S. H. Flood and M. Gustin, John Heim^ J. H. C. McKinney.