Shelby County, Indiana - Ciu-Rcll Iiistokv, 1909 (part 1 of 2)

Ciu-Rcll Iiistokv

Ever since tlie Christian era began the ".Man of Galilee." :v.v\ the q-reat truths he iittere,l have had their devotees in all parts of the civilized world. Perhaps no section of the West had a larger pn^portion of believers in Christianity than did the territm-y noiv known as Shelbv county. Indiana. Wdiile books were few and newspapers not largely a thing of circulation at that early date, the pioneers studied what they had been taught to be the Book of book.s - the old family Bible. Almost every known denomirati.in v. as represented among the little settlements made within this -."idly i>orlion -if Indiana. Xo s.-nner ha<l the family fairly gut settled in their newlv built cabin home, than their th..ught ran out toward some one who might perchance be induced to cane min their midst, if only for a .season, and preach the Word to them. .-Vnd hence it was that traveling ministers and home missionaries would make their periodical calls an<l if possible cau-^e enough to take interest in religious things and church work, to form a society or dass. Thus commenced the chapter of religious history in Shelby county, away back in the twenties. It has grown with the advance of time, so that now nearing the close of the first decade in the twentieth century church spires are seen in almost every nook and corner, while bells echo back their chimes from one side of the country to another, giving evidence that this people are still a God-fearing and worshipful class of citizens. While religious sentiment and thought has 'somewhat changed in the pe<:ple's minds since 1S2J. and more libcraliU" now exists, with less stickling for sectarian creeds and church polity, yet the theolog>' is really the .same as was preached by Paul at Athens, long centuries ago. Then there was but the one church organization, or denomination but now manv, and it is the object of this chapter to give an account of the rise and devel.^pmenl ..f these various denominations within Shelby county, as best it can be done v.ith an imperfect set of church books and records fr'.m which t.-^ glean the more important facts.

As has been the ca-e in many another newly settled countrv. the itinerant Methodist preacher was the first to proclaim the Gospel in th.e'^c ])arts. The fir.st regtdar preaching place was at the house nf Mrs. Jane Sleeth. a mile north of Marion. Later they were held at the home of \ViIliam H. Sleeth. Th.e Sleeth family was originally from old \'irginia. and there th.cv had been reared in the atmosphere of the Medn^dist Episcopal church and hence verv naturallv wanted to transplant this branch of the church into communities' in Shelbv vverc nut long- in hringing ah.HU. In the autumn of >od. Jame-^ Horn and William P.e.^cluvmp held nieetitioncd. \\ ithin a few years the school-house was es. In 1S40 the society known as the Sleeth's Class, lla.qe. where in the school-jiuuse there llic meetings 1 of a frame church edince. in iSC)j.

The beginning- of Presbyterianism in Shelby county was in Plcndricks township. July 7. 1824. and the ettorts there culminated in the fonnatijn of t1:e I'^irst I'resbyterian cluuTh of Shclbyville. the history of which is here outlined, by the ]. resent pastor, Rev. L. C. Richmond:

'Jdie first Presbyterian church of Shell .yville. Indiana, had its first beginning in the rude and primitive log cabin of Zelmlon Wallace. Hendricks township, Sabbath morning. July 7. 18^-4. \\'ith Rev. John McPlrov Dickev as the minister the church with thirteen memliors was organized and the Holy Communion was observed for the first time. On the nth of October it was duly enrolled by Presbytery and the Re-,-. :Mr. Dickey was appointed by that body to supply the church as minister during the next six months, until the next meeting of Presbytery. At the fall meeting of that body. October 7, 1826. the church reported fifteen members, three having been added since its organization in 1824. The year of 1829. the year Andrew Jackson became thc^ President of the United States, found Shelbyville the acknowledged social and business center as well as the couiUy seat. As this was the only Presbyterian organization in the coujity it was. after careful deliberation, unam'mouslv decided by the church members to change the name and location of the church to Shelbyville. Rev. Eliphalet Kent was the minister from 1S29 to 1835. Following Reverend Kent were Revs. William ^\^ ^^'oods. Wells Bushnefl, Joseph .Alonfort, Charles McKinney, Samuel Orr, A. T. Hendricks. James Gilchrist and John M. Wampler. Up to 1839 the growth of the city was ver}- slow, tiiere being at that time not mere than six or seven hundred inhabitants. The church also was small and poor with no regular house of worship. In 1839 they erected a building forty by fifty feet, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. It had no foundation, but was supported bv wooden blocks five feet high. It wa< built of undressed lumber and never was painted. On June 20. 1 85 1, Rev. John C. Caldwell was ordained and installed pastor of the church. By this time the church had grown and improved to such an extait that the members soon began to awaken to the fact that thev needed a more con\-enient and commodious house of worship. Soon therefore it was resolved to build provided three thousand dollars could be raised for that purpose. .This was done and in the year 1S53 the building was completed at a cost of about five thousand dollars. Ii stood uj-h-in the corner of Tacks. >n and Harrison streets now occupied In- Dohle .S: Griffey's iiardware store. The cliurch had many pastoral supplies and it was not until I'ehruarv. iS^c^ that another pastor was selected in the person of Rev. James Smvthe. who remained until 1866. In that same year Rev. Charles P. Tennings for the second time became the pastor. His pastorate was marked by the great growth of the church in things temporal as well as spiritual. In December, 1870, Rev. George Sinter was called as the regular minister of the church. Following Reverend Slutcr was Rev. George D. I\Iarsh. w ho was one of the best preachers as well as popular men that the church has had. Unfortunately his health was poor and after a short pastorate of less than two and a half vers, his ill health compelled him to give up his charge. During his illness the church was supplied by his nephew. Rev. Arthur Brown, the present secretaiw of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. He was followed bv Rev. Thomas D. Hughes, a saintly and wise man. who still lives in the memory- of many today as "Dear Doctor Hughes." Pie was pastor for nearly eleven years. It was during his pastorate that the church was moved from its old location on the corner of Harrison and Jackson streets to \\'est Broadway, where it still stands. The new church there built, to which a Sabbath school' room was onlv recently added, was erected at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars. Rev. Albert P'fansteil, who followed him. unable to resist the alluring call of the church at Lafayette, Indiana, remained only a year and a half. Reverend Pfansteil drew large congregations, was a splendid pastor and was beloved bv all. Rev, J, C. Caldwell was the next minister for nearly five years. Doctor Caldwell was a splendid man, a fine scholar, and a cultured gentleman. After his five years of seiwice lie resigned to go onto the lecture platform, iV,r which he was well fitted by temperament, culture and ability to excel!. Rev. ^vlartin Luther Tressler v\-as the next minister. He was an aggressive up-to-date man and that the church is on its present excellent financial basis is said to be due to no small extent to Reverend Tressler 's three and a half vears of excellent service. Reverend Tressler was followed l>y Rexcrend Price, who was a most acceptable minister for about four years, when he resigned to accept a call to the large and influential church, of Geneseo, New York. At present Reverend Price is vice-president of one of the large Southern colleges. Reverend Price was folkjwcd by the present minister. Rev. L. O. Richmond, who was called here from the church at fronton, Ohio, in ALirch, IQ07.

This church was organized at the instance r,f the Indianapolis Presbytery, New School, in 1S67. The organization was perfected bv Ilenrv Burkler, Sr., I^Iathias Schoelch, John De Prez, George Posz, Henry Hale, John Maholm,

-Aiigu.^t Scliwall. John Mohr. Jacoli Stephens ami Jolm Shuti. Rev. Francis I'ricil.Qcn was lar.c;el\' in.-lrunicntal in brini;in_q- tlie org'anizatinn alx'Ut. He served as pastor luiti! )>Iarcli, iSjJ, anil \v:is f. lli'wcd hv Kev. I. Eshmcycr. ediicatet! in Germany, and ordained in 1S55. I'ntil 1872 service- were condncteil in the old I'reshyterian chnrch. en the curner of Jackson and Harrison streets. In that }car. In \ve\ er. the society completed its own edifice on East \\"a>hington streei. ;u a ci^t nf six thcnsand U\e hundred di.'llars. Henry Puirkhcr lieing by far the largest CMntrihutor. I'.y 187S the church had a membership of one hundred and forty communicants. F.arly in 18S0 diissen-^ions arose and differences between influential members and the pastor, and a large ntimber left the church - about seventy in all. In 1SS7 the membership was about lift}. .\ new church building project plungetl the society in more ditViculty, and the sncietv finalK- went in with, the Luthci-ans. but after a time th.a.t l>ndy did not seem to fcHi:)Wship properly with thi- people. They ci.immenced a large and costly edifice in Sh.elbyville. on the corner of Broadway I'ike and Jackson streets. This was about 1902, but after having- the foundation in and well under headway the society met with reverses - many of the membershi]) being ojjposed to the cc-stly structure, etc.. left the church and many iinally found church homes in the German Evangelical IVotestant church, where they still worship. The building mentioned was never completed, and now there is no trace of its materia!.

The Boggstown Presbyterian church was organized in 1831-32. by Rev. E. Kent, a missionary preacher, assisted by William Woods. At first services were held in a kig house, but about 1833 the society erected a frame church, which was used until 1852, when another and better building was erected at a co;-t of two thousand five huitdred dollar^. The society struggled on for manv vears. but finally was greatly depleted. There is ^^till a society in the neighborhood, and ha-; its own buihling, in which it cc.nducts service.

The years following the first settlement of this county were made memorable bv the religious awakening in the West. The strong battlements of denominational exclusiveness were being attacked and carried by storm. People would not accept the dogma of any denomination without the authority for such dogma could be found in the Pwble. .\nything else was hunia!i innovation and unworthv of belief. .\s a result new doctrines were evolved and old ones modified, the reformation started by Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone and Walter Scr.tt. grew in magnitude and extended far beyond the limits C'Mitemplated by the originators. The teachings of Alexander Campbell were craisidered heterodox l)y the Bapti=.ts. with whom he had hitherto been associated, and in 1827 they severed all connection with the reformers.

who then oiQTini/ed a new cluirch. which was called hy tlicm the Church <>i the Disciples vi Christ, or Christian cliurcl). hui liy tlieir nppusers the Cainpbellite church. The cardinal ]irinci];al uf their orqanizatinn was the rejection of all creeds or confessiuus of faith, and the adoption of tlie Bible as their only rule of faith and i>ractice.

Among the first to be cDn\-erted by the teaching of Alexander Campbell was Father Ohediah Butler. He at once became an a'postle of the new religion, and soon had a sulTicient following to organize a church class, whicli was effected in the spring of 1834. The meeting for that jnirpoe was held at the house of Ovid Butler, that stood on the southeast corner of the public square, the present site of Teal's block. The little band that met Father Butler on that occasion and who constituted the charter membership of the church, was com]ii:ised of James 3.1. Smith. Sallic Smith. John Weakley. Xancy W'eakley, Silas Jaen and wife, George Bates and wife, F. Kiiowltrm and wife, Ovid Butler and wife and Spencer Thayer and wife. Of the history of this chvirch for many years following its organization but little is kno\vn. Whatever of historic value there was has passed into obli\'ion with the death of those early members. It is kno\vn. b,owe\er, that the organization was kept up, and at the time of the coming of 3Irs. Martin Ray and her mother. Mrs. Nancy Cross, both dexout Christians, meetings were occasionally lield. although of infrequent occurrence, and often without the assistance of a minister. The members were few and poor, and could not afford to pay for the services of a preacher nor build a house in which they might meet to worship. But hungry for religious associations they met in th.e dwellings, which for the time they would transfonn into the temple of God. They came not to mock, but to pray and worship, and no doubt from that little band of believers arose the pure incense of unsullied faith and conscious and unwavering consecration. It is believed that God looked down with the same, if not deeper and more perfect approval than he does now upon the piles of stoue and brick, covered and l)iirden.ed with elaborateness of ornament till the human eye is wearied to behold. Meetings are remembered to have been held in the second story of the building now occupied by Ziegler"s restaurant. Here it was that Reverend Xew, the father of Hon. John C. Xew. preached. He was a man of great earnestness, plain and ])ractical. very pronounced in his likes and dislikes. Reverends O'Kane and Prichard may be classed among the pioneer preachers of the Christian church of Shelby county. They were both men of rare abilitv, forcible speakers and conscientious workers. It is probable tliat tlie bcfi type ct a pioneer preacher was frmnd in Rev. Decatur Davis, wlio occasionally preached at this place. He was illiterate, and it is said hv one who knew him intimately tliat he read no Ix.ok but the Bible, and that he had committed it to memory, having- at hi-; CMmmaml the whole of it. when it became necessary to sustain a position taken.

In tlie early part of the fifties the old organization was revived, and meetings for a time held in Concert hall. The lot upon which the chut-ch nowstands was bought and the foundation for a building laid. Suflicient money could not be obtained to erect a building and the lot was in a fev,- years sold at Sheriff's sale. It was redieemed. howe\er. and in 1867 a frame building was erected thereon. The chiu-ch was forty by sixty feet, and with its improvements, costing two thousand five hundred dollars, made during t!ie year 1887. the i)r<jpcrty became worth six thousand dollars. A few of the older luembers who worked hard to sustain the church during its struggle for existence were Eailes Coats. Jacob \\'agoner. Isaac Woods. E. ]\I. Wilson, Mrs. Xancy Cross. Susan Ray, ?^Ioiher Davisson, Mr. and 3ilrs. Wingate and tlie \\"eakleys.

The officers then were: A. P. Bone. Doctor Clayton. J- L- Haymond arid Charles Culbertson, elders: John Toner, senior and junior. Dr. E. W. Leech, T. J. Claycraft, John Whitehead and John Dobbins, deacons; A. P. Bone and \A'iIliam A. ?\loore, trustees. The fullov/ing are those who had served the church in the capacity of pastor: Reverends Goodwin. Davis, Hughes, Wilson, Burroughs, Hopkins, Roberts, Stanley, Ackman, Samuel Tomlinson, J. H. Edwards, a missionary to Australia, and H. H. Xesslage. Reverend Xesslage was a native of tlie Empire state, where he was born August 22. 1854. He received his elementary training in the schools of Xew York City, and at the age of twenty, entered Bethany College. West \'irginia. where he remained for four years, completing both the literary and theological courses. His first work was at Bellefontaine, Ohio. Reverend Xesslage was a young man of both natural and acquireil ability, and was an earnest and consciciitious worker.

One of the greatest auxiliaries of the church v.as the Sunday school, which was under the management of !Mr. Charles Culbertson, superintendetit. The attendance was large and much interest manifested.

Through the efforts of Joseph Fassett. the following little band of Christians were organized into a church at Mount Auburn in the summer of 1837: \\"illiam Record and wife. ~S\. J. Xehon and wife, Giles Holmes and wife, Isaac Rodgers and wife, Joshua Xolt'^n and wife and Elisha Townsend and wife. Of this number, ^Ir. and 3.1rs. Record are the oidv survivors who still retain their memliership in the church. C. M. .\Ilen and wife. Wihi.im Cutsiwvr ami wife an<l .\hnor G-nner. alllmuoh. not nlemhc^^ at the time ui oroanization. joined NX.n after, and are now anion- th.e ^.!dest and n^ost respected member?. After Fajset. William Irwin and 'Y. J. Edmonson served the church f^r many years in the capacity of pastor. Rev. John Brazleton. of North X'env.n. Indiana, the present pastor, has sen-ed the cimrcli in a most acceptable maimer for many years. The first huildinjj was of loo-s and was probahlv cuninlcted as early as 1840. In 1854. the present frame hou-^e. cstin" about eis'lit Imndred dollars, was completed and dedicated, and with the additions an~^l recent

The ^lorristown Christian church is the outgrowth of the old Hanover class, which was organized in the latter part of the thirties in a school-house which stood in section 23. Hanover townsliip. Manv of the early members and ministers were formerly Baptists, having 'ijeen constituent members of a society of tlie denomination, wliich was established at the same place as early as 1824. Rev. Isaac Bcniamin. havthe most earnest supp.>rters of the doctrines of the Clun-ch of Christ, and nianv of the members left the old church and with, him as their pastor, organized the new. Among the most prominen.t early members were the Coles, Stones. Blood^^. Dyers and Caulkins. Elder Butler was probably the first regular pastor after Benjamin. Reverends flollingsw. ,rth.. flurst. Hobb. Smith,. Daiibinspike. I'rank-lin. Band. Raynes. Conner AIcDuffcy and Campbell all ser\ed the church in an early day. In 1843 a large frame church house was erected, and although, it has stood for almost a half century, it is still in good condition, and is an evidence of the character of the work done in th.o.se da vs. Within the last twenty years the numbcrship .if the church has been comjiosed largely of citizens I'f :\lorrist. w n. arid vicinity, and the c.-'Uvenience of having the church located m or near the town was universally conceded. The present brick edifice, costing three thousand eight hundred dollars, was completed and dedicated in 1880. The otticers of the church are: H. B. Cole, trustee: John Keaton and \\'illiam Carney, deacons, and Jesse Robinson, elder. The membership is one hundred twenty-five. Reverend Prichard. of Indianapolis, is the pastor in charge.

The Cave Mill Christian church is located on Flat river, in Washington township. ?>Iec:jr.gs anterior to the orgarnzatior, were held at the private residences, and in one of the rooms of the old mill, as early as 1855. It is prol)al.le tb.at no pcnna-ir-.u orsjanization was cffecicd l)ciorc 1859 or 1S60. While the organization was yet in its infancy, the tocsin of war was sonnded. and so nniversallv did the male mcmhers rc>ii)ond to tlie call of tlieir country, th.at the church was alnvist deserted, and suspension became necessary. I'rominent among the members of this first organization were : Doctor Xorris and wife. J. C. Deacon and wife. Elder Higgins and wife, Sarah Eone. Stephen Knowlton and wife, and Harvey. Rev. J''hn A. Wdlliam^ was the first pastor. After the war had ceased and the survivors had returned, steps were at once taken to reorganize, but this was not effected, however, until early in the seventies. A frame house was erected near the old water mill, and the church, is now in a prosperous condition.

It is probal)le that more than a half century ago the members of this denomination held services in the vicinity of l-"ountaintown. The birthplace of the church was tw > miles east of the present site of Fountainiown, in what was known as the Pope, neighborhood. The organization was ettecled in the old ]Methodist church, with the Popes. Davises. Dobbles, Duncans. Roans and Robinsons as active memliers. ]\Ieetings were, for several years, held at the residence of Peter Pope, and later at a church-liouse built in the Pope neigliborhood, Vvhicli was destroyed by fire about ten years after its erection. Early in the sixties the present church was erected. It is a frame structure and cost one thousand eight hundred dollars. The members who were active in building and .sustaining this church and who deserve special mention in this connection were : James Conner. D. Holt, James Smith, John OTvane and Reverend \\'alker.

This church is Located near Gwynne\-ille. in Hanover townshij). This society was first organized at Beech Gro\e. probably as earh- as 1S50, by the Rev. James Conner. Active in the organization were the Darmers. Swains, Pollitts. [McConnells. W'e^ls, Bogues. Webbs. Alexanders and Rigbees. The pioneer ministers of this church were: James Conner. Decatur Davis, Thomas Lockhart, Reverend Blackman, Aaron Walker and Xoah Walker. After the lapse of a few years the place of meeting was changed, and the school-house of District Xo. 6 was used as a place of worship. In 1870 a frame church costing one thousand five hundred dollars, was erected on a lot donated by J\lr. Gwynne. This is located three-fourths of a mile east of town. The presciiADWiCK s msTORV oi- siir.i.r.v co., ind. i^i

Alter IT. 11. Xessl;i-e. the Rev. A. L. Crini was called. Rev. Criin was born in the southern part of the state. When a young man lie fanned in the summer and attended school during the VN-inter months.

His .stay of two years was one of the most ]irosperous limes the church had e.xperienced up to th.e time of his comin;.;-. During his stay one of the most noted meetings, known as the Crim and Sellers meetings, was held, at which time one hundred and sixty members were taken into the church.

Rev. A. L. Crim was followed by C. M. Fillmore, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Reverend Fillmore was a member of Fillmore Brothers Music Publishers, and has since became famous as the author of the song known as. "Tcil Mother ['11 Be There," which has been translated into several languages. He remained two years and was followed by Re\-. :\Ic.-\rgue. E. B.' Scofiekl and W". S. Groom.

In October. 1S99, Rev. Finley :\Iahan was called to this place and took charge of the work at this time. Things were in quite a bad shape, the church having been without a pastor for several months. The church seem.ed to take on new life immediately. The atten.lauce to hear Reverend Mahan was large and it was not long until tlie church had out-grown its place, and Reverend Mahan began to talk cf a new church-house and while there were a great many discouragement--. Mr. Mahan and his follovcis knvv,- that where there a w ill there was a wav.

The old church was sold and a committee was appointed to find a place of worship. The place secured for temp.irary worship was the K'dge room of the Ancient Order of United corner Pike and streets.

A lot was procured on West Washington street, near Tompkins street, for the erection of the new church building. Committees were appointed and at a meeting held nine thou^and dollars was raised, a sum much bevond what anyone had expected at that time. Work was begun on the new church, April 15, 1901. The church was completed and dedicated >.Iarcli. 1903, at a cost for lot and all near twenty thousand dollars.

Reverend Mahan held several large revival meetings in the nev.- church, one of them being known as the WiNon and Lint meeting, at which two hundred and si.xty members were taken into the churcli.

tMf, Reverend Mahaii. consisting of some boxes, uiuler ihe wide spreadingbrancb.es of an apple tree and from tbis altar tlic first Scripture lesson was read, and tbe fnst prayer offered preparatory to tbe building of tbe new edifice.

A largo number of tbe cburcb members were present to witness tbe first sbovel of dirt thrown. After reading of the Scripture f'-om Xelieniiah, second chapter, and sixteenth chapter from Mattlicw, and an earnest and imiMcssive prayer by the jjastor. tbe first shovelful of dirt on the excavation was thrown out by Mrs. Mary (kitewood, president of the Ladies' Aid Society. Tbis honor was bestowed in rccogniti m of the valuable services tbis societv had rendered in making it ])ossible to estal>lisb tbis new liomc to tbe cburcli it represents, but to the city as well.

Tbe architecture is of an entirely different school from that employed in any other clnu-cb in the city. It is a modification of the old Spanish Mission style, which was p.jpular near the close of the fifteenth century. In this v^ ill be found the charming effect of the low side walls arid sloping roofs, with, just enough of the Cmtbic outline to add grace and dignity to the structure. The main audience room is octagonal in shape and will seal about five hundred people. The chapel is separated from tbe main auditorium by rolling slat partitions, which increases tbe total seating cajiacity to about eight hundred. Parlors, receplinu rcXims and pastor's stmly have been fitted up in modern styles. In the basement are dining rooms, kitchen and pantry. It is a building of which all Shelby ville should feel proud.

September 14. 1904. in tbe midst of his triumph, Mr. >,Iahau died, it being the secnd year of tlie new church, lie left a wife and daughter and a congregation of seven hur.dred members to mourn his loss.

In January, 1905. Re\-. TI. O. Pricbard took up the work, laid down by Reverend Alaban. and faithfully served the church for two years. During this time he was given a lea\e of absence of nine months, which time he spent attending school at Plarvard. The pulpit was filled at this time by Rev. H. H. Harmin. of Irvington. Indiana.

The present pastor is Rev. J. P. Myers. He came during the last days of January. 1908. from Portsmouth. Ohio, and took charge of tbis church. So broken in spirit was the membership of tbe church over the death of the former pastnr that no attempt was made for about a year to secure another pastor. His successor, however, did all in his power to re.-ume the work of tbe church. When Re\erend Ah'ers came lie found an indebtedness of about six thousand five hundred dollars. Tiiis debt bad been standing several years. Re\erend Myers detern-.ined tij have this amount raised and wii)e out the debt by at farthest, tbe date of October, 1909. By ihe month of April, when ibis sketch was compiled, all had been secured but about

The society is growinn;: the Sunday scIkjoI has donhled since Reverend Myers' coming-. The Ladies' .\id Society of late years has been very active and helpful in the raising- of necessary funds to carry on the work' of the church. The leader and president of this society, :\Irs' Hatlie Bass, deserves special mention in this connection. During the last fourteen months thirtveighl have been addetl to the church memhcrship. After having attended to the iinancial part of the church. Reverend Myers then turned his attt^ition to the establishing- of a men's Bible class, which now numbers about one hundred, and is doing eflkient work. This is the largest class of its kind in Shelbyville. as is the Sunday school the greatest within the place, now numbering' three hundred and fifty-seven.

:\Ir. .Myers is a bnxid-minded. highly cultured mini,.ter, bringing wich him diplomas from the best colleges and universities in this country^ He is a g-reat supporter of both home and foreign mission v\-ork. Tlie church over which he now presides has a great n-iission to fill and has truly the confidence of all good citizens, whether in or out (A the church.

Zion church, located in the southern part of Union township, Shelbv county, was organized in 1S36, and ten years later incorporated. 'J'he meetings were held at the residence of its members until 1S45. ^'-'hen a small log church ^vas provided as a meeting place for the small congregation. This logchurch stood near the site of the present church edifice. Am.mg the early with this church and denomination, may be named; George 'SI. Ilachl, John J. Hachl. Conrad Hachl, Peter Xeeb, Henry Xeagle, John Gegenheimer, "\'alentine Freitag, John Fuchs. Adam Smith, George Burk. Geo'-ge Cowein, T"hM Ohmer, George Keppel. John Keppel. George Zeisx, and G. M. Becker. "The old log building' referred to sened as a place for worship for more than twenty years, b-Lit in 1S68. at a cost of four thousand dollars a frame structure -vvas erected. The first pastor of this church was Reverend Rice, who served his flock most faithfully. His successors were: Reverends Huhnholz, Miller, Caltenhaeuser, Teichmann, Flick, Brandstratner, Baumann. Sachs, Anker, W'atterstn em, Richter, Kissel and the present pastor. Dr. G. G. Winter, who has served almost forty years, and besides his many other duties as pastor at Shelbyville, where he has resided since 1S80, his educational duties as teacher and a moderate medical practice, his is indeed an exceptional useful and busy life among the people of Shleby county.

The church in Union township liad a membership of almost two hundred in 18S6, but at this date - 1909 - has ninety-four families, or about double the number the s^.)ciety had then.

The present ]>astor. Doct.ir Winter, cnuse.l the (leht resting; on the church to be paid oil durin-- the first year of his adniinistrati. >n and since then no debts liave been c.">ntractcd.

In l88S John and Caroline Haehl pre>ente.l a liell to thi- chnreli. valued at three hundred dollars. To place it an mUlition to the clunvli was built and with it a steeple of liig'h and inspiring altitttdc. In iqoi an imitation pipe organ was purchased and the year following- an iron fence \\;is built around the whole of "God's acre."

This church has had an even, steady growth ever "since Doctor \A'inter was made pastor, away back in 1S70. It numbcs among its nieml;ers many of the best citizens within Union township and has been the means of accompl'ishing much good to mankind.

This clnuxh was perfected in its organization June 11, 18S0. It was the outgrowth of a division in the German Presbyterian church. About seventv members of the Pre-liyterian church withdrew and applied to Dr. G. G. \\'inter for the organi;;ation of an ]i\ange!ical Protestant class which was effected as above stated. :Meetings were held in. the Christian church building, which they paid for by the Sunday. In 1887 the building fund had increased to seven hundred dollars, and when about to erect a building of their own tliey saw it to their^ advantage to purchase the frame edifice that tliey had been renting from the Christian denomination, which thev did in 1900. on Tub-' 30th, paying for the same three thousand six hundred dollars casli. Since "that date tlie church has been thoroughly renovated en tlie inside, papered, painted and new carpets laid. In 1905 a new pipe organ was bought from Pilchers Sons, of Louisville, for one thousand five hundred ddlars, and in 1906 a water motor was procured and attached to the organ.

This congregation has: A \\'oman's Association, Sewing Society. Young Ladies' Association, etc., all of which societies have been doing excellent wor'k for the good and support of the church.

The choir consists of sixteen members, under the leadership of the pastor, and ranks among the foremcjst of the city of Shelbyville, where much attenti.:.r! is paid to church music of a high class.

. - The present membership i> two hundred and fortv-six. ddie present ofi'icers of the cliurch are: president. Matthew Schoelch : secretarv, Adam Reichel : treasurer, Albert \\'eingarth : trustees, William Frechtling,' Henrich Mcver,' and George Reichel. - "" ' science?. lii> zeal for liis cli^scn wurk ;mk1 lii'^ [.general character as an muiriiigf \\orker. Doctor Winter, wlio lias so many years ijecn ai the lieaci ol ihis church, anil nne in Union town-hi]-) - Zion - he is known almost universally througliont Shelby cc'unty. He has, as jjastor, niarrieu huiulreus of couple? and buried man.y of the old pioneer band that he found in the county when he first became a citizen. With the passing of tlie generations, the name of Dr. G. G. Winter will ever he referred to as one to be revered as will also that of his good wife who has always been true to the trust imposed on a minister's wife, while their family will ever be an honor to Shelby county and Indiana.

The surrounding- towns, with Indianapolis as a center, have, in late years, become a stronghold of moral force. A wave of leinperance that now sweeps over the country, had its inception in this remarkable center of moral uplifting and virtuous activity. Prison reforms that seem to be so far beyond what experts had deemed possible, were not only pkiuned, developed and tried, but put into practical use; had gotten their start in this distinguished l:icality. The betterment of the conditions of feiuale prisoners in many ways not th.nught oi before was ingeniously "studied out" by minds living- either in tlie capital city or in one of the surrounding towns. 'l"o such work of cliarity and humane uplifting persons are seen to take an active part in, whose home is in one of the nearby towns, in a way that makes tlie looker-on think tlie}- ha\e become completely identified with, the works and i-sucs of the great capital city. Tlie out-lying towns round about Indianapolis act as potent tributaries in the cause of religion and humane treatment of the downtrodden, that in the good result their efforts becoming united, the good achieved goes to the credit of all wlio took a part in it. Indianapolis and its nearby neighbors have become clri-ehidentified in the doing of good.

It was not so in the early days. , This city of many beautiful churches, charitable institutions, hospitals, asylums, once upon a time was dependeni on out.side assistance for the establishment and progress of its religious work. As the numerical strength of the many denominations "increase froiri day to dav," because the city is growing, so do the outlying towns round about Itidianapolis keep pace proportionately. But looking back to those days wheti things had their beginning, they were so modest and unpretentious.

In the Catholic denomination, which has now tv.-o bishops in Indianapolis, two hospitals, academies, schools, convents, asylums and churches approaching the score figure - it had its mother church in Shelby county, near Shelb}-- ville. . Indianapolis was too small to lia\'e its own churcli or priest whilst out al She!li_\' count_\- was a thrift}- little coirimuiiity tliat had it< own church and pastor. Here resided the jiastcn- that looked after the welfare of the soul.- in Indianapolis. This was a depcndenc}- ot the i)ari<h clutrch. St. \'incent de Paul, near Slielhyville. In the then small town of Indian:!])M!is lived a few pioneer Catholic settlers. These the parish jjriest from St. \"incent's visited and gathered tog:cther lor divine services once a month on a Sunday. Rev. A^'incem Bacquelin was ajipointed by the rightful ecclesiastical authority as its first pastor in 1837. From that date until i8_i.o his pastoral visits were once a month. He f. amd it necessary, liowever. to come more frequently - sometimes twice or tlirice a month. After ministering to these few faithful on the Sun<!a}- he wfpuld on I\l outlay or Tuesday return again to his home at St. \'inccnt's. His journey on horseback, on the faithful little sorrel mare, was along the National road, touching north of Fairland. the little cross-road hamlet "Pin-Hook." thence northeasterly towards what we now call Pleasant \'iew. Xew Eetliel. and from there over that long stretch of country down to the place r.f wliat was called Military Ground. Often in wir.tcr the go<,d father would arrive at liis "church" at Indianapolis Saturday evening, late, covered with mud. wet. cold, hungry and exhausted from the tiresome journe}-. St. \'incent's church was the mother church of Indianapolis imtil 1846. Septemlit-r jd. of that _\ear. when the zealous father was near Sl':elby\'i!lc. he was thrown fp'm his horse and almost instantly killed. He v.'as returning from a sick call. " On receipt of the startling news by his congregation in Indianapolis. a company of five persons started on horseback to the little church where the body lay. The party consisted of Diiuglas 0"Reillev. Thom.as K. Barrett. A'alentine liutcli. Michael Barrett and Dr. George Xegley. At the risk of their lives they arrived in time for the funeral. They devotedly assisted at the solemn ol)sequies of their beloved pastor and friend, ^^r. Berry Sulgrove. a non-Cathijlic, says of Father Bacquelin : "He was a ver\- moilest. unpretending and amiable man: zealous in his duties and pioits. if e\er such a man lived."

This little church and flock at St. \'incent"s. under the leadership of this good priest, held a meeting on January 6. 1838. to deliberate about building a church. On September 9. 1838. they entered into contract for the sum of six hundred nineteen dollars to build a house of worship on a two-acre piece of ground donated by Thomas W'orland.. In October. 1839, the first services were held in this newly built editice. and dedicated it to the patron St. \'incent de I'aul.

I'rex'i'ius to this time priests now rmd then visited the few members, scattered over a thinly settled territray. They were men sometimes sent by Bishop I'laget. of Bardst<')\vn. Kentucky, and at other times they were such as i'.iners. whom tlicy came to sec. amJ re!i£;ioii to all that could he reaeheil. Kentucky they had keen unahle to priest came to Slielhy coraity from St. Pin's church in Scott e^mnty. Kentucky, to look after his former s])iritual children. He was Rev. Father George Elder, who came in the fall of 1828. On tliis occa.sion he also ])reach.ed the \A"ord of C«-id in the puhlic school-house in the little hamlel of Slielbyville. Everyhody was anxious to take a look at the Catholic priest. He came again in 1829. and on this occasion hai>lized several children. In i8_:;o Rev. S. P. Lalumiere was sent by r>ishop Elaget from P.ardstown. Kentucky, to visit the Catholic families of Shelby county. He came twice a year - spring and fall. Father Petit, a Jesuit, accompanied Father Lalumiere. makin.g a tour through Indiana, preached a sluirt mission here, dni-ing which Gciirge Laws was baptized and received into the churcli.

In 1834 Rev. Steplien Badin. the first priest ordained in thel'nited States, on his wa}' to South Bend, stopped with the congregation one week. Rev. Joseph Femeding. from Xew Elsace. Dearborn county, Lidiana. came on a visit in 1836. In ]\Iay, 1S37, Father Lalumiere paid his last visit liere and then projjosed to the congregation to ha\'e a resident priest among them, to which tliey gladly agreed. In 1837 the bishop at Vincenncs sent Rev. A'incent Eacquelin to take charge of this congregation. Fie thus became first jiastor of the church and congregation, and from here visited and ministered the consolations of religion to the faithful in the whole territory, south, beyond Columbus. Indiana. Indianapolis, and all points in this large expanse of wdiat is now Shelby, Bartholome\v, Johnson, ?*tarion and Rush c<_>unties. In this wise St. \'incent"s church became the mother church of all those poin.ts now situate in this large tract, so beautiful and prosperous.

In October, 1840, Bishop de la Hailandiere, fn.m \'incennes, Indiana, visited the congreg-ation. blessed the newly built church, and confirmed seven persons. He was accompanied by Rev. ^M. E. Shame, an eloquent priest, who preached the sennon. Father Bacquelin w-as pastor of St. A'incent's for nine years and one month. While returning from a visit to Rusli count}-, .September 2, 1846, this precious life was abruptly and satlly brought to a close by an ini fortunate accident.

During the succeeding twenty years, four pastors ministered to tliis people. Rev. John Ryan followed soon after in the ]jastoral ofiice. Then Rev. Jwlin" ^IcDermott, Rev. Tliomas .Murphy. Rev. John Guegen. the latter ha\-ing charge for a few- years: then Rev. Daiiiel .Mal^iney succeeded hin-i : then Rev, Father Martin, Father J. P. Gillig, Father William Do\le.

In 1S61 the Sisters of St. Francis from Oldenburg opened a parochial school on the cliurch grounds. Faithfully from this time on they taught not only the cliildren c>f St. \'incent's neighborhood, but the Catholics from all

In Xi'venilxM". iSfiR. Rev. josei)h Rudolf was appointed pastur n\ this congregation hy Bishop Saint Palais, of \'incennes. Indiana. Words can hardly do.justice to the indefatigable zeal and energy that he displayed dm-ing his pastorate. The hne church tiiat stands so majestically in that fertile plane of Shelby count}-, near Prescott. was the culmination of his splendid career. He, soon after completing it. was ordered to Cnnncrsville, Indiana, to build one mc're, even more beautiful than the one he whh a generous, faithful and energetic flock had erected to the glory of the F.ternal.

Since completing their church at St. X'incent's the congregation has continued to worship there and prosper in a remarkable degree. Complete in all details as they have furnished and equijipcd their church, school and parsonage, they also helped others, with a generous, open haiid. yet never forgetting th.eir own house of God. Their several pastors since the days of Father Rudolf were such brilliant men that frcfjuently their bi-lvjps promoted them ti^ larger fields of labor and to give reward to merit.

The history of the Catholic church at Shelbyville is almost concomitant and cotemporaneous with that of St. A'incent's. The pastors of this nearby parish always looked after the spiritual welfare of tlie few Catholic families of the county seat. To the middle of the fifties, the number of families had increased so as t() make it necessary to rent a public hall where their services were conducted. Until this time the priest would celebrate the holy mysteries in private houses, of the O'Connors, ^Morgans and others. During the ten years that the little congregation gathered in the public h.all for worship they had occupied two difi'erent locations, however, their mind- and hearts were directed towards having their own church sou'ie day. Ground was purchased on East Broadway, by Re\-. J. P. Gillig. and other preparations were gijtten under way. On August 6. ]8r.6, the first spade was struck in the ground for the foundation. After "niof was on and floor in," unplastered, they began to hold ser\-ices tlierein. It was on Sunday in the month of June, 1S68, tliat they gathered for tlie first time to celebrate the mass in this cnide structure. Rev. William Doyle was the pastor oi the two congregations, ^^'hen in the fall of this year. Rev. Joseph Rudolf was ap[>ointed pastor of St. \'incent's, the Shelbyville church also came under his charge. Soon he had put the unfinished structure in a more befitting condition for church services. Plither, this upright man come to serve his flock, every Sunday and several days in the week, winter and a sinnmer, rain an(.l shine, earlv and late, ur.til the day of his removal to Conr.cr^ville, in 1881. Under liis careful guidance the congregation increased its membership quite considerably. In 1S75 a i)an>- chial school was also openedi in Shelhyville, l>y the Sisters of Oldenburg, in a wooden structure purcha-ed with ample gr.'unds, on luist Broadway, with his per.sonal funds, the indebtedn.ess being reduced, year by year, witli the ever ready charity of St. congregation. From the very beginning, when the old church was being constructed, did the meniljers of St. Vincen.t's church assist tlic struggling people in the county seat.

Father Rudolf was succeeded by Ke\-. b'rancis 'riirl)eck, wlm was, like his predecessor, pastor of both churches. In 1S86 the pastor was again changed - Father Torbeck being ordered to a larger held of labor after a very successful pastorate of four years.

An important event is now brought ab. «ut - a new epoch in botli cinirches. Each now received its own pastor - Rev. 'SI. L. Guthneck came to St. \"incei,it"s and Re\-. Kaelin was sent to Shelhyville. Two separate parishes. Each hail grown large enough to support their own congregations. The city of Shelhyville grew with the advent of industries - so did St. Joseph's membership. Year after }ear a strong increase was recorded. All were then inspired with zeal and push, thinking that the little old church would soon be inadequ.aie for the growing membership. All worked in harmony toward the one end ; the bitilding of the new church which should be of such dimensions and striking in its architecture that should die city be twice its present size it would still be able to accommodate the whole membership. The purcliase of the building space, the accumulating of monies, removing of obstructing buildings presaged the long-looked-for e\'enr. On September 8, 1902, the ground was bruken iuf the foundation. On the 24th day of the frillowing IMay, 1903, the cornerstone was laid with a great concourse of people - many priests from far and near came to assist the Rt. Rev. Dennis 0"Donaghue, D. D., au.xiliary bishop of Indianapolis. By 'autumn time the building operations had progressed so far that it could recei\'e its roi:f. July 4, 1904, the lower auditorium had been finished and arranged to hold the di\d!ie services therein. It served as a place of worship until the church was completed and dedicated - August 2, 1908, During" the pastorate of twenty years and three, of Rev. A. Kaelin, the congregation has grown to three times the numbers it was in 1886, when he arrived July 22d, t.i take charge thereof. Four deals were effected in real estate, five stnictures built, la'-ge and smrdl, and eight different organizations established in the church. The members are elated at their beautiful new church.

Both churches - St. \'incent's and Slie!b_\wille - are a credit to the whole county. The structures are imposing, architecturally correct and beautiful. The members of both are proud of their work. As citizens they are patriotic, law-abiding and industrious. From little bands of worshipers, each has grown and developed into a lari^e and pro>])eiv.u> community. Tb.e .^uece?^lul develnpmeiit. little by little, however, it was always the line (-t inyalty to their ch.ureh, and in eonipliance with God's holy ordinances. They have built a house v.here God will hear their snpiilieations. where i>oor man will be uplifted, where God will be adored in spirit and trtiih.

A somewhat peculiar relig-ious sect was in reality the outgrowth of the Civil war, and had its beginning in a con\'ention at Columbus, Ohio, in the month of February. 1864. The delegates were from different sections and from variotis denominations, who had l^ecome aggrie\-cd at some real, or supposed, offense against them. This sect was organized on the following basis: "Having a desire fc r more perfect fellowship in Christ, and a more satisfactory enjoyment of the means of religious edification and comfort do solemnly form om-sclves into a religious society under the style of "The Christian Union," in which we avow cur true and hearty faith in the received Scriptures of the Old and Xew Testaments, as the word of God and the only sufficient rule of faith and practice, and pledge ourselves tlu'ijugh Christ to keep and preserve all things whatsoever he hath commanded us.'" l-'rom this convention Mr. A. M. Hargrave retin-ned imbued with its spirit and with the following named, proceeded to organize the Ulue River Chapel: Henry Wolfe and wife, August Handy and wife, Alexander Smith and wife, ]Mrs. \A'illiam Handy, John Jackson and wife. Mrs. Dallas Smith, Charity Wolfe, Simpson Chandler and wife and ^Irs. A. }.!. Hargrave. These persons had all been members of the Asbur}- Methodist Ej.>i-ci:ipal church and had all been Democrats and most all the church had belonged to that party, hence it came to be styled the "Democratic Church." In brief it may be stated that nearly all the branches of the newly-formed sect were from out the Democratic ranks. The first preliminary meeting was lield at Gale's schoolliouse, over in Hancock conrity, in the summer of 1S64. Later they erected a frame building, at a cost of one thotr-and dollars. Rev. O. H. l\ AlTott was the first regular pastor and served many years. Xothing is now known of the society.

Uxited Eketiirex

This denomination was among the early worshipers in Shelby county. The first meetings were held at a school-house in Marion township. Some of the first meetings were held in a barn, while "God's First Temple" - the forest trees - were the shelter from the elements while these pioneer people worshiped after their own faith. Early in the forties wdiat was styled Kingdom church was organized, and a hewed log house thirtv bv thirl v-six feet, was built in

^^'infall L'nited Breihren church, on section 27. of \'an Buren township. was organized about 1S4S. by Reverend Mooth, and services were held many years in school-houses, one of which stood near where this people erected their church later. This building cost one thousand two hundred dollars, and was dedicated hv Bishcip Edwards. Among the early-day members were: Joseph Dungan and wife. George Boss and wife, Xoah Miller and wife and Hardy \\'ray and wife. In 18S6 the memberslhp here was about seventy.

The third church of this denomination of the Blue River circuit was organized in the north.east corner of Hanover township, in 1S77. A small church was completed in 1880. To Rev. Felix DeMunlirum. p Frenchman of great energy and rare ability, is due the credit of forming- this church.

Liberty F'nited Brethren church was organized as a class in 18S1, by Reverend ^.IcXew. with a charter memliershi]) of fifteen. They i)urchased the old church owned and u-ed joinll}- by the I!aptists avid Christian denominations.

As early as 1832-33 Revs. Peter dinger and Hawkey came as missionaries to Shelby county and established preaching at Joseph Flewiit's. in Hanover township: at Caleb Reeves, in IVIoral township; at John Carson's, in Sugar Creek township, and at Tandy Brockman's, in Hendricks township. Churches were established at these several points between 1832 and 1S34.

In 1850 Rev. Harvey Collings organized the church of this denomination at ^Morristown. with th.e following members: Rev. ?Ieniy Fletcher Levis and familv. Cvrus Johnson, Samuel Eoretz and wife. Belinda Johnson, Martha ' Morriston. Mariah. Hewitl, William Judd, etc.

At l-'rceport a church was forn-ied in i856. In 1843 Janics Johnson. Sr., donated a lot to the church, and a house was built thereon costing one thousand two himdred dollars, at Boggstown. Ii-i 1850 Samuel Hamilton gave a lot to the church and there a log building was immediately erected. A frame structure followed this in 1S71, costing one thousand eight hundred dollars. About 1852 a site was secured and a frame house built, costing one thousand five hundred dollars. At about the same time a house was built near the Kern school-house, which cost about one thousand three hundred dollars. Subsequently a lot was seciu'ed in Morristown, and in 1S58 a good building was provided there at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. In 1SS6 a lot

Of I'eier Clin-er it may he repeated what has l.ecn fre.iucntlv remarked of iiini, "Jle w.as the jdm the r.;ii)tist" of Slu-lhy ccamiy te. the' Methodist Protestant ehureli. He with his faithful f. illowcrs h.id to r-'wim swollen streams and the spirit n\ the early clunvh workers was to never miss an appnintment, no matter iiow had the elements and how precarious the journev to a preaching appointment. Camp meetings were sustained and much g-ood accoinpli,shcd. Thomas Hacker, one of tiie pioneers of tliis church, walked to tlie annual Conference at Cincinn.ati an.d secured a preacher and brought liini h.inie with liim rejoicing. In 18X7 the property of this denomination was Valued at eight lhou,sand five luuidred dollars; churches were in operation at Boggstown, Old Union, Marietta, Sugar Creek, l'"air\-iew. Freeport. About nine hundred members constituted the churches of Shelby county, (jf this special >rethodist faith.

At this date there are kuMwn to Ix- hut two churches of this faith within Shelby county - iie at Shelbyville and one in the vicinity of ^^lorristown. - the members residing both in and out-ide of that town,

By the request of the ci.nuity historian I write the fullowing: In the summer of 1S7S I ha<l occasion to take my wife In a sanitarium, at Lafayette. Indiana, on account of brcjken dow n health, and was there eight weeks with her, during which time I read Seventh Day Advent literature and compared it with the Scrii)ture L'pon nn- return Ivimc, a full believer in the doctrines held by that denomination, and in .\ugn-t, 1879, 1 attended a camp meeting held by this denomination in Xoblesville, Indiana, where I was ])aptized ,and united with the church. For cc>n\-enience. my membership was i)!aced in the Xew London churcli, in Howard county. Through the distril>ntion of literature and an occasional visit frcm some of our ministers and a tent meeting in the summer of 1SS2. we kept up the interest during the eight years of my isolation, until tlie winter of 1885. when Elder A. \V, Bartlett held a series of meetings at Boggstown. and at Pleasant \'icw. The meetings resulted in the organization of a church in Bog.gstown by Elder \\'illiam Covert, in the winter of 1886, .with fifteen charter members.

The Lord blessed us in oui- elTorts and during the same winter ami sjjring following, we built a commodious house of worship, v.hich was tledicated June 6, 1887, free from deljt, W'e now have a membership of se\enty-seven. We have a house of wor.ship at T'leasant X'iew, with an organization of twentynine members, the same having been organized with twelve ch.arter mem-

Eor many years we had felt the need of church school facilities, where our children would be under the influence of religious teachers, so in 1889 we built a schoM room on the rear of the church building at Eoggstown. which also serves fnr a school room for the priman.- and kindergarten classes in the Sabbath scIkioI. Later, we Ijegau to discuss the edncationrd cjuesiion a tittle stronger, which resulted, in locating the State Conference School near thil^lace, in 190J, now known as the "Jlceclnvood Mariual Training Acr.d.emy," with an enrollment of about sixty students at this date - April. 1909. They are from various sections of the state. The present vrdue of building and lands is about ten thou.sand dollars, wdiile the total value of all our church property in Shelby county is appr'.'ximated at sixteen thousand dollars.

The Lewis Creek Baptist Church

September 2t^. 1833. the brethren met at the residence C)i William Morris and held a meeting looking to the fonnation of a Baptist church. Daniel Stogsdell acted as mt^derator, and ^^'illiam. G. Eaton as clerk. Th.D-e of this church faith present were: D. Stogsdell. J. I,r)ng, Philip Stark. P. \\'hiili.">\v, Davis James Clark. James Gri^ham. James Ri^l>ertson. .\lexander Robertson, John Bush, William Wickifl. J. Reese and others fpim near by places in Shelby county. These represented Baptists from Shelbyville. Blue River, Mt. Moriah. and other points. The articles of faith of the Elatrock church were at hand and adopted. It was agreed that the naine of the church to be formed should be called the "Baptist Church of Christ, at Lewis Creek." The charter members were: Polly Stafford, Simeon Staftord. Xancy Stafford. William ^forris, Martha Morris. David Henrick. Matilda Henrick, Polly Morris, Xeal McCann. Louisa McCann. The record says that "Brother Stogsdell preached a sermon on the occasion from - Peter 2: 17 - 'Honor all men. love the brotherhood, fear God. honor the King.' " This record is signed by William G. Eaton, clerk ; David Stogsdell, moderator. This is tlie substance of the first recorded n:'inutes of this church.. The place where this church was formed was at the Morris liomc. and i> now kiMwn as tlie Toiiv Miii^-.er farm. Revereiul Eaton was cn.^-a.ucil as ]ia-;tor Xovcnil)cr, 1S3,:;, iV.t it.o vcar. William and Je-;sc Morris wcix' cli^scn deacons, (^n the first Saturday in l'"chruarv, 1834. it was the time f .r a husiness mcetin- and it was then decided to have a foot-washing'. Again tlie minutes show that in Xovcniher of the same year they attended another font-wasliing, at evening session. Xotbing later appears regarding the subject of foot-washing. William .Moore served the church twenty-three years a^ moderator. He i)crformcd all of his labors free, and it is said that he was easily offended if anvone tendered him pav. He was always called "Old Uncle fiiUy."' In December. 1836. it was thought necessary to secure someone to "set tunes" for singing at public worship, and Buckner Caudell was chosen. In Feljruary. 1837. trustees viewed grounds u])on which to erect a cliurch edifice. George Fisher about that date donated lands for this use: the material was also donated and a church was erected: il was ab.nu twenty liy twenty- four feet and faccl the west, and it had one window of one sash in the south and one in the ea-t. The seats were slabs hewn out b}' the meiubership. They had no way of heating the church so they met in the building in summertime and at private houses in wintertime. Xotwithstanding the rude edifice, these devoted people enjovcd their new quarters and sang praises unto the Lord and were thankful, possibly more So than church-goers of tixla}'. They went to church eitlier on foot or on horseback, clad in home-spun garb, including home-made shoes, and sometimes in warm weather bare-footed. The singing books being scarce, the preacher having the only one, he \vould read two lines, then the congregation would sing them. This was followed up until tliey had. finished the entirf li}'m!i.

In August 1 84 1, the pastor with se\-eral other visiting ministers, iucludipig Re\s. Reese and Curtis, held special ser\-ices and a number uniteil with the church, including Allen Sexton, still living at the ripe old age of ninetyone years. 'J'he pastor was Reverend Stogsdell, and at the close of the meetings Reverend Barnes arose and stated that he was not going to scare th.cm by taking up a cdlection. but that he wished them to accompany him to the outside and examine the dilapidated saddle of Brother Stogsdell, after wiiich if thev felt that they could give anything to come in and lay it on the table. They would not pass the hat around for they thought that was too much like Methodists. The}" examined the saddle and found it worn out and he soon received a new one. Reiuember they did not believe in paying a preacher, and some even objected greatly at this expenditure, which was the first that had been tendered the pastor.

At one time this same pastor was a member at Clifty, but was excluded on acciunt of preaching temperance, missions and advocated Sunday schools. He then cn-ganized a Mission church on his own account there. In 1842 the congregation wishing to be more modern agreed to ceil the church building.

'J'lic work was iierfonned by mcniliLTs. as was also tlic cliir.kini:: and re-daubiny in the log walls. Tl'.fy also deciiiod to ii.irchase a stove and sent Ciideon Stafford to Lawrcncebury to got it. bnt there he fi.und n Tie on sale, so bought a second-hand one, whieli he brought baek with him. But they had troubles of their own and even in that remote day "Siniday headaches" were frequent, but committees were .sent out after them and if they could not send a reasonable excuse they were ex-communicatcd. What a bu.-y time the present day church crimmittee wrmld ha\-e at trying this jilan.

Sometime in the fifties the old church was abandoned for a frame building that stood just to the south of the present church. Silas Gore, the only bidder, got the contract to erect this church. It was lhirt\'-six bv fortv feet, and many objected on account of its being too large. In 1838 it was ordained that each male meml)er pay twenty-fi\-e cents toward t!ie running e.xpenses of the church, and Allen Sexton was made treasurer and served forty years.

In 1859 the church relea.sed Reverend r\Ioore as pastor and called John Reese for one year, agreeing to pay him one hundred dollars. He served this church until 1868, when James Young was called, hut soon resigned and was succeeded by Reverend Calif, who in 1870 was follov\-ed bv John Reese again, and he continued until 1884, making twerity-two years service.

The present church edifice was built in 188J-83. at a cost of two thousand three hundred and sixty dollars. In October, 1884, ^V. \^'. Smith was chosen pastor and continued three years and was followed by G. H. Elgin, \vho died while pastor. Since then the pastors have been - Revs. Perry ^.larkland, ^Ic- Gregor, Harper. Coulter, Huckleberry, Eberson, Jayne, Odell and the present pastor, \V. T. Markland. Sixteen pastors have served ; six hundred and seven members have been taken into the church, the preserit membcrsliip being two Imndred and fifteen. The seventy-fifth anni\-ersary has recentlv been celebrated. The society has accmplisheil much good in the passing decades and is doing good work today.

I'he only Episcopal church in Shelby county is that knov.n as Christ Episcopal church of Shelbyville. Senices had been held by this denomination for ten years prior to the erection of their building at this point. These services were usually held at private homes. Although there were but a few Episcopal adherents in the vicinit}-, great interest was taken b}- this few. Too much praise cannot be given to the Ladies' Guild, wbo succeeded after years of hard work, in buying a building site and erected a comfortable, neat little edifice, called Christ Church, situated on the corner of Tompkins and ?Iendricks streets. The foundation stones were presented by ^^'ill;am and Edward Price. The interior of this structure is well jilanned, suitably painted and provifled with choir stalls, a lofty ahar, and a roomy vestry, while it is heated by an

Among tho>e who ha\e had, charge of this congregation ma}- t)e named: Revs. Hobart. Martin. Headv. Comfort, Mcilman and the present rector. Rev. George Gallup. ^1. A.

The liistory of St. \'incent"s church hegins with the year 18,^7. It is the oldest Cathiilic cniigregaticin of the stu'roun<ling territory, antedating the foundation of any Catholic jxirish exen in Indianapolis. Catholics, however, settled in .Shelliy county a number of years previi:-us to the above mentioned year. I\h>. Ccrnell. a nati\-e of Maryland, is said to have come in 1824. In 1825, Air. and Mrs. Leo. W'orland. of Scdtt county, Kentucky, visited a sister of Mrs. W'orland, lixing in this county, and in the following year settled permanent'}'. J'lhn Xewii>n and family came iu 1827. Thomas W 'rland. father of L&' \\"<niand. fi.llowed his s<jn in 182S, bringing his entire family. He was a gnod, pii us Catholic. Through him other Catholics were induced to immigrate froiu Kentucky, and his coming may be said to mark the foundation of the present St. \'incent's congregation.

The Rev. George Elder, of St. Pius' church, Scott county. Kentucky, visited his former spiritual children in the fall of 182S. The holy sacrifice of the mass was then offered for the first time in Shelby county, in the log cabin of Thomas W'orland. The congreg-ation at that time numbered about thirty members. Father Elder paid a second visit to the infant congregation in 1829, and again said ma^s in Thoiuas \\"cr!ai:d's h-juse and also baptized several children.

In 1830 the Rev. S. P. Lalumiere. of \'iiicenncs, was sent by Bishop Flaget. of Eardstiiwn. Kentucky, to visit the Catholic families of Shelby county, coming twice a year, in the spring and fall. Father Petit, a Jesuit, accompanied b}- Father Lalumiere. on a missionary tour through Indiana, preached a mission here, during which George Laws was receix'cd into the church. In 1S34 the Rev. Stephen Badin, the first priest ordained in the L'nited States, stopped with the congregation one week and baptized William S. W'orland. The Rev. Jo-eph Fenu-ding. from Xew .-\l.-ace, Dcarb''rn county, Ii;diana, came on a \isit in 1836. In May, 1837, Father Lalumiere paid his last visit

In August. 1S37, llivh.-p }]rute, of \'incennc>. Iiithana. sent th.c l-icN'. Vincent P,ac(|uehn h> take charge of ihc congregaii(-in ;is a resident pastor. He was a native of France, a man uf zeal and activity, and scion gained the Io\-e and esteem of his ]ic iple. Fnun here lie also \isited. tlie Catholics at Indianapolis and Cnlumbus. In July. 1S3S, Ilishop Ilrute visited the eongregation and administered the Sacrament of Omfirmation to thirteen ])ersons. The zealnus h\ather Bacquelin. anxious t.i have a church, held a meeting of his ])copIe Jaiuiary 6, 1S3S, to consider the matter. They determined to build a church, and Septeiuber 6. 183S. the contract was let fi^r six hundred and nineteen dollars. Thomas W'orland donated two acres of land. In October. 1839, mass was first celebrated in St. \'inceni's church, and in Oct'iber. 1840. Bishop de la Hailandiere visited the congregation. ]ilcs>ed the church, and confirmed seven persons. He was accompanied by the ]\e\-. M. Shawe. wdio preached the sermon. Fatiter Eac(|uelin was pastor of St. \'incent's for nine years and one momh. Wliile returning fiMiu a \isit to IVier Hirschan.cr's. in Rush county, on Septenil)er 2. 184(1, he was tbrnwu fomi a horse and killed. This sad eveiu caused deep and lasting regret among his people. wh<T followed his remains to their last resting place -in St. A'incent"s cemetery.

Father Bacquelin was succeeded by the Rev. John Ryan, wlio remained but a short time. In 1847 the Rev. John McDernxitt bcc;ime pastor rmd. had charge less than a year. lie was succeeded by tb.e Rev. Patrick .Murphy, wlio stayed only a few nn lUths. Then the Rev. John Gueguen had charge for about four years. The Rev. Daniel Alaloncy came in 1853 and remained two years.

In May, 1855. the Rev. Edward Martinovicz. or I-"ath-cr Martin, as he was popularly known, Ijecame pastor of St. \"inceiu"s church. In 1861, with the assistance of the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg. Iniliana. he established the parochial .school. During his stay was built also the fir.st brick parsonage, which is still used together with the addition built during Father Rudolf's pastorate. Father Martin left unexpectedly in the beginning of 1S63, and against the wishes of the peojile. for he was loved and revered by them.

In July. 1863. the Rev. John Gillig took charge of St. Vincent's and remained its pastor for abjut three years. In the beginning of 1867 the Rev. "William Doyle was appointed pastor, remainitig until June, 1868. The congregation had so increased that it was frnind necessary to build an addition to the church.

In Xovember. i8<')8. the Rew Francis Rudolf became tlie jjasti^- of St. Vincent's, and for nearly thirteen years labored earnestly to further the interests of his charge. In 1870 a large addition was budt in. the parsonage. In 1877 arrangements were made to build a new church, which was completed in iSSo. The church is a tine brick building, one hundred and twelve bv fort\--

The Rev. I-'raneis Torbcck was assigned to St. \'incein's as suceessor of Father Rudolf, and hati charge until July. 1SS6. He was succeeded by the Rev. M. L. Guthncck. During his pastorate the church was frescoed in a most tasty manner, the church grounds were beautified, the new cemetery plot was secured and laid out in lots. Father Guthneck remained in charge until near the end of 1890. Then the Rev. Joseph Hegger had charge for a sh.ort time. After him came the Rev. Ferd. Ilundt. who remained about a year. In the beginning of 1S92 the Rev. G. M. Ginusz took charge, remaining until July. i8y6. During his pastorate the natural gas well was drilled, and continues to the present day to furnish light and fuel for the various church buildings. Beautiful vestments and statues also were secured during the pastorate of Father Ginusz. In August. 1896. the Rev. A. Danenhoffer became pastor. He introduced the Gregorian chant at services. Early in 1S9S he was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Strieker, who remained only a few months, after vvhom tb.e Rev. Joseph Hass had charge for a short time.

In March. 1899. the Rev. Joseph Bauer assumed charge and remained nearly seven }'ears. During his ])asti'rate a pi])e organ was secured, beautiful stations of the cross were purchased, the church was re-frescoed, and other improvements were made, so that the church is complete in all details. In Januaiy, 1906. Father Bauer was succeeded by the Rev. Frederic Ketter, who is the present pastor. At this time the congregation has about four hundred and seventy-fi\e members, and is in a must tloiu'isb.ing condition.

Methodism Ix Shelby Couxtv

The Methodist Episcopal church was the first denomination to effect a permanent organization with.in the limits of Shelby county. Methodism followed the course of the early pioneer in his westward march, and a complete history of the progress of the church would be a history of the county and its growth. For the material growth of the county, its towns and villages, has never mure than kept pace with the development of the church.

\\"hen the sturdy pioneer bad cleared a little patch of ground and built his cabin home the ascending smoke from his rude chimne\- was a signaling hand, beckoning the faithful preacher of righteousness where he might find those needing his ministrations. And so the cabin homes became the first preaching places in Shelby county.

Jane Slct-tli, alternatiiipr witli t!iat of William H. Slecth, one mile north of ^\-he^e the town of Marion is now locaied. Thi> wa.s in the fall of iS_'i. The next year (1822) the newly Iniilt ?cliMol-h,,iu-e hecame the meetinq- place, and so continued for eighteen years, when the meetini;- place was changed to a larger school-house which had heen built in ]\Iarion. The society continued to meet in this school-house until 1S62. when a frame church was erected. This is the oldest church organization in Shelby coitnty, and is still flourishing. A few more years will mark its centennial of instant Christian service.

The Second Methodist Episcopal church, known as Roliert"s Chapel, is situated about three miles below Flat Rock Station, and is within twenty feet of the county line, between Slu-lljy and P.arlholomew counties. This society was foriued in 1S22.

The ^^'ray ?\rethodist Episcopal church,, sometimes called Center chundi, w-as the third in the list or ?ilethodist Episcopal churches in tlie oamty. The organization began in 1822, in the Wray neighborhood about three miles iiorthw-est of Shelbyville. and the house of James \\'rav. a local prcach.er in his former state of Xortli Carolina, was the meeting place for many years. Finally a church Iniilt of hewed logs was erected and used for all denominations. It has passed away, haying served its purpose, while the grounds on which it stood are now occupied by a cemetery.

A good and commodious frame clrarch has been built by the ^^lethodist Episcopal people, south of and adjoining this little "God's acre," while the l^Iethodist Protestant? have one to the north.

On the 4th of July, 1822, Shelbyville was made the county seat. During 1823 an occasional prayer meeting was held in the newly organized town, at a private house, and a few times a ]Methodi=t minister preached, in passing, to the settlers. In 1824 the ordinance of baptism was administered for the first time in Shelbyville, to a daughter of Mr. and ^Irs. \'an Scvoc. who afterward became Mrs. Elias Thompson, mother of S. J. Thompson, a member of our church today.

It was not until 1825 that a class was formed, however. This class was composed of seven members, who united to form the First Methodist Episcopal church of Shelbyville.

Would that the story of hardships and privations, and the eame-t efforts of these fathers and mothers of the church might be fittingly told. They are gone from us long years ago. but they have left a monument in the ^.leth.odism of Shelby county and' this city that commemorates the work thev accomplished in planting the new settlement, and in establishing the church.

hi- wife: their t\v. 1 dau:;hter.-. Sarah and Ahigail ; lames and Terusha \'an ScvMC and Mrs. Catherine .\1-^... 'iH..sih"ly. David Thatcher and others, who legally formed a cliurcli May 7. 1S31. They met in two log shops, one standing where the city buiMing is now located on Wasliington street, and the (ither on the suutlnvest corner of Franklin and Tompkins streets. The IniiUling on \\'a<liingl( -n street \va- a caliinet sli.ip, ])elonging to Jacob Shank, and an apprentice of his. Isaac Wilson, who died when ox'cr ninei\- NX-ars of age at his iiome. He used to tell of these earl_\- day experiences, and how some of the attcnd.ants whittled ;he edges of the benches until strips of hardwood had to be nailed to them in order to protect them from the jack-knives of those frontiersmen.

The other cabin used for services was built by J. C. Sleetb for a chair sb.op. but was also used as a post-otTice. Mr. Sleeth joined the new church at the brst meeting that \\-as held after its org'anization. These two historic buildings res'jumled to tlie eloquence of more than ordinary men. among whom were John Strange and James Havens.

In a few years the s-.ciety met in the court-hou-e, then located in the public scjuarc. Later it m.ived to a !)rick school-li. .use which stood on the site of the present Franklin Street school. Finally in iS,:;.? they went into their own church building which had been erected where the present ])arsonage no\v stands, on West ^Mechanic street. It was a frame building, thirty by fortyfive feet in size. Flere the church worshipefl and pros-pered for twenty years.

During the early years the meetings were well attended, even when the preaching was on week days, as often happened where circuits were large and preachers few. After the sermon the preacher? led the class meeting. All tlie membership was expected to remain to this service, and woe to the tmluc'cy weight wdio absented himself without cause. The church ditl not deal witli d.elincjuents with gloved hands, but with the ])urpftse of ref')!'ming them and restoring them t(T the correct w-ay.

Quarterly meetings were seasons of great spiritual uplift and blessing. Large crowds from far and near attended ; ofhcial members siimetimes coming from long distances to be present at the meeting. "Love Feast" on Sabbath morning, was a great occasion. It was hekl with closcil doors, and tickets of admission were given the faithful. All present were glad to take part, aiid wonderful inlluences went fmm these testimonies of i)ersonaI exi)erience. The doors were then opened for the pub'lic worship. Often, diu'ing the -erm. -n. the spirit of God came upon the people and conversions were numerous and powerful. The first quarterly conference held in Shelbyville was held in the meeting house on \\"est Mechanic street. December 31. 1836. It was followed by an oId-l"a-~hioned watch-nigiit meeting. Reverend Havens and Reverend Wdiitten preached - preached with power and the results of that meeting were seen many years. In "Reminiscences rif Early Indiana," O. II. Smith, writes concerning lames Ha\ens in these words:

"Me was tlie Xap.'lcMn of cretin xli^t i)rL-ar!icrs in Eastern In>liana. - liis great characteristic as a ijreaclicr was his .t;-iK>(I common suisc. Tile stale of Indiana owes him a greater debt of gratitude for his long and valnal)le hfe to form society on the basis of morality, education and religion, than any_ other man, living or dead."' Mr. Havens commenced a ministry in Shelbyville in 1827, which continued with intermissions as pastor, presiding elder and visitor, until 1S64, when he passed away - to join the church "triumphant."

In 185 1 the churcli building having became too small for accommodation of the growing congregation, a new church home was Iniili on ^Vc^l Washington street, where the present church now stands. Shelbyville church had nowcome to be a station. Prior to 1851 the church had been a ]>art of a circuit since its organization. F n- ten years - from 1825 to i8_^5 - it had been one of the appointnunts on the Rusbville circuit. This circuit included the towns of Rusbville, Circensburg. St. Omer, New Castle, West Lil)erty 1 now Knightstown) and Shelbyville, and was known as the "Four Weeks Circuit." In 1836 a new circuit was fomied with Shelbyville at its head. There were twenty-two appointments on this circuit. The amount of money paid for the support of the Gospel that year on the circuit was two lumdred f.jrty-five dollars and fortynine cents, of which Sbelbyxille society paid si.\ty didlars and seventy-tive cents. Small this sum seems nov\-. but tlien it was large and in keeping v,i;h the times.

A I'nion Sunday school had been formed in Sl-ielbyviHe as early as 1833, and jM"incipalIy ofncered and maintained by Presbyterians and Methodists. It only held its sessions during warm weather. In 1838 a Meth'^list Episcopal Sunday school was organized - and, like its predecessor, it discuntir.ued. during the winter mcmths. It was not until 1844 that the school succeeded in living the entire year, winter as well as sumrnei.

Since that time the altar-fire of the Metliodist Sunday school has never gone out. The first organ for the use of this scliool v.as i)urchased in 1803. and greater attention was given music in the scIiodI, with gratifying results. Eut it was not until three years afterward - in 1866 - that the church was [lermitted by her quarterly conference to use the organ in jniblic worship.

In 1855, beginning September 25ih. the session of the Southeast Indiana Conference was held in Shelbyville. r)ishop Scott presiding. It was a time of great blessing for the church.

Again in 1864. September 21st. the conference met at Shelliyville. Bishop Simpson presiding. This was during the Ci\ il war. and church affairs as well as secular matters were at white heat. The conference was memorable for two things - the opening prayer of the conference, by Dr. E. G. \\"ood, who having two sons in the I'nion army, had recei'.ed word that morning that t!ie third had been drafted. He poured out bis loyal, yet fath.erly heart, to God in a prayer never to be forgotten by those who heard it. The second remark- abk- eNfiit uf that Ci inference was the serm. m liv liishc]) Simpson. Tlieve are still jieisons livinq- in the city wlici sometimes sjieak of that sermon, of its almost (li\ iric cl<iqiience. On every heart there seemed to rest the impression of more tlian orJinar\- intUienccs which lifted int<j a realm not often reached by mortals.

Three more times in the histi'ry of this church has the cimference been enteitained in Shelbyville - in 1881, 1S94 rmd in 1008. I'Lach occasion has been of a great spiritual uplift and ])rofil. Ih.th to the c!nn-ch and the entire community. The two ciir.ferences known as the '"Indiana" aiul the "Southeastern Indiana," were united in 1895. and tlie resulting conference body is the largest in ]\IetIiodism. In 1871 or 1S72, the "Woman's Foreign ^klissionary Society," then a new organiz;iiion in the Methodist church, formed an au.Kiliar\- society of ten niem])ers in om- church. Mrs. Xancy ]\I. Wright is the only charter member noiw living. She has been correstipnding secretary through all these years; faithful and efticient. always. This society uimv numbers one hundred sixty in its membership.

The "Woman's tlomc ^Missionary Society." a vounger organization, bv se\-eral years, is also a large and flourishing society, enthusiastic and zealous of good works, '^'oung people's and children's missionary societies have been formed under the auspices of these older societies and are all nourishing. One of them - "Queen Esther Society." composed of young ladies, numbers eighty. There is also a large "^ilother's Jewels" organization, composed of the little ones under six years of age. Other organizations are "The Standard Bearers." of larger children, and the ''King's Heralds."

Another ladies' society, called the "Ladies' Reception'' and composed of a number of the ladies of the church and congregation, is of much help to the pastor in a quiet and unostentatious way, besides looking after sune of the material affairs of the church building. This societv long since abandoned money-making plans of all sorts, and depends enlirelv upon the contributions of its members for its revenues. The weekly meetings are purely social in charctcr, and are enjoyable and profitable to all who attend.

An f/rganization among the men of the church - the "Methodist Brotherhood," has just been effected, which is expected to accomplish much goi^l in reaching the men of the community.

The church building has twice been remodeled and enlarged. It now has a seating capacity of about fifteen hundred persons. A beautiful pipe organ long ago replaced the small reed organ of the "sixties" and in its turn "was supplanted by a much larger and better instrument.

Tlie Sunday scluiol. which ha.s it? hnine in the l>aseinLiU of the church, is led in music li}" a chorister, accompanied l)y a piano and (irchestra oi eiafht pieces. Here even.' Sabbatli rise songs of praise by nearly hnir liundi-ed y<ning voices connected with the school.

In the month of March, 1S71. a convention was held in the church of Shelbyvillc. on the question of "Temporal Economy in the Church." It was a delegated body, consisting of one steward from each quarterly conference, in the Southeastern Indiana Conference. Tlie result of the discussion was a financial plan that provided for the maintenance of the church and snpp'irt of her ministers, by assessing the member.-hip, according to their ability to pay. The plan worked very well throughout the churches, and is yet in practice generally. However, about eight years ago - in 1901 - a few of the members of the Shelbyville church banded themselves together in a "tithing covenant." and have since poured into the treasury of the church oih--frii;h or a tithe, of their incomes. The church has been able to dci greater things for missionary work since that time, as well as for other bcne\-(ilent enter])risc5 of the church.

The fame of this church has gone abroad throughout the country fur what she is doing- in the matter of giving. The list of "Tithers" grows a little constantly, but what migh.t be accomplished if all tlie members tithed! Increased giving has brought new respnnsibility. and opened the doors of new opportunities that cannot be shunned. So this current year, the clnn-cli thp'Ugh its Sabbath school, assumed the entire support of a pastor in Africa for five years. By so doing our church is working day and night for our pastor in Africa, the Rev. S. D. Coffin works while we sleep. Only seven ^ilethodist Episcopal cliurches in the United States are doing this special work.

In the eighty-three years that this church has been in existence it has had forty-one dilterent preachers in charge, with seventeen junior preachers. The Rev. George M. Smith is the present pastor with Rev. Clyde Black, associate pastor. r^Iany of these men have been men of ability and all have been men of God. Of the nineteen presiding elders during uur history, one, E. R. Ames, was made bishop in 1852.

In 1891 the city of Shelbyville ha\-ing grown so large a« to demand the organization of a new Methodist church a beautiful structure of brick was erected on the northwest corner' of We.st and Colscott streets. Later additions were made to it. The new church started with a large and flourishing Sunday school and a fine Epworth League, and has proven satisfactory The church is incorporated under the name of "West Street Methodist Episco])al Church of Shelbvville."

In \\'alkerville. a suhurh of .^lielhyvillc to the east, and ..nly recently incorporated as a part of the city, a very neat churcli huildiny wa> erected ;;l)..ul six years ag-o. It is a j.art of what is now known as Slielhvville circuit. It has a good Sunday .schu,,l and i< doin- -ood wnrk for its locality.

Besides thc-e Shelbyville Methodist Episcopal churches "is the small church at the corner of Franklin and \'ine streets, known as the Methodist Retormed church. Shelbyville owes much to th.c faithful pastors of this little cliin-ch and its members, in the moral influence t!;ev wield in this part of town.

In all it is believed tliat from the early day to now ih.ere have been several thousand people connecte<l with these various Methodist churches in Slielbvville._ Many have removed from the city, many are dead, and their memorv'is precious. A goodly number are alive at this writing - mav tliev live lon^^ to carry on the work of the clnu-ch adown the years. ' ' "^

Aside from the Mcth.idi.t Episcopal churches named hv Mrs. Hattie E Robins, the atith .r has discovered the historv of the followiu- churches within the county, a partial list of which she kin<liy furnished, \vhilc other data we secured ourselves.

AMiat was for many years kn. ,wn as the Bocrgstown Methodist church was organized at the house of Mr. Hjugh an.l later meetings were held at Adam :McFadden's, a mile to the south of the villa-e. In i8;o a frame church was erected at Booqstown. In 1886 this churcl, numbered^ eiglitv-six.

Sugar Creek (uiiw Fairland) was organized in 1S47. I'l'-' ^diurch at FairJand. properly speaking-, was formed in 1S55. Thomas Hacker and family and Doctor Lewis and wife -and a Mrs. Ho-kins firmed a clas^. .\ jjjace of worship was pmvided an^l a Sunday ^ch^)ol had Ijecn nnming sometime before the completion of the church Ijuilding.

.At Xorrisiown a cla-;s was formed in iSoO by twelve members. In 1^86 this church had a membership uf ninetv and worshiped in the old L'niou church.

At Ararietta. in the forties, was organized a Aleth .di.-,t ciiurch. Services were at first h.eld at pri\ate houses, hut later in a school-house. About 1876 many members v ithdrew and helped from th.e Methodist Protestant cluirch.

Morristown circuit was formed at an early date. Asbury church was the first organized rm this circuit. Soc.n afler land had h.ecn ^urveved in 1822 a log cal)in church was erected. It Iiad a brick chimney and had its [lulpiit in one corner. Jonathan John-on and family were prominent in this .ir.ganization. Re\'. John Sto\'er was the first circuit rider there and a mcjst excellent worker.

In 1839 a frame Iniilding was erected, at a cost cu' four hundred dollars. The present Morristown church was built in 18S5. W. W. Woodyard was the architect and lived in the community until 1908, when he died. In 1S86 it is recorded that the memljership was ninety-h\'e. but today the}- have two hundred memliers and in a flourishing couditii>n. The cost of their present building was four thousand six hundred dollars. W. .\. T'culine. an old merchant of the town, has ever been liberal in, his support of this cluu-ch. of which he is a worthy rnemljer toda_\-.

At Fountaint(jwn a class was reorganized in 1857 and in 1S76 a new church edifice was completed. In 1SS7 this was a thriving church, doing mtich good. Its first class leader was Isaac Robinson.

Pleasant Hill church was formed at the house of John Cdenn. in 1S30, and retained the name of Glenn's S(iciei)- for thirty years. Mr. (Ticnn was the first class leader. Xenr li_\-. later .,n. a frame church was l)uilt. The society is still doing an excellent church work, but data is not at hand for this work of a county record.

At \\"alilr(in the ciiurcli was originally C'-'iincclcd with that of ^ilkklletown and Conn's Creek, it was estahlishcd in iS^d. with I-'rank Toler as a class leader. C<'inn's Creek was <^r£;anized in 1840. at the cross roads, now W'aldron. The Kniyiit family were prominent in this work. Also the \'an Pelts and Eliss families. School-houses and pri\ate homes serveil until a church was erected, in 1858. when it took on the name of \\'aldron. Soon after that the society at ^^liddletown abandoned the site and united at W'aldron. making it a strong chinxh. From an old record it appears that the following were ofificers in iSSfS: Trustees, J. J. Curtiss. Henry R. ^Nling, and A. H. Raymond; Stewards, Mrs. R. R. \\"ashburn, ^Irs. Elizabeth Washburn and A. H. Raymond. The membership then was about fifty. At this date - 1909 - the memlx-rship is one hundred and ff'rty-seven and the society is strong in influence for good in the community.

At a point on the Xorristown pike that was named Wincliester. a }ilcth-- odist church was formed, called Shadley's Society. They met at the hou^e of Mr. Hadley until 184S. then moved to the house of Thomas Maddy. In 1S50 a frame house was built twenty-six by thirty-six feet. Prominent among the members were the Sliadlcy family. Charles Thompson and wife. Mrs. Jolin Monroe, T. H. Wherret and wife and Kitura Green. The frame church was replaced by a substantial brick building, dedicated in 1872. Among the active builders of tliis church were: Andrew 3>Iaple. Tiiomas Th.oinp^on, Job D. Tindall. John A. Gore and John W. \\"ilson. In 18S6 the church had a membership of eighty. It is still in the field.

I'nion Methodist church was formed by Ripple's class in 1833 and many years later callerl I'nirjii church. Tlie first preaching was at an old settler's house named Ripjile. The class occu[)ied a school-house until 1849. when a frame church was erected. F"ifteen years later a new church was built, in 1864. The Greens. ]\IcFalls. Fosters and Jacksons v.ere pri lUiinent in this organization. The church is still doing good service.

Toner's Chaj^el, four miles from Shelbyville, is another Meth(jdist pciint. Preaching commenccil there in 1836. School-houses were tiseil initil 1845, when a frame building was erected. Services are still held a.t this place.

Canaan Methodi-.t Episcopal church is located in ]\Ioral tnwnship. four miles south of Palestine. In an old frame building the early settlers by the score met and heard the word preached with old-time power.

Cynthianna church of this denomination was organized and a church built in 1854. Renry Fisher. Thomas Jones. William Fisher, J. X. Marshall and others were zealous in the work. The societv ne\er became large or very prosperous.

Met'nodism has sought out ahnost every nook and corner of this county, at one date or anotlicr, and hence has become a stronj^ denoininatiuu tciday.

With tlie numerous religious denominations within Shell-,y county, the Baptists ha\"e I'mm an early day been very strong, and have organi,;ed and, kept ali\e many churches.

The ^Missionary Baptist church was organized in the spring of 18^3. From the pen of Rev. John Reece. the author here takes the liberty to copy what he said many years ago concerning" this denomination :

"In the settling of Shelh}' county, persons came from dilTerent sections, some from one state and some from another. As they came ihey settled in neighborhoods. One of these settlements was norihea>t of Edinburg and among their numl:)er were a few Baptists. In their new homes, rude ss tliev were, they longed for Gospel privileges. Hence in this little neighborhood the few Christians met alternately at their houses and held prayer meetings, until in tlie spring of 1823, when nine persons, viz. : Thomas Russell, Polly Russell, William Barnet. Xancy Barnet. Lewis Bishop. Elizabeth Bishop. Simon Sliafer and }ilerit ^iIcGuire were organized on the first day of March into the Missionaiy Baptist church. They held meetings until 1826, at various houses, then Iniih a hewed log building in the edge of Johnson county. Here they worshiped until 1S32 when a frame house was constructed on the same lot. In 1843 tin's house was destroyed Ijy fire, and the church immediately commenced to build a third house one mile to tiie northeast and in Shclljy county, at a cost of $1,200.

Of the constituent members it may truthfully be said that they were true and faithful Christians. The lirst pastor was Rev. John Barnet, sustaining that relation until 1825. a very Godly, earnest preacher. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Harding, who served until his death in 1835. Subsequent pastors were; T. C. Townsarid. A. R. Hinkley, B. Reece, A. V. Titton and S. G. Miner, all pioneer ministers who names should not be forgotten by later generations. Rev. Samuel Harding was among the men sent out to found Franklin College, in Johnson county. He also formed the Second Mouiit Pleasant church.

The next Baptist church to be organized in Shelby county was that at Shelbyville. Rev. Samuel Harding and Rev. D. Stogsdil were induced to visit the town and preach to the few Baptist families there found. It was on the third Sunday in October, 1826, vrhen the Baptist church was organized at this point. The charter members were: George Titus. William Morris, James Emmit. Hannah Titus. Patsy Morris, Pheebe Enimit. Sally Gatewood, Catherine \\''ingate, ]\dorning Simpson and Sally Hippcrs, making ten in all.

J his church wa> c;,lle,l --Shdhwille- until the Iccati.'n of the clnu'ch was chan-cl to a point four miles to tlie ea^t an,l the name chan-ed to that of i.ethcl. Tt. h.v.vever. retanie.l this only a sh, .-t time because of its removal to Shelhyvdle. when it to, .k the name ..f Mount l^iso-ah. Po,- about eig-ht yeai-s the services were held in private hnuses. hut in December iS^ the cliurch res Mved to buiUl a iiouse in which to wor^llip. This was a b^ house twenty-eio-hi by thirty-six feet in size. For seats, rude benches were hewed our ot 1, o-,. \\ 1,,,,. ,^.^^ , ^,^^. j^,,,^,^, ^,^^. j^^.^ ,j^,^ ^^.j^^^ ^j^^^.^ worsliiped iiad the true spun ut Christianity in dicir souls. This house was used until 1^53- when the log hou.^e was removed and a frame house erected that was twenty-two by thirty feet, ddiis was occupied until 1S65. ^ hen tw:. th.-u-and drdlars was expended for the erection of a frame building, thirtv-six bv fifiv feet. Ihe first pastor was Rev. Sauniel Harding and among "the fir.s't was Rew I). .Stogsdell. who was a verv earnest minister, and not infrequenth' walked sixteen miles to meet his appointments. Rev. ]. Reece served this church for twenty-seven years, and in 1887 it had a membership of one hundred and ten. At present the meml)crship is one liundred and thirtv-five.