Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Chapter 8, 1889 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 8

'HE first church organization effected l^§J in Evansville was that now know'n as the Walnut Street Presbyterian church, which was constituted in 182 1, by Rev. II. C. Banks, then pastor of the Presbyterian church at Henderson, Ky. The following were the original members: Daniel Chute, James R. E. Goodlett, William Olmstead, i\bigail Fairchild, Julia Ann Harrison, Rebecca Wood, Mr.s. Chandler, Mr. Butler, Mrs. Smith, Eli Sherwood, Elizabeth Sherwood and Mary O. Warner. Daniel Chute and James R. E. Goodlett, were chosen as ruling elders.

For more than ten years there was no church building in the town, and this congregation, as well as such others as w'ere afterward organized, met in private houses; sometimes in an old log school-house on the lower side of Locust street, midwa} between First and Second; and occasionally in an old log house which now stands on the premises of Mr. WilHam Dean. The old court-house on the south corner of Main and Third streets was a frequent place of meeting, when an occasional preacher visited or sojourned in the town. The court-house in those early days is described as " without iloors - ' puncheon ' seats were placed on the bare ground; the tire in winter was against the wall in a poorly framed fireplace; the smoke too often to the great inconvenience of worshippers, choosing to find

In the year 1831, under the influence of Rev. Calvin Butler, who was at that time settled at Princeton, Ind., a movement began to secure a house of worship. When the movement was fully started Mr. Butler changed his residence to Evansville, and under his ministry and personal supervision the work went forward. The citizens who took the lead in the enterprise were Messrs. John Shanklin, Judge William Olmstead, Luke Wood, Major Alanson Warner and Amos Clark, Esq.

The original subscription paper for the erection of the building is still in existence, among the church papers, and as an interesting scrap of the citvs history a copy is appended :

" Original Subscript ion. - The undersigned, being desirous to have a Presbyterian Meeting House for Evansville and its vicinitv, promise to pay the sums severally annexed to our names, to Trustees hereafter to be appointed by the subscribers. Said house to be 30 by 50 feet, of brick, with walls rS feet in height, to have 8 windows, with forty lights in each, of glass 10 b}' 12, with two doors, and a floor jointed, not planed, and a good roof: John Shanklin, $100; A. Warner, $50; N. Rowley, $20; Calvin Butler, $75; Luke Wood, $25 cash,

Religious History

"At a meeting of the subscribers for building a Presb3-terian Meeting House, in the town of Evansville, at the house of Alanson Warner, on the 23d of April, 1S31, for the purpose of electing Trustees, in pursuance of the subscription, at which meeting David Negley was elected Chairman and James Lewis, Secretarj', the following persons chosen Trustees : Amos Clark, Alanson Warner, Wm. Olmstead.

To complete the house, however, it was found necessary to send Rev. Mr. Butler, the pastor, to the eastern states to solicit aid, and with the contributions obtained the trustees were enabled to complete the church in 1832. It was located on the ground where the Courier office now stands on a considerable elevation known as " the hill." The entire cost of the buildin<r did not exceed $1,300, and yet it was regarded at the time as a great advance in town architecture. As descriptive of the building when completed, the following extract is made from the sermon of Rev. W. H. McCarer, preached on the occasion of the last religious service before destroying the building, February 26, i860, preparatorj^ to the erection of the edifice now occupied by the congregation : " The first set of seats were plain pine benches, without backs; a slight elevation upon which was placed a second-hand dr}' goods box, covered with green book-muslin or baize, was ' the desk ' from which the minister gave forth the Word of Life. Subsequently, and to keep up with the times, benches with backs were introduced; and an oblong pulpit of plain panel work painted white, which enclosed the preacher so completely that when he sat down he could scarcely be seen b}- the audience, and when he rose to preach, it was as if from a strong frontier block-house he sent forth Gospel missiles." This building for many j'ears was the onty public house of worship in Evansville. It was several times refitted and once enlarged before its sale in 1859.

The first regular pastor was the Rev. Calvin Butler, who remained with the church until 1834, when he removed to Washington, Ind. After this the church for some time enjoyed the ministr}^ of Rev. Mr. McAfee, who was at that time laboring in the Presbyterian church at Henderson.

In the year 1S37 Rev. Jeremiah R. Barnes took up his residence permanently in the place and was invited to become pastor of the church. During this year occurred the division of the Presbyterian denomination into the " Old School " and " New School." The Evansville church became a part of the " New School " body, transferring its connection from the presbytery of Vincennes to the presbN'tery of Salem, and so remained until the union of 1S70 made the denomination one again. Mr. Barnes was installed as pastor of the church November 25, 1838. He continued his ministry until the autumn of 1845.

Presb Yteria N Chur Ch

On the first Sabbath of April, in the same year,, Rev. Charles E. Lord became a temporary supply for the church, and continued for one year. Duringhis ministry the church building underwent considerable repairs. The whole interior was changed. External changes were also made, including the addition of a belfrv and bell.

On the 2Sth of October, 1849, Rev. William H. McCarer began his ministry as pastor, and continued his labors in this capacity until April, 1868 - a period of more than eighteen years. Mr. McCarer's pastorate was the longest, and in man}- respects the most eventful in the history of the church. When he came to the church it consisted of about thirty members. During his ministry 272 members were added. The church enjo3'ed several seasons of marked religious awakening during these years. Growing up with the city and being identified with its people in every good work, not only as pastor of this church, but also afterward in the First Avenue church, his name became a household word in very many homes outside of his own church and all churches where his ministrv was felt and his consolations enjoyed in the time of trouble. His memory is cherished b}- all who knew him, as a good citizen and faithful minister of the gospel of Christ. During his ministry, and very largely under the inspiration of his faithful and untiring labors, the present church edifice was erected. The foundations were laid in the year 1859. The basement of the church was first occupied in February, 1 86 1. There the services were held for two years. The completed church w'as formall}- dedicated on the first Sabbath of February, 1863, Rev. Dr. Tuttle, president of Wabash College, preaching the sermon. This edifice, at the corner of Walnut and Second streets, was designed by J. D. Bulton, of Philadelphia, and is built in the Norman style of architecture, being characterized bj' great size, elevation, simplicity and strength, with the use of the semi-circular arch, massive columns, and a great \arietyof ornaments, and crowned with two spiral towers. The value of the structure was probabh' $60,000, and for general attractiveness, convenience of arrangements and neatness of finish, is very noteworthy. It is 125x80 feet large, and the auditorium 65x100 feet, and will seat 1,050 persons.

In this connection it may be proper to mention the fact that the church has a most beautiful and commodious parsonage property'. For this the congregation is indebted to the generosit}^ of Mr. James L. Orr and his sister, Mrs. Martha J. Bayard, who erected the parsonage as a memorial to their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Orr - two of the beloved and honored dead who were so long identified with the church. Nearly ten thousand dollars worth of property was thus transferred to the ownership of the church as a perpetual contribution to the cause of Christ and the good of the community. Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, D. D., succeeded Mr. McCarer in the pastorate, commencing his ministr\' to the church July 5, 1868. His pastorate continued for three years, when he was called to the First Presbyterian church of Indianapolis. The church was greatly prospered under his ministry. One hundred and fifty-eight were added to the membership, and much was done in a systematic way for various forms of mission work at home and abroad. After the resignation of Dr. Kumler, Rev. Alexander Sterritt supplied the pulpit for some months. In July, 1872, a call was extended Rev. Samuel Carlisle, who commenced his labors with the church in the autumn of the same year. Mr. Carlisle's pastorate continued until

July, 1875. He was succceeded by Rev. Charles H. Foote, D. D., who began his services in November, 1876, and continued as pastor until September, 1878. After the resignation of Dr. Foote, Rev. J. Q. Adams was invited to become the stated supply of the church, and in October, 1879, was regularly called to the pastorate. His ministry with the church continued until September, 1881, when he tendered his resignation, and accepted a call to labor in California. After the departure of Mr. Adams, Rev. S. M. Dodge was invited to supplv the pulpit, and began his connection with the church December 25th, 1881. In March, 1S83, Mr. Dodge was called to the pastorate, but was never formally installed. He closed his ministry to the church in September, 1883, and, like his predecessor, entered a tield of labor in the state of California. On December 23, 1883, a call was extended to Rev. L. M. Gilleland, who entered on his work February 10, 1884, was formally installed May 18, and has continued as pastor of the church until the present time. The fruits of success have attended his labors. The membership now numbers 300, and the church is in a very prosperous condition. The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condition; Mr. James L. Orr is its superintendent. Its membership, including that of a mission Sunday-school on Columbia street, is 350. During the summer of 1886 the church was extensively repaired and improved.

Rev. Leland M. Gilleland was born in Butler county. Pa., June 7, 1843. Having graduated from Washington and Jefferson college, at Cannonsburg, Penn., in 1868, he entered the same year the theological seminary at Chicago, where he spent three years, graduating in 1871. In 1870 he was licensed to preach, and immediately upon leaving the seminary accepted a call to the church of White Pigeon, Mich., where he was ordained and installed in April, 1871. In August, 1877, he accepted a call to the church of Tidioute, Penn., where he remained until Januar}-, 1884, when he entered upon his pastoral work at the church whose history is here recorded. In addition to his other labors, Mr. Gilleland has always taken special interest in educational matters, and for a time taught Latin and Greek in the high school of Tidioute, delivering also, at stated intervals, to the school a course of lectures upon special subjects. At present he is a member of the board of trustees of Hanover College, Hanover, Ind., one of the leading educational institutions of the state. During the summer of 1881 he spent several months in foreign travel, and his popular lectures upon subjects suggested by his travels, have been received with great favor and appreciative interest. He has always been a tireless worker, a zealous preacher, full of life and enthusiasm, and withal a tender pastor and a prudent man of affairs.

Grace Prcshyteria)i Church. - In the 3'ear 1837, the Presbyterian church in the United States of America separated into two distinct ecclesiastical bodies, known as the Old School and New School Presbyterian churches. The division was happily healed by the organic reunion of the two branches in 1869. As an incidental result of the general division, the church in this city was divided; the majority, composing the Walnut Street Presbyterian church, adhering to the new school assembly, while the minority instituted the Vine Street Presb3'terian church, in connection with the old school assembly. While these two churches have since maintained their distinct existence, their denominational separation ceased in the reunion of the two assemblies when both came under the same ecclesiastical control. Grace church was organized under the cor- porate name of "Evansville Presbyterian cliurch," in 183S, by Rev. Hugh H. Patten, of the presbytery of Vincennes, to which presbytery the church adhered after the division of 1837. The original members were six: B. F. Dupuy, Mrs. Mary G. Dupuv, Miss Augusta Dupuy, Miss JuHa Dupuy, Boyd Bullock and Mrs. Anne Bullock. B. F. Dupu}' and Boyd Bullock were ordained and installed elders. The first meetintrs were held in the court-house at the corner of Third and Main streets. The first pastor of the church was Rev. J. V. Dodge, who was ordained and installed June 6, 1841. It is a pleasing reminiscence of those early da^s that the ordination took place in St. Paul's Episcopal church, which was kindly tendered for the occasion. Mr. Dodge continued as pastor till 1850, the church enjoying two precious revivals under his ministry, as a result of which large numbers were added to its memberships, and at the conclusion of his pastorate 120 names were on the roll. He is still an habitual worshipper with the congregation and has always contributed to the welfare of the church by his v-alued counsel and cordial co-operation in every good work. Upon his resignation of the pastorate in 1850, he was succeeded by Rev. J. N. Saunders, who, owing to ill health, held the charge for only one year. The next pastor was Rev. Alexander Sterret, who was installed in 185 1, and continued till September 14, 1865, a pastorate fruitful of much good, and precious to the memory of many who still remain. Rev. C. B. H. Martin was installed as pastor May i, 1866, and was released from the pastoral charge in the fall of 1 88 1. Dr. Martin was one of the most intellectual, scholarly and eloi^uent men in this part of the state, and during his fifteen years of service in this field, did much good in the upbuilding of the church. In the summer of 1882, Rev. James L. McNair was installed as pastor and continued in that relation till September, 1887. Mr. McNair was a faithful and efficient worker; during his pastorate the pleasant and commodious parsonage was erected, costing $7,051.00, and 133 names were added to the church roll, seventy-five of them on profession of faith. Rev. Edward F. Walker, the present pastor, was chosen December 21, 1887, and installed April 22, 1888.

This distinguished clergyman was born at Steubenville, Ohio, January 20, 1852. His father, Benjamin F. Walker, a native of Pennsj'lvania, was a California pioneer, and served two years as a soldier in the First California Volunteer Infantry, being honorably discharged at Santa Fe in 1864. He died at San Francisco in 1876 at the age of forty-eight. His wife, Elizabeth J. Treadway, died in Ohio three years previous, at the age of forty-five. The son Edward lived on the Pacific coast from 1864 to 1881, and was married at Santa Cruz, Cal., April 7, 1875, to Miss Ehza A. Bennett, a native of Wisconsin. Their union has given to them six children, of whom the eldest, Francis A., died at the age of seven years. The names of those living are: Edith, Edward B., Mabel, Bertha B. and John P. Mr. Walker began Hfe as a printer, serving his apprenticeship at Stockton, Cal., and then working as a journeyman for two years. He received his education at the University of the Pacific at San Jose, and pursued privately his studies for the ministry. He was ordained by the presbytejy of San Francisco, September 7, 1879, ^""^ then his ministerial service began with the pastorate of the Third Congregational church at San Francisco for one year, followed by that of the First Presbyterian church, Virginia City, Nev., for one year. Then he came east, and after two years' attendance upon the Western Theological Seminary, during which time he was pastor of Glenfield and Long Island churches, he became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, from 1S84 to 1888, and thence was called to Evansville. Since his ordination, he has received at least four hundred members into the church, one hundred of whom were received the year before he came to this city. He is an eloquent and forcible speaker, and a devoted worker in the sacred cause to which he has devoted his life.

The first house of worship owned and occupied by the church was erected in 1843 at a cost of $2,108, at the corner of Vine and Second streets, and, because of its location, became popularly known as Vine Street church. During the long and fruitful ministry of Rev. C. B. H. Martin, the present church edifice was built at a cost, including the lot, of $65,023, and dedicated September 13, 1874. Its style of architecture is the castellated Gothic, its symmetrical proportions combining strength and beauty. Its interior is finished and furnished in the highest style of modern art; and the auditorium has a seating capacity for 700 persons. The church building was erected and dedicated without the incurrence of a debt. Its architect was Robert Boyd; the building committee was composed of the following gentlemen : W. E. French, N. M. Goodlet, L. Ruffner, jr., S. M. Archer, C. Preston, and W. G. Brown. In the same year, 1874, the name of the organization was changed to " Grace Presbyterian church." During the past year there has been constructed a beautiful and convenient lecture room, at a cost of about $17,000, the munificent gift of Mrs. Carohne S. Mackey - in memory of her parents, Judge John and Sarah Law. The church is in a very properous condition, its membership now numbering 250. Its Sunday-school, with Mr. R. M. Millican as superintendent, has a membership of 150. At the present time its ruling elders are : Samuel M. Archer, clerk; William G. Brown, WiUiam D. Ewing, Erastus P. Huston, James T.Walker. J^i'rsi Aveime Presbyterian Church. - The Second Avenue Presbyterian church was organized in December, 1872, with a membership of twentv-five, with Loring G. Johnson as elder. June i, 1873, John Savacool and Otto F. Jacobi were also made elders, and John B. Williams was made a deacon. The Second Avenue church was dissolved November 10, 1875, forty-six members withdrawing for the purpose of forming a new church to be called the First Avenue Presbyterian church, which was organized November 11, 1S755 with Rev. W. H. McCarer as pastor; Otto F. Jacobi, W. H. Wood, and R. L. Brown, elders; J. B. WilHams, W. J. Harvey, and W. Z. Smith, deacons; O. F. Jacobi, Jacob Weintz, Nick Elles, John Greek, and W. J. Harvev, trustees. Immediately upon the organization of the new church steps were inaugurated for the building of a suitable house of worship. The work was rapidly pushed forward, and on April 2, 1876, the new building was dedicated to the service of God with appropriate exercises conducted by Rev. W. H. McCarer. At that time the membership of the church was fifty-seven; about four years passed before it reached a hundred. That God has blessed and prospered it is shown by the fact that it now numbers 300. In the old church Rev. V. B. Van Arsdale was pastor until 1874, when Rev. W. H. Mc- Carer was installed. From that time until his death, in February, 1880, he served the congregation faithfulh- and with great devotion. His was a remarkable career. For nineteen years he was the pastor of the Walnut Street Presbyterian church, and foj- six years pastor of the new charge. His character was full of loveliness and his life full of good works. His successors have been Rev. H. A. Dodge, Rev. Hutchinson, Rev. Linn, Rev. David Van Dyke, and Rev. Joseph S. Grimes, D. D., the present pastor. Dr. Grimes is an able, earnest and eloquent preacher. The Sabbath school has nearl}- 200 members; William Lambert is superintendent. The present trustees of the church are: William A. Heilnian, jr., John Jordon, O. F. Jacobi, Jacob Weintz, WiUiam Newman, W. J. Harvey, and G. E. King.

Cuiubcrlami Presbxtcrian Church. - The reliijious denomination known as the Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized in Dixon count}-, Tenn., in 1810, with three members. So popular were its doctrines, tiiat the number rapidl}- increased, and many missionaries were sent out in various directions, particularly in the south and southwest. As early as 1817 "circuit riders'' crossed the Ohio, and held camp meetings in various portions of southern Indiana. Many converts were made, and a large portion of them associated themselves with the new organization. Among the sturdy pioneer preachers of this church who are still held in precious remembrance b}' many of the people of Evansville and vicinity are: David Lowrv, William Lynn, James Ritchey, Hiram A. Hunter and William McLeskey. The congregation of Cumberland Presbyterians as it now exists in Evansville was formally organized by Rev. William Lynn, with twenty members, in a log schoolhouse in Knight township, January 31, 1841. The brief covenant under which they associated themselves together was as follows: " In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the authorit)* which He has given His church, wc, the undersigned, do, for each other's mutual help and comfort, agree to form ourselves into a society to be known by the name of the Evansville Society, and place ourselves under the care of the Indiana Presbytery, and agree to be governed by the discipline of the Cumberland Presbyterian church." On the same day William Underwood, Stephen D. Hopkins and John C. Henson were elected elders, and Isaac Knight was elected deacon. Mr. Henson acted as clerk of the session for over twenty j-ears. As the number of members residing in Evansville gradually increased, the thought of erecting a house of worship in the city began to be seriously considered. At length, in 1851, a suitable edifice was erected at the corner of Second and Chestnut streets, where the Owen block now stands. This work was accomplished principally by a few men and women, who, though without great wealth, were too deeply interested in the work to admit of failure. Among them were: Mr. and Mrs. John C. Henson, Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Sherwood, Mrs. Judge Foster and Mrs. Paulina McCallister. A few years after its completion, the church was almost totally destroyed by fire, but it was at once rebuilt. During the first five years of its history there was no regular pastor, but the congregation was served by missionaries or pastors from other churches, among whom were: Revs. William Lynn, H. A. Hunter, Benjamin Hall, E. Hall, and J. E. Bates. In 1846, Rev. Samuel Darr commenced preaching with a view to regular pastoral labor. In 1852, after the erection of the first church building, Rev. James Ritchey was installed as pastor. He was followed by Rev. J. S. Jacobs in 1855, who remained but a short time. In 1858, Rev. Aaron Burrows was called to the pastorate. At the breaking out of the war Mr. Burrows entered the confederate army, and was killed in battle. Rev. J. G. White became pastor July 17, i860, and was succeeded July 17, 1865, by

Rev. J. C. Bowden, D. D., who resigned July 24, 1870, to assume the presidency of Lincoln University in Illinois. Dr. Bowden was a popular minister, one of the best of men, a cultured scholar and a true Christian. He died in April, 1873.

On January i, 1871, Rev. W. J. Darby, D. D., was elected to the pastorate, and a few weeks later assumed its duties. To the present time Dr. Darby continues to serve in that relation, and from the beginning of his work has wielded a large influence for good, reaching far beyond the circles of his own church. Tireless in every good and benevolent undertaking, ready and willing always to engage in any effort designed to uplift and elevate the communit}-, zealous and progressive, he has stamped his individuality, not only upon the congregation in his charge, but also upon the community in which he lives. Of clear intellect, pleasing manners, superior tact, and executive ability, and indefatigable in church work, he has been eminently successful. Dr. Darby, a native of Kentucky, received his primary education at Princeton, in that state, entered the University of Michigan in 1S66, and graduated in 1869. Three years later the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by the same institution. In January, 1871, he graduated from the theological department of Cumberland University^, at Lebanon, Tenn., and soon thereafter came to this field of labor.

The rapid growth of the congregation rendered the old church wholly inadequate, and in 1876 a new edifice, handsome in appearance and commodious in its dimensions, was erected opposite the old church on the northeast corner of Second and Chestnut streets. Its dedication occurred September 30, 1877. It is built of brick in the modern Gothic style of architecture, with a main auditorium 61x75 feet in size, with a seating capacity' for 700, pastor's study, parlors, etc. The property cost $50,000.00, of which amount Mr. Marcus Sherwood contributed $12,000.00. Tlie church membership has constantly increased for many years, especially during the administration of Dr. Darby, there being now, in round numbers, 600 members, with thirty officers. The church has done a large amount of evangelistic and benevolent work. The headquarters of two of the general benevolent enterprises of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination are located in Evansville - the board of directors of each being made up from the officers or members of this congregation. They are the woman's board of foreign missions and the board of relief for disabled ministers and the widows and orphans of deceased ministers. Each receives and distributes many thousands of dollars every year. The present trustees are: Wilham Hacker, S. B. Sansom, E. L. Cody, Charles S. Fendrick and Alvah Johnson.

In 1874 a mission Sunday-school was organized in the upper portion of the city and for its accommodation a neat brick chapel was erected a few months later at a cost of $4,000. This mission has grown into a church, now called the Jefferson Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian church. On June ist, 1888, Rev. J. H. Miller was employed as assistant to Dr. Darby, his field of labor being chiefly connected with the Jefferson Avenue and Hebron (in Knight township) churches. ' Mr. Miller is now pastor of these charges. Large flourishing Sabbath schools are connected with the churches. That at the parent church has an average attendance of 375, and is superintended by Dr. J. C. Mc- Clurkin; that at Jefferson Avenue church has an average attendance of 150, with Mr. J. H. Barrows as superintendent.

Methodist Episcopal Church

of Methodism in what is now Vanderbui-jrli county antedates the history o£ Evansville The first settlers had hardly raised their rude log cabins within the present boundaries of the county before the itinerant preachers began to push their way into the wilderness and preach the word of God wherever a handful of men and women could be brought together. As early as 1811 the Patoka circuit was formed embracing the whole country of the Wabash valley below Vincennes, and extending along the Ohio river nearly to the falls of the Ohio at Louisville. This circuit was in the Wabash district and western conference. The preachers appointed to the circuit visited this neighborhood, in their regular rounds, for thirteen or fourteen years before the permanent organization of a society was effected. The first rider of the circuit was Rev. Benjamin Edge, and the first presiding elder Rev. James Axley. The succeeding pioneer preachers were: Revs. John Smith, 1812, with the eccentric and energetic Peter Cartwright as presiding elder; James Porter, 1813; John Scripps, 1814; Thomas A. King, 181 5; Daniel McHenry and Thomas Davis, 1S16; Thomas Davis, 181 7; John Wallace and Daniel McHenry, i8i8;John Wallace, i8i9;Elias Stone, 1820; James L. Thompson, 1821; Ebenezer Z. Webster, 1822; William Medford, 1823; William H. Smith and George Randall, 1824. The names of some of these early preachers became household words in the Christian homes of the new country. Burning with zeal, the}- allowed no barrier to keep them from their work. In severe weather and at all times they braved every hardship, and traveled hundreds of miles on foot through the then wilderness, preaching the word and calling sinners to repentance. The organization of classes was everywhere vigorously prosecuted. In the cabins of the settlers, or in the open woods in all the settlements, preaching was held as fre<juently as possible and converts as well as those who had brought Methodism with them in their hearts from their old homes were brough together in classes. But there is no reliable evidence of the formation of a class int Vanderburgh county prior to that organized in Evansville in 1825. The year 1819 witnessed the settlement in southwestern Indiana of man}' men of intelligence and great moral worth. Many of these were Methodists who came from across the sea to build new homes for themselves and their descendants in this land of liberty. Perhaps none were more closely identified with the firm establish, ment of Methodism in Evansville than Robert Parrett and Joseph Wheeler, both pioneer local ministers who did much in their day and generation to advance the cause of morals, education and religion in southern

Robert Parrett was born in England February 14, 1791. His early education and trainin<r were of a character suitable for his acceptance, at a proper age, of a living under the church of England. But his reading and associations inclined him to accept the teachings and religious views advanced b)- John Wesley. About the year 1816 the family of Mr. Parrett emigrated to the United States, and here, in a new countr}', his liberal views became more firmly fixed and resulted in his active participation in the advancement of the tenets of the Methodist faith. In 1819 he located in Posey county and spent the years of his early manhood in the business of farming. At the same time he put himself in communication with the pioneer Methodists of the day and contributed his full share toward the establishment of that branch of the Christian church in southwestern Indiana.

and an elder brother, the Rev. Richard Wheeler, both men of education and refinement and devoted to the propagation of the doctrines of Methodism, had reached Evansville from England and taken up their residence in the blue grass settlement in the northern part of the county. These three men were brought together through the instrumentality of the Rev. John Schrader, who had begun to preach within the Patoka circuit in 1814.

In the double log warehouse of Hugh Mc- Garv, on Saturda)', December 12, 1819, the first INIethodist sermon in Evansville of which any account can be found, was preached by the Rev. John Schrader, the services being attended by Revs. Robert Parrett and Joseph Wheeler. It has been said by one having an extensive acquaintance with pioneer preachers that " No name will ever possess a loftier, purer and sweeter ring among the descendants of the early pioneers than that of John Shrader." Evansville had already been fixed as a point in the Patoka circuit for stated preaching of the gospel, and had been taxed 56^ cents per quarter for the support of the ministry-. At the first Methodist meeting held in McGary's warehouse it was arranged that the Rev. Robert Parrett and the two Wheeler brothers should conduct religious services regularly at that place, each of them once every six weeks, and the appointments w-ere so arranged that there was divine service at that warehouse every other Sunday, besides an occasional extra sermon by the circuit rider.

Thus matters continued until the spring of 1 82 1, when the few Methodists in Evansville obtained permission from Dr. John W. Shaw to use the front room of his new residence, then in process of erection, as a place of worship. The building was weatherboarded and lathed, but not plastered. This house stood on the present site of the Chandler block on First street between Locust and Walnut. The Shaw mansion continued to be occupied by the Methodists as their place of worship until the early part of 1824, when the congregation obtained use of a large room adjoining the Warner tavern, where the meetings were continued for the next three years.

It occupied the space next to the operahouse near the corner of First and Locust streets, and was called the " den," for here the fast 3^oung men of the village congregated to play cards and drink, but the clever tavern-keeper, when it w-as time for the preacher to come around, had it vacated, swept and cleaned. Thus side by side, from the same vantage ground, vice and virtue began the struggle for the mastery in this communit}'.

In the spring of 1825 Mr. Parrett took up his permanent residence in Evansville, and continued to reside in Vanderburgh count}^ until the day of his death. While there had been gospel preaching in the village by the Methodist clergyman with some degree of regularity during the preceding six years, it does not appear that there had been any church regularly organized. On, Sunday, the 19th day of May, 1825, Father Parrett organized the first regular class at this place, consisting of Robert Parrett, his wife, Martha Parrett, Edward Hopkins, his wife, Mary Hopkins, Jane Lewis, Abraham P. Hutchinson, Arthur McJohnson, his wife, Mary Mcjohnson, Hannah Robinson, Jane Warner and Mrs. Seaman. With this class the Methodist church in Evansville may be said to have been firmly organized, and from that day forward it has grown and strengthened with the growth and advancement of the city's population. Though the church was established upon an enduring basis, it yet had no stated place of worship. The membership being small, and as with all pioneers, their resources limited, it was not possible to build a church edifice. The old court-house was partly finished, and in the winter of 1827, the services of the sanctuary were removed from the Warner tavern to the court room. The accommodations were of the poorest description. About this time a subscription was set on foot whicli resulted in the building of the "little brick school-house," that stood for many years on the northwest side of the old public square, being for a long time the only school-house in Evansville. In this little school-house or in the court-house, as convenience dictated, tha Methodists continued to worship until their number increased to an extent that enabled them to undertake the erection of a regular church edifice.

As previously indicated,\Villiam H. Smith and George Randle were on the circuit in 1824. About this time Richard Hargrave filled out an unexpired term. In 1825 James Garner and Joseph Tarkington rode the circuit. Their successors were: Asa D. West, 1826; Charles Slocum, 1827; Samuel Cooper, 1828; John Fox and A. Arrington, 1829; John Richey, 1830-1831; Enoch G. Wood, 1832; Enoch G. Wood and Cornelius Swank, 1833; John A. Brouse and M. Reeder, 1834; Isaac Owen, 1835; Isaac McElroy and Wm. Beharrell, 1836; Lemuel M. Reeves and Joseph S. Barwick, 1837; John S. Bayless, 1838.

Under Mr. Bayless this point in the circuit considered itself of sufficient importance to mantain a preacher, and therefore became a station, with fifty-three names on the record, and immediately the building of a church was begun. It was completed and dedicated in 1839. I" size it was 40x60 feet, and was erected at a cost of $5,350.00. This remained the house of worship until 1865 when Trinity Methodist Episcopal church was built. The property was subsequently sold and is now owned by the count)- of Vanderburgh, the building having been converted into rooms for the accommodation of the Vanderburg superior court. In the erection of this church Rev. Robert Barrett acted a conspicuous part. Besides being a liberal donor toward the construction fund the brick for the building of the edifice were made upon his farm. His sons, John, Richard and WiHiam F., wrought diligently in moulding the brick for the kiln, and the two last named drove the teams that hauled the materiii! on the ground where the house was built. Here Father Parrett often preached in his happiest vein, and he continued his diligent labors in the church until called to his final rest.

At this juncture a few words may be properly written touching the lives and characters of these two pioneer preachers. From the organization of the church until he was called home to his reward. Father Parrett never falter _'d in the good work which his hands and heart had willingly undertaken. While the church at Evansville was to him a special charge it must not be supposed that his ministerial labors were confined to his services in behalf of tliis church and in the immediate vicinit}- of his residence. He frequently spent weeks together at campmeetings and other religious gatherings, always willingly taking up his burden in the Master's cause, and testifying earnestly of his faith in the saving power of the grace of God. Methodists of the Indiana conference regarded him as a shining light in their church organization.

Intellectuallv he was a man of rare strength and judgment. His sermons evinced a mind of comprehensive power and commanding logic. He was also at times ver\- eloquent in thought and expression. In the summer of 1827, he delivered an address at Princeton on the life, character and public services of Adams and Jefferson, who died within a few hours of each other, upon the preceding Fourth of July, which was pronounced by such a man as the late Judge Samuel Hall as a masterpiece of truth and eloquence. The Westcni Sun, published at Vincennes by the venerable Elihu Stout, said: " This speech has not been excelled by any of the powerful orations delivered in the senate of our country. "

In civil life he stood exceptionall}- high in the opinion of his fellow citizens. He was never an office-seeker, but in 1858, when there seemed to be a special demand for the best men of the county in the office of county commissioner, he consented to the use of his name in that connection. He was triumphantly elected over several competitors, and was serving in the capacity of a commissioner at the time of his death.

Father Parrett died January' 29, i860, at the age of sixty years, greatly lamented by all who knew him. In his death society lost a good citizen, the church a bright ornament, and his family a counselor whose worth was beyond estimate. But his noble example lives to be cherished and emulated through all the coming time.

Rev. Joseph Wheeler was a native of Oxfordshire, England, born near Oxford, the great English seat of learning,about the year 1778. His family was reared in the English church, but when a mere vouth the teachings of John Wesley took deep root in his mind, and in due time he embraced the faith and became a zealous adherent of the Methodist church. When seventeen years old he was licensed to preach, and, proceeding to London, entered actively into missionary work. He took a devoted interest in spreading the new faith among the people of that great metropolis and along the country lanes, forming classes wherever a handful could be erot tosrether.

When about forty years old he migrated to this country, intending to proceed to Albion, 111., but, reaching Evansville in August, 1819, was detained by sickness, and in a few days hearing of the English settlement in the blue grass region, set out to establish himself there. He at once began his labor of love in breaking the bread of Hfe to the scattered denizens of the wilderness : he was a ready and willing helper of the circuit rider and scattered many seeds that ripened into good fruit. While alternating with Father Parrett in preaching at Evansville, he generally came on foot, staff in hand. Father Wheeler preached regularly in Blue Grass and attended all the early day camp meetings, and was one of the most successful preachers in camp meeting work. Later he preached at Mechanicsville and in all parts of that section. He became devotedly attached to the people of that settlement, and they with one accord loved and honored him as a father. He preached there thirty 3-ears and only ceased when increasing years and faiHng strength prevented his engaging in the work. For a time he supplied the pulpit of the Walnut Street Presbyterian church. His religious creed rose above sectarianism, and he looked upon all Christians as brothers in the spirit. Among his best and most devoted friends were some who looked to other altars as a place of worship. He was three times justice of the peace, though never seeking worldly recognition. He was a superior farmer and earnestly industrious in everj^ walk of life. Exceedingly vigorous and robust, he always met his appointments on foot and had the reputation of being a great pedestrian. In 1864, at the ripe age of eighty-six years, after a life well spent and full of good work in his Master's service, Father Wheeler passed to his reward. After the building of the Locust Street church, the following ministers succeeded each other at this station: John Daniels, 1839; Anthony Robinson, 1S40; John Kearns, 1841 and 1842; Samuel Reed, 1843; F. C. Holliday, 1844; William M. Daily, 1845; G. C. Beeks, 1846; W. V. Daniel, 1847; Thomas A. Goodwin, 1848 and 1849; James H. Noble, 1850; James Hill, 1852; C. B. Davidson, 1853 and 1854; E. H. Sabin, 1855 and 1856; Hiram Gilmore, 1857 and 1858; S. T. Gillett, 1859 and i860; B. F. Rawlins, 1861 and 1862; Albion Fellows, 1863. Rev. Mr. Fellows died wiiile in this charge in February, 1865, and was succeeded, in April, 1865, by Rev. C. N. Sims, who ministered to the congregation until 1867. The year 1864 marks another epoch in the history of this congregation. In the winter of this year it was determined to build a new church at the corner of Third and Chestnut streets. The work was pushed forward with wonderful rapidity, and in the winter of 1865 the building was enclosed. In the spring of 1866 it was dedicated to God's service by Rev. Thomas M. Eddy, D. D., assisted by Rev. L. Bowman, D. D. The church is built of brick, in the Florentine style of architecture, with an auditorium 65x90 feet in size, with a seating capacity for 800 persons; a lecture room, 40x70 feet large, and six additional apartments, devoted to pastor's study, organ and parlor purposes. The entire cost of the building was $100,- 000; some $10,000 have been spent in church improvement since.

Since those last mentioned the following ministers have been in charge of the work at the new church, known as Trinity : Reuben Andrus, D. D., 1867-9; -'-'- ^^- Carpenter, 1870-73 (in the spring of 1S72 Mr. Carpenter exchanged pulpits with Rev. II. C. Westwood, of Wheeling, W. Va., Mr. Westwood remaining till the fall of 1873); Earl

Cranston, D. D., 1874; Reuben Andrus, D. D., 1875-77; G. D. Watson, D. D., 1S78; B. F. Rawlins, 1879; F- C. Igleheart, 1880; J. L. Pitner, 1881-2; Frost Craft, 1883-5; J. S. Woods, D. D., 1886, and at present in charge. Trinity has always had in its pulpit the hisrhest order of talent. Each of the names mentioned in the list of its pastors is familiar to Methodists throughout the conference, and in many instances throughout the state of Indiana. The present pastor, Dr. Woods, is a powerful and effective preacher, being Ijgical and convincing in argument, unique in his style of thought and manner of presentation, happ}' and strikinglj' original in the choice of illustrations, fervent and true in appeal and possessing a vast fund of information on which he draws, to the delight of his hearers, with the skill characteristic of a trained intellect.

Dr. Woods was born in Morgan county, Ind., October 11, 1833, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Shell) Woods. His father, a nati\e of Ireland, born about 1806, came with his parents to America when a child. His mother was born in East Tennessee about 1809. They came to Indiana about 1830 and settled as pioneers in Morgan count)^ They were pious Methodists, hved useful lives, and were respected by all. Dr. Woods was reared on the farm, attended the district schools, and learned the wagonmaker's trade with his father, which he followed for eight years. In 1855 he professed religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal church. He wasHcensedtopreachin 1856, and two years later was admitted to the Indiana conference. His first appointment was to the Williamsburg circuit, in 1S5S, and in 1S66 he was appointed to his first station, at Princeton. Thereafter he labored at Mt. Vernon and New Albany in this state. In 1876 he was appointed presiding elder of the Indianapolis district, and after four years returned to New Albany, whence he went to Vincennes. In 1884 he was appointed presiding elder of the Evansville district, and after three years was appointed pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church. In 1S81 the degree of D. D. was conferred on him bv Asbury, now DePauw, University.

The church is in a very prosperous condition, now having 540 members. Trinity is one of the largest and most influential Methodist churches in the state. She is powerful in any spiritual task she undertakes, and has been the inspiration of man}- of the revivals of religion that have blessed the city. The first Methodist Sunday-school in the city was organized in May, 1837, in the little school-house on Main street. Rev. William M. Elliott being the superintendent, and twenty-two scholars being enrolled the first day. The work of this Sunday-school in the advancement of religion and the betterment of society, is beyond human reckoning. Rev. William M. ElHott remained superintendent seven years. His successors have been: John Ingle, jr., nineteen 3'ears; W. T. Iglehart, six years; John F. Glover, three years; F. M. Thayer, eight years; Charles E. Scoville, two years; William B. Jaquess, two years; A. W. Emerj', three years; and J. W. Barbour, now serving. The average attendance is 325. The present trustees are: Joseph P. Elliott, J.E. Iglehart, William F. Parrett, George Lant, Lee Howell, L. S. Clarke, R. Ruston, Geo. P. Heilman, James Scantlin.

7iio/e Street Methodist Episcopal Church. - The Methodists of the old Locust Street church estabished a mission which in 1S51, was organized into Ingle Street church with twentyfive members under the charge of Rev. Daniel Cloud. The pastors in succession have been: Revs. W. McK. Hester, W. F. Mason, J. H. Ketcham, M. M. C. Hobbs,

Jesse Walker, L. M, Walters, A. Turner, Hayden Hays, J. B. Likely., James Hill, J. H. Clippenger, William E. Davis, J. W. Webb, E. Hawes, J. A. Scammahorn, William Telfer, J. V. R. Miller, John Walls, Morris S. Woods and C. E. Asbury, tlie pastor now in charge. Mr. Asbury was born in Owen county, Ind., thirty-one years ago and was graduated at DePauw University, at Greencastle, in 1881. He at once began his ministerial work and soon gave abundant evidence of his fitness as a laborer in the Master's vineyard. Of generous impulses, strong convictions, and great force of character, he wields a large influence for good. In 1852 this congregation built its first house of worship, which was continued in use until it became wholly inadequate for the comfortable accommodation of the growing congregation. About 1874 a handsome new structure was erected on Ingle street between Seventh and Eighth. It is built of brick in modern Gothic style, 40x70 feet in dimensions, the main auditorium seating 250 comfortably, and the prayer-meeting room seating 100. During the past year, the church has been much improved and beautified at a cost of $3,000. From its foundation this church has manifested great zeal in revival work. The membership has at times grown to large proportions. hX present it numbers 180. The Sabbath-school - George L. Daum, sr., superintendent, has an average attendance of 175.

Kiiii^-slcv Methodist Episcopal Church. - As a mission of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church, Kingsley was organized in 1868 and placed in charge of Rev. Edwin Mcjohnston, a local minister, one of the early settlers of Vanderburgh county, and a true Christian. For some time the society worshipped in Mr. Mcjohnston's wareroom, on the corner of Eighth and Canal streets, but efforts were very early made to provide a suitable house for the worship of God. A frame building, costing about $2,500 and of sufficient size to comfortably seat 400, was erected at the corner of Eighth and Gum streets, and in 1869 was dedicated, Rev. Reuben Andrus, D. D., then pastor of Trinit}', officiating. The following pastors followed Rev. Edwin Mcjohnston in the work, at this station: Revs. John Poucher, Francis Walker, W. W. Rundell, R. B. Martin, James Dixon, W. H. Grim, J. W. McCormick, I. N. Thompson, M. S. Heavenridge, John W. Payne, Samuel Reed and G. W. Fanchler, the present pastor, who has recently entered upon the first year of his work at this place. The church now has about 200 members. From its organization the Sunday-school at Kingsley has been a bright spot in the results of church work. Its first superintendent was Mr. John F. Glover, who exercised great zeal and intelligence in the work of caring for the moral welfare of the children. The school has been blessed and prospered by God at all times. There are now in its classes 17S children. Mr. Edward Blackman is at present the superintendent.

Simpson C/iapcl Mcthodht Episcofal Church. - In the . fall of 1859, the conference made an appropriation for the establishment of a mission at Evansville, and appointed Rev. E. H. Sabin missionar)', who, upon coming to his work, organized at Ingle street the first quarterly conference, and selected a site for a church on Pennsylvania street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues. The work of construction was soon commenced, and the building was completed in Februar\-, 1861. This church was then known as the Pennsylvania Street Methodist Episcopal church, but later the building was sold, and the present edifice at the corner of Illinois street and Eleventh avenue was erected at a cost of about $3,000. With appropriate ceremonies the chapel was dedicated in April, 1884. The following is a list of the pastors who have served the church since its organization: Revs. E. H. Sabin, E. Hawes, H. B. Cassavant, J. Waring, John W. Webb, M. Wood, John Maddox, Edwin Mcjohnston, John Poucher, W. E. Robbins, J. W. Culmer, Levi S. Knotts, John Allen, Dr. James Dixon, J. Burr,, J. B. Holloway, William Telfer, S. O. Dorse}', J. F. McGregor, W. E. Davis, G. C. Cooper, George E. Piatt, Paul C. Curnick, W. S. Biddle, John B. Smith and T. P. Walter, the present pastor. The church is in a very prosperous condition, the membership numbering 128. The Sabbath school has an average attendance of about 300.

First German J^Iclhudist Episcopal Church. - Organized in 1842, this was the (irst church formed by the German Methodists of the cit}'. After four years the congregation had become able to build a house of worship costing $1,263, which was devoted to this use twenty-two years, when it was replaced at a cost of $34,621.00, bv a commodious brick structure now in use and standing at the corner of Fourth and Vine streets, on the very spot where was located the first used by the early citizens of Evansville. When dedicated, this church was said to be one of the largest and finest German Methodist churches in the United States. The following pastors have served the charge: Peter Schumaker, 11. Koeneke, M. Mulfinger, John Hoppen, Christian Wittenback, Fr. Heller, John Bier, Charles Schelper, Henry Lich, Fr. Becker, John Reimer, John Hoppen, G. A. Breuriig, John II. Lukemyer, John Reimer, Gottloeb Trefz, P. F. Schneider, Fr. Schimmelpfennig, C. Bozenhard, John C. Weidman, John W.

Roecker, G. Nachtrieb, J. H. Lich, and E. F. Wunderlich, the present pastor, who took up the work here in 1887. Under the efficient labors of its pastors the church has maintained a steady growth, its present membership numbering 300. An interesting Sunda3--schooI with an average attendance of 200, witli Frank Weil as superintendent, is connected with the church. The members of the tirst quarterly conference were : Conrad Herchelmann, William Elliott, Jacob Kehrt, Peter Knauz, John Jugle, John Muth, Andreas Roth, Charles Kellar, John Kappler, and Carl Wiewel; and those of the present quarterly conference are : E. Weber, A. K. Stork, John Habbe, Jacob Meyer, Mike Meyer, A.P. HoeIcher,Jacob Schwambach, J. D. Becker, George Roessner, J. C. Muth, William Mull, Fred Tosettel, G. Herth, Phillip Gourdan, L. Roth, R. Blemker, E. Holtkamp and M. Manger. The present pastor is an able executive as well as a good preacher. The church is out of debt and in a prosperous condition both temporally and spiritually.

Second German Methodist episcopal Church, on south side of Indiana street, between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues, was established as a mission in 18S7, and the church building, a small, neat frame structure, costing $1,403.00, was dedicated by Rev. E. F. Wunderlich on the 23d of October in that year. Rev. John C. Speckmann was the first pastor, his successor being Rev. John Bockstahler. The church now has 25 members and a small but growing Sunday-school. Two charges in the country are also attended by the pastor.

African Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. - This society first worshipped in an old frame building on East Tennessee street, but now has a neat frame church located atNo. i704Fulton avenue. Among the pastors who have had charge were Revs. Hardin, Temple and

Fifth Methodist Episcopal Church ( colored") . - This church has a very small membership and holds its services in a rented room, northeast corner Garfield avenue and Illinois street. Rev. Stephen Anderson is the pastor.

AfricanMethodist Episcopal Church. - This society was organized in 1843 in a log cabin near the river, by Rev. George Johnson, its first pastor. The present church building on Fifth street near Walnut street is 70x40 feet in size, and cost $5,000.00. The following pastors have ministered to the congregation: Revs. George Johnson, William Curtis, Elisha Weaver, Daniel Winslow, Levi Bass, Charles Rollins, H. Green, A. Brooks, A. T. Hall, B. McCarry, Henry Brown, W. S. Sankford, J. H. Alexander, Johnson Mitchem, M. Lewis, Dr. D. P. Roberts, James Simpson, D. S. Bentley, H. H. Thompson, and Jesse Bass, the present able pastor. The church is one of the strongest in the city, its present membership numbering 325.

Eree Methodist Church. - This branch of the Methodist church clings to the original and simple faith of the primitive members, having organized as a distinctive branch at Pekin, N. Y., in i860. They believe in simplicity in everything, in dress, houses of worship and manner of fife. Their requirements and discipline of members are very risrid. The denomination has made some progress and cherishes the hope of re\'iving the spirit of primitive Methodism. The work of the church has been among the poor and humble, from whence chiefly their earnest ministers have been taken. The church in this city was established largely under the labors of J. W. Vickery, a local preacher.

Episcopal Church

The church, a neat frame building worth $2,000, IS situated at No. 1321 Wahiut street, with a comfortable parsonage attached, and was dedicated by Bishop B. T. Roberts, in 1S72. Among the pastors have been John Hardin, M. C Belem, J. Lewis, and Thomas W. Thornburg, the present pastor, who has had charge for two years. Through Mr. Thornburg's earnestness in his work the church has prospered, now having twenty-five members. The conference of this year has transferred Mr. Thornburg to Danville, 111., and appointed as his successor here, Rev. A. F. Niswanger. A well attended Sunday-school is superintended by Mr. Louis Habenicht.

SL PauPs Episcopal Church. - Existing records do not show that any clergyman of this church ever officiated in Evansville until the year 1835. ^" December, of this year, Right Rev. Jackson Kemper, Bishop of the Northwest, came to Evansville and preached to the people. Rev. A. H. Lamon was probably here at that time. On January 9, 1836, a meeting was held in the store of Messrs. Goodsell & Lyon, and there a Protestant Episcopal church to be known as St. Paul's church, was organized. At that meeting William Town was chairman, and James Lockhart, secretary. Frederick E. Goodsell and John Mitchell were elected wardens, and John M. Dunham, Ira French, James Lockhart, Joseph Wheeler, jr., and William Town were elected vestrymen. January 17, following. Rev. A. H. Lamon was invited to take pastoral charge of the new church. He accepted, and meetings were held in the old court-house. Here they remained until 1840, but the place was unavoidabl}- distasteful to cliurchmen. Before tiie parish was a year old the subject of a church building was earnestly discussed. At lengtli the rector and vestry were empowered to obtain an eligible lot on which to erect a temple to God. A building committee was appointed January 7, 1839, consisting of John Mitchell, William B. Butler, F. E. Goodsell, Nathan Rowley, and Joseph Wheeler, jr. Soon thereafter ground was broken and earnest work on the new edilice was commenced. The energetic rector was so deeply interested in it that he even carried brick for the walls. On January 12, 1840, it was solemnly set apart for the service of God, by Right Rev. Jackson Kemper. For forty-three years the conjrrerfation worshipped in this house, which was of brick, 40x70 feet, with a ceiling 20 feet high. It was a comfortable and commodious house, and architecturally considerably in advance of the ordinary church structures of those days.

Mr. Lamon served as rector until 1844, when he resigned. He was indefatigable in his efforts to build up the church, and his Christian character was admired by all. While caring for and nursing yellow fever sufferers in Louisiana he contracted the disease and died. His heroism was undoubted and his consecration entire. In 1845 Rev. N. A. Okeson took charge of the parish and resigned in the following year. For a time Rev. W. Vaux held occasional services. November 5, 1847, Rev. Charles A. Foster was elected rector. Mr. Foster was finely educated and his attainments were of a high order. He was an eloquent and a forcible speaker. In June, 1856, he was succeeded b}- Rev. Anthony Ten Broeck, a man of culture and sound churchmanship, and tenacious of the rubrics, but, on account of the austerity of his manners, he was not popular with many of his parishioners. From November, 1857, to January, i860, Rev. Sidney Wilbur, a young, energetic and zealous man, served as rector. Rev. Elias Birdsall was next called to the rectorship. He remained five years; his pastorate was a happy and successful one; he was beloved, honored and respected by all who knew him. Rev. Henry Spalding assumed charge of the parish in January, iS66. His pastorate was crowded with noble, energetic and zealous work in all the avenues of church activit}'. The old church was much beautified, and aggressive Christian missionary and Sunday-school work was carried on. Rev. Mr. Strong followed Mr. Spaulding, remaining but four months. The next rector was Rev. Wl H. Van Antwerp, a cultured scholar and Christian gentleman, who had the respect and confidence of all. From the fall of 1874 to November, 1879, Rev. W. N. Webb was in charge of the parish. He was succeeded by Rev. T. J. Holcombe, who remained only eighteen months. In November, 1882, Rev. Charles Morris, the present rector, was called to the pastorate. Mr. Morris was born in Lynchburg, Va., about thirty-five years ago. When he was ten years of age his father removed to New York, and there he received his rudimentary training. In 1867 he entered William and Mary College, and upon his graduation, took up the study of law at Richmond College, Va., receiving the degree of LL. B. He practiced law for two years, then went to New York, whence he soon returned to Virginia with the intention of entering the Virginia Theological Seminar}'. He was graduated from this mstitution, and then entered the ministry. His first parish was Ashland, Va., whence he went to Hopkinsville, Kv. As a preacher he is plain, earnest, direct, forcible, practical. As a pastor he is affable, kind-hearted and pleasing. He combines the quahties of a good pastor and and a good preacher. Services were held for the last time in the old church on April 15, 1SS3. On his arrival Mr. Morris began agitating the question of erecting a new church, and his efforts bore early fruit. In the spring of 1883 it was determined to build. Messrs. Charles Viele, M. J. Bray, jr., and A. H. Lemcke were appointed a building committee. Mr. Viele gave the use of Viele Hall to the church as a temporary place of worship; the old church was dismantled and torn down, and the work of erecting the new building went forward steadily, under the wise direction of the committee. On March 2, 1886, the congregation assembled in the new house for the purpose of dedicating it to the service of God. The Bishops of Indiana and Illinois and twelve other ministers were present, to assist in the ceremonies, which, from first to last, were solemn, impressive and long to be remembered. The building cost upward of $50,000. Its foundation lies in the form of a cross; its style is exquisitely Gothic; its proportions are nicely adjusted; the abutments and windows are judiciously placed; the colors of the materials are harmoniously blended; the tower and spire rise 124 feet heavenward; and the whole is crowned by a large gilded cross, which towers high over all, drawing the eyes of men toward it from all parts of the city, and emphasizing the words of Christ: "If I be hfted up, I shall draw all men unto me." The entire structure is an architectural triumph, and a lasting monument to those who erected it. In 1865, a parsonage was built at a cost of $5,582.30, the greater portion of which was contributed by Mrs. Charles Viele, by whose munificence the church is being constantly blessed. In 18S5, for $7,000, Mr. Charles Viele bought the large brick residence of the late Hon. John S. Hopkins, and recently remodeled and repaired it for use as a rectory. It is now a beautiful, modern dwelling. The present membership of St. Paul's is 320. The Sabbath school has an average attendance of 150; the rector is superiq- tendent, and E. N. Viele is assistant. The present vestrymen are: H. A. Cook, M.J. Bray, S. W. Douglass, S. S. Scantlin, E. N. Viele, A. S. Green, C. F. Artes, George W. Newman and F. B. Emer\-.

Church of the Holy ] n)iocc)its. - This church was organized in 1868, and the same year the propert}', corner of Ninth and Division streets, was presented to the diocese by Mrs. Charles Viele. At a cost of about $25,000.00 the church building was also erected by Mrs. Viele, and dedicated on March 3, 1869, by Right Rev. Bishop J. C. Talbot. Two little children had been taken from Mrs. Viele b\' death, and she built this monument with a finger pointing to another life, and here the tender love of motherhood, sympathy for fellow-creatures and devotion to the cross, have a comel\- personation for all time to come. The following rectors have had charge of the church: Rev. Spruile Burford, 1868-1870; Richard T. Kerfoot, 1870-1875; R. C. Talbott, jr., 1876-1879; A. O. Stanley, 1879-1881; John K. Karcher, March to October, 18S1; John A. Dooris, 1S81-1885; L. F. Cole, 1885 to November ist, 1888, when he resigned. The present officers of the church are: W. \V. Flagler and John Ficthner, wardens; Charles Viele, John L. A\ery, Levi D. Lockyear, William R. Carroll and John Constance, vestrymen. There are now 120 communicants. The Sabbath school is in a prosperous condition, having an average attendance of 125.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd. - This church, which is a mission under the care of St. Paul's Episcopal church, was established in 1874. 'T'^'^ chapel is on the corner of Michigan street and Third avenue. Rev. Jesse R. Bicknell was the first pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. C. P. Jones, who remained in charge until 1879. For some time the church was without a pastor, the services being read by Mr. W. H. Boniface. At present the parish is in charge of Rev. Charles Morris, of St. Paul's. The church is in a prosperous condition and has an interesting Sunday-school.

First Baptist Church. - The Baptists were among the earliest of the pioneer Christian workers. Thej' labored with great zeal and made many converts. Elder Ezekiel Saunders and Elder John B. Stinson were leaders of the two schools that held sway in early times. Churches were established in various parts of the county and camp meetings were annually held. In Evansville the first church building was erected by the followers of Ezekiel Saunders. It was built of hewn logs, and stands to this day as one of the lingering land-marks of olden times, being now used as a stable by Mr. William Dean, a well-known citizen. The oldest Baptist church organization now existing in Evansville, was effected July 4, 1847, when, agreeable to previous notice, several brethren and sisters belonging to Baptist churches met in the hall of the Neptune engine-house, above Main street, chose Rev. N. V. Steadman as moderator, and organized the church. There were present Rev. N. V. Steadman, Rev. E. D. Ow-en and wife, of Indianapolis, J. P. Matthews, Alvira D. Stoddard and S. Z. Millard, of Henderson, Ky., Elizabeth Beesley, of Cranfield, England, and Merriam Wilcox.

At subsequent meetings quite a number of additions were made, and on July 31st, the church held its first communion service. November 7, 1847, Sister Sarah Kazar (now Mrs. Judge Foster), was received into the church by baptism, and on November nth. Sister Elizabeth Turnock was received by letter. These two sisters are yet alive, are still members of the church and residents of Evansville; verily they are mothers in Israel, zealous in the cause of Christ and the welfare of their church. On the 27th of November, 1848, a committee was appointed to select a lot preparatory to the erection of a church building and to solicit subscriptions. The committee was Rev. Steadman and Brother Millard, Sisters Kazar, Turner and Beesley. About 185 1 a lot was purchased on the corner of Second and Clark streets, and on the ist day of February, 1S52, the first meeting was held in the basement and in November, 1853, the building was completed at a cost of $3,000. The membership at that time was only thirty-nine. After the removal of the E. & T. H. railroad depots from that portion of the city in which the church building was located, indications were plainly seen that the central portion of the city would be further eastward and it was decided by the members of the church to sell the building and purchase a lot in a more desirable locahty. Judge M. W. Foster proposed to sell the lot on the corner of Third and Cherry streets for the sum of $Soo. The locality and price being satisfactory the purchase was made. Judge Foster then donated liberally toward its purchase. In 1863 the old building was sold to Maj. Jesse W. Walker, and Marble Hall on Main street was rented and here the church held services for some time, but this arrangement was unsatisfactor}^ and efforts were put forth toward obtaining the means to build a new church edifice. In due time work was commenced, the corner stone being placed in position by Sisters Sarah K. Foster and Elizabeth Turnock, and on March iS, 1868, the building was dedicated to the service of God by the church and the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Baker. It cost about $25,000, is of brick and has a seating capacity for about 500 persons.

pastors of the church have been: Rev. N. V. Steadman, 1847; Rev. Joseph A. Dixon, 1850; Rev. H. Robb, 1855; Rev. F. D. Bland, 1S56; Rev. H. A. Cook, 1859; Rev. T. E. Veach 1861; Rev. Isaac, Bloomer, 1865; Rev. George F. Pentacost, 1866; Rev. Samuel Raker, 1868; Rev. A. C. Caperton, 1870; Rev. S. F. Thompson, 1871; Rev. H. D. D. Straton, 1874; Rev. A. B. Miller, 1S78; Rev. Ira D. Hall, 1885; Rev. F.J. Cather, 1887; and Rev. D. Heagle, D. D., the present pastor. The trustees have been: Asa Marsh, N. V. Steadman, William Felsted, Charles Morrison and Eben Bray, 1S50; Asa Marsh, Eben Bray, T. W. Simpson, Alfred White, Judge M. W. Foster, 1856; Alfred White, T. W. Simpson, R. S. Cobb, J. D. Wilcox, Judge M. W. Foster, i860; Joseph Turnock, F. C. Gale, Alfred White, T. W. Simpson, Judge M. W. Foster, 1862. In 1863, a vacancy occurred by the death of Judge Foster, and, b}' a unanimous vote, Dr. I. Haas was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1871, F. C. Gale, having removed from the city, John J. Roach was elected to fill his place. Thus in twenty-six years only two changes have been made. The clerks have been: J. P. Matthews, N. V. Steadman, A. L. Robinson, William C. Turnock. Perhaps the most marked instance of devotion shown by a true and genuine Baptist belie\-er is that of Mother Elizabeth Turnock, who took her letter from the Philadelphia church, March 30, 1837, and removed to the west, settling within fourteen miles of Evansville, then a little town, and the nearest point to her containing a church of her faith and order. This distance she often walked to attend divine service. Father Joseph Turnock joined the Baptist church in 1853. This aged couple still live, enjoying good health, and the respect of all, and remaining steadfast to the faith of their earlier years.

Baptist Church

Since the organization of the First Baptist church, several missions liave been formed, or, it may be said, additional churches have been organized, which have taken some of the membership of the First church.

On April 6, 1S56, the German church was organized, and held its first meeting in the basement of the First Baptist church. In March, 1H57, a southern Baptist church was organized by the Rev. John Brjxe and Rev. Jacob Cole, of Henderson, Ky. Meetings were held in the old Cumberland Presbyterian church on Chestnut street. It did not become a permanency. In i860, the Robinson Baptist church was formed. It had an existence for about three years, after which nearly all the membership returned to the First church. In 1885, the Unity Baptist church was organized by the Rev. D. B. Miller, and prospered for about two years, and then ceased to hold meetings. In 188S, about fifteen or twenty members of the First church withdrew, and organized the present Baptist Calvary church. The congregation holds its meetings in the upper rooiTi of the engine-house, on Third street, near Walnut. The Rev. Fleming, of Boonville, preaches twice a month.

General Baptist Church. - This church was organized in this city in July, 1866. Elders Benoni Stinson, Alvah Parker, and George W. Moore being appointed by the General Baptist church in Perry township to constitute the church. A year after the organization was effected the society built a house of worship on Indiana street, between Wabash and Tenth avenues, which was afterward removed to the present site, corner Indiana street and Twelfth avenue. The church is a neat frame edifice built at a cost of $1,260.00, including the ground. Rev. George W. Moore was the first pastor, serving for fourteen years, and what growth the church has enjoyed has been due largely to his leadership. Rev. J. Blackburn succeeded Mr. Moore. Rev. William II. Ivey, the present pastor, has had charge for two years. He is an efficient worker and is much respected. At the commencement there were but twenty-eight members, but before the building was completed the membership grew to nearly 100. At this time the number remains about the same. Ezekiel Burdette is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which numbers about sixty. The members of this church worship according to the belief and doctrine promulgated in early days by Elder Benoni Stinson. They are a body of ver\' earnest and benevolent Christian workers.

The Old Baptist Church. - Ahoxxt 1835, the followers of Elder Ezekiel Saunders, a pioneer preacher, organized this church, and for a time it prospered, but of late has become verj' weak. The association has no regular pastor, but meetings are held occasionally. It has a small brick church on Mary street between Michigan and Virginia streets.

First German Baptist Churc/i. - This congregation was organized April 6, 1856, and has always been small in numbers. The building is situated on the corner of Edgar and Franklin streets, and is a beautiful frame structure, $1,100 having been spent in improving it during the past year. The society is out of debt and owns church property valued at $5,000.00. It has seventy members and is rapidly growing. The Sundayschool has an attendance of over 100; Henry Ashley, superintendent. The pastor also preaches at a church in German township. The following pastors have ministered to this congregation: Rev. Woertner, Charles Tecklenburg, A. Tranchel, and William Lipphardt, the present pastor.

church was organized in March, 1865, by Col. Woods, a white man, whose devotion and earnestness in the cause among the colored people deserves much commendation. He remained their pastor for the first 3'ear, during which period meetings were held in a small brick dwelling house on Chestnut street. In 1866 a frame church 40x65 feet was erected on the corner of Seventh and Oak streets, the present site of the church building. This was torn down in 1880, when the erection of a large brick church was commenced and completed, but not without a severe trial, for on June 9, 1886, a terrible- cyclone passed over the city, doing much damage, wholly destroying the new and handsome church, then practically finished, occasioning a loss of upward of $7,000. This calamity, it seems, was only a test of the zeal and devotion to God's work of this people, for, undaunted, with the aid of subscriptions and some help from outside sources, they at once proceeded to clear away the debris and commenced building the beautiful structure now in use. It is built of brick, is 60x85 feet, has a seating capacity for 900, and cost $6,500. Rev. Green McFarland became pastor in 1866, and remained until his death, which occurred July 9, 1881. Rev. Dennis Rouse, the present pastor, took charge in October, 1881, and under his faithful ministry the church is growing steadily. During his ministry over 300 members have been received. The membership now numbers 780. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of 175, with Mr. C. H. Lancaster superintendent.

Missionary Baptist Church {colored). - This church was organized in 1870, with a membership of seventy-five. The congregation first worshiped in a small frame church on the present site of the nevy building, which is located on the northwest corner of Virginia street and Twelfth avenue. It is a neat frame church, cost about $1,200, and was built in 1883. The pastors have been Revs. Grant Clay, Dennis Rouse, Jordan Barnett, Henry Beecher, D. T. Carraway and George Dorsey, who is the present pastor. There are 125 members and a good Sunda\--school of 50.

McFarland Chapel [Colored). - This church, named in honor of Rev. Green Mc- Farland, was organized October 15, 18S2, by about 100 members who withdrew from the " Liberty Baptist church," and called Rev. W. H. Anderson to the pastorate, who still remains. Its first meetings were held at the superior court room, on Locust s'.reet, and later in a building on the corner of Fifth and Cherry streets until their new building was finished. The new chapel is of moderate size, built of brick and together with the ground cost $6,000. It was finished and dedicated in 1887. The membership numbers over 300 and the Sunday-school has an attendance of eighty, with A. G. Smith, superintendent. Rev. W. H. Anderson, a learned gentleman, greatly beloved by his congregation, in his labors here is meeting with deserved success. Previous to coming here, he was pastor of the Third Baptist church, Terre Haute, for ten years.

JVew Bethel Baptist Church {Colored). - This branch was organized several years ago. The small congregation of about twent}' members worship in a rented room on Campbell street. Rev. H. T. Green is the pastor.

Catholic Churches. - It was a noticeable feature of the Cathohc priesthood in the pioneer days that wherever they found a community, no matter how small or how widely scattered, wherein they could establish a mission, there the cross was erected and the protecting care of the church spread over the inliabitants. No hardship was accounted too severe and no sacrifice too great to stand in the way of the propagation of a religion which the)- beheved to declare the voice and will of God. The first information of any Catholics residing in the vicinity of Evansville, was communicated in the fall of 1S36, to the Right Rev. Gabriel Brute, first bishop of Vincennes, by Rev. Father Bateux, and the companions of his journey, who lodged on their arrival here, at the Mansion House, then kept by Francis Linck, a citizen well remembered to this day and esteemed by all the older inhabitants of the city. Mr. Linck, born in 1774, was a native of Stockheim, in Wurtemburg, and in 1836 was the only Catholic in Evansville, except perhaps the late John Walsh. In March, 1837, Very Rev. Father De la Ilielandiere, vicar-general of the Rev. Bishop, accompanied by Rev. Father Shawe, visited Evansville with a view of establishing a mission, and on the 3rd day of May, following. Rev. Father Anthon}- De'ydier was dispatched to take charge of the mission.

Father Deydier was born in France, April 30, 1788, and was ordained a priest at the cathedral of Vincennes, March 25, 1837. Very few knew that he had reached the full strength of his manhood when he took upon himself holy orders, and was placed in charge of the mission in this city. While here he lived a blameless and well spent life, unobtrusive in his deportment, but with a kind word for all. After almost a year's residence at the house of Mr. Linck, in January, 183S, he built a lodge room, 10x15 ^^'^^ svic, at the corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets. Here he made his abode, using his little room as a dwelling and for chapel purposes for about three years. For Sabbath day services larger rooms at the homes of Catholics were occasionally used.

He labored heroically among his people, did much missionary work in the country adjacent to Evansville, and in 1838 made a successful trip to the east to raise funds for the erection of a church building. The histor}' of Catholicism in Evansville since that time is the history of a wonderful growth. The worthy priest who stood by the church in its infancy, lived to see it become rich and powerful with a numerous priesthood within the territory where he once labored alone - lived to see a sturdy oak grown from the acorn planted by his hands. When old age and increasing inhrmities had impaired his usefulness, he retired from the active ministry and, returning to Vincennes, passed the evening of his life in comparative rest, greatly beloved by all who knew him. His death occurred February 11, 1864.

T/ic Assioiipfi'oii Pan's/i. - The Assumption parish was the first Catholic congregation organized south of Vincennes, and remained the sole church until 1851, when the Holy Trinity parish was organized for German-speaking Catholics.

In 1839 a lot on Second street upon which to build Assumption church was secured for the sum of $1,200. In 1840, August 5, the corner-stone was laid by the French Bishop of Nancy, Monseigneur Forbin Jeanson, who was then on a visit to the diocese of Vincennes. Rev. Stephen Badin, the first priest ordained in the United States, preached the sermon on the occasion. In that year Rev. Roman Weinzoepfel, just ordained at Vincennes, was sent as assistant to Father Deydier. In 1849 Rev. Patrick McDermott became the assistant priest of Assumption parish; he celebrated his first mass in Evansville, Christmas da}', 1849, and became pastor in 1859. The church property on Second street, through the instrumentality of Capt. F. P. Carson, was sold for $50,000, of which $5,000 was due the bishop and paid to him; and in April, 187 1, the present site of Assumption church, corner of Seventh and Vine streets, was purchased. Work on the present church began in 1872, and on the 7th da}' of July of that year the corner-stone was laid b}' Bishop de St. Palais. Very Rev. Bede O'Connor was the orator. Father McDermott built the church on the grand scale in which it is now seen. He labored with zeal and saintly ardor until 1879, when, much to the regret of his parishioners, he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's church, Indianapolis, where he died September 13, 1882. From the date of removal of Father McDermott until the appointment of the present Very Rev. pastor, about five months. Rev. John Gueguen, then chaplain of St. Mary's Hospital, had charge of Assumption church. Verv Rev. Eugene F. McBarron took charge November 7, 1879. Under his administration many additions and improvements to the parish grounds and buildings have been made. Among these are a fine hall and school building, a pastoral residence, repairing and frescoing the church and the purchase of twenty feet of additional ground. These represent an outlay of nearly $20,000.

The parish grounds extend 200 feet on Seventh street and 150 feet on Vine street. All the buildings front on the former street. On the corner stands the pastoral residence, a tastefully constructed and happily arranged house, costing upward of ^4,000. About the center of the grounds stands the stately and massive Assumption church, which cost $73,000. The next building is the Sister's house, representing $2,000; and lastl}' the Assumption Hall and school building which is worth over $7,000. These buildings, improvements, grounds, furniture and other parish property are worth the large sum of $123,000. The debt is only $13,000.

Assumption Church is cruciform and of Romanesque style of architecture, 60x90 feet in the transept, 52 feet to ceiling and 149 feet long. It is built of brick, with stone trimmings, and is reputed one of the most substantial and beautiful church edifices in the west.

The Assumption schools consist of four rooms, three of which are taught by the Sisters of Providence, who live in the adjoining residence, and one, the higher grade in the male department, by Mr. John F. Boyle. He has held the position since 1885, and succeeded Mr. T. A. Crosson, who taught from 18S2 until that time. There are 225 children in attendance. The building erected in 1 881, is of brick, 44x84 feet, two stories, with the upper floor in use as the Assumption Hall. The parish now has 200 families, and the trustees are John McDonagh, C. J. Murphy, Eugene McGrath, M. Gorman, Charles McCarthy, and J. J. Nolan.

Very Rev. Eugene F. McBarron, dean, member of the bishop's council and immovable pastor of the church of the Assumption, was born near New Albany, Floyd county, Ind., June 18, 1844. He pursued his studies at St. Thomas' Seminary, near Bardstown, Ky., at Notre Dame University, at St. Meinrad's Benedictine Abbey, and finally at the Grand Seminary of St. Sulpice, Montreal, Canada, where he finished theology and learned the French language. He was ordained priest at Vincennes, June 8, 1871, by Bishop de St. Palais. His first mission was at St. Mary's of the Woods, Vigo count}', where he remained eight }ears, maintaining and improving the high moral status of his congregation. In 1879 Bishop Chatard appointed him pastor of the Church of the Assumption. By his learning, business capacity and financial abilit}', he is admirabh' fitted for his responsible position. He adds to his knowledge a spirit of retirement, and to bis zeal an excellent judgment. His preaching is plain and forcible, while Iiis methods of teaching youth adn expounding the Christian doctrine are xevy happy, making frequent use of comparisons, and often employing odd words and phrases to impress a special point upon his auditors. He is immovably firm, just in his decisions, zealous in his labors, and not above taking advice. In the management of the financial and business interests of his conirreiiation he has been signally successful. In consequence of these characteristics there are few priests more worthy, better appreciated or more loved than Very Rev. Father McBarron.

Rev. Patrick H. Rowan, assistant pastor of the church, was born March 14, 1859, studied at St.'Meinrad's Benedictine Abbey from 1874 to 1878, and thereafter for over two years in the American college at Rome. His health failing, he returned to the United States, and was ordained priest at Baltimore by Cardinal Archbishop Gibbons, May 13, 1885, and on the 7th of June following celebrated his first mass. On June 20, 1885, he arrived at Evansville, commissioned by Rt. Rev. Dr. Chatard for his present position in Assumption parish. Father Rowan knows the German and Italian languages well, is possessed of an excellent education and many charming qualities of mind and heart.

//('/)' Trinllx Par'nh was not regarded as a separate congregation until 185 1, when the new church of that name was solemnly blessed in the presence of the right reverend bishop, and thereafter used exclusively by the German-speaking Catholics. Previously Catholics of all nationalities attended the Assumption church. For several years separate services continued to be held there for the Germans, and Rev. Fathers Charles

Oppermann, Martin Stahl, Conrad Schniederjans and Roman Weinzoepfel succeeded each other in charge of the Germans and as assistants to Father Deydier. The first resident pastor for the Germans was Rev. Francis X. Kutassy, who arrived in 1848. It was he who organized Holy Trinity parish and built the church.

In the work of building the new church he was ably assisted by the following gentlemen, who composed his first building committee: B. Nurre, H. Ahlering, H. Hermann, M. Nies, Fr. Ziegenhagen, and H. Rechtin. In 1849 the corner-stone was laid by Bishop de St. Palais, but on account of the ravages of the cholera the work was not completed until 1851. In 1855 a parsonage was built at a cost of $1,500. In 1866 Rev. J. Ferd. Viefhaus was sent as assistant to Father Kutassy. Stained glass windows were put in in 1867, at a cost of $2,700. In 1868 two large vestry rooms were built as an addition to the church, at a cost of $3,000. In 1873 the front of the church was newly built, and a grand tower and spire erected. The edifice was then of these dimensions-. Length, 147 feet; width, 70 feet; height to ceiling, 35 feet. The spire stands 202 feet. In the tower is a chime of nine bells, which cost $5,000. In 1872 Rev. Charles Loescher became the assistant priest, Rev. Father Viefhaus having undertaken the work of building up St. Mary's parish. In 1873 Rev. James Merckl became assistant. On the nth of October 1874, the golden jubilee of the noble pastor, Rev. F. X. Kutassy, was celebrated with pomp, and as a sort of finish to his labors, for he died on the 27th of that month, assisted in his last iiours by his dear friend, Father McDermott, who administered to him the last sacraments. He was buried in the new St. Joseph's cemetery, the first priest there interred, and a grand monument was erected to his memory in 1875. Rev. Father Merckl was in charge for seven months, or until the arrival of Rev. P. J. J. Duddenhausen as pastor, May 19, 1875, to whom was given Rev. A. Oster as his assistant in July of that year. Father Duddenhausen began many reforms in the congregation, adopted business methods, and celebrated the public service of the church with pomp and solemnity. He was given Rev. William Bultmann as his assistant, July, 1877, and in 1880 Father F. B. Luebberman became his assistant, taking Father Bultmann's place, that reverend gentleman having undertaken the work of organizing St. Boniface's parish.

Attention was paid to the matter of education as early as 185 1, when, with the organization of Holy Trinity parish, its first little brick school-house was built. In 1853 the Sisters of Providence came to teach the children of the parish. In i860 a school was built especially for female children, and in 1863 a residence was built for the sisters. A clearing out of all the old buildings took place in 1869, when the present school building was erected. It is 58x105 feet, three stories, with the upper floor used as a hall. Mr. Blaes, of Piqua, Ohio, teaches the higher school. St. Joseph's Academy, owned by the Sisters of Providence, is a separate institution, situated on Division street. It is three stories in height and has se\eral boarding scholars and daj- pupils. Rev. Father Duddenhausen died in 1886, and was buried in St. Joseph's cemetery. His zeal and labors were great, and he was mourned by his congregation. He was born in Prussia, June 15, 1842, emigrated to the United States, September 20, 1863, and was ordained priest December 23, 1865. He was pastor at Lawrenceburg from October, 1870, until Maj', 1S75, when he became pastor of Holy Trinity parish, Evansville.

He was succeeded a little over a year ago by Rev. H.John Diestel, who, for nearly a quarter of a century, had been the pastor of St. Philip's, in Posey county. He was born in Hanover, German}', October 7, 1838. Having pursued his preparatory studies, he emigrated to the United States in 1857, and entered St. Charles' Seminar\- at Vincennes, where he was ordained priest by Bishop de St. Palais, December 21, 1864. Father Diestel is a portly man, of soldierly bearing. In the pulpit he is of great force, and is known as an eloquent and earnest preacher.

His assistant is Rev. Francis Siepen, a native of Evansville, a young man of much promise. He studied in Austria, and was ordained June 26, 1887, by Bishop Chatard. He is a zealous, useful man. The congregation, even after giving up 200 families to the new St. Anthony's parish, is yet the largest in Evansville, having over 400 families, or nearly 3,000 souls in all.

The recent frescoing of the church cost $3,200. The parish grounds are at the corner of Third and Vine streets, and are 150x225 feet. The parish debt is $16,650.55, and the value of the property is over $125,- 000. There are over 400 children attending the parish schools.

SL Mary's Pan's//. - St. Mary's is the third of the Catholic congregations formed in Evansville, and dates back to 1866, the year of the appointment of its present pastor by Bishop de Saint Palais. The first work done bjr the pastor, Rev. John Ferdinand Viefhaus, after the purchase of the present site of the parish buildings, was the erection of a two-story brick school-house at a cost of $5,000. This building is at the southeast corner of Cherry and Upper Sixth streets, where, on the former street, the parish grounds extend 240 feet, by 145 feet on the hitter. Tlie next of the parish buildings is the church, a brick structure of imposing architecture and dimensions. The corner-stone was laid by Bishop de St. Palais, October 28, 1866. Sixteen priests were present, together with a vast concourse of people. Very Rev. Bede O'Connor and others preached on the occasion. It was finished and dedicated by Bishop de St. Palais in 1S67, and was used for the tu-st time January i, 1S68. It is Gothic in style, and its dimensions are 66x140 feet, its center ceiling being fifty feet high. The frescoing is tasteful, the altars elegant and in keeping with the style of architecture. The spire, surmounted by a golden cross, stands 175 feet, and in the tower is a chime of three bells, noted for size and sweetness of tone. St. Marj-'s church has cost $60,000.

The pastoral residence, a commodious two-story brick structure, which cost $6,200, was built in 1881. The girls' school and sisters' house, a three-story brick edifice, 45x80, cost $14,000, and was erected in 1 87 1. It accommodates the female portion of the 309 children of the parish who attend their own Cathohc schools. The Sisters of St. Francis are in charge, while the boys' school is under the direction of Prof. Fred. Schonlan.

From a report made to Bishop Chatard in 1880 by the reverend pastor, it appears that during the thirteen years from 1867 to 1880, St. Mary's congregation paid out for improvements, interest, salaries, etc., the very large sum of $152,000. This manifests the accord with which priest and people labor for the common good and the advancement of religion and education. The debt is onl}- $18,000. There is a membership of 255 families, representing 1,500. Rev. John Ferdinand Viefhaus is a native of German}-, born at Essen, January 5, 1838; pursued his studies at the Universities of Munster, Tubingen and Bonn; was ordained by Bishop Baudri, April 27, 1862; emigrated to the United States in 1865, and the following year was sent by Bishop de St. Palais to Evansville, as assistant to Rev. Father Kutassy, then pastor of Holy Trinity parish. In that year (1866), St. Mar3'"s parish was created, and he was appointed its pastor. He is a learned and zealous priest, and enjoys the reputation of being an eloquent and forceful speaker.