Vigo County, Indiana - Chapter 35: Churches, Etc, 1891

rT^HIS was not one of the first growths of the new town - that is -L in the form of church organization or church building. This is not saying that religion was lax among the pioneers, for as a rule they were a serious and God-fearing people, and before the shep¬ herds of the church came they met in their cabins and beneath the trees, God's first temples, and raised their voices in adoration of the true God.

Central Presbyterian Church, - A history of this church on the Wabash informs us that there was no organized church in Terre Haute until the spring of 1828, when Rev. David Monfort, May 17, completed the organization which was composed of ten members. These were Samuel and Margaret Young (his wife), who lived on Honey creek; Samuel Ewing and Mary (his wife) ; James Beard and Jane (his wife); John McCullough and Margaret (his wife) from New Hope church; Mrs. Phoebe Monfort and Mr. O. Dibble; Samuel Young and James Beard were chosen elders; William C.' Linton, John Britton and Capt. James Wasson, trustees. Rev. Na¬ than B. Darrow came as a missionary to Terre Haute in 1816, the time the town was founded. Rev. Orin Fowler came in 1819 and says he preached in Fort Harrison. Rev. Charles C. Beatty came m 1822; lie preached in the old Eagle and Lion tavern of Capt. Wasson and in the court-house. He stopped with Maj. Whitlock, the receiver in the land office, and in his diary speaks highly of Dr! Modesitt. In 1824 it was estimated that Terre Haute and Rose¬ ville would join and support a minister, paying him $250. Mr. Beatty states that in 1825 he preached in Terre Haute and his audience "was distressingly small - only two professors of religion were present who came eight miles and returned the same night."

He was here again in 1826. "preaching in the court-house," to a much larger audience this time, but says: "That it is still (1826) without any religious society." He further says: "The roads are but bridle-paths through the woods and prairies." And the next year, 1827, says: "Rode to Terre Haute and preached in the even¬ ing. The next day rode to Big Raccoon. The next day, on account of the heavy rain, spent the whole day searching in vain for a ford across the creek."

In 1829 the church reported having seventeen members - a gain of seven the first year. Rev. Monfort became local minister and remained here two years. Then the church was without a pastor for four years. A meeting of the presbytery was held in Terre Haute in 1882.

Rev. David Monfort left Terre Haute in 1829, and in 1833 Rev. Michael Hummer followed him in charge. Samuel Young and James Beard were elders. The members: Amory Kinney, Ephraim Ross, Zenas Smith, Thomas Desart, Alexander Ross, William Young, Mrs. Elizabeth Desart, Mrs. Charlotte T. Condit, Mrs. Julia Mc- Call, Mrs. Hannah Smith, Miss Mary King, Miss Catharine Boudinot, Mrs. Mary Ross and Mrs. Mary Young.

Rev. Hummer became involved in some trouble with his congre¬ gation and resigned. Services had been held in the first brick school-house, corner of Fifth and Walnut.

In 1848 sixteen Presbyterians withdrew from the Congrega¬ tional church and organized the Baldwin church. This is the rise of the First Presbyterian and the Baldwin or Second Presbyterian church in Terre Haute.

November 8, 1848, the following persons received a joint letter of dismission from the First Congregational church, Terre Haute: John F. Cruft, Elizabeth Cruft, Joseph Miller, Margaret Miller, E. V. Ball, Sarah E. Ball, A. C. Potwin, Helen Potwin, F. R. Whipple, Mary P. Whipple, Zenas Smith, Hannah Smith, James Cook, J. B. Soule, Jordan Smith and Mary E. Cruft.

These were organized into the Baldwin Presbyterian church: Rev. William M. Cheever, pastor, and continued until 1856; fol¬ lowed by Rev. Joseph G. Wilson till 1862; followed by Rev. W. H. Ballantine, who remained one year. March, 1864, Rev. Daniel E. Bierce, two years; in 1866 Rev. Henry S. Little; in 1868 Rev. Blackford Condit.

In 1868 the name was changed from the Baldwin church to the Second Presbyterian, when for a time Rev. E. W. Abbey acted with Rev. Condit as assistant pastor. He became pastor on Mr. Condit's resignation.

-The First and Second Presbyterian churches were united November 18, 1879. The First had no pastor, and Rev. Abbey became pastor of the united churches, which was then called the Central church. Abbey was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Parry, who remained until 1884. During his pastorate the Second church property was sold and the First church building enlarged and improved, practically rebuilt. In 1884 Rev. George R. Pierce became pastor, and is still with his people. There were 249 wor¬ shipers in attendance at the morning services April 28, 1890 in this church.

Moffatt Sheet Church was organized 'February 5, 1884, by the Rev. Madison C. Peters, who had served for some months in the Church of the Mission. Rev. J. W. Skinner was installed pastor on the evening of the organization. He served until September, 1886. Early in the year Rev. W. R. Higgins, present pastor, suc¬ ceeded.

St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal Church. - May, 1840, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Kemper, while en-route to St. Louis, passed through the then village of Terre Haute. Mrs. David S. Danaldson and Mrs. William F. Krumbhaar, being members of the church, and hearing of the bishop's arrival, called upon him. Upon invi¬ tation of those ladies he readily consented to remain over Sunday anil hold a service. Here then occurred the first celebration of divine service of the church. The good bishop delivered an excel¬ lent sermon, and promised to send them a minister. Soon there came the Rev. Mr. Prindle. He returned to the east, and soon thereafter died. Under the administration of Mr. Prindle was or¬ ganized the Sunday-school, the first teachers being Mrs. Danald¬ son, Mrs. Krumbhaar and Miss Prindle, a sister of the rector. Church services at that period were held in the jury-room of the old court-house. Mr. Prindle was succeeded by the Rev. Robert B. Cioes. He arrived during the autumn of 1840. After the manner of the disciples of Christ he preached the gospel in the highways and byways, anywhere and at any time wlien called on. Finally a room in the brick building which now stands on the southeast comei of Ohio and Third streets was obtained, and regular services had. Under the administration of Mr. Croes the first church was erected June 9, 1845. It occupied the side of Hulman's warehouse,

1 if th street between Main and Cherry. It was considered a very hand¬ some structure at the time. The congregation had by this time in¬ creased somewhat in number, and included Mrs. Danaldson, Mrs. Kiumbhaar, Mrs. William J. Ball and Mrs. Dr. Blake. The ladies above named organized a church aid society, which still exists. The rec¬ tors who have officiated here are remembered as follows: Mr. Prin- clle, Dr. Croes, Dr. Clark, Dr Van Antwerp, William G. Spencer, Thomas Mills Martin, Dr. Fitch, Dr. Austin, Mr. Burford, Mr. Dunliam, Dr. Delafield and Mr. Stanley, the present very worthy rector. The Rev. Mr. Wells, Mr. Jennings and Dr. Totten also served the church, for a short time, but they filled the pulpit for absent rectors only. The Rev. Thomas Mills Martin, brother to the present junior warden of the church, was, perhaps, the most elo¬ quent and learned pastor that ever occupied a pulpit in this city. During the rectorship of Dr. Fitch the corner-stone of the present church was laid .May 4, 1862.

The present church is located on the corner of Seventh and Eagle streets; cost of lot, $2,000, and of building, $15,000. The rectory uTas built at a cost of $7,000. The new church was finished and occupied in 1863, and was paid for and consecrated in 1866. The tower being added afterward. Present pastor, Rev. J. D. Stanley. April 13, 1890, the attendance at the morning services was: Men, 54; women, 175; children, 20; total, 249.

Evangelical-Lutheran Emanuel Kirche. - The first organization was in 1858, and the first building was a small brick on the corner of Swan and Fourth streets. In the year 1846 A. H. Luken, a German Lutheran teacher, arrived in Terre Haute, and with him were twenty-two persons, most of them young people, from East Frisia, the extreme northwest of the German Empire. Mr. Luken conducted church services, and in time a congregation was organ¬ ized, called the United Lutheran and Reformed congregation, when he became pastor. In the year above named the Lutherans sepa¬ rated and formed a congregation as above named. Their first pastor was H. W. Rinker; the trustees: R. Frerichs, A. H. Luken and E. Meisel; twenty members. A parochial school Avas kept in the church basement. The present fine brick church, school and par¬ sonage on Poplar, between Sixth and Seventh streets, was completed in 1885, under the auspices of Rev. H. Ivatt, avIio has been pastor in charge since 1879. This is a large and strong congregation.

Independent Evangelical Lutherans. - In the spring of 1890 a congregation of this order was formed. They have no church building; pastor, Rev. H. Koin.

Congregational Church. - The First Congregational church in Terre Haute was organized December 30, 1834, by Rev. M. A. Jewett, with a roll of eleven members. Only two other church organizations preceded it, the Presbyterians and the Methodists. In 1842 Rev. Henry Ward Beecher held meetings here and incited a marked revival in the church, 100 members being added that year. Meetings were held in the court-house. A lot Avas purchased on the corner of Sixth and Cherry streets, on which a brick building

Mr. Jewett was a remarkable man, certainly one of the o-reat men in the history of his church. He was with the congregation m the faithful discharge of his duties forty-five years - 1860, when he resigned. He was succeeded by Rev. Lyman Abbott, to-day perhaps the greatest living divine, who remained until 1865. Rev. E. Frank Howe succeeded and remained ten years. In 1876 Rev. S. S. Martin came, who at once commenced a noted revival, when over 100 members were added to the rolls. He remained but eighteen months, and was succeeded in the fall of 1878 by Rev. Thomas Rutherford Bacon, a son of Dr. Leonard Bacon. He resigned in May, 1880, succeeded by Rev. H. H. Bacon, who remained but three months and returned to Toledo, Ohio. In 1881 Rev. Charles Bitman Croft came, and in a few weeks a better feeling prevailed in the church, when the church was repaired and beautified. Then came Rev. C. P. Croft, who in 1884 resigned on account of ill health. qao Pr®sent Pastor is Rev. J- H. Crum. Present membership is over rfUO. lhe large and elegant church is on the corner of Sixth and Cherry streets. Attendance at the morning service April 13 1890- Men, 67 ; women, 107 ; children, 33.

Asbury Chapel , Methodist Episcopal Church , Rev. I. Dale Pastor. - In 1812 Jonathan Stamper, as chaplain to the Kentucky troops, preached in Fort Harrison. The settlements in this part of the territory were in the Vincennes district until 1818. In this year James McCord was sent to Fort Harrison circuit. In 1819 William Med ford; again in 1820, McCord; 1821, John Shrader; 1822, James Scott; 1823 David Chamberlain; 1824, H. Verdenburg; 1825 Samuel Hull; 1826, Richard Hargrave; 1827-28, S. R. Beggs and S.' C. Cooper; 1829, J. Madley and B. Stevenson; 1830, W. H. Smitli and B. Phelps; 1831, R. Hargrave and D. Murphy; 1832 E. G. Wood and W. Taylor. In 1831 Edward Ray was in the town of lerre Haute as an experiment for a station, but it was returned in the circuit. At this time this territory ceased to form a part of the Illinois conference. 1

I»18.3AA- T: ^"P8011 and J- Richey; in 1834, R. Hargrave and W. Watson; in 1835, Joseph White and D. Stiner This year the town was made a station, and John Jackson and three others ? iIqg £ai(? A- Robinson was the preacher.

Centenary Church , Rev. A. T. Briggs , Pastor. - About the year 1866, the Centenary church was built, and the old charge was divided in 1868-69 by C. Brooke.

The Methodist Episcopal church was the first religious organi¬ zation in Terre Haute. There are no records to show when the first society was organized. In 1833-34 a small brick church was built on the same lot now occupied by Asbury chapel, corner of Fourth and Poplar streets, but it fronted south. In 1841 the pres¬ ent edifice was erected, which has been several times repaired and somewhat remodeled. A small branch was organized in 1848 in the north part of the town, and a building was erected known as "the Sibleytown church." This did not prove self-sustaining, and in 1866 the society there was disbanded, the property sold, and the proceeds applied on the Centenary church then in course of erection.

In 1865, without any separate organization, the mother church proceeded to erect the building known as Centenary church, on the . corner of Seventh and Eagle streets, and finished the basement ready for occupancy. In the fall of the same year the organiza¬ tion of Centenary church was effected, with a membership of over 230.

At the fall conference of 1866, before the division, there were 479 members. In the fall of 1867, one year after the division, members were 254; in 1875, members, 234; Rev. A. T. Briggs, present pastor.

Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopcd Church , of Terre Haute was organized in June, 1839, by the late Rev. William Paul Quinn, of Philadelphia, who had been sent out as a missionary, with five members: The first preacher was Rev. M. J. Wilkerson. The second preacher was Rev. D. Winslow, he served one year. The third was Rev. Shadrac Stewards; he served one year, and built the first meeting-house. The present minister is Rev. J. Mitchen.

First Baptist Church was organized in Terre Haute, July 9, 1836, in the school-house corner of fifth and Walnut streets. There had been Baptist preaching, by Rev. Samuel K. Sparks, prior to that time, but no church organized. The church thus formed consisted of nine members: Rev. S. K. Sparks and his wife Catherine, Joseph Cooper and his wife Phoebe Ann, Henry and

Sarah Thomas, William and Keziah Stark, and Massa Pound In T ebruarj, 1837, William Stark was chosen the first deacon, and Joseph Cooper was the first clerk. Mr. Sparks acted as pastor, S; never formally called to that work. In June of that year Mls; -Lay lor was received a member, and became the oldest memlier m the church. Rev. S. K. Sparks served the church as pastor until November 1844. During 1837-38 Rev. George C. Chandler was assistant pastor for about eight months. During these vears many persons had united with the church, but owing chiefly to the formation of several other churches near Terre Haute, with which the members from the country (who also constituted a large part of the church membership) united, the church in 1845 numbered but eight members. In the autumn of that year Rev. Joseph A Dickson was called to the pastorate, and the Universalist house on fourth street was rented at $5 per month. In 1847, with twentv seven members, a church edifice was commenced and enclosed and the basement finished for use, and in 1850 the upper part of the house and the cupola were completed. This house stood on the west side of Fourth street, between Mulberry and Eagle. In the spring ot this year Mr. Dickson resigned, the membership numberin about fifty-five Rev. W. Leggett then became pastor, but ill health soon compelled him to resign. In the spring of 1851 Rev.

.Stanley was engaged for six months. Soon after the close o his labors he, with eight other members, obtained letters of dismmsion to form the Second Baptist church. In June, 1852, Rev.

1 . Snider was called, and labored with great acceptance. But he oo, was compe led by failing health to resign. In May, 1853,' Lev. David I ay lor became pastor. He was succeeded, in 1854, by Rev. J. R. Ash, who held the office till 1856. In December of the same year Rev. E. G. Taylor was called to the pastorate. He labored here four years. In December, 1860, Rev. Joseph Brown became pastoi but m less than a year afterward (September 10, 1861) the

The corner-stone of the new building was laid July 22, 1877, and the completed house dedicated April 22, 1880. Present pastor, Rev. L. Kirkley. The Second Baptist Church had ceased as au or¬ ganization.

Old South Seventh Street Baptist [Colored). - This is now lo¬ cated on Second street (second floor), between Main and Ohio streets; Rev. John Johnson, pastor.

Catholicity. - Yigo county has a Catholic population of over 6,000, 5,000 being residents of the city of Terre Haute. The value pf the Catholic institutions is little less than $1,000,000.

St. Mary's is the 6ldest congregation in the county. It was in this parish that Catholicity first made a lodgment in these parts. Its territory was the home of many good men and women, who, be¬ ing full of the faith and very devout, gave all the aid possible to the missionary priests as they journeyed through or stopped over to minister to the scattered lambs of the flock. Prominent among these were the late Joseph Thralls and his wife, who are happily styled the pioneers of Catholicity in this section. In 1837 the Thralls donated the grounds for the first church and cemetery; and when the Sisters of Providence came, in 1840, this most excellent family vacated its -log-cabin bouse, giving it up to the Sisters to be their home, and what has since proved to be the nucleus of St. Mary's renowned Academic Institute of St. Mary's of the Woods.

St. Mary's first church was a small frame structure built in 1837. It was burned in 1842, and two years later a small brick church was erected. This was blessed in 1844, November 7, by Bishop Hailandiere. Rev. J. Corbe was then pastor. The present brick structure, 35x75 feet, was erected in 1867, and in 1868 was built the first parsonage which is now a prominent part of the priest's house. The additions thereto and other improvements which render it habitable were made by Very Rev. Father McBarron in 1873, and by the present pastor, Father Rielile. These, with the purchase of the present cemetery adjoining the church, com¬ prise the chief improvements made in the history of the congrega¬ tion.

Rev. Stanislaus Butuex was the first resident priest in St. Mary's parish. He was its founder. He was active in the parish from 1837 until 1842, when he went to Boston, Mass., where he died in 1875. Rev. A. Parrett succeeded him at St. Mary's and re¬ mained until 1814, when he left to join the Jesuits. Rev. John Corbe was then given the parish in charge. He labored in that field until 1865, when he resigned and became chaplain to the Sis- ters of Providence at St. Mary's of the Woods, where he died June 3, 18 <2. In 1866 Rev. M. McCarthy, O. S. B., became pastor. The year previous the parish was visited by members of the order from Terre Haute. Father McCarthy remained until 1871, when, in July of that year, he was succeeded by Very Rev. E. F. McBarron. Father McBarron, now dean and pastor of the Assumption church, Evansville, devoted over eight years to the good people of St. Mary's paiish. Here is the Mother of the order in this countrv, and from these first five Sisters the order now numbers 500. Their house was burned February 7, 1879, but was immediately rebuilt and enlarged and improved. It was sufficiently detached from the school, as not to endanger the school buildings. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. A. Riehle, October 20, 1879.

St. Joseph's Parish was the first parish organized in Terre Haute. Rev. S. P. Lalumiere was the first resident pastor. He came and took charge in 1842, from which time the history of the parish proper begins. Of course Terre Haute was a mission station for many years previous, divine service being held repeatedly for the Catholics there as early as 1835, and quite regularly from 1837 to 1842, Rev. Father Buteux coming from St. Mary's for that purpose.

Rev. Father Lalumiere ministered to the people until his death in 1857. His remains are buried in St. Joseph's church. He was born at Vincennes in 1804, and at one time was the only priest Bishop Biute had in his large diocese, which then comprised the whole State of Indiana and a portion of Illinois.

The lecoids of the parish show that St. Joseph's was presided o^ ei by Jesuit fathers from the death of Father Lalumiere in 1857 until the arrival of Rev. P. Bede O'Connor, O. S. B., in 1859. These Jesuits were Rev. Father di Maria, 1857-58, and Rev. Father Lutz, 1859. Rev. O'Connor was in charge of the parish about seven years.' During a part of the time he was assisted by four other fathers of his order, Revs. Fintan, Martin, Chrysostome and Meinrad. A col¬ lege which they conducted for a few years proving unsuccessful, they resigned and left the place after the removal of Father O'Connor.

Rev. J. B. Chass6 succeeded Father O'Connor and remained until 1872. Very Rev. H. Alerding, present pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Indianapolis, and author of the History of the Diocese of

The first St. Joseph's church is said to have been built by Father Buteux, perhaps in 1837 or 1838. It was then a mission attended from St. Mary's, Vigo county. Father Lalumiere made an addition

The Franciscan Fathers (O. M. C. ) took charge of St. Joseph's in 1872. Rev. John Kroeger was the first; Rev. L. Moczigemba was the second; he came in 1873. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Lessen during 1875-76. Rev. F. Neubaur came in 1877; Rev. D. Marzetti, 1878-79, since which time, 1880, Very Rev. M. C. McEvoy, O. M. C., has been pastor. He came as assistant to Father Kroeger in 1872. Rev. Joseph J. Frewin is Father McEvoy's present assist¬ ant. He came in 1883.

St. Joseph's church is a brick structure 45x110 feet, with stained glass windows, a good organ, and beautiful altars and furniture. It fronts on Fifth street, stands in the center of the parish grounds, which occupy half a block. South of the church stands the brick school for girls, taught by the Sisters of Providence. North of the church, on the corner of Ohio street, is the boys' brick school, built in 1888.

St. Benedict'1 s Parish was the second parish organized in Terre Haute in 1864. This is the only German-speaking congregation of this church in the city. Its present pastor. Rev. Clement Luitz, came in 1886. At its organization this church had but thirteen families; now numbers 160. The church was completed February 3, 1865. The church is on the corner of Ninth and Ohio, and the school is on the corner of Ninth and Walnut streets.

St. Ami's Parish and Building. - St. Ann's parish was organized in 1866. Rev. M. Quinlan was its first pastor. It comprises the northeastern portion of Terre Haute, and has about 100 families be¬ sides the 110 people residents of St. Ann's Orphan Asylum. The parish was created to accommodate the few families residing north of Chestnut street. The pastor saying one mass at the asylum each Sunday and one for the small congregation at the church. The situation has changed somewhat since then, as St. Ann's parish is now large enough of itself to keep its pastor busy, nevertheless he is the chaplain of the asylum also.

The present St. Ann's church, at the corner of Fourteenth and Locust, is a frame structure 35x75 feet, was built in 1866. About the same time the greater part of the present pastoral residence was erected. It has since been added to and much improved. February 1, 1878, Rev. John McCabe was placed in charge of St. Ann's con¬ gregation as its second resident pastor. He continued his labors until about July, 1885, when its present pastor, Rev. John Ryves, was commissioned by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Chatard. Since his taking charge he has remodeled and added to the building and im¬ proved the parsonage, and to the parish grounds has added an extra lot for school-house purposes, thereby making the enlarged lot 300x136 feet. This new lot fronts on Locust street. A parish school for St. Ann's congregation is to be an enterprise of the near future.

St. Patrick's Parish. - St. Patrick's congregation was set apart or organized in 1881, as much with a view to accommodate the peo¬ ple of the southeast section of Terre Haute as to establish a Catho¬ lic school there. Rev. Thomas X. Logan was placed in charge. He began at once the erection of St. Patrick's church, a gothic structure of large dimensions, is among the finest church edifices in the city. The parish grounds are at the southeast corner of Thirteenth and Poplar streets. The church is on the corner, and to the east is the parish school building erected and conducted by the Sisters of Providence. This is a spacious brick structure, and is attended by 200 children. In the rear of the church and fronting on Thirteenth street is the humble cottage home of the pastor.

Zion's Church of the Evangelical Associaton. - Terre Haute was taken up as a mission by the South Indiana conference in the spring of 1881. The Rev. Jacob C. Young was assigned to this new work, and he arrived April 13, 1881, to commence work at once for the Master. Having no members at all here the committee appointed by conference to locate and build a church consisted of the Rev. John Kaufmann, presiding elder; Rev. George Bersteclier and Rev. J. C. Young. Before the church was completed the services were held at " Baur's hall," corner Main and Seventh streets. The com¬ mittee decided to buy the vacant lot on the northwest corner of Ninth and Walnut streets, and thereupon erected the present little brick church, 32x50. The dedication of the church took place Sunday, December 18, 1881, by Bishop J. J. Escher. The same brick parsonage was completed in May, 1882. Rev. J. C. Young served this mission three years since the society was organ¬ ized. The first church officers elected were William Deusner, classleader; John E. Stortz, steward; Christ Hansing, Sunday-school superintendent; John E. Stortz, secretary; Christ Miller, treasurer, and O. Necker, librarian.

The second pastor assigned by conference was Rev. Charles Stockhowe, who served two years. His successor, Rev. William G. Braeckly, took charge in the spring of 1886. Present pastor Rev J. C. Young.

German Reformed Church was organized October, 1857, with a congregation of seven families. Rev. E. W. Steffens, was the first pastor. That year they built their church edifice. Prior to that time this congregation was with the Evangelical Lutheran con¬ gregation, which had been organized in 1854. The separation took place in 1857 ; it soon grew to be a large congregation, after the sepa¬ ration. Eev. L. Praikschetis succeeded Eev. Steffens. The present pastor is Eev. Scliwdes. The present church building is on the corner of Fourth and Oak streets.

Christian Church was organized by the Evangelist M. E. Trim¬ ble, June 28, 1841, with twenty members. It has had for pastors Eev. W. F. Black, C. W. Cure, B. B. Taylor, and the present popular shepherd of the flock, Eev. John L. Brandt, who has (July 1890) just resigned. The average congregation at church services is 400. The fine chapel is on Mulberry, east of Sixth street, winch was erected in 1867.

Universalist Church , what was named the " First Universalist Church of Terre Haute," was organized, May 8, 1841, and had twelve members; the little congregation soon grew, and May 18, 1869, completed their church building on Eighth, between Cherry and Eagle streets. Their first building was on the corner of Fourth and Ohio streets. Of the early pastors were Eev. B. E. Foster, John Kidwell, George Knapp, James G. Burt, Henry Jewell, S. G. Gibson, W. C. Brooks, Manford and Allen. The church is without a pastor at the present time.

St. Anthony'' s Hospital was founded, as we now see it, in 1883. The site of the buildings, occupying an entire square, together with the buildings which formed the nucleus of the hospital, was pur¬ chased for the sum of $30,000. The improvements and additions cost an extra $30,000. To-day the hospital in its completeness cost $75,000. Mr. H. Hullman is the chief benefactor, having donated $30,000. The citizens of Terre Haute donated the balance, some of them, like Mr. Crawford Fairbanks and Mr. Eiley Mclveen, donating $1,000 or several thousand dollars each. The city and county pay $200 per month for their patients, while Mr. H. Hullman is a large contributor to defraying the balance of the running expense of the institution.

The Sisters of St. Francis, eighteen in number, with Sister Mary Eaphaela at their head, have charge of the hospital. The Mother house of their order is at Lafayette. They began their hospital work at Terre Haute in a small way on Second street in 1882. They now have one of the finest hospitals in Indiana, with an annual list of over sixty patients. The number now is over seventy.

St. Ami's Providence Orphan Asylum. - - This institution, begun by Bishop Bazin at Vincennes, in 1848, and fostered by the Sisters of Providence, was removed to Terre Haute in 1876. It took its present name since its removal. It is for girls only, of whom there are ninety at present in the institution. Twelve Sisters of Provi¬ dence have charge of the asylum, and its excellent management is most creditable to them. The building is spacious, and is conven¬ iently located, in that it is removed from the busy center of the city. It is worth $40,000. Bev. John Ryves, the pastor of St. Ann's church, is also chaplain of the asylum.

The Rose Orphan Home. - One of the many benefactions of Mr. Rose was the founding of a home for the orphan children of Vigo county, for the establishment of which he contributed by gift and will about $300,000, of which sum $100,000 have been expended in realty, and the necessary buildings and equipment combining the requirement of the most advanced theories in respect to convenience, sanitation and comfort.

The home includes a large and elegant building used for hospi¬ tal purposes, kitchen, dining, store and sewing rooms, bakery, office, library, and sleeping-rooms for employes; three handsome brick cottages used as homes for the children ; a school-house, chapel, an engine-house and laundry, and various other houses all of brick, roofed with slate, and supplied with steam, water, gas, etc.

.The plan of the work is based upon the cottage system, in which small numbers of children are grouped in home-like circles, each with its own matron. The accommodations are for about 100 chil¬ dren. There have been received up to date 109 children, of which number about thirty-four have been adopted or returned to their friends. Children between the ages of three and twelve years are admitted, and can not be retained after they are sixteen years old. Children are placed out as fast as good homes can be found for them. While in the home they are taught to work, and are sent to school about five hours each day, good teachers and the most ap¬ proved school books and apparatus being provided. A Sundayschool is held every Sabbath afternoon in the chapel, and simple religious exercises adapted to the eyes of the children are observed in the cottages each evening, making their entire life as home-like as possible. The boys and girls attend school together, as in the public schools, but live in separate cottages. The grounds are beau¬ tifully laid out and handsomely ornamented with shade trees, flowers, graveled walks, drives, fountains, etc.

The superintendency of the home is entrusted to Lyman P. Alden, whose natural aptitude for the work and long experience as superintendent of the Michigan State Orphan Home eminently qualify him for the responsible duties of the office.

Friendly Inn is caring for the poor and hungry, and sheltering many a poor wanderer. This is in the old station or police house, in the rear of the city building. Matron Mrs. A. L. Stanley has sleeping accommodations for ten persons. It is under the control of the Organized Charity, and each church in the city appoints a member of the board, of which the mayor is ex-officio president; Will C. Smalwood, secretary. The pay of the matron is simply in furnishing the house room, and allowing her 15 cents for each meal given only on orders.

Newly -Organized Baptist ( Colored ). - This was formerly the South Seventh Street Colored Baptist congregation. They rent a room in the upper story on Second street between Main and Ohio; Rev. John Johnson in charge.

In answer to the question: "Is Terre Haute a Godless town?" the Evening Gazette, on one April Sunday, 1890, sent out a full corps of reporters to all the churches and counted the attendance at each. The enumeration was carefully made, and certainly was a triumphant vindication of the good people of the city from the imputations of the carper, who in such ignorance had slandered its good name. The following are the Gazette'1 s returns: Centenary Methodist Episcopal, 342 ; Asbury Methodist Episcopal, 168 ; German Methodist Episcopal, 129; Mattox Chapel, 140; Allan Methodist Episcopal (Colored), 102; Sixth Methodist Episcopal Chapel (Col¬ ored), 37; First Baptist, 496; Free-Will Baptist (Colored), 43; New¬ ly-Organized Baptist (Colored), 43; St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 495; St. Patrick's, 325; St. Benedict's, 308; St. Ann's, 331; St. Stephen's, 249 ; Central Presbyterian, 267 ; Moffatt Street Presby¬ terian, 91; United Brethren, 79; Christian Church, 390; Congre¬ gational Church, 207; German Lutheran, 233; German Reformed, 106; German Evangelical, 85; Evangelical Lutheran Independent, 140.

Macksville Congregational Church. - The corner-stone was laid July 9, 1885. It is a neat little church building costing $2,000. The active mover in building this edifice was Mr. Corning. The history of this organization is in the simple fact that the Congre¬ gational church found that Macksville contained about 600 people and yet had no church of any kind, and they determined to supply the want. This was therefore built with the spirit of inviting to its sanctuary all Christians convenient thereto; and realizing that the place much needed a church, but was not large enough for two, they proposed to make their building supply the wants of all Christian people who had to depend upon that locality. They would not have built had any other congregation been desirous of so doing.

Rev. Hayes, pastor at West Vigo, attended this church as its first pastor, in connection with his other congregation. A free-forall church, called New Hope, was built across in Sugar Creek town¬ ship as eaily as 1824. Its chief builders were Presbyterians, and every one furnished a log for the building. After it" was well agomg, a South Carolina abolitionist came along and preached his doctrine, and this rent the church, and it is supposed that each man went and pulled out his log and it was no more.

Pisgnh Methodist Episcopal Church was put up in 1839. It is on Section 4, of Township 12, Range 10, near the State line in the north¬ west corner of the town. It was the first frame erected, all hewed and cut with the whip-saw. It was eventually burned. In the early eighties another one was built. J

West Vigo Presbyterian Church is west of Terre Haute four miles on the Paris road. It was built by one portion of the New Hopers, who had withdrawn from the first church in the township. The Goodmans and a few others joined with the Congregationalists and put up a small frame building.

South Vigo Congregational Church , a small frame, is southwest of Teire Haute, and in the southwest corner of Sugar Creek town¬ ship. It was built in 1859.

Honey Creek Regular Predestinarian Baptist Church is in the north part ol Prairie Creek township; built in 1845; has fifty membeis. Ilie church was organized in 1830 - fifteen members, under Elder Janies Lee, Benoni Trueblood and Elder Asel Staggs. It is now served by Elder Cyrus Moffatt.

Missionary Baptist Church at Middletown is a comfortable frame, built about 1842, to take the place of the first log building. First a log, then a frame, and third the present building. This was the first Baptist church in the county, Elder Huston in charge.

United Brethren Church , in Prairie Creek township, situated near the center thereof, is a frame, and is served regularly from a distance. J

Methodist Episcopal Church , in the village of Prairieton is a flourishing institution, built in 1845. The oldest church in the county was in this place, a Quaker meeting-house. This building

Missionary Baptist , in Linton township, near the northwest cor¬ ner, is one of the old church organizations. They built about 1826 a small log house, and in 1840 built their present frame building.

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church , pastor, Samuel Slavens, is in the southern part of Lost Creek township, built in 1890. The con¬ gregation before had worshiped in a school-house.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - As early as 1837 the Methodists built a log church near where is now Seelyville. They worshiped in this until 1855, when they erected a large frame. This was burned soon after completion by an incendiary; they had had a split in the congregation. It was not rebuilt.

Christian Church ( Disciples ) in 1858 built their church on the southeast corner of Section 29, Lost Creek township, about five miles west of Terre Haute, on land donated by L. N. Trueblood. It took the name of Union Christian Church of Lost Creek. The congregation was organized in August, 1855, under Elder W. D. Ladd. Anderson Ward was the first regular preacher.

Old Salem Baptist Church in Lost Creek township, in the south¬ east part; first was a small log house. In 1874 they built their present edifice. Once a flourishing society, but now much reduced, this church has a woman for pastor, Rev. Mrs. Chapman.

Hamilton Chapel, is a Methodist church formed in what is Riley township as early as 1820, named after an early pioneer, Brother Hamilton; services held for years in private cabins. In 1857 was erected Hamilton Chapel - a frame. In the northern part of the township a log church (Methodist) was built on Section 1, at an early day. A handsome brick edifice was put up in 1872, called Plymouth Chapel.

Christie's Chapel, Methodist Episcopal, in Riley township, Sec¬ tion 4, is an old church organization; in 1862 erected a frame church ; this was sold in 1872 and the present one erected.

Union Baptist Church. - Moses Pierson, from whom Pierson township takes its name, was a Baptist preacher. His brother, Willis Pierson, also a preacher, came to this county with him, and they were the earliest settlers in wrliat is now Pierson township, coming in 1820. Joseph Liston moved over from Prairietown township to their settlement. In 1822 they organized the Union Baptist church, the first in the southeast part of the county. In 1826 they built a log church, used this three years, when they put up a brick build¬ ing, 30x50, southeast of the old log. In May, 1851, they built a frame on the sight of the old brick. The congregation organized with fifteen members, and grew to 120. Old Joseph Liston was clerk from 1824 to 1855.

Mount Olive Christian Church is in the southwest corner of Pier¬ son township, on Section 31, built on the Swinford farm, a frame' it was first organized in 1868.

Fletcher's Chapel , Methodist Episcopal , is about one mile nearly north of Mount Olive church, on Section 30, Pierson township; was built m 1871. The congregation first built a log house in 1855; a prosper ous community.

Pleasant Grove Centenary Church ofa'the United Brethren or¬ der is on Section 15, Pierson township; a log house was built in 1864 and in 1876 a frame.

Christian Church, Pimento, occupies the lower story of the Town House in the village. . It was organized at the Union Schoolhouse March 17, 1867, having twenty-three members. In 1872 it was removed to Pimento.

Baptist Church, Pimento, has no building; holds meetings in the Town House, joining in the use of the house with the Christians and Old Baptists.

Grove Church, Honey Creek, is Methodist; built in 1860. There was a church organization in the Lambert and Dickson neighbor¬ hood as early as 1818. For years was at settlers' cabins, and then m school-houses. The Grove church was built near the Durham school-house.

United Brethren Farmers'1 Chapel is on section 33, Honey creek; a frame; cost $800, and built in 1874. A noted camp-meeting ground; is near Hull's school-house. First camp meeting in the county was at this place.

Union Church , for all Protestant denominations, was built in Otter Creek township, on the old Lafayette road, about a quarter of a mile north of Otter creek. It has continued a Union church.

Bose Hill Methodist Episcopal Church is in Otter Creek town¬ ship. It is on the range line a mile and a quarter north of the creek. This is by far the finest church building in the township; built in 1869.

Christian Church , two and a half miles northwest of Fontanet, was the first church building in this part of the county. It has rotted down, and the logs have been either hauled away or decayed.