Wayne County, Indiana - Chapter 5: The Churches of Richmond, 1884

Chapter 5: The Churches of Richmond

Methodism was introduced to the city of Richmond, End., under the preaching of Rev. Russell Bigelow, in the year 1822. It was difficult to obtain a house in which to hold a Methodist meeting, but at length permission was granted to hold such services in asmall school-house. There Mr. Bigelow preached his first sermon, and organized a class of seven members. Geo. Smith was appointed leader. It was not long until the school-house was taken trom them. Preaching and class-meetings were then removed toa small room occupied by Mrs. Pearson asa dwelling. A short time after this Mrs. Pearson moved away from the city and the class was discontinued.

In the autumn of 1825 Rev. James Havens determined to make another effort to establish Methodism in Richmond. A small house in the lower end of town, remote from any other residence, occupied by Isaac Jackson asa dwelling, was obtained and preaching established and a class organized. From that period Methodism has maintained a place in Richmond.

The first two days' meeting was held on Saturday and Sunday, June, 1828. Stephen R. Beggs who had pastoral charge appointed the meeting, and was assisted by several local preachers. In the course of events it became necessary to vacate the room which was occupied by the meetings and a small house occupied by James Henry was next obtained. This house wassoon found to be too small. The male members were called together, a subscription was taken, and a small frame church built on the site of what has since been known as Pearl St. M. E. Church. Richmond was made a station in 1838. The membership at this date numbered sixty-five in and around the town. There were three classes, of which D. B. Crawford, Joseph Kern and Stephen Thomas were the respective leaders. The following ministers have served as pastors, in the orderin which they are named since Richmond became a station: John' W. Sullivan, A. Tarkington, J. H. Hull, R. S. Robinson, A. Conwell, W. W. Wheeler, J. M. Stagg, ©. W. Miller, J. H. Hull (2d term), Dr. Wm. H. Goode, Thomas Webb, J. W. Stafford, S. C. Cooper, Augustus Eddy, V. M. Beamer, H. N. Barnes, Jacob Colelazer, J. W. T. McMullen, Dr. T. S. Johnson (now missionary in India), Dr. ©. N. Sims, N. H. Phillips, R. Tobey, J. V. R. Miller, N. Gillam, R. H. Sparks, W. J. Vigres, A. W. Lamport.

Since the organic law of the Methodist Episcopal church went into effect in the year 1864, by which the pastoral term was lengthened to three years, every pastor in charge of the original church, beginning with the name of R. Tobey, has served a full term of three years.

In the year 1853 the old frame building was removed to South Tenth street, where it may still be seen and where it is now occupied as a dwelling, and anew brick church was erected on the old site. Theannual session of the North Indiana Conference was held in the new church in the autumn of 1853 at which time the church was dedicated by the presiding Bishop, E. R. Ames. Under the pastorate of Rev. N. H. Phillips the parsonage, which had been erected some years before on the lot adjoining the church, was enlarged and beautified at an expense of about $1,200. In 1866, under the labors of Rev. R. Tobey, the church was completely renovated, painted outside, remodeled inside, the lectureroom re-seated, walls frescoed, and new carpets provided at an expense of about $3,500. Under the labors of Rev. R. H. Sparks, a hurricane blew in the west end of the church building doing much damage to the interior. The damages were promptly repaired. During the pastorate of Rev. W. J. Vigres a complete renovation and refurnishing of the church occurred. The auditorium was newly frescoed and furnished with new seats, the windows reshaped and stained glass put in. The expense for these improvements was about $2,700. Under the labors of Rev. A. W. Lamport, the parsonage was again repaired, new rooms were added in brick, the old rooms were modified and modernized, the whole costing the sum of $1,240. During the third year of his service as pastor the trustees were encouraged to undertake the erection of a new church edifice at a point further east in the city. Lots were accordingly purchased on the southwest corner of Main and Fourteenth streets. The location is admitted to be one of the finest in Richmond. The new edifice is already under way. It is unique and modern in its style of architecture and wholly unlike any other church in the city. The auditorium, which will seat about 500, and the lecture-room, which will accommodate about 700, are both on ground floor, and so arranged as to open together by means of folding doors, thus furnishing a seating capacity for about twelve to thirteen hundred people. The lecture-room is divided into one main room, a spacious gallery and four smaller rooms, which are well adapted to the service of Sundayschools. The basement, which extends under the whole building, will be finished into church-parlors, dining-room, furnace-rooms, etc. The building will be surmounted by a graceful steeple about 150 feet high. A church office is in connection with the auditorium and choir gallery. The floor in the auditorium is made on an incline toward the pulpit. The*building is of pressed brick with stone finish and will probably be heated with steam. The roof is of slate, and the whole finish without and within will be as complete as possible. The entire expense of the building, in- eluding wells, cistern, walks, fencing, carpets and great organ, will probably not exceed $40,000. For the convenience of those living at a distance, carriage-sheds will be provided. In closing this brief history it can truthfully be said that the First Methodist Episcopal Church which is nuw the outgrowth, both in name and fact, of the original Methodist Society of Richmond, remains in a healthful and hopeful condition. Its members are united in faith and feeling, and in the purpose to hand over the present strength of their society to a grander and even more blessed career in the future. ` Many extensive revivals and wonderful ingatherings of members have occurred during the history of this church thus far. Prominent among them are those which occurred under the pastorates of Revs. R. S. Robinson, C. N. Sims, R. Tobey.

In the month of August, 1858, forty-two members withdrew from the original church and organized a new society under the name of Union Chapel, now known as Grace Church. In the autumn of 1866 forty members more withdrew and organized a third society. After a short career this society disbanded and its membership was merged into the other two churches.

Grace Methodist Episcopal Church

This church was originally an offshoot from Pearl Street (now First) Church, forty-two of its members having withdrawn on account of the restriction in regard to seating, and on the 24th day of August, 1858, organized a new society known as " Union Chapel." They purchased a building on Main street, having business rooms below and a large hallroom above, fitting up the latter for church purposes. It was dedicated, Sept. 26, 1858, D. W. Clark (afterward Bishop) officiating. The congregation continued to worship in this house until Jan. 24, 1869, at which time, the old building having been disposed of, a new one, erected the year previous, more commodious and more eligibly situated, was ready to be occupied in part. On the 26th of September of the same year, the whole house being completed, it was formally dedicated by Bishop Ames, and the name-changed to '* Grace Church."

Coity Of Richmond

This building occupies the southwest corner of Tenth and North A streets, and is a beautiful and imposing structure of the Gothic order of architecture. It is brick and stands upon the ground 100 x 54 feet, two stories, slate roof, surmounted by a graceful belfry and spire 130 feet in height. The audience-room on the second floor is capable of seating 700 persons. The walls and ceiling are handsomely frescoed in oil, which with the stained-glass windows, wood-work finish of varnished ash, gives the interior a highly ornamental and artistic appearance. It contains a very fine-toned organ with 1,075 pipes and twenty-four stops. The basement is conven- ` iently arranged for Sunday-school and prayer-meeting purposes, being seated with chairs and having an ample supply of private rooms for church and Sabbath-school classes.

The cost of the building, including site, was about $40,000, and improvements have since been added to the value of between $3,000 and $4,000.

At its first organization a portion of the seats were owned by members, which gave it the name of '' pewed church," but this feature becoming unpopular, it was abandoned at the opening of the new house of worship. The seats are now entirely free.

This church has enjoyed the ministrations ot some of the most talented and popular pastors of the North Indiana Conference, to which it is attached. Rev. J. V. R. Miller served from its first organization until the spring of 1860; Rev. F. A. Hardin, one year, until the spring of 1861; Rev. A. Greenman, one year, until the spring of 1862; Rev. W. H. Goode, one year, until the spring of 1863; Rev. A. S. Kinnan, two years, until the spring of 1865; Rev. William Wilson, three months following, when he resigned; Rev. A. Marine came to fill out the conference year on the 13th of November, and remained until the spring of 1868; Rev. A. S. Kinnan, a former pastor, returned, remaining about a year and a half, when he resigned; Rey. E. B. Snyder came on the 5th of January, 1870, to supply the vacancy, and continued until the 1st of October; 1871, when he was transferred; Rev. A. A. Brown, sent to fill out the year, remained until July, 1872, when he resigned, and the Rev. S. L. Yourtee, sent to fill out the year, was superseded in the spring of 1873 by Rev. R. N. McKaig, who remained until the spring of 1876; Rev. A. Marine, a former pastor, followed, remaining until the spring of 1879; Rev. H. A. Buchtel, three years, until the spring ot 1882; Rev. Frost Oratt succeeded, and continues pastor at this date (January, 1884).

From the small beginning the membership of this church has steadily increased until it now numbers 440. During its short history there have been three or fonr revivals of religion worthy of mention: One in the winter of 1865-66, under the ministry of A. Marine, when about forty persons were added to the membership; one in the spring of 1869, under A. S. Kinnan, when 174 were added; one in the winter of 1881-'82, under H. A. Buchtel, when about thirty were added; and one in the winter of 1882- - '83, under Frost Craft, when 114 were added.

The Sabbath-school of the church, organized at the commencement, has had a very prosperous career, gradually increasing in numbers until it now has an average attendance of about 400 scholars and teachers. It has had in all five superintendents, ©. C. Binkley, now in charge, occupying that position for-nearly fifteen years.

German M. E. Church

This church was organized in the year 1860. The members, some thirteen in' number, met at the houseof Mr. Fiske, on South Seventh street, and in 1861 built a church edifice on the corner of Sixth and B streets. This continued only one year, when the church society disbanded and was not again reorganized until 1871. The association then erected a brick church on the corner of B and Seventh streets, at a cost of $5,000. It had the above membership of thirteen, of which the only survivors are: Frederick Hutfielder and wife, and Wm. Gauding and wife.

The church has not grown much in membership, but it has a large and influential congregation who attend its service, many of which should join and add their influence for good to the noble few now united together for the good of the church.

City Of Richmond

The ministers who have officiated as pastors are: Revs. William Dunkard, Batrim Weaver, Helwish, Fricken, Martin, Fishback and Schruff; the last two are still with them.

African M. E. Church

This is the oldest colored church in the city, the organization being effected in 1845. Their first meeting was in an old log dwelling on South Fifth street. Later an old frame building was secured for a season, and then service was held at the residences of the members for something like two years.

In 1858 they purchased an old frame building and moved it to South Sixth street, where the colored school now stands, and, putting it in comfortable repair, used it for ten years as a place of worship.

In 1868 they took possession of the church on the corner of Sixth and B streets. Their church is a good and substantial brick building, the property being valued at $5,000. It will seat comfortably some 300 persons.

The organization began with a membership of fifteen, four of whom are yet living, viz. : Henry Belle, Nathaniel Jones, Eliza Outland, Eliza Ladd; and the charter members who are not living, are as follows: William Davisson and wife, Cornelius Overman and wife, Charles Overman and wife, Adam Carpenter and wife, George Belle, Fanuie Olbertson, Richard Rush, Matild Rush, Mary Overman, Milton Ladd, Sharlotta Benbow.

The ministers who have had charge of the pastorate, and have worked to enlarge its sphere of usefulness are as follows, in the order named. They are all that were remembered:

There arose a division in the African Methodist. church upon _ school matters, which resulted in April, 1868, in a division, a few of the members leaving, and the above-named church was formed by Elder C. W. Clemens, deceased. In its early history it applied to the Miami Conference of the Wesleyan Methodists of America for admission, and were accepted, and still hold their membership. The church is congregational in its form of government, their preachers being chosen by the church without definite limits as to the length of their pastorates.

At the time of its organization but four members united, viz.: Joseph and Caroline Moore, Wm. Green and Benj. Pickett, Mr. Jos. Moore serving as Class Leader for several years, and until his death. Mrs. Caroline Moore, called the mother of the church, is now the only member living of the original four, and furnished the facts of which this history is composed.

The organization was at the house of Mr. Moore, but they now have a neat frame church building and a handsome parsunage. The church is 32 x 42 in size with a vestibule 8 x 12 feet. It is neatly finished and furnished, and lighted with ten gas jets. 'There is yet due on the church property alittle over $800, but with a present membership of nearly sixty, they hope to be soon free from debt.

A regularly organized Board of Trustees belong to this church as follows: Steven Riley, T. H. Johnson, D. Eckels, Joseph Rolston, Amon Dunken, Frank Rolston and William Freeman. Mr. J. C. Moore is the efticient church Clerk.

Connected with this church is a thriving Sabbath-school, numbering between sixty and seventy pupils, with the following competent corps of officers, viz.: Mr. T. H. Johnson, Superintendent, with Miss Lucy Reid, Assistant; Organist, Prof. O. C. Huddleson; Secretaries, Miss Emma Moore and Miss Julia Garrett; Treasurer, Miss Sarah Johnson; Bible Class, No. 1, taught by Elder S. M. Smothers; Bible Class, No. 2, taught by Mrs. Lydia Hunter; Infant Class, No. 3, taught by Mrs. Annie Young; Class No. 4, taught by Mrs. Mary Mc- Kinney; Class No. 5, taught by Miss Lizzie Moore. The school meets at 2 o'clock P. m., every Sabbath.

Pastors serving this church in succession from its organization have been as follows: Elder ©. W. Clemens, two years; Rey. Gleason, one year; Rev. Silas French, one year and six months; Rev. Anday Ferguson, one year; Rev.. A. A. Dison, six months; Rev. Adam Collens, six months; Rev. Brookshare, two years; Rev. S. M. Sane, one year; Elder C. W. Clemens, two years; Elder H. C. Pierce, three years, and Elder S. M. Smothers, the present pastor, who took charge Sept. 24, 1883.

Present Board Of Stewards The Society Of Friends

The Society of Friends is the oldest established Christian denomination in Richmond or Wayne County, being, in fact, co-equal with the settlement of the county. In February, 1806, David Hoover and three other young men, all members of the Society of Friends, reached the vicinity of Richmond and Mr. Hoover located, remaining on his farm until his death, only a few years since. In August of the year 1806 Jeremiah Cox and a few others of the denomination of Friends joined the first settlers, Mr. Cox locating on the land upon which the principal part of Richmond now stands, north of Main street, and which he laid out.

In the fall of 1806, November, John Simpson, a member of the society, held a meeting at the cabin of Jeremiah Cox which was attended by about twenty persons. This was the initial movement of the society to form a closer union, which continued at intervals until the following summer of 1807. Then a Friends' meeting was commenced in acabin upon Jeremiah Cox's land, and was kept up until duly established by the church. In August, 1807, this meeting was ''indulged" by the West Branch Monthly Meeting. There were then eighty-four members, old and young, thirty-five of whom attended the first ''indulged" meeting. It continued to be held as such until 1809, when the Whitewater Monthly Meeting was established by the Miami Quarterly Meeting.

In the fall of 1808 a meeting-house was erected, the first in the county, of logs, twenty-four feet square, near the southeast corner of the old burying-ground of the Friends. Not long afterward an addition was built to this church, also of logs and of the same dimensions, and this place of worship was used until the erection of a new building in the year 1827. At the time ofthis enlargement, late in the year of 1808, there were 248 members belonging to the meeting, of all ages, and the society had a visit from the Rev. Stephen Grellet, who preached an interesting sermon from the text, '' Children, have ye any meat?" On the 30th of September, 1809, the Whitewater Monthly Meeting was opened, and was the first established meeting held in Indiana, and there were 265 Friends, old and young, then residing in Richmond and vicinity. In the year 1811 Thomas Roberts removed to Whitewater and settled on the farm where his son Jonathan now lives, and upon which the new Yearly Meeting house stands. He died in 1840 aged eighty-two years. Sam'! Charles, another prominent Friend, settled on a farm now occupied by his grandsons in part, in 1812. His death occurred in 1849, aged ninety-one years. Chas. Moffitt was another early pioneer ofthe church, ason-in-law of Jeremiah Cox. His home was the farm on which the old log church was built. He came in 1811, and died in 1845, in the seventy-third year of his age. In the month of June, 1812, the West Branch Quarterly Meeting was established by the Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and Whitewater Monthly Meeting was attached thereto, which caused the members of the latter to make a journey of forty miles, nearly due east, to attend the Quarterly Meeting. The Ohio Yearly Meeting was organized in 1817.

In the year 1815, nine years after the first settlement of Friends, the Whitewater Monthly Meeting was composed of the following subordinate meetings, viz.: Whitewater, West Grove, Silver Creek, Middle Fork, Elkhorn and Chester, and numbered 165 families, 800 to 900 members, with four or five recorded ministers.

The first Constitution of Indiana, adopted at Corydon, the then capital, sat nineteen days, and Jeremiah Cox was one of the members of the convention. The same year Richmond was laid off by John Smith.

On the 4th of January, 1817, the Whitewater Quarterly Meeting was held. Of this meeting William Williams, in his journal, said: "On the first day of the first month, 1817, there was a new Quarterly Meeting opened at Whitewater meetinghouse, which was a great satisfaction to many minds; yet we felt sorry to part with our dear Friends of West Branch, a number of whom were present."

On the 8th of October, 1821, the Indiana Yearly Meeting was established and held. Benjamin Hopkins was Clerk, and George Carter, Assistant. It was composed of five Quarterly Meetings, viz.: Miami, West Branch, Fairfield, Whitewater and Blue River It was held in the old log meeting-house, and in the shed attached to it. The increase in members caused a desire to erect a new and more commodious place of worship, and it took shape in the appointment of a committee, or Board of Managers, viz.: Jeremiah Cox, Samuel Charles and Thomas Roberts, and a plan for a house was adopted. This plan was changed the following year, 1822, and John Charles added to the committee. The latter and Jeremiah Cox resigned the following year, and Charles Moffitt was added, the board being then composed of the following named Friends: Samuel Charies, Thomas Roberts and Charles Moffitt, who continued to act until the building was completed in 1829. They kept a minute account of the expenditures, making their report in detail, and this account is in the possession of the grandchildren of Mr. Samuel Charles. The house was first occupied in an unfinished condition, in 1824. The board faithfully carried out their trust, and the cost was about $7,000 in round numbers. In 1826 the Yearly Meeting authorized the holding of Quarterly Meetings, held at Whitewater, at the Yearly Meeting house. From the meetings thus established there has since been three large Yearly Meetings set off: Western, Iowa and Kansas, having 25,000 to 30,000 members.

The Whitewater Monthly Meeting at present consists of the following preparative meetings, viz.: Whitewater, Richmond (held on South Eighth street), and Twelfth Street, all in the city of Richmond; Smyrna, a few miles north, and Orange, a few miles south of the city, all of which have from time to time been established by the old original meeting. The Monthly Meeting has a total membership of about 1,200.

The Whitewater Quarterly Meetings are held in the city of Richmond, in June and December, composed of five Monthly Meetings, all of which are in Wayne County, except one, and have a membership of 2,500. Two other meetings are held at Dublin, and one at New Garden, all in Wayne County. The New Garden Meeting consists of three Monthly Meetings, and about 1,200 members, which shows in the county of Wayne, where the Friends first settled in Indiana, a membership of 3,700 at this time, or Jan. 1, 1884.

These facts have been given us by Elijah Coffin, and in closing his memorandum he said in substance: '' That the Society of Friends unite with the views of most of the orthodox churches in all the essentials and fundamental doctrines of Christianity. They believe in the freedom of public worship. In the early days of the Christian Church the first gospel messenger was a woman, and they believe that women were called equally with men to preach the gospel. The result of 200 years' experience has been to the effect that they are equally efficient. Women can be ministers and be none the less loving as mothers, wives and daughters. Theirs, the Society of Friends, was a gospel of peace; hence their members cannot enlist in the armies of the world. If called upon to fight, the reply should be : ' We are Christians and cannot fight. It is better to obey the laws of God than man, and leave the reward to God.'

"The society stands firmly opposed to the death penalty, believing man has no right to take that which he cannot bestow. It also takes strong grounds in favor of temperance. From the earliest days of its history we have taught that the traffic in liquors should be restricted to its use for medical and mechanical purposes. The society feel it to be the duty of its members to co-operate with any movement that has for its object the suppression of the vice of intemperance." The value of their church property in Richmond is, for the Twelfth street property, $36,000; Eighth street property, $15,000 ; and Whitewater, $8,000.

The Society Of Friends

In the years 1827 and 1828 there was a division in the Society of Friends, and that part of the body to which this article refers, believing firmly in the doctrines and testimonies of the society, withdrew, and have held their meetings since, in order, as stated in the minutes of the Yearly Meeting, held the 29th of September, 1828, " As much as possible to preserve the unity and harmony of our religious society, and to maintain our principles on their ancient foundation, and according to our present discipline."

The first meeting held at Richmond after the division was in the woods, near where the railroad shops now stand, and was attended by about 140 members. Several meetings of conference were afterward held in the public-school building, for the purpose of procuring a place for worship.

In the fall of the same year Friends held their Yearly Meeting at Waynesville, Ohio, where it was decided to hold it alternately at Waynesville, Ohio, and Richmond, Ind.

Soon after the Yearly Meeting in 1828, a public meeting was held in a large barn, near Richmond; the room iu the tavern was thought too small to accommodate the number likely to assemble. The meeting was large and satisfactory.

On the 24th of September, 1828, a committee was appointed to select and purchase a lot on which to erect a meetinghouse; a piece of ground, containing three-fourths of an acre, was selected at the junction of Fort Wayne avenue and Sixth street, for which, in conjunction with the Quarterly Meeting, was paid $100.

Upon this lot was erected a frame building 40 x 60 feet, under the superintendence of the following committee: Robert Morrisson, Enos Graves and Charles W. Starr. The house was completed and meetings were held init in 1830. A few years later another building of like material and dimensions was erected on the ground, which was designed for the accommodation of the Yearly Meeting, and in the interval it

In 1864 this property was sold, and a lot, consisting of one entire square of ground, situated between. Eleventh and Twelfth and North A and B streets, was purchased of the Charles W. Starr estate, for the sum of $5,000.

In 1865 a plain, substantial, brick building, capable of holding 1,600 persons, was erected at a cost of $12,745.64. The Yearly Meeting was held in this house, in the fall of 1865.

Three years later a large two-story brick structure, intended tor an academy, was erected on the ground at a cost of $10,000, in which, for several years, a well-conducted school was sustaived under the auspices of the society.

While the membership of this branch of the society is not large, it includes members in whose daily lives may be found the elements of the true friend, as held by the early founders of the society, as well as active and earnest workers, well known for their zeal and integrity in promoting the welfare of the oppressed, irrespective of race or color, as well as some of the most popular and influential citizens of Wayne County.

The first Episcopal services were held in Richmond, in February, 1837, by Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, in the upper room of the City Hall (old Warner building). No effort was then made to organize a church. In April or May, Rev. Gresham Waldo commenced holding services in the lower room of the same building, but left on account of poor health -after about two months. About the 4th of July, 1837, Rev. Geo. Fiske located in Richmond by the advice of Bishop Kemper. He held services in the old frame church on Fort Wayne avenue, where the First M. E. Chureh now stands. He continued his missionary labors until Feb. 12, 1838, when St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized. The meeting for the purpose of forming a congre- gation was held at the law oftice of James W. Green. Rev. Mr. Fiske was Chairman; Ebenezer T. Turner, Secretary; E. T. Turner and Hermon B. Payne were elected Wardens; James W. Borden, Wm. S. Addleman and George Arnold, Vestrymen. The lower room of the Warner building was leased as a place for worship, in June, 1838. Sept. 10, 1838, steps were taken toward building a church edifice, to cost from $4,000 to $6,000, and a building committee was appointed. A church lot was selected in 1830, and on the 23d of May of that vear the church was legally incorporated. H. B. Payne and J. W. Green were chosen Wardens, and J. W. Borden, Stephen B. Stanton, John D. McClellandand George Arnold, Vestryman. The church building was partially finished in 1841, and the basement used as a place for services. The parsonage was built in 1843 at a cost of $354.50. The church building was completed in 1849, and consecrated Dee. 20, by Bishop Upfold.

Rey. Mr. Fiske tendered his resignation as rector April 21, 1851, but it was not finaily accepted until Nov. 20, 1855. His health, long impaired, gave way, and he died in February, 1860. The present rector, Rev. John B. Wakefield, was elected Dec. 3, 1855, and has been an earnest and devoted laborer for the Master during the long period of his pastorate. The church hada hard struggle for life in its early years, but was brought safely through its troubles aided by such devoted men as Rev. Mr. Fiske, Stephen B. Stanton, Wm. S. Addleman, H. B. Payne and others.

The number of communicants in 1539 was twelve; in 1855, fifty-two; in 1883, 154. Value of church property, about $20,000. The church has one of the finest organs in the West.

First Presbyterian Church

This church was organized in Richmond, Ind., Nov. 15, 1837, by a committee of the Oxford Presbytery. Thirty members united together composing the organization, and two others joined the day following. John Dougan, Jno. B. Taylor and Wm. McGathery were chosen Elders, and the Rev. Charles Sturdevant was chosen as their pastor. They had no place of worship of their own for three years, but had the use, occasionally, of the school-house, and the church of the Associate Reformed (now U. P.) church. Their first church building was erected in 1840, near its close, at a cost of lot and ground of $800, being improved in 1847 and continned in use until 1854. The present church edifice was commenced in 1850, but not fully completed until the first of the year 1854, when it was dedicated Feb. 5, of that year. The lot was a donation to the church from Chas. W. Starr. The church cost something over $5,000, and since then in repairs and improvements some $3,000. The ministers have been Rev. Charles Sturdevant, from organization to 1841; Rey. Thomas Whallon, from 1842 to 1845; Rev. R. A. Nay- Jar, from 1845 to 1846; Rev. Francis P. Monford, from 1847 to 1851; Rev. Henry L. McGuire began his labors here in July, 1852, and continued until Sept. 4, 1853, when he was summoned to his rest, greatly lamented by the church; Rev. Chauncy Leavenworth, from 1854 to 1856; Rey. John F. Smith, from 1857 to 1859; Rev. W. H. Vandaren, from 1860 to 1863; Rev. J. R. Geyer, six months in 1864; Rev. Lucius W. Chapman. trom 1865 to 1870; Rev. Isaac M. Hughs. present pastor, commenced labor here July 17,1870, was installed pastor Oct. 20, 1870.

The church has been free from debt siuce 1870, and has a membership of 275. The Sabbath congregations are large. The singing is congregational and led by a pipe organ. Weekly prayer-meetings are held every Thursday evening. The Sabbath-school meets at nine o'clock every Sabbath morning, and teachers meeting every Monday evening. There have been organized by the members of this church, the Ladies' Aid Society, The Women's Prayer-Meeting and the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. There have been few more prosperous churches, or one by their works more deserving.

United Presbyterian Church

from a Presbyterian minister is supposed to have been preached by Alexander Porter, in 1824. Only occasional preaching, however, was had for many years. The first pastor, or settled minister, was William M. Boyce, in 1835 or 1836. A frame meeting-house was built on Pearl street, south of Main. Among those who became members at and near the time of the organization were: Robert Grimes, Daniel Reid, A. Grimes, Jeremiah L. Meek and John Reid, with their wives, Widow Grimes, Mary Kibby, James McFadden, Mary Davidson, Isaac Conley. Robert Grimes and Daniel Reid were chosen Elders. The name of Joseph McCord appears on record as an Elder at a meeting of the session in 1843. The pastorate of Mr. Boyce terminated in 1851; after which the church had for many years no settled pastor or stated preaching. In 1858 it assumed the name of the United Presbyterian Church, and Adrian Aten became its pastor. In August, 1862, Robert Grimes, one of its Elders, died. In October, 1863, William S. Reid and John J. Conley were chosen Elders. In 1864,it is believed, the labors of Mr. Aten as pastor ceased; and on the 7th of May, 1866, Nixon E. W ade was ordained and installed. About the same time the society decided to build a new house of worship; and in November following (1866) William S. Reid was chosen "to take the entire superintendence of the new church building." David H. Dougan was elected Treasurer, and Daniel Reid, John J. Conley and David H. Dougan, Trustees for the ensuing year. On Sabbath, Sept. 15, 1867, the congregation entered their new house of worship for the first time. The opening sermon was preached by William Davidson, D. D., of Hamilton, Ohio. July 17, 1869, A. M. Weed was chosen an Elder. In February, 1870, Rev. Joseph W. Clokey commenced his labors, and was installed April the 28th following. The church was not fully finished until 1869, when it was dedicated by the Rev. William H. McMillan, of Xenia, Ohio. The Trustees at the time were Daniel Reid, John J. Conley and David H. Dougan. The Elders at this date, 1884, are: William S. Reid, Andrew F. Scott, James W. Smith and T. W. O. Braffett; Deacons, Frank H. Glass, Lucius W. Roberts, Alfred Lefevere and McPherson. The church liabilities at its completion were assumed by.W. S. Reid and A. F. Scott, and the church is free from debt. It is a handsome editice, built in the Gothic style, and in size 39 x 70 feet, with a seating capacity of about 400.

New Jerusalem Church

The New Jerusalem Church, of Richmond, was, through the instrumentality of Dr. O. P. Baer, organized late in the year 1849, the Doctor making his home in Richmond that year. There were but few members of the new church society then residing in the city, but the few cordially united with Dr. Baer in organizing a society for the good of the church. The society was composed of the following members: Dr. Joseph Howells and wife, James Austin and wife, son and three daughters, Daniel Roberts and wife, Jacob Purington and wife, Mr. Pullen and wife, and Dr. O. P. Baer and wife. Meetings were held at each other's houses, by some one reading either a sermon, or certain portions of the writings of the new church.

Owing to removals, the society failed to sustain itself, and within eighteen months went ont of existence. Owing to the few members no minister was regularly engaged, and preaching was had only occasionally. This was continued, even after the organization failed, to 1867. During this non-existence of the society, services had been held at different times, conducted by Revs. J. P. Stewart, Sabin, Hough, Dr. Channs, Henry Miller and others. In the spring of the latter year, 1867, Dr. Baer engaged the Rev. G. N. Smith, of Urbana University, to preach once a month at his residence. The audience at first was small, but it grew rapidly, each meeting presenting new faces and earnest hearers, until the house became too small to accommodate all who came. The meetings often terminated in a pleasant religious conversation, of questions and answers, intellectually enjoyed by all as a feast of good things for the soul. This season of spiritual feasting lasted until the early spring of 1869.

The need of a hall became apparent, and not finding a suitable one it was decided to build. The society having grown and strengthened, a new organization was effected early in March, 1869, with the following named persons signing the constitution and by-laws: O. P. Baer, Emma J. Baer, Francis Pruyn, Achsah Pruyn, Mrs. John ' Chandler, David Strawbridge, Mrs. S. A. Wrigley, Miss Julia H. Finley, M. L. Crocker, Lizzie Crocker. These members are what might be called charter members, who worked for the building of the temple, and iis furnishing, to its dedication. All things now being in reaciness, first of all a purchase was made of the southeast corner lot on Franklin and Walnut streets for $1,500, paying $1,000 down, and $500 in six months. A subscription list was then started, and at the same time the contract for erecting the edifice was let to Mr. Thomas Roberts. Two thousand dollars were subscribed and promptly paid by the citizens of Richmond, and $500 from parties elsewhere. The lot, building and furnishing cost $7,500. Before the dedication of the temple the entire debt was canceled by Dr. Baer. Dedication services occurred on Jan. 21, 1870, conducted by Rev. George Field, aided by Rev. F. Sewall. On the 26th of February a Sabbath-school was instituted, with Dr. Baer, Superintendent. During this season (1870) there were added to the society, properly called the New Jerusalem Church Society, the names of Mrs. John Finley, Mr. Thomas De Yarmon, Dr. Joseph Howells and three daughters, Mary E. Baer, Florence Chandler, and Rev. George Field and wife. Rev. G. Field was engaged as minister, and served the suciety for more than two years. Mr. Field then left for Detroit, and the society was without a regular minister fur more than a year. Mr. De Charms, a licentiate, read sermons tor three months during the summer of 1873, and during the following winter the society was richly entertained by one of the finest sermonizers in this or any other country, Judge Plants, of Ohio. Rev. G. N. Smith was again engaged in 1874, and preached for two years, after which Rev. E A. Beaman was engaged to. preach the first Sabbath of every munth, now over six years.

First Baptist Church

This church cannot be said to have been organized in 1865, but some twenty members of that denomination united to hold service in the winter of 1865 - 66, and they met first in a room over Engine House No. 2; then in the late spring, in a school-room on the north side, and from there to Phillips' Hall which they occupied until they were organized and sufticiently strong, financially, to erect a place of worship of their own, which was done a few years later. The church is a good substantial brick edifice, neatly and comfortably furnished. It is located on North Eleventh street, on the west side, north of Main street.

The original members as nearly as can be obtained were: Mr. and Mrs Daniel Thompson, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Newport, Mr. Agenbroad, Mr. F. Deal, Mrs. Conover, Mr. Griggs, Mrs. Jane Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Smith of the country, Dr. Newton, Mr. and Mrs. Black and daughter. The pastors were as follows: Mr. Agenbroad, served two years; Mr. Wilkenson, two years; Mr. Benton, one year; Mr. Moorehouse, one year; Mr. Smith, one year; Mr. Agenbroad (second term) two years; Mr. Roup, one year. The membership now numbers 104. Rey. Allen is the pastor in charge at the present time.

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church

The Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, colored, was organized in 1865, with only five members. The church grew but slowly and in a few years ceased to exist. Its pastors were the Revs. Trevans, Davis and Shoecraft. It was reorganized about the year 1872, and since that time has steadily grown, although but few members united at the start. In 1880 it had twenty-eight members. Since that time it has advanced greatly, under the pastorate of the Rev. Benj. Smith. Its ministers have been the Revs. Geo. Pass, Benj. Gardner, Brumwell, Polly, Benj. Gardner again, and the present pastor, Benj. Smith. It has now a membership of seventy-eight and its future is promising for good.

Christian Church, South Ninth Street

This congregation was organized by Rev. Elijah Goodwin, Noy. 21, 1859, in Warner Hall, cight members being present whose names were as follows: James Boyd and wife, James B. Posey and wife, Thomas Little, David Thomas, Beulah Graves and Elizabeth Horsman. Three of the above mein bers are still living, one (David Thomas) in Richmond.

This congregation had no regular place of worship, but met from place to place as could be best secured until 1878, when the present church building on South Ninth street was erected at a cost of nearly $4,000.

The pastors having charge of this church since its organization were as follows: Revs. Elijah Goodwin, A. J. Hobbs, Dr. G. W. Thompson, A. J. Loughlin, all of whom were in the work before the building of the house; and since the new church has been occupied the pastors have been, Revs. J. F. Sloan, J. L. Parsons, F. J. Morgan. The Rev. Mr. Morgan is the present pastor of the church which now numbers about 100 members.

Evangelical Lutheran Church

This church denomination was among the early organizations, members of the church settling in Richmond in 1834. These were German immigrants consisting of two families and three single persons, men. They continued to increase for the next ten years, wnen, for the first time they were served with a minister of their own faith in the person of Rev. I. C. Schulz, who settled in Richmond in 1844, and organized the members under the name of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

From this number there were chosen the following officers: Christoper Shofer, John Peterson, Eberhard Menke, Henry Juergens, Dieterich Hoehne and Christopher Juergens. In 1846 they built a house of worship, 30 x 50 feet, situated on South Fourth street, between C and D, then Front, street. Rev. I. ©. Schulz resigned in 1849 after faithful labor in the congregation and parochial school which he organized, also, at the beginning. Rev. J. G. Theis was his successor, and during his time of service the congregation increased so that they were obliged to enlarge their church building.

There was a division in the church while under the pastoral charge of the Rev. J. G. Theis, a part of the members leaving and forming a new church organization of the same denomination in another part of the city. In 1854 the church editice was considerably enlarged to meet the growing demand of the church, the basement being used for a school. The Rev. J. G. Theis remained in charge until 1856, when he was succeeded by the Rev. C. Schadow, who was installed as their regular pastor. The pastor had also, up to this time been the teacher of the school, but the work became too great, and in 1857 they employed a regular teacher in the person of August Mueller, thus more equalizing the burden. During the ministerial labors of the Rev. C. Schadow, a serious trouble arose which threatened the existence of the church. This, however, was avoided, the reverend gentleman, in 1862, resigning. His successor, the Rev. G. Loerrenstein, succeeded in restoring the church to peace, and, his able and truly Christian labor, resulted in an increased membership and a harmonious congregation. This prosperity caused the enlargement of the church to its present size, in the year 1874. The audience-room will seat 600 persons. The church edifice and pastor's residence, including lot, is valued at $15,000. After thirteen years of successful labor, the Rev. G. Loerrenstein resigned his charge and was succeeded by the Rev. H. Wickemeyer in 1876, who proved a worthy successor, and who is still in successful discharge of his pastoral duties. The membership is 155. There are three teachers employed now in the school, with an attend-

This church was established in the year 1853, and their first service was in a school-house, located on the corner of South Seventh and B streets. A few years later a good, substantial, brick edifice was erected, which is still occupied, on the south side of Seventh street, and which since, in 1869, was improved by the building of a tower, and in 1874, still further improved and repaired. The original members were: David Knollenberg, David Sittlah, Christian Schofer, Christian Fetta, Aaron Turner, Henry Brakensick, Jurgens Hasenkoester, William Thiemen.

The pastors who have served the church are: Revs. Mr. Schramm, Frederick Rensch, John F. Grossow, Mr. Kuch, J. D. Severinghans, G. Schultz, D. G. Rehsteiner, H. Wickemeyer, G. W. Enders and John J. Young, who is the present pastor.

A handsome and commodious brick school-building was erected in 1863, with accommodations for 125 pupils or students, and is strictly a parish school. The past year, 1883, it had an attendance of fifty-five students. The value of their entire property is placed at $25,000.

The Evangelical Association of Zion's Church first met as an organization in 1864, their service being held ina small frame building near the First Ward school. They occupied this place for nearly two years. The church or association then divided. The two branches,the Evangelical Association and the German Methodist,commenced with a membership of twenty. On the separation, the above association of Zion's Church held their meetings at the old engine-house at the end of South Sixth street. They did not worship there long, but erected a church edifice of their own at a cost of $4,000. A list of the original members are not on record, but Mr. J. C. Burkhardt is the only one living.

Names of pastors - Revs. Edward Evans (the first), G. Schmoll, John Hoffman, Joseph A. Maier, J. K. Troyer, William King (same year), Henry Prechter and J. Schmielli, under whose care and supervision the church-house was enlarged at a cost of $1,300. Revs. George Boederer, A. O. Roher, F. Launer, and William Wiedenhoeft, whois the present pastor. The present membership is twenty-two.

Catholic Churches

The first Catholic settlers in and about Richmond were J. H. Moormann, Thomas, John and Daniel O'Hara, Joseph Brokamp, Peter Schindler, John Ryan, Charles Boushie and Peter Essenmacher, all of whom, excepting the first named, are now dead.

The Catholics of Richmond were visited for the first time by a Catholic priest as early as 1836; it was the Rev. Jos. Ferneding, residing at New Alsace, Dearborn County. A paper left by Father Ferneding mentions Richmond as one of his many missions, stating that it had about ten families. He celebrated mass at the houses of Charles Boushie and Joseph Brokamp, visiting the place about twice a year until 1840.

Until 1845 Rev. Michael O' Rourke, residing at Dover, Dearborn. County, paid occasional visits; but from June, 1845, until August, 1846, the Rev. Vincent Bacquelin, residing at St. Vincent's, in Shelby County, visited Richmond every two or three months.

It was at the time of Father Bacquelin's visits that a lot was secured on which to build a church. The Hon. Sam. E. Perkins, Judge of the Supreme Court of Indiana, residing at Richmond, proposed to donate the lot on Marion street, on which the parsonage now stands; however, the lot west of it was preferred. It was also the property of Judge Perkins, and he sold it to the Catholics for $100, of which sum Father Bacquelin paid $25. During Father Ryan's time the cornerstone for a brick church was laid, to be known as

At the solemn blessing of the new church in 1847 by Bishop dela Hailandiere, who had donated $500 on condition that the church be built of brick, were present the Rev. Andrew Bennett, of Dover, Dearborn County, and the Rev. James F. Wood, then pastor of the Cathedral in Cincinnati, now Archbishop of Philadelphia, whose parents at that time lived in Richmond. After Father Ryan's departure the Rev. Wm. Engeln, of Blue Creek, visited Richmond a few times.

In May, 1849, St. Andrew's received its second resident pastor in the person of the Rev. William Doyle. He remained until August, 1853. The Rev. John B. Merl came next, and remained until June, 1858. Next the congregation was attended by the Rev. Henry Peters, of Connersville, until March, 1859. From March to December, 1859, the Rev. G. H. Ostlangenberg visited Richmond from Brookville.

On Dec. 25, 1859, the Rev. J. B. H. Seepe was appointed resident pastor, and remained at Richmond until September, 1868. In 1860 Father Seepe built the present church, 120 x 60 feet. In 1865 a new school-house was erected; the rst school-house had been in existence since 1847 or 1848. In 1867 Father Seepe bought twelve acres of ground for cemetery purposes.

The Rev. Ferdinand Hundt was the pastor from November, 1868, until 1877. In 1870 the tower and spire of the church were finished, and in 1874 the cemetery ground was much improved and the beautiful mortuary chapel erected.

an addition to the school-house. On his arrival a huge debt was resting heavily upon the congregation. It is not yet entirely removed. bnt very much lightened, with brighter prospects in the not distant future.

Father Seibertz was born on Jan. 20, 1841, in Ockenfels, Rhine Province, Germany, and emigrated to this country June 24, 1862. He was ordained at Vincennes by Bishop de St. Palais, as follows: Tonsure and Minor Orders, June 29; Subdeacon, Dec. 8; Deacon, Dec. 17; Priest, Dec. 21, 1864. His mission prior to St. Andrew's was Dover, Dearborn County, where he built the church.

In 1860 the Irish or' English-speaking Catholics of Richmond, who had hitherto worshiped in St. Andrew's Church, resolved on separating from their German brethren. They bought a church property that had been used by English Lutherans, of Louis Burke, for $8,000, to be paid in installments of $1,000 a year. The church soon began to look like a Catholic church.

For a short time St. Mary's Church was visited by Rev. John Contin, and after him by Rev. John Gueguen. In October, 1860, a resident pastor was appointed in the person of Rev. Aeg. Merz, who from there also attended Centreville, Washington and Hagerstown, in Wayne County, and New Castle and Middletown, in Henry County. He remained until September, 1863, when the Rev. J. M. Villars succeeded him. The next pastor was the Rev. Francis Moitrier, who resigned October, 1872.

The Rev. D. J. McMullen took charge of the congregation in October, 1872, heavily burdened with debts. But his administrative abilities soon ordered affairs. The congregation became united, and the debt has been very considerably reduced. Ina few years, no doubt, the church could be consecrated.

farm near Celbridge, County Kildare, within eight miles of the city of Dublin. At the close of 1848 he sailed for America. Most of his studies were made at St. Mary's Seminary, Perry County, Mo., and at the St. Louis University. He was ordained by Bishop de St. Palais at St. Meinrad; Subdeacon, June 17; Deacon, June 18; Priest, June 21, 1867. Ang. 5, 1867, he arrived in Indianapolis to assist in St. John's Church and attend these stations: Greenfield, Cumberland, Fortville, Plainfield, Brownsburg, Franklin and Edinburgh. He continued here until October, 1868, when he was assigned to Rushville, Rush County. In October, 1872, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church, Richmond. The congregation numbers about 150 families, with an attendance of 170 children at school.

Father McMullen also attends Fountain City, north, and Centreville, west, of Richmond, in each of which stations a few Cathotic families reside.