Owensboro, Kentucky - History (part 2 of 2)

Baptist Church of Owennhoro. - April 1, 1834, Owensboro had about '50 people, among whom were two Baptists, both ladies. These were Sisters Miller and Pici^ot-t. April 3 of that year, George 1!^^. McKay and wife, both Baptists, came fiom Taylorville to this place. Dm'iijg tlie^same year came William Head, Irwood Daniel and wife, from Shelby County; Mrs. G. W. Triphtt, from Great' Crossing, Scott County; John' Stout nnd wife from Buck Creek, Shelby County. Rev. Reuben Cottrell commenced preaching here in the spring of 1834, during which year he baptized two colored women. On Saturday before the second Sunday in May, a church was constituted in the seminary by Revs. Reuben Cottrell and Thomas Downer, with eight white and eighteen black members. At the next meeting William Head, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Tarlton joined. Mr. Cottrell was chosen Pastor, William Hood, Clerk, and L. Stout, Deacon. John L. Burrows, a young man from New England, was in Kentucky as agent for the China mission, and visited Owensboro about Marcliof 1838 or 1839. In the early part of May he commenced a f)rotracted meeting litre. Elder Ben Crouch was hi)lding a quarterly meeting. Mr. Burrows proposed a union meeting, but Mr. Crouch refused, and went on with his meetings until Wednesday night, when he closed. Mr. Burrows then went into a union meeting with the Methodist circuit- rider, i\nd Sam. Elhoun, a lay preacher. The people came only to hear Mr. Burrows, su, after a day or two, he did all the preaching. The meetings lasted about six weeks, and there were 200 per.sous converted, of whom 100 joined the Baptist church. Mr. Burrow.s went from here to Pleasant Grove, seven miles west of town, where about 100 were converted. He also went to Henderson, where lie cons-tituted a churcli of about !0(t membeis. He was called to supply the pulpits ol these two churclie?, preaching two Sundays at (Owensboro and one at Henderson. Tins task he accepted, and performed for some time. In September, 1840, Mr. Burrows and wile wore, at their own request, dismissed from the society, ani.l went to the Fifth Baptist of Philadelphia. He had been very po])Ular with all his people, and they parted with him with regret, knowing how useful iiis labors had been for the Owensboro church. Rev. J. G. Howard, who had joinetl the church by letter in May, 1839, was now ordained as the j^astor. He served the church faithfully for about two and a half years, altliough i)art of the time preacliing but once a inoutli, when liev. Alfred Taylor was chosen pastor. In December, lS-15, llev. [). E. Hums was called to preach the first and fourth Sundays in each nniutli. He ])reached regularly during 1846, and tlien went to another sectioji of the country to labor. Rev. Alfred Taylor became jnistor of the Owensboro church in January, 184-7, and preached until May. 1848, when he resigned. Tin- church was unable to secure the services of another pastor until the following January, when Rev. V. R. Kirtly was chosen pastor, at a salary of $.J5(). The chui'ch now had regular service.'^ every Suiiday, for the first time in many years. Mr. Kirtly resigned in January, IS.'il, being a])pointed agent for the Kentucky and F(^reign Missionary Society. During 1851 the church had no regidar ])astor, but in January, I'^oS, they secured the services of Rev. L. L. ITelm, at $60t) per aniiiun salary. He resigned in August, 1853, and was followed by Rev. R. C Euckner, who commenced his labors here Oct. 1-), 18.")4. Mr. Buckner resigned in June, 1855, and was parted with by his congregation with much regret. The ne.Kt pastor called was Rev. N. B. Waller. He accepted the call, but died on his journey to Owensboro. The church was again without a pa-tor until May, 1856, when Rev. A. B. Smith took charge of the church, remaining until September, 1858. He was followed by Rev. B. T. Taylor, who preached until the fall of 1861, when he resigned. These were troublous times for the Owensboro Ba])tist fliurch, a.s well as for thousands of other churches, many of which died entirely from the dissensions arising from the war of lS()l-'5. In March, 18Gi2, Rev. A. B. Miller became ])astoi- of the Ovven-boi'O church, lie was succeeded, in December, 18ti4, by R'n'. -J. C. Maple, who left in 1868. Then came Rev. C. C. Chaplin, of Virginia, who i'em:iined wilh llie congregation until 1873, and the i resigned to accept a call to Paducah. He was a vcrv j)o)iular Hum, atid his lo<s was felt. The next to tiil the ])ulp"t of the Owensboro church was Rev. T. (/. Stu"!--'" of ( ircensbur"-, Ky. AfUT prt^aching t\\'o \ear.-, he ri.-in'.-'ino to (;i-i-.'u-;li:M-g. l[e was succ(H'ded by the pre>ciil- j)as!oi', r,>r. [ !'. Si):.,:ni)H, of Sharon, Pa. Tiie i)res('nl mciuberNhip of fliv i-ii:irc!i i^ i'^o '\'\\k' Clerk of the church is W. J 1, Owen; 'J'i-cas\ii-"i-, Dr. S. 11. rd: Finance Committee, Y. I^. Foi-d, J. W. Coleman, and .1. 1-". ."^uUoi;; Deacons, "l". F. Ford, James II. Parrisl), Dr. 15. II. llobbs. L. Lumpkin, J. Jj. Cruse, John S. Mobc-rly, and John S. I'.iown.

Rev. Josiah Bridges Solomon, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Owensboro, was born Jan. 18, 1824, in Franklin County, N. C, and is the first son and third child of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Bridges) Solomon, natives also of North Carolina.

Mr. Solomon's grandfather, "William Solomon, settled in the Isle of Wight County, Va. During the Revolutionary war, when the British obtained possession of Virginia, he moved into North Carolina, where he ultimately died, at a very advanced age. He was very pious, and on his death-bed he insisted that his attendants should help hira out, so that he could get upon his bended knees and pray. Assuming this suppliant attitude, he prayed for his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren, etc., down through the ages to come. After his death four of his sons became ministers of the gospel; and every grandchild of his is aClifistian. Tiie wife of William Solomon was a Gordon, and a descendant of a Scotch clan of that name. Jeremiah was their youngest son, and the father of the subject of this sketch. The latter has the blood of four nationalities on his father's side - English, Scotch, French and German, and two on his mother's - English and Welsh. His father died in 1852, and his mother is still living.

Mr. Solomon was reared on a farm. At the age of eighteen he embraced Christianity and joined the Baptist church, being baptized by Kev. P. H. Smith, in November, 1843. He obtained a good academic education, surpassing his classmates in the classical languages, mathematics, natural philosopliy, mental and moral science, etc. He' then attended Wake Forest College, from which he afterward reeei'\ ed the degree of A. M. After teaching school a year or two he was appointed a missionary by the North Carolina State Convention, and preached as a missionary for two years in the counties of Davy, Rowan, Davidson and Surrey. Here his work was very l)ard, but at the same time the happiest of his life. From his labors in this field grew four churches directly, and indirectly a number of others. His health failing he returned to the farm two years; he then, in Januarj-, 1854, took charge of the ohurch at Warrenton, N. C, where he continued eight years, increasing the membership from 25 to 150. While here he accepted a challenge to a discussion with a Methodist, which resulted in his having to baptize a large number of the Methodist church at that place.

In 1860 Mr. Solomon accepted a call to the pastorate of the Leigh Street Church, in Richmond, Va. In the spring of 1861 the war broke out, and Mr. S<ilomon ])rosecuted his duties as pastor, giving all the time he bad at command to the sick and dying in the bosjiitals. A young licentiate of bis church was chaplain in Libby Prison. Two of the prisoners professed faith in Christ, and sought baptism at the bands of Mr. Soloniori. After conferring with the deacons of tlie clinrcb the prisoners were brought forward undei' an armed guard, related the gi-ound of their hope, were received, dressed, bajitized, and changed their dress after baptism under guard. It was the most solemn scene he ever witnessed. During his jiastorate in Kichmond his church increased from about 325 to 475. As an illustration of a feature of paper currencj', we digress here to mention that when he lelt Richmond in 1864 flour was selling at $l,2-)0 a barrel, in Confederate scrip.

Mr. Solomon then, 18(i5-'6. -jiassed two years on the farm agairc in North Carolina. In 1867 lie became President of the Warrenton Female College - a large school, whicli flourished under his supei-inteiidency, exce])t pecuniarily. lie then ojiened an " individual" school in Pruntytown, "VV. A^a. and soon after the opening of the second year of his school he was elected to the professorship of English Literature in West Virginia University, located at Morgantown. Alter two years lie resigned this ])osition and became President of Monongaliela College at Jefl'erson, Pa. During the two years of bis woi-k here be raised IS 1,000 for flnishing the college building and $20,000 for endowment. In October, 1875, Dr. Solomon accepted a call to become jiastor of the First Baptist Church at Sharon, and ]-emained there till the close of January, 1880, when he came to this present charge.

Mr. Sokimon, of course, lias been a delegate to various State and national conventions of the ministry of his church; has held presidencies, secretaryships, etc., in them, and many other oflices in the gift of his peo))lc. Some of bis sermons have been published in pamphlet form, and he has contributed able articles to various ])erio(lieals. II is ]>res('nt librai'v is a solid mass of learning. In Octob-'i'. T<1-!), the subject of this sketcli was married to Miss Mary M. 15urges, a native ol' ^'^'^a^relUl):l ('(unity. N. C. the daughter of John and Alartha (Alston) Burges and a direct descendant of Bishop Purges, of tire Episco])al church, who was a private instructor of Miss Dandridge, afterward the wife ot the great George Washington. Mrs. Solomon's matei'nal grandfatlier was an oflicer in the Revolutionary war, and although entitled to a large pension, he would never receive a cent, saying that it was ignoble to receive wages for performing patriotic duty. Mrs. Solomon's mother was a first cousin of the father of Aaron Burr's son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Solomon have five living children, namely: William Thomas, a merchant in Chicasro; John Barges, now teaching in Parker's Grove Academy, La Rue County, Kj'; Joseph Bell, bookkeeper in a wholesale house in Chicago; Loula Estelle, now Mrs. John M. Reeves, of AVarren, Ohio; and Mary M., teacher of music in South Kentucky College.

Walnid Street Baptist Church. - This church was organized as "Ash Valley Church," Nov. 5, 1876, at Asli Valley Schoolhouse, about four miles below Owensboro, by Revs. D. E. Yeiser and J. M. Peay, after a series of meetings held by tliese minis ters. The main organization was composed of about thirty members dismissed by letter from other Baptist churches, among whom were R. C. Faqua, Sarah I. Faqiia, R. M. Fuqua, Willie Fuqua, W. T. Lea, M. E. Lea, E. G. Adams, Mary C. Adams, Gilbert Hagerman, S. P. Ilagerman, C. L. Nail, S. R. Nail, Joseph Carlin, Sarah J. Carlin, J. W. Worthirigton, Robert Patrick, Fannie Patrick, W. 11. Sands and others; The officers were elected at a called meeting, Nov. 8, 1876: W. T. Lea, Moderator; Gilbert Ilagerman, Clerk; Joseph Carlin, Treasurer; church meeting, the Saturday before the fourth Sunday in each month. Nov. 12, 1876, R. C. Fuqua, E. G. Adams and Joseph Carlin were ordained Deacons by Ifevs. D.'E. Yeiser and B. Y. Cundiff. W. T. Lea, having been previously ordained, was called to active Deaconship Dec. 28, 1876, and Rev. D. E. Yeiser was elected Pastor. Nov. 24, 1877, E. G. Adams was elected Moderator, and C. L. Nail. Treasurer. Oct. 12, 1878, it was decided to move the church to Owensboro, which they did, and then joined in a series of meetings which were being held in Turpin's tobacco factory, in tlie west end of the city, by Rev. J. M. Peay, a missionary from the Daviess County Association, assisted by Dr. J. S. Coleman. At a regular meeting held Nov. 23, 1878, the name of Ash Valley (Church, whicli had, been adopted, was changed to Walnut Street Baptist Ciiurcli, of Owensboro. A large number of members were received from time to time, some by letter from the First Church of Owensboro, and some by baptism, among whom were William N. Mason, Einaline Mason, J. D. Robinson, Fannie Robinson, S. T. Lowry, Mary Lowry, John Moorman, Jennie Moorman,

Cecilia V. Boyd, Pauline Collins, Mollie J. Cox, and others, from First Churcli, and George H. Cox, Lizzie Talbott, John R. Phillips, and several others, by baptism. Dec. 21, 1878, E. G. Adams was re-elected Moderator, and George H. Cox was elected Clerk. The place of meeting was changed to Mrs. E. Sue Phillips's school-house, corner of Fourth and "Walnut streets. Jan. 25, 1879, Rev. D. E. 7eiser. Pastor, and C. L. Nail, Treasurer, tendered their resignations, which were accepted. W. N. Mason was then elected Treasurer. Feb, 28, 1879, Rev. D. E. Yeiser was recalled as Pastor. July 26, 1879, Dr. J. S. Coleman was chosen to dedicate their new church building on the fifth Sabbath in August, which was done. At this time D. E. Yeiser again resigned. Dec. 2, 1879, Dr. J. S.. Coleman, the present Pastor, was elected. Jan. 1, 1880, W. N. Mason was elected Moderator, and George H. Cox, Clerk. In May, 1880, the church was admitted to membership in the General Association. Nov. 3, 1878, a Sunday-school was organized in Turpin's tobacco factory, with S. T. Lowry as Superintendent, and John Moorman, Secretary; there were about thirty pupils. In February, 1880, George H. Cox was elected Superintendent, a position which he still fills. The church building was commenced in December, 1878, and completed at a cost of about $5,000.

Fourth Street Baptist Church (colored). - This society was organized many years ago, when records were not very sacredly kept. They worshiped at first in a log building which stood almost directly in a ravine, sifice filled up, just below where St. Stephen's Church now stands. Isom Howard was their minister for many years. The present church building, a brick, between Elm and Poplar streets, was built before the war; seating capacity, 500 or more. Since it was first built, twenty feet addition has beou made to the rear or north end. It is now eighty feet long by forty wide.

As pastors of this church, Mr. Howard has been succeeded by Revs. DuPuy, Caldwell, Edward Newsom and Moses Harding, the present incumbent, who has been here nearly seven years. There are now about 500 members. There have been over 600, but a few years ago i new church was formed from it, who have their headquarters in the eastern part of the city. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of 80 to 100. Nelson Talbntt is the present Superintendent.

of Rev. Newsom, who added over 100 to the church, and Rev. Norris, from Henderson, who conducted a revival here resulting also in the addition of over 100 to the church. Mr. Harding has added about 300 to this church.

Center Street Baptist Church (colored). - This has also been called " Snow Hill Baptist Church;" the name does not yet seem to be settled. It is comparatively young and weak. A frame church has been commenced on Snow Hill, probably 34 x 50 feet in dimensions, but when the frame was up and roof and siding on work ceased. The society holds regular religious services, however. Rev. A. Merrifield has been pastor here. Rev. Salter is the present minister.

The fall of 1878 was marked by one of the greatest revivals ever witnessed in this. community. It commenced in Turpin's factory and ended in the First Baptist Church, by the conversion of over 250 persons, and the addition of over 200 to the church. Dr. J. S. Coleman was the principal minister, assisted by Revs. J. M. and R. D. Peay and D. K. Yeiser.

The Green liiver Baptist Theological xnstitution. - March 27, 1867, this society held its first meeting in Owensboro, commencing on Wednesday and closingits labors on Sunday night. The attendance was large and appreciative, and the lectures delivered by the gentlemen appointed for that purpose were in the highest degree interesting and instructive. Rev. J. M. Dawson spoke on Regeneration, Repentance and Faith; Rev. J. S. Coleman, on Personality, Divinity, and Work of the Holy Spirit; Mr. J. H. Branham, on Action, Design and Symbolism of Baptism; Rev. J. C. Maple, on Church Government; Rev. J. M. Peay, on Communion. Rev. J. S. Coleman, of Beaver Dam, was elected President, and Rev. J. C. Maple, of Owensboro, Secretary.

Christian Church. - This society was organized in 1860, in the old Masonic lodge-roora, with about fifty membei's, under Rev. A. N. Gilbert, who resided and preached here about six months, when the war came in and interrupted the pastoral succession. About two months after organization they rented an old tlieater hall for some three years, when it had to be given up for a court-room, the court-house being burned. The present eliurdi bnihling of brick) and of a seating capacity of about 500, was erected in 1870-'71. It is on Lewis street, between Fourth and Fifth. Among the first members were 11 A. Wilhoyt and wife, Mrs. Rebecca Brothnrton, Mrs. Elizabeth Coffey, Wm. Littell, James W. McDonald, Mr. Pruitt, A. a. Botts, Allen Wilhoyt, etc. The first Elder was Mr. Botts, and Deacons, B. A. Wilhoyt and Wm. Littell. The present ofhcers, Henry Tompkins, Joshua (x. Terrill and J. W. Mc- Donald, Elders, and Wm. Hays, Deacon.

The pastors of this cliurch have been : Revs. A. N. Gilbert, Geo. Taylor, who was here for over two years after the war; W. W. Carter, two years; Alfred N. Flower, two years; B. O. Flower, son of the preceding, six months; Baxter Mayfield, a year; A. N. Gilbert again, six months; and now. Rev. I. G. Tomlinson, from Ijidianapolis, although not employed for a iixed term, is preaching tor this society. He has been a missionary in Japan several years.

First Presbyterian Church. - The presbytery of Louisville, at a meeting held at Shelbyville in 1844, appointed a commission to organize a church at Owensboro. In accordance with this decision a church was organized in this city, Nov. 23,1844, by Rev. William L. Breckenridge, of Louisville. There were, at first, six members, as follows: William Bell, John N. Dorsey, Mrs. Mary Anderson, Mrs. Jano Weir, Mrs. Barbara Anthony and James B. Anderson. 0,1 the first iif March, ISiS, James B. Anderson, William Bell and John V. Dorsey were elected Ruling Elders. Subsequently Mr. Dorsey left tlie city and Messrs. John Allen and Wm. A. Bradshaw were chosen Elders. For many years the session was composed of these same four elders.

From Min-ch, 1845. to April, 1846, tiic church was supplied by Rev. J E. Smith, of the presbytery of Donegal, who went from here to Bardstown. In September, 1846, Rev. 11. H. Hopkins was called to the church from Shelby County, Ky. He accepted the call, and was installed in January, 184 T, by Rev. D. P. Humphrey, now of Louisville, and B. M. llobson.

The church at first worshiped in the old court-house, which was a rude structnro, with saw-dust lioor, and rough planks for seats. Tlie congi-egation speedily began to raise funds for the erection of a suitable edifice. In spite of many diificulties the building was completed early in 1850, and is the same as the one at present in use, on Third street. It was formally dedicated to the worship of the Lord, May 12, 1850, by Rev. Mr. Hopkins, the ])astor. The builditig is 40 x 60, of brick, and will seat 350 people.

Henderson, bv which a number of members were added totlie then small congregation, bv profession of faith in Christ. During the extended period of Dr. Hopkins' ministry, the con ii;regation grew in numbers steadily and gradually. Jt was marked by one revival season of more than usual success, extending through April and part of May. IS.iS, at which time many valuable accessions were made to the ehnrch from the outer world.

Dr. IIo])kins, in his pastorate, took great pains to inculcate in his followers the principles of true morality and Caristianity, and the moral tone ot his congregation was consequently elevated. His disciplinary belief and teachings were considered rather strict, but his long pastorate of nearly twenty-three years is the best ])0ssib!e evidence of the esteem in whichlie was he'd as a minister of the gospel. He was beloved by all, both those in his church and the citizens generally. Tlie painful events in the history ot this country from 1861 to 18G.5, leading to adivisioji in the Presbyterian Synod of Kentucky, made it evident that the church would be divided. There were at this time on the roll about 126 members, of whom about eighty'and all the elders, ad all the deacons save one, went to the Southern Assembly, and were organized as the Fourth Street Presbyterian Church. The property ot the church was divided, those adhering to the Northern Assembly retaining the church and name of "First Presbyterian Church."

The church secured the services of Rev. .John K. Demare.^t, of Palisades, N. Y., as their regular pastor, and he remained with the congregation until the spring of 1872, when he resigned, to accept a call to New York City. He is at present pi-eaching at Gettysburg, Pa. The church here prospered steadilj' under Mr. Demarest, and parted with him with regret. He was followed, in the succeeding December, by Rev. J. F. Hendy, who came from Vincennes, Ind., and remained with the church until April 1, 1881. Dec. 1 Rev. J. H. Nesbitt, from the Pittsburg Presbytery, was called and took charge of the congregation, which position he now holds.

Rev. J. II. Neshltt, now in charge of the First Presbyterian Church of Owensboro, was born in Indiana Cjunty, Pa., Aug. 20. 1834. He received his pr^iparatory literary and classical education in Saltzburg Academy, in the same county, after which he entered Jefferson College, and graduated with the clas^ of 1858. He studied theology one year in the Theological Sjminary in Allegheny City, Pa., and two years in the Theological Seminary

Fiuii'lh -<trir' I're^hi/f,' riii.ii Churi-li. - In tlio forcgniig history of the First ('luircli, we have mentioned the division of'its congregation, and the orgaiii/ation of the Fourth Street J'resbyterian (Church, in 1868. The memljers of this church at once took steps toward erecting a church edifice, which was dedicated A])i-il 14, 187ti. by .Rev. II. I!, lloi.kins. Pn'viuiisly to this, in June, 1869, Rev. J. W. Pugh. of Warrenton, Va., was called to the pul])it ot this church. He was installed by Dr. Stuart Robinson, Dr. II. IT. Hopkins, and Rev. F. Thornton, and began his labors Oct. 28, 1809. Charles I>. Hicks was elected and ordained an Elder, in November, lS7i. Wm. H. Clark was elected and ordained an Elder in November, 1869. Messrs. Rradshaw, Metcaif, Hicks and Olai'k for a time constituted the session. Afterward Mr. G. Crutcher, Mr. Jolm Wandling, ami C. R. Milne were chosen as Elder*, (^wing to various (;hanges, the session now consists ot Messrs. J.ihn Wandling, C. R. Milne, and W. II. Olark.

Dr. Hopkins, on account, of declining health, was obliged to ^ease preaching, and accordingly, in October, ist>',.t, the pastoral relation was severed by the jiresbytcry ot Louisville, at the request of Di-. IIo|ikins. and liev. Mr. Pugii was calied to the pulpit, as above stated. He continue 1 a^* pastor of the church until March S. 1^TT, and his labors were marked by several seasons ot succe^stul re\'i\-als. At the time he left, tlie church roll had risen to 13."). During his pastoi'ate the congregation purchased a comfortable ])arsoiiage, which he occu|iied during the lattctr jiart of his stay in Owensboro. He went from here to act as pastor of the chnrch at P''ranktbrt, Ky. Rev. J. (1 MoUoy was called to the pnlpit of this church April 22, 1877, and was ordained on the call of the Oweiisboro church in the fall of tlie same year. He was installed Dec. 12, 1S7T, Rev. Stiiart Robinson, D. D., ])reac]iing and charging the pastor, whilst Rev. W. L. Noiirse delivered the charge to the ineniherK.

Mr. Molloy was horn in Holly Springs, Miss., Nov. 23, 1855. His father was at thut time banking in Memphis, Tenn., and sliortly after he moved liis family tliere. "Mr. Molloy was lu-oiight u]) in Memphis, attending a private school most of tlie time until the age of seventeen, when he entered the junior class at Stuart College, Clarksville, Teim. He was intended by his father for a lawyer, but chose the ministry in preference, and his father ccm. sented. He graduated at Clarksville in June, 1874, and in August of the same year entered the junior class of Union Theological Seminary at Hampden Sidney, Va., graduating in the spring of 1877. During Ids course he supplied two country ciiurches in Prince Edwards County, Va. On his vacation of 1876, he raised $10,000 of the endowment fund of Bellwood Seminary, at Anchor age, Ky. Mr. Molloy has been twice married, the last time to Missi Laura" Brown, of Shelby County, Ky.

During his ministry in Owensboro two revivals of unusual success have been held, and the membership, in spite of numerous losses by removal, i^ now 167. In October, 1881, work was begun on the new church edifice, which is now under roof It will seat -too persons, and hat. two ante-rooms and two offices. It will cost before completion over $15,000, and it is one of the linest buildings in this part of the State. The architecture of the cliurch is very modern in style, and is modeled after the English (iothic.

The Sundaj'-school connected with the church is in a very j)rusperous condition, with a membership of 130. The Superintendent is Wm. H. Clark.

Oct. 11, 1877, the Presbyterian Synod of Kentucky, in connection with the (xeneral Assembly of that chnrch in the United States, met at the First Presbvterian Church in Owensboro. Tiie opening discourse was delivered by Jonathan Edwards, D. D., or Danville. Rev. [I. H. Allen delivered a remarkabi\ effective aildress on ministerial education. Several f)tlier able disci 'Uiscs wei-e delivere<l, but the time of the ^ymid was mostly tuken up with routiric business. The attendance vvas not large. a]>p;i)'''iii)y owing to the fact that this city is .so iar from tlii^ geogi-ajiliicui center of the State, and was com])arativ>>ly inaccessible by railroad.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized the fall of 1839 bj Rev. Samuel Calhoon, Alfred Grissom and wife, Mrs. Philip Triplett, James M. Rogers and wife, David Morton and wife, Joseph Weaver and wife, George Newbolt and wife, Mrs. W. W. Chambers, Rev. Samuel Calhoon and wife, Miss E. Griffith, W. R. Ewing and wife, and many others were the first membevs. Alfred Grissom, James M. Rogers, David Morton, and Joseph Weaver were Elders and Trustees. The first religious services were held at the court-house, and ihe old seminary, now a part of the Upper Ward school building. Rev. Samuel Calhoon was the first preacher, and the only one for three or four years, but was never elected as regular pastor. Rev. Hiram A. Hunter, who is now living in Louisville, was the first regularly elected pastor and served about eight years; Rev. George D. McLean, one year; Rev. C. H. D. Harris, one year; Rev. Jesse Anderson, now of Winchester, Ky., ten years; Rev. J. W. Poindexter, four years; Rev. William Wilson, one year; Rev. W. H. Steel, one year; Rev. W. H. Berry, one year; Rev. O. C. Hawkins, three years; Rev. B. D. Coekriil, the present pastor, was elected the first of November, 1880.

In 184:8 a great n vival was held by Rev. George D. McLean, also in 1868, by Rev. Jesse Anderson, assisted by Rev. J. W. Poindexter; and in March, 188;i, by Rev. R. G. Pearson, the "boy preacher" from Nashville, Tenn., at whicii time there were over 200 professions, and about sixty-tive additions to the congregation. The house of worship was built in 1840, at a cost of about $3,500; size, 75 X 38 feet. The present officers are : Rev. B. D. Oockrill, Pastor; William Shelby, S. R. Ewing, A. M. C. Simmons, S. W. Long, John G. Delker, B. Brantford, Elders; and F. T. Gunther, W. F. Reinhardt, J. W. Marks, and James Murphy, Deacons. The congregation numbers 350. The church is entirely free from debt, and is in a very prosperous condition. In 1850 a Sunday-school was organized, with George Scarborough as Superintendent. The present officers are : T. J. Clarke, Superintendent; A. C. Tompkins, Assistant Superintendent; V. T. (iimther. Treasurer; Miss Virgie Payne, Librarian and Secretary; Miss Edna Gates, Assistant. There are 180 members enrolled, with an average attendance of about 130.

Oct. 24--28, 1S7">, the Green River Synod of the Cumberland Prcsbyteriiin Clinrch was held in Owensboro. The synod com prised seven presbyteries, eighty ordained ministers, over 100 churches, hhJ a lay membership of over 15,000. The session here was reuiiirkal'ly liarmonious and fruitful of good results. At this meeting the Ohio Presbytery was divided into two, and important measures were adopted relative to the Greenville Female Institute.

Methodist Episcopal. - The beginnings of Methodism are now so far in the past that but few living residents know much about tleni. Among the earliest Methodist preachers here were Richard Neal, a Presiding Elde>-, one of the Downses, John and Daniel T. Pinkston, and Philip Gunn, also a Presiding Elder. The latter was once struck by lightning,which melted all the metallic articles of one side of him and tore his clothes somewhat, without injuring him in the least!

It is said that the first Methodist society in Owensboro was formed about 1840. Their meetings were held in the court-house until 1849, when their first church was built, which is now B. L. Duncan & Sons' store, on the north side of Main street. It was erected by J. J. Bowlds, a blacksmith, almost entirely at his own expense. It was used until 1880, when it was sold to Mr. Duncan for $2,000. Its size was forty-eight or fifty feet by seventy-eight, besides a vestibule, which was added sometime subsequent to its first erection.

In 1879, Rev. H. C. Settle moved the church toward erecting a commodious house of worship. A building committee, consisting of Dr. W. D. Stirman, T. II. Frayser and R. McJohnston, was appointed. The old church and grounds on Second street were sold for $3,000, and the present site, on the corner of Fourth and Daviess streets, was purchased for $2,550. The plan submitted by Boyd & Brickly, of Evansville, was adopted, and the house was immediately put up, under the superintendence of Captain J. J. Williams. The building is 54 x 90, and fifty feet high, with slate roofing, Gothic finish, etc. Internally the house is beautifully finished. It was dedicated March 20, 1881, by Rev. Dr. Fitzgerald, of Nashville. Total cost of the structure, $13,900 - surprisingly small. Cost of lot, $2,500. Location, near the crossing of Fourth and Daviess streets.

The miuisters since 1848 have been: llichard Holding, S. S. Dcering, T. J. Moore, A. H. Redfield, Hancock and Nathaniel H. Lee, Frank M. English, James I. Ferree, Mr. Kyle, N. 11. Lee, again, A. A. Morrison (now in Denver, Co!.), Dr. Wni. 11. Babcock (now in St. Louii?, Mo. >, 11. Y. Thonias (now in Greenville, Kv.), J.J. Randolph (deceased), R. R. R. Alexander (who afterward died n Louisiana), Uavid Aforton, W. M. Ford, John W. Cunningham (now of the St. Louis Con ference), W. M. Ford, again, H. C. Settle, JoH.ph IJ. Cottrell, H. C. Settle, again, George H. Hayes and S. R. Brewer, the present pastor.

Third Street Colored {or Africati) Methodist Episcopal Church. - This church was organized many' years ago, by Rev. Dunahy, with twenty-five or thirty members. Met for worship in Megill's HalL The pastors since then liave been Revs. Yocum, Frost, O. B. Ross, Ferguson, Sherman, and the present one is Rev. Tajdor. The membership has increased to 119, and is in a prosperous condition. Classdeaders: Dora Henderson and Mr. Humphrey. The church building was erected in 1873; size, 60x30 feet; cost, $16,000; location, near the corner of Third and St. Elizabeth streets.

Trinity Church {Protestant Episcopal). - This church was organized a little over a quarter of a century ago, with about a dozen members. The membership has increased to thirty-three; and there is a Sunday-school of about twenty children, superintended by the pastor, assisted by Mr. Latimore. The Rectors which have served this church are: Revs. J. A. Jackson, Bird, Pate, Hubbard, Latrobe, Gibson, Powers, Hall, Claiborne, and the present, Geo. C. Sutton, from Richmond, Va., but a native cff England.

Church services were at first held in Masonic Hall, on Fourth street, then in the second story of Dr. Megill's store building. The church next purchased a carpenter shop, with lot, on Frederica street, between Fifth and Sixth, fitted it up neatly and had relig ious services there six or seven years. They then sold this property and invested the proceeds in a very eligible lot of ground on the north side of Fifth street, between St. Elizabeth and Locust streets, whereon, in]1874r-'75, they erected the most tasteful church building in the city. It is 60 x 85 feet in dimensions and has a seating capacity of nearly 600. A fine parsonage is located on the lot adjoining west, free from debt. A small debt on the church property still remains. This little society has had many a struggle, hut it has manfully kept up. Present Yestrymen: C. H. Todd, Henry Megill, Daniel M. Griffith,?. T. Watkins, Joseph Slaughter and Robert Dunlop.

Evangelical Church. - This oliurch was organized about twelve or fiftCL-n years ago by liev. (i. Schofttle, with probably twelve or fifteen families. Mr. S. went to Ohio in ls77. The pastors since that time have been Revs. Valentin--^ Zimer, in 1^78, who left here f)r Indiana; Ed-vard SchweitzT, 1S79-'81, who also went to Indiana; and the present one. II. F Deters, who has had tlie position since September, 1881. The ehui'ch edifice, about 30 x 40, was erected in 1878. Thire are now about thirty families in this church, and a Sunday-school of about eighty pupils, presided over by the pastor. The church is in a prosperous condition.

Rev. H. F. Deter.t was born in Allamakee County, Iowa, in 1856, the son of Henry and Mary (Buchholz) Deters; graduated at Elmhurst Seminary, Du Page County, 111., and in theology at Mathinsville, Mo., in 1881. In 1882 he married Miss Langpaap, a native also of Allamakee ('Ounty, Iowa. Besides holding his present ministerial ))osition, he is also the teacher of German for the public schools of Owensboro, and a member of the Evangelicid Synod of America.

Tennple Adath Israel {Hebrew). - The congregation was organized probal)ly two or three years before the war, with about eighteen families; there are now thirty one. The Rabbis have been : Drs. Rosenfeld, Marcosson, Strauss, J. H. Goldhammer, Abraham Myer, Alexander Rosenspitz, and the present inciim bent, J. Glueck, who has been here since February, 1881, and is just engaged for another year. The first religious services were held in the second story of Mr. Moise's store, on East Second street, and afterward in Prof Hart's school building, two year-s. The temple, with a seating capacity of about 200, was built in 1878; is a neat, brick structure, located on Lewis street, between Fourth and Fifth, and cost $4,000. The ])resent Board of Trustees comprises Joe Rothschild. President; Sol. Wile, V P.; E. L. Moss, Secretary; M. Levy, Treasurer; A. Reese, J. Wittelshofer, and L. Loeser.

This church has both a Sabbath-school and a Sunday-school - the former meeting 10 to 11 a. m., and the latter 10 to 11:30 A. M. About forty-six children are enrolled, of whom Dr. Glueck is the general instructor.

Religious services in the temple are held every Friday evening, and Saturday morning at 9 a. m. The singing is led by a welldrilled choir of ladies; Mrs. Ilartzfeld, Chorister.