Lincoln County, Missouri - Chapter 15: Ecclesiastical^, 1888

Chapter 15: Ecclesiastical^

As mentioned elsewhere the date of organized efforts in behalf of church organizations in Lincoln County is closely allied to the early settlement of the country. In these worthy movements pioneer ministers bore an important part.

Among these pioneer ministers of Lincoln County were Andrew Monroe, David Hubbard, Bethuel Riggs, Hugh R. Smith, Abraham Welty, Darius Bainbridge and Benjamin S. Ashby, all of whom solemnized marriages, as shown by the record of marriage certificates prior to 1830. And, commencing with 1830, the record shows the following: 1830, James W. Campbell and Thomas Bowen; 1832, Elder Thomas McBride of the Christian Church and Rev. Samuel Findley of the Presbyterian Church;

1834, John S. Pall of the Presbyterian Church, Jacob Lanius of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Sandy E. Jones of the Christian Church, John M. Hopkins and Robert Gilmore of the Baptist Church, and Fred B. Leach; 1835, Hugh L. Dodds of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and J. H. Hughes of the Christian Church; 1836, Ephraim Davis and Ezekiel Downing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; Peter P. Lefever of the Catholic Church, and S. G. Patterson of the Methodist Episcopal Church; 1837, Robert L. McAfee and Lewis Duncan; 1838, P. B.

I , State 0 H Bi

/-'» ' Wee Creek Baptist Church was organized with about seventeen members in L807, by Elder Thomas K. Musiok. It i- located in a beautiful country, about fifteen miles northwest of Si Louis, and whs the second Baptist Church organized in what is now the State of Missouri. Boon thereafter followed the organizations of Ooldwater, Boeuf, Negro Fork, Upper Cuivre and Pemme Osage Baptist Churches. These churches were organized, in Is* 17. into the "Missouri Association," which is now the " St. Louis Association.'1 Fee Fee Creek Church, having stood from the beginning, is now the oldest Baptist Church in the State. Of the Upper Cuivre, Rev. R. S. Duncan, author of the "History of the Baptists in Missouri,1' says: "This pioneer community was located several miles southwest of Troy, the county seat of Lincoln County; was gathered and formed by we know not whom, in about the year 1815 or 1816, and after an existence of some twenty years, dissolved.'1 It was probably located near the present line of Lincoln and Warren Counties.

Stout's Settlement (now New Hope) Baptist Church was organized June 16, 1821, by Elders Bethuel Riggs and Jesse Sitton, the latter of whom is supposed to have been the pastor until 1828, when he was dismissed by letter, and left the State. Elder David Hubbard succeeded him, and continued pastor for some years.

In February, 1830, a serious difficulty was brought into the church, growing out of the marriage of a young sister to a man who had a living wife. On an investigation the sister was acquitted. The minority were dissatisfied with the decision of the majority, and asked that a council be called, which was granted. Sulphur Lick, Troy and Little Bethel Churches each sent three members, who sat as a council, and, after hearing the case, advised that the sister be excluded, and, the majority refusing to do so, the minority withdrew from the church in June, 1830, and formed the Bryant's Creek Church, in the same neighborhood. In August, 1831, the name of the church whs changed from Stout's Settlement to that of Union, and about the year 1886 B log meeting-house was built, 46x20 feet, about two miles north of New Hope. Elder Ephraim Davis became pastor in May, 1885. During this pastorate the church adopted " a resolution refusing correspondence with any society of Christians who hold to the present benevolent institutions of the day.'1 Elder Davis, who was a good man, and much beloved by the church, died in October, 1851, and left the church much divided on doctrine and the subject of missions. Finally, in 1852, a majority called Elder A. Mitchell as pastor. Being dissatisfied with this action, the minority withdrew, some getting letters and some not, most of whom united with Bryant's Creek Church (anti-mission). Soon after this the church rescinded all her acts and resolutions in opposition to missions, and, under the ministry of Elder Mitchell, gradually grew in numerical and moral strength, and in 1857 the place of meeting was moved to New Hope, the church having built a commodious frame house in that town 40x60 feet, which it now occupies. By resolution the name was changed from Union to New Hope in July, 1867.

Sulphur Lick Baptist Church. - Dr. Mudd says, in his history, that Rev. Bethuel Riggs organized the Sulphur Lick Baptist Church, in 1813, but this is evidently a mistake as to time, and most likely a mistake of the printer, as the sequel will show. At that date the few settlers and their families were confined in the forts, on account of the hostilities of the Indians during the War of 1812-15. A definite account of the organization of this church is given by Rev. R. S. Duncan, as follows: "This church is in Lincoln County, eight or nine miles northwest of Troy, the county seat. It was organized by Elder Bethuel Riggs, in his own private house, near a large Bpring, called Sulphur Lick, close to the north fork of Cuivre, four miles east of the present site, in the year 1823, of four members, viz. : Bethuel Riggs, Nancy Riggs, his wife, Armstrong Kennedy and Polly, his wife. John Cox and his wife, Polly, were received by experience the same day of the organization, and were baptized by Elder Riggs. In 1826 or Is 27 it moved to its

This church has been B fruitful vino in days that are past, hut is now in a feeble state, having passed its semi centennial. 1 1^ is an ecclesiastical grandmother, and had in L88J only nineteen

Mill Creek Baptist Church, located about three miles southeast of the village of Whiteside, was organized in 1851, by Elders Albert Mitchell and James Smith. Among the constituent members were John Cannon and wife, Jacob Whiteside and wife, Duncan Ellis and wife, William Ackers and wife, and Mrs. Hannah Ellis. The present frame church was built in 1853, at a cost of about §1,100. It was dedicated by Rev. James Smith. Rev. Albert Mitchell was pastor of the church twenty-five years. He was followed by William Mitchell, W. M. Modisett and Patrick - the latter having served eleven years.

Corner-Stone Baptist Church was organized about the year 1874. It is located about two-and-a-half miles west of Whiteside, and was organized by Revs. Marcellus S. Whiteside, William Bibbs and Thomas Sanderson. Its constituent members were J. R. Gibson and wife, Hiram Hall and wife, Adam Hall, Robert Chasten, wife and daughter, Elijah Stephens, wife and daughter. A frame house, still in use, was built in 1876, at a cost of about $1,100 outside of work donated on the building. It was dedicated by Rev. Burnham. The pastors have been Revs. William Bibb, M. S. Mitchell, James Reid, F. M. Birkheacl, J. N. P. Helper and William Tipton, the latter being the present pastor. This church has a membership of about eighty.

ized about the year 1869, by Elder M. S. Whiteside, with eight members. They first worshiped in the Methodist Episcopal Church building, and at Smith's schoolhouse, for about three years. The present house in which they worship was erected in 1876, at a cost of $600. It is 36x40 feet in size. It was dedicated by Rev. Pope Yeaman, D. D. The pastors of this church have been M. S. Whiteside, William Mitchell, W. H. Burnham, J. D. Robnett, M. P. Matheny, C. A. Mitchell, Bland Beauchamp, William Tipton and W. N. Maupin, the latter being the present pastor. The present membership of this church is about 100.

Star Hope Baptist Church was organized at Reid's schoolhouse in May, 1867, with nine members, by Elder W. F. Luck. The first pastor was Elder M. S. Whiteside ; Elder W. H. Burnham was his successor. In 1882 this church had 126 members.

The names of the other Baptist Church organizations in the county at this writing are Oak Ridge, Winfield, Highland, Silex, Mt. Gilead and Harmony Grove.

The Baptist Church at Elsberry was organized October 27, 1883, by Elder W. A. Bibb. The constituent members were J. R. Cannon and wife, J. W. Waters and wife, Landy Waters, R. D. Waters, Lena Waters, G. L. Gennie and wife, Mrs. Ada Mays, Mrs. Annie Powell and J. W. Taliaferro. C. A. Mitchell was pastor from 1885 to 1886, and J. D. Hacker, the present pastor, has served since 1887.

Bethuel Riggs, a pioneer preacher of Lincoln and adjoining counties, was born about 1760 in the colony or State of New Jersey. Not much is known of his very early life, he having spent more than half his life out of Missouri. At the age of seventeen years, while but a youth, young Riggs enlisted as a soldier in the War of the American Revolution, and for the services rendered therein he afterward received a pension. He married in early life. His wife was Nancy Lee, sister of a celebrated preacher by the name of James Lee, who used to preach under the trees with his gun by his side, apprehending an attack from Indians. At the age of eighteen years, Bethuel Riggs was converted to Christ and became a Baptist, and soon after moved to North Carolina and subsequently to Georgia, where he lived some years, and here he not only began his ministry but traveled and preached Bomewhal extensively. * * * While still a con !i\»l\ young man, Ii«-. in 04 'in [ in n \ with a large colony, came across the [ndian countrj to Kentucky. This trip was made during the earl} [ndian wars. Mr. Kiggs settled in that part of Kentucky opposite Cincinnati. In the pear 1809 he came !<> Missouri and (irsl Bettled on Dardenne Creek, in St. Charles ( lunty, where he lived some eight years. He then moved higher ap the oountn and Bettled oorth of Troy by the Bulpher Lick Spring. Here he organized the Sulphur Lick Church and spent much of his time itinerating. He preached over large portions of Lincoln and adjoining counties. Subsequently lie moved to Monroe County, and from there to Illinois, thence to Ohio and back again to Missouri, where he died and was buried by the side of his faithful wife, the companion of both his youth and his old age.*

David Hubbard was also a pioneer minister of the gospel in Lincoln County. He was born in the year 1796, in the State of Kentucky, near where the celebrated Daniel Boone first settled. His father, Charles Hubbard, was a native of Virginia, and after spending several years in Kentucky, he moved to and settled in St. Louis County, Mo., in 1809, wThen David was a small boy. Charles Hubbard was an influential Baptist, and while he lived in St. Louis County, filled the office of deacon in the old Fee Fee Baptist Church. David Hubbard grew up in the Territory of Missouri, in an age when schools were almost unknown so far west. He therefore secured few advantages from this source; but possessing a strong, active mind, he made the best use of his limited opportunities. He, however, never secured what would be called a good, common school education.

At the age of twenty-three he professed conversion, and was baptized by Elder Charles Collard, while he was a resident of Gasconade County. Soon after this he moved to Warren County* and about this time (1821 or 1822) commenced preaching, and was ordained by Little Bethel Church in 1824. After spending a short time in Warren County he moved to Lincoln, and settled about ten or twelve miles west of Troy. In 1829 he moved to the neighborhood of New Hope, where ho lived some ten or twelve years; thence he moved to Pike County, 111., where he lived until he moved to Oregon, about the year 1853. He was popular in the pulpit and out of it. Wherever his name was known in Eastern Missouri he could get a congregation week-day or Sunday. As a pastor he labored industriously with the Sulphur Lick, Bryant's Creek and Union (New Hope) Churches, all in Lincoln County. He was almost all the time pastor of four churches. He died at his home in Oregon, June 14, 1868.

Darius Bainbridge was a native of Kentucky, and son of Rev. Absalom Bainbridge, M. D. He moved to Missouri and settled in St. Charles County, about 1822. He was married in Kentucky to Miss Mary Wright, sister of Elder Thomas J. Wright, Darius Bainbridge commenced preaching as early as 1824, labored in Missouri twelve years, moved to Wisconsin, thence back to Missouri, and settled in Clay County in 1847, where he spent the remnant of his days. He was chosen moderator of Cuivre Association in 1828, and was re-elected for eight consecutive years. He died in Clay County about the year 1802.*

Rev. William Healey, a Baptist preacher, was an Englishman, who left his native country and went to Texas, and from there he came to Lincoln County, and did missionary work during the fifties, traveling on foot from place to place. John Snethen, taking pity on the man, bought a horse and gave it to him. He died at Snethen's house.

Robert Gilmore, a pioneer preacher in Lincoln County, was born in 1792, in the State of Virginia, and subsequently moved to the State of Kentucky, where, in 1818, he married Mary Hansford. In 1819 he immigrated to Missouri, and settled in St. Charles County, where he remained for a brief period, then moved to Lincoln County, and settled in the neighborhood of Old Sulphur Lick Church. Not long after his settlement in Lincoln County he professed religion, and became a member of the Baptist denomination, having been baptized by the old pioneer, Bethuel Riggs. He began preaching before 1830, but was not ordained until 1841. He was a most excellent man, had only a limited education, and was a real, old-fashioned preacher of the gospeL

Hi- labora in the ministry vrere confined chiefly to Lincoln and Montgomery Counties. In the spring of L849 he, with his family and niui!\ others from liis adopted State, started across tin' plains for California. The cholera broke <>ut among the emigrants, and nian\ were made its victims. Elder Gilmore, his faithful wife and one son, were among the sufferers. He died at t ho head ^( Bweei Water, on tin- 25th of dune, L849.

Methodist Episcopal Churches

Ltimore, Md. The first session of the Missouri Conference was" held at Shiloh meeting-house, near the city of Belleview, in Illinois, commencing September 23, 18K). At this time there were two circuits only, in the territory of Missouri - Belleview and Saline - the former lying southward and the latter northward, and both together including all the settlements west of the Mississippi. The dividing line between these circuits was some distance south of St. Louis. At the first conference above mentioned, John C. Harbison and Joseph Keeder were appointed i% circuit riders " for these two circuits. The second session of the Missouri Conference was held at Goshen settlement, in Illinois, commencing October 6, 1817. At this session Rev. Thomas Wright was appointed circuit rider of the Belleview and Saline Circuits. The third conference was held at Bethel meeting-house, at the place of the meeting of the previous session in Illinois. At this session Thomas Wright and Joseph Piggott were appointed to the Missouri Circuits. The fourth session of the Missouri Conference, and the first one held west of the Mississippi, was held at McKendree's Chapel, in Cape Girardeau County, beginning September 14, 1819. John Piggott and John McFarland were appointed to the Missouri Circuits.

The fifth session of the Missouri Conference was held at Shiloh meeting-house, St. Clair County, 111., commencing September 13, 1820, and a new circuit, called St. Francois, was formed in Missouri. John Harris was appointed to Belleview Circuit, and Samuel Bassett to Saline and St. Francois.

McKendree Chapel, in Cape Girardeau County, commencing October 17, 1821, and the seventh session was held it St. Louis, commencing in October, 1822. About this time the territory east of the Mississippi was cut off from the Missouri Conference, and thereafter the sessions continued to be held in the newly admitted State of Missouri.

New Liberty Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1818, at some private house (probably that of the father of Judge S. T. Ingram), near Corso, in the northwestern part of the county. It is believed that it was organized by Rev. John Scrips. The Ingrams, Owings and Hudsons were some of its constituent members. No church building was constructed until 1848, when a log chapel was erected.

The present frame building was erected in 1874, at a cost of $850. It was dedicated in July, 1875, by Rev. N. Shumate. It is located on Section 1, Township 50 north, Range 3 west. Among the pastors have been Revs. Henderson, Alderman, Hyde, Anderson, Thompson, McMaster, Shumate and Ferell. This is the oldest Methodist Episcopal Church in Lincoln County, and probably the first one organized therein. It is also among the first Methodist Episcopal Churches organized in Missouri Territory. In the division of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which took place in 1844 and 1845, only about four members of New Liberty Church withdrew and went with their Southern brethren into the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The rest all remained true to the old church, but, after the division, owing to the many persecutions of the adherents of slavery, this church did not prosper well until after the Civil War closed, and slavery, the cause of the division, was abolished. At the close of the war she had about sixteen members - at the present time she has about fifty.

There is but one other organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lincoln County, and that is at the village of Truxton, where they have no church edifice, but worship in the schoolhouse. Rev. Smiley, probably the only resident minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lincoln County, resides at Olney, at this writing. He preaches at Truxton, in this county; at Pin Oak, in Warren County, and at Union Chapel, in

This church had its origin in name, as lms been stated, when the people composing it withdrew from the old church. Jt has been (airly prosperous in Lincoln County, but owing to the large German population, among whom other churches have been organized, it lias nol become as strong as in some other portions of the country. The records not having been kept, it is not possible to give the dates and particulars of tin' Beveral individual church organizations.

The Troy and Wentzville Circuit embraces a church cadi at Troy, Moscow and Slaven's Chapel, in Lincoln County, and at Wentzville, in St. Charles County. The membership of the circuit, not including Wentzville, is 175. These are very old organizations. The church edifice in Troy, known as Monroe Chapel, was erected in 1859. It is a commodious brick building, and is well preserved. Brussells Circuit lies wholly within Lincoln County, and has organizations at Brussells, Old Alexandria, Fairview. Winfield and New Church, the latter being about four miles east of Troy. This circuit has 380 members, according to the last conference minutes. Rev. O. B. Holiday is the pastor of the Troy and Wentzville Circuit, and Rev. W. J. Blakey of the Brussells Circuit.

Smith's Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church South, is situated on Survey 1743, in Hurricane Township, and it belongs to the Clarksville Circuit. It was organized, in 1869, by Rev. Thomas B. King, with twenty-nine members. It now has about 160 members. The pastors have been Revs. Thomas B. King. I. A. M. Thompson, J. M. O'Brien, Henry Kay, Jesse Sutton, S. D. Barnett, M. Williams, H. D. Groves and J. W. Ramsey, the latter being the present pastor. W. W. Jamison has been secretary of the church ever since its organization. The frame church building, in which this organization now worships, is 32x40 feet in size, and was erected in the year 1871, at a cost of $l,'J00. It was dedioated in the same year by Pev. William A. Tarwater. The church a1 this place had formerly been Methodist Episcopal, organized in a very early day, ami lost its identity after the trouble in 184-1 and IS 15, and before the late war. When originally organized, services were held at the residences of the old pioneers, James Smith and Judge Pepators, who, with their wives, were constituent members.

The Methodist Episcopal Church South at Elsberry also belongs to the Clarksville Circuit. Another Methodist Episcopal Church South, located about two miles northeast of Auburn, belongs to the Prairieville Circuit, and the Olney Methodist Episcopal Church South belongs to the Ashley Circuit. The circuits of this denomination in Lincoln County belong to the conference district of St. Charles. An account of the proceedings of the last session (the twenty -second) of the conference of this district, held in the last week of April, 1888, was given in the Troy Free Press, as follows:

" The Troy Methodist Church had the pleasure of entertaining the members of the St. Charles District Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South last week. The session of the conference began Thursday evening, April 26. Rev. S. L. Woody, of St. Charles, preached a most excellent sermon.

" The conference met for a business session at 9 o'clock, Friday morning, Bishop Hendrix presiding. P. P. Ellis, of New Florence, Montgomery County, was chosen secretary. The usual committees were appointed, namely: on church records, on Sunday-schools and on church finance.

" The next matter taken up was the reports from the management of the church schools of the district. St. Charles College, under the able management of President Meyers, was reported as having four teachers employed in giving instruction to 160 students. Prof. R. H. Pitman, principal of Woodlawn Seminary, at O'Fallon, reported his charge to be in a most encouraging condition. The school has four teachers, is giving full courses in art and music, and has matriculated fifty students the present session, that being all that it can accommodate.

St Charles, Warren, Pike, Linooln, Oallaway and Montgomery. There vras in tl reports great cause for rejoicing among those who have al hearl the interest of the oh arch. The ohurch membershiphaa had a Bteadi growth, the Sunday* schools are flourishing, and the communicants Bhow increased seal in good works.

11 Friday evening Bishop Sendrii preached a grand Bermon <>n church growth. The auditorium of the Methodisl Church was crowded, and all <f ell repaid for the ill conveniences of a packed house by tin4 eloquence and Logic of the Bishop.

"Conference mel Saturday forenoon at 9 o'clock. After the reading of the minutes of Friday's meeting, W. (). Gray opened the discussion of the qualifications of a steward. A good number of members of the conference followed him in a very interesting and instructive treatment of the subject. The rest of the time before the hour for preaching was occupied by a discussion of the material interests of the church, led by Rev. S. L. Woody, of St. Charles, and participated in by Rev. H. M. Meyers and others. Rev. J. W. Ramsey, at 11 o'clock, preached an effective and pointed sermon on Christian service, when an adjournment was taken till 2:30 P. M.

u The afternoon session was opened with religious services, conducted by Rev. J. M. L. Hogan, after which Rev. J. W. Ramsey made a report on the spiritual interests of the church.

" St. Charles was chosen as the next place of meeting. The next order of business was the choice of lay delegates to the annual conference, resulting in the election of O. H. Avery, of Troy, Rev. J. D. Yincil, of St. Louis, P. K. Pitman, of O'Fallon, and P. P. Ellis, of New Florence, with M. L. Cape, of Jonesburg, and W. O. Gray, of Louisiana, as alternates.

" Resolutions of thanks to the people of Troy for hospitalities extended, and to the members of the Christian Church for the use of their place of worship Sunday, were passed. Conference then adjourned, to meet at St. Charles on the call of the presiding elder.

11 Every one in attendance seemed to enjoy the session of conference and his stay in Troy, and pronounced it one of the most useful meetings ever held in the history of the district conference. One of the veterans of the cross expressed his apprecia- to a large audience at the Methodist Church, taking for his theme the missionary interests of the chufrcfi. Dr. John D. Vincil's sermon on the crucifixion was heard by a delighted audience at the Methodist Church Sunday forenoon, as was the discourse of Rev. H. M. Meyers at the Christian Church, and Rev. H. H. Craig at the Colored Church. The Methodist Church was filled Sunday evening by listeners to the last discourse of the conference, that of Prof. J. M. Gibson, of St. Charles."

Peesbyterian Churches

The First Presbyterian Church of Troy was organized November 26, 1831, by Revs. William S. Lacy and John S. Ball, the former the father of Rev. B. F. Lacy, and the latter the father-in-law of Gov. Frederick Bates. There were ten constituent members, and Francis Parker and Horatio S. Linn were elected and ordained ruling elders. Occasional services were held, with Rev. William Ball as minister, up till 1834; from that time till 1846, by Rev. James Gallaher; from 1848 to 1850 Rev. David Dimond had charge of the church; from 1850 to 1864, Rev. E. P. Noel; from 1864 to 1868, Rev. J. V. Parks; during part of the time from 1860 to 1870, Revs. C. P. B. Martin and James Rosamond; 1871-73, Rev. O. C. Thompson; from 1873 to 1888, Revs. W. B. Y. Wilkie, A. A. Pfansteihl and the present minister, C. Van Oostenbrugg, in the order here named. After the organization, until 1848, the congregation worshiped in the courthouse. On the 16th of September, 1847, the cornerstone of a brick building, on Court Street, was laid, and on the 23d of January, 1848, it was dedicated as a church. It cost $1,600. In 1868 the new and handsome edifice on Boone Street was taken in hand, and was finally completed in 1874, but not being wholly out of debt the dedication was deferred until after the debt was provided for. It was dedicated on a Sunday in July, 1875, by Rev. Dr. Brookes, of St. Louis, his text being the second verse of the first chapter of Joshua. The building coal liniilv slT. "oil. This society Ims received mani members from time t<- time, Mid has loei man\ l>\ dismissals and deaths, and n. »w ims u membership of seventi five. It belongs to (Ik- St Louis Presbyter] A i ion <>f this body was held in Troy in the ftrsl wrck of Mav. L888, and the following is 1 1 1 « - Troy Her- <il<fs account of its proceedings :

Walton was received from the Palmyra Presbytery, Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church, in St. Louis, was allowed permission to call Rev. Dr. Strickler, of Atlanta, (la., as pastor. J.

Addison Smith and Rev. Dr. William N. McPheelers were chosen commissioners to the general assembly, with Dr. R. (1. Brank and Thomas M. Barrow as alternates. Rev. Claggett, Palmyra, was allowed to work outside the bounds of the presbytery. Report of Key. Oostenbrugg, from committee on bills and overtures, recommending no change in the book of church order, concerning union with other bodies, adopted. Interesting talk by Rev. Wright, agent of the American Bible Society, who leaves the employ of the society in July, after a service of twenty-five years. Rev. T. P. Walton substituted for Dr. Hollifield on education committee. Resignation of Rev. Thomas Watson as pastor of Dardenne Church accepted, and Dr. R. P. Farris appointed in his place. Report of J. J. Johns and George Penn, Jr., committee to audit treasurer's report, accepted. Dr. Farris and J. H. Wear appointed standing committee on the report of the treasurer. Statement of Mr. Boyd, of Hickory Grove Congregational Church, heard. He will put his letter in a Presbyterian church, and be taken under care of St. Louis Presbytery.

"Dr. R. P. Farcis reported that the state of religion among the churches was healthy, and the attendance on worship is very encouraging; also that there has been a gratifying growth in the membership of the churches. He condemned the purchase and reading of Sunday newspapers, as encouragement of the worst use of money and the most potent instrument of vice.

" The request of Rev. John W. Stagg, to be relieved from this presbytery and allowed to put himself under the care of the Nashville Presbytery, was granted.

" Resolved, That this body tender its manifold thanks to the good people of Troy for their elegant hospitality and for the sweet communion around their firesides. Judging the past by the present, we wonder not at the siege of Troy as told in classic story: Troy was worth the siege. We invoke upon the pastor, his family and his people the enriching tokens of the Divine favor."

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Olney was organized in the fifties at Mount Vernon schoolhouse, and was afterward moved to Olney. The first members were Charles Hudson, Hiram Hendrix, John H. Downing, Thomas Hammett and their wives. The present frame edifice, 34x54 feet, was erected in 1879, and cost $1,400. It was dedicated in 1880 by Rev. Ephraim Pharr, assisted by Rev. Taylor Bernard, who held a revival at Olney, resulting in the acquisition of thirty new members, and through whose efforts, mainly, the church building was erected. Capt. John H. Downing was the leader in building it, and was the principal contributor in furnishing the funds for that purpose. The pastors, since the organization moved to Olney, have been Revs. Taylor Bernard, Ephraim Pharr, J. W. Duval, Henson McGee and H. P. Ingram. The present pastor

I-* \\ . 3. Jones. Phe membership is sixti ti\ - There is another church of this denomination located at Auburn, and preaching bj its ministers is had at some other points.

The oldest organizations of the Christian Church in Lincoln County are located at Louisville and Auburn. The Troy Christian Church was organized in July, L856. The following is a copy of the proceedings pertaining t<» its organization, viz, : k' On the 6th 1 Lord's Day | of July. A. 1). L856, M. A. Crump, Ann E. Wing, Joannah Null, Elizabeth Hunter, persons who, under the preaching of Elders J. J. Errett and Timothy Ford, have confessed their faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and by baptism put Him on, and Benedict Crump, John S. Null, Mary Wing, Sarah Sheets and Elizabeth Shipp (by Mary Wing, proxy), and Eliza Null and Frederick Wing, persons known to each other as former members of the Church of Christ, met at the Universalist Church in Troy, Mo., and resolved to live together in the capacity of a church, to be known as the Church of Christ in Troy, Mo., taking the Scriptures of truth in their own statements and communications as their only rule of faith and practice. And, in accordance with said resolution, F. Wing was chosen a clerk of said body, for the purpose of keeping a strict and impartial record of their proceedings. James Ellis, Fidelia Ellis and Harrott Fisher, persons known to all of the above mentioned individuals as former members in good standing in the Church of Christ, and who were unable to attend the meeting mentioned, did, at the next meeting of said body, join in the same resolutions and purposes. F. Wing, Clerk."

This organization continued to worship in the Universalist Church, known now as the Masonic Building, until the present commodious brick church edifice was erected in the year 1859. The pastors of this church have been Elders J. J. Errett, from the organization to 1859; then the church was supplied with preaching by different elders until 1866, when Elders William Frazier and E. V. Rice were chosen. The pulpit was then filled by Elder Rice until 1868. In July, 1869, James A. Wing took charge of the church as pastor, but soon resigned on account of financial difficulties. Since 1874 the pastors have been Elders W. A. Meloan, to 1876; W. B. Gallagher, 1876-78; William Errett, 1878-79; Robert L. McHatton, 1880 81; I). M. Grandfield, 1881-84; S. W. Martin, 1884 86; J. M. Bovee, present pastor, since June, 1888. The membership at this writing is seventy-seven.

Lynn Knoll Ckristitm Church on Survey 1743, Hurricane Township, was organized in July, 1885, by Elders Jeptha Jeans and D. M. Grandfield, with forty members. Elder Jeans has been pastor from its organization to the present time (July, 1888). The building in which they worship is a frame 32x40 feet in size, and was erected in the winter of 1885-86. It was dedicated the first Sunday of May, 1886, by Elder D. M. Grandfield. It cost about $1,000. Sunday-school, consisting of forty to fifty pupils, is taught in this house during the summer months. A. R. Barton, Sunday-school superintendent, has served since the spring of 1887.

The Corinth Christian, Church, situated about one and a half miles north of the village of Foley, was organized in 1848, at the house of Frank Riffles, and in 1871 the frame church building, in which the society now worships, was built.

Elm Grove Christian Church, near Mackville, was organized in 1860, under the ministry of Elder T. Ford. The present church edifice used by this society was dedicated August 25, 1875, by Elder J. J. Errett, assisted by Elder J. H. Thomas. The text used by Elder Errett consisted of the first six verses of the sixth chapter of Second Chronicles. Following the sermon, $262.60 were collected to pay off all the indebtedness of the new church. It was built by Pendleton, of Clarksville, at a cost of $2,000.

Other organizations of the Christian Church exist in Lincoln County at the following places: New Hope, Highland Prairie, near Chain of Rocks; Old Alexandria, Wilson's schoolhouse, four miles east of Troy; Winfield, Sulphur Lick, Louisville and Hawk Point. The present brick church at Louisville was erected in 1847. Christian ministers also preach at some other points.

and fitted np for Bervices, and continued to be used until about the year 1850, when a brick edifice, costing $6,000, was erected in its stead. This fine church, together with its $800 organ, was caught in a cyclone in 1876, and completely destroyed. Soon thereafter the present frame church building, 34x76 feet in size, and 20 feet in height, with organ and side galleries, was erected at a cost of §4,000. It was dedicated, when completed, by Peter Richard Kenrick, archbishop of St. Louis. In the ministry of this church Father Walters was followed by Father Murphy, of Monroe County, who held services twice a month during the years of 1842 and 1843. He was followed by Father Iiobert "Wheeler, of St. Louis, who located at Millwood and took entire charge of the church for two or three years. Following him, and up to 1849, one or two others officiated temporarily. In 1849 Father Daniel Lyne located at Millwood, and officiated until 1858, when he left. He built the brick church in 1850. He was succeeded by Fathers Healey, O'Reagan, O'Hanlon and Cummings,* wTho filled the remaining space of time up to 1863, and since that time Father Thomas Cleary, the present priest, has officiated, having been a resident of Millwood all the while. This church has about 130 familes in membership, and averages about fifty baptisms and twelve weddings a year. In connection with this church a fine two-story frame building 18x60 feet in size, with a one-story wing 18x30 feet attached, has just been completed for a convent school. It stands on a beautiful lot, adjoining the church on the north. Father Daniel Lyne is said to have been as talented a minister as ever filled a country pulpit. He once preached a sermon in Washington, with Daniel Webster as an a 1 1 m 1 1 i \ listener, and was one of the two delegates who represented Missouri in the Buffalo Immigration Convention early in tiie fifties He died in Ireland about the year 1870.

After leaving Millwood Father Cummings located at Louisiana in Pike County, Mo. The Drake Constitution provided that every priest, preacher and teacher, as well as every officer or voter, should take the " iron-clad oath." This Archbishop Kenrick forbade his clergy to do, as such an interference with church matters was contrary to the constitution of the United States. In obedience to the Archbishop's commands, and, no doubt, in accordance with the dictates of his own conscience, Father Cummings refused, as generally did the Catholic priesthood in Missouri, to take the " test oath of loyalty," as it was called, but continued to perform his ministerial duties. Accordingly, he was arrested, and, refusing to give bond for his appearance at court, he was placed in jail. About the same time other Catholic priests in Missouri were arrested, but their cases were continued with the understanding that Father Cummings1 should be made a test case. This case was taken to the supreme court of the United States, where a decision wTas rendered in favor of the defendant, and against the validity of the so-called test oath, and thus ended all such cases in Missouri.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, parsonage and schoolhouse, are situated on an eminence midway between Chain of Rocks and Old Monroe. Holy services were held in the parsonage as early as 1860, and were first celebrated by Father C. Tintrup, of St. Paul, Mo. The present frame and log church edifice was erected in 1867, at a cost of $4,000, and was dedicated by Father P. Gerard. The pastors have been Fathers C. Tintrup, of St. Paul, Mo. ; Nicholas Standinger, of St. Peters, Mo. ; George Fuersterberg and J. G. Sudeik. The latter, the present pastor, has served ever since August 19, 1875. The membership of this church consists of seventy-two families.

The -corner-stone of the schoolhouse was laid August 22, 1879, and the blessings of the school were given in December of that year by Rev. Father H. Muehlsiejun, vicar-general of the Most Rev. Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick, D. D., of St

St. I < imiKiu Evangelical Church stands on as eminence midwai between Chain <>f Rooks and WinfieldL It was erected on its present site in L859oflogs, and was replaced in L881 by the present fine brick edifice, which was built by subscription ai a cost of $3,400. Forty-five families, numbering about 225 souls included iii the church, have services every Sunday. They have connection with the church was organized about sixteen years ago, and for the last six or seven years has been under the immediate control of Rev. Albert.

Evangelical Zion Church at Troy, was organized July 24, 1^7, by Rev. Philip Albert, with sixteen constituent members. The fine brick church edifice, standing prominently on a moundlike hill in the northeastern part of the town, was erected in 1887, and was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day of that year. It cost §2.000. This society, as yet, has not increased its membership. There are two other organizations of this denomination in the county, located at Moscow and Big Creek.

Sunday-Schools

Nearly all the churches situ, ted in the towns and villages of Lincoln County support and maintain Sunday-schools in their respective edifices, and in some of the country churches, but not in all, Sunday-schools are taught, except during that portion of the year when the roads are almost impassable. In April, 3 880, a Union Sunday-school organization was formed at the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in Troy, and the following officers were selected: W. J. Knott, president; S. R. Woolfolk, P. G. Shelton and W. A. Woodson, vice-presidents; T. J. Nally, treasurer; and O. H. Avery, secretary. In July, 1888, a Sunday-school convention was held in the Christian Church at Troy, for the purpose of encouraging more thorough organization in Sunday-school