Columbus City (part 43 of 57)

Next to Dr. James Hoge, the man who came nearest to being pastor to the whole community was Dr. Washington Gladden who, coming in 1882 to be pastor of the First Congregational church, remained either as pastor or pastor emeritus until 1918. He entered at once into the life of the city, helped to establish industrial justice, was prominent in the city government reform movements and for two years was a member of the City Council. Every good movement sought and found his support. His 36 years of life and service here left a strong impress for good on the community.

There is much more that might be said of these and other useful leading churchmen, but space in this volume will not permit. It now remains to speak briefly of the early church organizations - the mother churches of the several denominations, with a reference to the later churches, the children and grandchildren of the first. With the growth of the city, the church-goers scattered ; missions in outlying districts were established ; these missions grew into churches, many of which have established missions further out, in their turn to become churches. An adequate statement of the process of growth would require a volume; we can only hope in a measure to indicate the development.

The call to Dr. Hoge to become pastor of the First Presbyterian church September 25, 1807, was in the handwriting of Lucas Sullivant, and was signed by Robert Culbertson and William Reed as elders, and by Joseph Dixon, John Dill, David Nelson, Wm. Domigan, Joseph Hunter and Lucas Sullivant as trustees. The initial membership was 13. Under the call, which he accepted, he was to be pastor for three-fourths of his time at .$300 a year, the remainder of his time to be left open for missionary work in adjacent territory. Dr. Hoge was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Washington, June 17, 1808.

The first meeting house was erected in Franklinton in 1811, chiefly through the generosity of Lucas Sullivant. It was a small brick building, which before its completion was taken over by the commissary department of the government and filled with grain. In March, 1813, a heavy rain penetrated to the contents and the swelling of the grain burst the walls. The government made good the loss but it was not until 1815 that another house of worship was built. This was situated on the west bank of the Scioto near a wooded island known as British Island from the fact that British prisoners had once been detained there. Meanwhile across the river the population of the village of Columbus was increasing and for the convenience of the Presbyterians there Mr. Hoge preached in various private houses, until in the year 181-1 a log cabin for church purposes was built on a lot owned by the minister on Spring street near Third. Here, alternating with Franklinton, lie held services for several years, until the growth of the Columbus congregation warranted a newer and better church edifice. For this purpose liberal subscriptions were made by different members and lots having been donated by the city at the corner of Front and Town streets, a substantial frame edifice, 80x60, was erected at a cost of $1,050. The seating capacity was -100. On June 20, 1821, the First Presbyterian Society of Columbus was incorporated, with the signatures of such well known people as Gustavus Swan, Lincoln Goodale, David Taylor, William McElvain, James O'Harra, and others whose descendants have still a part in the religious activities of the city and State The society assumed the legal title of "The First Presbyterian Congregation of Columbus." which it has borne ever since. On November 19, 1821, the Franklinton congregation became merged in the Columbus church witli the same title and under the same trustees. It is probable that services ceased to be held in Franklinton when tile new church was built at State and Third streets. This was in 1830. In January of that year, the location and building on Town street having become unsuitable, the site for a new church was chosen at the southwest corner of State and Third streets, where before the year closed one of the finest church edifices in the city was built. It was open for services the first Sunday in December, 1830, and proved a most popular place of worship. Columbus being on the great stage line from the east and west, there were many travelers to carry far and wide the fame of Mr. Hoge as a preacher.

chiefly <>i' a financial nature, and debt hovered for a long time over the new church and threatened the salary of the pastor. However, the storms were weathered and the congregation grew and flourished. Dr. Hoge had many calls to other places but he steadfastly clung to his work in Ohio, until in 1850 he was selected as professor of theology in the seminarv which the Old School side was trying to establish in Cincinnati and which later became the McCormick Theological Seminary of Chicago. He was released for the work and an assistant secured for him in the person of Rev. David Hall of Truro. On June 30, 1857, Dr. Hoge laid down his pastoral duties after more than a half century of noble work in which he distinguished himself and his church. He was the father of the Presbytery of Columbus and of tin' Synod of Ohio. He was a moderator of the General Assembly in 1832 and he was a pioneer in the cause of temperance. No man in the city was more instrumental than he in shaping the charitable and educational policy of the State.

In June. 1857, Rev. Edgar Woods of Wheeling, W. Va., was called to the pastorate of the First Church. He was succeeded by Rev. William Roberts of Wilmington, Del., Rev. William Marshall, Rev. Robert Laidlaw, Rev. E. P. Heberton. During the pastorate of Mr. Laidlaw in 1871 the chapel and Sunday school rooms were built, and the choir was made a leading feature of the services. Others to fill the pulpit were Dr. Willis Lord,

Dr. J. \V. Bailey, Rev. Francis Marsten, wli i was pastor for four years, resigning in 1887 to take charge of the Broad Street Presbyterian church.

Presbyterianism continued to grow with the growth of the city. The Second church was organized .March ."., 1839, and was located on the west side of Third street between Rich and Friend, now Main street. The building was completed in 1810 and Rev. George Hitchcock was the first pastor. During his incumbency a new congregation was formed north of

Broad street with a church building located on Third between Broad and Gay streets. Mr. Hitchcock was succeeded in the pulpit by Rev. E, D. Morris of Auburn, X. Y., and shortly after it was decided to build a new church. A lot being donated for this purpose by Daniel Woodbury in a more suitable location further north on Third street, a new church was built at a cost of $35,000. Dr. Morris resigned in 1867 to become a professor in Lane Theological Seminary, and was succeeded by Rev. J. F. Kendall, during whose pastorate the reunion of the Old and the New School Presbyterian Assemblies took place. The reconstructed Presbytery of Columbus met and was organized in the Second Church July 11,

1870, and on the following day the Synod of Columbus was organized, healing a breach of thirty years. Dr. Kendall resigned in IS7I anil Rev. William E. Moore of Westchester, Pa., was called to the pulpit. This is now called the Central Church. The present pastor is Rev.

The Westminster Church, a colony of the First Church, was organized in April, 185-t, and at first held services in Starling Medical College. Its own house of worship was built on East State street in 1857, with Rev. Josiah D. Smith as first pastor. Succeeding incumbents were: Rev. H. M. McCracken, Rev. Henry Robertson, Prof. E. B. Andrews, Rev. R. R. McXulty, Rev. X. D. Smith, D. D.

Hoge Chapel, a mission of the First Church was established at the corner of Park and Spruce streets in 1868, becoming an independent organization in 1870. Pastors in charge were Reverends J. C. Tidball, David Kingery, J. M. Richmond, J. F. Hamilton, D. R. Colmery. In January, 18S7, the High street mission of the Second Church united with Hoge Chapel to form the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. The Park street property was sold and a handsome house of worship erected on Fifth avenue at a cost of -$9,000. Rev. John Rusk, of Cincinnati, was called to the pulpit.

The Broad Street Presbyterian Church was the natural outcome of the growth of the city eastward. Under Dr. Marsten's pastorate of the First Church a Sunday school had been organized on East Long street east of Garfield avenue and preaching services were held in Gospel Hall. Many families of the First, Second and Westminster churches had moved further east and with new people coming in seemed to warrant the formation of a new church. Accordingly in 1887 a lot was secured at the corner of Broad and Garfield avenue and a chapel was first built on the rear. Later a beautiful stone church was erected at a cost of $50,000. Rev. F. E. Marsten was released from the pastoral charge of the First Church to accept a call from the Broad street church, assuming his new duties in October, 1887. Dr. Marsten was a popular and successful pastor, a man of literary tastes and a writer of graceful verse. The present incumbent is Rev. S. S. Palmer, during whose pastorate the building has been enlarged and beautified, the membership has grown and the usefulness of the organization has increased.

The old First church building at Third and State streets continued to be occupied for several years and then with the shifting of the city's population, a removal to Brvden Road near Ohio avenue was decided upon. There a handsome edifice was built, and the old structure was sold. On August 11, 1910, the spire which had long been a thing of beaut v was pulled down and the razing of the church for the erection of the present Hartman building was begun. In its new location the church has prospered.

The Welsh Presbyterian church in Columbus had its first house of worship at the corner of Long and Fifth streets. It was organized in 18i9 by Rev. John Williams, with 28 members. For several years it had no regular pastor, but in 1855 Rev. David Williams was installed and helped materially to increase the membership. Though enlarged from time to time, under succeeding pastors the church finally became too small for its attendance, and in 1887-8 a new church was built further east on Long, at the corner of Sixth street. In 1919, the building was sold and the erection of a new structure on Miami avenue was begun. The pastor is Rev. E. E. Jones.

The United Presbyterian Church was formed May 25, 1858, by a union of the Associate and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church, which owed its origin to Scotland. Early in the fifties there had been an Associate Church in Columbus worshipping in its own church on Sixth street, but it had been disbanded by 1858. A site for a church was chosen on Long street east of Washington avenue and a church erected at a cost of $10,000. Rev. R. B. Patton began his work as pastor on September 17, 1887, and the congregation increased and prospered. The present pastor is Rev. Alexander Mitchell.

Methodism in Columbus owes its beginning to a zealous layman, George McCormick, who as early as 1812 induced Methodist ministers to visit the infant community on the outpost of civilization and preach the gospel to the few scattered members of the Methodist flock settled thereabouts. The first services were he'd in the homes of the people by Rev. Samuel West of the Delaware circuit, who is mentioned as one of the earliest Methodist ministers to visit this locality. The nucleus of an organization was formed on December 20,

1813, in the appointment of a board of trustees, and in 1811 on a lot in East Town street near High, donated by the city, the first Methodist church was erected. It was built of In wed logs and cost the modest sum of $157.53 1. In a still unfinished state is was occupied for services in 1815 and completed two years later. This church was also used for school purposes for several years, William T. Martin being the teacher. By 1818 it became necessarv to enlarge the building and a frame extension was added. The congregation, white and colored, grew so rapidly that in 1823 the colored members deemed themselves strong enough to organize independently, forming the society that is now the St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal church of East Long street.

A measure of prosperity attended the little church on Town street and a new edifice of brick took its place in 1825, called Zion Church. There were some financial difficulties as is usual with all pioneer ventures, and the building remained in an unfinished state. But meanwhile it had the honor of housing the annual session of the Ohio Conference, among its attendants being several converted Wyandot Indians from Upper Sandusky. It became necessary to build a new church in 1852 and during its erection the society was permitted to worship in the City Hall. This church also was occupied before completion, and as the Methodists of the early days were v>oor in this world's goods it took a long time to pay for the church. But as all were zealous and of good will the Methodist church in Columbus grew and prospered, and by 1891 had entirely outgrown its location and church building. A new site was secured at Bryden Road and Eighteenth street, the old property being sold to the city for librarv purposes. The structure is a handsome one of brick and stone.

It is interesting to note that the first marriage solemnized in Columbus was that of two charter members of the Methodist church, George B. Harvey and Jane Armstrong. Another charter member, Moses Freeman, a colored man, afterwards went as a missionary to Liberia, Africa, where he died working among his oppressed race.

In the beginning Rev. Samuel West, who effected the organization of the little Methodist society, remained as pastor until 1814, when he was obliged to resign owing to dearth of salary, and to take up farming as a means of making a living for his family. He was succeeded by Isaac Pavey, whose means also forced his to "locate," as it is called in Methodism. Other preachers in those early days whose zeal and ability contributed to the growth of Methodism were Jacob Hooper, William Swayze, Simon Peter, Lemuel Lane, Jacob Tevis and Leroy Swormstedt. These were all circuit preachers and led a hard and difficult life. Dr. Swormstedt, as he afterward became, served twelve years on circuits and prominent stations, six years as presiding elder and twenty-four years as assistant or principal agent of the Western Book Concern. He was an excellent preacher. Among the early preachers the figure of Russel Bigelow stands out prominently as a prince of orators. He had been a missionary to the Wyandot Indians at Upper Sandusky and he was chaplain of the Ohio Penitentiary at the time of his death in 1835. Adam Poe was one of the noted men in early Ohio Methodism and was the prime mover in founding Ohio Weslevan University.

In 1830 Columbus was made a station and Thomas A. Morris was appointed to take charge of Methodism in the growing city. A long line of worthy and able men succeeded him in the pulpit, working with zeal and energy in their calling. Mr. Morris was the first editor of the Western Christian Advocate and was made a Bishop in 18.36. He died at Springfield, Ohio, in September, 1874. Leonidas L. Hamline, another of the early pastors, also became a Bishop in 1811. One of the early pastors around whom much interest centered was Joseph M. Trimble, son of Governor Allen Trimble, who was converted during his son's incumbency. The Methodists were humble folk and looked to their young pastor to bring them that social prestige so long enjoyed by other denominations. John Milev, author and theologian, was another strong figure of the early days, and among the most illustrious pastors was Granville Moody, a noted preacher and a Colonel in the Civil War. J. Asbury Brunei-, John W. White, J. M. Jameson, B. X. Spahr, 1). 1). Mather, Dr. W. H. Scott. Earl Cranston, Isaac A. King. Dr. A. C. Hirst, W. D. Cherington, are the names of a few of the succeeding pastors whose efforts in the cause of Methodism brought the church up l<> a high standard in the community and aided in its growth and prosperity. The present pastor of the First Methodist church is Rev. C. R. Havighurst,

It was during the incumbency of Mr. Trimble that the Methodist society in Columbus became strong enough to divide, and on a lot donated by William Neil on High street between Gay and Long streets, the church so long known as Wesley Chapel was built in 1815-6.

The lot, then considered a long- distance in t'.ie country was valued at $800, and less than forty years later, in 1883, was sold for $62,300. The new church was dedicated by Bishop Janes in September, 1847. Rev. George C. Cruni was the first pastor. The congregation flourished and the Sunday school became an important adjunct of its work. It was during the pastorate of Rev. James L. Grover, 1853-5 that the change in the manner of church seating took place. Families had hitherto been separated by sexes, the men on one side of the church, the women on the other. The change was made in October, 1854, and the objection to choirs and pipe organs was also overcome shortly after. In 186f, under Dr. Cyrus Felton the church was remodeled. This year also a mission, Christie Chapel, was founded on Eighth street, (Cleveland avenue), for the benefit of those members who had moved eastward. This mission had a strong existence for a few years but after the organization of the Broad Street church the chapel was sold and its members distributed to other churches.

On May 13, 1883, fire destroyed Wesley Chapel, which was not rebuilt on the old site. The lot was sold and a better location secured at the corner of Broad and Fourth streets, where a handsome and commodious edifice was later erected. While it was building services were held in Lyndon Hall, corner of Long and Fourth streets. The new church was dedicated by Bishop Foster on July 26, 1885, and grew rapidly in worth and influence. The pastors have been Rev. H. C. Sexton, Rev. James Bitler, Rev. A. N. Craft, Rev. H. Y\ . Bennet, and Rev. W. E. Fetch.

Third Street Methodist church, originally known as Bigelow Chapel, was organized in the spring of 1853 as a mission Sabbath school and preaching place for local ministers. It was first located in upstairs rooms at the corner of Fourth and Main streets. The mission had a precarious existence for a time but did a great deal of good and finally emerged as a successful society, with the names of many earnest pastors on its roster: Rev Thomas Lee, Rev. J. C. Jackson, jr.. Rev. S. D. Hutsinpillar, Rev. Franklin McElfresh. During Mr. Lee's pastorate the society traded their property for that of the Second Presbyterian church on Third street near Friend, this becoming the new Bigelow Chapel. A lot was bought and a parsonage was built in 1869. This year a great calamity befell the society in a fire which partially destroyed the church, but with characteristic energy the edifice was at once rebuilt and was dedicated in December, 1870. Four years later under the pastorate of Dr. Kendall the name of the church was changed to "Third Street Methodist Church."

Records of the first Methodist Society in Franklinton which afterward became the Franklinton Mission, then Heath Chapel and now Gift Street Church, have been lost, but it is known that there was a mission class there as far back as 1840. This class was served by the Franklinton Circuit until 1850. Heath Chapel was built in 1856 on a lot at the corner of Broad and Mill streets, donated by Michael and Fannie Sulivant. After many vicissitudes and a period of abandonment because of the removal of the Circuit, the growth of the district began to warrant the erection of a new church, which was finally started in 1889 in a new location at the corner of Gift and Shepherd streets. The society was then incorporated as the Gift Street Methodist Episcopal Church. The Sunday school room was opened in July, 1890, and by November of the same year the church was ready for dedication. Prominent Methodists of the city as well as the Church Extension Society contributed toward the erection of the church which cost $10,000. Rev. W. C. Holliday was the energetic pastor to whose wise management much of the success of the undertaking was due. Gift Street Church continues in its good work with an earnest membership and a thriving Sunday school.

Neil Chapel, located on the southwest corner of Michigan and Collins streets, was the seventh Methodist church of Columbus. The new congregation was organized in 1S70 by Rev. Daniel Horlocker, then serving Heath Chapel, and it grew with great rapidity. The chapel was built in 1872, but not completed until 1886. In a few years the location became unsuitable and a new site was secured at the corner of Goodale street and Neil avenue, and in 1890 a beautiful chapel was built at a cost of $6,000. With the appointment of Rev. J. M. Rife as pastor the name of the church was changed to the Neil Avenue Methodist Church. Its present pastor is Rev. P. H. Fry.

Broad Street Methodist Church, a child of Wesley Chapel, was organized in 1875, when a frame church was built at Broad and Washington avenue, eventuating ten years later in the splendid edifice now crowning the corner. This church has a fine auditorium, an excellent choir, a large Sunday school, which includes many social works in its activities, and an active and energetic membership. A recent addition supplies a gymnasium and other facilities for the entertainment of the young, also a playground maintained during tin summer months. This church has had a notable succession of pastors, including Rev. J. M. Trimble, Rev. Simon McChesney. Rev. Isaac Crook, Rev. (now Bishop) Oldham, Rev. H. W. Kellogg, Rev. E. F. Tittle and Rev. Walter E. Burnett, now serving.

King Avenue Church on the north side began as a mission Sunday school in the fall of 1888, and by December 22, 1889, a new church had been built and dedicated at the corner of Neil and King avenue. Rev. Byron Palmer was the first pastor and did much to build up the new church. A handsome main building was put up fronting on Neil avenue, and the membership is one of the largest in the city, zealous in church attendance and in all good works. There is a large Sunday school. This beautiful church was destroyed by fire on August 23, 1918, and plans were at once laid for the erection of a tabernacle in which to hold services until the edifice could be rebuilt. The pastor is Rev. T. H. Campbell.

Miller Avenue Church was the outcome of a union Sunday school started there in 1880, and passing into Methodist hands about the year 1887, when Rev. Charles T. King was made pastor of the little Methodist gathering. The neat frame church seating about 200 was bought by the Town Street Methodist church, and the congregation grew with the growth of that portion of the city. The church was enlarged in 1891 under the pastorate of Rev. W. C. Holliday. The location of the church was eventually changed and it is now known as Morgan Memorial, corner Main and Fairwood, Rev. A. E. McCullough, pastor.

A Sundav school organized in 1866 was the origin of Third Avenue Church. This school did not long continue but it paved the way for its successor, a Methodist Episcopal Sunday school organized later in the same year by R. P. Woodruff, and in 1867 the Mount Pleasant Mission of the M. E. Church was started, with Rev. A. G. Byers, then chaplain of the Ohio Penitentiary, as first pastor. A year later with the advent of Rev. Lovett Taft as pastor the name was changed to the Third Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church. The location also changed with the purchase of a lot at the corner of High street and Third avenue, where a frame church was erected. The present handsome church was built in 1885 and dedicated by Bishop Andrews on Easter Sunday, 1886. The church has wide influence and patronage and is one of the most prosperous in town. Its pastor at this writing is Rev. H. F. Ross.

West Park Avenue Church was organized in 1893 and the first building was erected in 1895. A brick auditorium built later was destroyed by fire in 1917. However, a handsome new building was erected and dedicated in August, 1918.

Shoemaker Chapel on the Harbor road grew out of the mission labors of Rev. Mr. Horlocker in 1887, when lie organized a Sunday school in the district school at that point. As a result of his efforts a church was soon built on a lot donated by Mrs. Sarah Shoemaker, and with brick donated by the people of the vicinity. The local Church Extension Society also aided by a constribution of money. Preaching was done by Mr. Horlocker for a time, then by Mr. E. 1). Bancroft, a divinity student.

The North Columbus Methodist Episcopal Church was successor to the Clintonville church and had as its first pastor Rev. Louis F. l'ostlc. The church was built in 1881 and the congregation prospered to such an extent that many improvements were made. In 1891 tile name was changed to the High Street Church.

The organization of the Mount Vernon Avenue Church is due to the zeal of a woman. Mrs. John Sugdon, who in 1882 gathered together those of the Methodist persuasion in the region then known as Mt. Airy and started a Sunday school in the teaching of which she was helped by her husband. There was no Methodist church within reach of this sparsely settled district, and as the Sugdons were moving away they turned their class over to the presiding elder of tin Columbus district. Rev. Noble Rockcy was at once appointed to take up the work of forming a new congregation, which in time developed into a thriving society with a frame church erected in 188 f at the corner of Mt. Vernon avenue and Eighteenth street, This in turn was succeeded in 189!) by the present large and handsome church in which a zealous congregation worships. It has an excellent Sunday school and does much good work under bhe wise direction of Rev. R. T. Stimmel, the pastor.

The first German Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus was organized by Rev. John Barth in 18 12, and the members at first worshipped in an engine house on Mound street, until their church at the corner of Third and Livingston was erected. This gave way in

1871 to a larger edifice which cost $10,000. This church can boast of a devoted membership and a long line of hardworking and earnest pastors down to the present day, when the church is in charge of the Rev. John W. Hubcr.

The Donaldson Street Methodist Church for colored people was built in 1888. It was located in the midst of a large settlement, of colored people having no Gospel preachings and from the first wrought great good. With the aid of the Church Extension Society a frame chapel was built and placed in the pastoral charge of Rev. Gabriel White, who worked energetically for the salvation and betterment of his people. Other pastors have beer, equally successful down to the present incumbent, Rev. C. D. White, who has charge of the new church at the corner of Mt. Vernon avenue and Twenty-first street.

The growth of Methodism in Columbus has been from the very first, steady and secure, and no denomination has worked more earnes lv for the uplift of the people and their growth in all things that make for holiness of living. There are at present fortv-seven churches of that denomination; one Free Methodist, Rev. L. C. Watters, pastor; three Methodist Protestant, First, Rev. C. S. Johnson, pastor; Grace, Rev. T. R. Woodford; and Lane Avenue, Rev. H. S. Willis.

The first Protestant Episcopal Society of the northwest was organized in 1803 bv the Worthington colony, most of whom were Episcopalians. They established a church and an academy, located on the public square, and services were held regularlv every Sunday, Rev. James Kilbourne officiating. The society was regularly incorporated as St. John's Parish in 1807 and fully expected to be the first Episcopal parish in the capital of Ohio, but in 1812 their hopes were shattered when the seat of the government of Ohio was definitely located "on the high bank of the Scioto opposite Franklinton." Though greatlv disappointed many of the villagers adjusted themselves by moving to Columbus, where in the new capital a little Episcopal colony was soon formed, and where on May 3, 1817. the first religious services in accordance with the ritual of the Protestant Episcopal church were held in the Buckeye House on Broad street by Rev. Philander Chase. A few days later thirty persons signed articles associating themselves as "The Parish of Trinity Church, Columbus, State of Ohio, in communion with the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America."

Services were subsequently held in various places, sometimes conducted by Bishop Chase, sometimes by other clergymen ; and for a time prior to 1 833 the congregation occupied a small frame building on Soutli Third street. In 1829 Rev. William Preston became the first regular pastor of Trinity, in connection with his duties as pastor of St. John's, Worthington. At the expiration of two years he took up his residence in Columbus and devoted his entire time to Trinity, then a growing and responsible parish. During his pastorate the first Trinity Church was built, a stone structure located on the site of the Hayden bank building, East Broad street. Its cost was $10,000 and it was said to be one of the largest and handsomest churches in Ohio at that period, 1833-34.

' The first Episcopal confirmation services were held in Columbus on September 1.5, 1830, and the first marriage recorded in the parisli was that of Justin Morrison and Melissa Boardman.

As early as 1853 efforts were made to build a new church to take the place of the stone church on Broad street but it was not until 1862 that the present site of Trinity at Broad and Third streets was purchased for $10,000 by Dr. John Anderson. Here a handsome edifice was built of grey sandstone in the English Gothic style of architecture, at a cost of about $60,000. In December, 1868, the chapel was ready for services and by the following April the whole church was completed. The property on East Broad, once known as Esther Institute and later as the Irving House, came into possession of Trinity and was for a long time used as Trinity Parish House. When the parisli sold this for an excellent figure a fine addition was built at the rear of Trinity church, on Broad, containing; a chapel, parish house and offices for the rector, making a stately and attractive pile of buildings. A prominent feature of Trinity is a melodious set of chimes installed in 1910, manipulated by the organist, Professor Karl Hoenig. Trinity has a large number of active church societies, including its ladies societies, Trinity Guild and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. The present rector is Rev. E. F. Chauneey.

The second Protestant Episcopal church in Columbus was that of St. Paul's, the foundation for which was laid in the fall of 1811 at the corner of Third and Mound streets, and in December, 1812, Rev. Henry L. Richards, the first rector, began holding services in the unfinished edifice. The church was not completed until 1846, when it was consecrated by Bishop Mcllvane. The growth of the city in time demanded a change of location, and the present St. Paul's is found on East Broad street between Garfield and Monroe avenues. It is chaste and attractive in architecture, has a fine choir and an influential membership.

The Church of the Good Shepherd was first located on the corner of Buttles and Park streets, and was organized as a mission of Trinity Church. The church was built in 1871 under the pastorate of Rev. F. O. Grannis. The membership increased rapidly and it was later decided to build a new church.

The churches and chapels of Protestant Episcopal faith in Columbus are as follows: Trinity, Rev. E. F. Chauneey; St. Paul's, Rev. Sidney E. Sweet; Good Shepherd, Rev. H. S. Ablewhite; St. James, North Broadway; St. John's, Town and Avondale, Rev. E. C. Prosser; Chapel of the Holy Spirit, North High street, Rev. F. C. F. Randolph; St. Andrews, Whittier avenue; All Saints Mission for the Deaf, East Broad street: St. Philip's Chapel, 250 Lexington avenue (colored).

The first Lutheran services in Columbus were held in the year 1813 by Rev. Michael J. Steck, of Lancaster, in a room at the O. H. Perry Inn, afterward known as the Franklin House on South High street. In the then little pioneer village and the surrounding country there were a few members of the Lutheran faith and ensuing services were at first sparsely attended, but in the course of time a church to be known as St. Paul's was organized and in 1819 Rev. Charles Henkel, of Virginia, came to it as its first pastor. In the beginning services were held at the home of Conrad Heyl, corner Rich and Front streets, settlers coming from many miles in the coutnry in all kinds of humble conyevances and on horseback to unite with their brethren in worship. Their first church was a plain edifice erected in 1820 on Third street between Town and Rich, and was the third church building of any denomination in Columbus which then consisted of only five hundred people. Services were at first conducted by Rev. Henkel entirely in the German language, but as time went on the afternoon services were in English, and in 1827, in addition to the German Sunday school, an English one was also started.

Growth was slow owing to the difficulties of pioneer life. Rev. Henkel served two other congregations, one at Heltzel and the other at Delaware, and on June 22, 1825, he was regularly ordained as pastor of the three congregations by the Lutheran Synod convened at Lancaster, it being the custom in those days to require a probation of several years of candidates before ordination. In 1827 Pastor Henkel accepted a call to Somerset and the Columbus congregation was without a pastor for four years, during which time it gave the use of its church to the Episcopalians who had just organized and had no building of their own. In 1831 Rev. William Schmidt, a native of Germany, who had established a theological seminary in Canton, Ohio, which institution by act of the Ohio Synod and the consent of I lie founder was transferred to Columbus, was called to take charge of the congregation, remaining until his death in 1839. During his ministry the German language alone was used in the services, the congregation being made up chiefly of German immigrants and their descendants. During these early years Christian Heyl was the leading spirit of ils lay membership. His house in which the congregation was first organized was always open lo any Lutheran or Reformed minister traveling through Columbus and by his generosity In- tided over many a financial shortage in the church treasury.

Dr. ('. !-'. Schaefer, of Hagerstown, Md., who also acted as professor of the seminary. During the pastorate of Rev. Conrad Mees, who succeeded him, a lot was bought at the corner of High and Mound streets, the old lot being accepted as part payment. On this lot the church afterward erected the stately edifice which occupied that corner up to fl)17. At. various periods difficulties arose in regard to the use of the English language, resulting finally in 1845 in the organization of two separate congregations - a German one under the name of Trinity Lutheran and an English one bearing the name of the First English Lutheran, both under I In pastorate of Hex. William Lelmiann, who had been made sole professor of the seminary. The meetings during the first year were held upstairs in a building at the corner of High and Rich streets on the site of the cabin in which Christian Heyl lived when lie came to Columbus in 1813, and where some of the first Lutheran meetings were held. Subsequently the two congregations rented the German Evangelical church on -Mound street, near Third, and organized both German and English Sunday schools. In 1850 the congregations in accordance with their original design amicably separated. The English congregation choosing Rev. E. Greenwald, of New Philadelphia, as their pastor, held services in the old "Covert School" building which the Seminary had bought for its use in connection with the Capital University. After 1853 they occupied the old Congregational Church on Third street until they built their own church on Rich street, and with the growth of the congregation later on East Main street, where they now occupy a handsome stone edifice of architectural beauty. The present pastor is Rev. A. J. Holl. The German division soon after the separation built its own church on Third street under the pastorate of Professor Lehmann.

Meanwhile St. Paul's at the corner of Mound and High streets continued in growth and usefulness with Rev. Conrad Mees as pastor. On October 10, 1856, a fire destroyed the church built twelve years before but with characteristic energy it was at once rebuilt, a 205 foot steeple being added in 1872. In 1890 it was remodeled, and in 1917 the growth of the city and the removal eastward of most of the congregation made it expedient to dispose of the High street property which was done and the historic church torn down. A new building at Germania and Bruck streets was occupied.

Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran congregation was founded in 1817 by 18 members of St. Paul's United Lutheran and Reformed Church of Columbus. They secured the leadership of Rev. C. Spielmann and in 1818 became a regularly organized church. The next year they rented a building on Mound street and their growtli a few years later warranted the erection of their own church building at the corner of Third and Fulton, then South street. It was dedicated on December 20, 1857. In 1866 a parochial school was started, lasting only two years, but later in the history of this church a very successful school was conducted. The congregation grew and prospered under a succession of zealous pastors and many improvements were made in the church from time to time. The present pastor is Rev. C. C. Hein.

Grace Lutheran Church was organized in 1872 with Professor C. H. L. Schuette as first pastor. Services were held for a time in Trinity Lutheran Church and later in Emanuel Methodist Episcopal Church, then situated near Livingston avenue and Third street. A lot was bought on South Fourth street near Mound and in 1873 a frame chapel was built. The congregation grew and in 1889 the church was enlarged and improved. This church is now located on Oakwood avenue, and Rev. R. E. Golladay is the pastor.

St. Mark's English Lutheran Church was organized in 1885 and services were at first held at the homes of members. By the next year the membership had increased to such an extent that it was decided to build, and a church was erected at the corner of Dennison and Fifth avenues, Rev. J. C. Schacht was the first pastor. The congregation has grown steadily and is now in charge of Rev. A. C. Schiff.

On the removal of the Capita] University from the corner of High and Goodale to its present location on East Main street in 1876, a neat brick church was erected across the street from the first university building. This is now a thriving congregation, and the church, known as Christ Lutheran Church, is in charge of Rev. J. Sheatsley as pastor. Here the students of Capital University attend church during the school year.

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church had its origin in a Sunday school first started by Professor Theodore Mees in the northeast section of the city. The success which attended him at once, decided the different Lutheran churches to start a mission there as well as on the south side. In 1892 the church organization was effected and Rev. .1. P. Hentz, of Lima, became pastor. A neat frame church was built on Denmead avenue.

There are at this writing twelve Lutheran churches in Columbus. The members of this faith are earnest and active in their church duties and are devoted to Sunday school and mission work. The Lutheran Book Concern, the largest publishing house in Columbus, was the outcome of their evangelical work and issues many parish and Sunday school publications.

In the year 1823 Elder George W. Jeffries of the Baptist Church came to Columbus from Marlboro, Delaware county, Ohio, and began holding preaching services in his own home. He had been an evangelist in Marlboro and as a result of his preaching in Columbus Sarah Garrison and Alpheus Tolle were converted and baptized. It was at once resolved to organize a church and on May 15, 1824, a Council met in Columbus to consider the propriety of instituting a Baptist Church, with elders from Liberty, Bethel and Harlem churches in attendance. Elder Jacob Drake of Liberty was the moderator and William D. Hendren was clerk. Letters were presented by eleven persons, three of whom were colored, thus founding the First Baptist Church of Columbus, with Elder Jeffries as pastor. By July the membership had increased to twenty and thereafter its growth was steady if slow. Like all the rest of the pioneers in the little town the Baptists were poor in this world's woods, however earnest they might be in devotion to their religion, and thus were not able to support a pastor, so that Elder Jeffries, as did other ministers, was obliged to visit other churches and preach in many places. For the same reason the Baptists were slow in securing their own house of worship and it was not until 1828 that the pastor ventured to build a small church on a lot previously purchased by himself for this purpose. It was located on the south side of Mound street between High and Front streets. Worshipping in their own church resulted in an immediate increase in membership and in 1830 the congregation requested Mr. Jeffries to devote the whole of his services to the Columbus Baptists.

In May, 1831, a lot was bought on Front street north of Mound and here the Baptist Church in Columbus built its first regular meeting house, which was occupied for the first time on May 6, 1832. A month later a Sabbath school was organized. The next year the First Regular Baptist Church of Columbus was legally incorporated, with George Jeffries, James Turner, and William A. Morse as the first board of trustees.

Owing to the formation in 1823 of the Welsh Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John Harris the growth of both churches remained slow until the two were consolidated in August, 183.5, by Rev. T. R. Cressy of Massachusetts. Elder Jeffries disagreeing with those who favored union, withdrew and was given his letter of dismissal. In 1835 a lot was bought at the corner of Rich and Third streets where a more ambitious edifice was erected but not entirely completed until 1810, at a cost of .^1 1,000. Meanwhile services were held in the lower part of the structure.

A succession of zealous pastors wrestled with the difficulties which attended the Baptist Church of Columbus for the next few years, which nevertheless continued to grow and expand, branching out to various parts of the city. The mother church is now located on Broad street opposite Jefferson avenue, and is one of the most beautiful church edifices in the city. The pastor is Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Rittenhouse.

An attempt was made in 1852 to organize a Central Baptist church, but after a feeble existence of three years it disbanded and the members returned to the First Baptist Church, where they had previously worshipped. A similar result attended the Predestinarian branch of the Baptist Church in Columbus, organized by Tunis Peters in the late thirties. It lasted until 1856 when the building erected for it by Mr. Peters was lost to the branch which was soon after disbanded also.

The first work of the Baptist Church on the north side had its origin in 1866 in a Sunday school organized by several earnest young people, this being later surrendered to the Presbyterians. In 1870 the First Baptist Church started a mission at the home of William Wallace on Summit street. Later the school moved to the Courtright building on North High street, and in the spring of 1871 a lot was bought on East Russell street where a neat frame church was erected at a cost of .^1,200. This continued as a mission until 188 1 when th,- North, later called the Russell Street Baptist Church, now the Central, was organized, a large number of its members being those who had worshipped at the first Baptist Church. The first pastor was Rev. A. I.. .Ionian. In 1881 under the pastorate of Rev. G. F. MeFarlan, a new structure Has built and that, in 1916, was much enlarged and beautified,

A Sunday school also was the original foundation of Hildreth Baptist Church. This was organized in 1870 by several members from the first Church in a little brick school on North Twentieth street. Growth was slow at first but with the extension of this section of the city many strong members were acquired. In 1884 the Sunday school moved to a room on Mt. Vernon avenue where it grew more rapidly. The next year through the generosity of Mr. Abel Hildreth, a substantial brick church was built at the corner of Twentieth and Atcheson streets and was dedicated on August 25, 1885. Rev. J. S. Cleveland, ordained the same day, became its first pastor. Among his successors in the pulpit have been Rev. J. A. Snodgrass, Rev. Adam Fawcett and Rev. L. M. Darnell.

On the West Side the first mission work of the Baptist Church, which eventuated into Memorial Baptist Church, was started in October, 1885, when a Sunday school was started in the upper part of a business block on West Broad street. The school soon outgrew its quarters and a second room was secured, only to be outgrown also when removal was made to a store room on the ground floor. Preaching services were held in addition to the Sunday school and the attendance grew until in 1889 the room they occupied was destroyed by fire. The Methodists offered the little gathering the use of their tabernacle further west on Broad street, and here they worshipped until the organization of the Memorial Baptist Church and their occupation of a neat structure at the corner of Sandusky and Shepherd streets, bought and given by Mr. Abel Hildreth in memory of his wife. It had formerly been the United Brethren Church and had also at one period been used as a Catholic church. Rev. H. A. Nixon was the first pastor. The present pastor is Rev. G. R. Robbins.

The first missionary effort of the North Baptist or Russell street church was made in 1890, when a Sunday school was established in a storeroom at 1547 North High street near Tenth avenue. The same year a church was organized and formally recognized in 1891. Rev. E. F. Roberts was the first pastor. For a time the members worshipped in a room further north on High street and later during the pastorate of Rev. Alfred E. Isaac, were able to build a handsome temple on Tenth avenue, west of High. The church is prosperous and growing, located as it is, in a pretty and growing part of the city. The present pastor is Rev. V. S. Phillips.

The Second Baptist Church (colored) was set off from the First Church in 1836, though it was not regularly organized until October 18, 1839. One of the noted pastors of this church was the Rev. James Poindexter, a man revered alike by the white as well as the colored residents of the city. The church is now located on Seventeenth street and the pastor is Rev. W. E. Moore.

Shiloh Baptist Church, colored, was organized in 1871. The members worshipped in a building on East Long street until they bought the old Christie Chapel on Cleveland avenue. A fine new church was erected here in 1884.

Union Grove Baptist Church (colored) came into existence in 1886 as a Sunday school organized under a tree near the corner of Hughes and Baker streets. Services were held later in a log cabin on Mt. Vernon avenue. Organization was effected in 1888 with twenty members from the Second Baptist Church, Rev. W. E. Nash was the first pastor. A church was finally built on Champion avenue near Main street.

A Sunday school started on East Fifth, avenue in the fall of 1882 was the origin of the Bethany Baptist Colored Church. It was a union school and in 1889 the Baptists withdrew and held services of their own at the house of James Jackson. They proceeded to build a frame church the same year and two years later the church was organized and Rev. R. C. Minor called to the pastorate. In 1891 this frame building was moved from the leased ground on which it stood to a permanent location at the corner of Fourth avenue and Sixth.

The Hillcrest Baptist Church, west of the State Hospital, was organized in 1918 by members of the First Church residing in that vicinity. A lot was bought and a building erected on Eldon avenue, and services begun with a membership of about 100.

Congregationalism began in Ohio as early as 1796 when the first Congregational church was established in Marietta, but its progress was not rapid, owing to the fact that the New Englanders of that persuasion who came west joined with the Presbyterians in preference to establishing churches of their own. Several tentative congregations were organized throughout Ohio only to be merged into the Presbyterian church. The oldest in this vicinity was probably the little church at Hartford, Licking county which was organized in 1818. The next fifteen years were barren of Congregational endeavor. Then the great antislavery agitation which led to the foundation of Oberlin with its church and college, stirred the churches of Northern Ohio to their very foundations and led to the formation of many new churches on a more liberal basis, some as Congregationalists and some as Free Presbyterians. It was in the course of this upheaval that many of the Welsh Congregational churches in Central Ohio came into existence, among them the Welsh Church in Columbus, established in 1837. In many places these warmhearted earnest Christians, full of sympathy for the downtrodden and oppressed, met with bitter opposition and even persecution. This naturally led to a closer union among themselves ; and resulted in the formation of the Congregational Association of Central Ohio, now known as the Central Ohio conference of the Congregational Church. This was organized August 13, 1861, as Columbia Center, Licking county, the First Congregational Church in Columbus taking an active part in the work of organization.

Just after the middle of the decade preceding the Civil War the First Congregational Church of Columbus took on its present form. It originated in an offshoot of the Presbyterian church then located on Third street south of State, and it was designed to occupy the field lying north of Broad street. At a preliminary meeting held in March 1852 it was decided to purchase a lot on the northeast corner of Third street and Lynn alley. Here a frame chapel was built for the new congregation under the pastoral care of Rev. William H. Marble, who had been working in the interest of the new enterprise. The chapel was dedicated July 11, 1852, and on the 29th the church organization was effected with Mr. L. L. Rice as president and Mr. Warren Jenkins secretary. The original members were -12, bearing letters of dismissal from the Second Presbyterian church. Under Mr. Marble's charge the church prospered both spiritually and financially. Though Presbyterian in name and form of government and under the care of a Presbyterian minister, the church was never connected with a Presbytery and showed at the start a leaning toward the Congregational order. In 1851 the vigorous young church began taking steps for the building of a new meeting house but the resignation of the pastor and various financial difficulties conspired to postpone this work until 1856 when Rev. J. M. Steele of Stratham, X. H, became the pastor. On November 3 of that year the church decided unanimously to assume the name and form of a Congregational Church. The first officers of the reconstructed church were: M. B. Bateham, J. W. Hamilton, L. L. Rice, S. B. Stanton, deacons; L. L. Rice, clerk; T. S. Baldwin, treasurer. The first board of trustees consisted of Dr. R. J. Patterson, T. S. Baldwin and F. C. Sessions.

The next year it was decided to build a new church on Broad facing Capitol square. In 1857 Mr. Steele went east to secure material aid and in the course of his trip contracted smallpox and died in New York. Though grievously distressed by their great loss the members of the church went forward with their building enterprise and by December 27 of that year the church was ready for dedication. It stood on the rear of the lot and was a suitable and attractive edifice. Rev. Nathaniel A. Hyde began to occupy the pulpit on December 6, 1857. The church grew in power and membership under the guiding care of many successful pastors until in 1872 its growth warranted the erection of an addition which gave a commodious main auditorium and additional Sunday school room. This same year was signalized by I lie arrival, as pastor, of Rev. R. G. Hutchins, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who continued in the pulpit for ten years and under wiiose wise direction the church throve immensely, paving tin- way for the wonderful reign of the Rev. Washington Gladden. Dr. Gladden came to the First Congregational Church on December 24, 1882, beginning a fruitful pastorate which ended only with his death in HUN, a period of thirty-six remarkably successful years. He took his place at once as a power in the city, both spiritually and as a civic factor, to which his growing fame as an author added strength and influence.

In 1886 the church was remodeled, improved and refurnished throughout, making it one ol I he most attractive and commodious houses of worship in the city. In the course of its history this church has given from its membership a large number of young men to the ministry and to missionary and other religious endeavor and has done great things for the religious growth ol the city. The church i-; also represented in Foreign Missionary work. For some lime before his (hath Dr. Gladden w.as paslor emeritus and tile regular work was .n charge ol Or. Carl S. Patton, who was succeeded in 1918 by Rev. Irving Maurer.

Plymouth Church had its origin in 1872 when eleven members of the First Congregational Church met to form another church in the northern part of the city. The organization was effected the following March and the new congregation worshipped temporarily in the Baptist chapel on Russell street, with Rev. S. M. Merrill as pastor. A temporary church wTas soon built on High street and by December of the same year the basement of a more ambitious edifice was roofed in and ready for services. The church for several years had slow growth owing to heavy financial troubles with which a succession of zealous pastors had to wrestle. Among these were Rev. F. W. Gunsaulus, afterward widely known as a Chicago divine, Rev. Casper W. Hiatt and Rev. Alexander Milne. In the spring of 1891 finding itself in a prosperous condition the church decided to change its location and also its name. With the sale of the Higli street property and the purchase of a lot on West Fourth avenue it became known as Plymouth Church. It now occupies a beautiful edifice and is a strong and thriving church. The pastor now in charge is Rev. Wm. A. Warren.

The Third Congregational Church was organized in 1872, growing out of a union Sunday school formed in the Piqua railroad shops in 1866. A frame chapel had been built in 1867 on the rear of a lot on West Goodale street donated by Robert S. Neil, and as the population in that quarter increased there seemed to be a call for a regular preacher and the establishment of a church, which was effected in 1872, largely through the efforts of Rev. Lysander Kelsey. The enterprise did not prosper, however, and though the Sunday school was kept up for many years the church was formally disbanded in 1887, the members going to the High Street Congregational church.

The Congregational Church of North Columbus had its beginning in 1870 or 1871, in a small Sunday school organized by Rev. Joseph Harris of the M. E. Church. Meetings were first held in a public school and steps were taken soon for the erection of a church building. It was to have been a Methodist church, but the presiding elder refused his consent for the erection of another church so near the one in Clintonville. The supporters of the new church sought other help, which was given them by the First Congregational Church. Thus encouraged they met in December, 1871, and adopted the name of the Congregational Church of North Columbus, building a church forthwith which was dedicated on June 13,

1875. A month later it was formally recognized by a council of the Congregational Church. Growth here was slow owing to so many other denominations in the same field, but the different pastors in charge were full of zeal and with the incumbency of Rev. J. Porter Milligan, who began his labors in July, 1899, a fresh impetus was given to the work of the society. The attendance at services and Sunday school increased and the church grew in power and numbers. The present pastor is R?v. P. L. Blake.

1876, and a Sunday school organized the week following. So well was the Chapel sustained that by 1877 an addition was built and the Sunday school under union auspices throve greatly. The first regular pastor was Rev. F. W. Gunsaulus, a young Methodist minister of Chillicothe, who took charge in 1879, though services had been held at intervals by pastors from other city churches. This year the chapel was again enlarged and in 1882 under Rev. Irving Metcalf the church was regularly organized and a constitution adopted. In 1890 lots were purchased on Twenty-first near Broad and later a handsome and substantial house of worship was erected. It now has a large and earnest membership and continues in the good work which it has always done, giving liberally to benevolent causes and missionary endeavors. Rev. D. F. Bent is the pastor in charge.

Mayflower Church had its inception in the spring of 1886 when a Sunday school was opened in a storeroom at 898 East Main street, which grew and developed to such an extent that in 1888 a lot was secured at the corner of Main and Ohio avenue, adjoining a lot donated by Mr. F. C. Sessions. On this lot a chapel was built and occupied by February, 1889, in which for some time Dr. Gladden preached every Sunday. In April it was found expedient to proceed to the formation of a Congregational Church in connection with Mayflower chapel and this was accordingly done, the Mayflower Congregational Church bringduly incorporated June 10, 1889. The church has a flourishing Sunday school, an active Young People's Society and a Christian Endeavor. A reading room and gymnasium was built and now a beautiful edifice rears its stately head at the corner of Ohio avenue and Main street, with a devoted membership. The pastor in charge is Rev. F. I.. Graff.

12 members. For many years its membership continued small, and because of taking counsel with Dr. Hoge of the First Presbyterian Church it was erroneously known as the Welsh Presbyterian Church. During- the first seven years it worshipped in several different places and there were numerous changes of pastors. In 1845 the congregation built a frame meeting house on Town street between Fifth and Sixth. From here the church moved to Gay street and Washington avenue where in 1890 a new brick church was erected and dedicated in May. 1891. On its roster are found the names of many of the most prominent Welsh people in Columbus. The pulpit is now occupied by Rev. E. L. Roberts.

The South Church has been in existence since 1890 when a Sunday school was organized by Mr. ,1. L. Bright, who was also instrumental in building a small frame chapel on South High street. Later ground was purchased at the corner of High and Stewart avenue for a more suitable church which was built in 1891. Mr. Bright, when regularly ordained, became the pastor and the church was recognized as the South Congregational Church. It grew and prospered from the first and great good was wrought by the earnest work of pastor and people. At this writing the pastor in charge is Rev. A. M. Meikle.

In the summer of 1890 through the efforts of Mr. George W. Bright and other members of the First Congregational Church, a neat frame chapel was built on the corner of St. Clair and Hoover avenues for the accommodation of those of Congregational leanings in that neighborhood. The chapel was dedicated on Sunday, September 25, with a sermon by Dr. Gladden. Rev. W. B. Marsh became pastor of the little church the following December, in addition to his work as assistant pastor of the First Church. Rev. George P. Bethel took charge in 1892, holding Sunday services and weekly prayer meetings.

At present the Congregational churches in Columbus are as follows: First, Rev. Irving Maurer; North, Rev. P. L. Curtiss ; Eastwood, Rev. D. F. Bent; Grandview Heights, Rev. O. C. Weist; Mayflower, Rev. Franklin L. Graff; Plymouth, Rev. W. A. Warren; South, Rev. A. M. Meikle; Washington avenue (Welsh), Rev. E. Floyd Roberts.

The Central Christian Church had its origin in prayer meetings held by a few persons in private houses during the month of October, 1870. On December 1 of the same year a small apartment for use as a Sunday school and prayer meetings was rented over Samuel's drug store on North High street. Here different clergymen conducted services until on April 1, 1871, the congregation rented a room in the Sessions block, corner High and Long streets. Rev. T. D. Garvin, of Cincinnati, accepted a call to the pastorate. At this time T. Ewing Miller was treasurer of the church. On March 7, 1872, the congregation decided to incorporate under the name of the Central Christian Church, known as the Disciples of Christ. A lot was bought at the corner of Third and Gay streets and a frame church quickly erected. A brick edifice succeeded it in 1879 at a cost of sf< 11,000. In time a change of location became advisable owing to the encroachments of business and the growth ill the downtown section, and accordingly a lot was purchased on the corner of East Broad and Twenty-first street where a handsome church was built.

Tin's denomination, with its variant, Church of Christ, has eight places of worship as follows: Broad Street Church of Christ, Rev. A. M. Haines, pastor; Chicago Avenue, Rev. C. A. Kleeberger; Linden Heights, Rev. W. (). Roush; South Church, Rev. R. F. Strickler: West Fourth Avenue, Rev. T. L. Lowe; Wilson Avenue, Rev. ,T. J. Tisdall ; Indianola, Willard A. Guv; Hilltop, J. N. Johnston; First Christian Church, West Fifth avenue, Rev. II. Russell .lay', pastor, early forties and gave eager welcome to tlie traveling evangelists of that denomination who visited the young city. By the winter of lSt.'i-H the number of these seemed to warrant the formation of a society and accordingly on January 1, 1844, forty-three people met and organized the 1'irsl Universalist Church of Columbus. Occasional services were held in the St. Paul's German Church on South Third street, which they afterward purchased. On March 29, 1845, the Societv was legally incorporated and by October was supporting its own pastor, Rev. \. Doolittle. The membership gradually increased under a succession of hardworking pastors. In 1 NX t the property on South Third street was sold to the Masons and a lot bought on State street, on the rear of which a Sunday school and chapel were built. Later a commodious stone church was built and dedicated in May, 1891, under the pastorate of Rev. William Jones. At that period a handsome home for the pastor was presented to the church by Mrs. Lucy Stedman. One of the well known pastors of this church was the Rev. E. L. Rexford, D. D. The present pastor is Rev. E. V. Stevens.

All Souls Church, Rev. E. L. Rexford, pastor, now worships in tin- Spiritualist (old Westminster Presbyterian) edifice at State and Sixth streets.

A desire on the part of a number of German Protestant citizens of Columbus for religious services dissociated from the rites of the Lutheran and the Reformed German Protestant Churches, resulted in the formation in 1843 of the Independent Protestant German Church. The new congregation was at first organized at the home of Henry Waas, then known as the Canal Hotel. Rev. Mr. Zeller volunteered as the first pastor. The members went energetically to work and a church was built the same year on Mound street near Third. For a few years prosperity attended the undertaking, but in 1849 the congregation was reduced to such financial straits that it was obliged to lease the church edifice to the Trinity Lutheran Society, in whose possession it remained until 1857. Meanwhile by prudent management the congregation had paid off the indebtedness that had hampered it and in 1818 resumed occupation of its own church. A Sunday school was organized and a new pastor secured in the person of Rev. Edward Graf. One of the most prominent pastors of this church was the Rev. Christion Heddaeus, who filled the pulpit with great success for many years. Until 1871 the church property was vested in a few members of the congregation who had paid for it, but at that time these men generously deeded the property to the congregation with the proviso that the encumbering debt be paid off. This was done and the church property reverted to the congregation. The present pastor is Rev. J. F. Meyer.

Friends. The Society of Friends was organized in Columbus some time about the year 1870. The members held services in various places until the dedication of their own church on Ohio avenue on October 12, 187.3, on which occasion many prominent visitors from other places were present. The Friends today in Columbus worship in these churches: Camp Chase, West Broad street; 1150 North Fourth street, Seth W. Osborn, pastor; Highland avenue, Rev. John Pennington, pastor; Ogden avenue, Rev. D. H. Woods, pastor; Sullivant avenue.

This denomination did not exist in Columbus in organized form until 1866, when its first church was erected on the south side of Town street between Fourth and Fifth. Rev. W. B. Davis was the first pastor. In 1876 Mr. Davis, after retiring from the First Church, organized the Olive Branch Church, an edifice for which was erected near the railway shops.

A branch of this society was organized on the South Side in 1870 and took the name of Mount Zion Church. A German church was organized in 1868, and erected an edifice on the south side of Friend, now Main, east of Grant avenue.

Two churches of the Evangelical Association were located in Columbus: Emanuel, East Main street and Ohio avenue. These are now united in the Ohio avenue edifice, Rev. J. R. Dallas, pastor.

Of the Evangelical United there are three: Miller avenue. Rex'. Elmer Bailey, pastor; St. Paul's, Warren avenue. Rev. P. E. Smoke, pastor; Wesley avenue, Rev. H. V. Summers, pastor.

Chapter Xxv

After Eighty Years of Effort, Nineteen Church Bodies - Holy Cross the Eirst, in 18S8 - St. Put rich's, St. Mary's, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Sacred Heart, Holy Family, St. Dominic's, St. Francis of Assist, St. Peter's, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist, St. Thomas, St. Leo's, Holy Name, Holy Rosary, St. Aloysius, St. Eadislaus, St. Cyprian, Immaculate Conception.

The history of the Catholic Church in the Capital City of Ohio, dates back definitely a hundred years, though far earlier than that there is reason to believe that the locality was visited by Jesuit missionaries who in their intrepid work penetrated the forests of the unknown country, evangelizing and teaching the Red Man. Records of their labors and travels in the history of the French Missionary Fathers show that they had many stations within the confines of what is now the State of Ohio, and it is not too much to suppose that at some period in their travels they might have stopped at the confluence of the Scioto and the Olentangy rivers and there offered up the Sacrifice of the Mass, with the monarchs of the forest making long Cathedral aisles about them and the dark sons of the region kneeling at their feet. The aisles thus made holy have given way long since to the noise and activities of a large and thriving city, in whose man-made aisles and altars the memory is forever perpetuated of those early days and fearless laborers.

In the year 1818 the Dominican Fathers, branching out from their motherhouse in Kentucky, had founded a mission in the central part of this State, destined to go down in history as "the cradle of Catholicity in Ohio." This foundation was at Somerset in Perry county, where in 1818 Very Rev. Edward Fenwick, O. P., dedicated the first Catholic church in the State, under the patronage of St. Joseph, and opened a house for his brethren in religion, the better to enable them to prosecute their missionary labors throughout the virgin country. It is certain that Father Fenwiek and his co-laborers visited the site of the future capital of Ohio, and it is not unlikely that Bishop Flaget, who had been consecrated Bishop of Bardstown, Ky., in 1810, also visited this locality when on a missionary journey in 1812 in search of scattered portions of the Catholic flock. He was accompanied on this occasion by the Rev. Stephen T. Badin, the first Catholic priest ordained in the United States. It was during this trip of the two zealous missionaries that they discovered the little Catholic colony in Perrv county, made up of pioneer settlers from Pennsylvania and other Eastern states, whose devotion to their religion was to give them, six years later, the blessing of their own house of worship, the first Catholic church, as stated, in Ohio.

\\ ith their branch house established in Somerset, Bishop Flaget entrusted to the Dominican Fathers the mission work in Ohio, and for several years they ministered to the spiritual uanls of the Catholics throughout the State. They had early founded a mission in Franklinton, where a few Catholics were to be found. Father Fenwick, who became in 1821 Bishop nl the new see of Cincinnati, the first Ohio see, was assisted in those early days by Rev. Dominick Young, O. P. Later helpers of Father Young were Rev. Thomas Martin and Rev.

In Franklinton religious services were he'd at times in the Court House and occasionally in the homes of Vincent (Irate and Henry Nadenbusch, the latter of whom lived near the State stone quarries, of which he was the lessee. Laborers engaged in building the National road at first composed the greater portion of the Catholic flock. Some of these became permanent settlers, and their number was gradually increased by new arrivals. Among the pioneer Catholics ,,t' this section there is record of the following: Tile families of Mrs. Russell. Cornelius Jacobs, John Jacobs, Michael Reinhard, Anthony Clarke and Owen Turney. Later on the following names are found in the new congregation: John Endcr, Clemens Baehr, J. Scherringer, 1'. Kehle, Jacob Zettler, Peter Sclrwarz, Henry Lutz, Lawrence Beck, Joseph Wolfel. Joseph Miller, I'rev, Bernard McNallv. John' F. Zimmer, C. Kuhn. John I ry. The descendants of many of these sturdv pioneers are prominent in the Catholic lite of Columbus today.

May 15, 1833, marks a new epoch in the history of Catholic activity in Columbus. On that date a lot was donated to the Catholic missionaries by Otis and Samuel Crosby and Nathaniel Medbery, on condition that a Catholic church be erected thereon within five years. The lot was located far away from the central life of the village, but was nevertheless a welcome acquisition, and is the present site of Holy Cross Church at Fifth and Rich streets. Here after considerable delay and many vicissitudes owing chiefly to lack of money, for the few Catholics were poor and struggling - the first Catholic church in Columbus was built.

Bishop Fenwick, the great pioneer worker, had died of cholera at Wooster, Ohio, in 1832, while on a missionary journey, and he was succeeded as Bishop of Cincinnati by Right Rev. John Baptist Purcell, D. D. In June, 183(5, Bishop Purcell visited Columbus, now growing into a good sized town on the east bank of the Scioto. At the Mass which he celebrated in the old Paul Pry House on Canal street between Main and Cherry alley, he called a meeting of the men of the congregation. At this meeting plans were laid which resulted in the completion two years later of the first Catholic church in Columbus, a humble enough edifice, built of stone from the State quarry and dedicated to St. Remigius.

Various difficulties attended the erection of the church, but the people were more than generous, giving out of their scanty store, of time, of money and of building material, rejoicing in the prospect of soon possessing a church of their own. Meanwhile in August, 1837, Bishop Purcell put new joy in their hearts by sending to them the Rev. Henry Damien Juncker to be their pastor as well as pastor of the little Catholic flock at Cliillicotlie, with instructions to build a church in both places.

Work on the Columbus church had stopped the previous year owing to lack of funds, and the zealous young priest set himself the task of completing the building. He was so successful that by the next Christmas the church was under roof, and by April, 1838, was ready for services, though still unfinished. On April 29 Father Juncker celebrated within its bare walls the first High Mass ever sung in Columbus. By a happy coincidence Rev. Stephen Badin, the venerable missionary, happened to be passing through Columbus at that time, and he had the pleasure of assisting at the Vesper service in the afternoon and of preaching to the people in English.

The church was small, and though built of stone, was simple in construction. It was fifty feet long by thirty wide and fourteen feet from floor to ceiling. There was a small gallery for the choir.

Father Juncker continued in charge of the congregation until 1839. Later he was made first Bishop of Alton, 111. He was succeeded at Columbus by Rev. Joshua M. Young, a convert to the Church, who, as there was no pastoral residence at Columbus, made his home in Lancaster, visiting various other missions. On December 8, 1839, Bishop Purcell administered confirmation for the first time in Columbus, and in the evening of the same day preached a sermon in the Senate Chamber of the old State House.

A pastoral residence adjoining St. Remigius Church was completed in April, 1843, and a month later Rev. William Schonat took up his residence there as pastor of Columbus Catholics, Father Young retaining charge of the missions around Lancaster with his home there. These two priests frequently exchanged places to the great spiritual benefit of their people, some of whom were German and some English speaking.

The congregation at Columbus increased so rapidly that it soon became evident a larger church was necessary. Accordingly in 18 1.') additional property was purchased on Rich street, and a new church planned, the cornerstone of which was laid on April 28, 1846. It was nearly two years before its completion, but finally on January 16", 1818, Bishop Purcell dedicated the new edifice under the title of the Church of the Holy Cross.

The old stone church was turned into a school, the first Catholic school in Columbus, and was for a time taught by lay teachers. Rev. Caspar Borgess, who succeeded Father Schonat as pastor, enlarged the school, and i'i 1856 secured the services of the Sisters of Notre Dame from Cincinnati, who taught the girls' school. In May, 1859, Father Borgess - who afterward became Bishop of Detroit - was succeeded as pastor at Holy Cross by Rev. John B. Hemsteger, who continued in charge until his death in October. 1878. He had labored hard, adding to and improving the church property, erecting a new school and other- wise building up the parish. A year before his death a fire partially destroyed the church, which was at once repaired and rededieated, Bishop Toebbe, of Covington, Kv., officiating.

Rev. George H. Ahrens succeeded Father Hemsteger and remained until his death in 1881. Under his pastorate a new school was again built, the present school of today. At his deatli the Rev. Clement R. Rhode was appointed pastor and continues in that office at the present time. He has valiantly kept up the traditions of the pioneer parish and made many improvements in church and school. A half ci-ntury of good work was commemorated on September 7, 1888, when the golden jubilee of the first Catholic church in Columbus was auspiciously celebrated.

Meanwhile many other congregations had branched out from the mother church in Columbus. Very early in its history Holy Cross Church became too small to accommodate the vastly increased number of Catholics and the plan of a new parish received its inception. Among the first Catholic settlers the German element predominated, and when the new parish was projected it was decided with the Bishop's permission to build a church for English-speaking Catholics.

This congregation was formed in 1851 by Rev. John Furlong, the members for a time attending separate services in Holy Cross Church. In 1852 the congregation was placed in charge of Rev. James Meagher, who bought a lot 187 feet square at the corner of Seventh street, now Grant avenue, and Xaghten street, for one thousand dolaars. With indefatigable zeal the young pastor hastened the erection of the church which was completed in a year and dedicated on September 25, 1853, by Bishop Purcell, of Cincinnati. The following year a brick school building was erected adjoining the church, on Mount Vernon avenue. It was first taught by lay teachers, but in 1856 the Sisters of Notre Dame from Cincinnati were engaged for the girls' school, lay teachers continuing to teach the boys. The first church bell in Columbus rang out from the turret of old St. Patrick's over sixty years ago. The parish residence was built in 1857.

In the same year Father Meagher was succeeded by Rev. Fdward Fitzgerald, just ordained, who remained at St. Patrick's during the dark days of the Civil War when he demonstrated his patriotism by floating the Stars and Stripes from the church tower and organizing the Montgomery Guards, whom he pressed to offer their services to their country. He visited at Camp Chase where he gave the consolations of religion to both Union soldier and Confederate prisoner. He was a man of great heart and wide activities. He co-operated with Father Hemsteger in helping the Sisters of St. Francis to found the first hospital in the city, and he was chiefly instrumental in effecting the permanent settlement in Columbus of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

In December, 1866, Father Fitzgerald was made Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas, and was consecrated to his high office in St. Patrick's Church on February .'S, 18(57, by Archbishop Purcell. The sermon was preached by Rev. Patrick J. Ryan, who afterward became Archbishop of Philadelphia, and known far and wide for his golden-tongued oratory. During those early days one of the assistant priests at St. Patrick's was Rev. J. B. Murray, who is still living and in active work in the Cincinnati archdiocese.

Tlic pioneer days of the Church in Columbus passed away entirely witli the arrival in July, 1868, of Apostolic Fetters creating the diocese of Columbus, and the appointment of Right Reverend Sylvester Horton Rosccrans as first Bishop of the new see. Bishop Rosccrans had arrived in Columbus in February, 1867, to succeed Father Fitzgerald as pastor of St. Patrick's, and he remained there with St. Patrick's as his pro-cathedral while St. Joseph's Church, now determined upon as th° Cathedral, was in process of construction. When in 1N72 Bishop Rosccrans took charge of the Cathedral he was succeeded as pastor of St. Patrick's by Hex. J. A. Murray, who the next year was in turn succeeded by Rev. J. A. Casella. In IS7(>, Father Casella returned to his native France and Rev. Nicholas Gallagher was made pastor. Since 1871 he had been president of St. Aloysius Seminary on tin- West Side, founded in that year by Bishop Rosccrans for the education of young men to the priesthood, but which had now closed for lack of support.

When on I lie death of Bishop Rosecrans, Father Gallagher was made administrator of the diocese. Rev. John Madden was in charge at St. Patrick's with Rev. John McGuirk,

Texas, being the second' pastor of St. Patrick's called to episcopal honors. Rev. A. O. Walker was the next pastor, and he remained until 1885 when the parish was placed in charge of the Dominican Fathers by Bishop Watterson. The first Dominican pastor was Rev. P. C. Coll, and there has been a long line of zealous and able incumbents. Rev. Timothy L. Crowley, O. P., is the present pastor.

Shortly after taking charge at St. Patrick's the Dominican Fathers were assigned to work at the Ohio Penitentiary. For many years Rev. F. L. Kelly, O. P., has prosecuted this work among Catholic prisoners, among whom he lias wrought untold good. The State recognized the excellence of his labors by erecting for his use a fine chapel.

St. Mary's parish was organized in 1863 to meet the needs of the rapidly growing southern portion of the city. The present site of St. Mary's on South Third street was purchased by Father Hemsteger, pastor of Holy Cross congregation, of which the new parish was an offshoot. Rev. F. X. Specht, an assistant at Holy Cross, took charge of the movement and under his supervision the school building was first erected. Early in 1866 sod was turned for the church, of which the cornerstone was laid in August by Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati. On November 30, 1868, the completed edifice was dedicated by Bishop Rosecrans under the invocation of St. Mary. The church, Gothic in design, was handsome in appearance and sufficiently large for the future needs of what proved to be a thriving congregation. It was richly frescoed and furnished and seated a thousand people. While the church was building Father Specht had been appointed pastor of the new congregation, and continued in that capacity for nearly fifty years, dying in 1913, deeply mourned by his people and Catholics generally. He had been Viear General of the diocese since 1885, and was twice Administrator of the diocese, and for his efficient discharge of onerous duties was made a Domestic Prelate by Pope Leo XIII in 1902 with the title of Monsignor.

Monsignor Specht made many improvements at St. Mary's, always looking with a fatherly eye to the best interests of the parish. He built the rectory, and a convent for the Sisters of St. Francis, successors of the Sisters of Notre Dame, who were the first teachers in the school. He installed a fine pipe organ in the church and in 1890 repaired and beautified the church, adding new stained glass windows. The spiritual part of his labors speaks in the piety and devotion of a large congregation

On the death of Monsignor Specht Rev. Joseph M. Wehrle, formerly pastor of St. John's Church, Bellaire, succeeded to the pastorate of St. Mary's. Under the Bishop's direction he has since opened a high school in a newly acquired property just north of the church.

The growth of St. Patrick's parish was rapid, and it early became evident that a division of the parish would be necessary. Prosperity was beginning to bless Columbus Catholics, and in planning for the new offshoot of St. Patrick's Father Fitzgerald, then pastor, secured a subscription amounting to .$37,000 from about two hundred and fifty donors. The committee which he appointed to look after the work consisted of: John Conahan, Theodore Leonard, treasurer, John Joyce, John D. Clarke, Thomas Bergin, William Naghten, secretarv, John Caren, Michael Harding, William Wall, James Naughton, William Riches, John McCabe, Michael Hartman, John Duffy, Martin Whalen, Bernard McNally. and Michael Galvin.

In April, 1866, ground for the new church was purchased at the corner of Broad and Fifth streets, a plot 120 feet on Broad and 200 feet on Fifth street. The plan for the church was drawn by Michael Harding and the new parish was placed under the patronage of St. Joseph. The cornerstone was laid on November 11. 1866, by Rt. Rev. S. H. Rosecrans, assistant Bishop of Cincinnati. The next month Father Fitzgerald was made Bishop of Little Rock, Ark., and was succeeded as pastor of St. Patrick's by Bishop Rosecrans, who in March, 1868, became the first Bishop of the new diocese of Columbus. With great enthusiasm the Bishop assumed charge of building his cathedral church, and after making some change in the plans, decided to construct it of stone. It is said that General Rose- trans, the Bishop's soldier brother, who visited the Bishop during the erection of the Cathedral, assisted him materially by his advice and suggestions. It was not until 1872 that this beautiful Gothic Cathedral of St. Joseph was completed and ready for divine services. During the course of its construction Naughton Hall, situated on the east side of High street between State and Town streets, was used as a temporary chapel and there services were held for over two years. A few months after its organization, the Cathedral Chapel congregation as it was called, was placed in charge of Rev. J. F. Rotchford, O. P., whom Bishop Rosecrans secured for a few years service from the Dominican community at New York. In 1872 Father Rotchford was recalled by his superiors and Bishop Rosecrans assisted by Father Gallagher conducted services in the chapel until the completion of the Cathedral.

On Christmas day, 1872, Bishop Rosecrans celebrated pontifical high Mass for the first time in his new cathedral. In 1873 a residence on East Broad between Sixth and Seventh streets was bought for the Bishop and his assistant priests, but the distance made it inconvenient, and in 1875 the Bishop built a rectory adjoining the Cathedral. There his priests took up residence, but he made his home at the Sacred Heart Convent, a private school opened a few years before by Dominican Sisters from St. Mary's of the Springs, at the southeast corner of Broad and Seventh streets. These Sisters afterward moved their convent to Galveston, Texas, on the invitation of Bishop Gallagher.

The Cathedral was consecrated on October 20, 1878, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Dwenger. of P'ort Wayne, in the presence of six other prelates, more than fifty priests, and a large concourse of people. It was an auspicious event in the history of the new diocese. The sermon was preached by Rt. Rev. John Lancaster Spalding, the scholarly young Bishop of Peoria, 111., afterwards one of the shining literary lights of the Church in America.

The venerable Archbishop Purcell, patriarch of the West, bowed with years and labors, made a few remarks at the close of the solemn services, contrasting the present beautiful edifice with the humble rooms where in pioneer days the Holy Sacrifice was offered, days and services which he himself so well remembered.

On the evening of the same day Bishop Rosecrans was stricken witli fatal illness and died the following night. The new Cathedral, so late the scene of festivity and rejoicing, was hung with black and turned into a temple of mourning, when on October 25 the funeral of the beloved prelate took place. The Bishops and many of the priests who had assisted in the consecration of the Cathedral remained over for the obsequies. The body of Bishop Rosecrans was placed in a burial vault prepared for it in the basement of the Cathedral directly beneath' the sanctuary.

Bishop Rosecrans was a convert to the Church. As his name indicates he was of Dutch ancestry, and his family was a distinguished one. Through his mother he was related to Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Sylvester Horton Rosecrans, son of Crandall and Jemima Hopkins Rosecrans, was born in Homer, Licking county, Ohio, on February 5, 1827. While he was a student at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, an older brother, William S. Rosecrans, a recent graduate of West Point and afterward the famous Civil War general, became a Catholic, and his example was followed by the young Sylvester. Later both parents also became Catholics. Sylvester was educated by the Jesuits at Fordliam, and made his later studies in Rome, where he was ordained in 1852. His death at the age of 51 closed a career of great activity. He had labored earnestly lo liuild up the new diocese, a work of no small magnitude, and he died before he could sec the fruition of his work. It was said that he was a horn pedagogue and in the midst of his episcopal duties found time to teach in St. Aloysius Seminary, in Sacred Heart Convent, and even at St. Mary's of the Springs. He was a man of literary tastes, and was instrumental in founding Hie Catholic Columbian, under the management of Rev. D. A. Clarke, then an ecclesiastical student, and lie was a frequent contributor to its editorial and other pages. He died universally esteemed and respected.

August s of the same year in St. Joseph's Cathedral. In the eighteen months which had elapsed between the death of Bishop Rosecrans and the appointment of his successor, Very Rev. \. A. Gallagher administered the affairs of the diocese with residence at the Cathedral rectory. Rev. M. M. Meara was rector of the Cathedral. In 1882 Father Meara was made pastor at Circleville and Rev. U. J. Fitzgerald became rector of tin- Cathedral, where lie re- mained until 1888, when he was appointed pastor of St. John's Church, Bellaire. From that period Bishop Watterson retained the title of rector of the Cathedral himself until his lamented death in April, 1898. His labors in building up the diocese were stupendous and his health succumbed under the stress of his episcopal duties. The work of the diocese was extended through new parishes and the erection of churches and schools. He purchased the present episcopal residence, thus completing a half block of valuable property on Broad street. His work in the diocese was of lasting value. He was a man of dignified personality and wide attainments, a scholar and a student, with oratorical ability of a high order. He died deeply mourned not alone by his own people but by the residents of Columbus generally, who recognized in him a man of superior character and eminent virtues. He was 55 years old at the time of his death. His remains were interred in Calvary cemetery where a handsome granite monument marks his resting place.

John Ambrose Watterson, second Bishop of Columbus, was born in Blairsville, Pa., May 27, 1844, the sixth child of John A. and Mary MacAfee Watterson. They were well to do and gave their children good educations. The future Bishop received a good home training, and was educated at Mt. St. Mary's, Emmittsburg, Md. He was ordained in 1868 and at once became professor of moral theology and sacred Scripture at his alma mater, becoming in a very short time president of the famous college. This position he continued to fill with conspicuous success until called to the Bishopric of Columbus in 1880.

Bishop Watterson was succeeded by Right Reverend Henry Moeller, D. D., who was consecrated third Bishop of Columbus on August 25, 1900, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Cincinnati. For twenty years Bishop Moeller had been chancellor of the archdiocese of Cincinnati, and his experience thus gained enabled him successfully to cope with the task which met him in Columbus, that of discharging the debt which lay heavy on the diocese and which had accumulated through long years of church and school building and in otherwise developing a new see. He took hold of this work in a systematic way and with the loyal and earnest support of the priests of the diocese as well as the responsive generosity of the people, paid off practically the whole sum in three years. He held a Diocesan Synod in 1902, founded new parishes and missions among the rapidly increasing foreign population, and developed and systematized the work of the diocese. His departure was sincerely regretted when he was called by Rome to be Coadjutor Archbishop to Archbishop Elder of Cincinnati. He was esteemed alike by priests and people.