Hamilton City (part 12 of 12)

Westminster Presbyterian Church

In T895 about a hundred members seceded from the First Presbyterian church, claiming that this church was too liberal in its Christian views, and organized the Westminster Presbyterian church. Rev. J. S. Edenburn was called to the pastorate, and services were held regularly in the assembly room of the court house during the first year. In 1895 a fine church edifice was erected at the northeast corner of High and Seventh streets, and the congregation has prospered from the beginning. The Rev. J. S. Edenburn served the congregation until 1900 and was succeeded by Rev. George E. Thompson. The present pastor

The Methodist Episcopal Church

It was composed of the following members: Thomas Sinnard and wife. Aaron Jewe and wife. Mrs. John Caldwell and Miss Lydia Jones. In 1819 Hamilton and Rossville were made a station, and Rev. West preached alternately in the Academy bui - ing. at Third and Dayton streets, in the Delorac's warehouse in Rossville. In tie same year the first Methodist meeting house was built. It was erected on Ludlow street, between Second and Third streets on the site of the present church. The land on which it was erected was a gift by Hon. John Woods. The building cost At the end of the year 1821 the membership had increased to sixty-five. In 1 33 ^ other adjacent lot to the former lot was donated to the society and a new church building was erected at a cost of four thousand eight hundred dollars and the old building was occupied by Peter Myers as a carpente shop. In March, 1839, both the carpenter shop and the church building were destroyed by fire. In 1840 a new church building wa erected and was thereafter occupied unt. 1868 when the same was remodeled and constructed at an outlay of eleven thousand dollars. In 1893 the present beautiful a costly church edifice was built. e bership is upwards of seven hun re the society is in a prosperous con ltlon_ The first parsonage was built in 5VThe present parsonage was built in tion with the new church in 1893.

tire church property is valued at forty thousand dollars. The growth of Methodism in Hamilton has not been phenomenal, but a substantial gain has been made during the years. The gain for the first forty years of the church's history was two hundred per cent. For the next twenty-five years one hundred and seventy-five per cent, and for the last twenty years nearly ninety per cent. The six members of the first Methodist class here became the First Methodist Episcopal church of seven hundred members. In these eighty-five years perhaps two thousand five hundred souls have been converted at the altar of the First church and more than eight hundred adults and more than seven hundred children have received baptism.

Pastoral support has increased from two hundred dollars to one thousand eight hundred* dollars, benevolent gifts from sixty-six dollars of the first record to one thousand five hundred annually; current expenses from the donated janitor service to one thousand three hundred dollars for all purposes of heat, light and care of the church. All in all, the church has contributed more than forty thousand dollars in charity ; seventy-three thousand dollars for pastoral support; thirty-nine thousand for current expenses and one hundred thousand dollars for church buildings and repairs.

The ministers who have officiated as pastors of the church are : Samuel W est, Henry Baker, John P. Durbin, Henry Hilt. John P. Taylor, Augustus Eddy, A. S. McClain, John P. Taylor, A. M. Loring, William Simmons, D. D. Davisson, John A. Baughman, Robert O. Spencer, G. R. Jones, William Simmons, E. Zimmerman, J. J. Hill, Daniel Poe, S. A. Latta, W. D. Barnett, David Reed, O. W. Swain, David Whit-

The United Presbyterian Church

The United Presbyterian church of Hamilton was organized in 1816. The promoters were three devout women, Mrs. Nancy Southerland, Mrs. Robert Beckett and Mrs. Margery McMechan. Prior to this time there had been a steady tide of emigration to this section of sturdy Scotch Irish. Seldom had they an opportunity of hearing God's word except when occasionally a minister of their faith happened to pass through.

Among these were the Revs. Rankin, Risk and R. H. Bishop, then of Lexington, Kentucky, and later the first president of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

The Rev. Alex. Porter, who had emigrated from South Carolina to Israel township, Preble county, with his congregation in 1814, being opposed to human slavery, also preached here occasionally. In 1817 Dr. David McDill was called as regular pas-

The Associate Reformed church, as it was then called in 1S18, united with the Presbyterians in the erection of a church edifice at the northeast corner of Third and Court streets, each to occupy the building alternate Sabbaths.

In 1828 this congregation having secured a location by gift of John Sutherland, erected a house of worship at the comer o Court and Water streets.

As early as 1840 this congregation had a membership of over two hundred. Its pastors have been the Rev. Dr. David Mc- Dill, 1817 to 1848; Rev. Dr. William Davidson. 1848 to 1875, in which year he died. Two pastors in nearly sixty years. What church can equal this record? "Behold how good a thing it is and how becoming will together, such as brethren are. in unity _to dwell."

Following Dr. Davidson was the Rev. A. W. Cloakly, the Revs. Dr. Bain. Dr. Simpson. Rev. Mason Pressley, the Rev. Robinson, Rev. Dr.' E. M. McFadden and the present pastor, Dr. Moorehead.

All honor to the laity of this church who have crossed the dark river. The Becketts, McKees, Scotts, Corwins, Caldwells, Crawfords, McDaniels, Moores, Reeders, Sutherlands. McMechans, Woods, Lattas. Zoungs, Grays, Taylors, Giffens, McMackens, Me-

The Baptist Church

The Baptists organized a church in Rossville, now West Hamilton, as early as 1829. This place of worship was on South B street. This church flourished for a few vears. when a division took place upon the expediency or rather the right of Christians to join any associations other than the church, including benevolent, missionary and temperance societies, and other reformatory associations. The First Baptist churc was organized in 1841, as a branch o tie Dockland church, but did not become an independent church until 1844, when a chuic was built, situated on Third street, south of Dayton street.

This edifice, costing about three thousand dollars, was occupied until 1858. The property was sold at this time, and the congregation began worshiping in the present building on Court street, opposite t e court house. This building cost over ten thousand dollars and was recently repaired at considerable cost. The original membership was twelve. Dr. Laomi Rigdon, Aaron Potter and Tames Shotwell were the organizers. The following ministers have served the congregation: J. F. BlodSett'. ' H. Rooney. William Ashmore, H. M. R'«- ardson. J. M. Pendleton, R. V. W. Snow, R. Telford, N. A. Reed, Thomas Hanfor , W. A. Smith, Thomas Eddy, W. R- en" nis. Charles Huckleberry, Frank McFarlan. H. N. Quisenberry and William A. Wa o.

The First Reformed Church

church in 1866. Later services were held in Runple's hall, the Methodist and the Christian church in West Hamilton. An organization was effected at the residence of August Breidenbach, November 13, 1867. John Breitenstein and F. B. Thomson were elected elders ; Jesse Jacoby and George Huber, deacons. On September 11, 1867, a lot was purchased at the corner of Ross and D streets. The church edifice was erected by liberal contributions from a small membership, and by other congregations in southern Ohio. Rev. G. Z. Mechling was an untiring worker in the cause. The corner-stone was laid in August, 1868, and the building was dedicated September 19, 1869. The defalcation of the treasurer left a debt of fifty-five hundred dollars upon the church, and the property was advertised for sale. It was saved, and the debt finally extinguished in 1875. The church is in a flourishing condition, under the able pastorate of Rev. H. Nevin Kerst. The congregation belongs to the Reformed church in the United States, and was formerly known as the German Reformed church.

The Uni Vers Alist Church

It is clearly established, however, by the archives of the church, that a Universalist society was in existence as early as 1836, and has existed continuously from that time.

Many eminent ministers of the denomination of early days, conducted services then. Among them were: I. D. Williamson, D. D., editor of The Star in the West; Revs. John A. Gurley, an enthusiastic exponent of this faith, and also for many years a member in congress from the Cincinnati district; George Rogers, I. B. Quinby, the eloquent Murray Gaylord, William C. Brooks, Rev. Pingree, Rev. Brush, Rev. Biddlecome and W. S. Bacon, now living at Wyoming, Ohio, whose period of great usefulness to the church has been unusually prolonged.

At a meeting of the society held in the year 1847, was decided to take steps towards the erection of a church building; and John W. Erwin and Henry Traber were appointed a committee to wait upon James McBride for the purpose of securing a lease from him of the lot at the southwest comer of hront and High streets, in this city. The negotiation then begun resulted in James McBride making a lease of this lot for a period of thirty years, to Henry Traber, Perry G. Smith, Isaac Mathias, Thomas W. Watterson and John W. Erwin, who were acting for the society.

As a result of the making of this lease, work wras soon begun on the church, and when it was completed in 1852. the dedication sermon was delivered by the Rev. Davis Bacon, Little is now'' remembered of those ceremonies, but it is told that the prayer of Rev. Mr. Emmitt, wdio assisted in the exercises, wras forty-five minutes long, from wrhich it may be inferred that the occasion w'as one of well-sustained interest.

The society was incorporated at a meeting held on the 24th day of February, 1857, under the name of The First Universalist Society of the city of Hamilton. Its articles of incorporation are attested by H. H. Wallace as clerk, from which it is evident that the society had an organization and officers prior to the act of incorporation.

After adopting the articles of incorporation the meeting went into an election of officers for the church and society, which resulted as follows : For trustees, John W. Erwin, Henry Beardsley, Thomas Reed, Jacob Mathias and Allison P. Dye ; for stewards, John Mills, Ja,cob Mathias and Thomas Reed. The officers chosen on February 24, 1857, arc the earliest in the society of which any record is preserved.

The first pastor called by the society after its incorporation was Rev. Mr. Galligher, on March 15, 1857. He was followed in 1858 by the Rev. A. Gage.

There were no services held by the society from 1861 to 1867. In the latter year services were resumed, and from that time have been held continuously with slight interruptions, the pulpit being occupied by different ministers of the denomination.

Rev. Martha A. Bortle, after a very acceptable pastorate of nearly four years, resigned in May, 1903. She was called to a broader field in a Boston church and carried with her the best wishes of her congregation and many outside friends to whom her fine attainments, kindly disposition and loving ministrations had greatly endeared her. The present pastor is Rev. M. G. Linton.

The first Sunday school in the society was organized in 1852, with John Mills as superintendent, and Daniel Sallee as secretary. The latter, after the lapse of nearly

I11 1885 the society sold the building which it had erected at the corner of Front and High streets in 1852, and in 1886 purchased from the Masonic fraternity the lot at the southwest comer of Third and Dayton streets and held its services for several years in the building which then stood upon it. In 1889 it sold this lot and about the same time purchased the lot in Seventh street upon which its present church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1891.

The society as a remembrance of their earlier days placed in the tower of their new building the bell whose peals rung out from the edifice at the corner of Front and High streets called to worship the pioneers of their faith. It was a present to the infant church from the late John W. Erwin, and its silvery tones, the finest in the city, may be heard every Sabbath calling the people to the house of God and reminding them of the divine command, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."

Trinity Episcopal Church

The Episcopal church in Hamilton is about eighty-two years old. It was first planted by one of the greatest missionaries that the American church has had. This was Bishop Philander Chase.

He crossed the Alleghanies in 1817, and worked in the Ohio wilderness for two years as a missionary priest, when, in 18 19,. he was consecrated to the episcopate. He traveled over his diocese on horseback, and one of the towns he visited was Hamilton.

only clerical supply, often with no services at all. for a period of ten years. The membership began with eight communicants and did not increase very rapidly. In 1833 it seems to have become dormant and practically died.

In 1834 another attempt was made to found a parish in Hamilton. There were nine communicants and clerical services were rendered by clergyman from Cincinnati and Dayton, and were held in the Presbyterian church. This parish was also called St. Matthew's. Next year there were nineteen communicants and it was decided to build a church. A lot was purchased on the corner of Front and Court street, and a Gothic edifice of brick, sixty by forty feet, was erected.

In September, 1837, the Rev. Seth Davis was chosen rector of the parish - the first resident clergyman the town ever had. The parish was not successful financially. The debt incurred in building could not be paid, and interest could not be met.

For leu years St. Matthew's struggled for existence. In 1848 a mortgage on the church property was foreclosed, the church sold at the door of the court house to the Rt. Rev. John R. Purcell, Roman Catholic Bishop of Cincinnati and the church has been converted into the present St. Mary's Roman Catholic church.

For twenty years then no attempt was made to organize a parish and only an occasional service was given to the few churchmen who lived here.

In 1868 the third parish was organized under the name of Christ church. As it had no church building of its own, this new organization had to rent rooms and under

The present Trinity- parish was started as a mission in 1883 by the Rev. H. T. Gregory, rector of the Middletown parish. There were at this time forty or fifty adherents of the church. Services were held at various times in the Baptist and Universalist churches, and in the Temple of Honor. In 1887 the Rev. C. T. A. Pise took full charge of the mission, after having been the assistant of the Rev. Mr. Gregory for some time. He remained in charge until 1891. During his pastorate the nave of the present church was built in 1888. The credit of our beautiful little churchly edifice is mainly due to Mr. Pise, who labored indefatigably to this end.

I11 1893 the Rev. Robert Granger was called to the mission. During his pastorate the chancel was added to the nave, and the church building was complete. It was about this time that Trinity mission was converted into a parish with the Rev. Mr. Granger as its first rector. Mr. Granger resigned in 1895. In this same year (1895) the Rev. F. E. J. Floyd was elected rector of the parish and resigned in 1898. To Mr. Floyd is due the credit of the surpliced choir and the high standard of the worship of the parish.

The Church Of Christ

The Church of Christ was first organized in the first ward of Hamitlon in the old United Brethren building. About twentyfive years ago the congregation built a handsome church edifice in East High street at the corner of Center street. The church has had a prosperous career, and a few years ago its house of worship was extensively remodeled and enlarged. It is one of the largest church congregations in Hamilton.

The First Congregational Church

The Congregationalists held religious services in the fourth ward school house in 1894 and shortly after commencing the services organized the First Congregational church of Hamilton. In 1896 a neat little church edifice was erected for the use of the congregation at the corner of Seventh and Sycamore streets, where an interested and growing congregation worships under the guidance of the pastor, the Rev. G. Z. Mechling. The church has established a mission at Cokeotto, where Sabbath school and worship is held every Sabbath afternoon.

A. M. E. Church

The African Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1840 by Rev. Thomas Lawrence, of Cincinnati. Nineteen members were enrolled at the organization. Among these the names of Alfred J. Anderson, Bud Sampson and Samuel Jones are prominent. A church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1842. Rev. Henry Atkinson was the first minister of the congregation, which was attached to the Cincinnati circuit in 1844- Rev. W. M. Clark, Watkins Lee, Daniel Winslow, John Woodson. Alexander Austen, were engaged in this ministry. Afterward Oxford and Hamilton congregations were united, and had a pastor.

Rev. Jeremiah Lewis came first. Under the pastorate of H. J. Jackson, the first work was done toward the present house of worship and it was completed under the pastorate of Philip Tolliver. In 1880, the congregation was separated from Oxford, when Rev. T. Knox became pastor. The subsequent pastors have been: C. H. Bundy, under whose pastorate the comfortable parsonage was built, P. Alston, J. Griffin, G. W. Prioleau, G. W. Maxwell, John Dickerson.

The Congregation Of B Nai Israel

At a called meeting June 17, l866> for the purpose of forming a Jewish congrega tion Moses Klein was chosen president pro tern and Ferdinand Steinfeld vice-president. The few Jewish citizens that were then residing here worked strenuously to receive enough subscribers who would pay the running expenses in monthly installments, n July 29th of the same year an organization was completed and the following became were elected: Moses Klein, president; Jonas Hirsch, vice-president; Ferdinand Steinfeld, secretary'. The first rabbi elected is the present incumbent, Rev. L. Liebman, but on count of the inability of the congregation to raise the necessary amount, seven hun re and fifty dollars, besides other running expenses, such as rents, light and heat, and it was not until December, 1866, the congregation was enabled to elect a rabbi, Rev. Rosenthal. October 22, 1870, the congregation purchased a plot of ground opposite St. Mary's cemetery for a cemetery. On the 6th of April, 1878, it empowered the trustees to purchase a site for the erection of a temple in Fourth street, between Chestnut and Walnut. John Maas was appointed together with the trustees as the building committee. In July the contract for the building was awarded to Bender Brothers, they being the lowest bidders. In the month of September, 1878, the temple was dedicated. The late Rev. Isaac M. Wise, of Cincinnati, delivered the dedication sermon. Up to this time the congregation held its services in rented halls, having occupied a hall rented from George Rupp, Sr., on the south side of High street, between Front and Water streets. Later a hall above Jonas Hirsch's store, now the property of the Cincinnati Brewing Company, was rented. In November, 1900, the Ladies' Aid Association contracted for the building of a mortuary chapel. The present officers of the congregation are M. Strauss, president; Henry Dreifuss, vice-president; David Loeb, treasurer; and A. Ballinger, secretary. The trustees are A1 Sauer. Gus Cohen and S. Lowenstein. S. Lowenstein is the warden and L. Liebman the minister. The total membership of the congregation is thirteen.

Cklebration Of The Nations Centennial At Hamilton

On the fourth day of next month a hundred years will have elapsed since the representatives of the United States of America in general congress assembled by a declaration of the equality of man in his creation, of his inalienable rights, of the purpose for which governments were instituted, of the source of their powers, of the right of the people to alter or abolish them, and by a dissolution of all political connection with the state of Great Britain, organized that genuine liberty which has been a beacon to the nations and a priceless gift to their posterity.

Happily released from the ignorance which through all the ages had fettered the freedom of the race, it was the fortune of those enviable tribunes to become the founders of states which have multiplied and prospered; which have survived the rise and fall of empires, and which have made the development of the individual the secret of their perpetuity.

We have reason to hail with every manifestation of joy each recurring anniversary of the day that witnessed the first act of a drama which is to close only with the emancipation of mankind. The flight of a hundred years has served to illustrate the greatness of the actors and the magnitude of the event.

The spirit of their declaration abides in its pristine vigor, and but yesterday transmuted four millions of slaves into four millions of free men.

In almost every hamlet throughout the land there has been a simultaneous movement to make some special recognition of a day which marks for us a completed century of freedom. At the solicitation of the patriotic citizens of Hamilton and by request of the common council, I, M. N. Maginnis, mayor of said city, do hereby invite the good people of the town aforesaid to meet in said city on the fourth day of July to participate in a celebration commemorative of the hundredth year of the independence of the United States.

Hamilton has never been backward in any matter of public importance, and when called upon, has always nobly answered in the words of the Iron Duke's motto - "I am here." Our business men are publicspirited, go-ahead men, and whatever labors devolve upon them for the public weal are always cheerfully performed.

The exercises of the day commenced at three A. M.. with the firing of one hundred guns, followed by the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" at sunrise by the Apollo Band. At this time the crowds commenced gathering and at eight o'clock a goodly audience had convened to hear the children sing under the able guidance of Prof. Theodore Meyder. Their singing of "Hail Columbia" and other patriotic airs was decidedly pleasing.

I he display of Owens, Lane & Dyer Company was especially unique, being a representation of the old-fashioned manner of threshing wheat by flailing, followed by a new threshing machine of the firm's make, the whole drawn by their celebrated steam road wagon. John Weidenbomer. the wholesale shoeman, had a complete shop on wheels which attracted much attention. All the machine shops made creditable displays, <is. in fact, did all who furnished floats. Cigar making, building, tin working, printing, etc., were all represented in operation, and to the country people especially the exhibition of the trades was a grand treat. The fire companies "did their level best," and the Third ward boys, dressed as Indians, created considerable merriment. The procession was thirty-five minutes in passing a given point.

After the procession at n 130 the exercises at the grand stand commenced with prayer by the Rev. Stemple. After singing by the children, Colonel L. D. Campbell, the president of the day, stepped forward and introduced Miss Nannie Kennedy, who read the Declaration of Independence in a magnificent manner. Thomas Millikin, Esq., the orator of the day, was then introduced and for one hour he held the large audience in a most quiet mood with an eloquent and appropriate oration.

At two P. M. the short speeches of the day were made by Thomas Moore, Esq.. Colonel James E. Neal. Aaron Wesco and others, after which the people devoted the remainder of the day in social intercourse.

Hamilton was dressed in holiday garb by day, and never before did the city look so fine. At night High street was illuminated by hundreds of candles and Chinese lanterns, and, added to the brilliant effect of the colored fires lined all along the street, were the thousand rockets and Roman candles. and the various smaller fireworks. The entire scene, as witnessed bv the people crowded in the public square, was of eastern magnificence and rivalled the fabled stories of the Princess Scherzerade.

At five o'clock the boat race took place, and was won by the "Diana," manned by Frank Krebs and brother, who was presented by L. A. Boli with the magnificent silver cup. Six thousand people witnessed the race. The Centennial tree was planted at three P. M.

Hamilton Centennial Celebration

Early in 1891 the propriety of celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of Hamilton was suggested. Later a public meeting of the citizens was called for July 10, at 7 130, to take steps to that end. Thomas Millikin, Esq., was elected chairman and F. D. Bristley, secretary. It was resolved that the chairman select five prominent citizens, and they, with the chairman, select a committee of twentyfive, to be known as the centennial committee and to have charge and management of the celebration. Mr. Millikin selected as that committee: Captain W. C. Margedant, Joseph J. I^ater, Israel Williams, John F. Neilan and George T. Reiss. They selected the following named persons to constitute the centennial committee :

Afterward, the following finance committee was added : Charles E. McBeth. Robert M. Elliott, Henry P. Deuscher, L. M. Larsh. George W. Stace and William Herman.

Captain W. C. Margedant was elected commander-in-chief of the parade, with power to select staff and appoint the commanders of divisions, who were authorized to appoint their own aids.

The celebration was commenced at sunrise, Thursday, September 17. by the firing of thirteen guns, in commemoration of the number of states in the union at the time of the location of Fort Hamilton by General Arthur St. Clair.

In the afternoon an address by Judge Joseph Cox, of Cincinnati, was delivered on the "History of Hamilton and the Northwest Territory." Short addresses were made by the following gentlemen : Hon. Calvin S. Brice. United States senator of Ohio; Hon. William McKinley, candidate for governor of Ohio.

After the concert a public meeting of citizens was organized with Hon. Thomas Millikin, chairman. Addresses were then made by the following distinguished gentlemen selected for that purpose:

On Saturday, September 19th, the exercises were varied and magnificent in character, commencing at sunrise by the firing of one hundred guns by Captain Moses Klein's gun squad, in commemoration of the illustrious progress made by this community during the past century.

In front of the court house, the grandest parade ever witnessed in Hamilton was reviewed by Governor James E. Campbell, and the last grand pageant of the centennial had passed into history.

The magnificent display of fire-works began promptly at 7 130 that evening. Every vantage ground in the city and on the surrounding hill tops was crowded with people. The base of the pyrotechnic display was located on part of the site of old Fort Hamilton at the foot of High street, while the late Capt. William C. Margedant was omnipresent and gave much personal supervision to the exhibition. The program as carried out was one of bewildering beauty and effect.