Youngstown City (part 13 of 33)

The Catholic Slovaks who began to settle in Youngstown and the vicinity al>out 1880, and who for a number of years had attended the churches nearest to their homes, called a meeting in 1896 for the purpose of taking Steps to organize a separate congregation. A subscription was started, but nothing further was done for several years owing to the fact that the Kt. Rev. Bishop could not send them a pastor conversant with their language. In May, i8gg, with the Bishop's approval, the Rev. J. Kkite b night two lots for the Slovaks as a church site, at the corner of East Wood and Watt streets for the sum of $5. ,,00. In June of the same year the Rev. A. Kolar was appointed resident pastor of the Slovaks, whom he organized as a congregation under the patronage m" S1-. ("yrd and Methodius. The foundation <;\ the church - a brick structure of R.iiuan architecture - was commenced in the summer -if n>i It- e< ..-t on comp'etioii was about $^;.<>i<». The parish now has a memU-rshi[) of over 200 famiic- and is

Methodist Protestant Church

The "Brown Church," as the Methodist Protestant Church in Youngstown has been usually called, was established about 1841, the church building being erected in that year. This religious body is an offshoot from the Methodist Episcopal Church and dates its j origin to 1828, when an agitation that had been started within that church a few years previously for a representation of both ministers and laymen in its law-making department, culminated, after some persecution of the reformers, in the withdrawal of some 250 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cincinnati. The reformers subsequently withdrew in considerable numbers in other parts of the United States, and at a convention held at Baltimore in 1830 drew up the constitution and discipline of the Methodist Protestant Church on the principle of constituting the j General and Annual Conferences of an equal number of effective ministers and duly delegated laymen, there being neither bishops nor elders.

Philip Kimmel. Abraham Powers, Jonah Stout and Wilson Thorn were the chief founders of the church in this city, w hich began with about titty members. Owing to internal dissensions, however, the annual attendance was reduced in iSSt to 110 more than twenty. At that time the Rev. K. W. Brindley. a graduate of Bristol College. Pennsylvania, succeeded to the pulpit, and within a year the congregation had increased to 150. with a Sundav school membership of thirty- four.

The next pastor was the Rev. I. F Dyer, who served for rive years, being followed by Rev. j. M. Bennett and S. V. Crowther. Rev. J. F. Dyer was then recalled and was pastor again for six years, or until September. igo6, I when he was succeeded by Rev. W. II Gladden, who now has charge.

of the Pittsburg Conference for more than twenty years, and has l>een especially successful in evangelistic work. He was formerly pastor of the Fifth Street Methodist Protestant Church at East Liverpool and received 700 members into that church. During his pastorate at Connellsville, Pennsylvania, he was able to double the membership of the church. At Uniontosvn. Pennsylvania, to which church he was sent in 1892, and where for seven years there had not been even a pastor, he succeeded in building' a fine church, which now numbers 300 members, and a second church of 200 members. He has also held successful revival meetings in nearly all the leading churches of his conference. He hopes to be able to accomplish a good work in the upbuilding of the church in Youngstown, the present membership of which is about one hundred.

Baptist Church

Regular Baptist worship was not instituted in Youngstown until i860, although there were a number of members of that church living in the vicinity. In July, 1859. Mrs. Young, an aged lady, succeeded in having a Sunday school organized, and it is probable that the formation of a church was the outgrowth of this movement. This school was formed with thirty-seven scholars, in a hall on Federal street.

A meeting of Baptists in regular communion was held in the Protestant Methodist Church June f>. i8(.o, which resulted in the formation of a church society, \V. M. Ingersol was ordained first pastor. He resigned in 1872, and R. F. Ashley succeeded in 1873. ('. F. Nicholson was ordained pastor in the fall of 1S7;. and IX P.. Simms. in Or tolwr. 1 879.

In June, 1881, Rev. John A. Snodgrass assumed pastoral charge, having c<<w.e to Youngstown in January of the preceding year. Mr. Snodgrass was horn in Xoblestown. Pennsylvania, in 1836. \t the age of eighteen years while a student at Mansiield. Pennsylvania, he was suddenly thrown nj>on his own resources, owing to the business reverses I of his father, and began teaching school. In I 1862, with nine other teachers in the McKees- 1 port school, he enlisted in the One Hundred I and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- J fantry, and became the first lieutenant. Of his associates who went out with him only four j returned. He was mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1865. After his return he took charge of the union school at McKeesport. March 29. 1866, he 1 was united in marriage to Miss Eva J. Haney. I of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, who had ! been his efficient assistant in the various I schools of which he had been the head. Soon after his return from the army he began the 1 study of theology and was ordained, Septem- , her 10. 1868, in the Sandusky Street Baptist Church of Allegheny City. As pastor of the First Baptist Church of Youngstown. Mr. Snodgrass added about one hundred names to the membership and discharged a debt of six thousand dollars.

On January (>. 1887. the church building was destroyed by fire, which originated from an explosion of natural gas in the Andrews block, which stood at the southwest corner of Boardman and Market streets. The church at once made plans for rebuilding on the same site. The new building was first occupied in the basement December 18. 1887. It was completed and the dedication took place Julv 1, tS88

On Janu-uv 1 . 1004. the present nastor. the Rev. C. H. Pendleton was called. He . sinned the pastorate February 10, K104. His previous charge was at Mount Holly. New- Jersey.

It is a fact worthy of note tliat at the present writing. March. n/07, [tie first past. >r of the church, the Rev. W. M. Ingei -.. -!, is -till living, residing :n Cleveland, Ohio.

The W elsh ("ongregatioiwl Church, whose place of worship is on Kim street, near Wood, was started al..ul 1S45 m an old lop school house at tiie intei section of Hamhnr^ and West Federal streets, liner Hill. Rees Herl K-rt , Thomas Morgan, Joshua Davies, David Kvaiis. John Kdwards. William Owens and William Matthews, with their wives, constituted the original nicmheis. The installation ceremonies were conducted hy Rev. I). Davies. who ctuie from I'.rady's Rend. Pennsylvania, to officiate. For some years the pulpit waul led at intervals l,v visiting pastors.

The first regular pastor was Rev. Thomas Kvaiis. who at the tune he took charge was a lay preacher and a recent immigrant from Wales, and who was ordained some time after In-coming connecteil with this church At the time ttic call was extended to turn the church had alxiut twenty -five iiicuiWts. It continued a- a small community of worshippers until alvut 1 S* . 5 . at winch time the city was experiencini; a rapid growth almii,' industrial hues Rolling nulls were lieing erected, and ether important Industrie- springing into life or developing with new \ tg >r. These c. nditions attracted large numllers of immigrants, among whin were many Welsh miners and iron workers. Thus the . htirch hecatne 111 fused Willi new vitality, and it was - ,1: found nece-s'iry to seek more commodi.'ii- < jm.i rtvt -. A fiiece "f laud including the present was succeeWe.1 hv Rev. David S. Davies. a bright \oimg man from Ccntrcv die. Ohio, a rhtent speaker, possessed of omsiderahe oratorical jH.wer. and an ardent supplier oi tltc temperance cause. His tem^-rauce lectures and sermons are rememliered and spoken oi t,. this dav hv the older tnenuVrs ot the congregation.' The next pastor was the Rev. U>t Fake, an eloquent preacher, wlio came front South W ales. He remained w ith the church mud IS-;. His sncce-sor. Rev. John Morgan Thomas, was also from Wales, and had the advantage of a former |R-rsonal acquaintance with manv of the original members ot the church in their native land. During his pascrate to. memhers were added to the church. The Sunday school was also m a 1tour.-h.necondition The sinking at tins tune was led hv Thotuas Cri.htb. Jr.. whose sisters talented vi calists. rendered able service in the choir Their father, the elder Thomas G.ittith. had previously heen chorister

\),,ut this time some of the younger clement in the church demanded a pastor vv 10 could sjK-isk the l-nglish language, a 1 me -etvices up to tins time having l>cen held cxclnsivelv m Welsh. In 1HS0. theref-re. a call was extended to Rev. John L. Davie- ot l'uldv's Run. Ohio, who was a thient spciker in Kith languages. During his pastorate, which continued ti'l 1SS5. he organized an. .ohdilied the Kngli-h element, which 1.1 t.ut ve;,r -ci.arated from the mother church to form the organization now known as rb'"" nth ('oii^regatiouat Church, '1 heir ti'-t meeting-, were held in the curt house M« -ulre.pienllv tliev hnilf an edihcc on \\ e- Raven ...venue, where thev v.. ..-shipped tint' was burned .l,mti m iSU.i. Thev th.cn hnilt the present large c<lit'ice on West en avenue Mr. Davies remained pastor ot I'ly")- nttth church until l8<)0. . .

reached ;i mcnilership of over three- hundred. In iX<»-l lie left, lie was succeeded by the present pastor. Kev. J. Da vies, of Cenoa, Illinois, who took charge on the first Sunday in December.

The church services are conducted in the Welsh language, except one sermon a month, which is m English. The Sunday school has several W elsh classes. but eight out of eleven classes are taught in English.

Kev. John B. Da vies was Imih in Pembrokeshire. W ales, in 1X5'). lie was educated in his native land, where he took a college course and also studied theology. I» 18X4, when a young man of twenty -live, he came to this country, and in the following year was ordained to the ministry at Radnor. Ohio. After his ordination he pursued further theological studies at OU-rlin College, taking the regular three year course. Before coming to i .-1. ran -. !:, in ,1 -li "as the ' ,u-l ,h Congregational Church at Fredericksburg. Ohio, whence he went to Lexington, Ohio, and subsequently to Chenoa, Illinois. From the last-named place he came, twelve years «*-!,". to Youngstowii, where he has since remained in the pastorate of the Welsh Congregational c hurch. He was married in iSS; to Miss Emma Watkins. a nitivcof Radnor. Ohio, hut of Welsh parentage.

This church had its origin in 1S45 when the Rev. Rohert Proltert. who came to Brier Hill. Youngsi, ,wn. ftoin Brady's I lend. Pennsylvania. Itcgan preaching the gos]*-| in private house, to the W'e'sli ]>eople who h.a<! tl. -eked to the place on the opening of the cal mines by David Titd, afterwards governor of Ohio.

htiilding that should Ik; a house of worship and church home for the members. An acre of ground was purchased oil West Federal street and a neat frame house erected thereon, the Ualance of the ground being reserved for a cemetery. .Mxuit this tune the church was strengthened by the addition of Richard W 00 ley. a pious and ahle man w ho came from Brady's Rend and who was elected deacon. The chape! was completed free from debt in lime. 1X47, hy which lime it mimliered sixtv inenihcrs, Here the congregation worshipped for nineteen years during which time it had a gradual and regular increase of many hundreds hy baptism, restoration and letters of dismissal from other churches.

The memlH-rsiup in lirier II ill was composed mostly of <-o.il miners, consequently with the approaching exhaustion of the coal mutes which became apparent about 1X03. and the erection of the iron works, some began to move to other places, and some to the tow n

Curler these circumstances the church in Brier Hill came to the conclusion to build a church edifice in the town and abandon the cause 111 Brier Hill

Accordingly in 1S/16 a committee of three was ap|Miinted who selected the lot on Walnut street, on which the church edifice "ow stands, the cost of which was S«/)0.oo. The church

In DeccmU-r. 1K71. Rev. D. Prolvcrt resigned the past. -talc of the church and was succeeded by the Rev. I.umlev Evan- who was pastor for eleven months. He was followed bv Rev. 1) Rhys Jones, of Johnstown. IVnn I sylvania, id:.. officiated for two years and . lie month. In 1S77, Rev. Pioliert again became pastor and so continued until his final rc-ig nation in February. 1 !*« »5 . after a pastorate of forty three wars and of fifty three \ears in the Christian ministry ceeded in the pastorate in 1895 by Rev. R, C. .M.-rgan of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. On his coming- the order of services was changed, a Welsh sermon being preached on the Sabbath morning and an English sermon in the evening, as there were many Welsh in the city not conversant with the language of their fathers.

Owing to the increasing congregation it was resolved in the spring of iXyo to erect a more commodious place of worship. The work was commenced in May of that year. The new building contains several handsome memorial windows and was dedicated NovemllT If*. l$4/>.

Kev. K. C. Morgan resigning after a pastitrate of one vear and ten months, the church was without a pastor until a call was extended to Kev. J. T. Llovd. of Wtlksbarrc. Pennsylvania, an eloquent preacher and tireless worker who commenced his ministry in December. iSoS. Since he lwcamc pastor the church debt has heen raised ami some further repairs have U-en made and paul for.

Martin M-Tiikr C.Ermas Kvanokl1Cai

"Owing to the large numlwr of Germans among the early setlers of Mahoning county, vvh"sc ancestors were memliers of the Church of the Reformation, we find the German Evangelical Lutheran Church established in diffcrent puis of the comity at an early date. In those davs ministers serve. 1 from u-ri to fifteen congregations, sometimes scattered over several counties.

In the following year the Kev. Mr. Lchr, who bad just been called as pastor ot the German 'Reformed Church ^ onngst ,«m, lito^^rd that the two parties should unite ami I mild a union church. Af'.er ibe church was built, it was claimed as a Reformed Church. The Lutherans being thus deceived, resolved to organize themselves a> a Cenmn Evangelical

Lutheran congregation, which was done August 1, 1859 There were at first twenty-two members. Rev. I". C. Pecker served the church temporarily, until in July. 1859, the Kev. L. Krebs of Brooktield was called to be their pastor. Lor sonic time services were held m various localities, until the lot on the corner of Wood and Champion streets was purchased on which the church now stands. To this lot which was 45x1.ro feet, fifteen feet more was subsequently added by purchase.

"In the spring of i8<>_> the corner stone of the church edifice was laid, and on November _»d the church was dedicated There were then fifty tncmltcrs in the congregation. The Rev. L. Krebs, who moved to Yonngstown in 1862. was called to be their regular pastor. January J. iN'k). he was succeeded by the Kev. G. 1\ H. Meiscr. During this year a piece of ground adjoining the church was purchased and a parsonage erected thereon.

A parochial school, for the purpose of training the children in the German and English languages, and to combine religious with secular instruction, was established in 1876, with Prof. A. W. Limiemami as teacher. At first this sehoo] was held in the church building, but in the following year a school house was erected on the lot In-longing to the congregation, which by this time had increased to I some 200 families, with 120 scholars.

In 1880 a pipe organ was purchased for the church. Soon alter, it becoming apparent that the cong rc^ati m hail outgrown the church and scho .1 accommodations, it was resolved to make a division, and in 1881 St. Pauls Church at liner lli'd was organized, and s»m a suitable church am! s,;lioo| house were erected. The building plat was donated to the congregation bv Messrs David lames and Robert Mackey." ' li'. the early part of ts'S; Rev. G. F. H. Me;ser received a call to Detroit, which he accepted. To fill the vacancy a call was extended by the church to Kev". E. A. Kochinc of Coluinbns. Ohio. lie arrived Apnl 'a- 18S5. and has since continued as pastor of the church. A Ladies' Society had beer, organ- izetl in 1870; and in August, 1885, a Young rc«|>!e's Society was organized. "Moth these societies have liven of great licnent in the upbuilding of the church. In October, 1890. Fnglish evening services were introduced, and were lield regularly until the organization, in Septcmlxr, 1805, of the English Lutheran Trinity Church, when they were discontinued. In 1891 it was found necessary to build an addition to the church, not only to provide sufficient accommodation for the people at the regular church services, hut also because more room was needed for the school. This addition, 35x60 feet, and costing $12,500. was so constructed as to give the church the form of a double cross. The parochial school was taught by 1'rof. R. O. Kieling for sixteen years - from 1885 to 1,^,1. Towards the end of his connection with it an assistant had been engaged, and the school formed into two 1 classes. The present teachers arc I'rof, C. I-". Tlu-iss and Miss Caroline Walther. The present strength of the congregation is 800 baptized members, 580 communicant memliers, and 1 j 5 voting members.

Ke\. I'., A. I'.oebme was born in Zittau. Germany, May 11, 1848. He was educated at the Gymnasium (College), at the same place, completing his studies there in 1X04. l ie studied theology at the German Lutheran Seminary, at Columbus. Ohio, and was ordained to the holy ministry July 31. 1808. His first pastorate was at Union City, Indiana, where he remained until 187S. Ik- was then pastor at New Washington, Ohio, up to 1882. from that time until 188;. he held college professorships at t olunibi'.s, ( m:o. Since then be l::i - Uen pastor of Martin Luther's Church,

Voungstown. From 1880 to i8<»o he was the -ecretary of the F.varigclical Lutheran Joint S\uod of Ohio and other states, and has since been first vice-president of the same body lie has Uen a membet of the U aid ol tin-tees of Capital Cniver>-iv. Columbus. Ohio, since 1870. excepting four years, arid has been president t>f the seminary hoard since i8(>4. He ivas editor ,»t the Kinderfreude (Sunday school paper 1 fr. m 1SS0 to 1S0X.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Thirty years ago, in the month of September. 1877. 3 small number of German Lutherans met together under the leadership ot the Rev. Samuel l'.aechler. to hold divine service. The service was held in the English language. These persons formed the nucleus of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Voutigstown. It continued its services as a mission in the Reading Room Hall, on Federal street, with the Rev. E. J. Meissner, pastor. In the spring of 1878 a Sunday school was organized, emlx.dying the name and faith of the organization, together with rules of business, The mission grew slowly but substantially. Soon a longing was feit to worship in a consecrated church home. During the summer of 1880 active steps were taken toward building such a house of worship. Committees were appointed to secure a location and to solicit subscriptions. Through their efforts a plot of ground was purchased, at the corner of Wood street and Helmont avenue (then l.ilwrtv street), and a building erected, which was consecrated to the service. Decemlicr 31, 1881, The organization of the congregation was fully completed by the formal adoption of its constitution. DecemU-r 31. 1882. In the fall of 1885 the became a memlier of

!ltc Lutheran Church. In the early part of the year 1887 Rev. F. J. Meissner tendered his resignation as pastor, which was accepted April 24th of that year.

lie was sua-ecded by the Rev 11. \V. Tope. 1). I)., who U-gan his labors in the fall of 1888. During his pastorate the mission became sell" -sustaining, a parsonage was built and the church enlarged at a cost , ,f Is-.orio, After a period of a little more than seven years Rev. T. pe jes'gned in the spring of iS.a.

History Of Mahoning Col N Ia

Miller. August I t In- call accepted and a new page k'gati in tilt- history of the eongrcration. The first thing necessary was a change of location. The pushing and pulling of the powerful freight engines over mnlliplied tr;nk<. tlie puffing and Mowing ni the elect rie powers, tiotli in proximity to the church's situation, made such a change most desirable. And an "Id debt, which always hangs like a millstone around the neck of a congregation, appeared at the tittie !ike one of the Himalayas. But alter many prayers and much generosity, the debt disap|>earcd and the mortgage was burned May .50. 1X07. It was a moment of great relief and was followed In an increase> 1 desire and renewed hopes for a liettcr and more beautiful place of worship. March 3. tool, the old church property was sold and a new site was secured on West Raycn avenue, on which, August id, i</o_\ the corner stone of a new church was laid.

The new church pio|K-rtv is valued at s^;,ooo. The membership of the congregation is now 450. and has a Sunday school with an enrollment of _!js, scholars. The income from all sources for the year hm. amounted

Rev. Jesse LeRoy Miller, the present pastor, was born June 9. 1X70, at Germano, Harrison county, Ohio. He is the tenth son of John and Susannah < Mikcsch Miller. After "finishing the course of study in the common school, he entered Thiel College, Crccm -.lie. l'eimsylvania. in the fall of 1XS0. from which institution be gradnate<l <ttiu Inch- in the spring of iS'14. In the fall of 1 14 he entered the Lutheran Tbcological Semu-aiv at Mt. Avr. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, arid finished liis professional course there in the spring of 1S07. And on \ugust 1. 1N07. he 1*-gaii tinwork of the ministry and assumed its duties as pastor of Grace Church. 1 hi June 1902, Hev. Miller was united in marriage to Mis. Ada Kli/ahcth Hitter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Lugciic Rntcr.

Trinity Kuglish Lvaiigehcal Lutheran I lunch, under the auspices of the h.v angelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other states, was organized January 1S0O. Hev VV. M. Kibler was its first pastor. Called by the Mission Hoard, he began his labors in Youngstown abnit August, 1K05. at which time a number of metoU'is oi the Martin Luther congregation, favoring F.nglish services, received their dismissals. At the organization the "Model Constitution" was adopted and the congregation received the name "Trui ity Kuglish Lv angelical Lutheran Church. Youngs! ow n, ( )hio."

total attendance was ten. Divine service was held the same evening with an attendance nf twenty-four. The congregation worshiped here for about six weeks, after which services were conducted in the City Council Chaml>ei" until November of the same year. The Township Hall was then secured, where services were held until the dedication of the present church building on Wilson avenue.

Novemlier, 1S07. after a faithful service of two years and three mo nths. Hev. Kibler 1 was called to another held. The mission was then served by Rev. O. S. Oglcsby and other ncighbinng pa-tors. The following June 1 So*. Rev! G. C. Schaub, a gra<luate of tfie Theological Seminary . I - ilumhus. Ohio, assumed the work and for two years and five months was the faithful pastor of the mission. March. M/ni, he followed a call to another parish, winch again left the little hVk without a regular pastor. Hev. Oscar Trcssel. then a student oi Capital Cuiversity, supplied the field for about three months, w hen the present pastor. Rev <; \ Harter. took up the work. He was installed August tS, hjoi.

Services were continued in the Township 11. dl. Imwever, under great disadvantage U> tht growth of ilie congregation. At the ca'.littg of the present p.isior. a temporary arrange - nu-r, was ni.'.'le granting half of the time for

Sunday services to the Trinity Lutheran congregation of Girard, Ohio, thus making- the field self-supporting and the mission Ik'O nning a congregation.

During the latter part of 100.2 it was deci<led to sell the Raven lot. bought in 1891/. and purchase the lot and building on Wilson avenue. The church built about five years previous was remodeled and refurnished, and on May J4. 1003. dedicated to the service, the pastors. Revs. \\\ M. Kibler. G. C Schaub and G. A. llarter officiating. Since that time the congregation has enjoyed prosperity and besides a thriving Sunday school, a Ladies' Aid and a Young People's Society has a communicant membership of 161,

A society of Disciples was organized in Voiingstown in July. 1841. with twenty-seven Micmliers. and worshiped for about a year in the old Academy on the Diamond. The construction of a church edifice on Wood street was k'gun July _<o. i8-_'. and completed and rledicated in 1S74. the total cost being $.27,000. Among the early preachers were Weslev 1-amphere, John Henry. John A])|>legatc. Henrv Brocket. W. S. Gray. O Iliggiiis. Walter I laden. James Calvin. F. S. Whistler, Orwin Gates. Jasper Hughes, R. E. Davis. C. C. Smith. M. L. Streator and J. X. Monroe. In Nos the church was remodeled and additions made at a cost of $17,000. It is now in a flourishing condition. Rev. Mm R. Ewers is the present pastor.

with 106 members. President Zotters, oi Hiram, assisting. Its charter, dated X. >vei»iber j.S, iSij^, was is-vu-d :u the name of the ( hurch of the Disciples of Chris;, which name was Liter charged V - that iv>w Imrnc - Central Christian. The church's first place of meeting was Davis Hall, on Federal street. Fvcrything, even to the o.muiiint. .n set. was rented.

But the little band was active and aggressive, and grew rapidly from the first. Soon a church building became a necessity. Available property was inspected, and finally the Thomas Brown homestead on Market street was purchased at a cost of $15,000. It was a burdensome obligation, but its weight was carried gladly by those who saw in it the future of a splendid' church home. The building was remodeled at a cost of aU.ut $.vooo and was occupied as a place of worship by the congregation. Here, as before, the church prospered, and in November. 1004. it was declared that there was not one penny of debt on the pro|>- erty. During the ten years of its existence an average of $5,000 a year had !>cen raised for all purposes. But soon the home was once again too small. Increased facilities were needed, and in July. 10x15. work was begun upon the present building. The first service : in the new auditorium was held January -r8, ' 190/j. The pipe organ w as installed the second week in February, and on February 18. 1006, i the new church home, with all its splendid equipment, w as dedicated to the "Glory of God and the Good of Men." The church now has a membership of aliout fioo. A remarkable feature of its work has U-eti that accomplished along missionary lines It has contributed largely to !x>th home and foreign missions, and supports a missionary at Osaka. Japan. The church organization i's good in all departments and all ages ate represented in church work. At different times successful revival meetings have been held, as well by the pastors as by evangelists of wide fame. The present pastor of the church is W alter S Goodc. T. V. S brock is the Sunday school superintendent.

Rev Walter S. (.-ode w is lv.,rn in Palmyra. Illinois, in iSOo. son of Rev. (». M. Go. .ile. a minister ..f the Church of the Disciples, and Mary F. I Xevius) Code. He was educated at the Illinois State Normal School where he was graduated in 1893. For some live \ears subsequently he was engaged, in teaching school. He then studied theology at Chicago I'liiversitj . and was ordained at Normal. Illinois. Scptemk-r 17. iS.,o His first regular charge was at Palestine. Illinois, where he remained for three years. Then for nearly three years he was pastor of the Christian Church at Antioch. Illinois, during which period lie pursued further studies at Chicago University. In April, IQOO. he came to Youngstown as pastor of the Central Christian church, where he has since remained. Mr. Goode was married, June 24, kjoi, to Miss Minta Fitch, a daughter of John H. Fitch, of Austintown, Mahoning county, Ohio.

The churches of Youngstown. and her public spirited citizens, co-operate in the Young Men's Christian Association to provide for the men of the community a centrally located building, well equipped for various lines of educational, social, physical and religious work. This building, open daily, represents an investment of abnit Suo.coo and is the gift of a large number of contributors. Its constituency numbers from a thousand to twelve hundred annually and includes men and liovs of all creeds, as well as some who are affiliated with no church.

The present organization was effected in lSSj. and incorporated in 1884. and for al>out a year it had its meetings and other lines of work in Reading Room Hall, then about No. 114 Fast Federal street.

The present building, which was dedicated September 11, 1S92. has proven itself a very useful center in the life of the community, and is daily the resort of hundreds of men and l)ovs. So valuable and so important has its work been proven that each year public spirited citizens contribute the proportion of its expenses which must lie secured in order to keep the membership fees within the reach of young men of moderate income.

From the l>cginning the association had ljcen fortunate in having sympathetic interest and guidance of prominent men of affairs, many of w in m have served as trustees at vari - -us -.in I:- o ,v.;v, i:\rr- 1 ., h.iu- 1 ..""i manned, and the \> .ungst- >\vn association has lieen widely known as one of the most pro gressivc and effective organizations of its kind in the 0 untry. It includes in its membership men of all clas.es. and its extensive work

Mention of the work of this association which ditl not include a few representative names would be incomplete. From the begin ning Mr. Richard Brown was a liberal friend of the organization ; his was the largest single gift. Another man, who gave liljeral gifts of money, but was pre-eminent in giving time to the supervision of the work and for securing contributions from others, was Mr. Robert McCurdy. Mr. McCurdy was for years more closely and more prominently identified with the association than any other citizen. The character of the work was determined in no small measure by the competent executive officers who served the association. These men had much to do with the character and efficiency of the work, as they were instrumental in determitiing its policy during its formative period, and especially when it fust occupied its new building.

The Young Women's Christian Association of Youngstown was organized under the American Committee in Noveml>er. 1004. with a pledged membership of over eight hundred - this number being increased to eleven hundred at the end of the first year. From the beginning the work has met with the hearty cooperation of churches, business houses, women's clubs and the young women themselves, for whom all the work was planned.

The officers for the first year were: Mrs. L. A. W'oodard. president; Mrs. Fred Jones, vice president : MUs Bessie Creed, secretary; Msss Isabel .McCurdy. treasurer; Miss Annie Mel.e<nl. general secretary: Miss Fmily T.awrence, physical director; Miss Annas Soncdecker. office secretary : Miss Jean Stewart, cafeteria director.

and religions. I'niler the snjKTvision of the religious department there have been organized Bilile classes ; at present (1007) two large classes are meeting weekly at the rooms - one in the Gospel of Matthew - another in Old Testament History. Neighborhood classes have also been organized in different parts of the city, where it has been impossible for association members to reach the central rooms conveniently. Sunday .tsper services, addressed by leading clergymen of the city, have l>een under the supervision of this committee.

The educational department has offered classes within the means of anyone who might wish to take advantage of the opportunity. Classes of a purely practical nature have found favor when those of a cultural nature went begging. Since the sewing classes were organized in November, 1905, over seventy-five young women have learned how to make their own garments and the millinery classes, too, have l»een well patronized. Classes have been formed in Italian and English for foreignborn girls, also classes in paliamentary law. etc.

The gymnasium has always been one of the most popular features. During the first year over two hundred were enrolled in classes. Miss Lawrence, the first director, was followed by .Miss Bertha Hopkins of Olterlin and Miss Hopkins in turn by Miss Mary Thomas, a graduate of the New Haven School of Physical Training. Gymnasium rallies, basketball games, and other interesting events, serve to keep up the interest in a department that means so much for the physical welfare of young women.

In the cafeteria, lunch is served each noon during the week. An average of one hundred or over are served each day, and the average price paid per meal is seventeen cents. Reading rooms and rest rooms are at the disposal of all members of the association.

Besides these regular lines of work the association adapts itself to the needs and demands as they come. Young women who are coming to the city for the first time are provided with safe fioarding places ard the association is always ready to help girls who are out of employment to find work.

The Salvation Army

It was on a cold day. I3ecember 23, 1883, three curiously dressed individuals en- | tered the city of Youngstown and startled the 1 people in the midst of preparations for the , Christmas festivities l>y appearing upon the streets with a large bass drum and proclaiming to a curiosity-seeking crowd that they- were embassadors of the "meek and lonely Nazarene" and "were endeavoring the carry out the injunction to 'go into all the world and preach the gospel to every living creature." " Naturally the apparent boldness on the part of this strange people brought forth criticism from many of those high in society and the ignorance of the city officials as to their aim and the latter's reluctance to give protection permitted of some persecution, but, this served to bring some public-spirited men forward, foremost among them IxHng the late Robert McCurdy, who showed himself a champion of the cause until his death; thus while petty persecution was rife, the hall was being crowded nightly with some of the worst characters in the city and many were led to a better life. Needless to state that many of those converted have since affiliated themselves with the vari- 1 ous churches ami have l>eo>me useful memj bers in the cause of Christianity, while not a I few have gone into the field and some are ( holding high rank in the organization; others I have gone to their heavenly reward, while unfortunately a number have fallen by the wayside.

W hile there was sonic persecution and suffering of the Salvationists, yet. it should be said to the credit of the citizens that the "glad hand of fellowship" was extended here far more readily than in many other places of e<|ual size and less foreign population.

This peculiar people had made splendid headway in the matter of converts and soldiership when the panic came u\x>n the country and main- who had spent the better portion of their lives in the mills left for other parts of the countrv where opportunities for work seemed to lie more promising, thus, the ranks were rapidly depleted and financial conditions were such that for a numlier of years tlie officers in charge of the local work struggled for existence in common with the people whom they sought to relp, meanwhile conducting services and visiting among the people, bringing cheer to many that were despondent; until, finally, the sunbeams of prosperity in the country burst through the clouds of adversity which had hung like a pall over the city and the smoke began to circle heavenward from the tall smoke-stacks in the Mahoning Valley and once more the working men went to their daily t«>il- Hut ere this occurred large indebtedness had lK'en incurred by them and the Salvation Army could expect but little support from those amongst whom it latnired, but struggled on with the meager means at its command until the public recognized its value tor dealing with the social problems confronting the country. At the time a portion of a large building was obtained at a cheap rental and beds were installed, thus, it was jwssible for a poor man to obtain li>dn'"k' :i< -i very small cost and if he did not have the price he could work for the bed. This plan has succeeded admirably and the institution is still in existence, although at a different address I 3J0 E. Boardnun -tteel .

During the past two years, or to lx- more explicit, since the lieginning of 1005, an industrial system has been in vogue that has enabled the public to benefit to a very great extent ; by this, reference is made to the free employment bureau, through which nearly I.500 temporarv and permanent positions arc filled per annum. Waste paper, cast-off clothing, cast-out furniture, etc. is gathered and prepared for sale by unfortunate men who have reached the lowe-t rung in the ladder of society and need a helping hand. About Us tons of waste paper is licing gathered, assorted, baled and shipped annually.

This system includes investigations of all cases i f destituti" ti reported, and the -ttpplying of such relief a< nr v lie necessary, this relief consists mostly ,,f fuel. food, clothing, medical aid. employment, etc I'nfortuuat^ girls are also sent t - Rescue Homes conducted by the organization in Clcve'rind and I'i'isburg, while a numl>cr of juvenile cases have been entrusted to its care.

The present status of the Salvation Army in Youngstown is fifty enrolled members (adults), and fourteen junior soldiers, and a number of recruits ( probationers ). It has an Industrial Home for men, located at 3 jo. E. Boardman street, also employment bureaus, a second-hand store for the benefit of those unable to pay more than a small sum for their

The corps and relief offices are located at 13 E. Front street, where services are held nightly and Sunday school with other meetings are conducted for the benefit of the young folks: a general relief work affecting practically every phase of misfortune to which humanity is subjected in undertaken, cases which cannot juissibly lx* dealt with here, owing to lack of facilities are generally forwarded to the larger centers to be looked after by competent people. The Medical Aid department is

: presided over by Dr. Frank T. Hamilton, while the Ixgal department for the benefit of those unable to pay is taken care of bv Attorney Theodore A." Johnson.

The affairs of the local corps, for the past two years, have lieen looked after by Adjutant I T. Webb, assisted by his capable and energetic wife, and Captain Ona Hayes. The adjutant having forsaken a promising future in the commercial world to engage in this line ot work, has bent everv cnergv towards solid-

The purpose of this article is to furnish a brief sketch of the share which the Jews of Youngstown i numerically but a small tracttnii if its cosmopolitan p: ipulatioii \ have bad -11 the religion*, moral and material upbuild- of the city. As far as historical evidence is now available. Hebrew immigration into this ollcv dates back sevetMy years. The first Jew, so far as known, to direct his course to the Western Reserve, was Jacob Spiegel, a native of Alsace ( France), who about 1837 settled with his family at Ohltown, where he kept store until he transferred his business to this thriving town, where he died in 1881. A little later than Spiegel, though the exact time cannot lie fully determined, David Theobald, a native of Rhine Hessia, established himself as a merchant in Canfield, from which place he afterwards moved to Youngstown. From Hessia arrived also, about the year 1838, two other Jewish lads, namely. Emanuel llerzog. who settled in Girard, and Simon Lmvcnstein. who found employment in Brier Hill. For a decade or two, Jewish immigration made but slow progress: at any rate the members of that faith were too few in numlier to form the nucleus of a religious community. During this period most of them attended Divine service at some Protestant church, while their children were enrolled in the Christian Sunday schools. However, on the great Jewish holidasy in the fall of the year, a private prayer service was generally held at the home of the late Mr. and Mrs. TheoUald. Early in 1867 the number of Jewish arrivals having in the meantime somewhat increased, preliminary steps were taken towards the formation of a Jewish congregation. At an adjourned meeting, held on May uth of that year, the constitution and by-laws for Rodet Sholem congregation were read and adopted, and the following names enrolled as charter memliers: Emanuel Cuthnnn. Emanuel llerzog. William Jonas, S. I. I-aml>crt. Simon Liuenstein, A. Printz. Ferdinand Ritter. Ed. Ritter. ("has. Ritter. Ab. Schaffner. David The. .bald. H. Theobald. M. I'llman. A. Walbrun. to which were afterwards added the names of A. Coldstein and A. Schwab. At the first election held in conformity with the new constitution, D. Theobald was elected president, and E. Cuthman, secretary. Free will offerings made by the members at the first two meetings amounted to $590. A room was rented in the Porter block, W. Federal street, to be used as a place of worship and for Sunday school pur]>oscs, while somewhat later, there was purchased a property along the road to Rrier Hill, suitable for a cemetary. Some time in August, 1868, Mr. L. I.iebman. now of Hamilton, Ohio, was engaged as reader and teacher. The early history of the congregation was marked by a generous sentiment prevailing among the men and women and the l>est of fellow feeling, which was never seriously impaired by the special difficulties that beset all small congregations. As an indication of the pleasant inter-denominational relations prevailing at the time, mention must lie made of the fact that in February, 1869, the Methodist church was used for a Iwnefit lecture delivered bv Rabbi Maver of Cleve- ! land.

IFrom the Porter building the congregation moved, early in the seventies, to 105 W. Federal street, where they continued to worship for many years, until in 1885 they concluded to purchase a lot. corner of Lincoln and Holmes streets, and erect there the present Temple, which was completed and solemnly dedicated on June 4. 1880. Though owing to these building ojx-rations the financial circumstances of the congregation were temporarily somewhat straitened, yet in a short time, and more particularly as a result of a successful fair given early in 1888, matters improved ami the congregation entered on a new course of prosperity which has continued to this day.

The business management of the congregation consists of a president, vice-president, treasurer, financial secretary, recording secretary, and four trustees. The officers at present are: President, Isaac Strmiss; vice-president, E. I.. Cuthman; treasurer. Emanuel Hartzell; recording secretary. H. Katz; financial secretary. Roy (iuthman: trustees. R. I lirsliberg, Louis Liebman. E. Mittler, Simon

The business management of the Sunday school is in the hands of a lmard. of which Mike Guggenheim is at present chairman, while the following act as mcmlwrs: Mrs. R. L. Guthman. Miss Minnie Weil. I. Calm, T. Stronss and J. I!, Grossman. This latter gen- tlcntan is the spiritual leader of the congregutit.ni. who first entered U|i"n his duties m the spring of 1NK7, left Young stow n fur another charge in Philadelphia in i}s\>3. and rcturnetl in 1K99.

The best <>f relations have always cxi-ted in this community between Christians and Jews, the latter being rcsjuvtcd as a ]icaeeable, square-dealing, loyal and patriotic part of the population. Among the departed members of Kodcf Slvlcm some had seen active military service in the army during the Civil war. namely: Adolf Loner mi the Federal side, Fmanuel (iuthman and Samuel W eil in the Confederate armies, the latter rising to the rank of captain.

A marked characteristic of the Hebrew people generally arc its charities, which come forward cheerfully and are never restricted to sect. This philanthropic work he recognized by their public institutions that depend mi general voluntary contributions by inviting various Jewish representatives to the direction anil management of affairs. The first claims on Jewish charity are. however, made in behalf of tlic prior and distressed of its own people, especially those who have c me here as victims of foreign oppression and persecution. This work is done in part by the Ladies' Benevolent Society of Kodef Slit ilcni congregation, who accomplish their task through committee- looking personally after the needs of the indigent, lis officers are at present: Mrs. Mike Cnggcnheim. president: Mis. L. Calm, vice-president: Mrs. I. Strolls,, treasurer ; Mrs. JJcnrv We in burg, secretary.

The local section of the Council of Jewish Women, devoted to religions, philanthropic and cducati oital work, was established Some eleven years ago. Its present officers ait- Mrs. Maurice Mover, president; Miss Esther

The VotingStOWn Hebrew Charity Society has been an efficient instrumentality in relieving distress, more particularly in iinding employment for \»h-t immigrants Its practical labors, consisting iti careful investigation of every case presenting itself, dona-

( titms of money, clothing, provisions, etc., have U-en of great usefulness. Lmanuel Hart/ell. president; Xathan M. Hart/ell. secretary; F. L. ( iuthman. treasurer.

A prominent rank among the list of fraternal and beneficial institutions belong to Mahoning Lodge, \'o. ? i^ of the ludeiieudent Order of Bnai Brith. This lodge is the result of an amalgamation of Voungsi .vvn lj<ilge and Herman Rice L'dge, and contains about fifty members. I'art of the dues pud by the members goes to the support of the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in Cleveland, and for the National | j, ,mt. Consumptives 111 Denver. Col.. ratio. Fmanuel Hartzell. president; L. Hoffman, v ice president ; Nathan M. Hartzell, secretary; Lidi.r S. Weil, treasurer

At different periot'.s prior and subsequent to the organization of Rodef Sholem Congregation, there arrived Jewish people who were not in syni]>athy with the Reform service at the Temple, living desirous of preserving the traditional ritual and customs of orthodox Judaism. This led to the organization of an orthodox congregation ^mie twenty-tive years ago. ard known as "I'liiidren of Israel." I:> phice of worship was at first in the Porter building, but the meinliers increasing rapidly, it was determined to build a synagogue on Summit avenue, winch edifice was eventually completed and dedicated in iSci.V The congregation is iii g.,,.,1 I'niancial condition, but at the time of this writing without a spiritual leader. Its present officers are : I. Frcidtnan, liresideut : If PYMman, vice-president; recording secretary. F. Ceiger; corresponding secretary. Dave Koreifiauser. Th.e cemetery of this congregation, purchased about 1S75, is

; situated on Church-In'.' road. An 1 'ft shoot of the congregation is a Ladies' Benevolent Soe'ety. who are doing quiet and effective work in distributing food, money and clothing lini ng the deserving poor. Mrs \. M. Fran-

Another congregation formed on conservative lines in the course of the past summer, is "Emanuel Congregation." The members assemble for regular worship at 349 East Federal street. The officers are: Nate Ozcrski, president; M. Altshuler, vice-president; H. Myerson, secretary; I. Edelman, treasurer; Louis Ozcrski, trustee.

Of the societies of a distinctly social character we have to mention the "Progress Club," situated in the Truesdale block on Phelps street. It was first founded in 1892 and has a present membership of about eighty. Its of- . ficers are: President, Louis S. Weil; vicepresident, D. H. Weinberg; recording and financial secretary. Max E. Brunswick; treasurer, Simon Hartzcll.

Chapter. Xxiv Education

The Public and Parochial Schools of the County - Their Growth ami Present Efficiency- - Sonic of the Early Educators - The Gnnoth and Progress of the Public Schools of Youngs-town and Their Present Encouraging Condition.

Noth. In the following chapter we have quoted largely trotn an article written by Dr. X U Chancy and Principal E. M. Faust, which was published in the Young'tiHvn Daily Times of Nov, j<>, njoj, under the title of "The School Board of lx>ng Ago" The data, which pertains to the period sinnee leVjo, was kindly furnished by Mr \V X Ashbaugh. the prevent clerk of the School Hoard. The rest k irom miscellaneous

As early as i"SS a resolution was adopted by the directors of tlie Ohio Coiiiikuiv authorizing tlie emplov ment "for the education of youth and the promotion of public worship among; the first settlers, an instructor eminent for literary accomplishments and the virtue of his character, who shall also superintend the first scholastic institutions and direct the man ner of instruction."

The ordinance of 17S7 under which the territory of the United Stales northwest of the Ohio river was . irganized contained a strong declaration in Article Third, which is destined never to pass from the history of Ohio: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary for good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall he forever encouraged." Congress also provided thai the public lands be surveyed into townships six miles square.

reserving section sixteen of each township for school purpises. A later law by the same IkxIv set apart two townships for the perpetual support of a seminary.

The settlers of Ohio never varied in tastes and habits of living. The descendants of the Roundheads from New England, of the Cavaliers of Virginia, and the Germans from Pennsylvania, came in grout* and settled in knots throughout the state. Schools of some kind were maintained in every locality settled, notwithstanding the poverty and privations of pioneer life, and the encroachments of hostile Indians.

Hut very moderate qualifications were demanded of the pioneer school teacher, and he usually received but moderate remuneration. Sto to $u per month for male teachers and $4 to $5 per month for females. A fair mastery of "the three R's," with an equal, or more than equal ability to wield the rod or birch, and the pedagogue of the early settlements would pass muster. Possibly the superior muscular endowments of the male teachers was the cause of their receiving more than double the salary paid the females. There were not a few teacher-, however, who had superior literal y attainments. Thus IVrlee P.ruslt. the pioneer school-master of Voungs- town, who had charge of the school on the Diamond as early as 1806, was a good (Jreck and Latin scholar, and was also one of the earliest lawyers on the Reserve. The usual charge for Uiition for reading, spelling, writing and arithmetic was Si. 50, and when grammar and geography were added, $2.00 per quarter. This was usually paid in produce, the only money in use on the Reserve at that time being what was received at Pittsburg in exchange for the whiskey into which the greater part of the corn and rye crop was converted.

Up to 1838 the studies alxne mentioned were the only ones pursued in the Youngstown schools, and the schools throughout the county, outside of Youngstown were no more advanced. The Bible was often used as a reading book, in connection with Dill worth's or Webster's spelling- book and Adam's arithmetic. There were usually two terms of school each year, the winter term of December, January and February - and the summer term which lasted until harvest time. It was not unusual to see married people considerably older than the teacher, occupying the benches of the school house during the winter months, in this way making up to some extent fur their meagre opportunities jn early youth. In addition to the payment of the regular school fees, the residents were obliged to contribute a certain portion of w<x>d to be used for warming the school house during the winter. Quill pens were used for writitig, the only desk for this pur]>ose l>eing a long board attached in a slanting position to the wall, before which the scholars sat on rough log benches. For their l>ooks they had no support but their knees.

Among the early teachers of Milton township were Peggy Stevens. (Jain Robinson. Joseph Duer. Phoelie Can field, and Billings O. Plympton, who afterwards l>ecame a famous Methodist preacher. Fir many years teachers in this township were paid bv subscription, receiving during the summer terms from $4 to $5 per month and verv often taking their pay in grain or orders on the neighboring stores. On one occasion a teacher who was to be paid in grain ordered it to be taken by the farmers to J. Orr's distillery, and a few months afterward he carried his winter's wages home in liquid form in a barrel.

In Jackson township the public schools were few, and but little interest taken in education until 1840, when a new impulse moved the settlers. They divided the township in eight school districts with a fractional district in the southwest corner. They hired competent teachers, secured a good attendance of scholars, and from that time until the present the citizens have felt a deep interest in the cause of education. An academy was erected at the center in 1859. and the efforts of those who erected it were crowned with fair success.

The first school in Coitsville township was taught by Jeremiah Breaden, in a log cabin on the farm of Joseph Beggs, a little distance west of center. The second school organized

! was in the Harris district in the northeast portion of the township. It was held in a cabin house erected for the purpose which was afterwards taken away, and a frame house built on its site. The new- one was used for a number of years, and was finally burned about the time when the first laws for the regulation and support of common schools were enacted in Ohio. In that school the Bible was one of the most important school W>ks used. Rev. William McGuffey, author of the popular and excellent series of school books entitled Mc- Guffey's Eclectic Readers, was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1797, and subsei quently Iwcame a resident of Coitsville. He prolwbly did more for the cause of common school education than any other person of his day. his school bx>ks being used throughout many, if not all the states of the Union. His parents had emigrated to this country from Scotland and were old sclnxil Presbyterians. He was a graduate of Oxford College. Eng-

| land, and although licensed to preach the gospel, was never settled as a pastor ov er any congregation, but spent his life in promoting education. He presided at different times over several colleges in this state and in Virginia.

In Greene township the early settlers took a deep interest in education and when there were only eight families in the township, and but eighteen prospective pupils, and some of these living three miles apart, a school house was erected, and in the winter of 1818-1819 Roswell Bartlett taught the first school. In the following winter the teacher was John Harrington, in 1821 William Harrington, and in 1822 \V. Bartlett. The summer schools during these four years were taught by Rhoda Rice, Mary and Syrena Evans, and Charlotte Bascom. Good schools have always been maintained in the township.

Early Youngstown Schools

The first* school house in the village of Youngstown, which was erected about 1805, or possibly a little earlier, was a one-story log building, containing one room which stood on the Public Square, on the s[xjt where the Soldiers' monument now stands. Perlee Brush, as has been already mentioned, was teaching this school in 1806, though it is not certainly known whether or not he was the first teacher. He was followed by James Noycs, whose description has come down to us as "a tall, slim man from Connecticut.'* In 1818, Jaliez P. Manning occupied the school house on the Diamond, and in the following year Fanny Roth, or Ross, taught school cither in Youngstown or just south of the village. Besides the school house on the Diamond there was one near the resilience of Isaac Powers, a building that served l*>th as a church and school house at Cornersburg, and another near Parkhurst Mills.

In 1N20 Mis- PlunV Wick taught the schixit on the Public Square; Miss Mary Case, afterwards Mrs. Benjamin Ste\ ens. also taught in the village a'* ait this da»e.

The .U.Ahkmv

built in Youngstown village by A. R. Bissell, and paid for by subscription. It stood upon the present site of the Diamond Block, near the southwest corner of the square. It was taught about 1827 by a Mr. Robinson, who at the same time was studying for the Methodist ministry. Upon the introduction of the union schools system in 1851, this school building was sold to the Disciples congregation, who used it as a church until 1873, when it was moved over on East Federal street and occupied as a store. According to the l>est information at hand, Miss Phoebe Wick and Jabez P. Manning were the principal teachers in Youngstown between 1820 and 1827.

State Laws

In a true sense the early schools were not public schools, and, as we have seen, were far from being free schools. Land grants were for many years not productive of any revenue, and school taxes were unknown before 1821, when an enabling law was enacted by the legislature providing that the townships might be divided into independent districts by the trustees if authorized by the electors, and that each independent district might elect three directors, who were empowered to erect a school building, employ a teacher of whose qualifications they were the sole judges, and make assessments for expenses with the consent of two-thirds of the electors. This law, being permissive, was of little consequence, ami was followed in 1825 by what is usually referred to as "the first school law of Ohio." and was mandatory in its provisions. This law made it the duty of the township trustees to lay off the respective townships into school district*, hold annual elections for school directors in each district, and authorized them 10 build a school house ami maintain a school. A penalty was imposed if they failed to employ a teacher. The law also provided for a Loard of county examiners to examine teachers.

State Thoroughly Organized

at the end of his three years' of service, when he resigned. The reactionists then came into . power, and so many laws were enacted and repealed that it is very difficult to determine what the exact condition was when the Akron Law of 1847 was enacted, providing for organizing all the independent districts in the borough into a union school, with a board of six members with full authority to employ a superintendent and conduct graded ami high schools, followed in 1849 by a general law providing for the organization of union schools m all towns with a population of 200 or over, similar to the union schools of Akron. It was under this law that the Voungstown Union Schools were organized. Youngstown had at that time a population of about 1,800, with a school enumeration between the ages of 5 years and 21 years of 530. There were three school buildings, the W est Side, the Middle or Front street building, and a building situated on East Federal street. Additional rooms were rented.

The First Meeting

"At a meeting held by the directors-elect - elected under the Act of Assembly 01 February 21. 1849 - for the borough of Voungstown and the territory attached thereto fur the school purposes - on the evening of the 3d of May, 1851, Dr. H. Manning was elected president of the Board of Education; William J. Edwards, secretary, and Wilson S. Thorn, treasurer of said l>onrd.

"It was ordered by the biard that the treasurer give tend and security for the faithful discharge of his duties to the amount of two thousand (L liars."

With this auspicious beginning the union schools of Youngstown began their history with a board of education composed of Dr. Henry Manning, Theodotius Garlick, William J. Edwards, Wilson S. Thorn, Jesse Baldwin and A. D. Jones.

Mr. Samuel F. Cooper was employed as superintendent and teacher in the High School 1 at a salary of $500 for forty weeks. Mrs. Cooper was employed as assistant teacher in the High School at a salary of $160 per year. Teachers in the primary and secondary schools were employed at $140 per year, each teacher in the primary, secondary and grammar schools to sweep her own room and build her own fire.

Mr. Cooper was elected superintendent July 9. 1851, and served until July 9, 1853. Mr. Cooper remained in the service of the board two years.

Mr. W. S. Gray, who was a Disciple minister, was in the employ of the board in the secondary schools at a salary of $300 per year. Mr. Gray enjoyed the reputation of being a clear, incisive teacher, was much interested in oratory and oral reading, and a profound believer in the virtue of the rod. If pupils were truant, Mr. Gray would assign work to his pupils and then act as truant officer.

The board met August 15. 1853, and "W. S. Thorn was appointed to visit Mr. McMillen and hire him for a sum not exceeding $500 per year, to superintend our schools," is the entire record of the proceedings of a meeting. Mr. McMillen resided at Canfield, where he was 1 employed in a harness shop. On August 16 the board met and confirmed the action of Mr. Thorn, who drove to Canfield and closed a contract with Mr. McMillen to superintend the schools and teach the High School. Mrs. McMillen was employed as assistant teacher at the rate of :?jo per month. Schools were to 1*' open forty weeks of five days each, and teachers were expected "to spend a portion of each Saturdav together for mutual improvement."

managed in part by the township trustees, and by (itc directors of the independent districts. By the new law a township board oi education was created. consisting of one representative chosen from the lmard of local directors from each sub-district, with the resp'itsibilities divided between tlie two lxvinls. A provision to maintain a free school library was included, with an annual levy of one of a mill for its support. This law was in effect until ii<U,r when reactionary legislation repealed this excellent law. liy this law the best literature found its way into every school house in the state, and many of the Itooks then distributed are yel to l>e found in city and village libraries.

The schools were supported by the various state funds and a local lew of two and onefourth mills to four mills each year during the first twenty years of the union schools. If a deficit was encountered, pupils were assessed in I lie High School one dollar, in the grammar school seventy-live cents and in the secondary and primary school*, fifty cents.

Mr. McMilleu was engaged June Jo. 1854. for $050 for the ensuing year. On July 13. 1855. the board proposed to employ Mr. Mc- Milleu one vear for $8'"). which he ileclined and I'pliraiin Miller was employed for S350 a year. The following vear an effort was made to secure Mr. McMilleu. but without effect. Mr. Charles 11. Lathrop was employed at So 10 jrt year "unless the Iward shonhl become dissatisfied with In- management. 111 which ca-e they are at liberty to discharge limi." Mi l.aihi oj, w;,s made assistant at .0 per year.

During 1857 and 1858 Mr. A. B, Cornell was superintendent and was succeeded by Dwight Hubbard, in 1859, and Mr. Hubbard by H. A. Hall 111 1S00. In iS(>i Kcubcn Me Milieu was elected at a s.-dary of $1.1. *>.

In iSik.i a linn n school building was erected on Wood street, on the site oi the present structure (then Coal street), at a cost not to exceed $0,500, the building to be three stones high and 76x50 feet.

On May 4. 1806, a regulation was made requiring the scImoIs to commence at 1 :.}o in the afternoon and close at 4 At a meeting of the lvoard on July loth of the same year, the board made its first agreement recorded in the minutes, by which the public schools and Raven sch<»il, which was opened in 1.803. co operated. By this arrangement the Raven school was to assume the salary of the principal of (he High School, $1, 000; assistant teacher of the High School, $500; one-half the salary of the superintendent, $75"; salary of teacher for lower grades at Raven sch<«I. .$350. and janitor and incidental expenses amounting to S400, making a total of S^.'xxi. It was arranged that a joint meeting or die two boards l>e held e\ery three months.

In 1807 Superintendent McMilleu again severed his connection with the schools oi Youngstowu. and Mr. P. T. Caldwell served until 1873, when Mr. McMdlen's name appears upon the pay roll again.

The Front Struct Schooi

Ironclad rules were adopted for the management of teachers and pupils. Karly in the sixties a teacher who was tardy three times in one term was to K- discharged unless a good reason for tardiness was given to the N.ard.

In 1S07. on the return of a pupil who had been absent, the parent or guardian was reiiuired to give excuse in poison or writing, stating the cause of absence.

"In eveiy ea-e of the absence of a pupil for more thm thiee ball days in any four consecutive weeks without a satisfactory excuse to the teacher, the ;di-cnice -hall without exception or lav r. with the approval of the superintendent. Ik- suspended from school, and the facts immediately reported to the lioard or

Rayex School

The Raven school owes its existence to the farsighted beneficence of Judge William Raven, one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of early Youngstown. who, dying in 1854. set apart by will a residuary fund of over $31,000 to be vested in trustees, the interest of which was to l;c expended in establishing a school to l>e known as the Raven school. Ry an act of incorporation passed in 1856, it was provided that five trustee< should t>e appointed, one each year, each to serve rive years. The appointments were to be made by the judge of the court of common pleas. The first board appointed in June, 1857, consisted of Jonathan Warner. Charles Howard. Charles F.. Cook, James Mackey. and Rolx-rt W. Taylor. With the accrued interest a lot was purchased and the original building completed in 1806.

In the same year the trustees made a working agreement with the city Board of Education under which the Raven school liecamc the High School for the city and township. This arrangement still continues, the Iward of trustees Ix-ing organized under the Ohio state law governing endowed schools, and the property belonging to the township. The ground and school buildings now have an endowment of $60,000.

Prof. Edwin S. Gregory, who had had a previous experience of thirteen years as professor of Latin and principal of the preparatory department at the Western Reserve College, was elected principal. Miss Mary Emma Cutter l>eing chosen as assistant teacher. His efficient administration gave Raven a high standing, and he gained in a high degree the love and respect of his pupils. He was succeeded by Mr. Mitchell, who served one year. In 1879 Mr. M. S. Campbell, superintendent of schools of Portsmouth. Ohio, a thorough scholar and man of rare wisdom, became principal. He left in 1883 to become principal of the Central High School of Cleveland. Ohio. The next principal of Rayen was Mr. Hill. Mr. Jewett came in 1891 and served until the present principal, Prof. Wells L. Griswold, was elected in 1901. Prof. Griswold, who is a graduate of Oberlin College ( class of 1894) was superintendent of schools in Collonwood, ; a thriving suburb of Cleveland, before coming to Youngstown. He has proved himself a very efficient and successful instructor and is a man of exceptional executive ability.

The school began with about forty scholars, and now (19071 has an enrollment of alxnit 650. To meet the growing demands for more ample accommodations, the school was remodeled in 1 88 1 ; but within fifteen years the facilities had again become inadequate and ' it was necessary again to enlarge the building. The contract for the erection of the addition now used as a study room, was let August 20, 1894. and in the following year the new building' was occupied.

In the classics and mathematics the course I of study is practically the same now as it was j thirty-five years ago; but the other depart- I ments during the last ten years have been largely reconstructed. In 1901 a new chemical lalxtratory was fitted up. There is also a large , physical science laboratory containing much valuable apparatus and recognized as one of the best in the United States. The manual training department introduced about 1896 is equipped with a large variety of tools, including wood and steel lathes. The work in F.ng- | lish is extended so as to include the study of leading English and American authors. The other languages taught are Latin, Greek, French and German. There is also a normal department, which includes the study of civics, psychology and the science of education, designed expressly to fit young ladies for teaching- pictures, most of which are gilts of classes; others have come to the school through the liberality of citizens. The school emphasizes the college preparatory work, and its graduates have almost invariably made good records in college, especially in Harvard. Provision has been made for athletic training. There are also two literary societies, the "Raven," for boys, and the "Galaxy," for girls, which hold outside debates on current topics.

In the words of Prof. E. F. Miller: "With this evidence of success in its work, we may feel assured that the school is realizing the ideal of its noble founder, and, as in the past, so in the future, Rayen school will offer incentives for all youth who enter her walls seeking knowledge."

Free Kindergartens

The Free Kindergarten Association was organized in \&)2. and incorporated three years later under the name of The Youngstown l"rec Kindergarten and Day Nursery Association. It took this name because Mr. George D. Wick had given the association Si.ooo to establish a day nursery. Conditions seemed to demand such an institution, and it was carried on for four years, when not enough mothers taking advantage of it, it was given up

I he first kindergarten was located at the comer of Basin and Roardman streets, in the office of the old stamping works in the midst of the foreign element. Hut four of the forty children could speak English. It was conducted by Miss Mary S. Morgan, who had come direct from the Chicago Free Kindergarten Association training class and had presented the need of such work to the people of Youngstown. The first officers were: Miss F.milie Ronncll. president: Mrs. A. M. Clark. Mrs, George Fordyee. Miss Raich, vice-presidents; Miss Ixmise Edwards, secretary and treasurer.

, the Hugh R Wick heirs donated the use of their old homestead at Front and Market streets and it remained there seven years. Ry this time the kindergarten ideas had been so well rooted that the work had grown and spread so that there were several other kindergartens in various parts of the city.

One had been opened in the old City Mission by Mrs. William Ronnell and Mrs. Arabella Ford, who undertook to raise funds for its support. This has now come under the di-

, rection of the association and has been transferred to Brier Hill. Through the interest of Mrs. K. L. Ford. Mr. Ford induced The Youngstown Steel Company and The Brier Hill Iron & Coal Company to maintain it for the children of their employees. They have built a substantial little home for it resembling somewhat a Swiss chalet. It is the first corporation kindergarten in the city.

The next kindergarten was opened by the managers of Christ Mission, who still continue it and have added another at Westlake's crossing. This was followed by one at Haselton which was soon adopted by the association and named the Anna P. Haseltine Kindergarten in memory of Miss Haseltine whose mother

The latest kindergarten to lie added to the assiK-iation is the Harriet and Leslie Bruce supported almost entirely by Mrs. Bruce. It is located in the Valley Mill district. The rent and fuel are donated by the Republic Iron & Steel C' 'inpany.

After ten years of struggle in the original kindergarten with dark v> oms and crowded miarters. the principal made a strong plea for a central building for kindergarten purposes.

The work had proven its worth. It needed a building which could be used as the center of -kindergarten interests. The training class, the board meetings as well as lectures, could be held in it. Other lines of work could be carried on for older children, such as sewing and cooking classes, manual training and garden work, also free baths and a summer play ground.

These needs were set forth at a meeting of the Board of Trustees. It was decided to undertake the raising of a building fund of $10,- ooo.oo. So generously did people respond to the earnest women who undertook it that $12,- 000.00 was raised in about four months.

-They sent out a printed appeal through the daily papers, one of which found its way across the ocean to Mr. and Mrs. William H. Baldwin, who were traveling in Turkey. The latter gave up their planned trip in the Orient and returned to offer the association a kindergarten building in memory of Mr. Baldwin's mother, Mrs. I ucretia K. Baldwin, who was a daughter of Dr. Henry Manning, and who lived in Youngstown for seventy years after her birth here on October 5, 1X27. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin felt that in no better way could they honor her memory than by the erection of a suitable building as headquarters for the work of the association.

The Grute lot. uj>on which the building now stands, offered the most suitable location, and was obtained at an expense of $20,000. of which the association paid half. Ground was broken for the building March 18. 1903, by the kindcrgartners and children, who marched in a body to the new lot. The contractor marked out tile main entrance, handed them a new pick and shovel, and they dug the preat doorway line with happy hearts, The comer stone was laid on I'Voehel's birthday, April 2t. by Imogen Baldwin, the little granddaughter of Mrs. Baldwin. On November 25th of the same year, the building, which had cost $28,- 000, was transferred to the association by Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin, with appropriate ceremonies. It is a handsome two-story structure, seventy-lwo by sixty-one feet, of light brick, with stone trimmings. The big sunny room is entered from the vestibule, contains a Tiffany stained glass window with a medallion of Christ blessing little children. A tablet over the open fire bears this inscription : "Hoping that other children than her own may rise up and call her blessed, and in loving memory of Lucretia Kirtland Manning Baldwin who died in this, the city of her birth, November 5, 1897, aged seventy years; this building is erected by her son. William 11. and Isabel Cort Baldwin, his wife. All thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isaiah 54:13.

What more enduring monument could be founded than a shrine in the hearts of the multitudes of little ones whose feet shall cross its threshold and whose happy laughter shall make its walls ring. Her life is not ended: it is enlarged and she will still be doing her part in the redeeming work of the world.

Near the children's entrance is a tile-lined bathroom. The kindergarten children are bathed in the morning and after 4 o'clock p. m. it is open to school children. Over thirteen hundred baths were given during the last school year and over four hundred during the summer vacation.

Domestic Science

The trustees used part of the endowment fund to equip the cooking room. The classes are limited to twelve, so each has her own set of utensils and is given individual attention. A different class meets each afternoon from 4 to 6 o'clock p. m. Beside the individual equipment, there is a gas range for other forms of cooking, a sink, ample cupboards and supplies.

Manual Training

Jr., fitted this out with twelve benches and all necessary tools. Two years ago classes were organized by a teacher from l'ratt Institute. They met from 4 to 6 p. m.. and accomplished good work. At present the work is among younger children, but will eventually lead up to the bench work again.

Industrial School

The lecture room was used by a Boys' Club, which met one winter with an attendance of between seventy and eighty. It was held six evenings a week. During the first summer vacation the building was used by the Council of Jewish Women for classes and clubs organized among the ]H"x_>rer Hebrew children.

Visiting Nurse

One room in the building is used by the Visiting Nurse Association, who have their headquarters here. The building is used every evening by the Boys' Club under the management of the Boys' C lub Association. They have evening classes in manual training, also various kinds of games. The basement is finely equipped with apparatus for a gymnasium. Shower baths will soon be put in one room by the Club Association for the use of the older boys.

The opening of the playground was deferred until the past summer. There were over a hundred children admitted each day and about sixty present all the time.

Financial

More fund? wove needed to carry on the enlarged work and the Board of Educat'oii placed four of the teacher* and two janitors on the pay roll. A little h'ter a fund w s made availab'c thr. -ugh the towiHrp fii-tccs. who

, Youngstown, all the schools in the township were included under one school system, under the provision of an act passed aliotit 1830, at which time Jedediah Fitch was representative from this legislative district. The township then had five school districts, or sub-districts, each of which elected directors. The respective chairmen of the different boards of directors formed the Board of Education. The directors had full control of all school matters. Before the annual school term opened it was customary for them to visit all the parents in

I rata according to the amount required to meet expenses and the number of children attending from each family. The teachers "hoarde>l around," and were not paid until the end of the term. A school then stood on the site now occupied by the Tod house. There were also the Madden district, the Connorsburg district (which included portions of the townships of Canfield. Boardman. Austintown, and Youngstown. and which corresponded with the present sub-district, No. 11). the I laselton district, and the district southwest of the city, now covered by No 5.

, ted, the school l*>ard being reorganized in the following year substantially up>n its present basis. The Board of Education now consists of live members who are elected by the township at large, ami who have full control of the township schools rind school property, with ]xiucr to engage teachers. There are now twelve sub districts, each with a schoolh.utse of one or more room-, A teacher is provided for each room. Th >-e snl. districts having une room only arc No. 1. Park Hill; No. 3, Holmes Road; No. 5, southwest of the city limits (formerly a special school district) ; No. 6. west end of Mill Creek Park; No. 7. west of Brier Hill; and No. 12, west of Latisingville, on the Foster and Haselton road. The schoolhou.se in the last-named district being crowded, it may soon he necessary to provide another room. The following sub-districts have schoolhouses of two rooms each: No. 2. Crah Creek ; No. 4. east of Kyle's Corners ; No. 9, Perkins Corners; No. 10. southwest of city and adjoining No. 5; and No. it. known as the Connorsburg sub-district, which, as almve mentioned, includes parts of other townships. The school house of the last-named sub-district is situated in Voungstown township; only one room is at present in use. Subdistrict No. 8, Kyle's Corners, has a schoolhouse of four rooms, built last fall (1906), three of the rooms being now in use. It has 120 scholars, and the attendance is increasing so rapidly that it will probably be necessary to make use of the fourth room next year. Altogether eighteen teachers are now employed. The present school board consists of John Mitchell, president; Wade E. Simons, Edward Ipe, L. T. Foster, and Myron Wchr. The clerk of the board is James Parfitt. Since 1853 the board has met in the old Town Hall J at No. 268 West Federal street, Youngstown.

Chapter Xxv Fraternal And Benevolent Organizations

tiie -elm. ilh.-u-e. where a wry appropriate dt< c -n -e wa- delivered hy Brother I (arrow of Vicuna, after which they returned t" the hotiv - if Mr. hitch, when Brother T- >d pr.ceei'.ed to o ti-ectate the lodge and in-tall the following < .iVieers :

Alth.. 'ttgh of v growth during the war per-..] of r S t i S i 5 the lodge made it- usefulness iclt in caring f"r the familie- "t its mc-iilK r-. It was chartered i:i tSio. Meetingv. ere !n'd with regularity and for a ihiuiKt of u i - were of jiiore - 't less c< m\ i\ nl character, .'is was then cu-ti .mat v ttp'ti -.rial <s" cava .!--. W :;h the advent of modern ideas nn the suhjccl of tetnperance. tin- feature gradually disappeared, the lodge giv ing evidence of the progressive character of it- meniher- hs henig one of the first Social organi/atiotis to abandon the u-e of ardent spirit- at lneettiiL,'--

States suffered a long jveri. <:l of depression. At the last meeting in that year held at ISoardman, Xovcmlver ioth. there were present: John Northrop, Daniel Titus. Henry Hubbard. Isaae Newton, Thomas T. Payne. Plnlo Cook, Eiisiia Make, and Harmon \V. Austin.

No further meetings were held until May. 1X48. when the following brethren convened at ('anlield: John Northrop, I. Chidi*ter. I. New ton. A. Collar. William Schmtck. William S. Reed, Isaac N. l^tne. ami Isaac Rrookhart. the last |i ur being visitors. "Interest in the order revived, and the linlge grew somewhat in iucuil>crslup. though it had a small territory to draw from. Youngstown Masons belonged to Eric L>dge at Warren. Though small in numbers, the ('.infield Lodge was composed of prominent and highly resectable men. It continued to hold its convocations at Canncld until the fall of 1852

"The initial steps towards forming a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons were taken in Youngstown in the year 1851. A dispensation was issued by the grand master. March 18. 1852. to Mahoning Ijodge, in which Theodattis Carlick is designated grand master. John M. Webb, -mi or warden, and Thomas (I. WelN. junior warden.

"A charter was never granted to Mahoning Lodge, instituted under the <lispe:is ition of March, iXjj. when the proposition came l)elore the grand lodge at ( bilbo. the at the regular meeting in Octolier. A charter would hive been granted, but the application was withdrawn upon the 'occurrence f the facts ami pi. -cecdiugs.'

"That W X Prentice, worshipful master of tin- W estern Star Lodge and the delegate from the said lodge, in compliance with the wishes uf the members of Western Star

"'Ke-olwd. That Wi stern Star L dge Soil, now holding its regular cwnnfttnic itions in t Mali snug count v. be removed to. and bete iftcr hold it* mecm;; s \, tingstown, provided the following lie agreed to and adopted by the grand lodge:

"- 'Resolved, That the i>etitioners for a new lodge at Youngstown have leave to withdraw their petition, provided Ihe foregoing resolution lie agreed to.'

"These resolutions were adopted, and Western Star L>dge was accordingly removed to Youngstown, where its meml>ership was consolidated with Mahoning Lodge." It now has a membership of 545 After the removal of the charter and effects of Western Star Lodge to Youngstown, it was the only society of Master Masons m the county till Hillman Lodge No. 481. 1". <fc A. M . was chartered on October ->i. 1874. The latter has 1S1 mem!>crs.

On February 4, K104. a dispensation was asked for a Lodge of Perfection of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Kite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the LT. S. A, The first officers were Ceo. ]'. McNab. 33rd degree, tl'.rice p.tent nia-ter; John P Ha/lett. 33rd degree, deputy master: I! 1 rank Thomas, senior warden; Mason Evans, junior warden.

< >n September 20, 11,05. a charter was granted to the prtisi. 11 for a lodge known a* Hiram Lodge of Per tcet 10:1 14 degrees. The tnemliersliip at this lmK. js considerably over km,, and the officers serving under the dispensation have been re-elected and are serving ruder the charter

History 01-' Mahoning County

Ijodgc No. 55. Dccctnlier 2, 1845. by some members of the Warren Lodge who had petitioned fur dismissal and obtained from the grand lodge a charter. These charter members were William Braden, Theodatus Garlick. John C. Griersoti, R. G. Garlick, Frederick S. Smith, and Daniel J. Wick. The first noble grand was William Braden.

The lodge was instituted in the Mansion House, where meetings were held until 1849. and during that period enjoyed a healthy growth, numbering some of the most promi- ! nent citizens among its members.

In 1865. the lodge took up its quarters in 1 the I'ortcr block, winch in June of that year was totally destroyed by tire, the lodge losing all its property, including records, regalia, furniture, and charter. This untoward event was not allowed to cast any blighting effect on the future of the order in Youngstown. The benefits of Odd Fellowship were at that time particularly in demand owing to the large numticr of soldiers returning from the army, and soon a subscription paper was circulated, new quarters in Chapman's Hall, were, with all the necessary appurtenances, ready for occupancy.

of about 650. and is the large-t I. < ). O. I", lodge in the slate. Three of it* original metnliers are still In itig, - James llilltnan. James Predmore. ar.-l I >r. II. Slaw -on, though not now coiniecteil will"- the Cdge. lis present officers are: L. S, Dickson, noble grand: A. \ . Hinniaii, vice-grand: C. S. Miller, recunlin;'

Hebron L»lge has about 4J5 members. It may be considered at the mother of four other lodges - Niles, Girard, Hubbard, and Mineral Ridge. Niles. however, was formed of members of lioth Hebron and Mahoning Lodge of Warren. Its present officers are: Benj. C. Miller, noble grand; H. II. Stafford, vicegrand; L. M. Halm, recording secretary ; B. P. Shook, financial secretary; Henry Onions, treasurer.

lernleaf Rebecca Lodge, No. 504. is in a flourishing condition having a meml>ership of about 200. The growth of Odd Fellowship in Youngstown has Iieen such that by the opening of the present century it was deemed advisable to erect a building wherein the various lodges might meet to transact their business, and steps were accordingly taken for that purpose. The spring of 1903 saw the realization of these plans in the dedication of the line 1. O. O. F. Temple at No. 115 Boardman street, which was accomplished "with appropriate ceremonies. The building which is a fine brick structure with stone foundations is admirably fitted for the purpose for which it is designed, and was erected at a cost of $_-;.- 000.00. It has the distinction of being the only building in the state devoted entirely to the purposes oi Odd Fellowship.

Among the prominent fraternal organizations of the city, know n throughout the United States by reason of the prominence it has attained, is Youngstown Lodge No. 55. of the Benevolent and Protective Order of'hlks.

Owning a magnificent club-house which is the |R't lection of architecture, and the interior not excelled in any city in ils ap|n iintmeiits and funi-hiugs. it is a matter of just pride to the high character of the membership, and to the officers who have by the sacrifice of their time and means made it one ,,f the finest temples devoted to the cardinal virtue* upon which the order is founded.

eler of F.Iks was in its infancy, a party of prominent men of the city, none of them wealthy but all engaged in the practice of the charity which believed in aiding without ostentation those less fortunate, decided to apply tor a dispensation and organize a local lodge. With thirty-eight memticrs on the charter list Youngstown I-odge was instituted on Saturday evening, October 23. 1886, by the late Daniel A. Kelly, who was then grand exalted ruler, and who installed the following officers : Exalted ruler. Clate A. Smith; esteemed leading knight, A. J. Woolf; esteemed loyal knight. Eugene Rook; esteemed lecturing knight. J. 1\ Wilson ; secretary, Charles J. Smith ; treasurer, Samuel Cornell ; tyler, Daniel H. Arnold.

As with many other fraternal organizations, the first year proved a critical period in the life of the lodge, and its being placed ujxmi a substantial foundation is largely due to the able and untiring assistance given the first exalted ruler by the other officers and members. A cardinal principle adopted by the members of No. 55 was quality and not quantity in the selection of its members

Modest quarters were secured in what was the Union Veteran Ix-gion hall, and later the top floor of what is now the Weil-IIartzell Company building was secured. The growth of mcmlKTship made larger quarters necessary, and two floors of the Gallagher block were leased for a term of years.

l"» to that time the lodge rooms of the growing organization were considered the finest in the city. Steady increase in the prosjKTity of the lodge, and a larger acquisition to its membership roll resulted in a concerted effort of officers and members to have a handsome home fnr the lodge that would be not only a credit to them but to the entire order of Elks, and at a largely attended meeting it was unanimously decided to formulate plans, and organize a company, the stockholders to be limited to members here, to purchase a site and erect and furnish a magnificent club.

i was erected the elegant edifice which has been the home of the order for the past five years. The commodious quarters are elalmrately furnished not only for the comfort and entertainment of the members but also for the ladies. On the first floor opening from an attractive arcade is an elaborate library, and adjoining it is the Turkish room furnished with appointments of the latest designs and a piano for the ladies. Adjoining this is the billiard room with three tables, and leading out from it is : the grill room, decorated and furnished in 1 Flemish oak, where the wants of the inner man I are supplied. On entering the arcade from the Wood street entrance, to the right is a magnificent parlor for the ladies, and leading out of it is a large private dining-room. Next to this is a magnificent dining-room decorated in a superb manner to charm the eye, while the happy guest is being served with a menu that would delight an epicure.

Leading up from the arcade is a broad stairw ay to the lodge room, which is one of the largest and finest of any secret organization in the country, and furnished with commodious ante-rooms. To the right of the lodge room 1 are seven bachelor apartments which are occupied hy resident members, and transient mem- 1 tiers while in the city, and who prefer the quiet quarters and superb service not found in any hotel.

On the third floor is a magnificent banquet hall which is occupied during the winter season by dancing parties of the Elks, their lathes and invited guests.

On the first floor leading from Wick avenue are rooms for business pur|x>ses which are held by desirable tenants on long leases. To the rc:ir of these rooms, and leading from the I Wood street entrance are the gymnasium and fowling alleys, with all the furnishings to make them attractive.

The Flks building complete with its furnishings cost $100,000 and is a substantial monument to the energy and spirit of fraternity w hich is exemplified in such a high degree by the officers, and those who have succeeded them and to the sterling character of its mcmlxrrship. Among the factors contributing to the rec- ord t>l success attained by Xo. 55. is that it was the first lodge of the order in the world to banish intoxicating liquors in mi it> > ciai sessions, and also the first lodge t<> adopt a rule to hold no lod^e meetings on Sunday. except the annual lodge of s. ,rr . .w . Snue the action taken hy the t. < i! lodge others have followed its example and the result ha- proven beneficial in inanv way;.