300 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. tion was removed to Mechanicsburg since which time the building has been of unoccupied.  METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH OF NEWPORT The Methodist Protestant church of Newport, now known as Walnut Rim, was founded in 1850, when a few persons met at the school house and, under Rev. Rameth Hussey, were organized into a class, consisting of the following personal Presley 'Rains; Wife, three sons and one daughter; daughter Jewell and wife; Elias Forbis and Wife.; Joseph Stroup and wife; Gideon Peck and wife; Isabel Stroup, Josie Watson, Sarah Jones, Polley Wagoner and Elizabeth Siffrit, and perhaps one or two others whose names are lost at this late. date: .Elias Forbis was the class leader. The society held Meetings at the school house for three or four years. In 1854-55 a frame house for church purposes was erected in Newport, which was Completed and dedicated to service the same year. It is believed that Rev. A. H. Trumbo preached the dedicatory sermon. This church gradually declined until it finally was discontinued. LONDON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The First Presbyterian church of London, Ohio, was born on September 29, 1829, With twenty charter members. Rev. D. C. Allen was the first pastor. The first church building; a frame structure on the corner of Fifth and Oak streets, was erected. in 1834 and 1835. On April 16, 1837, Rev. Allen resigned his charge as pastor of the church and on April 2, 1839, Rev. E. Van Derman was called as pastor, being. installed the following day. His pastorate was short, as death called but in November, 1839. On November 20, 1840, Rev. R. C. McComb was called as pastor, his pastorate continuing until April, 1854. In July, 1855, Rev. C. W. Finley began his labors at London, Midway, Mt, Sterling, Genoa and Grove City, preaching also at several private houses in the community, making London his headquarters. On October 16, 1858, he was called and installed as pastor of the London church. The old church building having become too small to accommodate the congregation,' it was decided to erect' a new one. This building—the one now in usewas erected during the year 1859. Major Richard Cowling, besides contributing liberally towards the Construction of the church, had the clock placed in the tower at his own expense, and `by his last will and testament left a legacy of five hundred dollars for the benefit of the church. During the twenty-two years of faithful service of Reverend Finley, the church experienced a healthful and steady growth in numbers and usefulness. His faithful and abundant labors were ended on April 13, 1877, when, after a lingering illness, the Master came to him with the gracious summons "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord:" During the last two years of his life he was compelled to give up active service and by the advice of his physician was granted leave of absence for one year, during which time the Rev. A. N. Carson was employed to act as pastor. On June 14, 1877, Rev. J. G. Patterson was called to the pastorate, which pastoral relation was dissolved on October 5, 1881. At a meeting of the church and congregation; May 22, 1879, the trustees were authorized to purchase a lot and build a parsonage. The present commodious building was the fruit Of that decision. Rev. John. A. Ewalt, who was installed pastor on April 11, 1882, resigned on October 31, 1900. making a pastorate of almost nineteen years, in which time there were nearly. three hundred accessions to the church. On February 1, 1901, Rev. R. G. Roscamp was employed as supply for one year, after Which he Was called as pastor and was installed May 12. During his pastorate the church was remodeled, the pipe organ was put in, and beautiful memorial windows were donated by different members: of the church. This pastoral relation was dissolved on April 11, 1905. Rev. D. C. Jones was elected supply for one year in October, 1905, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 301 after which he was called as pastor and. was installed in November, 1906. He resigned on June 28, 1908. Rev. J. A. Liggitt began his work in November, 1908, and served until March, 1915. He was followed by the, present pastor, Rev.. Carl. H. White. There have been employed eleven ministers since the organization, of the church. The following ruling elders have been elected and ordained: John Rayburn, William McCoy, Charles Berry, William T. Davidson,. Samuel Haller, William Creath, James Rayburn, William McCormack, J. H.. Kennedy, R.. C. Amos; Joseph Rayburn, P. W. Taylor, Maxwell Murray, :B. F. Clark, John Lohr, William M. Kinney, Noah Thomas; Robert Knight, Samuel Withrow,. Berthier Lohr, Fred Webster, J. W. MacKinnon, M. Rasor, Murray. Creath, Filmore Jackson, Robert Adams, Harry Armstrong, R. K. Shaw, James Bell and C. C. Hankinson.  This congregation looks backon a splendid record; nearly eighty-five years of continuous service; years that speak. of God's faithfulness and man's loyalty. The present membership of the church is three hundred and seventy-five. The Sunday school, C. C. Hankinson, superintendent, has four hundred and ten members enrolled, in which is the "busy men's" Bible class. enrolling one hundred and twenty: members. with .R. K. Shaw as teacher and the "Golden Rule" Bible class of seventy women, with James F. Bell, teacher. The board of trustees of the church consists of John Lohr, Walter Engard, H. W.. Robinson and R. K. Shaw, the latter of whom. is financial secretary ; George H. Van Wagener, treasurer ; Walter Engard, president of the Christian Endeavor society, and Mrs. John R. Tanner, president of the "Wimodaughsis" society. PLAIN CITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The Presbyterian church of Plain City appears to have been the first church organized in Madison county. Joshua Ewing and his family, James, his brother. Betsey, his sister, and their aged mother emigrated from Kentucky to Darby township in 1798 and settled a short distance northwest' of the present site of Plain City. Archibald Steele, a synodical missionary of the Presbyterian church, hearing of the Ewing settlement, on the bank of Big Darby creek, went there and in 1800, in the cabin of Joshua, Ewing, organized the First Presbyterian church in Madison county, if not the first church in . Madison county, Joshua Ewing and Samuel Kirkpatrick being elected the first elders of the congregation. Very few families had then settled in the neighborhood and the membership of the church included the most of these. The people lived far apart and had no pastor nor stated supply. Samuel Kirkpatrick lived about eight miles to the north of the Ewing cabin and soon after such families as the Carys, the Mitchells, the Sagers, the Robinsons and others came and settled nearby. The old Ewing, settlement had became known as Liberty and the church there was early known as the Liberty Presbyterian church. In the latter part of 1807 or early in 1808, a church was organized at the Kirkpatrick settlement, as a branch of the Liberty church, and Samuel . Kirkpatrick transferred his eldership there and became its leader. To distinguish these churches they were designated, respectively, as the Lower Liberty and Upper Liberty churches. Rev. Samuel Wood Was the first pastor. On the tombstone marking his grave appears the following inscription : "Rev: Samuel Wood, first pastor of the Presbyterian church of Upper and Lower Liberty, was installed pastor in this church June 15, 180S, and died April 27, 1815; An the thirty sixth year of his age." Mr. Wood was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1779, and was a graduate of Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The Upper Liberty church was situated on the north side of Big Darby creek about two miles from Milford Center. The church building was erected in 1809, and was the first house of worship to be erected in Union county. It stood on the line dividing the farms of Rev. Samuel Wood and Elder Samuel Reed, between the road. and the 302 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. old graveyard. It was a plain, primitive building of hewed logs, twenty-four feet square. All the materials and labor were supplied by the membership. It was not necessary to consult an architect and get up plans and specifications and give out the contract to the lowest .responsible bidder, and then, when dedication day came, report a few thousand dollars as a debt to be, removed before the Lord could get the building. This primitive building, however, was for many years without the means of heating; the people, therefore, meeting during the winter in school houses and private dwellings. The building was very plain internally ; slabs, with rude legs, being used as seats. Tradition has it that two or three 'families, in process of time, became so, aristocratic as to construct backs to their pews, thus showing that at an early date invidious distinctions intruded themselves into a church. About 1822-23 an addition of eighteen feet was made to one side of the old church and the building was used until 1834, at which time a brick structure was erected at Milford Center,. and the congregation removed there. As has been pointed out, Upper Liberty was organized as a branch of the Lower Liberty church. Rev. Samuel Wood remained the pastor until his death, in 1815. From that date, Revs. William Dickey, Archibald Steele, James Hodge, D. D., Elder Hughes and others supplied the church until 1821, when, Rev. James Robinson was installed as pastor. He served the church seven years. Rev. Darius C. Allen was stated supply from 1829 to 1831. The year following Rev. Benjamin Dolbear became the pastor and continued his labors with this charge until about 1838. In 1837 Lower Liberty was rent in twain by the internal dissensions then troubling Presbyterians. The two branches were nearly equally divided, but a slight majority favored the "Old School" branch, Reverend Dolbear remaining with this latter division. His successor, Rev. William Galbreath, was installed on October 7, 1839, and served until. April 18, 1848. Rev. Benjamin. Evans was the next and last pastor of this branch. In the "New School" division, Rev. Henry Shedd was, the only settled pastor, but Reverend Kuhn, Reverend Ulfeld and others acted from time to time as supplies. Among the earliest prominent members of this church mention must be made of James Ewing, Joshua Ewing, David Mitchell, Jr., David Chapman and John Taylor., The early services were held in private homes; then in the school house, which stood on the lot where the first meeting house was erected. This primitive church stood on four acres donated by Walter Dun, and was situated about a mile northeast of Plain City, in the fork of the Post pike and the road leading northeast to Big Darby. The building was erected as early as 1820, perhaps sooner. It was a large, unfinished frame structure; weather-boarded, but not plastered; roofed, but without a chimney. The seats were only slabs supported by rough sticks.. There was a broad center aisle, at each end of which a door was originally designed but never inserted. The women occupied one side of this room ; the men held undisputed possession of the other. This old building could not be heated and was used only in the summer. In cold weather, the school house on the same lot was brought into requisition, its more limited space proving sufficient to accommodate the few members who attended in that season. In 1836, a large brick structure, forty-six by fifty-two feet, was reared on the same site. It was constructed by Mr. Gifford. of Union township. The . congregation numbered about seventy-five. Scarcely had it taken possession of this new building when the trouble arose which produced the division in the church. Of the four ruling elders then in office, James Ewing, T. M. Ewing and John Taylor adhered to the "Old School," and David Chapman united with the "New School" branch. While the congregation was strongly self-supporting, both divisions were too weak to maintain efficient organizations and struggled between life and death for about sixteen years. The "Old School" division kept possession of the church, but by agreement the MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 303 other branch had the use of the church each alternate Sabbath. About 1853 both societies disorganized. Four years later a reconciliation was effected, among the members and a new. organization entered into, which re-assumed the old name, Lower Liberty. Among the old and prominent families of this congregation were the Mitchells, Ewings, Robinsons, Gills, Currys, Rickards, Bucks, Allens, Guys, Taylors and Chapmans. T. M. Ewing, James Ewing, Jesse Gill, Stephenson Curry, James Robinson, Jesse Mitchell and Abner Chapman were the ruling, elders for many years. A number of their descendants are now prominent members of the Presbyterian church at Plain City. As was the custom, the pews for the men were placed at one side of the church and those for the women at the other. The pulpit was in the front of the church, so that on entering the, church one would face the congregation. The platform of the pulpit was about six feet high, and only the head and shoulders of the ministers could be seen, as the front wall of the pulpit was so high.. The seats all had high board backs and a door next to the aisle had a button to it which was turned as soon as the children were all counted in. In. those days families all sat, in the same seat and the seat of each family was well known. Strangers and transients were seated in the rear of the church unless invited to sit with some family. Sunday school was held in the morning at nine-thirty, preaching at eleven ; two prayers, and a sermon an hour in length. Then came a half-hour intermission for dinner, which had been brought along in baskets. After eating, all took their seats in the church for another long sermon. The music was not classical, but there were many good voices and it was a real praise service. The singing was usually led by two of the elders of the church. As there was not a _sufficient number of hymn books to go round, the two leaders would stand up in front of the pulpit and "line out" two lines of the hymn and then lead the singing. Jesse Gill and James Robinson were the leaders for many years. Later Benjamin Fay, who played a flute and was quite a musician, organized a choir of young people. The old brick church drew great congregations during the summers and was often full to overflowing, for the people came from miles around, even from as far away as Milford Center and Fairview, in wagons, on horseback and on foot. When the young folks would start home on their prancing horses the cavalcade would look like a troop, the young women being as skillful riders as the young men. The regular Sunday services usually lasted until about two o'clock. After the disorganization of the congregation the old church building was abandoned to the birds and bats, the windows were, knocked out, the yard grew up in weeds and bushes, and so it remained until after the Civil War. Upon the reunion of the congregation, the brick building was torn down and in 1870 the brick' was hauled to Plain City, where a commodious structure, graceful in appearance, was erected on the present site of the Presbyterian church on Main street, the church then taking the name of the First Presbyterian church of Plain City, William H. Galbreath, the pastor in 1839, in the old church building, becoming the minister. Among others who served the church should be mentioned David. G. Robinson and James Curry. The old brick building was torn down in 1893, in which year the present beautiful stone edifice was erected, under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Work. The present church property consists of the church building and a frame parsonage, the two valued at about twenty-five thousand dollars. The membership is about two hundred and fifty, served at present (1915) by supply. 304 - MADISON. COUNTY, OHIO. MT. STERLING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. On March 20, 1847, by appointment of the Columbus presbytery, Rev. Timothy Stearns and Rev. Chauncey: P. Taylor called a, meeting at Mt. Sterling for the purpose and Organized a church with the following constituent members: Mrs. Margaret Creath, Sr., Mr. William Creath, Mrs. Mary Creel, Mrs. Jennie M. Alkire, Mr. Samuel Thornton, Dr. David E. McMillan ; Mrs. Lydia McMillan; received by, certificate from the London church ; Mrs. Julia Worthington, received. by certificate from .the church at Chillicothe,: and Amanda Creath, received on examination. William Creath was installed as elder. The church was furnished with a supply minister for many years; the first being Rev. James Dunlap. Services were continued in the old frame building until the erection of a brick edifice An 1868-69, at a cost of about two thousand dollars. In December, 1869, the house was dedicated to service in due form, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. George Carpenter; of Washington .C. H. The church was dedicated free from all debt or incumbrance. The first regularly called and installed. pastor was Rev. George S. J. Browne. on February. 8, 1878. Since that time a new brick building has been built. The present pastor is Rev. Charles J. McCracken. Mt. Sterling is the station point of a circuit. composed of the churches at Mt. Sterling, Sedalia and Darbyville. BIG DARBY BAPTIST CHURCH. The Big Darby Baptist church was the first church organization in Canaan township and one of the earliest in Madison. county. This church was instituted in 1810 by Elder John Thomas, of Champaign county, Ohio, who was a traveling minister through this then almost unbroken wilderness: He gathered together a little band of seven, which first constituted the Big Darby church, and Elder Thomas preached on the occasion. In 1812 the Mad River Baptist association was organized at the house of Abijah Ward, on Buck creek, near Springfield, where the following churches were represented: Kings Creek, Little Beaver, Nettle Creek, Antioch and Big Darby ; ministers present; Elders John Thomas, James Johnson and Lemuel Cottrel. There is no doubt that Elder Thomas was the first pastor of the Big Darby . church, which at that time: had no regular place of meeting, sometimes holding meetings at the homes of the members, and at other times, when two or more ministers met together, in the barn of some brother. Jehu Guthridge, an elder of . the Baptist church in that early day, was the second pastor of this church, and the successor of Elder John Thomas, his name being found among the list of ministers added to the association in 1813, only one year after its organization. Elder Guthridge was succeeded by Elder Thomas Casto, who preached for the church as pastor or supply. In 1828-29, Elder Miller served the church as pastor, and was succeeded by Elder Hess, who served the church one year, some time subsequent to which; the church was served by Elder Peters. . During the early history of the church, among the ministers who frequently visited and ministered to them were Elders William . Sutton, Chandler Tuttle, T. J. Price and William. Fuson: About 1834-35 Elder Isaac Jones was called to take pastoral charge of the church. He was a faithful and highly esteemed minister and served the congregation removed by death. In 1841, before the death of Elder . Jones, Elder William. Fuson visited the church and commenced to labor, with the people of that neighborhood in a "protracted effort." The meeting continued for several. weeks, during which time fifty persons confessed faith in Christ and were .added to the church. After the death of Elder Jones, Elder V. E. Bunker was called as the pastor of the church. He was from New Hampshire, a man much esteemed, for his excellent qualities of heart and mind. During his pastorate, a period of trial was passed over by the church. The new members becoming dissatisfied with the old declaration of faith, what was known as the declaration of faith of the Baptists of New Hampshire MADISON COUNTY - 305 was introduced and adopted by them, which caused dissatisfaction among the old members. The difficulty was finally adjusted by both parties agreeing to leave the :matter in the. hands Of two brethren—Elders Enos. French and T. J. Price—with a request that these brethren would pay the disunited congregation a visit and furnish it a declaration of faith on which it could unite. —Brother French, not being in good health, did not visit the church, but he and Brother Price met and agreed upon a declaration of faith, whereupon Brother Price visited the church, in December, 1844, and induced the church to lay aside the two sets of articles upon Which it could not agree and adopt those he and Brother French had agreed to recommend. These were unanimously adopted by the church. Thus through the wise and prudent advice of these brethren, discord and division that threatened the life of the church was removed and peace and harmony were restored. Elder V. E. Bunker resigned the pastoral care of the Church in July, 1845. In September, 1845, Elder Martin, from near Dublin, Franklin county, was called to the church and he served as pastor for one year. During his pastorate; Brother J. B, Sutton was called t6 the church to serve as supply once a month. He was then a licentiate and served but a short time, resigning in order that he might attend school at Granville. In December, 1847; James Simpson, of the Mechanicsburg church, who was serving that church half the time, paid the church a and in February, 1848, was called by the church to preach twice a month and to take charge of the church. In the month of June following a council was called by the Mechanicsburg church and Brother Simpson was more fully set apart for the work of the ministry of the Gospel, Elder Enos French being moderator and Elder V. E. Bunker; Clerk of the council. Brother Simpson served the church as its pastor for over a quarter, of a Century. During this long period, the church generally prospered.. and continued in peace and harmony, but sometimes had its disturbing elements; then again Grace would calm the spirits and, all would again Move in unison. In 1866 thirty-two were dismissed from the church for the purpose of constituting the Bethesda church; Ini November 1869 a protracted Meeting was begun by the pastor assisted by Brothers T. J. Price and W. R. Thomas. This was the most 'remarkable in its progress and results of any meeting. held within the church during its entire history. The meeting was continued seventeen days and seventy new members were added to the church. In. January, 1873, Brother Simpson resigned his charge, the resignation to take effect in the June following, after which Elder W. R. Thomas was called to serve the church as pastor one-half the time. He accepted and served three years, closing. his labors on June 4, 1876. From that time to January, 1877 the church was without a pastor and was visited from time to time by the. following brethren. Elders John Kyle and E. B. Smith, Brothers Turner and W. S. Kent, after which the church extended a call to Brother Kent, who accepted and entered upon the labors as pastor on March 3, 1877, serving until 1882. The present pastor (1915) is Rev. F. M. Myers. The first regular place of holding meetings of the church was an old log school: house, with paper, windows. The next was a small frame building erected on the same lot where the present church now stands. This was used; for several years, when, by the increase of the congregation the house was found too small to accommodate the people. In the summer, time, when the weather was pleasant, it was quite common to hold meetings in the grove near the meeting house, the pastor addressing the people from a wagon. At last the pastor and people resolved to build a suitable house for church purposes, and the present structure. was erected. On Saturday, February 1, 1862, the first sermon was preached in the new house by the pastor from Psalms 27, iv. Elder David E, Thomas preached that evening and on the next day, Sabbath, Elder T. J. Price preached the dedicatory. sermon from Second Chronicles, 16; xviii, the house (20) 306 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO being dedicated free from all debt. The meetings were continued for several days and numbers were added to the church.— The building is at present in very good condition and presents a beautiful appearance, surrounded by ..the, cemetery, with the cozy white parsonage close FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF LONDON. (COLORED). The First Missionary Baptist, church of London (colored) was organized on the fourth Sunday in February, 1866, by Elder George Dardis, with the following members, John Cain, Samuel Johnston, Levi Taylor, Samuel and William Lewis, Alfred Henrys, Henry White, Lemuel Lewis, David Cain, Isaac Jenkins, George H. Hill, Precilla Carter, Julia Rammah, Laura Cain, Eliza Taylor, Nancy Wintersmith, Alice Mack, Josephine Roberts, Mary Butler, Francis Whales, Lucy Lewis, Julia Andrews, Jennie Robinson, R. Meredith, A. D. Meredith, Elizabeth Wright and Henry A. Johnson. A frame house was purchased by these, members, together with a lot situated on Fourth street of Michael Carroll, for one thousand dollars, and the same was occupied by the society as a place of worship until the building of, the present. brick structure. In the spring of 1876 preparations for the building of a new building were begun, and on July 16 the. corner .stone was laid by Silver Urn Lodge No.. 29, .Free and Accepted Masons. Visiting lodges of the same order from neighboring places were in attendance, and music for the occasion was .furnished by the Columbus barracks band. In the morning. services were held in the .court house, Rev. James Poindexter, of Columbus,. preaching, and in the afternoon the same minister delivered an address in the Presbyterian church, after which the procession. formed and .marched to the church, where the ceremonies were performed in an impressive manner. The building, a one-story brick; located on Fourth. street near Water street, Was completed in 1881. at a. cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars. The church also owns a small, but neat. frame parsonage which adjoins the church. The pastors have been the Revs. George Dardis, William Balay, William Alfred, Peter Everett, Henry Randolph, Mr. Lewis. C. E. Morris, B. J. Shadd and the present pastor, Cyrus A. Payne. The present membership. is ninety-two. UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF LONDON. By Bertha Coover. Not having access to any of the church records, most of which were unfortunately destroyed by fire, and since nearly all the older members of the Universalist church of London have passed away, the best account of the organization of this church that can, now be obtained is to be found in the "History of Madison County," published in 1883. It is given as follows: “On the 12th of July, 1868, the following persons assembled for the purpose of organizing themselves into a Universalist: church society : William Jones, F. Willis. Lathrop Willis, B. F. Montgomery, J. W. Curd, W. S. Shepherd, J. W: Low, J. Peetry, Jedyer Willis, Josephine Jones, Louise Shepherd, M. J. Curd, Mary Low; C. Chandler, Frances Curtis, Minerva Acton, Josephine McCormack, Lorain Byers, Minerva Sothoron, Hannah Powell, Josephine Powell, Adelaide McCormack, Margaret McClintock and Edward McClimans. "On the 12th. day of the following month another meeting was held, presided over by Jedyer Willis at which the organization of the society was completed. Jedyer Willis, J. Willis, J. W. Curd, William Jones and Jacob and Jacob were appointed trustees of the church. Jedyer. Willis was made treasurer and: Jacob Peetry, clerk. It should have been, stated however, that prior to the regular organization of the church as given above occasional preaching was had by this class at London by ministers supplying: neighboring pulpits, one of whom was Rev. H. R. :Nye, pastor of the Universalist society of Columbus. Rev. Nye was active in the interests of the Church MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 307 and the organization here was in a measure due to his efforts. He continued in the pastorate of the church at Columbus until the spring of 1859 and served the London congregation regularly during that time. “Previous to 1864 the services of this denomination were held in the court house and for a period Presbyterian church. In 1864 .a brick house for worship was erected by the society on Second street, between Main and Union, which was completed and dedicated on September 27, 1866, sermon by Rev. George Messenger. In 1875; the church building was enlarged and improved. It was reopened and dedicated on Sab-bath—June 20th of that year—the dedicatory sermon being preached by Reverend McCalister, president of Buchtel College. There were present on this occasion Doctor Manly, of Auburn, New York, Reverend Tomlinson and Rev. T. P. Abell. "Going back to the Reverend Nye's pastorate, we find that he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Gorman, who had charge of the Columbus church and preached regularly at London until 1861 From, 1865 until 1868 various ministers filled the pulpit, among them being Rev. G. L. Demorest, of Cincinnati, and A. L. Bruce and Dr. E, L. Rexford, of Columbus. The first resident pastor of the society was Rev. R. F. Polk, whose ministry began in 1867 and continued until 1869. Doctor Abell was chosen as resident pastor in 1875 and continued for some years, He was followed in 1880 by Rev. J. W. and Rev. Lotta D. Crosley; who preached on alternate Sundays for several years." Others who occupied the pulpit in more recent years were Dr. J. W. Henley, Rev. R. N. John, Rev. S. G. Dunham, Rev. U. .S. Milburn and for many years past Dr. E. L. Rexford, of. Columbus, who discontinued preaching in. the London church a little more than a year ago. The Universalist church. of London can point to a not inglorious past in educational endeavor and spiritual uplift. Its ministers have without .exception been people of ability, energy and mental force. Many of the progressive movements, ;lectures, etc., were fostered. and encouraged by their efforts and assisted by this congregation. The Universalists started the first Sunday school ever held in London. This was founded when they were holding services in the court house. During much of the time of later years, Sunday school was conducted,. inspiring the young people with good ideals and a rational philosophy of life. Among the other various activities carried .on was the woman's missionary alliance. For a time a class for Bible study was, conducted. The church was the scene of many pleasing entertainments, socials, etc. For thirty-eight years the ladies of the church served dinner on "sale day" as a financial aid to the church. All through the half century of its existence the church exercised a most liberal policy in allowing the audience room and basement used for. various helpful purposes. For instance, many will remember the "Evening With Dickens," which was: so . successful, given for the, benefit of the library. The church donated its audience room to the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association for the state convention held in London in 1904. Many delightful musical .and literary entertainments were held here.... The church liars left a pleasing picture in the annual chrysanthemum show that was held for a number of years, when it Was transformed into a bower of beauty. It is endeared to many in its kindly friendships and a thousand sweet and happy associations. Just at present no regular services are :being held, but in looking over the past all will unite in agreeing that this pretty, quaint building has filled. a most. useful and beneficent place in the social life of London and vicinity.. Without doubt the doctrine expounded, that we should do right for the love of right, rather than through fear of future punishment for endless time, was a needed message to the wailing world. While Universalism as a separate creed may not in some localities have increased as rapidly as other denominations, the central thoughts of universalism have modified the 308 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. unqualified acceptance of the severer creeds of most other denominations: If a census of the- believers in universalism in other churches could be taken it would be found that Universelists have increased in very great proportion as time goes by The writer can remember well what. a popular question for country debates was that of everlasting punishment in that awful hot place, that some believers in it had ever ready for other people but not for themselves or their families. Indeed, the person at that time who thought a finite being could not commit an infinite sin was to some extent ostracized, a real martyr to his religion: and certainly needed all his faith in a God of love and mercy to endure the opposition, one might almost say persecution. One of my earliest recollections is of attending one of 'these debates: on the subject of eternal torment in which my father was one of the debaters for the Universalist side and I: was wonderfully impressed by it. We no longer hear Much of this question as a topic for a debate. The people have simply grown nearer together, it seems to me. Truly can the advocates of the hopeful, gentler philosophy' say with Markham, the poet of the twentieth century : "He drew a circle to shut me out— Heretic, rebel, a thing' to flout ; But' love and I had the Wit to win, We drew a circle that took him in." PLAIN CITY, UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. The history of the Universalist church of Plain City in reality dates as far back as the year 1832, when arrangements were made with the Rev. Chandler Rogers, then residing in the town of Worthington, Ohio to come to Plain City occasionally and preach. He agreed, to come and preach once a month, his compensation being only what he would derive from the penny collections. This was in 1832 and the reverend gentleman came near losing .his life that summer while returning home from his June appointment. The number of persons interested in the cause of Universalism became gradually stronger and in 1835 Reverend Jolly, of Jersey Licking county, Ohio, was chosen pastor. He was the first minister' regularly 'employed and was engaged to preach once a month. Reverend Jolly was an uncle to Zenas Rice, residing in town, and also of Joseph Rice, residing on the plains. He preached in an old school house which then stood about two and a half miles west of town. At the close of his pastorate Rev. William Y. Emmett was employed as the regular minister. He also preached In the school house mentioned above for a short time, or until Dr. D. K. Bigelow erected a barn on the farm later owned by Daniel Boyd, after which this barn was used for holding church services. The barn was filled to its utmost capacity every time services were held, persons sitting on the cross beams and large timbers: overhead. Seeing the congregation growing in numbers and interest Reverend Emmett took advantage of the situation and. proceeded: to effect an organization. The organization was finally effected in 1842, and Dr. D.: K. Bigelow; Elihu Knapp and E. C. Smith, Sr., were chosen- trustees., The articles of church government were written by Zenas Martin, a brother-in-law to Reverend Jelly, a former pastor. In the organization twenty-five persons united with the church, of whom the following is a complete list : D. C. Bigelow; Liddle Bigelow, Zenas Martin, Elmira Martin, E. C. Smith, Sr., Irena Smith, Asaph Allen, Aaron S. Curry, Hiram Dodge, Lucinda Baxter; Fannie Harrington, Elisha Cutler, D. C. Ellis, Mary L. Ellis, William Dougherty, Mary Dougherty, William Orr, Elihu Knapp; M. E. 'Curry, Abram Baxter, Clarinda Dodge, Emeline Stevens, Solon Harrington, Emma Cutler and Farmery Hemingway. Just previous to this organization, however, the spirit of Universalism was being aroused all over this section of the country as the natural result of the co-operation MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 309 and active labors of a few zealous workers. These were Rev. Truman Strong, Reverend Jolly and Timothy Bigelow. They are known by the Universalists as the pioneer ministers" of Ohio, and on horseback they traveled from place to place organizing societies and associations. An association was simply a district affair and was made up of representatives from the several churches in the district. The one to which the Plain. City church belonged was known as the Winchester association. These men went still further in their work and finally succeeded in organizing a supreme head for the church throughout the state, and this organization was termed the state convention, which name is still retained. The state convention consisted, of representatives from the association, but in. later years the associations were abandoned and the delegates are now sent direct from the several churches. The last meeting of the association for this district was held at Springfield, Ohio,. and the representatives, from Plain City were J. K. Holycross, E. C. Smith and Russell R Converse. Rev. William B. Linen assumed the pastorate of the church , here after the departure of Reverend Emmett, and occupied the position for three years. During his administration services were held in an old school house on the lot later owned and occupied by Mrs. Holleran, back of the present school building. The next minister to be called was Rev. Cyrus Filmore Wait. He arrived in Plain City in 1846 or 1847, and remained until after the opening of the Civil War. Soon after assuming the pastorate he showed, a desire for the congregation to possess a church building of its own, and at once started a movement among the members which finally resulted ;in the erection of the building on South Chillicothe street, which was torn down in September, 1889, .to make room for the present building. Finally agreeing to build a church, a building committee, consisting of Dr. D. K. Bigelow, Capt. E. C. Smith and Squire Elihu Knapp, was appointed and soon afterward the congregation purchased the ground for the building from the widow of Zenas Martin for the sum of seventy-five dollars.. John McCloud, later a lawyer and the man who, in 1853, taught the first public school in Plain City, together with Maturin Harris, opened a brickyard and proceeded to manufacture brick for the proposed church. Everything was got in readiness as soon as possible and William Allen, later a grocer in. Plain City, but then following his trade as a mason, went to work and put up the walls. There is no official record showing exactly when the building was commenced, but the memory of several fix the time as some time during the summer of 1848, while others say it was a year later. But be that as it may, the building was not completed and dedicated until in June, 1850. It was, however, the first regular church erected in the town, of Plain City.. Soon after the completion of the building the society. was reorganized ,and the former building committee was made a board of trustees, and Curtis McCloud was raised to the office of deacon. Two other deacons were elected at the same time, but their names are unknown at this late date. I. E. Bigelow was chosen clerk and treasurer, which office he held until during the Civil War. Reverend Wait was still pastor of the church and was well liked until he made an unwise expression in 1864. The excitement of the „war might have had something to do with it, but nothing was officially done until some time afterward, when the reverend gentleman announced that "since the death of Dr. D. K. Bigelow and E. C. Smith, Sr., there was nobody about Pleasant Valley worth saving." The society thought different and Reverend Wait was deposed, and for a time the congregation was without a minister. During the interim, or in the year 1864, Rev. J. W. Henley, who in after years served as pastor, arrived in Plain City and established .a Sunday school, this auxiliary to the church starting off under .the supervision and the superintendence of I. E. Bigelow and Mrs. Daniel Norton. The society needing a pastor and Rev. W. W. Norton thinking there were still 310 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. people in that vicinity who needed the benefits of the gospel, notwithstanding Reverend Wait's remark to the contrary, that gentleman assumed the pastorate of the church in 1865 and remained there until 1870, after which, and during Reverend Norton's administration, the affairs of the church moved along smoothly and harmoniously. Later ministers followed in the order named : 1870-71, Rev: S. P. Carlton; 1872-73, Rev. J. D. Laur; 1874-75; Rev. F: N. Glover; 1875-76, Rev. J. D. Laur ; 1876-79, Rev. N. A. Saxton; :1880-81, Reverend Crossley and wife, both ministers, and both of whom were employed, occupying the pulpit on alternate Sundays ; 1882-83, Rev. T. P. Abell ; 1883-84, Rev. :F. K. Beem ; 1885-88, Rev. J. W. Henley. The erection of a new church, was considered for some time, but under the impetus given by a series of meetings held in March, 1889, in which Rev. N. Crary and Doctor McLaughlin, of Westville, rendered valuable assistance to the pastor, the work was determined upon and subscriptions were circulated and liberal responses made, the largest being given by the late Elihu Knapp, who gave something over seven hundred dollars. The work looking practical, a building committee, consisting of R. H. Andrews, D. Holycross and J. H. Scott, was appointed, and after considering several plans, that presented by C. A. Stribling & Company, of Columbus, was adopted and work was begun about the first of September :following. The favorable weather during the fall and winter favored the steady progress of the work. The vestry, or Sunday school, room was completed about the holidays, and services were held therein until the main room was completed. The church stands on the east side of, South Chillicothe street, between the public school building on the north and the corporation building on the, south, and is centrally located. It is semi-Gothic in style, fronts fifty feet on the street and has a depth of forty feet. The vestibules at the corners are each twelve by twelve feet, and each affords an entrance to the auditorium.. That in the southwest corner is a tower in which hangs the bell, that for so many years called the members together in the old church. In the rear is a vestry, twenty-six by forty feet,. that is connected With the auditorium, with folding doors, so as to be available on important and special occasions. The windows are arched, and of stained glass. The internal arrangements of the church are of the most convenient and desirable character. The pulpit is placed at the west and above that is a large window of stained glass with the motto : "God is Love." The floor rises gently from the pulpit, having an inclination of twenty-two inches toward the vestry. The walls have a wainscoting four feet high, and the ceiling is of iron with steel finish, extending to the roof, the main trusses showing, the church being the first building in the town to be provided with an iron ceiling. The floors are carpeted throughout. The pews are of. a neat and comfortable pattern in oak, and are arranged in a semi-circle, thus bringing all in an easy relation to the pulpit. The choir is to the left of the pulpit and is supported by an excellent organ, the gift of Mrs. Ada Bradley. The cost of the church was seven thousand dollars. ALDER CHAPEL UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. Alder Chapel Universalist church was organized as a society in the spring of 1860, and was known as the First Universalist church of Jefferson township, though there had been occasional visits of Universalist ministers for years, directed to the interest of that vicinity. In the year the, society was organized, Thomas Timmons deeded a half acre of ground in consideration of fifty dollars, on which to erect a church building, and the same year a comfortable, plain, but neat structure, twenty-eight by forty feet, was erected, at a cost of about one thousand dollars, including the bell. It is quite Probable that the doctrine of the "glad, tidings which shall be for all people" was proclaimed to some of the first settlers years before. Certain it is that meetings were held by them in the school house in Jefferson as early as 1837. Before 1860 the scat- MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 311 tering friends of this faith, through the kindness of the Methodists, held meetings in an old hewed-log building—the original Foster Chapel—then standing a few, feet northeast of the Chauncey Beach monument: It was the understanding that the Universalists were to have certain times for holding their meeting's. It seems probable that the doctrines were becoming distasteful to some of the Methodists and' in mistaken zeal they undertook to destroy the Universalist worship. Certain it is that once when a Universalist preacher came from a distance to preach, he and his congregation found a Methodist congregation on the inside; and so he preached just on the outside. In justice, let it be said that the majority of the Methodists did not approve of the policy of some of their leaders, nor did their pastor, who scored them severely when he came to learn the true state of affairs. But it was too late, for a subscription paper had been passed around and about one thousand dollars pledged for building a Universalist church. This above information is given to answer the question why there are two churches side by side, and why not but one and that one a settlement house; But the modern critic does not understand the church spirit of that age. The same year this society was organized they erected a plain but neat church edifice twenty- eight by forty feet on one-half acre of land deeded to them by Thomas Timmons. When the building was completed the society lacked bout two hundred dollars with which to pay for same, and in order to obtain the key, Thomas Timmons and the three trustees, Henry Francis, George Pointer and James Huggett stood good for the amount and finally paid it. The church held occasional and sometimes regular services until March 15, 1870, when it was reorganized by Reverend Moore, at Which time and name. of Alder Chapel Universalist church was given to it. quite a number of that honorable name having just joined. This church has had quite a large membership in the past, but nearly all are dead or have moved away has held many grove meetings, in addition to other meetings; has contributed much to charitable enterprises; has helped to build Buchtill College and has been served by quite a number of the best preachers. Though now somewhat dormant, like other rural churches; yet the. flame of God's Holy Spirit has not ceased to burn upon its sacred altar. Its small Sunday school has this year (1915) sent out scientific temperance literature for twenty-five families. This chinch stands against the saloon. Its present officers are Pints High, trustee; H. D. Folmer, trustee and deacon; Ruth Stuckey, trustee and D; J. Cutler, clerk, The late H: C. Alder was treasurer. ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF LONDON. By E. R. Ebner In the early seventies there were quite a number of residents of London who had .formerly belonged to, the Lutheran. church, the grand old church of the Reformation, and who still clung to its teachings and cherished its doctrines. About the year, 1875; they arranged to have the preaching of the word, rented a room upstairs in the Buff block and secured. the services, at regular intervals, of students from the Capitol University at Columbus, which was under the auspices. of the joint synod of Ohio. Among those who were interested in the effort were Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Strauss, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Brobst and family, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. liner and family, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Placier and family, Mrs. Mary Weber, Mrs. John Speasmaker and. Mrs. Jacob Bescher, now Mrs. Henrietta Endress. In the summer of 1877, dissatisfied with their efforts under the direction of the joint synod of Ohio, the congregation decided to change to the general council branch of the church. After conversing with Rev. G. W. Mechling, of Lancaster, Ohio, who was then president of the district synod of Ohio, the latter referred the matter to Rev.: H. Peters, pastor of the First English Lutheran church of Columbus, Ohio, who soon 312 - MADISON .COUNTY, OHIO. came to London, and finding conditions favorable, arranged to hold regular preaching services, and that autumn the. congregation was formally organized as the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church, with. Rev. Mr. Peters as the first pastor. A hall was rented, in the second story of Stroup Brothers' grocery-store building, where the Spitler dry-goods store now stands. This was nicely furnished with a pulpit, pulpit, chairs, a melodion, loaned by Mrs. Brobst, and a suitable number of chairs to seat a congregation. Hymn books were purchased for the church and Sunday school and other literature of various, kinds provided for the different branches of church activities. During the winter of 1880-81, this building burned with all its contents. This was a sad blow to the young congregation, as they carried no insurance on anything they bad. They were without a pastor, as Rev. Mr. Peters had been called to serve in another field some months previous; but, nothing daunted, they rented a room in the Cartzdafner building across the street and started anew. They realized more than ever the need of their own church building, and, with faith in God and determined effort, pressed toward this end. They had purchased a lot on the corner of Second and Walnut streets some years before, so with the added urging of their misfortune they now hastened to make this dream a reality. . On August 7, 1881, the corner stone of the new structure was laid with appropriate exercises, and the following year, 1882, on June 11, the edifice was dedicated. In the meantime, Rev. W. H. Brown had become pastor and during his residence in. London the parsonage was built; Succeeding Reverend Brown, the pastors who served this congregation were. the following in the order named: Revs. J. Snyder, J. Weber, A. H. Kennard, C. E. Schweikert, A. J. Roll and Paul Siebert. During two years Rev. M. L. Wagner, of Dayton, conducted services at regular intervals, and at present Rev. S. P. Stupp, of Springfield, is serving in this capacity. During the year 1888 the ladies of the church organized a ,society which they called the Dorcas society. The first meeting was held on the 15th of February, that year, at the church, with fifteen energetic ladies in attendance and twenty-one names on the membership roll. The following officers were elected at that meeting: President, Mrs. Rev. John Snyder; vice-president, Miss Mary Mitchell, now Mrs. John Hanson; secretary, Miss Anna Ebner; treasurer, Miss Lizzie Mitchell. The purpose of this organization was to unite in performing good work for their church and for the advancement of the cause of Christ. The earnest co-operation of all was required, as they proposed to begin by giving their assistance in first paying off the debt arising from the construction of their new edifice, which they succeeded in doing within a very short period of time. Several of the charter members of the Dorcas society have passed away. They are: Mrs. Christopher Strauss, Mrs. John Speasmaker, Mrs. E. R. Ebner and Mrs. Fred Placier. Mrs. Mary Weber has withdrawn on account of old age: This society has been 'so successful in all its undertakings that it has become necessary to the church in its work and without it the congregation feels that it would be entirely wanting. ANTIOCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH. It appears that the first religious society to enter Pleasant township and to organize for church work was the Christian denomination and their first church was what is now known as the Antioch Christian church. On June 30, 1812, a few persons of the Christian faith assembled at the house of Forgus Graham, and entered into a compact as follows: "We, the undersigned Christians, hereby organize ourselves into church fellowship by taking the Bible as our only rule of faith and practice, and Christian character as our only test of fellowship, and Christian as the only name, and to be MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 313 known as the Deer Creek Christian Church." This was signed by the following : Forgus Graham, Betsey Graham, Malinda Graham, Francis Grant, Nancy Grant, James Graham, Polly Graham, Holing Graham, Holing Grant, Betsey Grant, Samuel Powell and Betsey Powell. A few other names. were added later. They had no church building but the society had preaching at the house of Forgus Graham for many years; occasionally, however, preaching services being held at other homes in the neighborhood. In those times, when the country was sparsely settled, and roads were few and muddy, it was difficult to hold preaching with any regularity; hence the people often became negligent of church duties and the church would have to be reorganized. This was the condition of this church. It was reorganized on February 27, 1825, under the name as given above. And again, March 25, 1832,, it was reorganized, under the same name, with Forgus Graham and John Alkire as elders ; Patrick Davidson and John Graham, deacons, and John Graham, clerk. The next and final reorganization was effected on February 13, 1854, by Elder Samuel Wilson and Cyrus Gordy, under its old name. In September, 1858, money was raised by subscription and a house. was erected for church purposes, which was formally dedicated on November 21, 1858, by Elder Dr. Dawson, at which time it was decided that it should thereafter be known as the "Antioch Christian Church." In 1864, the following persons were elected trustees: John M. Smith, John S. Robison, A. N. Wilson, H. G. C. Alkire and F. O. P. Graham. Rev. M. M. Lohr was the pastor in 1882. The present pastor is Rev. C. C. Ryan. This church is a station of the Mt. Sterling circuit. MT. STERLING CHRISTIAN CHURCH. It is believed that soon after the organization of the Antioch Christian church, that congregation received some members from the vicinity of what is now Mt. Sterling, and that they continued to meet with the Antioch brethren, and were identified with them in church relationship until about the year 1825, when the Mt. Sterling Christian church was organized with the following members: George Hornbeck and wife, John R. Robison and wife, John J. Smith, Pleasant Southward and wife, Mary Alkire and George Alkire, with John R. Robison and George Hornbeck, as deacons, and George Hornbeck, clerk. The first pastors who ministered to the church were James Burbridge, Forgus Graham, Daniel Long and George Alkire. For several years services were held in private houses, and among the houses where they most frequently met were those of George Hornbeck, Mary Alkire, John J. Smith, John R. Robison and George Alkire. In 1837, they erected a brick house for church purposes, on the site of the present building. This house served the church for several years. but was from the time of its erection a defective building, and was finally pronounced unsafe and taken down. The membership of the society became greatly reduced by deaths and removals, and finally the organization ceased to have an existence. From that time there was occasional preaching by various ministers of the denomination. services being held in the Methodist church, but not until February 3, 1870, did the church. again have an identity as a religious body. At that date the church was reorganized by Rev. W. N. Overturf, with fifteen members, of whom F. 0. P. Graham and D. E. Robison, were made deacons; B. F. Thomas, clerk, and William Heath, John R. Robison and B. F. Thomas, trustees. During the year 1871, a neat and substantial brick church was erected and was furnished at a cost of about four thousand two hundred dollars, in which house a Sunday school was formed which has continued to flourish to the present time. There services were held regularly every alternate Sunday for many years and now are held every Sunday. In 1907, the old brick building was removed and the present beautiful brick structure was erected. The present pastor is Rev. C. C. Ryan. 314 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. GRASSY POINT CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The Grassy Point Christian church was organized in 1832, by Rev. Joseph Thomas, better known as the "White Pilgrim,"' with thirty original members, a part of whom were : Joseph Thomas, Jr., Samuel Hornbeck, Thomas Green, Margaret Green, James Hornbeck, Catharine Messmore, Samuel Messmore, Sarah Thomas, Maria Hornbeck, Polly Carr, John Lohr and Sophronia Carr. Preaching and services were held for several years at the house of Reverend Thomas. About the year 1845, under the preach- of Rev. Joseph Thomas, Jr., a hewed-log house was erected for church purposes, in which services held for a period of about fifteen years. The church grew in number, strength and usefulness, and about 1860 a frame building was erected and dedicated to the service God in 1861. Rev. Joseph Thomas; the organizer, was the first minister and was followed by Enoch Harvey, James McInturf, Joseph Thomas, Jr., John Greene, Benjamin Seaver, Louis Greene, James Hornbeck, Daniel Griffin, Caleb Morse; W. N. Overturf, Jonatha Pugh, W. B. Fuller and W. N. Overturf. Since the Organization of the church, there have beet enrolled nearly eight hundred members. The church is situated in a fine country, and in a neighborhood of church-going people. FAIR PLAIN CHRISTIAN CHURCH. In 1872, under the auspices of several persons of the Christian faith, a Sunday school was organized at the Finley school house; and from: that time commenced to have occasional preaching at the school house by various volunteer preachers, until, on December 13, 1875, under Rev. William Webb, a church .organization was effected, consisting of the following thirteen members: R. NagIey, J. W. Prugh, W. A. Finley, D. W. Finley, John Armentrout, J. M. Bradley, S. M. Prugh, A. Nagley, R. J. Finley, N. Armentrout, C. B. Prugh, R. Finley and S. Bradley, with J. W. Prugh as deacon. They had preaching regularly once a month, and during the year 1876 several members were added to the church. From the time of their organization they had a minister employed to preach to them once a month, with the exception of 1880, during which year they had no minister. Rev. S. A. Canis was the pastor in 1883, when the membership had fallen to twenty-one enrolled names. The church was discontinued a few years later. LAFAYETTE CHRISTIAN CHURCH A Christian church was organized at Lafayette about 1843, when the following per--sons, under the leadership of Rev. Jesse B. Ferguson; met and organized themselves as a Christian, or Disciple, church: T. J. Shryack; Ann Minter, Joseph Rafferty and wife, William Rafferty and wife, William Foos and wife, and Nacy Marks, nine Persons in during the year many additions were made and soon the congregation consisted of forty-three persons. Meetings were held and preaching dispensed in the school house until 1849, when a frame house was erected which served for many years. The church was quite prosperous for some time, and reached: a membership of about eighty persons. The lot for the church was donated by William Minter for that purpose. The first minister was Rev. Jesse. B..Ferguson, who was succeeded by James Henry, and he by Rolla Henry, after which there was no regular minister and the church began to lose its vitality. The membership decreased, the organization was abandoned; and the church building was sold in 1877, since which time there has been no organization of that denomination in Deer Creek township. SUMMERFORD CHRISTIAN CHURCH. By Mrs. Mary Earson Dhume. The Christian church at Summerford was formally organized on May 1, 1847, by Daniel Sommers and John Zimmerman with six members: Daniel and Rachel Sommers, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 315 John and Martha Zimmerman and John and Judy Bradley. These members adopted the following covenant : "We, the Christian church, take no other name but the name that was given the disciples at Antioch (Acts XI :26). We take no other discipline for our rule of faith and practice but the word of God, which we do sincerely and firmly believe to be an all-sufficient rule for all Christians to be governed by 411 scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for construction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished unto all good work. Although the church was weak for some years after its organization; yet by 1850 they were able to build a house of worship. This continued in use until 1898, when preparations were made for the erection of a new building. This building was dedicated on June 4, 1899, by Rev. D. A. Long. In the summer of 1914 the church was: completely remodeled and on Thanksgiving day, 1914, was rededicated with appropriate ceremonies. Many ministers of unusual ability have served this church during its long. career. For the first two years (1847-49). Elders Daniel Sommers and John Zimmerman preached alternately in private homes and added only three Members during this time. Samuel Wilson (1849-53) was the first regular pastor and not only built a church, but, what was far more important, added sixty-five members to the church roll. The pastorate of C. A. Morse (1853-56) saw the addition of thirty-five members. Daniel Griffis (1856-64) was a very effective preacher and brought one hundred and twenty-five members into the church. The two years service (1864-66) of William S. Manville was productive of forty-two new members. The next pastor, William Overtur (1866-82), labored faithfully for sixteen years and added an average of twenty, members each year, bringing in a total of three hundred, and twenty new members into the fold of the Church. Since 1882 the following pastors. have served the church : C. L. Wingett, 1882-85; A. C. Haner, 1885-88; S. A. Carlo, 1888-90; Charles Jones, 1890-91; S. F. Morris, 1891-94 ; S. D. Bennett, 1894-96; 'Hugh A. Smith,' 1896-97;' R. H. McDaniel, 1897-99; Mills Harrod, 1899-1900; S.. NI, Millholland, 1900-02; Albert Dunlap, 1902-04 ; J. B. Hagens, 1904-05; H. J. Duckworth, 1905- 07; J. A. Hagens, 1907-09; A. W. Hook, 1909-10.; O. W. Powers, 1910-11; E. C. Klink, 191112; R. G. Mell, 1912-14; S. D. Bennett, 1914-15, and J. E. Spriggs, 1915. Reverend Bennett was the pastor the four years prior to February, 1915, and Rev. Spriggs served the church from February to August, 1915. Since the organization of the church in 1847 about seven hundred have been enrolled as members; the present membership is one hundred and twenty-five. There are two members who united with the church during the first ten years of its career who are still living, Mrs. Jane Prugh Fauver and Mrs. Ellen Prugh Wilson. The first pastor received thirty dollar's a year for his services; the present pastor is paid three hundred dollars annually and preaches every other Sunday. It is not known when the first Sunday school was organized; but Gabriel Prugh was the first superintendent. The Christian Endeavor Society was organized under the pastorate of Reverend Bennett by Rev. H. E. Butler in 1895, and Walter B. Earsom, now deceased, was its first president. The Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1900 under the pastorate of Reverend McDaniel. It was a noteworthy fact that the first session of the conference of this district was held at Summerford on August 23-24, 1850. The minutes of that meeting make the statement that "At candle-lighting there was sermon by Brother Ellis. SUMMERFORD DUNKARD CHURCH The only Dunkard church in Madison county is located at Summerford and within the next few years, it will be a thing of the past. The church was organized in 1867 and the building stood a Mile and a half west of the town until 1908, when it was moved to the town. The records of the church have been lost and consequently it is impossible to 316 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. furnish, a list of the charter members. There are only twelve members now living and the youngest of these is sixty-eight, Mrs. Elizabeth, aged seventy-six, is the oldest living member of the church. In the summer of 1908 the building was torn down and the same :lumber used in rebuilding the church in Summerford, the only new material being the. slate rooffing. It was rededicated in November, 1908, and since then the various ministers. have; served the church once a month without pay. Among these self-sacrificing pastors may be mentioned David Leatherman, Ida Miller, David Dredge, William Piper and Henry Sandy. The congregation still observes the annual footwashing ceremony each fall. It. ,is interesting to note. the various names . by which this denomination has been called. They were first known as German Baptists, later Dunkards .and still later Brethren. The old members now refer to their- church as the Church of the Brethren, .although they are .commonly known in the community as Dunkards.. No new members have been taken in for the past several years, and with the death of the few remaining members the church will be closed forever in Summerford. LILLY CHAPEL, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Lilly Chapel of the Evangelical Lutheran church was organized on Christmas day, 1880, with the following charter members: Louis Gierich, John Gierich, Charles Grassley, Henry Wise, J. F, Schwartz, Lawrence Miller, John Manz, Michael Billman, August Kuntz and Mrs. H. Young. Two years after the church was organized, a brick house of worship was erected at a cost of thirty-six hundred dollars.. Since the church has been organized the. following pastors, have served the congregation : H. Peters, John Snyder, J. Weber, Reverend. Kinard, J. Rumbarger, C. E. Schweikert, A. J. Hall, Reverend Stupp and G. Schmogrow. The present membership is twenty. DENNISON CHAPEL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. The Dennison Chapel United Brethren church was started about the year 1849, when a class was formed at the old log school house which stood on the farm of Lemuel Lawrence, with thirteen members, a few of whom were John Creath, James Dennison, W. Estep, Elizabeth Dennison, Michael Robey, Jesse Tommons, with Joseph Timmons as class leader. They had preaching every three weeks in the old school house. Their first minister was the Rev. Jesse Bright. Subsequently, they held their meetings for awhile at the house of William Peel, who then lived on the Lawrence farm. About 1852 or 1853, they built a log house for church purposes, each person furnishing specified number of logs. It was built on the lot on which the present church stands and was large and commodious. The church burned down in 1860, but efforts towards o new building were at once started, and in 1861, the present frame building was erected, and was dedicated, in the fall of that year, by Rev. Joseph M. Spangler, presiding elder of the Winchester district, in the Scioto conference. The church prospered and increased in membership quite rapidly under the faithful and earnest labors of Rev, William Ferguson, James Ross and others, and at one time the membership numbered over one hundred and forty. Subsequently the church declined, one among the Various causes of decrease being a heavy emigration to the state of Missouri. However, the church is still prosperous. The church building is in very good repair and presents a beautiful appearance, surrounded with its burial ground. Rev. L. L. Harris is the present pastor. TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF LONDON. By Kate Farrar Wilson. The history of Trinity Episcopal church in London seems to fall into periods. As far as can be ascertained, the first prayer-book service was held in the early spring of the year 1855. In his report as rector of St. John's parish, Worthington, Ohio, MADISON. COUNTY, OHIO - 317 printed in the journal of the diocesan convention of 1856 the Rev. Mr. Roberts includes the following : The rector has also been engaged in a missionary enterprise in the town of London, capital of Madison county, Ohio, where services have been held twice a day on the third Sunday in the month, in the Presbyterian church, corner of Fifth and Oak streets." Of the church people resident in and about London at this time, these first services were due to the efforts of Jonathan Farrar. At a meeting held on June 28, 1858, at his residence, South Main street, after devotions conducted by Rev. Mr. Robbins, a parish church was organized, called Christ Protestant Episcopal church. The vestrymen chosen were Jonathan Farrar, Richard Cowling, Edward Cowling, Jesse M. Dungan, Dr. U. S. Darling, B. G. Custer, Edwin Bird, James Baker and D. M. Creighton. Jonathan Farrar was chosen senior warden ; Edward Cowling, junior warden, and D. M. Creighton, treasurer. The Rev. Mr. Robbins was extended a call and became the first rector of the newly organized church, which was incorporated on November 23, 1859. From the years 1860 to 1870 we find many familiar names: Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin Gwynne and child, Edminston; Mr. George Lincoln and wife, Harriet Mathews Lincoln and child, John Ashley, Mrs. George Mitchell, Mrs. Jacob Peetrey, Mrs. Georgia Kellogg Gould, Mr. Edward J. Gould, Mrs. Sobrina Custer (wife of Benjamin G. Custer), Mr and Mrs. John Chambers. The church record states that in 1872, the period of revival, the chief figure still was Jonathan Farrar, a devout and unassuming churchman, whom local prints of the day describe as a venerable patriarch, and his fellow-laborer was Edward Cowling, also a devout and earnest churchman. In a later record we read : Thomas J. Bolds was for many years senior warden, conscientiously and efficiently performing all the requirements of that office, zealous in all the interests' of the church." Mr. Bolds entered into rest, July 1. 1901. having served as a committeeman almost constantly from his confirmation in 1877. He had been to the church for many years what Jonathan Farrar had been in years gone by. He provided that his property should 'eventually pass into the hands of the church committee as a permanent endowment. His wife, Francini Bryan, was equally zealous in all that pertained to the welfare of the church. An altar in memory of Mr. Bolds was given by the congregation, and a few outside friends. Mr. Charles Butler was for twenty-two years on the executive committee, while his wife, Mrs. Jane Wand Butler, was an active and energetic officer in the Ladies' Guild. Mr. and Mrs. Butler presented to the church a beautiful eagle lectern in memory of Mrs. Butler's mother, Mrs. Aquilla Toland. This lectern was the work of R. Geissler, New York City. Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Hubbard presented a handsome silver Om-minion set. Mrs. Hubbard was made the president of the first ladies' guild that was organized. The ladies of this guild held a very successful entertainment, "The Centennial Tea Party," the 22d and: 23d of December, 1875, the net proceeds being three hundred and twenty-five dollars. The character of Martha Washington was taken the first clay by Mrs. Walter Dun, who presided over the party ; the second by Mrs. S. J. Hubbard. It is stated in the minutes of the guild that no raffling or other questionable methods were used. In soliciting subscriptions special mention must be made of Miss Margaret Hubbard, who contributed liberally, and also rendered valuable assistance in collecting. Miss Annette Phelps who, although for several years a teacher in Hillsboro, Columbus and Ohio Wesleyan College, now became a permanent resident of London as the bride of Hon. George Lincoln. As a proof of her loyalty to the church, Mrs. Lincoln left a substantial legacy, which will in time prove a very valuable asset to the finances of Trinity church. At her death she was laid to rest in Kirkwood cemetery with the beautiful Episcopal (prayer) services by the Rev. Dr. Jacob Streibert. The second period began on September 1, 1875, when the Rev. John Ely was made 318 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO general missionary for central Ohio with headquarters. at Yellow Springs, On November  he conducted his first service which was the first held in the community for two years; the, congregation assembling 44; the village council chamber.; On the evening of Friday, December 10, the Right Rey. Thomas Jaggar, bishop of the newly organized diocese of southern, Ohio, assisted by Rev. Mr. Ely, conducted services in the Methodist Episcopal !church, and on the following day organized the present mission giving it the name. of Trinity. 4 February, 21, )1877, Bishop Jaggar administered confirmation. to. the first class received in the history; of the church. It was, during this period, that the need and the desire were felt to build this present church. The plans were made and eventually a lot was secured.; and a house of worship erected through the generosity, of the .communicants and their. many friends. The largest single subscription, two hundred. dollars was given by Mrs. Baldwin Gwynne. Two subscriptions of one hundred and ..fifty dollars each were given by Messrs. Bolds and Charles Butler. The Rev. Mr. Bower -gave one hundred dollars. Sums of fifty dollars each were subscribed by Mr. A. C. Watson, Dr. H.J. Sharp, Mrs. .S,. J. Hubbard, and Mrs. Margaret Johnston Dooris, making it possible for ,Trinity church to be consecrated,. November 16, 1878, by the Right Rev. Bishop Jaggar, assisted by clergymen from Cincinnati, Pomeroy, Springfield, Kenyon College and New York. A very pleasant entertainment "The Kettle-Drum" was given, at which. General Beatty made. the principal address. The following responded to "toasts" : Messrs. George Lincoln, John F. Locke, M. J. O'Donnell and the Rev. Mr. Patterson. During the year 1883 Mrs. Margaret Johnston Dooris presented the church with a handsomely-carved bishop's chair, the work of Mr. Henry L. Fry, of Cincinnati; also beautiful linen, for use in holy communion embroidered by her daughter. On Easter Sunday. the Rev. J. Mills, Kendrick, bishop of New Mexico and Arizona, consecrated. a baptismal font presented by Dr. .and Mrs. H. J. Sharp. in memory of .their, children, Rena and. Madaline. An chancel rail, constructed by Mr. Gould. and paid for by funds raised by Miss Jennie Hubbard (Mrs. Xerxes Farrar), Etta Peetrey (Mrs. Gideon Clark), and Mrs. Effie Custer Rankin (Mrs. Harford Rankin) was an added improvement and was greatly appreciated. The vestry room was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. John Pancake, consisting of a walnut wardrobe, mirror, toilet set and linen towels. Mrs. Pancake was always thoughtful for, the comfort of others. They also. gave a set of fine. altar linen. The Misses Mary and Florence Thomas presented violet hangings to adorn the chancel from J. and R. Lamb, New York. Other helpful communicants at that time were Col. H. H. Prettyman and wife, Mrs. May B. Prettyman (Morse)., who gave most valuable and pecuniary assistance. Both have served very efficiently on the church committee. Among other gifts made were an altar-rail, in .memory of Algiers C. Watson, whose fidelity is recorded, Also a brass altar' cross, memory of Robert Pierre Edwards, whose beautiful young life was lost to the church. An altar prayer book was given by the Misses Margaret and Sallie Dooris, in memory .of their sister, Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas. It is a joy to have gleaned the following, from the church record of the special ,mention of Mrs. John Farrar, the secretary and treasurer .of the united offering, was written, by the rector : "The writer desires o record his, appreciation and that of the church, of not only this but many other of her, good works, and to record, in a way, many others still of which the mission, though directly or indirectly the beneficiary, has no knowledge." Mrs. Farrar at the present time still retains the, same office, is vitally interested in its welfare and is reverently designated the mother of our church. Mrs. Ida Farrar Porter, who was a faithful communicant "entered into rest" on September 27, 1908. She was especially interested and unceasing in her efforts, in behalf of, the young people, ever seeking to inculcate in them a spirit of reverence for the church and all things pertaining thereto. She longed for its growth and upbuilding, and left a perpetual endowment, which has increased in MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 319 value and is a present aid. to the church. Special mention is made of Mr. Noah Thomas. who, although an unconfirmed member, served for two years as committeeman and gave his voice and presence to the services aiding, much thereby, which, was greatly appreciated Mrs. Catalina Bail,, one of our older communicants, made a beautiful, gift of brass altar vases, and also gave generously to the needs! of the Sunday school. The. Misses. Margaret and Sallie, Dooris are ever zealous in the progress and, growth of the church, Miss Sallie being the organist and has the supervision of the Sunday school, which sends annually, a generous offering for. missions. Mrs. Shields has for many years shared these duties. Mrs. Guy Underwood, during her residence, ,has .accomplished much.. and, given her voice in the music which forms,. such an important part in the services. Mrs. May M. Rowland, the president of the woman's auxiliary, with the aid of the members, has done good work in making and sending boxes of clothing and assisting in other ways smaller and needy missions. The writer has not given the, names of the. officiating clergymen, as the. record seems to show only a succession of activity, change and apathy, and for lack of space has omitted the names of many persons who were ardent: in the work of the church during their limited residence in London. The. Rev. Dr, Jacob Streibert of Kenyon, College, came for services continuously each Sabbath for some years, and has an abiding interest. in Trinity church, making many lasting friendships both amongst his parishioners and citizens. For years Doctor Streibert celebrated holy communion monthly, while Mr. Frank Nelson, lay reader, conducted services the remaining three Sabbaths: His untiring energy and conscientious ability were greatly appreciated. Mr. and. Mrs. Nelson, their family. and Miss Gertrude Dun entwined themselves into all hearts. Mr: Nelson felt with his many duties he had not the time needed for the growth of the church and urged that we have a resident priest. Mr. and Mrs: Nelson presented in loving memory of the-mother of each, a most beautiful and exquisitely embroidered altar cloth, the design being the passion vine. A resident priest was appointed in the person. of Rev. Charles E. Oswald, who was followed by the present rector, Rev. C. C. Schmeiser. The outlook for the future is most encouraging. Theodore Irving Reese, D. D., bishop, with Mr. John Pancake, senior warden and treasurer, faithful and efficient in all duties pertaining to the church, purchased the beautiful lot, corner of Main and Fifth streets, to which the church was moved in. the summer of 1915 and improved to the extent of several hundred dollars. There are at present one hundred and four communicant members. DUN LAWN EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The lot upon which this church was built was given or leased by Mrs. Mary A. Thurman for the purpose of a church which should be open and free for all denominations in which to worship. It was deeded in trust to D. W. C. Sawyer, Walter A. Dun and Robert G. Dun, the lease to be perpetual as long as' the church remained in use for the specified purpose. In 1858, a neat frame building was erected by the following persons : Jolin G. Dun, James Dun, R. G. Dun, D. C. Sawyer,: W. A. Dun, Mrs. Mary, A. Thurman and Mrs. Nathaniel Sawyer and the first minister, who preached there Rev. erend Finley. of London. The church stood in the extreme northern, part of Deer Creek township on the Urbana, Mechanicsburg and Jefferson pike. Services in this church have long been discontinued. The Protestant Episcopal church. came to have control of it a bout 1885. and for a time it was served by the pastor of the London church, services having been held in the church up church up June, 1890. ANTIOCH MISSION UNION WEST JEFFERSON. The Antic Mission Union Church began its work on the streets of West Jefferson in October, 1907. In November a that year the weather becoming too cold for street. 320 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO work, the old colored church was obtained for the repairing. After giving it a good cleaning— it had been unoccupied - repairing the roof and putting in new window lights, a four Weeks' revival was held, during which mote than one hundred came to the altar at the call of Rev. Mrs. Jenny Lind and professed their faith in God. After the revival the old church was rented at the cost of four dollars a month and there services were held until June 1, 1910. At the first preaching service of this mission there were but six present: at the second meeting there were ten ; at the third; twenty-five. The first Sunday night of the revival mentioned above the old church, was crowded to its doors. On moving into the old church building a Sunday school was organized and fifty children were there to enroll on the first day. In 1910 a campaign was started for the building of a church. This campaign was very successful and on June 26, 1910, the new mission house, to be known as Antioch mission, was dedicated to the services of God. This building is a comfortable neat frame structure thirty-six by sixty feet, with a seating capacity of about five hundred people. The material in the building cost about two thousand dollars, and nearly all the labor of construction was donated. This debt was all paid off within sixteen months. There are at present two hundred and sixty-eight members of the mission. There are one hundred and, sixteen names enrolled on the cradle roll, and one hundred and seventy-five enrolled in the Sunday school. The Sunday school, is conducted by a superintendent, a treasurer and nine teachers, Elmer Rhodes being the superintendent. Since the. dedication of the church a primary room has been added to the building, at a cost of a little over three hundred, dollars; also a vestibule at the front of the building, which cost one hundred and sixty-five dollars. The church recently has been papered and the interior varnished and now presents a very pleasing interior. The secret of the great success of the mission has been the great zeal and interest manifested by its leaders, No officer—from the preacher to the janitor—receives even the smallest salary Rev: Mrs. Jennie Lind, the founder and the leader of the mission, has been faithful to her call for nearly seven years and her mission is steadily growing in numbers and strength,  UNION CHURCH AT AMITY. about 1866-67 by the combined efforts of the citizens of that community, led by Rev. George Hathaway who labored diligently, a sufficient sum of money was raised, a good, comfortable, frame building was erected and a union church was organized at Amity, the same being dedicated to service the year in which it was built. The building remained a "union" church, in which various denominations held services, and where at one time a union organization was maintained for many years. The building still stands, in a very dilapidated condition. There have been no services held, in it since 1910. ROSEDALE UNION CHURCH The Union church at Rosedale was first started, it is thought, about twenty-five years ago the lot on which the building is, erected having been donated by Charles Phellis was built originally as a "union" church, but was in the hands of the Methodists for many years and was on the same circuit as Irwin, Milford, Center and Lewis Chapel. The church is without a regular pastor. at present, Rev. Frank Tooton having been the last who served the congregation. A Sunday school is maintained, of which M. E. Thomas is the superintendent. The trustees of the church are Mrs. Lily McCarty, Eugene Thomas, Lewis Burnham, Pearl Stoddard and Charles P. Guy. ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH OF LONDON. The absence of records or any other documentary sources makes it impossible to state with any degree of accuracy the date of the first Catholic services that were held MADISON. COUNTY, OHIO - 321 in London, or the names of the persons participating. The building of the Columbus & Xenia railroad through London took place during the years 1848-49; and about that time several. Catholic families located in this neighborhood. From scattered sources there seems to be positive: assurance that mass was first celebrated in London in the year 1849; and though there is much room for doubt, there is reasonable data to establish the fact that Father Kelliher is the one to whom that honor belongs. However, it should not be forgotten that there is respectable authority for the statement that Father Borgess, later bishop of Detroit, preceded Father Kelliher: The workmen engaged in the construction of the railroad mentioned above, as was common in those days, lived in camps or sought lodging accomtnodations where most convenient. At that time a man of the name of McGuire kept a boarding-house in what is now commonly known as "The Porch" property, corner of Second and Walnut streets, and it seems to have been in that dingy dwelling that the first mass was celebrated in London; with the few Irishmen and their families assisting. This service was participated in thereafter, at intervals of three months, from 1849 to 1851. In the latter year the Catholic population increased so rapidly that the attention of Father Maurice Howard, of Springfield, was arrested, and he was awakened to the necessity of making more generous and regular provision for the spiritual wants of the newcomers. During the four or five following years mass was read monthly and the sacraments administered as occasion demanded in different private dwellings; but most frequently, according to tradition, in the home of Thomas Singleton. Early in 1852, among the families residing in the town and neighborhood were John Dwyer and family, Philip Lackey and family, Thomas Singleton and family; Michael McCarty and family, Edward Donahue and family, Daniel Graham and family; John Fogerty and family, Thomas Kennally and family, Patrick Masterson and family, James McCarty and fatally During the two years, 1851-52, Father Maurice Howard had undivided supervision of this mission. From 1852 to 1856, Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia, attended to the duties connected therewith, and was assisted at various times by Fathers J. N. Thisse and D. J. Cogan, both of . Springfield. After the building of the Phifer House; on the corner of Main and High streets, mass was celebrated in the Phifer House hall until 1856, in which year a lot was purchased on Center street, near Main, and a small frame church was erected thereon, the same being dedicated in the fall of that year. This modest edifice was used as a house of worship in St. Patrick's parish until the completion of the second church building, in 1866: On Christmas Day, 1864, Rev. Father John M. Conway became; the first resident priest of the London parish. Father Conway was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1842, At age of nine he accompanied his parents to this country, the family settling at Blanchester, Clinton county, Ohio. After some years spent his the local school, in 1856 he entered the seminary priesthood himself for the priesthood. Father Conway, as report has it, was well equipped mentally, and after a brilliant course was on the 17th of December, 1864, ordained and was immediately assigned to London. His first mass was celebrated in the street, which on center Street, which at that time was in a rapidly decaying condition. He at once get himself resolutely to the task of securing a location and erecting a church in a more central part and as a result of his labor, soon was able to build, on the site of the present church, an edifice more in keeping with the time in which he lived. The ground on which this building stood and upon which the present beautiful church stands, situated on the corner of Second and Union streets, was purchased of James Dwyer and building was begun in the summer of 1865. The church was of Gothic style of architecture, one hundred (21) 322 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. feet in length by fifty feet in width, with a thirty-eight foot ceiling ; at the west end was a gallery for the choir and organ, extending the whole width of the building ; the tower was one hundred and ten feet: in height, slated at the top, and the windows were twelve feet high filled with beautiful and costly .stained glass. The cost of this building, with organ and bell, was twenty:two thousand dollars. In Its day.it was the largest .church in the county and would seat about one thousand persons. The cornerstone of this edifice was September 17, 1865. Bishop Sylvester H. Rosecrans delivered, an explanatory discourse on the Catholic faith, immediately after which he administered confirmation to about fifty persons. A small tin box, containing the date of the ceremonies, the names of the bishop, pastor and other facts relating to the church, was deposited: in the cornerstone. The building was dedicated by Archbishop John B. Purcell on Sunday, November 18, 1866. Many visitors. came from the neighboring cities, and at eleven o'clock a grand procession, was formed at the old church, headed by a Columbus band, and proceeded to the new church. It was impossible for one-half of the crowd to get within the walls of the building. The archbishop delivered a short discourse outdoors, after which the crowd, was admitted inside. The building was not yet seated, but, it was supposed that fifteen hundred persons were admitted. The music on the occasion was furnished, by the choir. of St. Patrick's church ..of. Columbus: The following church. dignitaries were in. attendance 'tom abroad:. Archbishop John. B. Purcell, from Cincinnati; Rev. Father Edward Fitzgerald, of Columbus; Rev. Father Joseph Retcker, D. D, Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati; Rev. Father Thomas Blake of Xenia, and Rev. Father J. N. Thisse, of Springfield. Never of a rugged constitution, Father Conway, in 1877, was compelled to seek restoration of his: health. in a more.. congenial climate and went to California.. His health rapidly improved and in a short time he was assigned to a parish in the distant West. His efforts permanently to regain his health were not rewarded, however, and he died in California and was buried on the 13th of August; 1896, from the church he built in London, his first love In a short sketch of his life from the pen of the Rev. Father P. H. Cusack the following is, found : "When we consider the almost impassable condition of the roads of Madison county during the first years of Father Conway's labors, .the long distances he had to journey by day and by night to visit the sick and the dying, the slender resources on which he had to draw, and that his work was done almost single-handed, we marvel at his courage and perseverance." Rev. Father John. Conway was pastor of St., Patrick's church from Christmas, 1864, until June, 1877, his assistants having been the. Rev. Fathers J. Maroney and Rowekamp. During, Father Conway's absence from the church while, in Europe, the priests of St. Patrick's church were the Rev. Fathers P. H. Cusack, J. J. Kennedy and ,B. F. Mueller. Rev. Father Michael Hayes served from June, 1877, until August, 1878. Rey; Father. James Burns, from August, 1878, until January, 1881, with assistants, Fathers Michael Hayes and Charles M.cCallion. From January to October, 1881; Rev. Father Brummer. Rev. Father Clement M. Berding, October, 1881, .until 1884; assistant. Rev. Father' James O'Kieffe. .Rev. Father William D; Hickey, 1884 until 1891. Rev. Father Francis M. Wimsey, 1891 until 1894.; . assistants, Fathers Shea and Denning. Rev. Father Patrick. Cusack, 1894 until 1906;. assistants, Rev. Fathers Connelly, Clark, Cotter and Dennis M. .Halpin. Rev. Father Abraham McNamara took charge on January 1, 1906, and is the present priest During the interim intervening between the pastorate of Father Conway and the advent of Father McNamara, in 1906 scarcely any improvement was made. on the property of the church; the property of the parish bore approximately the same relation to the times as it did upon the arrival of Father Conway. To the remedy of these MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 323 conditions Father McNamara. devoted years of industry, energy and perseverance which, bore fruit in the present becoming, modern and. beautiful structure at a total cost, in money, of the sum of forty-six thousand eight hundred and sixty-three dollars, and sixty-two cents. For the purpose of liquidating this indebtedness, the. regular monthly collection was established, and the generosity of the parishioners and of Father McNamara is manifested in the fact that at present this debt. is very small, and the day is not far distant when the people of the congregation may proudly boast that they owe no, man anything but their love. SKETCH OF THE PASTOR. Rev. Abraham McNamara, the pastor of St. Patrick's, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and was one of a large family of children, seven of whom are still living. His father, James McNamara, was a prosperous and successful linen merchant in the city of Belfast. At the age of ten Abraham McNamara entered St. Michael's Seminary, afterwards pursuing his studies in St. Colman's Seminary, County Down. When seventeen years of age he entered the Grand Seminary of France and completed his studies at John's in Waterford, Ireland. Thus receiving a brilliant and Classical education, he was ordained to the priesthood at the early age of twenty-three. After serving as pastor of different churches in Ireland, Father McNamara crossed the Atlantic to America, coming to archdiocese of Cincinnati, and has been priest at Urbana, Dayton land Eaton parishes; on January 1, 1906, he came to London. The old brick church of St. Patrick's is now. no.- more; a glance at the exterior reveals to the eye a perfect stone structure; as its stands today, the church is one hundred and twenty-five feet long, fifty feet wide and the tall spire, surmounted by a gold cross, is one hundred and fifty feet high. Built in pure Gothic style of the fourteenth century, it is a triumph of architectural and decorative art, this style of architecture being carried out in the interior even to the smallest detail. On entering the church the eye rests first on the beautiful and costly sanctuary lamp, then to the marble. main altar, with its two adoring angels, up to the transept window on 'which is seen the ecclesiastical dove and on higher to the matchless gold ceiling. The interior decorations are dignified warm tones of French Caen stone, worked out by hand, deeply carved in Gothic detail, the artist having followed the grape-leaf and fruit motif, typical of the antique school. The band above the Carrara marble wainscot is worked out in purples, grays and gold, while a fitting climax of color is found in the treatment of the sanctuary. The entire ceiling of the sanctuary and side altars is laid in gold leaf and glazed over in gold 'mosaic effect, giving that beauty and richness to the dull gold only obtainable by this method of treatment. Below the gold mosaic and . extending to the floor is worked out a soft velvet hanging in royal blue, giving a beautiful background to the altars. The two side altars are similar in design and appearance to that of the main altar and standing out in relief on one is the Annunciation and the 'Visitation, while on the other is the Flight into Egypt and the Home of the Holy Family ; each altar's tabernacle door of gold has the chalice and Sacred Host, which can be plainly seen throughout the church. The sanctuary is approached by three steps and the marble-like floor is old rose in color. Across the front is the massive sanctuary rail with pillars of onyx, and. tastefully carved on the entire rail, in relief, are the emblems of the Holy Eucharist, namely, sheaves of wheat and bunches of grapes. The pews are all new, oak, Gothic in design, golden green in color, a color which is rare and costly; the confessionals are of the same material and color. The church has life-size statues of St. Patrick .(a gift of the pastor) and the 324 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO, Sacred Heart in the sanctuary ; in niches on the wall statues of St. Anthony and St. Aloysius, while in the arch beneath the winding stairs to the gallery is the lovely Pieta. The stations of the cross, representing the journey of. Christ to Calvary are done in statuary work. It is seldom that in a town the size of London such lovely decorative work is seen The weekday chapel, frescoed in chaste designs, and two sacristies, are in the rear of the church. Not only has Father McNamara remodeled the church, but he has also built a handsome pastoral residence of pressed brick, renaissance in architecture, containing fourteen rooms, finished in quartered, oak, and up to date in all its departments. Since his arrival in London, Father McNamara labored with unremitting and indefatigable energy until at last he had the great satisfaction of seeing his efforts crowned with complete success, when the church was consecrated to God on April 23, 1911. STS. SIMON AND JUDE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH OF WEST JEFFERSON. Although the settlement of Catholics between Columbus and Springfield dates quite early, the communicants of this faith were very sparse in number for a long time. However, about every three months they were visited by different clergymen; who held services in the 'respective dwellings of the members, and subsequently in the town hall of Jefferson. In this manner was Catholicism nursed in its infancy in Jefferson township, but not until about the year 1864 was the subject of a church edifice agitated, when Rev. John M. Conway took the matter in charge. Soon afterward a subscription was begun and was well patronized. In 1866, Edward Buck donated a lot for the church, and in the spring of 1867 the foundation was begun and the cornerstone was laid on May 19, of the same year, by the Rt. Rev. Sylvester H. Rosecrans, bishop of Columbus, Ohio. The building is of brick and was completed to the tower under the management of Father Conway. It was dedicated by Bishop Edward Fitzgerald, of Little Rock, Arkansas. October 31, 1869, and Was later served by the Revs. F. McGrath, J. M. Thisse, J. A. Burns, H. Kiffmeyer and W. F. O'Rourke, under the supervision of Father Conway, but in March of 1873, Rev. B. M. Muller took charge and continued to serve the church for many years. In the meantime the standing debt had been released, and, during 1879, a tower and belfry,: ninety-one feet in height, was erected and furnished with a bell of one thousand two hundred and thirty-four pounds,. at a total cost, building Mid all, of about seven thousand dollars. Since Father Milller's time there have been several changes in the pastoral direction of the parish. Rev. M. E. Heintz was in charge in 1904. He was succeeded by Father Dickhouse and he in turn by the present priest, Father Russell. The parsonage was built during the pastorate of Father Heintz, at a cost of about four thousand dollars.