450 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. on the south side. The east and west end each had a small window. A still smaller one was in the rear of the pulpit which occupied a central position on the north side opposite the door. The house was never ceiled and was open from the floor to the roof, with but two joists across the center on which the flue rested; The seats were made of ordinary slabs from some neighboing saw-mill, with no backs, flat side up and feather edge removed. The house was lighted with the old style tallow candle, placed in a. tin holder, commonly called a "scone," suspended on the wall. Four of these lighted the house, one at each end, one at the pulpit and the other at the door. Additional light was furnished by placing a candle on the desk near the Bible. As many as four or five times during the service, these candles had to be trimmed which was done by means of an implement called snuffers, something unknown to the present generation. This structure served well the needs of the society for fourteen years during which time William Harbor, Jacob Barger, Zachariah Heath and Robert McFarland were the trustees. The building was abandoned for church purposes in 1840, but for a few years thereafter was used for political and election purposes. It was afterwards rented to Joseph Hough for an undertaking establishment, and he .shared it with Samuel Gibbs, a cooper; The building was later sold to Joseph Hough and was razed by him in 1855; Progress of the church—In the summer o f 1836, preparations were made to construct a second edifice, which was to be of brick. After the contract was let to Willis and Wesley Gearhart, a brick kiln was established just west of the present edifice and it was there that the brick for the church was sunburnt; The brick-makers included David Hunt, J; M; McFarland, James M; Gibbs, John Pence and T; D. Crow; In the fall of 1837 the walls of the church were-. put up, but when the financial panic of that year came sweeping over the country work on the church came to a standstill; The bare walls, minus the gable ends of the building, were covered with boards and remained in that condition during the winter of 1837-38. The brick work was completed in the spring of 1838, and the wood work, which was let to Joseph and Valentine Russell, was completed in time for the dedicatory exercises in June, when the structure, as was its predecessor, was dedicated as the McFarland meeting house. The total cost of the building was one thousand dollars; The architecture of the building was in keeping with the times, low and flat, with a flue in the center of each gable end. The door in the west end of the church was designated as the "men's door," and the one on the south side near the southeast corner of the CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 451 building was called the "women's door," for so rigid was the custom in those days that a man or boy hardly ever entered or left the house by that door. The same held true with the other door, which was exclusively for men, and if a woman ever passed through that door she was regarded as being out of place; The roof of the edifice was supported by four huge walnut posts, standing in regular order in the room. The pulpit, a four-by-six structure, was in the east end of the auditorium; On the north side of the pulpit was the entrance thereto, which was reached by a flight' of stairs. The altar, which was of circular form, extended from wall to wall and had three openings, each provided with a swinging gate. Among the many members who worshipped at this church were Mary Kiser, Mary Barger, Mary Jane Hough, William Harbor, M; W. Barger, Lydia C; Russell, W. J. Abbott and wife, and Jane Fritz; most of whom were living at the time the present church was built. In the fall of 1866, the society began to make preparations for the erection of the present building. David `Witmer was then in charge of the circuit. The contract for the edifice was awarded to William Stover, of Urbana, the cost being seven thousand dollars. The brick for the building was made on the Gibbs farm, a half miles east of the church, under the direction of David Hovey, of Urbana. The building was completed and dedicated on December 15, 1867, the dedicatory sermon being delivered by Rev; Asbury Lowry.. Among the members worthy of note at this time were Andrew Stretch, Abram Bryan, Daniel Kizer, Willoughby and J; W. Heath, David H. Neer, Jesse Neer, Samuel Neer, Levi Johnson, John McCoy, Ezra Niles, Isaac Talley, William Sims and James Russell and wife. The pastors of the church have been the same as those of the Westville church, and are mentioned in the history of the latter church. The church has one of the largest congregations of the country churches of the county, and there are at the present time two hundred and sixty-seven members. In connection with the church is an active Sunday school with an enrollment of two hundred and twenty-five; J. H. Snarr is superintendent; Concord Cemetery—Joseph Hill, who was the first settler in the Concord community, came as early as 1802. In a few years came Zacariah Heath, Phillip C. Kenton, James and Robert Russell, John Dagger, Jacob Barger, Abram Bryan, Christian Miller and John Duckworth; These men, with the exception of Kenton, in the year 1818 took the first steps toward the formation of what is now knowns as Concord chapel. Kenton sold the farm on which the church and cemetery are located to James Russell about 1815. 452 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. Among the excellent women members of the church was the wife of Jacob Barger, familiarly called "Aunt Polly." Just prior to her death on May 21, 1841, she requested that her body should be buried near the old log church in the woods. The ground had never been enclosed and the old church had been abandoned, hence the idea of starting a graveyard in the woods was appalling to some; But it was done and that grave marked the beginning of Concord cemetery. On the first of August, after the burial of Mrs; Jacob Barger, the remains of John Underwood were placed in front of the building. The third person buried there was John, the son of Adam Barger. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH AT ST. PARIS. The first Methodist church at St. Paris was organized in a school house that stood on Springfield street, by Rev. J. G. Black, in 1851, with the following charter members : Benjamin F. Kizer, Jacob Rhoads and wife, Samuel Overhulz and wife, Malab Malan and wife and Daniel Wert. Meetings and services were held in private homes and school houses several months prior to the organization. In the fall of 1852 the society became a charge on the Tremont circuit. At this time the erection of a church building was begun and the structure was dedicated in June, 1853, by Rev. Granville Moody. George W; Harris, who superintended the construction of the building, became the first regular pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. W. N. Williams, and the latter by Rev; E. H; Field. In 1855, the society became a part of the Fletcher circuit; In the fall of 1870, W. F. Wolf and J. B. Sullivan were preachers on the circuit; In 1875-76 a beautiful brick edifice was built at a cost of ten thousand five hundred dollars; At that time the building was doubtless the most modern country church in the county. This church edifice is occupied by the society at the present time, and has been repaired and remodeled, serving adequately the needs of the congregation. Many pastors have served the congregation and many of these have been strong and able ministers; The present pastor is Rev; Walter C; Nash, who has served the congregation, consisting of three hundred members, since 1915. As auxiliaries to the church is an active Sunday school with an enrollment of two hundred and thirty-five, an Epworth league and a Ladies' Aid society. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 453 WESTVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Westville Methodist church is the outgrowth of the first religious gathering in Mad River township. In 1801 a sermon was preached by Rev. James Davidson under a tree on the land owned by Ezekiel Arrowsmith and not so very many years afterward a society was organized. According to the best information, the society .was formally organized in the fall of 1811 at the house of Christian Stevens. Stevens then owned a quarter section of land embracing the northwest corner of the village; his house stood near the center of the farm, about seventy-five rods northwest of the present church building. Until a church could be provided services were conducted in the homes of Arthur Elliott, Christian Stevens and a man of the name of Brockmyer; In 1812 the society erected a log church on the southwest corner of the Stevens farm, one-half mile west of Westville. The building stood for a number of years, long after it had been abandoned as a church building; A cemetery was near the building; however, with the demolition of the church building, the evidence of a cemetery gradually disappeared. In 1841, a brick edifice was erected on the lot immediately south of the present building and was commonly known as the Stevens meeting house. The contract for the structure was let to Joseph Hough ; the Gearharts did the brick work and Albert Stevens the plastering. The building was forty-two by thirty-six feet, of a low flat order, with the doors at the front of the building; The total cost of the structure was nine hundred and eighty-five dollars. The dedicatory service occurred in November of the same year, and was conducted by James B. Finley, presiding elder, with Philip Muchner and Andrew Dixon, pastors.. Among those. who were active members at that time were Rev. William Haller, James D; Stevens, Elijah Putnam, James Chance, Jacob Hoke and Noble Osborn. When the building was destroyed by fire on December 24, 1876, steps were taken immediately to rebuild. With the united efforts of all, the present building was erected in the summer of 1877, and was dedicated by Reverend Marine, of Indiana, in the fall of the same year. Levi Hockman was the contractor of the structure, which cost three thousand six hundred dollars; J; W; Casset was the presiding elder at the time and Rev. J. G. Black, pastor; The trustees were Elijah Hanna, Lemuel Hoke, Jacob Hoke, Sr., Noble Osborn, William L.. McGinnis and L; A. McGinnis. Roll of the Pastors—The. list of ministers of the Westville church applies 454 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. equally to the Concord church, as both charges have been on the same circuit since 1812, the Westville society being the parent of that of Concord; When the Westville society was organized it became a part of the Miami district, White Oak circuit, and remained as such for four years, 'during which time the society was served by the following ministers : Walter Griffith, Reuben Rowe, 1812; Robert W. Finley, 1813; Robert W. Finley, David Sharp, 1814; John Strange, Samuel Chenowith, 1815; Miami district, Piqua circuit, 1816- 17; David Sharp, 1816; S; Chenowith, Peter Stevens, 1817. Lebanon district, Piqua circuit, A. W; Elliott, S. Brockmier, 1818; John P. Taylor, Thomas Hitt, 1819; William Westlake, William Simons, 1820; Robert Dobbins, R; W. Finley, 1821; D. D; Davidson, R; W. Finley, 1822 ; G; W; Maley, J. A. Baughman, 1823. Sandusky district, Bellefontaine circuit, Levi White, 1824; Miami district, Bellefontaine circuit, George Gatch, 1825; Thomas Beecham, 1826; Lebanon district, Bellefontaine, Joshua Boncher, 1827; John W. Clark, James W. Finley, 1828; William Sutton, Robert W. Finley, 1829; Thomas Sims, William Sullivan, 1830; Thomas Sims, William Moore, 1831: J. Stewart, J. G; Bruce, 1832; Lebanon district, Sidney circuit, James Smith, D. D. Davidson, 1833; Urbana district, Sidney circuit, D; D. Davidson, W. C. Clarke, 1834; George W. Walker, David Kemper, 1835; James Smith, Joseph W. Smith, 1836; William Sutton, Silas P. Chase, 1837; David Warnock, Levi P. Miller, 1838; David Warnock, M; E. Hansley, 1839; Urbana district, Fletcher circuit, James Smith; Asbury Lowry, 1840; Philip Mucher, Andrew Dixon, 1841; Samuel Brown, Isaac Whitney, 1842; D. N. Smith, M. T. Bowman, 1843; Elijah H; Field, J. F. Chalfant, 1844; William Sutton, David Whitmer, 1845; William Sutton, Isaac N; Mark, 1846; Joseph W. Smith, 1847; William Young, 1848; William Webb, 1849; Urbana district, Tremont circuit; Anthony W; Musgrove, Joseph W; Smith, John G; Black, 1850; L. D; Harlan, James Kendal, 1851 ; George W. Harris, 1852; William N. Williams, 1853; E; H. Field, 1854-55 ; John G; Black, 1856-57; William Thurber, J. P. Shultz, 1858; Jeremiah B; Ellsworth, 1859-61 ; William Simmons, 1862; Springfield district, Tremont circuit, William J; Quarry, 1863- 64; David Whitmer, 1865-66; David Warnock, 1867; Eli Kirk, 1868; John G. Black, 1869-71; Charles Kalbfus, 1872-74; Thornton E; Fidler, 1875-76: John G; Black, 1877-79; Edward McHugh, 1880-82; J. W. Gaddis, 1883-85; H. C. Middleton, 1886-89; C; D. Munsey, 1890-92; R; K. Deem, 1893-94; John A. White, 1895-96; Frank Leever, 1897-98; A. D. Maddox, 1899-02; R. McCohn, 1902-05; Charles Eckles, 1905-07; C. W; Briggs, 1907-12; F; S; Miller, 1912-15; W. H. Huber, 1915-17. The most important auxiliary to the church is the Sunday school, with CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 455 an enrollment of one hundred and forty pupils. Eugene Stevens is the superintendent. The membership of the congregation at the present time is one hundred and fifty-four. GRAFTON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Grafton Methodist church, so named because most of the original members of the society belonged to the Grafton family, was organized in 1838, with fifteen charter members. In order that the church might be within easy aC;ess of its members, James C. Grafton donated abuilding; the erection of a building. While the edifice was in the congregationstruction, the congregation worshiped in the Fitzpatrick school house, Mad River township, in which place the society was organized. After the building had long served its day of usefulness it was supplanted by a more modern and convenient structure. Originally the church was a part of the Troy circuit, but for the sake of conveniencecircuit;nged to the Hampton circuit. Among the pioneer ministers who preached to the congregation were the Reverends Bowlcher, Raper and Granville Moody. The society is one of the strong country Methodist churches of the county, having recently erected a new building. The pastor of the church is Reverend McNeely. NORTH SALEM METHODIST CHURCH. The history of this church begins with the year 1821, when a number of Methodists gatherSt;at the home of Alexander St. C. Hunter for the purpose of organizing a religious society. Among the number, who formed themselves into a class and continued to meet at this place for two or three years for religious worship, were Alexander St. C. Hunter, Sarah Hunter, Thomas Hunter, Robert Goode, his wife and mother, and Lydia Russell and her daughters, Hester, Rebecca and Lydia. Class leaders during this time were Robert Goods, William Sharp, Isaac Sharp and Peter Igou. As time advanced a church was needed, but the funscarce; which to build were scarce. So sincere were the members that the principal members donated both material and labor and without hardship to anyone the log edifice was soon completed. The house stood on the site donated by Lydia Russell. The house has been described as having been of unhewed logs, having a clapboard roof that was held in place by weight poles. At the south end of the church was a fireplace, and at the north end was a long and low window. The door was made ofhinges; and swung on wooden hinges. The seats were 456 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. made of split logs, made smooth on the split side and supported by pins for legs. This pioneer church was the principal place of worship for the entire surrounding country from 1824 until 1831, when it was abandoned for a more modern house. Among the preachers of more or less prominence who ministered to this pioneer flock were John Strange, Samuel Brown, John F. Wright, Francis Asbury, William H; Raper, Alfred Lorain, James A; Donahoe, _______ Westlick and Robert Brandreth. From 1831 until 1838 services were conducted in a building that originally was built for school purposes. During this time services were in charge of the following : Obadiah Johnson, Joshua Boucher, George W; Walker, Michael Marley, David Warnock, James Smith and A. Wambaugh. In 1838 preaching services were held in another school house that stood on the right bank of Spain's creek, and continued there with more or less regularity until 184. At that time the township built a new frame school house on the farm of Highland Mead, and services were held there until 1851. During this time the following pastors served the congregation: Joshua Boucher, Silas Chase, Isaac B; Cartlitch, T. A; G. Phillips, William Litsinger, William Beamer, E. H; Fields, Wilson Smith, James A; Donahoe, Philip Nation, A; U; Beall, David Warnock and Thomas M. Thrall. Thus the little society had been shifted about during its entire existence with no permanent place of worship; The desire to have a permanent and settled place of w0rship caused them to join with the weak society at Strange chapel, in Logan county, for the purpose of erecting a church building. Necessary. preparations were made and work on the building was begun in 1851; The house was forty by fifty feet and was constructed of brick; The site, which was donated by Joshua Spain, was located on his farm about one-half mile south of the Logan and Champaign county line, on the east side of the road, leading from Mechanicsburg to West Liberty and Middleburg. The principal contributors of the two societies were Joshua Spain, Hudson Haines, Thomas Hunter, Alexander St. C. Hunter, Abram Martin, David Martin, William Evans, Isaac Sharp, John Haines, John S. Hunter, James W. Hunter, Theodric Goode, Salmdn Cole, and Thomas Everett. The total cost of the structure was about one thousand dollars, and the contractor was William Shafer, of North Lewisburg. The church was dedicated on August 23, 1852, by Rev. Michael Marley. The winter of 1852-53 witnessed a great revival, with the addition of nearly thirty names to the membership; From 1853 to 1869, the following ministers preached to the society : G. W. Harris, James D. Kendall, Thomas Audas, J. T. Bail, John Vance, Samuel Brown, _____ Sullivan, Wilson Smith, David Sharp, James Manning, CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 457 N. McDonald, W; N. Williams, N. D. Sargeant, W. B. Jackson, T. E; Fiddler, Wesley Webster, J. Verity, S. Deem, James McHugh, and H. M; Curry. For a few years prior to 1868, the church building had become inadequate, and in the year mentioned the question arose as to whether the congregation should rebuild or repair. Meanwhile, however, the village of Mingo had sprung up, and it was decided to abandon the building at Salem and build at Mingo. Mingo Methodist Episcopal Church—The site for the church was donated by J; B; Brinton, and the contract for the building of the church was let to Henry T; Raymond. The building was completed early in October, 1869, at a cost of about one thousand five hundred dollars, and was dedicated by Rev; James L. Bail; The building has been remodeled and improved in nearly every respect, and it now amply serves the needs of the congregation. Among the pioneer ministers who served the congregation were H; M. Curry, D; R. Staley, David Whitmer, Jesse M. Robinson, Allen M. Tibbits, John S. Pumphrey, Henry Miller. Since the church has been on the Zanesfield circuit for many years, it has been fortunate in having the services of strong and able ministers. The pastor at the present time is the Rev. C. E. Howard. TERRE HAUTE METHODIST CHURCH. The Terre Haute Methodist Episcopal church is one among the oldest Methodist churches of the county, and has had a long and checkered career. The society was first known as Arnys chapel, named for one of the very early pioneer Methodist ministers. The members of the society resided in the southern part of Mad River township, and about 1814 they erected a log church on the land of William Ross in that township. Since the society had a gradual, but not rapid growth, it was reorganized in 1835 by Rev. Joshua Boucher. Not long afterward an edifice was erected in the village of Terre Haute, near the site of the present building, which was erected in 1883. Recently, however, the latter has been improved, until now it is one 'of the neat and commodious country churches of Champaign county. Many pastors have served the society, but to give the names of all would be an endless task especially in the absence of adequate records. Among those who are rememebred by the oldest citizens are Fields, Whitmer, White, Meddler, Block, Mattox, Killinder, Taylor, George Cary, Stanley Wiant and Compton, the latter of whom resigned in April, 1917. At the time this is being written, the society is without a pastor, but arrangements are being made to secure the services of a capable one; The 458 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. present membership of the society is one hundred and twenty-two. In connection with the church is an active Sunday school, of which C; W. Stevens is superintendent; Other auxiliaries are an Epworth League, a Queen Esther Circle and a Ladies' Aid Society, which was recently organized with a large membership; RECTORS CHAPEL. The church history of Mad River township would not be complete without mention of Rectors chapel, a little Methodist society that existed during the early days on Chapmans creek, south of Terre Haute. Time has erase every vestige of the society but the name, which has been handed down from the past generations. CHRISTIANSBURG METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH; The Christiansburg Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1837, but, in the absence of the original records, very few of the early details concerning the society can be given; The site for the church building was given to the society by James Smith; A log house, standing on the site, was torn down to make room for this first building, which was erected in 1857 at the cost of fifteen hundred dollars; This edifice was occupied until 1884, when the present structure was erected at the cost of thirty-five hundred dollars. A complete list of pastors who have served this congregation cannot be given, as there are no church records prior to 1862; Beginning with this date the following ministers have served this church : David Whitmer, 1863-64; N. Edgar, 1865-66; William B; Jackson, 1867-69; T; E; Fidler, 1870-71; J; C. Deen, 1872-73; George M; Edgar, 1874; Nathan Prince, 1875-76; Milton P. Zinc, 1877-78; A; D; Raleigh, 1879-81 ; A; L. Howren, 1872; Henry Miller, 1883-84; J. Raper Hunter, 1885-87; F; W; Hypes, 1888; Thomas D. Williams, 1889-90; John L; Dalbey, 1891-93; Isaac C; Page, 1894; David S. Ewry, 1895; W; L; Spence, 1896-98; John F. Laird, 1899-1901; Oliver L; Seward, 1902-03 ; Warren Wiant, 1904; Fred J. Reinbarth, 1905-06; Frank Neer, 1907; E; F; Tittle, 1908-09; W; H; Cundy, 1910; Herbert Killinder, 1911; E. T; Clark, 1912-13; J. W. Miller, 1914-15 ; J. F; Young, 1916 to the present time. The church has an active membership of one hundred; It has also an active Sunday school, of which W; L; Deaton is the superintendent, and a very enthusiastic Woman's Home Missionary Society; CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 459 KINGS CREEK METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The history of the Kings Creek Methodist church dates back more than a hundred years, and during all these years it has been engaged in furthering the work of the Master in the community of which it is the center. While the early records of the local church have long since disappeared, it is known that there was some kind of an organization here as early as 1804; At least there is a record of the reception of probationers and baptisms in 1805; The circuit of which Kings Creek was a part extended from Lake Erie to the Ohio river; Even as late as 1835, there were twenty-four appointments on the Urbana circuit : Urbana, Kings Creek, Bethel, Hains, Good's school house, Strange chapel, Hatcher's, Upper Mill creek, Lower Mill creek, Lockwoods, Mt; Moriah, Spains, William Franklebergers, J. Franklebergers, William Curls, Lear Runyons, Mechanicsburg, Brick chapel, Rapps school house, Baldwins, Middleburg, Africa, Widow Laffertys, and Pisgah; It will be noticed that a number of the preaching places were at the private residences of members; Services for the Kings Creek members were held at the homes of its various members at first, and later at a small brick school house which stood on the south bank of the creek about half a mile west of the present village of the same name; There was no church building until 1834; In that year a brick structure was erected on the north bank of Kings creek near the residence of Benjamin Byers, on the land of Samuel Taylor. Taylor donated the site on which the church stood, and it is now owned by Jacob Clark; The church record has the following to say concerning the building of the little brick church : "This Meeting-House was built for the use. of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America, Ohio Conference, Urbana District, Urbana Circuit, and deeded according to the form of the Discipline of said Church. Superintended by John Hitt, Joel Funk, John Walker, Abraham Weidman, James Long, John D; Walker, John Funk, John Walker, Abraham Weidman, James Long, John D; Walker, John Mast, Trustees; This house, called Wesley Chapel, was founded and built in the years of our Lord 1834-35 ; Dedicated to the worship of Almighty God on the 29th day of May, 1835 ; Dedication sermon preached by Wm. H; Raper, P; E;" The church had a high pulpit, which was a constant source of danger to the more enthusiastic preachers, who more than once fell out of it. The trustees in order to save life and limb had the pulpit lowered to a point where a sudden precipitation of the minister would not result disastrously. 460 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. The records show that most of the conversions occurred at the times of the quarterly meetings. In 1855 J. C. Black held a revival in the church, Which resulted in the addition of more than a hundred. The singing on this occasion was in charge of Richard Coleman. Another season of great rejoicing in the church here, as well as in all the Methodist churches of the county, was in the winter of 1857-58. Mechanicsburg alone reported one hundred and four conversions; Mutual had one hundred and fourteen, while Kings Creek had nearly a hundred. The Old-Time. Revival—A word might be .said in this connection concerning the manner of holding these revivals. They were not places of amusement by any means, and it was the rule to refuse people admission who came a few times without giving any indication of joining the church. It was the constant rule to have what were known as "closed doors" ; that is, each person was admitted by ticket—a printed slip with the name of the minister, a quotation from the Bible, and the name of the holder. On one occasion the Baptists of Kings Creek allowed the Methodists to use their church for a revival. Then the Methodists would not permit any of the Baptists in the building while the services were in progress. Because of this, some of the Baptists said : "Something wrong is going on or they would admit us". But whatever it was, it sent the people home shouting until the woods re-echoed' their "Amens." In those days a revival was the means of bringing some young men into the church by the way of a maiden's heart. "Uncle Dick" Coleman told this story of how a young man became a member : The young lady of the man's choice was a faithful member,. but he was still among the "unsaved;" He had come to church three times without a ticket—the legal limit—in order to escort the object of his affections home from meetin'. The fourth time he presented himself at the church door, "Uncle Dick", the doorkeeper. on that particular .night, told him that he would have to take out a ticket and give some indication that he was attending the services for the good he might derive from them; The young man did not hesitate to admit that he was getting good 'out of the meetings, but, not in the way the good old deacon meant. He was not particularly averse to belonging to the church, and if it was necessary to join in order to be near his lady love,—why, he would join. He wanted to be sure that his girl was on the inside, and, on being assured that she was, he finally blurted out, "I'll join." Afterward Coleman said, "He has never been much use to the church. I do not know whether I committed a sin in forcing him to join in that way or not." Pastors and Progress of the Church—Among the preachers of the church CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 461 may be mentioned John Sale, John Collins, C. W. Christie, G. W. Walker, Samuel Clark, David Warnock, James Smith, Joshua Boucher, Silas H. Chase, T. E; Fidler, A. G. Shotsman, J. R. Wynd, W. A. Vohris, J. L. Hixon, R. S. Hardin, and A. G. Newton, the latter serving since September, 1915. Among the local preachers the name of William .Haller is probably the best remembered. For over sixty years he was a faithful exhorter in the church, Benjamin Gehman was another local preacher of unusual ability as an organizer. He was responsible for the organization of the Methodist churches at Kennard and Local chapel. He is credited with having received more than two, hundred people into the church. The present building was built during the years 1865-66, and was dedicated on February 10, 1866. A subscription paper was started on April 7, 1865, with the name of A. B. Funk for two hundred dollars. Other heavy contributors were B. W. Gehman and John Mast, $500 each ; John Byers, $150; The old church and lot were sold to John Cohan for $400, and a new lot was purchased of J. W. Claybaugh on July 15, 1865, for $200; The building, as finally dedicated, cost $3,553 ; and was erected by Hiram Pierce. The new bell cost $260; matting, $37.50 ; sofa, $35 ; two chairs, $40; pulpit, $35 ninety-five and a half yards of carpet at 1.47 ½ per yard—total of all furnishings, $1,008.25. The total cost of building and furnishings was $4,561.25. J. T. Bail preached the dedicatory sermon in 1866, and on the same day raised one thousand four hundred and twenty dollars, but this was not quite sufficient to meet all obligations. The last debt on the church was paid off on April 1, 1868. One of the momentous questions to be decided when the new church was opened was the seating arrangement. In the old church the sexes were rigidly separated—women and girls on one side and men and boys on the other. The young people insisted that in the new church they be allowed to sit together, and the old folk finally let them have their way. Fifty years have elapsed since the church was 0pened, and, during this half century, the. congregation has followed in the footsteps of their fathers in fostering the best interests of the church and of the community at large. The membership of the church today is about one hundred and thirty. An active Sunday school, which has an average attendance of eighty-five, is maintained. 462 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. TREACLES CREEK METHODIST CHURCH. By George F. Goul. The Treacles Creek Methodist Episcopal Church, located three and one-half miles north of Mechanicsburg, on the Mechanicsburg and Bellefontaine pike, was built in 1828. The ground for burial and church purposes was given to the society by Mr. Tatum Coffey in the year 1825. In the first grave of the cemetery lies the child of a man named Witte. The church, which was located on the northwest corner of the cemetery, was of the usual pioneer kind. All the heavy frame work was of hewed logs, while the rafters and the lighter parts of the frame were of small trees. There have been as many as five denominations which have held meetings in this church. The number includes the Baptist, United Brethren, Christian, Presbyterian and Methodist. About 1855, a disagreement arose among the members of the church with regard to all these denominations holding services in the church. This circumstance caused a division and the society was finally dropped from the conference. During this time, services were held from time to time by Timothy Johnson, a local preacher. A Baptist preacher by the name of Lyons held service during the winter of 1862. Reverend Chase was also a pastor who held frequent services in this church. Among other early ministers here was the Rev. G. W. Coleman, who -held a very important revival during which twenty-eight people were converted and baptised. Among those who remained with the church after the division came, were the foll0wing: Isaac McAdams and wife, Samuel Mitchell and wife, John E. Bamberger and wife, Solomon Linville and wife, David Yeazel and wife, Samuel Morris and wife, Andrew Douglass and wife, Tatum Coffey and wife, Thomas Douglas, Sr., and wife. Among the early ministers who served the society were Rev. David Warnock, Reverend Kendall, Reverend Bayles, Reverend Selman, Reverend Black, Reverend Phillips, Reverend Sharp, Reverend Vance, Reverend Whitmer, Rev. J. Webster, and Rev. G. W. Coleman. Among the presiding elders of the church during the early days were Rev. Dr; Deboys, Rev. Dr; Marley, Rev. Dr. Spain and Rev. Dr. Mitchell. Among the first trustees were Solomon Linville, Isaac McAdams, John Bamberger, Tatum Coffey and Andrew Douglass. Progress of the Church—In the spring of 1863 a building committee, consisting of Jacob Bambarger, Newton Goul and Solomon Linville, was appointed by the society to secure funds to build a church edifice, which was CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 463 an absolute necessity to the church at that time. The committee met with a hearty response from the membership, and the necessary funds were readily subscribed. Reuben Nincehelser was employed to put in the foundation, and the contract for building the church, which was to be thirty feet wide and forty feet long, was given to Frank Bates of Urbana, whose bid was two hundred and seventy-five dollars. The men assisting in the carpenter work were John Owens and two whose names were Johnson and Palmer. The building was plastered by Charles Yanoni, and the painting was done by Frank Taylor. A great amount of the lumber for the church was donated by Solomon Linville. The church was dedicated during the latter part of June, 1864, and soon afterward the society was admitted to the conference. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Reverend Bayles of Springfield, Ohio, assisted by Rev. G. W. Coleman, Rev. J. Webster, and others. The total cost of the church when it was completed was fifteen hundred dollars. Among the members at that time were Tatum Coffey, Jacob Bambarger, Newton Goul, Samuel Mitchell, David Yeaset, Solomon Linville, Isaac McAdams, E. Hinton, M. Laniger, George Harland, L. Harland, and G. F. Goul. Of these mentioned, only the last five are now living. The most important auxiliary to the church is the Sunday school, which has an enrollment of one hundred and fifty and an average attendance of eighty. This organization has become a most important factor in the religious life of the church. In September, 1908, it improved the church building and reseated it so that it now has a seating capacity of two hundred. Mrs; Agnes Swallow is now superintendent. In 1911 a Ladies' Aid Society was organized by Rev. H. Killinder and wife. The first president was Mrs. M. A. Carter. At the present time Celia Douglas is president. A large number of pastors have served the congregation, but the names of all of them cannot be found. Among the number are the following : Reverends Tibbitts and I. C. Page, 1891-94 ; W. T. Stafford, 1895-96 ; C. W. Briggs, 1897; J. L. Dalby, 1898-1900; C. D. Munsey, 1901-02; J. S. Ruggers, 1903-04; Thomas Cundy, 1905-06 ; W. D. English, 1907-08; H. Killinder, 1909-1I ; Reverends Lane and Clemons, 1912 ; J; Front, 1913-15 ; J. T. Yocum, 1916 to the present; The trustees of the church at the present time are M. E. Hinton, M. Lininger, Quinn Harland, George Harland, and G. F. Goul. The membership in April, 1917, was fifty-six. 464 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO; NEWSOMS CHAPEL. Newsoms chapel, located in Jackson township, was organized in 1833, by Joseph Newsom, a pioneer Methodist minister. A small church building was erected shortly after the society was organized and was occupied until the present church was completed. This edifice was dedicated January 10, 1892, by Rev. Frank Mitchell. The society is composed of a thrifty and active membership, there being about one hundred and forty names on the church roll at the present time. The pastor in charge is Reverend McNeeley; KENNARD METHODIST CHURCH. The Methodist church at Kennard was organized about 1876, and a building was erected the same year. The dedicatory service was in charge of John Forbus, and the church was given the name of Forbus chapel in his honor. The church has experienced various degrees of prosperity, but today is in a rather weakened condition. The church is on a circuit with Cable and a part of the Springfield district. Rev. W. C. Smyer, who is the pastor of the church, divides his time equally between this church and Cable. CABLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. In 1853, H. M. Cable, with the assistance of a few others, began the construction of a church in the village of Cable, with the intention of making it the property of the Presbyterians, but when it was not occupied by this society, all other denominations were welcome to use it. Before the building was completed, Mr. Cable saw that the financial burden was going to be too heavy on himself, a circumstance which led to the sale of the unfinished building to the Methodists for the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars. The building was soon completed by the Methodists and was dedicated by Rev. J. W. Weakley, of the Cincinnati conference. Among the preachers who have ministered to the needs of the congregation since its organization are the following : John G. Black, John Vance, James T. Bail, David Warnock, David Whitmer, William Paul, W. B. Jackson, Wesley Webster, Allen W. Tibbits, T. E. Fidler, D. L. Hayward, S. W. Carey, G. H. Kennedy. The pastor at the present time is W. C. Smyer, who is also the pastor of the church at Kennard, the combined membership of which is fifty. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 465 FOUNTAIN PARK METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Fountain Park Methodist Episcopal church, located one and one half miles west of Woodstock, was organized in 1896. Among the charter members who are still connected with the church are Mrs. J. W. Corbett and Charles James. Ellen Wilson was the chief leader of the church at the time of organization. A church building, which was erected the same year the society was organized at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, is still occupied by the congregation. When the village of Fountain Park was almost totally destroyed by fire nine or ten years ago, the church was closed, during the pastorate of Reverend Killinder. The society remained dormant until the fall of 1916, when a revival was held and twenty-nine members were taken into the church. Rev. J. T. Yocum is the pastor of the church and services are conducted twice each month. An active Sunday school is maintained, with an average attendance of thirty. ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL. One of the very early Methodist communities in Champaign county was around what later became St. George's chapel, located on the eastern edge of Urbana township, near the Mechanicsburg pike. Services were held there for nearly fifty years, during which time more than one hundred preachers graced the pulpit and many people were influenced to live better lives. The society was finally disbanded during the early seventies and the building was torn down about 1877. NORTHVILLE METHODIST CHURCH. The Northville Methodist Church in Concord township is one of the several abandoned churches of the county. The society was organized about 1858 and a church building was erected the same year. The society maintained an active existence for nearly forty years. Its history, however, is very similar to that of most of the abandoned churches of this time. MUTUAL GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Grace Methodist Episcopal church at Mutual was organized in 1886 by Mary Goul, Thomas Goul, Elizabeth Talbott and others. A commodious (30) 466 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. church building, with a seating capacity of three hundred, was erected the same year at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. The building is supplied with a furnace, and all the conveniences found in a modern country church. In the absence of records only the names of a few pastors can be given, however, among the number are: Thomas Cundy, Herbert Killinder, E. T; Lane, F; M. Clemons, J. D. Trout, and the present pastor, J. T. Yocum, who has served the congregation since 1916. The church has an enthusiastic Sunday school with an enrollment of ninety-two, an Epworth League and a Ladies' Aid Society. The present membership of the church is eighty-two. LOCAL PREACHERS CHAPEL. The credit of organizing Local Preachers chapel, located north of Urbana in Salem township, belongs to B. H. Gehman, who preached in the homes of the members before a church building was erected. Sunday school and religious meetings were held in the homes of A. B. Jackson and Mark Higby until property was rented in the neighborhood for religious purposes. At a meeting in the Higby home, it was suggested by A. B. Jackson that a church building should be erected for the use of the local preachers. This met with the approval of all the members, and in a short time the building was under construction. On September 14, 1874, the edifice was dedicated by John Forbus, of Cincinnati. Since the church was originally built for the use of the local preachers, it was called Local Preachers chapel. The membership today consists of two people. The church is on the Kings Creek circuit, and is served by Rev. A. G. Newton. The community maintains an active Sunday school here. DILTZ CHAPEL. The Diltz Chapel Methodist church, located in Union township, was organized in 1838 by Wesley Diltz, Wesley Yocum, Amosa Jackson and Sarah Bidwell, at the home of Wesley Diltz. The need of a house of worship was urgent and shortly a log structure, twenty-six feet long and twenty-two feet wide, was erected. Services were held there for nearly twenty years. At the expiration of this period, a modern frame building was built and was dedicated by Rev. J. T. Bail.   CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 467 This society has gradually become absorbed by neighboring churches, but many. of the descendants of the original members are resident of the community. UNION METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. A colony of Methodists settled in Union township during the early forties, and formed a society in 1845, soon after the Presbyterians. The first services were conducted by itinerant preachers, among whom were Reverends Crume, Miller and Mitchell. Lafferty's cabin, on the site of the old Wolfe estate, was the first preaching place. The present church building, which is the second one to be erected by the society, is located three miles north of Mutual, near the Urbana and Milford pike, and. east of the Union school house. It was dedicated on October 14 and 15, 1865, by the pastor, Rev. D. Warnock. Men prominent in the church at that time were J. M. Yocum, Wesley Diltz and A. A; Blair. At present the society has an active membership of one hundred and fifteen, and Rev. T. J. Yocum is the pastor. The church has a strong Sunday school, with an enrollment of one hundred and fifty. Warren Solvott is superintendent. Other auxiliaries are a Ladies Aid Society and an Epworth League of eighty members. Mrs. L. Redmon is president of the former, and Eva Yocum, of the latter. PISGAH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Pisgah Methodist church, located three miles southwest of Mutual was organized in 1830 by Reverend Bandriff, the membership consisting mostly of the members from the church at Mutual; A church building was erected within a few years after the organization, and prospects for the future were indeed prosperous. But because of natural causes the church gradually declined and now it is only a matter of history. NEER CHAPEL. The first building of the Neer Chapel Methodist Episcopal church was erected in 1858 and was dedicated on August 15 of the same year by Rev. David Warnock. The church was given the name, Neer chapel, in honor of a member of the conference, Rev. Samuel Neer, whose death occurred on August 15, 1857. 468 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. The dedication of the present building took place on November 8, 1885, under the direction of Rev. T. S. Cowden. At the dedicatory services an effort was made to raise enough money to meet all the obligations incurred in the construction of the building. In this connection an incident occurred which is worthy of mention. When the question was brought up for discussion, Reverend Cowden very candidly admitted his inability to raise the required amount. When someone suggested that a hat be passed through the audience for a free-will offering, Mr. Cowden gave, the suggestion his approval, and added : "I won't risk my hat in the congregation; in fact I feel as though I stand no chance for my dinner in this community." In the end, however, the necessary amount of money was raised, and the irate minister got his dinner. The church building burned down during the summer of 1916, and the congregation has not yet decided whether they will rebuild. At present the members of the congregation are worshipping with neighboring churches. SPRING HILLS METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH; One of the dormant Methodist churches of Champaign county is located at Spring Hills. This society at one time was almost as strong as the Presbyterian church of that place ; but, with the death and removal of many of the more prominent members, the church gradually declined. The last service held in this church was a lecture given by Reverend DeLong on the subject, "Methodism." This occurred about ten years ago. The building and site were sold a few years later to Doctor Kerns for the small sum of one hundred and forty dollars. It is now used as a blacksmith shop by C. Corwin. One of the most stirring revivals ever held in Spring Hills was conducted in this church about 1856, and there were very few people thereabout who did not feel the good effects of these meetings. Reverend Oldfield is remembered as being one of the strong and able ministers who preached to this society. Among the prominent people connected with the church during the early days were Joseph Woods, G. Shoemaker and Mary Jane Leonard. A stanch supporter of the church, although not a member, was Perry Daniels, one of the early pioneers. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 469 WESLEYAN CH APFL. Wesleyan Chapel, located in Harrison township, was formed as a result of. the labors of Reverends Couchman, Sullivan, Gibson and Beatty, who conducted services in the community at various times. The society was formally organized in 1845, and a church was built during the pastorate of Reverend Garbison in 1848. At that time the membership of the congregation numbered about twenty. In 1865 an active Sunday school was started which added to the strength of the church organization. The society maintained an active existence until the last few years, but today there are only a few who are connected with the church. No regular services have been held there for some time. PLEASANT HILL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. A Methodist society of about twenty-five members was formed in Adams township in 1860. Reverend Good was the first pastor; A frame meetinghouse was erected one mile east of Rosewood, on section nine, the succeeding year. This same building is occupied by the society at the present time. The church, although active at present, is not so strong as in former years. It is on, the Quincy circuit, and is served by Reverend Barrin, who resides at Quincy, Ohio. ST. PAUL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal church, located on East Market street near Kenton street, Urbana, was organized in 1824 by Rev. Moses Freeman at the home of Fanny Carter; The charter members included the following : Frank Reno, Rachael Reno, Lewis Adams, Susan Adams, John Gamon, Rebecca Gamon, Elijah Brown, and Fanny Carter. Reverend Freeman, who organized the church, was a missionary from the Philadelphia African Methodist Episcopal conference. The first edifice occupied by the society was a little log structure built in 1844, but this was replaced in 1866 by a larger and more commodious .brick structure. The present building was erected at a cost of ten thousand dollars. The building, although an old one, is very substantial, and if the present plans of the church are carried out, it will be remodeled in the near future. The lot on which the church building now stands was bought by 470 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. "Aunt Fanny" Carter from the father of Doctor Vance. She earned the money with which to pay for the property, over the washboard, and gave one-half of the value of the property to the society, which purchased the other half from her. The pastors of the church have been many. Elijah Brown was the, first local pastor. A complete list of pastors follows : Philip Bowdie, Lafayette Davies, Jeremiah Thomas, John Tibbs, Daniel Smith, Samuel T. Wells, Charles Ratliff, William Newman, Peter Jones, Wylie Reynolds, Wilkins Lee, John Gibbons, William Morgan, Alexander H. Austin, Noah C. Cannon, Charles Antie, Jeremiah Bowman, Grafton H. Graham, Job Dundy, Joseph McClaren, Henry A. Jackson (the first station preacher), E. Cumberland, M; M. Smith, Henry Anderson, NI. M. Clark, J. W. Steward, Frederick River, Thomas Lawrence, Daniel Winslow, G. W. Clark, Jeremiah Lewis, Father Charleston, M. J. Wilkerson, Charles Gray, Charles H; Peters, S. H; Thompson, Samuel Jones, C. C. Feltz, B. W. Arnett, J. B. Stansberry, Philip Falliner, R. H. Morris, John Dickerson, J. H. Bell, O. P. Ross, Dr. W; T. Anderson, John W. Asbury, David Mitchell, A. R. Palmer, C. D. White, D. W. Butler, B. M. Carson, T. W. Woodson, L. W. White, J. M. Ross, J. H. Coleman, W. E. Watson, W. T. Watson, John E. Hagens, and H; F; Fox, the present incumbent. The society is the strongest of all the colored societies in the county, having a membership at the present time of one hundred and ninety-seven. The church maintains an active Sunday school, with an enrollment of one hundred and fifty-nine members. W. Murray is the superintendent. Other auxiliaries are a Young Peoples Society, consisting of seventy-six members, and a Missionary Society, of thirty members. Mrs. Q. Clarissa Cleveland is the leader of the former and Mrs. Levina Armstrong is the president of the latter. BETHEL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, URBANA. The Bethel (colored) Methodist church in Urbana was organized in April, 1912. The little society purchased two lots on East Water street opposite the Curry Institute and proceeded to erect a church building. The cornerstone of the church was laid on Sunday, September 28, 1913, and the church was completed in the late fall. Rev. Alfred Taylor was the pastor in charge of the congregation and assisted greatly in the actual building of the church. The church was organized as a result of trouble which arose in the CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 471 African Methodist Episcopal church. Several of the members of this church withdrew their membership, united with others, and organized the new society. The congregation, for the time, secured the use of a room on the third floor of the Williams building on North Main street, where services were held until completion of the new building on East Reynolds street. This church is of the regular Methodist denomination and has the same church government as the white Methodist church. Bishop Anderson, who is the presiding bishop of the West Ohio Conference, serves also in the same capacity in the colored conference which includes the colored churches of Ohio and Kentucky; The new church began with about twenty members, all of whom were very active and enthusiastic in behalf of the welfare of the congregation. Reverend Chinn was the first pastor and he was succeeded by Reverend Taylor. He in turn was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Pascal Lightfoot. The trustees of the church are John Williams, Harvey Robinson, Mrs. Hannah Boyd, J. Slaughter and Arthur Turner. The secretary of the church is Harvey Robinson and the clerk is Mrs. J. Slaughter. The society consists of thirty members, and services are held on Sunday and Thursday of each week. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MECHANICSBURG. The African Methodist Episcopal church at Mechanicsburg was organized about 1880. This was brought about largely through the efforts of Mrs; Amanda White, who is now living in Mechanicsburg and is the wife of the well-known former slave, Addison White. The first and present church was erected in 1884 under the pastorate of Rev; G. R. Blunt. The solicitors for funds were Cyrus Price and William Burns. The trustees at the time were Cyrus Price, C. A. Armfield, W. Burns, Charles Hill and Jacob King. Among the pastors who have served the society are the following: Reverend G. R. Blunt, Greene, H. H. Grant, C. B. White, Woodson, Watson, C. D. White, H; H. Uptagrove (under whose pastorate the congregation was successful in building a parsonage), Martamore, Henderson, Myers and Reverend Singleton, the present incumbent. The church has the usual auxiliaries and has a membership of fifty-one members. 472 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH LEWISBURG. This society was organized at North Lewisburg, August 20, 1872, with the following charter members : J. W. Hicks, William Pepsico, Sarah Terry, Isaac Merideth, William H. Hunt, L. C. Moss, Willis Bouncler, William Johnson, William Harrison, G. W. Gales, Mary Gales, Hannah Yarnel, Albert T. Green, Gabriel Beauford, Ruben Yarnel, William Taller, W. C. Barns, M. C. Johnson, Caroline Bouncier, and H. E. Green. Seven of the charter members are still living, among whom are the present pastor, Rev. A. T. Green, H. E. Green and M. C. Johnson. The society was organized in the old Masonic hall, where services were held for two years. After this, meetings were conducted in the Christian church for a period of two years. In 1876, the society erected a building on the corner of Townsend and Gregory streets at a cost of eighty dollars; This church is occupied at the present time. Among the numerous pastors who have served the congregation are the following: H. A. Grant. 1873-76; G. C. Whitfield; 1877; J; W. Stewart, 1878; C. R. Green, 1879-80; E. Cumberland, 1881; G. R; Blount, 1882-83; C. D. White, 1884-86; Jonas Montgomery, 1887; G. H. Davis, 1888-89; J. D. Singleton, 1890-92; M. N. Cuipher, 1893-95 ; G. W. Jackson, 1896-98; W. D. Mitchell, 1900; R. P. Clark, 1902 ; B; A. L. Powell, 1903; T; T. Taggart, 1904; J. M. Jones, 1905-07, and Albert T. Green, who has served the congregation during the last three years. The society maintains a Sunday school, a Missionary Society and a Young Peoples Society. MT. OLIVET, OR SODOM CAMP GROUND. About a half-mile north of the village of Cable was formerly the site of the Sodom Campmeeting Ground. These meetings, which were in charge of the Methodist Episcopal church, were started in 1833 and continued until 1839. Annual meetings were held in August of each year, and were attended by large and enthusiastic crowds. The members and ministers of the church, as well as those of other Methodist congregations, usually camped on the ground. Many distinguished ministers preached at these meetings, among whom were : William H. Raper, George W. Walker, R. O. Spencer, John F. Wright, Joshua Boucher, Michael Marley, A. Wambaugh, Silas and Ebenezer Chase. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 473 MECHANICSBURG METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. In the spring of 1855, Rev. S. P. Kazerta, of the Ohio conference of the Methodist Protestant church, saw a good field for the establishment of a church of that denomination in Mechanicsburg. The local Methodist Episcopal church was torn with dissension at that time over the institution of slavery and Kazerta resolved that it was an opportune time to establish there a church of his denomination. In the winter of 1855-56, he conducted a successful revival in the little frame building belonging to the Baptists, and as a result he gained a sufficient number of members to warrant the establishment of a church. The original charter membership of ninety-two was largely composed of families of abolition sentiments. Prof. W. D. Hinkle, J. R. Ware, F. A. Findley, William Purtlebaugh and H. M. Snodgrass were elected trustees. David Raudebaugh, Alexander McConkey and George Wolf were constituted stewards ; and Reverend Kazerta, Lewis Brittin and F. A. Findley served as a building committee. A lot, which was purchased on West Sandusky street, has proved to be the best site which could have been secured. Many churches die in infancy on account of a false economy in the selection of a location, but this mistake was not made in the case of this church. However, the church made a mistake in leasing to the Masonic lodge the upper story of their building. The church, which was completed and dedicated in 1858, was a two-story brick structure. Progress of the Church.—Owing to the independence and courage of the membership of the congregation, it never solicited nor accepted any aid as a mission; but was soon attached to the Catawba circuit. In 1865 is became an independent station. In 1879 the building was remodeled and refurnished; the membership at that time was three hundred and eight. In 1890 the Masons were bought out and then the whole building was razed to make way for a new and modern church structure. The new building contained a kitchen and dining room, a basement, an auditorium and Sunday school rooms, all of which, taken together, will seat one thousand. In 1891 the remaining debt of two thousand dollars was paid off, and a substantial sidewalk was built at a cost of six hundred dollars. In the same year a two thousand dollar pipe organ was installed, and a grand piano placed in the chapel. The church had the funds to pay for these improvements and furnishings at the time they were made or installed. 474 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. J. R. Ware gave his old home on the corner opposite the church for a parsonage several years ago; It was torn down in 1906 and was replaced by a beautiful concrete parsonage. The Sunday school was endowed by Rachel Kelley in. 1867. A number of the members have left funds in trust to pay for their church dues as long as they live. Their names are left on the church roll as acting members, and are carved on a beautiful white marble tablet which stands in the church. Every church should stand for something, and the Mechanicsburg Methodist Protestant church has always stood for liberty and equality. It holds that "only one is Master, even Christ." Holding the law of love as supreme, it has never been divided by quarrels and dissensions. The present membership, including a few non-resident members, numbers five hundred and one; METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH AT NORTH LEWISBURG. This church, familiarly known as the Middle church, was organized in 1867, by Rev. E. J. Wynens. In 1870 the congregation erected a neat and commodious edifice on a site donated by C. W. Lyon. During the pastorate of Reverend Buckley, the building was remodeled, a Sunday school room was added,. a furnace installed and a gallery put in. The congregation is composed of about fifty members, has an active Sunday school with an enrollment of about fifty-nine, and a Ladies Aid Society of nearly thirty-five members. Among the pastors who have served the congregation since the organization are the following : E. J. Wynens, J. W. Spring, J. M. Flood, A. Hall, A. M. Ravenscroft, A. P. Powelson, W; 'VI. Cramer, T. B. Graham, J. Shepherd, S. S. Fleming, H. V. Clark, N. J. Kinney, E. Eaton, John Stroup, J. F. Hinkle, W. G. Elliott, E. H. Woodworth, W. Archer, J. L. Buckley, F. T. Nichols, and William L. Tyler, the present incumbent. JENKINS CHAPEL. Jenkins chapel, in Wayne township, was the successor of Clintons meeting house, which stood about two hundred yards further east. The former was built about 1842 through the efforts of Andrew Williams, a Congregational Methodist minister. He was successful in interesting some of the men of the community, among whom were William Clinton, Benjamin Spillers, James Sheward, Oliver Jenkins, David Edwards. A church building was erected on a site donated by Oliver Jenkins, and used by the Methodist Pro- CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 475 testants and United Brethren for several years. Among the early ministers for the Brethren were Fredric Hendrix and Samuel Downey. After several years of harmonious worship, a union of the two organizations was effected, and the society became known as the Methodist Protestant church. Among the preachers have been the following : John Lawson, Abbott, Callahan, Plummer, S. B. Smith, O. P. Stevens, A. Trumbo, T. B. Trumbo, T. W. Spring, A. C. Hall, E. W. Winans, H. M. Ravenscroft, W. M. Creamer, T. B. Graham, J. Shepherd, S. S. Fleming, H. V. Clark, N. J. Kinney, E. Eaton, W. Archer, John Stroup, J. F. Hinkle, W. G. Elliott, E. H. Woodworth, J. L. Buckley, F. T. Nichols, and William L. Tyler, the present pastor. The membership of the church at the present time numbers about eighty. The church maintains an active Sunday school and a Ladies Aid Society. THE SANCTUARY. The Sanctuary was the name of a church erected in Wayne township in 1842 by a small society of Congregational Methodists, whose pastor at the time was John (Mingo) Thomas. Among the original members were Polly Thomas, Joseph Johnson, and Mrs. Perry and her family. The society existed only a few years and passed into a state of dorma1850 Dur1860,he period from 1850 to 1860, the Protestant Methodists occu1860 the building; and from 1860 to 1866, the Baptists made use of it. After the erection of the Mingo Baptist church, the Sanctuary was abandoned as a preaching point, and was later removed. The name now is only a matter of history. BAPTIST CHURCHES. In the settling of the central West the Baptist denomination was always found on the vanguard of civilization, spreading the light and truth of the Christian religion. As will be noticed in the history of the following Baptist churches, their activity in Champaign county was no exception ; for this denomination had more than an even start with the others of the county. Some denominations of the early days seem to have established precedents as to the location of their churches, whether in the towns and villages, or in the rural districts. The Methodists were wont to locate their churches in the villages, or on the cross roads; but not so with the Baptists, who confined their work almost wholly to the country districts. The early Baptists were a peculiar people; perhaps some would say clannish. Whatever their peculiarities might have been, they had the faculty of speedily finding out 476 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHOHIO; each other on the frontier, and then forming church organizations. In the light of the foregoing statement it may well be said that the bringing of the blessings of Christianity to the country districts is due perhaps more to the remarkable missionary zeal of the Baptist denomination than to any other. It was at Kings Creek, in Champaign county, where the third Baptist church in Ohio was established in 1805. During the next few years rural churches were instituted at Nettle Creek, Honey Creek, Lost Creek, Tharps Run, Buck Creek and Darby Creek. For their mutual welfare and support, these organizations united themselves into the Mad River Baptist Association. Little effort was made to organize churches in the towns and villages until about 1843, when the Ohio Baptist state convention selected a few towns where it was thought that missionary work was needed. Urbana was one of these towns and missionaries were sent to this field under the auspices of the convention. Religious meetings were held in the court house, which resulted in a charter being issued from the state Legislature authorizing certain parties to constitute themselves into a corporate body known as the Urbana Baptist Society. According to the best information received by the historian twenty Baptist churches have been organized in Champaign county and of this number eleven are in existence today (1917). FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, URBANA. During the early settlement of the state the Baptists confined their efforts to the establishment of churches in the rural districts, hence the villages were consequently neglected. A missionary society was organized for the purpose of building up societies in these neglected places. As Urbana was considered to be a good field, the Rev. Enos French was sent thither in 1840. Until the necessary arrangements could be made, services were held in the court room ; and, in the meantime, by an act of the Legislature, the society of the First Baptist church, was incorporated, Samuel V. Baldwin being named in the charter as one of the trustees. A site for a church building was secured on the south side of Court street, between Main and Walnut streets, and the erection of an edifice was begun. Elder French, who was forced to leave the work on account of his ill health,, was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Gorman. It was during the pastorate of the latter that the church was dedicated. Reverend Gorman was succeeded in his work by Elder French. In 1852, Reverend Williams took up the duties of pastor of the local church. He died in the fall of the same year and was followed by Rev. Daniel Bryant, CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 477 who served the congregation from 1852 to 1855. Reverend Agenbroad was the next pastor and remained until 1858. In 1858, Rev. J. C; Bonham accepted the call of the church and administered to its needs for a period of six years. His successors include the following : J. B. Tuttle, 1864-68; B. F; Taylor, 1868-70; I. N; Clark, 1871-73 ; G. G. Harriman, 1873-78; E. A. Stone, 1878-80; J. R. Downer, 1880-84; J. N. Fields, 1885-89; P. D. Root, 1889-90; H. W. Childs, 1891-93 ; W. F. Slocum, 1893-94; L. R. Mears, 1895-99; Millard Brelsford, 1900-05; P. W. Longfellow, 1905-07; Clarence M; Eddy, 1908-11; F. G. Arnold, 1912-16; W. O. Stovall, 1917. The present brick building was erected in 1882 at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars. The membership of the church is five hundred and forty. In connection with the church is a large and enthusiastic Sunday school. H. S. Morgan is the superintendent and T. M. Wiant is the secretary. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, ST. PARIS. Adherents of the Baptist faith in St. Paris met at the Methodist Episcopal church on August 13, 1874, for the purpose of organizing an independent Baptist church. After the usual routine of business was transacted, Elder W. R. Thomas was chosen moderator and J; F. Riker, clerk. Letters of recommendation were presented by the following : L. N. Huddleson, Ann Huddleson, Willis Huddleson, M. M. Neher, Mary Neher, Libby Poffenberger, Phoebe A. Northcutt, Isabel Walker, Simeon Pence, Isaac Brubaker, Charles Breisford, Elisha Berry, J; F. Riker, Eliza Riker, Daniel Brubaker, Amelia Worrel, Ada Kelley and Sarah Pence. The church was formally organized on August 20, 1874, and a committee, consisting of L. N. Huddleson, John McMorran and Daniel Brubaker, was appointed to formulate plans for the erection of a building. A church site was purchased from Samuel Bowersock, and a two-story brick edifice was constructed at a cost of six thousand dollars. When completed the church was equipped with a town clock and an excellent bell, the gift of Isaac Brubaker; The church was formally dedicated on January 31, 1875, the services being conducted by Elder Osborn. The first regular pastor was Rev. E; B. Smith and the first trustees were, Daniel Brubaker, Charles Brelsford and John McMorran. The first deacons were Isaac Brubaker, L. N. Huddleson and T. J. Schooler. The present building, which is one of the most beautiful and artistic in the county, was begun in 1914 and was dedicated on January 31, 1915, on 478 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. the fortieth anniversary of the dedication of the first church; The church has a home that will be adequate for years to come. The beautiful structure stands forth as an evidence of God's grace among a people who have been so self-sacrificing in seeing such an enterprise pushed to a successful conclusion. The resulting influences will surely serve as a reward to these people. The church has a seating capacity of six hundred. Under the entire building is a basement which is equipped with a kitchen, dining room, assembly room, cloak rooms, etc. The total cost of the structure, including the guarantee fund for the pipe organ, was $16,412.96. This amount does not include the sum of eight hundred dollars that was allowed by the contractor for material in the old building. Too much credit and praise cannot be given to the pastor, Rev. N. Y. Mathews, and to the building committee, which consisted of J. H. Batdorf, G; G. Jones, W. A. Nixon, David McMorran and Zede Hanna, for the results so successfully accomplished. Reverend Smith, who has served the congregation since February, 1917, is a young man of sterling qualities and is proving a worthy leader for his large and appreciative congregation. The pastors since the organization of the church are as follows: E. B. Smith, J. W. Scott, P. M. Weddell, J. E. Denham, P. H. Murray, F. T. Dye, A. J. McElwain, C. E. Wren, I. N. Carman, Reverend Burdette, Frank Sweet, R. E. Carney, W. J. Stith, Charles Mathews, N. Y. Mathews, and the present incumbent, Reverend Smith. MAD RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH. As early as 1806, some of the members of the Kings Creek Baptist church obtained letters of dismissal and, at the home of Henry Pence in Mad River township, proceeded to form a Baptist organization. In 1812 the Mad River Baptist Church Association was formed, and this church became a member. In 1821, this church with some others declared non-fellowship with open-communion churches and were dropped by the association. For a few years, services were held in the homes of the members, but as the organization grew and prospered the need of a church building became a necessity; Consequently, in 1819 a log structure was erected and, in later years, was supplanted by a brick edifice which was occupied for many years. The church is no longer in existence. Among the pastors who have served the congregation have been the following : Peter Smith, John Thomas, John Norman, John Gutridge, Moses Frazee, Sr., Samuel Williams, E. D. Thomas and John M. Thompson. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 479 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, URBANA TOWNSHIP What was known as the First Baptist church of Urbana township was organized in the early part of 1830. The ground on which the church was built was sold to the society by George Sparks and was located in the northeast quarter of section 20. The deed for the property was recorded on March 1, 1830. Just how long the church enjoyed an active existence is not known, but from official records it is ascertained that the society became extinct in 1871. HICKORY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH. The Hickory Grove Baptist church, located in Urbana township, was built in 1873. It is situated on a site which consists of more than three acres and which was deeded to the society by Samuel. S. Powell. After services had been held in this building for about twenty-five years, the little society became weaker and weaker until it gradually became extinct. On August 9, 1911, the building was sold to Harry Saxby and F. M. Shook for one hundred and twenty dollars. According to the original deed, the lot was to revert to the original owner, his heirs or assigns, therefore Mrs. John Logan became the owner of the lot. The proceeds from the sale of the building, benches and other furnishings were turned over to the Mad River Baptist Association, of which the society was a part. During the pastorate of Elder James Randle, 1877 to 1881, the society grew rapidly. After the latter date the enthusiasm began to wane, and about 1889 the society was disbanded and most of the members found a church home at Urbana. GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH. The German Baptist church in Adams township was formed in the early seventies. In 1874, a neat frame building was erected at a cost of six hundred dollars, and was dedicated by Reverends Ephraim Clopper and Jonathan Yoder. The membership at that time was about thirty; This church lingered along for many years but, like many other country churches, gradually became only a memory. MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH. The Mt. Pleasant Baptist church, located in Johnson township, was organized in June, 1844. The early religious gatherings of the denomination 480 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. were conducted in private homes, in barns, and, in the summer time, in groves. The preachers who first preached the gospel under these circumstances were. Rev. J. Ebbard and Rev. D. Runkle. It was the custom to invite ministers of the Myrtle Tree church to preach to the little gathering. The congregation. enjoyed a gradual growth, and in 1844 numbered twenty-five. It was in this year that a hewed-log church was erected under the direction of Samuel McMorran and Isaac Brubaker, the deacons. The first pastor in the log church was Rev. David Scott. Later Reverends Newton Frazee, Samuel Brower and James M. Kite served the congregation. In 1857, the congregation had grown large enough to warrant the erection of a more modern building, and.a neat-appearing frame structure was built. This church, which was a branch of .the Myrtle Tree Baptist church, became affiliated with the Mad River association the same year it was organized and grew to be one of the strongest members of this body. In 1873, the church reached its highest membership, having at that time one hundred and thirty-five members. The society has had the honor of sending into the ministry two of its members, A. E. Allen and Isaac Pence, the latter being the pastor at the present time. Among the many pastors have been the following: John Ebert, S. M. Browser, M. Frazee, David Scott, James Randle, W. S. Kent, James M. Kite, Isaac Evilsizer, F. M. Taylor, J. W. Beck, Alby Kite, J. E. Deshays, R. E. Carney, W. J. Smith and Isaac Pence; At present the church has a membership of nearly seventy. WALNUT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH; One of the dormant Baptist churches of this county, that will probably never awaken, is the Walnut Hill Baptist church, located near Catawba. The society was organized in 1879 and was. admitted into the Mad River association in 1880 with twenty-one members. The church, which grew slowly, did some good work for a time. No regular services have been conducted since 1908 ; and, from present conditions, it seems that the work of the society has been finished. Among its pastors have been the following : Elders B. J. George, William Dunn, R. W. King, R. C. Bryant, Thomas Evans, N. B. H. Gardner, C. E. Foley and Thomas Evans, again, as its last pastor. COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH, MECHANICSBURG. The Colored Baptist church at Mechanicsburg was organized in November, 1872, with the following charter members : Hicks Grain, Francis Grain, CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 481 Henry and Martha Payne, Anna Young, William Manley, Lucinda Manley, and Anna Alexander Dun. Fourteen pastors have served the congregation, which numbers about seventy at the present time. The church owns its own property, which was purchased from the First Methodist church, at a cost of two thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars. An active Sunday school is maintained with about fifty members, under the superintendency of Harry Phillips. Rev. J. J. Hackson is the present pastor. MYRTLE TREE BAPTIST CHURCH. This church, located in Mad River township, was organized April 24, 1830, by Elder William Fuson, with the following members : George Pine, Bryant Moody, James Pine, John Harnest, William Fuson, Phebe Moody, Ann Harnest, Sarah Pine, Sr., Sarah Pine, Deidamia Fuson, Lucy Corner, and Elizabeth Whitmore. Eight of the above charter members received their letters of dismissal from the Symms Creek Baptist church in Lawrence county, and the remainder were formerly members of the Nettle Creek church. The naming of the church is one of the very interesting features of the church's history. A short time before the organization of the church, the wife of Elder Fuson had a dream. It so happened that she had been reading the first chapter of Zechariah before retiring for the night and the picture of the myrtle tree and of "the angel of the Lord that stood among the myrtle trees" was indelibly imprinted upon her mind. When asleep, she dreamed of myrtle trees in all of their beauty, and it was at her request that the church was given the name, "Myrtle Tree." After the organization of the church had been perfected, the congregation secured from Samuel Kite a tract of land on which a church house was erected. An interesting feature of the purchase was the consideration, which was a calico dress for Mrs. Kite; This building was used as a house of worship until it was replaced by a new one in 1881. Elder Fuson continued as pastor until September 25, 1841, when he resigned on account of old age. Other pastors who have served the congregation include the following: John Ebert, David Runkle, David Scott; T. J; Price, James Randle, N. Y. Mathews, John Hawker, S. Fison, S. A; Sherman, A. F. Pence, J. W. Beck, C. F. Stratton, J. E. Medick, and W. C. Beckett, the present incumbent. (31) 482 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. The church was connected with the Ohi0 association until 1837, when it became identified with the Mad River association. It is the mother of three churches which are in existence at the present time, namely, Mt. Zion, Mt. Pleasant and Millerstown. From the congregation have gone out several ministers, A. J. Wiant, John Ebert, David Runkle, James M. Kite and James T. Kite. The membership of the congregation numbers approximately one hundred and sixty-five. PLEASANT RUN BAPTIST CHURCH. This society was organized at Middletown on November 5, 1838, by the Reverends Thomas J. Price, Daniel Beaver and William Fuson, with the following charter members John Johnson, Margaret Johnson, Holdridge Chidister, Mary Chidister, Isaac Wilson, Rebecca Wilson, David Wilson, Mary Ann Wilson, John Martin, Elizabeth Martin, Boyd Richardson, Mary Richardson, Nicholas Swisher, Sarah Swisher, Hester Morecraft, Mercy Wells, Joseph Swisher, Jane Swisher, John Doak, Rachel Doak, Elizabeth Graham, Elizabeth Holloway, Eunice Graham, John Graham, Thomas Wilson and Locke Wilson. In December, 1838, a lot was purchased at the cost of ten dollars, and the initiatory steps were taken toward the ultimate construction of a building. After much sacrifice and diligent effort on the part of the members, the building was completed early in 1842. For nearly thirty years the society grew and prospered. Among the ministers were some of the most noted men in the Baptist denomination hereabout; Among these were the Reverends Price, Fuson, Carr, Bunker, Davis, Line, Martin, Thomas, Cleveland, Hale, Eppert, Williams, Chidister, Platts, Hawker, Dye, Lion and Price. When the village of Mingo was platted and gave promise of becoming a thriving town, it was thought best to abandon the building at Middletown as a preaching point. A building was then erected at Mingo. MINGO BAPTIST CHURCH. A substantial frame structure was erected at a cost of about one thousand two hundred dollars. The church was completed early in the year 1867, and was dedicated on February 3, 1867, by David Scott. The leading members at that time were Joseph Miller and wife, Edward M. Morgan, Lizzie Morgan, Abel North, Elizabeth North, Silas Igou, Merdie Igou, David Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Jonathan Johnson, Sarah J. Johnson, Hannah Gray, Eliz- CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 483 abeth Gray, Huldah Thomas, Lizzie Johnson. The church edifice has, in recent years, been thoroughly remodeled and is now a modern country church. Since the organization of the society, the following ministers have served the congregation : David Scott, W. S. Kent, W. R; Thomas, William Wilbur, B; J. George, G. J. Line, J; D. Hale, C. Platts, M. Jones, T. J. Price, J. E. Denham, James Randle, C. N. Harford, C. E. Wren, Daniel Bryant, J. W. Beck, W. H. Perkham; and J. C. Stratton. The membership of the congregation at the present time is about thirty-five. HARMONY BAPTIST CHURCH. The Harmony Baptist church, located in Terre Haute, was organized April 18, 1857, by Reverends John Ebert and David Runkle with twenty-one members, who were dissolvents of the Myrtle Tree church. The first meeting was held in the barn of John Lutz; and, until a church house was built in 1858, services were held in a neighboring school house. The first church house was located on the Kirkpatrick pike, two miles northeast of Terre Haute. In order that the church might be more centrally located, it was moved to Terre Haute in 1894. The church was never as strong as many of the others of the Mad River association, but during its existence was always aggressive. It has sent into the ministry Isaac Evilsizer and C. M. Bragg. Among its pastors are the following: Elders John Ebert, David Runkle, M. Jones, David Scott, Z. Ross, S. B. Nixon, R. R. Jones, William Bean, W; R. Thomas, W. S; Kent, N. Y. Matthews, Isaac Evilsizer, James Randle, B. J. George, Jesse Messer, A. E. Clem, Alby Kite, C. M. Bragg, William Pieffer, J. W. Beck, F. M. Taylor, Reverend Scott, C. F. Stratton, and Reverend Furroughs, who was the last pastor. The church has a membership of perhaps fifty, but it is in a very much weakened condition. No regular services have been conducted during the past year. MILLERSTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH. The Millerstown Baptist church, located four miles northeast of St. Paris, was organized in March, 1882, with thirty-one charter members, and was received the same year into the Mad River Baptist Association. This church had been sustained as a mission to the Myrtle Tree church and drew all of her constituent members from her. The new church grew rapidly and, in due season, a neat and commodious edifice was erected. The highest membership of the church was reached. in 484 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. 1906, when one hundred and seventy-two members were reported. In 1909, the society lost forty-two members, mostly by exclusion. At the present the church has a membership of nearly one hundred and twenty members. The pastors of the church have been the following : J. T. Kite, F. NI. Taylor, P. H. Murray, Isaac Evilsizer, James Randle, J. P. Childs, Alby Kite, William Pieffer, J. B. Wakem, N. Y; Mathews, and W. C. Beckett, the present pastor. The church has sent out into the ministry W. H. Taylor, L. F. Taylor and Alby Kite. BUCK CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH. The Buck Creek Baptist church, located not far from Mechanicsburg, was organized in 1812, with eighteen constituent members, and reached its largest membership in 1834 with thirty-six members. From that time on it lost in numbers until it finally, about 1846, became extinct. MECHANICSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH. This church was organized under the name of the Goshen church on January 11, 1840, with twenty-eight members ; but the name was changed to Mechanicsburg in 1847. This society was organized mainly through the efforts of John Woodward. For five or six years after its organization, it had no building for worship, but sufficient resources were finally collected to build a small edifice on Locust street. The congregation grew and prospered and became quite strong, reporting one hundred and six members in 1864; but from this time the society began to weaken until 1883, when there were only thirty-eight active members. About this time several of the members took their letters from the church and assisted in organizing the Walnut Hill church. The next year the local church reported only five members. Later the membership decreased to two, and then the property was turned over to the missionary board of the association. Among the pastors were the following : Elders E. Bunker, George J. Line, James Sampson, J. W. Hawker, T. J. Price, E. J. Thomas, M. Jones, A. Snyder, and J. Wright. MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH. The Mount Zion Baptist church, located about five miles southeast of St; Paris, was organized on April 18, 1821, with thirty-five charter mem- CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 485 bers, twenty of whom were from the Myrtle Tree church, and the remainder from the Honey Creek church. A church building was erected soon after the society was organized, but it was supplanted by a new and modern one in later years. In 1851 the congregation became affiliated with the Mad River Baptist Association and has remained a part of the same ever since. The church has enjoyed a gradual growth, and for many years has been one of the strong congregations in the association. It has a membership at the present of about one hundred and thirty, and is doing excellent work under the pastorate of Rev. W. C. Beckett. Among the pastors have been Elders William Fuson, James Randle, W. M. Bean, N. Y. Mathews, S. A. Sherman, J. E; Lee, W. L. Burdett, J. E. DeShayes, C. M. Bragg, William Pieffer, W; J. Smith, J. E. Medick, and W. C. Beckett, the present pastor. HONEY CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH. The first religious organization in Jackson township was the Honey Creek Baptist church, organized in 1811, at the home of Elder Stapleton, who lived about one-half mile east of where the village of Christiansburg is now located. Six members formed the original organization. As was customary in the early days, services were held in the private homes; but in 1816 a log church, twenty-four by twenty-six feet was built. In 1831 this pioneer building was supplanted by a large and commodious brick structure. As time advanced, and the congregation became more prosperous, the need of another building became a necessity; a circumstance which led to the construction of another substantial edifice in 1874. Among the ministers who have served the congregation are the follow- ing: Robert Stapleton, Moses Frazee, Abraham Buckels, Moses Frazee, Jr., Elder Willis, T. J. Price, William Fuson, David Scott, J. W. Icenberger, W. R. Thomas, James Harvey, John L. Moore, N. B. Gardner, N. Y. Mathews, J. E. Mendick, and W. C. Beckett, the present incumbent. The membership of the church is about one hundred and twenty. KINGS CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH. The settlers who came into what is now Champaign county as early as 1805 were largely from Virginia and Kentucky, and a large percentage of these were of the Baptist faith. This circumstance is evident from the fact that several of the first county officials were Baptists and became members of the Kings Creek Baptist church; Rev. John Thomas, the first county auditor, 486 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. was a Baptist preacher and made an excellent county official. The meetings and interchange of ideas among these early settlers led to the organization of the Kings Creek Baptist church in the year 1805. The organization was perfected on the 29th of June, at the house of James Turner. A partial list of the charter members includes the following: James Turner, Sr., John Guthridge, Sampson Talbot, Rebecca McGill, -Hannah Sutton, Ann Turner, 'M. Guthridge, and E. Parkerson; In the early days of the church the meetings were held in the houses of the members, which were scattered over a large part of the county, and for a period of eleven years the devout members worshipped in this manner. In 1816 John Taylor gave an acre of land to the little society as a burying ground and a site for a meeting house. The deed was made to Jesse Guth-ridge and James Templin, deacons of the church, and bears the date of March 7, 1816. During the year 1816 a log house twenty-six by twenty was erected for a meeting house. This structure had neither chimney nor fire-place. As stoves could not be had, a wooden box about twelve by six feet was made of thick puncheons. This was partly filled with clay which was pounded in so as to form a concave surface for the reception of charcoal. This improvised stove, standing in the center of the house, with its glowing bed of charcoal, afforded the only warmth during the winter season. This meeting house became the center of all the Sunday gatherings for this section of the country; It also afforded accommodation for the day and singing schools that were much in vogue during those early days; One of the early teachers who taught, or rather "kept" school, in this house, was Edward L. Morgan. This pioneer meeting house was occupied for fifteen years and might have stood longer had not it been destroyed by fire. This circumstance made way for the erection of a brick edifice, twenty-eight by forty, which was built in 1831 on the same ground. This sanctuary was occupied until it became too small to accommodate the needs of the congregation, and in 1848 it was razed and the present substantial building wes erected. Roll of the Pastors of the Church;—There is nothing perhaps more abiding in the memories of the members of Kings Creek church than their ministers. Among those who have served the church, Rev. John Guthridge and Rev. John Thomas seem to have been the first. Which of these two had the pre-eminence, the records do not say ; perhaps each esteemed the other better than himself, and in love and harmony worked together; The name of John Guthridge, however, appears more frequently as preacher at the church meet- CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 487 ings. The name of the moderator is seldom given. The early minutes of the association throw no light on who was pastor, and the records of the church make no mention of calling a pastor until January, 1829. At that time. William Vaughn was called. It is therefore reasonable to suppose that, while other ministers preached occasionally, Guthridge and Thomas were the only preachers of the church for twenty-four years. It seems that William Vaughn accepted the, call of the church and preached from January, 1829, until in February, 1831; Then T. J. Price took charge of the church work, and continued in this capacity, except during short intervals, for nearly twenty-five years. The records show the calling of William Hawker and David Scott during this period, but they seemed rather as assistants of Reverend Price than to have had full charge of the work. Others were also called to preach for the church during this period : Rev. Eli Frye, in June, 1835, and. Rev. A. Williams, in April, 1851; however, for some reason, they never preached much. Reverend Price was the shepherd of the flock from 1831 to 1856. In June, 1856, Rev. Daniel Bryant was called to the pastorate and served the church until November 21, 1859. The successor of Reverend Bryant was Rev. David Scott, who had preached to the congregation at different times in the past. When the call came for men to serve the Union during the Civil War, he resigned and went with the vast host into the South to help save his country. Rev. J. B. Tuttle took up the work of the church on January 1, 1862. The call of Reverend Tuttle inaugurated a new era in the history of the church, for at that time it began having a settled pastor and preaching every Sunday. The pastor did not remain long, for he resigned on September 12, 1863, to take charge of the church in Urbana. Rev. J. B. Sutton succeeded to the pastorate in December of the same year, and continued as the pastor until October 1, 1866. From that time until 1867, Rev. M. Jones acted as a supply. Then Rev. James Harvey took the oversight of the church. Reverend Harvey closed his work with the Kings Creek church on September I, 1872, having been in charge five years and six months. Elias Stillwell was next called and began preaching in February, 1873, but his stay was of short duration. Rev. M. Squibb supplied for the remainder of the year. Later he became pastor and remained until February, 1875; Daniel Bryant acted as pastor for a few months until arrangements could be made for H. P. Clark to supply. In August of the same year William Roney took charge, but remained less than a year, resigning in July, 1876. Another short pastorate was that of W. A. Robinson who entered upon the work in Decem- 488 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. ber, 1876, and closed it in November, 1878. He in turn was followed by W. J. Dunn, who closed his labors on March I, 1882. In April, Rev. G. G. Harriman was engaged to supply for an indefinite time. In August, Rev; A. B. Charpie was called to. supply, with a view of assuming the regular pastorate, which he -did and served the congregation one year. In April of the following year Rev. L. D. Morse was chosen pastor and assumed his duties at once. He remained with the church until in July, 1884. Rev. C. N. Hartford was the next pastor and continued in this capacity until March 1, 1891. Rev. Harvey McLaughlin accepted the call of the church the following May and was the pastor until March 1, 1894. His successor was Rev; L. H. Suddith who remained until October, 1895. Daniel Bryant was engaged to preach for the church, beginning with March 1, 1896. He resigned the following August and severed his connections with the church at once. C. W. Foley was the next pastor, beginning his labors on October, 1899, and served until October 15, 1901. He was succeeded by Rev. A. E. Hayes, July I, 1902. The pastors of the past ten years or more include the Reverends Bailey, Piper, Turkington and Forrest, the latter of whom was the last pastor. The membership of the church at present numbers about one hundred and thirty. SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. By E. W. B. Curry; The Jerusalem, or Second Baptist Church of Urbana, Ohio, was organized on Saturday, before the fourth Lord's day in March, 1846. Rev; Samuel Jones was the pastor in charge. The following members were in the organization : Brothers John and Bryant Clark, and sisters Elizabeth Chavers, Lucy Clark, Elizabeth Farron and Mary Moore. At first the congregation held meetings in groves and private homes. An old work shop, now the residence of John Wells on south Main street, then stood on the southeast corner of Market square. It was purchased from William Sampson, the owner, for one hundred dollars, and moved. The moving was done by. Calvin Rector with a yoke of oxen belonging to Henry Weaver. For ten years the congregation worshiped in the old workshop, but at the end of that period, it was found that it had outgrown its old quarters. They then purchased a lot on Buckeye street for one hundred and fifty dollars. They traded this lot for the site on which the church now stands; Mrs. Eliza Logan's brick yard was rented for thirty dollars, Daniel Chavers CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 489 moulded the brick and John H. Chavers, with George Moss, carried them to the yard. After many sacrifices and hardships, the congregation finally succeeded in erecting the house of worship. The following ministers have served as pastors : Phillip Young, L. B; Moss ( for twenty years), Henry Rockhold, Richard Merideth, George Curry, James Shoecraft, P. B. Wright, Henderson Stewart, Wallace Shelton, Peter Everett, B. A. T. Powell, L. C. Sheafe, J. A. Viney, L. M. Leonard, C; W; Stribling, W; L. Burr, R. O. Hart, N. S. Norris, E. W. B. Curry, son of George Curry, and J. T. Carter. The organization has a membership of over three hundred, the largest of any church among the colored people in Champaign county. The Sunday school, Baptist Young Peoples Union Mission and educational societies are alive to Christian work; W. T. Hill, D. R. Jones, Charles Owens, Watson Fletcher, Villian Stewart, Leslie Guy, Sam McGregor, Lee Saloan, Thomas Goins, Sidney Goins, W. N. Allen, J. V. Valentine, and Melvin Stanhope are members of the official board. Othello Curry, McKinley Dunn, Leander Church, Forest Stanhope and Henry Williams are ushers and collection helpers. Among the women workers are Mrs. E. W. .B; Curry, Mrs. D. R. Jones, Mrs; Susan Jones, Mrs. Watson Fletcher, Miss Hattie Waugh and Mrs. T. J. Carter. The Second Baptist church is a strong force for the good of the colored people of the community. Any cause which stands for good morals, temperance, education, charities or missions is assured of a hearing and liberal support in the Jerusalem Baptist church; PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES OF URBANA AND BUCK CREEK; Presbyterianism first obtained a foothold in Champaign county at a place six miles east of Urbana in 1802 ; one year before the admission of Ohio into the Union; Archibald Steele was the first Presbyterian minister who preached the gospel in this county. The first missionaries of the Presbyterian faith who labored in this region were Nicholas Pittinger, Thomas Marquis and Joseph Stephenson. The first communion was observed in the fall of 1810. No elders had been ordained at that time and the elements were served by the officiating ministers. 'Joseph McClain and wife, some of the Robinsons, Huestons, Wilsons and Minturns and David Vance and wife were received at that time. 490 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. In 1811, under the supervision of the presbytery of Cincinnati the church, which may be regarded as the parent of the first church of Urbana, was organized. David Vance was elected ruling elder and was ordained by Rev. Joseph Stephenson. The church was named Buck Creek, from the stream near which its members lived. It was known on the records of the presbytery, however, as Harmony church. Three years afterwards, Jacob Minturn, Joseph McClain and John Runyon were elected elders. At that time the name of the church was changed to Union ; the name being significant of the connection existing between the two branches, Buck Creek and Urbana. In 1812, James Robinson made a donation of land for a church site and burying ground, which from that time to the present has been occupied by the Buck Creek church. Very recently a part of the original site, consisting of three acres and the manse were sold. The first pastor of the Union church was Rev. James Hughes. His time, however, was divided between Buck Creek, Urbana, and a place called Mingo, which was occupied by the Indians. The place is now called North Lewisburg. Before the erection of a meeting house at Urbana, there were at different times several places where the Presbyterian people could meet together to worship and to listen to their ministers. One of these was an old log school house on Locust street, another the present site of the old woolen factory, another .a room over the jail, which then stood on Market. street; In pleasant weather services were held in a grove near the factory. Reverend Hughes was pastor until 1818, when he was elected principal of Miami University. Progress of the Church.—From the time of Reverend Hughes's removal until the beginning of 1821, the church seems to have had only occasional and irregular supplies; In February of that year Rev. John Birch, an Englishman and a bachelor, began preaching as a supply, and continued until 1824. After Reverend Birch the church had occasional supplies. Among these were Reverend Goddard and Reverend Stewart, from Philadelphia. On April 10, 1827, Rev. David Merrill was invited to preach for four weeks. He continued as stated pastor until the spring of 1841, a period of fourteen years, the longest pastorate in the history of the church. He was not formally installed as pastor until 1835, two years after the separation of the Urbana and Buck Creek church. On January 4, 1822, Alexander Taylor and Col; William Ward were ordained as elders for the Urbana branch of the -Union church, but there was as yet no formal separation. On April 3, 1833, a meeting was CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 491 held at Buck Creek, at which the Urbana members asked the church to unite with them in a petition to the presbytery of Miami for a division. This was agreed to, and a committee consisting of Rev. David Merrill and Elder Cantrall was appointed to present the matter to presbytery. The presbytery granted the petition, and in the year 1833 this church began its existence as a separate organization., with one hundred members, Rev. David Merrill as pastor, and the following men as elders : Alexander Taylor,' William Ward, Matthew Magrew and Hugh McDonald. The first subscription for building a house of worship bears the date of July 16, 1828; The house for which this subscription was made was never entirely finished, but was far enough completed to be occupied. On March 22, 1830, a fearful tornado passed over Urbana and the little church building was completely wrecked. A subscription for a second house of worship bears the date of June 29, 1830. To the energy and liberality of Col. William Ward more than to that of any other single individual, this church was indebted for its first two houses. The first house stood on the site of the present court house. The second one, which was thirty-six feet wide and forty-five feet long, was built where the present church edifice now stands and was occupied until 1853, when it was torn down to permit the erection of a third edifice. The fourth and present building was completed and opened for service on May 5, 1895. This edifice, which is one of the very finest in this section of the country, is built of Bera stone, after the Romanesque style of architecture, and cost approximately thirty-five thousand dollars. The church proper has a seating capacity of five hundred and fifty, but, by utilizing the Sunday school rooms and all available space, nine hundred can be comfortably seated. Reverend Merrill was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Elcock who supplied the congregation for six months. Rev; Alexander Cowan was the next pastor. He was called on August 15, 1842, and was released in 1844. After Reverend Cowan the church was supplied part of the time during 1845-46 by Rev. J. B. Adams. Rev. Thomas F. Magill was the next pastor and the only one up to this time to die while pastor of the church. He began preaching here in 1846, although he was not formally installed until December 11, 1850, and died on September 20, 1852. Rev. Edwin B. Raffenberger was the next pastor and remained for a period of eighteen months. Following his pastorate Rev. Leander H. Long received a call, November 25, 1854. He began his work with the congregation on the first Sunday in January, 1855, and continued until March 4, 1864. Pastors Since the War.—Rev. John Woods was installed as pastor on 492 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. April 24, 1865, and served the congregation until in April, 1868. He was succeeded by Rev. J. A. P. McGaw, D. D., who became the pastor of the church on the first day of January, 1869, although he was not installed until April 28 of the same year He served the congregation until April, 1880, and acted as supply until June of that year. His successor was Rev. J. G. Patterson, who became the pastor on November 15, 1881, and continued until May 1, 1884. Rev. H. A; Ketchum was the next minister to take charge of the work in the church. He was installed on April 28, 1885, and remained until 1891, when Rev. J. B. Helwig, D. D., was chosen as his successor. The latter served the congregation until 1898, when he was succeeded by Rev. R. M. Donaldson who continued as pastor until 1902. Rev. Frank Reber, the successor to Reverend Donaldson, took up his work here in 1902, and continued his work as pastor for five years. He was then succeeded by Rev. W. D. Atkinson who ministered to the needs of the church until 1912, in which year Rev. W. J. Dempster, the present pastor, began his work. The congregation numbers five hundred and seventy-two. Among the auxiliaries connected with the church are a large and active Brotherhood society, a Bible class and an active Christian Endeavor Society. In addition to these are two flourishing missionary societies. The Woman's Missionary Society was organized on December 30, 1873, with seven charter members. The first officers were Mrs. Morris, president; Mrs. McGaw, first vice-president; Mrs. J. Boal, second vice-president; Mrs. F. Houston, secretary, and Mrs. J. D. Rock, treasurer. A mission branch was organized in April, 1884; The "Lower Lights," an organization of boys, was begun on January 24, 1885, with six charter members. The present officers of the church include the following : John Duncan, Alexander Duncan, John C. McCracken, Fred H. Wood, James S. Robinson, William S. Given, Harry B. Conyers, Oscar Eby, Herman B. Lichtie, Clayton E. French, Clarence A. Coon, George P. Siebert, Charles A. Learning, P. A. Boisen, elders ; Leander Marmon, clerk. The present membership of the Buck Creek church is forty-seven. Services are conducted twice each month by Rev. W. J. Dempster, of the church at Urbana. For a number of years prior to the coming of Mr. Dempster to Urbana, the church was inactive. Rev. C. E. Titford was the last regular pastor. The Presbyterian Sunday School;—Almost one hundred and four years ago a few godly Christian women of Urbana met in a week of prayer and conference at the home of Rev. John C. Pearson. At that time there were CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 493 many families in which children were growing up like heathens, without the knowledge of a higher being. Inspired by these circumstances these women made an effort to teach these neglected children something of the life of the Savior. Mrs. Mary Hughes, Mrs. Jane Reynolds, Mrs. Jane Heylin and Mrs. Sarah D. Neal proposed the opening of a Sunday school. Without delay a building that was owned by Dr. Adam Mosgrove was procured and was fitted out with rustic-seats, Bibles, Testaments, spelling books and primers. When everything was in readiness, public notice was given and the children of the village were invited to attend. The Sunday school was welt attended from the beginning. Along with the children came many of the mothers. The teachers at that time were Maria Reynolds, Mary Hughes and Eliza Heylin. In 1820 it was deemed advisable to divide the school; the Presbyterians taking one-half and the Methodist taking the other half. William Ward was appointed the first superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday school and for twelve years he faithfully performed the duties of his office. In 1822 the male teachers were John Bayles, Stephen Miller and Douglass Luce. The last one named was connected with the school for thirty-three years, giving his time, talents and means as the work demanded. The female teachers included Mrs. Mary Pogue, Margaret Gibler, Mary G. Hunt, Elizabeth Sweet, Mary A. Hughes, Ellen Hunt and Eliza Heylin. Among the superintendents was Mr; Whitney, 1832 ; D. W. McDonald, 1835; James McBeth, 1846 ; Reverend Kinney, 1849 ; Henry A. Wilcox, 1851. It was during this latter year that the infant class was started by Mrs. Berry and Mrs. McGrew. In 1853 the school was reorganized, a new constitution was adopted and the following officers were elected : Henry A. Wilcox, superintendent; John D. Rock, librarian ; Duncan McDonald, treasurer. The school then had thirteen teachers and fifty-two pupils, making a total of seventy-one. Other superintendents of the school include the following : James. R. McBeth, 1854; Rev. L; H. Long, 1855; Stillman Emmerson, 1856; G. D. Moore, 1862; John D. Rock, 1863; J. J. Reed, 1864 ; John D. Rock, 1865; I. M. Boal, 1866; Rev. John Wood, 1867 ; then John D. Rock, who was superintendent for over twenty years. Following came Charles Jamison, L. M. Wood, D. W. Todd, Fred H. Wood, James Robison, H. M. Hubbell and C. A. Coon, the latter of whom is the present superintendent. The Sunday school at the present time has an enrollment of four hundred. 494 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO: UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, URBANA. The United Presbyterian church was organized at Urbana in 1844 by the Rev. J. S. McCracken. The first elders of the church were James Dallas, Andrew McBeth and Miles Beatty; The first pastor was Rev. Thomas Baker, who took charge of the work there in 1845. He served the congregation until his death in 1847. His successor was Rev. L. H. Long, who accepted the call of the church in 1849. He preached to his congregation until November, 1854, when he resigned to become the pastor of the First Presbyterian church in Urbana. Rev. J. B. Finley took up the work in the church and carried it on until 1856. From 1856 until 1861 the church was without the services of a regular pastor, although at stated intervals worship was conducted by Reverends David Payne, T. C. McCaghn and Thomas Brown.. Rey. W. S. Morhead filled the pulpit for one year, but resigned to become a missionary to Italy. In December 1862, Rev. T. B. Dysart became the pastor of the church, but died after serving the church nearly two years. He was succeeded by Rev. H. H. Thompson in 1865 and he served until 1881 and was the last regular pastor.. The church began to go down shortly after Rev. L. H; Long became the pastor of the First Presbyterian church, which gradually absorbed the membership of the members of the United Presbyterian church and the latter finally became inactive in 1881. SHARON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The early settlers in Union township were almost all of the Presbyterian faith. John Woods was the first minister to preach the Gospel to the settlers, and he -came to this county in 1807. For many years services were conducted in the home of James McLain. Following the pastorate of Woods, Archibald Steele and Joseph Stephenson were in charge of the services. James Hughes was the first regular pastor and he began his work in 1813. A log house of worship was erected the same year just east of the village of Reynolds (Slabtown). The edifice stood on the southwest corner of what has long been known as the Miles Beaty farm. The farm is located principally on the south side of the Urbana and Mulford pike, immediately south of Union chapel. The building stood a few rods south of the Union school house on the Mutual road. This structure was occupied until 1827 CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. OHIO - 495 when it was burned. A nnew building was erected almost immediately on the same site. Services were conducted for many years, but in the course of time the membership of the congregation gradually diminished and eventually disbanded. The building stood for many years after the disbandment of the society before it was removed. In close proximity to the church was a graveyard and in it are buried many of the pioneer settlers of that community. SPRING HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. One of the first Presbyterian churches in this section of the state was organized on Cherokee run in May, 1825. This church at that early date covers an area of not less than eight hundred- square miles. Joseph Wilson and eleven others were received into this church at Newall's mill. This mill, long since gone, stood at the base of the hill upon which the village of Spring Hills now stands, where- the North Sidney and Spring Hills road crosses Graves creek, some siRun meeting from the Cherokee Run.meeting house. At this mill, five months later, January 12, 1826, the Stony Creek Presbyterian church was organized. The name of the church was changed on October 27, 1858, to that of the town in which the house of worship stands, Spring Hills. The church at that time covered the territory now occupied by six flourishing churches, namely, Spring Hills, Bellefontaine, West Liberty, De Graff, Zanesfield and Parish, an area of three hundred square miles. About the year 1829, the Bellefontaine church was organized. In the year 184.o the West Liberty church was established, and out of these older churches the three younger churches have been organized, Spring Hills being the parent of them all. The first list of members to be found on the records is dated in January, 183names; contains forty-eight names. Now in the same territory there are between seven and eight hundred members. At the organization of the Stony Creek church, Joseph Wilson, John Taylor and John Travis were elected as ruling elders. The two former were ordained and all three were installed on the third Sunday in January, 1826. These three devoted men, with the venerable Rev. Joseph Stevenson to lead them, had a vast field in which to labor. Until 1831, services were held in the homes of the various members, but as the society gbuilding becameand strength a building-became a necessity and this circumstance led to the erection ofmentioned.ding in the year mentioned. This church served well the needs of the congregation for ten years at the end of which time a new frame structure, thirty-five by sixty feet was built. The pastor at that time was Rev. James Gill. 496 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. Progress and Pastors of the Church.—The church building was remodeled in 1887 at a cost of one thousand eight hundred dollars, and in 1912 further improvements, such as the construction of a basement, kitchen and dining room were made at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. Many pastors have been connected with this church, and their names occur as follow: Rev. Joseph Stevenson, 1825-27; Rev. James Paregrine, 1838-40; Rev. Hugh R. Price, 1840-41; Rev. W. C. Holly, 1841-44; Rev. M. T. Lockett, 1844-45; Rev. D. B. Read, 1845-46; Rev. J. H. Gill, 1846-47; Rev. William .H. Galbreath, 1847-53; Rev. Seth Howell, 1853-56; Rev. W. B. Spence, 1856-58. It was in this latter year that the name of the church was changed from Stony Creek to Spring Hills, and the pastors continue as follow : Rev. Alexander Telfore, 1858-73; Rev. L. T. Drake, 1873-85; Rev. Reece W. Edwards, 1885-91; Rev. J. G. Grabile, 1891-92; Rev; F. M; Kumler, 1893-1901; Rev. C. J. McCracken, 1901-03; Rev. M. G. Clayton, 1904-06; Rev. C. W. Bogle, 1906-08; Rev. J. M. McComb, 1909-10; Rev. S. C. Bates, 1911-1914; Rev. E. C. Hamilton, 1914-1916; Rev. John Carl Paul, 1917. At the time of organization the following members were received into the church by certificate: John Travis, John Taylor, Joseph Wilson, Robert Patterson, Silas Johnson, Mary Moore, Sarah Vance, Ellenor Wilson, Elizabeth Patterson, Anna McFarran, Jane Wilson, John Wilson, John Newell, William Wilson, George McFarran, Julia Ann Howell,. John Smith, John Kirkwood, William Kirkwood, Sarah Kirkwood and Margaret Kirkwood. The officers of the church at the present time include the following: Denton Crowl, Benjamin Phenegar, J. W. Peck, J. S. Wren, Forry Wilson, F. C. Mohr, J; R. Harner, C. N. Strayer, elders; Joseph Calland, Newton Calland, Amos Fett, Harry Wren, J. N. Barnett, Grant Mohr, deacons; Mrs. Nellie Johnson and Mrs. Mary Garver, deaconess. The church roll at the present time includes the names of one hundred and fifty members in good standing. The church maintains an.active Sunday school with an enrollment of nearly one hundred, a Christian Endeavor Society of forty members, and a Missionary Society of twenty-four members. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. The third Lutheran church in the county was organized at Urbana, July 5, 1845. Prior to the permanent organization, Dr. Ezra Keller, who was then president of Wittenberg College in Springfield, Ohio, held the first CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 497 preaching service in the old Academy building on east Court street, now the Central ward school building, in December, 1844. The organization of the society occurred in the rooms over what is now the Champaign National Bank. The charter members consisted of the following: John Poffenbarger, James Thompson and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth. "Thompson, Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher, Miss E; Kendolhart, Jacob Gardner and wife, Shephard Grove and wife, Mrs. Eva Stover, Mrs. Chatfeller, Sallie Dorkins, Jacob Miller and wife, Mrs. Julia Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. Seibert. In 1847 services were discontinued on North Main street and were held in a small building on east Church street, called Poffenbarger's school house. In the June of that year a Sunday school was organized with twenty-five pupils present. The New Testament and Luther's Small Catechism were used as the first lesson books. A small library was purchased; During the pastorate of Rev. Adam Helwig, who was the first permanent leader of this flock, the cornerstone for the first permanent church home, a substantial brick building, was laid. This building stood on the corner of West Court and Walnut streets, where the present church stands. The services of the dedication were held in the autumn of the same year. In this structure the congregation worshipped for thirty-four years. The church has undergone the experiences so common to the average society. During the years, 1858 and 1859, the membership was greatly reduced on account of deaths and removals, and in 1862 Reverend Severing-house, left the pastorate to serve his country in the Civil War. A complete disorganization was threatened, because from 1863 to 1867 the society had no religious services. The total disbandment was prevented by E. B. Gaumer, J. F. Rettberg and a few others. In 1867 the board of home missions appointed Rev. A. J. Imhoff as missionary pastor and he reorganized the congregation on April I of the same year. Thirty-four of the former members were then living in the country. The beginning was small, but the number in the congregation was increased by persons who moved into town during the time the church was closed. At the end of two years the pastor withdrew from the support of the missionary board. Henceforth the church experienced a strong and steady growth. Progress of the Church.—The growth of the society finally demanded an improvement of the church building. Especially was this step necessary because of the extension of the Sunday school activities. It was decided, however, to remodel the old building. This was done and. the building as it (32) 498 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. stands today, was dedicated under the pastorate of Doctor Imhoff, August 1, 1886. In 1902 the residence on the east side of the church and fronting on West Court street was purchased for a parsonage. In 1911 the same was remodeled and made modern. At this time the total value of the church's property approximates twenty thousand dollars, and the congregation is Practically free from debt. The confirmed membership of the church is three hundred. The Sunday school enrolls at present two hundred and forty-six, with William Lebkisher as superintendent. The Luther League enrolls thirty members. Miss Fairy Otto is its president. The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the General Synod has two active and live societies in this congregation. The president. of the women's society is Miss Alice Gaumer and of the young women's society is Miss Christine Erickson. The total membership of the two is fifty-six. The following is a list of the pastors who have served this congregation : Reverends Adam Helwig, A. M. Smith, Daniel Schindler, N. B. Little, J. D. Severinghouse, D. D., A. J. Imhoff, D. D., A. Sonders, A. J. Imhoff, D. D., (second time), J. S. Simon, H. B. Shank, A. E. Renn, J. E. Hummon, W. L. Guard, and the present pastor, C. C. Roof, who was installed on May 17, 1914. THE SALEM CHURCH. The first church house in Johnson township was one built jointly by the Lutheran and German Reformed organizations. It was known as the Salem Lutheran and German Reformed Union church. This church building, which was built of logs, was constructed in 1821 on the present site of the Salem cemetery. The Lutheran congregation, which was led by Rev. Henry Heineke, was organized under the auspices of the joint synod of Ohio. The first trustees of the church were Jasper Miller, Peter Smith and David Campbell. Each denomination, having separate pastors, held alternate services. The Reformed congregation had no regular minister until 1824; when Rev. John Pence was installed. He served the church until 1845. Reverend Heineke served his people until 1827, when he was succeeded by Rev;. Christian Episch, who remained seven years. He was succeeded by Rev. George Klapp, under whose pastorate another joint building was erected. Shortly after the building was erected a split in the church occurred, which resulted CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 499 in the Reformed portion erecting a new building of their own. In 1845 Reverend Klapp resigned and was succeeded by Reverend Hursh, who served the congregation until in June, 1850, when he was followed by Rev., C. Richard and Rev. Enoch Smith. Under the latter's pastorate in 1864-65, the church ceased to exist and became a part of the congregation at St. Paris. ZION'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ST. PARIS. Zion's Evangelical Lutheran church at St. Paris was organized by Rev. George Klapp, in December, 1843, with the following charter members: Mrs. Lydia Klapp, Maria Ann Klapp, J. H. Klapp, G. S. Klapp, Mrs. Elizabeth Klapp Judy, Abraham Reineker, D. A. Death, David Hoffman, Mrs. Hannah Hoffman Thatcher, Martin Walbarn, Mrs. Barbara Walbarn, Mrs. Barbara, Isaac Good, Mrs. Elizabeth Good, Jacob Walbarn, Mrs. Maria Walbarn, Samuel Apple, Adam Apple, Sarah Apple, Daniel Apple, William Malhollen, Elizabeth Malholen, and Catherine Mahollen. The first trustees elected were Abraham Reineker, Daniel A. Death, David Hoffman, Martin Walbarn, Jacob W; Walbarn, Isaac Good and Samuel Abel. The founder, Rev. George Klapp, held the first communion on December 3, 1843, and enrolled the first members on January 30, 1844. He was formally chosen as pastor on March 24, 1844. On December 13, 1843 the first election of officers was held. The pastors who have served the church include the following: George Klapp, Isaac K. Kursch, Adam Helwig, April, 1846, to June, 1861 ; Rev. J. D. Severinghaus, D. D., July I, 1861, to January 20, 1863; Daniel W. Smith, October 18, 1863, to 1867; A. J. Imhoff, April 1, 1867, to January 1, 1873; Rufus W. Hufford, 1873-1874; Daniel Summers, 1874-75; Adam Helwig, June, 1, 1875, to June 1, 1878; Edward D. Smith, September 15, 1878, to August 14, 1881; J. F. Hershiser, November 6, 1881, to January, 1884; Henry Grossman, May 25, 1884, to April 1, 1886; Elias Minter, April 1, 1889, to April, 1892; E. F. Dickey, May -1, 1893, to December 1, 1894; Martin Luther Exline, December 1, 1894, to March 1, 1895; George H; Schnur, r., June 1, 1896, to September 1, 1899; Alonzo B. Garman, May 1900, to February 14, 1905 ; W. W. Kennedy, May I, 1905, to December 10, 1905 ; D. M; Horner, April 15, 1906, to April 15, 1909; A. C. Martin, June 13, 1909, to June, 1912; W. R. Mohler, October I, 1912, to. April 30, 1917. A church building was erected in 1844 and occupied until the erection and completion of the present building in 1883. The church has a living