KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 175 that day who belonged to this branch of the Lutheran church. Many of the first members were from Pennsylvania. The first records were kept partly in German and partly in English. In 1880 the membership numbered eighty-six. In Pleasant township, in 1853, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church was formed, Rev. Jacob Bovee being the first to preach this faith in that part of Knox county. He was there as early as 1820. Rev. William M. Galbreath was the organizer and preached at the old Crawford school house on the Martinsburg road. In 1854 a subscription was circulated to raise funds with which to erect a church building, and Benjamin Kerr was appointed treasurer. A frame house thirty-six by forty feet was built on the Martinsburg road and dedicated July 1, 1855, by Rev. Sloan. Rev. Galbreath became first pastor and continued until 1875. In 1881 the society numbered fifty-six. The Jelloway English Lutheran church of Brown township was organized in February, 1881, and' a frame church building erected that year. UNIVERSALIST CHURCHES. About 1831 a Universalist church was formed in Fredericktown, which was of slow growth, at first, but after erecting a comfortable church and engaging a talented preacher, the congregation became quite popular. The first members were largely Eastern people who had held to this cheery faith in their homes in the Atlantic states. Among the members were the Strongs, Corbins, Clarks, Doolittles, Benedicts, Wadsworths, Johnsons, Parsons, Gillets and others. The preacher for many years was Thurman Strong. For several years the church they erected was used for Masonic hall purposes and finally the church society went down. It appears that while there are some of this peculiar religious faith still within Knox county, they are too few to support a church property. The theory of universal salvation as taught by this sect is not popular anywhere in this section of the United States, if indeed anywhere. Occasional Universalist meetings were held at one time at Union Grove in this county, but no society was perfected there. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS. The Seventh-Day Adventists organized a church at Waterford at the house of E. C. Penn, in Morrow county. This was brought about by the work of Elder O. Mars. The original members were George Bisel and wife, W. T. Carson and wife. E. O. Penn and wife and W. S. Boon. The first meetings were held in private houses until 1874, when a neat frame church was built a 176 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. half mile to the west of Waterford. Its cost was one thousand two hundred dollars. In 1881 the society had a membership of forty-four. The membership is now only twenty, as many removed and some worship at Mt. Vernon. George Bisel is the present elder. The other Adventist church in the county is at Mt. Vernon, organized September 19, 1885, with a membership of ten. Since the Sanitarium (now occupied as a college) was so conveniently located and equipped, the church organization invested two thousand dollars to assist in the construction of a building to be used jointly with the Sanitarium as chapel and church. This arrangement has been maintained to the present time. The membership has increased to one hundred ninety-one. The elders or pastors during that period have been as follows : J. E. Scanlan, G. A. Irwin, C. L. Taylor, F. W. Field, W. H. Wakeham, W. W. Miller, P. S. Steinbaugh, N. W. Lawrence, M. C. Kirkendall, F. D. Starr, O. F. Butcher and S. M. Butler. The Mt. Vernon Sanitarium was erected in Academia, Morris township, in 1886, which building is now occupied by the Mt. Vernon College. The institution was under the management of Dr. G. A. Hare, and succeeded by Dr. O. G. Place. In 1893 the management considered it advisable to disorganize, at which time the building was remodeled for school purposes. THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. Some of the pioneer settlers in Wayne, Middlebury and Berlin town-shops, Knox county, were of the staid and even-balanced Quaker faith, who had emigrated from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. They, true to their teachings. "came like brethren, slow and calm." In 1809 the Friends church was formed and known as the Owl Creek society. Private houses at first were their meeting places, but later a house in which to better worship was provided, for these people are ever devout and thrifty, hence erected a church home soon as possible. Logs of unhewed surfaces formed their first building, which served until 1822, when a brick building, twenty-five feet by forty, with a large brick fire-place at each end, was erected on the Fredericktown and Mansfield road, near the center of section 20. For years the Friends here gathered on the first and fourth days of each week to worship God according to their own peculiar belief. For some time these brethren dwelt together in perfect harmony and peace, but the serpent of discord entered the Eden of brotherly love and a change came over the spirit of their dreams. When Elias Hicks arose and claimed to be guided by an inward light superior to George Fox and proclaimed new and strange doctrines, trouble KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 177 was brewing for this little band of Quakers. Two factions arose, the Orthodox and Hicksites. A sliding partition was placed in the church and on either side of that line the two set of Quakers worshiped. Some good men in the eighties penned the following graphic description of this fallen society in Knox county : "Nothing is left as a monument, save the old brick meeting-house, with its large outside chimneys, plain front doors, moss-grown roof and weather-beaten walls, as it still stands there desolate and unoccupied in the pleasant beech and maple grove, whose welcome shade long years ago was sought by man and beast. There it stands the very picture of desolation, gradually yielding to the touch of time, destined soon to share the fate of the little flock that used to meet within its sacred walls. "The seasons roll on—springtime returns, and with it the grass on the old church-yard comes forth, matures, fades and dies, untrodden by the foot of man, save by the stranger whose curiosity may have led him hither. The beech and maple grove obeys nature's call, and in due time puts on its living robes of green the birds build their nests in the branches and sing a merry song, But alas the ears that once heard them with such fond delight hear them no more. They have all long since gone to rest while many of their offspring have found homes and large fortunes in the West, forgetting alike the scenes of childhood and parents' teaching." At this date (1911) there are no regular societies of Friends in Knox county. UNION CHURCHES. From time to time there have been numerous Union church buildings erected to accommodate the religious element, no part of which was sufficiently strong to support a church of their own special religious tendencies. Among such churches and societies—made up of almost all denominations—may here be named that of Union church in Jackson township, organized in 1870, and a neat frame chapel erected in which to hold meetings. Rev. George Stevenson was chosen the first pastor and the trustees were as follows : John S. McCament, Uriah Blue, Henry Holtz, J. F. Way and Ephraim Anderson. This building mentioned stood on section 12 of the township named. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. Congregationalism in Mount Vernon, Ohio, had its origin in the formation of a church organized July 26, 1834. under the name of the "Free Pres- (12) 178 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. byterian Church.- This was really an off-shoot of the Presbyterian church of Mt. Vernon, who left that church and with a few Congregationalists formed the new church. Later, they were all more or less in harmony with the creed and polity of what afterwards became the New School Presbyterian church. The new church had no ecclesiastic connections until August 1, 1836, when, by its delegates. it united with the Western Reserve Congregational Association. Four or five months after its organization, Rev. Benjamin Higbee became its pastor. Under his more than three years of pastorate a church was erected on Mulberry street and it was later sold to the Methodist Protestant society. In April. 1849. after much deliberation, a new constitution was adopted, also a brief summary of faith, with resolutions that breathed forth strong anti-slavery sentiments. It then took on the form and name of Congregational. The church building was thrown open for conventions, whose object was to eradicate slavery and intemperance from this country. In 1852 a temperance convention was held in this church, and Joseph \V. Vance. of Mt. Vernon. was nominated for state senator and A. Greenlee. of Fredericktown, for representative, both pledged in favor of the Maine liquor law. Abolition conventions were welcome to this church. which took the name of "Nigger Church.'' An incident, in the light of what has happened in this country since, should here be recorded : A Mr. Allen was to lecture on slavery in this church on a certain night. When the time came his arguments were met by the pungent logic of rotten eggs. and the meeting broken up. Next morning preparations were made to give Allen a free ride out of town on a rough rail, clad with a garment of tar and feathers. but while the crowd was being assembled by martial music under a banner with appropriate motto, "No Free Discussion,'' Allen fled.. Being hotly pursued. he passed in at the back door of David H. Drake's residence, a half mile north of town. and, instead of trying to tarry there, took to the woods from the front door, being shielded from view by the house. The crowd soon came up and surrounded the house, demanding the fugitive. Mr. Drake said to them : "Gentlemen, you have the privilege of the house; go right in and take him." After a diligent search, Mr. Drake urged them to make a good search, but they finally gave it up: and Mr. Drake showed his usual hospitality by bringing in a good supply of bread and butter and invited all to luncheon with him. That all over, the motley throng returned to town, as cheerful as a band who had raided a deserted hen-roost could be expected to. During pastor Monroe's time, the old Mulberry street church became too small and at a cost of thirty thousand dollars, in 1868, a new and beautiful church was dedicated on the corner of Sugar and North Main streets. In this edifice, with numerous improvements. the society still worships. In 1880 KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 179 there were three hundred and fifty members. The 1911 roll shows a membership of four hundred and ninety-four. The following have served as pastors, in about the order here given : Benjamin Higbee, Edward \\roods, M. E. Strieby, S. C. Leonard, T. E. Monroe, I. C. Billman, E. B. Burrows, R. T. Hall (1879), Edward I. Bosworth, commenced 1886; Sidney Strong, 1887; William J. Turner, 1893; S. C. Dickinson. 1899; E. O. Mead, 1902 ; Ira J. Houston, 1910. The Congregational church at Gambier was first located in that village by the Cumberland Presbyterians. Among its early members were Thomas Minard, Thomas Bennett, John Bennett and a few more. It was organized into a Congregational church in 1867. A two thousand dollar edifice was erected in 1871 and in 1876 it was removed to its present site. This church is not in existence today. The Congregational church at Fredericktown was organized about 1841, by a Mr. Mead, then of Mt. Vernon. The prime movers and first members were Joseph Hitchcock and Pascal Dunklee. both rich and liberal. On East Sandusky street they built a very good church building, in which they worshiped successfully for more than fifteen years, when interest went down and the society became extinct. The church lot and building were sold to D. C. Lewis. This church went down and many of its members moved away and some joined the Presbyterian church. At the little hamlet of Lock, a Congregational church was formed and in 1844 a good church was erected. Among the prominent members should never be forgotten Peter Eddy. Potwin Stoughton and Nathaniel Stoughton. The society is not in existence now. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES. There are two Catholic congregations or parishes in Knox county. The entire tract of land where now stands the city of Mt. Vernon once belonged to a Catholic soldier, Col. John F. Hamtramck, who was a soldier before he was a man. He was horn in Quebec in 1756. The tract of land was estimated to contain two thousand three hundred sixty-three acres and Colonel Hamtramck received it from the United States government for military services. The deed was given in 1800 and signed by President John Quincy Adams. He afterwards sold the same land for a few shillings. One of the well known streets of the city still hears his name. The first Catholic to locate at Mt. Vernon was John P. McArdle. who emigrated from Ireland. March 17, 1801 together with his father and family, coming to Knox county. Ohio. in 1809. By trade he was a practical printer 180 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. and in July, 1813, set up the first printing press in Knox county at the village that wanted to be made the county seat. Clinton. The paper he established was the Ohio Register, which for several years was conducted by McArdle & Smith, at Clinton and later at Mt. Vernon. Other early Catholics in the county were David Morton, a convert, from Baltimore ; William Brophy. and Timothy Collopv. The last named was mentioned by Banning Norton, local historian, in these words : "He was a devout Catholic and a zealous Democrat, liberal and generous, public spirited and benevolent. He was an excellent justice of the peace, and a much esteemed citizen. He died in his sixty-eighth year at Mt. Vernon." The David Morton mentioned (lied in Mt. Vernon in 1852 and William Brophy died and was buried in the cemetery at Mt. Vernon in July, 1866. The first mass ever said in Mt. Vernon was celebrated by Bishop Purcell, May 23, 1834, at the house of David Morton, who lived at the corner of Sugar and Main streets. It should be stated in this connection that when Bishop Purcell first came here there were but few Catholics and few finished churches of any denomination. Pioneer Anthony Banning, of the Protestant faith, had set about building a neat brick chapel which had been enclosed and almost finished when Bishop Purcell arrived the second time, which was in 1836. The Catholic families, few in number, desired to secure one of the churches for their own services, but, having been denied this, sought out the county commissioners for the purpose of obtaining the court house, but were again denied the use of about the only available place in the little hamlet for conducting religious services. But, as i f by providence, a boy heard of this and reported the same to Anthony Banning. later known as Judge Banning, who at once buttoned up his coat and, with cane in hand, walked to David Morton's, where the Bishop was staying, and tendered the use of "Banning's Chapel" for Catholic services, which offer was thankfully received upon the part of the Catholic people and Bishop Purcell. So it was that the first Catholic service, proper, in Mt. Vernon was held in the building just mentioned. For many years after this services were frequently held in the Morton house. The "Banning Chapel" was really the meeting house of the radical wing of the Methodist church, built by Mr. Banning. and would today be called the Protestant Methodist church. In 1842 the first attempt at building a church here was being carried on successfully under Rev. Mr Lamy, and in 1843 the books show there were eight baptisms, three first communions, one marriage, and three burials by the Catholic people of Mt. Vernon. The new church was built on the northeast corner of High and McKenzie streets. It was only a small brick edifice, but served well its purpose in the minds of its builders. However, it was doomed, KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 181 for before entirely finished, March 2, 1844, it was destroyed by fire, nothing remaining but the bare brick walls. The citizens of the place; regardless of church profession. liberally subscribed and six hundred dollars were raised to rebuild with. The repairs were made on the building, but delay followed delay until about two years had gone by. It was finally dedicated as "St. Vincent de Paul Church, on Sunday, October 14, 1849. The lots about the church. Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Warden and Thomas addition to the city of Mt. Vernon, were bought for four hundred and fifty dollars July 11, 1849. In 1855 the present brick parochial residence was built on the corner of Chestnut and McKenzie streets. In 1872 a neat frame school house was built by Father Brent on the southeast part of the church lots, and in September, 1873, a parochial school was started. Its cost was one thousand five hundred dollars It was in 1872, also, that a tower was provided for the church and a chime of bells were blessed and placed therein, the largest bell weighing one thousand five hundred and sixty-seven pounds. In 1882 beautiful stained glass windows were placed in position in the church, the same being donated by Miss Frances Brent in memory of her brother, Father Brent. In the same year the church bought for six thousand six hundred dollars the old Congressman Sapp property, which increased their grounds materially, it now embracing one entire square in the heart of the city and near the court house square. The Sapp residence became the convent for the sisters. In 1884 a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was placed in the yard midway between the school and church. In 1887, under Father Mulhane, there were improvements made on the church building to the total amount of two thousand two hundred and sixty-six dollars. all paid for when finished. This new addition to the church edifice was dedicated October 30. 1887, by Father Mulhane, under direction of the Bishop. In 1888 a new floor was placed in the church building, as well as modern pews. all of which cost one thousand and forty-five dollars, paid for by subscription and proceeds of a lecture by the pastor on "Leo XIII." In 1890 was commenced the building of the much needed school, which was completed in December of that year and dedicated in January, 1891, at a total cost of thirteen thousand dollars. It was in 1895 when the sweet-toned pipe organ now used was purchased, the largest donor being Hon. Frank Hurd. of Toledo. in memory of his mother, who was a convert to the Catholic faith. The following pastors have served the Catholic church at Mt. Vernon : For many years transient priests and the priest at Danville had charge of the work in Mt. Vernon. but in the autumn of 1839 Father Lamy was appointed pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's church. In 1847 Father Lamy. who became 182 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. archbishop and died in 1888, was called to Covington, Kentucky, by the Bishop, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas J. Boulger, Who took charge here and at Danville, and at St. Joseph's, Mt. Holly, Holmes county. He remained pastor here until September. 1851, when he was followed by Rev. Julius Brent, who had been baptized by Father Lamy. He labored here until his death, in July, 1.880, well liked by all who knew him. Father Thomas J. Lane succeeded him, serving until September, 1885. when he resigned and was followed by Rev. Lawrence William Mulhane. present pastor, through whose zeal and devotion, coupled with excellent executive ability, the congregation has been built up to its present high standard. Father Mulhane was born in Berlin, Massachusetts, February 21, 1856, and appointed pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's church in Mt. Vernon, October I. 1885, hence has been in constant charge here for two years more than a quarter of a century and is still pastor of the parish, working hard to solve the many great problems of church and education for his people, and be it said to his credit that all is executed in a Christianlike spirit and with a masterly hand. He is beloved, not alone by the Catholic people of Knox county and central Ohio. but by the Protestant world and those who hold to no special religious faith. His motto seems to be, from the various records of his parish. "Don't go into debt." Perhaps the most important and lasting monument to this truly devoted man is the school, of which further mention is made, which institution ranks as among the best in all Ohio. There are now about one thousand families in the parish of St. Vincent de Paul, at Mt. Vernon. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SCHOOL. The first Catholic school in Mt. Vernon was opened in a small house, which stood on McArtor street, between High and Vine streets, in the year 1856. Miss Ann McDermott taught this school until the end of 1858. W. F. O'Rourke. who died pastor of Holy Angels church at Cincinnati a few years since, had charge of the school a part of 1858-59. Then Miss McDermott taught the fall term in 1859, and Henry Durbin taught the winter term of 186o to April, 1861, and was followed by S. J. Brent, who taught from April, 1861. but on account of the Civil war the school could not be conducted, as the war cloud had worked hardships and the congregation could not support it during those dark days of civil strife. In 1872 Father Brent erected the frame school house before named, which adjoined the church on the east, two rooms for the school and three rooms for the Sisters. Other teachers about that date were Miss Teresa Collins, with the first Sisters who came to the place to take charge of the institution. These came from Joliet, Illinois, and commenced with about one hun- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 183 dred scholars, but soon increased to one hundred and fifty. The Franciscan Sisters remained in charge until June, 1882, when Father Lane bought the Major Sapp property and converted the residence into a convent for the Sisters. Then came the Sisters of St. Dominic from Columbus, Ohio, remaining two years. Then came the good Sisters of Charity from Nazareth, Kentucky, in August, 1884, and still continue in charge. The old frame building was fast going to decay and in June, 1890, ground was broken for a new school building. December 24, 1890, the contractors turned the building over to the pastor in a completed condition. The following month school opened in the new building, which had cost thirteen thousand dollars. By the work of the faithful pastor, Father Mulhane, it soon became a free school, with a course of ten years and later increased to eleven-year course of study. The school grew wonderfully, but it was soon seen that more room must be obtained. In January, 1909, plans were secured and approved by the state for the erection of an addition. The building was dedicated January 1, 1910, which was just nineteen years after the pastor had blessed the original building. The entire building has cost about thirty thousand dollars. It is well furnished and has all things modern, including a good library. Here are three departments, primary, grammar and high school, with special departments in music and a course in sewing. This institution is a blessing to the church and to the world as well. CATHOLIC CEMETERIES. October 15, 1849, Dr. Louis R. Porter deeded to Bishop Purcell a small tract of land immediately north of the city cemetery, for the use of St. Vincent de Paul's congregation. The Doctor was finally buried in this sacred spot after a long and useful life in Mt. Vernon where he practiced medicine. The new cemetery of this congregation was imperative, as the old one was well filled with the remains of the departed dead. The new plot is immediately to the west of the former grounds. This was purchased April 14, 1894. at one thousand six hundred dollars. This is known as Calvary cemetery. The first burial here was the five-year-old son of Robert B. Anawalt, on lot No. 132. This cemetery has been finely improved and cared for. Nothing bespeaks higher sentiment for any community than to note that they care for their departed dead. ST. LUKE'S PARISH, DANVILLE. The first Catholic church formed within the limits of Knox county was the Danville church. St. Luke's. The early history of this and of St. Vincent 184 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. de Paul's are closely connected, as for many years the same priest administered to the spiritual needs of both congregations. The pioneer settlers of the Catholic faith, for the most part. were in Union township. and they included George Sapp, Sr., Elias Arnold, David Logsdon. Samuel Durbin. Sr., Thomas White and wife, Catherine Sapp, Mrs. David Rogue, Benjamin Durbin and wife and Isaac Dial. To this little band history gives the credit and high honor of forming the second Catholic organization in Ohio, the first being St. Joseph's. at Somerset, Ohio. The Catholics at the Sapp settlement in this county were largely from Maryland. Their first church was constructed of logs, and was built in 1822, ninety years ago. George Sapp. Sr., donated the land for the church and cemetery. The first priest to visit the Catholics at this point was Father Fenwick. About 1828 Father O'Leary attended the parish regularly once each month. He was succeeded by Father Alleman, remaining until 1839, when came. the first resident priest, Father Lamy, who at once set about building a frame church building, which still stands after the storms of so many decades. It was dedicated November 15, 1840. Father Lamy was followed by Father Brent. who remained twenty-three years, serving Mt. Vernon also part of the time, and in 1874 removed to that place. In 1876 came Father Moitrier and he built a brick edifice, much of the work being performed and superintended by himself. This was dedicated in the summer of 1877. and was called by Bishop Rosecrans "The Gem of the Diocese." Father Moitrier resigned in 1888 and for ten months Father Mulhane. of Mt. Vernon, had charge. August 1, 1889, Rev. William McDermott. the present pastor. was appointed and made many needed improvements in and about the church. March 10, 1895, the church met with a severe blow, for it was then that the fire destroyed the neat church, the same being reduced to ashes. This building was out a mile from Danville, but when the new and present-day church edifice was erected it was built in Danville. It is one of the very finest churches in the state and is indeed an ornament to Knox county. It will, doubtless, stand long years as a monument to the faithful work of Father McDermott. The present membership of this congregation is five hundred and twenty- five. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (DISCIPLES). What is now generally known as the Church of Christ, or Christian church, and sometimes Disciples church, was originally the Campbellite church, founded by Alexander Campbell. Nearly a third of a century ago there were fifteen organizations of this denomination within the limits of this county. It KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 185 is a matter of record that the first church of this denomination in Ohio was organized in Jackson township, Knox county, in August, 1828, just before which date Alexander Campbell ( founder), with his co-laborers, had been zealously at work in this and adjoining states. A few copies of his "Millennial Harbinger" were circulated in this township, and carefully read and proved to be as good seed sown in the right kind of soil, for indeed the harvest has been great This first Ohio Disciples church was formed by Elijah Harris, Washington Houck and John Wheeler with their wives. Rev. Charles Van Voorhes, the first preacher they engaged, was with the society many years. Another Disciples church was formed and known as the Dennis chapel, in the southwestern part of Jackson township, organized in about 1830. William D. Beatty and George Eley were the first elders there. James Porter was first pastor and continued until 1839, when he was succeeded by Rev. Charles Van Voorhes. The society started with twenty members and in 1881 had reached almost a hundred. Two small church buildings were provided this church before 1880, both small frames. The church is still doing good work in this section of Ohio the present minister is N. T. Sims. In Liberty township the Disciples church was organized in 1830, by Rev. Daniel Long. For a number of years they occupied, jointly, a building erected for the use of all denominations. Finally, the Disciples outgrew the other denominations thereabouts and it came to be styled the "Christian church." Long years since this society went down—in the seventies sometime —for various reasons. In 1830 what was styled then the Christian church was organized by Isaac N. Walter. in Miller township, this county. Among its leading members then were Simon A. Bagley, Daniel Rowley, Leonard Simons and Enos Barnes. This soon came to be one of the leading institutions within the township. In 1832 a house was erected on the present site of the Brandon Methodist Episcopal church. It was destroyed by a terrific tornado in 1854. In 1858 another building was erected a mile and a half west of Brandon and called Sugar Grove church. In 1833. Harry Ashley, of this denomination, organized a church in the southeast part of Miller township, and meetings were held in school house No. 1 until 1844, when they built a church, called Fairview. There Rev. J. W. Marvin served as pastor for twenty-seven years. In 1880 it was called the largest society of this denomination in the township, haying sixty-three members. In Harrison township. in 1832, a small log church was built by the Disciples (then called Campbellites), which building stood on land donated by 186 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Nathaniel Ross. Ross and Harrod Riggs with a few more organized the church at that place. From this pioneer work finally came the Union Grove church, built in 1841. It was a frame house on section 15 and was for many years used by all denominations. In Milford township, it is claimed by some that the first church in that locality was the Disciples yorganization, as early as 1824, which is probably in error, 1828 being as early as such churches could have been formed in this county. It is claimed James Smith formed the supposed first church there. In 1833, however, in this township was organized by Henry Ashley a Disciples church at the school house near the Five Corners. The work progressed here several years. Harris Hawkins and Steven Hawkins with John Stevens were among the members. Since 1839 there has been no such work in the township. The Disciples church at Jelloway was formed in 1836, by Elders John Dawson and John McElroy., It was on or near the Little Jelloway creek, in the western part of Howard township. At the time of the organization of the church there were but thirteen members. A church building was erected in 1839 and it was used until 1871, when a new one took its place. A cemetery was located near this church building. In about 1879 the society had a membership of about one hundred members. These people now mostly worship at Howard. In Pike township the second church formed was the Disciples of Christ, in 1840, by Elder John Gordon. Meetings were held at private houses, and supply preachers taught them the way of life. In 1850 a frame church was erected and was used until 1880, when it was torn clown. The society was not in good harmony, one with the other, many removed and the work went down. In Brown township this denomination was early in the field. Revs. James Marvin and James Hughes were the pioneer preachers of the "New Light" faith. In Clay township the Disciples were not in as early as other sects of religionists, but in 1876 they organized a church. James E. Harris was chosen the first preacher. The Mount Vernon Christian church was organized January 31, 1850. The charter members were R. R. Sloan, Samuel Rhinehart, Eli Miller, Samuel B. Doty, John Boyd, Harriet T. Holmes, William Babcock, Malinda Richards and Elizabeth Rhinehart. Mr. Sloan, besides being a minister of the gospel. served as president of the Mt. Vernon Ladies' Seminary and through his efforts the first lots were purchased for church purposes for the denomination in the city of Mt. Vernon, this being in 1853. A church was built and dedicated on March 13th of that year. He remained with the church until 1866 and moved to Cleveland. About 1890 the church was repaired and partly KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 187 rebuilt, at an expense of three thousand five hundred dollars and the pipe organ put in place. Rev. Albert B. Williams served as pastor from April, 1893, to April 1. 1900; he passed from earth in the autumn of 1911, greatly beloved by the people of all denominations in Knox county. He preached one thousand thirty-three sermons, added two hundred and eighty members to this church in the city and one hundred and thirty elsewhere, during the period just mentioned above. He paid off most of the debt of the church and married fifty-three couples, besides attending sixty funerals in the county. The church is now agitating the question of building a new church on Vine street where the present church is located and it has always been designated as the Vine Street church. The pastors have been: R. R. Sloan, from 1850; R. Moffet, from January 22, 1865 L. F. Biddle, from September. 1870, to 1872; then came J. H. Garvin up to 1875; L. Southmayed from 1875 to 1878; Morton D. Adams. 1879 to 1881; Ge0rge Musson. 1882 to 1888; J. W. Lowe, 1888 to 1891; A. B. Williams, 1893 to 1900; then followed, Kent Pendleton, W. A. Roush, L. 0. Newcom, and the present pastor (rather, a supply), Dr. Francis. The plea of the Christian church is for a restoration of the New Testament church as founded by Christ and his apostles. Besides the Mt. Vernon church of this denomination there are today in Knox county the following organizations. all of which, or nearly all, have comfortable church buildings and a large number of members : The Bell church. of Jackson township: the Bladensburg church, in Jackson township; the Centerburg church. in Hilliar township ; the Danville church; the Dennis church, near Bladensburg; the Howard church, in Howard township; the Grove church, in Monroe township: the Martinsburg church, in the village of Martinsburg; the Messiah church, in Monroe township; the Millwood churches, First and Second ; the Palmyra church, in Berlin township: the Waterford church ; the Brinkhaven church. The First Christian church at Danville, Ohio. was organized April 20, 1834. by Elder James Hays. with four persons as charter members, as follows: Daniel Sapp. William Robinson. Jr., Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson and William Shaw. The membership soon increased to one hundred and fifty-two, and enjoyed a large degree of prosperity, varying at different times, as other churches. At this date it is very prosperous, financially and spiritually. The building is a modern frame structure. well heated and ventilated, and insured to the amount of two thousand dollars. The value of property is estimated at three thousand dollars. Among the pastors who have served may be recalled Revs. James Hays. who served from 1834 to 1836: John McIntire, 1836-7; John Gilmore, 1837-8: James Marvin, 1838-40: James Hays, serving most of 188 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. the time from 1843 to 1847. Others followed and the present is Rev. F. B. Richey, who is doing excellent work. The Centerburg Christian church was organized at Centerburg, December 20, 1872. by Rev. Mills Harrod. The following was written by the present pastor of the church : This is a part of the larger body known as "The Christian Church." or the "Christians," which had its origin about 1792. It takes simply the name and admits to its fellowship anyone who professes to love the Lord Jesus, and is striving to realize a Christianlike character in himself. It aims at a broad fellowship among the various churches. The Centerburg organization held its public meetings for the most part in the Free-will Baptist meeting house until 1879, when a neat frame church was erected on lot No. 119, largely through the efforts of John and Rebecca Armstrong, who also donated the lot, and later one hundred and sixty acres of land. The cost of the first building was one thousand seven hundred dollars. It 'vas dedicated the second Sabbath in September, 1879, Rev. A. L. McKinney officiating. On September 26, 1909. at 11 :25 A. M., while the pastor was concluding the morning sermon, Master Ford Hicks rushed in at the front door and gave the warning that the church was on fire, the same finally totally destroying the building. and that without insurance. The fire was raging over the heads of the congregation while they were listening to the sermon. Those who were saved from an awful fate will ever vote thanks to the little hero. For nearly two years the Presbyterian people across the street allowed this congregation to worship in their house. January 30, 1911, a magnificent new veneer brick edifice was dedicated. It is fifty-four by fifty-five feet with a basement thirty-two by fifty-five. The church and furnishings are all modern. Its cost was eight thousand five hundred dollars. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. J. F. Burnett, D. D., of Dayton. The present membership is sixty-three. The pastors serving here have been : Revs. Mills Harrod. A. C. Hanger, W. A. Dobyns, S. A. Hutchinson, G. D. Black, H. J. Duckworth, G. C. Hill, C. E. Luck, F. H. Peters, S. S. Main, R. R. Shoemaker, A. D. Mann. and the present pastor, B. F. Hoagland, who is serving his fourth year. THE BRETHREN CHURCHES. What was once improperly styled the Tunkers or Dunkard denomination, brit later called rightfully the German Baptist church, is now legally known as the Brethren church. There are three or more such organizations in Knox county, some of which have failed to respond to the historian's call for nec- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 189 essary data, hence cannot here be given. But at Ankeneytown, that venerable old servant of the Lord, Isaac Leedy, though very aged and almost blind, has sent notes from which the compiler of this chapter has been able to formulate the following about the origin and history of the work in the neighborhood of Ankeneytown. As to the sometimes misunderstood origin of this denomination, it should be stated that its founder, so far as men are concerned, was a German named Alexander Mock. born in 1679. He was of the Presbyterian faith and a strong Calvinist. By trade he was miller. Being dissatisfied with the faith of his fathers, he with his wife and six more persons were immersed in the river Ader, Germany. They were soon persecuted and found their way to Germantown. Pennsylvania, in 1729. where he died in 1735. Following him came other ministers of the same faith, including Peter Becker and others, who founded churches in the East and some as far west as the Pacific coast. In 1836 the annual conference of this church changed the name to the German Baptist and this caused much trouble among the sect, as it also carried with it some changes in creed. Division after division arose over this matter and in 1858 such a division arose in the Owl Creek church in Knox county, Ohio, which was located in north Knox and southern Richland counties. Sixteen members, under the leadership of Samuel A. Leedy, were arraigned before a committee. because they refused to abide by the new actions of the annual conference. Isaac Leedy and Samuel Whistler were called to the ministry in 1859 and preached only Christ and him crucified without the use of any creed aside from the Bible usages. Hence the church was in some sections known as Leedyites. In 1881-2 there was a general division throughout the German Baptist fraternity. The split-off sect took the name of Progressive Brethren, and in 1883 three factions of the church met at Dayton, Ohio, and finally agreed on a consolidation and the name adopted was simply the gospel name "Brethren," which it is today. This modern Brethren church reaffirmed the faith of the ancient Brethren, which neither knows nor believes in any man-made church or creed. What was then known as the German Baptist church was organized in Berlin township, near Ankeneytown, November 22. 1824, by John Moltzbaugh, elder. About 1842, Henry B. Davey and Abraham Leedy were elected to the ministry. A frame building was erected, forty by sixty feet in size, and was finished in 1858. Later as a result of this work, another church was organized for the accommodation of the people of the community of this faith. This was located at North Liberty. Pike township, where a building 190 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. was erected in 1881. In 1880 they had a membership of one hundred and sixty-seven. It was known as Owl Creek congregation of the German Baptist church. The building cost one thousand two hundred dollars. The Ankeneytown church was organized in 1883 and one at North Liberty at the same date. The building could not accommodate the scattered membership, so in 1885 a church house was erected. in Ankeneytown, one thousand dollars being donated by Father Isaac Leedy towards the church and parsonage. the latter being built in 1905. The church and its fixtures have cost five thousand three hundred and twenty dollars and the parsonage. near the church, has cost one thousand eight hundred and twenty dollars. Team sheds have recently been erected at the church valued at four hundred and seventy-five dollars. The annual conference reports show that this denomination has now two hundred and fourteen congregations; one hundred and seventy-eight churches ; total membership of men and women in this country—East. West. North and South—of almost twenty thousand communicants. At Ankenytown the following have served as pastors : R. H. Holsinger. F. Mallot, J. Allen Miller, C. A. Corer. I. D. Bowman, Jesse Calvert, S. B. Gusso. Prof. Kristner. J. L. Kimmel, J. E. Baker. C. S. Bauman, L. W. Ditch, J. C. Beal. N. W. Jennings, A. L. Thomas. There are also churches of this denomination at Buckeye City and in Brown township. The first of this denomination in Union township was organized about 1842. The pastor was Joseph Workman. The present membership is about one hundred and eight. The first church building was built in 1857 ; the second one erected in 1870. both frame buildings. The pastors have been as follows : Revs. Joseph Workman, Lias Workman, John L. Workman, John J. Workman, Isaac Ross, who succeeded Peter Konkle, C. J. Workman, T. T. Workman, C. A. Workman. ST. PAUL'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. (By Rev. William E. Hull.) The first clergyman of the Episcopal church to come to Ohio was the Rev. Roger Searle, who arrived in the month of February, 1817, and settled at Ashtabula. The second was the Rev. Philander Chase, who came in March of the same year, and after a short time made Worthington his home. They became missionaries with headquarters at the above centers. Mr. Chase soon discovered that several places in the southeastern part of the state were having Episcopal services under the care of the Rev. Joseph Dodderidge, M. D., of Virginia. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 191 According to notice. "duly given in the public prints and otherwise," the first convention of the church in Ohio met at the house of Dr. Goodale in Columbus, January 5, 1818. The above clergy and ten laymen from six parishes comprised the roll of the convention. At the next convention, held at Worthington, June 3, 1818, consisting of four clergymen and lay delegates from ten parishes, the Rev. Philander Chase was elected the first bishop of the diocese of Ohio, and on the 11 th of February was consecrated to that office in the city of Philadelphia. Bishop Chase returned to Ohio and with indomitable energy and unflagging zeal took up the herculean task of establishing the church throughout the state. The few clergy, five beside himself at this time, were little more than itinerants. spending about one-half of their time in their home circuits and the other half on the trail from place to place in their section of the state, and often interlapping each other's territory, holding services at homes, court houses, school houses, if there were any, or under the blue dome of the sky or the protecting branches of some giant tree. Not until the year 1824 do we officially know that any Episcopal church service was held in Knox county. At the seventh annual convention held at Chillicothe November 3-5. 1824. the Rev. Intrepid Morse, minister of St. Paul's. Steubenville, among other official acts, reported visitations at "New Lisbon. Worcester and Mount Vernon, several times (evenings), and baptized four children." The first official record of Bishop Chase holding service in Knox county is from his convention address at Columbus. June 8, 1826,_ where, under date of July 7, 1825, he reported, "I preached and performed divine service at the home of Mr. Charles Elliott in Knox county." Under date of July 21, 1825, he reported. "Went to Mt. Vernon, where evening service was performed and a sermon preached and a child baptized. Congregation large and attentive," and again Under date of August 8, 1825, "At Mt. Vernon in the evening I preached and performed divine service in the court house." The Rev. Samuel Johnson. of Christ church, Cincinnati, also reported among his official acts, "celebrated divine service twice in Mount Vernon." At this convention the conditional contract. which had been made by Bishop Chase with William Hogg, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, for eight thousand acres, as a site for the Theological Seminary and Kenyon College, was ratified. This fact, no doubt, brought the tenth annual convention of the diocese to Mt. Vernon and Gambier, meeting September 5th at the former and on the .6th at the latter place. The Rev. Gideon McMillan, of Piqua, and Rev. C. P. Bronson. of Norwalk, each reported services held at Mount Vernon. 192 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. The Theological Seminary and Kenyon College were moved from Worthington to Gambier, in June. 1828. Harcourt parish, Gambier, had been previously incorporated. The Rev. William Sparrow, professor of languages in Kenyon College. at the next convention held at Gambier, October 1828, reported, "That he has preached and performed divine service thirty-seven times, in Worthington, Columbus, Berkshire, Gambier and Mount Vernon." With the year 1829, the life of the organized parish began. The first entry in the records of the first clerk's book still preserved in the parish, under date of Time J0, 1829, says : "Agreeably to a notice, several of the inhabitants of Mount Vernon net at the office of Benjamin S. Brown, Esq., when the following resolutions were adopted, to-wit : "Resolved, that it is expedient for the friends of the Protestant Episcopal church in this place to organize themselves into a society and become a body corporate and politic ; therefore. "Resolved, that we, inhabitants of Mount Vernon and its vicinity here assembled under the provisions of an act of the Legislature of the state of Ohio, passed February 5, A. D. 1819, for the purpose of incorporating religious societies and regulating the same, do agree to, and hereby do, associate ourselves as a society by the name and title of Union Church, to make provision for the due celebration and proper performance of divine worship, according to the rites and usages of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, and to transact all kinds of secular and conventional business pertaining to the parish, as we are authorized to transact, according to the above mentioned act, and the constitution and canons of said church, as adopted by the diocese of Ohio; also that of the general convention of said Protestant Episcopal church in the United States; therefore, "We, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge and declare ourselves friends of said Episcopal church, and our desire to support it, do unite ourselves as a society or congregation by the name above written, and for the purposes aforesaid. (Signed) "C. P. Bronson, Samuel Mott, Hosmer Curtis, J. N. Burr, Benjamin S. Brown, James S. Banning, John Clements, John Clements. Jr., Samuel Sparrow. John W. Russell. Ebenezer Ailing, John Sherman and H. B. Curtis " The first signature, C. P. Bronson, is that of the acting resident rector, as the Rev. Mr. Bronson in his report to the convention held at Gambier, September 9-11. 1829, refers to his work, as follows : "That he officiated one-half of the time in St. Paul's church, Norwalk, until Easter Monday, at which KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 193 time, with the advice and consent of the Bishop, he removed to Mount Vernon. The prospects of this parish are encouraging, and, the Lord willing, renewed exertion will be made .the ensuing year to erect a church, which it is expected. will he accomplished. In this parish Mr. Bronson has preached or procured preaching by exchange equal to once a week since Easter Monday." The first parish meeting was held at the office of B. S. Brown, Esq., September 7, 1829. At this meeting the following officers were elected : John Clements. warden ; Samuel Sparrow, Daniel S. Norton, Jesse B. Thomas, Henry B. Curtis; vestrymen. John Clements was elected a delegate to the diocesan convention to be held at Gambier on the 9th of September following. At the convention the Rev. Mr. Bronson in the list of clergy is indicated as "residing in Mt. Vernon." In the list of parishes, Zanesville, Mt. Vernon and Norwalk have indicated as their minister, the Rev. C. P. Bronson. At a meeting of the members of the church February 2, 1830, a resolution was adopted "declaring it expedient to proceed to the erection of a building for the accommodation of the congregation as a place of worship." Prior to the erection of a church edifice the congregation worshiped in the old Presbyterian church, the old court house. and then in a small frame school house that stood on West Vine street. The lot upon which the church now stands was purchased in March. 1830. of James Newell for two hundred dollars, and on May 6th following the corner-stone of the first Episcopal church was laid by Bishop Chase, who on the same day united in marriage Dr. Jonathan N. Burr and Miss Eliza Ann Thomas. the first marriage recorded in the parish history. On February 4th, 1830, the Legislature of the state of Ohio passed an act incorporating "the wardens and vestrymen of the parish of Union church, Mt. Vernon, Ohio." The name of the Rev. Mr. Bronson is not mentioned in the parish record after the month of March, 1830. At a vestry meeting August 17, 1831. the name of Union church was changed to that of St. Paul's, and the Rev. William Sparrow, a professor in Kenyon College. was "appointed rector of St. Paul's church." The Rt. Rev. Charles P. McIlvaine, D. D.. successor of Bishop Chase, consecrated the first church building, a frame structure, on the second Sunday in September, 1833. The Rev. William Sparrow. who at this time was vice-president and Milnor professor of divinity in the Theological Seminary and Kenyon College, Gambier, resigned in February, 1834, on account of ill health, and the same month the Rev. Anson B. Hard, of the diocese of Vermont, was called as rector, and came to the parish the latter part of August following. (13) 194 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. In 1836 the church, finished in 1833. was declared to be unsafe, and Columbus Delano. George Browning and Timothy W. Rogers were appointed to take into consideration the possibilities of building a new one. After considerable delay it was decided iv the congregation to take down the old church and place a new building on the same site, but changing its front to High street instead of Gay. as the first was built. May 30, 1836, the sum of four thousand. dollars having been subscribed for building a new church, and a plan, presented by C. P. Buckingham, having been adopted, the rebuilding began. In the latter part of 1837, the new church was so far completed as to enable the congregation to worship in the basement. The building was finished in the spring of 1839 and duly consecrated by Bishop Mcllvaine, July 21, 1839. The new building, when completely finished and furnished, cost the congregation twelve thousand dollars. Rev. Mr. Hard resigned the rectorship July 23, 1839, leaving a membership of ninety-seven at the close of his ministry. The Rev. William Halsey succeeded Mr. Hard, but resigned May 12, 1841. At a meeting of the vestry held June 5. 1841. a call was extended the Rev. Joseph Muencher, D. D., a professor in the theological seminary at Gambier. and on the 4th of July he began his work as rector. Dr. Muencher was an accomplished musician, and mainly through his efforts an organ costing six hundred dollars was placed in the church. During the year 1853 a schism occurred in the church. A number of members withdrew and formed themselves into a new organization under the name of Christ church. Subsequently the schism was healed and the seceders were received back into the fold. Dr. Muencher was one of the charter members, and the first eminent commander of Clinton Commandery, Knights Templar, from 1843 to 1852. During the rectorship of Dr. Muencher the parish suffered loss by death of some of its most prominent members, among whom were John Sherman, 1841; John Ridgely, M. D., 1843 Mrs. Mary P. Buckingham, 1844: Timothy W. Rogers. 1845: Rebecca Thomas, 1851, whose name stands first on the communion list of the parish Marcus W. Stamp, M. D., 1852. of whom the clerk's record says, "a communicant of the church of great moral worth:" Hon. Jesse B. Thomas. 1853, one of the active members of the parish, "distinguished as a judge, and as a member of the United States Senate." Dr. Muencher resigned his charge of the parish February 13, 1855. The Rev. J. Rice Taylor was called to succeed Dr. Muencher. It was during his ministry that a great impetus was given to the Sunday school work. The work became more and more prosperous until St. Paul's Sunday school, under its superintendent, Columbus Delano, stood in the front rank of KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 195 those west of the mountains. August 29, 1859, Columbus Delano made a proposition to present a rectory to the parish, providing the debt due James E. Woodbridge, being the balance due on the building of the church, was paid. Mr. Woodbridge offered to relinquish his claim of one thousand seven hundred eighty-seven dollars and ninety-two cents provided the sum of one thousand dollars should be paid him. These propositions were accepted, all claims paid and the rectory secured. Mr. Taylor resigned August 30, 1859, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. H. Bonte. who. having been appointed chaplain of the Forty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, resigned the rectorship January 26, 1862. During this year James Huntsberry died, the church lost "a consistent and devoted member." and the city "an exemplary and upright citizen." In August, 1862, the Rev. George B. Reece accepted a call to the parish. On the death of Milo Abernethy, by his will he left a legacy of five hundred dollars. This money was used in enlarging and improving the rectory. Mr. Reece resigned October 23, 1865. Although without a rector, the year 1866 witnessed some great changes. The organ was taken down and a melodeon substituted. The four stoves were removed and a heating plant arranged in the basement. In January, 1867, Rev. Robert B. Peet became rector of the parish. During this year the melodeon lost favor and was replaced by a new organ costing one thousand eight hundred dollars which Dr. Muencher purchased at Boston for the parish. In 1868 the stained glass windows were added at a cost of over six hundred dollars. Mr. Peet resigned the rectorship February 20, 1871. In this year Mrs. Eliza Russell died. From the earliest history of the parish she had been an active and devoted member. The Rev. William Thompson was called, as rector, April 26. 1872. Death removed Judge Rollin C. Hurd February 12, 1874, a distinguished jurist, "a consistent Christian. large-hearted in benevolence and charity." In 1875 a movement to repair the church building and effect some changes was inaugurated, and three thousand dollars subscribed. The repairs and additions were a recess chancel. a vestment and vestry room at the northeast corner of the church and the transfer of the organ from the gallery in the rear to the chancel end of the church. The Rev. Albert B. Putnam assumed the rectorate November 1, 1885. During this year Henry B. Curtis, a member of the first vestry chosen in 1829, died. During the early part of 1886 the initiative was taken to establish a "boy choir." which was soon carried out. with James Kaye. of Gambier, as choir master. The beginning of the year 1879 found the church with a debt of one thousand three hundred and sixty dollars. Miss Emma Bridge paid this 196 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. debt on condition that the vestry paint the exterior of the church and build a substantial fence around the church yard. The present iron fence with the brown stone corner and gate posts were the result of this consideration. November 27, 1880. Christian Peterman died. He had been junior warden for many years in association with Dr. Burr as senior warden and a devoted worker with Henry C. Taft and others in the Sunday school. Dr. John W. Russell died March 22, 1887. His association with the church covered the entire history of the parish to this time. A fire occurred in the church January 25. 1889, by the gas igniting evergreen trimmings. Insurance received, five hundred and seventy-four dollars. This necessitated improvements. The new seats were placed in the church as a memorial to Mrs. Zorada Keimes, who had bequeathed the church five hundred dollars, the church was refrescoed, the vestibule entrance built with money raised by the women of the parish, choir stalls placed in the chancel and other improvements, altogether costing three thousand dollars. The "St. Paul window," in center of the sanctuary wall, was given by the children as a memorial of their father, Chambers Ash. Upon the resignation of Mr. Putnam, April 30, 1889. the Rev. Professor Hosea W. Jones. D. D., of Bexley Hall, Gambier, was called, but replied, "that he could not at present accept the permanent rectorship, but desired to continue the present pleasant arrangements until further notice." He had been supplying Sunday service, while continuing his work at Gambier. This was acceptable to the vestry. Finally an official call was tendered Dr. Jones February 1, 1890, and he became rector, removing to Mount Vernon while continuing some of his classes at Gambier. September 7, 1889, Dr. Jonathan N. Burr, a charter member and one of the stanchest members throughout the entire history of the church. died in his ninetieth year. A parish reception to the Rt. Rev. W. A. Leonard, D. D., third bishop of Ohio, was held at the home of H. L. Curtis. November 1, 1889. The large iron flower vase in the churchyard was a gift of Charles Cooper in 1890. On account of extra work being assigned him at Bexley Hall, Dr. Jones resigned November T. 1891, and returned to Gambier. Rev. George F. Smythe, D. D., was called as rector December 5, 1891. The rectory was old and inadequate. Dr. Jones had not lived in it, and Dr. Smythe rented a house. A fund of seven hundred dollars for some years had been accumulating known as "the chapel fund." As early as February, 1892, the vestry took official action looking toward the erection of a new rectory. August 29, 1892, the parish came into possession of $L000, a bequest of William Franklin Baldwin, by whose will it might be applied to several purposes. The vestry elected that it should be toward a parish chapel to be known as the "Baldwin Memorial Chapel." KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 197 Under date of October 29, 1892, Columbus Delano. in behalf of himself and wife, addressed a communication to St. Paul's vestry to erect on the rectory site a new house not exceeding three thousand dollars, if the vestry, or some other party, would agree to erect a suitable chapel for which there was on hand now as part payment two thousand dollars, these buildings to be erected by October 1, 1893. There is not space here to follow the minutiae of these negotiations, but the results were, a new rectory, a memorial to Mr. and Mrs Delano, and a lot purchased opposite the church on High street and a commodious and beautiful parish house erected thereon. In the front of the parish house is the little gem of a chapel memorial to "William Franklin Baldwin, vestryman and choirmaster." The completed parish house property cost about eight thousand dollars. Both buildings bear the date of 1894 upon corner-stones. Columbus Delano entered into rest October 23, 1896. Dr. Smythe resigned April 20, 1899. The Rev. William E. Hull, the present rector, was called to the parish September 1. 1899. In 1901, the organ was rebuilt and improved at a cost of nine hundred dollars. Afterward the stained glass windows were rebuilt. The parish house debt was liquidated in 1903. The interior improvements of the church, fresco, hard wood floor, carpet runners, electric light plant, new furnaces and chancel wood work, costing about one thousand five hundred dollars, occurred in 1895, and the exterior painting and repairs of church occurred in 1909. Four memorial tablets adorn the walls of the church to the memory of Rev. Joseph Muencher, _D., Dr. John W. Russell, Columbus Delano and John S. Ringwalt. A tablet to the memory of the deceased members of the Women's Auxiliary Missionary Society is placed on the wall of the Baldwin Memorial chapel in the parish house. largely through the leadership of Mrs. Eliza Cooper. a devoted member of the auxiliary from its organization. Helping witnesses of those gone on before are memorial funds, Timothy W. Rogers, one hundred dollars ; Miss Belle Rogers. one hundred dollars; Henry L. Curtis, five hundred dollars Denis Quaid, five hundred dollars; Mrs. Mary Banning, in behalf of her mother. Mrs. Eliza Prentiss Curtis, one hundred dollars. Limited space prevents the specific mention of many devoted adherents of St. Paul's. and of many concerted efforts and accomplishments of the noble women who have done so much toward making St. Paul's what it is today, one of the strong and efficient parishes of the diocese of Ohio. CHAPTER XV. CIVIC SOCIETIES. The day was when any secret civic society was not popular with the masses, but, thanks be to reason and intelligence, that day has forever past. The best, truest and greatest characters known to history have had their affiliations with some one of the numerous secret organizations of their day and generation. The years of eternity alone can reveal the amount of good accomplished in character-building, charity and benevolence manifested and higher standards of living, by the existence of such fraternal organizations as the Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and kindred orders, whose only aim is to do good and befriend all mankind. MASONRY IN KNOX COUNTY. Masonry has a history in Knox county dating back more than a century. Mount Zion Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons, was granted a charter January 8, 1810, by the grand lodge of Ohio in session at Chillicothe, upon the petition of Samuel H. Smith, Nathaniel W. Little, Richard Fishback, William Little, Alexander Enos, Jr., Ichabod Nye and Thomas Brown. The dispensation was granted really in 1809 and the lodge located at the village of Clinton and the number given to it was 7. but on account of some needless delays matters ran along until in January, 1810, when the number was changed to 9 and the charter granted full and complete. The lodge had its home in Clinton until 1815, when it was changed to Mount Vernon.. The first officers were : Samuel H. Smith. worshipful master; Alfred Manning, senior warden ; Ichabod Nye. junior warden ; Samuel Nye, treasurer; Oliver Strong, secretary ; William F. Roberts, senior deacon ; James Miller, junior deacon; William Bartlett and Peter Wolfe, stewards, and Richard Fishback, tyler. The first representative to the grand lodge from this lodge was Samuel H. Smith. The first Masonic funeral was that of Richard Fishback, a merchant of Clinton, May 23, 1814. The first celebration of the day of John the Baptist took place June 24. 1813. The first meeting of the lodge after removing to Mt. Vernon was April 5. 1817, in the old court house. The first Masonic funeral after removing to Mt. Vernon was that of Andrew M. Rob- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 199 erts, April 18, 1819, the discourse being rendered by Rev. Thomas Rigdon, from the words, "Be ye also ready." The lodge held its meetings in the court house and old brick school house which stood on Mulberry street until 1880, when it was torn down. In the autumn of 1818. a joint school building and lodge room was started to be constructed. It was not a large affair, but served well for the times in which it was erected. The lodge room was on the second floor and cost about one hundred and seventy-nine dollars, all told ; it was built of brick and stood as just mentioned until torn down in 1880 to make place for the Brown residence. Finally, in 1872, the lodge leased rooms in the National Bank block of Columbus Delano for a term of sixteen years, at two hundred and forty dollars per year. Then the lease was extended five years longer at one hundred and sixty dollars per year. In the autumn of 1887 the lodge purchased the present Temple building, then known as the Kremlin block, with other property later. Other changes came in the building until today the lodge enjoys. with other Masonic societies, the commodious building in which they now assemble. It was formally dedicated April 21, 1892. The furniture and interior fixtures are among the best in the state. Over four hundred names are enrolled as either resident or non-resident members. MASONRY AT FREDERICKTOWN. Thrall lodge No. 170, at the town of Fredericktown, first worked under dispensation January 9. 1848, and under charter from October, 1849. Its first members were as follows Benjamin J. Lewis, Israel Underwood, William McK. Amsdon. Delano Dexter, John Garrison, Thomas Trahern, H. M. Shafer, Jesse L. Holley, Truman Strong. Abner Ayers. B. H. Taylor and Benjamin F. Smith. Morris Sharpe was the first member installed. In 1880 this lodge had a membership of sixty-seven and its present membership is one hundred and eight, with officers as follows : F. B. Levering, worshipful master ; \V. H. Eastman. M. D., senior warden ; C. F. Fink, junior warden ; J. N. Braddock. treasurer ; E. V. Ackerman, M. D., secretary ; L. B. Ackerman, chaplain; S. Cocanour, tyler. The past masters have been : B. I. Lewis, 1848-9 ; B. F. Smith. 1850-52 ; G. W. Woodcock. 1853-54 : C. P. Hill, 1855-65. inclusive; Levi Hiple, 1866-7 ; C. P. Hill, 1868-69 : A. Keller. 1870; C. P. Hill, 1871-72; G. A. Kraft, 1873: C. P. Hill, 1874 ; N. J. McGrew. 1875 ; Ed. Burson, 1876; A. L. Beers, 1877 : C. P. Hill. 1878 ; N. T. McGrew, 1879-80-81: L. B. Ackerman, 1882-83 ; G A. Kraft. 1884: C. P. Hill. 1885 ; P. Mengert. 1886-7-8 ; W. H. Boyd, 1889-90 : C. W. Smith, 1891 ; P. Mengert. 1892 ; W. W. Pennell, M. D.. 1893 ; \V. H.