350 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY field, and other places in Ohio, also organizing parishes, and then removed to Medina, Ohio, but visited his old parishes of Boardman and Canfield occasionally. He died September 6, 1826. Says one who knew him well :—"He will ever be regarded as the chief pioneer missionary of the Western Reserve, so far as this (Episcopal Church) is concerned. During the nine years and over of his labors in this field he organized thirteen parishes in Ohio and four in Kentucky." The Diocese of Ohio was organized at a convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, held at Columbus on January 5, 1818, Rev. Philander Chase, a missionary from New York, being its president. An adjourned meeting of the convention was held at Worthington, Ohio, on June 3, 1818, where, on June 21, Mr. Chase was unanimously elected Bishop of Ohio. He was consecrated in St. James' Church, in Philadelphia, on February 11, 1819, by Rt. Rev. William White, one of the American Bishops consecrated in Lambeth Chapel, England, assisted by Bishops Hobart of New York, Kemp of Maryland, and Croes of New Jersey. His journey from Ohio to Philadelphia and return was made on horseback. He made his first Episcopal visitation to Canfield October 6, 1819. He also visited Youngstown, passing through, but for want of time did not preach there. He again visited the parishes of Boardman and Canfield in August, 1823, and baptized and confirmed several persons. He visited Youngstown in 1825 and preached there. Rev. Marcus Tullius Cicero Wing was the first settled Rector in the new Church. Having raised $400 for him, on September 5, 1829, the Vestry decided to give him a call to take charge of the Parish, in connection with Youngstown and Vienna. He was then an instructor in Kenyon College, the new Episcopal. College, at Gambier, Ohio. He accepted the call. We have no record of the services he held, if any, at Youngstown, but it is on record at Boardman that after the first year he was engaged for two-thirds of the time for the same sum. $400 per year. He resigned this charge en September 25. 1831. and returned to Gambier, where he held for many years a professorship in Kenyon College. Rev. John L. Bryan was then engaged as Rector, and continued in that relation, two-thirds of the time, at Boardman, until October 13, 1834. Rev. Joshua L. Harrison, from West Farms, New York, was called December 25, 1835, accepted the call, and came to the Parish in the Spring of 1836. He also officiated at Canfield, a new Church having been erected at that place. He was the first to hold regular services at Youngstown; prior to this time the services had been very irregular. The Rectorship was vacant until May, 184o, when Rev. Joseph T. Eaton came to the Parish and remained until April, 1845, holding services in Warren part of the time. Rev. William Granville, from Medina, Ohio, on July 13, 1845, preached. for the first time, in Canfield, and officiated there and at Boardman until March 22, 1846. Henry M. Boardman removed to Boardman in 1819, and resided there until his death, resulting from an accident, on December 17, 1846. Soon after his arrival he was elected Clerk of the Parish. He was succeeded in May, 1848. by Rev. Joseph Adderly, who was succeeded in December, 1852, by the Rev. C. S. Doolittle, who officiated about four years, until after September, 1856. There was again a vacancy and Rev. A. T. McMurphy entered upon the Rectorate about October, 1857, and continued as Rector of Boardman and Canfield until 1863. officiating occasionally in Youngstown and other places, and was largely instrumental in organizing the Parish of St. John's in Youngstown. CHURCH EDIFICE IN BOARDMAN. At a meeting held in the house of Mr. Ethel Starr, September 5. 1825, on motion it was resolved to build a Church. and a building committee. consisting of Asa Baldwin, H. M. Boardman and Trial Tanner. was appointed. On August 23. 1829. the Church was consecrated by Bishop Chase. The building was remodeled in 1881, but AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 351 the chancel remains practically the same as it was built in 1827. Many articles of furniture belonging to the original edifice are still in use, .some of them very old, among which may be noted the quaint old baptismal font brought from New Milford, Connecticut, an old-fashioned Communion table, and the stained glass window erected in memory of Hon. Elijah Boardman and his wife Mary Anna. This window was for many years in the Church at New .Milford, but was removed to Boardman when the old Church at that place was taken down. The Youngstown Church had its beginning through the Sunday school work begun in th.e early fifties by Mrs. Jesse Thornton, rice Miss Henrietta Foster, a sister of Stephen C. Foster, the song writer. Mrs. Thornton. who was an Episcopalian, taught a class of young children every Sunday in one of the rooms of her home on West Federal street. Her daughters, Mary (afterwards Mrs. Major Crosman) and Eliza, assisted in this work, which was continued for several years, until the Thorntons removed to Warren, Ohio. Some of the scholars who attended her class became teachers of the Sunday School held in the old brick schoolhouse, corner of Wood and Champion streets, of which mention is made further on. Rev. A. T. McMurphy, as already stated, became Rector of St. James' Church, in Boardman, in 1857. He frequently held services in Youngstown. Rev. C. S. Abbott, of 'Warren, also held services occasionally, the Presbyterians and Methodists generously furnishing the use of their Churches on these occasions. With her increasing population many additions were made to the number of Episcopalians, and it was considered desirable to form a Church organization. For this purpose a meeting of "The Friends of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Youngstown" was held on July 7, 1859, of which Mr. M. T. 'Jewell was chairman, and Hiram A. Hall. secretary. Revs. McMurphy and Abbott were present. They instructed the meeting as to the measures necessary to effect an organization. It was resolved that "It was desirable and practicable to organize a Parish of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Youngstown," and on motion of Mr. Jewell, "St. John's" was adopted as the name of the Parish. Committees were appointed, one to prepare a petition and procure signatures, and another to procure a suitable room for holding church services, and Revs. McMurphy and Abbott were invited to hold services here as often as might be convenient, it being understood that their services would be remunerated and they would be hospitably and handsomely entertained. Rev. C. S. Abbott, in a letter dated February 8, 1898, stated that "at odd intervals in preceding years, Clergymen had been invited by friends of former parishioners to visit them and hold services, but there was no thought, so far as I know, from these invitations, of any permanent work as their result. I held services and preached on the afternoon of Trinity Sunday, June 19, 1859. The Methodist Church was kindly loaned to us for the service. This was the beginning of the Church movement. On Thursday night, July 7, Mr. McMurphy and myself took the incipient steps towards organizing the Parish. The meeting was held in a small frame building,—session room, I think it was called, —on the grounds of and belonging to the Presbyterian Church." Bishop Bedell visited Youngstown on November 29, 1859, and the requisite number of names having been signed to the petition, he advised a notice to be given for a meeting to be held for organization. On December 13, of the same year, the Vestry met, and after electing Mr. Jewell their secretary, took steps toward having a Church of their own by starting a subscription paper to obtain subscriptions "for the purpose of purchasing a lot and erecting thereon a suitable Church edifice." BUILDING THE FIRST CHURCH. On Easter Monday of the year 1861 the Vestry appointed Messieurs W. J. Hitchcock, F. 0. Arms, John W. Ellis and M. T. Jewell as the building committee, and on May 27, of that ,year, the corner-stone of the Church 352 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY was laid by the then Assistant Bishop, Gregory T. Bedell, assisted by the Rev. A. T. McMurphy, of Boardman. The building was completed in the early part of the year 1862, and consecrated by Bishop Bedell, October 21, 1863. Rev. Wyllys Hall, of Portsmouth, Ohio, came to the Parish on invitation in October, 1861, and on December 15, of that year was elected rector. On September 15, 1865, he resigned, and his resignation was accepted, to take effect on the 25th of the same month. This was Mr. Hall's first charge, but he is favorably spoken of by those who knew him and remember the good work he did when the Parish was new and struggling for existence. Mr. Hall is now retired and lives at San Mateo, California. REV. SAMUEL MAXWELL, RECTOR. Mr. Maxwell was born August 6, 1839, at Albany, New York. He graduated as an A. B. from College of the City of New York. After a post graduate course, he received degree of Bachelor of Science. He then took a course at the Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1861 he was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Horatio Potter in the Church of the Epiphany and became- Assistant Rector at St. Mark's Church, New York. In 1863 he went to Akron, Ohio, and on March 23, 1866, the Vestry of St. John's Church, Youngstown, unanimously elected him as Rector. He accepted the call and entered upon his duties May 1, 1866. During Mr. Maxwell's administration of seventeen years the Parish prospered exceedingly, making it possible to extend the work and add improvements to the Parish. The increased growth of the Parish having made it very necessary to have more church room, there were commenced in 1879 a series of improvements, all under the supervision of Mr. Maxwell. The thoroughly remodeled Church was opened with appropriate services by Bishop Bedell on May 20, 1880. Mr. Maxwell built up St. John's Church from a small Parish to a vigorous, self-sustaining, aggressive institution, and when his energies and ability had filially excited the interest of other Parishes and a call was given him to extend his labors into the wider field of Trinity Church, of Pittsburg, his people were compelled reluctantly to give him up. After many years in Pittsburg, Mr. Maxwell went to a Parish on Long Island, New York, and in the Autumn of 1896 was stricken with apoplexy while conducting services. He never regained consciousness, dying in a few hours. On March 29, 1883, the Vestry elected the Rev. F. B. Avery, who accepted and held his first services Sunday, April 8, 1883. In 1883-1884 St. James' Chapel was built on a lot given by James and David Mackey, at the southwest corner of Albert and State streets, near the mills of the Mahoning Valley Iron Company. The Chapel was opened February 24, 1884. Mr. Avery resigned February 12, 1889, to take charge of St. Mark's Church, Frank-ford, a suburb of Philadelphia. September 23, 1889, the Vestry extended a call to Rev. Robert R. Claiborne, of Silver Spring, Maryland, who accepted at once, and held his first service on Sunday, October 13, 1889. During the rectorship of Mr. Avery a movement was started for the erection of a new Church edifice as it was felt that the old building was insufficient for the needs of the Parish, but no practical measures were adopted to that end until, in April, 1891, a building committee was appointed which recommended the purchase from Dr. Woodbridge of his lot on Wick avenue. On the approval of the vestry; the purchase was made for $14,000. Owing, however, to the period of financial depression which followed, no steps were then taken for the erection of the building. The immediate necessity for such action became apparent when in December, 1895, the old Church was seriously damaged by fire. On January 6, 1896, the Vestry appointed a building committee consisting of James Mackey, J. L. Botsford, W. J. Hitchcock and Henry Tod. Messrs. Tod and Mackey resigning in the May following, their places on the committee were AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 353 taken by E. L. Ford and J. M. Butler. Plans were obtained from Mr. William H. Wood, the architect and accepted. The contract for the superstructure was let in April, 1897. The Church, though not quite completed, was formally dedicated by the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. William A. Leonard, D. D., May 22, 1898, with appropriate ceremonies, the Bishop's address being listened to by an audience of nearly one thousand people. From the time Mr. Claiborne resigned February 4, 1892, until the autumn of the same year, services were conducted by Lay-reader Mr. J. M. Reno, and Clergy from Kenyon College and surrounding Parishes. On invitation of the Bishop, the Rev. A. L. Frazer, Jr., of Lima, Ohio, held services on Sunday morning, August 14, 1892, and after services the following Sunday, the Vestry extended a call to him, which he accepted, entering upon his duties on All Saints Day, of the same year. Mr. Frazer was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 20, 1858, where he received his education, until he entered Kenyon College at Gambier, Ohio. Graduating in 188o„ he entered upon a business career, which was pursued until 1886., At that time he began his theological course at Bexley Hall, Kenyon College, remaining there two years. He served as lay-reader the second year of his course at Berkshire, Galena, and at Trinity Church, Columbus. September 28, 1887, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Peterkin, of West Virginia, and ordained to the priesthood September 3o, 1888, at Parkersburg, West Virginia. Immediately thereafter he went to Kalamazoo, Michigan, as Assistant Rector of St. Luke's Church. In October, 1889, he became Rector of Christ Church, Lima, Ohio. In 1895 he was elected Dean of the Northeast Convocation, which office he now holds. Mr. Frazer's work with us is better told by its visible results, in the enlarging of the Parish and many progressive ideas introduced. Through the succeeding years of his ministry, our Church History has accumulated very rapidly. Mr. Frazer has been very intimately identified with it all, watchful, energetic, and enthusiastic. ASSISTANT RECTORS. At different times during Mr. Avery's ministry, he had as assistants the Reverends H. L. Gamble, C. W. Hollister, Douglas I. Hobbs, and Edwin S. Hoffman. For a short time Mr. Claiborne had as Assistant Rector the Rev. Henry J. Beagen, and Mr. Frazer had for a brief period Rev. C. Gaylord. Most of these men also assisted in the work at Boardman, which Parish for a time was without a Rector. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. ST. COLUMBA'S CHURCH. The history of the Catholic Church in Youngstown begins as early as 1826 when missionary priests began to visit the scattered Catholic families in the vicinity. Among the first of these was Father Thomas Martin, who came in that year from the Dominican convent at Somerset, Perry county. His missionary duties brought him to the Catholic settlement at Dungannon, Columbiana county, whence he extended his labors to Youngstown. Soon after he made a second visit and after that at long intervals, between 1830 and 1840, visits were made by the Revs. John. H. McGrady, V. De Raymacher, A. Fahey, N. D. Young and E. P. Montgomery. The Very Rev. E. T. Collins of Cincinnati, came once in 1834; the Rev. James Conlon of Steubenville, once or twice in 1835. For many years these priests said Mass in private houses, principally in the homes of Daniel Sheehy, William Woods and Neal Campbell—pioneers of Catholicity in the Mahoning Valley. From 1840 to 1847 Youngstown was regularly attended as a station by the Rev. James Conlon, resident pastor of Dungannon. The number of Catholics was increased soon after 1835 by the laborers on the canal. In 1843 James Moore and his family settled here, and about the same time some members of the Kessiker family became converts to the Church, so that the first nucleus of a congregation may be said to have been found about 354 - HISTORY OF MAHOXING COUNTY that time. Between 1847 and 1858 Youngstown was visited by the Revs. M. Howard. of Cleveland, until January, 1848; James Moran, of Dungannon, 1848-49; J. Ringele, C. PP. S., of Randolph, 1850-51; F. McGann, of St. Vincents, Akron, 1851-52 ; William O'Connor, of Dungannon, 1853; F. Stroker, of Summitville, 1853-54; P. Flinn, of Dungannon, 1855-56; and M. Prendergast, of Summitville, 1856-58. In July, 1858, the Rev. William O'Connor was appointed the first resident pastor of Youngstown. The small frame church then in use was commenced by Father McGann in 1851. but owing to the poverty of the few Catholics then in Youngstown, it was not brought to completion until 1853. It stood at the corner of Wood and Hazel streets. From Youngstown Father O'Connor also attended a number of missions and stations, and by his zeal and earnestness endeared himself to all who were under his pastoral care. He resigned his pastorate in 1861 and was succeeded by Rev. E. M. O'Callaghan, who was pastor of St. Columba's Parish from May, 1861, until January, 1871. The congregation had outgrown its little frame church some years before this, and Father O'Callaghan was therefore obliged to provide better Church accommodations. He at once began to raise funds for the erection of a new edifice, taking the site of the old Church for that of the new one. The structure was of brick, 135 feet in length by 5o feet in width, and with a belfry tower 104 feet high. It was first used in the summer of 1864, before its interior had been finished. Whatever the cost, it required much generous giving on the part of the laity and 'prudent management on the part of the pastor to defray the cost of such a structure in those days. Father O'Callaghan lived in a rented house for some years.. He afterwards bought a lot on West Wood street, nearly opposite the Church. and moved on it the old frame Church which he fitted up as his residence. The Parish School was established in 186o by Father O'Connor. Lay teachers were employed until 1868, when the' were superseded by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary. From June. 1871. until 1876 lay teachers were again employed. In September, 1864, the school was transferred from the old frame building, erected by Father O'Connor, to the basement of the newly erected Church. But with the increase in the size of the Parish ampler quarters for school 'purposes became necessary. Father O'Callaghan therefore bought a large lot at the corner of W. Raven avenue and Elm street and began the erection of the present three-story brick school. In 1870 he was absent for some months on a visit to Rome, his place being filled for a part of the time by Rev. E. J. Murphy. On his return he resumed his pastoral charge in which he continued until August, 1871, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. J. Gibbons, who completed the school. With its furnishings it cost about $30,000. In August, 1872, Father Gibbons was succeeded by Rev. P. H. Brown.. Father Brown in 1876 put the school in charge of the Ursuline Sisters and they have conducted it ever since. In July. 1877. Father Brown resigned on account of ill health and his death occurred in the following year. The Rev. Edward. Mears succeeded him as pastor of St. Columba's Church in July. 1877. He applied himself to pay off the large debt of $40,000 which burdened the Parish, and in doing so was most generously supported by his parishioners. This debt was entirely cancelled by the close of the year 1881. The large increase of population in Youngstown which had continued since its recovery from the financial panic of 1871 had by this time made the formation of a new parish a necessity. Accordingly with Bishop Gilmour's approval the Immaculate Conception Parish was organized in 1882. St. Columba's Parish paid for the Church lot besides giving $5,000 towards paying for the erection of the new Church. In 1884, in accordance, with a decree of the Diocesan Synod and also because St. Columba's Parish cemetery had become nearly filled with interments, Father Mears purchased for $6,000 twenty acres of land for a "Union Cemetery.” for the use of all the Parishes. Six AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 355 years later he purchased for $1.700 an adjoining tract of ten acres. This land was subsequently graded, put in proper shape and named Calvary Cemetery. In May, 1886, was begun the foundation of the present substantial brick rectory, which was completed in January, 1887 at a cost of $12,000. In order to obviate the danger to the children attending school from the South Side in crossing the growing network of railroad tracks, it was resolved to established a school in that part of the. city. Father Mears therefore, in the spring of 1887, purchased four lots at a cost of $2,600 and in September of the following year a commodious six-room frame school costing $3,000 was ready for occupancy. In July, 1887, a lot adjoining the pastoral residence at the corner of Wood and Elm streets was bought for $6,000 as a site for the future Church. After paying off existing debts the new Church was commenced in April, 1893. Soon after, owing to the effects of the financial panic and the consequent closing of mills and the stagnation of other local industries, work had to be stopped ; but not until the walls were raised high enough to make a very commodious hall of the basement, a temporary roof being also constructed. This hall was used for six years. many of the Church entertainments being held therein, and it was also the source of much revenue to the Church rentals. In May, 1900, the building of the new Church was resumed. The corner stone was laid by Mgr. F. M. Boff, V. G., on Sunday July 1, 1900. When completed the total cost was about $100,000. This structure which is at present easily the most imposing ornament of the city is in Gothic style of architecture. It is 75 feet wide by 175 feet long, and is one of the largest and handsomest Churches in the diocese of Cleveland. The Parish is also one of the largest in the diocese, now numbering about 1000 families, and is noted for its generous response to all calls of religion and charity. Its long history has never been marred by discord, or want of respect for those charged with its spiritual or temporal interests. In January, St. Columba's Parish was made a rectorate and its pastor was appointed its first irremovable rector, both well merited distinc- tions. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH. The Parish of the Immaculate Conception which has been already casually referred to was organized in July, 1882, by the Rev. W. J. Manning, who erected the first Parish building. This was a combination School and Church built on lots bought on Oak street by Rev. E. Mears in March, 1881. The two-story frame building, 40 by 100 feet, was commenced in August, 1882, and was ready for use early in December. The Parish School was opened on the first floor in February, 1883, being in charge of three Ursuline Sisters and a lay teacher. Both church and school were soon found inadequate to the rapid increase in the growth of the parish, and Father Manning therefore bought two additional lots on Oak street opposite those secured in 1881, the purchase price being $2,600. The present brick church commenced in the fall of 1887 was brought to completion in the Spring of 1891, although used for the first time on Christmas, 1890. It was dedicated on May 10, 1891, by Rt. Rev. Mgr. F. M. Boff, then administrator of the diocese. The church cost about $40,000, and is of Gothic architecture, its length being 140 feet and its width 60 feet. A part of the large basement is used for a primary school and part for society rooms. The handsome and commodious pastoral residence, was commenced by Father Manning in 1891 and was ready for occupancy in December of the following year. Father Manning's health gave way under the care and strain of his arduous pastoral duties and he died, on July 2, 1899. His loss was deeply felt by his parishioners whose love and respect he had won in a high degree. The Rev. D. B. Crotty, who had been sent to assist him in June, 1898, took temporary charge of the parish until the appointment in August of the Rev. M. P. Kinkead, the present pastor. 356 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY ST. ANNE'S CHURCH. Up to 1869 the Catholics residing in the vicinity of Brier Hill were identified with St. Columba's Parish, but in September of that year Bishop Rappe authorized the formation at Brier Hill of a separate congregation, appointing Rev. E. J. Murphy as the first resident pastor. Purchasing a lot on Federal street for $1,000, Father Murphy bought for the sum of $700 a frame building which had been formerly used as a store. This building he moved onto a lot and had it fitted up as a temporary place of worship and as a school. In September, 1870, he bought on the same street, for $1,550, an additional lot, the frame house on which he made his residence. He was succeeded in October 1870, by Rev. Patrick McCaffrey, who in the following year built the first church, :a plain frame structure 45 by 65 feet, at a cost of about $3,000. Father McCaffrey was soon obliged to resign his charge on account of ill health. He was succeeded by Rev. F. J. Henry, who, notwithstanding the financial depression following the great panic of 1873, reduced the debt contracted by his predecessor. Father Henry was succeeded in July, 1876, by Rev. Francis McGavern who added by improvements to the value of the church property. He died in August, 1887, and St. Anne's Congregation was attended from Hubbard until the following December, when the present incumbent, Rev: J. P. Barry, received his appointment as pastor. In 1888 Father Barry built a frame parish house at an expense of about $2,300. He also remodeled and enlarged the frame school and placed it in charge of the Ursuline Sisters. It having been found that the church was situated too far away from the majority of the parishioners, Father Barry obtained permission in 1892, to secure another and better location; and in March of that year he purchased four lots with a frontage of 200 feet on Federal street and 142 feet on Jefferson street. In April, 1893, the foundation of the present church on the. new site was commenced. Owing, however, to lack of means slue to the financial panic of 1893, the build ing progressed but slowly. The basement was used for the first time on April 25, 1897. The church was finally completed at a cost of about $40,000. It is a brick structure, trimmed with sandstone. with two towers, in keeping with the Norman style of architecture. In 1898 Father Barry built near the church a two-story school and a neat pastoral residence, both frame buildings, the former costing $2,400 and the latter $3,500. The old church and lot on which it stands were sold. in 1898 to the Italians who were organized in that year under the patronage of St. Anthony of Padua. In 1898 the balance of the former property was also .sold, the proceeds from both sales amounting to nearly $6,000. The parish now numbers over 225 families, all dependent on the iron industry of Youngstown ST. ANTHONY'S (ITALIAN) CHURCH. Prior to 1898 the Italians in Youngstown attended divine service at St. Anne's and St. Columba's churches. They were occasionally visited by Rev. P. Capitani of St. Anthony's Church, Cleveland, and by other priests of their own nationality. In May. 1898. Rev. Anthony Petillo was appointed their resident pastor. In June of that year he bought for the sum of $2,500 the former church of St. Anne's Parish, in which he made various improvements. The present pastor is the Rev. Charles Doria. ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH. The Catholic Germans of Youngstown were identified with St. Columba's Parish until March, 1870. when Bishop Rappe appointed Rev. Peter Becker as their first pastor. They then numbered about 5o families. Father Becker secured for $3,500 the lot, 90 by 150 feet, at the corner of Wick and West Rayen avenues, a most desirable location. The frame house on the lot was made the pastoral residence. At an expense of about $3.000 Father Becker built a small brick church on the rear end of the lot facing West Rayen avenue, which was dedicated to St. Joseph, in the summer of 1870. Father Becker was succeeded in AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 359 the pastorate of St. Joseph's by the Rev. H. D. Best, who, however, only remained until May of the following year, when St. Joseph's was attended from Hubbard. Then for a short time until. April, 1873, the Rev. C. Barbier was resident pastor, after which St. Joseph's was again made a mission of Hubbard, with Rev. T. T. Shaffield in charge. In July, 1873, the Rev. Joseph Eyler was appointed resident pastor, in which position he labored in spite of ill health until he resigned his pastorate in May, 1881, when. St. Joseph's for a few weeks again became a mission of Hubbard, with Rev. J. Klute as attending priest. The Rev. Charles Seltzer was the next resident pastor of St. Joseph's Parish, from June, 1881, to December, 1882. He took up the project of building a new and much larger church, whuch by this time was greatly needed, and for which a subscription of $2,000 had already been raised by Father Eyler. The corner stone of the new church was laid by Bishop Gilmour on September 4, 1881. The church was ready for use in September, 1882, although its interior was far from being complete. The Rev. M. Becker, who succeeded Father Seltzer in December, 1882, had the church plastered and furnished with stained glass windows. His pastorate ended in August, 1883, when. the present incumbent, the Rev. John Klute, was given pastoral charge of St. Joseph's Parish. Father Klute at once set to work to finish the interior of the church and to supply it with the necessary furnishings. This task was gradually but finally accomplished and the building was dedicated by Bishop Gilmour on Sunday, July 20, 1884, in the presence of a large concourse of people. It had cost about $30,000, exclusive of its furnishings and had a debt on it of less than $5,000 when it was dedicated—a result alike creditable to the eighty families composing the parish and the several pastors who had been concerned in it. The church, which is of Gothic architecture, is built of brick with stone trimmings. It has a frontage of 56 feet on Wick avenue and a depth of 116 feet on West Raven avenue ; the height of the spire is 171 feet. "The Parochial school was established by Father Becker in 1870. In 1883 the first church was remodeled to serve as a temporary school. A large lot 75 by 175 feet was bought in June, 1890 for a school site at a cost of $8,500. The two-story frame house on the lot was fitted up for school purposes; its four large class rooms were ready for use in September of that year, and placed in charge of two Ursuline Sisters and two lay teachers. The former school building was then changed into a parish hall, which purpose it served for some years. In 1893 the present brick school was erected on the site bought in 1900, as above mentioned. It is a three-story building, has four well ventilated cheery class rooms, :a fine parish hall on the third floor, and all the appliances and conveniences found in a modern school." Its cost was $15,000. Four Ursuline Sisters are now engaged as teachers and the school has a large attendance. The fine pastoral residence adjoining the school lot was built by Father Klute in July, 1900, for $10,000, the former residence being both inadequate and unsanitary. St. Joseph's congregation now numbers about two hundred families. SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH. The parish of Haselton was formed by Bishop. Gilmour in October, 1888, at the request of Catholics in that vicinity who found it difficult to attend Mass on account of their distance from the nearest church and the almost impassible condition of the roads at certain times of the year. Two lots, at the corner of Montgomery (now Wilson avenue) and Walnut streets, were purchased by the Rev. W. J. Manning at a cost of $1,500. In October, 1888, the Rev. George W. Leeming was appointed as pastor. The first services were held in a class room in the village public school. The site purchased in 1887 being found unsuitable, Father Leeming with Bishop Gilmour's consent bought, at a cost of $1,500, a tract of land fronting on Wilson avenue. Here the present frame church was erected and used in its unfinished state for the first time on Christmas morning, 1888. In the follow- 360 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY ing January it was completed with accommodations for 300 people. The church cost about $4,000. The pastoral residence was added during the same year at a cost of $3,000. In 1892 Father Leeming bought the Haselton public school, a frame building consisting of three class rooms and a large hall, 32 by 80 feet, with a fine basement. of the same dimensions. The structure will serve the purpose of a school admirably when that necessary adjunct to the future welfare of the parish is once established. In the years 1899 and 1900 a number of improvements were made in the property and the church was removed from its first location sixty feet eastward and placed upon a substantial basement. Most of the stained glass windows by which the church is enriched were donated, as was also the main altar. These and other improvements that might be mentioned evidence the generosity and religious earnestness of the congregation, which numbers sixty-five families. STS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS (SLOVAK) CHURCH. The Catholic Slovaks who began to settle in Youngstown and the vicinity about 1880, and who for a number of years had attended the churches nearest to their homes, called a meeting in 1896 for the purpose of taking steps to organize a separate congregation. A subscription was started, but nothing further was done for several years owing to the fact that the Rt. Rev. Bishop could not send them a pastor conversant with their language. In May, 1899, with the Bishop's approval, the Rev. J. Klute bought two lots for the Slovaks as a church site, at the corner of East Wood and Watt streets for the sum of $5,500. In June of the same year the Rev. A. Kolar was appointed resident pastor of the Slovaks, whom he organized as a congregation under the patronage of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. The foundation of the church—a brick structure of Roman architecture— was commenced in the summer of 190o. Its cost on completion was about $35,000. The parish now has a membership of over 260 familes and is steadily increasing, as a large number of the foreigners who arrive almost daily are Slovaks. The present pastor is Rev. J. W. Becka. METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. The "Brown Church," as the Methodist Protestant Church in Youngstown has been usually called, was established about 1841, the church building being erected in that year. This religious body is an offshoot from the Methodist Episcopal Church and dates its origin to 1828. when an agitation that had been started within that church a few years previously for a representation of both ministers and laymen in its law-making department, culminated, after some persecution of the reformers, in the withdrawal of some 250 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cincinnati. The reformers subsequently withdrew in considerable numbers in other parts of the United States, and at a convention held at Baltimore in 1830 drew- up the constitution and discipline of the Methodist Protestant Church on the principle of constituting- the General and Annual Conferences of an equal number of effective ministers and duly delegated laymen, there being neither bishops nor elders. Philip Kimmel, Abraham Powers, Jonah Stout and Wilson Thorn were the chief founders of the church in this city, which began with about fifty members. Owing to internal dissensions, however, the annual attendance was reduced in 1881 to no more than twenty. At that time the Rev. E. W. Brindley, a graduate of Bristol College, Pennsylvania, succeeded to the pulpit, and within a year the congregation had increased to I50, with a Sunday school membership of thirty-four. The next pastor was the Rev. J. F. Dyer, who served for nine years. being followed by Rev. J. M. Bennett and S. F. Crowther. Rev. J. F. Dyer vas then recalled and was pastor again for six years, or until September, 1906, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Gladden. who now has charge. Rev. W. H. Gladden has been a member AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 361 of the Pittsburg Conference for more than twenty years, and has been especially successful in evangelistic work. He was formerly pastor of the Fifth Street Methodist Protestant Church at East Liverpool and received 700 members into that church. During his pastorate at Connellsville, Pennsylvania, he was able to double the membership of the church. At Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to which church he was sent in 1892, and Where for seven years there had not been even a pastor, he succeeded in building a fine church, which now numbers 300 members, and a second church of 200 members. He has also held successful revival meetings in nearly all the leading churches of his conference. He hopes to be able to accomplish a good work in the upbuilding of the church in Youngstown, the present membership of which is about one hundred. BAPTIST CHURCH. Regular Baptist worship was not instituted in Youngstown until 1860, although there were a number of members of that church living in the vicinity. In July, 1859, Mrs. Young, an aged lady, succeeded in having a Sunday school organized. and it is probable that the formation of a church was the outgrowth of this movement. This school was formed with thirty-seven scholars, in a hall on Federal street. A meeting of Baptists in regular communion was held in the Protestant Methodist Church June 6, 1860, which resulted in the formation of a church society. W. M. Tngersol was ordained first pastor. He resigned in 1872. and B. F. Ashley. succeeded in 1873. C. F. Nicholson was ordained pastor in the fall of 1875. and D. B. Simms, in October, 1879. In June, 1881,. Rev. John A. Snodgrass assumed pastoral charge. having come to Youngstown in January of the preceding year. Mr. Snodgrass was born in Noblestown. Pennsylvania. in 1836. At the age of eighteen years while a student at Mansfield. Pennsylvania. he was suddenly thrown upon his own resources,. owing to the business reverses of his father, and began teaching school. In 1862, with nine other teachers in the McKeesport school, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and became the first lieutenant. Of his. associates who went out with him only four returned. He was mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1865. After his return he took charge of the union school at McKeesport. March 29, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Eva J. Haney, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, who had been his efficient assistant in the various schools of which. lie had been the head. Soon after his return from the army he began the study of theology and was ordained, September 10, 1868, in the Sandusky Street Baptist Church of Allegheny City. As pastor of the First Baptist Church of Youngstown, Mr. Snodgrass added about one hundred names to the membership and discharged a debt of six thousand dollars. On January 6, 1887, the church building was destroyed by fire, which originated from an explosion of natural gas in the Andrews block, which. stood at the southwest corner of Boardman and Market streets. The church at once made plans for rebuilding on the same site. The new building was first occupied in the basement December 18, 1887. It was completed and the dedication took place July I, 1888. The Rev. J. A. Snodgrass presented his resignation, effective February 1, 1889. In the following June the Rev. Clement Hall was called to the pastorate which he assumed about September 1, 1889. On January 1, 1899. Rev. Clement Hall tendered his resignation to take effect from the first of the following April. On October 4, 1903, the Rev. Henry Parrish tendered his resignation effective January 1. 1904. On January 31, 1904, the present pastor, the Rev. C. H. Pendleton was called. He assumed the pastorate February To, 1904. His previous charge was at Mount Holly. New Jersey. 362 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY It is a fact worthy of note that at the present writing, March, 1907, the first pastor of the church, the Rev. W. M. Ingersol, is still living, residing in Cleveland, Ohio. The present membership is about 550. WELSH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The Welsh Congregational Church, whose place of worship is on Elm street, near Wood, was started about 1845 in an old log schoolhouse at the intersection of Hamburg and West Federal streets, Brier Hill. Rees Herbert, Thomas Morgan, Joshua Davies, David Evans, John Edwards, William Owens and *William Matthews, with their wives, constituted the original members. The installation ceremonies were conducted by Rev. D. Davies, who came from Brady's Bend, Pennsylvania, to officiate. For some years the pulpit was filled at intervals by visiting pastors. The first regular pastor was Rev. Thomas Evans, who at the time he took charge was a lay preacher and a recent immigrant from Wales, and who was ordained some time after becoming connected with this church. At the time the call was extended to him the church had about twenty-five members. It continued as a small community of worshippers until about 1865, at which time the city was experiencing a rapid growth along industrial lines. Rolling mills were being erected, and other important industries springing into life or developing with new vigor. These conditions attracted large numbers of immigrants. among whom were many Welsh miners and iron workers. Thus the church became infused with new vitality, and it was soon found necessary to seek more commodious quarters. A piece of land including the present church site and extending to Wood street was purchased, and the present frame building erected. That part of the lot bordering on Wood street, not being needed, was sold. At this time the church extended a call to its present pastor, Rev. Thomas W. Davies. who continued in the pastorate for about three years. In January, 1870 Rev. Thomas W. Davies was succeeded by Rev. David S. Davies, a bright young man from Centreville, Ohio, a fluent speaker, possessed of considerable oratorical power, and an ardent supporter of the temperance cause. His temperance lectures and sermons are remembered and spoken of to this day by the older members of the congregation. The next pastor was the Rev. Lot Lake, an eloquent preacher, who came from South Wales. He remained with the church until 1875. His successor, Rev. John Morgan Thomas, was also from Wales, and had the advantage of a former personal acquaintance with many of the original members of the church in their native land. During his pastorate 161 members were added to the church. The Sunday school was also in a flourishing condition. The singing at this time was led by Thomas Griffith, Jr.; whose sisters. talented vocalists, rendered able service in the choir. Their father, the elder Thomas Griffith, had previously been chorister. About this time some of the younger element in the church demanded a pastor who could speak the English language, all the services up to this time haying been held exclusively in Welsh. In 188o, therefore. a :all was extended to Rey. John L. Davies. of Paddy's Run, Ohio, who was a fluent speaker in both languages. During his pastorate, which continued till 1885, lie organized and solidified the English element. which in that year separated from the mother church to form the organization now known as Plymouth Congregational Church. Their first meetings were held in the court house. but subsequently they built an edifice on West Raven avenue, where they worshipped until it was burned down in 1891. They then built the present large edifice on West Raven avenue. Mr. Davies remained pastor of Plymouth church until 189o. He was succeeded in the pastorate of the Elm street church by Rev. Lot Lake, mentioned above. to whom the church had extended a second call. The latter returned and continued as pastor until 1888. Rey. T. P. of Racine, Wisconsin, was the next pastor. While he had charge the church AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 363 reached a membership of over three hundred. In 1894 he left. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. J. B. Davies, of Genoa, Illinois, who took charge on the first Sunday in December, 1895. In 1887 the church was remodeled and a pipe organ installed. The church services are conducted in the Welsh language, except one sermon a month, which is in English. The Sunday school has several Welsh classes, but eight out of eleven classes are taught in English. Rev. John B. Davies was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1859. He was educated in his native land, where he took a. college course and also studied theology. In 1884, when a young man of twenty-five, he came to this country, and in the following year was ordained to the ministry at Radnor, Ohio. After his ordination he pursued further theological studies at Oberlin College, taking the regular three year course. Before coming to Youngstown he had filled none but English pastorates. His first charge was the English Congregational Church at Fredericksburg, Ohio, whence he went to Lexington, Ohio, and subsequently to Chenoa, Illinois. From the last-named place he came, twelve. years ago, to Youngstown, where he has since remained in the pastorate of the Welsh Congregational Church. He was married in 1885 to Miss Emma Watkins, a native of Radnor, Ohio, but of Welsh parentage. WALNUT STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. This church had its origin in 1845 when the Rev. Robert Probert, who came to Brier Hill, Youngstown, from Brady's Bend, Pennsylvania, began preaching the gospel in private houses to the Welsh people who had flocked to the place on the opening of the coal mines by David Tod, afterwards governor of Ohio. In December, 1846, a few of the brethren and sisters organized themselves into a church in the house of Thomas Edwards. In 1847 the two deacons, Mr. Thomas Probert and Mr. David Jones, were instructed to look for a suitable lot upon which to erect a building that should be a house of worship and church home for the members. An acre of ground was purchased on West Federal street and a neat frame house erected. thereon, the balance of the ground' being reserved for a cemetery. About this time the church was strengthened by the addition of Richard Wooley, a pious and able man who came from Brady's Bend and who was elected deacon. The chapel was completed free from debt in Tune, 1847, by which time it numbered sixty members. Here the congregation worshipped for nineteen years during which time it had a gradual and regular increase of many hundreds by baptism, restoration and letters of dismissal from other churches. The membership in Brier Hill was composed mostly of coal miners, consequently with the approaching exhaustion of the coal mines which became apparent about 1863, and the erection of the iron works, some began to move to other places and some to the town. Under these circumstances the church in Brier Hill came to the conclusion to build a church edifice in the town' and abandon the Cause in Brier Hill. Accordingly in 1866 a committee of three was appointed who selected the lot on Walnut street, on which the church edifice now stands, the cost of which was $96o.00. The church building was erected at the close of 1866, the total cost, including the lot, being about $5,000. When the church was dedicated in January, 1877, it was entirely free from debt. The membership at this time numbered about ninety. In December, 1871, Rev. D. Probert resigned the pastorate of the church and was succeeded by the Rev. Lumley Evans who was pastor for eleven months. He was followed by Rev. D. Rhys Jones, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, who officiated for two years and one month. In 1877, Rev. Probert again became pastor and so continued until his final resignation in February, 1895, after a pastorate of forty-three years and of fifty-three years in the Christian ministry. In 1883 extensive improvements were made in the church. Rev. Probert was suc- 364 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY ceeded in the pastorate in 1895 by Rev. R. C. Morgan of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. On his coming the order of services was changed, a Welsh sermon being preached on the Sabbath morning and an English sermon in the evening, as there were many Welsh in the city not conversant with the language of their fathers. Owing to the increasing congregation it was resolved in the spring of 1896 to erect a more commodious place of worship. The work was commenced in May of that year. The new building contains several handsome memorial windows and was dedicated November 16, 1896. Rev. R. C. Morgan resigning after a pastorate of one year and ten months, the church was without a pastor until a call was extended to Rev. J. T. Lloyd, of Wilksbarre, Pennsylvania, an eloquent preacher and tireless worker who commenced his ministry in December, 1898. Since he became pastor the church debt has been raised and some further repairs have been made and paid for. MARTIN LUTHER GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. "Owing to the large number of Germans among the early setlers of Mahoning county, whose ancestors were members of the Church .of the Reformation, we find the German Evangelical Lutheran Church established in different parts of the county at an early date. In those days ministers served from ten to fifteen congregations, sometimes scattered over several counties. "The Rev. G. Kranz of North Lima, who served in Boardman in 1857, frequently preached in Youngstown and attempted to organize a congregation here about that time. In the following year the Re\''. Mr. Fehr, who had just been called as pastor of the German Reformed Church of Youngstown, proposed that the two parties should unite and build a union church. After the church was built, it was claimed as a Reformed Church. The Lutherans being thus deceived, resolved to organize themselves as a German Evangelical Lutheran congregation, which was done August I, 1859. There were at first twenty-two members. Rev. F. C. Becker served the church temporarily, until in July, 1859, the Rev. L. Krebs of Brookfield was called to be their pastor. For some time services were held in various localities, until the lot on the corner of Wood and Champion streets was purchased on which the church now stands. To this lot which was 45x120 feet, fifteen feet more was subsequently added by purchase. "In the spring of 1862 the corner stone of the church edifice was laid, and on November 2d the church was dedicated. There were then fifty members in the congregation. The Rev. L. Krebs, who moved to Youngstown in 1862, was called to be their regular pastor. January I, 1869, he was succeeded by the Rev. G. F. H. Meiser. During this year a piece of ground adjoining the church was purchased and a parsonage erected thereon. A parochial school, for the purpose of training the children in the German and English languages, and to combine religious with secular instruction, was established in 1876, with Prof. A. W. Lindemann as teacher. At first this school was held in the church building. but in the following year a school house was erected on the lot belonging to the congregation, which by this time had increased to some 200 families, with 120 scholars. In 1880 a pipe organ was purchased for the church. Soon after, it becoming apparent that the congregation had outgrown the church and school accommodations, it was resolved to make a division, and in 1881 St. Paul's Church at Brier Hill was organized, and soon a suitable church and school house were erected. The building plat was donated to the congregation by Messrs. David James and ! Robert Mackey." In the early part of 1885 Rev. G. F. H. Meiser received a call to Detroit, which he accepted. To fill the vacancy a call was ex, tended by the church to Rev. E. A. Boehme, of Columbus, Ohio. He arrived April 15. 1885, and has since continued as pastor of the church. A Ladies' Society had been organ- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 365 ized in 1870; and in August, 1885, a Young People's Society was organized. Both these societies have been of great benefit in the up-building of the church. In October, 1890, English evening services were introduced, and were held regularly until the organization, in September, 1895, of the English Lutheran Trinity Church, when they were discontinued. In 1891 it was found necessary to build an addition to the church; not only to provide sufficient accommodation for the people at the regular church services, but also because more room was needed for the school. This addition, 35x60 feet, and costing $12,500, was so constructed as to give the church the form of a double cross. The parochial school was taught by Prof. R. 0. Kieling for sixteen years—from 1885 to 1901. Towards the end of his connection with it an assistant had been engaged, and the school formed into two classes. The present teachers are Prof. C. F. Theiss and Miss Caroline Walther. The present strength of the congregation is 860 baptized members, 580 communicant members, and 125 voting members. Rev. E. A. Boehme was born in Zittau, Germany, May 11, 1848. He was educated at the Gymnasium (College), at the same place. completing his studies there in 1864 He studied theology at the German Lutheran Seminary, at Columbus, Ohio, and was ordained to the holy ministry July 31, 1868. His first pastorate was at Union City, Indiana, where lie remained until 1878. He was then Pastor at New Washington, Ohio, up to 1882. From that time until 1885 he held college professorships at Columbus, Ohio. Since then he has been pastor of Martin Luther's Church, Youngstown. From 1886 to 1896 he was the German secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other states, and tins since been first vice-president of the same body. He has been a member of the board of trustees of Capital University, Columbus. Ohio, since 1876, excepting four years. and has been president of the seminary board since 1894. He was editor of the Kinderfreude (Sunday school paper) from 1886 to 1898, and editor of Kirchenzeitung (German organ) from 1898 to 1904. GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Thirty years ago, in the month of September, 1877, a small number of German Lutherans met together under the leadership of the Rev. Samuel Baechier, to hold divine service. The service was held in the English language. These persons formed the nucleus of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Youngstown. It continued its services as a mission in the Reading Room Hall, on Federal street, with the Rev. E. J. Meissner, pastor. In the spring of 1878 a Sunday school was organized, embodying the name and faith of the organization, together with rules of business. The mission grew slowly but substantially. Soon a longing was felt to worship in a consecrated church home. During the summer of 1880 active steps were taken toward building such a house of worship. Committees were appointed to secure a location and to solicit subscriptions. Through their efforts a plot of ground was purchased, at the corner of Wood street and Belmont avenue (then Liberty street), and a building erected, which was consecrated to the service, December 31, 1881. The organization of the congregation was fully completed by the formal adoption of its constitution, December 31, 1882. In the fall of 1885 the mission became a member of the Pittsburg Synod of the General Council of the Lutheran Church. In the early part of the year 1887 Rev. E. J. Meissner tendered his resignation as pastor, which was accepted April 24th of that year. He was succeeded by the Rev. H. W. Tope, D. D., who began his labors in the fall of 1888. During his pastorate the mission became self-sustaining, a parsonage was built and the church enlarged at a cost of $5,000. After a period of a little more than seven years Rev. Tope resigned in the spring of 1895. He was followed by the Rev. A. D. Potts, Ph. D., who entered upon his duties in the spring of 1896. but on account of ill health, 366 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY was obliged to relinquish them and to resign in the early part of the ensuing year. July 18, 1897, the congregation extended a -unanimous call to the Rev. Jesse LeRoy Miller. August I the call was accepted and a new page began in the history of the congregation. The first thing necessary was a change of location. The pushing and pulling of the powerful freight engines over multiplied tracks, the puffing and blowing of the electric powers, both in proximity to the church's situation, made such a change most desirable. And an old debt, which always hangs like a millstone around the neck of a congregation, appeared at the time like one of the Himalayas. But after many prayers and much generosity, the debt disappeared and the mortgage was burned May 3o, 1897. It was a moment of great relief and was followed by an increased desire and renewed hopes for a better and more beautiful place of worship. March 3, 1901, the old church property was sold and a new site was secured on West Rayen avenue, on which, August 10, 1902, the corner stone of a new church was laid. The new church property is valued at $35,000. The membership of the congregation is now 45o, and has a Sunday school with an enrollment of 325 scholars. The income from all sources for the year 1906 amounted to $4,500. Rev. Jesse LeRoy Miller, the present pastor, was born June 9, 187o, at Germano, Harrison county, Ohio. He is the tenth son of John and Susannah (Mikesel) Miller. After finishing the course of study in the common school, he entered Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1889, from which institution he graduated cum laude in the spring of 1894. In the fall of 1894 he entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Mt. Ayr, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and finished his professional course there in the spring of 1897. And on August 1, 1897, he began the work of the ministry and assumed its duties as pastor of Grace Church. On June 25, 1902, Rev. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ada Elizabeth Ritter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Ritter. TRINITY ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO. Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church, under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other, states, was organized January 3, 1896. Rev. W. M. Kibler was its first pastor. Called by the Mission Board, he began his labors in Youngstown about August, 1895, at which time a number of members of the Martin Luther congregation, favoring English services, received their dismissals. At the organization the "Model Constitution" was adopted and the congregation received the name "Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Youngstown, Ohio." The first Sunday school was .held September 8, 1895, in the Y. M. C. A. building. The total attendance was ten. Divine service was held the same evening with an attendance of twenty-four. The congregation worshipped here for about six weeks, after which services were conducted in the City Council Chamber until November of the same year. The Township Hall was then secured, where services were held until the dedication of the present church building on Wilson avenue. November, 1897, after a faithful service of two years and three months, Rev. Kibler was called to another field. The mission was then served by Rev. O. S. Oglesby and other neighboring pastors. The following June, 1898, Rev. G. C. Schaub, a graduate of the Theological Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, assumed the work and for two years and five months was the faithful pastor of the mission. March, 1901, he followed a call to another parish, which again left the little flock without a regular pastor. Rev. Oscar Tressel, then a student of Capital University, supplied the field for about three months, when the present pastor, Rev. G. A. Harter, took up the work. He was installed August 18, 1901. Services were continued in the Township Hall, however, under great disadvantage to the growth of the congregation. At the calling of the present pastor, a temporary arrangement was made granting half of the time for AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 367 Sunday services to the Trinity Lutheran congregation of Girard, Ohio, thus making- the field self-supporting and the mission becoming a congregation. During the latter part of 1902 it was decided to sell the Rayen lot, bought in 1899, and purchase the lot and building on Wilson avenue. The church built about five years previous was remodeled and refurnished, and on May 24, 1903, dedicated to the service, the pastors, Revs. 'W. M. Kibler, G. C. Schaub and G. A. Harter officiating. Since that time the congregation has enjoyed prosperity and besides a thriving Sunday school, a Ladies' Aid and a Young People's Society has a communicant .membership of 161. FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH. A society of Disciples was organized in Youngstown in July, 1841, with twenty-seven members, and worshipped for about a year in the old Academy on the Diamond. The construction of a church edifice on Wood street was begun July 20, 1872, and completed and dedicated in 1874, the total cost being $27,000. Among the early preachers were Wesley Lamphere, John Henry, John Applegate, Henry Brocket, W. S. Gray, 0. Higgins, Walter-Haden, James Calvin, F. S. Whistler, Orwin Gates, Jasper Hughes, R. E. Davis, C. C. Smith, M. L. Streator and J. N. Monroe. In 1895 the church was remodeled and additions made at a cost of $17.000. It is now in a flourishing condition. Rev. John R. Ewers is the present pastor. CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Central Christian Church, of Youngstown, was organized the first Lord's Day in January, 1895, with 106 members, President Zollers, of Hiram, assisting. Its charter, dated November 28, 1894, was issued in the name of the Church of the Disciples of Christ, which name was later changed to that now borne—Central Christian. The church's first place of meeting was Davis Hall, on Federal street. Everything, even to the communion set, was rented. But the little band was active and aggressive, and grew rapidly from the first. Soon a church building became a necessity. Available property was inspected, and finally the Thomas Brown homestead on Market street was purchased at a cost of $15,000. It was a burdensome obligation, but its weight was carried gladly by those who saw in it the future of a splendid church home. The building was remodeled at a cost of about $3,000 and was occupied as a place of worship by the congregation. Here, as before, the church prospered, and in November, 1904, it was declared that there was not one penny of debt on the property. During the ten years of its existence an average of $5,000 a year had been raised for all purposes. But soon the home. was once again too small. Increased facilities were needed, and in July, 1905, work was begun upon the present building. The first service in the new auditorium was held January 28, 1906. The pipe organ was installed the second week in February, and on February 18, 1906, the new church home, with all its splendid equipment, was dedicated to the "Glory of God and the Good of Men." The church now has a membership of about boo. A remarkable feature of its work has been that accomplished along missionary lines. It has contributed largely to both home and foreign missions, and supports a missionary at Osaka, Japan. The church organization is good in all departments and all ages are represented in church work. At different times successful revival meetings have been held, as well by the pastors as by evangelists of wide fame. The present pastor of the church is Walter S. Goode. T. V. Shrock is the Sunday school superintendent. Rev. Walter S. Goode was born in Palmyra, Illinois, in 1869, son of Rev. G. M. Goode, a minister of the Church of the Disciples, and Mary E. (Nevins) Goode. He was educated at the Illinois State Normal School, where he was graduated in 1893. For some five years subsequently he was engaged in teaching school. He then studied theology at Chicago University. and was ordained at Normal, Illinois, September 17, 1899. His first regular charge was at Palestine. Illinois, where - 21 - 368 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY be remained for three years. Then for nearly three years he was pastor of the Christian Church at Antioch, Illinois, during which period he pursued further studies at Chicago University. In April, 1900, he came to Youngstown as pastor of the Central Christian -church, where he has since remained. .Mr. Goode was married, June 24, 1903, to Miss Minta Fitch, a daughter of John H. Fitch, of Austintown, Mahoning county, Ohio. The churches of Youngstown, and her public spirited citizens, co-operate in the Young Men's Christian Association to provide for the men of the community a centrally located building, well equipped for various lines of educational, social, physical and religious work. This building, open daily, represents an investment of about $120,000 and is the gift of a large number of contributors. Its constituency numbers from a thousand to twelve hundred annually and includes men and boys of all creeds, as well as some who are affiliated with no church. The present organization was effected in 1882, and incorporated in and for about 2 year it had its meetings and other lines of work in Reading Room Hall, then about No. 114 East Federal street. The present building, which was dedicated 'September 11, 1892, has proven itself a very useful center in the life of the community, and is daily the resort of hundreds of men and boys. So valuable and so important has its work been proven that each year public spirited citizens contribute the proportion of its expenses which must be secured in order to keep the membership fees within the reach of young men of moderate income. From the beginning the association had been fortunate in having sympathetic interest and guidance of prominent men of affairs, many of whom have served as trustees at various times. Its committees, too, have been well manned, and the Youngstown association has been widely known as one of the most progressive and effective organizations of its kind in the country. It includes in its membership men of all classes, and its extensive work along physical, educational, social and religious lines is a useful contribution to the citizenship and the character of the community. Mention of the work of this association which did not include a few representative names would be incomplete. From the beginning Mr. Richard Brown was a liberal friend of the organization ; his was the largest single gift. Another man, who gave liberal gifts of money, but was pre-eminent in giving time to the supervision of the work and for securing contributions from others, was Mr. Robert McCurdy. Mr. McCurdy was for years more closely and more prominently identified with the association than any other citizen. The character of the work was determined in no small measure by the competent executive officers who served the association. -These men had much to do with the character and efficiency of the work, as they were instrumental in determining its policy during its formative period, and especially when it first occupied its new building. YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. The Young Women's Christian Association of Youngstown was organized under the American Committee in November, 1904, with a pledged membership of over eight hundred—this number being increased to eleven hundred at the end of the first year. From the beginning the work has met with the hearty cooperation of churches, business houses, women's clubs and the young women themselves, for whom all the work was planned. The officers for the first year were : Mrs. L. A. Woodard, president ; Mrs. Fred Jones, vice-president ; Miss Bessie Creed, secretary ; Miss Isabel McCurdy, treasurer; Miss Annie McLeod, general secretary ; Miss Emily Lawrence, physical director ; Miss Annas Sonedecker, office secretary ; Miss Jean Stewart, cafeteria director. To meet the various needs of its members the work was organized under four different departments—the physical, social, educational AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 369 and religious. Under the supervision of the religious department there have been organized Bible classes; at present (1907) two large classes are meeting weekly at the rooms—one in the Gospel of Matthew—another in Old Testament History. Neighborhood classes have also been organized in different parts of the city, where it has been impossible for association members to reach the central rooms conveniently. Sunday vesper services, addressed by leading clergymen of the city, have been under the supervision of this committee. The educational department has offered classes within the means of anyone who might wish to take advantage of the opportunity. Classes of a purely practical nature have found favor when those of a cultural nature went begging. Since the sewing classes were organized, in November, 1905, over seventy-five young women have learned how to make their own garments and the millinery classes, too, have been well patronized. Classes have been formed in Italian and English for foreign-born girls, also classes in parliamentary law, etc. The gymnasium has always been one of the most popular features. During the first year over two hundred were enrolled in classes. Miss Lawrence, the first director, was followed by Miss Bertha Hopkins of Oberlin and Miss Hopkins in turn by Miss Mary Thomas, a graduate of the New Haven School of Physical Training. Gymnasium rallies, basketball games, and other interesting events, serve to keep up the interest in a department that means so much for the physical welfare of young women. In the cafeteria, lunch is served each noon during the week. An average of one hundred or over are served each day, and the average price paid per meal is seventeen cents. Reading- rooms and rest rooms are at the disposal of all members of the association. Besides these regular lines of work the association adapts itself to the needs and demands as they come. Young women who are coming to the city for the first time are provided with safe boarding places and the association is always ready to help girls who are out of employment to find work. THE SALVATION ARMY. It was on a cold day, December 23, 1883, three curiously dressed individuals entered the city of Youngstown and startled the people in the midst of preparations for the Christmas festivities by appearing upon the streets with a large bass drum and proclaiming to a curiosity-seeking crowd that they were embassadors of the "meek and lonely Nazarene" and "were endeavoring the carry out the injunction to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every living creature.' " Naturally the apparent boldness on the part of this strange people brought forth criticism from many of those high in society and the ignorance of the city officials as to their aim and the latter's reluctance to give protection permitted of some persecution, but, this served to bring some public-spirited men forward, foremost among them being the late Robert McCurdy, who showed himself a champion of the cause until his death; thus while petty persecution was rife, the hall was being crowded nightly with some of the worst characters in the city and many were led to a better life. Needless to state that many of those converted have since affiliated themselves with the various churches and have become useful members in the cause of Christianity, while not a few have gone into the field and some are holding high rank in the organization; others have gone to their heavenly reward, while unfortunately a number have fallen by the wayside. While there was some persecution and suffering of the Salvationists, yet, it should be said to the credit of the citizens that the "glad hand of fellowship" was extended here far more readily than in many other places of equal size and less foreign population. This peculiar people had made splendid headway in the matter of converts and soldiership when the panic came upon the country and many who had spent the better portion of their lives in the mills left for other parts of the country where opportunities for work seemed to be more promising, thus, the ranks were rapidly depleted and financial conditions 370 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY were such that for a number of years the officers in charge of the local work struggled for existence in common with the people whom they sought to help, meanwhile conducting services and visiting among the people, bringing cheer to many that were despondent; until, finally, the sunbeams of prosperity in the country burst through the clouds of adversity which had hung like a pall over the city and the smoke began to circle heavenward from the tall smoke-stacks in the Mahoning Valley and once more the working men went to their daily toil. But ere this occurred large indebtedness had been incurred by them and the Salvation Army could expect but little support from those amongst whom it labored, but struggled on with the meager means at its command until the public recognized its value for dealing, with the social problems confronting the country. At the time a portion of a large building was obtained at a cheap rental and beds were installed, thus, it was possible for a poor man to obtain lodging at a very small cost and if he did not have the price he could work for the bed. This plan has succeeded admirably and the institution is still in existence, although at a different address (329 E. Boardman street). During the past two years, or to be more explicit, since the beginning of 1905, an industrial system has been in vogue that has enabled the public to benefit to a very great extent; by this, reference is made to the free employment bureau, through which nearly 1,500 temporary and permanent positions are filled per annum. Waste paper, cast-off clothing, cast-out furniture, etc., is gathered and prepared for sale by unfortunate men who have reached the lowest rung in the ladder of society and need a helping hand. About 125 tons of waste paper is being gathered, assorted, baled and shipped annually. This system includes investigations of all cases of destitution reported, and the supplying of such relief as may be necessary. this relief consists mostly of fuel, food. clothing, medical aid, employment, etc. Unfortunate girls are also sent to Rescue Homes conducted by the organization in Cleveland and Pitts burg, while a number of juvenile cases have been entrusted to its care. The present status of the Salvation Army in Youngstown is fifty enrolled members (adults), and fourteen junior soldiers, and a number of recruits (probationers). It has an Industrial Home for men, located at 329 E. Boardman street, also employment bureaus, a second-hand store for the benefit of those unable to pay more than a small sum f0r their needs. These institutions are presided over by Staff Captain and Mrs. George Maltby. The corps and relief offices are located at 13 E. Front street, where services are held nightly and Sunday school with other meetings are conducted for the benefit of the young, folks; a general relief work affecting practically every phase of misfortune to which humanity is subjected in undertaken, cases which cannot possibly be dealt with here, owing to lack of facilities are generally forwarded to the larger centers to be looked after by competent people. The Medical Aid department is presided over by Dr. Frank T. Hamilton, while the Legal department for the benefit of those unable to pay is taken care of by Attorney Theodore A. Johnson. The affairs of the local corps, for the past two years, have been looked after by Adjutant U. T. Webb, assisted by his capable and energetic wife, and Captain Ona Hayes. The adjutant having forsaken a promising future in the commercial world to engage in this line of work, has bent every energy towards solidifying and building up the local organization ; in this he has been eminently seccessful, and today the. Salvation Army is respected by all classes. JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS. The purpose of this article is to furnish a brief sketch of the share which the Jews of Youngstown (numerically but a small fraction of its cosmopolitan population) have had in the religious, moral and material upbuild;ng of the city. As far as historical evidence is now available, Hebrew immigration into this valley dates back seventy years. The AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 371 first Jew, so far as known, to direct his course to the Western Reserve, was Jacob Spiegel, a native of Alsace (France), who about 1837 settled with his family at Ohltown, where he kept store until he transferred his business to this thriving town, where he died in 1881. A little later than Spiegel, though the exact time cannot be fully determined, David Theobald; a native of Rhine Hessia, established himself as a merchant in Canfield, from which place he afterwards moved to Youngstown. From Hessia arrived also, about the year 1838, two other Jewish lads; namely, Emanuel Herzog, who settled in Girard, and Simon Lowenstein, who found employment in Brier Hill. For a decade or two, Jewish immigration made but slow progress; at any rate the members of that faith were too few in number to form the nucleus of a religious community. During this period most of them attended Divine service at some Protestant church, while their children were enrolled in the Christian Sunday schools. However, on the great Jewish holiday in the fall of the year, a private prayer service was generally held at the home of the late Mr. and Mrs. Theobald. Early in 1867 the number of Jewish arrivals having in the meantime somewhat increased, preliminary steps were taken towards the formation of a Jewish congregation. At an adjourned meeting, held on May 12th of that year, the constitution and by-laws for Rodef Sholem congregation were read and adopted, and the following names enrolled as charter members : Emanuel Guthman, Emanuel Herzog, William Jonas, S. J. Lambert, Simon Lowenstein, A. Printz, Ferdinand Ritter. Ed. Ritter, Chas. Ritter, Ab. Schaffner, David Theobald, H. Theobald, M. Ullman, A. Walbrun, to which were afterwards added the names of A. Goldstein and A. Schwab. At the firSt election held in conformity with the new constitution, D. Theobald was elected president, and E. Guthman, secretary. Free will offerings made by the members at the first two meetings amounted to $590. A room was rented in the Porter block, on W. Federal street. to be used as a place of worship and for Sunday school purposes, while somewhat later, there was purchased a property along the road to Brier Hill, suitable for a cemetary. Some time in August, 1868, Mr. L. Liebman, now of Hamilton, Ohio, was engaged as reader and teacher. The early history of the congregation was marked by a generous sentiment prevailing among the men and women and the best of fellow feeling, which was never seriously impaired by the special difficulties that beset all small congregations. As an indication of the pleasant inter-denominational relations prevailing at the time, mention must be made of the fact that in February, 1869, the Methodist church was used for a benefit lecture delivered by Rabbi Mayer of Cleveland. From the Porter building the congregation moved, early in the seventies, to 105 W. Federal street, where they continued to worship for many years, until in 1885 they concluded to purchase a lot, corner of Lincoln and Holmes streets, and erect there the present Temple, which was completed and solemnly dedicated on June 4, 1886. Though owing to these building operations the financial circumstances of the congregation were temporarily somewhat straitened, yet in a short time, and more particularly as a result of a successful fair given early in 1888, matters improved and the congregation entered on a new course of prosperity which has continued to this day. The business management of the congregation consists of a president, vice-president, treasurer, financial secretary, recording secretary, and four trustees. The officers at present are: President, Isaac Strouss; vice-president, E. L. Guthman; treasurer, Emanuel Hartzell ; recording secretary, H. Katz ; financial secretary, Roy Guthman; trustees. B. Hirshberg, Louis Liebman, E. Mittler, Simon Weil. The business management of the Sunday school is in the hands of a board, of which Mike Guggenheim is at present chairman, while the following act as members : Mrs. E. L. Guthman. Miss Minnie Weil, L. Calm, I. Strouss and J. B. Grossman. This latter gen- 372 - HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY tleman is the spiritual leader of the congregation, who first entered upon his duties in the spring of 1887, left Youngstown for another charge in Philadelphia in 1893, and returned in 1899. The best of relations have always existed in this community between Christians. and Jews, the latter being respected as a peaceable, square-dealing, loyal and patriotic part of the population. Among the departed members of Rodef Sholem some had seen active military service in the army during the Civil war, namely; Adolf Louer on the Federal side, Emanuel Guthman and Samuel Weil in the Confederate armies, the latter rising to the rank of captain. A marked characteristic of the Hebrew people generally are its charities, which come forward cheerfully and are never restricted to sect. This philanthropic work he recognized by their public institutions that depend on general voluntary contributions by inviting various Jewish representatives to the direction and management of affairs. The first claims on Jewish charity are, however, made in behalf of the poor and distressed of its own people, especially those who have come here as victims of foreign oppression and persecution. This work is done in part by the Ladies' Benevolent Society of Rodef Sholem congregation, who accomplish their task through committees looking personally after the needs of the indigent. Its officers are at present : Mrs. Mike Guggenheim, president ; Mrs. L. Calm, vice-president ; Mrs. I. Strouss, treasurer ; Mrs. Henry Weinburg, secretary. The three following associations are conducted on broadly Jewish lines, independent of congregational affiliations. The local section of the Council of Jewish Women, devoted to religious, philanthropic and educational work, was established some eleven years ago. Its present officers are: Mrs. Maurice Moyer, president ; Miss Esther Ellis, vice-president ; Mrs. Harry Guggenheim, treasurer ; Mrs. Elias Guthman, secretary. The Youngstown Hebrew Charity Society has been an efficient instrumentality in relieving distress, more particularly in finding employment for poor immigrants. Its practical labors, consisting in careful investigation of every case presenting itself, donations of money, clothing, provisions, etc., have been of great usefulness. Emanuel Hartzell, president; Nathan M. Hartzell, secretary; E.. L. Guthman, treasurer. A prominent rank among the list of' fraternal and beneficial institutions belongs to Mahoning Lodge, No. 339, of the Independent Order of B'nai Brith. This lodge is the result of an amalgamation of Youngstown Lodge and Herman Rice Lodge, and contain& about fifty members. Part of the dues paid by the members goes to the support of the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in Cleveland, and for the National Home for Consumptives in Denver, Colorado. Emanuel Hartzell, president;. L. Hoffman, vice-president ; Nathan M. Hartzell, secretary; Isidor S. Weil, treasurer. At different periods prior and subsequent to the organization of Rodef Sholem Congregation, there arrived Jewish people who were not in sympathy with the Reform service at the Temple, being- desirous of preserving the traditional ritual and customs of orthodox Judaism. This led to the organization of an orthodox congregation some twenty-five years ago, and known as "Children of Israel." Its place of worship was at first in the Porter building, but the members increasing rapidly, it was determined to build a synagogue on Summit avenue, which edifice was eventually-completed and dedicated in 1893. The congregation is in good financial condition, but at the time of this writing without a spiritual. leader. Its present officers are: I. Freidman, president ; B. Feldman, vice-president ; recording secretary, E. Geiger ; corresponding- secretary, Dave Korenhauser. The cemetery of this congregation. purchased about 1875, is situated on Church-hill road. An offshoot of the congregation is a Ladies' Benevolent Society. who are doing quiet and effective work in distributing food. money and clothing among the deserving poor. Mrs. A. M. Fran- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 373 kle, president; Mrs. L. Spitzer, vice-president; Mrs. B. Klein, secretary ; Mrs. M. F. Lazarewich, treasurer. Another congregation formed on conservative lines in the course of the past summer, is "Emanuel Congregation." The members assemble for regular worship at 349 East Federal street. The officers are: Nate Ozerski, president; M. Altshuler, vice-president; H. Myerson, secretary; I. Edelman, treasurer; Louis Ozerski, trustee. A Zionist Society, called "Degel Zion," about fifty strong, meets every two weeks; Louis Ozerski, president; M. Altshuler, secretary; I. Edelman, treasurer. Of the societies of a distinctly social character we have to mention the "Progress Club," situated in the Truesdale block on Phelps-street. It was first founded in 1892 and has a present membership of about eighty. Its officers are: President, Louis S. Weil; vice-president, D. H. Weinberg; rec0rding and financial secretary, Max E. Brunswick; treasurer, Simon Hartzell. CHAPTER XXIV EDUCATION The Public and Parochial Schools of the County—Their Growth and Present Efficiency--Some of the Early Educators—The Growth and Progress of the Public Schools of Youngstown and Their Present Encouraging Condition. NOTE. —In the following chapter we have quoted largely from an article written by Dr. N. H. Chaney and Principal E. M. Faust, which was published in the Youngstown Daily Times of Nov. 26, 1903, under the title of "The School Board of Long Ago." The data, which pertains to the period since 1890, was kindly furnished by Mr. W. N. Ashbaugh, the present clerk of the School Board. The rest is from miscellaneous sources. As early as 1788 a resolution was adopted by the directors of the Ohio Company authorizing the employment "for the education of youth and the promotion of public worship among the first settlers, an instructor eminent for literary accomplishments and the virtue of his character, who shall also superintend the first scholastic institutions and direct the manner of instruction." The ordinance of 1787 under which the territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio river was organized contained a strong declaration in Article Third, which is destined never to pass from the history of Ohio: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary for good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education, shall be forever encouraged." Congress also provided that the public lands be surveyed into townships six miles square, reserving section sixteen of each township for school purposes. A later law by the same body set apart two townships for the perpetual support of a seminary. The settlers of Ohio never varied in tastes and habits of living. The descendants of the Roundheads from New England, of the Cavaliers of Virginia, and the Germans from Pennsylvania, came in groups and settled in knots throughout the state. Schools of some kind were maintained in every locality settled, notwithstanding the poverty and privations of pioneer life, and the encroachments of hostile Indians. But very moderate qualifications were demanded of the pioneer school teacher, and he usually received but moderate remuneration, $io to $12 per month for male teachers and $4 to $5 per month for females. A fair mastery of "the three R's," with an equal, or more than equal ability to wield the rod or birch, and the pedagogue of the early settlements would pass muster. Possibly the superior muscular endowments of the male teachers was the cause of their receiving more than double the salary paid the females. There were not a few teachers, however, who had superior literary attainments. Thus Perlee Brush, the pioneer school-master of Youngs-