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CHAPTER III.
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
The early settlers seemed to incline toward the Baptist or Presbyterian societies. According to the best authority the first services held in Warren were by Rev. Henry Speer, a Baptist minister from Washington county, Pennsylvania. He visited Warren in June of 1800. The settlers were no doubt glad to hear a sermon once more, and soon cleared a little spot under an arbor of trees where about fifty persons gathered to listen. In the fall of this same year the Rev. Joseph Badger came. He was sent out by the Connecticut Missionary society. Mr. Speer was an acquaintance of some of the settlers of Warren. The Baptists were a little in advance of all others
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in thei1 first service, and also a little in advance in organizing.
It is thought that the first 1egular services conducted in Warren were by the Rev. Thomas Jones, a Baptist minister who resided east of Brookfield, on the Shenango. This was not later than 1801 or 18o2. Mr. Jones continued his services until some time in 1807. The Rev. Joseph Badger visited Warren in the fall of the same year (1800) in which the Rev. Henry Speer came.
These two churches were first represented in the place the same year, and the organization of the congregations occurred near the same time, that of the Baptist preceding the Presbyterians only by a little over two months, the one being In September and the other in November
of 1803.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The First Baptist church of Warren, Ohio, ganized September 3, 1803. Its constituent members were ten in number, as follows : Isaac Daily, John Leavitt, Jr., Caleb Jones, Samuel Firtner, Samuel Burnett, Henry Firtner, Effie Dally, Jane Daily, Nancy Burnett, and Mary Jones. The first preacher of the Baptist faith who preached in Warren, was the Rev. Henry Speers, of Washington county, Pennsylvaian. He visited the place in June, 1800, and preached his first sermon to about fifty persons, assembled under the shade of the trees along the road south of the Mahoning river. From the time of its organization until 181o, the church had no settled pastor, but was supplied at intervals by the Rev. Thomas G. Jones, a resident of the Shenango valley east of Brookfield. In May, 1810 Adamson Bently was ordained to preach the gospel, and in 1811 was settled as pastor. He continued in this 1elation until he changed his views, and the great schism occurred which well nigh destroyed the church. Until 1821 there was no meeting-house, and meetings were held from house to house. During the years 182o and 1821, the meeting-house was built, which stands on the north side of the public square, and now occupied by the Disciple church. A few years later Alexander Campbell came upon the ground and succeeded, with the aid of Rev. Walter Scott, in carrying almost the entire church over to his peculiar views. Only four o1 five continued fast in the faith of their fathers, still retaining the Baptist name and holding the church property. Little can be said concerning the history of the church from 1828 to 1834, when seven members came together at the house of Ephraim Quinby, father of the late Samuel Quinby, and reorganized themselves into a church. On the following Sunday they held communion service in the old meeting-house, where they occasionally held services for some time afterwards. At a meeting held February 14, 1835, at which Elder Jacob Morris presided, a resolution was passed to withdraw the hand of fellowship from all those who had departed from the faith of the regular Baptist church in Warren, called "Concord."
For some time after this, meetings were held from house to house. Attempts were made from time to time to get possession of the church property, but to no purpose. The meeting. house and church records are still in possession of the Disciple church.
On December 4, 1845, the house of worship on Pine street, now in use, was dedicated. Since then the history of the church has been varied. At times it has enjoyed remarkable prosperity. Up to the period of the war, during the ten years' pastorate of Rev. E. T. Brown, lately deceased, the church became strong and influential.
The war took away some of its noblest and bravest young men who, alas! never returned. Besides this, it has lost heavily by removals to the West and other places.
The following persons have served the church as pastors: Rev. Jacob Morris, from 1835 to 1836; John Winter, 1841--48; Lewis Ranstead, 1849-53; John D. Melson, 1854-58; E. T. Brown, 1856-66 (one year of this time was spent in the army as chaplain); George Pierce, 1866-1869 ; R. Tilford, 1869-72 ; J. P. Stevenson, 1873-76; W. T. Whitmarsh, 1876-79. Rev. J. S. Hutson is the present pastor. His labors began November 1, 1879. The present membership is one hundred and forty-one, embracing some of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of the place. Its deacons are Samuel Sidels and E. A. Palmer; trustees, G. O.. Griswold, E. A. Palmer, and C. W. Tyler; finance committee, George E. Day, William J.
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Kerr, and M. J. Sloan, Esq. Solomon Mountain is sexton.
The church sustains a flourishing Sabbath- school. E. A. Palmer is the efficient superintendent, and J. B. Mills secretary.
The current expenses of the church are met by voluntary weekly contributions. The pastor's salary is paid promptly every week. Missionary collections are taken up every two months. The seats are free. The church is free from debt, and its prospects for the future are hopeful.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The history of the Presbyterian church of Warren dates back to the earliest days of the city, its organization having been effected by the labors and through the instrumentality of the old pioneer missionary, Rev. Joseph Badger. It seems unnecessary to speak particularly of him in this connection, for his name is to be seen in all parts of the history of the Western Reserve.
This congregation when organized was under the Congregational form of government, and was called the "Church of Christ of Warren." In the organization of churches at this early day it was frequently the case that what was called a "plan of union" was adopted, and the church composed of members from both the Congregational and Presbyterian churches.
In the organization of this church Rev. Mr. Badger was assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Lait and Wick, of western Pennsylvania. Rev. Mr. Lait was from Mercer, Pennsylvania; Rev. Mr. Wick was formerly pastor of the church at Neshannock, Pennsylvania, and later of the Congregational at Youngstown, and of Hopewell, Pennsylvania. [See biography in connection with the church history of Youngstown.]
In the year 1803 six persons, after due consideration, and with a sense of the obligations resting upon them, met together for the purpose of conference and action in the matter of church 1elations. This meeting was held on the 18th of November, 1803.
The names of these six persons were Thomas Prior, Betsy Prior, Thomas Ross, Rosalinda Ross, Polly Lane, and Elizabeth Davidson. After prayer for direction in all their deliberations, and for guidance in the important work in which they were engaged, an examination was held respecting the Christian character of those who proposed entering into church relations.
This examination in regard to their knowledge of the fundamental docrines of the gospel, and of the evidences of their Christian hope was satisfactory. It now only remained necessary to adopt a "confession of faith" and to determine upon rules and regulations for the practice of the members. They met again on Saturday, the 19th day of November, and completed the organization by adopting a "confession of faith " and determining upon rules of practice, and upon a covenant to be entered into. Those persons uniting in fellowship and covenant, and standing as a church of Christ in this place were: Thomas Prior, Betsy Prior, Thomas Ross, Rosalinda Ross, Polly Lane, and Elizabeth Davidson.
As a matter of history and for the benefit of those who may wish to understand more particularly the peculiarities of those organizations, it may be well to quote from the original documents, in which we find that they were "solemnly charged to walk in the ordinances of the Lord, and to keep covenant with each other, looking for divine assistance to the great head of the church, to whose grace they are committed." The church adopted the regulations of the general assembly of the Presbyterian church, and the general association of Connecticut, respecting the organization of churches in the new settlements.
The church adopted this standing rule, "that no person shall be admitted a member in this church, by letter or otherwise, without an examination, that a unity of sentiment and practice may be promoted and preserved with the members of this church. Attest; Joseph Badger, missionary from the Missionary society of Connecticut."
In March, of 1804, the Rev. Mr. Badger, at a meeting of the church, presented a confession of faith similar in principle, but different in some respects from the one previously adopted. A vote was taken and the same adopted. Some changes were also made in the articles of practice. At this meeting it was also voted to choose the Rev. Thomas Robbins moderator of the church.
The first pastor was the Rev. James Boyd, who was installed October 21, 1808. He died March 8, 1813. One-half of his time was spent with this church and the remainder with the church in Newton. Previous to his pastorate the Rev:
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Jonathan Leslie was engaged as an occasional supply. He labored in this capacity during the three years from 1805 to 1808.
After the death of Mr. Boyd the Rev. James Duncan acted as stated supply for a period of two years.
Rev. Mr. Curtis came to Ohio in 1817, under the appointment of the Hampshire Missionary society of Massachusetts. He acted as missionary for some months, and then became stated supply for this church, laboring in that capacity for about eighteen months previous to his installation. He was installed pastor of this church by the Grand River Presbytery on the 4th of February, 1820. He was a faithful and acceptable pastor, the church prospering under his ministry. In June, of 1,831, at his own request, Mr. Curtis was dismissed on account of failing health. Rev. George W. Hulin labored as stated supply fo1 two months, beginning in December, 1831, and was followed by the Rev. J. A. Woodruff, in the same capacity, for a term of eighteen months. The Rev. Josiah Towne became a candidate for the pastorate in May, 1834, and was installed as pastor, by the Trumbull Presbytery, in May, 1835. He was dismissed in October, 1839.
The Rev. Nathan B. Purington received a call from the congregation and was installed pastor by the Presbytery of Trumbull in May, 1840. He remained in the discharge of his pastoral duties nearly eight years, being dismissed by Presbytery on the 12th of April, 1848. Mr. Purington was a native of Newburyport, Massachusetts. He graduated from the Ohio university in 1837, and took his theological course at Lane seminary. On leaving Warren, in the spring of 1848, he removed to Rock Island, Illinois, where he died, after a long illness, on the 22d of May, 1850.
After the close of Mr. Purington's labors, the Rev. William C. Clark was invited to supply- the pulpit. He began preaching on the 18th of February; 1848. The church extended a call to him to become their pastor, which he accepted, and was installed pastor by the Presbytery of Trumbull, November 15, 1848. His resignation was tendered to the church on the first Sabbath of January, 1863, and his labors closed on the 1st of July of that year. He went immediately to Sturgis, Michigan, but on account of ill health he was obliged to give up all labor, and he moved to Detroit, where he died on the 30th of June, 1870.
On the 5th of July, 1863, Mr. Henry Richard Hoisington took his place here as stated supply for six months. He was a graduate of Auburn Theological seminary, and a licentiate of the Presbytery of Auburn. He was ordained as an evangelist the last week in April, 1864, by the Presbytery of Trumbull, and on the 14th of December following was installed as pastor of the church. He retired from the pastorate on the 1st of June, 1867. Afterwards he became pastor of the First church in Circleville, Ohio.
Rev. Benjamin St. John Page immediately began the work as supply, in which capacity he remained until his death, which occurred on the 9th of November, 1868.
In September of 1869 the Rev. Nathaniel P. Baily, of Painesville, was invited to fill the pulpit as a supply. This he continued to do from Sabbath to Sabbath the greater part of the time until March of 1870, when he accepted a unani. mous call from the congregation to become its pastor. On the t nth of May of the same spring he was installed by the Presbytery of Trumbull The church remained Presbyterian, but under the Congregational form of government, until 1838, and on the 1st of February of that year the church, by resolution, adopted the Presbyterian form. On the loth of March, 1845, the society was Incorporated as the First Presbyterian church of Warren, Trumbull county.
In the fall of 1830 a house of worship was begun, which was dedicated the loth of May, 1832. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Charles B. Storrs, president of Western Reserve college. In 1849 this house was repaired and improved. In 1850 the lecture room was built. This house was known as the "Old Presbyterian church" and did good service until 1875, when it was taken down to give place to the new and beautiful edifice now occupied by the church. This house was situated at what was known as High street and the "turnpike" (now Mahoning avenue). The location is fine and the building an ornament to the town. The Sunday-school in connection with this church is in a flourishing condition. At present the school numbers three hundred and fifty-six, an increase of one hundred and six over last year. In connection with the congregation is
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a Young People's Christian association, which was organized on the 18th of September, 1871, with constitution and by-laws governing the association, the objects being the development of Christian character, of usefulness and activity in its members, with the improvement of the mental, moral, and spiritual condition of our young people, etc. The officers consist of president, secretary, and treasurer, with a board of managers. The total membership of the church at the close of the year was three hundred and twenty-nine, being an increase of twenty-four during the year. On March 25, 1848, the church voted to adopt the principal of a rotary eldership.
The present pastor, the Rev. Alexander Jackson, is a young man of great promise, a native of Glasgow, Scotland. His father died when Alexander was in his tenth year. He was the second of six children. His widowed mother had a very moderate competence and it was thought necessary for Alexander to be taken out of school and placed in an office, where he could earn a livelihood. He served a seven years' apprenticeship in a book-bindery, spending his evenings and spare moments in study, laying the foundation for a thorough education. By diligent use of such advantages as he enjoyed in evening classes at Dr. McNair's normal school he was prepared to enter college.
After spending some time in the University of Glasgow, he went to Edinburgh, at the age of twenty-one, and formed a connection with a business house, with the privilege of using a part of his time in study. Under this arrangement he was enabled to pursue his studies, for four years, in the University of Edinburgh, and one year in the Divinity school. He excelled in philosophical studies, and in a class of two hundred, was One of fifteen who won high honors. A Duke or Hamilton scholarship was awarded him, and he returned to Glasgow university, where he graduated. Afterward, he spent a year in London filling a position in the library of the British Museum. He married Agnes, eldest daughter of John Armstrong, of Townhead, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, while in London.
Mr. Jackson came to America in 1872, and continued his studies in the Theological seminary at Auburn, New York. He then entered the ministry and served the Presbyterian church in Amenia about three and a half years. Afterwards he supplied pulpits in Newark, New Jersey, and in Chicago, until he was called to the church in Warren. By the foregoing we see that Mr. Jackson is a self-made min, having earned the means to pay for his own education. He has had contact with business people, in the work-shop and in the business office, and is eminently fitted for the discharge of the responsible duties resting upon him in his ministry 0ver his people in Warren, while his sermon; and his labors in general are highly appreciate d by the church and people of this place.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN WARREN.
During the summer of 1819 Methcdism was established in Warren. Mr. John Bridle, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a resident of Warren, being anxious to secure Methodist preaching in this place, went cm foot to Youngstown to a quarterly meeting the first week in November, and during the meeting made arrangements with both elder and pasto1 in charge to visit Warren and preach to them. Accordingly, at the time appointed Elder Swayze and Mr. James McMahon came to Warren, and on Thursday evening Elder Swayze preached in an old log school-house, and the next day Mr. McMahon formed a class in the old log jail, consisting of John Bridle (leader) and wife, Sarah Towen, A. Stewart, R. Brockway, Achsa Knapp, and John Barnes and wife.
Preaching was held in the court-house 0n Sunday evenings, and the following spring several persons were converted and added to the class, Josiah Soule, Nancy Harsh, Betsy Hall, Ebenezer Rodgers, and Benjamin Stevens and wife. Mr. Stevens is probably the only representative of this class now living, and was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, July 20, 1788, came to Warren in 1816, and for three score years and over has been identified with this church, as one of the first class leaders, and ever thereafter as one of its most prominent and active members.
Rev. William Swayze, the presiding elder, was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, November 8, 1784, near the village of Asbury, named after the venerable Bishop Asbury. He was a young minister, talented and zealous, and was styled a "son of thunder," attracting great crowds of people to his ministry, and with a power and pathos but few have equaled. He was tall and straight in
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person, with great powers of endurance. His complexion was dark, his black eyes deeply set and very expressive, while his voice possessed great compass and was perfectly under his control.
The church was favored with a most glorious revival, which commenced in January of 1819, and spread into the surrounding country until nearly a hundred were converted, which were finally consolidated with the village class. Rev. Joseph McMahon was the first circuit rider who preached in Warren. He continued in the work, calling at the village about once every two weeks for a period of about two years, and was succeeded by his brother John. The two McMahons were brothers, and were of Irish origin.
These men were succeeded in their charge at this place by the now noted Alfred Bronson, formerly of Danbury, Connecticut, who was born in that place February 9, 1793. He was received into the Ohio conference in 1820, and subsequently removed to the Mahoning circuit. He was a very large, compactly built man, possessing a bold, fearless spirit, ambitious and resolute, and sure to keep something astir where- ever he was. In all he was well adapted for his work among early settlers, and has won for himself a name in the history of his church.
Alfred Bronson was assisted in his work by his colleague, the Rev. Ezra Booth. The first sacrament was administered by Mr. Bronson and Father Bostwick at a two days' meeting which was held in a grove on the bank of the river, in or near the village.
At a quarterly conference held in Youngstown November 24-25, 1821, Mahoning circuit, we find present Rev. William Swayze, presiding elder, Rev. Charles Elliott, Rev. Dermis Goddard, circuit preacher, Rev. John Crawford, Shadrack Bostwick, L. C., William Veach, L. D., Elias Morse, L. D. Circuit stewards: Isaac Powers, Titus Hays, and Henry Stowe. Exhorters: Chauncy Hickox, William Burnet, Hezekiah Reeder, Asa Walden, and Joseph Davis. Class leaders: Shadrack Bostwick, Benjamin Flint, Benjamin Stevens, Isaac Powers, Chauncy Merry, Freeman Parcy, David Leroy, Titus Hays, Roger Perkins, Peter Hought, John Bates, Henry Stowe, William Carish, Tillinghouse Moorey, Robert Patrick, Samuel Clark.
The first quarterly meeting was held in Warren February Jo, 1827. Charles Elliott was the presiding elder ; Revs. R. C. Hutton and Robert Hopkins assisted. The meeting Was held in the court-house, there being an unusually large number in attendance. The membership of the . church had increased to sixty in number, and on that occasion an addition of seventeen more was made. The two ministers who officiated at that time were noted for their zeal and power in the good work.
The first protracted meeting was conducted in 1836, in a room in the old academy building, which had been used by the denomination for some eight years.
The first meeting house was a large, commodious frame building, 40 x 60, and was erected on the bank of the river as early as 1837, and dedicated in November of that year. It was built with Gothic windows, a suitable cupola and basement.
A subscription paper* was circulated, and the following are some of the names of persons who subscribed to that fund: Benjamin Stevens, David Tod, Milton Graham, Charles Smith, Garry Lewis, Henry W. Smith, Warren R. Quin by, Frederick Kinsman, Samuel Quinby, Ralph Hickox, Simeon L. Hunt, Simon Perkins, John Ewalt, Henry Lane, James L. VanGorder, E. H. Allison, James Scott, Leicester King, Edward Potter, Lyman Potter, George Parsons, Joshua Henshaw, Edward Hoyt, Walter King, Robert Craig.
In the latter part of 1839 Warren was made a station and Lorenzo D. Mix was appointed to the charge. In 1841 Bishop Roberts presided over the first annual conference that was held in Warren. In 1851 the second annual conference, and in 1868 the third. Bishop Morris presided at the second one, and Bishop Kingsley at the third, and in 188o Bishop Bowman presided.
In 1866, the church having increased in numbers and the old edifice beginning to show signs of decay, the members resolved to erect a more modern and convenient building. Accordingly a subscription paper was put in circulation and the people responded liberally. A lot on High street was purchased at $5,000, and work began. Soon the new structure that now adorns the city was seen gradually nearing completion, and on
* This paper is still in the possession of Mr. Benjamin Stevens.
PICTURE OF JAMES HOYT
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the 21st of June, 1874, the house was formally dedicated to the worship of God. Dr. B. I. Ives conducted the dedicatory services, preaching the sermon. In these service she was assisted by E. W. Schon, D. D., of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, a former pastor.
The church is commodious and is elegantly finished and furnished, costing in all some $50,000.
No debts encumber the church. They have adopted the envelope system, which has thus far been successful. The annual expenses are about $2,000. The membership is about four hundred. The trustees hold the title to the church property. The stewards are expected to look after the finances. The leaders are expected to see all the members once every week. The prayer meetings are well attended. The young people of the church have a literary society which is well attended, and is the means of some mental improvement. This meets once in two weeks. The Sunday-school is the largest in the city, and is growing in interest. At present it numbers about three hundred, with one superintendent and an assistant, who are further assisted by a corps of eighteen teachers. The Bible class is unde1 the care of the pastor, Rev. A. H. Norcross. Mr. John M. Stull is the efficient superintendent.
CHRIST CHURCH.
The actual date of the first service of the Protestant Episcopal church in Warren is not known, but records of the church show that services were held in the court-house at different times by various clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal church. The ministers who held such services were the Rev. Bishop Chase, and the Rev. Messrs. Serle, M. T. C. Wing, and J. L. Harrison. So far as can be definitely ascertained, the first service held was by Rev. Mr. Serle, in the court-house, about the year 1813. At this time only one communicant of the church resided here—Mrs. Lavina Rowe, the grandmother of Messrs. Henry and Charles Smith, two of the present vestrymen. Bishop Chase visited here ̊rite, or perhaps twice, officiating in the court-house. Rev. M. T. C. Wing, D. D., afterwards professor of ecclesiastical history in the Theological seminary at Gambier, Ohio, was here with Bishop Chase, and probably at other times,
The following " article of association " we append, with names in full :
We, whose names are hereunto affixed, deeply impressed with the importance of the Christian religion, and earnestly wishing to promote its holy influence in the hearts and lives of ourselves and families, and our neighbors, do hereby associate ourselves together under the name, style, and title of the Parish of Christ church, in the township of Warren, county of Trumbull, State of Ohio, and by so doing accept the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Ohio, in communion w th the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States of America. John Crowell, Charles Wolcott, Jacob H. Baldwin, Hiram Baldwin, Edward E. Hoyt, John Veon, M. B. Taylor, Oliver H. Patch, James Hoyt, John B. Canfield, Thou as H. Best, John L. Frazier, Henry W. Smith, William L. Knight, Addison Weatherbee, John Supple, William Johnson, James Chesney, Edwin Leffingwell, Lyman Potter, R. P. Ranney, Henry Curtis.
This organization was effected sometime during the year 1836, under an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio. Some time after this the organization was given up.
There was occasionally preaching in Warren by the Rev. J. L. Harrison, at that time rector of the church in Boardman, and also that of Canfield. In August, 1841, the parish was reorganized by the Rev. C. C. Townsend, and at the winter session of the Legislature, 1842, it was incorporated by petition of J. Crowell, Esq., now of Cleveland, Ohio.
This parish, in connection with St. Marks, of Newton Falls, remained under the pastoral care of Mr. Townsend until June 25, 1843. Up to the date of re-organization (the winter of 1842) there were twenty-six communicants enrolled, nineteen of whom were added during Mr. Townsend's pastorate. After the withdrawal of Mr. Townsend the church was without a regular pastor until November, 1848, but during this time regular service according to the use of the church was performed, first by S. D. Harris, and afterwards by W. G. Darley, lay readers, licensed by the bishop.
The minutes of vestry meetings previous to Easter Monday of that year have not been preserved, and it is impossible to learn the names of all the early vestrymen. Those we can learn were: Mr. Lewis Iddings, Judge Matthew Birchard, Lieutenant Ingersoll, Mr. J. Baldwin (now of Kinsman), Judge R. P. Ranney, and General Crowell (now of Cleveland).
Of the first confirmation class the names and the number are unknown. This class was pre sensed by Rev. C. C. Townsend, the service being
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held in the old Methodist church on the river bank. About this time the old court-house was torn down. Mr. Townsend, who taught school in addition to his duties as rector, had a schoolroom in a building at the corner of Main and Franklin streets; service was held in that schoolroom.
At a parish meeting held in 1843 the following officers were elected: S. D. Harris and C. I. Van Gorder, wardens; John Crowell, H. Hubbard, George Parsons, U. B. White, I. Canfield, vestrymen.
At about the first service held, the only man who stood up to make responses was Mr. Jacob Baldwin, and at the expiration of Mr. Townsend's pastorate there were twenty-six communicants enrolled. The vestry comprised some of the most substantial men in the town, while the congregation embraced the families of many of the best citizens. This was in a great measure due to Rev. C. C. Townsend.
In 1846 it was proposed to purchase a lot on Bunker Hill for the erection of a church, at a cost of $300. Two weeks later a committee consisting of U. B. White, C. I. Van Gorder, and S. D. Harris was appointed by the vestry to circulate a subscription paper for the purpose of raising funds to erect a church building. This was successful, and on the 11th of February, 1846, a contract was made with Mr. Blatchly fo1 the lot on the corner of Liberty street and Franklin alley, for which he was to receive $600 in gold on or before the loth of April. A contract fo1 the building was soon after made with Mr. U. B. White, and the corner-stone was laid September 1st.
June 16, 1848, it was unanimously resolved to invite Rev. Mr. Hughes, of Oneida, New York, to accept the office of rector of this parish. The call was duly signed, but the minister not accepting, a call was addressed to Rev. G. W. Dubois, who came, at a salary of $25o. He held the first service in the new church, which was formally consecrated on September 23, 1849, by the Right Rev. C. P. Mcllvaine, bishop of the diocese of Ohio.
During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Dubois, extending over a period of nearly five years, eighteen persons were confirmed, several were added to the church by transfer, and in all, thirty-five families are recorded as having been added to the parish. During the early part of his ministry the Ladies' society was organized, doing then, as ever after, most effective service. This is the oldest church benevolent society in the town of Warren.
In 1850 Judge Mathew Birchard, Messrs. Lewis Iddings, Charles Smith, and Edward Smith were added to the vestry. This year, according to the records, this parish was first represented in the diocesan convention. The delegates chosen were Messrs. Francis Granger and George Parsons, Jr. After repeatedly asking to be released from the charge, the parish very reluctantly consented to part with their pastor, Rev. Mr. Dubois.
The Rev. Mr. Ryan entered upon his duties here in October, 1855, the church having been without a pastor two years. During this time the church lost heavily in members.
August 2, 1858, a call was extended to Rev. C. S. Abbott, who entered upon his duties in September of the same year.
The following spring J. H. McCombs and C. C. McNutt were added to the vestry. The lot upon which the church now stands, was purchased in April, 1862, for $700. In February, 1863, plans were secured from an architect of Cleveland, and a building committee consisting of E. A. Smith, L. I. Iddings, Charles Smith, and S. L. Weeks appointed. Charles Smith and his brother Henry were made vestrymen in 1861. In 1863 J. R. Woods, William L. Porter, and T. J. McLain, Jr., were elected vestrymen. On Ascension day, May 14, 1863, the corner-stone was laid for the present house of worship. The religious ceremonies were conducted by the Right Rev. G.
T. Bedell, assisted by the rector. The next year (1864) the old church property was sold to the Romanists for $1,200. On Wednesday, May 24, 1865, the new church was consecrated to the worship of God by the Right Rev. C. P. McIlvaine. The rector and clergymen took part. This year the name of Mr. Frederick Kinsman came upon the roll as vestryman, and m 1867 Mr. S. L. Hunt became vestryman. On the 27th of May, 1867, Rev. Abbott resigned after a pastorate of nearly nine years. Rev. Charles T. Steck entered upon the duties of rector of this church in September, 1867. His stay was short, he only remaining as their pastor until the following June. The next pastor was the Rev.
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Henry L Badger. He resigned July 30, 1871, to go away as a missionary.
A call was immediately extended to Rev. Thomas Taylor. He began his labors October 15, 1871. His resignation took place in April, 1873.
In March, 1874, Rev. A. R. Kieffer was called to the rector ship.
Mr. Kieffer was born in Heidelberg, Pennsylvania, in the year 1842. When eighteen years of age he completed his literary course in college, and then went into the army. where he remained one and a half years. He afterwards attended Gambier college, and took a course in theology, from which institution he was graduated in 1871. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Bedell in 1871, and was afterwards in Ironton, Ohio, nearly three years. He came here in 1874. On December 25th he married Lessie Hall, daughter of Alexander Hall, a prominent Disciple preacher and author.
The church in Warren, under Mr. Kieffer's rectorship, is in a flourishing condition, and the utmost good will and kindly feeling exists between the pastor and people. The church is beautiful and pleasant, and all things combine to further the interests of Christ church. The present 0fficers are: E. A. Smith, senior warden ; S. L. Hunt, junior warden; Charles Smith, Frederick Kinsman, John H. McCombs, John R. Woods, 'Henry Smith, A. Wentz, E. A. Wise, and Samuel Iddlngs, vestrymen.
THE DISCIPLE CHURCH
was born in March, 1841, in the agonies of fierce contention. The establishment of this church developed considerable opposition. It was brought about by a discussion held between J. Hartzel and Rev. Mr. Waldo, a Congregationalist, which made a profound impression. Conversions followed, and a number of Mr. Waldo's friends were baptised into the church. As usual in the history of this church, a malignant opposition arose to its principles of reformation, and Mr. Waldo also encountered other ministers in the issues involved. The Rev. Dr. Boardman, pastor of the Presbyterian church, and J. J. Stedman, of the Methodist Episcopal church, and others still held discussions which served to awaken a feeling for the organization, and helped to establish the church having for its corner-stone—"Is baptism in any case necessary to the forgiveness of sins."
In August, 1842, Mr. Campbell, the founder of the. doctrine advocated by this church, came to the Western Reserve, touching Warren, Youngstown, and other places, and helped to establish the church. J. W. Lanphear was secured as its first pastor, but in March, 1843, he resigned and returned to New Liston. The annual meeting for Trumbull county was held in 1843 in Youngstown—a brother of John Henry being president of the meeting—which was large, and estimated at from six to ten thousand persons, and the number of Disciples probably two thousand. This effort on the part of the church was attended by an ingathering of some fifty into the church. The membership is now over three hundred. M. L. Streater, the late pastor, is a gentleman of culture and ability. He came from New Castle, Pennsylvania, to this charge in May, 1866. His ministry was very successful during his stay, and the church has grown in numbers and cleared itself of all incumbrances. The present pastor, Rev. Mr. Smith, came to the charge in 1881. Their beautiful brick church is situated on Wood street, the lot, building, etc., costing the church $28,752.88.
GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH.
During the earlier days of Warren the Germans held service together, irrespective of denomination, but after a time, as they grew in numbers, they separated into different societies.
The German Reformed church probably held their first service in Warren about the year 1841. This first service was held by the Rev. Nathan Paltzgroff, in the McFarland block, at the corner of Park avenue and South streets. Mr. Paltzgroff only continued his services a few months, after which no service was held for a long time, but in 1846 he resumed the work in King's block, on Main street, when the society was regularly organized. A lot was bought in 1848, on Vine street, and soon after a suitable building was erected. Mr. Paltzgroff, while in charge, became identified with the English Evangelical synod, the greater part of the congregation going with him.
Mr. Guenter succeeded in the pastorate, remaining some years. He also had charge at Lordstown. After his retirement, in 1857, ser-
268 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
vices became irregular, and, in 1866, the building was sold to the German Lutherans, and to members of the German Reform who still adhered to their views as formerly.
The Evangelical congregation became scattered, some uniting with the Methodist church.
The German Lutheran services were held in Empire hall, about the time the old court-house was torn down. After this they held service in the basement of the Baptist church. They afterwards bought the building on Vine street, where they continued joint owners until the fire of 1868, when it was destroyed. They then divided, when the Lutherans rebuilt, and the German Reform again worshiped in the basement of the Baptist church. They are few in number, however, and they have but little prospect of increasing.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The first rite of this church was preformed by Rev. Prudiprat, and was that of baptism, administered July 3, 1849. The first mass was celebrated by Rev. J. Ringale, at the house of John Lowry, November 12, 1850. For a period of three years, about this time, Father Ringale made three or four visits annually to Warren. In the winter of 1853, Father McGown held mass and service in the house of Mr. McNally. In 1855 the building of the Mahoning railroad brought quite an accession of those of Catholic faith, and services were held monthly by Fathers Stoker and O'Connor, succeeded in 1856 by Rev. Mr. Pendergrast. In 1857 William O'Connor resumed his ministrations. In the year 1863 the Episcopal church was bought, and mass was celebrated therein April 1, 1864, by Father O'Callaghan. Fathe1 Sidle), succeeded, preaching alternately in Warren, and Niles. E. Conway became the first resident priest in 1868. He was followed by F. E. Murphy, October 3, 1869, who established a Catholic school, October 4, 1871, at his own expense. He was succeeded July 6, 1873, by Father Paginini, who had the full confidence of the church, and who succeeded in making some considerable additions to the building. He was succeeded in 1879, by Father Manning, who is a late graduate of the St. Mary's seminary at Cleveland. The church membership comprises about thirty-one or two families, or probably one hundred and fifty persons.
A. M. E. CHURCH.
Warren has had a number of negro residents since the year 1830, most of them emancipated, or escaped slaves. The number has since increased very slowly, and at present, does not exceed thirty. A practical writer has observed that people of African descent are "naturally religious, and naturally need religion." No church was formally organized in Warren until 1874, when Rev. J. F. Lee, of the A. M. E. conference, visited the brethren of Warren, and formed a congregation. His successors have been, John Bell, C. Arbury, T. H. Cyrus, — Weir, — Smith, P. Ralph, James Jones, — West, Jesse Smith, and A. Waldon. A ,frame meeting-house was built west of the rive1 in 1875.