638 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

CHAPTER VII.

CHURCHES.

PRESBYTERIAN--METHODIST-BAPTIST - LUTHERAN -- UNITED BRETHREN- REFORMED - CHRISTIAN - DUNKARD - HEBREW- METHODIST -PROTESTANT - CATHOLIC - YMCA.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

THE Presbyterians were the first to avail themselves of the donations of lots for church purposes. The families who were living in the village had assembled at each others cabins for whatever worship they enjoyed in the first three years of the settlement. In the fall of 1799, and through the succeeding winter, occasional services were held on Sabbath Days in the block-house that had been built at the head of Main street. Later, in the year 1800, the Presbyterians took the first step toward building a meeting house. and with little delay the settlers all aided them in getting out the logs and putting up the cabin church on Lot 134. This log cabin was used by the Presbyterians, and occasionally by the Methodists, until, in 1805, it was sold for $22. The Presbyterians had raised by subscription enough to increase this sum to $412, but finally decided not to build a new church at the time. so they loaned the money to the County Commissioners with an agreement that the use of the new court room should be granted them in which to hold services until the money should be refunded. For a short time the court room in the Newcom Tavern at the head of Main street was so used. then afterward the court room in McCollum's Tavern, and finally in 1806 in the new court house at the corner of Third and Main streets, and was continued there until the brick church at the northwest corner of Second and Ludlow streets was finished in 1817.

The Presbytery of Washington, Synod of Kentucky, was organized in 1799; the jurisdiction of the Presbytery extending over the Miami Valley. The Presbyterian people of Dayton made application April 14, 1801, for occasional supplies, and the Rev. James Kemper was appointed to preach one Sabbath.

The Rev. William Robinson, who lived at the mills, about three miles up Mad River, occasionally preached to the Dayton Congregation and at Beulah Church near Beavertown. In 1804, the Rev. James Welsh was called as the regular minister of the Dayton Church, and so continued until the spring of 1817.

At a congregational meeting, held October 23, 1804, John Miller, Robert Edgar, David Reid, John McCabe and John Ewing were elected Trustees.

May 3, 1806, the following Elders were elected as the first session of the First Presbyterian Church of Dayton, Ohio: John McKaig, John Ritchie and James Hanna. A year after, John McKaig having resigned, John Miller and Robert Parks were elected to the board.

In the spring of 1812, the church was incorporated, and the Board of Trustees organized as follows: James Hanna, Chairman: John Ritchie, Clerk; William McClure, Treasurer; Matthew Patton, Collector. Trustees: D. C. Cooper, John Ewing, Andrew Hood, John H. Williams, John Miller. James Hanna, William King.

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In the spring of 1815, plans were adopted and contracts made for building the two-story brick church at the northwest corner of Second and Ludlow streets, but the building was not completed until two years thereafter, and was first used for worship in October of 1817. The entire cost of the building was $5,794.12 1/2.

At that time there were ninety-four communicant members on the roll.

The Sunday school, the first organization of the kind was the Presbyterian school in 1817-18. The Rev. Backus Wilbur was called as pastor of the church in August, 1817, but was not installed until August 27, 1818.

The first bell hung in the brick church was found to be too small; a larger one was bought at an expense of $100.

During the winter of 1828-29, at the time when the population of the town was rapidly increasing, the church experienced a great revival, adding seventy-nine to the membership. After which the congregation increased steadily, until in 1837 it became necessary to provide a larger place of worship.

The church was torn down, and a brick building 50x70 feet, with the Sabbath school room in the basement, with handsome front and a tall steeple, was erected at a cost of $14,213.08.

The building was inclosed, and the basement room first occupied for worship October 26, 1839.

In 1838, Peter Odlin and Dr. John Steele, Elders of the First church, with seventy-three other members withdrew and organized the New School church, the Second Presbyterian Church of Dayton.

A colony under Joseph Barnett, John F. Edgar and John Morehouse in the second year of the pastorate of the Rev. P. D. Gurley, organized the Third Presbyterian Church, and built on the north side of Second street, east of Madison street. They afterward came to St. Clair street and organized what is now known as the Park Presbyterian Church.

In 1856. a colony of "country members" with William King, Sr., Herbert S. Williams and David Osborn, as leaders, organized the Miami City Church, now the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Dayton.

In May, 1867, the old church was torn down, and the work of preparation for building the present elegant stone edifice began, which was so successfully prosecuted under direction of the following named gentlemen as the Building Committee: T. A. Phillips, H Stoddard, Jr., C. McDermont, Isaac Haas, John Lowe, John W. Stoddard. Thomas O. Lowe, Isaac Van Ausdal, E. A. Parrott, D. W. Stewart, Collins Wright and Samuel Craighead. Col. John G. Lowe, Chairman; D. W. Stewart, Secretary.

Committee on Plans and Correspondence, T. A. Phillips, T. O. Lowe and D. W. Stewart. On Contracts and Materials, Henry L. Brown, T. A. Phillips, H. Stoddard, Jr. Rev. Dr. T. E. Thomas being a member ex-officio of all committees.

The church was dedicated, and a report of the committee shows the total cost exclusive of old material used to be about $100,000.

August 15, 1876, the main room was greatly damaged by fire; the loss how-ever was fully covered by insurance, and necessary repairs were made with little delay.

The Rev. James Welsh was the first pastor, and continued with the congregation for thirteen years, and was succeeded by the Rev. Backus Wilbur, who died here after preaching a year and a half. Rev. Ahab preached for two years; Rev. William Graham, three years; vacancy, two years; Rev. Franklin Putnam, eight years; Rev. James C. Barnes, nine years; Rev. William C. Anderson, four years; Rev. Phineas D. Gurley, four years; Rev. James H. Brookes, four years: Rev. Thomas E. Thomas, twelve years; vacancy, one year;

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Rev. John McVey, two and a half years: vacancy a year and a half; Rev. L. R. Smith, four years: Rev. Mr. DeVeuve is now pastor.

The following is the list of Ruling Elders: First session, May 1806. John McKaig, John Ritchie, James Hanna.

May 1807, John Ritchie, James Hanna, John Miller, Robert Parks.

Before 1817, John Ewing was made an Elder, and shortly after the first. brick church was completed William King, Sr., was added to the session.

1821 Dr. Job Haines.

1823- O. B. Conover.

1829 David Osborn, Dr. John Steele, Matthew Patton.

1836--Peter Odlin, Charles C. Patterson.

1840 - James Steele, Samuel M. King. Charles H. Spinning.

1846--Joseph Barnett, Henry Stoddard, Sr.

1850 Henry L. Brown, John Morehouse, Dr. George Green.

1853--E. A. More. H. S. Williams.

1857--Dr. C. McDermont, Francis Mulford

1864--Y. V. Wood, Isaac Haas, Leonard Moore.

1874--J. F. Edgar, William A. Barnett.

1878 --C. U. Raymond. A. F. Payne.

1879--E. A. Parrott. J. H. Thomas.

Organization April 1, 1881.

Elders--Francis Mulford, J. F. Edgar. C. U. Raymond, A. F. Payne. W. A. Barnett. E. A. Parrott, John H. Thomas.

Deacons---O. P. Boyer. Joseph D. Dubois. D. A. Bradford, D. AV. Stew-art. Houston Lowe.

Trustees--John W. Stoddard, William Craighead. Samuel B. Smith, R. I. Cummin.

Hugh Conover was elected to the office of Treasurer.

THIRD STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

During the early period of the ministry of the Rev. J. C. Barnes, in the First Presbyterian Church of this city, the harmony of the Presbyterian Church in the United States was disturbed by a controversy that arose among its leading members and resulted. in 1838, in separating the church into two branches, known as the New and Old School. The First Church of Dayton contributed a colony to the New School organization. This colony consisted of seventy-five members, under the lead of Peter Odlin, Esq., and Dr. John Steele, both Elders of the First Church. On the 11th of March, 1888, the first session meeting of this church was held under the Dayton Presbytery. New School. Rev. B. Graves was appointed Moderator, and Dr. John Steele and Peter Odlin, Elders. Forty-nine of the above-named number enrolled were women. At once, steps were taken toward the building of a church. Dr. John Steele, Peter Odlin and Nathaniel Wilson were appointed a building committee, sixty-one subscriptions, ranging from $7 to $500, having been given to the building fund. Ground to the extent of 100x200 feet, on the southeast corner of Third and Ludlow streets, was purchased for $2,700, and that same year (1838) thereon a two-story brick building was commenced, which was finished in 1840, and cost about $15,000. The basement of the church was occupied in March, 1839, and on the 25th of March, 1840, the church was dedicated to the service of God. Dr. Lyman Beecher, then of Lane Seminary, officiating. The first Pastor of the church was Rev. Randolph Stone, whose salary was $800. In 1840, Rev. John Hall was called, who served until 1852. He was succeeded by Rev. G. P. Tyndall, whose pastorate continued until 1857. When the church was finished there remained on it a debt of

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$7,000, which was not liquidated until 1855. For two years and a half following the ministry of Rev. G. P. Tyndall, the church was without a Pastor, the pulpit being supplied by Drs. Allen, Smith and Day, from Lane Seminary. In 1858, twenty-two feet were added to the length of the building at a cost of $4,850. The next Pastor of the church was Rev. S. G. Spees, and following him, in 1865, was Rev. Rollin A. Sawyer, who remained until 1870. This year an organ was purchased, costing $6,000, and $3,765 put on the church in repairs. Rev. J. H. Montgomery. the present incumbent of the pastorate, assumed his duties in 1871, at a salary of $3,000 per annum. In 1874, a chapel was erected in the rear of the church. It is of stone, gothic style, 50x90 feet in size, with a spire in front, and cost $16,000. In the rear of the chapel is attached a kitchen, for festivals, socials, etc. The present officers of the church are: D. Keifer, H. Strickler, R. W. Steele, P. Smith, W. S. Phelps, L. W. Davies, J. H. Winters and E. A. Daniel, Elders; W. F. Comly, John Davis, D. Carroll and G. M. Dixon, Deacons. Membership, 375.

The Sabbath school was organized soon after the organization of the church. with Dr. John Steele as Superintendent. The attendance is now about 250, with J. H. Winters, Superintendent.

In April, 1880, the old church building was torn down and the present imposing edifice began. which is now (April, 1882) almost ready for occupancy. It is constructed of stone, and is of the old English gothic type, and suggests, in the general outline, some of the old cathedral architecture. The several doors make the church very easy of access, and from the corridors it is but a few steps to the farthest side pews. It is beautifully frescoed, and the floor inclines gradually to the pulpit, so that the minister can be seen from any part of the church. The pews will be arranged in circular form. The pulpit will be three feet above the floor, with the choir and organ back of it. Pews of black walnut, carved to conform to the circular manner in which they are arranged. The style of the interior is the Queen Ann gothic, that transforms into curves and arches the sharp points and angles of the pure gothic. The ceiling proper is finished in blue, studded with stars and in Ecru panels, with floral work. The windows are of rolled cathedral glass, of which there are but two or three specimens in this part of the country. The auditorium will be lighted by two sunburners suspended from the ceiling; one burner has eighty-five jets and the other sixty-five; and they are lighted by an electric wire. The building will cost, when completed, about $65,000, and will be one of the most beautiful places of worship in the West. At one corner of the building is a massive tower, surmounted by a tall spire, and within the tower is hung the bell from the old church. The church is connected with the chapel by a corridor. Its seating capacity will be 750.

THE PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This church is the outgrowth of a colony of thirty members that left the First Presbyterian Church. November 13, 1851., and formed themselves into what was then called the Presbyterian Church Mission. In 1851, a lot was purchased by them, on Second street, near the northeast corner of Second and Madison streets, and a church built thereon at an expense of $4,000. It was a two-story brick church, very plain, with a low, square-topped tower. It was dedicated to the service of God by the Rev. Kemper on the 13th day of March 1853. In the same month the name of the church was changed to the "Third Presbyterian Church." After the organization of the colony, John Morehead and Joseph Barnett, were elected Elders, and John F. Edgar and Joseph Barnett, Jr., Deacons. The pulpit of the new church was filled by Rev. P. D. Gurley, Pastor of the mother church until January 6, 1852, when James T.

642 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Kemper was called. He served for twenty years, or until July, 1872, when the pastorial relation was dissolved at his request. During his pastorate in 1857, the church seemed to be weakening, and to avoid total disaster, they resolved to change their location; accordingly they sold their church to the Catholics and a lot having been donated by Joseph Barnett on St. Clair street, opposite the park, the building of a church was commenced. It was completed at a cost of $25,000. It is a two-story brick, sixty feet wide by eighty feet long. The lower floor comprises the Sunday school, lecture and side rooms, and the upper floor comprises the main auditorium, capable of seating about 400 people. On Rev. Kemper's departure, in 1872, Rev. J. R. Russell was called. He served until 1876. The church was then without a Pastor until May, 1878, when the present Pastor, J. W. Walden, came. He was called in September of the year previous. The church is now in a very prosperous condition.

SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The Sunday school of this church was organized with the church. The first officers were: Isaac Hawes, Superintendent; Algernon S. Pettigrew, Assistant Superintendent; John W. Morehouse, Librarian: William A. Barnett, Assistant Librarian and Secretary. Hawes decided not to colonize, and Pettigrew became the Superintendent. The school has fared about as the church, sharing in its adversity and in its prosperity. The officers of the school now (1881) are Samuel Johnson, Superintendent; Charles J. Moor. Assistant Superintendent; W. J. Jones, Secretary; J. L. Marquis, Librarian.

FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This church sprang from a mission school established by Robert Stevenson in September, 1854, in what was then Miami City. Sabbath school was first held in a frame building standing on the southeast corner of Willard and Third streets. The building was afterward changed into a dwelling house, and is still used as such. At a meeting of the Miami Presbytery in Urbana in October, 1856, a petition for the establishment of a church in Miami City was presented and acted upon. Revs. Brooks and Kemper, and Elders J. Harries and J. Barnett, all of the Presbyterian Church of Dayton, were appointed a Committee to carry into effect the prayer of the petitioners. They met on the 25th of November--Thanksgiving Day--in the M. E. Church, Miami City, now Davisson's Chapel, and organized the church under the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Miami City. Daniel Osborn, Moses Marquis, H. S. Williams and Isaac Brown were elected Ruling Elders, and Robert Stevenson, W. B. King and Hiram Lewis, Deacons. Services were first held in the brick college, then used as a military institute. Both the church and Sabbath school met here until 1859. when the basement of the new church building was ready for occupancy. From the organization of the church until April, 1857, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. James H. Gill. He was followed by Rev. J. S. Grimes, who served until February, 1858, and was succeeded by Rev. A. T. Kemper, whose pastorate ended in May, 1859. The following-named ministers have since served the charge: Rev. McKeehan, until January, 1861 ; Rev. John Hancock, until May, 1863: Rev. C. B. H. Martin. from November, 1863, until May, 1864; Rev. Dr. Findlay. from August, 1865, until June, 1870; Rev. R. T. Drake. until November, 1872: Rev. A. M. Junkin, from May 1, 1873, until October, 1877; and the Rev. John H. Graybill, present pastor, who assumed the pastorate in March, 1878.

The present church building was completed at a cost of about $20,000, and dedicated in May, 1874. It is a substantial building, constructed of brick, and has a spire. Its location is on the northeast corner of Summit and Fifth

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streets. In 1871, when Miami City became a part of the city of Dayton, the name of the church was changed to the Fourth Presbyterian Church. The membership is now about one hundred.

At the organization of the Sabbath school, Robert Stevenson became the Superintendent, and the following ladies and gentlemen teachers: Misses Nancy and Eliza King and Carrie Bellville, Mrs. Eliza Osborn, Dr. F. R. Willard, Joseph Stevenson, D. Osborn and W. B. King. Four years later, Robert Stevenson was succeeded by H. S. Williams, who has since held that office. The average attendance is about one hundred and twenty.

MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Early in the year 1867. a committee of the Young Men's Christian Association, of the Third street Presbyterian Church, purchased the ground on the corner of Third and Terry, where this church building now stands, at a cost of $1,000. During the spring and summer following, they erected a frame building, whose dimensions were 28x40 feet, costing about $1,500, which was dedicated to the service of God July 7, 1867. A Sabbath school was organized on the next Sabbath Day, at which time there were present fifty-eight scholars, and thirty-seven teachers and visitors. Mr. Lambert Woodhull was elected Superintendent, and Winslow Phelps Librarian, for one year. The school soon increased to such an extent that it was found necessary to enlarge the building, and two rooms were added. The Ladies' Society of the Third Street Church furnished comfortable seats for the chapel. On the 29th of October, 1867, it was determined by the originators of the mission to have preaching services held in the chapel. Rev. Joseph B. Little was chosen as preacher, and entered upon his duties November 10, 1867. The sum of $1,400 was pledged as his salary. In April, 1868, a church was organized here by a committee of the Dayton Presbytery (then New School). Rev. R. A. Sawyer, Rev. H. Calhoun and Mr. Solon Massey were the committee. The name by which the church was designated was " The East Presbyterian Church of Dayton." Messrs. Jesse P. Conklin and Lambert Woodhull were ordained as Ruling Elders and Mr. Festus Munger as Deacon. Fourteen persons, most of whom were members of the Third Street Church, presented certificates of dismission that they might unite in the formation of the new church. Three additional persons were at that time received on profession of their faith. The pastor, Mr. Little. labored with zeal and fidelity and much acceptance, for twenty-three months. Twenty-five persons were added to the church during his ministry. In October, 1869, a unanimous call to become pastor of this church was given to Rev. James R. Hughes, of the Presbytery of Blairsville. Penn., (then Old School). The salary promised was $1,200, to be paid monthly. The call was accepted. and Mr. Hughes began his labors November 2S. 1869. The number of members at that time was thirty-four. The installation of Mr. Hughes occurred April 23, 1870, and up to this date, 1882, his pastoral relations to the church have not been dissolved. Early in 1871. it was determined to build a substantial brick edifice. Friends of the enterprise in the parent church contributed about $14,000, and about $3,000 was contributed by members of this church and their friends. The scholars in the Sabbath school also contributed liberally to the building fund. The work was so far advanced by October 13, 1872, that the house could be comfortably occupied in the first story, and it was then devoutly dedicated to the worship of God. The Ladies' Society of the church contributed the chair, carpets and gas fixtures As a memorial of the liberality of friends to whom we owe so much. and also of the happy reunion of the Old and New School branches of the Presbyterian Church, it was resolved to ask the Presbytery to change the

646 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

name of this church, and to call it " The Memorial Presbyterian Church of Dayton, Ohio." This was granted in May, 1872. On the 6th of March, 1874, the last dollar of indebtedness for the building was paid. The total cost of ground, building and fixtures was about $19,000. In 1872, the plan of weekly contributions for church revenue, given on the Sabbath, was adopted. In 1874, a Young People's Association was organized, the object being the cultivation of personal piety and the more efficient accomplishment of church work. On the 26th of March, 1876. a Missionary Society was organized in the Sabbath school, called " The Anthropois Eudokia Society," its contributions to be divided between the Foreign and Home Missionary Boards. The Sabbath school at this date, latter part of 1881, contains over twenty-two teachers, and over three hundred scholars. During the spring of the year 1880, after receiving very liberal offers of help from friends in the mother church. it was decided to complete the upper room. and a committee was appointed to supervise the work, consisting of J. R. Andrews, L. Woodhull, A. St. John, John McGregor, J. M. Waldie, J. B. Lehman and T. D. Hale. This work was completed at a cost of about 83,000, and the church was dedicated Sabbath, October 10, 1880, Rev. J. H. Montgomery preaching the dedicatory sermon. The following is the present church organization: Rev. J. R. Hughes, Pastor; Messrs. John McGregor, L. Woodhull. C. P. Treat, W. Phelps and A. Cuthbertson, Elders; Morris A. Carter, James R. Andrews, J. Harry Thomas and J. B. Lehman, Deacons: W. Phelps, J R Andrews. H. F. Strickler and John M. Waldie, Trustees.

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The first attempt to organize a church of this denomination in Dayton was made in 1853 by a few followers of the doctrines of the old Scotch Covenanters. The effort, however, was not then successful, and after a short struggle the project was given up. In 1859, fresh attempts were made, the Presbytery supplying ministers. The congregation was regularly organized November 23, 1860.

In May, 1859, the Rev. J. W. Bain was appointed stated supply and served one year. The church on the southwest corner of Fourth and Jefferson streets, erected in 1841 by the First English Lutheran congregation, had been previously purchased by the U. P. Brethren, and has since served them as a house of worship. The pastors of the church since organization as been as follows: Rev. J. B. Foster, Rev. E. Creny, Rev. W. S. McClanahan, Rev. Robert Stewart, Rev. W. S. Owens, Rev. T. A. Hutchinson, Rev. J. W. McNary and Rev. D. H. French, D. D.. the present pastor. The present membership is about thirty-five. A successful Sunday school is maintained.

GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The early history of the Methodist Society in Dayton is closely connected with and forms part of the early history of the Dayton settlement.

William Hamer, who, with his family and others, were the first whites to arrive at the mouth of Mad River for settlement in the neighborhood. formed a class of Methodists in 1797, who met for worship at stated times at his house three miles up Mad River. A feeble class, yet strong in the faith, a germ from which have grown the powerful congregations of Montgomery County. Although not a circuit rider, he did what he could, as a man of God, to gather the few Christians as a nucleus for church organization.

In 1798, Bishop Francis Asbury sent John Kobler to organize the Miami Circuit, and on Sunday, August 12, 1798, he preached at Dayton. That was the first religious meeting held at the Dayton settlement, of which there is any record or other evidence, therefore great interest will attach to it, and we publish the following notes from the diary of the Rev. John Kohler:

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" Lords Day. August 12, 1798.- Preached in Dayton, a little village by that name on the bank of the Big Miami River, and just below its junction with Mad River. Here are a few log houses and eight or ten families residing. Here I saw some tokens for good ; the people seem to receive the word with ail readiness of mind ; indeed. several in the little company were much affected.

" In the neighborhood, there are six or eight Methodists, and among them there is a local preacher by the name of Hamer. Last year he raised a class of the few scattered Methodists here, and for awhile met them as leader. I visited them severally : as far as possible, examined into the state of their souls, and found some of them filled with prejudice. I held a second public meeting among them, and read the rules of the society ; laid before them the great necessity of Christian unity in church membership, and invited all who could fellowship each other to come forward and join in class. So we organized a regular class of eight members. of whom brother Hamer was appointed leader."

"Monday. August 13.--Rode down the Big Miami River twelve miles (Miamisburg), and preached in an old fortress (probably the stockade and block-house at Hole's Station), to a small congregation, consisting chiefly of the few families that lived at the fort. On inquiry I found that this fortress was on the frontier. and no settlement around or near them."

"August 26. --Preached in Dayton on this Sabbath to all the people which town and country could afford, who were but few at best. The word preached was brought to bear upon the company with a powerful, quickening influence. All appeared to be struck under conviction. and some made inquiry. 'What shall I do to be saved?' Some followed me to the house where I stayed, and expressed an increasing desire to be wholly devoted to God. The success of the Gospel on this missionary field is no longer a problem."

"I was at this time a very sick man. Started from Dayton down to my appointment at Hole's Station. twelve miles ; reached the place ; the people were collected ; was not able to preach. Under present circumstances, I was at a loss to know what course to pursue. To travel and preach was impossible. and to lie sick at any of the houses. in these parts, would be choosing death; as it is next to impossible for a well man to get food or sustenance, much more for one prostrate on a bed of sickness. Next morning I started to brother McCormick's, about fifty miles distant, as the only place where I could stay with any degree of comfort."

"January 1, 1799.--Preached in Dayton to a mixed company of traders from Detroit, some Indians. French and English. Knowing that they all had immortal souls to be saved, I took for my text : ` In every nation, he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted of him ;' I lifted up my voice like a trumpet, and cried aloud and spared not ; laid before them the corruptions of their wicked hearts and the fearful consequences of a life of sin, in such pressing terms, that many of them looked wild and stood aghast, as if they would take to their heels.

"After preaching I met the class, found them in a prosperous state, walking in the fear of the Lord."

"January 2. On Monday expounded the 126th psalm at Hole's Station, with considerable success."

"April 2, 1799. -Preached in Dayton for the last time, to all that town and country round about could afford, which were not many ; subject of discourse was Esau selling his birthright. I then met the class, read the rules, and pressed on the society the various duties devolving upon them as church members. Preached at Hole's Station next day, and at Franklin at night. In time of the first prayer, a company of fifteen Indians came to the door. When

648 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

we rose up from prayer, the old chief fixed his eye on me, and pushed through the company to give me his hand."

In the year 1800, the ordained preachers who had been traveling in the West were recalled by Bishop Asbury; Henry Smith was the Presiding Elder for the Miami and Scioto Circuits. In the fall of that year, the Rev. William McKendre was appointed Presiding Elder over all of the Western country.

But very little record is in existence pertaining to affairs of the Dayton society; public meetings could only be held as an occasional preacher came along. Class meetings were held at Hamer's cabin, and afterward at the cabin of William Cottingham, who was a class leader, then at Thomas Cottom's, about a mile east of the village, and at Aaron Baker's in the village.

September 22, 1811, Bishop Asbury, then on his way to the annual conference of Ohio, held in Cincinnati October 1, preached to a concourse of a thou-sand people, who had assembled at the court house in Dayton, in anticipation of his coming.

Dayton was at that time included in the Mad River Circuit, and at that conference the Rev. John Collins, Rev. Moses Crume and the Rev. Joseph Tatman were appointed to the circuit. On the next Sabbath after his appointment, Mr. Collins preached at the court house in Dayton, and also on the succeeding Sabbath. Very shortly after this, possibly on the next Sabbath, he again had a meeting here, at which he proposed to the society that they build a " meeting-house." The members of the society at that time were: William Cottingham, class leader; Mary Cottingham, Anna Cottingham, Leah Cottingham, Joshua E. Cottingham, William Hamer, Sr., Mary Hamer, Polly Hamer, Betsy Hamer, Thomas Cottom, Priscilla Cottom. James Cottom, Nancy Cottom, Jane Snodgrass, Aaron Baker, Hannah Baker, Philip Sowers, Peggy Sowers, Peter Brewer, Barney Brewer, Joseph Wilson, Jane Wilson, Stephen Sprague, and Jemima Sprague--twenty-four in all.

The next month, three subscription papers were circulated to raise the necessary fund, and December 26, the following trustees were appointed: Andrew Read, Thomas Smith, Henry Opdyche, William Cottingham, Thomas Cottom and Aaron Baker, who upon examination found that $457.55 had been subscribed, and Aaron Baker was appointed to make the collections.

In the winter of 1813-14, the church was incorporated by the Legislature, and Lot 155 donated and deeded to them by D. C. Cooper. On the east half of this lot the Methodists built their first church, a one-story frame building 40x 30 feet, painted red. It was finished and occupied in 1814. Up to this time, meetings had generally been held in the open air when the circuit riders would come along; occasional meetings had been held by the Methodists in the log cabin meeting-house of the Presbyterians, and afterward in the court house.

Elisha W. Bowman was circuit preacher of the Miami Circuit in 1802 and 1803, and visited the society at Dayton.

In 1804, John Sale and Joseph Oglesby were assigned as circuit preachers to the Miami Circuit.

In 1805, William Burke, Presiding Elder, John Meek and Abraham Amos were assigned to the Miami and Mad River Circuits, both preaching alternately to the Dayton society.

In 1806, the assignments to those circuits were John Sale, Presiding Elder, Benjamin Lakin, Joseph Riggin and John Thompson.

In 1807, John Sale, Presiding Elder; Benjamin Lakin, John Collins, Adjet McGuire and Isaac Quinn.

In 1808, John Sale, Presiding Elder; Samuel Parker, Hector Sanford, Thomas Millikin, J. Davidson and W. Mitchell.

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In 1809, John Sale, Presiding Elder; Hezekiah Shaw, William Young and Saul Henkle.

In 1810, John Sale, Presiding Elder; Saul Henkle and Hector Sanford.

In 1811, Solomon Langdon, Presiding Elder, John Clingan.

In 1812, Solomon Langdon, Presiding Elder; John Collins and Moses Crume.

In 1813, Solomon Langdon, Presiding Elder, and Joseph Tatman.

In 1814, Samuel Parker and Joseph Oglesby.

In 1815, George S. Houston was Steward of the Dayton Methodist Episcopal Church, at which time the society had increased to a membership of forty, and in 1818 there were two classes with a total membership of sixty-three, Thomas Sullivan and Thomas Cottom, leaders. In this year, the Methodist Sunday-school Society was formed.

The outdoor meeting of the classes and society held in the early days of the church and county cannot be considered as camp meetings, nor were there any protracted meetings held in Dayton until after the war, and possibly not until in 1817. The earliest campground of which there is record was located in a small prairie at the foot of Ludlow street, near which was a large spring Very large and specially interesting meetings were held there, while the Rev. John Watterman was stationed here in 1819, then again under the Rev. Arthur Elliot in 1821. Canal construction in 1828 caused a change of the location of the campgrounds to the grove on the north side of Mad River, just above the Miami, near an unusually fine spring; by the change of the channel of Mad River, this grove is now on the south side of the river, a short distance southwest of the Dayton & Michigan Railroad bridge.

The frame church answered every purpose of the society, until in 1828 the membership had so increased that it became necessary to erect a new and large house of worship. In 1829. the frame building was sold to George C. Davis. who moved it to the north side of East First street, just west of Foundry street. It was afterward destroyed by fire.

The preachers who officiated in the frame church were: In 1814-15, .the Revs. Benjamin Lakin, John Sale, Abbott Goddard and Marcus Lindsey; 1815 -16. Moses Crume. Jacob Miller, John Sale and Henry B. Bascom; 1816-17, Abbott Goddard, Moses Crume, Walter Griffith and William Williams; 1817-18. John Brooke. John Sale. Moses Crume and John Strange; 1818-19, William Dixon. John Watterman. Moses Crume. John Sale and John Strange; 1819-20, John Strange. William Quinn and Moses Crume; 1820-21, John Strange, James B. Finley. Russel Bigelow and Robert W. Finley and Arthur W. Elliott; 1822, Arthur W. Elliott, John Strange, Thomas S. Hitt and George W. Maley; 1823-25, George W. Maley, James B. Finley, James Collard and John P. Taylor; 1826-28, John Collins, Augustus Eddy, Levi White, John F. Wright, James B. Finley. Burroughs Westlake. Alfred M. Lorain and William H. Raper: 1828-30. Augustus Eddy, James B. Finley, Burroughs Westlake and Alfred M. Lorain.

The celebrated Lorenzo Dow had also preached in the little frame church in 1827. attracting great crowds from the country about. The work of building the second Methodist church was begun in 1828, and finished the next year. The building was of brick, and was 50x40 feet, and twenty-four feet high, with a cupola in front, and a gallery around three sides.

In 1830. the Rev. D. D. Dyche was located at Dayton as the first regularly stationed preacher for Dayton station. The Rev. John F. Wright was the Presiding Elder, with the following Board: Thomas Sullivan, Local Preacher; Isaac Wareham, Thomas Cottom. William Kirk, Daniel Stutsman, Aaron Baker, William Patterson. Ephraim Broadwell. William Tyler, Thomas Parrott, with William H. Brown Secretary of the Board.

650 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

In 1832, the Rev. Arza Brown succeeded Mr. Dyche, and we find the foal lowing subsequent assignments: 1833-34, William D Barrett; 1834-36, William Simmons; 1836-38, J. A. Waterman; 1838-39, William H. Lawder 1839-40, Samuel Latta; 1840-41, David Whitcomb, 1841-42, Joseph A. Waterman; 1842-44, William Herr; 1844-46, J. W. Weakley; 1846-17, Cyrus Brooks; 1847-49, John S. Inskip; 1849-50, George C. Crum; 1850-52, William P. Strickland; 1852-54; William H. Sutherland; 1854-56, E. G. Nicholson; 1856-58, William I. Fee; 1858-60, J. M. Leavitt; 1860-62, J. F. Marley 1862-64, Charles Furgeson; 1864-65, Asbury Lowry; 1865-69, William I Hypes; 1869-71, W. W. Ramsey; 1871-72, J. F. McClelland; 1872-75, M. A Richards. 1875-77, T. H. Pearne; 1877-79, A. B. Leonard; 1879-81, William L. Hypes.

March 16, 1833, Thomas Sullivan, Aaron Baker, William Patterson am James Slaght were appointed to provide a house of worship for the colored members of the Methodist Church. The result was the building of the Wesleyan Methodist Church on Bruen street.

At a called meeting of Quarterly Conference, held in Dayton December 9 1839, it was "unanimously resolved to raise a centenary subscription for the erection of another Methodist Episcopal Church in Dayton."

In July, 1841, the following Board of Trustees were appointed for tin new church: John Chase, W. L. Williams, Jacob W. Griswold, Thomas H Sullivan and Jeremiah Wilt. In the fall, contracts were made for building : frame church. It was completed and called Finley Chapel, in honor of the Rev. J. B. Finley, who was then Presiding Elder of the Dayton district.

Shortly after this the German Methodists built their church.

During the pastorate of the Rev. John S. Inskip, a new brick church was erected on the site of the old church, on Third street. The ceremonies at the laying of the cornerstone were conducted by the Rev. Arthur W. Elliott. April 10, 1848. This church building was fifty-five feet wide, and eighty-two feel long, with end galleries, and a tower in front, in which tower the first town clock that had been in the town was placed.

In January, 1854. the church was greatly damaged by a portion of a falling building next west of it, crushing through the roof and side; and during the following summer, shortly before the church was to be rededicated. it was again injured by the walls of the new building in process of construction just west of it being blown on to it. This, however, was quickly repaired, and the church re-opened.

In 1866, more room was needed, and a new location was determined upon. The present lot on the southeast corner of Ludlow and Fourth streets was bought, and on the 2d of July that year the cornerstone of Grace Church was laid. Three years was occupied in its construction, and on Sunday, March 27, 1870, the magnificent Grace Church was formally dedicated by the Revs. E. O. Haven, now Bishop, and John S. Inskip.

In 1839, the parsonage on Third street was built, and was rebuilt in 1876.

In 1854, Davisson Chapel, in Miami City, was built on a lot donated by Mr. George Washington, and named after the late Rev. Dr. Davisson, who bequeathed $500, with interest until paid, amounting finally to upward of $1.110 when paid by Rev. W. Herd, executor of the estate, and Presiding Elder of Dayton district from 1852 to 1855. The Rev. W. Fitzgerald was the first preacher assigned there.

The present officers of Grace Church are: Presiding Elder. Rev. Thomas H. Pearne; Pastor, Rev. William L. Hypes: Trustees, S. N. Brown, President; S. M. Sullivan, Secretary; D. W. Engle, Joseph Peters, H. E. Parrott, V. Schaeffer, D. W. Schaeffer, Edward Johnson, B. C. Taylor: Stewards, V.

CITY OF DAYTON. - 651

Schaeffer, Charles E. Howell, F. M. Leas, James S. Frizell, T. W. Staniland, L. D. Reynolds, Charles W. Snyder; Superintendent of Sunday School, H. E. Parrott: Local Preacher, S. B. Murphy.

RAPER METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.*

The foundation, progress and success of Raper Methodist Episcopal Church of Dayton is a fair illustration of what is so often witnessed in this enterprising country of great results springing from most unpromising beginnings. From such a beginning, dating back just forty years, there has grown up one of the most useful and prosperous societies in the State. This happy result is largely attributable, under the Divine blessing, to the high character, integrity and energy of the leading members of the Church, who have at all times occupied a high position in business, social and religious circles. The society has several times been honored in the selection of its pastor as the conference representative to the quadrennial grand legislative assembly of the Methodist Episcopal Church - the General Conference; and since the introduction of lay-representation into its general legislative councils, Raper Church has once been honored with the selection of one of its laymen as such representative.

The organization of this society, whose plain but comfortable church edifice stands on the northeast corner of East Fifth and Jackson streets, was effected in the year 1841. When it was first proposed, in the Official Board of Wesley Chapel, then the only Methodist Church in the city, to build a new place of worship east of the canal, considerable opposition was manifested, and that, too, from far-seeing and competent men. The site was unpromising -- a mere frog-pond -- and the settlement in that part of the city not sufficient to justify the enterprise. On the 9th of August, 1841, at a meeting of the Quarterly Conference of Wesley Chapel, presided over by Rev. David Whitcomb, it was resolved that, inasmuch as it was contemplated to build a second "meeting-house" on the east side of the canal, and a lot had already been purchased and conveyed to J. W. Griswold, that the preacher in charge be requested to appoint a new Board of Trustees, to obtain a deed according to the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Daniel Coffin, Thomas H. Sullivan and J. W. Griswold were appointed a committee to estimate the cost of the new meeting-house. The new Board of Trustees were authorized to enter into arrangements with William Worrell, so as to secure funds with which to build the house.

The first Board of Trustees were John Chase, Dr. W. L. Williams, Jeremiah Wilt, J. W. Griswold and Thomas H. Sullivan.

On August 12, 1841, the title to Lot No. 101, on the east side of the canal, being in the name of J. W. Griswold, the novel plan was resorted to of making him a committee to execute a deed to the Trustees of the Church. The result proved the wisdom of the expedient. Brother Griswold made the conveyance at once. August 14, 1841, the Trustees named the new meeting house " Finley Chapel," in honor of the eminent pioneer preacher, Rev. James B. Finley. In pursuance of public notice, bids were received for the building of the new house, and the contract was awarded to Daniel Coffin and Daniel Waymire, September 2, 1841, for the sum of $763, to be paid in subscriptions. It was provided, however, that the Trustees should make good to the contractors any subscription that might prove uncollectable. On the 15th of December, a further contract was made with Coffin and Waymire to seat the church and make the altar and pulpit for $100. It will be seen that the edifice completed, seating and all, cost less than $1,000. It was a one-story

* Written by Hon. Henderson Elliott.

652 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

frame structure, which has since been removed to the corner of Wayne and Short streets.

September 26, 1842, Samuel Marshall succeeded Dr. Williams as Trustee, which position he held with honor and profit to the church for a third of a century to the day of his death. In 1845, James R. Hoglen and Solomon Price became members of the Board and held their positions for about thirty years, when Mr. Hoglen passed away, while Mr. Price still lives, a happy veteran, loved and honored by all who knew him. Other men of decided character and influence were subsequently added to the Board of Trustees, and to the Official Board, of whom space will not allow particularization, many of whom have fallen asleep, while some remain to this day. The new society, situated as it was, in a growing part of the city, prospered beyond all expectation: and it was found, in 1851, necessary to tear down and build larger and more firmly. This matter took shape and form under the vigilant and popular pastorate of the Rev. Thomas Gorsuch, while the new edifice was erected and completed during the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Lawder, in 1852. In honor of a much-esteemed, scholarly and accomplished former Pastor, Rev. William H. Raper. one of the noblest men in the whole connection. the name of the church was changed from Finley Chapel to "Raper."

Many changes have been made in the interior of the church, such as the putting in of stained glass, frescoing the walls and ceiling, substituting reflectors for gas jets, carpeting the whole Louse, remodeling and cushioning the pews, refurnishing the lecture room, and placing an elegant pipe-organ in the audience room. The original cost of the new building was about $10,000. The improvements made in it have cost about $10,000 more. To this should be added $3,000, the cost of the parsonage, built in 1862. The lot on which the church and parsonage now stand originally cost, in 1841, $500. The ground is now worth $25,000, and the whole property not far from $40,000. This is a fair illustration of the rapid increase in the value of property in the eastern part of the city. The membership, which, at the outset. consisted of a few faithful and active men and women, now numbers about 550, among whom are some of the most prominent citizens and business men and Methodists of Southern Ohio.

The Sunday school is, perhaps, the largest in the Cincinnati Conference, the regular attendance ranging from 525 to 625. Both the Sunday school and the audience rooms have come to be entirely too small for the large congregations attending the regular services, and soon a new, more commodious and more convenient house will be required.

The enterprise, vigor and devotion of this church will be found equal to the requirements of the times. When the new edifice is imperatively demanded, it will be built.

Raper has at all times been faithful not only to the doctrines but the usages of the Church, as formulated by the higher powers. As late as 1860, the " Rules" hanging in the vestibule said, "Let the men and women sit apart." That has passed away. For long years. opposition was manifested to choirs and musical instruments. In twenty years, to the satisfaction of all, progress has been made from a "Prince" reed organ to an excellent pipe organ, while, during the same period, the singing has been led by precentors, choirs and quartets. as the tastes and wishes of the musicians might dictate. The array of pastors serving the Church in the last forty years includes many of the most eminent and accomplished preachers in the Conference. These pastors, from 1841 to 1881, were Revs. Moses Smith, D. D., A. W. Musgrove, William H. Raper, Werter R. Davis, D. D., Thomas Gorsuch, William H. Lawder, Granville Moody, D. D., William I. Ellsworth, J. Ford Conrey,

CITY OF DAYTON. - 653

James T. Bail, George C. Crum, D. D., L. F. Vancleve, John F. Marley, D. D., Thomas Collett, William A. Robinson, Edward T. Wells and Lucien Clark. Two of these. Drs. Crum and Smith. were recalled and served each a second term. The church is entirely free from debt, has a firm hold on the sympathies of the people of that portion of the city, and exercises a very great influence in Methodism.

DAVISSON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The church society denominated Davisson Methodist Episcopal Church, located in West Dayton, on the southwest corner of Fourth and Broadway, was organized by the Methodists of Dayton in 1854, it being the third Methodist Episcopal Church established in the city. In January of that year, the Rev. W. Fitzgerald was appointed minister in charge. Soon thereafter, a one-story brick edifice was erected, at a cost of $2,500. The church was so named in honor of Rev. D. D . Davisson, who did much toward its erection. We cannot give a complete list of the Pastors of the church. but will mention those at our command. The church was still a mission in 1857, when the pulpit was filled by Rev. G. H. Kennedy, who served the congregation two years. At a later period, this congregation, with the one at Ebenezer, constituted the charge for one or two years, then for several years Davisson was self-supporting. It was also for the conference years 186'7-68, connected with the Buckeye Street Mission. Among the recent Pastors of the church have been Rev. G. W. Gowdy, who served one year and nine months. He was succeeded by Rev. W. Williams, who remained in the Pastorate three years. Mr. Williams was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Gaddis, who served three years, and during his pastorate, the charge consisted of Davisson Chapel and Sears Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In the fall of 1881, Davisson again became a station, and Rev. M. M. Kugler, placed in charge. The membership is 160.

SEARS STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

On the 11th day of October, 1857, a Sabbath school was organized, in what was then known as the Friends' Meeting House, on Sears street, between Second and Third, by Rev. Maxwell P. Gaddis, who became the first Superintendent, supported by the following officers: S. C. Emily, Assistant Superintendent; Charles Parrott, Treasurer; Thomas B. Stevenson, Librarian, and Charles Burvinger, Secretary. The outgrowth of this school was Sears Street Methodist Episcopal Church, long known as Gaddis Chapel. The Rev. Maxwell P. Gaddis was the first minister appointed to Dayton City Mission, and he commenced his labors at Sears Street Chapel, September 30, 1860, preaching his first sermon from the 205th Psalm, "In the name of our God we will set up our banner." The church organization took effect November 17, 1860, and the society was first officially reorganized by Rev. J. F. Chalfant, Presiding Elder, January 1, 1861. The first Board of Stewards were John Birch, J. H. Cheever, Alexander McCandless and J. Hicks. Tho first sacrament was administered in January, 1861. The church record exhibits further, that Bishop Simpson occupied the pulpit March 3, 1861, and Bishop Morris June 22, 1862. Mr. Gaddis served the people two years, when Rev. M. Marley, D. D., was appointed to the Mission (1862). On the 11th of June, 1863, the pulpit was filled by Bishop Ames. Rev. William Simmons was appointed to succeed Dr. Marley in 1863. On the 24th day of November, 1863, they purchased the Friends' Meeting House, for the sum of $950. Mr. Simmons served three years, and was succeeded by the Rev. E. F. Hill, who remained one year. In 1867, the Rev. Maxwell P. Gaddis was returned to the station. Other Pastors have been as follows. Rev. J. B. Ellsworth, 1868--69; Rev. A. Bowers, 1870--71; Rev. G. IL Kennedy, 1872. Rev. William B. Polling, 1875; Rev. W. N. Williams, 1876--

654 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

77; Rev. J. W. Gaddis, 1878-79-80, and the present Pastor, Rev. J. Y. Leming, who came in September, 1881. At this writing (May, 1882), the church is disbanding to form another organization, in East Dayton, to be known as the East Dayton Methodist Episcopal Church. They have disposed of the old Chapel building for $2,000, and have purchased ground on Huffman avenue and May street, where they intend to erect a beautiful house of worship. The membership is about 150.

CAVALRY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

In 1871, a Mission school was established in North Dayton, and Calvary Chapel building erected by the Young Men's Christian Association of the city. This edifice, in April, 1882. was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The amount paid for the building was $1,350. Rev. J. Y. Leming is the Pastor of this charge, which now has a membership of sixty, besides a flourishing Sabbath school of 160 scholars. The edifice is well located, and the new enterprise will, we doubt not, be successful. It has been made a regular self-sustaining Methodist Episcopal Church.

THE GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

In 1840, twelve persons assembled and effected this organization, known as the First German Methodist Episcopal Church of the City of Dayton. Three years later, they built, on the corner of Jackson and Sixth streets, a one-story-brick edifice 35x50, which cost between $1,500 and $2,000. This was dedicated to the service of God by Revs. Achmoker and Dr. Nast. About the close of the war, the building was sold to Rev. S. D. Clayton. Ground was then bought on the southeast corner of Clay and Van Buren streets for $700, and the present church building erected. In size it is 45x75 feet, two stories high, and constructed of brick, at a cost of $14,000. The auditorium with gallery will seat from 500 to 600 people. The following named ministers have served the church: Rev. Englehart, Rev. Riemeschneiver, Rev. Joseph Hebner, Rev. John Keisling, Rev. Charles Shelver, Rev. George A. Bruenich, Rev. George Dancker, Rev. John Bier, Rev. Wilhelm Ahrens, Rev. John Hopen, Rev. Jacob Rhodweilder, Rev. Bonneville Braumiller, Rev. Christian Foegler, Rev. George Dancker, Rev. Charles Kissinger, Rev. Conrad Gohn, Rev. George Widman, Rev. Earhart Wunderlect, Rev. J. F. H. Pietrman, Rev. Edward Ulnict, Rev. Philip B. Weber, Rev. John Bier, Rev. F. W. Rinehart, Rev, A. Kressley, Rev. John Swinefoot and Rev. Charles Bozenhard, who is now in charge of the congregation. There are now enrolled about 200 names. The Sabbath school was organized with about twenty-five scholars: Jacob Metz was the first Superintendent. There are now about 200 scholars enrolled under the superintendency of Henry Raber.

WESLEYAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (COLORED).

Owing to the loss of the records of this church, we are unable to give an extended sketch, and the same will apply to the remaining three colored congregations of the city. The organization was effected in 1842 with about thirty-five members. They are strict followers of the father of Methodism for whom the church was named. Soon after the society was organized, they purchased ground of the Daughters of Zion, a colored society, and built a one-story frame church, which stood on the present site of their place of worship, on Wilkins between Bruen and Zeigler streets. In 1854, this building was sold and the present two-story brick church erected at a cost of about $2,500. The following ministers have served the charge; Rev. Shadrach Green, Rev. Charles Clemens, Rev. William Clemens, Rev. Robert Anderson, Rev. John Fall, Rev. William Jackson and Rev. Thomas Clinton.

CITY OF DAYTON. - 655

A successful Sabbath school has been carried on since the church organization.

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

This church was organized in 1865, in a public hall on East Fifth street, by the Rev. Matthew Hogard, with nine members. Until 1872, they worshiped in private houses and in the churches of other religious bodies; that year, their present house of worship was erected, which, with the ground, cost $3,000 It is located on Eaker between Ludlow and Perry streets, and is a one-story brick 26x40 feet. Ten pastors have served the church since its organization. Rev. W. T. Maxwell is the present pastor, and the membership of the church is ninety.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

Who the first Baptists that settled in Dayton were cannot now be ascertained. In the county records of 1806, it appears that one Charles Roe in behalf of the " Baptist Union Congregation of Dayton" applied for land on the southeast corner of Main and Third streets, which had been given the town by D. C. Cooper for public purposes, as a site for a house of public worship. A few months later, it is recorded that the petition of the Anabaptist Church, as it was called, was granted. This is the first mention of Baptists in Dayton. It is not known now what this first church was exactly, nor how strong it was. At any rate it did not realize the claim set up, for we find the land applied for by them afterward conveyed by Cooper and his heirs. The commencement of the Baptist interest which resulted in the formation of this church may be associated with the removal to Dayton about 1823, of certain Baptists from the Lebanon Church and other places. At their request ministers occasionally visited them and preached. Among these were Stephen Gard, pastor of Elk Creek Church, in Butler County, and Wilson Thompson, pastor of the church at Lebanon. The church was not organized until May 29, 1824, when a council assembled in Dayton to draw up the constitution of the church. The articles of faith were drawn up by Elder Jacob Mulford, of Wolf Creek and Tapscott churches. The church council held its first meeting on the porch of William Huffman's house, on the corner of Third and Jefferson streets, where the Beckel House now stands. After services the Sunday following, Mrs. Lydia Huffman was baptized in the river, a little east of the head of Main street, the first baptism that was ever witnessed in Dayton. The church now numbered ten members. In September of that year, 1824, the church was received into the Miami Association. For the first three years after its organization, the church was supplied with preaching once a month by Elders Thompson, Gard, Martin and others. Elder Gard was the first pastor. In 1827, the membership was only thirteen. Rev. D. S. Burnett, then a young man, became pastor, and the church was encouraged to build a house of worship. The house and ground together cost $2,000. They were upon the west side of Main street, on the corner of the alley, between Water and First streets. Up to this time they had worshiped in the old court house, and sometimes in a room on St. Clair street, between Second and Third. At the end of the second year of Mr. Burnett's ministry, the church numbered eighty-four members, but the young pastor was becoming fascinated with the new doctrine of Campbellism, and on the 24th of March 1829, everything like written articles of faith were neglected. Thus the church became a Campbellite church, only eight or nine members refusing to stay. These few met at the house of Elizabeth Crowell, and passed a resolution to " keep the stand of the First Baptist Church in Dayton." At a subsequent meeting held at William Huffman's, they excluded the pastor and those following him from the Baptist Church of Dayton, although these persons constituting the majori-

656 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ty had already dismissed them. They also petitioned the Supreme Court for possession of the property, but lost the case. (Sec. 6th O. R., P. 363.) The little band continued to hold their meetings, having occasional services for two years by Elders Mulford and Thompson, the latter, with Elder Gard, having done much to hasten the division by preaching "sound doctrine, which meant election and limited atonement, and preaching against educated ministers, Bible and Missionary societies, and all human institutions." The nine members were soon increased by some new residents from other points, and in 1835 the " New Light " church was rented, and Rev. Samuel R. Clark, who had been sent west by the Home Mission Society, was called to preach half of the time. He died shortly after, September 11, 1835. The church now numbered thirty-eight. At this time the Anti-Mission schism took place. The " old school " being opposed to spreading the Gospel otherwise than by preaching, the `'New School " favoring missions, Sabbath schools, etc. The Dayton church went with the New School. Elder M. E. Cook was pastor of the church for one year, from 1837. In the summer of 1838, Elder J. L. Moore came to Dayton, and in January, 1839, became pastor of the church, which had been incorporated by an act dated February 25, 1837. In speaking of this time, he said his object in accepting the charge was to aid them in erecting a church. The church only numbered fourteen males, and all together they did not pay taxes on $10,000, yet over $2,00) was subscribed. A lot was purchased on Jefferson street for $1,350, and a church built at a cost of $5,164.50. It was not finished until 1841-42. During this time, the Sunday school was organized with 100 scholars and twenty teachers, with Deacon E. E. Barney as Superintendent, in which capacity he labored for fifteen years. Elder S. S. Parr was the next pastor of the church; he served from July 1841, to December 1813. He was succeeded by Rev. Frederick Snyder, who entered upon the duties of pastor in April, 1844, and remained seven years, or until 1851. The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Foljambe, who was called on the 5th of January 1852, and resigned at the close of 1855. Rev. Samson Talbott succeeded him; he came in June, 1856, and left to accept the presidency of Dennison University at Granville, in July, 1863. Rev. H. Harvey was called April, 1864, and remained until 1867. Just previous to his pastorate the old church on Jefferson was disposed of, a lot purchased on Main street, and the present beautiful and commodious building was erected at a cost of $45,856 for house and ground. It is a large two-story brick, with the usual rooms down stairs and the auditorium up stairs. It has a tall and graceful spire about 150 feet high, supplied with a large bell. It was formally dedicated free of debt, October 25, 1863. In 1865-66, a Mission Chapel was built by the young men of the church, on East Fifth street. This brings up to the present pastorate. Rev. H. Colby. who was called in 1867, and has been an able and efficient pastor over since. The church now numbers about 400 members, and the Sunday school 375 scholars with thirty-nine officers and teachers.

THE WAYNE STREET REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH.

December 29, 1848 forty-four members of the First Regular Baptist Church of Dayton, who had asked for letters of dismissal therefrom, voted to organize themselves into a church and adopted articles of faith, a covenant and temperance pledge. On the 9th of January, 1849, they were publicly recognized as a Regular Baptist Church, by a council of delegates from the Baptist Church, called together. to consider the questions of their recognition. For the first few weeks of the existence of the church it was known as the " Oregon Regular Baptist Church of Dayton." The first officers of this church were J. H. Thomas, Clerk; J. B. Turner, J. McCammon and

CITY OF DAYTON. - 657

John Washington, Deacons; John Ewing, Treasurer; and J. B. Turner, S. P. Clarke and John Clarke, Trustees. Their first meetings were held in the church owned by the Dunkards. Next they worshiped in the Oregon Engine-house, This was found too small, and on February 27, 1849, it was resolved to build a house of their own. Ground for this purpose was purchased of E. Thresher for $300, Mr. Thresher giving one half of the ground, as the lot was valued at $600, upon condition that the lot should be appropriated exclusively to the 'purpose of building a Baptist meeting house thereon. Subscriptions were taken, and a brick building 40x60 feet was begun. During the year 1849, in the midst of building, the cholera broke out, business in the city was suspended and the work of the church was greatly impeded. However, the basement was completed and occupied January 1, 1850. The exercises of the occasion being conducted by Rev. F. Snyder, of the First Church, assisted by Rev. J. L. Moore, the former preaching the sermon. The auditorium was finished and dedicated in 1853. The first pastor of the church was Rev. S. Gorman, who served until May, 1852, when succeeded by Rev. Marsena Stone, who was the pastor a few months only. In April, 1853, Rev. J. Chambers became the pastor and served one year. His successor was the Rev. Nicholas S. Bastian, whose pastorate began in October, 1854, and continued until the spring of 1856. During the winter of 1855-56 the church witnessed a powerful revival, the pastor was assisted by Rev. D. E. Thomas, who was a stated supply for several months during the summer of 1856. The result of the meeting is thus stated in the church records, " as the first of our labors during our long protracted meeting, we have added to our numbers as follows: By letter, six; by experience, five; and by baptism, seventy-four, making in all eighty-five." Rev. E. W. Dickinson be-came the pastor in October, 1856, and served until August, 1861. Another extensive revival occurred during the winter of 1858-59, in which the First Baptist Church united with the Wayne Street Church. Fifty-six accessions were made to the church. Mr. Dickinson was succeeded by Rev. E. F. Strickland, who served one year. The eighth pastor was Rev. D. F. Carnahan, who assumed the pastorate in the summer or early fall of 1863. Other pastors of the church up to April, 1878, with the term of service of each are as follows : Rev. William D. Bunker, from July, 1865, to July, 1868; Rev. P. M. Weddell, from September 9, 1868, to the latter part of 1873 : Rev. Hugh A. Marshall, from January 1, 1874, to April 1, 1874; Rev. H. A. Delano, from December 21, 1874, to April 17. 1876; Rev. H. M. Dean (a supply), from some time in December 1876. to the latter part of March, 18 78.

The church then had no pastor, and was arranging with the Baptist Union of the City of Dayton about giving up its property and debts to the Union.

It voted August 12, 1878, to disband, and give letters of dismission to all in good standing, who should call for them previous to November 12, 1879, when the disbandment should be completed.

The Sunday school had been in charge of E. F. Sample, during the summer, and was rapidly growing from the discouraged condition in which he found it.

The Baptist Union secured the services of Rev. H. H. Bawden, who began his labors with the interest which has been since that known as "The Central Baptist Mission of Dayton," on November 20, 1878. Since that time, the Baptist Union have steadily prosecuted the work amid many difficulties.

In the early part of 1880, the Union effected a sale of the old meeting-house and lot, and immediately paid off the debts which had accumulated to the extent of more than $4,000.

J. B. Thresher, E. M. Thresher and Albert Thresher then offered to pay $1,000 each toward a new meeting house for the mission, provided a house

658 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

should be built, costing not less than $10,000, which should be free from debt. (We should have mentioned that when the debts were all paid, there remained in the possession of the Baptist Union, a lot on the corner of Clay and Van Buren streets, 66x132 feet, with a brick dwelling-house on it, which had cost "in flush times" $8,500 ; and they had $3,386.36 in money.)

The offer of the Threshers gave a good start, and soon they had reliable subscriptions amounting to nearly $11,000.

E. E. Barney, who had always been deeply interested in the church, then became responsible for $4,000, cash. (The Union having determined not to incur debt). It was decided to build, and the beautiful church edifice located on the corner of Clay and Van Buren streets, an admirable view of which is obtained from Fifth street, is the result.

It is of brick, two stories high and one of the most perfect churches in outline and finish in the city. Its style of architecture is an adaptation of the Romanesque or semi-Gothic, and presents an imposing appearance with its square tower and fully rounded arches. It .was first proposed not to erect a tower, and afterward an octagonal spire was suggested, but the present one adds materially to the appearance of the building.

The auditorium is 48x50 feet, with a seating capacity of over 500. The dedicatory services took place in the evening of May 4 1882, sermon by the Rev. Dr. King, of Cleveland.

The total cost of the building, outside of the furniture is $14,000, every cent of which is paid. Not a particle of debt remains upon it. This is one of the most encouraging features of its auspicious opening.

FIRST GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH.

In June, 1852, twelve persons, formerly members of a Society in Berlin, Prussia, met and organized the above named church. J. J. Werthner was appointed to preside over the church society at that time. There were present at the organization of the church, Rev. A. Heinrich. of Rochester, N. Y., Chairman of the meeting; Rev. M. Stone, Rev. Samuel Foljambe, of Dayton; Rev. J. L. Moore, of Springfield; B. C. Cane, of Carlisle; O. B. Stone, of Xenia, and J. G. Brown, of Cincinnati. The first meeting of the church was held at the Wayne Street Baptist Church, after which they met at the Sixth Street Engine House until 1854, when it was decided to build a church. Ground for this purpose, situated on East Fifth street, was purchased of William Hoffman for 8500, on which was built a church, 40x60 feet, consisting of a basement and an upper story, at a cost of 83,000. In 1861, Henry Koehler, of York, Penn., became the Pastor. In 1866, G. D. Menger was called, the church then numbering 150 members. At this time an additional 81,000 was expended in completing the church. G. Eisele assumed the Pastorate, and remained until 1877. In 1872, a division occurred in the church, on questions of church discipline, sixty members leaving. They worshiped at Rocky Mission Chapel until 1878, when they returned to the church, Rev. G. D. Menger having been recalled to the pastorate. In connection with the church, a Sabbath school of 100 scholars and sixteen teachers is maintained. The church now (1881) is without a Pastor.

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (COLORED).

On the 30th day of November, 1870, the religious society bearing the above name was organized at the residence of Humphrey Moody, in Miami City, with the following-named persons: Albert Matthews, Sarah Anderson, Humphrey and Elizabeth Moody and William Lenyear. Rev. Albert Matthews became the pastor of the church. Services were at first held in the house of the Pastor, then in a hall on Wayne street, and in the Baxter Street Engine

CITY OF DAYTON. - 659

House. In the fall of 1876, a lot on Sprague street, in West Dayton, was purchased by the congregation for $400, on which a one-story brick church was erected at a cost of $1,800. Other pastors of the church, in the order given, have been Rev. Spencer Young, Rev. Albert Matthews, Rev. William Harris, Rev. Henry Roberts and Rev. James Shocraft.

LINDEN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH.

The organization of Linden Avenue Baptist Church, was effected September 20, 1872, with fifty-seven members, thirty-five of whom were from the First Baptist Church of the city, twenty from the Wayne Street Baptist Church, and two from elsewhere. The first Pastor of the church was the Rev. Frederick Clatworthy, who was ordained on the 18th day of October, following, and served until in September. 1878. December 1, of the same year, the Rev. J. H. Parks. present Pastor, assumed the pastorate. Not long after the organization of the church, ground was purchased of W. P. Huffman, and the present church edifice erected. It is a beautiful temple; in external architechure, it very much resembles the Main street Baptist Church, though not so large. The auditorium is 86x46 feet, the whole of the upper floor, except the vestibule, ten feet wide. Above the vestibule is a gallery, in which is a pipe organ. At the opposite side of the church is the pulpit platform, back of which is a shallow concavity in the wall, arching to a point two-thirds of the way to the ceiling; the lower part of the concavity is lined with white walnut panel work; the upper part is made to represent a firmament by stars of gold on a back ground of azure blue. The finish of the auditorium is in exceeding good taste, nothing gorgeous. but elegant. The body of the frescoing is light, with a faint blue cast. The ceiling is variegated in subdued colors. Two gas suns in the ceiling light up the auditorium brilliantly at night. It has a seating capacity of nearly 600. The pulpit desk, an elegant piece of workmanship, is of black walnut. On the first floor are the Sunday school room, Bible-class rooms, and rooms for kitchen and pantry, furnished with all necessary culinary utensils to be used in church festivals, socials, etc. The lower story was completed and opened for services in the evening of December 30, 1873, when dedicated by Dr. A. J. F. Behrends, of the First Church of Cleveland. The auditorium was dedicated to God December 12, 18 79. There were present on this occasion, Rev. J. R. Hughes, of the Memorial Church; Rev. C. F. Colby, of the Main Street Baptist Church, Rev. H. H. Bawden, of the Wayne Street Baptist Church; Rev. G. D. Menger, of the first German Baptist, and Rev. J. H. Parks, pastor of the church to be dedicated. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Dr. John Peddis, of Chicago. The membership is now 175.

THE BAPTIST UNION.

This society consists of a union of the Baptists of the city for the purpose of giving aid and support to churches of the denomination requiring assistance. It was organized January 12, 1874, with the following officers: President, W. P. Huffman; Vice President, E. E. Barney; Secretary, James Turner; Treasurer, J. K. McIntire. Until 1878, any member of the Baptist Church residing in the city was an ex officio member. That year, it was incorporated, when the Trustees of the Union became virtually the Union. Each church now elects five persons who represent them as members of the Union. The missions are represented by their Pastors. Present officers (1881) : President, C. Parker; Vice President, Rev. J. H. Parks; Secretary, E. R. Stillwell; Treasurer, C. H. Crawford.

CHRIST CHURCH.

On the 15th day of May, 1817, the Rev. Philander Chase, then on a missionary tour through Southern Ohio, held the first service of the Episcopal

660 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Church in Dayton. Immediately following this service, a parish was organized under the name of St. Thomas' Church, and its articles of association were signed by seven persons, who bound themselves together as interested in the continuance of such services. This organization, however, does not seem to have possessed much vitality, and we hear no more of it, nor of the services of the church here, until nearly two years later, when he who held the first service, and in the meantime had been consecrated Bishop of Ohio, returned to Dayton and held a second service in October, 1819. November 27, 1819, St. Thomas' Church was reorganized, and this time its articles of association were signed by twenty-three persons, prominent among whom were Judge Crane and Warren Munger, Sr., Esq. The parish was without a settled pastor until October 19, 1821, when the Rev. Spencer Wall, a Deacon then in charge of the missionary work at Piqua and Springfield, took charge of the congregation on alternate Sundays, and served until March, 1822, and he was the only regular clergyman during the years that St. Thomas' Church was in existence. The Rev. Samuel Johnson continued occasional services for several years, and so did other clergymen of the diocese, among them the Rev. Thomas A. Osborne, the Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg, the Rev. Gideon McMillan and the Rev. Alexander Hall. The services during these years were held in the Lancasterian Schoolhouse, which then stood on St. Clair street, opposite the park; in the houses of worship of other Christian bodies, in the old court house, and in private houses. But inability to procure the regular service of a clergyman, even at stated intervals, discouraged the leaders and scattered the congregation; and after several years of earnest struggle, St. Thomas' Church succumbed to these. disheartening influences and ceased to exist, except in name. The last service of the decade of which there is any record was held some time in 1827, and from. then until 1830 the voice of the church, feeble for a long time previous, was hushed in death. On the 7th day of October, 1830, the Rev. Ethan Allen, on a missionary tour of inspection through the southwestern counties, of the State, visited Dayton and stated his mission to Judge Crane and Warren Munger, Sr., saying that he had come to spend Sunday here, and would like to give them services if agreeable to them. These two faithful pioneers were so completely discouraged by the experiences of the past that they gave him no encouragement. Mr Allen, early the following morning, left the town; he, however, returned October 21, and bringing with him letters of introduction announcing his intentions. His services were accepted, the old Presbyterian Church standing on the corner of Second and Ludlow streets was procured, and there two services were held October 24, The following morning a subscription paper was started to secure a support for Mr. Allen. Fifty-nine persons had pledged the aggregate amount of $320 a year toward his salary. He entered regularly upon his duties in the old court house,, on Sunday, November 24. It was not until May 15, 1831, that articles of association for the Parish were signed, and it was as late as 1835 that it was incorporated, and that by special act of legislature. At a meeting held June 25, 1831, it was resolved to start a subscription for the purchase of a lot and the building of a church. On May 17, 1832, $1,800 was reported raised, a lot was selected on South Jefferson street, and was purchased of Henry Bacon for $480. An edifice was erected thereon (where the Clegg building now stands), which was completed, and was first opened for divine service by the rector, assisted by brother clergymen from Piqua and Delaware. The general style of the church was gothic. It was in size, sixty-five feet long and forty-five feet wide. November 17, 1833, Bishop Mcllvaine made his first visit to the parish, and consecrated the church. The Bishop, in making a note of his first visit to this parish, says: "There a very flour-

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PAGE 662 - BLANK

CITY OF DAYTON. - 663

ishing congregation has been formed and a very excellent church erected, in the place where, a short time since, scarcely the least encouragement could be seen for the labors of an Episcopal minister."

In October, 1843, the rector resigned. The Rev. Richard S. Killin, his successor, entered upon his duties February 4, 1844, and after a ministry of only eight months, resigned the parish October 15, of the same year. The third rector of the parish was the Rev. William W. Arnett, who accepted the charge January 5, 1845. His rectorship covered a period of nearly five years, ending October, 1849. The Rev. James B. Britton, the fourth rector, took charge of the parish November 12, 1849. That the church grew under his care is the testimony of the vestry and parish records. June 14, 1852, it was decided to enlarge and improve the church, the increasing congregation making more room a necessity, and a new front was added at a cost of nearly $5,000. Mr. Britton resigned the parish June 1, 1855, and a call was extended to the Rev. H. H. Morrell, who became the fifth Rector of the parish in November, 1855, and remained in charge until July, 1857. September 21, of that year, the Rev. John Woart was called to become the sixth rector, and, accepting the call. at once entered upon his duties. During his rectorship, an effort was made to establish a second church in Dayton, a parish known as St. Paul's Church. having been organized by a number of the former parishioners of Christ Church. May 12. 1359. It continued its existence until 1863, when its Warden (John Powell) closed his report to the convention. In March, 1860, the Rev Anthony Ten Broeck became the seventh rector of the parish, and continued in charge thereof until Easter day, April 20, 1862. The Rev. Edward H. Jewett was called to the parish in September, 1862, and entered on his duties as its eighth rector on Sunday. October 19, 1862, and remained in charge eight years, during which time the church witnessed a steady increase in numbers and financial strength. April 24. 1868, a committee of the vestry was appointed to co operate with the ladies, who were greatly interested in the erection of a mission chapel, and, on Monday, June 20, 1870, the parish had the satisfaction of seeing the present Ascension Chapel consecrated to the worship of Almighty God. It was during this rectorship that the Rev. Royal B. Balcom was assistant minister of the parish, from July, 1868, to July, 1869. The Rev. Edward P. Wright. D. D., became the ninth rector of the church in November, 18 70. The event of this rectorship was the erection of the present beautiful edifice, constructed of brick, in the decorated gothic style, trimmed with Dayton limestone, and is capable of comfortably seating 700 persons. It is sixty-eight feet front and 126 feet deep; is substantially built, buttressed and capped with stone. The bell-tower, on the northeast corner, is seventy-six feet high, upon which is a slated octagon spire of ninety feet, surmounted by an ornamental cross, making total height of steeple, 166 feet. The windows are of mottled glass, with figured borders. The audience room is very handsome The furniture, all of black walnut, is of elegant design and finish, and with the memorial-figured windows, gives a bright and cheerful appearance to the room. The pews are upholstered in damask rep, the ends being very chaste in design and of gothic pattern, as is everything connected with the building. It is located on the south side of First, between Main and Ludlow streets, and cost $47,000, of which $17,000 was paid for the ground upon which it stands. The cornerstone was laid July 12, 1871, by Bishop Bedell, and the building completed and opened for worship March 22, 1874. Mr. Wright was succeeded by Rev. E. H. Jewett, who again entered upon the charge as its tenth rector, May 18, 1873, and the second time resigned the parish in May, 1879. The present rector, Rev. J. T. Webster, entered upon his duties January 1, 1880. The Sunday school of the church was organized

664 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

in the old court house in January, 1832, by the rector of the church, with seven teachers. The number of scholars in the school was thirty. The sessions of the Sunday school were continued until May of the same year, when it was discontinued until in July. 1833. when Sabbath school was for the first time held in the new church, which has continued uninterruptedly until to-day. Dr. Allen, then the rector of the church, was the first Superintendent. The school at present is large and flourishing.

ASCENSION CHAPEL.

In 1868, a mission Sunday school was established in the eastern portion of the city by Christ Church. It was soon thought that the location was unfavorable and the school was removed to the southern portion of the city. On the 24th of April of the above year, the ladies of the parish having been interested previously in the establishment of a mission, the vestry appointed a committee to co-operate with them in establishing this one, and the lot was purchased on Ascension Day following, and hence the name of the chapel. A lot was purchased in South Dayton and a building commenced, which was finished in 1870, at a cost of $9,000, including the lot, and on the 20th of June of that year, it was consecrated to the worship of God by Bishop Bedell. December 23, 1870, Rev. A. W. Seabrease was called to take charge of the chapel work. He having declined the call, July 18, 1871, the Rev. F. B. Bartlett was called to it, and he also declined to come. These and other discouragements deterred the vestry from making any other calls, and since then, no effort worthy of note has been made to secure a laborer for that field. The Sunday school has been kept up steadily ever since its organization, more than thirteen years ago, and from it many have been brought into the church and confirmed.

THE FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.

In the year 1839. Rev. Reuben Weiser, a missionary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Maryland, visited Dayton in the interest of the Lutheran Church. He found a few scattered members of the denomination whom he gathered together, and induced to form themselves into an organization. A meeting for this purpose was accordingly called on the 6th of July, in the store of Frederick Gebhart, at which the following article of agreement was adopted: " We, the subscribers, feeling the importance of forming an Evangelical Lutheran congregation in the city of Dayton, Ohio, for ourselves and children, do hereby in humble reliance on the great head of the church, form ourselves into a Lutheran congregation. We acknowledge ourselves members of the Lutheran Church, and of course subject to the discipline and church government of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United States " This article was signed by those present: Henry Creager, Philip Beaver, John Prugh, Peter Baker, Frederick Gebhart, Elijah Ealy, Samuel Keller. John Hoppert and J. G. Hoppert. Of these, the following persons were elected officers: Elders, Henry Creager and Philip Beaver: Deacons. Frederick Gebhart and Peter Baker. A committee was appointed to obtain temporary use of the German Reformed Church, and the Vestry authorized to procure a suitable lot for the erection of a house of worship. At a meeting of the congregation held August, 1840, Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller was elected pastor. In April, 1841, a lot was purchased situated on the southwest corner of Fourth and Jefferson streets, and a brick building 45x60 feet erected thereon. Here the congregation worshiped until 1856. when the house becoming too small it was sold to the United Presbyterians, and the eligible site on Main street purchased, and the large and beautiful structure now there erected. The congregation has ever been a vigorous and flourishing one. Its membership has reached as

CITY OF DAYTON. - 665

high as 700, while its Sabbath school is the largest in the city, as well as the largess in the Lutheran General Synod. The church building is a very large two-story brick, with a tall and massive square tower, which contains a chime of ten bells. The church since its organization has been served by nine pastors: By Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller, from 1840 to 1849; by Rev. P. Rizer, from 1849 to 1855: by Rev. F. W. Conrad. D. D.. from 1856 to 1862; by Rev. D. Stock, D. D., from 1862 to 1864; by Rev. L. A. Gottwald. D. D., from 1865 to 1868; by Rev. Irving Magee. D. D., from 1868 to 1872; by Rev. J. B. Helwig, D. D.. from 1872 to 1871; by Rev. T. T. Everett, from 1874 to 1876. The present pastor, 1880, Rev. G. F. Stelling, D. D., was called in August, 1877. These pastors are all living, with the exception of Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller, who died in September. 1880. This church has sometimes been called the " Gebhart Church," for the reason that the Gebhart name has been connected with it from the beginning. and during the history of the congregation formed so large a portion of the membership. No less than forty Gebharts have stood on the church record at one time, and it must be said that much of its prosperity has been due to the strength, activity and the liberality of this distinguished Dayton family. The present church building cost in construction over 875,000. It has a seating capacity of about 900.

ST. JOHN'S ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

This congregation took its rise in the troublous times of the Presidential election in 1864 . At that time Rev. D. Steck, D. D., was pastor of the Main Street Lutheran Church. His political views not being in accord with those of the Church Council, the pulpit to which he had been called was taken away from him without aught of previous notice. Naturally this act was resented by the friends of Dr. Steck, and in the daily papers of December 9. 1864. there appeared a card requesting them to assemble at Huston Hall to form a new congregation, of which he should be pastor, and signed by a number of prominent members of the Main Street Church. In response to this call, a large congregation assembled in the hall on Sunday, December 18, to hear the beloved pastor. Out of those present, a congregation was formed under the title of St. John's English Lutheran Church, and Rev. D. Steck was elected its pastor. Huston Hall continued to be the regular place of holding service until April 24, 1865. On the morning of that day, however, it was discovered to be in flames. and in a few hours nothing was left standing but the bare walls. The congregation lost a valuable organ and Sunday School Library, and their pulpit furniture. Steps were immediately taken to procure another place for holding services, and erelong the congregation was comfortably established in Clegg's Hall, which continued to be the place of worship of the congregation for several years. In December. 1868. Rev. Steck resigned the pastorate.

Up to this time the Congregation had been in no synodical connection whatever, nor had it been incorporated. Just prior to Rev. Steck's departure, articles of incorporation were taken out, and application made shortly after to be received into the District Synod of Ohio. The congregation also about this time began negotiations for the purchase of their present church edifice, located on St. Clair street, between Second and Third streets. This property was at that time in possession of the First Congregational society, and in March, 1869. its purchase was consummated. The congregation now in possession of their own church property, extended a call to Rev. M. C. Horine, which was accepted, and he became the pastor.

During his pastorate the congregation was placed upon a thoroughly Lutheran basis. and was received into membership in the District Synod of Ohio, in connection with the General Council of the Lutheran Church of North America.

666 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Rev. Horine's pastorate only continued for one year, many circumstances arising tending to discourage him in his labor. Soon after his departure a call was extended to Rev. Prof. S. L. Harkey, and by him accepted. He labored faithfully amid many discouragements until in October, 1872, he very unexpectedly handed in his resignation, and again left the congregation without a pastor. Now began a severe struggle for continued existence. There still remained a mortgage on the church property of $2,000, on which the interest had slowly accumulated for a couple of years. No pastor could be obtained, and irregulars supplies could not collect the funds so much needed to discharge these pressing obligations. For nine months, the congregation continued without a pastor, and the inevitable results followed. In March, 1873, the mortgage was foreclosed, and the property advertised for sale. At this juncture application for aid was made to the Home Mission Committee of the General Council. The Chairman, Dr. W. A. Passavant, of Pittsburgh, Penn., came to Dayton in person, gathered together the scattered remnants of the once flourishing congregation, collected from them the back interest on the mortgage, and paid off the old mortgage by obtaining the required amount on a new mortgage from parties in the East. But a church without a pastor can hardly hope to succeed, and therefore in May, 1873, a call was extended to the present pastor, Rev. A. F. Siebert. This was accepted, and in July of that year he came and took charge. During his pastorate there has been a slow but steady growth; the mortgage on the church property has been canceled mainly through a bequest from the late H. II. Hartman, for some years an officer in the church, who died in 1875. The congregation, now thoroughly Lutheran, with politics entirely eliminated, seems to be entering upon an era of renewed prosperity. Having passed through its darkest days, it looks forward to the future with the hope of permanent success.

LUTHERAN MISSION CHAPEL (ENGLISH.).

In 1872, a mission school was established in East Dayton. by the First English Lutheran Church of the city, with a view of forming another Lutheran congregation. The large brick building on the corner of May and Dutoit streets was erected and Sabbath school carried on therein for years, but no congregation organized.

HOPE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION (ENGLISH).

In November, 1880, the Rev. O. S. Oglesby, who was serving as missionary of the English district of the Evangelical Lutheran, Joint Synod of Ohio, established a mission in Dayton, which developed in August, 1881, into the above named congregation. The church organization began with seven voting members, and has now thirty-five communion members, who are under the charge of the pastor named. A Sabbath school averaging eighty scholars is in progress. They worship in "Union Chapel" on the corner of Barr and Commercial streets.

ST. JOHN'S GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

The church bearing this name was organized in the old court house in the year 1838 or 1839, with a membership of some twenty-five families. We can only approximate at the date, owing to the absence of the church records, which have either been mislaid or are lost, as diligent search on our part failed to find any traces of them, which fact will prevent any detailed account of the church being given. On the 18th day of July, 1840, the congregation under the pastorate of Rev. Federick Reiss made a constitution, and in 1842 or 1843 this church was incorporated as the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Rev. Grosskardt was most likely the first pastor of the church, as there is

CITY OF DAYTON. - 667

evidence of his having served the charge prior to the minister above named. A. lot was purchased on Wilkinson street, about the year 1840, upon which the church intended building a house of worship, but the lot was sold and the one where the old church now stands on Sears street purchased. A one-story brick edifice was begun in 1841, which was soon completed. In 1849, an addition was made to the building, leaving it about as you see it to-day. Their meetings were here held until the completion of the new church edifice, which was begun in 1869, the lower story being ready for occupancy and was dedicated in June, 1870. Two lots were bought for between $4,000 and $5,000, located on the north side of Third between Madison and Sears streets, upon which this structure stands. The name of the church was changed about 1852, to St. John's German Evangelical Church, which name it has since borne. The city was visited July 9, 1871, by a furious storm, accompanied by terrific winds, which did great damage to property throughout Dayton. This church was almost totally demolished, the walls all falling, except the one in front, the storm striking the building when the teachers and Sabbath school scholars were assembled. Between 300 and 400 children and teachers had gathered when the storm burst in all its fury. The Superintendent, Christian Thomas, Mrs. Theresa Randall, a teacher, and Leonhardt Weyrangh, a child, were killed and a number injured. This occurred under the ministry of Rev. C. A. Fritze, who served the church sixteen years. The edifice was at once rebuilt and cost about $40,000. It was again dedicated, the basement in 1872 or 1873, and the auditorium in 1874. The latter has a seating capacity of nearly 1,000 persons. It is neatly frescoed and furnished, and is supplied with a fine organ, which cost $35,000. The following named have been pastors of the church : Rev. Mr. Grosskardt, Rev. Frederick Reiss. Rev. Randolph Barthels, Rev. Andrew Hordorf, Rev. T. E. Hertzsch, Rev. Mr. Borehard, Rev. C. A. Fritze and Rev. Peter Born, the present minister in charge. In connection with the church there is carried on a flourishing Sabbath school, of about 500 scholars.

ST PAUL'S GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

On the 18th of January, 1852, during the pastorate of the Rev. Andrew Hordorf, of St. John's German Evangelical Church of the city, a split occurred in that church on questions of church government, which resulted in the withdrawal from the church of the pastor and about twenty-five families, who, on the 25th of January of that year, organized themselves into the religious body known as St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dayton. They for a time held services in the old Christian Church on Main street, heretofore referred to in connection with the history of other churches. They soon purchased of Raper Methodist Episcopal Church a one-story frame building previously occupied by that congregation as a house of worship (now owned and used by this congregation as a school house), for $1,350. This they used for church purposes until the erection of their present structure, a one-story building located on the southwest corner of Wayne and Short streets. The ground upon which it stands was purchased in the fall of 1865, of John Butt, for $5,250. In the fall of 1867, the foundation of the church was laid ; and in July of the following year, the corner stone was laid and the building completed and dedicated to the service of God, August 15, 1869.

Mr. Hordorf resigned the pastorate in June. 1859. and was succeeded by Rev. Frederick Zur Meuhlen, whose ministry continued until November 1, 1861. The third pastor of the church was Rev. Frederick Groth, who was succeeded in 1876 by the present pastor, Rev. Godfrey Loewenstein. The membership is now between 200 and 300 heads of families. A Sabbath school with an enrollment of about 230 scholars is carried on.

668 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

THE FIRST UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.

About the year 1849 or 1850, a colony from Miami Chapel, the parent church of this denomination in the vicinity of Dayton, organized themselves into a religious body, known as the First United Brethren Church of Dayton. The colony numbered fifteen persons, who worshiped in what was then styled the Oregon Engine House, situated on the corner of Sixth and Tecumseh streets. The pastor was Rev. Robert Norris, who was assisted by Rev. W. J. Shuey. In 1852, the congregation built a brick church on Sixth street, just east of the canal, now occupied by the police court of the city. This edifice was consecrated to the service of God by Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner, and served them as a temple of worship until 1873. The first pastors of the charge on the erection of the Sixth Street Church were Rev. William R. Rhinehart and D. K. Flickinger, who served jointly in the new house. Prominent among the laymen of that time were John Dodds, E. W. McGowen and D. L. Bike. The pastors, during the twenty years that the congregation occupied that house, were Rev. John W. Price, Rev. L. S. Crittenden, Rev. Henry Kumler, Rev. Alexander Owen, Rev. John Walter, Rev. William J. Shiley, Rev. S. M. Hippard, Rev. Jacob M. Marshel, Rev. D. Berger, Rev. W. H. Lanthum„ and Rev. C. Briggs. In 1872, the church and parsonage were sold to the city, and on the 1st of January. 1873, the congregation vacated the house, and removed temporarily to the Universalist Church, on South Main street. At this time the membership numbered less than 200. In 1872, the site upon which the present church edifice stands (on Fifth, between Alain and Jefferson streets) was purchased. and the following year the new house was erected, the basement, including the lecture room. infant room and two class rooms, being completed and opened November 20. 1873, and dedicated to divine worship by Bishop Weaver. The auditorium was completed and dedicated Sabbath morning. December 17, 1876: sermon by Bishop Weaver. text 9th verse 21st chapter of Revelations. The church edifice, though not gorgeous or magnificent, is convenient, chaste and attractive. Altogether it is a monument to the liberality and taste of the congregation that has erected it, and an ornament to the city. The Rev. Chester Briggs was appointed to the pastorate in 1870, and served until 1874. His successor was Rev. W. J. Pruner. Next came Rev. E. S. Chapman, who remained seven and a half years. until March 1, 1882. The present pastor is Rev. S. A. Mowers. Since the change of location, this church has enjoyed a great prosperity. Its membership has increased to 555 (1881). Its Sabbath school is large and flourishing, numbering 450 scholars. The church has also sustained a mission on High street for more than twelve years.

THE SECOND UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH (GERMAN).

This church organization was effected in 1853. Services were at first and for a time, held in the lecture room of the First United Brethren Church on Sixth street, the Rev. H. Staub then proclaiming to them the Gospel. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. A. Sand. The one-story brick church located on the East side of Wayne street, near Jones, was built by the congregation in 1855, and has since been used by them as a place of worship. The Rev. W. L. Cranmer was the next pastor in order. The pulpit has since been filled by the following ministers as pastors of the congregation: Rev. E. Licht, Rev. G. Fritz, Rev. G. Schmith, Rev. A. Krause, Rev. M. Bussdieker. Rev. C. Streich, Rev. E. Lorenz and Rev. Charles Schneider. The present pastor, Solomon Vanmeda, at one time agent and editor of the Telescope. and Rev. W. Mittendorf now editor of the "Joyful Messenger" and Youths' Pilger," in connection with their offices, served the church several times as its pastor. There are now enrolled about 100 members.

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THE THIRD UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH (COLORED).

This religious society is the outgrowth of a Sunday school, established by Jacob King. and was organized in the spring of 1858, with a membership of between fifteen and twenty. For a few months, meetings were held in the Tecumseh Street Engine House, and next for a time, in Buckeye Chapel. In the winter of 1868-69, ground on Ludlow, between Fifth and Sixth streets, was purchased of Mrs. Eaker, and a small one-story brick church erected thereon, at a cost of $1,000. Here the congregation have since held their meetings. With the exception of a few regular pastors, the church has been supplied with ministers from the other United Brethren Churches of the city, and from the Faculty of the Seminary of that church. The present pastor is Rev. George Gilbert; membership, sixty.

THE SUMMIT STREET UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.

The Summit Street United Brethren Church was formed in 1871 from persons belonging to Miami Chapel, a United Brethren Church in the vicinity of Dayton. The erection of a house of worship was commenced, and one story of the house was completed and dedicated May 21, 1871, by Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner. The grounds and buildings, so far as then completed, cost about $10,000. To this sum Rev. John Kemp very largely contributed, and deserves to be remembered tenderly and in honor for this as well as other noble deeds. For several years the seminary occupied this church before the erection of the seminary building. The congregation has steadily grown until it now numbers about two hundred members. About one year ago, under the pastoral labors of Rev. William M. Beardshear, now President of Western College, it was resolved to undertake the completion of the church. This the congregation seemed to be unable to do, it having just finished paying a debt of $2,000 on the former building. The undertaking of the work was encouraged and induced by a munificent proffer of assistance from Bro. John Dodds, of this city, a member of another congregation. Having for years been much interested in the work of the church in this part, of the city, he chose it as a place upon which to bestow liberally. He agreed, upon the payment of $3,000 by the congregation, to furnish the remainder of the funds needed to complete the entire church, with the exception of the furnishings, light, furnaces, fences and pavements. The congregation thankfully took hold of so liberal a proposal, and the work has been completed. One of the neatest and most commodious churches in the denomination is the result. The building was reduced to a one-story, ground-plan structure, and erected upon plans and specifications of Mr. Peters, an expert architect of this city. It is covered entirely with slate, and is every way tasty and beautiful in symmetry and arrangement. The main audience room is 70x54 feet in length and width, and the lecture, or Sabbath school room, 54x40, and a primary room 30x16. It also has a neat pastor's study adjoining the lobby, which is nicely furnished. Folding and sliding partitions between the audience room and the Sunday school room open the two, and the three rooms, if desired, into one great room 110 feet long. The pulpit is placed upon rollers, and is easily removed from one room to another to suit the audience. The audience room is neatly furnished with scrolled seats, and is nicely carpeted, while an elegant reflector furnishes superb lighting to the church. The Sabbath school rooms are seated with chairs. The capacity of the church is about one thousand sittings. The completion of the house was at a cost of $8,098.90, of this, Bro. Dodds kindly gave $3,116.29, and the congregation in the entire furnishing, as well as the completion of the building, gave $4,468.90, besides the contribution of the Ladies' Aid Society of $513 for the cupola. The church was dedicated Sab-

670 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

bath, April 30, 1882, by Bishop Glossbrenner. The following persons have been past 're of the church since its organization: Rev. J. P. Landis, Rev. C. Briggs, Rev. William Dillon, Rev. William Beardshear and Rev. M. H. Ambrose, now in charge. The church was served two years by the faculty of the U. B. Seminary, and one year by the editor of the Telescope and agent of the Seminary.

HIGH STREET UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.

Some twelve years ago, a mission school was established, and has since been sustained by the First United Brethren Church. This grew, and in September a mission church was organized. The pastor is Rev. George M. Mathews; membership now thirty, and in the Sabbath school an enrollment of 250 scholars.

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH.

Among the early settlers of Montgomery County were a number of Reformed families from Pennsylvania and Maryland. from which the first Reformed congregations in the Upper Miami Valley were gathered by Rev. Thomas Winters, and by his son, Rev. David Winters. When passing through Dayton, the junior Winters stopped and preached several times at the instance of his friends. Regular service was for a time held in the court house, but soon the Christian Church, on Main street. was secured, where, in the spring or early summer of 1833, this church of Dayton was organized with seven members. Two years later, they worshiped in the court house. which was in that day a kind of religious center for struggling religions societies. About this time a number of German families were taken into the congregation, and services were held alternately in the English and German languages. Each part of the church, as divided in language, elected a full set of officers, viz. : Elders and Deacons. A charter for the congregation was obtained from the Legislature January 13, 1836. On the 18th day of April. 1837, the Trustees of the church purchased the ground now owned and occupied by the church (on Ludlow, between First and Second streets), of George W. Simonds. for $700, and a fine brick edifice was erected thereon the same year (1837). The church was dedicated during the session of the Synod, which convened here June 7, 1840. The dedicatory sermons were preached by Rev. George Weisz, in German, and Rev. Henry Willard, in English. An interesting agitation of the rented pew system began in 1843, the better way of raising the salary of the pastor underlying the plan. which finally resulted in a decision to sell the pews. From the beginning of the enterprise a German interest was fostered in connection with the English. So encouraging was the growth in this direction that a German organization of ninety-five members was effected in 1849, as an integral part of the congregation In 1850, a division of the charge agitated the congregation. The charge consisted of three congregations besides Dayton. which gave the town congregation preaching but once in two weeks. For this interest, the whole of the pastor's time was claimed by some of its members. In the course of the agitation, personal matters were brought in. Alienations arose, and there were dissensions among the brethren, and by these the career of prosperity enjoyed by the church since the dedication was seriously checked. The pastor resigned, and a division of the charge was effected. The Dayton congregation tendered Rev. David Winters a call, but he preferred to take charge of the other three congregations. A call was then made for Rev. A. P. Freeze. who entered upon the pastorate in 1851. Dr. Winters, the founder of the church. served seventeen years. Mr. Freeze retired in 1852 and was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Phillips, who remained but six months, retiring April 17, 1853. In September. 1853, six

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families withdrew to organize the Mt. Carmel congregation three miles west of the city. The church was then without a pastor for several years, when, on the 1st day of January, 1856, the Rev. George W Willard, D. D., assumed the pastorate, and remained until December, 1860. During his ministry the congregation was revived, and the church building put in repair. Large additions were made to the membership. In 1859, the German organization resolved to build a house of worship of their own, and the church on the corner of Cass and Clay streets is the monument of their enterprise. January 1, 1861, Rev. Lewis H. Kefouver succeeded Dr. Willard, and remained until July 1, 1863, he being the first pastor who served the charge disconnected from any other county supporting congregation. He remained until July 1, 1863. Rev. T. Bucher became the pastor October 18, 1863. Under his pastorate the church was remodeled, the front and rear walls were removed in 1866, and the corner stones for the improved structure laid September 3, 1866. Rev. Moses Keiffer delivered the address. The estimated cost of the improvements were from $15,000 to $20, 000. Rev. Mr. Bucher retired January 1, 1867, and was succeeded by Dr. Van Horne September 1, 1868, who served until 1875. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. W. A. Hale, during whose ministry there have been 225 accessions to the church, making the membership now 405, and a debt of $7,500 canceled. Miss Katie Weikel, who died June 13, 1881, left to the Trustees a two-story brick house, to be used and owned by the church as a parsonage.

SECOND REFORMED CHURCH (GERMAN).

The origin and early history of this church in the city is fully set forth in the sketch of the above Reformed Church; hence we will not repeat it in this connection. In the absence of the records of this branch of the church we are unable to give the names of all of the ministers of the German congregation prior to the building of their edifice on the corner of Cass and Clay streets, in 1859. However, we mention the following as among them: Rev. A. Toenssneirer, Rev. C. Baecker and Rev. A. P. Freeze. After the church had resolved to build themselves a house of worship, they held services in Clegg's Hall, on Fifth street, where they continued worshiping until their church was ready for occupancy. Their pastor at this time was the Rev. Mr. Lueders. The church was dedicated in the fall of 1859, by Rev. Dr. H. J. Rutenek, of Cleveland. Mr. Lueders served the congregation five years, when he was succeeded by the Rev. W. Wittenwieler. Rev. George Rettig followed Mr. Wittenwieler, and in May, 1867, Rev. O. J. Accola, the present pastor, took charge. Mr. Accola was absent from the pastorate from August. 1876, until July, 1878, during this interval the pulpit was filled by the Rev. Schoepfle. The membership is about two hundred.

FIRST (DISCIPLES' CHRISTIAN) CHURCH.

The church of this denomination was organized as the " First Baptist Church. " Its early history is that of the first Regular Baptist Church of Dayton, to which the reader is referred. After rejecting the articles of faith on the 21st of March, 1829, it became a Campbellite Church, and. as such continued to worship in the brick church on the west side of Main street, on the corner of the alley between Water and First streets, until about 1850, when its place of worship was transferred to the present site on the northwest corner of Sixth and Brown streets, where is located a one-story brick building with a basement. Among the pastors of the congregation, during their worship on Main street, were D. S. Burnett, David Gosney, William Pinkerton, L. H. Jemison and J. R. Fraim; and the church was visited by such ministers of the denomination as Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, Aylett Raines, Samuel

672 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Hushom and Joshua Swallow. Its growth and prosperity fluctuated much up to about 1850, since which time it has been self-sustaining in its ability to make provision for pastors. . From about 1849 to 1862, the pulpit was filled by Elder J. M. Henry, and succeeding him in regular order were Elders John Errett, J. M. Long, D. K. Van Buskirk. J. H. McCullough, L. H. Frazier, Dennis M. D. Todd and L. R. Gault, the present incumbent, who has served the congregation three years. The nominal membership is under two hundred. Number of scholars in the Sabbath school, about one hundred and fifty. Besides its domestic work, the church contributes to the District, State, General, and Foreign Missionary Societies of the people with whom it is affiliated. The church officers are: L. R. Gault, A. C. Fenner, C. L. Loos, David McGregor and Thomas Meridith, Elders; and H. H. Lauboch, Joel Needles. S. T. Cotterill. C. W. Crew, Benjamin Mundy and Rolla Cotterill, Deacons; of whom Fenner. Laudoch, S, T. Cotterill, Crew and Mundy, are Trustees.

BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

Sometime during the year 1828, nine persons assembled at the house of Father Bruen, and organized the church in question. Messrs. Over-lease. Heiser and L. Bruen, were chosen Trustees. Soon thereafter was erected on Main, between Fourth and Fifth streets, upon a lot now occupied by the residence of G. W. Rogers, a church building known as Union Meeting-House. In 1848, the church was re-organized by the advice and aid of Elders Caleb Worley and Melyn D. Baker, and a new covenant adopted which was signed by twenty-one members, and soon thereafter seventeen names were added, making thirty-eight members in all. During the following year, Luther Bruen, a prominent member, died, and bequeathed to the church the south half of Lot 206, upon which the meeting-house stood. In 1852, the church commenced receiving colored persons, and was most likely the first church organization to take steps toward negro equality. Three years later the Bruen heirs purchased the half lot of the church for $1,300, which sum was put out at interest. From 1851 to 1857, the church was without a pastor, and the pulpit was supplied by the conference. The church was again re-organized in the year 1858, the reorganization taking effect in the Miami City Schoolhouse, on Baxter street, with thirty-nine members. In January, 1859, a Sunday school was organized with J. Demint, Superintendent. The same year the church purchased two lots on Brown street ( now corner of Broadway and Home avenue), and appointed a Building Committee to erect a house of worship. The present one-story brick with basement was then erected, and in June, 1860, the basement was dedicated with services by P. McCullough, the pastor of the charge. From 1864, to 1867, the church was without a pastor, the pulpit again being supplied by the conference. In 1868, the auditorium was finished and furnished and dedicated by the Rev. J. Weeks, father of the pastor, through whose efforts the auditorium was finished. It has a seating capacity of 400, and the property is valued at $4,000. In 1872-73, during the pastorate of W. A. Gross, the building debt of the church, amounting to several hundred dollars, was paid. The name of the church was changed in 1874 to "Broadway Christian Church." In 1876 an effort was made to unite with the Christian (Disciples) Church, which failed. The Sabbath school has continued without intermission since organization, except a short time during the late war. There are enrolled at this time sixty scholars; church membership, fifty-seven. The following is a list of the ministers since organization: Revs. T. S. Wells, E. W. Humphreys, J. M. Dawson, J. T. Lynn, P. McCullough, J. W. Weeks, J. Byrkitt, H. Y. Rush, W. A. Gross, J. S. Jones, W. J. Lawrence, J. W. Nobles, C. D. Williamson, George Tenney. Since 1878, the church has been without a pastor.

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EMANUEL CHURCH (GERMAN) EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.

In 1840, the Emanuel Church (German) Evangelical Association was established by Rev. A. B. Schafer, of the Ohio Conference, when on Miami Circuit. The first meeting held in Dayton was in August of that year, at the residence of Peter Schneiber. In the following year, a class of twelve members was formed and attached to Miami Circuit as a mission. For several years, they held services at private houses; and, as the membership increased, a hall was rented on Fourth near Wilkinson street, where the Sabbath school of the congregation was organized. In 1843, a lot on the corner of Walnut and Fifth streets was purchased for $200 and a small, brick church, 22x32 feet. built for $4,000. The dedication took place the first Sabbath in September, 1843; sermon by Rev. A. B. Schafer. In 1849, on the same lot, a second church, 38x50 feet, was erected, just in front of the former building. It was completed in 1841, and dedicated by the same pastor. In 1855, it became a station, and two years later was detached from the Ohio and added to the Indiana Conference. In 1870, it again became necessary to find a more commodious place of worship, and a lot on Commercial street, near Fifth, was purchased for $2,500, and the present church building was erected at a cost of $17,000. It is a two-story brick, 45x80 feet, with a tower. Below is the Sunday school and class rooms, and above the auditorium, which has a seating capacity of over five hundred, and the gallery. The building was opened for service the same year, and dedicated by Bishop R. Dubs. D. D. The following pastors, in the order named, have served the church: Rev. A. B. Schafer, Rev. John Hall, Rev. Fred Meyer, Rev. Jacob Burkert, Rev. Levi Hess, Rev. G. F. Spring, Rev. A. B. Shafer, Rev. John Nicolai, Rev. Koag, Rev. A. Dreisbach, Rev. John Dreisbach, Rev. Darl Strohman. Rev. Leonard Scheurman Rev. M. Stueffe, Rev. Philip Brech, Rev. F. Weithoupt, Rev. John Fuchs, Rev. J. AI. Gomer, Rev. M. Hoehn. Rev. M. Stueffe, Rev. M. Klaiber, Rev. John Kaufman, Rev. J. E. Troger. Rev. J. M. Gomer and J. F. Hansing, the present incumbent.

A Sabbath school was organized with the church, and J. H. Guenther became the first Superintendent. The present enrollment of church and Sabbath school is 210 and 225 respectively.

DUNKARD CHURCH.

We have been unable, after diligent search, to find a record of this church, or to obtain from any of the membership anything of its history. Services are no longer held in the little (plaint brick church of this denomination, still standing on the corner of Van Buren and Jackson streets, where erected more than half a century ago. In the general history of the county will be found a full sketch of the German Baptist, commonly known as the Dunkard Church of the county. This city congregation was a branch of the Beaver Creek Church.

THE KILO KODISH B'NAI JESHMEN.

This Hebrew congregation was formed in 1850, with about a dozen members, among whom were Jacob Schwab, Joseph Lebensburger, Abraham and Simon Ach, Adam Lebolt, Morris Wertheimer and Abraham Mack. The first President of the congregation was Joseph Lebensburger. They formerly met in what was once the old Dayton Bank, on Main street, now the residence of Joseph Bimm, and in the upper story of the house on Main street, now occupied by Mr. Ohmer, the furniture dealer. About the year 1864, they purchased the church on the northeast corner of Fourth and Jefferson streets, of the Baptists, where their services have since

674 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

been held. To begin with, they had no Rabbi, and a Mr. Wendell served as teacher. There is a membership now of over thirty. The Rev. A. K. Fischer was the first Rabbi who presided over the congregation. He came in 1874, and was succeeded in 1880 by the Rev. G. Tanbenhouse. now in charge.

The present officers of the society are as follows: President, Solomon Rauh; Vice President, Solomon Strauss; Treasurer, Eliah Rauh, Secretary, Jonas Rosenthal; Trustees, Gabriel Hass, Adolph Newsalt and Moses Glas.

UNION CHAPEL METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.

Some time during the late war, several families, among whom were ,John Shaefer and wife, and J. S. Binkerd and wife, with the Rev. A. M. Ravenscraft, met and organized the Union Chapel Methodist Protestant Church. They first held service in the United Presbyterian Church, then in Barnett's Hall, on Wayne street. About the year 1869 or 1870, the building styled "Union Chapel." located on the corner of Barr and Commercial streets, was erected by them at a cost of $2,500, It was afterward enlarged and a parsonage added to the church property, costing $1,500. Pastors of the church up to the fall of 1881, have been as follows: Rev. R. A. Washburn, Rev. J W. Spring, Rev. N. G. Oglesby, Rev. W. F. Dickerman. Rev. C. S. Evans, Rev. S. K. Spohn, and Rev. Charles Cadwallader. The church property was turned over to the conference the last-named year and the congregation disbanded.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF DAYTON.

Catholicity in Dayton is said to have had its inception in the year 1831, when removed from Baltimore, Md.. to this city, Robert Conway and family, consisting of his wife, Sarah. and the following named children: Hannah. Mary, Elizabeth, Ellen, Catharine. Michael, Adam, Edward and Robert. They came to Dayton in the spring of 1831, and were for sometime the only Catholic family in the then town or village of Dayton. Mr. Conway being zealous in the cause of Christ. and entertaining great love for his spiritual mother, the church. felt keenly the deprivation of the spiritual wants of himself and family, and in the following year arranged with the Rev., Father E. T. Collins, of Cincinnati, an American priest, to become a resident of Dayton, he (Conway) being responsible for his livelihood. Father Collins came. and during his stay in Dayton of about two years, the Conway residence was his home, and for a portion of that time it was the place of worship. that family constituting the congregation. This same year and the year following. several Catholic German and Irish families settled in Dayton. The city itself then was in its infancy. There. where we to-day see fine streets and large and palatial business houses and residences, was nothing but large expanses of woods which were in some places cleaned by the ax of the industrious settler and planted with corn and grain. Here, in the land of their adoption, they had no place of worship as at home. But God who provides for all, forgot them not. Cincinnati was already then a Bishopric. Although the Bishop had but few priests under his disposal, he always sent out several of them who traversed the State, and visited the Catholics who lived scattered about, administering to them the consolations of their holy religion.

Dayton was also visited by these gentlemen, among whom were Rev. Fathers Thienpont. Juncker (the first priest consecrated in the United States), Horstman, Henni (late Archbishop of Milwaukee), Tochenhens, Wurz, Young and Murphy. Some of them became resident priests, and of such more will be said hereafter. Other priests came at various times, whose names cannot now be recalled. The Conway residence soon became too small to accommodate the increasing members who were gathering from all quarters to listen to the

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teachings of the ordained servants of Christ, and worship at the altar of the Most High, and services were then held in a one-story brick building, a part of which was occupied as a bakery, located on St. Clair street, opposite the park.

After an almost insurmountable amount of trouble, it was at last made possible, by Rev. Father Emanuel Thienpont, to bring together a congregation and build a church. It was completed in 1837, and dedicated in November of the same year. How it was made possible to build the church appears to be a miracle, when we consider the small number who constituted the congregation, who scarcely had more of this world's goods than were needed to live on. It was a one-story brick building, and stood on the present site of Emanuel's Church parsonage, on Franklin, between Ludlow street and Prairie avenue, and was taken down after the new church was completed.

Father Thienpont officiated as pastor from 1837 until the middle of 1844. His successor was the Rev. Henry D. Juncker. Under his pastorage the flock increased considerable. so that the church had to be enlarged. Father Juncker also bought a large organ and three magnificent, pure white marble altars, which are yet in use in Emanuel's Church, greatly admired for their magnificence.

Rev. Juncker was destined by Providence to serve in a more responsible part of the vineyard, and in the year 1857, he was elected Bishop, and consecrated in the cathedral in Cincinnati, for the newly erected bishopric of Alton, Ill. He faithfully served his Lord and Master in this capacity until 1868, when he was called home to receive the reward for his labors.

In May, 1857, Rev. Father John F. Hahne was sent by the reverend Archbishop to succeed Rev. Juncker, who served as the pastor of Emanuel's until his death in February, 1882, and always worked for the best interest and welfare of the congregation, for which the great proof of his never wearying care the present Emanuel's Church fully vouches. The following reverend gentlemen have been given Father Hahne as assistant pastors: Rev. J. Schiff, Volm, and since May of 1863, his brother. Father Charles Hahne, who is familiarly known by the members of the congregation as " Father Charles." In April, L879. Rev. Father William Scholl was installed as second assistant pastor of Emanuel, Rev. Father Charles Hahne being unable to attend to all the cares of the congregation without assistance, which was kindly given by his Grace, the reverend archbishop of Cincinnati.

About the year 1869, it was noticed that the old church (erected in 1837), was becoming decrepit. This was the cause of many hours of care and sleepless nights for Father Hahne, who always had a fatherly care for the welfare of his congregation. His fear of an accident by falling walls, etc., was likewise entertained by the congregation. He was, therefore, anxious to avert this evil, but how could it be done? After considering the matter with practical and experienced men, he at last came to the decision of erecting a new church. This decision was greeted with a hearty and enthusiastic approbation by the congregation. Of course, there were those very few who thought it could be " propped up " and held together, but they all came to see the fallacy of their ideas, and joined with the others in freely subscribing for the new church. After Father Hahne was assured of the amount the congregation would subscribe, he, with experienced architects, set to work making plans, which resulted in adopting a plan by which the present church was erected. It is located on Franklin street, just east of the site of the old church. The first stone of the foundation was laid September 8, 1871. the anniversary of the birth of our Blessed Lady, according to the Roman Catholic calendar. It is the largest church edifice in the city. and a very imposing structure of the Gothic order. It is built of brick, with limestone trimmings; the outside measurement 166x84 feet. There are two towers in front, each 212 feet high,

676 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

and one in the rear of 150 feet. The vestibule is 42x8 feet. the entrance to which is effected through three doors fifteen feet high. and of proportionate width. From the vestibule to the audience room are three large doorways. The windows, of beautiful stained glass, are thirty-five feet high and six feet wide. The audience room is 126x66 feet, and sixty feet from floor to ceiling. There are two galleries in front, one above the other. Opposite the main entrance is the sanctuary, in front. of which is a low, elliptical iron railing, with handsome gilt ornaments. The central altar is within a semi-circular recess, which reaches to the ceiling, the canopy of which represents the blue firmament studded with stars. In the front is the altar of beautiful white Italian marble, with appropriate inscriptions. On the back wall of the recess. and above the altar. is the scene of the crucifixion. The figure of the Savior. which is of plaster. appears nailed to a plain, wooden cross, which is seventeen feet high. On the right is a marble altar dedicated to the Virgin. and on the left another to St. Joseph: in a niche above the appropriate altar appears a statue of the Blessed Virgin, with the infant Savior in her arms. On one corner of the recess is a piece of statuary representing Santa Rosa. of Lima, Peru, who is the first American saint, and perhaps the only one on the calendar. On the other, corner, a statue of St. Aloysius, and in a a niche above the altar dedicated to St. Joseph appears it statue of that saint. The frescoing of the walls is chaste and elegant in design and execution. The pews are of black walnut and ash, and will seat 1,500 people. and the children's gallery 600. The cost of the edifice was in the neighborhood of $100,000. The brick work was done by Frederick Hoelzen. the carpenter work by B. Lampert and L. Kingner, and the frescoing by Arnold Hahne. The dedication occurred October 6, 1873, and the ceremonies attending it made up the most imposing pageant of the kind ever witnessed in Dayton. Archbishop Purcell, Bishop Borgess, of Detroit, and other distinguished churchmen were present. It was estimated that 7,000 persons from abroad were present and took part in the ceremonies. The interior of the church had been profusely decorated, and the buildings in the vicinity displayed from their windows and balconies banners and bannerets on which were emblazoned the stars and stripes, showing that the Catholics in their devotion to the mother church had not forgotten the temporal powers under which they live, and which guarantee religious liberty to all. Across Main street from the buildings, along Franklin and other thoroughfares through which the procession moved, the starry folds of the American flag everywhere greeted the gorgeously bedecked banners of the various societies which were accompanied by the Knights Templar and Soldiers' Home bands. At the church. Archbishop Purcell, with his attendant deacons and acolytes chanting the Litany of the Saints, took in the circuit of the church, sprinkling the walls with holy water. Pontifical high mass was then celebrated by Bishop Borgess. of Detroit, and the dedication sermon preached by Archbishop Purcell from the Apocalypse. 201h chapter, 2d and 3d verses.

The death of the beloved pastor of this church, Rev. Father John F Hahne, the oldest Catholic priest in Dayton, was announced by the tolling of bells on the night of February 21. 1882. He was born in the city of Schleswig, in the State of Schleswig-Holstein. Germany, April 19, 1815. His parents were laboring people, his father being a shoemaker, and he the oldest child. Both his father and mother were strict Catholics. From his mother. he received his first instructions in religion, and as a boy he announced his intention of devoting his life to the church. As he advanced in years, this idea did not leave him. His parents were too poor to admit of his devoting his time to study, bat he improved every opportunity of obtaining books and in formation, laying aside such means as he could, until, having learned his trade, he left home to make his own way in life. He passed some time in Minister,

CITY OF DAYTON. - 677

Prussia, and then having saved soma money, he wont to Freibourg, and subsequently to Switzerland. and pursued his studies among the Jesuits. acting in the capacity of private tutor for a time at Hagen, and was finally, after a long and hard struggle, ordained as a priest in the city of Osnabruck, December 23, 1848. He spent some time at Alfhausan, Germany, and there he received the appointment of Chaplain in the army at Schleswig, his native place. In September, 1831, he came to America, and went directly to Cincinnati, where he received the appointment as assistant pastor at the church of St. Philomena. After remaining there a short time, he received the appointment as assistant pastor in St. Paul's Church, where he continued until May, 1857. There being a vacancy in the church at Dayton about this time, Father Hahne was regarded as the best fitted by the qualities he had shown for the position, and he received the appointment. The choice was justified by the zealous manner in which he entered on his new duties, soon securing the confidence and love of those with whom his lot was cast. By his efforts, some of the most efficient Catholic organizations in the city were established. In private life Father Hahne was warm hearted and of attractive disposition. In the church he was recognized as one of the most efficient priests in the Cincinnati Diocese.

The occasion of the funeral of Father. Hahne marked another eventful period in the history of Catholicism in Dayton. Emanuel's Church was appropriately draped, and people by the thousands came from all quarters to witness the service of the last sad rites of respect to the dead priest. Rt. Rev. Bishop NV, H. Elder, of Cincinnati, and Bishop Tobbe, of Covington, with the priests of the city, and many from abroad, together with the numerous Catholic societies of Dayton, were in the funeral cortege. A more solemn assemblage, or a more impressive ceremony, perhaps, was never witnessed in the city. This occasion was as solemn and sad as that of the consecration of the church was joyful and grand.

Father Charles Hahne succeeded his lamented brother to the pastorate of the congregation, and Rev. Father William Scholl became the first assistant. The congregation now numbers about four thousand souls.

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.

In the year 1846 or 1847, Emanuel's congregation became numerically too great to congregate in one church, which fact, together with a desire on the part of the English speaking portion to have a house of worship of their own, led to the withdrawal of that class and the formation of St. Joseph's congregation and the building of the church of that name, located on the northeast corner of Madison and Second streets, in the year 1847. The two lots upon which the church and pastor's residence stand were purchased for the sum of :$2,000. The church as erected in 1847. was about one-half its present size, and was built at a cost of something over $6,000. The tower was unfinished: hence, it was without the grace since given it by the tall and octagon shaped spire. The first pastor of St. Joseph's congregation was the Rev. Father Patrick O'Maley, who was succeeded in 1850 by his brother. Rev. Father Joseph O'Maley, who remained in charge until 1853, when he was succeeded by Rev. Father O'Conner, whose pastorate was of short duration, he having been followed the same year by Father Thomas Bulger. Rev. Father David J. Kelly became Father Bulger's successor in 1856, and continued in the pastorate of St. Joseph until his death, September 29, 1867. During his early ministry at this charge, the tower of the church, was completed, and the then largest bell in the city hung therein. It is a very sweet toned bell, and was cast in Cincinnati; and there was also placed in the tower a large city clock. A year or two later. the rear portion of the church, as it now stands, was added at an expense of $6,000. The building, constructed of brick, is

678 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

plain but substantial, and in keeping with church edifices built in its time. Saving a small vestibule in the front on entering the building, the entire space within its walls is one large audience room. There is a gallery in front, and on either side extending about one-half the length of the auditorium. The gallery is supplied with a large pipe organ. The frescoing of the ceiling and walls, and the symbolic representations in the sanctuary, though now wearing the appearance of age, impress one of former elegance and beauty. Its seating capacity is about one thousand.

Father Kelley was a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, and was born September 7, 1820. After having pursued a course of study in the College of St. Kyran, in the town of his nativity, he came to America in 1850, and finished his education at St. Mary's College, Cincinnati, and on the 1st of May, 1853. was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Purcell. His first charge was at Wilkesville. this State. He was transferred to Dayton. and succeeded the Rev. Father Bulger, as before stated, in the pastorate of this church. He was a man of most exemplary character. In his intercourse with his fellow citizens, he exhibited all those amiable traits of private life which are calculated to secure the friendship and esteem of all. He was beloved and honored by the people of this charge.

The funeral obsequies of Father Kelley were solemn and imposing. The attendance was large, making a similar procession. which is obvious to the residents of the city or to those acquainted with it. when it is stated that, when the head of the procession reached the top of Main street hill, the rear had not yet crossed the railway at Sixth street. The procession was made up first of the numerous German and English Catholic Beneficial Societies; second, twenty priests in their robes, chanting solemnly, who were followed by the casket containing the deceased, borne upon the shoulders of six young men; then came the friends and citizens.

The church was appropriately draped in mourning, and Archbishop Purcell delivered a most appropriate and imposing panegyric over the departed Father. Bishop Rosecrans, of Columbus, and other dignitaries of the church were present.

Father Kelley's assistants in the pastorate were Fathers R. N. Young and O'Rourke, the latter succeeding him to the pastorate of the church, and Father Charles Daugherty became his assistant. Father O'Rourke served until 1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. Richard Gilmore, now Bishop of Cleveland. His assistant was Father Francis Cubero. Father Gilmore was succeeded in 4871 or 1872 by Father William M. Carey, under whom served as assistants Fathers O'Reilly, Murphy and Grace. Father Carey served the congregation until the summer of 1879. when his successor, Rev. Father James O'Donohue, took charge and is still the pastor. He is assisted by Father James M. Carey. The congregation now numbers about three thousand five hundred souls. The pastor's residence, a substantial two-story brick, adjoins the church. The congregation is so rapidly increasing that the church edifice is too small to accommodate all, and the erection of a new building is contemplated.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH.

Owing to the great increase of Catholics in the city and this vicinity, it was found necessary, in 1859, to make another division of Emanuel's; hence the erection of St. Mary's Church, located on the corner of Xenia avenue and Allen street. The ground upon which the church, schoolhouse and pastor's residence stands was donated by Albert McClure for church purposes. The size of the lot was 150 feet front by 280 feet deep. This was at once improved and beautified, and to-day presents a lovely appearance, with the many fruit and shade trees that dot its surface. The present edifice was erected in 1859-60, at a cost of $9,427. It is of brick, and in size 110x50 feet. It has a tower and

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spire, the latter of which is, like all Catholic churches, surmounted by a large cross, the emblem of the crucified Son of God. Within the tower are three bells and a clock. The interior of the building is handsomely decorated and frescoed. Over the altar is a fine painting of the ascension of our Lord, and the ceiling is decorated with many scriptural scenes. The windows are of stained glass. though modest. A fine altar has just been placed in the church, costing $1,200. It is of Gothic design, constructed of black walnut, with gold trimmings. The dedication of this edifice took place on the 15th of August, 1860. Sermon by Bishop Henry D. Juncker. Father Schiff was the first pastor of the congregation, and served the church until 1869. He was a native of Prussia, Germany, and was born January 23, 1826; was ordained in the city of Cincinnati, in 1858, and died near Baltimore, Md., November 2, 1873. Father Schiff was succeeded by the Rev. Father Henry L. Stuckenborg, who assumed his duties October 10, 1869, and has since continued in the pastorate of the church. The pastor's residence was built by Father Stuckenborg in 1871. It is a two-story brick, 40x36 feet, contains eight large rooms, and cost $5,000. The congregation numbers 220 families, or about twelve hundred persons.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH.

Despite the split of Emanuel's congregation to form the above mentioned church, her edifice was not large enough to hold all the members of the congregation, and another church became a necessity. In 1860, ground was secured on the corner of Fifth and Brainbridge streets, and Trinity Church erected thereon. It is an imposing structure, one story high, though large. In size it is about 160x70 feet. It is constructed of brick, with limestone trimmings, and has in the center front a massive tower in which is suspended a bell, and is adjusted a large clock. In front are three entrances to a narrow hall, from which open into the auditorium the same number of doors. The church is supplied with a large and fine organ, placed in the gallery, in the rear of the audience room. The interior finish of the church in point of magnificence and beauty compares favorably with that of Emanuel's, a full description of which has been given. The frescoing, elegant in design and finish, representing Scriptural scenes, and the altars with their numerous decorations are rarely excelled in more pretentious edifices. There can be comfortably seated in the building 1,000 persons.

Rev. F. J. Goetz was given this congregation as pastor, and he has ever since been the faithful shepherd of his flock, assisted by Revs. Kress, now at Reading. Ohio. and Frohmiller, the latter now yet acting in this capacity.

The church was dedicated August 18, 1861, by Bishop Henry D. Juncker, of Alton, Ill.

Rev. Father N. Nickels also served as assistant priest of the church in connection with Father D. Kress from January, 1872, until 1875. Father J. B. Frohmiller was installed as assistant pastor in July, 1875. There are about three hundred and fifty families in the church. The present Wardens are: T. A. Legler. O. J. Ferneding. P. Schommer, A. Eicheulaub and J. L. Butz.

In connection with the several churches are a number of benevolent, beneficial and other societies, which aid and work in harmway with that body, some of which, known outside of the church, are as follows: St. Charles Mutual Benevolent Society of Emanuel's Church, organized in 1863; Knights of St. George, of the same church, organized February 7, 1875; and Knights of St. George of Holy Trinity Church, organized in November, 1871. The membership of these two last named organizations is about seventy-five and sixty-five, respectively.

St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, of the church of that name, organized in July, 1862. Its present membership is seventy-five. Hibernians, another so-

682 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

ciety of the English speaking Catholics of the city, organized March 17, 1862. Membership now ninety. And St. Joseph's Orphan Society (of the Catholics in general), organized mainly through the efforts of Father John F. Hahne. Number of members enrolled, between three and four hundred,

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

The formation of the Young Men's Christian Association of Dayton was the direct result of a religious awakening throughout the city during the winter of 1869-70. At this time, a call was issued for the young men of the city to meet at the First Lutheran Church, on Sunday afternoon, February 13, 1870. At this meeting, several hundred were present. A resolution favoring the formation of a Y. M. C. A. was unanimously adopted, and a committee, of which T. O. Lowe was Chairman, was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. This Committee soon after made its report. and on March 2, 1870, the Association was formally organized with R. W. Steele as President.

There having been a young men's reading room in the city, its outfit was purchased by the Association, and on March 31, the Y. M. C. A. parlors and reading room were thrown open to the public. These rooms were located in the Journal Building, on Main street, between Second and Third.

H. P. Adams, of Manchester, N. H.. was installed as General Secretary, in which capacity he continued until the spring of 1874, when he was called to take charge of the Association at Baltimore. Md. ,the vacancy thus created in the Dayton branch being temporarily filled by W. A. Wagner. who remained in the position until August, 1874 when D. A. Sinclair, the present incumbent, was appointed.

In the spring of 1875, a movement was started to get the Association into a building of its own, and. notwithstanding the hard times of that year, money enough was subscribed to purchase the present elegant quarters at on 32 and 34 East Fourth street. which were remodeled and furnished throughout.

The property now owned by them is a lot with a frontage of sixty-five feet, and a depth of 200 feet, on the front of which is a handsome two-story brick building with stone capped windows and doors. The door opens into a spacious hall, to the right of which are elegantly furnished double parlors, and hack of these a lecture room, with a seating capacity of 100. On the sec and floor are the Secretary's office, the printing office, newspaper room and library, all handsomely furnished. Besides these, there are three rooms used by the Secretary as a residence; also, a lodger's room and a wash room. The whole building is heated by a furnace with open fires for ventilation, and is furnished with gas and water throughout.

In 1876, a spacious hall was built on the rear of the lot capable of seating 620 persons. Under this is a finished basement, with a kitchen and rooms for socials, and a gymnasium. The association also own a frame chapel in Browntown, known as Patterson Mission, which has a regular attendance of 135. They also owned Calvary Chapel, in McPhersontown. which was sold in April, 1882, to the Methodists of the city. who have a regular Methodist Church organized and operated there.

The entire property of the Association is valued at between $35,000 and $40,000, free of incumbrance. The annual expenses are about $3,000, of which $2,000 comes from individual donations by citizens, and the remainder from seats, entertainments, memberships, etc.

The present officers are: President, G. N. Bierce; Vice Presidents, A. E. Daniels, D. E. McSherry, C. V. Osborn, John Dodds; Recording Secretary, C. A. Kimmel; Corresponding Secretary, W. D. Chamberlin; Treasurer. C. N. Mitchell: Board of Managers, J. C. Reber. E. A. Parrott, P. Mitchell, F. Mulford, William Saint. J. C. Kiefaber, R. M. Parmely, Leonard Moore. W. B. King, A. S. Wensthoff, G. Y. Jones and M. F. Hooven.