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CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE CITY CHURCHES.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN-THE, CONGREGATIONALIST-THE ASSOCIATE, ASSOCIATE REFORMED AND UNITED PRESBYTERIAN - THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-TILE FIRST BAPTIST AND CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCHES ENGLISH LUTHERANS- CHURCH OF CHRIST-ST. JOHN'S REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN- ST. PALL GERMAN LUTHERAN-ST. PETERS CATHOLIC- GRACE EPISCOPAL-AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL-CHURCH OF GOD - BELIEVERS IN CHRIST.
MANSFIELD ought to be, and probably is, proud of its churches and of the interest taken in religious matters. There are sixteen churches in the city; they are generally plain and substantial. but some of them arc spacious and beautiful. The Congregational Church, on West Market street, is justly celebrated for its beauty and finish. If churches are an indication of civilization, this cite can justly feel that she stands ill the front. rank.
In 1815, the village of Mansfield consisted of twenty two houses and two block-houses. That year the Rev. George Van Eman, the first Presbyterian minister here, began his labors. The services were held in the upper room of the block-house. on the square, which was then used as a court house. The following extract is from an address of Rev. S. W. Miller, published in 1876. He says, referring to Rev. Van Eman : "He was certainly the first Presbyterian minister, and, in all probability, the first minister of any denomination who preached in Mansfield." Mr. John Weldon says: "I think Dr. James (evidently referring to William James, the well-known pioneer Methodist), was the first preacher that settled in Mansfield. He was a Methodist, and built a log house on the corner of Third and Water streets." On the other hand, the following positive statement is preserved, made in 1838, by Henry Newman, who is still at Bryan, Ohio, in full possession of mind and memory : "The first man who held religious meetings in Madison Township was Rev. Bowman, a pioneer missionary . The. neighbors met at my father's cabin. three miles down the Rocky fork from Mansfield ; m all there were about eight or tell hearers. including work-hands. The place is now better known as Beam's Mill. The second preacher ill Madison Township was Rev. George Van Eman. a Presbyterian. He collected a congregation in 1814 or 1815, in Mansfield, and served the people until Rev. James Rowland came; and, about the same time, Rev. William James came. The Rev. Charles Waddle, and the Rev. Somerville, of the Methodist Church; came to Mansfield in 1816. About the same time, or soon after, the first Methodist Church was built, a little southeast of the Big Spring; and, shortly after, the Presbyterians built a church on the hill on East Diamond street, where the new church now stands." It will be observed that the above statement is clear on two points : , first, that the Rev. Bowman was the first minister wile preached in the township ; and, second, that the Rev. George Van Eman was the first minister who preached in the town of Mansfield There is abundant testimony that Mr. Van Eman was preaching here in the fall of 1815 The First Presbyterian Church of Mansfield was organized some time in the year 1816, by James Scott and George Van Eman, who were
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directed to do so by the old Presbytery of Lancaster. At the organization, there were six male members and seven female. Two Elders were elected-George Coffinberry and Richard Hoy, the former of whom had been an Elder before coming to Mansfield; the latter had been a member of the Associate Presbyterian Church. In 1820, when the Associate Presbyterian Church was organized in Mansfield, he transferred his membership thereto, and was at once intrusted with the same important office. In 1817, G. Berryhill, Mathias Day and Noah B. Cook were elected and ordained Ruling Elders.
Mathias Day. Sr., was born in Chatham. N. J.. in 1791, and came to Mansfield in 1816. He was a master carpenter and superintended the erection of nearly all the early buildings in Mansfield. In 1817; he married Sophia Grimes, who then held the office of County Recorder. After their marriage the office was transferred to Mr. Day, who held it fourteen years. He was long a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a strong anti-slavery man. He died March 21, 1866.
Mr. Van Eman was installed by the Presbytery of Lancaster. The exact date is unknown but it was prior to October, 1817 the date of the erection of the Presbytery of Richland by the Synod of Ohio. Mr. Van Eman applied for a dissolution of the pastoral relation in May 1820, but was not dismissed until August the same year. There was no church edifice in his time the services being sometimes held in private houses but generally in the court house. In his report to the Presbytery in April 1818, he says : "Mansfield Church consisted of forty-five members. April 1, 1817. Since added on examination, fifteen ; on certificate ten ; total now in communion. seventy." In 1867 he writes to Mr. Davis : " When I came to Mansfield, there were about ten communicants ; when I left about forty."
In August 1820, Rev. James Rowland first visited Mansfield. The following April at the request of the church, then consisting of about twenty-five members. the Presbytery appointed him stated supply the one-half of his time for one year, the church promising him $200 on subscription at the same time allowing him one-half his time for supplying other churches contiguous to Mansfield. He was ordained June 26, 1821 and installed April 8, 1823. During his pastorate, which continued over seventeen years, being from April 1821, until November 25, 1838 one half his time for seven years, and the whole of his time afterward, he preached within the bounds of this church, thirteen hundred and seventy Sermons; baptized forty-eight adults and three hundred and thirty-two infants solemnized two hundred and fifty-seven marriages, and received into the communion of the church, on examination and profession of faith, two hundred and twenty-two, and on certificate one hundred and fifty-seven. After the dissolution of the pastoral relation, in 1838, Mr. Rowland continued as stated supply until April following: and also supplied the pulpit at subsequent times as occasion required, living among them until his death in 1872, as a prudent and loving father and friend. Sometime during the early, part of his ministry, a frame church was erected on the spot where the present edifice stands.
Mr. Rowland was succeeded in April 1839, by Alexander M. Cowan. His was a stormy pastorate. and was terminated in August, 1842. In the autumn of 1840, a second Presbyterian Church was organized, as the result of a long and bitter controversy between two factions The church was about equally divided and the fire only burned higher and waxed hotter by virtue of the oil that the Presbyter y poured upon it, until; for the sake of peace a second organization was granted. This organization erected and occupied the building on Mulberry street, now used by the Roman Catholics as a school. Of that church, Mr. Rowland was stated supply for a time and, after him, the Rev.
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T. A. Sheerer. who was installed in November 1843, and continued to hold that relation until the two churches there re-united by act of the Presbytery, in 1846. After Mr. Cowan, the pulpit was supplied for a longer or shorter time in succession by S. M. Templeton. in 1842 Evan Evans, in 1843 ; W. C. Knife, in 1844 T. F. McGill, in 1845: James W. Dickey in 1847: J. E. Marquis in 1854; J. W. McGregor in 1857. The latter resigned in October of the same: year and was succeeded by J. R. Burgett. His labors, though brief, were greatly blest to the church, lifting them to new life and vigor: and the mouths of January and February of the following year were made memorable by tile addition of seventy-five new members. The people said, "Let us arise and build.
The corner-stone of the present church edifice was laid on the 17th of September, 1858, and the first service held in the basement February 25, 1859. Rev. John Loyd preaching on the occasion. Mr. Burgett was followed it: November, 1859, by Henry R. Wilson. D. D., who continued until September, 1860, when Mr. Rowland again officated until March, 1861. At this time Rev. George Morris received a unanimous call and occupied the pulpit until November, 1863. During Mr. Morris' time the audience chamber of the new church was occupied for the first time, dedicatory services being held August 20, 1862, the congregation having worshiped several years in the basement. Following Mr. Morris came Thomas K. Davis. who was installed September 21, 1865. He remained until January 1, 1867, when he resigned, and, in the following May, David Hall, of Brady's Bend, Penn.; became Pastor. During his pastorate of six years and eight months much good was accomplished and 181 members added to the church. He was a man of great ability and energy, and much beloved by his people. On the retirement of Mr. Hall. the Rev. S. W. Miller, was chosen Pastor.
Mr. Miller was elected Pastor March 30, 1874: preached his first sermon May 8, 1874, and was installed June 9, 1874. The growth of the church has, under kind Providence been rapid and encouraging and now numbers about three hundred members.
During the five years ending April 30, 1879, 175 persons were added to the church, 95 on examination and profession of faith, and 80 by certificate from other churches; $19,388 has been contributed, being an average of $3,879 annually distributed as follows. viz., $2,179 to the missionary work of the church at large, and $17,219 to the work of the church at home. During the past year, the ladies have refitted the interior of the church the expense being about $1,600, making it in beauty and comfort second to none in the city. Rev. Miller resigned the pastorate in April 1880 and the pulpit is now vacant.
The officers of the church are: Ruling Elders. Joseph Smart, Thomas McBride, J. J. King, John Simpson, Ph. D., L. J. Bonar and William McCoy: Trustees-Thomas McBride, J. J. King, E. J. Forney, Joseph Hedges and A. C. Patterson.
The Presbyterian Sabbath School was the first organized in Mansfield and is therefore the pioneer. The exact date of its organization cannot be ascertained but it was between the years 1816 and 1819. It was organized where the first meetings of the Presbyterian Church were held, in the block-house on the square. The Presbyterians claim to have organized this school, but it was attended for some years by Christians of other denominations. Scholars were then too few to divide up, and all worked together for the general good. Mathias Day came to Mansfield in 1817, and it is supposed he was the first Superintendent. When Mr. James Purdy came in 1823, he was elected Superintendent. At that time, there were no Sunday-school books the Bible and hymn-book only being used. It was the only school of this kind until
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1826, when the Methodists felt strong enough to have one of their own. The Presbyterian school was continued without interruption in the old frame church, on the corner where the present church stands, until 1857, when the frame building was taken away to make room for building the new church. and the Sabbath school was held for awhile in the Episcopal Church and in the old Baptist Church. on East Third street. About this time, there being some division in the church. the school was discontinued for a short time. In October, 1857, it was again organized. and a Mr. Furgeson elected Superintendent, followed shortly by a Mr. King. It was held in Melodeon Hall, but soon removed to Sturges Hall. Here it continued until the lecture-room of the present church was completed. In 1861, Hon. William Johnson was Superintendent. He was followed by Mr. Vance : the Pastor. Thomas K. Davis. and Mr. Crawford Spear. Mr. Vance was re-elected in 1865 and served until some time in 1866 when L. J. Bonar, the present Superintendent, was elected. Mr. Bonar has filled the important position lung and faithfully, and the school has greatly prospered and grown under his judicious management. He entered upon tile work with great zeal, which has not flagged for a moment. Not only has the school been kept in a prosperous condition. but other schools have grown out and the considered part of it. In 1869, a school was started at Canton, China through Miss Hattie Jones. The collections of this school were sent out to Canton. and were used in sustaining the branch Sunday school with a membership of twenty-five girls. In the summer of 1865, tile Union Colored Sunday School of Mansfield, was organized mainly through Mr. Bonar s efforts. Its meetings were held on Sabbath afternoons and Mr. Bonar was for some time its Superintendent. This was an undertaking of much difficulty, as many of the members, having been recently freed from slavery were unable to read. A night school was established, in which these people were first taught the rudiments of the English language. Mr. Isaac Pleasants, a colored man, was afterward elected Superintendent, and the school was continued some years under his charge, when it was placed under the care of the Young Men's Christian Association. In the fall of 1869, a Sunday school was organized in John's Addition. under the auspices of the Presbyterian Sunday School. Its first meeting was at the house of Mr. A. W. Lobach. there being no church in that part of the city. By permission of the Board of Education, it was held for some time at the schoolhouse. Mr. Bonar was Superintendent of this Sunday school until 1870, when Mr. Hamsher was elected.
The organization of the Congregational Church of Mansfield was first agitated in 1833. In the autumn of that year, James B. Walker, then a layman, happened in Mansfield on business and was requested, by Mathias Day, Sr., and others to draft a paper, containing the reasons for and articles to the organization of a new ecclesiastical society. This paper contained, in part, the following "Revolved, That we will form ourselves into a new ecclesiastical society, whose object shall be to employ an evangelical minister, of the Presbyterian or Congregational denomination, and to use all other means to promote the influence of the Gospel in the town and county of which we acre residents."
To the articles of association were appended the following names: Thomas Smith, Thomas Taylor, Daniel Cook, Williamson Carothers, Samuel Smith, William Maxwell, Thomas Smith, A. Sutherland, Luther Cook, Robert Bowland, Robert McComb, E. P. Sturges, Jedediah Smith, Edward Sturges, J. M. May, Jacob Parker, M. Douglas. Jr., Edwin Grant, David Wise, John Walker and Robert Lowry.
This association procured, temporarily, for a place of worship, the upper room of the
468 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
warehouse of F. P. and E. Sturges in which they for a time assembled.
In 1835, this association resolved to have a church building, and formed a meeting-house association, of which Thomas Smith was President; E. P. Sturges. Treasurer ; Williamson Carothers, William Maxwell, C. L. Avery, C. T. Sherman and Robert McComb, Directors. They proceeded to purchase four acres of ground, on West Market street, upon which they erected a substantial brick building with basement for lecture and Sabbath-school purposes. April 3. of the same year the Congregational Church of Mansfield was organized, by the Rev. E. Judson and Rev. Enoch Conger. members of the Pres bytery of Huron, Ohio. They mule the following minute of the organization: "We, the undersigned, being present at, Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, on the 3d day of April, A. D. 1835, as missionaries of the American Home Missionary Society, proceeded in compliance with their request, to organize the persons whose names follow, into a Congregational Church of the, Lord Jesus Christ: George L. Hovey, Elizabeth Hovey, Sarah G. Nelson, Belinda Curtis, Jerusha M. Sturges, James Loughridge, John E. Palmer, Edwin Grant, Mariah B. Sutherland, John Walker, Sarah Hoy and Nancy Smith."
Thus, in brief was founded the church which has made for itself a history, has become an ornament and honor to the city, and whose channel of usefulness is broadening and deepening with each succeeding year.
Shortly after building the church, a comfort, able frame parsonage was erected on the same lot. During the first year, more than forty members were added to the church. most of whom had counseled its organization and part of whom joined by letter from other churches. Thomas Smith, Daniel Cook, William Maxwell, John E. Palmer and Mathias Day were chosen Deacons. The following are the names of the Pastors: Seth Waldo. from August; 1835, to August, 1836 ; Theodore Keep, from October, 1836, to May, 1837: Leonard Parker, from November, 1837. to September 1840. Rev. Parker was succeeded by John Keep, who labored during a portion of the year 1842 and was succeeded by James B. Walker, who remained four years. George M. Maxwell was in charge from 1846 to 1850, when Mr. Walker was recalled and remained several years.
During his absence in Europe, in 1854, Rev. Mr. Ely, of Rochester, N. Y., occupied the pulpit. Following Mr. Walker, were W. W. Woodworth, Starr H. Nichols, J. G. W. Cowles, J. E. Twitchell, E. B. Fairfield and S. B. Bell. The latter was not installed, but supplied the pulpit for eighteen months.
During Mr. Fairfield's pastorate, occurred some of the most important events in the history of the church, by which it gained a national reputation. The Pastor's stand regarding the troubles of Plymouth pulpit is well known to the reading world. On the 18th of August, 1870, the old church, around which clustered many tender memories, was destroyed by fire. This fire seemed almost to have been a providential occurrence. The old church was somewhat dilapidated: seemed as it were to have outlived its usefulness; was not up to the requirements of the time, or the needs of the congregation and yet was too good to abandon. Some of the members were in favor of building new, but many yet clung to the old: the fire came to end this controversy. Subscription papers were immediately circulated, money pledged both inside and outside the organization, and, in the course of time, the present magnificent edifice was an accomplished fact. Mr. Fairfield was an incessant worker in the building of this church. It was dedicated June 8, 1873, and is a building of which the entire city is justly proud. One thing only remained to mar the pleasure and dampen the hopes which the building of this church brought with it; a debt of $40,000 hung like a pall over it;
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and, when the panic of 1873 burst suddenly upon the country, no midnight storm-cloud, hanging continually above its graceful steeple, could have been more depressing in its influence. Five years passed under this cloud years of alternate hope and despair ; and, meanwhile, Mr. Fairfield and Mr. Bell had retired, and the Rev. Frank Russell, the present Pastor. was installed May 15. 1878. The church had been somewhat divided by internal dissensions, which seriously impaired its progress and use fulness. Earnest efforts were at once inaugurated to remove the one great cause of trouble. A correspondence was opened with Mr. Kimball, of Chicago, the celebrated church-debt Extinguisher; his services secured and, on the 29th of September, 1878, he made his appearance in the pulpit of the church, in his favorite role. In one week from that day the entire amount had been pledged: the pall was lifted, and the church stood in the sunlight of freedom. Mr. Kimball started the ball rolling, and it was kept rolling through the heroic efforts of a few influential members until the end was reached.
At this date, these subscriptions are being rapidly and promptly paid (good times having returned), and the future outlook for the church is as bright as its friends could wish.
The church has shown its enterprise by bringing the telephone into practical use within the last few months. To enable invalid members to enjoy divine service at their homes, a Blake transmitter is neatly attached near the platform occupied by the minister. Invisible wires reach out to the residences of those desiring telephonic connection, where; by applying a Bell receiver, every word uttered by the Pastor as well as the vocal and instrumental music, is distinctly heard. It is believed this church enjoys the distinction of being the first to successfully apply electrical science in this manner.
Several manuals for this church have appeared from time to time. It is not know when the first was issued, but the second one made its appearance in 1851, when the Rev. J. B. Walker was Pastor. There were 95 members at that time. A third manual appeared in 1856, while it was still in charge of Mr. Walker. The membership had increased to 289. In 1869, a fourth manual was brought out by the Pastor, Rev. J. E. Twitchell. The membership was 384. A fifth is now in course of preparation by Rev. Frank Russell, and promises to be more complete than any yet issued. It will contain a complete digest of all matters pertaining to the church, and will make a valuable book for study and reference. The present membership of the church is 557.
In 1852, the Congregational Church of Marietta issued a call for a general conference of the Congregational churches of the State. This Conference was held here on the 23d of June of that year, during the pastorate of Mr. Walker. He was Moderator of the conference. Forty-three churches were represeutcd by 73 delegates. It was ascertained that there were 33 English and 12 Welsh churches in the State, with a membership of 2,515. Since that first conference it has continued to meet regularly on the first Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in May of each year. At present, it is composed of 14 local conferences representing 229 churches in the State, with 170 ministers and a membership of 23,392. These churches report 26,690 pupils in their Sabbath schools. The Central North (local) Conference, with which it is connected was also organized in this church.
One of the most active and efficient organizations in this church is the Ladies' Aid Society. During all the struggle for the building and payment of the debt, it has distinguished itself for zeal, carefulness of management and wisdom of expedients. They have raised over $19,000 during ten vears. and, at the meetings for raising funds for the payment of the debt, courageously assumed $4,500 more, which, by continued effort, they are surely canceling.
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A Sabbath school has been connected with the church since its organization, and is now strong in numbers, with an efficient and active corps of teachers. H. L. Reed is Superintendent.
The Associate Church was called the Associate Congregation of Mansfield, and was organized in 1826 by the Rev. John Walker, of Harrison County, Ohio. The Finneys were prominent and influential in the organization. Before the erection of the church, meetings were held in the upper story of the old court house as was the case with other early religious societies. Rev. Samuel Hindman was installed Pastor at the organization, and continued until 1841, when he resigned. During his pastorate, a pleasant lot was purchased on West Market street and the frame church erected which is yet standing. It was built in about 1834. The early members were John James and William Finney, Samuel Craig and Mathew Morrow-the latter doing the carpenter work.
In 1843, Rev. J. L. McLean was settled Pastor, and continued until 1853. In 1854, Rev. D. W. Collins was installed, and continued until the union of this church with the Associate Reformed, in 1858, at which date the number of members was fifty-two.
The union left a few members in this church, who would not go into the union. They remained as a church, but have not been able to support a regular Pastor. Services are still held, however. about once a month. There is no Sabbath school connected with the church.
The Associate Reformed Church is almost as old as the city, a few persons having met to consult about its organization as early as February 2, 1818. At this preliminary meeting. Andrew Ritchie was Chairman; John Stewart, Secretary, and Richard Hoy, Corresponding Secretary. The latter was instructed to write to the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Kentucky regarding the organization. A committee was also appointed to ascertain the number of persons willing to enter the organization. The petition for an organization was granted by the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Monongahela, and the Rev. William Taggart appointed to officiate. This was in June, 1820, Twenty-seven persons connected themselves with the organization; of these, Richard Hoy, Robert Finney and James Larimer were chosen Ruling Elders. Mrs. Margaret Stewart only remains of this original congregation. Like other early religious societies their first meetings were held in the old court house and afterward in the old Methodist Church on Water street, between Third and Fourth: also, part of the time in a building on South Main street. Their first minister was Rev. James Johnson, who entered upon his duties in November, 1821. He was called by this congregation and the one on Clear Fork afterward Troy, and divided his time between these and a church at Utica, Ohio. In the same year (1821), measures were taken to erect a building. Money was scarce and the congregation generally helped by giving materials, time and labor. The brick for this church was made on the east part of the lot on which it stands, by a Mr. Ridgeway, who came from Pennsylvania for that purpose. Services were held as soon as the outside walls floor and roof were in place, the building being warmed by iron kettles filled with charcoal: the windows being open, permitted the escape of gas.
When this church was finished it was the finest and most substantial building in the town. It is yet standing on West Third street, plain, solid and comfortable. The church seems to have prospered under Mr. Johnson's preaching and many members were added from time to time. His pastorate extended over a period of more than thirty years. He retired in 1850, but his pastoral relation was not dissolved until 1852. He was rather a remarkable man, being of fine presence, address, and very
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eloquent. He was a graduate of Washington College in 1814. At the time of his retirement, about sixty-five or seventy families were connected with the church. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1850. He died in 1858.
Rev. William Dalzell was called in 1853 and remained about three years, when he resigned to connect himself with the Old School Presbyterian Church, and the pulpit was vacant until April 24, 1858. when the Rev. David Paul was called.
In 1838, negotiations were commenced for the the purpose of uniting the Associate and Associate Reformed denominations into one organic body. By various steps, and especially by mutual consideration of a variety of propositions and terms of union, the two churches became. gradually more harmonious in their views, until 1856, when a general basis of union was proposed for the consideration of both churches. In May, 1857 this basis of union was adopted by both bodies as the terms on which they were agreed to unite. May 26, 1858, the union thus agreed upon was formally consummated in Pittsburgh. Penn., the united body assuming the name of "The United Presbyterian Church of North America."
After this consummation, the Rev. David Paul and the Rev. David Collins of the Associate Church of Ontario, labored as copartners in these two churches. This relation continued about a year, when the congregation at Mansfield gave a call to Dr. Paul for all his time, and the church at Ontario called Dr. Collins. Mr. Paul filled the pulpit very acceptably until 1864, when he resigned to accept the presidency of the Muskingum College. Rev. Joseph McKee followed Mr. Paul, and was Pastor until 1866.
In June, 1867, the congregation, in connection with that of Monroe, made out a call for the Rev. D. H. French, the former taking two-thirds, the latter one-third of his time. In 1870, the congregation petitioned the Presbytery tbr the whole of their Pastor's time, which was granted. Mr. French labored faithfully, effectively and acceptably for twelve years. When he entered upon the pastoral charge there were sixty-three members on the roll. In the Sabbath school were three classes three teachers and seventeen scholars. The membership is about one hundred and sixty, and the number of pupils in the Sunday-school 133.
The Ruling Elders are James Clark, Samuel Hill, Robert B. Maxwell, Dr. D. R. Johnston, R. G. Wallace and David Sturgeon. Trustees-John Neel, William Johnson, John P. Ferguson, William Rusk and R. N. Stewart. Mr. French resigned November 3, 1879, having accepted a call in Dayton. Ohio. His last sermon was preached December He was much beloved by his people and, in his retirement was followed by their prayers and benedictions.
A Sabbath school has been connected with the church since its organization. and is now in a flourishing condition.
It is to be regretted that the larger part of the history of the Methodist Episcopal Church is involved in obscurity and that those immediately interested in it have failed to keep a record. especially one that would throw light on its early history. The history of no other church in the city would perhaps he so full of interest as this: yet while the history of the others is comparatively complete no official record has been kept or if kept, either lost or neglected; and all that is left for the historian is to collect the few scattered items in old publications, which occasionally crop out in the history of other churches and which still live in the memory of its older members. These extracts are very meager indeed.
Of one thing however, there is no doubt; that is, that the first church erected in the town of Mansfield was a Methodist, and the organization
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was one of the earliest, if not the earliest in the town. Dr. William James, a Methodist missionary, settled in Mansfield soon after the town was laid out, probably between the years 1810 and 1814. It is a question whether he or Rev. Mr. Van Eman. of the Presbyterian Church, was the first to preach in the town, but the fact that the Methodists erected the first church building and that their missionaries. generally, were in advance of the early settlements everywhere. may be taken as evidence that Dr. James was the first preacher of any denomination in the town. John Weldon. a well-remembered pioneer, says that William James was the first preacher that settled in Mansfield ; and the historian of the Presbyterian Church, while conceding this, still claims that Rev. Van Eman preached the first sermon in the town. This however, is not known : there is no proof of it, and it is reasonable to suppose that, as Mr. James came liege for the purpose of preaching and was here before the others, he preached the first sermon.
Mr. Weldon says that Rev. James was followed by Charles Waddle and Rev. Mr. Somerville and that all three were here before 1816. Rev. James built a log house on the corner of Third and Water streets, which would indicate his intention of settling here permanently. He did not live long, being horned by his bull from the effects of which he died. Henry Newman says the first Methodist church was built about. or before,1816. It stood on Water street, between Third and Fourth. At that time, other buildings had been erected around the big spring, and this was one of the most important parts of the new town. This church was frequently used by other denominations during those early years. Mrs. Smith, who in 1823, was living on North Main street. where she now resides. remembers picking her way through the hazel brush to this church. The well known circuit rider, Harry O. Sheldon, was one of the earliest preachers in this church ; it is certain that he preached in it as early as 1818, and that ten years later, he was stationed here. He claims to have formed the first Sabbath school ever held in Mansfield and while he does not say that it was formed in this church, the probabilities are that such was the case as it would be natural for a Methodist preacher to select a Methodist church in which to organize a Sabbath school, if such a church existed at the time. This is about all the early history that could be gathered of this church.
After using this old church many years they sold it in 1837, to the Lutheran and German Reformed organizations, who occupied it until 1852, when it was abandoned.
The Methodists built a new frame church yet standing on the corner of East Market and Water streets. This church must have been erected about the year 1836 or 1837, when the old one was sold. This building they occupied inore than thirty years, commencing the erection of the present fine, substantial brick edifice on the east side of the square in 1867 which however, was not finished until 1870. Dedication services were held on the 3d of July in that year by Bishop Clark and Rev. Dr. Pershing. The cost of the building was $35.000. On the day of the dedication. $8,000 of this remained unpaid, but the amount was raised the same day, and the new church started on its career of usefulness free from debt. Rev. J. A. Mudge. since deceased was a hard worker in the building of this church.
A large and flourishing Sunday school has always been connected with the church.
The history of the First Baptist Church of Mansfield dates back to 1818. In November of that year. Elder French, a missionary, visited Mansfield and held meetings ill private houses. Some of these meetings were held in the house of Mordecai Bartley. two miles northwest of Mansfield. Mr. Bartley was received for Baptism by Revs. Frcnch and Matthew Cunen and his mother who had been members
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of the Baptist Church before they came to this country. Afterward, they received William Van Horn and wife. Charles Stewart and Elizabeth Bartley. These formed a conference for divine worship, and constituted the first organization of the Baptists in this part of the country. The first minutes of their meetings appear April 17, 1819. Mr. Bartley was Moderator and Mr. Cunen, Clerk, and. on the 15th of May following, they agreed to be constituted into a church, to be called the Mansfield Church. The number of names at that time enrolled in the organization was fifty-three, among the most prominent of which were Mordecai Bartley, D. I. Swinney, Nehemiah Story, Matthew Cunen, Eliphalet Flint, John Palmer, John C. Gilkison, John Rigdon, Robert Bentley, Baldwin Bentley, Charles Spooner, Richard Woodhouse, Peter Ogden, James M. Gilkison and their wives. This membership was scattered through all the townships adjoining Madison, and meetings were held in different places in the county to accommodate. the membership. This organization continued many years, but as the county grew and increased in population, organizations began to be formed and churches built in the different townships, and this organization was thus divided, the members withdrawing and joining the organizations in their respective townships.
It was not until 1838 that an organization was formed in Mansfield, called the First Regular Baptist Church of Mansfield, but which was constituted the Second Regular Baptist Church of Mansfield. Elder Isaac Bloomer was first Pastor of this church. He came as a missionary from the Home Missionary Society in the fall of 1838, and held services in schoolhouses and in the court house during the winter. The council, which was called to recognize this organization as a church, met March 16, 1839, and consisted of Elders Jones, Going, Sage, Cosner, Converse and Cox. Nineteen persons united with the church, either by letter or otherwise. Rev. Bloomer served until 1846, and was followed in their order by the following ministers
Benjamin Thomas, Luther L. Hill, S. B. Webster, Lewis L. Still, J. M. Winn, George Wilson, R. Newton, David E. Thomas and John Fulton. The latter occupied the pulpit in 1859 and in December of that year, the church was divided, thirty-nine members withdrawing and forming the Central Baptist Church of Mansfield.
This church was organized Jan. 7,1860, at the residence of George Armentrout, by George Armentrout, Mary Armentrout, B. Dunn, Fanny Dunn, Isaac Hedrick and wife, W. S. Hickox and wife and others. The fine, substantial brick church, now standing on the northwest corner of West Market and Walnut streets was erected in 1862, at a cost of about $25,000. It was dedicated January 17, 1863. J. W. Osborn was first Pastor, and continued preaching for the congregation eight years. He was followed by S. A. Collins, J. Barstow, E. D. Hunt, John E. Chessore, T. J. Seigfried and J. W. Davis. The present membership is 125. The organization of the Sunday- school was coeval with that of the church, and now numbers about 100 pupils. H. Colby was first Superintendent.
The Synod of Maryland and Virginia sent the Rev. F. J. Ruth, the founder of the English Lutheran Church of Mansfield. to this city, where he preached the first sermon in the Presbyterian Church; October 1, 1831. He found but six persons in the town at that time who were Lutherans; but, in the summer of 1832, he organized the church with fifteen members. Some of these were Jacob Hammer and wife, George Coher, George Peterman and wife, Mr. Flory, wife and daughter, Samuel Startzman and wife; Mr. Shroeder and wife, and a few others whose names are not now known. Their first meetings were generally held in the old court house. Having seen the church fairly
474 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
on the road to prosperity and permanence, Mr. Ruth left it in 1835, and was followed, in 1836. by George Leiter. He preached for both the English and German Lutherans, at that time united in one congregation. under the title of the English and German Lutheran Congrega tion of Mansfield. For some time. the congregation worshiped in a schoolhouse situated on the southwest corner of the lot upon which the market-house is built. In 1837, they united with the German Reformed congregation in purchasing the old Methodist Church on Water street-the first church erected in the town. This they jointly occupied until the fall of 1852, when by mutual consent, the property was sold the building having become unfit for use. In 1849, the English and German Lutherans separated and the society was incorporated under its present title. The Pastors were George Leiter, six years; H. K. Henick, one year; George Leiter recalled two years ; J. H. Huffman four years. In 1849, the Rev. S. Fenner was installed. and remained seventeen years. During Mr. Fenner's pastorate (1851). the lot was purchased. on which a substantial brick church was erected, which was dedicated October 16, 1853. Rev. M. J. Firey followed Mr. Fenner and during his pastorate of six years, the church was enlarged to its present dimensions. The present Pastor Rev. D. W. Smith, followed Mr. Firey, and has filled the pulpit very acceptably nearly eight years. During the year 1879 a society was organized within the church, "for church work." It is divided into the following committees (1) on visitation, (2) on sick, (3) on poor, (4) on missions, (5) on Sabbath school, (6) aid society. It promises to he very efficient.
The present membership of the church is 350; the Deacons are A. .J. Bortz, Elias Troutman, M. D. Harter and Samuel U. Eyerly, Elders are B. Bair, Daniel Gerberich, Abraham Small and S. S. Balliet. Trustees-David Bell, Lewis Bowers and Leonard Sheets.
A Sabbath school was organized in 1849. The Superintendent is James Livingston, and present membership, 355. The contributions of this school, for the last year, for missionary purposes were $177.82.
The Church of Christ in Mansfield, was organized about the year 1834. James McVay was doing the work of an evangelist in the West at that time, and was influential in the organization. He arrived in Mansfield in 1833. At tlw organization. James and John Gilkison, and. soon after, Benjamin Gass and William B. Hammett, were chosen Bishops. Their first meetings were held in the old court house, and in the ballroom of the old Wiler House. This church was founded by Alexander Campbell, and has been known as the Campbellite and Disciple Church. In 1836, they occupied the building belonging to the Disciples at the foot of Walnut street, on the present site of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad freight depot. In addition to the Bishops, above named John Read. John Rigdon and James Porter took part in the dedicatory exercises, and John Bead preached part of the time for the three years immediately following the ministry of James McVay.
In 1837, William Gass was chosen Bishop, and preached irregularly for a number of years. In 1850, he was induced to move to Mansfield, preach three-fourths of the time and take pastoral charge of the church. This relation continued one year. In addition to the above named ministers, the following gentlemen preached at various times for a number of years: William Dowling, James Porter, John Rigdon, William B. Hammett, John Moody, C. E. Vanvoorhis, Daniel Swinney, J. H. Jones, Isaiah Jones, George Lacy, Jonas Hartzel, William Moody and Henry Dixon.
In 1840, a church was erected on the corner of Mulberry and Bloom streets and was occupied until 1870, when the present comfortable brick building, on East Third street, was
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 475
purchased at a cost of $2,100. This church had been built by the Regular Baptists, and occupied by them about twenty years.
From 1860 to 1862, W. H. Maitin was Pastor. He was followed by N. A. Walker, 1865 Robert D. Gardner, 1866, and John Darnell. In April, 1867, Rev. A. Moore commenced preaching in the church, and continued irregularly until February, 1879, when he resigned. In 1867, the membership was 107. Protracted meetings were held at various times-one in 1866, by J. W. Lowe; one in 1869, by N. A. Walker; one in 1870. by A. B. Green and J. H. Jones. and others later, by which many members were added to the church. Hiram Woods was called by the church in 1870, and continued preaching two years. He was followed be A. C. Read and Henry Cogswell. The present membership of the church is 125, and the present Pastor. Rev. G. W. Kemp. A Sunday- school was organized in 1854, by John Neal, who was an active and efficient Superintendent for several years. It is still continued under the Superintendency of M. W. Mason with a membership of sixty-five.
St. John's Church, located on the southeast corner of First and Mulberry streets, was erected in 1865, and cost about $16,000. This organization was effected January 1, 1845. Rev. Mr. Hundsch being the first minister. April 3 of the same year the corner-stone of the old frame church was laid. This church cost about $2,000, and occupied the same ground upon which the present substantial brick building was erected. The old building is still doing duty at the soap-works on Fourth street. At the first organization. George Bauer and Theobold Allvater were Elders, and Simon Kauffer and Phillip Piester, Trustees. Some of the original members were Frederick Volkert, Heinrich Ebler, Peter Sauch, Christian Brimkman, Leonard Balliet, Jacob Heldman and Peter Remy. The following were the ministers in the order named: Rev. Messrs. Weiscotten, Herr, Theodore Tressel, Albert Schory, Durr. Ferdinand Lenschan, A. Klein, and the present Pastor, J. B. Judd.
Lenschan occupied the pulpit more than ten years. It was during his pastorate that the present building was erected.
The congregation now numbers 103 families, and is a member of the Evangelical Synod of North America. The Sunday school was organized about the time the old church was erected, and has been in an active and healthy condition since ; it now numbers 125 children. The Superintendents have been L. Wolfart, P. Rissler, William Durr and A. Kallmerton. The library numbers about one hundred and twenty volumes.
The meetings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church are at present held in Philharmonic Hall northwest corner public square. The church was organized October 10, 1878. by H. P. McClurken. D. D., and Elders J. Robinson and R. Johnston, a commission sent for this purpose by the Ohio Presbytery. The names of the original members are William P. and Elizabeth Clarke, James Raitt, William Gregg, John Anderson. Sr., Elizabeth Anderson, Johnston McKee. Mrs. Mary McKee, John Anderson, Jr., W. J. Anderson, Robert B. Adams, William H. Garrett., James Reynolds, Mrs. Snodgrass, Miss Walker, Mrs. McKibbon, Mrs. E. O'Neil, Mrs. Mary Thomas. Renwick Thomas and Miss E. Bowden. The first meetings of this organization were held in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms. Sturgis Hall building corner of Main and Third streets. It is the expectation that a church building will be erected during the coming year (1881).
Rev. S. A. George is Pastor (ordained November 20, 1878), and the present membership is fifty-one.
A Sabbath school was organized January 1, 1878, which has prospered, and now numbers forty members. W. P. Clarke is Superintendent.
476 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
The St. Paul German Evangelical Lutheran Church is on West Third street. The German Reformed and German Lutherans were united in the first organization of this church, which occurred on the 5th of March, 1852. The principal members of this society were Christian Bruckman, Henry Balliet, John Krause. Sr., Phillip Beck and a few others. The minister was Rev. Mr. Hess. The present comfortable brick church was erected in 1860, at a cost of about $2,000, and the present organization effected in 1863. The principal members of this original organization were John Krause. Sr, Coonrod Berg, Adam Risch, Henry Schrnunk, Phillip Beck, Balthaser Ahlheim, John Mathias, Peter Ackerman, Adam Beck and John Steiner. The first minister was Herman A. Schmidt, who was also the founder of the church. He was followed by Conrad Kuehn, Gottfried H. Trebel, Ludwig Krebs, the present Pastor. The membership includes 108 families.
The organization of the Sunday school was coeval with that of the church. Phillip Beck was first Superintendent, Peter Ackerman is now Superintendent, with a membership of about one hundred.
St Peter's Catholic Church is located on the corner of First and Mulberry streets. It was organized in 1855, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe, of Cleveland, Ohio. The first Pastor was Rev. P. Krensh. Some of the first members were Jacob Sholl, Barnard Yeager and Matthew Shambs. The first church, a wooden structure, was purchased from the Presbyterians in 1853, and used until 1872 when it was taken away and the present beautiful brick building erected. The first Pastor was Rev. J. Maloney, followed by F. Gallagher, F. Kahn and others, each of of whom remained two or three years. The present Pastor, Rev. A. Magenhann, took charge September 7, 1869. Two hundred families are included in the congregation. The Pastor is supported by a pew rent and voluntary contribution. The church has been honored during the present pastorate many noted Catholic visitors, among whom were the Archbishops of Milwaukee, Santa Fe, New Mexico and Denver City, Colorado.
Connected with this church are three schools, with a regular attendance of 200 children.
Grace Episcopal Church, situated on West Third street, was organized by Rev. J. W. Cracraft in 1846. Benjamin Johns was the principal founder and was mainly instrumental in organizing the parish and erecting the church. The principal original members were Benjamin Johns, Philip Bartley, Uzziel Stevens, H. B. Horton, John Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. Barrett, Mr. Beach and Mrs. Sherman. Two years after the organization, the present neat, comfortable brick church was erected. J. W. Cracraft served from 1846 to 1850 ; Rev. Austin, 1851: H. Blackaller, 1851 to 1856; P. H. Jeffries, 1856; R. L. Gauler, 1859: T. G. Wells. 1862; James Trimble, 1864 to 1869, In 1870, the present able Pastor. S. A. Bronson. D. D., was installed The Sunday school was organized soon after the church was erected. and now numbers about fifty pupils: C. S. Doolittell is Superintendent.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is located on East Diamond street. It is not at present owned by the congregation, which is small numbering only shout twenty members. It was organized at that place in 1875, the principal members being George Conley, Philip Harris, Judge Sheffield, William Steward and Mrs. Rachel Steward and Mrs. Isaac Pleasants. The ministers have been Rev. Armhouse, Neely Jackson, William Mackedew, N. L. Bray and J. W. Jackson. The Sunday- school connected with this church was organized by Mr. L. J. Bonar, in 1865, in the basement of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bonar was Superintendent for several years. After him Mr. Isaac Pleasants has occupied that position acceptably. The membership is about thirty-one.
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The Church of God, located in Johns' Addition corner of Orchard street and Maude avenue was organized in 1870. I by Rev. J. W. Senseuney or Senesenny, of Upper Sandusky. Some of the first members were -John F. Miles, J. W. Myers and John Foreman. The church (a frame) was erected in 1871, at a cost of $6,600 ; before this the meetings were hell in the schoolhouse. Some of the Pastors are O. H. Betts, G. W. Wilson, M. Coates and J. S. McKee. The present Pastor
is Solomon Cline. The membership is fifteen. The Sunday school was organized it, the fall of 1869, by L. J. Bonar, Superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday School. It first met at the dwelling of Mr, A. W. Lobach. and afterward in the schoolhouse until the church was erected. Mr. James Hamsher became Superintendent on the retirement of Mr. Bonar in November, 1870.
A society calling themselves Believers in Christ worship in a small church located on East Market street erected about 1863, at cost of $1,500. It was first organized in 1850, and the early meetings were mostly held at the private dwellings of Mr. Frederick Lautz and Mr. Minn. These with Mrs. Case, Mrs. Brehm and a few others, farmed the first society. Their first minister was Joseph Bella. The present membership is about sixty: and the present minister. S. Sorg. A Sunday school was organized in l868, and is still in a healthy, condition with a membership of about twenty-five.