366 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY

CHAPTER X.*

CITY OF AKRON—ITS EARLY CHRISTIANITY—FORMATION OF CHURCHES—BUILDING OF CHURCH EDIFICES—RELIGION AT THE PRESENT DAY—SUNDAY SCHOOLS. ETC.

"Magna est veritas, et prevalebit."

THE church history of Akron dates back almost to the dawn of its existence as a town or settlement. The great truths of religion make their appeals to man. whatever may be his circumstances or surroundings. If there has ever been a church-going habit ; if the Sabbath has ever found recognition from him ; and truth and love to God predominated in his heart ; then. when deprived of the opportunities of going to church. this religions nature will make its appeals with the recurrence of the seventh day, demanding that he should rest. or by some means recognize the day set apart for rest, by special command. This demand, or religious influence. is early felt in pioneer life ; and. because the opportunities for church-going are few. they are, therefore. the more highly prized. In a very early period in the history of the town, religious societies were formed. and churches established. as will he gathered from a perusal of the sketches following of the different religious denominations having organized churches within the city limits. These sketches have been written, either by the Pastor or some leading member of their congregations. and are as full and complete as our limited space will allow, and are given without comment.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Akron comes first in the order of formation, and dates its organization back to 1830. The following historical sketch of it was furnished for this work by Mr. Jacob Snyder, and will be found of interest to its members : With the characteristic zeal of the Methodist Episcopal societies of the world, that of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Akron, Ohio, secured a location in this city when it was but a young village. The society was organized in about 1830, and by the Rev. John Janes, of the North Ohio Conference, of' the territory of which the then village of Akron formed a part. In about the same year of the organization of the so-

* Edited by W. H. Perrin.

ciety. the erection of a church edifice was commenced. which was an unpretentious wooden structure of 40x60 feet. located directly in front of the present one. and fronting toward the West. It was destroyed by fire in March, 1841, and upon its foundation another of like design was immediately built. In 1836. this city was taken within the bounds and placed under the control of the Erie Conference. when Revs. Thomas Carr and John L. Holmes were appointed to serve the society. In 1837, the appointees were Daniel M. Stearnes and Thomas Graham ; in 1838. Horatio N. Stearnes ; in 1839. John Robinson and Caleb Brown : in 1840. John Robinson continued. and Benjamin K. Maltby ; in 1841, Ira Eddy and John Wood ; in 1842. Timothy Goodwin. M. D. ; in 1843. William H. Hunter : and in 1844-43. Edwin .J. Kinney.

The busy throng in practical life is apt to be absorbed only by what the present forces upon it : yet there is now and then one. who. somewhat more farsighted, overleaps the general boundary, and invites to remembrance the men and the deeds of the past. Such was Rev. Samuel Gregg, who was appointed to this station in 1846, and who was the author of " The History of Methodism in the Erie Conference," in two volumes, which we have taken the liberty to use in preparing these historical sketches. In 1847. James R. Locke was the appointee to the station ; in 1848, Martin C. Briggs ; in 1849, Reuben J. Edwards ; in 1850-51. Ezra Jones ; in 1852-53, John Tribby; in 1854. Gay-lord B. Hawkins ; in 1855-56, William F. Day ; in 1857-58, George W. Clark ; in 1859, Thomas Stubbs, and in 1860-61, John D. Norton.

With this last-mentioned pastorate, the time had arrived when. to meet the increased wants of the society, the old church must undergo extension and reparation. The Pastor seeing this necessity, urged upon the trustees its possible accomplishment, which resulted in reversing its front, enlarging the building, and in otherwise improving its several apartments, at

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a cost in all of about $3,500. In 1862-63, John Peate was appointed to the charge ; in 1863, E. A. Johnson, and in 1865-67, D. C. Osborne. It was during the latter's pastorate in 1866 that the centennial of Methodism was celebrated by the society in the old church, at which time there was subscribed and paid about $30,000, as a nucleus from which the present edifice sprang. During this year and the early part of the following one, the Centenary picture, now decorating the main Sunday-school room was made, whose design embodies the ideal of the then prospective departments, and exhibits the members of the entire Sunday school. as well as many of the likenesses made by G. W. Manly, Esq.

In the spring of 1867, ground was broken for the present edifice, and by late autumn, the foundation walls were elevated to about one-half their designed height. The work was then delayed in the winter, and again resumed in the spring of 1868. and thence prosecuted to the entire inclosing of the building by the return of the next autumn. Another winter's cessation from the work was followed by its resumption in the spring of 1869, and the completion of the Sunday-school and the lecture-room apartments in April. 1870, when the transition from the old church to the present one was made by the society and Sunday school. On the 15th of this month, the finished apartments of the first story, main building, and the second story of the Sunday-school rooms were formally dedicated by Dr. C. H. Fowler, of Chicago, and Dr. J. H. Vincent, of New York. At this time, W. F. Day, D. D., had charge of the appointment, he having after an interval of about twelve years been reappointed thereto in 1868, and he continued in the position until August, 1871. During the last ten years previous to the occupancy of the new edifice, the ratio of increase of membership, both of church and Sunday school was greater than of any previous decade of the society's history.

In June, 1871; the work upon the audience-room of the present church was resumed which had been permitted to rest during the interval of completing the other departments of the church ; and in the January following, it was completed and dedicated, Bishop Wiley and Dr. B. L Ives conducting the dedicatory exercises. Both the main audience-room and the Sunday-school apartments are considered models of excellence, and, to an extent, even beyond a State-wide reputation.

In 1871, W. W. Ramsay, of the Cincinnati Conference, was transferred to the Erie, and appointed to this charge, his term of service ending in 1874, when Henry Baker became his successor, and continued until 1877. In the latter year, I. A. Pierce became the appointee, and in 1878 W. W. Case, the present incumbent was transferred from the Cincinnati Conference to the East Ohio, and appointed to the charge. The present membership of the church is about eight hundred, and that of the Sunday-school about seven hundred and fifty.

When the pews of the spacious audience-room are well filled, their united capacity is about one thousand sittings. When all of the vacant places of the room are supplied with extra means of seating, this capacity may be increased to 1.500, and the possible capacity by the availment of all of the standing room, which probably has been the case in a few instances, is 2,000. Both in the church and Sunday school there seems to be a continually growing interest upon the part of all connected therewith." And it seems as if the Sunday-school appointments especially were likely at some not far distant day to become too straitened to accommodate the growing attendance. For here may be seen

“Fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, friends,'

And very little boys and girls—around,

Across, within the spacious sacred rooms,

They walk, they sit, they stand,' what

Crowds press in ! "

The church and Sunday school are both greatly indebted to Mr. Lewis Miller for the great proportions they have assumed since the enterprise of the present church edifice was commenced, he having both by an unusual expenditure of time and money contributed to the advancement of their interests.

The First Presbyterian Church of Middlebury (now the Sixth Ward of Akron) is one of the early church organizations of this section. The following sketch of it was written by Mrs. Henry Robinson especially for this work : At a meeting held in the schoolhouse in the village of Middlebury, then Portage, now Summit County, Thursday, December 15, 1831, the First

368 -HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

Presbyterian Church of Middlebury was organized by Rev. Benson C. Baldwin, assisted by Rev. John D. Hughes, of Springfield. The following-named persons were then admitted to membership : Jesse Neal and Nancy, his wife ; Dr. Titus Chapman, Richard Chapman, Mrs. Eliza Chapman, Mrs. Sylvia Chapman, Woolsey Welles, Mrs. Mary B. Welles, James Neal, William F. Astroon, Harvey B. Spellman, Edgar Chapman (only member now living), Miss Sallie Allen, Miss Amanda Gillet. Miss Mary A. Gillet, Miss Naomi Hickox, Miss Louisa Neal, Miss Sophronia Neal, Miss Sophia Neal, Miss Mary Erwin, Miss R. 31. Jennison. Mrs. Jane Bell, Mrs. Mary Ann Cotter. Mrs. Clarissa Hickox, Mrs. Allen and Miss Emeline King. The officers of the church were Woolsey Welles and Richard Chapman. Ruling Elders ; Jesse Neal, Deacon. Rev. Benson C. Baldwin remained a much-loved Pastor of this little church until September 30. 1838. when he removed to Medina. He was succeeded by Rev. Almon Saunders, of Unionville. who commenced his labors October 7, 1838. and continued with the church for one year. In July. 1840. the Rev. H. A. Sackett took charge, remaining until the next January. During his labors large numbers were added to the church. In the fall of 1841. Rev. James Shaw was settled as Pastor. The church was greatly blessed during his pastorate, 109 members being added. In the fall of 1845, on account of failing health, he requested that his pastoral relations with the church be dissolved. This good man passed to his eternal rest in 1874 or 1875.

Soon after Mr. Shaw ceased his relations with the church, a part of the members seceded. The subject of slavery had for some time been agitated, and a part of the church, on this account, not being willing to retain their connection with Presbytery, withdrew and formed a Congregational Church. From this time until the fall of 1846, the pulpit was supplied by the aged minister, Rev. William Hanford. In September of that year, the Rev. Horace Foot was engaged for one year, and in January, 1848, Rev. Elroy Curtis was called, and labored as Pastor until the spring of 1854, faithfully and efficiently. In 1860, the slavery question, which had divided the churches, being settled, they were united, and formed an independent church, under the charge of Rev. William Dempsey, who remained until 1863. He died in 1864 at Medina. The church then hired Rev. Mr. Hicks, who remained for three years, and was succeeded by Rev. John G. Hall. He remained three years, and in May, 1871, Rev. Henry I Avery came, remaining until May. 1874; Rev. Carlos Smith then officiated for three months.

This brings us to the period in the history of ' the church, when it again connected itself with the Presbytery. This was accomplished through the earnest efforts of Mr. Ambrose L. Cotter, who has been connected with it for forty-six years having become a member in 1835. He has always been an earnest and zealous worker in the cause of Christ. and, though now past his fourscore years. his enthusiasm kindles at the very mention of the church. The next minister in charge was Rev. C. E. Barnes. who came in October. 1874. and was employed as stated supply until 1877. On the 1st of April. 1878. Rev. J. H. Jones was formally installed as Pastor. and still continues his labors as such. During all these years. this little church has had but three regularly installed Pastors. viz.: Rev. James Shaw. Rev. E. Curtis and Rev. J. H. Jones, the others having officiated merely as stated supply.

There are very few of the earlier members now known to be living. Mrs. D. A. Hine. who resides here. and who united with the church at the same time as (lid Mr. Cotter. is still an earnest and devoted Christian worker. The society is now recognized as the "First Presbyterian Church of Akron." Its present membership is sixty-one ; the officers are Rev. J. H. Jones. Pastor ; A. L. Cotter, J. K. Robinson and Henry Hart, Ruling Elders ; James B. Manton. William Robinson, Dr. F. C. Reed, Harvey Baldwin and J. K. Robinson. Trustees. The church edifice was erected in 1833, but has since been remodeled and repaired.

The Sabbath school has been in existence ever since the organization of the church, and at present numbers over one hundred, with an average attendance of sixty-five. The officers are Dr. C. C. Davidson, Superintendent ; Mrs. Henry Robinson, Assistant Superintendent ; Byron Robinson, Secretary ; Miss Kate Palmer, Treasurer ; Miss Frances . Robinson, Organist ; and Miss Belle Berger, Chorister.

In connection with the church is a Ladies' Foreign Mission Society, formed May 17, 1880, by Miss Loring ; and at the same time the children formed a home Mission Band, to be

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known as the " Austin Mission Band." They have undertaken the support of a pupil in Miss Austin's School, at Sitka. Alaska. Members, thirty-nine ; amount of money raised in less than a year over $45 ; officers, Mrs. Henry Robinson, Superintendent ; Miss Kate Palmer, Assistant Superintendent ; Miss Lizzie Griffin, President ; Henry B. Manton, Vice President ; Miss Nellie Farwell, Secretary ; and Park T. Robinson, Treasurer.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church,* Akron. Ohio. is another of the early church organizations. The records of the church were burned and consequently much that would be deemed necessary for its history is lost. What we give here has been collated from journals, Episcopal addresses, etc. Rev. A. Sanford reports in 1832: " Solemnized one marriage at Akron." Bishop Mcllvaine in 1834, says : " From Stow to Middlebury, October 11 ; two or three Episcopal families in the neighborhood ; heard of none in the village ; preached at night in the school-house to a very considerable and attentive audience ; next clay went to Akron, to take the canal-boat for Massillon. This growing place is destined to become a manufacturing town of great importance. There was no place of worship in it when I was there, and seldom any preaching of the Gospel. It should be a missionary station as soon as possible. I should have preached there, had not the constant expectation of the boat prevented." The Rev. W. K. Newman took charge of St. John's, in Stow, and of two new parishes at Akron and Franklin.

From the Bishop's address. 1836: "July 8, visited St. Paul's. Akron ; preached and met the Vestry; the Rev. Mr. Barrow has been invited to assume the care of this point and Franklin." This minister reports, in the same year, five communicants. Mr. John Hanford was the first lay delegate from this parish to the diocesan convention. Rev. Mr. Barrow remained one year. In 1837, nine communicants are reported. In 1838, the Bishop reports preaching in the Baptist Church, and confirming five persons. This year the Rev. T. J. Davis, of Connecticut, assumed charge of the church. In 1839, Mr. Davis reports fifteen communicants, and that a Sunday-school has been organized, which numbers twenty-five children ; also the organization of a society called the Christian Knowledge Society. A room was fitted up in a stone building

• By Rev. R. L. Ganter.

on the ground now occupied by Mr. Henry’s store, to be used as a place of worship.

Referring to a visitation made in 1839, Bishop McIlvaine says: “In a large upper room in a

warehouse fitted up for a church, I preached, catechized the young, addressed the parents, and confirmed three. This parish has much prospered since that date." November 6, 1840, the Bishop visited St. Paul's and confirmed six persons. It was this year, on a Sunday morning, at the hour of worship, that a severe storm threw a large chimney and heavy ornamental stones in upon the assembled congregation, and although the people were hurled down through a broken floor, but one man was killed and a few others injured.

About this time the congregation undertook the building of what is known under the name of the old " Cobb House," northwest of the city, near the bend of the canal. It was to serve for the combined purposes of parsonage, seminary and parish school. From a letter of a Warden, dated November, 1840, we give the following extract : " This parish has received donations, solicited by Rev. Mr. Davis, about $900 from the friends of the church in Philadelphia, and this diocese to assist in the erection of a temporary house of worship and parsonage and support of the Rector. It would probably be a satisfaction to the donors to know that their benevolent wishes have been fulfilled in the erection of the building contemplated, and the establishment of the church upon a permanent basis." This year occurred the first attempt to chant, under the direction of Mrs. Cowan. It was a nine days' wonder. In November, 1840, Rev. Mr. Davis resigned. The resolutions passed by the Vestry were exceedingly complimentary to Mrs. Davis, and were signed by John Hanford and E. W. Chittenden, Wardens ; Alvah Hand, Abram Smith and J. G. Darby, Vestrymen.

In 1841, Rev. Lyman Freeman was called. During his administration, the building in which the congregation is now worshiping was undertaken. For this purpose $1,770 was collected from persons other than citizens of Akron. Mr. Lyman Cobb had the contract for building, and in part payment on contract, the title of the Cobb House was transferred to him. On the 2d of June, 1844, the church was consecrated. The parish then numbered sixty communicants, and the building was described

370 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

as being 40x60 feet. Four months after the consecration of the church, the Rev. Mr. Freeman resigned. Rev. Mr. Cox took charge December 8, 1844. Rev. Mr. Mcllhinney, November, 1847. Rev. J. K. Stuart in 1848. Rev. E. H. Cumming, December 20. 1850. He was followed by Rev. R. S. Nash, and he in turn was succeeded in November, 1854, by Rev. D. C. May bin. The Rev. Edward Meyer preached his first sermon December 16. 1855. He reports that during the summer of 1856, through the exertions of the ladies' society, a set of neat green blinds were procured for the south side windows, adding greatly to the comfort of the worshipers, and furnishing a pleasant and subdued light ; the cost was $40." Mr. Meyer's resignation was accepted July. 1859. The Rev. Henry Adams took charge in 1860 ; the Rev. Samuel Maxwell in 1.863 : the Rev. W. T. Fitch in 1866: the Rev. Henry Gregory in 1869. and the Rev. R. L. Ganter. the present Rector. in 1870.

In 1870. the church edifice was enlarged and a new organ procured. The same year. also, a commodious parsonage was erected on North Summit street. In 1872-73. $4.000 were expended for new Sunday-school rooms.

The following are the present officers of the church : R. L. Ganter. Rector ; Senior Warden, D. L. King : Junior Warden. Philo Bennett ; Vestrymen, Frank Adams, J. A. Beebe. 0. C. Barber, C. A. Collins. A. L. Conger, G. W. Crouse, U. L. Marvin, W. B. Raymond ; Superintendent of Sunday school, H. J. Church ; Assistant Superintendent, U. L. Marvin ; Secretary. A. N. Sanford ; Assistant Secretary, Percy W. Leavitt; Treasurer, W. B. Raymond; Librarians, W. F. Snook and W. A. Noble.

Ladies' Aid Society : President, Mrs. Frank Adams ; Vice President. Mrs. Lorenzo Hall ; Treasurer, Mrs. A. Commins ; Assistant Treasurer, Miss Ruth Hubdell ; Directors, Mesdames H. H. Brown, E. W. Shook, A. Brewster, L. Camp, James McNeil, 0. C. Barber, C. B. Cobb and E. Buckingham.

St. Paul's Church numbers 170 families, 230 communicants. Sunday-school teachers and officers, 31 ; scholars, 283 ; total, 314.

The Baptist Church of Akron* was organized at Middlebury (now Sixth Ward of Akron) April 18, 1834, under the name of the Akron and Middlebury Baptist Church. The names

*Written by Rev. N. S. Burton.

of Elder Caleb Green and Elder Amasa Clark appear as Moderator and Scribe of the Council. The church at its organization was composed of three male members—Horace Barton, Daniel B. Stewart. Henry H. Smoke ; and six females—' Miss C. Barton, Mrs. Thirza J. Smoke, Mrs. E. Burton, Mrs. Sally Smith, Miss Amanda Smith and Miss Elizabeth Stewart. The first house of worship (now owned by the German Reformed Church), on Broadway, just south of the Court House, was dedicated in September, 1837.

The church had the services of several ministers for brief periods for about two years after its organization, services being held in schoolhouses in Akron and Middlebury. In the year 1836, Rev. E. Crane became the settled~Pastor. and services were held in a hall in Middlebury, and in a schoolhouse in Akron while the first house of worship was in process of erection. Mr. Crane is still living. and resides at Mount Pleasant. Iowa. Rev. H. Carr succeeded Mr. Crane. and was the Pastor at the dedication of the house of worship in 1837.

While the church worshiped in this house. it had as Pastors Rev. H. Carr, Rev. S. Van Voris. Rev. C. S. Clark. Rev. J. Hall (afterward President of Denison University). Rev. ' D. Bernard. Rev. L. Roosted, Rev. J. M. Gregory (now President of Illinois State University) Rev. J. C. Courtney (who died after a brief pastorate). and Rev. A. Joy, during whose pastorate the house on Broadway was sold, and the present house on North High street purchased and remodeled. It was dedicated June 17, 1853. Mr. Joy was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Hammond in 1855, whose pastorate continued one year. Rev: Samuel Williams became Pastor in 1856, and remained five years. Rev. N. S. Burton succeeded him after an interval in 1862. Rev. F. Adkins was Pastor from 1866 to 1868. His successor was Rev. C. T. Chaffee, from 1869 to 1872. He was succeeded by Rev. J. P. Agenbroad for one year. Charles A. Hayden was ordained, and became Pastor Nov. 25, 1873. He resided in May, 1876. The present Pastor, Rev. N. S. Burton, entered upon his second pastorate in July, 1877. The present membership is about 145. R. A. Grimnow and W. T. Allen are Deacons, and J. W. Burton, Clerk and Treasurer.

A Sunday school was organized when the

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church entered its first house of worship, and has been maintained since. Its present Superintendent is Dr. Denitt G. Wilcox. The average attendance about 110.

Three of the Pastors, J. W. Hammond, F. Adkins and C. A. Hayden, received ordination here. More than most churches. this church has suffered loss by the removal of valuable members to larger cities, where they have become efficient workers in church work. Though small in numbers in comparison with neighboring churches, it has always had its full proportion of men and families of high standing in business and social circles.

St. Vincent De Paul's Congregation (Roman Catholic) of Akron. Summit County. Ohio, comes next in order of church organizations. The following sketch of it was written at our request by Rev. T. F. Mahar, the present Pastor : Previous to the organization of this congregation. and as early as 1835, visits were paid to the few Catholics of Akron. by Father Henni, the present Archbishop of Milwaukee. who came on horseback from Cincinnati. and said mass in a log cabin owned by James McAllister. Right Rev. J. B. Purcell. now Archbishop of Cincinnati. followed soon after and said mass here : and the Rev. Louis De Goesbriand. Pastor of Louisville. Stark County. visited shortly after him. Rev. Father McLaughlin. of Cleveland. was also here. and Rev. Basil Short baptized the children and attended the Catholics from 1337 to 1842.

Hitherto mass was said in private houses or rented halls. The frame church on Green street was commenced by Rev. 31. Howard, in 1843. and he remained in charge of Akron Congregation to 1844. Father Cornelius Daly succeeded in February, 1845, and was the first resident Pastor. He remained in charge till 1848. and enlarged and finished the church commenced by Father Howard. During the charge of Father Daly, the Archbishop of Cincinnati ordained Rev. J. V. Conlan, in the old frame church now used for school purposes. The Rev. Cassina Moavet, was here from October, 1848, to June, 1850, then came Rev. Father Goodwin. He was succeeded by Rev. Francis McGann, who owned the present site of the new church and the present cemetery. Father McGann was here from December, 1850, to August, 1855. Rev. L. Molon came in January, 1856, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Walsh. Then followed the Rev. W. O'Connor, now a Redemptorist. Rev. M. A. Scanlon, was appointed to this charge in July, 1859, and remained here to November, 1873. During his pastorate the Catholic Germans, who till then formed part of St. Vincent's congregation, separated (in 1861) and organized themselves by permission of Bishop Rappe, as St. Bernard's congregation. Rev. Father Scanlon was succeeded November 23 1873, by Rev. Timothy Mahoney. Father Mahoney, after having freed the congregation from the greater part of a burdensome debt, was transferred August 1, 1880, to the larger and more important charge of St. Patrick's Church, Cleveland, and was succeeded by Rev. T. F. Mahar, D. D., the present Pastor. Among the prominent laymen and pioneer members of the congregation may be mentioned James McAllister, John Cook, John Dunne—father of Judge Dunne—Thomas Jones, J. McSweeny, Martin Quigley and Thomas Garaghty.

The present and second church edifice built by St. Vincent De Paul's congregation was commenced on St. Patrick's Day, 1864, by Rev. M. A. Scanlon. It is a massive stone structure, fifty feet wide and one hundred feet long, and of Roman style of architecture. The interior is quite attractive, the ceiling, especially, being very beautifully stuccoed. There are no pillars, and hence an unobstructed view is had of the whole interior. The twelve elegant, stained-glass windows are gifts from the different church societies and from several members of the congregation. The altar is only temporary, and will be replaced by another as soon as the debt is somewhat diminished. The .cost of the church is estimated at about $50,000. The parish school was organized during the pastorate of Rev. Francis McGann, about the year 1853. There are at present two divisions with an average attendance of one hundred and fifty children.

The Universalist Church* is among the early religious societies organized in Akron. Some time in the summer of 1837, Rev. Freeman Loring visited Akron for the purpose of establishing a Universalist Church. His meetings were held in the building now known as Merrill's pottery, and, subsequently, in a hall on the site now occupied by the store of Wolf, Church & Beck. Among those who became

* By Rev. Richard Eddy.

372 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

interested in the movement was Dr. Eliakim Crosby, then a man of wealth and great enterprise in business. An organization was effected in a few months. Dr. Crosby, Minor Spicer, Jacob and Jesse Allen and Henry Chittenden being among the more prominent members. Wholly at the expense of Dr. Crosby, and under the superintendence of Mr. Loring, a stone church edifice 44x57 feet, surmounted by a steeple 100 feet high, was erected, and dedicated in November, 1839. The cost of the building was about $8,000. Mr. Jesse Allen presented the church with a fine organ, and the building was completely furnished with the church conveniences of that day. Mr. Loring was installed as Pastor on the day of the dedication, and the membership then amounted to about one hundred persons. Dr. Crosby was at this time engaged in the construction of a canal, commonly known as " The Chuckery Race." for the purpose of bringing water power from the Cuyahoga. at the falls. to Akron, a project which proved to be a disastrous failure, involving the doctor in financial ruin. To relieve his embarrassment in a measure, the members of the church organized a stock company, and bought the church building, paying therefor $7,000. Mr. Loring resigned in the fall of 1839, and was succeeded by Rev. Nelson Doolittle, whose pastorate extended through several years. To him succeeded Revs. J. G. Foreman and Z. Baker. Under the latter there were divisions growing out of the introduction by the Pastor, of skeptical theories and so-called Spiritualism. The building needing extensive repairs, and the church becoming discouraged, the edifice was at last sold by the stockholders to the Baptist society, by whom it is now held and occupied.

A new effort to organize a church was made in November, 1872, when twenty-four persons adopted and subscribed a profession of faith and church government—John R. Buchtel, Moderator; S. M. Burnham, Clerk; Avery Spicer and Talmon Beardsley, Deacons. Rev. G. S. Weaver was chosen Pastor in April, 1873, and the church held its meetings in the lecture room of Buchtel College. Thirty members were added to the church during the first year of Mr. Weaver's pastorate ; twenty-three the second year. In December, 1876, Mr. Weaver resigned. He was succeeded by Rev. H. L. Canfield, whose term of service lasted about eighteen months, during which time there was a small increase of membership. Rev. E. L. Rexford, D. D., became Pastor in April, 1878, and remained till July, 1880. when he resigned. During Dr. Rexford's pastorate, the church completed the erection, at a cost of about $45,000. of an elegant church edifice, on the corner of Broadway and Mill street. Large accessions were also made to the membership. The present Pastor, Rev. Richard Eddy, commenced his labors in September. 1880. The officers of the Church. elected in January. 1881, are W. D. Shipman, Moderator ; S. M. Burnham, Clerk ; J. H. Pendleton. Treasurer : Ferdinand Schumacher, John R. Buchtel, D. S. Wall. George W. Weeks, J. H. Pendleton, Dr. William Murdock. S. M. Burnham. William Hardy, D. T. Parsons. Trustees. The present membership is 160.

A Sunday school. the membership unknown. was established in connection with the early organization. The present school was organized in 1872. and has a membership of 190. with an average attendance of 160. The present Superintendent is Mr. George W. Weeks.

The creed of the Church is expressed in the following Profession of Belief, adopted by the Universalist Convention in 1803:

I. We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God. and of the duty. interest and final destination of mankind.

II. We believe that there is one God. whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

III. We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected. and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice good works: for these things are good and profitable unto men.

The Church of Christ of Akron was organized in 1839, but its history dates back several years beyond the period of its formation as a church. The following sketch was furnished by

its Pastor, Elder C. C. Smith :

In the history of every church, there is first, the period of struggle previous to organization, when a few devoted persons, strong in faith and conviction, fight for a place among the workers in God's vineyard. This time of warfare in this church occupied about ten years preceding the beginning of the history of the Akron Church of Christ proper. From the time when Elder

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William Hayden and E. B. Hubbard preached a few sermons in Middlebury in 1829, to the organization of the church in 1839. Some of the first fruits of the early seed-sowing was the baptizing of William Pangburn and Mrs. Judge Sumner, by Elder O. Newcomb ; also the baptizing of Mrs. Pangburn and Levi Allen (still a member of the church), by Elder Hayden.

Prominent at this early time may be noticed Elder M. S. Wilcox, who preached as opportunity permitted, in schoolhouses and private residences. A discussion was held in Middlebury between him and a Methodist minister of the name of Graham. The name of Elder A. B. Green is also prominent in the early history of the church. We could not very well give too much prominence to the labors of two women connected with this work, viz.. Mrs. Dr. Parker and Mrs. J. N. Botsford. Brother A. S. Hayden says : " These were the days of heart-song and heaven-reaching prayers and the preaching ! It was hail mingled with rain. The prolonged hour flitted away unconsciously. The group of Disciples tarried. exhorted each other, sung warmly and feelingly a parting hymn, and with a final, earnest supplication, they commended one another to the good Shepherd and separated. But they were unspeakably happy !"

In the year 1839, Brothers Bently and Bosworth came at the call of the brethren, and in the building on Main street, now occupied by Merrill's pottery, they organized, with thirty-two members. into the Church of Christ of Akron, and with Levi Allen and Samuel Bangs as Elders ; W. R. Storer and Jonah Allen. Deacons. Although organized into a society, the church had no regular place of meeting. Sometimes it came together at Middlebury. and sometimes in Akron in schoolhouses and private residences. In 1843, a meeting was held by Elder John Cochrane, assisted by Elder John Henry, of Mahoning County (of whom it was said, he was swift to hear, but not slow to speak"), which resulted in forty-nine conversions to Christ. and in greatly increasing the influence of the church. Shortly after this, the church purchased a small frame building on a lot on High street, the present site of the German Lutheran Church building and parsonage, which was its first home.

In 1845, Dr. William F. Pool moved into Akron, and while practicing his profession. greatly strengthened the church. " laboring inword and doctrine." In 1849, M. J. Streator became Pastor of the flock, remaining with it about ten months. In 1854, W. S. Gray commenced his three years' service for the church ; in 1857, during his last year's stay, it sold the above mentioned house and lot. For six years the church rented Tappin Hall, on Market street, for its place of meeting. Here Elder Warren Belding held for them a very successful meeting, and here they were blessed with the labors of Elder J. Carroll Stark. In 1861, Elder J. G. Encil commenced his pastorate. While he still remained with the church, a lot was purchased in 1863, and the building now occupied was erected at a cost of about $6,000. Then came the following ministers in the order named : J. O. Beardsley. L. R. Norton, R. L. Howe, L. Cooley, John L. Rowe, It. G. White, F. M. Greene and C. C. Smith, the present Pastor. The pastorate of L. Cooley was. the longest of any, five years, and his memory is still held dear by those who labored with him. The labors of R. G. White during three years were signalized by a large ingathering of souls, and the establishing of the Mission Church at Middlebury, Sixth Ward of Akron, resulting in eighty members going out from the church for that purpose.

The officers of the church at the present time are : Elders—Levi Allen. Dr. William Sisler, Jacob Rhodes and C. C. Smith. Deacons—William Allen. Bennett Smetts, William Weston. Elijah Briggs, Edwin A. Barber, John Noble and J. P. Teeple. Clerk—Horton Wright. Treasurer—Albert Allen. There is upon the church books, 444 members, a net increase of 164 members during the four years of the last pastorate. It is in a vigorous and healthy condition, and stands first among the churches of Christ in the State in its liberality to establish the cause at home and abroad. Then there is the unwritten history of the struggles and triumphs of the individual members, and the unrecorded number who have taken membership from the church below to the church above. The names of the following ministers (not mentioned above) were prominently connected with the early work of the church here : Elders A. S. Hayden, J. W. Jones, Benjamin Franklin and R. Moffett.

The Sunday school was in existence as far back as 1845, but was not permanently organized until 1864, under Brother Beardsley's ad-

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ministration, since which time it has been steadily on the increase. Mrs. Harvy, Daniel Storer, Camden Rockwell. J. P. Teeple and Byron Grove were, at different times, Superintendents, and stand prominently connected with the work. The present Superintendent is John Noble: Assistant. Charles Trarler ; Clerks. Eugene and P. Rowe. During 1880, the average attendance was 160 ; average collection. per Lord's Day. $5.60. It is but just to state that the attendance would be much greater if there were accommodations in the house for a larger school.

In September. 1876. the sisters organized The Akron Auxiliary of the Christian Woman's Board of Missions." with Mrs. Levi Allen as President. The society has been in a flourishing condition from the start. and is now one of the largest and most efficient societies of the kind in the State.

The Congregational Church, although one of the oldest churches in the Western Reserve, did not organize in Akron as early as some of the other denominations. The following sketch of " the Congregational Church of Akron." was written. at our request. by the Pastor. Rev. T. E. Monroe :

On the 30th of May. 1842, a number of persons met to consider the expediency of organizing the present Congregational Church. A resolution was then adopted. declaring such organization desirable, and appointing a committee of three gentlemen—Mr. Seth Sackett. Mr. H. B. Spellman and Mr. A. R. Townsend—to prepare a confession of faith and a covenant. as a basis for final and permanent organization. At the same meeting a similar committee was appointed to prepare a statement of the reasons which seemed to require another church organization, and to invite neighboring ministers to assist in forming it. The meeting then adjourned to January 2, 1843. At this adjourned meeting. the articles of faith and the covenant were approved, and their adoption deferred to the 8th of June, at which time a Council was convened, to which these proceedings. with the reasons which justified them, .ere submitted for advice. This Council was composed of Rev. Seagrove Magill, of Tallmadge ; Rev. Joseph Merriam, of Randolph ; Rev. Mason Grosvenor, of Hudson, and Rev. William Clark, of Cuyahoga Falls. This Council advising the formation of a church, it was organized by twenty-two persons signing the confession of faith and covenant., On the 3d of July, nine others united with the infant church, when, on the 7th of July, with thirty-one members, the first election of officers was made. Mr. H. B. Spellman being elected Deacon and Mr. Allen Hibbard being chosen Clerk.

On the 1st of May. 1843. Rev. Isaac Jennings, having ministered to the church for six months as a supply. was called to be its first Pastor. This call was accepted. and on the 14th of June following he was ordained and installed. In June, 1845. the society completed a comfortable house of worship. situated on North Main street, at a cost of 81.800. Mr. Jennings remained Pastor of the church until June 7. 1847. when he tendered his resignation. Several meetings of the church having been held at which lie was urged to withdraw his resignation. it was reluctantly accepted on the 7th of February following, and the separation was approved by Council. convened upon the joint request of the church and Pastor, on the 12th of February. 1847. Rev. W. R. Stevens supplied the pulpit of the church from November. 1847, until May. 1849, when Rev. N. P. Bailey began his ministry to this people. On the 7th of October following. he was ordained and installed by Council. This relation continued until May. 1856, when Mr. Bailey tendered his resignation. This resignation was accepted on the 3d day of' August following, without convening a Council. The church was supplied by Rev. A. Duncasson from February. 1857, to November. 1858. when Rev. Abram E. Baldwin was invited to officiate as Pastor for one year. with reference to future settlement. This invitation was accepted, and at the close of this engagement it was renewed, and, in February. 1860, he was ordained by Council convened upon invitation of the church, and his ministry continued until May. 1861. On December 30. 1861, the church called the Rev. Carlos Smith to become its Pastor. who accepted the call, and entered upon his pastorate February 2, 1862. The church at this time had a membership of about sixty. It had been heartily engaged in the great reforms of the 'day, and its new Pastor cordially cooperated in every work which sought the purity of society and the progress of reform.

During Mr. Smith's pastorate, the present church edifice was erected, at a cost of about $40,000, and the membership of the church in-

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creased from 60 to 268. About three hundred members had united with the church during this time, a flourishing Sunday school had been maintained, and the church had prospered in all its activities. In the winter of 1873, after a pastorate of eleven years, which had endeared him to the entire people, Mr. Smith resigned his relation to the church, but remained a communicant of it until his death, which occurred April 22, 1877, as the bell was tolling for morning service, at the age of seventy-six years. Few ministers have been so widely beloved or have made so warm personal friends.

During the winter of 1873, the church called Rev. T. E. Monroe, who commenced his minis-try here on the first Sabbath of April, 1873, and is still Pastor of the church. During this time. new Sunday school rooms have been built below, and a gallery, accommodating 150 people, built in the audience-room above. An organ floor and small choir have been built in the rear of the church. These improvements, with repairs, cost $5.000. and furnish accommodations for a Sunday school of 400 children and sittings for 750 people in the audience. The present membership is a little more than six hundred resident members, with about one hundred who are absent. The various benevolent activities of the church are earnestly prosecuted, and the church enters the current year with fresh hopes of usefulness.

On the night of the second Saturday of February, 1881. the house was seriously damaged by fire to an extent requiring $9.000 for repairs. Extensive improvements are at present proposed, and subscriptions are now circulating for this purpose which will, if executed. afford convenient accommodation for 550 children in the Sabbath school rooms, and 950 sittings in the audience room. The church is to be heated throughout with steam, every pew having its steam-heated foot-rest, and every class-room its radiators. A superior organ will be procured. open-grate fires to be introduced as an attractive feature. and every convenience for social and public church work amply provided.

The Sunday school has been for eight years under the efficient management of Mr. Samuel Findly, to whom it is indebted for its eminent order and intelligence. Mr. Henry Perkins, an officer beloved by all our pupils, was elected to the office of Superintendent for the current year, and, though the school suffered seriously from changes rendered necessary by the fire, it is regaining its numbers and its interest.

Should the present plans for improvement be carried out, this church will be very amply furnished for a growing future work, and ought to prosper in the years to come quite as much as in those gone by.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Middlebury (Sixth Ward of Akron) is one of the very old churches of Summit County, or, rather, has grown out of the old Middlebury Methodist Church. In a very early period of the history of the county, the Rev. Doctor Clark and the Rev. Mr. Monk, of Tallmadge. preached at this place. From the present Pastor of the church, Rev. Mr. Arundel, we obtained some of the facts pertaining to the history of this church, and which are here given.

What is now known as the Second Methodist Episcopal Church of Akron was formerly part of a circuit consisting of Tallmadge, Pleasant Valley, Mogadore, Brimfield and Middlebury. Soon after, or about the time of the annexation of Middlebury to the city proper, in 1870, this church was set off as a charge by itself. and. since that time, has been supplied by the following clergymen : Revs. Painter. Greer. Elliott. Merchant. Wilson, Corry, Randolph. and Arundel. the present Pastor. Some three years ago, the old building was entirely remodeled. under the efficient direction of Mr. Jacob Snyder, architect of Akron, at a cost of $3,000. The audience-room and parlor are very neat and conveniently arranged, and, together with the Sunday-school room, have just been handsomely decorated by Messrs. Diehl and Caskey, of this city. The present membership is about eighty-five. The Sunday school has some two hundred enrolled on its books, and an average attendance of one hundred and fifty.

The following historical sketch of the First German Reformed Church of Akron was furnished for this work by the Pastor, Rev. J. Dahlmaun. The First German Reformed Church of Akron, Summit Co., Ohio, had its origin in and was the continuation of the German Evangelical Protestant congregation which was organized about 1842, and worshiped in the stone church on North High street near the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal. The building still stands, but is now turned into a dwelling house. The Lutheran element separated from

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the congregation in 1852 and organized a congregation of their own. The Reformed element remained and continued their organization until the year 1855, when it united with the German Reformed Church of Akron and became identified with it. Before the two congregations united their interests, the latter had already purchased the frame church building of the Baptists on the northwest corner of Broadway and East Center streets. After uniting their interests, they mutually assumed the responsibility to cancel the debt which still rested on the church property. Divine services were held in the English and German languages on alternate Sundays by Rev. L. C. Edmonds, a young minister of talent and energy.

The English portion of the congregation did not possess sufficient activity to go forward energetically. After Rev. L. C. Edmonds had resigned, the German portion, not wishing to be long without a Pastor, called Rev. John F. Engelbach, of the German Reformed Church in the United States as their minister. They had undertaken much and were successful. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. F. Engelbach, the German portion of the congregation—the English portion merely existing in name—obtained a charter, and was incorporated on the 27th day of April, 1857, as the First German Reformed Church of Akron, Summit Co., Ohio.

The following are some of the original members : John Heintz, Philip Heintz, Louis Koch, Joh. Kling, Peter Brecht, Carl Schwing, J. Jacob Grether, George Billau, Jacob Grether, George Grether, Michael Grether, Friedrick Gessler, George Angne, Carl Nahr, Joh. Brobt, Nicolaus Fuchs, Adam Schaaf, Joh. Schaab, Joh. Fink, William Fink, Conrad Fink, Jacob Steigner, Christoph Baumgartel, Joh. Hatterich, Christoph Oberholz, Conrad Zettel, Gottfried Stegner, Andreas Koch, Joh. Gush and Friedrick Haushalter, etc.

The First German Reformed Church continued to worship in the house of God which they owned conjointly with the English portion or the German Reformed Church of Akron, Ohio, until the fall of 1858, when the former bought the latter out and obtained full possession of the church property which they still hold.

Rev. J. F. Engelbach labored faithfully for the welfare of the congregation, and resigned '

near the end of the year 1860. They were for some time without a Pastor.

Rev. Robert Koehler, formerly of Mount Eaton, Ohio, took charge of the congregation in April, 1861, and entered as Chaplain of volunteers in the United States service in August, 1864. Very little progress was made during his pastorate, and this was that the congregation was separated from other congregations and became a charge itself.

Mr. J. D. Leemann, an educated school-teacher, preached over two years to the congregation, and established a parochial school in the German language on the northwest corner of South High and East Center streets. This school flourished for some time, and with its discontinuance his labors came to a close, especially when the consistory and the congregation forbid him to preach any longer for them.

Rev. John Baumgartner. an educated minister, from Canton Berne. Switzerland, who had been Pastor for some time of a Reformed congregation in Pittsburgh. Penn.. was chosen as Pastor. He entered upon his labors in the fall of 1866, and continued until September 18, 1870. During his pastorate. a new constitution for the congregation was drawn up and accepted, and an attempt made to sever the connection of the congregation with the Reformed Church in the United States which was not successful.

Rev. Christoph Schiller, from Limaville. Ohio. was by the congregation unanimously elected as Pastor on October 16, 1870, and entered upon his duties on November 27, 1870. He was successful in rescuing the congregation from ruin and enervate it to new life. It began to live again and became conscious of its duty as a Christian congregation. Under his labors. the congregation increased in membership and activity, and purchased and enlarged the parsonage next to the church on East Center street. In the summer of 1876 he resigned, and moved to Toledo, Ohio.

Rev. Julius Herold, of Charleston, Ind., was his successor by unanimous election, and entered upon the pastorate in July, 1876. He was active, and caused the church edifice to be remodeled inside, and the purchasing of over seven acres of land on the west end of the city, north of Market street, for a burial-place, which was dedicated in August, 1880. for that purpose. After having resigned his pastorate

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in August, he continued his labors until November 14, 1880.

Rev. Jacob Dahlmann, D. D., of Philadelphia, Penn., succeeded him on the 9th of December, 1880. He was born in Barmen, Rhein Prussia, and emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1848, and entered upon his studies for the Christian ministry in Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Penn., in 1855. After graduating in honor in 1860, he pursued his theological studies at the seminary of the German Reformed Church at Mercersburg, Penn.. under Dr. Philip Schaff and others. There was a call extended to him, in 1862, to go to Philadelphia, Penn., and organize the Emanuel's German Reformed Church in West Philadelphia, to which he responded, and, after laboring nearly nineteen years in his first charge, having built a large and beautiful church and parsonage, he accepted a call from this congregation for the purpose of leaving the general church work, which became too burdensome for him, to other hands. Having served the Reformed Church, especially the German portion thereof, in the East in various ways, he continues to be Assistant Stated Clerk of the General Synod of said church, and it is hoped that his pastorate will, his life being spared, be of long duration and crowned with great success.

The church edifice, on the northwest corner of Broadway and East Center streets, was erected more than forty years ago, by the Baptist congregation. It is a frame building, massive in timbers, 40x60 feet, with four large pillars in front, and a steeple, in which Summit County placed a bell more than twenty-five years ago for the purpose of announcing the time for the convening of the court, and until lately to give the alarm for fire.

The congregation has 420 communicants and 280 unconfirmed members. The Pastor is Rev. Jacob Dahlmann, D. D.; the Elders, John Kling and John George Eberhard ; the Deacons are Henry Schmiedel, Charles Brodt, Louis Muller and Peter Kuhn. These form the consistory of the congregation, and constitute at the same time the Board of Trustees.

The Sunday school of the congregation was organized by Mr. John Heintz, in 1857, with 20 to 30 scholars, and who continued to be Superintendent until 1862, when the school had increased to 50 and more scholars. Elder

John Kling and others held the office of Superintendent of the Sunday school. Elder John George Eberhard was, during the last ten years or more, on or off Superintendent until lately, when the Pastor, Rev. Jacob Dahlmann, D. D., became (ex officio) Superintendent of the Sunday school. The Sunday school is held every Sunday morning from 9 to 10:30 o'clock. There are 150 children on the roll, and 130 or more in regular attendance in the summer and 110 in the winter.

Grace Reformed Church has been in existence in Akron for a third of a century. The following historical sketch is by Rev. Emil P. Herbruck, its present Pastor : Grace Reformed Congregation was organized on the 5th of March, 1853, by Rev. N. Gehr, Missionary of the German Reformed Church in the United States. At a meeting held in the old Universalist Church on High street, a constitution was adopted, and signed by the following persons : John Weimer, Catharine Weimer, Thomas Moore, Susanna Moore, William Heil, Esther Heil, Philip Kremer, Henry Rinehart, Sophia Rinehart and Magdalena Kremff. Rev. N. Gehr was elected Pastor. and served the congregation about one year. He was followed by Revs. P. J. Spangler, L. Edmonds, J. Schlasser, J. F. Helm, William McCaughey, W. H. H. Snyder, S. S. Miller, J. M. Mickley and I. E. Graff, in pastorates ranging from one to three years in length. In May, 1868, Rev. Edward Herbruck accepted a call to the charge, and under his direction it enjoyed a greater measure of prosperity than at any previous time. He labored in the congregation successfully for four years, though having almost unsurmountable difficulties to overcome. Rev. M. Laucks became his successor, and served for about two years. In April, 1876, Rev. Emil P. Herbruck assumed the pastorship, and has discharged its duties ever since.

The first edifice was bought at second-hand from the Congregational Church in Middlebury, and moved piecemeal to the present lot on Broadway, where it was in constant use by the congregation for eighteen years. In 1881, it became apparent that a new building was necessary to meet the growing demands of the church. Accordingly, on the third Sunday in April, the cornerstone of the present structure was laid. It is built of brick, with stone

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dressing, and is 52x80 feet in dimensions. The auditorium is amphitheatrical in shape, and, in connection with a quarter gallery, has a seating capacity of about five hundred. The commodious basement is arranged for the Sunday school, with classrooms of semicircular form. The building is neat and attractive, furnished with the modern conveniences, and cost $15,000.

The present membership of the church is 270, and is constantly increasing. The officers for the year 1881 are : Elders, John Weimer and Frank Bolander ; Deacons, John Kritz, Isaac Kittenger, Jacob Baus and A. F. Hunsicker.

The Sunday school was organized in 1853, and has been kept up ever since, though with . a somewhat fluctuating attendance. It is at present in a flourishing condition, having an average attendance of 175. The school is well conducted by its Superintendent. G. F. Eberhard.

The German Zion's Lutheran Church* was organized on the 6th day of August, 1854, by the Rev. P. J. Buehl. The original members were J. Beyruther, N. Henke, Ch. Baumgaertel, J. Grad. D. Steinhagen, J. Rogler. J. Bauernfeind, E. Seidel, J. Dietz, W. Gerdts. H. Wishmeier, Mrs. W. Beck, Ch. Schmidt. L. Strobel, W. Strobel, A. Voss. N. Oellrich. G. Kling, J. Feuchter, Frank, G. Proehl. C. Kroeger, Mrs. Kaiser, J. Harter, G. Beck, J. Miller, W. Schroeder, P. Bibricher, E. Ditles, W. Hageman, J. Bernitt, D. Lamparter. J. Stein, C. Reinhard, S. Schmidt, G. Miller, J. Wolf, J. Brod, G. Goetz, J. Bitsch, Mrs. Sorrik, Ch. Nehr, J. Reibly, Mr. Schneider, G. Tents, Mrs. Shonefield, Mr. Dresler. In 1855, the society purchased a church edifice for their own from the Disciples, a building which was the pioneer house of worship in Akron, having been erected in 1834-35, by the Congregationalists, on a portion of the present court house grounds. Rev. Buehl having accepted a call to the Lutheran Church at Massillon, Rev. G. Th. Gotsch was called as his successor in 1864, who served the congregation until 1872, when 1 the present Pastor, Rev. H. W. Lothmann, was called, and took charge of the congregation. ! On account of the rapidly growing membership, a larger structure as a place of worship became a necessity, and, on the 16th day of

*By Rev. H. W. Lothmann.

September, 1877, the present building, costing $16,000, was solemnly dedicated to the sere ices of the triune God. It is situated at the corner of High and Quarry streets, and covers a space 50x100 feet, with a spire 150 feet high; it has a seating capacity of about five hundred people, and is built of brick. The congregation at present consists of about one hundred and fifty families with 450 communicants. A school containing 130 scholars, is connected with the church, in which the children are taught both the German and English languages, Mr. F. Stricter acting as teacher. The school is held in the old church building, which was removed to the rear of the lot back of the new church edifice. The present officers of the church are as follows : George Haas. Treasurer ; F. Manthey, W. Wiese and W. Woehler, Trustees ; Ch. Baumann. H. Dietz and F. Kunz, Vestrymen.

St. Bernard Catholic Church* (German) was organized in 1861. In that year, the few German families deemed it proper to form a separate congregation, and for this purpose gathered in the cooper-shop of George Roth. on Green street. The number of families then were twenty-three, and they resolved to separate from St. Vincent De Paul's Church. to which they had belonged up to that time. A church was formed under the title of St. Bernard Catholic Church. The lot on the northeast corner of Center and Broadway was purchased. where the present building of the society stands. Rev. Father Loure, of St. Peter's Church, Cleveland, attended the little flock for some time, and, in 1862, the cornerstone of the new church was laid by Very Rev. Father Loure. In June, 1862. Rev. Louis Shiele was appointed the first regular Pastor of the congregation, and remained one year. In January, 1863, they took possession of their new building, and, in July, of the same year, Rev. Peter Donnerhoffe succeeded Father Louis Shiele, and, on the 19th of July, 1866, Rev. Father Donnerhoffe was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Broun, the present Pastor.

In 1865, the residence of the Pastor was purchased, at a cost of about $2,200 ; in 1866. the cemetery was purchased for $2,500 ; in 1867, the schoolhouse was built at a cost of $1,400 ; in 1868, the church was renovated throughout, and stained-glass windows put in,

* By Rev. J. B. Broun.

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at a cost of $1,150 ; in 1870, two bells were bought, at a cost of $1,350 ; in 1872, the organ was purchased, costing $1,260 ; in 1874, some improvements were made at a cost of $1,200 ; in 1877, the tower on the church was built, at a cost of $2.600 ; the church frescoed at a cost of $400 more, and a large bell bought at $946, and other improvements at a cost of $200. In 1880, an addition was built to the church at a cost of $12,000. The present strength of the church is about three hundred families, with some four hundred attendants at the Sunday school. At the school, conducted under charge of the Church, the attendance is about two hundred and eighty children.

The Akron Hebrew congregation dates its organization back to the year 1865. On the 2d of April of that year, the following named gentlemen met and formed themselves into a society, to be known as the Akron Hebrew Association. the object of the association to be the establishment of a school and synagogue, for the promotion of the educational, moral and religious interests of the Jewish community. The charter members were Michael Joseph, Theo. Rice, J. L. Joseph, S. B. Hopfman, Simon Joseph, H. W. Moss, Isaac Levi, S. M. Ziesel. Moses Joseph. Herman F. Hahn, J. N. Leopold, D. Leopold, Louis Calish, Caufman Koch and Jacob Koch. The first Jewish residents in Akron were Mr. Isaac Levi and Mr. Caufman Koch, who were engaged in business in Akron as early as the year 1845, when Akron was a mere village. Mr. S. B. Hopfman came to Akron in the year 1851 ; Mr. H. Moss in the year 1856 ; Mr. Michael Joseph in the year 1864, and thus the Jewish population gradually increased. until at the present writing (March. 1881), it numbers 175 souls, while the books of the congregation show a membership of 30. Owing to the fact that the congregation has never called upon the community at large for pecuniary assistance, a policy to which, until now, it has strictly adhered, its financial strength has been slow but steady, and constant in its development. For four years after its foundation, the congregation found itself unable to provide a permanent place of worship ; but had to content itself with the establishment of a school for instruction in German, Hebrew, Jewish history and religion ; holding religious service only on special occasions, and on holidays. In the fall of the year 1869. the congregationrented a hall and fitted up a synagogue and school on the third floor in Allen's Block, which it occupied for five years, when the steady increase in membership made the rooms inadequate, and its financial prosperity enabled it to secure more commodious quarters. In the meanwhile, the Congregation had purchased " burial grounds" adjoining the Akron Rural Cemetery ; but, the grounds " being unsuitable, they were exchanged, October 15, 1871, for a large section in the southeast corner of the Akron Rural Cemetery, the congregation paying the cemetery association the additional sum of $1,000. The new synagogue and school-room, which were located in Clark's building, were dedicated on the 26th of October. 1874. Besides supporting a school and synagogue, employing a regular teacher and minister, and purchasing burial grounds, the congregation responded freely to appeals to its benevolence, contributing in the year 1868, $477 to the newly-established Jewish Orphan Asylum in Cleveland, and, sending in November. 1871. $198, raised by voluntary subscription, to the sufferers by the Chicago fire. In the year 1880, the increased membership, and the additional number of pupils, compelled the Congregation to seek new accommodations. and the third floor of the newly-erected Barber Block was leased for a term of five years. Over a thousand dollars were expended in fitting up the synagogue and school-room, which were dedicated to divine worship on the 23d of July, 1880, and which will compare favorably with the temples of many much larger congregations. As an adjunct to the congregation. the ladies organized a society called Der Schweslerbund," which has been in existence for over thirteen years, and which has nobly assisted in promoting the great objects of the congregation. During the sixteen years of its existence, the executive power of the congregation has been in the hands of the following nine Presidents : Isaac Levi, Moses Joseph (two terms), H. F. Hahn. S. B. Hopfman (two terms), Isidor Cohn, George Marienthal, and the present presiding officer, Benjamin Desenberg. The first minister was the Rev. N. Hirsch, succeeded in regular order by Rev. N. L. Holstein, Rev. J. Jesselson, Rev. A. Suhler, Rev. A. Schreier, Rev. A. Burgheim and the present minister Rabbi . S. M. Fleischman. This is the history of the Akron Hebrew Congregation from the days of its inauguration to

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the present time. Its prosperous condition indicates a bright future, and it is hoped that when the congregation is again compelled to remove from its present location, it will dedicate a temple built by its own money on its own property.—[ Written by Rabbi S. M. Fleischman for this work.]

Calvary Church, of the Evangelical Association of Akron, was organized in 1866, by Rev. H. F. S. Sichley, of the Bristol Circuit. To the Rev. L. W. Hankey, the Pastor, we are indebted for the following facts pertaining to this church : Calvary Church was. organized with the following members : Benjamin Stahl (leader), Catharine Stahl, Henry Nicholas, Catharine Nicholas, Samuel Nicholas, Leah Nicholas, Joseph Nicholas, Martha Nicholas, Louisa Cook, Nancy Henninger, W. W. Farnsworth, Margaret Farnsworth and John and Eliza Shaffer. In 1867, it was determined by Conference that Akron should be made a Mission, under the charge of Rev. Mr. Sichley. There was no preaching, however, in the early part of the the year, on account of being unable to obtain a suitable building. A church was commenced during the year and the basement completed, and dedicated in October, 1867, by Rev. John Stull, Presiding Elder. The dedicatory sermon was preached by him, on the 6th of October. During the winter of 1867-68, the main audience-room of the church was finished, and dedicated to the service of God May 3, 1868, by Rev. Joseph Long, Bishop. The building, which is a substantial frame, cost about $4,000, outside of considerable work and material, which was contributed by individual members. It has been remodeled and improved since it was originally built, and is now a handsome and commodious church edifice, located in South Akron.

The following Pastors have been called to the charge since organization : Revs. Jesse Lerch, A. Swartz, H. E. Strauch, A. E. Dreisbach, S. S. Condo, A. Yandersoll, and the present Pastor, Rev. L. W. Hankey. The membership at this time is two hundred and twenty-seven.

The Sunday school of this church was organized on the 27th of October, 1867, and numbered at the time about forty scholars. It has continued since without interruption, and, at the present time, is in a very flourishing state, with a general attendance of 240 scholars, under the superintendence of W. S. Youts.

The English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, Akron, Ohio, was organized in the spring of 1870. The pioneer work which resulted in this organization was performed by Rev. W. A. Passavant, D. D., of Pittsburgh, and Rev. S. Laird, now of Philadelphia, Penn. There were about thirty members at the time of its organization. The first regular Pastor of the congregation was Rev. U. P. Ruthrauff, now deceased. It was during his ministry that the fine gothic church on Prospect street was built and the parsonage purchased, at a cost of about $45,000. The church, though not yet completed in its towers and Sunday school arrangements, was consecrated in June, 1872. Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff soon after resigned the charge and was succeeded by Rev. J. F. Fahs. the present Pastor, who took charge of the congregation in October, 1872. The congregation now numbers about one hundred and ninety-five communicant members.

The Sunday school was organized soon after the organization of the congregation, and numbers about one hundred and twenty-five scholars, with an average attendance of about one hundred. Mr. R. N. Kratz is the Superintendent.— [ Written by Rec. J. F. Fahs.]

The Church of Christ of Middlebury, or the Sixth Ward of Akron, is of recent organization. The facts for the following sketch of it were furnished by the Pastor, Elder T. D. Butler : The Church of Christ, Middlebury, Summit County, Ohio, was organized March 30, 1875, with eighty members, and the following officers : H. J. White, A. Brown, M. Jewett, Elders ; F. W. Inman, G. F. Kent, T. H. Botsford and Richard Whitmore, Trustees ; G. F. Kent and T. H. Botsford, Deacons ; S. C. Inman, Clerk, and Almon Brown, Treasurer. . The membership of the church at present is eighty-five. The first Pastor was Elder H. J. White. He has been followed by Elders F. M. Green, R. G. White, J. W. James, W. H. Rogers (in the order named), and by the present Pastor, Elder T. D. Butler. The church building is quite a model of architectural beauty, and was erected in 1878, at a cost of about $6,000.

The Sunday school of this church was organized during the summer of 1875, and is in a flourishing condition, with an average attendance of about eighty children, under the superintendence of C. J. Robinson.