Madison County History and Genealogy

History and Genealogy



History of Madison County


Churches


The Methodist Episcopal Church of London.—In our endeavor to present to the reader a sketch of the Methodist Episcopal Church of London, we have met with obstacles on every hand; yet, upon careful and protracted research, without the aid of local records, we have been able to obtain a fragmentary sketch.

We only refer to what is historical, in saying that Methodist itinerants were among the first in bearing the Gospel to those finding homes in the West. The earliest resident minister of Madison County was Rev. Lewis Foster, a Methodist preacher, who settled in what is now Jefferson Township in the fall of 1806, but having been to that vicinity as early as 1805. Several years later, he organized a small society in the same vicinity. In 1807, a small Methodist class was organized at the house of Jonathan Minshall, on Walnut Run, about, four miles south of the site upon which London was afterward built. A year or two later, another class was organized on Glade Run, and designated as the Lower Glade Church. Shortly after London was laid out—about, the year 1813 or 1814—a Methodist class or small society, was organized in the village, composed in part, at least of Robert Warner, Robert Warner, Jr., and wife, William Warner and wife and two daughters, John Winner and wife and William Wingate and wife. It is not known, definitely, to what circuit any of these classes or societies were attached prior to 1819, yet circumstances strongly point toward their connection with Paint Creek Circuit. The Walnut Run class, however, was first visited by Rev. Benjamin Lakin, in 1807, upon the solicitation of the few members. Mr. Lakin was, at this time, traveling the Chillicothe Circuit, which was some years prior to the formation of Paint Creek Circuit.

From 1812 until 1819, the presiding elders and preachers in charge of this circuit were as follows: 1812—Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, Revs. Isaac Pavey and T. Corkhill, preachers; 1813—Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, Rev. Moses Trader, preacher; 1814—Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, Rev. William P. Finley, preacher; 1815—Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, Rev. Robert W. Finley, preacher; 1816—Rev. David Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. Jacob Hooper and William Westlake, preachers; 1817—Rev. John Collins, Presiding Elder, Revs. John Soloman and D. Carr, preachers; 1818—Rev. Moses Crume, Presiding Elder, Rev. William P. Finley, preacher.

On the 25th day of August, 1817, a deed was made for the lot designated on the town plat of London as No. 112, cornering on Back street and Fifth, containing thirty-two square poles, between Patrick McLene, Director for the town, and William Erwin, Jonathan Minshall, John McDonald, William Warner, Sr., William G. Pinkard, Robert Warner, David Watson, James Greenby and Amos G. Thompson, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their successors in office. The consideration therein specified was $11. Upon this lot, but just at what time we are unable to state, this denomination erected the hewed log meeting house, still standing, though it has since been weather-boarded and converted into a dwelling. It is believed that the house was built prior to 1820. This was the first church building erected in London, and the only one until 1834-85.

In 1819, London circuit was formed and Rev. Andrew S. McLean appointed preacher in charge. Rev. James B. Finley was this year and the year following Presiding Elder of the district, and Revs. Zachariah Connell and James Smith, preachers, on the circuit in 1820. The Presiding Elders and preachers in charge from 1821 to 1836, were as follows: 1821—Rev. John Strange, Presiding Elder, Revs. D. D. Davisson and William Simmons, preachers; 1822—Rev. J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder, Revs. George Maley and Aaron Woods, preachers; 1823—Rev. John Collins, Presiding Elder, Revs. James Collard and Richard Brandriff, preachers; 1824—Rev. J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder, Rev. Robert W. Finley, preacher; 1825—Rev. Russel Bigelow, Presiding Elder, Revs. J. L. Donahoo and J. C. Havens, preachers; 1826—Rev. Russel Bigelow, Presiding Elder, Revs S. P. Shaw and J. W. Clarke, preachers; 1827—Rev. J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder, Revs. S. P. Shaw and F. Buller, preachers; 1828—Rev. J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder, Revs. Thomas Simms and B. Austin, preachers; 1829—Rev. J. F. Wright, Presiding Elder, Rev. Benjamin Lawrence, preacher; 1830—Rev. J. F. Wright, Presiding Elder, Revs. Benjamin Lawrence and William Sutton, preachers; 1831—Rev. J. F. Wright, Presiding Elder, Revs. William Sutton and J. C. Hardy, preachers; 1832—Rev. W. H. Raper, Presiding Elder, Revs. J. Smith and J. Hill, preachers; 1833—Rev. Augustus Eddy, Presiding Elder, Revs. William Morrow and Henry Whitman, preachers; 1834—Rev. W. H. Raper, Presiding Elder, Revs. Joshua Boncher and G. Moody, preachers; 1835—Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. Philip Nation and W. Westlake, preachers; 1836—Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. William Morrow and Jacob Martin, preachers.

The Rev. Jacob Young, in his autobiography, in speaking of his appointment as Presiding Elder of the Columbus District in 1835, thus alludes to the London Circuit: "We had a prosperous year on London Circuit, under the labors of Philip Nation and William Westlake. Brother Nation was not what was called a great preacher, but a very useful one, and as good a natural singer as I ever knew, he has been successful on all the circuits he ever traveled. His slender constitution soon completed his labors, and he passed to his rest." In 1836, the London Circuit embraced the following preaching points: London, Somerford, Joseph Warner's, William Gear's, Reader's, Brighton, D. Watson's, Phitfer's Schoolhouse, Troxel's, La Fayette, Lower Glade, J. Chenoweth's, Judge Fitzgerald's, Harrisburg, Leasenbes, Morain's, Yankeetown, Mount Sterling, Don Roe's, or Heath's Mill, Bethel, Wilmouth's Sehoolhouse, D. Dye's, or Linson's, and Maxey's. This took in an extensive tract or scope of country, as the reader acquainted with its localities must see, but each preacher in charge was expected to preach at each point once in every four weeks.

In the autobiography of Rev. Jacob Young, we find another allusion to the London Circuit, which we deem not out of place here to record. In speaking of the Conference of 1842, Mr. Young says: "Bishop Morris appointed me to the London Circuit. Zachariah Connell was my Presiding Elder, and William Sutton was my colleague. The work of the Lord soon began to revive in the town of London and other places. At the first quarterly meeting, Z. Connell received a heavenly baptism, and was like a flaming herald the balance of the year. Brother Sutton was a very reliable man. We had several excellent preachers living on the circuit—Brother Steele, Brother China, Brother Ebenezer Webster and Brother Jacob Martin, though much afflicted and unable to do effective work, his example and counsel was very useful. My coming onto the circuit was of great advantage to me, and I hope I was no disadvantage to it. I formed friendships which will be as lasting as eternity. James Foster, Stephen Moore, Isaac Moore and Joseph Warner and Sally Warner will never be forgotten by me. She was a mother in Israel, and one of the best friends I have met with in the house of my pilgrimage. I delivered my valedictory all round the circuit, and many tears were shed, both by the preacher and the people."

About this time (1842), the members of the London charge erected a one-story frame church building on the present site of the brick edifice now standing, and abandoned the old log meeting-house. This building served them as a house of worship until the erection of the present brick in 1859-60. The latter edifice was dedicated Sabbath, February 26. 1860, the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Clark, editor of the Ladies' Repository, of Cincinnati, Ohio. After the services a collection of between $1,500 and $1,600 was taken up, which sum nearly completed the payment of the cost of the building. The Presiding Elders and preachers in charge of the circuit from 1837 to 1860 were the following named: Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. William Morrow and George Fate, preachers; 1838 — Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. Benjamin Ellis and E. T. Webster, preachers: 1839—Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Revs. E. T. Webster and Noah Haugh, preachers; 1840—Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Revs. J. W. Steele and Noah Haugh. preachers; 1841 —Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. W. Steele and A. M. Lorraine, preachers; 1842—Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Revs. Jacob Young and William Sutton, preachers; 1843—Rev. William Simmons, Presiding Elder, Revs. William Sutton and E. B. Warrington, preachers; 1844—Rev. William Simmons, Presiding Elder, Revs. Martin Wolf and Thomas Heard, preachers; 1845—Rev. William Simmons, Presiding Elder, Revs. Martin Wolf and J. W. Smith, preachers; 1846—Rev. William Simmons, Presiding Elder, Revs. James Armstrong and S. Haines, preachers: 1847 —Rev. D. Kemper, Presiding Elder, Revs. James Armstrong and J. W. Steele, preachers; 1848—Rev. D. Kemper, Presiding Elder, Revs. Samuel Maddox and T. M. Gossard, preachers; 1849—Rev. J. A. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Revs. Joseph Morris and William Sutton, preachers; 1850—Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Revs. David Smith and James Laws, preachers; 1851 — Rev. Cyrus Brooks, Presiding Elder, Revs. David Smith and James Laws, preachers; 1852—Rev. Uriah Heath, Presiding Elder, Revs. John Stewart, J. S. Brown and J. D. Cram, preachers; 1853—Rev. Uriah Heath, Presiding Elder, Revs. John Stewart, T. S. Loyd and J. D. Crum, preachers; 1854—Rev. Uriah Heath, Presiding Elder, Revs. A. B. Lee and J. F. Longman, preachers; 1855—Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder. Revs. J. F. Longman and J. T. Miller, preachers; 1856—Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Revs. A. Flemmons and Richard Pitzer, preachers; 1857—Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Revs. A. Flemmons and S. Tippitt, preachers; 1858—Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Revs. S. Tippitt and A. M. Alexander, preachers; 1859—Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Revs. Levi Hall and A. M. Alexander, preachers.

In 1860, the London charge was made a station with Rev. H. E. Pilcher appointed pastor; Rev. J. M. Jameson was this year the Presiding Elder of the district. In 1866, Centenary Chapel was built in the rear of and adjoining the brick edifice, mainly for a lecture room and Sabbath school purposes. It is of brick, thirty-five by sixty feet in size, and is of the Roman style of architecture; it is connected with the main building by a corridor. The brick and stone work was done by James Self, and the carpenter work by E. J. Gould. The Chapel cost about $7,000 and was built and furnished through the liberality of Mrs. Eliza Chrisman. It was dedicated on Christmas morning 1866, by Bishop Clark, of Cincinnati, who delivered one of his ablest sermons to a large audience. The venerable David Watson who assisted in the erection of the old log meeting-house in London, attended the dedicatory service. In 1871, the church was incorporated.

Since 1861, the Presiding Elders and pastors of the church have been as follows: 1861—Rev. Gr. W. Brush, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. M. Jameson, pastor; 1862— Rev. G. W. Brush, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. M. Jameson, pastor. 1863—Rev. G. W. Brush, Presiding Elder, Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1864—Rev. G. W. Brush. Presiding Elder, Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1865—Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1866—Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Rev. H. K. Foster, pastor. 1867—Rev. C. A. Vananda, Presiding Elder, Rev. H. K.Foster, pastor. 1868—Rev. C. A. Vananda, Presiding Elder, Rev. H. K. Foster, pastor. 1869—Rev. C. A. Vananda, Presiding Elder; Rev. C. D. Battell, pastor. 1870—Rev. C. A. Vananda, Presiding Elder, Lev. C. P. Battell, pastor. 1871—Rev. J. W. White, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. F. King, pastor. 1872—Rev. J. W. White, Presiding Elder, Rev. T. H. Monroe, pastor. 1873—Rev. J. W. White, Presiding Elder, Rev. T. H. Monroe, pastor. 1874—Rev. A. B. Lee, Presiding Elder, Rev. T. H. Monroe, pastor. 1875—Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. T. Miller pastor. 1876—Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. T. Miller, pastor. 1877—Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. C. Jackson, pastor. 1878—Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. C. Jackson, pastor. 1879—Rev. J. F. King, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. C. Jackson, pastor. 1880, 1881 and 1882—Rev. J. F. King, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. W. Peters, pastor. The present membership of the church is 520. The spread of Methodism in Madison County has been rapid. In 1820, the old log meeting-house was the only church building on London Circuit, which then embraced all of the country north as far as Marysville; and south, Williamsport, Pickaway County, there are now within that scope of country at least fifty church edifices. The London Church and Sabbath school are in a prosperous condition.

First Presbyterian Church ofLondon.*—On the 26th day of September, 1829, a sermon was preached in London by the Rev. D. C. Allen, missionary, with reference to the formation of a Presbyterian Church. After service, a meeting for this purpose was held at the house of Mr. Charles Berry. A church session was present, consisting of Samuel Reed, an Elder from Upper Liberty Church, David Mitchell and David Chapman, Elders from Lower Liberty Church, in Union County, and Rev. D. C. Allen, an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church. The session being constituted with prayer, twenty persons were received on examination, as members of the Visible Church of Christ on Earth. Two persons were then nominated for election as Ruling Elders, and articles of faith and covenant were read for the consideration of all concerned. An appointment was made for the ensuing Sabbath, and the meeting adjourned. On Sabbath, September 27, the session met in the morning and received one other candidate. The names of all the candidates having been called, they presented themselves, gave their assent to the articles of faith and covenant and by prayers were set apart, and constituted a church of the Lord Jesus Christ. John Rayburn and William McCoy, the persons nominated for Ruling Elders, were duly elected and ordained as officers in this church, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to about thirty persons. This was the first Presbyterian communion service held in London for several years. Formerly an organization of twenty-five or thirty members had been formed, but having been long destitute of Presbyterian preaching it had become almost extinct. When Rev. D. C. Allen came on the field, in 1829, there were no Elders living in the congregation, and no church records could be found. The names of the persons composing the church as re-organized by him, twenty-one in number, are as follows: William McCoy, Ann P. McCoy, John Davidson, Mrs. Sallie Davidson, John Rayburn, Mrs. Rebecca Rayburn, James Rankin, Mrs. Margaret Rankin, Charles Berry, Mrs. Elizabeth Berry, Mrs. Elizabeth Stockton, Mrs. Mary Withrow and Mrs. Mary Temans received by certificate and examination. John Byers, Mrs. Matilda Byers, William T. Davidson, Mrs. Rachel B. Davidson. John H. Kennedy, Mrs. Hannah Hill, Mrs. Elizabeth Houston, Miss Maria P. Rankin and Mrs. Hume received by profession of faith and examination.

"May this little vine be owned and blessed as one of the Lord's own planting."
(Signed) D.C.Allen, Missionary.

The minutes of the organization of the church were approved at a meeting of the Presbytery of Columbus, in Circleville, Ohio, April 7, 1830. May 23, 1831, after public worship, a meeting of the congregation was held according to previous appointment, at which time Charles Berry and William T. Davidson were elected Ruling Elders, and were ordained on the 5th day of June, 1831; June 30, 1832, Samuel Bailer and William Creath were ordained as Ruling Elders of the church. March 13, 1833, the congregation of the Presbyterian Church was regularly convened in the court house, in London, for the purpose of electing a pastor. The Rev. Benjamin Dolbear was present, by invitation of the session, preached, and presided, as Moderator of the meeting. The Rev. D. C. Allen, who had been serving the church as missionary supply from the time of its organization, was unanimously chosen as their pastor. At the same time and place, William T. Davidson, James Rankin and James Rayburn were elected Trustees, and William McCormack Treasurer of the congregation. Rev. D. C. Allen was installed pastor of the church April 13, 1833. The church was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio on the 28th day of February, 1834.

The first church building, a frame structure, on the corner of Fifth and Oak streets, was erected in the years 1834—35. The first bell was purchased for the church in the year 1849; J. I. Robinson, Samuel P. Davidson and J. M. Rayburn were appointed the committee to solicit subscriptions for the purchase of the same. April 1, 1837, eighty members were reported to the Presbytery on the roll of the church. April 16, 1837, the Rev. D. C. Allen resigned his charge as pastor of the church. February 1, 1838, James Rayburn, William McCormack and J. E. Kennedy were elected and ordained as Ruling Elders of the church. May 13, 1838, nine members were dismissed for the purpose of forming a church in Jefferson, Ohio. This organization, after maintaining an existence for several years, with John Byers and Dr. David Wilson as Ruling Elders, at length become so much reduced by death and removals, that the few remaining members returned again to the church in London. John Byers and Mrs. Sarah Byers being received by letter October 16, 1858. April 2, 1839, Rev. J. Hoge, D.D., by invitation, preached a sermon and moderated a meeting regularly convened for electing a pastor. The Rev. E. Van Derman was called as pastor, and installed on the 3d day of April, 1839. His pastorate was very brief. The Master called him to a higher service and an eternal reward in November, 1839. After the death of Rev. E. Van Derman, the church was without a pastor for about one year. November 20, 1840, at a meeting of the congregation, presided over by Dr. J. Hoge, the Rev. R. C. McComb was called as pastor of the church, and was ordained and installed as pastor November 21, 1840. This pastorate continued until April, 1854. September 25, 1851, H. C. Amos and Joseph Rayburn were elected and ordained as Ruling Elders of the church.

In July, 1855, Rev. C. W. Finley, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Redstone, having been employed by the Presbytery of Columbus as a missionary, within its bounds, began his labors at London, Midway, Mt. Sterling, Genoa and Grove City, preaching also at several private houses in the community, making London his headquarters. During the year 1857, he was assisted in his labors by Rev. Mr. Irwin, for the period of six months. October 16, 1858, at a congregational meeting, regularly convened, and moderated by Rev. James Dunlap, the Presbyterian Church of London called Rev. C. W. Finley as their pastor for the whole of his time. He was installed pastor of the church January 7, 1859. Rev. James Hoge, D. D., Rev. E. Woods and Elder R. Paul being present at the service by appointment of the Presbytery. March 9, 1858, P. W. Taylor and Maxwell Murray were elected and ordained Ruling Elders of the church.

The old church building on the corner of Fifth ami Oak streets, having become too small to accommodate the congregation, and having fallen out of repair by use and lapse of time, it was decided by the congregation that they would erect a new building rather than repair the old one. During the year 1859, the present building, a one-story brick with large tower in center front, was erected. The pastor, Rev. C. W. Finley, donated the lot on which it stands, Maj. Richard Cowling, besides contributing liberally toward the construction, had the clock placed in the tower at his own expense, and by his last will and testament left a legacy of $5,000 for the benefit of the church. In September, 1859, the congregation authorized the sale of the old church building, the proceeds to be applied to the erection of the new church. April 14, 1860 B. F. Clark was elected and ordained a Ruling Elder of the church. November 9, 1861, John Lohr and William M. Kinney were elected, and December 1, 1861, were ordained Ruling Elders in the church, June 20, 1862, thirteen members were dismissed for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church in Midway, Ohio. The devoted and abundant labors of Rev. C. W. Finley were ended April 12, 1877, when after a lingering illness, the Master came to him with the gracious summons: "Enter thou into the joy of the Lord."

During the pastorate of nineteen years, the ehurch experienced a healthful and steady growth in numbers and usefulness. In January and February, 1866 it was visited by a season of special religious interest, and forty-four were added to the roll of membership on profession of their faith in Christ. Again, in 1875. forty-five were added on profession of faith. The number of members received on examination from April, 1855, to July, 1877, was 271. The number of members received on certificate from April, 1855, to July, 1877, was 131, making a total of 402. The number on the roll July 21, 1877, was 211. The loss by deaths and removals during the twenty-two years, was 191. The number now on the roll, December, 1882, is about 205. Rev. J. G. Pattcrson succeeded the Rev. C. W. Finley to the pastorate of the church, being called June 14, 1877, and installed October 17 of that year. Rev. J. A Ewalt, the present pastor, was installed April 11, 1882. Present members of the session are B. F. Clark, John Lohr, William T. Davidson, William M. Kinney. The Board of Trustees is G. W. Wilson. W. D. Williams and James Hamilton.


* This historical sketch in main, was embodied in a paper prepared and read before the congregation of the church by B. F. Clark, in October, 1876.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church of London.—In the absence of records, we are unable to give the date that the first Catholic services were held in London, and the names of the first members participating. The building of the Columbus & Xenia R. R. through London took place during the years 1848-49, and about this time several Catholic families located in this vicinity. Early in the year 1852, among the families residing in the town and neighborhood were John Dwyer and family, Philip Lackey and family, Thomas Singleton and family, Michael McCarty and family, Edward Donahue and family, Daniel Graham and family, John Fogerty and family, Thomas Kennally and family. Patrick Mastoson and family and James McCarty and family. At this time, mass was celebrated once a month, at private houses, principal among which was the house of Michael McCarty. The priest administering to this people was the Rev. father Thomas Blake, of Xenia. After the building of the Phifer House, on the corner of Main and High streets, mass was celebrated in the Phifer House Hall until 1856, when a lot was purchased on Center street, near Main, and a one-story frame church erected thereon, which was dedicated in the fall of that year. This was used as a house of worship by St. Patrick's congregation until the completion of their new edifice.

From the celebration of the first mass in London by Father Blake, until the church here was supplied with a resident priest, in 1864, the following named priests, and in the order given, administered to the spiritual wants of St. Patrick's congregation: Revs. Father Thomas Blake, Father Maurice Howard, of Springfield, Father D. J. Cogan and Father J. N. Thisse, both of Springfield. On Christinas Day, 1864, Rev. Father John Conway became the first resident priest of the London parish, and to this gentleman's untiring energy and perseverance is the church indebted for their beautiful and commodious edifice. The ground upon which the building stands, situated on the corner of Second and Union streets, was purchased of James Dwyer. The building was commenced in the summer of 1865. It is of gothic style of architecture, one hundred feet in length by fifty feet in width, with a thirty-eight foot ceiling; at the west end is a gallery, for the choir and organ, extending the whole width of the building; the tower is one hundred and ten feel in height, slated at the top; the windows are twelve feet in height, filled with a beautiful and costly article of stained glass. The cost of the building, with organ and bell, was $22,000. The plan for the building was drawn by Pickett & Son, of Cincinnati. The brick and stone work was done by Winn & Robinson, slating by Gephart, of Dayton, plastering by William Gulick, of Columbus, and the painting by Joseph Corns. The church is the largest in the county, and will seat about 1,000 persons.

The corner stone of the edifice was laid September 17, 1865. Bishop Sylvester H. Rosecrans delivered a discourse explanatory of the Catholic faith and replete with good advice, immediately after which he administered confirmation to about fifty persons. A small tin-box containing the date of the ceremonies, the names of the Bishop, the pastor, and other lads relating to the church was deposited in the corner-stone.

The edifice was dedicated by Archbishop John B. Purcell on Sunday, November 18, 1866. Many visitors came from neighboring cities, and at 11 o'clock a grand procession was formed at the old church, headed by a Columbus band, and proceeded to the new church. It was impossible for one-half the crowd to get within the walls of the building. The Archbishop delivered a short discourse out doors, after which the crowd was admitted inside as fast as the money could be taken at the door, as this was the means in which the donations were received. The building had not yet been seated, but it was supposed that fifteen hundred persons were admitted. The music on the occasion was furnished by the choir of St. Patrick's Church of Columbus. The following church dignitaries were in attendance from abroad: Archbishop John B. Purcell, of Cincinnati; Rev. Father Edward Fitzgerald, of Columbus; Rev. Father Joseph Retcker, D. D., Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati; Rev. Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia, and Rev. Father J. N. Thisse, of Springfield. The interior of the edifice is neatly finished. There are three altars, the main one being dedicated by Archbishop Purcell, October 27, 1872. The Scriptural paintings are fine works of art. the fourteen representing the way of the cross were purchased by Father Conway in Paris.

The resident pastors of the church, with their assistants in the order named, have been as follows: Rev. Father John Conway, from Christmas, 1864, until June, 1877; Assistants—Rev. Fathers J. Maroney and Rowekamp. During Father Conway's absence from the church while in Europe, the priests of St. Patrick's Church were Rev. Fathers P. H. Cusack, J. J. Kennedy and B. M. Mueller. Rev. Father Michael Hayes, from June, 1877, until August, 1878. Rev. Father James Burns, from August, 1878, until January, 1881; Assistants—Fathers Michael Hayes and Charles McCallion respectively. Rev. Father C. M. Berding, the present incumbent, became pastor in October, 1881. His assistant is Rev. Father James O'Kiefle, who entered upon his duties in October, 1882. The congregation numbers about two hundred and fifty families.

Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church of London.—At a meeting held at the residence of Jonathan Farrar on the 28th of June, 1858, opened by prayer by the Rev. Chandler Robbins, of Springfield, the above-named society was organized and styled "Christ's Protestant Episcopal Church of London," and subsequently was incorporated under that name. The officers elected at that meeting were: Richard Cowling, Jonathan Farrar, Edwin Cowling, Jesse W. Dungan, Dr. N. S. Darling, B. T. Custer, Edwin Bird, James Baker and D. M. Creighton, comprising the Vestry; Jonathan Farrar, Senior Warden; Edwin Cowling, Junior Warden; and D. M. Creighton, Treasurer of the church. On motion, a committee of two was appointed to extend an invitation to the Rev. Chandler Robbins to become the first rector of the church, which invitation was accepted. The first communicant members of the church were Mrs. M. Dooris and two daughters, Maggie and Sarah, Dr. H. J. Sharp and wife, Mrs. A. C. Watson. Mrs. E. J. Gould, Mrs. S. J. Hubbard and daughter Maggie, Mrs. George Mitchell, Mrs. Noah Thomas, Mrs. John Chambers, Mrs. W. H. Carter, Mary Green and Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Bolds. For the first two years of Christ's Church, services were held once a month in the old Presbyterian Church building, under the rectorship of Mr. Robbins. From that period until the year 1866 67, the pulpit was unoccupied. For a portion of this year, occasional services were conducted in the court house by Rev. W. T. Helm, of Xenia. Before the close of the year, Mr. Helm was succeeded by Rev. H. C. H. Dudley, of the same city. Mr. Dudley remained rector of the church for about two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Kellogg, who served the people about six months only, being compelled by failing health to sever his connection with the church. His successor was Rev. J. H. Ely. The next rector of the church was Rev. William Bower, under whose rectorship the church prepared to build in the spring of 1878. A lot was purchased of Eugene Freeman for $500, located near the corner of Fourth and Union streets, upon which was erected, at a cost of $2,500, a beautiful frame edifice, which was consecrated to the service of God by Bishop Jaggar, of the diocese of Southern Ohio, on the afternoon of Saturday, November 16, 1878. In the spring of 1878, Rev. John Rose, of Boston, became rector of the church. Other rectors have been Revs. Mr. Morrell and J. W. Gillman. The church is now (1882) without a rector. Membership, seventeen. In connection with the church there has been carried on a successful Sunday school for several years, which is now in a prosperous condition, under the superintendency of Dr. H. J. Sharp. The number of scholars in attendance is twenty-five.

The First Universalist Church of London.—On the 12th of July, 1858, the following-named persons assembled for the purpose of organizing themselves into a Universalist Church society: William Jones, J. F. Willis, Lathrop Willis, B. F. Montgomery, J. W. Curd, W. S. Shepherd, J. W. Low, J. Peetrey, Jedyer Willis, Josephine Jones, Louis Shepherd, M. J. Curd, Mary Low, C. Chandler, Frances Curtis, Minerva Acton, Josephine McCormack, Lorain Byers, Minerva Sothoron, Hannah Powell, Josephine Powell, Adelaide McCormack, Margaret McClintock and Edward McClimans. On the 12th of the following month, another meeting was held and presided over by Jedyer Willis, at which the organization of the society was completed. Jedyer Willis, J. F. Willis. J. W. Curd, William Jones and Jacob Peetrey were appointed Trustees of the church: Jedyer Willis, Treasurer, and Jacob Peetrey, Clerk. It should have been stated, however, that prior to the regular organization of the church as given above, occasional preaching was had by this class at London by ministers supplying neighboring pulpits, one of whom was Rev. H. R. Nye, pastor of the Universalist society at Columbus. Mr. Nye was active in the interests of the church, and the organization here was in a measure due to his efforts. He continued in the pastorate of the church at Columbus until the spring of 1859, and served the London congregation regularly during that time. Mr. Nye's successor to the Columbus charge was Rev. Thomas Gormon, who remained the pastor of the church until 1861, and likewise preached regularly at London.

Unfortunately the early records of the society were destroyed by fire some years ago, and a complete succession of the different ministers who have served the charge cannot be given. Revs. G. L. Demorist of Cincinnati, A. W. Bruce, pastor of the society at Columbus, from 1865 until 1868, and E. L. R. Reexford, subsequently pastor of the same society, have preached for this society. The first resident pastor of the society was Rev. R. T. Polk, whose ministry began in the spring of 1867. His resignation was tendered in June, 1869. The next regular pastor was Rev. T. P. Abell, who assumed such relation in the spring of 1875; since the fall of 1880, the pastor and pastoress of the church have been Rev. J. W. Crosley and wife, who preach on alternate Sundays; until 1864, the services of this denomination were held in the court house, and for a period in the Presbyterian Church. In 1864, a brick house for worship was erected by the society on Second street, between Main and Union, which was completed and dedicated September 27. 1866; sermon by Rev. George Messenger. In 1875, the church building was enlarged and improved, and was re-opened and dedicated on Sabbath, June 20, of that year, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. Dr. McCalister, President of Buchtel College. There were present on the occasion, the following clergymen: Rev. Dr. Manly of Auburn, N. Y.; Rev. M. Tomlinson and Rev. T. P. Abell, the regular pastor. The present membership of the church is about eighteen.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of London.—In the summer of 1877, after repeated efforts to organize a Lutheran Church in London, under the auspices of the first joint Synod of Ohio, the members of the Lutheran Church who had been engaged in the previous efforts resolved to turn their attention to the General Council, and to beseech assistance from this quarter. Accordingly, word was sent to Rev. G. W. Mechling, then President of the district synod of Ohio, stating the condition of things, and asking whether it could be done. The matter was referred to the Rev. H. Peters of the missionary synod of Columbus. The result was this field was soon visited by Mr. Peters, who found favorable prospects for organizing a charge; regular services were held from this time on until the meeting of the District Synod of Ohio in the fall. A statement of affairs at the synod attracted the attention of Rev. A. Poorman, of Farmersville; arrangements were made for him to visit the field, which he did, and soon thereafter a joint meeting of the people of London and Lilly Chapel was held in London on the 7th of November, 1877, at which the following action was taken. It was resolved, that a call be extended to Rev. Mr. Poorman, and $500 be promised him for his support; at the same meeting the following resolution was adopted:

"Resolved, That we now resolve ourselves into an Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, to be known as —."

A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws for the government of the congregation.

The Rev. Mr. Peters took charge of the congregation (Poorman having declined), and in the spring moved to London with his family. He remained pastor of the church three years, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Brown, the present incumbent, whose labors commenced with this people April 1, 1882. Services were first held in Buff Block, then in the hall in a building on Main street, known as Byers' Building. While in this hall the entire furniture of the society was destroyed by fire. From this location they removed to the Cartzdafner Building, where they worshiped until the building of their present neat one-story brick edifice, situated on the corner of Walnut and Second streets. The corner-stone of this edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies in the summer of 1881. The building was put under roof that fall, and completed the following fall at a cost of about $2,300. The church was dedicated June 11, 1882, by an address from Rev. G. W. Mechlin, of Lancaster, President of the Lutheran Synod.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church of London.—The organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of London dates from 1860. About this year Rev. Edward Davis came to the village and organized a class at the residence of Edward Mumford, which consisted of a membership of three, namely: Martha Betts, Wealthy Roberts and Mary J. Nickens. These names were presented to the Ohio Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and from this time regular services of this body have been held in London. The Rev. Mr. Davis served the people as pastor for about three years, during which time the class progressed and many additions were made to it. From the organization of the society until 1872, preaching was conducted in private residences and in Smith's Hall. The ministers officiating as pastors of the church during this period and in the order named, are as follows Revs. Edward Davis, Mr. White, Edward Wright, Mr. Holcomb, Mr. Walker, Jesse Divine, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Whitfield. In 1872, under the pastorate of Mr. Whitfield, the society purchased the church property formerly occupied by the Catholic congregation, for $1,800. Services have since been conducted in this building until in August, 1882, when on the 10th of that month the roof, having become old and decayed, fell in, which rendered the building unfit for occupancy. This building has since been torn down, and there is now in process of construction, on the same site, a neat, one-story brick structure, 32x50 feet, with an 18 foot ceiling. The building is to have a large tower in the center front which is to be sixty feet in height, and is to be supplied with a bell weighing 675 pounds.

The Rev. William Whitfield was succeeded by Rev. Burton Lewis; and he by Rev. Edward Taylor. Mr. Taylor's successor was Rev. Moses Wilson, who was followed by Rev. Watson Artis, the present pastor of the church. The membership is now one hundred. The local preachers of the church are Edward Mumford and Hilman Hurd, the former being a class-leader. Thomas Pleasant, Robert Verine, William Lowry and Edward Mumford are Stewards. The Board of Trustees is Edward Mumford, S. B. Norris, Thomas Pleasant, Robert Verine, Addison Tarry, Noah Hodge and Elias Lowry.

A Sabbath school is conducted by the church, which was organized a few years subsequent to the formation of the society. Connected with the church are the Missionary Society and a Church Aid Society, the object of the former being to provide means for the support of superannuated ministers and bishops of the conference, and both home and foreign missions; and the object of the latter being to provide means for church educational purposes and for the general support and advancement of the people in morals and religion.

The First Baptist Church of London {colored).—This church was organized on the fourth Lord's Day of February, 1866, by Elder George Dardis with the following-named members: John Cain, Samuel Johnston, Harry Townsend, Levi Taylor, Samuel and William Lewis, Alfred Henrys, Henry White, Lemuel Lewis, David Cain, Isaac Jenkins, George H. Hill, Precilla Carter, Julia Rammah, Laura Cain, Eliza Taylor. Nancy Wintersmith, Alice Mack, Josephine Roberts, Mary Butler, Francis Whales, Lucy Lewis, Julia Andrews, Jennie Robinson, R, Meredith, A. D. Meredith. Elizabeth Wright, and Henry A. Johnson. A frame house was purchased by these members, together with lot, of Michael Carroll, situated on Fourth street, for $1,000; and the same was occupied by the society as a place of worship until the building of their present brick structure. In the spring of 1870, preparations for the new building were begun, and July 16 the corner-stone was laid with imposing ceremonies, conducted by Silver Urn Lodge, No. 20, of Free and Accepted Masons. Visiting lodges of the same order from neighboring places were in attendance, and music for the occasion was furnished by the Columbus Barrack's Band. In the morning, services were held in the court house, Rev. James Poindexter, of Columbus, preaching; and in the afternoon the same minister delivered an address in the Presbyterian Church, after which the procession formed, and marched to the church, where the ceremonies were performed in an impressive manner. The building, a one-story brick, located on Fourth street near Water, was completed in 1881, costing about $2,500. The present pastor of the church is Elder William Balay. Membership, fifty two.

A prosperous Sabbath school has been conducted by the members of the society ever since its organization. This numbers at present about ninety scholars, officered as follows: Superintendent, Mrs. C. D. Rayburn; Assistant Superintendent, Miss Lizzie Fisher; Secretary. James H. Cain; Treasurer, Mrs. D. J. Milton; Librarian, Charles Hunt.

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