CELEBRATING OUR JOURNEY 1802-1991

A History of Churches in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley

This history of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley from 1802 to 1991 is a work of love completed by William K. (Bill) Gerhard, Helen Miller, Lucille Houpt Oster, George Oster, Lucile Habermeyer, The Reverend Irene Stuart, and Nancy Harper.

Celebrating Our Journey 1802-1991

All rights reserved

Published by The Presbytery of Ohio Valley
Copyright © 2013 Presbytery of Ohio Valley

This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited without the express written permission of the copyright holder.

First Printing: 1991
Printed in the United States of America

First Digital Edition: March 2013

Introduction

What a joy this has been, to experience our heritage of almost 200 years of Presbyterians in southern Indiana. As you explore the following pages it is my hope you achieve the great pleasure that all of us have in preparing this information as we walked in the shoes of our predecessors.

We discovered such denominational ancestries as Cumberland, Calvinists, German Reformed, Old School/New School, Seceders and Covenanters. We found that our churches have been burned out, flooded out, tornado struck, only to be rebuilt with renewed vigor. We’ve literally raised the roofs, to dig basements for expansion. Our church bells were used to warn of both Rebel and Union forces attacks during the Civil War. Special financial campaigns were held to assure that each church belfry was filled with the finest tone available. Our houses of worship were used as hospitals and to house homeless persons. Our early pastors were circuit riders, coming into the Indiana Territory to establish our first church in 1802, to sow the seeds of Presbyterianism. Music plays a vital role in our heritage with pianos, pipe organs, hand bells and choirs. Our churches were frequently the first schools, since education was vital in this wilderness. In these pages you will find other interesting notes: the women’s group who raised money for an iron fence, but built a manse instead; a church designed with the entrance to the front of the sanctuary so that late-comers had to be noticed, and sessions much more strictly adhering to the letter of church law as they interpreted.

This project was begun over two years ago, during the bicentennial year of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and I do admit that I wondered if we had begun a project which would ever be completed. Without the persistence and intense work of Bill Gerhard, Lucile Habermeyer, Lucille and George Oster, Irene Stuart, and Helen Miller and all of you who so willingly contributed your time and efforts, we would not be celebrating the written journey of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley today. The intent of this publication is to heighten awareness, to stimulate an appreciation of our own history from its beginnings and the importance of maintaining accurate records into the future. May God bless us all in our endeavors.

Nancy A. Harper, Stated Clerk

Managing Editor

CELEBRATING OUR JOURNEY

The Presbytery of Ohio Valley had its beginning with the 1970 Overture on the “Restructure” of the United Presbyterian Church. The presbytery came into being as a unit in 1972, composed of the entire presbyteries of New Albany and Vincennes, and parts of Crawfordsville and Indianapolis.

The Organizing Commission was held in Bedford on March 18, 1972 with the following commission members: the Reverend Daniel Biggs, the Reverend Neil Cowling, Mrs. Hazel Garrett, Mr. Edward Marlin, Mr. Robert McClew, the Reverend James Battig, the Reverend Don Kastner, Mr. Ralph Matheny, Mr. Joe Matson, Mrs. Carolyn McCleary, the Reverend Joe Pollock, Mrs, Louise Schildroth, the Reverend Jacob Vellenga, the Reverend Bill Malter, the Reverend Marion Garrett, the Reverend David Farris and Mr. Waldo Harrison.

This “Restructure” first envisioned presbyteries centered around metropolitan areas, and this was accomplished in some areas, even cutting across state lines. A number of churches in Indiana asked to be placed with nearby metropolitan areas such as Evansville, Indianapolis and Louisville. For various reasons these requests were denied and the Presbytery of Ohio Valley was left very much according to the devised plan.

Through the years as a presbytery we have diminished in size, but not in commitment or faith. We have done much that is good and lasting. I expect us to celebrate the good, knowing that God will forgive our short comings and use the good to glorify God’s name and lead others to Christ. May Grace, Mercy and Peace be ours through Jesus Christ.

Robert C. Sackmann, Executive Presbyter

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1504 “L” Street, Bedford
Organized 1819

In the early 1800’s, the Reverend Isaac Reed, a Presbyterian minister working with the American Home Mission Society, founded a number of Presbyterian churches in southern Indiana. From his base in New Albany, Mr. Reed started churches as far north as Greencastle and Franklin. In 1819, he founded a church in the town of Palestine, located on the northern bank of the White River, county seat of the newly-formed Lawrence County. The small congregation had met in homes and in the court house. In 1825 the county seat was moved north to Bedford; several years later, the church followed. On May 7, 1831, Mr. Reed instituted it as the Bedford Presbyterian Church with eighteen members.

Presbyterian pastors were in short supply in Indiana in the early 1800’s, but the small missionary congregation was very fortunate. In 1836 the Reverend Solomon Kittridge, an energetic young minister from Massachusetts, was sent to Bedford by the American Board of Domestic Missions. Under his guidance, the congregation grew quickly. In 1839 when it numbered about 70, a state charter was obtained, and the congregation decided to build its first building. In 1840 with much labor by the members, a small, two room brick building was built on the site of our present church.

The timing was not propitious, however. Perhaps because of debt (of the $874 cost, $431 had to be borrowed), or distance, several members living east of Bedford withdrew and built another Presbyterian Church, the Bethlehem Church in Pinhook. To help pay its debt, the Bedford congregation rented its building half-time to a Baptist congregation, and used the front room for a school.

A more serious problem occurred in 1841, when the split in our denomination into “New and Old School” presbyteries reached Bedford. Most of the congregation remained with Mr. Kittridge in the “New School”, but a number of dissenters left to build a two-story brick house on the southwest corner of Church and Locust Streets, now 14th and “K” Streets, present site of First United Methodist Church. The Bethlehem congregation also joined the “Old School” presbytery.

This New School/Old School split lasted until 1858, when the three congregations united into the Bedford Independent Presbyterian Church, with the Old School church building being sold to the Methodists. By the mid-1860’s, we ended our independence and became members of the New Albany Presbytery. When, in 1869, the national denomination split into “northern” and “southern” Presbyterian churches, we became a “northern” church.

The churches in Bedford and Pinhook were not the only Presbyterian churches in Lawrence County during this period. Isaac Reed had also founded a church in Bono, which moved to Lawrenceport about 1845, and in 1852, the Reverend John Bishop, who had succeeded Mr. Kittridge, organized a church in Woodville, which in 1855 moved to Mitchell. For a brief period, 1854-66, there was a German Presbyterian on “K” Street between 17th and 18th Streets, but this congregation became Methodist. Records of the old New Albany Presbytery also show Presbyterian Churches in Leesville (1840), Rock Lick (1851) and Clear Spring (1867).

By 1870, the building at 15th and “L” had become unsuitable, so it was torn down and a new, larger brick building was erected over the old foundation. It was built at a cost of $7,000, and was dedicated on July 30, 1871.

Like the community, the Bedford Presbyterian Church tended to follow the fortunes of the stone industry. It grew rapidly in the decades before and after the turn of the century. In 1900, during the pastorate of A.M. Irvine, extensive remodeling of the facility was undertaken. The brick shell of the old sanctuary was completely surrounded by new stone construction, giving our church a radically different appearance. New stained glass windows and furnishings were installed, with some of the old furnishings going to nearby churches.

In 1903, the Reverend J.W. Findley became pastor, and during his decade of ministry, the church opened a chapel on the northeast corner of “J” and 7th Streets. Mr. Findley was succeeded by Dr. DeWitt T. Scott, under whom a large addition was built on the east side of the church: the first story contained classrooms, and the second story had a kitchen and social room. The sanctuary was also renovated with a new organ and new pews. The addition was dedicated on January 21, 1917.

Our church was renamed to First Presbyterian Church of Bedford in 1957. The next major renovation was in 1967-68, when the old manse just south of the church was torn down and replaced with a new addition containing Voris Fellowship Hall, a kitchen, church offices, a nursery and restrooms. The second floor social room was remodeled into classrooms and a youth room, and the sanctuary was extensively remodelled, including a new organ. In 1987, part of the adjoining parking lot was purchased, providing the first church-owned, off-street parking.

First Presbyterian Church is proud of its heritage as one of the leading churches in Bedford. We have been active in serving both community and the presbytery. For the past several years our church has been growing in both numbers and activity. We look forward to the 1990’s with confidence that we will continue to provide a vital growing ministry in the Presbyterian tradition, responding ever anew to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Roll of Pastors — NS/OS denotes New School/Old School

Isaac Reed 1819-35
Solomon Kittredge 1836-42; 1846-47
Alexander M’Ferson 1843-45
Walter Mitchell 1847-50 NS
John A. Tiffany 1850-51 NS
John M. Bishop 1851-53; 1855-59 NS
Manna Thompson 1854 NS
R.M. Roberts 1848-53 OS
J.G. Williamson 1854 OS
William V. Sickels 1854-59 OS
Edwin Barr 1859-61
C.B.H. Martin 1861-64
F.M. Symmes 1865-67; 80-81
James B. Crowe 1867-72
Robert P. Shaw 1872-73
Edwin Barr 1874
Preston McKinney 1875
Jerome A. Williams 1878-79
Williams J. Frazer 1884-86
E.C. Trimble 1887
J.T. Lapsley 1887
Clarence Crawford 1888
Worden Nicholas 1889
A.M. Irvine 1890-03
John W. Findley 1904-12
DeWitt T. Scott 1921-28
Benjamin Andres 1919-20
John L. Prentice 1929-40
Ernest J. Yorger 1940-44
Paul Sherrill 1944-59
Stanley B. Hooper 1959-64
Lawrence H. Cater 1964-69
Arthur J. Young 1970-81
Gary W. Hardesty 1982-85
Stephen B. Braden 1986-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GREENE COUNTY
401 Shyla Lane, Bloomfield
Organized 1823

In January, 1967 the United Presbyterian Church of Greene County (now First) came into existence through the union of Bloomfield and Scotland Presbyterian Churches. Organization with 180 charter members was completed by the Presbytery of Vincennes May 10, 1967. The Reverend J. Nelson Jackaway was pastor of these two congregations from 1964, and served as Organizing Pastor of the newly formed church, continuing to serve as Moderator of the Session until his death in 1968.

The Reverend Waheeb Ayoub was installed as pastor in October, 1969, the Reverend Joseph R. Walker served as Stated Supply from 1972 to 1974 and was designated Pastor Emeritus in September, 1974. The Robert E. Lorimer was installed October 6, 1974, and continues to serve this congregation today.

In the years since our reorganization, extensive work has been completed remodeling the sanctuary, expanding the Sunday School facilities and providing other improvements to the church building. In 1989 we completed a lovely new church building, the third in our history.

Our history, begins much before 1967. It is rooted in the rich heritage of the past, brought to this union by the Bloomfield and Scotland congregations and each has its own story to tell.

Early missionaries of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church came to Greene County soon after the first settlers arrived in Indiana. The Reverend A. W. Downey held a series of outdoor meetings on the John Van Vorst farm in 1823, and August 9th, a Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized, known as the Bloomfield congregation. When the community of Bloomfield was established as the county seat and a courthouse was erected, it served as a meeting place for all denominations for many years.

Prior to construction of our first church building, services were held in groves, the school house, or the log court house, until in 1842 the Methodist Church was built and shared on alternate Sundays with this Presbyterian congregation. There was a union Sunday School until 1850, when the first church building was erected on East Main Street. This building was probably used until the second building was completed in 1899. The former church site was then used for the construction of a manse in 1900. During the late 1980’s the second church began to deteriorate and a third building was constructed in the Sand Ridge addition services with services beginning the last Sunday in 1989.

Among the preachers active during the early years of the Cumberland Church was the Reverend Arthur Hicks, who ministered for ten years, without pay to the people in Bloomfield, when a regular minister was not available. In 1837, the Reverend William McCloskey became pastor of the Bloomfield, Washington and Lebanon congregations at a salary of $200 per year, apparently the first pastor assigned to conduct regular services for the Bloomfield Congregation. Another early minister, the Reverend Ephraim Hall, became pastor of the Bloomfield and Ellettsville congregations in 1838, serving for 16 years, traveling miles of lonely, rugged terrain on horseback. Through his efforts and those of the Reverend John McMahan, a Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized. This congregation was attached to the Bloomfield congregation. We became known as the Prairie Church of the Bloomfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1839, the Hicks Church as it had become known, organized as a separate congregation.

Of special note is that in 1881, Miss Julie Latimer Leavitt, at age 18, was appointed to the Japan Mission by the Cumberland Board of Foreign Missions. There she worked with evangelistic fervor for 45 years, lavishing her love and service upon the people of Tanabe, a town of 12,000, who responded with respect and veneration for her spiritual enlightenment.

The Reverend I.N. Yokley, with the support of others in our church, is remembered for his untiring work toward erection of the new church building, the Honorable William D. Lester for the donation of the church site, William K. Routt, grandfather of the late Maude Isenhower, for the church bell still in use, and Maude Cravens Isenhower (1874-62), who is fondly remembered for her extraordinary dedication to the church, manifested in her great love for the children of its members and her diligent service helped to hold the membership together when we were without a pastor.

When the Cumberland denomination merged with the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. in 1906, the Bloomfield congregation became the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomfield.

Although 1923 marked the celebration of our 100th anniversary, the ensuing years of the Depression, through World War II, and into the early 1950’s found us without full time pastoral leadership. Membership and ministry fluctuated due to the numerous uncertainties of the times, yet the work of the church continued. Finally Bruce Beardsley, who had been serving the mission field in Ecuador, was ordained and installed as pastor on June 14, 1957.

SCOTLAND UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Ruhamah”, the Hebrew word for “Sing and be joyful” holds a special the Scotland Church part of us. In 1847, in the little village of Scotland, because of their strong religious convictions and inherent faith, the Scotch and Scotch-Irish immigrants, who had been meeting in homes to worship God, felt the need for a church. The building of this church, built with love by these sturdy and stalwart pioneers required patience, endurance and skill. In 1858, when the Associated and Associate Reformed Presbyterian Churches united to form the United Presbyterian Church, the name was changed from Ruhamah to the Scotland United Presbyterian Church. As we began to grow in numbers, a new church facility was completed on an adjacent site in 1916.

Under the guidance of our first pastor, the Reverend James Ingles, who served from 1858-02, we grew in membership and mission in our community. The Sabbath was a day in which spiritual growth was strictly adhered to, all work and amusement banned, and every member attended church services in the morning and spent the afternoon reading God’s Word and studying the catechisms. Our Sabbath School was organized March 4, 1973.

Through strength and perseverance, dedicated leadership and dependability of church families, our church clung to its pioneer heritage and made its way through the perplexing times surrounding World War II. Through the dedicated efforts of the Rev. James Billman, revitalization occurred in the mid-1950’s, with a renewed commitment of time, energy and money. One of our most significant projects during this time was the establishment of “God’s Acre”, with active response not only from our membership, but also from the community. An individual donates a parcel of land for the year, it is planted and harvested, then the proceeds dedicated to God’s work.

Again with the decline in population and church membership and various economic problems in both churches, the Vincennes Presbytery proposed a joint or yoked pastorate for Bloomfield and Scotland churches. This proposal was approved by both congregations in April, 1962, and the Reverend Dr. Frank D. Wimp was installed as pastor.

In 1965, under the guidance of the Reverend J. Nelson Jackaway, we began an evaluation which would culminate in the “Plan of Union” of 1967. This plan provided for the dissolution of the Bloomfield and the Scotland Churches, with the establishment of a new one. The doors of the Scotland church were closed to worship, but the building continued to be used by the Presbyterian Teens for regular meetings and special events. A tragic fire in October, 1969 destroyed all but the belfry tower. Interestingly after much discussion, a long term token lease was provided enabling the construction of a firehouse for the newly formed Richland-Taylor Township Fire Department, The undying spirit of this pioneer church continues its service to Scotland. What was the ending of two old, established churches, became the beginning of a new one — the First Presbyterian Church of Greene County.

Roll of Pastors — Bloomfield, First 1919-67

Owen W. Pratt 1919-20
T.B. McAmis 1921-24
Monroe Seals 1924-25
Jack Masters, Sr. 1926-31
Paul L. Garber 1934-37
William S. Behrick 1937-39
Wallace McDonald 1940-41
Oral D. VanHorn 1944-45
Homer G. Weisbecker 1946-53
Mayo Smith 1954-57
Bruce Beardsley 1957-61
Frank D. Wimp 1962-63
J. Nelson Jackaway 1964-67

Roll of Pastors — Scotland United Presbyterian Church 1858-67

James Ingles 1858-02
H. Sleman 1910-13
J.H. McCann 1917-21
W.C. Ball 1927-28
A.J. McConnell 1927-28
W.L. Lorimer 1929-36
D.M. Crawford 1937-40
Lester C. Taylor 1941-44; 1946-48
F.S. Zeller 1949-50
James Billman 1955-58
David Owen 1958-60
Wayne H. Davis 1960-62
Frank D. Wimp 1962-63
J. Nelson Jackaway 1964-67

Roll of Pastors First Presbyterian Church of Greene County

J. Nelson Jackaway 1967-68
Waheep Auoub 1969-72
Joseph R. Walker 1972-74
Robert E. Lorimer 1972-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
221 E. Sixth, Bloomington
Organized 1819

“In September, 1819, I went into the interior of the state. Preached in the new and frontier counties of Monroe and Owen … In Monroe County a church was gathered and constituted at Bloomington, the county seat. This was the first church formed by my ministry.”

So reads the first-hand record of the founding of the First United Presbyterian Church, USA, Bloomington, written by home missionary, the Reverend Isaac Reed.

Pioneer Presbyterians met in the log cabin of Dr. and Mrs. David Maxwell, September 25, 1819, to charter this fellowship of Col. and Mrs. John Ketcham, Henry and Mary Kirkham, Elizabeth Anderson, Elizabeth Lucas and Patsy Baught. The William Alexander and Henry Batterton families joined in the first public services held in a log court house on September 26th. Soon to join were the Austin Sewards, John and Sam Orchard, Ezra and Cornelius Pering, and Samuel Dodds. Austin Steward organized the first Sunday School in his home. In 1825, Baynard Hall became minister with an annual salary of $250 from the state seminary and $150 in trade goods from the congregation. He remained until 1829 when Andrew Wylie was called. In that year the congregation of 34 moved into its first church at the corner of 4th and Washington. This first decade we were devoted to education and a strong concern for social and economic inequalities in our community. This was to continue in the new church.

Among many ministers serving was Levi Hughes. During his tenure the Sewing Society was organized. Among many philanthropic endeavors, in 1849, these women raised $260 to purchase a lot on the east side of the square for a future church. But, in 1852 a setback occurred during Thomas Alexander’s ministry when a split formed between the Old and New School Presbyterians. Twenty seven members left to form Second Presbyterian Church.

T.M. Hopkins, called in 1859, gave practical leadership which helped us to recover from days of dissension. He sparked the building of the Walnut Street sanctuary, finished in 1863. This two story brick building became the site of numerous community activities, popular church suppers and educational programs.

It was during the ministry of A.T. Moore that the reunion with Second Presbyterian Church was celebrated with the new church being known as Walnut Street Presbyterian Church. Unfortunately fire destroyed this edifice on June 14, 1899 and most of our official records were lost, but from letters and unofficial sources, it is noted that the church had opted for such innovations as hymn singing, a church choir and an organ in the sanctuary.

The following year a contract was let for still another new sanctuary at Sixth and Lincoln, and was dedicated on June 23, 1901 as First Presbyterian Church, USA. The cornerstone contains items of the time including an autograph book with 1300 signatures of members and local citizens. A charge of ten cents per signature generated funds for purchase of an organ.

A campus ministry challenge was accepted in 1911 and Westminster Foundation was organized. Thomas White was the first Presbyterian student pastor at Indiana University with the church pastor having additional responsibilities. The impact of the Foundation and the church had upon each other was most beneficial. Unfortunately, a serious split occurred within the congregation from 1928-30, during the pastorate of Lewis Gaston Leary, as relations between the student pastor, Floyd Kline and Reverend Leary became strained over Foundation matters.

Charles Swartz, who came in 1931, with Douglas Vernon as student minister, helped the wounds to heal and the church to grow. Growth included the organization in 1937 of existing women’s groups in the church into present Women’s Association. The women never lacked for a special cause and always had time for study and participation in home and world mission programs. From these members came the stimulus with other church women, to establish the Christian Center and its fine nursery school.

The Reverend Joseph Walker was called as pastor in 1945, and served for 20 years. During his ministry much growth was evidenced in membership and community service. Sparked by Reverend Walker, members joined in securing the adoption of Bloomington’s Fair Housing Ordinance, integration of public school facilities, work in race relations and juvenile justice.

1954 was a year of building and remodeling. A Christian Education building, Walker Hall was dedicated with Dorothy (Mrs. George) Johnson as Director of Christian Education. The Monroe County Preschool for Handicapped and the Presbyterian Preschool were housed in this facility until 1975.

Following in the spirit of church growth and service to people everywhere, Paul Miller became pastor in 1965, having three assistant ministers during his tenure — George Reed, Robert White, Jr. and James McDonald. Many social-action programs were supported during this ministry.

James Steele was called in 1977, with James McDonald continuing as associate until 1980, when Charlene Williams became associate pastor. During Mr. Steele’s tenure, Harmony School was housed in Walker Hall. The Dana Griffee Shelter House was dedicated at the Larry Crowe Retreat Area donated in 1971, in memory of Larry Crowe, a church youth, in memory of Dana Griffee, Elder.

Byron Bangert was installed as Pastor in May, 1985 and Cynthia Cochran became the new Associate Pastor in August, 1987. With her December, 1990 marriage to Presbyterian pastor Jeffrey Carney of Greensburg, she became Cynthia Cochran-Carney.

In September, 1990 the church celebrated the culmination of over four years planning, dreaming and sustained effort with the dedication of a new, 9,000+ square foot addition and major renovation. This building, to the north of the previously existing structure includes a social hall, kitchen, restroom facilities, church office cluster, adult classrooms, and grade-level entrances with adjacent parking. The narthex now integrates the social hall and kitchen with the original sanctuary on the same level. The old social hall has been converted into class rooms, choir room and office, with a church library and kitchenette where the original kitchen had been. We are quite proud of our addition.

The ministers, staff and members of First Presbyterian Church still strive to put our faith and conviction into action. As pioneer Presbyterians stoutly urged public education, temperance and women’s rights, our latter day members are espousing similar causes in Christian education, peace making, human rights, criminal justice, community and world mission and global outreach.

Ministers First Presbyterian Church of Bloomington

Isaac Reed 1819-21
Baynard Hall 1825-29
Andrew Wylie 1829-34
Ransom Hawley 1834-42
W.W. Martin 1842-44
Alfred Ryors 1844-47
Levi Hughes 1847-51
Thomas Alexander 1851-54
F.H.L. Laird 1854-56
Lowman Hawes 1856-57
T.M. Hopkins 1859-68
A.Y. Moore 1869-77
J.A. Bower 1878-84
A.S. Carrier 1885
W.B. Minton 1886-91
G.H. Luccock 1891-94
M.G. Allison 1894-06
T.R. White 1907-11
J.R. Ellis 1912-13
J.T. Newell 1914-16
C.L. Plymate 1917-19
J.F. Young 1921-27
L.G. Leary 1928-30
D.N. Dobson 1930-31
C.B. Swartz 1931-45
Joseph Walker 1945-65
Paul Miller 1965-77
George Reed 1967-70
Robert White, Jr. 1971-74
James McDonald 1975-79
James Steele 1977-82
Charlene Williams 1980-85
Byron Bangert 1985 to present
Cynthia Cochran-Carney 1987 to present

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1701 E. Second Street, Bloomington
Organized 1872

In 1560 many Scots became Presbyterians almost overnight as they, under the leadership of John Knox, espoused the creed of John Calvin, which they assumed to be the statement of belief of the Apostle Paul. Every child learned that confession of faith by heart, as it was set forth in the 107 questions and answers.

As a result of a series of political upheavals, many Scots moved to northern Ireland, and in turn the Scots-Irish moved to the new world, settling primarily in Pennsylvanian and South Carolina. With the opening of the Northwest Territory in 1787, large numbers moved to Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. In particular, many came from the South to get out of slave territory. This was the source of the Psalm-singing Presbyterians who settled in Bloomington.

There were a number of Presbyterian groups in Bloomington in the early part of the 19th century. Our congregation is the result of several unions, which brought together three congregations, established over one hundred fifty years ago.

Our history began on September 7, 1933, when an Associate Reformed Presbyterian Congregation was formed with 2 elders and 14 members. The church was located on West 8th Street at the site of the United Presbyterian Cemetery. This cemetery was subsequently purchased by the city. In the spring of the following year, 33 members, emigrants from South Carolina joined with us.

Meanwhile an Associate Presbyterian Church congregation, known as the Seceders, was organized in 1834. There is no record of proceedings; however this group was organized with 24 members on November 16, 1836. In 1839 a church was built in the 200 block of East Second.

Meanwhile, a group out of the Reformed Presbyterian congregation on First Street, known as the New Light Covenanters, separated from the Old Light Covenanters in 1833, and in 1838, formed a church with about 40 members. In 1869, this New Light congregation merged with the United Presbyterians forming a church with a membership of over 240. This group differed from some other Presbyterian groups in that they sang “human hymns” in addition to the Psalms. In the early 1870’s a new church building was constructed at 9th Street and College Avenue.

On September 22-24, 1933, our congregation celebrated its l00th birthday, with 200 in attendance. The opening dinner was presided over by Indiana University president William Lowe Bryan, who was also the chairman of the centennial committee and son of the Reverend John Bryan, pastor of the Seceder congregation from 1855-62. The after-dinner speaker was Professor Emeritus J.A. Woodburn of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a former member of this congregation for 50 years, Sunday School superintendent for 25 years, and historical at the semi-centennial in 1883.

Eighteen years later in 1951, a cool third day of July dawned in Bloomington. Unfortunately but certainly, the U.P. church helped warm things up, as on that afternoon a fire was discovered in the church. The blaze soon drew a crowd estimated as thousands. Despite a valiant effort, the fire resulted in a total loss of the building. This incident provided a sermon topic for the Reverend Vincent Strigas, Jr., who had just 2 days before. The sermon delivered the following Sunday in the Masonic Hall, was appropriately titled, “Tried by Fire.” A few days later, another large crowd gathered at the church ruins as workmen knocked down the remaining walls. According to a newspaper account, there was almost a festive atmosphere prevailing about the church, both during the fire and during the raising, with Good Humor men circulating among the crowd enjoying a brisk business. Needless to say, there were also many tears.

Several local churches invited the congregation to consider merger with them. Another option considered was to disband, thus allowing the members to go to another church. In the words of A.J. Wylie, “The firemen quenched the flames, but you can not quench the Spirit of the old timers, and out of the asked of the church will arise a larger and more beautiful edifice.” This prediction proved to be correct as the congregation, with great vision and faith, elected to rebuild at Eastside Drive and Second Street.

At a ground breaking ceremony on Monday, March 24, 1952, the first shovel of dirt was turned over by William Lowe Bryan and his sister, Mary B. Phillips. Mrs. Phillips, who had been a member of this congregation since the age of three, had just celebrated her l00th birthday. Our new building, at a cost of $80,000, was dedicated on October 12, 1952, with remarks by President Brian, and the sermon by former pastor, Dr. James Kelso, then professor at Pittsburgh-Xenia Seminary.

As a result of great growth in membership during the tenure of the Reverend David Faris, a two story addition to the building was added. The congregation subsequently experienced difficult times, culminating in the majority of the congregation leaving with the pastor to form a new church in 1976.

The 41 persons, who decided to remain here, were all that attended worship on May 1, 1976. Sobered, but with great determination and enthusiasm, this remnant, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, began to grow, and by January, 1977, called the Reverend David Brown to be our pastor. With love and patience, he guided the congregation through more fruitful years, as we sought to firmly re-establish our identity as a congregation. We continue today in our ministry with renewed vision and dedication.

Roll of Pastors

William D. Turner, Elder Associate Reformed Presbyterian 1835-69
Theophilus A. Wylie, Elder 1838-69
John Bryan, Elder 1855-62
William P. McNary 1870-84
Samuel R. Lyons 1885-98
William A. Littell 1899-01
James D. Barr 1902-06
Thomas H. Hanna 1907-19
James L. Kelson 1919-24
J. Merle Rife 1924-27
John W. Meloy 1928-37
Donald E. Zimmerman 1937-40
Alfred A. Kelsey 1940-42
Hugh E. Kelsey 1942-44
J. Marshon DePoister 1945-46
C.C. Decker 1946-51
Vincent Strigas, Jr. 1951-53
H. Franklin MacAllister 1953-56
Heinrich Eiler 1957-61
David E. Faris 1963-76
David B. Brown, Jr. 1977-82
David Schafer 1982-86
Mickey Blair 1987-90

HEMENWAY MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Fourth and Sycamore Streets, Boonville
Organized 1866

The names Hemenway and Johnson appear frequently throughout the history of Presbyterian Church establishment in Warrick County. Although the congregation of what is now Hemenway Memorial was organized in 1866, our history is several years older. In 1839 Thomas F. Johnson gave the Newburgh Cumberland Presbyterian Church trustees money to erect Mount Pisgah church as a mission of Newburgh in 1842. Soon after the Civil War, Mr. Israel Hemenway and his son-in-law, John Johnson, decided Boonville needed a Presbyterian Church, so again he gave money and land. Since the members of Pisgah were actually Cumberland Presbyterians from Boonville, when the church was moved to Boonville, the Indiana Presbytery in 1874, suggested a name change to Boonville Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

In 1920, the cornerstone of a new church facility was dedicated with a cost of $5,000. Again the Hemenway family financially supported the church by donating $1,100 for a Camegie pipe organ. The sanctuary and the pipe organ are still used today. Our church stands where it always has, at the corner of Fourth and Sycamore Streets, across the street from where Mr. Hemenway and Mr. Johnson had lived.

During the tenure of the Reverend William R. Jacoby, he and his wife made, dressed and operated marionettes to present programs of the Birth and Resurrection of Christ. These programs were very much in demand by community organizations from 1943-62.

In 1971, we decided to remodel the sanctuary. Fortunately, the church had received a bequest from the estate of John Fluherer through his daughter, Norma Nell Hoopman. This fund along with much more allowed us to do extensive renovation. During this time the pipe organ was dismantled and moved to the balcony. Many individuals also gave special gifts including an elevator from Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Tucker, a round stained glass window from Mrs. Olive Lewellyn, chandeliers from Mr. and Mrs. C. Richard Johnson, and doors given by Mr. and Mrs. Traylor Inman and Mr. and Mrs. Leland McCool.

Other innovative concepts in our history include a hand-bell choir instituted in 1978 by Mary M. Forston, a marionette presentation depicting the birth and resurrection of Christ, the “Mother Goose Supper”, which was quite a financial success for several years. In 1988, we completed a major renovation of our original organ. Currently we are hosting a monthly, Sunday Evening service, “Musical Vespers by Candlelight”. This ecumenical musical service is provided for the enjoyment of the community.

Through the years Hemenway Memorial has had several persons of distinction including: Ruth Trimble, a missionary to Japan; U.S. Senator James A. Hemenway, grandson of Israel Hemenway; Addison M. Bevers, Warrick County Circuit Court Judge, and Charles H. Johnson, grandson of Hemenway and Johnson, publisher of the Boonville Standard newspaper for over 50 years; Louise Johnson, an elder and trustee, who was also the interior decorator of the church remodeling in 1972; Michael Phillips, who is currently the majority leader and Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives.

The church inherited over 400 acres of land, which included a very large lake, from the T.D. Scales Estate. On June 13, 1987, an agreement was made with Warrick County for this area to be operated as a county park. Some 365 acres were deeded to the Warrick County park Board for that use. If the county should fail to operate Scales Lake Park for a period of three consecutive years, the property returns to church ownership. We kept 70 acres for the purpose of establishing a retreat at some future time.

We remain proud of our heritage and of our current congregation, who are involved in community as well as church work and believe we are an asset to Boonville.

Ministers of Mount Pisgah and Pisgah Cumberland of Boonville

Rev. N.F. Gill 1866-1868
Rev. L.P. Lemmon 1871-1873
Rev. William Wilson 1869-1870
Rev. J.W. Cleaver 1873-1874

Ministers of Boonville Cumberland Church (Mount Pisgah)

Rev. J.J. Ballew 1875-1877
Rev. W.C. Williams 1877-1878
Rev. I.B. Self 1879-1889
Rev. N.F. Gill 1881-1882
Rev. H. Clay Yates 1882
Rev. J.E. Bates 1885-1886
Rev. M.C. Cochrum 1892-1895
Rev. C.B. Landis 1895-1897
Rev. C.T. Ogilvie 1898-1899
Rev. Mark L. Harris 1899-1900
Rev. Harst 1900-1903
Rev. S.D. Waldrop 1903-1904
Rev. N.L. Gould 1904-1906
Rev. H.C. Price 1906-1907

Boonville Presbyterian Church, Union of Cumberland and Presbyterian U.S.A.

Rev. M.M. Rankin 1907-1913
Rev. A. E. Lehman 1916-1919
Rev. Harvey McVicker 1913-1915
Rev. A.I. Rosser 1919-1920

Hemenway Memorial Presbyterian Church

Rev. H.G. McCool 1920-1922
Rev. R.W. Burton 1922-1924
Rev. J.D. Ulay 1924-1927
Rev. W.M. Hawley 1927-1935
Rev. F.H. Heidelberg 1935-1937
Rev. J.R Gosney 1938-1940
Rev. Howard W. Kipp 1940-1943
Rev. W.R. Jacoby 1943-1962
Rev. E.M. McCormick 1962-1969
Rev. R.Wm. Gorton 1970-1983
Rev. J.W. Underwood 1984-1987
Rev. Marion L. Garrett 1987-1988
Rev. Buran Phillips 1989-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
6 Dr. Daniel Biggs Street, Brazil
Organized 1858

The early pioneer members of the Presbyterian Church met in their homes and in the early log town hall building on the corner of Walnut and Church Streets, which had been erected by the citizens of the village around 1850. The members organized our church in 1858, and built a frame church building on the corner of Walnut and Jackson Streets.

History shows the Presbyterian Church has been an important factor in civic, social and educational life of this community. The town of Brazil was born in this corner where, in 1866, citizens voted to incorporate the village of Brazil. Our history also shows a number of instances where members were called in by the session, to answer for their moral conduct. Our early pastors were usually quite well educated and encouraged education by starting schools in the churches, often acting as teachers.

Our original frame building was sold to the Catholic Church members and was moved to near the present site of the Catholic Church in Brazil. We built a brick church edifice further west on the corner of Jackson and Franklin Streets. This building also was the site of early high school classes.

On a cold Sunday in January, 1871, this church building burned. After the fire, our members met in a lodge hall on the corner of Meridian and Main Streets. The old brick structure had been built with the financial assistance of the National Church organization, and some of the money was still on the books. When the fire marshal’s office condemned the building, the debt had to be cleared from the record books, before the building could be legally torn down, so at that time, all of the old debts were cleared. A brick parsonage, which was not affected by the fire, had been built next to the church on Jackson Street.

Early session records show plans were quickly made to rebuild a pressed brick church at a cost of $750 and that one of the Hendrix brothers donated a lot on North Franklin Street, where the present Fellowship Hall now stands. Interestingly, the other Hendrix brother had donated a building site to the early Methodists, where the present Methodist Church now stands.

This Presbyterian Church building was used until 1924, when the present church was built a little further east, on the corner of Walnut, next to the Public Library. Plans were prepared by the firm of Johnson and Miller Architects of Terre Haute and the contract was O. V. Miller of Brazil. It was financed and built during the pastorate of the Reverend Dr. S.S. Aikman, a highly regarded minister, who came to Brazil from Cape May, New Jersey. The home, standing on the site where the new church, was to be built was cut into two sections and moved up the street to Blaine and Washington.

The old brick structure was used for several years for church socials and dramatic presentations and minstrel shows. During the depression years, the young people staged minstrel shows and other entertainment programs in an effort to forget the miseries of the day. On April 24, 1933, we celebrated our 75th anniversary with a pageant based on the history of the church, which was performed in the old church building.

In the early 1950’s under the pastorate of W. Marcus Kendall, a campaign was begun to raise funds for Sunday School and for the building of the new Fellowship Hall. A contract was signed with the Wells organization, a professional fund raising firm. Prior to this time, we had done our own fund raising. Mr. Kendall was so delighted with the way the fund drive was carried through, he took training and did fund raising for the denomination. We launched the kick-off drive with a dinner on June to, 1952.

During phase one, Weber and Curry, architects from Terre Haute, prepared plans for a Memorial Chapel, Church Lounge, and Sunday School rooms, with an estimated cost of $23,000. The second phase was to improve and redecorate the sanctuary. During the final phase, drawings for the new Fellowship Hall were presented, but financial funds were inadequate. We had $37,000 to build an edifice with a price tag of $86,000. Loans were secured and the building completed in July, 1955, and was dedicated on December 18, 1955. Prayers were partially answered when the Anna McCartel estate left $35,000 to the church.

Since that time we have again renovated our sanctuary and added carpeting. A new new pipe organ has also been installed.

It should be noted that the Women’s Association substantially supports the church with their semi-annual rummage sales, bazaars and voluntary donations. Subsidiary mission funds are included in our regular yearly budget. Also included are the Well Child and Clothe-A-Child endeavors.

The Reverend Dr. C. Daniel Biggs, our pastor from 1971-88 was an extremely respected person within this community. Shortly before his death, the street on which our church stands, was renamed Dr. Daniel Biggs Street. We look forward to our future under the leadership of the Reverend Gary K. Scroggins.

Roll of Pastors

Ransom Hawley
Henry Little
S.B. Taggart 1873
George C. Lamb 1873-74
John H. Meteer 1874-77
John D. Jones 1877-80
T. Calvin Stewart 1881-89
Wm. Omelvena 1889-92
W.J. Frazer 1893-01
Cary G. Gregory 1901-04
S.F. Stitt 1904-07
A.L. Duncan 1908-17
S.S. Ackman 1918-30
W.E. Shirey 1931-36
Jack Masters,Sr. 1936-45
Alex C. Gillander 1946-48
W.M. Kendall 1949-56
Wm. F. Schuster 1956-64
Marc W. Gimberly 1964-68
C. Daniel Biggs 1971-88
Gary Scroggins 1989-

BROWNSTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
417 N. Elm Street, Brownstown
Organized 1839

The Brownstown Presbyterian Church was organized January 17, 1839, in the Salem Presbytery, having appointed the Reverend William C. Rankin and others to this task. In October of 1839, the Presbytery did meet at Oak Ridge meeting house in Jackson County, and confirmed the action of the organization. Mr. Rankin was moderator of Presbytery at this time, and was shortly afterward installed as Pastor at Brownstown.

There had been Presbyterian meetings before this organization, with the nucleus being settlers around Vallonia and Medoria. The first Scots-Irish settlers in the area brought a strong Presbyterian faith and the meetings in various homes were served by circuit riders of all denominations. The Synod of Kentucky extended a helping hand to the struggling pioneers in Indiana as early as 1806. Kentucky Presbyterian missionaries, who first preached in southern Indiana included Samuel Holt, Samuel Robertson and Samuel Scott. During the war of 1812, James McGready (the Billy Sunday of his time) served as a missionary of the Kentucky Synod on the Indiana frontier. He was followed in 1814, by the Reverend John M. Dickey, now known as the father of Indiana Presbyterianism.

During the 1840’s German Presbyterians centered around Wegan, became numerous enough to support a minister of their own. The Reverend Francis Kopp, Markins and Sappert were among the early ministers. By 1912, the frame church built in 1863, was gone and some of the descendants of this congregation transferred to Brownstown.

Our original church membership organized in 1839, included Henry Benton, John Burcham, Robert and Elizabeth Cunningham, Naney Rust, Elizabeth Parsley, David and Christiana Phifer, Sara Wort, Jane Waddle, Mary Dunbar and Mary Moreland. Henry Benton was elected as the first elder; then came John C. Humes and Ezekial Dunbar, with Dunbar being chosen Clerk of Session. John H. Burrell is honored as having served as an elder for 50 years, from 1844 until his death in 1894. In 1849 our records show a membership of 78 with 32 children received for baptism.

In 1874 the New Albany Presbytery sent the Reverend D. Davidson to reorganize the Brownstown congregation. John Burrell was the only active elder/member to be found and the roll showed seven members after reorganization. Meetings were held in the school and court house until a decision was made to build in 1872.

In March, 1874, the congregation moved its regular place of worship from the Brownstown Academy building into “ … the building on the North East corner of the public square in Brownstown, originally erected for the Presbyterian Church”. It was during the tenure of the Reverend George E. Sehlbrede that steps were taken to demolish this building, but to use the bricks in a new construction on the same site. Our church was dedicated on November, 1895.

The building on the square was expanded in 1912, and on April 1, 1937, we did elect our first female elders — Mrs. Mary Virginia Vermilya and Mrs. Edith Robertson. For several years the pulpit was filled with students until Edsel Granger was ordained and installed as pastor in 1956. Elder Howard Snyder served as clerk of session from 1932 until 1959.

In 1959 the Trustees reported acquisition of approximately seven acres of land for future location of “church building, manse and other buildings accessory thereto”, as the present church was too small and careful investigation showed “need of considerable repairs and foundation in places.” In 1962 we voted to purchase the house at 515 North High Street for a manse rather than build and in December, 1966, we voted to build a new church facility on the acreage fronting Elm Street. Ground was broken on a cold, windy Sunday in March of 1969. The old sanctuary was deconsecrated on March 15, 1970, as the last service in the church on the square. Formal dedication of our new facility was September 27, 1970.

Most recently we perceived a need for retirement housing in Brownstown and have decided to investigate the building of such housing on property adjacent to and belonging to our church. We expect to request presbytery approval for such a project beginning in 1992.

Roll of Pastors

William C. Rankin 1839
Benjamin M. Nyce 1842
Solomon Kitdrige 1842
James Brownlee 1848
R.C. McKinney 1873-78
L.L. Lorimer 1883-85
S.S. Barr 1887-92
George E. Sehlbrede 1893-95
George W. Applegate 1895-98
C.S. Bates 1898-02
Luther J. Emerson 1902-04
J.H. Weaver 1904-08
J.T. Henderson 1908-09
L.V. Rille 1909-14
W.U. Guemant 1916-19
F.W. Moore 1919-26
R.E. Mueller 1926-27
Ray Brumbaugh 1928-37
Robert W. Crosby 1937-42
W.M. Zeanah 1942-45
Edsel Granger 1956-60
Brian Tansey 1960-66
Robert E. Reid 1967-80
Duane Aelick 1980-

LIVONIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Rural Route 2, Campbellsburg
Organized 1816

The early part of the nineteenth century was a period of westward movement. New and fertile lands to the west of the mountains were described as a raw paradise. Brave and industrious people took up the challenge of the period. Here in Southern Indiana many of the immigrants journeyed from the southeast. Many families packed their belongings in wagons in South Carolina, crossed the Cumberland Pass, traversed Kentucky and the mighty Ohio to a wild inviting area. It was a time when the forests were almost unbroken; a time when it required the united hands of all around to clear away the first few acres of forest and construct the first log house; it was a season when all had a deep interest in each other, and joined willing hands in enabling each other to plant ourselves in this new country. And the church traveled with its people to the new land.

The Livonia Church stands as the first Presbyterian Church organized in Washington County and one of the first five in Indiana. The Reverend Samuel Shannon with thirteen charter members, organized our church on February 16, 1816, at the home of Alexander McKinney, Sr. We were first called “Bethel”, but soon changed the name to Livonia. This was just prior to the time when Indiana became a state, and our town had not yet been laid out. The first session consisted of Hugh Holmes, James McKinney, John VanCleave and Alexander McKinney. Soon after, a large, hewn-log house of worship was built near the Livonia Cemetery. The exact location is not known.

In April, 1818, the Reverend William W. Martin was called to the Livonia church. He was installed by the Presbytery of Louisville. “Father” Martin’s first period of ministry ended in 1831, due to a dispute among church members. As a result he chose to accept a call to Paoli Seminary. He had started the Martin Academy, sometimes called The Old Log College in Livonia in 1819, and with the help of his wife and daughter carried on until its closing in 1840. He was a pioneer in education, and noted for coeducation. Not only was he a preacher and teacher, he was a dedicated presbyter, taking part in the Presbytery of Salem and the Synod of Indiana, and did attend the General Assembly meeting in 1838. Father Martin was known as a dedicated father of eight children, six of whom became Presbyterian ministers.

Mr. Martin moved to Bloomington in 1843 for two years, so his sons could attend college there, but returned to Livonia in 1845. The congregation gave him an 80 acre farm as a base from which to operate. When he died on September 10, 1850, he had served the Livonia community for about 20 years, and did leave a tremendous imprint.

There was a Second Presbyterian Church at Livonia from 1839-55 as a result of the Old School-New School dispute, which divided the denomination at the national level.

When the Reverend S.E. Barr was pastor from 1853-64, our membership swelled to 120, but the period from 1875-1942 showed steady decline. Financial stress on the church created difficulties in providing a stable ministry for the church. In August, 1916, the Livonia Presbyterian Church joined Indiana in celebrating the state’s l00th anniversary. Although we were struggling, this event seemed to encourage us; but, by 1942, we had reached our lowest ebb. When the Reverends Robert and Grace Leffel became members in 1946, they breathed new life into the church.

Since our beginning, there have been three Houses of Worship at Livonia: a. hewn log church built in 1817; a brick house, 50 by 30 feet in size built in 1826; and a third consisting of a brick, 40 by 60 feet building with a 25 by 25 feet session room attached. The total cost for this third and present house of worship was $2,498 and included poplar pews, plus stained glass windows purchased in October 6, 1903 for $384.95, plus freight. The second church building was converted into a school house.

In 1959 we undertook a major renovation program to our church edifice, which culminated in a well attended dedication service.

On May 7-8, 1966, we celebrated our 150th anniversary. Keith A. Kensinger prepared a well-researched history of this church called, “Pilgrims Under God.” As we look forward with anticipation to the future, we are proud of our heritage of Pilgrims Under God.

Dr. Donald J. Stokes has served as our pastor since 1976.

Roll of Pastors and Student Pastors

Samuel Shannon 1816-18
W.W. Martin 1818-31; 36-50
M.A. Remley 1832
S. Kittredge 1834-35
S.E. Barr 1853-64
J.H. Aughey 1866-70
J. McCrea 1869-71
R.C. McKinney 1872-74
S.E. Barr 1876
I.M. McRee 1878-82
L.L. Lorimer 1884-85
T. Nield 1889-91
O.S. Wilson 1892
H.T. Updike 1894-97
W.R. Shelt 1898-99
N.S. Shirey 1901-03
J. Hickling 1905-07
W.E. Gray 1908-10
J. Omelvena 1911-14
Hartsook 1920
W. Booth 1923-24
Q.R. Oldham 1928-30
W.E. Gray 1931-42
Wm. Prentice 1943-44
Troy Huggins 1945-46
Robert Leffel 1947
Grace Leffel 1947
Hugh Simon 1948
James Hogue 1949-50
Alonzo Alexander 1952
Dick Huey 1952-54
Wm. Ganaway 1955
Marvin Wherman 1956-57
Robert Berkey 1958-61
Keith Kensinger 1962-65
Malcolm Shields 1963-66
Russell Mabry 1966
Alan Good 1967-71
Earl Burger 1974
Donald Stokes 1976-

CAYUGA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Cayuga
Organized 1827

The first recorded meeting of any church congregation in Eugene Township was a Presbyterian meeting in 1823, held in the log house of William and Jane Thompson, which stood about two hundred yards northeast of the present Cayuga Presbyterian Church. This congregation of fourteen members called the church “Vermillion River and County Presbyterian Church.” The Thompsons prospered and within a few years were able to build a brick home, which stood close to the log cabin. Services continued in their new home until 1859. With a growing membership of 45, it was necessary to seek a larger place of worship.

The Methodist congregation in the nearby community of Eugene were in a similar situation, so the two congregations decided to pool resources and energy and to build one worship center, where both could hold services. This building was built in 1850, and is still used by the Methodists in Eugene today. An opera house was constructed next door to the Eugene church and when it was completed in 1886, the Presbyterians moved out of the church and into the opera house. This was apparently a temporary move as almost immediately plans were made for another church building in the same block as the Methodist Church and the opera house. This new Presbyterian Church, designed in Pennsylvania Dutch style, was completed in 1889.

The site for our present church was given in 1901, by John S. Grondyke, great nephew of the Thompsons. The property was donated in memory of the Thompsons and one can see the names Thompson and Grondyke in two of the stained glass windows. The present church was dedicated on Sunday morning, December 12, 1901. Total cost was $6,498 and the remaining debt of $2,100 was more than raised at the dedication ceremony.

One of our early pastors, who is remembered for much influence, is the Reverend T.D. Fyffe. He served from about 1880, until his death in 1902. Mr. Fyffe came as a mission pastor about once a month and was the guiding influence in the building of the church in Euguene and also our church in Cayuga.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church located in nearby Portertown moved to Cayuga in 1889, and in 1907, united with the present church. As the new church began to thrive, it became increasingly difficult to keep the church in Eugene going, so after 15 years of the two churches having separate meetings, the Eugene church was disassembled and the materials used to build the present manse next to the Cayuga Church.

The next major building project came at a time which seems most unlikely. During the depression of the early 1930’s, the men of the church dug a basement, put in a recreation room, fireplace, dining room and a kitchen. These additions greatly improved the overall use of our building. There was more room for Sunday School classes, as well as usable space for meetings, dinners, etc. An entry ramp and the enclosure for the basement stairway are the most recent improvements to the exterior of the church.

We appreciate the physical reminders that we have of our church’s heritage. We can see the evidence of the Lord working in the lives of our people, generation after generation. Some members of our church have grandparents and even great grandparents who worshipped here. Others have been in our community for short periods and have moved away, but the effects of all have built the body that we have to work with today. Those who lived before us faced the challenge of building a life in an untamed wilderness, surviving wars and economic hard times. With God’s grace and with the motivation that comes from a daily, vital Christian life, our church has lived for over a century and a half.

Our challenge today is no less difficult. We have the task of being God’s people in a world of rapidly changing values and a world facing bitter conflict. In 1991 we are pastor seeking, knowing as God wills, we will call a pastor soon who can work with and direct us.

Roll of Pastors

T.D. Fyffe 1880-02
O.L. Prentice 1906-09
G.V. Fleet 1909-12
A.H. Rogers 1913-14
John E. Woliver 1903-05
Geo. W. Pearce 1906-09
W.R. Williams 1912-13
Thomas Chilton 1914
R.E. Jenkinson 1914
Wilkinson
W.J. Malcolm 1915-22
Merle Maupin 1922
Charles Glazier 1929
Pitzer
A.R. Brown 1936-44
George Ekstrom 1944-46
Howard Lucas 1946-48
Alden Trickey 1949-51
Alien Montgomery 1960-62
J. Salawachter 1962-63
Frank Jump 1963-67
J.J. Vellenga 1968-73
Jack Early 1974-81
John W. Irwin 1982-89

VALLEY CITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Heth-Washington Road, Central
Organized 1878

The Valley City Presbyterian Church is located in an area originally known as Ripperdan Valley, named after the first settler, John Ripperdan, who migrated here from Mercer County, Kentucky in 1804. By 1842, the pioneers established a log church at the head of the valley, known as Ebenezer Church. Ebenezer was organized by the Reverend John L. Martin with twenty five members. At a spring meeting on April 8, 1842 of the Salem Presbytery (later the New Albany Presbytery) Mr. Martin presented a request signed by persons from Corydon and Rehoboth Churches desiring to organize Ebenezer and to procure the labors of Mr. Martin for one fourth of his time.

With the aid of Elders Andrew Broadus and Samuel Curran, this small congregation in Harrison County struggled, and in the early 1870’s had about breathed its last. Then came a revival in 1873, which renewed our vigor and started us on the way to rejoicing. Elder Wilford H. Trotter, Mrs. Helen Trotter, and Elder Daniel Baxter and wife Mattie, and Elder John Baxter took up leadership in the church, serving faithfully until death. The Reverend John McCrea preached at various times from 1871 through 1876. Although he was a tentmaker preacher, working at other employment as well as preaching, during his time as pastor, we received 42 members. Throughout our formative years we frequently had ministers who proclaimed the gospel not only in Ebenezer Church, but also serving at Corydon and Rehoboth Churches. Every so often, the Home Mission representatives from the denomination would send pastors such as I.I. St. John and W.W. Logan, to spread the gospel, along with encouragement and admonition.

As our population in the valley grew, there was need of a new and larger church building. A site set against the hill on the north end of the valley, overlooking the new town of Valley City was donated by the Trotter family. The church was dedicated in 1874, made possible by donations from over 200 individuals and a $500 grant from the Board of Missions of the Presbyterian Church. This mortgage was held until 1964 when the present congregation paid it back. We retained the name Ebenezer until 1910, when it was changed to Valley City Presbyterian Church.

Those first years for the new church were uncertain and could be called stormy. The list of participants shows a goodly number of United Brethren (now Methodist) followers and when services began in the new church, there were alternating Presbyterian and United Brethren ministers. Eventually difficulty arose to the point where the United Brethren left, building a modest church nearby. It did not withstand the years and was abandoned in the early 1900’s, after it was discovered the church had been built over a sink hole (cave). No records show where the congregation went, but a 25th anniversary of Ebenezer in 1899 did show a growing list of members.

Many early ministers came from this vicinity, and records show that a Reverend Fields came from Leavenworth each Sunday by boat. In the early 1900’s we began receiving students from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary who served as pastors.

During the service of B.P. Denton in 1930, we purchased a community farm with a manse on it. Much of the work cultivating fruit trees and strawberries was done by the congregation. We grew in numbers and in spirituality. Although we sold the farm in the early 1940’s, we did retain the community building and a few acres. When Reverend Denton left, the Reverend Wheary was called to serve. It was during his tenure that the Community Building was erected.

In 1948-49 the church was absorbed into Harrison County Larger Parish. Dr. Hall, a retired Purdue University professor, came to serve the parish and to act as moderator. When Russell Breeden came as pulpit supply, we found the condition of the church had deteriorated, to the place where a new small church was necessary. It was built from a prefabricated plan recommended by the New Albany Presbytery, on the grounds beside the community building, by men and women of the congregation. We dedicated our church August 31,1958. Principal speaker for the day was the Reverend James Reid, an exchange minister from Scotland.

The Reverend Marion Garrett came to the Corydon Church in 1966, and agreed to serve Valley City each Sunday also. Although our worship service was from 11:30 to 12:30, after his Corydon service, we grew and prospered under his 21 years of ministry. Mr. Garrett is still considered a part of our church family.

Although we have a small membership, Sunday School and Worship is held each Sabbath. We are unique and still hold the distinction that we have had many weddings, but no funerals.

Roll of Pastors & Students

We have been fortunate to participate in service and in the training of many student pastors throughout our history, including Julian Charles, Clifford Ball, and James Smith during the 1950’s, Wes Metzger and Russell Breeden during the 1960’s, and William Nieport and Kelley Milstead from 1987 through 1990. We especially remember Charles DeSanto, who was our student pastor during the 1950’s, and who later served as our moderator during his call to our sister church in Leavenworth. The Reverend John Bare, who served from 1957-59, is a special friend. During his tenure, he was involved in an auto accident and lived with several of us during his recuperation. He is still asked to return for special occasions, even though he is pastor of a church in Kentucky. We are pleased to have Gary Catterson, a student of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary with us until at least May, 1991 when he graduates.

John L. Martin 1842
John McCrea 1871-76
B.P. Denton 1930
Wheary 1940
Hall 1948-49
Russell Breeden 1960-66
Marion Garrett 1966-87

COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1370 Monroe Street, Charlestown
Organized 1968

The Community Presbyterian Church of Charlestown was organized November 3, 1968. Its existence is the result of what many remember to be great pressure and duress applied from outside to force the First Church and Hannah Memorial Churches to merge. The memory of that is filled with great pain for both those who remained with the new church and for those who left because of the merger. The Hanna Memorial Church had been formed in 1965, through a consolidation of Otisco and Miller’s Chapel.

The Synod of Indiana appointed a New Church Development Committee, a Steering Committee and a Site Committee to oversee the transition to a new church. Those appointed included: New Church Development Committee from First — Anna Mae Lewis, Marion Boyd, Robert Combs and Blanton Young; from Hanna Memorial Church — Frank Chzanowski, Chester Watson, Frances Reschar and Oscar Beck; Site Committee — James Lewis and John Crismore from First and Gwendolyn Gutting and Jane Combs from Hanna Memorial. Also serving in various capacities were Orner Richey, Clarence Myers, John Boyd, Claude Dean, Donald Enteman, and Earl Stines. Without their diligence, this task could not have been accomplished.

On December 15, 1968, the first Board of Elders were ordained and included: Anna Mae Lewis, Donald Entemen, Phelps Parsons, Chester Watson, Oscar Beck, Claude Dean, Beryl Hensley, Wendell Patrick, Frank Chzanowski, Jane Combs, Lee Napier and Glen Spencer.

Following the recommendation of the Pulpit Nominating Committee, the congregation issued a call to the Reverend Joseph Stanley. He began his work on March 2, 1969. As the church began to recover from the loss of members, it reached a peak of 251 members as of December 31, 1970.

In January, 1971, we approved the securing of a $60,000 loan from the National Board of Mission, at an interest rate of 3% to help begin the construction of a flat roofed, ground level, handicapped accessible facility for worship, fellowship and education on a seven acre wooded site on Monroe Street in northern Charlestown. The building was designed to permit multiple uses for every room, including the Sanctuary. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on October 10, 1971 and the first worship service took place on June 18, 1972.

The Reverend John Marshall Guthrie was installed as our second pastor in January of 1975. He had been a student pastor of one of the former churches, (First), and a missionary in Brazil from 1952-74. Mr. Guthrie served until June, 1981. The Pulpit Nominating Committee consisting of Blanche Kindred, Frances Yenawine, Roberta Hensley Frank Chzanowski, Gregg Lowe, Anita Couch and Ceder Smith, after a long search, recommended a call be issued to the Reverend David Flucke. Mr. Flucke, who began his ministry on October 30, 1982, still serves today.

Remodeling of our facilities and a landscaping program were quickly undertaken in 1983, and have been continued ever since.

We opened our doors to the community. Life Spring Mental Health Center began a branch in the building. The YMCA established a Day Care Center in 1985, the only cost being their portion of the utilities. Other groups use our grounds and facilities throughout the year.

While we were opening up our facilities, we were also opening our concerns for those around us. With the aid of Presbytery and other churches, we began a Food and Clothing Bank for people in Clark County in 1984, and remain steady supporters. We have joined the recycling movement by sending our used Christmas cards to St. Jude’s Ranch in Boulder City, Nevada. These cards help the children to earn spending money while they are in a healing atmosphere caused from abuse. We like other churches, also provide yearly Christmas presents to the residents of a nearby nursing home. In 1986 we helped to organize and to found the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce. We also give regularly to the mission work of the denomination, to special offerings, and to disaster relief as needed. In 1991 we are sending Bibles and other items to the men and women in the military serving in Saudi Arabia.

Our Women’s Association has been very active in providing everything from gravel for the parking lot to a wheelchair and first aide supplies. We have joined in the annual Thank Offering, and in providing Sewing, Health and School Kits to the Church World Service.

The internal life of our church has also undergone a great deal of change through the help of many people and churches. In December, 1986, we were the recipient of a gift of the Bizer Building in Jefferson, from Dr. Sol Bizer, a Jewish physician. Proceeds from the sale of this building are going into our building fund. In 1987 we began a Lay Readers’ Program, training people to assist in worship and to preach while the pastor is away. In 1988 the International Bible Society sent a person to lead us in a two day Church Growth seminar. It cost us $75. It cost them $1425. They said it was their mission to our church. We learned to analyze our life and to see where to go.

We quickly found help and volunteers from the Community Church of Greenwood, Indiana to help us develop two programs. The first is a Flock, whose purpose is to give its members concrete opportunities to put their Christianity into practice through help to one another and to others in the church, and to be a means of reaching out to unchurched persons. The second was the beginning of a Discipleship Training program in four levels. We have had 11 people go through the first level and four go through the second. In 1989 one of our goals was to start a Youth Choir. We now have three youth choirs, divided into age groups. Our youth group began meeting in 1989 and is now meeting monthly. We have received a gift of $3,600 to hire a Youth Director in 1991, to develop a program for youth including kindergarten through high school graduation.

Recently we also received training from members of the Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky. in developing a Children’s Church program, to help our children learn how to participate fully in worship. October, 1990, saw the start of an early worship service with special music provided by members from the Christian Restoration Ministries in Memphis, Indiana. All of this help from other churches has been given to us — free. Finally our elders have designed criteria for our Nominating Committee. The result: for the last two years, they have sought only FAT people for Elders — those FAITHFUL to the church, willing to be held ACCOUNTABLE, with a TEACHABLE spirit, who actively participate in the study of God’s word and raise their children in the community of believers.

The steady decline in members has turned around. We now look forward to expanding our facilities.

Roll of Pastors

Joseph Stanley 1969-74
John Marshall Guthrie 1975-81
David Roger Flucke 1982 - the present

GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
555 Eastern Boulevard, Clarksville
Organized 1949

During World War II, a new community was established in the town of Clarksville, situated between Jeffersonville and New Albany. This community, known as Greenacres Subdivision was developed and populated because of its proximity to the neighboring defense plants in the surrounding area. As a direct result of survey and field work initiated by Presbyterian Extension, Inc., and assisted by the Synod of Indiana’s National Mission Committee, it was felt we were in need of a church within our boundaries.

So, on December 14, 1947, a meeting was held at McCulloch Chapel, approximately one half mile from Greenacres, sixteen adults and five children who expressed an interest in meeting together until a church could be constructed. Weekly services were held with increasing attendance. A petition was circulated to the congregation, desiring recognition by the New Albany Presbytery and on February 17, 1948, twelve representatives journeyed to Nabb, Indiana, for presentation of a petition bearing thirty-four signatures.

On December 28, 1947, the first regular worship service and Sunday School were held. Mr. John Wagar, a student at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary was introduced and would serve in the capacity of Student Minister. On January 4, 1948, a committee was elected to select names for our new church. On January 11, 1948, our congregation decided that Grace Presbyterian Church was our appropriate name, for only by the Grace of God, were we organized. Our organization petition was accepted by the presbytery on March 7, 1948. After the service of worship, a basket dinner was served at McCulloch School Gymnasium with approximately 100 persons present. During the afternoon service twenty persons were received into the membership of Grace Presbyterian Church.

Two weeks later our women’s organization, the Ladies Auxiliary of Grace Presbyterian church, was formed. We are now known as the Presbyterian Women’s Association. Over the years the Women’s Association has been very active supplying money for those less fortunate in the community and overseas through the National Missions. The women have provided money for an organ, stove and cabinets for the kitchen, asphalt tiles, folding chairs and drapes for the Sunday School rooms, slide projector, carpeting, sidewalks, pews, choir robes and many nursery needs. We have sponsored family night suppers, a Brownie Scout Troop, hosted Presbyterian meetings, and participated in World Day of Prayer meetings.

At the present, Grace Presbyterian Church has 74 members. While there are not too many of us, we are a loyal, devoted and loving congregation, with an active youth group, who present interesting programs for our worship services. Family nights are still an important part of our church family life.

Roll of Pastors and Students

John W. Wager 1948
Chester F. McClure 1949-51
Theodore James 1951-55
Robert Eppler 1955-57
Frederick Pudsell 1960-63
William Davis 1964-70
Rex Wenzell 1971-75
Michael Mills 1977-88
Kathryn Edwards 1989
William Benninger 1990-

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Third and Mulberry Streets, Clinton
Organized 1962

The First Presbyterian Church of Clinton was the first Presbyterian Church in Vermillion County, being organized on September 20, 1834, and making us one of the earliest congregations formed in this part of Indiana.

The first services were held in the old Union Meeting House, with the Reverend John Garrish presiding. A church building was erected in 1846, and maintained until 1895, when it was sold to the local school board. While a new sanctuary was being built, our services were held in the Opera House. Our present sanctuary was dedicated in August of 1896, and in 1914-15, we added the north wing and our pipe organ.

The Hill Crest Community Center Church was organized in 1924, but its history began much earlier. In the early 1900’s many immigrants, mostly from southern Europe, settled in and around Clinton, being attracted to this area by the expansion of the coal mining industry. In 1910 J.W. Robb, a Presbyterian Elder, saw a need and through his efforts, with the help of the Crawfordsville Presbytery, the Synod of Indiana, the Board of National Missions and many individuals, a building was provided to serve the needs of immigrant families. A program of religious training, home making and English classes, plus children’s activities was begun. Their motto “A Friend in Need” was adopted. Our church building was expanded in 1922, to accommodate a rapidly growing program. The addition included a gymnasium, additional living quarters and meeting rooms.

In 1944 in a combined effort, Hill Crest Community Church and First Church, called the Reverend R.C. Linberg as pastor. During the Linberg’s tenure, a strong and dedicated congregation and ministry unit was developed.

Finally in 1962, the two Presbyterian congregations in Clinton became one, being called the United Presbyterian Church. This new, combined congregation emerged strong in the faith, continuing to provide good fellowship, yet dignified worship of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We have dedicated workers and faithful committee people, who keep enthusiasm alive. Our Food Pantry and Clothes Go set are a most appreciated service in the community.

We are a relatively new church, the compilation of two long and proud traditions — First Presbyterian and Hill Crest Community Presbyterian — and as the United Presbyterian of Clinton, our intent to the community remains — that we are “A Friend in Need”.

Roll of Pastors of First Presbyterian

John Garrish 1834
William Mitchell
James Boggs 1855
John A. Tiffner
John Hanks 1860
George McCullough 1878-80
Thomas Griffith 1878-81
Thomas Stinson 1880-84
H.L. Dickerson 1882-87
L.H. Davidson 1884-?
L.G. Hay 1887-91
A.M. Hooke 1888-93
J.P. Hutchinson 1892
G.H. Hofaire 1894
E. W. Sonders 1896-01
C.E. Fowler 1902-08
H.W. White 1908-10
S.V. Sydenstricker 1910-13
M.E. Runden 1913-17
O.L. Black 1918-19
G.W. Horn 1920-23
J.C. Griffen 1923-35
H.C. Chapin 1937-41
Fremont L. Chapman 1941
Milburn J. Diller 1943
Charles Surber 1943
Roy C. Linberg 1944-56
Bernard Hawley 1954-55
J. Justus Swalwachter 1958-62

Pastors of Hill Crest Community Presbyterian

Fremont L. Chapman 1941-43
Charles Surber 1943-44
Roy C. Linberg 1944-60

Pastors of the United Presbyterian Church

K. Jerone Parker 1963
Charles T. Gordon 1963-65
David Frye 1965-66
William C. Young 1965-66
Patrick C. Hunley 1966-68
Wayne Hoffman 1968-69
Paul R. Stone 1969-72
Donald R. Anderson 1972-76
Wayne McLaughlin 1978-87
Tom Cox 1988-89
Joseph Baus 1989-90

FAIRLAWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2611 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus
Organized 1961

Following a survey of Presbyterians in the Columbus area in 1960, it was decided that a second church could be established — hence the Fairlawn Presbyterian Church. Plans to organize began in January, 1961, under the guidance of the Reverend William R. Laws, Jr. then pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church of Columbus. Construction of the temporary church, the Green Building, began in the spring of 1962, on seven and a half acres, part of the same site on which our present church stands. This land was donated by five Presbyterian Families: Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Dunlap, Mr. & Mrs. Evan Dunlap, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Warren, Mr. & Mrs. Calvert Brand, and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Hubbard.

We were chartered on April 28, 1963 with 135 charter members, of whom thirty-four had previously volunteered to withdraw their membership from First Church for the purpose of colonizing Fairlawn. The Reverend Donald M. Brower was the organizing pastor and served for nine years. The Reverend Thomas A. Phillips, a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, began his work in 1972.

To provide for a growing congregation, ground was broken in July, 1966, to start the present structure with the dedication being held in June, 1967. In 1962 we sponsored our first nursery school, which now includes 2 to 4 year-olds. We have 9 teachers and 140 students, 15 of whom are in receipt of scholarships awarded to children with special needs.

By 1982, we had outgrown our sanctuary and needed more classroom space. We renovated the current sanctuary with permanent seating and improved acoustics and lighting and expanded the present facility so that all Christian education and the Nursery School activities could be in one structure, and still have a large multipurpose room for larger church and community activities. The “Green Building” was kept for an educational purposes until the summer of 1983.

Our current Music Director, charter member Betty Haas, has served as organist and choir director since we were organized. Frank Watson, who served on the steering committee, served as church treasurer for 20 plus years.

The Reverend Charles Patrick (Rick) MacArthur was called as our third pastor in January, 1984. Mr. MacArthur is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary. His wife, Jeanne, is an elder, who has served as chairperson of the Christian Education Committee and has made considerable contributions to all church activities.

Our present programs involve a number of activities including: an ecumenical food program for the needy, a morning Bible Study, a summer church school, and activities for our youth. We help support a missionary family, Frank and Nancy Dimmock in Lesotho, South Africa. During the past year attendance for worship has been very good with a cross section of both young and senior members.

With help from the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, we are in the process of creating a pilot program to enable Fairlawn and Grammer Presbyterian Churches to provide expanded ministry to their respective congregations. In this joint effort we are seeking a pastor to be called to Grammer and to Fairlawn as associate pastor for education and youth. We continue to CARE & SHARE.

Roll of Pastors

The Reverend Donald M. Brower 1963-1972
The Reverend Thomas A. Phillips 1972-1983
The Reverend Charles P. (Rick) MacArthur 1984-present

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
512 Seventh Street, Columbus
Organized 1824

First Presbyterian Church was organized in Columbus on July 3, 1824, by seventeen Presbyterians, who had been holding services in log homes and in Thomas Hinkson’s Tavern since 1822. The Reverend John Dickey, frontier Presbyterian missionary, was the organizing pastor and circuit-riding minister, who continued to serve in Columbus as late as 1842. The new congregation was blessed to have as its leader Joseph Hart, who was the first, and for some time, the only ruling elder and clerk of session until his death in 1841.

Our congregation worshiped in many places until 1831 , when the Columbus Liberty Meeting House was built. There Presbyterians organized the village’s first Sabbath School, open to all children. In 1837 we accepted an invitation to meet in the new Methodist Church at Franklin and Washington Streets. In 1847, construction was begun on our own building at the corner of Third and Franklin Streets, with the Reverend Benjamin Nyce doing much of the construction work. Although the sanctuary was not completed until 1885, services have been held in our present church building since January, 1875. The Donner Building was added in 1950, a gift of philanthropist William Donner in memory of his parents. His father, Frederick Donner, served as elder of this congregation longer than any person. The Donner building contains a gymnasium, a nursery and several classrooms.

First Presbyterian Church of Columbus has been involved with social and community concerns since its beginnings in the frontier. Examples of these concerns include the introduction of dancing into church youth actives by the Reverend Alexander E. Sharp, Jr., in the 1930’s. For this he was excluded from the local ministerial association. In the next decade, the Reverend Harold Turpin established an outreach ministry to alcoholics, with A.A. chapters meeting in our church for many years. Race relations have been a special concern locally during the last thirty years. We have worked to ease racial problems involving blacks and Spanish-speaking migrant workers. Presbyterians have been involved in desegregation of housing and employment, and in sponsoring Cuban and Asian refugees, and have been active on the Mayor’s Commission on Human Relations.

Our church facilities are filled with children during the week. The Presbyterian Preschool, the first such school in Columbus was founded in 1954 for three, four, and five year-olds, under the direction of Alice Schwab. It now has an enrollment of 120 children with a professional staff of 12 persons. In 1968, the congregation opened a day care center, again under the direction of Mrs. Schwab. Now called Children, Inc., and a United Way agency, the organization has three centers to provide day care for children of working parents, and has capacity enrollment. The Presbytery of Ohio Valley helps underwrite scholarship assistance for low-income participants.

The Reverend William R. Laws, Jr. served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church from 1950-76, and was beloved by both congregation and community. During his pastorate, the church spearheaded a migrant ministry, adult literacy program, minority tutoring program, child care clinics, high school classes for pregnant girls and teen mothers, and helped to colonize Fairlawn Presbyterian Church. In 1970 Bill Laws was elected Moderator of the General Assembly, serving his term with faithfulness and distinction. In 1982, following his retirement from active ministry, we named him Pastor Emeritus.

In 1979 the congregation undertook a major building and remodeling program. The former assembly room, heart of the church and its first temporary sanctuary, became the Laws Room, named in honor of Bill and Ellen Laws, exemplars of the caring, outreaching ministry begun long ago. It is a beautiful room, with a sweeping staircase to a restored balcony with period furnishings, suitable for fellowship, formal programs, worship services and community gatherings. The new addition to the north of the Donner Building is faithful to the Victorian Gothic design of 1874, but incorporates interior concepts of light and space appropriate to today’s needs. It houses Sunday School classes, a Youth Center, and Children, Inc. Careful entryway planning has made much of both the new and old buildings, accessible to persons with disabilities.

In 1987 the congregation voted to construct a Columbarium for the interment of the cremated remains of church members and their immediate families. The setting is a tranquil garden area, appropriate for meditation and prayer. In 1989, as a Presbyterian Bicentennial gift to ourselves, we installed two stairlift units, making nearly all the facility accessible. Large print bulletins and hymnals, improved lighting, and augmented hearing devices further implement the church’s commitment to be inclusive. A small chapel completed in 1990, provides a place for prayer, meditation and special services.

Because First Presbyterian Church of Columbus is committed to ecumenical cooperation, we initiated and actively participate in Housing Partnerships, Inc., an effort to increase the availability of affordable housing in the city. Nine other congregations have joined in this ministry. To assist families and persons in crisis, the congregation gives significant time and financial resources through the Ecumenical Assembly, a coalition of 12 churches founded in the late sixties by Bill Laws and others. Two of these programs are FISH (providing food), and the Emergency Assistance Fund (providing help with rent and utilities). Through benevolences and the involvement of church members, First Presbyterian supports numerous community service agencies and the arts in Columbus.

The Reverend David M. Liddle, Jr. has served as our pastor since 1977, and has been head of staff since 1982. The Reverend Janet C. Lowery, associate pastor, joined the staff in 1987. Roman L. Hass has been minister of music since 1961.

Roll of Pastors

John M. Dickey 1824-42
Benjamin M. Nyce 1843-48
Minian S. Dickey 1853-70
Alexander Parker 1870-83
George S.J. Browne 1884-87
S.R. Frazer 1887-91
Fenwick W. Fraser 1892-96
Frank C. Hood 1896-00
Charles G. Richards 1901-06
Amos K. Mattingly 1906-09
Alexander E. Sharp 1910-32
Alexander E. Sharp, Jr. 1932-40
Harold Turpin 1940-49
William R. Laws, Jr. 1950-76
Warner M. Bailey 1976-82
David M. Liddle, Jr. 1982-

CORYDON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
126 East Walnut Street, Corydon
Organized 1819

The Corydon Presbyterian Church is the oldest continuing church in Corydon, serving this community for over 170 years. We were officially organized January 1, 1819, through the encouragement of John Finley Crowe, who later founded Hanover College. We were organized under Louisville Presbytery, Synod of Kentucky, before there was a synod or presbytery in Indiana.

At the time of our founding, Corydon, as the capital of this infant state, was the cultural and political hub of Indiana. The three governors, who resided in Corydon, were Presbyterians. They were Posey, the last territorial governor, and Jennings and Hendricks, the first two state. governors.

In 1820, Henry P. Coburn, Clerk of the Indiana Supreme Court and an ardent Presbyterian, established a Sunday School for children in the community. Since clocks were scarce, church services were noted by the ringing of the bell or at early candlelight.

Salem Presbytery, the first Presbytery in Indiana, met for the first time in Corydon in the fall of 1826. It been organized two years early under the Synod of Kentucky.

The Presbyterian Church was first built on South Capitol Avenue. It was a small, substantial building, built by Henry Rice, an elder and builder of the finer homes in early Corydon. A low partition down the middle of the church separated the men from the women of the congregation. Each high-backed pew had its own door. Prior to establishing our church building, we held service in the first State Capitol Building.

During the Civil War our facility was used as a hospital for the Confederate wounded and dying, following the Battle of Corydon on July 9, 1863.

In 1868-69, the original brick building was remodeled and enlarged, and a steeple was added. Robert Leffler, a local merchant and member of our church, donated the bell. When the bell cracked 30 years later, it was recast and hung again in April, 1890.

Our first manse on North capitol Avenue was purchased with money inherited from Sarah LaHue Jameson, commonly called “Aunt Sallie”, who died February 16, 1880. In 1897, we installed the first pipe organ in Corydon. This organ was being discarded by the Henry Ward Beecher Church of Indianapolis.

Our original building on South Capitol was sold to the United Brethren Congregation when we moved to a new location on East Walnut at Elm. Dedication services were held on February 10, 1907. George W. Applegate, a local banker and member of the congregation subscribed $4,000 toward the building fund, if the congregation would raise the remaining $3,000. The new church was named the Anna M. Applegate Memorial Church in honor of Mr. Applegate’s first wife. A new pipe organ was installed. Three large and seven small stained glass windows enhance the beauty and serenity of the sanctuary. They are particularly lovely, casting different shadings as the sun moves in its daily journey across the sky.

A large bell, formerly from the Leavenworth M.E. Church was purchased and placed in the steeple following the 1937 Ohio River flood. This bell with its deep tone can be rung and also tolled. The smaller bell which can also be rung was purchased in 1974, from the Old Capitol Methodist Church when they moved to their new location. It was hung in the steeple with the large bell.

In 1959 there was major renovation to our church, adding hot water heating, complete rewiring and new lighting fixtures, improvements to the basement for congregational use, the pews were refinished and the sanctuary carpeted. A new pipe organ was installed at this time. Presently it is the only pipe organ in Corydon.

The Reverend Marion Garrett, Pastor Emeritus, has the distinction of holding the longest pastorate of 20 years, ending in 1986. The first resident minister had two pastorates, a total of 19 years. Our present pastor, the Reverend David Cliburn was installed as our 40th pastor on June 7, 1987.

The Corydon community as well as the Corydon Presbyterian Church has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 1990 we employed a part-time Christian Education Director and purchased 5.6 acres of property located.9 mile west of the current building. During 1991 and 1992, we will be determining the use of this property.

On August 24, 1989 the congregation adopted the following mission statement:

“God charges the church with one vital mission — to proclaim Jesus Christ to the world. We affirm that God is at work through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead assure us of forgiveness of sin and eternal life. We are to show forth God’s love for all people and be a positive influence in conveying that love to our congregation, our community and the world.”

The Corydon Presbyterian Church, as a Worshiping and Witnessing Community of believers, offers a Christian Fellowship in which all people can grow in Faith. As a serving Community, we will minister within our congregation, our community and the world.

Roll of Pastors

John Finley Crowe, organizing pastor 1819

William W. Martin
Henry Leffler Rice
Alexander Williamson 1824-38; 1846-47
James W. Phillips
John L. Martin 1839-42
James Dubuar 1843-46
James Wood 1842-49
Josiah Crawford 1843-45
J.C. Bayliss 1844
George W. Whitworth 1849-50
Francis H.L. Laird 1852-53
Claudius B.H. Martin 1856-59
John G. Williamson 1860-66; 68-70
William Torrance 1866-68
N.F. Tuck 1870-71
Preston McKinney 1872-75
Samuel Hart 1875-78
William J. Jones 1880-85
E.C. Trimble 1886-88
Herman I. Stem 1890-93; 96-03
B.E.P. Prugh 1894-95
Alexander M. Irvine 1904-09
Wilson W. Tait 1910-11
John A. McKamy 1911-13
Thomson Campbell 1913-15
Fred B. Smith 1917-19
Mark L. Harris 1921-29
S. Wilbur Huffer 1930-35
Luther E. Sharpe 1936-38
Jesse E. Agans 1939-41
Everett L. Jones 1942-49
Thomas E. Arney 1950-53
James B. Wilbanks 1954-56
Newton P. Fowler 1957-65
Marion L. Garrett 1966-86
Ann Letson 1986-87
David Cliburn 1987-

CROTHERSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Box 212, Crothersville
Organized 1885

On April 7, 1885, a petition requesting the organization of a Presbyterian Church in Crothersville was presented to Presbytery, Three weeks later on April 26, 1885, the church was organized with ten charter members: Preston Rider, Lennie Rider, Laura Rider, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Hamacher, Levi Warner, Hillery Swope, John Cox, Nancy A. Cox, and Elizabeth Anne Cox. The church edifice, largely of native timber, was erected at a cost of $2,800. It is believed the Reverend Joseph Reed was our first pastor.

On August 23, 1960, members, friends and guests celebrated the 75th anniversary with a special service and pitch-in dinner at noon. The Reverend David Morris, our pastor at that time, preached on “A Living Lord and a Living Church” at the morning service which included administering of Holy Communion. After dinner, a service was held with the Reverend Edward E. Morris, father of our pastor as the principal speaker. His sermon title was “Generation to Generation”. Mr. Paul Wilson was pianist for the day. It was an exciting time and we had our sanctuary redecorated for this special occasion.

On April 16, 1961, we had other cause to celebrate. This was a meeting of Thanksgiving and Dedication, marking the completion of payment of the mortgage of the church, parish house and manse. The parish house building was purchased in December, 1952, named in honor and memory of the later Reverend Lucian V. Rule. A rather large financial gift had allowed us to complete payment ahead of schedule. Elder Clara Ellen Baringer, representing the Session, and Marvin Hazelwood, President of the Board of Trustees, participated in the mortgage-burning ceremony. Our entire congregation joined in a Prayer of Thanksgiving, and of dedication for a new pulpit Bible, given by the family of Mrs. Sophia Collman. Again Mr. David Morris brought a meditation — “The House of Prayer.”

On July 14, 1985 after worship, we celebrated our l00th year of service to the Lord and to our community. The Reverend William Thompson, our pastor, presided. Dr. Frank Bard gave the history of our church and many people spoke about what this church meant to them. Special music was enjoyed with Mrs. William Thompson playing the organ. The Reverend Ann Haw delivered a most inspiring sermon — “God’s People: Who are We”? Afterward we celebrated with a reception in the parish house. The walls were decorated with pictures of present members, and of those who have served this church, but have gone to their reward. The Reverend Gary Miller, who as a student, served this congregation attended; the Reverend and Mrs. Edward Morris, who served as our session Moderator when he pastored Scottsburg, returned to celebrate.

The Reverend Ann Haw has served as our Moderator for several years, giving so much of her time and her talent to help us. To her, we extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude.

There are many people, who though the years have labored tirelessly and willingly to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. It would be impossible to name each of them. The present Session includes: Karen Mains, Reval Flint, Helen Garrison, Harlan Gillaspy, and Kathleen Bard. Robert H. Mains is Clerk of Session. Ann Ginger and Mary Ann Huff are Financial Secretaries and our faithful Clara Ellen Baringer is treasure. Special music is provided by Connie Bowling, our organist.

“God’s People: Who Are We? We are the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, worshiping a Living Lord in a Living Church, a House of Prayer, Generation to Generation.”

Roll of Pastors
From 1885 to 1907 our records show the following persons served as pastors:

I.I. St. John
J.W. Frazier
J.C. Burt
J.T. Montgomery
M.E. Prather
J.W. Applegate
H.J. Pollard
R.H. Botler
W.H. Terrill
W.D. Malcomb
W.D. Goodloe
Lucien V. Rule 1908-15; 1934-38
Joseph Reeder 1919-21
John Welsh 1948
Lenard J. Kramere 1948
O.F. Hall 1948
Paul Merkle 1948-49
J. Bruce Melton 1949
Richard Hunter 1952-54
David Morris 1954-56
Arthur Tennies 1966-67
Wm. Zacharda 1968-69
Robert Agnew 1968-69
James K. Woodworth 1969-70
James Capps 1970-72
James Fedlam 1972-73
Robert Bartlett 1973-75
Robert Cox 1975-77
J. Montgomery 1977-78
Craig Lewis 1978-80
Joe Reggin 1980-82
Wm. Thompson 1982-87
Linda Woods 1987-88
Joy Trautman 1988-89
Bruce W. Berry 1989-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Cynthiana
Organized 1892

Digital edition note: There is no entry for the church beyond name and date.

DALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1 North Main, PO Box 426, Dale
Organized 1841

A small group of men, lead by the Reverend Thomas Walker met at the home of W.K. Jones on May 8, 1841. The Reverend A. R. Downey acted as moderator of what was to become the New Canaan Cumberland Presbyterian Congregation, the newest church in the Morgan Presbytery. In the late 1840’s a church building was erected in the town of Elizabeth. This 18’ by 30’ sanctuary cost $400 and was the first church built in this new town. Allen Medcalf, who settled in the Dale area around 1825-30 is the first name on our list of church members and is noted as the first Clerk of Session. Kelsie Roush, baptized on October 28, 1990, is the first of eight generations of this family to be a part in the life of our church. Several years later on petition of the congregation to the presbytery, the name of the church was changed to Elizabeth Cumberland Presbyterian Congregation. In 1866 when the town became Dale, Indiana, the church was renamed to Dale Congregation. Records show in 1890, our income from the Christmas Festival was $5.90.

The church structure, erected in 1898-99 at the cost of $3,000, is still a part of our present sanctuary. Some much needed renovations and additions to the old structure were completed in 1976-77, including classrooms, office, library, fellowship hall and a modem kitchen.

Throughout our history we have been known as the Elizabeth Congregation, Dale Presbyterian, Dale United Presbyterian and now the Dale Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Being a part of the connectional church, we have also been a part of the Morgan Presbytery, Vincennes Presbytery and now the Presbytery of Ohio Valley.

Our ministers were not in residence until 1974; up to that time we shared pastors with other churches. The following are examples of memories of some of these pastors: “the Reverend M.M. Rankin lived in Boonville, but made monthly trips to Dale by train in the early 1900’s. During his visits the church was always crowded. The Reverend Pratt was a large, jolly man and apparently quite a talker. While having lunch with one of the families after Sunday service it is reported that he talked non-stop, while chasing one lone pea round and around in his plate. It is noted that the two young girls also in attendance, got so tickled they almost disgraced themselves. The Reverend Stufford was a retired minister who drove from Washington to Dale once a month, and stay for several days. He would care for the congregation through visitation and preaching, then drive to Midway for Sunday night services. During the 1930’s we had students from Louisville Seminary. One young men, J.D. Hungerland was remembered as very young, who drove a convertible and smoked cigarettes. After finishing school he was called to Bardstown, Kentucky. Another remembered student is Frederick Heidelberg, who had a cute little red headed wife. The two of them were frequently involved in little spats, which were over in a flash. After his ordination, he lived in Jasper for a while, then was called to Boonville.” It was 1974, before we called a full time pastor.

Other memories from our congregation include the Christmas holiday times. (1910) “It had been snowing all week and on Christmas eve afternoon, after rehearsal for their recitation that evening, we all bundled up for a ride through the village singing carols and delivering gifts of jam, jellies and cookies. During this time the church was lit by gas lights on the walls. Bert Kemp used a pole to light the lamps. Opha Kemp was the organist and Glen Guth sang “0 Holy Night”. We used real lighted candles on our trees.”

The 1930-60’ s was a low point in our history, to when in 1941, we voted to discontinue pastoral services, but to continue Sabbath School. There are no more session minutes or involvement with presbytery until 1949, when services were resumed. In 1961 after the Federal Park Service acquired part of Lincoln State Park, the Reverend Dr. L.C. Rudolph involved our church in a Christian Ministry with the Park Service. Working with the Dale Presbyterian Church, the Federal Park Service and Louisville Seminary, a student from the seminary would hold services each Sunday morning during the summer months at the park and fill the pulpit in Dale for the rest of the year. This arrangement was effective for several years. After services in the chapel, a social time was enjoyed when the women served coffee and cookies.

As we prepare to celebrate our Sesquicentennial in May, 1991, many plans are being made at present, including handicap accessibility to our fellowship hall. We look forward to our future with Presbyterian enthusiasm.

Roll of Pastors

M.M. Rankin 1907-11
Pratt 1915-18
Stufford 1922-23
Byrd 1928-30
J.D. Hungerland 1930
Fredrick Heidelberg
Chet Okopski 1974-81
Steve Hancock 1982-84
Alan Arnold 1984-89
Mary Graham 1989-

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE COVENANT
Route #3, Box 27 A, Elizabeth
Organized 1967

It was under the leadership of the Reverend Ed Morris and seminary students Joe McCown, Charles Evans and John Santosousso, that members of Evans Landing, Riverside and Elizabeth Presbyterian Churches saw that the witness in the church needed to be more vital and effective. We began joint session meetings and combined worship services. In response to our request, the National Missions Committee of which Mr. Morris served as chairman, offered help. In July, 1965, the three churches met with Morris and with the Reverend Nathan Frederick, Executive Presbyter of the New Albany Presbytery to voice concerns, and did agree to invite two small Methodist Churches, Depauw and Moore’s Chapel to meet with us. We also received guidance from Keene Lebold and Donald Zimmerman of the Ecumenical Center of Renewal and Planning from Merom, Indiana, whose purpose was “to structure opportunities which encourage and stimulate persons of diverse religious traditions and who live primarily in a secular world to meet together to discover what issues could be solved in a united manner.” We were known as “Project Number 9.”

On September 5, 1975, five congregations met with denominational officials — William Hennessy, moderator of session of three Presbyterian Churches, Nathan Frederick, Morris, Glenn O’Dell, Superintendent of the south District of the Evangelical United Brethren, Merlin Schwein, Superintendent of New Albany District of Methodist Churches, Lebold and Zimmerman of the Ecumenical Center. Other churches in the area of Posey, Boone, Taylor and Webster Townships in Harrison County were invited to participate. It was agreed that each congregation should appoint 3 persons to study and discuss possible solutions. Six churches — 3 Methodist and 3 Presbyterians appointed persons to serve on this committee.

Meeting at Moore’s Chapel on April 26, 1966, eight alternative forms of cooperation were presented, including an Ecumenical Parish Church. Each congregation agreed to hold separate meetings. Several churches were not heard from again. Now plans were initiated for developing closer bonds of cooperation among the three Presbyterian Churches — Evans Landing, Riverside and Elizabeth. After many months of careful work, the committee decided on a plan which called for dissolving all three existing churches, coming together for a New Church Development. The plan was approved by the Nation Missions Committee, the Planning Committee of the sessions, and all three congregations, and finally by the New Albany Presbytery on June 18, 1967. Care was taken through the Steering Committee appointed by the Presbytery, that each congregation was responsible for all project planning.

Evans Landing and Riverside Churches were closed November 26, 1967, and the Elizabeth Church on December 31, 1967.

The New Albany Presbytery and members of New Church Development met on December 31, 1967, at the Elizabeth church to organize the Church of the Covenant. 138 charter members requested this organization, and a location for the new church and manse on Highway 11, three miles south of Elizabeth were approved, and the Steering committee was installed as an interim session, until a congregational meeting could be held. On February 9, 1969, the now united congregation voted to call the Reverend David Marshall as our first ordained pastor.

We held our last worship service at Elizabeth on September 12th and our first at the United Church of the Covenant on September 19, 1971. Since that time we have erected a new building with the help of New Church Development, from the 50 Million Fund. Our church building was formally dedicated on June 11, 1972. Our membership is approximately 90.

We are a farming community with many retirees; therefore we have an active senior citizens group, who meet to make lap robes for nursing homes and hand-knitted caps and mittens for children of the community. Our youth are active in church worship and in Presbyterian camp and retreat events. We have a monthly birthday cake and punch celebration, which is a good time not only to celebrate birthdays, but also to fellowship with new and old friends. The women of our church meet monthly as Presbyterian Women to discuss the needs within our church and are prompt to see that those needs are met with work, attendance or finances. Our church building is a multipurpose building, which has chairs instead of pews in our worship area. With this arrangement, we can accommodate many functions within the community. We have hosted many weddings, receptions, dinners and community projects.

Roll of Pastors and Student Pastors

William Hennessey, Moderator 1967-69
Charles Evans 1967-68
John Santosusso 1967-68
Myrl Moore 1968-69
David Marshall 1969-75
Tom Ballard 1975-76
Michael Loenshal 1976-77
Christopher Schooley 1976-77
Michael Mills 1977
Ben Russell 1977-83
Marion Garrett, Moderator 1983-84
Wade Kirsteatter 1983-89
Arthur C. Tennies 1989
Richard Goodwin, CLP 1989

Because we do not want to lose our heritage, we have enclosed a brief of our past.

ELIZABETH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Organized 1858 - Merged 1967

Our extended history with documentation dates to July, 1858, when a few settlers from Butler County, Pennsylvania, former worshippers in an Associated Reform Church organized a United Presbyterian Church in the home of Mr. and Mrs. James McCollum with the Reverend John Craig as moderator. The first elders were William Beam and David Dodds. Seventeen charter members were received through the authority of the Indiana Presbytery, which was later the Presbytery of Salem, and still later the Presbytery of New Albany. That church building was two blocks northwest of the present building in Elizabeth. Names of ministers recorded were: John Craig, William Turner, W.K. Ormond, J.W. Bain, E.A. Bronless, D. Ferguson, J.W. Taylor, R. Gray, Irvin St. John, T.J. Williamson, John McRae, Philip Beven, C.D. Huston, Benjamin Blackwell, and Preston McKinney.

The building of the present Elizabeth Church was erected in 1903, with organizer and moderator, the Reverend W.L. Austin of Second Presbyterian Church in New Albany. The first minister was Edward Fisher, pastor of Rehoboth. Other ministers were Edward Schultz and F.M. Tyrrell, also serving Rehoboth, as well as Laconia and Memorial. Mr. Tyrrell took the lead in organizing the Evans Landing Church in 1895. Other ministers included: Thomas Graham, Rice, N.M. New, Regan, J. Armontrout, F.L. Greenway, and Ralph Carson. A Reverend Parker served from 1925-27. Seminary students then served the church from 1939-67 including: Roy Converse, Charles Lindsey, Ms. Pauline Timothy, James Smith, David Patterson, Paul Sechrist, Joe McCown and John Santosousso.

GLENWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Organized 1894 — Merged 1957

The Glenwood Church began as a Sabbath School under the direction of D. Graham McCollum as superintendent in 1892. Two years later we petitioned the presbytery to be organized as a church. The Reverend Emanual Schultz, pastor of Rehoboth assisted the leaders in getting thirty five signatures to petition and it was granted on November 8, 1894 with fifteen charter members received by profession of faith including: A.R. and Ophelia Brewster and their three children; Rachael Wilson and children Blanche, Almy, Guy and Mattie; Nancy Cromwell; Sarah Peters; Mary Brewster; Addie Brewster and Emma Brewser. The commission from presbytery included the Reverends B.E. Prugh and Joseph Hitchinson, and elders John Lemmon of Rehoboth and John Sample of Evans Landing. The Reverend F.M. Tyrrel, pastor of Rehoboth, served as our first pastor.

We met in a school house until our church could be erected in 1895, on land given by John Wilson. Our first elder was A.R. Brewster and our first treasurer was Rachel Wilson, who was succeeded by her daughter, Mattie Wilson. These two women served in this office the entire life of the church. Our first deacons were Henry Mattling, Addie Brewster and Lois McCollum. The following served as pastors: F.M. Tyrrel, M.L. Rice, J.T. Reagan, N.L. Rice, F.A. Parker, and Miss Pauline Timothy served as Parish Worker. Seminary students included David Patterson, Charles Brown, James Smith and John Base. We had strong leaders and friends who need to be included: Rachael Wilson, Charles Wilson, Mattie Wilson, Henry Meeting, A.R. Brewster, John Bennett, Ray Brewster, Fred Knear, John Brewster, David Shiremen, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Brintley, Mr. and Mrs. Ewell Combs, Charles Reader and Owen Summers.

In 1956-57, the Reverend Latham Wright conducted an extensive study of the church and the area, which disclosed that as a community, we were over-churched. After considerable meetings, it was recommended that the total membership of 13, plus members of other denominations merge with Elizabeth Presbyterian Church. This consolidation became a reality on October 27, 1957.

EVANS LANDING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Organized 1895 — Merged 1967

In 1883, following several years of joint worship with the Methodists in the old St. John’s Church, just west of Evans Landing, a few lay persons formed a Presbyterian fellowship group to hold separate worship service under the leadership of John Sample, an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Pile, Illinois before coming to Harrison County. This group, under the leadership of the Reverends Emanual Schultz and F.M. Tyrrel, petitioned to organize a new church. This formal petition was lodged with the New Albany Presbytery, which resulted in organization on March 9, 1895. John Sample and J.D. Cunningham were elected the first elders. John Cunningham and J.J. Allen were the first deacons. John Sample, J.D. Cunningham and Goldsmith Brown were appointed to solicit funds for a new church to be built on property donated by Robert, May, John and Sammie Davis. The total cost including building, ground and furniture was $2,300. Charter members included John, Maurice, C.S. and E.H. Sample; J.D., Mary, John and Ella Cunningham; Morton and Elizabeth Davis; Sanna Davis; Mary B. Cunningham.

During the flood of 1937, forty two homeless persons were housed in the church. Some whose homes had been destroyed, maintained residence for over three months.

Our 50th Anniversary was celebrated on June 8, 1946, with more than 20 persons attending, who were present at the dedication in 1896. Of the charter members, only Mrs. Ella Cunningham remained an active member.

The following ordained ministers served our church: F.M. Tyrrel, Joseph Venerable, Robert Hartman, Alex Evans, L.M. Rice, W.T. Reagan, C.D. Bowman, A.G. Hinkle, T.W. Wells, White, J.T. Hartsook, W.W. Logan, Everett Moye, and Frederick Parker. Seminary students serving included: Frank McLaugher, John Clark, T.H. Gorham, D.U. Park, William Amos, Roy Converse and John Lindsey.

Elders to be remembered include: J.D. Cunningham (44 years), John Sample (41 years), Walter Kelley (22 years) and Glen Miller (23 years). Other elders include: Steve Brown, Loren Cunningham, Helen Miller, Olen Simmons, Mae Wate, Ann Simmons, Robert Hoke and Mae Brown.

It was under the leadership of seminarian Charles Evans along with the Reverends Edward Morris and Bill Hennessey from 1961-69, that we voted in favor of a proposal for New Church Development, and to unite with Riverside and Elizabeth. The Evans Landing Presbyterian Church was dissolved on December 31, 1967.

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Organization date unknown — Merged 1967

The Riverside Presbyterian Church, youngest of the nine Harrison County Presbyterian Churches, began as a mission-point to the Elizabeth Church. No separate minutes were kept for the first 20 years; then unfortunately, the Elizabeth Session Record was also lost.

We do know the Riverside Church began as an interdenominational Sunday School in the late 1890’s, under the leadership of a man named Caress, from New Albany, Indiana, and that the first superintendent was Miss Martha Potts. Meetings were held in the Glaze School. Lee Hamilton of the Elizabeth Church, working with seminary student, Alex Evans, who was also serving Elizabeth and Evans Landing, succeeded in their efforts to influence this group to become Presbyterians and the nucleus of the group. The Reverend M.L. Rice is given credit for organization.

Plans were made for a new building. Mrs. William Glaze and Mrs. William Williams went in a horse-drawn carriage to an auction of the abandoned United Brethren Church near the hillside turn at Bridgeport to purchase the building for $84. Their husbands, joined by others, dismantled the building and moved it to the present site. Receipts indicate the money cost of the final structure was $1,076.13, along with a generous amount of donated material and labor. Much credit goes to William Glaze for the new church to become a reality in August of 1908.

Loss of early records makes it impossible to give a complete list of charter members, but the following are known: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Clark, George Glaze, Mr. and Mrs. William Glaze, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. William Williams. Early Clerks of Session included: George Hoke and John Grantham.

Ministers and student pastors included: J.F. Reagan, C.J. Armontrout, F.S. Fleming, Ralph Carson, N.S. New, Frederick Parker, Roy Converse, Charles Lindsey, C.S. Logan, John Welsch, Ms Pauline Timothy, Charles Brown, Orville Person, Dean Klontz, Bruce Fry, David Patterson, Jim Fry and Don Kastner.

It was under the leadership of students John Santosousso, Charles Evans and the Reverend Bill Hennessy in 1965-67 that on April 30, 1967, the congregations of Elizabeth, Riverside and Evans Landing voted in favor of a New Church Development. The Riverside Church was dissolved on December 31, 1967.

EAST MINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
5501 Washington Avenue, Evansville
Organized 1987

We take great pleasure in introducing Eastminster Presbyterian Church. We were founded June 30, 1987, under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Dr. Dan L. Hendricks. While we are the youngest church within the bounds of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, we have a long and illustrious history as old as Evansville.

When the first Presbyterian Church was organized in 1821, by the Reverend D.C. Banks of Henderson, Kentucky, we were also the first religious organization in this pioneer town. We were founded with twelve members when Evansville was a community of three hundred persons, with no particular place for worship or stated time appointed for sermons. Meetings were held in homes, in the court house and in an old log cabin built in 1817, located on First Street between Oak and Mulberry.

Our early membership rolls contained such names as Walnut Street Elder Daniel Chute, William Olmstead, Dr. Daniel Morgan, General James Blythe, Horatio Q. Wheeler, Honorable John Q. Foster, Samuel Orr, Willard Carpenter, Thomas Garvin, Sam Archer, Governor Conrad Baker and many others of local history. More recently the former Governor of Indiana, Robert Orr, is a member of our history.

Finally in 1926, Grace Memorial Church (Old School) and Walnut Street Church (New School) united and changed our name to the First Presbyterian Church, at the present location of Second and Mulberry Streets. Things had now come full circle and with the union of the two oldest church in Evansville — separated, now reunited — three churches became one again.

Our first Mission Sunday School was organized jointly in 1870, by the Vine Street and Walnut Street Churches. It was named the Lamasco Mission, later in 1876, becoming the First A venue Presbyterian Church and in 1883, a Mission Sunday School was organized by the Walnut Street Church members, which in 1893, became Parke Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Olivet Mission was organized by the Chestnut Street Church in 1896, at the corner of Governor and Walnut Streets, and in 1899, Olivet Mission Church was built at the corner of Olive and Morton Streets. Olivet Presbyterian Church was built in 1912, at 867 Walnut Street, then relocated in 1968, to 5600 Oak Hill Road. Immanuel Church was organized from the Springdale Mission in 1899. Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church was dedicated in 1914. Following the early 1900’s reunion, two hundred twenty five members, who remained Cumberland Presbyterian, built their church at their present location of Jefferson and Governor.

In 1951, under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Matthew Cavell (1935-60), the opportunity to once again extend the mission/ministry of our church presented itself through a generous bequest by Mrs. Elma Preston Totten. Her parents were early members of Grace Church (1874) and because of her fond memories of attending Sunday School as a child, “She wished to leave the church a legacy.” This could not have come at a better time, since Dr. Cavell and the congregation at First Church envisioned establishing a second location on the growing, east side of Evansville, where many young families of our church were building new homes. Worship services were held in Dexter School and Totten Hall, now Eastminster Presbyterian Church in November, 1951. In 1956 an educational wing was added and in 1967, our beautiful Williamsburg Sanctuary was dedicated. Eastminster had developed differently from the other mission churches in the city, because it remained an integral part of First Presbyterian Church, and was the first church in the country called, “One Church — Two Locations”.

In May, 1986, after much struggle, it was decided the two distinct congregations should become two separate churches. The downtown church retained the name, First Presbyterian Church, while on June 14, 1987, the east side became known as Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

Under the excellent pastoral leadership of Dr. Dan L. Hendricks, Eastminster flourished and grew to a membership of 541 active members. Our dynamic Sunday School program was increased with two adult classes and varied youth programs. Other programs established included the Colonial Days/Birthday Celebration, and the Eastminster Family Fest, to which the community is invited to celebrate with us in fellowship. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the beautiful baby grand piano was added to the Sanctuary.

In February, 1990, Eastminster Presbyterian Church was recognized in a letter by Nancy A. Harper, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, as the “youngest and fastest growing church in the Presbytery.” She added, “your example of Christian faith and Presbyterian

evangelism is obvious and most appreciated.”

In March, 1991 we called as our Interim Pastor, the Reverend Alan Finnan. We are looking forward to his ministry with us.

FIRST AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
806 West Virginia, Evansville
Organized 1872

First Avenue Presbyterian Church began in a small frame building on Second Avenue between Maryland and Oregon Streets in 1868, on a site donated by Willard Carpenter, a great benefactor of the Evansville community. The charter for 25 members was signed on September 27, 1872 by the Vincennes Presbytery. During this same period of time, the Reverend W.H. McCarer, pastor of the Church on the Hill and the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church began a mission work near First Avenue and Virginia. On November 11, 1875, twelve members of this group joined with forty-four members from the Second Avenue congregation, thus forming the congregation of First Avenue Presbyterian.

A new brick sanctuary was dedicated April 2, 1876. We have used this building continuously for worship and Christian Education since that time. The facility remained virtually unchanged until 1914, when a tornado destroyed part of the roof. This disaster allowed us to add a vestibule and tower portion, then shortly thereafter replace clear glass windows with the beautiful stained glass windows still seen today. Our pipe organ, a gift in the early 1900’s by steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie, is one of the oldest church organs in continuous operation in Evansville.

We believe in the Presbyterian form of government and are strongly guided and influenced by this system; thus, great effort is put into involving the greatest number of persons in our committee structure with fair representation from the congregation. All standing committees are committees of the Session and are required to report regularly to the Session.

Over the years, our congregation has shown great interest and generous support for presbytery and Mission Council work. We have and continue to have members who serve on presbytery committees, including the Coordinating Council, Board of Trustees, the Committee on Ministry, and Christian Education. In the past few years, two of our young men have entered the ministry under the care of the presbytery and this church. We are also proud of the fact that we were one of the first in this presbytery to include women on our boards.

Because we are an inner city congregation, our mission programs include strong emphasis on inner city needs. We operate an active food pantry and provide emergency funds for those in need. Other ongoing programs at First Avenue include a program for senior citizens, a neighborhood summer children’s program, an interdenominational prayer breakfast and Bible study, a tutoring program for adult non-readers, a noon-time business persons Bible study group, and a neighborhood vacation Bible School. As you can see, we consider community mission and mission giving to be an important facet of our total budget.

In January, 1988, we began a great adventure to seek permission to raise funds and to build a Christian Education facility, including a large social hall, recreation center for church and community activities in order to enhance our potential of better serving the needs of our community, and to provide a facility needed for more effective youth work, better teaching facilities and room to grow as our new programs are added. We hope to retire our entire debt of $300,000 within the next 15 years.

Roll of Pastors

1872-92
M. V. VanArsdale
W.H. McCarer
Dodge
Hutchinson
Linn
VanDyke

J.F. Martin 1892-94
E.S. Thompson 1894-97
E.W. Fisk 1897-98
Charles Karcher 1898-02
N.A. Shedd 1902-05
Howard Morrison 1905-09
J.M. Gaiser 1909-15
L.W. Montgomery 1916-19
Henry Neff 1919-29
Addison Chapin 1930-33
Benjamin Kelley 1934-50
Edward Coller 1950-54
James Marvin 1955-59
James Troop 1959-63
Donald Darling 1964-68
John DeSanto 1970-75
Charles Kamp 1976-82
Geoffrey Huish 1983-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
609 S.E. Second, Evansville
Organized 1821

The First Presbyterian Church of Evansville was formed in 1821 as the first religious organization in this pioneer, river town. Today, the result of unions and reunions of three congregations, it stands as a united witness of varied backgrounds, worshiping together in a beautiful 114 year-old sanctuary. The history of our church is truly a history of the community.

It began with 12 members when Evansville was a community of 300 persons. These 12 were Daniel Chute, James (RC) Goodlett, William Olmstead, Abijaih Fairchild, Julia Ann Harrison, Rebecca Wood, Mrs. Chandler, Mr. Butler, Mrs. Smith, Eli Sherwood, Elizabeth Sherwood and Mary O. Warner. Our early membership rolls contained such names as Judge W. Olmstead, Honorable Judge John Foster, Samuel Orr, Willard Carpenter, Thomas Garvin, Governor Conrad Baker, Governor Robert Orr and many other prominent names of southern Indiana history.

Our history shows that the first building was erected in 1831 on Second and Main Streets, with modest dimensions of 30’ by 50’, without the least attempt at ornamentation, at a cost of $1,300.

In 1837, the congregation was split when the Presbyterian denomination separated into the Old School/New School. The Old School Congregation moved to Vine and Second Streets to become Vine Street Church. The New School Congregation remained in the original building until 1860, when they built a new facility at Second and Walnut Streets and became known as Walnut Street Church. The Vine Street Church then moved to Second and Mulberry in 1874, and were called Grace Presbyterian Church. In 1908, the Cumberland Presbyterian at Second and Chestnut Streets joined with Grace to become Grace Memorial. Finally in 1926, the Walnut Street congregation joined with Grace Memorial to become the First Presbyterian Church of Evansville.

Under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Matthew Cavell (1936-60), another opportunity arose to extend our ministry through the generosity of Elma Preston Totten, member of First whose parents had been members of Grace Church. Mrs. Totten’s gift allowed us to establish a second location on the growing east side of Evansville. Worship services were held in Dexter School and Totten hall, and were the fore-runner of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. This second location remained a part of our congregation until May, 1987. We were in fact — One Church with Two Locations.

Except for one, every Presbyterian Church in Evansville was an outgrowth of our mission. We are proud of the fact that we established the first Sunday School in Evansville in 1833. Years later we were the first protestant congregation in the city to inaugurate multiple worship services in order to accommodate the church program to war-time living conditions during World War II. During this same time, we established the first nursery school operated by a religious organization. This too was in response to a need expressed by military wives and war-industry employed mothers.

We are additionally proud of our heritage and service in the Evansville Community: In 1964 our youth took the initiative in another community effort to establish a teen recreation center on the east side of Evansville by organizing and operating the Outside Inn.

First Presbyterian sponsored what may have been the first Senior Citizens group about 35 years ago, offering companionship, good times and friendly interest to older citizens, whether they were a part of the congregation or not.

The church was early in pre-school education, not only with nursery school, but also with day care, providing care for children from low income families. We also started the Meals-on-Wheels program as a community service.

At present, continuing our services to the community, we house various organizations such as ARK, Campus Ministries, CASA, Friendship Ministries and Head Start.

Since 1821 when we were organized, we have been served by 36 ministers. We are especially proud to have called the Reverend W. Marvin Randolph in 1988, and trust that under his leadership we shall continue to be an integral presence in Evansville. We have also been served by many associate pastors, including our present associate, the Reverend Catherine Moran. Led by these pastors, we have not only been a leader in religious activities, but also opened our arms and our heart to the community. As one minister said at our 150th anniversary, “May we take the best from the past to make the best of the future.”

Roll of Pastors

Little Church on the Hill

D. Banks (organizing pastor) 1821
Calvin Butler 1827
McAfee 1834
Jeremiah Barnes 1838

Walnut Street (New School)

Samuel Snead 1846
E.A. Lord 1848
William H. McCarer 1849
J.P. Kumler 1868
Samuel Carlisle 1872
Charles Foote 1876
J.Q. Adams 1878
Seward M. Dodge 1881
Leland Gilleland 1884
Otis Smith 1891
Samuel Wilson 1896
Charles Nickerson 1901
Leslie Witcomb 1919

Grace (Old School)

J.V. Dodge 1841
J.N. Sounders 1850
Alexander Street 1851
C.B. H. Martin 1866
J.L. McNair 1882
E.F. Walker 1882
A.B. Meldrum 1889
J.L. Marquis 1896
C.E. Morse 1904
Hamilton Himes 1907
Henry Marcotte 1926
John Kennedy 1907

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Matthew C. Cavell 1936-60
Joseph W. Baus 1960-84
Dan Hendricks (co-pastor) 1984-86
Ronald Felty (co-pastor) 1985-87
Louis Sandos 1987
W. Marvin Randolph 1988-

“SPRINGDALE” IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1230 Fountain Avenue, Evansville
Organized 1891

Springdale Chapel came into being in the summer of 1891, the result of an evangelistic tent meeting, sponsored as a mission church by Grace Memorial Church, now First Presbyterian of Evansville. The pastor of First Church did the preaching, meeting in various member’s homes, and with the able help of the ladies, the congregation organized the Sunday School. In 1892, the Springdale Chapel was erected at the corner of Pennsylvania and Missouri Streets. It was a facility, typically Presbyterian, with a small steeple, leaded stained glass windows and a dark-beamed ceiling. Sliding doors with stained glass panes, separated the sanctuary from a small side room which served for prayer and Christian education meetings, and housed a library also furnished by Grace Memorial. Ministers and pulpit supply came to Springdale from the “mother church”.

In April of 1905, we moved to our present site on Fifth and Fountain Avenues and became Immanuel Presbyterian Church. A large building erected in the rear, called the “gym” made room for Sunday School classes and on Saturday morning an actual gym class was held for girls, taught by one of the ladies in our congregation.

The manse, built next door, adequately served our ministers, until a man with twelve children came from Wales. It was then necessary to rent a suitable dwelling nearby. Grace Church continued to serve her “youngest daughter” with teachers, choir assistance, and sewing instructors. Our every need was met until we became strong enough to provide our own teachers, Christian education leaders, and a thriving Ladies Aid Society, which also greatly enhanced our financial needs.

In 1920, a retired teacher from Grace Church sponsored the first missionary society consisting of young women between ages sixteen and thirty, and later started a society for more mature women. This first group sponsored a teenage society, and many years later this same group sponsored one for their own daughters and other young girls forming a Teen Circle. Women from these early groups are still functioning in the mission program. They have strived to meet the requirements of Presbyterian Women, meeting yearly goals, remembering the ill and shut-ins, fulfilling all sewing assignments, sponsoring the annual Praise Service, Summer Medical, Least Coin, Bible studies, missionary programs and family nights.

In 1927, the old gym was razed and a modem education building was erected. Then we built a new sanctuary in 1950, and received anew Hammond organ. The old manse was razed and a new manse was purchased in 1971.

Being a mission church, we reached out to help establish Westminster Presbyterian Church west of us in 1950. Immanuel remains a small neighborhood church in a transient area. New programs are being introduced by the congregation to reach out to this segment of our society.

It is with deep gratitude we remember the teachers and helpers who came from First Church, and for the spirit of missions so deeply planted long ago. We are grateful for every man and woman who ever held an office in our church. No matter what the situation, may we never lack for men and women who remain true to our name — Immanuel - God With Us

Roll of Pastors

A.B. Meldrum
W.E. Green
Wes Baumgarten 1889-90
F.S. Stitt 1900-02
Winfield W. Morrow 1903-04
Charles J. Armentrout 1904-07
Benjamin H. Rankin 1908-10
Benjamin L. Stuart 1911
Carl E. Kercher 1914
Robert H. Anthony 1916
Houston R. Taylor 1917-21
T. Russell 1922-24
Frank Nathar 1924-27
Jerone Delbert Ulay 1927-38
Merold E. Westphal 1939-45
Roy Melville Allison 1947-52
Ray Richard Searle 1954-55
Peter Juarez, Jr. 1957-59
Albert W. Wright 1960-64
Kenneth Jack Hett 1965-79
Roy Ray 1979-87
Neal Biggers 1987-

OLIVET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
5600 Oak Hill Road, Evansville
Organized 1900

The mission work which resulted in the organization of Olivet was begun by the Jefferson Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church, when a mission Sunday School was organized. The Reverend C.B. Welborn of the Jefferson Avenue Church attended a meeting of the Session of First Cumberland Presbyterian held on November 17, 1891, and spoke to the condition and prospects of this Sunday School. The two churches considered the advisability of purchasing lots on the corner of Olive Street and Morris Avenue (now Morton Street) on which to erect a chapel for its use.

On March 8, 1892, the Jefferson Avenue Church asked First Church to assume control and management of this Mission School. With this transfer formally effected on February 21, 1893 at a meeting of the Session of First, there were by invitation several individuals from the mission neighborhood. They noted that in the neighborhood of this mission there was a large territory, embracing hundreds of homes and no convenient church facility. It was believed that with a reasonable assurance of financial assistance and encouragement, sufficient amounts of money could be raised to build a church suited to the needs of the community. This new church would be a part of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church denomination.

The Session was assured of the assistance of First Church and an option on the property at Olive and Morris was obtained as a suitable location. They were instructed to canvass the community for subscriptions for the building. The Sunday School continued to meet at the Free Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. E.G. McLean of First Church occasionally holding preaching services in the evening after Sunday School.

By August 20, 1895, the officers and teachers of our Sunday School again visited the Session, stating their desire to establish their work more firmly, and to request permission to erect a building for the Sunday School on the lots still held by the Session. Permission was granted and the building was completed in December, 1895.

In May, 1890, Mr. W.F. Padgett of Nashville, Tennessee conducted a series of services lasting about two weeks and on June 7, 1890 the Olive Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church with thirty five charter members was organized. The congregation then asked for a pastor and without a single exception, chose the Reverend W.F. Padgett. Mr. Padgett accepted this call.

Grace Memorial Church and Olive Street Church united and in 1912, moved to the new building at Walnut and Bray (now Bedford) Streets to become Olivet. At a total cost for building, lots and furnishings of $41,629.70. The debt was retired four years later. Since the pastor needed a home, ground was purchased and a manse built in 1917. Many of our older members remember the ice cream socials held on the manse grounds at 801 Lincoln Avenue.

Six years later a temporary gymnasium and Sunday School room were built behind the church. Gym classes were held for both men and women.

The first religious service for the deaf was held at Olivet in 1931. We became known throughout the Evansville area for our pageants presented at Christmas, Easter, and on Children’s Day. These events were attended by nearly 1,000 persons, with standing room only.

Shortly after we celebrated our 50th anniversary, a fire destroyed the gymnasium. It was replaced with a Parrish House and Sunday School Building.

As the neighborhood changed with most of our members no longer living within walking distance of our church, we decided the church should move to a new location. In 1967 plans for the present building located at 5600 Oak Hill Road were begun. Ground was broken and on October 8, 1968, the Christian Education Building, Gym and connecting foyer were dedicated. For the next several years, worship was held in the gymnasium. Finally in the winter of 1970-71, without pastoral leadership, we decided to complete the plans for building a sanctuary. A most successful financial campaign was conducted.

The first service in the sanctuary was held at sunrise on Easter Sunday, 1972. This was truly a sunrise service, because those of us in attendance, could look up through the rafters of the unfinished building and watch the changing colors of the morning sky.

The Olivet Preschool was started in 1982 with two classes. Its excellent reputation within the community has promoted growth to full capacity.

Following the death of a long time member, the Bass Shelter House was built on the expanse behind the church and dedicated in 1985. This shelter is frequently used by various church groups.

With our roots as a mission project, Olivet is a mission-minded church. Several of our members are actively involved in Habitat for Humanity, helping to build new homes for the less fortunate, and at work camps restoring damaged or destroyed homes. Ten members traveled to South Carolina to assist victims of the 1989 Hurricane Hugo. We participate in the annual CROP Walk for Hunger, support the Emergency Food Pantries and with four other Presbyterian Churches, staff and help fund Neighborhood Ministries which attends to the needs of inner-city residents. We also have members involved in the Jail Ministries.

We look to the future with optimism that we can continue our mission and service to others as an expression of love for God.

Roll of Pastors

W.F. Padgett 1900-25
Walter T. Pearcy 1926-43
Harold P. Marx 1943-51
H.V. Roth 1952-57
Robert Poland 1958-69
O.J. Rundus 1971-75
Richard Schechter 1976-

PARKE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
28 East Delaware, Evansville
Organized 1893

Although organized officially in 1893, our history dates to 1834, “to the little church on the hill”, erected on Second Street between Main and Locust. As Evansville grew, we moved to a new location at Second and Walnut and were known as the Walnut Street Church, now First Presbyterian Church.

In 1884, when the Walnut Street Church called the Reverend Leland Gilleland as pastor, he observed the sprawling growth of the city out from the river toward Garvin Woods and his heart was burdened with concern for the children of this new area. When he called this concern to the attention of the congregation, they decided to open a mission Sunday School there and to ask for volunteers as teachers and financial contributors. The people gave their support by arranging to rent a building from Jacob Schneider, who owned a saloon at the corner of Heidelback and Columbia. In December of 1887, the school opened with 140 present. By the end of the first year, attendance had increased so much that crowded conditions made it impossible to do satisfactory work. In fact, early records show “at first there was much rudeness and disorderly conduct on the part of the scholars, but in time, the effect of the refining influence of the Gospel was manifest in the school”.

In 1889 some elders from the Walnut Street Church visited the school. Among them was Col. John W. Foster, one of the greatest statesmen of this age and an attorney with a practice in international law, who had just returned to Evansville. He was so impressed with the work being done at the mission school that he and his wife, Mary Parke Foster, proposed donating finances sufficient to build a church, now known as Parke Memorial Chapel, provided the trustees would assume responsibility of caring for the physical building, establish an industrial school, the Alice Foster Industrial School named in honor of his daughter who had died from Scarlet Fever, and maintain a Sunday School. When it was self-sustaining, the deed would be transferred to the new church. Naturally the trustees gladly accepted his generous offer and the challenge. The total cost for the land and building was $7,708.22.

Membership now rapidly increased. Mid-week services were added as was a prayer service on Sunday evenings, held by the Elders of Walnut Street Church.

Even when Col. Foster was appointed U.S. Secretary of State by President Benjamin Harrison, he kept an interest in the Industrial School, which was established to benefit poor children and whose attendance was limited to members of the Sunday School. It should also be noted that in later years, Col. Foster’s grandson, John Foster Dullas also became Secretary of State under President Eisenhower.

In 1893, Sixty five persons signed a petition requesting the Vincennes Presbytery organize Parke Memorial Presbyterian Church. This petition was approved on December 19, 1893.

Several prominent Evansville persons too numerous to mention, promoted the growth of Parke Memorial. In particular, upon the death of Mrs. Elsia McFerson in 1913, her will denoted a legacy of $10,000 specifically to be applied toward the maintenance of Parke Memorial. This fund remains in existence today.

As we grew, by 1921 additional space was needed, so we built a hall to be used for religious and entertainment purposes. The total cost was accumulated through free-will offerings.

Though our present membership is not quite 100, we maintain an active program of Worship, Sunday School classes, mission support at home and abroad, camping, a local food bank, and a “Kid’s Klub” which encourages children from 4 through 18 years of age to learn the basic tenets of our faith through music and drama. Parke Memorial began with concern for children and the need to bring them to a knowledge of Jesus Christ. This remains our primary concern. Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.” For over 100 years Parke Memorial Presbyterian Church has continued to do just that.

Roll of Pastors

Samuel Stoplet 1893-1896
John Engstrom 1896-1902
T.G. Brashear 1902-1908
John McMurry 1908-1910
W.B. Lile 1911-1916
R.G. Shafer 1916-1917
John Howk 1918-1929
Herbert Daily 1930-1938
Herschel Sigler 1938-1948
David Currens 1948-1961
Gordon Smith 1961-1968
John DeSanto 1970-1975
Charles Kamp 1976-1982
R. Wayne Perkins 1983 & 1988
Gordon Jones 1983-1987
Daniel Lamey 1988-1991

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1820 Stringtown Road, Evansville
Organized 1916

On July 2, 1916, a new church was organized on the corner of Stringtown Road and Reis Avenue with thirty seven charter members, forming the North Park Presbyterian Church. Construction plans were underway and on August 11, 1917, the cornerstone was laid.

The church building was soon completed with a basement for group gatherings and a lovely sanctuary on the main floor. Growth was so significant that in 1926, a portable building which had been used by a local school was purchased and placed on the back of the church lot. Sunday School classes overflowed into this building. Tragedy struck on February 5, 1940, when a fire started in the furnace room and destroyed a portion of the basement and the ceiling. Fortunately, the portable building was now to be used by the entire Sunday School while repairs were being made to the church building.

We were apparently an outgrowth of the Parke Memorial in our early years under its care and did share pastors with Parke Memorial, First Avenue and Immanuel Presbyterian Churches. During these years, the church services were held on Sunday afternoon as each minister had his other church to serve in the morning and evening.

Organizations active in the early church included Sunday School, Missionary Society, Ladies Aid, Men’s Brotherhood, Youth Christian Endeavor, Quilters, Presby-weds, Adult and Junior Choirs.

In 1948, we broke ground for the first phase of the “new” building and the basement was constructed to house a thriving Sunday School. The present sanctuary was completed in 1957. As can be expected, we have been involved in continuous remodeling projects, doing much of the work ourselves. We have added a nursery and youth room, expanded the kitchen and most recently added a lift and new entrance to facilitate access for those who have difficulty with steps. A new pipe organ, hand carved shields, carpeting and chancel additions have greatly enhanced the beauty and serenity of the sanctuary. A note of thanks is given to the men and women of this congregation who have volunteered so much time and effort with these projects. Their help has been invaluable.

With the opening of the North Park Shopping Center, there was some confusion with that name and ours, particularly in regard to location, so in June, 1964, we changed our name to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. No one seems to remember just why.

Our church family presently finds itself with a good feeling of compassionate concern, coupled with a growing awareness of being involved in mission. It is a source of pride to us when others refer to us as “the church that cares”. Our “Helping Hand Fund” provides assistance for many in need. Each year in November, we “decorate” the sanctuary with food for food pantries in the Evansville area. Our people are involved in youth camps (PYOCA) and in Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those less fortunate. Our commitment to One Great Hour of Sharing continues to grow.

As we look to the future, we are aware that a congregation made up of many older members must blend with younger families and new members. Happily we are seeing increasing development along these lines, so that as a Presbyterian Church, we will continue to be a strong witness to our mission in Evansville in the years ahead.

Roll of Pastors

W. Burton Lile 1915-16
L. N. Montgomery 1916-18
Huston R. Taylor 1918-21
Marvin Ballew 1921-23
Levi McKinley Krueger 1923-26
Ralph H. Johnson 1926-33
Addison H. Chapin 1933-62
William Carson Thompson 1963-66
James C. Battig 1967-90
Robert Poland 1991-

WASHINGTON AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
641 Washington Avenue, Evansville
Organized 1889

The Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church had its foundations in 1874, as a mission Sunday School of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Third and Chestnut Streets in Evansville. On December 7th at a Sunday Schools teachers’ meeting led by the Reverend W,J. Darby, it was decided to start a mission Sunday School in the “Upper” part of Evansville. The following Sunday, a house was rented at 311 Adams Avenue for $8 per month, and the Sunday School was organized with 125 persons.

As the membership grew, a new building was erected in July, 1875, at 123 Jefferson Avenue to house what was known as the Jefferson Avenue Mission Sunday School of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. By January 6, 1889, the members of this growing Sunday School were ready to establish themselves as an independent church. The Jefferson Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized with fifty-seven charter members.

The first installed pastor was the Reverend J.H. Miller, who so faithfully and efficiently served this congregation until 1890, that shortly after the building was finished in 1889, it had to be enlarged.

It was during the pastorate of the Reverend T.L. Ashburn in 1907, that a union took place on the national level between the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. The membership of the Jefferson Avenue Church was divided on this issue of union. Eventually Mr. Ashburn resigned his pastorate and took the majority of members with him to form the present Jefferson A venue Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 333 Jefferson Avenue. The rest remained at 123 Jefferson Avenue, forming the nucleus for the congregation which united with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. A former pastor, the Reverend J.H. Miller was the first pastor, serving this nucleus from 1907-08. Elders Barrows, Karges, Kraft, Gillespie and Schor were on the Session.

During the pastorate of the Reverend A.D. Light, it became apparent that the building on Jefferson A venue was too small, and through untiring efforts of the Session and the Reverend William J. Darby of the mother church, a new site was purchased on Washington A venue in 1911. Plans were drawn and the new building begun in the spring of 1913. Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church was dedicated on May 17, 1914 at 641 Washington Avenue.

Since this time we have continued to grow and to expand. In 1947 we acquired the residence adjoining the church property on the west for use as a manse and parish house. In 1955, we dedicated a new two story Christian Education building and in 1961, we dedicated the new pipe organ along with the cross above the communion table. Other improvements were also made to the sanctuary and chancel. In 1967, an additional house to the west of the church was purchased and razed to give additional parking space. In 1978, Mr. Wilburn R. Harrell purchased a house to the east of the church, which was razed then given to us for more parking space and a landscaped area.

It was during the Reverend Hawley’s pastorate that the church evidenced tremendous growth, reaching 650 members in 1960. During that time a Director of Christian Education and Assistant Pastor were added to the staff, the Christian Education wing was added in 1955 and additional parking space was added. It was also during his pastorate the church became among the first in Evansville to allow women to fill church office. In 1954 a woman was elected to the Board of Trustees, in 1957 the first women were ordained as elders and in 1964 women were named to the Board of Deacons.

During the past six years, we have been seeking to adjust to a new ministry in our changing neighborhood. As the neighborhood has changed, so has the church. No longer are we a thriving neighborhood church. Now we have a membership of 193, many of whom commute from the suburbs.

In an effort to reach out to the neighborhood, Neighborhood Ministries, a joint ministry of five Presbyterian Churches was formed in 1986, in an effort to reach out in the love of Jesus to people in need in our particular neighborhood. Interestingly, our mother church, First Cumberland is also a part of this ministry.

Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church, though now struggling to some extent, continues to be a vital congregation, reaching out to the community and providing a witness to the love of Jesus that binds us together as a family of God. We are presently involved in some long range planning to determine the future direction of our church. We do so with the trust that God, as He has guided us in ministry for these past 116 years, will continue to guide us into the future.

Roll of Pastors — Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church

J.H. Miller 1889-90
C.B. Welborn 1890-94
T.L. Ashburn 1897-07
J.H. Miller 1907-08
S.P. Pryor 1908-09
A.D. Light 1909-14

Roll of Pastors — Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church

A.D. Light 1913-17
Charles D. Darling 1917-18
O.C. Carden 1918-19
T.A. Wigginton 1919-35
William A Hawley 1935-61
Arthur J. Yunker, Jr. 1962-83
Dr. Shane D. O’Neill 1984-

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Mount Vernon Avenue & Harmony Way, Evansville
Organized 1953

Due to noticeable population in the EvansvilleNanderburgh County area in southwestern Indiana during the 1940’s, a group of ministers and elders from Evansville’s eight Presbyterian Churches met in 1949, to consider ways of enlarging the ministry in the city and its expanding population. Two specific areas of growth were noted — the east side and the west side. Immanuel Presbyterian was asked to sponsor the west side. In 1950 Elders Thomas Land, Dan Branson, William Berry, Frank Gentry and William Elmendorf, along with the Reverend Roy Allison began working with the Vincennes Presbytery Extension Committee to further this endeavor.

The Church Extension Committee of Immanuel secured permission to use the West Heights School for Sunday School classes. This mission began in November of 1950, with T.D. Carlisle elected as superintendent. Worship services were not permitted, however. In May, 1951, the committee, with the approval of Vincennes Presbytery, purchased the Georgette property at 3023 Mt. Vernon A venue. The Sunday School was moved to this site and the first preaching service was held.

In 1952 the old house was torn down and a new building was constructed; Westminster Presbyterian Church was thus organized officially with 38 charter members on February 4, 1953. The Reverend Alfred Gresse accepted Westminster’s call to become the first full time pastor in 1953. Shortly thereafter the adjoining property was purchased and remodeled to be used as a manse.

As we steadily grew, in 1959, we voted to conduct a fund raising campaign to construct a new sanctuary and increased educational facilities. Within eighteen months enough funds were pledged so that the construction was completed in 1961, but dedication was delayed until May 5, 1963 after the Reverend Paul Stone was installed.

During the 1960’s we undertook two cooperative ventures with other churches to provide the necessary financial backing for ordained clergy. Since Westminster Presbyterian Church became a reality, it had been necessary to supplement the financial support given by the membership with aid from the Board of National Missions. Between 1953 and 1973 aid from National Missions amounted to approximately $40,000. With the burden of mortgages on the new sanctuary added to Westminster’s already tightly-stretched budget, other arrangements were seen as necessary to continue effective ministry from an ordained pastor. Thus, in 1960 a yoke agreement was reached between Westminster and First Presbyterian of Mount Vernon so that the Reverend Robert Mohr could share his pastor responsibilities with our two churches; this agreement remained in effect until 1967.

With the end of the yoked relationship, we once again faced a crucial decision about our future. With less than 100 members, the building debt was considerable and the church was still dependent on National Missions Aid. The hope for a full time minister of our own, from a practical standpoint seemed only a dream. Although some dissatisfaction was felt with a yoke relationship, some form of cooperative arrangement with another congregation seemed the only possible alternative. With the Reverend Joseph Baus as our moderator, we began to look for other alternatives. Fortunately the answer came with the assistance of two separate denominations and two different presbyteries. In 1969, we called the Reverend Tom Ballard of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination to serve as our pastor, in addition to his call as associate pastor of First Cumberland in Evansville. This joint relationship with Mr. Ballard was dissolved in 1971, and he was then installed as our first full time pastor in over 10 years.

1974 was a significant year in the life of Westminster — it was the first time the Session voted not to request National Mission Funds, thus being completely self-supporting of ourselves and our pastor. When Mr. Ballard resigned two years later, we were again served by a seminarian, Douglas Edrington, until in 1978, we called the Reverend Roy F. Rayon a “part-time, temporary basis”. Dr. Ray retired in 1989 having served eleven years. These were good years of fellowship and growth of members on the role as well as financial growth. We were able to make various improvements to our church building. For example, in 1981, we began a preschool with Dr. Ray as the director. Although it has not proven to be the evangelistic arm we had hoped it would be in recruitment of new members, it is a vehicle for us to make a real contribution to the community. It has helped the church financially and has allowed us to be an ecumenical presence in that our teachers represent various denominations. Our enrollment is 140 students with a waiting list. In 1985 we added a student pastor, Mr. Neal Biggers, who is currently the pastor of a sister church, Immanuel Presbyterian. Following Dr. Ray’s retirement, Tony Roberts was our student supply pastor and Mr. Jonathan Walthour is currently serving Westminster, while completing his seminary training. Kerry L. Allmen Bean will be called as pastor in June, 1991.

Roll of Pastors and Student Pastors

Alfred O. Greese 1953-56
Robert A. Mohr 1957-61
Royal Leason 1961-62
Paul R. Stone 1963-66
James W. Witty, Jr. 1968-69
Thomas S. Ballard 1969-75
Douglas Edrington 1976-78
Roy F. Ray 1978-89
Tomy Roberts 1990
Jonathan Walthour 1990-1991
Kerry L. Allmen Bean 1991-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Farmersburg
Organized 1817

The First Presbyterian Church in Sullivan County was the Hopewell church in Truman Township, organized in 1817. People from Curry’s Prairie attended, coming on horseback and in wagons, sometimes coming on Saturday night to spend time with relatives and friends. Because of the distance and poor roads, it was decided to organize a new church in the northern end of the county.

By 1840 a log church had been erected where the Baldridge Mine Hotel stood, two miles southeast of Farmersburg. Thirteen persons transferred membership from Hopewell to the new church called Clariborne. This church grew rapidly and was the center of most religious gatherings of Curry’s Prairie. Later another Presbyterian Church, Lower Clairbom, was organized in Jackson township, about six miles south of Hymera.

In 1884 a petition was presented to the Vincennes Presbytery to reorganize Upper Claiborn and the change name in Salem Presbyterian Church. Salem started with 38 members.

In 1889 Sugar Grove Church was organized, with both Sugar Grove and Lower Claiborne being under the charge of Salem. This same year the Salem congregation moved to Farmersburg. Meetings were held in Brunker’s Opera House until a church could be built in 1892. Shortly thereafter in 1895, the name was changed again to First Presbyterian Church of Farmersburg and the Sunday School hour changed from 3 p.m. to 10 a.m. The house west of the church was used as a manse until a new one was built in 1900, south of the church.

In 1903 the Vincennes Presbytery merged Lower Claiborn with Jasonville, leaving Farmersburg and Sugar Grove as one charge.

A cornerstone was laid in 1905 and with much remodeling accomplished still another new church building was dedicated. With our numbers growing, we added more room and a basement in 1923, then announced that the first daily vacation Bible School would be held with Iva Baldridge as superintendent. In 1955, still growing, we added an educational building on the south side of the church, which was used by the congregation as well as the community.

1984 found us celebrating 100 years of service to the Lord in a day long celebration, meeting with new and old friends.

But, on August 11, 1988, fire ravaged the Farmersburg First Presbyterian Church! The classroom building was being roofed, when a blowtorch ignited the Sanctuary roof, leaving the church a total loss. Our pastor, the Reverend Robert Coberly pulled his “flock” together to effectively face this loss and guided us through the next several months as we mourned but made plans for our future. During the rebuilding phase we held services in a front yard, a tent, the community building, and finally in our old Sunday School Building after the smoke damage had been repaired. We rubbed shoulders and sang hymns of praise as we became a closer knit church family.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new church was held on September 24, 1989, and on July 1, 1990, we held the dedication of our new church. Some of the old was retained in our new edifice, including the stained glass windows. Sorrowfully, in August, 1990, Mr. Coberly was called to another church. Now while we are pastor seeking, the Reverend Richard Baumer will serve as our interim pastor.

Roll of Pastors

John P. Fox
S. Bates
B.E. Mayo 1885-91
W.C. Harriett
J.E. Brown
A.G. Taylor 1892-99
T.G. Brashear 1900-02
William Mackey 1903
George L. Engler 1904-06
Josephus Latham
H. Irving Parrott
J.W. Condiff
Samuel McCracken 1907-14
Robert Griffin
J.O. Ashburn
W.F. Smith 1914-24
John E. Jones 1925-28
William B. Bonham 1928-40
Cecil Atkinson 1928-40
L.O. Richmond
George Hitchcock
Frederick Parker 1942-54
Albert L. Tull 1955-68
James Chard 1969-72
John Turner 1979-84
Robert L. Coberly 1984-90
Richard Baumer 1990-91

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
West at Locust Streets, Fort Branch
Organized 1828

The first church service was held in covered wagons and then in a tree grove where the congregation sat on log seats. As the community grew, the people banded together to become the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the Fort Branch area in 1828, under the care of the Reverend Alexander Downey. There were twenty charter members.

In 1838 Mr. David Robb donated a parcel of land near his home southwest of Fort Branch, which had previously been used for camp meetings, to build the first country church, New Mount Moriah. Because the “city” people were not content to worship in the “country”, they built a city church in 1856. From 1856 to 1906, the two facilities shared a pastor. When the city church was destroyed by fire in 1904, the pulpit was saved and is still in use today. Because of the fire a new location, which is the present location, was purchased for $300.

No record exists of a vote on the denomination union of Cumberland and Presbyterian Church, but the session minutes of May 26, 1906, are headed “Cumberland”, and thereafter read “the Session of the Presbyterian Church met … “ Apparently the union was not entirely unanimous, because after this time New Mount Moriah and the city church did separate.

Several other unions were formed throughout our history, particularly for pastoral service. For example during the Depression from 1931 to 1934, Oakland City and Fort Branch shared a pastor. We have also shared pastors with Cynthiana.

As we grew, improvements and additions were completed. The Wicks Pipe Organ, style 3, Sonatina with 195 pipes was purchased with the assistance of the Loyal Workers Club in 1935 for $1,200. Our organ is still in use today. A manse was built in 1962 and Westminster Fellowship Hall was added in 1954 with classrooms, nursery and pastor’s study. We also air conditioned, installed a speaker system and new carpeting.

We are especially proud of our stained glass windows which were purchased by the original families in 1905, and have been maintained at considerable cost throughout our history. The estimated value of these windows is well over $50,000, if they could be replaced.

Several times in the past years and especially since the mid 1970’s, the question of our church’s future has been an issue — whether to expand where we are or rebuild elsewhere. An opportunity to purchase 5 acres east of Fort Branch resulted in the purchase of ground for a possible building site. The congregation at the first vote was an even split. After several meetings and debates, it was finally decided to retain our present site and to investigate renovating or at the least, remodeling our present building. Despite this difference in opinion, the congregation continues to work well together. We still own these 5 acres and await God’s direction for its use.

With the vote to renovate, several needed improvements have been made including roofing to Westminster Hall, new gutters and aluminum trim, sandblasting and tuckpointing the brick, new sanctuary doors, resurfacing the parking lot, painting the sanctuary, installing ceiling fans and many other items too numerous to mention. As of this writing we have purchased a new copier and are installing a new furnace and air conditioner for the sanctuary.

As is true in all churches, but particularly small town churches, the willingness of people to be involved and to actually have a hands-on work ethic to get things done, is essential for survival. We have been blessed throughout our history to have a multitude of such willing workers. Many improvements to our facility have been the result of organizations within our church family and memorial gifts from loving families. We have had our ups and downs over the years both financially and personally, but God has always been there to land us on our feet. Our numbers fluctuate much like the Indiana weather, but as the Bible says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name … “, and that’s still true today in Fort Branch.

Roll of Pastors 1876-1991

William Medcalf 1876-84
H.C. Yates 1884-87
M.H. Kimberlin 1880-90
J.E. Jenkins 1890-94
W.B. Crawford 1894
N.W. Clark 1894-97
H.C. Cochrum 1897-99
C. Kirkpatrick 1899-01
Geo. Crabtree 1901-06
C.W. Estes 1906-09
Wm. J. Shelton 1909-11
N.L. New 1912-15
J.C. McClung 1915-19
C.W. Sydman 1919-20
A.T. Huber 1920-22
L.B. Wissenger 1922-25
John A. Steele 1926-31
Ralph B. Colton 1931-36
A.E. Barnado 1937-39
W.M. Kendall 1939
A.E. Thurston 1940-45
Otho Clark 1946-47
Wm. F. Whitledge 1948-53
Robert Gowens 1954-57
David MacDonna 1958-62
Roger Lee Dean 1963-71
J.D. Worthen 1972-79
David R. Flucke 1980-82
Thomas Stone 1982-84
Jack Masters 1984-90
Joseph W. Baus 1991-

GRAMMER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1005 E. Grammer
Organized 1907

The Grammer Presbyterian Church was organized on January 11, 1907 following a tent meeting. According to Ethel Maddock Campbell, the women of the town were really the ones who started it. They met together as a Christian Union in the home of Mrs. India Doty, a member of Burnsville Christian Church. She wanted a church in Grammer, which at that time was called Cushman. The Donaldson Presbyterian Church located near State Road 7 on Legal Tender Road, S. W. 1/4 of section 7, closed its doors in 1895. The church building was torn down, but the cemetery still remains today. The women from Donaldson Church joined the women in Grammer and the name of the proposed church was changed from the United Christian Church to the Grammer Presbyterian Church. Services were first held in the room above the store run by Billy Lewis, located where the Murriel Schwartz family presently lives.

On October 4, 1907, a called meeting of the Indianapolis Presbytery was held at Grammer, Indiana for the installation of officers of the Grammer Presbyterian Church. The following officers were installed: E. Thompson, John L.G. Redd, and Marion Dickey as elders and H.L. Owens and J.W. Adams as deacons. John Redd was elected first Clerk of the Session. W.F. Hunt was hired to be the first pastor at a salary of $266 per year.

The following were charter members: Marion Dickey, Sarah Dickey, Mary Easton, John Redd, Louisa Redd, Maude Long, Mabel Long, Ethel Maddock, H.L. Owens, Bertie Rand, E.M. Thompson, John Thompson, Joy Thompson Kitchen, Vema Utter, Blanche Wertz, and John Adams.

Following the act of organization plans were made toward building a church. A lot on Main Street was purchased from James Wright on which to build a church. Former members of Donaldson Church gave a donation to the building fund. Timber for the church was donated by Louis Friedersdorf and the boards were sawed by Charlie Wertz at the Grammer Sawmill. The church was built in 1908, by carpenters Lafe Long and Bob Samples. Once started everyone pitched in to help and the building was soon completed. Harold Friedersdorf recalls that the church bell was delivered by train to the depot in Elizabethtown, five miles away. He and his brother Roy, then 4 and 7 yrs. old, rode with carpenters Lafe Long and Albe Davis on a flat-top wagon drawn by horses bringing the bell to Grammer.

An annex was added to the church in 1924, to be used as a kitchen, dining room, and class rooms. This room has been the sight of many chicken suppers, ice cream socials, taffy pulls, chili suppers, youth group meetings, Sunday School classes, class socials, committee meetings, session meetings, quilting sessions of the Ladies’ Aid Society, Mission Circle meetings, and pitch-in dinners. The good times had there are immeasurable.

During the 1920’s thru the 1950’s the Sunday School functioned as a primary arm of the church. Two Superintendents stand out as having given many years of service to this office. The first was Henry L. Anthers and the second was Donald R. Barker. The Sunday School was well attended at this time. There were eight active classes for all ages. In the late 1920’s and early 30’s the O.U.R. Class became proficient in producing and acting in plays. People came from surrounding communities to attend these dramatical presentations. This attracted many people to our church. Also prominent at this time was a quartet composed of Loyd and Goldie Brougher and John and Lura Fletcher. Their singing was not only enjoyed by our church but also by many churches throughout the county and they were frequently called upon to sing at funerals.

The Ladies’ Aid Society was organized in 1932. They quilted many quilts and sponsored money making activities to purchase furnishings and equipment for the church. In later years the Missionary Society was formed. These ladies studied the mission work of the church, donating to missions and participating in the Presbyterian Women’s Presbyterial Meetings. Mary E. Dickey was the first woman to be elected an elder of the church.

The first mention of a Young People’s Group was April 5, 1938, when Sally Hulse made a report at the Congregational meeting. The ministers served as adult leaders until 1942, when Lawrence Linson reorganized the group and led the youth until his death in 1946. His sister, Mary Dickey, became adult leader and continued in that position until 1959. Mary considered this task a number one priority in her life and during this time the Youth Group flourished with a membership of 20-30. In later years many who had been a part of this group said it had been one of the best experiences during their growing years. Others who served as leaders were George and Nellie Foust, Wayne Jaquess, and Jackie Jaquess.

In 1987 a fund raising drive was held to raise money to put aluminum siding on the church, roof the north side of church, and roof the manse. A total of $13,801.44 was given by members, former members, and friends of the church. This work was completed during the summer of 1988. James Anderson served as chairman of the committee in charge of the project.

Our present minister is Rev. Jack Ragland, a recent graduate of Louisville Seminary and currently a Pastoral Counselor in Louisville, KY. He is filling the pulpit while a search committee from Grammer and Columbus Fairlawn Church seek a pastor to be a Christian Education/Youth Director for Fairlawn and a solo pastor at Grammer.

Role of Pastors and Student Pastors

W.P. Hunt 1907-
L.H. Shindledecker 1920
F.C. Wood
Thomas Campbell
Mitchell
W.L. Robb 1924
J.W. McKinney 1926-27
D.H. Brush 1928
A.R. Miles 1929-36
Perry O. Daniels 1936-38
Merle H. Kennedy 1938
D.R. Kennedy 1938-40
L.E. Marklin 1941
Harold W. Turpin 1942-49
Wm. R. Laws 1950-64
John Denton 1964-66
James Martin 1966-67
Bryce McGowan 1967-68
Stanley DeLong 1968-70
Larry Oswalt 1970
Blaine Brim 1970-72
Walter Griffith 1972-73
N. Scott Cupp 1973-74
Rick Wyatt 1974
Nancy Lynn Elgar 1974-79
Paula Short 1980-81
G. Stephens 1981-82
Bruce Wismer 1982
Roger Looft 1983
John Eaton 1983-84
Sharon Y. Deatz 1985-86
Jack Edmisson 1986-87
James Nelson 1987-88
Paul Bembower 1988-89
Anthony Gentry 1989-90
Jack Ragland 1990-

GREENCASTLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
110S. College Street, Greencastle
Organized 1825

The beginning of what has become the congregation of the Greencastle Presbyterian Church had its start with the “church plantings” of Presbyterian Missionary, Isaac Reed. Born in Granville, New York in 1787, Isaac Reed spent most of his adult life travelling horseback through the mid-west, helping small groups of Christians to organize their churches. An integral part of this endeavor was ministering to these fledgling congregations. His activities in Putnam County culminated in the organizing of this church with twelve members on August 21, 1825.

The characteristic of many of the early churches was to have a congregation without church building and/or a pastor, and without the means to provide for either. Reed preached in Greencastle from 1825 and 1826, but it was five years before another Presbyterian missionary, the Reverend James Shield, visited Greencastle. In 1831 he wrote that Greencastle had no church building, but that he had established a Sunday School. After serving one year he wrote that, “The people are now more attentive.”

Credit is given to the Reverend Sammuel Lowry for actually having started our church in July 14, 1833, and it is noted that within three years, through reorganization, the membership increased to seventy four.

By 1835, the Rev. William W. Woods reported that we “need a meeting house, as use of the Methodist building has not been dependable … “ He also reported, “The Greencastle Church had seventeen new members and a school, and that $600 has been subscribed for the building of a meeting house; attendance at worship is good.”

A joint Sunday School was begun in 1834, but by 1835 the Methodists and Baptists left to start their own schools. Again records indicate that in September, 1836, “The Sunday School first met in the new Presbyterian Church and became definitely a part of that organization.” It was also during this time that two women’s organizations were formed, and in addition to Sunday morning and evening services, prayer meetings were held on Thursdays and “Preparatory Lectures” were held on Saturday evenings.

In 1850 our church split into two congregations and by 1852 the new church had constructed their own building, but by the late 1860’s steps were taken to bring the two congregations back together and the building sold to the Catholic Church. When we reunited, holding our first service together, there were 85 members from the first church and 98 from the second. We continued to prosper to over 250 members, when a great fire in downtown Greencastle in 1874 affected the financial situation of the congregation. Then in April, 1876, a fire destroyed our church.

Roberts Chapel which had been established by the Methodists, and which was purchased by our congregation in March of 1879, was remodeled considerably, paid for from the insurance monies received when our church burned. Our new church was rededicated on May 22, 1880 and was used by us until a fire destroyed the sanctuary in 1990. Our membership fluctuated greatly.

Rejuvenation began under the pastoral care of the Reverend Victor Raphael (1918-46). In 1923 an educational building was added to provide facilities for Sunday School, but in 1926, fire broke out under the organ in the sanctuary. This fire caused extensive remodeling to be completed.

Beginning in 1918, an affiliate membership was offered to college students and others temporarily residing in Greencastle. In addition to the women’s organizations, a men’s club was added in 1929. Young People’s Christian Endeavor Society was groups were added in the form of Junior and Intermediate Christian Endeavor. Our first woman elder was elected in 1943.

Over the life of the Greencastle Presbyterian Church, there have been many peaks and valleys in regard to membership. By 1953 we reached an all time high of 348; by 1957 with membership of near 300 there were discussions about building a new church structure. At this time the new building did not materialize. Again, a committee convened to review the condition of the church; members showed a preference for the building of a new church, and again this did not materialize.

We have always been active in the community, sponsoring a Boy Scout Troop and a Cub Den Pack, and in 1972 we sponsored a young Hungarian refugee. Classes and activities within the congregation have also been added, including an Adult Sunday School Class, the Asbury Towers Bible Study and Prayer Group, and a Couples Club.

On August 29, 1990, fire struck again, this time totally destroying the sanctuary. Today under the leadership of the session and the Reverend Keith Geckeler, we are relying on our spiritual history to rebound and do anticipate making a decision regarding where to rebuild in early 1991. With every challenge we are given, also comes the opportunity to grow and to welcome new generations into the fellowship of Christ in our community.

Roll of Pastors

Isaac Reed, James H. Shields and Jeremiah Hill (itinerants) 1825-32
Samuel G. Lowry 1832-34
William W. Woods 1834-37
James Wheelock 1837-38
James H. Shields 1839-42
Ransom Hawley 1843-50
G.M. Oviatt 1851-55
H.A. Rossiter 1855-68
W.A. Bosworth 1869-70

The Second Presbyterian Church

William Y. Allen 1850
John M. McChord 1852-54
E.W. Fisk 1855-70

The Presbyterian Church (united)

E.W. Fish 1870-72
A.W. Williams 1972-73
Lucius I. Root 1874-76
G.G. Mitchell 1876-79
G.W. Bainum 1881-89
H.P. Cory 1890-91
R.M. Dillon 1892-94
William K. Weaver 1895-98
James P. Roth 1899-01
A.W. Sonne 1902-07
David Van Dyke 1907-10
G.H.L. Beeman 1910-12
Thomas Yojnger 1914-17
Victor L. Raphael 1918-46
Harry P. Walrond 1947-53
Willard I. Toussaint 1953-55
Donald E. Hartsock 1956-59
Dennis E. Shoemaker 1960-62
Thomas E. Heinlein 1963-81
W. Keith Geckeler 1981-

GROVELAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Bainbridge
Organized 1858

The first Presbyterian congregation in Putnam County was organized by the Reverend Cornelius Summers near the Putnam-Hendricks county line in the year of 1828. Little is known of the congregation for the next 30 years. Presumably they met in homes and finally had a church at New Winchester. In 1858 by order of the Wabash Presbytery, a number of communicants were taken from the New Winchester congregation and a Cumberland Presbyterian congregation was organized by the Reverend J.W. Hanna at the Pleasant Grove Church west of Groveland on April 18,1858. There were 19 charter members including the following families: Kurtz, Ader, Lewis, Summers, and Wisehart. J.D. Wisehart and W.F. Kurtz were elected and ordained as elders. That same year seven more members were received. Mr. Hanna served as pastor until 1860. It was during his tenure the present church edifice was built.

During the early 1860’ s while we were without pastoral leadership, we paid off the loan incurred in building our church, so that by the time the Reverend W.T. Ferguson took charge, we were debt free. Mr. Ferguson preached on Sabbath afternoons half the time for the first year, until by order of Wabash Presbytery in May, 1866, he was installed as pastor with a stated salary of $300 annually for two Sabbaths each Sunday. That next year the congregation experienced a gracious revival of religion when there were 11 conversions, 11 additions to the church by experience and 1 by letter of transfer. Still later that same year we added 6 more by conversion, 6 by experience and 1 by letter of transfer. After many attempts and failures, we finally added a Sabbath School. During Ferguson’s pastorate we added 69 communicants. In the history written for our Centennial Celebration (1858-1958), records show continual additions to our membership for many years. It was also a good time when people were frequently moving so we really didn’t grow that much.

Of a different nature was the farewell notation of a pastor a short time later in which he wrote, “this day, my connection closes with the Groveland Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This past year has been one of great embarrassment for both preacher and people. For years family difficulties have been sinking the congregation. In addition financial trouble has disabled the congregation so as to cause it to give up the engagement of a preacher. In retiring it seems but reasonable to say that I fear the congregation is entirely done.” Despite such dire prediction, the congregation was not done, a new pastor was called and our church continued, sometime sharing the services of a pastor with New Winchester.

Many other interesting notations are in our session records. Apparently the church kept much closer jurisdiction over its members in the old days. The session for example, frequently voted to visit communicants for various reasons or to call persons before the session for such things as non-attendance in church, dancing, drinking, selling intoxicating liquors, disturbing the peace and infidelity. There were many instances where the communicant repented, asked forgiveness of the church and God and were welcomed back into communion.

A church bell was located in 1887, in hopes of buying it. There was much discussion and debate. It was finally decided to adjust the bell, give it a fair trial, listen without prejudice, then decide on purchase. The congregation decided on the purchase, but they lacked $1.20 to complete the transaction. The session was ordered to sell lumber to make up the difference.

In the late 1890’s when the Reverend J.B. Hadlock was pastor, he wrote an opinion regarding the spiritual condition of the congregation, which although he stated was good, could use improving. He notes, … “I have visited with 18 families and have been most cordially received in all of them. The most discouraging feature I see in the work is a careless indifferent spirit in regard to the interests of the church. I ask you to devise some method by which there may be infused into your membership a more loyal spirit for your church. I recommend that you district your congregation, giving each Elder a number of families, requiring the Elders to visit their allotted members once in 6 months and report their condition to the session. The prayer meeting demands your heartiest support. A praying church is a spiritual church; therefore if you want more of the spirit of God, attend the prayer meeting and urge your members to do the same.” Records show they did just that.

Our records also show we built a manse in 1901 when the Reverend Booher was pastor. It also shows in 1906 we were no longer Cumberland Presbyterian, but were now a unit of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.

From 1910 through 1957, 81 members were received into this congregation. Many are still members, but others have moved on to other communities. Partially from finances given in memory of the husband of the present clerk of session, Mabel S. Sutherlin, and from other generous gifts, we remodeled the church from top to bottom in 1979. So the years have come and gone, over one hundred thirty all told. We have had our joys and our sorrows. And although now we are very small, our church remains as a beacon, always here to welcome the young and old, to give them comfort and strength for the life they lead. It is pleasant to recall the past and to think of the deeds of consecrated people throughout the years, but we are not living in the past. We are living in the present and looking to the future. We are a little community church, a family. The Reverend Fred Brooks is our pastor; he calls himself Pastor Fred. We are so grateful for his care and concern and for all of our loving, generous congregation.

Roll of Pastors

Cornelius Summers, organizing pastor
J.W. Hanna 1858-60
A.F. Randolph 1860-62
W.T. Ferguson 1864-70
O.C. Hawkins 1871-72
A.W. Hawkins 1872-75
J.B. Hadlock 1894
Booher 1897-01
B.F. Ivy
H.C. Baird
J.L. Hughey
U.L. Montgomery
F.E. Hamlin
Frank Mitchell
Steen
Sprowl
Frank MCGlaughlen
John Hughes
O.J. McMullen
Victor Raphael
Ira B. Stock
Grant
Noble
Abernathy
Fred Brooks

HANOVER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
172 E. Main Street, Hanover
Organized 1820

“He has showed you, 0 man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

Our church was organized on March 4, 1820. It was called the “Hanover” Church after the New Hampshire hometown of Mrs. Searle, the pastor’s wife. Later the town and college adopted the name. We had twenty three charter members: William Alexanter*, Elizabeth Davis, Williamson Dunn*, Miriam Dunn, Eleanor Dunn, Hugh Linn, Mary Linn, George Logan*, Susan Logan, Mrs. Loring, Bazaleel and Mrs. Maxwell, Senith Mount, William & Mrs. Reed, Robert Simington”, Nancy Simington, Benjamin and Mrs. Smyth, Jane Spear, Nathaniel and Mary Wallace and Martha Woods. (* denotes first elders)

Prior to this time the Hanover Presbyterians had worshipped in a school house and homes during the winter, and groves and barns, especially those of David Maxwell, Squire George Logan and Judge Williamson Dunn, during the summer.

In 1819, Presbyterians in this area and around Dunn’s Settlement, named after Judge Williamson Dunn, who founded the Hanover community in 1809, subscribed $200 for one half of the time of the Reverend Thomas C. Searle, who was pastor of the Madison Church. Clifty Creek was the dividing line with those west becoming charter members of the Hanover Church and those east remaining with Madison.

By 1822, we began constructing what became known as “the Old Stone Church.” This fifty by fifty foot structure stood on the hill, facing south, near where the present Hanover Fire House now stands. In 1836, funds were collected and this stone building was removed to make room for a new edifice. The new church was expected to cost $3,000. Meanwhile the congregation worshipped in a three story “college edifice.” On July 5, 1837, a tornado struck Hanover, taking off the third story of the main college building. The college, being without money to rebuild, accepted the sum of $825.54 from our church, the amount of the accumulated church’s building fund. In return the college agreed to let the congregation worship in the new building. In 1859, two years after the college moved to its present campus, the building was deeded to us.

Mr. Searle died two years after the Hanover church was organized. Then in 1823, came the Reverend John Finley Crowe from Shelbyville, Kentucky. He served two terms as pastor and was active in the movement which in 1827, resulted in the founding of a school in which he taught, and which later became Hanover Academy, and then Hanover College. One of Crowe’s sons, the Reverend Thomas S. Crowe, followed him in the Hanover pulpit. For twenty years a number of ministers served as pastors, many of them members of the college faculty. One was the Reverend Dr. Joshua B. Garritt, son-in-law of the church’s second pastor, who not only is recorded for the longest professional tenure at the college (1856-06), but also holds record as the longest term clerk of session (1866-16).

In 1871, the church was renovated by removing the second story, replacing the south facade and installing a steeple, at a cost of $3,500 and in 1910, a fellowship room was added. The kitchen was built in 1926, and the sanctuary remodeled in 1939. An impressive educational wing was completed in 1954. The first manse built in 1905, was replaced with the present one in 1965.

A Sabbath School has been in existence from our church’s earliest year, but the first known superintendent was John Coulter in 1879. Henry Lee is remembered as treasurer for forty years (1901-41) and Ned Guthrie for twenty five years (1941-66).

We have had a long and notable history of interest in home and foreign missionary work. Many members became missionaries and thus stimulated activity in our home church. The Women’s Foreign Missionary Society did exist in the 1840’s, possibly on a multi-church level, with the Hanover branch organized in 1875. Our Ladies Aid Society, the predecessor of Presbyterian Women’s Association, was founded in 1902. We are especially proud of two of our members and their involvement in Presbyterian Women — Mrs. Sue McOew former moderator of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley Presbyterian Women and present (1990-93) moderator of the Synod of Lincoln Trails Presbyterian Women, and Jane Parker Huber, current moderator (1990-92) of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley Presbytery Women.

Ever since the establishment of the college, the Hanover Church has been considered the college church. Commencement exercises of the college were held in our sanctuary until 1948, with baccalaureate services held until 1951. An impressive list of eminent ministers and educators have been members of our church family. At the centennial celebration of March, 1920, President Millis appropriately referred to this church as “the mother of the college.” We believe as Christians, and particularly as Presbyterians, we have and will continue to show a strong ministry in Hanover.

Roll of Pastors

Thomas C. Searle 1820-22
John Finley Crowe 1823-32; 1838-47
Thomas S. Crowe 1848-59
Joshua B. Garritt 1878-84
Ambrose Y. Moore 1886-96
Thomas M. Gossard 1897-01
John H. McArthur 1902-09
John S. Howk 1909-16
Frank 01 Ballard 1917-25
David C. Truesdale 1926-36
James R. Hine 1936-42
Arnold B. Rhodes 1942-44
John N. Fox 1945-55
Bruce F. Gannaway 1955-61
F. William Clemenson 1962-67
Leroy H. Fassett 1968-70
Benton Newcomer 1970-79
David Mair 1980-

HENRYVILLE COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
106 N. Ferguson, Box 326, Henryville
Organized 1961

On Friday, April 23, 1926, at the American Legion Hall in Henryville at 7 :30 p.m. a commission established by the New Albany Presbytery consisting of the Reverends Mark L. Harris, Thomas B. Terhune and W.W. Logan with Ruling Elders J.P. Munk from Mt. Lebanon Presbyterian Church and John McCoy from Hebron Presbyterian Church, met in session at the request of sixty two persons petitioning for a Presbyterian Church in Henryville. A Reverend Harris presided and Reverend Logan was appointed Clerk. After a devotion led by Mr. Harris, a Covenant of Agreement was presented for signing by those in attendance including the petitioners which read: “We whose names are hereto attached covenant to and agree to walk together in a Church relation; according to the acknowledged doctrines and order of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.” Eighty seven persons signed this Covenant and hence the Henryville Community Presbyterian Church became a reality.

The history of this church undoubtedly has an earlier beginning, but for all practical purpose, the first dream of such a place of worship within the village proper, really began around 1910, within the congregation of the Mount Zion Presbyterian Church. During the next several years, the fire would subside and be rekindled from time to time, without much being accomplished until early 1924. With enthusiasm at its peak, several members of the congregation and their friends, banded together to secure the real estate and to establish a monetary reserve for the projects. Their efforts resulted in the purchase of the ground on which this church stands today, and pledges of several hundreds of dollars were made toward a building fund. It wasn’t until the summer of 1924, however, that the program received the much needed motivation in the person of the Reverend E.E. Elliott, who was called to pastor the congregation at Mount Zion. Under his inspiration and leadership, our dream of a new church building for worship became a reality and a new covenant church relationship was entered into on April 23, 1926. Mr. Elliott became the pastor of the new congregation on June 12, 1927 and remained until July, 1933.

With respect to the interior of our new building, session records provides interesting bits of information about our people at that time. For example: the chandelier in the center of the sanctuary was made in France and donated by Mrs. Ellen Pearson; the stained glass window in the west end was made and shipped from Switzerland and the four carved columns at the alcove corners of the sanctuary were made by Arabian Slaves and also given by Mrs. Pearson, cousin of Mrs. Deliah S. Rueff; the eight stained glass windows on the north and east sides were donated by the pastor Mr. Elliott, who was born at Valley Creek, Scott County, Virginia; the Communion Table was constructed from wood collected from Arabia, Italy and America and other places unknown and given to the church by Mrs. Rueff. The pulpit was constructed from woods originating in many places by head carpenters of the church, Haus and Couch, with the columns on the front being turned by Ira Smith; the church bell was given by Ella Hart Elliott, the pulpit Bible was anonymously donated; the two pulpit chairs were donated by a devout Catholic, James Greene of Louisville, Kentucky; Miss Lema Mitchell gave the collection plates; Mrs. Rosa Dunlevy’s Church School Class gave the clock and lamps for the pulpit and piano; D.C. Lewellyn donated the Communion glasses; and the church at Madison gave the Communion set. Of course, this is only a partial listing of all the donations which also included labor, money, time and love to the Henryville Community Church. In 1978 the Session was investigating a note stating there still existed a debt owed to the National Missions Fund, a loan amounting to $1,300. It was promptly paid in July of that year.

In April, 1961, Hebron and Henryville united in a new congregation under the leadership of the Reverend Peter Eckert; thus our organization date is listed as 1961, even though our history is much more extensive. Since that time, we have made many improvements to our church building and the manse, built in 1952.

We remain today, actively participating in the community affairs and with other denominations, as well as secular affairs to benefit and to improve the quality of life in Henryville, Indiana.

Roll of Pastors

E. W. Elliott 1926-38
David Murphy 1938-39
Earl Bloxham 1941-42; 1947-48
Campbell Long 1942-44
George Baker 1948-52
Ralph Parvin 1952-55
Peter Eckert 1955-61
Richard Anderson 1962-63
Herbert Brownlee 1963-64
A.D. Ellison 1964-70
Donald Dempsey 1970-74
John Laderer 1976-77
Douglas Chase 1977-81
Stephen Madaris 1982-83
Julia O. Christensen 1984-88
Irene Stuart 1989-90
Nancy Tiegreen 1990-

MOUNT LEBANON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Mt. Lebanon Road, P.O. Box 326, Henryville
Organized 1853

Mount Lebanon Church was organized May 22, 1853, at the Stewart Meeting House, near Lexington Road, two miles southeast of Otisco, in Clark County. A committee of two, the Reverend J.G. Atterbury and Elder Haines, from the Salem Presbytery, assisted in this organization, with William Hartman elected as ruling elder and Cyrus Park elected deacon. We were under the care of the Madison Presbytery until 1867 , then the Salem Presbytery, then New Albany Presbytery, and now are a part of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley.

There were ten charter members, all from the Mount Vernon Church, including: Cyrus Park, William Hartman, William Lewellen, Burrell Pennington, Jerusha Lewellen, Elizabeth Lewellen, Priscellia Printey, Martha Pennington, Isabella Park and Elizabeth Hartman.

The early spelling of the church name shows “Mountlebanon”. Services were held in the Oakland School House, located at the present site of the Mount Lebanon Cemetery.

In the year 1868, a committee collected funds to fence in the cemetery. The deed for the site of our present church building and the cemetery was deposited in 1869. Conrad Hartman and Thomas Prall are appreciated for the donation of this land. Shortly thereafter, it was decided a new church building was needed. Native timber was donated by some of our members. The pews are solid walnut, made of timber donated by George Clark and the flooring, which was donated by John Kirk, is still in use today. Around a semi-circle driveway in front of the church, the families each planted a maple tree. There were 12 trees planted originally, providing shade as well as a wild life refuge. Two of these trees are still living and do provide beautiful fall color. Continuing the tradition, young maples have replaced the old trees at different locations in our church yard.

Father Gale made a monthly trip to Mount Lebanon to preach. Preaching a high standard of life, he organized Sunday School, advocated free schools, and was a pioneer in education, temperance, and abolition, as well as religion. It is recorded that at one point in our history, there was a confrontation between the Sunday School and some of the local rowdies, who gathered in the woods near the church house and created quite a disturbance, “ … such shouting and cursing, you never heard in all your life.” It reportedly drowned out the singing and praying inside, “ … so we had to make up our minds to meet the enemy, sooner or later.” In Dr. Lucien Rule’s book, “Pioneering in Masonry”, he tells of one Sunday when the rowdies assembled to march on Mount Lebanon to break it up. “The Sunday School marched out to meet them, bravely singing the songs of Zion. The mob fell back and disappeared.” Thus we evolved from a colorful past.

In the 1940’s, the Todd-Dickey Parish was formed by the Board of National Missions of the Presbyterian Church, the Synod of Indiana and the Louisville Seminary. The purpose of this parish was to provide the rural church with pastoral care and to provide a laboratory of supervised program for students of a rural church course at the Seminary. Mount Lebanon was a part of the Todd-Dickey Parish. In addition to the stated purpose, additional benefits were many, including opportunities for the men’s organization to become active and a large youth organization to provide an outlet for young energy and to provide learning experiences in leadership, organizational abilities, social graces, all in a Christian atmosphere.

Our Sabbath School was organized in the early 1840’s by the Cumberland Church and has continued to this present day. More recently, Bible School has held each summer with the women of the church assisting the student minister with transporting the children to and from the church, and providing the instruction of a craft program. Mrs. Maude Munk was the Bible School Superintendent for thirty.

Electricity had come to southern Indiana many years ago, but it wasn’t until 1948, that the church installed electric lights. Soon the duty of one of our Elders, arriving at church early enough to start a fire in the wood burning stove, gave way to gas furnaces. A basement was dug under the church in May, 1953. This provided a place to hold church “pitch’in” dinners, which remain a very important part of the social life of our church today. The sanctuary has been remodeled with wood paneling, two Sunday School rooms were built, and the ceiling has been lowered to heating and cooling efficiency, and carpet has been installed.

An active youth group meets at the church on Sunday evenings. This group focuses on children from age 2 through 11 years. We are thrilled to have so many children in our congregation. Our ministry to our neighborhood and the world is our history. Recently we supported two Presbyterian Missionaries in Bangladesh. At the time of this writing (February, 1991), we are concerned about the war in the Middle East and are praying for a peaceful settlement.

Roll of Pastors and Student Pastors

Phillip Bevan 1852-71
John McCrae 1871-79
H. Littel 1879-82
G. Earnest 1882-86
I. St. John 1886-92
W.C. Broady 1892-96
Prather 1896-97
R. Boteler 1897-99
J. Oldfather 1899-1907
L.V. Rule 1907
F. Stearns 1908-10
Mark Harris 1910-12
G. Wells 1912-14

Students from 1918-49: N. New, W. Baird, D. White, Buck, E. Elliot, L.C. Gillespie, D. Murphy, V. Baugess, L.C. Milling, C. Long, G. Orman, R. Parvin, E. Crawford, Earl Bloxham, R.E. Dangerfield, J. Tinsley, T.E. Dangerfield, James Tinsley.

Stated Supplies and Students from 1949-91: Brown, Sam Fudge, George Barker, Bruce Beardsley, LeMoyne Myers, William Dandoy, James Rigsby, Francis Parks, Arson Hyde, Peter Eckert, Christian Terre, Tom Reed, Joe Niccum, Gil Creelman, David Crockett, Orville Brotherton, Dean Patton, Richard Park, Lyle Talbot, A.D. Ellison, Pat Kennedy, Don Dempsey, Bruce Archibald, Jim Leggett, John Laderer, Doug Chase, Margart Crofton, Kathleen Davis, William Lowrance, Kaiser, Bennett, Orr, Wismer, Kelawae, Gilmore, Bauer, Becky K. Lawrence, D. Jo Lowell, Webb, Bennett, Westmoreland, Marsha Webster, Wigger, Bill Robertson, Grace Bauer, Carl Christensen, Julie Robertson, Ann Brown, Taylor Norris, Bob Haseltine, Sue Haseltine, Ted McCulloch, Dennis Burnette, Ginnie Brown.

HOWES VILLE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Route 1, Box 263, Jasonville
Organized 1870

As was true of many towns in the mid-west, the settler’s thirst for religious worship in the Howesville community resulted in the Vincennes Presbytery at its fall meeting in 1869, authorizing the organization of a Presbyterian Church in southern Clay County. The organizing committee included the Reverend Samuel Ward and Calvin Wagill. When they met at Howesville on June 5,1870, we were organized with 22 members: Mary Vanfasse, Mary Jane Ward, Joseph and Margaret Woodrow, Mahala A. Woodrow, R. Harrison Woodrow, John and Barbara Anderson, Elisabeth Craig, James and Jane Wilson, Sylvester T. and Ruthia E. Storck, N.D. and Sarah J. Johnson, Mary A. Muir, Elisabeth Eccles, David and Rachel Hill, John E. and Frances Pool and Eliza Bailey. Some of these last names still appear in our current membership.

The first meetings were held in schoolhouses, with the first church built and dedicated on November 26, 1871, with the Reverend Henry Little as moderator. Some of the timbers for our church were so large, they had to be hauled by oxen. At the time of the dedication, our membership had reached thirty two. In its early days this building was used as a union church; later all denominations except the Presbyterians had discontinued, so the church remained Presbyterian.

The first record of members being received into the new Howesville Church was on March 9, 1872. Muir Lake was the scene of some immersions for baptism. Basket dinners and day-long programs were held following these joyous events.

The Clay City and the Howesville Presbyterian Churches merged in 1918, to support one minister. A parsonage was built during 1916-18 while the Reverend E.C. Lindsay was pastor. This home has been used by numerous pastors, but due to problems with taxes and tenants, the manse was sold in 1938, and moved from its location east of the church.

June 20, 1920, marked our 50th anniversary with an all day meeting in observance and celebration of our organization.

Records show that in 1936, some serious consideration was given to the condition of our church facility. The church did face the west, with the entrance being from a gravel road. Since State Road 59 had been routed through Howesville, the congregation turned the church to face Highway 59, where it remains today on a half acre lot. Many additional improvements have been added through the years, through hours of labor and items for repair, donated by our loyal members.

An interesting little side note is that the furnace was purchased from a firm in Terre Haute for $230, with the contract being written on a piece of paper sack. We still have the paper sack. After the above remodeling was completed in 1936, we had grown in numbers and finances to the point that for the first time our financial balance was in the plus, rather than the minus. At this positive time, we found we could be self-supporting.

The 75th Anniversary of the Howesville Church was celebrated on Sunday, June 3, 1945, and our Centennial program was celebrated June 14, 1970, with the Reverend Fred L. Brooks presiding.

The Howesville Church and the Clay City Church were separated in 1954, when the Reverend George C. Hitchcock was our pastor.

As a congregation we are proud of our 120 years, and with God’s help, we hope the Howesville United Presbyterian Church will survive to celebrate our own Bicentennial.

Roll of Pastors

Samuel Ward 1870
E.W. Fisk 1884
J.S. Robertson 1885
J.P. Fox 1888
D. Vandyke 1895
G.J. Donnell/Montgomery May 1897
J.C. Wilson 1900
C.A. Price/W. Bruce Doyle 1903
Johnson, Smith, Barrett 1906
George Crabtree 1907
T.W. Wells 1910
A.W. Higgins 1913
I.M. Houser/ A.L. McDuffie 1915
E.C. Lindsay 1916
R.C. Hartman 1919
D.P. Gillis 1921
W.H. Thompson 1924
Alonzo Yates 1926
H.M. Stafford 1927
LeRoy J. Coats 1929
Ira Myers 1938
Gordon Leech 1942
Willard Ellis 1945
Roy Brumbaugh 1949
George C. Hitchcock 1954
Jack R. Masters, Jr. 1957
Fred L. Brooks 1961
Curtis Fruth 1970
Charles Robertson, Jr. 1976
John Richards 1981
John Turner 1986

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
11th and Jackson Streets, Jasper
Organized 1828

The earliest record of a preaching place in Jasper was in a log structure built by the Enlow family on “Church Street”, on a hill above Enlow Mill, on the south bank of the Patoka River. Only Enlow Cemetery remains on this site today. Itinerant preachers, often of no particular denomination, held services at this site, when their travels brought them to Jasper. Early settlers in Dubois County, mostly from Kentucky, were Cumberland Presbyterians, who held meetings as early as 1818.

The Presbytery of Indiana was organized in Portersville on April 28, 1826. The fourth meeting of this presbytery was also held at Shiloh Church on October 2, 1927. In 1833, when the presbytery did away with “itinerancy”, each church was requested to select a man it would support as minister.

In 1830, when the county seat moved from Portersville to Jasper, the Cumberland Presbyterians saw a need for an organized church, and with monetary help from the settlers from Ireland, Indiana, a log church was built. This was the first organized church in the village of Jasper; unfortunately, the exact site of this first church is not known today.

In 1836, a frame church built on the southwest corner of 6th and Mill Streets in Jasper was the home of the Presbyterian Church for the next 50 years. The church bell, bolted to a crosspiece and supported by two upright poles, was used for many years as a town fire bell. This same bell hangs in the present church tower. Following a disastrous fire that destroyed the county courthouse in 1893, county business was conducted in our church until a new courthouse could be built. Worship services took place when court was not in session.

Indications are that congregational support for the church was weak for nearly a half century thereafter. When the old church was finally torn down in 1886, the Presbyterians had been sharing the Methodist facilities for at least five years. This shared arrangement continued until the end of the century when the congregation entered into its “modern phase” in the city of Jasper.

Local leaders of the Presbyterian and Evangelical Lutheran congregations pooled their resources in 1898 to build the Trinity Church on West 8th Street. Services were held here by these two denominations for more than 40 years.

In 1907, a large portion of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination united with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., from which it had separated about a century before. The Trinity Church relinquished its Cumberland roots and entered into the mainstream of American Presbyterianism.

Early in 1940, the congregation under the leadership of Reverend Ralph B. Colton sold its half interest in the Trinity property to the Evangelical and Reformed Church congregation to begin construction of a new building on the corner of 11th & Jackson, our present location, across from Memorial Park and the Jasper Public Library. Just before our new church was dedicated, the Ireland Presbyterian Church was dissolved and its members transferred to the Jasper Church.

Total cost of this 70’ by 40’ brick structure was $23,000. The lot had been purchased with $7,000 realized from the sale of the Trinity property, plus $1,000 in savings. The present manse was purchased in 1946 and is located three lots south of our church on Jackson Street.

The Portersville Presbyterian Church was dissolved and merged with us in 1988. Built in 1876, Portersville was the oldest active church in Dubois County. Since our merger, we have become one and look forward to a future of religious growth in the city of Jasper.

As we look forward to the next century, we are currently in a mode of revitalization, as we strengthen our Sunday School program and are developing fellowship groups for a joyful and health growth in numbers and in the spirit of God.

Records of the earliest ministers to serve the church are unavailable; however the earliest minister identified is Reverend A.J. Strain, an outstanding citizen of this community, who served in several churches of the denomination from his ordination in 1847, until his death in 1873. He is best known for his active work in bringing public schools to the county and to the state of Indiana. Mr. Strain held Bible study classes in his home and it is recorded that he held Sunday evening church services on each fourth Sunday at our church.

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Rev. Ducket
Rev. H.C. Oldfather
Rev. Warrell
Rev. J.C. Broomley
Rev. A.A. Pratt
Rev. Wm. G. Martin
Rev. R.G. Shafer
Rev. John Reeder
Rev. George Sprague
Rev. E.D. Byrd 1926
Rev. John Hungerland
Rev. Frederich Heidelberg
Rev. Ralph B. Colton 1936-45

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Rev. Arthur Glascow 1946-48
Rev. Ralph B. Colton 1948
Dr. Carl Kircher 1948-55
Rev. Jerome Parker 1956-57
Rev. Alden Showalter 1957-63
Rev. Thomas Clayton 1964-68
Rev. Harry Hauser 1968-73
Rev. Frederick Ingle 1973-87
Rev. Richard Thorndell 1989-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
222 Walnut Street, Jeffersonville
Organized 1830

Nine months before Indiana attained statehood, the first formal organization of a Presbyterian Church in Clark County took place. On February 16, 1816, a group of Presbyterians under the guidance of the Reverend James McGready, a missionary commissioned by the General Assembly founded the Union Church of Jeffersonville and New Albany. During the next eighteen months, Jeffersonville members either moved from the community or transferred their membership, so the remaining members reorganized as the First Presbyterian Church of New Albany.

Some years later, Presbyterians again began holding meetings in Jeffersonville and on May 22, 1830, a committee of three ministers from the Salem Presbytery, established the First Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville with twelve charter members. We elected Dr. Samuel Meriwether the first ruling elder. This 1830 date is considered the birthday of our church, even though Dr. Meriwether’s wife, Mary, had been a member of the 1816 congregation, and through her, our church might tenuously claim an earlier beginning.

The Reverend Michael A. Remley was assigned to the church in June, 1830, when meetings were held in the Court House. Although services were sporadic following Dr. Remley’s departure’ in 1831, the congregation maintained steady growth and was able to begin construction of a church building on September 24, 1832, on a lot in the middle of the south side of the 100 block of West Market Street, across from the Court House. Land for this project and much of the cost of materials and labor were donated by Dr. and Mrs. Meriwether. For the first six years of our existence, pastoral duties were assumed by ministers supplied by the presbytery, often through the American Home Missionary Society, but on November 18, 1836, Philip S. Cleland was installed as our first pastor.

The General Assembly of 1837, precipitated the Old School-New School controversy and its effects were felt here to the fullest. Mr. Cleland and most of the congregation sided with the New School group and continued to occupy the church building. Seventeen of the members, including Dr. Meriwether, adhered to the Old School ideas, moving their meetings back to the Court House. This little group reorganized on February 2, 1839, with Dr. Meriwether elected elder, remaining steadfast and eventually was able to reclaim the church property. Following the controversy, the church enjoyed marked growth and prosperity. At its 25th anniversary, under the Reverend Richard Allen, the congregation numbered 134 and again was taking a position of influence in the community.

By this time the congregation was outgrowing its house of worship, so under the ministry of the Reverend Sylvester F. Scovel, a recent graduate of the Indiana Seminary in New Albany, plans were formulated, using the First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans as a model, and work began at Chestnut and Walnut Streets on August 13, 1860. The “Lecture Room” or south portion of the building was dedicated in December of that same year, but the remainder of the building was not completed until October, 1864, delayed no doubt because of the difficulties arising from the War Between the States. The dedication sermon was preached by Dr. James Wood, president of Hanover College and a constant friend of our young church during these early struggles.

The turn of the century brought many improvements to the church property. In anticipation of the installation and dedication of windows as memorials to Reverend Joseph M. Hutchison and James H. and Letitia Campbell, the balcony at the south end of the sanctuary were removed, walls and ceiling were re-frescoed, woodwork and pews refinished, and the chandeliers were converted to electricity. The manse was completed on a lot immediately south of the church building, a new water-powered organ was installed, and in May, 1908, the session approved Individual Communion, rather than using a common Communion cup.

With one major exception, destruction of church property by natural forces has been minimal. Floodwaters in 1883-84 did minor damage, a storm in 1922 removed the small tower over the east entrance, and a fire in 1947 gutted the church office and pastor’s study. These damages, however were minor in comparison to the havoc created by the flooding of the Ohio River in January, 1937, when over twelve feet of water stood in the sanctuary. The session appointed a Flood Rehabilitation Committee to oversee the repairs. Although this disaster occurred during a depression with many members unemployed and the church’s budget decreasing annually, contributions were made by the congregation, and a loan was secured from the Board of National Missions. In addition to the monumental clean-up, the sanctuary seating was reversed so the Hutchison memorial window could be better seen by worshippers, and space was provided for the new organ and choir in the new “front” of the sanctuary. On August 29, 1937, we elected the Reverend Kenneth A. Neuber as pastor. With a new pastor and a restored, remodeled church building, the future of the church appeared more promising than ever. Mr. Neuber’s ministry spanned a period of major national upheaval — Depression, World War II, the Korean Conflict — yet we maintained and increased our strength in the community. When ill health mandated a change in climate for Mr. Neuber in 1951, the congregation and the community sustained a great loss.

Some serious problems developed within the congregation so between January 1, 1977 and June, 1978, a commission of the Presbytery administered the affairs of the church, while the session committees handled the day-to-day functions.

In May, 1980, we celebrated our sesquicentennial with Dr. Malcolm Peel as quest speaker. Our congregation has responded favorable to the resumption of operation under its own leadership with attendance and membership increasing and in 1984, plans were begun for a major building/renovation program with the dedication completed in 1987. This building program has served as an inspiration and incentive toward improving and expanding our church’s ministry.

Recently when the Presbyterian national headquarters moved to Louisville, Kentucky and the Presbyterian Foundation moved to Jeffersonville with its implication for our congregation, we review our church’s history and have reason to be proud of our accomplishments, always mindful and grateful for the hand of God. Yet we are aware that our successes could have been greater and there need not have been disagreements or divisions, had we been more willing or able to follow the leadership of Jesus Christ.

Roll of Pastors

James McCready 1816
Michael Remley 1830-31
Phillip Cleland 1836
Richard Allen
Sylvester Scovel
Thomas S. Crowe
Joseph M. Hutchinson
J.P. Hearst 1896-99
John S. Gowk 1900-08
Kenneth A. Neuber 1937-51
John G. DeKruyter 1951-57
George J. Clementson 1958-64
Charlmers Goshorn 1964-77
Richard Norton 1977
A.M. Alexander 1978
James H. Brown 1979-

JORDAN VILLAGE POLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
R.R. #1, Poland
Organized 1878

Olive Hill Presbyterian Church in Owen County was organized October 20, 1878 by order of the Presbytery of Vincennes with thirty four charter members. Session members were John McCreery, Silas Moffett and John A. Hoffman with the Reverend E.W. Fisk as moderator.

On February 20, 1917, plans were made to relocate the church, to make it more accessible to the growing population. Churches during this time were often moved to be near a railroad, thus people. Members of the planning committee where Reverend Lindsey, Catherine Martin and S. Roger Fryar. H.W. McCann donated the land in the village of Jordon for the sanctuary. It was at this time Olive Hill became Jordan Village. Elders were William J. Robertson, James Blair, George Martin and Edward L. Frank.

The building was made possible through generous donations of labor, building materials, and money from the local congregation and a $2,000 loan from presbytery. The church was dedicated September 1, 1918. Dr. Hood was our moderator. In 1928, $1,000 of the loan was converted to a grant, leaving a bank note balance of $498.90. Later that year when the loan was paid in full, our balance in the treasury was 45 cents and in 1960, when we paid off the $1000 grant, we became self-supporting.

The ladies of the church were always an active group, organized as “Willing Workers”, then as “Triangle Class”, and now as the “Presbyterian Women”, contributing to presbytery mission projects as well as enjoying the fellowship of women in the community and congregation.

In 1933, the Poland Church was discontinued with Jordan, Spencer Bethany and Mt. Moriah Presbyterian Churches forming a parish, with the Reverend D. R. Hutchison as pastor. The first Larger Parish homecoming was held December 3, 1933, at the Jordan Church with union Sunday Schools classes. Howard Beamer of Jordan was superintendent. Others taking part in this service were Paul Hostetter, the Reverend. R.D. Hutchinson, the Reverend Shirley of Brazil and the Reverend Victor Raphael of Greencastle. In 1933-34 Paul Hostetter assisted Mr. Hutchinson with a very active youth group.

In December, 1963, the Larger Parish was dissolved and once again Jordan Village Church was faced with the possibility of closing or consolidating with some other churches. Feeling that we did provide a strong, spiritual life for the congregation and surrounding community, the church proceeded with great faith and determination to call a minister of our own. During the sixties and seventies the Sunday School and youth program were very active.

In 1968, we celebrated our 50th anniversary with an all-day service. Many former pastors were recognized and welcomed. Officers at that time were Elders James Rich, James Frank and Robert Powell. Deacons were Francis Powell, Evelyn Frank, William D. Crick and Bill Hice. Trustees were Arthur Powell, Richard Powell, Norma Diel and Wilma Rich. Church treasurer was Isla Crick.

From 1976 to 1982, the pulpit was supplied by students, retired pastors, and our first female pastor, the Reverend Elizabeth (Dean) McDonald. We elected our first woman elder, Evelyn Frank in 1973. She remains our Clerk of Session and author of this history.

Many people who have family ties with this church, remember it with financial contributions and gifts, such as Mrs. Janice McCollom giving an organ in memory of her mother in 1983. Our building is kept in good repair, having made various improvements and completely remodeling the sanctuary. Being the largest building in the community, it is open for weddings, funerals and special dinners.

We have never had a full time minister living in the community. Our officers are largely responsible for services and programs, contributing to all Presbyterian causes in accordance with its membership, which continues to decrease and a shortage of youth is a concern. We do continue to hold Sunday School each Sunday and worship services on the second and fourth Sundays. We also host a community Thanksgiving Service and usually a Christmas Candlelight Service.

Since 1982, the Reverend Dr. Robert Sackmann, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley stated that as there were not available ministers at that time, he would supply the pulpit. For this gift we are very thankful and very fortunate. He still comes to encourage us in every way.

With God’s help, we strive to serve the community in the future, as we have in the past.

Roll of Pastors

E.C. Lindsey 1917-18
Kabish 1919
Hood 1920
R.C. Hartman 1920-25
Cole 1927-29
R.D. Hutchinson 1933-36
Paul Hostetter 1933-34
John Hughes 1936
Slep 1936-38
Orval Austin 1939-44
L.A. Kelly 1945-46
V.L. Raphael 1946-48
Floyd Hager 1956-58
George Conley 1959-62
James Pollock 1962-65
Richard Montgomery 1965-67
Keith Main 1976-78
Allen Layman 1979-82
Robert C. Sackmann 1982-

LACONIA UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Laconia
Organized 1874

Laconia Presbyterian Church is an offspring of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church. We came into existence at a congregational meeting on March 28, 1874, at Rehoboth Church. The Reverend Henry Little, D.D. is credited with organizing the congregation at Laconia on April 26, 1874. We met on the second floor of the Laconia Store, until fire destroyed the building, then we met in the Town Hall, or at the Laconia Methodist Church, or in our homes. In 1883, our present sanctuary was built. Lumber was donated by Peter Harbaugh, the logs were sawed at a mill in Slabtown, and the head carpenter was Wilber Conrad, with John and Daniel Faith, Stephen Carroll and C.H. Kerns assisting. The exact date of this church’s dedication is not known. On March 23, 1884, session records record a meeting and a worship service held, which may have been the date of the dedication. There were eleven charter members of Laconia, all coming from a country church, the Rehoboth Church. We believe we were organized because of the distance the people had to walk or ride on horseback or by buggy to Rehoboth.

The first Sabbath or Sunday School began in April, 1885. Since then, the Sunday School program has had its on and off periods. It was an exciting day on April 10, 1988, when under the care of the Reverend Sonda Kirsteatter, Laconia began its Sunday School program again for the first time in over 15 years.

In August of 1950, a basement was added to the original building, with new pipes, furnace installation and new entrances from the sanctuary. Again in 1963, we did major renovation by adding two rooms for meetings, an office and two bathrooms. Then in 1969, we sold the old manse, and purchased the property next door, which is still used as our manse today.

Laconia Church has had a long list of Session Moderators, Student Supplies, and Ministers. We are proud to be the teachers of future Presbyterian pastors and educators and of the many students from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, who began their ministry by first serving Laconia. For a period of time, we shared a yoked pastoral position with Rehoboth, but today remain a separate entity.

Although membership may be considered small, with a present congregation of approximately 40 members, there are many others who attend worship and are active in our congregation. We hold Sunday worship and Sunday School and our congregation is active in community affairs and concerns. We continue to praise God for our heritage and for the work that the Lord is doing in Laconia.

Roll of Pastors and Student Ministers

John McCrae 1874-79
C.D. Huston 1876-79
Isaac Moore 1881-84
Isaac DeLaMaster 1885-88
Edward Fisher 1888-89
C. Smith 1890-92
Emmanuel Schultz 1892-94
F.M. Tyrrell 1894-99
R.C. Hartman 1902-04
A.R. Evans 1905
G.T. Gunther 1906
Cobert 1907
Price 1908
John T. Reagan 1909
M.L. Rice 1910
J. V. Barrows 1910-14
C.D. Bowman 1914-15
A.G. Hinkle 1915-16
Thomas W. Wells 1917
John Hartsook 1920
W.W. Duff 1921
Dennis Parks 1922
F.W. McLaughen 1926-30
I.O. Woodall 1930-31
Elliott 1932
Wm. T. Hunt 1933-34
H.H. Pressler 1934-35
Studer 1935
C.S. Logan 1936-38
Harold J. King 1939
Samuel Fleming 1939-40
John Wheary 1940
L.G. Leech 1941
William Mosley 1942-43
Pauline Timothy 1943-49
Chas. DeSanto 1949-51
Darrell Sellers 1951-52
Robert Bennett 1952-53
Edwin Kingsbury 1955
Jackson McCormick 1955-56
Clifford Ball 1956-58
Malcom Peel 1958
Jack Stull 1958-59
Royal L. Lesson 1959-61
Clayton Fairo 1961-62
Robert Polland 1962-63
E.H. Barfield 1963-65
Terrence Davis 1965-67
John H. Stahlman 1967-69
Rhodes Stipp 1969-70
Dale Bolton 1970-71
William Barlow 1971-73
David Koopman 1973-75
M. Chamberlain 1975-76
Frank Lewis 1976-77
Mark Potter 1977-78
M. Richardson 1978-79
Bruce Whitney 1979-82
Allene Pinnix 1982-83
Terry Webster 1983-84
Albert Early III 1984-85
Sonda Kirsteatter 1985-89
Bob Haseltine 1989
Gary Catterson 1990-91
Amanda Ragland 1991

REHOBOTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
North Rehoboth Road, Laconia
Organized 1829

Rehoboth Presbyterian Church was organized on August 15, 1929, by the Reverend Alexander Williamson, with elder Joseph Armstrong, elected Clerk of Session. Mr. Williamson served as the church’s first pastor and moderator until 1838. Rehoboth Presbyterian Church is the second oldest church in Harrison County which has maintained a continuous, active existence. There are clear and accurate Session Minutes from the 1890’s up to the early 1900’s. From then until the 1940’s minutes are rather sparce, therefore events from this period are difficult to recall.

We do know the name, “Rehoboth” (Re-ho’-both) is a Biblical word, with the Hebrew root meaning “broad places, open spaces, freedom, and spacious.” Rehoboth is found in four places in the Old Testament. In Genesis 1 0: 11-12, Rehoboth is one of the four cities founded by King Asshur. This city sits between Nineveh and Calah. The Assyrian meaning for Rehoboth in this particular passage indicates an expression of an open space. In Genesis 26: 17 - 22, Rehoboth is the name given to one of the wells dug by Isaac and his men in the Valley of Gerar. After the Phillistines had appropriated the first two wells on their own, Isaac and his men dug a third well. This well resulted in no arguing or quarrelling, so the name Rehoboth was given. Rehoboth in this passage came to mean, “Enough room for all.” In Genesis 36:37 and I Chronicles 1:48, it refers to an Edomite city, the home of King Saul or Shaul, and means “City by the river.” Additionally, the oldest Presbyterian Church in the United States with an unbroken, continuous history of 200 years, located in Maryland, is also named Rehoboth. We are proud of our attempts to live up to our name.

There is a very old cemetery which is a very rich part of our heritage. The first person to be buried in Rehoboth Cemetery was John Bennet, a Revolutionary War soldier, who died in the winter and was taken to his grave on a bob-sled, pulled by a yoke of oxen. Winter was over before anyone thought to check on his home. Mice had nested in the box containing all his personal papers, so very little remained, and not much is known about Mr. Bennet. We deeded this cemetery to a Cemetery Foundation in 1960, which maintains it to this day.

Our present church building is the third one used by the Rehoboth congregation. The first building was a log structure, built on Mosquito Creek, about one mile south of the present location. The second structure, dedicated on May 11, 1905, stood about 100 feet east of the present location, which would have been in the middle of the cemetery. It is believed the third building was built in our current location to make more room for the cemetery. Next to our church is a building over 100 years old, which is presently used as the Ladies’ Aid Hall. Rich in heritage, it is known by many in our community as their one-room school house from their early childhood educational experiences.

For nearly 50 years after Rehoboth came into existence, anyone in the vicinity who was Presbyterian, attended our church. Many walked for over four miles for morning and evening services. Or they came by horseback or in wagons. The first buggy seen in this county belonged to a Rehoboth family named Kintner.

Because of the distance from their homes, members from the nearby town of Laconia formed their own congregation in 1874. Other churches originating from Rehoboth as their mother church include: Memorial - 1871, Glenwood - 1874, Evans Landing - 1875, Valley City Ebenezer - 1864, Elizabeth of the Covenant and Sharon - 1887, and Riverside - 1912.

Because we are a small, country church, we have had periods of prosperity and slack times, but it was an exciting time for us when on April 10, 1988, we once again began our Sunday School program after a 20 year lapse. Most recently in 1989, we completed a fellowship hall, large enough to host many community and congregation activities. At the present time there are over 45 active members at Rehoboth, but there are many more who participate in worship and in other events.

CELEBRATING OVER 160 YEARS IN CHRIST’S SERVICE. With this theme we recently celebrated our years of service to our community, our congregation and our Lord. It was a joyous occasion with many persons, including former pastors and presbytery Stated Clerk coming from a great distance, to celebrate with us.

We have had a long history of 70 persons, who have served as Student Supply Pastors, Session Moderators, Stated Supplies and a few Ordained Ministers. The Reverend Amanda W. Ragland is presently serving as our pastor.

Roll of Pastors, Session Moderators, Student and Stated Supply Pastors

1829-1914 Alexander Williamson, John L. Martin, James Dubuar, T.H. Laird, C.B.H. Martin, John C. Williamson, John McCrae, C.D. Huston, Isaac Moore, Isaac De LaMoter, Edward W. Fischer, C. Smith, Edward Schultz, P.M. Tyrell, J.C. Venable, R.C. Hartman, A.R. Evans, J.T. Reagan

1914-43 Barrown, C.D. Bowman, John S. Price, Hinkle, Koper, J. W. Wells, John Hartsook, W.W. Duff, Dennis Parke, Garland Hinkle, F.W. McLaughen, O. Woodall, William T. Hunt, Henry Pressler, S.S. Studer, Sumpter Logan, Bird, John Weary, Harold King, Samuel Fleming, Gordon Leach, William Mosely

1944-63 Pauline Timothy, Oakel F. Hall, Charles DeSanto, Derrill Sellers, Robert Bennett, Edwin Kingsbury, James Hofere, Jack McCormick, David Brittain, Malcolm Peel, Royal Leeson, Clayton Fairs

1964-1991 Terry Davis, John Stahlman, Rhodes Stipp, Dale Bolton, Bill Barlow, David Koopman, Mike Chamberlain, Frank Davis, Mark Potter, Mitch Richardson, Bruce Whitney, Allene Pinnix, Terry Webster, Albert Early III, Sonda Kirsteatter, Robert Haseltine, Amanda Ragland

Presbyterian Churches of Harrison County

Harrison County had fifteen organized Presbyterian Churches with five still active today, including Corydon, Valley City, Laconia, Rehoboth, and Elizabeth of the Covenant. Five have merged with others including: Memorial, Elizabeth, Glenwood, Riverside and Evans Landing. Five others were closed. We do not, however, want to lose their history.

Blue River Presbyterian was located in northern Harrison County or just over the county line in Washington County in the vicinity of present day Homer’s Chapel. This church was organized by the Reverend James M’Gready before 1818, when William W. Martin came to Indiana. At that time, he took charge of the churches at Livonia, Salem and Blue River. Organization moved to Palmyra in the early 1840’s.

Blue River Presbyterian moved to Palmyra, taking the name Palmyra Presbyterian Church. Ground was acquired for a building in 1844 when the congregation had about ten members. The congregation disbanded in 1860, and the church property was sold to the United Brethren congregation.

Sharon Presbyterian in Webster Township, one mile southeast of New Middletown was organized August 6, 1842 by the Reverend John L. Martin by twenty six members of the Corydon Church, residing on Buck Creek and vicinity, who desired to be set off into a separate church. Most of the charter members were of the McRae family. Ground was acquired in 1859 and a church erected. Session records date from its beginning to 1900. The congregation disbanded and the building was tom down in 1938. A large cemetery on the hill near the old church contains many descendants of the McRae family.

Greenbrier Presbyterian was organized by the Reverend John G. Williamson with ten charter members. It was probably located in Posey Township near Elizabeth. By April, 1870 Greenbriar had become extinct when because their was neither members nor property, Presbytery ordered its name be taken from the roll.

Mauckport Presbyterian in Heth Township was organized June 5, 1881, by the Reverend Henry Little. This same year, Lot 11 was acquired and a frame church was erected on the east side of Walnut Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets. There had been Presbyterian families at Mauckport from an early date, but never enough interest to organize. They held membership at Corydon, Rehoboth or Ebenezer (Valley City). In 1908 the church building at Mauckport was sold.

LEAVENWORTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Leavenworth
Organized 1848

The Leavenworth Presbyterian Church was organized in 1848, within the New School Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of Salem. The church was organized following a protracted meeting held during November, 1847, lead by Brothers Bishop and Brownlee.

The Old School Leavenworth Presbyterian Church had been been organized with fourteen members in 1842. Dr. J.S.B. Kelso was ruling elder. By 1849, this organization had dwindled and the presbytery recommended the congregation join with the “New School” Presbyterians. It was then recommended at the September 29, 1849, meeting of the New School Salem Presbytery that the Leavenworth Church, along with Beulah, Brownstown and the members of the Salem Church in Father Banta’s neighborhood, erect a house of worship as soon as possible.

Zebulon Leavenworth and his wife Margaret, June 19, 1856, deeded land for this purpose to John S.R. Kelso, Zebulon Leavenworth, John S. McNaghtin, Joseph Thornton, and Andrew Castlin, Jr. trustees of Leavenworth Church and their successors in office for the sum of $100. A frame church was built on Court Street, next to the Crawford County Court House.

Zebulon and Margaret Leavenworth were members of the Presbyterian Church. Seth Leavenworth attended the Methodist Church. Zebulon and Seth were deeply involved in any kind of activity which would further the advancement of their town, including a mercantile store, a stagecoach line, a saw and grist mill and were active in politics. Zebulon served three years in the Indiana State Legislature (1831-34) and was the first Postmaster serving from 1825-45 and 1850-52.

The flooding of the Ohio River was an occurrence with which the citizens of Leavenworth had learned to live, but the loss of real and personal property caused by the flood of 1937, was the worst. Flood waters were thirty feet deep in Nelson Street, along which most of the retail businesses were located. The flooding resulted in evacuation of most of our residents and what few belongings we could salvage. A majority of the citizens of Leavenworth concurred with the position of the Red Cross, that Leavenworth should be relocated to avoid any subsequent flood damage. It was decided to recreate a town on the bluffs of the Ohio River, just above the old town.

Something very unique happened concerning the two churches in our town — the Methodist and the Presbyterian. Since it was not the policy of the Red Cross to assist churches, the larger Methodist Church, asked their state and national organization for flood relief funds, but none could be supplied. The Presbyterians, on the other hand, were able to secure $5,000 and a loan of $3,000 from the National Presbyterian Rood Relief Fund. The Indiana Presbyterian Flood Relief Committee forwarded an additional $1,500. The majority of the Methodists and the Presbyterians decided to unite their congregations and to build one church, the Leavenworth Community Presbyterian Church. Emile Bahr donated a former home site containing two, huge white oak trees on which to build the new church. With the funds provided, a new church was quickly constructed and dedicated on September 26, 1937. The Building committee included: C.D. Tower, Mrs. Henry Bunch, J.M. Tower, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Temple, Mrs. F.W. Kirsh, Norman Craig, F.W. Kirsh, Mrs. Flow McFall and Harold Stephenson. Luther E. Sharp was the minister.

The Leavenworth Community Presbyterian Church was the site of the dedication of our new town on December 15, 1938. Indiana Governor M. Clifford Townsend made an address in which he noted the various individuals and agencies, who worked together to build our town.

Over the years we have been enhanced by many estate bequests and individuals providing gifts including: paintings, pulpit Bible, candlesticks and cross, stained glass windows, carpeting, pew cushions, and American and Christian flag set, pipe organ and electric organ.

Our church celebrated its centennial from July 14-18, 1948, with the Reverend Edward Morris presiding pastor, and former minister the Reverend Roy Mueller returning to participate.

Lightening struck the steeple of our church in the late 40’s or early 50’s. Although the steeple caught on fire, the valiant efforts of the Leavenworth Fire Department, contained the damage to within the belfry. The huge old bell that had come from the Presbyterian Church in the old town was damaged. The bell, hot from the flames, suffered a hairline crack when struck by water used to extinguish the fire. Ironically, the bell had been equipped with a striking hammer and rope to the exterior of the building and was used in this manner as a fire alarm. The steeple was replaced and the bell was replaced with an electronic system with speakers capable of broadcasting recordings of carillons and other recorded music. Although the tone of the bell is completely ruined, it remains mounted on the front lawn of the church.

An anniversary service was held on September 27, 1987, to commemorate fifty years of existence in our new building. Fonner ministers Edward Morris, James Westbrook and Charles DeSanto participated in the celebration. Our program listed eighteen ministers as having served during this period of time.

With the leadership of the Reverend William Long Hudson, we have high hopes for the future of our Community Presbyterian Church of Leavenworth as we continue to serve our Lord.

Roll of Pastors

James Brownlee 1848-50
Ben F. Stuart 1853-55
Philip Bevan 1857-61; 1868-70
W.R. Higgins 1864-65
J.R. Mitchell 1866
J.M. Lau Bach 1872-74
B.H. Blackwell 1874
J.H. Aughey 1874-75
J.B. McDonald 1879-83
I.I. St. John 1883
F.M. Gilchrist 1886
F.W. Grossman 1887
E.J. Witte 1887
B.H. Fields 1887-02
Hugh H. Hudson 1904
A.G. Roadhouse 1905-06
McCracken 1907-08
Geo. F. Crabtree 1909-10
J.G. Hofacre 1910
A.M. Smith 1914
S.A. Ewart 1915-16
Cecil Atkinson 1916-17
May 1920
R.E. Mueler 1921-26
P. Taylor Evans 1926
Ralph O’Dell 1937-39
Edward E. Morris 1940-48
Alvin K. Baily 1948-49
James Westbrook 1949
Robert W. Richter 1951-54
James M. Smith 1954-57
Paul Hopwood 1957-58
Charles DeSanto 1958-60
John M. Hart 1961-68
Reg. Hadden 1970-73
Katherine Bottorf 1978-87
William Hudson 1989-

LEXINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
P.O. Box 70, Lexington
Organized 1818

Early in the 1800’s pioneers living along the east coast of America, sought adventures, farming land and freedom of religion. The earliest Presbyterians of Scott County came chiefly from North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky by two routes — either down the Ohio River from Pennsylvania on flatboats, or overland through the Cumberland Gap, over the Wilderness Road through Kentucky, then north into southeast Indiana.

In 1817, a group of Scots-Irish Presbyterian families came down the Ohio River to what is now Madison and New London, Indiana. From there they made their way into the deep forest wilderness, settled in groups, building log cabin homes and a community building which could be used for school and church. One of the groups settled about thirteen miles west of Madison and three miles east of Lexington at a place they named Greenbrier.

The Reverend Orin Fowler was one of the missionary ministers, who followed these pioneers into their new settlements. The record of 1818, shows he preached on a Saturday to a large and solemn group of people, and that after his sermon, they decided to form a Presbyterian Church. Alexander McNutt, William Wilson and Solomon Davis were elected elders. The next Sabbath, Mr. Fowler preached again to a large congregation and baptized 8 children. There were now twenty members of the church: Alexander and Margaret McNutt, William And Margaret Wilson, Solomon and Mary Davis, Jacob and Eleanor Hollenback, William and Jane Boles, David and Jane Walker, Frederick Sipes, Robert Woodburn, Margaret Patterson, Mary Robinson, Fannie Terril, Nancy Roe, Susannah Arbuckle and Mary Davis. Having duly organized the church, the Reverend Orin Fowler left by horseback, going through the dense forest trail to Vincennes to continue his work.

We had no regular minister until on February 27, 1819, the members of Pisgah Church at New Washington, with the Reverend Samuel Shannon presiding, extended a call to the Reverend John M. Dickey to be their pastor. On March 6, 1819, Alex Walker, John Henderson and John Rodgers of Pisgah met with Lexington and Greenbriar Church officers and out of this meeting came a call to Mr. Dickey to give two-thirds time to these two churches and the other third to Graham Fork Church. They promised him a salary of $90 annually. The second meeting of the Louisville Presbytery was held at Lexington in August, 1819, for the purpose of installing the Reverend John M. Dickey as pastor of the three churches. The sermon was preached by Dr. Isaac Reed, who had been appointed at this service at the Spring meeting of the Presbytery. Mr. Dickey was the first Presbyterian minister to settle in the state of Indiana, and his installation at Lexington was the first installation of a Presbyterian minister as pastor of an Indiana church.

For several years we continued to hold church services in the log school building at Greenbrier settlement, until in 1838, William and Margaret Wilson donated a site from their farm for a new church building and cemetery. The lot was measured in “poles”, 5 1/2 yards in length. The 3/4 acre lot is noted as 6 poles north and south, 20 poles east and west. Although large hand-broken, limestone rocks were laid for the foundation, a church was never built, because of a division among the congregation — some wanted to use the old Scots rules and the other wanted to have a free church which followed the American Presbyterian rules. And although there is a cemetery, James Wilson was the first and last person buried in Greenbrier Cemetery. No marker was placed on his grave, but a wild cherry tree came up at the head of the grave in the 1870’s and is still standing.

There was also a difference of opinion about the location of the church as several families were living in or near Lexington and the only way to get to church was to walk or ride horseback, through the trails and over mud roads. This group wanted the church moved from Greenbrier to the town of Lexington. Another group, the “Seceders” in the community, wanted a church built about a mile east of Lexington, where the road divided between one branch of a creek (Hardy Hill Road) and the other to Madison. In an old session record book there is note of one meeting of this group which says they met on September 28, 1843, at the home of W.G. Glendy with James Henderson, who had been appointed by the Indiana Presbytery to preach there.

In 1838, the large limestones were moved from Greenbrier to Lexington and laid a second time for a Presbyterian Church. On the day work began, a log rolling with a basket dinner was held on the church lot. It is noted that John Hall, Sr., the main carpenter, was injured at the log rolling and died a few weeks later, not living to see the building completed in 1844.

The Reverend Frank Gilchrist came as pastor in 1883, and after a few months was sent to Nabb in Clark County to establish a preaching point. The Nabb Church remained as a branch of Lexington for 18 years.

In 1902, we remodeled the church, removing the large pillar posts, adding a new platform with pulpit chairs and pews to replace the original, very straight-backed seats. Two circular rooms were added at the back of the church, the front porch torn away, and the bell placed on top of the building.

Through the years we have had a number of pastors. We feel blessed that the Reverend John Ballard has been our faithful minister since 1983.

Roll of Pastors

Orin Fowler, missionary founder of our church
John M. Dickey, first pastor

1838-92

James Blythe
James McKee
J. Mitchell
David Reid
J.B. Garritt
Scott
Thomas Whallon
J.A. Campbell
F.M. Gilchrist
James Broady

1902-52

D.B. Whimster
W.B. Malcom
J.M. Oldfather
Cravens
W.C. d’Olive
McKimon
Alonzo Yates
F.C. Gleason
Fred Schumk
H.A. Melville
David Davies
Ted Greenhoe
Charles M. Filer
William Stephenson
Robert Wilson
Arnold Schaap
Donald Morse
Robert Richter
James Huff

1953-91

Charles R. Ford
George Barker
Bryan Tanzy
David Parks
George Witmer
Charles H. Moffett
William Heilman
James Leggett
Gary Weaver
Tom Harp
David Flucke
William V. Hale
John H. Ballard

MADISON BROADWAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
202 Broadway, Madison
Organized 1815

The Reverend William Robinson, a missionary and teacher, came to Madison on the Ohio River in the year 1815. His intention was to found a school for the Indians and to serve the religious needs of the settlers. To support himself he carded wool, the first such enterprise in this community.

By 1815, Madison was a village of about 400 settlers, a few of whom were Presbyterian. In 1807, a Baptist Church had been formed, but had no regular meeting house; a Methodist meeting house was built in 1814. On November 19, 1815, Mr. Robinson met with a little band of Madison Presbyterians to form our church. This was the fourth church in what was then the Louisville Presbytery. They met to organize in the log cabin home of one of the members. It was there that the name “Madison Presbyterian Church” was selected. The first elders were John Ritchie, Robert Symington and Charles G. Bergen.

Shortly thereafter, we were ready to build a sanctuary. With the bricks fabricated nearby, the members donated lumber and nails, while others gave money. One contributed two barrels of corn. Everyone worked to build their house of worship. A young bride, Ruth Glass McClure, held lighted candles while the men worked at night plastering the walls of this new building. Then she and and her husband, the church’s fourth elder, sat up all night tending fires to keep the plaster from freezing. At the completion of the building, the members celebrated with a service of thanksgiving.

The Madison Presbyterian Church’s first installed pastor was the Reverend Thomas Stearle, a native of New England and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1819, he gave up a position as Professor of Logic at Dartmouth College to come to the Indiana frontier. Mr. Searle served the Madison church as well as a church west of Clifty Creek in a settlement six miles away. His annual salary for this work was $200 per congregation. The salary was often paid in the form of food and clothing in lieu of cash. It seems as though Mr. Searle and his wife often thought about New England and the campus of Dartmouth College at Hanover, New Hampshire. So when it came to name the new community near Clifty Creek, they reportedly declared, “It shall be called Hanover.”

The Reverend James H. Johnson began his 51 years of ministry at Madison on October 25, 1826. Mr. Johnson was one of eight ministers, who participated in the formation of the Indiana Synod in 1826, and in the establishment of the Madison Presbytery in 1828.

Years later, a Madison newspaper referred to the Presbyterian Church members of the 1820’s as, “The Stern Old Coventers.” The policies and standards of the church were such to warrant the name. In 1827, elders were sent to some of the congregation who had, “neglected family worship and were not regular in attendance … “ In 1828, the session discussed reports that a member had “quarreled with his neighbor, played cards, and had been seen intoxicated, and several young women asked for forgiveness of the church because they had been dancing”. The session grieved and declared dancing to be … “a degree of conformity to the customs of the world unbecoming a professor of religion.”

By 1833, when our membership had grown to 128, the Reverend Johnson and 63 members petitioned the Madison Presbytery to form a “New Theology” Second Presbyterian Church in Madison. After discussion the Presbytery declared, “divide … and if the party of the second part does not relent, the decision is final”. Thus the Second Church was formed.

The Second Church built a house of worship in 1836, just a block south of the First Church. To further confuse the issue of Presbyterian identity, in 1831, a group from Scotland was formed, calling themselves the United Presbyterian Church. This church was dissolved in 1912.

Presbyterian churches enjoyed unparalleled prestige and prosperity during the period preceding the Civil War. In 1839, First Church built a new sanctuary, which was dedicated on February 22, 1840, but on March 19, 1845, a major fire destroyed the almost new church along with 20 other buildings and homes in Madison. Work was begun at once on a new edifice of Greek Revival Architectural style, featuring a copper roof with an octagonal shaped cupola.

Throughout the century, First and Second Churches made several attempts to resolve the differences between them and by the 1880’s, it was agreed that union was in the interest of both, but were unable to find a workable formula. We did work together sharing moderators and pastors though. Finally in 1921, the two congregations reached a compromise with the new united congregation called the Madison Presbyterian Church and to meet at what was then the First Church sanctuary.

Little children have been “coming to Christ” and growing up in the Madison church for 175 years. A dozen now elderly members remember when they were little ones here. Bringing the children back, became one of our objectives in the late 1980’s. Under the guidance of our pastor, the Reverend Marie Cross, fun-filled Vacation Bible Schools, expanded Christian Education programs, employment of hard working student pastors for youth work, exciting children’s sermons, teen outings and spiritually rewarding programs for communicant’s classes note only a little of what has been done under the guidance of the pastor, boards, committees and general membership. The children have brought their parents. Attendance has increased also as some of our long absent members have come back to see this excitement for themselves and have returned to stay.

Our 175 Anniversary Celebration in 1990, was a noteworthy church-wide event. Our anniversary mission statement noted not only the spirit of this event, but also the spirit of our congregation which we will be carry into the future.

Roll of Pastors
Madison Presbyterian Church — 1815-33

William Robinson 1815-19
Thomas Searle 1820-21
James H. Johnston 1825-33

First Presbyterian
August 1, 1833-August 15, 1921

William C. Matthews 1835-42
Roger Owen 1843-44
Chauncey Leavenworth 1844-50
Frederick I. Brown 1850-53
J.G. Symmes 1854-57
Lowman Hawes 1857-61
George D. Archibald 1861-66
D.W. Moffatt 1866-72
W.C. Young 1870-72
Samuel Barr 1872-73
W.H. Simpson 1874-81
W.B. Brown 1881-93
William Barnes 1894-96
R.M. Stevenson 1897-00
William Bodell 1900-07
W. Thompson Campbell 1915-16

Second Presbyterian
August 1, 1833-August 15, 1921

James H. Johnston 1833-38
Henry Little 1838-40
Henry Curtis 1843-51
Edwin Holt 1851-52
William Atterbury 1854-65
Manuel Drennan 1866-71
Henry Keigwan 1872-77
D.W. Fisher 1877-78
Samuel Wilson 1878-83
J.M. Barnard 1883-04
C.D. Williamson 1907-08
R.F. Souter 1908-10
J. Twyman Boyer 1911-15
G.W. Pearce 1918-21
Frank Hood 1907-14
W.W. Logan 1917-21

Madison Presbyterian Church
August 15, 1921-91

Jesse M. Tidball 1923-46
David Hancock 1947-51
E. Lee Niswander 1952-55
Lorenz Huenemann 1955-59
John DeVries 1960-65
Robert Clark 1966-73
H. Davis Haw 1974-79
Chas. Hale, Jr. 1980-86
Marie T. Cross 1986-

JEFFERSON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Route #4, Madison
Organized 1818

Like many a frontier church, the Jefferson Church evolved rather than was formed. As was the tradition, the settlers would go to each others' homes to read the Bible and to pray. Many of the people, who formed the Jefferson Church in Madison, migrated from Bullskin, Kentucky. As they crossed the Ohio River, then followed the creek dragging a log to mark the trail, they came to what is now Jefferson Church. William Robin’s record of a visit to his mother’s brother in 1804, commented that as more Presbyterians came to settle in the Jefferson neighborhood, it was necessary to build a church. This first log church was built in 1804, with a second better log church completed in 1812. The women of the church furnished food and lodging on many important occasions in those days, starting a tradition of Christian service which still exists today.

An important occasion was October 16, 1818, when we were officially organized with the Reverend Orin Fowler as moderator. On that day Mr. Fowler rode five miles on horseback to Mr. Bergen’s home, to preach to an interested and excited congregation. After prayer, he read the certificates of transfer of those who had them, heard the relation of others, then questioned them on doctrine as well as experience. That day three elders were ordained — Christopher Bergen, Samuel Ryker and Jeduthan Dodd. The occasion was celebrated by three days of praying, Bible reading and preaching. On one morning the elders appointed a clerk and held further consultations and by noon the Reverend Fowler preached to a large solemn congregation. He read the Confession of Faith and installed the elders. This same day the session met with and received Mary Benefield and Hannah Hamilton.

Some of the early recorded members include: Christopher and Anna Burgen, Samuel and Barbara Ryker, Peter and Susannah Ryker, John and Nancy Ryker, Theodorus Vanosdol, Peter Vancleve, Rachael Vanosdol, Rachael Weatherford, Jedutham Dodd and John L. McCoskey.

The first Presbytery Meeting of southern Indiana was held at the Jefferson Church, and in 1826, at the fall meeting of Madison Presbytery it was voted that the Reverend Dr. John Findley Crowe be allowed to start Hanover College.

The stone church building was erected in 1861, then remodeled in 1896, by raising the roof and adding a vestibule and belfry. This beautiful country church burned on Sunday morning, December 3, 1944, at the close of Sunday School. Undaunted, that same night, we met in a dining area of the social center which had been built only 2 years previous. The organist, Hattie Stevenson began the rebuilding fund by signing a pledge for $1 ,000. It is noted she quickly filled this financial pledge and gave many times over. Hattie played the organ in worship services for 56 years until she returned to her Master and Lord.

The Jefferson Church’s history of mission comes from its founding as one of the first churches in what was then the Indiana Territory. It was founded to serve the worship needs of settlers and natives in this frontier wilderness. Since that time we have had an unending story of mission support. Our mission work can be seen at home, in our community, in giving to mission work of the greater work, even to the point of sending one of our own. In 1952 the Reverend John Marshall Guthrie and his wife Lillian Buchanan Guthrie went to Campinas, Brazil, beginning 25 years of mission work in that country. Mrs. Guthrie is the daughter of Freda and Walter Buchanan.

Some of our people need to be especially remembered: Mrs. Roy (Mattie) Buchanan was elected as the first woman elder in 1931, and served as a delegate to the Presbytery of Salem; Joseph Weatherford was Clerk of Session from 1900 to 1932, and did attend General Assembly in Atlanta, Georgia as a commissioner in 1913; Mrs. David (Martha) Weatherford taught Sunday School for 58 years; Mrs. Gordon (Lleila) Buchanan taught Sunday School for 35 years, played the piano or organ for 45 years and did not miss a meeting of Presbyterian Women or Ladies Aid in 52 years; Mrs. Walter (Freda) Buchanan served Presbyterian Women at the Presbytery level and has attended National Meetings and the General Assembly several times; and Graham Buchanan attended General Assembly as a youth delegate in Louisville in 1974.

Our love of the Lord is quickly seen in the members of the Jefferson Church. The small congregation more than makes up in spirit what they lack in numbers. Each of us gives not just of our personal resources, but also of our time and talents to see that the House of the Lord should lack for nothing, whether it be serving as officers or installing lights and insulation to maintain the building itself. All work and give as the Lord leads them. This is a true example of Christian love and work.

Over the years, Jefferson Presbyterian Church has been served by several seminary students and supply ministers on a Sunday by Sunday basis. The following is an attempt to list those, who were responsible for several months or years. Our earliest records were burned in 1843, when Peter Ryker’s house was destroyed by fire.

Roll of Pastors

Orin Fowler 1818-23
John F. Crowe 1825-26; 1843
Johnson 1826
Robinson 1826
Samuel Gregg 1828
James Green 1845
William Sickels 1846
Joseph Sims(Syms) 1855
Joseph Crawford 1863
James Blythe 1867
I.B. More 1870
James O. Melvena 1874
William Thompson 1875
J.S. Brownson 1878
Williamson 1883
James Gilchrist 1884
J.H. Barnard 1888
I.I. St. John 1889
George Lamb 1891
H.C. Bradly 1893
R.C. Hartman 1897
W.B. Chamberlain 1900
Daniel C. Simpson 1904-12
V.P. Martin 1913
O.L. Morgan 1915
James A. Gehrette 1916
Henry M. Rogers 1916
C. Reigh 1921
Floyd D. Shafer 1936-42
Roger Simpson 1942-43
A.D. Ellison, Jr. 1943-45
John Dunstan 1946-49
David Tallman 1948-50
Max Perrow 1953-54
Ed Farley 1951-53
Arthur Tennies 1953-54
Ed Costello 1954-56
David D. Owen 1956-58
William Ash 1958
Bill Schulenberger 1960-61
Fred W. Quigley 1961-62
Marion Garrett 1962-66
Jack Marsh 1966-67
Gorman M. Parrish 1967-68
Malcolm Shields 1968-72
David Tallman 1972-76
Norman Wykoff 1975-78
Jeff Borgerson 1978-79
Sidney D. Weedon 1979-81
Daniel Kreutzer 1981-82
Vennard Walter 1982-83
Jerry Lynn Patton 1983-85
Keith Cardwell 1985-86
Tom Andrew 1986
Pat. McCandless 1987-89
Mary E. Graham 1987-89
William A. Huber 1989-

SMYRNA-MONROE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Route #5, Box 100, Madison
Organized 1834

The organization of the Smyrna Church was affected by Dr. James Blythe at the home of Benjamin Windson on August 13, 1834. There were nine charter members: Solomon Martin, Jane Martin, Benjamin Windson, Margaret Windson, Mary Officer, Margaret Marshall, Lanty F. Armstrong, Martha Woods, and John Campbell. After meeting in homes, it was decided to erect a church building. There were two offers of lots, so immediately this caused a schism. About 1839 a number of persons left to form a “New School” type Presbyterian Church at Mizpah. It lasted only a few years, then most of the members returned. Unfortunately the earliest records of Smyrna were taken to Mizpah and were lost.

A new house of worship was dedicated on December 17, 1893, situated only a few rods from the old church, at a cost of $1,200. The Reverend S.E. Barr was pastor at that time.

On August 13, 1934, we celebrated one hundred years to this community with the Reverend Priest of Hanover conducting the devotional services. He read Psalm 84, the same Psalm that was read at the dedication of the first building in 1837. A bountiful basket dinner was served at noon, then services continued into the afternoon.

By 1839, the slavery issue split had the congregation into “New School” - “Old School” and nine young families formed the Lancaster New School Presbyterian Church, soon to become known as “Monroe”, building their first stone edifice in 1844. Finally after the Civil War had settled the slavery issue, the two congregations shared the same minister for five years in the 1870’s. The New Albany Presbytery merged the two congregations, which had existed only 1/4 mile apart, into one congregation named “Monroe”.

In 1939, the Monroe Church had celebrated its centennial. It had first been called Middlefork and three years later changed to Lancaster Presbyterian. This log church, built in 1838, was the parent of the new Monroe Church, a stone structure built by Nathan Yost in 1844. Because much of the work and material were donated, the cash outlay was less than $500. After the Civil War, the factions came together and in 1870, Lancaster and Monroe became one.

The Jefferson Proving Ground took in Monroe Church site in 1941, so these members merged with Smyrna to become Smyrna-Monroe Presbyterian Church. In 1967, Smyrna-Monroe and Sharon Hill Churches joined together in sharing one minister. They were grouped with Madison and Jefferson Churches in 1968, called the Jefferson United Mission Parish.

Our 150th Celebration was quite exciting with Jerry Patton, our student supply pastor and the Reverend James Bartlett as moderator. 125 friends, members and 5 former pastors were in attendance. Letter of congratulations were read from many unable to attend. Mrs. Esther Thome was honored as our eldest member present. She was 88 years old at the time and her father was one of the first ruling elders. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was held at the close of the morning worship service and at noon, we all enjoyed a basket dinner, with a special cake made for the occasion. Pictures were taken and a good time was had by all as we renewed old friendships. As the afternoon progressed we reviewed the history of Smyrna-Monroe Church with our former pastor, the Reverend Lewis Johnson of Falls Church, Virginia. Dr. and Mrs. G.R. Gillispie of Brownstown were also present. Mr. Gillispie’s father was our minister in 1934. Special music for the day was presented by another former pastor, the Reverend Dan Lamey and his wife Janice. Mrs. Jean Tallmann and Wayne Smith also delivered music for all to enjoy.

Roll of Pastors and Student Pastors

J.H. Johnson 1840-41
James Brown’ee 1842
C.L. Bartlett 1842-46
H. Curtis 1846-47
A.A. Vance 1847-50
J.M. Sadd 1851-54
D.A. Bassett 1854-58
Benjamin Neal 1859
Alexander Parker 1862-66
C. McCain 1870-72
J.M. McRee 1872-77
J.H. Brownson 1879-80
J.D. Henning 1881-82

Student Supply Pastors from Hanover College 1884-1922

J.M. Beard, Samuel Moffett, J.M. Oldfather, Samuel Wilson, W.R. Brown, George Lamb, Barnard, W.B. Chamberlain, Thomas C. Moffett, H.G. Pollock, J.H. Weaver, Daniel C. Simpson, Vernon P. Martin, O.L. Morgan, J.A. Gehrette, Henry M. Rogers, LLewellyn T. Lawrence

Pastors and Student Supply Pastors 1937-1989

Floyd D. Schaeffer, Daniel C. Simpson, Max Perow, Edward Farley, Arthur Tennies, Lewis Johnson, Ronald Rhinehardt, James Bartlett, Malcolm Peel, William Strickland, David Gilmore, Fred Schaffer, Lewis Pelkey, Jack Marsh, Malcolm Shields, David Tallman, Norman Wykoff, David Touart, Jeff Borgenson, Syd Weedon, Danny Kreutzer, Dan Lamey, Vin Walters, Jerry Patton, Keith Cardwell, Tom Andrew, Patricia McCandless, Mary E. Graham

We are fortunate to have the Reverend William Huber as our pastor.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
240 E. Washington, Martinsville
Organized 1841

Twenty five years after Indiana achieved statehood, the first church in Martinsville was organized by the Reverend Elam McCord. It was on July 23, 1841, that the First Presbyterian Church, related to the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination of Cumberland County, Kentucky, was formed with sixteen members. Within one year the congregation had grown sufficiently to build a single-story brick building on the corner of Jackson and Jefferson Streets on the site now occupied by the Martinsville Reporter. Not only did the congregation financially and physically support the building project, but the townspeople helped as well.

By 1880, the congregation had outgrown the small church and pledged to build a new structure at the corner of East Washington and Sycamore Streets. Again with a community-wide subscription funds of $9,416.78 were secured so that in July, 1880, the cornerstone was laid. Led by the Reverend William Thomas Ferguson, the congregation was able to worship for the first time in the completed Assembly Hall portion on August 21, 1881, with the formal dedication of our new building on February 5, 1882.

Additional work on the building came in 1900, when the pipe organ was installed. That change resulted in the “Akron Plan” sitting arrangement which orients the congregation to east. Prior to these changes the sanctuary arrangement was in a more traditional style oriented north and south.

The passage of time has brought other physical changes to our church home. Under the leadership of the Reverend Joseph Dole McDonald, one of the longest tenured pastors, the 1951 education wing on the east was added. This unit provides a large Fellowship Hall with kitchen on the lower level, plus two parlors and classrooms on the upper level. Again under the leadership of Mr. McDonald in 1957, a second education unit was added to the Sycamore Street area which has been now modified into a multipurpose classroom area and a large nursery.

Most recently in 1990, we proudly installed a new Reuter pipe organ. Blending the old with the new, we have left the lovely, decorative pipes from our 1900’s vintage organ in the organ loft.

Although many persons have served at various positions in the presbytery, we are pleased to acknowledge Mr. George Odom, who for several years has served as Treasurer of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley.

From the small Cumberland Presbyterian Church of 1841, to the First Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.) today, we have seen many changes, but continue our rich heritage as part of southern Indiana and the Presbyterian history.

Roll of Pastors

Elam McCord 1841-47
John A. McMahon 1847-51
E. Hall 1851-55
Elam McCord 1854-55
S.C. Mitchell 1855-56
O.C. Smith 1856-57
James Ritchey 1858-62
T.R. Lester 1862-66
James White 1866-69
Elam McCord 1869-70
W.T. Ferguson 1870-83
George J. Donnell 1883-86
O.S. Baum 1887-94
J.P. Halsell 1894-95
J.L. Hudgins 1895-98
M.L. Gillespie 1898-08
C.N. Chrisman 1909-10
L.A. Harriman 1910-16
F.C. Taylor 1916-18
A.M. Baker 1919-24
Cecil Atkinson 1924-27
Elmer J. VanLare 1928-35
Joseph D. MacDonald 1935-60
Henry Alton Blunk 1960-63
William D. Tupper 1963-64
Merle E. Porter 1964-67
Laurence T. Hosie 1967-68
John O. McCandless 1968-77
John H. White, Jr. 1977-79
Allen B. Layman 1983-84
Gary L. Kornell 1984-88
Peter W. Wilkinson 1988-90
Harris Schultz 1990-

MITCHELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Mitchell
Organized 1855

The oldest continuous organized church in Mitchell is the Mitchell Presbyterian Church, which recently celebrated 135 years. Our history did not actually begin in Mitchell, but in Woodville, a small community two miles north of Mitchell. Ten people met on January 24, 1855, to form a Presbyterian Church. Nine were received by letter of transfer and one by confession of faith and baptism.

For the first seven years we relied on the American Home Missionary Society to supply preachers. The first three were John Tiffany, William Rogers and John Bishop.

Bishop continued to perform his duties until 1864, when the congregation, grown to 60 persons, decided it could support a full time pastor. The Reverend Thomas A. Steele was called, serving fifteen years, the longest time any pastor has remained at this church.

By now the church had been moved from Woodville to Mitchell. We erected a frame building in 1859, and a new brick building was begun in 1870. This building, while much altered in the intervening years, is still in use today.

Under Mr. Steele’s leadership, the church grew and so did the building. In this first year, 40 people joined and by 1870, our congregation totaled 140 persons, 14% of the population. On one Sunday in February, 42 persons became members.

All this occurred during a period when church leaders were very strict and the American Presbyterians had split into two groups, the “Old School” and “New School” churches, as they were called. The Old School churches were very strict, calling for tight adherence to Calvinistic doctrine. Although the Mitchell church was organized as New School, many of our leaders were really Old School Presbyterians. Probably as a result of this strictness, there were several church trials during Mr. Steele’s ministry, which coincided with the term Elder Silas Moore, a prominent member of the Old School church in Mitchell. Moore was head of a family which would be a major influence in the church, although he is the only member of that family to serve as elder. His son, Milton Moore, founded the city’s oldest bank, the Bank of Mitchell, served as church treasure, and his children remained members of this church all their lives. Another prominent family were the Crawfords, with James H. Crawford, one of the founders, serving as elder for 40 years. His son, H.H. Crawford, served as elder, deacon and trustee.

After the Reverend Steele accepted another call in 1879, we struggled financially for the next 20 years, but in 1886, finally did finish and formally dedicate the church building, with money raised from the congregation. Shortly thereafter, the congregation quarreled over the question of dancing. The minister and session thought dancing was not good. Some members of this congregation did not share that belief. The Reverend J.H. Reed resigned over the issue. Later, the church records revealed Reed apparently had not turned over all the money given by the church to the appropriate national boards. Nothing ever came of that revelation, however.

A few years later, another controversy arose, this one about the observance of the Sabbath. Our session, still a little conservative in the “Gay 90’s”, deplored the fact that several members chose to work on Sunday. One member quickly asked for her name to be dropped from the church roll, as she was running an ice cream stand and intended to keep it open on Sunday.

The congregation and the church budget continued to grow through the “Roaring 20’s”, but while the membership grew during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, our finances didn’t. As an example, in 1928, there were 120 members and an annual collection of $12,459, but in 1933, the church had 159 members, but annual collection was less than $2,500. As our finances continued to dwindle, so did our membership. Following the retirement of the Reverend John Welsch, a native of Belfast, Ireland, we began employing students from Louisville Seminary. This practice continued with a few exceptions until 1950.

In 1915, when the national church voted to allow women to serve as deacons, the Mitchell Church was quick to take advantage of this ruling, ordaining Mrs. Calvin Faris, Mrs. Lee Horton and Miss Jennie Crawford before 1920. Marjorie Laker, Betty Beldon and Irene Barnett were elected trustees in the 1940’s. After 1930, women were to be accepted as elders, but it took us a little longer to take that step as Marjorie Laker was ordained as elder in 1967. And most recently in November 28, 1990, Reverend Marjorie Mason Braden was elected as pastor.

Another interesting event in our history took place in 1937, during a time of extreme flooding of the Ohio River in southern Indiana. Refugees from the flood came to Mitchell. We opened our doors, turned the church into a hospital, and many of our members responded with food, clothing and shelter to those less fortunate. During this time, we met every Sunday in the Mitchell Library for worship.

By 1953, we began to show membership growth and the financial ability to call a pastor, a practice which we have been able to continue. At our centennial celebration on January 25, 1955, all former ministers and members were invited to attend this special celebration. Also during this time we completed extensive renovation of the manse and sanctuary. Our continued growth necessitated further expansion and renovation in 1977-78.

The Mitchell Presbyterian Church is growing again, as it was 100 years ago. We show every sign of continuing our role as an important part of this community, even after 130 years.

Roll of Pastors

John A. Tiffany 1855-56
John M. Bishop 1858-64
William H. Rogers 1856-57
Thomas A. Steele 1864-79
George W. Telle 1879-83
S.I. McKee 1883-84
J.H. Reed 1885-87
W.E.B. Harris 1887-90
H.J. Van Duyn 1891-96
W.E. Hall 1896-97
G.W. Applegate 1898-1900
H.C. Johnson 1900-04
E.O. Sutherlin 1905-07
S.M. Morton 1907-12
A.F. Davies 1912-16
F.B. Stearns 1917-18
Joseph Lindsay 1919-21
Roy V. Chapin 1922-27
M.D. McNeal 1929-30
Josiah V. Roth 1931-34
John Welsh 1935-40
Kenneth Pipher 1941-42
Fred Vogenitz 1942-43
William Prentice 1943-44
Joe Palais 1944-45
Henry Bauman 1944-45
Troy Huggins 1945-46
C. Colvin Baird 1947-48
Ralph Cottier 1946-50
Jack Boelens 1950-52
Steve Rybold 1952-53
Carl Schiffeler 1953-56
K. Jack Huett 1957-65
Alan R. Good 1966-72
Walter Griffith 1973-81
Guy Newland, Jr. 1982-89
Matjorie Mason Braden 1990-

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
11th & Main Streets, Monroe City
Organized 1858

The Monroe City United Presbyterian Church was organized as a Cumberland Presbyterian in 1858. This was done under the leadership of the Reverend Ebenezer W. Hall by letters of transfer of membership from the Herman Church of those who lived in and near Monroe City.

The following year, members began to secure material to build a frame building on the corner of Main and 11th Streets, the location of our present manse. It was not finished for some time, but even with the interior unfinished, regular services were held on a monthly basis.

An interesting point is that during the Civil War, recruiting officers held meetings regularly in our church and did enlist men into the Union Army from this building.

For many years the Presbyterians and the Methodist Episcopal Church worked in alliance, holding services on alternate Sundays with the congregations attending both church services.

After a revival held in 1895, eighty persons united with us and plans were made for a new, larger church building. The present building site was selected and the building dedicated on October 4, 1896. At this time we were the largest Protestant Church in Knox County.

In the year 1906, the congregation was divided with one half of the congregation moving out keeping the original name Cumberland Presbyterian, and this congregation remaining, taking the name Monroe City Presbyterian. We built the manse which is still in use today in 1914, on the site of the original church.

We were a part of the Knox County Union Parish formed during the early 1940’ s. The churches involved were, Royal Oak, Palmyra, Upper Indiana and Monroe City. The Parish was formed with two pastors serving these four small churches. This parish was dissolved in 1970, but for a short period of time, Royal Oak, Monroe City and Palmyra continued as the Town and Country Parish.

Monroe City is located in a farming area near Vincennes. In the early 1970’s there were nine Presbyterian Churches in this vicinity with a membership of approximately one thousand total. According to records, we simply did not easily fit into any merger plan. We considered reuniting with the Cumberland Church, and the presbytery considered closing our doors. At Monroe City we have fought to keep our church and our congregation, even to the point of arguing with the denomination to remain a vital Presbyterian Christian witness. We believe that is our purpose.

Today we meet conjointly with the Palmyra Presbyterian Church under the effective and most appreciated lay leadership of Mrs. Jan Utt.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
314 Wilkerson Street, Montezuma
Organized 1852

The Montezuma Presbyterian church was organized April 8, 1852, with five charter members: James and Ester Naylor, Elizabeth Hughes, Mary Elizabeth Cornwell and Rachael Smith. Our first pastor, The Reverend John Hawkes, donated land for our first church and deeded it to the trustees in June, 1853. Our sanctuary was built by a committee, aided by the local Methodist Church and the Rockville Presbyterian Churches, at a cost of $1,800 which was financed by Morris Hughes, one of the trustees. When our building was complete the indebtedness was only $300, which Mr. Hughes forgave. The building, a white frame structure of colonial design with a porch across the front, was dedicated on March 5, 1854. Our belfry bell always rang on Halloween, New Year’s Eve and was used for fire warnings.

As noted by the interior design, things were different then. A row of large pews was in the center of the sanctuary, with a row of shorter ones on each side, separated by an aisle. Women, men and children who wished to sit together, sat in the middle rows. The men and boys sat alone on the west side, with the rest of the women and girls sitting on the east side. It was not until the pastorate of Reverend William Reynolds in 1916, that this seating arrangement was changed.

Some of our earliest members included Grace Burns, Ella Blue, Mary Dooley, Jennie and Marie Dunlap, Mary and Maggie Hill, Edward and Louise Hancock, Ella Machledt, William and Elizabeth Morris and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar McCampbell.

To show that times have changed — an old treasurer’s report from November 1, 1922 to April 1, 1924 shows pledges of $794, with income offerings of $234.47, income from a fund drive for a garage at the manse of $395, for a total income of $1,432.47 over this seventeen month period. Disbursements were $1,396.53, leaving a balance of $35.94.

In 1926, we did extensive remodeling of the facility with additional classrooms, brick exterior, full basement with kitchen, dining area, restrooms, and new electric chandeliers with a total cost of $12,783. Many of our present members recall the labors put forth in this huge renovation task, and trying to pay the debt during the “Great Depression.” At the rededication service on November 21, 1926, we celebrated with all ministers from churches in Montezuma and Presbyterian pastors from Ladoga, Clinton and Rockville participating. In December, 1936, Mrs. S.P. Hancock, one of the oldest members at that time, burned the mortgage on the alter at a special celebration. She and her family had spent much time and financial aid to make this church possible.

In July, 1969, we added an educational building and pastor’s study. Other additions at this, time were a handcrafted Celtic Cross presented by Charles Lohrmann, an anodized gold aluminum Communion Service presented by the Reverend and Mrs. Forest Berry, and new hymnals in honor of Mrs. Cora Bartlow presented by her four children, all members of this congregation.

During the early 1980’s, we completed another major renovation by panelling the basement, remodeling the kitchen, and painting of the sanctuary, under the direction of the Board of Trustees, completed in Christian fellowship by many volunteer hours from our congregation. This work was followed by a complete electrical rewiring and improvements to the manse. A large part of this cost was a contribution from the Thrift Shop and individual donations. Also a new organ was presented for the sanctuary as a continuing memorial by the Paul and Mildred Machledt family.

As our predecessors gave what we enjoy today, let us leave a monument for the generations which will follow.

Roll of Pastors

John Hawkes
William Taylor
Thomas Griffith
Wilmer Hife
J.B. Logan
Kanta
Sonne
Buckanaw
Bushear
McKinney
Johnson
Eulay
N.W. Clark
Pitzer
Hatfield
Smith
Brown
Nicholl
Kohler
Owens
Atkinson
Parker
Baum
Berry
Bury
Hintz
Robert Rademaker

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
120 East Sixth Street, Mount Vernon
Organized 1837

The year was 1837, when Martin Van Buren, eighth president of the United States, was in his first year of office. The state of Indiana was just twenty one years old. In that year, a Presbyterian missionary founded the church in what was to become Mount Vernon. This first church was begun with fifteen charter members and was only the second church to be established in this this area. 1837 was not a good year for organizing, because it was in the spring of this year that the United States plunged into a deep depression. Our embryonic Presbyterian Church survived the depression, and in 1842, was strong enough to erect the first building, a frame sanctuary on Store Street, now College Avenue.

During the second schism of the Presbyterian denomination in 1848, our church allied itself with the “Old School” and remained so until unification following the Civil War, when they became part of the Presbyterian Church in the USA.

By 1851, the still struggling church had grown to fifty members, and by 1872, had outgrown our little frame building. Property was secured, construction completed and on October 16, 1873, the present building was dedicated. In 1887, a chapel was added to the back of the sanctuary. In 1915, two years before our involvement in World War I, a beautiful Mohler pipe organ was built into the sanctuary of the church, and in 1926, the inspiring stained glass windows were donated and dedicated.

Our one hundredth birthday was celebrated in 1937, with many persons from our past joining in the festivities.

In 1955, our pipe organ was electrified and in the fall of 1964, the congregation decided to remodel the 1887 chapel and to rededicate it as the Evertson Memorial Church School Annex, now called Fellowship Hall. In 1968, we purchased the adjoining Klein residence, which is now the Christian Education Building. Two more recent additions have enhanced the beauty and comfort of our sanctuary — special lighting fixtures and air conditioning.

A bequest allowed us to complete restoration of the pipe organ in 1981. A dedicatory concert for the community was held to share our joy, and in 1983 chimes were added, also through memorial gifts. Extensive landscaping has added to the exterior beauty not only to the sanctuary and the Klein Building, but also to the manse.

In the fall of 1987, the Sesquicentennial was remembered with a day-long celebration including an organ concert, thus commemorating our first 150 years.

While the years have not always been easy for our congregation, we have learned the importance that struggle can be the fire to temper the steel of our Christian faith. “Where two or three are gathered together in Christ’s name,” He is surely in our midst. We remain a worshipping church, a fellow-shipping church, and a teaching church stressing the importance of Sunday School and Bible study. We are a caring church, reaching out to those in need, and we are a connectional church, proud of our heritage in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, Synod of Lincoln Trails and in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Roll of Pastors

William Pennell 1837-39
Kimball 1839-42
Tiffany 1842-47
James Smith 1848-51
Charles Fitch 1851-61
Tuck 1862-67
Mitchell 1868-69
Fisher 1870
A. Taylor 1871-73
L.L. Gourley 1874-78
B.W. Montgomery 1880-81
H.A. Dodge 1882; 1891-94
L.C. Little 1883
A.E. Chase 1884-86
J.F. Flint 1886-88
J.L. Griffis 1893-94
J.L. Godfrey 1895-97
John E. Fry 1898-02
Alex Litherland 1903-05
W.H. Day 1906-07
Arthur W. Raabe 1911-18
LA. Rosser 1918-19
A.E. Dallas 1919-20
J.A. McClain 1921-23
Abbott Herman 1924-25
Willis Booth 1926
Chester Karrick 1927-29
Cecil Atkinson 1940-45
Rich. Huddleson 1950-52
Mearl Culver 1953-57
Richard Beasley 1957-60
Robert Mohr 1961-62
Paul Stone 1963-66
Earl Burger 1968-70
Peter VanZanten 1971-72
R. Wayne Perkins 1973-77
Ann Melanson 1977-88
James Bennett 1988-

NABB PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
RR #1, Highway 362 & Postal Drive, Box 9, Nabb
Organized 1885

Prior to 1885, there was no church in Nabb and no Gospel. The few scattered Presbyterians lived too far from Lexington and New Washington, so in March, 1885, the session of the Lexington Church decided to send the Reverend Frank M. Gilchrist to establish a preaching point in Nabb. He frequently held services in the Clark County School House, until the Reverend George Earnest came on the field to hold a series of protracted meetings at Nabb, receiving several persons, who desired to unite and to organize a branch church. This was done on December 5, 1885. Charter members were Anna Bell Tilford, Rose Cole, Robert and Sarah Alice Henderson, Franklin and Addie Henderson, James C. Bussey, John M. Graves, William L. Tilford, John Boyd, Frank Bussey, Lizzie Lukenbill, George Cyrus and Ella Bussey, John and Mary Tilford, Hugh R. Usher and Mary E. Taflinger.

As interest increased, it was found that the school house was too small to accommodate the worshippers and talk of building a church home was heard until God in His kind Providence opened a way. William Gray came forward with the first gift — a gift of the ground on which our building stands.

Our original church had shutters on the windows and the doors were on the south end, with a door for women and a door for men. The steeple was also on the south side. When the building was completed and open for services on Saturday night, June 18, 1887, the Reverend P.M. Gilchrist preached to a large audience, whose hearts were filled with joy, now that God’s people had a church home. The dedication took place the next day.

Near midnight a cry of “fire!” was heard, with all rushing to see our building in flames from the ground to the spire. There was nothing to be done but to watch it bum. Our church had been destroyed by incendiaries. Men, women and children wept. Sabbath morning dawned bright and fair. People pouring in from far and near, only to gather around the smoking ruins. That day we met in Shapinsky’s Saw Mill. After a powerful sermon by the Reverend John F. Baird, it was decided to rebuild. Six hundred dollars was pledged that day.

The Presbyterian Board furnished two hundred eighty dollars to complete this second church building, while the ruins of the first were still smoking. The Reverend T.G. Bosley preached the dedicatory sermon on May, 1888.

On March 25, 1901, a meeting was called to pass resolutions regarding other denominations using our church building for anything but divine worship. It was agreed that the church building should not be used for entertainment, except by sanction of a majority of the session. A resolution was passed that the Methodist Brethren meet an equal share of the necessary expense of running the church, such as fuel, light, repair and insurance on the building and pay half the janitor’s fee, so long as they also occupied the house for divine worship.

At the fall meeting of the New Albany Presbytery at Hanover, Indiana, September 19, 1905, a petition was presented from the Nabb congregation for the organization of a Presbyterian Church. The Reverend George Knox, Synodical missionary, was invited to preach the opening sermon from John 11:44: “And Lazarus came — bound up in the grave-cloth, his face muffled in a head swath. Jesus told them, “unwrap him and let him go!” After the sermon, letters were called for by the chairman, Forty four letters of transfer were presented from the Lexington Church. After being affiliated with the Lexington Church for eighteen years, we became the Nabb Presbyterian Church.

For our l00th anniversary in 1985, we celebrated with festivities and with the printing of a book on the Nabb Presbyterian Church and our community. Over 150 persons attended this celebration, including several members of the Gray family, whose ancestors had donated the original land.

Beginning in 1982, bulletins have been printed for each week’s service and in 1984, Steve and Jeannie Carlisle began printing bi-monthly newsletters. Whether members or not, people have had very favorable comments about our newsletters.

For many years we prepared whole hog sausage suppers, which were attended by the surrounding community: We also have a breakfast following the traditional Easter Sunrise Service and our Breakfast-in-the-Woods service begun in 1984, at the creekside home of Marvin and Beverly Maxwell, has been quite a success. This service is held on the second Sunday in September with a hearty breakfast, followed by worship and communion. Our first walk-a-thon began in 1990, with several persons walking from the church to the Maxwell home, approximately 3.5 miles. Money raised from this walk is used for charitable purposes.

In 1986, we began sponsoring a missionary family Yusuf and Connie Kimberlin Hermon in their work in Malang, Indonesia. Yusuf teaches in an Indonesian Seminary, preaches in churches and is there for the people, twenty four hours a day. Connie is a native of Lexington, Indiana. We are proud to help our own.

Dawn Carder is our student pastor, and our first woman pastor. She has been well received by the congregation and the community. We feel blessed to have her. Our hopes, dreams and prayers are that our little country church can grow and live on for many years.

Roll of Pastors

George Ernest 1886
F.M. Gilchrist 1887
James Gilchrist 1887-89
J.M. Montgomery 1889
T.G. Bosley 1890-92
W.C. Broady 1892-00
D.B. Whinster 1901-03
Trigg Thomas 1903-04
W.D. Malcom 1904-07
E.O. Fry 1908-09
Rice 1909-11
Ramsey 1911
McCarrol 1911-12
Crockett 1912
George J. Donnell 1913-17
Alozo Yates 1920-26
William Smiley 1927-30
John S. Yelton 1930-31
Merl H. Kennedy 1931-33
W.W. Logan 1934-36
Lester Sourheide 1936-38
George Conner 1938-40
Wm. Stephenson 1940-41
Robert T. Wilson 1941-44
Arnold O. Schnaap 1944-46
Donald Morse 1946-49
John H. Dunstan 1949-51
Charles Pattison 1951-55
J.B. SoRelle 1955-56
David MacDonna 1956-57
Gale Dunham 1957-60
Leif Erickson 1960-63
Louis F. Zelle 1963-67
Albert Matthew 1967
Gail Goodwin 1973-75
J. Mark Robinson 1975-89
Kerry Bean 1989-90
Dawn Carder 1990-

MOUNT TABOR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
918 Mount Tabor Road, New Albany
Organized 1914

Geographically Mount Tabor Church lies in a most historic location, located in Clark’s Grant, that portion of land which was given to George Rogers Clark and his men for their service in the War of Independence. It also is within a quarter mile of the Buffalo Trace, that route between the Falls of the Ohio and Vincennes, the territorial capital.

In 1813, the Scriber brothers founded the community of New Albany and in 1818, a Presbyterian Church was established with the Reverend Isaac Reed as pastor. In 1832, the Reverend S.K. Snead became pastor, and began holding services in homes in the Mount Tabor neighborhood. By 1836, a committee from First Presbyterian Church purchased three acres of land for $60 and by 1843 another acre had been acquired for $30. This plot was set apart as a campground and solemnly named Mount Tabor in commemoration of the place where our Savior was transfigured. Camp meetings were held here annually until 1843. Because of the crude construction erected to protect people from the elements, they were sometimes called Brush-Arbor meetings. Many persons were converted at these meetings and joined the churches of the city. Dr. Lyman Beecher, Dr. Henry Little, and the Reverend J.M. Dickey, plus others preached here. People came on horseback and by covered wagon from as far away as one hundred miles for meetings which often lasted several days. A building was constructed in 1838, which served as a school during the week and a meeting house on Sundays. This was one of the four earliest schools in Floyd County.

The histories of the First, Second Third and Mount Tabor Presbyterian Churches are so intermingled as to be virtually inseparable. In 1837, the Second Presbyterian Church was formed, In November of 1840, by order of the Presbytery of Salem, thirty nine members were set off from the Second Church to be organized into Mount Tabor, and by 1853, the Third Presbyterian Church was formed.

During the years 1853-61, the Reverend Dr. Charles Hutchinson preached intermittently at Mount Tabor, traveling much of the time on foot. He held evangelistic services, which resulted in many conversions. In 1869, the old church was renovated, but the school was discontinued. For the next twenty years, the work of the Lord was in the hands of lay people. Foremost among these was James Hains, a prominent banker in New Albany and a member of Third Presbyterian. A new church building was constructed in 1893, by Jacob and Oliver Emery, from the plans of architect, Thomas Gifford at the cost of $2,165.

Mount Tabor was reorganized on December 13, 1914. Services have been continuous since that time. The Reverend J. McCarroll became the reorganizing pastor. His annual salary was $740.

The office of deaconess was created in 1916, with four women chosen. Even though the 1920 session records show, “all financial obligations are met,” finances were never really adequate during this time.

Since our beginnings we have continued to grow in numbers and improve our church facilities. During Mr. Barnett’s tenure, an addition was was built across the north side of the church and a furnace installed. Records also note the first account of “auto parking” in 1924.

The Reverend W.R. Jacoby accomplished much in his pastorate during the Great Depression. A dispute that had been hanging over the church like a dark cloud was resolved on September 28, 1932. On a happier note, electricity replace oil lamps in the mid 30’s in the manse and church. The status of pastor was changed from stated supply to full time pastor in 1934.

The Reverend A.E. Bailey perhaps endeared himself to more people than most pastors. A full basement was built under the existing church by members and friends during his first term. Membership increased greatly and by 1946, Session decided we could pay the pastor’s salary without help from the National Missions. Mount Tabor sustained a great loss when the Reverend Bailey died on May 12, 1952.

During the 1950’s under the tenure of the Reverend Arthur Depew, we purchased an additional six acres across the road from the cemetery, installed an organ in honor of the Reverend A.E. Bailey, built a new manse and completed an educational building which was dedicated in 1958. A special note of thanks is given to Dr. Welsh, Dr. L.C. Rudolph, and Dr. Mueller, who were special friends to this church during the crucial expansion years. Each used his special gifts to help us, and to them we owe a debt of gratitude.

When the Reverend David Downton was called in 1974, a goal-setting program focused on the need for a new sanctuary. With Don Baldwin as architect, Shepherd and Rogers as builders and at a cost of approximately $170,000, ground was broken on April 2, the cornerstone laid on November 26, 1978, and the dedication was held July 8, 1979.

Today our people carry on the tradition of service to the community and to higher governing church bodies. Mrs. Sylvan (Maxine) Payne was elected Moderator of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley in 1982, and Draper Ledford was commissioned a lay minister in 1985. In June, 1988, we celebrated one hundred fifty years of Christian service, with the Reverend L.C. Rudolph giving the sermon.

In 1989 the congregation called the Reverend Dr. John Nichols (Nikk) Adams as stated supply and shortly thereafter as pastor. It is with faith in God’s providence that we look to the future with hope, as we seek to praise His name and to show forth His love.

Roll of Pastors

Samuel Snead 1832
Charles Hutchinson 1853
James Haines 1869
Charles Kiracofe 1907
J. McCarroll 1914
Ira Holt 1918
David Barnett 1923-28
E.P. Downey 1928
Newland 1928
W.R. Jacoby 1930-36
Horn 1936
A.E. Bailey 1937-44; 1943-52
Arthur Depew 1952-54
John Hart 1955-61
David Downton 1974-89
John Nichols Adams 1989-

ST. JOHN UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
13th and Elm Streets, New Albany
Organized 1817

The first settler, the first family and the first Church in New Albany were Presbyterians. New Albany was founded in March of 1812, by the Scribner brothers. As soon as they had shelter, the church and school were formed.

On February 16, 1816, the Reverend James McGready, a Scots-Irishman from Pennsylvania, commissioned by the General Assembly to do mission work and found churches in the Territory of Indiana, founded the Union Church of New Albany and Jeffersonville, enrolling eight members. In a short time though, all members living in Jeffersonville had left the area. On December 17, 1817, at a meeting moderated by the Reverend C.D. Banks, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Louisville, it was “Resolved” that as all the present members reside in New Albany, the Union Church shall be known as the First Presbyterian Church of New Albany.

As the years passed, the Reverend Samuel Snead was installed as pastor and the church grew from 131 to 174 members. It is recorded that his opinions, “Respecting the management of the church and the regulation of the private and social lives of its members were such as not all could coincide. The result of this spirit of censure and undo severity in dealing with members was a divided church. On November 24, 1837, 103 members of First Presbyterian, formed a new church known as Second Presbyterian.

By the early 1850’s on application of the pastor and session of Second Church, a committee was appointed by Presbytery to organize a new church within the bounds of said congregation, so on October 31, 1853, 24 members of Second Church offered themselves to form Third Church. Charles Hutchinson working as a Home Missionary in Edinburgh, Indiana was called as pastor. He served Third Church for the next 47 years, from 1853 to 1900, then became Pastor-Emerituis and was given use of the manse for the remainder of his life.

Second Presbyterian Church moved to 13th and Elm Streets, the present location of St. John United, on December 14, 1890. Mr. William Conner and Mr. Jesse Brown built the manse and donated it to the congregation. Mr. Jesse Brown, a deacon for 56 years, left an Endowment of $5,000 to the congregation, $2,000 to the Bible School and $1,000 to the Women’s Missionary Society, and he and Mrs. Brown willed $142,000 (the Brown Trust Fund) to the Presbytery of New Albany, the increment on which is to be used in Home Mission Work now in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley.

Built to meet the demands of an era of great expansion, Second and Third Churches were serving the same field after expansion had passed, so on July 30, 1917, the two churches merged. This new church was housed in the Second Church building, and was renamed in honor of Dr. Charles Hutchinson, beloved pastor of Third Church for fifty years.

The dream of the Reverend Donald V. Morse, of merging First with Hutchinson Memorial Churches was realized in 1969, under the leadership of the Reverend John Thomas Holmes. This new church, using the building at 13th and Elm Streets, chose the name, “St. John — That we may All Be One.”

Extensive remodeling was completed in 1973, and the Reverend William G. Benninger was called as pastor. Under his capable and caring leadership, the debt for remodeling was soon liquidated and new members added to our church family. As we continued to grow, we were able to call an Associate Pastor, the Reverend C. David Cliburn. Mr. Cliburn has since been called to our sister church in Corydon. Most recently when Mr. Benninger retired, we did call the Reverend David Nelson Roth. We anticipate continued Christian stewardship under his leadership.

Roll of Pastors 1888-1991

David VanDyke 1888-94
Allen D. Carlile 1894-98
H.A. Hymes 1898-07
John P. Moffat 1907-11
John R. Voris 1911-?
F.W. Thompson ?-1917
T.B. Terhune 1917-40
James D. Martin 1941-52
Donald V. Morse 1953-66
John T. Holmes 1967-72
Wm. G. Benninger 1973-89
M. Chamberlain 1989-90
David N. Roth 1990-

A Brief Sketch of the New Albany Presbyterian Churches

First Presbyterian Church, 216 Bank Street, had its beginnings as the Union Church of New Albany and Jeffersonville, organized on February 16, 1816; reorganized and renamed First Presbyterian Church of New Albany on December 17, 1817, because the Jeffersonville members withdrew. The building in the style of the Norman of the twelve century was dedicated in the spring of 1854, with the spire and bell added in 1869. This building was gutted by fire on February 2, 1898, and nothing remained except the bare walls. The bell, which weighed 3,100 pounds, fell through the vestibule and shattered. Another bell was found at the Mission Chapel on Lower Main Street. This smaller bell, along with fragments from the original bell were shipped to Cincinnati and a new bell was cast. The building was restored in 1899, exactly as it had been before the fire, with the exception of the spire. This building was razed on April 8,1975.

Second Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street was established on November 24, 1937, by 103 members of First Church. The building was dedicated on August 1, 1852, and was sold in 1889, to the East Fourth Street Baptist Church. It is presently owned by the Second Baptist Church, and has long been known as the “Town Clock Church”, because of a large four-faced clock on the cupola. Because of rapid city expansion, from 1890 to 1917, Second was located at East Thirteenth and Elm Streets. Second and Third Presbyterian Churches united to become Hutchinson Presbyterian July 30, 1917.

Third Presbyterian Church, East Ninth and Spring Streets. This congregation was organized on October 31,1853, with 24 volunteers from the Second Church. They met in a small house of worship on October 31, 1853, with 24 volunteers from Second Church. The church building dedicated on February 2, 1868, was sold to the First Baptist Church in 1919.

Mount Tabor Presbyterian Church, 918 Mt. Tabor Road. Camp meetings or Arbor Brush meetings were held where Mount Tabor now stands. In 1840, thirty nine members from Second Church organized the church at Mount Tabor.

(Most of this history was compiled by Mrs. Homer (Alice) Peters, a respected presbyter and a member of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, Board of Trustees, with the able assistance of Beatrice Bryant.)

TRINITY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
West & Poplar Streets, New Washington
Organized 1833

Trinity United Presbyterian Church is a merger of three congregations — New Washington, Mount Vernon (New Market), and Owen Creek. Although we merged most recently in 1968, our history extends to the New Market Church organized in 1833, by the Reverend Leander Cobb and the Reverend John Dickey. The Owen Creek Church, organized by the Reverend James Wood and the Reverend William McKillen, dates to 1840, and the New Washington Church was organized in 1837, at the time of the “Old School-New School” split in the Presbyterian denomination. We still have some of the original records of Pisgah and New Washington, some of them in Mr. Dickey’s handwriting.

In the early 1800’s there was a great shift of population from the southern states to territory of the west. Many able and ardent pastors of the Presbyterian faith came from Kentucky, where there was a stronghold of Calvinistic believers. The Reverend James McGready was one of the earliest to come to the area we know as New Washington. Session records of Old Pisgah show, “The Pisgah Church of Clark County was constituted February 27, 1816, by the Reverend James McCready with 15 members.” The Bethlehem Church as well as New Washington had its beginnings in Old Pisgah, with the same roots and history until 1837.

The Pisgah church records of 1817, show the following members in communion were John and Nancy Rodgers, John and Catherine Henderson, Thomas and Hanna Rodgers, Alexander and Jenny Walker, Samnuel and Patsy Rogers, William and Eleanor Henderson, John and Ann Tilford, Jane Tilford, James Robeson, Susannah Roberts, Polly Ogle, Polly Provine, and James Robeson. Many of these families had also come from Kentucky. The first elders were Alexander Walker, Thomas Rogers and John Henderson. Pisgah however, remained vacant until 1819, when the Reverend John M. Dickey was installed as pastor, and is reported to be the first installation which took place in the state of Indiana.

Mr. Dickey was a strong prohibitionist, an able debater, an anti-slavery man, and an ardent servant of God, who left his influence in this community. His wife, Margaret Steele Dickey is also remembered as contributing not only to his success, but also in leaving her footprints in the sands of time. It is small wonder that his children grew up to become outstanding citizens, and that John M. Dickey is called the father of the Presbyterian Church in Indiana. In New Washington, we feel honored that this good man expressed a desire to be buried on the Jacob Dickey farm in this township.

In 1823, the Pisgah session met for the purpose of making plans to build a church. It was decided to erect a brick building, near the spot which was later known as the Britain School House, on the northeast quarter section in Washington Township. Several years passed before the 40 by 50 foot building was ready for use, because money was scarce and the congregation was small. People of that time lived on what they could raise on their land, by barter and by hunting.

Things went well with the Pisgah congregation until 1838, when as a result of the denomination split into what is now known as the “Old School and New School” beliefs, this difference of opinion resulted in the congregation dividing, with about one third of our members being “Old School” and two thirds being “New School”.

The “Old School” secured the services of the Reverend James A. McKee as pastor and built a church at New Washington in 1841. The Old Pisgah Church building had become “much cracked that, it was considered dangerous, and was torn down.” The “New School” congregation also built a church and a seminary building in New Washington, with the upper floor being used as a school. This building was used for many years, until the public schools were begun. The building was sold to the township and was used for school purposes. Mr. Dickey served this church until his death in 1849. The building stood where the Masonic Lodge stands today. The “Old School” Church stood where the new cemetery is today. Records show in 1844, that the “Old School” congregation asked Presbytery for the privilege of changing their name to the New Washington Presbyterian Church, and that this request was granted.

Another woman who made her influence felt in this community was Sophronia Crosby McKee, wife of James A. McKee. Mrs. McKee was an educational missionary, who opened a school for young ladies in her home. Tradition tells that twenty of her students became missionaries.

The end of the Civil War brought about peace and union of the Old School and New School in the denomination in 1869. Likewise it healed in this community in 1870, when the two groups reunited and continued so until 1901, when the members living in Bethlehem petitioned Presbytery for a separate organization, “because they were strong enough to stand alone and church growth and conditions favored a separate organization.” This petition was also granted.

We used the same church and location in New Washington until 1916, when a new building was erected, under the guidance of Robert Plaskett, an early architect of this community. We prospered and grew in membership over the next years.

In 1944, we began using student ministers who worked hard, but would leave after their school term ended, so in 1959 we decided to call an ordained minister. A manse was built and the Reverend Charles Bushnell was called. Two hard working seminary students, Douglas Barnes and John Wysinger followed Mr. Bushnell and should be mentioned as contributing to the progress there.

With the 1968 merger of Owens Creek, New Market and New Washington, came new possibilities. Owen Creek, an open-country church to the southeast, and New Market, in a tiny settlement to the west, had limited facilities and were facing declining memberships. New Washington, the largest of the three, had also seldom been able to keep ordained leadership. Since the New Washington building was the largest, even though it had some major drawbacks, New Washington was the school center of the area, and the logical step was to locate our new congregation there.

The new church facility remained a dream until the Reverend Chalmers Goshorn was called in 1977, immediately working to lead the congregation in a building program. Our church was completed and paid for nine years later. It stands across Poplar Street from the old church, and on the south edge of the school property.

Roll of Pastors — Pisgah 1819-61

John Dickey
John Cunningham
John F. Crowe
W. Matthews
David Lattimore
James A. McKee
S. Kelsev
Josiah Crawford
T.S. Crow
J. Crawford

Roll of Pastors — Pisgah/New Washington Churches 1878-97

C.E. Walker
Henry Little
Josiah Crawford
F.M. Gilchrist
George Ernest
J.M. Montgomery
T. Nield
W.B. Brown
J.M. Oldfather

Roll of Pastors & Students — After Old/New School Reunion 1909-62

M.L. Rice
Lennox Crockert
McCarroll
C.J. Donnell
A. Yates
W.W. Logan
J.E. Hollis
George Conner
Pat McLary
C.M. Hanna
David Schulherr
Walter Bader
C.D. Van Horn
A.H. Trickey
J.V. Roth
Alfred Nead
Robert Camenisch
Ralph Parvin
James Kren
David Nawyn
George Barker
James H. Brown
Robert Bullard, Jr.
Perry Robison
Charles Bushnell
John Wysinger

Roll of Pastors — New Market 1837-1968

W.D. Malcolm
Excel Fry
Rice
Thomas Todd
B.C. Stuart
Alonzo Yates
William Smiley
Jesse Young
Byrd
Thomas Schafer
William Bobo
Stanley Meckel
Elbert Smith
Alden Trickey
John Dunstan
Samuel Fudge
Robert Johnson
Charles Brown
Paul Bingham
Roy McCormick
Duane Aslyn

Roll of Pastors & Students — Owen Creek 1840-1968

Samuel Orr
Josiah Crawford
H.H. Cambern
Josiah Crawford
W.E.B. Harris
William A. Cutler
W.B. Brown
J.M. Oldfather
D.N. Shotwell
Herbert C. Taska
C.M. Baker
A.C. Wildman
M. Peterson
Charles Murwin
Raymond Wilson
B.C. McClean
C. Coolission
Jesse Young
George Conner
C.M. Filer
William Bobo
Ralph Parvin
James Westbrook
Alfred Nead
John C. Matthews
Clyde Miller
John Hunt
Frank Smith
Richard Mobayed
Maurice Hibbard
Lyle D. Stone
John Wysinger

Roll of Pastors — Trinity United

James C. McPherson 1968
Chalmers H. Goshorn, III 1977-78
Myron L. Ketron 1980-86
Arthur C. Tennies 1987-

NEWBURGH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
P.O. Box 1, Newburgh
Organized, 1840

To understand the history of the Newburgh Presbyterian Church, one must go back to the time when religious groups in Indiana were required, by statute to identify themselves as societies. Our group was formed as the New Hope Society, and it embraced the southern Indiana counties of Warrick and Spencer, and of course, the pioneer village of Newburgh, which had been founded in 1803. Preaching was supplied by “circuit rider” pastors, who made their rounds holding worship in homes, store buildings and under the shelter of the trees in nice weather.

The existing society was subdivided in 1840, and a new society was formed in Newburgh. It was the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the first such church in Indiana, north of the Ohio River. Mrs. A.M. Phelps assisted by 27 other people founded this group. The first elders were Israel Hemenway and William Underwood. The Reverend Benjamin Hall was installed as its first resident minister with twenty seven other ministers to follow.

In 1840, the first frame house of worship was built by Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Phelps with the helping hands of Pastor Hall, on the north side of Jennings Street, between State and Monroe. Pastor Hall was minister for 22 years. At the time of his departure in 1863, there were 180 communicants, a well-attended prayer meeting, a thriving Sunday School and a Bible class for adults.

By 1894, we had grown sufficiently to warrant a new, more substantial structure, centrally located at State and Main Streets, where it would remain a Presbyterian house of worship for 125 years. This first building was a one story brick, with the second story added in 1851. The sanctuary was located on the second floor, with the first floor being used by the Delaney Academy as well as other activities. The Delaney Academy was an institution of learning, commissioned by Indiana Presbytery in 1842. The purpose of Delaney Academy was to train young men for the ministry. Our building was dedicated in 1853, as was noted in the Warrick County Democrat, “the Church is a good, substantial edifice, two stories high, is conveniently arranged, and finished in a neat appropriate style … cost $4,000, mostly paid.”

During the Civil War, the church’s bell tower became a signal tower, with the bell being rung to call the home guard when there was danger of Rebel attack.

After twenty five years, the Reverend Hall tendered his resignation. His long tenure was not a practice with the next twenty five pastors, until 1935, with the installation of the Reverend S. Forrest Stitt.

In the fall of 1876, by action of the Indiana Presbytery, the Townsend Congregation, a branch of the Newburgh Church was dissolved with its members being asked to transfer to Newburgh. The Townsend Congregation Church building continued to be a meeting house for the members in this area.

To look after the sick, in 1888, we elected five women of the congregation known as Deaconesses. These women were Tillie Lewis, Ollie Gillet, Mattie Poor, Fannie Johnson and Fannie Garwood.

About this same time, a building committee was appointed to build a new manse. The site chosen was on a hill on West Main Street, overlooking the Ohio River. The first pastor to live in this home was Dr. J.D. Gold. This manse is still in use today.

The 1920’s was a time when the Church took notice that its eighty year old building was showing signs of wear and age. The congregation “sought forgiveness of the Lord and asked for a mind to rebuild, and not forget the inheritance left by our forefathers and the multitude of blessings bestowed upon us.” The renovated building was rededicated in 1927.

Flooding occurred in southern Indiana in 1937, so that the Presbyterian Church again became a centerpiece in the town. Martial Law was declared, and the National Guard detachment of the 150th Field Artillery was stationed in our church.

In 1941, we added a stage to the Sunday School room, which still serves as a platform from which the Newburgh Town Board conducts public meetings.

Mr. Stitt filled the pulpit until 1958, when the Reverend Roland L. Westervelt was installed as pastor. Shortly thereafter we were offered a plot of ground on which a new church building could be built. This ground was part of the 115 acres owned by the Board of Pensions and on which the Thorton Home was located. The Thornton Home was a retirement facility for Presbyterian ministers, missionaries, wives, and widows. We had a choice of two building sites. The one chosen is on a cliff which overlooks the Ohio River, and by the spring of 1966, the new building was ready to be occupied. On May 15, 1966, the congregation worshipped in the old church for the last time. It was an emotional time for many.

In January, 1972, the Reverend Benjamin G. Lenhart was installed as pastor. Since this time we have expanded to the north, the west and the south, added parking areas and remodeled the kitchen. The Florence Britzius addition was named for a lifelong member of our church.

In the year 1983, following a denominational merger, we became Newburgh Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Most recently we have called the Reverend Laurette Hurd Hill as Associate Pastor.

We continue to grow and to serve in this community as we have for the past century and a half. Our church hosts a preschool, a polling place during elections, and a meeting place for many civic activities and service organizations.

Roll of Pastors

Benjamin Hall 1841-63
A. Freeman 1862-65
Carl Moore 1865-66
T.R. Lester 1868-69
J.E. Bates 1869-70
J.R.P. Lemmon 1872-74
L.L. Lorimor 1874-78
J.B. Self 1878-80
G.N. Wall 1881-84
M.L. Galloway 1884-87
H.F. Smith 1887-91
G.A. Wilson 1892-93
J.D. Gold 1893-97
W.E. Olmstead 1897-99
J.T. Moody 1899-03
C.W. Estes 1903-05
W.V. McAdoo 1906-09
J.G. Wozencroft 1909-10
G.A. Williams 1915-17
M.E. Prather 1919-21
W.B. Strong 1922-23
J.B. Hoskins 1923-24
G.W. Sprague 1925-27
Ray Kresensky 1927-29
Will Amis 1931-34
S.F. Stitt 1935-56
R. Westervelt 1958-71
Benjamin Lenhart 1972-

These men working all alone in this house of wood and stone, could not have kept alive this little church, though toiling hard with tears. But women, too, and men whose names are not recorded here, have kept this church a living force through out its years.

NORTH VERNON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
104 E. Chestnut, North Vernon
Organized 1870

In 1870, there were several churches in North Vernon. There were Methodist, Baptist, Universalist, Lutheran, and Catholic, but for people who leaned toward the Presbyterian form of worship, we had to go to the neighboring town of Vernon for worship.

Our church’s organization began when certain interested petitioners requested the Presbytery of New Albany to consider chartering a church in this town. In response to this petition, on August 24, 1870, Dr. D.D. McKee with elders James Burt and Joel Amick were appointed as a committee to consider whether a church organization could be right and proper for North Vernon.

The committee met with the petitioners at the Methodist Church on September 11, 1870, with the outcome being a constituted Presbyterian Church in North Vernon. The sermon was delivered by the Reverend D.D. McKee. Joel Amick was a member and one of the founding families of the Scipio Presbyterian Church. Charter members of the new North Vernon Presbyterian Church included: William D. Evans, Susan Alley, Henrietta Babb, Ann Kirkland, John Babb, Amanda Evans, Ellen McCarnan, Jane Fall, Alanson and Mariam Andrews, K. Andrews and Munson Andrews. Following the ceremony, Alanson Andrews an elder from the Vernon Church was elected elder of the North Vernon Church.

Being ecumenically minded, on October 23, 1870, a meeting was held at the Lutheran (German Reformed) Church for the purpose of elected church officers. With the Reverend James McKee as Moderator, E. Babb was elected secretary. Then we elected William Evans, John Babb and Frederick Conwere as Trustees and Vestrymen. A committee of John McCarnan and Albert M. Andrews was formed to settle the financial account with the Methodists for use of their facilities and to make arrangements with the Lutherans for the use of their house of worship.

On November 19, 1870, the session met to receive letters of transfer from 10 persons: Allen A. Charltown, M. Louisa McRee, James Creighton, Louise Fowler, John McCarnan, Sarah Norris, Florence Fowler, Catherine Creighton, Fanny Fowler and Elizabeth Nobel. And on Sunday November 20th, Elizabeth Noble was baptized and Edward Noble was received by Confession of Faith. After receiving the new members, the congregation celebrated their first Sacrament of Holy Communion as a new church family.

According to historical documents, two announcements appeared in the local paper. On January 12, 1871, it was noted that the Presbyterians would hold services in the afternoon, immediately following Sunday School on alternate Sundays. Then on January 26, 1871, the same paper announced that the Reverend James A. McKee, Pastor, will preach at the Lutheran Church every “Sabbath at 10:45 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. alternately for Presbyterians.

In March of 1871, Mr. McKee planned a one week series of revival meetings. These were so well accepted that they continued for two additional weeks. It was also during that time that we selected the present site for our proposed church building. The next month, we circulated a petition for subscriptions toward this building. The local newspaper indicated that because of their small numbers, “it was hoped that friends would also pledge monies for this new church.” By May, 1871, enough money and pledges had been received that plans and specifications for the new building were available for viewing by prospective contractors. Records show that worship services were now held on alternate Sabbaths, mornings as well as evenings.

The cornerstone was laid July 3, 1871, in a ceremony led by the Reverends J.A. McKee and J .M. McCree, both Presbyterians, with assistance from E.H. Wood (Methodist), and W.H. Wittenweiler (Lutheran). Construction progressed through the year and in December, the women held a festival to raise money to furnish the sanctuary. We grew and we became a supporting part of the community.

A controversy arose in 1904, when Ed Williams was elected moderator of a meeting held to raise $180 back salary owed to the Reverend Dr. W.C. Goodlove. Mrs. Kutchback, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Dixon were appointed to raise the money. Two week later at a congregational meeting, $450 was to be solicited to pay Dr. Goodlove until May, 11th, then to dissolve the relationship. The committee came up $42.50 short for paying Goodlove and was subscribed to by Mr. Nauer. For the sake of harmony, Goodlove sent a letter terminating his service. A committee was sent from the Bedford Presbytery to investigate the situation concerning the pastor.

Despite some conflict, from 1905, we continued to grow to a peak of 126. We stayed strong with well over 100 members, despite a constant turnover of leadership for the next 30 years. During the Great Depression, the North Vernon Church was strong enough to assist their financially depressed sister church at Graham.

In the early 1950’s the membership started a slow decline with numbers dropping to 70, then under the leadership of the Reverend Gonzalez, we grew again to the church’s greatest membership of 210 in 1965.

In the past few years we have been the teachers of soon-to-be pastors as they learn to provide leadership as our student pastors. As a congregation, we have always been a leader in this community. We have cared for the needy with food baskets, clothing and blankets, and cash offerings at home and in foreign lands. We have invited and supplied transportation to residents at Muscatatuck Hospital, and actively participated in the local Council of Churches. We work toward internal harmony and work to constantly fulfill the church’s mission at home and abroad.

Roll of Pastors

D.D. McKee 1870
James A. McKee 1870
J. Clark Burt 1875
J.L. Henning 1882-84
T.W. McCoy 1884
James H. Reed 1884
F.M. Gilchrist 1887
C.C. Shirey 1891
J.N. Oldfather 1892
J.N. McRea 1892
J.F. Baird 1896
Brodie 1897
W.C. Goodloe 1901-04
A.G. Yount 1905-06
W.D. Malcolm 1907-09
A.M. Irvine 1909-16
Ralph Carson 1917-18
W.V. Guerraut 1917-18
W.D. Cole 1918-21
E.V. Rule 1934-43
Merl H. Kennedy 1934-39
Albert L. Tull 1940-51
Frank Baker 1947
Alfred H. Nead 1952-54
Alonza Alexander 1955-60
Thomas Gonzalez 1960
H.N. Frederick 1969
Melvin A. Strain 1969-73
Walter Harmon 1974-79
Mark Strothman 1980
Shelly Cochran 1980-85
Jeffrey Kisner 1986-89
Gregory Moore 1989-91

GRAHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Route #2 North Vernon
Organized 1817

In the early years of 1800, a few sturdy pioneers who came to Indiana from the Virginias, the Carolinas, Kentucky and Tennessee, felt the need for a place to worship. The log house built for worship was almost on the same ground occupied by the present church, Graham’s Fork in Jenning County. By agreement and under the leadership of Nathan B. Derrow, a missionary from Connecticut, we were called Concord. By 1817, the seventeen charter members were: George and Jane Shilliday, Robert Watson, James McCartney, John Miller, John Lattimore, Thomas, Samuel, Mary and Esther Graham, Elizabeth Ann and Jane Watson. Early records show that on August 29, 1818, eight more members were added including Thomas and Polly Graham, George and Nancy Thompson, Chapman Denslou, Elisha and Hanah Thompson and Alanson Andrews. Our first elders were John Lattimore and Thomas Graham.

A petition presented to Presbytery in the fall of 1832, ordered that the church be divided. Members living south of Bear Creek were constituted a new church at Paris Crossing, and members living north of Bear Creek were to remain members of Graham, with the parent church called Graham Presbyterian Church and having 35 members. Nathan Demon was organizing pastor, followed by pastors John Parsons, Grey, Crow, Blythe, Cunningham, David Lattimore, G.B. Bishop and William Bell.

David Lattimore, son of Elder John Lattimore, was called to serve and remained almost 20 years. It was during his ministry in 1851, that the present church building was erected.

In 1857, fourteen members were dismissed by letter to organize a church at Dupont, Indiana, and over the next several years, membership dwindled, with only one elder, John Lattimore remaining, and with no ability to support a pastor. Still there remained a few faithful ones, who continued working and praying. In the spring of 1868, a series of meetings was held by J.O. McKennhan and C.K. Thompson, assisted by the Reverend D.D. McKee, during which there was a spiritual awakening and many were added to the church’s rolls. Again in 1881, when evangelist Walter O. Lattimore, the grandson of Elder John Lattimore, visited the church, many young people were added and became devout workers and ministers of the gospel.

The church was repaired and a belfry added in 1903.

In our first 100 years, 26 ministers had served the church, and twelve ministers have been proud to point to Graham Church as the place dear to their hearts, because of instructions received or because they are descended from families who were members here. Four of these ministers are descendants of Elder John Lattimore — two sons, one grandson and one great grandson. Roger Simpson, a member and also a direct descendant of Elder Lattimore, and his wife Jane, were ordained and commissioned to serve as missionaries to Japan in 1950.

Unfortunately on August 22, 1936 our church building was destroyed by fire. The building was insured for $2,500. With that sum, the additional pledges that were made, and donated material and labor, the first service in our new Graham Church was dedicated, on August 9, 1938, debt free with the exception of a $500 loan from the Board of National Missions. We burned the mortgage on October 3, 1943. For many years we didn’t have water in our church, but carried it there in milk cans. Through the years we have repaired and renovated several areas of the church building by adding new cabinets in the basement, restrooms, carpet, storm windows, a cross in the sanctuary, and a pastor’s study.

From 1952 to 1972, several students served this church including: Bill Cleghorn, Austin Van Pelt, Tim Bowman, Arthur Tennies, Alvin Bailey, Bruce Fry, Leslie Miller, Guy Wilcox, Bob Brown, Roy Rabatin, David McClure, Robert Kennedy, Jennings Bryant, John Boyer and Bruce Scott. In 1974 the Reverend Merl Kennedy was called as pastor.

Several special things have happened to the people of Graham since 1953. The Reverend Arthur Tennies was ordained in 1956, and is remembered as one of the pastors who served as a student. Charles Graham was honored for serving 53 years as Clerk of Session and the Reverend Merl Kennedy was honored for serving fifty years as a minister of God’s work. The Graham Church women have always played an active part in the life of the Graham Church and deserve to be noted. During the early years of the church, we organized a Ladies Aid which met weekly in members’ homes and quilted to make money for our church activities and restoration. After the church burned in 1936, again the Ladies Aid met every Wednesday. Quilting was done for 2 cents per yard of thread. While we quilted, one of us would read the Scripture lesson and we would discuss it. For many years we served an annual Turkey Supper. The menu includes turkey and dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans and an assortment of salads and pies. Our dinners drew people from miles around and are still held each year.

Some of our early members recorded were Mable Davis, Myrtle Jared, Louise Layman, Geraldine, Ethel, and Bessie Scott, Nancy Mickel, Mildred, Ivan and Anna Graham, Virginia and Linda Corya, Bessie Carson, Nellie Clemmons, Iva Wainscott, Mary Simpson, Anna and Eva Carson, Ruth and Lockey James, Phoebe Carson and Ruth Corya (member since 1934 and author of this history).

After the Jefferson Proving Ground took over, and with new people moving into this area, members were added, including: Elizabeth Jones, Delia Keller, Millie Thomas, Zella Matthews and Lucille Scrudder.

Later in our history, we became known as Graham Presbyterian Women’s Association, and became a missionary group. Although we are now small in number, we still keep our pledge to Presbyterian Women and do give to other worthwhile causes. The Lord has blessed us and our organization in many ways. May we continue to be so blessed.

Additional roll of pastors and student supply pastors

Merl H. Kennedy 1972-83
Jo Ann Knight 1984-85
Arnold (Chip) Nuckles 1985
Kathleen Edmisson 1986-87
Mitch Van Metre 1987-88
Carla Libby 1988
Amanda Austin 1988-89
Mary Ellen Waycoff 1989-90
Sandra Russing 1990-91

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
West Washington & Grove Streets, Oakland City
Organized 1884

The First Presbyterian Church of Oakland City as we know it today stems from a union in 1905, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Old School Presbyterian Churches, founded in 1873. Our Cumberland Church, organized in 1850, grew and prospered until internal differences checked its growth materially and physically. Unfortunately these records from 1850 to 1905 were destroyed by fire. The Old School Presbyterian Church, organized in 1873, with six members, had no regular pastor for some time, but the Reverend David Van Dyke of Petersburg did serve and was instrumental in erecting our present building. In 1896 membership reached sixty-seven, with sixty attending Sunday School with eight teachers, a C.E. Society, Ladies Aid and Women’s Missionary Society. In 1897, several influential businessmen and their families joined our church.

In 1903 the Old School Presbyterian Church received a proposition from the Cumberland Church to become a part of First Presbyterian, bringing with them their church property, provided the church body could use their building. This proposition was rejected. Another proposition was finally accepted later that year, adding another forty seven members, bringing our membership to one hundred. On July 13, 1905 a joint meeting of the sessions from each church pledged their earnest, prayerful support together for the advancement of First Presbyterian Church of Oakland City. Three days later it was decided to establish the office of Clerk of Session, and a history of the two churches was to be compiled. Unfortunately, this was never done. Later the church suffered for lack of this information.

Records report, “on February 17, 1907, the congregation met for the first time in the new church building. This edifice is an excellent structure of brick and is very well proportioned.” Several evangelistic services were held and at each several new members were added. By 1907 the membership numbered two hundred and contributions were $10,143.04.

In 1910, Elders and Deacons were elected including George E. Burbank, who became Clerk of Session from 1929-33, and grandfather of Barbara Stuckey, present Clerk of Session and author of this article. During this same period the Ladies Sewing Circle assumed responsibility for the debt of the Manse. Finances were a problem, even though we periodically made a member canvas, many times we received assistance from the Home Missions. The idea of a large debt for the building seemed to deter our progress. This also seems to be a primary reason for the decline in membership. Even so, with the large number of influential families, we should have felt a legacy of younger families to carry on the work of the church. We were frequently without pastor leadership and morale was low until Dr. Jesse Boughton was called in the 1940’s and helped to rekindle our spirit.

Many things took place when we were a younger church and when we were younger people. There were church suppers, bazaars, evangelical meetings, and union services with other churches. We have had many marriages, baptisms and funerals.

From 1949 to 1978, Charles Barnard was Clerk of Session. He was very conscientious in reporting all of the finances and church officers, something which had been missing in our earlier records. He did not however, report the many varied social activities which took place including Sunday School, Christian Endeavor, Evangelical Meetings and Cooperative Meetings with other churches.

When Dr. Richard Beesley resigned as pastor in 1983, our friend, the Reverend John Dunstan, our Moderator also left. Due to our small congregation and limited funds, we had to very carefully choose a supply minister. After much discussion, including the possibility of uniting with one of the other Presbyterian Churches in the area, we chose Dr. Jim McDannel, Assistant President of Henderson (Ky.) College to become our stated supply.

Our present membership is very small, made up of elderly people, and perhaps in the not-so-distant future, we will have to close our church doors. This is especially sad because of the current congregation’s love for our current minister, Robert Turner. Mr. Turner lives in Vincennes, and willingly makes the eighty mile trip every Sunday. He is a thoughtful, caring young man and is a fine speaker. We still have a beautiful church and some fine people, who are devout and have developed a family-like attitude toward each other.

Roll of Pastors

Cumberland Presbyterian (1850-05)

A.J. Thomas
Nelson Loomis
Lewis Wilson
J.A. Lewis
E. Thomas
T.M. Walker
James Glezen
James Blackwell
W.C. Smith
William Wilson
O.E. Hart

Presbyterian Church (1873-05)

John Montgomery
David Van Dyke
R.E. Hawley
J.B. Logan
Jonas Smith
George Lockhart
J.B. Farrell
S.C. Bates
Frederick Brown

First Presbyterian Church of Oakland City

Frederick Brown 1905-08
J.L. Wyatt 1908
W.A. Hutchinson 1909-11
W.M. Clarke 1912-14
George C. Sprague 1916-19
A.A. Griffis 1919-21
H.E. Gabbart 1922-23
Howard Manning 1923-25
J.W. Parrish 1925-26
Ralph Colton 1928-32
William Kendall 1937-38
W.S. Martin 1944-46
Otha Clark 1946-47
Geo. C. Hitchcock 1947-55
J.S. Boughton 1955-72
Larry Edwards 1975-79
Richard Beesley 1980-83
John McDannel 1984-85
Robert Turner 1985-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
N.E. First Street, PO Box 84, Paoli
Organized 1825

“We whose names are here unto annexed having been members of some branch of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and being now destitute of the ordinance of the gospel, do agree to be constituted the Presbyterian Church of Paoli , under the care of Salem Presbytery, a component of the Synod of Kentucky, and we do hereby agree to choose our officers and be subjected to our regular constituted authorities, according to our confession of faith.”

With these words, the following charter members founded First Presbyterian Church of Paoli on September 10, 1825: David Hudelson, Nicholas and William Springer, Nancy Scott, Elizabeth Clements, Elizabeth Lynch, Sara Hudelson, Elizabeth Springer, William Goodwin, Eleanor Campbell, Levi Thornton and Elizabeth Davis.

Primarily of Scots or Scots-Irish ancestry and fundamentalists in their views, they were led by the Reverend W. W. Martin, our first pastor. David Hudelson and Nicholas Springer were elected and ordained as ruling elders. Other early members included: John H. Campbell, Dr. Shields, Joseph Potts, Mrs. Meriam, John G. Clendenin, Eliza Brown, Helen Lewis, Elder James Clemmons, John Frazer, A.J. Simpson, T.V. Thornton, Elder John Springer, Mrs. H.T. Moxley, Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Daugherty, Miss Parker, Mrs. T.N. Braxton, Mrs. Woodfolk, Miss Mary Braxton, William H. Hudelson, Mrs. Judge Pearson, Mary and Martha Daugherty, and several of the Liggett, White and Cook families.

At first church meetings were held in the old stone courthouse. Later services were conducted in the Old Methodist Church, then jointly with that congregation. After a time, the Presbyterian meetings were held in the seminary started by Father Martin to further education and to train Presbyterian ministers.

Finally in 1845 subscriptions were solicited for a Presbyterian Church building, to be built on what is now North Gospel Street, near the railroad. A contract was let to William Harmon for the sum of $750 of which $250 was to be paid in corn, wheat and potatoes.

Our little congregation grew over the years, so that finally in 1921, a new brick church was planned and erected by Abram Oscar Baker on North East First Street. Many features were removed from the former church and placed in the new building including our church bell.

One of the features added to our church is collection of the twenty two commemorative stained glass windows, representing the founding families of Paoli, who were not only pillars of this church, but also the community. These windows provide much of the color in our history:

John H. and Eleanor Campbell were among the earliest settlers in Orange County. He was active in civic affairs, a member of the Whig Party and associate judge of the county. She was a the daughter of John Reilly, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, and was a charter member of this church.

Judge Arthur J. and Mary Campbell Simpson were also early members. He was school superintendent from 1836-60, founder of the local Temperance League, and served on the building committee of the Court House. He practiced law for almost fifty years. Judge and Mrs. Simpson helped to populate Paoli with eight children. He also traveled to Philadelphia to select the bell which still calls our worshippers to service.

The Reverend William J. Frazer, son of John and Nancy Galey Frazer, did study for the ministry and also the bar in the 1870’s. Little is known about his wife, Elizabeth May Frazer.

John Frazer and Nancy Galey Frazer were also early residents. He was an engineer who surveyed Paoli (1856-60). Nancy was the second wife. They were married at Livonia Presbyterian Church by the Reverend William Martin, a beloved former pastor of Paoli.

William H. Hudelson and Elizabeth Springer Hudelson were early members of the church. William came from sturdy pioneer stock of Scots-Irish descent, who moved to Paoli when he was nine years of age. He and Elizabeth were farmers. She was a life long member and known as a true Christian lady.

Sarah J. Huddelson Bellinger was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Hudelson. They lived on North Gospel Street.

Dr. Lewis S. Bowles studied medicine in 1850 with Dr. J.C. Kelso of Livonia. Starting his practice with $25 of borrowed capital, he became one of the wealthiest and influential men in the county. Dr. Bowles was also treasurer of the first railroad in Orange County. He was a Democrat and a Mason, and married to Lizzie Andrews.

The Reverend Robert M. Dillon studied at’ Hanover College and McCormick Theological Seminary. Later he became pastor at Greencastle Presbyterian Church. His wife, Ursula (Sula) Patton Dillion, was the granddaughter of John and Nancy Frazer. They had nine children. She was a staunch church worker and Sunday School Teacher.

John R. Patton and Hannah Frazer Patton were remembered as hard working Presbyterians. She taught Sunday School for many years. Their daughter, Nannie and her husband Frank Braxtan were the parents of Louise Braxtan, another church leader, who served long and faithfully.

The Reverend James Omelvena. A native of Ireland who preached at Livonia and served as moderator of the Session at Paoli.

Henry T. Moxley is remembered as a merchant and a native of Virginia, who served on the planning committee to build the church in Paoli. He and his wife, Elizabeth Jane Campbell Moxley, lived with her parents, the John H. and Eleanor Campbells.

Thomas N. Braxtan (Braxton) began a mercantile business. He was owner of the largest sandstone mill in the state. He was also elected in 1868 to the General Assembly. His third wife Ruth Ada Vance Braxtan were actively involved in the life of their church. One of their sons, Thomas, became a physician and moved to Boise, Idaho. Another son, Francis (Frank) and his wife Nannie, were the parents of Louise Braxtan, one of the church’s first women deacons.

Charles L. Boyd, M.D. was one of the first doctors in Orange County. He also owned a drug store, located on the northwest corner of Paoli Square, married to Elulia Doak, their son, Clarence, also became a physician who practiced in West Baden. Their daughter, Ethel, married Dr. Gifford and lived in Tipton. Reportedly Elulia Doak Boyd’s father “took strong grounds in favor of abolishing slavery and participated in checking the Morgan Raid in Kentucky.”

Sarah J. Doak Colclasure, widowed during the Civil War, became known as “Aunt Sally”. She wrote poetry and a household column in a women’s magazine and was an active church worker. Anna, Mary and Ella were their daughters. They are remembered as involved in the work of the church, and for their parties. Ella was a teacher in Paoli.

Anna Frazer Lindley was the daughter of John and Nancy Frazer, who was married to Dr. Laban Lindley, a devout Quaker and a descendant of one of the first families to settle in Orange County.

Ada Frazer Throop was also the daughter of John and Nancy Frazer. Her son, Edward Leslie was active in planning our present church.

Simeon Green was a teacher in the first free school in the seminary located in Paoli. He served as Clerk of Session from 1894-03. His wife, Helen I. Collins Green was a teacher in charge of the “female department” of the seminary.

James Clements came to Paoli after the War of 1812, to farm and to raise his family. His wife, Elizabeth Garr, was one of the charter members of the church.

Addie Florence Hudelson Simpson was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Hudelson, who were charter members. She is remembered as a very dignified lady who taught the women’s Sunday School class for many years.

John R. Simpson was the son of Arthur and Mary Simpson, who served the U.S. Army with distinction and later became a lawyer. He was a prominent Democrat, an elder and served as president of the Orange County Sunday School Union.

Now you know much about our history and our people. The Reverend Carl R. (Pete) Boyer, ordained in 1959, has been our pastor for several years. We remain excited about his and our ministry in Paoli.

Roll of Pastors 1837-74

W.W. Martin 1837
John R. Martin 1837-38
Newell 1838-39
Josiah Crawford 1839-40
James Wood 1840-43
H.H. Young 1843-44
James H. Williamson
John Lyle
John McCrea
Ennis
J.J. Martin
Frances Simms
Samuel Barr
Aubee
Hart
Scammahorn 1874

Roll of Pastors 1922-91

William I. Campbell 1922-25
Thomas Cornelison 1926
Roy E. Mueller 1927-33
Jack F. Williams 1933-36
Frederic A. Parker 1936-41
Jas. Robertson 1941-44
Troy Higgins 1944-45
Robert Wasson 1948-50
Howard C. Walton, Jr.
Richard Diekon
John Prentice 1950-58
James Billman 1958-59
Clyde Myers 1960-63
Malcolm Shields 1963
Carl R. (Pete) Boyer

PATOKA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
207 Grave Street, Patoka
Organized, 1871

While the Patoka Presbyterian Church, as presently constituted, was organized on November 5, 1870, it should be known as a matter of record, that our origin is from the very first Cumberland Presbyterian Church established in the State of Indiana. That statement may be startling, but is of easy demonstration.

In August, 1817, the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church was established in a Methodist Meeting House called Shiloh. This meeting house stood on Route 56, four miles east of Hazelton and ten miles due north of Princeton, near the northern boundary line in Gibson County. The exact site is near the center of the west line of Military Donation No. 96.

Our church, called Hopewell, used both the campground and the sanctuary of the Methodist denomination. This arrangement worked well for three or four years, until a conflict in dates used, raised such a rumpus, that the Presbyterians withdrew and built a meeting house of their own about a mile south, called Mt. Zion.

Mt. Zion ministered to most of Gibson County and the northern portion of Posey County; therefore we grew in numbers and prospered. Thus matters stood until 1827, at a meeting of the Indiana Cumberland Presbyterian Presbytery meeting, the Patoka District and the Princeton District were recognized as parts of the Mt. Zion congregation and given separate attention in the way of pastoral services. The Reverends Felix Robb and Jourdan Sharp were to give full time to the Patoka District. Indiana Presbytery saw fit to dissolve the Patoka Congregation and to attach its members to the Princeton Church. That condition prevailed until 1870, when 52 members were withdrawn from Princeton to form the present Patoka Presbyterian Church.

The organization of the Patoka Cumberland Church was effected by the Reverend John E. Jenkins, pastor of the Princeton Cumberland Church in 1870. Our first pastor was the Reverend J.P. Lemon.

Carey A. Milburn, ordained an Elder in 1841, in the Princeton Church, became the first Elder in Patoka Church. He remained in active, continuous service for 41 years. Thus you can see that our church is a direct descendant of the first Cumberland Church ever organized in Indiana, as were Princeton, Fort Branch, Union Bethel, Owensville and Cynthiana — a heritage of which we are proud.

Some time in 1904, a controversy over the Union of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church U.S. arose. There is scarcely any mention of the struggle made in the session minutes, only that on March 20, 1905, Elder David W. Hull was appointed as a delegate to Presbytery, with Elder James W. Bruner as his alternate, their instructions were “to vote against the Union of the Presbyterian Church.” On March 28, 1905, we find the session minutes reading as follows: “Owing to a feeling arising among the members of the congregation over the question of the Union of the Presbyterian Churches, Elder Hull and Elder Bruner to the Presbytery at Evansville, resigned as such. After considerable discussion of the question of Union, the session elected Bruner as delegate and elder Witherspoon as alternate, to represent the church at Presbytery at Evansville, UNINSTRUCTED how to vote on the question of Union.” There is no further mention of the matter. We are left in the dark as to how the delegate voted, or as to the decision of Presbytery. The church continued to carry on under the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination until mention is made on April 8, 1910 of the organization of the Patoka Presbyterian Church.

At the first meeting as a Presbyterian body William B. Bingham and Robert P. Lockhart were elected Trustees, John P. Devin and David W. Hull were elected Elders and Cliff Brazelton and Herbert Milburn were elected Deacons.

Our history shows in 1916, the Reverend J.C. McClung was elected as pastor for $440 annually for half time service. Unfortunately there are no session records from 1930 to 1946, except for dismissals. During this period, no worship services were held, but Sunday School and the Ladies Aid Society did thrive. At long last in 1946, a congregational meeting was held and worship services were revived, but no minister was available other than pulpit supply.

A very sad day on November 29, 1977, when at a congregational meeting a vote was taken to dissolve the church. After two votes and the same outcome, an evenly split vote, the doors remained opened. Since that time, with God’s Blessings, we have prospered. We have installed new carpeting, purchased new hymnals, and with the help of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley and its Brown Trust Fund, a new Fellowship Hall has been built. This Fellowship Hall, completed in 1982, was undertaken by a committee of the church members, Amish builders and community volunteers. Our Fellowship Hall has 3 classrooms, fully equipped kitchen and a large fellowship and recreation area. Several organizations in Patoka use our hall for meetings and suppers, so the good work is reaching out to the community.

BUT the work of the church renovation did not stop with Fellowship Hall. Central air conditioning was installed in the church, pews were cushioned, a church directory was erected on the front lawn, a Ladies Friendly Circle was formed, and we have softball and basketball teams.

The Patoka Presbyterian Church building was completely gutted by fire on September 7, 1990, when lightening struck the bell tower. Other than the brick walls, all we saved were a piano, part of a speaker system, 2 candle lighters, a floral arrangement and a Bible. The community and other churches have been very supportive during this time with offers of funds, pews, song books and furniture. Of this we are most appreciative.

The rebuilding has begun. We are trying to restore the church as nearly as possible to its original structure and hope to dedicate our new edifice by mid-summer, 1991.

Even through tragedy, God has smiled upon us and blessed our congregation. Attendance has increased with new families attending worship services and we now have additional Sunday School Classes, Our church membership is made up of farmers, printers, firemen, assembly line workers, bookkeepers, housewives, store managers, students and retired persons all working together proving that with God’s help, all things are possible, even by small numbers.

Roll of Pastors

R.J.P. Lemon 1870
J.W. Cleaver 1871
W.M. Medcalf 1872
J.J. Bellew 1877
N.F. Gill 1878
W.R. Wright 1879
W.B. Crawford 1880-88
W.J. Caldwell 1892
M.L. Gillespie 1893-98
George Crabtree 1898-00
E.A. Arthur 1902-03
J.C. McClung 1905-09
H.E. Thompson 1917 -18
O.J. Roberts 1918-19
W.C. Patrick 1919-21
J.M. Davies 1922-23
R.G. Shafer 1923
J.M. House 1924
G.W. Holmes 1925
George Sprague 1926
J.A. House 1928
L.D. Laswell 1929
No church services held from 1931-46. Sunday School Services were held.
Carl Landes 1946
L.C. Jeffrey 1947-62
Billy Secoy 1963
Addison Chapin 1964-67
William C. Jones 1968-76
James H. Welton 1978-87
Lannie Lawler 1987-89
Ivan Clayton 1987-1991

UNION BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Route 1, Patoka
Organized, 1884

Union Bethel Presbyterian Church of Patoka, organized in 1884, is a small, rural church in Gibson County, seven miles northeast of Princeton, on Highway 65. We are in a farming community.

Our original church burned in 1909, but was almost immediately rebuilt, with the present building erected on the same site. Over the years our membership has risen and declined. Specifically, it declined until following the death of Elder Milton McRoberts in March of 1944, no members were reported. We did continue to have Sunday School regularly though.

In the fall of 1945, the Vincennes Presbytery began attempts to revive our church with the Reverend Carl Landis as pastor. We held a week of evangelistic services. New members added were Cornelia Trippett, Edna Duncan, Margaret Kolb, John Robert Ford, Joe Howard Kolb, Lawrence Carithers, Irene Carithers, Louise Kolb, Maggie Kolb, Daisy Phillips, Nelle McRoberts, Ethel Russell, Betsy Duncan and Clara Duncan.

Today we may be considered a family chapel, as most of our twenty five active members can trace their ancestry to the charter members who founded the original church. Current elders include James Kolb, Barry Bane, Betsy Loveless, Isabel Kolb and Gerald Bane. We believe our presence in this community and our faith in God will guide us into the twenty first century. Our stated supply pastor, the Reverend James Butts, describes our congregation as “with koinonia” — a loving fellowship.

Roll of Pastors (1945 - 1991)

Carl Landi
L.C. Jeffrey
Billy Secoy
Chapin
William Jackson
Harry Spickler
James Welton
James Butts

MAIN STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Main and 10th Streets, P.O. Box 193, Petersburg
Organized 1821

CUMBERLAND Presbyterian Church — In the summer of 1821, Cumberland Presbyterian group was organized at White Oak Springs, a frontier settlement located just west of where Petersburg is today. This congregation resulted from visits of itinerant Cumberland preachers and outdoor camp meetings. Among the early worshipers was Mrs. Elizabeth Lindsay, said to have been the first Cumberland Presbyterian to arrive in this area. Her Bible and Presbyterian Hymnal are still in possession of her descendants. Another Christian whose zeal and encouragement influenced the establishment was Mrs. Elizabeth Osborne Miley, who organized a Sunday School in her home. In about 1835, the Reverend James Richey became the pastor of this group who worshiped in the newly constructed log courthouse in the village of Petersburg. In 1842 a neat, more comfortable brick church-home located at Walnut and Seventh Streets served as a place of worship. The Main Street Church was dedicated in 1886, debt free, thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Emmeline Thornton and Emmett Smith.

Although we had many pastors of note during the ensuing years, one in particular is most notable. The Reverend AR. Brown’s persuasive power and compelling convictions encouraged the people to adopt the Bible plan of tithe giving, being more obedient to church obligations, and the need for regular family home worship. The Sunday School was organized, the Ladies Missionary Society and the Sewing Circle were introduced. These activities were particularly more attractive because electricity and heating in the church building was rare at this time.

Also during this period disturbing rumors of a great change were rampant. The General Assemblies of two denominations, Cumberland and Old School Presbyterians, were considering a UNION. The session immediately wrote the commissioners of the presbytery that the Petersburg group was opposed to the union with the Old School church. Such opposition was widespread, and it was not until the evening of September 11, 1905 that a motion was ordered to invite the Old School congregation to unite with the Cumberland Church. This invitation was received and politely declined. The communication added however, that since they had no pastor at the time, they would agree to worship and contribute to the support of a pastor and all ordinances of the gospel.

OLD SCHOOL — The First Presbyterian Church of Petersburg also evolved from the efforts of circuit riders who held camp meetings in Pike County in 1830. Being few in number and slow to organize, it was easy to hold services in various homes. These services were led by well educated ministers of the Presbyterian faith.

The Old School Presbyterian congregation was organized May 20, 1848, by the Reverend John McCord with eight charter members, including Thomas and Isabel Foster Davidson, Joseph and Nancy Gray, John and Mary Hawthorne and Susan Blackburn Posey, wife of Judge John Posey, whose home was later used as a part of the underground railway during the Civil Way to protect runaway slaves on their way to freedom.

Our early pastors also had some rather interesting histories. The Reverend John Aughey, an Union Army chaplain who had been held prisoner by the Rebel Army, came to serve in 1863. The Reverend Charles Darling accepted the call in 1899. He had an entirely new style of preaching as he spoke of occult, visionary and mystical terrifying orders, which were most unorthodox to his congregation. Many objected to his preaching style, particularly when he predicted the invention of radio and television.

On one Sunday in the autumn of 1905, the Board of Elders confirmed the rumor which had been circulating — the General Assembly had ratified the UNION of the Old School Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian. Such great changes were not without heartbreak, tears and prayer as neither congregation wanted this Union.

MAIN STREET — The present congregation of Main Street owes its existence to this union of Old School and Cumberland on November 6, 1906, following the union vote in October, 1905.

Music has always been an important part of our worship; thus we were fortunate to be the recipient of several trust funds and financial grants, one of which enhances our musical presentations. We present sacred concerts, holiday programs and give thanks for our talented music directors. Recently Handbell Choirs were organized.

On June 2, 1990, the Petersburg area was hit by two tornados with internal winds building to 200 miles per hour. One of these swept through the community destroying over 400 buildings, including many businesses and four churches. Thankfully Main Street Presbyterian Church and manse were not damaged, but 68 members of our congregation suffered losses of homes, business or both. Nontheless, members led by the Reverend Louis A. Sandos reached out to one another and to the community. Our church is participating in a special ecumenical effort, the Petersburg Community Service, organized by the Petersburg Ministerial Association. The main objective is to aid persons who can not complete the rebuilding of their homes without additional assistance.

With many years of Presbyterianism in this section of the country, it can be said that with splendid leaders, ordained and non-ordained lay persons, as well as the devout individuals, who have served in many church related opportunities and organizations, its presence has definitely been an influence. They and we have added much to the religious and civic service in this community. In this we do take great pride.

Roll of Pastors

H.C. Temple 1907-09
Julius T. Orton 1909-13
Henry M. Rogers 1913-16
William S. Clark 1916-19
J.W. McClung 1919-30
William T. McKinney 1930-33
Geo. T. Hubbard 1933-38
Frank. W. McLaughen 1938-48
Rudolph Hartman 1948-50
J. Bruce Melton 1950-54
Marvin H. Wehrman 1959-69
Richard Scherpenisse 1970-81
Ronald A. Loper 1981-88
Louis A. Sandos 1989-91
Michael Shirey 1991-

FAIRVIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Route 2 Roads 450 East & 100 North, Princeton
Organized 1897

In the year 1836, John Carithers, a Scots Covenanter, came to this Gibson County from Tennessee. He was the father of Josiah Carithers, who donated the lot on which our first church was built and on which the present church stands. Our deed held this one condition, “If these grounds cease to be used for religious purposes, they are to revert back to the owner or his heirs.” It is interesting to note that John Carithers’ home became a station for the underground railway during the Civil War and that many a fugitive slave, on the way from Kentucky to Canada, found food, shelter and support there.

John Caithers along with his brother, Andrew, and other covenanters came from the south because of their opposition to slavery. This became known as a “covenanter neighborhood”, because these settlers were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, commonly called “Covenanters”. This is to distinguish them from members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church who were called “Seceders”.

Many of the rural families attended church in Princeton, at that time a small town five miles west of the Fairview neighborhood, but this left those less fortunate or of different beliefs without a place to worship. This condition continued until 1893, when an afternoon Sunday School was organized by the Reverend J. Beveridge Lee, pastor of the United Presbyterian Church in Princeton. This church was the successor of the Covenanter Church of 1870. The Sunday School was held at the Page School House, one and one-half miles north of our present church. When Page School burned we met at the Lawrence School, one mile south of our church.

When the Reverend William Landis of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Princeton held a ten day revival meeting and thirty four were received into the Cumberland Church in Princeton, it was a special time. Through the influence of such meetings, a church organization was brought about by Mr. Landis on March 21, 1897, with seventy charter members. Thirty-four from the Cumberland Church in Princeton, two from the Monroe City Cumberland, three from Wheeling Methodist Episcopal, two from Francisco General Baptist and nine by profession of faith. The names of these charter members are familiar still today — McEllhiney, Clark, Moore, Goldman, Townsend, Stormont, Kell, Polk, Scott, Murphy, Sturgis, Reel, Boswell, Hyslop, Carithers, Harbison, Patton, Binkley, Hunsaker, Utley and Lucas. Thus Fairview was born.

Having such a large number, a church building was erected on the lot donated by Josiah Carithers. It was built including furnishings for $1,800, completed in the fall of 1897 and dedicated debt free. The Reverend Kelso of the Princeton Cumberland preached the dedicatory sermon.

Following this dedication, the first service held was a funeral, very fitting for the church not only teaches us the way to live, but also prepares us for death and eternal life.

According to the session record, the first written notification of the union between the Cumberland Presbyterian with the Presbyterian Church (1905) took place in 1910.

In March, 1925 a tornado ripped through Gibson County, doing much damage to homes, businesses and churches, including Fairview. As we repaired the damage, we enlarged the facility.

Again disaster struck in March, 1939, when our church building was completely destroyed by fire. With a dedicated body of Christians, a tabernacle was built on the church grounds and was ready for use for the next Sunday’s service. Our new church building was completed and dedicated on April 21, 1940. It has served the community well and has been used by God to bring many to His service. An annex was added in 1958 with classrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and a social hall, R.H. Duke Fellowship Hall, named in honor of the pastor at that time. In 1983-84 we built a new kitchen, bathrooms, classrooms and an even larger fellowship area in the basement of the church.

We have been fortunate to have been served by faithful Elders, Deacons and Trustees through these many years. Dedicated and much loved Sunday School teachers have served their Savior and our congregation. For this we give thanks.

Fairview Presbyterian Church is a place of worship to the Almighty God and a center of the community for activities and witness.

Roll of Pastors

G.W. May 1890-1900 John Welsh 1901-1903
W.W. Carhart 1904-1905
B.F. McMican 1906-1908
Joseph Ashburn 1910-1911
J.N. Kirscafe 1912
J.G. House 1913-1914
Alison Hunter 1915-1917
James Roberts 1922
J.G. House 1922
L.B. Wessinger 1922-1925
A.C. Barnado 1927-1928
N. Van Andrews 1929-1940
Rutherford G. Douglas 1941-1952
Bennie Hodge 1952
John Horbor 1953
Betty Shirley 1954-1957
R.H. Duke 1957-1959
Norman Sharp 1959-1960
Gerald Wheeler 1960-1962
B.B. Jackson 1962-1966
James Welton 1966-67; 1970-1978
Harry Spickler 1967-1970
John Dunstan 1978-1983
Oakey McKnight 1984-1987
Neal Biggers 1987
Shane Nanney 1988
Sarah Melcher 1987-88; 1990-1991
Laurie Griffith 1991-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Hart & Water Streets, Princeton
Organized 1817

Princeton was a small settlement in 1814, when C. Hickman, a young Presbyterian minister from the Presbytery of Geneva, Kentucky, opened and taught in a private school, while he carried on his missionary work among the settlers in the community. In July, 1817, he became the first pastor of the “Patoka Society”. That church was to be one of the thirteen earliest churches in Indiana. Mr. Hickman died within a short time and the church, having lost many of its members, ceased to exist in 1825. It was reorganized on May 9, 1828, with Calvin Butler as pastor. Reorganizers were Robert, Nancy and Polly Williams, William and Mary French, Nathaniel and Nancy Foster, James and Elenor Goodlet, Malvina Butler, Jane B.B. Evans, Nancy Howard and James Whiteman. Some in that early church continue to be represented today — notably the French-Watson and Foster-Jeruld-Miller families. Our first pastor was A.J. Hendricks in 1845.

In 1855, John D. Paxton of Kentucky became pastor. He was a man of “rare attainments and many beautiful traits of character.” He resigned in 1860, to assume presidency of Highland College in Kansas. He returned in 1864, and served the church until his death in 1868 at age 85. One of our circles of the Women’s Association was named for his wife, Martha Merrill Paxton, whom he met in Syria, where they both served as missionaries.

There is little information on early places of worship, but on June 17, 1836 in consideration of $100 a lot in the original plat of the town was conveyed to William Prince and John Lagow, Trustees of Princeton Presbyterian Church by Samuel and Elizabeth Hall. The brick church built in 1837 or 1838 had two front doors with an aisle running from each door to the other end of the building. The pulpit was between the doors and pews, faced the pulpit and doors. Those who wanted to sit in the rear had to face the entire congregation and walk the entire length of the building to reach their seats. In 1857 during the ministry of John D. Paxton, this chuch was torn down and a larger one erected. Mr. Paxton had some problems — one involving the cantankerous janitor, who had his own ideas about the use of a musical instrument with the choir. He considered the small melodeon an “Abomination to the Lord”, and was suspected of “fixing it”, each time there was a malfunction. He moved in disgust to Evansville about 1862, avowing that he had done one thing the Devil had never done — left the Presbyterian Church!

On July 12, 1893 the church was destroyed by fire, as was part of the town. Seven months and thirteen days later, the new church at Hart and Water Streets was occupied and dedicated on April 29, 1884. Membership at this time was 152 communicants. The Reverend Alexander Kerr was pastor. The pipe organ was installed in 1899, as a memorial to Dr. William P. Welborn, an elder for 25 years and for many years the choir director. Other memorials still seen today include the beautifully serene stained glass windows. The north window’s design is a copy of the painting, “On the Road to Emmaus” by Hoffman.

In the 1870’s there were eleven different groups of Presbyterians in Princeton, then a town of approximately 1,500. On January 12, 1910 the Old School Presbyterian Church and the Broadway Presbyterian Church (until 1906 a Cumberland) united to form the First Presbyterian Church with Ernest G. Hildner as pastor. Another pastor of distinction is Loudon A. Harriman, who was installed as pastor on March 21, 1921. With his ministry of almost 31 years, the church continued to prosper. He is still remembered fondly as pastor, civic leader, Mason and friend.

Women have been a source of energy and influence throughout the life of the church. In his history of First Presbyterian of Princeton, Robert Archer Woods, elder and Historian Emeritus of Vincennes Presbytery writes: “It is sufficient to say that the church need never worry about its women. They will always be found at the fore-front of every good work. Such has been the case since the earliest times. God bless them! If the men were only half as zealous and constant in the work of the church, what might be accomplished for the Master!” At that time he praised two women for outstanding service — Blanche Redman, organist for 42 years and Mildred Mumford, who directed the choir for 30 years. Such dedication continues — Ruth Braselton has worked with the Sunday School program for over 35 years and has been active in presbytery work and as commissioner for a number of years. The excellent tradition of music continues today under the expert care of Susan Mason, choir director and Mike Woods, organist. Our young people visit hospitals, and nursing homes residents providing worship services and are also active in the presbytery summer camps.

First Presbyterian Church has a history of working together with other churches in the community. We have for many years held joint Eastter Sunrise Services, Vacation Bible Schools and Christmas Eve Services with the United Presbyterian Church. In 1963 we dedicated a new Wicks Organ, which continues a long tradition of quality music in our worship.

We have a compassionate ministry in our community and around the world. In 1962 we sponsored a Cuban refugee family, we give to the Gibson County Area Rehabilitation Center, support the Salvation Army, and have installed a lift to make our sanctuary accessible for the handicapped.

First Presbyterian also gives generously to the larger church mission, exceeding our goal of $30,000 to the Fifty Million Fund and by supporting a special mission in Yucatan, Mexico.

In 1989 we called the Reverend Earl M. Rash as our pastor. We look forward to boldly facing the continuing challenge of ministry to the local and worldwide community.

Roll of Pastors

C. Hickman 1817
Calvin Butler 1828
William W. Martin 1832
H.H. Patten 1835
John M. McCord 1838
Robert Lillie 1834
R.V. Dodge 1844
A.T. Hendricks 1845
Henry W. Biggs
John D. Paxton 1855; 1864
H.B. Scott 1860
John H. Aughey 1863
Martin V.B. VanArsdale 1867
John Montgomery 1868-79
Benjamin Mills 1879-80
John Stuart 1880-86
William D. Ward 1887-92
Alexander J. Kerr 1892-95
J. Henry Cone 1896-99
Douglas P. Putnam 1899
Frank H. Shedd 1905
Ernest G. Hilduer 1908-19
London A. Harriman 1921-51
Ernst H. Michelis 1958-63; 1979-88
William M. Walter 1963-75
Thomas J. Baughman 1976-78
Joseph W. Baus 1988-89
Earl M. Rash 1989-

PRINCETON UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
State & Prince Streets, Princeton
Organized 1810

In the year 1809, a Princeton settler named Samuel Hogue visited his native state of Tennessee and contacted a young minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Reverend John Kell. Mr. Hogue asked Mr. Kell to visit this new community of Princeton, Indiana.

When the Reverend Kell visited Princeton in the fall of 1810, Mr. Hogue and Mr. Thomas Archer joined the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and with their families constituted the “Society for Prayer and Religious Conversion”. When Mr. Kell visited again in the spring of 1811, Mrs. Hogue and Mrs. Archer joined the church. During his visit in 1813, the Lord’s Supper was held in the home of Mr. Robert Archer with twenty present.

When in 1820, Mr. Kell was called as pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Princeton, he continued his work as missionary in this Gibson County area, working to form several other Presbyterian fellowships. One of the first deeds was to erect a building, where the present Christian Church now stands.

Three years later, a division took place in the Reformed Presbyterian denomination over the participation of the United States government in church affairs. Our local church was also divided. After September, 1834, the denominations were known as “Old School” and the “New School”. Some would join neither the “Old” nor the “New” sides, so two churches were formed, the Associate Seceders in 1834, and the Associate Reformed in 1835. The Associate Reformed called the Reverend S.C. Baldridge as pastor and held their meetings in Alexander Hudelson’s barn until their church at 727 South Main was built.

In 1853 Mr. Craig was called as pastor, and in 1858 these two churches joined, taking the name United Presbyterian or First Church. The Reformed Presbyterians met at State and Prince, our present location and were known as Second Church. In 1858 during the pastorate of the Reverend John McMaster, the original structure of our present church was erected.

Under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend S.F. Clark, First and Second Churches united in 1874, taking the United Presbyterian Church. In that year and in the building we still occupy, the Reverend W.J. McMaster was called as pastor.

The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church denomination met in Princeton in 1891, and the Women’s General Missionary Society convened here in 1894.

During 1897 and 1898, the church structure was remodeled, enlarged and redecorated, and in 1908, the present manse was completed. This work was completed through the financial gifts of Ann Elizabeth Hudelson.

Our church continues to be active in witness and participation. In 1958 the denominations of the United Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America voted to form a merger. This was consummated with the new denomination being called the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. In January, 1959 we held a celebration commemorating this union. That same year we voted to proceed with a new education addition, comprised of classrooms, study and session rooms, and a fellowship hall with kitchen.

The 150th Anniversary of this church was observed with a week of special services in 1960. The Reverend Dr. Don McClure, a beloved friend of this congregation and a dedicated missionary serving in South Sudan was guest speaker for the worship services during this celebration. In 1960 and 1961, two young men from the congregation, Carl W. Bogue and Wallace Huber, Jr. declared their wishes to enter the ministry and were taken under care. Don Lee Walters was also taken under care as he prepared to enter the ministry in 1966.

During the past 20 years, through generous Memorial Gifts and bequests many improvements and additions have been possible including: candle sticks, cross and paraments for the Communion Table and pulpit, pew cushions, improved sound system, new Bibles and hymnals and a wheel chair ramp. A Pipe Organ Fund was established for those who wish to memorialize loved ones in this manner. Our church library was established through memorial funds, and we have repeatedly done extensive renovation to the manse and sanctuary.

Since 1983 we have changed and grown spiritually as a congregation. Through the spiritual nurturing and compassion of our previous pastor, we have sought to come together in Christian love and support for the phenomenal number of church members who have suffered from cancer. We mourn their loss and offer our encouragement and abiding faith in God’s love and mercy to their families.

With grateful hearts to those who served before us and maintained this beautiful sanctuary in which we worship, we give thanks and praise to God. We seek God’s guidance and will as this congregation strives to become an even more effective witness in our time.

Roll of Pastors

John Kell 1820-38
Gilbert McMaster 1840-46
John McMaster 1946-74
W.H. McMaster 1874-81
J.A. Gordon 1883-88
J. Beveridge Lee 1889-91
A.M. Campbell 1892-01
W.H. Patterson 1902-10
Morris Watson 1911-21
John Nesbit 1922-38
John C. Williams 1939-55
Elmon Ward 1956-60
Ralph Walters 1961-67
Ivan Clayton 1968-82
W. Scott Phillips 1983-90
Thomas R. Stone 1990-91
Daniel Lamey 1991-

ROACHDALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Indiana and Columbia Streets, Roachdale
Organized 1890

Roachdale Presbyterian Church was organized on the morning of November 22, 1890, in a town which was itself only twelve years old. This gathering included twenty five residents, nine men and sixteen women, who had been members of other Presbyterian Churches, other denominations, or unchurched. Amos Allison and David B. Hostetter were elected Ruling Elders and George W. Payton and George M. Bames became deacons.

Our congregation had a building ready and waiting, for in the preceding April, the Presbyterian congregation at Parkersburg, six miles northwest had become discouraged with its prospects. The railroad had been built through Roachdale; and burdened with a mortgage of $600, offered to sell its “neat and commodious house of worship” and “silver-toned bell” to their Roachdale brethren, if the latter would bear the cost of the mortgage and the move. Roachdale received this offer with enthusiasm, raised $1,000, paid the incumbrance and moved the building to a lot donated by Albert and Mary J. Couk on the corner of Indiana and Columbia Streets. The congregation dedicated its new church, and planned a series of protracted meetings through the following seven days, during which the ranks swelled by nine new members. The Roachdale Presbyterians intended to show the town, they were here to stay.

Our first pastor was the Reverend T.D. Fyffe. J.W. (Josh) Hennon was not only the first choirmaster, but also constructed our pulpit from Birdseye Maple, and later became the architect to the present building erected in 1927. Cynthia Ann Allison was organist, a post she kept for many years. Both the antique walnut pulpit chairs and table, the pump organ and the bell were used both in the original and in the 1927 church, until its subsequent refurbishment in the 1960’s. Thus the Parkersburg heritage was not entirely lost when the new church building replaced the old.

By the early 1920’s, the need for a larger, more modem building was evident. Albert Taylor boosted the project with a $5,000 challenging grant in memory of his recently deceased wife, and the congregation rose to the task of raising the other half, with the largest pledge of $1,000 raised through food sales, bazaars and church suppers, presented by our newly formed women’s group, the Presbyterian Builders. Dedication took place on January 2, 1927.

In memory of his parents, John H. and Margaret Taylor, Mr. Taylor left his home across from the church to be used as a manse. In 1954, the present manse, one of the most well-appointed and comfortable homes in Roachdale, formerly that of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Hostetter, a charter member family, also became property of this church.

Music has always been one of the strongest programs, and with the advent of Dorothy Crosby to the community in 1928, her dedicated music ability as choir director and organist began and greatly enhanced our music until her retirement in 1972. During her tenure, with the assistance of Sam Hostetter, President of the Roachdale Bank and a gifted musician, and Eugene Hutchins and his son, Richard, the music program included two junior choirs, two adult choirs and even choirs for young marrieds.

With the growth of church membership, extensive interior renovation was done in 1963-64 including some structural change as well as new lighting, carpeting and drapes, the chancel floor was lowered, new furnishings and chancel rails added. The pulpit, lectern, two benches and the pulpit Bible were given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Crosby, by the family. The Communion Table was a gift of Martha Irwin, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Irwin and Mr. and Mrs. Galen Irwin in memory of George Irwin. The hand-carved walnut cross above the chancel was made by and given to the church by Richard Schmidt, father of the Reverend Leo Schmidt, then pastor of our church.

By 1976 church membership grew to almost the 200 mark with its members quite active in our national Presbyterian Church. Four of our members have been elected to the General Assembly — George Irwin, D.B. Hostetter, Raymond Crosby and Eugene Hutchins — and two of these members were appointed to serve communion at a General Assembly worship service. 1976 was a good year for us as we repaired and preserved our beautiful stained glass windows. This was an important project because some of the windows were in the original 1890 building which had been moved from Parkersburg. Dorothy Crosby also donated the chancel piano in memory of her late husband, Claude Crosby, also a charter member family.

Since the first days of our foundation, the women have been a strong influence. The first women’s organization was known as the “Industrial Band”. It was organized in 1893 to serve meals to the Election Board, and to serve dinner and supper during the town Carnival, now an annual week long July 4th celebration. The Industrial Band soon became the Ladies Aid Society, which was nationally known for its quilting bees. This then was the predecessor of the Presbyterian Builders and to Presbyterian Women.

We recently celebrated our 100th year anniversary with special events. 21 couples all married over 40 years rededicated their vows, and in period costume, we held a re-creation and a re-enactment of our original dedicatory service of 1890.

Being in the center of three excellent institutions of higher learning — Wabash College, DePauw and Purdue Universities, over 90% of our members for three to four generations traditionally have maintained college degrees. We place a high standard of excellence on our Christian educators and ministers. Over the past century in our history, our heritage and our tenacity, Roachdale Presbyterian has shown a determination to maintain Presbyterianism as a vital force in the community. Our love for music and Christian based education, the preservation of the family structure and heritage, and a strong women’s organization, have been its guiding missionary force. Our hope is to continue our community leadership well into the twenty first century and beyond, and is a community of faith that is definitely “here to stay.”

Roll of Pastor

T.D. Fyff 1890-91; 1892-95
C.F. Carson 1891
J.G. Donnell 1895-96
J.S. Sproul 1897-99
W.J. Caldwell 1899-90
J.G. Black 1890-04
B.F. Patton 1905-06
Geo. Gulshard 1906-08
L.C. Hanna 1909-11
R. Frank Mitchell 1912-16
Emory Luccock 1917
S.F. Wenger 1918-19
Fred Hamlin 1919-23
Giroulx 1924-25
F.A. Peake 1925-27
Virgil D. Ragan 1927-34
H.J. Doran 1934-36
Homer Weisbecker 1937-38
Harold Quigley 1938-42
O.J. McMullen 1943-47
Malcolm Harris 1948-55
Clyde Myers 1956-60
Leo Schmidt 1960-66; 1973-80
Stephen Kim 1968-70
Fred L. Brooks 1970-73
Marsha Dempsey 1980-81
Gary Pickering 1982-84
Carl King 1985-89
David L. Mason 1990-

MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
105 South Market, Rockville
Organized 1822

Memorial Presbyterian Church claims lineal and apostolic descent from Shiloh Church, organized in 1822, by the Reverend Charles C. Beatty. Mr. Beatty, a young missionary of the Board of Domestic Missions, might be called the Father of Presbyterianism in Parke County. The first church building was constructed of logs about four or five miles northeast of Rockville, near Little Raccoon Creek in 1824. This, the first church erected in the county, served as a meeting place for ten years for the Presbyterians from Bridgeton to Waveland.

Part of the congregation decided in 1832, to establish a church in Rockville and 40 members formed the First or “Old School” Presbyterian Church. A frame building was erected on the northwest corner of Virginia and York Streets, in Rockville. The Reverend Samuel H. McNutt was pastor from June, 1832 until September, 1846.

Forty one members seceded and founded the Second or “New School” Presbyterian Church in 1839, and for thirty years, there were two Presbyterian Churches in Rockville, their differences, matters of interpretation and discipline.

On June 11, 1869, the two were reunited, differences forgotten and a one room brick building constructed. Those walls still form part of the present structure. This building had a pulpit and choir loft at the east end. At the time of the merger, the bells from the two were sent to foundry, melted down and re-molded into the present bell. A wood belfry was built in 1870, to house this bell. The belfry was replaced in the present similar building in 1901. It was renovated and moved forward in 1954, with the iron fence and gate being added four years later.

Our church was remodeled in 1891, with two entrances onto Market Street flanking the large stained glass window in the east end, Sunday School and social rooms added at the west, and the sanctuary floor sloping to the pulpit and choir loft in the west — the first inclined church floor in Rockville. At this time we became Memorial Presbyterian Church.

A fund was established in 1909, “where subscriptions, donations, and proceeds from entertainments will be kept, looking toward the purchase of a pipe organ for the church.” By June of 1910, the organ was selected and installed, money subscribed to the organ fund sufficient for the expense. A chime unit was added in 1959. Need for major organ repairs became apparent and in 1981, bids were taken for rebuilding and modernization. The work was completed in time for our Thanksgiving service in 1982.

Extensive enlargement and remodeling of the basement facilities were done in 1954, including a new dining room and kitchen, classrooms, restrooms, and heating plant. Funds for part of this coming from a food tent during the county fair for several years, renovation of the parlor with conversion of a room into a kitchenette on the main floor was completed in 1973. Memorial gifts and bequests to the church have aided most of the remodeling and renovation endeavors, but all have needed the concerted efforts of faithful members. For a number of years, we have provided a service by renting our basement space during the school months for use by the Head Start Program.

Twenty five pastors have served the church since reunion in 1869, their ministry terms from one to fourteen years. For many years, their home was the manse on West High Street, which was sold in 1944, and a new residence built on North College Street.

Roll of Pastors

First Presbyterian Church

Samuel H. McNutt 1832-46
William Y. Allen 1846-62
John B.C. Beaubleu 1863-64
John Mitchell 1865-67
M.A. Jewett 1868-69
John O. Buythe 1859
John M. Bishop 1867-69

Trinity Presbyterian Church

Samuel G. Lowery 1839-47
William M. Churer 1847-49
William D. Rossiter 1849-51
George A. Adams 1852-55
John A. Tiffany 1856-59
John Hawks 1859-66

United (Memorial) Presbyterian

John M. Bishop 1869-72
Henry L. Dickenson 1872
W.H. Hillis 1877
William Omelvena 1881-85
J.E. Kearns 1886-88
John H. Sherrard 1888-95
J.P. Roth 1896-99
J.C. Christie 1899-03
H.L. Uave 1903-07
W.B. Chancellor 1908-15
W.R. Graham 1915-18
George D. Prentice 1919-20
McMullen 1920-24
William F. Smith 1924-38
F.E. Birkett 1938-39
Claude C. Ward 1939-42
Allen A. Kohler 1942-44
Humphrey W. Owen 1945-49
Hugh T. Craven 1949
Louis Alderton 1957-61
Morgan Roberts 1962-66
Milton L. Nolin 1967-73
Thomas A. Arthur 1974-79
Ruth E. Rentschler 1980-84
Gary E. Hardesty 1986-90
William Sexton 1991-

SALEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
110 N. High, PO Box 362, Salem
Organized 1817

The Salem Presbyterian Church was the offspring of the Synod of Kentucky and the Presbytery of Louisville. The earliest missionaries of our faith, who planted Presbyterianism up and down the rivers and woodland ways of the Hoosier Territory long before it became a state, were solitary horsemen of the Lord, from Kentucky. Among the first was Samuel Shannon, whose interest in the “New Purchase”, as Indiana was then called, began when he came as a chaplain in the Indian Wars, as far back as the closing years of the American Revolution. He later brought to Salem the renowned James McGready, who had been the central, fiery figure of the Great Revival of 1800 in Kentucky. It was the preaching of this might man of God, combined with the gracious charm of Samuel Shannon, that made the revivals held at Livonia, Salem and Blue River so successful. These “Giants of God” rode horseback through the wooded hills of Washington County in the summer of 1816.

We were organized on August 14, 1817, by Samuel Shannon with twenty eight members from Kentucky and New Albany. One of these members was Thomas Posey, who later became Governor of Indiana. The organization meeting and subsequent church services were held in the Washington County Courthouse.

The first church, known as Union Church, was located on the east side of North High Street. In May of 1821, when part of the congregation left to organize Franklin Church, we became Salem Presbyterian Church. In 1830 work began on the commodious brick building which is still a house of worship. This church was dedicated and the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper presented on January 2, 1842 with the Reverend James Johnson of Madison assisting our pastor, Alexander McFerson. Cost of the new facility including furnishings was $5,000.

The Reverend Alexander McFerson died June 28,1845, and is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery. He was the great grandfather of John Foster Dulles, the Secretary of State under President Eisenhower.

It should be noted that women have always played a vital part in the work of the church and have contributed to its strength and growth, even though from 1817 until 1859, there is no recorded history of the work of the women. The Ladies Aid Society gave much toward the upkeep and repair of the building through community suppers and selling quilting and needlework. They also organized the first Young People’s Society in July, 1891. The Presbyterian Aid Society, organized October 24, 1902 reports: “the proceeds of which are to be used for the incidental expenses of the church.” After three years, the society intended to place an iron fence around the church, but instead erected a manse on the northeast corner of the church lot.

We have never had a large membership, but through the years our presence has been felt in the community. In the early years our church was used for high school commencements and meetings of all kinds, as well as a house of worship.

We have had our ups and downs and in December 1933, the Salem Church had lost so heavily in membership, and the terrible depression had so disheartened the church, that officers and members practically gave up, considering closings the doors forever.

In March, 1934, the Home Missions committee sent the Reverend C.W. Rule to visit and to preach. There was no financial obligation to the congregation for these services, except what they felt willing and able to give. There were still lean and discouraging years, but the strong faith of the members kept the doors open.

During the 1950’s we experienced real growth. There were new families moving into the area as Salem became more industrialized. Suddenly there were children in the Sunday School — more children that we had had in years. Our church was bursting at the seams, so in late 1957, plans were begun for an educational wing. Estimated costs of this new facility was $53,000. Special training sessions were conducted for those who canvassed all members to raise the necessary money. These men were dedicated at the Sunday morning worship service on June 29, 1958, and by that evening 95% of the congregation had pledged a total of $31,000.

As in all things, there has been a continuing change in the life of the church. As churches of the Parish were closed, the members of these churches found homes in neighboring churches. One of the strengths of the Salem Church has been the faith and support of many of these members. Their commitment has been an inspiration to all.

In 1992 the Salem Presbyterian Church will celebrate 175 years as a place of worship. Our membership may be small, but the faith of the members has held firm. As we look toward our celebration, the people and the pastor will continue to create an environment of Christian worship and love.

Roll of Pastors — Since 1923

M.E. Prather 1923-25
A.E. Ewers 1925-27
C.M. Junkins 1928-30
Milliard Murphy 1931-33
H.C. Foster 1933-41
William Stephenson 1941-45
Thomas Myers 1945-47
Ernest L. Stoffel 1948-49
Paul Romantum 1949-52
James L. Hogue 1953-59
Floyd Doud Shafer 1960-68
John M. Duncan 1969-72
J. Pat Kennedy 1973-79
Sue Ann Looft 1979-83
D. Jo Lowell 1984-88
Gary R. Pickering 1989-

SCIPIO UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Rural Route 1, Box 45, Scipio
Organized 1832

One hundred sixty years ago the state of Indiana was yet in its infancy; there were no railroads and public highways were merely trails through the wilderness, marked out and distinguished by blazing the bark of trees along the way with an ax. Travel was on foot, on horseback or by wagon if the ground was not too rough.

At this time Jennings County was entering its second decade and the little village of Scipio was just eleven months old. Our people were very pious, strict in attendance of worship services and in observance of the Sabbath. There were small bands of various denominations holding services in private homes or the school house if there was one.

In a grove near Scipio on August 4, 1932, following a sermon by the Reverend John N. Parsons, it was resolved that we should organize a Presbyterian Church. Meeting in the school house, the petitioners included: Nicholas and Sally Amick, William and Polly Clapp, Tobias, Catherine, Millie, Soloman and Lucretia May and Barbara Nelson.

The Vernon Church assisted in this organization. The Session of that church met with the above named, examined their faith, then formally approved their reception into the Presbyterian body. The following day we elected Elders Nicholas Amick (Emig), Tobias May and William Clapp with Mr. Clapp being chosen as Clerk. We chose the name “Bethel” meaning House of God and were enrolled by the Salem, later Madison Presbytery. Early records show we were also called Sand Creek Church. It was not until 1923, when our name was changed officially by formal action now by the New Albany Presbytery.

We erected a “good-sized”, frame church building on a lot adjoining and just a few feet northwest of the present site. It was also used as the village school house. A Sabbath School was organized which met only during the warmer months. We usually brought our lunches and stayed for the day. Very few evening services were held in those days, as the building was lighted by torches or tallow candles. Within five years we doubled our membership, and within twenty years had a membership of over one hundred.

Under the direction of the church officers, the original building was sold and a new frame building was erected in 1852 on our present site. William Clapp donated the ground, the timber was donated by friends and members, it was sawed at Peter Clapp’s sawmill, and the builder was James Goodnow of Madison. At that time the new building was said to be the largest and best church edifice in the whole region. The site selected was a most beautiful one, the highest point near and overlooking a broad panorama of God’s grandeur.

In 1915, because our church had become worn and was in need of repair, we literally raised the entire building, digging a basement and adding a new foundation. This building on which we had worked so hard and of which we were so proud was destroyed by fire five years later. The loss of this building was a severe blow to us financially as we had made great sacrifices initially to keep our building debt free. The high cost of both materials and labor to replace it would be most difficult. Yet, characteristic with our courage and purpose, this little determined flock, began to lay plans for a new church home. On September 30, 1923, the new edifice was dedicated to the glory of God and the service to His people.

Since that time we have completely remodeled the inside of our church, loaned it as a school, held a presbytery meeting, continued to hold Sunday morning worship, Church School, Bible School and sponsor a youth group. Our Presbyterian Women’s Society holds monthly meetings and contributes greatly to our church’s needs. We have had 57 pastors, 66 Ruling Elders and 52 Deacons during our life time.

If, as it has been well said, “an institution is but the lengthened shadow of man,” the Scipio Presbyterian Church is the embodiment and extension of those old North Carolina pioneers, who came to this region, to hew out for themselves and their posterity, a larger place and greater opportunity, and in its accomplishment, gave first place to the cultivation and propagation of the life more abundant. Others have labored and we have entered into their labors. Shall not we, too, carry on worthily.”

Much of the preparation of this history was completed by Mr. Ben M. Hall, an Elder in the Scipio Church for more than forty years.

Roll of Pastors

John N. Parsons 1832-36
Daniel Lattimore 1836-57
James Mitchell 1856-61
R.F. Paterson 1861-64
C.K. Thompson 1865-68
James Gilchrist 1869-73
B.F. Wood 1873-75
S.J. Bronson 1875-77
McKinney 1878-80
J.S. Walker 1880-84
J.A. Pollock 1890-91
Jeremiah Oldfather 1892-98
T.N. Todd 1899-04
Walter Waltman 1905-06
Arthur J. Marbet 1907
W.F. Hunt 1907-09
Howard Phillips 1909
John Glenn 1909-11
E.W. Lodwick 1912-14
D.W. Cole 1914-23
W. Luther Robb 1924-26
J.M. McKinney 1926-27
D.B. Brush 1927-28
A.R. Miles 1929
Robert Lodwick 1936
Roland Armstrong 1936-37
M.H. Kennedy 1937-39
Albert Tull 1940-55
Arthur C. Tennies 1955-56
Edward A. Black 1956-58
Leal Dobesh 1958-59
Roger Dean 1959-63
Robert Duggan 1963-64
Tyson Anderson 1964-65
Charles Reid 1965-66
Frederick Sanner 1966
Robert Drew 1966-67
Nelson Lumm 1967
Wendel Phillips 1967-68
Morris McClintic 1968-70
Mel A. Strain 1970-72
Nathan Frederick 1973
Joseph Daugherty 1973-75
Ray Wade 1976
Robert Carroll 1976-77
James Crocker 1977-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
211 S. Bond Street, Scottsburg
Organized 1900

The Scottsburg Presbyterian Church was organized in February, 1899 by the Reverend W.B. Chamberlain and the Reverend J.T. Charlton with eighteen charter members. The following May, the Reverend F.M. Terrell, who was serving as pastor, called a special meeting to elect William Gardner and William Murphy, as elders and Crawford Robinson as a deacon, and were also elected as trustees. The Board of Home Missions sent the Reverend W.D. Malcolm to study the situation. He took charge June 1, 1900, preaching the first and third Sundays in each month and in Scottsburg Baptist Church on East Wardell Street, now the Church of the Nazarene.

In early summer of 1901, a Building Committee was appointed, consisting of William Gardner, Crawford Robinson, John Hooker and Miss Agnes Wilson. Plans were drawn by the pastor and accepted by this committee. Work began at once with the opening service at McClain and Washington Streets being held on January 5, 1902. The original building cost was $4,000.

During the pastorate of Mr. Malcolm our membership increased steadily, but as with many churches of this era, we had our ups and downs. Often there were so few for service that they gathered in the little room. Once there were only four for Sunday School. Our records show that one of them said, “We may as well face the facts and close the church,” but, another said, “if we do I’ll not stop worshipping, but will serve in another church.” Another said, “I’m going to be here every Sunday to play the organ”, and the fourth said, “I’ll be here every Sunday and ring the bell.” Thus we remained and with renewed vigor, grew again.

In 1949, during the tenure of the Reverend L.C. Rudolph, the Christian Education Annex was begun. During construction, the walls of the basement collapsed during a heavy rain storms; thus it was necessary to begin construction again. The basement alone was used for a number of years. With growth evident, in August, 1954, a second story was added at a cost of $8,775. It was consecrated for use of Sunday School activities on February 13, 1955, when the Reverend Robert Thompson was pastor.

Beginning in 1965, an extensive remodeling program including the foyer, the sanctuary and the study has been undertaken. During this remodeling phase we spent both Christmas and Easter with work going on during the week, necessitating covering and uncovering, moving furniture and extra cleaning. During Holy Week, for example, the pews had to be washed three times in getting ready for worship services. Much of the time the walls were covered with great white splotches of new plaster and there were power saws and other tools stacked in the sanctuary. When the dedication of this refurbishment was completed, the Reverend Edward Morris was pastor.

Water problems seemed to plague the church building. By 1980, the basement area had again experienced significant water damage. During 1985-86, we again completed major renovation, this time to the Christian Education Annex. The dedication took place on October 19, 1986, when the Reverend Ann B. Haw was pastor. During this renovation a water drainage system was added to the basement, the kitchen and basement rooms were refurbished and a restroom and kitchenette were added to the main floor. A generous gift from the estate of Lee and Halcey Craig provided the initial financial incentive. We raised the remainder of the finances through pledges, rummage sales, ice cream socials, dinners and a “Labors of Love” project. Our additional loans were completely paid in January, 1991.

Today as a congregation, we are experiencing slow but steady growth. There are a number of active groups including Sunday School classes for all ages, the Mariners, and two weekday Bible Study groups. We are very active in community ecumenical endeavors and are actively represented in the life of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley. Our young people have attended presbytery, synod and national youth events and our women are involved at the presbytery and national level. During the 1980’s, lay elder Don Wilkerson, youth delegate Alan Haw and the Reverend Ann Haw attended the General Assembly.

Roll of Pastors

W.B. Chamberlin and J.T. Charlton, organizing ministers 1899
F.M. Terrell 1899-00
W.D. Malcolm 1900-04
Q.O. Goodloe 1908-11
F.C. Gleason 1922-25
E.P. Gilchrist 1929-33
Lucien Rule 1933-48
L.C. Rudolph 1949-50
Robert Thompson 1950-55
William L. Williams 1955-58
Edward E. Morris 1959-68
William Heilman 1970-73
Donald Dempsey 1974-76
Dennis Davenport 1976-78
Robert Edmonson 1978-80
Ann B. Haw 1980-

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Third and Walnut Streets, Seymour
Organized 1855

It was in 1855, that Meedy W. Shields, founder of Seymour, recognizing the need for spiritual and divine guidance among those who were settling this new town, offered to donate $100 and to give a plot of ground to any organization interested in building a church. Seven persons, who had been holding occasional services in the upstairs room of a school house, were the first to accept this office. These two men and five women, including Mrs. Meedy (Eliza) Shields organized the First Presbyterian Church of Seymour on April 29, 1855. The organization service was conducted by the Reverend Henry Little, an agent of the Home Mission Society, assisted by the Reverend Charles Hutchinson, who had been appointed by the Salem Presbytery.

The following September, the foundation was laid for a white frame building at a location chosen by Mrs. Shields. A low rail fence kept out domestic animals which roamed the dirt streets of this new city. West of the church was a large cornfield and to the east was open commons.

Every church needs a church bell. Trustees Thomas L. Ewing and Meedy W. Shields were told that if a number of silver dollars were melted with the copper for a bell, the result produced would be a sweeter tone. Ewing and Shields donated the coins for our bell, which was cast in a Cincinnati foundry in 1856.

In the first few years, music was furnished by a melodeon purchased in December, 1855 and believed to be the first musical instrument used in any church in this community. A Miss Childs who played this melodeon, later married the church’s first pastor, Mr. C.T. White and the two took the melodeon with them during a 12 year mission stint in India. The melodeon is now back in our church, “after sailing the seas of three oceans.”

Records show that our first eighteen pastors received salaries ranging from $30 to $1,500 annually.

Some time during the first twenty five years a missionary society called the Evangel Mission Band was formed by younger members of the church and in 1879 the Women’s Home Missionary Society was organized. ,During the 1880’s a sewing circle met every week. Our minutes show that it was the first society of its kind in the Seymour area. These two groups united in 1912, to form the Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society, which later became the Women’s Association, now Presbyterian Women.

After twenty eight years, we decided to purchase a lot to erect a new and more adequate church building outside the business district. The sanctuary of the present brick church structure, with a stone foundation more than three feet thick and at a cost of $ 14,000, was dedicated April 13, 1884.

Improvements and additions in the early 1900’s included a pastor’s study, a Sunday School, the north, south and east stained glass windows — “The Risen Christ, The Good Shepherd and Christ Counting the Children”.

By the late 1930’s our membership passed the 300 mark, necessitating expansion and renovation of the church facility. We have added a fellowship room, kitchen, adult assembly, laid a new roof, the belfry and steeple were rehabilitated, the exterior sandblasted and an oil burning heating system was installed. As we continued to grow, in 1963 a Christian Education wing was added.

During the late 1960’s through the 70’s, the need for support and sponsor of recreational activities for young people of all denominations was met by our initiating “The Last Exit”. The Exit scheduled dances and “The Outside Inn” provided teens with a coffeehouse-type atmosphere.

In 1970 we joined in a Cooperative Vacation Church School with other Seymour churches. Although this venture still continues today, our partner churches in this summer program have changed through the years. We also added children’s’ choirs, in 1977 purchased a computerized organ and in 1982 began a hand-bell choir. Our church library features books, periodicals and audio-visual equipment available to members as well as to the community. In 1982 we completed a concrete handicap ramp, addressing the needs of those physically less fortunate.

Our local community mission includes holiday dinners for the poor, the Jackson County Clothing Center, provider of funds and tutors to the Jackson County Coalition on Literacy, and establishing food vouchers for emergency food assistance through community agencies. More than 20 community groups regularly meet in our church.

At the end of 1989, our church has a membership of 249 and has recently installed the Reverend Michael P. Riggins as pastor. We look forward to his continued ministry and our work together.

Roll of Pastors and Stated Supplies

C.T. White 1855-56
L.R. Booth 1856-65
C.W. Wallace 1866-67
John Hussey 1867
John B. Logan 1867-69
M.V.B. Vanarsdale 1869-70
John Tenny 1871
Mark L. Milford 1871-73
E.R. Lynn 1873-74
H.B. Blackwell 1874
John B. Logan 1875-77
E.C. Trimble 1879-85
Madison C. McKilley 1885-87
W.O. Goodloe 1887
John F. Baird 1891-95
Thomas J. Stevenson 1896-97
J.F. Charlton 1897-02
E.C. Jacka 1902-04
George W. Shields 1905
James Omelvena 1906-10
James H. Hawks 1911-12
M.E. Prather 1912-15
J.F. Compson 1915-16
James H. Moore 1916-22
James D. Martin 1922-27
Edward W. Ziegler 1928-30
Shelton M. Hutchinson 1930-33
L. Dewey Burham 1934-38
Warren E. Shirey 1939-40
John L. Prentice 1940-50
H. Nathan Fredrick 1950-51
John C. Riddick, Sr. 1961-67
Don Paul Kastner 1968-76
Ralph Gayle Smith 1977-88
Paul M. Thompson 1989-90
Michael P. Riggins 1990-

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SPENCER
156 North Main Street, Spencer
Organized 1870

The History of Owen County published in 1884, gives an account of our church as follows: “The Presbyterian Church of Spencer originated in this way: In the summer of 1869, the Reverend T.S. Milligan, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church and the Reverend Henry Little, Home Missionary Agent of the Presbyterian Church for the State of Indiana, invited the Reverend L.R. Booth to mover to Spencer with his family, for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian element in and about Spencer into a church. In compliance with this request, Mr. Booth located in Spencer, and began his ministerial labors on December 11, 1869. At that time there was no house in Spencer over which the Presbyterians had control, suitable for religious worship, in consequence of which an unfinished room over R.G. Overstreet’s store was rented at a cost of $100.” The organization service was conducted on February 27, 1870 with twenty four charter members, some of whom had been members of an earlier Presbyterian Church in Spencer.

“The church since its organization has not been exempt from calamities and discouragements. In 1870, the Presbyterians purchased ground and erected a very handsome and commodious frame church, at a cost of $4,500, which was destroyed by fire in 1877. Being then without a place of worship, a room over Dr. Wiles’ drug store was fitted for temporary use. The Presbyterians immediately commenced to raise funds to build a new church, which was soon accomplished. The church was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1879, and now on the site of the old church, stands one of the most substantial and beautiful churches in southern Indiana.” Plans for the sanctuary were designed by charter member, Calvin Fletcher, Jr., a member of a noted Hoosier family. The story has been handed down that his design was inspired by a church which he visited in Switzerland. Fletcher also designed the first manse erected in 1884.

An addition to the original church building consisting of parlors and basement was made in 1909 and in 1922, stained glass windows and a pipe organ were installed. In 1953, ceiling beams were added in the sanctuary for extra support and in 1964, the chancel and downstairs area were remodeled. A lot behind the manse has been purchased for parking and future expansion.

Throughout the years, opportunities to study God’s word have been offered in Sunday School classes for all ages, Bible Study groups, confirmation classes, and vacation Bible School. There have been many opportunities for service through specific groups such as Presbyterian Women, the choir, and committees with various functions. In 1964 the governing body of our church adopted a unicameral system. There are now nine elders in service, one of whom serves as clerk of session. Each of the others moderates a committee important to the functions of the church.

Judging from old newspaper items, the early church was probably the smallest of the mainline denominations in Spencer, as it remains today. Our congregations includes approximately 120 members with an annual budget of $50,000+. As a congregation, however, we provide financial and hands-on support for many projects including Weekday Religious Education in the public school system and the Emergency Food Pantry. Community groups are welcomed and do use our parlors for meetings. In reaching out beyond the community, specific support is given to Hanover College, Ganado Presbyterian Church located on an Indian reservation in Arizona, and a church worker in Pakistan. Of our members, one has been called to ministry. John Hughes was ordained June 10, 1937, and did serve as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army.

In the “olden days”, church socials were a prominent feature in the life of our church. Recent fellowship activities include Easter sunrise breakfasts, ice cream socials, chili suppers, fall picnics and Valentine’s Day parties. Through the years our church newsletters have been called the “Spencer Presbyterian, the Parish News, Our Calendar,” and “The Prophet”; they serve to keep members apprised of current activities.

In our history we find there have been admonitions for improved attendance at Sunday School and at worship. There have been periods of elation and satisfaction, and periods of strife and discouragements. Pleasant events which linger in our memories are the Drama Guild of the 1930’s, the Sparkle Shop and the Society of Andrew of the 1960’s, the Festival of Banners in the 1960’s, Music Sunday’s of the 1980’s, and our Christmas Eve Service, ongoing since 1963. Most recently, on October 28, 1990, we were privileged to install the Reverend Amanda Peele Campany as our pastor. We look forward with hope and exultation for renewed spiritual growth in the work of the Lord under her leadership.

Rachel Mason Peden, whose column appeared in the “Indianapolis Star”, on visiting with us wrote: “One has the impression that the church and people still like what in an earlier day of strength and devotion and exuberance, they had considered good, and so built it, and continue to find it good.” Although this was written in 1966, today it is still an accurate description of the Spencer Presbyterian Church.

Roll of Pastors

L.R. Booth 1870; 1878-79
J.P. Fox 1874-76
James Omelvena 1876-78
J.K.H. Sammis 1878
W.J. Frazer 1881
W.S. Wilson 1881
H.A. Stinson 1882-85
John Stuart 1886-89
W.A. Patton 1889-93
C.M. Lombard 1893-95
Daniel Banta 1895-13
Walter H. Gray 1914-16
J.L. Hartsook 1916-18
Lewis A. Kelly 1919-26
John Henry 1926-31
D. Robert Hutchinson 1931-35
Eugene O. Slep 1936-38
Orval H. Austin 1939-43
Lewis A. Kelly 1944-46
Victor Raphael 1959-60
George F. Conley 1960-63
J. MacDonald 1963
Thomas Atkinson 1963-68
J.R. Walker 1968-69
Wilson E. Spencer 1969-70
W. William Wimberly II 1970-79
L.C. Rudolph 1980
Charles Robertson, Jr. 1980-84
Larry W. Cracraft 1884-89
Gary L. Komell 1990
Amanda Peele Campany 1990-

BETHANY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
RR #2, Spencer
Organized 1870

On March 20, 1870, Bethany United Presbyterian Church was organized by the Reverend John M. Dickey at the home of Ninian Steele. The charter members were Ninian Steele, John Mitchell, Mary Ann Mitchell, John Hudson, William Hudson and John Martin. Our first meeting house was a log building about one mile northeast of the spot where it was organized on Surber Farm. When this building was torn down five years later, we built on Ninian Steele’s farm about 80 rods from where it was first organized. The Milligan family erected a marker on this spot so it will not be forgotten. This church was used until 1870, when a new, beautiful white frame building was erected at its present location on Highway 231, nine miles north of Spencer, on land donated by James and Mary Hill. The sanctuary, dedicated in 1873, cost approximately $1,500, is where we still worship at the “Little White Country Church By the Side of the Road.” A loan which was obtained from the National Missions in February, 1872 was finally paid off in 1955.

From time to time additions have been made to our sanctuary. In 1912 one of the first projects of the Ladies Aid Society was to place a foundation under the building. Stained glass windows were also purchased and installed at the cost of $96.65.

On June 20, 1920 a large crowd attended the 100th anniversary celebration of Spencer-Bethany with keynote addresses given by A.B. Milligan and Miss Alice Milligan, descendants of an early pastor. In 1937, the Milligan family also donated money to dig a basement under the sanctuary.

In 1972, we found the basement to be in major trouble, with the side walls caving in. The structure was jacked up, then a new basement dug and poured. At this same time, we also remodeled and enlarged several areas. A new kitchen with activity area was built and plumbing and restrooms were added. We also painted and generally repaired the entire church building. The Reverend and Mrs. Fred Brooks gave an electric organ in memory of their parents, and a new communion table and large picture of Christ which hangs under our stained glass window over the pulpit were added. A book and trophy case was donated in memory of Kayle Keefover and new doors were installed. We still keep a picture of the original church in the vestibule.

From 1870 to the present, from the time our ancestors walked and broke trails in southern Indiana, until the time when we conquered space and walked on the moon, this church has given inspiration to many. We are proud of our heritage and our future.

Roll of Pastors

T.S. Milligan, Organizing Pastor 1870

John Dickey
Isaac Reed
Thompson
Jeremiah Hill
Ramson Hawley
Lowery
Ranklin
Chase
Cole
T.S. Milligan
Henry Dickerson
Daniel Banta
Walter Gray
John L. Hartsock
L.A. Kelly
John Henry
D. Robert Hutchinson
Eugene G. Slep
Orval Austin
Lewis A. Kelly
Victor Raphael
Floyd Hager
George Conley
James Pollack
Richard Montgomery
Robert Harvey
Tom Heinlein
Fred Brooks
Carl Hatfield
Leo Schmidt

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
201 North Main Street, Sullivan
Organized 1857

In August 1857, the first Presbyterian Society of Sullivan was formed by the Vincennes Presbytery. Robert Griffith and Donald J. Hutchinson served as our first ordained and installed elders. Mr. Griffin also served as Clerk of Session, with the Reverend John L. Martyn serving as moderator. There is no record of his being installed as pastor, but there is no doubt he was here to preach for a time. In October 1858, John J. Thompson and Isaac McKinney were added to the Eldership and D.J. Hutchinson was elected Clerk of Session.

It does seem the Civil War delayed the construction of our first sanctuary on the corner of Main and Beech Streets, because the deeds to the property, purchased from John J. and Mary A. Thompson, were recorded March 17, 1862, but construction was not begun until later. Purchase price of these two lots was $350.

Prior to this construction, we held worship services in the Methodist Church, the county court house and in members' homes. From 1863-65, services were held in the new building, despite the fact it was not adequately furnished. History records that in 1865, the church was outfitted with rough pews of hand-hewn poplar, a coal-oil chandelier, and a pulpit slightly more elaborate than the box which had been in use. Members of our families took it upon themselves to be responsible for providing their own personal comfort in their selected pews by installing carpeting and cushions.

The ladies of the congregation procured a bell and the final aesthetic touch was added when James Kelly, a member of the building committee gave us a melodeon. Charlie Harnish played this instrument, which furnished accompaniment for hymn singing. The stage was thus set for the arrival of our first resident pastor, the Reverend John Montgomery, who was installed in November, 1865.

This same building was remodeled and dedicated in June, 1970. Along with this renovation of facilities, came a new dedication of the congregation to go out and to share the Good News of Christ’s redeeming love, for He has called us into fellowship so that we might be sent out. As a congregation we are enthusiastic about community projects as well as local and national missions.

As of 1990 the following persons have been members for more than forty years: Jeanette Billman Wernz, Betty Campbell, Gilbert Snyder, Mary Barcus, Vollie Branstetter, Ruth Vickery Carter, Russell and Lucille Inbody, Virginia Pellum, Betty Hux, William Snyder, Flora Anstead, Sally Organ Pierce Geitz, LeAnn Smith, Clara Jones, Ollie McKee, Pauline Steinmets, Virginia Meissenhelder, Lucy Pittman, Irene Meisenhelder, Morris Service, and William McPherson.

Under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend David Patterson, current Moderator of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, we look forward to the twenty first century with enthusiasm, knowing we will with God’s Grace, continue to be blessed in our community of Sullivan.

Roll of Pastor

J.M. McChord 1857
J.L. Martyn 1858
H.B. Scott 1860
F.R. Morton 1860
J.S. Gilmore 1860
A. Sterret 1862
S.B. Taggart 1862
P.B. Cook 1863
Beubien 1864
E.B. Smith 1865
John Montgomery 1865
S.N.D. Martin 1869
John S. Robertson 1872
J.H. Meteer 1877
Junius Bartlett 1889
John Montgomery 1890
William A. Cutler 1894
Thomas G. Smith 1896
A.W. Stone 1899
John C.E. Fry 1902
J.H. Sammis 1904
John H. McArthur 1909
W.E. Gray 1913
Jack Masters, Sr. 1930
Wilbur Huffer 1935
Harold P. Marks 1939
Homer Weisbecker 1943
Thomas H. Johns 1960
Harold LeMert, Jr. 1961
J.M. Pasick 1965
Elwyn L. Tedford 1967
Edward D. Slusse 1974
Dr. H.B. Sissel 1979
David M. Patterson 1984-

CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
125 N. 7th Street, Terre Haute
Organized 1828

Arrival of the first permanent minister to settle in Terre Haute, the Reverend David Monfort from the Presbytery of Cincinnati, led to establishment of Terre Haute’s first organized church, First Presbyterian Church, on May 17, 1828. The Baldwin Presbyterian Church, later renamed Second Presbyterian, united with First on December 3, 1879 to become Central Presbyterian Church. The other Presbyterian Churches in Terre Haute, Westminster and Washington Avenue, were both established as extensions or mission projects of First/Second, now Central Presbyterian Church.

Our church building at 125 North 7th Street was originally built by the First Presbyterian Church in 1863. It was remodeled and enlarged in 1882, the north and south transept towers added, the auditorium floor inclined and the pipe organ was installed. In 1954, the old two-story wood manse behind the church was razed and replaced with the present educational building, which contains Sunday School classrooms, the church office, Schmidt Memorial Lounge, a Pullman kitchen and an elevator.

The Reverend John Chironna was called to be our pastor in 1961. After its first meeting with him, the Search Committee noted comments of some of its members. One said, “John made a good impression. He answered all our questions directly and clearly.” One member asked if he thought congregations should try to sing all the verses in a hymn. John answered, he “thought such things should be decided by the proper group or committee.” He did not want to be a dictator. Another recalled saying to some of the committee members that the congregation might have a problem with the Lord. That was such a startling statement, the rest asked almost in unison, “Why?” The answer came simply, “Well, when Chironna says Lord, he really says ‘Lawd’ and that could be a problem.” As it turned out, though, the congregation adjusted quickly to their minister’s New York accent.

In the years since 1965, extensive remodeling has included repairs to the exterior brick and new pews in the sanctuary and choir loft, a new study for the minister, air-conditioning, carpeting, a new organ console, and redecorating throughout the church. The old kitchen was removed and a new one built on the south side of the fellowship hall, which also received new lighting. A church library was established where the old kitchen had been, and the organ received a complete overhaul. In 1968 the Nursery School was started as a mission project. During this time, the Reverend Albert L. Tull was installed as Assistant Pastor. Mr. Tull retired in 1978. In 1975 Judith A. Lowder was named Director of Christian Education. That same year the Schmidt Memorial Lounge was redecorated and a church sesquicentennial celebration was held. The Reverend Gregory R. Bentall became the Parish Associate in 1979. Again in 1983, the sanctuary was redecorated and the entire church carpeted, In 1987 we installed a new Allen Digital Computer Organ.

Our church is special to its members and the community, because of its professional leadership and devoted service of its people, who are “the Church”. Of importance is the congregation’s interest in the denomination’s Peacemaking focus. Central Presbyterian Church, through its Peace Scholarship project, makes available a two-year scholarship to students attending a college or university in Indiana. The church also provides a free Day Nursery School program for disadvantaged children of low-income families, and participates in the “Samaritan Pantry” community project which supplies food to families with emergency needs. We are in process of establishing an archives section in our library to preserve and make available our records for use by the congregation. A shelf list is maintained and all materials are cataloged.

In December, 1990, Judith A. Lowder, former Moderator of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, retired as Director of Christian Education and we called the Reverend Gary Hardesty to be Associate Pastor. We look forward to the combined ministry of the Reverends Chironna and Hardesty.

Roll of Pastors

First Presbyterian Church

David Monfort 1828-29
Michael Hummer 1829-33
Mattew G. Wallace 1836-50
Archibald C. Allen 1851-53
Isaac N. Shannon 1854-55
Thomas P. Gordon 1857-65
George Morrison 1866-69

Baldwin(Second) Presbyterian Church

William M. Cheever 1849-56
Joseph G. Wilson 1857-61
Henry W. Ballantine 1861-62
Daniel E. Bierce 1863-65
Blackford Condit 1868-74
Edward W. Abbey 1874-79
James E. Lapsley 1872-79

Central Presbyterian Church

Thomas Perry 1880-84
George R. Pierce 1884-92
Rice V. Hunter 1893-96
William Torrance 1896-00
Louis O. Richmond 1909-18
Buford W. Tyler 1919-33
John Goodpasture 1942-46
Willard V. Lampe 1946-53
Osborne L. Schumpert 1954-61
John Chironna, Jr. 1961-

WASHINGTON AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
619 Washington Avenue, Terre Haute
Organized 1884

In the beginning for the religious community in Terre Haute, there came from the Presbytery of Cincinnati, the Reverent David Monfort. He was the first permanent minister to settle in Terre Haute in 1828, with a population of 528 persons, and was the force that set in motion the establishment of a lasting organized Presbyterian Church. Our primary ancestor was the First Presbyterian Church, which later merged with the Second Presbyterian in 1880, to become the Central Presbyterian Church.

Prior to this merger in 1875, a group of people, some of whom were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, felt the need for a church in the southern suburbs. Meeting in a small building, which later became the chapel of the Terre Haute Regional Hospital (formerly St. Anthony’s Hospital), this group became known as the Mission Methodist Church. A year later, this young congregation was organized, purchased a lot, erected a small wooden church on the northeast corner of Third and Moffatt Streets, and took the name Third Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1881 Central Presbyterian Church, under the leadership of the Reverend Thomas Parry, came to the rescue of this small group of worshippers by assuming the mortgage it had incurred, and organized them as a Presbyterian mission church, the Greenwood Chapel.

By 1884 Terre Haute’s population had grown to 28,042 and the Greenwood Chapel became a separate Presbyterian Church in the Vincennes Presbytery. With sixty one charter members from the Central Church and four other members, our new church was christened the Moffatt Street Presbyterian Church with the Reverend James Skinner installed as pastor. One of those first members, Alice Yeakle, was the grandmother-to-be of the one of our members, Vivian Bath. Our first elders were Edward Wright, C. Bird King, S.C. Stimson, Bascom E. Rhoads and Curtis Ripley.

As our congregation continued to grow, a cornerstone was laid for our new building located three blocks east at the southeast corner of Sixth and Washington (formerly Moffatt) Streets. On September 16, 1894, at the cost of $13,000, our new building was dedicated and the name changed to Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church.

The people registered disappointed that the church had no spire, but most folks felt the windows and pews, coal and lights, Bibles, books and the pastor’s salary were more important. It was said, “All a spire is good for is to point up, and we can do that in love and service.”

Soon after this time, Judge Bascom Rhoads and Samuel Cary Stimson were members of the board of trustees, which organized the nearby Coates College for Women. Though this venture was short-lived and did not fulfill the founders’ expectations, a lasting connection was established with Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church as a college church, where students attended worship and commencements were held.

Our first church’s pipe organ was installed in 1908, at a cost of $3,000 and we are pleased to have organized the Washington Avenue Symphony Orchestra, the forerunner of the Terre Haute Symphony. We also are the home of the oldest chartered Boy Scout Troop (#7), still in existence in Vigo County. During the depression, our church was mortgaged and received help from the Board of National Missions. In 1945 the mortgage was burned.

Until 1951 there were four women’s groups — Junior Guild, Senior Guild, Class in the Corner, and Missionary Society, each with separate goals and programs. In 1951 the four groups were organized into the Women’s Association of the United Presbyterian Women. Besides supporting the mission of the Presbyterian Church through prayer, study, service and giving, the women have been active in the local congregation, the Presbytery, Presbyterial, and the community of Terre Haute. In 1955, Mrs. Zoe English became the congregation’s first woman elder.

Since that time, a second manse has been purchased, with the first being converted into a Church House, supplying space for offices and classrooms. Later as a part of a major renovation program in 1965, we built a new Christian Education wing, razed the manse next door and sold the other manse. In May, 1989 “Guidepost” Magazine named Washington Avenue Presbyterian its church of the month in recognition of our Mothers’ Resource Program, a local mission project that grew out of our nursery school program.

Our commitment to a long tradition of mission, community service, music and fellowship continues. There is a growing desire for the further development of a caring community where we can experience a sense of belonging and foster a place of encouragement, help and support in our daily lives. As we gather to hear God’s Word, to be lifted up, to be inspired, to reach out to share Christ’s love and the Good News of the Gospel, we are confident we will make a difference in our world.

Roll of Pastors

James W. Skinner 1884-86
William R. Higgins 1887-92
E.M.C. Botterill 1892-93
Thomas Perry 1893
Albert J. Alexander 1893-96
John Allan Blair 1896-99
Francis M. Fox 1899-1905
Alexander McFarran 1905-07
Don D. Tullis 1908-13
F. LeRoy Brown 1913-38
John Nicholas Stone 1938-42
George Clifton Hitchcock 1942-47
Louis Alderton 1948-54
Dennis Shoemaker 1955-60
William J. Moody 1960-67
Charles T. Conner 1968-70
Neil D. Cowling 1971-78
William B. LeMosy 1979-85
Lee A. Dorsey 1986-90

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2200 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute
Organized 1908

In 1904 Central Presbyterian Church sponsored an east side Sunday School, from which the Westminster Presbyterian Church developed, under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. William H. McGaughey. Sunday School was begun in a tent on a vacant lot on North 25th Street, opposite the Rose Orphan’s Home. Soon the lot was purchased on the northeast corner of 22nd Street and Wabash Avenue. A tent was set up here and our work. continued. Just before Christmas, 1904, our tent blew over and an empty dwelling located across the street was procured to house our activities.

In 1905 the Westminster Chapel, a 30 by 48 foot building was built on the back of this lot. Westminster Presbyterian Church was then organized on October 27, 1908 with 93 charter members, most of whom came from the Central Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Elijah B. Johnson became our first pastor, serving from October, 1908 to September, 1909.

From 1909 through 1917, we have several pastors including the Reverends Edwin Craven, Josephus Lathurn, J.S. Stevenson, W.H. Bast, and in 1917 A.R. Brown became pastor, serving until his retirement in 1935.

By 1924 we had grown a membership of 237, so it became evident that a larger building was necessary. Under the leadership of Mr. Brown, the members authorized the trustees to erect a new church. This was a very big undertaking for us at the time, but the dream of a large sanctuary with polished woods and an organ — a big, beautiful pipe organ with chimes — and stained glass windows, Sunday School rooms for all was just the motivation we needed. Our people donated windows, furniture, labor — a bit here, a bit there — and even the community pitched in with the fire station donating the church bell.

On May 11, 1925, the cornerstone was laid for a building whose cost was over $50,000. “We thank God for His blessings, already received and go forward rejoicing in His promise of greater things to come. What a joy to have a share in building a house where multitudes in the days to come may meet their God in a Spiritual worship, with which we are assured He is well pleased.” This statement taken from one of our old bulletins seems to express the joy of this occasion.

By 1948 we had burned our mortgage and incorporated our church. With the larger facilities, the church began to flourish. In 1933 as we looked back on a quarter century, we were proud of our accomplishments, and looking toward an even more prosperous future, but the world was unrest. From 1935-49 we sent many of our young people into the armed services to fight for our country. With the help of many volunteers, the congregation kept in touch with those young people, and helped the stricken with donations of food, clothing and money.

Westminster Presbyterian Church continued to grow in its ministry in the community through increasing activities and membership. October 26, 1958 we celebrated our Fiftieth Anniversary with fellowship and song.

From the 1950’s to the present three lots and properties east of the church were purchased and later were razed with the spaces being utilized for parking facilities. A remodeling program including central air conditioning, improvement of classrooms, relocation of the pastor’s study, development and furnishing of a library-lounge, and new restroom facilities. Because we are proud of our church, improvements have continued throughout the years.

On the anniversary of our seventy five years in 1983, we held a special morning worship service, followed by an old fashioned basket dinner and a time for entertainment and fellowship.

In 1986-87 the concept of “Care and Share Fellowship Groups” was founded and has been a rewarding program, consisting of small group settings in a social atmosphere of sharing and growing in fellowship one with another — the younger and the older, the newcomers with the long time members.

The congregation, although decreased in size by death, mobility, and apathy, was and is a Christian Witness to the community and to each other as the world passes through wars and rumors of wars, economic depression, affluence and changing of moral codes. We have had and will have disagreements and misunderstandings, for we are only human, but the Christian spirit of our people, always seems to shine through. Some fifty years ago, our session minutes read: “We, as a session, are agreed that all do not think alike; therefore be it resolved, it is mutually agreed among the elders and the pastor that the interest of the Kingdom might be carried out more effectively that we forgive … Not my will but Thine be done.”

As of this writing we have just called the Reverend Gregory Moore. We do believe with God’s help we can continue to share the joys of being a Presbyterian at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Roll of Pastors

Elijah B. Johnson 1908-09
Edwin Craven 1909-11
Josephus Lathum 1911-12
J.S. Stevenson 1912-14
W.H. Bast 1914-16
A.R. Brown 1917-35
Oliver C. Start 1935-43
John W. Constant, Jr. 1949-60
Bert E. Clark 1961-70
Ben A. Russell 1972-76
Richard J. Baumer 1977-88
G. Loran Lewis 1989-90
William E. Sexton 1990
Gregory Moore 1991

VERNON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Washington Street, Box 195, Vernon
Organized 1825

The Vernon Presbyterian Church was founded in 1825, by the Reverend John Finley Crowe, pastor of Hanover Presbyterian Church. Mr. Crowe was born in Tennessee, but was living in the wilds of Missouri, when the Reverend James Ward, a Methodist circuit rider, held a camp meeting which resulted in the conversion of Mr. Crowe. The Word of Life had found him in the backwoods and called him to become a man of God. He attended Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky, then went to Princeton Theological Seminary. He came to Kentucky to teach and to preach in 1822, but when it was discovered that he was publishing an abolitionist newspaper and was opening a school for slaves, he was promptly dismissed, his Sunday School was closed, and they threatened to smash his press and to horsewhip him. His dream for a college there was thus thwarted.

Since the Ordinance of 1787 prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory, Mr. Crowe came across the Ohio River, where he could pursue his ambitions without restraint. He then founded the Vernon Church and later became the father of Hanover College. The Ordinance of 1787 also guaranteed religious freedom of worship, so it encouraged rapid settlement of this region. Many of the early settlers of the area were Scots-Irish, who migrated to Indiana from Kentucky and the southeast.

On May 11, 1825, Mr. Crowe held a worship service in the home of Allen Campbell with the following persons constituting the Presbyterian Church of Vernon: John and Janet Dobbins, John and Elizabeth Calahan, Asolom and Elizabeth Dienviddie, and Peggie and Polly Dobbins. John Dobbins was elected Ruling Elder and the following were received as members: John and Abagail Andrews and Andrew Porter. Porter was appointed clerk of session. He was a good scribe and some samples of his writing are preserved in our early minutes.

Little is known about the beginning years of our church, because Session minutes recorded only the names of members received, baptisms, letters of dismissal, session reports to presbytery and reprimands to occasional brothers, who had stumbled and needed counseling.

The Reverend Daniel Lattimore was pastor when the church was built in 1837. The structure was of Greek Revival style with scalloped shingles and a New England appearance. Fundamentally the sanctuary as it exists today is the original building; however in 1915 the Sunday School room was enlarged, the vestibule changed and the two front entrances were combined into one. At some unrecorded time, a tornado took off the top of the steeple. It was finally replaced in 1989.

Mr. Lattimore occupied the manse across the street from the church. It was the first brick home built in Vernon. Jane Porter Fink deeded her property on a hill on the south end of Pike Street to the church for a manse which was built in 1893. Mr. Lattimore also served as pastor of the Graham Church.

We celebrated our centennial on Sunday, May to, 1925, with Dr. Ballard of Hanover as our speaker, and on May 11, 1985 celebrated 160 years of service to the Lord and to our community.

Over the years, we have been known as a caring church as evidenced by our strong participation in local missions outreach, as well as by cooperation with many faiths in the community. We are strong supporters of Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly causes.

Our Mildren Brown Missionary Society has had both men and women members since. its beginning. Work in the service of the Lord and in all areas of responsibility have been carried out by all members of this Christian family for many years. Women have been teachers and Deacons since the beginning and elders since 1962.

Although our membership is small in number, we are a very caring people. Local missions include support of community charitable institutions and care of the sick and/or lonely. We care not only for our members, but also those in our area who need us, as well as some in foreign lands. We are known as an excellent training school for seminary students.

At present were are working to institute a covenant relationship with a sister church, Graham Presbyterian. We plan to engage a full time pastor in this new relationship with both churches benefitting by growing in numbers, dedication and service to our Lord. We ask that you keep this covenant and our congregations in your prayers.

Roll of Pastors from 1825-1940

Dr. John Finley Crowe (founder)
Daniel Lattimore
James H. McKee
J.C. Burt
J.L. Henning
G.W. McCoy
James H. Reed
S.M. Barr
Gilchrist
C.O. Shirley
J.F. Baird
W.O. Goodloe
A.G. Young
W.D. Malcomb
A.M. Irvine
W.D. Cole
B.J. Barker
I.V. Rule
Merle H. Kennedy

Roll of Pastors from 1940-56

The Reverend A.L. Tull helped to organized and was administrator of a Larger Parish with the following assistants: John Tomlison, James Rankin, Ralph Hawley, Harold Hepler, John DiJacomo, Dr. Baker, Mildred Brown and Ethel Myers.

Roll of Pastors and Students from 1956-91

Arthus C. Tennies (1956-58)
Dr. A.K. Bailey (1958-59)
Bruce Fry (1959-60)
Leslie Miller (1960-63)
Bill Mullins (1963)
Robert Brown (1963-64)
Guy Wilcox (1964-65)
Roy Rabitin (1965-67)
David McClure (1967-68)
Robert Kennedy (1968-69)
Jennings Bryant (1969-70)
John Boyer (1970-72)
Wendell Phillips (1972)
M.H. Kennedy (1972-74)
Robert Dalrumple (1974-78)
John Richards (1978)
James L. Gray (1978-79)
Matt English (1979-80)
Sue Loper (1980)
Bruce Anderson (1981-82)
Ian Exon (1982-83)
Doug Workman (1983-85)
Elizabeth Anderson (1985-87)
Jennifer L. Miller (1987-88)
Susan L. Haseltine (1988-89)
Dallas M. Dryburgh (1989-91)

CALEDONIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Route 1, Vevay
Organized 1834

Throughout history, the word “Caledonia” has been used at different times to designate people, places and things, but it has always referred to Scots, the people of Scotland, and when it stands for the country, it refers to a place and a people who have been organized and civilized long before the Romanization of the world. “Caledonia” is used most often to name the Presbyterian Church. Deeply rooted in the tradition of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, the Caledonia Presbyterian congregation began its ministry in Indiana in the early 1800s.

In 1816, several Scots, who had come to America, joined with other Scots in journeying from New England and the east coast cities, through Virginia and Pennsylvania, into southern Indiana. Because the countryside in Switzerland and Jefferson Counties was so much like their homeland, these early Scottish settlers invited their friends and relatives to join them, so by 1818, there was a substantial settlement of Scots in the Caledonia community. The most obvious reminders of those early settlers is still found in the Scots Ridge and Caledonia areas.

Upon their arrival, the Scottish settlers first formed a Congregation or Praying Society. The Society in Switzerland County, like those in Scotland, was intent on prayer. Though sometimes spoken in unison, prayer was often offered individually and the supplicant often prayed for strength to lead the kind of life expected of one in so much need of help. There was neither music nor singing at these meetings. In the Praying Society there was no constituted church and no ordained clergy. An Elder was elected whose job appears to have been to organize and coordinate the prayer meetings. Though these early settlers were no doubt motivated by pious and devout concern, they were also moved by the remembered discipline of the church in their homelands, promoting thrift, frugality and piety with religious fervor. To be brought before the Elders for failure to do one’s duty was a devastating experience for the culprit and for the family.

The exact size of this Praying Society and the change to accepting ordained clergy and establishing a house of worship appears lost. We do know that by 1827, the Caledonia congregation purchased the first parcel of land for a church building — a one room long cabin in Switzerland County — setting on one square acre, purchased from John and Margaret Culbertson. The building would have been practical and serviceable in the Scots tradition. Soon after, a stone church was built in Jefferson County to replace the log cabin, then in 1872, a brick church was built, facing east, just north of the old stone church. During the week of June 12, 1921, dedicatory and religious exercises were held at the site of our present church edifice, once again in Switzerland County. It is reported that over 1,200 persons attended the dedication dinner held in the grove alongside the church.

The original parsonage was destroyed by fire in 1894 and replaced that same year in Moorefield. It continues to be used for meetings and accommodations for our pastors. Our current pastor is the Reverend Frank Hainer.

VEVAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The French/Swiss Connection
Organized 1834-1970

According to the history of Switzerland County, Presbyterians were the first denomination to organize a church in Vevay, although religious services were held by the French-Swiss settlers of our town from the time they first arrived in the late 1700’s. In 1801 when the Dufours and their companions assembled to set out together to follow their older brother to America, their aging sire, Jean Jacques Rudolph Dufour, the one time Mayor and Judge at Montreaux, knelt in their midst and prayed God’s blessing on their undertaking. It was a dramatic picture, suggestive of Robert Weir’s “Embarkation of the Pilgrims.” He read the 90th Psalm, then instructed them to meet and to read this chapter when it was impossible to have “preaching”, and to have it read at all their funerals. This custom is faithfully adhered to even today by his descendants. From time to time the old Mayor sent them books of sermons and some of his own writings in French. He bade these young people, none of whom were much older than twenty one, to live Christian lives, just as he had adjured the older brother, who had proceeded them to America in 1796, to guide them with great care in matters of spiritual and materials. These then, were the founders of our church in Vevay.

In the absence of an occasional preacher, Joan Daniel Dufour was in the habit of reading a sermon to the colonists every Sunday from 1814 to 1817, and can be considered our first “preacher”. Our second pastor, the Reverend Dr. James Welsh, had a rather colorful history. Dr. Welsh, a Presbyterian minister sent from Cincinnati, preached a weekly sermon in the Court House until in 1825, when he was suspended by the Cincinnati Presbytery, and it is said he died soon after from the humiliation. He had established the first drugstore in our town and had fallen victim to the liquors he dispensed. He also advised his congregation to “do as I tell you, NOT as I do”.

As early as 1817, Mr. Welsh’s daughter Hester and Mrs. Abner Clarkson started the first Sunday School in this vicinity. It was something of an experiment and was attended by those of other denominations also. This organization continued for several years, and in 1819 Samuel Merrill, a highly educated young lawyer from Vermont became superintendent. It is reported that Merrill came west to seek his fortune and originally went to Evansville, finding it “too raw”, but influenced by what he heard of the intelligence of the French-Swiss of Vevay , he then came here. He later became a member of the state legislature, was state treasurer, and editor of the Indiana Journal. Along with his friend, Jeremiah Sullivan, he is credited with having named Indianapolis.

At a meeting on January 28, 1828, elders were elected to form a Presbyterian Church.’ Edward Pattor, educated in Dublin Ireland and uncle-in-law to Edward and George Eggleston, was appointed clerk and Israel Whitehead was one of those who counted the votes. Whitehead presented a picturesque figure as he persisted in wearing knee breeches, a tricorn hat and his hair in a queue, long after such costume was obsolete.

Subscriptions amounting to $270 were raised in sums from $1 to $30 to erect a church building. The lot on which our present building stands was donated by Daniel Vincent Dufour, the only child of Jean Jacques, leader of the founding brothers, in memory of his father who had died the previous year.

Worship was regularly held here until 1837, when because of many deaths and removals of members a regular minister could no longer be supported. Because of neglect and disuse, the building, which was poorly constructed in the first place, became unfit for services. Sheep browsed on the commons and found shelter in the sanctuary from wintry snows and summer rains because the doors were broken. During this time the Reverend D.R. Booth of Allonsville held services in the borrowed Baptist pulpit. In 1842 the building was repaired and meetings were again held in the church.

In 1858, the Reverend Horace Hovey conducted a revival, resulting in the addition of 17 members. Hovey was the son of Professor R.O. Hovey, one of the founders of Wabash College of which he was a lifelong trustee and where he occupied the chair of geology and chemistry. In 1859 young Hovey wrote his father that when he came to hold last service in Vevay before accepting a call elsewhere, he was informed the building was in such bad repair that it was dangerous to meet there.

By 1860, it became imperative that a new building be erected, Elder Alexander Edgar, forbade communion services being held in Kyle’s hall, so he was given the contract for the present structure. He made bricks in the old fashioned way, completing the work with painstaking care to which the present condition bears ample witness. The ladies of the church rendered invaluable aid in paying the bills. Martha Mendenhall, Amelie Duplan, Zella Grisard, Julie LeClerc and Lucie Dotraz are the names given in Mr. Will Mennett’s history, as the most active in this endeavor. Mrs. Mendenhall assisted in laying the cornerstone.

By 1891, the membership listing was revised with 95 persons regularly attending. This was probably our most prosperous period. The Ladies Aid was at its peak, with a large energetic organization which served bountiful repasts for occasional all day congregational meetings.

The manse adjoining the church was erected in 1901, during the pastorate of the Reverend Charles Christenson and was fully paid for by 1903. In the years when there was no resident minister, the renting the manse helped defray expenses of the church.

The report to the Presbytery in 1909 shows a membership of 60, but few of them were evident. It became apparent that the church expenses could not be met, and almost at the point of dissolution in 1917, we voted to unite with the Methodist Episcopal Church for services and expenses until 1919. It was not until 1924, we again felt we could support a part time Presbyterian pastor. Since that time students from Louisville Seminary have been employed. For some time students served both Concord and Vevay. Because we often used seminary students, the manse was sold in 1947.

In 1970 this church built in 1860, was donated to the Historical Society and now serves as a museum. Artifacts including Muzio Clementi piano, the oldest piano in Indiana is stored in this museum.

BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
702 N. 8th, Vincennes
Organized 1890

According to existing records, the origin of Bethany Presbyterian Church of Vincennes dates to April 28, 1890, when it was organized as the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Organizational ceremonies took place in the Knox County Court House and were conducted in accordance with the Cumberland Presbyterian Confession of Faith by the Reverend H. Clay Yates, Synodical Missionary of the Indiana Synod, assisted by the Reverend Alonzo Yates, minister in charge of the Herman Congregation. Records indicate most if not all of the twenty one charter members came from the rolls of the West Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church, whose history is somewhat obscure with session records dating to November 3, 1888.

Initially meetings were held at the Court House, until a brick church house could be built on Shelby Street, between 7th and 8th Streets, in 1890. The congregation quickly outgrew the church seating capacity in the early 1900’s to the point that during a revival in 1906, our minutes show, “church being crowded to its fullest capacity to hold the people, at least 200 being unable to obtain admission.” This precipitated the appointment of a committee to solicit funds for a new church building at the corner of 8th and Shelby Streets. The Session voted to name the new church Bethany Presbyterian Church.

About this time union between the Cumberland and Presbyterian Church denominations was consummated and in due time, special commemorative services were held in conjunction with the laying of the corner stone for the new church, which doubled the seating capacity and completely modernized the building. Financing of the enlarged facilities became a major challenge, but with loans from a group of individuals, financial institutions and the Board of Church Erection Fund of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the challenge was met and overcome. During the ensuing years, like most churches, Bethany has been in an out of debt on several occasions, but fortunately we are presently debt free.

Our church is centrally located and although quite old, our beautiful, air conditioned sanctuary with cushioned pews, still retains its rich and reverent atmosphere. There is a full basement with complete kitchen, a fellowship hall and ten rooms for Sunday School classes.

Among the prominent members of the early church were William A. Reel and Joseph Roseman, who were ordained as the first Elders on April 30, 1890. Roseman served as the first Clerk of Session and Reel served for fifteen years. Elder Reel was also the father of our oldest living member, Miss Bessie Reel, age 100, who at age ten played the piano and organ. The Session appointed her as official church pianist in 1908. Miss Reel studied at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, was also organist for many years. Also serving musically, singing in the choir for 64 years was Ruby Clendening Tade. Other long time faithful and prominent members included on the original building committee included W.P. Beesley, M.B. Hogue, W.H. Rumer, M.B. Johnson, and Dr. J.B. Miller.

Former members who have entered the Presbyterian ministry include: Dr. Isaac K. Beckess, Meredith Hogue, Richard Beesley and Earl Cruser.

With changing times, membership has varied from 21 to 311 members. Our present congregation is approximately 75, which is small enough that most members do call each other by their first names. As we celebrate 100 years, Bethany is a place of personal acceptance and sharing.

Roll of Pastors

Rev. H. Clay Yates 1890-1895
Rev. F.A Grant 1895
Rev. J.N McDonald 1897-1901
Dr. J.B. Miller 1901-1910
Rev. E.A Arthur 1910-1917
Rev. J.S. Houk 1917-1918
Rev. A.H. Kelson 1918-1921
Rev. Hugh J. May 1921-1925
Dr. John Welsh 1925-1935
Dr. D.L. Currens 1935-1941
Rev. Ray Hilligos 1941-1943
Rev. O.C. Epperson 1943-1948
Rev. T.G. Melton 1948-1957
Rev. E.R. Burger 1957-1961
Rev. John DeSanto 1961-1968
Rev. George L. Miller 1969-1970
Rev. Robert E. Bell 1972-1977
Dr. Alfred E. Drake 1978-1984
Rev. H. Ray Schroeder 1986-1989

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
113 N. Fifth, Vincennes
Organized 1833

The first Presbyterian Church in Indiana was known as the Indiana Church, organized in 1802. This gathering instituted by the Reverend Samuel B. Robinson of the Synod of Kentucky. They met in a barn about two miles northeast of Vincennes, on a farm owned by a Col. Small. From 1806 to 1833, the Indiana Church remained one, with a pastor and session. Preaching was done at the Court House in Vincennes and the surrounding territory known as Knox County. Often large meetings were held outside in the woods with as many as 1,000 people in attendance.

The oldest extant record of the Minutes of the Session of the Indiana Church, dated August 13,1812, shows there were three major parts of the Indiana Church identified as Upper, Lower and Vincennes portions of the Indiana Church. In 1833 thirty two persons presented letters desiring organized into a newly constituted Church of Vincennes, under the leadership of the Reverend W.W. Martin. This was the first portion of the Indiana Church to become its own entity.

Although the Indiana Church did not have property or facilities, a lot 150 feet square, was bought for $80 with the stipulation that it be used by the Indiana Church, now compromising the “Upper” and “Lower” portions of the church, and that part which is termed the “Vincennes” portion until there is a separation, then it is to be for the part of the Indiana Church, which now embraces what is termed the “Vincennes portion”.

A brick building forty by sixty feet was erected, and dedicated in 1831, on the corner of Fifth & Busseron Streets. This was two years prior to any separation of the congregation and was used for worship services and meetings of the Indiana Church and of the Vincennes portion.

The present congregation of this church is descendant of the original Indiana Church. It is a portion of it, just as the Upper and Lower portions, who later developed into lives of their own and are now known as Upper Indiana and Indiana Presbyterian Churches. None of the three is “the original or mother church”. We are all portions and all make up what was then known as the Indiana Church.

A division of the Church of Vincennes came in 1862, when thirty six members withdrew and were organized by a committee of presbytery into the Second Church of Vincennes. A separate structure on the corner of Main and Sixth Streets was erected in 1863. The two congregations were known as the First Church and the Second Church for 11 years, but in 1873, the two sessions unanimously adopted a resolve to reunite. The reunion of the congregations of First and Second was recognized by presbytery and the properties were used for Sabbath worship at one location, while the other was used for meetings and Sabbath School. The church at that time was renamed as “The Presbyterian Church of Vincennes”.

Even though the sessions were acting on the best behalf of both churches, there was a splinter group of the membership from Second who did not wish to be reunited. Rather than join with any existing church, this group determined the formation of a new church — Bethany Presbyterian. This was not a missionary effort of either congregation, but found necessary for those members who wished, to have their own identity.

Since there was need for additional space at the Fifth and Busseron Streets location, the expansion was completed in 1898. In December, 1904 it was decided by the congregation to no longer use the property at the Main and Sixth Streets location for services or meetings. From the records of April, 1905, the name is for the first time recorded as First Presbyterian.

In 1912 the Sunday School program was started on the south side of Vincennes by this church. This eventually led to the development of a Mission Church and Sunday School which was formally constituted as the “Southside Presbyterian Church” in 1915.

As church life-cycles often show growth then decline in membership and giving, there were recommendations made in the late 60’s for a possible merger for the good of the churches. The congregations of First and Upper Indiana began studying a possible merger in 1969. In June, 1971, it was voted by the congregation to consider bylaws for a new united church and choosing the name, Knox Presbyterian Church. The official formation of Knox Presbyterian Church was consummated in a service of public worship by an Administrative Commission of the then Vincennes Presbytery on Sunday, January 2, 1972, in the sanctuary of the town center at 5th and Busseron Streets.

When the marriage of the two congregations did not become one, there was strife and at a congregational meeting in October, 1981, there was a vote taken and by a wide majority approved to dissolve this merger. The dissolution of the merger was approved by the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, with part of the congregation remaining at the John Knox Church, again becoming First Presbyterian and another part of the congregation again becoming Upper Indiana Presbyterian, at the country center. These name changes were made official on April 3, 1983.

Included in our history, starting with Samuel B. Robsinson, founder of the Indiana Church in the early 1800’s, to William J. Swafford our most recent pastor, we have been fortunate to have the services of 34 ministers. For their service, we are grateful.

Roll of Pastors

The Reverend Samuel B. Robertson, organizer of the first Presbyterian Church in the Vincennes area, held meetings at various locations from 1803-07. The Reverends Samuel T. Scott (1807-27) and S.R. Alexander (1828-33) served Lower and Upper Indiana and the Vincennes Portion.

W.W. Martin 1833-34
John McNair 1835-36
Thomas Alexander 1836-47
John F. Smith 1847-55
J.W. Blythe 1856-58
J.F. Jennison 1859-60
Eli B. Smith 1861-66
John F. Hendy 1868-72
Joseph Vance 1873-74
Henry B. Thayer 1875-77
E.P. Whallon 1878-87
T.S. Scott 1888-96
George Knox 1896-1901
Wm. A. Hunter 1901-06
A.W. Sonne 1907-11
A.H. Brand 1911-17
A. Kistler 1917-25
J.W. Boyer 1926-31
N.V. Andrews 1932-38
L.A. Mantle 1938-44
R.S. Moorhead 1943-47
John H. Sanders 1948-56
H. Calvin Knock 1957-67
L.A. Mantle 1968-69
Donald L. Barker 1969-78
Ruth Dunn 1978-79
Walter Harman, III 1979-86
John H. Dunstan 1986-87
Joseph W. Baus 1988
William J. Swafford 1988-

INDIANA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
R.R. #3, Vincennes
Organized 1802

Indiana Presbyterian Church, the oldest Protestant Church in the state of Indiana, was founded in 1802, in the Council Chamber at the William Henry Harrison mansion, where the first Presbyterian sermon was preached by a missionary from Kentucky, the Reverend Thomas Clelland, in what was then the Indiana Territory, at the request of Territorial Governor Harrison. The infant son of Governor and Mrs. William Henry Harrison was baptized at this meeting. In 1806 the Synod of Indiana embracing territories of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and the “West”, was organized at the Vincennes Court House. The Reverend Robinson returned to organize us as the Church of Indiana, in a barn owned by Colonel Small, two miles north east of the Court House.

In 1808 the Reverend Samuel T. Scott became our first pastor and continued to serve for 21 years. There were four preaching places — the “Old Stand” in a woods near where our church was organized, the Log Church erected by the Upper Portion of the congregation, which stood about eight miles north east of Vincennes, the Log Church erected by the “Lower Portion, which stood just beside the spot now occupied by our present brick structure, and the old Court House in Vincennes.

By 1831 the Vincennes group could support a pastor and withdrew from the Church of Indiana becoming the First Presbyterian Church of Vincennes. Until this time we had been one congregation with four preaching points. The remaining three groups — Upper Indiana, Bruceville and Lower Indiana — were formally divided by action of presbytery into separate churches on April 6, 1842.

In 1844 the present building was constructed and is credited as being the oldest Protestant church in the Northwest Territory in continuous service. In 1847 presbytery granted Lower Indiana Church permission to drop the “Lower” and to be incorporated by a special act of the Indiana State Legislature under the name, “The Indiana Presbyterian Church”.

In 1909 the church facility was remodeled with an addition and tower on the north side. It was redecorated in 1985. Setting as it does in the grove, Indiana Church is one of the most beautiful of rural churches found anywhere. When the Wheatland church was acquired and torn down in 1937, some of the materials were used to construct our present community hall. Our hall, dedicated in May, 1966, containing classrooms, kitchen facilities and the pastor’s study, is still used today for many congregational and community functions.

Each year we host an all day, church picnic, when we make fricassee and invite old as well as new friends to join with us in food and fellowship.

Thirty three pastors have served Indiana Church with our present pastor, the Reverend James T. Wheeler having served since 1969.

Roll of Pastors

Samuel Robinson 1802-06
Samuel T. Scott 1808-27
Samuel R. Alexander 1829-54
Joseph Platt 1854
J.S. Watt 1856-58
F.R. Morton 1859-61
S.V. McKee 1862
H. Keigwin 1863
S.M. Howe 1865-67
B. Edwards Mayo 1869-72
Robert H. Reeves 1874
Samuel R. Alexander 1875-76
John P. Fox 1876-79
George P. McComb 1879-81
Orlando E. Hart 1882
Joseph H. Reed 1883-84
E.W. Fisk 1884-94
Byron E. Prugh 1895-96
Robert H. Hooke 1896-02
William H. Day 1903-06
Henry M. Rogers 1906-13
Alvin N. Crowe 1914-18
Mark L. Harris 1918-20
J.O. Ashburn 1920-22
R.M. Caldwell 1923-27
James A. Buck 1927-29
John David Yundt 1930-40
N. Vane Andrews 1940-56
John P. Dunstan 1957-59
Fred Mitchell 1960
Bruce Beardsley 1961-63
Wayne Davis 1964-67
James T. Wheeler 1969-

PALMYRA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Route 1 (Palmyra), Vincennes
Organized, 1824

Although the record is somewhat unclear, it is known that on May 25, 1824, a group of Christian friends gathered in a little home in the neighborhood of Frichton, and under the leadership of William Raper, the owner and either the Reverend Hiram Hunte or Alexander Downey, organized the Palmyra Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The land on which this frame church was built was donated by Mr. Raper in 1851. The Reverend Ben Hall served as pastor from 1835 to 1842.

The Herman congregation was organized at the home of Brother James Thorn by the Reverend Ben Hall, November 23, 1836. The churches of Herman, Monroe City, Palmyra and West Salem constituted the first congregations. Later each church withdrew from the union.

The first recorded session meeting of Palmyra Cumberland Church was held in our frame building August 29, 1892, with the Reverend Alonzo Yates as pastor. We know that W.H. Williams and W.T. McClure were elders and that Monroe Alton was a deacon.

In 1892, the present church structure was completed and dedicated. Bricks of the church came from Monroe Alton’s land which joined the Alton Cemetery. The entire basement was dug by volunteers.

During the denominational reunion in 1906, Palmyra became a United Presbyterian Church and in 1983, following another reunion is now the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

The first woman elder, Marie Powell was installed April 25, 1937.

The Knox County Union Parish was organized October 12,1942, under the leadership of the Reverend A.N. Lambert and the Reverend Ron Myers as pastors. We were a part of the Knox County Union Parish, composed of Royal Oak, Monroe City, Upper Indiana and Palmyra. This Parish continued successfully for several years. It was dissolved in 1970, but for a short period of time, Royal Oak, Monroe City and Palmyra continued as the Town and Country Parish.

On January 12, 1975, the Palmyra Church voted to yoke with Vincennes, Bethany Presbyterian, working successfully with Robert E. Bell as pastor for several years.

Our oldest living member is Mrs. Jennie Pritchett, who is ninety six and lives in Flora, Illinois. The oldest member presently attending is Mrs. Edith Alton, who is eighty six.

Present officers of the church include: Mrs. Jan Utt, Commissioned Lay Preacher and elders Marie Powell, Helen Forbes, Sue Cooper, Jim Utt, Ben Utt and Dexter Hawkins; Clerk of Session Marie Powell; Deaconesses Rita Tarr, Catherine Utt, Helen Forbes, and Tammy Utt; Trustees Hiram Utt, Alvis Burnett, Helen Forbes, Charles Ruble, Dexter Hawkins and Jim Utt; Financial Secretary Estelle Everett; Treasurer Charles Ruble; Organist Terri Junkin.

We are currently meeting conjointly, under the lay leadership of Mrs. Jan Utt, with the Monroe City United Presbyterian Church and do anticipate at some point in the future to officially merge.

ROYAL OAK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Highway 550, RR #1, Vincennes
Organized 1871

Royal Oak Presbyterian Church, located three miles east of Bruceville, was organized September 17,1871, by a committee of the Vincennes Presbytery. The old church was purchased at the price of $300 from the Wabash Baptist Church of Christ in 1868. It was repaired and dedicated in September, 1871, under the ministry of the Reverend Samuel Alexander with forty members.

While the Reverend F.W. Kirkpatrick was the installed pastor, we decided to build a new church. The last services in the old church were held on February 10, 1907, and the corner stone was laid on the present building on May 10, 1907.

We were a part of the Knox County Union Parish formed during the early 1940’s. The churches involved were Royal Oak, Palmyra, Upper Indiana and Monroe City. The Parish was formed with two pastors serving these four small churches. This parish was dissolved in 1970, but for a short period of time , Royal Oak, Monroe City and Palmyra continued as the Town and Country Parish.

Since 1970 we have been most fortunate to have been lead by the Reverend James T. Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler is also pastor of the Indiana Church.

On July 10, 1974, the original steeple was destroyed by lightning and fire. The bell, which had fallen during the fire was placed on a brick foundation and now rests in the church yard. The steeple was rebuilt and a cross added in 1988.

Because of the fire and water damage, on October 2, 1988, Royal Oak had a “cornerstone celebration”, when the original cornerstone was temporarily removed and opened. We found many interesting items including: editions of three Knox County newspapers, Sunday School lessons and leaflets, a King James Version of the New Testament, and coins from our early years. To this we added new Sunday School literature, a Bible, coins, and a printed church history. We put it all in a new box and returned it to the cornerstone. In addition to our pastor and his family, one of our guests on this day was the Reverend Frank Baldwin, now deceased, our former pastor from 1961-69.

In 1991 our current church officers are Dan Christian (Clerk of Session), Dwight Earley and Bob Dutton (Elders), Karen Kelly, Velma Hess, Ruby Ridgway and Clara Powell (Trustees) and Frances Ellerman, Marilyn Earley, Sally Christian and Alice Roberson (Deacons). Marilyn Earley also serves as Treasurer.

We remain an active community congregation with weekly Sunday School and worship services. Our youth are active in a combined youth group with the Indiana Church and we have a strong active Women’s Association which meets monthly. One of the fun projects is an auction held every fall in October. Money raised goes for mission projects and support of the church. When you come to the auction, be prepared to stay for a free lunch, and to bring something to sell — handmade or homegrown items — as well as money to buy our creations.

Roll of Pastors

J.P. Fox 1878-80
Roland Brent 1881-82
J.H. Reed 1883-85
E.W. Fisk 1885-88
Turner Brashears 1890-94
W.E.B. Harris 1890-94
E.A. Cutler 1894-1904
Alexander Murray 1894-1904
J.E. Darling 1894-1904
F. Kirkpatrick 1901-08
C.J. Grimes 1908-10
John Low 1910-15
Jackson 1917-18
L.B. Wissinger 1920-30
Roy Hofsterrer 1920-30
J.A. Buck 1920-30
Will Amis 1920-30
E. LeRoy Steffy 1930-34
John D. Yundt 1930-34
George Hitchcock 1930-34
Isaac Beckes 1934-38
Richard Klein 1940-41
Arnold Lambert 1942-45
Thomas Myers 1942-45
William Myers 1946-47
Gordon Leech 1947-53
Benjamin Blumel 1954-58
Whitman, Watson, Beckes, Wilson, & Chastain 1958-61
Frank Baldwin 1961-69
James T. Wheeler 1970-

SOUTHSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
517 S. 14th Street, Vincennes
Organized 1915

As with most churches in the Vincennes area, although organized in 1915, we take our heritage from the first Presbyterian Church in Indiana, the Indiana Church, organized in 1802, by the Synod of Kentucky, and particularly from the First Presbyterian Church, organized in 1833.

In 1912 a Sunday School program was started on the south side of Vincennes, to serve people living nearby. This eventually led to the development of a Mission Church and Sunday School, which was formally constituted as the “Southside Presbyterian Church” in 1915. We did build a manse in 1946, near our church. During the 1940’s we were the only protestant church in this area of Vincennes. Over the period of 1938-44, we grew in membership and our Sunday School grew to almost 200. Although we are smaller now, with an aging congregation, we do remain a vital part of the history of Vincennes and of the work of the Lord in southern Indiana.

It was said that we were “not typically Presbyterian”, meaning we enjoyed our worship services, our music and some of our methods, clearly showed the influence of various backgrounds, and our desire for a more emotional expression than is usually afforded in a Presbyterian Church. Although this is all true, we were and are loyally Presbyterian.

UPPER INDIANA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
4500 Bruceville Road, Box 243, Vincennes
Organized 1806

The Indiana Presbyterian Church is one of three churches, which has legitimate claims of being rooted in the oldest Protestant Church in the Indiana Territory. Its beginnings are traced to 1802, the Reverend Samuel Robinson, came from Kentucky to begin preaching just north of Vincennes. Those who gathered under Mr. Robinson’s preaching petitioned for the first Presbyterian Church in the Indiana Territory. Named “The Indiana Church”we were organized in 1806, and incorporated in 1810. The first installed minister was the Reverend Samuel Scott, who preached at several sites in Knox County. Session records from August 1812 to 1817 show session meetings and the Administration of the Lord’s Supper at “The Presbyterian Stand, Vincennes, The Upper Meeting House, The Lower Meeting House, and the Sinking Springs Meeting House”. The pastor rode horseback to these various sites.

The Upper Meeting House, located on the far northwest corner of Palmyra Township was originally a log structure. A cemetery is maintained at the site, noted for being the final resting place of soldiers from the Revolutionary War, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and also of many pioneer families. Many of the current members are descended from these families.

By 1826 our denomination had declared a Synod of Indiana, which embraced the territories of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and “the West”. The Synod was organized in the court house in Vincennes.

The first brick structure for the Upper Meeting House was built in 1836, and initially was known as the Center or Brick Meeting House. A list of membership in 1839, among many others, includes the names of Mariah (a woman of color), Charles Newton (an Indian Youth), and Abraham (a man of color).

In 1842, session records reveal the organization of the members from Bruceville into a separate church and the division of the remaining members into two parts — the Upper Indiana Church and the Lower Indiana Church. The Presbytery of Vincennes approved this reorganization at Washington, Indiana on April 6, 1842. There were 74 members of the reorganized Upper Indiana Church. The Upper and Lower Churches continued to share the same pastor, but were divided into two separate sessions. It is interesting to note that membership lists have entries giving the full name of female members who are single or whose husbands were not members, while married females were simply listed as “wife of …”

The church building today is of red brick with beautiful stained glass windows and a bell tower. Some of the windows were given by ancestors of current members. Erected in 1913, the building sits on eleven acres of countryside, making it one of the most beautiful of rural churches.

In 1938 when the church celebrated its 25th year in the new building, Upper Indiana Church had one of the few women elders in the history of the Presbyterian Church, Miss Helen Polk. Born just prior to the turn of the century, Elder Helen Polk Decker remembers when the church was being built and does continue today to actively serve the church as clerk of session, commissioner to presbytery, and consultant to the Pastor Nominating Committee which in 1990 nominated the current pastor, newly ordained, the Reverend Linda Ricker.

In regard to Mrs. Decker, the story is told that in 1936, she was a delegate to the Indiana Synod. Because she was the only female and looked much younger than her stated age, some of the men commissioners questioned her both on the basis of her youth and being a woman.

In 1971, during an era when small churches were being encouraged to merge, we tried. We merged Upper Indiana and First of Vincennes to form the Knox Presbyterian Church, yet we maintained both our country location and a city location. In 1981, we dissolved this relationship with 52 members transferring back to Upper Indiana Presbyterian.

Among the thirty three pastors, who have served this church during its 185 year history was a Vincennes native, we especially remember, the late Reverend Dr. Isaac K. Beckes. Dr. Beckes was president of Vincennes University during its growth from 185 students in 1950, to 4,600 students at his retirement in 1980. After Dr. Beckes retired from the university, he consented to pastor the Upper Indiana Church until his death in 1988.

There are currently 46 active members on the church rolls. Our mission during this final decade of the 20th century is best described in terms of growth — growth in leading lives worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ, growth in numbers, and growth in mission outreach to the universal church and community.

Roll of Pastors

Samuel B. Robertson 1806
Samuel T. Scott 1808-1827
Samuel R. Alexander 1829-1854
Joseph Platt 1854
J.S. Watt 1856-1858
F.R Morton 1859-1861
S.V. McKee 1862
H. Keigwin 1863
S.M. Howe 1865-1867
B. Edward Mayo 1869-1872
Robert H. Reeves 1874
Samuel R. Alexander 1875-1876
John P. Fox 1876-1879
George B. McComb 1879-1881
Orlando E. Hart 1882
Joseph H. Reed 1883-1884
Dr. E.W. Fisk 1884-1894
Bryon E.P. Prugh 1895-1896
Robert H. Hooke 1896-1902
William H. Day 1903-1906
Henry M. Rogers 1906-1913
Alvin N. Crowe 1914-1918
Mark L. Harris 1918-1920
J.O. Ashburn 1920-1922
R.M. Caldwell 1923-1927
James A. Buck 1927-1929
John David Yundt 1930-1940
N. Vane Andrews 1940-1956
John P. Dunstan 1957-1959
Fred Mitchell 1960
Bruce Beardsley 1961-1963
Wayne Davis 1964-1967
James T. Wheeler 1969
Don Barker
Wallace Harmon
Isaac B. Beckes 1980-1988
Linda L. Ricker 1991-

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
110 NE Second, Washington
Organized 1811

In 1811, a Presbyterian Minister, the Reverend Samuel Scott came from Kentucky to Vincennes to found the Indiana Presbyterian Church, and a seminary which later became Vincennes University. His ministry spread as he visited in the pioneer homes scattered in the area. One of his first visits was to the home of Richard Steen at the fork of the White River. By 1814, the Steens, Kelsees, Thompsons, and a few other families whose names we do not know, selected a site on Palmer’s Creek, two and one half miles southwest of Washington to build the first church (Indiana Church). The “White River Church” was a log cabin with a dirt floor and seats of split logs. There were no windows, but the space between the logs was large enough to admit both light and air. Since there was no chimney, the building was used only in warm months.

In 1815 John Dickey arrived, newly ordained in Kentucky, to serve as the first resident pastor. The original congregation of seventeen members had now grown to thirty, but this frontier group could not support a minister, so Mr. Dickey cleared and farmed land, made his own tools, and even made shoes for his family. He wrote deeds and wills, taught school and conducted a singing school. He traveled the outlaying communities to conduct services and helped to found new churches.

On August 7, 1819, lot No. 89 on the corner of what is now East Sixth and Hofron Streets, was deeded to the trustees of the Presbyterian Society for $35. Here a small frame church was built for the Presbyterian congregation to meet regularly. After the departure of John Dickey in 1819, there was no resident pastor until 1828, but visiting preachers held services and the congregation almost doubled again in size.

The Third Stated Meeting of the Salem Presbytery was held in Washington in 1825, with such a large crowd in attendance, that the meetings were held out of doors. It was at this meeting that John Finley Crowe undertook to organize Hanover College, and after three days in Washington, the session moved to Bloomington to ordain and install Baynard Hall, who was the only teacher at State Seminary (Indiana University).

The Reverend Ransom Hawley, another great pioneer preacher, came to Washington in 1828. He organized a Sunday School for all the youth in the town and he collected money to buy books and taught the children to read. He is also noted as having started a temperance society. When the frame church became unusable, and through the inspiration of Mr. Hawley, the Presbyterians built a brick church on the corner of Sixth and Hefron Streets in 1832. The bricks were made at the building site by members of the congregation tramping out the clay for the bricks and literally put up their church with their own hands and feet. By this time, after having been called the White River Church and later the Washington Church, we became the First Presbyterian Church.

As the First Presbyterian Church continue to grow, a larger building was needed; therefore in 1868, the congregation raised money for a second brick building at Second and Walnut, on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Cruse. One large room, divided by curtains, made separate rooms for Sunday School classes. Since the early 1850’s we had used a melodeon to accompany the hymns, so the second one was installed in the new building, until the church was remodeled in 1890 and a pipe organ installed.

Following the national merger of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (organized in Daviess County in 1818), the two congregations in Washington merged in 1909, to form Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 1910 after being used for fifty seven years, the dismantling of the 1868 church building began. In 1911 we built the present church at a cost of $40,000, with the Pastor’s Aid Society contributing over $9,000. The corner stone laid June 22, was made by William Gooldy, who also made the metal corner stone of the 1868. This metal box contains the history of Westminster, the Confession of Faith, photographs of the old church and other mementoes.

The old bell of the dismantled building was sold to the Maysville M.E. Church and is still in use; old bricks were cleaned and used in the new church. The stained glass windows in the Sunday School rooms came from the old church, and some of the pews were retained, making part of Westminster over one hundred years old. The four large stained glass windows in the present sanctuary are both stained and painted glass, prepared by B-Rossbach and are copies of paintings. Other windows in the church today were given when the previous church was remodeled in 1890. They remain today as splendid as ever for future generations to love and to cherish as priceless heirlooms.

Our church sanctuary began to assume its present appearance with the installation of the Austin pipe organ in 1917. During the pastorate of the Reverend Neil Crawford in 1958, we began another major remodeling venture, including a reception room, kitchen facilities, classrooms, pastor’s study and library on the first floor. The second floor was converted into a large sound-proof primary department. The large kitchen in the basement was modernized and the spacious south room in the basement became the nursery and kindergarten.

During this time workmen found a walnut box containing old tax receipts, insurance policies and other papers belonging to David Kribs, who left his property to the church at his death in 1915. The deed from Phillip Cruse, trustee, conveying the lot for the present site of Westminster Presbyterian, was among these well-preserved century-old papers.

We decided to replace the 1917 Austin Organ with a Bunn-Minick Pipe Organ, and proudly raised the needed funds within eighteen months. There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment within this congregation now numbering 171 members.

Westminster is the third oldest Presbyterian Church in Indiana. From its founding with seventeen members, we have been continuously active and a vital part of the Washington community, the presbytery and the denomination.

Roll of Pastors (1910-91)

William P. Hosken 1910-19
William Arthur Motter 1918-19
T.J. Simpson 1920-23
C.J. Grimes 1923-29
George C. Hitchcock 1929-42
H. Nathan Frederick 1946-50
Franklin B. Lane 1950-53
Neil J. Crawford 1954-61
Maynard W. Elftmann 1961-64
Frederick W. Ingle 1954-61
David E. Marshall 1975-84
Joan Marshall 1980-86
Joseph Baus 1986-67
David D. Crittenden 1987-

PRESBYTERIAN MEN

Informal men’s fellowships experienced considerable growth during the later 1970’s and early 1980’s. In anticipation of the reuniting of the two Presbyterian families and to capitalize on the growth being experienced, meetings were arranged with representatives of the Men of the Church Council of the P.C.U.S. (MOCC) representatives of the National Board of United Presbyterian Men (UPM).

A new National Board of Presbyterian Men met April 8, 1984, shortly after being inducted at a meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The new board began projecting its life and mission in the Church’s ministry to men and at its National Board meeting in October, 1984, plans were made to schedule a national equipping event for synod, presbytery and congregation representatives in April, 1986, and a major national Presbyterian Men’s Assembly in May, 1987, in New Orleans. The assembly with the theme, “Presbyterian Men: Christ Partners in Mission”, was attended by hundreds of men and their families. Steady growth and enthusiasm has resulted.

The mission of Presbyterian Men is “To Serve, Resource and Encourage Local Presbyterian Men’s Organizations and Men in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Their Response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” The National Board representing synods and the National Council adding presbytery representation meet annually to help fulfill this mission.

A second National Men’s Assembly will be held in Louisville, Kentucky in June, 1991, with the theme, “Christ, the Cornerstone.” The Presbytery of Ohio Valley will be well represented not only by men attending from several congregations, but also several individuals from our presbytery will serve as program leaders.

Men from Ohio Valley have been closely involved with Presbyterian Men since its new beginnings in 1984 and we have had representation at each of the annual events. In 1985 the presbytery appointed its first representative to the National Council (PR) and with assistance from the national organization, we hope to have men’s groups organized in late 1991, so that the next PR can be elected by a council of men’s groups from throughout the presbytery.

Presbyterian Men of Ohio Valley are encouraging men through their commitment to Christ, to fulfill the ministry to which each of us is called.

Gary Snyder, Moderator
Presbyterian Men

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

“Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves: to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible Study; to support the mission of the church worldwide; to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom.” (1988)

The history of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley is the combined history of women’s work in the former presbyteries of New Albany, Indianapolis, Crawfordsville and Vincennes, recorded soon after organization of each of these presbyteries in the 1870’s. Yet even before this, beginning in the early 1800’s, individual churches had started their own “missionary societies” and these societies continue today to be the backbone of women’s work in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

In 1942, the National Council of Presbyterian Women met in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and formally became an organization of the denomination. The constitution of the Presbyterian Women’s organization was approved by the 1946 General Assembly. The Presbytery of Ohio Valley was created out of the 1973 restructuring of the then United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and women’s work became known as UPW — United Presbyterian Women. More recently, Presbyterian Women came into being out of the merger of the Women of the Church of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and the United Presbyterian Women of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America as these two bodies of Presbyterians reunited in 1988.

Through the years, Presbyterian women’s organizations have been known by various names including the Ladies Aid Society, the Missionary Society, the Home and Missions Boards, the Women’s Society and the Presbyterial. The first Presbyterial to organize was New Albany in 1873. Indianapolis followed in 1875, and the Presbyterials of Vincennes and Crawfordsville were organized in 1876. At that time, Indiana was divided into two Synods, Northern and Southern, but when the women met as a Synodical in October, 1880, they met together. In 1882 as the two Synods combined, the women continued to meet as one body. Mrs. Charles Hutchinson, whose husband was a pastor in New Albany, is recorded as the first president of the New Albany Presbyterial from 1879-81, and was later elected president of the Southern Synod (Synodical), with Miss Grettie Holliday as secretary. Miss Holliday later went to Persia (Iran) as a missionary.

A publication written by Isabel Williams Cooper of Howe, Indiana, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Indiana Synodical, Indiana Synodical Society Brief History. 1882-1932, reported on the women who influenced the early work of the Home and Foreign Mission Boards, and who continued their work through the time when the two Boards were combined under one set of officers in 1920. In another report, “The Indiana Synod” for March, 1895, “Lady Missionaries” were listed from the New Albany Presbytery: Miss Agnes Johnson, wife of the Reverend Robert Hopkins, missionary to India; Miss E.C. Crow, wife of the Reverend Moses S. Coulter, who returned to China after her husband’s death in 1854 and continued working in connection with the women’s boards; Miss Mary Campbell, who went to Thailand from the Lexington (Indiana) Presbyterian Church in 1878, and later drowned in the Meinam River, after having served there two and one half years; Miss Minnie G. Arbuckle who served with her husband, the Reverend D.Y. Iddings in Guatamala; Miss Victoria Arbuckle, sister of Minnie, who was a missionary teacher in a girls’ school in Seoul, Korea; Miss Lettie McCampbell, teacher at the Iron Bethel School, Teheran, Iran.

In 1895 New Albany Presbytery included twelve counties. Six Presbyterial vice-presidents corresponded with and visited with each society in her own and an adjoining county, much as our “Enablers” today. Their goal was to have a society in each church and each society to participate in the support of the larger church through missionary giving and support. The Vincennes Presbyterial report indicates, “the societies of Terre Haute, Petersburg, Washington, Worthington, Vincennes, Sullivan, Evansville, Rockport and Indiana churches were benefited much by Mrs. DeVore. The foreign missionary of Vincennes has assumed a scholarship in Mrs. Nailor’s school in Kanazawa, Japan, over and above her regular contributions. This is a move in the right direction. We must advance our foreign work, or we will allow ourselves to be carried away with other work. We are not living up to our privileges in this respect.”

Of special note is Ruth Alsop from the Sullivan Church, who was the first woman elder of the Vincennes Presbytery, the first woman elder in her church, Synodical President from 1960-63, Presbyterial President from 1956-59, and a commissioner to the General Assembly. A descendant of the early pioneers who founded the Jefferson Church near Madison is Mattie Buchanan, who was elected an elder in 1931, one of the first women to serve in this capacity. Mattie served as a delegate to the New Albany Presbytery in 1932. Leila Buchanan is distinguished by over 50 years of not missing a single meeting of the Ladies Aid Society. Lillian Buchanan Guthrie served with her husband, the Reverend John Marshall Guthrie, as missionaries to Brazil from 1942-74. Her mother, Freda, attended General Assembly three times, once as a commissioner and twice as a visitor. Miss Julia Leavitt from the Bloomfield church went as missionary to Japan in 1881 and served there for over 40 years. (excerpted from “Presbyterian Women in Mission 1873-1988”, compiled by Reva Dietrich, Henryville)

Over the years, many women have contributed greatly to the work of Presbyterian Women and to the benefit of the church at large. We celebrate the contributions of Katharine Parker, who was one of the guiding forces leading to the eventual ordination of women as ruling elders in 1930 and to the ordination of women as ministers of the Word and Sacrament in 1956. Katharine lived within the bounds of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley for many years while her husband was President of Hanover College. Her memory is honored through the Katharine Parker wing of our presbytery’s retirement facility, Englishton Park in Lexington. Her daughter, Jane Parker Huber of Hanover is known throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as an author of contemporary hymns, and an outstanding contributor to the newly published The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990. Jane is presently serving as Moderator of the Presbyterian Women for the Presbytery of Ohio Valley (1990-92). Mrs. Sue McClew also of Hanover, is Moderator of the Presbyterian Women for the Synod of Lincoln Trails (1990-93).