LIKE most of the early religious organizations, the Christians, or Disciples, as they were primarily called, held their meetings at various places both in town and country, and at different times. These meetings were addressed usually by traveling ministers, who acted as pioneers, preparing the way for the advent of Christian civilization. The efforts of these forerunners were directed, not so much toward perfecting organizations as opening the avenues, which lead to organization as the ultimatum. Among the first of these early teachers, attention is directed to Dr. George W. Thompson, from the date of whose first appearing here is reckoned the commencement of the era of Christian evangelism as defined by this popular branch of the church. The formation of the church at Muncie was the immediate outgrowth of his ministerial labor. He was rewarded by all as an exceptionally good speaker, as well as an assiduous worker in the cause, and was beloved by all with whom he came in contact. Cotemporaneous with the Doctor were David Geary and Aaron W. Moore, both itinerants and both regarded with favor by the people. Many of the first meetings were held at the house of Mr. Adamson, afterward one of the original members and founders of the church at this place; The original organization of this church in Muncie is fixed by the following record: "We, the undersigned, propose to form ourselves into an organization to be known as the Church of Christ, meeting in Muncie, Ind. Done this, the 27th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1868. "
For a considerable time after the formation of the society, meetings were held at the court house; subsequently, however, at Walling's Hall, no church edifice, so far as we have seen able to learn, having in the meantime, been erected, consecrated to religious worship after their peculiar forms. Of the ministers mentioned, Dr. Thompson was from Union City, Ind. Mr. Geary, from Newcastle, Ind., and Mr. Moore from New Paris, Ohio. During the years 1873 and 1874, Walling's Hall was engaged and occupied as a place of worship for the period of about one year. Within this time, a lot was procured, located on the northwest corner of Council and Jackson streets, purchased from James Stewart, at a cost of $500. Shortly after the purchase of this lot, contracts were let to Parry & McCoy, J. Dodson, Amos Wilson and A. J. Slinger, to build the church thereon. The contracts were let and the work completed during the year 1875, and in the autumn of that year it was dedicated to Christian worship, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Ret. L. L. Carpenter, of Wabash, Ind. Prior to that time, on the second Lord's Day in March, 1874, a re-organization of the church took place, brought about and perfected through the agency of Elder G. W. Thompson, who had been laboring for its up building for one or more years antecedent thereto, as its regular minister.
Immediately after the organization of the church, the completion and dedication of its place of worship, Rev. W. W. Whittemer was engaged as Pastor, and continued to exercise the functions at that office for the period of two years, when Hey. Milton Hough assumed the charge. A year later, Rev. J. W. Vincent came in and served this people until the calling of Rev. W. A. Hough, a period of about one year. At the end of that time, according to pre-arrangement, Mr. Hough took charge of the pastorate, and still continues in that relation, ministering to his flock according to its spiritual wants. The church, at this time, as it has been from the beginning, is in good working condition, with a fair membership, and an edifice comparing favorably with any other in the city, its size being 36x54 feet, a ceiling 18 feet in the clear; is a substantial brick structure with ample room and set accommodation, good ingress and egress-withal, a comfortable and cozy home for Christian worshipers. The building is surmounted with a belfry, in which is hung an 800-pound bell that cost the congregation upward of $100. The citizens of Muncie, true to their instincts, paid largely and liberally in assisting the members in the construction of this important improvement. The subscription list shows that the good people of Muncie are alive to the advantages of religious improvement within her limits. The total cost of this building exceeded 5,000.
The following are among the original members of the church organized in 1874: Amos Wilson, George Moore, J. P. Adamson, Andrew J. Slinger, Emily Adamson, Linda M. Slinger, Lissie Louthain, Sallie Mansfield, Charles Mansfield, Martha A. Graves, Mrs. Rader, Hannah J. Puckett, Abigail Hines, Rebecca Cummings, Mrs. A. J. Claypool, Harvey Wilkins, Elizabeth Frank, Sarah J. Wilcoxon, Nancy Eber, Maggie Louthain, George Louthain, C. S. Wachtell, Andrew McGalliard and others.
The officers were: Elders-Amos Wilson, George Moore; Deacons: J. P. Adamson, Andrew J. Slinger, Andrew McGalliard; Trustees- J. P. Adamson, A. J. Slinger, George Louthain; A. McGalliard: Clerk-C. S. Wachtell. On the 23d of February 1878, A. J. Slinger resigned as Trustee, and John Strohm was elected in his place. C. S Wachtell was elected. The other officers remain as in the beginning.
The following article, giving in more complete detail the ceremonies and transactions incident to the dedication of the church edifice, with a description of the building and furniture, copied from the Muncie Times, of November 25, 1875, will be found interesting and worthy of preservation, as part of the history of this church. The dedication took place on Sunday, November 21, 1875:
"This church is a neat brick building, tastefully and neatly furnished. It is 36x54-the story 18 feet high, with gothic window; elegantly seated by a Cleveland furnishing house. The furniture was supplied entirely by the ladies-ladies making the entire donation for that purpose, the subscription being obtained in small sums from all parts of the city and county adjoining. The amount thus furnished was $126.20. A baptistery, and also a neat dressing room on either side of the pulpit, has been supplied. - The entire cost of the, house and grounds, exclusive of furniture supplied by the ladies, was 4,239.14."
"The exercises were opened with prayer by Elder E. W. Hammond, of Allen County, Elder G.W. Thompson leading singing. Elder L. L. Carpenter, of Wabash, preached an able, eloquent and exhaustive discourse. After the sermon, he proceeded to raise money to liquidate the indebtedness of the society, amounting to about $1,000. The following is the result: J. M. Gray, $100; John Shoemaker, $50; James Stewart, $50; George Louthain, $50; Charles Mansfield $50; V. J. Carmichael, $25; A. Wilson, $25; John C. Long, $10; Robert Mansfield, $10; A. J. Slinger, $10; Simon Davis $10; A. J. McGalliard $10; L. Whitney, $l0; Samuel Grayman, $10; G. H. Kennedy, $10; Joseph Stradling, $10; John Strohm, $10; J. M. Long, $5; Nancy Worth, $5; Owen Wilson, $5; Mary Streeter, $5; E. Adamson, $5; E. Small, $5; Lydia Mansfield, $5; William Petty, $5; N. J. Orr, $5; Sarah Long, $5; Joseph Hammer, $5; William Searls, $5; E.J. Langdon, $5; I. P. Watts, $5; E. A. Hammond, $10; G. W. Thompson, $10; J. P. Adamson, $10; George Moore, $10; John Shoemaker, $10; Charles Mansfield, $10; V. G. Carmichael, $10; James Stewart, $10; William Searls, $10; W. S. Brundage, $10; S. Gayman, $5; J. C. Long, $5; E. W. Hammond, $5; Oliver Carmichael, $5; J.W. Taylor, $5; B. F. Bratton, $5; A. W. Clancy, $5; Harvey Wilkins, $1; John Nelson, $1; Rebecca Charman, $1; W. A. Long, $1; Mrs. Kilgore, 75 cents; J. W. Thomas, $1; E. Getter, $1; E. Davis, $1; Mrs. J. P. Watts, $1; cash, $1; Catharine Rodman, $1; D. H. H. Shewmaker, $2; Emma Osborn, $1; Sarah Wilcoxon, $2; Silas Weaver, $2; W. G. Mock, $5; Thomas D. Moore, $2; J. Q. Mitchell, $1; David Stainbrook, $5; cash, $8.77; total, $750.52."
"Elder G. W. Blodgett donated an elegant Bible, with a few proper remarks which, was appropriately accepted by Mr. Carpenter, on behalf of the society." (Page 153)
CHAPTER VI.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL-GRACE MISSION CHURCH.
Few among the earlier residents of Muncie were adherents to the faith and form of worship peculiar to this branch of the Christian Church hence no active efforts toward organization were made until within the past few years. Indeed, among the earlier residents, Mrs. Van Horn and Mrs. Carrie J. McCulloch were the only Episcopalians. About the year 1859, a gentleman who was a member of this church came to Muncie as a music teacher, and it was chiefly through his influence that the first Episcopalian services were conducted here.
Divine worship was first conducted in 1859, by the Right Reverend Bishop Upfold, of the Diocese of Indiana, assisted by Rev. Mr. Wakefield, of Richmond, Ind. The services were held in the audience room of the First Presbyterian Church, and, as this form of worship was novel to many of the citizens, there was a very large attendance. The choir of the Presbyterian Church very kindly volunteered its assistance as a body, and practiced the chants, which are so essentially a part of the Episcopal service; so that nothing was detracted from the beauty of the ritual and. the services were properly rendered. No effort was made to organize the few scattered members of the flock into a congregation at that time, and, so far as can be learned, the services of the church were not again celebrated in public until about the year 1870, when Rev. George H. Engle came from Indianapolis, at the invitation of Miss Mary Burbank and Mrs. Carrie J. McCulloch, and conducted public worship in the Presbyterian Church, preaching on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Although these ladies desired an organization, they were not sufficiently well versed in the ways of the world to know what preliminary steps were necessary, and five years elapsed without any further effort in this direction. It was largely due to the influence and labors of Mrs. J. A. Heinsohn that the organization was finally accomplished. After her return to Muncie from Louisville, Ky., she called upon Bishop Talbott at Indianapolis, and represented the needs of the church here.
In the meantime the Episcopal Church had gained many friends in Muncie, and, an unusual interest having manifested itself, a business meeting of the members and friends convened at the parlors of the Kirby House, one evening in March 1875. The persons composing this meeting had under discussion the organization of a church society, which would secure to them the desired opportunity of worshiping at their own altar, according to the customs of their fathers and mothers. After a full and free discussion it was decided to carry out the project, and a committee of seven was appointed to attend to the wishes expressed at the meeting, and to call upon the citizens in the interest of the church. This committee consisted of the following persons: Charles Willard, J. M. Kirby, A. R. Brown, A.H. Hamilton, J. E. Burson, J. A. Heinsohn and J. D. Williams.
In response to the call of the society as represented by Mrs. Heinsohn, Rev. Jesse R. Bicknell was assigned to the charge of the mission, and the opera house was secured as the place for holding services. In May 1875, Rev. Mr. Bicknell presented to the Bishop a class of fourteen candidates for confirmation. These were John M. Kirby, Mrs. Mary F. P. Kirby, Mrs. A. B. Brown, William Shaw, Miss Carrie Smith, Miss Lettie Smith, Mrs. H. C. Hodge, Mrs. N. F. Ethell, Mrs. G. W. Spilker, Mrs. W. R. Maddy, Mrs. C. E. Shipley, Miss Fannie Shipley and Misses Hattie and Nannie Galbraith.
Mr. Wysor had let the opera house to the society at a nominal rental, and the services were conducted in this room until it became necessary to have fires, which, in so large a room, would involve a largely increased expense. The council room in the city building was therefore engaged, and public worship was conducted here for about a year. The following certificate of organization was issued in May 1876: "We, the Right Reverend Joseph Cruickshank Talbott, D. D., L.L. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Indiana; Warren H. Roberts, President of the Standing Committee of said church in the Diocese of Indiana; and John M. Kirby, Warden, and George W. Spilker and A. N, Galbraith, Vestrymen of Grace Mission, in the City of Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind., organize a religious association, under an act of the General Assembly, approved February 12, 1855, entitled, 'An act concerning the organization of voluntary associations, and repealing former laws in reference thereto, as amended by 220 of the Statutes of 1875.' (Laws of 1875, page 171.) "1st. The object of such association is to establish and maintain Grace Mission in the city of Muncie, and to secure in said mission the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church." "Signed and sealed May 15, 18'78." (Mis. Rec. No: 2, page 106.) Rev. Mr. Bicknell remained in charge of the mission three months, when, at his own request, he was transferred to another field, and Rev. Herbert Root was assigned to this charge.
During the year 1876, steps were taken toward erecting a church for the congregation. Mrs. J. W. Burson donated the lease upon a lot immediately north of her residence, on Walnut Street, and, in the fall of that year a neat frame structure was completed at a cost of $650 which amount was paid immediately upon the completion of the building. It is a plain, unpretentious building, and though handsomely finished within, is only designed to subserve a temporary purpose.
Rev. Mr. Root continued as Rector until after the completion of the church, remaining long enough to conduct a few of the services of the Lenten season, in the spring of 1877. Then there was an interim in which the church had no regular Rector. Rev. Charles D. L. Allen officiated in this capacity for three months, and Rev. Mr. Wells, for one month during this time. Rev. J. R. Bicknell was again called in 1877, and took pastoral charge of the parish on the 1st day of January, 1878, remaining until January 1, 1881, when he resigned on account of failing health, and went to the South. He was succeeded by Rev. F. Duncan Jaudon, the present Rector. (Page 154)
CHAPTER VII.
ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
FIRST INTRODUCTION OF CATHOLICISM INTO MUNCIE-CATHOLIC FAMILY TIES THEN RESIDENT HERE-FIRST MASS CELEBRATED-PASTORAL VISITS CONTINUED-PERSONNEL OF THE EARLY PRIESTS-CHURCH FOUNDED AND WORSHIPING EDIFICE PROJECTED-SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DONATIONS TO THAT END-CHUIICH ERECTED-ITS DIMENSIONS AND COST-THE PRESENT PASTOR-His SUCCESS, ETC.
ABOUT the year 1853, when there were no more than two families in affiliation with the Catholic Church resident in Muncie, then a comparatively small village, Father Maloney came here from Indianapolis and celebrated mass for the first time within those limits at the house of Patrick Tuhey, a one-story frame located immediately south of where the engine house now stands, on the southwest corner of Jackson and Jefferson streets. The two families that had previously embraced the Catholic faith were those of Patrick Tuhey and Nicholas Eyler, Mr. Tuhey being here first. From this time forward, Father Maloney continued to make monthly visits during a period of about four years. Afterward, no regular priests visited here until Father Clarke came in 1858. In the meantime, however, several priests came at irregular intervals, and celebrated mass according to the usages of the church, sometimes at the house of Mr. Tuhey, and sometimes, again, at the house of Mr. Eyler.
The first priest, Father Maloney, was an Irishman, a short, thick-set, jolly man, and, as is usual with priests, he wore no beard. He was a man highly respected by all the people of the village, for whom he had always a kind word. He was indefatigable in his labors, and came here on horseback, overland, to this and other points. Untiring, ardent and zealous, he continued to administer to the spiritual wants of his little flock with an eye single to the perpetuity and usefulness of his church. He did his work faithfully, willingly and satisfactorily. Having ceased his labors here, he returned to his former field at Indianapolis.
In 1858, Father Clarke, a tall man of good nature and cheer, began to make regular visits to this society, coming, as had been the custom of Father Maloney, about once a month, at stated periods. He celebrated his first mass here at the residence of Mr. Patrick Tuhey; afterward, however, alternately at the house of Mr. Eyler and Mr. Tuhey. While visiting here, his route took in Union City, Winchester, Muncie, Anderson, and perhaps other points adjacent. It was his purpose to build a church edifice here, and he labored zealously to that end. Without fully succeeding, however, he made considerable headway in the preliminary work, and left an impression among the people which was readily utilized, and constituted an important auxiliary in the subsequent labors of his successors, who ultimately consummated the object desired.
About the year 1862, a change was made in the pastorate, and Father Fitzmorris became the successor of the retiring priest. He came regularly once each month and said mass in various houses in the neighborhood, as the congregation had by this time swelled to considerable proportions, numerous families, in the meantime, having been accepted by professions of faith. This Father was a large, tall man, of very even disposition, and, like his predecessors, stood high in the confidence and esteem of his people. He, also, was of Irish descent. Immediately preceding Father Clark, Father Seing-Christ had charge of this society for a brief period, saying mass at the residence of Mr. Eyler, and, perhaps, at other places in the vicinity. At irregular periods, the church was supplied, by several different priests; among them were Fathers Shellamaker, Black, Vanderpoole, Goeghan, Maloney and Doyle, the last one, from Vincennes.
Father La Moore came here about the year 1869, and commenced the building of the church edifice in this city. His former charge was at Union City. At that time, the membership of the church had increased to about the number of seventy-five. These, though poor, were very enthusiastic, and took an active interest in the building of a place of worship for themselves and those who were to come after them.
Preceding the erection of this church, Bishop Luers, of Fort Wayne, came here and made the necessary arrangements for the purchase of a lot upon which to construct the building. Entertainments, such, as fairs, suppers, etc., were gotten up by the ladies of the church, from which sources quite a large fund for building was realized. These sums, together with subscriptions and donations from members of the congregation and from citizens, created a fund sufficiently large to justify the commencement of the work in hand. Accordingly, a beginning was made and the construction progressed rapidly toward completion. In this enterprise, Father McMahon was the prime mover, particularly at the beginning. Subsequently, however, owing to various financial difficulties, the work was not prosecuted successfully, and this Father abandoned it for the time being, and withdrew from the charge in consequence. Afterward, the Bishop [Luers] from Fort Wayne came forward and, instilled new life and vigor into the work, purchasing the lots in Block 8, at the corner of Charles and Hackley streets, and making up the deficiency, which had occasioned the embarrassment of the society under the administration of Father McMahon.
The edifice, however, was finally constructed under the supervision of Father Lawrence La Moore. He was zealous and untiring in the important work, and labored with his people, who were comparatively poor, until he secured to them their present handsome church edifice. After Father Moore came, for a brief period, Father Joseph A. Marshall. He continued his charge only about three months, and then gave over his work to Father Crowley, then recently from Anderson, in Madison County. It seems, however, that though Father La Moore remained in charge but a short time, his stay here was sufficiently long to see the congregation supplied with a comfortable house of worship.
Father Crowley was succeeded by the present Pastor, Father William G. Schmidt, the latter commencing his ministry with this congregation on the 24th of January 1875, laboring for them and with them during a period of about six years. The experiences of those years have established his efficiency as a safe and judicious Father, watching carefully and prayerfully over the interests of his congregation, guarding them from besetting snares, and guiding them into and along the strait and narrow way. He is yet a young man; though the years of his life have been few, they have brought with them ripe experience, the results of which are presented to his people according to their needs. He lives with and takes care of his mother and sister, who reside in the parsonage adjacent to the church on the east. His excellent deportment and high Christian character endear him not only to his congregation, but to others with whom he comes in contact.
The church, which is a fine brick edifice, 85x60 feet in size, and furnished with all the modern appliances, is situated in the eastern portion of the city, and cost about $3,500. A one and a half story frame parsonage was erected in 1875, at a cost of $925, on the grounds adjoining those of the church and. immediately east. The congregation of St. Lawrence Church, while not an affluent one, sustains the Reverend Father in good style and keeps the church in a thriving condition. This prosperity is the result of united effort and harmony of action on the part of Pastor and people, who make the well-being of the cause in this place their primary object. Hitherto many obstacles have interposed to retard the growth and prosperity of the church. In the beginning, there were few communicants and comparatively meager congregations; then financial embarrassments in the erection of their house of worship, which almost threatened dissolution. All these have been overcome by the exercise of good Judgment and patient perseverance, leaving the society in a healthy condition financially and otherwise. (Page 154)