EARLY INTRODUCTION 0F METHODISM-VISITS AND LABORS OF CIRCUIT RIDERS AND "ITINERANTS "-SUCCESSES AND REVERSES-FIRST CLASS FORMED - MUNSEYTOWN CIRCUIT ESTABLISHED - SOCIETIES AND CHURCHES ORGANIZED-THE LOCAL CHURCH-LIST OF PRESIDING ELDERS AND PREACHERS IN CHARGE OFFICIATING IN MUNCIE-CHURCH EDIFICES, ETC.

THE religious sect known as Methodists began to promulgate the methods and doctrines taught by the Wesleys, in the Territory of Indiana as early as 1802, or, as claimed by others, three years later. During the latter year, 1805, Rev. Hugh Cull, a local preacher, settled in the Whitewater Valley, having visited the country the year previous. The Whitewater Circuit was formed a year or two afterward, probably in 1807, for the following year it was noticed among the proceedings of the Western Conference, when Joseph Williams, also, was referred to as the preacher in charge, and John Sale as the Presiding Elder of the district.

The experiences of Mr. Williams were especially characteristic of the experiences of that class of pioneer preachers whose labors have yielded the magnificent results exhibited in the society of to day. A short review of the career of this gentleman will not be out of place in this connection. We copy from Rev. W. C. Smith's "Indiana Miscellany" article; "Introduction of Methodism" [pages 49, 50]: "The settlements visited by Mr. Williams were remote from each other. The traveling was laborious and hazardous. The roads along which he had to pass were Indian traces and newly blazed ways. The streams were unbridged; the country was full of ravenous beasts and of the much-dreaded Indians. The emigrants to whom he ministered could afford him but scant accommodations. He labored faithfully, hunting up the Methodists who had pitched their tents in the wilderness, and, at the end of the year, returned one hundred and sixty-five white members, and one colored.

"According to the most reliable data, these were all the Methodists who had, to this date, been organized and numbered in Indiana. In 1808, Indiana contained but one circuit, with one hundred and sixty-six members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Now, 1866, there are four Annual Conferences, with a membership of about one hundred thousand in the State. How great the change in fifty-eight years! Mr. Williams has the honor of being the first itinerant Methodist preacher appointed to a circuit in Indiana. We would, if we had the particulars of his life and death, give them to the public to perpetuate his memory. In 1809, he was sent to Scioto Circuit, in the State of Ohio, and in 1810 he located."

The contemporaries and the successors of Mr. Williams, traveling in the wake of the advance guard of civilization, with untiring vigilance and zealous labors for the advance and development of religious faith peculiar to their sect, kept pace with the onward movement, planting the good seeds which, by healthy germination and seasonable culture, have flourished, budded and blossomed, and borne the rich fruits enjoyed by the successors of those former generations.

As early as 1819-20, the Ohio and Missouri Conferences, so called, were established, comprising three districts, known as the Miami, Lebanon and Illinois Districts, the first embracing the territory of Western Ohio, while the second covered Eastern Indiana, and the Third Western Indiana and Illinois. About this time, three new circuits were formed, called the Madison, Indian Creek and Harrison. These and ether "circuits were placed in districts, as follows: Whitewater in Lebanon District, with Moses Crume Presiding Elder; Lawrenceburg and Madison, in Miami District, with John Sale Presiding Elder; and Silver Creek, Indian Creek, Blue River, Harrison, Vincennes, Patoka and Pigeon, in Illinois District, with Jesse Hale Presiding Elder." Allen Wiley and Zachariah Connell were sent to the Whitewater Circuit during these years. Afterward, the districts and circuits were changed, and James Jones served the Whitewater Circuit. This was in 1821; the following year, 1822, Allen Wiley and James T. Wells were engaged in the Whitewater Circuit, embracing the lately acquired territory of Delaware County, then just beginning to be inhabited by the white people. Whether the labors of these pioneer ministers extended to and traversed these wilds at that early period is, perhaps, questionable, but their influence exerted in adjacent territory spread abroad and enlightened the vision of some of our primitive settlers. From the time forward the work went on, the "circuit rider," as the settlement extended, venturing farther west, keeping up with the influx of emigration, which brought with it larger or smaller numbers of persons of their accepted faith. Occasionally, during the fall and winter of 1825, Rev. Stephen R. Beggs, a circuit preacher, and Rev. John Strange, Presiding Elder, traversed the region, of country represented by the villages of Rushville, Greensburg, Newcastle, West Liberty (Knightstown) and Shelbyville, and the territory adjacent and intermediate, administering to the spiritual wants of the people as circumstance and opportunity afforded. Again, in 1828, Mi. Beggs, laboring in the Wayne Circuit, with Richmond and Centerville as the principal points, in concert with William Evans, his colleague, and Rev. Strange as Presiding Elder, more extensively busied himself in his labor of love in this vicinity. Indeed, a labor of love it must have been, for the pecuniary compensation, as stated by himself, for a whole quarter amounted to the paltry sum of $23. This, the foundation, was laid for the subsequent growth and usefulness of the denominations in Delaware County and contiguous territory.

In the fall of 1829, says Mr. Linville, Rev. William Downey was the Methodist minister itinerating for the conference exercising jurisdiction over this county, and held a series of meetings in the town of Muncie, preaching around at the houses of his parishioners, and at times in the old "court house," which then stood on the west side of the public square, occupying as his domicile a two-story log house on the south side of the square. Exact data are not now at hand from which to determine to a certainty when the first class was formed in Muncie or at what time the society was first organized. The reasonable presumption is, however, that it was as early-as the fall of 1828, when Mr. Downey seemed to exercise the position of preacher in charge. Beyond this we cannot venture an opinion. Whatever the facts may establish touching an anterior date, there can be no question that a permanent organization was effected as early as the fall of 1836, if not before that time, since the record of the church inform us that the Muncietown Circuit was formed about that period, and has had a place among the circuits of the Indiana Conference thenceforward. In 1851, Muncie was erected into a station and given a special charge.

The first Quarterly Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church for Muncie Station, and the first Conference of the church held as a station, was in the church edifice, commencing on the 4th day of October 1851. On that occasion, there were present Rev. Samuel T. Gillett, Presiding Elder; Rev. Jacob Colclazer, Station Preacher, Thomas J. Sample, Melvnoth Lindsey and Jacob. Calvert, Exhorters; Joseph Martin, William Andrews and George Truitt, Stewards; Job Swain, John Nottingham, E. N. G. Elbright, Class Leaders. T. J. Sample, Recording Steward, was chosen Secretary.

As a part of the business of the Conference, the station preacher, Mr. Colclazer, reported that there was at that date but one active Sabbath school in his jurisdiction. The division of the work left but three in the station, and two of these, from uncontrollable causes, the principal of which was from the prevailing epidemic [flux] in the neighborhood, were not in operation--and not likely to be before the following spring. The active school was not in healthy condition from the same cause. The prospects of future usefulness in these schools were reported to be favorable notwithstanding. The annual expense of the station was found to be $434.

The second Conference Was held on the 2lth of December following. At that session the entire work was reported to be in a flourishing condition. At this time, the congregation was worshiping in a frame church edifice, in dimensions 30x45 feet, fourteen feet between ceiling and floor, situate on the northwest corner of Washington and High streets, in the town of Muncie, the front or entrance being on Washington street. The pulpit occupied the space between the two doors on the north end. This building had been erected some years previously, but at what time - we have been wholly unable to ascertain because of the loss of the early church records. This original building, however, continued to be used by the society for a few years after the date of the meeting above referred to.

At a quarterly session of the Conference, held on the 5th of February 1853, a committee was appointed to make an estimate of the cost of a new church edifice, consisting of Messrs. Matlin, Zimmerman and Sample. A further committee, consisting of Messrs. Young, Andrews, and Zimmerman, was appointed to select a site suitable for the erection of such a building as was contemplated and equal to the requirements of the times, present and future. From all the records disclose, these committees did not act upon the questions submitted to them, and subsequently, at a-meeting on the 21st of January 1854, the Trustees were appointed a committee, with instructions to estimate the cost of a new church building. At the same time, a resolution was submitted and paused, requiring said committee to estimate, also, the cost of inclosing. At the next quarterly meeting, held on the 8th of April following, the President of the Board of Trustees reported that the board had closed contracts for the building of a new church edifice, 43x73 feet, at the price of $4,647.80, the stone and brick work having been let to John Hamilton, and the carpenter-work and painting to J. K. Turner, who we progressing satisfactorily with their work. During the session of the quarterly conference, on the 8th of December, 1855, the Board Of Trustees, having the building of the church in charge, reported through its President that the sum of $1,300 would finish the church and pay all the outstanding debts; that it was resolved, under the circumstances, to finish the building and have it ready for occupancy by the time when the succeeding annual conference was expected to moist. The report concerning the condition and operations of the Sabbath school were entirely satisfactory.

In March 1859, the Trustees of Simpson Chapel, in their report submitted at that date, estimated the value of the church property at the sum of $7,000, and the aggregate of the debts owing to various persons at the sum of $108.50. At the same session, the special committee appointed for that purpose reported that, having had the question under consideration for the purpose of occupying the unoccupied ground in the vicinity, they recommended the formation of a new circuit to be called the Muncie Circuit, comprising and covering the following plan: First, Harter's Schoolhouse; Second, Watt's School-house; Third, Shaffer's Chapel; Fourth, Freeman's Schoolhouse; Fifth, Collins' Schoolhouse; Sixth, Stover's Schoolhouse; Seventh, Bro. Tuttlis'; Eighth, Bethel Meeting-house and the unoccupied territory adjacent, deemed to be sufficient for two additional appointments.

On the 31st of March, 1866, a meeting of the conference was held, at which time the Board of Trustees reported the church building as being in good repair and valued at the sum of $10,000; that a new parsonage had been built, valued at $3,000. By a report submitted at the session of March 31, 1873, the average attendance of the Sabbath school was 300. The church membership, during the three years preceding, was reported as follows:

"Received on probation, 168; into full fellowship. 135; by letter, 75; removed by letter, 50; removed without letter, 17; withdrawn, 4; joined other churches without letter, 4; deaths, 16; baptized, adults, 77, infants, 5; present membership in full connection, 404; pastoral visits, 1,300.
J. B. ERVIN, Pastor."

The following is the financial condition of the church, as shown by the report presented to the annual conference, July 19, 1880:

"Funds received for benevolent purposes this past year - Missions, $34.50; Church extension, $30; Freedman's Aid Society, $25; Education, $10; Tract Society, $4; Sunday School Union, $6: Bible Cause, $10."

The following is a complete list of the Presiding Elders in the Muncie Circuit from the date of its formation, together with the name and date of service of the several preachers in charge of the Muncie Station:

Date	Presiding Elders	Preachers in charge.
1836	David Stiver	Greenberry C. Beeks.
1837	David Stiver	Robert Burns, F. H. Carey.
1838	James Havens	Wade Posey.
1839	Robert Burns	John H. Hull.
1840	Robert Burns	J. S. Donaldson, B. Webster.
1841	Robert Burns	John L. Smith.
1842	Robert Burns	John H. Hull.
1843	Joseph Tarkington	Zelotes S. Clifford.
1844	Joseph Tarkington	Isaac Stagg.
1845	George M. Beswick	Luther Taylor.
1846	George M. Beswick	Luther Taylor.
1847	John C. Smith	0. H. P. Ash.
1848	S. T. Gillett	John B. Birt.
1849	S. T. Gillett	John B. Birt.
1850	S. T. Gilett	Jacob Colclazer.
1851	S. T. Gillett	Jacob Colclazer (first year of station)
1852	W. H. Goode	John B. Demotte.
1853	George W. Bowers	Nelson Green.
1854	George W. Bowers	Nelson Green.
1855	Charles W. Miller	V. M. Beamer.
1856	Charles W. Miller	H. N. Barnes (changed to spring).
1857	Charles W. Miller	H. N. Barnes.
1858	Samuel Lamb	Francis A. Hardin
1859	Samuel Lamb	Francis A. Hardin.
1860	Samuel Lamb	A. Greenman.
1861	Samuel Lamb	Abijah Marine.
1862	John B. Birt	Abijah Marine.
1868	O. V. Lemon	G. C. Beeks (¼), B. Smith, (¾).
1864	O. V. Lemon	S. H. Rhodes.
1865	O. V. Lemon	W. S. Birch.
1868	O. V. Lemon	W. S. Birch.
1867	William H. Goode	W. S. Birch.
1868	William H. Goode	N. H. Phillips.
1869	William H. Goode	N. H. Phillips.
1870	N. H. Phillips	J. E. Ervin
1871	N. H. Phillips	J. E. Ervin.
1872	N. H. Phillips	J. E. Ervin.
1878	N. H. Phillips	W. J. Vigus
1874	Enoch Holdstock	W. J. Vigus.
1875	Enoch Holdstock	W. J. Vigus.
1876	Enoch Holdstock	B. F. Hasty.
1877	Enoch Holdstock	B. F. Hasty.
1878	B. F. Hasty	R. H. Sparks
1879	B. F. Hasty	Clark Skinner
1880	B. F. Hasty	F. T. Simpson

The present church edifice of the Methodist congregation in Muncie is located on the northwest corner of Jackson and Mulberry streets, and was built in the summer of 1854. It is known as Simpson Chapel. During this summer (1854), their record shows that the minister was given an extra consideration. The record says: "Flour rose in this place to $8 and $9 per barrel; beef, fresh steaks, to 10 cents per pound; other things in proportion. The great head of the church gave us the means to pay our minister liberally, and we have done it." The following are the claims of the several Elders, etc., for the same period. Elders' claim for 1853-54, $50; Rev. Green's claim, $382. Paid G. W. Bowers, the Elder, in full, $55; Nelson Omen, Pastor, with $25 extra, $407. (Page 143-144)

CHAPTER II.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

[For the facts contained in the subjoined sketch, we are indebted to Mr. Thomas S Neely, who, having collated and written has carefully preserved them. On the fly-leaf of the record from which they have been gleaned, is the following explanatory note: "Record of the first Presbyterian Church, Muncie, Ind. The first part was dictated by Rev. Robert Irwin, Sr.-the balance were written by T. S. Neely."]

ON Sabbath, the 1st day of April 1838, having been sent as a supply by Oxford Presbytery to the Stony Creek Church, I preached at the house of Robert Templin, one mile northeast of Blountsville. After public services, I was introduced to Messrs. Joseph Wilson and John Guthrie. The former was an Elder in the Union Presbyterian Church now located at Elizabethtown, Delaware County, and organized the February before by Rev. Mr. Post, of Davenport. The little pioneer church emphatically located in the wilderness, sent Mr. Wilson, their most aged Elder, to represent their destitute condition, and urgently requested me to go over and help them. After hearing the simple but touching appeal of the veteran father, stating, among other things, that he and his family had lived there for nine years without having heard a Presbyterian minister preach until their organization about a month before, I very willingly consented to go with him.

On Monday, as we journeyed on, we came to this town, then called Munseytown (so called for the Munsees, a tribe of Indians who had formerly dwelt here), a village, at that time, of about 300 inhabitants. There I was introduced to Dr. G. W. Garst, Dr. Anthony, Samuel Collier, and others who had been accustomed to hear Presbyterian preaching; then solicited an appointment to preach on my return, when the following Sunday, at 11 o'clock, was indicated as the time. After spending the intermediate time with Mr. Wilson's people at Union Church, I returned and preached in Muncie, according to appointment, when and where I was permitted, in the providence of God, to preach the first sermon by a Presbyterian minister ever delivered in Muncie, on the 5^th day of April 1838.

The congregation met in the old court house, on the ground now occupied by Walling's Hall (immediately to the south of this hall) for there was no church edifice here at that time. The congregation was large and attentive, and many looked at the minister as if they were on the alert to hear some of the reputed popular errors promulgated by some other denominations. Some, as I was informed, had never enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a Presbyterian minister.

As I was standing on the old rickety bench used by the Judge, presenting, with a good deal of earnestness, the claims of the Gospel, my attention was drawn particularly to a noble-looking, intelligent man sitting on a chair in front of and near me, down whose hard cheeks the tears were trickling. He said to me, afterward, that his early religious training was so forcibly brought to his mind as to produce this unusual effect upon him. This was Samuel Collier, the County Surveyor, whose subsequent sudden and unexpected death was greatly lamented by his family and friends.

On the 14th day of July following, I returned to Muncie, accompanied by Rev. John M. Crabb, who, with myself, was appointed a committee by Oxford Presbytery to visit Muncie, and, if we found it expedient, to organize a church, which we did at that time, consisting of the following members: John Fitzsimmons, Mary Fitzsimmons, John Guthrie, Adelia P. Rice, Sarah Slack, Sarah Collier. Of the above, John Guthrie and John Fitzsimmons were elected Ruling Elders of the infant church.

On the 1st of October, 1888, I arrived with my family from Camden, Preble County, Ohio, and commenced my ministerial labors in the little church at Muncie. Through nearly the first sessional act, the church was reduced to six members. This retrograde movement, which was very discouraging to the few members who remained, was not to continue long, for our Heavenly Father did not despise the day of small things, but He had a blessing in store for the little flock in the wilderness.

In April, 1839, the church was transferred from Oxford Presbytery to Indianapolis Presbytery, within whose bounds its geographical limits were located. At the first communion season held after my removal to Muncie, on the 2d of December 1838, we received two members. I was assisted by Rev. D. M. Stewart, of Rushville, Ind., who was a fellow-student of mine at Miami University, and was licensed to preach the Gospel when I was. At the next communion, held June 23, 1839, we received seven members. I was assisted on that occasion by Rev. Charles Sturdevant, then Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Richmond, Ind. The only one of those then received who still remains here, is Mary A. Neely, wife of Moses L. Neely. On the 16th day of July, a meeting of the congregation was held, to choose an additional Elder, which resulted in the election of William Bates, who co-operated cordially with brother Guthrie and myself in the management of the church only for a short time, when he removed with his family to the Far West.

The next communion session of this little church was held in January, 1840, when I was assisted by Rev. D. M. Stewart again. This was a most precious time, for we enjoyed the presence and influence of God's Spirit in a large measure, and our hearts were gladdened and hands strengthened by the accessions to the church-not so much numerically as the substantial and serviceable material brought in on that occasion. The whole number received was twenty-one, of whom Col. B. Sayre and wife, and Mrs. Julian, on certificates from other churches; on examination, Jonathan Wachtel and wife, Daniel Keesling and wife, Thomas S. Neely and wife, Thomas Barnes and wife, Mrs. David Ribble and others. It is only necessary to know the above-named persons to appreciate the value of the accessions to our little church; The Lord did great things for us then, whereof we did not fail to be glad. On the 16th of March following, Mary Walling and Anna Gilbert were added to our numbers, and they were most valuable mothers in Israel.

About this time, the first temperance meeting was held in the old court house. The attendance was very large, and the subject was one of thrilling interest to the people, for those in the opposition were in as great earnest as its friends. Three clergymen were the orators of the occasion: Brother Posey, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and I, were its advocates, but the third, whose name I forbear to mention ["A. Buckles"], a Hard-Shell Baptist, spoke at some length in opposition to the cause of temperance. I recollect one of his arguments was, that St. Paul recommended Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach's sake; the second was, that our fathers had fought, bled and died for liberty, and for one, he would not let us take his liberty away. Warren Stewart presided, and Dr. Kennedy was Secretary. Jack and Russey, Dr. Garst and other leading men were among its most active friends. Aaron Corey, for whom nature had done much in giving him a genial heart, was there, but feared a downfall to his craft, for he kept a continual buzzing around among the opposition. He kept a whisky-shop or doggery.

In May, 1840, I was assisted at a communion season by Rev. V. D. Smock, who at that time was Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Knightstown, Ind. While only two persons were added, quite an interest among the people was awakened by the earnest and faithful manner the preacher presented the claims of the Gospel. On the 17th of November following, a meeting of the congregation was held to elect two additional Ruling Elders, which resulted in the choice of T. S. Neely and Jonathan Wachtel. Both of these brethren had been received into the church but a short time before, so that they had but little advantage from experience in church matters.

About-this time, I was appointed by the Indianapolis Presbytery to visit New Burlington, which is about eight miles southeast of Muncie, and, if the way seemed clear, to organize a church there, which was done according to expectation. Eight members of the church at Muncie, who resided in the neighborhood of the new church, were dismissed to unite with the new organization. John Guthrie was the only Elder at first, but in a short time Ephraim Carey, now an aged disciple of over fourscore years, yet sound in mind, though in body very infirm, was added to the eldership of that little church. From the time I first came to Muncie, I gave them one-half of my ministerial labors and one fourth was devoted to Stony Creek Church, near Blountsville, Ind., which is twelve miles southeast of this place. I mention this church to mention a remarkable circumstance, which transpired in Blountsville, about the beginning of the year 1842.

William Murray and James Templin were Elders in that church, and most godly men they were, as many years of faithful service in the church fully testified. The former had a daughter whose husband's name was Abraham Lennington, who kept a tavern in the town of Blountsville. He was a member and also a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was generally supposed to be a good man, as he was disposed to attend with commendable zeal to the performance of religious duties, at least, social and domestic. His wife, Mrs. Betsy Lennington, was a member of the Presbyterian Church of that place, and one of the most upright, consistent Christians with whom I was ever acquainted. I know whereof I affirm, as I had the very best opportunity of a particular acquaintance, so as to form a correct estimate of their social and religious characters, for at their house I always found a little room on the wall, and a bed and other appliances for the comfort of a weary pilgrim. They had no children upon whom to concentrate their affection, but a good looking, sprightly girl, who had been living some time in the family as a domestic, stole the heart of the husband, who, too successfully attempted the death of his wife by administering arsenic to her in an apple. She lingered in great pain for almost twenty-four hours, but at last fell a victim to the vile assassin. She died February 14, 1842.

At the first communion I administered after her death, he partook with us apparently more affected than ever before, because, I supposed, of the absence of her who had always been present on such occasions. A little improper familiarity with Rebecca Jones, the girl above referred to, awakened suspicion that Lennington had been accessory to his wife's death. A post mortem examination was determined upon, and as speedily as possible, executed; but, before her body could be exhumed, he was on the flight. Let it suffice to say, he was arrested before he reached Louisville, Ky., and, as the boat returned with him to Madison, Ind., he threw himself out over the wheel and was killed. Thus ended this horrible tragedy.

November 23, 1842, the congregation met for the purpose of choosing Deacons to manage the temporal affairs of the church, where-upon Thomas Barnes and Simpson Slack were elected. They were the first Deacons of this church. April 22, 1843, commenced one of the most remarkable and profitable revivals that this church has enjoyed, at least wider my ministrations. I was assisted Saturday and Sabbath, the first two days, by Rev. T. H. Alderdice, who was then serving the Presbyterian Church at Elizabethtown, in this county, and I could not obtain any other ministerial help during our protracted meetings, which continued for more than two weeks, with preaching every day, and generally at night also. On that occasion, we enjoyed the spirit of prayer and an answer to the prayer of faith. We also enjoyed the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. I visited all day, conversing and praying with the people-for every person was ready to converse fully upon the subject of religion-and preached at night to large congregations with more ease than I did often when I studied all day. On the second Sabbath of this revival, the influence of the Spirit was so powerful, even at the introduction of public worship, that the Clerk, T. S. Neely, was over-come and could not proceed; and Cal. Sayre, attempting to raise the tune, immediately filled to overflowing and failed. After a moment's calm I commenced a tune. Frequently, through the services, not only of that day, but that whole occasion I observed the tearful eye and heard the groans of the sin-sick heart. Every evening after worship, inquirers were requested to remain and converse with the Elders and myself as to their religions views and feelings. And there was such a general disposition to come and converse that we were frequently over run with inquiries. Among those who remained to converse, but did not unite with us, nor did they with any other church, were Andrew Kennedy, John Jack, James Russey and Dr. G. W. Garst. Twenty-six persons were received on that occasion, and all on examination but three. Some of those received at that time were Isaac Rhodes and wife, Edward Keasby and wife, O. H. P. Kennedy and wife, Susan Putnam, Margaret Sayre, Caroline Irwin, Moses Neely, Daniel Gilbert and others.

One of those received on examination, Mrs. Nancy Matthews, deserves a word of notice. She came to us from a branch of the Covenanters called the Warwickites, in Butler County, Ohio. She came from Ireland to Philadelphia after she was married, at so early a period that she heard the great Whitfield and John Wesley preach in that city. She was an excellent woman and well stricken in years at her death.

July 15, 1843, our new church edifice, neither out of debt nor completed, was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The sermon was preached by Rev. Phineas D. Gurley, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, and the dedicatory prayer was offered up by Rev. D. M. Stewart, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Rushville, Ind.

October 31 1843, the congregation met for the purpose of electing one or two additional Elders; whereupon, John Galbraith and Dr. John C. Helm were chosen, and on the 31st of December following, these brethren elect were regularly inducted, into their offices according to the requirements of our form of government.

Prior to the 8th of June 1844, Mr. Irwin had been serving the church at Muncie as a stated supply. At that date, however, a call having been regularly presented by the members of this church, for his services one-half the time, a committee was appointed to attend to the duties connected with such settlement. "Accordingly, Rev. D. M. Stewart preached the sermon and proposed the constitutional questions, and gave the charge to the Pastor, Rev. George S. Rea giving the charge to the people. The whole transaction connected with the installment was solemn, and, as far as the parties were concerned, with perfect unanimity, closing with singing, prayer and the benediction."

On Sabbath after the installation, John Eby and wife were baptized, and a short time subsequently their whole family of children, six in number, were baptized also, which was, most emphatically, a household baptism at that. Previous to that time, other large families had been baptized, among whom were those of Jonathan Wachtell and Baltzer Lutz, each consisting of six members; and Lewis Smith, his wife and four children. Special mention is made of the parties named, only to show that in the early history of this church, such instances of family baptisms were not infrequent.

On the 10th of June following, an additional bench of Deacons was chosen, consisting of Benjamin Sayre and Samuel Parkison, who, on the succeeding Sabbath, were formally inducted into office. Returning for a brief period from the consideration of events in direct connection, let us call the reader's attention to the circumstances attending the building of the first church edifice.

On the 23d of June 1839, a communion meeting was held at the courthouse. The next day, while the hearts of the people were still warm with the earnest and affectionate address of the preacher, a very successful beginning was made toward the erection of the building. On Monday following, the Pastor having visited Mr. Thomas Kirby, whose wife had previously united with the church, that gentleman, without hesitation and most cheerfully, donated the four lots upon which the church and parsonage were afterward erected, worth at that time at least $300. A solicitation of subscriptions for the purpose of building the church was immediately commenced with the following result: Charles F. Willard, $100; Russey and Jack, $100; Dr. S. P. Anthony, $30; George W. Garst, $35; G. C. Gilbert, $25; John Guthrie, $40, with many others, almost every one who was asked subscribing cheerfully to the popular enterprise, in amounts ranging from $20 down, but few being less than $5.

The building proposed to be erected was a frame, 40x40 feet, with a sixteen feet story. The first contract, which was only to raise and inclose the house, was let to Lewis Smith and A. Gates; the second contract was let to Silas Morgan, with Eleazer Coffeen as security for the performance of the work. The contractor had all the finishing lumber in the kiln drying, when it took fire accidentally and was all consumed. The contractor being individually unable to replace it without embarrassing his business, the security, for a like reason, was unable to respond, consequently the matter was not pressed at the time. In the meantime, the floors had been half laid and the doors hung, in which condition the building remained during the next half-year or more. At length Mr. Neely, one of the Trustees, procured and put a lock on the door, and told the contractor, who had manifested considerable dilatoriness in the matter, that other mechanics would be procured to complete the structure. Finally, after much solicitation on his part, the contractor was permitted to go on and finish the job, which was accomplished, but in a very indifferent and unworkmanlike manner, after the lapse of about four years from the date of commencement. Thus a debt of more than $600 had been accumulated, and the means to liquidate it were not at hand. The principal claimant, Dr. Anthony, becoming anxious for the return of his money, grew impatient and threatened execution and the sale of the property. At this period in the progress of events, the Elders and Trustees of the church, after much persuasion, induced the Pastor, Mr. Irwin, to accept an agency to solicit aid, in behalf of the congregation, from Eastern churches. About the last of January, 1845, the agent started on his mission, armed with the following introductory address:

TO OUR BRETUREN IN THE EAST:

We, the undersigned, Elders and Deacons of the Presbyterian Church at Muncie, Ind, would make the following statement and appeal: Some time since, a subscription was circulated to obtain funds to erect a meeting-house. The amount raised was far short of enough to erect the building. The Trustees gave their obligations to the contractors, which amounts now, principal and interest, to $596, one payment of which has been sued upon, a judgment obtained and an execution issued, consequently our house is in danger of being sold. The other two payments are due, and we are exposed to the disgraceful and uncompromising requirements of law. We have exerted ourselves, and we are unable to collect money that is absolutely necessary to save our church edifice. Our house is unfinished, and-will require at least $150 to complete it. Now, dear brethren, in view of the above facts, we turn our attention to you, whom God hath blessed with riches of this world, hoping you will put forth a benevolent hand and save a tottering, feeble church from ruin and disgrace. For the purpose of securing these funds, we have prevailed on our Pastor, Rev. Robert Irwin, to act as our agent. That the Lord may give success and thereby secure to this young and feeble church prosperity, is the prayer of

Yours in the bonds of the Gospel,

THOMAS S. NEELY,

JONATHAN WACUTELL,

JOHN C. HELM,

Elders.

BENJAMIN SAYRE,

THOMAS BARNES,

Deacons.

Mr. Irwin having procured a recommendation from Rev. Dr. J. L. Wilson, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, to the Pastors of Eastern churches, among whom were Rev. Dr. Heron, Swift and others, Pittsburgh, Penn.; Rev. Dr. Boardman, Philadelphia; Rev. Dr. Breckenridge, of Baltimore. Arriving at Philadelphia, he obtained the following important paper from Dr. Boardman:

PHILADELPHIA, February 16, 1846.

The Presbyterian Congregation in Muncie, Ind., have become Involved to the amount of $600 in erecting a new house of worship. Their edifice must soon be sold by the Sheriff unless they can liquidate the debt. Their Pastor, Rev. R. Irwin, has come to the East on this errand. I seldom approve of (tam?)class of applications and very rarely recommend them to my people. The circumstances of this case, however, are, peculiar, and, as Mr. Irwin will expect only small donations, I deem it proper to express my convictions that the object in worthy of being aided, and whatever is appropriated to it will be judiciously bestowed.

H. BOARDMAN, Pastor Fifth Church.

Countersigned by several other ministers of the city. (Page 145)