JUST at what time the doctrines peculiar to the denomination known Universalists began to be promulgated in Muncie we have not now the means of knowing. Certain it is, however, that, at a very early day in the history of the place, there were persons more or less numerous, who lived and died here in the full enjoyment of the faith which distinguishes them denominationally. That there were many such will not now be controverted by those familiar with the religious experiences of the past, and the inner thoughts, occasionally expressed, of professing and of non-professing Christians. Such persons, while not thinking in accord with the popular teachings of the day, nevertheless were not the least exemplary of those whose daily Walk and conversation tended to give character to the better elements of society, as well in the remote past as the immediate present.
Were these statements untrue the popular society known as the First Universalist Church in Muncie could never have existed, because of the absence of such germs as have been found essential to the early growth and subsequent prosperity of a body of worshiping Christians, representing so fully the distinguishing character of our citizens. When the doctrine was first proclaimed in this city, the number of interested listeners demonstrated the presence of a large liberal element awaiting organization as a means of cultivating a better acquaintance with the teachings in natural accord with the promptings of the highest moral sentiments exemplified in the love of God as a common Father, and of man as a common brotherhood. A short time anterior to the organization of the church here, occasional ministers of that denomination delivered their messages of peace and good will to an appreciating auditory. In the winter of 1858-59, Rev. B. F. Foster and others held a series of meetings, which culminated in manifesting the necessity of "a more perfect union," the natural outgrowth of organization. That organization was perfected, as shown in the following paper prepared and executed on the 3d of February 1859, and recorded February 4, 1859.
We, the undersigned, do hereby voluntarily associate ourselves together for the purpose of erecting and maintaining a suitable building for public worship and much other moral and literary purposes as may be agreed upon, to be located in Muncie, Delaware County, Ind, to be called the First Universalist Church Building Association. Any person may become a member of this Association by signing tug article. The following is a description of the corporate seal until a metallic seal is obtained.
JAHILL GRAHAM............JAC H. WYSOR.
THOMAS KIRBY.............ALFRED KILGORE.
ADAM WOLFE.................WM. B KLINE.
JAMES HODGE................PETER FULLHART.
Muncie, February 3, 1858.......S. I. WATSON.
The records of the foregoing organization exhibit the following further proceedings:
February 18, 1859. The persons who, at a public meeting, subscribed to the declaration of principles contained in the book that contained the constitution and names of the members of the First Universalist Church of Muncie, received the fellowship of the denomination by Rev. B. F. Foster, an ordained minister thereof, met, pursuant to appointment, to perfect an organization of the First Universalist Church of Muncie.
On motion, John Richey was chosen Chairman, and S. I. Watson Secretary of the meeting. The following-named persons were elected Trustees of the church for the year commencing June 1, 1859, and for the time intervening between thin date: Thomas Kirby, William B. Kline, James Hodge, John Jack and Adam Wolfe.
On motion, the constitution and laws, as laid down in the "Universalist Church Companion," were unanimously adopted for the government of this church. The following persons were elected to serve as officers for an indefinite period of time John Richey, William B. Kline, S. I. Watson, Elders; Peter Fullhart, S. O. Budd, James Charman, Deacons; Samuel W. Harlan, Clerk; Arthur W. Charman, Steward.
April 6, 1859. The following names were presented as applicants for fellowship: M. J. Davis, N. E. Davis, Charles Rodman, William S. Cooley, George McAdams: Accepted May 4, 1859. At this meeting, a resolution was passed to meet regularly every Sabbath, at Putnam Hall, the proprietor having donated the use of said hall.
May 4, 1859. The following names were presented for fellowship: Thomas Kirby, Sarah Kirby, Elizabeth Richey, James Hedge and George Harter. Accepted June 1,1859. At this meeting [May 4], a resolution was passed to adopt efficient measures to organize a Sabbath school, in connection with the church, and the following committee was appointed on organization: Eliza Willard, Elizabeth Richey and Mary C. Kline. The committee was authorized to ascertain the number of scholars, to solicit funds and to furnish books.
July 6, 1859, the following officers were elected: James Hodge, John Richey, Thomas Kirby, Elders; S. O. Budd, James. Charman, W. H. McCormick, Deacons; A. W. Charman, Clerk; W. B. Kline, Steward.
August 3, 1859, Thomas Kirby, Adam Wolfe, S. I. Watson and James Hedge, were appointed a committee to consult as to securing a Pastor, for part of the time. On the 5th of October, they made report that they had concluded arrangements with Brother Gifford, of Ohio, to preach once a month for an indefinite period of time, or until a suitable person can be obtained as settled Pastor.
During the spring of this year (1859), two lots, at the southeast corner of Madison and Jackson streets, were procured of Thomas Kirby, and the present building was commenced, the corner-stone of which was laid early in the first week of June. In autumn, it was inclosed, and finished during the winter, being occupied during the dedication, which took place on Sunday, the 9th day of September, 1860, Rev. George T. Flanders, of Cincinnati, preaching the occasional sermon. On the 7th, 8th and 9th of September, 1860, the annual session of the Indiana State Convention of Universalists was held here. The attendance was very large, and an unusual interest was manifested, the cause also, being greatly strengthened by the exercises connected therewith. The meetings were held in the basement of the new building.
As the outgrowth of this annual gathering of the representatives of the church from different parts of the State, this young society, at a meeting held on the 3d of October, following, resolved to call Rev. Josiah Davis, of Illinois, to its pastoral charge, at a salary of $600 per annum. Mr. Davis commenced his work at once, and labored zealously for many months, with apparantly satisfactory results. (Before the completion of his first year, however, a spirit of disunity manifested itself so strongly, that it was found necessary for him to sever his connection with the society and seek another field of labor, in the month of December, 1861.) Whatever the primary cause may have been, the differences between Pastor and people were permitted to assume so positive a character that dissolution became imminent, and the informal disbanding of the society was seriously contemplated. In the meantime, an attempt had been made to compromise the differences, and a committee was appointed with that end in view. The report of this committee, submitted on the 18th of December, 1861, was voted down and the meeting adjourned without day. A year and a half having elapsed, the excited feelings of the discordants had time to subside. The conditions were propitious and the time opportune, when, on the 24th of March, 1863, a portion of the members met in council, the olive branch was extended and a reconciliation was the result of its deliberations.
On the 1st of April following, Sabbath services were resumed, conducted by a substitute for a period of one month. At the end of that time, May 6, the Clerk and three others met and decided, owing to all want of interest, it was advisable to suspend all meetings for the present. They were suspended accordingly, the first meeting of which we have any notice being on the 2nd of September, at which Brother Hodge presided. At this meeting, which seems to have been the first formal one after the suspension, Rev. Marion Crossley was invited to preach on the following Sunday.
At a meeting on the 7th of October, on motion, Rev. E. Case was unanimously chosen to prose each alternate Sabbath for the ensuing six months. It was provided however, that the employment for that time was contingent on the sufficiency of means being raised from time to time to meet the demand. At this time, there was a debt on the church for building and repairs, which had not been provided for, to the amount of $200, of which $100 being past due, was required to be paid at once to avoid cost. This amount was promptly raised and soon after paid.
Subsequently, on the 10th of November, a melodeon was ordered to be purchased "to be used as an aid in congregational singing." William B. Kline was appointed a committee to obtain subscriptions to purchase the same. On the 1st of December, he reported that he had received subscriptions to the amount of $106, and held a surplus of $16 over expenses attending the purchase of the instrument. This surplus was appropriated to the purchase of singing books. From that time the meetings were very well attended and there was a fair interest manifested, which increased with the progress of events.
A meeting was held on the 8th of February, 1864, of which we have the following satisfactory record: "The church at this time became enthused with new life. Accessions were made to it in the persons of Mrs. Almira Case, Mary Case, Sarah Miller and William Linn and wife. Brother B. Case was employed to continue preaching each alternate Sunday for one year." A preamble and resolution were adopted by the society the purport of which was to overlook the past differences, and invite all again to unite in and perpetuate the cause of the common brotherhood of man, and the Fatherhood of God, dissipating every evidence of estrangement. This resolution was taken and accepted on the 6th of July, 1864. Then, on the 3d of August, the church became quiet, and peace reigned in the bosom of the church, but no meetings appear to have been held until January 3, 1866. At that time, the church again met, at which James Charman was appointed Clerk pro tem. (Page 148)
CHAPTER IV.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptists were among the pioneers who were instrumental in propagating the Gospel, according to their construction of it, in Delaware County, the period of, their advent being about the year 1835. Their first meetings here were held in the old, court house, and in the old Methodist Church, which then stood on the northwest corner of Washington and Main streets, out in the Commons, all by itself. Those who took an active interest in these meetings were Edward Keasby, Hannah Keasby and Mrs. Martin Galliher. At that day, meetings of any kind were few, and those not very well attended by church members, the congregations being made up of citizens generally, without reference to the preacher or the denomination he represented; including these, however, there were frequently fair audiences in point of numbers. These meetings were conducted chiefly by traveling preachers, prominent among whom was Robert Tisdale, an elderly and regularly ordained minister of this branch of the church, and, by the way, quite popular with his people and among others. Contemporaneous with him were Rev. Mr. Baldwin, of Montpelier, Blackford County; Nathaniel P. Richmond, of Pendleton, Madison Co., Ind, and Rev. George C. Chandler, all regularly ordained ministers according to the usages of the church, and personally popular. From 1844 to about 1847, Rev. Samuel Hervey administered to the spiritual wants of the little flack at this point. During all this time, an organization had not been effected, Mr. Hervey having an engagement to visit here about twice each month, dividing his time between this place and his home at Economy, in Wayne County, Ind. He was the first minister who came here with any degree of regularity, and was, perhaps, the founder of the church at this point; to say the least, his continued efforts in behalf of this people were instrumental in forming the nucleus of the present church organization. His sermons are well remembered by many of our older citizens, and retrospected with much interest and satisfaction. Mr. Chandler and Mr. Richmond before referred to, with Rev. Father Blodget, of Troy, Ohio, Abel Johnson, and Rev. Mr. French, all preached here occasionally, between the years 1836 and 1857. The labors of these gentlemen were entirely acceptable to the people here, who always gave them a cordial greeting whenever they came. No effort appears to have been made toward organization, until 1859, when a few of the people adhering to the doctrines of that denomination associated themselves together and formed the Baptist Church of Muncie, Ind., as follows:
The Ecclesiastical Council convened at the call of a number of brethren and sisters in Muncie and vicinity, September 10, 1859 [the place of meeting is not given] to consider the propriety of re-organizing a Regular Baptist Church in this place. Delegates were present from the following churches: First Church, Indianapolis, Revs. G. Williams and T. H. Stuart; Cambridge City, Rev. S. Hervey, and F. H. Webb; Bluffton, Rev. Abel Johnson; Greenfield, Brothers, Anderson, Ralom, and Campbell, Granville, Delaware Co., Brothers Huffman, and Hance.
After devotional exercises, conducted by Brother Samuel Hervey, the council organized by appointing Brother Williams, Moderator, and Brother Hervey, Clerk. The articles of faith and the covenant, set forth in the "Church Members' Hand-book," were presented and adopted by the church. The church being duly satisfied of the standing of the brethren and sisters-after due consideration-resolved to re-organize them as the Regular Baptist Church of Muncie, and after adopting arrangements for their organization services to-morrow--adjourned. Sunday, September 11, 10 o'clock, A. M. According to previous arrangement, Brother G. Williams preached the first sermon under the new organization. His text was from I Timothy, iii, 15; after which Brother Hervey offered the recognition prayer, and Brother Johnson gave the hand of fellowship, when Brother Stuart delivered a short and appropriate charge to the church. Thus was the present Baptist Church of Muncie, organized. "The following are the original or first members of this organization-twelve in all, four of whom were males and eight females: Abraham Helvie, Ann Helvie, Martin Galliher, Rhoda Galliher, James S. Whitman, Elizabeth A. Whitman, Thomas Wireman, Ann G. Keasby, Harriet McClellan, Mrs. W. Lewis, Hester Newell and Martha Patterson."
"Letters were presented by John Martin and Sister S. A. Worth, and they were received into the church. The following resolution was then adopted: 'Resolved, that the church request admission into the Salamonie River Association.' Whereupon, Brothers Galliher, Helvie and Martin were appointed delegates to represent the church and. Request, such admission. A resolution was also adopted to hold regular church - meetings on Saturday, before the second Lord's Day in each month."
On the 17th of October 1859, Nancy Alban was removed by experience, and George Alban, also; the latter was baptized by Elder Williams. This was the first baptism to which reference is made in the record. November 18, of the same year, Hugh Hughes and Jane Helvie were received by experience, and on the 11th of December following, they were baptized. Polly A. Martin was received by experience on the 24th of December, and on the 7th of January succeeding, she was baptized. On the 22d of the same month, Isaac W. Ellis was received by letter.
At a meeting on the 12th of January, 1861, a resolution was adopted indicating a purpose to erect a meetinghouse, of brick, to be of the dimensions of 84x48 feet. Afterward, at the meeting which was held on the 9th of February, in the basement of the Presbyterian Church, when Hugh Hughes, Martin Galliher and I. W. Ellis were elected Trustees of the church.
On the 9th of November 1861, Rev. M. D. Gage was employed to preach for one month, and on the 7th of June 1862, he was further employed, engaging to preach each alternate Sabbath for one year. Mr. Williams being the first preacher employed by this church, Mr. Gage was the second, since the period of organization. Having in the meantime, erected their church edifice in accordance with plane contemplated at a meeting held on the 8th of November, 1862, the Trustees reported that they were yet indebted for expenses incurred in the construction of the house the sum of $392.05, which was the balance unpaid of the total cost, shown to be $2,131.80. The church, however, was dedicated in June 1861, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. Silas Bailey, at that time President of Franklin College. At that time, Rev. M. D. Gage was the Pastor in charge, resigning November 8, 1862, which took effect December 13, following. He was successively succeeded by Rev. I. Bloomer, from November 1863, to April 7, 1865; by Rev. J. C. Skinner, from January, 1866, who remained till February, 1868; by Rev. James M Bennett, from April, 1869, to June, 1871; by Rev. E. A. Edwards, from April to October, 1872; by Rev. A. Johnson, from January, 1813, to March, 1875, and by Rev. J. L. Irwin, who continued in that relation from June 5, 1875, until September 30, 1876, when he resigned, good feeling prevailing between him and the church. The next regular minister was Rev. W. A. Stan.
At the meeting on the 3d of June 1874, the Clerk, in his annual report, after reviewing the situation during the previous year, adds; "Since the arrival of Brother Guthrie, a series of meetings was held, and quite an addition was made to the late membership. When it became necessary to raise the old list, a committee was appointed there-for, which performed that duty, the result showing at this time a membership comprising 176 names, including 30 added since Brother Guthrie became our Pastor. Our Sunday school has been quite successful, and the concerts given by it merited and received good attendance, adding quite a fund toward the purchase of a library. The school, during the year, according to the report of the Superintendent--bearing date February 4, 1873, shows-scholars, 89; teachers, 10; officers, 4; penny collection, $89.37."
At the meeting held in July 1874, the Quakers, on their request, were granted the use of the building on Sabbath afternoons whenever they so desire.
A committee was appointed at the regular monthly meeting in March 1876, to examine and revise the list of members. At the meeting held on the 5th of April, that committee submitted the following report. "The record shows since the first organization of the church, a total membership of 254; number of deaths, 23; removed by letter, 11; number removed without letter, 32; number united with other churches, 4; total, 76; leaving a resident membership of 178."
June 4, 1877, Mr. Guthrie tendered his resignation as Pastor, to take effect on the 10th instant. The resignation was occasioned by a call received from the church at Cleveland, Ohio. The call being accepted by the Pastor, his resignation was also accepted by this church.
BAPTIST-(OLD SCHOOL).
Early among the churches founded in this vicinity was the Missionary Baptist Church. The society held numerous meetings west of here near the river. These meetings were usually held in farmhouses, as dictated by convenience or choice. The principal and prime mover in the organization was Rev. Abraham Buckles, one of the Delaware County pioneers, and father of Judge Joseph S. Buckles. This society held meetings here as early as 1833 and 1834, and about the same time built a small frame meeting-house nearly a mile to the northeast of Muncie, not far from the northeast corner of the Hackley Reservation. These meetings have been continued up to the present time. Frequently the pulpit of the old frame church was filled by one of their own preachers, and occasionally by John Buckles, a relative of Abraham.
In 1836, a meeting was held in the old frame building, now occupied as a boarding-house, located on the alley between Main and Jackson Streets, on the east side of High street. The building had then just been erected by Dr. S. P. Anthony and was not quite finished. The boys and men climbed up on the joists, filling every conceivable place. The room was crowded with people from town and the surrounding country. Rev. Mr. Buckles at others officiated. Mrs. Keasby, who furnished this information, says it was the largest meeting that had been here. Then everybody, went, church members and all. (Page 152)