Wolf Creek - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

A correspondent of the Marshall News writing of the old Baptist Church near Wolf Creek Falls says: “I rode down the winding stream one day recently and visited one of the oldest, if not the oldest, house of worship in this part of the good state of Indiana. Driving down the old roadway that winds about on the tops of the pretty rounded grass grown hills that border the creek, we came first to the neatly fenced and well kept cemetery, the church standing west of it on a gentle slope, looking like a hoary sentinel of days long ago. The house is of hewed logs, neatly built, “chinked and dobbed” and pointed with lime white as snow. The entrance is by a single door on the north side and light is admitted by two or three windows of small glass.  The inside is comfortable ceiled with ship lap – a recent improvement. The building is small, seating perhaps 100 persons comfortably and is warmed by a single wood stove located in the geometrical center of the room and a small rostrum for the preacher adorns the south side opposite the door. The seats are, what was the sum of all excellence 50 years ago – of the “sit-up straight” rigid variety that bid defiance to sleep and the whole building has the appearance of a church of 60 or more years ago when house for worship “were not built for show.”  It was built on ground deeded by a man named Allen who it is said was of Revolutionary stock.  Some of the ablest men of this denomination – Primitive Baptist – have preached in this old church.  I can see the stalwart form of Green Thompson, and hear his deep sonorous voice as he discoursed learnedly on the Decrees of God. He was by far the ablest of the south a few years ago. He was the father of Maurice Thompson, poet and author, Jesse Goben, Jonathan and Matthias Vancleave, Joseph Swearengen and many others “fed the flock” here – all of whom except Jonathan Vancleave are dead – died leaving their influence in the minds and hearts of the people.  In this cemetery rest the Allens, Summers and many others who were the rugged pioneers of the community. The whole scene is sadly beautiful and very impressive.