HISTORY OF
ORANGE COUNTY

CHAPTER 8

The Methodist and the Presbyterian Churches of Paoli were organized about the same time, not far from the year 1820. It is probable that religious services were held in the town before that date, as early, doubtless, as 1817, though the most reliable accounts, in the absence of trustworthy records or authentic records of any character, fix the date of permanent organization at about the year 1820. But little can be given of the early existence of the societies. Meetings were held in the old stone court house. Circuit riders from the older localities began to preach in that edifice as soon as it was ready for occupancy, about the year 1818-19. Soon sufficient interest was aroused and the Methodists effected an organization. Among the earliest members were Edward, John and Reuben Moore and their families, Edward Millis and family, David Stucker, John Kiger, Benoni and Elizabeth Jackson, John Throop, Sr., who, it is said, was virtually the founder of the church, his house being the stopping place for years of the circuit riders who supplied the society; he it was who instituted the first Sunday-school in the church and stood at its head for years; Joel and Edward Kearby and their families, Giles C. Smith, Lewis F. Wilson, James Craig, Levi Gifford, Mrs. James Collins, Samuel Morgan, James Dishon, Adam Fulton, Rev. Draper Chipman, the Depews, Ruth McVey, George Meacham, Anderson Meacham, Marian Coffin and several of her sons, Louisa Campbell and others whose names are forgotten. The society has been in existence since 1820. The names of the early ministers cannot be given. In 1837 G. C. Smith, Lewis F. Wilson, William Higgins, John T. Throop, Sr. and Henry Shirley were Trustees of the church and Rev. James Balee was pastor in charge. In March, 1837, Thomas Pitts sold to these Trustees for $50, Lot 181 in Paoli. David Osborn was one of the Trustees in 1838. Henry Miller and Edward Kearby were Trustees in 1840. G. C. Smith was a lawyer, but he relinquished that profession and adopted that of the ministry, and served the society for several years. Benjamin Poison was a Trustee in 1840. It was about this time that the society received several large accessions through the medium of revivals. In about 1841, the land across the creek south of town was fitted up and used as a camp-meeting ground. Here it was that for four or five years annual camp-meetings of about one month’s duration each, were held. Many outsiders joined, and many of them afterward "backslid." The meetings were very interesting. It is said that one of the ministers had remarkable lung power, and on any still, clear evening in autumn could be heard shouting the anathemas of the church for a distance of over two miles up and down the valley of Lick Creek. Among the ministers early in the forties and late in the thirties, were Revs. Guthrie, Kemp, McIntire, Whitten and others. Among the later ministers were Chipman, Powell, Rose, Trainer, Layton, Ames, Jackson, Cornelius, Chapman, Bell, Schwartz, Jones, Tellee, Schamahorn, Eller, Webb, Wells, Miller and the present pastor, N. E. Boring. Revs. Guthrie, Chipman and others held revivals of long duration and great success. Over fifty converts joined under the former. In later years Schamahorn held the largest revival, probably, in the history of the church. About seventy-five joined, and at one time about sixty were "sprinkled" by the pastor. This was doing work for the Lord by wholesale. The society met in the court house until the old church was built in about 1838. The building was about as large on the ground as the present structure, but was higher, and was constructed of lumber furnished largely by donation from Methodists, Presbyterians and outsiders. Judge Simpson, a Presbyterian, gave the equivalent of several hundred dollars toward the church. The structure was erected by all with the understanding that the two denominations then in town - the Methodists and Presbyterians - should alternately occupy it. During the forties the Methodists secured exclusive ownership of the house, which was used by them until the present building was erected in 1880 at a cost of about $3,000, including furniture and lot. The dedication took place July 31, 1880, the Rev. Joseph S. Wood officiating. The society is in a prosperous condition, and owns a comfortable parsonage.

The Presbyterian society at Paoli was organized fully as early as that of the Methodists. It is said by one of the oldest members of the organization that this society was organized before the Methodists. Rev. William Martin, a very able man for that day, and a Christian of deep piety, had visited Paoli as early as 1818, where he had preached to the few resident families. Soon afterward. possibly 1819, certainly as early as 1820, he formed a small class, and [1]hus laid the foundation of Presbyterianism in Paoli. Among the very first members were John H. Campbell, Mrs. Eleanor Campbell, Dr. Shields, Joseph Potts, Mrs. Meriam, and several of her family, John G. Clendenin, Mrs. Eliza Br·wn, who afterward became Mrs. Wise, of Vincennes, Mrs. Helen Lewis, three or four members of the Liggett family, Elder James Clemmons, John Fraser, A. J. Simpson, T. V. Thornton, Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Dougherty, the Misses Parker, several members of the White family, Elder David Hudelson, Elder John Springer, several of the Cook family. Mrs. H. T. Moxley, Mrs. T. N. Braxtan, Mrs. Woolfolk, Miss Mary Braxtan, William H. Hudelson, Mrs. Judge Pearson, Martha and Mary Dougherty and others. The Trustees of the church in 1843 were Thomas V. Thornton, John G. Clendenin, Arthur J. Simpson, Daniel Dayhuff and Cornelius White. At this time meetings of the society were held in the seminary; but steps were taken to build a church, as, a short time before this, the Methodists had obtained absolute control of the old building. The contract for building a frame church was let to William H. Harmon for $750 of which amount $250 was to be paid in corn, wheat, potatoes, etc. This building is yet in use. Several stated to the writer that this church was built about the year 1850, and as no records were accessible, the date of erection is in some doubt. John R. Simpson says it was built about 1841-43. As stated above, the venerable William Martin was the founder of the society, and its pastor for many years. It is stated also, that Rev. Martin taught one of the first schools in Paoli. Rev. Mr. Hart was probably Rev. Martin’s successor. Rev. Mr. Ennis came later, as did Rev. J. T. Martin, and since have been Revs. Aubee, J. G. Williamson, John McCrea, Samuel Barr, and Francis Simms, the last pastor. The society is now without a resident pastor. John Lyle Martin, a nephew of William Martin, was an early minister of the society. He was a man of high natural talent, and became eminent in the ministry. He afterward went to China in the interest of his church, and is there yet. He is a noted linguist, a profound student of biblical lore, and is the American authority on all Chinese questions. He often, in his earlier ministrations, visited the Paoli society and there gave evidence of his power in sermons that are yet green in the hearts of his congregation. This society has had numerous revivals. Late in the thirties the eminent President of Hanover College held a revival at Paoli, and secured about thirty new members, among whom were T. V. Thornton, A. J. Simpson, and others of equal prominence. Later, in the forties, another was held on which occasion about fifty joined. This minister, whose name is not remembered, possessed great personal magnetism and unusual forensic power. In one of his strongest sermons he told the story of a boy brought up by a loving Christian mother, and described with thrilling effect the efforts made by the mother to prevent her gifted boy from wrecking his bright and promising life in sin, drunkenness and crime. He pictured the profligacy of the boy, and the tears and sleepless nights of the mother, and when his congregation were wrought up to the highest pitch, he hesitated for a minute and then leaning forward exclaimed in an intense whisper that went to every heart, "That boy was I." The effect upon his congregation was electrical, and when he grandly described how, by the grace of God, his mother had rescued him and brought him back to Christianity, and dedicated his life to the service of the Master, half his congregation were shouting or in tears. It was at this revival that the Doughertys, the Parkers and others joined. Later revivals have been held, but not so noted.

The Baptist Church of Paoli was organized in May, 1868 the first members being Mary A. Wallace, Margaret Wallace, Lorinda Wallace, A. J. Dickey, Sr., Belinda Dickey, Mary Clancy, Louisa C. Potter, Henry Dickey, L. B. Cogswell, Elizabeth Cogswell, John Jones and F. J. Jones. Since then the following have joined: M. E. Cogswell, Catherine Dickey, Joan Lingle, John Dixon, Huldah Pro, Elizabeth Pro, Nancy A. Hunt, Martha Dickey, Lydia A. Dickey, Deborah Dickey, David Clancy, Carrie Wallace, Ellen Guy, B. F. Holaday, Eli Holaday, Margaret H. Dickey, Mary J. Dickey, A. J. Dickey, Jr., George W. Beswick, Harriet Beswick, Annis Beswick, Ary Beswick, Sarilda Holtsclaw, Samuel Dalton, George Pinnick, Mary Merrill, Angeline Gaustine, James Jones, Eliza Holtsclaw, S. M. Stalcup, Lucinda Gaustine, Mariam Busha, Emory Busha, Caroline Kibler, Sarah Gross and George Stout. The first pastor was Rev. J. B. Porter, a very worthy man. The second was Wright Sanders, the third J. M. Kendall, and the fourth J. K. Howard, the present pastor, who visits the society monthly from Livonia. While Rev. Kendall was pastor an effort that was nearly successful was made to build a church, but failed, no doubt, by reason of the expiration of Mr. Kendall’s appointment. He was the prime mover of the attempt, and secured a subscription of over $800. The society at first met in the churches of the Methodists and Presbyterians, but now occupies the court room.

No doubt the Friends or Quakers were the first to hold religious services in Paoli Township. Members of this sect had come in for permanent settlement as early as the war of 1812, and no doubt at that time founded their organizations, which endure until the present day. It is likely that the old Lick Creek Meeting-house on Section 8, Township 1 north. Range 1 east, was erected as early as 1813, and was, without question, the first structure of the kind in the county. It was built of logs, and was used about twelve years, and was then replaced by another erected in the same place, and this in turn was used until the present one was built, about twenty-five years ago. Among the early members of this class were Thomas Maris, William Lindley, Jonathan Lindley, Owen Lindley, Sr., John Maris, George Maris, Robert Hollowell and his sons, Enoeli Thompson, James Crane, David Lindley, Ephraim Doan, Samuel Chambers, John, Jesse and George Towel, Silas Dixon, and many others. Amy Moore was an early preacher of this denomination. All are familiar with the peculiar customs of the Quakers, how different they were from the other denominations of Christians. Eleanor Chambers was an early preacher. This class is yet in existence with the great-grandchildren of the early settlers as members. In about 1818 the Newbury Meeting-house of the Friends, situated west of Paoli on the old Indian boundary line, was built of logs, and was used many years. It stood on Section 34, Township 2 north, Range 1 west, and on the twenty-eighth day of the eleventh month, 1826, the Trustees of this society, Abraham Osborn, Thomas Lindley and Ebenezer Doan, bought two acres for $50, of Alexander Clark and Henry Towel. This was the land upon which the old church was then standing, having been built there by the sufferance of the owners. The above men were the leading members of this society at that time. Prominent, also, were Joseph Allison, Noah Hadley, Jesse Towel, Ephraim Doan and many others, including the families of the above. This old society yet endures. Another early society of the Quakers was in the southern part of Paoli Township at Beach Chapel. This was a branch of the Lick Creek Church, and its early members were the above-named families and others. The church was built about 1826, and has been succeeded by several others. The Farlows, Joneses, Moores, Atkissons, Lindleys, Doans and Towels were prominently connected with this society at a little later date. The various organizations of Friends have exerted a powerful influence upon the morals of the county.

A society of Methodists was organized in Paoli Township about four miles east of the county seat about the year 1835, and there flourished for many years. The Kearbys and Robbinses were founders and prominent members. Joel C. Kearby, Edward Kearby, Daniel Robbins, Ezekiel Robbins and Jacob Robbins were Trustees in 1840. This society was the foundation of the Methodist Church of Chambersburg. Many residents of the northeastern part of the township have for many years attended the old Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on the line between Paoli and Orleans Townships. Moore’s Chapel, west of the line, in French Lick Township, has been attended for fifty years by the residents of western Paoli Township. It is said that the first Sunday-school in the county was founded and conducted about three miles northwest of Paoli by Rev. William Martin as early as 1822-23. Nothing is known of its success and continuance except that it was abandoned within a few years by the removal of its patrons and its pastor.

THE CHURCHES OF CHAMBERSBURG

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Chambersburg was organized during the early part of the decade of the forties, and for ten or twelve years met in private dwellings and in schoolhouses. Then a frame church was built largely from the donations of outsiders and other denominations, which building is yet standing and used. Among the early members were Daniel Robbins, Jane Robbins, and several of their children, Alexander Kearby, Joel Kearby, Edward K earby, and others of the Kearbys to the number of half a dozen or more, Robert Paschal, Mary Pashal, John G. Cadle and family, Milton Hobson, Hiram T. Lindley, Mrs. Caroline Baker, several of the Boyd families, Mary Stewart and others. At times the society has been on the point of dissolution, and at other times has been quite strong and prosperous. It has usually been supplied with ministers from Paoli and elsewhere. At present it is weak and meets irregularly. The United Brethren Church of Chambersburg was not organized until after the Methodist had been in good working order for several years. The Methodists really had an organization in the country near Chambershurg for a number of years before their removal to that village, and after the removal did not erect a church until about 1856. The United Brethren formed a society about 1851-52, and for some time, also, occupied the schoolhouse alternately with the Methodists. About the year 1858-59 they were strong enough with the help of the Methodists and other denominations and outsiders to build a frame church of their own, at a cost of about $800. This building is still used by the society. It is said that the founder of this church was the Rev. Linus Chittenden. Among the early members were Solomon Danner and family, Joseph Cox and family, William Gray and family, and others; and a little later were Joseph Moore, Elijah Purkhiser, J. T. Wolf, R. S. Dillinger and others. The society has at no time been very strong numerically, though at times it has been prosperous. For several years the two denominations, Methodists and United Brethren, have conducted a Union Sunday school in the town with much greater effect for good than either or both could alone.

CHURCHES AT ORLEANS

Following close upon the earliest settlements in Orleans came the pioneer preachers, who were the "holy men of old," and dispensed the Gospel in all its original austerity. These early and advance ambassadors of God were, and always have been, noted for their earnest devotion to the cause in which they labored. It is said that as early as the year 1816, Bishop Roberts began preaching at Orleans, with all the zeal that characterized that eminent divine while working for the Master, and which earned for him a place among the foremost ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In those primitive times, there were no costly church edifices where the pious could worship in luxury, but as "the groves were God’s first temples" and ever dedicated to His cause, the first meetings of the religious were held in their friendly shelter, unless the inclemency of the seasons drove the worshipers to some of the log dwellings that, then studded the frontier. In this way religious meetings were held for about four years by Bishop Roberts, and under his lead was founded the Methodist Church at this place, and his efforts were crowned with success. A church building was erected, and the society grew and prospered. In 1850, a nice brick house was built at a cost of about $2,000, and besides this a parsonage is owned by the organization, valued at about $600. The first deed of property to the Methodist Church at Orleans, was Lot No. 273 in the town of Orleans, Francis Wood to Shadrach B. A. Carter, John Sears, Henry Redfield, Samuel Worrel, Joshua Brothers, Lewis Hailer and John McCoy, "Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States," for $17.50. This was sometime very early in the twenties, and is the first deed of church property in the records of Orange County. The deed for the parsonage property was in 1837, from John B. Mayer and wife to David Bruner, John Holmes, Henry R. Williamson, Eleazer H. Taylor and Henry Lingle, Trustees to build a parsonage. This was for Lots Nos. 275, 276, 297, and 298, the church paying $100 therefor.

This church now has a membership of 140, and is at present, under the charge of Rev. J. V. R. Miller as pastor. Here as elsewhere, the Methodist Church is energetic in maintaining a Sunday school. In this about eighty scholars are in regular attendance, and it is presided over by Mr. William C. R. Kemp as the Superintendent. When this society was organized in 1820, the following were among the principal members: John and Mary Sears, Henry R. and Catherine Williamson, S. B. A. and Margaret Carter, David and Jane Worrel, and four others, whose names have gone from the recollection, the records having been destroyed. The first church house was built in 1822, of logs, and was 30x36 feet in size. It was furnished with the old style high pulpit, whence the preacher looked out upon his congregation with a magisterial complacency, and retailed his religion in no homoepathic portions to the spiritual invalids.

What is now the Orleans Presbyterian Church, was first organized on the 24th of August, 1818, nine miles northwest of Orleans, at the house, it is said, of Mrs. Nancy Fisher. It was at first called Concord Church, and started with a membership of nine, and Rev. W. W. Martin as pastor. In October, 1820, the place of meeting was changed to Orleans, and the name to the one it now bears. The ground on which the church is built is Lot No. 87, in Orleans, and was donated to the society in 1835, by John B. Mayer and wife. At that date Samuel Campbell, William Fisher and James Shields were the Trustees. The first house of worship was a frame, and it served for about ten years, when it was taken away to give place for the present brick building. This is a nice one in every respect and was built at a cost of nearly $3,000, being one of the best churches in Orange County. A part of the old frame is now used by Mr. Irwin as a barn. The present membership of this society is seventyfive, but a lethargy has of late years been over the association, and it is rather declining than advancing. There has formerly been a very good Sunday-school in connection with this church, but that has been abandoned within the past year and there is no regular pastor in charge at this time.

On the 26th day of March, 1832, the following Elders of the Missionary Baptist Church met in the Methodist Church at Orleans, for the purpose of considering the propriety of constituting certain members of that denomination a regular Baptist Church at Orleans: E. P. Bond, of New Albany, J. D. Crabbs, William McCoy, R. M. Parks and 3. Blackwell. Besides these a council from each of the following churches was present: Spice Valley, Mount Horeb, Mount Pleasant, Lost River, Freedom and Bedford. A sermon was preached by E. P. Bond, after which the council organized by electing J. D. Crabbs, Moderator, William McCoy and R. M. Parks, Secretaries. After proper examination the council expressed satisfaction with the articles of faith and covenant adopted by the members and decided to recognize them as a legal Baptist Church as soon as the proper officers should be appointed, and accordingly extended the right hand of fellowship to the following members: T. N. and Edna Robertson, Z. C., Mary A. and Martha J. Smith, Catherine Yandall, Levisa Shields, Reed and Phoebe Walden, Mary Back, Anna Shevedien, J. M. and Jane Archer, Perlina Dean, Robert Patton, Anna Moore, Sarah A. Long, Charles Tiensch, William, Sarah, Catherine and Sally Gallihar, Letty Paul, Allen and Mary Stevens, Jeremiah V. and Margaret Alexander. Frederick Baker, William, Elizabeth and Ellen Duncan, thirty-one in all. At this meeting Elder T. N. Robertson was unanimously called to be their pastor. The first regular meeting was held on the fourth Saturday of April, 1832, and at that time Allen Stevens was elected Clerk, Z. C. Smith and J. M. Archer, Deacons. The Trustees elected then were J. V. Alexander, Z. C. Smith and J. M. Archer, and on the same day Elder Robertson accepted the call of the church to the pastorate. To this Board of Trustees Benjamin Blackwell and wife soon afterwards deeded Lot No. 223 in Orleans for $5, and Lawrence Bradley and Albert Alien and their wives deeded Lot No. 6 in Bradley and Allen’s Addition for $10. At the second regular meeting of the church it was decided to furnish a house and lot for Elder Robertson and wife for life. This was done, and from that time forth he continued mostly in this place, and among the flock which he had helped to form and care for. Such a long and continued confidence between pastor and congregation is seldom seen, and examples of this kind are surely worthy of emulation. The society at once began the erection of a church house, and it was finely completed in 1834, at a cost of $800. It is a very good frame building and is yet in use, although it has been several times repaired and once reseated. A good Sunday-school has been organized in connection with this church for over thirty years, which now has an attendance of eighty scholars. This church now has sixty-six members, is flourishing well, and under the charge of Rev. J. H. Wright as pastor. Among the important ministers have been W. L. Boston, R. M. Parks, B. J. Davis and J. K. Howard. About the year 1868, Elder Boston held an important and interesting revival, in the course of which a large number of recruits in the cause of the Master were added to the church, and much moral regeneration in the community effected.

The Orleans Christian Church was organized in the fall of 1867. Prior to that time a good frame house of worship had been erected at the cost of over $2,000. The original membership was about twenty-five, and the first Trustees were E. D. Laughlin, William Wright, Sr., and George Hon, who had superintended the church building. The first minister was James Mathews, who remained but a short time. Since him the following pastors have been in charge: Moses Smith, L. B. Bray, Samuel Moore, Mr. Littell, Mr. McGowen, George Terrell, Jonathan Stanley and Enoch Bower. About the year 1880, Rev. Stanley held an important revival, in which great interest was manifested, nearly one hundred professing religion, many joining the church. This association is out of debt and in a prosperous condition. The salary paid to its minister is $400 per year for service every two weeks. The total number of members is now about 100, and a flourishing Sunday School of sixty scholars, with Thomas Sculley, Superintendent. E. D. Laughlin, William Montgomery and Moses Lewis are the present Board of Trustees.

THE ORANGEVILLE MISSION

Until 1852 the Methodist Church at Orleans was connected with several other churches of that denomination in the northwestern part of the county and forming the Orleans Circuit, but in that year it was made an independent station. The other churches were then formed into the Orangeville Mission, and consisted of the following classes: Bruner’s, now Wesley Chapel, Henderson, Faucett, Wadsworth, Bond, Bryantsville, Woodville and Hick Chapels. Robert Wadsworth, John Bond, William P. Hobbs and Samuel Hicks were local preachers, Alfred Bruner was Recording Steward, while Eli Faucett, Marion Davis, Harlan Pope and Davidson Carter were Class Leaders. In the following year the mission was changed to a circuit with the same appointments. During the year of the mission a revival was held at Orangeville by the Rev. Thomas A. Whitted and 104 accessions were received into the church, joining the various classes. Camp meetings were held about 1825 and several succeeding years by the old circuit at a grove near the Jacob Shirley School House, about three-fourths of a mile south from Orangeville, and at these considerable interest was always manifested. From these early grove meetings may undoubtedly be traced the growth of a large number of the present organized classes in this section of the county.

The society now known as Wesley Chapel was called at its organization Bruner’s Chapel, and it was organized some time prior to 1830, probably at the house of Henry Shirley. The first meetings were held at the Henry Shirley Schoolhouse, and afterward at the house of A Bruner. A house of worship was built about the year 1858 at a cost of $625. It is a good frame, and is now in use by the congregation. Among the early members of this church were Henry Shirley, his wife, mother and family, Nathaniel B. Wilson, wife and mother, Manley McNabb and wife, John Britton and wife, John Cook and wife and others. This society now numbers sixty-six, and has been of steady and substantial growth from the beginning, having nearly always maintained one of the best Sunday-schools in the county. This has greatly aided the church in bringing the youth of the community to a proper appreciation of the great Christian truths, and thereby making good members of both church and society.

Faucett’s Chapel society was organized in 1837 at the house of James Faucett, under the labors of the Rev. William McGinnes. The first members were James and Elizabeth, William and Hannah Faucett, John and Rachel Brown, William Hamilton, James and Elizabeth Perine, Joseph Hamilton and Susan Hamer. In 1847 a log church was built, Samuel Hicks being the minister then in charge, and the Trustees were then J. L. Brown, William Hamilton, James Perine, Eli H. and William Faucett. The old log church continued to answer the purpose of the congregation until 1879, when a new and convenient frame was erected at a cost of $1,000. Its present membership is forty.

The Orangeville class was organized about the year 1840, and has had a prosperous career now numbering something over sixty members. In November, 1851, Nathaniel B. Wilson and wife deeded to Alfred Bruner, Robert Higgins, Lewis B. Wilson, Harvey Denny and William P. Hobbs, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Orangeville, the ground on which the church at that place now stands, for the sum of $15. In August, of the following year, Samnel Hicks and Harvey Denny deeded to the same Trustees a piece of land in Orengeville for the purpose of building a parsonage upon. The church house was built immediately, and is a good and substantial frame, costing about $800. At this time the circuit rider was Rev. Thomas A. Whitted, who figured largely in the affairs of the Methodist Church of this section of country for several years. The minister in charge of the Orangeville Circuit resides at Orangeville, in the parsonage at that place. The present pastor is Rev. S. L. Culmer, who rendered assistance in this work.

SOCIETIES OF FRENCH LICK TOWNSHIP

A society of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the house of William Marley, near the French Lick Springs, about the year 1825 by John Miller, one of the pioneer circuit riders of Orange County. Among the first members were William Marley, Clayton Taylor, Alexander McGrew with their wives and families, Joseph McGrew and wife. The first church was a log structure built some time early in the thirties, but after being used for a short time was burned down. Another was soon after erected. This was on the farm now owned by Ross Grigsby. The third church was built about the year 1856, at its present site on the farm of Capt. William D. Moore. This is the old French Lick class at Moore’s Chapel. John Miller, William Crane, John Decker and Samuel Brinten were among the early preachers here. It now has a membership of about sixty and is in a good healthy condition.

The Scarlett Ridge class of the Methodist Church in French Lick Township, was organized about the year 1840, by a minister named Johnson. First members were Samuel and William Scarlett and their wives, Isaac Damewood and family, William Wininger and wife, Harrison Hankers and others. For a time they met at the Scarlett Schoolhouse and then built a church at French Lick Springs. This soon after burned down and after some time meeting at the schoolhouse, again built another house of worship at its present site and is called Mount Lebanon. The cost of this last building was about $600, and it is a good frame. Until about 1850 it was a mission but it was then changed to a circuit, which it has ever since been. For the past fifteen years a good Sunday-school has been maintained with an average attendance of about thirty-five scholars, while the church membership is about sixty. Among the early ministers were John Julian, George Walker, Thomas Ray and James Charles.

The Church Association at what is known as Ames Chapel, in the eastern part of French Lick Township, was formed in the year 1880, by a union of the classes at Smith’s and Nelson’s Chapels. There is nearly 100 members now belonging at this place, and it is said to be one of the most energetic, prosperous organizations of the kind in the county, and a good Sunday-school is maintained with James S. Porter as Superintendent. The church edifice which was built in 1880, at a cost of $1,300, is one of the neatest in Orange County, and stands in the border of a pleasant and shady grove. It belongs to the Paoli Circuit.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

The Cane Creek Christian, or Campbellite Church, in the north part of Jackson Township, was probably organized about the year 1825. Prominent among the first members were Jacob Wise and wife, Christopher Flick and wife, Thomas Cox and wife, Joshua Hubbs and wife, William Pinnick and wife, Charles Drake and wife and some otbers. Soon after the organization of this class a primitive log house was erected for worship, which was used until 1844. In that year a good hewed house was built in its stead, the work being done by the members of the church. The present frame was built in 1872, and is a good and commodious building, its cost being $1,000. Christian Hostetler, Solomon Hostetler, and David Lewis, who lived near Orleans, were among the early preachers at this place. Other ministers have been Christopher Flick, Phillip Shively, John Mavity, Christopher Cox, Thomas A. Cox and B. T. Goodman. In the old log church during the fall of 1843, Phillip Shively and Christian Hostetler conducted an interesting revival in which about forty members were added to the church. Another by B. T. Goodman was held in 1850 and nearly sixty converts were made among the best citizens of the community, and it resulted in great influence for good on the morals of the neighborhood. Several attempts have been made to maintain a Sunday-school, but all have failed. This is one of the strongest societies in the county, and now has about 150 members.

GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

The United Brethren Church at Unionville was organized at the house of John Apple about the year 1847. Nearly all of the first members belonged to the Apple family, and were John and Jesse Apple, and their wives, Thomas, Moses and Alfred Apple, with a few others. The first minister was a man named Falkenberg, and after him were Daniel Shuck aud Lyman Chittenden. Rev. John A. Richardson is the pastor now in charge. An old log church house was soon built after the ization and was in use until 1877, when the present frame building was erected at a cost of $600, and the society is now reasonably prosperous, with a membership of thirty-nine.

Providence Baptist church, at Pittsburg, in the southern part of Greenfield Township, is said to have been organized as early as 1819, in what is now Crawford County, at the house of Robert Sands, although there is some doubt as to the date. Robert Sands, Cornelius Newkirk, Samuel McMahan and James McMahan were among the first preachers at this appointment, and together with their wives and Mrs. Rachael Pitman, Mrs. Mary Peters and others were the first members of the society. Prior to 1880, when the present church was built, there had been in their turn a round and a hewed log-house and a frame that served each a period of usefullness and then abandoned. The first frame cost in the neighborhood of $400, and the one now in use about $700, besides a large amount of work done by the members. There are now about 140 enrolled as belonging to the class, and it is in a growing and healthy condition. Samuel McMahan is the present minister.

In the spring of 1843 an organization of the Christian or Campbellite Church was made at the house of Absalom Gobble, near the present town of Unionville. Absalom and Julia A. Gobble, Valentine and Mary Cook, Absalom and Anna McCabe, John and Rebecca Davis were the first members. The ministers that were instrumental in establishing this church: John Bobbitt, Phillip Shively and John Wright. For a considerable time after its formation the meetings were held at the house where it was organized, but a hewed log house of worship was built about the year 1830, and as nearly all the work was done by the members, the actual cost of the building in cash is said to have been only about $40 There is now a good frame church erected in 1873, costing $1,100. There is now a total of 147 members, and this society is one of the strongest in the county. A number of important and interesting revivals have been held here by various preachers, and at two different times seventeen were baptized at once, and at another time sixteen were baptized. There is a flourishing Sunday-school in connection with this church, that has an average attendance of about thirty scholars and four teachers, and of which Isaac Young is Superintendent.

A society of the Old School Regular Baptist Church was organized at Unionville in the fall of 1872. The temporary organization was effected on the 4th of October, by persons having letters of "Dismission and Recommendation’ from Rock Spring and Providence Churches, and at this meeting Elder T. N. Robertson was Moderator, and L. H. Wright, Clerk pro tempore. On the 23d of November following, the church was formally established and the right hand of fellowship was extended to the following persons as members of the new organization: Elizabeth Lambdin, Lensford Lomax and wife, Harriet McDonald, William and Rebecca Willyard, John Cook and wife, Ruth J. Lomax, Lovisa Hancock, Martha Lomax, Mary E. Lomax, Sarah Hill, Leander H. Wright and wife, Nelson Willyard and wife, Emma Lomax, Albert Mayfleld, Rachael Hammond, Minnie Tarr, George T. Mayfleld, Susannah Hammond, Daniel R. Lambdin, Nancy Lomax, Tamor A. Lomax, Elva Truax, Martha Lambdin. T. N. Robertson was called as the first minister, and Albert Mayfield was elected Clerk. A good and substantial frame house of worship was built in 1873, costing about $600. Samuel McMahan and George T. Mayfield have been the preachers at this place ever since Elder Robertson’s time.

CHURCHES OF SOUTHEAST TOWNSHIP

The Rock Spring Regular Baptist Church in Southeast Township was in the year 1826, at the house of Charles Vandeveer, on the farm now owned by Thomas Clements, in Stampers Creek Township. The first members were: Charles, Aaron, Joel and George Vandeveer with their wives; - Phillips and wife, and A. Pearson and wife. The first minister was Aaron Vandeveer and since him have been Charles Vandeveer. Jonathan Jones, William Robertson, T. N. Robertson and the present one, Samuel McMahan.

The first church house was built in 1841, where the present frame was erected, costing about $500. Elder T. N. Robertson held an interesting revival in 1876, and succeeded in gaining about a dozen converts to the church.

There is a class of United Brethren about three miles north of Valeene that was organized about 1855. For the first fifteen years they held meetings at the schoolhouse near by, and then built the hewed log-house which they now own and which cost about $300. There has been a number of revivals held at this place and the church has been instrumental in doing a large amount of good in the community.

Two miles southeast of Valeene is an organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church which was effected about the year 1850. The church known as the Cross-roads Meeting House is where the meetings are held. This is log and when new cost about $200. Among the early members were the families of May, Lowe, Maxedon, Agan and others. Andrew May was the first and last minister. This class has never been very prosperous and at the present time has no regular pastor.

At what is known as Harned Chapel, three miles southwest of Valeene, is another class of the Methodist Church that was formed about the year 1845. The church house was built of logs and afterward weather-boarded. It is now a very comfortable building and has cost about $500, being contributed by the people living adjacently. Thomas Harned and family, the Dillards, Sloans, Crandalls, Bateses, Stones and others were among the principal early members. Three of the Harned boys - William, Michael and John - became noted as preachers, they first preaching at Indianopolis and Jeffersonville. This church has been prosperous and in connection with it is maintained a good Sunday-school.

The Christian Church at Valeene was organized about the year 1830. The Hollowell family, the Selfs, the Moores, the Pirtles, the Sanderses, the Crittendens, the Bobbitts, the Fergusons, Samuel Harned, William Holaday and many others have been among the prominent members of this society. The first preachers were two brothers, Peter and John Wright, from Washington County. Other ministers have been David Stewart, Eli Stewart, John Hollowell, Jr., H. Bobbitt, Henry Crittenden, John Davis, Moses Smith, Nehemiah Tower and Samson Cox, the present pastor. The first house cost about $150, and in 1855 a good frame was built which cost $600, but this was destroyed by a cyclone in 1874. The present house, a frame, was immediately erected at a cost of $1,000, or thereabouts.

CHURCHES IN STAMPERS CREEK TOWNSHIP

The United Brethren Church in the southwestern part of Stampers Creek Township was organized in the latter part of the twenties sometime, but the exact date is not known. The first meetings of the society that can now be learned of were held at the house of Joseph Danner who then lived on the farm now owned by Edward Mussear and the first minister was probably Samuel Haines. This church has had a gradual and uninterrupted term of prosperity and now has a membership of about sixty persons. The present house of worship was built in 1850 and is called Danner’s Chapel. It is a frame structure and the original cost was in the neighborhood of $300. it belongs to the Paoli Circuit and the present minister is Mr. John A. Richardson.

The Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church was organized in August, 1870, at the house of Josiah Thomas in the southern end of Stampers Creek Township. The meetings of this society have always been held at what is known as the Green Brier Schoolhouse. The first members were Josiah Thomas, William T. Wells, Isaac Underwood, John R. Thomas and their wives, Jacob 0. and Elizabeth Thomas. Under the charge of Mr. Josiah Thomas, as minister, the church has been ordinarily successful and it now has twenty-four members.

About one and three-fourth miles south from Millersburg, in Stampers Creek Township, is the Pleasant Grove Regular Baptist Church. This society was formed about the year 1876, and immediately built the present church house they occupy, which is a good and substantial frame costing about $500. Francis M. Mattox was the first preacher of the class, and has been such ever since, and now occupies that position. Among the first members were: H. H. Polson and wife, William McIntosh and wife, Phoebe Rigney, Phoebe Strange, William Jones, Polly A. Jones and others. Services are held here every third Saturday in each month, and the organization is growing.

LIBERTY CHURCH, NORTHEAST TOWNSHIP

In the northeastern part of Orleans Township is situated the Liberty Meeting House. The society here was probably organized in the year 1819, and is of the Christian or Campbellite denomination. Some of the first members were: Christian and Adam Hostetler, David S. Lewis, John Ribbel and their wives. This organization for a time flourished and took rank as the foremost church of its kind in the county for several years, but other classes being organized in this part of the county drew away much of its strength, although it is yet a strong society. It was probably organized at the house of a Mr. Knight, who lived in the neighborhood, and the meetings were held at private houses for some time. About the year 1824 or 1825, a hewed-log-house was built which continued to be used until the building now in use was erected, about the year 1855. This is a good and substantial frame, 40x60 feet, and cost, it is said, about $2,000. The present membership is about 150, and the minister is Rev. Jonathan Stanley.

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