Page:History of Richland County, Ohio.djvu/483

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��HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY,

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��and, when the panic of 1873 burst suddenly upon the countiy, no midnight storm-elond, hanging continually above its graceful steeple, could have been more depressing in its influ- ence. Five years passed under this cloud — years of alternate hope and despair ; and, mean- while, Mr. Fairfield and Mr. Bell had retired, and the Rev. Frank Russell, the })resent Pastor, was installed May 15, 1878. The church had been somewhat divided li}- internal dissensions, which seriously impaired its progress and use- fulness. Earnest efforts were at once inaugu- rated to remove the one great cause of trouble. A correspondence was opened with Mr. Kim- ball, of Chicago, the celebrated church-debt Ex- tinguisher ; Jiis services secured, and, on the 29th of September, 1878, he made his appear- ance in the pulpit of the church, in his favorite role. In one week from that day the entire amount had been pledged ; the pall was lifted, and the church stood in the sunlight of free- dom. Mr. Kimliall started the ball rolling, and it was kept rolling through the heroic efforts of a few influential members, until the end was reached.

At this date, these subscriptions are being rapidly and promptly paid (good times having returned), and the future outlook for the church is as bright as its friends could wish.

The church has shown its enterprise by bringing the telephone into practical use within the last few months. To enable invalid mem- bers to enjo}^ divine service at their homes, a Blake transmitter is neatl}- attached near the platform occupied by the minister. Invisible wires reach out to the residences of those desir- ing telephonic connection, where, by appl3ing a Bell receiver, every word uttered by the Pastor. as well as the vocal and instrumental music, is distinctly heard. It is believed this church enjoys the distinction of being the first to suc- cessfully appl}- electrical science ia this manner.

Several manuals for this church have ap- peared from time to time. It is not known

��when ' the first was issued, but the second one made its appearance in 1851, when the Rev. J. B. Walker was Pastor. There were 95 mem- bers at that time. A third manual appeared in 1856, while it was still in charge of Mr. Walker. The membership had increased to 289. In 1869, a fourth manual was brought out by the Pastor, Rev. J. E. Twitchell. The membership was 38-1:. A fifth is now in course of prepara- tion b}' Rev. Frank Russell, and promises to be more complete than any yet issued. It will con- tain a complete digest of all matters pertaining to the church, and will make a valuable book for study and reference. The present meml>er- ship of the church is 557.

In 1852, the Congregational Church of Mari- etta issued a call for a general conference of the Congregational churches of the State. This Conference was held here on the 23d of June of that year, during the pastorate of 3Ir. Walker. He was Moderator of the conference. Forty- three churches were represented by 73 dele- gates. It was ascertained that there were 33 English and 12 AYelsh churches in the State, with a meml)ership of 2.515. Since that first conference, it has continued to meet regularl}- on the first Tuesday, Wednesdaj^ and Thursday in Ma}' of each ^ear. At present, it is com- posed of 14: local conferences, representing 229 churches in the State, with 170 ministers and a membership of 23,392. These churches report 26,690 pupils in their Salibath schools. The Centi-al North (local) Conference, with which it is connected, was also organized in this church.

One of the most actiA'^ and eflficient organi- izations in this church is the Ladies" Aid Soci- ety. During all the struggle for the building and payment of the debt, it has distinguished itself for zeal, carefulness of management and wisdom of expedients. They have raised over $19,000 during ten years, and. at the meetings for raising funds for the payment of the debt, courageously assumed 14.5(10 more. Avhich, l)y continued effort, they are surel}' canceling.

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