Page:History of Richland County, Ohio.djvu/619

Rh for a town hall. The church has not had an organized existence for many years.

About 1869, the former members of the Wesleyan Methodist, or those that were left, and some other citizens organized a Congregational Church, the original members of which were John, George and Andrew McFarland, Ezra Davis, James Ritchie, William Boden, Charles Stone, Sr., and the wives of these gentlemen ; Joseph Flemming, Ezra and Thomas Smith and Mary and Ida Boden. Their meetings, for a year, were held in the other churches; they then erected a frame church, yet standing, at a cost of $4,000, of which amount $2,200 were paid by (George and Andrew McFarland. This church was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Fairfield, of the Congregational Church of Mansfield. Their ministers have been the Revs. Fry, Moon, Webster, Achman and Royce. The present membership is about, thirty-five. The organization of the Sunday school was coeval with that of the church, the first Superintendent being R. B. Smith. Joseph Flemming is present Superintendent, with a membership of about one hundred. It is a union school, and is in a very prosperous condition, being continued during the entire year.

Two churches have been organized, and two church buildings erected in the southeast part of the township. In an early day, the few Albrights and United Brethren in that part of the township formed two separate organizations, and had preaching occasionally in the log schoolhouse. This continued for some years, when the two organizations united their financial resources and erected a brick church, which cost about $1,300, and which was to be used equally by the two organizations, and was, also, to be free to other denominations as the citizens generally assisted in the erection of the building. Thus matters continued until about 1860, when they separated — the Albrights building another church further south, on Section 36. The old church is now occupied by the United Brethren. and is called Mount Tabler after a very enthusiastic minister of that name, who held a never-to-be-forgotten revival in the church, during which many members were added. A few of the first members in this organization were Ephraim Bull, William Morris, John Smith and Jacob Magglott. The church is not at present in a flourishing condition, having only about fifteen members. There is no Sunday school connected with it.

The Albrights, in 1860. erected a frame church, which cost about $1,800. The first members of this organization were John Coates, Henry, Samuel and George Secrist. and the Clever family. John Stull was founder and first Pastor. Their first organization was at Stull's house, now known as the Taylor place. They call their church Ebenezer; it is a live, active organization. A large union Sunday school is connected with it.

A mile or more west of Washington Village stands the Church of Christ, better known as Campbellite or Disciple. It was organized about the year 1835, by John Reed. William Moody and William B. Hammett were the first Elders. The members of the first organization were Jacob Deems, William B. Hammett. Richard Braden and John Boyd, and their wives: Betsey Braden and Samuel Braden.

Their first meetings were held at the houses of William B. Hammett and Richard Braden. and their organization effected in the old log schoolhouse of the district. Their first church was a small frame, and was built by the joint labor of the people of the neighborhood. The present building was erected in 1874, and cost about $2,000. Mr. Hammett, yet living, but aged and infirm, has been very active in this organization and in the erection of the churches. He contributed liberally of his means, working as a farmer, and preaching, almost without compensation, sixteen or eighteen years.

Jolm Reed was the first Pastor, and a few of those who followed him were William Gass,