Daily Democrat, Volume 1, Number 239, Decatur, Adams County, 16 October 1903 — Page 1

VOLUME 1

BEAUTIFUL CHURCH IS OPENED

The Presbyterians Handsome Home.

GRAND ORGAN RECITAL

DEDICATION IS NEXT SUNDAY. History of the Church by Rev. E. A. Allen. The New Church Completed at a Cost of $17,000.—A Pride of the City. With the greatest musical treat ever heard in this city, the beautful new Presbyterian church was last evening formally opened for the first time.the event being an inaugural organ recital by Prof William H. Donley of Indianapolis assisted by Dr. Lawrence H Hughes tenor singer, of Geneva. Prof. Donley’ came to Decatur, heralded as one of the greatest organists of the country and those who hoard him are willing to add their testimonial to his already enviable reputation. I He is a master in his art and the audience sat spellbound while listen mg to the beautiful strains of music I as produced by his wonderful, power. It was simply grand and the lover of mulsc who failed | to hear him missed an opportunity rarely offered. The singing of Dr. Hughes the well known tenor was likewise beautiful, the doctor being at his best and no sweeter music will ever be heard in the Presbyterian church if it stands a century than the opening night. The church was not crowded by any means but those who were there were delight'd and ha ve not even yet descended from the enjoyable musical hieghts to which they were carried. The program was as follows: Overture, "Semiramis” Rossini Jerusalem,TlioGolden”.. Sparks a, Guyotte Mignon b, Prayer and Cradle song Guilmant i Song of a Heart Tunison Allegro Vivace Morandi Grande Marche AVely a, Vester Bells. Spinney b, Intermezzo Gautier Nong, “Love and the Peddlar”

German Variations on a Scotch Air Buck Overture, "The Bronze Horse" Auber The beautiful >15,000 church is complete and in readiness for the dedication which ooocurs Sunday morning. The furnishings arc handsome, the carpets rich, the seats comfortable and the pipe oruan one of the best made. Rev. Al lon s work has been earnest, sincere and untiring and beholds with pleasure the results The church is modern in every respect and a building that every oitiaon may w ell fool proud of and point to with' pride. Lighted with electricity, the globes beautifully arranged, heated with one of the heat furn-

The Daily Democrat.

ances made, everything is complete and the arrangement is perfect. The new church will undoubtedly be crowded to its capacity at both the Sunday morning and evening services, when the people of Decatur and vicinity will join in the dedication to God of this house of worship. At this time we are permitted to give our readers a complete history of the Presbyterian church in this county told in the following article especially prepared for the occasion by Rev. E. A. Allen, the pastor so beloved by al): The story of the Presbyterian church of Decatur with its 63 years of history is not easy to tell. The record kept, not always com plete, one of the important record books was destroyed by fire, when the home of Elder Samuel Moses burned; but from a dim old record we gain the following: “In the year of our Lord, one thousand,

'1&1 ' s’?■i . I=.-- _so* ..eiJl sMm»***

Eight Hundred and Forty, the Presbyterians of Miami u]x>n the petition of several persons of Decatur and \icinity directed the Rev. Isaac Ogden to organize a Presbyterian church in Adams county, Indiana. Argeeable to the aforesaid instruction and jx'rsuant to public notice a meeting was held on Saturday the 19 of September 1840 in the court house in Decatur, Adams County, Indiana. After service by Rev. J. A. Ogden, a church with t welve charter members was organized. Samuel Patterson and Wm. Allen were chosen elders. On June the sth of 1813 a call was extended to Rev. John H. Nevins At the same meeting Geo. Caskey, James Patterson and James Niblick were chosen deacons. In 1844 July 1, a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by laws. They acco/nplished their work and the constitution was incorporated in the legislature. One peculiar clause is that they can’t "handle property up to the limit of $20,000.” On Dec. 27, 1845 a committee reported that a plan for a house of worship had been considered. It was to be frame, forty by thirty and 15 foot story and cost SBOO. It was resolved to raise SI,OOO. The deacons wen, urged to push the subscription as fast a» possible. September 11, 1547, Mr. James Patterson was made Elder. The first financial report was given October 15, 1847 and covered five years. The total amount for all purposes was $1,077.47 being a little over S2OO and I can-

DECATUR, INDIANA, FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 16, 1903.

I not find any place in the record 1 where Mr. Nevins's salary was over S2OO. He recieved SIOO from the Mission Board and probably SSO from Elhanan making a total of about $350. Yet this faithful man labored on for twelve years with the church. And even after he had closed his pastorate he helped the church in many ways. In ■ March 1850 we find the subject of : building again before the church, i This time they proposed to build 40x50 with 18 foot, story. J. C. AA ilson and A. Crabbs were appointed to act with the trustees in erecting a house of worship. On Jun. 23. 1850, Jacob Vanßuskirk and J. C. AA ilson reported to the trustees. That they had purchased lots 327 and 330 for $35. and deposited the deed with the recorder. The lots are those where the church and parsonge no w stands. The origin- ; al lot given by Mrs. Rugg was sold for SIOO. On March 27, 1854, the building committee made a complete report. The total cost being $2,413. AVe therefore find that there was a period of 14 years from the time the church was organized to the erection of the first building. These indeed were the days of small things. .Just after the completion of the new church it was decided ,to sell the pews. The old record : books shows that plot and a ilst of the first sale. The only names recorded there of men still living are those of Judge David Studabaker and John AVoy. Tradition has it that the plan was a financial success i but because of the sentiment against I the plan it was discontinued. I The complete list of pew holders were as follows: Jacob Oaks. Samuel Moses, James Rockwell, J. R. Scherer, Benj. Rice, John P. Smith, J. AA'isner, G. Hunter, J. C. Wilson, AA’m. Trout, A. Bollman, P. Bollinger. H. Barnett, John AA'oy, AA’m. I Christy, C. M. Stevens, Jacob Ciai mar. Jacob King, David Studuba ker, E. Numbers, John Crawford, James Patterson, D. McDonald, A. i Crabbs, D. Allen. AV. Chapman, C. S. Scheneger, 8. 8. Michel, J. D. Nuttman.AA’. G. Spencer, D.D.Humbent, Miller & Brown, Asa AVoodard, P. C. Bolinger, B. AA’ertzljerger, John Bradley, J. M. Crabbs, G. i Numbers, C. D. Hart, O. F. Hart, : P. Crabbs. Oct. 13,1855 Rev. Neviusresigned. A short time after this Rev. MclnI tire was called foi about two | years. On Nov. 15 1862, a beautiful Sabltath morning Rev. AA'ilson Donaldson, was preaching a com munion sermon from the the text “I will baptise you with fire and the I Holy Ghost.” In the midst of the sermon he was interrupted by the cry of fire and the congregation barely escaped. The entire building was consumed and it was not covered by any insurance. In 1861 Rev. Elcocks was called to the church. He was pastor for six, years. During his pastorate a brick church was built costing about $.1,000. Rev. Elcock lives at Van Wert, Ohio and is now at the advanced age of 92. He hopes to be with the church on dedication da.i. Just after the pastorate of Rev. Eleocks Dr. Kern supplyed the church for about one year. The next pasterate was that of Rev. Norman Jones. AVho served the church from 1872 to 1«78. During his pastorate the jiarsonage was built at a cost of $1,698.6N. This building has been reinoldeled until the cost amounts to about $3,500. Rev. Jones is residing now in Pennsylvania, but is in very feeble health. He sends a sad letter of regret in not being able to be present at the dedication. Rev. C. A. Kanavus, followed the pastorate of Mr. Jones and was with the church for four years. During his pastorate the church building was remodeled at a cost of $2,051.81. A new organ was also purchased. Rev. Kanavus died of typhoid fever about twelve years ago. The next pastorate was that of J. A. Reynolds which

was of three years duration. Mr. Reynolds has retired and lives at Norwood, Ohio, a beautiful suburb of Cincinnati. He has two sons, AA'alter and Clarence in the ministery. After Mr. Reynolds came the Rev. I. T. Hott, who served the church ten months and after a lingering illness died. During his short pastorate quite a number were received in the church, and his sad death greatly endeared him to the church. The next minister was Rev. E.JA. Allen, who was called from Lane Seminary. His pastorate lasted five years. During his pastorate the church for the first time assumed self support. Then comes the Rev. AA’. J. Alexander who served two years. During his pastorate a remarkable revival took place in which about 200 joined the church, Rev. Alexander lives at Argyle, 111., and will be at the dedication. Rev. John F. Horton, was the next pastor. He was with the church for about two and one half years. During his pastorate the : parsonage was remodeled and beauI tilled. Rev. Horton is now at AVyoming, Ohio. He send an earnest letter of regret in not be able to be : presen . Following Mr. Horton came Rev. H.C. Duckett who servied about three years. During his pastorate a debt of about SI,OOO was paid. The Rev. Duckett is now lat Tishamingo, I. T. doing most with mission work. Two years ago Rev. A. E. Allen was called back. During the past two years the church I has been engagedin erecting their ; handsome edifice which will be dedicated on next Sabbath. The exact cost of this building is not yet known, but it will not be far from SI6OOO and SIOOO worth of old material. The church is now in its 64th. year, it has suffered from five fires, two of them serious. It has received into its membership between 500 and 600 members since its organizaton. Its enrollment is now 325. Its ■ Sabbath school enrollment is about I 225. The office of ruling elder has been filled by the following perI sons, Samuel Patterson, AA’m. Allen Geo. Caskey, C. M. Stewart, James Patterson, AA’. H. Shrock, Samuel Moses, D. O. Jackson, S. Moses, Lyman Hart, Frank Mann, C. J. Lutz, C. F. True, J. D. Edwards, I Albert Brittson. Only a partial i list of deacon and trustees can be | found. The building committee | AV. H. Myers, C. F. True, AVilson Lee, F. M. Schirmeyer, Mesdames R. B. Allison and J. N Fristoe | The church, with its new home I is well equipped and aught and no doubt will do more efficient work in the future. The building is a model of convenience and beauty, and is a credit to our citv.

SCOTTISH RITES. James T. Merryman on the Program for a Toast. The program for the semi annual reunion of the Ancient und Accepted Scetish Rite in the Valley of Fort AVayne has been printed and distributed. the same reaching the Decatur membership today. The dates are Tuesday and Wednesday November 10 and 11, the first to and including the fourteenth degrees being conferred the first day, and the fifteenth und sixteenth on the second. A banquet of large proportions occurs each evening. In the list of those who will deliver toasts is the name of James T. Merryman of this city, und us ho is a polished speaker especially upon occasions of this kind, it is therefore assured that at least one entertaining address will be delivered. Real Estate Transfers. John AV, Kelley et al to O. C. Fink et al pt sec 29 Waliash tp $650. Fred Hoffman toChristianStuckey lot 12 Buena Vista S9OO. David Sommer to Abraham A. Ruwley lot 50 Berne S6OO. L. C. Hughes et al to F. M. Gessinger et al lot 12 Decatur S6OO. Adam Buettlo to Josephine Martin lot 296 Geneva SIOOO. Josephene Martin to Elenore Buettle to 296 Geneva SIOOO.

HIS FOOT BROKEN Accident Happened in Court House Yard. John Kibler Caught by Falling Radiators and Quite Badly Hurt. John Kilber was quite badly hurt and John Bourkhead received some severe bruises in an accident in the court house yard this morning. They were assisting drayman John Gluting deliver the material for the court house new heating plant. They had four radiators each weighing 400 pounds on the wagon. Burkhead was standing between two of the radiators and Kibler was standing between the last one and the rear of the wagon as Mr. Gluting drove from Madison street into the yard the incline caused the heavy iron heaters to fall over. Burkhead was caught between them and his legs were badly bruised though no bones were broken. The entire weight of 1600 pounds fell bacx against Kibler who was thrown backward out of the wagon. His feet were pinned by the radiators and he hung head downward until extricated. The men were releived from their painful position as soon as possible and Mr. Kibler was taken to the office of Dr. C. S. Clark where his injuries were dressed. It was found that the left foot was badly sprained, one cf the smaller bones fractured und the ligaments t<>rn loose. No serious results are looked for but the patient will be unable to do much work for several days.

WAS A PIONEER. Life of Mrs. Mary A. Corbus. Was One of the Oldest Residents of One of Ohio’s Oldest Towns. Another of Millersbnry s oldest citizens has joined the silent majority, being Mrs. John Corbus who departed this life at an early hour Tuesday morning, Oct. 14. Mary Armstrong Corbus was born Sept. 26, 1823, in Holmes county and was therefore a few days past SO years of age. She was married to John Corbus April 9, 1846, who proceeded her to death in 1888, To this union three children were born, I viz: Anna J., Mary Louisa who died in infancy, and George A. Cor bus. The older daughter, now Mrs. D. D. Heller, resides in Decatur, Indiana, und the son George A. resides at AA’aukenga, 111. Both returned to the deathbed of their mother und were accompanied by | Mrs. Tyndall, a daughter of Mrs. Heller. Six grand children also survive her. The deceased had been a resident of Millersburg since 1846, and had the distinction oi having lived in one house a greater number of years than any other citizen of this place. The funeral occurs on Thursday at 10 o’clock a.m. interment being made at Oak Hill cemetery.—Holmes County, Ohio Farmer.

NUMBER 239

WERE SWINDLED. Keystone Farmers Were Swindled on a Proposed Elevator, Farmers at Keystone are all worked up over an attempt to graft th, in on a grain elevator scheme. A fellow proposed to build an elevator in which lie interested several farmers getting their notes for stock in what they were pleased to call the American Operation Elevator Company. The notes were placed in the bank at Montpelier and now no effort is being made to erect the elevator. It is claimed that about seven thousand dollars worth of stock was subscribed and for this notes given. It looks now as though it was a plain case of graft and that all the Keystone farmers need to do, is to pay the notes. The scheme was a clever one and worked all right. BADLY BURNED. Mrs. Irvin Pyle Has an Experience. Can of Coal o'l Explodes and Results Were Serious for Former Decatur Lady. Mrs. Irvin Pyle, who lives on Scott street opposite the residence of Bert Koontz was badly burned by the explosion of a can of coal oil this morning. The flames scorched her hands, arms, face and hair but her clothing did not catch fire and communicate the burns to other portions of the body. AVhile her injuries are severe they are not dangerous and she will no doubt recover in a week or two. About eight o'clock this morning Mrs. Pyle was building a fire in the heating stove in the sitting room. The fire did not burn briskly and she poured oil on it. The slumbering coal set fire to the oil and Mrs. Pyle was soon enveloped in flames. Her little daughters Genevive and Ada were at home at the time but before they could do anything to assist their mother she had extinguished the flames with her hands. Dr. Cook was called and dressed her injuries. Mr. Pyle is superintendent of toll lines for the United Telephone Company and is away from home working some place in the country.—Bluffton News. TOOK DEPOSITION. — Prom neat An lerson Attorneys are Here. Attorneys B. H. Campliell and Judge Ellison ot Anderson, the former representing the plaintiff and the latter the defendant in the case of George D. Sisson Minnie M. AVilson et al were here yesterday taking the depositions of George Missone. The suit is on account, demand $250 and the depoistion was taken by Miss Effie Brokaw at the law office of Schurger & Smith. COURT NEWS. Routine of Business Transacted Today. In circuit court today business was rather quiet action being taken only in the case Daniel A. Straub vs Sarah J. Straub, suit for divorce dismissed at cost of plaintiff. Earlton Selby vs John Schurger, a demurrer to the complaint was argu ed. Judge Erwin left at noon for Huntington where he will hold court.