HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

CHAPTER XXIII.

CHURCHES OF LANCASTER . 

     METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.---The Methodists were the 
pioneers in Fairfield county. The first Methodist class organized in the
county was in the fall of 1799 at a place known as "Beal's Hill,"
about two miles northeast of Lancaster. The society consisted, at its
organization, of ten members, viz: Edward Beal and wife, Jesse Spur-
geon and wife, Ishmael Dew and wife, Elijah Spurgeon and wife, and
Nimrod Bright and wife. They held their meetings in the cabin of
Mr. Beal, he being class leader. Previous to coming to Ohio, Mr.
Beal was class leader in Maryland, from where he emigrated. Very
soon after the formation of this little class, they were visited by the Rev.
James Quinn, then a young Methodist minister, and, so far as known,
the first to enter the Hocking valley.
     The first quarterly meeting in this county was held in the year
1800, at the cabin of John Murphy, about one mile west of the present
West Rushville. The preachers present on this occasion were Bishop
Asbury and Daniel Hitt, who was at that time a presiding elder in the
Baltimore conference.
     The first class formed in Lancaster was in the spring of 1812, with
a constituent membership of ten persons, viz; Jacob D. Detrich and
wife, Peter Reber and wife, Christian and Elizabeth Weaver, George
and Mary Conode, and Thomas Orr and wife. The first house for
worship erected by the Methodists was a brick of two stories, with a
gallery. It stood nearly on the site of the present brick church on the
hill, and was erected in 1816.  Rev. James Quinn preached the first
sermon in it, using for his pulpit a carpenter's bench.  Lancaster was
then included in the Hocking circuit, formed in 1801. Joseph Che-
nowith was the first preacher to travel the Hocking circuit, and, at the
close of the first year, returned a membership of three hundred and
sixty-six persons, which showed an astonishing increase, as only
three years and about six months had elapsed since the arrival of
the first pioneer family in the Hocking valley.
     Nathaniel B. Mills succeeded Mr. Chenowith on this circuit, in
1802, followed, in the years 1803-04, by James Quinn.  In 1804
James Williams was sent out by the conference to assist Rev.
Quinn.
     Lancaster, and the present county of Fairfield, remained in 
Hockhocking circuit until 1811.
     Between 1811 and 1830, a number of circuits were formed, of
which Fairfield was one, including Lancaster. The increase of mem-
bership between 1811 and 1830, a period of nineteen years, showed
Fairfield circuit to contain one thousand, two hundred and seventy-

156 

six members in full fellowship.  In 1830 Lancaster was made a
half-station, with several appointments in the country.
     During the nine ensuing years, the following ministers supplied
the circuit, in the order in which their names occur:
     Zachariah Connell, William Young, John Ferree, Edward D. Rowe,
William H. Lowder, Levi White, William T. Snow, John J. Bruce,
William T. Hand; Charles R. Baldwin, John Reed, Charles K. Lowell,
and Charles Swain.
     The present brick edifice was erected in 1838-39, the basement
story being used as the place of worship until the summer of 1843,
when the audience chamber was finished for public use. At the session
of the annual conference of 1839, Lancaster was made a full station.
Since that time, and until the year 1881, the following ministers have
occupied Lancaster station, in the following order, the date referring to
the time of appointment to the station by the conference:
     1840---Henry Baker, one year.
     1841---William R. Anderson, one year.
     1842---William P. Strickland, two years.
     1844---Randolph S. Foster, two years.
     1846---M. Dustin, one year.
     1847---Granville Moody, two years.
     1849---William Sutherland, one year.
     1850---Moses Smith, one year.
     1851---A. Brooks, two years.
     1853---N. Westerman, one year.
     1854---James M. Jamison, two years.
     1856---E. M. Boring, one year.
     1857---Joseph H. Creighton, two years.
     1859---William Porter, one year.
     1860---E. C. Felton, two years.
     1862---C. A. Vananda, two years.
     1864---T. H. Phillips, two years.
     1866---L. Taft, two years.
     1868---B. N. Sparks, two years.
     1870---T. R. Taylor, three years.
     1873---Joseph H. Creighton, one years.
     1874---T. W. Stanley, three years.
     1877---J. R. Miller, three years.
     1880---Orville I. Nance.
     The total membership of Lancaster station in 1881 was between six
and seven hundred.
     The Methodists organized a Sabbath school at an early day, which
has never been interrupted in its course.   It embodies on its
rolls now from two to three hundred children, and has always been in
a flourishing condition.
     METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH---This is another pioneer denom-
ination; of which there are no records in existence showing its founding,
progress, and final dissolution. The society was organized in 1836 or
1837. At one time it had quite a flourishing membership, embracing
a number of the business and substantial families of Lancaster. The
society owned, during its existence, a commodious brick church. For

157 

a number of years they maintained a stated pastorate and flourishing
Sabbath school. Their church was located on the north side of Walnut
street, between Broadway and Columbus streets. By the death and
removal of a few of the responsible members, the society became weak-
ened, and finally ceased to ask their conference for a preacher. At
length the society was regarded as disbanded, when a portion of the
members found homes in other churches. Their church building, after
standing vacant a few years, was purchased by the board of educa-
tion, and converted into a school house for a time. It was then sold to
the "Old School Baptists," and is their present place of worship. The
proceeds of the sale of the property, after defraying some small liabili-
ties, for which the society was responsible, were divided among the
original members.
     After the society was disbanded, and had been dropped from the
conference list, a claim was issued, by the Ohio conference for the
church property. The members resisted and suit was brought in the
Court of Common Pleas. After passing through several terms, in
which able council was employed on both sides, the case was finally
decided in favor of the society. The suit was brought up after the sale
of the property to the school board, and the funds were taken charge
of by the court, pending the final decision. Among the leading and
working members during the prosperous years of the church were
Benjamin Connell, John Arney, Cooper Mussie, William Pierce,
George Hood, Salmon Shaw.
     REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH.---The Regular Baptist Church first
obtained a formal and recognized status in Lancaster in the year 1811,
with Rev. Geo. Debolt, as their pastor. The constituent members
were Isaac Church and wife, James Lowry and wife, Stephen Whittlesy
and Anna Bruin. The last named was quite a remarkable person, and
is entitled to a special mention. She was a descendant of the colored
race, and uneducated; nevertheless she possessed a vigorous, clear 
intellect; was industrious and frugal, was single, and resided in the
family of George King, who was a Baptist. Anna Bruin was a favor-
ite among her acquaintances, and was welcome wherever she choose
to go. So devoted was she in her religious faith, and to her church,
that she was never absent from any of the stated meetings, unless in
case of sickness, or other unavoidable reason. She died in 1875 at
the age of one hundred and six years.
     This little church with its humble origin has ever since maintained
its organization in Lancaster. In religious faith they were predes-
tinarian, which faith has undergone no modification with them to this
day. Their maximum membership at one time was about fifty; at pres-
ent (June, 1881) it is twenty. They continue to have preaching once a
month statedly, but more frequently as preachers pass through the
place. Their present pastor is Rev. William Fisher.
     Very soon after their organization, the little band succeeded in
erecting a comfortable frame church on Chestnut street near the 
Talmage house. In this edifice they continued to worship until it was 
destroyed by fire in 1870. The ground was subsequently sold to Darius
Talmage, for fifteen hundred dollars. This fund was used for the 
purchasing of their present church on Walnut street.

158 

The Rev. Debolt continued to preach for this church a number of
years. He died a few years since at the age of ninety. This vacancy
caused by his death, was filled by the Rev. William White, father of
the late Dr. James White. His labors were continued until 1829, when
the Rev. Samuel Carpenter took charge, and continued until the time
of his death in the summer of 1870.
     BAPTIST CHURCH.---This church disclaims the appellation "New
School" but claim they are the regular Baptist Church. They were
formerly of the mother church, but they have a separate history, 
having a communion and fellowship of their own. With their 
denominational relation this history has nothing to do.
     This society was first organized in Lancaster in 1842, with a class
of twelve members. Many of the original members possessed means,
and were influential citizens. They at once went to work in earnest to
secure a house for public worship. This they accomplished in less
than two years, and a neat brick church with a seating capacity of
about five hundred was soon the fruits of their diligence. It is situated
on the southwest corner of Columbus and Mulberry streets. During
the greater part of the thirty-eight years of its existence, the church
has maintained, with only short intervals a connected succession of
pastors. Below is a list in the order of their occupancy.
     Rev. J. M. Courtney was the first, remaining about two years and
was succeeded by Rev. S. T. Griswold, Rev. J. B. Sackett, Rev. E.
F. Strickland, Rev. S. G. Dawson, Rev. J. R. Powell, Rev. William
Sharp, Rev. H. A. Lyon and Rev. E. Daniels. For the past ten years
and at this time (June, 1881) the church has been without a permanent
pastor, having only occasional preaching by supplies.
     The Sabbath school of this denomination is prosperous, and the
membership of the church has increased in the same ratio of other
churches.
     PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.---John Wright, a young man from Ken-
tucky, came in the year 1801 as a missionary of the Presbyterian de-
nomination, and settled in Lancaster. There were at that early day a
number of Presbyterian families in Lancaster and its vicinity, also in
other settlements of the county. He at once began to preach in the
village and such other neighborhoods as desired preaching, more es-
pecially along Rush Creek, and that part of the county where Bremen
and Rushville are now situated. He also visited Newark, preaching
there occasionally, as well as in other parts of the county, which was
then large.
     At that time, the whole county was little else than a wilderness, in-
terspersed with the simplest form of log cabins. In these pioneer huts
for the want of better accommodations, the first religious services were
held. During the first four years, Mr. Wright's labors seemed to have
been on the missionary plan, as an organization of members was not
effected until some time in the year 1805.
     After the building of the first court-house, completed in 1807, the
Presbyterian, as well as other denominations, held services in it for a
number of years until the societies became strong enough to erect
churches.
In the year 1820 the first Presbyterian church was completed, as

159 

appears from their old church books. It was located on the southeast
corner of Broadway and Mulberry streets, at the same place where
the residence of J. S.Wright now stands, about thirty feet from the
north wall of the present church. The ground was purchased from Peter
Reber.
     The members of this church held a meeting in Lancaster, Nov. 24,
1819, at their usual place of worship, Rev. John Wright officiating, and
Samuel F. McCracken acting as secretary. The society proceeded to
elect the following trustees: David Ewing, Thomas Propeck and
Samuel F. McCracken, and Frederick A. Foster, clerk.
     The trustees were required to circulate subscription papers, the 
proceeds thus obtained to be used in purchasing a site and building a
church at an early day. They were sworn in by George Sanderson,
Justice of the Peace.
     From the church records, the following, concerning a meeting held
July 6th, 1822, is taken: The pews were to be assessed, and sold at
auction. The salary of the pastor was to be paid from the proceeds.
     The pews, thirty-two in number, sold on an average of from twenty
to four dollars. The church was a neat, one-story brick, and continued
in use as a place of worship until the completion of the present church
in 1835.
     Mr. Wright remained pastor of the Lancaster Presbyterian Church
until 1835, when he resigned to accept a pastorate in Logansport, In-
diana, where he died at an advanced age in the year 1849 or '50.
     In 1836, William Cox was installed pastor of the congregation at
Lancaster and continued until 1854, when he accepted a call to Picka-
way, Ohio, where he died a few years since. He was interred in the
east cemetry at Lancaster.
     At his death, Rev. J. M. Lowrey took charge of the work at this
place and remained eight years. From 1805 to 1881, the following are
the names of pastors, who filled the pulpit of this church: Revs. John
Wright, William Cox, J. M. Lowrey, Robert Gillbraith, Webster,
George Fullerton, Worden, Muse, Snodgrass and J. R. Boyd, the
present pastor, who has occupied the pulpit about eight years. Aside
from the above named, a number of supplies have taken the charge for
a short period.
     The membership at present numbers nearly two hundred, none of
the original members living now, nor but one, who was a member in
1820, being Betsy Lilly, now residing in Iowa, eighty years of age.
     The Sabbath school of this denomination is, and always has been,
one of great interest; about one hundred children are in attendance.
     ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.---There being a number of families
in Lancaster belonging to the Episcopal denomination, a church organi-
zation was effected in 1835 assuming the title of "Episcopal Parish of
St. John", its first rector being the Rev. Sherlock A. Bronson.
     A few years subsequently, and during the rectorship of the Rev.
Alva Quinn, the congregation erected a beautiful church with chancel
and stained window glass, and the addition of study, library room and
end gallery, furnished with an organ and supported by a good choir.
The church was located on the southeast corner of Broadway and
Wheeling streets.

160 

     The following named persons co-operated with Mr. Quinn in the
erection of the church: Henry Stanberry, John T. Brazee, Daniel
Sifford, John Reber, Daniel Kutz and William P. Creed. It was 
consecrated and dedicated by the late Right Rev. Bishop McElvaine.
     After Mr. Quinn, the following were the succeeding clergymen at
the St. John's: Revs. Daniel Risser, J. M. C. Bonte, Frederick Grey,
Henry Lathrop, E. Owen Simpson, William Brittian, John Scott, A.
S. Gorrell, Edward B. Cartmell and J. N. Rippy, who is now (1881)
rector. The members are all willing workers in the Sabbath school.
     CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST. MARY'S OF LANCASTER, OHIO.---This is
the distinctive title assumed by the Catholic Church of this place, upon
its organization. A number of Catholic families were among the first
settlers of Lancaster. Their early services were held in private houses,
by priests who visited them from time to time, coming generally from
Somerset, where an early Catholic settlement existed.  The church
continued under the care of the Dominican fathers of St. Joseph's
Church of Perry county until 1839.
     About 1820-22, the congregation erected a small frame church at
the west end of Chestnut street, south side, and what is now known as
the east bank of the Hocking Canal. Here they continued to worship
until 1839. The building is still standing and used as a private 
residence.
     The burial ground connected with the church was abandoned upon
the establishment of the east cemetery, and the dead removed to the
new burying ground in 1837-8.
     In 1841 the new brick church, on the northeast corner of High and
Chestnut streets, was completed and dedicated, its erection having
been begun about two years previously. Services, however, were held
in it as early as the winter and spring of 1839. This year the Rev. J.
M. Young settled in Lancaster as pastor of St. Mary's. In 1854 he
was made Bishop and assigned to the see of Erie, where his death 
occurred about fifteen years after.
     In 1864 the present church was completed and dedicated; it was
built north of the old church of 1841.  About the same time a two-
story brick was built on the east end of the church grounds. The two-
story frame, that had previously stood adjoining the east end of the old
church, was removed and attached to the brick, which constituted the
residence of the priest.
     After the occupancy of the new church, the old building was remod-
eled for a parish school, for which purpose it is still used.   Between
three and four hundred children are in regular attendance.   From the
first opening of the school it has been under the care of several Domin-
ican sisters.  The large boys are taught by a male teacher, who also
has a general supervision over the whole school.
     Succeeding Father Young, the Rev. Henry Lange was sent from
Cincinnati, and remained in charge from 1854 to 1864, when his
death occurred.   He was entombed at the east end of the church.
     Rev. J. W. Brummer was then placed in charge, temporarily, for a
few months. In August, of the same year, Rev. Bernard Evans was
sent to the charge. His health failed, and he was compelled to return
to Cincinnati, where he survived but a short time.

161 

     In 1865, Rev. Daniel O. Rogers came, remaining a little over two
years.  He also had to relinquish his charge on account of failing
health. In a short time afterward he died among his friends at 
Dubuque, Iowa.
     The charge was then filled by Rev. F. J. Rudolph, who remained
until May, 1868, when a change in the diocese took place, and he,
wishing to remain in the western division, relinquished his claim here
to Rev. Louis Decailly, who was in charge until the spring of 1874. He
then transferred to the Newark charge. Rev. M. E. Pilger filled this was
vacancy made by the removal of Rev. Decailly, remaining but a few
months, when he was transferred to Delaware, Ohio.   Rev. J. B.
Schmidt succeeded him and still has charge.
     In June, 1875, Rev. Gabriel Volkert was assigned to St. Mary's,
as assistant pastor. He died in September of the same year, and the
vacancy was filled by Rev. F. J. Campbell, but in a short time he was
transferred to Marietta, and Rev. Montague was appointed to take his
place in Lancaster.
     Over two hundred and sixty families are represented in the present
congregation at St. Mary's,being about sixteen hundred and fifty mem-
bers in the congregation. During a year, about eighty baptisms and
fifteen marriages are solemnized.
The missions, three in number, have been maintained by this con-
gregation, and were attended by priests from Lancaster until recently,
when a special pastor was assigned to take charge of them.
     "Our Lady of Good Hope," in the southeast part of the county, has
over forty families under her supervision; at "Sacred Heart," near
Bremen, about thirty families, and at "St. Joseph's," in the vicinity of
Sugar Grove, about forty families.
     The ground upon which St. Mary's Church and school buildings
now stands, was purchased from Michael Garaghty, in 1837 or 1838.
These buildings are substantial and handsome, the new church being 
one of the most elegant in Ohio. Their surrounding grounds are
beautifully decorated with evergreens and brick and gravel walks.
     ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.---This is one of
the early churches of Lancaster; the precise date of organization can-
not be given, as the old records were burned with the building in 
February, 1846. Previous to that year the history is mostly traditional.
Some of the old members recollect of a box containing papers relating
to church affairs being saved, in so disorderly a condition,at the time of
the fire, that the person to whom they were entrusted found they were
worthless.
     Previous to the year 1810, the first society was formed by the Rev.
Steck. For awhile they held their meetings in the court house, while
at other times in the German Reform chapel, on south Columbus street.
Subsequently the society built a small log house on the site where the
Canal church now stands. This was used for a time, then torn down
and a two-story brick built in its place. In 1846 this was burned. At
this time a division was effected, and the German members bought the
claims of the English and proceeded to erect the brick building that
still remains.
In 1840 the church was incorporated by an act of the Legislature.

162 

The names of the incorporators were Henry Arnold, George W. Bant-
ler, Christian Bearster, Christian Baughman,Henry Orman, Philip Bope
and Conrad Crumley. The lot upon which the church is erected was
deeded to the society by Jacob Beck, the elder, and one of the first
members.
     Mr. Steck remained in charge of the congregation until 1829. His
place was then filled by Rev. John Wagenhals, who filled the pulpit
until 1845. He then removed to Lithopolis and took charge of a con-
gregation there. Ten or fifteen years afterward he returned to Lancas-
ter, where he is now living, being old and feeble.   Succeeding Mr.
Wagenhals in St. Peter's congregation were Rev. H. Burcher, Rev.
Leon Hart, Rev. Speilman and Rev. Mechling, who is now (1881) pas-
tor. The membership is over six hundred, and a Sabbath school has
been sustained for half a century.
     During the year 1878 the society purchased ground on Broadway
and Mulberry streets. In the spring of 1880 they began the erection
of a church, having prepared the foundation the summer previous.
In 1881 the work suspended on account of cold weather, but was 
resumed and the building was completed.
     FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.---Previous to the year 1843, but
one Lutheran Church existed in this place. The German and English
element separating at that time, formed separate societies. They 
continued to occupy the church jointly on alternate Sundays.  The one
service was in German and the other in English.  This continued
until the burning of the church in 1846.
     The English members sold their interest in the site to the German
society, and purchased a building lot on the east side of Columbus.
street, between Wheeling and Mulberry streets.   They immediately
built a fine brick church, with a basement, entrance hall, and gallery,
completing it in the fall of 1846.
     At the time of the church division the membership of the English
was twenty, which, in 1881, had increased to about two hundred, but
six of the original members being of this number. From the first they
have been earnest and zealous workers in the Sunday school.
     The following pastors have presided over the charge from 1843 to
1881: Revs. John McCron, Charles F. Shaeffer, J. A. Weddle, L.
Kizer, J. Hamilton, Jacob F. Reinmund, Samuel Sprecher, N. J.Knise-
ly, Chas. Steck, John B. Helwig, John O. Hough, G.W. Halderman
and J. N. Morris, pastor from the beginning of the year 1881.
     GERMAN REFORM CHURCH.---This church was first formed by Rev.
George Wise, in October, 1816, with twenty members. Rev. Wise
continued pastor until 1838, twenty-two years after the organization,
during which time he preached in other parts of the county, as well
as Ross, Pickaway, Hocking, Perry, Licking and Franklin counties. 
Rev. Steck was called to this charge after the death of Rev.Wise,
and continued to fill all the above named appointments.
     In 1818 the German Reform society purchased, a lot on Columbus
street on which they built a small brick chapel, where they continued to
worship until 1845, the church being dedicated in 1832. This building
was also used for years as a school house and place of worship for
other denominations. It still remains and is used as a private dwelling.

163 

     About 1843 the society purchased a second site and proceeded to
erect a new and more commodious place for worship. In 1845 this was
completed.
     Rev. Henry Willard succeeded Mr. Wise in 1838 as pastor, 
remaining in charge six years to 1844, his successor being Rev. Jesse
Steiner,   At his departure the pulpit was filled by Revs. Jeremiah
Good, Henry Brinkerhoff, John Ricker, P. D. Schory, G. W. Meck-
ling, Henry Hockman, John Swander, L. Straussman and William
Hale. The latter being called to Dayton, left the charge under the
leadership of occasional supplies.   During his work here, the title,
"Grace Reform," was given to the church. At the time he left, the
membership, numbered two hundred and twenty-five. In 1880 Rev.
J. M. Kendig was called and accepted the charge.  An interesting
Sabbath school is maintained.
     EMANUEL'S CHURCH.---The organization of this church took place
in 1849 by the withdrawal of twelve members from St. Peter's Church.
When formed, it was to be exclusively a German denomination, not
admitting English services. In this latter church a portion of the mem-
bers preferred that services be held only in the German language, while
others of American birth desired that the children should be instructed
in both languages,and insisted on alternate German and English services.
For a time the two services were carried out, but in time twelve of the
purely German members seceded from the old division and formed a
society constituting the "First German congregation of the unaltered
Augsburg Confession," with F. W. Richman as pastor.
     Immediately upon the completion of the new organization, a site
was purchased on Chestnut street near High street, and soon a hand-
some brick church was built, seating about four hundred. They dedi-
cated it in 1852, and now have about three hundred members, also an
attendance of seventy-five children at their Sunday school.
     Their constitution provides that only male members who have 
attained the age of twenty-one years and over are eligible to vote at
church elections. Of these they have about one hundred.
     Under the pastorate of their present minister they have English ser-
vices occasionally.  The following ministers have filled the pulpit:
     1849---F. W. Richman.
     1853---J. P. Calb.
     1857---J. W. Faclinger.
     1858---J. S. Daib.
     1859---M. Merz.
     1865---J. Neithamer.
     1866---E. J. Frederick.
     1869---J. Slocum.
     1870---C. A. Frank.
     1873---E. Kailer.
     1876---C. A. Frank.
     Rev. C. F. Borech and Rev. C. Dryer are the present pastors.
During 1870 the society erected a handsome two-story frame 
parsonage adjoining the church.
     EVANGELICAL CHURCH.---The Evangelical ("Albrecht's Leute")
Association erected a substantial brick church in Lancaster in the

164 

summer of 1870, under the pastoral charge of Andrew Swartz. It is 
commonly called the East Lancaster Church, the building standing on
Main street, east of Graveyard street..
     Mr. Swartz was an ardent worker, and his energy found ready co-
operation by the members of the new organization, in the erection and
completion of their church. The church was dedicated in 1871, and
hag a seating capacity of about four hundred. The present member-
ship exceeds one hundred and sixty. The number of children enrolled
in the Sabbath-school, in 1881, was over one hundred. The pastor is
Rev. Sherrick; the superintendent, W. H. Cassett.
     The following pastors have accepted calls to this church: Rev. M.
Leohner, Rev. H. Swartz, Rev. A. N. Orwig, Rev. H. Swartz (reap-
pointed), Rev. M. Shupe, Rev. Cochlin, Rev. H. Spiller, Rev. Hensel,
Rev. Rife, Rev. B. Mohn, and Rev. W. W. Sherrick, pastor in 1881.
     AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.---As early as 1825 the
colored people of Lancaster organized a religious society under the
title of "African Methodist Episcopal Church." At once they began
the erection of a church on one of the lots dedicated by Emanuel Car-
penter for church purposes. Upon this a neat frame church was built,
in which they held worship until the erection of their present church
in 1860. They have sustained a settled ministry, and held Sabbath-
school each Sunday. The following are the names of their ministers
from 1825 to 1882: Rev. Grey, Rev. Thomas Lawrence, Rev. Samuel
J. Clingman, Rev. Lafayette Davis, Rev. C. H. Peters, Rev. George
Coleman, Rev. Thomas Lawrence, Rev. Daniel Winlon, Rev. John P.
Woodson, Rev. Jeremiah Bowman, Rev. John Tibbs, Rev. Edward
Esse, Rev. John W. Jones, Rev. Arthur Howell, Rev. Isaac Dillen,
Rev. Roberts, Rev. Daniel Cooper, Rev. R. Hogan, Rev. William
Arnold, Rev. Gibbons, Rev. Lewis, Rev. W. D. Mitchell, Rev. 
Davidson, Rev. Clark, Rev. R. Morris, and R. M. Wilson.
     COLORED BAPTIST.---This small society of colored Baptists have
not succeeded in erecting a place for worship nor employing a settled
pastor. The society has been in existence a number of years.
     A RELIGIOUS REVIVAL occurred in the Methodist Church of Lancas-
ter during the winter of 1841-42, being one of the most remarkable
known in the annals of that denomination. In the history of modern
revivals it has no parallel. Although it was an occurrence of forty
years ago, still it is vividly remembered and referred to as the "An-
derson revival." Many of the efficient members, not only of that
Church but others, began their religious life under the influence of this
revival.
     It began in December, 1841. The meetings were held nightly in
the basement of the new church, the main auditorium not being com-
pleted. Nothing unusual attended the meeting at first, but as it pro-
gressed the interest increased, the capacity of the basement room
becoming too small to accommodate the crowd that attended.
     When it became evident throughout the surrounding country that a
great revival was in progress in Lancaster, people flocked in from other
villages, including preachers from the circuits, members of other
denominations taking part.  Catholics were in regular attendance.
Ministers of other denominations attended and took part in the

165 

services. From twelve to fifty persons came to the altar each night as
seekers of religion. It was an imposing sight to see persons of all
classes kneeling at the altar, some as seekers of religion, while others
were praying for the mourners.  Some who had been known to
denounce noisy revivals were among the most active and earnest work-
ers. The roughest element of the town came, but were decorous and
well behaved.
     The meeting often continued until a late hour. On many occasions,
after the congregation had been dismissed, groups of people lingered
in the church in prayer and praise, as if unwilling to leave a place that
seemed to them hallowed. At late hours parties were heard returning
from the church singing, and even pouring forth their happiness in loud
shouts of joy, and hallelujah, even continuing in praise and prayer
after their arrival at home.
     On one occasion a young lady, under the influence of religion,
passed into a trance, from which all efforts to restore her to conscious-
ness failed. She was removed to the house of a friend, where she
remained seven days and nights, unconscious of what was transpiring
around her. She was visited by hundreds. At times it was difficult to
ascertain whether the vital spark still remained. When she recovered
she testified as to being in Heaven, giving descriptions of what she had
seen and heard; had met many of her earthly friends, who had passed
away. She lived many years afterward, and loved to converse upon
the heavenly scenes she had witnessed, and the glories of the happy
home, of which she expected some day to be an inhabitant.
     The meetings were continued until March, 1842. This revival was
remarkable.  The number of accessions to the Methodist Church was
between two and three hundred, while many who professed conversion
joined other denominations, quite a number of the leading business and
professional citizens being among the converts. The revival was like-
wise characterized by the unusual fact that most of these conversions
were lasting.
     CEMETERIES.---The first interments of the dead at Lancaster were
probably made in the old graveyard on the hill north of the Methodist
church. At the west end of Chestnut street the Catholics had a small
cemetery, near their little frame chapel, in which interments were made
at an early day. After the purchase and laying out of the last cemetery 
by the city authorities, the Catholics secured the south-west corner
and removed their dead there, in 1837-38, and the cemetery on 
Chestnut street was abandoned.
     The Methodists used the east end of their church lot as a burial
place until the purchase of the new graveyard, in 1837. About that
time an ordinance was passed by the town council forbidding further
interments on the hill. Permits were afterward granted for the burial
of such persons who had companions or families interred there. The
east graveyard consisted of about ten acres, purchased by the city from
John Creed in 1837. The ground was sectioned off for the accommo-
dation of the public, the Methodists, Baptists, and Catholics choosing
separate divisions.  A large portion of the ground was laid off into family
lots and sold under warrantee deeds.  Two sections were inclosed with
stone walls and mounted with iron railings by several associated families.

166 

     The small burying ground on the hill, northwest of the city, con-
sisting of two acres, was either purchased or donated by Jacob Beck,
in 1826. This has been commonly called the German graveyard.
     The old cemetery, dating back to a very early day, is situated on
the church lot of the German Lutherans, on the east bank of the canal,
in the northwest part of the city.
     The English Lutheran cemetery- lies on the north border of the city.
The ground was sold to the church in 1855 by John C. Weaver. The
first family lots were sold in 1856. This church sells family lots to 
parties outside of the society.
     In the beginning of the year 1881, the Catholic society purchased
from Philip Rising fifteen acres of ground, one and one-half miles south
of Lancaster, adjoining the State Farm road, on the east side. For
this they paid twelve thousand dollars.
     In June, 1881 they had expended nine hundred dollars in the 
construction of a stone vault.
     The grounds were also enclosed, and good gravel drains and walks
constructed through the grounds, besides family and single lots. A
section of lots is set apart for the use of such Catholics as are not able
to purchase.
     A handsome monument, mounted with the cross, is erected in the
north end of the cemetery.
     The cemetery and purchasing committee are John D. Clark, Hugh
Cannon, Thomas Scanlan, George Matt, and Tallman Slough.

167

Next Chapter