Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1859-11-26
Organization of "a congregational Chureh
on University Heights, Cleveland


on Universally Heights, Cleveland.
Itis familiar 10 many of the readers Of the
Evangelist, that some years ago a few enterpri-
sing psople of Obeilin undertook to found a
University on the Heights adjscent to Ceve.
land. They procured one of the finest sites
both for a school and a community which could
be found any where In the West With fair
prospect Of success operations were commenced.
A largo building was erected, and a school start
ed under the Presidency of Bro. A. Mahar.--
Attracted by this promising educational move
ment and by the beauty Of the spot, many fam.
lilies removed to the Heights, aud the ionnda.
tons of flOurishing community were soon laid.
After vigorous efforts to ,tablish the Univer-
sity, this project was reluctantly Abandoned
not meeting with the expected patronage of men
Of meaus The community Of course sufferedma.
terially from this unfortunate issue of the en-.
terprse on which tue prosperity OF the place al d
people was mainly dependent
At length through the perseveriDg exertions
of Messrs. Brewster Pelton aud John Jennings,
more auspicious day has daSned upon the
Heights. The University Building, long un-
occupied is now the seat of deservedlv pop-
ular Institute, owned and managed by II +.
Humiston, ESQ., aided BY full corps Of Teacb-
ers, and having over 100 pupils Of boh seres,
who present an aspeot of order, good breeding,
and good training, whish is to be seen only IN
schools where the sexes are educated together,
under Christian influence. With the establish.
ment of this promising school, the community
has begun again TO thrive. Living immediately
about the Institute and in its vicinity, are many
pious families that were related, as members
| and supporters, to the Churches in the city,
variously connected they were, some as Presby-
terians, others as Congregstionalists, some as
Methodists, Others as Wesleyans, and others
still as Baptists These families have for the
most part consented to come together to sustain
church on the Heights, and they mutually
agreed, after due elaboration and prayer, TO
| form Congregational Church. This indeed,
was the only basis on which ali c3uid be united.
Last Sabbath, Nov. 10, 2 p. NJ, was the day
and time devoted to the services of organizing.
A Council was convened of Pastors and dele
gates from neighbOring Churches as iollows:--
Rev. j. @ White and two delegates, from
Plymouth Church, Rev J A. Thom5 aud three
delegates from the First Congregational Church,
Rev Mr.. Day, of the st. Clair st NJ. L Church,
and Rev. James Eels and delegates from the
ID Presbyterian Church. Rev. j. c. White was
chosen Moderator, and @. w Palmer, ESQ, del>
egate from the let Congregational Church, was
chosen Clerk.
The Articles of Faith and Covenant we're read
by the Moderator, the nomss Ofthe persons about
to unite in the new Church were announced by
the Scribe, and after the examination of the let.
ters of dismssion the public expression of the
brethren aud sisters was called for and given,
declarative of their wish to form Church of
Christ. Council then gave their cordial approy-
al. The religious services then proceeded in
the following order: singing by the Choir, led
by their Pastor elect, Pro. Brewster; Reading
of Scripture and Prayer by Rev. Jas. Eells;
Sermon by Rev. Mr.. Day OF NJ II Church: Con.
secrating Prayer by Rev. j. A. Thome; Fellow.
ship of the Churches by Rev. Jas Eels; ADJ
mission Of other members on profession Of faith
and by baptism, aud administration of the com.
munion by Broe. White and Thome
These services were solemnly impressive.
The Head OF the Church was truly present,
and doubtless accepted the conservation of this
new body to Himself
Among those who united in this Organization
were X. F Humston and lady, Mr.. Buffet and
lady, and Misses Ferguson and Wright, all Of
the Cleveland Institute, Henceiorfh the Church
aud the Institute are to be, we tiust, mutual
helpers. ln this movement too, arc cordially
enlisted some of those families who laid the
first foundations of the community on the
Heights, and who helped 20 rear there grand
University. Although disappointed in Their
original calculations they have been honored oi
God as the pioneers in movement which has
resulted in school which probably is better
adapted to the present wants of the city, aud
better consists with the present supply Of Col
leges on the Western Reserve Rev Mr. Brew
ster, pastor elect of this church, has been pssto
Of the Wesleyan church in Cleveland, and nov
heartily acquiesces in the polty and order adopt
ed by the new church A. n.