The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-10-21
The First Presbyterian Church Built n
81, CIairsyiIIe. Ohio.

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4propos Of the late meeting Of the Synod
of Cleveland in the Presbyterian Church
at St. ClaisvilIe, one Of the first two
churches in Ohio, we condense the follow
ing sketch OF the church's history from
historical pamphlet published by Rev.
Robt Alexander, the present pastor:
The church was organized by the Pres
bytery OF Ohio, and called Richland, in the
fall Of 1873, DR.. Mcmillan, the pioneer
minister Of Western Pennsylvania, assist.
ing at the organization. The first place OF
worship OF this congregation in its infancy
was a log cabin, which stood near the Pres
byterian graveyard, half q mile north OF
town. Il Is probable that this was built
about the time Of the organization OF the
church in 179S. II was rude structure,
vet Il corresponded in the main with the
dwellings OF those who worshipped in it,
and no doubt cost them as much labor and
sacrifice In proportion TO their ability as
many IN elegant church has cost wealthy
people. Money was then scarce, and had
there been convenient markets there was
nothing TO sell until the land was cleared
and the crops had grown. They were COM
pelled 20 rely on themselves aud put
IN such q house as they could. Il was
soon found insufficient for the aeeommo-
dation Of the people, especially on eommu-
MON occasions, and they were accustomed
to hold their services IN the open air, In q
pleasant grove near by. Precious seasons
were there enjoyed when thousands would
come from all the region around, some
irom distance OF twenty or thirty miles,
to attend the communion services. These
strangers were entertained by the families
OF the congregation, and rs their accom-
modations were limited, great part Of the
night would be spent in prayer and praise.
Thus social intercourse was promoted, and
"they that fearedth Lord spake often ore
TO another" That first cabin church gave
place to 0 larger and more comfortable log
building, erected on the same spot In lSOS.
II was q double log house, with recess in
the middle OF each side; in one Of which
was the pulpit, and in either end OF the
house there was door. This was q great
Improvement on the other, for as the coun-
IN was improving rapidly, the Ietormina'
ZION OF the people seemed to be that Gods
house should be as good, If not better than
their own. A valuable piece Of ground
had been offered to the congregation, II
thew would build in the town, which was
thea rising in importance Is the county
seat; but the Offer was depllned, - the
people were attached to their original site
near their plAceoi burial, and also as they
feared the communicating influences Of the
town, and regarded 1t as an unsuitable
place for house Of worship,
In that second house the congregation
met and held their religious services till
1852 when commodious brick church was
erected within thelimits Of the town, near
the Friends meeting house. The change
Of location created some dissatisfaction
among the people at that time, but did not
prove a serious hindrance TO the prosped.
" Of tho church. That building cost about
three thousand dollars, sum equal 70 ut
least three times this amount IN our cur
renGy, and was used as q place Of worship
Tor twenty years, The congregation for
nearly thirty years had borne the name Of
HIGHLAND, but, on the l9th Of January,
1897, Il was incorporated under the name
! Of the First Presbyterian Church Of 81,