The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-09
BEECHER'S FIRST SERMON.
"reminiscences Touching the Initial Discourse
of the Shy Theologian Fifty Years Ago.

"reminiscences Touching the Initial Discourse
of the Shy Theologian Fifty Years Ago.
Batavia (O.) Letter in Pittsburg Dispatch.
What is believed to have been the first sermon
of Henry Ward Beecher was preached about
fifty years ago in what was then the Presby
terrain church of this village when the now dis
tinguished orator was but an unknown boy and
o green theological student at Lane Seminary,
at Cincinnati, under his famous father. The
church had been without regular pastor for
short time prior to 1888 aud Dr.; Lyman
Beecher. his son-in-law, Rev. Charles E. Stowe
and other professors from "old Lane" held
occasional services and kept an eye on the little
flock at Batavia In 1888 Rev George Beechec
was called to the passionate and remained In
charge until 1887 1t was while his older brother
was pastor that Henry Ward first entered the
pulpit He had been student at Lane for a
year, and was spending week at his brothers
house when Judge Owen t. Fishback, who had
somehow become impressed that the young man
had more than ordinary ability, persuaded nina
to preach on one Saturday night
When the time came the sexton lighted the
tallow candles in the tin sconces hanging against
the wall, rang the queer, squeaklng OLD bell, and
so called the villagers together. 1t was gener-
ally known who the speaker would be, and most
of the congregation were drawn by curiosity.
Many knew him as rather green" youth,
hardly yet out of boyhood and full of pranks OF
all kinds whenever opportunity offered, ard
they exchanged glances with each other as they
IDENTIFY more than half frightened at the 6rdeai
before him Nah"1y S n..ere can recall the text or
much of the sermon, yet all who heard 1t con-
coded that the speaker had more than ordinary
talents. Uncle John White, young man
then says of it.
His appearance was against him, for he was
a shy, boyish looking young man, but before he
got through he cast off his scare, and liked him
better than his brother George. His contrast to-
the stern, unyielding Puritanc style of his re-
vered father was remarked by all"
Mrs. Colonel Love- at that time young lady
of Batavia, says Young Beechers sermon
was a grand effort, methodical in style and inn
passionate in delivery, though he was greatly in
fear and trembling until nearly half way
through. Then his timidity left him, and he
closed in a most able and happy manner"
John W. Cain, the oldest of BataviaS citizens,
was a man grown when Beecher preached here.
and still retains vivid recollection of the inn
preston it made on him. Says he: Il liked
hiss jib and style because | thought he had met
tie i'll him, though the most of the young folks
thought him poor timber owing to his green
ness And was right, for, after hesitating
prayer and a timid way of reading the hymn,
and after stumbling some in the beginning or
his sermon, he warmed up and went through his
discourse, which was d0ctrinal one, in man
ner strongly indicative of his futuSe success.
Although not church member, was so strongly
moved that l went up after the congregation was
dismissed and congratulated him on his first eff
fort"
The old church was sold in 1859, and a brick
edifce erected for the grown-up congregation.
and in time the old building became a part of the
Hamilton House" hotel property, aud is now
Sundays it is not infrequently the resort OF
thirsty topers, who smuggle into it the whisky
and beer the city ordinance does not allow them
to enjoy elsewhere