Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1886-07-08
Letter from Northeastern Ohio.

After an absence of nearly two years, it was
great pleasure to visit this portion of the
state again; to look upon its level and tame
Landscapes, and the beautiful water of Lake
Erie. To look upon, this portion of the state
i. G., near Cleveland and the narrow stretch of
country along the southern shore of the lake
is inferior to Belmont county, with its large
billows of earth and its endless variety of out
look. But in certain other respects it is an
unrivaled section. The ribbon of land from
three to five miles wide, which skirts the lake,
is traced by three or more low parallel ridges
of sand and gravel. The principal roads are
laid out upon these ridges, and within a half
day after the heaviest and most protracted
rains, they are dry and perfectly passable for a
footman-they can scarcely be said to ever be
muddy. Much of the heavy primeval woods are
standing, and they relieve, vary and beautify
| the landscape. 1t is blemish to Belmont
county that so much of the forests have been
cleared away. The coal has done it. The
people did not feel the need Of the timber for
Ell. and they robbed those grand old hills of
their native woods. This is practically SCOT
less region-little coal is used, and dwellings
never become stained-so you find the neat
farm house painted, in most cases, stainless
white. Evidences of thrift are everywhere.
Chardon is the capital town of Geauga county,
and is on high, rolling ground, about twelve
miles from Lake Erie. The land Is gently hilly,
but not tumbled in gigantic confusion, as i'll
portions of Belmont county. The village itself
is on broad hill-top-a fine park is in the CEN
ire. The town is beautiful in ITSELF The fire.
fiend devoured the business portion and public
buildings few years ago, and now the whole
business portion fronting to the east and over
looking the public square, is built in solid and
substantial brick. The courthouse stands in
the park, and is built of brick with stone trim
mings; it is not very large or very pretentious,
but like the citizens of the county, it is put up
in thrifty good taste and simplicity.
This is New Connecticut or the Western
Reserve, and its civilization roots back into
the land of steady habit, - and the granite hills
of New England. The people are very cordial.
There is sociability or heartiness which is
so mewhat unusual in this section.
The writer found the Methodist portion OF
the people on the qui vive for the service of
dedication which occurred on June 27th. ItI
was pleasant to meet many friends and CO.
laborers of other days. The church is beauti-
ful structure, and considering size and cost, not
surpassed, if it can be equaled, in the state. 1t
has seating capacity of 400, and is in the
amphitheatre style-the pulpit being on one
side and seats circling about it. The wood
work inside is cherry throughout and speci
men of perfect workmanship. The windows
are finished in panel-work beneath and in the
gothic corners above The glass is stained
cathedral, with fourteen designs in emblem dis
tributed in the various windows. This kind OF
glass is far superior to the ordinary stained
glass, giving a soft, delicate, lustrous quality
to transmitted light. The frescoing is by a
Cleveland firm, tasteful and elaborate and cost
ing the sum of $400. The people have made
patient journey of four years and halt since
active work began, and during that time have
moved and repaired the parsonage, and on the
site thus vacated they have built the church,
have occupied the first story since December,
1883, and now are prepared to dedicate the
audience room to God. Rev. c. N. Sims, D. D.,
of Syracuse, New York, is to preach the SER
mon and conduct the financial part of the plan.
Sunday dawned fair and beautiful, and a
large audience filled the church. The text was
Job xiv: IA, somewhat unusual subject for
such service. The sermon was finely adapted
to its purpose-logcal, analogical, tender and
evangelical. The people were much pleased. |
The financial plan for raising the needed amount
so that there should he no debt, was faultless |
il conception and execution. The people were
interested and pleased to the end. The sum
required t$2,200) was pledged in about three
quarters of an hour, and the dedcatory service |
according to the form in the discipline, imme-
diately followed. 1t was service of freewill
offering to the Lord, and in conservation of |
church 10 God, the most reverent and appro- |
pirate ever attended. The most delicate sense
of propriety, as to the day and place, could find
nothing to criticize.
The writer will say nothing as to the plat |
form meeting at o'clock-himself having |
been given principal place in it, DR.. Sims |
preached in the evening, and thus closed |
happy day for the Chardon Methodist Episcopal |
church.
This letter is already too lengthy, but it shall |
contain a few words which will be of special |
interest to st. Clairsville people.
DR.. Minor became the pastor Of the Chardon |
church two years ago, after the members had
spent three years in patient work and giving |
toward a good parsonage and new church |
The audience room was yet TO be finished, and
the people had given TO the limit of their
ability. Then came necessarily time to rest J
and to rally for the final struggle. DR.. Minor,
by his prudent, quiet ways and oversight, kept
the people in good heart and faith, and now he |
is rewarded for his wisdom and skill, in seeing
the church completed and dedicated without
dollar of Indebtedness. He, with his excellent
family, is doing noble work, and they have
won the confidence and affection of their people
and the whole community.
DIR. A. H. Norcross, formerly pastor and
presiding elder iTthe southern part of the con-
ference, and now the Presiding Elder of Cleve-
la I'd district, contributed his full share in coun-
sci and experience to the success of the dedica-
tion. W, II. HASKELL. J.