The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-18
Rev. 7. II. Lynch's "reminiscences of
Early Methodism in indianapolis.
The Ministers Promise Sam Jones Their CO.
Operation A Subscription of $4,000
Pledged to the Y. NJ. G. A. Project.
METHODIST MINISTERS.
Rev Lynch's Address on the Early Preacher
and Methodists in This City.


gressive as we'll as aggressive. 1t has always
been peculiar in its methods, positive IN doctrine,
direct in purpose, energetic in action, warm and
loving in spirit iaborious in enterprise, seeking
to open and cultivate new fields of labor, fearless
in reproving sin, courageous in battle against the
enemies Of truth and righteousness, gentle and
sympathetic in presenting the whole gospel to
saint and sinner, in the threatenings of the law
and the precious promises of divine mercy to the
awakened penitent, encouragement OF believers.
Her minister's, men Of strong minds, warm
hearts, enduring courage, moved by the Holy
Ghost, called of God, endowed with power from
on high, went everywhere preaching Christ,
warning every man and teaching every man that
every man might be presented perfect in Christ. "
AS the tide Of emigrati ton flowed from the East
to the West, the Methodist ministry, like cavalry
on horseback, followed in hot pursuit, calling
sinners to repentance-in the cities, towns viii
lagos. country places and in the unbroken will
derness the heralds of the cross were found
equipped with horse, saddebags. Bible, hymn
book, Discipline, great coat leggngS and UNI
brela-prepared to subdue hardness good
soldiers of Jesus Christ Thus was Indianapolis,
while in a wilderness state, visited by these
holy men. and a few names were here
found whose garments were undefiled
They were formed into class in the house of
Robert Brenton, who was appointed class leader
number of whom had personal acquaintance.
Thus was Methodism planted at an early day in
indianapolis, and planted well. When we think
of this little class of seven PERSONS the old log
house, predecessor to Wesley Chapel, now Me-
ridian-street Church. and then look upon the fif-
teen well-appointed Methodist churches in our
city, with their efficient pastors and growing
membership. We'll may we exclaim, what hath
God wrought" But who were those noble men
that braved the dangers. tolls, privations. hard
aksx AL. fD
preach to the pioneer jewellers in the
Of '' Christi Chris They we're I names ever
to be cherished in the grateful remeEn brancc of
the church had the privilege, in the days of
my early youth, to be personally acquainted in
Ohio and Kentucky, if not with all, at least with
most OF the first Methodist preachers that came
and preached in Indianapolis. Their names are
precious to memory. Among these were Will
lam Beauchamp. who. at one time, came within
Hamilton, first presiding elder; James Scott,
William Cravens. Alden Wiley, William Quinn
John Strange, John Armstrong, Thomas T. Hit,
John Page; and at later day, Calvin Ruter.
James Ravens, John Miller, Constant B. Jones,
William H. Goode William V. Daniels, Augustus
Eddy, and others of precious memory, whose
names are in the book of ife The great char
acteristics of these men, as we'll as of the laity
OF the church, both men and women, were deep
and abiding conviction of the truth OF God
word. The internal evidence of the inspiration
of the Holy Scriptures seemed to be written upon
the hearts and minds of preachers and people
How they would sing with united heart and
voice.
''What we have felt and seen,
With confidence tell,
And publish to the sons OF r1en
The signs infallible"
The prayermeetipgs were seasons of great re-
freshing from the presence of the Lord. All
would sing with the spirit and the under
standing also. HE Dies, the Friend of Sinners
Dies" "How Happy Every Child of Grace" ''My
Join Our Friends Above, Who Have to Glory
Gone" Then some brother sister leading in
prayer would take hold by faith of the two pill
lars of the spiritual temple of God the one.
Joachim will establish" the other. 'Boaz, in
me is power" and In mighty wrestling plead the
promise and claim the power until the
open heavens would around them shine with
beams of sacred love- They did not pray as if
they were afraid somebody would hear them, or
as it they were ashamed to acknowledge the
blessing their words would imply they were ask
ing Of the Lord They were rot ashamed of the
gospel of Christ. Who that heard the voice of
Lydia Halves, Father Foudry and many Others
in old Wesley Chapel and Roberts Chapel. can
ever forget the manifestations of divine power
that came down upon the people in answer to
prayer and the fervent responses that came from
the glowing heart and fred tongue in the loud
amen and rapturous haleujah2 The hands of
the minister were held UP by such earnest prayer
and faith, so that when, on Sabbath, he entered
the sacred desk to preach Christ and Christ only
signs followed. God would get himself up in his
resting -place-He and the ark of His strength.
His ministers were clothed with salvation.
and His saints would shout aloud for
joy. Convictions deep and pungent, repent
ance with many tears. convictions clear and
powerful resulted, faith in the precious blood
brought comfor: to the heart of the pentent
1.-The spirit answered to the blood and told him
he was born of God"
when old Roberts Chapel was organized the
noble, warm hearted membership of the new or
ganization adopted as their watchword, Roberts
Chapel altogether. If any differences of opinion
arose in regard to the measures to be adopted,
all harmonized by the omnifc watchword.
Roberts Chapel altogether No pulling this
way and that way, but all pulled one way, and
that way towards Christ, for the salvation of
souls Hence, it became the peoples church-a
revival church. Well do | remember thirty-s;x
years ago. when I was first appointed to
indianapolis, that that church had one revival
every year. It continued all the year
think it was such when DR.. Gillette was its
PASTOR also. under the pastorship of Brothers
Hall, Wilson, Cooper, and others, with Rev.
William II. Goode, as presiding elder. DR..
Goode was most efficient presiding elder
earnest, wide awake, wise, always on hand ready
for every good word and work.
'sAs an observer Of the peculiar methods of
our churches in Indianapolis. for nearly forty
years, | am satisfied that in proportion as our
ministers and people have adhered to the ancient
landmarks, as established by the fathers, we
nave prospered in substantial growth in the
church and commanding influence for good with
the people; and in proportion we departed
from these landmarks we have lost our power
and influence in winning souls to Christ. In
proportion other denominations have adopted
the methods abandoned. in some degree. by us,
they have prospered where we have declined.
leave to another the present and future of Meth
odism in our city"
At the conclusion of DIR. Lvnchs address Rev.
Joseph Harrington, eighry-six years old. po
neer missionary in Methodism in Indiana gave
an entertaining talk, embodying recollections of
his colleagues, ali of whom have now passed
away.
Rev. /. H. Mcdonnell informed the meeting of
the arrangements made for the meetings to be
held in this city by Rev Sam Jones. the revival
ist. Mr.. Jones says he will hold four services
day--at sunrise, 10 A. NJ, P. NJ, and evening.
The expenses will De met here, as they have been
elsewhere, by public subscription. Mr.. Samuel
Small is also to be here. The meetings will
n ~ Cal - - -