The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-31
Roberts Park Church's Hastor.

The pastor of Roberts Park Church is Rev.
Israel H. Mcconnell Some people insist upon
calling him "Doctor," title which will likely
chalmers and accompanying explanation that no
college has ever conferred the degree upon him.
His friends say he deserves it, however, and
they probably have only anticipated by short
time, the honor that will one day be conferred
upon him. Mr.. Mcconnell was born in Coshoc-
ton county, Ohio. Aug. IT, 1916. On his moth
er's side his grandfather and grandmother were
natives of Ireland and among the pioneer set
tiers of the West, On his fathers side, he Is
also of Irish descent He was brought up on a
farm until eighteen years old, when he began
teaching In the common schools, his first school
being in Delaware county, three miles east of
Muncie, this State. He next returned to CO.
schocton county, and for time was employed
as an assistant in>the West Bedford Academy.
In April 1S7l, he was licensed as a To-
cal preacher, andsin August of the same year
was received into travelling connection in the
North Ohio Conference. For three years he
travelled upon circuits. He wassstationed two
years at Mt. Gilead, and three years at Elyria,
where he built new church. He was after
ward stationed at Wooster for two years Later
he was for three years presiding elder of tho
Sandusky district with residence at Norwalk
0. From this presiding eldership he came to
Two years ago tDlS Ihl, TO take the
pastoral charge of Roberts Park III. E. Church.
He bears the degree Master OF Arts, conferred
by Baldwin University.
It will be remem bered that Mr.. Mcconnell was
largely instrumental in getting the revivalsts
Jones and Small to come here and conduct serv-
ices at Tomlnson Hall during the
first two weeks in June. He is
firm believer in revival work
and so far as Roberts Park Church is concerned.
during his ministry the revival spirit has never
been suffered to flag. The church now has a
membership of 1927, including probationers.
When Mr. Mcconnell came there the member
ship was 843. 1t is the largest Methodist con-
gregatIon in the State and regarded by the bish-
ops of the church as one of the most prominent
Methodist charges in the West At the time it
was being constructed Bishop Haven said it was
the finest church edifice in Methodism. Dr. j.
u. Thoburn, who was here during the recent
session of the Southeast Indiana Conference,
said that Roberts Park Church had the best
auditorium in which ne bad preached in America.
| The orgau is magnificent instrument, one of
the finest in the country, and valued az $40 900.
The large female figure on the top of the edifce,
above the main entrance, with cross in its
arms, was long matter of annoyance to the
membership of the church, but now one may
| joke with them concerning it without danger.
This figure has frequently deceived strangers
| who have wandered into the church expecting to
| find priest celebrating mass.
| Mr.. McConnells ministry here has been a
very pleasant one. and he is much beloved by
| his flock. The church, as before stated, has
grown stronger spiritually and numerically.
Mr.. Mcconnell filled the best appointments in
his own conference before he was transferred to
| that of the Southeast Indiana. and takes rank
| with the leading ministers of this State.