The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-01-06
THE PROGRESS OF A CHURCH
Substantial Growth Of the Protestant
Episcopal Denomination in Indiana.
Good Results from Active Mission M0rk-The
Local Parishes, Their Wealth and Coatrl-
buttons to Promote Nneds Of Religion.

AT inc Close Oh Tue rcNOlutiOudIy "ah eho
Episcopalian Church Ill America was hamp-
cred in its growth by the prevailing idea
that the church was in sympathy with King
George. and those who were supporting the
faith were considered Tories, and conse-
quently opposed to the success of the col
onies. Another obstacle was that, while
the English Church at an early date sent
missionaries into the field, it deprived them
of the support of the bishops, thereby neces-
stating the transaction of all official
episcopal work at London. In 1850
there was meeting of the
American clergymen and it was resolved to
send missionaries in the field, and sub Sc
quently missionary bishops. Their woA'k
commenced in earnest and in consequence
of which Episcopalianism in America has
enjoyed a steady, prosperous growth. In
diana was for years State, and her popu-
lation numbered over 100000 souls before
the Episcopalian missionaries began their
work within her borders. The first work
of the kind in the State was performed by
Rev. Mr.. Pfeifer, in 1925, at which
time the first baptism occurred.
Among the early pioneers of the church
in Indiana were Rev. Mr.. Shaw, Bishop
Williams, of Connecticut, who afterward
extended his labors into the great North
west; James Britton, of Philadelphia, who
remained four years. Not long ago de-
cayed prayer-book, taken from the corner
stone of the First Episcopalian Church, in
this city, was presented by him to Bishop
Knickerbacker The church in Indiana
was al Wi tod bu Rishou Chase. of Ohio
Bishop Ember, DR.. Roosevelt Johnston, DR..
Sohn and many others.
In 1885 Bishop Kemper was appointed
missionary bishop for Indiana. In 1886 he
called the date Of inception Of Episcopal
ianism in the State. The bishop found a
great task before him. There was but one
youthful missionary on the. ground, and
nothing had been done toward the erection
wrote him: you have come too late; | con-
slider Indiana lost to the, church in
consequence of long. neglect. of the
churcl to care for it," How
ever, with all these ANNOUNCEMENTS,
fifteen stations and had nine clergymen at
work. Churches had been erected at
Evansville, Lafayette and Michigan
City, with prospect of building at New
Albany Vincennes, Richmond and Craw-
louisville. At that time there were 1T
confrmants, 66 Sunday school teachers and
SIS scholars. In june of last year the. re-
port was as follows: Clergy, IS; organized
parishes, Al; organized missions, IL; sta
firmed persons in the diocese, 5,576; COM
municants, 5,275; Sunday-sehool teach
ers, 40; Sunday-schOOl scholars, 1902;
total value of church property. 1874, 795. II.
During the fifty years of its existence the
diocese has been served by four bishops
p,chn 1x-ox In,
fold fifteen, Talbot eighteen, and Knicker-
hacker, the present bishop, who has been
here five years. During that time Q, ATT souls
have been confirmed.
The Episcopal Church in Indianapolis
embraces seven organizations, namely:
Christ Church, ST PauPs, Grace, Holy In
nOcents, ST. James's, st. Georges and st.
Philips (cOlored). Christ Church is the
mother church. 1tsparish and congregation
have. been In existence since July 8, 1887.
Previous to this date Rev. Melanchthon
HOyt resided here as an EpiscOpalian mis-
siOnary. No records of his work are pre-
served. Among other early workers were
Rev. Henry NJ. Shaw and Rev. Jehu G.
Clay; 1t was not until the above date that
the Rev. James Britton, who, having az
rived ON July 4, 1887, commenced the regu-
lar services of the church. The first vestry
elected under this organization was of the
following five persons: Arthur ST. Clair,
senior warden Thos. McOuat, Junior war
VIM. Hannaman.
The first church edifice was plain Gothic
structure, the cornerstone of which was
laid on the 18th of May, 1888. In November
for divine services, and in December Bishop
Kemper consecrated it. The building stood
for twenty years, and was removed in 1857,
to make room for the new church, which
was erected under the rectorship of Rev.
Joseph e. Talbot, at a cost of $4,000. The
n Iy-an m y in
Britton began his services with sew
en- members. and at the close
of the first year had thirty.
Among the first members of the church
Mere Mis-, Mis- Emily HHtSld Mrs DEBORAH
day-schOol began with three teachers and
thirteen scholars, the oldest scholar of
which is Isaac Fl. Kirsted, residing here,
whose relations with this branch of the
church date back forty-six years. Eleven
existence. In June, 1888, the parish re-
ported 412 communicates, fourteen Sunday
school teachers and 175 scholars. Christ
Church has the care of ST. George
mission; in the southeast part Of
enrolment e ' of $50 and twelve teachers
1t also cared for ST. Philips mission (col-
oredl, having a Sunday-schOol of fifty
children and six teachers. The value of its
churdk property is given at $1,000 Its to-
edi ottCLIiSS AoA oiA PuhPos0S 1oi ohO year
was S6,2S2
st. PauPs Church was organized ON the
10th of July, 1885, when a vestry was elected.
Rev. Horace Stringfellow, it,, was the first
rector. The first services of this parish
were held in Masonic Hall. During this
time the present church site was purchased
and small brick chapel erected which was
occupied on Christmas day, 1866. In
Of a cathedral church was begun,
and it was opened for services in June,
1868. The following men have served as its
vestrymen: Thomas A. Hendricks, Joseph
L. Mcdonald, w. III. Morrison, John NJ.
Lord, f. S. Alvord, John w. Murphy, David
p: Snyder, w. j. Holiday and j. A. Moore.
Nine TectOrs have had service In this
parish. The church has now 443 commune
cants and officers, 81 Sunday-school teach
ers and 2SS scholars. These figures include
st. yames's mission, under the care of this
parish. The church property is valued at
5000. Offerings for all purposes during
the past year were 1884. A debt of S. $50
hangs over the parish.
In January, 1854, Messrs. Delos Root. ].
o. ID. Lilly and Nelson Kingman, with their
families, withdrew from Christ Church
and organized the parish of Grace Church.
In the summer of 1854 the present house of
worship was dedicated. The Rev. NV.
Averill took charge and commenced with
ten members. In October, 1888 Bishop
Knickerbacker reOpened Grace Church as
his own Diocesan, church, beginning with
no regular membership. Its growth has
been continued and steady. and the num-
Der of its communicates is now ninety
two. There are seven Sunday-school