The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1895-06-20
CHURCH "REMINISCENCES.
Mr.. John Danner Writes Interestingly
of Early Presbyterianism in
CantOn-First Church.

SdnlOH-TlTsI JnufCn.
EDITOR DAILY News:
The recent trouble aud division in the
Presbyterian church of this city reminds me
of some things connected with the early
history of this church. The first public meet
ings of said church were held in the old four
square court house, built in 1916 and stood on
the south east corner of the present court house
square.
The congregation took possession of their
present church lot about 1880; the lot was left
for church purposes by Bazahl Wells, the
proprietor of Canton, any church organization
could have occupied these lots upon the same
terms. But the Presbyterans have had peace
full possession so many years, that no one
tries to dispute theirrght. They erected about
that time a one story brick church about 45 by
go and got II under roof, but were unable to go
further for some years, it stood on the same
site of the present house of worship. / well
remember that for years it stood without
windows or doors and that it was great place
of resort for boys and girls of that day for their
games of "hide.and- go. to seek" and of the
ball game of "AnthOny.over." Sheep and
cattle which at that time were permitted to run
at large on the commons of the town, often
Lldht lIlS ullllAUtu tUuTCn, "A mouse OF
refuge" from the storm and the night. VIM.
Christmas, one Of the leading merchants
of that day, and Joseph Hickman,
stone mason, were much interested in
the first work of the church.
Mr.. Christmas died soon thereafter, and Mr..
Hickman removed to Massillon where he was
quite CONSPICUOUS in helping to build up the
Presbyterian church Of that city, and was an
active worker until he died. The house thus
begun for the first Presbyterian church in this
city stood for some years in its unfinished
condition, but was eventually finished and oc-
cupied, and was by no means an imposing
structure, well remember to have been Sab
bath school scholar then, and our venerable
brother VIM. Lennon was one of the teachers.
Almon Sortwell lawyer and excellent man
and quite lame, was also teacher but he has
been dead many years. 1t was in later years
that the tall wooden tower was erected in front
of the original brick structure, which gave it
more of a church appearance than before; at
the same time the old pulpit which stood away
above the heads of the hearers, at the south
end of the church was lowered and modern
lied, and other needful improvements made,
so that for quite while twas the handsomest
and most popular church in Canton at that
time.
In the early history of said church Rev. f.
NJ. Hopkins, one of the most intelligent and
successful pastors taught select school, in
order to help sustain the pastor in those days
of the makeup in the churches history. For a
long time his school room was in the one story
frame building used by Abraham Lind father
of jeremiah Lind, it stood on South Cleveland
au tb,I La i'll -
Savings Bank; in this school room the weekly
prayer meetings of the church were conducted
for long time, | well remember often
going there with my excellent and devoted
christian mother, and enjoyed the services.
Father John SaxtOn, the Hazlett family the
Harris family and the many others, who have
passed away, familiar faces at those meet
ings, and added much to the devotions of
the hour.
The present imposing stone edifce occupied
by the Presbyterian church is building of
more modern date, and cost much sacrifice on
the part of the congregation to erect
This little running history is given to show
the changing scenes the older members had to
pass through. 1t was not with them, nor is it
of any devoted people their privilege, to sail
on flOwery beds of ease" So let those who re-
main of said congregation and those that go
out to established a new church, bear in mind
what God says in his word, "All that win live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution"
And may prosperity attend the efforts of all
who truly labor 10 elevate the standard of the
cross May both congregations truly adopt the
language of the Apostle Paul LET all bitter
ness and wrath, and anger, and Glamour, and
evil speaking be put away from you, and all
malice and be ye kind one to another, even as
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.'
JOHN DANNER.
Canton, o., June H. 1895.