The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-26
FIRST IN THE STATE.
Pioneer Methodist Church I'm Indiana
Going to Decay.

Going to Decay.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
JEFFERSONvILLE. Ind, March 25.-The
members Of the conferences Of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in the State are being
urged to take some action toward restoring
the oldest Methodist Episcopal Church in In
diana. 1t Is now fast decaying, twelve miles
north of here, in this county. 1t was built
on a beautiful site in 1908 by sturdy pioneers.
who hewed the logs by day and at night
gathered and laid the rough but substantial
worship built in Indiana Territory.
In 1902 Rev. Benjamin Lakin, OF Kentucky,
seross The ln obio 6ne an I9re nreac az the TO t tbe feW
hardy settlers who had braved the dangers
and formed little settlements near the falls
tinued his visits until 1904, when he was sue
ceeded by the venerable Peter Cartwright,
who. with the assistance Of the Rev. Moses
ing charge. The members, as stated, built
the first Westinghouse near Charlestown,
on a beautiful site, protected by the tower
ing cliffs Of lime stone. 1t was called the
Bethel Westinghouse. Peter Cartwright had
charge, and preached within its walls many
eloquent and earnest sermons, which had in
were strictly followed by these primitive
Christians In Indiana. The first circuit
formed. was the old. Silver Creek Circuit"
conference in Indiana was held near Charles
town, and was presided over by Nathaniel
Robertson. The old church is now said 70 be
here are wondering why ii is not rescued
from decay and preserved. as 1t represents
much more to them than many Of the hand
1t, Ii might be said, the principles OF pioneer
Methodism were inculcated and kept alive
during the stormy times through which In
diana Territory afterwards passed.
Great Union Revival I'm Rushville.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
RUSHVILLE. Ind, March 25.-The great
est revival meeting ever held in this county
begins at the Main-street Christian Church
tonight and will continue two weeks. The
meeting Is in charge of Rev. Edgar La
mar Williams. the evangelist, of Peoria. ILL.,,
and his singer, Harry Maxwell, late of the
DePauw and Schumann quartets. The
in the meeting, but the Christian Church.,
being the largest church in the city, will be
used exclusively. To-day a Wis
tied the business houses and every place of
business in town, with the exception OF the
hotels and saloons, agreed TO close at s p.
m. during the revival. Restaurants, meat
shops. drug stores and barber shops are In
cluded in the compact. The business men.
regardless of their religious persuasions,
readily assented to the plan, and Catholic
and Protestant, Jew and Gentle, believer
and unbeliever. are expected to turn out.
The Ministerial Association determined that
some radical step was necessary to improve
the morals of the people and the revival Is
the result. Rev. Williams, the evangelist in
charge of the meeting, has had phenomenal
success wherever he has preached.
Kokomo Wants the Conference.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
KOKOMO, Ind. March 25.-The Methodists
of this city are asking for much at the con-
ference now in session at Richmond. Petit
lions have been forwarded for the return
of both ministers stationed here, Rev. w. d.
Parr, of the Grace Church, and Rev. d. H.
Guild, of the Northumberland charge. The
Grace society, under the pastorate OF DIR.
Parr, Is completing one of the finest new
houses Of worship in northern Indiana At
a revival just closed Rev. Guild had 265 ac-
cessions. Kokomo people are also out for the
for more than twenty years. This city is
now in shape to accommodate the gathering.
The new church will seat $500 people, and
every convenience will be provided, and ev-
cry effort is being put forth to secure the
gathering Tor next year. the ladies of the
church taking a special interest in the work.
Presbyterian Missionary Society.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
COLUMBUS, Ind. March 25.-The Ladies'
Missionary Society of the Indiana Presby-
terry met here this morning for a two days
session. The morning session was taken up
with routine business. The afternoon session
was devoted to papers on missionary work.
This evening Mrs. b. ID. Wells, Of Fort
Wayne, lectured. At noon the women of the
society were served with uncheo prepared
by the Baptist Church women.