The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-11-20

in New Mexico for some years, but who
was raised in Sandy township, Stark
county, Ohio, took the pastorate and
also kept it for seven years. Both the
last named are yet living, Rev. Weddell
in Piqua, o., and Rev. German in
Dayton. Both are over so years of age.
Both these excellent men have visited
US within the past four years and each
filed the pulpit for one service and
reioiced the hearts of all, especially the
older members of the church
Before Rev. German resigned we
found our membership had grown to
over 300, and the seating capacity of the
brick church built in 1852 was too
small. Among the strong members of
the congregation was the late George
Cook, and 1t was concluded we must
build larger. but could not where then
located. In 1871 the lot, corner of Mint,
and Market streets, was bought from,
the Kimscil estate, and the present
house erected at cost of $4,000, all
paid for.
About the time we were building the
present edifice, Rev. S. German felt II
his duty to resign. Then came the
pastorate of Rev. w. A. Smith, who was
with us several years, and in 1876 Rev
Smith and AZ other members withdrew
from us and started new interest
which they called the Centenary Bap.
tist church, but they did not continue q
year when Rev. Smith returned to the
east from whence he came, and most OF
the membership of the new organiza-
ton came back to us.
We then called Rev. Duncan Nc
Gregor, who was q Scotchman and n
most excellent preacher. but he only
remained with us one year, his wife
urging him to return to their native
country. Shortly after this we Were
fortunate in getting Rev. E. w. Louns-
bury as our pastor, who did good
work with us, and remained our pastor
for seven years. He now lives in Au-
rora, Ill.,, and has charge of our foreign
mission rooms in Chicago, and Is usual
ly in said Office during business hours
After the pastorate of seven year
just referred to, we had Rev. b. F.
Ashley, who was with us a few years
without any marked . change. Then
came Rev. ]. f. Rapson, who was q
consecrated man and hard worker, but
hso hSoash oia "ViC iot SuN.
as to justify his staying. He took
a smaller charge in the New England
states and died few years thereafter
After these two short pastorates we
were fortunate in getting Rev. j. N
Field. who was with us seven years
and did good work, when he felt 1t his
duty to accept call to the pastorate
| of the Prospect avenue church in But
falo. where he still is.
Rev. l.. M. Loper, our last pastor
| succeeded Rev. Field, and was with u:
almost four years, when he felt 1t hi;
| duty to resign in order to return to his
| native state Of South Carolina. He 1.
now pastor Of a large Baptist church II
Spartinsburg. OF said state.
Considering that we began our worl
in Canton some years later than mos
of the other churches. we should fee
| quite thankful for our growth AM
prosperity. and should with renewed
energy and conservation cultivate ou
part of the moral vineyard. And witt
this object in view, and a united peopi
we are anxiously looking for a paste
and hope the day Is not far off when w
shall have an under shepherd that viii
lead us forward to yet greater pros
! perity and growth.