The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-20

]" and these interests in Indian
dianapoIis are no exception to
iE>SEk6 the general rule. Wherever the
crossroads blacksmith shop or
the village store is planted soon may be
seen the Methodist chapel and may be
heard the voice of the Methodist circuit
rider. When Indianapolis was but VII
lage OF about 500 inhabitants the first Meth
odist preacher appeared and delivered the
first sermon. II was before there was any
church house in which the people could as
sembe.' Although the authorities are not
fully agreed, IL Is quite probable that first
sermon was by Resin Hammond in 1870, In
the log house OF Isaac Wilson. father OF
Mrs Patsy Patterson, a longtime member
OF the Meridian-street Methodist Episcopal
Church The Rev William Cravens was
first sent 10 indianapolis in charge Of the
station, consequently he preached the first
sermon as an appointee OF the Methodist
authorities. He was very large man and
was compelled to remain seated while
preaching. When delivering his first SER
mon on the Governors Circle. in very hot
weather. II Is said. he called 70 Sarah A.
Rowland then a young girl Of thirteen,
"Darter, come up here and fan your grand
pap while he breaches" Miss Nowland
afterwards became the wife of the Rev.
Edwin Ray and the mother Of Col. John w.
Ray. who for many years has been an act
i've business man OF this city and promi-
nent and influential Methodist in Indianapo-
lis and Idiana.
AS early as 1875 the Western annual con-
ference, one OF the six, was organized by
the general conference. including the ter
ritory west OF the Allegheny mountains.
and Indiana, then a part OF the North
west Territory. The Missouri confer
ence was formed In 1916. and COM
prised the territory OF Missouri, I'LL
nois and Indiana. Then followed. in 1924
the Illinois conference, composed OF Illi-
nois and Indiana, and from this territory
was taken the Indiana conference in 1892
In 1874 the Indiana conference was divided
into the Indiana and the Northern Indiana
conferences. and in 1852 each OF the above
conferences was again divided. making four
conferences In the Hoosier State. From
this IL will be seen that Methodist work be-
gan in Indianapolis at very early time
for this part of the country. The first
Methodist church building was on Mary
land street. between Meridian and Illinois
streets. 1t was log cabin without doors
or floor, and the sheep had it for their
sleeping place. Elizabeth Paxson, COM
monty known as Aunty Paxson, would
come TO Miss Nowland's on Saturday and
say, sally Ann, bring your switch broom,
we must go and sweep the church for
meeting Tomorrow" Edwin Ray. father of
Colonel John Ray. built the first brick
church-house on Meridian street. near the
alley between Washington street and the
circle. This was Wesley Chapel. While
Ifhe work was in progress, Amos Hanway,
who was a great friend and admirer of
Edwin Ray. passed along the street. He
Eaid. Brother Ray, 1 wish could help you
uild your church" On the opposite side
bf the street a brick building was going
up and the owner or contractor had told
Mr.. Ray he might have some OF the brick.
and Ray told Hanway he could assist
him in carrying the brick across the street.
The late Simon Yandes said his earliest i'm
pressions Of Mr.. Ray were when Ray was
hauling beams for the church building,
with one end of the timber on the front
wheels of a wagon and the other end on
the ground. and the perspiration rolling
on Rays face like rain. Mr.. Ray would
attend to his duties as preacher, carry the
hod. haul the timber, and do all he could
to advance the work on the building. These
are some OF the evidences of the small be-
ginnings of Methodsm In Indianas capital
city.
GROWTH OF THE CHURCHES.
The first church organized was known a.
Wesley Chapel and is now the Meridian
street Methodist Episcopal Church. corner
of Meridian and New York streets In 1S2
the Indianapolis circuit was formed ant