HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY OHIOBy Aldrich Lewis Cass
Published 1889
HISTORY OF City of Sandusky
CHAPTER XX. Continueing with page 350
In 1856 Rev. Alexis Caron took charge of Holy Angels and labored zealously for the glory of God and the good of Sandusky, in season and out of season, and seeing the pressing need he resolved to build a chapel himself, which he called St.Mary’s. He walked three quarters of a mile, through heat and cold, sun and storm, to say mass on Sundays and holy days, and when he left he bequeathed this legacy of work and good deeds to his successor. He also built a school house for boys on the chapel grounds, at a cost of $1,599. This was built and paid for by penny collections.
Rev. Fouis Melon succeeded Father Caron in 1861 and remained for a couple of years, and was followed by Rev. Father Sidley.
The demand for more room became more and more pressing, and in 1865 Father Sidley having secured a suitable location on the corner of Columbus avenue and Jefferson street commenced the erection of a church there, which has since been known as that of St. Peter and Paul. After four years of persistent labor it was completed and the entire congregation of Holy Angels removed to it. For some years after there was an early service in the church of the Holy Angels, but there was no organization, no revenue, and after a time the doors were closed, and all that remained of its former self was the deserted building.
There were some business complications, however, which could not be removed or transferred. In order that its obligations to Mr. Mills might be complied with it was evident that the church could not be abandoned, and therefore in 1875 Rev. Father Smythe was appointed pastor and the boundaries of the parish fixed and determined. From this period is dated the history of the second church of the Holy Angels.
By wise and prudent management Father Smythe rallied and united the members of his congregation, and succeeded in building a fine two story brick school house, and also made many other improvements. He remained twelve years and was succeeded by Rev. Father Tracy, who entered on his duties on the 7th day of August, 1887, and is still pastor of the church of Holy Angels.
Page 351
There are at present about one hundred and fifty families belonging to the congregation. They are all to be found in the humbler walks of life, but they are willing and anxious to assist their pastor to the extent of their ability, that their church in its new adornments shall stand as a lasting memorial of his faithfulness and earnestness.
St. Mary's Catholic Church, southeast corner Decatur and Jefferson street. St. Mary's Catholic Clmrcli (new), northwest corner Jefferson and Miami avenue, Rev. Nicholas Moes pastor. There was a meeting of German Catholics in the Bell House before the church of the Holy Angels was built, and for several years this organization continued without a building of their own, and worshiped in the church of the Holy Angels. In the year 1855 they built a stone church at the corner of Jefferson street and Decatur, also a residence for a pastor and a frame school house, under the pastorate of J. Hamene. In the year 1862 and 1863 a stone school house with four spacious rooms was built under the pastorate of Rev. Hackspiel and Nicholas Moes, the present pastor of St. Mary’s.
In the year 1873 the corner stone of the new edifice at the corner of Miami avenue and Jefferson street was laid by Right Rev. R. Gilmour. This building was completed and dedicated the 28th of November, 1880. It is an elegant Gothic structure of the style belonging to the fourteenth century, and built of the cut stone out of native quarries. It is one of Sandusky’s great ornaments, and from its conspicuous size and height attracts the eye in every direction. It measures one hundred and eighty-four feet long by seventy eight wide. The steeple is two hundred and twelve feet in height. This church cost with all its contents and surroundings $100,000, and has a membership of seven hundred. families. There are six hundred children in its schools. The entire property is valued at $130,000.
St. Peter and St. Paul's, corner Columbus avenue and Jefferson street, Rev. R. A. Sidley, pastor. The history of a church, like that of an individual, is so intimately connected with the past that it is sometimes almost impossible to dissociate them. In writing the history of this church we see its early life, in a measure, interwoven with that of the earlier organization known as the Church of the Holy Angels. We find its very existence was the result of a mistake of years ago, and all it has since been to the city is traceable to this cause.
Page 352
Rev. Father Sidley came to Sandusky April 28, 1863, to take charge of the Church of Holy Angels. He was vigorous, enthusiastic, and in the prime of life. He found a building sadly in need of repairs; a debt of $3,500 on the property, and a not very attractive house for the pastor to live in. He proceeded to have the church edifice put in order, at a cost of $900, and bought and paid for an addition to the old grave yard at a cost of $1080.
Two years later, in the spring of 1865, he called together the principal members of his church, by the advice of the ordinary of the diocese, Right. Rev, Bishop Rappe, to see what could be done for the better accommodation of his congregation. After due deliberation the meeting resolved that it would not be wise to add to the present church, whose location was not central, but that a lot be purchased on the opposite side of the street from the school, for the erection of a new building. This proved too small, and after great difficulty the two lots on which it now stands were selected and purchased at a cost of $2,400.
In the spring of 1866 the foundation was begun for a new church on the corner of Columbus avenue and Jefferson street. The corner stone was laid by Right Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, and from this time, the 22nd of July, until the following Easter the building was pushed rapidly forward to completion. On the 9th of April, 1871, the congregation took possession of their new edifice. The altar was consecrated by Right Rev. Bishop Gilmour on the 25th of May, 1872, under the invocation of the two great apostles. Saints Peter and Paul. The entire church was consecrated by the same prelate on the 3rd of November, 1878. It is a handsome building, one hundred and forty-five feet in length and seventy one feet in width. The height of the tower is one hundred and thirty-five feet.
The material is blue lime stone ornamented with sandstone. The interior is neat and finished with taste. The ceiling is particularly worthy of mention.
It is composed of several large arches, delicately tinted and heavily groined, entirely unsupported by pillars and giving an increasing effect to the altar and windows.
The cost of the church was $75,000. It can accommodate 1,200 people very comfortably.
Adjoining the church is the pastor’s house, built also of blue stone at a cost of $5,000, in 1871, and increased by an addition the following year for the Sisters’ schoolhouse. This cost $2,000.
For five years the entire congregation worshiped in the new church. Then a division of the parish was made, a part of which afterward became the parish of the Holy Angels.
Father Sidley also interested himself in the transformation of the little chapel built by Rev. Father Caron, into a hall under the title of “St. Aloysius Young Men’s Catholic Temperance Hall,” and there all temperance meetings are held, as well as other Catholic meetings, and is neatly arranged and provided with a library for the use of members who desire to benefit by it. There is also a reading-room for young men, a school-room for girls, and a sewing room for ladies’ societies.
Page 353
At the time Father Smythe was appointed to the Holy Angels, the debt on St. Peter and Paul amounted to between $10,000 and $12,000. The schools of the church are well attended and in excellent condition. One feature of this church cannot but strike the most thoughtless reader, and that is, the harmony and unanimity of action between pastor and people. During the years of trial and sacrifice always attending the building of a place of worship, a suggestion from the pastor was always sufficient to bring a response from his people, and the result is a building of which they may well be proud. It is an ornament to the city, and ranks with the best of the diocese in elegance, taste, and convenience.
The present amount of property owned by St. Peter and Paul’s Church is $90,000, with an indebtedness of $2,000. Father Sidley is still its faithful pastor, laboring for the welfare of his people.
Congregational Church — The first religious organization in Sandusky was that of the Congregational Church, established on the 28th day of May, 1819. Its members at that time were six in number, viz.: Nathan T. Jennings, Maria Jennings, David McMurray, Elizabeth McMurray, Lydia Watkins, and Anna Silvia. Revs. John Seward and Joseph Treat, missionaries of the Connecticut Missionary Society, conducted the exercises, and from the church record we make an extract of their entry at that time.
And having obtained satisfactory evidence that these individuals were suitable persons to belong to Christ’s visible church, notwithstanding the number was small, still, as there were others who would have been present and offered themselves had they not been providentially prevented, it was thought proper to proceed and organize a church.
It was not, however, until a year later that any accessions were made to the number, when four more names were added to the original six. During this time nothing is found that shows the presence of any clerg/man, and for a period of eight years no addition was made to their number. Sandusky grew but slowly. Death and removals reduced the list to two, viz.: Samuel Walker and his wife, Mrs. Sally Ann Walker. Six years passed, and these two souls, with a few others of different denominations, held regular prayer meetings and conducted a Sabbath meeting by reading a sermon and devotional exercises.
In 1825 Rev. Isaac S. Demund, employed by the United Missionary Society, preached every other Sabbath for six months. The alternate Sabbaths he preached in Milan.
The first minister employed by the people to preach the gospel in Sandusky was Rev. William M. Adams, in 1828, under whom several members were added to the church. He remained a part of a year, and from 1830 to 1835 Rev. Henry Cowles, S. J. Bradstreet,. Lorin Robins and Bennet Roberts officiated for different lengths of time.
Page 354
In 1836 the first pastor was installed, and dismissed in 1838. Since that time the following clergymen have succeeded to the pastorate: Rev. Alvan Nash, 1838; J. A. Hart, 1838 - 1845; Leveritt Hull, 1845 - 1847; N. W. Fisher, R. B. Bement, 1850; C. J. Pitkin, 1850 - 1852; J. S.Edwards, 1853; Alexander Duncanson, 1857; James Walker, 1863; E. P. Ingersoll, 1863 - 1868; H. N. Burton, 1868 - 1876; Josiah Strong, 1876 - 1881; E. C. Barnard, 1881 - 1883; George H. Peeke, 1883 - the present. From its first origin the church has been strictly Congregational, formed under what is known as the plan of Union. This did not mean that it should, under any circumstances, be under the care of a Presbytery, but made a provision for the appointment of ruling elders, who might be called upon to discipline members.
In the year 1835 a charter was obtained providing that “The First Congregational Church of Sandusky be a body corporate and politic, with the power to hold property,” etc.
During the first fourteen years this organization had no fixed place of worship. Sometimes they worshiped in small school houses, sometimes in an empty work shop, and often in private dwellings. Sectarianism in these early times was not strong, and all who loved the Lord met together whenever and wherever occasion offered.
In 1830s the east end of the court house (then called the academy) was fitted up for the use of this church and a select school for young ladies, and was used thus for eighteen months. At this time measures were taken to build, and a stone building measuring sixty by forty feet and fronting to the north on the Public Square was begun. It was finished in 1836 and dedicated to the worship of God. The single tower occupied the center of the north end and was furnished with a bell at once. This building was in use nineteen years, when its walls were mostly taken down to the main floor and the material used again in the present building, occupying the same site, but extending to Columbus avenue, on which it fronts. Its length is ninety feet; width sixty four feet; height of main tower, with spire, one hundred and sixty feet. The audience room has a seating capacity of more than five hundred, and this property is valued at $25,000. The church also owns a parsonage on Wayne street worth $7,500.
Page 355
The present membership of the church is four hundred and two, of which forty two are on the retired list. This leaves a known membership of three hundred and sixty. One hundred and fifty one of this number have been added to the church during the present pastorate.
Taking into consideration the fact that two churches have gone from her midst, there is ample proof that she has ever been an active, growing organization. In 1835 a part of her membership formed the Episcopal Church, and in 1852 nearly half of her followers again seceded to form the Presbyterian Church.
The Congregational Church was widely known in the old slavery days for her strict adherence to the abolition of the evil and her defense of the oppressed. Sandusky was one of the principal stations on the Underground Railroad, and Deacon Parish was known far and wide for his bold and loyal devotion to the cause of freedom. Many a slave was aided to escape from bondage by this good man, who has now gone to his reward.
Deacon M. F. Cowdray, recently deceased, was for many years an active deacon of this church. He was one of the foremost educators of the State, and was one of the very first to introduce the system of graded schools into Ohio.
Deacon James Marshall, the present senior deacon of this church, has been one of its strongest supporters for the last twenty five years. The present deacons are James Marshall, Arthur Phinney and G. W. Payne. Trustees — Henry Schumacher, John Poole, Samuel Irvine and H. C. Post.
Among the names that are enrolled upon the books of this church as pastors, we find two that have since become known to the world through their literary work, viz.; Dr. Walker, whose “Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation” is still in use in many educational institutions, and Dr. Strong, whose work, “Our Country,” has passed through several editions.
A benevolent society was formed by the ladies in the early days of the church’s history, and is still one of its most attractive features. All through the dark days of the Civil War this society devoted its time exclusively to the soldiers, and when that need passed away, the same energy was used in working for the missionaries on our western and southern frontiers and the needy at home. It is still in existence, and meets every Thursday afternoon in the church parlors, where, after the work is laid aside, a supper is enjoyed, and an hour of social intercourse passes the time until the hour for prayer meeting. It would be impossible to estimate the amount of good these ladies have accomplished, and it is not surprising that they cherish an organization that has existed so long.
Page 356
Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, southwest corner of Wayne and Washington streets. Rev. Richard Howell, rector. With the chapels belonging thereto, viz: Calvary Protestant Episcopal Church, southwest corner of First and Erie; St. John’s chapel, northeast corner of Monroe and Clinton. Rev. J. Hawthorne, minister in charge; St. Luke’s chapel, west side of Hayes avenue, between Tyler and Osborne; chapel at Venice. Among the oldest and most substantial church organizations of Sandusky, this church has a prominent place. It was organized on the 13th day of June, 1835, at a meeting of citizens at the house of Oran Eollett, on which occasion Zenas M. Barker was made moderator, and A. Root, secretary of the meeting, and it was there resolved that the name by which it should be known, should be Grace Church Parish, Sandusky city.
The first vestry was composed of Abner Root, senior warden; Zenas M. Barker, junior warden; John G. Camp, John N. Sloane, Ogden Mallory, Elentheros Cooke, T. Neill, John Kinney, James Hollister and Wm. P. Chapman.
At the first vestry meeting held June 20, 1835, it was decided to build immediately. The church edifice should be of stone and its dimensions should be seventy five feet in length by fifty in width. Its situation was wisely chosen — on the corner of Wayne and Washington streets and its corner stone was laid July 28, 1835, by the Rev. Wm. Shelton, D. D., of Buffalo, N. Y., assisted by the Rev. E. Tommison, of Norwalk. Abner Root was appointed first delegate to the diocesan convention on October 21, 1835. By an act of the Legislature Grace Church Parish was incorporated on January 15, 1836. That same year, in the month of August, Rev. Albert Bledsoe was elected rector of the parish, and entered upon his duties September 1, 1836, the building being erected and enclosed, and the basement ready for occupation. Mr. Bledsoe’s rectorship terminated April 31, 1837. The following names are recorded as the first communicants: Abner Root, Elizabeth Root, Zenas W. Barker, Eliza G. Barker, Quincy Adams, Rhoda Camp, Elizabeth Camp, Elizabeth G. Webber, Ann Boyce, Grace Neil, Christian Morton, Ona Mallory, Fanny Mallory, Fanny Cook, Elizabeth Chapman, Eliza Inman, Ann Wilbur, Eliza P. Hollister.
Rev. Thomas H. Inman had charge of the parish about nine months. On the 15th of September, 1838, he resigned, and the parish was without a rector until December i, 1839. During the time from December, 1839, to April, 1840, Rev. E. Punderson supplied the pulpit, when Rev. B. H. Hickox became minister in charge May i. He infused such life and energy into the parish that the vestry elected him rector at the expiration of a year. As this was not approved by Bishop Mcllvaine, Rev. Mr. Hickox resigned October i, 1841. From this time the parish was without a rector until November, 1842, when Rev. Foster Thayer assumed the incumbency, resigning the following Easter. From Easter until Christmas the parish was again vacant. Rev. Edward Lounsbury was elected to fill the vacancy and officiated for the first time on Christmas Eve, this being the first service in the completed edifice. An organ procured the previous summer, was used for the first time, at this service.
Page 357
The consecration of Grace Church took place June 29, 1844, and the services were conducted by Bishop Mcllvaine In the autumn of that year Rev. Mr. Lounsbury was compelled to resign on account of his health.
The sixth rector was Rev. L. N. Freeman, who entered upon his duties October, 1844, and remained one year, leaving a record of official work, the largest in the history of the parish. After a vacancy of one year. Rev. S. A. Bronson, D. D., president of Kenyon College, was chosen rector, and entered upon his duties October, 1850.
For sixteen years the church enjoyed a period of great success. Dr. Bronson laid the foundations broad and deep. Transepts and a chancel were added, and two chapels built. One of these was St. Mary’s, Western Liberties, the other St. Ann’s, Camptown. The church was enlarging her borders, and the spirit of her earnest pastor filled the people with enthusiasm. Through pestilence and civil war Dr. Bronson remained at his post, a faithful pastor, recommending the Christian religion by a well-rounded life. He imparted his own stability of character to the parish, and it rose to be one of the first in good works for the Master. It became the missionary parish at home and abroad. Dr. Bronson resigned after sixteen years of earnest labor to accept a professorship in Kenyon College, Gambler, October, 1866. Rev. W. Farr, of Philadelphia, was called to be next rector. Building upon Dr. Bronson’s foundation he inaugurated an era of giving. He built a beautiful stone chapel in the Western Liberties under the name of St. John’s; also a new stone church named Calvary. This latter took the place of St. Ann’s, Camptown. Calvary soon became an independent parish with its own rector. The land for this church was donated by Mr. C. C. Keech, who also gave the land for St. Luke’s, where a temporary edifice was being built. To aid in this home missionary work an assistant was elected in the person of Rev. G. R. Sturgess, who was succeeded by Rev. C. L. Pindar, and he by Rev. A. B. Nicholas in 1876. Mr. Nicholas also assumed the title of rector of Calvary Church.
In 1875 the Hospital of the Good Samaritan was inaugurated and chartered and the building commenced. In October, 1877, to the unanimous regret of his parishioners, Mr. Farr resigned, and assumed charge and rectorship of the Church of the Saviour, in Philadelphia. During the eleven years of Mr. Farr’s rectorship the receipts from all sources reached the large sum of nearly $100,000.
In October, 1877, Rev. L. S. Osborne, of Xenia, O., was called to the rectorship and entered upon his duties January 6, 1878. During his administration the church gave liberally to missions and built a beautiful chapel to take the place of the temporary building at St. Luke’s. At Easter, 1883, Rev. R. N. Avery was added to the clerical force of the parish. At the same time the chapel at Venice placed itself under the care of Grace Church. During the summer of 1882 and 1883, extensive repairs and improvements were made, and the parish was in a flourishing condition.
Page 358
The resignation of Mr. Osborne January 6, 1884, was the cause of universal regret and sorrow to his parishioners and friends, and again the parish was without a rector. Rev. Francis K. Brooke, of Piqua, O., was called to the parish and assumed the rectorship March 23, 1884. Mr. Brooke was an earnest, faithful worker, a staunch churchman, and deeply respected by all who knew him. He was called to St. Peter’s Church, St. Louis, and entered upon his duties there in the spring of 1886. The eleventh rector. Rev. Richard Lewis Howell, was called to the parish in December, 1886, and assumed the rectorship January i, 1887. In February he was elected rector of Calvary Church, and in April the new chapel in Venice, which had been closed for nearly two years, was opened and regular services held. Rev. Charles Sturges was called to Fernandina, Fla., and resigned Calvary Church in February. He was the much beloved successor of the Rev. A. B. Nicholas, who in his time had won the hearts of the whole community of church people in Sandusky, and had resigned to become general missionary of the diocese. Rev. Mr. Howell received Mr. William J. Hawthorne as a student and candidate for holy orders from Philadelphia, hoping for his ordination in the near future. Rev. William B. Guion, formerly assisting at Grace Church, Cleveland, was called as the assistant at CalvaryChurch. Mr. Guion remained but a few weeks. The past year has been one of great prosperity. St. John’s, St. Luke’s, Calvary, have all been greatly beautified and improved. The hospital has entered upon a bright era of prosperity. The generosity of the people has vastly increased, and already a parish building has been donated to Grace Church. There are rumors of other gifts, and the whole parish seems roused to a sense of its opportunity and responsibility. A debt exceeding $1,200 has been paid, and for the first time in many years, not a penny of indebtedness rests upon any of the five churches in the rector’s care. The Rev. B. M. Dougherty, of Christ Church, Huron, became the assistant in charge of Calvary Church, on Sunday, February 12, 1888. Grace Church property, $25,000; rectory, $6,000; Calvary Church and rectory, $6,000; St. Luke’s, $4,000; St. John’s, $4,000; hospital, $15,000.
Emanuel German Evangelical Protestant Church. — North east corner of Columbus avenue and Adams street. Rev. John George Enzlin, pastor. Until July, 1844, there was but one German Church in Sandusky. At this time twenty three individuals mot in the old court house to consider the practicability of forming a second organization for public worship.
Jacob Hertel was chosen secretary, and the organization was formed. At the second meeting the subject of a building was introduced, and a committee of five was appointed to make arrangements for building. This was composed of the following gentlemen: Peter Gilcher, chairman; John Horning, Fred. Reinheimer, Jacob Knerr, John Claussius.
Page 359
In January, 1845, it was decided to build a brick church, thirty six by forty feet, with a height of fifteen feet. At this time the church had already grown in its membership, until it numbered sixty two members. Among these was John Shook, who is still living in our midst. In 1852 there were one hundred and seventy one members, but in the year 1854 a number of the members concluded to withdraw and form a Lutheran Church, and left but one hundred and twenty members in the old church.
There was no constitution framed until 1854, but the government was congregational.
In 1857 the church called as pastor Rev. Moseback, who remained one year. After his departure Dr. Fisher was called on a salary of $300 per annum. He remained pastor of this church until 1867, when he was requested to resign and thereupon proceeded to form a church of his own, for which he built a church (now used as a dwelling house) and continued in Sandusky many years as its pastor.
In the year 1869 Rev. Seipell was called to the pastorate, and remained until 1872. In June, 1872, his successor, Rev. E. Von Schulenburg, became its pastor, and during his pastorate the church was united to the General Synod of North America, under whose care it still continues. After remaining four years Rev. E. Von Schulenburg left, but returned to the city again subsequently, and has since been pastor of the Church of St. Stephens.
The present pastor, J. G. Enzlin, has been here since 1876, and the church has gained in strength and power. He raised money to purchase a parsonage, a pretty building on the corner of Jackson and Monroe streets, valued at $2,500, and the church has now sixty voting members, and a complete membership numbering two hundred and forty. He teaches two months every summer, and divddes his labors between Sandusky and Front’s Station, a rural station where he has a membership of forty five voting members. He preaches in Sandusky every Sabbath morning, and every alternate Sabbath goes to his country church.
The new church was built in 1866, and is worth $l0,000, with a pipe organ that cost them $870. This building is situated on the corner of Adams and Columbus avenue.
To be a voting member the church requires not only that one should live a Christian life, but also that a certain amount be given to the church yearly. Where there are short comings in these respects the members are excluded from the privilege of voting.
Salem Church {Evangelical Association), Rev. Matthew Guhl pastor, Adams street, between Wayne and Columbus avenue. This is the oldest German Church in Saudusky, and has existed since 1840. In its government it is very similar to the Methodist denomination, and has its presiding elder, its bishop, and its conference.
Footnote:Surnames are printed in Bold Print. Photo source: Google Images: Saints Peter & Paul -- Sandusky, Ohio.