A Circumcision

The Marietta Daily Times, Monday April 10, 1905

The Ceremony Performed In Local Hebrew Family.

The home of Mr. Wulf Beren [Wolfe Beren], at No. 121 Fourth Street, was the scene this morning of ceremonies which accompany the circumcision of a newly born son in a Jewish family.

Rev. Perleman of Hart Street officiated at the ceremonies, after which a sumptuous feast was enjoyed by about thirty-five Hebrews, besides some ten others of the neighborhood. Everything that one could desire was spread before them.

Henry [Israel Henry Beren] was the name given the new member of the large Beren Family.

New Church in Harmar

 The Marietta Intelligencer, August 29, 1839

We understand that those members of the First Congregational Church in this place who reside west of the Muskingum, propose to withdraw from this body, and form themselves into a separate church. This arrangement is entered into, not because of any difficulty - for we believe the most amicable feeling exists in the church - but from an earnest desire to sustain the regular preaching of the gospel in their own town and by a minister of their own denomination. Probably in the course of the next year, they will erect a convenient house of worship, and such an one we doubt not as will be an ornament to their thriving town.

Marietta Female Seminary

 The Marietta Intelligencer, August 6, 1846

Mr. Editor: Permit me through your paper to express the great pleasure felt at the examination of the above mentioned institution during two days of last week.

At an early hour on Monday the exercises commenced in presence of the whole school, numbering nearly 100, and of a larger number of citizens and strangers than usual on similar occasions, and all seemed deeply interested and much pleased. For one, I can truly say that I have never witnessed any examination in any other Female Seminary more thorough and satisfactory, and more complimentary both to pupils and teachers, as this was from the beginning to the end.

After attending for four years in succession, the Annual Examination in this Seminary, we feel assured that "it is the settled policy of the teachers to do the work of education well" for all who shall become their pupils; and the determination of the pupils to do themselves justice, and their instructors honor. And we cannot but regard the Superintendent and Principal and teachers as having already redeemed their pledge implied in the following "Miscellaneous Remarks" in their last Annual Catalogue: "This Seminary, in its plan, comprises an entire, thorough and liberal course of School Education, beginning with the first elements, and embracing not only the Languages and appropriate Sciences, but the ornamental branches."

In addition to the very gratifying intellectual improvement of the pupils, as evinced in their examination in their class books, compositions and scrap books, we had the most pleasing evidence that their daily Biblical exercise, together with their study of Natural Theology, Moral Philosophy, Evidence of Christianity, Butler's Analogy, Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation, and Edward's History of Redemption, were tending greatly to sanctify their literary attainments and consecrate them to the Lord. During the year just now closed the pupils of this Seminary have devoted $30 to the cause of educating a heathen youth for the ministry. Calisthenics also, for securing a better physical education, have been introduced in this Institution during the same time, and under the superintendence of Miss Rice this exercise has succeeded well.

The work which this Seminary is performing for this city, and for the community at large, also entitles it to the high regard and decided patronage of the public. The many goods teachers that have gone out from it already are blessings indeed wherever they labor, and are at once an honor to the school that trained them, and a praise to Marietta that first established it, and thus far has aided so much in sustaining it.

Our earnest prayer is that the fostering hand of this growing literary and pious community will mete out to this very valuable institution its ample patronage, and that God himself will make it a lasting blessing to us and to the whole world.

Take Notice

 The Ohio Gazette and Virginia Herald, March 27, 1809

Those persons who belong to the Religious Meetinghouse Society, and the second religious society in Marietta, are respectfully requested to meet at the house of Levi Munsel, innkeeper in said town, on Wednesday the 29th of March instant, at six o'Clock in the evening, to transact very important business relative to the Brick Meeting House, now erecting in this town: And all other persons, who are, or who may wish to become, interested in said house and the promotion of so laudable an object, are also desired to attend at said meeting.

Building Committee:

Jeremiah Dare

William Green

Edwin Putnam

Marietta, March 15th, 1809.

The Old Johnson House

The Marietta Register, September 21, 1871

The old "Johnson house" on Fifth Street, just below Washington, has been bought by James Stevens, who is repairing it.

This house has an interesting history. It was built (except the weather boarding) out of materials from the original Stockade, erected on Washington Street in 1788, by the first settlers here. The logs inside of the weather boarding are now partly exposed.

It was also the first house in which the Methodists in Marietta held their meetings in the early part of this century. It was then the residence of Jonas Johnson, the most active and prominent Methodist of this place in those days.

The first Methodist meeting in town was a Camp Meeting held near the Stockade Landing in 1804, at which Mr. Johnson was converted. On the organization of the Methodists Church here in 1805, he became the first Class Leader. Tradition tells us that his house used to be stoned, when meetings were held there, the windows broken, squibs fired, and the chimney covered with boards to smoke and annoy the worshipers.

Old Marietta Papers - Number 27

The Marietta Register, April 1, 1864

"Old Marietta Papers" was a series of columns compiled and published in 1863 and 1864 by Rodney M. Stimson, editor of "The Marietta Register."

Three weeks ago we printed that Rev. J. T. Wheat, Episcopal, conducted services in the forms of that church at Library Hall, July 15, 1832; and stated that it was "the first notice we have seen of preaching by that denomination in Marietta." But we since discover that on Sunday, March 25, 1832, Rev. Mr. Robinson, Episcopal, preached at the Old Court House.

Rev. Joseph Willard, who lived in the house were Dr. John Cotton died, on Butler Street, near the present Post Office, and who died during the epidemic of 1823, was an Episcopal clergyman. Whether he ever conducted religious services in Marietta, in the Episcopal form, we are not advised.

Lyceum. We wish here to refer to the "Marietta Lyceum," which was organized on Monday evening, Feb. 28, 1831. The first officers were President, John Cotton; Vice President, Caleb Emerson; Corresponding Secretary, Arius Nye; Recording Secretary, James M. Booth; Treasurer, John Mills; Curators, Arius Nye, S. P. Hildreth, Billy Todd.

April 12, a lecture on Astronomy was delivered by Dr. John Cotton, the President. He read many papers before the Lyceum, in course of time, on astronomical subjects.

The first discussion was upon the question, "Has the discovery of the art of Printing been more beneficial to the world than the Magnetic Needle?"

Four lectures before the Lyceum were announced for January, 1833, to wit: By Dr. S. P. Hildreth, "On the saliferous rock formation of the valley of the Ohio." John Delafield, Jr., "Egyptian Hieroglyphics." William A. Whittlesey, "Lyceums." John Brough, "The discovery and progress of the art of printing."

The Lyceum was sustained some years, doubtless with much profit to many.

Jan. 7, 1833, Samuel Hall began a singing school in Marietta. Many will recollect Mr. Hall. This was his beginning here - laboring to obtain an education. He was one of the four graduates of Marietta College in 1838 - its first class.

Apr. 8, 1833, the annual meeting of the Marietta Temperance Society was held. Elected officers for the ensuing year, to wit: William A. Whittlesey, President; Mansfield French and J. C. McCoy, Vice Presidents; Samuel Hall, Secretary; Robert Crawford, Treasurer; D. T. Morgan, E. Emerson, J. Way and D. Putnam, Jr., Executive Committee.

Apr. 20, 1833, Mr. Prentiss announced that he had sold the "Friend & Gazette" to Delafield & Nye, to be delivered on May 11th; and John Delafield, Jr., and Edward W. Nye published their prospectus for the "Marietta Gazette," in an enlarged form.

"Died in this town, after a short illness, on Tuesday, the 23d instant, Col. Levi Barber."

Col. Barber lived in Harmar; had been for many years a leading citizen of Washington County, and one of the most prominent in this part of Ohio; previous to 1817 he was for years Clerk of the Court; was a member of the State Senate in 1819-21; was Representative in Congress in 1817-19 and in 1821-23; yet the above simple announcement is all the notice of his death that appears in the "Friend."

A few marriages in the early part of 1833:

Jan. 13, Chad A. Phillips and Sarah M. Morse.

Jan 22, Samuel Shipman and Lucina Bingham, of Cornwall, Vermont.

Feb. 7, John Riley and Mrs. Tabitha Thorniley.

Feb. 28, John M. Gates of Waterford and Eleanor Walker of Rosbury.

Apr. 2, Junia Jennings and Eliza Reckard.

Apr. 10, Martin Sinclair and Naomi J. Baldwin of Zanesville.

Apr. 14, Lewis Anderson Jr., and Louisa Hildreth.

Apr. 25th, Otis Wheeler and Nancy F. Foster.

Apr. 25th, Jonathan Caywood and Eliza Henton in Fearing.

Apr. 25th, Luther Leonard of Waterford and Caroline Adams of Watertown.

The Valedictory of Mr. Prentiss appears May 11, 1833. After that the title "American Friend" was dropped from the paper, and it was published as the "Marietta Gazette" for about eight years.

Mr. Prentiss had been a proprietor of the paper for nineteen years, most of the time sole proprietor, "during which time," he says, "the principal part of the mechanical labor has been performed by myself, without which, and close application to business, too, it could not have survived to the present day." He gives as one of his reasons for selling, "that the profit of the business is not sufficient to remunerate me for the labor and money actually expended in carrying it on."

That the "Friend" was not remunerative to Mr. Prentiss is undoubtedly true. Of all the newspapers yet published in Marietta during a period of over sixty-two years, probably the only one that ever afforded a profit, worth naming, to the publisher, was the Intelligencer, while published by Beman Gates, Esq. Mr. Gates was a first-rate newspaper man - none better for his time - was an industrious, active and energetic business man, and he succeeded. The "Hoe News," published by Mr. Winchester for two or three years, was a capital little paper of its kind, but could not have afforded, probably, a revenue worth talking about.

Mr. Prentiss struggled industriously to keep his paper alive; and in twenty years by close economy, getting a little from the office of Town Clerk, some from the office of County Treasurer, which he held two years, and some from four years in the County Auditor's office, he managed to save a small property, just enough to keep him from actual want - not what is usually called a competency.

Evidence of the hard struggles of Mr. Prentiss is to be found in the files of the "Friend." A call upon "my patrons for money to enable me to buy paper," is common during the whole nineteen years from 1814 to 1833. Almost every year, if not every one, half sheets or small sheets were published for one, two, three or four weeks, as well as issues missed altogether, several times for four or five weeks in succession. And he could not help this - his income was insufficient.

Two remarks are in place here:

First, down to this date - May 1833 - Marietta papers, as was then the custom in like towns, were published with very little editorial matter, very little of a local nature, almost all the reading being selected from exchanges, from Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other places. Many a paper was published without a line of a local nature, unless in an advertisement, but with two or three columns from Europe and Asia. The only editors in thirty-two years who wrote articles that could be dignified by the name of "leaders," were Caleb Emerson, in the Spectator, 1811-12; David Everett, in the Friend, 1813; and John Brough in the Western Republican, 1831-32; and they did not often write a "leader."

Second, no pro-slavery paper was published in Marietta until subsequent to the date to which we have now arrived - May, 1833. The Spectator, published by Caleb Emerson in 1811-12, was decidedly anti-slavery, and so always was the Friend, from 1813 to 1833. They on many occasions published articles, such as we have been accustomed to hear called "abolition," "nigger-head," and "incendiary," during these latter years of new ideas. Everybody hereabouts, in those days, seemed to regard slavery as an "evil" not to be extended, and not a "blessing" to be forced upon the whole country; and that the papers here should publish anti-slavery articles was deemed a matter-of-course - although there was no violent discussion on the subject save at the time of the admission of Missouri in 1820. What Northern paper then - in 1820 - took the slavery side of the question! and how quick were the Northern people to drive into obliion the few of their representatives who then proved false to Freedom!

  

 

Reminiscences

Marietta Daily Leader, January 9, 1896

Nahum Ward, who lived on Putnam Street, was noted for his gentlemanly appearance. He was always neatly dressed, and in all respects a fine appearing man. He built the Unitarian Church, and after its completion, gave it to the congregation to be theirs as long as God was worshipped in unity. The building was quite complete, furnished in all respects with a fine organ and organ screen.

William S. Ward, too, was a grand assistance in building up the Society. He frequently had the building painted at his own expense and all repairs needed were done by him.

John Brophy occupied the building on Ohio Street with the pillars in front. He was an Irishman by birth. In his drunken sprees, of which he had many, he used to tell of those who owed him, calling them by name. His wife was a good member of the Catholic Church and many bequests from her kind hand were known only to herself. Mr. C. G. Best clerked for the Brophys for many years.

Mr. Beman Gates published the "Intelligencer" for many years. He was a rigid temperance man, and to my knowledge, refused an advertisement from a liquor dealer with cash accompanied. He was, I think, a music teacher in his youth. He married one of the daughters of Charles Shipman, who then lived on Front Street.

Old Marietta Papers - Number 11

The Marietta Register, December 4, 1863

"Old Marietta Papers" was a series of columns compiled and published in 1863 and 1864 by Rodney M. Stimson, editor of "The Marietta Register." 

January 1, 1819, the Report of "The Society in Marietta for the Promotion of good Morals," appears in the Friend, signed by David Putnam, S. P. Hildreth and John Cotton. It relates principally to Sunday Schools. May 11, 1817, three Sunday Schools were opened, one under the Superintendence of William Slocomb at Buell's school room; one under Elisha Huntington at Muskingum Academy: and one under Dr. John Cotton at Point Harmar. In 1818, there were two Sunday Schools, one in Marietta, under charge of William Slocomb, and one at Harmar, under Mr. Judson. The committees reported that "the progress in the schools was such as to afford the highest satisfaction." The number of scholars in the two schools in 1818 was 208.

February 22, 1819, citizens met at house of Moses McFarland to form an Agricultural Society. Capt. Jonathan Devol, Chairman, Anselm T. Nye, Secretary. Adjourned to meet April 7, but we find no account of that meeting. The Society met Nov. 17 - Benjamin Ives Gilman elected President; S. P. Hildreth, Recording Secretary; Nahum Ward, Corresponding Secretary; David Putnam, Treasurer.

Spring election, 1819, Town Council elected, to wit: Caleb Emerson, John Merrill and Amzi Stanley; Town Clerk, Royal Prentiss; Treasurer, Sampson Cole; Assessor, D. H. Buell; Constables, Enoch Hoff, Notley Drown, John J. Preston; Police Officers, Griffin Greene, C. Sylvester, J. R. Curtis.

April 13, 1819, a steer, raised by William R. Browning, Esq., of Belpre, 5 years old, killed, and weighed - beef 1290; hide 114; rough tallow 192; total 1596.

May 6, 1819, Henry P. Wilcox, P. M., removed the Post Office to the corner of Market (Front) and Putnam streets.

July 4 (Monday, 5th), 1819, dinner at Major Hill's. We give two of the toasts: By A. Warner - "The members of the late Congress, who opposed the extension of slavery, may they be the Mordecais whom the sovereign people shall delight to honor." By William Slocomb (then a teacher - "The rising Fair, may they ever let virtue be the subject, propriety of conduct the attributes, and good reputation the object, neatness and modesty connective particles, and benevolence and charity inseparable adjuncts."

September 13, 1819, a public meeting was held at the Court House (old one) for ascertaining public opinion in reference to a new Court House - Hon. John Sharp of Lawrence, Chairman; James M. Booth, Secretary. The committee, R. J. Meigs, D. H. Buell and L. Barber, reported in favor of a Court House with fire-proof offices at corner of Second and Putnam streets. Report adopted and sent to the County Commissioners. The present [1863] Court House is the result of this preliminary movement, not built, however, until 1822.

Extraordinary Pumpkins. In the year 1818, George Dana of Belpre raised 35 pumpkins from one seed, weighing in the aggregate 1759 lbs. and 11 oz. The weight of each is published in the Friend of Jan. 8, 1819. The 11 largest weighted: 154, 140, 130, 110, 108, 96, 94, 93, 90, 88 and 84. The smallest weighted 3 lbs and 14 oz.

Election in 1819. For Senator, in Washington County, Sardine Stone 540; Levi Barber 346; William R. Putnam 27. But Athens gave Barber 513; Stone 222. Majority for Barber, in the district, 88. For Representatives, Ephraim Cutler of Washington, and Elijah Hatch were elected, each receiving a majority in both this and Athens counties. For Commissioner, Titan Kimble was re-elected - Kimble 506; William Skinner 136; John True 103.

Marriages in 1819:

February 16, Lincoln C. Shaw and Miss Royal Protsman.

February 13, John Pierce of Marietta and Polly Locey of Warren.

["At Warren, on the 13th inst. by Ephraim Cutler, Esq, Mr. John Pierce of Marietta, to Miss Polly Locey, of the former place." American Friend, 26 Feb 1819, p. 2, c. 4]

March 1, Pardon Cook, of Wood Co., Va. (now Rev. P. Cook of this city) and Polly Russell of Union.

March 11, Edwin Burlingame and Jane Evans.

March 25, John Taylor and Mary Kepple, both of Salem.

April 1, Uz Foster and Mary Riley.

April 15, Samuel B. Jones of Fearing and Desdemona Slaughter of Marietta.

June 8, Elijah Boyce of Pint Pleasant, Va., and Mary Stacy of Union.

August 8, William Talbot and Jemima Smith.

August 18, Amos Chesebro and Lydia Maxon.

October 10, William Humphreys and Lydia Crane.

October 27, William R. Browning of Belpre and Miss Sophia, daughter of Col. Joseph Barker of Union.

October 21, Willey Fowler of Fearing and Cynthia Perkins of Salem.

December 2, in Lawrence, Robert Pierce and Susan Dye.

December 21, Gen. Nathaniel S. Cushing of Gallipolis and Mrs. Susan Merwin of Marietta.

Deaths in 1819:

January 1, Joseph Lincoln, aged 19, "an amiable young man of fine promise."

February 4, Timothy Stanley, aged 47.

February 16, William Whitehouse, aged 23.

February 24, in Adams, Mrs. Mary Spooner, wife of Dr. Cyrus Spooner.

February 26, Mrs. Jane Taylor, widow of Col. Robert Taylor, in her 79th year.

March 5, 1819, (nearly three months after it occurred), the death of Maj. Haffield White in Wooster (Watertown) is announced; he died Dec. 15, 1818, aged about 80, and was one of the leading men at the first settlement of Marietta.

April 23, in Wooster (Watertown), Mrs. Hannah, wife of Ezekiel Deming, Esq., in her 40th year.

May 13, Silas Parker, a candidate for the Gospel Ministry, aged 25.

May 29, Commodore Abraham Whipple, aged 85; his wife died October before, at the age of 79.

June 28, Isaac Palmer, aged 42.

July 8, in Lawrence, Mrs. Sophia Hoff, aged 70.

August 14, Wade Cross, aged 41.

 

Sunday Schools

American Friend, May 22, 1818 

The committee appointed for the purpose, give notice that they have made arrangements for the commencement of two schools in Marietta, for the ensuing season: One at the Muskingum Academy, and one at the school-house on Point Harmar - to be opened on Sunday the 24th May at 8 o'clock in the morning. 

Those who are disposed to avail themselves of the advantages of these benevolent institutions are invited to attend. Adults and children will be admitted, without distinction of age or color. 

Experience has taught that punctual attendance, at the hour appointed, is not only important, but absolutely necessary.

Schools to be open from 8 to 10 A.M. and from 4 to 6 P.M.

The New Organ - The Concert

Marietta Intelligencer, July 2, 1846

The notice we last week gave of a Free Concert in the Congregational Church on the evening of the "Fourth" was not correct. There is to be a Concert, but a trifle is charged for admission to it. We stated that it would be free because we knew that the members of the choir wished to have no charge for admission. Those in authority," however, think it ought not be free, and we will give their reasons for deciding that it shall not be.

The new Organ just built for the Church by Mr. Bailey of Zanesville was purchased by the Ladies of the Congregation. They have ordered a better instrument than they contemplated when they first circulated subscriptions, and in various other ways, sought to raise the necessary funds, and they are now in debt nearly $300. This they desire to pay as soon as possible and hope that what they may receive from the Concert, added to the receipts from the refreshment tables which will be spread in the Library Hall, will so far reduce the debt that they can soon pay it without appealing again to the liberality of the people. The individual contributions will do much to relieve the Ladies from the self imposed debt incurred by purchasing a valuable Organ.

As we write this, Mr. Bailey, the builder of the Organ, is putting it in tune. It will be used for the first time on the evening of the Fourth, when we shall endeavor - as we hope some hundreds of our readers also will - to hear it, and shall be able to speak of its qualities.

Mr. Yoakley of Zanesville is the Organist. 

Tickets for the Concert (which will also admit the bearer to the Library Hall) may be obtained at the stores of A. & I. Waters and A. L. Guitteau in Marietta, and at the store of D. Putnam Jr. & Co. in Harmar.

The Exercises of the Evening will commence at six o'clock. A recess of one hour will commence at seven o'clock, and at eight o'clock the exercises in the Church will be resumed.

New Catholic Churches

The Marietta Register, July 5, 1866

The Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans of Cincinnati laid the cornerstones of two Catholic Churches in Union Township, this county, last Sunday, July 1st. It was the pleasure of the editor of this paper to be present at one of them.

The first was near the old church on the Watertown road, about seven miles from Marietta - the church of "St. John the Baptist." The ceremonies began at 3 P.M., Mr. Mayrose of Cincinnati being the Master. The procession was preceded by two acolytes (lads) dressed in white, trimmed with red, bearing the cross, followed by Father Ryan of Marietta, Father Curley of Parkersburg, and Father Eppink of the church now honored in Union, each in cassock and surplice, also Mr. Egan of Cincinnati, a student for the priesthood; and the Bishop in a blue cassock, white lace crochet, the pectoral cross (gold suspended from a gold chain) upon his neck, the stole, embroidered and trimmed with gold, hanging from his shoulders, the mitre upon his head and bearing in his hands the crosier. 

The national flag floated over the stand from which the Bishop addressed the congregation for thirty-five minutes. He spoke in a full and clear voice, in deliberate and sincere tones, without the slightest affectation. The point of his entire discourse was that the bread and the wine of the mass (Protestant communion) during the administering by the proper officers of the church becomes "the living body and blood of Christ," that at the consecration, the change is made from "bread" and "wine" to "the actual presence of Jesus." To prove it, he rested on the words of Christ in the Gospel of St. John, chapter VI. That man cannot "understand" this is nothing, for he cannot understand how the grass grows, nor why the plant springs from the rotting seed - yet all know the facts. The practical words by the Bishop were that the church makes men better, is the salvation of society; destroy the faith, all would be ruin. Protestants should rejoice at the buildings of Catholic churches, which exercise a good influence over a large class of our citizens.

After the conclusion of the discourse came certain ceremonies at the cross; the laying of the cornerstone; the sprinkling and blessing of the foundation of the building by the Bishop, and singing the "Miserere" - all in Latin.

This church edifice is to be brick, 44 feet front by 78 deep.

A very large number of people were in attendance, and the order preserved was most excellent.

Subsequently, the same evening, the Bishop laid the cornerstone of a new church called "Ave Maria" on Rainbow Creek in the northern part of Union Township, an offshoot from the parish of St. John the Baptist, the congregation of the latter having become overflowing and the distance inconvenient for those who will attend at the new church. Father Curley preached a sermon after the cornerstone was laid.

 

 

Unitarian Society

Marietta Intelligencer, January 30, 1855

To the Friends of Unitarian Christianity in Marietta and Vicinity.

The day has arrived when I think an attempt should be made to form and organize a Unitarian, Liberal, Rational, Religious, Society in this place, for the worship of God in Unity - and not in Trinity - in accordance with the plain unmystified letter of the Bible.

I shall be most happy to meet such Christian friends at the Court Room of the Court House, on Saturday next February 3d, at 7 P.M., that we may exchange christian views of our duty to God and Man - and then and there agree, if we can, upon our future course.

Nahum Ward

Fire - Baptist Church Burned

Marietta Intelligencer, March 22, 1855

The Church building belonging to the Baptist Society of this place was destroyed by fire this morning. The pulpit, most of the seats, and some of the doors and windows were removed, in a damaged condition.

The fire was discovered about eight o'clock on the roof and in a few moments the entire roof was in a blaze. The walls of the lower story of the building were of stone and were, of course, but little injured. The loss is about $1,000. There was no insurance.

By most diligent efforts the fire was prevented from extending to the frame buildings near - some of them not more than 20 feet distant. We are requested by Mr. L. Brigham to express his hearty thanks to the people for their vigorous and continued exertions to save his property from destruction. His buildings were in imminent danger, but by most resolute efforts, no serious injury was done to them.

Before this fire was extinguished, another alarm was given, occasioned by the discovery of fire on the roof of O.Franks' warehouse, near his foundry. It was extinguished without difficulty.

 

Razing Old Catholic Church Building

Marietta Daily Times, July 3, 1917

A ripping crash, followed by a thundering noise, startled residents of lower Fourth street late Monday afternoon. It was only the steeple of the old Catholic church, which is being torn down by workmen employed by the Taylor and Dye Development Co., which is reconstructing the building to be used as a garage.

A jerk of the ropes attached to the steeple caused the huge woodwork and some slate to come down with a crash that echoed against Walnut Hills. The bell tower also is to be removed.

The cross that formerly perched far up on the church building was at one time the highest built point in Marietta.

Marietta's old Catholic Church on lower Fourth Street was built in 1853. It was the first building in Marietta constructed from bricks made of clay from the Sacra Via earthworks. Photo by Wilson Waters, ca 1880.

The old Catholic Church building was converted into the "New Auto Storage" and service station in 1917. Photo by Harry P. Fischer, ca 1920s, Marietta College Library.

Fire - Baptist Church Burned

Marietta Intelligencer, March 28, 1855

Thursday Evening, Mar. 22, 1855 - The Church building belonging to the Baptist Society of this place was destroyed by fire this morning.  The pulpit, most of the seats, and some of the doors and windows were removed in a damaged condition.

The fire was discovered about eight o'clock on the roof, and in a few moments the entire roof was in a blaze.  The walls of the lower story of the building were of stone, and were of course, but little injured.  The loss is about $1,000.  There was no insurance.

By most diligent efforts the fire was prevented from extending to the frame buildings near - some of them not more than 20 feet distant.  We are requested by Mr. L. Brigham to express his hearty thanks to the people for their vigorous and continued exertions to save his property from destruction.  His buildings were in imminent danger, but by most resolute efforts, no serious injury was done to them.

Before this fire was extinguished, another alarm was given, occasioned by the discovery of fire on the roof of O. Franks' warehouse, near his foundry.  It was extinguished without difficulty.

 

Methodism in Newport, Washington County

Marietta Register, March 10, 1870

The preaching by Methodist Ministers in this township was in dwelling houses and school houses until the year 1829, when a small, comfortable frame house was built, and deeded to the M. E. Church.

There is no church record to be found reaching beyond the dedication of this church edifice, but some of the old members recollected distinctly the ministrations of Revs. James Quinn, David Young, David Smithers, T. A. Morris (now Bishop), A. McElroy, Abraham Lippel, ____ Reynolds, Andrew Coleman, D. C. Merriman, P. M. McGown. 

In 1829, the house of worship was formally dedicated by Rev. R. F. Naylor; Philip Darby was his colleague.  Most of the years following, two ministers were sent annually to labor in this field, it being a circuit with other appointments connected thereto.  The following list is as nearly correct as can now be furnished, it being copied from the record kept in the Church Bible.

1830, John Johnson, Moses Tichenell.

1831, John Johnson, Nathaniel Little.

1832, R. Armstrong, H. Bradshaw.

(During this year, C. D. Battelle of Newport, was licensed to preach; recommended, and received on trial in the Pittsburgh Conference.)

1833, C. D. Battelle, George Smith.

1834, J. W. Minor, James C. Merriman.

1835, W. Athey, H. Tuttle.

1836, Pardon Cook, J. H. White.

1837, Pardon Cook, S. Jones.

1838, L. Petty.

1839, I. Archbold.

1840, I. Archbold.

1841, No record.

1842, John Hase, J. Adams.

1843, W. C. P. Hamilton.

1844, Philip Green, W. Cooper.

1845, Philip Green, J. D. Rich.

1846, R. Stevenson, T. F. Higgins.

1847, R. Stevenson, J. H. Sweany.

1848, J. Henderson.

1849, W. Athey.

1850-1851, J. W. Shirer.

1852, J. Phillips.

1853, No record.

1854, J. Phillips, J. Bailey.

1855, S. Lewis, J. Hollister.

1856, S. Lewis, A. Bell.

1857, Pardon Cook, E. Ellison.

1858, E. Ellison, A. Bell.

1859, A. Bell, C. H. Edwards.

1860, A. Huston, W. B. Edwards.

1861, A. Huston, H. Long.

1862-1863, J. Z. Morse.

1864-1865, J. H. White.

1866-1867, J. W. Hamilton.

1868-1869, D. C. Knowles.

Four native born sons of Newport became Methodist preachers.  Two of them now sleep in the graveyard near which they were raised.  Five members of this church became preachers wives.  Four of them are now in their tombs.

Of the fifty-six ministers named here, sixteen have passed away from earth.  This embraces a history of about fifty years.  Many precious revivals have been enjoyed in what is now called the frame church.  Rev. L. G. Bingham, aided by Methodist and Baptist ministers, held a very successful Union protracted meeting in that church, March, 1833.  Many were added to the different churches interested in the meeting.

Of the 38 members of the church in that place when the house was dedicated, nine are still living, though but two of them are in Newport.  That aged couple, Ebenezer Battelle and his wife Mary, hold an honorable membership here.

A brick church, a very fine edifice for the place, was built in 1869, and dedicated in the fall of that year.  May "the glory of this latter house" greatly exceed "the former."

C. D. B.

Marietta Churches Have a Long and Honorable Career

Sunday Morning Observer, January 18, 1918

Marietta's hospitality, famous over the world, is not forgotten in the houses of worship.  Marietta is known as a "City of Churches," for nowhere in the land can one find more religious interest or more generous "God-fearing" men and women, who have beautiful edifices in which to give praise to their Maker.

The first sermon in the Northwest Territory was preached Sunday, July 10th, 1788, in the hall of the northwest blockhouse in Campus Martius by Rev. William Breck.  Rev. Dr. Manasseh Cutler, who visited the colony the first summer, preached a number of times.  In the spring of 1789, Rev. Daniel Story came out, having been employed by the Ohio Company.  He preached for a number of years, as well at Waterford and Belpre, as at Marietta.  He received a part of his support from the Company and a part from the people.

Congregational Church

The Congregational church at Marietta was organized December 6th, 1796, composed of members residing at Marietta, Belpre, Waterford and Vienna, Virginia.  The first deacons were:  Dr. Josiah Hart, of Marietta; Joseph Spencer, of Vienna; Benjamin Miles, of Belpre, and Nathan Proctor, of Waterford.  Rev. Daniel Story was the first pastor, installed by a council convened at Hamilton, Mass., August 15th, 1798.  Rev. Samuel P. Robbins became the pastor January 8th, 1806; Rev. Luther G. Bingham, May 34th, 1826; Rev. Thomas Wicks, D D., July 28th, 1840; Rev. Theron H. Hawkes, D. D., October 27th 1869.

The pastorate of Dr. Wicks extended from 1840 to 1869, being longer than any other in the county.  Dr. Hawkes continued till march 22, 1883, when he located at Springfield, Mass., after some time spent in touring Europe.

Subsequent pastors of the church were:  Rev. C. E. Dickinson, May 5, 1883, to June 7, 1897.  After which, he went to Cincinnati and from there to Belpre until a few years ago he retired and now lives at Marietta. Rev. J. R. Nichols became pastor in March, 1897.

In June, 1901, the old "Two Horned Church" was remodeled.  This building was destroyed by fire and the present handsome structure erected.

Rev. H. H. Kelsey succeeded Rev. Nichols, and Mr. Kelsey was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. C. C. Creegan.

In 1812 a Bible Society was formed at Marietta, of which General Rufus Putnam was president.  It is referred to by the correspondents of General Putnam as the "Ohio Bible Society," and Bibles and Testaments were sent here from New York and Philadelphia to be distributed at the prominent points both in this State and in Indiana Territory.

On October 10th, 1814, was formed the "Society for the Promotion of Good Morals."  The object:  "To promote good morals and discountenance vice universally; particularly to discourage profaneness, gross breaches of the Sabbath, idleness and intemperance; and especially to discourage intemperance."  The first officers were: Rev. S. P. Robbins, president; David I. Burr, vice president; David Putnam, secretary.

In the fall of 1818 a committee, consisting of David Putnam, William R. Putnam and James Whitney, wrote to Governor Worthington, asking him to call the attention of the Legislature to the subject of intemperance, which he did.  They then memorialized the Legislature on the subject, asking for action and saying, "It has been a subject of regret to your memorialists while pursuing the statutes of this State that no paragraph or expression can be found which censures this offense."

In 1817 this Society voted to establish a Sunday School, and the records for 1819 show that three schools were in operation under its general care.  One was the "Muskingum Academy" under the charge of Mr. William Holyoke, one at the "brick house on Point Harmar," under Mr. William Slocomb, and one for small scholars at "Buell's School Room" at the Point, under the care of Mrs. Whipple and Mrs. Merwin.

The Congregational church at Belpre was organized in 1826, and that at Harmar in 1840.  The Town Hall at Harmar was used for worship till November 27th, 1847, when the present edifice was dedicated, having been erected on ground given by the late David Putnam, Esq.

The First Religious Society in Marietta was formed March 2nd, 1801.  The original articles of association, with 128 autograph signatures, have been preserved.  This Society was incorporated by the Legislature February 4th, 1807, two others being incorporated the same winter - an Episcopal society at Worthington, and a Presbyterian at Cincinnati.  These were the first religious societies incorporated in the State.  This First Society in Marietta was connected with the Congregational church, and worshiped in the Muskingum Academy till the present church was dedicated on May 28th, 1809.

The "Religious Meeting House Society," organized April 15th, 1805, seems not to have contemplated the support of public worship, but simply "the important and laudable purpose of erecting a meeting house in the town of Marietta, to be consecrated and devoted to the public worship of Almighty God."  To this end the members "solemnly and irrevocably transfer" all their dividends from the ministerial rents for the period of seven years.  It was this society that commenced the erection of the large brick building on Third street below Greene.  As some of those who were active in this society were among those who in 1804 employed Rev. Mr. Lindley, it may be inferred that this edifice was ultimately intended as the place of worship for the Presbyterian church.  But the building was never completed as a church.  Both the "Second Religious Society" and the "Religious Meeting House Society" continued for some years to receive their dividends from the rents of section 29; the former to 1818, and the latter to 1816.

The "Fourth Religious Society" was formed in 1805, and was composed of persons living east of Duck Creek.  The last ministerial dividend to that society was in 1812.

The "Union Religious Society" was formed in 1805 or 1806, and its members were chiefly or wholly made up of residents of Harmar.  It received dividends from the ministerial rents to 1818.

It will be noted that the five religious societies organized in Marietta from 1801 to 1806, no one had a denominational designation, and that only one of the five is still in existence.  The other four became extinct before 1820.

Presbyterian

A Presbyterian congregation was gathered in Marietta very early, and Rev. Stephen Lindley was employed as minister in January, 1804.  On the 18th of that month the Second Religious Society was formed.  On the declaration of war with Great Britain in 1812, Mr. Lindley became chaplain in the Army.  January 25th, 1812, the Legislature incorporated the "First Presbyterian Society in Marietta, called the Second Religious Society."  This society received aid from the ministerial funds derived from Section 29, 1818.

A Presbyterian church was formed at Waterford at an early date.  It is supposed to be the same as the present Cumberland Presbyterian church at Beverly, and is probably the oldest church but one in the county.

A Presbyterian church was organized at Marietta in 1841, which continued in existence about twenty-five years, though regular worship was not maintained during the whole period.  The edifice on Third street, near Greene, was erected by them.  It was afterward used by the African Methodist church and is now a manufacturing plant.

The Fourth Street Presbyterian church was formed in 1865, and their house of worship on Fourth street, near Wooster, was erected the same year.  Both this and the one formed in 1841 were chiefly colonies from the Congregational church.

The first meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Sarah Dawes.  Silas Slocomb was chairman and Dr. H. B. Shipman, Secretary.

Rev. W. H. Ballantine was the first pastor, and the church erected was the one now used by the Christian church on Fourth street.  Rev. Ballantine continued till June 1869, and was succeeded in October 1869, by Rev. William Addy, of Franklin, New York.  He continued till his death, May 18, 1870.  Subsequent pastors were Rev. W. E. Roe, Rev. Jackson, Rev. A. Y. Wilcox, and the present pastor, Rev. J. H. Gross.

The present handsome church edifice was built under Rev. Roe.

 Methodist

The first Methodist Episcopal organization in Marietta was in 1812.  The first house of worship was built in 1814 - the frame edifice on Second street, north of Scammel, later occupied by the German Methodists.  The church on Putnam street, now used by John B. Alden and Kelly's news Stand, was built in 1839 and hence its name, the Centenary Church.

The Methodist church in Harmar, now called the Crawford Chapel, was formed in 1849, and the second charge in Marietta or Whitney Chapel, in 1860.  Whitney Chapel returned to the old church in June, 1876.

In 1883 the present church was erected at the corner of Third and Wooster streets, and remodeled in 1899.

Universalist

The Universalist Society was formed in 1817, and the frame building on Second street, formerly used for worship, was built about 1842.  For some years the members of this society have worshiped with the Unitarians, but they still maintain their distinctive organization.  An act was passed February 2nd, 1832, to incorporate the "First Universalian Religious Library Society of Marietta."  Mr. John Delafield, Jr., in his pamphlet published in 1834, says, "The Society devotes the property which annually accrues to its treasury to the acquisition of an extensive and valuable miscellaneous library."  This appropriation of their portion of the ministerial funds, long since ceased, and the library is not now in existence.

A Universalist Society was organized in Harmar in 1839, and continued until 1849.  The church in Belpre was formed in 1823, and it is said to be the oldest church of the denomination in the State.

Baptist

A Baptist church was organized in 1818 in Marietta Township.  The first edifice in the county was the brick church near Cornerville, east of the Little Muskingum.  The organization was in the town of Marietta in 1833, and the edifice on Church street was built in 1835.  The old church on Putnam street was built in 1854.  Rev. Jeremiah Dale was one of the early preachers in this region, doing missionary work over a large territory.  He died in 1831.  Rev. Hiram Gear, who died in 1843, had been pastor of the church in Marietta for six years.  There are at this time fourteen Baptist churches in the county.

The pastors of this church have been:  Rev. James McAboy, till 1825; Rev. Jeremiah Dale till 1831; Rev. Alfred Dana till 1834; Rev. Allen Darrow till 1837; Rev. Hiram Gear till his death, Feb. 20, 1843; Rev. Eber Crain till August 1844; Rev. Ira Corwin till March 1853; Rev. J. P. Agenbrood till 1855; Rev. L. G. Leonard till July 1863; Rev. S. N. Carman till 1868; Rev. J. D. Grieble, two months in 1868; Marana Stone, D. D., till October 1873; Rev. James W. Riddle till 1878.

On March 26, 1879, Rev. George R. Gear became pastor and remained till 1899.  He was succeeded by Rev. L. Kirtley on November 27, 1899. Subsequent pastors have been Rev. Mills and Rev. Carman.

The present handsome stone church at the corner of Fourth and Putnam streets stands a monument to the congregation.

Episcopal

A Protestant Episcopal organization was made as early as 1827 in Marietta and an act "to incorporate St. Luke's Church" was passed by the Legislature January 9th, 1833.  The church building at the corner of Fourth and Scammel streets was opened November 22nd, 1834, and occupied by this church till 1857, when the present house on Second street was erected.  Rev. John Boyd was here since 1850 and until 1902, making his continuous clerical service longer than that of any other clergyman in the county.

Subsequent rectors have been Rev. W. H. K. Pendleton, Rev. George Davidson, and the present rector, Rev. J. M. Hunter.

Catholic Church

The Catholic church was organized in Marietta in 1838 and became the St. Mary Catholic church.  There were, however, many Catholics in the city and county previous to this date, there being no organization they were attended by priests and missionaries from other places.

In 1838 Rev. James McCaffrey was stationed here and soon placed the church on a solid foundation.  A house and lot were given the congregation by Mrs. Mary Brophy.  It was located on lower Fourth street, next below the old church property near the river.  It was a two story brick, the first used for a church and the second story for a pastorial residence.

In 1847 work was begun on a new church building on the lot next above the old residence.  This was completed in 1850.

In June, 1849, Father McCaffrey was succeeded by Father Robert J. Lawrence and he continued till April of the next year when he was succeeded by Rev. Peter Perry.  Father Perry continued till October, 1855.  It was during this time that the old, large church but a few years ago abandoned was begun and completed under Father Hardey.  Rev. R. B. Hardey remained pastor till May 1857, when he was succeeded by Father A. O. Walker.

In May 1862, Rev. W. J. Ryan succeeded as pastor and remained till his death in July, 1869.  Rev. C. F. Schellamer succeeded and during this time the church was frescoed and stained glass windows were added.

Rev. Peter Thurheimer became pastor in October 1877, and remained till September 1878, when Father F. P. Campbell succeeded him.  Father Campbell remained till November 1879, when Father John B. Kuehn took charge and remained till his death, July 29, 1892.  He is buried in the cemetery on upper Fourth street, the only priest ever buried in Marietta.  Father Kuehn was greatly liked and admired by the townspeople as a whole and perhaps no pastor of any denomination was so universally esteemed as he.  His life here was filled by noble deeds for his own people and other congregations of the city.

Father F. M. Woesman was appointed pastor August 2, 1892, and remains in charge, a pastor greatly liked by the people of the city.  During his time a parochial school building was erected on the old church property on lower Fourth street and in connection therewith was established a musical school that has taken a decided place in the city educational circles.

In 1908 the present handsome church edifice was dedicated at the corner of Fourth and Wooster streets.

Harmar Congregational

The Harmar congregational church was organized January 1, 1840.  The first pastor was Rev. Milo J. Hickok installed May 4, 1842.  Up to this time Rev. J. H. Linsley, president of Marietta College, filled the pulpit.  On October 20, 1847, Rev. Gideon Dana began his pastorate.

The present church building was built in 1847 on a lot donated by David Putnam, Sr.  

March 1, 1850, Rev. Dana was succeeded by Rev. David Gould till May 11, 1854.  He was succeeded by Rev. William Wakefield till Feb. 9, 1872.  The church during this time was remodeled.

he was succeeded by Prof. J. I. Wells and then Rev. J. H. Jenkins.  Subsequent pastors were Rev. H. C. Haskell, Rev. D. F. Harris, Rev. Silas L. Smith, Rev. John G. Smith, Rev. Virgil Boyer, Rev. L. J. Travis and the present pastor, Rev. Whitlock.

St. Paul's German

In 1840 the first German church in Marietta was organized, the German Evangelical church, St. Paul's.  Though not in organic connection with the Lutheran Synod of Ohio, their pastor is a member of that body.  Their house of worship, at the corner of Fifth and Scammel streets, was built in 1848.

German M. E.

 The German Methodist Episcopal church was formed in 1842 and occupied at its organization the house on Second street, built by the Methodist congregation.  The first pastor was Rev. Paul Bobdeck.

The present church edifice was erected at the corner of Third and Wooster streets in 1877.

Among the pastors were Rev. H. Herzer till he was succeeded by Rev. Henry Jurd in 1899.

St. Luke's German

In 1851 a third German organization was made, the German Evangelical Church of St. Lucas.  They occupied as their place of worship the house erected by the Protestant Episcopal church at the corner of Fourth and Scammel streets, a handsome old Colonial building, much admired.  And the only building in town standing directly north and south.

The present handsome stone building was dedicated December 15, 1901.

Unitarian

The Unitarian church at the corner of Third and Putnam streets was erected in 1855.  This edifice was built at the expense of Mr. Nahum Ward, and with organ and bell, was presented to the society.

The pastors have been:  Rev. R. D. Burr from Jan. 9, 1858, succeeded  by Rev. William L. Gage, E. c. Gild, T. J. Mumford, F. M. Holland and W. C. Finney.

In 1869 came Rev. J. R. Johnston, succeeded by T. S. Hatcher and Rev. J. T. Lusk from December 17, 1876, to October 19, 1890.  Rev. Rice and others filled in till September 1, 1895, when Rev. E. A. Coil, the present pastor, took up the work.

United Brethren

The Church of the United Brethren was organized in 1857, and their house on Fourth street, north of Greene, was erected in 1866.  This afterward became a school house and the congregation moved to the old Whitney Chapel on Second street in 1879.  They later moved to an attractive house of worship on Wooster, near Seventh, and soon disbanded.

African Methodist

In 1871 the African Methodist church first received aid from the ministerial rents, though they had maintained worship for some time before that.  for some years they occupied the frame building on Third street below Greene, built for a Presbyterian church.

The first services held were perhaps about 1860. The membership at that time being made up of Franklin Norman, Jane Norman, Susan Norman, Mrs. Fletcher and Mrs. Strawder.

Wesleyan M. E.

Services were first held on Third above Scammel and later in the old colored school building at the corner of Third and Scammel streets.

In 1883 they erected a church building on Second above Sacra Via, where services are now held.

Christian Church

The Christian church in Marietta began with revivals held at Mile Run, a church being organized in 1895.

The church enjoyed a steady growth and now occupy the old Presbyterian church building on Fourth street, above Wooster, which has been remodeled and enlarged.

The Methodist Church of Belpre

Marietta Register, Semi-Weekly, June 5, 1888

Mr. Editor:

On a recent visit to my old home I was requested by a member of the centennial committee appointed for Belpre Township for any information or statistics I might have relating to the organization of the M. E. Church in Belpre and more particularly the time of building the church at Rockland.  I submit to your readers such facts as I think might be of interest to all that are interested in the Marietta's Centennial.

Some 20 years ago Harvey Ellenwood (who is now deceased) informed me that his father Daniel Ellenwood assisted in floating the lumber for Rockland Church in the flood of 1832, but on my recent visit to Belpre I found it was the opinion of some of the citizens it was built as early as 1827.  This I think is not correct.  And I base my opinion on the following reasons:  first - the positive statement of Mr. Ellenwood; second - the deed from Joseph Newberry to the trustees of M. E. Church, at Belpre, was dated February 19th, 1835, and acknowledge William Burroughs, Justice of the Peace, and recorded January 18th, 1836, volume 26th, page 2, of record of deeds in Washington Co.

The trustees, Joseph O'Neal, William Burroughs, Benjamin F. Stone, Calbert O'Neal and Daniel Goss purchased 34-100 of an acre for the sum of $3.00.

Third - I find that Lavina McClure (who now lives at Briggs Post Office) was married April 26th, 1827, and moved to Belpre and lived on the widow Cook's farm near the Belpre Hotel and lived there till the flood of 1832, when their house washed away.  She joined the church at Belpre, May 27th, 1827, and went to church in a school house in Stone's grove near Belpre depot till 1832.  There is no mistake as to time she joined the church for I have the old class book of 1826 and 1827.  David Young was Presiding Elder and Leroy Swarmstedt was preacher in charge and Daniel Goss leader.  On the back of this it says:  class book for the class that meets at the Middle School House, Belpre Township, Marietta Circuit, O. A. C.  From these facts it would seem that the first church was built in 1832.

The first account we have of Methodism in Belpre as an organization dates back to 1820-21.  At this time a class was formed of 13 members whose names I gave in an article published in the Register, September 1st, 1870.  Daniel Goss was leader of this class.  In 1822 Joseph O'Neal was appointed leader and Daniel Goss was appointed leader at the forks of Hocking.  This year Jacob Young was elder, Daniel Limerick and William J. Kent circuit preachers. 

Lavinia McClure and Calbert O'Neal are the only living members of the class of 1827.  The former joined May 27th and the latter July 25th.  Colbert O'Neal is the only living trustee of the church built in 1832.  I have heard Captain Henderson speak of a church situated on the bluff opposite Blennerhassett Island above the old site of Farmers Castle.  Of this I knew nothing.  I think the Captain had a drawing made of it before he died and it is now in the hands of Col. Stone's family.

In 1842 Calbert O'Neal was Leader of class number 2 and out of 75 members living at that time there is but two to my knowledge living.  Mrs. Rebecca Leseur (formerly Rebecca Rouse) and Calbert O'Neal, these with Mrs. McClure are the only living persons of any of the classes from 1820 to 1842.  Mrs. Hutchinson, who lives with Mrs. Leseur, was born in Farmer's Castle in Belpre, but she moved away at so early a period she does not remember anything about the organization of the church.

Mt. Vernon, June 1st, 1888.

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