Titusville Churches - History 1885

Churches.— Prior to the discovery of oil in 1859 there had been three religious organizations in Titusville: Presbyterian, Methodist and Universalist. The former two still exist; the last has succumbed to adverse circumstances, and dissolved. The Presbyterian is the pioneer congregation, and for the greater part of the following information concerning it credit is due to Elder Samuel Minor. The first settlers on the site of the city were members of this faith, and as early as 1803 requests were sent to the Presbytery of Erie for supplies. In 1809 "Oil Creek," or "Titus’s," by both of which names the settlement was known, was reported able to pay for its occasional preaching, and in that year, so far as can be traced, the first communion was held by Rev. Richard Stockton, of Meadville, and Rev. Samuel Tait, of Cool Spring, Mercer County, in a log barn of Jonathan Titus, standing near the present Fletcher Block, on the east side of Franklin, between Pine and Spring Streets. The names of those who participated, as preserved by recollection, were Mrs. Mary, wife of Jonathan Titus; Mrs. Mary, wife of James Kerr; Andrew Kerr and his wife Elizabeth; James Kerr and his sister, Mrs. Brown, a widow; Mrs. William Curry, and James Curry and his wife Hannah. Communions and services were maintained by the constantly increasing little band, and in 1815 a permanent church organization was effected with a membership of forty, some of whom lived twelve or fifteen miles distant, by Rev. Amos Chase. For eleven years this venerable pioneer minister labored as a missionary in portions of Warren, Venango and Crawford Counties, including Titusville, and in 1826 he accepted a call to preach at Oil Creek one-half of his time, and one-fourth at Centreville, leaving the remaining one-fourth for his favorite missionary work. This relation continued till 1830, when, at the age of seventy years, Rev. Chase retired to Centreville. The next regular pastor, Rev. George W. Hampson, began his labors September 1, 1830, and was settled in due form June 27, 1832. He continued his ministry twenty-two years and six months, or until March 1, 1853. Between that date and 1858 there was a vacancy in the pulpit most of the time. Rev. Ottinger preached one year and Rev. Montgomery eighteen months.

The members becoming scattered, services were irregularly held, and the congregation was in danger of complete dissolution. Rev. George H. Hammer was called July 1, 1858, and he and the two Elders, William Kelley and Caleb M. Allen, called a church meeting, held October 31 of that year, at which the congregation was reorganized with twenty-eight members. In the fall of 1861 Rev. Hammer resigned to take charge of a cavalry company enlisted in this county for service. His successors to the ministry of Titusville Church have been: Rev. Samuel Wykoff, from 1861 to 1863; Rev. W.C. Curtis, 1863 to May 15, 1865; Rev William H. Taylor, November 2, 1865, to 1869; Rev. Alexander Sinclair, November 13, 1869, to May 18, 1874; Rev. Robert Sloss, January 17, 1875, to 1877; Rev. William Chichester, 1878 to March, 1880, followed by Rev. J.L. Maxwell, the present pastor, who was installed in April, 1881. From 1819 to 1823 the pastor’s salary was from $80 to $100 per year for one-half his time; in 1826, $50 for half his time; in 1832, $200 for two-thirds of his time and in 1846, $350 for the same; in 1858, it was $600 for the whole time; in 1863, it fell back to $400; in 1864, it was made $800; in 1865, $2,000, and in 1869, $3,000. For 1871 and 1872 there was an appropriation of $1,000 additional each year. Early salaries were made payable in commodities, and in 1827 the prices voted-were: wheat, $1 per bushel; rye, 50 cents; corn, 62-1/2 cents; oats, 25 cents; buckwheat, 37-1/2 cents; bacon, 8 cents per pound. In the division of the Presbyterian Church in 1837, this congregation went with the New School branch, and so continued until the branches were re-united in 1870. The membership in 1868 was 136; in 1872, 236; in 1876, 365, and at present is about the same.

The first preaching was in private houses, schoolhouses and groves. About 1812 a small round-log meeting-house was erected just east of the old cemetery, at the head of Franklin street. It was used for some time, but was never entirely finished. A short distance west of it a hewed-log church was commenced in 1815, but not wholly completed until 1823. A resolution to build a frame church was passed March 31, 1832; the corner-stone was laid July 4, 1833, and in that or the following year the building was dedicated by Rev. Nathaniel West. It was not fully completed, however, until 1837. Its cost was $1,500, and it stood directly at the head of Franklin Street on the site of the present German Reformed Church, and west of the old log church. It was a large building with arched ceiling and supporting pillars, and the only religious edifice for many miles around. The people attended from great distances, traveling horseback and bringing with them dinner, services being held both in the forenoon and afternoon. The ground for this church was donated by Jonathan Titus. The building and part of the lot were sold in 1863 for $1,000, and the same year the lot on the southeast corner of Walnut and Franklin Streets was purchased for $1,100, and a handsome church building on it was finished in 1865 at a cost of $17,000. Additional permanent improvements, exclusive of repairs, have cost about $4,000. The parsonage, nearly opposite the church building, came into possession of the church in 1870.

The Universalist Church had a frame building erected on Lot 65, on the north side of Pine Street, between Franklin and Martin, about 1844. The congregation had been organized a short time before, and was supplied by Rev. Shipman and others. This early meeting-house, after Titusville received its sudden impetus to growth, was called into requisition by various denominations, and in 1865 the Universalist congregation erected a large, handsome brick structure at the southeast corner of Main and Perry Streets, wherein services were held until 1879, when Rev. Charles E. Tucker, the last minister, closed his pastorate. Loss of membership had reduced the society until it became too weak to longer maintain an organization.

Methodist Church.— Meetings of this denomination were occasionally held in the vicinity of Titusville as early as 1805, and after the village of Titusville had existence a class of Methodists, too feeble numerically to erect a house of worship, met for services in the schoolhouse. In October, 1860, a class of fifteen members, most of whom were women, was reorganized, with James H. Davis as class-leader. Titusville Circuit had been formed in 1857. Its pastors have been: N.W. Jones, 1857-58; W. Hayes, 1859; J.C. Scofield, 1861-62; D.M. Stever, 1863; T. Stubbs, 1864-65; N.G. Luke, 1866-67; W.P. Bignell, 1868-69-70; D.C. Osborne, 1871-72; A.N. Craft, 1873-74-75; J.N. Fradenburgh, 1876-77; W.W. Painter, 1878-79; W.F. Day, 1880-81-82; J.N. Fradenburgh, 1883. In 1860 it was a four weeks circuit, embracing Titusville, Hydetown, Riceville, Centreville, Spartansburg, Bethel and Chapman’s. In 1861 the circuit was reduced to two appointments, Titusville and Bethel, situated five miles north of the city. In 1864, under the first appointment of Rev. Stubbs, Titusville became and has since remained a station. Services in 1860 were held in the Pine Street Universalist Church, then in the old Presbyterian Church at the head of Franklin Street. Lots 85 and 86, on the northwest corner of Pine and Perry Streets, were purchased, and a frame house of worship, 40x93, was commenced in 1863. It was first occupied in February, 1864, and was dedicated in November of that year. Its cost, including the parsonage, which had been erected on the same lot in 1861, was about $16,000. This building was surmounted with the first church bell in Titusville, which was purchased by subscription, and its deep, resonant tones, calling to service, the first Sabbath morning, fell with singular effect upon the ears of the inhabitants of the rising city. Many had been so deeply absorbed in the rush of business for several years that churches were wholly forgotten, but the tolling of the bell brought back vividly the recollection of their former lives. One butcher, who had at first refused to subscribe, after hearing it went to the purchasing committee and presented $10, with the remark, that "he had not known how far he had got from civilization until he heard its sound." Among those who contributed liberally to the erection of the church, were: J.H. Davis, J.M. Wilcox, Charles and James Burtis, John Brown, and others. The full membership of the society in 1883 was 368.

The period of the city’s rapid growth, from 1860 to 1865, witnessed also a great increase both in the number and in the membership of religious organizations. During that period five congregations, which are yet strong and flourishing, were formed. Four others have since been added, making the number at present eleven congregations.

St. James Memorial Church, Protestant Episcopal, was organized as a mission in June, 1863, by Rev. Henry Purdon, the first and present rector, with a small membership, composed exclusively of women. Rev. Purdon held his first service here June 8, 1862, but a year elapsed before the congregation was organized. Through the efforts of W.H. Abbott, George M. Mowbray, Col. E.N. Drake, and other early friends of the church, a handsome building was erected soon after. Its corner-stone was laid in September, 1863, by Bishop Stevens, of Philadelphia, and it was consecrated in October, 1864, by Bishop Alonzo Potter. The edifice is a fine, gothic, stone structure, which, with improvements since made, cost about $20,000. It is located on the northeast corner of Franklin and Main Streets. In 1865 a brick chapel was erected on the same lot, at a cost of $8,000, and in 1868 a rectory, at a cost of $5,000. Dr. Purdon has now been pastor for twenty-one years, and has in his care a congregation which numbers about 100 members.

St. Paul’s German Reformed Church was organized about 1862, and the society soon after purchased the old Universalist Church, on Pine Street, at a cost of $1,500. The original class numbered about fifteen, and among the early prominent members, were: George Reuting, Henry Eba, Reinhart Miller, John Roekart, Charles Bruell and Martin Lutz. Rev. D.T. Leaberman was the first minister, and remained in charge about a year. His successors have been: Revs. Ebbenhaus, Koehler Poerner, George Meselsty, John Fuendeling, J.F. Graf, J.H. Eberle and John Roesch. The last named is the present pastor, and commenced his labors here in February, 1882. In 1872 the present frame church, 40x70, at the head of Franklin Street, was erected at a cost of about $12,000. The, lot cost $4,500, and including the erection of the parsonage, the total expense was swelled to $18,000. Soon after the building was completed many members left the church, and the burden of the heavy cost has been met by comparatively few. The bell which surmounts the edifice was cast in Troy, N.Y., from a cannon captured by the German army from the French at Sedan, and which was presented to the congregation on request, by King William. The membership now includes eighty families, or about three hundred confirmed members.

Baptist Church.— A series of Baptist meetings were commenced in the old Universalist Church on Pine Street about February 1, 1864, by Rev. B.C. Willoughby, of Meadville, and Rev. H.H. Stockton. A resolution to organize a Baptist congregation was signed by fifteen persons, February 15, and May 9, 1864, the organization was duly effected by Rev. J.J. Gundy, at the house of David Hanna, with the following eleven members: Russell Chappel, James Parker, David Hanna and wife, Henry J. Esler and wife, G.W. Hughson, L.S. French, D.K. Williams and wife and John R. Madison. Of these, D.K. Williams and wife are the only members now remaining in the congregation. John R. Williams and wife and H.C. Ohlen also met to participate in the organization, but did not at once become members. Rev. J.J. Gundy, the first pastor, remained until July 1, 1865. Rev. J.L. Hays became pastor the same year, but closed his labors in 1866. A call was extended January 3, 1867, to Rev. J.N. Webb, who served until November, 1869. His successor, Rev. Andrew Murdock, was pastor from May 29, 1870, to April, 1875. Rev. William Gilkes was called in October of that year, and he was followed, in April, 1877, by Rev. J.H. Gunning, who remained pastor until Rev. Frank H. Rowley, the present pastor, took charge in June, 1879. As early as 1864 steps were taken to erect a church, but nothing was accomplished until 1868, prior to which date services had been held in the Crittenden Hall, and various other buildings. The present capacious and handsome brick structure, about 38x70 feet in size, located on the southeast corner of Perry and Walnut Streets, was commenced in 1868, and dedicated July 28, 1869. Its cost was about $25,000. The present membership is 225.

St. Titus Catholic Church was organized by Father M.A. De LaRoque, who came to Titusville in 1863, and remained until 1865. Among the leading early members were: Thomas Goodwin, Hugh O’Hare, Joseph Seip and Thomas McNamara. The second pastor was Father Napoleon Mignault, who remained until the summer of 1871. Father Peter Sheridan succeeded, but remained only a few months, and in October, 1871, Father J.D. Coady took charge, and has ever since been pastor. The first services were held in a small building which stood on Pine Street, on the lot immediately west of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but shortly after the church was formed the present commanding church edifice, located on Spring Street, between Pine and Second, was reared at a great expense. The membership of the church is now about 1,200.

St. Walburga German Catholic Church was organized in 1872, by Rev. George Myers. Its early membership included the names of Philip Hesch, Henry Meyer, Hermon Buser, and John Lehr. During the winter of 1872-73, the frame church building located on the north side of Brook Street, east of Franklin, was erected. In 1872 Rev. James Lachermeier succeeded Rev. Myers, and has since been pastor. The congregation includes about seventy families.

B’nai Gmiluth, or the Orthodox Jewish Church.— A congregation of this body was organized in 1870, by Rev. Moses Jarowich, with about twenty members. Among the early members were: Joseph Davis, M.J. Marks, Isaac Hyman, J.J. Marks and M. Crook. The second pastor was Rev. Isaac Bernstein, since whom Rev. D.W. Jacobson, and later M.G. Levinson, the present pastor, have preached. This society now enrolls forty-three members. A church was first built near the corner of Water and Martin Streets, but soon after it was sold to the Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley & Pittsburgh Railroad, and about 1872 a frame structure, 30x56 feet, was raised on the east side of Martin Street, between Main and Walnut, at a cost, including lot, of $7,000.

Temple of B’nai Zion, Reformed Jewish Church, located on the east side of Franklin Street, south of Spruce, was completed about 1871. It is 30x65 feet in size, and cost in construction almost $10,000. It was dedicated by Dr. J.M. Weis, of Cincinnati. The organization of the society that worships here was effected with twenty-seven members as early as 1862. Among the early members were: G. Frey, Jacob Strauss, A. Strasburger and Jacob Auerbach. By the constant change of population which has characterized Titusville this congregation has lost many of its members, and now numbers but thirteen. Rev. Joseph Swed was pastor from about 1868 to 1870. Revs. B. Egar, Alexander Rosenspitz and Dr. Felix Jesselson have also ministered to this charge. The last named closed his pastorate in 1882, and since then a vacancy has existed.

The African Methodist Episcopal Congregation meets in Trinity Chapel, which stands on the southeast corner of Elm and Myrtle Streets. It is a frame structure, 32x62 feet, and was reared in 1870 at an expense of $3,500. The class had been organized the year previous by Rev. Benjamin Wheeler, with ten members. The first male members were: John Neal, Robert Jackson, Theodore A. Thompson, Benjamin Gaylord and Willis Marion. Rev. J.A. Hemsley and others soon after united. The membership now comprises thirty-two. The pastors have been: Rev. B. Wheeler, 1869-72; J.M. Morris, 1872-75; B. Wheeler, 1875-77; W.A.J. Phillips, 1877-79; J.M. Morris, 1879-80; A.R. Palmer, 1880-83; S.T. Jones, 1883-84.

The Swedish Lutheran Church was organized in October, 1872, with twenty-four members, prominent among whom were: Alfred Anderson, N.P. Ekman, G. Palmquist, Lewis Malm and L.J. Cedarquist. Rev. J.W. Kindborg, the first pastor, served until October, 1875; Rev. A.J. Ostlin followed in 1876, and remained until 1879. Rev. M.U. Norberg was pastor from 1879 to 1881; Rev. N.G. Johnson, the present pastor, commencing his labors January 1, 1881. The first meetings were held in the high school building, but the house of worship was erected in 1872. It is a frame building, 36x60 feet, with basement, and stands on the northeast corner of Oak and Second Streets. Not until 1883, however, was the building wholly completed. Services are conducted exclusively in the Swedish language. The membership is about sixty.

A congregation of the United Presbyterian Church, under the ministrations of Rev. J. Audley Browne, had a brief existence at Titusville about ten years ago, and a small class of the United Brethren denomination was also active for but a short time.

History of Crawford County, 1885, Chapter 7