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but the consensus seems to be worship began by Presbyterians in Bainbridge around
1820.
The first account is by Maude E Morrow during the ministry of Rev. S. C. Bates.
The second account is by Katherine Seymour during the ministry of Rev. Emory Lowe
around 1958.
There is also a short section in the booklet "First Things In Bainbridge" by J. Lester
Seel, 1939, which is consistent with these accounts.
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS
of the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
in BAINBRIDGE
Respectfully inscribed to the Pastor; Rev. S.C. Bates and to the present membership by
Maude E. Morrow
It is unfortunate and greatly to be regretted that the “fathers” who built the Presbyterian Church in Bainbridge did
not leave some enduring record of the date of its erection, but they, perhaps, like those of later generations, did
not realize the importance of doing so. The latest edition of the history of Ross County (published in 1917), makes
the following statement:
"Most of the early preaching which the Presbyterians of Bainbridge enjoyed was furnished by the clergymen from
South Salem, who became established there in the pioneer times. There was no distinct organization until 1841,
when Rev. George G. Pogue formed a church.
In 1842 land was purchased and a meeting house was erected." I do not know who was authority for this
statement, nor have I any desire to dispute it, but one of our oldest residents (Mrs.Anne Steadman) has told me
that she distinctly remembers seeing the Presbyterian Church standing on its present site prior to the year 1842.
The old Methodist Episcopal Church (now owned by the colored Methodists) was built in 1834. Some one had the
foresight to place the figures on a stone and insert it in the face of the brick building.
Mr. Price Taylor, a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, burned the brick for both these buildings. A
near relative of his gave me this information some years ago. So in the absence of better authority we can only
assume that it was built sometime between the years of 1834 and 1842. A peculiar fact concerning this church is
that its membership holds no deed or record of any kind entitling it to ownership of the building or the ground
upon which it stands.
The first minister to take charge of this church of whom any knowledge can be obtained was a Rev. Mr. Jewett.
The next was Rev. Philip Urmston, who was pastor several years. He also conducted a private school in his home,
the house now the residence of A.C. West and family, being the manse of the Presbyterian Church for many
years. I may mention here incidentally that it was my home for a number of years, my father and mother both
having passed away within its walls
The next pastor to occupy the pulpit of this church was the Rev. Samuel P. Dunham. Ah now the memories come
flooding in upon me thick and fast. I can not write of this period in the history of this church as I know it without a
little of myself creeping in. I have a very clear recollection of the first time I attended this house of worship. When
a small child my mother took me there with a neighbour who was a member of this church. I thought I had entered
another world. I had not known there was such a place. Heretofore my horizon had been bounded by the
Rockhold and Fitzwilliam (now Campbell) corners, which were the end of my little world. I was charmed. There was
a carpet on the floor; the colors red and green, were arranged in alternate blocks or squares. On each side of the
pulpit was a post finished with graduated blocks of wood. On each of these' posts stood a small lamp with a base
of milky white glass. A stove was in the center aisle. Last and best of all there was a little melodeon. I think that
was the first musical instrument I ever saw or heard. It was played by Peter Higgins. The choir at that time
occupied the right hand corner at the front entrance, there being then a door on the western side. Father
Dunham came here in April 1855, and went in and out before his people for a period of 24 years and six months.
It is said the membership consisted of fifteen persons when he took charge He was no respector of persons; he
visited every body alike in all churches and nobody ever thought of accusing him of "proselyting." He was
welcome in all homes, and beloved by all. He always read his sermons and I can yet see the heavy strokes of his
pen as he turned the pages of his manuscript. The Hymns used were lengthy; He would announce the number
and then always say: to sing the two first and the two last." Among the families who belonged to this church in the
early days were those of Price Taylor (grandfather of Judge H.T. Robins of Chillicothe); A.W. Seymour, Alexander
Brown, David H. Pricer, William Pricer, W. Magoffin, George Weller, Griffith Ward, Alex Taylor, Henry Freshour,
also Mrs. Jane Peniston, son George, and Mrs. Hannah Higgins. Other members of later years were Robert Evans
and Wife, Charles Robins and wife (parents of Judge Robins). Mrs. Rebecca Wisecup, Mrs. Marion Claggett, John
Robb and wife, Helen Rockhold, Mrs. H. Cooper, Mrs. Helen Kile, Ellen Higgins. The Seymour family always
occupied the rear seat in the right hand corner Mrs. Dunham and Myron (wife and Son of the minister), the one
directly in front in the same corner. Tne Taylor, the Robins, and the Evans families sat on the front seats on the
right, while the Browns, the Magoffins, the Wellers and the Wards always sat on the left of the aisle.
The choir was later moved up into the left hand corner, the place it now occupies. This was still in the day of the
little old melodeon.
Miss Camilla Nettleton, a music teacher from Chillicothe, gave piano lessons here and frequently played for
church services. Some of the singers at that time were A.C. Hewitt, an Attorney, Dr. H. Kile, Wm. Higgins, Albert E.
Magoffin, Myron Dunham, the misses Lavina and Lida Pricer. One particular anthem that always bore my soul
upward was based on Psalm 48. , “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the
mountain of His holiness.
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion.” The tenor part was carried by Mr. Hewitt, the bass
by Dr. Kile. Choir practice was held every Saturday night and the young people attended these rehearsals as if
they were concerts. But the Melodeon was finally sold to a colored wash woman for $15.00, and an organ was
purchased, I believe of the cabinet style.
Contemporary with Father Dunham was a quaint old character who was as much a part of the church as was
Father Dunham himself, both in point of service and years. His name was Samuel Townsend; He was the sexton
as the office wasn’t then called, and made the fires and rang the bell for many years. As I think of him now, I am
reminded of pictures I have seen of the old be11- ringer who rang the old bell that proclaimed "Liberty throughout
the land."
This is not intended as an exhaustive history of the Presbyterian Church, but only a few stray memories picked up
here and there on the retrospective journey over the past. It may be wondered why I, who am a Methodist, should
have written of it at all. In early life this was the church of my choice. I think it was because of the carpeted (floors)
and the musical instrument. Our church (the old M.E. of 1834) was bare of all attractive furnishings and the
singing, though pious, was of the nasal order. I knew nothing then of doctrine or creed, and know but little more
now. I am a Methodist because my mother was one and I expect to remain one, all the days of my life. I love my
church, but there will always be a warm place in my heart for the Presbyterian Church. I attended Sabbath School
here for several years and was in the class taught by Mrs. David H. Pricer. Other classes were taught by Mrs.
Maud Magoffin and her husband Albert E.
Magoffin. All the old pioneer members are gone and but few of their descendants remain. H.T. Robins lives in
Chillicothe. George Brown, Myron Dunham, Werter Seymour and Margaret Higgins still abide in this community.
John W. Robb resides in Clinton, Indiana. A. E. Magoffin, now past 80 years of age and sole surviving member of
Co. H, 89th. O. V. I. is living at Long Beach, California.
Time was when the little church was filled on Sunday mornings, and the fence outside lined with carriages,
buggies, and saddle horses. It has undergone little change externally since the early days of its erection. The
door on the side has been closed, modern pulpit furniture installed, new pews have replaced the old ones and a
furnace has supplanted the old wood and coal stoves. The same bell calls to worship that once called those who
are now sleeping their long and dreamless sleep. It is fitting that no material changes be made in the church the
"fathers" built thus preserving in its original form “The Little Church Around the Corner.”
Miss Belle Magoffin and Miss Lottie Lindley each served as organist, and still later another organ was
installed over which Mrs. Jessie Beardslee presided for some years. Father Dunham was not an eloquent orator,
he just presided simple, old-fashioned gospel sermons.
He had preaching places at Walley's schoolhouse, Bourneville, and Slate Mills, and drove an old white horse from
one appointment to another.
One snowy Sunday morning, on New Year's Day, he began his sermon in this wise: "Again the great pendulum of
the clock of time has swung to and fro and tolled out another year and ushered a new one into existence," I can
recall the texts used by him on several funeral occasions. That of Robert Brown, a soldier of the Civil War, was,
"Help, Lord, for the Godly man ceaseth, the faithful fail from among the children of men." Some years later the
father, Alexander Brown, died and the funeral sermon was preached from the words: The righteous man dies and
none layeth it to heart, none considering that he is taken from the evil to come." Miss Helen Rockhold selected
her own funeral text in her last illness. “For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to
keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” The funeral sermon of Mrs. Lizzie Robins was a
beautiful tribute to her sterling worth as a Christian, wife and mother. But there came a time in the ministry of
Father Dunham of which I am loath to write. Perhaps I would better not to touch upon it at all, and yet it is a part of
the history of the church. It seemed that the membership wished a change of pastors, perhaps on account of his
increasing age and his long term of service. At any rate he felt called upon to resign. Never shall I forget the
touching pathos, the sadness and sorrow of his farewell sermon. He said in part: "I have baptized you, I have
married you, I have buried your dead, I had hoped to end my days with you and now I must go from you." He went
from here to Massieville, but he did not live long afterward. He has his reward.
Following him came Rev. A. Taylor from Manchester, Ohio, who remained but six months. Then Rev. Van. Smith
from Illinois. Others were S. F. Sharpless, E. P. Gilchrist, Samuel Finley, H.C. Harmon, John Henry, another Rev.
Smith, Rev. Kearns-Preston, A.H. Nicholson and at this time Rev. S. C. Bates. Rev. William Smith was ordained
and installed at the same service. When Rev. E.P. Gilchrist was installed, the charge to the pastor was delivered
by Dr. McNair(since deceased), of Washington C.H. He preached a masterly sermon from the words, “Now
therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Rev. R.C.
Harmon also was ordained the same evening that he was installed as pastor. Rev. T.W. Locke, pastor at that time
of the M.E. Church, was invited to assist in the ordination ceremonies. Rev. Slagel, A young Presbyterian minister
from Waverly, gave the charge to the pastor from St. Paul's charge to Timothy, "Preach the word." A warm
friendship existed between Rev. S.F. Finley and Rev. T.W. Locke, which ceased only with the death of Rev.
Locke.
On a busy side street in Bainbridge stands the Presbyterian Church, the religious home of the many people who
have worshiped there during the years.
It is regrettable that the early records of the Bainbridge Church seem lost to history. An account of those early
meetings held wherever possible - would be very interesting.
In 1815 according to the R. C. Galbraith history or Chillicothe presbytery,"a petition from the inhabitants in and
around Bainbridge, on Paint Creek, praying to be known on our minutes by the name of Paint Congregation and
to have appointed to them as many supplies as possible was presented and read. Mr. Gillilanu and Mr. Williams
were directed to put in each two days or their missionary tour in that place.
Also in 1818, a petition was received from a number of people, residing on the Rocky Fork of Paint Creek and on
Brush Creek, praying to be taken under the care of Presbytery as a congregation and to be known by the name
of Ebenezer. Several years later this congregation desired to have their name changed to Bainbridge.
A few years ago, through a thorough investigation by Mrs. R. A. Hedrick, a former member, it was decided that the
probable date of the building of the Presbyterian Church was 1820.
This red brick, one room building was the center of much religious activity during the troubled years of the birth of
this nation. Much joy and many sorrows were shared by its members.
The first regular pastor recorded was The Reverend George G. Poage, ordained and installed at Bainbridge April
8, 1836. Previously the church had been served by traveling missionaries and stated supplies.
This church has been served by a long list of able, consecrated men. Sylvanus Jewett, N. M.Urmston, S.
P.Dunham, W. A.Smith, S. F. Sharpless, E. P. Gilchrist, S. W. Findley, G. M. H. Smith, H. C. Harmon, D. A.
Kearns-Preston, A. H. Nickolson, S. C. Bates, J. P. Henness, Chauncey R. Gleason, Carl R. Longbrake, and our
presant pastor, Emory G. Lowe.
The longest pastorate was that of Rev. S. P. Dunham from 1855-1879. We are told that he dealt kindly with
everyone regardless of creed. One interesting and unusual idea or his ministry was his "At Home Tea" every
Thursday. Because or this custom the congregation presented him with a china tea set, part of which is still in the
community.
Another outstanding ministry was that of Rev. S. F. Sharpless.
So many fine things could be said of each pastor who has filled our pulpit, but space will not allow.
One of the interesting stories about the building of the Presbyterian Church concerns the purchase of the bell.
When Mary Ann Benner, wife of Christian Benner. was asked for a donation she got out the stocking in which her
money was stored. It was tied in a hard knot which she tried vainly to untie. Handing it to the solicitor she said, "I
guess the Lord intends you to have it all. Take it."
Early in the 1930's it was decided to build an addition to our church, consisting of a sanctuary with a basement
under it. 'During the Pastorate of Rev. C.R.Gleason the building was completed and on Nov.26, 1933 was
dedicated. Later the old sanctuary was redecorated and dedicated as our Church School Room.
In the early life of the church the music was vocal, undoubtedly accompanied by the tuning .fork. Then a melodian
was purchased. Following that two reed organs, the second one the gift of Mrs. Elijah Rockhold. It is still a prized
possession of the church. For many year a piano was used but today we enjoy the music of a lovely electronic
organ, the gift of Mrs. Mary W. Shrader.
Many fine people have gone forth from our church into the world.
We are happy to state that Dr. James A. Taylor M. D. D. D. S, founder of the second dental college and second
dental journal in the U.S.A. attended our church.
But prouder are we of Mr. Robert Brown, reared in the Bainbridge Church, who went from Cedarville as a
missionary at Coyencan, Mexico. There he served for over 40 years as teacher in a Presbyterian School. Mr.
Brown is the only missionary who was reared in Bainbridge.
Another who has made his name in a different line of work is Clyde Beatty, noted animal trainer, who attended our
Sunday School as a child.
During the years of this Church's life so many lay members have given their time and service to the church it
would be impossible to include all of them. We who are the present members feel that the continuance of this
organization is a social trust from our forefathers.
We have six elders, as follows; Russel Sayre, Fred Schmidt, Nathaniel Kretzer, Fred Stultz, Albert Jones, Robert
Williamson.
There are six trustees, namely; Howard Baum, J. P. Claggett, Mary W. Shrader, Hazel Anderson, Gladys Haynes,
W. C. Knisley.
Our present pastor, Emory G. Lowe Jr. was ordained and installed in the Presbyterian Church, July 7, 1954.
Under his guidance the interest of the church has grown greatly and many new members have been added.
Last January our manse burned, now we are planning to build a new manse on the church lawn, the work to begin
next spring.
Our earnest prayer is that the little church which has given hope and encouragement to so many in the past will
be a bulwark of Christianity forever.
The author of this article. Katherine Seymour, has been a teacher in the Bainbridge Presbyterian Church School
many years and her grandfather and father served the church as elders for ninety consecutive years.