Churches

   CHURCHES � Of the original settlers of Reading township, the Pennsylvania Germans were chiefly Lutherans, Catholics, or German Reform, and the English speaking people were principally Methodists, Baptists or Presbyterians. The Irish immigrants and their descendants were mostly Catholics, though some of them were Protestants, and adhered to some branch of the Protestant church. The itinerant Methodist preachers visited Somerset at a very early day, and organized classes or societies. The late Rev. J. VanLaw, who, a few years since, was stationed in Somerset, compiled a very full and interesting
sketch of the work of the Methodists at Somerset and charges connected therewith. The sketch is not only of special interest as to Somerset and vicinity, but to nearly all the old Methodist churches of the county, as they were all, in the old times, attached to Somerset Circuit. Somerset, Rehoboth and New Lexington, all belonged to the same Circuit as late as 1850. The sketch is from a published source:
     �The first settlement of Ohio was by a New England Colony that landed at the mouth of the Muskingum river, on the 7th of April 1788. These were all of Puritan stock, and no Methodists among them, as it was not till two years later, that Methodism was carried into New England, by Jesse Lee, that preached the first Methodist sermon in all that section, under the great Elm tree in Boston Common, on a July afternoon 1790. At that time Marietta and Cincinnati were the only two points settled in Ohio; and when on the 16th of September, 1799, the first session of the Territorial Legislature met in Cincinnati, it was then only a village of 500 inhabitants, built almost entirely of logs, and without a brick in its entire structure. The population in the whole State, in 1798, was only about 5000.
     �In 1798, Rev. Kobler crossed the Ohio from Kentucky, kneeling on the river bank to invoke the divine blessing upon his mission. On Christmas day he spread the sacramental table for twenty-five or thirty communicants, all there were in the country. This was the first regularpreaching, and the first Methodist communion in Ohio, that ten years ago numbered 100,000 on its communion roll. In 1799, Holston, Kentucky, Tennessee and one Circuit in Ohio constituted one immense district, with twelve preachers. No society was formed in Cincinnati, till 1804. On the southeast, however, Robert Manly had crossed over from Virginia, occasionally, perhaps, as early as 1795, an by 1799, he had boldly entered and formed a Circuit extending up the Muskingum for forty miles. In 1799, James Quinn made a missionary tour up the Hocking Valley, preaching to the few families residing near the present site of Lancaster, in 1804, Asa Shinn organized the Hocking Circuit
out of this territory, occupying the usual four weeks. The next year James Quinn and John Meek were sent to this circuit, and in 1807 we find �Ohio District, Fairfield Circuit, William Pattison,� in the list of appointments of the �Western Conference,� that contained nearly all the territory west of the Alleganies. In 1808 it is Ralph Lotspeick, and John Bowman, Miami district; in 1809 it is Ralph Lotspeick, Muskingum district; in 1810 Francis Tarvis, with James Quinn, as presiding elder.
     �During this year the Ohio Conference was organized at Portsmouth, and on Christmas day the first Methodist sermon was preached in Somerset, at the house of John Mains, by the Reverend Robert Cloud, who, with Jesse Stoneman, continued to occupy this as a preaching place for several years. In 1811, James Quinn and James B. Finley traveled Fairfield Circuit, and the latter organized the first class in Somerset, with John Mains leader. The remaining four of this immortal five were Anna Mains, wife of the leader, John Anderson and wife, and William Babbs. The opposition was bitter and unreasonable, but the old log school house, afterward used as a chair shop by Jesse Huff, near the present site of Dittoe�s and Hull�s grocery, was the class sanctuary of those tried ones, for years, and it resounded with the songs and shoutings of their triumphant faith. In 1812, William Lambden had charge of the Circuit; and Archibald McElroy in 1813.
     �David Young was presiding elder, in 1813-14; Charles Waddle in 1814; Charles Waddle and Michael Ellis, 1815; James Quinn and John McMahon 1816; Michael Ellis and John McMahon in 1817. During the early part of this Conference year John McMahon retired from the work, and John Stewart was called from the Kanawha Circuit in Virginia, taking his place here as Junior Preacher, January 1st, 1818.
     �The Somerset society had now grown to embrace the following members: William Babbs, sen., John and Ruth Murray, John and Anna Mains; Toby Taylor and wife; Frederick Mains, sen., and wife; George Richards and wife; Jesse G.McGowen, and perhaps Frederick Mains, jun., and wife. In June, 1819, Joseph F. Brawn was added to the society, and Jacob Knowles and wife in place of Taylor removed. That summer the society made an effort to raise a house of worship, on what was afterwards called in consequence, Happy Alley.
     �The lot is now occupied in part by William Russell, though the site of the first church is yet vacant. John Murray undertook the building, and got the walls up to the square, when a large dead chestnut tree was blown down by the equinoctial storm, crushing the walls to the ground. Things remained in this condition until the next spring; the brethren being much discouraged. Albert Gough and Henry Matthews were preachers on the immense circuit embracing Lancaster, (perhaps Circleville) Logan, New Lexington, Rehoboth, and other points to the number of twenty-five or thirty preaching places.
     �But seeing the desolation of the Lord�s house, writes Joseph T. Brown, � I was stirred up in my heart and said to some of the brethren: Let us arise and rebuild the house.� They said to me, if I thought anything could be done they would help me what they could.   So I went forward, hired hands, gathered up and cleaned off the bricks, procured materials and workmen, enlarged the building several feet, and got it up and under roof, with one coat of plaster, in time to hold a meeting on Christmas. This meeting resulted in the addition of about fifty members, most prominent among whom were, John Beckwith and John Ritchey.� � [Letter of May 23d, 1876, to the writer].
     �Brother John Mains, who is now passing the golden autumn of a ripe age, in Greenfield, Ohio, informs me, that he and Jesse McGowen were associated with brother Brown in this building, and that Judge C. C. Hood, coming into the neighborhood about that time, seated the new church at his own expense. Notwithstanding this, brother Brown�s obligations and expenditures, footed up about five hundred dollars, part of which was paid, but the greater part remains in the treasury of the Lord, safe until the present time.
     �Previous to the building of the brick church, the services of the society were held in the court room, over the old jail on South Columbus street. Here, as early as 1817, we are assured of the existence of a Sabbath school, of which Frederick Mains, now living in Somerset, was probably the first Superintendent, with Tobias Taylor as an assistant. Brother John Mains says, the first Sabbath school was previously organized in the brick house now the residence of Nathan Dennison, but the recollection of Frederick Mains as its first Superintendent, renders it unsafe to place its active operations much prior to 1817.
     �Abner Gough and Charles Thorn traveled Fairfield circuit in 1820; William Stephens and Zara Coston, 1821; William Stephens, in 1822; James Gilruth and Isaac C. Hunter, in 1823; Charles Waddle and Homer Clark, in 1824; Leroy Swornsted and James Quinn, in 1825; James Quinn and James Laws, in 1826; James Laws and Gilbert Blue, in 1827; Jacob Young and Cornelius Springer, in 1828. Discussion, leading to the radical separation in 1828, culminated this year in a general debate, at the Bethel Church, and Cornelius Springer, a leader in the movement in the west, withdrew to the Protestant Methodist Church.
     �In 1829, Zachary Connel and Henry S. Fernandes, were preachers; and in 1830. Samuel Hamilton and Henry S. Fernandes. Then Rushville circuit appears on the records with Samuel Hamilton and Jacob Hooper, preachers in 1831; J. Carper and Jacob Young, in 1832; and J. Carper, J. Armstrong and S. H. Holland, in 1833; for this year, it appears, the church we now occupy in Somerset, was built, and in the next year, 1834, the log church at Chalfants was dedicated. Thus, in three successive years, each of the societies constituting the present Somerset circuit, built a new church. The impulse given under brother Carper�s administration and the building of the new church in Somerset, appears at once in the minutes for 1834; we have the name changed to Somerset circuit, James McMahon and B. F. Meyers as preachers. Brother McMahon not only dedicated the Chalfant church, but also took subscriptions for the church at New Zion. In 1825, J. McDowell, B. F. Meyers and J. Hooper (supply), were appointed to Somerset circuit; in 1836, Henry S. Fernandes and John Blampied; in 1837, Henry S. Fernandes and Moses A. Milligan; in 1838, Moses A. Milligan and Isaac Cartlich; in 1839, Andrew Murphy and William T. Hand; in 1840, William P. Strickland and Sheldon Parker; in 1841, William P. Strickland, Edward Roe and Samuel Harvey, supply.
�In 1842, we find Somerset assuming her place as a station, with the eloquent Joseph A. Waterman in charge; in 1844, Andrew Carroll was pastor, and this ended the effort to maintain the station. Hopewell and Zion had been joined to Rehoboth circuit, and in 1844, Somerset also became part of Rehoboth circuit, and so remained till the organization as at present, in 1854. The appointments for Rehoboth circuit, during these years, were as follows:

�1842-James Gurley and supply.
�1843-Joseph Carper and Philip A. Muchner.
�1844-T. A. G. Philips and John Fitch.
�1845-John Fitch and T. A. G. Philips.
�1846-47-Joseph Neuson and Samuel Hamilton.
�1848-A. M. Alexander and I. F. Longman.
�1849-E. V. Bing, J. H. Creighton and G. W. Brush.

�During this year, over one thousand probationers were received on Rehoboth circuit.

�1850-E. V. Bing, John Dillon and James Mitchell.
�1851-John Dillon, Charles Warren and supply.
�1852-Charles Warren, Edward P. Hull and supply.
�1853-Charles C. Lybrand and R. J. Black.

     �James M. Jameson was Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District, and lived at Somerset during 1846-7-8; Jacob Young from 1848 to 1852, and J. M. Trimble from 1852 to 1856. Rehoboth circuit, in 1854, reports seven hundred and fifty-seven members, twenty-five probationers, and five local preachers.
     �In 1854, Somerset Circuit was organized as at present, at the Conference at Portsmouth, and James C. Taylor was appointed for 1854-5; E. V. Bing for 1856-7; John White, Presiding Elder.
     �S. C. Riker was preacher in 1858, with extensive revivals all over the charge.
     �James Mitchell was in charge of the Circuit for 1859-60, when the present Hopewell Church was built, P. V. Ferree was pastor in 1861-62; John Frazer, Presiding Elder for 1860-63; D. D. Mather, P. E. for 1864-65; T. H. Philips, P. E. for 1866-67; William Porter. P. E. for 1868-70; W. T. Harvey, P. E., Lancaster District, for 1871-72; T. H. Hall, P. E., Lancaster District, for 1873-74-75.
     �Brother Ferree remained in Somerset, engaged mainly in teaching till his death in 1868, and his ashes lie in the M. E. Cemetery in this place.
     �S. C. Frampton succeeded him as pastor in 1863-64; R. W. Manley, in 1865-66-67; A. H. Windsor, in 1868-69; J- M. Weir, in 1870-71; B. F. Thomas, in 1872-73-74; and J. VanLaw, in 1875-76- Gracious revivals attended the labors of many, if not all of these pastors; those in Somerset and Zion, under charge of brother Manley, and in Hopewell under brother Thomas, are worthy of special mention. Much fruit of these remain.
     �About the year 1866 or 1867, an extension was made to the Somerset church, and October 22d, 1865, the trustees met at the old parsonage, nearly opposite the church, and organized, with Judge C. C. Hoodin the chair, P. V. Ferree, secretary pro tem. The members present, were: Dixon Brown, William Ream, John Huston, Martin Berkey, C. C. Hood, Dr. Skinner. P. V. Ferree, and the newly appointed pastor, R. W. Manley. The business was, to receive the report of a committee
to examine property for a parsonage. After the report, a committee, consisting of David Ream, Dixon Brown, John Huston and Lewis Edwards, were appointed to purchase the present parsonage property of B. Whitmer. Wm. Ream for Zion, Robert Chalfant for Hopewell, Dr. Skinner and William Huston for Somerset, were appointed to raise subscriptions to pay for the property. These committees ware both successful, and after thorough repairs, under the administration of brother J. M. Weir, the Circuit may well feel proud of its parsonage.
     �In 1854, the Somerset Collegiate Institute was organized, with a semi-official relation to the Ohio Conference. Charles Nourse was Principal, and the following constituted the Board of Directors, viz.: Rev. James C. Taylor, ex officio; Eli Spencer, William Spencer, John Ritchie, George Morris, Thomas Wiles and R. Miller. This school continued to be taught in the old Fink tavern building for about eight years, when the property was sold for the use of the public schools.
     �About the year 1829, the Somerset society was strengthened by the accession of Ensor Chilcote and family. He was truly a leader in the charge for many years, and his mantle of power still rests upon his family in the church.
     �In the Official List of 1861, I find James Chilcote as Recording Steward, with Charles Nourse, Dixon Brown, and J. P. Huston, Stewards for Somerset; William Ream and David Ream, for Zion; and Mordecai Yarnell and John Kelley, for Hopewell. Leaders at Somerset�O. T. Mohler, morning class; Martin Berkey and C. C. Hood, noon class; James Chilcote, Monday night class; A. B. Leach, Tuesday night class, and Gideon Ritchey, Wednesday night. Hopewell-Mordecai Yarnell and Melzar Kendall. New Zion�Isaac Cooper and George Ritchey.
     �The Trustees of Somerset Station, 1843, were Ensor Chilcote, C. C. Hood, Jacob Knowles, Thomas Price, John Ritchey, John Beckwith, and G. Morris.
     �Bishops Asbury, McKendree, Roberts, George, and others, have been here, the honored guests of John Mains, preaching in succession in the house, school-house, the jail-loft, and the church. The Fairfield Circuit has become a district; the school-house and cabin classes have become a trio of congregations.
     �The Hopewell Class�In 1812 or 1813, a class was organized, to meet at Abram Hamisfar�s (now Rusk�s), of which Robert Chalfant was leader, and contained the following members: Mercy Chalfant, Abram and Hannah Hamisfar, Charles and Margaret Hamisfar, �Father� and �Mother� Fitsmorris, and their daughter, Elizabeth Miller; James and Jane Benjamin, Polly Hutchins, Nathan and Ella Benjamin, Daniel and Peggy Miner, Jacob Miner, Rebecca Miner (now Dennison), Sally and Frank Miner, Thomas and Amy Kendall, Nelly and Nancy Cane, and George Guysinger.
     �This class formed, in part, the basis of Hopewell and Zion classes, which were formed about 1830. The Hopewell class grew rapidly, and in 1834 a log-built church was dedicated, by James McMahon, preaching from John xv:5, �I am the vine, ye are the branches.� It was called Chalfant�s Church� The class-book for 1840-41, now in the hands of Sister Cochran, gives the class as follows: Robert O. Spencer, P. E.; William P. Strickland, J. Parker, preachers; Robert Chalfant, leader; Thomas and Amy Kendall, Jared and Sarah Dennison, John, Margaret, Thomas, Nancy and Elizabeth Randolph; Mary Edwards, Mary Wilson, Drusilla Ferguson, Rachel Foreman, Margaret Chalfant, Jane Hinebaugh, Maxwell Edwards, Elizabeth Kelley, Elizabeth Bear. Thomas N. Edwards, Martha Thompson, David Yarnell, George Cowen and Mary Ann Cowen, Amos Dennison, Mary Yarnell, Lydia Ann Edwards, Catharine Cox, Mary and Elizabeth Sturgeon, Mahala Dennison, Emeline Ferguson, Margaret and Olive Hinebaugh, Eliza and Sarah Bateson, Ebenezer Snellen, Robert and Elizabeth Emery, Louis Edwards, Robert, Mary Ann, Sarah and Comfort Chalfant; William Van Horn, Rebecca Cox (now Wilson), Catharine and Margaret Cox, Elisha and Mary Wilson. Rev. James Kendall was converted here, and was called to the ministry, entering the Ohio Conference in 1851.
     �The present neat and commodious Hopewell Church was built in 1860, when Rev. James Mitchell was in charge, though the project was started the year before by Brother S. C. Riker. It was dedicated by Brother Riker, assisted by Dr. Frazier, P. E., no money being asked for, as all the expenses had been provided for beforehand.
     �The first Hopewell Sabbath School was said to have been organized in Bozerman�s school-house, in 1831 or 1832.
     �In the winter of 1872-73, a gracious revival, under the pastorate of Rev. B. F. Thomas, resulted in the accession of about forty persons, on probation, a very large proportion of whom now remain steadfast as members in the church.
     �New Zion�Rev. James McMahon was appointed to the Somerset Circuit in 1834, and soon after his arrival he was taken by Martin Berkey, then a young man, to the residence of David Ream, Sr., where he preached, and organized a class, with young Berkey as leader. A Class-book, now in his possession, gives the following members, under date, May 27, 1835: Martin Berkey, leader; Rebecca Berkey, George Boor, Elizabeth Boor, Elizabeth Ritchey, Wilson Ritchey, James Ritchey, George Ritchey, Jane Spencer, Eleanor Cain, Rachel Patton, Rebecca Boor, James Cain, Hannah Cain, Priscilla I. Cain, Rachel Berkey, Martin Boyers, Gideon Ritchey, Elizabeth Boor, Phebe Cain, Rebecca Drury, Rachel Herron, Rachel Carr, Margaret Spencer, Edward Hamilton, Rachel Hamilton, Mary Hare, Mary Hull, Hester Stiles, George Coleman, Jacob Stateser, James Hutches, William Patten, Elsie Benjamin, Rebecca Fleehart, Elizabeth Emrine, Matilda Sharen, and Hester Chilcote-total, 38. Another roll gives the names of William and Rachel Paden, Mahlon S.Gregg, Emily Gregg, Charles Hamisfar, Catharine Hamisfar, and Dorcas Davis. Ensor Chilcote is also mentioned as leader or assistant, though not a member of the class.
     �James McMahon and B. F. Meyers were preachers in 1834-35, and during this conference year the present brick church was built, the ground-on which it stands being donated by James Ritchey, Esq. This church is hallowed by the presence of its many dead, and by the memories of more than forty years; but it is now ready to be taken down to give place to something better.
     �A camp meeting was held in 1819, on the Benjamin Farm, now owned by John Bumcrat, where the preachers were probably Charles Waddle, P. E.. Sodosa Bacon, and Peter Stephens. In 1834 another camp meeting was held near Zion, at which William Ream was converted, who afterwards became a strong pillar in Zion. It is hoped the present church building will give place to a better one during next summer.
     �The number of full members for the past eight years is as follows: 1869, 200; 1870, 195; 1871, 197; 1872, 213; 1873, 248: 1874, 260; 1875, 242; 1876, 254.�

     St. Joseph�s Church (Catholic), situated in the southern part of Reading township, two and a half miles south of Somerset, on the common road leading from that place to New Lexington, is the oldest Catholic Church in Ohio, excepting none whatever. The circumstances attending the organization of the church, the building of the first edifice, the consecration of the same, and the preaching of the first sermon therein, are of interest to all general readers, and especially to those of the Catholic faith. The ensuing sketch relative to the founding of St. Joseph�s Church, and other matters of early Catholic history in Perry County, is from the pen of the late Rev. N. D. Young, only a year or two before his death, and were presented to the compiler of the Perry County History, to be published for the consideration and instruction of present and future generations:

     �Amongst the first settlers of this county were a few Catholic families, emigrants from Pennsylvania. They were the children of patriotic ancestors, many of whom were soldiers under Washington, in the days that tried men�s souls, braving the hardships of the Revolutionary War, for liberty and freedom of conscience in this country.
     �The Rev. Edward Dom. Fenwick, and the Rev. Nicholas Dom. Young, of the Order of St. Dominic, were the first established priests of the Catholic Church in Perry county, and first priests settled in Ohio as citizens of the State. They were both natives of Maryland. The Fenwick family emigrated with the colony of Lord Baltimore to this country, and landed in St. Mary�s county, Maryland, with the same colony. Father Young�s paternal ancestors were Protestants, and emigrated from England. His ancestor. Judge Benjamin Young, was sent here a commissioned Judge of the British Government, long before our Independence. He settled, with his family, on the Potomac river, where the city of Washington now stands. He purchased, on its bounds, a large tract of land, and erected on the immediate banks of the Potomac a splendid mansion, importing from England the materials of which it was built. Whilst Judge, he was converted to the Catholic religion. But the intolerant laws of England disfranchised Catholics from holding any office of the Government, political or religious, in consequence of which Judge Young resigned his office.
     �Dr. Fenwick and Father Young were sent to Perry county by their superior, from the Convent of St. Rose, in Kentucky, to take possession of a small log church and farm, containing three hundred and twenty-nine acres, donated to Father Fenwick by Mr. Jacob Dittoe, who, with the assistance of his two brothers, Messrs. Joseph and Anthony Dittoe, and his brother-in-law, Mr. John Fink, of Somerset, had purchased by entrance in the land office held in Chillicothe, this half section for the express establishment of a Church and Convent of the Dominican Order then established in Kentucky. The above two
Fathers, in obedience to the will of their superior, the learned Dr. Thomas Wilson, and in compliance with the wish of the saintly Bishop Flaget, of Bardstown, in 1818, reached the place of their destination about the first of December, and, on the sixth of the same month, the humble church, in the presence of their little flock, was dedicated under the patronage of St. Joseph, by the Rev. Father Fenwick, assisted by his nephew, Rev. N. D. Young.
     �The occasion was a very interesting one, being the first Catholic Church opened and blessed in Ohio. It attracted a great concourse of dissenting brethren, many of whom, for the first time in their lives, had a view of a Catholic Priest, of whom they had heard so many strange things.
     �At that period, not more than six families composed their flock, within reach of St. Joseph�s. Like the grain of mustard seed, this little congregation increased so rapidly that, in the course of two years, it was found necessary to make an addition to the little church. This was accomplished by adding to it a neat stone building, which was finished and made ready for divine worship in the course of a year. It was constructed so as to allow any future addition that might be deemed necessary. It was soon found that St. Joseph�s and Trinity Church, then erected in Somerset, about two miles distant, were insufficient to
contain the members of the two congregations, and that something must be done to assist at Mass and hear the word of God, to fulfil the obligations of Religion.
     �The eyes of all were again turned to St. Joseph�s. The Right Reverend Dr. Fenwick had left St. Joseph�s, and was consecrated the first Bishop of Cincinnati, in 1822, at St. Rose�s Church, by Bishop Flaget. He was anxious that another addition, according to the original plan, should be made to St. Joseph�s, to accommodate a flock, dear to his heart, with all the spiritual comforts of the Catholic Church. He urged his wish that the work should be commenced. The pastor, Father Young, called a meeting, to decide the question. At that meeting, it was agreed that the old log church should be removed, and, in its place, a brick addition should be added to the stone part of the edifice.
A subscription was immediately opened, and the means, in part, obtained. This subscription was headed by the bishop�s name and two hundred and fifty dollars. Trusting to the liberality of the friends of religion, and depending particularly on the hope that it might be in the power of the zealous bishop to extend to this church, the cradle of the mother churches in Ohio, and so long the field of his labors, further assistance, the work was commenced on Whitsuntide Monday, the twenty-
sixth of May, 1825, when the corner-stone was solemnly blessed and laid by the Rev. Father Young, authorized by the Bishop; and on Sunday, January 11th, 1829, the same Reverend Father, assisted by his confrere,the Rev. Daniel O�Leary, O. P., blessed the entire edifice, brick and stone. The whole was now eighty-two feet in length, and forty feet in breadth, surmounted by a beautiful little steeple and handsome cross, rearing its head above the surrounding forest, and the first
erected in Perry county, to recall to the minds of all, the great redemption our Lord purchased on the cross for us all.
     �The Right Reverend Bishop, on account of his occupation at Cincinnati, and the unseasonableness of the time, was not able to attend the dedication, as he had arranged with the pastor of St. Joseph�s. After the solemn high mass sung by the choir of Trinity Church, Rev. Father Young delivered an appropriate discourse, to a crowded audience. Some few of his hearers are yet living in Perry county, and remember his sermon, especially that part in which he dwelt with peculiar
delight on the great change that had been effected. He told them that the woods with which they were surrounded, not many years ago, resounded with the Indian yell, and howlings of wolves, but would hereafter
echo canticles of joy and praises of God.
     �He passed a merited encomium on the departed patriarchs of religions, Messrs. Jacob Dittoe, Joseph and Anthony, his brothers, and the old patriarch of the Somerset congregation, Mr. John Fink, Sr., who was a liberal benefactor in the erection of Trinity Church, besides donating to Father Fenwick the beautiful site on which that splendid gothic church now stands, in connection with the cemetery. In his discourse he observed that St. Joseph�s was the Mother Church of all other Catholic churches dedicated in Ohio, or which in future would be dedicated in the Diocese of Cincinnati. On the very spot on which
he stood, was the place from whence so many churches, as branches, spread out. Eleven in existence had been erected by his brethren of St. Joseph�s, in various sections of the State. Now we have, in Perry county alone, eight organized congregations, all having churches, where the word of God and divine service, on all Sundays of the year, is celebrated, and the holy sacraments administered by resident pastors. Some of these churches are splendid Gothic buildings, excelled in size
and beauty of architecture by few in the United States, namely: St. Joseph�s, Trinity, St. Patrick�s, and St. Louis. Others will follow.
     �The order has extended so rapidly, that the Fathers on these missions were sent to the East; Washington, New York, etc. In New York and Washington they have erected magnificent churches. St. Dominic�s in South Washington, is said to be one of the most magnificent churches in the United States�if not in size, in beauty of architecture, and is the largest in Washington. It was seven years building, has seven chapels attached to it, with granite stone brought from the
celebrated quarry of Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, and stands on the spot where stood the barn of Notley Young, not far from his mansion on the Potomac,and where General Washington was honored as his guest, when surveying the District of Columbia and laying out the City of Washington. He donated to the Government the beautiful mall, now the Smithsonian park, and also the square for a market house on Pennsylvania Avenue.
     �The splendid church of St. Joseph�s and the Convent attached to it, were burnt January 14th, 1862. It was erected by the Rev. Charles Montgomery, the Superior at the time the conflagration took place. The fire was supposed to be accidental. The walls of the church being very thick, were but slightly injured, and were very soon again roofed. The interior was finished off by lofty Gothic groins, supported by Gothic columns. The walls of the Convent being thin, suffered so much by the fire, as to be rendered unfit for further use, and were accordingly taken down. The present Convent, now occupied by the Fathers of St. Joseph�s and as a Theological College, was once a public college, educating many of the youths of Ohio, and patronized extensively from distant parts of the country.
     �The zealous Bishop, Dr. Fenwick, was an ardent promoter of education. Always intent in giving every encouragement to the education of youths of both sexes in his diocese; he had determined, as soon as in his power, to establish a female academy in Perry county. For that purpose, he purchased in Somerset, of Mr. William Harper, his residence and lot of two acres of ground, opposite Trinity Church in Somerset. He obtained from the Sisters of St. Catharine�s Convent, a celebrated
academy, five of their community, to undertake the commencement of a similar academy.
     �Accordingly, in January, 1830, the five mentioned Sisters, viz: Sister Angela Sansbery, Sister Emily Elder, Sister Benveri Sansbery, Sister Agnes Harlen and Sister Catharine Mudd, were conducted to Somerset by Rev. S. Montgomery, via Cincinnati, where they stoppeda few days to arrange matters with the Rt. Rev. Bishop Fenwick. On their arrival in Somerset, some repairs and additions had to be made on the little house, before they could take possession of it as their residence. Mr. Peter Dittoe, a merchant of Somerset, kindly offered them hospitality, where they remained a month. This building, the commencement of St. Mary�s, was a small brick house, with a carpenter shop on the ground floor. In the shop, St. Mary�s school commenced. The Sisters had every encouragement from the citizens of Somerset, and from the Rev. Fathers of St. Joseph�s Convent. They also opened a Novitiate, and a lady from Green Bay, Miss Mary Greignew, and Miss Rose Lynch of Zanesville, Ohio, were their first novices.
     �St. Mary�s, from the encouragement it received from the public, in a few years, erected a large academy, with a beautiful Gothic church attached, and continued prosperous until June 7th, 1866, when, by a defection of a flue through the roof of the church, it caught fire, and this splendid church and academy were consumed. A generous benefactor, Mr. Theodore Leonard, near Columbus, offered the Sisters forty acres of land, and all the materials necessary for the erection of an extensive
academy, if they would locate on the proffered ground. This generous offer was accepted by the Sisters, and in 1868, the community of St. Mary�s moved to their new home, a splendid house, about one hundred and fifty feet in length, with all conveniences attached. The Sisters dedicated it, as before, to the Mother of God, calling it St. Mary�s of the Springs.
     �The remains of the departed Sisters, interred at Somerset, were all removed to Columbus.
     �Perhaps there is not a more beautiful site in Ohio for an academy, than that of St. Mary�s of the Springs. It stands high and gives a fine view of the surrounding country. It abounds with springs of the best waters, and within view of the Somerset and Newark Railroad.
     �Rt. Rev. Dr. Rosecrans established in Columbus, a branch of St. Mary�s, called the Academy of Notre Dame, the Sisters of which are members of St. Mary�s community, and were selected by the Bishop to conduct this Academy�a large and commodious building, situated on Broad street, a few squares from the Cathedral and State House. It is intended for the purpose, more of a day school for the education of the young ladies of the city, than those who may wish to enter as boarding
pupils, conducted by the Nuns who first founded St. Mary�s in Somerset, with Bishop Fenwick their father and protector. The first Sisters are now no more. Their successors are the object of the zealous care of the Bishop of Columbus, whose diocese was established in 1868.
     �I will conclude this article by recording the names of the second Catholic pioneers who settled in this county about the time St. Joseph�s was dedicated. The first I wish to record, is that of Mr. William Wiseman, who emigrated from St. Mary�s county, in Maryland, near the shores of St. Mary�s river, where Lord Baltimore and his colony landed. When a young man, he enlisted in the Western Army, commanded by General Wayne and General Sinclair, under whom he was engaged in several battles they fought with the Indians. Whilst the army was stationed at Fort Washington, where Cincinnati now stands, young Wiseman, with a small force of soldiers, was sent to occupy a block-house, built on the banks of the great Miami, to watch the movements of the Indians, and if necessary, to call for reinforcements on the fort. Unexpectedly they were surrounded by a large body of Indians, who took two of them prisoners; one escaped, the other was burned alive in sight
of his companions, in the block-house. They could give the poor soldier no assistance; his lamentable cries they could hear, calling out to them for protection. The commander of the fort, appealing to their patriotism, wished one at least to volunteer his services to go to Cincinnati for assistance, offering a reward to any one who would undertake the mission to Fort Washington, although this could not be affected without danger of death, as the Miami must be crossed in a boat, exposed to
the fire of the Indians. Young Wiseman was the only one who offered his services. He added, �I ask no pay.� They got the boat ready, which was moored under the bank on which the block-house stood. The commander accepted his offer, and the boat was soon prepared for him. The Indians always on the alert, when the boat was launched in the river, with Wiseman in it, poured a volley of shot upon it. He, intent only on escaping them, gained by quick paddling, the opposite bank. He often afterward observed, that Divine Providence alone protected him from their bullets. The bank gained, like a deer speeding his course over hill and dale, the valiant soldier soon reached the fort, distant some twenty miles from the block-house. When in sight of the fort, in a shallow place of the river, he crossed over on thin ice, which frequently broke before he gained the opposite side. The message he brought was soon answered by a quick march of some hundred soldiers, sent to their relief, and the cruel Indians dispersed.
     �This brave deed of William Wiseman is recorded in Judge Burnet�s History of Ohio. Mr. Wiseman was with General Harrison at St. Clair�s defeat, and was one of his special friends, and a strong supporter in Perry and Fairfield counties, when �Tip and Tyler too� were candidates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the United States. When General Harrison, during that campaign, visited Perry county, to make his political principles known, and to defend his abused reputation, Mr. Wiseman, as a special friend, escorted him, and was at his side when Harrison spoke, and when he was received at Mr. Peter Dittoe�s residence, since called Mount Harrison, over which waved the flag of the United States. No man could more rejoice than Mr. Wiseman, on the success of that campaign.
     �The other pioneers of the Catholic Church of Perry county were, Joseph Hodge (a convert to the Catholic Church), Henry and John Flowers, Joseph DeLong and brothers, John Noon and brothers, John Hynes, John McLaughlin, P. Griffin, Henry Sterner, Hugh, Dennis, and Richard McGonagle, James Cane, Henry and Peter Dittoe, Patrick McChristle, Henry McNally, Owen Martin, Matthew Casserly, Patrick Largy, Alexander Clark, Neal and John Crossin, Patrick O�Hara, Patrick McMullin, John Clark, John Byrne, Henry Bonastell (a soldier), Larry Curran, Patrick Cambron, Joshua Green, Judge P. McDonald, Philip McDonald, Esq., James McDonald, John Thornton, Philip, James, and Hugh Minor, David Mussulman, Jacob, John, Anthony, and Adam Fink, Felix Cull, Esq., Nicholas Tyder, Adam Gordon, Daniel McCann, James Elder, Owen Donely, Gregory Metzer, Levi Burgoon, John Litzinger. These were among the pioneers of St. Joseph. They are now no more. Their good works have gone before them, and secured them an eternal reward.�
     The names of several other Catholic pioneer families were subsequently sent to the compiler by letter, but the hand of the aged Priest had become so tremulous that they could not be made out. The circumstance shows, however, that, in his last days, he was thinking of the men and women to whom he ministered in the golden pioneer days. Rev. Father Young, the author of the foregoing interesting sketch, was, from 1818 until a period not a great while previous to his death, actively engaged in ministerial work in one or more of the Catholic churches in Perry county. He was a zealous, active young Catholic Priest, with headquarters at St. Joseph�s, when his parish extended from Wheeling, West Virginia, to Vincennes, Indiana. He would frequently ride on horseback from St. Joseph�s to Columbus, in the night season, to administer to the sick and dying. Father Young was of sturdy, well knit frame, of cordial, genial manners, and of more than ordinary intellectual ability. He was exceedingly zealous and industrious, and was apparently best satisfied and enjoyed himself best when hardest at work. He knew most of the early pioneers of Perry, and they knew him, Father Young was born and brought up near Washington, District of Columbia, and had recently come to this section of Ohio from an older settled community. He felt a little strange, at first, at seeing so many men clad in hunting shirts and carrying rifles, but he soon learned that they intended him no harm, and he could be hospitably entertained by any of them, whether of his religious belief or otherwise. He lived to be about eighty-five years of age, and though he died somewhere in the East, when on an accustomed visit or tour, his mortal
remains were, according to his oft repeated request, sent back to Perry county, Ohio, and interred in St. Joseph�s churchyard, where he had worked to establish a church of his faith so long ago. Holy Trinity (Catholic) Church has one of the largest and finest houses of worship in the State. It is most handsomely situated on rising ground, on Columbus street, near the south end of Somerset. The present building has been in use nearly twenty years. The congregation was organized about 1820, and, throughout its entire history, has been a very strong and influential one. It is not as old as St. Joseph�s Church, though it is justly entitled to be called a pioneer one, and is one among the first of the Catholic Churches organized in the State of Ohio. Few have been more prosperous in every point of view.
     Upon one occasion, when Bishop Fenwick was passing through on horseback, along �Zane�s Trace,� on his way from Baltimore, Maryland, to Bardstown, Kentucky, he reached the tavern of John Fink at nightfall, and remained over night as a strange traveling guest. The next morning, after paying his bill and getting on his horse, he inquired of Mr. Fink if he knew of any Catholic families in the direction he was traveling, Mr. Fink told him of some that he knew, and furthermore informed him that he, himself, was a Catholic. Bishop Fenwick at once alighted, hitched his horse to the fence, went into the house and celebrated mass. This was the first mass said in the State of Ohio, unless some of the explorers or missionaries among the Indians had celebrated it somewhere along the northern frontier. This was, in fact, the small beginning of the Catholic Church in what is now Perry county, where it has become so numerous in membership and so important a factor in ecclesiastical affairs. Further interesting facts relative to Holy Trinity Church are given in the sketch by Rev. N. D. Young, concerning the early history of the Catholic Church in Perry county. Rev. Noon, a very efficient and popular Priest, has been for several years past, and is at present, the pastor of the church.
     The Lutheran Church in Somerset is one of the oldest in the county. Among the early emigrants to Somerset and neighborhood were many Pennsylvania Germans, most of whom were Lutherans, and, at a very early day�about 1812 or 1813�there was Lutheran preaching at Somerset in private houses, and at the old log schoolhouse situated on South Columbus street. About 1817 or 1818 the old log house of worship was erected on North street. The congregation had been organized a few years previously. The original church building was constructed of very large hewed logs (afterwards weatherboarded), and had a gallery, which was chiefly intended for the choir, but, on extraordinary occasions, was open for any of the congregation. The church had a good organ, made by Henry Humberger, of this county, and the congregation, for a long time, was somewhat noted for its good music. The old log edifice was used till 1844, when a lot was bought on Main street, near the west Public Square, and a large, handsome, costly brick edifice erected, which has been owned and occupied by the denomination until the present time. The old church stood until about 1832, when it was taken down and the materials put to other use.Revs. Andrew Henkel, Charles Henkel, Greenwalt, Ruch, Bartholomew, Wagenhals, Spielman, W. F. Lehman, A. J. Weddell, John, Rugan, Cornelius Remensnyder, Corbit, Herring, Hunton, Martens, Isensee, D. M.Weisman and others, have ministered to this congregation. Rev. M. Walter is the present pastor.
     It is not a little remarkable that the congregation was more powerful, influential and harmonious while worshiping in the old log church than after its removal to the new, costly and imposing edifice on Main street. Soon after the congregation was organized, and a church built, a Sabbath-school was organized, which has been sustained, with a few unimportant exceptions, during the whole year, until the present time. The church at no time was altogether composed of Pennsylvania Germans, but also contained many English speaking people, and for many years, and until about 1844, there was alternate German and English preaching; but, subsequent to this date, the services were exclusively in the English language. The abandonment of German preaching was very much disliked by some of the older members, but the second generation of all nationalities had learned English speaking, and services in German could no longer be maintained nor secure the general approval of the congregation. Of the officiating ministers of the church Charles Henkel died in Somerset, and his mortal remains repose in the old Lutheran graveyard. Rev. Henkel was pastor of the church for many years, and was universally respected by the people of the whole community. At one time, and for quite a number of years, he solemnized more marriages than any other minister in the county.
     As previously intimated, this church is not so strong as in former years, though regular preaching and Sabbath-school are maintained. A Reform congregation was organized and a neat church edifice erected at Somerset a few years since. Stated preaching and Sabbath-school were sustained until recently, but at present there is no regular pastor, and services are only occasionally held.
     Otterbein (United Brethren) Church was organized and a primitive house of worship built about 1818 to 1820. A better building of brick was erected a few years later, which was occupied until 1882, when a still better and more modern brick edifice was built and dedicated.Otterbein is the oldest United Brethren Church in the county. Some of its original members were among the earliest pioneers of Reading township and the county. It is situated about four miles west of Somerset, near the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike. Otterbein has from its organization until the present been a strong and active congregation, maintaining regular preaching and for many years a Sabbath-school. Rev. Lambent is the present pastor.
Pisgah (United Brethren) Church, situated in the southwestern part of Reading township, not far from the Fairfield county line, was organized and a house of worship built about 1850 or 1852, which was used until about 1867 or 1868, when a
second and better building was erected, and is yet occupied by the congregation. Pisgah is not so old a church and the congregation not as numerous as at Otterbein, but it maintains regular preaching the year round and Sabbath-school during the summer months. Rev. Lambent is the present pastor.
     A Presbyterian Church was organized at Somerset in 1837-38, under the ministry of Rev. Edmund Garland, who was at the time also pastor of Unity Church. The congregation bought the old Methodist brick edifice situated on what is known as �Happy alley,� where they continued to worship for several years, until the congregation disbanded and what was left of them united with Unity Church, carrying the title of the church property with them into Unity Church The old brick edifice and lot upon which it stood were subsequently sold and the proceeds thereof applied to repairing the Unity church. The Somerset society had an existence of less than ten years.�
From the ERRATA, (original page 596), [Since Mr. Colborn�s history was printed, reliable information develops the facts that the first Lutheran Church at Overmeyertown, now New Reading (a log building) was erected in 1805, which was, no doubt, the first public house of worship in what is now Perry County]�THE PUBLISHER

     The Lutheran Church, of New Reading, was the first church organized in what is now Perry county, though in respect to date it only preceded Zion (Rible�s), of Thorn township, a few months, both being organized in the same year, 1805. The church was organized under the ministry of Rev. William Foster, the venerable father of Lutheranism in Perry county, who departed this life in 1815. There is a little uncertainty as to the date of the erection of the first edifice, hut it was about 1812-13. It was a two-story log building, and was occupied a good many years. The present edifice is a brick structure, and of more modern belongings. The Overmyers, Whitmers, Anspachs, Poormans, Shriders and Bowmans, were among the first members. Regular preaching and Sabbath school are sustained. The church site is a very pleasant one.
     The Methodist Episcopal Church at New Reading, was organized in 1825-26, and a house of worship erected about 1828. Rev. Joseph Carper, long a prominent minister of the Ohio Conference, owned a farm and lived near New Reading, and had his membership here. Randolph Mitchell, a noted old-time merchant of New Reading, was, in his lifetime, a prominent member of the church. Also, the late Peter Whitmer, of the vicinity of New Reading. The Reading church belongs to the Rushville circuit, and receives its ministers by the appointment of the Ohio Conference. Regular church services, including Sabbath school, have been sustained. The edifice is brick.
     A school house, situated in the Baker neighborhood, which is no longer used for school purposes, is open to all denominations for religious service, and is occasionally so used. The Marsh Methodist Episcopal Church, in which a considerable number of Perry county people hold their membership, is situated a little over the line in Fairfield county.

                                Text taken from �History of Perry County� transcribed by Timothy Fisher at
                                    his website: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~tfisher/tefishermain.htm

                                         Copyright �1999-2000 by Timothy E. Fisher; all rights reserved.