RELIGIOUS

From time immemorial each section of country has enjoyed particular views on religion - all have worshiped their God or their idol. The good old pioneers who first settled at Jamestown, did not forget Him in whom they had placed their confidence. At first they were compelled to attend the religious gatherings in the surrounding county - sometimes a great distance from home - or remain contentedly at home and conduct religious service around the family fireside. As time passed on, it was thought advisable to organize societies in the near neighborhood, and thus was laid the corner-stone of the many churches with which this community is blessed. A Campbellite society was organized in 1828 or 1830, by Dr. Matthew Winans. In the beginning it consisted of about forty members. Dr. Winans was pastor, and, in fact, the head of the church. The Doctor was a very influential man in the community, and under his careful ministration the church membership grew rapidly. They built a brick structure thirty by forty feet, which was regularly utilized as a house of worship. In 1859, Dr. Winans, while at Cincinnati, was taken ill with the cholera, which dread disease terminated his useful life. One-by-one the oldest members of the church were called to their everlasting homes, and slowly but surely were the pillars of the church weakened. About 1865 it was ascertained that the membership had decreased at an alarming rate, and it was thought expedient to dissolve, which was done.

Christian (New Light) Church - This church was organized in 1835, by Matthew Gardner, an old time preacher of Brown County, with about one hundred members. They continued holding services in the old Campbellite church, until the same was declared unsafe, and torn down, in 1861. The church organization was then suspended until the year 1871, when the society was reorganized by Rev. Asa Coan, of Yellow Springs, with a total membership of fifteen. A room in which to hold services was rented in the schoolhouse, and Rev. Peter McCullough called to the pastorate. During the winter of 1871-72, a revival was held by the pastor, assisted by O. A. Roberts. Their labors were abundantly blessed, an increase of one hundred and sixty-five members being the result. Shortly afterward, the society, aided largely by M. J. Christopher, began the erection of a new building, and in due time the same was finished. The dimensions of the structure are 60X72; the inside is beautifully frescoed, and is the handsomest audience room in town. In 1876, Rev. B. F. Clayton was called to minister to the spiritual wants of the congregation, in which capacity he served faithfully and successfully until August 1, 1880, when he accepted the call of a congregation in the State of Rhode Island. Up to this writing, the church is without a pastor. Arrangements are now being made, and ere this work goes to press, a pastor will have been called to fill the vacancy. The church is totally out of debt. A prayer-meeting is held every Wednesday night. A Sabbath-School is held every Sabbath, J. W. Cruzen, superintendent; average attendance, sixty. In connection with the history of this church, we add that M. S. Sanders, Mrs. Eliza McDowell, and Mrs. Eliza Bargdill are the only members now living who belonged to the first organization.

We have been unable to get the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches.

The Colored Baptist Church was organized March 15, 1867, with eight members, John Emery first minister, who continued for two years. They occupied the old school building, in which they still hold their services. The next pastor was Rev. Daniel Bush, who, in turn, was succeeded by William Baylay, the present incumbent. The church now has a membership of fifty-eight, and is in a good condition. A Sunday-school was organized about two years ago. Its membership has reached eighty, and it is in a flourishing condition. Meet every Sabbath afternoon. Chili M. Bowes, superintendent; Kansas Knee, secretary.

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