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WARSAW METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH



By Mrs. Foster Endsley


The history of Warsaw M. E. Church, compiled by Mrs. Foster Endsley in 1914, and published in The Tribune of February, that year, was made possible by the help of "Uncle Martin Hester," of Norwalk. Ohio, then in his ninety-second year, who had preserved the minutes of the N. O. Conference, since its organization at Norwalk. 1840, reads as follows (with supplement covering the interval from 1914 to 1934).

The Warsaw Methodist Society was organized in 1843 by Rev. Mr. Thatcher. the Presiding Elder at that time being the Rev. Mr. E. Yocum. For five or six years meetings were held in the school_house on the hill, a log building, later weather boarded, on the site now occupied by the residence of Mabel Lower.

The first members were Langdon Hogle, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Weathcrwax, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Maggs, Mr. and Mrs. John Hook, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Pancake.

The church was built about five years after the Society was organized, a square frame building with two front doors, on the present site, worth something over $1000. In 1881 this building was sold and moved to northeast corner of lot 35 and for several years was used by Darius Wright and sons for a stable. Later it was moved over to center of north end of lot and repaired, and made into a twelve-room dwelling, suitable for two families. Later is was sold to J. Lonsinger, and now, 1934, belongs to W. A. Randles. Rev. Thatcher was followed by Rev. Finlay Leonard, during whose ministry a great revival occurred, the result of which being an addition to some forty to the church. It was during the ministry of Rev. E. H. Dissette that a new frame church was built on same site as the first, with tower and bell to call to worship.

    From the time of its organization until 1914 there had been thirty-seven pastors who had served this church. Their names follow, with date of appointment, the autumn of years designated:
    1843, Rev. Mr. Thatcher, who organized the society.
    1844, Rev. Finlay Leonard.
    1846, Rev. L. J. Johnston.
    1848, Rev. W. T. Ward.
    1850, Rev. Nathan S. Worden.
    1851, Rev. Wm. E. Conant.
    1852, Rev. Heman Safford.
    1853, Rev. Joseph Wolfe.
    1855, Rev. Daniel Lanihert.
    1856, Rev. William Gardiner.
    1857. Rev. Charles Hartley.
    1858. Rev. James Evans.
    1860, Rev. George W. Pepper, who organ¬ized a company and went to the Civil War with the 80th regiment. His place filled by local preacher. Mr. Selby, principal of Spring Mountain school.
    1863. Rev. J. W. Buxton.
    1865, Rev. William Hudson.
    1867. Rev. Ralph Wilcox.
    1869. Rev. Dr. Holderman (lived in Zanesville. and drove).
    1870, Rev. W. L. Phillips great revival.
    1872. Rev. John E. Cutler.
    1874, Rev. B. A. Disney.
    1876, Rev. R. H. Freshwater (preached sanctification).
    1879, Rev. E. H. Dissette (church built and dedicated in 1881).
    1881, Rev. J. W. Sanford and T. W. Cornell (served co-jointly that year, the work including Lewisville and Bloomfield).
    1882, Benias Hushour.
    1885, James R. Torbet, later made presiding elder.
    1888, Rev. J D. Lea.
    1891, Rev. L. A. Edwards (organized Epworth League)
    1894, Rev. J. W. Hyde (Keene charge with preacher living there).
    1895, Rev. Joseph Mottershead (Warsaw with preacher living in Warsaw).
    1897. Rev. W. A. Robinson (been missionary in South America).
    1898, Rev. E. H. Curtis (church repaired and parsonage built).
    1901, Rev. E. H. Crimm (preached sanctification).
    1904, Rev. C. L. Lewis (preached sanctification).
    1907, Rev. W. H. Funk (led to the forming of several family altars).
    1910. Rev. C. P. Barnes (transferred from “The Bronx,” New York.
    1913, Rev. C. W. Miller, new brick church dedicated December 20, 1914, by Bishop Berry, following a week’s dedicatory services. This building costing $14.000.
    1916. Rev. H. B. Allen.
    1918, Rev. F. A. Lehn.
    1920, Rev. E. B. McBroom.
    1924, Rev. E. C. Snyder.
    1926, Rev. J. P. Cordero.
    1928, Rev. T. C. Stahl (at midyear, two or three deaths made several changes necessary, Cordero to Cleveland, Stahl from West Bellaire, Rev. Mayer. District Superintendent.
    1929, Rev. T. C. Stahl, appointed to conference.
    1930, Rev. S. Lee Whiteman, Sr.
    1933, Rev. R. J. Goodhart.

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS
AND TIME OF SERVICE


    1840, Rev. E. Yocum. Time uncertain till 1856, when set for four years.
    1844, Rev. J. Quigley.
    1848. Rev. S. Lynch
    1850. Rev. J. F. Kcnneday.
    1852. Rev. Wesley Brock.
    1853. Rev, Thomas Wilson.
    1856. Rev. Henry Whiteman.
    1860. Rev. G. W. Breckinridge.
    1864, Rev. Thomas Barkdell.
    1868. Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Warner.
    1872, Rev. D. D. T. Mattison.
    1876. Rev. James A. Kellom.
    1880. Rev. T. B. Stroup.
    1884, Rev. G. W. Ball.
    1888, Rev, James Torbet, time set for six years.
    1894. Rev. C. F. Johnston.
    1900. Rev. J. Frank Smith.
    1906, Rev. F. J. Johnston.
    1912. Rev, W. B. Slutz (Mt. Vernon District divided and loses identity’ when N. O. and E. O. conference unite in 1912. forming N. E. O. conference and Warsaw in Wooster district).
    1916. Rev. G. W. Orcutt.
    1924. Rev, G. W. Dowds, Cambridge district. Warsaw transferred.
    1925, Rev. Earl R, Slutz.
    1929. Rev. R. J. Maver, following death of Rev. E. R. Slutz.
    1933. Rev. J. J. Wyeth, Mansfield district. Warsaw again transferred.

During the winter of 1871-2 a gracious revival was attendant upon the ministry of Rev. W. L. Phillips, and a goodly ingathering of members. Another special outpouring of God’s power accompanied the labors of Rev. W. J. Hyde the winter of 1895. From its beginning until the fall of 1895 Warsaw was a part of Keene charge, the minister living in Keene and serving Lewisville. Spring Mountain and Warsaw. The conference made some changes, and our group was named Warsaw Charge, which included Spring Mountain and Blooming Grove. and when Jos. Mottershead was appointed to Warsaw Charge, he and his successors lived in rented property until a parsonage was built under the supervision of Rev. E. H. Curtis, 1899. Also during his ministry the church was repaired, with a pulpit and choir addition on the east side. and an annex on the west, affording more Sunday School room. His ministry, though somewhat stormy, leading to some divisions, was accompanied by material benefit.
Under the ministry of Rev. H. H. Crimm and C. L. Lewis, 1901-1908, a higher standard of Christian experience was strongly advocated, resulting in a goodly number of the members entering into the blessed experience of sanctification, while others rejected the doctrine of Wesley and desired to lower the standard.
The pastorates of Rev. W. H. Funk and Rev. C. P. Barnes were characterized by special appeals to, and work for the young.
This brings us to the early months of Rev. C. W. Miller’s pastorate, and a formal launching of plans for building a third church to the same site. The old church was torn down and sonic of the material used in the building of the new brick church which was formally dedicated by Bishop Berry, December 20, 1914, preceded by a week’s pre-dedicatory services. The cost of the building was $14,000, $8,000 of which was subscribed at this time, to be paid in four installments, within three years.

FURTHER NOTES ON THE
WARSAW CHURCH
By ANNA IIOGLE JOHNSTON

I have read with much interest the History of the Warsaw Church, published recently (gathered and compiled by Mrs. Foster Endsley).
It has occurred to me that a few incidents of a more personal nature might be appropriate at this time. As this was the church home of my childhood, for many years, my memory of people and events, for a certain period is very clear. When the church had only two men's names on the roll, we can remember our father carrying the kindling to start the fire, and how we would sit and shiver, after riding two miles. until the can-non stove would begin to throw out heat. I remember something of each minister, from Mr. Selby, until I left Warsaw to make my home elsewhere. He was es¬pecially gifted as an educator, a man of fine presence, revered and loved by his pupils (at Spring Mountain).
Mr. Wilcox was a man with a hobby, which in his case was gardening. For this he was criticized by some, who said, "That is not the minister’s business; let him stick to his books."
How could I help knowing these people well, when my father's house was a home for the ministers, as long as I can remember? The minister lived in Keene, and our house was on the way to Warsaw, and near enough to be a convenient stopping place, and every other Saturday we put an extra plate on the supper table, for our fortnightly guest. So far as I can remember, my father and mother always regarded this a privilege and pleasure.
Dr. Holderman drove from Zanesville, sometimes bringing his pretty daughter, Mary, and sometimes Delia, who was the younger and very companionable.
For years we spoke of Mr. Phillip's pastorate as the "time of the great revival," but should he be given all the glory' No doubt some of it was due to the seedsowing of his predecessors. I remember hearing it said, that my father (John Hogle), and Joseph Frew were the only men whose names were on the roll of the Warsaw church, but at this time (winter of 1871-1872), there was a great gathering, and many families, with heads of families, were welcomed, and there was great joy.
It was then at this tine Mr. Wilson Darliug and family, Isabelle Darling (afterward Mrs. John Bowers), Henry Heck and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Hook and many others united with the church. It was at this time also that Mr. Isaac Darling began his religious life, a man that showed by his face and manner, that he truly “walked with God.” I remember the gentle reproof, one morning when we were all late to Sunday School, saying, “We always eat breakfast by candlelight, same as on week days.” This seemed very remarkable to me, as I never in my life, ate breakfast by candlelight on Sunday morning.
Mr. Cutler was a very devout and Godly man, a great thinker and dreamer, much of the time quite absent. Fortunately for him and his large family, he had a most capable and practical wife.
I feel it difficult, in a few words, to do justice to a man like Mr. Dissette. He was a character of unusual spirituality, with a fine literary taste and true culture. Books and poetry were a passion with him. A love for the beautiful was one of his chief characteristics, but not as strong as his hunger for souls. He went from here to the northwestern states. His intense living exhausted his frail body, and in a few years he was transferred.
I would like to pay a tribute to dear Mrs. Nathan Bucklew (died October 15, 1893), who was never absent from her pew for any trifling cause. It is in the class meeting that I remember her best-that institution of the church that seems to be passing away. Her white face framed in its silver hair, gave her a very saintly appearance, and made a picture that will never fade from memory.
I think I must mention our families that came across the creek (Killbuck). John Clark, well known as "Uncle John," and his beautiful, rosy cheeked wife, and family would come by the wagon load, until spring wagons came into use. He was a class leader. and would have some word of admonition, or encouragement for each one, as he would pass and call upon each one to say something. His children are now living in six different states. John Oglevic and his saintly wife and family! No one ever saw a more angelic vision than Annie Oglevie, when very happy in class meeting. You could almost see the halo surrounding her.
Maria Waring, riding on her yellow horse, was always a sign that it was time to start.
Ellen Cullison Williams was another faithful member who came on horseback. We always saw this procession when the creek was not too high to ford.
I feel that this little history would not be complete without mention of the McKee family, who were so long ac(t)ive members of the congregation. They were all musical and there were enough to make a fine quartette, with two or three over. They are now scattered through the western states to the coast, some of them singing in celestial choirs, but it will be long before Warsaw folk will forget their sweet voices and tal¬ent that made the "Old Folks Concert" possible (1877). It would be wrong to speak of this occasion without calling to mind the faithful leadership of Dr. Blackman. Not being a member of the church, his interest in the various activities of the congregation was the more remarkable. He was a man with music in his soul and he could not help it, so he led us through "Ye old time synge" which seemed to amuse and entertain all who heard. There was another member of the congregation who should not be passed without mention. Those who, were, at any time members of Joseph Frew's Bible class will recall his strong personality. When he would propound a difficult question, there was a peculiar twinkle in his eye, which showed he did not mind getting folks cornered sometimes. In this class the hour was never dull. His home, too, was a frequent stopping place for the itinerant preacher.
Well do I remember the day when Mr. James Foster brought to Warsaw his charming bride, who became a valued addition to our church, One clay she said in class meeting: "I wish that all young folk could realize the meaning of the one word, - the word "eternity." The way she said this made such an impression on one young person that she never forgot it.
Many others who came a little later I Would like to mention if space allowed.
It seems to me, if I should go back to Warsaw church, I should see a little low building, with two front doors. I would go in and sit down in a long-forgotten pew, and lose myself in a flood of memories.

THE FOLLOWING PRESENTATION
By ANNA HOGLE JOHNSTON

We find, written on fly-leaf of book, "From Dawn to Dawn," dated November 8, 1879:
To Mr. Isaac Darling, teacher of Class No. 2.
You will please accept the accompanying volume as a token of high esteem and regard, of the following members of your Sunday School class:
Lewis Senft, Frank Richardson, Elmer Jones, Elmer Sturgeon, Eddy Clark, Frank Wright, Henry Strome, Howard Guthery, William Frew, Charles Markley, Howard Bucklew, John McKee, Hampton Wright, Lyman Darling, George Senft.
During the ministry of Rev. C. P. Barnes, 1910-1912, a men's class was taught by "Buddie" McClure and they combined in presenting to the church a fine individual communion set. He was sometimes called on to review the lesson at close of Sunday School, and it was his delight to get an argument started. During the time he was treasurer, the superintendent, Mrs. Neldon, said she had no cause for concern regarding Sunday School funds. This office being faithfully filled today by P. D. Foster.

SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINDERS
OF WARSAW METHODIST CHURCH

Without definite record, the daughter of John Hogle, Mrs. Anna Johnston, is sure that in the early days of Warsaw M. E. Church, her father and Joseph Frew were each, for a time, superintendent of Sunday School.
Eighteen seventy-four Hattie Hogle, superintendent who later planned and was assisted by "Cousin Mattie" and Dr. Blackman, prepared the "Old Folks Concert," music and tableaux, which a few still remember as a "masterful production," given two evenings, June 21 and 22, 1877.
Then Isaac Darling was for a time superintendent, possibly after having taught a class of boys, 1879, to which reference is made.
During the summer of 1930 Mr. G. P. Nowels began filling the position.
Mrs. Joseph Frew, Primary class, and others of later years.
Jo McClure, Young Ladies' class, for many years.

Transcribed by:
Gary James


Contributed by:
Sheila Helser



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