Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,
1888
pp. 274-276
First Baptist Church
In September 1835, (or 1832, according to Cox's "Old Settlers"),
the First Baptist Church in Lafayette was organized by Rev. LOYAL
FAIRMAN, ministers of that denomination occasionally preaching here
anterior to that date. At the time of organization, the members of the
Grand Prairie Church composed the recognizing council. The first
church, at the date of its organization, consisted of nine members. The
society, during nearly two years subsequent to its organization, was
without a pastor, in the meantime, however, holding meetings with
considerable regularity.
Elder SIMON G. MINOR was the first pastor who labored regularly
with this society. He came from New York in the winter of 1837, and
commenced work, laboring successfully in the upbuilding of his Master's
cause. At the time of his coming, the membership had decreased
somewhat, the number having been reduced from nine to five--three women
and two men.
Upon his coming, and before he had been regularly employed, with a view
to cultivate a general good feeling and promote a disposition calculated
to induce a higher degree of sociability as a necessary precursor of
successful church work, he spent his time for a month or more in
visiting among his people and occasionally preaching to them. His
employment with this society commenced in February, 1838, preaching
three Sundays in each month in Lafayette, and spending the fourth in
Crawfordsville.
At first, the meetings of this society were held in the meeting
house of the First Presbyterians, who, being at that time without a
pastor, were ministered unto by Elder MINER. When the Presbyterians
secured a pastor, the Baptist's had services in the court house,
sometimes in the school house, and again in the dining hall of the old
hotel; finally, they occupied regularly the White school house, using
this last building about three years. During the first year of MR.
MINER'S ministry, five members were added by letter of experience and
one by baptism. The succeeding year was more prosperous, the church
being refreshed with the spirit of revival, and nineteen others were
added to the membership of the church. In July, 1841, MR. MINER
resigned his charge, leaving the congregation without a pastor. The
aggregate of his salary during those three years was less than $1,000.
The next pastor was Elder DAVID FRENCH, who remained but a short
time, notwithstanding which, during his stay, twenty five additional
members were received by baptism A great revival season commenced with
this charge, upon the advent of Elder WILLIAM M. PRATT, in the winter of
1842-'3, the result of which was sixty persons added to the former
membership As a further result of the labors of Elder PRATT, a lot was
purchased on Sixth street, and a comfortable house of worship erected
thereon at a cost of about $4,000. This house was dedicated on the 9th
of June, 1844, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder LEVI
TUCKER, of Buffalo, New York.
In 1845, Elder MINER was again called, and accepting, entered
upon his work in July of that year. He remained with the church the
succeeding two years, when failing health compelled him to resign His
successor was Elder E. D. OWENS, of Indianapolis, Indiana, who became
pastor in the spring of 1849. No other pastor was induced to accept
this charge until May, 1850, when Elder AMES TUCKER accepted the
pastorate, with a membership of about 100, which was increased to 243
through the revival agency of Elder JACOB KNAPP, during MR. TUCKER'S
pastorate. In February, 1854, MR. TUCKER resigned, and was succeeded
the June following by the employment of Elder T.L. BRECKENRIDGE, of
LaSalle, Illinois, who commenced his labors in November of that year.
During his pastorate the church prospered greatly, paying off a debt of
$2,500, incurred in the enlargement of their church. He closed his
relations with the church in March, 1860.
In May, 1861, Elder WILLIAM HAW became pastor, and continuing
but a short time, was succeeded, after a hiatus of nearly two years, by
Rev. Dr. BAILEY, of Franklin, Indiana. His labors were crowned with
eminent success, notwithstanding he entered upon that relation at an
apparently importune moment. However, during his administration of
affairs, positive measures were taken toward the erection of the
magnificent edifice at the corner of North and Seventh streets. He
resigned his charge in November, 1866, and was followed by Elder JOHN
GIRDWOOD, whose pastorate was concluded by death, in May following.
Elder O.B. STONE became his successor within a brief period, and
labored earnestly and successfully for the spread of the gospel. In
October, 1870, his pastorate ended, meantime, having accomplished a
noble work in his Master's calling. After a short recess, MR. STONE was
succeeded by Elder S.W. PEARSON, from Montreal, Canada, during whose
term of service the new church edifice was completed. October 6, 1872,
this new building was dedicated. The aggregate cost of this building
was $90,000. The dedication of this new church added greatly to the
vitality and energy of the congregation, which, with one accord, took
hold of the work of perpetuating its mission of usefulness, and their
reward followed them.
The present membership is 417. The deacons are--ROBERT
BRECKENRIDGE, ALBERT HENDERSON, WILLIAM J. ROSEBERRY, T.J. LEVERING, and
RALPH D. MOORE. Rev. A. BLACKBURN, from Oak Park, near Chicago, close a
nine year's pastorate October 1, 1887, since which date no pastor has
been secured. MR. BLACKBURN is now in charge of a church at Lowell,
Massachusetts. W. G. BRIMSON is Sunday school superintendent. L.W.
BROWN is clerk of the church. Current expenses,about $2,500 a year.
Value of church property, about $100,000.