CHAPTER XVI
MARION'S RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT
Methodist Episcopal Churches-Free Baptist Church--First Presbyterian Church-Christian Churches-Lutheran. and Reformed Churches-Church. of the United Brethren in Christ-St. Mary's Catholic Church-St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church-Calvary Church of the Evangelical Association-Baptist Church-First Church of Christ, Scientist-Young Men's Christian Association.
In the early days of the church in Ohio all of the preaching was done by missionaries and circuit riders. These two classes included many odd characters and numberless are the good stories told of them, and though a great many of these itinerant preachers were "called" for no obvious reason except their great earnestness, which, supplied to a degree the education and address which many of them lacked, yet it can not lie denied that many were possessed of learning and wisdom and of real worth and greatness.
The church societies have been the social centers of our county. This was even more the case before the days of lodges. Usually the church preceded the school. Often the church building was used for school and more often schoolhouse served in the double capacity. To speak of all the church communities in this county would demand more space than the size of this work would permit.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
In April, 1820, the first Methodist class was formed in Marion County, six miles south of Marion at Jacob Idleman's It consisted of Jacob Idleman and wife, and Christian Staley, his wife, two sons and two daughters. The class was formed by a local preacher by the name of Steward who was their minister until1822. The class received regular circuit preaching from Rev. Bacon, the preacher in charge of the Delaware circuit. He was succeeded by Rev. Roe, who continued in charge until 1824, when Rev. Erastus Felton was appointed to the circuit
In 1823 the society built a church on Idleman's farm. This was the first church in the county. It was built of hewed logs, with clapboard roof, and rough benches for Seats.
It was during Mr. Felton's pastorate. in 1825, that a class was organized in Marion byJohn Ashbaugh and wife, Benjamin Williams, his Wife and two daughters, Sara Hillman and Henry Peters. These were joined soon after by Thomas J. Anderson and wife, Andrew Kinear and family, Harvey Clark and Horace Strong. At the conference in 1825 Rev. James Gilruth was sent to the Delaware circuit and the. following year, when the Marion circuit was formed, was sent to the new circuit. Marion was a large one embracing Marion, Bucyrus, Little Sandusky, Wyandot, Rayl's
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Corners and Judge Idleman's. Mr. Gilruth was followed by Rev. A. M. Loraine. The preaching services were held at first in the old brick schoolhouse on Prospect street.
In 1831 the Methodists began to build their first "Meeting-House." It was a one-story building, 24 by 36 feet in dimensions, with three windows on each side, and stood near the entrance to the Old Marion Cemeterv. It was completed in 1834, and was used for a place of worship for 10 years. It was crudely furnished with seats without backs.
During the winter of 1842-43, Rev. Henry E. Pilcher, who was in charge of the Marion circuit, held a protracted meeting which resulted in the conversion of many of the most prominent citizens. Among the number was James H. Godman. The consequent increase in the membership caused a movement for larger quarters. The lot at the northwest corner of State and Railroad streets was purchased and in 1845 the Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church was completed in time for the session of the annual conference of that year. It was a two-story, stone structure 45 by 68 feet, with audience room above and lecture room below. This church afterwards became the first permanent home of the Catholic congregation; the Huber shops were at first located in it; and it still stands as a monument to the enterprise and devotion of that early generation.
Marion became a station in 1843, with Rev. Henry E. Pilcher as the first minister, followed by Dr. G. W. Howe.
When the B. & I. Railroad was built, it soon became apparent that a new place of worship would be necessary on account of the noise from passing trains. A lot was bought at the southeast corner of Center and State streets and on it was built the large, two-story, brick building known as "Wesley Chapel."' It was completed in 1854 under the leadership of Rev. Joseph. F. Kennedy.
Epworth M. E. Church.-The church grew and prospered in Wesley Chapel. Owing to the growth of the city and business surroundings, after 35 years the church decided to move. to a more suitable location. The last service was held in Wesley Chapel, March 30, 1890. Then the City Hall was used until the spring of 1891, when the congregation met in the basement of Epworth Church, then being finished. Epworth is one of the largest and best arranged churches in Central Ohio. It cost about $50,000. Rev. Richard Wallace was pastor at the time of its construction. The notes for the debt incurred in its building were burned at a celebration held by the congregation, June 5, 1899, it being the 74th anniversary of the church in this city. At this celebration George E. Lawrence read an interesting historical paper on Methodism in Marion, from which the foregoing sketch is taken.
In 1882 there were 317 members in this church, and now the total membership is more than 1,200. Rev. D. H. Bailey is the pastor and Miss Laura M. Bateman. deaconess.
Wesley M. E. Church.--The rapid growth of the city westward led the Methodists to organize a mission in West Marion in 1899. For two years services were held in the first floor, east room, of the Leader House on West Center street. A lot at the southwest corner of Olney avenue and Center street was donated to this mission by the late Edward Huber, and such was the enterprise of the citizens of West Marion that Wesley Church was dedicated May 2, 1901. It is now the only church edifice west of Orchard, street. Its pastor is Rev. C. E. Rowley.
The German M. E. Church on the southwest corner of Church and Prospect streets stands on the site of Duncan's Brewery. The society was organized in 1845. Dr. J. Kindler was the first pastor and the meetings were held for a time in the Court House. Later the services were held in the basement of Wesley Chapel until 1868, when their present church was commenced under the pastorship of Rev. J. Fleiner. It was completed in 1869 under Rev. Charles Nochtrieb, at a cost of $9,000. The pioneer members were J. H. Sauer and, wife, and Peter and John Schweinfurth. The present pastor is Rev. C. E. Buerkle.
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FREE BAPTIST CHURCH.
This was the first church organized in Marion. The event took place in 1824 in the brick schoolhouse on Prospect street. The first members were Hezekiah Gorton, a Mrs. Higgins, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Alvin and Betsey Priest, John and Betsey Tompkins and a few others. Revs. D. Dudley, S. Bradford, A. Hatch and J. Wallace served the church until 1837, when Rev. George W. Baker became pastor. He was a son of Eber Baker. He first professed religion in 1827, and for several years before his ordination was an exhorter in the church.
In 1841 Rev. Isaac Datson held a revival in the barn of Jacob Ulsh on Mount Vernon avenue. The following year a frame church was built on the southside of Mount Vernon avenue, a short distance west of Summit street. Rev. George W. Baker again took charge in 1850, when the church was moved up town onto lot 367 in Baker's Fourth Addition. The building is now used as a dwelling and is located on the east side of Vine street between Church and Center streets. The brick church on the north side of East Center street was begun in 1865 and dedicated in the fall of 1867, at a cost of $16,ooo. The new church on South Main street was commenced in 1904, and the cornerstone laid Thursday evening, August 17, 1905. It is one of the finest church structures in the city and will cost $50,000 when completed.
The pastors of this church since Rev. George W. Baker's pastorate have been: Revs. Samuel D. Bates, 1851; J. W. Parsons, 1876; Addison Jones, 1879; 0. D. Patch, 1880; Oscar E. Baker, 1881; 0. W. Waldron, 1884; M. C. Miner, 1888; W. P. Hale, 1889; B. F. Zell, 1892; D. B. Martin, 1894; and George E. Barnard, who has served from 1900 to the present time.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The citizens of Marion of the Presbyterian faith for the first few years belonged to the Presbyterian congregations of Delaware, Liberty and Radnor, in Delaware County. The first meeting in Marion was held September 1, 1828, in the old brick schoolhouse on North Prospect street. The ministers present were Rev. Henry Van Deman and Rev. Ahab Jenks. On September 9, 1828, the church was organized with 46 members. The same year a charter was granted the society by the General Assembly of Ohio. The first elders were Joseph Boyd, Shubael W. Knapp and Adam Uncapher. The first communion was held in the grove near the schoolhouse, the building being too small to accommodate the communicants.
The first church building erected by the congregation was a small brick building on the site of the McKinniss wholesale grocery warehouse on Prospect street. It was built in 1834. A windstorm took the roof off in 1849, which by some was interpreted as an act of Providence indicating the need of a larger church. Deacon Thomas Henderson at the time said to. William Bain, "Providence is directing us about a new church; for the roof is blown over to Main street and Captain Hardy's lot.".
Another brick structure was erected in 1849-51 Services were held in the basement until the completion of the auditorium in the spring of 1853
The first action taken looking to the building of the new church was taken November 3, 1890, when a committee of 10 was appointed to select a suitable site. The committee reported to the congregation April 27, 1892, and unanimously recommended the purchase of the lots at the northwest corner of Prospect and Church streets for $8,500. The trustees George Foster, Henry True and John Evans were authorized to name an advisory committee. They appointed Dr. F. W. Thomas, John F. McNeal, Busby P. Sweeney, John Landon, G. E. Salmon, S. E. Barlow, E. Conley and Rev. W. E. Thomas, ex officio. The building committee named was George B. Christian (chairman), T. P.Wallace (treasurer), Henry True (secretary), George H. Kling, F. W. Fish, George Foster and John Evans.
The old church was sold in 1893 and the last services held in it September 30, 1894. It now forms a part of the McKinniss wholesale
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grocery warehouse. The corner-stone of the new church was laid October 17, 1893, with appropriate exercises by Rev. A. D. Hawn, D. D., of Delaware, and Rev. A. A. E. Taylor, D. D., LL. D., moderator of the Synod of Ohio. The financial depression from which the entire country suffered at the time caused interruptions and delays in the completion of the building, so that the first services were not held in the new church until the 7th of October, 1894, and the church was not finaly dedicated until Sunday November :29, 1896.
The pastors of this church from its first organization have been as follows. Revs. Henry Van Deman, 1828-29; E. Barber, 1829-32; Thomas Cratty, 1832-36; John A. Dunlap, 1837-41; Enoch S. Shepherd, 1842-45; Peter R. Vanatta, 1845-47; Bloomfield Wall, 1847-51; 1. N. Shepherd, 1852-57; H. B. Fry, 1858-67; J. H. Pratt, 1869-71; D. D. Waugh, 1872-78; Alexander Sinclair, 1878-81; E. B. Raffensberger, 1881-84; Welling E. Thomas, 1884-1901; Frank Grandstaff, 1901-05; and George M. Rourke, the present incumbent, who began his pastorate in 1905.
CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.
As early as 1830 or 1831, Rev. Harrison Jones, a Christian minister, preached in the Hipsher neighborhood, near Caledonia. The first Christian Church in the county was organized at Letimberville, January 12, 1840, with 16 members. The following year they erected a hewed-log church in Letimberville, which cost $100. Rev. Jackson Dowling organized the society and ministered to the congregation for 14 years.
The Christian Church at Marion was organized at the City Hall in 1876. T. D. Garvin was the first minister. The church of this denomination on North Main street was completed and first used by the congregation, May 23, 1880. It cost $7,000.00.
The following very interesting account of the visits of the founder of this denomination will be of interest in this connection. It is taken from the life of T. J. Anderson by his son, James H. Anderson. It reads:
"The Rev. Alexander Campbell, the distinguished founder of the sect called Campbellites, or Disciples of Christ, sometimes visited a sister, Mrs. Joseph Bryant, who resided on the large stock farm, owned by the family near Marion. On such occasions his friends were always anxious to hear him preach, but there was no Campbellite Church in town. The Methodists, among other Protestant denominations, closed their doors against him. My father always urged the trustees to permit him to occupy the pulpit, but was invariably refused Mr. Campbell was treated as Universalists then were, and as Jews and infidels now are. The Presbyterians,. less bigoted, or more charitable and generous, permitted the great divine to fill the little pulpit in the basement of their church, and my father, accompanied by his family, always went to hear the word expounded."
The original congregation is now known as the First Christian Church, of which Rev. J. H. Beard is pastor.
In November, 1902, a number of influential members of this church left the mother church and held meetings for more than three years in the hall of the Fies-Kling Block. Under the leadership of the late John Owen, a church building was commenced on West Church street in June, 1905, and dedicated April 8, 1906, at a cost of $18,000. The congregation is in a flourishing condition under the present leadership of its pastor, Rev. B. C. Piatt.
LUTHERAN AND REFORMED CHURCHES.
The first Lutheran society in the county was formed in Richland township in 1835. The first meetings were held at private houses, but in 1838 the Lutheran society, with the German Reformed Church, erected a log church on a piece of land donated to them by John Jacoby, Jr., on the farm now owned by C. F. Berringer. The Lutherans continued to worship here for many years.
In 1841 Rev. J. Van Linger came to Marion and preached for the Lutheran and Ger-
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PAGE 212 PICTURES: EPWORTH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH AND CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
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man Reformed societies at the Court House for two years. These two societies, together, in 1843, built the old brick church on lot I, on North State street, which had been dedicated for church purposes by the proprietors of the original plat of Marion. The church is still standing with but slight changes in the exterior appearance. The entrance, which is now at the southwest corner, was at first in the center of the west side. Directly opposite, in the east side, was an exit leading to the cemetery in the rear of the lot. UP to 1883, this church building was used on alternate Sundays by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations.
The Reformed Church. In 1883 the German Reformed Society sold their interest in the old church to the Lutherans for about $450 and secured a lot on South Prospect street, upon which was erected a frame building under the pastorate of Rev. Frederick Schaad. The present brick structure was erected in 1901. Rev. W. A. Settlage has served the congregation since December, 1902.
The German Evangelical Protestant Salem's Church is successor to the Salem German Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was organized May 13, 1850, in the brick church above described. Charles Munzenberg was chairman and C. A. Bodman, clerk of the meeting. There were at first 37 members. About 1879 those of the members who wished part of the services to be held in the English language separated from the mother church and formed the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1883 the old society purchased the interest of the German Reformed Church in the church building. They continued to worship here until 1885, when the Property was disposed of to the, Baptist Church. During the same year the church on East Church street was built. This church has adhered more closely than any other in the city to the language of their fathers. Now, however, services are held both in German and English by the pastor, Rev. J. Reinicke.
Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. About 1870 Rev. Humberger, who lived at Prospect, for the purpose of retaining the young members of the Lutheran Church, organized St. Matthew's English Mission Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1877 Rev. J. J. Sutter became pastor, holding both English and German services in the United Brethren Church on Prospect street. In 1879 the name was changed to the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Those who were prominent in the movement were Philip Retterer, Daniel Yake, John F. Lust, Andrew Leffler, J. J. Schoenlaub, John Gugle, George Schoenlaub and Jacob Retterer. The church building of this society at the corner of Columbia and State streets was completed in 1885, when the name was again changed to the Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. This church was erected under the pastorate of Rev. M. C. Hecht, who also preached at the time at St. John's Lutheran Church in Richland township and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pleasant township. The first regular pastor was Rev. A. L. Nicklas. Its present pastor, Rev. E. F. William Stelhorn, while still a young rnan, has served his congregation for 10 years.
CHURCH OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
The General Conference of 1829 authorized the organization of the Sandusky Annual Conference of this church. About 1830 to 1835 the pioneer ministers of that conference, full of zeal and energy, advanced southward, establishing appointments in private houses, organizing classes in many places, forging their way through the wilderness by bridle-paths, and forming large circuits, one of which extended into Marion County at several points.
In 1837 a small class was organized at the home of John Gruber, two miles east of the village of Marion. Among those prominent in this organization were John Gruber and wife, John Knable and wife, Jacob Ulsh and wife, Rev. George Miller and family, and Rev. Jacob Berger and family. For a time the class worshiped in the home of Mr. Gruber and later in the home of Mr. Knable. About 1848
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they rented a small brick church on North East street (now State street), then occupied by the Lutheran Church, but which is now the property of the regular Baptist Church, but later met at the home of Rev. Jacob Berger, on West (now Prospect) street, south of where the Lincoln school building now stands.
In 1850 the congregation accepted lot 120 in the original plat of Marion, it having been dedicated by the proprietors of the town to the first denomination that should erect a church thereon. In the spring of 1850 a frame church house 52 by 38 feet in dimensions, was commenced under the supervision of Rev. Jacob Berger, and was completed that summer and dedicated in the following August. This building was used, with occasional repairs and remodeling, by this denomination continuously up to the year 1902, when it lacked room to accommodate the growing congregation. It was moved back and a new and commodious building was erected, fronting on Prospect street, at a cost of $7,200. The old and new buildings were both neatly veneered with red brick, covered with a Gothic roof, supplied with cathedral glass windows, and neatlv and artistically frescoed throughout. The church contains a seating capacity of between 500 and 600 people.
The church was rededicated by Bishop W. M. Weekley, D. D., April 29, 1903, and is now occupied by a flourishing congregation of 315 members and a Sunday-school with an enrollment of 370.
The pastors who have served this church have been: Revs. Flack, J. Davis, Alfred Spreckle, Jacob Berger, F. Lindsey, C. Briggs, E. Bell, D. W. Day, J. Hahn, A. Berry, W. Martin, S. Coulter, T. D. Ingle, F. Clymer, C. L. Barlow, Isaac Crouse, D. R. Miller, A. Orr, J. M. Grimm, J. Al. Mills, A. E. Davis, J. A. Weller, Peter Wagner, Dr. S. Barkus, J. Smith, P. Hinton, S. M. Reese, J. L. Hensley, E. Barnard, M. F. Scouten, J. A. Blagg, W. F. Durr, A. Snider, and Loren C. Reed, the present pastor
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
There were few Catholics in Marion prior to 1849. Timothy Fahey, who was among the first to settle here, came in 1847. Father Burgess held the first Catholic service in the village in 1849. At first irregular services were held in the homes of the different Catholics by priests from adjoining towns. The first permanent place of worship was in the old stone building at the northwest corner of State and Railroad streets, which had been built by the Methodists as a place of worship and afterwards was occupied by the Huber shops. A few of the most prominent of the early Catholics were Timothy Fahey, Anthony Flaherty, John Lawrence, Nicholas Lawrence, Conrad Conners, Jeremiah Darmody, John Kelleher, Edmond Dwyer, Thomas Dwyer, Timothy Quinlan, Pierce Keating, Patrick Kelly, James Loudrigan, David Hogan, Patrick Hogan, Thomas Hogan and William Lawrence. These men by their enterprise and perseverance became influential in the community.
After Father Burgess, Father Grogan held services. The first resident pastor was Father McSweeney, who served from 1854 to 1859, when he was relieved by Father Coppinger, who on account of ill health was succeeded by Father Coveney in 1860. These three resident pastors at the same time held services at Bellefontaine. and resided there a part of the time. In 1866 Father Mackey became pastor, giving his entire time to this church. Rev. Peter McMahon came in 1870, Rev. Philip Donoghue in 1871, and Father Quattman in 1875. It was Father Quattman who established the local parochial school. For a few months Rev. William McCarey served the congregation and Rev. James A. Burnes began his long and successful pastorate of more than 16 years. In 1897 he was succeeded by Rev. Michael Mulvihill, who in turn was succeeded by the present respected spiritual advisor, Rev. Joseph Denning.
The land where the new parochial school building now stands, and upon which the old church formerly stood, was donated to, the congregation on September 22, 1853, by Timothy Fahey, who had purchased it from Eber Baker. Work was begun on the church in 1861 and it was dedicated in 1862. It was considered
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a handsome structure. Little did the builders think, however, that in 30 years it would be outgrown by the congregation. But such was the increase in the number of Catholics, that in October, 1891, the new church was begun on North Main street. On October 14, 1895, the handsome structure was dedicated. The church is of the Gothic style of architecture, built of white sandstone, stately and modern in every particular. The interior is richly decorated and furnishes seating capacity for about 700. The cost of the new church was about $75,000. In 1883. the fine rectory adjoining the church was built.
Under Father Denning's care the parish and school have steadily continued to increase in numbers and efficiency and are important factors for good in Marion.
ST. PAUL'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The parish of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized April 25, 1849. The first board of wardens and vestrymen consisted of Eber Baker, Dr. John C. Norton, Sanford S. Bennett, John J. Williams, Peleg Bunker, W. A. Turney and J. Barnhart. The present church edifice was built in 1852-53. In 1905 a substantial and much-needed addition was constructed in the rear of the original edifice. The pastor at the present time is Rev. E. G. Mapes.
CALVARY CHURCH OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION
Was organized and a frame church erected at the southeast corner of Church and High streets in 1883. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. Wengerd, the present brick church, building was completed. It was dedicated Sunday, August 18, 1901, by Rev. S. P. Spring, of Cleveland, editor of the Evangelical Messenger. The congregation Is flourishing under the present pastorate of Rev. C. W. Hensel.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
A few Baptists first met in Marion at the home of Rev. A. J. Wiant, on West Church street, on June 2, 1885. Mr. Wiant was made chairman and Dr. G. T. Harding, secretary of the meeting. The society was not organized, however, until June 29, 1885. The old Lutheran Church on North State street was at first leased, but in 1890 it was purchased for $425. Rev.. J. P. Currin is the pastor.
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST.
The first meeting of this society was held at the home of Henry Hazen on the northeast corner of Church and Sargent streets, October 6, 1895. Rooms were then rented in the Fisher Block on Prospect street and the first public meeting was held on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1896. The following September the society was granted a charter by the State. Having outgrown its quarters the society, in April, 1898, moved to the front room on the third floor of the Farmers' & Mechanics' Bank Building, which was used for regular services and reading room. In the spring of 1903 the entire third floor was rented and occupied, until the society moved into its present quarters in January, 1905: In 1899 the society bought the point and in December, 1904, the remainder of the triangular piece of ground with its base on Baker street and its apex at the intersection of Mount Vernon avenue and Church street. The residence located on the northeast comer was remodeled so that it meets the present requirements of the congregation. The number of members in December, 1906, was 54. Mrs. Mary L. Britton is first reader, and Bertha Schaffner, second reader.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
One of the most popular and practical institutions of Marion is the Young Men's Christian Association, which stands, undenominational and non-sectarian, for applied Christianity. It is a great Christian club, where men and boys mingle and enjoy opportunities for mental, moral and physical betterment. The history of this splendid organization is interesting.
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On the 7th of February, 1891, a small company of men met in the Free Baptist Church forming what was known as the Young Men's Gospel Workers' Union which organization held interesting meetings during that winter, discontinuing during the summer however, only to reorganize with increased strength the following winter. The newly elected officers were: President, W. J. Grills; vice-president, T. H. B. Beale; secretary, Victor Jump; treasurer, H. Meredith.
The Union received an invitation to send delegates to the State convention of the Young Men's Christian Association, which met at Akron that year, which invitation was accepted with the result that the delegates returned so thoroughly enthused with that organization that steps were immediately taken to change the Y. M. G. W. U. into a Y. M. C. A.
Papers as follows were soon in circulation and received the signatures of 60 members of the Union:
"We, the undersigned, hereby. agree to become members of the Marion Branch of the Y. M. C. A. when organized, and, agree to pay $5.00 as dues as long as we shall hold such membership."
The roll soon received 300 names, when the State Y. M. C: A. secretary, L. L. Doggett, was sent for, who came and held some enthusiastic meetings, resulting in a call for a business men's conference at the Court House, April 13, 1892, by which time the list of prospective members had reached 530 names.
At this conference it was decided to organize into a Young Men's Christian Association and a committee was appointed to arrange to rent rooms. However, no rooms were ever rented, for the one man who made the present powerful organization possible, Amos H. Kling, came to the front with the statement that he would donate the ground for a Y. M. C. A. building, on condition that not less than $15,000 be raised in 30 days from the 24th day of April, 1892, for such a building by the citizens of Marion.
The work of securing subscriptions was at once commenced, and on the 25th day of April, 1892, desiring themselves to be a body corporate in accordance with the general corporation laws of the State of Ohio, the following men--Jesse Hunter, D. F. Edwards, J. G. Leffler, J. C. Markert, W. C. Denman, Lewis Gunn, Edward Huber, W. J. Grills, John F. Lust, J. W. Headley, C. E. Buckles, Isaac Shupp and S. H. Keller---signed articles of incorporation and on April 26th the organization was incorporated. The officers elected at the organization were: President, W. J. Grills; vice-president, D. F. Edwards; secretary, E. C. Smith; treasurer, J. G. Leffler.
As with most public buildings, the cost far exceeded the original amount suggested and when this magnificent monument to the enterprise of the citizens of Marion in behalf of its young men, was completed it represented all told $45,000. That $45,000 was never more profitably invested, either, is the unanimous verdict of the people of thriving modern Marion.
Every year from 50,000 to 60,000 people, mostly young men, pass over the spacious mat which has been at the entrance of the building ever since its erection, upon which is imbedded the cordial word "Welcome."