OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - Religion on the Island [Part 2] *********************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Darlene E. Kelley http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00026.html#0006374 May 6, 1999 *********************************************** Historical Collections of Ohio The Kelley Family Book compiled by Hermon Alfred Kelley 1897 And Then They Went West by Darlene E. Kelley 1998 *********************************************** In 1862 a Protestant Sunday School was organized by some of the ladies who were spending the summer at the Island House. It was originally intended for the benefit of their own children. This was immediately recognized by many of the islanders as a step in the right direction and they sent their own children to it. When the visitors left, their places were filled by island people and the school was continued. It was formally organized in 1863 with a set of officers and teachers. M.K. Holbrook was chosen to be the Superintendant of the " Union Sunday School" as it was called. He held this position until 1868, when he was ordained and installed pastor of the Congregational Church. Mr.George P. Bristol succeeding him as Superintendant and continued as Superintendant with on short intermission until a short time before his death in1910 The next church to be organized was the German Reformed Congregation in 1865. They began at once quarrying stone on their own property on Division Street.and erected a stone church which was dedicated in 1867. This congregatin was served in the order named by Rev. Kness, Rev. Merchikens, Rev. J.G. Kuhl, Rev W. Renter and Rev. Wm. Friebolin and others. A few English speaking Protestants who were earnest Christains , formed a little group and pledged themselves for a sum large enough to justify them in asking the Rev. Robert McCune to consider it and to come to the island and minister to their spiritual needs. He accepted the call, actuated no doubt by a true Missionary spirit. During the Civil War Rev.McCune had been the Army Chaplain at Johnson's Island and had visited Kelley's Island on many occasions to preach to the people and to officiate at marriages and funrals. He began preaching on September 10th, 1865. He met with much sucess, that before six months had elapsed, steps were taken to organize a church. This was a unique church. It was undenominational and because there were many divergent views on religious subjects, it was formed on the broadest kind of a basis as will be seen from the curiously worded report of the meeting which is as follows; " A meeting was held at Kelley's Hall in the evening of Monday Feburary 26th,1866 of those friendly to the organization of a christian church on protestant or evangelical Platform. A large number being in attedance, Rev.R. McCune presiding and M.K. Holbrook acting as secretary. A Doctrinal basis and Convent, with rules and regulations were presented by the chairman. A free and full discussion was had, in which a general desire was expressed for a church so constituted, as to embrace all Evangelical believers on the island. The subject was referred to a committee consisting of Rev. R. McCune, Messrs.Julius Kelley. M.K. Holbrook, A. Cameron,L.Titus, L.Beattie and F. Gehrkens. On Wedesday Feb.28th,1866 the church meeting which was adjourned and on Monday evening, met at the Hall again. The Committee preseted a preamble setting forth the objects desired by the organization, announcing the Liberty of each member to maintain involate his individual convictions on Ecclesiatical polity, or minor questions of Theology, and the purpose of the new organization, while maintaining an independant position,to fraternize and co-operate with all Christians in every good work. This report was unanimously accepted. The name of the church is to be " The Union Evangelical Church." The church was formally organized on March 4th, 1866 with the following officers; Pastor--Rev. Robert McCune; Lay assistants, M.K.Holbrook and Julius Kelley; Treasurer, Andrew Cameron; Secretary,George P. Bristol. It is not known how the election was made, but it could not have been by popular vote of its members, for they were admitted after the organization had been accomplished, if the report in the Islander is correct. Local news items by Wm Hamilton, Junior Editor Islander, Vol 6, No. 11; Sunday, March 4,1866, the people assembled at the Hall as usual for public worship. After the reular service, it was announced tha a new church entitled the Union Evanelical Church of Kelley's Island, O., had been duly established. Thirty-five persns were admitted to membership, eight of whom were baptized in accordance with the ordinances of the church. Many on the island had never before witnessed the celebration of the solemn rites performed on such occasions, and the effect was a very marked on the unaccustomed spectators. The entire ceremony was very impressive and cannot fail to make the day one that will long be remembered by the Island people. The establishment of the first English Protestant church invests it with a solemn interest that demands more than passing notice. Such an event in the History of the Island will show to future generations that we are not behind other nationalities in our zeal for the promotion of the Protestant religion. What record could leave no posterity that will shine with equal luster or clothe with more dignity the memory of the present generation? Future generations will trace this page and their hearts will glow with purer emotions as they learn that morality and piety found root and sap among their ancestors on this island spot. It has always been the boast of the American people that, unlike all other nations, they were the descendants of an enlightened and pious race. Then let us aim to leave undying institutions behind us that will awaken that reverence to our memory that has always been paid to our Puritan ancestry. This makes a new epoch in the religious history of the island and one hailed with joy by all interested in the promotion of religion." There were three religious organizations on the island , One Catholic, one German Reformed, and one Union Independant at this time.