First Marion
Constituted in April, 1849

 

   A branch meeting, established first at Barnes' school house, afterward atMarion, was regularly attended by Elder Thomas Hill, Jr., and later by W.B. and T.B. Lewis. This branch was on the 26th of April, 1849, by delegates from the various churches of the vicinity, Elder John Chambers being presiding officer of the council, Elder J.B. Swincher Clerk.
   The constituent members were S.B. Carpenter, Jane Carpenter, T.B. Lewis, Mahala Lewis, Jeremiah West, Jemima West, Joseph Mosley, Catharine Mosley, Israel West, Lydia West, G.C. Mosley, T.J. Mosley, Elijah Ferrigo, Woodford Barnes, Elizabeth Barnes, D.S. Carpenter, G.W. Carpenter, R.H. Keith and Eliza Keith.

PASTORS.

   Timothy B. Lewis, licentiate--but ordained in August of the same year--was pastor four years, Elder J.B. Swincher was next pastor for two years; T.B. Lewis again, five years, and W.B. Lewis again, five years, and W.B. Lewis something more than two year. This was during the first years of the war, and the church, being in a low state and disheartened, had no pastor for about four years, when she rallied and had the services of George King, licentiate, one year, and Elder John Chambers one year, after which there was again a destitution of three years. During the latter part of this period, Elder Wm. Gillaspy preached for them a few times, and the church was so much revived that Elder Gillaspy was secured as pastor, continuing about five years,  with grand success, the membership being raised from twenty-three to ninety-eight during his first year. It was during his pastorate that the present house was erected. Since then the church has had as pastors Elders W.B. Lewis, one year; Allen Hill, three years; G.W. Thompson, two years, and J.N. Spillman now about three years.

 DEACONS AND CLERKS.

    Woodford Barnes, R.H. Keith, David Smith, Enos Tobias and E.J. Hughes have been the deacons.

    Clerks--Woodford Barnes, Phieas Butler, Daniel Lewis, Caleb Robins, David Smith and E.J. Hughes; Post-office address, Cana, Jennings County, Ind.

 BUILDINGS AND LOCATION.

    A log meeting-house was built in 1850, which in 1873 gave place to the present commodious brick (40X60 feet), neatly finished and furnished. It is the best house in the Association, and is located five miles due west from Commiskey Station, O. & M. Branch Road.  Present nenbership of 105.

Return to Book