CHAPTER 05 ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE METHODISM IN CINCINNATI

CHAPTER 5 ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE METHODISM IN CINCINNATI

Though Methodism is evidently a pioneer religion, admirably adapted in its economy to the early settlements of the country, and is generally found far enough in advance of all other religious denominations, yet, as it regards the early settlement of Cincinnati, the Presbyterian Church takes precedence. This may be accounted for by the fact that the original proprietors of the town were Presbyterians. In laying out the town they appropriated the south half of the square bounded by Main and Walnut, Fourth and Fifth streets, for the use of said society. In the autumn of 1790 the Rev. James Kemper organized a Presbyterian society, and the congregations met regularly every Sabbath on this square, under the shade of the trees with which it was covered, to listen to the word of God. After a few years on this spot the society erected a stout frame building, forty feet by thirty in dimensions. It was inclosed with clapboards, but neither lathed, plastered, nor ceiled. The floor was made of boat plank, laid loosely on sleepers. The seats were constructed of the same material, supported by blocks of wood. They were, of course, without backs; and here our forefather pioneers worshipped, with their trusty rifles between their knees. On one side of the house a breastwork of unplaned cherry boards was constructed, which was styled the pulpit, behind which the preacher stood on a piece of boat plank, supported by two blocks of wood. In 1792 the Presbytery of Transylvania was held in this church, and it was the first ecclesiastical body ever held in the place. No other Church was organized in Cincinnati till seven years after the organization of the Presbyterian Church. The next Church was probably the Baptist, which was organized in the town of Columbia, about six miles above Cincinnati, and now forming the eastern suburb. We have seen a sketch of the old house as it stood a few years ago, and as it stands yet, for aught we know, with its clapboards falling off; windows broken, and dilapidated walls and chimney. Here the Baptist denomination, in early times, gathered together, from all parts of the Miami Valley and the adjoining state of Kentucky, to listen to the word of life and witness the celebration of their beloved ordinance in the waters of their western Jordan. For days their solemn associations have been held on this spot; and though the old sanctuary has gone to decay, and the adjoining grove has given place to streets and squares, occupied with dwelling-houses, still it is a green and sunny spot in the memory of every Baptist of the olden time. In the year 1798 the Rev. John Kobler, a Methodist preacher, and one of the early pioneers, visited Fort Washington. He quaintly describes his first visit to the town of Cincinnati. We are indebted to the Western Historical Society for this description, as it is a reply to said Society in regard to the question, "When and by whom was the first class formed at Fort Washington?" "Without giving any information in regard to the point from which he started, he says, "I rode down the Miami river thirty-six miles to explore this region of country. I found settlements very sparse indeed, only now and then a solitary family. About four o’clock in the afternoon I came to an old garrison called Fort Washington, situated on the bank of the big river, [Ohio,] which bore very much the appearance of a declining, time-stricken, God-forsaken place. Here are a few log buildings extra of the fortress, and a few families residing together, with a small printing-office just put in operation, and a small store, opened by a gentleman named Snodgrass.

This, I was told, was the great place of rendezvous of olden time for the Federal troops when going to war with the Indians. Here, alas! General St. Clair made his last encampment with his troops before he met his lamentable defeat; here I wished very much to preach, but could find no opening or reception of any kind whatever. I left the old garrison to pursue my enterprise, with a full intention to visit it again, and make another effort with them on my next round; but this I did not do for the following reasons; namely, when I had gone a second round on my appointment, and further explored the settlements and circumstances of the country, there were some places where the opening prospects appeared much more promising than what I had seen in Fort Washington; and I was eager to take every advantage of time and things, by collecting what fruit was already apparent, by forming societies and building up those already formed; so that in a few rounds I had nearly lost sight of old Fort Washington, and finally concluded that it would be most proper for me, under existing circumstances, at least for the present, to omit it altogether; so that in this statement I am sorry to say it is not in my power to lay before the honorable Historical Society that information for which they have inquired with so much solicitude, When and by whom was the first class formed at Fort Washington? The immediate successors of Kobler, the Revs. Lewis Hunt and Elisha Bowman, did venture to visit the old Fort and preach occasionally; with what success; however, history does not inform us, and no living man can tell. But these were not the only Methodist sermons that were preached at Fort Washington in that early day by wandering itinerants, who ventured to lift up their voice to the inhabitants. It was visited by a man who is still living, and sits by my side in his parlor, on Longworth Street, who preached in the court-house as presiding elder of the district in 1804, and preached in the house of Mr. Newcome, a Methodist, on Sycamore street, but a short time after the society was formed. This it will be seen that fifty-six years ago there were no Methodists known in Cincinnati, though our Presbyterian brethren had a congregation and a place of worship. Cincinnati was then a country village, contained a few hundred inhabitants, and they of that class which usually congregate around military encampments. Those who were in any way interested on the subject of religion would not, in consequence of belonging to the Presbyterian or Baptist Churches — both of which were strongly Calvinistic — be likely to invite a Methodist preacher to come into their midst, especially in those early times. At that time the name of Methodist was not known in the place, though the sequel will show that shortly after there were some residing within the limits of the town who were not only sympathetically inclined to Methodism, but had been members of the Church elsewhere. An opportunity was soon after afforded to develop the Methodist element that slumbered in the heterogeneous mass of which the society at Fort Washington was composed.

Away up on the East Fork of the little Miami, in the wilderness, there lived a young and sprightly farmer. His place of residence, or, rather, the neighborhood, had proven a genial soil for Methodism; and here it took root and flourished like the vines and cedars of Lebanon. Here was a stronghold for Methodism; and from this point as a center went out Methodist influence over the land. Here were congregated together, at quarterly and campmeeting occasions, the thousands of our Methodist Israel scattered abroad. On the occasion of these holy convocations many a young and zealous member of the Church was called to exercise his gifts as an exhorter, while many an exhorter has, on the ground of gifts, grace, and usefulness, been raised to the more exalted and responsible station of a local preacher. The young farmer of whom we have made mention was a local preacher of more than ordinary talents. It became necessary for Mr. Collins for that was his name — to visit Cincinnati, for the purpose of purchasing some salt. Being in the store of Mr. Carter, he asked that gentleman if there were any Methodists in the place. To this the storekeeper responded, "Yes, sir; I am a Methodist." The local preacher was taken by surprise at the joyful intelligence, and, throwing his arms around his neck, he wept. He then asked him if there were any more Methodists in the place. The response to this was equally full of joyous intelligence "O yes, brother, there are several." This caused the heart of the sympathetic Collins to leap for joy. "O," said the zealous young preacher, "that I could have them all together, that I might open to them my heart!" "In this you shall be gratified, my brother, as I will open my house, and call together the people, if you will preach." The upper room of brother Carter’s house was fitted up by the introduction of temporary benches, while every effort possible was made to give the appointment an extensive circulation. What was the astonishment of all when night came to find that here were only twelve persons present! It seemed that Methodism could neither awaken opposition nor contempt. At other times and places it has been regarded either as a stern and stubborn error that must be put down by fair and lusty argument, or when in the event reason failed, and it must be plied with ridicule, it has been called "the wildest vagary that ever sickened the imagination of a fool;" but the first sermon that was preached in Cincinnati by a Methodist preacher became neither the butt of reason nor of ridicule.

One of that number was our beloved and lamented sister Dennison, the daughter of brother Carter, at whose house the first sermon was preached. She recollected distinctly the meeting and all the incidents connected with it, and related to the writer of this many interesting facts a short time previous to her death. Though she was then but quite young, she was a professor of religion, and was with the little band assembled in that upper room on Front-street, between Walnut and Vine. She realized the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come. It was a memorable time for Methodism in Cincinnati. It was as the planting of a handful of corn on the tops of the mountains, the increasing and ever-multiplying products of which were to shake with the fruitage of Lebanon. It was the first time the Gospel, unfettered by decrees, sounded its clear notes in this then rising village. A small class was formed, which constituted the nucleus of the church, as the few houses scattered here and there constituted the nucleus of a mighty city — the Queen City of the West. The formation of that first Methodist society was the introduction of a new element — not as it was in the old country, to rouse the stagnant forms of religion, and stir them into life, but the introduction of an element into a new and active state of society, growing up under the cold and stereotyped forms of a religion from which all animal feeling was excluded, thus destined to rouse or control, and adapting itself, without changing its principles, to all the phases of social life. The young preacher being greatly refreshed by the interview he had with the Methodists of Cincinnati, returned home; and some short time after he was regularly admitted into the traveling connection, and for many long years of hard service in the itinerant field he proved himself one of the most eloquent, talented, and successful ministers of the Gospel the west has ever known. Were it not that a biography of this distinguished and eloquent divine has already been written, and that by a gifted pen, we would feel constrained to record some touching, unwritten incidents of his life. The next sermon preached to this infant Church was in a house on Main-street, between first and second streets. The preacher was the Rev. John Sale, at that time traveling on the Miami circuit. This sermon however, was preached under different circumstances from the first, and the congregation was increased to thirty or forty persons. After preaching a proposition was made to organize a society in the usual way, and according to the Discipline of the Church. Accordingly, a chapter was read from the Bible; then followed singing, prayer, and the reading of the General Rules of the society. All then, who felt desirous of becoming members of the society, and were willing to abide by the General Rules as they had been read, came forward and gave in their names. The number who came forward on that occasion was only eight, consisting of the following; namely, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, their son and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Gibson, and Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair. Mr. Gibson was appointed the leader. A regular Church being organized, arrangements were made to have preaching regularly every two weeks by the circuit preachers. The society received an accession in the ensuing spring by the arrival in town of two Methodist families; namely, these of Messrs. Richardson, and Lyons, and subsequently by the arrival of Messrs. Nelson and Hall, and their families. This little band of Christians were closely attached to each other, and were one in opinion, sentiment and action. The cords of brotherly-love bound them together so strongly, and the natural amenities growing out of their relationship to each other as Methodists were such, that no spirit of discord was ever allowed to break in upon the harmony of their society, or for a moment interrupt the even tenor of its joyous way. With Christian charity they bore each other’s burdens, and with Christian zeal and fidelity they watched over each other for good. Each one seemed to be the insurer of the other’s reputation, and felt himself as responsible for his upright character as though he was his special guardian: hence, every thing that indicated, in the slightest degree, a departure from the path of holy rectitude, would at once awaken the liveliest apprehensions and interest on the part of the rest. If any one of the members was absent from class meetings, they were immediately inquired after, and as much care and solicitude manifested as if it had been the unexpected absence of some member of a family. This mutual interest in the spiritual welfare of each member of the Church was what constituted the true secret of the early character of Methodism; and the great success which marked its progress in every country where it has been established, is to be attributed more to the recognition of this wholesome, social regulation than to any other peculiarity of doctrine or Church government.

Meetings were held in the little old log school-house below the hill, and not far from the old Fort. The location of this school-house was such as to accommodate the villagers; and as its site was somewhere not far from the intersection of Lawrence and Congress streets, it is presumed that this portion of the town was the most thickly inhabited. Sometimes the rowdies would stone the house; and on one occasion Ezekiel Hall, a zealous Methodist, and one who always was present to lead the singing, was taken by the rowdies, after meeting, and carried to his home on Main-street, where, after giving him three hearty cheers for his zeal and fortitude, they left him. The rioters were followed by two very strong young men, who were members of the Church, and had determined, at all hazards, to protect their feeble brother. The young men were Benjamin Stewart, now living near Carthage in this county, and Robert Richardson, now living on Broadway in this city. Mr. Hall was the father of our late postmaster, and his wife is still living, an estimable member of the Methodist Church. The first love-feast ever held by the Methodists in Cincinnati, was during a quarterly meeting in 1805. It was held in the court-house. There being no permanent place for holding meetings, and the society being greatly annoyed by many changes, it was at length resolved that efforts should be made to build a church, that Methodism might not only have a name but a local habitation. Accordingly, a lot was procured between Sycamore and Broadway, on Fifth street. This was a large lot, and the rear part of it was appropriated, like that in the rear of the Presbyterian Church, for a cemetery — a very injudicious arrangement; but no one at that time would, for a moment, have entertained the idea that the crowding, pressing, teeming thousands of the city would make such encroachments as have been made upon the resting places of the dead. The idea of burial in the city, whether judicious or not, is not so much the question as the fact, the broad, staring, standing fact, of man’s avariciousness, and the disposition to appropriate to his interest even what belongs to the dead. The society having procured the lot, commenced, in the year 1805, to erect a stone church. This church was finished and dedicated to the worship of God the following year. From this point the society increased rapidly, and it was not long till the native eloquence of the backwoods preachers and the zeal of the membership attracted large congregations, and the church was too small to hold the crowds that collected there to hear the word of life. The building, however, was but small, only being about twenty feet wide and forty long. To accommodate the increasing masses who crowded to the "Old Stone," the rear end was taken out and twenty feet of brick added to it. Notwithstanding this enlargement, still there was not a sufficient room, and it was resolved to make arrangements for other enlargements. It was concluded to take out the sides of the brick part and extend the building out each way twenty feet, thus giving the church the form of a cross. After some time this last improvement was made; and though the congregations still continued gradually to increase with the ever-increasing population, yet it was many years before any movement was contemplated to meet these wants. At length, however, it was resolved to tear down and build on the site of the Old Stone a mammoth church, which would not only be the parent Methodist church in Cincinnati, but which would be sufficiently large for all occasions.

Colonies had already gone out from the old parent church, and had located preaching-places in several parts of the city. One of these was located on the corner of Plum and Fourth streets. Here the brethren erected a plain, substantial brick church, which, in process of time, was called the "Old Brick," to distinguish it from the "Old Stone;" and it was also designated by a certain class as "Brimstone Corner." This was doubtless in allusion to the fact, that here the sinner was visited with the terrors of the law, and Sinai’s thunders were made to play upon his guilty ears. The Methodist preachers of those days preached the law as well as the Gospel, and they aimed, in every discourse, to give to saint and sinner their portion in due season, even if, in doing so, they should violate the unity of the subject. Indeed, it mattered but little what were the subjects selected, they usually had enough of repentance, and faith, and earnest invitation to Christ in their sermons to save a soul. Another charge was formed in the northern portion of the city, which was called Asbury, and also one in Fulton, denominated McKendree Chapel. The time had at length come for the erection of a large central church, and the arrangements being made, the "Old Stone," with its brick appendages, was torn down, and from its ruins rose a mighty structure, denominated Wesley Chapel. It was dedicated in 1831; at that time the largest church in the place, and at the present time capable of holding a larger congregation than any building in the city. On account of its capacity as well as its location in the very heart of the city, it is selected on all great occasions. The address of the Hon. John Quincy Adams, on the occasion of laying the corner-stone of the Astronomical Observatory, was delivered here. Here the various large benevolent societies hold their anniversaries. It was here to listening thousands the eloquent Bascom delivered his lectures on the evidences of Christianity; and it was in this old cradle of Methodism the logical and earnest Rice delivered his course on the subject of Romanism. Here the Wesleyan Female College holds its Commencements, and annually crowds every seat, and aisle, and avenue, and gallery with eager listening thousands. But the time would fail to tell of all the associations that have met and mingled in old Wesley. Many have been the joyous shouts that have echoed from its venerable walls, and many have been the seasons of refreshing here enjoyed by God’s people during the years of its existence. Here the General conference has held its session, the Parent Missionary Society and the Sunday School Union their anniversaries; and here the tribes of our Israel may repair from the east and the west, the north and the south, in all time to come. The "Old Brick," of which we have already spoken, was built in 1822; but after several years, during which it became a place of hallowed memories, on account of the numerous conversions which had been witnessed at its altars, it was necessary to enlarge the borders of our western Zion in this place, and hence preparations were made to erect a new church. In the mean time, however, a colony had gone out from Fourth-street and had built a fine church edifice on Ninth-street. Instead of tearing down and rebuilding, it was determined to purchase a lot on Western Row, between Fourth and Fifth streets. Here the congregation built a very neat and commodious church, which was denominated "Morris Chapel," in honor of our beloved western Bishop. No congregation in the city has enjoyed more uninterrupted prosperity than this enterprising charge. Its leading members are men of energy and activity; and whatever good work their hands find to do, they do it with all their might. The Sabbath school and missionary causes have claimed their undivided and earnest attention; and, perhaps, no charge in our whole connection more vigorously or systematically engages in carrying out all the benevolent enterprises of the Church. The Sabbath school connected with this charge sent out, several years ago, a missionary to Germany, from whom regular communications were received, from year to year, which were read to the school, and had a great tendency to foster and increase the missionary spirit among the teachers and scholars of the school. For the present it is engaged in supporting missionary among the Waldenses, under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Coke, of the French conferences. But Methodist enterprise did not stop here. Asbury Chapel, in the northern part of the city, was consumed by fire, but the zealous brotherhood erected near its ruin a new and handsome edifice. Colonies from Morris Chapel and Ninth Street went out, having among their number some of the most zealous and efficient of their membership, and founded Christie Chapel, and Salem, York street, and Park-Street Chapels, all having now energetic and active memberships; and last, not least, in that direction, from these, in their turn, as formed Clinton-Street Chapel, a young but vigorous branch of Methodism. In the mean time Bethel Chapel as founded by colony from old Wesley and McKendree, and the trustees are now engaged in erecting a new and beautiful church on Ellen-street. Nor do we stop here; colonies from the different charges have founded societies and erected churches on Walnut Hills, the Mears neighborhood, and Mount Auburn.

We must not omit to mention, in our short sketch of the Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Union Chapel, the only pewed Methodist church in the city. It was originally composed of a few members of different charges, who, preferring family sittings to the old mode of separate sitting, associated together and purchased Grace church, on Seventh-street, formerly belonging to the Episcopalians. They asked for recognition by the authorities of the church, and for a pastor to supply them with preaching; and this being denied them they employed a local preacher, organized a Sabbath school, and set up a provisional government. They continued to make application for recognition, from time to time, to the bishops and the annual conference, but were denied, on the ground that it was contrary to Discipline, though it was urged that the same rights and privileges were enjoyed by numerous Methodist Churches elsewhere. Their case was finally submitted to the General conference, and that body struck out of the Discipline all portions pertaining to the advisory regulation, "let the men and women sit apart, without exception, in all our churches." So soon as this action was had Union Chapel was recognized, and a preacher sent to organize the congregation into a regular society. This Church has gone on gradually increasing in numbers and prosperity. The trustees have enlarged and remodeled their house of worship, and it now presents one of the most chaste and beautiful Gothic fronts in the city. Its interior is also elaborately and beautifully finished. The society deserves all praise for the enterprise manifested, not only in securing a church which is an honor to Methodism in the city, but for the zeal which it has shown in the Sabbath school and missionary cause; having, according to the showing of the Society of Religious Inquiry, the largest Sabbath school in the city, and having pledged itself to sustain a missionary to Rome, whenever the way shall be opened by the grant of a toleration from the Pope equivalent to that so liberally enjoyed by his subjects in this country.

While we speak thus of Union Chapel, we would not pass in silence other charges. They have all done well and deserve praise. We have already spoken of "Morris," and we might say the same of Ninth-Street, Bethel, Asbury, Christie, and Park-Street, and the sister charges, and, indeed, we doubt whether any denomination in the city, in proportion to ability, has done more than the Methodist Church in supporting the various benevolent institutions of the day. If we despise any body, it is the croaker who is ceaselessly howling about the Church having lost her primitive simplicity, and power, and influence in the world. We believe this day, under God, she is doing more for the conversion of the world than she ever did; and while there is quite as much zeal as was manifested in olden time, there is a thousand-fold more liberality. We have every thing to say favorably of Methodism in Cincinnati; and though she has not made that advancement she should have made, and might have made, yet she has far outstripped, in this respect, all other Protestant denominations, and those, too, who occupied all the ground before her.

We are not yet done with Methodism in Cincinnati. There are other Churches bearing the name which, though not exactly under the same ecclesiastical government, are, nevertheless, branches from the old stock, vigorous and healthy, and partaking of the nature and fatness of the root from whence they sprang. The Protestant Methodist Church, on Sixth-street, is a large, intelligent, and enterprising society, supporting one or two mission Churches in the city. The Methodist Episcopal Church South has also a large and flourishing congregation. This society is composed of some who were originally the staunchest friends of the old Church — intelligent, benevolent, and enterprising, and ready for every good word and work; and though we exceedingly regret the occasion which prompted them to a separate organization, still we look upon them as members of the family, having one grand patronymic, and we shall ever hold them as brethren beloved. God forbid that the time should ever come when we shall be so cramped by a heedless and heartless bigotry, destitute alike of thought and feeling, that we can see no good beyond our narrow domicile, and have no emotions of brotherly kindness for those of another fold.

There is another interesting item connected with the history of Methodism in Cincinnati which, although we have not yet alluded to it, constitutes, if we judge correctly, the crowning glory of Methodism in the city, if not in the entire west. The establishment of a mission to the German population in our midst, among the thousands of infidel Rationalists and semi-infidel Roman Catholics from Germany, was the beginning of an enterprise which has been attended with the most grand and glorious results. As commenced Methodism in Cincinnati, in an upper room, with but twelve hearers, fifty years ago, so commenced the German mission eighteen years ago, in the upper room of a shanty in a dark alley. The preacher was a professor of Greek and oriental literature, from the halls of Tubingen, a fellow-student of the infidel Strauss; but who, in the wilds of the west, among the Methodists, found salvation in the name of Jesus and leaving his professor’s chair, in the halls of Kenyon, went out the called of God to preach the Gospel of salvation to his dying fellow-countrymen. Though, like his divine Mater, he came to his own, and his own received him not, but persecuted him, and cast out his name as evil, he still persisted, and with a zeal and perseverance characteristic of the German, when once convinced that he is right, he labored on, and God blessed the word to the awakening and conversion of his countrymen. The mission from time to time received reinforcements from the number of the converted, and one after another, as time progressed, God called the Germans into the field. One of the early converts, who was a learned infidel, became a bright and shining light, and carried the Gospel from Cincinnati to his brethren in Missouri, where multitudes were converted; and that same minister is now at the head of a successful mission in Germany.

Others went every-where preaching the word, as the disciples went out from Jerusalem; and first in the large cities, then in the villages and country places of the west and south, wherever there were Germans, these messengers carried the glad tidings of salvation. Nor did the mission stop in the west; it went back to the east and the large cities and towns, as far as Boston; had missionaries sent to them, and societies were organized all over the land from Maine to Louisiana. From this mere handful of corn what a mighty harvest has already been gathered! In Cincinnati there are four churches, some quite large; and in almost every large town where there are Germans, churches have been erected. No mission was ever established since the day of Pentecost that has been attended with greater success There are now in the United States and Germany upward of one hundred ministers, and twelve thousand members — a larger number of ministers and members than was embraced in the entire West fifty years ago. In connection with the operations of the German Church, through the indefatigable labors of Doctor Nast, a German Methodist literature has been gotten up, consisting of translations of standard works on theology, Christian experience, biography, etc.; and the Doctor is now employed in writing a Commentary on the Bible, adapted to Methodist theology, for the use of the ministry and membership. For many years the Doctor has been editor of the Christliche Apologete, which has a large circulation. Doctor Jacoby, of Bremen, also edits and publishes a religion sheet in that city. But as we propose only a sketch — a mere outline, we must close. The next thing of a denominational character to which we invite attention, as serving to show the enterprise of Methodism in Cincinnati, is the establishment of a female college. In the fall of 1840 Doctor Elliott gave an account of his travels in the east, in the Advocate, in which he called the attention of the Church to the importance of female education, and continued to urge the subject till the year 1842, when, at his suggestion, a meeting was called for the purpose of devising ways and means for establishing a female collegiate institute. The following are the official proceedings of the meetings held on the subject.

"At a special meeting of the preachers of Cincinnati, held in the editors’ office of the Western Christian Advocate, May 4th, 1842, the following persons were present: L. L. Hamline, C. Elliott, J. L. Grover, G. C. Crum, W. H. Lawder, A. Miller, W. Nast, T. Harrison, L. Swormstedt, J. P. Kilbreth, and W. Herr. The meeting was organized by calling L. L. Hamline to the chair, and appointing W. Herr Secretary. At the request of the Chair the object of the meeting was explained by C. Elliott; namely, to consult on the expediency of taking measures to establish in this city a female institute of the highest possible grade. The following resolutions were presented and adopted.

"Resolved, That in the opinion of the meeting it is deemed advisable to call a public meeting to consider the practicability of establishing in Cincinnati a female institute.

"Resolved, That a committee, consisting of Messrs. Elliott, Hamline, Herr, Kilbreth, Wright, Grover, Crum, Lawder, Miller, Neff; H. Decamp, Thomas, Williams, and Nast, report a plan of the institute to be laid before the general meeting.

"On motion, it was agreed that the committee on the plan meet on next Wednesday, at 4 o’clock, P. M., at the editors’ office.

"On motion, the meeting adjourned.

"L. L. HAMLINE, Chairman. "W. HERR, secretary. "May 11, 1842.

"The committee on the plan met pursuant to adjournment: present, S. Williams, C. Elliott, J. L. Grover, T. Harrison, and W. Herr.

"S. Williams was called to the chair. The report of the committee was called for, which being read by C. Elliott, Chairman, was unanimously adopted.

"Resolved, That W. Herr and J. L. Grover be a committee to fix on the time and place for a public meeting, in order to submit the plan of a female institute in Cincinnati, and give due notice of the same.

"There being no further business, on motion the committee adjourned.

"S. Williams, Chairman. "W. Herr, Secretary.

"Pursuant to public notice given, a meeting was held in Wesley Chapel, May 20th, 1842, in order to consult on the practicability of establishing in Cincinnati a female collegiate institute. L. Swormstedt was called to the chair, and W. Herr was appointed Secretary. After prayer, C. Elliott, Chairman of the committee, appointed in the primary meeting to report on the subject of a female institution, presented the following plan, detailing the general principles of the institute:

"At a meeting of the undersigned persons, held May 11, 1842, the following proceedings were had:

"Whereas, There is great need for improvement in the system of female education, as it respects the extent and accuracy of the course; and whereas, the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cincinnati, both need and are able to maintain a female literary institute of the first order, of the following description, with such other marks of excellency as time, experience, and circumstances will point out; it is, therefore, important that such be established as soon as possible.

"The contemplated institution should embrace all the branches of female education, from the highest to the lowest, to such a degree as not to be exceeded, if possible, by any similar institution in the whole world.

"It should comprehend the following departments: 1. The common English department, embracing all those branches comprised in a thorough course of primary instruction.

"2. The collegiate department, which should comprise a good collegiate course of instruction adapted particularly for females.

"3. The Normal department, in which pupils will be prepared to become efficient teachers for schools of every grade, particularly the common schools and female academies.

"4. The department of extras, in which those various branches, not necessary for all, yet useful for some, should be taught.

"The following branches, in connection with such others as are connected with a thorough course of instruction, should be taught:

"Reading; Writing; Arithmetic; Geography; History; Grammar; Rhetoric; Logic; Book-Keeping; Needle-Work in all its branches; Drawing and Painting; Music, vocal and instrumental; Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Astronomy; the Natural Science; embracing Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, Geology, Chemistry; Languages, as English, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, German, French, etc.; Mental Philosophy; Moral Philosophy; Biblical Studies, such as the Chronology, History, Geography, Antiquities, Evidence; etc., of Christianity. Other branches, not mentioned, will be arranged with the foregoing, in systematic order, so as to form a most complete course when put together.

"The following are some of the general principles, or characters, which should designate the institution:

"It should be a Methodist institution to all intents and purposes, so that the principles of Christianity, as taught by the Methodist Episcopal Church, would be constantly inculcated; and a full course of sound biblical instruction should be learned by all; and all Methodist children should, without exception, go through this course thoroughly, in view of their becoming good Sabbath school teachers after they leave the institution, and as far as their services are needed while they continue in it. Yet children whose parents do not approve it, need not commit our catechisms, nor receive our peculiar views; but they must conform to our mode of worship and general regulations.

"The ornamental branches, as Music, Painting, etc., will be pursued in reference to utility and the practical purposes of life; and in accordance with just but enlightened views of the pure religion of Christ.

It will be desirable that the institution should furnish all the aid in its power toward the education of poor female children and girls, both for their individual benefit, and the good of the public, in preparing them to be efficient teachers.

"A boarding-house would be necessary for the purpose of accommodating those pupils who would come from a distance; while the children of the citizens would be taught both as day scholars, and as pursuing any one branch of study taught in the institution, yet under proper and salutary regulations.

"The city of Cincinnati possesses peculiar advantages for such an institution. By the public conveyances centering or touching here, the intercourse from any point is easy. The advantages of city institutions would be esteemed by many. Important aids could be derived from literary gentlemen in filling up some of the professorships.

It might be sufficient public endowment to furnish the necessary, buildings and literary apparatus, leaving the tuition to support the teachers, if possible; except that room be left to make provision for poor female children and girls.

"The undersigned believe that the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cincinnati need such an institution, both for the literary and religious improvement of their children. It is also confidently believed that they are abundantly able to undergo the expense both of tuition, building, and apparatus. And though the present times are unfavorable in reference to the erection of buildings, the remedy to this would be to rent for the present, and afterward to purchase a lot and build at a time more favorable for procuring funds than the present.

"Entertaining the views stated above, we whose names are annexed, deem it advisable to call a meeting of the members and friends of our Church, for the purpose of examining the subject more thoroughly, in such way as they may think proper, for the purpose of adopting immediate measures toward the speedy and complete establishment of a high female literary institute.

Charles Elliott, Wm. H. Lawder, L. L. Hamline, Adam Miller, Wm. Herr, Wm. Neff, J. P. Kilbreth, Harvey Decamp, J. F. Wright, N. W. Thomas, J. L. Grover, S. Williams, G. C. Crum, W. Nast. Cincinnati; May 11, 1842.

"Whereupon it was moved that the report just read be adopted.

"On motion a committee of twenty-three was appointed, with instructions to proceed forthwith to establish, as soon as practicable, an institution according to the plan. The following persons composed the committee: Bishop Morris, Chairman; J. L. Grover, W. Neff; J. Lawrence, Wesley Chapel charge; W. Herr, J. G. Rust, H. Decamp, Fourth-street do.; G. C. Crum, W. Woodruff; A. Riddle, Ninth-street do.; W. H. Lawder, S. Williams, G. W. Townley, Asbury do.; M. G. Perkiser, Burton Hazen, Mr. Litherberry, Fulton do.; W. H. Raper, J. F. Wright, L. Swormstedt, C. Elliott, L. L. Hamline, W. Nast, and A. Miller.

"It was moved that the proceedings of the several meetings, properly signed, be forwarded for publication in the Western Christian Advocate.

"On motion, the meeting adjourned with benediction.

"L. Swormstedt, Chairman. "W. Herr, Secretary." A house was rented on Ninth-street, from Mr. Woodruff; for the beginning of the school; but being found too small, the committee the following year procured the large and beautiful residence of Mr. John Reeves, on Seventh-street, for the rent of which ten brethren became individually responsible. In a short time the committee, through Dr. Elliott, procured the services of the Rev. P. B. Wilber and lady, from Virginia, and the Institute was commenced under favorable auspices. In November, of the same year, the committee published the course of study in the Preparatory and Collegiate Departments, embracing a thorough literary and classical course, requiring six years to complete it. The next month the Advocate announced the names of the Board of Instruction, as follows: Rev. P. B. Wilber, Principal; Mrs. C. Wilber, Governess; Miss Mary De Forest, Assistant; Miss Emeline Tompkins, Assistant in the Primary Department; W. Nixon, Professor of Music. A building had been erected on the grounds of the Reeves mansion for the accommodation of the pupils, and the school was represented as in a flourishing condition. In the month of February, 1843, it was announced, through the columns of the Advocate, that the second session of the Institute would commence in the new and elegant college building, on Seventh-street, with a large increase of students. The following spring session was opened with a still greater accession of pupils; and during the preceding winter the Legislature of Ohio granted an act of incorporation, conferring all the powers and privileges necessary for an institution of the highest grade. To the faculty were added two additional assistants; namely, Miss Stagg and Miss Harmon. Arrangements were also made for procuring a philosophical and chemical apparatus. At the close of the session lengthy and highly commendatory articles, relating to the examination of the classes, appeared in the Cincinnati Gazette and Cincinnati Chronicle. The next session commenced with still an increase of boarding and day scholars, and at its close the number amounted to one hundred and fifty. The Cincinnati Chronicle contained the reports of the several Examining Committees, consisting of E. P. Langdon, A. N. Riddle, S. Lewis, W. Green, O. M. Mitchell, S. Williams, J. Stille, R. S. Foster, S. A. Latta, J. P. Kilbreth, S. Morrison, and Thomas Biggs, all of whom expressed their entire satisfaction of the thoroughness of the young ladies in their respective studies. At the same time a letter appeared from the pen of Professor Merrick, commending the Institute to the patronage of the public. The Commencement exercises of 1845 constituted a brilliant era in the history of the institution. They were held in the Ninth-Street Methodist Episcopal Church, which was crowded in every part. B. Storer, Esq., delivered an eloquent address before the Young Ladies’ Lyceum, after which the graduates read their compositions, and received their degrees as Mistresses of English and Classical Literature. The plan of the original proprietors was now no longer an experiment, and the Female College from this point started out on its high and glorious career. The boarding-house and college edifice, notwithstanding enlargements had been made, being inadequate to accommodate the numerous pupils that flocked to the institution from various parts of the country, it was resolved by the Board to purchase the large mansion owned by Henry Starr, Esq., on Vine-street. This property extended from Vine to College-street, and the grounds around it being large and tastefully ornamented, it was considered the most desirable location in the city. The purchase was in due time made, and a large college edifice erected on College-street sufficient to accommodate five hundred pupils. From year to year the college has sent out scores of graduates to all parts of the country; and the numbers enrolled on the catalogue have gradually increased, till now there are nearly five hundred. Large as are the preparations which were made to accommodate the pupils, yet during the past year the Board found it necessary to put up an additional building, and to purchase additional grounds. Under the superintendence of Mr. Wilber and his lady, the institution, from the beginning, has gone on prospering, and its patronage is greater than all other institutions of a similar character in the city combined. From a small school, with two or three teachers, the Wesleyan College has now nearly five hundred pupils, and nineteen teachers in the various departments of study.

It may not be improper to notice in this connection the Wesleyan Cemetery, located on an eligible and beautiful tract of ground, about four miles from the city, up the Millcreek Valley. The old cemetery in the city, belonging to the Church, having been filled, or nearly so, with the remains of the dead, it was not only deemed advisable, but necessary, to seek a burial-place elsewhere.

Accordingly, the selection above alluded to was made; and in the year 1842 the ground was laid out and dedicated to the purposes for which it was designed — a peaceful resting-place for the dead. Many tasteful improvements have been made on this rural spot since it was laid out into burial-lots. In the center, on an elevation, which commands a fine view, is the Cemetery vault, surrounded by a circular, graveled carriage-way, with roads leading in every direction through the grounds. The numerous monuments, family-vaults, and inclosures of this Cemetery present a fine appearance; and when we gaze upon these quiet and beautiful resting-places the grave is robbed of half its terrors. To have a lot in this city of the dead, removed from the din and strife of business, and the avaricious hand of man, which would even invade the sacred precincts of the grave itself to gratify its lust for gain, is a pleasant reflection. Here affection and friendship in quietude may drop their tears and plant their flowers over the graves of their beloved. To show the reader the improvements which have been made on the grounds, as well as those which are contemplated, we subjoin an extract from the report of the Directors of the Cemetery, recently presented. It is as fellows:

"The carriage-ways have been, wherever practicable, widened from being only twelve to twenty feet, and well graded and graveled. The grounds have been cleared of weeds and bushes, and smoothed, so as to show a neat, pleasant, grassy surface. At the rear, in the western part of the grounds, a romantic grove of natural growth, of stately beeches, overshadows some secluded dells. Through these dells wind well-graded and, where necessary, paved roads, inviting to pensive walks. A new preachers’ lot, thirty-two feet square, has been beautifully located, and is to be well inclosed and adorned. Trees and shrubbery have been set along the ways, and it is intended to have and keep all the foot-walks of the Cemetery well graded and sodded, and skirted with shrubs and flowers. A provision has been made to have a nursery at the ground, for a variety of trees and shrubbery and flowering plants, to readily supply persons using the Cemetery for interment. This is done by leasing an acre, to the right of the main entrance, for such purpose, and under contract to furnish such supply. A new, two-story brick sexton’s house has been erected, and is now occupied, at the left of the main entrance. This house is built in a rural style, which has so pleased the eye that at least one model of it has been already taken for imitation.

It is also in negotiation to have a new brick Methodist Episcopal chapel erected, at the right of the nursery before mentioned, on low ground rather unfit for interments, one hundred feet in front, by one hundred and fifty feet deep from the center of the turnpike, or highway, to be exchanged for the present high grounds of the chapel, of very good quality for interments, and from which there is an extensive and beautiful landscape view, at the northwest corner of the Cemetery tract. A committee is appointed to examine the project of such exchange, and, if feasible, effect it. It is also intended further to grade and smooth the Cemetery tract, and to set and cultivate entirely around it a hedge of Osage orange; and, in fine, completely to improve and embellish the grounds, as much as the best taste and the funds of the Directors will admit."