CHAPTER IX

PASTORATE OF REV. BENJAMIN MITCHELL, D.D.

1829-1876

We come now to the noteworthy administration of Rev. Benjamin Mitchell, D.D., who rendered an active and faithful service, as Pastor and Preacher, for 47 years, from 1829 to 1876; and thereafter as Pastor Emeritus until his death on December 26, 1884. We say "Pastor and Preacher" advisedly for Dr. Mitchell had a deep human interest in and sympathy for human kind, so necessary to strong pastoral relationships; but he was also a preacher of power on the order of Dwight L. Moody; and so over his long pastorate grew to fame far beyond the boundaries of his parish, and won a deep affection in the hearts of his people.

Benjamin Mitchell, who came to be the second Minister in charge of the Short Creek Congregation, was born in Chanceford, York County, Pennsylvania, in or near the parish of the Old Slate Ridge Presbyterian Church, on November 25, 1800, the son of Major Joseph Mitchell and his wife, Mary Mitchell, of the same name but not otherwise related. The family of children comprised a daughter, Elizabeth, and four sons, George, David, Joseph and Benjamin. Major Joseph Mitchell the father was a farmer by occupation. During the War of the American Revolution he was pressed into his country's service with his team and remained with the Army until the end of the War. Major Joseph Mitchell was of Scotch Irish descent but the best information available indicates that he was born in the United States -the Mitchell family having come to this country very early. He was a Covenanter in faith and strict in discipline. Major Joseph Mitchell's wife, Mary, died when Benjamin was three years old (1803) and Major Mitchell himself died when Benjamin was eleven years old (1811). Whereupon the care of the family fell upon the daughter and sister, Elizabeth; and the after lives of her brothers are her "imperishable monument."

Thrown on his own resources, Benjamin worked for $2.50 per month, but by diligence was able to obtain some elementary education; and when sixteen years old (1816) began teaching a subscription school. Early he found a friend in General _________Colvin, through whose influence his subscription school (at ______  ) increased until he was able to earn $25. to $30. per month. While thus engaged he "boarded", a part of the time at least, with Mr. John Theaker, father of George M. Theaker, and grandfather of James G. Theaker, all of whom, in succession, were subsequently Ruling Elders in the Short Creek Congregation or the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church.

When nineteen years of age (1819) he united with the Slate Ridge Presbyterian Church, York County, Penna. His brother, David, and George M. Theaker then about 23 years old, united with the same Church at the same time.

Mr. Mitchell pursued his academic studies under Prof. ______ Dinsmore, in the "classical" school conducted in York County by Rev. Samuel Martin, D.D.; and his theological studies under this same Dr. Martin, a very able teacher and preacher, of whom Dr. Charles Hodge spoke highly.

On April 26, 1826, at Peach Bottom, York County, Penna., Mr. Mitchell married Miss Ann Alexander Dinsmore, believed to have been a daughter of Professor Dinsmore. The officiating clergyman was Dr. Samuel Martin of Peach Bottom.

Mr. Mitchell was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Castle (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania) on October 24, 1828; and came to Ohio "in the fall of the same year", with his wife and two children, Catherine Ann ("Kate") who was later the wife of Col. Joseph Thoburn, and Mary Rosanna who in due time married Rev. D. L. Dickey. The party also included Mrs. Nelson Theaker who was probably a sister-in-law of George M. Theaker. There were of course no railroads at that time so that the journey from York County had to be made by wagon or horse back or on foot. In all probability they followed approximately the Indian Trail route of the Old National Road, now U. S. Route 40, into Wheeling, this being. a way west favored by many early settlers from Delaware, Maryland, and the southern counties of Pennsylvania. The distance from York County, Penna., to the Ohio River at Wheeling is about 300 miles and assuming an average of 20 miles per day and resting every Sabbath the trip would consume nearly three weeks. We infer that the family brought with them at least some household gear since all later developments confirm that the move was intended to be permanent.

The party crossed the Ohio River from Wheeling and first put foot on Ohio soil at Martins Ferry spending the night with George M. Theaker at the "old house", between where Mr. Theaker lived in 1879 and "the top of the hill going south". From a study of various corroborations we conclude that the party followed the Martins Ferry - Mt. Pleasant road, later known as the Plank Road and now Route 647, and that George M. Theaker's "old house" was the brick house probably built by George M. Theaker but now abandoned for some years, located at the extreme westerly end of Scotch Ridge and perhaps one hundred yards west of the north and south road leading from Heburn's stone blacksmith shop on Little Short Creek south to a junction with present Route 647. This north and south road also has been abandoned now for many years but the old brick house in a cove of the hill may be reached by a half mile long private lane from the Riddle farmhouse on Route 647. In this old brick house at a later period lived John Porter Mitchell and his wife Elizabeth (Bess) Milner, and family before removing to Springfield, Mo.

Mr. Mitchell and family first "set up housekeeping" on the John Mitchell farm on Scotch Ridge. This is sometimes referred to as the "Clark Mitchell" farm and is the same as now owned by Earl Finney. How long they lived here is not indicated except that if they "set up housekeeping", they would certainly remain at least one year. The family next moved to a location "on the same ground of George M. Teakei s present (1879) house" where they lived for three years. This location we believe to have been where James G. Theaker, a son of George M. Theaker, subsequently lived before removing to Mt. Pleasant Village, and where it is indicated George M. Theaker still lived in 1879 (he died in 1880). The frame house stood on a high terrace to the left of the road (Route 647) going south just beyond the hamlet known as "Morning View" and just this side of the junction with the hill road to Colerain.

Mr. Mitchell then acquired the farm where Oliver Bracken Cleaver and family now reside; on the ridge plateau over looking the valley of Little Short Creek and reached by the road leading south out of East Street for perhaps a mile from Mt. Pleasant Village. To this home Mr. Mitchell gave the poetic name of "Pleasant Retreat". We approximate that the family settled there in 1833 or 1834, and there is definite record that Samuel Martin Mitchell, a son, was born at Pleasant Retreat in 1836.

Shortly before Dr. Mitchell's retirement from active pastoral service on June 6, 1876, or at least some time after 1871, the family removed to the Amos G. Kinsey property in Mt. Pleasant Village, lots Nos 133 and 135 at the -southeast corner of Union and Uniting Streets, where the Manse now is. Here he sat on the porch or under the linden trees in front, with kindly greetings for the passers by and here he died on December 26, 1884.

Mr. Mitchell preached his first sermon to the Short Creek Congregation in Mt. Pleasant on the "second Sabbath" of June, 1829, in the brick Meeting House of the Associate (Seceder) Congregation, at the east end of the Village where the Seceder Cemetery now identifies the spot. His text was "Why stand ye here all the day idle?", from Matthew 20 - 6. Rev. Joseph Clokey was pastor of the Seceder Church at that time. The Congregation (Short Creek) was so well pleased that a "Subscription Article" dated August 4, 1829, was circulated and signed by 72 individuals for a total of $187.50, of which $27. was considered "doubtful". Shortly thereafter a formal call was placed in his hands from Short Creek and Bloomfield to the north dividing his time equally at each place. Short Creek gave him $165. per year, and Bloomfield $150., one half cash and one half in "produce".

However, Mr. Mitchell was not actually in charge of these two congregations until December 2, 1829. As of much historic interest we quote freely from the official minutes of the Presbytery of Steubenville to which both Congregations then belonged.

October 7, 1829. The Presbytery meeting at Nottingham this date records that Rev. Joseph Anderson "asked leave to itinerate throughout our bounds for four months previous to our next regular meeting which was granted".

Tuesday, December 1, 1829. Presbytery met at Bloomfield. Rev. Joseph Anderson was recorded as absent; but Ruling Elder Adam Dunlap installed in 1808 was present representing the Short Creek Congregation. Adam Dunlap was probably the seniour Ruling Elder of the Short Creek Congregation at this time.

Mr. Benjamin Mitchel (note spelling) a licentiate presented a dismissal from the Presbytery of New Castle and was received under care of this Presbytery.

Calls being presented to Presbytery from the Congregations of Short Creek and Bloomfield, each for one half of the ministerial labors of Mr. Benjamin Mitchel, were read and then put in the hands of Mr. Mitchel for consideration of these calls, Mr. Mitchel signified his acceptance.

Resolved that Presbytery will proceed to hear the exercises of Mr. Mitchel and if the way be open to ordain and install him pastor of the Churches of Short Creek and Bloomfield on tomorrow. The Rev. Mr. (James) Robertson was appointed to preach on the accasion and the Rev. Mr. (John) Rea to preside and give the charge. There was assigned Romans 3:24 to Mr. Mitchel as the subject of a discourse in trials for ordination.

Mr. Mitchel was then examined on his ex, perimental acquaintance with religion, on the languages and sciences, natural and moral, on theology and the sacraments, on ecclesiastical history, and church government, and his answers were sustained as parts of trial. In the evening Mr. Mitchel also delivered a discourse on the subject assigned him, which was sustained.

Wednesday, December 2, 1829. Bloomfield. The Presbytery having taken all the preparatory steps in relation to the ordination of Mr. Mitchell that are required in such cases; being well satisfied of the willingness of the Congregations of Bloomfield and Short Creek to receive him as their pastor; and he having adopted the Confession of Faith of this Church, and having satisfactorily answered the questions appointed to be put to candidates for ordination, did by prayer and the laying on of the hands of Presbytery, set apart Benjamin Mitchell to the whole (holy) work of the ministry, and did ordain and install him pastor of the Congregations of Short Creek and Bloomfield. The Rev. James Robertson preached on the occasion and the Rev. John Rea presided and gave the charge.

Thus was initiated Mr. Mitchell's long and useful career in this community extending from 1829 for 47 years to his retirement from active service on June 6, 1876; altho he continued as Pastor Emeritus for 8 years longer until his death on December 2&, 1884.

We do not have any official figures on the membe;ship of either the Short Creek Congregation or Bloomfield in 1829. However, the "Subscription Article" dated August 4, 1829 and circulated prior to the call from Short Creek for Mr. Mitchell's "labours", listed 72 names and totaled $187.50. We think we may assume accurately that this list represented the very active and interested group, and, therefore, that total "communicants" would have been 100 or more. In 1834 a total of 142 communicants was reported to Presbytery for the Short Creek Congregation.

At a meeting of the Presbytery of 'Steubenville in Cadiz, Ohio, April 2, 1834, Mr. Mitchell asked for a dissolution of his pastoral relations with Bloomfield, and after hearing his reasons together with a statement from the Commissioners from Bloomfield, Presbytery granted the request and the relations were dissolved.

At the same meeting the Congregation at Rock Hill applied for Mr. Mitchell's services as Stated Supply for one half of his time until the next meeting of Presbytery which was also granted.

At the adjourned meeting of Presbytery the next day, Mr. Mitchell reported a financial settlement in full with Short Creek, and "about $40." due him from Bloomfield as of October 1833.

On October 8, 1834, Presbytery in session at Nottingham recorded that a call was presented from the Congregation at Rock Hill for the "ministerial labors" of Mr. Mitchell for one half of his time; which after being read was put in his hands and he declared his acceptance thereof. On the "2nd Tuesday" of January, 1835, at 10:00 o'clock A. M., Rev.. Benjamin Mitchell was installled pastor of Rock Hill. Rev. Mr. Beatty preached on that occasion. Rev. Joseph Smith presided and gave the charge. Salary paid by Rock Hill not stated. This pastoral relationship jointly with Mt. Pleasant continued happily and successfully for nearly 24 years until 1858 when Rock Hill asked for all of Mr. Mitchell's time but Mt. Pleasant would not let him go and thereafter he served Mt. Pleasant full time until June 6, 1876, when after repeated requests from him, because of failing health, his resignation from active duty was finally accepted. However the Congregation continued him as Pastor Emeritus until his death on December 26, 1884, in the 85th year of his age, mourned by a great host of friends and relatives.

During the 47 years of his active ministry Dr. Mitchell delivered about 3000 sermons, received into church membership 537; baptized 567 persons of whom 436 were infants, and performed a large number of marriages of which we have only fragmentary record. The narrative also says that at Dr. Mitchell's death in 1884 eight ministers and ten Presbyterian Congregations occupied the territory that was Dr. Mitchell's parish alone in 1829. But the importance and effectiveness of Dr. Mitchell's life is not expressed in statistics significant as they are but in the sincerity and warm human personality which gave him leadership and commanded the respect and love of all privileged to know him.

Rev. Benjamin Mitchell and Ann Dinsmore Mitchell, his first wife, married April 26, 1826, had six children, three girls and three boys, as follows:

I. Catherine Ann Mitchell ("Aunt Kate") born January 9, 1827, at Peach Bottom, York County, Penna., was married by her father at Pleasant Retreat, on December 13, 1853, to Joseph Thoburn then a practicing physician in Wheeling, W. Va., and who in the Civil War became locally famed as a Colonel and brave soldier who was killed in the course of that conflict. Aunt Kate died at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, on _______

II. Mary Rosanna Mitchell, born at Peach Bottom, York County, Penna., November 26, 1828. Married at Pleasant Retreat by her father on October 24, 1865 to Rev. D. L. Dickey of Beaver, Penna. Mary R. Mitchell Dickey died February 28, 1904, at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio

III. Joseph Addison Mitchell, born September 1, 1830, "in Belmont County, Ohio". Married on June 1859, by Rev. Henry R. Weed, D.D., to Kate Brickmaster of Wheeling, W. Va. Joseph Addison Mitchell died January 13, 1860, at San Antonio, Texas.

IV. Andrew Dinsmore Mitchell, born "in Belmont County, Ohio" on March 25, 1833. Married May 23, 1866, "at the home of the Brides parents" Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, to Elizabeth Ann Kithcart, presumably by his father, Rev. Benj. Mitchell. Andrew Dinsmore Mitchell died at Pleasant Retreat on January 4, 1867.

V. Samuel Martin Mitchell, born at Pleasant Retreat, September 4, 1836, and died single at Wheeling, W. Va., August 16, 1857.

VI. Eliza Jane Clark Mitchell, born at Pleasant Retreat, August 7, 1838; married by her father on September 4, 1866 in the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church to David Brainard Updegraff then or later a minister of the Society of Friends. This is recorded as "the first wedding held in that Church". Eliza Mitchell Updegraff died July 3, 1900.

A volume, instead of a chapter, would be required to do full biographical justice, to Dr. Mitchell's rich life and many works, but within the scope of this narrative we may only highlight his character and accomplishments.

The parish over which Dr. Mitchell presided originally and for over 25 years thereafter, was 20 miles long and 8 to 10 miles wide. The physical task of serving this large area; with unimproved roads and chiefly by horseback is not easily visualized in these modern days of hard surface highways and rapid transportation by automobile and bus service; but the difficulties of the pioneer days were more than matched by the courage and determination of the pioneer people whose ministers practically to a man set the example and led the way with a vision and leadership worthy of the best traditions of the race.

In the first place Mr. Mitchell brought a new impetus to the Short Creek Congregation in many directions just as each pastor before and since has contributed out of different talents. For one thing he began to inaugurate records so that the first minutes of a Session meeting are dated April 30, 1831. For the more primitive period of Rev. Joseph Anderson's pastorate and particularly since after 1813 he had only the relationship of a Stated Supply to the Short Creek Congregation, no records are available to this writing other than fragmentary mention in minutes of the Presbytery of Ohio and the Presbytery of Steubenville.

Perhaps no better general, picture of Dr. Mitchell's life and times is available than that given by Rev. Duncan Chambers Milner, D.D., then pastor First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan, Kansas, on the occasion of a memorial service held in Mt. Pleasant, September 7, 1888, at which time the beautiful stained glass Memorial Window in Dr. Mitchell's honor was dedicated, and the final report received from the Committee, T. M. McConahey and Lafie C. Reid, appointed by the Session to prepare and have published the "Memoir of Rev. Benj. Mitchell, D.D." We paraphrase Dr. Milnei s address in part:

" * * * When Dr. Mitchell began his ministry here, Ohio was a young State with a sparse population, no great cities and much of its surface still to be cleared of great forests. * * * It was a "western" State then and a large part of the vast empire west of the Mississippi was hardly recognized as settled country - much of it but partly explored. During his pastorate the great territory of the southwest, from Texas to California, was added to United States possessions, and Alaska acquired in the far north. During his residence here came the Mexican War and later the Civil War with its bitter tensions and social disruptions. * * * Nor should we forget that the first printed newspaper devoted to the abolition of slavery in the United States was published by the Quaker saddler, Benjamin Lundy. * * * We doubt if any other half century in world history is crowded with a larger number of wonderful events * * * a record of discovery, invention, and unexampled material progress. The steam railway locomotive came in the east in the first year of Dr. Mitchell's ministry. * * * Later applications of the wondrous power of electricity were yet hardly even in the dreams of inventors. * * * The telegraph and ocean cables were yet to come. * * * The era of labor saving machinery in manufacture and agriculture as well has been developed during this period. * * * A large part of the world has been explored and more is now known of Central Africa than of Kansas and Colorado in 1829 * * * .

* * * But while we mention progress in material things we do well to note -also the great advances that pertain to the higher development of mankind * * * progress in education, philanthropy and reform. Much has been done to mitigate the horrors of war and to improve the arts of peace.

Great questions are now settled by arbitration rather than through the conflicts of force. * * * Men are studying as never before the right relations of men to each other and never was the brotherhood of man so widely recognized as today * * *. One of the most marked developments of this 19th Century has been the revival of the zeal of the Church especially in missionary effort. *** Missionaries have been translating the Bible into many languages and have carried schools and colleges and civilization into the dark places of the earth.

At the General Assembly of 1838 held in -____-Dr. Mitchell was a delegate and voted for the organization of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. Organized effort on behalf of temperance began near the time Mr. Mitchell took charge of the Short Creek Congregation. He identified himself early in favor of total abstinence. It was then common not only for church members but for ministers also to use liquor as a beverage.

* * * There seems a propriety in mentioning these events in the history of our time in connection with the life of the venerated Dr. Mitchell. * * * Among the men who did much to stamp upon this community its moral character none stands higher than that of Dr. Mitchell. For more than half a century lie led an unblemished life. * * * He was pre-eminently a man of peace. * * * had a truly catholic spirit free from the bitterness of sectarianism * * * truly loyal to his denomination yet loved Christians of every name and gladly joined with other churches in service and services. * * * His voice in song and story was melodious with rich Scotch accent. His sympathy and human kindness and sincerity appealed to the emotions as well as to reason. He was trusted and beloved.

Such was the manner of man who served his community as an outstanding religious leader from 1829 to 1876.

Some of the more important highlights of his busy career may be listed chronologically. From 1829 to 1839 he was a member of the Presbytery of Steubenville; thereafter a member of the Presbytery of St. Clairsville.

1834

Present church site at the northwest corner of Union Street and High Street purchased from Adam Dunlap and his wife Catherine.
Name changed from the Presbyterian Congregation of Short Creek to "The First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio".
Pastoral relations with Bloomfield dissolved and call accepted from the Congregation at Rock Hill for one half of his time.
First brick church building erected in Mi. Pleasant at this time on present site; or possibly a year or two before.

1835

Rev. Benj. Mitchell appointed alternate delegate to General Assembly at _________

1836

On April 3, Presbytery meeting at St. Clairsville, Rev. Mr. Mitchell was appointed alternate delegate to the General Assembly held that year at _________

1837

Elected Commissioner to the General Assembly held in Philadelphia, Penna., and voted for the action that led to the division into "Old School" and "New School" groups.

1838

Meeting at Morristown, Ohio, on April 3, Rev. Benj. Mitchell was appointed to visit the Crab Apple Church in connection with a division there and to "make peace between the factions".
Meeting at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, October 2, 1838, Presbytery appointed Mr. Mitchell member of a committee to organize a church at Wheeling Valley.

1839

The Presbytery of Steubenville in session at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, on October 2, 1838, agreed to petition the Synod of Pittsburgh to set off a new Presbytery to be called the Presbytery of St. Clairsville.
On the "first Tuesday" of January, 1839, the initial meeting of the new Presbytery was held at St. Clairsville. Dr. John Rea of the Beech Spring (Harrison County) Church was elected Moderator and Rev. Benj. Mitchell, Stated Clerk in which' capacity he served for many years.

1840

The first contribution to Foreign Missions by the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant was $23,00.

1841

On March 31, First Presbyterian Church, Martins Ferry, Ohio, organized with 16 charter members of which 9 were from the Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant, including Joseph Blackford, a Ruling Elder, installed at Mt. Pleasant in 1839.

1842

On June 5, 1842, Ann Alexander Dinsmore Mitchell died at Pleasant Retreat near Mt. Pleasant, Ohio.

1844

Union Sunday School organized by Methodists, Friends, and Presbyterians.

1845

Married Elizabeth Huston on April 9, 1845.

1855

Original brick church rebuilt.

1857

Charge at Rock Hill relinquished and full time thereafter given the Mi. Pleasant Church.
Samuel Martin Mitchell a son died August 16, 1857.

1859

The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity bestowed this year by institutions of higher learning, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Penna., and Franklin College, Athens, Ohio.

1860

Joseph Addison Mitchell, a son, died Jan. 13, 1860.

1866

First marriage solemnized in the Church on September 4, uniting Eliza Jane Clark Mitchell, youngest daughter of Benj. Mitchell, and David Brainard Updegraff, the service conducted by her father.

1867

Andrew Dinsmore Mitchell, a son, died January 4, 1867.

1868

Presbyterian Sunday School organized, chiefly sponsored by A. J. Alexander of Scotch Ridge, a young physician and minister.

1869

Present but not a delegate at General Assembly in Pittsburgh, Penna., when the "Old School" and "New School" groups were reunited.
Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church organized August 10, 1869.
First organ in the church purchased and installed at a cost of $273.

1870

The Presbyterian Church of Farmington organized by a Committee of Presbytery on June 13, 1870, at which time Archibald Major a Ruling Elder in the Mt. Pleasant Church was invited and "acted with" said committee. Five persons are listed as having transferred their letters from the Mt. Pleasant Church to Farmington at this time.

1875

The use of fermented wine in the Communion Service was discontinued in this year.

1876

On June 6, active pastoral relations dissolved with the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant but continued as Pastor Emeritas.

1877

Rev. S. W. Pringle ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Pleasant.

Dr. Benj. Mitchell died at his home in Mi. Pleasant on December 26, 1884, after an illness of four days. Burial was on Monday, December 29 at 11:00 A. M. A mournful procession began at his late residence and- proceeded to the Church headed by Ruling Elders of Mt. Pleasant, Rock Hill, and Martins Ferry. Then the pall bearers followed by the family, relatives and friends, a numerous company, crowding the Church with a sympathetic throng. The pall bearers were O. M. Bracken, William Williams, W. S. Kithcart, David Buchanan, John W. Harbourt, Robert Chambers, Oliver Flanner, William Bowles, William Harrison, and John Ong. The order of service follows:

I. Organ and singing "Shall We Meet Beyond the River"'.
2. Prayer, Rev. J. H. Gray, Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church.
3. Scripture Reading, Rev. E. F. Walker, First Presbyterian Church, Martins Ferry, Ohio.
4. Singing of the 23rd Psalm.
5. Principal Address, Rev. Robert Alexander, D. D. First Presbyterian Church, St. Clairsville, Ohio, whom Dr. Mitchell had baptised in infancy, later received into church membership; and still later when licensed, "spoke the words that gave him that authority".
6. Remarks by Rev.  Milford, New Athens, Ohio; Rev. John B. Graham
New Lisbon, Ohio, an "old and beloved family friend" for 52 years; Rev. J. H. Gray, Mi. Pleasant Methodist Church; Milton Petit and Caroline Talbott, Friends Church, Mt. Pleasant.
7. Closing Prayer, Rev. John B. Graham.
10. Hymn "I Would Not Live Always".

Perhaps the simple faith and trust that characterized Dr. Mitchell is best expressed in thee familiar lines he repeated in his still musical voice just before his death

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray thee Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my sould to take
And this I ask for Jesus sake.

Perhaps the most powerful force in his long and useful life was his emphasis on a common purpose in Christian relationships. "Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity", Psalm 133, was truly inscribed on the stained glass window - - as warm and beautiful as his life --- given in his memory and dedicated September 7, 1888; a message in glowing light that beamed info the minds and hearts of the Congregation for nearly fifty years until the Church and window were destroyed by fire on March 3, 1937.