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CHAPTER XIX
ERIE COUNTY CHURCHES
In addition 0 to the history of individual churches and denominations
found in this chapter, the index should also be consulted for church
activities in the various townships of the county. Each township chapter
contains reference to early religious influences and organizations.
Sandusky first began to be a place of occasional preaching about the
year 1818, but no house of Avorship was erected and no regular preacher
secured till several years later. The first organization was that of the
Congregational Church, in the spring of 1819; during the next ten years
there was little done by this organization.
The first house exclusively designed for public worship was erected
in 1828, and oecupied by the Methodist brethren. It stood facing Jackson
Street, ...out west from the courthouse.
EARLY METHODISTS
From the memoirs of W. M. GujJIey, who was converted under Wesley,
1787 (written by his son, L. B. Gftrley), we learn that in the year 1811
he emigrated from Norwich, Connecticut, to Ohio and settled at Bloomingville.
The journey was tedious and difficult, over eight weeks having
been spent on the way. He arrived at Bloomingville in October, 1811.
Great was the joy of the settlers when they heard that a preacher had
arrived, as there had been no minister within a radius of forty miles.
On the first Sabbath after Mr. Gurley arrived the log schoolhouse was
filled at the hour of worship, the men Avere dressed in tow and linsey
hunting shirts, buckskin pantaloons and moccasins, and raccoon or muskrat
caps. The Avomen had dresses of home manufacture. A few Indians
sat near the door dressed in hunting costume with rifle, tomahaAvk and
knife. Mr. Gurley felt an unusual inspiration as he broke the bread of
life to the scattered sheep in the wilderness. At the close of the sermon
he referred with a deep feeling to his experience, relating the scenes
through Avhich divine goodness had* brought him in safety. The assembly
was deeply affected, and emotion was visible all through the house.
Having dismissed the congregation he requested those Avho wished to
unite in a class to remain. Some fifteen or twenty united at that time,
or shortly afterward. This was the first religious association of any
kind organized in the county, or indeed on the Western Reserve west of
Cleveland. Mount Vernon and Wooster Avere the nearest points Avhere
circuits were formed or itinerant preachers labored, and it was about
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