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254 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
circuit, and of AA'hich animal there Avas no better, judge, Avas a most
interesting and pleasing speaker.
Elder Russell BigcloAv's oratory was of divine inspiration, and under
his unequalled and soul-stirring appeals people Avould leave their seats
and get as near the pulpit as possible, apparently unaware of changing
their places. "Such vast impressions did his sermons make, he ahvays
kept his flock aAvake."
Rev. Eihvard Thomson, AVIIO had been converted under the preaching t
of Elder BigcloAV. AVIIS licensed to preach in 1832, and AVIIS at once sent
to Sandusky. "When asked why he joined the .Methodists he replied,
"They make a business of religion." So useful and eloquent AVIIS he
that his fame Avent abroad, and the next year he AVIIS sent to Cincinnati,
tAvo years later made an elder, and in 1864 was elected bishop.
Rev. John Quigley, afterwards an elder, was a man of learning and
practical oratory, and ahvays produced a great effect for good.
Rev. L. 13. Gurley AVIIS eloquent and his sermons full of pathos, most
convincing and often moving to tears. In the Register of August 3,
1896, appears a sermon preached by Rev. L. B. Gurley on the fiftieth
anniversary of his ministry at Wauseon, September 20, 1878, Avherein
he says:
"My next appointment Avas Sandusky City. The charge had 59
members. My salary Avas the usual one hundred dollars and I boarded
round a month or tAvo at a place with members- and others. I was the
only pastor in the place. I raised money to finish our church begun by
William Runnels. Moreover I made with my OAVII hands the first pulpit
in the city. I can vouch for its artistic excellence. According to the
strict letter of the decalogue it would scarcely have been idolatry to
Avorship it for it AVIIS the likeness of nothing in heaven above nor the
earth beneath but it served its purpose for eighteen years, Avhen it AVIIS
honorably granted a supernumerary relation. While I Avas there in
1832 the first cholera reached Ohio. I saAV the first death. It was a fearful
scourge and panic stricken many left the city. I could not find it
in my heart to forsake the sick and dying of my flock and remained."
Rev. William DisbroAA', a profound orator and thinker, scholarly and
polished, AViirni of heart and in every Avay attractive, AVIIS also an elder.
Being the only denomination in Sandusky with stated preaching, this
church rapidly increased in members and in influence: as Ave have seen,
the station AVIIS supplied with men of great zeal, learning and eloquence,
and it AVIIS this, no doubt, that so long delayed the organization of other
denominations in Sandusky.
The year 1S35 opened most auspiciously for the "little brown
church;" the seats Avere filled on every occasion of public worship;
revivals of exciting interest had brought so many members that the
full membership could not be eared for at one IOAV feast or class.
The necessity existed, the emergency demanded a HCAV and much
larger church building for their accommodation. This AVIIS the situation
Avhen an agent of the Boston Liberator came to Sandusky. lie
desired to hold meetings to present the (at that timel peeuliftr vieAvs of