The Baptist mission of Cumininsville organized in 1888 by Brothers Brown, of First, Edwin Cole, of Third and Dr. O. W. Lounsbury of Ninth Street Baptist churches, was the nucleus around which gathered those who later organized Immanuel Baptist church.The mission held prayer-meetings at residences of the organizers and others until the following year, when on July 21 a called meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a Baptist church or Sunday-school. At this meeting thirty-two persons were present; Dr. G. R. Robbins, of Lincoln Park church, delivered the sermon. A committee of five was appointed to secure a meeting-place, and reported favorably upon Masonic Hall, which action was approved and first meeting held therein Sunday, August 4, 1889. Rev. W. E. Stevens, of Columbia, preached the sermon. The Sunday-school effected a temporary organization with Dr. O. W. Lounsbury as superintendent. A little girl with five cents in her hand attracted Bro. Robbins' attention, and he was reminded no collection had been taken up. This, our first collection of $8.42, necessitated a treasurer, and Bro. Edwin Cole was appointed temporarily.
The following Tuesday (August 6th), was held the first prayer-meeting in Dr. Lounsbnry's office, with Dr. T. J. Peale as leader and seventeen persons present. The Sunday-school met Sunday, August llth; Bro. E. P. Roberts in Chair and sixty-six children present. A permanent organization was perfected by the election of following officers:
Superintendent - Dr. O. W. Lounsbury, Sr. Assistant Superintendent - Mr. F. M. Johnson. Secretary - Mrs. Anna B. Soria. Treasurer - Dr. O. W. Lounsbury, Jr. Librarian - Mr. J. H. Epperhart. Much enthusiasm was shown, and all joined in singing, " Hold the Fort." Great credit is due the pastors who so generously tendered their services at this time.
On the Sunday following the permanent organization the Sunday-school opened with 3 officers, 10 teachers and 100 scholars present. The following served as teachers: Mr. Edwin Cole, Mrs. S. Collins, Miss Leila Collins, Mr. F. M. Johnson, Mr. M. Soria, Mrs. O. W. Lonnsbury, Mr. Jantz, Mr. King, Mrs. Soria, Rev. E. P. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Brown.
Rev. W. D. Holt, of Cheviot, preached September 1st, at which time the attendance was 124. The school continued to grow until we find, December 15th, with 158 present, and February 23, 1890, with a record of 161. This attendance was largely due to holding school in the afternoon, thereby having many in attendance who were members of other schools.
The work continued to progress slowly but with a sure growth. Realizing the number of people in Cumminsville, and further, the fact that there were between forty and fifty Baptists who were members of city churches which were
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three or four miles distant, a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a church of our denomination in this vicinity. At meeting of February 16, 1890, resolutions were adopted to that effect and a meeting called for March llth. At this meeting, of which Rev. E. P. Roberts was Moderator, Dr. G. R. Robbins reported having letters of eighteen members of city churches for constituent membership in this organization.From Third church - Rev. E. P. Roberts, Mrs. E. P. Roberts, Mrs. S. A. Collins, Miss Leila Collins, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Johnson, Mr. Edwin Cole, Mrs. Elizabeth Cole, Miss Emeline Cole, Mrs. Katie Hill and Mrs. Elizabeth Heisel. From Ninth Street church - Mr. Jas. H. Matthews. From First church - Mr. Lemuel S. Wiley, Mrs. Emily Wiley, Mr. M. M. Soria, Mrs. Anna B. Soria. From Mt. Auburn church - Mrs. Anna Hey. From German church - Mrs. Katie Yaeger.
These brothers and sisters resolved themselves into an organization under the title of Immanuel Baptist church, the name proposed by Bro. H. L. King on suggestion of Bro. H. C. Lyman.
After reading of covenant, prayer by Rev. G. R. Robbins and singing, "Blest be the Tie," the election of officers followed.
Deacons - F. M. Johnson, Edwin Cole. Clerk - Jas. H. Matthews. Treasurer - Edwin Cole. Sunday-school Superintendent - F. M. Johnson. Assistant Superintendent - Henry L. King. Secretary - Mrs. Anna B. Soria. At this meeting a very earnest call was extended Bro. H. C. Ly man to become the pastor of the new organization. At the next meeting a resolution prevailed we extend invitation to pastors and delegates of Miami Association to sit in Council of recognition of the Immanuel Baptist church as an independent church in good and regular standing.
In accordance with this request Council met at Masonic Hall, Northside, April 3, 1890, and held impressive services, duly recognizing oar organization.
Bro. H. C. Lyman personally accepted call as pastor of congregation April 27th, and was ordained minister of the gospel September 9, 1890, in Northside Presbyterian church, through courtesy of the officers and members.
We would here note with gratitude the many helpful and substantial attentions shown by our sister churches, especially the presentation of the handsome and much-needed communion service by the ladies of Mt. Auburn church.
In September, 1891, the Church Union deeming it greatly needed, recommended the purchase of lot corner Hamilton and Pullan Avenues (upon which church now stands), for the purpose of erecting thereon a church edifice in keeping with the work. This recommendation was ratified by the church at business meeting September 8th. There being a small frame building on lot prayer-meeting was held therein Wednesday, November 4th, and on the Sunday evening following the first services were held by the pastor, Rev. H. C. Lyman.
The arrangements having been made for the erection of new edifice, the initial step toward same was taken Thursday, May 19, 1892, when Mr. C. W. Mclntyre threw over the first shovelful of earth. Tuesday afternoon, June 21st, was witnessed the laying of the corner-stone with impressive exercises.
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The church proper was finally completed and dedicated Tuesday, November 29, 1892. Inasmuch as the success of any new church depends largely upon the work of the first pastor, we feel that Immanuel was greatly favored in having at this time the services of Rev. H. C. Lyman, a man eminently fitted to not only promote the spiritual growth, but by counsel, advice, and even with his purse lending very material aid in the structural work of the church edifice. Much credit is due him and his estimable wife.His pastorate continued until April 22, 1894, when he preached his farewell sermon.
We had no regular pastor for the following four months. August 26th the new pastor, Rev. C. H. Wheeler, delivered his first sermon, and was duly installed September 20, 1891. He remained in charge just two years and five days.
We had another interval of four months without a pastor. About this time Bro. J. W. Cathcart was received by letter from Ninth Street church, and on February 4, 1897, the Council of Ordination met, and he was ordained to the ministry of the gospel. April 16th Rev. J W. Cathcart became our pastor, and remained with us until February 19, 1899.
Rev. W. D. Holt became our pastor May 12, 1899. During his charge the church has made great progress along all lines. The membership has increased from 86 until now we have 194 members, a net gain of 108. The growth has been steady and continuous, noticeable for the number of male members admitted by baptism.
We are not unmindful of the successful growth of our Sunday-school, not withstanding the number of schools of other denominations in our immediate vicinity. While we are greatly indebted to our pastor in this branch of the work, too much credit can not be given the superintendent, Bro. C. W. Couover and his very able assistant, Bro. Thomas Reid, who by their lives of precept and example have drawn around them an efficient corps of teachers. Many scholars have become members of the church through their efforts.
All the auxiliary organizations of the church are composed of earnest, effective workers, who have rendered very material assistance in the progress and improvement of Immanuel.
The Ladies Aid Society in particular has responded by heroic work at all times. The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies have done very commendable work in their respective fields.
In like manner the Brotherhood, organized in 1899, has done a great work, and we believe to their efforts, under the guidance of Bro. Holt, is due the increase in male members.
Our Baptist Young People's Union, both senior and junior branches, have done good work, and are in a good healthful condition.
In February of this year (1904), a number of our young people recognizing the growth of intemperance and the influence of the saloon on the young men of Northside, organized the Immanuel Temperance League. At this time the League has a membership of fifty-three, and new additions at every meeting.
During Bro. Holt's pastorate a number of improvements have been made. The first in 1900, when the audience-room was frescoed, the floor carpeted, and new hard-wood pews added to replace the chairs in use till this time. These improvements were made at a cost of about $1,000.
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The picture of the house of worship of Immanuel Baptist Church, Cincinnati, dedicated on November 29, 1892, located at the corner of Hamilton and Pullen Avenues is not included.
__________________ We would here call attention to the beautiful gift of the Ladies Aid Society; i. e., a complete outfit of pulpit furniture.
The next improvement was made during 1901-1902. It was one greatly needed owing to the growth of the Sunday-school. At this time the basement of the church was finished and transformed into a beautiful Sunday-school room, which is well supplied with that great essential - plenty of light.
The total improvements on the church to date amount to about $2,000, which, together with the original valuation of $15,000, makes the present value, $17,000.
Immanuel has many things for which she is thankful, but for none more than the substantial aid furnished by the munificence of Brothers R. A. Holden, W. H. Doane, J. B. Trevor. G. M. Peters, and others in connection with the Cincinnati Baptist Church Union who have stood by us in the time of need.
The first person to become a member of Immanuel by immersion was Miss Mamie Talbott, March 21,1890. She is still with us Mrs. Arthur H. Ernst.
There are six of the constituent members who continue to hold their membership with us.
While we believe there is much work to be done for the Lord in Northside, the consensus of opinion on all sides is, "There is a bright future in store for Immanuel Baptist church."
============== [From the Miami Baptist Association Minutes, 1904, p. 25-28. Document from the Miami Baptist Association Office, Cincinnati. Transcribed and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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