Floyd County Indiana

Newspaper not identified.  Photo included.

Galena Methodist Church
   In the early history of Floyd County it seems as if the pioneers
built many churches which no longer exist.  Not through lack of
interest, however, but for various reasons, the chief of these being the
changing of times.
   As the population began to gather into villages and towns these
churches were often abandoned and others erected in their stead, nearer
the people who attended them.
   Such was the case in Greenville Township.  Two of these early
churches were Shrader’s Chapel, on Little Indian Creek, and Robert’s
hapel, built in the northern part of the township.  Both were Methodist
Churches.
   As the eople began settling in what is known as Greenville and
Galena, thus starting new towns, those foresighted saw it was best to
abandon these little log c hurches and in their stead build others
closer to the people.  Thus the members of Robert’s Chapel moved into
Galena, and erected what is known as theGalen aMethodist Church.  The
church was built of brick and was too soon in need of repair, so in a
few years this structure was torn down and the present frame building
erected.
   The church was not built, however, when the old Robert’s Chapel was
first abandoned.  Services were held in homes, out of doors, and then in
the schoolhouse, while subscriptions to the3 new building were being
raised, so it was not until about 1838 that the first Galena Methodist
was built.
   Among the first members of this church \were Jacob Swartz and family,
Joseph Ashby and family . . . (issing) . . .
   . . . doubt the Rev. Mr. Hester also served this church as he had
Robert’s Chapel.  The Rev. Benjamin Torr was another early minister,
coming to the circuit as a young man, and it was one of his first
circuits, if not the first.
     Circuits were long and far apart in those days, so Greenville,
Galena, and Jacobs Chapel were on the same circuit, as were other
churches at the same time.  It was here that the Rev. Mr. Torr met his
Miss Nancy Ernestine Jacobs, and, together, they served the churches.
   In "The History of Indiana Methodism" is found mention of Mr. Torr,
and in one place it states, "B. F. Torr was admitted  to the Conferemce
in 1860."  He was for some time a studena at Asbury University.  He was
a young man of decided ability and marked individuality of character.
Faithful and fearless in the discharge of duty, he was firm in his
adherence to what he believed to be right.  He died Nov. 4, 1870."
(This appears to be end of article)


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(© 1998 Sue P. Carpenter)