Ohio History Journal

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206 Ohio Arch

206       Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.  [VOL. 3

 

But still its mission is to the regions beyond; its position in the

advancing columns is on the front line. Its business is to find

and drive the enemy, leaving to the slower-moving forces the

work of fortifying and garrisoning the conquered provinces.

Its muster roll begins with those of Caesar's household and ends

not until it includes the faithful Onesimus. Quenchless zeal for

souls is and must forever be its characteristic; a simple and full

salvation its message; and its reward not human applause, but

the well-done of its Lord.

 

 

 

METHODISM IN GALLIPOLIS.

The Rev. Henry Baker preached the first Methodist sermon

in Gallipolis sometime during the year 1817, at the residence of

Ahaz S. Morehouse, a log house located at the mouth of Mill

creek. The Methodist itinerant was not then received with as

cordial a welcome as others have been since. "The rowdies

were so troublesome," the minister stated, "that Mr. More-

house could not have services there any longer, and unless some-

one else would open a house he would not come again." Calvin

Shepard, who may justly be entitled the "father of Gallipolis

Methodism," was present, though not then a member, and

cheerfully offered his house as a place of worship, and from that

time they continued to hold regular services. Shortly afterward,

Brother Shepard, while on a visit to some friends near Cincin-

nati, sought and found the Savior. A class was then formed

consisting of the following persons: Calvin Shepard, Mahala

Shepard, his wife, John Knapp and wife, Christopher Randall

and wife, Stephen Sisson, Mary Varian and her two daughters,

Abigail and Matilda. The society was soon strengthened by the

addition of James Hanson, Sarah Dranillard and David Smithers,

and many others. In 1820, under the labors of John P. and

William Kent, there was a very successful revival in which

about thirty more were added to the society. About this time,

says the Rev. T. J. N. Simmons, in Calvin Shepard's obituary,

written October 10th, 1856, "They met with much opposition,