A History of Old North
United Methodist Church
1814: Jonathan Anthony and his son, William, constructed a gristmill on Pigeon Creek, about 60 to 300 yards east of the present Stringtown Bridge. There was an adjacent pond. Jonathan was the father-in-law of Hugh McGary. This structure, outside the city limits, was the first in the area. It attracted customers from distances of fifty miles including Kentucky. The grinding of corn was the major interest at the time. Many more mills followed rapidly. (Please refer to the 1857 dateline in the history of Evansville).
1819: David Negley purchased the Anthony mill. It was probably used both for grinding grain and sawing lumber. Native timbers milled there were used for the construction of the 1832 building and stone from along Pigeon Creek were utilized. It is easy to visualize the hauling of the lumber and native stone up the steep and treacherous road (trail may be a better description) to be utilized in the now venerable Old North Chapel. It is said that actually another mill was present nearby the site of Negley’s mill and may well have been utilized in this effort. As far as we know no remnants of these structures remain. Negley’s mill remained in operation for 20 years.
Shortly after the 1832 acquisition of the property this Community building was constructed utilizing donated native building materials. Volunteer labor with primitive tools was used. The removal and hauling of mill processed native lumber and native stone was utilized with no power tools. Transportation had to be performed by wagons pulled by teams of oxen, horses and mules plus manpower.
The community undoubtedly used this building, which was probably completed in 1832, or possibly a bit later, for many purposes. The foundation stones were chinked with mud. The beams were united with wooden pegs. The interior was constructed with lath and plaster walls and ceiling.
It is said that Cumberland Presbyterian Church fathers were the prime movers in its construction. However the community volunteers included individuals from many Protestant faiths along with some Catholic followers. Presumably conducting the dedication of this Community building was Rev. Joseph Wheeler, Sr., better known locally as Father Wheeler or “the Village Priest”. Fortuitously he was a Methodist preacher. He was a member of the Blue Grass Circuit, which was centered in the McCutchanville area several miles northeast. He walked three miles to and from his home to serve this Church on this and many subsequent occasions. Over the ensuing years all sects and creeds utilized the building. There were no other Church structures in the community at the time.
This “Mechanicsville Union Church” later was later called “Stringtown Union Church”. This building had many functions over the years besides its ecumenical religious type of usage. During the weekdays it was primarily used as a school. In addition, undoubtedly many community social functions including debating societies, spelling bees, quilting parties and fellowship suppers were held in this building over the years.
A spring was located a short distance east of this building. Apparently both residents and travelers used it for many years. Its site is unknown today.
On December 19, 1868 the first quarterly conference for Evansville Methodist Circuit was held at Stringtown. The Presiding Elder was W. F. Harned with Levi Knotts Secretary and John Reed Steward. In the previous quarter Stringtown had applied $19.00 for the support of the Ministry. (Other Churches were Centre Ridge $8.00, Victory $13.00, McCool’s $5.00 for a total of $45.00).
Note: The fourth quarterly conference for Evansville was held August 31, 1868 at Victory Chapel (Stringtown not mentioned). Following “has been received for Benevolent objectives. For Missions $0.00, American Bible Society $0.00, Tract Society $0.00, Other Objects $0.00, for Sunday Schools $0.00”).
On August 9, 1869 the fourth quarterly conference was held at Mechanicsville. Money raised in the present quarter for the support of the ministry: Victory Chapel $7 7.00, Centre Ridge $29.00, Mechanicsville $3.00. “Brother Wm. O. Short was examined and license granted to him as a local Preacher in the M. E. Church.”
July 1881: the Mechanicsville School and Society met to consider the building of a church or school. Following this a community school was constructed. The basement of the “Stringtown Union Church” became a “School for Negro children”. Also Afro-American worshipers used this facility from time to time.
Many years ago, possibly before 1880, Marshall Hesmer, father of Clyde M. Hesmer, planted maple trees in front of ”Stringtown Union Church” now known as Old North Chapel. In 1933 three of these trees were still standing.
1897: 105 years ago, 65 years after being built, usage of this property was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal Church. There were 13 members. Since that time all services have been held by Methodist ministers. Until 1922 circuit rider ministers were used, each serving for one year. In 1916 Rev. Benoni A. May became the first resident minister. Lists of all the circuit riders and subsequent ministers are available.
1898: At the 67th annual session of the M. E. Indiana Conference revealed the following facts about Stringtown: Members 13, Apportionment $100.00, Receipts $112.08, Deficiencies none.
Over the years many modifications have been made, including new windows of stained glass. Most of these beautiful structures were dedicated to the lives and families of many faithful, but long gone members of the Church. The building retains its basic stone foundation and native wood construction.
The Chapel Rose Window, a gracious gift of the Feltman families, is effectively backlighted.
The last modification of the building with new flooring etc. occurred about 15 years ago.
