Writing from New Albany on Oct. 5, 1819, the Rev. Isaac Reed, who later left lengthy writings about his travels in Indiana, gave a brief account of his stops in Clark, Jefferson and (although he didn't mention the county names) Switzerland Counties.
The Christian Spectator, conducted by an Association of Gentlemen for the Year 1819
Volume I. No. 1 New Haven.
In August, I visited the counties of Clark and Jefferson, and attended the installation of the Rev. John M. Dickey at New Lexington, the first Presbyterian minister installed in this state. This is a church gathered and organized by your missionary, the Rev. O. Fowler, the last autumn. But, alas! the majority of the people, among whom I travelled, in this tour, are literally as sheep having no shepherd; and every one does that which is right in his own eyes. Here and there one has known better days; enjoyed greater privileges; and is now mourning over the destitute state of the country. At Madison, in Jefferson county, I found a missionary just arrived from the Missionary Society of young men, in New York City; and there seemed considerable prospect that the people will settle him. I think he merits their confidence. Madison has nearly l,000 inhabitants, but very few Presbyterians. There is, however, a brick meeting house building for that denomination; and religion seemed to have gained since I was there a year before.
On my return, I preached in Charleston, one evening, during the week of the circuit court. The attendance was numerous. One of our brethren preaches there two Sabbaths in a month. Another place of my preaching was New Providence, on Silver Creek, where there are a number of Connecticut people; and among them one male and several females professing religion. They arc very anxious for missionary labors. I would encourage your hearts, and strengthen your hands, in the cause of missions, to hear them converse, and pray for yon and your servants."
Soon after I again visited that part of the state, and preached in a settlement on Indian Creek, where are several people who were educated Presbyterians. Some of them have been there eight years, and have never before seen a Presbyterian minister in their settlement. On my return, I stopped a while with a man in the woods, who was clearing a little spot round his cabin. He said he had the Bible in his house, but had been but twice at meeting in a number of months, and that because he had not known »here to find one. — Oh ! how much we need Missionaries in these parts! '
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Three thoughts:
The Rev. Isaac Reed’s statements, “…Oh ! how much we need Missionaries in these parts ! '” and “…But, alas! the majority of the people,…are literally as sheep having no shepherd ; and every one does that which is right in his own eyes,” are true even unto this present day!
Although accounts of hard times, cholera and bravery in early Madison, Indiana are quite fascinating, it is refreshing to read about the golden threads of the Lord’s work weaving its way through the fabric of everyday life there, surely the source of strength for generations of resilient Madisonians.
(And beyond that, dear blogger, great is thy need for a competent proofreader, for thou thinketh in Tbits/s and thou typeth at 150 wpm while simultaneosly juggling multiple data streams!)
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