In the autumn of 1841, a weekly prayer meeting was commenced in the western part of this city, and in the spring following a Sabbath School was opened by a few individuals of the Second Presbyterian church, of which the venerable Dr. Beecher was then pastor. These steps were taken with the hope, encouraged by Dr. B., that a way might be opened for the formation of a new church in a portion of the city where the population was rapidly increasing without a corresponding increase in the means of religious instruction. After a short experimental effort, the matter was brought before the Session

of the church. Committees were appointed and the subject discussed, and the Session ultimately concluded that the scheme was impracticable.

The individuals engaged in the enterprise were, however, unwilling to relinquish it; and upon application to the Presbytery they were duly organized, 37 in number, as the "George Street Presbyterian Church;" Dr. Beecher and Prof. Allen officiating.. As they stood in the place where they had so long worshipped, about to take upon themselves the solemn responsibilities and arduous duties of a pioneer church of Christ, Dr. Beecher addressed them with affectionate and earnest sympathy, in eloquent words of advice and encouragement, closing with the exhortation, to remember amid all difficulties and discouragements, that "where there is a will, there is a way."

On the evening of the day of their consecration, March 5, 1843, this devoted band met for the first time as an ecclesiastical body, in the Hall of the Engine and Hose Company on George-street, with Prof. Allen for the temporary pastor. They had left a wealthy and popular church with the sole desire of extending the cause of Christ, and expected difficulties, and the necessity for no small degree of self-denial, and such expectations have been fully realized.

After having been for above three years a Presbyterian church, the Congregational form of government was assumed by a vote of 56 to 5, (the Confession of Faith remaining the same,) and its present name-" The First Orthodox Congregational Church of Cincinnati"-was adopted. About a year previous to this, however, in consequence of the purchase of a lot on Seventh-street for a church edifice, its original name had been changed to that of "Seventh Street Presbyterian Church."

Prof. Allen was its temporary pastor for one year. The second year, Dr. Beecher, then recently dismissed from the Second Church, acted as stated supply. To these gentlemen the church owes much, for their warm interest and many labors in its behalf.

In Nov. 1845, Rev. Wm. I. Breed, who had been invited to its pastorship, commenced his labors; but before the year closed

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he returned to the East on account of the health of his family. There he obtained for the Sabbath school connected with the church, the donation of a valuable Library, as evidence of the interest still cherished for its welfare.

In Oct., 1847, Rev. John K. Lord was installed as the first Pastor of the church; which relation he sustained until his death by cholera, in July, 1849. His sound common-sense, his tact and self-control,-his habit of close study, his life and affability in the social circle, and his eloquence in the pulpit,-combined with an almost overwhelming sense of his responsibility, -secured a respect and popularity in the church, and made an impression upon the public seldom exceeded by any man. During the 21 months of his pastorate, the church edifice, which had been suspended, was carried forward to completion, and two months before his death was dedicated.

Rev. Willis Lord, D.D., was the second pastor. He was installed in the autumn of 1850, and resigned his charge in September, 1851.

Rev. James D. Butler, the present pastor, was installed Nov. 18, 1852.

For the first four years, the accessions to the membership of the church numbered 75, being an average of 19 annually. During the pastorate of Rev. J. K. Lord, the accessions were 53,- being an annual average of 33. During Dr. Lord's term of one year there were 21. For the first four months of the present year, (when the history was published from which these statements are taken,) the accessions were 22. Of the 37 members who formed the nucleus of the church, 3 have died, 5 have united with a pioneer church still further West, 7 have left the city, and 22 still remain members.

During several years the downfall of the church was predicted by those unfriendly to its existence; while "the millstone of debt tied about its neck by the sudden death of its first pastor, just after the house of worship was finished," caused its friends at times almost to despond. But emboldened by the increase of the congregation, by the weekly contributions yielding at the rate of $1,000 a year, and by the sewing circle raising

nearly as much more, the society last summer resolved to raise a subscription of $27,000. Half that sum was at once pledged, and the last dollars of the remaining moiety were secured on the last day of September. Less than one-ninth of this subscription was obtained without the Church and Society; yet that foreign aid was probably vital to the success of the movement. Accordingly, Congregationalism at the West will owe a perpetual debt of gratitude to about three score liberal men,-foremost among whom were Messrs. Bowen, MacNamee, and C. J. Stedman, who upheld a church, with the fall of which Congregationalism in southern Ohio seemed ready to expire.

It will be perceived that this church has passed through great trials, and overcoming many and great obstacles, has as yet been overcome by none. The true hearted members who commenced the enterprize, and who from time to time have joined it, have courageously stood by it "enduring all things, and hoping all things." Some have repeatedly contributed their whole annual income beyond the supply of their immediate wants.

From the past we augur well for the future. There was never more ground for encouragement. With an energetic and devoted pastor, with members public-spirited and determined, together with other evidence that there is indeed "a will" for the work, we may hope that God will open the "way" to

success.

INDIANA.

The statistics of this State are necessarily imperfect from facts of a similar nature to those which have been referred to in the minutes of other States. There is but one District Association, and this has not yet printed any minutes of its proceedings, and the eight or ten other churches in the State are so remote from each other as to forbid the formation of a second Association.

Without Pastoral charge: W. M. Modisell,

Loutrel, John M. K. Duncan, Dean Andrews, Principal of the Seminary at Marshall.

This Association was formed about nine years since by two ministers, Rev. M. A. Jewett and Rev. Dean Andrews, two