griffing@fnal.gov

On March 3, 1854  the Kansas-Nebraska Bill passed the U.S. Senate and was carried over to the House for debate. Many Northerners, especially those in Indianapolis, despised Douglas for sponsoring the bill and instead of conferring the appellation, “Little Giant” upon him, chose instead to call him “the little barroom politician.” [1] He was, after all, sacrificing the hard-won peace negotiated by the late Henry Clay, and all for the sake of his own political ambitions. Although popular sovereignty, the principle of self-government espoused by Douglas, was difficult to take issue with, it invited inevitable blood-letting in those territories where advocates of slavery and anti-slavery were sure to carry their cause.

In many of the local cities, North and South alike, citizens held public protests and carried on their own debates over the controversial bill. In Indianapolis, an anti-Negro city in an anti-Negro State [2], the protests were keen and boisterous, often leading to rowdy, drunken fistfights and the burning of effigies. In early March 1854, the large contingent of German inhabitants rose in protest over the “Nebraska Bill,” claiming that its provisions would result in “Africanizing the West.” [3] They wanted the message sent loud and clear across a thousand miles to the very doors of Congress that they meant to settle these western territories themselves and did not want Negroes there, much less slaves.

There was little sympathy aroused among the populace for the plight of the Negro when “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, recently taken to the stage, played at the Masonic Hall on Washington Street in February, 1854. Here, in blackface, ready-to-please actors adapted the story to fit the audience and transformed “Uncle Tom” from the obedient, white-haired sage into a word-slurring, shuffling and witless figure.

Amidst the stirring of these National and local events, James Griffing sat down to write a letter to Augusta -- one that would record a life-shaping decision:

Indianapolis [Indiana]
March 16, 1854

Dearest Augusta,

Good luck enough for one day. This morning I had the good luck to receive my trunk after waiting so long and patiently. Everything [arrived] safe within but one especial article [was] missing, and that was the daguerreotypes of my [college graduation] class for which I wrote in particular. Another item of good luck was the reception of another of your ever-welcome letters. I was hardly looking for one so soon but I did want it to come to see and know what reply and advice you would give after my interrogatories. And where I found it so good and so in accordance with my own views, or to say the least, not opposed to my engaging in any occupation where the Lord may make me in any way useful. I rejoiced and will take courage. And when you closed by the short ejaculatory prayer that God would point out the way, I do think it will be answered.

And I [have been] reminded of [your words again] since I commenced writing this epistle for I had scarcely written six lines when in came my beloved pastor, Brother Cooper, [4] with whom I have enjoyed many very pleasant hours. [He] told me that the Presiding Elder was over in his study and wished to see me. A thousand wonders...came into my head at once what could be wanting. But dropping my pen and taking his arm, I went over without [Brother Cooper] giving me the first intimation [of] what was wanting. Opening the door and shutting me in with the Presiding Elder, [Brother Cooper] took the liberty to withdraw [whereupon], after some preliminaries, the following interview in substance took place. By the by, let me tell you a little about Brother [John Henry] Hull, the Presiding Elder, as I shall have frequent occasion to use his name both in this and other letters. He is about forty-five years of age, commenced preaching when about fifteen years of age, and has been a great flaming torch in the cause of Christ. [He is] a light upon a hill, a most loving, faithful, devoted pastor whose praise is in all the churches and, more especially here in Indianapolis, every body loves him. He is a decided enemy to sin in whatever form it may appear. He lives in the city with his second wife and has a family that I know you would greatly love. I formed his acquaintance not long after coming here and have enjoyed the acquaintance of himself and family very much since. [5]  So you see, when I came to be shut up with him, I did not feel so strangely as I might have felt under other circumstances.

Rev. John H. Hull
DePauw University Archives

[Brother John H. Hull] told me that he had been authorized by the Bishop to build a new church in the upper part of the city and said that he wanted some one to commence pastoral labors in that part of the city, to organize a Sabbath school, appoint and keep prayer meetings around among the families, visit about from house to house praying among the families, hold meetings every Sabbath in a schoolhouse up there, and exhort or preach as light and liberty seem to be given. [He wanted me to] occupy as much time as I could soliciting aid for the new church and performing any other duties that the nature of circumstances might seem to require. In vain did I present my weakness and inability to engage in a task so arduous and responsible—my entire inexperience in a work requiring maturity of judgment and practice. But he seemed indisposed to take no for an answer.  I at length consented to abandon my present occupation just as soon as I could honorably release myself and, about the first of April, to engage upon that mission.

I do not know but you will think me unwise to commence any efforts of the kind right here in the city where the people have been accustomed to the labors of age and experience in religious matters. But the door seems to be thrown open and, trusting in that power whom I believe to be able to support and direct and guide every effort where His glory and the good of souls is uppermost, I may hope to succeed. Yet I must say that a part of the duties will be of such a character that no other source or aid can possibly qualify me to discharge them acceptably. To Him will I endeavor to look for guidance and I do believe He will encourage, sustain, and comfort me. And I know, dear A, that I shall share your prayers, your hearts best wishes and your counsel. I am glad you expressed yourself so freely.  You can’t begin to think how much it relieved my mind from anxiety and with how much more freedom I felt to follow any opening that Providence might seem to throw open where I could make myself useful.

This work will confine me closely so that I shall not have time to come home until near Conference [at which time] I shall try to come if possible. At that time, we will make such arrangements as circumstances may seem to dictate with regard to our future union. I do wish I could only have your company at present, [to] share your sympathies, enjoy your counsels, and enjoy your own presence—it would seem so pleasant. But I look in anticipation to a bright and joyous future. I am certain that it never will be mine to have largely of this worlds’ goods, [but] enough, I hope, to ever make me comfortable and some...to help make others so. Yet I have not this. I have, I trust, a loving human heart in which you have no small share and wherever a kind Providence may cast my lot, it shall never be uninterested in anything that will contribute to your happiness. And I am confident [that] the same desires and wishes on your part will be reciprocal.

I was some acquainted with Miss Howard. If you can learn anything concerning her success upon her mission, please mention it. I saw in the papers an account of that most dreadful occurrence at Hartford. Where was the foundry located? Oh what need of momentary preparation for death! I was glad to hear that your mother was so much better. I do hope to hear that she is entirely recovered. Please be particular to state just how she is and your own impressions with regard to her sickness as well as that of all the rest of the family.

What has [your brother] James concluded to do with his money? There were village lots offered for sale here last week and I appropriated mine towards them. [6] City lots are increasing very much each year in value and I thought it would be better and safer to run in debt some. But as I have six years to pay it in, I think there will be no difficulty in meeting the annual payments as they are but small and I thought that it would be better than locating government land. I purchased two sixty feet lots, or three forty, right side by side so that if at any time I should desire to build and had not the means, I could, [by selling one lot, raise enough money to] build a house on the other. The lots extend 120 feet back so as to give ample room for a garden and carriage house.

I suppose [my brother] Henry seems inclined to go West, and also [brother] Ossy just as soon as he gets through in the shop where he is engaged which will probably be in some three or four months. I.E., If something that was suggested by yourself in a former letter does not take place and detain him there. I should not wonder at all if I should hear of his marriage. Yet after all, I think it would be much better for him to obtain a home somewhere as I believe he could succeed in doing it much better single than married.

Should any of my acquaintances pass this way, please tell them to be sure and call. They will find me at 79 ½ Washington Street, third floor, room No. 3. It begins to seem very much like home to me. The family are very kind and the citizens, so far as I have become acquainted, are quite sociable, frank, kind-hearted, and well calculated to win the affections and confidence of a stranger. But especially the members in the church all seem very dear to me and all act as though they took delight in helping to bear each others burdens, sharing each others joys and sorrows, and mutually sympathizing with each other in all their varied trials and difficulties.

I do believe you would greatly love the brethren here and enjoy their society. Perhaps in their meetings you might find them somewhat noisy. Yet it seems to be so much the promptings of an overflowing heart and a habit which custom has not thrown restraint around as at the East. I know when I first came here, I did not enjoy the meetings much [because of the noise], but one night after going to my room and taking my bible to read, almost the first passage that my eyes fell upon was the entry of our blessed Savior into Jerusalem after he had been performing many miracles among the people—curing a great many parents and children and doing many good deeds. You know [how] they were so much rejoiced and wished to manifest their joy in some way, so they pulled off branches of palm leaves strewing them all along and shouting, “Hosanna to Jesus! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!” And it seemed as though I occupied the position of the disciples who wished Jesus to rebuke the multitude. But you know he says let them alone for if these should hold their peace, the very stones would cry out. And I began to see that the reason for my not enjoying the meeting was all owing to myself and not to others. After that, what noise there was did not disturb me in the least. Ah! After all, its the sincere heart and the sincere worshiper that Christ wants and will bless. Let that sincerity manifest itself in whatever way it may. It’s the heart and the motive that the all-scrutinizing eye regards and not the manner they are exhibited in the external act.

The method of conducting [church] meetings here is somewhat different from there. Even in the Methodist prayer meetings, no one engages in prayer without being called upon personally. Very seldom but one prayer is made during the intervals of singing. During preaching meetings, when prayer is made, all the congregation kneel. Lovefeasts are generally held on Monday evenings. At our last one, there was a mute present who related his experience and state of his [Christian] enjoyment through an interpreter which produced a good effect throughout the congregation and the entire meeting. During the meeting, if any of the older brethren get to feeling pretty well, he goes around among the brethren and gives them a friendly shake of the hand. Many of these things were, at first, a little odd, being different from any thing I had heretofore witnessed. Yet there is nothing in it derogatory to constant mental enjoyment or in opposition to the gospel plan of salvation. Consequently, let men adopt whatever form they choose of religious worship. Only let God’s name be reverenced and His glory be uppermost.

I think there are four Presbyterian churches, [all] quite largely attended. A young minister was lately installed in one of them — Horton Mills of New Jersey. In the Baptist church, Elder Knapp — the great revivalist — is laboring. There have been several conversions and much seriousness seems to pervade the congregation. [7]

I have made a small commencement in trying to collect together a small library. I did once own some books that were somewhat select, but being cramped for money before leaving Middletown, I parted with them. If you would be willing, I would be glad to hear you enumerate or give titles of the books you have so that I need get none of the same. I would like much to appropriate about two hundred dollars in choice books but this I can not do. I can only get them along as necessity may seem to require. I am really ashamed to find myself in possession of such a meager library. However, Pa left a good many books that I can make serviceable which I must bring back with me when I go home as they are there in the old library doing nobody any good. But I must close by wishing you good night. Please remember me if it is your pleasure to your parents and any enquiring — especially to Mary, Maria and Hancie. Write one soon — a good long letter. Give all the news. Forget not to pray for me and ever believe that so long as the vital air is mine, you will share the best wishes of your, -- James.

James Griffing watched with overpowering emotion as his good friend Samuel Cooper took a clean sheet of blue paper, lightly lined, from his desk drawer, dipped his pen in brown ink and began to write:

James S. Griffing, the bearer is hereby authorized to exercise his gifts and graces as an Exhorter in the M. E. Church so long as his spirit and practice shall accord with the doctrine and discipline of said church, subject to renewal by the 4th Quarterly Conference of each year.

Roberts Chapel Charge, N. Indiana Con.,
Indianapolis, Indiana, March 27th 1854.
Samuel T. Cooper, P C [Pastor in Charge] 

Rev. Samuel T. Cooper
DePauw University Archives

Document in hand, James left the pastor’s study and began the first day of what would be a challenging career. He paused for a moment to think about his father — ten years in the grave. He wished that his father were there to provide him counsel now. He strained his memory for fragmented images in an attempt to remember how his father had gone about his labors. But finally, after several minutes of anxiety, he cast an eye toward the heavens and, slowly but surely, his countenance relaxed and his heart warmed, for he knew that his father would be pleased. “Trust in the Lord,” he murmured. “That’s what Pa used to say.” And with renewed inspiration, he turned and headed up the street in search of his new “flock.”

There was much work to be done. Without wasting time, James set about exhorting the members of the Mission Branch in the North end of the city. On Tuesday, March 28, 1854, James held his first prayer meeting with the members of his mission. Here, for the first time, he was introduced to his charge by the Presiding Elder, Brother John H. Hull. With shaky handwriting, James penciled the following notes into his Memorandum Book:

Meeting opened with prayer by Brother Tutewiler — remarks by Br. Hull — Report of the Committee appointed to estimate the probable cost of a place for worship—reported that the size of the building be 32 by 44 [feet in dimension] and that the cost be $1287 dollars.

Resolution offered by Br. [David] Springer, “That we, the members of Roberts Chapel in this part of the city, resolved to be organized in to a distinct charge in this part of the city.” — passed unanimously.

Resolution by Father [John] Dorsey, “That Br. Griffing be requested to circulate a subscription as soon as practicable to raise the amount for erecting a [church] building.”

Resolved.  That a committee consisting of Messrs. Porter, Loux, and Griffing be appointed to make inquiry concerning a lot for [church] building.

Resolved. That the amount necessary to be collected for purchasing the lot and erecting the [church] building be $2500.

James’ enthusiasm could not be contained.  He could not wait to tell Augusta the good news:

Indianapolis [Indiana]
March 29, 1854

My Dearest [Augusta],

Your welcome letter has just come to me, has already been read two or three times, and you see two lines of an answer are already written [in response]. And if you only knew how very welcome your kind letters are received, I am sure you would never consider it the least task to write. Ah! One must be far away from home and those they dearly love to correctly estimate or fully to feel the value of a good long friendly letter. Since your last, I believe I have had no news from Owego and so [I] was quite anxious to know just how your mother was getting along. One of your letters somewhat alarmed me respecting her.  I do hope that all your fears will prove perfectly groundless and that a return of warm pleasant weather will find her enjoying usual health. When you write again, please tell just how she is.

[While reading your letter,] I allowed my imagination to peer through that snowstorm and saw you winding your slow length along through the woods and over the hills after that maple sugar. You certainly forgot to enclose any of it in your letter! When do you go again?  I should like to have been there to have enjoyed the visit at Brother Henry’s with you but I feel sorry that the Western Fever is having such effect upon him. I much doubt whether this climate will even cure him.

I have not sold my lot near Woodstock and did think that I should not do so as it may come quite convenient in after years. Brother Henry did talk some of moving on it which I hope he will do and buy more [land] adjacent to it. If he does not, its yearly rent will more than pay the interest of the money. Besides, its location must cause it to increase in value yearly.

I think I have no innate thirsting for earthly riches. Give me only enough to surround me comfortably with earth’s enjoyments and this will satisfy [me]. I know I shall enjoy life much more to lend my feeble influence in endeavoring to lay up treasures in Heaven and trying to persuade others to do the same. One jewel only for my Masters crown will far more than recompense for a whole life of toil. Inspiration says, “He that is instrumental in turning a single soul from the error of his ways not only saves a soul from death, but also hides a multitude of sins.”

I wish you could only have been with me last evening in a prayer meeting at a private house in the upper end of the city. Two rooms were full and more than one eye evinced a depth of feeling upon this subject, which seemed to say I have,

A heart with grief oppressed
For having grieved my God
A troubled heart that cannot rest
Till sprinkled with the blood.

And my poor weak soul did feel like pointing them to the only refuge, the only promised and possible hope, and telling them that,

Millions of sinners vile as you
Have here found life and peace
Come then, and prove its virtues too
And drink, adore, and bless.

It was an excellent meeting and I think you would have enjoyed it. Some were disposed to be somewhat noisy which probably would not have suited you very well. This feature in their meetings disturbed me much at first and I almost felt like telling Brother [Samuel] Cooper to rebuke some of them. And did I ever tell you how I was cured? Whilst retiring from meeting one evening much disturbed in my own mind about the noise, I took up my bible and strange as it may seem, almost the first passages upon which my eyes fell was a description of Christ's entree into Jerusalem whilst he was descending the mount of Olivet. Some of the little boys broke off the palm leaves and scattered them along before him "and the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen." Exclaiming Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord -- peace in Heaven! Glory in the Highest! And you know some of the Pharisees told Christ to rebuke them. But he told them that if these should hold their peace, the very stones would cry out. I seemed to myself just like a Pharisee and I thought if the Lord would forgive my wicked thoughts I never would indulge the like again, since which time the noise never has seemed to disturb me. Just before a prayer meeting breaks up, the older brethren have the habit of going around and shaking hands with all present as a token of continued brotherly affection and Christian sympathy.

You already have quite a fine collection of books, some of which I shall take pleasure in reading. Yes, I would give [your brother] Ralph that dictionary as I have one just like it and intend to get the unabridged [version at] the first good opportunity.

I have ascertained that our conference does not meet until September next year which [was the] time I had thought of coming [home to Owego] -- probably about the time of your return from Hartford.  I am glad that it is your purpose to go. I think you will enjoy it so well and, as I wish to attend the Conference, it will not make much difference with me when I come... I received the letter [you had mailed to] Chicago in good time. If you think it will reach you, I will send you a pocket map of all the Western States on one plate, having the counties and town boundaries defined, and all the railroad routes. I once sent a similar one to you from Akron [Ohio] with a map of Ohio but I believe you never received it. And I never have yet received a single [news]paper of all that you have sent, although I have often inquired. And I have recently learned the probable reason [for] last week, when inquiring, I saw the “G” Box was very full of papers. The next day, [however], I saw it was about empty and I found that they had emptied the box into the cellar to forego so much difficulty in looking them over! I suppose if I should go down and inquire in the cellar, perhaps I might find enough news.

In being remembered by my stranger friend, Mrs. Knapp, I feel truly grateful, which kind remembrances on my part are most cordially reciprocated. You think if I knew her, I should love her. From your description of her and from my knowledge of her sister, I cannot do otherwise now. I do hope she may be long spared. Not only for her husband’s sake, but for very many dear friends and, above all, for the good of others perishing thousands.

Do you think I had better think of trying to build on my lots here? Houses are in very great demand and rents are very high. It would not take long for a house to pay for itself. Besides, it would give so much more value to the land. Report says that between two and three thousand houses are to be built in the city this summer. There are two fathers of families boarding where I do that could not even procure a room any where in the city and are keeping their families out in the country until they can make arrangements for some small place to stay with their families. Business is very lively and mechanics of all kinds are in great demand. Masons get from two or three dollars per day [in Indianapolis, at present.]

I am still boarding at my city home, Mrs. [Maria] Kinder's. It is certainly a very kind family and every thing seems to move along very pleasantly. I thank the Lord that I ever came here. Tonight, the Wesley Chapel members have a fair for benevolent purposes which I must think to tell you about in my next [letter]. In looking my paper over, I find much scribbling and little said—truly rather meager. But you must consider the source and forgive. It is snowing out and quite cold. Adieu for the present. The good Lord bless and keep thee, dearest Augusta, is the prayer of your long absent, -- James.

[1]    Attributed to John D. Defrees, Indianapolis Morning Journal.

[2]    There were free Negroes living in Indianapolis during the 1850's but their numbers were small and they were discouraged from mingling with the whites. Indiana was one of the most flagrantly bigoted States in the Union, having passed an Article under their Constitution that actually forbade the entrance of Negroes into the State. Those already there were reminded daily that they were not wanted.

[3]    Indianapolis Morning Journal, March 10, 1854.  

[4]    Samuel T. Cooper, pastor at Roberts Chapel in 1854. Served a number of ministerial posts in Indiana from 1846 to 1870.

[5]    Rev. John Henry Hull was born in Highland County, Ohio in January 1818. His autobiography in the Indiana Historical Society says that he was the son of Daniel Hull who died in 1820, leaving himself, his mother and three sisters to fend for themselves in rural Ohio. He wrote that he had little formal education and "was quite poor indeed." He joined the Methodist Church following conversion at the age of thirteen and immediately commenced holding meetings at the request of his pastor, laboring as a lay preacher until licensed to exhort at the age of sixteen. He married his first wife -- Martha Avey -- at age seventeen with whom he had five children. He was licensed to preach by the New Castle Quarterly Conference in 1837 and served a number of appointments before coming to Robert's Chapel in 1849-1850. After serving appointments in Centerville and Richmond, he returned to the Indianapolis District as the Presiding Elder in 1853. After his first wife died in 1850, Rev. Hull married Henrietta Lockwood in 1852.  

[6]    The following advertisement was placed in The Locomotive on March 4, 1854. It is believed that James purchased his city lots from Fletcher's subdivision, the terms of sale appearing to match those advertised below:

CITY LOTS FOR SALE

"Proprietors of Outlots 96, 97, 98, and South 1/2 of 91 in Indianapolis, have recently recorded a subdivision of the same, and now offer for sale several hundred lots of such a variety, in relation to size and price, as will not fail to suit purchasers.

The terms of the sale are one-fifth of the purchase money down, and the remainder in six equal yearly payments, allowing a premium of 5% on all money over the down payment, paid within 6 months of date of purchase.

These are very liberal terms of payment, will enable one who desires to secure a lot, and by erecting a dwelling thereon, and applying towards payment thereafter, the money otherwise expended for rent, the purchaser at the expiration of above term, will find himself to be the owner of a home, which will constantly increase in value with the growth of the city.

The lots are in an elevated and beautiful location, about two-thirds of a mile from the centre of business and less than that from 6 rail road depots now built and more in contemplation. They cannot fail to be desirable residences.  Maps of the property may be seen by applying to S. A. Fletcher, Jr. at the Branch Bank, who is agent to sell. Those who first apply will secure the first choice."

[7]    Elder Joseph Knapp was a well-known Baptist Revivalist. Click here for more information about him.

ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF NORTH STREET CHAPEL
as documented by Rev. James S. Griffing in April 1854

An undated entry in James' Memorandum Book makes the first reference to the "North Street Chapel" being identified as the 7th M. E. Church.  It reads:

griffing@fnal.gov