The Baptist church, which in the early history of Wyoming, had an existence here, was organized on Pleasant Ridge, at the house of Judge Holmes, by his father, Rev. Luther Holmes, in 1852. In 1856 it was transferred to this town. The same year, Rev. Horace Holmes became the pastor. The population of the county was sparse. The church was feeble, the removal of some, and the death of others, diminished their number, and after a struggle of nearly six years, the organization was abandoned. The pastors of all these churches I believe have been faithful servants, and I think it safe to say if the people had lived according to the precepts taught by these men, they would have been better than they are now.
The Baptist Church, which, in the early history of Wyoming, had an existence here, was organized on Pleasant Ridge, at the house of Judge Holmes, by his father, Rev. Luther Holmes, in 1852. In 1858, it was transferred to this town, where it retained an existence without any settled Pastor until 1862. At its organization, there were six members. The largest number connected with the Church at any one time was twenty-three, of whom two were united by baptism and the rest by letter. The Church was feeble; the removal of some and the death of others diminished their number, and, after a struggle of nearly six years, the organization was abandoned.
Rev. Luther Holmes located on Pleasant Ridge in 1851, and died in 1858. He was among the first resident ministers in the township. During his residence here, his ministrations partook much of the character of our itinerant preachers. In winter, private houses, and summer, the groves, were used for Church purposes. His name is remembered as one of the early Christians who taught both by precept and example. He died at the age of seventy years.
