Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 7 Sep 2003

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Congregational Church at Lebanon (1857-74). – This church was organized in Washington Hall on Sunday, July 19, 1857, by a council of representatives from neighboring orthodox Congregational Churches. The church at is organization consisted of twenty-six members, nearly all of whom seceded from the Presbyterian Church on account of what they deemed unjust and oppressive proceedings on the part of the Miami Presbytery in the trial and deposition of Rev. Simeon Brown. In connection with the church was organized a Sunday school, consisting of fifty scholars and thirteen teachers. Rev. Simeon Brown was the first pastor. The society for some time worshiped in Washington Hall. Within a few years, the members erected a handsome church edifice. It was a frame structure with a tall steeple, and stood on Main street east of the old court house. In a wing of the building were a lecture room, Sunday school rooms and pastor’s study. This church was entirely destroyed in the great fire of September 1, 1874. This disaster ended the existence of the society, most of the remaining members returning to the Presbyterian Church. During the last years of the Congregational Society, its membership was small. Among the pastors of the church were Rev. Simeon Brown, Rev. B. F. Morris, Rev. J. H. Jenkins and Rev. E. B. Burrows.