Tower Methodist Church

 

Rev. A. Boreing

Tower M. E. Church was founded in 1853, by Rev. Joseph Blackburn, who was the first pastor. The church has had twenty-four pastors, including the present pastor, Rev. A. Boreing, who has been with it nearly five years, which is the limit for pastorates.  The church building, on Fifth avenue, was built under the leadership of Rev. P. F. Tower, after whom the church was named.  There are about 250 members; the church property is valued at $4,000, and the parsonage adjoining at $2,500.  Among the charter members of the society were Joseph A. Link, Mrs. Sarah VanZant, and Miss Elizabeth Rhegeness, all of these having died within the last five years, leaving none of the founders alive at this time.  The church is active and efficient in its work, and shows a gradual increase in strength and numbers.  It has an Epworth League and the various other church societies, the lady members of which in particular are very energetic and devoted.  Rev. A. Boreing was born in Washington county, Tenn., in 1842.  The family moved to Kentucky when he was six years old, and he has lived in that State since.  His schooling was at Laurel Seminary in London.  He joined the Kentucky Conference in 1867, beginning his ministry at Beatyville, on the Kentucky river, his charge covering eleven appointments.  But his service has mostly been on the Ohio river.  For six years, he was presiding elder of the Covington district, and he has been twice in the General Conference, in 1888 and in 1892.  In Dayton, his ministry has been very successful, and he is often called to service outside his pulpit.

 

The GAR (a short history of the organization is at this site) held it's annual encampment in Dayton in September,1898.  All of the Dayton images and texts dated 1898 are from the souvenir booklet prepared for the occasion.