Gratz Baptist Church

The dedication of the new Baptist Church last Sunday was an occasion long to be remembered by the brethren here.  Although the weather was raw and unpleasant, more then 600 people were here, 400 of them being inside the church during the service.  The dedication sermon was delivered by Rev. A. C. Caperton.  His text taken from Mark 16:15. Revs. C. M. Riley, J. J. Head, J. B. Thomas, and J. T. Jones were present and participated in the services. 

The music was excellent, Mrs. Minnie Bell accompanying the singing.  Over $400 was raised to finish paying for the building. a structure that every Baptist, in fact, every citizen of Owen county, may well be proud of.  The building is situated on the n.w. corner of Crittenden and Waverly streets, on the lot presented to the Baptists by T. W. Minish.  The house is 32x58 feet in size, and very substantial and beautiful in all parts.  After the services a bounteous feast was spread near the building, which was heartily enjoyed by the hungry multitude. 

Of the neighboring towns, Monterey was best represented.  A whole steamboat full of the good people of that place came down on the Blue Wing, and, after the services, returned on the Hibernia, Capt. Pence kindly remaining over for them.  Of the membership who were here in 1854, when the church was first established in this place, the following were present at the dedication of the new meeting house: W. E. Witt, Dan Criswell, Sr., Mrs. Milly A. Riley and Mrs. Jane Jones.  Gratz has three church buildings of first class order.  No town in the state can boast of three as good houses of worship.

from the Owen County Democrat November 12, 1886