The oldest histories of Fairfield suggested that the FF Methodist Church was one of the most thriving congregations in Franklin County.
This older blog item discusses that. There are other church entries in the blog. The search option will take you to them.
In any case, on Aug. 1, 1923, the county's Methodists all gathered in Fairfield for a gigantic rally that imagery can't fully grasp.
Either way, this grand and glorious event, covered in the Brookville paper in advance and a couple of weeks later -- other news conspired to render the event less impactual (President Harding had died in office) -- spoke to a fairly significant organization.
Speakers from Fort Wayne and Muncie addressed what the reporter claimed was a "vast" audience of more than 1,000 people. The odds don't not favor accuracy on this, since the feasting and games on the grounds would have been -- well, let's just say "Wow!"
It seems the event was held in the Town Square, which makes sense, although that's never made clear in either of the stories. Most likely, a large tent had been erected.
The reporter, never identified, was likely someone who helped organize the event, or possibly the minister's wife. (Wives did that for ministers in 1923.)
Methodism was a driving force in Franklin County in most of its development years, largely because of its more moderate Protestant approach. Although, Methodism had its own brand of virtue in those days. Still, it was not Catholic.
Where all these ralliers came from on clunky old roads -- from all over the county, the story said. Fascinating concept and a mental picture of a time when Fairfield did matter. A century ago, life was much different.
