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SOUVENIR BOOKLET
Centennial Celebration OF Zion's Evangelical and Reformed Church POLAND, IND.
September 11, 12, 13. 15, 1940 ORGANIZED 1840
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1840
1940
CENTENNIAL SOUVENIR IN STORY AND PICTURES
PRESENTED IN COMMEMORATION OF
One Hundred Years of Worship and of Service
REV. W. E. SCHERRY. Pastor
Zion's Evangelical and Reformed Church POLAND, INDIANA September II, 12, 13, 15, 1940
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ZION'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
THIS SOUVENIR IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE PIONEERS OF THIS, OUR EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH AND TO THE MEMBERS AND WORKERS WHO SUCCEEDED THEM.
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ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY - POLAND, INDIANA
REV. GERHARD H. ZUMPE Our First Pastor
1840-1850 1852-1866
REV. WALTER E. SCHERRY Our Present Pastor 1937 -?
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ZION'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
ZION'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
POLAND, INDIANA
REV. W. E. SCHERRY MINISTER.
MRS. WALTER SPANGLER PIANIST
OFFICERS OF CHURCH
ELDERS-Walter Spelbring, Albert Kattman, Charles Schultz, Fred Keiser.
DEACONS-Clifford Nees, Walter Kord, Paul Ahlemeyer, Harley Must- ard.
TRUSTEES-Fred Huckriede, Walter Hauser, Ralph Schopmeyer.
TREASURER OF CURRENT FUNDS-Roy Spelbring.
TREASURER OF BENEVOLENCES-Walter Kord.
FINANCE SECRETARY-Paul Ahlemeyer.
TRUSTEES OF CEMETERY FUND-Orville Spelbring, Fred Huckriede, Lewis Schopmeyer.
PRESIDENT OF CONGREGATION-Dr. W. H. Schroer.
SECRETARY OF CONGREGATION-John Strauch.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMMITTEES
PROGRAM-Mr. Chas. Schultz, Pres., Ross Kattman, Mrs. Flossie Meyer, Mrs. Dona Spangler, Mr. Walter Hauser.
HISTORICAL-Mr. Walter Spelbring, Chairman; Dr. W. H. Schroer, Miss Dorothy Huckriede, Mrs. Frances Meyer.
PUBLICITY-Mr. Fred Keiser, Chairman; Mr. Marion Sendmeyer, MI's. Marie Sendmeyer, Mrs. Alma Thompson.
FINANCIAL-Mr. Albert Kattman, Chairman; Mr. Roy Spelbring, Mr. Ralph Schopmeyer, Mrs. Vallie Sonnefield, Mrs. Oscar Meyer.
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ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY -- POLAND, INDIANA
FOREWORD
It is with some reluctance that your historian gives the title of "History of Zion's Reformed Church" to this work. In some respects it falls short of all that we wish it to contain-chiefly, an intimate character study of all the loyal pioneer members and workers who have contributed to the glorious work and achievements of this our Zion's Evangelical and Re- formed Church, near Poland, Indiana.
This is impossible. Those charter members and others who labored in the beginning have long since passed to their reward, as have those who immediate- ly succeeded them, and the records are barren of data. Likewise the minutes yield only little of the events and endeavors of the early days or even of more re- cent times. The work and deeds of some, however, are herein recounted.
It was with the desire of preserving for future gen- erations in the church, in comprehensive and instruc- tive form, colorful data of men and events, that this work was attempted. With the meager records avail- able the task has been prodigious.
Considerable information has been obtained from a wide variety of sources; but much has gone forever, and the preservation of what remains and that more easily obtained concerning more recent times, is the object of this undertaking.
In this compilation a complete survey of the min- utes of the church and consistory meetings and Sun- day School records at hand has been made.
Grateful acknowledgement is made to the history produced by the Rev. H. H. Kattman, Rev. Worthman and others.
We are mindful of the shortcomings of the work, but it is submitted in the hope that it may serve to preserve in a durable and convenient form facts, inci- dents, and data to the history of our church since its organization one hundred years ago, September 6. 1840.
W. H. SCHROER.
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ZION'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
OUR HOUSE OF WORSHIP
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ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY - POLAND, INDIANA
Sept. 11-S. S. Night.
Sept. 12-Men's Night.
Sept. 13-Ladies' Night.
Sept. 15 --- Anniversary Sunday.
REV. O. H. SCHERRY, New Bavaria, Ohio, Wednesday Evening, Sept. 11. Subject, "Anniversary Salutations."
S
REV. W. E. HUCKERIEDE, Terre Haute, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 12. Subject, "The Master Builder."
F Y
S
REV. MAT. WORTHMAN, Bluffton, Ind., Friday Evening, Sept. 13. Subject, "A Century of Blessing."
REV. JOHN F. TAPY, Washington, D. C .. Sunday Morning, Sept. 15.
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ZION'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
THE EMIGRATION
A FEW YEARS PRIOR to the organization of Zion's Reformed church, near Poland, Indiana, an emigration from Germany had begun; and had begun from necessity. The parish had in- creased in population from year to year so that the communi- ty had become very congested. The soil could no longer give sustenance to the population. The cultivation of the soil, which had be- come unproductive, was not so well understood in that day. These folks knew nothing about commercial fertilizers or modern implements. The emigration was a Godsend in that it relieved a crowded and congested condition at home and opened doors of opportunity to those of daunt- less spirit. German settlers were found in the vicinity of Poland as early as 1818.
In 1836 Col. John B. Nees, who demands more than passing notice, became a resident of Cass township. He was a man of education, well versed in both the German and English languages. In the early settle- ment of this community, he rendered invaluable service in pointing out the fertile lands, and especially in assisting his German friends in the entry of their respective farms. To his zeal in this direction is largely due the fact that Poland and vicinity was occupied in an early day by a thrifty and moral class of people.
In 1837 we find the names Ahlemeyer, Nees, Stutz, Gilbrecht and others, who had, no doubt, been influenced by Mr. Nees to locate in this territory.
Gilbrecht died in February, 1840, and was the first to be buried in the old cemetery. In this cemetery in which the remains of the earliest members of the congregation were laid to rest, burials continued to be made until the new cemetery across the road was established in 1906.
About a month previous to the death of Mr. Gilbrecht, however, he had helped to clear a piece of forest and prepare a place for a cemetery and a church lot. This plot of land was purchased from Mr. Johnathan Bauman. It was on this occasion, while sitting upon a fallen tree, they organized themselves, in a rather primitive manner, into a body politic, and elected as their first trustees Henry Ahlemeyer, John Horsch and Louis Stutz. (Mr. Stutz was of the Lutheran faith).
During the following years the names of Schroer, Bauman, Sonne- field, Franke, Telgemeyer, Tapy, Spelbring, Thoene, Boochhold, Knuep- pe, Kattman, Wittenberg, and others are mentioned. Among this num- ber was Rev. Gerhard H. Zumpe, who was born in the year 1803, at Lot- te, in the kingdom of Prussia. He was educated in Berlin, the capitol of Prussia, and emigrated in 1832. The majority of the first members of this congregation had left Germany about the same time, and he stay- ed with them in different places in this country until at last they all found a resting place near Poland, Ind.
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ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY - POLAND, INDIANA
As was true of all pioneer settlers, they found it difficult to provide food and clothing for themselves and their families, but through hard work and saving and careful management they finally became well-to- do farmers. These Germans were of a peaceable, moral and religious nature. At home they had been accustomed to good schools and uplift- ing worship. They had learned, "Man lives not by bread alone," and had therefore not neglected to bring with them the Bible, Heidelberg Cate- chism, hymn books, and no doubt, copies of Rev. Krummacher's and Rev. Hoffacker's sermon books. We know that during the absence of the minister an elder or some one would read a sermon from one of these books.
Very soon these people became keenly conscious of their children's need of good schooling and Christian training.
The early days were without doubt filled with many bitter experi- cnces. Further back than 1836 and 1837 of our congregation's life it is impossible to look. Yet, one hundred years ago, our church was born. Only God knows through whom and how these intrepid souls, wresting their lives from the virgin soil, and in whose log cabin His Holy Spirit gathered them into a nucleus of the communion in the unity of the true faith.
The homesteads of these early settlers were scattered cver a radius of a few miles from the area of Poland. Their aim was to establish a new home and also a church for the honor, glory and worship of their God, whom they had learned to love, honor, trust and obey in the land from whence they came.
On the 6th day of September, 1840, these people met in the home of Jacob Bauman and organized a church, no doubt, adopted certain rules and regulations for their government. They elected the Rev. Gerhard H. Zumpe as their pastor, William Ahlemeyer, elder, and Henry J. Schroer, deacon.
The newly organized congregation received the name "Zion's Ger- man Reformed Church near Poland, Indiana." This name, however, has been changed within the past three or four years, because of the mer- ger of the Evangelical and Reformed, and today it bears the name, "Zion's Evangelical and Reformed Church."
The congregation was organized with 31 charter members, repre- senting thirteen families.
CHARTER MEMBERS
The names of the charter members have, to our knowledge, never been published and are therefore included in this sketch, for they should be of great interest to many of our people. The names are re- corded as follows: Henry Ahlemeyer, Herman Ahlemeyer, William Ahle- meyer, Jacob Bauman, Franz Sonnefield, Henry J. Schroer, Fritz Schroer, William Sonnefield, J. Telgemeyer, John Horsch, Geo. Knueppe, Wil- liam Franke and H. Tapy.
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ZION'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
OUR FIRST PASTOR
N SUNDAY, September 13, 1840, the Rev. Zumpe took up his work as pastor. To be the first pastor of a small flock under the primitive conditions of that early day involved great re- sponsibilities and sacrifice, but trusting in God, Rev. Zumpe was equal to the occasion.
His salary was $35.50 per annum, and during his pastorate of 24 years did not exceed $250.00 per year, besides the aid given him in clearing 40 acres of land he had received from his father-in-law, the Mr. Jacob Bauman. .
Believing in education, both secular and religious, the congregation soon felt the need of a school house, which they erected in the year 1842. It was a very crude structure of logs and was used for religious services on Sundays until the year 1844. Previous to the building of this school house, they worshipped in the homes of Jacob Bauman, William Sonne- field and George Knueppe, and then in the school house which was lo- cated on the southwest corner of the Franz Sonnefield farm, now own- ed by Walter Hauser.
In 1844 a log church was built, 30 feet long and 24 feet wide. This building was erected on the northeast corner of the plot of land, which had been purchased January 16, 1840, and set aside for a cemetery and a church lot, located in Washington township, Clay county, one mile south of Poland, Indiana.
Cost of building was approximately $25.00, the members doing the work themselves. It was, of course, quite a primitive structure. The seats and furniture were made of hand-split and splintered planks, the seats resting on trestles; with no backs, no paint or varnish to add to their beauty. If they used any lights at all they must have been the old type oil lamps or candles.
THE FRAME CHURCH
Other families moving into the neighborhood increased the congre- gation so that the log church could no longer accommodate all. Among the families mentioned elsewhere there were others of the Lutheran faith who had come into the community. They attended the divine services and helped support the pastor and also contributed to the up- keep of the property. They were granted the same privileges as those of the Reformed faith and had the right to vote on any question. They had one-third interest in the church property. From the date of the organi- zation of the church to the year 1899 the Lutherans were represented by one member on the board of trustees. Fred Schultz was elected trus- tee to take his father's place.
At a congregational meeting held the first day of January, 1854, the congregation resolved to erect a new frame building. This was quite an undertaking as the large timbers had to be hewn by hand, and the most of the rough lumber sawed out by hand. Here again there was unity and a determination to win. We are sorry that we are unable to produce a picture of this frame church.
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ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY - POLAND, INDIANA
The following building committee was appointed: William Franke, Frederick Ahlemeyer and Carl Wittenberg. The contractors were Fred- erick R. Tapy and Henry Franke. They agreed to build the church 45 feet long from east to west, and 30 feet wide from north to south, and 15 feet high from floor to ceiling, for $700.00.
The seats and pulpit were given by contract to Mr. Gerhard Sonne- field. The cost of building and furnishings amounted to $925.00. The appointments of this building within and without were simplictiy itself, lacking the adornment of even a modest tower and bell. The seats and furniture were constructed of the very best of poplar. The middle tier of seats was divided by a partition. The men sitting to the north side of this partition and the women and children to the south side. Two large stoves kept the worshipers comfortable, and kerosene lamps, fastened to the walls furnished the light.
In 1863 a pipe organ, which had to be pumped by hand, was pur- chased at a cost of $220.00 including transportation. S. M. Gring was chosen the first organist. The organ, however, was not used until fall, when a meeting of classis was held in the church. Up to this time the worshipers sang without instrumental accompaniment. The hymn books in the hands of the people contained no notes. The minister would often read a line or so, then the congregation would sing it, some one leading the singing.
GERHARD ZUMPE RESIGNS
After serving the congregation ten years, Rev. Zumpe resigned to accept a call from the church in Evansville, Indiana. Shortly following his resignation, a Rev. Riehle, a German professor in the Methodist school in Greencastle offered to preach for the congregation. It appears that he had expressed a desire and willingness to unite with the Re- formed church. He was invited to preach. This glorious prospect was of a very short duration. It was soon discovered that he had secretaly at- tended prayer meetings conducted by the German Methodists in the community, and that his motives were not genuine in offering his ser- vices to the congregation. George Knueppe the elected elder and William Franke, the elected deacon, refused to have him install them in their respective offices. Quite a heated argumnt took place and the Rev. Riehle was informed that his services were no longer desired. Riehle took his silk plug hat and golden headed cane, marched down the aisle, shouting as he went, "I do not desire being a "separationist preacher". The records state that he finally died in Terre Haute, an infidel.
The charge remained vacant until May or June of the following year (1851) when John Baumunk, a theological student, was requested to supply until a regular pastor could be secured. He gladly consented, and served the charge until 1852. Eternity alone will tell what influence and blessing resulted from his efforts during this time. An epidemic of flux was raging and caused many deaths.
During the years of pulpit vacancy the German Methodists had worked their way into the community and sought to proselyte among the members of the Reformed church. They met with more or less suc-
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ZION'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
cess. Some of the Reformed people united with this church, later on, however, returning to their home church.
These German Methodists originally held their services in the home of a Mr. Bohley in a log room located on the farm known as the Ger- hard Sonnefield farm. Some time later they erected a church building on the northeast corner of the John Schopmeyer farm, across the road from the Dennis Schroer farm. Later on the church disbanded, the Me- thodist conference refusing to send them any more ministers. The church building was sold to Henry Aldendorf and converted into a dwelling, located on the farm now owned by Miss Ida Schopmeyer.
During the absence of Rev. Zumpe the congregation seemed to keep in close touch with him, no doubt keeping him informed of the condi- tions existing in the congregation and begging him to return. After giv- ing it due consideration he finally consented to return. Some time dur- ing the month of March, Mr. Tapy and Mr. George Knueppe hitched their horses to their wagons, wended their way to Evansville, Ind., a distance of approximately 350 to 400 miles round trip, loaded the minis- ter, his family and their belongings and hauled them back to Poland. In those days the roads were bad and motor cars were unknown.
He began his second pastorate April 1, 1852, and resigned in the spring of 1866. He served the charge 24 years, but in two pastorates. From 1840 to 1850, then from 1852 to 1866.
In 1865 the congregation bought the 12 acres of land, including or- chard and log house, that had served the Rev. Zumpe as a home for 24 years, price $900.00. This property was to serve as a parsonage for the minister serving the congregation. A few years later an addition of four rooms was added at a cost of $814.
OUR SECOND PASTOR
T HE CHARGE being vacant, the consistory requested Rev. C. T. Martin, who was pastor of the Reformed church in Terre Haute at this time, to assist them in securing a suitable pas- tor. It was through him that Rev. Joerris, of Sturgis, Michigan, consented to occupy the pulpit for a few Sundays. On July 4, 1866, a congregational meeting was held, and Rev. Joerris was unanı- mously elected and a call extended, at a salary of $430.00 per year with the use of parsonage and land. The call was accepted and he begun his pastorate the following September. His pastorate extended from Sep- tember, 1866, to 1884, when on the 3rd of August he resigned to accept a call from the Reformed church near Olney, Illinois.
Among the first steps taken was the drafting and adoption of a constitution and the requirement of recording all proceedings taken by the congregation. It seems that during the pastorate of Rev. Zumpe that a constitution had been drafted and adopted, but that it had been lost. No records of the transactions of the church had been kept, all was done by oral agreement.
The next step taken was the organization of a Ladies Aid Society,
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ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY - POLAND, INDIANA
known as the "Frauen Verein". This organization is in existence today. having been the backbone of the church almost 75 years.
English services were introduced, to be held on the first Sunday of each month. At a congregational meeting held November 29, 1866, the congregation decided to sell the old log school house and erect a frame building on the southwest corner of the Frank Tapy farm, now owned by Otis Schopmeyer. Accordingly one-fourth acre was purchased for this purpose. Cost of plot was $15.00. Presumably the proceeds, at least in part, received from the sale of the old school house, were applied on the new building.
This school house to be used for religious purposes only. Every spring following the closing of the public schools a six or eight weeks course in religious training was given. This school was maintained by subscription. The parents paying at the rate of twenty-five cents per week for each pupil enrolled.
Henry Franke and J. H. Spelbring were elected to serve as trustees. This building was sold to Albert Kattman during the year 1939.
At this same congregational meeting held November 29, 1866, Her- man Kaiser was elected the first Sunday School Superintendent and Henry Huckriede the first Librarian. Since this time there is no further record of the congregation electing these officers. Beginning with the year 1870 the minutes report the election of both superintendent and assistant by the school.
At the close of a short pastorate near Olney, Illinois, Rev. Joerris returned to Poland, where he spent the remainder of his days.
Quoting from his obituary written by Rev. Grether, "Brother Joerris was a decided Christian and an able minister of the Gospel and in ser- mon and pastoral work laid great stress on the truth, "One thing is needful." As a faithful minister of the church he knew from experience of the only comfort in life and in death. He stood on this spiritual truth; and his pastoral work was imbued with this spirit.
THE COURSE FINISHED
It was on the 26th day of October, 1891, that he lay down to his final rest. His life among men had been lived, he had run his course. Weary of body, but ready and anxious in spirit to be absent from the body and present with the Lord, he peacefully "fell asleep." He had gone to meet his God whom he had served with a child-like heart. His sojourn on earth was 67 years, five months and 24 days. His body lies buried near that of his life companion in the cemetery south of the church.
It was a very impressive service. Not the words that were spoken, not the hymns that were sung, made the profound impression. It was the mourning congregation weeping at the casket of their once spiritual father beloved, that made the service so impressive. The Rev. Stern, of Indianapolis, based his remarks on the words (John 12:26) "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my ser- vant be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honor." Rev. Witten- wyler, of Clay City, Indiana spoke on the text, Psalms 42;8-11.
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ZION'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
OUR THIRD PASTOR
T HE THIRD pastorate began when the Rev. A. G. Gekeler was elected on October 27, 1884, and entered upon a brief but bless- ed ministry Sunday, December 14, 1884. Salary $500.00 per year. Being a man full of life, energy and very enthusiastic and very progressive, he under took to organize the Reformed people in the vicinity of Saline, Indiana, into a congregation. At first his efforts seemed to be crowned with success and the field seemed to be exceptionally promising; but very soon through some unknown rea- son the congregation disbanded.
Zion's congregation having grown numerically as well, as financial- ly, and the frame church, which had been in use since 1854 had long since become too small to accommodate the growing flock, Rev. Gekeler called the attention of the members to the need of a larger and a more substantial building. The members realizing the need immediately re- solved to erect a new building. All plans were made. A location had been secured, plans for the building were drafted and subscriptions amount- ing to $3,000.00 secured, and the prospects for an additional $1,000.00 very promising. Everything seemed to be working out very nicely and satisfactorily when all of a sudden there was a halt. Rev. Gekeler tend- ered his resignation June 19, 1888, to accept a call from the church in Frostburg, Maryland. His resignation was very reluctantly accepted.
During the months following his resignation and departure nothing was done concerning the proposed new building, until the following No- vember.
OUR FOURTH PASTOR
R EV WILLIAM GRETHER, the fourth pastor, who had been elect- ed August 27, 1888, began his pastorate the following Novem- ber. One of his first duties was the taking up and zealously pushing forward the building of the new church, the prelimi- naries of which had been taken care of during the previous pastorate. A location several feet north of the frame church had been secured and a beautiful brick edifice was erected, the brick having been made and burned on the Frank Tapy farm, across the road east of the church. This new building from east to west measured 66 feet and from north to south 42 feet.
The tower at the northeast corner rose to the heighth of 95 feet. Approximate cost of this edifice was $6,000.00. The large bell which rang out its sweet tones from the tower was donated by the Mr. Fritz Schroer, a charter member of the church. The building was not com- pleted, however, until the year 1890, due to a delay in securing the seats and furniture. The Ladies Aid Society, which had been organized by the Rev. Joerris, provided the church with seats, pulpit and chairs. The Young Ladies Society, which had been brought into existence by the Rev. William Grether, purchased the organ and the carpet. Kerosene lamps were used at first; later they were replaced by gasoline lights and then the Delco system was installed.
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