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Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church 302 WEST LEXINGTON AT WEBSTER . FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
75 Anniversary
EIGHTEEN EIGHTY THREE TO NINETEEN FIFTY EIGHT
HISTORY OF SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF PROGRESS IN OUR CHURCH
THE
These pages are dedicated to those faithful and courageous men and women of yesterday who organized and perpetuated Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church:
To the pastors and their families who gave so much of their time, energy, devotion and spiritual sacrifice os true shepherds of the flock;
To the present membership who by its material gifts, services and the help of God is maintaining o place of worship for present and future generations;
To those of the future who will move forward together and by the Grace of God sustain a greater Church for the Glory of His Kingdom.
EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED GRACE
CHURCH
75 Anniversary
FORT
WAYNE, INDIANA 1883-1958
ANNIVERSARY GREETING
"Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen. . . . saying, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."- I SAMUEL 7:12.
"Ye have not passed this way heretofore."-JOSHUA 3:4. "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; .. . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."-JOSHUA 24:15.
It is indeed a privilege to be the pastor of a church that is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. its Seventy-fifth Anni- versary. Grace Church, like Samuel, is placing a mark in its glorious history of service, in this year 1958, and saying. "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." As we look over the seventy-five years since the congregation as a small group of faithful Christians was organized in order to serve the Lord they loved, the church has had its ups and downs. its times of joy and its times of heartache and anxiety. The congregation has experienced many growing pains and has had choices to make, such as Joshua speaks of as a leader of the Children of Israel: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." The choices made during the seventy-five years are evidenced in the history of the life and service of Grace Church and truly verify the words of Joshua-"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
God has blessed Grace Church as a congregation, giving it this opportunity to observe its Seventy-fifth Anniversary.
Seventy-five years of living, loving and serving the Lord have been written. What is there written cannot be changed. As we review those first seventy-five years we say with Samuel, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." We close this chapter of the history of Grace Church, but that is not the end of the story for now we begin a new chapter in the book of history and service to our God and our fellowmen. Let us continue to place our complete trust in God. having faith that he will continue to lead us and guide us in the years ahead, and remembering to say. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." We must go on. There is no going back. Whatever the path before us, we must tread it. Let us not go alone. We can have Christ with us every day and all the way to help us fulfill His threefold ministry of preaching. teaching and healing. "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thec, and give thee peace."-Numbers 6:24-26.
Pastor EDWARD W. DREWS
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PASTOR DREWS
MARY ROSE
PAUL
MRS. EDWARD DREWS
The History of
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GRACE EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH (UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST) 302 W. LEXINGTON AT WEBSTER STREET FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
GRACE REFORMED CHURCH 316 EAST WASHINGTON STREET FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
GRACE EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH
Seventy-five years ago a small group of people from the Re- formed Church desired to have worship services conducted in the English language instead of German. Reverend Carl M. Schaaf. D.D., pastor of St. John's German Re- formed Church of Fort Wayne at that time, made a survey of conditions here for the Synod. Through his efforts and observations, the Board of Home Missions of the Ohio Synod sent the Reverend T. J. Bacher to Fort Wayne in January 1883.
The Reverend Mr. Bacher and his small group held their first service in a former Jewish Synagogue on Harrison Street on April 1, 1883. One month later on Pentecost Sunday, May 13. 1883, twenty-three members renewed their faith under the new English services. This group was augmented by nine who made their first confession of faith and sixteen who transferred from other churches. These forty-eight people organized a congregation and assumed the name of Grace Reformed Church.
One year later, in 1884, a chapel was built on the rear of a lot on East Washington Street. After five years of service, Reverend Bacher ended his ministry here on April 1, 1888 and was succeeded by Reverend A. K. Zartman, D.D.
During the first year of Dr. Zartman's pastorate in 1889, the congregation purchased the adjoining property to the east of the Chapel and erected a parsonage. In 1894 work was started on the erection of the down-town church build- ing and it was dedicated in April 1895. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Reverend David Van Horn.
A new pipe organ was installed and the entire building was redecorated and recarpeted in the year 1912. Dr Zart- man tendered his resignation after twenty-eight years' service and was followed in 1916 by Reverend Nevin H. Schaaf, son of the Reverend Carl Schaaf.
During the six years Reverend Schaaf served, a financial campaign was conducted resulting in the installation of a new heating plant in the church, the enlargement of the kitchen facilities and the refrescoing and redecorating of the church sanctuary and Sunday School rooms. Reverend Schaaf resigned from his Grace ministry in 1922 to answer a call from Wabash.
Reverend J. H. String then became pastor of Grace Church in December 1922 and during his three years' of service the improvement program for the church. parsonage and Sun-
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GRACE EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH CONGREGATION
GRACE EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH SANCTUARY
day School was completed. Sunday, October 14, 1923 was a memorable one; for on that day the fortieth anniversary of the founding of Grace Church was celebrated. Four special services in honor of the occasion included a rally day and promotion pro- gram held during the Sunday School hour, followed by the morn- ing service. Two services were held in the evening, the first being in charge of the young people.
Reverend R. S. Beaver was called to Grace Church pulpit in December, 1925 after the resignation of Reverend String earlier in the year. Reverend J. F. Tapy, Superintendent of the Re- formed Children's Home at that time, served as interim pastor.
In the spring of 1925 the congregation took favorable action toward relocating in some part of the city where there might be greater opportunity for growth and service. On June 2, 1926 the property at the corner of Lexington and Webster was purchased for the sum of $7,900. In July of 1927 ground was broken for the new church. The cornerstone of Grace Reformed Church was laid with appropriate ceremonies at a special service on Sunday afternoon July 31, 1927. The contents of the cornerstones of the old church at 316 East Washington with a number of new papers were enclosed in the new cornerstone. The program of the afternoon featured special music, scripture reading by the Rev- erend F. H. Rupnow and a message by Dr. Henry J. Christman. President, Central Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. More than 300 members and their friends attended the service.
The February 28, 1928 issue of the Grace Reformed Messenger states that:
"on Sunday morning, February 5th, 1928 under the blue skies of a beautiful winter day, this beautiful house of worship was dedicated to the Glory of God, and the honor of Christ. the Son of the Living God, our Lord and Savior. The high point of dedication week came at the services on Sunday, when Reverend Paul Leinbach, D.D., spoke to three large audiences. the afternoon services being broadcast over Station WOWO. Following this service the pastors of the Fort Wayne Reformed Churches, and also from neighboring cities, brought greetings. Mr. J. S. Wise, Superintendent of Church Erection, also de- livered an address Tuesday evening. Reverend Nevin Schaaf, former pastor, brought the message, and on Wednesday even- ing, Reverend Rocca, President of the City Ministerial Associ- ation, brought greetings from the Fort Wayne churches. This was followed by the message of the evening, by Dr. J. H. String of Zelienople, Pa., also a former pastor of Grace Church. Thursday evening a fine musical program was rendered, and the busy week ended Friday evening with a Community Pro- gram, when greetings were brought from the various organi- zations of Harrison Hill, in which district of the city our church is located. The address of the evening was given by Mr. L. C. Ward, Superintendent of City Schools. In addition to this, there should also be mentioned the splendid musical programs rendered at each service, which added much to the beauty of the services."
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1958 CONFIRMATION CLASS
Front Row, Left ta Right-Lais Pauline Speidell, Pastor Edward W. Drews, Patricia Ann Boiley. Back Row, Left ta Right-Verl Walter Sipe, Victar Robert Miser, Danald Clarence McIntosh, Cheryl Ann Meyer.
FIRST CONFIRMATION CLASS
First Raw, Left ta Right-Alice V. Grissa, Sallie Little Grasjean, Edith Nill Pape, Secand Row, Left to Right- Erna Neireiter Gumpper, Jennie Pierson Thropmaton.
MEMBERS WITH FIFTY OR MORE YEARS MEMBERSHIP IN GRACE CHURCH
First Raw, Left to Right-Mrs. Willard Bawman, Mrs. George Keller, Mr. Charles H. Gump- per, Mrs. Viala Kanning, Mrs. John Riley, Mrs. Harvey A. Bryant. Secand Raw, Left ta Right-Mrs. Victor Guebard, Miss Hazel Gaaley, Mrs. Charles G Didrick, Mrs. Henry Hildebrand, Mrs. Charles J. Masel, Mr. Flayd Siebald.
Members who have held membership fifty ar mare years nat on the picture. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Crum, Mrs. William F. Botteran, Mrs. Henry W. Kranmiller, Mrs. Fred H. Tegtmeyer.
We note in the Messenger of March, 1928 that
"about 300 persons were in the first church service; 200 came to the Lord's Table. A number of classes reached the 100% mark in church attendance. A number of small children were in the church nursery. The pastor is preparing a class for confirmation on Easter."
The Reverend Mr. Beaver served as pastor for six years and was succeeded by Reverend B. E. Reemsnyder in December of 1931. When the Reverend Mr. Reemsnyder
came to Fort Wayne in the middle of the depression. the church was burdened with a $70,000 debt. The church was saved by the heroic and consecrated leadership of Pastor Reemsnyder and by the supreme sacrifices of some of its members. This debt was liquidated during his pastorate.
Among items of interest that occurred during his ministry here was the Golden Anniversary celebration of Grace Reformed Church which had been postponed from May to October 8th-15th, 1933 because of the illness of Reverend B. E. Reemsnyder.
The week of this anniversary celebration was featured by a Home- coming of the Church School, a Fraternal Service, an Anniversary Reception, a Musical Service and the Golden Anniversary Serv- ice. Mr. Ray Snyder, Superintendent of the Church School, pre- sided at the Homecoming Service. The members of the school were favored by an address by the former Superintendent, Mr. Walter F. Close, and remarks by former Superintendents E. A. Slater, E. W. Baumgartner and E. E. Paff.
Messages from Pastors of several city churches were heard at the Fraternal Service, Sunday evening October 8th.
The Anniversary sermon was delivered by the Reverend E. N. Evans of Indianapolis, Indiana on October 15th. The history of Grace Church was read by Mr. C. H. Gumpper at this service.
The impressive Golden Anniversary Week was closed by an inspiring evening Musical Service on Sunday October
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15, 1933. This service featured the Ladies' Chorus from Berne, the Men's Chorus from Berne, a male quartet from Dutch Ridge, Indiana and solo numbers by Mrs. Ralph Jahn, Bluffton: Mr. Josef Scabold, Bluffton, and Mr. Chalmer Fisher, Decatur.
With the unification of all Reformed and Evangelical Churches in 1934 the name of Grace Church became Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church.
Reverend Reemsnyder retired on July 15. 1946 having served the Reformed ministry forty-three years and for fifteen years as pastor of Grace Church. A call was then extended to and accepted by Reverend John W. Heistand who conducted his first service on September 1, 1946. In the spring of 1947 the area under the sanctuary was excavated and made usable for classrooms and assembly purposes. Early in 1949 a parsonage at 213 North Seminole Circle was purchased. Until that time rental properties had been used for that purpose.
Reverend Heistand tendered his resignation in July 1949 to accept a call to become Superintendent of the Fort Wayne Evan- gelical and Reformed Children's Home.
The congregation extended a call to Reverend F. J. Lowenbergh to fill the vacancy left by Reverend Heistand which he accepted. Reverend Lowenbergh began his ministry here on October 8, 1949.
A rehabilitation program was begun in 1952 which included the waterproofing of the exterior brickwork of the building, install-
ing new downspouting, a new heating plant, a completely new altar-centered chancel and pipe organ, new carpeting in the sanctuary, plus redecorating of all Sunday School rooms and the sanctuary. A new pastor's study including a small chapel for the pastor's use was also built and furnished. When work was completed, a dedicatory serv- ice was held during the morning worship service on No- vember 7, 1954. A musical was presented by the choir and organist in the evening.
THE MEMBERS OF THE CONSISTORY ARE THE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONGRE- GATION. THEY AS SERVANTS OF THEIR CONGREGATION AND ASSISTANTS OF THEIR PASTOR LEAD THEIR FELLOW MEMBERS IN "WORKS OF FAITH" AND "LABOURS OF LOVE".
CONSISTORY
First Raw, Left ta Right-Kenneth Langenberger, Monte K. Richards, Edward S. Miller, Hamer F. Fry, Pastar Edward W. Drews, Lytle L. Harlan.
Secand Raw, Left ta Right-William W. Kaantz, Gearge E. Marchal, Mrs. Derrell R. Williams, Mrs. Lloyd E. Godfrey, Mrs. Charles W. Masel, Mrs. G. Ray Sink. Third Row, Left ta Right-Flayd F. Jahnsan, Robert E. Gruber, Voughn E. Boiley, J. Wilbur Haley, Ivan C. Gordan, Lowrence E. Slater.
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After serving Grace Church for over six and one-half years. Reverend Lowenbergh resigned to become pastor of an Ohio parish.
The Reverend A. C. Young of Fort Wayne filled the pulpit as interim pastor until the selection and arrival of a new pastor.
The congregation invited The Reverend Edward W. Drews of Detroit, Michigan to serve as its ninth pastor. Pastor Drews preached his first sermon on December 2. 1956. A number of items of interest occurred during the interval of time between the election of Pastor Drews and the close of the first complete year of his ministry. The parsonage was renovated at a cost of $4,500. A nursery service to function during the Divine Worship hour was re-established and a Youth Fellowship was re-organized. An Ushers Club was also organized which has proved to be very functional in improving the dignity of the church services. The congregation was fortunate in having an official visit by the President of the Michigan, Indiana Synod during the calendar year 1957, and by a visit of a returned Missionary from Japan. The Reverend George F. Reusser who visited the Church School, preached a sermon and showed slides of his work in Japan, gave us another inspirational event of the year.
The most recent change in the status of Grace Church occurred in June, 1957 when our denomination merged with the Congregational Christian Churches to form The
CHURCH CUSTODIAN Mr. Henry A. Heikowsky
United Church of Christ. At present our church uses the Evangelical and Reformed Church denominational name in combination with our new name, The United Church of Christ.
Grace Church now moves into another twenty-five years of service and growth with an announced program calling for 5% increase in church membership. increase in church attendance, a 5% increase in Church School enrollment and a 50% increase in giving toward current expenses and benevolences. It also plans for the expansion of the church property to provide more adequate classroom space. A building fund has been established and it is hoped that new buildings will become a reality in the not-too-distant future.
History of The CHOIR
Prior to the formation of a choir a pipe organ was donated to our church on Washington St. in part by the Carnegie Foundation. Formerly music was provided by a piano and an old pump organ. Miss Bertha Bitner was the first organist to use the new organ.
Following Miss Bitner was A. Leslie Jacobs, Claire Edwards and then Mrs. Gaston Bailhe who started in 1922 and moved with us in 1927. organ and all, to our present location. There was no choir and only paid professional singers presented musical selections.
Mrs. Bailhe started the first volunteer choir in 1927. Its members sang in the new church at the dedication in 1928. Of the twenty- five members of the first choir one is still singing in our present choir-Mr. Ray Sink.
Mrs. Bailhe left Grace Church in 1937 and Mrs. Marguerite Heuer served as organist until 1942. Mrs. Edgar G. DeForest took over at that time, serving as both organist and director as Mrs. Bailhe had done. In 1943 Mrs. DeForest started a Junior Choir. People said it would not be a success, but it was and is still an established organization today. At present we have twenty-one children enrolled under the direction of Mrs. David Gerig. Mrs.
SENIOR CHOIR
First Raw, Left to Right-Mrs. Eugene Dennis, Mrs. Naah A. Arnold, Miss Pamela L. Brawn, Mrs. David H. Gerig (director), Mrs. G. Dayal White (arganist), Miss Carol Heuer, Miss Cannie Jo Arnald.
Second Row, Left to Right-Mrs. Chester F. Gallimare, Miss Marianne E. Parady, Mrs. Rabert L. Pansat, Miss Betty Tegtmeyer, Mrs. Vaughn E. Bailey, Mrs. Robert C. Ruhl, Miss Beverly Prestan, Mr. Donald N. Cochren.
Third Raw, Left to Right-Miss Barbara J. Curtis, Mrs. Lytle L. Harlan, Mrs. Ivan C. Gordan, Mrs. Melvin W. Arnold, Mrs. Caleb L. Davis, Mrs. George E. Morchal, Miss Jacqueline Brown.
Faurth Raw, Left to Right-Mr. H. Eugene Dennis, Mr. Floyd F. Jahnson, Mr. Rabert L. Pansot, Mr. Gearge E. Marchal, Mr. Walter E. Pohler, Mr. Ivan C. Gardon, Mr. Melvin W. Arnold, Mr. G. Ray Sink.
CHOIR DIRECTOR AND ORGANIST
Mrs. G. Dayol White
Mrs. Dovid H. Gerig
Basil Squires is choir mother, assisted by Mrs. Dale Masel, Mrs. George E. Marchal, and Mrs. Monte K. Richards.
Leaving us in 1945, Mrs. DeForest was followed by Mrs. Georgia Gingher who stayed until the fall of 1949. Then Mr. William Luhman played for us until our present organist, Mrs. G. Doyal White who so ably helps the choir over its rough places, joined us in the fall of 1950.
Choir directors of the past include Mr. Mark Bills, Mr. Oliver Steiner, Rev. Mr. Ramseyer, Mr. John Sewell. Miss
Una J. Bangs and Mr. Floyd Johnson. Mr. Johnson is the only one who is a member of our church, and is also a member of the choir. Our present director, Mrs. David Gerig, has served our choir faithfully since Sept. 1947.
In past years the choir has given many cantatas in our church and in the community; sometimes to raise money for such things as robes and music, and sometimes just for the entertainment and enjoyment of themselves and others -but always remembering to dedicate their songs and music of praise to the Glory of God.
The JUNIOR CHOIR
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JUNIOR CHOIR
First Row, Left ta Right-Timathy Marchal, Elnara Vandervort, Stanley Fax, Cheryl Williams, Debra Richords, Jaseph Masel.
Second Raw, Left ta Right-Mrs. G. Dayal White (arganist), Pamela Daihl, Judith Ruhl, Janice Shart, Lais Gallimare, Ted Pfeifer, Mrs. David H. Gerig (directar).
Third Row, Left ta Right-Sandra Farmer, Jaan Slater, Craig Reynalds, Both Squires, Gary Marchal, Michael Nitzsche, JanG Slater.
History of the CHURCH SCHOOL
The Chapel was erected in the summer of 1884 at 316 East Washington St. and Grace Church School was really started.
The enrollment grew with the new church and by 1915 there were ap- proximately 125 members participating. Then came talk of moving the church to a residential part of the city.
After a plot of ground had been purchased in June of 1926, it was decided that a Church School should be started in the vicinity of the new church site at Lexington and Webster, and permission was granted by the School City to rent space in the Harrison Hill School.
A preliminary survey of the area was made by Mr. John Capin concerning church affiliation, and an invitation to become members of the new Church School was extended to the residents. In the fall of 1926, the new area branch of Grace Church School held its first meeting with sixteen members present. During this time, the Church School at the down-town location had been flourishing under the leadership of Mr. E. A. Slater, the Assistant Superintendent. The Christmas program of 1926 was presented by the new school combined with the original school from downtown in the auditorium of Harrison Hill School.
Mr. E. Paff, the Church School Superintendent, with the help of the E. W. Baumgartner family, the Charles Masel family, Dale Schwartz, and other leaders from the original school, worked and built up the membership to approximately 130 by the time the new church moved to its new location late in the fall of 1927.
Thus with consecrated workers in both locations, Grace Church School was able to start in its new home with over 200 active members. Changes came as the church grew and events varied, but the primary purpose of the teach- ing of God's Word is still a predominant work of the Church School after these many years of its privilege of service. With classes for those of every age the Church School has grown to its present enrollment of 438.
GRACE EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH SCHOOL OFFICERS AND STAFF
First Row, Left to Right-Mrs. Ralph Solt, Miss Sharon Ruhl, Miss Barbara Curtis, Mrs. Donald C. Hirons, Mrs. Charles E. Stiffler, Mrs. Ivon C. Gordon, Mrs. Kenneth Longenberger.
Second Row, Left to Right-Miss Ethel E. Johnson, Mrs. George E. Marchol, Mrs. Bruce W. Curtis, Mrs. Charles W. Masel, Miss Betty Tegtmeyer, Mrs. Coleb L. Dovis, Mrs. William G. Hebermehl, Mrs. Robert E. Gruber, Mr. Donald N. Cochren.
Third Row, Left to Right-Mr. Walter E. Pohler, Miss Beverly Preston, Mr. Wayne Horlan, Mr. Donald C. Hirons, Mr. Stephen P. Longen- berger, Mr. Basil L. Squires, Mrs. Lytle L. Harlon, Mr. Henry F. Borne.
GRACE EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH SCHOOL
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WOMEN'S GUILD EXECUTIVE BOARD
First Row, Left to Right-Pastar Edward W. Drews (advisar), Mrs. Edward W. Drews, Mrs. Lytle L. Harlan, Mrs. Derrell R. Williams (president), Mrs. Albert M. Gessinger, Mrs. Monte K. Richards, Mrs. Kenneth Longenberger.
Secand Row, Left ta Right-Mrs. G. Ray Sink, Mrs. Orman R. Martin, Miss Betty Tegtmeyer, Mrs. Llayd E. Godfrey, Mrs. Charles W. Masel, Mrs. Stephen L. Noyes, Mrs. Edward S. Miller, Mrs. Dale W. Masel.
Third Raw, Left ta Right-Mrs. Rabert E. Gruber, Mrs. Laring, O. Gatscha!l, Mrs. Caleb L. Davis, Mrs. Basil L. Squires, Miss Ethel E. Jahnsan, Mrs. Gearge E. Marchal, Mrs. Guy A. Gord, Miss Edith Pentz, Mrs. Melvin W. Arnald.
THE PURPOSE
To unite all the women of the church in a Christian fellowship and, with divine help and guidance, to: develop an understanding of the work of the entire Church, deepen spiritual life. stimulate sacrificial giving, and promote Chris- tian service in the home, the local church. the denomination, the community, the nation and the world.
The WOMEN'S GUILD
The women of Grace Church were organized seventy-five years ago as "The Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society" with seventeen charter members, remaining active as such until 1942. As a result of the merger it was reorganized in 1942 as "The Women's Guild" with 120 members. At this time it was divided into four circles: Mary Martha, Dorcas, Esther, and Ruth circles. In 1944 the Mary Martha Circle was disbanded and the members were absorbed into the remaining three circles. In 1953, the Dorcas and Esther Circles combined to become the Dorcas-Esther Circle; so today we have the two circles-Dorcas-Esther and Ruth, with a mem- bership of 260.
In 1954, all money-making projects were abandoned and direct giving was instituted. This proved to be quite successful and has continued to be the accepted policy of The Women's Guild.
A list of past presidents of the Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society is not available, but since 1942 The Women's Guild has been under the able leadership of the following members: Mrs. Homer Fry. Mrs. Harold Thomas, Mrs. Robert Ruhl, Mrs. L. E. Godfrey. Mrs. Robert Fisher, Mrs. Charles W. Masel, Mrs. Melvin Arnold. Mrs. Eulan Peiffer, Mrs. Ray Sink and our present president, Mrs. Derrell Williams.
On this, our Seventy-fifth Anniversary, we have much for which to be thankful and proud: but let us remember, as we learn from the past and make plans for the future, that we are known, not by our dreams, or what we hope to do, but only by our actual deeds. Only by remembering this will we further the work of The Women's Guild. As we move on through another score and five years toward our "Century", may God lead us and bless us and use us in His service and in His way.
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