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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01786 6960
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OUR CHURCH.
A HISTORY
OF THE
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA
O1 THL
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
EDITED BY
WILLIAM L. TEDROW.
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN THE REGISTER PUBLISHING COMPANY, The Inland Picss.
1894.
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1827780
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2895
' TEDROW, WILLIAM L cd.
.8 Our church; a history of the synod of Northern Indiana of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Ann Arbor, Mich. , Register publishi. co., The Inland press, 1894. vi, 295p. plates, ports. 20cm.
"The territory of this synod was the states of Indiana and Michigan, parts of Kentucky and northwestern Ohio. "-p. [1] 69-1385 ICN 69 OC PC Sh A ASh Gr GrSh 0 MSh W WSh CSh
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"ITVH ALINIAMI VAAVH FERNCLIFF HALL.
REAR VIEW.
IRONT VIIM.
ZIMMERMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
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Christ loved the church and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleunse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish .- Ephesians 5: 25-27.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
SYNODICAL. PAGE.
1. Preliminary, 1
2. Organization and Constitution, 4
3. Pioneer Work and Workers, 18
4. The Synod and the General Synod, 22
5. The Synod and the College, . 26
32
6. The Synod and Beneficiary Education, 44
7. The Synod and Home Missions,
8. The Synod and Pastor's Fund, 49
9. The Synod and Other Benevolent Work, 54
10. The Synod and the Young People, 58
11. The Synod and Temperance Reform, 65
12. The Synod and the Civil War, 69
13. The Summary of Parochial Reports, 73
14. W. H. and F. M. Society, .
.
81
PAROCHIAL. . 95
1. Albion Pastorate, .
2. Ann Arbor Pastorate, 97
3. Auburn Pastorate, 101
1. Berrien Springs Pastorate, 104
5. Bethlehem Pastorate, . 107
6. Briant Pastorate, . 108
7. Butler Pastorate, . 114
8. Camden Pastorate, 116
9. Columbia City Pastorate, . 118
10. Constantine Pastorate, 125
11. Eberhard Pastorate, . 130
12. Elkhart Pastorate, 133
13. Fairfield Pastorate, . 139
14. Ft. Wayne Pastorate, 142
15. Goshen Pastorate, . 144
16. IToreb Pastorate, . 146
17. La Grange Pastorate, . . 148
18. Logansport Pastorate, 151
19. Massillon Pastorate, . 154
20. Middlebury Pastorate, 166
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
21. Millersburg Pastorate, 176
22. North Manchester Pastorate, 179
23. Rock Creek Pastorate, . 185
24. Sharpsville Pastorate, 187
25. Silver Lake Pastorate, 189
26. Springfield Pastorate, 191
27. Spencerville Pastorale, . 193
28. Three Rivers Pastorate, 196
29. Walton Pastorate, . 205
30. White Pigeon Pastorale, . 207
BIOGRAPHICAL.
1. Rev. Hugh Wells, . 213
2. Rev. R. F. Delo, 219
3. Rev. William Waltman, . 222
225
5. Rev. S. Kelso, . .
228
6. Rev. John G. Biddle, 230
7. Rev. Frederick Biddle, . 235
8. Rev. Ambrose II. Scherer, 239
9. Rev. Luther A. Gotwald, D. D., . 241
. 10. Rev. John Luther Guard.
219
11. Rev. Abraham Leathers,
. 258
12. Rev. A. J. Donglas,
261
13. Rev. J. N. Barnett, . 265
14. Rev. Jabes Shaffer, 268
15. Rev. D. F. Kain, . 270
16. Rev. B. F. Stultz,
274
17. Rev. E. W. Erick,
. 278
18. Rev. J. M. Francis,
281
19. Elizabeth Martha Francis,
. 283
20. Mrs. A. V. Hunter,
281
21. Levi Meyers, . 286
22. Peter Bishop, 297
23. George Spangler, . . 289
24. Notes, 292 ·
1. Rev. Levi Rice, .
EDITOR'S NOTE.
This is a Synodical book, not in the sense that it was authorized by the Synod, and not wholly from the subject matter which it contains, but more particularly from the fact that the whole Synod was interested in its preparation. Nearly every member has contributed something toward it, and its publication was made possible only by the advanced pledges that were given. To the editor belonged the work of arrang- ing the material furnished by others, and of seenring such ad- ditional data as were necessary to furnish as complete a record as possible. The Synodical portion was written entirely by him, and was prepared after a most thorough and careful study of the records of Synod from its organization to the -present time. It required also a vast amount of correspond- enve with those who were identified with its early history and much more labor, in bringing together and harmonizing, the information thus received, than would ordinarily be thought possible. The early records are not very satisfactory and the memories of men are sometimes faulty. He has aimed to give, however, only that which is reliable, and chose those practical lines along which the Synod's chief work was done, in the hope that the struggles and sacrifices of former days might arouse all to greater efforts for the church in the future.
The material for the parochial part was furnished, gen- erally, by the ministers of the different pastorates, or where a charge was vacant by some interested layman. This involved no small amount of time and labor on their part, for many of
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EDITOR'S NOTE.
the congregat onal records were very poorly kept. These sketches have, however, all -- with the exception of four or five-been rewritten by the editor. Some are briefer than they should have been, but in most cases this arises from the fact that it was impossible to secure the necessary information to give a complete history.
In the biographical portion the sketches are of necessity brief. Others should have been included, but the limits of the book would not permit. The sketch of Dr. Gotwald is taken from Jensen's " Biographies of Lutheran Ministers " with a few facts added to bring it down to the present. With a few exceptions, these sketches were prepared by the editor, from information gathered from various sources, and he grate- fully acknowledges the assistance this received.
The aim has been to set forth in a plain and simple man- ner some of the facts pertaining to the development of this Synod in the hope that it might aid in occupying the vast field assigned to her, and that the many important places within her territory, crowded with children of the church of the Reforma- tion who have become anglicized in speech, but who are com- pelled to worship in a foreign tongue or leave their loved and cherished household of faith, may more speedily witness the planting of English Lutheran churches in their midst.
W. L. T.
ANN ARBOR, MICH.
1
SYNODICAL.
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PRELIMINARY.
When Lyman Beccher was pastor of the Hanover street church of Boston, a congregational meeting was held to con- sider the propriety of forming a new organization in a different part of the city. Considerable interest was manifested and the missionary spirit of the great preacher kindled the fire in other hearts. In the midst of the enthusiasm that prevailed when a vote was about to be taken the carnest pastor sprang to his feet and shouted in ringing tones, "I move that we organize two, one for the North end and one for the South end." Oct. 30, 1818, when the Olive Branch Synod was organized in the state of Indiana and in the Capital City almost a similar sentiment prevailed. The territory of this synod was the states of Indiana and Michigan, parts of Kentucky and Northwestern Ohio. It was a vast field, and even then it was in the minds of some of those heroic missionaries that there must be, " one for the North end and one for the South end." The congregations then existing on the Northern part of the territory were much divided in their syndical relations. Some belonged to the Olive Branch, some to the Wittenberg, and some to the other Ohio synods. This division rendered the work exceedingly difficult and proved a barrier in the way of its progress. Being so widely separated it was almost im- possible for ministers and delegates to attend the annual syn- odical conventions. Modes of travel were not so convenient nor rapid then as now. The magnificent railway system which
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
now spans every part of this vast territory and seems to bring it- remotest points into close proximity with each other, was then in its infancy. The net work has since been woven, and has made it comparatively easy for the delegates from any con- gregation to reach a convention at any place upon this field. Then they were compelled to travel scores of miles on horse- back, oftimes at great peril and with tremendous sacrifice. The inconveniences and hardships thus endured, can scarcely be conceived today by those who enjoy better facilities and advantages.
Then there were many places and people that were as sheep without a shepherd. They were in need of the Bread of Life. Mach missionary work must be done, and these pioneer preachers were imbued with the proper spirit to do it. But they felt that their efforts could not be so well directed, not their scanty forces so well massed under existing conditions. Better work could be done, and provision made more readily too destitute places, by having a more thorough and compact organization. .. One for the North end and one for the South end, " was a recognized necessity in advancing the interests of the church. This was the only motive. There was no desire simply to multiply synodical organizations. The glory of God through the extension of the church and the salvation of im- mortal souls was the inspiring motive. In it the foundations of the synod were laid and God has honored it by the up-building of a strong, vigorous and aggressive body.
Eight years of patient and persistent labor passed ere this desire was realized. In the fall of 1855 Rey. II. Wells, pas- tor of the church in Columbia City, Ind., presented petitions from his own and other congregations to the Olive Branch
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PRELIMINARY.
synod, " the one in the South end," then assembled in con- vention at Columbus, Ind., praying that permission be granted to organize a new synod " in the North end." A similar petition from the joint council of the Albion pastorate was presented by Rev. R. F. Delo to the Wittenberg synod. asking that all congregations upon this territory belonging to that body be released for the purpose of uniting with other congre- gations from other synods and forming an organization of their own. These requests were granted and the way was opened for "the North end " synod. The territorial limits of the synod were made, the Ohio state live on the east, the fortieth parallel of latitude on the south, the Illinois state line on the west and the great lakes on the north. This includes the northern half of the state of Indiana and the entire state of Michigan. It was an immense field for a few pastors and scattered congregations to attempt to occupy. But they had unbounded faith in their Savior and were confident that he could carry forward a work which was destined to render great glory to his name. Experience had already taught them that " mountains of difficulties " were removed by his strong hand and they went forth to fight their battles and win their vie- tories upon this field. The promise for the " two or three " gathered in his name was not forgotten and it became the in- spiration for the mighty achievements which the coming years should witness and of which future generations should gladly tell.
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
ORGANIZATION AND CONSTITUTION.
The consecrated disciple of Jesus never hesitates when the opportunity for some special line of work is clearly presented, and the demands of duty are recognized. To the faithful missionaries whose hearts were so deeply set upon the develop- ment of the Lutheran church upon this territory, the way was opened for the organization of a new synod. It was regarded of such importance to the future welfare of our beloved Zion that no time was lost in accomplishing the object. Rev. Il. Wells, immediately after his return from the Olive Branch Synod, issued a call to the ministers and congregations upon this territory for a convention to be held October 25, 1855, in the Lutheran church of Columbia City, Indiana, of which he was pastor, to consider this important subject. The morning of this day dawned and very few of those supposed to be inter- usted had arrived. Those prosent assembled at the church. Rev. D. Smith was appointed temporary President, and Rey. C. Walker temporary Secretary. The entire morning was devoted to prayer. It was an important movement and there must be clear and unmistakable evidences that Good was direct- ing it. Agam and again was the prayer of faith wafted to a throne of grace. The suppliants lingered about the altar with unceasing importunities, saying like one of old in his wrestle with the mysterious being who came to him in his lonely night of sorrow, " I will not let thee go except thou bless me." They were pleading for light upon the pathway of duty, for strength to perform that duty in the fear of God, for inspira- tion that the hard task of duty might be transformed into joy
5
ORGANIZATION AND CONSTITUTION.
and pleasure. The work was God's and they sought his guid- ance and superintending care. Never were foundations laid with a keener sense of man's dependence or a deeper conviction of the truth, "Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build it." The synod of Northern Indiana like the Christian church was born in a prayer meeting. It was the child of prayer, and this was prophetic of what that child should become.
In the afternoon of the same day several more delegates arrived and the subject was formally presented:
" Resolved, That the convention now proceed to discuss the propriety of organizing a synod in Northern Indiana."
Every phase of the work was considered. New duties meant new responsibilities. Could they be met? The cost must be counted. Having begun were they able to carry the work successfully forward ? Many important questions arose.
The next morning the following preamble and resolution were presented and adopted :
Whenas, The mimsters and churches of the Evangelical Lutheran church in Northern Indiana are so remote trom the places where their respective synods hold their annual conven- tions as frequently to deprive them of the benefits of said conven- tions, and as said synods have granted permission to hold a con- vention and if found expedient to organize a synod in our midst, therefore: .
" Resolved, That in humble reliance upon our Heavenly Father we proceed to organize an Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
A committee of three consisting of Rey. I. Wells, Rev. R. F. Delo, and Mr. 1. W. Kitson, was appointed to prepare a constitution and present it at three o'clock of the same day. Only a partial report could then be made. It was not com-
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
pleted until the following morning, October 27, when it was presented and adopted. The convention then proceeded to organize by the election of the constitutional officers. Rev. Il. Well, was elected President, Rev. G. Walker, Secretary, and Rev. D. Smith, Treasurer. The ministers were instructed to apyly to their respective synods for honorable dismissals to the synod of Northern Indiana. The sessions continued until a late hour Saturday evening, making such plan- and provid- ing for such thing as were regarded essential to the future. prosperity of the work. At a meeting of the ministerium after careful examination it was decided that Mr. J. G. Biddle should be licensed to preach the gospel for one your and that he be placed under the direction of Rev. R. F. Delo. M. Biddle was therefore the first young man set apart to the gos- pel ministry by this body.
Roll of the First Convention. - Rev. D. Smith, Camden, Ind .; Rev. H. Wells, Columbian City, Ind .; Rev. F. Temp- lin, North Manchester. Ind .; Rev. .. Wolfe, Course, Ind .; Rev. J. Cather, Norristown, Ind .; Rev. G. Walker, Syracuse. Ind. ; Res. W. Waltman, Spencerville, Ind .; Rev. R. F. Delo. Lisbon, Ind.
Lay Delegates. I. Snyder, Columbia City, Ind .; 1. W. Kitson, Syracuse, Ind .: J. G. Biddle, Spencerville, Ind.
The constitution has been amended from time to time to meet new requirements in an ever-enlarging work, and also to hold the synod in harmony with the General Synod. We append the constitution as it now is.
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ORGANIZATION AND CONSTITUTION.
CONSTITUTION OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD OF NORTHERN
INDIANA.
ARTICLE I.
NAME, BASIS, MEMBERS, MEETINGS, DELEGATES, ETC.
Skontox 1. The name, style, and title of this Synod shall be the THE EVANGELICAL. LEDIERAN SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA, in connection with the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the t'onted States.
Ske. 2. The doctrinal basis shall be " The Word of God, as contained in the Canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ments, as the only infallible rule of faith and practice, and the Augsburg Confession as a correct exhibition of the fundamental doctrines of the Divine Word, and the faith of our Church fonuded upon that Word.
Six. 3. This Synod shall consist of all the ordained Lutheran ministers and licentiates, together with the lay delegates from the pastoral districts, within its bounds, who submit to the Con-ti- tuition.
Sied Each pastoral district shall have the right to -end one lay delegate to synod. Any congregation of congregations not property organized into a pastoral charge so as to be represented by a regular delegate, may send a commissioner to Synod, who may be heard in behalf of said congregation or congregations, but he shall have no vote.
Six 5. Any Exangelical Lutheran congregation, or pastoral charge, may become connected with the Synod, if within it- bounds, by acceding to the provisions of this Constitution.
Sie 6. The Synod shall meet annually for the transaction of business, at such time and place as may have been determined. Special meetings may be called by the President, when requested in writing by one-third of the ordained ministers of Synod. Of sich meetings notice must be given in the church papers at least three weeks previous, stating the object; and the business shall be confined to what is stated in the call.
8
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
Ske. 7. Delegates from other Evangelical Lutheran Synods, and from other ecclesiastical bodies, and also ministers from other Synods or Evangelical churches, may be invited to sit as advisory members, but they shall have no vote.
SEe. S. Two-fifths of the members of Synod shall constitute a quorum, provided that one-third of the ordained ministers of Synod be present.
ARTICLE IL. OBJECTS, POWERS, DUTIES, ETC., OF SYNOD.
SECTION 1. It shall be the duty of Synod to maintain order and good government among the churches within its bounds, and to this end it shall see that the rules of government and discipline prescribed in this Constitution and in the Formula of the General Synod are properly observed by the pastors and churche; under its care.
See. 2. It shall be the duty of Synod to devise and execute all suitable measures for the promotion of piety and the general prosperity of the church, and to provide supplies for destitute congregations.
Si. S. It shall have power to form and change pastoral di. friets, paying dne regard to the rights and wishes of congrega- tions; and no congregation or pastoral charge shall be formed out of existing ones, without the advice or sanction of Synod.
See. I. It shall have power to exclude from Synodical fellow- ship any congregation obstinately refusing to comply with the regulations and decisions of Synod, and no congregation thus excluded shall be served by any minister belonging to Synod, except by special permission of Synod, or the President of Synod.
Sk. 5. It shall receive appeals from Church Councils of Con- ferences, when regularly brought before it, and shall review the proceedings and decisions to which they refer, and shall have full power to affirm or reverse the same, or to determine the questions presented thereby. Notice of such appeals must be given to the Council or Conference by the appellant, with the reasons in full, within three weeks after the time when the decision was rendered,
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ORGANIZATION AND CONSTITUTION.
and a full record of the case must be furnished the Synod by the Conneil or Conference. Upon the filing of such notice by the appellant, as above provided for, it shall be the duty of the Clerk or Secretary of such Church Council or Conference, and within ten days thereafter, to make out a complete record of the case, with the findings thereon, and transmit it, with the original papers, to the Clerk or Secretary of the body to which such appeal may be taken.
Ske. 6. It shall have power, when deemed necessary, to cine church members to appear and give testimony, and may endeavor to obtain other witnesses if the case require- it.
Ske. 7. It shall have power to examine and decide all charge- against ministers and licentiates except such as may be other- wise specially provided for by this constitution.
ARTICLE HI.
OFFICERS OF THE SYNOD.
SECTION 1. The officer, of Synod shall be a President, Score- tary or Secretaries and Treasurer, who shall be elected annually, or at such stated times a- may be determined by each Synod, by a majority of voter- present. The President and Secretary shalt be chosen from among the ordained ministers. The Treasurer may be either a minister or a layman.
PRESIDENT.
Ske. 2. He shall deliver a discourse at the opening of each annual meeting of Synod, or appoint a substitute, and shall in connection with the pastor of the church, have direction of the religious exercises during Synod, and the appointment of indi- viduals to preach; unless Synod shall appoint a special committee on religious exercises, and of which he and the pastor shall be members.
Sec. 3. He shall preside at all meetings of the Synod, decide questions of order, subject to an appeal to Synod, and discharge all the duties usually devolving on the presiding officer of such a body.
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
See. 4. He shall appoint all committee- not specially named or elected by synod.
SEc. 5. He shall, after the Synod is duly constituted by the enrolling of the names of the members, present a written report of all his official aets during the Synodical year, and may pre- sent such additional statements and recommendations as in his judgment should claim the attention of Synod. This report shall be dealt with as other papers belonging to Synod.
See. 6. He shall give advice to members of Synod and con- gregations when requested, or when in his judgment such advice is needed.
Sie. 7. Should be remove from the bounds of the synod, depart this life, resign, or become disqualified for the discharge of his duties, the Secretary shall succeed him, and discharge the the duties of the office until the next meeting of Synod.
SRe. S. He shall, with the Secretary, subscribe all official doe- uments of the Synod.
Ser. 9. He shall perform the ceremony of ordination, assisted by the Secretary and the ministers, and give to approved candi- date- letters of license, which, as well as certificates of ordin- ation. he is to subscribe with his other signature.
SECRETARY.
Skorox 10. He shall keep a faithful and accurate record of all the proceedings of Synod, carefully preserve all the papers, the seal, etc., of the Synod, subject to its direction, and shall do all the official writing not otherwise provided for.
She. it. He shall give notice (either by circular or in the church papers) of the time and place of the Synodical meeting, at least four weeks previous to the time appointed.
Sko. 12. He shall keep a register of the names of all the min. isters and lieentiates, according to their age in office, and also of the congregations, whether vacant or not, connected with the Synod.
Sie. 13. If the business should render it necessary, the Pres- ident may appoint an Assistant Secretary, whose office -hall expire at the close of the meeting of Synod.
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ORGANIZATION AND CONSTITUTION.
Ske. 14. Should be remove from the bounds of the Synod, depart this life, or become disqualified for the discharge of his duties, the President may require the archives, seal, and any other property of Synod, to be delivered to him, and shall appoint a Secretary to act until the meeting of Synod.
TREASURER.
SECTION 15. He shall take charge of the moneys belonging to Synod, and shall keep them subject to its order.
See. 16. He shall keep and present at each annual meeting of Synod, a detailed and faithful account of the state of the Treas- ury. If the Synod desires it he shall give a bond for the faithful performance of the duties of his office.
Ske. 17. Should he remove out of the bounds of the Synod, depart this life, resign, or become disqualified for the discharge of his duties, the President shall take charge of all the money's, certificates, bonds, etc., belonging to Synod, and retain them until a treasurer is elected at the next meeting of Synod.
ARTICLE IV. OF MINISTERS, LICENTIATES, CHURCHES AND DELEGATES.
SReriox 1. No minister or licentiate shall interfere with the the congregation of another by preaching or performing other ministerial duties in them, except by the request or consent of the latter, or in his absence, without invitation from the Church Council.
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