USA > Indiana > Allen County > Woodburn > Seventy-five years of God's word and grace : Zion Lutheran Church, Maumee Township, Woodburn, Indiana > Part 1
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1888
1963
Sruenty-ftue years uf
God's Word and Brare
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
Maumee Township
Woodburn, Indiana
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/seventyfiveyears00zion
"Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation."-Isaiah 28,16.
Zion stands with hills surrounded, Zion, kept by power divine; All her foes shall be confounded, Though the world in arms combine. Happy Zion, What a favored lot is thine!
Every human tie may perish ; Friend to friend unfaithful prove; Mothers cease their own to cherish ; Heaven and earth at last remove: But no changes Can attend Jehovah's love.
In the furnace God may prove thee, Thence to bring thee forth more bright, But can never cease to love thee; Thou art precious in His sight; God is with thee, God, thine everlasting Light.
"The Lord dwelleth in Zion," Joel 3,21.
"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord," Zechariah 2,10.
"Come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God," Jeremiah 51,10.
Anniversary Services
MARCH 24
Seventy-fifth Anniversary of Organization, 9:30 A.M. Speaker: Professor Erwin Schnedler, Fort Wayne, Indiana
APRIL 21
Confirmation Reunion, 9:30 A.M. Speaker: Professor Lando Otto, Fort Wayne, Indiana
AUGUST 25
Diamond Jubilee, 9:30 A.M. Speaker: The Reverend Robert Weber, Milan, Michigan
AUGUST 25
Diamond Jubilee, 2:30 P.M. Speaker, The Reverend Paul Weber, Auburn, Indiana
HISTORY of Zion Lutheran Church
1888 - 1963
Seventy- five years ago, when the history of Zion Lutheran Church began, much of Maumee Township and surrounding area was still covered with virgin forest and swamp land.
Among the early settlers were Lutheran immigrants from Germany, of whom Otto Knoblauch was the first, according to available records. Later several families from the Friedheim Congregation in Adams County joined these early pioneers.
The nearest Lutheran Church at the time was St. Paul, Gar Creek, but because of the primitive road conditions, which were almost impassable at times, these people of Lutheran stock found it difficult to attend services regularly. As a result a desire awakened in the hearts of these Christians to have a church of their own. Henry Woebbeking, Sr., who with his family had moved here from Adams County, invited fellow Lutherans to his home or to a nearby public school, where he then conducted "Reading Services." At the same time, the group earnestly petitioned the Reverend A. Schupmann of Gar Creek to serve them occasionally on Sunday afternoons with the message of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments.
Under the guidance and leadership of the Reverend Schup- mann, Zion Congregation was organized on March 25, 1888, at the home of Henry Lagemann and incorporated the following year. A constitution was adopted and signed by the following men as charter members: Henry Woebbeking, Sr., Henry Lage- mann, Peter Vonderau, William Grabemeyer, Otto Knoblauch, William Deister, Henry Feusse, August Brenneke, Henry Bren- neke, Henry Koch, Henry Grothaus, Henry Busche, and Fredi-
School of 1897
nand Ruehmann. The first elected officers were: Elders, Henry Woebbeking and Henry Lagemann; Deacon, William Grabe- meyer; Trustees, Henry Woebbeking, Henry Lagemann, and Pe- ter Vonderau. The Rev. A. Schupmann was requested to serve the congregation every three to four weeks and to perform such official acts as were necessary.
Soon after the organization of Zion Congregation, a five acre tract of land on the banks of the Maumee River at Bull Rapids was purchased from Mr. Andrew Little. A portion on the eastern end of this tract was set aside for a cemetery. During the first summer the members cut down trees in the woods of Peter Vonderau, trimmed the logs to size, smoothed them with a broadax, and erected a log building on their prop- erty, which served them as both church and school.
We certainly must admire the zeal, courage, and determina- tion of these charter members. The entire building and its fur-
Former Pastors
F. H. Eickhoff 1889-1892
William Meinzen 1893-1900
Herman J. Reinking 1926-1943
William Heine 1900-1905
William Georgi 1905-1925
nishings, with the exception of the doors, window-panes, and stove, were the product of the members' own hands. The pews had bookrests in back and thus served as school benches during the week. The church was dedicated in the late summer of 1888 by the Rev. A. Schupmann and served the congregation as a house of worship for 14 years.
The first year F. W. Daberhow, a student of theology from the Springfield Seminary, was engaged to preach and to teach school from September to the following April. His nominal salary included room and board. Each family obligated itself to receive him into the home for one month. He is reported to have been very strict but a good teacher.
In the early days the congregation possessed no organ and so Mr. Henry Keller, who had joined the congregation soon after its organization, was elected to serve as song leader. Later the congregation purchased a reed organ to enrich the services and Jacob Vonderau served as organist.
In 1889 the congregation called the Rev. F. H. Eickhoff of South Dakota as its first resident pastor, and he was installed November 3. Since the congregation owned no parsonage and no other dwelling was available, the pastor and his family found it necessary to make their home in a hotel at Woodburn. From here he faithfully served the congregation in church and school under great difficulties. In the spring of the year and during seasons of heavy rainfall the condition of the roads beggared all description. Herman E. Woebbeking, who was in the first class to be confirmed at Zion, reports, the road often was so bad that when the pastor arrived at the Brenneke place, the wheels were so clogged with mud and the horse was so exhausted, that he unhitched the horse and placed it in Brenneke's barn, and then walked to the school the rest of the way. At noon the pastor would send some of the bigger boys to knock the mud out from between the spokes and then bring the horse and buggy to school. Under such conditions one often travelled faster on foot than with horses and wagon. Children on the way to school would walk along the fence row, where there was more grass, or even crawled along rail fences at the worst places. Those were the good old days, the older members liked to talk about! How much easier and more convenient we have it these days, but we take it for granted and do not realize what hardships these first members endured !
Dedication of Church - 1902
During the spring and summer of 1890 the congregation erected a two-story parsonage. Again the members themselves supplied all the rough lumber out of their own forest and also contributed much manual labor. The outside carpenter labor is reputed to have cost only $225. The following year a nice barn was built to provide the necessary shelter for the pastor's horse.
The first baptism recorded at Bull Rapids is that of Emma Grabemeyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Grabemeyer. The first Confirmation Class, confirmed by the Rev. F. H. Eickhoff, consisted of four members, Otto Keller, Herman E. Woebbeking, Maria Deister, and Sophia Lagemann. The first couple to be married were Henry Grothaus and Mina Lagemann. The first burial recorded is that of Frieda Deister, age 14, in 1889.
It is also of interest to note the high infant mortality during the early history of the congregation's existence. Of the first eleven deaths over a four-year period, nine were children. The
School Dedication - 1928
-
three chief causes of death were typhoid fever, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
In the spring of 1892 Pastor Eickhoff resigned and moved to Indianapolis. During the ensuing vacancy of one year and four months, the congregation had to resort again to "Reading Services" and the school was closed for the duration, whereas Pastor C. F. W. Meyer and later Pastor John Beyer of Gar Creek performed the official acts. After several pastors had declined the call extended to them, the congregation applied to Synod for a candidate. Candidate William Meinzen was assigned to the congregation and installed August 13, 1893. During his faithful pastorate the membership increased and it soon became evident that the original house of worship was too small and that a new church was needed.
However, before these hopes could be realized, the congre- gation received a momentary setback. In 1898 eight families in the Woodburn area requested their release and t gether with several Lutheran families from Ohio, who had settled southeast of Woodburn, organized Christ Lutheran Church. Also, Pastor Meinzen in August 1900 accepted a call to another parish, which delayed the building program.
His successor, the Reverend William Heine, was installed November 1, 1900. Under his able leadership plans for a new church progressed and materialized. The building committee consisted of August Brenneke, Conrad Roemke, Henry Woebbe- king, and John Korte, Sr. At that time the congregation listed only 37 voting members. But with great joy and enthusiasm and in the spirit of unity they resolved to give of their time and substance to erect a brick church with large stained-glass windows to the honor and glory of God. This they accomplished at a cost of a little more than $6000. This house of God was one of the finer rural churches in Indiana at that time, of which they could justly be proud. It has served the congregation well unto the present time.
The following facts about the building of the church, as gleaned from the early minutes, may be of special interest to the members and friends of Zion today. In the spring of 1901 M. G. Stock of Fort Wayne was engaged as the architect. The members resolved to do the excavating and to haul all the sand, stones, bricks, and lumber themselves. The sand was dug out
Birdseye View of Church Property
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH APR. 17, 1955
Dedication of New Parsonage - 1948
of the Maumee River. 84,000 bricks were purchased from John Conrad of Leo for $400. After the architect's plan was accepted, the first bids submitted were all rejected as being too high. The final bids accepted showed these figures: carpenter work by H. A. Grotholtman of Fort Wayne for $1615; masonry work by Ernst Breimeier of Fort Wayne for $1075; roof, gutter, and spouting by Welch and Son for $590; window-glass at 26c per square foot. The furnace was installed by Gerding and Aumann Brothers of Fort Wayne for $206. The pews were purchased from a Methodist Church on Berry Street, Fort Wayne, for about $275. The bell weighs about 1000 pounds. The original canvass of the congregation for pledges amounted to $3350.
The actual building operations did not get under way until the early part of 1902. The cornerstone was laid with appropriate ceremonies on June 1, 1902. Among other things, a copy of the congregation's constitution, a list of the voting members, and a list of the souls as of that date were placed into the cornerstone. Work proceeded without interruption and the building was com- pleted by late fall. Dedication of the new church took place on
November 9, 1902, with three divine services. The festival speakers were the Pastors F. H. Eickhoff, Philip Wambsganss, and W. C. Meinzen. It was a beautiful day and, according to estimate, 1000 people attended the services; many coming from Fort Wayne and vicinity to rejoice with Zion Congregation over its new and attractive house of God. The ladies served dinner at the nominal price of 15c for adults and 10c for children, and still made a profit of $40.
The old log building was now used exclusively for school purposes.
In August of 1905 Pastor William Heine accepted a call to another charge. He was succeeded by the Reverend William Georgi, who served the congregation for 19 years.
Until this time all the pastors, in addition to their minis- terial duties, had also taught school. Pastor Georgi likewise shouldered the teaching burden until 1918, when Zion united with Christ Church of Woodburn into one parish. As this in- creased the duties of the pastor accordingly, the congregation deemed it necessary to engage a full time teacher. The first one to serve in that capacity was Adolph Weber in 1918-20. He was succeeded the following year by Theodore Scheiwe, who taught for six years.
In January of 1925 Pastor Georgi resigned as pastor of Zion in order to serve Christ Church exclusively. After his resignation the congregation remained vacant for one and one-half years. Great, therefore, was the rejoicing of the members, when the Reverend Herman Reinking, who had just shortly before return- ed as missionary to Brazil, South America, heeded their call and was installed August 1, 1926. Since Teacher Schweiwe had the same year accepted a position in another school, Pastor Reinking was requested to assume also the task of teaching school. He taught full time for three years.
Early in 1928 the congregation resolved to replace the old log building with a new, modern brick-veneer school with full basement. Fred Rekeweg, Carl Oetting, Carl J. Roemke, Fred Graeber, and Christian Schaper served as the building com- mittee. The cornerstone of the new school was laid April 22, 1928, and it was ready for dedication on August 12 of the same year. Pastors W. Lichtsinn and Martin Kretzmann were the
guest speakers. The cost of the school was approximately $10,000, much of the labor having been done by the members themselves.
Since German and English services were now being con- ducted every Sunday, the congregation again resolved to engage a teacher and thus relieve the pastor of the teaching burden. Over the years the following men have taught at Zion: Student Walter Goetsch 1929-30; Student Bernard Dammeier 1930-32; Edgar Meyer 1932-33; Adolph Weber 1933-35; Arnold Stoppen- hagen 1935-36; Adolph Weber 1936-41; Alvin Roth 1941-47; Adolph Weber 1947-54; and Pastor Christian Schmidt assisted Teacher Weber during his final year.
During the second World War 17 sons of the congregation served their country in the armed forces. Three gave their life in line of duty. The congregation erected a beautiful Memorial Stone to their memory near the entrance to the cemetery. The
Present Pastor
CHRISTIAN A. SCHMIDT 1944-
others the Lord graciously protected from all harm, so that they could return home safely. When peace was declared, the congregation held special Thanksgiving Services.
In August of 1943 Pastor Reinking resigned and with his family moved to Fort Wayne. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Christian A. Schmidt, who was installed June 11, 1944.
Among the major projects of the congregation during his pastorate the following may well be listed. The interior of the church was redecorated in 1946 and again in 1958. During the fall of 1946 a new furnace was installed in the church. A new, modern, brick-veneer parsonage was erected in 1948, one of the finest parsonages in rural areas. During the fall and winter of 1952-53 an addition was built to the school, adding modern con- veniences and a kitchen, and also connecting the school to the church and establishing a nursery. Most of this work was done by the members themselves. In 1957 the organ was rebuilt and the console moved to the east end of the balcony. In 1958 the south and west windows of the church were protected with storm-plating. In 1962 a fine and spacious garage was built near the parsonage. And in this anniversary year the chancel and vestry were remodeled and a new carpet laid in the chancel and the center and rear aisles of the church. Thus the congre- gation continually seeks to make improvements on its church property.
In the spring of 1952 a special committee was appointed by Zion to confer with a similar committee of Christ Church and discuss the advisability of the consolidation of their re- spective schools and thereby improve the education of the chil- dren. Such consolidation was effected April 4, 1954, under the name The Lutheran School Association of Woodburn, Indiana, Inc. This united effort is resulting in a more thorough Christian education and training of the children .*
While the school is being operated under a slight handicap, classes are conducted in three separate buildings, the congre- gations are prayerfully looking forward to the erection of a new modern day school in the near future, which will also remove this drawback. Funds are being collected at the present time for this project. May God speed the day when the new school will be a reality.
The faculty for the past year consisted of Wilbert Zim-
.
merschied, Principal, David Bade, Walter Claasen, Mrs. Agnes Schmidt, Miss Adela Norden, and Mrs. Laverne Cohrs.
CHOIR
Since the turn of the century, men and women of the congregation have given of their time and the use of their talents to make a joyful noise unto God, to sing forth the honor of His name, and to make His praise glorious, and have thus helped to beautify the divine services, especially on festive occasions. The first choir of record was a men's choir, directed by Pastor William Heine. In later years it has been a mixed choir directed by the organists of the congregation. The present choir was directed by Teacher Walter Claassen, who has now accepted a call to Elgin, Illinois.
FELLOWSHIP CLUB
In October, 1961, a Fellowship Club was organized to foster Christian fellowship among the members. The Club meets month- ly from September to June.
Choir - 1963
Church Council - 1963
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First row: Wm. Hoeppner, Past. C. Schmidt, Chr. Roemke, Chas. Smith. Second row: Herb Rekeweg, Howard Hoeppner, L. Brenneke, Wm. Shane- brook. Third row: Schaper, Reynold Roemke, Roland Woebbeking. Fourth row: Arnold Roemke, L. Schafer, R. Hirsch. Fifth row: Cl. Reichhart, C. Schaper, E. Helmke.
WALTHER LEAGUE
On December 5, 1923, a Young People's Society was or- ganized to afford the younger group an opportunity for more intensive study of God's Word and to foster entertainment in accordance with Christian principles. The first officers were Adelinda Oetting, President; Ida Roemke, Vice-President; and Hugo Oetting, Secretary-Treasurer.
In May of 1932 this society joined the International Walther League under the name Zion Walther League and adopted the League program, the most important phase of which is Bible Study and Christian service. The first officers of the Walther League were Christian Roemke, President; Herman Korte, vice- President; Laura Ehle, Secretary; Carl Busche, Treasurer. In
Walther League - 1963
1938 the members of this society did much to promote the purchase of a pipe organ for the church. Every year the Walther League has charge of the Christmas decorations and the dis- tribution of gifts and treats for the children. They have also been active in supporting Wheatridge Sanatorium and Foun- dation by the sale of Christmas Seals and in sending gifts to various orphanages at Christmas time. In this anniversary year they have presented a kneeling cushion and flower stands to the church.
The present officers are Carol Rekeweg, President; Richard Buuck, Vice-President; Janice Brenneke, Secretary; Mrs. Agnes Schmidt, Treasurer; Joy Nahrwold and Connie Schlatter, Chris- tian Growth Committee; Kenneth Roemke, Zone Representative.
MEN'S CLUB
The Men's Club was organized in February, 1940, chiefly for Christian fellowship and service. In the past the Club was instrumental in painting the school basement on several oc- casions. This year the Men's Club and the Choir supplied new i shrubs to beautify the church lawn.
Ladies' Aid 25th Anniversary - 1949
LADIES' AID SOCIETY
In February of 1924 the organization of the Ladies' Aid was effected for service in the Kingdom of God both within and without the congregation. The first officers were Mrs. August Brenneke, President; Mrs. Alfred Bohren, Vice-presi- dent; Mrs. Adolf Juergens, Secretary-Treasurer. During the first years the Aid met in the homes of the members, then in the school basement. Since this is now used as a classroom, the ladies assemble at Christ Church, Woodburn, during the school term.
The Ladies' Aid has always been a very active organization. According to Biblical precept its members serve the Lord with gladness. Besides engaging in sewing and charity work, they have provided various needed items for church, school, and parsonage. Some of their major projects include the purchase of the school benches in 1928; a new carpet for the church chancel in 1930; asphalt tiling in the church auditorium in 1946; venetian blinds for all the windows in the parsonage in 1948; installation and equipment of the kitchen in the school basement
in 1953; painting of all the rooms and tiling of the bathroom walls in the parsonage in the last six years; donation of pulpit and lectern this year.
The present officers of the Ladies' Aid are Mrs. Herman Hirsch, President; Mrs. Gerhard Gerbers, Vice-President; Mrs. Raymond Schaper, Secretary ; Mrs. Louis Schafer, Treasurer.
STATISTICS
During the 75 years of the congregation's existence, 592 have been baptized, 501 were confirmed, 182 marriages were solemnized, and 151 were given Christian burial. At the present time the congregation has a membership of 360 souls and 235 communicants.
EPILOGUE
This, then, is the brief history of Zion Lutheran Congre- gation for the past 75 years. As we look back, we have every reason to thank and praise the Lord, for He has been good to us and to our fathers. He preserved to us His true Word and Sacraments and blessed us with all manner of spiritual gifts. We are altogether unworthy of His grace and love. Let our hearts be filled with sincere gratitude toward Him as we plead, "God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget-lest we forget !"
ANNIVERSARY MEMORIALS AND GIFTS
Pulpit and lectern by the Ladies' Aid
Altar, pulpit, and lectern hangings by the William Roemke children of the congregation
Altar Service Books by Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Roemke
Hymn Boards by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hirsch
Communion Veil by Rev. and Mrs. Christian A. Schmidt
Picture of the Good Shepherd by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Roemke
Kneeling cushion and flower stands by the Walther League Shrubs on church lawn by the Choir and Men's Club
Door mirror in nursery by Mr. and Mrs. William Hoeppner
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"In the Cross of Christ I Glory"
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