USA > Indiana > Historical data and life sketches of the deceased ministers of the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Association, 1835 to 1915, Volume II > Part 10
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Her Struggles
Her financial struggles were many. Her people were poor and had a poor financial system. Of the pledged money on dedication much was uncollectable. Financially the society went down. The Loose Class was added in 1874, Jos. Fisher, pastor. The sale of a part of the church lot was granted by Conference, the proceeds to be paid on debt. In '75 Fisher was returned, and Schwartz Class was attached. In '76 due to the heavy debt, Conference empowered the pastor, C. C. Beyrer, to collect funds over the conference. In '77, being pe- titioned for further help, Conference appointed a committee to investigate the financial needs of the society with power to assume $1,500.00, provided the so- cicty will satisfactorily assume the balance. On October 25, '77, the society took new pledges to cover the assumed obligation, but again failed to meet her part of the obligation. On September 2, '82, the trustees, according to the grant of '74, sold the east half of the church lot for $360.00, and applied it on the debt. On May 5, '84, the trustees received a loan from the Elkhart Building and Loan Association of $2,226.00 to pay off the church debt. The members pri- vately agreed to pay 25c to $1.00 per month against this new debt. Pastor A. O. Raber agreed to collect these sums. Also D. Martz and S. B. Kring, succeeding pastors, did the same. It was a long and tedious pull, but the loan was finally paid in March, 1890, and the society was out of debt.
Charter-Members of this Society
Rev. Jos. and Lydia Fisher, and Gideon, Lorenzo and Sarah, their children; Silas and Sophia Fisher; Benj. and Lizzie Fisher; C. H. Redding and wife; S. Aurant and wife and daughters, Lucy and Jennie; J. M. Barber and wife; S. P. Newman and wife; Chas. Stuck and wife; W. Stuck and wife; Anna Schwartz: J. Lonquest; J. Kinzie; B. O. Manchester and wife; E. K. Boyer and wife; Perry Gates and wife; H. Martin and wife; B. Kaufman and wife; J. Markel and wife; B. Marker and wife; P. Marker and wife; Wm. Eisenbice and wife; Ph. Upson and wife; E. Meek; Wm. Showers and Mary Baner.
Special Revivals
In 1880 J. Wales reported that Savilla Kring, daughter of Rev. S. B. Kring of Canton, Ohio, conducted an evangelistic meeting in this society with glorious results. She repeated her effort here for two weeks in the winter of '81. Wales reported 68 saved and 73 accessions; enrolled in S. S., 180: People came at 6 p. m. waiting until the doors opened for the service. In January, 1886, D. Martz conducted a revival that lasted four weeks and resulted in 30 conversions and 33 accessions. In February, 1896, A. S. Fisher held a revival with 125 conversions, 20 reclaimed and 84 accessions. Other many good revivals were held here. Sce Conference Journals.
Prayer-meetings here were well attended and often were seasons of re- joicings. The old people and many of the young knew the value of real prayer, and here obtained their spiritual meat and drink. Under the pastorate of L. S.
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Fisher, there were six such weekly meetings, maintained where heaven and earth met in blessed fellowship.
Auxiliary Organizations
The Ladies' Aid Society was founded in 1886 with Mrs. Gramley, first pres- ident. This society has rendered very valuable service to the church ever since.
The Missionary Auxiliary of the Society has always been active for mis- sionary work in the Conference, Watch Tower itself having been a mission from 1872-91, when it became a station.
The Woman's Missionary Society was founded in 1884, and has actively maintained itself ever since. Mrs. S. S. Albert, of this society, was Conference Branch W. M. S. president for a number of years.
This society had a Young People's Society organized by S. B. Kring in 1884. All of its members were on the "lookout committee". On February 9, '92, W. H. Brightmire organized the first Young People's Alliance with Geo. WVeyrick as first president.
Church Struck by Lightning
On August 24, 1873, at 4:30 a. m., lightning struck the church tower and it burned down level with the church. Other damage was done to the amount of $600.00 which was covered by insurance. It was struck a second time July 23, 1892. The amount of damages amounted to $60.00, also covered with insurance,
For ministers who served here, see Volume I. The merging of Emmanuel and Watch Tower Churches was consummated by L. S. Fisher and C. F. Han- sing, P. E. The pastor held the last memorable service in Watch Tower Church June 12th. This church here "like the mighty oak of the forest" stood the storms and toils of many years. No wonder some of its members wept on leav- ing the old place of worship, and others rejoiced over the many blessings that here were showered upon them. This society recommended to the ministry of the Gospel, I. B. Fisher, 1877; G. B. Holdeman, 1884; W. S. Mills, 1893; A. E. Weyrick, 1897; Royal Garl, 1897; Geo. C. Lutman, 1902.
ELKHART FIRST CHURCH
At the Conference session of 1904 the union of the two societies was en- dorsed. Both the old church names were canceled and the merged church was incorporated as First Church of Elkhart, Indiana, of the Evangelical Association. Thus the German mother and the English daughter formed a happy union, one in purpose, love, and work. The First Church began with a combined member- ship of the two societies of 414, of this number 109 from the Division Street Church, which now included the small membership of the South Side Elkhart Society to which it belonged at the time of the merger. At this session, South Side was detached and added to Benlah, South Bend. The combined Sunday School enrollment was 432, and the Y. P. A. membership, 134.
After the union was effected, the two church buildings were wrecked, and
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the erection of the First Church began on the Watch Tower site, including the part lot that was sold in '82, but which had been purchased again. Father Weiney was the chief contractor. The cornerstone was laid by assistant editor of the Evangelical Messenger, E. M. Spreng, Aug. 2, 1894, with 200 names of per- sons placed into the cornerstone, cach having given $1.00 at this time. The construction of the church now progressed rapidly and was ready for dedica- tion, April 23, 1905. The first sermon preached in this splendid church was by the historian, Saturday evening prior to the dedication, by Bishop S. C. Brey- fogel, assisted by S. P. Spreng. This was a great day for this society. The entire cost of this church was $35,000.00. Of this about $11.000 was raised on dedication. The basement was fitted for S. S. work, containing a large audi-
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Elkhart First, Elkhart, Ind.
torium and a dozen or more class-rooms, and the heating plant. The main auditorium has an 800 seating capacity, a lecture room of 100 capacity, a large gallery with two side class-rooms, a large men's and ladies' class-room, at each end of the large foyer, which opens by three doors to the auditorium. The in- terior is well lighted, the walls are artistically decorated, and the windows are of fine art-glass. The woodwork is mahogany finish and the entire floor is car- peted. Pastors who served this society are: 1904-06, L. S. Fisher; '07-10, J. H. Breish; '11-13, L. S. Fisher; '14-19, E. W. Praetorius. In October, 1919, the General Conference elected Praetorius, General Secretary of Sunday Schools and Young People's Alliances. This election necessitated him to resign and F. C. Berger, whom he succeeded as general secretary, succeeded him as pastor of First Church. Berger remained pastor until 1923, when he was elected
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P. E. Two Conference sessions were held in this church, in 1909 and 1918 respectively. Three of its young men were licensed to preach the Gospel since 1904, viz; C. E. Boyer, 1907; M. O. Herman, 1910; C. Berger, 1915. All pas- tors here had commendable success, many were converted to God in this sanctuary and added to the fold. Various improvements were made to the church since its dedication. All auxiliary organizations of this church are ac- tive and progressive, sharing the financial responsibility with the other large societies in the Conference.
ELKHART, OAKLAND AVE. CHURCH
After a prayer-meeting in Watch Tower church, August 23, 1896, a special trustee meeting was held to consider the feasibility of locating a mission in Wolf's Addition. A committee of investigation, composed of Geo. Weyrick, A. B. Weiney, J. Baker, R. Burns, and D. H. Rutter, was appointed to estimate the cost. It met and went over the field and selected the N. E. corner lot of Wolf Ave. and 7th Street. On September 5, '92, they reported to a called meeting, at which it was decided to buy the lot and build when $800.00 was pledged. At this meeting $261.50 was pledged, and a building committee con- sisting of the trustees and A. B. Weiney and A. D. Paulin was elected. Ground for the building, 28x50 feet, was broken September 10th. It was dedicated November 27, '92, by Editor S. P. Spreng. The entire cost was $1,650.00. M. L. Scheidler was pastor.
A Union S. S. that was held in the Public School Building was now trans- ferred to the chapel with R. Burns as first superintendent. The school aver- aged 140. The membership of the society was 35, some of whom were: John Baker and wife; John Warner and wife; F. L. Davis and wife; R. Owen and wife; Isaac, Mand, and Jennie Garl; Dan New; D. R. Rutter and wife; Maud Carpenter: Rebecca Rigby, John Wilhelm and wife; Mrs. Henry Davis; Mrs. A. Ritter; Elmira Straton. In 1893 this society belonged to the Watch Tower pastorate, but S. S. Albert, who now located here, served it most of the time. In '94 it was added to Bilman's Appointment near Wakarusa and served by R. F. Jameson. In '95 it was served by J. Wales, who installed a bell. In '96-98 it was served with Smith's Class, N. W. of Elkhart, by. A. B. Haist, when many were added to the society and the S. S. flourished. In '99-00 S. I. Zechiel served. The second year a church debt of $100.00 was paid. The membership was considerably decreased. In the spring of 1901 the society, by its own urgent request, was discontinued, but Sunday School was continued. Soon after Conference session, the officials saw their mistake and appealed to their P. E. for a supply pastor. S. S. Albert was the only available man, and he was secured for them. He, however, in discouragement resigned six months later, and Thos. Finkbeiner assumed charge of this small floek conjointly with the work at Division Street Church. In the spring of 1902, he held a revival
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meeting at which time the people took new courage. In April, '02, the society was added to the Division Street Church, M. W. Sunderman, pastor. In the fall revival nine members were added to this flock which greatly encouraged the society. The S. S. took on new life. In '03, S. was returned and labored with success. The salary was doubled; electric lights were installed; the fur- nace reset; the walls repapered: and the pulpit floor recarpeted. In '04 this society with Beulah in South Bend, and Tabor and Salem near N. Liberty con- stituted West South Bend Circuit. M. W. Sunderman was appointed pastor. Though averse to this arrangement, he went to work cheerfully, secured the
Oakland Ave., Elkhart, Ind.
. assistance of N. F. Platz to preach here alternately Sunday nights and at Beulah Chapel. Other improvements were made. A $50.00 fund was started for pews. There were eight accessions. In '05 L. Newman was pastor. He had some accessions.
In '05-06 G. C. Lutman was pastor. South Side was alone again and a mission. The salary was increased $100.00. The envelope system was in- troduced with good success. The S. S. again reached the 100 mark. The Ladies' Aid Society paid the pew debt. In '08 W. A. Wright was pastor. The Y. P. A. was revived. A catcchetical class of 19 completed 17 lessons. He had 10 accessions, and organized a teachers' meeting. '09-10, F. Ransch; '11-
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15, J. L. Buyer. The Garl Class was added the first year, but dropped the second. He had 24 conversions and 28 accessions. In 1911 a modern par- sonage was built, costing $1650.00, and was paid for in five years, with nearly $500.00 in the church building fund. Walks and two sewers were also paid for costing $200.00. The provided $400.00 from the sale of the German church on Division St. was applied to this parsonage. A new furnace and new carpets were added improvements to the church. The membership in April, '16 was 116; S. S. average, 175; and a working Ladies' Aid Society, a W. M. S. and a Young People's Alliance. 1916-22 E. E. Roberts was pastor. In '17 Con- ference granted its pastor permission to gather funds for a new church on Elkhart District. The location was changed to corner of Oakland and Leonard Aves. where a 60x120 foot lot was bought. In 1920 the Conference voted this society $6,000.00 out of the Missionary Society Treasury in six annual pay- ments. In 1921 the new church was erected. It is a modern S. S. church cost- ing, including the pipe organ of $3,000.00, about $54,000.00. It was dedicated on January 1, '22, by Pres. G. B. Kimmel, assisted by E. W. Praetorius who had laid the cornerstone in the summer. The Wolf Ave. Church and Parson- age were sold for $4,500.00, and the proceeds applied to the new church and parsonage on Oakland Avenue. The church is in Grecian type. Its dimen- sions are 84x50 feet. Entrance on a level with the street into a large foyer from whence are two entrances to the social room in the basement, and two to the main auditorium which has a seating capacity of 300, with a Bible room to the rear, galleries on three sides, choir loft, mother's room and 20 class-rooms. The woodwork is in golden finish. The exterior is in fire-clay brick, trimmed in Bedford stone. A grand total of $22,000.00 was secured in cash and pledges on dedication day, $6,000.00 from the First and Bethel Churches in Elkhart, and $5,000.00 from the Conference Branch Y. P. A. which has been previously voted to this society.
ELKHART, BETHEL
This society was organized May 28, 1905, in Willowdale Schoolhouse, Elk- hart, by S. H. Baumgartner, P. E., assisted by L. Newman, pastor of Mishawaka Circuit. A. A. Knepper, local preacher in Mishawaka, was appointed to aid L. Newman under whose supervision this society was placed. This organization resulted from a previous meeting of leading former members of the Willow- dale M. E. Church, held in the home of the aforesaid P. E. in Elkhart. These men for the most part originally had been members of the Evangelical As- sociation at the Smith Class. They were not willing to go to the new location of the M. E. Church to which they then belonged, claiming that unfair meas- ures had been used in relocating, that action had been forced against the will of the majority. Hence the application to be organized into an Evangelical Church society. After prayer and careful investigation he agreed to organize
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them as above stated. The name Bethel was adopted as tlie society name. After reading the Articles of Faith and the Church Rules, an opportunity was given to unite with the Evangelical Association, and to subscribe their names as members. The following subscribed: Emmanuel Thornton and wife; Levi Thornton and wife; A. C. Brouse and wife; W. J. Walters and wife; I. G. Vantilberg, wife and five children; Milo Platz and wife; W. D. Spaid and wife; Frank Weyrick and wife; Ralph and Clara Plank; Noah Sassaman and wife; Geo. Enders and wife; Caspar Albert and Arthur Spaar. Others joined soon thereafter. Newman began a revival December 5, resulting in 26 accessions. Late in August, 1905, this society began erecting a brick-veneered church on corner Locust St. and Edwardsburg Road. The cornerstone was laid September 10, at 3 p. m., by Pres. H. J. Kiekhoefer of N. W. C. The church was dedicated December 10, 1905, by L. H. Seager, editor of the Evangelical Herald, as Bethel Church. The cost of the building was $5,000.00.
On April 6, 1906, this society with Smith's Class was constituted a field and named Bethel Mission of Elkhart. C. H. Burgener was pastor for two years. New members were received and the spiritual life and work was solidi- fied. The Mishawaka Circuit now refunded the Smith's Class equity in their parsonage of $600.00, and the $600.00 from the former Division Street Parson- age kept in trust by the First Church in Elkhart, as per act of Conference, was now paid to the Bethel Society, which enabled it to buy a parsonage May 6th, on the N. E. corner of Locust and Simonton Streets, one square east of the church. 1908-12 D. D. Spangler was pastor. In 1909 his revivals resulted In 42 conversions and 56 accessions. The remainder of the church and par- sonage debt was paid and minor improvements were made. 1913-18 C. H. Hart- man served. He had to deal with some unsavory radicalism that threatened progress. 1917-18 F. B. Walmer, who had two good years here, was pastor. 1919- 23 J. H. Heldt served. Some disaffected members withdrew during his pastorate. Here operates a prosperous Ladies' Aid Society, a flourishing school and an active Y. P. A. Plans for a new modern church are under contemplation.
EMMETSVILLE, RANDOLPH CO., INDIANA
The exact date when our church work started here is not found. Early members were the families Wise, Zimmerman, Bretsch, and Allman. In 1873 the class belonged with Winchester to Montgomery Circuit with E. R. Troyer as pastor. In '74 it was a part of Greenville, E. R. Troyer, pastor two years with E. Bohlander the second year; '75, B. Uphaus and C. F. W. Hansing; '76, E. T. Hochstettler; in '77 it belonged to East Germantown Circuit, J. Wales served two years; '79, J. H. Stedcke. This year a frame church was built on Ph. Bretsch's farm and was dedicated hy C. C. Baumgartner, P. E., August 3, '79. In 1880 this society and Winchester was made Winchester Mis- sion and again served by J. H. Stedcke; in '81-82, it was served with Rich-
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mond, Fr. Launer; '83-85, J. Miller with E. E. Meyers the third year. In '84 Miller reported 24 saved here and new membership class organized; '86-87, Geo. Schmoll with H. E. Neff the second year. They closed a gracious revival in December, '86, with seven conversions and five accessions. In January, '88, H. E. Neff had 17 conversions here among whom was J. J. Wise, (deceased). He reported, "I have never witnessed such earnestness on the part of penitents." Schmoll had gone home on Friday before the break came, thinking the meeting would come to a close on Sunday night, but the Lord ordered otherwise. There were 13 accessions. In '88, D. D. Spangler. For other pastors see Winchester and Ridgeville.
An incident: One night while going home from a revival here, pastor W. E. Snyder and Geo. Wise, Jr., narrowly escaped death. A heavy rain flood- ed the creeks. The one just west of the church was overflowing the banks, covering the road. The night was very dark. Driving across the bridge, the horse was suddenly frightened at the reflection of the lantern-light dancing on the water. The horse crowded to the edge of the banister-less bridge, and soon horse, buggy and men were precipitated into the cold water. Fortunately before very serious results followed, they freed themselves from their perilous condition. The horse and buggy also were saved. A Bible and the footheater went down the stream but were afterwards recovered.
This class recommended to the ministry: J. J. Wise, 1893; J. E. Young, --; D. O. Wise, 1905. Due to deaths and removals it has remained small but gen- erally active and loyally responsive to the calls of the church.
ENTERPRISE, ILLINOIS
In 1856 Jos. Fisher of Mt. Carmel Circuit began preaching in and about Enterprise, Illinois. C. Wessling was his colleague. They found entrance into the German homes here. '57, C. Kohlmeier. In '58 John Fuchs, pastor, or- ganized the first class, namely: Barnhart Kern and family who had moved here from Carmi, Illinois. It was he that urged our preachers to preach in this community. He opened his house as the preaching place. The Lord crowned the efforts with the conversion of the families: Kast's, eight mem- bers; Casper Stein's and others. Kern was the first class-leader. This society seems to have been served with Mt. Carmel charge until 1876 when the South Indiana Conference was organized, and it became a part of West Salem Charge and was served by C. F. Matthias. In 1877 Enterprise Mission was formed, C. Stier, pastor. In '78 it was served with Carmi by C. F. Matthias and Fr. Dauner; in '79-90 it belonged to Grayville. For pastors see Grayville. In 1891 Enterprise Charge was changed and served by Chr. Heim, but was put back to Grayville, with which it was served until 1895, when it and Johnsonville be- came a charge served by J. L. Buyer. '96-97, G. F. Winter; '98-00, again with Grayville, H. Gocker pastor: in '01-11 to Enterprise Charge; pastors: '01-02,
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J. A. Tiedt; '03-06, Fr. Reutepoehler; '07, G. A. Stierli; '08, supplied; '09-11, G. F. Winter; '12-13, with Grayville, by J. W. Feller; '14-15, with Lancaster, F. W. Launer. He had 22 conversions here. A. W. Feller supplied it the greater part of the second year due to L's illness. '16-19, E. L. Gambee, who had conversions each year. In 1920, with Grayville, J. A. Brewer served it the latter part of the previous year, Gambee having resigned due to illness. 1921- 23, E. O. Habegger.
The people here worshipped in homes and schoolhouses. The first church was erected by C. Wessling in 1870 and was dedicated November 12th by him. At this time members from our church in Clay County, Indiana, and from other places, moved here and united with the church, greatly strengthening it. In '82, C. Stier had 25 conversions and many accessions. The church building having ·become too small, J. Fuchs, at a quarterly meeting solicited pledges prospectively for a new church. Greatly encouraged by this, he succeeded in having the contract let February 12, '83, to Louis Barth for $1,500.00, and he as the pastor was to collect the money. The church was dedicated August 12, '83, by J. Fuchs. It cost $1,552.40. A sweeping revival followed soon after. When J. Mode died in October, '86, Fr. Theiss was appointed to fill the vacancy. At a revival in November, '87, there were 19 conversions and 17 accessions. In October, '87 a convention was held here at which Bishop T. Bowman was the main speaker and this convention was followed by the Annual conference ses- sion. A Mrs. Schneer from here remembered the missionary society of the church with a bequest of $200.00. In 1889 John Neff of Johnsonville, Wayne Co., Illinois, bequeathed to the South Indiana Conference two lots with a build- ing which was remodeled into a small church, but in 1899 this class disbanded and the church was sold for $75.00 of which $50.00 went to Enterprise for re- pairs on their church, the rest into the Conference treasury. In 1900 H. Gocker closed a blessed revival with 23 conversions and 22 accessions. Also G. F. Winter had many converts and accessions here. This society had maintained a Sunday School since 1870 and a Y. P. A. intermittently. Since 1914 the serv- ices are all English. This society belonged to Wabash District from 1856-70; to Evansville Dist., '71-83; to Olney Dist., '84-91; to Evansville Dist., '92-93; to Louisville Dist., '93-07; to Evansville Dist., '08-10; to Indianapolis Dist., '11-23.
EVANSVILLE, SALEM
In 1844, Rev. Lutz, a Pennsylvanian, member of the Evangelical Associ- ation, moved to Evansville, Indiana. He began to preach here with some re- sults in conversions. He solicited aid through Dr. Nast of Cincinnati, Ohio. Nast sent Rev. Shoemaker, who came and organized a M. E. Church society. But Lutz later withdrew, due to different views of a genuine spiritual life. In 1845-46, J. Trometer, the pioneer of Southern Indiana, now serving Dubois Mission, hunted up this Rev. Lutz and arranged to preach in his home. A
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Mr. J. Bleuth and wife were converted, and opened their home for meetings. Ph. Bretsch succeeded Tromcter in '46 when this flock increased to six fam- ilies. A. B. Shafer, P. E., also made visits here. These men encountered many difficulties. Few people came to services. Schafer advised our members to sell out and locate where our denomination was established. Some did so, and the rest disbanded. In 1848 Mr. Bleuth returned to this city, joined the M. E. Church, but being convinced that the Evangelical Association had a mission here, he withdrew and again joined the Evangelical Association with the families, Henry Kraft and John Huber, and renewed the effort to gain a real foothold here. They held prayer-meetings in their homes and preaching in a schoolhouse. God prospered them with a glorious awakening. A. Nicolai, C. Glaus, J. Keiper, and Fr. Wiethaup from Warrenton Circuit again made visits here. Wiethaup re-established the class just before going to Conference June, 1852, when the newly formed Indiana Conference established a mission here. G. o. Messner was stationed here as missionary, but for some reason he resigned. Evansville was then served with Dubois Circuit with C. Burgener and G. Franzen, missionaries. In 1853 Fr. Wiethaup became pastor. The membership was now 22. A church lot was bought on corner Division and 8th Streets for $360.00. Members on Dubois Circuit paid $175.00 of it. The Conference ordered the building of a church not to exceed $1,200.00. G. Glaus, P. E., the pastor and one other man were the building committee. The church was built and was dedicated April 2, '54, by C. Glaus as "Salem Church". Each active preacher was instructed to secure cash and pledges, on their fields for this church, and all gave a personal pledge. In 1854 the Conference empowered the pastor (Wiethaup) and society to borrow money and pay the debt. In 1855 each preacher by Conference act was to pay $25.00 for this debt with the privilege of collecting it on their charges. All complied with the action. A parsonage, not to exceed $300.00 was ordered built. Jos. Fisher, P. C., S. Dickover, P. E., and Jacob Bleuth were the building committee who carried out the order. There were now 35 members divided into two' classes, Jacob and Ludwig Voelkel were the class-leaders and J. Bleuth and Ger. Burrecker, exhorters.
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