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 16
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JERUSALEM, OR PANAMA, NAPPANEE CIRCUIT
This society is three miles north of Bourbon, Indiana. It was originally known as Panama Class. A few families had moved here from Ohio. Chr. Glaus organized this class in 1848. Preaching was in private houses and school- houses. Later this class, 11/2 miles east, and Johnson's Schoolhouse Class, one mile west of the present church, were merged into one society. In 1880 E. R. Troyer built the first church which was dedicated September 21, '80. In 1881 this society was allowed to sell a part of the church lot to apply the proceeds on the church debt. The early history of this society was much the same as that of Hepton and Bremen. The same pastors served here as at Hepton. This society has for years maintained a good Sunday School, and has otherwise been active.
In 1893 this class with Hepton was detached from Bremen Circuit, with which it was served since its beginning, and became a part of Nappanee Circuit. In March, 1894, H. H. Reinoehl closed a very blessed five-weck's revival here which resulted in 52 conversions and 37 accessions. In 1903 it, with Hepton and Madison, north of Bremen, became Bremen Mission, and it was served three years by J. W. Feller. In 1906 the mission was made a circuit and was served two years by L. J. Ehrhardt .. In 1908 the circuit was again made a mis- sion, and was served two years by Ph. Buehler. In 1910 Jerusalem with Hepton and the Island Classes became Bourbon Circuit, with G. A. Weishaar, pastor.
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Ir. 1911 the name of the field was changed to Nappanee Circuit, with A. B. Aegerter, pastor for three years. In 1913 the first church was enlarged with a wing added to the west and a corner tower built, inclined floor put in, circular pews installed, a pulpit recess built, and a basement with furnace, all at a cost of $3,700.00. The auditorium is 30 x 44 feet, class-room, 18 x 28 feet. The church was rededicated by J. W. Metzner, P. E., September 14, 1913. In the winter of 1914, in a revival held here, A. reported 28 conversions. His successors also had good revivals here. See list of preachers under Hepton.
JERUSALEM, ST. MARY'S CIRCUIT
This society was located about seven miles N. E. of Decatur, Indiana. This class existed as early as 1866 when Peter Wiest preached here. It was then a part of the English Huntington Mission which was served jointly with St. Mary's Circuit. He held a revival here, February, 1867, resulting in 20 conversions, and nearly as many accessions. This class was locally known as "Miller's" Class. A brick church was built by Jos. Maier and was dedicated September 1, 1867, by M. W. Steffey, P. E. Some of the early members here were: Miller's, John Swartz's, Geo. Haley's, and Brodbeck's. The society always belonged to the St. Mary's Circuit except in 1885 when it belonged to Decatur Mission. S. Hofferbert was the last pastor who served here in 1889-90. The church was sold by order of Conference.
JERUSALEM, OR BURTON, FULTON CO., INDIANA
This society is located seven miles west of Rochester, Indiana, and known as the Burton Appointment. In the carly eighties Evangelical preachers preach- ed in a schoolhouse, one mile east of the present church. Methodist people and United Brethren began about the same time. The M. E.'s began building a brick church, but being unable to finish the building the Evangelicals and United Brethren were invited to help carry through the undertaking. They agreed, by written contract, that each denomination could hold regular services in the church for an indefinite period. The proposition was accepted, and thus a Union Church was formed working quite successfully together in union revival meetings, which had to be held together. Each pastor took his turn to preach. When the revival closed each pastor stated the conditions for membership in his church. Then the persons who wished to join church walked forth and lined up with the pastor whose denomination they wished to join. This pro- cedure at times proved embarrassing to the pastors, and required grace to keep envy out. Few union churches, however, worked as harmoniously as this one.
But in the course of time, the membership of the M. E. Church dwindled to a few, and in 1914 they sold their interest to the other two denominations, giving cach equal rights to the property. In the spring of 1916 these two denomina- tions decided to tear down the old church, and build a new one with adequate
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Sunday School accommodations. It was built of cement blocks at a cost of $5.550.00, and $1,000.00 was donated in labor. The church was dedicated No- vember 12, 1916, by Bishop L. H. Seager of the Evangelical Association, and Dr. J. E. Grimes, district Supt. of the U. B. Church. This church has a seating capacity of 300. It has a double class-room, a choir loft, a basement arranged for S. S. work.
The charter-members of the Evangelical Association here were: Michael Wales and wife; Jacob Neff, wife and children; John Kennel and wife; Daniel Wildermuth and wife; Mrs. Hiatt and others. For list of pastors see Grand View. H. E. Neff went forth from this class as a minister of the Gospel.
JOHNSONVILLE, ILLINOIS
This society was located a few miles west of Cisne, Illinois, Wayne Co. In 1889 John Neff donated two lots and a house to the South Indiana Confer- cnce. The house was remodeled into a church while E. J. Nitsche was pastor at Grayville and Enterprise jointly. In 1894 this society was allowed to sell one lot and apply the proceeds on the debt of the church. The work here failed to develop, and in 1898 the church was sold for $75.00, of which amount $50.00 was given to Enterprise Society to repair their church, the balance flowing into the Conference Treasury.
JONESBORO, ILLINOIS
Jos. Maier took up this place in 1874 and served it with Mound City, and Cairo Mission in Southern Illinois, which was about 55 miles from headquarters. These points were in Alexandria, Pulaski, Union, and Jackson Counties. He found the people ready for the Gospel. At this time a church was bought. A! country class was served with it. A Sunday School was organized in 1874. In 1875 Jonesboro was taken up as a mission and served by Maier. In February, '76, he reported that a glorious quarterly meeting was conducted here by J. Fuchs, when souls were converted to God. 1876-78, J. C. Young; '79, H. Schleucher; '80-82, C. F. Matthias; '83-84, E. J. Nitsche; '85, C. F. Matthias; '86-87, M. Speck; '88-89, C. Stier; '90, C. Kohlmeier; '91, J. Mundorf; '92, G. F. Winter. At the time of the division of the church this field went with the U. Ev. Church.
JULIETTA, MARION CO., INDIANA
Soon after the Civil War, Carl Hartman, member of the First Church of Indianapolis, bought a farm one-half mile south of Cumberland, Indiana, and moved on it. He believed this to be providential. His pastor, J. Fuchs, and members of the First Church occasionally came out and held services in his house. The Germans in the community were invited. Most of the people who heard the heart-searching sermons were members of the Zion Church of the
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Synod of the West. Fredrick Schmoc also opened his house for a preaching place. Here the first protracted meeting was held in 1867. The aforesaid Zion Church was on the verge of dissolution because of the immorality and drunk- enness of several of its ministers. These people had an old log church one mile cast of Julietta. At a service held in Schmoe's house, the power of God was wonderfully present while F. preached. A "tramp" preacher of this Synod was present. Seeing a sinner, his host, Ernest Schmoe, fell to the floor as though he were shot, this preacher jumped up, shouting, "Deceivers, false teachers, wolves in sheep's clothing! Oh, come, let us flee from this place." But none left except himself, cursing the speaker the while. Brother Schmoc was gloriously con- verted, and this preacher packed his grip and hurriedly left for parts unknown. Among the conversions of this meeting were these: Mother Hansing and Mrs. Fred Schmoe. A class was now organized with C. Hartman as leader. Charter- members were: Carl Hartman and wife, Fred Schmoe and wife, C. Miller and family, C. Meyer, Henry Fink and family, Ernest Schmoe and family, Father and Mother Ostermeire, Chr. Hansing and family, Eleanora Koester, Conrad Geisel and wife.
In 1868 the Conference took up this place and with other appointments formed Julietta Mission with Wm. Wesseler as missionary. In the following winter the above named log church was secured for a meeting. The Lord was present with convincing and converting power. Opposers tried to break up the revival. On a Saturday night every window was broken to prevent the celebra- tion of the Lord's Supper on the next Lord's Day. When the janitor arrived, he found this condition. He cleaned up the wreckage, built a good fire, and boarded up some windows. The revival increased in interest, and old people and young people were converted. Among others was C. F. Hansing. A Mr. Miller was saved on horseback while riding home. But hostile people threw stones and clubs at the church and worshippers, hailing them in derision. The church was abandoned, and the meeting transferred to a schoolhouse and private homes. The revival went on. A young woman came to a prayer-meeting, followed by an enraged father. She became penitent and cried for mercy. The father's wrath was augmented. When she arrived home he drove her out of the house, and closed the door of his home against her. The next day he found her at her brother's home where he again beat and kicked her until she was nearly dead. Later his son threatened to kill Pastor Wesseler for persuading his sister to for- sake the Lutheran faith. W. heard of it, and avoided him by going home an- other way. When the would-be assassin's plans miscarried, he met G. Pullman on the highway and beat him so severely that he had to be taken home in a wagon. But the work of the Lord went on.
Soon after the above assaults this society began building a church. Many souls were saved here. Two ministers, C. F. and C. F. W. Hansing, and two minister's wives, Mrs. Schuh and Mrs. Bruckert, came from this class. Thic
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names of the field to which Julietta belonged were: Cumberland, 1867-68; Sulphur Spring, '69-70; to Indianapolis Mission, 1871-74; Sulphur Spring, 1875: Julietta, 1876-83; to Indianapolis Station, 1884; Julietta, 1885-92, except the year '86; '93, to Second, Indianapolis; 1894-95, Cumberland; 1896-98, to Indianapolis Second. In 1899 the class was abandoned and its members incorporated with the Second Church, Indianapolis. In 1894 the church lot was sold and the proceeds given to the Second Church, Indianapolis.
KENDALLVILLE, INDIANA
In 1851 two Evangelical Classes started, one east and one west of Kendall- ville. H. Ragatz and Jos. Fisher, of Elkhart Circuit, in 1852, were the first regu- lar missionaries here. The east, or Ackerman Class, was organized by Fisher in June, 1853, just before Conference met, consisting of Jacob Ackerman's, Ste- phen Eardon's, Geo. and Jacob Diegel's, and Chas. Knecht's. The west class, of Father and Mother Munk, Geo. Wahl's, Mr. and Mrs. Deuschle's, J. Kurley, WVm. Ludder's and Schlichtemeier's. In 1860 the members of these two classes united in an organization in Kendallville. There was then quite a German set- tlement around K. Fisher reported that the prospects were good for conver- sions. Prayer-meetings were held. In 1853, J. Keiper and M. W. Steffey were pastors of Elkhart Circuit, which still included this section. Keiper mentioned the fact in his diary, that a several days' meeting was held at the Miller and Hoke settlement, April 22-23, 1854. In June this section was included in DeKalb Mission.
In 1859 an Easter Sunday service was held in the vicinity of Kendallville by M. Mayer and D. Bartholomew, resulting in conversion and accessions. In 1861 Fr. Geisel, pastor, reported that a church lot was bought in Kendallville. In 1862 G. A. Hertel, the pastor, reported that "The German population in and about K. lived in sin and debauchery. Sabbath desecration and other great im- moralities were encouraged by their pastors' attitude." He built the first par- sonage on the church lot. He secured $300.00 towards it from members and friends, and was able to move into it August 26, '62. The building of a brick church was under contemplation at this time. He secured $800.00 for this proj- ect. But the church (frame) was not erected until in 1865 by J. M. Kronmiller, size 32 x 40 feet. It was dedicated by Bishop Joseph Long, September 3, 1865. Ministers who preached here up to 1872 were from DeKalb Circuit under which one will find their names and years.
In 1873 Kendallville Circuit was formed from the western part of the De- Kalb Circuit, including Kendallville, Woodruff, and Trinity in LaGrange Co., and Dutch Street Church, one mile S. E. of Wolcottville, and Miller's, three miles N. W. of Avilla. This circuit was served jointly with DeKalb Circuit this year. In 1875, M. Krueger reported a four-weeks' revival, resulting in 15 con- versions and 20 accessions, and a glorious quickening of the spiritual life of the church. In May, 1882, improvements were made on the church property amount-
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ing to $250.00. Pastor J. Wales conducted a three-wecks' revival here in Jan- uary, '83, in English and German, resulting in 28 accessions.
Second Church was built by Jos. Fisher in 1888. The old frame church was sold and moved across the street where it now stands as a dwelling house. The new brick church stands on the old site. Its erection cost $4,000.00. This church had a large class-room in the front of the basement, and a furnace under the rear half. The auditorium was 36 x 56 feet, seated with opera chairs in a semi-circle. It also had a large corner tower with a good bell. Windows were of plain art-glass. It was dedicated January 13, 1889, by Bishop T. Bowman. $1,300.00 were pledged on Dedication Day, leaving $700.00 unprovided. Many pledges could not be redeemed. The Conference later paid $1,000.00 to lift the financial burden. S. H. Baumgartner in 1892-93 liquidated the remaining debt of $1,500.00. A church trial in 1892 threatened the very existence of this society, but a glorious revival in February, 1893, vindicating the church, resulted in many adult conversions and in 25 accessions. Thus the society was again placed in a prosperous way. In 1894, W. H. Mygrant, pastor, the parsonage was thorough- ly remodeled by adding a new two-story front and porch. Inspirational revivals followed and greatly helped to develop the society.
The third church here is the second one thoroughly remodeled and modern- ized. This was done in 1913 while W. H. Freshley served as pastor. A large addition was added to the east. The whole church is 57 x 67 feet. The outside walls are covered with imitation stonc, and roofed with asbestos slate. The basement contains furnace room, prayer, and S. S. Primary room, and room for social gatherings. Above is the auditorium with galleries on three sides. These are divided into class-rooms for Sunday School work. Below the galleries class- rooms with accordion doors are provided. It has a large foyer, two tower en- trances, a pipe-organ, and choir room, indirect electric lighting, and fine art- glass windows. The church was dedicated November 23, '13, by Bishop S. P. Spreng. The remodelling cost $15,000.00, including the new parsonage lot and moving of the parsonage. About $8,000.00 was raised on Dedication Day in cash and pledges. F. during five years reported 215 accessions, and increased S. S. attendance from 125 to 455. The building committee consisted of A. Acker- man, A. W. Shafer, J. A. McDonald, M. E. Sherman, H. V. Gorrell, Geo. Adams, S. A. Eckhart, W. D. Mains, and C. S. Wert. The first Sunday School here was organized in 1881 with P. C. Isbell, superintendent. The first Y. P. A. was organized Feb. 1893. The Sunday School observed a Rally Day service in 1920; attendance, 453; offering, $509.00.
For ministers who served here see under DeKalb from 1854-73. For minis- ters from 1873-1914, see Volume I. '15-18, J. H. Evans; '19-22, D. D. Spangler; '23. W. R. Kimmel.
KOCH'S SCHOOLHOUSE
This appointment was a part of Cicero Mission in 1858, located S. W. of Cicero.
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KOKOMO, INDIANA
In the summer of 1890 S. H. Baumgartner of Bunker Hill Circuit began to preach in Kokomo every alternate Sunday afternoon in an independent church near the Clover Leaf R. R. station. At this time this society contemplated uniting with a spiritual denomination. D. S. Oakes, P. E., was asked to preach to the people on a Sunday afternoon and inspect the field with a view of taking over the society with its property. But the proposition seemed impractical to him, fearing it would become a burden to the Conference. From a lack of hearty cooperation of the Bunker Hill Circuit people, the field was dropped. Later this field was entered by another denomination with good results.
Substantial Evangelical members having moved into Kokomo, about 1900, a new interest for a mission in the growing city was awakened. At the annual convention of the Conference Branch Y. P. A., held at Oakwood Park in August, 1901, the young people in Convention resolved to petition Conference to es- tablish a mission to be supported for three years by this Conf. Branch. At the session of 1902 the petition was presented and referred to the Committee on Boundaries which recommended the establishing of a Mission in the eastern part of Kokomo, a recommendation which the Conference endorsed. See Conf. Journal 1902, page 34. A. S. Fisher, who was deeply interested in his home city and people, was appointed first missionary. The charge was accepted with some reluctance and with a realization of the magnitude of the task. After a four- week's search he found a house in which to live. An unoccupied laundry huild- ing, 18 x 120, was secured for a Mission Hall. The location was good. Soon the place was ready for work and the hall was dedicated July 27, '02, by J. O. Mosier, Conference Branch Y. P. A. president. Besides the missionary's family there were a few other families of the Evangelical Association here, and were available to render assistance, principally Rev. A. J. Troyer, and John N. Loop who was a member of a sister church.
On June 1st the first Sunday School session was held with 32 present. J. N. Loop was appointed temporary superintendent; Maud Troyer, secretary and organist, and A. J. Troyer, treasurer. The missionary, superintendent, treasurer, and Minta Fisher were the first teachers. The average attendance for the year was 30. Regular preaching services also began in June, and weekly prayer- meetings were conducted by Rev. Troyer, the class-leader. The attendance was at first small. The first revival was begun November 12th. G. B. Kimmel of Grace Mission, Indianapolis, ably assisted one week. While there were not many conversions, an interest in the mission was created among the people. A society was organized March 29, 1903, consisting of A. S. and Elizabeth Fisher, and daughters, Minta and Fern; A. J. Troyer and daughter, Maud; Caroline Stutsman; Rev. C. D. and Luella Rarcy. This was truly a "day of small things". but dear to the Y. P. A. of the Conference.
The second year of this mission was yet more trying. But this little band
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felt it had the prayers and support of the young people, though it was keenly conscious that more visible results were expected. The small working force in the Sunday School, and the lack of public confidence in the mission were the chief difficulties. Too many looked upon the enterprise as a "Rescue Mis- sion" and wished it would fail. During this year a local Y. P. A. was organized with Minnie Schrock, first president. This helped to maintain interest. The third year the membership increased slightly. The need of a church was agi- tated. On May 4, '04, a Ladies' Aid Society was organized with 21 members, Mrs. A. R. Stockton, first president. With enthusiasm they began to raise money for a church. On October 20, '04, Jacob Schrock, Sol. Fisher, and A. S. Fisher were elected a board of trustees. In March, 1904, an option was obtained on a property on the S. E. corner of Taylor and Purdum Streets. Conference approved this purchase and urged vigorous efforts to build a church. This prop- erty cost $1,200.00. The house on it was sold for $300.00. A building committee was appointed, viz .: A. R. Stockton, J. N. Schrock, S. Fisher, A. J. Troyer, J. N. Loop, Wm. Smelser, and A. S. Fisher. The breaking of ground began June 23, '05. Pledges from members and friends were obtained to about one- - half of the amount needed. The cornerstone was laid July 22nd by F. F. Mc- Clure, substituting for C. F. Hansing. The church was dedicated November 19, '05, by Bishop T. Bowman as First Church. Total cost including lot was $4.225.00, of which $2,048.00 had been previously raised. The Conference Branch Y. P. A. paid $300.00. Pledges on dedication day amounted to $1,882.00.
In 1906-07, J. J. Wise was missionary. He had a good revival, and as Fisher said: "The little craft now seemed to he over the riffles, and was moving in a nore favorable current." 1908-12, M. L. Scheidler was pastor. The basement was fitted out for additional S. S. work at a cost of $200.00. On April 23, '11, this society took up a mission-field in South Kokomo as a result of a revival held here in March. A society was organized with 30 members, but was dropped by his successor, by reason of lack of community support. Its members were incorporated with the First Church.
Through the generous bequest and gifts of Sol. Fisher and wife, Matthew Anacker and wife, J. Schrock and wife, members of the society, a parsonage property was bought. The Ladies' Aid Society also gave hearty assistance. In 1912-15, B. G. Smith served the field. On April 1, '15, the society had 110 mem - bers. In 1914 Taylor Street, on which the church faced to the north, was paved, entailing a heavy expense. The choir loft was enlarged, and improvements in the basement were made. New steps were made to the front entrance. In 1916 W. S. Mills served; 1917, B. Schuermeier. The church was repainted in - side and outside. 1918-19, A. B. Haist; 1920-22, I. G. Roederer. In 1921 a base- ment was constructed under the entire church, containing a social room and kitchen. A new furnace, electric fixtures throughout the church, and outside en- trance to basement were the additional improvements made, all at a cost of
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$2,700.00 Prof. J. S. Stamm of the Ev. Theo. Seminary dedicated the basement Sunday afternoon, July 10, '21. 1923 Elmer Smith was pastor.
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Lafayette and vicinity was taken up as a mission in 1859 with Geo. Kloepfer, missionary. In January, 1860, he found four members here that had belonged to the Evangelical Association in Pennsylvania. These lived north and south of the city where nearly everybody was English. Two meetings were held south of the city at Bro. Witter's home where eight professed salvation, and were organized into a class. The second one was held over New-year's Day, and was one of great demonstration. This filled the people here with astonish- ment. The north appointment was 31/2 miles from Lafayette at G. Eichholz's home. Another appointment was in the city where "Satan had a stronghold among the Germans who loved their whiskey and lagerbeer". In 1860 Con- ference ordered, if deemed practical by the P. E. of the district, to add the west- crn part of Fulton Circuit to Lafayette appointments and to supply them with a pastor for whose salary the Missionary Society made an appropriation. The record does not show that this was done. In 1861 Lafayette Mission was served jointly with Fulton Circuit by D. Bartholomew, Geo. Kloepfer and P. Roth. In 1862 Lafayette and vicinity, Covington, Ind., county seat of Fountain Co., and Danville, Ill., became Wabash Mission, and was left to be supplied. In 1863 Ph. Schwartz was missionary. In '64 it was added to Medaryville Mission and served by Bartholomew. In 1865 it was detached from Medaryville Mission and was served alone by D. S. Oakes; 1866-67,- E. L. Kiplinger. In 1868 the mission was divided into Danville Mission (see Danville) and Spring Grove Mission (see Spring Grove).
LAKE BRUCE, INDIANA
The legal name of this society is Pleasant Hill. For a long time it was known as Greenland. It obtained this last name when Peter Overmeyer, then a Baptist, crossing the sand ridge on which Pleasant Hill Church stands, would sing, "From Greenland's Icy Mountain", on his way to worship. This society also for many years was known as Bruce Lake, named after the R. R. town, five miles east of this place. But when the town of Lake Bruce was laid out near the church on the east shore of Lake Bruce, the circuit's name was changed to the present one.
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