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 17
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In 1852 J. Keiper took up this appointment in a log schoolhouse, two miles east of the church. K. and H. Strickler, his colleague, and S. Dickover, P. E., held a revival meeting here in March, 1853. Opposition was great, and the first efforts seemed fruitless. K. thought best to quit, but the others believed they should continue. The roads were so bad that wagons mired in coming to meet- ings. "But victory came", says John Stamm who is still living here. About
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20-22 people of various social standing were happily converted and united with the Evangelical Association. Among them was a "fiddler" who a few days pre- vious had a dance in his own house to show his hatred for the meeting. He played the dance music. First all went satisfactorily, but suddenly he was seized with great and painful conviction. He yielded and was converted. Then he consigned his "fiddle" to the fire, lest it should tempt him to do evil with it. He became a regular attendant at divine worship. A few months before, there was a single member here, but now a class was organized of the following per- sons: John and James Stamm; Daniel Bruce and his mother Sarah; Crossgrove and wife; Jacob Overmeyer and wife; Henry Evans and wife; Valentine Kolp, wife and son John; Julius Deibert; David Overmeyer; and Jacob Huff and wife. Crossgrove was the first class-leader.
Rev. Jacob Keiper said that during this meeting an elderly man, (Bruce) deeply under conviction and distressingly penitent, came forward to the altar. crying pitifully to God for mercy. His distress grew to the point of utter help- lessness. Then he called upon the friends about him, saying, "O boys, come and help. I am in an awful snap". The Lord delivered him.
Pastors
From 1852 to 1866, see under Akron, Barnheisel Class; 1867 it was a part of Pulaki Circuit, served by J. Keiper; 1868 to 1880 to Fulton Circuit, (see under Akron). 1881 it was added to Twin Lake Circuit where it remained until 1895, (see under Culver). In 1896 Twin Lake Circuit was divided and this class with River Bank and Lucerne became Bruce Lake Circuit, served by J. Wales. In 1897 R. Rainey was pastor, but he died this year. In '98 E. E. Meyers was ap- pointed here. '99 this society was added to Royal Centre with W. E. Snyder, pastor, and E. Werner, assistant; 1900, J. Wales, and E. Werner. (The name Bruce Lake was restored this year.) In 1901 the field name was changed to Tippecanoe and assigned to C. D. Ringgenberg. 1n 1902 Jacob Bohyer was the pastor; 1903, D. A. Kaley; 1904-05, A. E. Weyrick; '06-08, L. E. Smith with the field name changed the second year to Leiters Ford, and the third year to Lake Bruce; 1909-11, I. Steele; '12-14, C. W. Schlemmer; '15-17, R. L. Handschu; '18-19, L. A. Dewitt; 1920, C. L. Davis; '21-22, A. W. Feller; '23, J. M. Kistler.
The first church was built in 1880 and dedicated January, 1881, by B. F. Meyer of South Bend, Indiana. The building committee was Joseph and Daniel Bruce, and John Stamm. In 1892 when D. D. Spangler was pastor, two lots were bought in Kewanna, Indiana, for a parsonage. Part of the lumber was furnished and was on the ground. But from lack of unity, the parsonage was not built. In 1898 by order of Conference, the two lots were decded to the trustees of the Pleasant Hill Class in lieu of the $200.00 assumed by them, thus releasing Conference from further obligations. In 1908 a parsonage was built in Lake Bruce. Many blessed revivals were held here. This society has main- tained a good Sunday School for many years.
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LAKE CREEK, ILLINOIS
This class was near Marion, Williams Co., Illinois. It was taken up in 1875 by J. Mode, and by Conference in September, as Lake Creek Mission. A frame church was built and dedicated by Carl Stockhowe, June 27, 1880, as Emanuel Church, H. L. Fisher, P. E., shortly before he died. In 1888 the appointment was dropped. Another denomination tore down the church and used the lum- ber for building a church, and another took the furniture, leaving us nothing but the bare lot, which S. H. Baumgartner, P. E., sold in 1909 for $100.00, and placed the proceeds in the Conference Treasury.
LANCASTER (EMMANUEL), ILLINOIS
This class started in a schoolhouse about three miles north of Lancaster, Illinois, where some of the Lancaster society members lived. In 1880 a small frame church was built by M. F. Finkbeiner who had previously organized a class known as Starkman Class. A revival of three weeks resulted in 10 con- versions. A brother, H. G., who had resisted the prayers of pious parents for 40 years, was deeply convicted of sin one evening, and began seeking the Lord. After struggling until 2 a. m. he was saved. Another man under deep convic- tion went out to his wagon to escape, but there got into such trouble that he be- gan to pray audibly. On reaching home he was so sinsick that he became help- less and had to be carried into the house. The friend not understanding the case, rubbed him vainly with camphor. But God only could help him by par- doning his sins, and giving him peace. In 1904 the class was abandoned, the Conference ordering the church to be sold which was done in 1905. The pro- ceeds were given to Lancaster Society, and also its few remaining members were added to the society in Lancaster.
LANCASTER, LITTLE WABASH CLASS
About 1851 Nicholas Barnhardt's and Guyot's, members of the Evangelical Association in Wabash Co., Illinois, moved into Shelby Precinct, Edwards Co., about seven miles west of West Salem, Illinois. Soon thereafter P. Burgener of Olney visited them, and took up this place as a regular appointment, and a so- ciety was organized of the aforementioned families. N. Barnhardt was elected class-leader. For some years services were held in his house. Services were exclusively in the German language. This was the beginning of the religious work of our denomination in Edwards Co. It belonged to Mt. Carmel charge up to 1855 when it became a part of Olney Mission, but in 1857 it was again with Mt. Carmel. In 1868 it became a part of West Salem Circuit, and was served by its pastors until 1915, when it became a part of Lancaster, and Enterprise, from which it was again separated in 1916. For pastors see under these above named fields.
In the spring of 1879 C. Wessling was pastor. At a specially called meeting it was decided to erect a church on F. Gaedecke's farm. Immediately subscrip-
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tions were secured. The building contract was let to Henry Busefink of West Salem; for a frame church 26 x 40 fect. The consideration was $700.00. The church was dedicated as Zion Church by H. L. Fisher, P. E., November 23. 1879. The winter previous meetings were held in an inadequate and extremely cold house. After the dedication of the church, a revival was held resulting in 30 conversions and 26 accessions. The contributors to the building of this church now said, "We have been richly rewarded for our sacrifices in the build- ing of this church." A new building is now (1923) under contemplation. Pledges for this purpose have been secured. H. Hasewinkel is the pastor here now.
LANCASTER, ZION, WABASH CO., ILLINOIS
Rev. C. Augenstein of Mt. Carmel Circuit began preaching here in 1842, in a place called "Timber Settlement", two miles north of Allendale, Illinois, and also organized a class. The place was abandoned and preaching began in and about Lancaster. Many Pennsylvanians moved here. The first members were: M. Barnhart, J. Fornhoff, M. Marx, G. S. Schaum, and others. Services were held in private homes. For a long time Lancaster had a Union Church in which all the denominations represented could worship. The exact time when our preachers began to preach in Lancaster is not known, but in 1860 J. Hoffman from Mt. Carmel held a revival here, resulting in 11 conversions, and great quickening of the spiritual life of the believers. This indicates that a class was already in existence. Hoffman served two years. In 1865 a frame church with a low tower was built, costing $2,000.00, of which $600.00 was needed on the day of dedication, which took place October 28, by either C. Glaus, or M. Hoehn. P E. One singular thing about the building of this church was the fact that men who were not members of the society initiated the building of it. The men- bers then gave assistance. Dedication of the church was a glorious occasior. for the people also dedicated their lives to God, and a number of souls were con- vcrted. In a meeting on Monday the people made up a purse for their new pastor to buy a horse. In 1868 Lancaster was detached from Mt. Carmel and attached to West Salem. On Mar. 3, '69, Hoffman reported a glorious revival with 16 conversions. In 1880 this place, with Starkman and Dutch Flat Classes, became Lancaster Circuit, F. Finkbeiner, pastor; 1881-82, W. L. Luchring; '83, C. Wessling; '84-85, M. F. Finkbeiner again; '86-87, N. J. Platz; '88, W. L. Luehring again; '89-90, J. H. Schnitz; '92-93, J. Mundorf; '94-95, P. L. Browns; '96, served jointly with West Salem by H. Gocker and B. E. Koenig; '97-98, ". H. Rilling; '99-00, J. H. Schnitz; '01-03, Chas. McConnehcy; '04, C. P. Mass; '05, F. Hartman. In 1906 this mission was discontinued and added to West Salem, and served by H. Gocker. In 1907-10, it was again a mission and served by Fr. Reutepoehler; '11, R. Wisc; '12-13, G. F. Winter; '14-16, now called Lan- caster and Enterprise charge, served by F. W. Launer; '16-17, C. Harms; '18-19, J E. McCoy; '20-23, H. E. Hasewinkel.
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In 1882 W. L. Luehring succeeded in buying a parsonage. Fr. Reutenpoeh- ler had a kitchen built to it, and C. Harms rebuilt the barn. Hasewinkel added two porches, and repainted it. Worship in the German language was discor,- tinued under P. L. Browns' pastorate. The society is making slow progress.
LANDES APPOINTMENT
This appointment was between Mississinnawa and Greenville, Ohio. It dates from the year 1856. The members here were: Jacob Landes and family, J. Young's, Sam. Riegel's, and W. Miller's.
LAPORTE, INDIANA
In September, 1876, Laporte Mission was established. J. M. Gomer was the first missionary. An effort had been made 25 years previous by Jos. Fisher who preached here once. But from lack of funds and adverse conditions, the effort ceased. In 1872 a converted family here urged J. Berger of South Bend to come and preach. He did so occasionally on a week-day evening. Also M. Krueger, P. E., and others in going through here stopped to preach. There were some conversions. In September, 1876, a good brick church and lot were offered to our people by General J. Orr for about half price. It stood on the corner of Indiana Ave. and Harrison St. This seemed providential. The Con- ference bought the property for $4,000.00 and made repairs costing $34.18. $1,027.50 was secured in pledges previous to Conference session. Gomer was authorized to collect funds for it in the Conference bounds. The society had now 10 members. The church was dedicated October 8, '76, by Bishop J. J. Esher, as the Centennial Church of the Ev. Association. M. W. Steffey, P. E., was present. On October 15, '76, a Sunday School was organized with 14 chil- dren and adults, and soon grew to 50. Not much collecting of money was done this year due to hard times. But in the spring and summer of 1877, up to September, he had collected $3,000.00 in cash and pledges. Eight promising adults joined church as a result of a revival held in the spring. Membership now was 20.
In September 1877 Gomer was returned and finished collecting, bringing the total up to $3,807.24. The work progressed. There were this year nine con- versions and accessions. Net gain, seven. Attendance at Sunday School, 60-90. The work among the Germans was difficult. There was paid on debt $3,168.50, leaving a balance of $1,173.50. In 1878-80 J. Hoffman was the missionary. He had some conversions and aecessions. In 1880 five persons were converted in prayer-meetings. Anyone desiring salvation was brought to such meetings, which then would be held almost every night until such was saved. In 1881-83 Geo. Schmoll served this place; '84, Aug. Iwan; '85, left to be supplied; '86, served with Wanatah Circuit. The services were too exclusively German for growth and prosperity. The church was sold and the proceeds flowed into the Conference treasury.
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LARWILL, INDIANA
This place was taken up in 1879. There were cight to ten members here. J. Bruckert served three years. At first opposition was great, and conditions disheartening, but they were gradually overcome. Some months previous to Oct., 1882, the class bought an old two-story schoolhouse, 28 x 40 feet, for $550.00, and spent $400.00 for improvement. It was the most desirable location in townl. It was seated with chairs and was dedicated October 1, '82, by D. S. Oakes, P. E. August Geist was now pastor. The membership was 2I. In 1883 W. H. Bright- mire was pastor. He reported 14 saved and 18 accessions. In 1884 J. Wales; 1885, W. H. Brightmire again; '86-87, G. B. Holdman; '88, J. F. Bockman; '89-90. F. E. Zechiel; '91-92, S. H. Pontius; '93, S. Beverly. About 1894 the property was sold.
LAUDEMAN CLASS
This class was about three miles S. W. of Bremen. The class was taken up about 1852 when Jos. Fisher preached here. Its name was Emmanuel. For more history see Bremen.
LAWRENCEVILLE, ILLINOIS
This appointment was near Lawrenceville, Illinois. C. Augenstein preached here in 1842. Concerning it he reported, September 5, "The people in Lawrence Co., Illinois, are earnestly working out their salvation". On August 29th he be- gan a camp-meeting on Ph. Dundore's farm. Thirteen tents were put up. A. was assisted by brother Schreffler, a local preacher. The meeting resulted in conversions and 12 accessions. The meeting was closed with the Lord's Supper, when the people were overcome with great emotion. It was reported "The conduct of sinners was better than that of false preachers". Bishop J. Seybert also visited this place in September, '42. On August 30, 1848, another camp. meeting was held here by A. B. Schafer, P. E., A. Nicolai, and G. G. Platz, re- sulting in six conversions and some accessions. March 8-9, '49, a successful meeting was held in Felix Wampler's home. On October 20-21, '49, A. Nicolai and S. Dickover of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, held a meeting at Dundore's and one in Crawford Co., at the home of J. Tohill, both with success. In 1850 this section of Illinois was added to Marshall Circuit with J. Ragatz, pastor, and Geo. Blank, P. E. Up to 1844 it belonged to the Ohio Conference, but now to the Illinois Conference, until 1852 when it became a part of the Indiana Conference. Time of its abandonment is not found.
LEININGER, HUNTINGTON CO., INDIANA
This society was founded in the fifties and continued to about 1895. The location is about five to six miles north of Huntington, Indiana. It was for a long time headquarters of Huntington Mission. Here was the parsonage, which
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was, by order of Conference in 1884, wrecked and moved to Huntington. Many splendid meetings were held in the Leininger Church in pioneer days. But finally the place had to be abandoned from lack of unanimity among the mem- bers. A turkey straying from its owner's premises unto a neighbor's farm was the initial occasion of trouble which led to the disintegration of the society.
LEITER'S FORD, INDIANA
The members of this society lived on both sides of the Tippecanoe River near and around the town of Leiter's Ford. In the winter of 1852-53, J. Keiper and H. Strickler, pastors, of Miami Circuit, held a "Big Meeting" in C. Schoch's home, west of this town. A great awakening resulted among the representative families, and 15 joined the Ev. Association. A society was organized consisting of: Henry Guinther and wife; Samuel, Jacob and Michael Schadel and their wives; C. Sehoch and wife; and Peter Ettinger, whose home was dedicated Jan- uary I, 1853, for religious services. He lived on the north side of the river. The Methodist Church people and our members here then built a Union Church in I.citer's Ford. But the M. E. services, being English, soon absorbed the few Germans in this community and we had to abandon the field. In August, 1855, a splendid camp-meeting was held here in charge of S. Dickover, P. E. Other ministers present were: L. Schenerman, A. Nicolai, M. W. Steffey, J. Keiper, J. Ruckstuhl, J. Fuchs, J. M. Kronmiller, P. C., and P. Goetz.
LIBERTY, OHIO
This was a part of the Miami Circuit in Ohio in 1856. J. Keiper was pastor. He preached in a United Brethren Church. Bro. Peter Walmbold lived here.
LIBERTY MILLS, INDIANA
There was a class near here, but the exact location is not known. D. J. Pon- tius reported that there was a church here in 1889, probably of another denomina- tion.
LIGHTSVILLE, DARKE CO., OHIO
In 1851 J. Keiper started to preach here when on East Germantown Circuit. The society was located in Allen Twp., Darke Co., Ohio, 21/2 miles west of Rossville, about midway between Ft. Recovery and Greenville. It first be- longed to Miami Circuit in Ohio, then to Greenville Circuit, and later to Missis- sinnawa Charge. It was also called Jefferson Class. Early in 1852 a class was organized here, just prior to the organization of the Indiana Conference. This class remained a part of the Ohio Conference and was served in 1853 by J. G. Wolpert, and Ph. Schwartz. They held a successful meeting here, after which steps were taken to build a church on Dan. Riegel's farm, which was dedicated October, 1854, by A. B. Schafer, P. E. In 1854 Ph. Porr was pastor and report- ed these members to Conference: David and Mary Juddy; Jacob and Lucy Ben-
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der; John and Rebecca Young; Wm. and Elizabeth Miller; Caroline Hittle; Mrs. Sarah, Samuel and Sarah, Jr., Riegel; Jacob Landes; Kath., Walter, and Rebecca Hollinger; Chr. Dientz.
When H. H. Reinoehl was pastor in 1897, while he was holding a revival here, a set of lawless young men attended who delighted in disturbing religious meetings. They had been threatened repeatedly in previous meetings that the law would be called into service. The nonfulfillment of this threat only made them bolder. One night in R's revival, their conduct was extremely rude. R. re- buked them mildly. The next night five or six returned, and on entering, while R. was preaching, they boisterously threw themselves into benches and began spitting tobacco juice into the aisle. R. then weighed 180 1bs. He stopped preaching, rolled up his sleeves, walked back to them, and said, "I understand you have often been threatened with prosecution, I will not do this, I have enough law in my muscles to thrash you from first to last if you do not be- have." They were much dismayed by this move. The next day this set met one of R.'s members and asked him if he thought this preacher would fight. He replied, "If you know what is good for you, you will let him alone, for he is an old soldier that has smelled powder." R. had no further trouble with them. But the work of the Lord did not prosper and soon thereafter the organization ceas- ed.
LINN GROVE, VERA CRUZ AND SALEM
B. Uphaus was the pioneer minister who began preaching in this locality in 1858. Chr. Glaus organized a class here in 1859. Preaching was in German and mostly in the Baptist Church, one-half mile N. W. of Linn Grove, Indiana. Progress was slow at first. Only a few members lived here, namely Emmanuel Niederhauser and wife, Chr. Lehman and wife, John Schaup and wife, John Nusbaum and wife, and Mr. Ensley and wife. In the winter of about 1868, John Fuchs, pastor, held a revival in the Baptist Church which resulted in con- versions and accessions, among whom was Dr. C. C. Baumgartner and his wife, who now joined the Ev. Association. They were previously Mennonites. He later became a prominent minister in the Indiana Conference and contributor to the church papers.
First Church
In 1870 Geo. A. Hertel, pastor, the first church, 36 x 50 feet, was built in town with a front tower and bell. It was dedicated September 10, 1870, by Bishop J. J. Esher. $700.00 was raised to cover the indebtedness. This year there were 29 conversions and 22 accessions. (Permit the historian this remark: This church is precious to his memory for in it, after eight nights of seeking at its sacred altar, he found peace to his soul, January 30, 1881.) Many souls were born into the kingdom of God in this church, and great were the victories achieved. One Conference session, 1877, was held in this church.
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Second Church
The present church was built in 1911, D. R. Heil, pastor, He did much hard work in its construction. Some initiatory steps towards its erection had, how- ever, been taken the previous year by J. Rees, who had secured many major pledges. This is a brick structure with a corner tower for main entrance to auditorium and a side entrance to S. S. auditorium and class-rooms. It has a basement under the whole church for furnace and social rooms. The main auditorium is seated with circular pews, and has beautiful stained glass windows, and electric lights. To the rear of the pulpit is the choir loft. It was dedicated May 5, 1912, by Editor G. Heinmiller. In February, 1914, Heil had a glorious revival closing with 30 conversions and 25 accessions. In April, 1914, the annual Conference session was held in this church, Bishop S. P. Spreng, chairman. Noon and evening meals were served in the basement of the church. This was a very spiritual conference.
The first parsonage was located in Vera Cruz, Indiana, about 1857. It un- derwent several remodellings. In about 1899 it was sold and another one was bought in Linn Grove. Prior to the first parsonage, the ministers lived in the country about one mile west of Vera Cruz. An avowed reason for this was that the minister's family should set a good example to the laity in going to church under varied weather conditions. But better judgment prevailed and the parsonage was established in town.
This field originally belonged to St. Mary's Circuit, but in 1854, the appoint- ments in Newville, or Vera Cruz, Salem or Gottschalk, were detached from this circuit, and with Zion, or Haley's appointments in Jay Co., constituted a new ficld called Newville Circuit. In 1891 this field was renamed Vera Cruz after the name of the Post Office, and when the parsonage was changed to Linn Grove, it was named after the post-office here in the town of Beuna Vista, viz, Linn Grove Circuit. For the years 1850-51, Newville and Salem belonged to the Illinois Conference. In June, 1852, it became a part of the Indiana Confer- ence just organized. A. Nicolai and Fr. Scheuerman were the pastors. In Oc- tober J. Fuchs of Salem Class was added. In 1853 A. Nicolai and J. Fuchs had charge. In 1854 Newville Mission was formed and was served by J. Fuchs. In '55 the mission was made a circuit and was served by Fr. Wiethaup for two years. For the remaining pastors see Volume I. In 1916-18, B. G. Smith served; '19, E. H. Haley; '20, F. D. Stemen; '21-23, F. W. Launer. The field belonged to St. Joseph District from 1852-55; to Whitewater, '56-63; to St. Joseph, '64-68; to Indianapolis, '69-70; Ft. Wayne, '71-86; to Indianapolis, '87-90; to Ft. Wayne, '91-96; to Indianapolis, '97-98; to Ft. Wayne, '99-23.
Vera Cruz and Salem Jointly.
The history of these two societies are so interwoven that they are sketched together. At the Illinois Conference in June, 1850, Peter Goetz and B. Uphaus were sent to St. Mary's Circuit, including Newville and Meyers, two miles west
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of Salem. The circuit then covered seven counties in Indiana, viz: Wells, Adams, Jay, Allen, DeKalb, Noble, and LaGrange; and five in Ohio, namely: Williams, Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert, and Mercer. On February 27, '50, P. Goetz re- ported a quarterly meeting that was held Feb. 16-28 at the home of Mrs. Flora, a widow in Wells Co., Indiana. In 1851 B. Uphaus and P. Burgener were pas- tors. Sometime during the year Uphaus preached on a Sunday morning in the home of a Mr. Sauer who then owned the farm on which the Salem Church now stands. He later gave a church lot and burial-ground. When Uphaus ar- rived, Mr. Sauer said, "I cannot allow you to preach any more in my house bc- cause of opposition of neighbors." After preaching, U. asked, "Is there anyonc here willing to open his home for preaching?" Father Kreps, who lived one-half mile N. E. from Salem Church, said, "You may preach in my house". This in- vitation was gladly accepted. Here then was the cradle of the work of the Ev. Association in this section of Wells and Adams counties. From a report of P. Burgener, April, 1852, he and S. Dickover and others, held a "Big Meeting" in the "Lindsey Schoolhouse", one-half mile south of the Salem Church, at which time a number of penitents knelt and prayed for salvation, and found peace, and joined church. Among the joiners was John Fuchs, a converted man just from Germany. In 1852 he obtained license to preach at a quarterly conference held at Fuhrman's Class, seven miles N. W. of Decatur.
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