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 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
ARCADIA, INDIANA
A society of the Evangelical Association existed here in 1858 when Cicero Mission was formed. A church was built about 1862. In 1870 its trustees were ordered to sell it and apply the proceeds to the buying of a church in Nobles-
10
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
ville, Indiana. It was sold to the M. E. people. The society was a part of Cicero charge.
ATLANTA, INDIANA
This society, "Emmanuel", or "County Line" is on the Hamilton and Tip- ton county line, two miles west of Atlanta. It was organized in 1866 by S. Kip- linger and always belonged to Cicero and Noblesville charge which were iden- tical, except in 1907, when it was added to Kokomo Mission. Charter members were: John Snowberger and wife; John, Jacob, and George Gaiser and their wives; Stephen Gaiser; Katherine Dickover, with George Gaiser as class leader. The first church was built in 1867 by D. J. Pontius and dedicated
George and John Gaiser and J. Cornutt were the building committee. The class had a gradual growth. A Sunday School was organized early in its history and has been maintained since .. It had many good revivals, especially in 1881 under D. Martz. In 1887 under J. E. Smith and M. L. Scheidler as pas- tors, the latter reported, December 26th, "that it looked here as though the wolf of terror had entered the flock and scattered the sheep, that some members ad- vised to lock the church." But these men were not hirelings, but shepherds, and with prayer they continued the struggle. Then the Lord's door of mercy open- ed, victory came, the kindled revival fire broke out in flames, sinners were pow- erfully convicted, repented, and twelve were saved and eleven united with the church. Sister Shawhan of Centre, Indiana, assisted with ability and success.
In 1908 the first church was remodeled, and rededicated by L. S. Fisher, P. E., at a cost of $700.00. G. C. Lutman was pastor. The initial work for remod- elling must be credited to J. J. Wise, pastor prior to the conference session in 1908. There followed, an extensive revival under his leadership. This society has an interest in the Cicero parsonage which was bought in the summer of 1913 for $700.00. Of this $500.00 came from the procceds of the old parsonage in Noblesville. Several interesting and helpful tent meetings were also held here. For ministers who served here see under Cicero.
AUTON CHAPEL, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
This is a community church, mostly built by Mrs. Auton. It is four miles S. W. of South Bend, Indiana. She had effected a Sunday School organiza- tion here several years previous. In 1914, H. H. Reinoehl was invited to preach. He began in October. In February, 1915, he held a revival by request, and there were eleven conversions. A request for an Evangelical organization was made. H. H. R. read to them the doctrines of the church from the Discipline and ex- plained them, and then gave an invitation to join church, whereupon twenty- two united. A class leader and exhorter were elected, and also Sunday school officers. In April, 1915, this class was put with Lydick, and Fred Rausch be- came pastor. In 1916 L. C. Haney served here; in 1917, W. H. Mygrant; and in
11
INDIANA CONFERENCE
1918, H. H. Reinoehl. In 1919-21, it belonged to Mishawaka Circuit, served by E. J. Nitsche. In 1922 it was detached from Coalbush charge and served by W. H. Freshley with Rose Hill, north of South Bend.
AVILLA, INDIANA
The work of the Evangelical Association in Avilla dates from 1873 when members of the St. Peters, or "Hoke and Miller" Class, three miles N. W., moved to Avilla. This class already existed in 1853, when Dickover, Steffey, and Keiper from Elkhart Circuit, came here to preach. E. D. Einsel held a revival here, and meeting with success, organized "Calvary Society" in 1874. St. Peters Class was now merged with this class. It was added to Kendallville Circuit. The charter members were: Leonard Hersh and wife, Daniel Pilgrim and wife, Mrs. M. Good, Samuel Hoke and wife, Mr. Buser and wife, Mrs. Isabell, Jacob Beckley and wife. The first church was built in 1874, while M. Krueger was pastor. It was dedicated December 20, 1874, by R. Dubs (editor). Cost of building was $2,000.00, and the lot $200.00. Whereas the society was struggling under a debt, the conference in 1879 authorized the P. E. and pastor to aid the society in lifting its debt, presumably by collecting funds on the district. A class-room was later added to the rear of the church. In 1893 art-glass windows replaced the old windows, and the church was repainted at a cost of $295.00. S. H. Baumgartner was pastor. Under P. L. Browns, 1909, the old tower was re- placed with a new corner tower; a gallery was built in the rear, circular pews in- stalled, pulpit platform changed to the opposite corner from the tower, and a furnace placed in the basement; all at a cost of $2500.00. President L. H. Sea- ger of Northwestern College, rededicated the church. In 1913 the society bought a parsonage in town for $1,100.00. F. S. Erne, pastor. In 1922 the so- ciety bought two lots for a new parsonage site about two squares south of the church.
The Sunday School was originally a union school. A schism arose between the members and non-members of the church, the latter seeking control. Pas- tor Joseph Fisher ended this by reorganizing the school strictly according to the Church Discipline. This culminated in a rupture, and many ceased to come. The Sunday School sessions were held in the afternoon for years. Gradually the school again grew to normal size, and began to accomplish more substantial work. Later the change to forenoon sessions was made and has continued. Un- der S. H. B. the first Young People's Alliance was organized in 1892, and in 1906 was re-organized by J. W. Metzner. It also has a Ladies' Aid Society and Woman's Missionary Society, which are doing good work.
Revivals
In 1883 J. Wales conducted a revival here that resulted in 15 accessions. mostly heads of families. The society had revivals of more or less extent since
12
.
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
its beginning. The field is limited for great results, due in part to a large Cath- olic and Lutheran constituency. In 1892, two revival meetings were held by S. H. Baumgartner and the "Boy Evangelist", C. H. Stull, respectively. The two meetings aggregrated some 30 conversions and accessions, mostly adults.
In 1898 J. O. Mosier held an evangelistic campaign that resulted in 60 con- versions. Interest for a while was so great that the high school work was jeo- pardized, and day meetings were abandoned in deference to the school work. A dance leader was converted, who at once began to work among his old chums and succeeded in winning them for Christ. This broke up the dancing, and prayer meetings took its place among them. F. S. Erne also had a very success- ful revival, at which a number of heads of families yielded to Christ. Under B. G. Smith, who had Evangelist S. C. Poling to conduct a revival, a number of good families were obtained for the church,
In the spring of 1912, under F. F. McClure's pastorate, an effort was made to effect an organic union with the M. E. Society here. Our people having been first in this town, and being much the stronger of the two, made what they con - sidered reasonable overtures to the M. E.'s. But in a public joint meeting it be- came plainly visible that a merger with them meant Methodist absorption. The effort ceased. Sometime later there followed a happy and congenial federation with the Presbyterian Society about four miles S. W. of Avilla, which has proven a continuous blessing to this day for both societies.
In 1911 Avilla was detached from Kendallville Circuit, and with Garret, 6 miles east, was constituted Avilla Mission. After several futile efforts to find a place to worship in Garrett the work here was abandoned, and Avilla stood alone as an appointment until, with the sanction of the conference, it federated with the Hopewell Presbyterian Church mentioned above.
Ministers Who Served Here
(See Kendalville up to 1911, when Avilla was detached from K.). In 1911- 12, F. F. McClure was pastor; '13-15, F. S. Erne; '16-18, M. O. Herman; '19-23, B. G. Smith.
BELL CENTER, UNION CHURCH
This small class belonged to Royal Centre in 1899. It was eight miles N. W. of Royal Centre. W. S. Tracy organized it. It continued but a few years.
BERNE, INDIANA
In the spring of 1881, George Roederer, pastor of Newville Circuit (Linn Grove), commenced preaching in this place. The services were held in the lit- tle one-roomed schoolhouse. The outlook was encouraging. On November 7th, I. B. Fisher, of St. Mary's Circuit, George Roederer, and J. M. Dustman of Decatur Mission jointly held an evangelistic meeting lasting four weeks, result- ing in 12 conversions and accessions to the Evangelical Association. In De-
-
13
*
INDIANA CONFERENCE
cember R. organized a society, consisting of: Andrew Gottschalk and wife, Da- vid Allen and wife, Albert Marker and wife, Mrs. Adam Hondyshell and daugh- ter Hattie, J. W. Riefy and wife, Dr. Noah Bergman and wife, Mrs. Harvey Har- ruff, Miss Mable Jones. A. Gottschalk was the first class-leader.
The April, 1882, Conference privileged the pastor to collect funds on New- ville Circuit toward a church in Berne. Nothing was done, however, and the society continued to worship in the dingy schoolhouse until the spring of 1887.
Church at Berne, Ind.
After much prayer and consultation with his pastor, Abe Hocker decided to erect a two-story brick building 30x70 feet, the lower floor to be his blacksmith shop, and the upper one to be leased for ten years free of charge to this society. The society furnished the room at a cost of $300.00, and on December 11, 1887, A. Geist, P. E., dedicated the, place as "Trinity Hall", of the Evangelical As- sociation of Berne, Indiana. Thereafter, Mr. Hocker had special rejoicings in God's service while pounding out his hard-earned money at his trade.
14
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
A New Brick Church
When D. E. Zechiel was pastor here in 1900, a modern briek church was built at a cost of $6300.00. On July 1st, D. S. Oakes, P. E., preached from Isa- iah 28:16, and laid the cornerstone. On October 21, 1900, the church was dedi- cated by Publishing Agent, H. H. Mattil, Cleveland, Ohio. The board of trus- tees and the building committee were Emmanuel Haecker, A. Gottschalk, and M. L. Smith. The church has a fine auditorium, gallery, ereseent formed Sun- day Sehool elass-rooms, tower with bell, furnace room, and electric lights. Un- der the labors of D. A. Kaley, in 1914, the basement was fitted up for special primary Sunday School work, and a stcam heating plant was installed at a ecst of $1775.00. In 1921 the auditorium was enlarged by adding a choir loft back of the pulpit, D. O. Wise being the pastor. Other repairs were made at consider- able expense.
The Sunday school was organized in 1881 with A. Gottschalk, first super- intendent. This school has ever since steadily grown, and is progressive in its methods. It has supported a foreign missionary and a native student. The Young People's Alliance was organized in 1893 by H. Steininger. Its motto then was "Fall in Line". This society also maintains an active Woman's Mis- sionary Society, and a Ladies' Aid Society. In 1915 the duplex system for raising money was installed and is working with great success. This year Evan- gelist C. A. Glass of Michigan conducted a very effective revival, resulting in 50 saved and 32 accessions. In 1917 J. O. Mosier, pastor, had a remarkable re- vival which elosed with over 300 conversions and 89 accessions. Many mem- bers of other churches were converted. In April, 1903 and 1911 conference ses- sions were held here under the chairmanship of Bishop Thomas Bowman.
Pastors
Berne belonged to Decatur Mission from 1882-88. (See Decatur.) In 1889 Bernie with Mt. Carmel, 8 miles S. E. and Bear Creek in Jay County, constituted Berne Circuit, with H. E. Overmeyer, pastor; 1890-91, Tim Carroll. In 1892 the circuit was discontinued and Berne Society was attached to Vera Cruz charge served by J. H. Evans. In 1906, by its own request, Berne was made a station. (For Presiding elders see under Ft. Wayne.) Pastors from 1892-1915 see Berne, Vol. I., 1916, J. O. Mosier; 1917-21, D. O. Wise; 1922-23, F. S. Erne.
BETHEL, FT. RECOVERY
This society, five miles south of Ft. Recovery, Ohio, was organized in 1858 by B. Uphaus. It was then known as "Stuber's". Many hard but victorious battles were fought here against spiritual darkness. Charter members were: George Stuber and family, Leonard Holstein and wife, John Orth and wife, Philip Schafer and wife, Jacob Schafer and family, Chr. May and wife, Ludwig Heiss, Fred Heiss and wife, Wm. Christopher and wife.
For years this elass worshipped in private houses and schoolhouses. The
15
INDIANA CONFERENCE
class gradually grew in membership and strength as financial conditions im- proved. In 1872 a frame church was erected at a cost of $1200.00. On July 28, 1872, John Fuchs (Fox), P. E., dedicated the church. Carl Shamo was pastor. In 1913 the second frame church was built. The size was 37x51, with a base- ment under the whole church and a gallery in the rear of the auditorium with class-rooms below and ahove. The building has circular pews, pulpit recess, gaslights, and is heated with hot-air furnace. It has a corner-tower with a bell in it. The cornerstone was laid by E. Q. Laudeman of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and the church was dedicated February 12, 1914, by Bishop S. P. Spreng. The cost of the church was $4,400.00.
Pastors
In 1858 this class belonged to Newville Circuit, and was served by B. Up- haus. In September, 1859, it was added to Greenville Circuit. For pastors from 1859 to 1881, see Greenville Circuit, Volume I. In April, 1881, it became a part of Ft. Recovery Circuit, served by D. J. Pontius. The pastors for this society were the same as Portland Circuit from 1881-1915, with the exception of 1885 when it was a part of Portland Mission and served by L. S. Fisher, and in 1897, when it was added to Greenville Circuit served by H. H. Reinoehl. From 1882- 1915 see Portland Circuit, Volume I. In 1915-16, J. H. Arndt was pastor. In 1917 it was re-attached to Portland Circuit with E. H. Baumgartner as pastor: '18-19, G. F. Zuber; '20-22, J. S. Kroft; '23, J. W. Feller. This field belonged to Whitewater District up to and including 1868; from 1868 to 1891, to Indianapolis District; 1892, to Ft. Wayne District; 1897 it was re-attached to Indianapolis District and in 1905 to 1923, to Fort Wayne District. -
A Sunday School was founded years hack and has since been maintained. A Young People's Alliance was organized by S. Hofferbert in August, 1893. Two ministers were sent forth from this society, Philip and Lafayette Orth.
BETHEL, WABASH CO., INDIANA
This society is three miles N. E. of Lagro, Wabash County, Indiana. The first church stood 11/2 miles N. E. from the present site by the cemetery. The first minister of our church who preached here was Solomon Altimos. (See history under St. Mary's Circuit or Fort Wayne.) This was in 1839-40. The exact time when this society was organized is unknown, but likely in 1839 for there was a Sunday School here in 1840. Some of the first members were: Gottlieb, John and Christian Young with their families; Jacob Egger's, Jacob Hegel's; and the Bender and Schnitz families. The ministers serving previous to 1852 are the same as those of St. Mary's Circuit.
The Oldest Sunday School in Indiana Conference
This society has the distinction of having the first Sunday School in the conference which was established in 1840 according to the testimony of Jacob Hegel, who was an old pioneer settler in this vicinity. The school was then
16
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
known as "Young's" Sunday School. At first it was only held in the spring and summer months, but it has never been abandoned.
Churches
For a long while the people worshipped in houses. In 1865 the first small frame church was built by Peter Wiest. It was dedicated as the "Bethel Church", probably by Joseph Fisher, P. E. A cemetery lot was also provided joining the church lot. Many of our pioneer people now test here. The second church was built on the site given above by D. D. Speicher, and was dedicated December, 1893, by Bishop Thomas Bowman. It cost $2,000.00. It has a corner tower with a good bell, a class-room, and is heated with a hot-air furnace. The dedication was followed with a three-week's evangelistic meeting, resulting in 20 conversions and accessions. Up to this time the morning services were in German, since then they are in English. Though an old society, it is still small.
Pastors, and Changes from One Circuit and District to Another.
Bethel belonged to Miami and Fulton Circuit from 1852-58. (For pastors see under Akron, Emmanuel.) In 1859 it was added to Huntington Circuit. B. Ruh was pastor. This circuit was made a mission in 1860 and was served two years by Joshua Paulin; '62, Philip Schwartz; '63, D. S. Oakes; '64, George Kloepfer; '65, P. Wiest. In 1866, this mission was added to St. Mary's Circuit with D. S. Oakes, and Joseph Mayer as pastors. In 1867 it was with Fulton Circuit, served by B. Hoffman. In 1868 it was again served with Huntington, R. Riegel, pastor two years; '70, E. L. Kiplinger; '71, H. Preiss. In 1872, it was added to Wabash Mission. (See pastors under Wabash, Volume I.) In 1886 this class with Bip- pus became West Point Mission under supervision of the Wabash pastor for two years. He was assisted the first year by A. S. Fisher and the second by S. H. Baumgartner, who had 17 conversions and 13 accessions. In 1888 this so- ciety with West Point was detached from Wabash and served by S. H. Baum- gartner. On July 15, 1888, the first Children's Day service was held. In 1891 this class became a part of Urbana Mission. In 1893-95 it belonged to Wabash Mission, in 1896-98, again to Urbana. J. E. Stoops had 20 conversions and 15 accessions in 1898. In 1899 this class with Zion, south of Wabash, and West Point became Wabash Circuit and was served two years by P. L. Browns, and three years by H. Schleucher. In 1903 the name of the field was changed to Bippus and has continued since. For pastors from 1902-15 see under Bippus, Volume I., 1916, F. C. Wacknitz: '17-19, C. L. Haney; '20, L. A. Dewitt; '21-23, D. R. Heil. For presiding elders see St. Joseph District from 1852-54; White- water District, from 1855-62; St. Joseph District, '63-64; Elkhart District, '67-70; Ft. Wayne District, '71-81; Indianapolis District, '82-86; Elkhart District, '87. From, 1887, see Bippus. From this society came the following preachers: H. Schleucher, 1871; Wm. Wiedenhoeft, '83; J. H. Schnitz, 1884; and Dr. E. W. Schmalzried, 1910, now medical missionary in China of the Evangelical Church.
17
2
INDIANA CONFERENCE
BETHLEHEM, ON BRUCE LAKE CIRCUIT
W. S. Tracy reported that in July, 1895, a class was organized here with 18 members. The exact location cannot be found. A revival was held here during harvest time, resulting in 26 conversions and the class doubled in membership. However, it was short-lived.
BETHLEHEM, WELLS COUNTY, INDIANA
This 'society was located in Wells County, Indiana, about five miles N. E. of Ossian. In 1839 Solomon Altimos visited this place and preached to the peo- ple and organized a class. The charter members were: Wm. Engel and wife, Fred Rapp and family, Mr. Sprang and wife, C. Glock and wife. The society was known as "Glock's Class" and as the "Reserve". The people worshipped in their log-cabins and in barns until 1854, when the first log-church was built. J. M. Kronmiller was pastor. The dedication was a happy occasion, for some souls were converted and united with the church. In April, 1880, I. B. Fisher of St. Mary's work found nine members here. In early days this society had a large membership. 1. B. Fisher built the second church here which was dedi- cated February 27, 1881, by ex-Bishop R. Yeakel. This occasion was followed by a revival effort which resulted in 15 conversions and 11 accessions. At this time the old people had nearly all died, and the younger members had moved away, many to Fort Wayne, where they joined our church. For a list of pas- tors and presiding elders see under St. Mary's Circuit, except for 1897-98, when J. M. Smith of Payne Mission was pastor. From 1899 this class belonged to Markle Mission until it was abandoned in 1909. The church was sold and the proceeds flowed into the conference treasury.
BICKNEL'S CLASS, ELKHART COUNTY, INDIANA
Joseph Fisher reported in June, 1853, that this class was three miles from Elkhart. He served it in 1852. Many "Dutch Pennsylvanians" lived here. He reported that the prospects were poor.
BIPPUS, HUNTINGTON COUNTY, INDIANA
In the winter of 1880-81, George Schmoll of Wabash Mission held a three- week's revival here. Some were saved. The few members that lived here were now organized into a class. They were: Henry Schnitz and wife, Katherine Schilling and son Matthias, Chr. Bechtold, Jr., and wife; Simon Brightmire, wife and son, Wm. H .; George France and wife. W. H. Brightmire was first class- leader and H. Schnitz, first exhorter. In April, 1881, this class was served with Huntington Charge hy A. Geist. The prayer-meetings were held in homes, and preaching mostly in a schoolhouse one mile south of town. In June, 1882, D. J. Pontius, pastor, a quarterly meeting was held here. The pastor followed it up with an evangelistic effort which resulted in 20 conversions and 19 accessions.
18
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
Under the pastorate of I. B. Fisher a brick church was built and dedicated, January 4, 1885, by Wmn. Yost. It was known as Calvary Church. It cost $2,- 500.00. The first board of trustees were George Voght, S. Brightmire, and H. Schnitz, who with L. Sult and the pastor were the building committee. Services were held both in German and English. This fact becanie a source of some se- rious consideration, but the English gradually became dominant. German preaching ceased in 1891, but a German prayer-meeting and a Sunday School class was maintained for some time thereafter. Following the dedication of the church, a special meeting was conducted by the pastor until February 15th, re- sulting in 51 conversions and 45 accessions, 28 of whom were heads of families. The membership increased from 25 to 70. A Sunday School was now organized with W. H. Brightmire as superintendent.
The church was struck three times by lightning. Each time only slight damage was done. Special improvements to the church were made in 1904 when the ceiling was lowered; in 1914 when a furnace was installed; 1922 when a gallery was built over the rear part for better Sunday School equipment, and a new ceiling put in.
Pastors
In 1880 George Schmoll was pastor. From 1881-84, see under Huntington; '85, Wabash Mission; '86 to West Point Mission under supervision of C. C. Beyrer of Wabash for two years, assisted by A. S. Fisher the first year, and by S. H Baumgartner the second; '89, D. D. Spangler. In 1890 this field was at- tached to Urbana; in '92 it was added to Markle Mission, served by W. S. Tracy. In 1893-95 it again belonged to Urbana. In 1896 it was attached to Huntington. In '97, with Markle and Bethel, it became West Point Mission with S. I. Zechiel as pastor; '98, A. S. Elzy; '99 Markle was detached and Zion, south of Wabash, attached and served two years by P. L. Browns; 1901-03. H. Schleucher. In 1903 the name of the field was changed to Bippus. 1904-05, W. E. Snyder; '06, F. F. McClure; '07-08, G. F. Zuber; '09-10, F. F. McClure; '11-13, E. D. Haley; '14-16, F. C. Wacknitz; '17-19, L. C. Haney; '20, L. A. De- witt; '21-23, D. R. Heil. It belonged to the Presiding Elder Districts as fol- lows: 1881, to Ft. Wayne; 1882-83, to Indianapolis; 1884-85, to Ft. Wayne; 1886, to Indianapolis; 1887-90, to Ft. Wayne; 1891, to Elkhart; 1892-94, to Kendall- ville; 1899-04, to Ft. Wayne; 1905, to Elkhart; 1906-23, to Ft. Wayne,
A Futile Attempt
In 1888 a minister of the M. E. Church attempted to get a Methodist foot- hold in Bippus by organizing a class with four M. E. members living in town. His attempt was to win into his fold the English Evangelical members. Having been refused the Evangelical Church on English prayer-meeting nights, he went forth determined to build a church. He succeeded in this. The evening preceding dedication an English Evangelical sister assisted an M. E. sister to put down the pulpit carpet. When they were done, the latter said to the for-
19
INDIANA CONFERENCE
mer, "Now the work is done, we are ready for dedication, and we expect the English Evangelical members to unite with us, then the Germans can go and have their own way." "Oh," said the Evangelical sister, "is that the reason why you built this church? I shall stay with my own church." The M. E. sister was nonplussed. Their scheme failed, for none of the Evangelical mem- bers joined them. Prior to the dedication of this church the Evangelical pastor (S. H. B.) dreamed that he had a flock of sheep and was pasturing them along the public highway. Another person had a small flock on the opposite side of the road and tried to get some of the other shepherd's flock to his. But he failed in this, as the other shepherd watched his flock with jealous care. The significance of this dream was literally fulfilled, as a revival effort on his part later on fully demonstrated. See revival anecdotes under the caption, "Two Simultaneous Revivals in Bippus".
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.