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 22
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In May, 1847, a "Big Meeting" was held here by A. B. Schafer, P. E., and pastors, C. Glaus and Wm. Fichte, resulting in some saved. In 1848, S. Dick- over and B. Uphaus; '49, G. G. Platz, Geo. Messner and B. Uphaus; '50, J. J. Esher and J. F. Wolf and C. Augenstein, P. E. This year the first parsonage, 20 x 28, was built by order of Q. Conference. It was the parsonage until 1875. It was repeatedly occupied by two families. It had four rooms until D. S. Oakes and J. K. Troyer together moved into it. They added each a room, and thus peacefully lived under the same roof. This historic building still stands on the old site.
On November 30, 1852, Esher began a meeting here. The Lord was present with great power the first night. On Saturday many were at the altar. Sundav night the spiritual power was overwhelming, preaching had to cease, meeting lasted day and night with brief intermissions. All secular work that could wait was dropped. There were 15 conversions and 10 accessions. Esher reported, "I never before enjoyed such a joyful communion with God". He characterized this meeting for the circuit as "Elijah's rain on the parched land of Israel". In 1851, J. H. Ragatz and Jos. Fisher; 1852, Jos. Fisher and B. Ruh. At the close of this year Fisher revised all the class-books for his successor. Members then were: Michael Ott, leader; Jacob, Margaret, John, Ellen, Samuel, Anna Kath- arine, Emelia, Susan, and Lucinda; Levi Alaway; Fr. Black, exhorter, and John, Magdalena, Sally, Isabell, Susan; Peter and Susan Darr; Martha and Susan Kiston; Nimrod and Anna Pricket; John and Sophia Kiston; John and Kath.
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Rookstool; Jacob, George, Mary, Michael, Katharine, and Daniel Ott; Marg., Kath. and John Rookstool; J. W. Hire. Fisher characterized them as "a fine society, some are working earnestly for the Lord, but some of the younger are lukewarm". The society was divided into two classes, the second one being three miles south of the parsonage and worshipped in a schoolhouse near to Mike Ott's where only English was preached. At the church there was some English preaching.
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For pastors up to 1871, see Elkhart Circuit. In 1872 it became a part of Benton Circuit with P. Roth and A. Geist, pastors. In 1873-74, Adam Hartzler; '75-77, Fr. Launer; '78, D. S. Oakes; '79, it was added to New Paris Circuit where one finds list of pastors up to 1899, when the members here were merged with Syracuse Society. On October 18, 1896, it held a semi-centennial anniver- sary service with D. S. Oakes, P. E., as speaker. He said, "Just 50 years ago on this date and place, the first church of the circuit and of the Ev. Association in Northern Indiana was dedicated. Of the 15 charter members there remained Michael Ott, Sr., 83 years old, and Michael Ott, Jr., 68 years old. This society was the nucleus for our work in Northern Indiana. Here, until 1875, was the parsonage for Elkhart Circuit, planned by J. J. Esher. Up to 1896 the Elkhart Circuit was divided and subdivided into 25 charges and nearly 50 churches." In the afternoon a short history of the society and work was given by O. Also testimonies and tributes were given by the members and descendants of pioneers, interspersed by the singing of inspiring songs. It was a blessed day. In the evening an interesting Y. P. A. meeting was conducted by Mrs. Orpha Maurer of New Paris, followed by another sermon.
At the session of 1899 the society petitioned Conference to permit them to sell the church and use the proceeds for building a new church in Syracuse, In- diana. This was granted. The members here were merged with Syracuse So- ciety which was organized by J. J. Wise, pastor of New Paris Circuit, just before the Conference sessions of 1900. The reason for this transfer grew out of the fact that the old members had died, and many of the younger ones had moved away, and chiefly because the U. B. Church had wedged itself into this commu- nity previously with a church within a stone's throw of ours for proselyting at our expense. Thus the field was divided, and the work made hard. The church was sold to the Dunkard Brethren. For further history see Syracuse.
An Incident: At the Conference session held here in 1855 the stationing committee was about to read the report, when the sudden appearance of a strang- er halted proceedings. He handed a document to the Bishop, who read it, and then handed it to the presiding elders. The committee retired once more. This stranger had just arrived from Philadelphia, Pa., where he had applied for work in the Penn. Conference. Not being needed there, he was told to go to the In- diana Conference. He had on a satin vest and wore a "goatee" beard. Men in these days were to be clean shaven. While the committee was out, this stranger's
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appearance received some consideration by the waiting members. "Goatees" were not supposed to be worn by converted men. One Peter G. was very em- phatic against such things. But when the stationing report was read, the man, C. Wessling, was stationed with Peter G. on St. Marys Circuit. Peter hung his head. He did not want this man for colleague. He left the session without signing the proceedings, or saying a word to his young colleague. Wessling had come from Basel, Switzerland, where he had attended a theological school. He had a hard time to get started in the ministry, but by hard study he became very proficient and successful and was later sent to Texas as a missionary of our denomination.
A Serious Episode: At a camp-meeting in 1854, at Ott's, one night the devil let his imps loose in the personnel of a rough gang of men, after the close of the night service. The people had retired when this gang broke in upon the encampment, cutting tent-ropes and setting fire to the tents. M. W. Steffey and S. Dickover, watchmen, aroused the sleeping men for help to catch some of the intruders, and tie them with ropes and straps. The ringleader tried to throw a club at Steffey, but missed him and hit one Klein, who fell to the ground un- conscious. Another of the gang yelled out, "Lacy, you hit the wrong man", and a !! made their escape. But the next day Lacy was arrested and arraigned before a civil magistrate and was heavily fined. Lacy sought revenge on Steffey and Dickover, but failed in his wicked intentions. Shortly afterwards the civil au- thorities sought him for attempted horse-stealing. He eluded them, and left the community and there was no further disturbance.
PARIS, INDIANA-POSEY CO.
This class existed already in 1853 when B. Uphaus preached here in the homes of Miller's, Brown's, Barth's, Riehm's, Schneck's. Later this field name was made Stewardsville, which is five miles N. E. of New Harmony, Indiana. Sce under last name.
PERU, INDIANA
Fr. Geisel of Waupecong Mission, in 1854, states in Christliche Botschafter that he preached in Peru, but that only a few attended though many Germans lived here. Later this city was again taken up by Bunker Hill pastors, as an appointment in the home of Mr. Ulrich, a wagon-maker, who moved here from ยท Iowa. S. H. Baumgartner was the last one to preach here in 1890. By request of the family he quit due to the fact that U. became a "hobbyist" on Christ's second coming, and insistently brought up the subject after the close of each service. This greatly embarrassed the family, and therefore they made the above request. Previous to this time some preaching was done by our pastors, two and three miles W. of Peru in the Spangler neighborhood.
A number of Evangelical families having moved into and near Peru in 1897- 98, J. Wales of Logansport, Indiana, held religious services here carly in 1898
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by instruction of his P. E., J. H. Evans, on every alternate Sunday. Meetings were first held in the African M. E. Church, then in the Wesleyan Church in North Peru. On November 26th, the society was organized in the home of Geo. Vanblaricom by Wales. Charter members were: Dora P. Daufel; Geo. Var- blaricom; Alva Harrington; Leonard and Susana Lippold and daughter Anna; Leona Crowder and Elizabeth Collins, with Vanblaricom, class-leader, and Miss Daufel, exhorter, and secretary of the society, and Harrington, steward. The society named itself, "The Band of Workers". On December 6, 1898, the "Bears Hall" upstairs on E. Third Street, near Broadway, was secured for a place of worship for $6.00 rent per month, and $3.00 for gas. On Sunday, December 11. with three Evangelicals and one other present, the first sermon was preached here in the hall. On Wednesday, December 14, the first prayer meeting was held with six present. On New-year's Day, 1899, J. H. Evans, P. E., preached here and encouraged the continuance of the work. The Sunday School was or- ganized February 19, '99, with A. Harrington, Supt. The first Sunday School session was held February 26 with 17 present.
In April, 1899, Peru was taken up as a mission and E. J. Oliver became pas- tor, and S. H. Baumgartner, P. E. The first quarterly meeting, April 14, was a blessed one. Henceforth preaching was regular, twice each Sunday. On No- vember 23, 1899, at a society meeting, it was decided to build a church. Decem- ber 4th a Gospel meeting was held in the "little upper room". Estella Stevens was saved, and was the first child to join church and receive the rite of baptism. During this year there were three conversions and six accessions. In 1900 Oliver was returned. The first Children's Day service was held this year. On August 5, 1900, the first W. M. S. was organized. He had three accessions. On April 7, 1901, he preached his last sermon from Matt. 28:16, "He is not here for He is risen". On April 8th he hastened to conference session at Berne, Indiana, where he was assigned to E. Germantown. On his way home in Peru he met his tragic death. See Volume I. F. F. McClure became pastor in 1901. May 9th the society's name became "First Evangelical Church" by its own action. Trus- tees were now elected, namely: Geo. Lippold, Geo. Vanblaricom and F. F. Mc- Clure. Also a building committee, namely: Dora P. Daufel, Anna Lippold, Geo. Vanblaricom, Alva Harrington, Mr. MeCurdy, Elizabeth Collins and Milo Baker. May 18th the trustees bought a lot on N. W. corner of Fifth and Water Streets for $1,000.00, $350.00 cash, the balance on July Ist following. September 23, 1901, the contract for a S. S. auditorium, on the center of the lot, was let. Jan . uary 12, 1902, the last service was held in the hall and January 19, their new place of worship was dedicated to God, by Bishop T. Bowman. The day was crowned with glorious success. This auditorium is 28 x 43 feet, built of brick with slate rooi, artglass windows, one a memorial to Rev. Oliver, and is furnished with electric lights, carpets, chairs, and pulpit. The cost was $2,400.00 which amount was nearly all raised this day.
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A series of Gospel meetings followed resulting in 15 accessions. In Feb- ruary, 1902, the society borrowed $500.00 to pay off all debts requiring immediate settling. In '02-03, McClure was returned. On March 18, '03, a Y. P. A. was organized with 29 members. This year resulted in five conversions and 16 acces- sions. In 1903 he bad 17 accessions. 1904, B. Schuermeier had two conversions and four accessions and organized a Junior Y. P. A. 1905, F. F. McClure again. On December 21, '05, Mother Newman dicd, leaving by will $500.00 to the so- ciety towards completing the church. January, 1906, MeClure conducted a re- vival, resulting in 37 conversions and reclamations, and 15 accessions. 1906. W. E. Snyder, pastor. This year the foundation of the main church was laid at a cost of $585.00. 1907, S. was returned and had 14 accessions, and obtained the bequest of Mrs. Newman. '08, C. Harms. Due to illness be resigned in October, and J. L. Speicher filled the vacancy. He was returned in 1909 and built the main auditorium, which was dedicated November 7, '09, by Bishop S. C. Breyfogel. The cost of the church was $5,487.25. $2,200.00 was obtained in cash and pledges on dedication day. 1910, E. C. Ewald, pastor. He worked faith- fully until he fell a victim of typhoid fever, March 9, 1911. C. W. Spangler fin- ished the Conference year. '11-14, C. P. Maas. The last year, as a result of the "Bob Jones Union Meeting" in Peru, he had 97 accessions, and 108 for the year. Membership was now 167. During the flood in March, 1913, the church was badly damaged by it, requiring a big expense to refit it for service. Through a general flood fund of the Conference, for all damaged churches, the repairs were made. This Samaritan act was much appreciated. '15-16, F. J. Stedcke. Un- der his supervision the spacious modern parsonage was built on the rear end of the church lot at a cost of $3,000.00. On March 26, '16, closed a four weeks' revival, conducted by Evangelist C. A. Glass, resulting in 30 saved, 11 accessions The first Teachers' Training Class was graduated here this year. '17-20, C. Geist. Necessary improvements were made in the basement, costing about $700.00. 1921-22, C. Hartman. Some repairs were made. 1923, Geo. J. Long.
PHILLIPSBURG, OHIO
We will first give a brief history of Montgomery Mission, originally called Miami Circuit. It belonged to the Ohio Conference up to 1856. Services by our preachers in this section began early in the forties. In 1852 J. G. Wolpert (later missionary to Germany) and J. Walz beld a "Big Meeting" in the U. B. Church in Vandalia, Montgomery Co., Ohio. It resulted in a new spiritnal awakening in this county. The opposition was great but continued prayer and faith in God brought victory. Souls were converted and joined the Ev. Association. 1853. Wolpert and Ph. Schwartz. In November a special Gospel meeting was held in the home of S. Seibel near Phillipsburg. Day after day penitents came to the altar and were saved. Another was held at S. Witmer's in Miami Co., and a third one in Darke Co., at Wm. Miller's, all with good results. At the last place
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arrangements were made to build a church. 1854, Ruben Riegel and Simon Schwartz. 1855, Ph. Porr and Samuel Hoy. 1856 Miami Circuit was transferred to the Indiana Conference with J. Keiper and Peter Goetz as preachers, and A. B Schafer, P. E. of Whitewater District. This circuit then included Darke, Miami, Montgomery and Preble Counties in Ohio. Members in and around Phillipsburg as found on Porr's record were: And. Seibel (leader) and wife, and children, Magdalena, Elizabeth, Samuel, Eckhart, and Christopher; Henry and Anna E. Stockum; Elizabeth, Henry, and Mary Stuhlman; Anna C. Scheideman; Cath. Wittekind; John, Mary, and Mary, Jr., Heberling; Joseph and Lucinda Bartel; Henry Schafer; Elizabeth Breidenbach; Henry and Mrs. Erbe and son John; Henry and Mrs. Emrick; Mary Stauman; Geo. Basch; and Sabastian Monch.
For pastors see Volume I. In 1859 Miami Circuit was divided into Mont- gomery Mission and Greenville Circuit. The same year D. Bartholomew or- ganized a society in Phillipsburg, which then belonged to Montgomery Mission, which embraced this society, Troy, Vandalia, New Hope, Eaton, Germantown, Ohio, Seibel's, and Witmer's, etc. In '65 the mission became a circuit now in- cluding Harrisburg and Schring's Classes. In 1868 it belonged to a circuit with Richmond Mission, served jointly with it by Jos. Maier. 1873-75, New Hope, Glucks, Richmond and Miller's Classes were detached from the circuit, leaving with it Phillipsburg. In '92 this circuit was now divided into Greenville and Phillipsburg Mission. '16, W. H. Mygrant served; '17-18, E. D. Haley; '19, C. Coverstone; '20, B. C. Earhart: '21, P. S. Speicher; '22, B. R. Hoover; '23, W. Zimmerman.
In 1861 a parsonage was built in New Hope, Ohio, costing $300.00. On Jan- vary 15, '82, the church at this place was dedicated to God by C. C. Baumgart- ner, P. E., jointly with a quarterly meeting. The present parsonage in Phillips- burg was bought 1881 for $190.00, and has since undergone extensive repairs and improvements. The society is small from lack of unanimity, aggressiveness, and determination. A small S. S. is maintained here. The field is somewhat limited.
PIERCETON, INDIANA
This class was five miles north of Pierceton, Kosciusko Co., Indiana. It was also known as "Calvary" and belonged to N. Webster Charge. The class was founded in the summer of 1869 as a result of a protracted meeting held here. A church was built and dedicated December 25, 1870, by Editor R. Dubs. $700 was needed on dedication day. The weather was cold and snowy. The preach- ing was in English. Moses Beyers and Father Klein were present, each giving $50.00. Dubs reported, "It was understood that a certain sister denomination should have the use of the building if she helped to pay the debt. At first the Baptist friends hesitated to help, rather assuming that the Albrights could not pay for it, and that they could then get it cheaply. But to their surprise they
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saw already in the morning that the debt was going to be covered, and so to- wards the last in the evening service these people hurriedly helped to cover the balance so they could claim the use of the church. Why the class ceased to function is not fully known. In 1891 the church was ordered to be sold and the proceeds to be applied to the building of a parsonage on N. Webster Mission. In 1893 the church was sold to the Baptist people for $135.00. The same pas- tors served here as in N. Webster.
PLEASANT PLAINS, ELKHART CO., INDIANA
This class about two miles cast of Elkhart was taken up by M. W. Steffey in 1853, but it never developed sufficiently to warrant continuance.
PLEASANT VALLEY, OR BLACK OAK, FULTON CO., IND.
Pleasant Valley Class has mostly belonged to Rochester Circuit. In 1887 J. Wales took up this appointment known as "Black Oak" Schoolhouse (Dist. No. 4). Meeting with encouragement he organized a class composed of Daniel Struckman and wife, Isaiah Goss and wife, Oscar Baldwin and wife, Wm. Paul- son and wife, Mrs. John Cummings, Mr. Gaskel and wife, Laf. Fenstermaker and wife, Wilson Bolls and wife. First it belonged to Twin Lake Circuit. The first board of trustees were elected January 31, 1887. They were W. Bolls, I. Goss and Wm. Paulson. The church was built in 1887. D. S. Oakes was to dedicate it August 14, but due to heavy rains it was postponed to September 4, and was dedicated by A. O. Raber of Rochester, Indiana. Only a small sum was needed to cover the debt. This class had a Y. P. A in 1893. February, 1894, it had a membership of 85. By many removals and lack of spiritual depth, the society dwindled to a much smaller membership. The class was discontinued in 1905 and the members were merged with Rochester Society. In 1909 the members of this community were again reorganized and detached from Roches- ter Station and attached to Rochester Mission. In 1913 it was added to Culver Circuit, but in 1915 it was again merged with Rochester Circuit. This class is still existing, but is small from lack of permanent farmers here, and spiritual indifference of many who lived here. For pastors see Grand View.
PIQUA, OHIO
There was a class near here in the fifties, and belonged to Miami Circuit in Ohio. It, however, was short-lived.
PORTLAND, INDIANA
E. R. Troyer claimed to have been the first Evangelical preacher that preached in Portland, which was in 1873, while he served Greenville Circuit, which then included Bethel, south of Ft. Recovery; Emmettsville, west of Ridge- ville, and Haley's, N. E. of Portland. The work around Portland had continued
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from 20 years before. But in 1885 Portland Mission was established embracing Bethel, Haley (Zion) and Pleasant Plain, L. S. Fisher, pastor. The work in Portland was brought about by Evangelical members moving into the city. These, Fisher organized into a society, and also organized a S. S. Worship was in an upstairs hall. This was inconvenient for old people. To build a church here was a herculean task. In 1886 Portland City was alone. L. S. Fisher was returned. Before the year closed he was appointed by the board of missions to go to Oregon as a missionary. He was succeeded in Portland by his brother, I. B. Fisher, for 1887-88. 1889-90, W. H. Brightmire. June 24, 1889, the build- ing of a brick church was undertaken, and was ready for dedication January 24, 1890. Bishop T. Bowman officiated. The size was 40 x 65 feet, with a corner tower with entrance, two class-rooms and gallery. The cost, exclusive of lot, was $4,500.00. The society's accrued interest in a Building and Loan Associa- tion of $1,000.00 was now drawn and applied to the church debt. The dedication day was extremely discouraging as it rained all day. People stayed at home. The pastor was prostrated from over-work. But nevertheless, the Lord dispelled fear from the people's hearts. James Graves, not a member, gave noble finan- ical aid and besides collected between $600.00 and $700.00. The building com- mittee was composed of the pastor, and Wm. and John Easterday. '91-93, F. E. Zechiel. He closed a revival in February, 1894, with 46 conversions and the year with 54 accessions. For ministers from '94-15 see Volume I. In 1896 the membership was 139, and the S. S. was the second largest in the city. A Y. P. A. and a Band of Hope was organized. The field was attached to Indianapolis District in 1899. F. S. Erne, '07-08, had a great loss of membership. In 1907 a parsonage was bought which added greatly to the convenience of the incoming pastor. But soon, due to heavy indebtedness, and reduced membership, and remodelling of the church costing $2,000.00, the parsonage had to be sold to pay the church debt. L. E. Smith enlarged the gallery and pulpit rostrum, re- seated the church with circular pews at a cost of $1,000.00. '15-17, J. H. Arndt; 'IS, R. Gaunt, who resigned before the year was up. 1919-22, F. B. Walmer. Both Arndt and Walmer labored praiseworthily. '23, C. H. Burgener. This society sent out the following men to preach: John Rees, 1888; W. H. Stowell, 1909: E. D. Haley, 1912; Geo. W. Shanyfelt, 1923.
PORTLAND CIRCUIT-BEAR CREEK
This class was organized about 1880 by E. T. Hochstettler. Charter mem- bers were: Wm. Metzner and wife, Edw. Pape and wife, Sam. Jones and wife, Geo. Flauding and wife, Henry Flauding, George Logan and wife. For some years prior services were held in an unfinished church. But it was finally fill- ished and was dedicated October 30, 1881, by C. C. Baumgartner, P. E., as "Bear Creek Chapel". The seats were rough benches, the walls had only one coat of plaster, and the exterior was boarded up with rough unpainted boards.
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The people here were first members of another denomination, but 1880 united (including property) with the Evangelical Association. Later some of these pcople, becoming dissatisfied, re-united with their former church, and it became questionable whether the Ev. Association could hold the property. A litigation was instituted. The court deereed that two-thirds of the church should belong to the Ev. Association and the other one-third, by order of court, was bought bv our people for a nominal sum. But the church was greatly out of repair and had little value for a place of Worship. Jones, Metzner, Grassly and others, with the pastor, D. J. Pontius, secured the means to finish the church. Many souls were saved here. This class has given the church J. W. Metzner for the ministry and Mrs. E. H. Baumgartner as a minister's wife. The same pastors served here as at Zion, except from 1889 to '91, when it belonged to Berne Cir- cuit. In 1921 it, with Pleasant Hill and Pleasant Plain became Portland Circuit with Elmer Smith, pastor, who served six months and then went to the E. T. S. In 1922 the charge was named Bryant Circuit with F. J. Stedcke, pastor, who had served it the latter hall of Smith's year. Stedcke was returned in 1923.
PORTLAND CIRCUIT-BLACK APPOINTMENT
This appointment was near Jay City in Jay Co., Indiana. A church was built here in 1879 and was dedicated by C. C. Baumgartner, P. E., of Indianapolis District, April, 1881. The class then belonged to Greenville Circuit and was served by Fr. Launer. In 1885 it belonged to Portland Mission, L. S. Fisher, pastor. The time of abandonment is not found.
PORTLAND CIRCUIT-PLEASANT HILL
This society was organized by I. B. Fisher of Portland Mission in 1887 with 14 members: Jonas Hartzel and wife, Allie and Eva Hartzel, Geo. Haley and wife, Minnie Haley, Sam. Stroube, Evert and Della Artman, John Edmundson, Thomas and Celestie Gellespie and S. J. Bye. He also took the first step to secure a lot and pledges for a church. In April, 1888, the building of the church began and it was dedicated by Bishop R. Dubs, July 8th. Occasional repairs and improvements were made. A tower from the bottom up was built in 1923. The society has maintained a Sunday School from the beginning. The growth of this society has been slow due to removals and other causes. The same min- isters served here as at Zion, except when it belonged to Portland Mission and since 1921 to Portland and Bryant Circuit.
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