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 23
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PORTLAND CIRCUIT-PLEASANT PLAIN
This class was taken up at the Gagel Schoolhouse and was organized 1886 by L. S. Fisher. In 1888 a frame church, 30 x 46 feet, was built costing $1,200.00, and was dedicated September 23d by Pastor Timothy Carroll, assisted by W. H. Brightmire. The charter members were: Henry Sowers and wife, with children,
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Thomas, Lilly, Jacob and Franklin; P. Mellinger and wife; Geo. Hanlin; Geo. Hanlin, Jr .; Henry Sockrider and wife; Jacob Young and wife; Gco. Snyder and wife; Adam Grille and wife; Rachael Grille; Etta McLowell and Nancy McConaha. This society in 1921 remained with Portland Circuit, 1922 it was with Ft. Recovery Circuit, and 1923 to Bryant Circuit. This society from the beginning maintained a Sunday School. Slow progress is made here.
PORTER, INDIANA
In January, 1921, S. H. Baumgartner, P. E., of Elkhart District, received word through Rev. J. Nyce of Dearborn, Michigan, of the Michigan Conference. that a few Evangelicals from there had some years before moved to Porter, In- diana, and had joined the Congregational Church, but not being satisfied de- sired the Evangelical Church to take up this place as a Gospel field. B. imme- diately opened communication with a Mr. Brockmiller who years before was a member in our church in above place. Arrangements were made with him to have the vacant pulpit in the Congregational Church, supplied by ministers of the Ev. Church. Four Sundays were given to this place prior to the Indiana Conference sessions in April, 1921, namely, O. O. Lozicr, L. E. Smith of the Indiana Conference, and J. D. Abel of Naperville, Illinois, and the above named P. E. These all inspected the work on their respective visits to this place and all were favorably impressed with the outlook. The P. E. entered into an agreement with this Congregational society, namely; That the Indiana Confer- ence of the Evangelical Church supply them with a pastor for 1922, on condition that they pay him a salary not less than $100.00 per month, and moving ex- penses; that the Conference loan this congregation $100.00 to $200.00 at the ex- piration of six months, out of the Missionary Society, the same to be refunded at the close of the Conference year. But if this congregation decides to unite with the Indiana Conference of the Ev. Church in compliance with the "Trust Clause" governing our church properties, then this loan need not be refunded. And that this congregation shall have semi-annual visits from the P. E. of the Elkhart District, and that the pastor shall be allowed to attend the Oakwood Park Con- vention for one week and the Annual Conference session, without discount of salary. This agreement was ratified by the Annual Conference.
November 27, 1922, a congregational meeting was legally called by this congregation to consider the feasibility of uniting with the Ev. Church. J. W. Metzner, P. E., and S. H. Baumgartner, P. E. of Elkhart and Ft. Wayne Dis- tricts, respectively, were present by invitation. After due consideration this con- gregation voted unanimously to unite with the said Conference, of the Ev. Church on the proviso that said Indiana Conference pay the remaining debt on the church property, plus the accrued interest on this debt for the last 30 years, all amounting to $1,400. This proposition was accepted by the Conference, May, 1923. Thus this society became the property of the Indiana Conference, valued
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at $3,000.00, plus the parsonage valued also at $3,000.00. J. D. Abel was sta- tioned here in 1922, and returned in 1923. But desirous to go out as a singing evangelist he resigned his pastorate here in July, and D. E. Zechiel accepted the place in October of this year. This congregation came over to the Ev. Church with a membership of 100, and a flourishing Sunday School. Abel received about 25 members while pastor.
PRAIRIE, SHELBY CO., ILLINOIS
A family, Schrader, moved on a farm just north of the present Prairie Class Church in 1862-63. This family belonged to the Ev. Association and became the nucleus of this class. Also a Mr. Augenstein moved here in 1865. Other mem- bers here at this time were: Fritz's, Fleuga's, Custer's, Gasslings', Luby's, Wolf's, Turner's and Voight's. The class was organized in 1862 by Geo. Schmoll.
The first church was built in 1865. In the one end was a parsonage, con- sisting in 1867 of two rooms; later a kitchen was added. E. Bohlander refused to live in it, and moved to Stewardson where he also did some preaching. Soon after this the parsonage was removed. The second church was built in 1887. Since Shelby Mission ceased in 1884, it belonged to various fields, mostly Alta- mont and Campereek. In February, 1876, N. F. Platz held a revival here. The meeting dragged, people became discouraged, but trusted the Lord. Finally the tide turned into victory, resulting in 13 conversions and 12 accessions.
Shelby Mission was formed in 1876, embracing Wolf Creek, Prairie, Coal Hill. In 1885-87, it belonged to Camp Creek (Vandalia); '88 to Stewardson. In '91 the field name became Altamont. In 1898 it was back with Camp Creek; 08-12, to Altamont; '13-16, with Camp Creek; '17-19 called Stewardson; '22 to Brownstown; 1923 discontinued and church ordered to be sold.
For pastors up to 1867 see Camp Creek. '68-69, J. Berger and F. Maurer, second year; '70-72, C. Stier; '81, F. Theiss; '82-84, M. Koehl; '88, E. Bohlander: '89-90, E. Braeck; '91, I. H. Griesemer; '92-94, J. H. Schnitz; '95-97, J. W. Feller; '02, W. E. Snyder, two years; '04, J. J. Moyer; '05-07, to Camp Creek; '08-12, to Altamont served by J. Mundorf one year; '09-11, J. H. Heldt; '12, J. M. Kist- ler; '13-16 with Camp Creek; '17-19, J. Mundorf; '20-21, supplied.
PRETTY LAKE, MARSHALL CO., INDIANA
This society was located about four miles west of Plymouth, Indiana, near the west shore of Pretty Lake. Preaching by Evangelical ministers began here in 1867 by B. Hoffman and S. S. Condo. A church was built either in 1868 or '69, and was dedicated by Bishop Jos. Long. For pastors see under Culver.
A difficulty, in the nature of a plot, caused by a renegade preacher, named Douglas, of the M. E. Church, partly, at least, ruined this society. Like an Absalom, be came here and captured the hearts of many people. Rev. P. Bur- gener, who lived here, warned the people, but to no avail. As trustec, by order
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of superiors, he locked the church against this man. But a man broke in the door to admit the gathered people at the door. When Rev. Albert came, who knew of this renegade, he exposed him. Still the majority of the people did not believe his statements. Someone threw a rotten egg at Albert, but missed him, and hit a Mrs. S. who defended Douglas. Later E. L. Kiplinger, P. E., came who also knew D., exposed him, and justified P. Burgener's action. Finally the people's eyes were opened, and they began to return to the fold, but such serious harm had come to this society that it never recovered.
About this time a United Brethren P. E. began preaching in a nearby school- house which soon was inadequate to hold the people. He asked for our church, faithfully promising that he would not organize a society here. But by certain manoeuvers, they succeeded getting our Conference to sell them the church in 1879 for $300.00, with a definite promise to the Evangelicals that they should have half-time alternating as long as desired. This agreement was soon broken by them, and our people abandoned the field, and then worshipped in "Butt's Schoolhouse" one mile N. W. until 1894 when J. Rees abandoned the appoint- ment and the remaining membership was merged with the Trinity Church near Twin Lakes. In 1881 the Conference ordered that the proceeds of the sale of the church should be applied to the new Trinity Church.
RAPP'S CLASS, KOSCIUSKO CO., INDIANA
This class was about four miles east of Syracuse, Indiana, and was a part of the Benton Circuit, but in 1879 it was added to New Paris Circuit. Later it was added to Ebenezer Class, six miles east of Syracuse.
RICHMOND, INDIANA
Richmond Mission was established in 1864, Geo. Schmoll, missionary. Some preaching was previously done here. '65, B. Hoffman; '66-67, J. Hoffman; '68, Jos. Maier, with Montgomery; '69, alone, Maier reported, "No growth due to the unsightly little church built in 1865, and dedicated September 3, on 7th Street, close to C. Street." He said "Churches in cities should be attractive. Some people were more of a hindrance than a benefit to God's kingdom." In 1867 a lot by the church was sold for $400.00 to pay the debt on the church. 1870-72, Richmond belonged to Montgomery Circuit; '73 it became a part of Richmond-Winchester Mission. '74-75, again a mission with a few other ap- pointments. The second year the church was enlarged and rededicated by J. Fuchs. '76, J. Wales; '77-79, G. Roederer. 1880 with E. Germantown; '81-82, with Winchester; '83, a re-established mission and supplied from E. German- town; '84, H. Weishaar; '85, D. D. Speicher; '86, with Montgomery; '87, Ph. Orth again. By a misdeed, he gave R. the final death-blow. One difficulty here from the start was the German language. The church was sold about 1889-90.
In 1886, while J. Hoffman was moving from Shelby Mission here, in passing
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through Indianapolis, was robbed at 7 P. M. in the R. R. station. The place was crowded. He thought of "pick-pockets" and tried to avoid them. But while entering the car he was met by three fellows who crowded him on all sides as they went out. He carried baggage in both hands. He now suspected 110 danger, only that these wild looking men wanted ont. Scarcely was he seat- ed with the family, when he discovered that his purse with $60-$70 was gone, including R. R. tickets from Indianapolis to Richmond and a $100.00 bank check. What was he now to do, on his trip, with his family, with only a quarter in another pocket, a gift from grandmother to one of his children. After many good words to the train authorities, and the checks for his trunks as security, they were allowed to go on to Richmond. The members at R. partially re- imbursed him.
RIDGEVILLE, INDIANA
A number of families from Emmettsville Class having moved into Ridge- ville, Indiana, prior to 1908, Ridgeville with Emmettsville this year was taken up as a mission. In February, 1908, Ridgeville Society was organized. Charter members were: Geo. Wise, Sr., and wife; Henry Wise and wife; Jacob Zimmer- man and wife; Albert Zimmerman and wife; Geo. Allman and wife and two daughters; Jacob Koch, wife and son; Alva Resberger and wife; Homar Hoff- man and wife; Arlie Schusler; Moris Smithson, wife and daughter; Wm. Zim- merman and wife; Jacob Young, wife, son, daughter Sadie and grandmother; Frank Wolf; Henry May and wife. First class-leader, J. Zimmerman, and S. S. Supt., Albert Zimmerman. Board of trustees: Geo. Wise, J. Zimmerman and J. Koch.
The brick church of the Baptists here was bought with a parsonage in Jan- uary, 1907, for $2,500.00, and $950.00 respectively. Repairs on church cost $1.000.00. In 1916 a new modern parsonage was built to the rear of the church, and was ready for occupancy in 1917. The old one was rented and later sold. L. S. Fisher, P. E., was the first Evangelical minister to preach in the town. He preached in the M. E. Church. P. S. Speicher held the first revival in 1917. W. E. Snyder was the first appointed pastor and served five consecutive years, 1908-12. He had 93 conversions and 130 accessions. He organized a senior and junior Y. P. A. with Lee Wilmore first Senior and Mrs. Snyder first Junior president. 1913-14, J. W. Carter; '15-17, G. F. Zuber. He built the new parson- age. '18-19, B. E. Koenig; '20-23, C. Coverstone. The field is somewhat limited here.
RIVER BANK, PULASKI CO., INDIANA
Michael Overmeyer and family moved here in 1860. Daniel Burkett and family had previously come from Ohio. This class is about four miles up Tip- pecanoe River from Winamac, Ind., on the east bank which gives it the present name. First it was known as "Zion Church". It was organized by A. Nicolai
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who served Fulton Circuit in 1859-60. It always belonged to the same field as Pleasant Hill Class near Bruce Lake. For pastors see Lake Bruce. Charter members were: Casper Prechtel and wife, Michael Overmeyer and family, Mr. WVise and wife, Henry Crites and wife, Daniel Burkett and family. At first the preaching was at the Hackett Schoolhouse, 11/2 miles south of the church. The church was built in 1890 by J. Wales and was dedicated by D. S. Oakes, P. E., June 22. The class is still weak and has no promising future.
RIVER SIDE, PULASKI CO., INDIANA
This appointment was located three to four miles from Winamac on the west bank of Tippecanoe River. A special meeting was held here resulting in some conversions and five accessions. The preaching was in a schoolhouse. A class was formed but was soon abandoned from want of a future. One camp- meeting was held here, with four saved and six accessions. In 1898 this class was transferred from Royal Centre to Bruce Lake Circuit. Later its remaining members formed the Geo. Green Class, six miles south of Winamac, where a very small church was built by Mr. and Mrs. Green on their farm where services were held a few years. After his death preaching ceased here. Mr. and Mrs. Green donated their farm by will to the Indiana Conference, and made other large cash donations to N. W. College and for other purposes. Due to distant heirs, who instituted litigation, only about half of the value of the $5,000.00 was realized by Conference.
ROCHESTER, INDIANA
Samuel Plantz, once a local preacher in Rochester Circuit, stated in his own biography that he was the first Evangelical preacher that preached in Rochester. Other early preachers held services in Rochester occasionally. But no society here was organized until April 14, 1878, by D. J. Pontius of Fulton Circuit. He began preaching here in the fall of 1877. Only six members lived here then: Samuel Hoffman and wife; Jacob Agster and wife; John Hill and wife. But when it was organized there were twenty-nine members. In 1916 when the last church was dedicated there lived of the charter members: Geo. J. Zach- man, Mrs. Henry Dukes, S. H. Hoffman, Mrs. Emil Wagoner and Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Meyers. Wm. Enders was the first class-leader, elected April, 1874. S. H. Hoffman succeeded him in December, '78, and G. J. Zachman was exhorter.
In 1879 D. J. Pontius and J. Bruckert were pastors of Fulton Circuit. P. did the preaching in Rochester. The society now rented the Advent Church with exclusive right for Sunday worship. The society soon decided to build a church and bought two lots on the S. E. corner of Jefferson and Eighth Streets in the heart of the city, for $800.00. Pontius now solicited funds from members in town, and friends, and from cireuit members. When he had $1,600.00 he called a society meeting September 10, '78, and elected trustees and a building
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committee. Trustees: J. C. Zachman, J. Hill, S. H. Hoffman. The first two trustees and Pontius were the building committee. September 26, construction work began and was finished February 5, 1879. The church was dedicated Feb- ruary 16, by Bishop R. Dubs as "Trinity Church". It was 34 x 60 feet, had a front tower with bell, and vestibule, two class-rooms, one to the right and one to the left of it and a gallery. The church and lot cost $3,800.00. Sisters Plunk and Hill secured $58.90 for the bell and furnishings. $1,300.00 was raised on dedication day. The parsonage lot on the east was valued at $300.00. This lot was later sold and the proceeds applied on the church debt. This year closed with 40 members.
Rochester Church, Rochester, Indiana.
April, 1879, Wm. Wildermuth and J. M. Dustman, pastors of Fulton Cir- cuit, to which Rochester belonged; 1880, J. M. Dustman and J. E. Smith who preached here alternately. 1881 Rochester Mission was formed of Salem, Emmanuel, Burton, and Rochester, H. Arlen, pastor. In the spring of 1882 he secured Savilla Kring as evangelist. A five weeks' revival was held, resulting in 40 accessions. '83-84, L. S. Fisher. The second year he reported 50 accessions. He had to deal with "Adventism" which antagonized justification by faith so strenuously that the society secured Rev. D. B. Beyers of Naperville, Illinois, who gave a course of lectures on the Sabbath question against Adventism. He dealt them such Biblical blows that Adventism never recovered itself in this place. June 28, 1884, the first W. M. S. was organized here with 12 members,
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I ovina Newhans, first president. In 1885, A. O. Raber. This place now became Rochester Mission. He began with 134 members and a flourishing Sunday School and four weekly prayer meetings. A revival, closing January, '86, result- cd in 49 conversions and 33 accessions, and a fifth prayer meeting class was added. The society was honored with a visit from Dr. Krecker, missionary to Japan, who addressed a crowded house on "Manner and Customs in Japan". A Church Aid Society was organized for better handling of church finances. This plan worked well. The year ended with 53 conversions and 60 accessions. and a Children's Mission Band organized. In 1886 R. was returned. This year he had 55 accessions, but also a great loss by deaths and removals. Outward difficul- ties greatly lessened attendance, but gradually the straying members returned. A Young Men's Saturday Night Club was launched, lasting one year. In April, 1887, the Annual Conference session was held here. R. was again returned. His labors fruited in 32 conversions and 43 accessions, one a Hebrew lad. A Bible Normal Class graduated 10 persons. 1888-89, H. Neff. He had 24 accessions. In 1889 the interior of the church received a remodelling. In 1890, D. Martz. He had quite an extensive revival. April, 1891, he was elected presiding elder and S. H. Baumgartner succeeded him. Rochester now became a station. An old church debt was wiped out. The W. M. S. was reorganized. A Y. P. A. was organized September 24, 1891, just before General Conference. He had 14 accessions. 1892, A. S. Fisher. June 26, 1892, began a camp-meeting on the Fair Grounds which resulted in 30 conversions. Also Evangelist Stull held a successful revival here this year. Membership decreased due to many removals. '95-98, C. W. Spangler. The third year he had 30 conversions, mostly catechu- mens. A furnace was installed, new lights put in and the church re-roofed.
In 1899-1901, M. L., Scheidler. In September, 1900, the building of a par- sonage began which cost $1,200.00. In 1867 M. W. Steffey reported, "Fulton Circuit bought a parsonage in Rochester and now the pastors were no longer compelled to live with the dead at Salem in the cemetery." So this new one was the second one in this city. S. had 30 conversions and 18 accessions. '02-03, W. H. Mygrant. The second year the church front was torn down and a cor- ner entrance with tower was built, class-rooms enlarged, walls decorated, floor carpeted, circular pews installed, facing east, all at a cost of $624.00, with $500.00 on subscriptions for further repairs. Editor L. H. Seager officiated at the re- opening. 1904, A. Geist. 1905-06, E. Q. Laudeman. He reported, "Glorious success". 1907-08, L. Newman. He labored with success. 1909-11, J. H. Rill- ing also had commendable success. '12-13, C. A. Wright. Due to illness he re- signed in the middle of the second year, and Wm. M. Baumgartner of Pittsburgh Conference, filled the vacancy. '14-17, G. C. Pullman. During the first two years, financial preparations were made towards building a new church. Decem- ber 30, 1915, at a congregational meeting the pastor reported $10,000.00 in pledg- es. It had been previously agreed that when this amount was secured in pledges,
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a congregational meeting should be called to elect a building committee. This committee consisted of O. F. Baldwin, H. S. Van Blaricom and E. R. Vawter. The church now also adopted the duplex envelop system to finance the churchi enterprises. The church was built and was dedicated Apr. 22, '16. Nearly $9,000 was to be raised this day. Bishop S. P. Spreng, failing to arrive for the morning service, the P. E., John W. Metzner, preached the Word. After this the pastor presented the financial needs, the congregation rallied and responded liberally. At 2:30 P. M. the Bishop was on hand and took charge. When soliciting ceased in the evening over $9,000.00 was raised and the church was dedicated. The structure is Romanesque in style, built with brown Chinchilla brick, trimmed in Bedford stone. Dimensions are 54 x 82 feet, fully adapted for modern S. S. work. Seating capacity is 650. Auditorium is lighted with indirect electric lights. It is heated with city steam heat. The woodwork is oak finish. It has circular pews, art-glass windows. The total cost of building was over $20,000.00, plus additional lot $1,475.00, which previously had been sold for about one-third of this amount.
1918, E. Q. Laudeman; '19-20, H. E. Eberhardt. He had 59 conversions and 62 accessions. '21-22, E. J. Nickel; '23, M. O. Herman. This society maintains a live Sunday School, and her other church departments are actively engaged, especially the Ladies' Aid, which contributed much to the financial success of the work here. It entertained four annual conferences, namely in 1884, 1887, 1899, and 1905. But, strange to say, it has never yet recommended a minister.
ROCKPORT, INDIANA
This history includes Salem in Rockport and Zoar, four miles N. W. The history of each dates back to 1844 (and is practically identical) when A. Nicolai and G. G. Platz began preaching here. They held a special meeting at Zoar, resulting in conversions, accessions, and the organization of a class. In 1846 J. Trometer also preached here occasionally. November 12-16, '47, Nicolai held a meeting at Anth. Miller's, which was one of great spiritual power. Ten souls were saved. ' Whole families were won for Christ and the church. The first church (log) at Zoar, "Busch Church" was built in 1850 on a lot on A. Miller's farm. Fr. Wiethaup, pastor. It was dedicated the same year likely by Geo. A. Blank, P. E. The second (frame) church was built in 1875 by N. F. Platz and dedicated this year, and for some reason rededicated Sept. 18, 1880. In 1920 this church was struck by lightning and consumed, and the $1,500.00 insurance on it was applied to the improvement of the one in Rockport in 1923. These places belonged to Dubois, later called Huntingburg Circuit until 1868, except one year in 1861 when it was a mission. Membership in Zoar in 1854 was Melchior Mayer (leader) and wife Mary; Henry Rohmig and wife; Regina Krueger (Maas) mother of Rev. C. P. Maas; Marg. Bachman and daughter Marg .; Jo- seph and Lena Fister; Kath. Beik; George, Susan and Jacob Deschler; Anthon
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and Marg. Miller; John and Jacobin Blesch; Mother and Kath. Schumaker; Katharine, Henry, and Carl Maas; Magd. Blesch; Kath. and John Krueger; John and Sophia Fundie; Theresa Zimmerman; Fr. and Barbara Meyer; Jolin Kebortz; Kath. Meyer; Adam Long. Membership in Rockport: Ang. Sunder- man (leader); Henry and Marg. Niehans; Chr. and Barbara Schumaker; Joseph and Christina Roth; John and Christina Rohming, and John and Christina Haas. In 1855 the church in town was built, being located in the N. W. corner of the
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Rockport Church, Rockport, Indiana.
town. Prior to this preaching was in Schumaker's home. In April, 1856, the first quarterly meeting was held in the church yet unfinished, but, said the pas- tor, "It was dedicated with new-born souls". The outlook for a substantial Ger- man society here was then good. 1868 Rockport and vicinity were taken up as a mission. C. F. Matthias, pastor. In 1869 the Conference promised Rockport $300.00, for buying or building a parsonage, provided that it be counted to the mission as rent at the rate of $100.00 a year. For pastors see Volume I. In 1871-72 it was with Huntingburg. In 1873 it was a mission again. This year the
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new parsonage was built here. In 1876 it became a part of the South Indiana Conference, Fr. Wicthaup, pastor; '78, C. Stier; '79 with Huntingburg; '80-82, alone, N. F. Platz; '83, G. M. Hallwachs; '84-85, J. M. Kronmiller; '86, E. Boh- lander. A new church was built in town more centrally located. '87-88, J. Mun- dorf with Owensboro, Ky., added; '89, Ger. Koch; '90, to be supplied; '91-92, J. Bruckert. After 1893 appointments were by the Indiana Conference. '16, R. Wise, who resigned and the field by its own request was without a pastor; '17-19, Fr. Reutepoehler; '20-21, under the supervision of Linnwood Society in Evans- ville, Indiana. 1922 without pastor; 1923, Carl Koertge. Church was remodelled.
The old parsonage being unfit for residence it was sold in 1907, and in 1908 a new one was bought with adequate accommodations. From these two socie- ties went forth four ministers: Mel. Mayer, 1855; Chs. Koch, 1873; W. H. Fresh- lcy, 1900; and C. P. Maas, 1902.
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