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 24
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ZION CHURCH, SPENCER CO., IND.
This society was likely the same as the one called Mt. Senty or Grand View near the town of that name, where lived the Miller's; Meuser's; Ernst Hassel's; Niehaus'; Koch's; and Bachman's. A church was built here and dedicated July 3, 1853. B. Uphaus, pastor. But it later disbanded, and merged with Zoar and Salem Classes.
ROSELL, LAPORTE CO., INDIANA
This society or appointment was one mile south of Wanatah, Indiana. A family named Rosina lived here who were members of the Illinois Conference. Ministers from this Conference came here from the northwest, Wellsville and near Valparaiso to preach. The ministers of the Indiana Conference began to preach in the vicinity of Wanatah. Roselle was added to the Indiana Confer- ence, and was served with North Liberty Mission in 1861. Soon after it was merged with Wanatah.
ROYAL CENTRE, CASS CO., INDIANA
In 1900 J. Wales began to preach in Royal Centre in a hall. A Sunday School and church society were organized. Charter members were: Hezekiah Woods, wife and sons; Mr. Bingaman and wife; Adam Justice and wife; Wm. House and wife. He held a revival and had some conversions and accessions In 1901 Fr. Lutman, then of Elkhart, Indiana, proposed to S. H. Baumgartner, P. E., to remove the old abandoned church at Ford's Crossing, north of Logans- port, Indiana, to Royal Centre, as he did not want the church, which stood on a lot which was a part of his former farm there, and by law could hold the building, the deed for the lot having provided the same to revert to him when worship ceased. By a written contract that he gave to his P. E. arrange- ments were made at once to remove the church. A. F. Wiesjahn was pastor at Royal Centre. A lot had been bought in the east end of the town. The P. E.
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ordered the pastor with a force of men to go and take it down carefully and haul it to town for reconstruction. He did so, using 15 teams and wagons well manned. That very night Lutman suddenly died in Elkhart. Of course, the wrecking of the church aroused the community at Fords Crossing, and it threat- ened prosecution for removing it. But it soon learned that Lutman had the sole right to dispose of it as he liked, and the trouble gradually quieted down. Be- sides, the present residents here had no money in the construction of the build- ing, except one man who had a little sumn. L. said, "This church was built with Evangelical money and therefore it shall go to R. C. for an Evangelical Church." The P. E. laid the cornerstone on a July Sunday afternoon in 1901, briefly sta- ting, with his address, why the church was brought here. Bishop T. Bowman dedicated it later in the year as the Grace Evangelical Church. The transfer has proven very beneficial to our work in this town and community, as our success gives conclusive evidence.
For pastors to 1915 see Volume I. In 1910, under S. J. Kroft, a parsonage was bought at a cost of $1,400.00, which is about two squares north of the church. 1912-16, F. B. Walmer. In 1913 he reported that 64 were at the altar, many were converted and joined church, and greatly increased the Sunday School attendance. An enlarged church was now needed. The trustees were afraid to launch out. Some then resigned and new ones were elected. Before Conference met in 1914, several thousand dollars were secured. In August of this year the remodelling began and was finished and dedicated December 20, 1914, by Bishop S. P. Spreng. The church contains a large auditorium with in- clined floor, circular pews, choir loft, S. S. auditorium with class-rooms and basement under the entire church. It has a main tower with entrance and a side entrance. The windows are of art-glass, the walls frescoed, the lighting is electrically. The trustees were: Fr. Brown, Ira Kistler, Wm. Funk, Wm. Pfeifer, Wm. Handschu, J. Wildermuth, and L. J. Frye. These with I. B. Beck- ley, Geo. Conn, and W. Feltis were the building committee. In the revival of 1914, WV. reported 61 conversions. Out of these came two men for the ministry : R. L. Handschu, and Allen Dewitt. In 1915 the church debt was reduced to $2,700.00. The last two years he had conversions and 32 accessions.
In 1917-18, I. H. Griesemer was pastor. During his time the debt was re- duced to $800.00, of which $500.00 was covered by pledges. Zion and Mt. Hope were served with Royal Centre. In 1919-20, F. F. MeClure served this charge. In July, first year, the debt on church and parsonage was paid, of which the Ladies' Aid paid $369.00. Second year he had B. G. Smith as evangelistic leader. About 30 were converted during his time here. 1921-22, J. H. Arndt was pastor. Salary was raised from $800.00 to $1,100.00, and the budget plan was introduced. He also had souls for his hire. 1923, A. W. Feller. A large live Sunday School is maintained. This society belonged to Elkhart District 1900-06; to Indianapo- lis, 1907-10; to Elkhart, 1911-23.
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RUTLAND, MARSHALL CO., INDIANA
D. Martz having moved into this locality in 1896, organized a society here, with Geo. Klein and family, J. C. Meyer and family, D. Martz and family. A frame church was built in Rutland and dedicated December 13, 1896, by Bishop T. Bowman as "St. Paul's Church". The church with the lot cost $1,600.00. This church was started largely by non-members as the result of a Sunday School organization in a nearby schoolhouse. Martz preached here one night in the week as a P. E., which prevented him from being here on Sundays. The society is still small and in the balance. For pastors sce under Culver and Hibbard.
SALEM, ADAMS CO., INDIANA
In 1840 a class was organized two miles east of Decatur by Geo. A. Blank. This vicinity had been visited in 1839 by Solomon Altimos who was the first to preach here. The first church was built on John Kern's farm, and was dedi- eated, Feb. 22, 1857. Peter Burgener and Joshua Paulin were pastors. They held a meeting March, 1858, at John Ahr's and Chr. Schafer's, a few miles S. E. of Decatur, which resulted in 12 conversions. As there were a number of peni- tents, a protracted prayer meeting was held in Kern's Class, as Salem was lo- cally known, for nine days during which time 12 were saved. Peter Wiest held a revival here in January, 1867, that resulted in 20 conversions and accessions.
The second church (brick) was built in 1882 and was dedicated Dee. 24 by Bishop R. Dubs. It stands on a large lot by the cemetery. The cornerstone was robbed of its contents later. This year (1882) I. B. Fisher held a five weeks' meeting here which resulted in 18 saved and 12 accessions. S. H. Pontius had a victorious revival here in the fall of 1889 with 22 saved and 19 aceessions. A Young People's Alliance was organized March 3, 1894, by R. Rainey with 17 members. A Sunday School was organized in the early years. The society was originally German. Three ministers came from this society, namely, J. E. Stoops, 1883; E. B. Kern, 1891; and S. C. Cramer, 1896. For list of pastors see under St. Marys Circuit up to 1893, when it with Calvary and St. Paul, became Payne Mission, R. Rainey, pastor; '94-95, Win. Reihle; '96, Ph. Buehler; '97-98, J. M. Smith. In 1899 it was added to Decatur Mission and served by W. H. Mygrant. In 1900, back to Payne, now Paulding, A. F. Wiesjahn, pastor; 1901 added again to Decatur. In 1902, Salem, Calvary, Mt. Carmel and Bear Creek in Jay Co. constituted St. Marys Mission served by C. D. Ringgenberg. In 1903- 08, merged with Decatur; '09, to Ohio City Charge; '10 to Chattanooga, E. R. Roop; '11-12, E. B. Jones; '13-14, J. L. Buyer; '15, Berne Circuit, E. E. Roberts; '16, E. O. Habegger; '17, J. E. McCoy; '18-21, E. H. Baumgartner, and then discontinued. The members were transferred to Decatur society to which place many had moved. The church is now used only for funeral services.
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SALEM OR SMITH'S, ELKHART CO., INDIANA
This society locally known as Smith's Class, is seven miles N. W. of Elk- hart. First it belonged to the Indiana District of the Illinois Conference and was a part of Ft. Wayne Mission until 1845 when it became a part of Elkhart Circuit. In 1855 it became a part of South Bend Circuit; in 1872, a part of Mish- awaka Circuit; in 1896, to Elkhart, South Side; in 1897, again to Mishawaka; in 1898, back to Elkhart, S. Side; in 1901, to Mishawaka; in 1906, to Bethel Elkhart.
Preaching began regularly in this vicinity in 1846 by Chr. Glaus and Wm. Fichte. They organized a class in the spring of 1847. The services were held in homes and in the Wahl Schoolhouse. In 1848 this class sent its first Q. Con- ference members, Geo. Hessig, to Q. Meeting at Mishawaka. The membership ir 1853 was: Jacob Wahl (leader) and Anna, his wife; John Stewart (exhorter) and Mary, his wife; Geo. and Katharine Smith and children, Maggie, John, Anna, Katharine, George; Adam and Kath. Lindeman and daughter, Katie; Jacob Heiss and wife; Kath. Huber; Ph. and Rebecca Jackson; Peter Kiefer; Gco. Hessig; Mary and Nancy Buchtel; Jacob, Rachel and Jeremiah Fisher; Jacob and Elizabeth Frank. Harris Prairie Class: a part of Salem Class: J. G. Katz (leader) and wife Kate; Adam Ruth (exhorter) and wife Anna; Elizabeth, George, Anna M., John, Elizabeth, Jr., and Peter Kiefer; Chr. and Mary Bucher; Elizabeth Gelez. There were then many Germans here.
In 1858 the first church in this community was built, and was dedicated, September 5, 1858, by A. B. Schafer, P. E., Jos. Fisher, pastor. A great revival followed in the winter, resulting in 40 conversions and accessions, one of whom was David S. Oakes. In the winter of 1875-76, there was a great revival, con- ducted by D. S. Oakes, when 80 persons were converted and many joined church. People came from all directions and were saved. In the winter of 1877, D. S. Oakes lost three horses by death. When the second one had died he was too discouraged to buy another, but his friends encouraged him to try again, He did, but before he could make a full round this one also died. It was gener- ally believed that some enemy poisoned them. He was then in limited circum- stances. His P. E., M. W. Steffey, then appealed to his friends through the church papers for aid.
In 1904 L. Newman built a new brick church here at a cost of $6,000.00, and it was dedicated by Editor S. P. Spreng. In 1906 this society, with Bethel in Elkhart, became Bethel Mission, C. H. Burgener, pastor also 1907; 1908-12, D D. Spangler; 1913-16, C. H. Hartman; '17-18, F. B. Walmer; 1919-23, J. H. Heldt. For pastors previous to this time see under Elkhart up to 1854; to South Bend and Mishawaka Circuits up to 1895, then as indicated above.
Camp-meetings were held here from 1859-62 on Henry Thornton's farmn. Bishop John Seybert was present at the first one, which was one of great re- joicing. The second one was attended by Bishop Jos. Long. This one also was one of great victory. At the one held in 1862, D. S. Oakes and Peter Thornton
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received Quarterly Conference license as preachers on probation. See sketch in Vol. I. A live Sunday School has been sustained here from an early date.
SALEM, FULTON CO., INDIANA
This place was served with Ft. Wayne Mission, in the Illinois Conference in 1844. In 1845 it became a part of Elkhart Circuit served by G. G. Platz, and Wm. Kolb. In 1846 it was served by C. Glaus and Wm. Fichte. On Nov. 13, A. B. Schafer, P. E., began a protracted meeting here in John Plunk's home. The attendance was fair and the attention good. Believers had a precious wait- ing before the Lord. A second meeting in the spring of 1847 resulted in conver- sions. Schafer reported, "In 1844 the outlook here was disheartening. Every- thing seemed dead. The preached Word seemed unfruitful. But in 1847 the moral desert became a watered garden, flooded with divine light, bringing forth visible fruits unto eternal life." In June, 1847, Platz, Fr. Wiethaup and H. Wel- dy became pastors. In 1848, S. Dickover, B. Uphaus, and P. Burgener; 1849, G. G. Platz, Geo. Messner and B. Uphaus; 1850, J. J. Esher (Bishop) and J. Wolf; 1851, P. Goetz. This place now belonged to Miami Circuit. For pastors from 1852 on see Akron, except 1884, and 1886, when it belonged to Tippecanoe and Logansport Charges respectively.
The first church (log) was built in 1851, this was then the only church on this field. Keiper recorded that S. Dickover preached, and dedicated the church, May 8, 1853. Members here then were: Geo. Spatz's, John Spatz's, Geo. Zabest's, Rev. Kiplinger's, Geo. Reams', Jonas and Geo. Goss.
A camp-meeting was held in August, 1856, on Geo. Spatz's farm. The pas- tor said, "It was the most blessed one I've ever attended. The preaching was powerful. Heaven seemed to be constantly open with copious showers of bless- ings falling upon God's people, giving great joy." Another one was heid in 1857. In 1861 the second church (frame) was built and dedicated. Due to in- ternal difficulties and manifest indifference in later years the society lost out and the field was abandoned. In 1915 the church property was sold and the proceeds applied to the new church in Rochester, where many members had previously moved. For some years this was headquarters of Fulton Circuit, as the parsonage was located here.
SANDOVAL, CLINTON CO., ILLINOIS
A society of the Ev. Association was organized here by C. Stockhowe and N. J. Platz in 1877. A few of its members were members of our church in Chi- cago. In 1878 C. Stockhowe was pastor again. The people here generally thought that he was a Lutheran preacher. He neither affirmed nor denied it. But when he held a revival meeting in a Methodistic fashion, and folks were un- der conviction and were converted, then some doubted whether he was a Luther- an. Upon learning that he was not, they ceased attending his services. He,
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however, found access to many hearts and homes by giving their children cate- chetical instruction, and confirming the children's work in a public service simi- lar to a Lutheran confirmation service. He was returned in 1879. In 1880, C. F. Matthias served; 1881, C. Wessling. He invited the illwill of the Lutheran people by want of tact. On a certain occasion he was egged when he was on his way home from church. An example of his bluntness: On one occasion he went out into a "clearing" to see and to talk to a man who was burning brush heaps. After greeting each other the man said to Wessling, "It is hot." W. replied. "Yes, and it will be hotter for you yet when you go to hell." 1882, E. J. Nitsche was pastor. He built a church here which was dedicated, Dec. 17, 1882. In 1883 C. F. Matthias was pastor; 1884, M. Speck, six months, then J. Mundorf, under Fr. Schweitzer, P. E., finished the year; 1885-86, Fr. Theiss; 1887-88, served with Vandalia. In 1889 it was left to be supplied, and no further record is found except that in 1905 the church lot was sold and the proceeds flowed into the Conference treasury. The church had previously been removed.
SAN PIERRE, INDIANA-ZION SOCIETY
Win. Lueder was the first Evangelical minister that preached in San Pierre: which was in 1873. Charter members were: John Maier and wife, David Schmidt and wife, Abraham Gingerich, Michael Abrahams and wife, Martin Schmidt and wife, Carl Haberman, Carl Walter and wife. At a called meeting, this society met at the home of D. Schmidt, May 10, 1883, and elected trustees, namely, F. Weinkauf, M. Schmidt, and A. Maier. August Iwan was pastor. This society was organized with persons who were members of the Bethlehem Society. Prayer meetings and preaching services were held in private homes, school- houses, and groves. This society now concluded to build a church. Subscrip- tions were taken, amounting to $576.00. The trustees were authorized to buy a building site and also appointed the building committee. A small frame church was built, costing $630.00, the excess cost was promptly collected, and the church dedicated in 1884, by C. C. Baumgartner. In 1898 J. Mundorf had a gracious revival here with 33 saved, most of whom joined church. The first Y. P. A. was organized under J. W. Feller. A parsonage was bought in 1901 in San Pierre, Indiana, for $1,000.00.
January 2, 1911, this society received a report through its trustees that they had bought the M. E. Church in San Pierre for $300.00. It was repaired at a cost of $1,334.00. Previons to the rebuilding of the church, it had been dedi- cated September 25, 1910, by J. O. Mosier, P. E., as the Zion Church of the Ev. Association. The board of trustees at this time were: Ed. Kalinke, Aug. Schmidt and August Kain; J. L. Buyer, pastor. He bought the old church for $300.00. In 1912 the society ordered that non-members who wanted the church for funerals or weddings should pay $5.00 for its use to the trustee treasurer. This later caused considerable offense and dissension and was brought to the Annual
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Conference for its opinion. The Conference disapproved, inasmuch as our church-pews are to be free.
For pastors np to 1900 see under Medaryville. In 1901 the field was named San Pierre, as the parsonage was now there. J. W. Feller served 1900-01. In 1902-04, E. C. Ewald; '05-08, G. F. Winter; '09-10, J. L. Bnyer; '11-13, J. Mun- dorf; '14-16, Fr. Reutepohler; '17-20, E. O. Habegger; '21-22, J. W. Feller again; 1923, B. R. Hoover. Fr. Reutepohler had a remarkable meeting during a reviva! at which time 31 came to the altar at one call, 26 of whom claimed salvation at that service; 29 joined church, and 11 children and 17 adults were baptized. A Sunday School has been maintained here from the beginning. San Pierre has recommended three men for the ministry, namely, J. L. Bnyer, Jr., 1911; J. H. Arndt, 1915; Chester Dietert, 1921.
SCHWARTZ SOCIETY, ELKHART CO., INDIANA
This society was about three miles west of Elkhart. It belonged to Elkhart German Mission in 1868. In 1872, to Elkhart Circuit; in 1874, to Elkhart Mis- sion (Ger.); in 1875, to Elkhart English Mission. No further record is found.
SCHWEITZER'S CLASS, DARKE CO., OHIO
This class was north of Greenville. Exact location not learned. It existed already in the fifties, and continued for about 30 years, always served by pastors from Greenville.
SEDAN, DEKALB CO., INDIANA
This society was an old pioneer appointment, four miles west of Waterloo, Indiana. It belonged with DeKalb and Waterloo Circuit until 1880 when the work ceased here and the church was sold. The proceeds flowed into the Con- ference treasury.
SEIBEL'S APPOINTMENT-MONTGOMERY CO., OHIO
This was a small class south of Phillipsburg. Jacob Keiper preached here in 1856-57. A Big Meeting was held at which a number were converted. No church was ever erected here. The Mege's and Stein's, besides Seibel's belonged here. Later they merged with Phillipsburg Society.
SHARPIE CLASS, MIAMI CO., INDIANA
This class existed in 1852. It was about three miles south of Peru, Indiana. Members here were the families, Sharpie, Daufel, Finster, Spangler. The first family later moved to New Paris, Indiana, and the others merged with Bunker Ilill Society.
SHELBY MISSION, SHELBY CO., ILLINOIS
This mission was formed in 1866 and embraced the appointments in this
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county, namely: Prairie, four miles N. E. of Stewardson; Mattoon; Siegel's, near Stewardson Southeast; Dait's; Gayer; Buckey Schoolhouse; Bluepoint, or Wolf Creek, five miles S. W. of Stewardson; and Colehill. For ministers who served here see under Prairie. John Berger, pastor in 1869-70, lamented the fact that the work here did not begin six to eight years sooner. He said, "A portion of the membership is doing well in giving support for the Gospel, but others seem to think that we are indebted to them, and that our efforts among them should be given gratis. There is a lack of interest in Sunday School work on the part of many." After a hard effort the work finally was abandoned on account of indifference. For more history see Prairie, Mattoon, Wolf Creek. Nothing definite found of the other places named here.
ST. MARYS CIRCUIT, PIONEER FIELD
For introduction to this field see sketch, Ft. Wayne Mission up to 1845. In 1845 this mission was divided into Elkhart Circuit and St. Marys Mission. Chr. Glanz was assigned to this mission. He was sick for five months. The enemies of the Ev. Association took advantage of this situation, and created suspicion in the minds of the people against the work of our church and its pastors. Thus great injury came to this field which was a veritable moral desert. Some who professed to be saved now neglected prayer-meetings and died spir- itually. Membership increase was only fifteen. In 1846 Wm. Kolb was mis- sionary. He reported great opposition, and spiritual apathy on the field, es- pecially around Willshire, Ohio, where five preachers taught baptismal regenera- tion, and insistently withstood him in his teaching. Chill-fever was raging everywhere. K. was sick in bed with fever and was greatly hindered in his work. A meeting that was to be held in Adams Co., Indiana, had to be cancelled, due to chill-fever among the people. Floods also greatly hindered his getting around on the field. He could reach his appointments only once in three weeks. He reported success in Brunnersburg. In DeKalb Co., Indiana, he organized five classes, one at Stroh's and one at Husselman's, a few miles south and southeast of Waterloo. In 1847 S. Dickover was missionary. He reported the field en- larged and prospect fair. One meeting he held resulted in conversions, and the formation of a class of 11 members. At another, 22 came to the altar at one invitation, some of whom were converted and joined church. In 1848, St. Marys Circuit again became a mission with Fr. Wiethaup assigned. The field was con- siderably enlarged this year. Quite a number were converted and joined church. There were now 90 members on the field, six societies and one church. In 1849- 50, Peter Goetz was pastor with Peter Burgener as assistant the second year. Chr. Augenstein was then P. E. of St. Joseph District. The field now extended into seven counties in Indiana and into five in Ohio. The daily trips were from 20-40 miles, 340 miles per round. Roads were still often wellnigh impassable. G's health became impaired. Yet the membership was nearly doubled this year.
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But in DeKalb County the increases were small. From February to April 28, 1851, seven Big Meetings were held with some success. At another meeting he reported: "Nearly the entire congregation was on their knees, crying to God for mercy. It was a heart-touching scene." In 1851 B. Uphaus and P. Burgener served, S. Dickover, P. E. They reported slow but definite progress. St. Marys Circuit in 1851 was composed of the following preaching points, as taken from Uphaus' diary: Brunnersburg, Ohio, and vicinity two miles north of Defiance; Furthmillers's, east of New Haven, Indiana; Adam Genth's, nine miles S. W. of Ft. Wayne; Glock's or Bethlehem's about five miles east of Ossian, Indiana; Krumme's and Voltz's or Five Points, twelve miles S. W. of Ft. Wayne; Flora's in Wells Co .; Meyer's, seven miles S. E. of Bluffton, near Salem, Linn Grove Circuit; Fuhrman's seven miles west of Decatur; Hellwarth's, six miles west of Celina, Ohio; Jacob Mecklen's and Metzner's Schoolhouse, and Haudischell's Schoolhouse in Jay Co .; a place near Repton, Mercer Co., Ohio; Roether, Van Wert Co., Ohio; a place near Mendon, Ohio; Ries, in Van Wert Co .; Stedler's, three miles from Willshire, Ohio; Kern's and Walter's east of Decatur; Bloch- er's and Jos. Miller's, seven miles N. E. of Decatur; Stroh's and Husselman's near Auburn; Clarksville, Bauer's, Miller's, east of Auburn. There were prob- ably others. Exact location of all these points could not be found. This gives some idea of the largeness of this field traveled over in quest of souls for God's kingdom.
In June, 1852, the Indiana Conference was organized and embraced all of St. Marys, DeKalb, Elkhart, Mt. Carmel, Whitewater, Dubois, Marshall, Ham- ilton and Miami fields. For missionaries who pioneered this wide St. Marys field see Volume I, St. Marys, page 92.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
In 1865 this city and vicinity was taken up as St. Louis Mission, but was left unsupplied. Nothing further was done here until 1874 when the mission was re- established. J. C. Young was missionary. Seventeen members of the Ev. Association, who lived here, now rejoined the church, Sunday, August 15, 1875. The Conference of 1875 appointed the pastor and the one on the Vandalia Mis- sion as a committee to buy a lot in the city as soon as $3,000.00 should be col- lected, and were then to build a suitable chapel thereon. This was about as far as the project went. A Sunday School was organized which grew to 75 regular attendants. The mistake made here as at other places, was "poor location, and an undesirable hall. No other churches were near the hall, but it was very un- inviting". Besides the Missionary Society at this time was heavily involved. The buying of a suitable location could not be carried out. Bishop J. Seybert once preached in a Ger. M. E. Church here by invitation of the pastor, and as- sisted in giving the Lord's Supper.
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