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 25
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ST. PAUL, PAULDING CO., OHIO
As early as 1863 this society was in existence and belonged to St. Marys Circuit. Its location is in Benton Twp., Paulding Co., six miles south of Payne, Ohio, hence sometimes called Payne Class. Services were held in homes and schoolhouses until in 1888, when a church costing $1,000.00 was built and dedi- cated, September 16, by Aug. Geist, P. E. It was the only church of our de- nomination that ever was built -in this county. F. E. Zechiel was pastor at this time. A Mr. Paul and family, thirteen years before had moved here. Soon after arriving, he and his wife and a sister Sinn began holding prayer-meetings. A few years later S. S. Albert of Van Wert Mission began preaching here. He organized a class. Amidst hardships and disappointments the little vine grew to a membership of 20 in 1888. Much credit was due to the work and loyalty of the Paul family. Wm. Reihle held a revival here in 1896 that resulted in four- teen conversions and six accessions.
Too many churches, some being only one to two miles apart in this town- ship, worked hardships for all. Besides the German soon died out, meanwhile the English population joined other churches. Also, the community was largely made up of transient people, or renters. As the country developed the abler farmers bought out the smaller ones and so the community was largely depop- ulated. The field was abandoned in 1915. The church was sold in 1918 and the proceeds applied for a new parsonage in Van Wert for the Van Wert Circuit.
ST. PETERS, VAN WERT CO., OHIO
In 1852 A. Nicolai and Fr. Schuerman of St. Marys Charge began to preach here, six miles south of Van Wert, Ohio, and organized a class. For pastors see under St. Marys up to 1870, also for 1876-77 and for 1879-81. On February 16, 1855, J. M. Kronmiller began a revival at a brother Hertel's, resulting in conversions and accessions. In October the same year, P. Goetz and C. Wess- ling held a meeting when six were saved and eight adults united with the church. Believers enjoyed a rich outpouring of God's Spirit. In 1863 the appointments of St. Marys Circuit in Ohio were made to constitute Van Wert Mission em- bracing this class, Grand Victory, Roedgers, Mendon, Salem (Weifenbach's), Hope, west of Celina, and Willshire, with Geo. A. Hertel as missionary. In 1870 this class, Mohr's or Grand Victory, and St. Paul were attached to St. Marys Circuit, but in 1871 these classes with Van Wert City and Hicksville became Van Wert Mission with J. Keiper, pastor for two years. Members in 1871 were: Adam and Christina Hertel; Philip, Margaret, Jacob and Mary Hertel; Mike and Elizabeth Wise; Ad. and Kate Reder; Noble and Anna Palstette; Mary Ries: Fr. and Mary Heeptett; Ad. and Susan Smith; Sol. Schluy. In 1874 J. Wales built the first church here. It was dedicated Mar. 1, 1874, by J. Young, editor of the Living Epistle. From 1875 to 1908, see list of pastors under Van Wert except as indicated above. In 1909 this class belonged to Ohio City Circuit, E. R. Roop,
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pastor; 1910, it was made a station by its own request with C. W. Schlemmer, pastor for two years. In 1912 it belonged to Chattanooga Mission, E. B. Jones, pastor; 1913, alone, F. C. Waeknitz; 1914-15, W. H. Mygrant; 1916-18, to Scott Circuit, J. H. Heldt; 1919-23, Ira Steele, to Van Wert Circuit.
ST. PETERS, NOBLE CO., INDIANA
This class was three miles N. W. of Avilla, Indiana. It was organized in 1853 by Jos. Fisher of Elkhart Circuit. He reported this class to his successors as a class of fine people, but that there is not much prospect for conversions. Charter members were: Samuel Hoke (leader) and wife Anna; John, Jacob and Rebecca Miller; Wm. and Barbara Buser. When the Avilla Society was organ- ized in 1873, this class was merged with it. DeKalb Circuit pastors served here except the two first years from Elkhart Cireuit.
SILVER LAKE, KOSCIUSKO CO., INDIANA
This society was about three miles N. E. of Silver Lake, Indiana. Some times called "Claypool" and "Rhoads" Class. On November 21-22, 1846, a meet- ing was held in the home of Jacob Rhoad (Roth) by A. B. Schafer, P. E., and C. Glaus, and Wm. Fichte, pastors of Elkhart Circuit. In 1852 it became a part of Miami Circuit, served by J. Keiper and H. Striekler. In 1853 the field name was changed to Fulton. The same preachers served here as at Akron, or Barn- heisel's. In 1872 this class with Barnheisel and Cook Classes near Gilead be- came Silver Lake Circuit, J. Ressler, pastor. In 1873 the name was changed to Gilead, S. S. Albert, pastor. In 1874 this field was incorporated with Fulton Circuit for two years, and in 1876 this class was a part of Warsaw Mission, D. J. Pontius, pastor. In 1877-78, J. M. Dustman. A church was built and dedicated January, 1878, by Bishop R. Yeakel. In 1879 this class was added to N. Web- ster Charge, J. Bruckert, pastor, three years; 1882, A. Geist; '83, W. H. Bright- mire; '84, J. Wales. In 1885 it was added to Rochester Circuit, and served by J. Wales four years. In 1889, J. Hoffman; '90, D. J. Pontius; '91, Wmn. Wil- dermuth; '92, J. M. Rogers; '93, discontinued and the church sold. Jacob Lei- ter's, Geo. Kiplinger's, John and Edward Garmen's, and Mrs. Wilson lived here.
SIMONS CREEK, WAYNE CO., INDIANA
This was an appointment N. W. of E. Germantown in the neighborhood of the Diekover and Fisher settlement, but was soon merged with Pleasant Hill.
SMITHFIELD, NEAR MUNCIE, INDIANA
This elass was six miles S. E. of Muncie, at or in Smithfield. In 1849 preachers already preached here, at Henry Dill's. The class always belonged to E. Germantown. E. R. Troyer related the following ineident that occurred here. A. B. Schafer was holding a meeting here in the early years, in which all inter-
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est seemed to be dead. A sister "Will" began to sing a chorus and then shouted. Schafer asked her how she could shout over such a sermon. She replied "Your sermon did not make me shout, but the devil must know that I can feel good and shout even if we have poor sermons." The time when this class ceased is not known.
SPENCERVILLE, DEKALB CO., INDIANA
This class was S. E. of Auburn, Indiana, near the town of Spencerville on the Wabash R. R. The class existed from 1852-70 according to records. Men- bers here in 1870 were: John and Eliza Rohabacher; Wm. and Mary Hemrich; Susan Hemrich; Nath. Benninghoff and wife; Mary Sawers; Rebecca Yarger; Marg. Bowman; Susan Ryroads; Kath. Walker. It belonged to Defiance in 1864-65 when J. Berger had a good revival here. Why and when the class dis- continued is unknown to the historian.
SPIKERVILLE, WABASH CO., INDIANA
This society was taken up by J. Wales in 1891 with Urbana Mission. Geo. E. Speicher having been reclaimed for the Lord in 1890, without a recommenda- tion or license to preach, began a meeting here in a schoolhouse. The Lord wonderfully blessed his effort in soul-winning. The schoolhouse became too small for the attending crowds, so the meeting was taken to a hall. The meet- ing resulted in 60 conversions. Then the people were organized into a society by Wm. Wildermuth, pastor of Urbana. In 1891 a church was built and dedi- cated Feb. 28, 1892, by J. Wales. Bishop S. C. Breyfogel, missing train connec- tions, failed to arrive for the occasion. A few years later the work here lagged, and services were discontinued. In 1898 the Conference ordered the P. E. and P. C. at Urbana to elect a board of trustees, and to sell the church. This, how- ever, was not done. During this time, folks, with extreme teachings, freely used this church. This brought confusion and final indifference into the com- munity. But in 1907 M. L. Scheidler of Urbana again took up the place, reor- ganized the membership and started a Sunday School. In 1908 this class was added to Zion, south of Wabash and named Spikerville Mission, Ira Dawes, pastor. He had a good general awakening. People united with the society. He served it four years. In 1911 the field's name was changed to Wabash Circuit, comprising this class, Zion and Mt. Pleasant, near Rich-Valley. In 1912, B. G. Smith; '13, J. M. Lantz; '14, J. S. Kroft; '15-17, J. W. Thomas; '18-19, A. W. Feller; '20, E. W. Schafer; '21-22, C. W. Spangler; '23, L. M. Maurer.
SOUTH BEND-FIRST CHURCH
Following are extracts from the (German) Society Records before it was destroyed. The work of the Ev. Association started in this city in 1853. Bishop J. Seybert, Geo. G. Platz, S. Dickover, and M. W. Steffey were the first minis- ters that found entrance to this city. The South Bend Mission was created in
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June, 1854. Geo. Eckhart was the first appointed missionary. He had many difficulties to face, not having a church to worship in. An effort to build a church was begun this year. On the advice of Bishop Seybert, a suitable lot was bought for $300.00 and pledges secured for this purpose. Eckhart becoming ill resigned and M. W. Steffey took the field with Elkhart Circuit. In the spring of 1855, after a special meeting, he organized a society with 11 members: J. Ker- stetter's, C. Liphart's, A. Siebold's, K. Zimmerman's and Dr. 'Buchtel's and their families.
In 1855 John Fuchs with B. Ruh of Berrien Mission jointly served this city mission regularly. Fuchs by order took steps to build a church on Lafayette Street near Washington Street. Trustees were elected and the church was huilt at a cost of $3,000.00. It was dedicated as "Zion Church", September 28, 1856, by Bishop Jos. Long. A parsonage was also built. The class was reorganized with 18 members and a Sunday School opened with 13 scholars.
In 1857 Jos. Fisher served it with South Bend Circuit until 1859 when by request it again was made a mission. C. Kohlmeier was missionary. He left irregularly and without the sanction of the following Conference. Samuel Heiss finished the year. In 1860 M. Hoehn was pastor. In 1861 this mission was re- incorporated with South Bend Circuit and served by A. B. Schafer and M. Speck. In 1862, Wm. Bockman and C. Ude. In 1863 South Bend Mission was re-estab- lished and served by A. B. Schafer for two years. In 1865, Edw. Evans; '66-67, J. Kaufman. One New-year's eve a blessed "Watch-night" service was enjoyed. The society contributed besides the salary, $450.00 for God's kingdom.
This mission was made a station in 1868. C. Glaus, pastor for two years; '70-72, John Berger. His years were crowned with prosperity. A special holi- . ness meeting was held here. Chief speakers were: Bishop J. J. Esher, C. Angen- stein, Prof. Huelster and H. Hintze. Great quickenings were experienced. Back- sliders reclaimed and sinners saved. Preachers and members experienced per- fect love. The second night the Lord's Supper was celebrated, followed by an experience meeting when 130 testified in 40 minutes. These testimonials were overflows from "the fountain of living waters". One testified, "I joined all secret orders that I could find, but found no peace until I came to Jesus."
During 1873-75, G. M. Gomer was pastor. The East Side Mission was added to First Church Station. This year a new church lot was bought on corner of Lafayette and Wayne Streets for $4,000.00. Gomer held a three months' revival, resulting in 126 saved and accessions, 19 being by letter. The membership was now 304. A congregational meeting was summoned relative to a new church. Bishop J. J. Esher was present. By unanimous vote it was decided to build a new church 46 x 80 feet with an additional class-room 36 x 60 feet. Estimated cost, $12,000.00. About $6,000.00 was pledged at this meeting. But a serious di -- vision and consequent loss of members caused the project to fail. The newly purchased lot was sold at a great sacrifice. In 1874 G. continued a revival from
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Dec. 7 to Mar. 16, obtaining 122 conversions and 116 accessions. The member- ship now was 300, divided into 12 prayer-meetings. During this meeting various ministers helped. In 1875 it was decided to wreck the church and to build a new one on the same site.
During 1876-78 M. Hoehn was pastor. The new church was now under construction. As yet no pledges were secured. The society still had a debt on the aforesaid lot and east side Mission Church, of $800.00. H. began to solicit funds and soon had $2,799.55. When the first snow fell, the church was under roof. The lower story was dedicated December 25, '76, by Bishop J. J. Esher. New Pledges were now taken amounting to $1,376.78. While the church was being built services were held in an old frame church on Main Street. In the summer of 1877 the outside of the church was finished at a cost of $958.40. There were two towers, the larger one containing a 1,500-1b. bell, costing $437.00, a gift of the Sunday School. The society was privileged to gather funds on Elk- hart District. This project was a great task for a class composed of laboring peo- ple, and met with keen opposition. The society had a loss of 52 members by deaths, withdrawals, and change of boundary. La Porte and Carlisle were detached this year. The year 1877 was only a six-month Conference year. Hoehn had 35 conversions, 29 accessions, 31 removals and 40 deaths. During 1878 after much work and concern the church was completed at an additional cost of $1,784.28. which was more than covered by pledges. The finished church was to be dedi- cated January 5, 1879, by Bishop R. Dubs; but as some members refused to share the balance of the indebtedness the dedication was indefinitely postponed. Deaths and removals exceeded the gain this year.
During 1879 J. Berger was pastor. This year the board of mission trans- ferred him to Germany as a missionary. In 1880 F. F. Meyer from the Michigan Conference was stationcd here, serving nearly three years. Father C. Hummel of the Illinois Conference finished out the third year. In 1883-84, Geo. Roederer served successfully. He had 33 conversions and 51 accessions. In 1885-87 C. F. Hansing served. Peace reigned, and the church debt was paid. Souls were saved and added to the church. During 1888-89 M. Hoehn was pastor for the third time. He reported 60-70 conversions and 86 accessions. Church strife, however, greatly hindered success.
During 1890-92 M. W. Steffey was pastor of First Church. This term began amidst a most disheartening Church trouble. Before his arrival a meeting of lay-members was to be held in the church to rehearse the schism. The member- ship being divided, S. tried his best to maintain peace. Agitators secretly passed defiant resolutions. Finally two main disturbers were brought to a church trial, were found guilty and expelled from church. But they did not cease their agita- tion. A denomination nearby was ready to receive them with open arms. 100 members withdrew, yet the society was able to meet its financial obligations for that year.
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In 1891 a new constitution was adopted. A part of the society favored English in Sunday School, and wanted English prayer-meetings. At a society meeting a vote showed that 14 were in favor of some English and 13 opposed, even though the constitution provided for German services only. By the advice of superiors, no English class was organized, but encouragement was given those who preferred English, to exercise in that language in the German classes, a privilege which had never been denied them. This gendered no little dissatis- faction. In the winter of 1893, in a 7-week revival quite a large number of English penitents came to the altar. Thereupon, English Gospel hymns were sting, for the benefit of seekers, by those who preferred English. Opposition to this arose. The awakening spirit was quenched, and the meeting had to be closed. Steffey retired from the active ministry after 41 consecutive years of active service in the church.
During the period 1893-96, Wm. G. Braeckly was pastor. In 1893 the Con- ference wisely established an English Mission in this city for the sake of peace and harmony. The First Church gave up 31 members for the new mission. In 1895 the First Church Society petitioned Conference to release it from paying $600.00 to the trustees of the new mission which amount was the proceeds from the sale of the former Mission Church on the east side of St. Joseph River. The Conference had held this money in trust until this society bought a parsonage, when it was paid to them, with the proviso, that if a new mission should be es- tablished in South Bend, this money must be refunded for the new mission. In view of the fact that this society had lost so many members in recent years, it seemed incapable of complying with this proviso, besides it was originally their own money, and was now invested in their own parsonage. Therefore, after due deliberation of its former action the Conference ordered that this sum be allowed to remain permanently with this society. Thus the matter ended quietly. B. organized the first Y. P. A. in this society and closed his four-year work with 69 accessions and nearly as many conversions.
From 1897-99, Fr. Schweitzer was pastor. He had some fanatical doctrine to combat that threatened disturbance, but the difficulty was overcome. From 1900-03 E. J. Nitsche served. He had a great revival the first year resulting in 78 conversions and 55 accessions. The old parsonage was sold and a new large modern one was built on the rear end of the church lot. Its cost was $3,000.00. During '04-06, Fr. Rausch was pastor. In the fall of 1904 the society sold its property for $28,000.00, but retained the parsonage with the privilege of moving it to a new site. By a congregational vote the society empowered its trustees to buy a lot on N. W. corner of Lafayette and Monroe streets for $9,000.00. A new church was then built on it costing $30,000.00. The parsonage transferred to this site without the minister's family moving out. 1907-09, H. Schleucher, pastor; in 1910-14, J. H. Evans. Considerable repairs had to be made on the church at this time. Evans had 85 conversions and 95 accessions. From 1915-19
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W. H. Freshley served. The preaching was now entirely English. The society had a joint jubilee and Watchnight service, December 31, 1915, and burned up the notes of the balance of the debt of $500.00. In 1915 an earnest effort was made to merge this society and Mizpah, or to have this society sell its property and locate in the S. E. part of the city, but both efforts failed. During 1920-23, E. M. Kerlin was pastor. He gave special attention to the spiritual life of the church. He had the Petticord Evangelistic Party twice, and other special Gos- pel workers, at considerable outlay of money. During this time he reported 279 conversions and 195 accessions, present membership, May 1923, 321, net gain 144. This resulted from a united and cooperative effort between pastor and people.
SOUTH BEND-EAST SIDE MISSION
In 1872 the Conference established a mission east of the St. Joseph River called "Lowell Addition". C. C. Beyrer was the first missionary. The river constituted the boundary between the mission and the mother church territories. A church was built and dedicated August 25, 1872 by Bishop R. Dubs. The First Church largely provided the means for its construction. But already in 1873 the mission was re-incorporated with the old society and jointly served by J. M. Gomer. Later the church was sold for $600.00 which was at a great sacrifice. Many felt that the abandonment of this field at this time was very unfortunate.
SOUTH BEND, (MIZPAH) BROADWAY
April, 1893, the Conference established an English mission in the south part of South Bend, J. Wales. first missionary. He served this jointly with Mishawaka Circuit, assisted by W. S. Mills. A class was organized April 23, 1893, under the name "English Mission". These members came from the Ger- man church. They were: Ben. Gingerich, wife and son Irvin; Noah C. Lehman aud wife; Mr. McCurtin, wife, and William and Nellie; Noah F. Platz and wife and two sons; S. C. Lehman; Win. Lehman and wife; John Grove and wife; Ruben Grove and wife; Mrs. Ott and daughter; Lydia and Mary Meyer.
In the spring of 1893 a Y. P. A. was organized with 60 members. Lydia Meyer was the first president. December of this year, Wales held a revival, resulting in 30 accessions. The property of the Reformed Church Chapel at the corner of Lafayette and Sample Streets was rented. It was well located and necessary repairs were made. In 1894 the society had 109 members and a Sun- day School enrollment of 140. The veteran Jos. Fisher contributed much to the success of the first revival herc. A Mr. Dubell donated the society a corner lot in this city. The Conference also granted this mission the right to solicit building funds on Elkhart District. In 1894 J. Wales was returned; '95-98, M. L. Scheidler. A church lot was bought on the S. E. corner of Monroe and Main Streets and a modern parsonage was built on the east end facing Monroe
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Street, costing about $2,500.00. Scheidler had 58 conversions and 70 accessions. From 1899-01, L. S. Fisher was pastor. June 18, the church had to be vacated, so one of the upstairs rooms of the abandoned Southside school building was obtained. Early in the summer of 1900 a Sunday School auditorium was built on the church lot close to the parsonage. On August 14, '99, the name "English Mission" was changed to "Mizpah Ev. Church". At this time it was a question whether or not the church should be built on this lot, or in some other location, farther south. By request the Conference appointed a committee to investigate this situation and decide the matter for the society. Bishop Bowman, S. H. Baumgartner, P. E., and F. E. Zechiel of the Watch Tower Church at Elkhart were appointed. The territory within the scope of the future church was gone over carefully. Both sides previously agreed to abide by the rendered decision of this committee. After the survey was made, the committee met in the par-
Broadway Church, South Bend, Indiana.
sonage, considered the various locations, the already built parsonage, and the finances available. The secret vote taken resulted unanimously to stay and build by the parsonage. The pastor then called a congregational meeting and elected a building committee. This committee decided on a brick veneered Sun- day School auditorium 32 x 57 feet with a corner entrance and basement for class-room and furnace. The entire cost of the church was $5,000.00, and $3.000.00 was needed yet, $2,300.00 was raised on dedication day, Feb. 18, 1900. Bishop S. C. Breyfogel officiated. Then followed a blessed revival. L. S. Fisher, pastor, '99-01, reported 73 conversions and 94 accessions.
During 1902-03 Thos. Finkbeiner served. His first year resulted in 11 con- versions and 22 accessions. The second year the board of trustees of N. W. College appointed him assistant instructor in the German Department. Upon
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his resignation, Rev. Stull of the N. Y. Conference finished the year. In 1904 D. Martz, pastor; converts seven, accessions sixteen. In 1905 he was elected P. E. and J. H. Rilling succeeded him, serving 1905-08. He reported 39 con- versions and 85 accessions and general prosperity. In 1909-10 F. Hartman was pastor. Agitation to relocate the church began. Conference authorized the society to dispose of its property and to locate in another section of the city, if the society, pastor, and P. Elder deemed it advisable. See Conf. Journal 1910, page 26. In 1911-15 J. O. Mosier served. At the close of the last year again several attempts were made to unite the First and Mizpah Churches. Both sides appointed the Qr. Conference members as commissioners to a joint meet- ing relative to the merging of the two societies. But these efforts also failed. Mosier in the five years here had 211 accessions and 162 conversions. The so- ciety supported a Bible wowan in China; won the Y. P. A. banner for giving the most missionary money per capita; the Missionary Auxiliary raised $314.79; Sunday School, $14.24 per Sunday, and the society $4,949.52, without a social or bazaar. In 1916 D. A. Kaley was pastor. This year the Conf. Church Building Committee met here at the call of the P. E. for the selection of a new church site. This was done by the society's request. Conf. Journal 1916, page 459. Bishop L. H. Seager was present. After a careful survey the committee decided on two lots S. E. corner Broadway and Carroll Streets. These lots with addi- tional lot adjoining on Carroll Street with a modern dwelling ou it cost about $6,400.00, and was paid for. In 1917 A. B. Haist served here. This year the society sold its property on Monroe and Main Streets to the Swedish Lutheran Church for $13,000.00, and bought a portable church for $800.00 for temporary use. The same was dedicated by E. W. Praetorius of Elkhart First Church on September 30, 1917. It was placed on a leased lot, No. 313 E. Broadway. The change proved advantageous. At a congregational meeting, August 2, 1917, the name Broadway was adopted as the society name. From 1918-23 E. G. John- son was pastor. In 1918 plans were adopted for a new church. Up to April. 1919, $22,500.00 had been secured in pledges, and cash on hand $9,000.00. The building committee elected was: Pastor E. G. Johnson, Pres .; Harry Weiss, Treas .; Wm. T. C. Pearson, Sec'y .; H. H. Reinoehl, R. C. Eby, I. E. Ruth, M. Guise, B. A. Thornton. The dimensions of the church are 66 x 94 feet. Exterior walls are constructed of Hytex brick, trimmed with Bedford stone. Windows are art-glass. The main entrance is on Broadway with a portico 9 x 40 feet, supported by four massive stone columns. From here the entrance is into a large foyer, admitting one to auditorium and Young People's assembly room. This church has a large auditorium, galleries on two sides with partition walls for Sunday School class-rooms, also under the galleries. The choir loft is back of the pulpit. The pipe organ was bought by the Sunday School. The basement is arranged for modern S. S. work, and contains the heating plant, kitchen outfit, etc. The pastor's study and a mother's room are on the second
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