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 4
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A Remarkable Meeting
In the fall of 1889, at a 10 a. m. meeting, victory seemed to be near, but a disunion of hearts apparently was in the way. The pastor had earnestly exhort- ed the people to a unity of spirit. A number prayed earnestly without definite vic- tory. A. J. Troyer, local pastor, said, "I wonder if we ean all, in sincerity, pray the "Lord's Prayer". All kneeled and prayed the prayer thoughtfully and with self-examination. At the petition, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debt- ors", there was a great melting together of hearts. Reconciliations followed quick- ly and a flood of joy eame over the people manifesting itself in praises to God, shouting and laughing with joy. One brother working in a nearby field tried to husk corn, but could make no progress. So he concluded if he could not husk eorn he might as well go over to the meeting. He arrived in time to receive a blessing. Finally about 1 p. m. this meeting elosed. This victory was followed by a break with sin among the unsaved young people. Fourteen were saved and ten joined ehureh.
Ministers Licensed to Preach from These Classes
Waupecong: J. M. Condo, 1864; E. E. Condo, 1866; S. S. Condo, 1869. From Zion: J. K. Troyer, 1867; A. J. and E. R. Troyer, 1868; E. T. Hochstett- ler, 1869; A. S. Fisher, 1887; H. W. Fisher, 1888; J. M. Lantz, 1903. All have been in the aetive ranks.
ST. PAUL'S CHAPEL, BUNKER HILL CIRCUIT
In August, 1879 A. Iwan of Bunkerhill Circuit, began preaching at the "Springer Schoolhouse". There were no Evangelical members here. No en-
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couragement was given him to continue, but he labored in faith amidst persecu- tions. One soul was saved and joined church. His successor labored faithfully without any accessions. In 1883 J. Hoffman continued here for three years and had four accessions. In 1886 George Roederer came. He held a protracted meet- ing in the schoolhouse and had a number of conversions and increased the membership to 36, and organized a society. Charter-members were: Jacob Springer, wife and daughter, Anna; John, Francis, Anna C. and Caroline Spring- cr; Chr. and Elizabeth Feller and sons, J. W., A. W. and Geo .; Fr. and Amanda Metzger; Carl, Katherine and Rosa Conrad; Ben and Josephine Gerber; Al- fred and Mary B. Spurgeon; John A. and his mother, Nancy Landrum; Mary A. and Wilburn N. Smith; Wm. and Lydia Woolpert; John C. Heinickel; Em- ily C. Bowland; Ida S. Soda; Bruce A. Kelly; Olive D. Kling; Frank McKane; Wm. H. Hicks; Leon Busby; Mary Springer. J. W. and A. W. Feller, later en- tered the Gospel ministry, the first was recommended by the Enterprise, Illinois, Society; and the second later joined the Wesleyan Methodist Church and came to us from that church.
One evening during Roederer's revival, Satan inspired some of his followers to destroy some of the schoolhouse property. The teacher thereupon, fearing further damage, if services were continued in it, refused it for further services. What now? The revival was in full blast, but no place to continue it. A special meeting was called to consider the feasibility of building a church. It was de- cided to build with God's help. Pledges in money and labor were made and $800 was secured. John and Jacob Springer and Chr. Feller furnished most of the timber gratis. A Gothic church, 32x46 feet, was built, with a belfry and bell, costing $1250.00. The same was dedicated October 16, 1887, by Bishop J. J. Es- her of Chicago. It was dedicated as the "St. Paul's Church". It is located in Harrison Township, about three miles south of North Grove, Indiana. This class in 1923 is still small due to loss by deaths and removals.
An Open Confession Made
While S. H. Baumgartner held a revival here in the winter of 1891, members of eight denominations took part, resulting in 22 conversions. Some of them were of the toughest characters of the community. One John H. was converted. He had been very profane, a gambler, boozer, disturber of religious meetings, and bitter towards all preachers. After he had been several nights at the altar seeking pardon without success, a local M. E. minister came to the service. He sat on the rostrum looking on as the seekers labored for salvation. Suddenly H. remembered an evil he had perpetrated against this local preacher, and rising up. he spoke to him, saying, "Do you know me?" The preacher said, "No!"
Then said H., "Do you remember having received a thrashing in a certain saw-mill about twenty years ago?"
"Yes, I do", said the preacher.
Then H. said, "I am the fellow, I am sorry I did it. I wronged you. Can
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you and will you forgive me? I cannot find pardon for my sins without confess- ing them and asking pardon from you."
The preacher said, "Yes, I certainly forgive you."
Then H. again knelt at the altar and prayed earnestly, and in five minutes hc sprang to his feet a saved and happy man. That evening in a testimony meet- ing testifying to God's pardon, he gave utterance of his former hatred for min- isters. He said, "I hated all ministers of the Gospel. I often wished I might step out on the public road in front of my house when Rev. B. passed by, seize him by his long black beard, pull him out of his buggy into the mud and drag him around in it. But now I want him to stop frequently at my home and make it a place to rest and nourish his body at my table", as it was yet a few months before Conference removed the pastor in April. But later, H. yielded to temp- tations, fell from grace, and died in sin and shame.
McGRAWSVILLE CLASS, BUNKER HILL CIRCUIT
According to the best obtainable information, Jacob Trometer was the first Evangelical preacher that preached in this vicinity. The first converts were in 1861. The "Hope" Class was then organized. The members were Leonhart and Barbara Lippold, Conrad and Elizabeth Reminger, and Barbara Scheuerman. For years services were held in homes or in schoolhouses, and in the German language only, but later the English prevailed. In 1902 J. L. Buyer held a re- vival here resulting in 20 conversions. Then a subscription list for a church was started and a suitable site was selected, but from lack of unanimity in the so- ciety the project failed. The field here was abandoned in 1904.
BURTON, SIX MILES WEST OF ROCHESTER
About 1856 or '57 preaching by ministers of our church began in this local- ity. A class was organized which worshipped in homes and later in a school- house. The members were Michael and Susanna Wales; Wm. and Matilda Wales, John and Susanna Fishley, John and Mrs. Schetz. In 1860 A. Nicolai and J. M. Gomer held a meeting four miles west of Rochester in the Wales schoolhouse in which community six members lived. The people at first were hesitant to attend fearing they might be entrapped. But gradually the crowd increased. There were six conversions and seven accessions. In 1887 a brick church was built by the M. E., U. B., and Ev. Asso. members of this locality and was dedicated January 1, 1888, by Bishop R. Dubs of the Evangelical As- sociation. J. Wales was the pastor and D. S. Oakes the P. E. Many blessed Union meetings were held here, conducted by the three pastors of the above named denominations. At the close of the revivals converts were instructed to take their stand with that pastor whose church they wanted to join. These three societies in one, kept quite even in membership for some time, but in 1914 the M. E. ceased operation and sold their interest in the property, with equal
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shares to the other two churches. Early in 1916, the two remaining societies built a new church on the old site. The cornerstone was laid by L. S. Fisher of South Bend, Indiana. On June 4, 1916, this church was dedicated by Bishop L. H. Seager, assisted by Rev. Grimes, P. E. of the U. B. Church.
The preachers who served here were those of Fulton Circuit to 1885 (See Akron); of Rochester Circuit until 1901, when the circuit was divided into Ak- ron and Tippecanoe Missions. This class remained with the latter. In 1907 the circuit name was changed to Leiter's Ford. In 1908 this class was again added to Akron. In 1913 it was added to the Culver work, in 1915 again to Rochester Circuit and so remained to 1923. For pastors from '85 on see Grand View.
BURR-OAK FLATS
This appointment was one mile west of Burr-Oak, Indiana, near the Nickle Plate R. R. In 1846 this point belonged to Elkhart circuit. Services were held in the Burr-Oak schoolhouse. Some of the early members were: Abe Garnes and wife, Samuel Garnes, Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart. Later Rev. H. E. Overmeyer and wife joined. A church was built in early years. Our work here was Ger- man. Our people allowed the U. B. people the use of the church to conduct English revivals, who thus gained the young folks. The German soon died out beyond hope of gaining a future here. In 1886 the church was sold to the U. B. society, who moved it into Burr Oak. In 1894 the church-lot was ordered sold, and to apply the proceeds to another church or parsonage on Twin Lakes Cir- cuit. The Conference treasurer, however, was made the custodian of the pro- ceeds until called for. Pastors here were those from Culver appointment.
CALVARY, OR YOUNG'S, EAST OF DECATUR
This class is about five miles east of Decatur, Indiana. S. S. Condo from Decatur, was probably the first of our preachers to preach here in 1870, in the Young's Schoolhouse, one mile south from the present church. It seems that this year a class was organized with a few members, namely: J. Eli Stoops, (Rev.), Emmanuel Hawk and wife, Mr. Struby and wife, Mr. Wetters and wife. In 1873 C. C. Beyrer served Decatur Circuit. In April, 1874 he held a meeting here resulting in 37 conversions. J. E. Stoops now began to raise funds for a church. Calvary belonged in 1874 to St. Mary's Circuit, Fred Launer and S. C. Schup were the pastors; '75, J. Wales, pastor. In '76 Decatur with Calvary became Decatur Mission; Joseph Fisher, pastor. In '77 it was added to St. Mary's Circuit, S. S. Allbert, pastor. A frame church was built and dedicated in the fall of 1877. In '78, Fred Launer served; '79 Wm. Ackerman under B. F. Dill; in '80, I. B. Fisher. In '81, this class with Decatur again became Decatur Mission, J. M. Dustman, pastor for three years. In '84-85, A. R. Shafer served, second year Calvary belonged to Decatur Circuit; also in '86, J. E. Stoops, pastor. Stoops and Gottschalk and Fred Stocher were elected trustees. There
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remained a debt of $246.45. These men with the P. E. were appointed a com- mittee to sell the church, pay the debt, and if there remained a surplus to turn it into the conference treasury. The money, however, was raised and the society was saved. In 1893 it was a part of Payne Mission. R. Rainey, pastor; '94-96, Philip Buehler; '97-98, supplied; '99, to Decatur Mission: 1900 to Paulding Mis- sion, A. Wiesjahn: 1901 to Decatur; '02 to St. Mary's Mission, C. D. Ringen- berg, pastor; '03-08 to Decatur: '09 to Ohio City Circuit, E. R. Roop; '10 to Chattanooga, E. R. Roop; '11-12, E. B. Jones; '13-14, J. L. Buyer, Jr. The church was reseated with modern pews in 1913. and with art-glass windows installed at a cost of $450.00. In 1915 it was served by E. E. Roberts as supply ; '16, E. O. Habegger: '17. J. E. McCoy; '18-21, E. H. Baumgartner; '22 to Bryant Circuit; '23 back to Decatur to be served on Sundays at 9 a. m. and 2 p. m.
CALVARY, KOSCIUSKO CO., INDIANA
This society was located five miles south of North Webster. It was taken up about 1868 or '69. J. Keiper in 1869 served Elkhart Circuit, to which it be- longed, with S. S. Condo. In 1872 it became a part of Benton Circuit, served by P. Roth and Aug. Geist. On December 6, 1886, W. H. Brightmire held a revival here which resulted in 18 conversions. There was a church here. The Baptists, being well entrenched here, thus limiting the field for us, the church was sold to them in 1893 for $135.00, and the proceeds were applied on a par- sonage in North Webster.
CAMP CREEK OR BROWNSTOWN, ILLINOIS
Vandalia Circuit
This field was originally called "Vandalia Circuit" named after Vandalia then the State Capitol of Illinois. In 1846 J. G. Miller, pastor of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, was instructed to visit Fayette County, Illinois, and look up preaching places in Vandalia and vicinity. Camp Creek, that flows near by the Zion Church, gave the circuit the new name "Camp Creek". On its bank near the present location of the church, the Indians once had a notable encampment. This fact gave the creek its name. In 1920 the field name became Brownstown after the nearest post-office.
In July 1846 A. B. Shafer, P. E., came to Vandalia to hold a two-days' meeting in the Presbyterian Church and to aid Brother Miller to lay the foun- dation of a new field of labor. In 1847 Vandalia Mission was established. Jacob Trometer, of pioneer fame, husbanded the eastern part of Mt. Carmel Circuit which included Marshall. Illinois, and vicinity and this section of Illinois. Bro. Miller was hindered by chill-fever. He found his field too large for him to meet the requirements. The field had a circumference of over 600 miles with headquarters at 'Mt. Carmel, 80 to 150 miles away. The principal places which he visited were Vandalia and vicinity, Springfield, Pulaski, Decatur and vicinity. He made three visits to each of these places up to December, 1864, with the ex-
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ception of Pulaski. At all of the places the German people urged him to repeat his visits. Truly, "The harvest was great but the reapers were few". In 1847 the Illinois Conference divided Mt. Carmel Circuit. The western portion of it with eastern Iowa constituted Iowa Mission and was added to the Illinois District, which was then subdivided into Peoria and Madison Districts. Iowa Mission belonged to the former which was served by J. J. Esher (Bishop). In 1848 this section of Illinois was attached to the Wabash District, and was left to be supplied. No record of supply is found and no record for 1849. In 1850 it was re-attached to Iowa Mission, and Wm. Kolp was assigned with G. G. Platz as P. E. of Peoria District. In 1851 Henry Esh was pastor and Samuel Baumgartner, P. E. In 1852 at the organization of the Indiana Conference this circuit remained with the Illinois Conference, and was served by J. H. Jambert, who was returned with H. Schelp in 1853. This field was ceeded to the Indiana Conference in 1854, and served with Marshall Circuit by B. Ruh.
Hickory Creek Society
In 1854 Henry Rexwinkel moved to Wheatland Township in Fayette Coun- ty, about six miles south of Brownstown, where Gottlieb Morganthaler, Henry Tobias, and Bro. Augenstein had moved in 1853. The last named soon after- wards moved to Shelby County, Illinois, four miles N. E. of Stewardson, Illi- nois, where now the Prairie Class is located. H. Rexwinkel and G. Morgan- thaler later moved to Camp Creek where they maintained prayer meetings. In 1855 the Indiana Conference instructed pastor B. Ruh of Olney, Illinois, to re- visit this locality, which he did, and in the winter of 1855-'56 organized the Hickory Creek Class. In 1856 Wm. Beckman of Marshall Circuit, Illinois, served this section. There were a number of conversions here in 1863, and several accessions at a quarterly meeting. Many of the settlers here came from Chicago. Building material had to be hauled here as this country was mostly prairie land. Time of relinquishing the work here is not known.
Camp Creek, or Zion
In 1857 J. Kronmiller was pastor ou Marshall Circuit which included Camp Creek. He organized a class here with Philemon Miller (later a minister) first class-leader. On one of K's trips here, darkness having overtaken him, he en- countered a serious rainstorm on the prairie. He could not proceed; so he had to remain in the drenching rain the whole night. In 1858 Vandalia Mission was formed of the western portion of Marshall Circuit and J. Trometer was as- signed to it. He also served it in '59. Conversions and accession crowned his efforts. In '60-61, C. Wessling served successfully. He built a log parsonage at Camp Creek, and in great satisfaction wrote to the Christliche Botschafter, that "the house was good enough for a Bishop to live in". These humble dwell- ings were appreciated as being in keeping with those in which most of the laity lived.
The first church was built under the labors of Geo. Schmoll in the spring
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of 1863. But it seems it was not dedicated until Angust 6, 1865, by M. Hoehn, P. E., as Zion Church. W. Wesseler was pastor. Schmoll also found entrance into Shelby County, around Stewardson, Illinois. In September, 1863-64, Wm. Wesseler was pastor with J. Beck assisting the second year; 1865-66, M. Klaiber with August Scholz the first year and Fred Launer the second year. K. organ- ized a class in Shelby County, likely at Wolf Creek or Prairie. The first year he took up an appointment near Edgewood, Illinois. In 1866 Conference divided Vandalia Mission. Camp Creek, Hickory Creek, Gilmore Schoolhouse, Grane's Class, Westphalen near Watson, Illinois, and Breising, S. E. of Effingham, Illinois, constituted the new Vandalia Mission, while the appointments in Shelby County became Shelby Mission. In 1867-68 Carl Schamo was pastor of Van- dalia Mission: '69, George Kloepfer; '70-71, Fred Launer. In '72-73, E. T. Hochstettler had 20 conversions and 17 accessions at Zion. In '74-75 C. Stock- howe began preaching at Vera, Illinois, 11 miles north of Vandalia. In 1876 these Illinois appointments became a part of the new South Indiana Confer- ence, with Stockhowe, pastor. In February, '77, N. F. Platz was sent as assist- ant to the field and both, he and Stockhowe, were returned in September, '77. In 1878 Conference session was held in March, and so continued. In '78, Geo. Berstecher served, and in '79-81, M. Koehl. In '79, the first camp-meeting was held one-half mile east of Zion Church with blessed results. In 1882 E. Boh- lander served; '83-85, WV. L. Luehring; '86, C. Stockhowe; '87-88, Fred Theiss; '89-91, M. F. Finkbeiner; '92, the name Vandalia was changed to Camp Creek. In '93, with the South Indiana Conference, it was ceeded to the Indiana Con- ference. For ministers from 1893-1915, see Camp Creek, Volume I. 1916-17, Philip Haney served as pastor; '18-19, J. Mundorf; '20-23, E. L. Gambee. The circuit name was now changed to Brownstown. In 1919 a tower was added to the church and a bell placed in it. Many blessed revivals were held here. Phi- lemon Miller was recommended to the ministry in 1866. He served actively only for a few years.
265256 EMMANUEL, CAMP CREEK, ILLINOIS
This society is 21/2 miles S. W. of Zion. It was organized in 1890 by M. F. Finkbeiner who also built a church here in 1891, dedicated the same year by Bishop Thomas Bowman as Emmanuel Church. While F. was assisting in the erection of the church a glancing nail destroyed the sight of one of his eyes. This society had many hard fights against wickedness in the community. They were frequently disturbed in their public worship at nights, but regardless of this they enjoyed many victories and many souls were converted. This society always belonged with Zion appointment.
CAMBRIDGE CITY, INDIANA
In 1849 our ministers from East Germantown began preaching in this city, in homes and in the school houses. The members then were: the C. Mosbaugh
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family, J. Schafer's, John Reinman's, Geo. A. Blank, P. E., and family; and Geo. Sperry. But the place was soon abandoned. In 1915 the city was again taken up with E. Germantown. Previously, in 1908, L. S. Fisher, P. E., tried to gain entrance. At this time Rev. C. M. Pieree and Rev. A. V. Scheidler lived here. Fisher preached several times in the Baptist Church, but could not get permis- sion to continue. J. J. Wise, P. E., in '15, obtained an agreement with the Bap- tist people that they should be served with our E. Germantown pastor frec of charge for the use of their church. W. I. Weyant became pastor for two years. In 1917 the place was dropped as the Baptists were unwilling to grant us the Sunday School and the free use of the church for preaching service which we gave them gratis; nor would they pay their share of salary for ministerial serv- ice.
CARLISLE HILL, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
This appointment existed as early as 1859, when it belonged to Berrien Cir- cuit, which was partly in Indiana and partly in Michigan. Its location was west of South Bend. In 1862 it was attached to South Bend Circuit. In 1868 it was served with South Bend Station. In 1876 it was added to the newly formed LaPorte Mission. Soon after the place was discontinued.
CANADA OR UNION, ELKHART COUNTY
This society was about 12 miles S. W. of Goshen, Union Township, Elkhart County, Indiana, near the St. Joseph County line. The name "Canada" was derived from early settlers from Canada. Our ministers began preaching here about 1840-41. In 1843 D. Kern and Geo. A. Blank held a meeting here amidst great opposition; but God's people nevertheless feasted on the "Hidden Manna", and sinners were converted to God. For early history and pastors here, see Elkhart Circuit. In 1850 J. J. Esher ( Bishop) and J. F. Wolf had a "Big Meet- ing", here. The struggle against moral darkness was great, but finally great victory came. Blessings fell in a "veritable Pentecost". In 1853 the following were members: John Wenger (class-leader); Jacob Beyer (exhorter) and wife; Geo. and Anna Klein; David and Anna Beyers; Jonas and Elizabeth Wenger; Katherine and Anna Hurst; Sophia Stoh; Magdalena Dausmen; Mrs. Magda- lena Dausman; David Bright; Mike Bailey; Gco. and Katherine Walter. The first church here was built of logs in 1849, and stood on Solomon Hurst's farm. and was dedicated by A. B. Schafer, P. F., on October 21st. In 1871 this church was sold for $50.00. It stood 160 rods south from the public road, near- ly that far from the road north and east. Access to the church was by a lane 11/2 rods wide. $5.00 was paid for the lane southward. In 1920 part of this lane had to be quit-claimed by the Indiana Conference trustees, as the lanc was not sold at the time the church was sold. The land having been under cultiva- tion for over 20 years the Conference lost its claim upon it.
About the year 1858, families began to move away, some to Lima, Indiana.
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and others to Michigan, and others to five miles east of Syracuse, Indiana, where they were organized into the Ebenezer Class, namely: Byers, Klein's and Rapp's. Services here continued for some time after the church was sold but were abandoned about 1882.
CARMI, ILLINOIS, EMMANUEL
The initial steps of the work of the Evangelical Association in and about Carmi, Illinois, were taken in July, 1856, by S. Dickover, P. E. He then made his first visit into White County, Illinois, where he found 90 to 100 German families mostly from Baden, Germany. He preached once for them. Fruitful impressions were made. He offered them preaching once every two weeks if they had no objections. Unanimously they voted for such services. Thereupon Joseph Fisher and Chr. Wessling from Mt. Carmel Circuit preached here al- ternately with good results.
Over the holidays these men held a meeting in Carmi. The Lord wonder- fully manifested His power to convict of sin and to save therefrom. At the first invitation 18 people came to the altar. Each day others came. Conviction also seized people in their homes. They could not sleep after retiring. They fell on their knees to pray and "prayed through". Folks who came to the meeting prompted by curiosity, became gripped with such conviction of sin that they surrendered to God and were saved. Dickover said, "If angels rejoice over one sinner that repents, oh, what rejoicing must there have been over the many that here repented and were saved. Yes, the praises that were heard on Bethlehem's fields, in announcing the nativity of Christ, was now heard on Carmi's fields due to the birth of Christ in their souls, Hallelujah! God keep them faithful to their end, Amen!" There were 40 professed conversions and 30 accessions. Others were still seeking at the close of the meeting.
A frame church 34 x 46 feet was now built in Carmi which cost $1,000. Dedicatory services were held from August 13 to 16. S. Dickover preached. then dedicated the church as "Emmanuel Church". Already, Friday evening, 19 persons came to the altar for salvation and most of them found peace. But persecutors were also on hand with mockery, swearing and slandering. On a prayer-meeting night on the way home, J. M. Gomer and one other convert were pelted with stones. G's friend fell to the ground, though not mortally hurt. With the poet they could sing, "The greater the cross, the nearer is heaven; he who is without the cross is without God."
Developments
September, 1857. Carmi and vicinity became a mission, served conjointly with Mt. Carmel and Olney charges, by J. Fuchs, D. Bartholomew, and C. Koh !- meier. A Sunday School was organized in early days, and has been maintained .since. For years the society maintained a Young People's Alliance, and Ladies' Aid Society, and a Woman's Missionary Society. A sample of carly quarterly
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