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 7
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First Parsonage and Second Church
In May, 1848, George F. Spreng was assigned here. This summer a parson- age was built out of the first church. Prosperity made it necessary for a larger church. In '49 Spreng was returned. On a collecting tour he obtained over $400.00 for the new two-story brick church which was erected in 1849. The first story was ready for use in the spring of 1850 and the second one in 1851. This church, which still stands, was 38 x 50 feet and the cost was $2,700.00. It was dedicated October 12, 1851, by A. B. Shafer.
May, 1850, A. B. Shafer was again pastor. The Sunday School enrollment was 80-90. A great religious awakening came upon the churches of the city this year. The subject of religion was the daily talk on the streets and in the factories. Many once bitter opponents to experiental religion now yielded and accepted Christ. In '51, A. Nicolai was pastor and Shafer, P. E. On Monday. October 13, 1851, N. preached his farewell sermon, having been appointed as Missionary to Germany. Amidst weeping and expressions of good wishes pas-
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tor and people parted. On October 15th Geo. Kaag of Pickaway Circuit was transferred here. He reported progress and many people saved. Sunday School was now held in the forenoon and in the afternoon. In 1852 A. E. Dreis- bach was pastor. January 15, 1853, D. being ill, Schafer began a revival, Chr. Glaus of the Indiana Conference and J. G. Zinser and J. H. Wolpert were pres- ent and preached with power. Each night as many as 20 penitents were at the altar. Many were saved and 20 joined church. A new class was formed. In May, 1853, Gottlieb F. Behner was pastor. The venerable John Dreisbach be- came pastor during this year. The reason is not given. He reported 18 con- versions. '54, Daniel Strohman; '55, L. Scheurmann; and A. E. Dreisbach, P. E.
DAYTON CEEDED TO INDIANA CONFERENCE
In May, 1856, the Ohio Conference ceeded Dayton to the Indiana Confer- ence and all other appointments in south-western Ohio then a part of the Great Miami Circuit. June, 1856, L. Scheurmann was returned as pastor. Dayton was added to Whitewater District, A. B. Schafer, P. E. In December, 1856, Bishop John Seybert came here on a visit. He reported to the Christliche Botschafter. "This society experienced in late years severe trials and siftings, which nearly shattered the society, but by God's aid things begin to look more hopeful." In 1856 Dayton appointment was made a station. It had a "poor fund" of $70 to aid the needy in the church. This fund has since been maintained by quarterly offerings, taken at the time of quarterly meetings. In September, 1857-58, M. W. Steffey was assigned here. He writes about the difficulties in the society men- tioned by the Bishop as follows: "There was a schism in the society over 'works and faith'". One faction called themselves "Evangelicals" who claimed that "faith" is all that is needed without corresponding good works. The other fac- tion was called "legalists" because they depended too much on mere "works". Steffey, seeing the difficult situation, took a middle course, and asserted, "that in one sense they were both right and in another sense both were wrong". He taught them, "Faith without works is dead, and works without faith is not pleasing to God, and that where true faith exists it will show itself by works." Thus he succeeded in reconciling the two factions. Thereupon souls were saved and many were added to the church. He had 46 conversions and 40 ac- cessions. In '59-60, P. H. Bretsch; '61-62, Fred. Wiethaup; '63-64, J. Fuchs. In January to February '65, he had a six-week's revival assisted by his P. E. and others, that resulted in 46 conversions and 54 accessions. In '65-66, J. M. Gomer; '67-68, M. Hoehn; '69-70, M. W. Steffey; '71-72, M. Klaiber. He reported a five-week's revival which resulted in new spiritual life of older and younger members, in reconcilliations, in the reclaiming of backsliders and in 80 conver- sions and in about 60 accessions. '73-75, J. Kaufman; '76-77, J. K. Troyer; '78-79, J. M. Gomer; '80-81, C. F. Hansing; '82-84, M. W. Steffey; '85-87, M. Hochn; '88-90, C. C. Beyrer; '91, C. F. Hansing; '92, J. Hoffman; '93-96, J. Kanf-
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man; '97-1900, J. M. Haug; '01-04, Fr. Schweitzer; '05-09, J. H. Evans; '10-14, B. Schuermeier. For pastors from 1873-1915 see Volume I. '15-19, D. E. Zechiel; '20-23, B. E. Koenig.
THIRD CHURCH
The present church site was bought in 1870 for $2,500.00. The present par- sonage was built in 1873. The building committee for this church was Peter Grimm, C. Weinman, J. Duerr, J. Schoenherr, H. Fishbach, C. Mehr, J. Hoehn, and Pastor J. Kaufman. The corner-stone was laid April 25, 1875. The old church was sold March 22, 1876, for $5,500.00. The new one is 45 x 80 feet on a lot 821/2 x 116 feet. The tower is 112 feet high. The church was dedicated April 30, 1876, by Bishop R. Dubs. The cost was about $15,000.00. In '85 Hoehn reported that repairs were made on the church while a heavy indebted- ness still remained. To add to their difficulties the church treasurer failed in business, having considerable church funds at the time in his trust. The Ladies' Aid Society undertook to pay the amount equal to the interest on the loss. Re- ports that the church must be sold and that the society was about to disband were current. H. heroically undertook to lift the debt. The church tower of stone was built at a cost of $1,000.00, which was mostly paid by the young peo- ple who nobly stood by the pastor. The interior was renovated and later the church debt was lifted. The defaulting treasurer was again converted and re- stored the lost money. A pipe organ, costing $1,000.00, was then installed, the parsonage enlarged, and H's term ended with the society contributing $2,000.00 for the Wayne Ave. Church. The first year of his pastorate was crowned with 70 conversions and accessions, mostly young people.
This society seems to have the distinction of having had the first organiza- tion of a Young People's Society. This organization was effected in 1884. The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1875, and the Woman's Missionary So- ciety, July 24, 1893. The following ministers came from this society: Geo. Berstecher, 1872; J. A. Tiedt, 1890; E. W. Praetorius, 1904; and F. Kuebler. 1921.
The Memorable "Flood"
The flood of March 27-30, 1913, brought loss to many of the members and sadly affected the church property. The lower stories of the church and of the parsonage were flooded-reaching the second stories. The friends of the church in the Conference came to the aid of the society as at other places, so that the loss was nicely covered and the needed renovations and repairs were made.
DAYTON, SOUTHEAST
In 1869 a mission was ordered to be established in the southeast part of the city on the elevation, and if possible to be supplied with a pastor. The boundary line between this mission and the mother society was to be drawn
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by the P. E., the station pastor, and the missionary. No further steps were taken. In '71 the plan was abandoned.
DAYTON, FOUR MILES SOUTH
John Fuchs reported in February, 1865, that he held a meeting four miles from Dayton in the home of one Steiner. This was then served with the Day- ton Society. In 1872 it likely belonged to Montgomery Circuit, when E. R. Troyer served it. He reports that he served a society four miles south of the city, in a schoolhouse, where he held a revival meeting. After a two-weeks' effort the meetings became very interesting, and sinners were repenting. Then the schoolhouse was locked against him. T. now held his meeting in a private honse. After a few nights, through the efforts of his friends, the schoolhouse was re-opened to him, and the meeting continued, finally with the organization of a class of 13 members. No further history of this class could be found.
DAYTON, WAYNE AVE.
This organization was called forth to supply a long felt need of an English Society in this city to hold our young people in our own church. The first or- ganization was effected by members of the Commercial Street Church. In 1884 Conference ordered the location of an English Mission in Dayton, but it was not done until April, 1888. A. O. Raber became first missionary. He organized the society June 5, '88, with 29 charter members, namely: Rev. A. O. Raber and wife, E. F. and Ida Kimmel, J. F. and Catherine Ditzel, Wm. H. and Louise Kimmel, Anna Kimmel, W. H. H. and Clara Ecki, Barbara, Carrie, Mary and Jacob Weinman; Harriet Kimmel; Jeannett Lorenz; Silvia Klinkert; Chas. Pfanl; Lulu and Cora Pfeffer; Wm. Strahler; Zillian Frank; Judge J. L. Frank; Wm. Class; H. L. and Josie Roepkin. Conference appointed a building com- mittee, namely: H. Arlen, P. E., C. C. Beyrer, pastor of Com. St. Church, A. O. Raber, J. F. Ditzel, Peter Grimm, E. Pfaul, the last two of the First Church, and O. D. Casterline of the Raper M. E. Church who later joined this Mission. Over $1,800.00 had already been pledged prior to Conference. The pastor raised more money, and a church site was soon purchased on the corner of Wayne and Xenia Avenues, for $2,500.00. Prior to our beginning here the M. E. Church conducted a Sunday School in Billit's Hall on Wayne Avenue. Dissatisfied with this locality, the Raper Society surrendered the Wayne Ave. Sunday School to a group of workers mainly of the Commercial St. Evangelical Church, who had been contemplating an English Mission in this part of the city. These con- tinued this Sunday School without interruption until the new frame church of the Evangelical Association was ready for service. Here also this newly or- ganized society first worshipped.
First and Second Church
The first church built was a frame building, erected in 1888, and dedicated
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October 7th by Bishop J. J. Esher as Wayne Ave. Church. At this time the General Board of Missions was in session in the Commercial St. Church. By request of the society all bishops participated in the dedication, namely; Dubs preached in the morning, Esher in the afternoon, and Bowman in the evening. The cost of the church with lot was $6,000.00. The first trustees were: E. F. Kimmel, J. F. Ditzel, Judge Frank, Wm. Class, and H. L. Roepkin. Ditzel was the contractor and did much toward raising the funds and assisting the pastor. The Ladies' Aid Society was organized July, '88, and worked hard in securing funds to supply the furniture and equipments. On April 24, 1890, a Woman's Missionary Society was organized. First exhorter was W. H. Kimmel, first S. S. superintendent, E. F. Kimmel; first Ladies' Aid Society and W. M. S. president, Mrs. A. O. Raber.
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Wayne Ave., Dayton, Ohio.
Under the pastorate of G. B. Kimmel, a son of this society, in 1907, the society built their present home of worship, a brick structure. It is on the old site and has all modern equipments. The cost involved in its erection was $20,000.00. This chureh has a worship-inviting auditorium. It has a pipe organ, choir loft and choir rooms. To the rear of the auditorium is the S. S. audi- torium with class rooms under and above the gallery. The basement contains the Primary Department. This church was dedicated by Bishop S. C. Brey- fogel of Reading, Pa., Nov. 4, '07. The indebtedness was more than covered by pledges. The blessing of God rested upon this work and prosperity has been continuous.
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On October 19, 1913, the members of this society celebrated the silver an- niversary of their organization. The S. S. enrollment was 515. The church membership was 320. Aggressive auxiliary organizations also are prosperous.
Due to the loss cansed by the great flood, March 27-30, 1913, it was thought impracticable to celebrate on the anniversary day, June 5th, hence the post- ponement. The cancellation of the church indebtedness was undertaken at this occasion. The opening service was a S. S. rally. The attendance was 417, the collection, $80.00, which was given as help against the indebtedness. Editor G. Heinmiller was the chief speaker this day, and rendered most acceptable service. At 3 p. m. pastor Breish conducted a reminiscence service. The roll of the charter members was called. Messages from former pastors were read. Greetings by the pastor of the mother church and by the president of the Day- ton Ministerial Association were given in person. The burning of the mortgage took place at the evening service. The total amount raised this day was $1,338.00, surplus, $212.00. During the flood, this society threw open its doors as a reserve hospital and lodging station, as the church is located within a square of the flood point. Over 500 were fed here each day, and our people distributed much clothing to the flood victims and otherwise ministered to their needs. This Good Samaritan deed greatly commended itself to the city at large. In this tragic flood, the pastor, Rev. J. H. Breish, was caught in an onward rolling torrent of water, and was rescued and held marooned for many hours in a dark cold attic. Thus increasing financial obligations have always been cheerfully met. The material prosperity of its members has not lured them from the church's supreme task, the winning of the unsaved for God's kingdom.
The first Y. P. A. was organized June 23, 1892, with G. B. Kimmel as its first president, and has continued in a prosperous way. All auxiliary organiza- tions have been valuable assets to the church for increasing the membership. In November, 1911, a Brotherhood Society was organized by Pastor Breish with 80 members for better social purposes. A Missionary Guild for the young women was founded by Mrs. Agnes Hirschman, October, 1914, with 50 members. They did extensive and intensive missionary work and repeatedly won the Y. P. A. banner for the largest missionary offerings in the Conference. In honor of its founder, who died a few weeks later, its name was changed to "Agnes Chapter". In 1916 the pastor, C. A. Hirschman, organized a "Young Men's Club" in an effort to train them better for the services of the church.
For pastors who served here see Volume I. '14-19, C. A. Hirschman; '20-23, A. H. Doescher.
DEALLY APPOINTMENT
This class was a part of the Van Wert Mission in 1886. It had a Sunday School. S. S. Albert held a revival here in March, 1886, and received 26 mem- bers. The geographic location can not be definitely given. There is no further history.
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DECATUR, INDIANA
Peter Wiest in 1865 reported that he held a meeting in Decatur in a private home. About this time preaching services were held in Chr. Schafer's home, located where the present County Infirmary is, which resulted in 10 conversions and the same number of accessions. In 1870 S. S. Condo organized a society in this place. Charter-members were: Solomon and Mary Linn; Chr, and Cath- erine Schafer; Henry and Elizabeth Folk; Jacob and Mrs. Buehler; Elias and Anna Wentzel; Fred and Margaret Cook, and Katherine Ahr. Services were first held in the old Adams County Court House. This class was then served with Jerusalem, seven miles N. E .; Schafer's, 21/2 miles S. E .; Zion, seven miles N. W .; Glocks and Reserve, still further N. W .; Salem, two miles east; and Young's schoolhouse, one mile south of present Calvary Church. In 1872 St. Mary's Circuit was divided and the English appointments were constituted De-
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VangenIcat Church
Decatur Church, Decatur, Ind.
catur Circuit. In 1874 Decatur and Salem became Decatur Mission, J. F. Bock- man, pastor.
A frame church, 32 x 50 feet, was built in 1873 and dedicated as "Salem" Church by Editor R. Dubs of Cleveland, Ohio. G. W. Freehafer and C. C. Beyrer were associate pastors of St. Mary's and Decatur Circuits. First board of trustees were: Fred Cook, John Kern, and Elias Wentzel. Kern was a member of the Salem Class. This church obtained the nick-name "Frog-eyed" church, due to the fact that the church was built on a low place on posts. Water collected and often remained a long while under it during the spring months. Frogs sang their songs beneath it, while the church people sang within. The Sunday School was organized in 1873 and had 90 in attendance the second Sun- day after the dedication of the church. After dedication, Freehafer and Beyrer held a revival here, resulting in eight conversions and ten accessions. This was
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a strange kind of meeting to many people here. Many came led by curiosity, even the Catholic priest came twice, reported F. In '78 this Mission was re- attached to St. Mary's Circuit.
Tabernacle Meeting
September 9-18, 1881, a tabernacle holiness meeting was held here, J. M. Dustman, pastor, and Mf. Krueger, P. E. Special holiness workers were here. During this meeting a sudden wind and rain storm broke the guyrope. The center post hroke and buried most of the people under the canvas. No one was seriously hurt, nor did any scream from fright. Soon the people were rescued and they sang and praised God as though nothing unusual had occurred. When the tabernacle was struck by the storm the congregation was singing, "In the rifted rock I'm resting, Safely sheltered I abide. There no storms, nor fears molest me, While within the cleft I hide". The next morning the tent was re- erected.
In April, 1881, Decatur and Young's (Calvary) Class became Decatur Mis- sion. In 1882 the society built a convenient parsonage on the lot adjoining the church lot on the south, which was used until 1923. In January, '83, a gracious revival resulted in 11 conversions and 14 accessions, and the following Decem- ber, Dustman reported another revival with 40 conversions and accessions. He served here '81-83; in '84-85, A. R. Shafer; '86-87, J. E. Stoops. During the winter of the first year he had a great revival here, resulting in nearly 100 con- versions and many accessions among whom were A. Van Camp, Chas. McCon- nehey, and E. Elzy, all of them were later licensed to preach. When the people here got the word that Stoops was their pastor, they thought the work was now doomed. . Stoops, having continued the aforesaid revival for two weeks without results, the officials suggested the closing of the meeting on Sunday night. Instead S. publicly announced, "The officials wanted me to close the meeting tonight, but I am running this meeting, and it will continue through the week." Before the week elosed a wonderful revival of religion broke out with the above results. The following spring the Indiana Conference session was held here, with Bishop R. Dubs. presiding (1888).
June 23, '89, a Woman's Missionary Society was organized; the Y. P. A. after General Conference in 1891; and the Ladies' Aid Society, May 27, '92. This last one has proved to be a great and financial asset to the local church. J. J. Wise reported, January, '95, a remarkable revival, because the strong eon- viction first seemed to have gripped the unsaved. For a while, as it were, it seemed the church and pastor had to run to keep up with the tide. He said, "The church and pastor were carried far out into the deep ocean of God's love. At one service there was sobbing and weeping throughout the entire con- gregation. The people came in throngs for five weeks, 64 were saved and 49 joined the church." '96-97, C. W. Wendall; '98-99, W. H. Mygrant, who re- modeled the church by adding a corner tower containing main entrance. A
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pulpit recess was built for the choir. Artglass windows were put in, new pews replaced the old ones, and a furnace was installed, all at a cost of $1,250.00. Editor S. P. Spreng re-dedicated the church. 1900, D. Martz; '01-02, S. 1. Zechiel; '03, S. S. Albert; '04-07, A. B. Haist; '08-11, D. O. Wise; '12-16, J. H. Rilling. In 1916 a new brick edifice was erected on the old site. J. H. Rilling introduced Rally Day services to build up the Church Building Fund. Five such services yielded $687.72. On March 4, 1917, the church was dedicated by Bishop S. P. Spreng. The cost was $16,700.00. On this day $7,000.00 was raised The previous amounts were largely raised by the heroic efforts of the Ladies' Aid Society, S. S., Y. P. A. organizations, raising $2,500, $1,700, and $350, re- spectively. Some of these funds were collected under A. B. Haist and D. O. Wise, preceding pastors. The church contains an auditorium with gallery on three sides, 10 class-rooms, and a choir loft. The total scating capacity is 450. The church has semi-indirect lighting system, a complete system of ventilation, and a well equipped basement for religious and social gatherings. During Rilling's administration there were 103 conversions and 144 accessions, 70 of these during the Honeywell union revival meeting. '17-22, C. L. Haney. April, 1920, Conference session was held here. During H's time the indebtedness was liquidated. For pastors hefore 1872, see St, Mary's Circuit.
DEFIANCE, OHIO-BRUNNERSBURG
The history of this part of Conference missionary work is quite fragmen- tary. As a denomination we have labored in and about Defiance since 1846, when Wm. Kolb of DeKalb Circuit made a visit to Brunnersburg, two miles N. W. of Defiance, and vicinity. In December, 1852, A Nicolai and Fred Schuer- man of DeKalb Circuit held a meeting in Brunnershurg, resulting in eight con- versions. This place hecame the means of founding other appointments in Defiance County. When Defiance obtained two railroads, Brunnersburg grad- ually died out, and with it our work here as a church also. The appointments in Defiance County belonged to DeKalb Circuit until 1860, when Defiance Circuit was formed of all appointments lying east of the St. Joseph River in Ohio, which consisted of 11 regular appointments, all German. For pastors see De- Kalb Circuit up to 1860. After Conference session, 1859, Geo. A. Hertel secured a parsonage in Brunnersburg for $300.00. One room was arranged for church services. In 1861 another more comfortable parsonage was bought by B. Up- haus. Here the preachers of this work resided for many years. For pastors from 1862-77 see Defiance, Volume I. In 1877 the work in Brunnersburg was abandoned and the remaining members were transferred to Salem which now was the leading society.
DEFIANCE, EAST SIDE
This class was on the east side of the Auglaize River. Preaching began here as early as 1855. Services were held in private houses. But at this time
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G. G. Platz, P. E., held a quarterly meeting in the German M. E. Church. From lack of harmony the class soon disbanded.
DEFIANCE KAISER SCHOOLHOUSE AND GRACE
The Kaiser Schoolhouse appointment was about three miles west of Defiance. It was taken up by J. W. Metzner in 1902. He held a meeting here, resulting in twenty conversions and the organization of a society of 25 members. It be- came a part of Defiance Circuit. In 1906 J. S. Kroft had 24 conversions here. In 1909 this class with South Olive and Trinity became Defiance Mission. Members having moved into Defiance, J. J. Wise, P. E., in February, 1912, had C. D. Ringgenberg and E. H. Baumgartner conduct an evangelistic meeting in the Fire Station Hall at the crossing of the Wabash and B. & O. R. R.'s. The results were hopeful. The Kaiser Class and West Defiance were now merged. 1912-14, E. H. Baumgartner, pastor. In April, 1913, this society bought two lots in "Pleasant Home" addition, nearer the center of the city, for $375.00. The lots were deeded to the trustees of the Grace Society, Defiance, Ohio, Indiana Conference, of the Evangelical Association, and their successors. 1914, E. D. Haley, pastor; '15-17, W. H. Flurkey. Hicksville was added in 1915. The society was discontinued in 1918 from lack of cooperation. The two lots were sold in 1919 and the proceeds ordered held in trust for Defiance for five years. If not re-invested here in that length of time, the proceeds shall flow in- to the Permanent Mission Building Fund of the Indiana Conference.
DEFIANCE RIVER SIDE
Some members having moved into North Defiance from the Salem Class, F. L. Snyder organized them into a class in '88 or '89. In 1890, S. H. Pontius, pastor. The members of this charge pledged $1,100.00 toward a church. J. Wales was secured to aid in securing the funds. He stayed two months and so- licited $1,800.00 in pledges. Later M. L. Scheidler of Hicksville assisted. One night Wales was out late collecting money. Returning to his home, crossing the Maumee River bridge, a city policeman stopped him, inquiring why he was out so late. W. explained his business and solicited him for help. The police- man gave him $10 in cash. In 1890 a brick church was built on the north side, east of Main Street, near the river. On December 21, '90 it was dedicated hy Bishop T. Bowman as "River Side" Church. In '94 F. L. Snyder, pastor, re- ported, "Attendance doubled, church not full, and heavily in debt, the city wick- ed and spiritually dead." In '95 H. Steininger reported a great revival here, but the fruits did not abide. In 1905 the society ceased to function, the church was sold to the "New Light" Christian people who had a College in this part of De- fiance. Like some other societies this one proved to be an expense and worry to the Conference and with no abiding results. The Conference donated this society $1,000.00.
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