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 9
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ELBERFELD, WARRICK CO., IND .- JERUSALEM CLASS
The history of the work of the Evangelical Association in this town dates back at least to 1849-50 when C. Glaus and J. Keiper preached in this vicinity at Rosa Friedenberg's, Voelkel's, Wm. Grossman's (exhorter) and Fr. Stuen- kel's, and in a schoolhouse. The appointment was known as "Bluegrass". A. B. Schafer was P. E. This class was organized by J. Trometer who was assistant local pastor in 1850. The charter-members were: Henry Ude, Fr. Thene, Wm. Thene, Fr. Sickman, Julius Heimrath and their wives. In 1850-51 Geo. A. Blank was P. E., and Fr. Wiethaup, P. C., with B. Uphaus as assistant the first ycar, and Fr. Schuerman the second year. After the organization of the In- diana Conference in 1852, P. Burgener and G. Franzen served; in '53, B. Uphaus and Wm. Beckman; '54, J. Keiper and Wm. Beckman; '55, Wm. Wesseler and M. Mayer. Up to this time it belonged to Dubois Circuit with headquarters at Huntingburg, Ind. In 1856, this circuit was divided, the western part becoming Warrenton Circuit to which Wm. Wesseler was assigned. He built a church in
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Elberfeld which was dedicated May 4, 1857, by Bishop John Seyhert, as the New Jerusalem Church. S. Dickover was P. E., Joseph Fisher and Wm. Beck- inan were present. During the Lord's Supper, the reporter said, "The people experienced the dedication of their hearts to God. Pentecost broke through into eternal life." For pastors sec Volume I. In 1879 the field name was changed to Tabor. In 1899 the second church was built and dedicated by Bishop T. Bowman on September 17, 1899, as "Jerusalem Church". Size 32 x 60 feet, with corner tower, bell, class-rooms and furnishings, costing $2,550.00. At this time this church was the best on Louisville District. In 1900-01, under D. D. Spang- ler, the field name was changed to Elberfeld. '15-17, J. W. Feller; '18-'23, C. Harms. This field belonged to Wabash District from '52-70; to Evansville, '71-92; to Louisville, '93-07; to Evansville, '08-10; to Indianapolis, '11-23.
The first parsonage was built by the Tabor Church. It was a log house, put np in two days in 1849. J. Keiper first occupied it. It stood beside the cemetery, between the church and the campground. This was a lonely spot for pastors' families to live, as it was almost surrounded with timber. The only outlook was toward heaven, and northward to the church. The cemetery, dur- ing the pastorate of Bohlander, obtained notoriety as being the place where the spirit of a departed man repeatedly appeared to him (Bohlander) at the man's grave. To this was added the report that the parsonage was haunted. Not only Bohlander believed this delusion, but other good folk, and even preachers claimed they were disturbed by ghostly noises while they were trying to sleep here. It was probably nothing but a rustling wind blowing through a knothole, or making a loose shingle to quiver, the product of an excited imagination. Bro. Nitsche declined to abide here with his large family, and with the consent of the quarterly conference, built a more commodious home in Elberfeld. This was in 1881, and they had the joy of first occupying it. The Tabor people ob- jected to this move, but soon thereafter were convinced that it was the thing to do. In 1895 the old parsonage was sold and the proceeds flowed into the new parsonage fund. With the discontinuance of the campmeetings, there was no reason why the pastor should continue to live here, far from the post-office and school.
ELBERFELD, TABOR SOCIETY
This appointment lies in Gibson County, Indiana, five miles east of Haub- stadt. Originally it was called "Warrenton". It was taken up in 1844 as a part of Dubois Circuit until June, 1856, when Warrenton Circuit, named after a nearby village, was formed. It was a part of the Illinois Conference until 1852. From a report, J. Trometer was the first missionary of our church that labored here. He organized a class in 1845. On October 6, 1847, A. Nicolai be -- gan a protracted meeting here in the home of J. Winkelman in Warrenton. God's people were quickened in spirit. Souls were converted to God and joined the Evangelical Association. In 1848 he was returned with H. Esh. In 1849, Chr.
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Glaus and J. Keiper were pastors. The society now had four classes, namely: Tabor: Dietrick and Wilhelmina Luehring; Ludwig and Louisa Buesing; Henry and Dora Bertram and children, Wm., Henry, and Doratha; Mary Miller; Cla- mer, Mary and Louisa Fuehling; Henry and Dora Hasselbrink; Henry and Louisa Johanning; Daniel, Anna L., Carl, Wm., Henry, and Daniel, Jr., Kramer; Henry and Mina Schuermeier; Fred, Sophia, and Fred Jr. Bremer; Fred, Caro - lina, and Sophia Kucher; Geo. and Mrs. Weber; Fred and Louisa Stuenkel; Augustina Grossman; Fred Stritmetter. Zoar: Wm. and Fredricka Luehring; Mary Diekmeier; Fred and Anna Buesing; John, Caroline, and Joshua Bren- denberg: John, Mary, and Henry Hasshiter; Conrad and Mary Buesing. Beth- lehem: Fred and Louisa Kohlmeier; Henry and Henricka Schlotbaum; Chris- tian, Conrad, Carl, and Fred Kohlmeier: Henry and Charlotte Silke; Carl. Adolph, and Wilhelmina Dassel. Emmanuel: Fred and Louisa Dickmeier; Ja- cob and Katharine Winkelman; Rev. Jacob, Christina, Mary and Christian Tro- meter.
On Angust 16, '49, a campmeeting was held at Tabor. The ground was on the highest hill in the community, commonly called Mt. Tabor, from whence one had an extensive view of the landscape. For a description of the general arrangement of early campgrounds, see under Bremen. Many such meetings were held. People would come from far and near, both bad and good, and often these meetings became the scene of great spiritual battles between the forces of Darkness and Light. But the Almighty did not forsake His people but crown- ed their sincere efforts with victory, to the discomfiture of the enemy. In Au- gust, 1852, a glorious camp-meeting was held here resulting in 14 conversions; backsliders were reclaimed and revived, and believers renewed in spiritual strength. Over New-year's, 1853, a wonderful revival occurred here; sinners eame nightly to the altar; gray-haired parents with their adult sons and daugh- ters knelt side by side, wrestling for salvation. At a camp-meeting held August. 1854, J. Keiper reported, "One night there was no preaching because of the mighty movings of the Holy Spirit upon the people, and because the penitents were crying for mercy until they were saved." In August, 1869, the twentieth consecutive eamp-meeting was held here. Warrenton Circuit now extended into Posey, Vanderburg, Gibson and Warrick Counties. In 1867, M. Hoehn re- ported that Tabor had a parish school and expressed the wish that such schools might become general.
At a camp-meeting here, Bishop Joseph Long arrived very fatigued and too late for service. He slipped into the parsonage, stretched himself full length on the floor in a room, allowing his feet to extend through the open door. Presently the pastor's wife came home from the adjoining campground, and as she was about to step into the house, she saw the feet of a man in the open doorway. Much frightened, she ran back to the campground and reported, that
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she believed there was a dead man lying in the parsonage. Upon investigation, it was found to be Bishop Long resting himself.
Churches Built Here
A log church was built here and dedicated, December 22, '49, by A. B. Shafer. He reported that there was "such spiritual power present that all sin- ners present came under deep convictions and to penitence". Keiper reported a wonderful Christmas celebration with such spiritual blessings as he never had witnessed before. Souls were saved and many people joined church.
The second church was built in 1876 and dedicated December 9, probably by Wm. Wesseler who was one of the two speakers on this day. C. Kohlmeier was the other. As the old church was still standing, a farewell service was held in it Sunday morning before entering the new one. This church is 34 x 54 feet in Gothic style with a tower 80 feet high. On a bright day, it can be seen from a certain point 10 miles away. The tower was provided with a well-sound- ing bell, bought by men and boys for $238.00. The cost of the entire church was $2,382.00. The young ladies furnished the lights, and the mothers the car- pets. Some of the best revivals that occurred here were by Speck, Finkbeiner, Koch, Nitsche and Gocker. From this society issued five ministers, namely; Adolph Dassel, 1862; W. L. Luehring, 1877; S. J. Luehring, 188 -; H. Holtz- grafe, 188 -; B. Scheuermeier, 1889. For list of pastors see Elberfeld, Volume I.
ELBERFELD, SOMMERVILLE-MACKEY
This society was founded in 1865-66 by Fred Wiethaup. The charter-men- bers were: Ernst Sundermeyer and wife; John Hassheiter and wife; Chr. Kohl- meier and wife; Henry Williamsmeyer and wife; Conrad Kohlmeier and wife; Bluemlein and wife, and Fred Meier and wife. They worshipped in homes and schoolhouses until July, 1869, when their church was dedicated by Bishop J. J. Esher. C. Kohlmeier was recommended for the ministry by this class in 1867.
Historic Articles of Business Adopted, December, 1869
Art. I. No political speeches, or theatrical doings are to be allowed in this church.
Art II. No debts are to be contracted over $5.00 without the consent of the society.
Art. III. The Trustee Board shall give an annual report at the annual busi- ness meeting.
Art. IV. The trustees shall look after the repairs of the church so services can be held in it unhindered.
Art. V. The church cemetery shall be platted by the society. After distribu- ting the lots to the church members, no one, who has been expelled or has with- drawn from the church, shall be allowed to sell his lot; but it shall revert to the society. (This article was later so modified that lot owners, who moved away, could sell to their children, or church members.)
Art. VI. The deed of the property is to remain in the hands of the oldest trustee of the society as also other valuable documents.
Art. VII. These articles shall be read at each annual meeting, and may be changed by a majority vote of those present.
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Art. VIII. The people who join church and desire a family lot in the ceme- tery shall pay $15.
Art. IX. In 1877 a law was made to ring the church bell every Saturday evening, which custom has ever since been strictly observed.
A Y. P. A. was organized here by J. Mundorf in October, 1894. A number of its unconverted members were converted later and joined church. The Alli- ance, however, did not exist long. A Sunday School has been maintained for years. Progress has been intermittent. German services on Sunday a. m. were abandoned about 1917. In 1921 this society by a majority vote decided to re- locate to the town of Mackey, and built a church and dedicated it December 4, 1921. Bishop L. H. Seager officiated. The size of the church is 32 x 54, with a basement under the whole church, and a corner tower. The cost of the church was $6,000.00. The Sunday School here was organized in the Mackey High School building.
ELKHART CIRCUIT
Solomon Altimos, a pioneer preacher of the Evangelical Association, be- came a pathfinder for his church in Northern Indiana in 1839. He was a mem- ber of the Ohio Conference. He lived in Monroe County, Michigan. In 1841 F1. Wayne Mission was established including Northern Indiana with John Hall, Missionary. For 1840 and '42 no report is found. In 1843 D. Kern and Geo. A. Blank were the missionaries to this section. In 1844 the Illinois Conference was organized which included Northern Indiana, which then constituted Ft. Wayne Circuit, A. B. Schafer. P. E., and Geo. A. Blank and S. Tobias, mission- aries. In 1845 Ft. Wayne Circuit was divided into St. Mary's Missions and Elkhart Circuit. G. G. Platz and Wm. Kolb were assigned to the latter which now embraced Elkhart, St. Joseph, Marshall and Kosciusko Counties in North- ern Indiana, and the western part of Southern Michigan. In 1846 Chr. Glaus and Wm. Fichte; '47, G. G. Platz, Fred Wiethaup, and H. Welty. There were now 13 organized societies, and other preaching points. In 1848 the Indiana " District of the Illinois Conference was divided into St. Joseph and Wabash Districts, the first embracing the two St. Joseph River valleys, and the latter the Wabash River valley. Chr. Augenstein, P. E. of St. Joseph District, with S. Dickover and B. Uphaus, pastors, on Elkhart Circuit. 1849, G. G. Platz, Geo. Messner and B. Uphaus. This year, St. Joseph and Wabash Districts were served jointly by A. B. Schafer, P. E .; but served separately again in 1850 the first named, by C. Augenstein, and Elkhart Circuit by J. J. Esher and J. Wolf; 1851, S. Dickover, P. E., and J. H. Ragatz and Joseph Fisher, missionaries.
DEVELOPMENTS OF ELKHART CIRCUIT OF INDIANA CONFER- ENCE SINCE 1852
At the organization of this conference, S. Dickover continued as P. E. and Jos. Fisher and B. Ruh, pastors. In May, 1853, Fisher gave J. Keiper, his suc- cessor, the membership book containing the following appointments: Ott's (head-
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quarters here was the parsonage and church) 5 miles north of Syracuse, Indiana; then three miles south Ott's schoolhouse; then Canada Class in Union Twp .. Elkhart Co., Bechtel's in Harrison Twp .; then six miles south to Zoar; then back to Goshen where were a few members; then to Bicknel's schoolhouse, three miles east of Elkhart; then Smith's class, six miles N. W. of Elkhart; then to Harris Prairie in Michigan; then Rough's or Portage Prairie; then to Misha- waka; then Coal Bush; then to Zimmer's near Madison; then to Barrens near Bremen, then Laudeman's; then Canaan Class or old Panama in Kosciusko Co .; then Hepton; then Marshall Co. Class; then Strickler's, south of Warsaw; then to Tabor, or Ebenezer, east of Syracuse; then eight miles eastward to Gilead in Noble Co .; then Thorn Creck, six miles north of Columbia City. M. W. Steffey was Keiper's colleague; the circuit had 20 appointments; each one made the round once in four weeks. Meetings were mostly held in houses and school- houses, and were blessed. The historic parsonage had four rooms, two for the P. E., who had children, and two for the P. C., who had five children. The house is still standing, although enlarged, and is occupied. In 1854, M. W. Steffey and P. Goetz; '55, C. Glaus and H. Strickler; '56, A. Nicolai and M. Krueger. In 1857 conference convened in September, pastor, Geo. Kloepfer; '58, M. Alspaugh and J. Hoffman; '59, R. Riegel and P. Roth; '60-61, Ph. Schwartz and P. Roth, first year, and B. Ruh the second; '62-63, Joshua Paulin and M. Speck first year, and Geo. Zimmer, second year; '64-65, M. Krueger and T. Karstetter, second year; '66, Wm. Bockman and E. E. Condo; '67-68, D. S. Oakes and W. Honestedt, first year, and J. K. Troyer the second year. O. and K. each built a small kitchen to the Ott parsonage. 1869-70, J. Keiper and S. S. Condo, first year and E. T. Hochstettler, the second year. The membership per appointment at this time was: Ott's, 40; New Paris, 23; Zoar, 13; Bilman's, west of Wakarusa, 5; Strickler's, 23; Middleport, or Dunlaps, 18; St. Joseph's, 15; New Bristol's, 7; Eagle Lake, 19; Sparta, 12; Ebenezer, 20; Lake, 11; Webster, 22; Whitley, 15; Grass Creek, 30; Island, 21. Keiper reported in the summer of '71 that in 1853 this circuit was almost entirely German, but now, 1870, is half English. He had 150 accessions. 1870-72, D. S. Oakes and W. Wildermuth the second year; '73, H. E. Overmeyer. In 1874 this circuit was divided and the greater part of it became New Paris Circuit.
ELKHART EMMANUEL
In the fall of 1859, or the spring of 1860, Oakes said, "Three religious, but very poor Germans, carpenters, father and two sons-in-law, came from Canada to Elkhart. Few European Germans lived here then and there was no German preaching of any denomination." They worked for Henry Oakes (D. E.'s brother) who could speak some German. He was a member of the M. E. Church, but urged Jos. Fisher, P. E., to send German preachers to Elkhart. promising to furnish entertainment and a place for worship, on corner Middle-
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burry and Williams Streets, where several families lived. In May Fisher in- structed E. L. Kiplinger of South Bend Circuit to preach here. Both had preached once or twice in the M. E. Church here. In September, '60, R. Riegel, P. C., took up Elkhart as a regular appointment and organized the first society of the Evangelical Association in '61, with these charter-members: Father and mother Theiss, two daughters and sons-in-law, Conrad Ziesel, and Wm. Paul.
This society was served with South Bend Circuit until 1867, for which see the list of ministers. On Christmas, 1865, Geo. A. Hertel commenced a revival in Ziesel's house which resulted in starting a subscription list for a lot and church. $1,243.00 was secured from friends in and out of the city. Prior to this, Hertel received 30 members into the church. They bought a lot in March. 1866, on High Street, on which stood a frame chapel, for $900.00. A little later the Elkhart School Board offered this society an exchange of a lot on Division Street, near Main St., with a house on, for the church property which they want- ed for the Central School Building. The trade was made, but the society re- tained the chapel and in addition received $350.00. The chapel was then moved on the new site. Eight feet additional ground was bought for $150. The so- ciety now had a small church and parsonage.
On October 26, '66, the Sunday School was organized with 15 scholars. Jacob Wiegner was the first Supt. In September, 1867, this city was formally taken up as a mission with Joseph Fisher, missionary. Bicknel's, or Weaver's Class, three miles east of the city, was added. Soon the small chapel had to be enlarged to accommodate the people. On Christmas, a seven-week's revival be- gan. The Mission was now five months old and had 125 members, 100 acces- sions this year. In 1868 Fisher was returned with Weaver's Class detached and the Schwartz Class added. The chapel again having become too small, it and the parsonage were sold, and moved away, and a brick church was erected. By winter it was under roof and the first story was dedicated December 6, '68, by R. Dubs, as "Emmanuel Church". Preaching was almost all in German, but quite a number of English people were converted and joined the church. English singing, praying and testifying was tolerated, but there was no English Class formed. The language situation hindered progress and caused some dis- satisfaction.
In 1869-70, J. Fuchs was pastor. The second story was completed and dedicated February 13, 1870, also by R. Dubs. 1871-72, Geo. Hertel. Many were saved under his labors and joined the church. In September, 1872, the conference session was held here. The language question for this place was settled by Conference, namely; those preferring German should take a stand with Hertel on the east side of the church, and those preferring English with Wildermuth on the west side. This was done after the conference session. About 70 chose the English and were organized as an English society. This year on July 12, Hertel died of typhoid fever. Karstetter and Heiss, local preach-
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ers, served out the year alternating in preaching. In '73-74, W. G. Braeckly. pastor. In '74 the society was made a station with 117 members including the Schwartz Class. A new parsonage was built at a cost of $1,325.00. The Con- ference released this society of a $448.00 debt and interest for two years. A new deed in harmony with the Discipline was also executed. '75, J. Beck; '76-77, J. Hoffman. In '78, under C. C. Baumgartner, it was again a mission, who had 18 conversions. '79-81, M. W. Steffey. The debt of $1,500.00 was re- duced to $570.00 He had repairs and improvements made in the church, viz; a triple window in the front, a stairway, a gallery, and new pews. The church was re-opened by Bishop J. J. Esher, September 19, '79. The cost of these im- provements was $870.00. There were, at this time, some peculiar people in the church who would not allow the young people to sing alone, threatening that they would leave the church if they did. 1882-84, C. F. Hansing. All debts , were paid, and a Young People's Society was organized in '84. Geo. Roederer was pastor in '85. A reed organ was installed which caused one family to with- draw. $450.00 was paid for missions this year. He had 32 conversions and 33 accessions. In '86-87, August Iwan reported 14 conversions; '88-90, M. W. Steffey. In '89 Conference was again entertained here. '90-91, J. Hoffman.
In 1892, S. Heininger. The church was remodeled at a cost of $5,000.00. H. failing to get his credentials from the Ohio Conference could not continue as pastor here. This produced a destructive schism. The society was divided. Heininger left with about half of the membership. M. Krueger filled out the year. The society never rallied fully from this shock, and became a mission. ln 1893-94, J. H. Evans came here under many discouraging circumstances. But he met them bravely and, under the blessing of God, and wise management, the society rallied commendably. He introduced the English for Sunday eve- ning services, and organized a Y. P. A. in the first year. 1895-96, W. L. Lueh- ring: '97-98, L. J. Ehrhardt; '99-01, Thomas Finkbeiner, who had a blessed re- vival; '02-03, M. W. Sunderman. The morning services were now made Eng- lish for the second and fourth Sunday of each month. During his second year the union of the Division Street and Watch Tower Churches was agitated by him and J. O. Mosier. In 1904 the societies were merged with the understand- ing that an adequate and modern brick church be built. Both societies razed their building, working the material of both into the new one. One-fourth of the proceeds of the Division Street lot and the parsonage was voted to the Con- ference Church Building Fund; $400.00 to the South Side Society, to be paid when it will build a parsonage. $600.00 went to the Bethel Society by Confer- ence act, and the rest was applied to the new church. For further history see Elkhart First Church. This society always kept pace with forward movements. lt maintained a good Sunday School, had an active Ladies' Aid Society, a W. M. S., and Y. P. A. It recommended to the ministry, T. Karstetter in 1865, and D. F. Fox in 1883.
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HISTORICAL SKETCHES ELKHART, WATCH TOWER
In 1867, Jos. Fisher, pastor of Emmanuel Church, on Division Street, had a revival that resulted in 123 conversions, of which 40 joined the Evangelical Association and preferred the English services. An English class was organized with Samuel Aurant as first leader. Then an English Sunday School was or- ganized with J. M. Barber as the first superintendent. They met in the Division Street Evangelical Church. Fisher now preached here on Monday evenings.
In 1872 the Conference established an English Elkhart Circuit, embracing Elkhart English, Weaver's, Schwartz's, Zeigler's, Heiss' and Emor's appoint- ments, Wm. Wildermuth, pastor. The specific orders of the Conference in 1872 relative to the English in Elkhart was carried out. The record of the Emman- uel Church says, that 70 chose the English. Watch Tower record says 48. The Conference of 1872 ordered that "the English society be allowed to worship in the German church up to June, 1873, provided it pays its own current expenses, and holds its meetings Sunday afternoons, or at an hour that will not conflict with German services."
W. Wildermuth held his first service, September 26, 1872, in the home of Fred Kines, and effected the organization with 58 members. They were divided into two classes. Samuel Aurant, leader of No. 1, and Jos. Fisher of No. 2. According to Conference orders, the trustees of the Emmanuel, and a committee of the Watch Tower Churches, met and agreed that the Watch Tower Society shall hold Sunday School in the Einmanuel Church on Sunday at 1:30 p. m., and preaching at 3 p. m., prayer-meetings on Wednesday evenings and a series of revival meetings. The English society was to pay one-third of the janitor's salary and light and fuel accordingly. B. O. Manchester, W. D. Middleton, and J. M. Barber were constituted a committee to draft a constitution for the so- ciety. The society now also decided to build a church. Wm. Wildermuth, Jos. Fisher, J. M. Barber, S. T. Nemont, and F. Kines were elected as building com- mittee, and were authorized to select a suitable site, get the price of lot, and report back to the next society meeting. On the basis of their report, the so- ciety bought the site where the First Church now stands for $900.00. The so- ciety adopted the plans and specifications presented by the building committee with a few changes. Watch Tower Church, 36 x 56 x 20 feet, had a vestibule, two class-rooms, a gallery and a tower. The erection of the church began in the spring of 1873. The cornerstone was laid by E. L. Kiplinger, P. E. In August, '73, a committee of 12 women was appointed to canvass the city for funds to buy carpets, chandeliers, clock and church supplies. They were suc- cessful and received words of praise. On October 12, '73, Cor. Sec'y. Wmn. Yost of the Gen. Missionary Society dedicated the church as Watch Tower Church. The total cost of the church, lot included, was $5,391.12. The amount secured on dedication was $2,314.00. The balance remaining was $3,077.12.
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