USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > History of Elkhart County, Indiana; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history: portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 53
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An address delivered by the Hon. Joseph H. Defrees, on the occasion of laving the corner stone of the new M. E. church of Goshen. contains much valuable information. if not all. that may now be gathered in connection with the early years of Methodism in Elkhart connty. He stated that the first sermon preached in Goshen was in a building which had been erected by Dr. J. Latta on a lot between the residence of Dr. M. M. Latta and Dr. Jack son's office: their first prayer-meeting was held in the bar-room of a hotel. and the prayers rendered by Messrs. Sparklin and Wangh. William Wangh. Thomas Thomas and George McCullom, with their wives. lived then on the town plat and in the immediate vicinity. so that they formed the first little society: a Sabbath-
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
school was formed early in 1832, and in 1833 the entire class com- prised only five or six men and. perhaps, a few ladies. with their children. The first class met in a log house which stood on the site of Dr. Jackson's residence. While the early Methodists of Goshen were thus marching slowly but surely over the road to greatness, James Beck. R. W. Randall, James Frier and J. Myers were laboring in another section of the vineyard, so that toward the close of 1832 a meeting of the members decided npon erecting a church wherein they might worship in peace. This building was. in its architectural ontline. very uninteresting; it formed a peculiar quadrant. 40 feet square and about six feet higher than the tallest member of the congregation, and cost $445. Mr. Detrees gives a very vivid description of the furniture of this quaint edifice, and relates many stories in connection with the varied and nncomple- mentary opinions held of it by the local wits of that time. In 1840 no less than 150 members were added to the congregational roster. The great camp-meeting held at Violett Grove, sonth of the present location of Goshen. tended to this result, and brought the zealous preachers and their teachings into snch prominence that many enrolled their names who would have otherwise forgotten the existence of a moral communion.
In 1845 Geo. Rumsey, Ebenezer Brown. John Durlan, Asa A. Morton, James Anderson, Samuel Murray and Jos. H. Defrees, the trustees of the great quadrangular "Still-house" of the wits. resolved to desert the old monument of James Beck's architectural taste as soon as possible, and with the co-operation of their brethren, succeeded in raising a sufficient sum of money to construct the very pretentious building, in which they continued to worship until the dedication of their beautiful church in 1874. The zeal of these Methodists had already won for them an enviable reputation through- ont the State, and gained for Goshen the honor of being made the first meeting place of the M. E. Conference in the newly organized portion of Northern Indiana. In 1852 the village was made a station, with Rev. J. D. G. Pettijohn in charge, and from that time continued to make such rapid advances, that within a period a little over 20 years the membership so increased in number and wealth that a structure of metropolitan character was deemed neces- sary. For this result many leading members of the congregation deserve high praise. People and trustees and pastors had a share in the great work; and united they may justly lay claim to well inerited esteem.
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June 23, 1873, a report of a committee favoring the improvement of the old church built in 1846 was accepted by the congregation ; but within a few days their opinions veered round to the fact that a new and elegant editice was indispensable. Accordingly a new committee was selected, of which Messrs. P. D. Harding, Jacob Hattel, W. W. Hinchman, O. W. Cunningham and Wm. M. Stare were members. These five gentlemen reported to a subsequent meeting in favor of a new church, and their report having met with general approbation, subscriptions were at once called for, and after a short time the work placed in the hands of the contractor.
The new church was dedicated on the last day of January, 1875, by the Rev. Dr. Thomas, of Chicago. The old house of worship, built in 1846, was then deserted, and though many of the early visitors looked upon the old building with a peculiar veneration, the new church soon occupied all their thoughts, and left little more to be desired in the shape of church accommodation or mag- nificence. The earnestness of the congregation was strikingly illustrated by the fact that of the $15,000 expended on the edifice, $10,000 were provided within the year, and the remainder contributed on the day of dedication, so that on the final dedication by Bishop Merrill, in June, 1877, not a cent was required to pay a debt. The builder who raised the stately edifice was Adam Raffen- sparger, and his contract was so faithfully performed, that to-day the beautiful church stands in testimony of the attention bestowed upon its erection by him, even as it is a most substantial record of the generosity, taste and zeal of the Methodist congregation. Cass Chapman, of Chicago, exercised his architectural taste in its erection. A sum approximating to 85,000 has been expended on the church since 1874, and still the proposed great bell for the tenancy of the tower has to be procured. The men who have raised such a temple will not leave their new and beautiful church without this antique and noisy appanage for any length of time, so that another bell may soon join in the Sabbath chimes. The present membership may be set down at 300, and the valuation of the church and parsonage, in 1880, at $23,500.
The Methodist church of Elkhart City is an imposing edifice. Throughout the county the zeal of members of this branch of the Christian Church has raised many elegant places of worship, until almost every township can boast of a little temple where the con- gregation may worship God in peace.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
THE NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE.
From 1844 to 1852 this conference comprised the north half of the State. Since 1852 it has comprised the northeast portion of the State, the State now consisting of four conferences. It contains about 1S0 members, but about 30 of these are now non-effectives, from the infirmities of age or other disabilities.
The first annual session of the North Indiana Conference, when it comprised the northern half of the State, was held at Fort Wayne in October. 1844. Bishop Beverly Wangh, who once was jailer and conrt bailiff, presided, and Mr. Simpson, now one of the venerable bishops of the Church, was the principal secretary. The ninth session-or first under the present territorial arrangement-was held at Fort Wayne in 1852, and the twelfth, or third session, at Goshen in September, 1855, over which Bishop Scott presided. On April 9, 1879, he occupied the same position, being president of the 36th session of the conference. held at Goshen in the month of April, that year.
THE BAPTIST CHURCHI.
Mr. Carey may be considered the first Baptist missionary who visited this connty. At a very early date in its history he visited the early settlers near Elkhart, and aetnally named Christiana creek after his wife, because the flow of her langnage appeared to him as swift as the waters of that stream. Since that time the member- ship of the Church has very much increased. In November, 1836, a congregation of only 11 could be found in Goshen, and those received instructions from Elder Adam Miller or from his deacon, William Stancliff. In January, 1839, another congregation was organized at Benton, and the subsequent year another in that portion of Elkhart county, known then as the township of Turkey creek. The church of Elkhart city was organized in July, 1862. with a congregation of five members; that of Bango township in February. 1874, and of Wakarusa in April, 185S. The list of the principal pastors of the Baptist Church since its organization here includes the names of Elder Adam Miller, Deacon Stancliff; Rever- ends Charles Harding, Elijah Barns, B. S. Clay, R. H. Cook, C. Fish, L. Davis, Charles Ager. B. B. Baker ( ?), Geo. A. Simonson. A. M. Buch, F. B. Cressy, Watson Clark, M. C. Stanley, I. G. Portman, -. Charles Ager, Elders Alfred Russell, IIuntly and W. W. Smith. The churches of the varions congregations are valnable structures, more particularly those of Goshen and Elkhart eities.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
THE EVANGELICAL UNITED MENNONITE CHURCH.
The origin of this Church is of a very recent date. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, a number of ministers of the regn- lar body of Mennonites in the United States and Canada. in the vear 1573, became convinced that more earnest and vigorous meas- nres should of necessity be adopted to further the cause of Christ than were being exerted in the Church at that time: such as pro- tracted prayer and fellowship meetings. According'y. to free their consciences before God these means of grace were resorted to, and acknowledged and sanctioned of God. in the conversion of many precions sonis, which resulted in the excommunication of all who sanctioned snch proceedings from Church fellowship.
A conference was called and a Church organized on the 15th of May. 1874. in Berlin. Ont .. and the name Reformed Mennonites adopted as a name of distinction. The year following a small body of Mennonites, called New Mennonites, united with this body. when the name United Mennonites was adopted. In 1879 another small body, viz .: the Evangelical Mennonites, united with this body, when the present name. Evangelical United Mennonites was adopted.
The Church was organized in Elkhart county in the year 1874. with a few members, and in the autumn of the same year the first U. S. Conference was held in the church of the Evangelical Associa- tion in Harrison township. Soon after a church edince was erected at a cost of. $1.500. The Church has been gradually inereasing since its organization, and at present 15-01 number in this country abont 200 members. A class of E) members was organized in Goshen. November, Ists.
A Church organ, the Gospel Bonner, has been published in Go- shen since July. ISTS. edited by Eld. D. Brenneman. In Jannary, 1$78. a publishing house was established, which is being conducted by the Church, under the management of a committee chosen by the (General Conference, and the paper published in both the Ger- man and English languages. January, 1550, both papers were changed from monthlies to semi-monthlies. English edited by D. Brenneman and German by B. Bowman. The present monthly circulation of the two periodicals is 4.000 copies.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Episcopal Church of Elkhart county was first organized at Goshen in March, 1559 On the 24th of that honth a meeting of
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
Episcopalians was held within the office of Geo. Howell, under the presidency ot Rev. Wm. H. Storey, at which the following resolu- tion was carried:
We, the undersigned, being desirous of forming ourselves into an Episcopal congregation, by the name of St. James' Parish, agree to adopt and be governed by the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States, and the consti- tution and canons of the diocese of Indiana.
This resolution was subscribed to by 30 members, who then joined in the election of their first vestry. This resulted in the ap- pointment of Messrs. P. M. Henkel. C. B. Alderman, Geo. Howell, C. W. Stevens, Charles Edward Lawrence, Henry Pearch, Wm. B. Martin. John Graham and G. T. R. Wadleigh on the vestry. The first services were held every alternate Sunday in the Swedenbor- gian church, until 1861. when Rev. C. A. Foster and the vestry snc- ceeded in the erection of a church edifice, in which services were given regularly. The pastors of this Church in the county were: Reverends Foster. 1859; Samuel D. Pueford. 1867; Robert Charles Wall. 1869; I. E. Wildeman. 1870: Richard Totten. 1871; Thomas W. Mitchell. Martin V. V. AAverill. A. E. Bishop and W. Forgus. The churches of this congregation at Elkhart. Goshen and Bristol are substantial buildings, and now claim large congregations.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Churches of Goshen and Elkhart were organ- ized in 1838 and 1840 respectively, the first with a congregation of 15 members. and the second with one of 10 members. The Churches of Millersburg and Bristol were subsequently organized. Theoron Depew was the first minister of the latter Church, and Rev. Mr. Cook, of Goshen. Elkhart and Millersburg. These pio- neer pastors were succeeded by Rev. Messrs. Bonton, Kenzie, John- son, H. L. Vannuys, Edward Barr and Theoron Depew. The beautiful church of Goshen and the more extensive and costly church of Elkhart have been constructed during the pastorate ot Rev. Vannuys, and reflect much credit upon the organizations.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The extensive territory of Indiana was at a very early period organized into missionary districts by the successors of the re- nowned Marquette. The names of the fathers, who, after the establishment of Vincennes. pushed northward to the Indian set-
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
tlement of Elk Heart, are now unknown, with the exception of the name of Rev. James Marest, at least within the county of that name; but that they came and went are facts carried down by Indian tradition. Father De St. Palais, afterward Bishop of Vincennes, traveled over the county in a missionary character, at a date comparatively recent; but even of him little is re- membered by the old inhabitants of the county of beautiful prairies. The Rev. Francis Cointet has left an endurable name, and may be termed the first pastor of the Catholics of Elkhart county. His successor in this mission field was the Rev. Dr. E. B. Kilroy, who, in speaking of Cointet, said that he was the first who visited Goshen, as now known, though many of his countrymen and co- laborers passed over the site of that pretty little city long before the good old pioneers came to settle there, and even prior to the time when the honest Mad Anthony, Col. Jackson and other soldiers first saw those lovely prairies, on which not a few of them afterward settled. The Rev. Francis Cointet continued to be a regular visitant from Jan., 1847 to Nov., 1854, when he succumbed to the terrible cholera, and died at Notre Dame University. Dr. Kilroy speaks of him as one peculiarly endeared to the people. " I never knew," said he, " a more devoted missionary than he was; he lived on horseback. At Goshen he generally accepted the hos- pitality of Peter Fitzpatrick, then a store-keeper there, but now one of the brothers of Notre Dame University." Dr. Kilroy took charge of the mission of Elkhart county in 1855. Even then he would leave Notre Dame on horseback, carrying with him his vest- ments, and make a first halt at Elkhart. where were four Catholic families : thence to Goshen, where 10 families generally formed the congregation.
" At that time," says the Doctor, " I used to be the guest of a German, whose name has almost escaped my memory, but whose hospitality is unforgotten. I doubt not but the name was J. Usselman. The sheriff of the county was one Charley Seeley, a fine, liberal, broad-minded, whole-souled man, who not only gave me the court-honse tree, bnt caused the bell to be rung for mass, and very often invited me to dinner at his pleasant home. From Goslien I used to go six miles out to the home of a German family (now on the railroad route), where I would celebrate mass for a con- gregation of 15 persons, thence to Ligonier and Kendallville, and re- turned via Plymonth. Within two miles of Ligonier there were tour or tive Irish families, who, with a few educated Americans, left
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
nothing undone to insure my comfort. The names of those good people are now forgotten by me; but if my wishes have prevailed, their genial natures have been justly rewarded. In those days my mission extended from Kendallville "to within 20 miles of Chi- cago, and during my travels I was often forced to sleep in nature's bed-room, the beautiful forests of Northern Indiana. The roads were horrible then; but for the two years which I gave to constant travel over them the fatigues of those journeys were fully com- pensated for by the genial welcome of my co-religionists, and people and ministers of other forms of Christianity. Indeed many men who did not thoroughly acquiesce in the teachings of the Church, attended my Sunday mass, and the court-houses of Goshen, Ply- month and Valparaiso were always crowded, when I preached. In fact, during those times, were it not for Protestant donations, I would not have been able to feed my horse, so that I shall never cease to remember the many kindnesses received from the people of Goshen and its vicinity." After Dr. Kilroy left the mission of Elkhart, he was appointed president of St. Mary's University, Chicago, and during the war for the Union, was commissioned by the great war governor, Morton, a special agent for the supervision of the sick and wounded soldiers of Indiana. Since the restoration of peace the Rev. Doctor has traveled much, both in the great land of his nativity, through Europe and in the Canadas. When last at Rome the late Pope couferred on him the title of Doctor of Divinity, on account of his extensive knowledge, important services to Church and State and general moral greatness. He is the oldest living gradu- ate of Notre Dame University, and consequently a pupil of Father Badin, the first priest ordained in the U. S. For many years past Dr. Kilroy has occupied a very high position among Canadian churehmen, and is at present pastor of the important parish of Strat- ford. Amid all the honors which the people generally bestow on him, his thoughts oftentimes revert to Indiana-the home of his boyhood and his early missionary career. Elkhart county is well remembered by him, and a desire exists to visit once more a people whom he loved and a land which he admired.
Rev. Father Schaeffer took charge of the mission of Elkhart county immediately after his predecessor's appointment as State agent for the care of the sick and wounded in 1861. He, too, was a zealous missionary, and during his short connection with the people of Elkhart, made preparations for the erection of the church which now offers a place of worship to the Catholics of Goshen.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
The principal members of his congregation were John Hill, J. Usselmann, John Sullivan, Christian Engel, John Roehrig, Charles Zirwes, Matthew Skelly, John Mulholland and Fenton Straub. The liberal subscriptions of these men together with moneys received from members of other religious denominations formed a building fund, and within a short period a substantial brick edifice was erected at a cost of $4,500, and consecrated by Bishop Leurs, of Fort Wayne, assisted by the Rev. A. B. Oechtering, now of Mish- awaka, in 1861. The new Church and congregation merited better pastors than were given them in the immediate successors of Rev. Mr. Schaeffer, nor were the people content until the appointment of Father Meisner, now of Peru, and of the Rev. J. Quinlan, both of whom succeeded in restoring confidence and peace. Early in 1875 the Rev. M. F. Noll was appointed to the pastorate, and subsequently in 1878 the Rev. H. A. Boeckelmann received the appointment, who still continues in its ministry. The Catholics of Benton, Bristol and New Paris are comprised in the Goshen congrega- tion. Those of Millersburg received the same attention as was extended to their co-religionists of Elkhart and Goshen, with the exception of a period extending from 1875 to 1878, when the Rev. D. Duchmig, of Avilla, administered that portion of the mission. At present the numerous branches of the Rinck family, with the families of L. Ninor, J. Lesch, Peter Beaver, F. Koehler, - Funk and I. Spellman form its principal membership, and have erected a church at a cost of $2,250. This advance is due to the unob- trusive, though zealous, Father Boeckelmann. During the brief term of his pastorate much has been done in the interest of the Catholics of central and southern Elkhart, and it must be a subject for con- gratulation to learn that both himself and the few hundred mem- bers of his congregation possess not only the friendship, but, in many instances, receive the unqualified cooperation, of the great majority of the people of Elkhart county who are only separated from them in religions opinions. This congregation owns the cem- etery of St. John's, two and one-half miles northeast of the town, but owing to the difficult approaches to it, and its distance from the church, the deceased of latter days have been consigned to mother earth in the general cemetery of Oak Ridge.
The church of St. Vincent de Paul, at Elkhart, was built during the pastorate of the Rev. A. B. Oechtering, who organized that congregation in 1867, it having been hitherto attended by the mis- sionary priests. On Oct. 25, 1868, it was consecrated and religious
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
services performed within its unfinished walls, nor was the church dedicated until Oct. 25, 1870, when the bishop of Fort Wayne assisted by Reverends Duchmig and Oechtering officiated. In November, 1869, Rev. John Oechtering received charge of the con- gregation, and on his being transferred to La Porte one year later, his reverend namesake was appointed pastor, who was in turn suc- ceeded by Rev. J. H. Quinlan in 1871. Since that period the Rev. M. F. Noll and Father Krocger have administered the mission with remarkable ability, as is evidenced by the prosperons condition of church finances and the large average attendance.
Among the church builders of more recent times are found the names of Vincent Voisnett, Denis Brophy, J. Ludwig, John Singer, August Ludwig, etc. The number of members belonging to this mission is set down in the aggregate at several hundreds.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The Lutherans organized in October, 1861, at Goshen, with a membership of 10, comprising Messrs. P. M. Henkel, Adam Yeakel, Shoup, Emerick, Kemph, Pronnett Hope, Grosspitch, Ob- linga, and M. Bartholomew. The congregation, though limited, then met with some additions, and in a short time raised a Church. The Rev. M. M. Bartholomew was made its first pastor, and con- tinned his services for a period of six years, when he was succeeded by the Rev. John Weber, who held the pastorate for five and one- half years, until the advent of the Rev. Geo. Schmogrow. Since his time the English Lutheran Church, with the Rev. L. M. C. Weick- sell as pastor, and the Trinity Lutheran with Rev. Geo. Harter in pastoral charge, has continued the good work inaugurated here in 1861.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The first congregation was organized at Elkhart in April, 1869, with Rev. L. R. Royce as pastor and 10 members, viz .: Jarvis Clark, John Ellis, Alpheus Bngbee, Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. John Ellis, Mrs. Anne Bonnell and Mrs. E. Ellis. Three years after this organization they succeeded in raising sufficient funds to erect a new church, and in the latter part of 1872 it was opened for the uses of worship. Since that period it has kept pace with the prog- ress of other religious denominations.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
NEFF'S CHURCH.
In 1860 the German Baptists erected their first church, seven miles southwest of Goshen. For a period of thirty years they wor- shiped in their dwellings, in accordance with the custom of Daniel Cripe, their first pastor. Elder Cripe appointed preachers for the Sabbath days, who would, each in his turn, discourse to the people at the house of one of the old settlers; but in 1832 Jacob Stude- baker and Martin Weybright were ordained ministers, and relieved the ancient elder of much of the work which formerly devolved on him; however the old man would occasionally preach until, after an existence of 87 years and six months, he passed to the grave, and a year later his brethren erected the first German Bap- tist church within Elkhart county. This denomination possesses a large membership and 10 places of worship here.
THE GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH.
The German Methodists have made a most remarkable progress. A few years only have elapsed since they worshiped in the most primitive churches; but now they have erected sacred edifices throughout the county singularly chaste in design and costly in construction. Their members and influence are acknowledged; but yet it is strange that the records of their organization are so scant as scarcely to leave a date on which to base their history in this county. One fact, however, is established, which is that their Church at Goshen is said to be prospering under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Schneider.
THE MENNONITES.
These Mennonites are peculiarly interesting, since they take very little interest in the military or political world, merely contenting themselves with whatever the earth offers, and serving a God quietly and perhaps unobtrusively. They derive their faith from Menno Simon, a clever and ambitions man, who aimed at a study of Christianity, and molded his belief almost in accord with the theoretical Waldensians. The advent of these people to Elkhart may be set down as the year 1843, when John Smith arrived. Hoover, Henning, Strohm, C. and J. Christophel, Jacob Wesler, Hartman, Holdeman. Moyer. Smeltzer, Shaum, Blesser and Hershey subsequently came and settled in the county previous to 1850. Rev. D. Brenneman and others followed. The early meet-
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