USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 39
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Sacred Heart Parish .- The Sacred Heart Parish is the fifth organized in Evans- ville. Within its present limits there were found fifty families in 1885, for whom it was a great hardship to attend the Assumption church, more than a mile distant. On learn- ing the facts the right reverend bishop con- sented to the building of a church for these people, which would be, for a time, a sort of chapel of ease to Assumption church. Very Rev. E. F. McBarron and Rev. P. H. Rowan, pastors of Assumption parish, began the good work in June, 1885. During their tour collecting funds for the new church they were cordially received by all the peo- ple, who manifested a very generous spirit. Mr. John A. Reitz, a prominent, wealthy citizen of another parish, donated not only the ground, 75x150 feet, but also the church building, 32x85 feet, the construction of which he personally superintended. He has recently made another donation of ground for the proposed Sacred Heart school, in- structing the pastor, Rev. P. R. Fitzpatrick, to go on with the work and call upon him for the money.
Rev. P. R. Fitzpatrick took charge of the Sacred Heart parish December 4, 1887,
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and its independence dates from that time. The church was dedicated November 15, 1885. There are now over sixty families in the parish and about forty school children. There is not a cent of debt, and the busi- ness of the congregation goes on very smoothly.
Rev. P. R. Fitzpatrick was born in the County Carlow, Ireland, in 1843. He be- gan his studies for the priesthood in his native country, emigrated to the United States when quite a youth, and was ordained priest at Vincennes, December 21, 1864, by Rt. Rev. Maurice de St. Palais. He has rendered effective service in the priesthood at Madison, Vevay, and Indianapolis. He has a warm nature, a generous heart and a bright, well-stored mind. Because of his honesty of purpose and outspokenness he is admired and much beloved by the thousands who know him.
St. Anthony's Parish has been recently created. Its first pastor, Rev. Joseph Schuck, was appointed March 10, 1888. It is in- tended to erect a school building, which, for the present, is to answer the purpose of a church also. It is to cost $10,000, and will be 44x100 feet, forty feet high. The site of St. Anthony's church is at the corner of First and Second avenues and Columbia street. It is 150x250 feet, and is the gift of Mrs. Magdalene Reis, a wealthy and charitable lady. The parish has upward of 200 families.
Rev. Joseph Schuck, a native of Ger- l'of this society in 1854, in which year a many, born July 27, 1850, emigrated to the United States in 1869, and after studying for this diocese was ordained priest at Vin- cennes by Bishop de St. Palais, November 2, 1873. He has had charge of St. Joseph's church, Vanderburgh county, and during the past two years has been at Millhousen. His appointment to his new charge is an earnest of its success, as he is not only practical in
business affairs, but is a worker and a man of zeal.
German Lutheran Trinity Church .- Among the Germans who came to this city on the tide of immigration that poured in about 1845, there were many who had been taught to worship God in accordance with the teachings of Martin Luther. A leader of these Christians was Rev. Andrew Sau- pert, who enjoys the proud distinction of being the oldest Christian minister in contin- uous service in Evansville. He has served his congregation with great zeal and devo- tion for more than forty years. The church in his charge was organized in 1847, since which time it has been blessed and pros- pered to such an extent that its membership now numbers about 1,000, including the children, comprising many of the leading citizens of the city. In 1871 the congrega- tion erected the handsome church edifice now in use and standing on Illinois street, between Third and Fourth avenues, at a cost of $25,000. It is 90x45 feet in size, built in Gothic style, seats 700 persons, has a steeple 145 feet high, the brick tower ris- ing 82 feet heavenward.
German Lutheran St. Emanuel's Church. - The congregation which established the church of this name was a part of that brought together by Rev. Andrew Saupert. Because of differences of doctrinal belief among the members a schism was created in the church, which led to the foundation commodious brick church was built on the corner of First avenue and Franklin street, which is continued in use. At first the church was connected with the Evangelical Synod of North America, but is at this time connected with the Missouri Synod. The pastors who have served this church suc- cessively, have been Rev. Risch, J. Dirk- sen, who died while in charge of the church;
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Chr. Young, J. A. Reidenbach, J. Bank, Henry Koenig, who served about twelve years, and George Bachmann, the present efficient and beloved pastor. Rev. Bach- mann came to this field of labor November 24, 1876, from Cincinnati and Reading, Ohio, and under his zealons work there has been a steady growth until now the mem- bership numbers 600. A successful day school is maintained by the church, where about seventy-five children receive instruc- tion. The list of members comprises many prominent families, and the trustees are R. Muenstermann, Henry Koerber and Will- iam Bussy. In Perry township there is a filial of this church, which is in charge of Rev. Bachmann. On Virginia street, be- tween Heidelbach and Elsas avenues, a neat brick church or school building was erected in 1887 by St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church. This church was organ- ized August 19, 1887, and has been minis- tered to by Rev. Bachmann. The present building is designed to be used as a school, and the present purpose is to erect a church edifice on the corner of Elsas avenue and Virginia street. It is agreeable to note that between Trinity and St. Emanuel's church there is now great unity, and the two con- gregations, with their pastors, work harmo- niously in building up their Master's kingdom.
German Evangelical Association (Salem). -In 1844, Mr. Butz, a Pennsylvanian by birth, who had been a member of the Evan- gelical Association in his native state, came to Evansville and began to labor for the church of his choice, his efforts being blessed with signal success. But owing to some difficulties the work was abandoned until a few years later, when an old church pioneer by the name of Rev. Jacob Trome- ter, took up the work again by preaching in the house of Mr. Butz. Rev. Trometer's
successor was Rev. Philip Bretsch, who at the close of his pastorate reported six fami- lies as members. Because of discourage- ment the work was again entirely abandoned, until 1852, when a new class was organized through the labors of Revs. Wiethaup and Schermaier, who traveled in the counties adjoining Evansville, doing missionary work. At the annual conference in 1853, a mission was established at Evans- ville, and Rev. George Messner was ap- pointed as first missionary. He refused to accept the appointment and the mission was served during the year by ministers travel- ing in Gibson and Warrick counties. During this year initiatory steps were taken toward the erection of a church, for which purpose a lot was bought on the corner of Division and Eighth streets, for $360.
In 1854 Rev. Frederick Wiethaup was stationed here. During this year the church was built, and dedicated on the 2nd day of April, Rev. Christ Glaus presiding elder, officiating. In 1855 Rev. Joseph Fischer was pastor; under his administration a parsonage was built. Subsequent pastors have been: Revs. M. Hoehn, 1856-57; Jacob Drometer, 1858; Henry Kramer, 1859; A. B. Schafer, 1860-61 ; John Fuchs, 1862-63; M. Mayer, 1864-65; H. L. Fischer, I866-67; C. F. Mathies, 1868; Frederick Wiethaup and J. A. Maier.
In 1872 Rev. H. L. Fischer assumed the charge; during his administration the church was rebuilt to the present size. Later pas- tors have been: Revs. M. Hoehn, M. Mayer, H. Haas, Jacob Mode, William G. Braechly, C. Stier, E. Bohlander, and N. J. Platz, the present pastor.
At its organization the members of the church were Jacob Blauth and wife, Bar- bara Blauth, Henry Kraft and Catherine Kraft; in 1857 there were 33 members; by 1863 the number had grown to 70; and at
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present there are 105 in full connection. The Sunday-school has ninety-five scholars and officers. The value of church property is $5,000.
$5,000.00. The Sabbath school numbers 200. The following named gentlemen are the present trustees of the church: J. H. Roelker, William Rahm, sr., William Suhr- heinrich, John Greiss, and Adolph Goeke.
Zion's German Evangelical Church .- On New Year's day, 1849, with thirty-five St. John's German Evangelical Church .- In 1850 eighty-nine families congregated themselves together, and organized a church under the name of the German United Evangelical St. John's church. This organ- ization adopted a liberal faith and the con- stitution was made to recognize two classes of members, actual and nominal, the former including those who rendered assistance at the founding or building of the church, or paid the sum of $25.00 after its establish- ment, and the latter, those who pay a yearly sum for current expenses. The first services of worship were held in the old court-house, under the direction of Rev. H. C. Straeter. Preparations for the building of a church edifice were at once commenced and on the Ist day of June, 1851, the corner stone of the handsome and commodious structure, at the corner of Third and Ingle streets, now in use, was laid. The church was completed in the following year, and with appropriate ceremonies was dedicated on the 28th day of November, 1852. At that time Rev. Theo- dore Kilingsohr was pastor. From Novem- ber, 1853, to June, 1854, Mr. Rudolph Kehr conducted services. His successor, in August, 1854, was Rev. William Schmitt, who retained the pastorate until the close of the year 1858. Out of the meagre records of that time, it is ascertained that the men- bership numbered 152 in 1857. From 1859, to May, 1864, Rev. Carl Kretzschmar was the pastor, and under his wise and zealous administration the membership grew to 340. members, this church organization began its life. Rev. Henry Toelke, a devout man, and ever faithful in the work of building up God's kingdom, was first called to the pas- torate, and continued to serve the congrega- tion in that capacity for four years, during which time he accomplished great good in laying strong foundations for a large con- gregation. The society is composed of citizens native to Germany or of German descent, and has been so prospered that its membership now numbers 250; or, counting all men, women and children who regularly worship at its altar, about 600 souls may be said to belong to it. In its faith and form of government it approaches those pertaining in the Presbyterian church. The regular pastors who followed Rev. Toelke were Rev. H. Jumpe, who served in that relation but one year, Rev. H. Mangert, who re- mained but six months, Rev. F. Linschaw, who remained four years, accomplishing much for the welfare of the church, and Rev. Christian Schrenck, a successful min- ister devoted to the cause of Christ and be- loved by all, who for twenty-six years expounded the word, reaping a rich harvest by his zealous and untiring effort, and bringing a large measure of prosperity to the church. The present pastor is Rev. John Frick, who has been in charge during the past six years. His ability as a scholar and his worth as a man have given him a strong hold upon the affections of the peo- ple. The present church building, attractive In May, 1864, the present pastor, Rev. C. L. Chr. Runck, assumed the charge, and at once new life and spirit were breathed in appearance and commodious in dimen- sions, on Fifth street, between Ingle and Bond, was erected in 1855 at a cost of into the church, a rapid improvement in its
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spiritual and temporal welfare resulting from his efficient labors. At that time the church was burdened with a debt of more than $4,000, the payment of which was soon provided for. In 1865, the lots forming the present site of the parsonage and school- house were purchased; in 1866, a beautiful parsonage was built, and two years later, a commodious school-house for the use of the church, was erected. In 1866, a new organ was placed in the church, and in 1872, a gal- lery, new altar and other appurtenances were added to the church interior. Up to this time the walls had been bare, but now they were frescoed and the entire interior generally adorned and beautified. Ten years later the church interior was again renovated and re- paired at a cost of $11,000, by which it was made one of the most beautiful churches in the state of Indiana. These improvements were made possible by the wise business management of the pastor, a constant growth in the membership and through the efforts of two church societies established in 1867, one composed of the young ladies and the other of the elderly ladies of the church. By his power of organization the present pastor has gathered about him a large flock, numbering 650 families, and probably not less than 3,000 souls, all respectable mem- bers of the community, of high standing The Sabbath-school has an average attend- ance of 350 children.
Pastor Runck is a man of large mental attainments and ranks among the best pulpit orators in southern Indiana. He is a pro- found thinker, a good reasoner, logical and eloquent in the presentation of his sermons. He goes to the pulpit without manuscript or notes, but his utterances show deep and thorough study. When setting out to ex- pound a doctrine he continues until the sub- ject has been exhaustively considered and so clearly elucidated that all may understand.
Frequent and apt quotations from works of science, art, poetry, and general literature as well as from the Bible adorn his sermons. The German Inaguage is used exclusively in his pulpit work. The largeness of his congregation is an eloquent testimonial of his power and popularity. For almost a quarter of a century he has occupied this field of labor and all who know him love him and delight to do him honor.
C. L. Chr. Runck, minister of the gos- pel and preacher at the German United Evangelical St. John's church in Evansville, Ind., is the son of a teacher and sur- veyor, born on the 22d of April, 1836, at Nuenschweiler, in the Bavarian Rheinpfalz. He had his preparatory education in the gymnasium (college) at Zweibruecken, Rheinpfalz, and made his academical studies at the University of Utrecht, Hol- land. Coming to this country in 1860, he made his pastoral debut at Black Creek, Welland county, Canada West; after two years he was called by a congregation of North Buffalo, the twelfth ward of Buffalo, N. Y., where he for two years did pastoral work to the same satisfaction of all as in his first place. In May, 18 64, he came to Evansville, Ind., where he has built up the St. John's congregation to the largest of the city. As a man and citizen he stands in high esteem, respected by all denominations for his religious tolerance, and loved by all his parishioners. According to his science and high scholarship, he is a very eloquent speaker and powerful orator, besides that his name is favorably known over the whole United States as the author of " Polyhymnia," a collection of church cho- ruses for mixed voices with text by him- self. He looks on a great success in the past, and it is to be hoped that he may do more blessed work in the future. He was married at Erie, Penn., September 9, 1861,
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to Miss Catharine Blass, who was born in preached ten months, services being held in Germany July 17, 1843. She is a woman of extended education; has written several Sunday-school books, among which is " Lost Princes," that has proved a great help in Sabbath school work. For many years she was president of the ladies' soci- ety of St. John's church, and her life has been devoted to Christianity.
German Reformed Church, located on the east side of Elsas avenue, between Indi- ana and Illinois streets, and organized in 1871, this church is a mission aided by the church organization. It has had many trials and losses chiefly through the removal of its members, and at one time came very near being abandoned, but at the present is gain- ing in membership, and the interest is grow- ing. The congregation owns a neat frame church building of ample size and a small parsonage. The church property is valued at $3,000. Rev. C. T. Martin dedicated the church in 1871, and remained its pastor until 1873. The subsequent pastors have been: Rev. N. Weirs, 1873-75; Rev. J. J. Janett, 1875-81; Rev. J. G. Schmid, Rev Landau, Rev. Sheller and Rev. J. Wernley, the present pastor, who came here from Chicago, and has had charge but a short time. There are about seventy-five mem- bers, and the Sunday-school numbers seventy-five, with Mr. F. A. Riehl as super- intendent. During Rev. J. J. Janett's min- istry the church was in especially good con- dition, he being a very earnest worker and poiverful man.
The Church of the Unity .- In 1851 or 1852 the first Unitarian service was held in Evansville. During 1857 and 1858 there was occasional preaching by Revs. J. H. Heywood, J. K. Hosmer, J. G. Forman, H. F. Bond, M. Staples and others. The first Liberal. Christian church was organized February 4, 1866. Rev. D. H. Clark
the court-house. The Church of the Unity was organized the first Sunday in Novem- ber, 1875, and services were held in a hall on Main street, corner of Fifth. Mrs. Ann Maidlow, a charitable lady, and a member of the society, gave enough to build a church, in consequence of which the edifice at the corner of Seventh and Walnut streets was erected. Its corner stone was laid Oc- tober 30, 1875, and it was completed April Ist, 1877. Rev. George Chainey was called to pastorate, and for a time built up the congregation, but because of his ex- tremely liberal teachings, dissensions arose, and the church organization was aban- doned.
Disciples of Christ, the followers of the celebrated Alexander Campbell, distinctively known as Christians, began to hold meet- ings in this city, in IS6S, and in Janu- ary of the following year, Rev. George Flower came to the city, preached and or- ganized a church. His success was great, and he was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Carter, and he by Rev. Alfred Flower, father of the former pastor. On account of deaths, removals from the neighborhood, and other causes, the society afterward be- came so reduced that the organization was practically abandoned. But on November 15, 1885, it was re-organized, chiefly through the instrumentality of Messrs. W. W. Ireland, Joseph Jutton, F. W. Gibbs, Louis Carter, J. R. Furguson, B. R. Beecher, J. L. Yockey, Albert Mace, Dr. Floyd Williams and others. The members in this city wor- shiped for many years at the corner of Second and Clark streets. The first minis- ter in charge after the re-organization was Rev. George Platt, who served the congre- gation until March, 1886, when he was suc- ceeded by Rev. Neil Macleod, the present pastor, The church has exhibited wonder-
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ful vitality from the first establishment and it shows a steady and substantial growth. In the past year the congregation purchased the Unitarian church, which was built by that congregation in 1876, at a cost of $6,000. The price paid was $4,000. It is a very neat structure, 36x60 feet, and capable of comfortably seating 300 people. The present membership of the Christian church is 125, which is being steadily aug- mented. The Sunday-school, of which J. R. Furguson is superintendent, numbers 100 scholars. The present trustees of the church are: Floyd Williams, Joseph L. Stubbs and W. W. Ireland.
Jewish Temples .- The congregation B'nai Israel was organized in 1857. Seven years later the society built the temple, corner Sixth and Division streets, at a cost of $45,000.00. The style of architecture is Moorish Saracenic, and the building is very handsome. The main auditorium is 45x70 and seats 600. The following pastors have served the congregation : William Wechsler, M. Delbanco, B. L. Fould, S. Hecht, Dr. E. B. M. Browne, Dr. Isaac Schwab, Dr. Falk Vidaver, Dr. Meyer Elkin, and Dr. J. H. M. Chumaceiro, the present incumbent, who has been in charge since February I, 1888. There are now about 100 families in the congregation, and the Sabbath-school very large and flourishing. The present officers are: Dr. J. H. M. Chumaceiro, rabbi; Abe Strouse, president; I. Heimann, vice-president; A. Loewenthal, sr., secretary ; S. I. Loewenstein, treasurer; Isaac Rieser, sexton; Prof. C. Mathias, organist ; N. Gross, A. Brentano, Louis Roser, Solomon Kahn, and A. Gugenheim, trustees. The society is wealthy and intelligent, and contains some of the best citizens in the community.
members. The first rabbi was Rev. Abr. Lane, who remained three years. His suc- cessor was Dr. Jacob Jacobsohn, who served four years. Those following were Rev. Leven, Rev. Wolpart, and Rev. H. Fein- schreiber, the present incumbent. The soci- ety now has twenty-five families in its mem- bership, and maintains a Hebrew day school with twenty pupils, taught by Rev. H. Fein- schreiber. In ISSo a church was built on Ingle street, between Sixth and Seventh, at a cost of about $2,500. It is a frame structure and seats about 200. The present officers are : Rev. H. Feinschreiber, rabbi, A. Morris, president; Robert Paul, vice-president ; Louis Newman, secretary; Isaac Ringolsky, treasurer; Samuel Newman, Israel Green- berg and M. Fischer, trustees.
Young Men's Christian Association. --- By this agency, organized April 15, 1867, much good has been accomplished through its efforts to lead to Christ the young men of the city. The association has met every obstacle that sin could throw in its way, but never yielding, has pushed forward, until the degree of prosperity attained is highly satis- factory. The good done in many hundred individual hearts can never be measured by statisticians, and God alone knows the great number of souls saved through seed scat- tered by its work. Regular meetings are held, and a free reading-room maintained, where all the leading newspapers and periodicals can be found. The present of- ficers are: L. M. Rice, president; Gen. J. M. Shackelford and A. W. Emery, vice- presidents; J. W. Gleichman, recording secretary; Ira D. McCoy, treasurer; J. F. Habbee, general secretary. The member- ship, averaging about 300, comprises many of the most intelligent and progressive young men in the city. Efficient assistants by this association are the members of the
The congregation B'nai Moshe, was or- ganized in 1870, but until about ten years ago in the prosecution of the work undertaken it was without a minister and had but few
CEMETERIES.
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Ladies' Auxiliary, the present officers of which are: Mrs. John Hubbard, president; Mrs. Samuel Bayard, vice-president; Mrs. C. L. Wedding, treasurer, and Mrs. J. E. Wheeler, secretary.
Cemeteries .- In early days little attention was paid to the adornment of places of sep- ulture. When Hugh McGary proposed to donate a portion of his lands to the then new county of Vanderburgh to secure the choice of his town as the permanent seat of justice, he was careful to reserve one acre of land the title to which he refused to di- vest himself of. This acre of land com- menced at the tombstone of Amanda F. McGary and ran an equal distance in each direction parallel with the streets of the town. It was selected by Col. McGary in the presence of the board of commissioners in February, 1821.The tombstone of Aman- da McGary stood near the center of the space now covered by the German Metho- dist church at the corner of Fourth and Vine streets. That locality was used as a public burying ground even before the original town was laid out, and for several years thereafter. It was in the woods and suf- ficiently remote from the village on the river bank. Indians and white settlers are supposed to have shared together this final resting place. Its limits were not at first contracted or defined with certainty, inter- ments being made in all parts of the woods near there. It was a neglected spot, for even as late as 1836, says an old settler : " It was no light task to cut the way into it, such a thicket of brushwood and briers covered the ground." Many are yet living who remember the broken tombstones and neglected graves of this early "burying ground. "
As the town grew in size what is now called the "old graveyard " on Mulberry street became the " silent city of the dead." The
period of its degeneration and neglect com- menced with the establishment of the now beautiful Oak Hill. At present, within con- venient reach of the city there are several cemeteries, the natural beauties of each adorned by the artistic hand of man, and constituting with the solemnity of silence and the impressiveness of solitude appro- priate homes for the cherished dead, where
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