USA > Indiana > Our church, a history of the synod of Northern Indiana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church > Part 10
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.. F. BRECKENRIDGE. P. I ...
1 .. 1. GOTWALD, D. D ..
PROFESSOR OF EXEGETICAL THEOLORS
PROFESSOR OF PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
WITTENBERG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
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EBERHARD PASTORATE.
earnest character as to cause renewed interest in the work. Some months later the church building was completed and solemnly consecrated to the service of Almighty God by the same ministers who ladid the corner-stone stone. The advance- ment of the material interest of the congregation gave a quick- ening impulse to every department of its work. There was no immediate enlargement, but a steady constant growth that ensured a healthy and reliable condition. For fourteen years Rev. Baker continued his labor as pastor, at the close of which period he resigned and Rey. John Kissel was elected as his successor. The children of these families were being educated in English and the congregation showed its wisdom and loyalty to the Lutheran church by meeting these new conditions and having the services conducted henceforth in both the German and English languages. An example that many of our Ger- man congregations would profit largely by if they should imitate it. Rev. Kissel continued to labor successfully in this field until the death angel came and called him to his reward on high. In the beautiful cemetery, that lies adjacent to the church, sleeps the mortal remains of both these beloved pastors, and to their graves the surviving parishioners often turn to find their hearts swelling with gratitude at the remembrance of their services for the congregation. Side by side they will rest from their labors until that glad morn when the trumpet shall sound and the sepulchre's seal shall be broken and they shall come forth to enter into the full and perfect joys of the church above. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
After the death of Rev. Kissel the church was served and supplied with preaching by a number of different pastors, but each only for a brief period. In the latter part of the 1878
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the church became vacant and continued without any regular service until October 1, 1880, when Rev. A. Leathers became pastor. With the exception of a period of two and one-half years he has preached for this church ever since. At the close of a very successful revival of religion in the latter part of January, 1892, a meeting of the congregation was called to consider the question of repairing the oldl church or building a new one. The members were unanimous in favor of building a new edifice. Proper notice was then given and at a subse- quent meeting John Eberhard, Joseph Mullenddon and John Cap were chosen as a building committee. Subscriptions were taken and during the summer and the following winter the material for building was secured, The work of building did not begin until the spring of 1893. The corner-stone was laid on the 20th day of June in the same year, Rev. O. W. Bowen preaching the sermon and assisting the pastor in the services. Slowly the work continued and on the 10th of June, 1894, the church was set apart for the worship of the Triune God. Rev. D. A. Kuhn assisted the pastor. Rev. II. Wells, who laid the corner-stone and dedicated the former church, was also present and took part in the services. The church building is a beau- tiful brick structure and reflects great credit upon the pastor and his devoted people. It will stand as a monument of their united energy and faith and will point future generations to the Savior whom they love and serve. It is said to be the best country church edifice in Whitley County and is among the best on the territory of this synod. Larger things may also be expected as a result of the consecration of this house " builded for the Lord."
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ELKHART PASTORATE.
ELKHART PASTORATE.
Almost at the beginning of the work of this Synod, Elkhart was thought of and spoken about as a point of special interest to our church; but it was not until the year 1865 that the Rev. R. F. Delo located there to gather the scattered children of the Church of the Reformation and minister to them in spiritual things. He organized with a charter mem- bership of about twenty, and worshipped for several months in the Baptist Church. Then a hall was secured and for nearly two years the services were held there. During this time the membership was more than doubled, and the Sunday school grew quite rapidly, having an attendance almost equal to that of any school in the city. But there came a cry from the south concerning cheap land in that country, which caused great excitement all through this city and county and a great many people were attracted hither. Among them was a large part of the members of the newly organized congregation. Other causes also contributed to their loss and the remnant, not being able to meet the current expenses, was forced to dis- band.
In the spring of 1873, Rev. John G. Biddle located here to begin the work anew. Services were held in a small, frame building on South Main street, also, at this time, occupied by the German Lutheran congregation. He organized with a charter membership of 23. Henry J. Delo and William Kreichbaum being elected elders, and David Coleman and Isaac Frain, deacons. During the year their labors were greatly blessed and many souls were added. In the spring of
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1874 a lot was purchased, on the corner of Marion and ninth street, for the sum of four hundred dollars, payment to be made after the church was built and paid for. H. J. Delo, David Coleman and William Kriechbaum were appointed a building committee. A fair subscription having been raised, the work was commenced, the pastor and members laboring together with their own hands so as to lesson expenses. June 10, the corner stone was laid with appropriate services. The frame for the structure was raised the next day and the work pushed vigorously forward. When the outside work was almost finished, a storm swept over the city and the new church building was completely destroyed. Pastor and people were disheartened and talked of disbanding. Others said " No, we must double our subscriptions and press for- ward." They did. The city was recanvassed with good results. The facts wore stated in the church papers and an appeal made for assistance. A number of churches responded. A new and better spirit prevailed. God made the disaster a means of furthering his work. The church was rebuilt and was dedicated the first Sunday in December, 1874. The sermon was preached by Rev. S. P. Snyder, and the pastor was also assisted by Rev. J. N. Barnett, all indebtedness being provided for on that day. Under Rev. Biddle's ministry the church grew rapidly, large accessions having been made dur- ing the years '74 and '75, through his revival efforts. His labors continued until the latter part of the year, 1878, when he became seriously ill, and in spite of all medical assistance, continued to grow worse until the 10th day of January, 1879, when God called him to the church triumphant. During the latter part of his ministry, having a pastorate of five churches,
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ELKHART PASTORATE.
he was assisted in his work by his nephew, L. S. Keyser, who was converted through his instrumentality. After his death, his brother, Rev. Frederick Biddle, was called as his succes- sor, Mr. Keyser continuing as a helper. He continued as pastor of the entire charge for a period of about two years when the congregation petitioned Synod to be separated from the remaining churches that they might form an independent pastorate. This was granted. Rev. Biddle continuing to preach for the country churches and the Elkhart congrega- tion calling June 1st, 1880, Rev. T. A. Himes, who had just graduated from the Theological Seminary at Springfield, Ohio. During his brief ministry the church building was some- what repaired and the work generally was systematized and advanced. Ile resigned August 1, 1881, and on the first of September following, Rev. I. C. Grossman became bis suc- cessor. His labors continned until May 1, 1883, when the church was again left without a pastor, and Rev. L. S. Key- ser was called June 3, 1SS3, and labored for a period of five years with marked success. Many were added to the church and the membership perhaps exceeded that of any other con- gregation in the Synod. The Sunday school grew rapidly until it filled audience room and gallery. The material and benevolent work also kept pace with the numerical increase. The parsonage was built during his ministry; and the church enjoyed a high degree of prosperity. He was succeded by Rev. N. J. Meyers, who assumed charge December 1, 1889, and he was followed by Rev. W. J. Funkey, who entered upon his work July 1, 1891. During his pastorate the church was remodeled at a cost of $1,500 and the work intensified in all benevolent operations. A number professed conversion dur.
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ing his special services, and were received into the church. Hle resigned in the summer of '93 and was succeeded by the pres- ent pastor, Rev. D. U. Bair, on the 15th of September follow- ing. He has been kindly received by the people, and has already infused new life into all departments of church work. Several scores have been added to the membership, the Sunday school has grown in interest and numbers, the endeavor soci- ety has become more active, while the ladies' aid and mis- sionary societies are laboring with new zeal. An energetic pastor, a devoted people and a willing fiod are mited in the work of this congregation. There is a strong probability that a location will soon be secured in a more central portion of the city which will greatly enhance the usefulness and influence of the congregation. Such a movement will make the Luth- eran church a power that will be second to none in the city.
Lion's Congregation is situated in the beautiful section of country, lying between Elkhart and Bristol, Indiana. It is a community in which the Reforms and the Lutherans have lived and worshiped together from their earliest history. Originally, the organization was of the Reformed persuasion. It was effected in the month of May, 1857, by the Rev. W. B. Sauder. Their meetings were then held in a school house, and there continued until it would no longer accommodate the growing congregation. February 2, 1858, a meeting was called to consider the question of building a house of worship. The decision was favorable and Daniel Aurand, J. A. Swine- hart, Geo. Gemberlin and Peter Hilbish were appointed a building committee. At the same time Philip P. Raush, Dan- iel Pontius and Samnel Holtz were elected trustees. On the
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29th of August, 1858, a constitution was framed in which both the Reforms and Entheraus were recognized, although no Lutheran organization then existed. The corner stone for the new building was laid August 29 of the same year by the pastor, W. B. Sander and Rev. W. M. Reed, of Pulaski, Ohio. The building was completed in due time and properly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God. The records do not show that the Reformed people ever elected a successor to Rev. Sauder, but for some years Rev. Daniel Lantz, of Con- stantine, Michigan, preached for the congregation every two weeks.
In the year 1867 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran church was organized by Rev. R. F. Delo, of Elkhart, with the fol- lowing charter members: Jacob Dumbaugh, Adam Pontius, Philip P. Raush, Samuel Swinehart, William Swinchart, Samuel Holtz, Peter Bertch, Geo. Herppert, M. Dumbaugh, (. Rockstrant, Sarah Holtz, Catharine Swinchart, Leah Harman, Caroline Rauch. Susannah Dumbaugh, Elizabeth Dumbaugh, Hannah Berteh, Anna, Charles and Caroline Ruckstraw. It continued under the pastoral care of Rev. Delo for several years. He was succeeded in 1869 by Rey. John G. Biddle, who continued as pastor until his death in 1879. He was greatly beloved by the people, and during his ministry the congregation grew quite rapidly, His brother, Rev. F. Biddle, became his successor and labored for the congregation with profit in connection with the Elkhart and Cleveland churches for one and one-half years, when the pastorate was divided. Rev. Biddle continued as pastor of the two country churches after the division for a period of seven years. He was followed by Rev. L. S. Keyser, whose work was abundantly
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blessed of God, and who was in great favor with the entire congregation. It has since his resignation been served in turn by the pastors of the Elkhart church, although it does not belong to that pastorate. The congregation is composed of an intelligent and devoted people. The two denominations have always worshiped together in harmony and peace. The Reforms have not bad a pastor of their own for years, and most of them have become identified with the Imtheran church. All are one in spirit and are striving to bring forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness. They are reported as having one of the finest rural Sunday schools in the county. Fathers and mothers take an active part in it, and the young men and women do not graduate from it. The children enjoy the presence and have the benefit of the members of the church in their midst. It is as every Sunday school should be simply the teaching department of the church. Under the pastoral care of Rev. D. U. Bair every department of church work is prospering, and they are unitedly rendering acceptable service to their Lord.
The Cleveland Township Lutheran Church situated in Elkhart county, Indiana, a few miles north of the city of Elkhart, was organized August 26, 1878, with twenty-five charter members by the Rev. John G. Biddle. He served the new organization in connection with the work in the city, until death ended his earthly career. His labors here, as elsewhere, were abundantly blessed of God, and there were added to the church continually such as should be saved. By the decease of their beloved pastor, January 10, 1879, the church was left shepherdless, and sometime during the same year his brother, Rev. Frederick Biddle was called as his successor.
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FAIRFIELD PASTORATE.
He continued to serve this congregation in connection with the other churches of the pastorate for a period of about eigh- teen months, when the pastorate was divided and Rev. Biddle continued his labors with the country churches, known as the Zion pastorate for seven years. After his resignation diffi- eulty was experienced in securing a pastor, and Rev. L. S. Keyser ministered to them as a supply for some time. Then Rev. B. F. Stultz preached occasionally for them, and they were regularly served by Revs. N. JJ. Meyers and W. J. Fun- key, as pastors of the church in Elkhart. Great good was done by both these brethren, but under the ministration of the latter, they enjoyed a special outpouring of grace and the work was greatly revived. Rev. Meyers, subsequently, in the sum- mer of 1894, supplied the church for a few months, but it is now vacant. The congregations have increased in the last few years and are composed of an appreciative people. They have a good Sunday school and a vigorous society of Chris- tian Endeavor. The congregation own a very neat church house and they possess all the material things useful for a strong and an active congregation. Their one need is a more settled ministry and it is hoped that such arrangements can soon be effected.
FAIRFIELD PASTORATE.
This charge now consists of three congregations with a membership aggregating about one hundred and seventy-five. The membership is scattered over a large territory but the churches are so situated that it does not require an excessive amount of travel in order to reach the Sunday appointments.
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The pastoral work is more difficult, but the people are intel- ligent and devoted and are not wuusually exacting in this particular. Each congregation has its own house of worship but the records do not show when or by whom they were built. The Richland Center church was organized by Rev. W. Walt- man with twenty-five charter members in the year 1855. The Fairfield Center church was organized by Rev. J. Cather in 1856 with fourteen charter members. The Sedan congregation was organized in 1860 by Rev. W. Waltman with twenty-eight members. Originally these congregations were not united in the same charge and their history belongs to different pastor- ates. During the period of great missionary activity the records of the congregations were not very fully nor accurately kept-but the pastorate as such, appears on the first records of the synod. Rev. W. Waltman served it in connection with a number of other churches for about one year when he infhi- enred Rev. J. Cather to take this part of the work. Ile continued to serve it for about three years. There is a period of about two years in which the churches seem to have been supplied by neighboring pastors when Rev. W. Waltman was elected and served for eight years. Rev. A. Leathers became pastor near the close of the year 1868, and continued for two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Hills who remained only one year. Rev. L. Rice was elected in 1872, and for nine years the work was successfully carried forward under his direction. He was followed by Key. S. Kelso December 1, 1881, who served the pastorate for one year, after which Rev. Waltman supplied the people with the Bread of Life for a short time. In October, 1883, Rev. W. D. Trover was elected and for four years continued to strengthen
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and up-build the churches. Rev. E. C. Jessup accepted a call October 23, 1887, and preached for three months. Ile was succeeded in March, 1888, by Rev. N. J. Meyers who was instrumental in building a new church in Auburn. The synod convened in this new building in the fall of this year, when the church was dedicated and by its action the Fairfield pastorate was divided and the Anburn congregation became independent. Rev. Meyers remained with the new pastorate and on September 10, 1889, Rev. T. A. Pattee received and accepted a call to this charge. Ilis ministry continued to July 1, 1891, and on December Ist of the sune year Rev. G. V. Walker became pastor. His labors ended September 8, 1893, and was snecceded November 21st of the same year by the present pastor, Rev. J. A. Burkett. The many pastoral changes have been detrimental to the best interests of these churches and on account of frequent vacancies have caused them to retrograde when they might have advanced. The pastorate is, however, at present in a good condition, and promises larger things in the future. The people were not always the cause of the short pastorate and are not in sympathy with it. They are devoted to their church and are willing to sacrifice for her peace and prosperity. Each congregation maintains a good Sunday School, a Woman's Missionary Society and a vigorous Y, P. S. C. E.
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
FT. WAYNE PASTORATE.
On Tuesday, July 19, 1892, Rev. J. S. Nelson visited Ft. Wayne with the view of establishing a General Synod Luth- eran Church there. Several persons were seen who expressed their willingness to help in the organization. The first services were held in the Y. M. C. A. Hall two weeks later, about twenty-five persons being present. Arrangements for the room with use of piano and books, etc., were then made with a view of doing some work preparatory to organizing. Each service was more promising and there were clear ovi- donees that a splendid opportunity was at hand for the General Synod to occupy this historic Lutheran city. In October fol- lowing, the work was presented to the Synod of Northern Indiana and received a hearty indorsement. Hitherto the efforts were such as Rev. Nelson could give in connection with the labors of his own pastorate at Spencerville. The actual work of the mission did not begin until October 15, 1892, when he removed his family to Ft. Wayne and established Sunday School and prayer meeting services in connection with the regular Sunday morning and evening appointments. The organization of the church was completed November 13, 1892, with fifty charter members, Prof. L. A. Gotwald, D. D., being present and assisting in the services. In January, 1893, a lot was purchased in the very heart of the city for $5,500.00, of which the Board of Church extension furnished $2,500.00. Upon the rear of this lot a church building has been com- meneed and is in process of erection. The foundation walls are already built and it is hoped that the structure may soon
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be completed. The regular services are yet held in the rooms of the Y. M. C. A. building. Since the work began 124 per- sons have become identified with it as regular communicant members. The loss by death and removal has been 20, leav- ing the present membership 104. There are 44 male and 60 female members. A live and vigorous Y. P. S. C. E. has been maintained from the very beginning and has aided mater- ially in every line of church work. W. Il. Myers and Elgie M. Keyser have been the efficient presidents of the society. The Sabbath School has an enrollment of 75. The officers are J. H. Keil and 3. P. Merillat, elders and Chas. A. Singrey and John L. Horn, deacons. The Board of Home Missions has been aiding in the support of the pastor to the extent of $300.00 per annum, and small amounts have been voluntarily contributed by congregations and societies of the Synod of Northern Indiana, but the support has not been what it should be in a city where all living expenses are very high. The field is an important one for many reasons which must appear to all but especially so from the fact that the city is surrounded by General Synod Lutheran churches, and their membership is being constantly drawn to this center of population and com- merce. The outlook for the mission is promising and it should have the hearty support of the church at large until it is estah- lished upon a firm and self-supporting basis.
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
GOSHEN PASTORATE.
For some years Rev. B. F. Stultz preached in different pastorates in the vicinity of Goshen, Indiana. He saw that many of our Lutheran people were moving into this beautiful and thriving city and became very much interested in the establishment of a General Synod Lutheran church. He laid the matter before his own Synod and also presented it to the Home Mission Board, but no one recognized the necessity of immediate action so well as he, and the work was delayed. Deeply impressed with the importance of the work, with a strong faith in God, he secured a small hall and on January 22, 1892, began a series of evening meetings, and a canvass of the city, with the purpose of organizing a church. On the 26th of the same month the organization was effected with thirty-six charter members. Being pastor of the Silver Lake charge, situated in Kosciusko County, nearly forty miles dis- taut, he could do nothing more for the newly organized congre- gation than to give them an occasional Sunday or mid-week service. This he did until October of the same year when his Synod urged him to give his entire time to this work, pledging him its sympathy and support. On November 15, 1892, he removed his family to the city and with his own hands fitted up an unoccupied store room as a place for church services. He devoted himself assiduously to the work and in January, 1893, the organization was strengthened by the addi- tion of twenty-seven new members. On February 12 a Suu- day School was organized with fifty members. The school was more than self-supporting from the beginning and has rapidly
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grown in strength and numbers, having a present membership of 160 and an average attendance of 120. A Christian Endeavor Society was organized in connection with the church in January, 1894, and under the efficient leadership of P. (. Kantz is doing excellent service. The congregation has its mid-week prayer meeting, that has an unusually large attend- ance and which has proven a great blessing to the church. It is a prayer meeting in the most literal sense and there is no necessity of "taking up the time" with a lengthy lecture. In February, 1894, a special series of meetings was held which resulted in the addition of thirty-four to the membership of " such as should be saved." Had there been no losses there would now be the names of 105 active members on the roll of this church. But time has made its inroads and leaves a mem- bership of 75. In October, 1892, this earnest, self-sacrificing congregation began the erection of a house of worship on a lot purchased by them on the corner of North Third Street and Oak Ridge Avenue. The church is a frame building, 32 x 50 feet with a lecture room separated from the auditorium by folding partitions and, being completely furnished, it gives the congregation a very neat and desivable church home. The building was completed and dedicated July 16, 1893. Prof. L. A. Gotwald and Rev. S. B. Barnitz assisted in the services. It was christened " The Wells Memorial Lutheran Church " in in honor of Rey. Hugh Wells, the " father" of the Synod of Northern Indiana, and who was the pastor of Rev. Stultz in his early life.
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