USA > Indiana > Our church, a history of the synod of Northern Indiana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church > Part 11
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This congregation, although one of the latest organized in this Synod, is already rising rapidly toward the front ranks and is full of promise for the future. It is thoroughly organized
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for all practical work and has an earnest devoted membership to execute its plans. It will eudure as a living witness of the faith and self-sacrificing spirit of Rev. and Mrs. Stultz and will be a means of lifting men and women to a higher life long after they have exchanged the church militant for the church triumphant.
HOREB PASTORATE.
Five congregations compose this charge. The combined membership is about three hundred. Rev. II. Wells, the travelling missionary of Synod, began a series of meetings in the Haffich school house, June 9, 1859, and on the following Sunday fourteen persons gave their names and requested to be organized into a Lutheran church. On the 23d of July a meeting was held in Jacob Haffich's barn and the organization of the Horeb church was effected with five additional members - 19 in all. In connection with this meeting the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered. Rev. Wells served this congregation until the fall of 1864, when he resigned. About six months later a call was extended to Rev. A. J. Cromer, three other congregations uniting in the call and forming the Horeb pastorate. St. Paul's congregation was organized by Rev. H. Wells, July 30, 1859, with eleven charter members. They worshipped in an old brick church until the year 1880, when it was torn down and a new and larger one erected in its stead, the Lutherans and the Reforms uniting in the work. It' is a convenient building and serves both denominations admir- ably. St. John's was organized in the year 1855 in the home of Joseph Seaman. The preaching was then in the German
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language by a pastor of the Missouri Synod. For a while the services were held at private residences, but some time after- ward a lot was deeded to the trustees and a small log church erected upon it. The " Missouri " pastor continued his labors until the year 1860. On Good Friday of this year a meeting was held, the constitution changed, the English language adopted, and the congregation decided to unite with the Synod of Northern Indiana. Three of the charter members yet sur- vive and one, Father Seaman, has been the president of the joint council ever since its organization, with the exception of two years. In 1861 a new frame church was erected on the site of the old log church which was now too small. The building was repaired in 1889 and again in 1893, and is now in good condition. Mt. Zion congregation was organized March 4, 1864, by Rev. 11. Wells, with eleven charter mem- bers. The first communion service was held on Sunday after- noon in the log church belonging to the United Brethren, The church building which is situated in Pleasant Township, Allen County, was dedicated by Rev. Wilson, May 15, 1870. St. Mark's-On Feb. 11, 1883, Rev. J. C. Jacoby began preaching in Sugar Grove school house. There was a desire to have a church building in that community. Before an organization was effected subscriptions were taken and the contract for the work made. The church was organized June 18, with 23 charter members. The building was completed and dedicated October 7, 1883, by the pastor, assisted by Rev. J. L. Ganrd. The congregation has grown rapidly and is to- day one of the strongest in the pastorate. This charge has been served by Revs. II. Wells, A. J. Cromer, F. Biddle, W. Waltman, S. T. Douglass, M. S. Morrison, J. C. Jacoby, T.
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
A. Pattee, A. J. Douglas, and is at present under the pastoral care of Rev. J. H. Hoffman. It is composed of an intelli- gent and enterprising class of people who are faithfully de- voted to the service of the Master. They are interested in all the work of the church. An honest pride is taken in their own church affairs and exhibited in their comfortable houses of worship; but they look beyond and willingly aid in the advancement of the general interests of the church of their choice. They have had their day of sacrifice and trial, but look forward and behold the heights tinged with the golden light of prosperity.
LA GRANGE PASTORATE.
Mt. Zion, St. John and Union congregations are united in this pastorate. They are so situated that the distance does not require excessive travel, and together form a very pleasant field of labor.
The Mt. Zion Congregation is located in La Grange, the beautiful county seat of La Grange County, Indiana. It was organized by Rev. George Walker, Oct. 12, 1854. The char. ter members were Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hoff, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Trexler, Mr. and Mrs. William Sigler and Benjamin F. Hills. The last mentioned entered the ministry soon after- ward and is now doing faithful service for the church in the state of Kansas. In 1861-62 a frame church was built in the southern part of the village where they worshipped until 1889 when they bought and remodeled the old Methodist church which was located in the central part of town. The entire
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cost was nearly $4,000. This congregation has a present mem- bership of 150 and is thoroughly organized for Christian work. It has an excellent Sunday School of 125 members, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society and in 1892 a Christian Endeavor Society was organized and now has a membership of nearly 50. These societies are all active in the work of the church and are proving splendid auxiliaries in its great work.
St. John's congregation is located cight miles southeast of La Grange and was organized in 1856 by Rev. J. G. Biddle with the following charter members: Michael Hoff and wife, from the Mt. Zion congregation, Elias Plank and wife, Tobias Aichele and wife, Philip Alspaugh and wife and Mrs. Maria Teeter, all of whom have exchanged the church militant for the church triumphant except Mrs. Plank and Mrs. (Teeter) Eiman. In 1858-59 the congregation enjoyed a memorable revival in which the membership was increased to nearly 50. In 1860 61 the present church was created and dedicated. It. is a convenient frame structure and is admirably adapted to the use of the congregation, situated in a community that has other churches its opportunities are somewhat limited. The present membership is 31.
The Union congregation was organized in 1857 by Rev. J. G. Biddle. It is located four miles southwest of La Grange. They worshipped in a school house until 1884, when they built a neat, octagon, brick church at a cost of nearly $2,000. Being so close to the village, some of its best members have gone to the Mt. Zion congregation and it leaves the member- ship about 30, with a Sunday School of about the same num- ber.
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Each congregation now has its own house of worship, and is equipped for good service. A parsonage was purchased in the year 1892 on the site of the old church in La Grange. The following are the names of the several pastors with the time each served since the organization of the pastorate. These dates include all vacancies incident to pastoral changes:
Rev. George Walker,
1854 to 1856.
. . J. G. Biddle,
1856 to 1865.
.. A. J. Cromer, 1865 to 1871.
.. William Waltman, 1871 to 1873.
.. Jabez Shafer, 1873 to 1876.
A. R. Smith, 1876 to 1878.
L. S. Keyser, ISTS to 1881.
Levi Rice, ISSI to 1SS6.
B. D. Herrold, 1886 to ISSS.
D. J. Mitterling, ISS8 to 1891.
M. L. Smith, 1891 to 189-1.
.. E. S. Rees, IS91 IO - -
The first Lutheran church in La Grange was built under the pastoral care of Rey. J. C. Biddle, also the one at &t. John. The Union church was built dining Rev. L. Rice's ministry. The congregation of La Grange moved from their old church home at the outskirts of the village to their present commodions place of worship in the central part of town while Rev. D. J. Mitterling was their shepherd, This was one of the most important and beneficial movements ever made by the church. Rev. Mitterling was also instrumental in having the St. John's congregation repair their church and very much beautify its appearance.
The parsonage was purchased during Rev. Smith's min- istry.
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LOGANSPORT PASTORATE.
The present pastor began his labors on the first of May and in these few months has already endeared himself to all the people. The charge is united and working harmoniously for one great end.
LOGANSPORT PASTORATE.
The organization of an English Lutheran church in the city of Logansport was a subject of disenssion for a number of years. Very early in the history of this Synod the missionary committee recommended it as a desirable field to be occupied. Difficulties presented themselves and year after year passed before a final decision was was made. Rev. J. L. Guard and other neighboring ministers who understood the situation kept the matter before the Synod and urged it upon the Home Mission Board for their consideration. They showed its importance by pointing to the number of rural congregations by which the city was surrounded, and by calling attention to the many native and foreign Lutherans who resided there. The Secre- taries of the Board visited the city and were convinced that an important field was being neglected. It was placed on the roll of Home Missions, and in June, 1884, Rov. J. J. Purcell was commissioned to act as missionary. He entered upon the work with enthusiasm, and on the 22nd of the same month an organ- ization was effected with twenty-seven charter members. 1 full corps of officers was elected and installed. Regular divine services were inaugurated and a Sunday school organized in a city school building located on Market street, between Eel river Ave. and First street. A vacant lot lying side by side with the
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
school property, and being at the Southwest corner of First and Market streets, was found to be available, and by the aid of the Board of Church Extension was purchased. The location is not only central, but for many other reasons as a church site it is one of the best in the city. The work of raising money for the erection of a suitable building was commenced with favorable results. The pastor presented the needs of the mis- sion at the annual meeting of the Synod in October of the same year, and secured the following action:
" Resolved, That this Synod assume one thousand dollars towards the purchase of a church property for the Logansport mission."
Through the carnest efforts of the missionary, warmly assisted and encouraged by the pastors, the larger part of that amount was soon raised. The neighboring pastorates, Rock Creek, Camden and Walton, responding very liberally. The work progressed. August 15, 1885, witnessed the laying of the corner stone, Rev. S. A. Ort, D. D., preaching the sermon. The work of building was carried forward with sufficient speed to enable the congregation to occupy the new church by De- cember 13, when St. Luke's Evangelical English Lutheran church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God, Rev. S. A. Ort, D. D., preaching the dedicatory sermon, and Rev. C. J. Kiefer, preaching in the evening. Revs. J. L. Guard and J. C. Jacoby were also present and assisted the pastor in the services. At the close of the feast of dedication it was announced that the efforts of the day had resulted in the liqui- dation of all the debts incurred in the erection of the house of worship. The edifice is of brick and stone and comfortably seats a congregation of two hundred and fifty people. The
GRACE AV. LUTHERAN CHURCH. KOLUMBIA (II), IND.)
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LOGANSPORT PASTORATE.
seating and pulpit furniture are very handsome and the win- dows are of stained glass, and were contributed by different congregations of the Synod of Northern Indiana in honor of their several pastors. From that time forth the growth of the church was steady and substantial. Rev. J. J. Purcell retired from the pastorate of the church September 1, 1888. One hundred and eight members were received into the church during his incumbeney and the work was in a fair condition. After a vacancy of seven months Rev. A. B. MeMakin, who had just retired from the editorship of the Lutheran Evangelist, took charge of the work. During his administration the church took on new life and the prospects of the mission were never brighter, when suddenly the death angel came down upon the scene and the little flock was again left without a shepherd. Rev. MeMakin's decease was lamented throughout the entire city and the church at large, and in the history of St. Luke's congregation no greater calamity over came, than befel them that beautiful day, May 22, 1891, when the spirit of their beloved pastor was wafted away. During his ministry the St. Luke's Herald, a monthly paper devoted to the interests of the church was launched, and its publication was continued until near the close of the labors of his immediate successor. One hundred and fourteen members were added during the sec- ond pastorate. Rev. S. Kelso, then residing in the city, sup- plied the pulpit until September 1, 1891, when Rev. H. M. Oberholtzer became pastor. During this pastorate much hard labor devolved upon the minister in charge, largely on account of the increased size of the congregation, a fact which is well attested by the ministerial acts transcribed in the church rec- ord. He resigned December 1, 1893. During his ministry
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
thirty-seven members were added, and the parochial report to the Synod shows that at this time the church had one hundred and seventy members in good and regular standing. After what death, removal and apostasy had wrought, there was un- fortunately another seven month's vacancy, making in all about a year and one-half of vacancies during the first ten years of the history of the congregation. Notwithstanding all this the church has grown steadily and substantially, in num- bers, in liberality and in influence. It now stands well toward the front among the churches of the city as well as among those of the Synod.
Rev. J. C. Kauffman accepted a call and began his labors as pastor July 8, 1894. The congregation has already rallied to his support in a commendable manner, and the influence of his earnest consecrated life is being felt in every department of church work. With his experience in mission work and with hi- devotion to the church, supported by a consecrated people, St. Luke's is starting on an era of prosperity that will soon end in self-support.
MASSILLON PASTORATE.
As it is now known, this charge has a peculiar history. At present it is composed of six congregations, viz. , Massillon, Con- cord, Antioch, Flat Rock, Monroeville and Marquardts. And each of the above congregations has somewhat of a separate his- tory. The Massillon congregation, being without doubt the first General Synod Lutheran Congregation organized in Allen county, Indiana, and the one, out of which the others of the
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Pastorate have grown, is entitled to special notice. It will be remembered, that Massillon, at the date to which we now refer, was a small village with a postoffice in a private log cabin, and a common purpose grocery store in a similar building. There were no railroads, neither public highways of any kind what- ever, but simply a dense forest, with here and there a little sunshine, let in by some venturesome pioneer anxious to pro- vide a home for himself and his rapidly increasing family. From one of these prospective homes to another there were wagon roads, or drive way- out through the woods as barely made it possible for one neighbor to find another, and these temporary roads were not direct lines leading from place to place, but were located on such ground as appeared, at least, part of the year above the water. This, southeast corner of Allen County, usually known as the Flat Rock country, would have been better named, by omitting the latter part, for the Rock part of it is not here. However, we shall not burden this history with an elaborate description of the country, but shall conline our work to the history of General Synod Lutheranism, as it has been, and is now in our midst. We are pleased to find the preamble to the first constitution ever adopted in this charge, and it is as follows:
" The first meeting of the friends of the Lutheran church of Massillon, Allen County, Indiana, was called by the Rev. Solomon Ritz, on the 23d of September, 1850. After preaching several ser- mons, he formed the organization of an Evangelical Lutheran church, which consisted of seven (7) members, Bro. V. P. Smith, Sister Sarah Smith, Bro. Samuel Davis, Sister Jane Davis, Bro. Jacob Hess, Sister Harriet Hess, Bro. Nelson Smith. The church then elected Bro. V. P. Smith, Elder, and Bro. S. Davis, Deacon."
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
There is nothing peculiar contained in the constitution then adopted by these simple hearted, pure minded and de- voted people, except what is found in the second, third and sixth articles, which read as follows: Art. 2nd, We believe the Holy Bible to be a sufficient rule of our faith and practice. Art. 3d, We receive the Augsburg Confession, as a summary of our faith, so far as it agrees with the word of God. Art. 6th, No one engaged in making or trafficking in intoxicating liquors can be admitted, or continued in this church.
This simple and yet Godly basis upon which these honest and unpretentious men founded their faith, and the clear apprehension they had of the church's most dangerous for, so as to bar it by organic law, no doubt accounts for the answerv- ing stability and fortitude by which they were held together, under all the disintegrating forces of those most trying times. That devoted, but now sainted man, " Solomon Ritz, " Godly in heart, pure in life and aggressive in spirit, impressed the church for good, and especially in this country, " Though dead he yet speaketh."
Soon after the adoption of the constitution this church was left vacant for the space of nearly two years. When at the session of the Wittenberg Synod, held at Plymouth, Ohio, September 20, 1852, Rev. S. Spiker was directed to visit the little hoosier flock in connection with several other places, which he did on October 10, of the same year. And here is the record of the meeting held on December 18, 1852.
"Saturday, December 18, 1852, the congregation held a church meeting for the purpose of electing a pastor, and to attend to other important business. V. P. Smith was appointed chairman of the meeting. The congregation then elected Rev.
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S. Spiker (by a unanimous vote ) as pastor of the congregation for one year, with the promise of fifty dollars salary." We give these records just as they were made at the time. The follow- ing members were then received by letter, and added to the original seven, two of whom had gone, leaving but five, Wm. A. Calvert and wife, Daniel Knouse and wife, John M. Smith and Mary E. Smith. Three of whom are still members, viz., Jolm M. Smith, Mother Knouse and Mary E. Smith. The others have gone from labor to refreshment.
Rev. Spiker served the congregation, preaching at out points where he found encouragement until the summer of 1855, and during his faithful service the church grew, and persons from some distance came on foot and on horseback, and hungry for the truth, while true to their earlier teaching, connected themselves with the church until the old hive became strong enough to swarm. And the result was a preach- ing point was established at what was then known as the "(iorsling's School House." This is the church now known as the Concord Congregation. It is located on the cast bank of the St. Mary's River, about two miles south of the Allen County line, and in Adams County. Rev. Spiker continued preaching for these people at this point without effecting an organization, until he resigned in 1856. He was succeeded by Rev. C. Caskey, who took the care of the charge in April 19, 1856.
Rev. Spiker, a man of precious memory, preached his farewell sermon to the Massillon congregation May 4, 1856. About three weeks after Rev. Caskey was on the field. And during the month of March, 1857, Rev. Caskey conducted a series of meetings in the above named school house, the result
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
of which was a number of accessions and the formation of an organization, which was the origin of what has since been the useful and aggressive Concord congregation. The charter members in the infancy of this church were these: John Woy and wife, Philip Hank and wife, Benjamin Hauk and wife. The above named were members of the Massillon church, and to support a new organization, as well as to have services nearer home, moved their membership, and with Marvin Gorsline and wife, entered the new organization.
From this date ( March, 1857), up to the present, the history of the Concord Massillon and Antioch congregations is a parallel, and they have been under the care of the same pastor, except for a short period, when the Concord people were served by Rev. F. Biddle, and the others by Rev. E. W. Erick.
Antioch. We are not fully informed, and the records which were kept seem to conflict, as to the date, and by whom, this congregation was first organized It must have been dur- ing the ministry of Rev. Spiker or early in that of Rev. Caskey, at least it was not earlier than 1856, and not later than 1859. The church house, by the side of which there is a beautiful cemetery, is located near Hoagland, twelve miles southeast of Ft. Wayne, and in the same county.
The first church house was a hewed log structure, fur- nished by the community, and served a good purpose, provid- ing a place for the people to meet together to sing and pray and hear until an enthusiasm was created for good, aud from that early center there have radiated a light and an influence which together have given us one of the most enterprising, in- telligent and prosperous communities to be found in the county.
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MASSILLON PASTORATE.
The old log church house served the people until 1874, when increased membership, as well as ability with holy pride made it give place to the new and convenient frame building, which has abont it all that makes a church house attractive and pleasant.
Most of the charter members of this church upon whose hearts and hands she rested during her childhood and depend- ent years, have gone to their reward, and a well earned one it must be. A few remain, Alex Adair, Mother Neioiter, I believe are all that linger on this shore.
Rev. C. Caskey served this charge as pastor about three years, his work here closing in the fall of 1859. In Septem- ber of the same year Rev. F. Biddle became pastor, and as his appointments came due but once in three weeks, we are led to believe that he served in connection with these churches, some congregations located in Van Wert County, which later were separated and taken into the care of the Wittenberg Synod. Rev. Biddle while here passed through the crucial period, for ministers, viz., the years of the war of the Rebellion, and much credit is due those brave and suffering men. Sacrifices many had to be made, and perseentions borne which doubtless would test the professional minister of these good roads, and fine church house times. It will not be out of place, but per- haps illustrative of those times to state, that on different occa- sions, Rev. Biddle had his buggy loaded with old decayed logs and stumps ete., while he was preaching to the people. And at different times would find his barness ent and in other ways damaged, when going to his team after service. Political dif- ferences was the explanation.
But notwithstanding such a cool reception, Rev. Biddle
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remained with these people and labored with alternating suc- cess and failure until eight years of his best life were spent. The war being over and the people more united, these churches grew. and he resigned the pastorate, leaving it much stronger and in better condition than in its earlier history. During the Synodical years of 1867-'70, the Rev. V. Exline, whose home was in Vanwert County, Ohio, served these churches as pastor, and with marked success. Father Exline, as we learned and loved to call him, was possessed of many peculiar- ities which distinguished him from other men of his time. And while many thought it wise to remark lightly on these, yet he possessed one of the finest and most penetrating minds, guided by a heart as pure as his efforts with the help of Grace could make it. He died in apparent obscurity at his country home, well worn and ripe in years, as well as in condition, lit- ting him for the reward of the faithful, one of whom he cer- tainly was. His memory is precious and dear to those among whom his arduous labors were spent. We hesitate to coast speaking well of those whose whole life was a gift to the church uncompensated, at least on earth, and who have gone forth " Sowing in tears " where we are reaping in joy. Age and distance from these churches made a short pastorate neces- sary, and Father Exline's services here ended in the fall of 1870. Soon thereafter Rev. J. W. Miller was called and served the pastorate for one year, after which it remained vacant for near six months, when Rev. D. F. Kain, who had been licensed at the meetings of the Synod of Northern Ind., held at Constantine, Mich., in the fall of 1870 was invited to care for the charge until the close of the Synodical year. Rev. Kain was then in the rough, having had no preparatory course
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