USA > Indiana > Our church, a history of the synod of Northern Indiana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church > Part 14
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For more than a year the pastorate was supplied by Rev. HI. Wells, of North Manchester. In May, 1885, a call was extended to Rey. B. R. M. Sheeder, who had just graduated from the Theological Seminary. During his ministry the Ger- man Reform congregation was reorganized and adopted the constitution of the Lutheran church. It is now known as St. Matthews. By action of the Synod it was received and made a part of the Silver Lake pastorate. The church was remod- elled and enlarged during - Rev. Sheeder's ministry, which
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continued a little more than two years. Rev. E. W. Erick succeeded Rev. Sheeder in a brief but successful pastorate of about two years, and he was followed by Rev. B. F. Stultz during whose ministry the churches were continually blessed. After his resignation Rev. N. J. Myers was called and his work continued until April 1, 1894. Rev. A. J. Douglas immediately took up the work where his predecessor had laid it down, and under his faithful care the churches confidently expect large and glorious blessings from the hand of the Lord.
SPRINGFIELD PASTORATE.
Formerly this was a part of the Spencerville charge, and its history is there given up to the time of the division. At present it is composed of four congregations with a combined membership of one hundred and fifty. The Salem congrega- tion was organized by Rev. W.m. Waitman September 25, 1852. with thirteen charter members. For five years they worshiped in a school house at which time it was decided to build a church. Work soon commenced and on the 3rd of October, 1858, the new building was dedicated free of debt by Rev. W. Waltman, assisted by Rev. Sloan of the East Ohio Synod. It is located in Springfield Township, Allen County, Ind. This church was handsomely repaired during the pastorate of Rev. E. W. Erick. The Barnett Chapel is situated in Milan Town- ship. It was organized by Rev. B. F. Hills January 7, 1864, with twenty charter members. The congregation worshiped in school houses until 1873, at which tine a neat and convenient chapel was built. It was dedicated by Rev. E. W. Erick,
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assisted by Revs. J. N. Barnett, A. J. Douglas and Jabez Shaffer, September 14, 1873. The Erick Chapel which is located in Cedar Creek Township, began its history with twelve members. It was organized by Rev. C. C. Sink September 25, 1866. Worship was maintained in a school house until 1875, when the pastor, Rev. E. W. Erick, called a meeting of the congregation for the purpose of considering the advisability of building a church. It was decided to build, and in the month of September, 1875, the new structure was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God. The pastor was assisted in the dedicatory services by Revs. J. N. Barnett and B. F. Stultz.
In August, 1885, at a joint council meeting of the Spen- cerville pastorate it was determined to divide the charge. It was agreed that the above three congregations should unite to form a separate pastorate, and the Synod in its convention of the same year ratified the action of the council. In October Rev. Jabez Shaffer accepted a call to this work and imme- diately began his labors. Shortly afterwards a parsonage was purchased for the sum of $600. In the month of March, 1886, Rev. Shaffer organized a church in Maysville, known as St. Marks, with sixteen charter members. The old Methodist church was purchased and repaired by the congregation at a cost of $1,100, but the congregation is outgrowing it and will probably soon erect a new building. Rev. Shaffer resigned January 11, 1890, and on May 11 of the same year Rev. S. E. Slater became the pastor. He was universally loved and accomplished a good work. He resigned May 5, 1891, but continued his labors until June 1st, at which time Rev. D. F. Kain accepted a call. He remained until December 1, 1892, preaching with great favor. The charge was without a pastor
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until October 1, 1893, at which time Rev. E. W. Erick, the present pastor, began his work. He had formerly served them when in connection with the Spencerville charge, and returned to find that his former labors had not been in vain. An able preacher and an excellent pastor, he enjoys thereby the love and esteem of all his people, and will lead them forward into a larger and better life. "They have a mind to work."
SPENCERVILLE PASTORATE.
Rev. J. Carther formed the first organization of the Lutheran church in Concord township, DeKalb county, Indi- ana, in the month of October, 1849, at the home of William Doums, with twelve charter members. Subsequently, he preached for them about two years, and was succeeded about January Ist, 1851, by Rev. John Sidel. Soon after he began his labors in this field, special Evangelistie services were held in the old Spencerville school house. They resulted in the conversion of many souls, and the young congregation was greatly strengthened and encouraged. A more thorough organization was effected, but during the summer the devoted pastor's health failed, and in a few month's he was taken from his labors in the church militant to his reward in the church triumphant. In May, 1852, Rev. William Waltman was called as pastor and continued his labors until Sept. 18, 1859. During this period the church was greatly blessed, and the membership increased. Being without a church home, a con- gregational meeting was called in the year 1856 to consider the question of building a church, It was favorably regarded.
13
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
by all and in a very short time ground was broken for the first church building located in the village of Spencerville. The Synod of Northern Indiana convened in the new church in September, 1858, at which time it was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God. On this occasion the ser- mon was preached by Rev. H. Wells, and the building, which cost about $2,000, was dedicated free of debt; Rev. Waltman having resigned a call was extended to Rev. C. C. Caskey, who began his labors October 10, 1859. The pastorate at this time consisted of four congregations, viz .: Spencerville, St. John's, Salem and Richland. Some difficulties arose and Rev. Caskey resigned at the close of his first year, continuing, how- ever, to preach for some months to the Salem congregation. The other three congregations united in a call to Rev. Walt- man, their former pastor, and he served them again from October 1860, to October 1863, with the same acceptable and profitable services that had characterized his former years of labor in their midst. He was succeeded by Key. B. F. Hills whose ministry continued until October 1865, and he was fol- lowed by Rev. C. C. Sink, who was pastor for a period of nearly two years. In the year 1857, Rev. A. Leathers became the pastor and served very faithfully for nearly two years. During his pastorate there was a large increase in the mem- bership and a parsonage was bought. In the year 1869, Rev. E. W. Erick entered upon the work and continued until 1879. This is the longest pastorate in the history of this charge, and shows many of the advantages of a settled min- istry to any people. Rev. Erick had the true missionary spirit, and while serving his people organized and sustained several new congregations. He was justly popular and turned all his influence to advantage for the church.
·
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SPENCERVILLE PASTORATE.
Rev. S. Kelso succeeded Rev. Erick. He began his labors in April, 1879, and continued until September, 1881. St. Joe congregation was organized by him and the church built at a cost of about $3,000. His labors were of great value to this charge. After his resignation the Rev. E. K. Baker was called and he continued until 1885. At the close of his ministration the charge was divided into two pastorates, Spencerville and Springfield. On September 13, 1885, Rev. S. P. Fryberger accepted a call to the former. The charge consisted then as now of two congregations, Spencerville and St. Joe. During his ministry the congregation built a new church in Spencerville at a cost of $9,000. It is a beautful structure, and is said to be one of the most convenient church buildings in the Synod to which it belongs. The latter part of the year 1888, Rev. J. S. Nelson became pastor and served acceptably for nearly four years. He was succeeded October 1, 1892, by Rev. J. W. Thomas, the present efficient and pop- ular pastor. During his ministry the old parsonage, bought in 1869, has been replaced by a new one at a cost of about $1,700. The work of the church is well organized, and great interest is taken in all its benevolent operations. Since the organization of the Spencerville congregation in 1849, it has been served by thirteen different ministers, all of whom are living save two-Revs. Sidel and Caskey. The pastorate has a present memership of two hundred and sixty-seven, and church property estimated at a value of $14,500. The con- gregations are only three miles apart, and are composed of an intelligent and devoted class of people. It is one of the most pleasant and desirable pastorates in this Synod.
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
THREE RIVERS PASTORATE.
It is not possible to write the true history of a church. The real or immer history may be written in God's book of remembrance by the divine pemman, but it can not be recorded by human hands. Some of the facts connected with the exter- nal organization and work can be recorded so that some idea can be formed in regard to the efficiency of the organization.
But the methods of organization of churches, and of carry- ing on of the work are generally very similar, so that the his- tory of our church must of necessity be much similar to that of another. But there is a sense in which each congregation has a history peculiar to itself. Some of the characteristics of the organization and development of this work we will attempt to portray, and thus give the peculiar history of this congregation.
The church was organized as a mission, and for fifteen yours was dependent on the Board of Home Missions for sup- port. The origin of the work was on this wise.
At the 15th annual convention of the Synod of Northern Indiana, held in 1869, the North District Conference reported a good opening for a Lutheran church in Three Rivers, Mich. The Synod requested Revs. J. N. Barnett and B. F. Hills to visit the place and make a full report. That this committee performed its duty is very evident from the fact that before the next meeting of Synod the work was already well ad- vanced.
The Missionary was commissioned on the first day of March, 1870, and on the third day of April the congregation was organized with twenty-nine charter members. This num-
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ber was augmented by the addition of two more before the meeting of Synod.
Rev. R. F. Delo was the missionary appointed, and at the 16th annual convention of Synod, held in North Manchester, Indiana, he presented the following as the first report of St. John's Lutheran church.
" I was commissioned by the Board of the General Synod to labor at Three Rivers and vicinity on the 1st day of March, 1870, for six months. I have during that time preached at Three Rivers, Flowerfield and Pleasant Valley. I have organ- ized a congregation at Three Rivers consisting now of thirty- one members.
"An effort is being made to erect a church edifice with the following results. We have secured two lots and $2,500 on subscription, also the stones for the foundation, and we are warranted in saying that the subscription can be raised to $3,000 "
At this meeting of Synod the constitution of the church was presented, and the congregation was received. The under- taking was looked upon with great favor, and was considered very important and promising.
The reappointment of Rev. Delo as missionary was recom- mended, and the following action was taken:
" Resolved, That the congregations of this Synod be open dur ing the year to welcome Rev. Delo to take subscriptions for the Mis- sion, and also that the treasurer be authorized, if necessary, to borrow money to sustain said Mission."
The effort for the erection of a church building was suc- cessful, and on the 14th of September, 1871, the missionary wrote to the President of Synod, "That there had been general
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prosperity in the Three Rivers Mission, and that the new church edifice would be finished in the early part of the winter." It was, however, not completed until in the spring of 1872. The President of Synod in his report presented to Synod October 16, 1872, says: " May 12th I assisted Pastor R. F. Delo in the dedication of their beautiful church in Three Rivers, Mich., which is a model of neatness, and a monument of patient, steady work and self-denial. The building is brick, and worth more than $6,000. A debt of $700 remained to be lifted on the occasion, which was promptly done, with a surplus of about $400 with which to carry up the spire. The snecess of this two year old mission is marvelons. To God be all the glory."
The original history of this work is thus very largely taken from the original congregational and synodical records, and told in the language of those who were engaged and inter- ested in it at the time. It started very encouragingly. The membership were active and enthusiastic, and the Synod was ready, not only to give encouragement, but also to lend assist- ance. But it was not all sunshine. There were many discour- agements and trials. But these have not been recorded so fully. Sometimes the burdens almost crushed the hearts of both pastor and people. Frequently they scarcely knew what to do, or where to turn for help. But they were laboring in a good cause. They were convinced that it was of God, and so they bore the burdens manfully and pressed on.
Rev. Delo remained pastor of the mission for five years and three months, and during this time eighty-four members had been received. But of these some had died, some had removed, and others had become disheartened. Notwithstand-
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ing the success which had attended the work thus far, it was new and needed but little to discourage the membership. After the removal of the pastor trials soon came, and for some time fears were entertained of the failure of the work. After success discouragement seemed very hard to bear. A meeting was soon held, and Rev. A. J. Cromer was elected and called to become the pastor of the mission. The call was accepted and the new pastor entered upon the work. But for some cause the pastor and people did not harmonize, and he remained but a short time. During his pastorate seven members were received.
After his departure there was no pastor for almost a year, and the mission suffered greatly from discouragement and Jack of a pastor's care. Had it not been for the zeal of the faithful few the work would have been abandoned.
In July, 1877, Rev. Alexander Mehanghlin was called as pastor, and notwithstanding the unpromising outlook, he ac- cepted the call. As he entered upon the work he found many things to dishearten. On the 23rd of September a meeting of the church council was held at which a delegate to Synod was elected, and a report was prepared for him to present as the report of the mission. This report contained four items, as follows:
" Ist. Membership. Number of members of the mission, 27.
2nd. Vacancy. The mission has been without a pastor for one . year. During this time repeated efforts have been made to secure a pastor, but, until recently, without success.
3rd. Indebtedness. On building. $900.00
On Organ .. $170.00
4th. Prospects. At the present time we have a pastor, regn- lar services every Sabbath, and a Sunday school numbering about tifty persons. If we can succeed in liquidating these debts, which are pressing us very hard for payment at present, the prospects for the future are good."
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
Discouragement is breathed in every sentence of this re- port. After an existence of seven and a half years and the reception of ninety-one members, only 27 could be relied upon, and after all these burden bearing years the mission was yet groaning under an indebtedness of almost $1, 100.
To the work of removing this burden the new pastor de- voted his efforts. Synod onec more rallied to the help of the mission and pledged aid. Appeals were also made to the church at large, and responses came in from different sources, but they were not many, nor for large amounts. The entire pastorate of almost seven years was devoted to this struggle, but finally success crowned the faithful efforts, and when the pastor left the work in 1884, he did so with the consciousness that the great financial burden was removed, and that his suc- cessor could turn his attention into another direction. These seven years were years of faithful and untiring effort on the part of both pastor and people. Seventy-two new members were added to the church during this pastorate. But there had also been many removals by death and otherwise.
The good which was accomplished during this pastorate cannot be measured. It is not so apparent as that which has been accomplished during other pastorates, and burdens were removed and foundations were laid for future good which time has since been revealing, and which will continue to appear. We will not attempt to measure the good accomplished by these several pastors, but in due time God will reward them for their faithfulness.
Within three months of the removal of Rev. MeLaughlin and on the 2d day of May, Rev. L. C. Routzahn was nani- mously elected as his successor, and a call was extended,
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which was accepted, and in June he began his work as pastor.
When he came he found the church out of debt, and the membership united and harmonious. The membership was not large, but the financial burden was gone, and they had a heart to labor in other departments of the work. A committee was appointed to revise the church record, and it was found that there were 37 active and 10 inactive members. The prospect was not very bright, but the pastor entered upon the work with zeal and energy, the membership rallied to his support, and the blessings of Heaven descended abundantly upon the new relationship. Very soon a new life began to be manifest in all branches of the work. During the first year 36 mem- bers were added. During the second year 68 members were received, and at the end of the second year of this pastorate, we find recorded in the minutes of the congregation that self- support was assumed, and a resolution of gratitude was ordered sent to the Board of Home Missions for its long continued and timely aid. Both the Board and the Mission felt that it took a long time to reach this point. Sometimes the board almost resolved to give up the attempt. And the Synod, which at the beginning bad so heartily encouraged the work, in the con- tinned days of discouragement longed to know what to do with, or how best to get rid of the Three Rivers Mission. But when finally success came, it was glorious, and has been continued ever since.
Rev. Routzahn remained pastor of the church for eight years, and every year was a rich harvest. The good aecom- plished can only be revealed by eternity. There is no earthly means of measuring it. The years were a continued chain of success. The entire pastorate was filled with harmony and
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
blessing. Three hundred and sixty-three members were added to the church. New societies were organized to assist in the different departments of the work and to increase the efficiency of the church. The Sabbath School grew to be an inspiration and in every branch of the work life and energy manifested itself. During this pastorate the church and Sabbath School grew to be too large for their accommodations, and it was de- cided to remodel and enlarge the church building. This was done at a large outlay of money and the church was much beantified and the seating capacity fully doubled. A very beautiful and sweet toned pipe organ was placed in the church, a present to the congregation by the families of Mr. R. H. Webb and Hon. Warren J. Willits, two very active and con- secrated families of the church. The sweet and melodious music of this organ is very much appreciated by the many worshipers, and the donors will ever be held in grateful remembrance by a devoted people.
The eight years of Rev. Routzahn's ministry in Three Rivers passed by very swiftly, and seemed very short to both pastor and people, but the community bad been very much changed, and the church very largely increased in numbers and efficiency.
On the evening of March 28, 1892, having received a call to the church in Salina, Kansas, he tendered his resignation to the church council to take effect on the 1st of May. The resignation was reluctantly received, and referred to the con- gregation for final action. The congregation acquiesced in the action of the council, and adopted very tender and expressive resolutions acknowledging the blessed work, which, under God's guidance, he had accomplished, and expressing the high esteem in which he should ever be hell by this people.
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THREE RIVERS PASTORATE.
On the 24th of April, and before the departure of Rev. Rontzahn, Rev. C. J. Kiefer, of Denver, Colorado, was unan- imously elected to become his successor. 'The call was accepted and the new pastor entered upon his work the Ist of August following. During the two years of the present pastorate the former success has been continued. During the first year 34 members were received, and during the second year 91 have been added to the church.
The people are harmonions and zealous, and much good is being accomplished. The societies of the church are all suc- ceeding nicely. The Ladies' Aid has long shown itself to be an efficient help in the financial work. The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, organized in 1883, is a vigor- outs and helpful organization in mission work. The Y. P. S. C. E. organized during the administration of Rev. Routzahn, is a constantly growing society, having at present a member- ship of over 100, and is doing much toward the development of the young in Christian work. The Junior Christian En- deavor, very recently organized, is already full of promise. Those especially interested in the work are greatly cheered by the present prospect.
The Sabbath School is prospering under the magnificent leadership of Hon. Warren J. Willits as superintendent. He is very efficiently aided by Mr. Murray J. Huss as assistant superintendent.
The primary school is superintended by Mrs. James Eggles- ton, as with the hand of one prepared by Providence for that especial work. Under such efficient management the school has gained the honorable distinction of being the largest and most interesting and successful Sunday School in the county. Its
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
enrollment now contains the names of about 500, and the average attendance is over 300.
The church itself is in excellent working condition. Everything is harmony and peace. A zeal for the success of the Lord's work is manifested on the part of the people, and notwithstanding the long continued success, there is promise of much more aggressive work being done toward the realizing of yet greater things. The membership of the church is at present about 375. The prayer meeting held regularly on Thursday evening is nicely attended, and very helpful.
For the Sabbath School the organ is presided over by Miss Nellie Willits, and for the church services by Mrs. Effie Robinson. A large chorus choir is doing excellent service in the way of leading the music of the church, while the congre- gation joms heartily in the singing of the songs of praise.
And now I have related the externals of the work, but what the work really is, and how acceptable it is to the great maker of us all must remain unrevealed until the great day when all things shall be made known. Shall we not treasure the precious hope that when it is revealed it will far surpass our most exalted expectations.
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The Moorepark Congregation although now small, is one of the oldest in the Synod. The editor made every effort pos- sible to secure the history, but failed. For the past few years it has been served in connection with Three Rivers.
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WALTON PASTORATE.
WALTON PASTORATE.
On November 4, 1860, Rev. J. N. Barnett organized .. Shiloh Evangelical Lutheran church of Walton Indiana" with ten charter members. The missionary spirit of the Synod was intense. The field was white unto the harvest. Eighteen new congregations were organized during this synodieal year. Rev. Barnett was a young man just entering upon the work of the ministry and carried this spirit into his new enterprises. At the meeting of Synod in September, previous, he had been recommended to the Parent Home Missionary Society for aid. It was received. In 1861 a church was built, but was not dedicated until the year 1870. Rev. Barnett resigned in Octo- ber, 1862. The church remained vacant until January, 1863, at which time Rev. W. II. Ferris was called. He served the church faithfully and with marked success up to December, 1869. Through his efforts two new stations were added to the charge- Mt. Zion and Mt. Horeb -- the services being held in school houses. In January, 1870, Rev. William Fryday became pastor and continued to serve the charge for two years. Rev. S. Kelso was called in January, 1872, and remained until November 6, 1875. A vacancy occurred to May, 1876, when Rev. S. P. Suyder was called. It was deemed best now to drop the two stations which had previously been added, and after a special revival effort St. Paul's church was organized and a building erected during the year 1877. From that time the pastorate was composed of these two churches, Shiloh and St. Paul's, and they now constitute the charge. Rev. Snyder remained until January, 1882, and in November of the same
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