USA > Indiana > Our church, a history of the synod of Northern Indiana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church > Part 19
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
REV. JABEZ SHAFFER.
For about a score of years one of the useful and efficient members of the Synod of Northern Indiana was Rev. Jabez Shaffer. He was born in Carroll County, Ohio, May 11, 1833, and was converted and united with the church when fourteen years of age. His early life was spent in connection with a sister denomination, and he entered her ministry in the year 1857. He was received into the membership of the Synod of Northern Indiana at its annual meeting in Constantine, Mich- igan, in the year 1871. By special arrangement with Rev. G. W. Wilson, President of the Synod, he was permitted to visit some of the vacant pastorates in the Synod with a view of accepting a call prior to his reception as a member of the Synod. April 20, 1871, he informed the president that he had received a call to the Wittenberg, now the Butler pastor- ate. He entered upon the work and supplied the charge until his synodical relations were regularly formed when he was also regularly installed as pastor of said charge. His ministry was earnest and devoted and resulted in great good to the church. His preaching was clear and pointed-full of gospel truth, and it found its way to the hearts of men and induced them to fol- low in the footsteps of Him who came to redeem the world from sin. He continued his labors in this pastorate until the fall of 1873, when he resigned and accepted a call to the La Grange charge. With varying success he continued for several years in this somewhat difficult field, and resigned to accept a call to Millersburg, Ind., in what was then known as the Salem pastorate. December 20, 1881, he informed the President of the Synod that he had resigned said charge to accept a call to
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REV. JABEZ SHAEFER.
the Albion pastorate, where he labored until 1884, when he removed to the Springfield pastorate. He served here for more than five years in a very laborious field. January 14, 1890, he took his letter of dismissal from this Synod to the Witten- berg Synod, where he has since served the Lucas and the North Robinson pastorates. In September, 1894, he returned to the Synod of Northern Indiana, presenting his letter from the Wittenberg Synod and also removing his family. Failing health has caused him for some months to lay aside the active duties of the ministry and to seek its restoration through rest and less exacting toils. He has been a preacher of remarkable power and he has been an earnest and fearless worker in every line of moral reform. For some years he has devoted himself especially to the temperance work in connection with his min- isterial labors. His fearful arraignment of the liquor traffic, his scathing rebukes to an indifferent church, and his eloquent pleas for the protection of the home against this monster ini- quity, will long be remembered. Much time and labor have been given gratuitously to this cause. He vowed good seed. Ile occupied no neutral ground. Ile laid the axe at the root. He believed in the extermination of the entire nefarious busi- ness, and his convictions were apparent to all who listened to him. Not the least of his good work was along this line.
The Synod of Northern Indiana repeatedly called him to positions of honor and trust. He was elected President at the annual conventions in 1883 and 1884, and represented the Synod at the meeting of the General Synod held in Omaha, Neb., in 1887. He also served for a number of years upon the committee examining young men presenting applications for the gospel ministry. He was thorough and earnest in all
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his work. Many warm friends remain all through the terri- tory of Synod who unite in praying for his complete restoration to health and for years of service in the kingdom of Christ on earth.
REV. D. F. KAIN.
One of the foremost members of this Synod during the past twenty years was the subject of this sketch. He was born in the western part of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, April 15, 1841, of Irish parentage. The grand-parents on both sides came from Ireland and located in Pennsylvania, where his par- ents were born. Later they removed to Ohio and settled upon a small traet of land among the hills of that beautiful county. Here they tarried for awhile and to them was born the son upon whom God laid his hands in after years, and set him apart to the sacred office of the ministry. In the fall of 1850, they removed to Wells county, Indiana. At that time the country was new and sparsely settled, and for three years after their settlement in their new home, there were no schools within their reach to which they could send their son. From the age of nine to twelve he was, therefore, without school privileges, and they were not very flattering in the years that followed. For the next seven years, the greatest length of time that he was permitted to attend school in any one year was thirty-five days. All things considered, there was nothing very inspiring in those privileges. He enjoyed the advantage of sitting on a bench made from a round pole, split in halves and supported by round wooden pegs. The writing desk was a long board attached to the wall just beneath the opening from which a log had been removed to admit some day light.
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REV. D. F. KAIN.
Boys and girls to-day would consider that a pretty hard lot, but to this lad there must have been something unusually exhiliar- ating and inspiring, for after about two hundred days of such advantages he passed a very creditable examination in the various branches then taught, and received a license to be him- self a teacher. In this he was successful. His services were eagerly sought, and it was to him a means also of self-improve- ment. It was perhaps the best schooling he ever had, for it turned his thoughts in the direction of disciplining and train- ing men's natures to fit them for larger usefulness in the world. It afforded him also some pecuniary advantages. The first winter that he taught he saved enough to hire his older brother to supply his place on his father's farm while he attended a select school at Roanoke, Ind., and also to bear his own ex- penses during the spring term in that school. Later his father, however, consented to give him his time provided he would continue in school and would meet all his expenses. This he cheerfully did and pushed his way along alternately teaching and being tanght until he had entirely completed the course in said school. For several years he then labored during the summer and taught during the winter, and by economy " laid by in store" a small amount for future needs. On the 16th of October, 1864, he was married to Miss Amanda Earhart, with whom he still lives, and who has been a faithful helpmate in all his self-sacrificing toils. For one year after marriage he lived on a rented farm. Then he purchased a traet of twenty acres of heavily timbered land, which he cleared and brought into a good state of cultivation with his own hands. During this time he also began working at the carpenter trade, and without any previous training or practice framed and erected
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buildings of splendid workmanship and design. He was thus schooled in the hard labors of manual toil, and there laid the foundation for the splendid work which he was destined to perform in future years for the kingdom of Christ.
In February, 1869, he united with the Evangelical Luth- eran church at Horeb, that is the Horeb congregation of the Horeb pastorate as represented in the Synod of Northern In- diana. He was received into the church by Rev. F. Biddle by the rite of Christian baptism and at once became an earnest and zealous worker. Rev. Biddle recognized his superior qual- ities of mind and heart and his peculiar fitness for the gospel ministry, and he at once began to urge upon him the duty of giving himself to that blessed work. His conversion had been so thorough and complete that his heart gave quick response. He began the study of such things as were necessary to acquaint him more fully with the polity and doctrines of his church, and in the fall of 1870 he appeared . before the Examining Committee of Synod at Constantine, Mich., and passed such a creditable examination that he was immediately licensed to preach. On Easter Sunday, 1871, he entered upon the regu- lar work of the ministry by accepting a call to the Massillon pastorate of this Synod. During the remainder of the synod- ical year he preached for them every alternate Sunday, driv- ing from his home which was at least thirty miles distant. In the fall of 1872 he removed with his family upon the territory of the charge and remained there doing successful work for the church until the spring of 1881. In the fall of the previous year he was prevailed upon to accept the honors of State repre- sentative which were conferred upon him by three counties without opposition. On his return from Indianapolis at the
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REY. D. F. KAIN.
expiration of his term of office he accepted a call to the Butler pastorate and remained there for two and one-half years, when he removed to the West Jefferson pastorate in Williams County, Ohio. He only remained there for two years, resigning on account of the lack of desired school privileges for his children. Having received a call from the Albion, Ind., pastorate he removed hither and served it with marked success for a period of four and one-half years. Perhaps no period of such a few years accomplished such substantial things for this pastorate as those in which it was served by Rev. Kain. He did much hard work and it has borne good results. It was while here that he invented an improvement upon a road cart and secured a patent for the same. He speaks of this himself on this wise, " It was the mistake of my life, and I am anxiously waiting to be relieved from its effects. Clouds sometimes appear in unex- pected places in life's sky, but this shadow crosses my zenith at noontide."
From Albion he moved to Auburn, Ind., and here is where the full weight of his mistake fell upon him. He only remained about fifteen months, and then removed to the Spring- field pastorate, where after sixteen months service he was re- called to the Massillon charge in which he had commenced his ministry. As an inducement for him to return they offered him a considerably larger salary than they had ever paid a minister before, and his labors are appreciated among the peo- ple he now serves. Rev. Kain is a master in the pulpit. He is self-made, but deserves all the greater credit for that. He has been a faithful student of the word and presents its truths with clearness and with telling effect. He possesses a strong, clear, sympathetic voice, and knows how to use it to the best
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advantage. He bas a keen penetrating mind, and is able to "divide the word" as a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. For some years he has given special attention to the temperance work, and is one of the ablest advocates especially of the legal aspects of this canse in the whole state of Indiana. Prominent men of various professions have listened to him with great satisfaction and have given him unqualified commenda- tion and praise. His Synod has repeatedly honored him by calling him to positions of honor and trust. He served as President for two years and as Secretary for the same length of time. He has represented his Synod at three of the bien- nial conventions of the General Synod, and for a number of years has been, and now is, Director to Wittenberg College, and is an able and efficient member of the synodical committee entrusted with the care of examining young men applying for admission into the gospel ministry. He is universally loved and esteemed by his brethren in the Synod as well as by the people of the six congregations that he is now serving with universal satisfaction.
REV. B. F. STULTZ
For many years Canton, Ohio, has been a stronghold of Lutheranism. There is today in that city one of the best Lutheran congregations and one of the finest houses of worship anywhere to be found in the entire state. From this center there were destined to go forth those who should elsewhere vise to prominence and be of great usefulness in the church of Christ. Among that number was the subject of this sketch, the present pastor of the Wells Memorial Lutheran church of
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REV. B. F. STULTZ.
Goshen, Indiana. He was born May 31, 1845, and was baptized in his infancy by the now sainted Dr. Melseheimer, who was then pastor of the Canton church. When only six years of age he removed with his parents to Whitley county, Indiana. When seventeen years old he was received into the Lutheran church by Rev. F. Biddle, one of the fathers of this Synod, by the rite of confirmation, having previously professed Christ during a series of meetings held by the pastor of the " County-Line" church in the aforesaid county. At that early age he was deeply impressed with the thought of devoting himself to the ministry of the gospel of Christ. In this he was encouraged by Rev. Biddle, who was always seek- ing out young men for this blessed work, and who was apt in discerning the qualities necessary to be an efficient preacher of the Word. Mr. Stultz at once eagerly sought the educational advantages which his circumstances permitted-and proved a diligent and faithful student. Blessed with superior native abilities, he made rapid progress in the city schools of Hun. tington, Indiana, and afterward in the Roanoke Seminary. He was, however, dependent upon his own resources, and he made his way by teaching school, selling books and working on the farm during the harvest season. In short he was will- ing to do anything that would bring him the proper means necessary to educate himself. Ilis aim was the gospel ministry and he was pressing toward the mark with all the energy and enthusiasm of a thoroughly consecrated and devoted life. September 28, 1871, at Constantine, Michigan. his hopes were realized in his being licensed to preach the gospel for one year, and two years later he was ordained by the "laying on of hands " at Camden, Indiana. January 1, 1872, Rev. Stultz
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accepted a call to the Emanuel pastorate at Wabash, Indiana, and served the same acceptably until August of the following year, when he resigned in order that he might accept a call tendered him by the Albion charge. Here he began his work on the first day of September, 1874. It was in some respects a difficult, but to him a delightful field, and he won his way into the hearts and affections of the people as only the earnest consecrated minister of the Word can do. God blessed his work and he became a means of leading many souls into the kingdom. He continued for three years, when he resigned and accepted a call to the pastorate of White Pigeon, Michigan, beginning his labors there October 1, 1877. In this charge he suerceded in building one new church and repairing the other two at considerable expense, but leaving them in a fair finan- cial condition. He was a hard worker and for nearly eight years gave himself unselfishly to the needs of the church. Ile was successful not only in advancing the material interests of the charge, but also in increasing the spiritual. Many were added to the church during his ministry here and the improve- ment in every line of christian work was very marked. He resigned to accept a call to the Middlebury pastorate, which he served with great favor for a period of five years. He sue- ceeded in freeing the charge of a debt of long standing and of adding greatly to its membership. Ilis firm, positive, but aggressive christianity provoked some opposition, as it always will with those who are not so deeply rooted in the faith, or who have the interests of the church lightly at heart, but it only made him stronger and wedded him more closely to God's people. They loved him for his work's sake and ably assisted him in all the arduous toils for the kingdom. He was popular
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REV. B. F. STULTZ.
with the masses, both within and withont the church, and it was to him both a pleasant and a profitable pastorate. Ile resigned and accepted a call to Silver Lake, Ind., where he continued until he began the work at Cioshen, Ind. Rev. Stutz has always been a true missionary and in the beautiful city of Goshen he saw a splendid opportunity for the General Synod Lutheran church and he determined that it must be improved. But for his missionary zeal no church of our type of Lutheranism would today exist in that city. His self- sacrificing labors here will never be fully known by the church. Some idea of what they were and what they accomplished may be obtained by a reference to the history of the Wells Memo- rial Lutheran church, but the record is only fully written in the " book of remembrance." In all his labors and sacrifices he has been ably assisted by his beloved " helpmeet," to whom he was wedded October 20, 1874. She is prentially fitted for the work which of necessity comes to the pastor's wife. Kind, Sociable and consecrated, she always wins bet way into the hearts of the people and has proved a very valuable and offer- tive worker in the various congregations over which he pre- sided. In the cause of missions she has borne her part. When the Woman's Synodical Society was formed she was elected as its first secretary and she has done much good work in the auxiliary societies of different pastorates.
The whole ministerial life of Rev. Stultz has been given to the church in this Synod. Being licensed and ordained by the Synod, and having labored in it continuously for all these years, it is to him his synodical home There is perhaps no inducement that could be offered that would cause him to leave this field. He loves its churches and enjoys a large
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
acquaintanceship among their people, and is also deeply impressed with the boundless opportunities of our church upon this territory. He hopes to see the day when this vast field field between the Great Lakes shall be dotted over with English Lutheran churches of the General Synod, and to accomplish this no labor will be for him too hard and no sacri- fice too great. He is ready to " endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" in order that this hope may be real- ized.
REV. E. W. ERICK.
Among the many successful ministers whose lives were largely spent in the service of the Lutheran church upon the territory of the Synod of Northern Indiana, the name of Rev. Enos W. Erick stands conspicuous. He is a native of Jeffer- son County, Ohio, was born in Springfield in the year 1835, and when a mere boy he removed with his parents to Hunting- ton County. Ind. At the age of twenty-three he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, and continued in her active service until the year 1862. Then the great civil war aroused the patriotism of his heart and he raised a com- pany of volunteers and entered upon the service of his coun- try. Soon he was unanimously elected chaplain of the 89th Reg. Ind. Vol., and won the esteem and confidence of his comrades in battle. He continued to serve in this capacity until the fall of 1863, when he resigned and returned home, much to the regret of those with whom he was associated in army life. He, however, was as true to the cause of the nation at home as when doing active service in that great con- test. Warmly did he defend his country, and has always been
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REV. E. W. ERICK.
the special friend of the soldier. Scarcely has a memorial ser- vice since been held in any commimity where he resided in which his voice has not been heard as the principal speaker, and he loves to tell of the valorous deeds of " the boys in blue " during that dark period. Patriotism is a virtue which he believes should be cultivated, and no pastorate that he has ever served has been left without a deeper and purer love for their country being instilled into the hearts of old and young.
After bis return from the army be found a number of cir- cumstances combining to make it desirable to change his church relations. He was deeply impressed with the biblical teaching of the Lutheran faith. and believed in the conserva- tive character of the church. Her doctrine he found in exact accord with his own interpretations of the scriptures, and he sought admission in her fold. He was received into her min- istry and was elected pastor of the Massillon charge in the Synod of Northern Indiana. Here he labored with great acceptance and rendered valuable service to the church and her Lord. About the latter part of the year 1869 he received and accepted a call to the Spencerville pastorate, and remained there for eleven years. During all that period he was in favor with the people, and as the history of the charge will show his labors were abundantly blessed. Resigning this work he went to Middlebury, Ind., and served that pastorate until the spring of 1885, when he accepted a call to the White Pigeon charge in Michigan. The churches were in a fair condition, but he found the people widely scattered and the work laborious. He remained until the fall of 1888, when he resigned much against the wishes of the people. At the time of his retirement there was practical unity in the work, and there was probably not a
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
single member in the entire pastorale who was not grieved at his departure. Hle accepted a call to Silver Lake, Ind., and remained there for two years when he was persuaded to become pastor of the Albion charge. He remained for three years when he was called to the Springfield pastorate which formed a part of his work when located for eleven years at Spencer- ville. He entered upon this work October 1. 1898, and is now the pastor. The old friendships of years ago are renewed, and the parishioners who yet abide in the church militant are de- lighted with the services of the faithful pastor of former days. Hey Brick has always been popular with all classes of people. The young rally about him because he always lives in sym- pathy with them. In spirit he is no older than the day be entered the ministry. The old find in him one who can enter into true sympathy with them, and who can bring to them the Sweetest and best consolations of God's word. He is an elli- cient pastor, and is naturally adapted to the varied duties which the pastoral office brings. In the home, in the chamber of sickness, in the larger sphere of social life with its varied and multiplied demands he is never ill-at-case. Suiting him- self to the occasion he always fills his place with such accepta- bility as to win the esteem of all with whom he associates, llc possesses also remarkable pulpit powers. Splendidly endowed by nature he is quick to turn to the advantage of the church every opportunity that comes in the preaching of the word. No man in the Synod is more universally loved and respected than be. His brethren in the ministry have frequently hon- ored him with the highest places of trust. He served as presi- dent of the Synod for two years, and as treasurer for the same length of time. For four years he was Director to Wittenberg
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COUNCIL OF LUTHERAN CHURCH. CDESSE, INDIANA.
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REV. JACOB MILTON FRANCIS.
College, and was sent as a delegate to the General Synod at four of its different biennial conventions. He was always true to the trust reposed in him and discharged his duties most faithfully. God has not only greatly blessed his labors to the good of the church, but has also given him the highest joys in his service.
REV. JACOB MILTON FRANCIS.
The subject of his sketch was born in Myerstown, Pa., March 4, 1865. His father died when he was seven years of age, but having a God-fearing mother he was early taught the principles of the Christian religion. When quite young he was apprenticed to the printing trade, and worked four years on the New Bloomfield " Times. " At the end of this time he returned to his home, made ready and entered the Preparatory Department of Gettysburg College, September, 1883. In the fall of 1894 be was admitted to the Freshman class at fielty -- bing. l'a. Here he became identified with the institutions of the undergraduates and was a member of the Gettysburg Col- lege Glee Club, and one of the board of editors of the college " Monthly." He was graduated in 1888 and immedi- ately entered upon the final preparatory stage of his life work at the Theological Seminary, from which place he went forth with the degree A. M. hi June, 1891, well equipped for the work of winning souls to Christ. Before graduation he received a number of calls to the various places which he had supplied as a student. but all of them he declined. In .Inly, 1891, while on a trip to his home in Colorado Springs, Colo., he spent one week in Louisville, Kentucky, and preached to the little association of people known as St. Paul's. They
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