USA > Indiana > Our church, a history of the synod of Northern Indiana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church > Part 8
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AUBURN PASTORATE.
Smith preached the sermon from Psahn 50:2, "Out of Zion- the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." At the time of this writing (Sept. Ist) the brick walls are nearly completed. They are made of a fine quality of Toledo brick, and are laid in red mortar. The building, when completed, will present a meat and attractive appearance, and will afford a seating capacity for about four hundred. The congregation expect to occupy the basement carly in October. Sixty-six members have been received since the work began, and they are thor- oughly organized. A good Aid Society, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, a growing Sunday school, a vigorous Y. P. S. C. E., and an energetic membership are all doing effective work " For Christ and the Church."
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AUBURN PASTORATE.
Several fruitless efforts were made to establish an Eng- lish Lutheran church in Auburn. The chief difficulty in the way was that no suitable place for holding church services could be secured. In May, 1874, Rev. Levi Rice, pastor of the Fairfield charge, directed his attention to this important point. It being the county seat, he regarded it as a center worthy to be occupied by the church of his choice, especially since it contained some excellent Lutheran families who were " as sheep without a shepherd." After consulting with these families he made arrangements to preach for them occasionally in the Baptist church. This he did in connection with the work of his own pastorate until Oct. 26, 1875, when a meet- Ing; was called at the home of Jacob Walborn for the purpose
102
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
of considering the advisability of organizing a new church. It was regarded as an opportune time and . St. Marks Evangeli- cal Lutheran church, of Anburn, Indiana," was then organized with nineteen charter members. The new organization al once purchased of the Presbyterians " their old frame church " for the sum of $650.00. Rev. Rice continued to preach for them semi-monthly for one year, after which the congregation was made a part of his pastorate and he continued serving them until Det., 1881, when he resigned. During his min- i-try the membership gradually increased, and because a church home was secured it assumed a permanent character. Rev. S. Kelso succeeded Rey. Kier, but remained only one year. When the vacancy now occurred Key. W. Wahrman who was residing at Kendallville. Supplied the church for a brief period. In Det., 1853, Rev. W. D. Trouver became per. manent pastor and labored among this people with marked sue- Four years later he resigned and was succeeded In a few months pastorate lo Rey. J. C. Jessup, who was followed in March, Isss, by Rev. N. J. Meyers. He was young and energetic and although he had the work of the entire Fairfield pastorate, he gave special attention to the interests of the church in Auburn. He saw that the one necessity was a new house of worship with a better location, and although the con- gregation was small he bravely determined that it must be accomplished. The next year, 1889, a suitable lot was pur- chased for which the congregation paid $500.00. Then began the effort to secure mean; for the erection of a church build- ing. The members subscribed liberally and this inspired others to come to their assistance. The work moved steadily Forward and on the 3d of November, 1889, they dedicated a neat brick structure with a > iting capacity of 250 in the and-
AUBURN PASTORATE. 103
itorium and 150 in the lecture room, which is separated from the auditorimm room by movable partitions. The building complete and furnished cost about $7,000,00 and stands as an enduring monument of the faith and zeal of Rey. Meyers and his devoted people. Synod now granted this congregation the privilege of withdrawing from the Fairfield charge and forming a separate pastorate. Shortly after this Res. Meyers resigned, and after a brief vacancy Rev. D. F. Kain accepted a call. Early in the year 1891 be removed from Auburn, and was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Brosy, the present pastor. Ili- ministry thus far has been remarkably successful. It has been fruitful in large ingatherings and has drawn to the congregation audiences that usually fill the entire capacity of the church. The membership of this church now numbers one hundred and eighty six, and of these Rey. Brosy during his brief mini-try has received one hundred and thirty one. The Sunday School has kept pace with the progress of the church, and the Young People's Society of Olaistian Endeavor, organized Nov. 7, 1991, with seven members, has increased until it number- sixty -five. The Woman's Society, organized in 1885. has also proved a very helpful factor in the development both of the material and spiritual interests of the church. During the year 1892 a lot was purchased and upon it was erected a neat and comfortable dwelling for a parsonage. It cost about $1,500.00. All the finances of the church are well cared for. The self-sacrificing efforts of the people to secure their own church home bas de- veloped more fully the spirit of liberality toward all the benev- olent work of the church. The last annual report was by far the best in its history and will doubtless prove a glorious prophecy of the larger things that will be accomplished in the years that are to come.
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
BERRIEN SPRINGS PASTORATE.
Four congregations comprise this pastorate. St. Paul's situated in Berrien Springs, the County seat of Berrien County, Salem, five miles northwest, Mt. Tabor, five and one-half miles southwest and St. John's, three miles cast in Berrien Center. It is composed of an excellent class of people who are the- roughly devoted to the interests of their church. With re- markable fidelity they have labored and sacrificed, and in times of severe trial and testing they have faithfully shown their love for the church of their choice.
Rev. John Boon who now resides among this people was the founder of the pastorate. In the year 1860 he began preaching in a school house not far from the present site of Salem church. Services were held every two weeks for a short time when an organization was effected with a small member- ship. Others were added from time to time during his minis- try, and when he resigned there was a comparatively strong congregation. Early in the year 1861 he began preaching in a school house near the present site of the Mt. Tabor church. Here he also organized, and in 1863 he led the people in build- ing a house of worship. It is a comfortable church and will seat about two hundred people. Rev. Boon preached at other points and laid the foundations for a work that did not appear until some years later. He served the people faithfully for a period of seven years, resigning during the latter part of 1867. Rev. D. H. Reiter of the Reformed church, who was at this time engaged in the drug business in Berrien Springs, was secured as a supply. He continued for a period of three years
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BERRIEN SPRINGS PASTORATE.
and was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Hills, April 1, 1871. Dur- ing his ministry the Salem congregation built its house of wor- ship, and on May 27, 1871, he organized St. Paul's in Berrien Springs with twenty-three charter members. The churches were revived and many were added to the membership. Ile was successful in his efforts to up-build and strengthen the kingdom of Christ. He served for two and one-half years, and was followed November 8, 1873, by Rev. J. N. Morris. His stay with the people covered a period of twenty-one months, resigning August 8, 1875. Rev. S. Kelso began his labors as pastor November 28, 1875, and continued to March 30, 1879, leaving the churches composing the charge stronger in mem- bership and in a good spiritual condition. Sometime during ' the same year Rev. F. W. Weatherwax was called to the pas- torate. Unfortunately for the church and for the cause of Christ, there were such inconsistencies in his life as to necessi- tate synodical investigation. He also made an effort to take the churches with him into a sister denomination, and while his effort failed and very few members were drawn away by him, the influence of the trial together with the causes which brought it about lingered for years and were detrimental to the work. His short pastorate of a little more than a year did a work which required a much longer period to undo. But God is good to his people, and will always, as he did for them, lead them out of darkness into light, from trial and conflict into joy and victory.
Ile was succeeded April 10, 1881, by the Rev. W. M. Smith, who proved a safe and competent leader in times of trouble. The influence of his genial, Christian spirit was soon felt, and the enthusiasm of his consecrated life started the con-
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
gregations upon a new era of prosperity. He remained until 1885, and in June of this year was succeeded by Key. S. S. Adams who had just completed his course in the Theological Seminary at Springfield, O. He organized St. John's church at Berrien Center, March 28, 1886, with nine charter mem- bers. There being no other church in this place it was re- garded as an excellent movement. Services were held in the town hall until July 31, 1887, when their beautiful little church was dedicated. Rev. Adams was also successful in building a neat and comfortable parsonage during his ministry here. The churches were revived and strengthened by an increased membership, and the interests of the church in general advanced. He resigned June 1, 18SS, and was fol- lowed by Key S. P. Fryberger November 10th of the same year. He continued as pastor four years and two months, and she- ceeded in persuading many to turn to the Savior and be re- ceived into the fellowship of hi- church. Rev. W. J. Funkey, the present pastor, began his labors June 1, 1893, and has already increased the membership nearly one-third. He is carnest and aggressive, and is pushing the work forward with remarkable vigor. In several of his congregations he has organized young people's societies which are becoming fruitful in good works. No line of work is neglected. The people are united and this pastorate promises soon to stand among the foremost ranks in the Synod to which it belongs.
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BETHLEHEM AND LA OTTO PASTORATE.
BETHLEHEM AND LAA OTTO PASTORATE.
This charge is composed of two congregations. Numeric- ally it is one of the weakest pastorates in this Synod, having a combined membership of less than sixty. The Bethlehem church was organized January 12, 1853, by Rev. G. Walker, with six- teen charter members. All these came from Columbiana County, Ohio, with letters signed by Rey. S. Wagner. The membership was shortly afterward increased to thirty-live. It first they worshipped in the home of Peter Bricker, who don- ated a lot upon which was created a log church which served the congregation for a period of ten years. The present strutel- ute, a heat and comfortable frame building, was created in the latter part of the year 1865, and was dedicate 1 January 2.1. 1864. The pastor. Rey. . N. Barnett, was assisted in the dedicatory services by Key. W. P. Ruthraul and Rey. W. Walkman. The work prospered and the membership reached about one hundred.
The Emanuel congregation was organized by Rev. B. F. Stultz, April 5, 1875, with eight charter members. Nearly all of these came from the Bethlehem congregation. Action was immediately taken for the erection of a house of worship, and on October 3rd of the same year they dedicated their church to the worship of Almighty God. The new organization met with considerable opposition, but it continued to grow until the membership numbered about seventy. These two congrega- tions formed a part of the Albion pastorate, and during that time enjoyed the largest degree of their prosperity. But changes came, and their numbers were diminished. Without
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
their consent they were detached from the Albion pastorate by the action of Synod in the year 1890. It was the intention of Synod that the congregation at Avilla should be united with them, and the three comprise the pastorate. Since this action they have not been able to give adequate support to a minister. Father Biddle whose whole life has been a sacrifice for the church served them for a time. Father Waltman has supplied them for a while. At present they are served by Rev. S. Kelso, who hopes for better days for them. Their opportunities are somewhat limited, but they are a devoted people and the Good Shepherd will yet lead them forth into green pastures beside the still waters. The prosperity of former days will return, and even larger things will be enjoyed. God is never forget- ful of the interests of his people.
BRIANT PASTORATE.
This was formerly known as the Linn-grove pastorate, and consisted of the Linn-grove, Sharon, Briant and Emanuel churches. Through the instrumentality of Rev. H. C. Gross- man the charge was divided in the year 1880 when Briant, Emanuel, Portland and Boundary, constituted one pastorate, and Linn-grove, Sharon, New Corydon and Zion, formed another. This was a missionary experiment, but it was not long until Portland and Boundary were abandoned and the other two churches added to the former charge. The pastorate at present comprises the four churches-Briant, New Corydon, State Line and Emanuel. It was thus formed in the year 1888.
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BRIANT PASTORAATE.
The union being of such recent date the history of the congre- gations can only be given separately.
The Briant Church .- In the fall of 1874 a number of families, principally Lutheran, associated themselves together and elected three trustees. They were Bros. Miller, Polsdorfer and Simon Minehart, with William Fleming as clerk. They at once determined to build a church and soon let the contract. Rev. Miller who was preaching at Linn-grove was invited to come and minister to them. He accepted the invitation and immediately began his labors, organizing a church in the spring of 1875 with nine charter members. Work began on the church edifice, but it was not ready for occupaney until several years had elapsed. Meanwhile Divine services were conducted in the saw-mill, in the school house and in a small building owned by Isaac Kain. Rev. Miller served the church for a period of about two years when he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. C. S. Finley. The church was dedicated May 12, ISTS, Rev. J. B. Helwig, D. D., and Rey. R. F. Delo, assist- ing the pastor in the services. Enough was subscribed on Dedication Day to meet all expenses, but not being promptly collected a considerable financial burden hung over the weak congregation. After two year's faithful service Rev. Finley resigned and was followed by Rev. J. Frazier, who labored in the Briant and Emanuel churches for four years. He resided in Portland and there he died on Sunday evening, September 13, 1885. During his ministry there were additions to the membership, but the congregation was yet struggling and its burdens increased by litigation arising from its indebtedness. After the death of Rev. Frazier the pastorate was served one year by the Rev. B. D. Herrold. He was succeeded by Rev.
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
Thomas Drake who served Briant and Emanuel congregations, occasionally preaching at New Corydon also, for a period of one year, when by reason of the infirmities of age he was forced to relinquish the work. During the summer of 1888 Mr. Bollman, a student of Wittenberg College, supplied the charge, and was instrumental in infusing new life into the church. The attendance increased, Sunday School enlarged and a few substantial improvements were made. June 1, 1889, Rev. J. A. West became pastor. During the same year he encouraged the congregation and by great effort, with some outside help, the large indebtedness was cancelled. The next summer the church was repaired and very much beautified in appearance. The membership was increased and a new era of prosperity seemed dawning upon them. But there were losses. Death claimed some of the old and faithful servants who had borne the heavy burdens in the days of adversity. Simon Minchart who had always been the leader in financial affairs as well as in spiritual things, his beloved and faithful companion, Bros. Michael Minchart. Woodward and others, true and tried friends of the church, were called to their reward, and others removed so that the congregation now numbers 53, but is well organized for Christian work. It has an active Sunday School, Christian Endeavor Society, a Woman's Home and Foreign Mis- sionary Society, and is doing effective service for the Master.
Emanuel Church .- Rev. J. W. Miller also received an invitation to come to the school house five miles northeast of Portland, which he accepted. He preached there once in two weeks for a period of about three months, and in the spring of 1875 he organized with ten charter members. Additional members were received from time to time, and at the end of
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BRIANT PASTORATE.
two years the congregation decided to build a house of worship one mile north of the place where their meetings had been hell. The edifice was erected during the summer of 1877, but the building was not completed until one year later, although ser- vices were held in it during the winter. Before it was com- pleted Rev. Miller resigned and was succeeded by Rev. C. S. Finley. The dedication occurred in Angust, 1878, and the pastor was assisted in the services by Rev. A. J. Douglas and Rev. D. F. Kain. A small debt rested upon the church and after- ward became the source of considerable trouble. During the two years ministry of Rev. Finley and the four year's service of Rev. Frazier the congregation received some additions and sustained some losses, but on the whole made some progress. The short pastorates of Rese. Herrold, Drake and Bollmann, with their corresponding vacancies, did not add much strength to this church. The outlook was discouraging, but the old members who yet remained, stood faithfully by the church to which they had given much time and thought and money and prayer. Rev. J. A. West became pastor Joue 1. 9. 1 few months later seven good substantial members were added, and these were followed by fourteen others some months after- ward. The church building was repaired and a good bell hung in the tower to call the people to worship. With the advice of the President of Synod the church was leased for a period of eight years to the Freewill Baptist, to be occupied jointly with the Lutherans. The congregation now has 31 resident members- has a good Union Sunday School, sustains a prayer meeting and is looking hopefully toward the future.
The New Corydon Church .- The village of New Corydon was visited several times by Rev. H. C. Grossman when he
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
was traveling missionary of the Synod of Northern Indiana. Hle gathered the Lutheran people and brought to them Rev. N. A. Whitman, who was elected pastor September 20, 1891, and on the 11th day of December following he organized with sixteen charter members. The first officers were Geo. Stoltz, Geo. Martin, David Locker and Andrew Sonday. Services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church. The new organ- ization became part of the Linn-grove pastorate. After min- istering to them for several years Rev. Whitman resigned and removed from the field, but in three months he was recalled and served them for a short time. The close of his ministry was followed by a vacancy of some months when Rev. Frazier ineluded this congregation in his pastorate and served it until his death. Revs. Herrold, Drake and Bollman also served this congregation during their ministry in this charge, and during this time it became necessary to find some other place in which to hold their services. A hall was secured and the matter of building a church was now agitated. It was already decided to build when Rev. West became pastor, and during the sum- mer of 1889 a neat church edifice was erected. For it the con- gregation is chiefly indebted to the munificence of George Stoltz. It was dedicated October 13, 1889, the pastor being assisted in the services by Prof. L. A. Gotwald, D. D., and Rev. Knuth. The church received new members from time to time, but lost by death some of its staunch supporters-George Stolz, David Locker, Mrs. Fred Martin, Mrs. Louis Fennig, and other faithful members, were taken to the church triumph- ant. The congregation, although only mimbering 46 members, is in a good spiritual condition, and meets all its financial obli- gations promptly, and is interested in all the benevolent work of the church. They are a devoted people.
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BRIANT PASTORATE.
State Line Church .- It is situated five miles southeast of New Corydon, ou the border of Mercer County, Ohio. It had its origin in a little company of Lutheran people assembling at the home of Mr. Leininger, to hear the word of God preached by Rev. Gochenbeimer, a minister of the Reformed church. The first officers were John Leininger and John Wiles. For several years they continued and were about to disband when other Lutheran families arrived and gave such encouragement to the work that a little log church was built. This was in the year 1853, two years before the organization of the Synod of Northern Indiana. They had to pass through all the hard- ships of pioneer life. The country was new and the people comparatively poor. Soon after the building of the church Rev. Spring became pastor and served them for two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Philip Locker, who conducted the services entirely in the German language. The old log church stood until 1875 when it was replaced by a new frame struct- ure. Rev. Locker served the church faithfully for 2 years. when because of the infirmities of age he resigned. He died May 3, 1891, and was buried close by the church to which he had given such a large part of his life. He was greatly beloved by this people and his memory will long remain an inspiration for good. Rev. Fager, a member of the joint Synod of Ohio, then became pastor, and the church united with said Synod. Ile continued his labors several years and was followed by Rev. W. G Nicol, whose ministry included three years, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. E. Herbst. May 14, 1886, a cyclone completely destroyed the church building, and the next year the present comfortable edifice was erected. The congregation became dissatisfied with its synodical relations and
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SYNOD OF NOTRHERN INDIANA.
united with the Synod of Northern Indiana. It became a part of the Briant pastorate during Bro. Bollman's ministry in 1888. From that time all the services have been conducted in English. Rev. West has served the church since becoming pastor of this charge, and under his ministry is making commendable prog- ress. The membership now numbers 64, and is alive to all the interests of the church.
The pastorate although not numerically strong is composed of an excellent class of people, and was perhaps never in better condition to do effective work for the Master than now. Better system prevails and under the judicious leadership of their present faithful leader they will move forward to a larger life and greater joy in their service.
BUTLER PASTORATE.
This charge is composed of two congregations St. Mark's situated in the village of Butter, and Wittenberg, five miles distant. The latter is one of the oldest congregations on the territory of this Synod. It was organized by Rev. J. Cather, in 1843. It was never very strong numerically, but for more than half a century it has been doing good service in the cause of Christ. It has in its membership some of the very best citizens of the community, and they are all interested in all the work of the church. St. Mark's was organized by Rev. J. W. Henderson in 1864. Rev. Morris Officer being present and assisting in the services. It had about forty char- ter members. In the following year they built a large brick church. Being at a time when building material was at
REV. O. W. BOWEN. REV. JJABEZ SHAFFER. REV. JJ. M. DIATMAN.
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I.V. B. F. STULTZ. REV. A. LEATHERS. HERV. J. H. HOFFMAN.
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BUTLER PASTORATE.
its highest, it was a herculean task for the few members, none of whom were blessed with a super-abundance of this world's goods. The structure was however completed during the same year, but with a burden that somewhat crippled its efforts. The church was dedicated during the annual conven- tion of the Synod of Northern Indiana in the fall of 1866. Pre- quent pastoral changes have also been a hindrance to her greatest prosperity. In the 25 years of her existence, cho has been under the pastoral care of Keys. J. W. Henderson, .I. N. Morris, A. W. Burns, S. P. Snyder, William C. Bar- nett, Jabez Shaffer, D. F. Kain, W. Diefenbach and the present eneumbent, Rev. S. P. Fryberger. Rev. Diefenbach served the church for about nine years, but all others for a much shorter period. During the year 1893, the church suf- fered great loss of membership on account of the removal of the Division Headquarters and shops of the Wabash railroad many of the employes being members of the church. It was the occasion of the loss of at least sixty active members of the congregation. Under the faithful ministry of the present pastor, she has, however, already nearly retrieved her loss and seems to have gained a firmer and more substantial hold in the village and the community than ever before enjoyed. The transient element has been exchanged for a more perma- neut one, and is prophetic of a new era in her history. More substantial work will be done and the influence of the congre- gation must become stronger She is thoroughly organized for Christian work, having a good Sunday school and an active Endeavor society of about thirty members, and a Doreas society, doing faithful work for the church. The trials and misfortunes of the past are under God's guidance,
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