USA > Indiana > Our church, a history of the synod of Northern Indiana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20
116
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
developing strength for the future. They are a devoted peo- ple, and under the ministry of their present judicious and energetic pastor, they will moved forward to a conspienous place among the working churches of the Synod.
CAMDEN PASTORATE.
This is one of the oldest and best pastorates in this Synod. . At present it consists of two congregations, with a combined membership of two hundred and ten. St. Peter's Church is located in Camden, about sixteen miles southwest of Logans- port, and St. Paul's Church is situated in the village of Flora, about five miles south of Camden. The former congregation was organized by Rev. Samuel MeReynolds in the year 1846; the latter was formed from a congregation in the country not far distant, and its church building was moved into the vil- lage. In its early history the churches which now form the Deer Creek charge were served in connection with these two. Rev. MeReynolds became pastor in the year 1846, and contin- ued his labors until May 28, 1855. On October 1st of the same year, Rev. D. Smith took charge, and continued for one year. Ile was immediately succeeded by Rev. L. L. Bonnell, who remained about sixteen months. Rev. S. P. Snyder was elected pastor October 1st, 1858, and for nine years rendered efficient service. He resigned September 15, 1867. Rev. M. 1 .. Kunkleman followed in a brief pastorate, and he was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. M. Elser. The two pastorates cover a period of about twenty months. May Ist, 1869, Rev. S. B. Hyman was elected and remained one year. Rev. J. L. Guard
117
CAMDEN PASTORATE.
began his labors June 12, 1870, and continued to June 2, 1878, at which time the charge was divided, and Rev. Guard continued to preach for the congregations forming the Deer Creek pastorate. June the 9th of the same year, Rev. A. J. B. Kast was elected, and remained pastor for one year. Rev. G. L. Shafer succeeded him June 24, and continued to June 12, 1880. Rev. D. H. Snowden, Ph. D., was called November Ist, 1881, and resigned April 1st, 1885. On the 1st of Octo- ber, 1885, Rev. C. J. Kiefer was elected and rendered efficient service for four years. He resigned October 1st, 1889. Rev. F. L. Sigmund was elected pastor June Ist, 1890, and closed his work in the spring of 1892 to accept a call to the mission at Columbus, O. The pastoral year was completed by Rev. HI. B. Belmer. The present pastor, Rev. B. F. Grenoble, be- gan his labors August 13, 1892, and continues to serve the people with great acceptance and favor. Each congregation has its house of worship, and both are neatly and comfortably furnished. The old church in Camden was replaced by a new one in 1873, during the ministry of Rev. J. L. Guard. It is a beautiful and substantial frame building. A large and con- veniently arranged parsonage was built recently. The congre- gations are thoroughly organized, and contain some of the most active societies in the Synod. They are interested in all the general work of the church, and have made a good record in contributing to the various boards.
118
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
COLUMBIA CITY PASTORATE.
Grace Lutheran Church is a child of Home Missions, and ever since its organization the object of God's special favor.
In 1846 Rev. J. B. Oliver, of Dayton, Ohio, a member of the Miami Synod, came to the village of Columbia with a view of gathering the Lutherans into an organization. He wrote a constitution, then gave up the work and left the field. In the following year Rev. Franklyn Templin came from Lan- caster, Ohio, and on the 19th day of April, 1847, in his own home effected an organization with but seven charter members. This new organization was christened "Grace Lutheran Church." The chartered members were: Mr. and Mrs. Levi Meyers, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Wunderlich, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Avey, and Mr. Jacob Saylor. Two of these are still living, Mrs. Meyers and Mr. Saylor. The organization became a member of the Olive Branch Found. and held its services for several years in the Methodist Episcopal Church ..
The first church building was creeted in 1851, by a long and severe struggle, the members being few and poor, on the ground where now stands the present building. The total cost of the new church was $1,000. It was dedicated by "Father" Wells and Rey. Seidle, November 9, 1851. Into the tower of this church was hung the first bell ever rang in this city. That bell still swings in our tower,
Prior to this dedication, Roy. Templin resigned, and the little struggling band was without a pastor for two years. Strong in faith and unconquerable in purpose, they held on to the work, keeping up weekly prayer-meetings, hoping and
119
COLUMBIA CITY PASTORATE.
waiting. The heroic spirit of Levi Meyers kept the fires con- stantly burning. At last God answered the prayers of this noble Lutheran band in the person of Rev. "Father" Wells. lle began his pastoral work October 17, 1852. The Home Mission Committee gave to Rev. Templin $20 a quarter during his ministry, and for one year gave " Father" Wells the same amount. He threw the whole weight of his consecrated life and strong intellectual powers into this new enterprise. Foun- dations were laid anew, hope revived in every heart, gladness filled every soul, as they saw the spiritual temple rising, and anticipations long awaited now being realized. Father Wells can justly be called the " Father" of this church, giving to it seventeen consecutive years of earnest work the best of his life. For what the church is to-day she is indebted very largely to this faithful, self-sacrificing and efficient man of God-Father Wells. After the first year the Synod paid $200 toward the pastor's support and the church $200. This latter mount was increased until about less when the church became self-sustaining. In 1855 the Synod of Northern Indiana was organized in this church.
Father Wells was succeeded by Rev. Ritz as pastor, May . 1, 1869. Roy. Ritz served the church faithfully for one year.
Rev. A. J. Douglas was called to the pastorate to succeed Rev. Ritz June 1, 1870, and served with fidelity and efficiency until June 1, 1872. Rev. Douglas began his ministerial life with this church, giving up a lucrative practice at the bar.
Rev. A. H. Studebaker was called as pastor in June, 1872, giving four years of successful service. The old building having now stood for twenty-two years, and the congregation constantly growing, a new, larger and more modern church
-
120
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
building became a necessity. In 1873 the corner stone of the present commodious church was laid and dedicated the follow- ing year. The basement room was completed, in which the services were held. The total cost of the building was $16,392. The indebtedness when finished was $3,666.
Rev. J. B. Baltzly, D. D., succeeded Rev. A. HI. Stude- baker, D. D., April 10, 1877. And until March 1, 1879, gave the church a consecrated, exemplary ministerial service. Dur- ing these years the church struggled against a heavy debt, which was growing daily. A number of improvements were made on the church during his pastorate, and a movement inaugurated which eventually became successful in liquidating the debt.
Rev. J. N. Barnett succeeded Dr. Baltzly October 1, 1879. Rev. Barnett's prime object was the cancellation of the debt on the church. In the five year. and two months of his ministry here the entire debt, which had now become nearly $8,000, was liquidated. In addition some substantial improvements were made on the property of the church.
Rev. C. 11. Rockey was called to this pastorate February 1, 1885, and labored faithfully with them for a period of seven years and nine months. During his ministry many improve- ments were made in and outside the church. In the spring of 1886 the large two manual Pipe Organ, which stands as an essential feature of the auditorium, was purchased at a cost of $1,100. In 1SS$ the beautiful and commodious parsonage was erected at a cost of about $1,600, and $100 improvements made on the church. In 1889 the stone eurbing and parking were completed, the basement room repapered, and new carpets pur- chased, and in 1890 the stone walks and steps were laid.
121
COLUMBIA CITY PASTORATE.
Early in January, 1891, the large force of young people in the church were organized into a Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, divided into Junior and Senior branches. This society is doing efficient work, and is of great influence for " Christ and the Church." In the winter of 1891 the par- lors, dining rooms, and kitchen of the church were beautifully remodeled and refitted.
In March of this same year the congregation received the most generous donation of a fund by an unknown and gracious friend, for the completion of the auditorium. Never was the church the recipient of such glad news. This gift was heartily and thankfully received, and the work commenced at once and completed in September, at a cost of about $6,000.
The church then decided to make all other improvements necessary to the entire completion of the building. This included a new tower, new cathedral glass, stone side walks, painting, etc. This all was completed at a total cost of $1,700.
Rev. J. Milton Francis, the present pastor, began his work here September 1, 1893.
The Church Building .- The church, as now complete, is a two-story building, 90 x 60 feet, with a tower rising 160 feet from the ground. The first floor, with a fourteen-foot ceiling, bas a main Sunday school and an audience room, 60 x 54 feet, with a seating capacity of 500, entered through a vestibule of twelve feet, extending across the entire width of the church. In the rear of this main room are parlors, dining rooms and kitchen. Two stairways from front vestibule, and one from the rear, lead to the sanctuary proper, 78 x 60 feet, with gallery. It is furnished with antique oak with terra cotta trimmings. It is seated with pews arranged in amphitheater style, with silk
.
122
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
plush upholstery. A two manual Pipe Organ immediately in the rear of pulpit, with ante rooms for pastor and choir. The room is lighted by eighty-live electric lights, and heated by three Patrie furnaces. The walls are frescoed in terra cotta colors. Two fac similes of Reuben's " Christ " in relief hang on either side of the pulpit. The room has a seating capacity in pews of 600-with gallery and chairs 900. This is one of the most complete and elegantly furnished churches in North- ern Indiana,-an honor to the city and a pride to the church.
SOCIETIES IN THE CHURCH.
Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society. - Thi- Society was organized March, 1882. It holds its meetings the first Wednesday of each month. Its object is the development of missionary spirit and benevolence. Its membership dues are $1.00 a year. This society now numbers thirty members, and has given for missions about $600 since it- organization.
Ladies' Mite Society .-- This society was organized January 8, 1880. Its object is to render social and financial aid to the church. It meets on Thursday of each week, and collects of its members five cents each as weekly dues. It numbers forty members, and has collected about $3,000 for various objects since it organization. Monthly church socials are success- fully held under the management of this society.
Senior Y. P. S. C. E .- This organization was effected in January, 1891, at the home of E. L. Meballen. Its object is exclusively the spiritual culture of its members and the church. No fees are asked; no lines assessed, contributions are volun- tary. Meets each Sabbath evening at 6:15 for prayer and con secration, and once a month for regular business.
٩
t
و
3
4
ain
う
6
10
DI MOONS.
1. DR. M. IRELAND;
1.
.. "'. 11. W.AIDIC',
2. A. MYERS,
H. NYON,
3. L. DE VALLT.
1. 1. LIGGETT.
1. J. MIRARON FRANCIS.
11. 11. WC' L.ALLAN.
GRACE IAA THERAN CHERCIL Columbia City. Indiana
123
COLUMBIA CITY PASTORATE.
BRIEF.
The forty-seven years of the history of Grace Lutheran church has been groved with the unmistakable evidence of Divine favor. Unceasing has been the stream of God's bless- ings. No page of her history has been written but God's hand was there. No forward movement has been inaugurated, but God laid bare his Holy arm in her behalf. In every ministry her interests have been advanced in some direction. Every year has found her in advance either in spiritual wealth, or numerical development, or material enlargement. The disin - tegrating influences of no faction appear. She has tried to prove herself true to all her obligations. She is wholly free from debt. She extends always the highest expression of con- tesy to her pastor. She heartily enlists m all endeavors to promote the welfare of the community. She ardently believes in, and zealously seizes hold of all evangelistie work for a higher Christian life, and for the immediate salvation of the world. A half century of her history is written in these pages, another half century is before us. " What shall the harvest be ? "
Union Center Lutheran Church, Coesse, Indiana. - The Union Center Lutheran church of Cousse, Indiana, which at present constitutes part of the Columbia City charge, was organ- ized by Rev. " Father" Wells, April 8, 1857. According to appointment twenty charter members met at the home of Mr. James Worden in Union Township, cleeted trustees, elders and deacons, and otherwise consulted abont the erection of a snit- able church building. On motion then and there it was re- solved that they ereet a church building near Coesse, to be forty feet long, thirty feet wide and fourteen feet high, and
1
124
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
that a subscription be circulated immediately for that purpose, which was done and a neat frame structure was soon after dedi- cated to the worship of God.
In June, 1881, during the pastorate of Rev. J. N. Bar- nett, the church was greatly remodeled at a cost of $565 63. A steeple was put upon the church, the building was painted both inside and outside, a new stove, carpets and organ were purchased, and general repairs done on the grounds, so that to -day this congregation has a neat and very comfortable build- ing in which to hold their services. The church stands about a quarter of a mile from Coesse, on a plot of ground given it by Mr. Moses Winters, who was one of the old and staunch supporters of this church. This gift, and the very liberal con- tributions made from time to time by Mr. William C. Mowrey, who was elected the first clerk, placed the enterprise on a sure financial basis. The membership is comprised of mostly farm- ers, who are a good, thrifty, and industrious people, ever ready and willing to advance the cause and interest of Christ's king- . dom. A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized April 8, 1SS3, with a membership of twenty-three. This Society is still doing good and active work for the canse of missions.
The young people have already been banded together into a Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, and meet every Saturday evening for prayer and praise. Onee a month they hold their socials, which are always successful, and thus help along the various causes of church expenses. They have become a great factor both to the church and to the pastor,
125
CONSTANTINE PASTORATE.
CONSTANTINE PASTORAATE.
In April, 1865, the Rev. Peter Bergstresser began work in the large pastorate in St. Joseph county, Michigan, that had been previously organized and served by Rev. A. S. Bar- tholomew, a member of "The Joint Synod of Ohio and the adjacent states." In and about Constantine he found a num- ber of influential citizens of the Lutheran faith, and on March 31, 1866, he organized " Messiah Evangelical Luth- eran Church, of Constantine, Michigan," with thirty-three charter members. Of this number, Win. Fox, Sarah Fox, Christian Klapper, S. L. Dentler, and Charles Frank, remain as active members. At first the services were held in the Dutch Reform Church, the Lutherans paying a rental of two dollars for every meeting they held in it. Rev. Bergstresser resigned in the fall of 1867, and was succeeded by Rev. J. N. Barnett, who took charge in November of the same year, preaching to the congregation in Mottville and White Pigeon also. For five years and nine months after Rev. Bar- nett became pastor, the congregation in Constantine continued to worship in the Dutch Reformed church.
The pastor saw that the future prosperity of the congre- gation depended upon having its own house of worship. He was energetic and devoted, and he was preparing them for this work. They felt that it was a great undertaking, but they pushed forward, working and praying for the desired end. After surmounting many difficulties, Rev. Barnett succeeded in having their present church edifice erected. It is a two- story brick structure, seating in the auditorium about three
126
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
hundred people, and the basement very conveniently arranged for Sunday school and social purposes. The corner-stone was laid October 5, 1872, and the church dedicated Sept. 7, 1878, Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., assisting the pastor in the dedica- tory services. The congregation continued in connection with the Melanethon pastorate until October 1, 1873, when it was separated therefrom by the action of Synod and undertook the support of its own pastor. Rev. Barnett accepted a call and successfully continued the work he had carried forward with such remarkable vigor. Great credit is due him and this devoted people for their faithful work. This is one of the very few congregations of this Synod that never received any missionary or church extension aid, and yet they are among the most faithful in meeting their obligations to these objects. In this particular they have always shown the spirit for which Paul so highly commends the church at Phillippi. Rev. Barnett continued his labors until January 2, 1876, when he resigned and shortly afterward removed to another field. He was succeeded by Key. C. P. Raup, who entered upon his duties September Ist, of the same year. It was his first pastorate and he served it with all the vigor of his youth- ful ministry, being honored and loved for the work that he did. During his pastorate the basement story, which had never been completed, was nicely finished and arranged for Sunday school and social purposes. Failing health caused him to resign in July, 1879, much to the regret of the congrega- tion. Rev. H. C. Grossman took charge January -1, 1880, and continued for one year. Ile was a splendid preacher and left lasting impressions of the truth. During the summer of 1881, Rev. C. E. Wirick, a student from Wittenberg The-
1:
127
CONSTANTINE PASTORATE.
ological Seminary supplied the congregation, and on Novem- ber 6th, Rev. A. W. Burns was elected pastor. He received a number of members into the church and continued bis labors until November 15, 1883, when he sought what he thought would be for him a more congenial companionship in the min- istry of the Methodist church. He was succeeded by Rev. W. L. Tedrow, February 1, 1884. The congregation, because of the previous brief pastorates and the consequent vacancies had sustained severe loss, but they now rallied about their new pastor with commendable zeal. Ile enjoyed their united sympathy and aid from the very beginning. " The people had a mind to work " and to this he attributes very largely the success of his labors in their midst. During his pastoral oversight of the congregation, both the material and spiritual interests of the church were greatly advanced. A great deal of money was expended upon the church property during his ministry. The audience-room was refrescoed, the pews upholstered, the windows changed for better ventilation, the auditorium recarpeted, and, a few years after this was done, the falling of some plastering made further repairs necessary, which were handsomely and substantially made by placing in the church a metallic ceiling. A number of sheds for the teams were built and a convenient and desirable property at. the rear of the church was purchased for a parsonage. In all this work the people were themselves ready and willing to give as God had prospered them. The pastor attributed to them all the praise for their achievements - for very largely it was their work and not his. During Rev. Tedrow's min- istry the membership was increased from about seventy-five to more than two hundred, and all the interests of the church
128
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
were proportionally advanced. Through his influence a nom- ber of young people were persuaded to seek a higher educa- tion and several to prepare for the gospel ministry. He continued as pastor for nine years, resigning to accept a call from the Home Mission Board, to establish an English Luth- eran Church in the city of Ann Arbor. He was succeeded by Rev. C. A. Gelwicks, June 1, 1893, who soon won the love and confidence of the people he was to serve, but a number of causes combined to soon sever these relations and he resigned and closed his labors in the latter part of August, 1894.
This pastorate is composed of a church-loving and church - going people. They are thoroughly organized for Christian work. The Ladies' Aid Society has been a potent factor in the development of this congregation. Much of the success which the church has enjoyed has been due to their faithful work. No pastor could have succeeded without the assistance they rendered. In the building of the church under Rev. Barnett's ministry, in its refurnishing during Rev. Tedrow's pastorate, and in the securing of the large pipe organ during the brief stay of Rev. Gelwicks, they have borne no small part of the burden, and to them is due much of the reward. The Sunday School has also been a great ageney in promoting the welfare of the congregation. Here we have an example of " the church in the Sunday School and the Sunday School in the church." Mr. B. O. Gladding has been its efficient super- intendent for more than half a score of years, with the excep- tion of one year, in which it was acceptably served by Mr. S. J. Heimbach. A Christian Endeavor Society was organized by Rev. Tedrow, and a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary
CONSTANTINE PASTORATE. 129
Society by Rev. Gelwieks. Both are doing splendid work for the church. The congregation has always been free from any factional spirit, and to this, together with their desire for a settled ministry, is largely due their success in the Master's vineyard. In the main they are loyal to their pastor, loyal to their church and loyal to their Savior.
North Porter .- In the summer of 1885 Rev. Tedrow began preaching in a small Methodist Church in the Northern part of Porter Township, Cass County, Mich. It is about eight miles northwest of Constantine, and there being no preaching of any denomination there he agreed to minister to them every two weeks in the afternoon. Formerly the Meth- odist Church had an organization there, but owing to its remoteness from other preaching places of that denomination the society disbanded, they still holding the church property. Rev. Beardslee, of the Dutch Reformed Church, of Constan- tine, then preached for them occasionally for several years, but after his resignation they were again left without any one to minister to them in sacred things. Rev. Tedrow accepted their invitations, and continued his labors as indicated until the early spring of 1886, when he held evangelistic services of a few weeks duration, during which time some fifty persons pro- fessed Christ. Nothing then remained for him to do but to organize a congregation. This was done April 4, 1886, with thirty-four charter members. He continued to preach for them as long as he remained in Constantine, and there were added to the membership from time to time until it munbered sixty-seven. Death, removal, and apostasy all claimed their own from the membership, and it has been greatly reduced in numbers. But there is a faithful band of devoted people, and
9
130
SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
deserve to have faithful and regular ministrations of the Word. A better community it would be difficult to find. It is a beautiful section of country, and the people are cultured and refined. They are liberal in their support of the gospel, and appreciate a good ministry. Rev. Gelwicks succeeded Rev. Tedrow, and was kindly received and did great good. The place should, by synodical action, be connected with the Constantine pastorate, and thus permanent provision made for its future.
EBERHARD PASTORATE.
There is a congregation in Whitley County, Indiana, whose history antedates that of the synod of Northern Indiana. It is composed of an excellent class of people, and as a church it is as well and favorably known as any in the entire county in which it is located. While it has at present no synodical connections, its history rightly belongs to this synod because located on her territory, served by one of her most devout and esteemed pastors, and because the people are in hearty sym- pathy with her doctrine and church usages. The congregation was organized by Rev. Philip Baker in the year 1853-and the services were then all conducted in the German language. Soon after the organization an effort was made to erect a church building. Mr. and Mrs. George Eberhard donated a lot large enough for the church edifice and a burial ground in connec- tion with it. Trustees were elected and the work of building was pushed rapidly forward -- Mr. Eberhard being the leading spirit. The pastor was assisted in the laying of the corner- stone by Rev. Hugh Wells and the services were of such an
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.