USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Miamisburg > Trinity United Church of Christ, one hundred and fifty years > Part 1
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Sesquicentennial Celebration
TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST MIAMISBURG, OHIO
HURCH
1821
GALINN + THAT
OF CHRIST + 3NO 38
1971
THEY
MA
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/trinityunitedchu00schm
TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
One Hundred and Fifty years
Dale E. Schmolinsky
A Word of Thanks
I would like to thank all those people who assisted me in compiling this record.
I am especially grateful to Roger Stine for helping me prepare it in time for the celebration, and to Mrs. Harriet Hieronymus for the section on "The Women of Trinity Church."
Most of all, I owe an enormous debt to Esther Light and the infor- mation that she had previously gathered on the history of the Re- formed Church of Miamisburg, Ohio.
Dale Schmolinsky
2'
I. PIONEER DAYS
"A Need for ... Religion"
Over one hundred fifty years ago, Doctors John and Peter Treon, Emanuel Gebhart and Jacob Kercher platted the town of Miamisburg, Ohio. Along with the establishing of a settlement goes the need for education and religion.
So, residents held a public meeting on May 1, 1818, and agreed to the terms of erection of a frame (log) schoolhouse on the lot, which is now the northeast corner of Central Avenue and First Street. Reverend Jacob William Dechant drafted the articles of agreement concerning the building's use. Those making subscriptions were as follows:
Rev. Jacob William Dechant, $40; Jacob Kercher, $25; John Treon, $15; Peter Treon, $10; Emanuel Gebhart, $25; Daniel Gebhart, $15; Andrew Etzler, $10; Jacob Baum, $10; Andrew Gebhart, $20; John Kercher, $10; Philip Gebhart, $15; Philip Huiet, $10; Jacob Kimmel, $5; John Yasel, $10.
The building was completed in November, 1818. (See Picture)
As time went on, the pioneers of Miamisburg attended one of two "union chur- ches"* , either Stettler's, west of town, or St. John's (Gebhart's), east of the settlement.
G
Patsy Weidner
LOG SCHOOL HOUSE, 1818; FIRST PLACE OF WORSHIP IN MIAMISBURG
* Applies to churches used jointly by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations.
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Reverend J. W. Dechant, said to be the first Reformed Church missionary to the West, visited the Reformed Churches in the Miami Valley in 1814. He served as pastor of St. John's and Stettler's congregations until 1819.
Because attending these churches was laborious and-or expensive, some Lutheran and Reformed members of both the St. John's and Stettler's congregations met and held informal church services in the little schoolhouse in the spring of 1820 or 1821. The first organized congregation in Miamisburg was the German Reformed.
Deciding to share the schoolhouse jointly, the two congregations adopted a charter of incorporation on December 7, 1822. Elected trustees of the Reformed congregation were: Jacob Baum, Frederick Gruender, and Emanuel Gebhart.
As early as 1824, steps were taken to create Miamisburg's first cemetery. The next year, Jacob Kercher, a member of the Reformed congregation, contributed the land next to the schoolhouse for this purpose.
The Reformed congregation was served by supply ministers * from 1820- 1824, some being Reverend Thomas Winters, Senior, his son, Reverend David. Winters, D.D., and Reverend John P. Dechant.
In 1824, the congregation acquired its first regular minister in Reverend David W. Winters, D.D., the same one who supplied the church from time to time during the years 1820-1824.
Reverend David W. Winters was ordained in 1824. During the years 1824- 1833, he went from place to place faith- fully distributing the word of God, in both German and English. In addition to the Miamisburg charge, Reverend Winters served other Reformed congregations in the Miami Valley including; Beaver, Zion's and Bethel. He held his first communion in the fall of 1824 with seventeen communicants present.
REV. DAVID W. WINTERS, D.D. 1820-1824 Pioneer pastor in this area
* Ministers who travel from church to church performing the duties of a pastor wherever needed.
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UNION BRICK CHURCH (JACOB'S CHURCH) - 1833 Used by Reformed and Lutheran congregations til 1863 Located on site of present Luther House
Meanwhile, the Reformed and Lutheran Congregations were outgrowing the old schoolhouse. Members of both congregations discussed plans for a new church building at a meeting in 1828. They accepted certain stipulations pertaining to the erection of the edifice, and the rights and privileges of both congregations, on June 24, 1829.
In the spring of 1830, the stone foundation was begun on a lot purchased for $25. from Jacob Kercher. Its location was just east of the first graveyard.
Services were held August 7, 1830, to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone. Presiding were Reverend Henry Heincke of the Lutheran congregation and Reverend David Winters of the German Reformed congregation. Others present were neighboring ministers, and a large number of people. Also, on that day a formal constitution was adopted and placed in the cornerstone. The main work on the brick structure was completed by the end of the year.
The edifice remained unfinished until the spring of 1833, for lack of funds. The $3,200 structure was dedicated on May 12, 1833. According to the constitution, the structure was named "Jacob's Church."
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In an effort to concentrate his efforts, Reverend David Winters resigned to minister to a congregation of six in Dayton, Ohio. He left the congregation in a promising condition, having added 62 members. As founder and pastor of the First Reformed Church in Dayton, Reverend Winters served the church for seventeen years, resigning in 1850. He died between 1884 and 1887.
After the church was vacant for approximately one year, Reverend Jacob Descombes assumed the pastorate.
Reverend Descombes, the son of Franz (Francis) and Anna Maria (Becker) Descombes, was born on February 17, 1798, at Coblentz on the Rhine in the kingdom of Prussia. After having received a good classical education, he im- migrated to America, arriving at Baltimore on July 24, 1820. For the two sub- sequent years, his occupation was portrait and landscape painting. He began his theological studies with Reverend George Weisz of New Lancaster, Ohio, on August 19, 1822. Reverend Jacob Descombes was ordained June 15, 1824, at New Philadelphia, Ohio.
Nothing much is known of his ministry to the German Reformed Church of Miamisburg, except that he served from 1835-1837. He died of typhoid fever on October 6, 1845.
Reverend Isaac H. Reiter eulogized Reverend J. Descombes in the following manner:
"He was a man of undoubted piety, and devoted to the Church of Christ. He was of a very even temperament, and possessed of a mild and cheerful disposition. He was beliked by all with whom he became acquainted, and had many friends to lament his final departure. He was not what may be termed a popular preacher, inasmuch as he was rather 'slow of speech' and lacked energy in life, but was rather a good sermonizer and expounder of the truth. His personal and social qualities, as well as his even toned piety, gained for him more strength and influence in promoting the best interests of the church, than his pulpit efforts or preaching powers." 1
Reverend Elijah Kuhns succeeded him in 1839. He was the first pastor to preach regularly in the English language at the Miamisburg Church, to the dismay of the German-speaking pioneers!
Following Reverend Elijah Kuhns was an eighteen month vacancy, which proved to be detrimental to the congregation. Church enrollment decreased considerably.
Then, in 1840, the few remaining faithful members extended a call to Reverend George Long to become the pastor of the Geman Reformed Church of Miamisburg. During Reverend Long's ministry, the first union Sunday School was organized May 9, 1849. He continued as minister until 1851.
Beginning as pastor in April, 1852, Reverend Dr. William K. Zieber successfully prepared the congregation for more aggressive work.
After a vacancy of three months, the German Reformed Church of Miamisburg acquired its first resident minister in November, 1854. He was the Reverend Isaac H. Reiter.
At that time, the "Miamisburg charge" consisted of four congregations, - - St. . John's (Gebhart's), Farmersville, Salem at Springboro, and Miamisburg. His combined salary for the first year was to be $350.
1. Reverend Isaac H. Reiter, A Diary, (1854-1859), Dec. 3, 1856. p. 247.
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Rev. Isaac H. Reiter
First Resident Minister 1854-1874
Born in Pennsylvania in 1819, Reiter came to Wooster, Ohio, with his parents in 1831. At Wooster, he taught school and worked as a railroad clerk. Isaac Reiter entered Heidelberg College in 1851, and graduated in 1854. During the summer of that year, the "Miamisburg charge" offered Reverend I. H. Reiter the pastorate.
Accepting, Rev. Isaac H. Reiter, preached his first sermon at Miamisburg on a November Sunday in 1854. Early in his ministry, Rev. Reiter resigned the St. John's congregation.
In 1857, Rev. Reiter brought his bride, the former Margaret Jane Heilman, to Miamisburg. By this time his pay was $450 a year.
Apparently displeased with the joint arrangement, Rev. I. H. Reiter influenced his congregation in planning to dissolve the "union church."
As early as February, 1860, an informal meeting was held to discuss propositions concerning distribution of the property.
Finally, with much discussion, the two congregations agreed, on January 12, 1861, (1.) to the sum of $530, to be paid to the Reformed congregation when they ceased to use the building and (2.) to the Reformed congregation's right to use the "union church" until workers completed their own edifice.
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First Reformed Church at Linden and Second: 1863-1900
Before the final settlement, the Reformed congregation had already set about soliciting subscriptions for a new church building.
Opening subscriptions, members pledged:
"We the undersigned, do hereby promise to pay William Hoff, Treasurer, and his successor in office, the several sums annexed to our names respectively, for the purpose of building a house of divine worship for the use of the first German Reformed congregation of Miamisburg, Montgomery County, Ohio, at such a place in or at said town, as the Consistory of said congregation, or the Trustees to be elected by said congregation, may designate. - - The subscriptions aforesaid are to be paid as follows, viz: twenty per cent when the building is commenced; and thereafter twenty per cent every ninety days, until the whole amount is paid.
Miamisburg, O. May 14, 1860."2
On the first subscription, May 14, 1860, subscribers contributed in excess of $5,000.
Solicitors accepted additional subscriptions on February 21, 1863 and November 22, 1865.
The trustees presented approximately seven sites at a meeting, February 1, 1861. They recommended the lot at the corner of Bridge (Linden) and Locust Street (Second), owned by Dr. John Treon. Located East of the canal on Springboro Pike
2. Subscription Book for the Reformed Church (1860-1865). p. 1.
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(Linden), the lot consisted of an 85 foot front on the turnpike and a 132 foot front on Locust Street. Urging the purchase of the location, the trustees stated that, in the future, the town had to extend eastward. Thus, the edifice would be totally free for pleasant and substantial improvements.
Assembling, the congregation turned down the proposal and expressed a desire to acquire the lot at the corner of Market (Central) and Water Street (Miami), owned by Israel Staley and John Buehner. Labeled as undesirable, it was known as the Methodist Church property. Immediately in front would have been the stables and backyards of Main Street, with billiards in the neighborhood.
However, the consistory overrode the congregation's decision, and purchased the Treon lot for $300.
The congregation of the First German Reformed Church of Miamisburg adopted a constitution on April 24, 1861.
Later that year, the trustees accepted the plans, prepared by Beaver and Butt of Dayton, for the new 2-story edifice.
The cornerstone was laid June 27, 1862.
The building was completed January 1, 1863, and officially dedicated, February 22.
The "$5,000" structure was completed for approximately $11,000. (see picture).
By 1870, the Miamisburg congregation became a charge in itself, requiring all the time of its pastor. At this time there were 213 confirmed members and 145 baptized, unconfirmed members.
In November, 1874, Dr. Reiter retired from the congregation but lived on in Miamisburg with his family until his death in 1895.
Succeeding Dr. Reiter, Reverend William McCaughey served the congregation for six years. He then moved to Greenville. According to the Miamisburg News, dated December 28, 1918, he was still living in Greenville at the age of 89.
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II. INTO THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
REV. HENRY M. HERMAN 1881-1912
Reverend Henry M. Herman arrived in Miamisburg on August 17, 1881. Born in 1834 in Lancaster City, Penn- sylvania, Herman was educated at the city's high school. He then attended Franklin and Marshall College. Rev. Herman went to the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg and later received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Heidelberg. He taught language and mathematics for one year at Clarion Collegiate Institute. For twenty years, previous to his coming to Miamisburg, Rev. Herman served the West Alexandria charge.
Upon entering his duties, he found the church in need of repairs. The Sunday School attendance was poor and the congregation numbered only 124 communicants. His first year, he in- creased the Sunday School attendance from 87 to 297, and discharged the entire debt of $1,535.
"The pastor called upon every member. Not a single refusal; the Lord's treasury was filled. The congregation, for the first time in its history, was without debt." 3
During Reverend H. M. Herman's first ten years (1881-1891), many im- provements were made in and about the church, including; slate roof, carpeting, new furnaces, and memorial windows in the auditorium.
The tenth ". . . year seemed to be the crowning year." 4 Henry Pilcher and Sons of Louisville, Kentucky, installed a pipe organ in 1891, at the cost of $1,200. A new pulpit, altar, and choir gallery were built. In addition, all the rooms in the church were electrified. All of these improvements were promptly paid for, with the Ladies Aid Society bearing much of the expense.
"It was reserved for the nineteenth and twentieth years to witness the en- tering upon a larger and more important enterprise than any in the past, financially considered.
"The old church building around which had clustered so many hallowed memories, had served its day. To make further repairs would be a waste of money; to remodel so as to meet the necessities of the congregation would necessitate as large an expenditure as to erect a new building." 5
On July 9, 1899, the congregation met and unanimously adopted the resolution to build a new church edifice.
3. The Chronicle, (1881-1906), September 1, 1906. No. 5, p. 6.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid p. 6 & 7.
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Eleven days later, at a special meeting of the consistory, a building committee was appointed; John H. Grove, Joseph W. Rockey, James B. Schenck, Henry Wantz, Henry P. Brehm, Benjamin Fornshell, and William Leininger.
"On June 30, 1900, the contract for the building was let with the exception of furniture, glass, heating and lighting to the lowest bidders. Messrs. Weber & Schenck of Dayton, Ohio, were the successful competitors." 6
Jacob Hartzell removed the old building for $675, but the material was used in the construction of the new one.
The work began July 30, 1900, with the first shovel of soil being thrown out by Joseph W. Rockey.
October 11, 1900, over a thousand people witnessed the ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone. The pure marble stone, weighing 460 pounds, was donated by William Stainrock and Robert Dodds.
The building was completed on August 14, 1901; the beautiful chandelier (since replaced) was donated by Mr. Christian Weber.
"June 21, 1903, Dedication), was the crowning day. Elder John H. Grove, with a heart filled with gratitude, reported the last dollar of the debt was on hand with about $700 over. This announcement filled every heart with joy and gladness. The choir led the congregation in singing the Doxology, 'Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.' All tried to sing, but many failed in the effort. Tears of joy flowed too freely; words failed to express what the heart felt . . The audience numbered 1176 people, all seated." 7
At the end of 31 years of service, Dr. Herman resigned his charge, saying that "the time in life has come when the physical strength has failed and I am unable to fully discharge the hard work of the pastorate." 8
During his pastorate, Reverend Herman preached 4,639 sermons, received 789 members, married 874 couples, and preached 960 funerals.
Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Herman moved to Dayton, where he passed away March 10, 1915. At his funeral, Reverend Kerst eulogized him as a "true shepherd, loyal friend, unselfish servant, wise councilor, spiritual advisor, and a trusted leader." 9.
6. Ibid p. 9.
7. Ibid p. 10
8. Light, Esther, Unpublished history of Trinity Church p. 9.
9. Obituary of Reverend H. M. Herman, Miamisburg News, March 11, 1915, p. 1.
Arriving on October 1, 1912, Reverend Henry Nevin Kerst succeeded Dr. Herman.
Born in Greenville, Ohio, in 1873, Henry Kerst attended Heidelberg Academy and Tiffin College, where he graduated in 1897. He received his theological degree at Heidelberg Seminary in 1900. Before coming to Miamisburg, he served 12 years as pastor of the First Reformed Church of Hamilton.
Reverend Henry N. Kerst was in- stalled October 6, 1912, by Rev. E. Evans of Xenia. In 1913 the "Great Flood" visited the Miami Valley, leaving the church considerably damaged. The Women's Organization bearing much of the expense, com- pletely renovated the edifice.
REV. HENRY N. KERST, D.D. 1912-1918
In October, 1918, Reverend Kerst left Miamisburg for Canton, Ohio, where he ministered to the Trinity Church there from 1919 - 1947. He received the Doctor of Divinity from Heidelberg College in 1922. He passed away in February, 1960, at the age of 86.
Reverend Nevin Beam Mathes arrived in Miamisburg from Trinity Reformed Church in Dayton, to preach his first sermon on January 12, 1919. In the fall of 1923, the residence adjacent to the north side of the church was purchased for Sunday School and social purposes. The membership at that time was over 600, with almost as many enrolled in the Sunday School. On June 22, 1924, impressive services were held commemorating the 100th anniversary of the coming of the first regular pastor.
Then in January of 1927, im- provements were initiated at the ex- pense of $30,000. The dining rooms and kitchen were altered to the Second Street location of the
REV. NEVIN BEAM MATHES 1919-1929
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church. The Sunday School room and main auditorium were remodeled. On the east side of the Sunday School room, a 15 x 50 foot addition, complete with basement was constructed. New plumbing, heating, and indirect lighting systems were installed. While these changes were taking place, the Reformed Church held services in the school auditorium. The work completed, the church was reopened in September of that year.
On April 28, 1929, Reverend N. B. Mathes preached his farewell sermon, and continued his ministry at the Third Reformed Church in Youngstown, Ohio.
In August of 1929, the congregation voted unanimously to extend a call to Reverend George Longaker D.D., of the Reformed Church of Hickory, North Carolina. A native of Ohio and graduate of Heidelberg, he held pastorates in Akron and Michigan, as well as at Hickory. "But those were the lean years of the depression so that little was effected in improvements to the church." 10
On June 26, 1934, the Reformed Church in the United States and the Evangelical Synod of North America merged to form the Evangelical and Reformed Church.
In December of the same year, Rev. Longaker presented his resignation to the congregation. He had accepted a call to the Wooster Avenue Reformed Church of Akron, Ohio. He died in November of 1943, in Akron. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Suttman, con -. tinues as a member of Trinity Church and is a Miamisburg resident.
REV. GEORGE LONGAKER, D.D. 1929-1934
Reverend George Longaker was succeeded by Reverend H. Grady Shoffner. He was born July 4, 1903, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He attended McCleansville public schools and later the Pleasant Garden High School from which he graduated as valedictorian of his class. He entered Catawba College, Salisbury, North Carolina, where he remained a year, transferring to Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio. Graduating from Central Seminar in Dayton, he was ordained into the Christian ministry on May 12, 1929, and immediately became pastor of Memorial Evangelical and Reformed Church in Dayton, Ohio. He came to Miamisburg on February 1, 1935.
10. Light, Esther, p. 10.
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Dr. H. Grady Shoffner 1935-1964
In 1937, improvements were made in the form of rearranging the chancel, the addition of chimes to the organ, and a new chancel stained glass window.
On Easter Sunday, 1941, the present pulpit and lectern were used for the first time. The Ladies Aid Society donated the pulpit and the Queen Esther Circle contributed the lectern.
The membership of the church increased to 1,000 members, in 1956.
The name of the church changed twice during his ministry of 29 years. In May of 1945, the name was changed to the Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church. On July 25, 1957, the Congregational Christian denomination united with the Evangelical and Reformed denomination, thus creating the present name; Trinity United Church of Christ, Miamisburg, Ohio.
In April, 1956, subscriptions were taken for the purpose of raising funds for the construction of an adjoining educational building to the north of the original edifice. Two historical homes, acquired by the church, were razed to make room for the new building. Completed, the educational unit was dedicated April 5, 1959. The total cost of the project was approximately $200,000.
On April 26, 1964, Dr. H. Grady Shoffner retired for reasons of health, since he had suffered a series of heart attacks over a period of nine years. He and Mrs. Shoffner purchased the parsonage from the congregation and continued to live in
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Miamisburg. He served as interim pastor at the United Church of Christ at West Alexandria, and St. Luke's United Church of Christ, Dayton.
Unexpectedly, on June 30, 1965, Reverend H. Grady Shoffner D.D. died at the age of 62. His widow, Mrs. Rose Shoffner continues as a member of the church, residing in the former parsonage on W. 4th Street.
His pastorate was "one of the most remarkable in the church's history in ac- complishment and growth."11
Dr. Shoffner served as secretary of the Board of Trustees of Heidelberg College for many years, and carried many other responsibilities in Miamisburg and in the larger work of the church.
A LATE WINTER AFTERNOON AT TRINITY - 1969 Major building, with sanctuary, 1900 Education and Fellowship Addition, 1959
11. Ibid., p. 11.
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Rev. James G. Deitz
Trinity Pastor Since 1964
The present pastor, Reverend James G. Deitz, preached his trial sermon to the congregation on July 12, 1964.
Born in 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jim Deitz attended schools in Philadelphia, Pa., and Webster Groves, Missouri. He graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1946, and Haverford College, Pennsylvania, in 1950. The following year, Mr. Deitz worked in industry and participated in a study program, "Interns in Industry," sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee. 12 He attended Eden Seminary, Webster Groves, Missouri, for four years. During this time, he held a part-time job, assistant minister of the First Congregational Church, Webster Groves. Reverend James Deitz acquired his first full-time pastorate at Beaver Church near Xenia. Under his leadership, the congregation reached full self-support. Having received a fellowship grant from Eden Seminary, Reverend Deitz resigned from Beaver Church in 1959, to take another year of study in theology and ethics at Yale University Divinity School. In 1960, he received his Master of Sacred Theology degree and became minister to the St. John United Church of Christ at Strasburg, Ohio.
Reverend and Mrs. J. G. Deitz and their four children arrived in Miamisburg, the week of October 12, 1964.
The congregation purchased a temporary parsonage at 435 Early Drive, E. The following year, the consistory took steps in securing a more adequate parsonage.
12. Bulletin, Trinity Church, July 12, 1964, p. 2.
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Many improvements to the physical church and spiritual church took place in 1966. The organ was completely overhauled. The congregation conducted a Capital Funds Drive, subscribing $70,000 for a variety of projects, both in the local church and in the church's outreach. Moreover, they participated in the development of small adult study groups and a "Missions on Renewal and Evangelism." Fur- thermore, the Parsonage Committee accepted final plans and specifications for the construction of the new parsonage at 1213 Wise Drive. Completed, the par- sonage was dedicated, September 17, 1967. Reverend Dr. Robert Mathes (son of former pastor Rev. Nevin B. Mathes) was the guest speaker at the service and open house, which was attended by 150 people.
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