20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 53

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Clark County > Springfield > 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 53

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).

The formal organization of the church occurred May 7, 1897, at which time a con- stitution was adopted and twenty-four sig- natures secured. This number was in- creased to eighty-five, who became char- ter members. On July 18, 1897, the con- gregation decided to erect a church build- ing. The corner stone was laid September

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5th. From May 23, 1897, to January 23, in order to take charge of the First Luth- 1897, inclusive, services were held in the eran Church of Frederick, Md. Chapel of Wittenberg College. The first service in the new building was on Janu- ary 30, 1898, the sermon being preached by Dr. B. F. Prince. On February 4, 1898, the regular dedication services were com- menced and continued three days. The first sermon of the occasion was by Rev. S. G. Dornblaser, of Columbus, President of Miami Synod. This was followed dur- ing the three days by various other re- ligious exercises in which Rev. B. F. Prince, Ph. D., D. H. Bauslin, D. D., S. F. Breckenridge, D. D., S. B. Barnitz, D. D., S. A. Ort, D D., LL. D., Professor F. G. Gotwald, Ezra K. Bell, D. D., of Cincin- nati, and others took part. The cost of the building was $6,000, all of which was promptly paid.

From the organization of the congrega- tion, in May, 1897, until May 15, 1898, the Professors of Wittenberg College and Theological Seminary supplied the pulpit, up to the time that Mr. E. G. Howard, a student at the Wittenberg Seminary, was secured as regular supply. He served with great acceptability until the close of the year. On the first of January, 1899, Rev. C. F. Steck, of Louisville, Kentucky, who had some weeks before been called. assumed the duties of the pastoral office. He was formally installed February 5th. following Rev. F. G. Gotwald, Rev. Prof. D. H. Bauslin and others officiating.

During his pastorate an addition was built to the chapel for the use of the grow- ing primary department of the Sunday school, at a cost of $800, while the congre- gation continued to increase in numbers and usefulness. Mr. Steck relinquished the Fourth Church on October 31, 1903,

In November, the Rev. Arthur H. Smith, of Ashland, Ohio, was called to this pastorate, and having accepted the call, entered upon the field on February 1. 1904. He was formally installed on April 24, 1904, by the Revs. J. M. Bramkamp. president of the Miami Synod, and F. G. Gotwald. The congregation has continued to grow and to increase in good works, not ostentatiously but surely and steadily. A church building savings fund has been begun and already has a handsome sum. It is expected to build the church in the near future on the front of the lot where the chapel or Sunday school building al- ready stands. The Fourth Church, for its support, relies upon the freewill offer- ings of its members and has no debts or bills outstanding. At this writing, Au- gust 5, 1907, the confirmed membership is 251 and the communicant membership is 191, while the enrollment of the Sunday school is about 340. There is a very effi- cient Ladies' Aid Society. The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society is very active and doing excellent work.

FIFTH LUTHERAN CHURCH.

In speaking of the tenth anniversary of the Fifth Lutheran Church, which was observed on the 7th of August, 1901, the following statements were made:

On the third day of July, 1891, the Sun- day school and church was organized, and meetings were first held in a private resi- dence on Mound Street. At this time the congregation numbered twenty-five faith- ful workers in the cause of Christianity. Then a store-room at Mound and East

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Streets was rented, and church services and.daughter, Addie Tice, Emma Catlin, were held there.

Several months of worship were en- joyed in the old store room, when the members awoke one morning to find their goods stored in the street and the doors barred against them. The lease held by the gentleman from whom they were rent- ing had expired, and the owner had taken this method to have his property vacated. Not to be prevented from gathering to- gether in the name of the Master, the little band went just across the street and fitted up a chapel. Here peace and tranquility reigned.

In 1893 the lot at High Street and Greenmount Avenue was purchased and the pretty church edifice which now graces it was erected. The house was dedicated in 1894. In the spring of 1898 the audi- torium was dedicated.

Rev. Fred G. Gotwald, later the pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church, was the first pastor of the Fifth Lutheran. Rev. Baltz- ly was his able assistant, accepting the pastorate upon Rev. Gotwald's resigna- tion. He continued the work until Decem- ber 1, 1899, when he resigned and took charge of a churchi at Mansfield, Ohio, where he is now located. Rev. Harvey S. Lawrence, the present pastor, was in- stalled on May 1, 1900. From the meagre beginning of twenty-five members the con- gregation has grown until over 350 souls are now identified with it.

The charter members of this first be- ginning on July 3, 1891, were Mr. and Mrs. Philip Gerhardt, Mr. and Mrs. F. Danforth, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Gerhardt, Mr. and Mrs. S P. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Colt, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Balser Yonker, Mrs. M. L. Sise

Henry Yonker, L. E. Miller and F. G. Got- wald. At the end of the first year the membership reached 53, and has now in- creased to almost 250. A fine new pipe organ, costing $3,000, largely the gift of C. E. Patric, was installed last summer (1907).

ST. LUKE'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, corner of North and Race Streets, was organized May 20, 1888, by Rev. C. W. Knuth. The church edifice was purchased of a sister denomination, and I do not know when it was erected. It was dedi- cated May 20, 1888, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Dr. J. D. Severinghaus, of Chicago, Ill. This church has had the following pastors: Rev. C. W. Knuth, from 1888 to 1893; Rev. Arthur Gringel, 1893 to 1894; Rev. C. A. Koenig, 1894 to 1900; Rev. J. G. Trefz, from 1900 to Janu- ary, 1907. The membership numbers 140, and the Sunday school 138.

On March 3rd, 1907, Rev. S. B. Stupp was unanimously elected pastor. The new pastor took charge of the work on May 1st, and was duly installed on June 2nd by Rev. W. G. Dressler, of Findlay, Ohio. Rev. Stupp is a General Council Lutheran. He was born in Eastern Pennsylvania, and was educated at Muhlenberg College, Al- lentown, Pennsylvania, and at the Luthi- eran Theological Seminary at Philadel- phia, and was ordained by the oldest Intheran Synod in this country, the Min- isterium of Pennsylvania, organized in 1748. St. Luke's has taken a new lease on life since the arrival of the new pastor.

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A fine new church, built of cement blocks at a cost of about $12,000, with the fur- nishings, is just being completed and will be ready for dedication by the first of September. The congregation expects to unite with the District Synod of Ohio at its next meeting in June, 1908. The new church was dedicated October 6, 1907.

CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

This congregation was organized April 15, 1900, with twenty-eight charter mem- bers, among whom were William H. Lohnes, Leroy E. Miller, George W. Glad- felter, H. L. Souders and Samuel P. Mil- ler. This action was taken in a small storeroom, No. 409 West Main Street, and was the outgrowth of an afternoon Sun- day school, which some of the Lutherans of the city and college had carried on for a number of years in the West End. After worshiping in this store room until De- cember 9, 1900, they took possession of their new building, on the southeast cor- ner of High and Shaffer Streets, Decem- ber 16, 1900. Services were held in the smaller room until March 24, 1901, when the entire building was completed, and finally dedicated in due form, the sermons for the occasion being delivered by Rev. David H. Bauslin, D. D., of Wittenberg Theological Seminary, and Rev. Charles F. Steck, President of the Miami District Synod. The act of dedication was per- formed by Rev. Prof. S. F. Breckenridge, D. D., then President of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church of the United States.

From the organization of the congrega- tion, April 15, 1900, to July 29th, the same year. Rev. S. M. Lutz, a senior in Witten-

berg Seminary, was acting pastor. July 29, 1900, Rev. Frederick G. Gotwald be- came pastor, serving until June 1st, 1904, when he resigned to become General Sec- retary of the Board of Education of the General Synod. The total accessions dur- ing this pastorate (including the charter list) were 194, with losses of 41, leaving a membership of 153. Rev. Gotwald's pas- torate was a very successful one, and he firmly established the church as a factor in the religious work of the city.

June 1, 1904, Rev. William H. Shrock became pastor. Both he and his wife were students in Wittenberg College, and it be- came apparent that the combined duties were too great and he resigned, to take effect May 1, 1905, after only eleven months' service. Accessions during this pastorate were fifteen.

Mr. H. W. Hanshue, a member of Wit- tenberg Theological Seminary, and a mem- ber of this church, and Superintendent of its Sunday school, acted as supply, until the coming of the third pastor, Rev. E. Luther Spaid, who assumed charge Au- gust 1, 1905. This pastorate continued until September 1, 1907, during which time there were twenty-five additions to the church.

November 1, 1907, Rev. Eli Miller, the fourth pastor, assumed charge. The pres- ent membership is 161. The Sunday school, in officers, teachers and scholars, numbers about 150. The church prop- erty is valued at $6,000, and is free from debt. While modest on the outside, the interior of the church is one of the pretti- est in the city. The church has a distinct and large field in the west end of the city, and the outlook is very promising.

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SPRINGFIELD SO. CHARLESTON ST. CHARLES' (CATHOLIC) CHURCH, ST. BERNARD'S CHURCH, SPRINGFIELD

SPRINGFIELD ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH,

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CATHOLICS."

According to the best authority, there was not a single Catholic family living in Clark County before the year 1830, but we ascertain about the year 1835, and for ten years afterward, quite a number of Cath- olies located in Springfield and immediate vicinity. Among them were Patrick Rock- ett, William Giblenhoff, Francis Creigton and twenty others, most of whom had families. From 1845 to 1850 came the Hennesys, the Lynches, the MeBreens and about fifty other families, and in the next five years, the Gallaghers, the Bolans, the Tenans, the Maddens and twenty-seven other families. The first priest was Rev. Henry Juncker, who afterward became the Bishop of Alton, Ill. The Catholics had services at irregular intervals, but only averaging about once or twice per month, generally at private homes; and occasionally in some small public hall, when such could be had. The next priest coming to Springfield was Rev. Joseph O'Marley, who died here, and was suc- ceeded by liis brother, Patrick O'Marley. The latter was followed by Rev. Father Cahill, who came liere from Piqua, Ohio.

In August, 1840, the Catholics of Springfield had their first resident priest, the Rev. James F. Kearney, who remained about one year, and then resigned, on ac- count of failing health. Some time be- fore Father Kearney's pastorate, the present central and in every way valuable lot was purchased, upon which was built a neat church, largely by the liberal aid of Mr. Michael Cassily, a wealthy Catholic of Cincinnati. Services were for a long time held in the basement of this build-

ing. The first parish register was opened in August, 1849, by Father Kearney. The last-named priest was followed by Rev. Maurice Howard, in May, 1850. He re- mained in charge for thirteen years. The Rev. T. J. Cogan became pastor in 1863, and remaining but a few months, was followed in January, 1864, by Rev. I. N. Thisse, a French priest. On the 10th of May, 1873, Father Thisse was instantly killed by a runaway team of frightened horses. Then the following priests came successively and officiated, each for a short while, to fill up intervals between the regu- lar pastors from 1847 to 1873: Revs. Father Duffy, in 1848; Thomas Blake and Thomas Boulger, in 1850; C. A. Doherty and C. F. Shellhamer, in 1868; N. B. Young and J. H. Dutting, in 1869, and Rev. D. Carle, in 1873.

In the year 1868, and from that on, the priests in charge of the St. Raphael Catho- lic Church have had necessarily a regular assistant, to aid in the work of the parish. Up to 1881, the assistant pastors have been the following, in their chronological order: Revs. J. S. Mahoney, J. A. Burns, C. M. Berding, T. A. Conway, Francis Mallon, J. L. Dickhons, Michael Ahern and W. B. Miggeal.

In June, 1873, Rev. W. H. Sidley, a native of Ohio, became the principal in- cumbent of the priestly office for St. Ra- phael's Church, and is reckoned as the fifth regular pastor. On taking this charge he found a debt of $7,000, a small frame school house and no residence for the priest. He commenced the erection of a priest's house, which was completed June 1, 1874, at a cost of about $7,000. In 1876 he began to build the present fine school house, which is 45x82 feet and three

*Corrected by Thos. E. McCormick. Esq.

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stories high, containing eight school rooms, besides a large hall in the third story, the full length and breadth of the entire building, for lectures and other pur- poses, to suit the wants of the congrega- tion. This school house was finished in September, 1877, and together with the lot upon which it was built, cost $19,000.

In the spring of 1892, the work of taking down the old brick edifice was commenced, in order to erect their present splendid stone church building, which was finished and the joyous event signalized by a gol- den jubilee on the 17th day of July, 1898, in which Archbishop Elder, of Cincinnati, and numerous other clergy of various ranks from different cities took part. The principal tower is 184 feet in height, en- tirely of stone, the top being reached by 156 steps. The tower containing the bell is 135 feet high. From either of these towers can be seen the whole city of Springfield and the entire surrounding country . for many miles in every direc- tion. This building, costing $75,000, is quite impressive on account of size and architectural beauty, and is a fine orna- ment to the city.

shocked and grieved to learn that he had passed to the Great Beyond. His funeral, which occurred several days later, was the largest Springfield ever witnessed. It was not only attended by citizens gen- erally, but by several hundred dignitaries and priests of the church from all parts of the country. Most Rev. Henry Moel- ler, now archbishop of the archdiocese of Cincinnati, was the celebrant of the funeral mass, and the funeral oration was preached by the eloquent Father Leo, C. P.

Father John F. Cogan assisted Father Sidley the last three years of his life; and, aided by various other priests, from time to time, acted as temporary pastor of St. Raphael's until January 21st, 1904, when Rev. Daniel A. Buckley, the present pas- tor of St. Raphael's, who was formerly pastor of Holy Trinity Church, in Middle- town, Ohio, succeeded to this charge, and Rev. James E. Quinn and Rev. Joseph Michaelowski were appointed his assist- ants. On January 8th, 1908, Father Michaelowski succeeded to the pastorate of St. Benigus Church, in Greenfield. Ohio, and Father Edward Cleary, for- merly of Dayton, succeeded him.

During the last few years of Father Sidley's life, his friends, who included Under the able guidance of Father Buckley, the church has experienced a wonderful era of prosperity. When he was appointed to the position of pastor of St. Raphael's, he found a debt on the church of thirty thousand dollars ($30,- 000.00,) which he paid in thirty months. besides making numerous other improve- ments. The number of school children having increased to such an extent that the school was insufficient to accommo- Street formerly occupied by the sisters as all classes, noticed with growing appre- hension that the arduous work to which he had so generously consecrated his life was telling on him, and, although he persisted in remaining at his post, they finally suc- ceeded in persuading him to take a much needed rest, which he spent with friends in some of the western states. When he returned to his charge, however, he took up his work with renewed vigor and gradually declined until on the night of date them all, and the property on Spring October 30th, 1903, the community was

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a Convent and School of Music, having been found insufficient, Father Buckley purchased the property on High Street known as the Foos property for $11,- 000.00, which sum was paid by him within the next seven months. The Spring Street property having been acquired by the C., C., C. & St. L. Railway Company as a portion of its site for a freight sta- tion, Father Buckley purchased the Bliss property adjoining the Foos property for $12,000.00. During his pastorate, which has now continued for several years, and under his able guidance, St. Raphael's congregation has made wonderful strides in every direction until it has come to be recognized as one of the largest, if not the largest, and most influential congregation in the archdiocese of Cincinnati, in which diocese Father Bnekley is not only rec- ognized as one of the most devout and solicitons pastors, but as one of the ablest financiers as well.

Each of the Roman Catholic congrega- tions of this city has its own parochial school. and these schools, which are in charge of the Sisters of Charity, and are supported entirely by the voluntary con- tributions of the members, are not ex- celled either in their grammar grades or high school departments, by any public or parochial schools in the country. The number of pupils now attending these schools is 1.290.

ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

In September, 1861, the Germans of Springfield organized a congregation at 166 and 168 East Main Street, and were ministered to for a few months by Rev. 1882 was begun the erection of a large Messrs. Volmer and Manclerke, but the

first regular pastor was Rev. William Deiters, who remained till 1866, and in February of that year was succeeded by Rev. P. J. Weissenberger. In 1868 Rev. J. H. Juetting became pastor, and was succeeded in 1869 by Rev. John M. Schuchardt, who immediately commenced building the present large and commo- dious edifice, which was finished in 1870, and was dedicated on July 4th, of that year, by the Right Rev. Sylvester Rosen- cranz, of Columbus, Ohio. This church is-60x130 feet, located on the corner of Columbia Street and Lagonda Avenue, seats about 900 persons and cost $24,000.

In 1874 Father Schuchardt built a schoolhouse and pastor's residence, at a cost of $3,000. In 1880 this congregation numbered about 800 members. After Rev. Mr. Schuchardt, who served from December, 1869, to January, 1882, then came Rev. John D. Kress, from January, 1882. to September, 1887; A. J. Fischer, from September, 1887, to the present time, August, 1907. The church has now a membership of 250 families, with an average attendance of about 800 persons. The Sunday-school was organized in 1863, wardens, teachers and scholars numbering in all 280.

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH (CATHOLIC).

To accommodate the Catholic residents of southeast Springfield and to furnish greater facilities for the practice of their religion, it was evident that a new church and school were necessary. In 1881 three lots were purchased on the corner of Kenton Street and Central Avenue. In three-story school-house, the first story of

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which provided a commodious room, suit- atory of music and a perfectly equipped able for church service.

In October, 1883, the school was opened and services held regularly in the church. St. Joseph's, as the new church was called, became independent in 1884, by which time the congregation had a perfect or- ganization, both in church and school, and were in all things able to work for them- selves.

Rev. C. M, Berding was appointed first pastor January 1, 1884. During his pas- torate the erection of the present mag- nificent temple of St. Joseph's was begun in 1892.

Father Berding was succeeded by Rev. W. C. Conway, who remained in charge from February 1, 1895, till June, 1901. During Father Conway's incumbency the sum of $45,000 had been taken in and ex- pended on the expenses and debt. Fur- nishings and improvements were $13,000, and interest on borrowed money $8,000. Father Conway raised sufficient money to complete the new church and left only a moderate indebtedness. Father Conway was succeeded by Rev. M. J. Loney, who took charge of the church June 14, 1901. Father Loney in his pastorate has brought the parish up to a very high standard. The sum of $76,000 has been taken in and expended on the debt and ex- penses, while the church debt itself has' 85; C. J. Burkett, 1885-89; E. W. Bowers, been reduced to a minimum. Many im- 1889-91; Thomas J. Bushong, 1891-94: provements have been made tending to George W. Arnold, 1894-97; W. J. Pruner, 1897-1902; E. W. Bowers, 1902 to 1903-4: J. M. Replogle, 1903-4-1906-7; W. H. Klinefelter, present pastor. the interior perfection of the church, notable among which was the installing of beautiful stained glass windows, which, for artistic merit, are unsurpassed in the The present membership is 321. The Sunday-school was organized in 1845, and now has an enrollment of 275 scholars. with an average attendance of about 200, state. A perfectly graded school also has been brought to a very high standard. It has connected with it a high-class conserv-

commercial college and school of teleg- raphy, graduates from which are holding many responsible positions in the city. St. Joseph's parish comprises 400 fam- ilies with about 450 pupils enrolled in the school.

UNITED BRETHREN.

The first and only United Brethren Church of Springfield, now situated in the Lagonda addition to the city, was or- ganized in March, 1843, by Rev. Benjamin B. Wheat, with a membership of seventy persons. This organization was effected at Newcomer Chapel, a little north of the present city limits. The first building erected in Lagonda was in 1870, Rev. Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner preaching the dedication sermon. It cost $3,500, but was remodeled and enlarged in 1883 at a further cost of $5,000. In regard to the list of pastors we find that the records be- fore 1861 are not available, but Rev. Jacob M. Marshall was pastor from 1861- 1864; Peter H. Davis, from 1864 to 1866; E. A. Hubbard, 1866-67; R. West, from 1864-68; defeet in the record of 1868-70; Rev. William K. Albright, 1870-73; Ches- ter Briggs, 1873-74; Thomas J. Bushong. 1874-77; William McKee, 1877-80; R. F. Powell. 1880-81; D. W. MeCorkle, 1881-

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including fifteen officers and twenty-four teachers. From this efficient church have been sent forth thirteen ministers of the gospel, of whom Rev. Dr. W. Shuey, now of Dayton, and several other distin- guished embassadors of the cross might be noted.

LAGONDA AVENUE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

A Mission Sunday-school from the First Congregational Church was organized on Lagonda Avenue during the year 1883, and faithfully kept up by the labors of Edgar, Joanna and Lucy Fay. C. E. Fol- ger, the Danforths, A. D. Vischer. J. 1 .. Nelson, E. J. Vose, Jessie Rowe, Emma Catlin and others. Preaching was en- joyed by the little colony from time to time by Rev. W. H. Warren, of the First Congregational Church, and Rev. William E. Fay, of the West African Mission, who was temporarily home in this eity. The work of this Sunday-school culminated July 19, 1887, in the establishment of a regularly constituted Congregational Church. Soon after this W. W. Pierce was chosen pastor by a unanimous vote, with a salary of $800. Mr. Pierce served until March, 1890, nearly three years.

The pulpit was then supplied for sev- eral months by Revs. W. B. Marsh and Talmadge and Mr. Quaife, of Toledo. The next pastor was Rev. Ralph Albert- son, who served from November. 1891, to November, 1895. Rev. A. E. Woodruff next served as pastor from April 1, 1896, to April 1, 1899. Rev. W. H. Baker be- gan his work in April, 1899. Their new and enlarged building on a new lot was erected in 1893. and dedicated in June of that year.

About the beginning of Rev. W. H. Baker's pastorate the Sunday-school had grown to an average attendance of 130. This was maintained throughout the seven years of Mr. Baker's pastorate, which closed in February, 1905. During the following year the pulpit was supplied by Prof. E. S. Todd, of the City High School. Considerable progress was made during this time. Rev. Charles J. Dole was called to the pastorate and began his labors in February, 1906. In June of that year the largest attendance in the history of the Sunday-school at any one session, 200, was recorded. In July the average attendance had reached 167. On the 9th of June, 1907, there were present 226, the average for the half of 1907 being about 185. The church at this date, July 1, 1907, has a membership of one hundred and sixty-five, twenty-six having been re- ceived since January 1, 1907.

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20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 53

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993