USA > Ohio > Richland County > Mansfield > A history of the Wittenberg Synod of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1847-1916 > Part 13
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Rev. B. B. Uhl resigned July 1, 1912, and on the 6th of April, 1913, Rev. J. Ernest Zimmerman succeeded him in the pastorate.
REV. H. E. ZIMMERMAN.
In the past three years St. Mark's has gone steadily forward, year after year showing a larger in- crease in benevolences and the net gain of ner mem- bership; always in the front rank in improvements of every kind. August 27, 1916, the congregation, by unanimous vote, purchased a fine parsonage, just three doors north of the church, at a cost of about $3,000.00, and the congregation is steadily moving toward the
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payment of the last dollar of their indebtedness. Under the splendid leadership of Rev. Zimmerman, the mission is taking excellent care of our Lutheran interests on the north side, and can be depended upon for its full share of religious work.
Spring Mills Congregation
Spring Mills Congregation, located in Spring- field Township, six miles northwest of Mansfield, is connected with the St. Mark's Mission. This con- gregation was originally organized by Rev. J. H. Huff- man, D. D. Rev. Ruth, in his autobiography defin- itely states that this congregation was organized in 1838, worshipping in a large school house .* Dr. Crouse, though he does not mention the date or organ- ization, would place it four or five years later. But he states that the beginning of the work there was in a meeting of a week or more which he held in March, 1842, in which there were 40-50 conver- sions, that these converts were the nucleus from which the congregation was organized .;
The first church was built as a Union Lutheran and Reformed Church in 1847. There is now, (1915) but one surviving member of the original organ- ization so far as we know. He is Mr. Joseph Cairns who is in his 79th year. Before the erection of the Church, services were held at the res- idences of Christopher Flory, Lutheran, and John Leppo, Sr., a Reformed. The prominent mem- bers of the first organization were: John Wise,
*Autobiog., p. 69.
+Autobiog., pp. 113-119.
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Joseph Welch, Samuel Starchman, Louis Hill, and Joseph Kennel. The Lutheran pastors who served these people were: Revs. S. Fenner, A. R. Brown, Isaac Culler, G. Sinsabaugh, J. F. Hershiser, Francis Ruth. This congregation flourished greatly and in later years built a fine church, says Rev. Ruth. Mr. A. Barr organized a Sunday-school and Mr. Jos. Cairns was superintendent for many years. From 1890 to 1895 there was no preaching and the organi- zation disbanded. The Baptists then tried to seize the property by holding services there but Rev. Wiles, D. D., pastor of the First Lutheran Church of Mans- field, stepped in and reorganized the Lutheran congre- gation and for a number of years afterward it was supplied with preaching by the several pastors of St. Luke's Church of Mansfield. When St. Mark's, Mans- field was organized, the Spring Mill Congregation was made a part of the charge and has been served by Rev. B. B. Uhl and Rev. J. Ernest Zimmerman. There are 36 members in the church and a Sunday-school with an enrollment of 69. It is now a Lutheran Church.
First English Lutheran Church, Mansfield, Ohio
Rev. F. J. Ruth, in his autobiography, p. 17, says, he came to Mansfield from Ashland, Ohio, and stopped at the Wiler House. The date of this visit must have been some time in September, 1831. He found but three Lutherans in Mansfield, - Jacob Hammer and wife, and George Cocher. Jacob Hammer was a tailor and had his shop where the Smith Opera House now stands. He was postmaster in Mansfield from 1841-1845, and from 1849-1853. George Cocher for
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I CH. MANSFIELD - OLD CH.
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years followed the trade of bellows-making. He had his shop where the Netcher Block now stands until about 1850 when he removed to a building which stood immediately east of the Hancock & Dow Block on East Fourth street. George Cocher never married, but lived in rooms over his shop. He was known as a man of strict honor and integrity, although some- what eccentric. He served this church for many years as trustee and was a member from its organi- zation until about 1870, a period of about forty years.
Such were the people Rev. Ruth met when he came to Mansfield. He did not preach on his first visit, as the Methodists were holding their annual conference and the pulpits of the churches were filled by ministers of that denomination for the time being.
After visiting Mt. Vernon, Delaware, Columbus, Chillicothe, and Circleville, Rev. Ruth returned to Mansfield and preached his first sermon in the town in the Presbyterian Church, October 1, 1831.
Rev. Ruth was urged at this time to locate in · Mansfield, but he gave the preference to Ashland and called that place his home, although he was traveling nearly all of his time. He continued to preach in Mansfield occasionally, and in the spring of 1832, or- ganized this church with fifteen members.
Mr. and Mrs. Hammer, George Cocher, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Startzman and Mr. and Mrs. George Peterman were among the charter members.
Rev. Ruth's entire income the first year of his ministry was only $75.00 ; and he said he was not dis- couraged. He continued preaching regularly in Mans- field until 1835 when he was succeeded by the Rev. George Leiter. Rev. Leiter was one of the famous
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family of Leiters living originally at Leitersburg, Maryland. He had just completed his course in theology at Gettysburg Seminary, and on reaching Mansfield found the small company of Lutherans gathered together by Rev. Ruth. He consented to preach for these pioneer Lutherans and thus became
REV. GEO. LEITER.
the first resident pastor of the Lutheran Faith in Mansfield.
The church was not strong enough to support a minister alone, and Rev. Leiter preached for other congregations in the vicinity of Mansfield. During a part of his pastorate the Lutherans had no place of worship, and the most of that time held their services
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
221
REV. J. H. HOFFMAN.
REV. S. FENNER.
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in a school house on the southwest corner of the lot on which the city building now stands. In the latter part of the thirties the Methodists erected a church on the northwest corner of Park Avenue East and Adams street. Having a new church they found a purchaser for their old property in the German Reformed and Lutheran congregations, who bought the property in
partnership. March 9, 1840, a deed was made by Henry Leyman, Abraham Blymyer, Daniel Hiestand, Mordecai Bartley, William Cantwell and William Tingley, trustees, to David Wise, trustee of the Ger- man Reformed, and Jacob Leiter, trustee of the Lu- theran Church. The price paid for the lot and build- ing was $400.00. Both the German Reformed and the Lutherans were small in numbers, and were glad to secure the building though unpretentious and rather dilapidated.
The congregation had now a part interest in a home. In this primitive structure on Water Street, the Lutherans and German Reformed worshipped for over ten years. Rev. Leiter served the congregation about six years and was succeeded by Rev. H. K. Henick who remained only about one year. He preached only in the German language, lived in Galion and drove to Mansfield to fill his engagements.
In 1843 Rev. Leiter was recalled and served the congregation two more years. He was a man who merited honor and confidence. He possessed a studious disposition and all his life could read the Scriptures in the original Hebrew and Greek with great ease. He preached the Gospel with great power and fervor and was instrumental in enlarging the borders of Lutheranism in northern Ohio.
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His successor was the Rev. J. H. Huffman who came from Washingtonville, Ohio, in 1846, and served the congregation very faithfully for three or more years; after resigning at Mansfield he retained his residence there and served the Mount Zion Charge eight miles east for five or six years.
In 1849 the Rev. Simon Fenner came to Mans- field and his advent marked the turning point of local Lutheran history. The congregation was small in numbers and influence. The church was the first one built in Mansfield, and being a frame building was unsightly and weather beaten and much in need of repair. The attendance at church services was dis- couraging both in numbers and interest. The situa- tion might well have made a veteran tremble lest he be unequal to its demands.
Shortly after coming to Mansfield, Rev. Fenner wrote in his journal, "This congregation can only be lifted up by Him with whom all things are possible. May the Lord bless my labors among this people to their spiritual edification. For this I will preach, pray. and labor."
With characteristic modesty and untiring de- votion he addressed himself to the task. Up to this time the English and German Lutherans had but one organization, the pastor preaching alternately in both languages. Rev. Fenner, with many others, felt that it would be for the best interests of all concerned, that there be two congregations, one using the Eng- lish and the other the German language. Accordingly the English Lutherans met for the purpose of organi- zation and incorporation.
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The records of this meeting, of which Rev. Fen- ner was chairman and Jonas Smith was clerk, con- tains the following: "Pursuant to legal notice given, the members of the First Lutheran Church of Mans- field, Richland County, Ohio, met on the fourth day of May, 1850, at two o'clock, P. M., at the Lutheran and German Reformed Church of Mansfield for the purpose of electing one clerk and two trustees. thus incorporating themselves into a body." In October, 1852, the trustees of the German Reformed Church conveyed their interest in the property to the trustees of the English Lutheran Church, and in December of the same year the congregation sold the property and thereafter held their services in the town hall until the new church was dedicated. Steps were now taken to build the new church and Rev. Fenner took charge of the work in all its branches. He visited the saw- mills in the surrounding country and induced the farmer boys to haul the lumber for the new building, and many times he could be seen on a load of build- ing material urging the team in the direction of the church. Dr. Imhoff says of him at this time: "In this enterprise he labored, taking the lead in making con- tracts, purchasing material, soliciting sympathy and support in the community. He often encouraged the work by joining the mechanics with his own hands, and not the least, in cases of financial embarrassment he made himself personally responsible to contractors and the banks for the payment of debts. But his gentlemanly deportment and persistent labors com- mended him to the respect and support of the entire community, and success crowned his efforts."
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All this time he was just as faithful in all his pastoral duties. He carefully instructed the youth of his congregation in the catechism that they might be firmly grounded in doctrine and life. He was a pure minded, tender hearted man, whose unfeigned sympathies and practical common sense in his inter- course with his people always won and held their es- teem, because they felt they had his sympathy and sincere love in every sorrow and in every time of need.
The historian feels that his faithful services to Lutheranism in Mansfield calls for special mention. The new church was dedicated October 16, 1853. It was a day of great rejoicing thoroughout the congre- gation and also the entire city. In addition to preach- ing for the Mansfield church, Rev. Fenner, also dur- ing the great portion of his pastorate, served the Clay and Spring Mill churches north of the city, the whole constituting what was known as the Mansfield charge. In 1865 the relation between the city and country churches was dissolved.
After a faithful pastorate of over seventeen years, in March, 1866. Rev. Fenner tendered his resignation and moved to Springfield, Ohio, in order to educate his children at Wittenberg College.
He had wrought so well, that, when in July, 1866, Rev. M. J. Firey succeeded him, the good work went on with great energy and success, and during his pas- torate large numbers were added to the membership.
The property holdings of the church were in- creased and a new parsonage erected. The member- ship of the Council was increased, and larger activi-
15
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ties were planned, and in the intensity of the church's life strict discipline was maintained, and still the church grew in numbers and also in the respect of the entire community. The increase in membership made necessary the enlargement of the church building and a wing was built in the rear of the old church, and thus the congregation was well equipped in all points.
In April, 1871, on account of failing health, Dr. Firey was granted a six months' leave of absence, but the rest did not enable him to realize his hopes for a return of strength, and in October he resigned, much to the regret of all.
In February, 1872, Rev. D. W. Smith of Wapak- oneta, O., was elected pastor, and entered upon his duties, April 1. For eleven years the church enjoyed his faithful and untiring service. The church in- creased in numbers and influence, greatly, and in spirituality, also, and all branches of its activity were brought into greater usefulness and effectiveness.
Another increase was made in the number of Elders and Deacons. Several times in Council and at congregational meetings the desirability and neces- sity of a new church building was debated, and in 1883 the church purchased the two lots on the corner of Park Avenue west and Mulberry Street for church and parsonage, the deed providing that the property shall not be encumbered by mortgage under penalty of its going to Wittenberg College.
In the fall of 1883, Rev. Smith resigned to accept a call to the First Lutheran Church of Springfield, Ohio.
At a congregational meeting in November, 1883. a unanimous call was extended to Rev. Dr. H. L.
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227
M. J. FIREY, D. D.
D. W. SMITH, D. D.
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S. P. LONG, D. D.
H. L. WILES, D. D.
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Wiles, of Wooster, Ohio, who accepted, and took charge April 1, 1884.
Dr. Wiles, from the very first, brought to the pulpit the magnetic force of a great personality, and with strong preaching ability, he exerted a powerful influence on the entire community. The congrega- tions were large and more than filled the capacity of the old building. A new parsonage was erected the year following the opening of his pastorate. The necessity for a new and larger church building pressed itself strongly upon the congregation. A committee was appointed and plans submitted for a new church building. Unfortunately at this time a division in the church occurred. The chief difficulty was about the adoption of the Common Service for the use of the churches, while other subjects of contro- versy were, - the management of the church finances, and the location of the new parsonage. These dif- ferences, in which the pastor became involved, found no peaceable adjustment, and some months after a congregational meeting had been held in which the pastor, in his contention, was sustained by a large majority, about seventy members withdrew, and some- time afterward, organized St. Luke's congregation. Stout-hearted and full of faith as Dr. Wiles always was, he faced the situation with a mighty courage, and with his great business ability and an iron will, the new church project at once took form and the work of raising funds was earnestly prosecuted. In September, 1891, the corner stone was laid, and for three more years the work of building and finishing the church went on toward completion, and finally, in October, 1894 it was dedicated to the worship of
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the Triune God, Rev. Dr. M. Rhodes of St. Louis, Mo., preaching the dedicatory sermon. It was a day of superlative joy to the diligent pastor and a faith- ful people, and a day of glorious triumph over diffi- culties and discouragement that seemed almost insur- mountable. The cost of the new building was about $40,000.00. The building is a model in church archi- tecture, of Romanesque style, of buff stone from the local quarries, with a seating capacity of over 1500.
On the fourth day of September, 1902, Dr. Wiles while on Main street attending to some matters of business, was suddenly taken ill. All efforts to restore him to consciousness were futile, and he soon passed away. He served the church over eighteen years. The church was closed on Sunday, September 5th, and on Monday afternoon funeral services were held, the body having lain in state in the church of which he was the beloved pastor, viewed by countless thou- sands. The services were in charge of Rev. G. Z. Cochel. Rev. Dr. E. H. Dornblaser of Springfield, ()., President of Wittenberg Synod, preached the ser- mon, assisted by local pastors in attendance, several of whom made brief addresses.
In December, 1902, the congregation extended a call to Rev. S. P. Long of Columbus, Ohio. He en- tered upon his work the following February. He at once applied his efforts to the leading of the congrega- tion into clearing itself of all indebtedness. This was soon accomplished, and then he brought up the benev- olences of the church to its full apportionment. The various organizations of the church were led into new activities, and the membership continues on a steady increase. The congregation supports an American
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I CH. MANSFIELD - NEW CH.
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Missionary at Guntur, India, since May, 1913. The confirmed membership now reaches over 1800, four young men have entered the ministry from the con- gregation, and two more,-graduates of college, and now engaged in teaching, will enter later. The con- gregation has originated and put into successful opera- tion, a workable combination service in which the whole congregation goes to church and Sunday-school. $30,000 have been spent to enlarge the church building so that it occupies the whole square, and contains 33 rooms, in all, and has 1,600 scholars enrolled. (P. 233.)
Although this congregation has many poor people in it, it has never failed since 1903 to pay its full missionary apportionment, - the total benevolence reaching over $3,000.00 per year. In 1916 it reduced its indebtedness by $8,000. There are now four cate- chetical classes conducted weekly in the church, over nine months of the year, and the interest is increasing each year.
After thirteen years of service the congregation, recently, by ballot vote, refused to let its pastor accept an urgent call to one of the largest congregations in the far west.
The many calls for help on the pastor, and the "red tape" of many existing institutions for the care of the helpless, led him, when reading anew the story of the Good Samaritan, while riding on the St. Law- rence river, to decide to buy an Inn for any ruined man lying between any Jerusalem and Jericho. So he went home and bought nine acres of ground and a large farmhouse and buildings, and coined a new name for it, made up of the two cities and the ruined man and the Inn, and called it "JERUINJER." It
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
233
LATEST IMPROVEMENT - I CH. MANSFIELD.
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has been running for three years and has cared for many helpless ones and is governed by a trained nurse.
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The board and lodging are free to the helpless, no difference what the creed or color. The pastor pays all the bills once a month, using whatever free-will offerings come in from any source. The institution was founded in August, 1912, and, so far, is just the pastor's way of giving temporary relief to the helpless. It serves the city as a clearing house for many troubles.
The First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lima, Ohio
Under appointment of the Board of Home Mis- sions, the work of establishing a Lutheran Church of the General Synod was inaugurated in the city of Lima, O., Sept. 1, 1890, by the Rev. A. C. Miller, Ph. D. A thorough canvass of the city was made and a good number of those found who were willing to establish a church of their choice and become charter members of the same. The field seemed ready for a General Synod Congregation. The first service was held Sept. 7, 1890, in Stamet's Hall. The organization was effected Sept. 31, 1890, by adopting the General Synod's constitution. For two years and eight months, the congregation continued to worship in the hall in which the first meeting was held, Rev. A. C. Miller becoming its first pastor, at the time of the organiza- tion. The following were elected the first council of the congregation : Elders,-J. P. Stamets and Jos. Heffner ; Deacons,-John Romshe. S. S. Shaffer and F. M. Dotson.
The church began as a child of the Home Mission Board with forty-four members: W. H. Brewer, Mrs. W. H. Brewer, Mrs. G. L. Bentz, F. M. Dotson and
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wife, Henry Emerick and wife, P. A. Glasgow and wife, Joseph Heffner and wife, Amanda Heffner, Warren Heffner, Jacob Krishbaum and wife, J. J. King and wife, A. J. Loury and wife; Elste Grace Loury, Mrs. C. H. Little, Kittie Little, F. D. Matthys and wife, Mrs. A. C. Miller, A. B. Nungester and wife, Mary Nungester, May Nungester, Mrs. Susan
LIMA.
Wolf, L. F. Prevost, John Romshe and wife, W. A. Romshe, J. P. Stamets and wife, L. E. Stamets and wife, H. H. Stamets and wife, Grace Stamets, Eva Stamets, G. B. Sollers and wife, Elizabeth Sharritts, Samuel Shrider and wife, S. S. Shaffer and wife, Susan Shaffer, Ira L. Shaffer, Mrs. C. Throckmor- ton, Ella Throckmorton, Mrs. L. A. Verbryke, David Womer and wife, Joseph E. Wright and wife.
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The congregation is fully organized, having an aggressive Sunday-school with all adult classes organ- ized. The Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society and the Young People's Missionary Society are actively engaged in the work of Mission study and assistance. The men are organized into a Brotherhood having an active membership of 30. April 18, 1892, a lot was purchased located on the corner of Spring and Pierce Streets for $2,000. The work of erecting a house of worship was at once begun, culminating in a new and beautiful building. It is of frame con- struction and was dedicated April 18, 1893. Rev. H. L. Wiles, D. D., preached the Dedicatory sermon in the morning, and Prof. S. F. Breckenridge, D. D., of Springfield, Ohio, occupied the pulpit in the evening. The total cost of the church and its furnishings with the lot was $6,000. The pastors and terms of pas- torates are as follows:
Rev. A. C. Miller, Ph. D 1890-1894
Rev. I. J. Miller 1894-1902
Rev. O. C. Kramer 1902-1904
Rev. Allen O. Becker 1904-1905
Rev. F. M. Traub. 1905-1909
Rev. G. C. Schaub 1909-1913
Rev. W. L. Guard, D. D 1914-1915 Rev. W. C. Spayde. 1915-
During the pastorate of Rev. G. C. Schaub exten- sive repairs and improvements were made, viz. : A bal- cony was erected, a pipe organ and a new furnace were installed, and a basement was excavated and finished. In addition to this an old debt of $1,200.00 was liquidated.
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During the past fifteen months, under the pastor- ate of Rev. W. C. Spayde, $1.300.00 were raised to make necessary repairs and to liquidate a general accumulated indebtedness. The present Confirmed membership of the Church is 322.
St. Matthew's Church, West Cairo, Ohio
In the year 1838, St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Monroe Twp., Allen County, Ohio, was organized by Rev. Frederick Wynecken of Hanover, Germany. The congregation consisted of the follow- ing members who had settled in the unbroken forest of that locality: Simon Schindler, Jacob Schindler, and Paul Schindler, Peter Harpster, Jacob Harpster, An- thony Harpster, Peter Alstætter, and Jacob Alstætter. There being no church building, services were con- ducted at the homes of these pioneers. During the year, Rev. C. Spielman preached for his faithful band and baptized three children. In June, 1839, Rev. John Wagenhals visited the congregation and baptized three persons. The next recorded service of these pioneer days was held after an interval of more than one year. In July, 1840, Rev Geo. Spangler again conducted services at the home of Simon Schindler, and baptized one child. In the spring of 1841, this band of loyal people sent a petition to the Lutheran Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church requesting that Rev. Abraham Doner be ordained as their regular pastor. This request was granted in July of that year. Peter Harpster, as elder and Jacob Alstætter as deacon con- stituted the first church council elected, and with this the first organization of Monroe township was com- pleted. Warranted by unexpected growth, the congre-
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