USA > Ohio > Richland County > Mansfield > A history of the Wittenberg Synod of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1847-1916 > Part 14
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
gation in the year 1845 decided to erect a church build- ing. One year thereafter, a church was erected on the Jacob Schindler farm, awaiting dedication. The building was a structure 25x30 feet, built of hewn logs taken from the surrounding unbroken forests. Glass, nails, and hinges were the only furnishings purchased, all other wood materials, including all in- side finish were hand-wrought work and the product of hard labor bestowed upon the raw material of the forests. This unique church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God by Rev. Abraham Doner, April, 1846. The hardships, the sacrifices, and the service rendered by these early pioneers will be best understood by a glance at the appended salary record taken from the early history :
SALARY OF REV. ABRAHAM DONER.
First year, 1842
$8.50
Second
year, 1843 1.70
Third
year, 1844 6.38
Fourth
year, 1845
9.971/2
Fifth year, 1846 11.70
Sixth
year, 1847 10.071/2
Seventh year, 1848
21.86
Eighth
year, 1849 19.00
Ninth
year, 1850. 15.00
Rev. Doner continued serving the church until his death, which occurred in 1854. Rev. Paul J. Steir- walt became his successor in October of the same year and continued in the work for three years. He was the last regular pastor to serve this congregation, serving it for eight years. However, preaching serv- ices continued to be held at irregular intervals, con-
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
ducted by visiting ministers and theological students from Wittenberg College.
Many of the old settlers had in the meantime passed to their reward, others removed to other parts, not a few in and about West Cairo. During the sum- mer of 1865, Rev. W. C. Barnett, of Wapakoneta, O., at the request of those having settled in and about West Cairo, held services at this place. The old church was now practically abandoned, Sunday-school being held during the summer months only. Services in West Cairo continued until 1866 when on the 24th day of June, a new congregation known as the St. Matthew's Church of West Cairo, Allen County, Ohio, was organized. The following members of the former Lutheran congregation now disbanded, were among the charter members of the new organization, viz. : John Baker, Elias Waltz, E. G. Waltz, Jeremiah Weaver, Lavina Weaver, Zephaniah Waltz, Ursula Baker, and Mary Schindler. On the day of organiza- tion Samuel Schindler and S. S. Waltz, (now Dr. Waltz of Louisville, Ky.) united with the church by the rite of confirmation. Elias Waltz as elder and Jeremiah Weaver as deacon were the first church officers elected for the new organization.
Rev. Barnet continued the work but a short time. The following pastors supplied the congregation until a regular pastor was again secured :
Rev. A. J. Imhoff, Ottawa, Ohio.
Rev. D. W. Smith, Wapakoneta, Ohio.
In September, 1868, Rev. George Hammer was installed as the regular pastor of the long vacant con- gregation and remained with the church for a period
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
of two years, receiving for his services $150 per annum.
A new church building was erected and solemnly dedicated on the 13th day of November, 1870. This was a neat and home-like edifice,-frame,-and, was erected at a cost of about $1,300. This structure at present (1916) continues to be the church home of St. Matthew's and with recent repairs which the build- ing has undergone, presents a most home-like and cozy appearance. The Dedicatory sermon of the then new church was delivered by Rev. J. W. Swick, of Ash- land, Ohio.
Rev. D. Summers, of Vandalia, Ohio, supplied the vacant pulpit until May, 1871, then in July of this same year F. A. Matthis, a recent graduate of Witten- berg College, accepted a call from the congregation and became its next regular pastor Jan. 1, 1872. Rev. Matthis continued in the good work until October, 1874. In this same year, Rev. E. K: Baker became the next pastor of St. Matthew's and continued his labors with and for the church the following four years. Twenty-seven new members were added to the church during this time.
The following ministers served the church in the order named :
Rev. George Harsh. 4 years
Rev. G. M. Grau 1 year
Rev. E. C. Jessup 1885-1888
Rev. J. M. Dustman 1888-1890
Rev. A. C. Miller. 1890-1894
Rev. I. J. Miller. 1894-1902
Rev. O. C. Kramer 1902-1904
Rev. A. O. Becker 1904-1905
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
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-
This congregation is served in connection with the First Church, Lima, O., and has afternoon services on alternate Sundays.
Second English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Spring- field, Ohio
The first steps taken to establish a Second English Lutheran Church in Springfield, Ohio, was in the fall of 1881. A petition signed by a creditable number of members was presented to the church council of the First Lutheran Church, Tuesday evening, October I, 1881. Action at this meeting was postponed indefinite- ly, as the council desired to remain neutral in the mat- ter. Several subsequent attempts were made to secure a congregational meeting, without success. Finally a public meeting was held Sunday morning, December 10, 1882, during the first pastorate of Rev. Dr. M. J. Firey. The question then came up for discussion. Those in favor of organizing another church urged the unwieldy size of the congregation with a member- ship of 810; and the probability that in the event of a separation, more would be led into active work for Christ and the extension of the Master's kingdom, both at home and abroad. Those opposing a division, regarded it premature at that time. At this meeting, a resolution was passed declaring that "steps be taken to organize and establish a Second Lutheran Church of the General Synod in this city." Although 110
16
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
definite action was taken upon the resolution, a com- mittee of ten was appointed (of which Mr. Ross Mitchell and D. R. Hosterman were members) to consider this new project and report at an adjourned meeting of the congregation.
One year later the organization of the new church was assured. Wednesday evening, December 12, 1883, at a regularly called meeting, at the close of the prayer meeting service, a conference was held by those in- terested in the new organization. Mr. D. R. Hoster- man had prepared a written agreement setting forth the reasons for organizing another church, stating some general principles that should govern the same. This paper received the voluntary signatures of forty- five persons. It included the names of some who had long been closely identified with the material and spiritual work and growth of the Church, and were moved to take this step with great reluctance, but from a sense of duty, firmly believing that God had called them to labor in other fields and that their withdrawal would contribute to the highest good of all. They left with the best wishes of the parent church, and in turn the kindliest feelings were cherished by those going out. As to the matter of location, there was no ques- tion. The colony was to occupy the mission chapel on the corner of Clifton and Boler Streets, in the southeast part of the city. It was owned by the Free Will Baptists and had been purchased with the money known as the "Bookwalter Fund," by Mrs. John W. Bookwalter for missionary enlargement, and was later presented to the Second Lutheran Church by the parent church as its evidence of good will.
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HISTORY OF TIIE WITTENBERG SYNOD
The Second English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Springfield, Ohio, was organized Sunday morning, January 13, 1884. Rev. Prof. C. L. Ehrenfeld, Ph. D., assisted by Rev. G. N. H. Peters occupied the pulpit. At the close of services, a congregational meeting was held. Mr. Ross Mitchell was made chairman and D. R. Hosterman, Secretary. The Secretary then read a letter of fraternal dismissal from the First Church of the forty-five charter members of the new organi- zation, signed by Rev. D. W. Smith, D. D., pastor and president of council. Following are the names: Mr. and Mrs. Ross Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Hoster- man, Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Schindler, J. H. Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lupfer, W. J. Dixon, Miss Mary Mitchell, Prof. C. L. Ehrenfeld, Ph. D., Mrs. C. L. Ehrenfeld, Charles H. Ehrenfeld, Clemens Ehrenfeld, W. N. Wachter, Mr. and Mrs. Z. F. Bost, C. N. Culp, Mrs. Josephine Backenstos, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. E. Bost, Miss Ora V. Bost, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Schind- ler, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Rice, Mrs. Nellie Ashley, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Kame, Mrs. Matilda Hauer, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Ulrick, Mrs. Kate Gotwald, Miss Kate Rickard, William C. Dinwiddie, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Fish, Allen Fish, George B. Lupfer, W. C. Lupfer, Peter Cost, Miss Susanna Cost, Mrs. Hattie A. Bost, S. E. Gaver.
A preamble and constitution was adopted con- forming in all its requirements to the General Synod. John A. Rice, C. E. Bost, W. N. Wachter, Chas. Schindler and C. N. Culp were appointed a committee to nominate candidates for church council to consist of four elders and four deacons. On the following Sunday morning, January 20th, the Sunday-school was
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
organized as a strictly denominational school with an attendance of 130, and continued steadily increasing in numbers until the chapel became too small, making a new building a necessity.
The first church council was chosen February 13 as follows: Elders-Ross Mitchell, D. R. Hosterman, William Lupfer and J. H. Nelson ; Deacons-W. N. Wachter, C. E. Bost, E. S. Kame and J. H. Ulrick. The first communion was celebrated March 2d. At the first meeting of the church council a resolution was passed adopting the card system of taking pledges for current expenses and the envelope system for con- tributing weekly, encouraging the habit of each mem- ber pledging and paying in their own name, instead of the family giving all. (For several years past, the congregation has been using the Duplex System with great satisfaction). Rev. Prof. C. L. Ehrenfeld. Ph. D., a member of the congregation and professor in Wittenberg College, supplied the pulpit until a pastor was called. At a congregational meeting held Sunday, April 5, 1884, Rev. A. E. Wagner, Ph. D., of Wapa- koneta was extended a unanimous call. He entered upon his labors May Ist. Twenty-six had been re- ceived into church fellowship up to this time, making a total of seventy-one.
The first action taken towards securing a new church building was at a meeting of the church coun- cil, held Monday evening, March 30, 1885. Mr. Ross Mitchell, an elder and a prominent manufacturer, made a proposition to give one-half as much as could be secured in cash from all other sources (except from the sale of the chapel) "for the purpose of pur- chasing suitable grounds and building a new church
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
on the same." Subscriptions were secured amounting to $5,000.00. At a congregational meeting held Wed- nesday evening, May 20, 1885, it was decided to pur- chase the Lupfer and Green lots-two squares far- ther west, at a cost not to exceed $5,800.00. The location proved to be a desirable one-being a prom- inent thoroughfare in that part of the city. After a ministry of fifteen months, Rev. Wagner resigned. He had materially aided in securing funds for the new building and had greatly endeared himself to the people. During his ministry he had received into church membership fifty-nine persons. For over four months, the pulpit remained vacant. During this time regular preaching services were conducted by visiting ministers, or by members of Wittenberg College, while the membership remained steadfast and loyal.
October 4, 1885, Rev. L. A. Gotwald, D. D., of York, Pa., widely and favorably known throughout the General Synod was unanimously called to serve the Second Church.
He entered upon his pastorate the first Sunday in December. During the ministry of Dr. Gotwald the new house of worship was planned and erected. Jan- uary 26, 1886, the contract was awarded to Fish and Crist for $10,670.00. The architect's plans provided for a building of modern Gothic architecture, with material of brick and sand-stone trimmings. The di- mensions were to be 44 feet fronting on Clifton street with a depth of 86 feet. The auditorium was to be 52x42, with the seats arranged in the arc of a circle, with a seating capacity of 350. The organ loft to be placed in the rear of the pulpit. The Sunday-school room in the rear of the auditorium was to be 42x40,
2.16
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
with sliding doors between them permitting them to be thrown into one room, giving a total seating ca- pacity of 700. The plans also provided for two Bible class rooms upstairs, with a balcony overlooking the Sunday-school room. A room for the Primary De- partment and a basement ample for social purposes- the whole to be surmounted with a tower 115 feet high. On the east side was to be placed a vestibule by which entrance could be gained from that direction to the auditorium and Sunday-school room. Exits from both rooms were provided by a small vestibule on the west side. The building was to contain art glass windows and furnaces for heating purposes.
The corner stone of the new building was laid Sunday evening, May 9, 1886, in the presence of 2,000 people. The new house of worship went forward without accident or delay. The congregation had al- ready outgrown the chapel and the members were looking forward with great pleasure to the time when they should occupy their new church home. Mr. Schindler, the veteran and enthusiastic superintendent, was constantly gathering funds to furnish the new Sunday-school room. The total amount raised for that purpose was $883.00.
Sunday morning, December 19, 1886, the new edifice was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Al- might God, the parent church uniting in the service. Rev. J. B. Helwig, D. D., preaching the dedicatory sermon. "You dedicate this house," said the speaker, "to the great work of making humanity wiser and better, holier and happier; to the work of elevating and perfecting the human soul and fitting it to dwell at last in the new heaven and the new earth wherein
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
II CH. SPRINGFIELD.
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
dwelleth righteousness." Mr. D. R. Hosterman, sec- retary of the Church Council, read a brief history of the church and the work it had already accomplished since its organization. The total cost of the structure, lot and furnishings, was about $21,000, leaving a debt of $4,500 unprovided, which the congregation felt able to carry a few years. But a great shrinkage fol- lowed in the payment of pledges, so that a much larger sum had to be borrowed to pay the contractors.
Rev. Dr. Gotwald resigned September 25, 1888, having accepted the chair of Practical Theology in Wittenberg Seminary. His ministry of three years was characterized by an earnestness and devotion rarely exceeded. Dr. Gotwald added to the church 2II members. Rev. David H. Bauslin, D. D., of Bucyrus was chosen his successor November 16, 1888, and began his labors during the early part of De- cember.
During the early part of Dr. Bauslin's ministry, an effort was made to pay off the indebtedness on the church property already becoming burdensome. A thorough canvass for subscriptions was made by a committee from the council and congregation. While this vigorous campaign was going on, improvements were being made in the church costing $385.00, paid for by the Ladies' Aid Society.
At the opening of the church for divine worship, September 15, 1889, it was stated that the notes and pledges, written and verbal, secured was about $9,000, this, with the sale of the old chapel was declared to be sufficient to meet the entire indebtedness. The daily press in its glowing account of this meeting produced a wrong impression by declaring the debt was paid
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
and "a dark and threatening cloud was removed from the church's sky." This was a hindrance and a de- lusion, as subsequent events proved.
On October 8, 1893, Dr. Bauslin presented his resignation to take effect November Ist, much to the regret of his people. During Dr. Bauslin's five and
E. H. DORNBLASER, D. D. .
a half years' ministry he received into church fellow- ship 261 members.
A congregational meeting held October 30, 1893, extended a call to Rev. E. H. Dornblaser, D. D., of Wheeling, W. Va., whose pastorate of twelve years in that city had been so eminently successful. The
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
call was accepted and Rev. Dornblaser entered upon his duties December 15th. This has proven to be the longest pastorate in the history of the Second church and of the Lutheran church in Springfield, he having celebrated his nineteenth anniversary December 15, 1912.
The beginning of Dr. Dornblaser's ministry in the Second Church was marked by a great financial and industrial depression in Springfield and throughout the entire country. It was a time of trial and sacrifice to both pastor and people. There was still a heavy debt resting upon the congregation, threatening dire calamity. The results hoped for from the effort that had been made during 1889 to pay off the debt by individual notes running five years with 6% interest, had not been successful. A few of them were paid soon, some in part, and because of many contingencies that arose during the panic of '93, many pledges were uncollectable, while the church was compelled to pay in the meantime a large sum of interest, annually, a portion of which bore 7%. So much of the subscrip- tion was required to pay interest on the debt that little remained to be applied on the principal. April 6, 1897. the treasurer of the Building Fund, reported that the principal of the debt was $7.300.00 and the interest due $180, besides a deficit of $573 for current ex- penses, making a total indebtedness of $8,053.00. The old chapel property which was originally held at $3,500.00, was sold after twelve years for $1,200, and much of this price had to be used to meet current expenses, and left but little to be applied on debt reduction. To further add to the embarrassment of the Second Church, three other Lutheran churches, a
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Methodist Episcopal, a Baptist and a Reformed were organized in close proximity, the Third and Calvary Lutheran Churches came into existence, each taking some of its members. But the most serious loss sus- tained was the organization of the Fourth Lutheran Church on the North Side just at the time when the (lebt was the most alarming. To this organization letters of dismissal were granted to forty members of the Second Church who had been among its best workers and contributors. The Sunday-school in one Sunday lost seventeen teachers. Then there were also disagreements among members on various matters that to some extent prevented a united attack on a serious financial proposition. It was a dark time for the Second Church. So discouraged were the church officers that they requested and were granted a con- ference with the Council of the Third Lutheran church with a view of uniting the two congregations, but met with but little encouragement from that source. Dur- ing this crisis, the pastor in order to help out in a time of emergency, voluntarily agreed to a reduction of one-fourth of his salary. Even then it was hard to "make both ends meet." At this time ( 1897), an op- portunity to secure $1,000.00 was lost. J. & D. L. Snyder, to whom the church owed a note of $6,000.00, agreed that if it were paid within at least six months, they would donate $1,000.00 to the church. When the necessary legal steps were taken to borrow the money by placing a mortgage upon the church prop- erty, a shadow was discovered in the title, and before it could be cleared up one of the brothers died and the other was too near the end of life to transact
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
business. The church therefore failed to get the benefit of their kindly offer.
The plan that paved the way for the final liquida- tion of the debt was submitted to the congregation and adopted, February, 1898. When two-thirds of the members pledged themselves to pay sums ranging from five cents to one dollar per month to meet the interest and reduce the principal, the plan was to become effec- tive. A loyal friend promised to give one-half as much more each month as the members gave. The pas- tor completed the canvass and reported to the council March 1, 1898, that 211 persons agreed to give these small sums per month. These payments were to be placed in special envelopes and deposited on the offer- ing plates on a certain Sunday of each month. If this were not done by the end of the month, the persons pledging subscriptions were to be visited by lady solic- itors appointed for that purpose. This effort suc- ceeded beyond expectations. The names of the solic- itors were: Mrs. Dr. Barry, Mrs. Mabel Gram Pros- ser, Mrs. Emma Kiefer Timmerman, Mrs. Mont- gomery Patton, Mrs. A. J. Frankenberg, and Mrs. Gertrude Roberts Rugh. Much of the credit of this effort is due to these devoted workers. From time to time more joined in the work, contributions were enlarged, plans were broadened, and the debt was be- ing reduced more and more rapidly.
In the midst of this debt reduction, Mr. Andrew Carnegie made a proposition in February, 1904, to give $1,000 towards a pipe organ that should cost not less than $2,000. The proposition was accepted. A Pipe Organ Society was organized, a splendid organ pur- chased, paid for, installed and dedicated within six
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
months, without interfering in the least with the finan- cial operations of the church. By March, 1905, the debt was reduced to $3,000. At a congregational meeting, held in that month, it was decided to pay off the entire debt by the following February, together with the interest, sewerage and street pavement taxes. It was a big undertaking for a membership of less than 400, composed largely of people in the common walks of life. But "where there's a will, there's a way." The members were hopeful, enthusiastic, and united for the accomplishment of this object. By April, 1906, every cent of the debt was paid to the great joy and relief of all. A "Jubilee" service was held Sunday morning, April 22, commemorating the event. The Pastor, Dr. Dornblaser, delivered an his- toric sermon from the text "Hitherto hath Jehovah helped us." In it he expressed gratitude to God for His blessing and to the people for so nobly sustaining the effort that brought success. A worthy tribute was also paid to brothers Ross Mitchell and D. R. Hosterman, who were leaders in the work from its earliest inception and continued with it during all the years of its discouragements and hardship, until its glad consummation. During these years of trial and struggle, the church paid $9.311.34 in interest on bor- rowed money, which added to the original cost, makes the church property cost over $30,000. While the congregation paid $21,622.55, Mr. Mitchell gave $9.295.07.
During 1907, extensive improvements, interior and exterior were made to the church property, in- cluding new art glass windows, frescoing and a steam heating plant costing $3,000. A handsome memorial
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HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
window was placed in the auditorium - the gift of the Y. P. S. C. E. as a tribute to the memory of Rev. S. C. Kinsinger, its first president and late missionary to India.
In August, 1895, Mr. P. A. Schindler, one of the leading founders of the church, the first superin- tendent of the Sunday-school, widely known through- out the church, passed to his eternal reward.
The Second Evangelical Lutheran Church has now a confirmed membership of 546 and a baptized membership of 742. It has a well organized Sunday- school, an active Christian Endeavor Society, Inter- mediate and Junior C. E. Society, a W. H. and F. M. Society that has kept alive the missionary spirit in the church and raised a large amount of money for the extension of the Master's Kingdom. It has an active Ladies' Aid Society and a Brotherhood. Catechetical instruction of the children has been regu- larly conducted each winter.
Of the communicant membership of this church, the following named persons entered the work of the church as ministers, missionaries, or the wives of ministers : Rev. Fred G. Gotwald, D. D., Rev. C. B. Backman, Rev. F. E. Leamer, Mrs. Orrie Bost Leamer, Rev. Wm. L. Guard, Rev. Geo. H. Hiller- man, Mrs. Lola Fry Hillerman, Rev. C. E. Derr, Ph. D., Rev. W. A. Pearman, Mrs. Edith Schindler Pear- man, Rev. L. J. Motchman, Rev. Geo. S. Bright, Rev. Chas. E. Berkey, Mrs. Alice Hollenback Berkey, Rev. S. L. Hershizer (deceased), Rev. Chas. S. Bauslin, Rev. Wm. O. Zallis, Rev. L. A. Harshman, Mrs. Eva Acord Harshman, Rev. D. Bruce Young, Mrs. Lillian Stough Halverstadt, Mrs. Anna Startzman Gardner,
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