USA > Ohio > Richland County > Mansfield > A history of the Wittenberg Synod of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1847-1916 > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
255
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Mrs. Minnie Weihrauch Hammaker, Mrs. Emma Castle Naffziger, Mrs. Bessie Summers Kratz, Mrs. Ethel West Hanshue (deceased), Mrs. Rhea Mor- rison Siebert, Mrs. Mae Welbaum Dolbeer, Mrs. Glenna Stewart Laughbaum, Rev. Herbert Bell, and Mrs. Rena Nelson Bell.
Of these at least sixteen have been engaged in Home Mission work and the following in the Foreign work: Arthur Rugh, Mrs. Gertrude Roberts Rugh, Irene La Wall Dornblaser, Mrs. Clara Hill Dorn- blaser Munson, and Mrs. Laura McDowell Lyan, thirty in all.
In the fall of 1912, alterations and improvements were made in the social room and kitchen, making it one of the most attractive and convenient plants in the city, at a total cost of $2,800, entirely paid for within a year. During 1913, two of the leading founders of the church passed to their reward,- Mr. D. R. Hos- terman, the efficient secretary of the Church Council for many years, and 'Mr. Ross Mitchell, a retired manufacturer who gave generously toward the build- ing of the church and its continued support in all its activities.
The church granted a six months' leave of ab- sence to Dr. Dornblaser to visit his two missionary . daughters in Foochow, China, during the latter part of 1913, and to unite in marriage Clara Hill Dorn- blaser to Edward Hartman Munson, Secretary of the Y. M. C. A. at Foochow. Dr. T. Bruce Birch, of Wittenberg College served as supply pastor during his absence. Mr. and Mrs. Dornblaser received a cordial welcome on their return home. The experience gathered from this visit to the land of the Orient,
256
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
supplied the material for a series of interesting ad- dresses to his own church, and other churches of the city and vicinity.
December 20, 1914, Dr. Dornblaser celebrated the twenty-first anniversary of his pastorate of the Sec- ond Lutheran Church. The following summary is a result of this long and fruitful pastorate :
Sermons and addresses delivered 2570
Marriages solemnized
287
Funeral services conducted 460
Infants baptized 593
Catechumens instructed
648
New members received
770
Raised for benevolence
$12,074.00
Raised for current expenses and church improvements 88,157.00
Raised for all purposes 100,231.00
It will easily appear from these records that Dr. E. H. Dornblaser enjoys the unique distinction of having served in the longest continued pastorate of any pastor in the history of Wittenberg Synod. It will also appear that no pastor in the history of this Synod has met and overcome, with such untiring de- votion to the Master's work, so many of the severe trials incident to a pastor's experience. The next, in respect of time, was the continued service given, for a period of 20 years to some of the oldest churches of the Synod in the pioneer work of Rev. F. J. Ruth.
During the summer of 1916 extensive repairs were made. The outside walls were repointed with mortar, the galvanized iron-work about the tower was replaced with new material, the outside wood- work repainted, the inside wood-work revarnished,
257
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
and the whole interior redecorated, and with new pulpit, hymn-board, and baptismal font, made much more churchly. The entire cost was $2,200, and is wholly secured. The building is now in first-class con- dition.
English Lutheran Church, Republic, Ohio, Adams Township
It is believed that this church and congregation is one of the oldest organizations on the territory of Wittenberg Synod. In the minutes of the second con- vention of Wittenberg Synod, held in June, 1848, is the following resolution : "Resolved, That the Western Conference of Wittenberg Synod meet in Adams Township, Seneca County on the second Saturday of September next, ( 1848), at 10 o'clock, A. M.'* The minutes of the same session of Synod shows, in the Parochial report, that the Rev. J. Livengood was serv- ing five congregations in Seneca County, with his residence at Tiffin, and a later copy of the minutes shows that he resigned the work in Seneca County in 1850 and located in Findlay, and a Rev. Philips of the German Reformed Church who had been received conditionally into membership with Wittenberg Synod, took charge of the Seneca County work, and seemed to succeed well for a time, but failed to secure a proper dismissal from the Classis to which he be- longed and left the field, at the end of his second year, the congregation having dismissed him, for cause.
In March, 1852, Rev. I. Culler entered the field, taking charge at Tiffin and serving several congrega-
*See Prtocol, p. 44.
17
258
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
tions in connection. This arrangement continued throughout the first pastorate of Rev. Culler, and also the pastorates of two of his successors, - Revs. Schauer and Hill, - up to 1859, when Rev. Culler was called to Tiffin a second time. During this pas- torate, it seems that the Republic congregation was severed from Tiffin, apparently in 1860, and then it seems to have been associated with Mccutchenville at one time and later with a place called Townsend, - wherever that may have been, - does not appear. After the separation it was served by Rev. D. S. Truckenmiller who took charge very early in 1867. In 1868 they began the building of a new church which was dedicated in May, 1869. He was suc- ceeded in June, 1870 by the Rev. J. K. Eckman, who, as the Minutes say, served churches at Adams and Townsend. He resigned early in 1872 and the charge remained without a pastor with occasional supplies until in September, 1874 when Rev. J. W. Ryder, a licentiate of Wittenberg Synod, took charge and con- tinued as pastor for five years with a good degree of success. He was succeeded near the close of the year 1878 by Rev. E. K. Baker, who served very accept- ably until December, 1881, when another long vacancy occurred in which quite a loss in the membership was sustained.
In July, 1883, Rev. F. A. Matthis was called, and gave most excellent service though there were con- tinuous removals, in consequence of which the mem- bership continued to decrease in numbers. He re- signed in May, 1886.
After a year's vacancy again, Rev. J. W. Ryder was recalled and after two years' service, resigned.
.
259
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
During the summer of 1889, at the request of the congregation they were supplied by R. Foster Stone, a student at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, O., who con- tinued his supply for over a year, - until May, 1890.
Another vacancy occurred until August, 1893, when a call was given to Rev. W. G. Slonaker, who remained as pastor until January, 1896.
During the summer of 1896 the congregation was supplied very acceptably by Rev. E. E. Neibel, a licentiate of the Synod. In 1897 Rev. John Farrow supplied for several months. Since this time no regu- lar pastor has been called and no stated supply has served this church, and no reply was made to letters of inquiry addressed to them in 1906. We learn that the field is occupied by other denominations. Since 1909 the congregation has not been retained by the Synod except on the list of pastorates.
In 1913 a special committee was appointed by the Synod to look after the church property. The committee has been continued as a standing Committee to investigate.
NORTH MANSFIELD CHARGE
[The four following congregations now composing this charge (until 1887 known as the Spring Mills Charge) have been variously associated and dissociated with the Mansfield and Shelby Congregations so that it is impossible to fix dates of pastorates and pastors.]
Oakland Lutheran Church
Oakland, formerly known as Zeiter's Lutheran and Reformed Church, was first located five miles north of Mansfield.
260
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Services were first held in homes and school- houses, occasionally, when some itinerant minister came along. At such times a horseman would an- nounce to the community the coming of the preacher, and the contemplated services. Later, this congrega- tion was made a part of a circuit of churches in which services were held periodically, which resulted, in this formative period, in a blessed harvest of souls, - the desire for church organization, and the need of a church building.
This earnest desire of the community was con- summated in the organization, about the year 1830, of a Lutheran congregation, in a log cabin owned by Mr. Zeiter, the Rev. Schuh being pastor.
About the year 1834, the Lutherans and the Re- formed people united their efforts in the building of a church, and named it Zeiter's Church. The deed for the lot is dated Oct. 15, 1834 and the building was completed about one year later. This first church was built of logs and cost very little money, as both timber and work were donated.
Services were thereafter conducted in both the German and English language alternately by the Lu- theran and Reformed pastors with splendid results. Soon afterward, however, following a very success- ful revival and a large ingathering, there was a dis- agreement on the language question which resulted in a division of the congregation and the organization, about the year 1840, of the Clay congregation, by the English portion of the people. Services were held in the log church until 1861, when it was sold to J. O. Mottayaw, Sr. where it still stands and is used as a dwelling by J. O. Mottayaw, Jr. A new brick church
261
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
was built at a cost of $1,000.00 besides labor, nearly all of which was donated, - Rev. Henry Hess being pastor at the time.
Rev. Hess was succeeded by the Rev. Isaac Culler in his second pastorate, when the two bodies were united into one Lutheran congregation. After 20 years of service the foundation of this building
OAKLAND.
gave way and it was condemned, so the congregation was obliged to build a new house of worship. As the congregation was not strong, partly because of the previous division, and also because of its close prox- imity to the Clay Church, the question of a change in the location was discussed and was deemed advis- able. Accordingly the third building of the congre-
262
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
gation was located on a lot donated by Samuel Wirts, Sr., 21/2 miles south of the old Zeiter location, and its name changed to "Oakland" Lutheran Church. The new location insured the congregation a larger field, inspired it with new life, and gave it increased influence and power for good.
REV. I. CULLER.
This latest building is a frame structure begun in the spring of 1882, and dedicated on Nov. 5 of the same year at a cost of about $2,800.00.
The building committee consisted of the pastor, Rev. R. P. Reddick, J. O. Mottayaw, Sr., John Brad- ley, Samuel Wirts and David Wolford. Revs. Drs.
263
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
H. L. Wiles, of Wooster, D. W. Smith, of Mans- field, and Rev. Wolf, of Windsor M. E. Church were present conducting the services of dedication. Dur- ing its existence as a union Lutheran and Reformed congregation, it was served by the following pastors :
Rev. Bogy
Rev. Spingler
Rev. David Schuh
Rev. F. J. Ruth.
1834-1854
Rev. George Leiter
Rev. Samuel Leiter
Rev. A. Stump
Rev. Isaac Culler
Rev. Henry Hess
It was served by Lutheran pastors as follows :
Rev. Isaac Culler (Second pastorate)
Rev. A. R. Brown
Rev. George Sinsabaugh
Rev. Jacob F. Hershiser
Rev. F. J. Ruth (second pastorate)
Rev. R. P. Reddick
1881-1884
Rev. H. B. Winton.
1884-1885
Rev. J. A. Dunlap
1885-1889
Rev. E. K. Baker
1889-1891
Rev. G. A. Lee.
1891-1894
Rev. E. A. Best.
1894-1896
Rev. A. K. Mumma 1896-1900
Rev. G. C. Cochel
1900-1907
Rev. M. L. Schmucker 1908-1910
Rev. R. A. Halverstadt
1910-1912
Rev. A. J. Houk.
1913-
The hopes awakened by the change in the loca- tion have been fully realized; the wider territory has been entered and is being occupied and the congre-
1878-1881
264
HISTORY OF TIIE WITTENBERG SYNOD
gation has continually prospered. The communicant membership is 85 and the enrollment has reached 100 and more, and still growing.
The music of this congregation has been of an unusually high order for some years past, giving in-
REV. A. J. HOUK.
spiration to all of the church's activities. An efficient Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, of over 30 members, almost ideal in its spirit, is infusing a missionary interest throughout the entire congrega- tion.
265
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Mount Bethel Congregation
Rev. David Schuh was the pioneer missionary in this community and began his labors in the year 1832. About a year afterward an organization was effected by the election of Jacob Cannel, and Adam Myers, Elders; and William Stine, and George Stoll, Deacons. A log church was built about four miles southeast of Shelby, Rev. Schuh continuing his ser- vices for several years. Rev. F. J. Ruth in his auto- biography concerning the organization and early his- tory of this congregation, says, that, "The Mount Bethel congregation was organized, if I am not mis- taken, about the year 1833, by the Rev. D. Schuh, a German Lutheran minister.
This congregation, when I first became acquainted with it, worshipped in a log church, situated about four miles southeast of Shelby, Ohio. I took charge of this church some time during the year 1834.
A short time afterward, a desire began to be ex- pressed by some to have preaching occasionally, at least, in the German language.
' Arrangements were made accordingly, and the services of Rev. Andrew Kuhn were secured, and we preached alternately, each one every four weeks, he in the German, and myself in the English language.
After laboring among that people for several years, I proposed to hold a series of meetings for the special purpose of securing a revival of religion. I knew that I should meet with some opposition from certain brethren in the church, but being convinced that it was my duty to make such an effort, I con- sulted the Council on the subject, and they consented that I should proceed to hold such a meeting, pro-
266
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
vided, however, that I would preach only Lutheran doctrine. I consented to those terms, of course, and announced the meetings and urged the people to pre- pare themselves for attendance, not only, but also for the coming of the Lord in awakening the converting power. I was assisted in the work by Rev. Kuhn. The interest increased notwithstanding opposition both to the doctrines we preached and the methods we employed. A large number, of all ages, were con- verted to God and united with the church, and many who had belonged to the church for years past, for the first time in their lives, were led to embrace re- ligion experimentally.
It was at this meeting, I think, that Thomas Hill was converted. He soon afterward went to Witten- berg College and prepared himself for the Lutheran ministry. This Mount Bethel Church prospered very encouragingly, and many of its members were pious and active Christians, honoring their profession with a godly walk and conversation.
Among the first members of this congregation were : Messrs. A. Myers, A. Eiler, John Rice, Lewis Hill, Sr., D. Flory, Wm. Feighner, Jacob Cannel, J. Raub, Christian Wetz, and Jeremiah Kirkpatrick."*
Rev. Kuhn was associated with the work for two years and was then called elsewhere, Rev. Ruth con- tinuing his labors with success until April 1, 1850.
Rev. J. H. Hoffman was then called and served the congregation two years.
Rev. Sprecher 1852-1854
Rev. D. Summers.
1854-1857
*Autobiog., pp. 66, 67, 69.
267
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Rev. A. R. Brown. 1858-1862
Rev. D. Summers again served a second term of 212 years.
Rev. Isaac Culler 1866-1868
Rev. A. R. Brown again in pastorate. 1868-1870
Rev. J. F. Hershiser 1870-1872
Rev. Geo. Sinsabaugh. 1872-1873
Rev. I. Culler again 1873-1875
MT. BETHEL.
Rev. S. Fenner then served the congregation from Mansfield, together with the Spring Mills church.
In the spring of 1878 a new charge was formed consisting of Mt. Bethel, Spring Mills, Clay's, and Zeiter's, and a call was extended to Rev. Ruth.
A new church was erected jointly with the Re- formed people of the community and was dedicated to the worship of God, January 25, 1879.
268
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
At the dedicatory service, Rev. Luer, of the Re- formed Church preached the sermon, Rev. Good, and Rev. D. Summers assisting. The cost of the building was $1,000.00. Rev. Ruth resigned the work in 1880. About this time the Reformed people closed their work in the congregation.
In May, 1886, during the pastorate of the Rev. J. A. Dunlap, this congregation celebrated its fiftieth Anniversary with appropriate services, that were well attended and greatly appreciated by the people.
Revs. Summers, Hill, Sponseller, Sikes, Mitter- ling, and Drs. Grau, Wiles and Crouse, with a good number of laymen entered into the program of services.
-
On account of its close proximity to other congre- gations, and towns, it has lost a considerable amount of support, yet it is today, (1916), a live congregation of 35 confirmed members.
A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary So- ciety,-organized by Mrs. Rev. A. J. Houk, two years ago, (in 1914), has 20 active members taking 16 copies of "Women's Work," thus enlisting a good number of the membership in missionary work,- cannot be easily duplicated.
St. Peter's Congregation
Saint Peter's community, called "London Church," is situated in the northern part of Jackson Township, Richland County, Ohio, two miles east of Shelby.
At a very early day the Lutheran people of the community affiliated and worshipped with the Presby- terians, with the understanding that they should be
269
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
allowed to withdraw and form an organization of their own, whenever they might be able to support a pas- tor of their own faith.
Rev. Ruth in his autobiography, says, "The Lon- don congregation was organized in the autumn of 1833. I had. however, preached more or less in that
LONDON. ST. PETERS.
community since the spring of 1832. Soon after the organization of this church, the congregation pur- chased.a lot of ground, about one mile south of the village of London, for the burial of the dead, and a site for a house of worship."*
Soon afterward a church was built on this lot, -after the architecture of that day, -two stories
*Autobiog., pp. 58, 59.
270
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
high, with a gallery on three sides, and the pulpit elevated. This house, with many modifications and repeated improvements, is still in use, and the St. Peter's people enjoy the unique distinction of wor- shipping, not only on the site and in the first church of their fathers, but in what is, in all probability, the oldest church building in this part of Ohio.
Rev. Ruth says, again, "This congregation soon began to grow and to prosper in every way. Prayer- meetings and preaching services were usually well at- tended; Sabbath-schools were introduced and great interest was manifest by the people of all ages and the work prospered greatly.
My efforts in catechising the youth was especially blessed of God. I confirmed, on one occasion, fifty- two catechumens, the greater part of whom were young men and young women."*
Among the charter members of this congregation were: Mr. and Mrs. Leonard May. John Hershiser, Anthony Hershiser, Mr. and Mrs. Gump, and Sam'l Mowry. Rev. Ruth continued his services here for 20 years. After his departure from the community, the congregation was, on two occasions, separated from the North Mansfield charge, and connected with the Shelby Church. During this connection it was served by Revs. D. Sprecher, D. Summers, in two pastorates, J. F. Shearer and M. L. Kunkelman. At other times its pastors were the same with Oakland and Clay's.
The Sabbath-school enrolls 100 members. A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, or- ganized 20 years ago, (1896) by Mrs. Rev. A. K.
* Autobiog. p. 59.
ยท
271
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Mumma, enrolling 16 members is one of the active forces in the congregation.
Clay's Lutheran Congregation
About the year 1840, after a successful revival, and a large ingathering of young people in Zeiter's (Oakland) congregation, there was a division in the church on account of the language question, and also, because of the "New Measures" then coming into use.
These agitations finally resulted in the withdrawal of a part of the membership under the lead of Jacob Clay, and the organization of Clay's congregation fol- lowed.
A building lot was donated by Jacob Clay situ- ated 11/2 miles west of the Zeiter's Church, and a church building was erected, by the joint efforts of the Lutheran and Reformed elements in the com- munity.
The charter members of the Lutheran faith were, in part, at least, Jacob Clay, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kohler, Jacob Kiser, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rutledge, Robert Hall, and Mr. and Mrs. John Bringman. Rev. George Leiter was the first regular pastor called.
The first Sunday-school was organized there in 1852 by Solomon Weaver, who was its superintendent for many years.
The Reformed element of the community soon identified itself with those of the Lutheran faith, and, with a possible few exceptions, the congregation was served by the same pastors as served the Oakland church.
The present membership (1916) is 45 confirmed members, and an active Sunday-school is maintained.
272
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
THE MONTPELIER CHARGE Williams County, Ohio
The Montpelier Charge consists of the ZION church located at Karle, or West Jefferson ; and the MT. ZION church nearly four miles west of Mont- pelier.
REV. H. MCCLINTIC.
There was formerly a church at Milburn, a few miles west of Bryan, but without a house of worship, and also a church at Alvordton, organized by the Rev. I. Weishaupt. All these were located in Williams County. The first church at Alvordton burned and a
273
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
new one was erected in 1888. It was, later, moved into town and repaired, and is still standing and kept in order by the few members remaining, but for a number of years has been without service.
The church was served by the following ministers as pastors :
Rev. Geo. Walker,
Rev. J. A. Dunlap,
Rev. T. W. Sargent,
Rev. D. F. Kain,
Rev. James Cather, Rev. Geo. A. Lee,
Rev. J. H. Henderson,
Rev. J. H. Crouse,
Rev. James Long,
Rev. M. L. Exline,
Rev. L. Weishaupt,
Rev. J. A. West.
Rev. C. C. Sink,
Rev. J. M. Weber,
Rev. J. H. Culler,
Rev. Rugh McClintic.
Rev. M. L. Smith,
In later years the charge has frequently been without regular service, or, has been supplied by students from Wittenberg Theological Seminary, at Springfield, O.
During the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Culler, a sub- stantial and comfortable parsonage was built at West Jefferson, which was moved to Montpelier during the pastorate of the Rev. J. M. Weber.
West Jefferson (Karle) Church
The West Jefferson congregation was organized by the Rev. Geo. Walker of Butler, Indiana, in the year 1859, with but nine charter members.
Two years later, under the leadership of the Rev. T. W. Sargent, the present house of worship was erected and dedicated. The congregation increased and prospered, becoming a flourishing country church. In 1890 the church building was repaired and improved 18
274
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
at a cost of $600 to $700 and was re-dedicated Jan'y 4, 1891. The dedicatory services were conducted throughout by the Rev. C. S. Ernsberger of Galion, Ohio, then Traveling Secretary of Wittenberg Synod. Like most country churches it has suffered great losses in membership from the disintegrating influences of country life, but it has still some very staunch and faithful supporters, who are holding on to the work and maintaining regular services.
Mt. Zion Church
The Mt. Zion congregation was organized by the Rev. J. H. Culler in 1875 with 21 charter members. The corner stone of the new building was laid on September 3, 1876. A brick church was erected and dedicated in February of the following year. This, too, grew into a large country congregation. But other denominations organized and built churches on the same territory and a tide of adverse influences set in, causing it to suffer decline in numbers and strength. A few substantial members sustain it, and it is still doing a very good work. The charge is being supplied by the Rev. J. A. West, a former pastor.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Bucyrus, Ohio
The Lutherans in and near Bucyrus met from time to time in private homes for worship, previous to the organization of the congregation in 1829. It is not known how early these meetings were held, but probably not previous to 1827 or 1828.
St. Paul's Lutheran church of Bucyrus, Ohio, was organized in the old brick school house, near
275
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Walnut and Galen streets, in the year 1829, but the records do not say in what month. The organization was effected by the Rev. David Schuh, who came from the German Lutheran Church of Pennsylvania, and was the first pastor of this new organization. Bucyrus had been laid out only a few years before, and it is said at this time, the village contained but thirty or forty houses. There was not then even one
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.