USA > Ohio > Richland County > Mansfield > A history of the Wittenberg Synod of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1847-1916 > Part 16
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
THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING.
church building. All public meetings were held in this school house, even the sessions of court.
In the biography of Rev. F. J. Ruth (p. 44) it is stated that he organized an English Lutheran con- gregation in Bucyrus in January, 1833. The church was certainly organized before that time. The proba- bilities are that from that date English services were held regularly. In confirmation of this fact is the
-
THE SECOND CHURCH.
JOHN STAUGH, 2nd pastor.
276
IIISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
277
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
record that the English speaking portion of the con- gregation, Dec. 1, 1832, extended a call to Rev. F. J. Ruth of Ashland, Ohio. The call was accepted. Rev. Ruth however remained in Ashland three years longer, but came regularly to Bucyrus to preach. In 1835 he located in Bucyrus, and remained there as pastor till 1852.
From the time the congregation was organized, services were held in the brick school house above mentioned for a period, and then later in the court house, until the first church building was erected in 1836.
As early as 1835 or 1836, the congregation bought the lot opposite the court house for $400.00. The church was probably built and put under roof in 1836, but was not completed and occupied till 1837.
The first record of a church Council being elected was in 1833, when Abraham Myers and George Schroll were elected elders, Nicholas Failor and Abraham Shroll deacons, and Adam Bair and Nicholas Crone- baugh trustees. At the next church election in May, 1835, four elders, four deacons and three trustees were chosen. Among these officers were two brothers, George and Daniel Shroll, who soon after their election died of cholera. John Bremen and Daniel Savage were elected to fill the unexpired terms.
At first the congregation was composed partly of German, and partly of English members. In 1838 the entire membership numbered 81. Rev. F. J. Ruth preached for the English and Rev. John Stough for the German members. In 1842 the German members
278
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
A. R. HOWBERT, 4th pastor.
F. J. RUTH, 3rd pastor.
279
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
sold their interests to the English portion of the con- gregation, but both used the church until 1856.
The congregation is thoroughly organized. There are four Elders, six Deacons and three Trustees, who with their pastor, constitutes the Church Council. The confirmed membership of the congregation numbers 630. Of these about 550 are resident members. For convenience of visitation, the whole congregation is divided into twenty districts.
The Sunday-school was organized April 5, 1838, by Rev. Ruth.
Enrollment of the Sunday-school is 500. This does not include the Home Department of 46 members, nor the Cradle roll of 30 members. The school is graded, and is using the International series of graded lessons. Many of the classes are organized. In the early history of the school the successive pastors acted as superintendent.
Other organizations are: a Woman's Missionary Society of 70 members, a Young People's Missionary Society of 50 members, a Mission Band of 45 mem- bers, a Luther League of 60 members, a Lutheran Brotherhood of 42 members, a Ladies' Guild, etc.
At the annual congregational meeting in April, 1913, it was decided to assume the support of some home mission church. The new congregation organ- ized in Marion, Ohio, in October, 1913, has become the adopted child of St. Paul's, and is being sup- ported by her.
Three churches have been built by the congrega- tion. The first church was erected in 1836, the corner stone having been laid August 20th of that year. This was during the ministry of Rev. Ruth. The building
280
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
REV. M. W. HAMMA, 6th pastor.
JOSHUA CROUSE, 5th pastor.
281
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
REV. J. B. BALTZLEY, 8th pastor.
J. H. BROWN, 7th pastor.
282
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
was located on the corner of Walnut and East Mans- field streets, opposite the court house. It was a plain one-story brick building, and had a seating capacity of perhaps 150 or 200 people.
August II, 1856, a resolution was passed to erect a new church building. Subscriptions were solicited, and in a few months the sum of $6,000.00 was secured. The location of the church was changed to Walnut and East Rensselaer streets, one block south of the first site, because the old lot was not large enough. This second church building was erected in 1857, under the administration of Rev. Joshua Crouse. The corner stone was laid July 2, 1857, and the church was dedicated May 16, 1858. Rev. F. W. Conrad, of Philadelphia, preached the dedicatory sermon. The
church was a substantial two-story brick building, with Sunday-school room on the first floor, having a seating capacity of 350 or 400 people, and an auditorium on the second floor with a like seating capacity.
August 3, 1902, the corner stone was laid for the third building during the pastorate of Rev. Clarence E. Gardner. Rev. Prof. D. H. Bauslin, D. D., of Hamma Divinity school, Springfield, Ohio, preached the sermon, and Rev. Jacob H. Culler, D. D., a former pastor, assisted in the services of the corner stone laying. The new church was dedicated September 6. 1903. Rev. M. W. Hamma, D. D., preached the morn- ing sermon, and Rev. D. H. Bauslin, D. D., preached in the evening, Rev. C. G. Heckert, D. D., president of Wittenberg College, and Rev. G. M. Grau, D. D., and Rev. J. H. Culler, D. D., former pastors, participated in the services of dedication. The church is a fine stone structure, with Sunday-school apartment and
283
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
D. H. BAUSLIN, 10th pastor.
REV. A. H. STUDEBAKER, 9th pastor.
284
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
REV. H. F. DORNBLASER, 12th pastor.
G. M. GRAU, 11th pastor.
285
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
auditorium on one floor, and has a seating capacity of 800 people. Apart from the new organ installed more recently, the new church cost almost $30,000.00.
A "Ladies' Aid Society," organized by Mrs. G. M. Grau, did very efficient work in providing funds for the building of the new crurch. This society contributed $2,500.00 in cash; and besides, gave a memorial window, and carpeted the auditorium, Sun- day-school rooms, pastor's study, halls, etc.
The following pastors have served the congrega- tion :
Rev. David Schuh 1829-1831
Rev. John Stough. 1831-1832
Rev. Francis J. Ruth 1832-1852
Rev. A. R. Howbert 1852-1856
Rev. Joshua Crouse. 1856-1864
Rev. M. W. Hamma. 1864-1867
Rev. J. H. Brown
1867-1870
Rev. J. B. Baltzly.
1870-1876
Rev. A. H. Studebaker
1877-1880
Rev. D. H. Bauslin
1881-1888
Rev. G. M. Grau.
1889-1891
Rev. T. F. Dornblaser
1891-1895
Rev. J. H. Culler 1895-1900
Rev. C. E. Gardner
1900-1906
Rev. S. G. Dornblaser
1906-
The congregation has been in existence 84 years. It has been served by fifteen pastors. The average length of the pastorate has been five and one-half years. Rev. F. J. Ruth's pastorate was the longest, continuing over a period of twenty years. The present pastorate is the second longest in the history of the congregation.
286
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
C. E. GARDNER, 14th pastor.
J. H. CULLER, 13th pastor.
287
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
REV. S. G. DORNBLASER, Present Pastor.
288
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
In the vestibule of the church may be found the photograph of every pastor, except the first ; and also of the three church buildings.
Rev. Ruth in speaking of the first church building says : "Many were the souls which were delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, within its walls.'* It was in this church that the first Sunday-school of the congregation was organized, and where the prayer meetings of the congregation were begun.
During the pastorate of Rev. F. J. Ruth, Abraham H. Myers of the Bucyrus congregation, entered the Lutheran ministry. He died, however, in the prime of life, while he was pastor at Rowsburg, Wayne Co., Ohio. (See Biography of Ruth, p. 53). Another man of the same name, Abraham Myers, entered the ministry from this congregation in the year 1857. Other men who have entered the ministry from the Bucyrus church are: Rev. John B. Baltzly, of Hud- son, Mass., Rev. H. A. Ott, D. D., of Canal Dover. Ohio; Rev. Wilson R. Stewart, of Stamford, Conn., and Jno. W. Darr, Union Theological Seminary, N. Y.
LEGACIES.
By the will of Loring Converse, and his wife Salutha C. Converse, St. Paul's church was bequeathed the sum of $2,000.00. The money was paid to the church May, 1908, and was invested in a new pipe organ, the additional cost of the instrument being provided by the congregation. The organ is known as "The Converse Memorial."
*Autobiog., p. 50.
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
289
THE PRESENT CHURCH.
19
290
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
By the will of Elias Blair, who died June 24, 1912, St. Paul's congregation received a legacy of $1,000.00. This bequest is held in trust, and will probably be invested at some future time in a suitable memorial.
The congregation very greatly appreciates the love and devotion to the church and the cause of Christ, that prompted these liberal gifts. In generations to come, the members will continue to enjoy the benefits secured by these generous bequests.
THE CONVOY-MT. ZION-BETHLEHEM PASTORATE
The Convoy English Lutheran Church had its beginning in a log house of worship, situated on the Ridge Road, now the Lincoln Highway, about one mile from the village. This building was erected for the benefit of the community and was used by all religious denominations. It was built in 1850. Here the Lutheran settlers gathered for the worship of God according to their own faith, until it was de- stroyed by fire in 1861.
Rev. Simon Spyker was one of the pastors of the flock in those days. The ministers came and went on horse-back, and thus, also performed their pas- toral duties.
On account of the lack of records the names of other pastors that ministered in this log church can not be given.
After the destruction of the log church building, the question of re-building naturally arose. After due deliberation it was decided to locate the new church in the village. A frame church building stood on the ground on the Ridge Road, which is now occupied by the Church of God. Adjoining it is the old Union
291
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Cemetery where sleep the remains of many of the early Lutherans. It is still used for burial purposes.
Before the new Convoy Lutheran Church was built, Rev. E. W. Erick visited the flock and con- ducted services in the school-house. This pastor then belonged to the Northern Indiana Synod. The pas- torate also, at first was a part of that Synod. Rev. Erick was then stationed at Monroeville, Indiana. During the pastorate of the Rev. F. Biddle, "Grand-ma Wyandt" donated the lot on which the new Convoy Lutheran Church should be built. This is the same lot now occupied by the church. A frame building was then erected which served the congregation until 1913, when the present fine brick church was erected and dedicated to the worship of God, during the pastorate of the Rev. M. I. Powell.
Its arrangement is after the manner of Lutheran interior equipment, with Sunday-school apartments in the rear, several class rooms, Pastor's study, and basement, equipped and furnished for social pur- poses. The entire seating capacity will accommodate 500 persons. The windows are of fine Art glass. The names of pastors and pastorates in part, follow :
Rev. Simon Spyker. Rev. Valentine Exline. Rev. Frederick Biddle.
Rev. C. Caskey.
Rev. E. W. Erick.
Rev. C .M. Haggard.
Rev. A. M. Morrison. Rev. A. J. Douglas.
Rev. G. W. Halderman.
Rev. George Exline.
292
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
-
-
G
CONVOY CHURCH.
293
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Rev. Geo, Hammer 1869-1872
Rev. J. M. Dustman 1872-1874
Rev. E. W. Shanibarger 1874-1875
Rev. J. T. Gladhill 1875-1878
Rev. Hiram Knodle. 1878-1881
Rev. A. J. Cromer, supply.
Rev. H. C. Grossman
1883-1884
Rev. Robert Atkin
1884-1886
Rev. A. C. Martin
1886-1891
Rev. John Farrow.
1892-1893
Rev. Robert Atkin.
1894-1896
Rev. A. Z. Fryberger
1897-1898
Rev. J. A. West.
1898-1901
Rev. S. A. Zimbeck 1901-1904
Rev. A. J. Houk.
1904-1909
Rev. M. I. Powell.
1910-1914
Rev. H. Allen Leader
1914-
The congregation is well organized, with an active Council, a Brotherhood, organized Sunday-school classes, a Luther League, Ladies' Aid Society, and a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society.
In 1916 all indebtedness was cancelled and im- provements made to the amount of $1,000.
Bethlehem Congregation
Previous to the year 1854, a few citizens of Harrison Township, Van Wert County, O., feeling the need of the "Means of Grace" as administered by a General Synod Lutheran pastor, under the leadership of Rev. Simon Spyker, organized the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church. This was done on the 30th of January, 1854.
There were nine charter members, as follows: Samuel Sheets, William K. Hope, John Bower. Wil-
294
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
liam Bower, Sophia May, Eve Elizabeth Hope, Mary Ann Werner, Margaret Wittenberg, Mary Sheets.
The Bethlehem congregation, it is believed, was connected with the Convoy and Mt. Zion congrega- tions from the beginning.
One of the great difficulties in the way of the progress of the work, at first, was the fewness of the numbers and the consequent low spirit, and lack of enthusiasm. It grew, however, quite rapidly, from the beginning, and was for a considerable time the strongest congregation in the charge. The constitution of the congregation calls for and emphasizes Infant Baptism and Catechisation. In the course of time, however, the latter was neglected and evangelistic meetings were the chief method used for the ingather- ings and the additions to the church.
In more recent years, the good method of cate- chising the young people was restored and is now continued with much success.
The congregation is fairly well organized. A flourishing Sunday-school is maintained, a Ladies' Aid Society is in operation, assisting in every good work, and a respectable number of the male membership belongs to the Brotherhood of the Charge.
The Church building is of brick and will accom- modate a congregation of about 250. It is well equipped with the necessary furnishings for church and Sunday-school purposes.
The names of pastors and terms of pastorates are the same as those of Convoy and Mt. Zion congre- gations.
295
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Mount Zion Congregation
About the 15th of April, 1860, a meeting was held in the dwelling house of David Fournough for the purpose of completing the organization of an English Lutheran Church. This was done by the election of Peter Densel as Elder, and Christian Zim- merman as Deacon ; Rev. Simon Spyker as Pastor and Chairman. The name of "Mount Zion, English Lu- theran Church," was chosen.
The following names appear as Charter Members : Peter Densel, Christian Zimmerman, David Four- nough, Daniel Densel, Barbara Zimmerman, Barbara Densel, Jacob Densel, Elizabeth Fournough, Margaret Zimmerman, Nancy Walter, Barbara Wyandt, Cath- arine Dama.
This congregation was associated with Convoy and Bethlehem congregations in constituting a pastor- ate from the beginning, and the relationship has been satisfactory and harmonious. The smallness of the membership, was, from the beginning a source of weakness and a natural cause of discouragement, but a sturdy faith led them to take courage to undertake the erection of a new house of worship, and, in Jan- uary, 1883, steps were taken to build a frame church. A building committee was appointed and, with the pastor, Rev. H. C. Grossman, they went to work ener- getically, and soon the work was completed and dedicated. The building has a seating capacity of over 200, and is well equipped with the usual furnish- ings.
The names of pastors and terms of pastorates are the same as those of the Convoy and Bethlehem con- gregations.
296
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Christ's English Lutheran Church, Galion, Ohio
During the summer of 1831, the Rev. John Stough, one of the pioneers of Lutheranism west of the Ohio River, being invited by some Lutheran and Reformed families, came to Galion. He organized a union congregation,-Lutheran and Reformed,-and became its pastor, serving it for five years. The infirmity of age compelled his resignation at that time and he resigned, leaving a congregation of forty- three members.
The next pastor was a Rev. Lauer, a Lutheran, also. Then three Reformed pastors followed in suc- cession.
Some time between 1831 and 1841, a church building was erected on the south-east corner of Union and Church streets.
During the existence of this Union congregation, the Revs. Solomon Ritz, George Leiter and F. J. Ruth, - Lutherans, - preached occasionally, in the English language.
About 1841, this union congregation divided, the German Lutherans and German Reformed, each, building a new church, while the English element of the congregation bought the old property, organized a Lutheran congregation, and secured the Rev. J. H. Hoffman as pastor.
Succeeding pastors were Revs. Andrew Kuhn, Joshua Crouse, E. Eastman, and Isaac Culler.
In 1851 Wittenberg Synod formed a pastorate composed of the Galion, New Castle, Leesville, and Loss Creek congregations. In April, 1852, the Rev. F. J. Ruth was called as pastor. He found a con-
297
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
gregation small in membership but composed of faith- ful and devotedly pious people. During his nine years of service-until April, 1861-75 persons were added to the membership. It must be said that at this time the congregation was indebted for its existence largely to two of its prominent members, who died during this pastorate, viz .: Conrad Traul and Jacob Ruhl.
Rev. Ruth was succeeded by the Rev. M. J. Stover, who served the church most faithfully for nearly three years.
While a good number of members were added, yet the congregation was greatly weakened by the ravages of the Civil War.
In March, 1864, Rev. Ruth was re-called to the Galion Charge and served it until 1870. The old building had become unsafe, and for two years the congregation worshipped in the Baptist Church. Finally during Rev. Ruth's pastorate, a new church building,-the one standing today, (1916), was erected on South Columbus street. It was dedicated March 23, 1869. The most liberal subscribers were Joel Riblet, Martin Sponhauer, and John Sherer, especially the first. During this second pastorate, 38 members were added to the church list.
In 1870 the Galion congregation withdrew from the other churches in the charge and became inde- pendent. Rev. H. B. Miller was called to the Galion congregation while Rev. Ruth became pastor of the other congregations. Rev. Miller took charge of the work Jan'y 1, 1871, and on the 29th of the same month reorganized the congregation as "Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church." The membership was then 56. He continued as pastor until 1876, having
:
GALION CHURCH.
299
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
added a net gain of 64 members, making the member- ship 120.
Rev. E. W. Souders was next called and con- tinued as pastor from July, 1876, to July, 1881, leaving at his resignation a membership of 153. At the call of the congregation, Rev. C. S. Ernsberger entered upon the work of the pastorate Nov. 13, 1881, and resigned Jan'y 1, 1891. During this pastorate a debt of $1,000 of ten years standing was paid the first year, and the congregation at once undertook the repair of the church building, at a cost of nearly $6,000.00. The repairs comprised a renewed Auditorium and a Sun- day-school Annex. These improvements were nearly all paid for during the pastorate. The membership was increased to 275.
In this pastorate there was a notable advance in benevolent contributions, and along all lines of church activities. A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary and a Christian Endeavor Society were formed, also.
Rev. James K. Argo became pastor April 1, 1891. During his pastorate ending Sept. 1, 1893, the member- ship was increased by 39.
Rev. M. Colver served the congregation from Sept. 1, 1893, to Dec. 1, 1897, leaving a membership of 345.
Rev. N. J. Hadley became pastor March 15, 1898, and retired April 1, 1903.
The Rev. A. A. Hundley assumed charge May 15, 1903. During his ministry plans were laid for the remodeling of the Sunday-school building ; a parsonage was purchased ; and a considerable portion of the in- debtedness thus incurred was paid. He resigned the
300
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
church May 15, 1912, with a communicant member- ship of 455.
Rev. D. C. Burnite became pastor July 14, 1912. During the first two years of his pastorate, owing to a change in the Erie Railroad system, a large number of members removed to Marion, Ohio, and from many of these as a nucleus, St. Paul's church of Marion was organized. The membership at present, (1915) is 463.
The Sunday-school room has been remodeled and the church auditorium redecorated.
Trinity Lutheran Church, (Scherer's)
In 1861 Rev. M. J. Stover became pastor of the Galion charge then comprising Loss Creek, Leesville, Galion, and New Castle congregations. The John and Adam Scherer families were included in the member- ship of the Galion congregation. Through their in- strumentality largely, the Rev. Stover visited the com- munity of the Scherers about five miles north of Galion, gathering the Lutheran people into an organi- zation. No definite date of the organization is given, but it is most likely to have taken place in 1862 or early in 1863. In April, 1863, Rev. Stover resigned and was succeded by Rev. Ruth, who served it after the withdrawal of the Galion congregation from the charge in 1870, until in 1875, and after a period of vacancy, Rev. H. B. Miller became pastor, and served very successfully until 1881, when he resigned and was succeeded by Rev. S. P. Fryberger.
At this time the people of the charge sent an application to Synod to have the name of the charge changed from "Galion Charge" to "North Robinson
301
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Charge." This was granted without any change in the relation of the congregations. Early in the self- same year the Trinity congregation began the erection of a new church building. The people joined hands and worked together with great unanimity and on the 27th of November dedicated to the worship of God a new frame building, 32 by 42 feet, 18 ft. story, with arched ceiling, gothic windows of beautiful stained glass, pews of natural wood trimmed in black walnut, modern pulpit, and platform for choir to the left, bell tower of 16 ft. with a splendid bell of 350 lbs. weight, the entire building finished in good style, an honor to any community, costing $1,775.00. The dedi- cation sermon was preached by Rev. W. H. Singley, D. D., then pastor at Bellefontaine, Ohio. It was dedicated free of debt. The same year the North Robinson Charge purchased and paid for a new par- sonage at a cost of $1,000.00.
Rev. E. K. Baker succeeded Rev. Fryberger in 1885 and remained as pastor for four years. In 1889 a readjustment was made in several charges in the county and Trinity congregation was placed in care of the pastor of the Galion congregation. This did not prove satisfactory and it was placed back again with North Robinson Charge, with Loss Creek, and North Robinson. This arrangement remained intact until the following action was taken at a congrega- tional meeting regularly called for May 17th, 1914, to consider the matter of continuing or discontinuing the organization. After due deliberation it was decided that, because of the removal of many members and the meager prospects of development, it is expedient to disband. A committee was appointed by the Synod,
302
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
and the church property sold, and the proceeds voted to the First Lutheran Church of Galion, whither nearly all of the remaining members have transferred their membership.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Ohio City
The Liberty Center Evangelical Lutheran Church, -now St. John's Lutheran Church of Ohio City,- was organized by Rev. C. Caskey, June 20th, 1858, and located near the Liberty Center school house, in Liberty Tp., Van Wert County, Ohio. Charter mem- bers are as follows: Rev. Valentine Exline and wife, Daniel Koogle and wife, William Weagley and wife, Solomon Kline and wife, Jacob Swoverland and wife, Elias Burger, Jacob Wallick, John Kuhl, Jacob Kiser, Jacob Debert, Mrs. Mohler, Mrs. Humbarger. In all there were seventeen charter members.
The organization held its regular services in the Liberty Center school house until in May, 1881, when it became owner of its own church building in which it worshipped until December, 1895.
Up to this time it was a country congregation located one mile west of Ohio City, and as the village grew, other churches located there and the location in the country was considered at a great disadvantage. A location was secured in the village.
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.