USA > Ohio > Richland County > Mansfield > A history of the Wittenberg Synod of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1847-1916 > Part 21
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 Rev. J. F. Shearer assumed pastoral over- sight in 1872. The records of this pastorate are not available. Rev. Mr. Shearer resigned in March, 1876.
The Rev. W. H. Singley, D. D., was elected as pastor on May 7, 1876, and assumed charge on Au- gust Ist. He served in this relation continuously for 16 years and 2 months.
His pastorate was one of marked blessing and prosperity to the congregation. He found a small struggling congregation on his arrival and when he departed left a thriving, vigorous church.
During his administration a new church edifice was erected at a cost of about $14,000.
A few years later the building was remodeled and a new pipe organ installed at an expense of several thousand dollars.
The parsonage was also improved and in other ways the value of the property was increased. Dr. Singley closed his work on October 2d, 1892.
The Rev. W. E. Hull became pastor March Ist, 1893, and served for four years. During his time there were 21 infant baptisms and 68 adult accessions to the membership.
The Rev. S. S. Adams assumed pastoral over- sight on September 19, 1897. In many ways this was a very successful pastorate.
381
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
186 adult members were added to the congre- gation and advancement made in various lines of church activity.
The pastoral relation terminated on August 17, 1902, having continued for a period of 4 years and II months.
The Rev. S. E. Greenawalt, D. D., took charge of the congregation December Ist, 1902. During his administration the new parsonage was erected, the church building improved and decorated, and the congregation advanced along spiritual as well as material lines. 233 adult members were received and the congregation brought into a united and harmo- nious condition.
Dr. Greenawalt closed his service September 1, 1908.
Rev. C. E. Rice, D. D., entered upon his work as pastor November Ist, 1908.
The congregation is thoroughly united and has remodeled the church edifice at a cost of about $24,000.00.
This improvement was made necessary by rea- son of successful church and Sunday-school work. The improvement makes the church building one of the best and most up-to-date in this section of the state.
The new building has a seating capacity of about I200, the chancel furnishings are strictly Lutheran and the best that can be obtained.
The pipe organ has been rebuilt and contains about 2,000 pipes.
The entire building is faced with gray brick. The art glass windows are in harmony with the rest
382
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
of the building. The building is heated by a new steam plant costing about $2, 100.00.
The basement of the building has been fitted up for social occasions and a large well equipped kitchen added. There is at present a vigorous Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary society witil Home, Cradle, and Young People's Departments.
C. E. RICE, D. D.
The Christian Endeavor Society is thoroughly organized and gives annually through our own Lu- theran Boards of Missions the sum of $55.00.
The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condition and is aiding greatly in advancing the interest of the church. There is also a splendid Junior C. E.
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
383
٤٢٠٤هـ
متحياة 4 19.
السيل ملعب. +
1
384
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
Society. The Ladies' Aid Society has been a valuable factor in the progress of the congregation. In 1916 the congregation reduced its indebtedness by $3.500.
This church, while not the greatest in numbers, takes no second place in the advancement of the wel- fare of that beautiful city which has always been noted for its sober, industrious and law-abiding citizenship.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Perrysville, Ohio
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Perrys- ville, Ohio, was organized December 28, 1884, by the Rev. J. R. Sykes pastor of the St. John and Pleasant Valley Churches. The church then be- came a part of the Perrysville charge. The charter members were the following, viz. : Philip Long, Pauline Long, Jesse L. Kline, Kate Kline, George Pervine, Margaret Pervine, Jane Graber, Mary A. Smith, Hattie Kennedy, Margaret Milligan. Asa Butler, Jefferson J. Frontz, Mrs. J. J. Frontz, Peter Bowers, Elizabeth Bowers and John B. Graetzinger.
The use of the chapel of the Greentown Acad- emy was tendered the congregation as a place of worship by Professor J. C. Sample and Mr. L. L. Ford. It was accordingly dedicated to the worship of the Triune God on December 6th, 1885, the Rev. H. L. Wiles, D. D., preaching the sermon and pastor Rev. J. R. Sykes performing the act of dedication. The congregation continued to worship in this place till its destruction by fire in 1894 or 1895. From that time the congregation worshipped in the town hall until the dedication of the present building in September, 1898,
385
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
In 1897 a lot was purchased and movement be- gan for erecting a house of worship with a building committee consisting of Benjamin Mace, W. T. Crawford, George Lorentz, Rev. O. C. Kramer, John Rosenborough and Jefferson J. Frontz.
The cornerstone was laid May 24th, 1898, the Rev. S. P. Kiefer preaching the sermon. On Sep- tember 25, 1898, the present building, one room, 30 x 42 feet, frame, was dedicated to the worship of God, the Rev. H. L. Wiles preaching the sermon, and the Rev. G. M. Grau, D. D., assisting in the ded- ication and preaching in the evening. This building was erected during the pastorate of the Rev. O. C. Kramer.
The congregation has been served by the fol- lowing pastors, viz .: The Rev. J. R. Sykes, 1884-1892 ; Rev. W. H. Dolbeer, 1892-1895; Rev. O. C. Kramer, 1895-1902; Rev. S. P. Kiefer, 1902-1904; Rev. H. C. Garvic, 1904-1905 ; Rev. A. J. Houk, 1907-1913; Rev. H. M. Nicholson, 1913-
St. John Evangelical Church, in Monroe Township, Rich- land County, Ohio.
This congregation was organized by the Rev. George W. Shaeffer October 12th, 1842.
The charter membership consisted of nineteen. persons as follows: John Smith, Matthias Stauffer, George Rummel, Samuel Hess, John Graber, Jane Graber, Elizabeth Stauffer, Mary Rummel, Nancy Smith, Peter Rummel, Susanna Rummel, Samuel Dome, Elizabeth Dome, Catharine Crouse, Mary Shel- enbarger, Louisa Zody, Margaret Parr, John Rummel
25
386
IIISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
and Elizabeth Rummel. The first building was a frame structure and stood just east of the present building. The present building is of brick about 40 x 70 feet and was built in 1868 under the pastorate of Rev. H. L. Wiles. It was refurnished and rededicated October 15, 1899, at a cost of $1,200.
The church was formerly in connection with Mt. Zion and Lucas congregations but later with the Pleasant Valley Church constituted a charge and to them was added Grace Church of Perrysville at its organization in 1884.
As nearly as can be gathered from the old records the church has had the following pastors, viz .: Rev. George W. Shaefer from organization till 1846.
In the late fifties the Rev. W. A. G. Emerson was pastor; Rev. F. J. Ruth 1861-63; Rev. H. L. Wiles 1864-71; Rev. T. F. Dornblaser 1872-74; Rev. M. G. Earhart 1875-76; Rev. C. S. Ernsberger 1877-82 ; Rev. A. Z. Thomas 1882-1884: Rev. J. R. Sykes 1884-1892; Rev. W. H. Dolbeer 1892-1895 ; Rev. (). C. Kramer 1895-1902; Rev. S. P. Kiefer 1902-1904 ; Rev. H. C. Garvic 1904-1905 ; Rev. A. J. Houk, 1907- 1913; Rev. H. M. Nicholson, 1913-
Pleasant Valley Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Pleasant Valley Evangelical Lutheran Church located in Monroe Township, Richland County, Ohio, was organized by the Rev. D. I. Foust, October 6th, 1867, with the following roll of charter members: Lemuel Craig, Drusilla Craig, Elizabeth Crone, Ann Mitchell, Margaret Swigart, Elizabeth Ohler, Mary Ohler, John Crone, John Ohler, Eliza-
.
387
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
beth Crone, Mary E. Swigart, John Craig, George Lippey, Leah Lippey, Mary J. Huston, George W. Swigart, Gideon Baughman, John Rider, John M. Swigart, Lovina Swigart, Mary Craig, Margaret Baughman, Mary McNeal, Laura H. Mowery, Jacob Ohler, Ellen E. Huston, Abigail Huston, Mary E. Huston.
With the St. John congregation this congregation was formerly in connection with Mt. Zion and Lucas Churches but later with St. John and then with St. John and Grace Churches it forms the Perrysville charge.
The cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1869. The building as it is now consists of two rooms : auditorium 39 x 34 and Sunday-school room, the two rooms separated by folding doors. In 1897 it was rebuilt at a cost of $1,000, and in 1914 re- seated with oak pews, a heating and ventilating sys- tem installed and cork carpet at a cost of $1,000.
The church has been ministered to by the follow- ing pastors: Rev. D. I. Foust, Rev. J. M. Emerson, Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, Rev. C. S. Ernsberger, Rev. M. G. Earhart, Rev. A. Z. Thomas, Rev. J. R. Sykes, Rev. W. H. Dolbeer, Rev. O. C. Kramer, Rev. S. P. Kiefer, Rev. H. C. Garvic, Rev. A. J. Houk and Rev. H. M. Nicholson.
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Mansfield, Ohio
St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mansfield, Ohio, was organized as a mission October 29, 1903, by and under the direction of the Board of Home Missions of the General Synod. A con-
388
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
A. E. RENN, D. D.
REV. F. M. KELLER.
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
38g
REV. R. H. GEARHART.
REV. H. C. GARVIC.
390
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
stitution was adopted and the following appear on the roll as charter members: Mr and Mrs. Wm. F. Voegele, Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Krause, Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Hursh, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Beelman, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sayles, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Sonner, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. F. Hart, Mr. and Mrs. G. J. Ludwig, Mr. and Mrs. C. Flockerzi, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Krebs, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. E. Wendland, Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Morse, Miss Dora Reman, Miss Lizzie Reman, Miss Mary Britch, Miss Anna Voegele, Mrs. Lydia Myers, Miss Ida Myers, Miss Alma Morse, Miss Mabel Morse, Miss Ida Netcher, Walter Cromer, Mrs. Rosa H. Cromer, Herman Wolforth.
The need of a church home was supplied on February 22, 1906, by the purchase of a commodious edifice on Park Avenue West formerly the property of a Reformed Presbyterian congregation the organ- ization of which had been disbanded. The property was desirable but the location was unfortunate and hampered the growth of the congregation.
The first pastor of the new organization was Rev. A. E. Renn who served in that capacity from October 25, 1903, to August 6, 1905. Rev. F. M. Keller became pastor September 3, 1905, and resigned the work September 1, 1908. Rev. H. C. Garvic was pastor from November 22, 1908, to March I, 1912. Rev. R. H. Gearhart, Jr., took charge May 18, 1913, and relinquished the work May 1, 1915.
August 3, 1915, a call was extended to Rev. A. C. Miller, D. D., of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Miller was asked to meet with the council of the church on Au- gust 12th at which time the difficulties and discour- agements of the work which had not prospered satis-
39E
HISTORY OF THIE WITTENBERG SYNOD
factorily, were considered. At this conference it was decided to secure a suitable location at once and proceed to erect a new church edifice, several of the members pledging liberal financial support for that
A. C. MILLER, D. D.
purpose. The mission also decided to ask for no more assistance from the Board of Home Missions. These steps having been taken, Dr. Miller concluded to accept the call and took charge October Ist, 1915.
-
ST. MATTHEW'S, MANSFIELD
392
393
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
A beautiful lot with one hundred and forty feet frontage was purchased on Sherman Place for $3,- 200.00. A splendid parsonage was built at a cost of $6,000.00 which was occupied by the pastor and family within seven months after having taken charge of the work.
The magnificent new church is now (1916) under way of construction and it is the hope and desire of the pastor and congregation that it may be completed and ready for dedication by Easter or Whitsunday 1917.
The church is Greek Classic and Romanesque with a colonnade on the south which forms the main entrance. The auditorium is designed in the shape of a cross, spanned by a large dome thirty feet in diameter. The chancel and altar are churchly and distinctively Lutheran. The organ and choir are divided on either side of the chancel. The pastor's study and choir room are on opposite sides of the chancel. The auditorium will seat more than four hundred. The Sunday-school apartment opening into the auditorium with its galleries and class rooms will accommodate three hundred and fifty. In addition there are two parlors in front, and at the rear are six rooms for caretaker apartments.
The basement contains an assembly room, dining hall, kitchen and toilet rooms. The exterior is of tapestry brick and Bedford sandstone. The ap- proximate cost is $40,000.00.
Twenty-seven adult members have been added to the church during the present pastor's incumbency of eight months and the confirmed membership is about one hundred and fifty.
394
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
No sketch of this organization would be satis- factory or just without a tender reference to the removal by death of Mr. Wm. F. Voegele who was a very strong factor financially and otherwise in mak- ing these advance steps possible. After earnest work and deep solicitude for the cause he so dearly loved and right in the midst of the planning and building he fell asleep in death. He rests from his labors but the work so dear to his heart and for which he did so much is moving forward.
Carey - Christ's Ev. Lutheran
Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organ- ized Nov. 22d, 1858, in the Evangelical (Albright) church of Carey, O., with eleven charter members, whose names cannot now be secured. None of them are living.
Rev. W. C. Hauer then serving the Vanlue con- gregation, acted as chairman. The first officers of the new organization were: Michael Crossell, Elder ; Gideon Nigh, Deacon.
After the organization it united with the Vanlue congregation in a pastorate and was served by Rev. W. C. Hauer. Services were held in the Evangelical Church until April, 1859, when it was offered the privilege of worshipping in the United Brethren Church which it willingly accepted. Its meetings were held regularly in that building until its own house of worship was completed, in the month of August, 1860.
In March, 1861, the celebrated Kneisly-Brown controversy occurred. The questions discussed were :
395
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
(I) Do the Holy Scriptures teach the final holiness and happiness of all mankind? Rev. C. R. Brown (Universalist) affirms, Rev. U. J. Kneisly denies. (2) Do the Holy Scriptures teach the endless punish- ment of a part of the human race? Kneisly affirms ; Brown denies. This discussion lasted four days, and according to the language of the Church records "resulted satisfactorily to the friends of the truth as held by the orthodox churches, but resulted dis- satisfactorily to the pastor."
Following are the pastors that have served the Carey charge :
Rev. W. C. Hauer 1858-1863
Rev. I. K. Funk 1863-1864
Rev. W. C. Hauer 1864-1867
Rev. J. W. Henderson. 1867-1869
Rev. I. J. Delo, (three months)
Rev. D. S. Truckenmiller 1869-1873
Rev. J. M. Dustman 1874-1887
During his pastorate, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1878. and also in the same year a Children's Foreign Mis- sionary Society.
Rev. A. J. Douglass 1887-1889
During his ministry the present brick church was begun and only partially completed.
Rev. Geo. S. Diven
1889-1890
Rev. F. B. Heibert. 1891-1899
During Rev. Heibert's pastorate a fine parsonage was purchased and repaired, and also a Sunday-school
396
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
room added to the Church, at a cost of over $3,000. Rev. E. Luther Spaid, the present pastor, (1915) be- gan his work in 1907. During his pastorate thus far, a new Moller pipe-organ has been installed at a cost of $3,000, - Lutheran chancel furniture has been installed, and all services are conducted according to the Common Service. The Church and Sunday-
m.hmp3
EVANG. LUTH. CHURCH, CAREY, OHIO.
school rooms have been repaired and redecorated at a cost of about $2,000, and street paving and other improvements have been made at a cost of $500. The church has a largely attended mid-week service, - an active Luther League, - one of the largest and most active Women's Missionary Societies in the Synod, - and also a large Mission Band.
397
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
The Parochial Report for 1914 shows 247 Com- municant, 337 Confirmed, and 396 Baptized mem- ers, with a Church Property valued at $20,000.
The congregation has, for many years, paid its apportionment in full.
REV. E. LUTHER SPAID.
Vanlue - Lutheran Church
This is one of the oldest congregations in Wit- tenberg Synod, but no records can be found nor can any of the oldest members furnish any definite data. The recollection of one of the aged ladies of the church is, that Rev. Hauer began work there in the
398
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
month of April, 1851, and that he preached the first sermon in the new church. An old gentleman in the congregation is equally positive that the church was not built until 1857. Both may be correct.
It does not appear in the Protocol when either the Carey or the Vanlue congregations were or- ganized or when either of these churches were built.
All the light the Synod's Protocol gives is in the Minutes of 1858, it appears that the Carey and Vanlue congregations together form a pastorate.
The minutes of 1851 contains a list of the charges and congregations composing the entire synod, but no mention is made of churches at either Carey or Vanlue, although mention is made of "preaching places" connected with the "Ridge" and "Swamp" churches that appear on the minutes of 1858 as connected with Carey and Vanlue congrega- tions in the same charge. The "Ridge" church has ceased to be for a good many years. The fact that the old cemetery where this church stood is still in use, and is called the Lutheran Cemetery, together with the fact that in the minutes, both of 1851 and 1858, the charge is spoken of as the "Limestone Ridge" Charge, suggests that Carey and Vanlue may have been the "preaching places" referred to in the minutes of 1851.
The Contractor who built the Vanlue church was Henry Shoemaker. Among the early prominent members of the Vanlue congregation were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Woy, Mr. and Mrs. David Stahl, and Mr. and Mrs. John Esterly. It is a matter of record that Rev. W. C. Hauer went from Vanlue to Carey and organized the congregation there, November 22, 1858.
399
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Van Wert, Ohio - 1864-1915
The Rev. Morris Officer, A. M., during whose pastorate the old church edifice was built, 1867- 1868, was also the founder of the general Synod's Liberian Mission in Africa. It is called the Muhlen- berg Mission and according to the history of Lutheran Foreign Missions was begun in 1860. This book declares the Mission was undertaken at the prayer- ful entreaty of Morris Officer who visited individ- uals, congregations and Synods in behalf of what he believed to be his God-given work in Africa. When he ascended St. Paul river he saw native towns everywhere and around these Liberian settlements were thousands for whose conversion little was being done. Morris Officer set himself to the task of se- curing a tract of land and erecting a log house and opening a school for native and Liberian children. The tropical climate however soon forced him home. The Synod will ever remember the valuable ser- vices he rendered as missionary secretary, and the fervent spirit that he manifested. Our congregation owes much to the self-sacrificing labor of Morris Of- ficer. The large Gethsemane window in the chancel was given in his memory.
The St. Mark's Lutheran Congregation has al- ways belonged to the Wittenberg Synod, which is a district in the General Synod, a body having more than 300,000 members. It has educational institu- tions all over this country and the Breklum Sem- inary in Germany and it is actively engaged in Home and Foreign Mission work.
400
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
The congregation began its history in May, 1864, when a meeting was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Bonnewitz, for the purpose of effecting an organization and calling a pastor. The following persons were present : Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Bonnewitz, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Hertz, Rev. and Mrs. G. A. Ex- line, Rev. and Mrs. G. W. Halderman and Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Mohler. Rev. G. W. Halderman was called as pastor of the Van Wert County Parish. F. J. Bonnewitz was elected elder; S. B. Hertz, deacon and secretary of the congregation. The first ser- vices were held in the old court house and in the old Presbyterian Church on East Main street.
In 1866, the St. Mark's and Salem congregations withdrew from the County Parish and the Rev. A. R. Height, of Pennsylvania, became the pastor. Dr. C. A. Melscheimer was elected treasurer of the congre- gation and the services were held in the old Melo- dian Hall.
The Sunday-school was organized in 1867. J. H. Nail was elected superintendent; W. T. Exline, as- sistant. superintendent ; C. A. Melscheimer, secre- tary ; Jacob Fox, treasurer, and F. J. Bonnewitz, li- brarian.
On January 25, 1868, F. J. Bonnewitz, S. B. Hertz, C. A. Melscheimer and Jacob Fox were ap- pointed a building committee for the purpose of se- curing a location for the new church and to secure funds for its construction. The location on North Washington street was selected. The tower and the basement of the church having been completed, the dedication of the latter occurred on Sunday, October 25, 1868. The dedicatory sermon was preached by
40I
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
the Rev. W. W. Criley. It was decided to finish the structure and this was accomplished August 22, 1869, the day of dedication. The Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., preached the sermon assisted by the Revs. Brown and H. Wells. It was a beautiful edifice for the time and created much joy among the mem- bers and friends of the congregation.
On March 28, 1869, the Rev. H. Wells, of Co-
OLD CH., VAN WERT.
lumbia City, Ind., became the pastor of the congre- gation. In 1870, the Lutheran Book of Worship was adopted by the congregation.
The Rev. A. M. Geiger was chosen pastor Oc- tober 15, 1871. On February 1, 1872, it was decided to secure a suitable lot for a parsonage. The lot was secured and the parsonage erected on North Jeffer- son street. C. A. Melscheimer, F. J. Bonnewitz and A. B. McCurdy were the building committee. The
26
402
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
eleventh of June, 1872, marked the separation of the St. Mark's and the Salem congregations.
In the year 1873, the parsonage was completed. December 30, 1874, the Rev. Morris Officer was hon- ored with a marble slab in the west wall of the church and later with a fine memorial window for efficient service rendered during his pastorate. On September 23, 1875, the cost of the church building was estimated at $9,500.00 and the cost of the par- sonage at $3,417.68. October 10, 1876, the Rev. A.
INTERIOR - OLD CH. - VAN WERT.
M. Geiger expressed his desire to leave the congre- gation. The resignation was accepted February I. 1877, and the Rev. D. L. Mckenzie of Gettysburg, Pa., became the pastor in 1878. In the years 1879, 1880 and 1881, there was slow but steady progress.
On March 27, 1882, the Rev. F. M. Porch, D. D., was elected pastor of the congregation. Throughout the years 1883, 1884. 1885, 1886 and a part of 1887, Rev. and Mrs. Porch labored actively in the Sunday- school and also in the congregation. During their
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
403
REV. A. R. HEIGHT.
REV. M. OFFICER.
A. M. GEIGER, D. D.
REV. H. WELLS.
404
HISTORY OF THE WITTENBERG SYNOD
pastorate the Women's Missionary Society was or- ganized and Mrs. Porch was its first president. They manifested an interest in both Home and Foreign Mission work and in the educational institutions of the church.
The Rev. W. H. Lilly was called November 6, 1887. He labored faithfully throughout the years 1888, 1889 and a part of 1890. In a letter written to the congregation before he died, he commends the people to the care of Almighty God, exhorts them to faithfulness in doctrine and in practice and wishes them the constant beendiction of the Redeemer.
The Rev. H. H. Hall was called June 20, 1891. Extensive improvements were made in the main au- ditorium of the church. The work during the years 1892 to 1894 gradually led up to the securing of the beautiful pipe organ in 1895. When the work was completed the church was re-dedicated and the Rev. Dr. Wiles of Mansfield, delivered the sermon. Rev. and Mrs. Hall were energetic workers in the various departments of the congregation.
The Rev. H. S. Lawrence was called June 12, 1895. The catechism classes were re-organized and emphasized in the years 1896 to 1898. The Luther League was called into existence and became a flour- ishing organization in 1899 and 1900. The parsonage was repaired and improvements were added to the church building. The beautiful responsive service was introduced more fully at this time and it added much to the devotion of the congregation. The young pastor came from Wittenberg College and married his bride while pastor of this church. Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence labored enthusiastically for the
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.