USA > Ohio > Tuscarawas County > Stone Creek > Brief historical sketch of the Jerusalem Reformed Congregation in the Stone Creek Valley, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 1815-1915 > Part 2
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He served the Jerusalem congregation as regular pastor until January 1, 1889 when the New Philadel- phia congregation declared itself independent. Rev. Accola, however, consented to supply the pulpit of the Jerusalem church. The Jerusalem congregation to- gether with the Phillipsburg congregation (Stone Creek) and St. Jacob's congregation formed a separate charge. Thus they were able to maintain their own pastor. During his pastorate here Dr. Professor Ac- cola performed 24 baptisms and 39 confirmations.
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During his time the new cemetery was bought and the road changed. On November 17, 1896 he died in Chicago, Ill., after an illness of over four months, at the age of 60 years, II months and 22 days. He was buried in Mount Olive Cemetery, Chicago.
February 9, 1890, Rev. Frederick Kalbfleisch preach- ed his trial sermon in the Stone Creek charge and was unanimously elected. He was born December 17, 1866 in Baltimore, Md. He graduated from the pri- mary and grammar schools of that city and in the fall of 1881 he entered Calvin college in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1881 he went to the Mission House College and graduated from the seminary of that institution in June, 1889, having taken one year's post graduate work after graduation from college. He then taught school in St. Louis, beginning in July, 1884 up to January, 1890, when he accepted a call to Stone Creek charge. He was ordained here in Jerusalem church just 25 years ago, March 4, 1890.
He was married July 30, 1890. Up to his marriage he boarded with Mr. Daniel Kuhn after which he lived in the village of Stone Creek. During his labors here he confirmed 33. His services were greatly appreciat- ed. To the regret of all the people of this charge he re- signed March, 1893 to continue his good work at In- dianapolis, Ind. Here he labored for eight and one-half years when he followed a call to Chicago, Ill., in No- vember, 1902. Since that time he has been grappling with city problems.
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Rev. F. Kalbfleisch 1890-1893
Rev. J. S. Kosower 1893-1897
Rev. William Grether 1897-1902
Rev. Benj. Lienkaemper 1903-1905
Rev. Wm. Lienkaemper 1905-1909
CHAPTER V Purchase of Pipe Organ and Erection of Parsonage.
S EPTEMBER 15, 1893, Rev. J. S. Kosower be- came pastor of this charge. He was born January 2, 1870 in Austria. He received his rearing and early impressions in Germany. In 1887 he came to America and continued his studies at Calvin College, Cleveland, Ohio.
He studied theology at Union Seminary in New York city and graduated from the Ursinus school of Theology in May, 1893. In August he began his pasto- rate in Stone Creek Valley. This was his first charge. Sept. 15, 1893, he was ordained by Central Synod in Akron, O. He served the Stone Creek charge until January 1, 1897. During his pastorate here he did many good things. Among other things a new pipe organ was purchased. This was dedicated March 31, 1895. Rev. Friebolin of Cleveland and Rev. J. P. Rust assisted in the dedication service. The last named also played the organ. It was also during Rev. Kosower's pastorate that the parsonage was built. Mr. Daniel Kuhn was the builder.
From January 1, 1897 until January, 1903, he served as missionary in Glenville, O., now a part of Cleveland. January 1, 1903 he began his pastorate of the Reformed Imanuel congregation. January 1, 1908 he began his work in the German hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Under his management this hospital grew to be one
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of the best hospitals in Cleveland. His faithful and self denying labors in the German hospital in Cleveland will always be remembered in the Reformed church. January 31, 1915 he again heeded the call of the Im- anuels church, Baltimore, Md., where he is now active. During the year 1895 the Joint Consistory of Stone Creek charge granted Rev. Kosower a vacation to go to Germany. While he was absent Dr. Theodore F. Herman supplied the pulpit.
He was born in the city of Goettingen, founded many centuries ago, and famous in modern times as the seat of a celebrated university and as the alma mater of many prominent Americans. He was edu- cated in the higher schools of his native city and after the death of his parents, he came to America to con- tinue and complete his course of study. He entered Calvin College in Cleveland, Ohio, in the fall of 1887, and graduated in June, 1892 as the valedictorian of his class. He then matriculated in the theological semi- nary of the Reformed church, at Lancaster, Pa., and studied theology until the year 1895. "During his mid- dle year in the Seminary he supplied the pulpit of the Stone Creek charge from April to September, during the absence of the pastor in Europe. It was his first taste of the pastorate, and a fore-taste of his life work. Here in the midst of beautiful scenery, in the home of loyal and intelligent Reformed people, in the general fellow- ship of goodly and gifted young folk, in the presence of large and eager congregations, the inexperienced novice in the ministry laid the firm foundation of a love for his vocation which has continued to the pres- ent time with undiminished strength and with unabat- ed zeal. His parishioners graciously overlooked his
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numerous short-comings and generously acclaimed his meager merits. The months sped away-crowded with labors, ministerial and musical. The fruit may have been sparse, but the joy of sowing and reaping was abundant. And when the time came for parting the young student returned to his books with happy mem- ories and with enduring friendship." This is the way Dr. Herman expressed himself about his sojourn in Stone Creek Valley. From the expression of the people here especially those who were the young and active life at the time, the works of Dr. Herman were greatly appreciated. We are proud to claim some part in him.
After his graduation from the Seminary in 1895, he went to Germany to pursue a post-graduate course. After three semesters spent at the universities of Ber- lin and Goettingen, he returned to America and took charge of the Hough Ave. Reformed church in Cleve- land, Ohio, temporarily vacated by its pastor for the purpose of travel. In January, 1898 he entered upon his first regular pastorate in La Fayette, Indiana, dur- ing which he was married to Miss Emma Lane Gar- rigan, of Philadelphia, Pa. In January, 1903 he as- sumed charge of the Salem Reformed church in Allen- town, Pa., where he continued a happy ministry until his brethren unanimously elected him to the chair of Systematic Theology in the Theological Seminary at Lancaster. He was reluctant to leave the active min- istry, which had brought him naught but joy and in- spiration ; but he felt constrained to interpret the man- date of the church, twice repeated, as being the will of God.
Since 1910 he has been engaged in the manifold
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labors of his official position, conscious of his personal insufficiency for his task of preparing young men for the Christian ministry. His prayer is that out of Jerusalem church in the Stone Creek Valley young and vigorous in the strength of her first hundred years, there may go forth some of her goodly sons into the Christian ministry to promote the growth of Zion and consummate the Kingdom."
In February, 1897 Rev. William Grether began his pastorate in Stone Creek Valley. He was born in New Philadelphia where his father was a German doctor at the time, on October 25, 1862. When he was a year old, his father was ordained to the ministry. He had been doing some preaching prior to this time. William was one of six sons all of whom entered the ministry. After finishing the public schools of Stark county, O., he taught school until 18 years of age, when he matri- culated at the Mission House preparatory for the min- istry. In the fall of 1884 he was providentially led to continue his studies at Tiffin, Ohio. A brother two years younger desired to study for the ministry. The Wisconsin climate being too severe, both went to Tif- fin. After three years in the Mission House College and one in the seminary, he spent another year at Tif- fin. During this last year he supplied the Auburn, Ind. charge.
June 7, 1885 he was ordained to the Gospel ministry at West Bay City, Mich., by Zion's Classis. He be- came the regular pastor of the Auburn charge, being installed 10 days after his ordination. After this he served the following charges :
Jan. 23, 1887, Rhine Wis .; Nov. 4, 1888, Poland, Ind. : Nov. 18, 1894, Millersburg charge, Holmes Co., Ohio.
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Rev. Theo. F. Herman April-September, 1895 Supplied
Rev. O. G. Herbrecht 1909-1911
In the middle of February, 1897, he laid down his work and began in the Stone Creek charge. He served this charge until Dec. 1, 1902, when he began at Archbold, Ohio. June 1, 1907, Sandusky, Ohio. There he contin- ued until the spring of 1909, when, on account of ill health he was compelled to quit the pulpit. For a while he represented the Central Publishing House in the field, but had to give this up also. Then he spent IO months at Warrensville, Ohio, returning home to Sandusky, much improved in health. June 3, 1910 his health again declined. After 5 months at home, his health was nearly as bad as ever. Friends enabled him to go to Phoenix, Arizona, where he staid 19 months, seemingly quite well. In June, 1912 returned home and accepted a call to the Waldo, Ohio charge. One year and four months of preaching again put him almost where he had been before.
December 6, 1913 he and family started for Love- land, Colo., in the hope of regaining health and at the same time with the intention of taking care of our Mission among the German Russians at that place. After 9 months of effort to do this work with the aid of an assistant, he was compelled to resign Oct. 1, 1914. Since that time he has done what other little work he could find. He seems to be improving somewhat. He has committed his ways unto the Lord and wishes to return to the pulpit if it is the good pleasure of the Almighty One.
The life of this brother is somewhat sad. So anxious to serve his Master, yet greatly hindered because of ill health. The Lord, however, has used him to His own purpose, and by example of unwavering faith through all his trials as well as his active service as pastor he
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has been and still is doing a most noble work.
As pastor of the Stone Creek Charge he performed 75 baptisms, 56 Confirmations, 15 marriages and 18 funerals. He occupies a very warm place in the hearts of all those in the Valley who know him.
One of the most popular pastors that ever struck the Valley is Rev. Benjamin E. Linekaemper. When we asked him to send a brief sketch of his life's career he sent a little slip of paper 6 inches by 2} inches. In this Valley he is most generally spoken of as "Benny" He has a smile and kind word for every body. He was born June 7, 1873 at Waukon, Iowa, where his father, Rev. Carl Linekaemper, served the Reformed Church 3 miles out in the country. In 1879 he lost his father and the following year his mother and children moved back to the neighborhood of her old home and settled at Franklin, Sheboygan Co., Wis. Here he pursued his College and Seminary studies, graduating in the year 1897. The following year he took up some post graduate work at the Mc- Cormick Seminary, Chicago, Ill. June 5, 1898 he was ordained in the First Reformed Church of Toledo, O. He began his work in the ministry at the Emanuel Reformed Church of Haskins, Ohio. After a fiive years service at this place he followed a call to the Stone Creek charge, at New Philadelphia, O. He served this charge from June 1903 to 1905. Since that time he has served the First Reformed Church at Bellaire, O., and the St. Lucas Reformed Church at Jeffersonville, Ind., and since Sept., 1911 he is serving Trinity Reformed Church at Upper Sandusky,O.
It was during his pastorate at Jeffersonville, Ind., that he and the present pastor of Stone Creek Charge
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became very close friends. The latter was at Louis- ville, Ky. at the time. They used to share the burdens of bachelor life until "Benny" left for Upper Sandusky when "Amor" kindly led his friend to his better half.
While pastor of this charge Rev. Benjamin Lien- kaemper won the love of all his people and it was with greatest regret they were compelled to see him go March 31, 1905. During his pastorate he baptized 43 ,confirmed 36, married 21 and had 18 funerals in this congregation.
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CHAPTER VI
Period of Increased Church Interest and Rearrangement of Charge.
M AY 15, 1905, Rev. Wm. G. Lienkaemper began his work in the Stone Creek Charge. He is a son of Rev. Carl Lienkaemper. He was born at Lowell, Wis., Oct. 15, 1871. One year later the family moved to Waukon, Ia., where the father was called to serve the Reformed church. Here he spent eight years of his childhood. At this age, the father died leaving the mother with a family of eight children. One year later they moved to Franklin, Wis., near the Mission House, thus giving her sons an opportunity for a higher education. After finishing the district school he entered the preparatory school at the Mission House. After graduating from both College and Seminary, he was sent to Thorpe, Wis., to take charge of a mission during the summer. In the fall he entered Union Theological Seminary at New York City for a two years' post graduate course. In July 1895 he was elected pastor of St. John's Ebenzer Church at Timothy, Wis., which he served five years. In November of same year he was married to Miss Adele Schwergler of La Fayette, Ind. To this union were born two daughters and one son.
In January 1800 he was called by the Board of Home Missions to take up a new field in So. Buffalo. In March of the same year St. Johns Church was organized and building operations began. Before the
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building could be completed, however, he was com- pelled to resign on account of ill health. After a period of fifteen months ,a part of which was spent in Colorado, he was again able to take up the active work, responding to a call from Jeffersonville, Ind.
His next pastorate was the Stone Creek Charge near New Philadelphia, O., which he served with much pleasure for four years.
In April 1909 he took charge of the Second Reformed Church at Dayton, O. Four years ago he with his his family made a trip to Washington and Oregon to visit brothers and sisters. While there he received an urgent call from the Board of Home Missions to take up work at Salem Oregon, and also one equally urgent from the people at Salem. After investigating and seeing the great need he decided that the Lord needed him in Salem. Here he has labored over four years with much devotion and self-sacrifice under the most trying circumstances.
For three years he also served as President of Portland Oregon Classis.
As pastor of this congregation he baptized 58, con- firmed 39, had 40 marriages and 27 funerals. It was also during his pastorate that St. John's congregation became a part of Stone Creek Charge and St. Jacobs of Ragersville.
It would be impossible to enumerate all of the good work accomplished during his pastorate here. Rev. Linekaemper never will be able to realize how grate- ful the people of this charge feel toward him for the service he rendered here. God alone can fully re- ward such work.
May 9, 1909 Rev. O. G. Herbrecht began his pas-
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torate in the Stone Creek Charge.
He was born in Chicago, Il1., May 19, 1885 of Ger- man parentage. At the age of nine removed to New York and entered public schools there. After several years the family located in the hard coal regions of Pennsylvania where he learned to love the hill-country and to feel the delights of tramping through the woods and gathering the wild berries that grew on the moun- tain side. In the spring of 1803 he tucked his diploma under his arm and proudly marched forth from the portals of the High School at Shamokin, Pa., a full fledged graduate. The future looked somewhat hazy because the family treasure held out no possibilities of a college course. But kind Providence placed into his hands a scholarship at the University of Penn- sylvania, Philadelphia, and there he matriculated in the fall of the same year. His ambition was to be- come a teacher of classic languages and with that pur- pose he dug away at the Greek and Latin roots which sprouted so promisingly at that venerable institution. When in spring of 1906 he had finished his course. providence smiled again and from the Germanic Dep't came a traveling scholarship that took him to the Old World for the summer. He made this journey across the ocean in company with his pastor at Phila- delphia, now one of the professors at our Central Seminary in Dayton, Dr. Philip Vollmer, and before the Manitou docked at her port at Antwerp his whole life plans had been rearranged and he was scheduled to enter Ursinus Theological Seminary in the fall, as a student for the ministry and their class had the dis- tinction of taking their three year course in three dif- ferent cities, Philadelphia, Pa. Tiffin, O. and Dayton,O.
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The Fledderjohann Family 1911 to present time
Parsonage of Jerusalem Reformed Church
In Dayton, Providence had another gift in store for him, the girl who is now his wife. When on the second of May 1909 they had plighted their troth, they turned their faces toward the rising sun and began life and their life's work among the people of Stone Creek Valley, serving them almost two years. Then he served the first church at Bellaire, Ohio, for three and one-half years.
Now he is serving the Hough Avenue church in Cleveland.
Rev. Herbrecht is very energetic in his work and does not feel satisfied unless he can see constant prog- ress. He has also rendered a splendid service in the Stone Creek charge. During his service here he bap- tized 22, confirmed eight, married eight and had seven funerals in his congregation.
Sept. 3, 1911, Rev. Ernest Fledderjohann began his work in the Stone Creek charge.
He was born at New Knoxville, Ohio, July 7, 1882. It was his privilege to grow up in a small town where one of the largest Reformed churches of the Middle West is located. His early life was greatly influenced by the religious life in the home where the family altar is always observed. Rev. Moritz Noll made very definite impressions on the heart of the youth and also confirmed him. His influence helped to awake a desire to study for the ministry while still very young.
After finishing the school at his home town he en- tered the Mission House at Plymouth, Wis. He fin- ished his college course at Ohio State University, Co- lumbus, Ohio, then took his first year Seminary at the Mission House. He took the last two years at McCormick Seminary, Chicago, Ill., where he gradu-
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ated in 1908.
It was his good fortune to have the privilege to travel quite extensively abroad. The countries touched were England, France, Italy, Egypt, Arabia, Holy-land, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Bel- gium, Scotland and Ireland.
Upon his return he served the South Louisville Re- formed Mission at Louisville, Kentucky. While at Louisville he met Miss Katie Strickler who was kind enough to consent to share with him life's joys and cares. They were married June 21, 19II.
In the fall of the same year he was attending Gener- al Synod at Canton, Ohio. The Stone Creek church was vacant at the time and so Rev. Benj. Lienkaemper influenced the present pastor to supply the pulpit. It was love at sight which resulted in the acceptance of a call coming from this charge. Since the South Louis- ville church desired him to serve long enough to give them an opportunity to secure another pastor, Rev. Benj. Lienkaemper supplied the charge, in the mean- time doing all he could to prepare a very pleasant re- ception for the new pastor.
Up to the present time the people of Stone Creek have been putting up with him the best way possible.
As we retrospect the lives and services of these twenty-two pastors, the faithful pioneers of this church, and all of the great mercies shown the charge, have we not reasons to be grateful to God for His blessings? May the Lord help us to so live that some day we may all have part in that much happier re- union when all can be present.
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The Official Program Of the Services During Centennial Week. (All time Central Standard.)
SUNDAY, JUNE 13.
8:30 a. m .- Sunday School.
9:30 a. m .- Opening Sermon, Rev. William Lien- kaemper.
7:00 p. m .- Children's Day Service. Address by Rev. O. G. Herbrecht.
MONDAY, JUNE 14.
2:00 p. m .- Missionary Service, Rev. F. Kalb- fleisch.
TUESDAY, JUNE 15.
7:00 p. m .- Historical Service, Rev. Benj. Lien- kaemper.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16.
9:30 p. m .- German Service, Rev. J. S. Kosower. THURSDAY, JUNE 17.
7:00 p. m .- Social Meeting, Rev. O. G. Herbrecht. FRIDAY, JUNE 18.
7:00 p. m .- Good Fellowship Meeting, Rev. J. H. Rettig.
SUNDAY, JUNE 20.
8:30 a. m .- Sunday School.
9:30 a. m .- Centennial Sermon, Dr. Theodore Herman.
7:00 p. m .- Young People's Service, under the auspices of the Christian Endeavor Society. Address Rev. William Linekaemper.
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