History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 69

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034

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three years, viz., Mount Zion, Lucas, Saint John's and Petersburg. He was then recalled to Galion, Lost Creek, Leesville and Sherer congregations, remaining until 1870, at which time the Galion Lutheran Church separated from the rest of the charge while he continued with the remaining three for about five years, when, owing to impaired health, he was obliged to rest for two years, since which time he has been serving a congregation at Spring Mills, Richland County. To him it must be with joy and thankfulness that he sees all over this country the bountiful yield of his early sowing.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gal- ion* was organized A. D. 1831, by Rev. John Stough; a man of eminent piety, and much beloved by all who knew him. His zeal in the work of the Master was invincible, and he was instrumental in laying a good foundation for much of the good work done in after years. He continued his labors with this church for about ten years. During his pastorate (in the year 1840), the first Lutheran Church building was erected, on the corner of North Union and West Church streets. The corner-stone was laid the year previous, at which time he was assisted by the now venerable Rev. F. J. Ruth. He was succeeded by Revs. H. W. Lawer, J. B. Hoffman, A. Kuhn, S. Ritz, J. Crouse and I. Culler, who successively served the church with great acceptance until the year 1852. Prominent among the original members of this church, and who took an active part in its organization, were Michael Ruhl, Jacob Ruhl, John Ruhl, Thomas Rinehart, John Rinehart, John Shawber, and Samuel Ger- brecht. About the year 1843, the German portion of the congregation withdrew from this church, to effect an organization of its own. This so weakened the English portion which remained, that ofttimes it seemed a struggle between life and death, and at times

*Contributed by Rev. E. W. Souders.

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it was a question whether they could perpet- uate their organization or not.

On or about April 1, 1852, Rev. F. J. Ruth received and accepted a call to become its pas- tor, and continued such until April 1, 1861. Of his labors I need not here speak, as a brief biography of this venerable father in Israel occurs elsewhere in this work. Suffice it to say, that his labors have been abundantly blessed in this and many other churches he organized in this and adjoining counties. Upon Father Ruth's resignation, in April, 1861, Rev. M. J. Stover took charge of the congregation, together with an organization at Leesville. He continued in charge one year and six months. Quite a number of members were added; but, owing to another year and six months' vacancy, many losses were sustained. April 1, 1864, Rev. F. J. Ruth was recalled to again become Pastor of the congregation, which relation he sus- tained until September 18, 1870. During this time, in 1867, the present church edifice, on South Columbus street, was erected. Shortly after taking charge, in 1864, two other con- gregations were added to the charge, that of Lost Creek and Sherer's, which, together with the one at Leesville, added during Rev. Sto- ver's administration, constituted a charge of four congregations. In the summer of 1870, the congregation, deeming more frequent preaching necessary for its welfare than could be given it in connection with three other con- gregations, petitioned the Wittenburg Synod, then in session at Mansfield, Ohio, of which the charge was a member, to separate it from the other three congregations, and constitute it a charge by itself. This being done, Rev. F. J. Ruth resigned the Galion congregation, as above stated, September 18, 1870, to con- tinue as Pastor of the remaining three con- gregations. January 1, 1871, Rev. H. B. Miller was called to become the Pastor of this

congregation. In the spring of the same year, the members deemed it wise to dissolve the existing organization, and organize anew. They at once proceeded to draw up an article of organization and incorporation. This was passed upon and met with approval, and an organization with thirty-five members was ef- fected, a record of which can be found in the office of the Probate Court of the county. The new organization, being weak numer- ically and financially, found it impossible to afford its pastor an adequate support. It now became a mission, under the supervision of the Board of Home Missions of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Thus it became prepared for the work of the Master, and to husband the blessings of God, soon to be given it. In the winter of 1872-73, the general revival that visited the country at large, came in refresh- ing waves to the Galion congregation. Dur- ing a six weeks' meeting held in the Lutheran Church, about seventy souls were converted to God, sixty of whom united with this church. As a result of this ingathering, the congrega- tion relieved the Board of Home Missions from any further aid, and became self-sus- taining. It now became a fixture, taking its place alongside of the other churches of Galion.

In November, 1875, Rev. H. B. Miller re- signed the charge of the congregation, and it was again without a regular pastor eight months. During the winter of 1875-76, Rev. G. M. Heindel preached for it as a supply. But, being without a regular pastor, the "love of many waxed cold," and the church suffered many losses. On the 25th day of June, 1876, the present Pastor, Rev. E. W. Souders, received and accepted a call from this congregation, and entered regularly upon the duties of the pastorate, July 2, 1876. The roll showed an active membership of ninety.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

During the spring of 1878 and 1879, quite a number of accessions were made, the church enjoying two seasons of precious refreshing from the Lord. Notwithstanding the numer- ous losses, mostly by removal and death, the church has been making steady progress under the present administration. having grown from 90 to 160 in membership. Its experi- ence, as a congregation, is a varied one. The changes through which it has passed, tended in no small degree to retard its progress for years. But now it has an interesting and effi- cient Sunday school, under the superintend- ency of S. G. Cummings, and a membership that will compare favorably with her sister churches, in benevolence and spirituality, and the graces that characterize the true church of God upon earth.

There were quite a number of Luther- an families among the early settlers in Polk Township. There is much that is known by tradition of these old families in connection with their religious procliv- ities, but recorded facts are not to be found bearing a very old date. We are now writ- ing of "The German Evangelical Lutheran Frudens Geminde of Galion." This Luther- an Church is not governed by the same synod, nor does it bear any similarity in doc- trine to the English Lutheran. Of course there were German and English Lutherans united in the early days to secure services and build the old brick church on the corner of North Union and West Church streets. Their first meeting was in an old log cabin, a little north of the public square, which was at that time used for a schoolhouse. Among the early members were Christian Buhler and Henry Buhler, Ludwig Bohl, Henry Boll, Daniel Riblet. They had serv- ice at intervals, but no regular organization existed. Rev. Father Stough officiated as traveling missionary. As soon as the German

element became strong enough they deter- mined to make an effort to organize separately from the English Lutheran. Many German settlers were arriving, who could not converse in English, much less comprehend an abstruse discourse on theology. Altogether, it was deemed best, and the Germans sold to the English people their interest in the old brick church. They then organized under the above name, and in the same year built jointly with the German Reformed congregation, a brick church on South Market Street. There was no union of the two congregations in any other sense than that of a business association for the purpose of economy. Each congrega- tion used the church and had certain privi- leges and uses, but, as far as the church organ- ization was concerned, they were separate and distinct. Eventually the German Lutherans bought out the interest of the German Re- formed congregation. In the year 1874, the front part of the old church building was taken down, and in the front of the remain- ing part was erected a new church. This building is a model of architectural beauty and a standing witness of well-expended means. This church edifice is the finest in the city of Galion; and, for the amount it cost ($18,000), can hardly be excelled in beauty and propor- tion. A Sunday school was organized about the year 1852, which has continued in suc- cessful operation up to the present. It has always been well attended and has wrought a good work. Many of the members of the church now becoming gray, gained their first light of God's promise in the Sabbath school.

In the fall of 1878, a parochial school was organized, and school opened in the rear of the church. English and German branches are taught. The school has been conducted since its organization by Mr. A. Krueger. Mr. Krueger is also the organist for the con- gregation. The school has now an enrollment

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of seventy-two pupils. The first regular min- ister who preached for this congregation was Rev. J. Krauss. The congregation has been served in regular succession by J. Schlader- munt, M. F. Dethlefs, G. T. H. Meiser, H. Kleinegus, C. Wernle, C. Lilye, and J. A. Schultze, who is the present Pastor, and has been since April, 1875. The congregation num- bers 400 communing members, or 605, includ- ing children. This congregation is eminently prosperous, as is all its interest.

The history of the Reformed German Church is about the same as that of the German Lutheran. They were associated together and worshiped in common until the year 1847. At this date a regular or- ganization was made. Prominent among the members of this first organization, were Jonas Shumaker, Adam and Daniel Eichhorn, Dr. John Reisinger, Henry Althaus, John Burgner, Rudolphus Bessinger. Altogether, there were about twenty families in the new organization. They were supplied by visit- ing pastors of the Reformed Church, until 1850, at which time Rev. Abraham Keller took charge of the interests of the church, and preached every other Sabbath. He was a man of great zeal and piety, and his memory is yet cherished by all who knew him. He died in Bucyrus during the year 1852, while yet in the prime of life. In the spring of 1853, Rev. Dr. M. Stearn took charge of the field and served the church with great success and ability, up to the year 1860. Rev. John Rettig succeeded Dr. Stearn, serving the church for two years. The next Pastor was Rev. John Bippus, who remained until 1868, when Rev. Martin Miller took charge, who, by rea- son of failing health, was obliged to retire from ministerial labor altogether, which he did in 1871. The congregation then called their former Pastor, Dr. Stearn ; he only served one year, when he was stricken with paraly-

sis, and retired. In 1872, Rev. J. H. F. Dickman was called, and served till 1878. At this time, Rev. Dr. J. H. Kline, of Louisville, Ky., was called and is yet serving the church. The Reformed German congregation and the German Lutheran congregation owned jointly a brick church building on South Market street. In 1858, the German Lutherans bought out the interest of the Reformed Church. They immediately purchased an acre of ground, of James Gill, on West Main street, at the foot of Boston, and at once be- gan to erect the church edifice that now stands on the ground. This church was dedicated in May, 1859, by Rev. J. Joerris and J. G. Ruhl. The cost of the building was $4,143. They have a basement for Sabbath school and an audience-room. The church is out of debt, and expends for all purposes, annually, $1,- 500. In 1868, the congregation purchased a lot on Boston street, near Main street, and erected a building for a parsonage. The super- intendent of the Sabbath school is Jacob Schaffner. The school numbers about 300 members. The church roll shows a member- ship of 425 communicants.

The following regarding the Methodist Episcopal Church of Galion, is contributed:

At the annual session of the North Ohio Conference, held at Medina, Ohio, August 7, 1850, the Galion Methodist Episcopal Church was combined with the Methodist Churches of Leesville, West Point, Iberia, Ebenezer and West Liberty, and the combination was known as Galion Circuit. At this time, there were fifty-eight members in the church at Galion, and the following names we find on the offi- cial roll: Randall Smith, Jonathan Fellows, John Rinehart, John Gilliland, Thomas B. Casner and S. P. Nave. A few of these offi- cers remain, the rest have fallen asleep in Christ. The Rev. William Thatcher was Pas- tor during the year. The following year Rev.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

John Orr was Pastor, and Rev. Alonzo Rodgers assistant. In the fall of 1852, Rev. E. H. Bush was appointed Pastor, and Alonzo Rodg- ers assistant. In 1853, Rev. William Hudson was appointed Pastor, and Rev. James W. Fribley assistant. During this year, the name of Dr. N. E. Hackedorn appeared on the offi- cial roll. Rev. Z. C. Norton was appointed Pastor, and Rev. E. J. McClelland assistant, in the fall of 1854. These ministers sustained their pastoral relation to the Galion Circuit for two years, the longest pastorate that as yet any of the ministers had sustained to this circuit.

At the General Conference of 1856, the North Ohio Conference was divided and a new conference organized, called the Central Ohio; and at the first session of this new con- ference Delaware District was formed, and Galion Circuit became a part of this district.

Through the earnest labors of the pastors and the people, the church in Galion had steadily increased in numbers and strength, and it was now thought that with the aid of Union Chapel, situated two and one-half miles west of Galion, a pastor could be sustained without the aid of the other congregation, so Galion and Union Chapel were set off as a pastoral charge, and Rev. A. J. Lyon ap- pointed Pastor. In 1857, Rev. S. H. Alder- man was Pastor. During this year the Lord greatly blessed the labors of His people, and many souls were converted and added to the church; of these quite a number became use- ful workers in the vineyard of the Master. In 1858, Rev. William S. Paul was appointed Pastor. During this year the church, under the leadership of this faithful servant of God, resolved to build a new house of worship. A meeting of the members and friends of the church was called for consultation, at which time a conditional subscription was started- subscription to be binding when $3,500 was subscribed. The church now decided to pur-

chase the old parsonage property, corner of Walnut and Columbus streets, which had been sold to Mr. James Braden, and there locate the new edifice. The purchase was made; and, on the 12th day of February, 1859, at a meet- ing of the congregation, it was reported that the desired amount of subscription was se- cured. This gave great encouragement to the friends of the enterprise, and they determined to push the work of building as rapidly as possible. The old church on West Main street was sold to the Disciples; a building committee, composed of Loyd Lowe, William Hays and Rev. W. S. Paul, was appointed, contracts were soon let. and the work com- menced. Rev. W. S. Paul was returned to the charge in 1860, and in the good provi- dence of God was enabled to carry through, by the help of the noble band of workers at his side, the work of church building to com- pletion; and on the 16th day of September, 1860, the new church was dedicated to the worship of God. In the fall of 1860, Rev. Amos Wilson was appointed Pastor. This was a year of great spiritual prosperity. The people had given of their substance to build the Lord a house. Now the Lord came and filled it with His glory, and blessed the people. In this revival many, old and young, were con- verted; heads of families were saved and be- came grateful helpers in the church of Christ. This year, Union Chapel was transferred to Caledonia Circuit, and Galion became self-sus- taining. Before the pastoral year elosed, Rev. Mr. Wilson resigned the charge and accepted the chaplainey of the Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Rev. W. S. Paul filled the unexpired pastoral term. He was succeeded by Rev. L. B. Gurley, D. D., a man innocent as a child, pure as an angel, and as eloquent as Apollos. He filled the pulpit for two years with great ability, and to the delight and profit of his auditors.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

During his pastorate an addition was built to the parsonage. Rev. F. Mamott succeeded Dr. Gurley as Pastor; he sustained this rela- tion but one year, having been taken by the authorities of the church and placed on Lima District, as Presiding Elder. Rev. Mr. Ma- mott was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Winters, who remained with this church two years, the full length of the pastorate allowed by the law of the church. He was followed in the fall of 1866, by Rev. A. Nelson, D. D. He also remained full length of pastoral term, and his services were greatly enjoyed by the congregation, and blessed by the Lord in the spiritual culture of the worshipers.

The General Conference held at Chicago in May, 1868, so changed the boundaries of the North Ohio and Central Ohio Conferences that Galion became a point in the North Ohio Conference; and, at the following session of the conference, Rev. H. Dubois was appointed Pastor. He remained but one year with this church, and through his labors a number of important additions were made to the mem- bership. He was followed by Rev. S. Mc- Burney, who remained two years and was successful in the temporal and spiritual work of the church. He improved the church property to the amount of $3,700. He was succeeded by Rev. John W. Buxton, who at the close of one year was appointed Presiding Elder of Mansfield District. In 1872, Rev. George W. Pepper was appointed Pastor, and sustained this relation three years, the longest pastorate in the history of this church. God blessed his labors with a gracious revival, and many who united with the church in the re- vival are faithful to the present. He was fol- lowed by Rev. Lorenzo Warner, who after seven months of service was transferred to the church triumphant which is before the throne. Rev. S. Mower, D. D., filled the unexpired term and at the close of the year was appointed

Presiding Elder of the district, and Rev. John Whitworth was appointed Pastor. He re- mained but one year, and was instrumental in the hand of God in saving many souls, some of whom are filling official positions in the church and Sabbath school. He was followed by Rev. E. Y. Warner, who occupied the pul- pit two years, and, through the assistance of Mrs. L. O. Robison, of Greencastle, Ind .. quite a number were added to the church dur- ing his second year. In the fall of 1579, Rev. S. A. Thomson, present incumbent, succeeded Mr. Warner. Thus we nave seen this little vine, from a small beginning, grow to be a strong church. Its present membership num- bers 325. " What hath God wrought !"

The German Methodist Episcopal Church differs in no wise from the English Methodist Episcopal Church, except in language. The church in Galion separated from the Zoar Station, which was an old and large associa- tion, having a church edifice west of Galion about three miles. There had been in this vicinity a missionary by the name of Chris- tian Nast, sent by the Central Ohio Confer- ence, in 1842. In the year 1844, another missionary was sent here, by the name of Rev. Nuhfer, who preached in the old log school- house then existing. This minister went to work in earnest, and in a short time had or- ganized a German society. Among some of the first members at this organization were Ludwig Gerth, Antoine Young, Louis Quant, Louis Gugler, Jacob Seif, Michael Seif, Peter Brick. The first regular minister of this church was John Bier. The services were held in the log schoolhouse until that was sold by the village. They then, in common with other churches, held services in the old Brick Lutheran Church, near the cemetery. When the English Methodist Church was built, the German Church had preaching in the basement. In 1864, the frame building,

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the first built by the Methodists, on West Main street, was purchased. Here they remained until 1873, at which time they sold their property to Richard Atkinson, and bought a lot corner of Atwood and South Market streets. Here they erected a fine brick edifice at a cost of $12,000, and which they yet occupy. The pres- ent Presiding Elder is Rev. George Schwim, and the Pastor, Rev. P. J. Grassle. There are about seventy full members, besides proba- tioners. The Sabbath school has an enroll- ment of about seventy members. The first Sabbath school of this church was organized in 1860, with Ludwig Gerth as Superintendent.

The first Presbyterian organization in Galion was effected in 1851. Before this time, a scattered few were zealous in their efforts to keep up the interest in their faith. They had not been selfish in their work, and with lib- eral minds they added fuel to the flame that burned upon God's altar, and were gratified at the success of Christianity through repre- sentatives of all faiths.

In 1851, the Marion Presbytery (O. S.) gave ear to the petition of Mr. John Young and his wife, Mr. Joseph Lee and his wife, Mr. John McClelland and his wife, Mrs. Ann Rankin and Mrs. Barton. In response to this petition, they sent to Galion a committee con- sisting of Rev. J. B. Blaney, Silas Johnston and J. P. Lloyd for the purpose of organizing a church. These were the nuclei-small, but firm as the Rock of Ages-which have year by year assimilated and grown to the fair proportions that church now assumes. From this little band of pioneers, there has devel- oped a church that is a power for good, and a worthy representative of God's instrumen- tality. Of this number, but few remain on earth. The rest have gone to join that larger congregation above. Joseph Lee, John Young, and Ezra Day were the first Elders, followed by others in regular succession, viz., Abraham

De Haven, David Kerr, T. H. B. Beale, James Bryant, F. W. Johnson, William Dickey, J. M. Snodgrass, Elah D. Shaler, etc., many of whom are yet here, working with faith and love in the cause of the Lord. The infant church held frequent and earnest prayer meet- ings at the house of Mr. J. McClelland. Un- doubtedly a large portion of success was attrib- utable to these zealous gatherings. Galion, at this time, had but 400 inhabitants, and several other churches were in operation. No house of worship, no resident minister, there was much to discourage them, and but little to cheer. Services were held every second Sabbath in summer and every fourth Sabbath in winter, and this in the afternoons, yet the small congregation struggled against these obstacles nobly. A serious blow to the church was the removal of Rev. J. P. Lloyd to Mt. Gilead, and the vacancy thus created was difficult to fill. On the completion of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianap- olis Railroad the town rapidly increased in population, and the other churches kept pace with it. The Presbyterian Church remained stationary, with occasional preaching in a borrowed or hired house. From this time there was a vacancy, which lasted for three years and six months. This was nearly fatal to the organization. Added to vacancy was debt, with its crushing weight and other at- tendant evils. All of these causes had a fair share of disaster to account for, yet the organ- ization prevailed, and in 1858 Rev. Mr. Lloyd returned from Mt. Gilead and resumed charge of the struggling church, jointly with the church of Crestline. Each communion there- after witnessed new accessions of members, and in two years more the subject of build- ing a house for the Lord was broached. Dif- ferences were settled and unity prevailed sufficiently to commence the building. A site was selected on South Market street, and work

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

commenced. It had not progressed far when the civil war broke out, and the building ceased. It stood still for a few years, and was finished in 1863. Now a heavy debt was incurred, and the church had yet to struggle against these earthly fetters. The year 1862 was an era in the history of the church. Then the nursery of the church was organized, in the form of the Sabbath school. In 1866, the Rev. Mr. Lloyd removed to Crestline, and another short vacancy occurred, which was filled by Rev. A. E. Thompson. During his stay, immense efforts were made to do away with the debt. The enterprise of liquidating a large portion of the debt was particularly due to F. W. Johnson, aided by labor and prayer by T. H. B. Beale, James Bryant, David Kerr and Dr. J. M. Snodgrass. In 1868, Rev. Thompson's removal caused another va- cancy of nearly a year. In 1869 Rev. Kingery served the church as stated supply for one year. Another short vacancy was filled by Hugh R. Price, who remained from 1871 to 1874. Rev. Mr. Price was possessed of winning manners, and gained friends from every side, especially among the non-church-going classes. Although far up in years, and suffering much pain from the infirmity which ended his life, he was truly "the old man eloquent."

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 69

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034