USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Germantown > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Germantown, Ohio : and biographies of its pastors and founders > Part 3
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
41
IN GERMANTOWN.
so many things, and do them so well, is almost beyond comprehension.
Of this man, and his wife Elizabeth, Andrew Henkel was the fourth son. He was born in New- market, Virginia, on the 21st day of October, 1790. Being the child of such parents, his early training and education were of a truly Christian character. Great pains were taken, early to instill into him the truths of the Christian religion and to develop within him a spirit of earnest piety. And these parents were not disappointed in their efforts and expecta- tions. Andrew was a child of high animal spirits, full of life, and somewhat mischevious; but, with all that, he was devoutly religious. In later years he traced the beginning of his Christian life and ex. perience back to his earliest childhood, and ascribed it, under the blessing of God, to parental training and instruction. When yet quite young, he learned the art of printing under the direction of his brother Ambrose. After serving a short apprenticeship in this occupation he began the study of theology un_ der the supervision and instruction of his father and his brother Philip. He entered the ministry quite early in life-when in his twenty-first year. He was licensed to preach the gospel in the year 1811 by the Synod of. Pennsylvania.
Shortly after his entrance into the ministry he and his brother - Ambrose set out on a visit to Ohio, trav- eling the entire distance on horseback. As a result of this trip Mr. Henkel, in the following year, viz .:
4
·
42
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
in 1812, came to Ohio to remain, taking charge of congregations in Perry, Muskingum, Morgan, and other counties. His field of labor was very large, extending over a district of probably ten counties He even went into Western Virginia and organized and supplied congregations there with Word and Sacrament. In this field he continued for the space of about fourteen years, during all of which time he resided in Somerset, Perry county, Ohio.
In the year 1815 he was united in marriage to Margaret Trout, daughter of George and Margaret Trout, of Somerset, Ohio. The Synod of Ohio was organized in the month of September, 1818. The meeting at which the organization was effected was held in Somerset, in Mr. Henkel's charge, and he was one of the chief movers in the formation of this body. The pastors present were seventeen in num- ber. Their names are as follows: J. Stauch, Paul Henkel, G. H. Weygandt, M. Steck, Sr., J. C. Dill, Leist, Reinhardt, Huet, A. Henkel, M. Steck, Jr., Schneider, Weyer, Mohler, A. Simon, S. Mau. Charles Henkel, and M. Wachter were licensed at this meeting. Andrew Henkel remained a licentiate for at least ten years. This unusual length of time is
owing to two facts. Previous to the organization of the Synod of Ohio, candidates laboring in this state were required to appear in person before the Synod of Pennsylvania when they desired ordination. Mr. Henkel possessed probably neither the means, nor had the time at his disposal, to do this. After the
43
IN GERMANTOWN.
year 1818 he might have been ordained in Ohio, but he had in the Rev. Stauch a formidable opponent, who, for some reason, resisted his ordination, and, being a man of great authority in the synod, was successful in his opposition to Mr. Henkel. In what year Pastor Henkel received ordination is not known to the writer, but it can not have been later than the year 1824.
During his residence in Somerset Mr. Henkel trained a number of young men for the Lutheran ministry, among whom are J. Wagenhals, Samuel Kemmerer, and James Manning. Manning was the first, and for a number of years the only Lutheran minister in Ohio, who exclusively officiated in the English language. He was drawn into the ministry in rather a peculiar manner.
Manning was a boatman by occupation, and in character about the same as men of that pursuit usually are. Rev. Henkel was giving instructions to a class of catechumens, of whom the sister of James Manning was one. James, at best, disliked preach- ers, but he had a special grudge against Mr. Henkel because he had " turned the head " of his own sister. His resolution was quickly taken. He was going to break up this business of catechising. The day for catechetical instruction came around, and James Manning took his seat in the rear part of the church. Mr. Henkel began his instructions and Mr. Manning began to interrupt and to contradict him. Henkel grew neither angry at the young man, nor did he
44
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
reprove him, but in a kind manner requested him to tarry until after the close of the services .. In the interview which followed, Mr. Henkel, by his gen. iality and suavity of manner, so won upon the heart of the young boatman that he was utterly conquered and subdued. He went away with his eyes cast down, and ashamed of his conduct. When the time for the next meeting for catechising came Man- ning again made his appearance, slowly came up to Mr. Henkel, and with a good deal of embarrassment, requested the privilege of attending his instructions. Saul had become Paul The request was cheerfully granted by the young pastor. From this time for- ward Manning became a diligent student of the Scriptures, soon united with the church, and then began his preparations for the Gospel ministry.
This incident well illustrates some of the peculiar characteristics of these two remarkable men. Hen- kel had his temper under perfect control, and even when much displeased could assume an air of un- disturbed quiet, and exercise the utmost urbanity and civility. He could take an affront with apparent good nature, and at the same time treat the offender with the greatest cordiality. Manning, on the other hand, was impulsive, quick and irate, pugnacious, and ready at all times to resent an offense offered to his person. But he was a man, also, of warm and tender heart, appreciative of kindness, and most susceptible to its influence. He could never be driven or forced, but could be pursuaded and led with ease.
45
IN GERMANTOWN.
The fourteen years which Mr. Henkel spent in his first charge were years of severe trial and arduous labor. But being gifted with a cheerful mind, and favored with a vigorous physical constitution, he per- formed his work and bore his hardships without any visible effects on his health. He accomplished a great deal of good in this field by organizing congre- gations, confirming the people in the faith of their church, instructing the young, and laying the founda- tion of his work broad and deep. And to this day he is still remembered in that locality, and spoken of with affection and reverence.
In the year 1826 Rev. Henkel received a call from the congregations of Germantown and vicinity which he deemed it his duty to accept, especially as he was assured that the charge which he had hitherto served would find a very acceptable pastor in the person of his brother Charles. In the fall, therefore of this same year he moved to Germantown, and entered upon the field of labor in which he spent the re- mainder of his life. Here, as in his former field, the presence of his hand was soon felt, and the effects of its guidance and force soon became visible. Hitherto the people had worshiped in the German language exclusively. There had been a demand for English services during the ministry of Father Dill already, but not being sufficiently conversant with the English language he was unable to comply with the demand. Henkel, being equally proficient in both the German and the English tongues, at once
.
46
J
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
introduced English services into all the churches of his charge. In this he was opposed by a few of the older members, but their opposition found but little sympathy, and hence exerted no perceptible effect. In Germantown, at his first confirmation, from sixty to seventy persons, mostly young people, presented themselves at the altar to renew and assume for. themselves their baptismal covenant.
A few years after his arrival the congregation in Germantown, by his pursuasion and under his lead, built a new church, a brick edifice, which, at the time of its erection, was regarded as one of the best churches in this part of the country. The attendance on the divine services increased, the membership grew larger, and the congregation enjoyed general prosperity and peace. ·
Not only in the church, however, but also in the community at large, did Mr. Henkel's talents and influence make themselves felt. By means of his sagacity and practical tact he became at once one of the leading citizens of Germantown. He was con- sulted and called to office and public position when important enterprises were about to be entered on and when weighty interests were pending, and was always zealous in the promotion of any useful public improvement. He also became prominent by means of his business operations. For, although his pas- toral charge was very large, consisting of from eight to a dozen congregations and preaching points, scattered over several counties, he.yet found time-to
47 +
IN GERMANTOWN.
engage in secular pursuits. By this means he came in contact with men of all classes, and his name.be- came extensively known beyond his immediate sphere of action.
Another means which gained him :. widespread popularity was his connection with the order of Free Masons. Of this order he was a prominent member and an active propagator. He held high official positions in it, and traveled much in its interests, organizing and establishing lodges in various places, and giving instructions in the mystic arts and ritual of the order.
But that which gave him greatest prominence was his skill and talent in controversy. Around him were the uneducated preachers of the minor sects- men who relied on a supposed inspiration, instead of on study and education, in the work of preaching the Word. They were men who gloried in their ignorance, because they regarded ignorance as a virtue, and because ignorance was about all they could boast of. They held in contempt all book learning and book knowledge, and spoke of two kinds of religion-a book religion and a heart relig- ion-of the latter of which they claimed to hold a monopoly. These men, for the building up of their own churches, were largely depending on Lutheran material. To be the more successful in their efforts, they often deemed it expedient to assail Mr. Henkel personally, as also to cry down and misrepresent the doctrines of his church. Some of the rasher sort of
48
1
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
these men would even have the temerity to challenge him to debate, but in these contests the poor fellows usually came away so badly worsted that they never offered a second challenge, nor made a second as- sault.
There was a time when almost the entire Lutheran Church in this country had fallen away from the doctrines of the Reformers, when rationalism had seized upon and led away some, and fanaticism others, and when both faith and practice had become corrupt. Under the name of Lutheranism all sorts of men were preaching all sorts of doctrines, and introduced practices which were foreign to the policy of the historic Lutheran Church, in conflict with her doctrine, and subversive of her distinctive life and faith. It seemed then as if the church of the Refor- mation were about to lose her identity in this country. There remained, of course, a leaven of true faith, a few faithful confessors and teachers. To these be longed the major portion of the pastors of the Synod of Ohio, who, amidst this widespread apostacy, remained true to the ancient land marks of their church. They were firmly pursuaded that the con. fessions of their church embodied the truth of God's word, and still more firmly pursuaded were they that the so called new measures, which were sought to be introduced, were subversive of the true faith, of good order and morality. Among the men in the Ohio Synod, who continued thus faithful, Andrew Henkel was one of the staunchest and foremost.
49
IN GERMANTOWN.
He was, on the points in dispute, a Lutheran without evasion or mental reservation, and ready to defend his faith regardless of consequences And he did so defend it, was compelled to defend it by word and by pen. But to do so required at that time no small degree of courage and moral firmness.
The men who then openly confessed and defended the Lutheran doctrine, and upheld Lutheran usage, were cried down as symbolists and formalists, as men of no experimental piety, and as semi-Romanists, Methodists, Baptists and others joined pseudo-Luth- erans in their crusade against them. Especially was this the case at the time when the church in Ohio began to grow in influence and importance. As long as the church in this state was weak, and had nothing to offer but hard work and poor pay, Mr. Henkel and the men who believed and taught as he did had the field all to themselves, but when wealth took the place of poverty, and respectability the place. of obscurity, men crowded in from eastern states and sought charges in Ohio. Some of these had abandoned the faith of the church whose name they had assumed, and were hostile to all that was distinctively Lutheran. They talked of an Ameri- can Lutheran Church, and American Lutheranism, as a church and. a system of doctrine different in spirit and in essence from the church and doctrine of the Reformers, and an improvement on them. They advocated, and practically adopted the revival system of the Methodists, laid little or no stress on the
:
50
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
sacraments as means of grace, and either openly op- posed or else quietly neglected the instruction and catechization of the young previous to confirmation. They connected at first with the Synod of Ohio, but soon it became apparent that between them and the class of men represented by Rev Andrew Henkel there could be no harmonious co-operation within the same body. Conflicts arose and disputes sprang up, which caused bitterness of feeling and total. alienation, and resulted in the organization of new synods. Thus the lines were sharply drawn between the new and the old measure parties. But with this the controversy and trouble did not stop, but only grew in warmth and in bitterness. The new-measure men were unsparing in their denunciations of the old-measure men, and felt the stronger because: encouraged and urged on by other denominations, and by a general tendency of the Lutheran Church
in the same direction. It was a dark and sorrowful
time to the few faithful ones. They, of course, did all in their power to stem the current that seemed to carry the church down to the gulf of destruction. Hence from pulpit and in papers was heard the cry of war, and the contest raged fiercely. Congrega- tions became divided, and pastoral charges were rent in sunder. With controversy and aggressive interfer ence in congregation and charge came the exhibition of carnal passion. There were acrimonious disputes, criminations and recriminations, personal character and reputation were assailed and defamed, and
51
IN GERMANTOWN.
among the laity, always less restrained than the clergy, it often came to blows and other acts of violence.
Pastor Henkel, being one of the firmest, ablest, and most outspoken men on the side of old measures, came in for a full share of the anathemas of the other party. At him more than at any one else were aimed their attacks. Around his head the storm raged most fiercely. But he stood as firm and immovable as a rock amidst storm and waves, and never for one moment wavered in his position, or doubted the final triumph of his cause. He not only encouraged his associates to fidelity and firmness, but freely responded to the calls of the people who, from every direction, came and applied to him to come to their assistance and defend them against their enemies. In the con- flict, thus inaugurated, he wielded a vast influence, and achieved great things for the church. There is a great debt owing by the Lutheran Church to this stout-hearted, brave, and fearless man.
The men of the new theology and new measures had, in many instances, more zeal than discretion. They foolishly thought it to be their duty, to go among Mr. Henkel's parishioners, and in their presence charge him with heresy, and thus stir up revolt and rebellion against him at home. Several of them, to carry out this purpose, visited Germantown and challenged.him to public debate. The first, who thus made his appearance, was the Rev. Zerfass, a man who was as ignorant as he was presumptuous
52
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
and conceited. He came to Germantown during the year 1840. Mr. Henkel and his congregation threw wide open the doors of their church to this champion of a new Lutheranism. His declared object was to prove that Mr. Henkel was no Lutheran. He en. tered the church in a very pompous manner, bringing with him a large chest, which was carried in by two men, and which he caused to be believed was full of; books and authorities, by the aid of which he would carry his point and annihilate Mr. Henkel, but which turned out to be as empty as his own head. A large concourse of people had collected to listen to the debate. Zerfass opened the discussion, and Henkel followed in reply. The contest proved itself a very unequal one. Zerfass was weak in argument, con- fused in his ideas, and hesitating in speech. Henkel, on the other hand, on this as all similar occasions, was calm and self-possessed, and perfect master of himself. He was thoroughly conversant with the doctrines and history of his church, and always ready. to express himself in the happiest manner. This time he proved himself fully master of the situation. In a speech of some length he so completely used up his opponent that the latter abandoned the contest at once and left the town as speedily as he was able to get away from it. And the sentiment of the entire community at the time was "served him right."
The chief and most active of the new measure men of that day were Abraham Reck and Solomon
53
IN GERMANTOWN.
Ritz. They were the apostles of the new gospel, a sort of ecclesiastical freebooters, entering uninvited and uncalled peaceable charges and congregations, creating schisms and strife, and carrying on their work with a high hand. As Henkel was a strong man on the one side, and Reck on the other, it was proposed to have the two meet, but Reck could never muster sufficient courage to challenge Henkel to public debate. But when, in the year 1844, Mr. Henkel removed from Germantown to Goshen, Indiana, where he remained two and a half years, Mr. Reck quickly took advantage of the former's absence, and the vancancy of the charge, and came to Germantown, bringing with him several families which were to form the nucleus of a new-measure Lutheran congregation, and were finally to assimilate to themselves all the Lutherans in the town and its vicinity. It was a cunningly devised scheme, and circumstances seemed to favor its success. The people were as sheep without a shepherd. Their pastor had left them, and they knew not whether he would ever return again, or where to look for another man to take his place. Reck was a good preacher, and a zealous and persevering man, and made friends and followers wherever he went. Anywhere else almost his plan would have succeeded; but in Ger - mantown his mission proved a complete failure. New measurism was to the people here nothing but Methodism introduced into the Lutheran Church, and with that they were too familiar to receive it
54
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
as anything different from what it was. But above all it was owing to Mr. Henkel's instructions and influence that Mr. Reck, notwithstanding that he made the most strenuous efforts, during a period of three years did not even make one disciple from the Lutheran Church of this place. The people were too well-rooted and grounded in the doctrines and usages of their church, to follow Reck or any one of his party. Hence, when Mr. Henkel returned from Goshen, which was in the year 1847, Mr. Reck abandoned the field in despair, and went away.
Mr. Henkel resided a year or two in Lewisburg, whilst he was pastor in Germantown. Here he was drawn into a public discussion with the Rev. W. C. Barnett, another champion of new measures. This debate lasted three days, and attracted an immense concourse of people. The whole doctrinal contro- versy, which has grown out of the subject of the so-called new measures in the Lutheran Church, and that has ever since been agitating her, and is not fully'? settled yet, was gone over by these two men on this occasion. And it is remarkable how clear, correct, and far-reaching were the views of Pastor Henkel, set forth by him on this occasion. This debate took place in 1849. The two men were pretty evenly matched, and both claimed the victory over the other. The substance of this debate is given in the Lutheran Standard, to which the interested reader is referred. . Rev. Henkel was a party to many other contro- versies and discussions beside those mentioned above,
.
55
IN GERMANTOWN.
but as they related to the same or kindred subjects as these, it is deemed unnecessary to make any extended allusions to them. But there is one more subject of this kind which demands mention, and this is the secret society controversy. This arose within the Joint Synod of Ohio, of which Rev. Henkel was a member. It was in the year 1852 when this matter was made a subject of deliberation and action. The synod passed a series of resolutions relative to secret and other unchurchly societies, to one of which Mr. Henkel took exception. This became the occasion of a prolonged and bitter contest. Year after year, the matter was discussed at the meetings of the synod, resolutions were passed, reports adopted, complaints made, charges and countercharges preferred, investigations had, cen- sures expressed, etc. Mr. Henkel wrote, published, and circulated, three different controversial tracts, in which he defends his position as a member of two secret orders, those of Free . Masonry and Odd Fellowship. This controversy occasioned Mr. Henkel a vast amount of trouble and vexation, and alienated from him some of his warmest and life-long friends. It began during the latter part of his life, and continued to the hour of his death, and proved a bitter drop in the cup of his declining days. But ! as the writer has in course of preparation a treatise, in which he expects to present and extended account: of the entire secret society agitation in the Lutheran i Church, and which he intends, at no distant day,
56
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
to give to the public, he here drops this matter without any further allusion to it.
We will now present some particular phases of 1 Rev. Henkel's life and character.
As a preacher he was more instructive than elos quent. His sermons were faithful delineations of scriptural truth. They were addressed to the intels lect and the heart alike. He never aimed at undue excitement of feeling, which is transitory and evans escent in its effects. His was the calm, argumenta? tive, and closely syllogistic mode of preaching. His. sermons were systematic, presenting his thoughts ins logical succession, and were faithfully textual.
His ideas were clothed in language which was dignified and elevated, and yet so plain and simple that his- discourses were adapted to the humblest as well as the strongest intellect. His instructions did not only produce deep and firm conviction, but they also had this peculiar excellence - that they were easily remembered. He generally spoke without manu- script or notes, and was never in want of ideas or words to express them in. In the pulpit he was perfectly self-possessed, and always serious and earnest. He was always ready. On one occasion a conference of ministers convened in his own church. The speaker for the occasion did not make his appearance, and none of the rest present were willing to take his place. Henkel ascended the pulpit, and, without previous preparation or time for reflection, preached a sermon that elicited the admi-
57
IN GERMANTOWN.
ration of all present. He shunned all attempts at show, seemed entirely to forget self whilst speaking, and aimed only at instructing the mind and edifying the heart. Whatever else may be said of Mr. Henkel as a man-and there are those who would disparage his character-as a preacher he proved himself one of the most efficient and useful men of his day. His pulpit labors and influence are still felt. Those to whom he ministered in his youth and later years are distinguished for their intelligent apprehension of doctrine, and their warm attach- ment to their church and its usages. Some may call them Henkelites, but they are Lutherans, " dyed in the wool."
As a writer and an author Rev. Henkel does not occupy a first place. But his talents in this depart- ment are respectable. Among his literary productions may be mentioned his three controversial tracts treating of secret orders. Viewing them simply in their literary aspect, we find their subject matter logically arranged, and systematically treated. The arguments in favor of the position therein assumed, are as strong and as clearly stated as the subject admits of, and the language employed is dignified and expressive. These tracts exhibit a well disciplined mind and vigorous thinker on the part of their author.
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.