USA > Ohio > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other states from the earliest beginnings to 1919 > Part 12
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We are sure the rising generation in our own Synod as well as in the present Synodical Conference is preparing for an era of good feeling and peaceful conquest on the basis of Everlasting Truth.
We cannot refrain from adding the appropriate stanzas attached to the minutes of the memorable Wheeling convention by the secretary, Brother A. Pflueger :
"Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy power display, Establish o'er the world Thy sway; Defend Thy church, who to Thy praise Shall high the song of triumph raise.
O Holy Ghost, descend, we pray, Thy sanctifying power display,
Thy church console, our hearts unite, And guide us to the realms of light. Amen."
CHAPTER VII.
EDUCATIONAL' EXTENSION.
Capital University Since 1876.
In June of '76 the buildings erected on East Main St., now in the beautiful suburb of Bexley, were dedicated as Capital University and for the purpose of continuing the educational work carried on at the Goodale park location.
L
BE
RUDOLPH MEMORIAL LIBRARY, CAPITAL UNIVERSITY.
While the new buildings had been erected in a corn field far from all city conveniences yet the site was well chosen and offered exceptional advantages in landscape garden- ing. Dr. Theo. Mees, then Principal of the Preparatory department, saw the possibilities of a beautiful campus in the open field and with the aid of the students laid out the grounds, planted the trees and shrubbery, in short, laid
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
the foundation of our present well arranged campus. In later years no little credit is due Prof. Leonard, deceased, for the trim condition of our present park. In 1887 the Alumni Association of the University purchased what is now the entire east side of the campus and donated the same to the institution so that the grounds now cover ap- proximately eighteen acres.
Already in 1872 Rev. C. H. L. Schuette had been called as Professor of Mathematics. In 1880 President Lehmann was called to his eternal rest and Prof. M. Loy was made his successor.
In 1881 both Prof. F. W. Stellhorn and Dr. G. H. Schodde were called. Dr. Stellhorn now the honored Dean of the Seminary has given an unbroken line of service from the day of his entrance to this very hour. His scholarship and untiring industry have helped to give our college and seminary courses much of the strength and prestige they now enjoy.
Dr. Schodde who only last year at the beginning of the first semester was called by death rendered good ser- vice to the institution, especially along philological lines both in the classics and in biblical interpretation. He was widely known in educational and ecclesiastical circles.
In 1883 Prof. Geo. K. Leonard began his work at our school. He too rendered noble service in his department. Both during his life time and now in his death his name is held in grateful remembrance by the hundreds of "boys" who passed under his tuition.
About 1885 Rev. A. Pflueger of Thornville, O., was called to the office of House-father as well as to a Profess -. orship in the college. In 1888 Prof. Mees accepted the Directorship of Woodville Seminary and Rev. K. Hem- minghaus was chosen to succeed him.
During the years 1880-90 the number of students
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EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION. .
gradually increased until finally the Dormitory could no longer house them all. The Dormitory was arranged for 96 students and now there were 135. Something had to be done and without delay. Some advocated moving the Preparatory Department to Woodville and thus making more room in Columbus. The majority, however, were in favor of erecting a third building to meet the need. After a lengthy dscussion Synod decided, 1890, to erect the much- needed building. This structure was to serve as recitation hall, library, chapel, etc. At once efforts were made to collect funds by subscription and with such splendid suc- cess that already before Synod adjourned two-thirds of the necessary amount had been subscribed. The building was at once begun and in a short time our present recitation hall graced our campus.
A Decade of Dearth (1890-1900).
During the years 1891-1900 there was a gradual de- crease again in the number of students, especially in the College and Preparatory Departments. The number of students in the Seminary remained about the same through- out. In 1891 the entire student body numbered 152. Then there was a gradual falling off until in 1899, when the number enrolled was at its lowest, there being only 88 in all departments.
There were various reasons for this slump. It was again a period of "hard times" in our country, followed by the Spanish-American War. Then, too, somehow or other it was rumored that there was a superfluity of preachers and it would therefore be folly for any young man to study for the ministry.
A change in the beneficiary system and the temporary abolishment of it also aided in the decrease.
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
During these years there were also several improve- ments made. A hot water heating system was installed in the Dormitory, thus putting an end to the dirt and danger of fire resulting from the presence of coal stoves in every room. In the year 1894 it was resolved to combine the housefathership and the pastorate of Christ Church. Prof. A. Pflueger resigned as housefather and Dr. L. H. Schuh assumed the newly created office. In the same year Dr. C. H. L. Schuette was chosen President of Joint Synod. This task demanded all his time and so he was compelled to sever his connections with our school as professor. Dr. F. W. Stellhorn succeeded him to the presidency of the in- stitution. E. L. Brown was called to the chair of Mathe- matics. And to Dr. Geo. H. Schodde were assigned the subjects that Dr. Schuette had been teaching in the Semin- ary. Prof. Brown, however, on account of ill-health, was compelled after only a short time to discontinue his work and Prof. S. A. Singer was chosen as his successor. In 1896 Synod, at the instigation of the Alumni, decided to enlarge the scientific course and to begin the study of Greek in Second Preparatory. This change brought Capital University into conformity with other American colleges.
In 1896 Prof. E. Schmid departed this life after hav- ing served the institution for thirty-six years. We sur- mise that the mother wit and humor of this "grand old man" kept the spirits buoyant around "Cap" when depress- ing and discouraging problems were staring the authorities in the face. We boys also learned something of the psychology of good humor under "Bossy" (Basileus) although he was not scheduled to teach this particular branch. We hold his name in cheerful remembrance.
In 1898 a fourth Professor of Theology was called in the person of Rev. Edward Pfeiffer of Fremont, O., how-
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EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION.
ever, as is usual, Prof. Pfeiffer was also required to teach some college branches.
In 1902 Dr. Loy who had served so long and so well, was made Professor Emeritus because of his failing health.
In 1903, Rev. J. C. Schacht, in connection with the pastorate of Christ Church taught some of the religious branches and Latin until his death in 1906. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. Sheatsley who, in the same capacity, taught some of the religious branches for a time.
A Period of Progressive Development.
"The year 1906 also witnessed the diamond jubilee celebration of our Seminary. This should have been held in 1905 but since Joint Synod was to meet in Columbus the following year it was postponed and held in connection with this meeting. The interests in the celebration were not only to recall past successes but to awaken greater interest in our Seminary with a special effort to raise money for a better and bigger Seminary library. That this attempt has not remained fruitless we see from the fact that since then a goodly number of volumes has been placed in our library and that we have the new Rudolf Memorial Library erected in the grove just east of the baseball diamond.
Many changes have taken place in the personnel of our Faculty during the last fifteen years. In the fall of 1906 Synod resolved to reopen the Woodville Normal and called Prof. Hemminghaus to assume the Directorship. Rev. R. V. Schmitt was called to succeed him. In the year 1908 Rev. Tressel, our instructor in oratory, died, and the services of Prof. F. S. Fox, President of the Capitol School of Oratory of this city, were secured. Prof. A. Pflueger, Professor of English and Literature, resigned in the spring of 1909, and Dr. C. Ackermann, at that time
190 HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
PRESIDENT OTTO MEES, CAPITAL UNIVERSITY,
EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION.
President of the Pacific Seminary, Olympia, Wash., was called to take his place. During the winter of 1911 it be- came evident that Dr. Stellhorn, on account of ill-health, would have to be relieved of some of his work. In view of this fact the Board decided to relieve him of all his classes in the College and to limit his work to three classes a day in the Seminary. Rev. P. Mackensen of Wheeling, W. Va., was called to the chair of German and History. He took up his work immediately after Easter of the same year. In June of the same year, Rev. R. C. H. Lenski, of Anna, Ohio, was called as Professor of Dogmatics and Homiletics, and as Professor of Languages in the Academy. The following year Dr. Schuh resigned the Presidency of Capital University and accepted a call from the congrega- tion at Grove City, Ohio. In appreciation of his services as head of our institution, a fitting farewell was tendered him on commencement day and a beautiful silver loving cup presented to him by the student body. An extended discussion as to the advisability of separating the offices of the Presidency and Housefathership, with the view of thus giving the occupant of the former more ample opportunity to canvass Synod for new students, caused these two offices to be vacant for some time.
Finally in the fall of 1912, Rev. O. Mees, of Corao- polis, Pa., was called to assume this twofold office. Pre- sident Mees, however did not take up his work until after Christmas; in the meantime, Prof. Lenski served as acting President and Prof. Schmitt as housefather. In June, 1912, Prof. Mackensen secured a leave of absence from the Board in order that he might still further prepare him- self at the University of Michigan. Rev. C. B. Gohdes, of Anna, Ohio, was called to supply Prof. Mackensen's chair until his return. Prof. Mackensen returned but a new chair has been granted our institution and this one
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
is held by Prof. Gohdes, permanently chosen at a recent meeting of the Board to fill this position. The spring of 1913 found Prof. Leonard, the revered Principal of the Preparatory Department, Professor of Natural and Political Sciences, and at the same time the excellent land- scape gardener of our beautiful campus, failing in health. He was given a leave of absence for one year to re- cuperate, and Mr. F. Coble, a graduate of O. S. U., was chosen to take his classes. The following year, how- ever, found Prof. Leonard's health very little improved and as a result, Prof. K. Busch, of Lenoir College, Hickory, S. C., was called as Professor of Natural and Political Science. The Board made Prof. Leonard, Professor Emeritus.
During this time, old buildings were repaired and enlarged and new ones added.
In 1906 the Gymnasium-Auditorium was erected. In 1910 the Dormitory was stuccoed. In 1911 the Leonard Science Hall was completed. In 1914 the beautiful Ru- dolph Memorial Library was erected, also a heating plant in the year following. A Divinity Hall is in prospect as well as the interior remodeling of the Dormitory.
The recent additions to the faculty are Profs. Wilder- muth, Garber, Schacht, also Rev. C. V. Sheatsley as college pastor and instructor in religious branches. Prof. Gast has just been installed as successor to Dr. Schodde.
Mlle. DeNagy instructs in French and Spanish. . Dr. Lundquist has charge of the new Department of Music. The Academy has just been made co-educational and a limited number of young ladies may be admitted to the college classes, - and thus the work goes on.
A unit of the Students' Army Training Corps has been located here by the Government, of course with the consent of the authorities of the school. Work was begun
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EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION.
by the unit October I, with Lieut. Charles Blacklock as commanding officer, and Lieut. Paul Schacht as personnel adjutant.
Mr. W. O. Doescher holder of Capital's first fellow- ship is instructor of the classes formerly taught by Prot. Schacht, now in the army service.
Indeed in these days the things that are Caesar's are in very close proximity to the things that are God's and our service to both has been intensified to a high degree. Since a situation and not a theory confronts us we are striving to do our best hoping the while that the war will soon be over and we can give more time and attention to the peace- ful conquests as carried on by the Christian Church.
Capital has a high mission to fulfill and under the fos- tering care of the Church and the able leadership which she enjoys old Alma Mater will attain her purpose. In 1917-18 there was a total enrollment in all departments of 248. This was the highest attendance ever reached at C. U.
Prof. W. F. Lehmann.
At this point we pause to take a brief retrospect of one whose life and work will forever be intertwined with the history of the Joint Synod. His name is familiar to all of us-W. F. Lehmann.
Some men are most appreciated during their lifetime, others at their obsequies, while others grow in estimation and appreciation after their work is done and their bodies have mouldered to dust. It seems to us that Prof. Lehmann belongs to this latter class. In his lifetime he was so busy, so plain and modest, so child-like in faith and trust in God that those about him were not especially impressed by the greatness of his character. He was unassuming in his
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
manner though jovial in the company of friends, not pro- foundly learned but practical in his wisdom, of simple faith yet staunch and firm; of untiring industry yet always at leisure to those whom he might counsel or befriend; a man much needed and much used but not regarded as great, especially not as the world counts greatness.
He has not left us a great legacy of printed pages nor a treasure of brilliant sermons and addresses. He could not find time amid the many cares and official duties con- stantly demanding his time and attention. But Lehmann's influence still lives in the Synod which he so faithfully served and his memory is deeply enshrined in the hearts of those who come under his influence.
Here is a tribute from one of his pupils, himself a man not much given to fulsome praise but who has a fine word of appreciation for his old teacher :
"He was a man gifted with the most enviable natural endowments I have had the pleasure or honor ever to meet. So well read was he in almost every branch of learning, that his students loved to speak of him as the Walking Encyclopedia. And withal of such a fine and winning character was he that he endeared to himself the hearts of all his students. Accessible to all at all times, he would make the case of every one his own : gently cor- recting the wrongdoer, helping the needy, comforting the distressed, encouraging the disheartened, enlightening the perplexed. If in the course of any hearing, a difference of opinion would arise between his visitor and himself, he would patiently reason with him and use his best endeavors always with a smile upon his lips, to win him over to his own way of thinking. Only when self-conceit and ob- duracy became plainly evident, would he ask to be excused from further talk. Not only was he found to be of this
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EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION.
admirable disposition when called on in his office or at his home; no, even in class did we find him the same patient master. How well do I- remember an instance when, in years later on, I questioned a certain statement he had made as to its truth; and how, ere we were aware of it, we were in debate. I heated, he cool, calm, pleasant, but persistent. I continued to gainsay till at last I saw the tears in his eyes, when I subsided. Did he resent the af- front? Not a trace of it. He was as pleasant and kind to me as ever before. Yes indeed he was an instructor of youth 'after the heart of God'; and not a student but felt it nor could help giving him honor. How many of us he impressed for good in life, eternity alone can reveal. Though dead he thus continues to live in the hearts of his boys, and by their labors as men, to shed blessings on the lives of others." - C. H. L. Schuette.
The following tribute is from the pen of a colleague and co-laborer, Dr. M. Loy: "Rarely has there a man been found who was more heartily devoted to the work which God had given him to do. He sought no other place than that which had been assigned to him. There was his field of labor, and beyond that his ambition was never known to reach. Discouragements were not wanting. The institutions with which he was connected passed through severe trials. Sometimes there were but few to entertain hopes of their ultimate success and prosperity, and sometimes they were unable to give the laborer the hire of which he was worthy. But his devotion to duty never failed him. In the darkest as well as in the brightest days he was at his post, doing the work which was re- quired at his hands and leaving the result to the dear Lord in whose service he labored. Nothing could tempt him to abandon or become indifferent to the work which
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
he knew to be the Lord's. To this he adhered with a devo- tion which God richly blessed, and for which, while we give God all the glory, we cannot but remember him."
2)
REV. PROF. W. F. LEHMANN.
Prof. W. F. Lehmann was born Oct. 16, 1820, in the kingdom of Wuerttemberg, Germany. At the age of four years he came with his parents to the United States. The
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EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION.
family settled in Philadelphia where William F. received a Christian training in St. Michael's Lutheran Church. In 1835 young Lehmann came to Columbus in a stage coach over the old National Pike. He entered our Seminary under the tutelage of Prof. W. Schmidt. In spite of poverty and the primitive conditions then existing, the young student made commendable progress and was licensed to preach in 1839. He returned to Philadelphia and was sent for a short time to the Seminary at Gettys- burg, however the too liberal atmosphere there did not agree with Lehmann and he returned to Philadelphia and finished his studies under Dr. C. R. Demme.
For seven months he collected contributions for the Columbus Seminary. He then accepted a call to the pas- torate at New Holland, Pa., but not being able to exist on the meager support he came to Ohio again and became pastor of eight congregations in Fairfield County.
In 1842 he took charge of the pastorate in Somerset, O. There he also assisted Rev. C. Spielmann in publish- ing the Lutheran Standard. In 1847 he entered upon the duties of a Theological professorship at the Seminary at Columbus. For 34 years he taught in both Seminary and College. While engaged in this work he also founded Trinity Church which he served for nearly 30 years. In 1859 he was made chief editor of the Kirchenzeitung. When Capital University was removed to its present site he was also instrumental in founding Christ Church near the institution.
For many years he was President of Capital Univer- sity, also President of the Joint Synod and the Western District and of the Synodical Conference. Constantly he served on various boards and important committees. And at last after he had apparently earned a rest in the evening of life a malignant cancer brought great suffering upon
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him. But he kept the faith; he died the death of a hero of the Cross at the age of 60 years, I month and 14 days.
We as a Synod would gratefully inscribe upon our first Century Memorial also the name Lehmann with the added word, Vivit.
MR. F. J. HEER, General Treasurer for 30 Years.
The Lima College Movement.
Though Lima College has ceased to exist neverthe- less the movement looking towards its establishment and to some extent its continuance are matters of synodical history and give evidence of certain aroused purposes in Synod, it is therefore in place here to briefly consider the project.
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EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION.
In 1883 Rev. A. Pflueger addressed a letter to the English District in which he urged the importance of es- tablishing a school especially for our daughters. The Dis- trict placed the matter in the hands of a committee con- sisting of the Revs. A. Pflueger and G. T. Cooperrider and Prof. J. H. Spielman. This committee reported to the English District the next year as follows :
COLUMBUS, O., June 23, 1884.
Your committee appointed last year to report at this meeting in respect to the founding of a Female Seminary, respectfully submits the following :
Inasmuch as schools exclusively for the training of young ladies in the higher branches of learning, the fine arts, etc., are very discouraging enterprises, financially; so much so, indeed, that the admission of both sexes into Normal Schools, Colleges, and even Universities, is now approved by some very conservative educators, notwithstanding their otherwise serious objection to mixed schools, - we deem it best to propose to your honorable body :
1. Resolved, That we favor the founding of a Normal School for both sexes, and that the medium of instruction in such school shall be the English language.
2. Resolved, That we refer the matter to Joint Synod for action at its next meeting.
Respectfully your committee, A. PFLUEGER, G. T. COOPERRIDER.
This report was adopted.
In October of the same year the matter naturally came before Joint Synod. After considerable discussion it was "Resolved, That we favor the founding of a Nor- mal School for both sexes, and that the medium of in- struction be the English language." That more specific action might be had the whole matter was referred back to the English District.
ยท
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
President Pflueger in his report to the English Dis- trict in 1885 discusses the whole matter extensively. The discussion is so timely among us even today that we must quote several paragraphs from his address :
1. In the first place, it is certain that we are in duty bound to see to it that means are furnished by which the daughters of our Church will be enabled to obtain a more thorough education than is afforded by the parochial or the public school. We have made certain provisions for our sons, even for those who do not intend to prepare themselves for the ministry; and is it not fair, yea, is it not our duty, to make similar provision for the education of our daughters? Are our sons dearer to us than our daughters? Surely not. How then can we excuse ourselves, if we do not make earnest efforts to secure a better education for our young ladies than we can at present furnish them? It will not do for us to try to evade the force of this question by saying that we can send our daughters to the high schools established by the State, or to various Normal Schools already existing in our country. It requires no argument from me to show that the education and the atmosphere and the tendencies of those schools are by no means of a Lutheran character, and that they cannot meet the wants of our Church, seeing that they are largely under the influence of sectarianism and rationalism, if not of downright infidelity. But even if those schools were not so objectionable in themselves, we still should not feel satisfied until we have established schools of our own for the education of our youth. It certainly is not worthy of us as a part of the great Church of the Reformation, the Church of Theo- logians and of world-renowned Universities to depend upon the State or the sects for our schools, academies and colleges. We owe it to our ancestors, to ourselves, and to our children, to estab- lish schools for our daughters as well as for our sons; and the sooner we recognize our duty in this respect, the better will it be for all concerned.
2. In the second place, we ought to found a Normal School, in order that we may retain our youth in our Church. Our young men and young women are now, to a large extent, attending the Normal Schools, which the sects or private corporations have established; and it does not require the eye of a prophet to see what the result will probably be. Our young people will in this
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way imbibe the sectarian spirit, and spread the same when they return to their friends at home. By the glamour surrounding them in view of their attendance at such a Normal School, they are all the more able to lead others astray. If, then, we do not want the minds of our youth to be poisoned with the false notions of sec- tarianism, rationalism, or infidelity, we should make provision for
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