USA > Ohio > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other states from the earliest beginnings to 1919 > Part 15
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
gifts came from friends far and near so that on dedication day July 12, 1903, the institution costing about $30,000 could be dedicated practically free of debt.
The building was arranged so that children as well as the aged could be cared for. This arrangement continued until 1908 when an additional building which was to serve as a children's home was erected at a cost of $23,000. A generous response made it possible to dedicate this building also practically free of debt. With the original buildings and the improvements added since their construction the Homes at Mars present an inviting appearance.
Up until 1914 the house management of the Homes was in the hands of the sisters from the Mary J. Drexel Deaconess Home of Philadelphia. They rendered good and economical service but being unable to keep up the supply of service the sisters were withdrawn; but as com- petent and willing matrons have been secured the work is not hindered.
Aside from the laymen of Pittsburgh who gave so generously none deserve more credit for the establishment of these institutions than Pastor H. J. Schuh. He gave unstintingly of his time and strength and valuable counsel in promoting their welfare. He served as Pres. of the Board until 1913 when he left Pittsburgh for Anna, O. His successor was Pastor C. V. Sheatsley who served until he left Pittsburgh in 1917. Pastor G. D. Simen was then elected to serve on the Board in this capacity. Rev. E. G. Spoehr has served for a numebr of years as Superintendent and Pastor of the Homes. His services are much appreciated by both friends and inmates. Pastor Dittmer the secretary and Bro. C. E. Cronenwett the treasurer have also rendered long and valuable service to the Homes. We have not the room here to mention all the earnest workers of our Homes, though most of them are known to the
MISSIONS AND MERCY.
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ST. JOHN'S HOMES, MARS, PA.
240 HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
writer and he has learned to appreciate their services for the aged and the helpless children. May the Lord bless their untiring efforts.
At present there are 37 aged and 46 children besides the help at the Homes. Let us ever remember these our wards.
Old Folks' Home and Hospital, Springfield, Minn.
Perhaps the best history we can give of this, one of our newest institutions, is a part of the first report of its Board of directors to Joint Synod in 1918:
In submitting to Joint Synod our first report we are conscious of the debt of gratitude we owe the Lord for the blessings He has bestowed on this our youngest institution. He has in His mercy provided for the necessaries of life and supplied the wants of our immortal souls. Our inmates will gladly testify that the Home is indeed what they had longed for-a Christian home, and the patients appreciate the good services of the hospital department.
The institution property was legally deeded to Joint Synod by the St. John's Hospital Association at a special meeting on April 17, 1917, after which the said association dissolved. The board of directors appointed by Synod at once assumed charge, holding its first meeting on the same date. Rev. W. v. Fischer is president and pastor of the institution and under his able direction it has progressed very satisfactorily. Rev. W. Langholz, having accepted a call to Menno, S. D., resigned as a member of the board, and the board appointed Rev. P. J. Haupt to fill the vacancy, which appointment was approved by the president of Joint Synod.
The Old Folks' Home now has 13 inmates, four men and nine women. One inmate died last winter. The board has re- ceived many inquiries and applications for admission, all of which were duly considered according to the rules laid down by. Synod. These many inquiries show clearly that an institution of this kind is a necessity in our territory. The inmates enjoyed good health, and their conduct has been above reproach in nearly every case.
The earnings of the Hospital Department were added to our apportionment and were a great help in paying household expenses
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and improvements. 148 patients received treatment in this depart- ment, and 62 operations were performed, which were successful in most cases.
Our aim not to overdraw our quota has been attained with the Lord's help. But with prices for all commodities, especially victuals, still soaring higher, we beg to ask Synod for a raise of $500 per annum. We also ask for permission to solicit special donations for the payment of our debt, whenever there is an oppor- tunity.
We recommend that the constitution of the home at Mars, Pa., be adopted for our home, and that the following changes there- to be made :
Art I, pertaining to Name. We beg to remark that in view of the fact that this institution has been known for years in these portions by the name of "St. John's," we would ask for permission to retain this name. If a change must be made, we would suggest "Bethesda Old Folks' Home and Hospital."
Art. II, pertaining to Object. We recommend adding the fol- lowing: "and to provide in its hospital department, on a small scale, for general hospital care of our patients.
PAUL SCHORMANN, Sec. of Board.
Grace Lutheran Sanatorium, San Antonio, Texas.
A GIFT TO JOINT SYNOD ON ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY.
Complying with Synod's resolution of four years ago, we present 1, a constitution for the institution and 2, the deed to Grace Lutheran Sanatorium, the property being free and clear of all indebtedness. We pray that this institution of Christian mercy, devoted to the cause of tubercular patients, may find a place in the hearts of all our people; that in the hands of our dear synod it may be an instrument for much good in generations to come, and that its work may redound to the glory of God our Savior.
LORENTS HANSEN, President, HERMAN H. OCHS, Secretary, PAUL F. HEIN, Superintendent, NIC. PETERS, AD. RICHTER.
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242 HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
I
Nº 1%
1
ZION'S CHURCH, SANDUSKY, OHIO.
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MISSIONS AND MERCY.
WORK OF THE SANATORIUM JULY 1, 1916-JULY 1, 1918. Our Patient's.
Patients in Institution July 1, 1916. 17
Patients admitted - Men 128 . ..
Women 109 237
Total patients 254
THEIR RELIGIOUS CREEDS.
Lutheran, 44; Methodist, 40; Roman Catholic, 37; Baptist, 28; Presbyterian, 12; Episcopal, 11; Jewish, 10; Christian, 9; Evang. Protestant, 5; Christian Science, 3; Greek Catholic, 2; Universalist, 1; Congregationalist, 1; None, 51.
RESULT OF TREATMENT.
Eighty-two patients were transient (in institution less than one month), 56 left greatly improved, 49 improved, 29 unimproved, 18 died, and 20 are in sanatorium July 1, 1918.
THE CHARITY WORK.
The charity work of these two years totals $7,989.25. Of this amount the institution furnished $1,246.00, and $6,743.25 came from donations and the sale of Christmas seals.
INDEBTEDNESS.
The indebtedness has been reduced to $598.59, and we have reason to expect that it will be entirely paid by the time Joint Synod convenes. To the Sanatorium Debt Committee appointed by the Women's Missionary Conference of the Columbus District we express our appreciation for their valuable assistance.
CHAPTER IX.
BRANCHING OUT.
Concordia District.
At times the question is raised: "How did the Joint Synod get down into the Virginias and North Carolina?" We might answer, "One of the leading spirits in the early days of our Synod came up from that direction-Rev. Paul Henkel from New Market, Va." For many years an influence from out the old Tennessee Synod came up from the Southland like the warm breezes in the springtime and fanned into a livelier faith and stauncher growth the wavering spirits in the Ohio Synod. There was a time when Tennessee led the van in conservative Lutheranism. When in later years Ohio became a leader of the conserv- ative forces it is not surprising that a spirit of fellowship should exist between these two bodies though in some quarters there had crept in considerable laxity.
In 1876 it was the Concordia Synod of Viginia that made the following entry on its minutes: "Inasmuch as members of the English District of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio, have at different times expressed the desire that a closer union than has hitherto existed between them and us might be brought about, and this has at one time been proposed to be done by uniting our Synod with said English District, but which we for various reasons cannot approve; but it has also been proposed that our Synod become a District of said Joint Synod, we, after considering the advantages which would result to us and our congregations, do hereby and immediately after the
(244)
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close of this Synod, lay this matter before our congregations for their approval or disapproval."
The vote taken was unanimously in favor of a union with the Joint Synod. This union was formally declared at the meeting in 1877, the Joint Synod in the meanwhile having received the Concordia Synod as a District of the Joint Synod. Five pastors composed the newly formed District : Revs. H. Wetzel, G. Schmucker, P. S. Swinehart, Wm. M. Sibert and A. A. Hahn. These men brought with them 17 established congregations and 9 mission stations. The new District at its first meeting received also Rev. E. L. S. Tressel and Rev. A. Pflueger who came with dismis- sals from the English District. Rev. E. G. Tressel and his newly organized mission in Washington, D. C., were also received. Thus the fifth district to enter the sister- hood of the Joint Synod came with considerable initial strength. She had a capable and energetic ministry, and a staunch and loyal people.
The District has not had a large and rapid growth. She has been confronted with many difficulties; she has had many disappointments but she has also had faith in her Lord and her destiny. She still presses onward.
The English District.
When in 1857 a new English District had been organized for the third time within the bounds of the Joint Synod it was hoped that peace would finally prevail. But this hope was not to be realized. It was the old difficulty over again of the district taking the attitude of the Southern State over against the Union. She wanted to be free to come and go.
Added to this idea was an unfortunate case between the English and the Western Districts. This is hardly the place for it, besides, we have no desire to discuss this
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
acrimonious case. But that the reader may not be left entirely in the dark we give a brief statement of the case as given in Pres. M. R. Walter's Historical sketch: "One member of the English District, a Free Mason, who had come from the Western District, was charged by a member of the Western District as being guilty of secretly distrib- uting in his parish tracts which were derogatory to the interests and position of Joint Synod, although the tracts had been written, published and distributed before the formation of the English District, and while the author was still a member of the Western District. The Western District raised no objection to the pastor coming into the English District at its organization as should have been done, for the offense was grave enough to have taken him under discipline. Neither did the English District do right in not sifting the matter and applying discipline. This case engendered much feeling between the Joint Synod as such and the English District. The majority of the District was then led by men who were not in full sympathy with the doctrinal and practical position of the Joint Synod. The situation became more and more strained, and acrimony was too often substituted for Christian love and fortitude. Neither was this uncharitable feeling all on the side of the English District. Too often those of other districts, in their zeal to compel the English District to do what they thought right and just, would by their actions, even as districts, transgress the law of brotherly love by sitting in judgment upon the motives of members of the English District."
This unsatisfactory, and sometimes disheartening situation continued until 1869 when those of the District loyal to the Joint Synod withdrew and organized our present English District. Apart from everything else the very fact
PROF. GEO. H. SCHODDE, PH. D., D. D.
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
that the old English District had joined the General Council, which the Joint Synod could not do for confessional rea- sons, and still insisted on remaining in the Joint Synod created an impossible condition. This should have been clear to all. It were as though the United States could not see her way clear to enter into a formal alliance with Great Britain, but one of the States, let us say, Maine, coolly enters into an alliance with Britain and at the same time insists on remaining in good standing in the United States. Maine would be considered as having overstepped her bounds. And this is just what the old English District did, only in an ecclesiastical way. Her idea of District rights was entirely foreign to the remainder of Joint Synod, and so the final rupture does not surprise us.
The convention at which the rupture took place was held in Lima, Ohio, August, 1869. After several stormy scenes those loyal to Joint Synod withdrew from the meeting and assembling in the Allen County court house organized anew The English District of the Joint Synod. Relative to the rupture Joint Synod published, among others, the following resolution :
WHEREAS, A portion of the English District has persisted in the arbitrary and hostile course complained of, on which account those who are in harmony with the Joint Synod did, in August last, carry out her advice, notice is hereby given that Pastors Albrecht, Bartholomew, Bowman, Busby, Bruegel, Corbet, J. Cramer, A. Henkel, Herring, Hursh, Mechling, Rothacker, Stirewalt, Umbaugh, Wagenhals, J. Weber and Worley, are no longer mem- bers of the Joint Synod of Ohio, being in connection with the General Council, and that the English District of said Joint Synod of Ohio is composed of Pastors Baughman, Beck, Becker, Birch, E. Cronenwett, Fink, Hoffman, Hockman, Humberger, Isensee, Loy, Poorman, Schroyer, E. Smith, Schmogrow, E. L. S. Tressel, G. Weber and Yung. This notice we are constrained to give to the congregations on account of various schismatic efforts made by one
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of the seceders to introduce disturbances into some of the churches by representing that their pastors do not belong to the old Synod.
M. Lov, Pres. of Joint Synod, WM. F. LEHMANN, Vice Pres.," G. F. H. MEISER, Rec. Sec., E. SCHMID, Cor. Sec., R. GUTHKE, Treas.
The majority continued as the English District Synod of Ohio and continued to stand in connection with the General Council. The faithful minority at Lima, though few in numbers, set out bravely to do its work as an integral part of Joint Synod. For nearly fifty years this body has been a force in practically every line of work carried on by Synod. In many respects this District has been a pioneer and a leader. She has always been active in promoting the publication of Lutheran literature in English. At times she has financed such work. The Church Hymnal with Music is notable among her efforts.
The Association for the Distribution of Missionary Literature was founded by members of the English District at the synodical convention held in West Alexandria, O., October, 1895. The project was inaugurated by Prof. E. Pfeiffer, D. D. This unassuming association has done a great good by urging and assisting in the dissemination of missionary literature. In fact, the increased interest in missions among us is in no slight degree due to the efforts of this society. The mission conferences of pastors and laymen, now so popular in many sections of Synod, had their inception in the efforts of this association. May the fire spread and the zeal intensify until all hearts are aglow and all hands are active in the missionary enterprise.
It was at Prospect, O., in 1873 that the English District established the Church Building Board now known as the
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
Church Building Fund. This is the Fund into which the Jubilee offering of nearly $300,000.00 is being paid. Eighteen years after the establishment of this Fund the English District transferred the same to the Joint Synod with about ten thousand dollars in good securities.
The Southern District.
Though this District has long since been merged with the Western District yet it existed as a separate district from 1839 until 1881. At its organization it was composed of eight pastors and their parishes, four of the pastors coming from the disbanded Indianapolis Synod and four of them from our Western District. The Southern District continued to hold regular meetings until it was merged with the Western District. We would characterize this small body as a faithful band, in spite of many difficulties and discouragements.
A Remarkable Meeting.
The convention of the Joint Synod held in Columbus in 1890 seemed to be one of those meetings where the watchword was, Forward! The tension was high and there was a determination to do things. It was the first time the writer ever saw Joint Synod in action. Perhaps at this point the kind reader will pardon a personal reminis- cence. The great assemblage made a profound impression on the young man of seventeen years just about to enter Capital University. The long coats, the silk tiles and the magnificent beards all helped to impress upon the plastic mind of the boy that he had a long way to go until he should find a place in such a high council. When the young man entered Trinity church where the Synod was in session he soon spied his pastor and his uncle seated near each
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other. Between them he thought would be a good, safe place to lodge for a while and watch the proceedings.
He does not recall just what matter was before Synod but H. J. Schuh had the floor, and good Brother H. J. was then in his prime. He was certainly making things plain. I presumed that he was settling the matter in question for all time. I thought there could be no reply. But I noticed a man of strong build also anxious to get the floor. As soon as Schuh had finished this father arose. At once there was an outburst, an explosion and Schuh's arguments were seemingly scattered to the winds. I thought Synod was breaking up, but all around me the pastors and delegates were smiling so my fears were somewhat allayed. I edged over to my pastor, G. M. Schmucker, and asked who the vehement gentleman was? He replied, "That is Rev. Benzin from the Northern District." I afterwards learned to love and appreciate both of these earnest contenders, and I am thankful for the forensic exhibition they gave on my first visit to Joint Synod. I went out to Capital University with the conviction that if I could ever debate like either of those men my education would be complete.
Many important measures were taken at that conven- tion. Dr. Loy was made Dean of the Faculty at Capital University and Prof.C.H.L. Schuette was elected President. The erection of a recitation hall for $15,000.00 was ordered and before Synod adjourned subscriptions, totalling $10,- 000,00, were secured. The Seminary at Woodville was per- mitted to add a wing to its building for $6,000.00. The Book Concern might spend up to $30,000.00 for building and machinery. Five new districts should be formed on the territory of Joint Synod -the Pacific, afterwards changed to Washington-Oregon, the Minnesota, the Wisconsin, the Nebraska, now known as the Kansas-Nebraska, and the Texas. This apportionment and organization of territory
252 HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
has given us a great mission field and has enlisted the best efforts of both laymen and pastors. But as we enter our second century we have but made a beginning in the great fields. Thousands, yes, tens of thousands, are still to be won in these fields for Christ and His Church.
Northwestern District (No. II).
Already in 1882 the "Evangelical Lutheran Confer- ence," in its second convention in Mt. Olive, Ill., resolved to petition the Joint Synod to accept the Conference as the Northwestern District of the Joint Synod of Ohio. (This is the second Northwestern District formed within the bounds of the Joint Synod. The first one was created in 1851 and later became the Northern District. That the reader may not be confused we designate the second North- western as No. II). This Conference at the time of its application for admission into the sisterhood of districts in the Joint Synod was composed of fifteen pastors, three parish school teachers and three lay delegates. Most of these men came from the Missouri Synod; leaving that body because of its strange doctrine of election. They found themselves in accord with the position of the Joint Synod and therefore asked to be received.
The following named brethren composed the Confer- ence at the time: The Revs. H. A. Allwardt, H. Fischer, P. H. Holtermann, H. Ernst, H. Eisenbach, R. Knoll, G. Mochel, J. H. Doermann, A. H. Wetzel, H. P. Duborg, C. F. Seitz, J. H. Himmler, J. M. Johannes, H. K. G. Doermann, F. A. Patzer and the teachers, F. Geszner, H. Bammann and J. H. Meyer. Rev. J. H. Doermann was the president and Rev. G. Mochel the secretary.
The petition of this earnest and energetic body was favorably acted upon by the Joint Synod, convening in Pittsburgh (Allegheny) in 1882. Already in May, 1883,
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we find the new Northwestern District convening in York- ville, Ill. The number of pastors had in one year increased from fifteen to twenty-six. Dr. H. A. Allwardt had been elected president and Rev. H. K. G. Doermann, secretary.
Extensive theses on "The Means of Grace", presented by President Allwardt, were thoroughly discussed. As we now look over these discussions we are impressed with the Christian scholarship of our brethren from the "North- west". To this day some of these men are to be found in our front ranks as valiant defenders of the faith.
During the eighties this District experienced a remark- able growth. In 1890 the clerical list showed eighty-nine pastors and twenty teachers.
Territorially the District also covered a vast domain. The pastors came from the following states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Dakota, Mis- souri, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Alabama and Texas. No wonder the Joint Synod found room in 1890 to erect five districts on this territory.
The Northwestern's last fight was for her parish schools in the states of Wisconsin and Illinois. Laws had been passed in these states practically prohibiting parish schools. Against such measures, contrary to American liberties, the District strongly protested and demanded a repeal. We are impressed both with the loyal attitude the brethren manifested towards the state as well as with their insistence upon their religious liberties. The following are a few of their formal resolutions: "We as Lutherans are in no way opposed to the public schools of our land. On the other hand we regard them as necessary, and willingly pay our taxes that they may be maintained. We further acknowledge that the English language is and should re- main the official language of the land and that all of our children should be taught to speak it. But since the public
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HISTORY OF THE EV. LUTH. JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO.
schools do not and cannot teach religion we regard it as our duty to provide for the Christian training of our chil- dren in such schools as we may be able to establish. We therefore protest, on the basis of our National Constitu- tion, that we be not deprived of these our just and guaran- teed rights."
The justice of the contention of our brethren in the West has long since been vindicated by the ablest statesmen and jurists of our land.
As previously stated five new districts were carved out of the territory covered by the Northwestern. This was done by the Joint Synod in 1890. From that time the Northwestern District ceased to be and the newly formed districts claim our attention. No doubt there would be considerable local interest in following these new and vigorous districts down to the present time. But they have been so conservative and well-behaved, and have worked along so consistently, that a special consideration of each district would have a certain sameness, that in a popular history might become tedious reading. However the ef- forts coming out of these districts, as well as out of the other districts of the Synod, that have helped to make Joint Synod history have been noted in their proper places, else- where in this book.
But at this point the districts formed in 1890 shall at least receive honorable mention as has also been done for the other districts.
Wisconsin District.
This District held its first meeting at Green Bay, Wis., in July, 1891. Forty-five pastors and nineteen teachers to- gether with a number of lay delegates constituted the Dis- trict at that time. Dr. H. A. Allwardt was the first presi- dent and Rev. C. C. Hein the first secretary. At the present
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