USA > Ohio > Stark County > Canton > History of the First Reformed Church, Canton, Ohio > Part 15
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In addition to the college and seminary work already men- tioned, I have pursued special work under the direction of the University of Chicago, in Old Testament prophecy, and for additional work in sociology, economics, and psychology, re- ceived from the Illinois Wesleyan University the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1904, and Master of Arts in 1908.
After these unseemly and egoistical wanderings in my per- sonal experiences, we will now return to the more humble voca- tion of the historian.
The most important events of Rev. Bolliger's pastorate since 1907 can best be presented by grouping them topically.
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The language question loomed up rather threateningly at the beginning. During the three previous pastorates the Eng- lish had been introduced gradually, until towards the end of Rev. Nau's ministry the Sunday School was practically all English with the exception of the pastor's class, and all serv- ices were English except the Sunday morning worship. When the vote was taken by the congregation a few weeks before Rev. Nau left on the question whether an English service should be introduced every two weeks in the morning it was carried by considerably more than a two-third's majority. The consistory decided that the new order should not go into effect until the new pastor should take charge, and that during the vacancy the German morning services should be continued.
When Rev. Bolliger began his work and the English serv- ice actually displaced the German, a very considerable feeling was aroused. Some threatened to boycott the English services entirely, others vowed they would cut down their subscriptions, still others forbade their children to remain for the English sermon. It was rather freely predicted by some that the church could not pay its bills on account of the displeasure of the German members. One old lady said to the pastor, "I'm only going to live a few years yet, and so long as I live, they might have kept up the German. I don't care what they do after I'm dead." But subsequent events proved that the fear of harm to the congregation was groundless. Not a single member stayed away on account of the language and not more than two or three actually reduced their subscriptions. The German members have stood nobly by their service, and have made it the service with the highest average attendance, in spite of the fact that not more than twenty Germans have been added during the past ten years, as compared to 592 English. Our German-speaking members stick.
The pruning of the Church-roll was the next pressing problem. A few weeks before Rev. Bolliger arrived in Can- ton, Rev. Nau wrote him a letter of congratulation in which he said : "The one great problem for which I could devise no solu- tion was the awakening of the negligent ones. I tried my best
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and failed. I sincerely hope you may solve it successfully." Just how serious a problem it was the new pastor did not real- ize until he had visited, or tried to locate, every person that was found on the roll. Some surprises were met during the first months of visiting. Some denied that they had ever joined the church, others declared they were done with the church, others explained they had liked Rev. Nau and hence permitted their names to be enrolled but did not wish to be members any longer since he had left. The large majority of these "negligent ones" made profuse promises for the future.
The consistory and pastor then decided upon a systematic campaign to win the backsliding ones back. Countless visits were made by them and committees of faithful men and women. The slogan was emphasized, "Every member attend- ing, working, praying and giving." (See Heb. 10: 25, Js. 2: 17, 1 Thess. 5 : 17, Acts 20 : 35.) No name was removed from the roll until every means to win them back had been tried. The consistory surpassed in its patience even the requirements of our constitution. When finally, the process of purification was completed, it was found that of the 1046 members reported by Rev. Nau to Classis in 1907, a total of 382 had disappeared. Of this number 337 simply did not attend or support the church in any manner, at any time, during the present pastorate; the rest maintained a nominal relation to the church for a while and then also had to be dropped.
The gap created by these erasures has been more than filled by the addition of 338 by confirmation, including the youth of the church and adults, and 274 by reprofession and dismissals from other churches. The additions by letter from other churches have always been rather small. The total num- ber of members, according to the last report to classis, is 1078. This number also includes a certain small group, whose names are retained in the hope that they may again be awakened, and become active in the kingdom of our God.
Two dept-paying campaigns have been carried to a suc- cessful conclusion during this pastorate. The Sunday School had offered to pay for the improvements made in the basement
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in 1905, amounting to nearly $1700. When Rev. Bolliger be- gan his pastorate, this debt with accrued interest, still amounted to about $1600. The Sunday School, under the enthusiastic guidance of superintendent William Daberko, at once began planning to pay off the debt, and before the end of the first year it was paid in full.
The money borrowed for the improvements made in 1906, amounting to $1087, was not repaid until 1913. Before start- ing on his vacation that year, Rev. Bolliger outlined a plan to the consistory by which it was proposed to raise this amount during October. Then the pastor left for several weeks. Lo, and behold! when the parson returned, he was gladdened by the news that Superintendent Daberko had again pushed the matter to a successful conclusion during his absence, and the entire debt was out of the way.
At last the church was free!
The contributions of the church have steadily increased. The church raises funds for a twofold purpose ; namely, for the local congregational expenses, and for the support of the benev- olent enterprises of our denomination. In the nine and one- half years of Rev. Bolliger's pastorate a total of $41,084 has been raised for congregational purposes, and $9881 for benev- olence. This would be an average of $4319 for ourselves, and $1040 for others, annually. The lowest amount given during the period annually for congregational purposes was $3361; the highest was $6348. The lowest benevolent offerings were given during the first year amounting to $570; the highest were $1626.
In order to see clearly the handsome increase in the con- tributions of the congregation, the average for the last eight years of Rev. Nau's pastorate will be given by way of com- parison. For congregational purposes including the cost of the Sunday School addition the average was $4304; for benev- olent purposes $474. It will thus be evident that the spirit of sacrifice which is the spirit of Christ, has increased very sub- stantially.
INTERIOR VIEW, REAR Taken after renovation of 1916
INTERIOR VIEW, FRONT Taken after renovation of 1916
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Many improvements on the church property have also been made. The basement has been re-frescoed and re-var- nished two times, several new toilet rooms were installed and the heating plant thoroughly overhauled. During the sum- mer of 1910, the entire church was re-laid with a heavy Brus- sels carpet at an expense of $1400. Several years later, a new roof was put on the entire Sunday School wing of the build- ing. The most thorough renovation which the building has ever received was given it in 1916. The entire building was frescoed and re-decorated, the woodwork was stained to a dark oak, the pews were refinished in dark oak, and a new lighting system was installed. The old chandeliers with their unpro- tected electric lights so trying to the eyes were removed, and replaced with an indirect system most agreeable to the eyes and most beautiful in its artistic effects. The exterior of the church was also thoroughly repaired and painted, and a new roof placed on the older portion of the building. The total expense of the entire work amounted to nearly $3000. In order to keep the church property in good condition, it is nec- essary to expend an average of about $450 a year in repairs. Mention should also be made of the transformation of the old cemetery into a little park. In 1909, maple trees were set out, which in a few years will transform the old "God's acre" into as pretty a spot as can be found anywhere in Canton.
The temperance agitations, which have swept over Ohio during the last few years, have not left the First Church with- out profound modifications. In previous chapters it has been shown that the traditions and affiliations of the congregation have not always been very "dry." When the committee delegat- ed by the consistory of the church to interview Rev. Bolliger at New Philadelphia, as to his willingness to consider a call to Canton, he very frankly informed them that he believed in total abstinence as the duty and ideal of a Chris- tian, that he preached his convictions without hesitation, and would continue to do so wherever he was pastor; and hence had his doubts as to whether they really desired to consider him. The committee informed him that the consistory had
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discussed that very point; but had nevertheless unanimously resolved to present his name to the congregation for election as pastor. By a peculiar coincidence, the second Sunday School lesson that the new pastor had to teach was on temperance; namely, Rom. 4: 12-23, and he very candidly, yet as consider- ately as possible, stated just what his convictions were in the matter. The same convictions were also freely expressed in his pulpit utterances. The members seemed to accept this sort of preaching very patiently; the only criticisms heard were from hardened backsliders and rank outsiders.
In 1909, came the first great fight for county local option. Rev. Bolliger presented the cause from the pulpit, and private- ly. As the campaign progressed, the situation in Canton be- came very tense. Attacks were made upon the church, the consistory and the pastor in the local German paper, and copied throughout the state by the German press. At first these attacks were simply ignored. Emboldened by the silence of the pastor, a number of articles were inserted in the German paper that were offensive and scurrilous. The editor very freely offered Rev. Bolliger all the space he might desire to answer these communications. A merry warfare ensued. A few quotations from the retorts which he published, may be of interest as indicating the intensity of the situation: "The statements as made are absolute lies. The article is filled with senseless folly, inaccuracies, and ignorance of the most com- mon facts of history and Christianity. The writer lacks even the most elementary conception of the real meaning of Chris- tianity." Notice was also given that any further articles con- taining statements of a slanderous nature against Rev. Bolliger, or his church, would start something that would put an effective stop to them. Thus ended the newspaper controversy.
Some of the "wet" sympathizers within the fold, then be- gan to agitate the matter of silencing the preacher, among their fellow members. This gave occasion to the preaching of two special sermons at the climax of the excitement. In one of these Rev. Bolliger said: "If it were ever possible for the time to come, when I cannot stand in my pulpit, and preach on any
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subject whatsover that seems necessary, in any manner that seems most effective, and hit just as hard as the case requires; then, I can always quit the pulpit, and go out and haul manure, and raise cabbage heads, successfully." The agitators evident- ly concluded that there was no telling what the parson might start, and hence sweet tranquility gradually settled down on the troubled waters. Since then there have been two other campaigns for state-wide prohibition; each time the issues were freely discussed from the pulpit, and the men urged to help "Make Ohio Dry."
Throughout these eight years of the most intense temper- ance agitation that the state and our community has ever known, not more than half a dozen persons have actually with- drawn from the church on account of the pastor's advocacy of the prohibition movement, and none of these had been very active as members. Furthermore, during these years, not one member has ever protested to the pastor personally against the position which he occupied.
The temperance question in the First Reformed Church is settled. It is not possible ever again, to even consider a return to the former ways and practices.
The "Billy Sunday" Campaign during January and Feb- ruary of 1912 also marked an epoch in the congregation.
The consistory had unanimously decided to co-operate with the other churches of Canton in carrying through the union evangelistic campaign under Mr. Sunday's direction. Rev. Bolliger had cautioned them that "Billy Sunday" had a way of stirring folks up, arousing their resentment, and mak- ing the "wets" especially gnash their teeth. Nevertheless, all were in favor of his coming.
As the time set for the campaign approached, the forces of unrighteousness united in a fierce campaign of intimidation. The men in business, who were members of the First Church, were signalled out for bitter attacks. The superintendent of the Sunday School had to hear the angry snarl again and again : We will never buy another cent's worth of goods from you. The grocery keepers were told: You can't support Billy Sun-
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day and do business with us. It was intimated to the pastor : Unless you keep quiet we will injure you as much as possible. The week before the campaign opened these threats reached their climax. A few quotations from an address which Rev. Bolliger delivered several times, immediately after the close of the campaign, while the experiences were still frsh in the mind, will best set forth this phase of the attack. "Several of the men of the consistory got cold feet and wanted to quit; faithful old stand-bys were frightened and said: Its going to break up the church; others declared: The preacher had no business getting us into anything like this. When the matter was put up to me by an elder, I said: Tell them they can't quit now; they can't back down; they have to go through with it. I'm going to fight it through to a finish. But I will promise you this right now, when the campaign is over, if it is the hon- est belief of the congregation that the church has been injured, I will hand in my resignation at once. I will not embarrass you. We will not quarrel. We will just kiss, and say good-bye, in perfect peace."
Then the campaign began, and in a few days "Billy" had won the town. In about two weeks, men in the congregation, who had vowed not to attend a single meeting, could be seen standing at the door of the tabernacle at twelve o'clock, so as to make sure of a seat at the two o'clock men's meeting. And as for the sisters who had sputtered loudest against "Billy's slang," they could be seen hurrying up North Market Street with the red-book in their hands, going so fast, an ordinary young person could never catch up with them.
As for the results in the congregation, they were good. More than a hundred members reconsecrated themselves to the service of God; about a score united with the church of whom we had known nothing before; and at least seventy, whom the pastor and members had tried unsuccessfully to bring to the point of decision before, became so awakened spir- itually, that it was now easy to win them. Other beneficial results also followed: the average attendance of the Sunday School took a great leap forward; the missionary society had
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a tidal wave of applicants who wanted to become active; men and women came forward to offer themselves as Sunday School teachers; the prayer meetings took on new life; and, for a while at least, religion became the chief thing.
To be sure, the waters sank back into quieter channels again ; some who started out most enthusiastically have grown cold once more; but, those who got close to the work in those days, still testify to the abiding blessing which the campaign brought them.
Looking back after five years, the author is still ready to stand by the estimate of the movement which he made in the address already referred to: "In that tabernacle originated the mightiest, religious upheaval that Canton has ever had. The dry-bones in the churches rattled like three-score Dutch wind- mills in a storm. The brethren were shot so full of holes, they looked like a thirteen-cent sieve after seven years usage. The animals were aroused, and gnashed their teeth, like a herd of demons devouring a lost soul. Sinners were pounded until they cursed, and pounded more until they groaned, and pound- ed again until they cried: God be merciful to me a sinner. Impulses were received whose full fruitage only eternity will reveal. Lives were made over and are already blessing others."
The entire membership had become so interested before the end of the campaign was reached, that no one ever recalled that the parson had offered to resign, if it were thought that the church had suffered loss.
Though this chapter will not be the last in the completed book, it is the last to be written. In closing his long and ardu- ous task the author would again drop into the first person for a few "closing remarks."
The writing of this book has been purely a labor of love, undertaken to acquaint our membership with some of the stir- ring scenes, through which our congregation has passed. Had I correctly estimated, at the beginning, the tremendous difficul- ties to be surmounted, I could hardly have mustered up cour- age enough to begin. I was determined not to let the work of the parish suffer on account of these historical investigations, 12
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and so robbed myself of many hours of sleep and recreation. But, if the narrative awakens in the heart of the members an interest in their splendid history, a deeper love to their church, and a greater loyalty to the kingdom of God; then, indeed, am I richly rewarded.
I have given to Canton nearly ten of the best years of my life, and have received abundant evidence that the love and affection of the people is mine.
216 times have I heard the tinkling of the wedding bells, and seen the newly married couple go forth facing the future with shining face.
253 times have I baptized little children, and consecrated them to God and his church.
284 times have I stood beside the open grave and repeated the mournful words: "Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust."
612 new members have I received into the church, of whom the greater part have remained faithful and active until now; but some, alas, have fallen away. The church has become stronger, more liberal, more efficient. To God be all the glory !
Not only has our own church prospered but all the relig- ious forces of Canton have great gains to record. Ten years ago the Young Men's Christian Association could hardly exist at all; today it has a fine, well equipped, $250,000 building with a total membership surpassed by only half a dozen cities of the country. The Young Women's Christian Association has a record scarcely less laudable. All the churches have grown. It would be difficult to find another city the size of Canton containing so many up-to-date church edifices, occupied by so large and aggressive congregations. In the matter of big and enthusiastic Sunday Schools no other city surpasses Canton.
In material prosperity and growth of population, these ten years mark an amazing development. There are now more than three hundred factories, producing over a thousand dif-
THE ELDERS Top Row: William Feller, J. C. Feldheimer, Adam Thomas, Godfrey Snyder Bottom Row: Alfred Raber, Theodore P. Bolliger. Charles Seemann
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ferent products, and employing 18,000 persons, with a month- ly payroll of $1,000,000. Canton is a city of homes; most of our 72,000 citizens dwell by their own hearth and beneath their own rooftree. New people are constantly pouring in, lured by the hope of good wages offered by the multiplying indus- tries. This gives the pastors ever increasing numbers to win for Christ and the Church.
In industrial centers such as Canton all religious work is beset with many difficulties, but our heavenly Father has always granted a sufficient measure of success to faithful effort, to keep courage and go forward.
The members of the consistory have always supported the pastor most loyally, and co-operated with him most willingly. The present consistory consists of the following men : Elders : J. C. Feldheimer, William Feller, Alfred Raber, Chs. Seemann, Godfrey Snyder, Adam Thomas. Deacons: H. J. Boldt, F. W. Buchman, J. F. H. Deibel, Aug. Daberko, H. K. Fenwick, Albert Frey, N. O. Hexamer, William Hohler, E. E. Link, O. J. Lotz, John Marquardt, Frank Smith.
CHAPTER XXIII THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
ONE of the records of the Sunday School during the first sixty years of its existence have come down to us. In- deed it is probable that during most of this period no written records were kept. The exact date of the founding of the Can- ton School can no longer be determined. The minutes of the first meeting of the Ohio Classis in 1820 contain the statement that the Canton charge had ten congregations and eight Sunday Schools. Since Canton had the largest congregation at that date, it is certain that there was also a Sunday School. Though it is not possible to show any written proof for the assertion it is at least very probable that the Sunday School was organized about the same time as the congregation. From 1812 on, Rev. Mahnenschmidt visited the Canton field regularly, and con- ducted catechetical classes and divine services. He would not fail to provide some means of teaching the young, during the long intervals between his visits. Hence, the year 1812 may be accepted as marking the humble beginnings of the present pros- perous school.
Originally the teaching of the Bible and religion was not emphasized as it is now. The Sunday School was at first looked upon as a convenient arrangement, for teaching the scholars to read and understand enough of the German lan- guage, so that they could learn the chief question of the cate- chism in the mother tongue. As the scholars acquired some facility in reading, the Bible was placed in their hands as the only text book. Rev. Benjamin Faust was an enthusiastic Sunday School man and worker for the general distribution of the Bible. In 1827, he was vice-president of the Stark County Bible Society, whose avowed purpose was to put a copy of the Word of God into every home of the county.
The general plan and purpose of the Sunday School con- tinued without change until the time of the new-measure move-
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THE SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFICERS
Top Row: Carl E. Snyder, Lawrence Offenburger, Carl Raber Middle Row: Mrs. Pauline Beiter, Mrs. Anna Boydelatour, Ethel Miller, Emma Grether, Mrs. Katherine Rich, Clarence Baab, Warren Link Bottom Row: Mrs. Margaret Gehring, Lester H. Higgins, Mrs. Laura Dourm, H. A. Deibel, Wm. Daberko, August Schwitzgebel, C. R. Brownewell
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ment. That movement forced the congregations to put a larger emphasis upon the religious and spiritual aspects of the Sunday School work. But the ideals did not rise very high in the de- mands made upon the character of the teachers; for even as late as 1880, the chief requisite seems to have been the ability to teach the German language. If the individual was able to do that, saloon-keepers or bar-tenders were accepted as teachers without arousing any serious antagonism.
The Sunday School was entirely German until the close of Rev. Herbruck's pastorate. When English services were introduced at the beginning of Rev. Rust's labors, English classes were also formed in the school, although the opening service and the singing were still conducted in German. The number of English classes gradually increased ; for the younger generation was nearly all English. The phenomenal wave of German immigration to Ohio reached its crest even before Rev. Herbruck had closed his labors. Within a decade, the number of Germans coming to Canton had shrunk to quite insignificant proportions. Hence, the amount of English used in the school increased very rapidly. From 1886 to 1916 the school has grown from an all-German to an all-English organization, with the exception of the German class taught by the pastor, whose membership is made up, for the most part, of individuals of German and Swiss birth.
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