USA > Ohio > Stark County > Canton > History of the First Reformed Church, Canton, Ohio > 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 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
The territory covered by the one synod that the Reformed Church had at this time was so large that in 1819 it was divided
pastor in Wayne County (Wooster, etc.,) and Stark County, from 1820-1831, and in Columbiana County 1831-1851, and died at North Lima, Ohio, October 16, 1851. Mr. Sonnendecker received his first religious impressions from Rev. John Peter Mahnenschmidt and in early life was greatly influenced by the missionary and evangelistic zeal of Mahnenschmidt, and prepared himself for the holy ministry under his direction. In 1818-1819 Rev. Sonnendecker made a number of trips through Stark County and four neighboring counties. Scattered con- gregations and groups of Reformed believers were hunted up and the sacraments were administered. These reminiscenses were published in the "Western Missionary" in 1849. The quotations given refer espe- cially to experiences made upon his missionary trips in 1818-1819.
* Rev. Anthony Weyer was the first resident minister in Canton. He took charge of the Lutheran congregations in Canton and vicinity in 1812, and served the union Reformed and Lutheran congregations until his death in 1829. He was thus closely associated with both Rev.'s Mah- nenschmidt and Faust.
19
THE FIRST RESIDENT MINISTER
into districts, and in 1820 an Ohio Classis was formed. Of the five ministers present at the organization two, that is, Rev. J. P. Mahnenschmidt, and Rev. B. Faust had been associated with the Canton congregation. The others were Revs. H. Son- nendecker, Geo. Weiss and Thomas Winters. The elder from the Canton Church was George Wirtz. The new classis in- cluded five ministers, fifty congregations, and about 1800 mem- bers. The Canton charge alone had ten congregations and about 300 who had communed during the year. The actual number of members enrolled must therefore have been at least four or five hundred. The Canton charge thus constituted about one-fourth of the new classis.
Rev. Faust reported that he had baptized 191 children, confirmed 100 young people and buried 24 persons during the preceding year. There were also eight Sunday Schools in the charge. As it was impossible for the pastor to visit the con- gregations oftener than once in several weeks, the Sunday School meeting with a sermon read occasionally by some suit- able person served to hold the people together.
The Ohio Classis met in Canton in 1821. The church proved too small to hold the people, and therefore the religious services and business meetings had to be held in the courthouse. The Canton charge reported an increase of communicants to 540.
The statistical reports of the charge are very incomplete during the first quarter century and frequently are altogether missing. Enough are still on record, however, to show a steady and gratifying increase from year to year. In the summing up of the reports of the pastors to the classis, there appears an almost unanimous tone of joy and gratitude. Such expres- sions as, "Peace and unity prevailed in the congregations," "The preaching of the Gospel was attended with the divine blessing," "New congregations were gathered," and others of the same tenor occur each year.
Among the Church customs that prevailed in the Canton charge at that time and for a long period thereafter, mention
20
FIRST REFORMER CHURCH, CANTON, O.
should be made of several now entirely forgotten. First, the sexes were carefully separated, the men sitting on one side of the aisle and the women on the other; and, woe, unto the luck- less individual that did not heed the unwritten law. His strange conduct furnished fruitful material for discussion for many weeks-especially for the women. Second, the singing would strike us as most peculiar now. There was no organ, and hymnbooks were very scarce. Hence the minister was obliged to read the hymn line by line, pausing between lines while the congregation sang the line read. Third, the deacons and elders invariably sat in the pews placed besides the pulpit. These were considered as seats of peculiar honor. From there the entire audience was in plain view, and any disturbance or inattention was sternly suppressed. Fourth, the funerals were very simple occasions. An undertaker and a hearse were unheard of luxuries. Kindhearted friends and willing neigh- bors gladly volunteered their services. They washed and dressed the body and laid it into the coffin, rudely made by the village carpenter. The coffin was carried to the grave by four men, often on their shoulders. If the distance was too far, a second relay of four would take turns at carrying.
Canton at this time was still a straggly village in the back woods. There were but few roads and these were generally in a miserable condition. Walking and horseback riding were the general mode of locomotion. Under these circumstances there was no market for the produce which was raised in the community. Everything was sold at ridiculously low prices. Eggs were four cents a dozen, butter six cents a pound, oats sold at twelve cents, corn 'at fifteen, and wheat at twenty-five cents a bushel. 'Very little money circulated. Exchange was mostly by barter. The people generally were very poor.
The village of Canton itself presented an ill-kept appear- ance, as is clear from the following notice which appeared in the Canton Repository in the spring of 1821, by order of the constable :
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH ERECTED IN 1824 This was the second building which the Reformed and the Lutherans occupied
Drawn by W. C. Faust, supervisor of drawing in the Canton public schools. Copied from an old print with details added from the recollections of the oldest members.
1
21
THE FIRST RESIDENT MINISTER
CLEAR THE STREETS !
"The subscriber once more requests that the citizens of Canton would remove their woodpiles from off the streets. Those who do not comply with this request in a short time will be dealt with as the law directs, without respect of persons."
An incident from the life of Rev. Faust further illustrates the general poverty of the times. In 1822, he was sent as del- egate to the Synod which was to meet in Harrisburg, Pa. The journey of 350 miles had to be made on horseback and by stage coach. This mode of traveling was too strenuous and some- where in Pennsylvania Mr. Faust fell seriously ill. For sev- eral weeks he was under the care of a physician. When his money was all gone he had to borrow to get back home and arrived there thirty dollars in debt. The following year the Synod being notified of his sad circumstances (traurigen Um- staenden) took up an offering of $19.15 for his benefit. Three years later by a special resolution, the new Synod of Ohio also gave him permission to retain the offerings which the congre- gations were required to take up each year for the expenses of the Synod, and apply them to the discharging of his indebt- edness. It took four years until these synodical offerings amounted to the $30.00. It will be interesting to note from what small beginnings our congregational offerings have grown, and therefore the figures are here appended: 1824, $7.00; 1825, $10.75; 1826, $6.3712 ; 1827, $5.87.
The reader must keep in mind that during these years, the Canton congregation was exerting every energy to complete the new church and pay off their indebtedness. Hence, the very small offerings for other purposes.
CHAPTER IV RELOCATING AND BUILDING
T HE first church building was occupied by the Reformed and Lutherans for about twelve years. Towards the end of this period a sentiment for relocating gradually devel- oped. Several reasons had arisen to make a relocation desir- able. It seems that the majority of the members lived east of town and therefore the location of a new church more than half a mile farther east would be more convenient. Further- more, the old building was entirely too small to accommodate the growing congregations; and it was necessary for all spec- ial services to forsake the church and go to the large hall in the courthouse. The chief reason, however, lay in the fact that other denominations were preparing to organize congre- gations in Canton, and the Reformed and Lutheran people feared that another church might be erected on the plot of ground which Bezaleel Wells had dedicated, "For a House of Worship." In fact, it was believed that any other cangrega- tion might claim the right to make use of the old church and even of the new, if it were erected on the old site.
These considerations were sufficient to cause the two con- gregations to appoint a committee to draw up "Articles of Union and Association." These were approved by each con- gregation and signed by the joint committee on June 5, 1822. This committee consisted of Rev. Benjamin Faust, Rev. Anthony Weyer, Fred Albright, George Wirt and Jacob Rupp.
A satisfactory location was soon selected about a quarter of a mile outside of the limits of the village to the east, on the site where the First Reformed Church and the First Lutheran Church and the two parsonages are now located. The land was bought from Bezaleel Wells for $80 and was 198 by 396 feet in size. The deed is dated May 16, 1823 (but it was not recorded until October 6, 1825) and contains the following provisions, "For the sole use and benefit and behoof of the
22
23
RELOCATING AND BUILDING
said United Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed Churches, to be by them occupied and enjoyed in common for the purposes of erecting and preparing thereon a house of public worship, a schoolhouse, and a cem- etery or burying ground in conformity to the articles of union and association between the said Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed Churches." George Wirt and George Snider were the trustees of the United Congregations.
Material and money for the new church were rapidly sub- scribed, the labor also was largely donated, and in about a year's time the building was ready for use. The members in their poverty could give only small sums, the funds collected were not sufficient to completely finish and furnish the new church, hence it was used more than five years before it was finally finished. No details of the service of dedication have come down to us. Even the date of dedication is doubtful.
The new church was erected at the east end of the tract purchased, on the site where the Lutheran Church now stands. It was a brick building, almost square, and very high. The interior would doubtlessly strike present day church goers as rather odd. A gallery ten or twelve feet from the floor ran around the east, south, and west sides. The pulpit was on the north side and was raised to the level of the gallery. A steep, narrow stairway with a railing led up to the pulpit on one side. The pulpit itself was so small that only two persons could occupy it at the same time. Over the pulpit a canopy of wood was fastened. This canopy was painted blue on the lower side to represent the sky. Above the canopy was a huge yellow star. The pews were most primitive in style. The end piece was square at the top, and the backs were nailed on straight up and down. The seat also was straight and level. The design- ers of the pews evidently planned to make the seats so uncom- fortable that the brethren would have to stay awake from sheer physical discomfort. After the church was finally completed the demand arose for a better seat, and more comfortable pews were installed.
The church was warmed by two great stoves heated with
24
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH, CANTON, O.
wood. Large logs reposed beside the stove, and were fed to the flames as necessary. Originally home-made candles fur- nished the light for such evening services as were held. The earlier reports of evening services frequently speak of meet- ings by candle-light. Later oil-lamps were introduced. Three entrances led into the church, a door being located in the exact middle of the east, the west, and the south sides. One path led straight east to Herbruck Court; another ran in a slanting direction until it emerged on Tuscarawas Street at the point where the dividing line between the Reformed and the Luthe- ran Church property is now located.
The remainder of the lot not occupied by the church building served as a cemetery for over forty years. The dead of both congregations were buried there and also occasionally non-church members. It would seem that at a later period the Reformed Consistory was especially lenient in granting permis- sion to bury those who were not members of the congregation. This led to a vigorous protest in 1854 from the Lutheran con- gregation, which resolved to notify the Reformed that "As the deed for the church ground gives the right to a burial-place only to the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, we are of the opinion that the burial ground, in harmony with the pro- visions of the deed, shall be only for the use of the congrega- tions, and the Secretary is to notify the Reformed Consistory to this effect, so that they may also act according to the provi- sions of the deed."
Two movements were developing in the Reformed congre- gations during this period. The one aimed to foster the Re- formed interests with greater zeal; the other strove to effect a complete union with the Lutheran church. The first move- ment, in 1824, led to the formation of an independent Ohio Synod. The Ohio Classis met that year in New Philadelphia in the courthouse of Tuscarawas County. After a long dis- cussion it was unanimously decided to declare the Ohio Classis an independent Synod with the name "The High German, Evangelical-Reformed Synod of Ohio." Several reasons were stated for taking this vital step, such as: the refusal of the
25
RELOCATING AND BUILDING
Synod to permit the Ohio Classis to ordain its own candidates for the ministry, and demanding the long journey to the east to be examined and ordained; the demands of the religious conditions in Ohio which made immediate help imperative; the long and expensive journeys over the mountains; the feeling that the money which their long journey required had better be spent in Ohio for the good of the Church.
Rev. Faust, who was still saving to pay off the debt in- curred on his disastrous journey to the Synod in 1822, was enthusiastically in favor of the organization of the new "Synod of Ohio." The Ohio Synod at its organization had only eight ministers present, among them were J. P. Mahnenschmidt, B. Faust, Henry Sonnendecker and William Reiter, a young clergyman whom Rev. Faust had aided in preparing for the ministry. Eleven ministers representing about sixty congre- gations, and 2500 members entered the new organization. Of this number the Canton charge alone furnished ten congrega- tions, ten Sunday Schools, and about 600 members; that is, one-sixth of the congregations, and about one-fourth of the members. Race suicide was not yet a problem in those days as is evident from the fact that there were 286 baptisms in the Canton charge during the preceding three years.
The second movement aimed to effect an organic union with the Lutheran Church. Some of the pastors had followed their theological studies partly under the direction of Lutheran ministers, and felt very fraternal towards the Lutheran minis- try as a consequence. Others were serving union-congrega- tions and the relation was proving pleasant and profitable ; hence arose the desire for a permanent, organic union of the two denominations. The Ohio Synod sent two delegates reg- ularly to the Lutheran Synod of Ohio and received their del- egates. The same number of copies of the minutes of the Ohio Synod was sent to the Lutheran Synod, as was sent to the Eastern Synod of the Reformed Church, and the minutes of the Lutheran Synod as well as of the Eastern Synod were examined regularly by a committee whose duty it was to report on items which might interest the Ohio Synod. These efforts
26
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH, CANTON, O.
were kept up for a decade and more; but gradually as the Reformed consciousness became clearer, the movement waned and then died. In the Canton charge the feeling of close rela- tionship to the Lutherans survived long after it had died in the denomination at large.
During the first years of the Canton charge all the services were conducted in the German language. As soon as the min- utes of the Ohio Synod were also printed in English (this occurred for the first time in 1826), Rev. Faust also asked for a certain number of English copies. This number was in- creased from year to year, indicating a gradual coming in of the English in some of the congregations.
During this period Rev. Faust displayed a remarkable missionary zeal. The names of several new congregations are recorded, such as, Schaber's, Paulus, Peter's, Israels and Union. Additional Sunday Schools were also organized, bringing the number up to fifteen. For several years more Sunday Schools were conducted in the charge than there were congregations. It is evident that Rev. Faust started Sunday Schools in every locality where he preached occasionally, even before conditions were ripe for organizing a congregation.
On the front page of the oldest church-record that is still in the possession of our congregation two interesting notes are written. The first refers to the purchase of the book as fol- lows, "This book belongs to the Reformed congregation of Canton, Stark County, Ohio. It was bought January 1, 1829. Until then the Reformed and Lutherans ("Luderaner," as it is spelled ) had a common church-book. This book was paid for from offerings of the Reformed Church. Into this book will be entered the baptized, confirmed, communed, etc." The price of the book is given as $2.1212. It is most unfortunate that the first church-record, which the two congregations kept in common, has been lost. Neither the Reformed nor the Luth- eran people have any record as to the disposition which was made of it. The historical data which it must have contained would be simply invaluable at the present time for establishing the precise facts concerning the organization of the congrega-
27
RELOCATING AND BUILDING
tions, the building and cost of the churches, and other items which with our present meager knowledge can only be guessed at.
The second note refers to a disastrous storm which swept over Canton in 1829, during which lightning struck the church and created a great deal of damage. This was especially hard for the congregation as the building was still but incompletely furnished, and a debt yet rested upon it. This experience made such an impression upon people and pastor that the fact and the date were put on record. It happened July 18, 1829.
CHAPTER V
FAUST AS PASTOR, PREACHER, AND MAN
IN the last chapter the remarkable activity of Rev. Faust as a pastor has been indicated. Not content with serving the seven or eight congregations of which he took charge when he entered upon his pastorate, his apostolic spirit was mani- fested in the eagerness with which he sought out other oppor- tunities of service. At least five other congregations were gathered through his efforts, and the number of Sunday Schools connected with the parish was increased to fifteen. The "Beobachter," a German weekly newspaper published in Canton, in December of 1827 had a notice of a special Sunday School parade to be held on New Year's Day. After the par- ade a speech was to be given at the courthouse. The item further stated that, "The friends and enemies of the movement are courteously invited to be present." Though no names are given it appears certain that Rev. Faust and the First Re- formed Sunday School were included.
In the same newspaper about a month later mention is made of the organization of a Stark County Bible Society with branch societies in Canton, Paris, Waynesburg, etc. The pur- pose of the society is stated thus, "This society relying upon divine assistance will put forth every effort to supply every family in Stark County, that does not now possess a copy of the Holy Scriptures, with a copy during the next three years." Rev. Benjamin Faust was vice-president of the county organi- zation. The society succeeded in its efforts and a large num- ber of Bibles was put into the homes of Stark County. Throughout his life Rev. Faust never shielded himself but expended time and energy freely even beyond the limits of his own congregation.
As a preacher he was accounted a speaker of eloquence and power. Intense earnestness and vehement action charac- terized his delivery. This prodigal expenditure of physical
28
6
7-2306 1. - job
2x1
y
SERMON OUTLINE OF REV. FAUST Now in possession of First Reformed Church. Only one other is known to be in existence. As the paper had been folded, the upper half containing the record of several births and baptisms is reversed.
29
FAUST AS PASTOR, PREACHER, AND MAN
and nervous energy and the hardships incident to serving so large a field literally wore him out, and his health was broken down at an age when he should have been in his prime. Judg- ing by several sermon outlines which have been preserved, Rev. Faust was a clear, forcible, logical thinker. Though his edu- cational advantages had been rather meager, he made the most of the talent entrusted to him. It would seem, however, that opportunity had been denied him to master the intricacies of German orthography. In the formation of his letters he dis- plays a real genius in the originality of his designs; in capital- ization and spelling an amazing independence of recognized standards is in evidence. But in his sermons there was sub- stance and heart, as the two outlines which are given will dem- onstrate.
John 3: 16-21. Gospel Lesson for Monday after Pentecost.
Text. Verse 16. "God so loved the world -"
Theme. The Foundation of our Saving Faith.
1. It is laid in the love of God.
II. It demands faith, not personal merits.
III. It gives a great promise.
The above outline in the handwriting of Rev. Faust is pre- served as a precious relic by his descendants. The second out- line given below was written upon a loose sheet of paper and was found lying between the pages of the church record pur- chased in 1829 by the Reformed congregation.
Text. Thess. 5: 6. "So then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober."
I. The sleep of sin into which all have fallen.
II. The awakening which is necessary.
III. The watchfulness which is imperative.
As a man Benjamin Faust stood high in his congregations, in the community, and in the Synod. His early death at the age of only thirty-five was felt as a great loss to the church in Ohio. Only once, so far as the writer has been able to find, did the Ohio Synod pass a special resolution commemorating the death of one of its members or put into its minutes a beau-
30
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH, CANTON, O
tiful eulogy in referring to that member. That one exception occurred at the death of Rev. Faust. The Synod thus bore witness to the great respect and love in which he was univer- sally held. The resolution of the Synod was as follows :
"Synod also called to mind the blessed death of the Rev. Benjamin Faust, of Canton, Ohio, a warm friend and worthy member of our Synod, who now no more needs our praise for his faithfulness and toils, having been translated beyond the scenes of earth, to receive, in a better life, the reward of his labors. He left behind him a wife be- loved, children not yet grown up, relatives, a number of esteemed and beloved congregations, and us his sincere and faithful brethren in the faith to mourn his early death. He has shown us an example of piety which is worthy of our imitation, and which leaves us the sweet assur- ance that we shall only for a brief period be separated from him."
Rev. John W. Hamm, a neighboring pastor during the last six years of Rev. Faust's life, wrote of the deceased as fol- lows: "Over his vast field, he travelled and labored in his Master's cause with marked fidelity, zeal, and perseverance, during the whole period of his public life. His efforts were not in vain. In these flourishing churches, which he aided in founding and building up, are still seen, and will continue to be seen, the fruits of his earnest ministry, his labors and his cares. He now rests in peace. His reward is in heaven."
Before closing this chapter an attempt must be made to estimate the size of the Canton congregation at the time when Rev. Faust laid down his work. The problem is beset with dif- ficulties owing to the incomplete statistics that are still on rec- ord, and the fact that generally the statistics which are avail- able, refer to the entire charge, not to an individual congrega- tion. However, a careful comparison of all the figures involved will yield a result which will be sufficiently accurate. In 1829 the names of 99 members are recorded as having communed on May 24. Probably the percentage of those who communed in comparison with the total membership ran higher in those ear- lier days in the small congregations than they do in the age in which we are now living; and hence a simple comparison may not be absolutely correct. The experience of many years in the Central Synod and also in the individual congregations has
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.