USA > Ohio > Crawford County > Cranberry > New Washington and Cranberry Township; directorial, biographical, historical > Part 7
USA > Ohio > Crawford County > New Washington > New Washington and Cranberry Township; directorial, biographical, historical > Part 7
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house was next secured which served as a place of worship until the summer of 1840, when the congregation moved into its own house, a new log church. A few who helped to build it are still living, while the old log church is fresh in the memory of some of the younger members. The fact that during the winter of 1840- 41, for want of a stove, the congregation again returned to the home of Mr. High, goes to show that its progress was not made without a struggle. The log church served its purpose for four- teen years, viz., from 1840 to 1854. It had become too small to accommodate the whole congregation and in the spring of 1853 it was decided to build a new house of worship. In the fall the corner-stone of the new building was laid, Rev. Robert Graetz officiating. The vestry at that time consisted of George Donnen- wirth, Valentine High, Jacob Utz, Sr., George Leonhart, John C. Walter, Jacob Weil, Michael Marquart and John A. Sheetz. The dedication of the new building took place October 8, 1854. It is the same building which the congregation is at present us- ing as its place of worship, having served for 35 years. It, too, has been outgrown by the congregation and must soon give way to a larger edifice. Besides the church, the congregation owns a small school house, a parsonage and a cemetery. While the property of the church has been accumulating, that of its mem- bers has in like manner been increasing, most of them being in comfortable circumstances, some even well-to-do. It is to be hoped that the future growth of the congregation will even ex- ceed that of the past.
Services. At present St. John's congregation has regular services. This was not always so. From 1834 to 1836 it had but one service in eight weeks, making six sermons a year. The reason of this was that the minister then serving had an exten- sive mission field and was probably supplying the whole of Crawford county, After the year 1836 services were held once a month, making twelve sermons a year. There was a gradual increase from then on, but even up to the last few years of Rev. Belser's pastorate, who left here in 1875, the services of the con- gregation were more or less irregular in time. It was only after the congregations at Windfall and Richville, which together with this church had formed one charge, were supplied with their own pastor and Rev. Belser served this congregation ex- clusively, that services were held here every Sunday morning.
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So far the preaching had been exclusively German. The need of preaching in the English language was making itself felt. Various reasons for its introduction presented themselves. New members were received and some of the old members had relatives and friends who were not conversant with the German. This was one reason. Another was that strangers to the Luther- an confessions, not only from prejudice but often from mere ig- norance, falsely judge and often malign the Lutheran church. To instruct the ignorant and to stop the mouth of slander it was imperatively necessary that the church should preach its glori- ous gospel in the language of these people. Accordingly, dur- ing the pastorate of Rev. Boehme, it was resolved to hold Eng- lish services once a month which is continued to the present day. Besides its regular appointments on Sunday, extra services are held on Christmas day, the evening before New Year's day, New Year's day, each Friday during the season of Lent, Ascension day, the day of national Thanksgiving and Reformation day. At present no less than seventy-five regular services are held an- nually in St. John's church, which apparently is quite a change from those days in which it had but six.
Special services are held for the children. A Sunday School with 165 scholars enrolled and 21 teachers employed, assembles at 2 o'clock every Sunday afternoon. Besides this the children are assembled a half hour before each morning service for cate- chetical exercise. Regular lectures on the catechism are held during the winter months, preparing children of proper age for confirmation. Adding to this a parochial school, at present un- der the management of Mr. H. Zimmermann, which is held the year around, the children have all the facilities of being thor- oughly grounded and indoctrinated in the Word of God. We may add here that the congregation holds four regular business meetings annually and that the vestry meets once a month.
Synodical Connections. The congregation is connected with the Ev. Luth. Joint Synod of Ohio and adjacent states, a body numbering 60,000 communicants, 300 pastors with their re- spective charges and about 100 parochial school teachers with their respective schools. This Synod maintains three institu- tions of learning and one of charity. The latter is situated at Richmond, Ind., and shelters over 100 orphans. Of the former it has a college and seminary at Columbus, Ohio, a seminary at
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Afton, Minn., and one at Hickory, North Carolina. Thes insti- tutions are kept up at an annual expense of $25,000, of which St. John's congregation pays its quota of $215, or fifty cents per communicant member. At the meetings of Synod the congrega- tion is always represented by its minister and one lay delegate. By its synodical connection and co-operation with other congre- gations this church believes that it is keeping that "bond of un- ion" enjoined by its Lord, and fulfilling the divine command: "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." Mark 16-15.
Confession. The following is taken from the constitution of this church: This congregation receives all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the revealed Word of God, and the confessions of the Ev. Luth. Church as the correct interpretation of the Word of God. These confessions are: the Apostolic, the Nicene and the Athanasian Creeds; the unaltered Augsburg Confession and its Apology; the Smalcald Articles; Luther's larger and smaller catechisms and the Formula of Con- cord. With these Confessions all doctrines taught in this con- gregation shall be in strict accord, and all questions and regula- tions pertaining to the church shall be decided by and in con- formity with them." For the benefit of those who are unac- quainted with these writings be it stated briefly that this church believes:
1. That the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
2. That man by nature is corrupt with sin and if left to him- self will perish.
3. That Jesus of Nazareth, true God and true man, is the Savior of men, having redeemed them by His innocent suffer- ing and death.
4. That the merits of Christ must be apprehended by true, living faith before they can be of any personal benefit to any- one.
5. That such faith implies a change of heart, a spiritual re- generation.
6. That the Word of God, the Lord's Supper and holy Bap- tism are the means of grace through which the Holy Spirit re- generates men and strengthens faith.
7. That infants should be baptized and that through such baptism they become children of God.
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8. That the Lord shall come again, when the dead shall arise and judgement shall be pronounced upon all men according to the rule: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark xvi, 16.
Ministers. In writing the history of a church it is but just to make mention of its pastors, who, more than any one else shared the ups and downs of the church's career.
Of the first man who served the St. John's church in the ca- pacity of minister, the record from which we write gives but lit- tle information. It states that his name was Stauch, that he presid- ed at the first organization of the church and that he served the congregation two years, from 1834 to 1836. He was succeeded by Rev. Fred Mashap, who dissolved his connection with the Re- formed Synod and after leaving here became a Lutheran preach- er in Newark, New Jesrsey. He confirmed the first class of cate- chumens in the old log school house. He served from the spring of 1836 to the fall of 1837. His successor was Rev. John Krauss, a native of Wuertemberg, Ger., who served the congregation from 1839 to 1843, a period of four years. It was he who had the good fortune of exchanging the school house for the log church. Rev. Rob. Graetz, at present stationed in Montra, O., was next called and began his ministerial work in August of 1845. It was through his efforts that a new organization upon purely Luther- an ground was effected and during his pastorate the structure, in which the congregation still worships, was erected and dedicated. He served from 1845 to 1855, a period of 10 years, and was suc- cecded by Rev. W. Schmogrow. During this pastor's adminis- tration the church tower was provided with the bell still in use. In 1858 he resigned, taking charge of the congregations at Rich- mond, Caroline and North Liberty. The St. John's church was now served temporarily by Rev. C. Adam until it called and se- cured Rev. F. Belser as pastor, which took place in the spring of 1859. By him the congregation was served almost 17 years. During his time the church came into the possession of a pipe organ and secured the entire services of its pastor. In the fall of 1875 Rev. Belser removed to Ann Arbor, Mich., where he is still residing. Rev. C. Clessler became his successor serving a pe- riod of three years. In 1878, after Rev. Clessler was called to the Brokensword Lutheran charge, where he still labors, Rev. E. A. Boehme assumed the duties of pastor in this church. The
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congregation reluctantly consented to his departure for Colum- bus, where he was called to a Professorship in Capital University, He left in 1882 after serving St. John's church for four years. Rev. Boehme has since removed to Youngstown where he has again assumed the ministerial office. Rev. W. Linsenman be- came his successor here, but was called away in 1884 to Yorkville, Ill. Rev. H. P. Dannecker, his successor, is now serving the congregation. Thus in 41 years, which is the age of St. John's church as a purely Lutheran congregation, it has been served successively by six regular pastors.
Conclusion. A summary statement of the present condition of the St. John's church may prove interesting and form a fit con- clusion. The congregation at present numbers 616 souls of whom 430 are confirmed members. An average annual addition of not less than 16 by confirmation has been made during the past five years. The congregation raises annually the sum of $900 for sal- aries and incidental expenses, while its contributions for mission- ary purposes this year was almost $600. Besides this an adequate salary was raised for its parochial school teacher by private sub- scriptions, which swells the whole amount to almost $1,800. In its school it has 41 scholars enrolled while a class of 18 is being prepared for confirmation. The church council at present con- sists of Gotlieb Kuebler, Adam Zabst, Mathias Wuest, J. Mich- elfelder, Jr., F. Aschbacher, Geo. Klein, J. Harter, August Marquart and John Leonhart. Of these John Michelfelder, Jr., is treasurer and G. Kuebler, secretary.
ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Organization. The history of this church begins at an early date of New Washington itself. In fact some of the founders of this church were among the first settlers of the vil- lage. As early as the year 1838 quite a number of the Catholic faith had become citizens of New Washington and surrounding community. These met and organized themselves at the house of John Alt where services were held twice a year, Mr. Alt hav- ing been one of the first settlers of the village. In his house ser- vices were held until 1847. Rev. Sheennig, of Pittsburg, was
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the first pastor of this congregation for a number of years, the time of his service having been forgotten. Through the effort of Bishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, a permanent organization was effected in 1845. The organization then consisted of thirteen families. From henceforth the organization has been known as St. Bernard's Congregation. The thirteen families composing the organization at this time were as follows: Peter Young, Jno. Alt, Peter Gulong, Timothy McCarthy, Mathias Lahahof, Geo. Bechtel, Jacob Lux, Joseph Studer, Joseph Kramer, Mathias Kramer, Casper Dallas, Peter Fordner and Peter Yochum.
Growth. Shortly after the permanent organization had been affected in 1845, steps were taken preparatory for the erec- tion of a church in the near future, as up to the this time they had been worshiping in the house.of John Alt. Funds were raised, a lot purchased of McIntifer and in the summer of 1846 the frame work of the church was erected and put under roof by Wm. H. Pratt. The structure was 40 by 60 feet. In 1846the membership was increased by four families who moved to this place. With their aid the building then undergoing construction was completed. In 1849 the church was dedicated, Bishop Rap- pee, of Cleveland, officiating. St. Bernard's congregation now had its own house of worship where regular services were held. The membership was continually increased by arriyals from sis- ter congregations in various European countries. In 1852-53 while Rev. Peter Kreusch was pastor of St. Bernard's congrega- tion an addition was built to the church to be used as a school house. Since that time a parochial school has been a permanent feature of this congregation, From henceforth the increase in the membership was so rapid that the church could no longer comfortably accomodate all its members. Steps were taken for the erection of a new and larger church. In 1866 the site upon which the present church, parsonage and school house now stand, was purchased at a cost of $1400. The next year prepa- rations for building the new church were made and in 1868 the corner stone was laid, Bishop Rappee officiating. Through the earnest efforts of Father Baker, who was pastor of this congre- gation, the work was vigorously prosecuted. A great deal of the work, such as burning the brick, hauling stone and sand, wait- ing on brick-layers, and furrishing lumber, was done gratul- tously by its members. Notwithstanding all this, the expense of
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this church was enormous. However, in 1872, the present im- posing edifice, with its spire rising nearly 100 feet in the air, was completed and furnished at an estimated cost of about $25,- 000. The same year the church was dedicated by Bishop Gil- more, of Cleveland. The costly furnished interior presents a scene of beauty and granduer. In 1874 the school house now in use was acquired at a cost of $1000. Two years later the present parsonage was erected at a cost of $4,500. The council at this time was composed of Peter Alt, Peter Gulong, Peter Studer, and John Nejdolast. The membership had increased to 120 families in 1879. At this time a church was built near Waynes- burg where about forty families residing in that vicinity, form - erly members of St. Bernards's congregation, organized them- selves and formed a separate congregation. St. Bernard's con- gregation at present numbers over 80 families. Of recent years a large number of the members have moved away; but the loss in membership in this manner was more than counteracted by the steady increase in membership from within. Its resources in this respect are not at all exhausted, as there are over 350 children within its fold. Growth has certainly been a charac- teristic feature of this congregation, not only in membership but also in property. The congregation now owns a church, the finest structure in our little city, a good parsonage, a school house, and a large cemetery, absolutely free from debt. Its members also are in comfortable circumstances, some of them being among the leading business men of our Village, while others are among the most successful farmers of this community. That this congregation will continue to grow, both in member- ship and property, goes without saying. Indeed this congrega- tion is looking forward to the time when a large, new and com- modious brick school house will adorn the church premises.
Services. There was a time in the history of this church when there were but a few services held throughout the entire year. Until the year 1847 services where held only twice a year and those were held at irregular intervals. After 1847 until 1852 services were held more frequent than before but still with great irregularity. It was not until 1852 when the congregation received its first regular pastor who served them exclusively, in the person of Rev. Peter Kreusch, that services were held regu- larly every Sunday. Until Father Heiland's ministry at this
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place all the services were conducted in the German language. For various reasons the English services were desirable, and Rev. Heiland satisfied this desire by introducing English ser- vices. These services, however, during his administration were only occasional. It was not until the present pastor, Rev. J. G. Vogt, began to serve this congregation, that English services were held regularly on the first Sunday of each month. At pres- ent St. Bernard's congregation has services every Sunday, mass every morning, services on every Wednesday and Friday eve- ning during Lent, services on Christmas, New Year's Day, As- cension, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin on Aug. 15, The Feast of all saints Nov. 1, Immaculate Conception of the Bless- ed Virgin Mary Dec. 8. A Sunday School with an enrollment of about 150 pupils is in session every Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. In addition to this the congregation has a parochial school which is in session 10 months in a year, employing the services of two teachers who give instruction in both English and German languages. The council holds regular business meetings once a month.
Connections. This congregation was not always connect- ed as it is at present. Prior to the year 1852 it was included in the Cincinnati diocese. At that time this congregation was transferred to the Cleveland diocese and is at present connected with the same. This diocese at present represents a membership of 250,000, 205 priests, one theological seminary, one college, 5 academies, 125 parochial schools and 7 orphan asylums contain- ing 606 inmates. This diocese contributes largely for charitable and educational institutions, of which St. Bernard's congrega- tion pays its regular quota per member. The annual contribu- tion of this congregation for the support of its pastor and char- itable and educational institutions of the church, is about $2000.
Pastors. As is stated elsewhere in the history of this church the first pastor of this congregation was Rev. Sheennig, of Pittsburg, who held services here twice a year for a number of years. He evidently traversed a large territory which made it impossible for him to hold services more frequent at this place. He was succeeded by Rev. Michelmene, of Canton, Ohio, who also visited this place twice, annually, until 1844. From this time until 1852 the congregation was furnished various pastors by the Order of the Precious Blood stationed at Thompson, O.
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It was while the congregation was being supplied with pastors by this Order that Bishop Purcell effected a pernanent organi- zation and the first church was built. In 1852 Rev. Peter Kreusch was sent here to serve St. Bernard's congregation as first resident pastor. It was during his two year's ministry here that the first school house was built and a parochial school insti- tuted. At the expiration of two years he was succeeded by his brother, Rev. Mathias Kreusch, who served this congregation until 1859 when he was succeeded by Rev. Amandus Dumbach, who was pastor of this congregation until 1865. At this time Father Michael Baker assumed the pastoral work of this church and remained for nearly 16 years. During his faithful and effi- cient ministry the present imposing church and large parsonage was built. It is hardly probable that St Bernard's congrega- tion owes a greater debt of gratitude, for services rendered, to any one of its pastors than it owes to Rev. Baker. He remain- ed with the congregation until 1881 when Father. Lawrence Heiland succeeded him. At this time the congregation was in debt $8,000. During Rev. Heiland's service of a little over six years, this debt had dwindled to $1,000. Like his predecessor's, his services were fraught with good results and deserve much credit. On January 1, 1888, he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. J. G. Vogt, who already has won distinction for his zealous work for the congregation as under his brief administra- tion the church debt has entirely disappeared. In all there have been eight pastors, not including those sent by the Order of the Precious Blood, of Thompson, Ohio, who have served this con- gregation.
Conclusion. The history of St. Bernard's congregation has now been traced through a period of fifty-one years. Its foundation was laid while the Red Man yet paid occasional vis- its to the place where it was founded. Its growth has been re- markable; it has stood the test of years. That it will continue to enjoy a steady growth is hardly questionable. It may be added here that the following persons constitute the present council: Anthony Herman, Frank Wechter, Philip Studer and James McCarthy.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Organization. The organization of a Methodist Episco-
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pal society at New Washington did not take place until a com- paratively recent date. There were, however, a few residents in the village who adhered to this faith, but had no regular place of worship. They attended the services at various points on Goodwill circuit with as much regularity as possible. This, however, was very inconvenient for these worshipers, and the necessity for an organization at this place became more and more apparent. In about 1879, while Rev. Meade was pastor of Good- will circuit, the organization of a class was effected at this place with W. S. Guthrie as Leader. During Rev. Philip Rosenber- ry's pastoral work at Goodwill, services were held in the Church of God regularly by this society every two weeks for about six months. At the expiration of this time no more services were held for want of a place of worship. Confronted with this seem- ingly insurmountable difficulty, the little band of worshipers were deprived from holding regular services for some time. It was not until early in 1883, during Rev. E. L. Smith's pastorate on Goodwill circuit, that the question of erecting a new church was effectively agitated. A subscription for this purpose was taken, and in the summer of the same year the present building was erected at a cost of about $2,400. The church was dedicat- ed in the autumn of the same year. After the dedication of the church a second and permanent erganization of this society was effected in accordance with the discipline of the Methodist Epis- copal church. The membership was quite small, not exceeding five or six families. Among the leading members were W. S. Guthrie, Dr. J. S. Hershiser, Robert Hilborn, J. E. Cory and John Mahon, Sr.
Growth. Since this church has had its own house of wor- ship the membership has steadily increased. In the autumn of 1883 the society was composed of only ten or twelve members. This membership has been increased to about thirty-six within the period of six years The future prospects for this church are exceptionally bright. Through a hard struggle the society has secured a comfortable house of worship, and has the same free from debt. Its resources for an increase in membership in the future are excellent. Through the instrumentality of its Sunday School, the nursery of the church, the children within its fold are diligently instructed in Scriptural teachings every Sunday morning. That it will be the means of largely increas-
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ing the membership of the church, cannot reasonably be doubt- . ed. That many may be brought within its fold and its growth in the future may far exceed that of the past, is sincerely to be hoped.
Services. At first the services of this church were quite ir- regular owing to the fact that the congregation had no house of its own in which to worship. Since the new church was dedicat- ed preaching services were held regularly every alternate Sun- day until September, 1888. Since that time services were held regularly every Sunday. Besides the regular services on Sun- day, a series of meetings is held during the winter season. Prayer and Class service is held every Wednesday evening. Special services are held for children. A Sunday School with an enrollment of 75 pupils, convenes every Sunday morning at 9:30 o'clock, necessitating the services of seven teachers. An hour is thus spent in diligent and devout study of the Word of God. Special services for children are also held on various oc- casions throughout the year. The Official Board meets once each quarter for the transaction of business.
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