USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Miamisburg > Trinity United Church of Christ, one hundred and fifty years > Part 2
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).
Other projects completed in 1967 were; the final completion of the Church School addition by the installation of an appropriate symbol and lettering on the West wall, the acquisition of new storm windows for the church, and the cleaning and painting of the exterior of the church.
There were considerable accomplishments in the year 1969.
The physical improvements to the buildings included; remodelling the Primary Department, decorating the Sanctuary (c. $6,000), repairing the roof, purchasing of new furniture for the Teen Room, and new chairs for the overflow rooms north and south of the nave. In addition to the physical improvements, the church ac- complished a great deal in teaching the young people Christian beliefs. A few other achievements were: support for Helping Hands, Fort Wayne Children's Home, and Heidelberg College. Another fine program, Saturday morning movies for the elementary children from the downtown area, was initiated in 1969.
Pastor Deitz, as a delegate to the General Synod, attended the meeting in Boston in 1969. Also, he participated in the United Church of Christ Pastor's Study Ex- change Tour to Germany in May, 1969, and became a Director of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries. The congregation joined with nine other parishes of the United Church of Christ to form the "Dayton Area Church Ministry."
In 1970, the sidewalk and curbing on the Second Street side were extensively repaired. The congregation began a Worship in a New Form. This past year, the congregation entered into a closer relationship with area churches - - St. Jacob's, Parkview, and St. John's, sponsoring a weekly Market Square Ministry program. Mr. Carl Burns, a long time Trinity member, was elected Moderator of the Southeast Ohio Association of the United Church of Christ.
In early 1971, a group of willing volunteers have carried out extensive refur- bishing of the entire "new" building.
17
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH CHOIR IN 1908
SENIOR CHOIR
Foreseeing a need for music in the new church, Rev. Isaac Reiter organized a choir on January 2, 1862. This was the first organized church choir in Miamisburg. The edifice had a "gallery" in the back for the choir and the organ.
Up until the formation of the choir, the minister evidently led the singing.
Following is a list of some of the members of that first choir :
Harriet C. Gebhart, Amanda R. Barklow, John A. Hoover, Jacob Hetzel, Ben- jamin Fornshell, James W. Fornshell, John A. Miller, Jasper N. Hill, Adam Gruber, John A. Shuster, Sarah M. Weaver.
Among the names of choir directors are: James B. Schenck, S. S. Sutherland, Prof. H. H. Holmes, Kathryn Keim, George Kester, Stanley Lesher, James Kauffman, A. E. Eldridge, Miss Esther Gephart, Mrs. Louella Thompson, Donald E. Peiffer, Mrs. Robert Zehring, William N. Smith, Miss Ruth Snyder, Robert E. Thompson.
18
The history of the choir wouldn't be complete without mention of the organists. Over the years, these individuals have greatly assisted the choir in their efforts:
Mrs. Bessie Bevenger, Miss Lydia Stamm, Miss Ruby Weaver, Miss Ruth Hughes, Nellie M. Oeden, Miss Christena Peiffer, Mrs. Robert Zehring, Mrs. Edward M. Smith, Patricia Wright, Mrs. Jack Heywood, Betty Gilbert, Mrs. David Hart, Mrs. Annie Schott, Mrs. Alberta Doan, Irvin E. Zimmerman.
"To the choir," (and organist), "belongs much praise for the efficient services rendered in the public services of the sanctuary. The gratitude of the congregation is great toward them."13
YOUTH CHOIR
Known as the Children's Choir in the 1950's, the Junior or Youth Choir provides one way that the children of the congregation can participate in the worship ser- vices. They sing on the average of one out of every four Sundays. On special oc- casions, both the Senior and Junior Choirs take part in the services.
Those who have served as directors are: Mrs. Alda Heywood (organizer of Youth Choir, 1956), Robert Thompson, Mr. Locke, Mrs. Andrew Smith, Miss Lois Moyer, William Smith, Miss Nikki Bailey.
Returning to Trinity Church on September 1, 1967, Robert Thompson is again the director of the Youth Choir, as well as the Senior Choir. Miss Brenda Preston assists the choir at the piano.
PICNIC AT CRAIN'S RUN - - CLARA SHULER'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS 13. The Chronicle, (1881-1906), September 1, 1906, No. 5, p. 13.
19
WOMEN'S BIBLE CLASS, 1912, AT THE HERMAN'S
THE WOMEN OF TRINITY CHURCH
In the very early records of Miamisburg no mention is made of the church ac- tivities of the women. However, the names of six women, along with five men, are listed as charter members of the Miamisburg German Reformed Church in 1821.
It can be surmised that the women of these pioneer days found time from their busy chores to clean, scrub, and make comfortable, the log schoolhouse, which was the first place of public worship in Miamisburg.
The first records written by the women of our church in 1875 record in detail the organization of "The Ladies' Society of the Church." They stated their purpose as the "furthering the interests of the First Reformed Church."
The first officers were: President - Mrs. J. P. Weaver; Vice-president-Mrs. H. Hager, Secretary - Miss Sallie Weaver (Hoff), Treasurer - Mrs. Sarah Hubler.
With this organization, first under the pastorate of Rev. William McCaughey, and later under that of Dr. Henry Herman, there began many great money raising enterprises. At the Miamisburg Town Hall, in one year, they had two strawberry festivals, twelve socials, and several oyster suppers for the public in order to obtain money, not only to pay off the debt but also to improve the furnishings within the church. Much soliciting of the membership produced such items as food, money, chairs, tables, and even wood for the fire, as well as workers.
The Consistory called upon the women to assume more and more responsibilities as the society grew in numbers. They were asked to sweep the church each week purchase coal for heating the church, and later pay the sexton. All these tasks the women did willingly and liberally. The only refusal mentioned was that of paying for the painting of the tall church spire on the first church built on this corner.
By 1881, the women were serving the Miamisburg Alumni dinner at thirty cents per plate, as well as public noon and evening meals.
20
When Rev. Kerst arrived in 1912 as the new pastor, the name of the Ladies' Society was changed to "The Ladies' Aid" to meet bi-monthly. Mrs. Sarah Hubler became the first president of this newly organized women's group. The other of- ficers were Vice-President, Mrs. Nettie Gebhart; Secretary, Mrs. Sallie Hoff; Treasurer, Miss Ella Ressler and Mrs. Ruby Peiffer. Mrs. Sarah Hubler, having served as president of the Ladies' Society for many years, continued as president of The Ladies' Aid for more than twenty years. This organization had scarcely started until the havoc of the great 1913 flood increased the demands made upon the women. Our women joined with the women of the other denominations at the EUB (Parkview Methodist Church) to cook and serve daily meals for the workers who were cleaning up the town. Besides, with five feet of water in our sanctuary, the women set to work. They cleaned and replaced the many articles destroyed by the muddy water.
The Ladies' Aid carried on their work, faithfully serving the church until 1941, when it became a part of the Women's Guild. The last president was Mrs. Raymond Woods. It cannot be estimated the enormous amount of money the women of the Ladies' Society and the Ladies' Aid raised for the church. Every active woman of the church helped in the many projects successfully accom- plished. They gave donations of food or money, they cooked or waited tables at suppers, they served for bazaars, and some even quilted to increase the budget.
The Women's Missionary Society was organized in 1886 during the pastorate of Dr. Henry Herman. Its purpose was to provide religious and spiritual inspiration as well as a program for the study of the missionary work, needs, and peoples, abroad and at home.
Many of the Ladies' Aid were also members of this missionary society. The ministers' wives, Mrs. Henry Herman, Mrs. NevinKerst, Mrs. Nevin Mathes, Mrs. George Longaker, and Mrs. H. Grady Shoffner exerted a great influence in this organization.
The Missionary Circle of Young Girls, the Girls' Guild, and the Mission Band under the supervision of the adult society, attracted the young but did not remain active through the years.
The use of the Thank Offering boxes and Prayer Calendars, the payment of dues, the sending of clothing boxes to Missionary posts, and the regular participation in missionary conventions and synodical meetings were all a part of the missionary program. In 1941, Mrs. Clarence Hottle served as the last president before the women joined the Women's Guild.
The women of this church have had an important role in the church school work. As early as 1849, there were fifteen lady teachers who taught in the very first Sunday School in the union church of Reformed and Lutheran. Many of these women were members of our Reformed Church. The record states that the need for Sunday School literature was so great that the women of both congregations raised the large sum of $44 for the necessary books for the church library.
The Loyal Workers Class of women was one of the oldest classes organized in 1911 by Mrs. Henry Herman for the purpose of visiting newcomers in the area, as well as the sick, arranging flowers at the church funerals, and officially serving as a welcoming committee at all church services.
21
At one time, there were as many as 90 women in this class. Miss Grace Shuler, Miss Endora Reiter, Mrs. Grace Randall, Mrs. Mattie McDonald, Mrs. Helen Jones, and Mrs. Esther Light served as teachers of this class.
The Always Room for One More class was organized with Mrs. Nettie Gebhart as teacher. This group has been very generous with its support of the various church projects. It is still meeting socially at the present time.
There were other Sunday School classes of women and young girls; such as: the Philathea Class, the Queen Esther with Miss Edith Benner as teacher, classes taught by Miss Clara Shuler, and Mrs. Tom Brady. The Busy Bees organized by Miss Edith Benner still meets socially.
In the children's department there were many faithful women who served for many years as superintendents. The names of Weaver, Peiffer, Leis, Eagle, Smalley, Fultz, Hottle, Neff, Shoffner, and Hieronymus are prominent. Mrs. Clarence Hottle served in the primary department as superintendent and secretary for 36 years. There were many other women who served as officers, board members, class teachers, and helpers.
Two women have served as members of the consistory, Mrs. Lib Croskey and Mrs. Ethel Neff. In recent years, Mrs. Millie Staley and Mrs. Dorothy Times have each filled the position of Trinity Church office Secretary. And Mrs. Etta Leis has served for several years as church Financial Secretary.
The Women's Guild was organized in 1941 by Dr. H. Grady Shoffner. Mrs. Carl Burns was chosen President. There have been 24 presidents who have served the Guild in these thirty years.
The programs have been inspiring, educational, and entertaining. The meals at monthly meetings and for special occasions have been tasty and economically prepared. The projects have been varied. The 'Penny Strip,' an idea borrowed from the Ladies' Aid, takes care of the annual dues. Rummage sales, dinners, magazine subscription commissions, auction sales, and donations have made possible participation in worthwhile projects and the support of deserving causes. Large sums of money were given to the building fund for the new addition.
One of the finest projects has been the sewing for the World War II refugees, the Red Cross, and later for the Miami Valley Hospital. Thousands of hours of sewing produced an innumerable amount of articles. Dozens of women served in this all- day serving work under the direction of Mrs. Harve Hoffman and then later with Mrs. H. Grady Shoffner.
Since Rev. James Deitz has been the minister, the Women's Guild has moved forward with many worthwhile activities. New adult choir robes were made under the direction of Mrs. Russell Shilt. Other projects include the regular visitation of the Miamisburg Friendly Rest Home, continued participation in the Federation of Church Women in Miamisburg, the adoption of needy families, assistance to the Helping Hands Organization, setting up of a Wedding Reception Committee, a church directory, making possible the start of a Well-Child Clinic for needy children, the filling of ditty bags for soldiers in Vietnam, and the very recent assistance in looking after the church property.
Women through these 150 years have indeed exerted great influence upon this church.
- - Harriet Hieronymus
22
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Under the pastorate of Reverend George Long, the first union Sunday School was organized on May 9, 1849.
Among the names of the first members from both congregations are:
Simon Hoover, John Kiser, George Hoff, Thomas Eichelberger, Frederick Treon, John Bevenger, James Warner, Emmaline Weidner, --- - Marsh, Catherine Hetzel, Emmaline Schell, Emma Gillespie, Laura Cassady, Amanda R. Hoover (Lyons), Rebecca Gable, Elizabeth Stearns, Sarah Warner, Mary G. Bevenger, Jane Goudy, Antoinette Schroeder (played the organ), Laura Doebling.
On November 2, 1862, mutual consent (Lutherans and Reformed) dissolved the union Sunday School after it had served a practical purpose of religiously training the youth.
However, on February 1, 1863, after moving to its new church building, the Reformed congregation established its own Sunday School. The first officers were:
Jacob Zimmer, Superintendent
Edward D. Miller, Ass't. Superintendent
John D. Sheehan, Secretary
Jacob Hetzel, Librarian
Louis A. Kiefer, Ass't. Librarian
George W. Weaver, Treasurer
At that time, the lessons were mainly the memorizing of Bible verses, reading Bible stories and reciting hymns.
March 17, 1963, the 100th anniversary, the motives on which the organization was founded were emphasized. They are revealed in the preamble to the first con- stitution: "Whereas the children and youth of every community form an integral and important part of the social constitution, and at the same time have great moral interest at stake; and whereas we believe that ample and well adapted means ought to be used to secure, develop and promote the moral as well as the intellectual interests of the young, and thus prepare them for usefulness and happiness in time and eternity; and whereas, we discover one of these means in the Sunday School institution and we therefore do hereby ordain and adopt for our government the following constitution." 14
THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR OF THE FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
On the 15th of December, 1891, the Christian Endeavor Society was organized with 26 charter members. At the meeting, Reverend Herman was chosen chair- man. Election of officers was held for the term with the following results;
Pres. - Rev. H. M. Herman Corres. Sec'y - Bessie Bevenger V. Pres. - Mr. Cunningham Treas. - Robert Hubler
Sec'y - Grace L. Shuler
"The Junior and Senior Christian Endeavor Societies have been faithful in their work and much interest manifested."15
14. Program, Trinity United Church of Christ, Miamisburg, O., p. 3. 15 Ibid.
23
YOUTH FELLOWSHIPS
Trinity's Youth Fellowships developed out of the former Christian endeavor society.
The Senior Youth Fellowship, covering high school ages, worked through paper drives and car washes in order to earn their way to St. Louis, Missouri, in the summer of 1970. This trip has been the highlight of the Senior Youth for the past four years.
The group has taken over the role as the Foster Parent of the youth from India, who had previously been supported by the Sub-Teen Department. Trips include excursions to Fort Ancient, Hueston Woods, and Germantown Dam.
A most beneficial activity of the group is the retreats. Camp Kern, Yokefellow Institute, Pilgrim Hills, and Times' Farm are among the places where the group has gone. Retreats to Yokefellow Institute and Pilgrim Hills have been Youth- Adult retreats at which the "generation gap" was not necessarily bridged, but was lessened. From these retreats, has stemmed many meaningful experiences and moments which the group has carried home and are now being put to use. Sen- sitivity groups and Self-evaluation have drawn the group closer. Coffee Houses help us express our emotions and desires.
Developing out of the youth fellowship, is the "DOFITY" group (Dramatic Organization For Interested Trinity Youth). Since the group's creation in late 1969, numerous plays have been presented. These include Christ In The Concrete City and Casey, by P. W. Turner (presented Good Friday, 1970) and Let Man Live (presented for the Womens Guild 1971).
The Junior High Youth Fellowship has met regularly for several years. This enthusiastic group has taken many field trips, had guest speakers, craft and work projects, and presented plays. -Roger Stine
MEN'S WORK
For many years the men of the Church were organized and held regular monthly or bi-monthly meetings. The most recent organization was known as the Men's Brotherhood or the Churchmen's Brotherhood. Their evening dinner meetings provided an opportunity for worship and service, plus good food, good fellowship and interesting programs. The Men's Brotherhood was intended as a parallel organization to the Women's Guild, but it never achieved comparable support.
Our Men's Brotherhood also participated in the Valley Men's Fellowship. This Fellowship is composed of men from a number of Valley Churches.
During the middle 1950's our Men's Fellowship discontinued its meetings because of its limited attendance.
At the present time the program committee of the consistory is formulating definite plans for a new men's organization, in response to many requests.
The official governing body of Trinity, the consistory, has - - with few exceptions -- been made up of the men of the church. Here the men have given an impressive amount of faithful service through the years.
- Curtis Eagle
24
Pastoral Staff
In the mid-1950's, another feature was added to Trinity Church. The congregation added a second full time person to the church's staff. Those who have filled this capacity are:
Philip Stahl - 1954, Richard Banzhaf - 1956, Roger L. Bishop - 1959, Arthur L. Waidmann - 1961-1963, Andrew W. Smith - 1963-1965, Glenn Trost 1965-1966, Dale E. Marshall - 1966-1967, Edward S. Long - 1967 -.
Only three of the above mentioned ministers served as ordained staff pastors. They include: Rev. Arthur Waidmann, assistant, Rev. Andrew Smith, assistant and the present associate, Rev. Edward S. Long.
After Dale Marshall completed his responsibilities to Trinity Church on July 1, 1967, the congregation extended a call to Edward Long.
REV. EDWARD S. LONG
Associate Pastor Since 1967
Reverend Ed Long, born in 1940 in Belvidere, Illinois, was educated in the public schools of Plymouth, Indiana. He graduated from high school in 1958.
For the next two years, Ed worked at various jobs including farm labor, and helping his father at carpentry. He spent most of his time with the Kroger Com- pany.
In 1960, Ed Long entered Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois. He then con- tinued his education at Eden Seminary, Webster Groves, Missouri, graduating June 2, 1967.
Reverend Long has had positions at several organizations including: Plymouth Neighborhood House, East Grand Presbyterian Church, First Congregational Church in Webster Groves, and South Webster Presbyterian Church.
Accepting the call from Trinity, Reverend Edward Long arrived in Miamisburg in July 1967.
To the present, Ed has greatly aided the youth work at Trinity, while sharing the pastoral duties with Reverend James G. Deitz.
25
Postscript: "LOOKING AHEAD"
We follow in the path of one who said many years ago, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and then keeps looking back is fit for the kingdom of God."
In our anniversary celebration, we of course, do some 'looking back' and thereby take some risks. There is, for example, the risk of becoming romantic about the good old days, forgetting the joys and opportunities of the present.
But it is also possible that we can learn much if we read between the lines. We can take our history seriously without being captive to it. We can recall how the same one who spoke of not looking back, also mentioned fulfilling the past rather than abolishing it.
A look between these lines does not show us a static or unadventurous past. Consider, for example, how hard it must have been for many folks to change the very language in which the services were conducted from German to English! A church does not continue for 150 years in these recent swift-paced centuries without being alive to its own present.
Trinity, in this year of our Lord 1971, is very much alive. We are richly endowed with capable, dedicated members, with physical and financial strength, with a real sense of mission.
,
Above and beyond all this, though, there is an "X" factor. This is perhaps best put in the form of a question: Can we be led by the Spirit? Can we rededicate ourselves, not to the past, but to the needs and challenges of the present? Can we begin to burn more brightly with the fire, the enthusiasm, the strength, the com- mitment of the very Spirit of the living God?
The answer is that we can. And we must.
-J.G.D.
26
BOARDS AND OFFICERS - - 1971
CONSISTORY: President, Russell Brinkman Vice-President, Harry Rudy Secretary, Robert Back Treasurer, Robert Nicholas Financial Secretary, Mrs. Etta Leis Representative to Board of Christian Education, Jerry Johns
ELDERS: Chairman, Jack Croskey - Secretary, Lester Suerdick
1971 - Jack Croskey, Russell Brinkman, Robert Nicholas
1972 - Harry Rudy, Frank Short, Lester Suerdick
1973 - Glenn Countryman, Gary Bernheisel, Leigh Pascoe
DEACONS: Chairman, Gerald Barrett - Secretary, Lee Hieronymus
1971 - Herman Myers, Richard Furneaux, John Warrick
1972 - Gerald Barrett, Ronald Graham, Edwin Gyenes
1973 - Jerry Johns, Robert Back, Lee Hieronymus
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
Chairman, Gary Huffman Vice-Chairman - Ben Taulbee
Secretary, Sandra Thompson
Treasurer, Lester Good 1971 - Miss Sandra Thompson, Ben Taulbee, Mrs. Kathy Stevens 1972 - Mrs. Betty Heinz, Gary Huffman, Mrs. Bonnie Preston 1973 - Mrs. Sue Land, Larry Gilbert, Mrs. Marilyn Lemons Church School Superintendent, Mrs. Ruth Bailey
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE:
1971 - Thomas Costello, G. William Underwood (secretary)
1972 - Stanley Bernard (chairman), Charles Paris
1973 - Karl Miller, Dwight Boyer
CHURCH STAFF
Pastor, James G. Deitz Associate Pastor, Edward S. Long Office Secretary, Mrs. Dorothy Times Financial Secretary, Mrs. Etta Leis Director of Music, Robert E. Thompson Organist, Irvin E. Zimmerman Sexton, Josephus Wright
27
.
1821
1971
TRINITY OURO ----
Anniversary Sunday APRIL 18, 1971
9:15 A.M. - - SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
10:30 A.M. - - ANNIVERSARY SERVICE Guest Speaker - - Rev. Ben M. Herbster President, United Church of Christ, 1961-1969
Infant Baptisms
NOON - - ANNIVERSARY DINNER
Tickets: $1.50, Adult - - $.75 Children's Portion Capacity - - 240 Tickets may be ordered by mail through the Church Office before Easter - - Curtis Eagle is ticket chairman
After-Meal program will include Rev. Clarence Gebhart, A "Son" of Trinity Church Special exhibits and reminiscences
TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Miamisburg, Ohio
28
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.