Bears, panthers, wolves, deer, small game, and flocks of wild turkeys were found plentiful in this part. The red man roamed through it. It was in the spring of [1]804 that a Boston merchant, Samuel Pomeroy, bought of Elbridge Gery, one of the original proprietors in the Ohio Company a full share of land, lying where now Pomeroy is. In 1833 he with his two sons and his two sons-in-law formed a company under the name of Pomeroy Sons and Company and began mining on a large scale. One of his sons-in-law was Mr. V. B. Horton, who has done more for the development of this section than probably any other one man. At that time only about a dozen families resided in the town.
In the spring of 1819 a new county was formed from parts of Washington, Athens, and Gallia Counties and named Meigs County, after one of Ohio's governors. At first Chester was the county seat. In June of 1841 the county seat was moved to Pomeroy, and the town hall served as county court-house. In 1840 the population of Meigs County was 11,455.
It was about this time that along with people from New England and Wales a great many Germans came to these parts. Most of them came from Rhenish Bavaria. A goodly number of them were farmers who settled in Sutton, Chester, and other Townships, while some were skilled artisans. Most of them engaged in mining or worked in the salt plants.
It stands to reason that those who came from the Fatherland banded together according to their sympathies. Different clubs and associations were formed, among them an "Arbeiterverein" whose main purpose was mutual aid in cases of sickness and death.
(See original for photo of church.)
The first secretarial records of this new church are lost. The pastor's record book begins with the 19th of September 1847. The first entrances were made in beautiful handwriting by pastor Hermann Linstaedt. The first basptism which tood place was that of Johnann [sic] August Pfeiffer, son of Peter Pfeifer, and Margarethe, nee Gernheimer, born September 3rd 1847, baptized October 2nd 1947. The first marriage recorded is that of Heinrich Baer and Anna Susanna Truschel, October 10th 1847; the first funeral that of Maria Catharina Mohra, wife of Michael Mohra, on September 24th 1847.
Wilheim Schreiber was president of the congregation in 1848-49; Leonhardt Eiselstein, treasurer; councilman were George Woeller, Heinrich Wehe, and Jakob Dornick.
Besides Evangelical Lutheran St. John Church in Chester Tp, another congregation of the free Protestant type rose to prominence in those days. It worshipped in the same church which stood at the foot of the hill on the top of which is Pine Grove Cemetery. Of course, services were held alternately, so that none would interfere with the other. Later, in 1866, the congregation built itself a separate church. This new congregation must have been in existence in 1847 and served --at least at that time by the same-pastor Linstaedt, for a note in connection with the baptism of Barbara Ohlinger, daughter of Heinrich and Barbara Ohlinger on October 3rd 1847 states that this baptism took place in the church in Chester Tp. This old church is still existing and bears the name: St. John's Evangelical church. It celebrates with us its 75th anniversary.
The congregation at Pomeroy, which numbered 19 members at its inception purchased the old court-house for a place of worship, December 15th 1849. The property was secured through the services of Mr. Valentine B. Horton and in behalf of the congregation signed by the following men; Henry Schreiber, Andrew Miller, Henry Wehe, and George Woeller.
A reorganization of the congregation took place through the adoption of a new constitution recommended by the new pastor I Mosebach, February 28th 1850. On this date also all former asts of the congregation were declared void and presumably all records destroyed. According to it the name of the congreation was "German United Evangelical Protestant Congregation." Let us just mention a few of the characteristic points of the constitution.
"In services and meetings only the German language is to be used."
"Every German, either by birth or through descendence, who is of age, and belongs to the Reformed, Lutheran, or United Evangelical Church and subscribes to the articles of confession of this congregation, may become a member of it."
"The congregation declares itself free from any ecclesiastical association and resents all intrusion of such into its inner affairs."
"If a member of the church council absents himself from attendance of services without proper excuse for three Sundays, he excludes himself from office."
"The church council has no right to sell anything belonging to the congregation, nor may it buy anything in excess of $5.00 per year without consent of congregation."
"If required the treasurer is to give bond."
"The official year of the minister runs from October to October. If a fourth of the membership designates by subscription before the first of July that it wishes the minister removed, a meeting of the congregation is to be called to decide whether or not an election shall take place. Eventually the minister is to leave his position by the first of October."
The members who during the year 1850 signed this constitution were the following: George F. Schreiber, George Rasp, Heinrich Pfarr, Peter Weikert, Wilhelm Rasp, Peter Mayer, Leonhard Eiselstein, Heinrich Schreiber I.,* Ludwig Schreiber, Jako Dornick, Philipp Durst, Jakob Heilmann, Heinrich Ohlinger, Heinrich Schreiber II., George Mora, Michael Mora, Martin Ohlinger, Jakob Reuther, Johannes Wolf, Peter Winkler, Gustav Rupert, Heinrich Schreiber III., Michael Wind, W. Schreiber, Peter Reibel, Valentine Braun, Johannes Rheinschild, V. Baumgaertner, Peter Dorst, L. Massar, Johannes Gans, Job Schuster, Johannes Schlaegel, Valentine Meinhart, Daniel Diehl, Martin Holzmueller, Adam Fick, Philipp Heilmann, Philipp Diefenbach, Dietrich Gries, Jannes Wernersbach, Peter Werry, Konrad Joachim.
The constitution has its very strong and fine points, but it stands to reason that it could not remain in that shape if the congregation was really to grow. In the course of the years many changes were made, a very important one being the elimination of the article which forbade the congregation to become a member of a larger church body. Some of its rules seem to us very strict. One who studies the past of the congregation becomes convinced of the fact that in the matter of discipline our fathers took their Christianity in earnest. From 1882 to 1886 a special record was kept of cases of church members whose life was not without reproach and who for various reasons were excommunicated. The constitution as we have it to-day only distantly resembles this early one.
Pastor I. A. Frankenberg succeeded pastor Mosebach May 18th 1851. He remained but a very short time. (Be it said here that the records of the early times are defective; for this reason it is oftimes impossible to give an entirely accurate account.) Pastor Andreas Schwartz became his successor. It was in the dreadful cholera year 1852 when he was suddenly stricken with this disease and died August 29th. His body was buried in the cemetery of the congregation.
*Note-Men who bore the same names were distinguished by Roman numbers on the pay rolls of Mr. Horton, for whom nearly everybody worked in those times. This distinction was also used in the other walks of life.
Much credit must be given to pastor Theiss that he did a great deal to heal this breach. In a congregational meeting on February 16th 1857 a union of the two United Evangelical Protestant Congregations took place. The record of these proceedings is signed by Johannes Schaaf as president and George Mora as secretary. A new constitution was adopted. New life and energy seemed to have come to the members. United they took a step forward, which they had feared to take separately. On April 19th they voted to call a teacher for their school. On May 11th 1857 Mr. Jakob Wehe was elected to this position. The arrangements were thus, that services were held in the upper church, school in the lower. It was decided on June 21st that the property of both churches be sold and a new church be erected on another site. From the very first attempts toward this union however, there were such who had opposed it. The record of September 28th 1857 contains the following resolutions:
"Anyone conversant with the conditions of this congregation will have seen that the two congregations cannot harmonize with each other. Be it enacted, therefore, that the contract which has bound the two be herewith dissolved by majority of votes.
It is to be understood that to each congregation be returned its property, and that preacher and teacher be paid their salary from the common treasury."
Even if this attempt toward union failed, it was at least manfully made. For us to deplore the fact of this failure will not change in any way matters as they went on. Until the time of the dissolution of St. John's Church at the close of 1914 the two congregations existed side by side, sometimes working in opposition to another and then again going together in harmony. We are glad that we live in a time in which we see indications on every hand that details in opinion will not so easily separate God's children as that has been the case in former times. But knowing this does not give us any right whatsoever to speak disparageingly of those fathers. They have acted according to their convictions and they have courageously taken the consequences of this action upon themselves.
Although elected on January 3rd 1858 for another year beginning with the first of April, pastor Theiss left the congregation not long after that and took charge of the affairs of St. John's church, which he served for many years. In 1873 he was instrumental in founding St. Paul's Evangelical Church in Minersville. For a number of years he also served the Evangelical Protestant Congregation at Mason City, W. Va.. He died in 1885 at the age of 79 years at Pomeroy.
His successor became pastor J. G. Reichmann, who began his work September 1st 1858. In its meeting on the following 31st of October, however, the congregation passed this resolution: "We unanimously resolve that pastor Reichmann be discharged as pastor of this congregation by the first of December. This is done on account of the language he has used."
In December 1859 the pastor was instructed to order hymn books from the Evangelical Synod. In its January meeting 1860 the congregation resolved to join the German Evangelical Church Association of the West, as the name of the Synod was at that time. This step made a change in the constitution necessary, as has already been intimated. Soon other books of the Synod like the Evangelical Catechism were introduced. Above resolution was probably not carried out in that year, for in the January meeting 1865 the self-same resolution was passed and Mr. Johann Mora was delegated April 29th to represent the congregation at the next conference. In those early years already the congregation took a live interest in Synodical affairs. Dr. John Baltzer, the present president-general of our Synod once remarked to a delegate of our congregation at the occasion of a conference, that he well remembers that as a boy he helped his father, pastor Adolph Baltzer, one of the pillars of our Synod, pack periodicals and books' addressed to Pomeroy, and how often otherwise the name of Pomeroy was mentioned in this respect. We may well say that the connection of our Church with the Evangelical Synod of N. A. (the present name) has been one of blessing for both parties. Through its connection with the Synod the congregation has been kept in touch with the larger Kingdom work, which is necessary for each individual church but especially one as isolated from the rest as ours. Time and again strength and encouragement have come to us through our association with our brethren of the same faith and of the same flesh and blood. And in all humbleness we may claim that we have made our contributions to the larger tasks not only in money, but also in interest and cooperation.
(See original for photos of Pastor Lubert Theiss and Pastor Otto Breuhaus)
Pastor Eppens was succeeded in October 1863 by pastor W. Fromn, who remained to March 1865. Then came a young man fresh from the seminary, pastor Otto Breuhaus. Under him the good work was continued. He founded the Sunday-school. At that time its sessions were held in the afternoon. A book containing Bible Stories of the Old and New Testament furnished the material for teachers and pupils. A great many adult took regular part in it. A beautiful spirit existed between him and the congregation. His son, pastor Otto W. Breuhaus writes: "Of the various churches served by him, Pomeroy was his first and lasting love; he would often speak of Pomeroy. "Truly, he would say, there have been many pleasant things in the different congregations, but nowhere have my members been so attached to me as in Pomeroy. It was not an easy matter for me to leave there, and if it had not been for my throat trouble, I should have remained there." "When",--so continues his son,--"I saw him the last time in April 1917"-and he died in November 1917, he asked me about Pomeroy and I had been there the previous year, and he again told me how it had pleased him to have been asked to take part in the corner stone laying in 1905." He left here in August 1872. Are we surprised to know that the congregation extended him a second call in May 1878, a call which, however, he did not accept.
Under the pastorate of E. Nolting the membership grew considerably. This made an enlargement of the church necessary. An addition was built to it in 1875. November, 7th of this same year the congregation changed its name to Peace Evangelical Protestant Church. This act gives evidence of the aspirations of both people and pastor. Pastors A. Merkle and P. Werber, a converted Jew, were here but a short time.
The quiet and faithful work of pastor F. Rahn, who was here at two different periods, and of pastor S. A. Ebinger did much to build up the inner life of the congregation. Oftimes the outward achievements are not the greatest. Life consists mostly of little things which count in the end just as much as the great ones. In the quiet times things spiritual will have better opportunity to sink deeper.
(See original for photos of Pastor S. A. Ebinger and Pastor G. Fischer)
Writing the history of a congregation is similar to writing the history of a country like ours. Such a country has its different periods, and the beginning and close of these often coincide with the change of its administration. Pastors are human beings. Each human being has its particular gifts. And as ministers of Christ every true pastor seeks to place his gifts into the service of the Master. There are but few who are gifted in such an all around way that they could satisfy everyone at all times. It was not an easy task for pastor G. Fischer, who assumed his work July 17th,1888, to do justice to it since he was young and inexperienced. But he threw himself wholeheartedly into the work, and succeeded. His efforts to help forward the cause of God in the Pomeroy Bend were untiring. There was an unusual degree of co-operation on the part of the congregation. It was in his time that the choir was begun and work among young people was definitely taken in hand.
In his annual report January 3rd 1897 he called the attention of the congregation to the fact that the coming September it would be fifty years since the beginning of the congregation. He then continues: "This day should be celebrated in proper manner. The year 1897 is our year of jubilee. This thought should fill us with new strength. If every member of the congregation, every member of the council, every member of the women's society, every member of the Y.P.L., every child in the S.S., in short, if everybody lends a willing hand, then something worth while will be accomplished. A special contribution toward that day should consist in the payment of our debt of $50.00. A thorough renovation of the church building would greatly add to make that day a memorable one." The congregation willingly adopted his suggestions. But, alas, pastor Fischer left in July of that year and under his successor, pastor J. S. Fismer, who was here but a few months, the celebration was postponed. In the following spring it was decided to drop it definitely, on account of bad times. Thus it happened that the congregation never celebrated the golden anniversary.
More and more it became evident that the building which was used as a place of worship was no longer adequate to fulfill its purpose properly. During the pastorate of W. Hauff a building fund as started. The motion to this was made by Jacob Blum and seconded by John Durst I. Each member was to pay at least 10 cents per month toward it. The first treasurers were Jacob Durst and Jacob Beckle. That took place in January meeting of the congregation in 1898. For some reason or other the fund did not grow very rapidly and the promoters became disappointed. In its July meeting 1900 the congregation ordered the return of the money to the donors.
Renewed activity toward the erection of a new church building can be noticed from the time of pastor Bretz' arrival. In its January meeting 1902 the congregation asked its members to donate a day's wages to the building fund. From that time on every branch of the congregation worked 'heroically', as pastor Bretz expressed it in a recent letter, for the attainment of that one great goal.
(See original for photo of church)
(See original for photo of J. D. Bretz)
The most important facts concerning the corner stone laying as taken from a newspaper clipping are the following:
"At 2 o'clock on Sunday, June 4th the corner stone of the German Evangelical Church was laid with impressive services. Upon the improvised platform were the pastor, J. D. Bretz, the officiating clergyman, D. C. Davis, president of the village council, the officiating members of the church and the choir.
"After an opening selection by the choir, Rev. Bretz spoke briefly in German, then came another selection by the choir, after which D. C. Davis, in behalf of the town spoke of the necessity of churches, the work accomplished by them and the unusually good character of the church edifices of this place. He closed by bidding the church godspeed their new home. Then came addresses by Rev. O. Breuhaus, Rev. Thomas Beckmeyer, Rev. Turnbull, Dr. Ohl and Rev. Niemenz, all of which were appropriate for the occasion.
"Then came the laying of the corner stone according to the form of the church. In the copper box to be placed in the chamber of the corner stone were a copy each of the county papers, an English Testament presented by Mrs. Remington, the constitution of the church, a picture of the inside of the old church and an envelope by C. J. Vincent, and probably other material not mentioned in this place.
The members of the building committee have been mentioned above. The church council of that year consisted of the following, C. J. Hess, C. Beckle, J. Schoenlein, J. Strauss, Jacob Zeisler and J. Werry.
The stone with inscription was furnished by C. J. Vincent, and the copper box by D. M. Prall.
The architect was Richard C. Dawson, of Columbus, and the builders were George Bauer, John Genheimer, D. M. Prall."
While the building of the church was moving on steadily, the congregation took another step forward. It became incorporated. The paper of incorporation was taken out September 2nd 1905 and signed by the following: C. J. Hess, Jacob Zeisler, Jacob Werry, Charles Beckle, John Strauss, and John Schoenlein.
The new church is a brick veneered edifice, 40 x 60 in dimension, with a tower 85 feet in height. In the rear of the main auditorium is the S.S. chapel which may be connected with the auditorium by rolling partitions. A special ornament are the beautiful art glass windows of which the three large ones show Christ in the garden Getsemane, Christ and the children, and the Good Shepherd. These windows were donated by the following: C. J. Hess and wife, Leonard Kloes and family, Peter Fischer and wife, Valentine Meinhart, Miss Anna Durst, Confirmands 1903, Class of Miss E. Ebersbach, In memory of Eleanor and Florence Gans by parents Peter and Therasia Gans, In memory of Susan Langlotz by Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Tierney, In memory of Katharina Huber, In memory of Maria A. Killinger, In memory of Heinrich Zeisler. The building is not only beautiful to look at but of very substantial character. Two new bells with an aggregate weight of 1800 invite the members to the service.
In telling about the dedication of the new church November 5th 1922 let us follow to a large extent the reports as they were issued at that time in the Tribune-Telegraph and the Leader.
(See original for photo of church council)
"The new German Evangelical Church was dedicated last Sunday under most impressive ceremonies. In spite of the rain the spacious new building was filled to its utmost capacity in each of the three services and the enthusiasm of the assembly knew no bounds. A short farewell service was held at the temporary place of worship in the courthouse, in which the pastor spoke briefly to the congregation, referring to the work, discouragements and hardships which preceded that day. He sounded the keynote for the festive occasion by emphasizing the fact that this day was not meant for a celebration of our work and our deeds but that it was a day of thanksgiving to our God for what He had done for this congregation.
"The congregation then filed to the new church. After the short ceremony of opening the door was over and the congregation comfortably seated the festive services began. The rite of dedication was performed by the pastor." "The speaker, Rev. Wm. N. Dresel of Mansfield congratulated the congregation on the successful termination of their efforts in erecting such a fine edifice, but admonished the members that their work was not yet complete. There is always a development in the Kingdom of God which will not be finished until the judgment. The church of God on earth is an imparfect example of what it will be in eternity.
"The afternoon service at 2 o'clock. A number of Evangelical people of Jackson came in on an excursion and part in the service. The German address was delivered by Rev. T. Beckmeyer and the English by Rev. Dresel who spoke in an eloquent manner of the 'Lily Work of the Church', taking his theme from the lily work that adorned King Solomon's temple. Small efforts constituted the lily work of the church, and in this way something useful could be found for each and everyone to do.
"The inside of the church was made most beautiful at the evening services by the effect of numerous electric lights, and the inspiring sermon by Rev. G. Freund of Portsmouth was well received by those present. He dwelt on the 'Sacredness of the Temple of God. A church is built very much like any other building. Masons and carpenters are employed, and with the labor of their hands the building is put up. But through the act of dedication this building is set aside for special holy purposes. There are many reasons why we should love the Church of God. It brings us into communion with our God. Here His word is preached and His sacraments are administered. It is the spiritual house for us and our children. In conclusion he pointed out the different ways as to how this love should manifest itself. Not only will a person who loves his church be a regular hearer but also a doer of the word.
"The new church edifice has been erected at a cost of $9,000, and by the zealous efforts of Rev. Bretz and his most excellent congregation it has all been paid but a very small amount less-than $2,000. Such a place of worship is a credit to Pomeroy and to the earnest church people who have worked so faithfully to accomplish such a noble task."
With the notes of gladness that were heard on that day, there mingled also a tone of sadness. It was also the conclusion of pastor Bretz' activities in this congregation, since he had accepted a call to St. John's Evangelical Church in Boonville, Ind.
(See original for photo of Pastor H. L. Streich)
His successor pastor H. L. Streich took up the work where he had stopped and continued it in a noble manner. His work among and with young people is especially noteworthy. Under him the members made further strenuous efforts to diminish their indebtedness. On December 31st 1909 this amounted to but $535. Pastor Streich left in August 1010 [1910].
Almost the first thing which pastor Weber, who entered into service a few days after his predecessor had left, did was to wipe out the debt. This accomplishment encouraged the congregation to attempt further improvements. The next addition was
The property of the church lies on Second street, just one block away from the river bank. As a rule the river is tranquil and beautiful to look at. But there are times when it becomes rampant. It moves across its boundaries and damages or destroys what it finds in its way. The inhabitants of the Ohio Valley are used to floods but they do not like to see them come, especially when they take on such proportions as those of February 4th, 1884 and March 1913, which reached its crest on the 31st, of that month. The havoc wrought in the church property by the latter flood was immense. Since the water came so high as to flood the new organ it caused almost its complete ruin. It had to be taken apart and returned to the factory for rebuilding. It had to be taken apart and returned to the factory for rebuilding. It came back a better instrument than it was before. The cost of rebuilding was comparatively small, being $685.00. Mr. Carnegie donated $487 toward these costs, while the Synod helped the congregation in its distress to the amount of $895.00. The men worked with all their might to bring conditions back to normal. The rededication of the rebuilt organ was held January 11th, 1914.
For about fifteen years Miss Ida Durst, now Mrs. Ida Rowe, was the faithful and efficient organist.
(See original for photo of parsonage)
In February 1907, the matter of buying the Probst house for said purpose was investigated. All to no avail. But when the offer came from Mr. J. Franz to sell the congregation his two-story brick residence, 211 E. Main St. for the nominal sum of $2,000. The congregation grasped this opportunity immediately. The deal was closed November 7th, 1912. The house is very conveniently situated, just a few steps from the church, has five rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom, and a large basement. A fine spacious porch was built along the entire front of the house in the fall of 1919.
The tasks were many and oftimes difficult with which pastor Weber had to labor but these great achievements also afforded him joy and satisfaction. In every way the congregation expanded under his leadership. After nine years of service he left Pomeroy in 1919, to assume work in Chillicothe.
Under the present pastor the remaining debt of $700. on the parsonage was paid in October 1920. At the present the congregation has no indebtedness. In November 1920, a little parochial paper was begun which has been a real help in the work. It is true to its name: The Visitor, and brings many a personal message into the homes of the congregation.
But our fathers also believed in religious education. In the parochial school not merely the three R's were taught but also Bible story and catechism. No one is able to fathom the good which has been done through this part of the church's activity.
When the parochial school could no longer compete with the public school which had grown in efficiency it went to sleep. When this happened here the records do not clearly indicate.
Two things have remained. The one of them is the Sunday-school. Even while day-school was maintained emphasis was laid on the work in the Sunday-school. In its meeting in January 1876, the congregation made special efforts to continue it. Eight more members, all of them men, were elected to assist the council in teaching the Sunday-school. Again and again the records mention this method of providing teachers until the time when all teachers were voluntary and some of the women and the young people had taken a hold of the task.
Our Sunday-school is conducted among modern lines. Under pastor Streich the beginners and primary departments were organized, also a cradle roll and home department. The school was fully graded under the direction of pastor Weber. Nika Bible Class, a men's organization was organized in 1914, the Ladies' Bible Class in the following year. In 1921, work in both school and church has been greatly advanced. The present enrollment of the school is 250, including scholars and teachers. Mr. Earl Hartenbach is superintendent, Mrs. Anna Nussmann assistant superintendent, Mrs. Frances Reibel secretary, Miss Anna Durst treasurer, and the Messrs. Edw. Huber and Raymond Hood are the statistical secretaries.
(See original for photo of Pastor L. G. Weber and Pastor G. Nussmann)
The present teachers are: Mrs. Ida Rowe, Mrs. Margaret Wessa, Mrs. Emma Werry, Mrs. Frances Reibel, Mrs. Lelia Blaettnar, Mrs. Helen Meier, Miss Mary Schaefer, Miss Anna Durst, Mrs. Elizabeth Jennings, Misses Lena Hood, Elsie Durst, Clara Rowe, Earl Hartenbach, Harry Mescher, Mrs. Neva Seyfried, Mrs. Elizabeth Huber, Misses Minnie Eiselstein and Emma Seitz, and the pastor. Miss M. Bohn is superintendent of the Cradle Holl [Roll}, Mrs. Elizabeth Huber of the Home Department. The other means of religious education we value highly is catechetical instruction, followed by confirmation. Through all the years this has been held before our people and many have received the blessings which have grown out of this practice. Yet there is much to be done if our children are to be led to God and to be kept with Him. Here lies a great field which must be worked even more painstakingly in the future than in the past.
Places where formerly our services were sought, beyond Chester and Mason City, W. Va., need them no longer. The congregation in the latter town was a daughter of this congregation, founded in 1872, but not always served from here. Its ladies' aid society made a present of $50 to this congregation toward the parsonage fund. It ceased to exist by the end of 1914. St. John's Evangelical Church in Chester Tp. and St. Paul's Church in Minersville are at the present served by the pastor of this congregation. The work there is carried on entirely in the English language. Very cordial relations have existed throughout a number of years. Together with St. Paul's in Minersville we share the joy of having given a young man into the service of God's Kingdom: pastor Waldo John Bartels, who was ordained in our church July 3rd, 1917, by pastor L. G. Weber assisted by pastors Otto W. Breuhaus and Tim Lehmann. He is now serving the West Louisville Evangelical Church, Louisville, Ky.
Hermann Linnstaedt, 1847-1849. J. Mosebach, 1849-1850. I. A. Frankenberg, May 1851 to close of year. Andreas Schwarz, beginning of 1852, died August 29th, 1852. Lubert Theiss, fall of 1852, to spring 1858. J. G. Reichmann, summer 1858, to December 1st, 1858. H. A. Eppens, early 1859, to October 1863. W. Fromm, October 1863 to March 1865. O. Breuhaus, summer 1865, to spring 1873. E. Nolting, spring 1873, to summer 1876. A. Merkle, summer 1876, to May 1st, 1878. P. Werber, summer 1878, to August 1880. F. Rahn, summer 1880 to summer 1883. S A. Ebinger, fall 1883, to summer 1885. F. Rahn, summer 1885, to summer 1888. G. Fischer, July 17th, 1888, to July 18th. 1897. J. S. Fismer, July 18th, 1897 to November 30th, 1897. W. Hauff, December 1st, 1897, to October 7th, 1900. J. D. Bretz, March 10th, 1901, to November 5th, 1905. Th. Hempelmann, early 1906, to April 7th, 1907. H. L. Streich, August 4th, 1907, to August 14th, 1910. L. G. Weber, August 21st, 1910, to July 13th, 1919. G. Nussmann, August 31st, 1919--------- STATISTICAL RECORD OF SPECIAL PASTORAL ACTS. From 1847 to August 15th, 1922. Baptized.............................................1278 Confirmed.............................................640 Marriages.............................................335 Buried................................................565These numbers speak an eloquent language to him who is able to see with his mind's eye the many opportunities of service these special occasions have offered and in how many different ways the Gospel of Christ has been able to make its appeal to human hearts. Only eternity will give us an adequate grasp of this service.
In looking over the books of the congregation one immediately observes that it has had a great many struggles along this line. In the very first years the average yearly contribution per member was three or four dollars for the year. The pastor received the salary of $200 per year. That makes some 60 cents per day. The janitor received $4.00 per year, and the organist nothing. Of course, one must take into account, that at that time cash was rather scarce and that a dollar bought a great deal more than now. The books contain an item which shows that in those days the church paid a man for a day's labor the sum of 87 cents. House rent was $6.00 per month.
The members of the variously composed church councils were mostly worried with the problem of where to take the money to meet financial obligations and of how to proceed to have delinquent church members to pay up their arrears. As one of the former pastors expresses it, the members of the council had to eat many a soup which others had cooked for them. Since hardly enough was signed on 'the preacher's list' to pay the minister's salary other expenses had to be met by apportionment, i.e. the cost of a thing needed was divided by the number of members and each one was then assessed a certain sum. Of course, matters changed with the introduction of the envelope system in 1915. A few samples will give a better idea. The total receipts for the year 1859 were $388.64, the total expenses were $367.00. Balance in treasury $11.64. For the year 1887, the total receipts including special gifts for an organ to the amount of $230 were $815.53. The total expenses including price of organ were $814.56. Balance $0.97. The last years show a healthy growth in both, receipts and expenditures. You may judge for yourself. Below are given the expenditures for the respective years:
Year Current Expenses Benevolences 1907 $1062.67 $ 41.81 1908 1416.80 99.50 1909 1514.77 83.06 1910 1068.18 115.30 1911 1005.01 158.85 1912 3044.91 154.20 1913 1871.57 125.11 1914 2306.28 199.95 1915 1504.73 286.54 1916 1802.56 268.05 1917 1837.95 229.74 1918 1808.96 510.50 1919 2302.40 401.00 1920 2795.35 521.28 1921 2355.71 773.36 __________ _________ $27697.85 $3968.25The foregoing gives ample proof that a great many of our members have learned to consider their position as one of stewardship. Their love of the Kingdom of God near and far has grown. There would be still greater advance if all would make use of the Duplex envelope system.
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary: C. J. Hess, Fred Langlotz, John J. Durst, Miss Anna Durst, Mrs. Barbara Meinhart. Membership: Mrs. Lelia Blaettnar, Miss Elsie Durst, Willis Grueser, Mrs. E. Jennins, Louis Reibel, Raymond Hood, Henry J. Pfarr, Jr., Mrs. Margaret Wessa, Miss Emma Smith. Missionary: Edward Huber, Miss Minnie Eiselstein, Mrs. A. Nussmann. Benevolence: Mrs. Elizabeth Huber, Miss Elsanora Ebersbach, Miss Lena Hood. Education: Earl Hartenbach, Mrs. Anna Nussmann, Miss Emma Seltz, Edward Huber. Music: John Blaettnar, Mrs. Ida Rowe, Mrs. Lena Huber, Arthur Kloes, Miss Mary Schaefer. House: Wm. Baker, Mrs. Lucie Langlotz, Christ Seyfried. Social: John Schaaf, Miss Stella Massar, Miss Genevieve Smith, Herman Werry, Mrs. Emma Werry, Chas. Werry, Wm. Durst. Constitution: Fred Langlotz, Miss Mary Schaefer, John Strauss, John J. Durst, Chas. Hoffner, Miss Minnie Eiselstein. Organists: The Misses Irene Blaettnar and Hilda Ohlinger.