The organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church was partially
affected by the late Rev. J. J. Huber, assisted by Rev. A. M. Tanner,
acting pastor, Dec. 12, 1861, and completed on the 30th of the same
month by the introduction of a constitution and by-laws, the election of
its first officers, James Turkle and Isaac Wherry, elders, and Andrew
Hans and Samuel Coon, deacons, with a membership of thirty-two. The
present church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1873, Rev. Hyman
preaching the dedication sermon. Of the original charter members none
remain, all having eitber died or moved to other places, the honored
name of Martin Schwab being the last to leave the membership roll, and
this removal was caused by his death a few years ago.
Church
services are held every Sabbath at 11 a.m., led by a choir of young
ladies. In connection with the church there is a flourishing Sunday
School.
In 1881, under the pastorate of Rev. C. S. Finley. the
congregation secured a parsonage near the church; and through various
improvements made from time to time the value thereof has been
increased, and it is now a very desirable property.
From the
organization of this church to the present time the following names
appear on the records as pastors, some having served only a few months,
while others remained for a number of years: Revs. Tanner, Helsell,
Shearer, Baird, Zimmerman, Finley, Grenoble, (Ayere as supply), Rees,
Brugh, Hammond, Bloom, Wennermark, Bollman and Wolgemuth.
Rev.
Bloom remained in charge of the Lutheran parish until 1907, when he
removed to Oregon, where the "grand old man" passed away a few years
ago. For a year no services were held, until 1908, when Rev. Wennermark
took charge, and in 1909 he was succeeded by Rev. Bollman, who stayed
for four years, or until April, 1914. For a few months there were no
services in the church aside from the Sunday School, but in the summer
of 1914 Rev. W. A. Wolgemuth, from Fairfield, arrived and has since
supplied the religious inspiration at the Sunday services. Rev.
Wolgemuth is not a resident pastor, but promises to remain temporarily,
at least, and under his convincing influence, the church membership has
made a wonderful growth.
From Oxford Mirror, Thursday,
December 16, 1915, 37th Year, Number 4
