Marshall County, Indiana - Chapter 3: By A. C. Thompson, 1890 (part 2 of 2)

SL JMicIiacl's Congirgatioii, of Plymouth, Ind. - The following historical paragraphs concerning the Catholic, or St. Michael's, congregation, of Pl^^mouth, Ind., are taken from an address delivered before said congregation, by Mr. Michael Ryan, February 18, i8qo, upon the occasion of the deliverance of the church from a debt that had been hanging over it for many years:

Previous to 1861, Plymouth was a missionary station, visited by priests from South Bend and Valparaiso. W^e think it is in order here to give a brief history of the block upon which the church, the pastoral residence and the academy stand to-day.

Lots Nos. 58, 59 and 60, original plat of Plymouth, were transferred from Zebedee Brown to David Vinnedge, December 19, 1856. They remained in the possession of David Vinnedge during the years 1857, 1858, 1859 and i860. In the month of April, 1861, the valuation for purpose of taxation of lot No. 58 was $350, and improvements, $150; total, $500; total tax, $4.00. The valuation of lot No. 59 was $275, and improvements, $150; total, $425; total tax, $3.40. The valuation of lot No. 60 was $300, no improvements; amount of tax, $2.40. The total amount of tax for the three lots and improvements for 1S61, was $9.80. The 13th day of June, 1861, Rebecca Vinnedge, the widow of David Vinnedge, deeded to Rt. Rev. Bishop Luers, lots No. 59 and 60. The i8th day of February, 1863, Rebecca Vinnedge, by Nathan H. Oglesbee, administrator, deeded to Rt. Rev. Bishop Luers, lot No. 58. [I will state here that lot No. 58 is situated on the south end of the block, while No. 59 is the center lot, and No. 60 is the one on which the church now stands.]

The administration of Rev. Father Volkert, the first resident priest of Plymouth, began in the year 1862, and closed in 1864. During his administration the lots to which we have referred were purchased for St. Michael's congregation, and our church was erected and completed in 1863. In September, 1863, the church was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Luers. Priests were present from many places. A very large congregation was present, many having come from La Porte and other places; reduced rates having been secured on the old " Huckleberry Road," and also the P., Ft. W. & Chicago R. R.

His successor was Rev. Father Steiner, whose administration began in 1S64, about six months before the close of the great war. Anxiety and deep gloom prevailed everywhere. Politics and war seemed to rule the hour. Rev. Father Steiner had very poor health while in Plymouth. His administration closed in 1866.

He was succeeded by Rev. Father Siegelack, whose administration began in 1866. It was during his administration that the St. Boniface Benevolent society was organized in 1869, since which time it has flourished, being a sweet guardian angel to many in the dark hours of sickness and sorrow. It was also during this administration that the statue of the Blessed Virgin was procured and an altar erected in her honor. His administration closed in 1869.

The Catholic school, from 1861 to 1869, inclusive, was taught by the following named persons: Miss Dwyer, Miss Howard, Miss Buchanen, Miss Manahon, Miss Day, Mr. Weber and Mr. Stevens. Miss Kate Stokes, of Valparaiso, was the last teacher previous to the Sisters. She taught during the first few months of the administration of Rev. Father Zurwellen. We feel confident that we are right in stating, not, however, in a spirit of criticism, that the above mentioned ladies and gentlemen were good teachers, but how discouraging must have been their daily task amid such surroundings.

In October, 1S69, Rev. Father Zurwellen was sent to us as our pastor. The pastoral residence was situated in those days upon lot No. 58, that is, on the southwest corner of the block.

St. Michael's academy is the name given to the institution of learning established in 1870. The building is of brick, substantially built, well arranged for the purpose for which it is used and cost about $12,000. It was during this administration that the large bell was procured. The day on which it was blessed it was placed near the sanctuary, and each contributor to the bell fund had the privilege of tolling the bell once for each dollar donated by him. The fifty cent fellows were in mourning.

The next important acquisition made by the congregation was lot? No. 67, 68 and 96. They were purchased November 20, 1S72, from Nathan B. Ridgway, of La Porte, Ind. By way of explanation I will state that lot No. 67 is the one on which St. Joseph's hall is situated.

regret that the remains of some dear one, one whom they have known on earth, lies moldering in that one acre of ground, donated to the Catholics of Plymouth, by Uncle Johnny Hughes, as he was called. All honor to that brave old pioneer, his heart was in the right place, but his farm was too far north for a burial ground, yet the poor Catholics of Plymouth were glad to accept it from the hands of the cheerful giver. It was used for many years, until in 1S71, the city gave us the privilege of using a portion of Oak Hill cemetery, for burial purposes. So matters stood until the 15th day of April, 1875, Rev. Father Zurwellen purchased from Place and VanPelt, of La Porte, Ind., the four acres of ground which we now call our own, and which is used as a cemetery by the members of this congregation. This we think is a pretty complete history of the purchases made and improvements accomplished by Rev. Father Zurwellen.

On the 6th day of February, 1SS3, Rev. Father Moench, our present beloved pastor, arrived in Plymouth. He was sent to us at the very moment when this congregation mourned the loss of one who had been a spiritual father to us for fourteen years. He found us in tears, and we are convinced that many were the tears he shed on that never to be forgotten occasion. But with an humble trust in God and St. Joseph he surveyed the field, consulted few, built his fortifications, disciplined his army and the battle began. War was declared against what ? Against that standing debt of $5,000. Against that annual interest of $500. Against a certain class of individuals calling themselves Catholics, and who, when the hour of action came, remained in the back-ground or under the ammunition wagon, who never assisted in defraying even the ordinary expenses of the congregation. They were told to g'O or shoulder their musket and come to the front. Thus with a determined leader, with an united and harmonious congregation, with a ready trust in God, with humble prayer and believing hearts, the battle was fought and the victory won, and on this, our day of joj', St. Michael's congregation, of Plj'mouth, may point with pride to the banner on which is inscribed the glorious record of the last seven 3'ears.

Here it is: In the year 18S3 was paid on the standing debt, $1,215 of the principal, and $302.25 interest. In 1884, $632 of the principal, and $174 interest. In the same year the pastoral residence was erected at a cost of $1,131.37, also the statue of St. Joseph was secured and an altar erected in his honor. In 1885, $385 dollars principal, and $141.70 interest. It was likewise in 1885 that the church was frescoed and repaired at an expenditure of $660.77. In 1886, $784 paid on the principal, and $202.50 interest. It was also during that year the banners of the Rosary society and the Young Ladies' sodality were bought. In 1887, $650 principal, and $84.95 interest. It was in 1887 that the beau- tiful altar was donated. In 1888, $550 principal, and $53.11 interest, and St. Joseph's hall was built at a cost of $1,298, and the beautiful stained windows were placed in the church. In 1889 the new iron fence was built, and the stone sidewalk laid, and $150 principal, and $14 Interest was paid, thus wiping out the last dollar of that cruel debt. Comment is unnecessary. Actions speak louder than words.

The German Evangelical St . JoJnis Congregation (not Lutheran, as It is usually called) was organized in 1862, by Rev. C. Bofinger, who preached once a month until iS6s. In the same manner did Rev. F. W. E. Werner from 1S65 to 1S68. In 1868, while the Rev. Jak. Kammerer had charge of the congregation the church was built, a handsome and commodious brick building, situated at the corner of Center and West Adams streets. It cost about $15,000. From 1870 to 1874, Rev. C. Nussbaum, Rev. E. Keurben. Rev. C. A. Behrend, and from 1874 to 1877 Rev. C. Bofinger had charge. The next eight years there was preaching once a month by Rev. J. Grunert, of Wanatah. In 1885 Rev. C. Bofinger came back and has had charge of the congregation since that time. The congregation numbers 128 communicants. The Sunday-school has sixty-seven scholars with seventeen teachers. Superintendent is Mr. J. Hoham; treasurer and secretary, Mr. William Hausler. A ladies' society of twenty-six members, Mrs. E. Ruge, president; Mrs. Magd Wendling, treasurer, and Mrs. K. Hauk, secretary, are very active in promoting the interest of the church. The house situated next to the church was bought October, 1888, for a parsonage, costing $2,050. The congregation belongs to the Michigan district of the German Evangelical synod of North America.

ChurcJi of God. - The following is a brief outline history of several churches which have been organized In Marshall county, Ind., and designated collectively and denominationally as the " Churches of God In Christ Jesus." These organizations are often spoken of as " Advent Churches," from the prominence that has been given to the doctrine of the second advent of Christ, and kindred doctrines, both by the ministry and the membership of these churches. Their history, in this count}', commences about 1S46-7, when Elder Ephraim Miller and Elder Hoyt came and held a series of meetings near Wolf creek mills, at a place known as Pisgah church, when a very favorable Impression was made, as to the correctness of the doctrinal views presented. During the two years Immediately succeeding. Elder N. M. Catlin came, at stated intervals, and preached at the same place. It was here that the first church in the county had its origin, being composed, mainly, of members of an older organization of the Disciples of Christ, or Campbellites, as they are many times termed. The two elders of the older church em- braced the views set forth by the above-named preachers, and continued their official relation with the church under its new form. These elders were Henry Logan and Hugh S. Barnhill. It was in January, 1830, that Elder S. A. Chapin, made his first visit to this church, whose labors with churches, located at different points in the county, covered a period of forty years, with but slight interruptions. Churches have since been organized at Antioch, Argos, Salem, and at these points houses of worship have been erected. There is also an organization not far from Maxinkuckee lake, but of these our limits forbid details. In the autumn of 1874 Elder H. V. Reed removed from near Chicago to Plymouth, where he lived upward of two years, preaching mostly in town, but extending his labors to surrounding churches. He was also influential in bringing about the organization of the Christian Publishing association, of which the more immediate object was the publication of a weekly paper. The Restitution. Of this journal he became editor, and so continued for over two years, when he was succeeded by S. A. Chapin, who held the position until September iS, 1S89, a period of nearly thirteen years, since which its editing has been done by the board of directors. Many of the quarterly and annual conferences of the churches in northern Indiana have been held in this countj', at which times the attendance has usually been quite large. There were no convocations of a more general character than these held till quite a recent date. It was not till November 16-26, A. D. 1888, that "the first annual conference of the churches of God in Christ Jesus for the United States and Canada," was held in the city of Philadelphia, Penn., and the second general conference, of like character, was held in 1SS9, one 3'ear later, in Chicago, 111. In relation to preachers of later times Elder L. C. Conner and Elder N. H. Geiselman may be mentioned, who have done quite an amount of pastoral and evangelizing work during the few past years, and with marked success. The church polity is congregational, and, following the divine model, each church elects its own elders and deacons, and when occasion requires, its own clerk and treasurer. None are admitted to membership but immersed believers of the gospel. The Lord's supper is observed as a sacred commemorative institution. Brevity forbids any enlarged statement of doctrinal views on human destiny or the future of this planetary world; but with no creed but the Bible it is an axiom in these congregations, that these momentous topics must be presented in the positive and liberal language of Holy Writ to challenge the belief of any person.

St. Paul's Reformed CImrcIi. - This church was organized in Plymouth, August 22, 18S1. The following are the names of the ministers who have officiated: J. B. Henry, W. A. From, P.J. Spangler, N. H. Loose and J. T. Hale, present incumbent. In

1885 the society built a very commodious church, immediately northeast of the seminary square. The organization has fifty members, who are among our very best citizens. The present officers are Noah V. Hoover and Jacob Suit, elders, and J. Mat. Keyser and G. W. Kreigbaum, deacons.

Benevolent Soeietics. - With the advancement of civilization and the increase in population, came the necessity for the organization of societies for mutual benefit and social amusement. The oldest of these, and the first established in Marshall county, was a branch of the Masonic system. The traditions in regard to the history of Masonry are numerous, and so far as it is now known, its organization dates so far back in the world that the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. Originally, Masonry was an operative organization, attaining its greatest degree of perfection at the building of King Solomon's Temple. Since that time, perhaps less than 200 years ago, it was changed into a speculative science, still retaining the working tools of operative Masonry, and giving to them a symbolic meaning, illustrating the erection of a human temple, perfect in all its parts.

Plymouth lodge, No. 149, was organized under dispensation, April 2, 1S53, and chartered May 23, 1S53, with seven members to begin with. Its place of meeting was on Center street, in the second story of a building opposite where the old Christian chapel formerly stood. John G. Osborne was the first master, and served as such for a number of years. The petitioners were John G. Osborne, G. P. Cherry, H. B. Pershing, George Pomeroy, W. J. Burns, Jacob Knoblock, J. Y. Moore, W. K. Logan. The first admitted were John Coleman, John Hall and VV. B. Moore, April 15, 1853. First initiated, U. D., Hiram Pomeroy, John C. Mathews, H. P. Steel, April 13, 1853. Its emblematic broken column commemorates the names of many distinguished citizens who have, from time to time, passed over the " valley and shadow of death." But two who were members in 1S57, remain: Horace Corbin and A. P. Elliott. Others, however, have taken their places, and the membership is now 125. Kilwinning lodge. No. 135, was chartered May 23, 1871, with thirteen members. Dan McDonald was the first master. These lodges are now united of these lodges have furnished a grand master of the state: Martin H. Rice, of Plymouth, and Daniel McDonald, of Kilwinning. Plymouth chapter. No. 49, Royal Arch Masons, was organized May 19, 1864. Martin H. Rice, first high priest, with nine members. It now has a membership of fifty-five. Plymouth council. No. 18, Royal and Select Masters, organized Ivlay 22, 1866, Martin H. Rice, first ill. master, with nine members. It had a membership of fifty, at the time it ceased to work about twelve years ago. Plymouth commandery. No. 26, Knights 10 - B.

Templar, was chartered April 27, 1875, starting with a membership of thirteen. Henry G. Thayer first em. commander. It now has a membership of about fifty.

Independent Order of Odd FcIIozvs. - This order is similar in its work and teachings to the Masonic organization. It differs only in the ceremonial ritual and the qualification of candidates for membership, and the manner of dispensing its charities. Each member disabled from sickness, receives a stipulated amount per week, and, in case of death, a specific amount is appropriated for funeral expenses. Thomas Wildy, whose mortal remains lie buried in the citj' of Baltimore, was the founder of the order in America, about sixty years ago. Since that time it has increased in numbers more rapidly, perhaps, than any other similar organization. In Indiana it numbers about 500 subordinate lodges, with a membership approximating 30,000, and in the United States about half a million. Its motto is F., L. & T., signifying Friendship, Love and Truth.

Americus lodge, No. 91, was the first organized in Marshall county. It was instituted March 4, 1S51. The petitioners were W. G. Pomeroy, Gilson S. Cleaveland, William C. Edwards, Wesley Gregg, Grove O. Pomeroy and J. W. Bennett, and continued to work until July 22, 1855, when it ceased to exist. It was again resuscitated July 14, 1859, and continued until July 18, 1862, when the charter was surrendered. The charter was again restored April 16, 1868, and has continued work until the present time, and is now in a healthy and prosperous condition, with a contributing membership of forty, with a large general and orphans' fund at interest on first mortgage securit3^

A branch of the order is represented in what is called an encampment. It is composed of fifth degree members, and is similar in its workings to the Masonic order of Knights Templar. Plymouth encampment. No. 113, was organized under charter May 24, 1872, R. McCance, J. C. Kuhn, J. A. Palmer, S. Becker, S. Meyer, Henry Spier, A. L. Reeves and others, eighteen in all, charter members.

The encampment has now thirty-five active members, quite a number of whom are from neighboring lodges. New life and vigor appear to have been infused into the order lately, not only in Plymouth, but throughout the county, and the prospects of the fraternity for good, were never better in this vicinity than now.

Attached to the order of Odd Fellows, is a " ladies' department," called the " Daughters of Rebeka." This degree was originated by the Hon. Schuyler Colfax several years ago, and has become quite popular among the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of Odd Fellows, who alone are entitled to receive it.

now has eighty members, and Plymouth division, No. 17, uniform rank of Knights of Pythias has a membership of forty. The financial condition of the lodge is good, and the members, who are young and middle aged men, are working together in peace and harmony, and therefore the results can be nothing but success. The officers for 1S90 are as follows: chancellor commander, George E. Paul; vice chancellor, Rollo B. Oglesbee; prelate, Clarence Sluyter; master finance, Oliver G. Soice; master exchequer, Louis McDonald; keeper of records and seals, Luther R. Cressner; master-at-arms, Thomas Rollins; inner guard, Frank Red; outer guard, Lawrence S. Learned. The lodge meets every Monday night.

Royal Arcamivi. - Gyrene council, No. 944, Plymouth, Ind., of the order or society of the Royal Arcanum, was organized January 23, 1S86, with eighteen charter members, and now, 1890, its membership numbers eighty-five. The condition of the council is good financially and otherwise. The present officers are as follows: past regent, L. Tanner; regent, F. M. McCrory; vice regent, Amasa Johnson; orator, Charles R. Leonard; chaplain. Rev. N. R. Loose; guide, Walter A. Reynolds; secretary, Calvin P. Klinger; treasurer, James A. Gilmore; collector, Rollo B. Oglesbee; warden, J. Mat. Keyser; sentry, J. E. Bentz. One death - suicide - has occurred since the organization of the lodge, that of James A. McDonald, and the amount paid his widow as insurance was $3,000. It is a semi-business and social organization.