George Washington Flowers Memorial Collection DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ESTABLISHED BY THE FAMILY OF COLONEL FLOWERS Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/historicalsketchOOsnyd AN HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION, WILMINGTON, N. C. BY PASTOR W. A. SNYDER ASSISTED BY MR, G. J. SCHULTZ. PUBLISHED BY THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE PASTOR W. A. SNYDER. L. HANSON. ---- JOHN HAAR, W. NEISTLIE, - - - J. D. H. KLANDER. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wilmington, N. C. Can you imagine yourself in Wilmington, kind reader, on the 31st day of May in the year 1858 ? Let us wend our way down South Front street to the old Presbyterian Church, where men and women are assembling to or- ganize a Lutheran congregation, and quietly take a rear seat. As we look over the little company, we recognize many whose residence in the city has been of several years' dura- tion, others who have but recently arrived. Evidently all of them long to possess a church in which the pure doctrine of God's Word may be proclaimed and now their longing is to ap- proach realization. Two pastors of the North Carolina Synod, the Revs. J. Linn and G. D. Bernheim, arrived in the city a few days ago as a committee of visitation. They have vis- ited the Lutherans and conducted a service for them and now, with the echoes of that service still ringing in their ears, they have come prepared to organize a Lutheran con- gregation. 3 Silence falls on the little assembly as the meeting is opened with a devout prayer in the name of Jesus. All feel the presence of the Lord and the certainty of His promise to guide and counsel His own in all their ways. The prayer ended, the purpose of the meet- ing is stated in clear and convincing manner. When at length the question is asked, "How many of you are now ready to organize and support a Lutheran congregation ? - ' they rise one by one and place their names on record. Fifty-eight names are enrolled. How mani- fest the interest and enthusiasm of these fifty- eight ! They decide to seek a suitable lot, to build a church thereon and to call a pastor as soon as possible. Thus the first city missionary enterprise of the North Carolina Synod came into being and the foundation of the St. PauPs of to-day was laid. Fifty years have passed since that day and now as a result of those resolutions a large congregation assembles in a beautiful build- ing. ~ Let us retain and cherish the mental picture of that first meeting. Let us be grate- ful to God for the noble purpose He gave those men and women and for the manifold blessings He bestowed upon their labors. In order that the present generation may not be ignorant of the annals of St. Paul's, we venture upon a chronicle of its career. To God alone be all glory ! 4 The Rev. John H. Menyert. THE FIRST PASTORATE. Several months elapsed between the first and second congregational meeting. During these months the newly-organized congrega- tion sought a spiritual shepherd with ability to preach both in the German and English languages. Aided by the President of the Synod's Missionary Society such a man was found in Evansville, Indiana. A call was ex- tended to the Rev. John H. Mengert, who had labored with signal success both in the mission field of India and in the city of Baltimore, Md. His portrait depicts a man of refinement and piety, and withal a man of scholarly instincts, well adapted to the requirements of a city congregation. Accepting the call, Pastor Men- gert and his family reached the city on the 23rd of December, 1858. On Epiphany (Jan. 6th), 1859, we see the fifty-eight again assembled in the Presbyterian Church. Under the leadership of their pas- tor the congregation now assumes a more definite form by electing a Church Council, the first council of the church. The names of these men are "worthy of record : Trustees - Messrs. J. G. Bauman, H. B. Eilers, H. VonGlahn, E. Schulken, C. H. Vol- lers, H. Vollers. Elders— Messrs. N. Bremer, A. Adrian. Deacons— Messrs. W. Knohl, H. Rehder. Most of these men were connected with the work of St. Paul's for many years thereafter, their leadership and labors contributing large- ly under the blessing of God to the success of the congregation. Mr. H. Vollers, elected Secretary of the congregation at the first meet- ing, remained in that office until 1895. The minutes, recorded in German until 1873 and thereafter in English, display the most pains- taking care and accuracy. The names of Messrs. H. B. Eilers, A. Adrian, N. Bremer and E. Schulken constantly recur in the an- nals of the church in connection with earnest service; the first named served for a long pe- riod as president of the council. Mr. H. Render is the only surviving member of the first coun- cil, having been spared to witness the fiftieth ^anniversary of the church's organization. During the half century just closed he has served his congregation in many offices with fidelity. Mr. W. Knohl was the first presi- dent and Mr. J. G. Bauman the first treasurer elected. It was ascertained that the session house of St. James Protestant Episcopal congregation might be secured for Sunday services and the trustees were authorized to rent and place it into proper condition, so that the congrega- tion might have a home until their own church could be erected. Eere long a suitable lot was offered for sale, situated on Market street, 7 near the corner of Sixth, running through to Princess street. This was purchased for $3,000 from Mr. John A. Taylor, the owner contribut- ing $500 of the purchase money towards the erection of the church building. In 1860 an- other lot at the corner of Sixth street, run- ning parallel to the first lot, was secured for $2,700 and thus the entire property, now the pride of the congregation and the city came into rur possession. Under the supervision of the pastor, a com- mittee framed a constitution for the congre- gation, which was adopted March 27th, 1859, the signatures of seventy-two persons being affixed thereto. We may therefore regard these seventy-two persons as the charter mem- bers of the congregation, and we record them as they appear in the minutes : THE CHARTER MEMBERS. Rev. John H. Mengert, Mrs. John H. Mengert, H. B. Eilers and wife, C. Turner, Elise Turner, Catharine Ebbender. Therese Klary, Helene Vatthauer, Margarethe Schulken, Engelhard Schulken, Emilie Polyogt, C, Polvog t, L. Vollers, Johanne Kordlander, C VonGiahn, J. VonGlahn, John M. Bremer, Anne Hons, Louise Doscher, Ferdinand Eyden, Carsten H. Vollers, Mrs. Carsten H. Vollers, D. Cortjohann and wife, Henrich Markman, v J. C. Litjen, E. T. Suden and wife, 8 L. C. Turner, Friedrich Henning", H. Vollers and wife, R. Eckel, A. Henze, J. C. Koch, B. Schulken, O.Stemmerman andw T ife, H. Rathjen, Hinrich Haar, J. G. Bauman, Heinrich Heissenbuttel, W. Ulrich. A. W. Thies, K. H. Genzer, N. Gerken and wife, N Bremer and wife, H. G. Hashag-en, C. Bonck, R. Turner, A. Adrian, John Von der Lieth, H. Render, Mrs. John Von der Lieth, W. Knohl and wife, A. Mindel, H. VonGlahn, Caroline Wilkens, W. Rung-e, B. Mehrtens, Johanne Rung-e, G. Steenken and wife, Doris Mug-g-e, John Hespe and wife, H. Kordlander, Georg-e Hespe. God has spared the lives of eight of the seventy-two, six of them having remained members of St. Paul's to this day. The re- cord book shows the following entries : First baptism, Helena Margarethe, daughter of Johann and Catharina Von der Lieth; first marriage, Gerhard F. Hespe and Ann C. Huns; first burial, M atthias Bremer (age 16 months). In the record of Pastor Mengert we find the congregation consisting of the following per- sons during his pastorate (1858 to 1861) : Rev. J. H. Mengert, Mrs. J. H. Mengert, G. H. W. Rung-e, Mrs. Johanne Runge, E. Schulken, Joseph Stadtler, Mrs. A. Stadtler, John W. Strauss, Mrs. Mary S. Strauss, H. G. Hashagen, 9 Mrs. Margaret Schulken, Mrs. Anna Hashag"en, C. Polvoot, J. F. Rulfs, Mrs. C. Polvogt, Mrs. Catharine Rulfs, G. P. Hespe, Dietrich Cortjohann, Mrs. Anna Plespe, Mrs. Maria Cortjohann, Miss Eliza Turner, H. Kortlander, H. Vollers, Mrs. J. L. Kortlander, Mrs. Eliza Vollers, E. T. Suden, Dietrich Hackemann, Mrs. E. T. Suden, Henry Ohlandt, C. Stemmermann, N. Bremer, Mrs. A. M. Stemmermann Mrs. Helena Bremer, Alex. Holthusen, R. Turner, C. Cornehlson, Mrs. < aroline Turner, Mrs A. Cornehlson, Miss Emily Polvogt, H. Rathjen, Charles Bonck, Aug"ust Gunther, L. Vollers, Mrs. Rebecca Gunther, W. Ulrich, N. Gerken, August Mindel, Mrs. Anna Gerken, H. VonGlahn, Henry Matthias, H. B. Eilers, John Bremer, Mrs. M. D. Eilers, Mrs. C. R. Bremer, Miss Doris Mugge, Mrs. Louisa Doscher, Miss Caroline Wilkens, John Von der Lieth, Miss Ann Lues, Mrs. C. Von der Lieth, Miss Elizabeth Hashagen , George Steenken, John M. Bremer, Mrs. A. L. Steenken, Charles Schulken, Henry Haar, John C. Kooh, Mrs. Eleanor Dommler, Henry Plein, Johann Apel, Anna Plein, Mrs. Catharine Apel, H. Eckel, R. F. Eyden, A. Adrian, Edward Peschau, F. Henning", H. Hensen, A. W. Thies, F. Peppinghaus, F. W. Knohl, Mrs. Peppinghaus, Mrs. Mary Knohl, Miss Theresa Clary, 10 C. H. Mohr, August Lessrnann, Mrs. Mary Lessmann. L. C. Turner, H. Rehder, C. VonGlahn, John G. Bauman, Charles H. Ganzer, Henry Westermann, Miss Helena Vatthauer, Henry Hutner, Mrs. Barbara Hutner, George Steining-er, J. H Cornehlson, P. N. Mohr, Gerig- Paul, August Dummelandt. On the 30th of April, 1869, the congrega- tion was admitted to the North Carolina Synod, a connection thus being formed, which has re- mained unbroken to the present time. During Pastor Mengert's entire pastorate the Synod contributed to his support, the congregation receiving a total of $1,200 from this source. We should be ungrateful if we failed to state in this connection, that a large sum of money was contributed by individuals both in the North and in the South to the church build- ing. The names of the many kind donors are of course unrecorded at this time, but should this sketch fall into the hands of any such, let him be assured of the lasting gratitude of the congregation. As early as June (1859) Mr. H. Vollers sub- mitted a plan for a Gothic church, 65 by 40 feet, with a vestry room in the rear, 30 by 16 feet, the estimated cost of the proposed struc- ture being from five to six thousand dollars. This plan was adopted and a building commit- tee, composed of Messrs. E. Schulken, H. B. n St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Eilers, E. VonGlahn, W. Knohl and H. Vol- lers, was instructed to proceed at once with the erection of the church. So vigorously did this committee press the work, that on the 6th of September the corner-stone was laid. Let us imagine ourselves present upon that occa- sion. Pastor Mengert speaks in joyful tones •of the doctrine, the strength and the work of the Lutheran Church to a large assembly and, at the conclusion of his inspiring sermon, he solemnly lays the stone according to the ritual of our Church. The ceremony is concluded and the little flock gathers about the pastor, each heart full of the joy and happiness this first concrete form of their determination has created. Can we fully imagine their feelings or thoroughly appreciate all that this service has meant to them ? Not unless we ourselves have passed through a similar experience. The brick walls now rise, the tower and the roof are added and before 1860 comes to a close the exterior of St. PauPs is finished. The congregation had invited the Synod to meet in Wilmington during the coming Spring, in order that its members might be present at the consecration services. Until that joyous time should arrive, the congregation contented itself in the "session room" at the rear of the church, which was finished, the scene of so many meetings and labors during the years to come. 13 THE WAR. A few weeks before the meeting of the Synod the first battle of the Civil War was fought. The terrible conflict between the North and the South threw everything into confusion. Church enterprises, especially new ones, languished. The Synod indeed convened in Wilmington, but not in the new church. Some members of the congregation enlisted in the army; some fell in battle, some became victims to the yellow fever epidemic. The tale of suffering need not be retold. Suf- ficient to say, that the congregation's hopes slowly died. Owing to this sad condition of affairs and its consequent effects, Pastor Men- gert, was forced to resign, his resignation taking effect May 2nd, 1862. His pastorate had lasted three years and four months. So uncertain did the future seem that the little remnant of Lutherans entertained no thought of calling a successor. There followed a va- cancy of seven years and eight months. Dur- ing this long dark period the Sunday School proved to be the one bright ray of hope left. With comparatively few interims it met in the session room each Sunday, under the leader- ship of Mr. H. B. Eilers, and kept the little band of adults and children together, as best it could, until a brighter day might dawn. All honor to the Sunday School ! It has performed 14 a noble part in the upbuilding of our congre- gation. Early in 1865 Fort Fisher fell and the Fed- eral troops were soon in possession of Wil- mington. The interior of St. Paul's seemed to offer them not only desirable, but suitable quarters. At their hands the building and everything in and about it suffered. Fencing, joists, pews and even the reading desk were used for fuel, while the beautiful tower, black- ened by the smoke of their fires, soon resem- bled a huge chimney. Without any regard for the sacred character of the building, they placed all sorts of inscriptions on the plastered walls. When these troops finally left the city and the Lutherans assembled to see how their building had fared, a sad sight greeted their eyes. Even the vestry room could not be used and the Sunday School sessions were sus- pended. The last flicker of hope died, for it seemed impossible that they would ever be able to replace their losses and to complete the church. Many were in favor of abandoning the whole enterprise at once. THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY. A rumor of this sad state of affairs reached the Rev. G. D. Bernbeim, then residing in Charlotte. Fearful for the extinction of the congregation he hastens to Wilmington and gathers the remnant left. They meet and as 15 he addresses them for the second time in their history upon the subject of organization, his influence sways them onward toward hope. They go forth from the meetings with faith in God and in the ultimate success of their un- dertaking. Impoverished by the war, with- out any available funds in their treasury, even without the services of a pastor, they under- take the completion of the building. What words can fittingly express our admiration of their zeal ? These men, with the results of war all about them, in the darkest hour of a great trial, their cause having fallen, yet reso- lutely taking up the work of their church, must serve as an inspiration to every genera- tion of St. Paul's. By the month of July, 1869, they had completed the building and were now in possession of a beautiful church, richly fur- nished and comparing favorably with the finest churches of the city. Even a bell hung in the tower, a gift of the firm of Adrian & Vollers, mutely awaiting the da> when it should call men and women to the consecra- tion of the church. THE CONSECRATION OF THE CHURCH. On Sunday, August 22nd, 1869, after a de- cade of waiting, the sorely tried Lutherans are permitted to assemble for the consecration of their church. They had invited him whose influence and zeal had made the event possi- 1(3 ble, the Rev. G. D. Bernheim, and also the Revs. C. H. Bernheim, L. Muller and W. A. Julian. The pastors and the council surround the altar and the beautiful words of consecra- tion are spoken by Pastor Bernheim. What thoughts of gratitude now fill the hearts of the faithful few; yet mingled with these thoughts are the sad memories of the dead. At the morning service Pastor Bernheim preaches on Luke 10:23-24; at the afternoon service Pastor Miller preaches on Ps. 26:6-8; and at the night service Pastor Julian preaches on Canticles 6:10. It is stated on the morn- ing service that there are forty-seven millions of Lutherans in the world To-day we can speak of seventy-five millions, a glorious in- crease ! THE SECOND PASTORATE. The greatest need at this time was a pastor. Three days after the consecration service the congregation decided to call the Rev. G. D. Bernheim, who had thrice come to their aid and who had always led them to success. The call was accepted, Pastor Bernheim arriving with his family in the city December 29th, 1869. He found many labors awaiting him. During the long pastoral vacancy many chil- dren and adults had drifted into other churches. A goodly number of Lutherans had come to Wilmington after the war and these needed to 17 be gathered. Spiritual interest needed awaken- ing. The finances of the congregation de- manded both prayerful and careful thought. Pastor Bernheim prosecuted his work with such vigor, however, that as a result both the congregation and the Sunday School grew, the latter becoming sixty strong. Upon the res- ignation of Mr. H. B. Eilers from thesuperin- tendency of the school, Mr. H. G. Hashagen was elected his successor. The pastor organ- ized and instructed a class of catechumens, fourteen of whom were confirmed on Good Friday, April 19th, 1870. THE FIRST CONFIRMATION CLA3S. William H. Gerken, Mrs. Caroline Stolter, Catherine M. Gerken, John H. Tienken, Charles J. Gerken, Margaret C. Tienken, Joanna Lemmerman, Anna Von der Lieth, Lissette C. Bernheim, Anna S. Lessman, William H. Strauss, Anna S. Heins, Caroline T. Strauss, Margaret E. Heins. Pastor Bernheim was installed on the fifth of June by the Revs. L. A. Bickle and D. I. Dreher. During the same year it was resolved that the Lord's Supper should be administered four times annually. The attendance at pub- lic services was good and the membership of of the congregation increased about forty per cent. The year 1870 was marked by two impor- tant events, the erection of the parsonage and 19 the organization of the Christian Association. The congregation has never believed in half measures and this spirit manifests itself in the large and comforatble parsonage situated on its property. At the time of its erection it compared favorably with the finest and largest homes of the city. The pastor, together with Messrs. H. Haar and B. H. J. Ahrens, were the committee on construction. The enter- prise was started as a venture and ended in success. The cost of construction was 14,757. The congregation of to-day is most fortunate in its material possessions; the forethought of the fathers, who so wisely provided, even to the extent of planting the trees, which beau- tify our property, was remarkable. THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. On October 23rd (1870) an invitation was extended to the male members of the congre- gation to organize a "Christian Association/' whose purpose should be that of enlisting the energies of men in the Kingdom of God. This organization, which came into being on the 29th of October, has been of benefit not only to its members, but to hosts of others. Quietly fulfilling its purpose it has played an important part in the history of the church. Its benefi- cence has gone forth to aid men in distress and destitution, in bodily and spiritual sick- ness. 20 Easter Monday of this same year having been set apart by the German Emperor as a day of thanksgiving for the victory of the Ger- man army over the French, the Germans across the sea celebrated the day. In Wil- mington a large assembly met at St. Paul's, where Pastor Bernheim, the chosen orator, conducted services and delivered an address suitable to the occasion. FRUITFUL YEARS. When we reach a period of history in which there are no stirring events to record, we have come as a rule to a period of inner develop- ment. Such a period now begins in the his- tory of St. Paul's. During the years of 1872 and 1873 the congregation grew numerically and in inward strength. The foundation was laid for that conservative type of Lutheranism which has prevailed to the present. The finan- cial burden was becoming lighter and it seemed as if the congregation would soon be free of debt; but in the Fall of 1873 a financial panic began to sweep over the land and its effects were keenly felt in this city early in 1874. Some of St. Paul's members left the city and a succession of sudden deaths, in no wise con- nected with the panic, filled all hearts with dismay Again in a somewhat gloomy period the Synod met in Wilmington, this time, how- ever, convening in the church. The homes of 21 our people were thrown open wide in gener- ous hospitality and so impressed was a visitor from Pennsylvania, the Rev. J. Fry, that he wrote of the congregation in glowing terms upon his return to the North. The effects of the panic soon passed and prosperity again reigned. An attempt was made by Pastor Bernheim to conduct a Wednesday night ser- vice, and, although he continued this effort for three years, it was at no time well attended. Not so, however, the daily services during Holy Week which were introduced at this time. They proved highly successful in every re- spect. In 1876 Pastor Bernheim opened a school in several rooms of the parsonage, which at the outstart was attended by eighty pupils. This school proved to be the corner- stone of an elaborate parochial school system, which obtained at a later period. During the same year Mr. W. H. Strauss was elected su- perintendent of the Sunday School in the place of Mr. Hashagen, who had resigned. We can- not pass by this period without mentioning a name, that of Mr. John Baker, who became sexton of the church, and whose faithful la- bors in this position for thirty-three years, are so closely linked with the history of his and our congregation. The cares of pastor and teacher proved to be too heavy for Pastor Bernheim The con- gregation accordingly granted him an indefi- 22 nite leave of absence to visit Europe, with the hope that his health might be restored. During this interval the ministerial office was supplied by the Rev. F. P. Cook, now of Jewett, Ohio, whose services are still remem- bered by the older members of the congrega- tion. THE DORCAS SOCJETY. The second society of St. Paul's was organ- ized during the Summer of 1877. It was a la- dies' society, whose purpose as stated was "(1) to liquidate the debt of the church, and also to render any other assistance which the wants of the church may demand; (2) to pro- vide as far as our means will allow, for any sickness or destitution among the ladies or children of our congregation." Its first offi- cers were : President, Mrs. G. D. Bernheim; vice-president, Mrs. H. B. Eilers; secretary, Miss Lissette Bernheim; treasurer, Mrs. H. Vollers. To record the labors of this society would require a separate booklet. As we pass through our buildings and over our grounds, we see everywhere evidences of its kindness and activity. Its history, like the life of Dor- cas, is full of good works. Indeed, the con- gregation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to the women of the church. Their names may not appear so frequently in its records as those of the men, but their labors and deeds, 23 their faith and fidelity shine just as brightly. Even in these early days it was affirmed that the rising generation could not understand German well enough to be able to participate in the morning services. Accordingly for sev- eral years German services were held only on the first Sunday of each month, but this meas- ure proved to be too severe. As the years passed by the language question came up time and again in the congregational meetings and many theories for its solution were proposed and tried. It is pleasant to state that it has never created great strife or division, as has been the case in some congregations similarly situated. When Pastor Bernheim returned from Eu- rope he attacked his work with stronger vigor, but again the strain proved to be too great. He resigned, but the resignation was not ac- cepted, the congregation voting him 1200 an- nualy for the services of a teacher. He re- mained with the congregation until 1881, his second resignation going into effect on the last Sunday of that year. Thus a fruitful pas- torate of twelve years' duration came to its close. THE THIRD PASTORATE. Before Pastor Bernheim 's resignation had taken effect the congregation called the Rev. F. W. E. Peschau, of Nashville, Tenn., to suc- 24 The Rev. P. W. E. Peschau, D. D. ceed him, In this manner a long vacancy in the pastorate was avoided. Pastor Peschau accepted the call and arrived in the city March 3rd, 1882. On the following day he preached his introductory sermon and later was in- stalled. Just before this pastor's arrival an event of importance, as far as the finances of the con- gregation were concerned, had occurred, viz : That the Christian Association, upon its dis- solution had bestowed upon the congregation its accumulated money (between $1,000 and $1,100) and the Dorcas Society contributing a sum of money at the same time, the congre- gation for the first time in its history was practically free from debt. Pastor Peschau's pastorate began and con- tinued under auspicious circumstances. His activity soon brought rich returns. The need of a separate building for the Sunday School, a parochial school and the church societies be- gan to be felt. This need was supplied, when in 1883-1884 "Luther Memorial Building ,, was erected at the corner of Sixth and Princess streets at a cost of $4,000, Messrs. J. F. Stol- ter, L. Vollers and F. W. Ortmann acting as a building committee. In 1882 the pastor gathered the younger members of the congre- gation into a "Young Peoples' Society/ ' which flourished about eight years. It did much to interest the young in their church and culti- 26 vated a spirit of kindness and unity among them, which is felt to this day. Many of the men and women, now so active in our work, here received their first impulse toward con- gregational activity. Its first officers were : President, H. F. Ottent vice-president, C. E. Hall; recording secretary, C. W. Polvogt; cor- responding secretary, Miss Kate Ganzer; treasurer, Miss Lizzie Grotgen; librarian, E. Schulken. A "Jugend Verein," organized to accomplish the same purpose among those pre- ferring German, came into existence later (1892) and prospered for two years, the de- struction of Luther Memorial Building termi- nating its life. The first officers were : Presi- dent, J. H. Kuck; vice-president, J. W. H. Fuchs; secretary, F. Richter; treasurer, Miss M. Strunck. In 1886 a constitution for the Sunday School was framed and with the con- gregation's approval adopted. In 1887 the Karrer-Schulken Fund was established by Miss Emma Karrer and Mrs. E. Schulken in memory of Mrs. K. D. Karrer and Mr. E. Schulken, Sr., the interest of the money placed therein being designated for the support of the pastorate. This fund has received addi- tional bequests since its establishment and is open to all who desire to leave the congrega- tion some annual income. In 1887 the pipe organ was purchased at a cost of $1,800 and consecrated. We may im- 27 agine what joy and pleasure this instrument produced, for up to this time the congregation had contented itself with a reed organ. The acquisition of the instrument marked a new epoch in the musical development of the con- gregational services. Prof. VanLaer was the first to officiate as its organist and, in this connection, we might mention some of those who have succeeded him, viz : Miss C. Chasten, Miss Eliza Adrian, Miss Margaret Peschau, Miss Annie Boesch and Miss C. Stolter. During the Summer of 1888 the United Synod in the South met in our church and city, the sessions proving highly instructive and interesting to the members of the congre- gation. Entertainment was provided for this distinguished body in the well knon manner indicated by the term "Southern hospitality." In April of this same year the Christian As- sociation was reorganized under the follow- ing officers : President, H. L. Vollers; vice- president, J. D. H. Klander; recording secre- tary, J. H. Rehder; corresponding secretary, H. J. Dingelhcef; treasurer, G. W. BorLe- mann. THE MENGERT CIRCLE. On October 2nd, 1889, the third congrega- tional society was organized under the title, "Mengert Mission Circle," its purpose being 28 to create interest in the mission work of the church at large and to raise funds for its sup- port. Children as well as adults were ad- mitted to its membership. Its name, recall- ing the labors of the first pastor, fittingly com- memorates his pastorate. Meeting without interruption to the present, this organization has contributed a great deal to the work of the Lutheran Church in the South and to the local work of the congregation. Although the word ''mission" was dropped from its title at a later day, this in no wise indicated that its interest in the missionary work of the church decreased. The first organization was constituted as follows : President, Mrs. H. Rehder; vice-president, Mrs. H. A. Gla- meyer; secretary, Miss M. Strauss; treasurer, Miss A. Doscher. During the same year the constitution of the church was revised, an undertaking which required meeting upon meeting of the con- gregation. Two years later an attempt was made to begin a Lutheran congregation among the colored people, two individuals having offered a handsome sum of money towards the support of a paster for this work. It was found, however, that the project was imprac- ticable. Not so, however, the work among the seamen begun by Pastor Peschau at^this period. With untiring energy he cultivated ability to preach in Scandivian languages, 29 and as the harbor in that day was filled with sailing vessels, whose crews to a large extent were Scandinavians, he accomplished a great deal of good among them. For several years the congregation was intensely interested in work among the seamen, but as, with the ad- vent of steamships, the number and size of the crews which touched here diminished, this field of usefulness also was narrowed. St. Paul's ever sought to take both a temporal and spiritual interest in all Lutherans coming to the city. The tenth anniversary of Pastor Peschau's pastorate was celebrated in 1892, the church having been refrescoed, recarpeted and re- cushioned just before this event. In the souvenir booklet published upon that occasion several gifts are mentioned which we would recall : Baptismal font, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Wessell; lectern and altar, Mrs. F. W. Heyer and Mrs. H. Rehder; Bibles, Mrs. Wright and Messrs. C. and J Schmidt; hymnal registers, Messrs. H. and L. Vollers; silver set, Mrs. Laura Doscher; robe for the pastor, Dorcas Society; plush mountings, Mrs. A. Smith; hymnal board, Mrs. H. Haar, Sr. ; altar cloth, Mrs. E. Schulken. ST. MATTHEW'S SUNDAY SCHOOL With the increase of the number of Lutherans in Wilmington, it was deemed advisable to 30 open a branch Sunday School in the northern part of the city. Pastor Peschau began this work April 15th, 1890, and with Mr. C. W. Polvogt as superintendent and an able corps of teachers, the work prospered to such an extent that there was even some talk of or- ganizing a similar school in the southern part of Wilmington. In 1881 a lot was purchased on North Fourth street at a cost of $1, 100 and a chapel erected thereon, whose corner-stone was laid March 30th, 1891, by Pastor Peschau and the Rev. G. H. Cox, President of the Synod. This chapel, costing $1,950, was oc- cupied for the first time on the 17th of May. During the following year (March 14th, 1892) St. Matthew's was permitted to withdraw from the mother church, the latter waiving all claims, rights and titles thereto and wish- ing the young congregation Godspeed and blessing. The pastors who have served the new congregation since its organization are : The Rev. G. D. Bernheim, C. W. Kegley and G. S. Bearden. Pastor Peschau tendered his resignation in 1892, the same going into effect on the last Sunday of February, 1893. During the eleven years of his pastorate the congregation had been strengthened and increased, its organi- zation had become more fully matured and its missionary zeal cultivated. Freed to a great extent from the care of self-preservation, it 31 The Rev. K. Boldt, D. D. possessed more time and opportunity to broaden its field of usefulness under his ener- getic leadership. THE FOURTH PASTORATE. During the ensuing pastoral vacancy of eight months, Pastor Berriheim supplied the pulpit. On the 15th of August, 1893, the Rev. K. Boldt, of Charleston, was called to the pas- torate. Accepting the call, Pastor Boldt came to Wilmington and preached his introductory sermon November 19th, his installation occur- ring January 21st of the following year, the Revs. E. T. Horn, D. D., and G. D. Bern-" heim, D. D., officiating. Just before the ar- rival of Pastor Boldt, Mr. J. D. H. Klander had been elected superintendent of the Sun- day School, in the place of Mr. Strauss, who after a term of sixteen years had resigned. The first event of importance in this pastor- ate was the introduction of the "Common Service," a service prepared by a joint com- mittee composed of members appointed by the various Lutheran bodies in this country and based on the best Lutheran liturgies of the Sixteenth century. Though adopted previ- ously, the time for its introduction did not seem ripe until 1894, when it was used with- out causing any friction. A FIRE. On January 10th, 1894, Luther Memorial 33 Building was completely destroyed by fire, the flames originating in the apparatus left by some workmen on the roof during the noon recess. The parochial school, established in 1891, occupied part of the building at this time and was in sach a flourishing condition that it was both the hope and pride of the congrega- tion. Its home lay in ashes and its pupils and teachers gathered about the ruins, a mournful band. The members of the Jewish Synagogue immediately offered the school the use of their basement, but as the vestry room of the church and a room in the parsonage were available as a temporary homa, there was no need of ac- cepting the kind offer. Two weeks after the fire, the congregation with characteristic en- ergy decided to erect a new and a larger build- ing. A building committee consisting of Messrs. A. D. Wessell, A. Smith and F. E. Hashagen completed the new building, with the assistance of Mr. John C. Stout, its archi- tect, before the close of the year. The laying of its corner stone and its consecration are still fresh in the minds of most of our mem- bers. Thus the large and commodious build- ing we now possess, the meeting place of our schools and societies, was acquired, the cost thereof being $5,124 The new building completed, the parochial school flourished as never before. Much care and aid was bestowed by the members of the 34 congregation upon its establishment and con- tinuance. Not only the church in general, but a host of individuals contributed large sums of money annually to its support. Many of the present members of the congregation served upon its board with zeal and fideltty. At one time as many as 100 scholars attended its sessions and its cirriculum was so com- plete that its graduates were admitted from its portals into the colleges of the State. De- spite all of the zeal and self-sacrifice of the congregation it had to be abandoned in 1902, because of the lack of support on the part of parents in sending children to it, the public schools of the city having by that time at- tained a high grade of efficiency. A NEW SYSTEM OF FINANCES. The current expenses of the congregation up to this time were met by pew rents, monthly dues and plate collections. This three-fold source of income gradually proved insufficient, considerable difficulty having been experi- enced for more than a decade in meeting the financial needs. 4 'The Apportionment Sys- tem' ' was now adopted after thoughtful dis- cussion, a system under which each member, after consultation with a committee, paid a weekly sum of money to the church, accord- ing to his means, and the pews became free. This system proved to be remarkably success- 36 ful from the start, freeing the congregation from a host of trivial financial burdens. The first committee appointed, which carried this system into effect, consisted of Messrs. A. D. Wessell, M. G. Tiencken, A. Smith, J. H. Rehder and F. W. Orttmann. The constitu- tion was revised to meet the requirements of this new system and the revised constitution was adopted by the congregation. DEATH OF THE REV. B. H. W. RUNGE. For several years the congregation had looked forward to the day when the first pas- tor should emerge from its ranks and go forth to labor for the Lord. The Christian Associa- tion and the congregation had taken a deep and helpful interest in his studies at Mount Airy Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Mr. Runge's health failed, however, at the time of his graduation and, although ordained to the office of the ministry (June 2nd, 1895), he was never permitted to labor in the vocation which he so dearly loved, the Lord calling him to higher and more blessed labors on the 15th of June of the same year. His memory will ever be cherished in St. Paul's as a young man of deep piety and culture, the first pas- tor sent forth from our fold. In 1896 Mr. John Haar was elected super- intendent of the Sunday School, upon the res- ignation of Mr. J. D. H. Klander. the schools 37 of the congregation at that time being in a flourishing condition. The congregation as a whole was growing in doctrinal strength through Pastor Boidt's effective preaching and teaching, pastor and people having be- come bound together into close bonds of love. This happy relation was severed when Pastor Boldt received and accepted an urgent call to his former congregation at Charleston (Sep- tember, 1897), his resignation going into ef- fect December 17th, 1897. He had been the pastor of St. Paul's a little more than four years, yet had accomplished much during this brief period. Within a few y ears after Pastor Boidt's return to Charleston, he was sum- moned to his eternal reward, whither also his faithful helpmate followed him within a few years. THE FIFTH PASTORATE. Before Pastor Boidt's resignation had taken effect, the congregation had already called the Rev. A, G. Voigt, D. D., Professor of Theology at Newberry, S. C. Pastor Voigt accepting the call, took charge of the congre- gation June 1st. 1898, and was installed on the 19th of the same month by the Revs. G. D. Bernheim, and K. Boldt. The congregation once more was fortunate in obtaining a spir- itual head in so brief a time. The events of this pastorate are so recent 38 The Rev. A. G. Voigt, D. D. that most of the readers of these lines can re- count them much better than the writer. One of the most important acts of his ministry was a wise provision, which materially increased the beneficiary contributions of the church. It was decided to devote all plate offerings to the various missionary and educational causes of the United Synod. The Sunday School falling in line with this idea, began to set apart the offering for the first Sunday of each month to Home and Foreign Missions. Through this plan the congregation gradually began to be a more important factor in the work of the Lutheran Church in the South. The present arrangement of having Ger- man services on the second and fourth Sun- day mornings of each month was adopted and met with general approval. During the Fall of 1901 a Luther League was organized, which flourished for a time, taking the place of the "Young Peoples' Society" of a former pas- torate. The fence, which surrounded the property of St. Paul's, was removed, a fine granite coping, costing almost $1,000, was put into place by the Dorcas Society, and the church's indebtedness was reduced until less than $1,000 remained. The congregation en- tered upon a period of peace and harmony, factions having disappeared and the various organizations and the congregation as a whole doing effective work. During this pastorate 40 Mr. F. A. Bissinger was elected superintend- ent of the Sunday School to fill the vacancy- caused by the resignation of Mr. Haar. Pastor Voigt's pastorate, like Pastor Boldt's, was brief. In July, 1903, he was elected Dean of the Theological Seminary of the United Synod at Mount Pleasant, S. C, a position for which his pre-eminent gifts as a theolo- gian fitted him in superlative degree. His res- ignation went into effect September 30th, 1903. During his pastorate of five years and four months the church had grown in breadth of vision. It had increased in liberality to the causes of the church at large and had begun to feel its responsibility in the work of the United Synod. Under Pastor Voigt's instruc- tive preaching it had begun to think more of the great mission problems and the work of the Lutheran Church in the world. THE SIXTH PASTORATE. The present pastor, the Rev W. A. Snyder, was twice called by the congreation. Believ- ing that the Lord wished him to come to Wil- mington, after he had received the second call, he resigned the congregation he had organized in West Reading, Pa., and came to St. Paul's, assuming charge of the congregation March 1st, 1904. On the 13th of the same month he was installed by the Revs. G. D. Bernheim, D D , and C. W. Kegley. It is his pleasure to state that during the 41 The Rev. W. A. Snyder. four years of his pastorate the congregation has shown itself active in every department of its work. In 1905 the Sunday School was graded and in the following year a pleasant primary room was furnished. The whole in- terior of the rooms it occupied have been car- peted and frescoed. The ladies' societies and the Luther League have also fitted up hand- some meeting rooms. The need of the school to-day is a larger auditorium. In 1906 Mr. Bissinger resigned the superintendency of the school and was succeeded by Mr. H. F. Otten. The school is in a most prosperous condition, having reached a high water mark in at- tendance and possessing an able corps of officers and teachers, who have been in- structed in normal classes for the past two years. The various societies are increasing in size and efficiency. The pastor has instructed Saturday morning classes for the younger children of the church, which have proved very fruitful. The Luther League of this pas- torate was organized by the catechetical class of 1905 and since the time of its organization has had a rapid growth. During the past four years 125 adult members have been added to the church, 74 of that number being by con- firmation. The present membership of St. Paul's is 410 members in good standing. The pastor, like the former pastors, has had the aid and support of very efficient church coun- 43 cils. Indeed, every council in the history of St. Paul's has been a credit to the congrega- tion and, although space forbids the mention of the names of the men who have served us in office, let them be assured that their labors have not been in vain. The present Elders, Messrs. L. Hanson and W. Niestlie, have served in their office side by side for sixteen years. During the first year of this pastorate the congregation had the pleasure of seeing the second pastor emerging from its ranks, the Rev. H. W. A. Hanson, who is laboring in the office of the ministry most successfully in Alleghany, Pa. THE GREATER ST. PAUL'S. In the congregational meeting of 1906 the pastor, referring to the fiftieth anniversary of St. Paul's, urged the congregation to com- memorate the event by a suitable memorial. A committee was appointed to consider the matter, and this committee decided to recom- mend the enlargement and embellishment of the church building. Subscriptions were taken and so well did the committee succeed in gath- ering funds that at the next congregational meeting the whole plan was in tangible form and was adopted by the congregation. We need not dweel upon the plan, as it is before our eyes in concrete form. The committee was now appointed a "building committee" by the congregation. 44 THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. The Pastor. Mr. L. Hanson .. President Secretary-Treasurer Architect Mr. C. W. Polvog-t Mr. H. L. Vollers Mr. H. E. Bonitz Mr. J. G. L. Gieschen Mr. M. G. Tiencken, Mr. J. H. Rehder. In imitation of the first building commit- tee these men displayed untiring energy and zeal Every one of its members engaged most earnestly in the work. Between 18,000 and 19,000 was raised in money and memorial gifts, the entire building operations costing over $12,000. The congregation as a whole displayed the utmost liberality and interest in the work, and, to its credit be it said, that during the year, when the building operations demanded large gifts, the contributions for beneficence exceeded those of any previous year in its history. On September 15th, 1907, the corner-stone was relaid with appropriate ceremony, the pastor and the Rev. C. W. Kegley delivering addresses. So rapidly was the work pushed forward that on Septua- gesima Sunday (February 16th, 1908), the congregation was able to occupy the enlarged church. During the period of construction services were held in Luther Memorial Build- ing. The work of Mr. H. E. Bonitz, our archi- tect, whose interest in the work of his church did so much to produce our building, and that 4(5 of Mr. J. Schad, the contractor, are more than worthy of honorable mention. Every one of the societies contributed some- thing to the interior. The Christian Associa- tion furnished the electric lighting system, the Dorcas Society the additional pews, the Mengert Circle the opalescent organ chamber window and the Luther League the brass rail- ing. Memorials were placed as follows : The altar an^cliancel pannelling by Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Heyer in memory of Mrs. Heyer's parents, Mr and Mrs. F. VV Heyer; Geth- samene window in the chancel, Mrs. H. L. Vollers in memory of her parents, Eliza- beth and Luhr Vollers (the silver offering plates and the brass cross having been given by Mrs. E. Vollers in memory of Luhr Vol- lers in a former pastorate) ; Good Shepherd window in memory of deceased children by C. W. Polvogt, Mrs. A. M. Schulken, Miss H. Schulken, C. H. Stemmermann, Mrs. H. Vol- lers, H. F. Otten, J. F. Rulfs, Sr., Mrs. H. Rehder, F. W. Ortmann, E. Schulken, Dr. J. H. Dreher, Dr. W. Niestlie, J. Hintze, H. T. Duls, Mrs. M. G. Tiencken, Mrs. D. Branch and a number of others contributing in a gen- eral offering; brass pulpit Bible rest by Mr. and Mrs. M. Rathjen, in memory of their son, Martin Rathjen, Jr. The brass altar desk was the gift of Mrs. J. T. Runge; the pulpit edi- tion of the Book of Worship on it, the gift of 48 Dr. W. Niestlie, and the curtains for the choir railing, the gift of Mr. J. H. W. Bonitz and family. On the eve of the first service a brass lectern was placed into position by those who wished to surprise their pastor. We have now arrived at the end of our sketch. There are many names of faithful members of St. Paul's which do not appear in these pages, but who, although not placed on the committees named herein, yet have done noble service for their dear church. St. Paul's, with all that the name implies, stands before us complete. In celebrating the golden jubilee, the fiftieth anniversary of its organization, let us be devoutly thankful to the Triune God for the past and the present. All things are ours. Let us appreciate what we possess, remember- ing the labors and the struggles of the many members of the past, who have left us the St. Paul's of the present as a glorious heritage. 49 CHURCH DIRECTORY. THE CHURCH COUNCIL. ELDERS : Pastor W. A. Snydei, President; Mr. L. Hanson, Vice-President; Dr. W. Niestlie. DEACONS: Dr. J. H. Dreher, M. Schnibben, G. H. Haar. C. P. B. Mahler. * TRUSTEES: M. G. Tiencken, H. L. Vollers, Secretary; J. W. Duls, Treasurer C W. Polvogt, J. W. H. Fuchs. Organist, Mrs. E. Schulken. USHERS: C. H. Bomemann, C. Fick, L. Wessell, F. Hutaff, R. Gieschen, W. Mahler, M. Brunjes, H. Wrede. SUNDAY SCHOOL: Superintendent, H. F. Otten; Sec-Treas., E. Wright; Organist, Miss A. Hanson; Assistant Organist, Miss F. Wessell; Librarians, J. Hintze, R. Rose. TEACHERS: The Pastor, Miss L. Bappler, Miss E. Ortmann, Miss E. Otten, Mrs. W. A. Snyder, Mrs. H. H. Merritt, Miss A. Baker, Mr. J. Haar. Miss E. Hutaff, Mrs. C. B. Rehder, Mrs. J. T. Runge, Miss M. L. Smith, Miss C. Fick, Miss E. Otersen, Mrs. L. Freimuth, Mrs. H. F. Otten, Miss W. Ulrich, Miss L. Banck, Mrs. J. Rehder, Mrs. E. Schulken. Mrs. W. S. Clayton and Mrs. W. L. Bissinger. THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION: President, A. D. Wessell; Vice-President, F. W. Ortmann; Secretary- Treasurer, J. D. H. Klander; Trustees, F. W. Ortmann, M. Schnibben and J. G. Kuhlken. THE DORCAS SOCIETY: President, Mrs. W. A. Snyder; Vice-President, Mrs. J. H. Dreher; Cor. Sec, Mrs L. Freimuth; Rec Sec, Mrs. H. L. Vol- lers; Treasurer, Mrs. A. D. Wessell. THE MENGERT CIRCLE: President, Miss E. Hutaff; Vice-President, Miss EL Ortmann, Rec. Secretary, Mrs. C. Rehder; Cor. Secretary, Miss G. Mohr; Treasurer, Mrs. J. T. Runge. THE LUTHER LEAGUE: President, Luther Wessell; Cor. Secretary, Miss H. Fick; Rec. Secre- tary, Miss L. Banck; Treasurer, J. W. Meyland; Organist, Miss C Gieschen. 1670 mm... IZLllSSPOQ sauBjqn Aj!SJ9A.iun 9>|na