George Washington Flowers 
 Memorial Collection 
 
 DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 ESTABLISHED BY THE 
 FAMILY OF 
 COLONEL FLOWERS 
 
-A- 
 
 BRIEF HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 ST. JOHN'S 
 
 HBvancjeltcal Xutberan Cburcb, 
 
 n 0F 'ipi 
 
 Cabarrus County, N. C, 
 
 >/ FROM 
 
 S 
 
 ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. 
 
 ^ BY 
 
 SIDNEY D. STEFFEY, 
 
 Pastor of St. John's Church. 
 
 "Hi/hctio halh the Lord helped us " — /. Samuel, 7.12. 
 
 {Hill 
 
 CONCORD, N. C: 
 THE TIMES STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRESSES. 
 1899. 
 
 i w 
 
 a 
 
BRIEF HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 ST. JOHN'S 
 
 Evangelical Xutberan Gburcb, 
 
 OF 
 
 Cabarrus County, N. c, 
 
 from 
 
 ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT Til THE PRESENT _ TIME. 
 
 RY 
 
 SIDNEY D. STEFFEY, 
 
 Pastor of St. John's Church. 
 
 - — psfc ^ttSX^ M — 
 "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." — / Samuel, J :I2. 
 
 CONCORD, N. C: 
 
 THE TIMES STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRESSES. 
 
 1899. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2014 
 
 https://archive.org/details/briefhistoryofst02stef 
 
To 
 
 The Memory of 
 The Members of St. John's Church., 
 and to 
 
 '/'hose Who Are Still Living, 
 
 These Pages 
 Are Respectfu/lv Dedicated 
 by 
 
 the 
 
 A uthor. 
 
This certifies that we have this day examined the MSS. 
 of a Brief History of St. John's E. L. Church, written by 
 our Pastor, Rev. Sidney J). Steffey, and we desire to express 
 our hearty appreciation and approval of the same. We 
 hereby recommend it to the members of our church, and to 
 the people in general, and we hereby authorize the publica- 
 tion of the same. 
 
 C. I). Barringer, 
 Geo. E. Ritchie, 
 (J. M. Goodman, 
 
 Elders. 
 
 John W. Cress, 
 W. B. Fisher, 
 M. L. Clixk, 
 John I). Walker, 
 
 Deacons. 
 
 March 13th, 1899. 
 
preface. 
 
 The author of this little book began the study of tlie his- 
 tory of St. John's Church for the purpose of knowing better 
 his own people. 
 
 It proved so interesting to him that it was thought it 
 might be of interest to others, and so it was decided to pub- 
 lish a short history of the congregation from its establish- 
 ment to the present. It is made up chiefly from the Records 
 of the church, but the author has drawn some from other 
 sources — notably from Bernheim's " History of the German 
 Settlements, and of the Lutheran Church in North and 
 South Carolina," and due acknowledgement is made of the 
 same. 
 
 Is this a true Record ? 
 
 I answer that it is so, so far as it is possible to make it so. 
 Nothing has been written which could not be verified either 
 by the Records, or from some other source. 
 
 This book is just what it is said to be, a short, plain his- 
 tory of St. John's Church. 
 
 The author is aware of the fact that it is imperfect in 
 many ways, but it is sent out in the hope that it may be of 
 interest to, at least, the members of the Church, and if it 
 should afford the reader any considerable part of the pleasure 
 that its production has afforded the author he will feel am- 
 ply repaid, for this work has really been " a labor of love." 
 
 SIDNEY I). STEFFEY. 
 
 St. John's Parsonage, March 13th, 1899. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 EARLY HISTORY. 
 
 T. JOHN'S Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cabarrus 
 County, Xorth Carolina, is situated in the eastern part 
 of the county. It is a very old congregation, and very pros- 
 perous, being situated in one of the most productive sections 
 of the State. 
 
 This part of the country was settled about the year 1T50. 
 by Germans from Pennsylvania. As soon as enough people 
 were located in one community they would establish a church 
 and a school for the children. Thus these settlers built 
 their church and school house on Buffalo Creek. 
 
 They had only begun to feel that they were about to suc- 
 ceed when they were rudely disturbed by the Revolutionary 
 War. They were very determined in their resistance to 
 British misrule and tyranny, and were both feared and hated 
 by the British and Tories. 
 
 Governor Tryon made a strong effort to have them return 
 to their allegiance to the existing government, and for this 
 purpose he made a personal visit to this "hot-bed" of resist- 
 ance, and while here he enjoyed the hospitality of Caj)t. John 
 Paul Barringer, who was the recognized leader among the 
 patriots of Mecklenburg County. He seemed to be satisfied 
 that he had sounded the death bell at the funeral of liberty 
 and independence in these parts. This was in 1768. 
 
 He went away supposing these Germans were his firm 
 friends, but he was greatly deceived in this, as he had mis- 
 taken hospitality for submission. 
 
 The war cost them dearly, both in blood and treasure. 
 
10 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 They were hunted like beasts, and murdered and robbed by 
 the Tories at home, and they lost many men in battle. One 
 family alone lost seven sons, all slain in battle. This family 
 was named Black welder, and no doubt many of the families 
 of the church wept for their dead, who lost their lives in 
 battle or from disease and exposure. 
 
 Previous to the year 1792 Cabarrus County was included 
 in Mecklenburg County. The western portion of it was 
 settled by Irish Presbyterians, while the eastern part was 
 settled entirely by Germans from Pennsylvania. 
 
 Quite a number of Hessian soldiers deserted from the 
 British army, after the siege of Savannah, and found their 
 way to Dutch Buffalo Creek, and remained there perma- 
 nently. These partly supplied the loss of the very many young 
 men who had sacrificed their lives during the Revolution- 
 ary War. While no regular army passed through their im- 
 mediate settlement, yet they were harrassed by the Tories. 
 Many settlers were robbed and some were killed, and others 
 taken to prison. Prominent among the latter was John 
 Paul Barringer, who, being too old for the regular service, 
 was surprised and captured in his bed and taken to Camden 
 and held as a prisoner until the close of the war. 
 
 The British and Tories hated them with a special hatred, 
 and not without a reason, as they were residents of Meck- 
 lenburg county, whose citizens were the first to declare their 
 independence May 20th, 1775. 
 
 St. John's congregation was at first known as " Dutch 
 Buffalo Creek Church," because most of its members were 
 located along that stream, and also because their first place 
 of worship was located near the same creek, about three 
 miles east of its present location. The first house of wor- 
 ship was a very plain one, made of unhewn pine logs. It 
 was also used as a school house. It was jointly owned by 
 the Lutherans and German Reforms. They laid off a suita- 
 ble piece of ground for a graveyard, where repose all that is 
 mortal of many of the early settlers of eastern Cabarrus. 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 11 
 
 As the congregations increased it was decided to build a 
 house of worship which would accommodate both denomi- 
 nations. This second was no better than the first house, 
 except it was larger. It was situated about one-half mile 
 east of the present building on land now owned by Mr. 
 Martin L. Cline. It seems that this house, or perhaps the 
 location, did not give satisfaction, as it was soon abandoned. 
 
 The growth of the congregation was very slow. Although 
 the German settlements in the interior of North Carolina 
 began in 1750 they grew very slowly, owing to the manner 
 in which they were made. They had to come on the over- 
 land route in wagons or on foot, from the Province of Penn- 
 sylvania. It took many years for them to get enough peo- 
 ple together to form a congregation, and even after these 
 were formed they sorely felt the need of a pastor. They 
 would meet on the Lord's day and the school teacher would 
 read a sermon, and he would often officiate at a funeral, and 
 often, in extreme cases, baptize their children. Occasion- 
 ally a traveling minister came among them and preached for 
 them and administered the sacraments, etc. 
 
 Things went on this way until about the year 1771 with 
 St. John's. With this year began the real life of the con- 
 gregation. Captain John Paul Barringer and others sug- 
 gested that the Lutherans separate from the German Re- 
 forms, and that they build their own church. This was 
 accordingly done, and a site was selected in the present grave- 
 yard. Daniel Jarrett was the contractor and Captain Bar- 
 ringer was the only member of the building committee. 
 The church was built chiefly at his own expense, and the 
 congregation had a large pew constructed for the special 
 benefit of himself and family. 
 
 With their church completed, and located satisfactorily to 
 all, it was but natural that they should endeavor to secure 
 a pastor to preach the Word to them, instruct their children 
 and administer the sacraments to them regularly. But this 
 was no easy task. There were none to be had in the Caro- 
 
12 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 liuas, and none could be spared from Pennsylvania. It only 
 remained for them to send to Germany. This they agreed 
 to do. Acccordingly, in 1772, Christopher Layrle, from St. 
 John's Church, and Christopher Rintelmann, from Organ 
 Church, were sent as a delegation to Europe for the purpose 
 of applying to the Consistory Council of Hanover, in Ger- 
 many, for a supply of ministers of the gospel and school 
 teachers for the North Carolina congregations. 
 
 They first went to London and then to Hanover, and there 
 obtained the Rev. Adolph Xussmann as their pastor, and 
 Gottfried Arndt as school teacher. They arrived safely in 
 North Carolina in 1773. 
 
 These commissioners also secured some donations in 
 money, which was interrupted by the Revolutionary War. 
 but which were eventually paid after a period of more than 
 ten years. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 FROM 1774 TO 1794. 
 
 ♦fTN the year 1774 the Rev. Adolph Nussmann, who since 
 " his arrival in Xorth Carolina, had been laboring a little 
 more than a year at Organ Church and in Salisbury, came 
 to St. John's as their first regular pastor. He located him- 
 self near the church on the farm now owned by Mr. H. C. 
 McAllister. 
 
 Pastor Nussmann entered this land in his own name in the 
 year 1783. The original grant is now in the possession of 
 the present owner. The land lies one mile southeast of the 
 church. The first house stood about 200 yards in the rear 
 of the present house, just over the brow of the hill. 
 
 Here many meetings of the Council were held looking to 
 the advancement of the interests of the congregation, and 
 here, in this humble home, many plans were devised, 
 in the fertile brain of the devoted minister, for the estab- 
 lishment and the perpetuation of the Redeemer's King- 
 dom in the wilderness of Xorth Carolina. 
 
 Mr. McAllister also owns the first stove used in St. John's 
 church, and has it safely stored away on this farm. It is a 
 quaint affair, and is in a very good state of preservation, 
 considering its great age and the amount of service rendered. 
 
 Pastor Nussmann spent the remaining years of his useful 
 life on this farm, and eternity alone will reveal all of the 
 results of the twenty years of labor and sacrifice for this 
 people, and for the Church at large. 
 
 About this time the congregation built a schoolhouse, just 
 immediately west of the church, and secured a Mr. Fries- 
 land as their teacher. 
 
u 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 The house contained two rooms, and had a large chimney 
 in the middle, built of stones, some of which may be seen 
 now. One room was used as a school room, while the other 
 was occupied, as a dwelling, by the teacher and his family. 
 
 It is a fact, worthy of note, that from the time the first 
 house of worship was built on Buffalo Creek to the present, 
 St. John's has always had her schoolhouse by the church. 
 
 Messrs. Jacob Fegert, Marx liaus and Jacob Thieme paid 
 fifty shillings, that being the legal rate, for one hundred 
 acres of government land, and entered it "in trust for the 
 congregation of Dutch Buffalo Meeting-House." 
 
 This tract embraced the land on which the church had 
 already been built, and on which the parsonage now stands. 
 It was a wise foresight on the part of these devoted men. 
 The land is very valuable now, and a source of considerable 
 income to the congregation. 
 
 The grant was made on the 22nd of October, 1782. 
 
 About this time the congregation adopted a constitution 
 for its government. It is very strict, both in doctrine and 
 discipline. The following facts are gathered : 
 
 1. The pastor was bound to confess, with heart and mouth, 
 to the symbolical books of the church. 
 
 2. A regular support, for pastor and schoolteacher, was 
 expected from the members. 
 
 3. All marriages had to be proclaimed three Sundays, in 
 succession, before the marriage could take place, and no one 
 but a minister was allowed to perform the ceremony. 
 
 4. The church council was designated as adjunct execu- 
 tors in all wills and testaments. 
 
 The following was the order of service in the church: 
 
 1. A hymn of praise. 
 
 2. A collect, or the epistle for the day. 
 
 3. The principal hymn. 
 
 4. Reading of the Scriptures. 
 
 5. The creed, or a short Sunday hymn. 
 
 6. The sermon. 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 15 
 
 7. The singing of a few verses. 
 
 8. A short catechetical exercise. 
 
 9. A long prayer, suitable either to the catechetical lecture, 
 sermon or other circumstances. 
 
 10. The benediction. 
 
 Hi The concluding verse of the principal hymn. 
 
 12. The liturgy adopted was the one used in the German 
 Lutheran Court Chapel of St. James, in London, and the 
 Marburg Hymn-book was introduced in the worship of the 
 congregation. 
 
 Pastor Nussmann's work at St. John's was much disturbed 
 by the Revolutionary War. Pastor and people were loyal to 
 the American cause, be it said to their honor, and in conse- 
 quence they suffered many hardships and losses. 
 
 Their strong men fell in battle, or rotted in British pris- 
 ons. They were sorely beset by the Tories, so much so that 
 at one time Pastor Nussmann had to conceal himself in the 
 thickets along Adams Creek from them. 
 
 But with the close of the war peace and prosperity came 
 to the church. All of the Lutheranism of the county was 
 centered in St. John's. The pastor's influence was extended, 
 even to other counties. In those early times it was the cus- 
 tom to have but one church centrally located in a county, 
 and the people would come miles and connect themselves 
 with the church, and attend divine service. This made the 
 pastoral work very difficult, but the pastor was more than 
 equal to the task, for he even made missionary tours to Da- 
 vidson, Guilford, Orange, Stokes and Forsythe counties. 
 Thus did God bless and prosper the church until the death 
 of the pastor. 
 
 After the close of the war the want of a better house of 
 worship was felt, when the congregation had again been 
 thoroughly reorganized. On the 6th of November, 1784, a 
 resolution was passed "for the purpose of rebuilding St. 
 John's Church." It was erected on the same site where the 
 old one stood. The following is the preface to thesubscrip- 
 
16 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 tion: " May the good Lord help us, so that our undertaking 
 may succeed well in peace and unanimity, and that every 
 man may do his part as he would wish others to do towards 
 himself." The subscription ranged from three shillings to 
 ten pounds, and the whole amount gathered was 172^ 
 pounds. 
 
 The church was finished the next year, and was solemnly 
 dedicated to the service of the triune God, on the 4th of 
 July, 1785. At the same time a large silver goblet was pur- 
 chased from the pastor for the use of their communion 
 service. 
 
 The church was much larger than any that had been built 
 up to this time, and was a frame structure. 
 
 This house was commonly known as the "Old Red Meet- 
 ing-House," being painted red. It was replaced by the 
 brick building, the walls of which are now standing, in 1846. 
 
 General Barringer s elevated pew was transferred to this 
 house, from the old one, and many who are now living re- 
 member it well. 
 
 An effort was now made to have the church placed, once 
 more, in connection with the Church in Germany, by Rev. 
 Nussmann, and he succeeded. The congregation had money, 
 90 pounds, on deposit in London, which had been procured 
 by the commissioners who had gone over to Germany for 
 the purpose of securing pastors and teachers for the North 
 Carolina churches, the payment of which had been delayed 
 by the Revolutionary War, and which was well worth look- 
 ing after. 
 
 And besides this, the need of books was greatly felt by the 
 church, and these, in the German language, could only be 
 secured in Europe. 
 
 For the consideration of these matters a meeting of the 
 Council was held on the 30th of September, 1787, and the 
 following action taken: 
 
 "Resolved, That if this money can be secured, it shall 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 11 
 
 forever be considered as a fund belonging solely to the 
 church. 
 
 "Resolved, That from the interest of this fund the yearly 
 salary of the pastor shall be supplemented. 
 
 "That no part of the principal shall be used without the 
 consent of the donors." 
 
 Contrary to this resolution, this fund was all used when 
 the new church was built in 1846. It then amounted to 
 about fifteen hundred dollars. 
 
 "Resolved, That this amount of funds shall not be sent 
 in money, but as the congregation is desirous of obtaining 
 books, it is requested that books, strongly but not expen- 
 sively bound, be sent over to us. 
 
 "Resolved, That the chest, in which these books are to 
 sent shall be directed M. C. D. B. C." 
 
 There is a great deal of uncertainty as to what these let- 
 ters signify, but they probably mean Mecklenburg County, 
 Dutch Buffalo Creek. 
 
 It will be seen that it was the intention to sell the books 
 to the members, and thus to supply two wants at once. In 
 both they were successful. 
 
 After this the work went on with much success, until the 
 death of Pastor Nussmann, which sad event occurred at his 
 home near the church, on the 3rd day of November, 1794. 
 
 Soon after he came to this country he was united in mar- 
 riage with Barbara, a daughter of Christopher Layrle, one 
 of the commissioners sent to Germany to bring over pastors 
 and teachers. He was the father of several children, and 
 his descendants are still living in this county. 
 
 His death was not unexpected, as he had been suffering 
 for quite a while from a cancer on his neck. 
 
 He was buried at St. John's. A blue stone marked his 
 grave for many years, but as it was nearly destroyed by the 
 ravages of time, it now safely reposes inside the church, and 
 a new marble slab, the gift of the members of the church, 
 has taken its place at the grave. The inscription on the 
 
18 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 old stone is in German. The following is the translation : 
 " For me to live is Christ, to die is to gain. The memory 
 of the righteous is blessed. Here repose the remains of the 
 faithful preacher, Adolphns Nussmann, born in Germany 
 August, 1737, died November 3rd, 1794." 
 
 He was aged about 55 years. He was a very scholarly 
 man and could have graced any position in life, but he chose 
 to give himself to the establishment of the Lutheran church 
 in North Carolina, and it certainly seems that he and 
 Arndt were raised up of God for this special work. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 FROM 1794 TO 1821. 
 
 HFTER the death of Pastor Nussmann the church re- 
 mained vacant for two years, after which it was tem- 
 porarily supplied one year with the labors of Rev. C. A. G. 
 Storch. 
 
 On the 20th day of May, 1794, there was held in St. 
 John's church a very important gathering. It was a meet- 
 ing of all of the Lutheran ministers of North Carolina for 
 the purpose of ordaining the first English Lutheran minister 
 in the State. He was Rev. Robert Johnson Miller, who was 
 afterwards a successful worker in the church. 
 
 The sad effects of the Revolutionary War were now to be 
 seen everywhere. The morals of the country had been cor- 
 rupted, and infidelity, and its attendent evils, were abroad 
 in the land. All of the churches suffered, and, of course, 
 St. John's suffered along with all others. These were dark 
 days for the congregation. 
 
 The French people had discarded the Bible and its teach- 
 ings, and had gone mad with "liberty." The same spirit 
 was manifested in America, though not to the same extent. 
 A leading statesman predicted that, in "fifty years, a Bible 
 could not be found in America." 
 
 With this period also dates the beginning of Rationalism 
 in the Lutheran Church in America. The true faich was 
 set aside for new and strange doctrine, and the church was 
 torn asunder by divisions and heresies. 
 
 At St. John's the members were indifferent to their church 
 vows; they neglected the Sacraments, especially the baptism 
 
20 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 of their infants, the attendance on divine worship fell off 
 greatly, and many who came were so boisterous that the 
 doors had to be closed on them, and slanderous reports were 
 freely circulated, and the giving of alms was not observed 
 at all by many of the members. 
 
 At last the Council took the matter up, and a meeting was 
 held, and the following action was taken : 
 
 1. Resolved, That the doors of the church shall no longer 
 be closed before the commencement of the Lord's day ser- 
 vices; but as soon as one-half of the congregation shall have 
 been assembled, the doors shall be opened, and at 10 o'clock 
 the services of the sanctuary shall commence; and those per- 
 sons who shall be guilty of making a disturbance during 
 service shall be reported to the magistrate. The services 
 shall also commence in future without any further calling 
 in of those persons who remain outside. 
 
 2. Resolved, That at the celebration of the Lord's Supper 
 alms shall be gathered at the door. The members are fur- 
 thermore requested to celebrate their marriages in the church, 
 at which time of rejoicing they and their benevolent guests 
 are desired to contribute alms to the church, and to lay their 
 mites upon the altar, as is the custom in many places in our 
 Evangelical Church. 
 
 3. Resolved, That whenever slanderous reports are circu- 
 lated which might cause dissensions in the church, they 
 shall be made known to our President, Paul Barringer, who 
 shall investigate the matter, and shall decide in such a way 
 as shall best promote the interests of true religion and the 
 church. 
 
 •4. Resolved, That persons bringing their children to the 
 church to be baptized must make the fact known before 
 service, name the sponsors, the day of the child's birth, the 
 names of the parents, so that it may be recorded in the 
 church book. 
 
 The following members of the Council were present at 
 this meeting : Paul Barringer, Peter Quillman, George 
 Meisenheimer, Daniel Jarrett, Matthew Meyer, Xicholas 
 ileitenhauer, Jacob Fegert, Andreas Stauch, L'lrich Durr, 
 and Jacob Bast. 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 21 
 
 And the end of Rev. Storch's first year as a supply pastor, 
 and three years after Nussman's death, the congregation 
 called Rev. Adam Nicholas Marcard, who was laboring at 
 Cold Water Creek Church. He come to St. John's in 1797 
 and remained until some time in the year 1800. The con- 
 gregation made some progress under his administration, and 
 he seems to have been careful, and it is greatly to his credit 
 to say that he kept a faithful record. He removed to South 
 Carolina. 
 
 As the church was now vacant again. Rev. C. A. G. 
 Storch was again called, this time as a regular pastor. He 
 continued as pastor of the church for twenty-one years. He 
 was a faithful pastor, and his labors here were blessed of 
 God in the strengthening of the church and the salvation 
 of many souls. 
 
 It was during the first years of his pastorate here that the 
 great revivals of 1800 and 1801 swept over the country. 
 The infidelity of the preceding years gave place to some- 
 thing akin to religious fanaticism. 
 
 This was the beginning of revivals in this country, and I 
 will let Pastor Storch describe them in his own words. In 
 a letter dated February 25th, 1803, he writes : 
 
 "By the side of this pestilence (infidelity) there prevails 
 now, for over a year, a something, I know not what to name 
 it, and I should not like to say fanaticism. Christians of 
 every denomination assemble themselves in the forest, num- 
 bering four, six and sometimes ten thousand persons; they 
 erect tents, sing, pray and preach, day and night, for five, 
 six and eight days. I have been an eye-witness to scenes in 
 such large assemblies, which I cannot explain. I beheld 
 young and old, feeble and strong, white and black — in short, 
 people of' every age, position and circumstances, as though 
 they were struck by lightning, speechless and motionless; 
 and, when they had somewhat recovered, they could be heard 
 shrieking bitterly and supplicating God for mercy and grace. 
 
 "After they had thus spent three, and even more, hours 
 
22 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 they rose up. praised God, and commenced to pray in such 
 a manner as they never were wont to do, exhorting sinners 
 to come to Jesus, etc. Many of those who were thus exer- 
 cised, were ungodly persons before, and we can now discover 
 a remarkable change in them. Even deists have been 
 brought to confess Christ in this way. Thus this thing con- 
 tinues even to this hour. 
 
 "Opinions are various in regard to it; many, even minis- 
 ters, denominate it the work of the devil; others again 
 would explain it in a natural way, or in accordance with 
 some physical law; whilst others look on it as the work of 
 God.'" 
 
 I also quote from Rev. Paul Henkel on the same subject 
 as follows: 
 
 ••Towards the close of the year 1801, there occurred a 
 mighty waking up of religion among the English people in 
 Guilford and Orange counties, which caused our German 
 people to understand the true worth of the gospel. Both 
 the pastors and their people were surprised, for it appeared 
 exceedingly strange to those, who were well acquainted with 
 the order of salvation, that true conversion should consist 
 in such a way as declared by these people; that true faith 
 should originate in such sermons, which caused such corpo- 
 ral convulsions, such representations of the devil, death and 
 hell; the fearful and awful expressions of lightning, thun- 
 der, hail, fire and brimstone against the sinner, deprived 
 many of their senses, and prostrated them in fainting fits. 
 
 •• As the like proceedings were upheld and defended by so 
 many English preachers, and as many had declared, that by 
 means of such workings they had received the true and re- 
 liable witness of the pardon of their sins, and of the new 
 birth, many of us hesitated to contradict such proceedings, 
 although they were thought so contrary to the doctrines of 
 the gospel. Many passages of Scripture were pointed out 
 as opposed to those outward manifestations; but many good 
 meaning persons defended them as scriptural, whereupon 
 
History of St. John's Ohttbch. 
 
 23 
 
 the important questions arose among them: 'Must we not 
 also experience the same thing in order to be saved?' The 
 people became anxious and concerned, were much affected 
 and distressed, pressed upon their pastors to decide the mat- 
 ter for them, who were unwilling to do this without due con- 
 sideration and the fullest assurance/' 
 
 Thus it will be seen that this spirit of revivalism was in 
 all of the churches. It was entirely new in America, and 
 to the Germans in Europe, but was to be found in England 
 and Ireland previous to this. 
 
 While it is true that the pastor of St. John's never, for 
 a moment, countenanced the movement, yet it had a sad 
 effect on the congregation. Gradually, however, they came 
 back to the teaching of the fathers, and it was not long un- 
 til they were settled in "the old paths." 
 
 The territory occupied by the church was large, and as 
 Pastor Storch's health was bad, and especially as he was 
 almost blind, he resigned in 1803. 
 
 Rev. John Henkel, from Virginia, came and preached 
 several sermons for the congregation, which pleased the peo- 
 ple very much indeed, and they extended him a call to be- 
 come their pastor. He accepted the call and went back to 
 Virginia after his family, but God called him to his eter- 
 nal rest. This was sad news to them, as ministers were not 
 easily had in those days. 
 
 It only remained for Rev. Storch to assume the pastorate 
 once more, and, in his afflicted condition, do the best he 
 could for the congregation, which he did to the entire satis- 
 faction of all of the members. 
 
 The succeeding years brought great prosperity to the 
 church. In 1803 it was said to be the strongest conon-ega- 
 tion in Xorth Carolina. 
 
 In 1803 St. John's church saw the first of the many con- 
 gregations which have gone out from her to establish church 
 homes for themselves g) out. This was Bethel, Stanly 
 County. The members of this church had nearly all been 
 
2 1 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 members at St. John's before Bear Creek was established. 
 
 During the remaining years of Pastor Storeh's labors there 
 is nothing of interest to record, except the slow but steady 
 growth and development of the congregation along all lines. 
 
 After the organization of the North Carolina Synod in 
 1803 there was new life infused into all of the churches. 
 As the years went by the love of the people increased for 
 their pastor. But as he was scarcely able to stand up long 
 enough to preach a sermon, his resignation was reluctantly 
 accepted in 1821. 
 
 At the spring communion in 1821, there were 77 persons to 
 be confirmed, and the aged pastor, who was not able to stand, 
 took his seat in the altar, and gave them and the entire con- 
 gregation his parting blessing. It was a scene never to be 
 forgotten. So ended the labors at St. John's of one of her 
 most successful pastors. He died in 1831, and is buried at 
 Organ church. His is the longest pastorate in the history 
 of the church, and he was very probably the the most suc- 
 cessful of all the pastors of this church, unless we except 
 Rev. Xussmann. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 FROM 1821 TO 1857. 
 
 ^T"IIE church now extended a call to Rev. Daniel Scherer, 
 who accepted, and entered upon his duties at once. 
 The following churches composed the charge at this time : 
 St. John's, Organ, Irish Settlement, now Lutheran Chapel, 
 Union, Crooked Creek, now St. Peters, and Bear Creek, 
 now Bethel. 
 
 Several years previous to this, the Xorth Carolina Synod 
 passed a resolution recommending that the pastors instruct 
 the slaves, and that the churches provide a suitable place 
 for them to hear the gospel preached, and that they receive 
 the communion. About this time this was made effective 
 at St. John's. From this time up to the emancipation of 
 the slaves there is a "Roll of Colored Members" on the 
 church book. 
 
 Pastor Scherer was a wise and prudent worker, and the 
 congregation was very prosperous during his incumbency. 
 
 About the year 1830 many of the members removed to the 
 West, particularly to Illinois, there to form new homes in 
 the wilderness, and Rev. Scherer felt that it was his duty 
 to accompany them, and to look after the interests of the 
 Lutheran Church in this new field. He therefore resigned 
 in 1832, after ten years of acceptable service to the church. 
 It may be of interest to the reader to know that he suc- 
 ceeded in establishing, in 1834, at Hillsbaro, Illinois, the 
 first Lutheran church in the State. 
 
 Rev. Henry Graeber was called as pastor of the church in 
 
26 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 1832, and at once begin the work. He was a native of 
 Pennsylvania, but of late years had been preaching in Lin- 
 coln and Rowan Counties, X. C. He was also a practicing 
 physician. 
 
 Shortly after he came to St. John's a second wave of 
 "revivalism*' swept through the churches. The North 
 Carolina Synod never, in all of its history of nearly 100 
 years, has followed any of the " new methods/' but on the 
 contrary she has always catechised her children, yet many 
 of her churches felt the effects of "this strange fire." 
 
 The system was introduced by Rev. Daniel Jenkins, from 
 Maryland, in 1835. It reached all churches and all classes 
 of people. Finally, the crowds were so large that they could 
 not be accommodated in the churches, and they began to 
 worship in tents, or ''arbors." One of these was built, 
 eventually, within the bounds of St. John's congregation, 
 where now stands a church of another denomination. Dr. 
 Bernheim says that " many of the churches were revived to 
 death !" 
 
 From this time dates the establishment of the " camp- 
 meeting," which often continued for two or three weeks. 
 Nevertheless, St. John's did not get far from her moorings, 
 as Pastor Graeber was a faithful servant of the church. For 
 more than eleven years did this man of God go ''out and in 
 before this people," and did what he could to ''strengthen 
 the things that remained," and God blessed the labor of his 
 hands in the building up of the church greatly. 
 
 In the year 1837, St. Stephen's congregation was organ- 
 ized. It is located about nine miles northeast of St. John's, 
 and most of the charter members had belonged here. This 
 was the second church which was organized from the mem- 
 bership of St. John's church. 
 
 Nothing remains to be recorded except a faithful per- 
 formance of duty. Pastor Graeber resigned in 1842, and 
 much regret was expressed by the congregation. 
 
 They were now vacant for a period of two years. A call 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 27 
 
 was then extended to Rev. John D. Sc'heck, of Salisbury, 
 X. C, but who had lately been laboring in South Carolina. 
 He came to St. John's in 1844, and remained until 1857. 
 His was a most successful work here. The thirteen years 
 which he spent here were years of real progress. Xo divis- 
 ions, of any moment, discurbed the church or hindered the 
 spiritual growth. Large classes were catechised and con- 
 firmed each year. The pastor's fame spread abroad, and his 
 influence increased, and it was soon seen that the house 
 was too small to accommodate the large number of people 
 who attended the services on the Lord's day. They were 
 at that time worshiping in the " Old Red Meeting-House, " 
 which, when it was built in 1785, was the best house of wor- 
 ship in the county. It was reasonably large, and indeed a 
 very comfortable building. It was a frame structure, and 
 constructed from the best material to be had at that time. 
 After the new house was completed the material of the old 
 house was sold to private parties. The frame is in the dwel- 
 ling now owned and occupied by Mr. H. H. Black welder, 
 and some of the other material — notable weather board- 
 ing — is to be found on the dwelling house of Mr. S. M. 
 Ritchie. 
 
 This house stood in the middle of the graveyard, and 
 after it was torn away the ground on which it stood was all 
 utilized for burying purposes. 
 
 The schoolhouse, too. long since has yielded to the tooth 
 of time, and a little debris from the stone chimney only re- 
 mains to mark the place where it stood. Mr. Martin S. 
 Ludwig taught the last session of school here, and many of 
 his former pupils are still living. 
 
 Pastor Scheck and his people very wisely decided to 
 make the new church both large and substantial. The peo- 
 ple did a large part of the work with their own hands, and 
 besides this, they gave liberally of their means towards the 
 other expenses, and as a result the church, when finished, 
 was the largest and best in this part of the State at that time. 
 
28 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 The fund which had been secured in Europe in 1772, and 
 which now amounted to $1500, was used at this time towards 
 defraying the expense of this building. 
 
 The house was commenced in 18-45. The walls are still 
 standing. The brick were made on the land belonging to 
 the congregation, near where the church stands, just to the 
 north, and the labor was performed by the members. The 
 dimensions of the building are eighty by fifty-five feet. It 
 was located not far from the western wall of the graveyard, 
 on the outside. The pulpit was in the west end, with a gal- 
 lery in the east end, and it was supposed to comfortably 
 seat six hundred people. 
 
 When the corner-stone was laid there was gathered next 
 to the largest crowd which has ever met at this church. 
 The people came from a great distance, and the service was 
 very impressive. A Bible, hymn book, various papers and 
 writings, and several five dollar gold pieces were put into 
 the vault, and then all of the brick masons present, assisted 
 by the members, built up the wall over it as high as they 
 could reach before they went home. The work went steadily 
 on until the church was completed, "for the people had a 
 mind to work/'' It was their intention to make it durable 
 and comfortable rather than fine, and in this they succeeded 
 admirably. 
 
 At length the house was finished, and the date set for'the 
 dedication was the 22nd day of August, 1846. There was 
 present on this occasion the largest crowd ever assembled 
 here. Pastor Scheck and as many of the people as could 
 find room assembled in the old church, while many others 
 waited on the outside. They formally bid adieu to the old 
 church, and then, the pastor leading, all solemnly marched 
 into the new church, which, after a suitable sermon, was 
 dedicated to God. 
 
 This house was used, without many alterations, for more 
 than forty years, and the walls are still standing, and to all ap- 
 pearances are none the worse for their fifty-three years service. 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 29 
 
 For many years after this the church was very prosperous, 
 gathering in new material each year, and her influence was 
 greater than it had ever been. 
 
 The German language was gradually giving place to the 
 English, especially among the young people. The language 
 which was used by the early settlers was not, however, 
 pure German, but what is commonly called "Pennsylvania 
 Dutch." At first it was the only language used, but it has 
 almost entirely disappeared to-day. There are only ten or 
 a dozen members, all very old people, who can speak it now, 
 and probably as many more who can understand it, but can- 
 not speak it at all. 
 
 Pastor Scheck continued in the love and confidence of 
 his people until 1857, when he offered his resignation. It 
 was accepted promptly, as it has always been the rule, and 
 is yet, to accept all resignations offered by pastors or any of 
 the officers. Some pastors have a way of resigning to "test 
 their popularity," but this congregation has always discour- 
 aged such a course by accepting. 
 
 Pastor Scheck removed to Alamance County, N. C. He 
 had been at St. John's thirteen years. 
 
 The congregation was now vacant, and remained so for 
 one year, during which they lost some ground, as these va- 
 cancies, though they are of short duration, are exceedingly 
 disastrous in their effects. They were supplied, however, 
 by the neighboring ministers with occasional services until 
 they secured a pastor in 1858. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 FROM 1857 TO 1S76. 
 
 **| N the year 1858 the congregation extended a call to the 
 Rev. G. D. Bernheira, of Charleston, S. C, who accepted,, 
 and entered upon his duties at once. He preached a pure 
 doctrine, and did much to keep the church "in the old 
 paths''' during these troublous times, for the Civil War was 
 drawing near, and the existing conditions, both in church 
 and state, were being disturbed as never before. 
 
 The year of 1858 is noted as the great revival year of the 
 century. A wave of religious enthusiasm spread over the 
 entire country, and it is estimated that 58,000 persons con- 
 nected themselves with the different churches in the United 
 States that year, over and above the normal increase. 
 
 In the year 1858 Pastor Bernheim confirmed 80 persons. 
 This large confirmation was followed by a special revival at 
 St. John's. This was probably the largest meeting of this 
 kind ever held here. The excitement was intense, and the 
 people were thoroughly aroused. At some of these meet- 
 ings the peoj:>le would encamp near the church, and for this 
 purpose some had houses built near the church for temporary 
 habitation, while others. lived in tents. This encampment 
 was near the church to the southeast. 
 
 Then the war spirit was abroad. Preparation was being 
 made for the coming conflict of arms, and big "musters" 
 were being held, and the people were disturbed and excited. 
 However, the conditions at St. John's were more favorable 
 than might have been expected under such circumstances. 
 The Word was preached and the sacraments administered 
 regularly, and the church made progress. 
 
History or St. John's Church. 
 
 31 
 
 Since about 1835 the congregation had service twice each 
 month, instead of only once, as had been the custom when 
 there were several congregations in the charge. One of 
 these was preached in English and the other in German. 
 
 For sometime St. John's and Bear Creek, or Bethel, con- 
 stituted a charge, and, as they had no parsonage, the pas- 
 tor usually lived at Mt. Pleasant, and furnished his own 
 house. Pastor Scheck lived there in his own house, built 
 by himself. The house is now occupied by Captain Jonas 
 Cook. So when Pastor Bernheim came there was felt the 
 need of a parsonage, and the two congregutions proceeded 
 to build a house at once. 
 
 The joint Council met on the 23rd of January, 1858, and 
 appointed a committee to draw up a plan and to estimate 
 the cost of the proposed house, consisting of Pastor Bern- 
 heim, Matthew Petrea and A. Blackwelder. 
 
 A building committee was also appointed, as follows : 
 Daniel Barrier, N". H. Barringer and Jacob A Fisher. 
 
 The following members were appointed to secure the 
 funds : John A. Troutman, J. M. Harkey, Josiah Litaker 
 and Harris Cress. 
 
 The question of the location now came before the churches, 
 and it was a matter of sharp contention at St. John's. 
 Those members who lived in and near Mt. Pleasant wanted 
 it there, while those who lived near to and beyond the 
 church, on the other side, wanted it located at the church. 
 A special congregational meeting was held, at which the 
 matter was decided. It was agreed that only those mem- 
 bers who had subscribed to the building fund should have a 
 vote. Pastor Bernheim made a lengthy address on the sub- 
 ject, and there was great interest manifested by both sides. 
 AVhen the vote was taken it stood: Mt. Pleasant 47, St. 
 John's 42. It was accordingly located at Mt. Pleasant, and 
 soon completed. It was a very good house, and was occu- 
 pied by the successive pastors for a number of years. It is 
 now occupied by Mrs. Dreher. 
 
32 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 This is the first parsonage ever owned by the congrega- 
 tion, and was disposed of, when the present one was built, 
 while Rev. Petrea was pastor. 
 
 In 1849 an effort was made to have services three Sun- 
 days in each month by the congregation. And it really 
 seemed just that they should have three-fourths of the time, 
 as they were paving three-fourths of the salary. This, of 
 course, was opposed by Bethel, and it was the occasion of a 
 sharp contest. It was finally decided as follows: "That 
 the first Sunday be considered the disputed Sunday, and 
 that it be divided between the two churches." This meant 
 two Sundays of each month for St. John's and three Sun- 
 days of each alternate month. It was not long, however, 
 before three regular Sundays were secured. 
 
 It was 30 years yet before the congregation was able to 
 r.iake the necessary arrangements to have preaching every 
 Lord's day. This arrangement was effected in 1888 by 
 Pastor Keller. 
 
 Pastor Bernheim kept the church book in good order, 
 making all necessary entries. 
 
 The book then in use was about full, and the pastor, in 
 1858, purchased in Charleston, S. C, the book now in use 
 by the congregation. 
 
 Pastor Bernheim remained only two years at St. John's, 
 as he resigned in August, 1859, and removed to Mt. Pleas- 
 ant, X. C, and became the financial agent of North Caro- 
 lina College. 
 
 As the congregation was vacant again a call was immedi- 
 ately extended to Rev. J. B. Anthony, of Lovettsville, Vir- 
 ginia. He began work at once, some time in the year 1860. 
 He is known as "our war preacher," among the people even 
 yet, as he was here during the entire time the war lasted, and 
 even some time after, leaving in 1867. 
 
 These were the darkest days in the history of the congre- 
 gation, not even excepting the perilous times of the Revo- 
 lutionary War. These Germans and their descendants are 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 33 
 
 now, and have always been, intensely patriotic. They bore 
 their share of the suffering, losses and ruin of the war. At 
 first the church saw her young men go to the front. Many a 
 parent gave the son a Bible and a parting blessing, and 
 added, with tears, " Go, my son, fight for your country, 
 and if needs be, die in her defense!" And they went, and 
 a few returned in four years, and many of them found a 
 soldier's honored grave. 
 
 Thus was the church deprived of her yound men, and the 
 families were in distress and sorrow. Those who had hoped 
 that the war would be of short duration were disappointed 
 at the end of the first year to find that the war had only 
 really began in earnest, and that the lives sacrificed up to 
 this time were but a prelude to the greater loss of life and 
 limb, and suffering, and destruction of property, for the 
 next three years. 
 
 Recruits were called out to take the place of the killed 
 and disabled. New regiments were formed as long as a vol- 
 unteer was to be had, and then governmental machinery was 
 put in motion to compel them to go, taking the strong 
 men of middle life, and so none were left except old men 
 and boys. And finally these were called out too, and the 
 women were left to care for themselves and the little ones 
 alone. And St. John's bore her full share of all. 
 
 During all these years Pastor Anthony was faithful to the 
 church. He labored for a very small salary, because there 
 were few to do anything. All of the trials and the suffer- 
 ing and the losses of these four years will never be disclosed 
 until the final day of reckoning. 
 
 At last the war was over, and there was the home coming. 
 Fresh from the battlefield, from the foul prisons of the 
 North, and from the different posts of duty, these honored 
 soldiers came back. But not all ! Nor will these ever, 
 come, for they sleep on many a battlefield, in many a hos- 
 pital graveyard ! 
 
 And those who came back found a great change. There 
 
34 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 was no money, and food was scarce, and poverty seemed to 
 be everywhere. Added to this was the doubt and uncer- 
 tainty in regard to the government. The negroes, who 
 were intoxicated with their new " freedom/' were a source 
 of annoyance, and there was a feeling of unrest and dissat- 
 isfaction everywhere. 
 
 As if these things were not enough, we must yet add the 
 general demoralizing influence which follows every war. But 
 the pastor gathered the people together again, and it was 
 not long before the congregation began to show signs of 
 renewed life and activity. The two years next following 
 the close of the war were very prosperous. Many were 
 added to the church, and the pastor was more popular with 
 the people than ever. He had been with them in their dark- 
 est days, and they showed their appreciation in many ways. 
 
 Pastor Anthony resigned in 18G7, and went to South 
 Carolina. He was very popular with the people. He at 
 one time was a minister in the Methodist church, and had 
 been very successful. 
 
 The church now extended a call to Rev. L. C. Groseclose, 
 a native of Virginia. He accepted, and entered upon his 
 duties in May, 1867. 
 
 The congregation had by this time partially recovered 
 from the effects of the war. Still, the spiritual life of the 
 members was at a low ebb, but they only needed to be 
 aroused to a fuller sense of duty. The first work of the 
 new pastor was intended to remedy this effect, and he was 
 wonderfully successful. 
 
 Then great material prosperity came to the people, as cot- 
 ton was grown, at this time, at a great profit. Their 
 property was speedily recovered, and a spirit of benevolence 
 was awakened among the members. But there remained 
 much to be done yet. The Sunday School, even, had been 
 discontinued for several years, on account of lack of interest. 
 
 In December, 1867, the congregation was asked for a con- 
 tribution for the " erection and endowment of a Theologi- 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 35 
 
 cal Seminary in the South/' The collection was taken on 
 the second Sunday in this month, and amounted to SI 70. 
 Also, on the 30th day of December, 1867, the Book of 
 Worship was introduced in the congregation, and was re- 
 ceived with great joy by the people. 
 
 Pastor Groseclose believed in the "protracted meeting," 
 and held them in his church, some of which last several 
 weeks. One of these was held in December of this year, 
 and lasted twenty-two days, during which nine ministers 
 preached 44 sermons. Recorded in the church book is the 
 result, as follows : " There were in all about 70 conversions, 
 nearly all of whom were members of the church." 
 
 Pastor Groseclose continued to hold these meetings each 
 year while he was here, but with him, in 1872, passed the 
 "protracted meeting," as none are recorded after this date. 
 
 It seems, from the record of 1869 and 1870, that the 
 church made little, if any, progress during these years. 
 No members were received, and the pastor says : " The 
 efforts of the people to raise cotton and make money were 
 so strenuous that the spiritual condition has rather declined. " 
 
 Several sermons were preached on this subject, and as a 
 result quite a number of the members became offended. 
 The pastor was at the point of leaving, but the matter was 
 arranged, and he remained. 
 
 At Easter, in the spring of 1871, the service was very 
 long, as there was communion on that day and also quite a 
 number of children to be baptized. The Council requested 
 that hereafter on such occasions the liturgical part of the 
 service be omitted. This did not meet with the approba- 
 tion of the pastor, who reported the action of the Council 
 to the Conference at Ebenezer April 28th. 
 
 On the 29th a resolution was passed "requesting the 
 Council of St. John's church not to require their minister 
 to violate a plain duty." 
 
 It is safe to add that this incident did not increase his 
 popularity with his people. 
 
36 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 The year 1871 was a very prosperous year for the congre- 
 gation. The spiritual life of the people was improved, and 
 51 new members were received into the church. 
 
 Pastor Groseclose was a devoted man, and did a good 
 work here, and still holds a high place in the estimation of 
 the people. He resigned in January, 1872, and is now liv- 
 ing in Kansas. 
 
 During his pastorate two new congregations were organ- 
 ized from the membership of St. John's. 
 
 Mt. Herman, located 9 miles southwest of St. John's 
 church, was organized in 1868. 
 
 Also in the same year Holy Trinity congregation was or- 
 ganized in the Chapel of Xorth Carolina College, Mt. Pleas- 
 ant. Their house of worship was built five years later. 
 Both of these are the direct offspring of St. John's church. 
 
 The congregation was vacant only a short time until a 
 call was extended to Rev. D. M. Henkel. 
 
 He came in 1872 and remained until some time in 1875, 
 making his pastorate here about two and one-half years. 
 
 During this time nothing of any importance occurred in 
 the church. Scarcely any entries were made in the church 
 book, and it is presumed that the church was fairly pros- 
 perous. It is doubtful whether his temper and feelings were 
 such as would make him the successful pastor of a congre- 
 gation such as this is. 
 
 The bond, nqver too strong, between pastor and people 
 was severed in 1875, and he removed to another field of labor. 
 
 A short vacancy did not improve matters any, and so the 
 year 1876 did not find the congregation in a very good 
 condition. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FROM 1S76 TO THE PRESENT (1899). 
 
 '^'HE congregation now extended a call to Rev. R. W. 
 
 Petrea, a native of Rowan County, N. C, who had 
 just finished his second year at the Theological Seminary. 
 He accepted and entered upon his duties at once. The 
 church was on the decline at this time, and it seems that it 
 took the new pastor some time to get hold of the work. 
 
 One source of trouble was that the rents from the farm be- 
 longing to the church had been paid on the pastor's salary 
 contrary to the wishes of a part of the congregation. 
 
 Another was that the officers, at least a part of them, had 
 been in office for many years, and the management of the 
 affairs of the church was continually in the same hands. 
 
 Then there was no system of rotation in office, but the 
 officers were elected "for life or good behavior." 
 
 Yet another was the lack of system in raising the neces- 
 sary funds for defraying the expenses of the church, includ- 
 ing the pastor's salary. 
 
 Just at this time the liquor question was brought to the 
 attention of the authorities of the church. 
 
 All of these problems required the attention of the Coun- 
 cil, and it was acknowledged by all to be a very critical pe- 
 riod in the history of the church. 
 
 Some of these questions were settled in a very satisfactory 
 way soon, while others required time. 
 
 In regard to the money from the rents of the farm, it was 
 decided to pay this " on back salary hereafter/' There was 
 a considerable amount due in this way, and by giving notes 
 
38 
 
 History of St. Johx's Church. 
 
 of the Council for the amount clue, it was hoped eventually 
 to pay all. 
 
 But the congregation was getting more in debt each year, 
 and it was decided to try a new plan. Accordingly an as- 
 sessment was made upon each member along with their usual 
 subscriptions to the pastor's salary. Each male member was 
 assessed 81.50, and each female member 75 cents. This 
 was never enforced, and little good came of it. The ques- 
 tion was not finally settled until ten years afterward, when 
 this plan was amended and enforced. 
 
 In the year 1879 the congregation very wisely decided that 
 it would be to their advantage to have their pastor live in 
 their midst instead of at Mt. Pleasant. They accordingly 
 sold their interest in the parsonage there to the Bethel con- 
 gregation, and immediately took steps to build one for 
 themselves. 
 
 Mr. Archibald Cline was the Treasurer of the congrega- 
 tion at this time, and the financial part was largely managed 
 by him. Mr. Matthew Petrea was the chairman of the 
 building committee, and Mr. W. W. Safrit was the 
 contractor. 
 
 The new parsonage was located 92 yards west of the 
 church. It is a frame structure, built of good material, 
 and the work is of a good quality also. The house contains 
 7 rooms, and is partly furnished by the church. Besides 
 the dwelling they also erected all other necessary buildings, 
 such as stables, etc. 
 
 The parsonage is a very comfortable one, and is kept in 
 splendid repair, a new coat of paint having been applied 
 lately. Like the church it is large and well arranged, and 
 the people are justly proud of both. 
 
 It is easy to see now that it would have been better for 
 the church here, and probably for Bethel too, if the other 
 house had been located here in 1857. 
 
 In 1878 Mt. Olive congregation was organized directly 
 from the membership of St. John's. They built a house of 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 39 
 
 worship 4 miles northeast of St. John's church, and the 
 mother congregation was very active in assisting them in 
 every way to he comfortably situated in their new home. 
 Mr. Isaac Beaver was the leading spirit in the new organiza- 
 tion, and much of the success of the enterprise was due to 
 his efforts. 
 
 Soon after this Pastor Petrea began to preach in a school- 
 house in Rimer, 4J miles north of St. John's, and in a short 
 time a congregation was organized here under the name of 
 Prosperity. A new church was built, and the congregation 
 was soon firmly established in their new home. 
 
 About this time the congregation was asked to contribute 
 something for the Lutheran Mission at Richmond, Va. A 
 sermon was preached and the offering was gathered and 
 amounted to 8150. St. John's has always responded to all 
 of the demands of the general work in the matter of Chris- 
 tian giving. 
 
 At this time, 1879, "some of the members objected to 
 the pastor's administrations," according to the record, and 
 there was a good deal of confusion in the church. The 
 pastor talked of resigning, and some of the deacons did re- 
 sign their places in the Council. Happily the matter was 
 adjusted and the pastor decided to remain. 
 
 In regard to the liquor question it was resolved by the 
 Council : "That every member found guilty of intoxication 
 shall be dealt with according to the discipline of our church." 
 This was ordered to be read from the pulpit on the next 
 T ord's day. 
 
 However, beginning with 1880 the conditions improved. 
 The finances were somewhat improved, and the pastor was 
 exceedingly popular with the people, and the spiritual con- 
 dition of the members was greatly improved, the spirit of 
 benevolence was increased, and there were signs of pros- 
 perity in all of the different lines of church work. Large 
 classes were catechised and confirmed, and the Word was 
 
4(> 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 preached with power, and had its effect. The church was 
 freed from debt, and the pastor's salary was increased. 
 
 The relation of the present congregation at Cold Water 
 to St. John's is somewhat peculiar. This new organization 
 was effected in 1881 largely from the membership of St. 
 John's, but the grounds are among the very oldest church 
 grounds in this part of the country. The German Reform 
 congregation here had a pastor in 1768 named Slither. 
 
 In the year 1811 a Lutheran organization was effected 
 and in 1813 this was removed to Concord and assumed the 
 name of St. James. 
 
 The Reforms did not thrive at Cold Water, and ere long 
 there was no organization there. 
 
 So this new Cold Water is largely made up from the mem- 
 bership of St. John's. 
 
 May loth, 1882, the roll of membership was gone over 
 carefully by the Council and all of the names of parties who 
 had no legal right to the same were removed from the roll. 
 More than one hundred names were thus removed. 
 
 For several years the progress of the church was not dis- 
 turbed in any way except at one time, and this was caused 
 by the sickness of the pastor, who was not able to attend to 
 his duties for some time. 
 
 The congregation was working under a Constitution which 
 served well the purpose in other days, but which was clearly 
 behind the times. 
 
 It was decided to make an effort to secure one in accordance 
 with the requirements of the church. As it was the begin- 
 ning of the reforms of the last ten or more years which 
 have so modernized the congregation as to give it its present 
 strength and power, I will give it in full. It has been 
 amended several times since it was first adopted, and I give 
 it in its amended form as follows : 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 41 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF ST. JOHN'S EVANGEL- 
 ICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 ARTICLE I. 
 
 NAME AND OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION. 
 
 Section 1. The name of the congregation shall be St. 
 John's E. L, Church. 
 
 Sec. 2. The officers of this congregation are : (a) Three 
 trustees, (fi) four Elders, (c) four Deacons — which consti- 
 tute the Church Council. 
 
 Sec. 3. The Pastor is ex-officio President of the Church 
 Council. 
 
 Sec. 4. The Church Council elects out of their midst one 
 Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. 
 
 Sec. 5. A majority of the members of the Church Coun- 
 cil constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
 Sec. 6. Members of the Church Council, whose time of 
 office has expired, are immediately re-eligible. 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 THE DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF THE OFFICERS. 
 
 Section 1. It is the duty of the Trustees conscientiously 
 to take charge of and protect all the property of the 
 congregation. 
 
 Sec. 2. It is the duty of the Elders with the pastor, to 
 promote, according to their utmost ability, discipline and 
 order, peace and harmony, in the congregation, as well as to 
 assist into carrying into effect all measures of the Church 
 Council and Congregation, and in the absence of the pastor 
 conduct divine worship. 
 
 Sec. 3. The duty of the Deacons consists in collecting 
 all dues of the church, taking up Sunday's collections, and 
 to hand over all moneys thus collected to the Treasurer, 
 and take his receipt for the same; besides, to provide the 
 elements for the Lord's Supper and to take charge of the 
 sacramentat vessels. 
 
 Sec. 4. The President shall preside at all meetings of the 
 Church Council and the Congregation. In case when the 
 congregation is without a pastor, or the v pastor be absent, or 
 
4-> 
 
 History of St. John's Chcrch. 
 
 should decline to act as chairman, then the V'ce-President 
 is to take his place. Should the latter be absent, or decline 
 to preside, then the congregation shall elect a President 
 pro tempore. 
 
 Sec. 5. The Secretary shall keep a faithful record of all 
 the proceedings of the Church Council and Congregation, 
 and preserve all documents of the congregation carefully. 
 He shall immediately, after the opening of each session, 
 read the minutes of the preceding meeting distinctly and 
 audibly, and, after they are confirmed, record them in a 
 book provided for that purpose. Should he be unable or 
 unwilling to attend any meeting, he shall hand the minutes 
 of the preceding meeting to the presiding officer in due time, 
 so that he may appoint a Secretary pro tempore. Whenever 
 the Secretary shall go out of office, he shall hand over to his 
 successor all papers, books and documents belonging to the 
 congregation, and take his receipt for the same. 
 
 Sec. 6. The Treasurer shall receive and administer all 
 funds coming into his hands for the benefit of the congre- 
 gation, out of which he is to pay all bills that have been 
 approved by the signature of the Vice-President or Secre- 
 tary. When the term of his office has expired, he shall de- 
 live all moneys and receipts to his successor, and take his 
 receipt for the same. 
 
 Sec. 7. The pastor's duty is to preach at his regular ap- 
 pointments and festival days, whenever this is practical; he 
 shall take charge of the Church Record-Book, and make all 
 entries therein of his ministerial acts. He shall visit the 
 sick, instruct the catechumens, and administer the sacra- 
 ments ; in short, he shall faithfully and conscientiously dis- 
 charge all the duties of an Evangelical Lutheran minister. 
 He shall be a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod 
 of North Carolina, so that, in case of a neglect of duty on 
 his part, he can be brought to account for the same. 
 
 ARTICLE III. 
 
 OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION". 
 
 Section 1. Whoever has been baptized and confirmed in 
 an Evangelical Protestant Church can become a member of 
 this church, by conforming to its constitution and rules. 
 All confirmed members of the Lutheran Church can become 
 members of this congregation, by a letter of honorable dis- 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 43 
 
 mission from the congregation to which they belonged at the 
 time. 
 
 Sec. 2. Each member is in duty bound to contribute, 
 according to his utmost ability, to the continued existence 
 of the congregation ; the minimum, or least amount, shall 
 be for males $1.50 yearly, and $1.00 yearly for females, and 
 25 cents per hundred on personal property and real estate. 
 
 Sec. 3. All members in good standing, who contribute 
 to the support of the congregation, shall have the privilege 
 of voting, but only male members are eligible to office in the 
 congregation. 
 
 Sec. 4. Whoever voluntarily disconnects himself from 
 this church, to become a member of another congregation, 
 or should he be expelled by the Church Council on account 
 of immoral conduct, forfeits all his rights of membership. 
 
 ARTICLE IV. 
 
 OF THE PROPERTY OF THE CONGREGATION. 
 
 Section 1. We regard the following as the property of 
 the congregation : The church, with all its books and furni- 
 ture ; the parsonage and other immovable and movable ar- 
 ticles that have been procured in the name of the congrega- 
 tion ; as, also, all funds in the hands of the Treasurer, and 
 capital invested on the congregation's account. 
 
 Sec 2. All the property of the congregation is, and re- 
 mains forever, indivisible. 
 
 ARTICLE V. 
 
 OF THE MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION AND CHURCH 
 
 COUNCIL. 
 
 Section 1. The congregational meeting takes place once 
 every year in the month of August, and on such a day as 
 shall be determined by the President ; or, in case of absence 
 or refusal, by the Vice-President. Special meetings shall be 
 called whenever twenty-five (25) voting members, specify- 
 ing the object, shall request, in writing, the Church Coun- 
 cil so to do. 
 
 Sec. 2. All congregational meetings must be announced 
 publicly in the church, at least two weeks previous, specify- 
 ing the object for which they shall be held. 
 
 Sec. 3. The congregation receives the annual report of 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 the Treasurer, and appoints a committee out of its member- 
 ship to examine the same. 
 
 Sec 4. The Church Council shall assemble itself on the 
 first Monday in January of each year. All special meetings 
 subject to the call of the President of the Council. 
 
 Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the Church Council to fix 
 the salary of the pastor annually, and to see that the salary 
 of the present year be settled with the pastor before enter- 
 ing upon the duties of the coming year. 
 
 ARTICLE VI. 
 
 OF ELECTIONS IN GENERAL, AND PARTICULARLY OF THE 
 ELECTION AND CALL OF A PASTOR. 
 
 Section L All elections shall be held by ballot. 
 
 Sec. 2. A majority of the votes of the members present, 
 and entitled to the privilege of voting, shall be necessary to 
 constitute a valid election. 
 
 Sec. 3. At an election for a pastor, an exception shall so 
 far be made in the above regulation, that also such members 
 who are unavoidably absent on account of sickness, shall 
 have the right to send in their votes at the appointed time, 
 subscribed "by their own hand, inclosed in a sealed envelope, 
 and directed to the holders of the election. 
 
 Sec. 4. The pastor, elected as above, is to receive a writ- 
 ten call from the Secretary, in the name and by the authority 
 of the congregation, and is in duty bound, should he accept 
 the call, to signify his acceptance of it in writing. 
 
 Sec. 5. The election and call of a pastor extend to an in- 
 definite period of time. However, if the pastor wishes to 
 resign his office, he must give the congregation six months' 
 notice through the Church Council. The same time of no- 
 tice must be observed by the congregation, should it desire 
 to dismiss its pastor. 
 
 Sec. 6. All congregational elections must be published 
 by the Church Council to the congregation at least two 
 weeks before the election.' 
 
 Sec. 7. At elections for members of the Church Council, 
 the existing council shall nominate twice as many persons as 
 are to be elected, and the congregation may nominate half 
 as many more, from whom the officers may be chosen. 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 45 
 
 ARTICLE VII. 
 
 WAYS AND MEANS OF RAISING FUNDS. 
 
 Section 1. This department of devising ways and means 
 for raising funds shall be committed to the Council. 
 
 Sec. 2. No member shall be excused from contributing 
 to the support of the church, except such as are in indigent 
 circumstances, of which the Church Council shall be the 
 judge. 
 
 Sec. 3. All dues to the Church Treasury shall be collected 
 semi-annually ; hence, arrangements must be made that the 
 Treasurer shall have the necessary funds in hand before the 
 salaries are due. 
 
 ARTICLE VIII. 
 
 STANDING COMMITTEES. 
 
 Section 1. At the regular meeting of the Church Coun- 
 cil, held on the first Monday of January of each year, the 
 President shall appoint the following committees, who are 
 required to serve for one year: 
 
 Sec. 2. Committee on Music, consisting of three members, 
 who are to see to it that the organ will be played regularly, 
 that the corps of choir singers will be kept up, and shall 
 suggest to the Church Council such purchases, alterations, 
 and repairs of importance, as are necessary in the musical 
 department. 
 
 Sec. 3. Committee on Relief, consisting of the Pastor 
 and two Deacons, to whom all applications of indigent cor.i- 
 muning members for aid must be made, whose duty it shall 
 be to make provision for the speedy relief of our worthy 
 poor members. 
 
 Sec. 4. All cases of discipline are committed into the hands 
 of Pastor and Elders of the church; and it is left optional with 
 them to determine whether it is prudent to make their de- 
 cision publicly known or not. 
 
 Sec. 5. The office of Sexton shall be let out to the low- 
 est bidder, at the regular congregational meeting in August 
 of each year. 
 
 Sec. 6. The Deacons shall also report semi-annually, and 
 shall bring to the notice of the Church Council any delin- 
 quency on the part of the members in the payment of their 
 dues. 
 
 Sec. 7. All the transactions of these various committees 
 
46 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 must be reported at the next regular meeting of the Church 
 Council, and be subject to the ratification or rejection of the 
 same. 
 
 ARTICLE IX. 
 
 ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR THE CHURCH COUNCIL. 
 
 Section 1. The meeting shall be opened with prayer. 
 Sec. 2. The Secretary shall call the roll, and note the 
 absentees. 
 
 Sec. 3. The minutes of the previous meeting shall then 
 be read, and, if found correct, adopted. 
 
 Sec. 4. The Secretary shall read the name of such mem- 
 bers as have been added to and taken from the church since 
 the last meeting. 
 
 Sec. 5. The various Standing Committeees, in order, 
 shall be called upon to report, and their reports be acted 
 upon. 
 
 Sec. 6. All letters, documents, petitions, etc., intended 
 for the Council shall then be read and acted upon. 
 
 Sec. 7. Other business unfinished at the last meeting 
 shall now be taken up and transacted. 1 
 
 Sec. 8. Resolutions, if any, may then be offered for 
 adoption. 
 
 Sec. 9. Suggestions of committees or of members may be 
 proposed as items of business. 
 
 Sec. 10. The members of the Council may, at the close 
 of their business, converse on the welfare and prosperity of 
 the church. 
 
 Sec. 11. At all called or special meetings of the Council 
 the use of this order of business may be omitted, and only 
 such business be transacted as that for which the special 
 meeting was calkd. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Section 1. The pastor, as well as all members of the 
 congregation, pledge themselves conscientiously to observe 
 and sustain all the articles of this Constitution. 
 
 Sec. 2. The congregation reserves the right, at any of its 
 meetings, to add By-Laws to this Constitution, or to make 
 amendments to the same, whenever two-thirds of the voting 
 members present shall declare themselves in favor of such 
 additions or amendments. 
 
 Sec. 3. Neither shall there ever be any rules or by-laws 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 47 
 
 adopted which shall not be in strict harmony and conformity 
 with the symbolical books of our Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church, as enumerated and declared at this time in the doc- 
 trinal basis of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and Min- 
 isterium of North Carolina. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 M. A. LUDWICK, 
 C. D. BARRINGER, 
 GEO. H. CLINE, 
 R. W. PETREA, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 For several years after this the congregation made steady 
 progress. The church was developed in many ways, and 
 Pastor Petrea did his work faithfully. However, in the 
 year 1887 he resigned, but remained until the congregation 
 had secured another pastor. The new pastor was present 
 when Pastor Petrea preached bis last sermon, and a large 
 congregation was present, and many regrets were expressed 
 at the pastor's leaving. It was a sad service indeed, and 
 he went away with the prayers of the people. He had been at 
 St. John's a little over eleven years. He is now in Nebraska. 
 
 Rev. S. L. Keller, just out of the Seminary, became pas- 
 tor in 1887. He was young and filled with a zeal to do 
 something for the Master, and at once went about the work 
 of the church in earnest. 
 
 Several things of considerable importance occurred during 
 his pastorate. 
 
 L T p to this time the congregation had services only on 
 three Sundays in the month. Several times an effort had 
 been made to have the pastor give his whole time to the con- 
 gregation, but it was always defeated. Another one was 
 now made, and this time it was successful. No one to-day 
 doubts but this was a very wise movement. 
 
 While the congregation had always contributed liberally 
 towards all benevolent objects, yet there was no regular 
 offering given in the sanctuary at each time. This was 
 proposed in 1887, and at once became a part of the regular 
 Sunday service. 
 
48 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 The following entry appears in the church book : 
 "It was spoken of in our Council, and at length carried 
 to Conference, and then decided' that no certificate should 
 be given to members dismissing them from the Evangelical 
 Lutheran church to that of any other denomination. This 
 resolution was carried o?tf." 
 
 At this time, 1888, the Common Service was introduced 
 in the congregation. There was a great deal of opposition 
 to its use by a large part of the members, and it became the 
 source of strong contention. It was used in its entirety in 
 spite of all opposition. There is a goodly number here now 
 who oppose it, and as a result it has only been used in part 
 since 1890. 
 
 In 1888 it was decided to remodel the church building. 
 The entire interior part was re-arranged, and in fact it was 
 made to be a modern church in every respect. The gallery 
 was entirely removed and the pulpit was placed in the east 
 end instead of the west, and the doors on the sides were 
 closed, one large door of entry being made in the west end. 
 A partition in each end made it possible to have a vestibule, 
 a library room, a Sunday School room for the infant depart- 
 ment, and cloak room, etc. 
 
 The furniture is of the best, and is the handiwork of Mr. 
 Matthew Petrea, who in his day was one of the best cabinet 
 makers in this part of the State. It is made of walnut, and 
 besides that which is stationary there are tables, a reading 
 desk and a baptismal font. 
 
 A good organ, chairs, etc, complete the furnishing of the 
 house. 
 
 More than 8500 was expended before the house was ready 
 for re-dedication, which joyous event occurred on the 10th 
 day of February, 1889. A large crowd was present, and the 
 sermon was preached by Pastor Keller from Iiab. 2 : 19, 20. 
 
 In the year 1889 the North Carolina Synod met at St. 
 Johns, on the 3rd day of May. This was a notable meeting 
 of the Synod, as action was had on two very important mat- 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 40 
 
 ters. One of these was the organization of the "Alpha 
 Colored Lutheran Synod of North Carolina/' 
 
 This organization was effected in the Sunday School Li- 
 brary Room, and it probably would have resulted in much 
 good but for the untimely death of one of the leading min- 
 isters in the new movement. 
 
 But the one that had the most direct bearing on the con- 
 gregation was the resolutions of instruction to the delegates 
 to the United Synod, which met in Wilmington, N. C, in 
 November of that year. There were those in the North 
 Carolina Synod at that time who could not agree on what is 
 commonly known as the "Four Points." 
 
 The matter was discussed in the presence of the congre- 
 gation, both pro and con, and it was a revelation to most of 
 the laity. 
 
 The instructions were given to the delegates, and the 
 Synod adjourned, but there were some points of difference yet 
 to be reconciled in the congregation. An effort had already 
 been made to introduce the pastoral robe, but it was de- 
 feated by a very decided voice of the people. 
 
 In the course of a short time the congregation, with a 
 very few exceptions, had come to the publicly declared posi- 
 tion of the North Carolina Synod. 
 
 But there was not that unanimity of feeling that had once 
 existed, and as some were not entirely satisfied with the 
 management of affairs while the church was rebuilding, the 
 pastor offered his resignation at the end of two years. It 
 was accepted and he removed to South Carolina. 
 
 The congregation was in a very prosperous condition and 
 many methods had been introduced during the past two 
 years which proved to be of lasting benefit. 
 
 Pastor Keller, during his administration here was happily 
 married to Miss Lizzie Miller, who was a member of the con- 
 gregation and had been reared here. He was pastor a little 
 over two years. 
 
 In October, 1890, a call was extended to Rev. Peter Mil- 
 
50 
 
 History of St. Johx's Church. 
 
 ler, of Wardensville, West Virginia. He accepted the call, 
 and at once began the work of the pastorate. He was a man 
 of decided convictions and did a good work at St. John's. 
 For the great part of the time he had the care of a sick wife, 
 but the Lord called her home while here, and he after that 
 labored under the burden of grief also. A little grand- 
 child also fell alseep in Jesus, and in all of these things the 
 pastor had the prayers and sympathies of his people. 
 
 The first matter that claimed the attention of the Council 
 at this time was that of the finances of the church. 
 
 As regards the finances, the present prosperous condition 
 of the same is a result of the action taken at this time. It 
 was very simple — only the enforcement of the previous legis- 
 lation on the subject. At first there was a good deal of op- 
 position but it has lessened each year until it has well nigh 
 spent itself. The assessment plan at this time brings in 
 ample funds for the salary, etc., and is no longer an issue 
 in the church. 
 
 At this time the congregation settled another question 
 which had been before the church for a long time. This 
 was in regard to the rotation of the officers of the church, 
 including the Trustees. It was decided to declare all of the 
 offices vacant, and then the congregation proceeded to elect 
 as follows : An Elder and a Deacon for one year, and also 
 one of each for two, three and four years. This leaves an 
 Elder and a Deacon to be elected each year. The same plan 
 was put into operation with reference to the three Trustees. 
 At first it was opposed by quite a number of the members, 
 but the wisdom of the plan has long since been demonstrated, 
 and the people all feel now that it has settled a question 
 which had vexed the church for many years. From this 
 time dates the real progress of the congregation, but it took 
 some time for the people to become reconciled to the new 
 order of things. 
 
 About this time there was some opposition manifested to- 
 wards the pastor from another source, and this, along with 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 51 
 
 those who did not like the new methods introduced by Pastor 
 Miller, and also some who had become dissatisfied before he 
 came, seemed to make a considerable party of opposition, 
 and the pastor decided to resign. This course was opposed 
 by the Council, but the resignation was presented and ac- 
 cepted at the end of the third year. 
 
 Much of the work of Pastor- Miller was such as will tell 
 for good in the congregation. He was a devoted man, who 
 did acceptable work for the congregation, and all were real 
 sorry when he left. He went back to West Virginia. 
 
 A call was now extended to Rev. J. Q. Wertz, who was 
 preaching at Union church, in Rowan County. He accepted 
 and entered upon his duties in January, 1891. 
 
 Pastor Wertz was soon in the midst of his work, and it 
 was not long before he was very popular among the people. 
 His pastorate was of short duration, however, as he resigned 
 in March, 1896, in order to accept a call to China Grove, 
 X. C. The people were very sorry indeed to see him go, 
 as his resignation had been quite a surprise to the people. 
 
 During the two years of his pastorate nothing of any spe- 
 cial importance occurred in the congregation. The church 
 was seemingly prosperous, and many who had uot attended 
 service at the church for quite a while now became regular 
 attendants, and the Word was preached to large congrega- 
 tion each Sunday. 
 
 In the autumn of 1895 the congregation at the suggestion 
 of Pastor Wertz erected a nice little building in. the yard at 
 the parsonage to be used as a study for the pastor. 
 
 Pastor Wertz held each year a week's continuous service 
 in the month of August. This was a very wise step, and 
 has proved of great benefit to the church. It has become a 
 fixture of the church, and the credit for the conception of 
 the plan belongs to Pastor Wertz. 
 
 In May, 189G, a call was extended to the present pastor, 
 the writer, who was at that time pastor of a mission at Blue 
 Ridge Springs, Virginia. The call was accepted and he has 
 
52 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 been laboring here since that time, and with what success it 
 is best to let others testify. It does not become me to speak 
 of my labors in this congregation, as all realize that man at 
 best is but a weak vessel in the hands of God for the accom- 
 plishment of good, to whom belongs all the honor and 
 pra'se. Whatever good has been done or whatever mistakes 
 have been made are so fresh in the minds of the people that 
 they need not be repeated here. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL, PRAYER MEETING, AND OTHER 
 SOCIETIES OP THE CHURCH. 
 
 T. JOHX'S lias always had all of the different auxiliary 
 societies which are usually to be found in a progressive 
 congregation. Some experiments have been made in this line 
 which have proved to be only failures, but mention of these 
 unimportant things need not be made here. 
 
 THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 
 
 It is impossible to know, at this late day, the exact date 
 of the organization of the first Sunday School in this con- 
 gregation. It is safe to say that it was very early in the 
 history of the congregation, and it is very strange that no 
 record was made of this important event. The Sunday 
 School was in successful operation in 1832, and how, when, 
 and under what particular circumstances it was organized 
 will never be known, as this knowledge passed from earth 
 with those who did the work. 
 
 At first there were several Sunday Schools in the congre- 
 gation, one at the church, and a number scattered through- 
 out the bounds of the congregation. In fact this was still 
 the case in 1849, and some of these schools were the foun- 
 dation of some of the congregations which have gone out 
 from St. John's. 
 
 The Sunday School at first differed but little from the 
 day school, except some of the older pupils read the Scrip- 
 tures, and an effort was made to explain the different pas- 
 sages as they were read, while, of course, there were prayers, 
 
54 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 singing, etc. Some of the children were tan ght their letters 
 and others carried a spelling book, and many learned to 
 read in this way who had no other opportunity of doing it. 
 But it was a beginning in the right direction, and God 
 blessed the efforts which were made for the salvation of the 
 young, and as the years went by new methods were intro- 
 duced, and reforms brought about until we have the splen- 
 did organization of to-day. 
 
 It is impossible to give a detailed history of the Sunday 
 School through all of its existence, as the records are lost, 
 but let it suffice to say that from its organization up to 1860 
 the work was pressed with more or less energy and vigor, in 
 the summer season at least, for at that time no one ever 
 thought of having Sunday School in the winter. 
 
 During the war between the States the whole work of the 
 church was demoralized, and the Sunday School was discon- 
 tinued for a number of years. Even after the close of the 
 war, when everything was yet unsettled, and the spiritual 
 life of the church was still at a low ebb, no attempt was 
 made to reopen the school for several years. 
 
 In 1867 Pastor Groseclose organized it, and it has steadily 
 gone forward since that time. Instead of holding its ses- 
 sions only in summer time, as had been the custom for a 
 time, the school now meets each Lord's day in the year. In 
 it the children are taught to know and to love the Savior, 
 and the spirit of benevolence is being cultivated among 
 them, and a contribution is made by nearly every membjr 
 each Sunday for this purpose. All modern appliances are 
 used, and the school numbers among its pupils all of the 
 children and young people of the church, and many of 
 the older people, some of the latter being among those 
 who are interested in the study of the Word, and the most 
 prompt in attendance. 
 
 The School possesses a very good .Library. There are 
 several hundred volumes in it, and while some of the books 
 are old, quite a number are new, and altogether they make 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 55 
 
 a very interesting collection. Recently quite a number of 
 volumes have been added to it. The present enrollment is 
 277, and the School was probably never more prosperous 
 than at this time. 
 
 THE PRAYER MEETING. 
 
 The Prayer-Meeting is older than the congregation as an 
 organization, and was in successful operation several years 
 before the first house of worship was built, for before they 
 had a regular house of worship they would meet in some 
 private house, and have a prayer and song service, and then 
 when the house was built, and no pastor could be had, they 
 gathered regularly at the church and were edified by a 
 prayer service. At such times a sermon would sometimes 
 be read by the school-teacher, or by one of the old men in 
 the church. And when at length they secured a pastor, 
 the prayer service was held during the 30 minutes preced- 
 ing the preaching hour. 
 
 With or without a pastor, in summer and in winter, these 
 services were never disturbed until the opening of the civil 
 war. Like the Sunday School, it went down under the force 
 of the shock of that terrible war, and for quite a number of 
 years no prayer meetings were held at St. John's, and like 
 the Sunday School too, it was reorganized in 1867. 
 
 The Council, in this year, passed the following resolu- 
 tion : "That the 30 minutes preceding the preaching service 
 be devoted to prayer." Since then it has continued to the 
 present, under different names perhaps, but always the same 
 in objects sought to be achieved. St. John's has always 
 been a church of prayer, and now there are many signs that 
 are encouraging to those who desire to see the young and 
 old mingle their voices together, and raise their prayers to 
 a throne of mercy in behalf of saint and sinner. 
 
 For more than 130 years devout worshippers have render- 
 ed their praises to God here in the prayer meeting. May 
 this spirit never die ! 
 
56 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 THE WOMAN'S HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY 
 SOCIETY. 
 
 St. John's Church has always fostered and encouraged 
 the spirit of Missions. Itself a mission of the church in 
 Germany, and during this time having learned how blessed 
 it is to receive, being often destitute of the means of grace 
 herself, she has learned to appreciate these blessings, and 
 she has now for more than a hundred years shown her 
 appreciation of these things by extending these blessings to 
 others less fortunate than herself. No church has ever gone 
 out from her but that she has helped them to secure a house 
 of worship, and many others have been the recipients of 
 her bounty. Besides this she has always contributed her full 
 share towards defraying the expenses of our missions, both 
 Home and Foreign, and has helped to fill the requirements 
 of benevolence in the Synod to which she belongs. 
 
 In the year 1885 the women of the congregation were 
 organized for the purpose of promoting missions and the 
 spirit of missions among the people. 
 
 The organization was effected in April 1885, and Mrs. 
 R. W. Petrea became the first President. It has prospered 
 as much as could have been expected by its most sanguine 
 friends. It has raised from $50 to $100 each year, and is 
 as prosperous to-day as it has ever been. The present 
 membership is 48, and the performance of their duty seems 
 to be a pleasure to the members. The society receives the 
 direct contributions of many members of the church, and is 
 the embodiment of the spirit of missions in the congre- 
 gation. 
 
 THE LUTHER LEAGUE. 
 
 This is a society for the special benefit of the younger 
 members of the church. Benevolence is encouraged, the 
 members are exercised in the performance of the public 
 duties of church members, and the Word is studied with 
 care, and in a sytematic way. The League was organized 
 in February, 1895, and the pastor. Rev. J. Q. TA'ertz.wus 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 57 
 
 elected as the first President. It started out with 75 mem- 
 bers which is about the number to-day. 
 
 While these organizations have been fostered and en- 
 couraged, still they are not allowed to take the place of the 
 church. They may be "auxiliaries" indeed, as their name 
 implies, but the word of God is, and has always been, 
 recognized alone as "the power of God unto salvation." 
 
 The League has been of considerable benefit to the con- 
 gregation, and it has become one of the arms of strength 
 and. assistance of the church in promoting the Redeemer's 
 Kingdom. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE GRAVEYARD. 
 
 HEN the congregation built their house of worship 
 on the banks of Buffalo Creek, they set apart a plot 
 of ground for a graveyard. The land here was very well 
 suited for the purpose, and the ground on every side of the 
 church was occupied, leaving the church in the middle, as 
 was the custom in that day. There are quite a number of 
 graves here, as this house was used by both the Lutherans 
 and German Reforms for a considerable time. Here sleep 
 many of the early settlers, and the spot is made sacred by 
 the association of much that pertains to the early history of 
 this section. 
 
 There is a monument standing on the site of the old 
 church, in the midst of the burying ground. It is the gift 
 of the people whose ancestors worshiped here many years 
 ago, and who iioav lie buried at this place. It is a square 
 marble shaft, about ten feet high, and is lettered on three 
 sides as follows : 
 
 South side : " Sacred to the memory of those members of 
 the Lutheran and German Reform churches, who were 
 buried here prior to 1750." 
 
 North side : "This land was donated by Edmond Foil, a 
 member of the German Reform church, to St. John's, Holy 
 Trinity, and Mt. Olive E. L. churches, and Bethel German 
 Reform church." 
 
 West side: "Erected November, 1894." 
 
 The labor involved in building this monument was per- 
 formed by Pastor Wertz. 
 
History of St. Johx's Church. 
 
 59 
 
 For some unknown reason they decided, after some years, 
 on a new location for their church ; and it was then moved 
 to the second location, about one-half mile east of the pres- 
 ent church, and the dead were buried there as long as the 
 congregation worshipped in this house. This was only a 
 few years, and consequently there were but few graves here. 
 But I have no doubt that there were some. This was in- 
 tended to be the permanent location of the church, and it 
 was the custom to bury at the church, and it is almost cer- 
 tain that death claimed some, even if the time was short. 
 At present there are no marks of any graves, as the land is 
 all under cultivation, but the oldest people here all agree 
 that the site has been called "the old graveyard " as far 
 back as they can remember. 
 
 The entire history of the graveyard at this place has been 
 lost to man, and who, and how many, sleep here will never 
 be known until God shall wake up the sleeping dead every- 
 where. 
 
 In 1771 the church was removed to within a very short 
 distance of where it now stands, and again the dead were 
 buried near the church. 
 
 The land is very well suited for the purpose here. It is 
 somewhat elevated, and there is a gradual slope toward the 
 east. With the exception of one small corner, the clay is 
 nice and smooth, and is free from rocks and even gravel. 
 
 At first the dead were buried without any special order, 
 except that an effort was made to keep families together, 
 and all were placed as near the church as possible. At 
 length a certain piece of ground was set aside as the grave- 
 yard proper, and was enclosed by a wooden fence. 
 
 This first burying ground was just east of the church, and 
 in the course of years it was seen that it would be necessary 
 to enlarge it, as it was nearly full of graves. It was ex- 
 tended towards the west, which left the church near the 
 middle, as this new extension was somewhat larger than the 
 original part. The new part was enclosed with a stone wall 
 
60 
 
 History of St. Johx's Church. 
 
 along with the other part in 1847. At first it was decided 
 to extend the graveyard west of the church, and three graves 
 were made at the northwest corner of the church. After- 
 ward, when it was decided to make the extension just west 
 of the original part, these bodies were removed just inside 
 the gate of the old graveyard. They were daughters of Mr. 
 Paul Bost, and died from fever, all near each other in 1847. 
 
 An effort was made to observe some order* in this part, 
 but it was not long before bodies were buried in the drive- 
 ways, and soon only one of these driveways remained open, 
 extending from west to east in the middle of the upper half. 
 
 These stones were gathered from the surrounding coun- 
 try by the members of the church. This part contains 
 acres, and the wall is so built that it took four horses to 
 haul enough at one time to build two feet of the fence. This 
 was a considerable undertaking, and shows that the people 
 spared no pains or labor in surrounding their graveyard 
 with a fence that was once beautiful and lasting. 
 
 The large black stones, covered with moss, standing as 
 silent sentinels of the dead, are in keeping with the marks 
 of more than one hundred years, which alone remain to tell 
 the passerby that this one lived and died. 
 
 There is a silent voice which speaks to every one who 
 walks amid these stones. Here on this slab is carved a 
 broken bud, " aged 2 years. " Here is a hand holding an 
 open Bible, with a finger pointing upward — "Gone Home," 
 "aged 75 years," and another "aged 90 years," etc. 
 
 For more than a century the hopes, and joys, and sorrows, 
 of this community have been carefully placed underneath 
 these clods, and the place has been made sacred to the 
 mourners who have wept for the dear treasures, held here in 
 "in God"s acre" until they shall hear His voice and 
 "arise and shine V 9 
 
 There are 3505 graves, by actual count, that can be seen, 
 and, no doubt, there are many others either never marked 
 or the stones having fallen down, have been entirely removed. 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 61 
 
 What an army ! The living congregation is as nothing 
 compared to those who sleep within the sacred dust of St. 
 John's graveyard ! 
 
 There are no fine monuments here. The best one, I am 
 told, cost $500, while the majority are marble slabs, and are 
 made to endure, and are not put up merely for show. Some 
 of the oldest are of blue slate, and some are even made from 
 the heart of the pine tree, and covered with paint, and these 
 have withstood the summer's heat and winter's cold of 
 many years. 
 
 Many of the oldest inscriptions are in German, and the 
 words, "Born in Germany," are very common. 
 
 In the eastern part there are two of special interest. One 
 of these is that of Father Nussmann. The original stone 
 has been taken away and placed within the church, and a 
 new marble slab has taken its place at the grave. It is 
 fitting that he should rest here, as his life work was done 
 principally among this people. 
 
 Another one, near this one, marks the grave of Rev. Jacob 
 W. Barrier. He is one of the only two ministers who have 
 ever been reared in St. John's church, the other being Rev. 
 D. M. Blackwelder, who is still living in Pennsylvania. He 
 wase ducated at North Carolina College, and died at Enoch- 
 ville, N. C. 
 
 The following is the inscription on the stone : 
 
 "In memory of Rev. Jacob W. Barrier. Died July 20th, 
 1867, aged 26 years, 9 mos. and 6 days. 
 
 "Rev. xiv : 13, ' Blessed are the dead which die in the 
 Lord from henceworth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they 
 may rest from their labors.' " 
 
 The monument is above the average height, and is well 
 kept by the relatives and friends. 
 
 Near the western wall stands that of Rev. W. Artz, with 
 the following inscription : 
 
 "Rev. William Artz, born June 1st, 1804, died April 
 19th, 1886, aged 71 years, 10 mos. and 18 days." 
 
C>2 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 "Text : I. Peter v. ch. and 4th verse, 'And when the 
 chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of 
 glory that fadeth not away/ " 
 
 " Erected August 6th, 1889, by the Evan. Lutheran Synod 
 of N. 0." 
 
 The slab also contains the obituary of his wife, which is 
 as follows : 
 
 "Sarah, wife of Eev. William Artz. Born October 4th, 
 1806. Died September 20th, 1867, aged 60 years, 11 mos. 
 and 16 days. Text : II. Cor. v. ch. and 6th verse." 
 
 These three are the only ministers buried here. 
 
 In the year 1896 the congregation took steps to enlarge 
 the graveyard a second time. A committee was appointed 
 to lay off in lots, suitable in size for each family, all of the 
 land lying between the wall on the west side and the church, 
 and also some land lying between the wall on the south side 
 and the road. This was done, and in January, 1897, the 
 congregation met and removed the wall from the west end, 
 and placed it in connection with the upper ends of the 
 north and south walls. This left the entire west end open, 
 and in the spring of 1898 the congregation placed a first-class 
 iron fence at this end at a cost of $150. 
 
 There are now 15 graves in this new part, which contains 
 seven-eighths of an acre, and along with the old part there 
 is enclosed three and five-twenty-fourth acres. The grounds 
 are very well kept. Eecently all of the monuments have 
 been secured in their places. 
 
 " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 SUMMARY— CONCLUSION. 
 
 ME have now briefly traced the history of the congre- 
 gation from its beginning to the present time. A 
 summary of the most important events may be of some in- 
 terest to the reader in this connection. 
 
 The first German settlement was made in eastern Cabarrus, 
 then Mecklenburg County, in the year 1750. These peo- 
 ple came from the Province of Pennsylvania, and at the 
 close of the Revolutionary War were reinforced by a goodly 
 number of Hessian soldiers who had deserted from the Brit- 
 ish army. These found homes and protection among their 
 German brethren who had been true to American liberty 
 from the beginning. 
 
 Their first religious services were held in private houses, 
 and consisted in prayers, songs, etc. 
 
 After some years a rude house was built of pine logs on 
 the banks of Buffalo Creek, and the congregation received 
 the name of " Dutch Buffalo Creek Meeting-House." The 
 house was also used as a school house, and they worshipped 
 here for a number of years, and here the first graves were 
 made in this section. The site is now marked by a marble 
 shaft erected in November, 1884. 
 
 For some unknown reason, but probably because of the 
 house not being located near enough the centre of the con- 
 gregation, it was decided to remove to a new location. A 
 site was chosen one-half mile east of the present house, and 
 here the second house was erected. This house was also built 
 from unhewn pine logs, and was but little larger and in no 
 
G4 
 
 History of St. John's Church. 
 
 wise better than the former. Both were jointly owned by 
 the Lutherans and the German Reforms. 
 
 Here some graves were made also, but this location was 
 not satisfactory to a part of the members, and it resulted 
 in a serious division of the church. 
 
 In the year 1771 Captain John Paul Barringer and others 
 advised the congregation to separate themselves from their 
 German Reform brethren, and to build a house of their own 
 on a new location, and also to build a school house, and 
 most important of all, to make an effort to get a regular 
 pastor. This was acted upon, and a site was chosen in the 
 midst of the present graveyard, and a school house was built 
 near by. 
 
 This third house was larger and better than any which 
 had been built up to this time, and was built chiefly at 
 Captain Barringer's expense. An elevated pew was placed 
 in this house for his especial benefit, and was transferred to 
 the new house in 1785. 
 
 Previous to this time they had worshipped without an or- 
 dained minister. The school teacher would read a sermon 
 on Sunday, and in extreme cases would baptize their children. 
 
 As no minister could be had in America, it was decided 
 to send to Europe for a pastor and school teacher. 
 
 Christopher Layrle, of St. John's, and Christopher Rin- 
 telman, of Organ, Avere sent to Germany for this purpose. 
 They succeeded in getting Rev. Adolphus Xussmann as 
 pastor, and Mr. J. G. Arndt as school teacher. 
 
 Besides, these Commissioners secured, by donation, a cer- 
 tain sum of money, which was all finally secured in 1785, 
 and was of great help to the congregation up to 1846, when 
 the last of the fund — $1500 — was used in the building of 
 the brick church. 
 
 Messrs. Xussmann and Arndt arrived in America in 1773, 
 and both located at Organ Church. 
 
 In the meantime St. John's had their school room com- 
 pleted, and secured a Mr. Friesland as teacher. 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 65 
 
 At the end of one year, in 1774, Rev. Nussmann came to 
 St. John's as their first regular pastor. He secured a farm 
 by a grant from the government, and lived and died at Sc. 
 John's. 
 
 The dark days of the Revolutionary War were now being 
 passed, and they were sorely pressed to keep up even the 
 semblance of a church until the close of the war. The 
 church farm had been secured, and it was now certain that 
 this would be the permanent location of the church. 
 
 In 1785 the people decided "to rebuild St. John's 
 Church," and a new frame house was erected on the same 
 ground which the old one had occupied. This was a good 
 building, and as it was painted red, it received the name of 
 the " Old Red Meeting House." 
 
 After the death of Pastor Nussmann in 1794, Rev. C. A. 
 G. Storch served as supply pastor for one year. Then Rev. 
 Adam N". Marcard was pastor for three years, after which 
 Rev. Storch was called as their regular pastor and continued 
 to serve until 1821. 
 
 In the years 1800 and 1801 revivals were introduced in 
 the American Lutheran churches. They created a great deal 
 of confusion, and our people did not become quiet again for 
 a number of years after this. 
 
 Pastor Storch resigned, however, in 1803 on account of 
 ill health, and Rev. John Henkel, of Virginia, was called. 
 But he died in the midst of his preparations for removing 
 to St. John's, and Rev. Storch was called again to take up 
 the work. 
 
 In 1821 Rev. Daniel Scherer came as their pastor, and 
 remained until 1832, when he removed to Illinois. He was 
 succeeded by Rev. Henry Graeber, who remained until 1842. 
 
 In 1835 the second wave of "revivalism" swept over the 
 country. This was the beginning of tent meetings, arbor 
 meetings, etc. 
 
 Rev. John D. Scheck was called in 1844, and remained 
 
66 
 
 History of St. Johx's Church. 
 
 until 1857. The new brick church was erected b} T him 
 in 1846. 
 
 Rev. G. D. Bernheim was pastor from 1858 to 1860. 
 
 In 1859 the first parsonage was built at Mt. Pleasant. 
 
 Rev. J. 13. Anthony was pastor from 1860 to 1867. These 
 were the darkest days of the church, and Pastor Anthony 
 was'the instrument in God's hands of doing much good 
 during these dark days in "strengthening the things which 
 remained and which were ready to die." 
 
 Rev. L. C. Groseclose served from 1867 to 1872, and was 
 the last of the "revival " pastors. 
 
 Rev. D. M. Henkel from 1872 to some time in 1875, and 
 Rev. R. W. Petrea from 1876 to 1887. 
 
 From this time on the history is so fresh in the minds of 
 all that it need not be gone over again in detail. But let 
 us be more specific in this summary. 
 
 The following table will show who the successive pastors 
 were, and the time of service of each : 
 
 Rev. Adolphus Nussmann, from 1774 to 1974, 20 years. 
 
 Rev. C. A. G. Storch, from 1796 to 1797, 1 year. 
 
 Rev. x\dam N. Mareard, from 1797 to 1800, 3 years. 
 
 Rev. C. A. G. Storch, from 1800 to 1821, 21 years. 
 
 Rev. Daniel Scherer, from 1822 to 1831, 9} years. 
 
 Hev. Henry Graeber, from 1832 to 1843, 1H years. 
 
 Rev. John D. Scheck, from 1844 to 1857, 13} years. 
 
 Rev. G. D. Bernheim, from 1858 to 1860, 2 years. 
 
 Rev. J. B. Anthony, from 1860 to 1867, 7 years. 
 
 Rev. L. C. Groseclose, from 1867 to 1872, 5 years. 
 
 Rev. D. M. Henkel, from 1872 to 1875, U years. 
 
 Rev. R. W. Petrea, from 1876 to 1887, llf years. 
 
 Rev. S. L. Keller, from 1887 to 1890, 2^ years. 
 
 Rev. Peter Miller, from 1890 to 1893, 3 years. 
 
 Rev. J. Q. Wertz, from 1894 to 1896, 2^ years. 
 
 Rev. S. D. SterTey, from 1896 to (March) 1899, 2| years. 
 
 It will be seen from the above table that from the time 
 Rev. Xussmann assumed charge of the congregation in 1774 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 67 
 
 to the present — 125 years — the congregation has had 15 dif- 
 ferent pastors. These 15 pastors have served the congrega- 
 tions 119 years, leaving only 6 years to be divided between 
 the different vacancies, none of which have been very long, 
 and most of which have been filled by supply preaching. 
 
 Rev. Storch has the distinction of serving the congrega- 
 tion longest, 21 years, as a regular pastor, and one year as a 
 supply, and is also the only man who was ever called a sec- 
 ond time, he having been called three times in all. 
 
 The list of successive pastors of St. John's is an honored 
 one, and one can only feel proud to be numbered among 
 them. 
 
 As to doctrine, St. John's has always been soundly Lu- 
 theran. She required her first pastors to "confess by 
 mouth and heart to the symbolical books of the church," 
 and from that time to the present she has never let the "fire 
 die in the altar" of biblical Lutheranism. From the estab- 
 lishment of the congregation until the year 1800 the chil- 
 dren were catechised according to the methods of the mother 
 church in Germany. Then for several years this plan was 
 in disfavor with the people at large, but it was never entirely 
 abandoned. By the year 1810 the congregation had gotten 
 back again to the old paths, and there was no further dis- 
 cussion of the subject until 1835, when the "new methods" 
 were introduced by Rev, Jenkins, from Maryland. For 
 twenty-five years both of these methods was employed by the 
 different pastors. 
 
 From 1860 to 1872 the revival method was used exclu- 
 sively, and from that time the former has beeen used exclu- 
 sively. But at no time has the church been far from the 
 "good old way." All efforts towards either extreme have 
 failed, and her doctrinal position has always been directly in 
 accord with the Xorth Carolina Synod, of which body she 
 has been a member since its organization in 1803. 
 
 In the early days the territory of the congregation was 
 very large indeed. In 1771 many people traveled twenty- 
 
(33 
 
 History of St. Johx's Church. 
 
 five miles to church, but as the years went by, the country 
 was more thickly settled, and new congregations were estab- 
 lished : this territory was gradually contracted until the 
 present bounds were reached. But strange to say that as 
 her territory was diminished, and as new congregations were 
 organized directly from her membership, still her own 
 strength at home has steadily increased until to-day her 
 membership is greater than ever before and her influence 
 more extended. 
 
 It is now four miles to the eastern limits of her territory, 
 three and one-half to the western, four to the northern and 
 seven to the southern. Her present membership is 300, and 
 there is a steady growth along all lines of churchly life. 
 
 The money necessary for the local expenses of the church, 
 such as pastor's salary, etc., is raised by what is known as 
 the " Assessment Plan/' Each male member is taxed $1.50 
 and each female member $1.00, and besides this they are 
 required to pay 25 cents on each $100 worth of property of 
 which they are possessed. This is the minimum amount 
 asked for, and each one is allowed to contribute as much as 
 they desire. The plan gives satisfaction. The entire ex- 
 penses of the congregation last year was $1009. 
 
 She has always been liberal in her contributions to the 
 Synod, and has taken care of her own sick and helpless ones, 
 and has also contributed toward the support of the church 
 at other places. 
 
 The following churches and educational institutions have 
 received financial aid from her : Bethel, St. Stephens, Mt. 
 Herman, Holy Trinity, Mt. Pleasant, St. Marks, Charlotte; 
 the first Lutheran Church of Richmond, Va. ; Mt. Olive, 
 Prosperity, Cold Water, Mission at Stauner, Nebraska; Im- 
 manuel, and also the " Theological Seminary of the South;" 
 North Carolina College and Mt. Amcena Seminary. 
 
 The following churches have been organized from her 
 membership : Bethel, St. Stephens, Mt. Hermon, Holy 
 
History of St. John's Church. 
 
 69 
 
 Trinity, Mt. Olive, Prosperity, and the new Cold Water 
 congregation. 
 
 Also an effort is now being made to build a house of 
 worship seven miles south of St. John's, in which it is 
 hoped to organize -a congregation in the near future. The 
 house is well under way, and it is hoped soon to organize 
 the eighth congregation from the material of old St. John's. 
 And this is not all, as many of her children are honored 
 members of other Lutheran churches in this and also in 
 many other States. Though old in years, she is not en- 
 feebled, and her " strength has been renewed like the 
 eagle's." God has been in the midst of he4% and has sig- 
 nally blessed her, and she closes this century with brighter 
 prospects than she has ever had before. 
 
 May this brief history inspire our people with a greater 
 respect for their dear old church, and may they transmit to 
 a future generation an heritage as glorious as that which 
 they received at the hands of their fathers. And what a 
 heritage it is ! May we all be inspired by it to greater 
 things for God and His church, and may St. John's never 
 be weaker than she is to-day ! 
 
 " A glorious church, without spot or wrinkle." 
 
Date Due 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Form 335. 45M 8-37. 
 
r 204 Z99 1860-99 v. 2 
 
 N.C. Religious pamphlets 
 
 DATE 
 
 ISSUED TO 
 
 C. 204 Z99 1860-99 v. 2 
 
 Nos.1-13 343074