Remembrance - Letha (Decker) Vorhees

July 31, 1891 - September 10, 1983

Expanding Knowledge

New Educational Annex - 1963

(Shown at left in picture)  

Facilities include: 

Additional Sunday School classrooms, furnished Parlor, Kitchen, and Offices.

     As we read below the lengthy list of First E&R Sunday School Officers and Teachers in 1955, the need for a new Educational Annex is quite evident:

Superintendent- Lee Van Blargan
Asst. Superintendent- Wayne Bailey
Chorister- Burdette Vermillion
Asst. Chorister- James Kincaid
Pianist- Ella Eysenbach
General Secretary (ordering materials)- Mathilda Benny
Asst. General Secretaries- Dorothy Hoeper, Beverly Bucher, Alvin Grapner
Treasurer- Carl Wellman
Recording Secretary- Suzanna Wyre
Kindergarten Dept. Supervisor- Mrs. Fred Tschanz
Beginners' Dept. Supervisor- Mrs. G.E. Herold
Children's Division Superintendent- Mrs. Ralph Burkholder
Home Department- Mrs. A.C. Gerstenlauer, Mrs. Charles Stilgenbauer
Director of Visual Education- Don Herold
Asst. Director of Visual Education- Louis Meckstroth
Mary Martha Class, Teacher- Mrs. Grace Leppla
Mary Martha Class, Substitute Teacher- Mrs. H.C. Heffner
Gleaners' Class, Teacher- Mrs. Marie Eberle
Fidelis Class, Teacher- Mrs. Frank Lowry
Triangle Class, Teacher- Miss Martha Schaefer
Triangle Class, Substitute Teacher- Mrs. Margaret Stevens
Men's Bible Class, Teacher- Rev. Richard P. Vitz
Builders' Class, Teacher- Frank Spragg
Young People's Mixed Class, Teacher- Mrs. Ruth Rhoda
Intermediate Dept., Teachers- Herbert Rable, Paul Kreher
Junior Dept. (6), Teacher- Mrs. Ed Decker 
Junior Dept. (5), Teacher- Mrs. Richard Vitz
Junior Dept. (4), Teacher- Ray Burkholder
Primary Dept. (3), Teacher- Mary Ann Walters
Primary Dept. (3), Substitute Teacher- Mrs. Eileen Burkholder
Primary Dept. (2), Teacher- Suzanna Wyre
Primary Dept. (1), Teacher- Mathilda Benny
Kindergarten Dept., Teachers- Mrs. Jeannette Nusbaum, Mrs. Arnold Patrick
Nursery Department- Mrs. Robert Staver, Mrs. Carolyn Arnett, Mrs. C.J. Naus,
Junior Church Department- Inez Rable, Mrs. Eileen Burkholder,                                                                                                 Mrs. Frank Lowry, Jane Spragg, Violet Decker
Substitute Teacher- Mr. John Emans

Road Trip!

     Many adults who grew up in our congregation cherish memories of Senior Youth Group road trips during the 1960 - 70's. With Paul & Ruby Kreher at the wheel of the caravan journeys, they took at least 10 adventures to various locations; including St. Louis, Missouri and the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Parents volunteered to transport & chaperone about 20 young people who regularly signed up for the excursions, with supplies (and excitement!) in tow. The group raised money for the trips, and organizations within the church made contributions & donated needed items.     
     Keeping in mind this was before the convenience of modern technology & instant e-mails,    it took months of planning for a summer trip. We have a large file of letters and notes making arrangements for lodging in dormitories and tours at theological seminaries, where the group enjoyed fellowship and sight seeing in the area. In addition to Spiritual enhancement, some activities included museums, theater, zoos, and boat rides. 

Excerpts of a report submitted by Ruby Kreher: 
(Caravan trip to St. Louis, MO; July 14-19, 1975)

We traveled in five cars. It took a little time on Monday to get all the cooking utensils, Coleman stoves, ice chests, and suitcases into the trunks. 

Each morning everyone was responsible for their "morning watch" at which time each person would seek a quiet outdoor spot for their individual devotions. 

Each car was responsible for helping to prepare at least 3 meals during the trip and everyone washed their own dishes. We had cookies at every meal thanks to the mothers. 

Enclosed is an expense account. On our first trip in 1961 everyone ate for a week at the cost of $4. In 1975, it was $8 per person. 

[The youth] were most impressed with the Emmaus Home, which is the only residential facility soley for adults with mental & physical disabilities among the Health and Welfare Institutions of the United Church of Christ. Nearly 300 people age 16 and over make their home at Emmaus. Some of the residents over 50-years old received their first paycheck because of the shelter workshop. We cooked chili on their lawn and had our evening meal there. Several of the residents ate and talked with us. 

We wish to extend a special thanks to everyone who helped make this trip possible...
We have a fine group of young people who conducted themselves in Christian attitude on our Caravan Trip and they had a most enjoyable time. 

Mr. & Mrs. Kreher remain faithful members of our Church.

Many thanks to Paul & Ruby for directing the paths of our youth!

(Proverbs 22:6)

                                       

Remembrance - Ruth (Haspel) Killian

June 21, 1914 - July 18, 1993   

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                         

Celebration for Fathers

Father & Son Banquet (February, 1963)

Although recognition of Father's Day is celebrated in June, the Father & Son Banquet was held annually at the First E&R Church Fellowship Hall in February. The event was sponsored by the Men's Brotherhood, an organization which includes all men of the church. 

Hero Not Forgotten

Ensign John Arthur Leppla

Date of Birth: May 7, 1916

Place of Birth: Lima, Ohio

Service: Navy

Company: Scouting Squadron 2 (VS-2)

Division: U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

Action Date: March 10, 1942

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Arthur Leppla, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Leppla pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: May 7 & 8, 1942

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign John Arthur Leppla, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. On 7 May, Ensign Leppla participated in a dive-bombing attack on an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier and contributed materially to the destruction of that vessel. On 8 May, as a member of the anti-torpedo plane patrol he faced severe fighter opposition to make repeated and fierce assaults against attacking enemy planes. His courageous and determined action in this engagement resulted in the destruction of three enemy aircraft, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Information from "Military Times-Honor Roll" website)

     Worthy of a second Navy Cross, Leppla was promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). 

     A member of First E&R Church, we pay tribute to our courageous hero who was listed as missing in action and presumed killed on October 26, 1942. In memory of John Leppla & his distinguished service to our Nation, his headstone of Honor can be found in the Arlington National Cemetery.

("Find A Grave" website - submitted by Anne Cady)

Celebration for Mothers

Mother & Daughter Banquet (May, 1963)

For many years, the annual Mother & Daughter Banquet was held in our Fellowship Hall. The event was sponsored by the Women's Guild, an organization which includes all women of the church. 

Remembrance - Katharina Wolf

April 19, 1902 - May 13, 1984

Confirmation Class - 1920

Front Row (left to right)-
Hilda Snook, John Smith, Rev. T.W. Hoernemann, Elizabeth Rable, Paul Blase.
Back Row-
Chester Badertscher, Margaret Heil, Alton Heil, Esther Wilhelm, Louise MacDonald.

Communion Kit - Christ Revealed

Pastor's Home Communion Kit

(First E&R Church - early 1900's)

    Tarnished silver-plated pieces, a splintered wooden hinge, and wine stained lining on the lid are obviously evident. However it wasn't until this picture was taken, an abstract portrait of Jesus with crown of thorns was revealed in the folds of purple cloth...

Will you see the face of Christ our Savior?

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:26-28, NIV)

Timeless Message

     Even though the date (ca. 1970's), occasion, and contributors are not indicated, the message of this booklet found in our files reveals the heart of our Church.

 



LIFE IS ETERNAL. Love is God and God is Love. A Church is a family, God's family. A Church family is the very essence of Love...
We all need to remember that God's plan for mankind can only be carried out as God works through the lives of men and women. As members of Christ's Church we have a special responsibility to listen and obey God's call...
LOVE IS ETERNAL. That is always the password of God's Churches here on this earth.


German Workmanship

     
     Traditionally recognized for their strong discipline and dedicated work ethic, the Germans have been highly esteemed for their manufacturing skills, ingenuity, and quality-made products. 
     For decades, Rhoda Brothers was a thriving business in our community. 
     Many members of our church are related to the Rhoda family heritage.                    

"Carl Rhoda in his shop" - October 1964
(image transferred from a slide found in our archives)

     

[The Lima News - August 23, 2013]

Blacksmithing: The Rhoda Brothers

LIMA — Carl Rhoda had been a blacksmith for 62 years when he talked to The Lima News for a July 1974 story on dying American crafts.

      Rhoda was the last blacksmith in Lima. Starting in 1913, he had done nearly everything involving fire and metal at Rhoda Brothers General Repairing and Welding in the 100 block of South Union Street.

     “I’ve repaired lawn mowers, clamps for drawing lumber and bicycle frames,” Rhoda said in 1974. “I know a man who works side shows in county fairs and carnivals. Every year he brings me the hammers from the high striker to repair.” Carl Rhoda, president of Rhoda Brothers, was still working several hours a day at the shop when he died in 1979. He was 83 years old.

     Carl’s older brother Harry started working at Rhoda brothers as a child. On his 100th birthday in September 1984, Harry Rhoda recalled shoeing while his father Charles Rhoda shoed. Harry Rhoda told The News he chased flies away from the horses for 10 cents a week. Harry Rhoda died at 101 in 1985.

     The original Rhoda Brothers, William and Charles, were the sons of Christian and Anna Maria Shook Rothe who came to America from Germany in the mid-1850s. The family name was later changed to Rhoda. They settled in Allen County where Christian pursued the trade of blacksmith. William Rhoda was born in Westminster in 1858 and Charles Rhoda the following year.

     The brothers were educated in the public schools in Allen County’s German Township. In the mid-1870s, at 17 years of age, William Rhoda came to Lima to apprentice as a blacksmith, according to a 1921 history of Allen County. Following his apprenticeship, William Rhoda was employed as a journeyman by J.C. Blocher. By 1883, he was a partner in Blocher and Rhoda blacksmith shop in the 100 block of South Union Street.

     At 19, Charles Rhoda began dividing his time between working on the family farm and learning a trade, training as a blacksmith at Blocher and Rhoda beginning in 1884, according to the history. By 1890, William Rhoda had bought out Blocher and brought in his brother Charles as a partner.

     “Founded in 1883 as a two-anvil shop, it initially specialized in blacksmithing and wagon repair,” a 1971 Allen County Historical Society story noted. “The original shop, a wooden structure, was located on the west side of South Union Street directly across from the present location at 117 S. Union St.”

     An ad for Blocher and Rhoda in the 1880s gives some insight into the shop’s early years. “Will furnish you 4 buggy wheels and tire for $10 or with axles for $14, and paint your buggy for $7.50.” Horses were shoed for as little as $1 per horse including the cost of the shoes, and presumably the shoeing.

     Prior to 1900, according to the 1971 historical society article, Rhoda Brothers also dabbled in the wholesale side of the business. “The brothers purchased horseshoes and nails in quantity lots. A car load consisted of 50 kegs each containing 100 pounds of horseshoes in assorted sizes … These were sold by the keg to blacksmiths from all the surrounding towns and villages.”

   A Lima Times-Democrat article from Aug. 5, 1901, showed one of the unique dangers a blacksmith shop in Lima, at that time in the midst of an oil boom, faced. Rhoda Brothers’ workers were building a fire to heat a heavy tire (the metal band around the outside of a wagon wheel). “The wood that was used included several pieces of an old wagon bed that had recently been removed from a nitroglycerin wagon (nitroglycerin was used to get oil wells flowing.) Some of the pieces had been saturated by the dangerous fluid and when the fire reached them the explosion resulted,” the Times-Democrat reported. No one was injured but several windows were blown out.

     An Aug. 22, 1908, Times-Democrat article reported a happier occasion. “Rhoda Brothers, the wagon makers on South Union Street, have just completed and delivered to the Wash Simmons Truck Line the largest wagon in Northwestern Ohio. Mr. Simmons ordered the wagon built for use in moving the heaviest of objects, such as big safes, monuments, etc., and the order read to make one that would haul anything that ever came to Lima. The completed wagon looks as if it could easily do that.” The completed wagon weighed three tons, the newspaper said, “showing that it will take pretty good horses to pull it without a load.” Indeed, when the wagon was delivered, Simmons’ shed floor “collapsed under the great weight of the vehicle.”

    In November 1915, according to the Lima Daily News, the Rhoda Brothers moved their blacksmith and carriage repair business to a new building at 117-119 S. Union St. William Rhoda died in February 1925, and Charles Rhoda in October 1923.

     After the deaths of the founders, Charles Rhoda’s son Carl and William Rhoda’s son Otto took over the business.
    September 1921 saw the company combine with Frey-Jones Pattern Works. “The company specializes in commercial truck bodies and cabs, winter tops for pleasure cars and wood and metal products of every description,” the Daily News reported. The Allen County Republican Gazette reported May 10, 1923, that the firm was erecting a plant at Jackson and McKibben streets.

     In July, 1924, the company unveiled “the latest design in economical motor bus transportation” the “Rhoda-Ford” a “12-passenger sedan coach” built on a Ford chassis, the Republican Gazette reported.

   Less than two years later, on April 25, 1926, the Lima News reported the Rhoda Body Manufacturing Co. was in bankruptcy. Rhoda Brothers survived and by the 1940s farm repair and welding were added to its services. In the 1970s, the business moved to 131 S. Union St.

   Carl Rhoda’s son-in-law, Burdette Vermillion, told the News in July 1974, that the job had changed a great deal over the years.

    “When Lima was the center for fitting wagon wheels in this part of the state, blacksmiths heated metal bands that went around the wheel rim in the forge to get a tight fit,” he said. “Many of them did horse shoeing and jobs now done by welding, such as joining two joints. Now the job encompasses much more. He (Carl Rhoda) makes tools and reshapes and retempers old tools, rehandles shovels, spades and axes, and does work on farm machinery and construction equipment.”

      Rhoda Brothers, at the time one of Lima’s oldest businesses, closed in 2001.

Remembrance - Clara (Kuck) Bishop

August 6, 1899 - January 10, 1989

   

       

God's Laws - our Ultimate Resolutions

"I am the Lord your God..."

I. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.

II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

IV.  Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy.

V. Honor thy Father and Mother, that thy days my be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

VI.  Thou shalt not kill.

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

VIII. Thou shalt not steal.

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

X. Thou shalt not covet.

(Exodus 20:1-17)

Silent Requiem

  When Even The Organ Refused To Play
(excerpt of an article written by Lee Van Blargan)

                              

      It was 2:00 P.M. on December 2, 1932. A great crowd had gathered in the First Reformed Church to pay their last respects at the funeral of their beloved choir director, Henry Deisel, Sr.  Grief was unmistakably written on the faces of the audience for this kindly man who for almost forty years had served as choir leader and who for many years had been a member of the Consistory.

      Everyone scheduled to have a part in the service was in place and then-- the mighty Skinner Organ refused to play! 
     This organ had faithfully accompanied the choir led by its distinguished director for many years and to some it seemed now as if the great instrument could not reconcile itself to the sudden loss of this inspired leader. Actually, of course, mechanical difficulties had caused this happening and soon a piano was substituted and the services proceeded...

  

World War I Servicemen - (Part One)

Class Members Who Served In World War I
1914 - 1918

(Class #10 - Mrs. Herman Myers, teacher*)

                                                                 

Carl Rhoda

Alfred Hoff



Jacob Keller

August Keller

                   Carl Heil




Raymond Leidner

Carl Muehlbauer

    *From a collection of pictures compiled in a booklet by their Sunday School teacher.

        

Light of the World

   The lamp represents the Word of God...

A symbol of wisdom, Life, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
During dark days of doubt and fear, the Lamp is a beacon of Hope.
As Christians we are called to be disciples, sharing our Spiritual gifts, setting an example of leadership and compassion for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.

You are the world's light- a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see.
Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father ~ Matthew 5: 14-15 (TLB)

Oktoberfest!

      F&R Church is steeped in rich traditions, including delicious homemade food! Whether breaking bread in fellowship, catering joyful wedding receptions, comforting grieving families, providing meals for shut-ins and shelters, or contributing baked goods for fundraisers, the cooks of our church have earned a reputation in this community for their excellent skills in the kitchen.
      For many years we have celebrated our German heritage with an Octoberfest dinner. Open to the public, this is a full church effort involving all men, women & youth entailing months of planning. Selling tickets, preparing the feast, and dishing out hearty helpings. We welcome guests in our Fellowship Hall, seated to capacity. Items on the menu include bratwurst, sauerkraut, noodles, savory Black Forest and German Chocolate cakes...made with special ingredients, following specific directions according to traditional recipes handed down thru the generations.
     Banquets and special dinners are often held to raise proceeds for building projects, or outreach to causes beyond our walls. We also enjoy gathering together for the occasional breakfast or brunch simply for the opportunity to partake in good food and conversation. We do appreciate our kitchen crew!
     
     For the purposes of fund raising and commemoration, our congregation has published two cookbooks of favorite personal recipes submitted by members - 

"A Taste of Tradition" (c. 1997)  and our recent 150th Anniversary keepsake "Thyme for Celebration."

 



     We relish the memories and give thanks to God for His bountiful Blessings!

 

Dorothy's slippers

Organ shoes worn by Dorothy McNett,

organist of First United Church of Christ

from 1942-1972 

 

   

 

 

 

Tribute to Dorothy Rhoda McNett

(written by Church Historian Lee Van Blargan, 1972)

 

 

      The entire congregation was shocked to learn of the sudden death on February 15, 1972 of Dorothy Rhoda McNett, our devoted church organist for thirty-years. Dorothy was born on June 23, 1923, the daughter of Carl H. and Ruth Irene Rhoda. She was a great-granddaughter of Christian Rothe, the last surviving member of the first Consistory elected in the year 1863.

     Dorothy became interested in music at an early age and for some time studied under our former distinguished organist, George Urich. On September 1, 1942 she became our church organist and in a dedicated manner served until the time of her death. Her family has had the shoes worn by her while at the organ, bronzed and has presented them to the church... Her life was a continual source of inspiration to all and her memory will not fade throughout the coming years.

 

An Early Family Portrait

The Jacob Moser Family

 

Left to right: Albert, Bertha, Mrs. Elizabeth Neunschwander Moser, Emma,
Jacob & Calvin





     One example of the many families who were zealous pioneers of our early church. Before coming to Lima in 1871, Jacob Moser was postmaster in Bluffton, Ohio and instrumental in naming that village. He served as Sunday School Superintendent in 1873, and several years following. And for more than 25-years, Mr. Moser was the choir director.  Also served many terms on the Consistory, including the 1887 Building Committee.  

     Jacob Moser was born in Switzerland on April 13, 1835, and died in Lima on April 25, 1910.

     Mrs. Moser was called to her Heavenly Home on November 3, 1928; the lone survivor of her family.

     Albert became a prominent physician, and served in the Far East as an Army Surgeon. An honorable servant, he died in 1903.

     Calvin, a funeral director and businessman, found his Heavenly reward in 1893. 

     Bertha occasionally served as organist, married W.H. Deakin. Resting in Peace, 1913.

     Emma married Dr. Frederick G. Stueber. Following in the footsteps of her father, was choir director and organist for many years. A founder of the King's Daughters Society, Emma entered the Heavenly Kingdom on October 11, 1890.  

 

 

Jacob Moser's German Prayer Book & Emma's Hymnal