Anchored in Christ

The anchor symbolizes our Hope in Christ...

And so God made a promise. He wanted to show Abraham that He would never change His mind. So He made the promise in His own name.  God gave these two things that cannot be changed and God cannot lie. We who have turned to Him can have great comfort knowing that He will do what He has promised.  This hope is a safe anchor for our souls. It will never move. This hope goes into the Holiest Place of All behind the curtain of heaven ~Hebrews 6:17-19 NLV

Remembering Beda

    
     As we commemorate Memorial Day honoring our brave soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend our Freedom, we should also pay tribute to the families through the generations who have suffered the heartbreaks of war and burdens of military service.
     Beda Shafer was a remarkable lady who gave (and also lost) so much...a Faithful life dedicated to God, Home & Country. Following in the footsteps of her forefathers, she left behind a wonderful legacy...

BEDA GRACE SHAFER, 86, died at 1 a.m. Nov. 16, 2006, at Lima Manor Nursing Home. She was born Jan. 24, 1920, in Putnam County to William D. and Rosa Basinger Goodwin, who preceded her in death. On Oct. 31, 1939, she married Paul T. Shafer, who died Jan. 1, 1993. Mrs. Shafer had been a dietary supervisor and nurse’s aide at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was a member of First Evangelical and Reformed Church and its Ladies Aide Society. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames XVIIC, Daughters of Union Veterans, Daughters of 1812, Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, the Colonial Clergy, Women Descendants of Ancient Honorable Artillery and the National Society Magna Charta Dames. She was also a member of the First Families of Allen County, First Families of Putnam County, the Allen County Genealogical Society, the Ohio Genealogical Society and the Allentown Historical Society. She was a member of the 173rd Airborne Society (SEP), the National Committee Person Republican Party, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6741 Auxiliary, Elida, American Legion Post 96 Auxiliary, and its America Gold Star Mothers, and the Vietnam Veterans of American LZ89. She was a registered genealogist and taught piano. She was a graduate of Columbus Grove High School and Bluffton College. Survivors include a son, William M. (Judy) Shafer, of Lima; a daughter, Joanne E. Shafer Reese, of Elida; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey C. (Bonnie) Shafer, Pamela S. (John) Moser, Heidi L. Kavick, Scott D. (Melissa) Shafer, James W. (Michelle) Shafer, April L. (Ronald) Reese-Engstrom, John E. (Debra) Shafer, Paul W. (Dawn) Shafer and Rebecca S. (David) Smith; 15 great-grandchildren, Ryan Kavick, Sean Kavick, Wolfgang T. Shafer, Clara Moser, Elsa Shafer, Jacob Shafer, Anthony M. Reese, Casimiro R. Martinez, Ella Moser, Ruby Moser, Maxwell Shafer, Samuel Shafer, Kylie Shafer, E. Nicole Reese and Regan Arin Engstrom; two stepgrandchildren, Todd (Jennifer) Geren and Brian Geren; four stepgreat-grandchildren, Arielle Geren, Taylor Geren, Ciann Geren and Ian Geren; a daughter-in-law, Kathleen Shafer; and a granddaughterin-law, Emilia Reese. She was preceded in death by two sons, Sgt. James D. Shafer, who died in Vietnam in 1967, and George Ronald Shafer, who died in 1995; a grandson, Staff Sgt. Aaron T. Reese, who died in Iraq in 2003; and two sisters, Alice J. Miller and Ima Louise Staltman. Services will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. The Rev. Ed Rhinehart will officiate. Burial will be in Allentown Cemetery, Allentown. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
(Obituary: Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home)

"To perpetuate the noble principles for which they fought & died."

(Motto of the Gold Star Mothers)

 

 

Communion with the King

Grapes are symbolic of Holy Communion and the blood shed by Jesus on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. Grapes also represent the fruitfulness of Christian life.

The Crown is a symbol of the royal authority of Christ, King of Kings. It may also represent the "Crown of Life", the eternal reward of the Faithful.

Confirmation Class - 1897

John Urfer, Oscar Snook, George Bollinger, Philip Schnabel, ____Meckstroth, ____Loescher, Catherine (Snook) Lyle, Elizabeth Baker, Bertha (Wilhelm) Stump, Minnie Neubright, Bertha (Klein) Rable, Jon Weber, Catherine Schlosser.

Rev. Christian Baum, Pastor

Confirmation Class - 1935

Front Row (left to right)-

Dorothy Ridenour, Arthur Brutzer, Grace Griffith, Rev. R.J. Schroer, Eloise Stilgenbauer, Ennis Walker, Delores Timmerman.
Back Row-
Louis Wessler Jr., Helen Stelzer, John Neumann, Ruth Ella Dew, Paul Stueber Jr., Elfrida Wolf, Richard Neumann, Theresa Benny, Wilbur Bailey.

The Congregational Library

      The Congregational Library located in Boston's historic Beacon Hill, was founded in 1853 with 56 books from personal collections. Today researchers can find approximately 225,000 items of historical documentation including resources about American religion, New England local and town histories, and 300-years of American Congregationalism.  
     With English Protestant roots, this religious tradition was established in America by the New England Puritans during the 1600's. Congregationalism currently consists as one of four denominations that merged in 1957 to form the United Church of Christ. And also embodies, the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, and the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference (our First E&R Church affiliation). 

 

The Congregational Library

14 Beacon St.

Boston, MA 02108

Phone: (617)-523-0470

 

 

(With appreciation to the Congregational Library

for courtesy of photos and permission to link with their website) 

Earliest Certificate

     The oldest Confirmation Certificate in our archives dates back to 1874, written in German, issued by Rev. C.F. Waldecker to Friedrich Stuber.

     

  

      Young Frederick would grow up to be a prominent eye surgeon.

      Dr. & Mrs. Emma (Moser) Stueber were the parents of two "kinder" also confirmed in our Church.  Their son Dr. Paul Stueber was confirmed in 1901, by Rev. Paul H. Land; and daughter Ruth (Mrs. William Daniels) in 1907, by Rev. A.G. Gekeler.

Next Door to God's House

    
     During the days of itinerant Preachers, traveling miles by horseback to the communities they served, it was a brave venture for the fledgling congregation to construct a small wood frame parsonage in 1876. Reverend C.F. Waldecker was the first Pastor to occupy the house.
     In 1921, during the Pastorate of Rev. Tillman W. Hoernemann, a modern brick structure was built at the cost of $17,000.

                   

       
     The Parsonage was home to First E&R Pastors and their families throughout the decades until 1984. Seen here in 1987, before the dwelling was demolished that year.     
  

Home is where the "Hearth" is...

 

Reverend Reuben J. Schroer

Our 11th Pastor

(1930-1938)

 

The Schroer Family
Hilda, Hal, Corinne, and Rev. Schroer
(left to right) 

(Seated by the fireplace in the Parsonage)

The Beginning & The End

I am the Alpha and the Omega,

the First and the Last, 

the Beginning and the End...

(Revelation 22:13 NIV) 

ALPHA

OMEGA

                                   

           

Vitz Family Portrait

 

Reverend Richard P. Vitz

Our 13th Pastor

January 1, 1953 - June 3, 1979

 

 

 

The Vitz Family

Barbara, Marianne, Robert, Rev. Vitz & his wife Mildred 

(clockwise)

 

Little Angels

                                                   

First E&R Junior Choir - Christmas, 1960

Mrs. Richard Vitz, Director

(back row, left)



Book of Remembrance

     


    

    

In May 1983, the Ladies Aid Society began the endeavor of creating a "Book of Rememberance" as a eulogy dedicated to their departed sisters in Christ.

   

                                                                                                                         It is noted, for nearly a decade Carolyn Arnett neatly compiled information in the 40-page album which includes obituaries clipped from newspapers, funeral cards, and thoughtful summaries written from a personal perspective.  

Carolyn recently went to be with our Lord in her Heavenly home on October 6th, age 94. 

This "Book of Remembrance" she completed on behalf of the Ladies Aid Society years ago serves not only as a special tribute, but also a vital resource of historical documentation.  

"Lest we forget..."

  

Windows of the Soul

      One of the most beautiful features of our church building are the ornate stained glass windows. Numbering around 30 windows, they are mostly located in the Sanctuary and adult Sunday School area.
      The windows were installed when the building was erected in 1887. We have been told they were made in Germany and shipped to America--although this fact has yet to be verified.
      In 2003, the window restoration project began at a total cost of roughly $90,000. During the following year, each window was systematically removed and refurbished by a specialized company located out of town. It was disheartening to see plywood temporarily replacing the lovely panes!

     

   

      These pictures display a view of of subtle hues from outside the building. However, the windows inside reflect brilliant colors and symbols of Christianity.                                          
      Roy Coon (our "Historian Emeritus") has researched the symbolic meanings, which will be featured in future articles.

God Bless America

             

THE FLAG

Of The

UNITED STATES

OF AMERICA

This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown

over the United States Capitol on April 20, 1994,

at the request of the Honorable Michael G. Oxley,

Member of Congress. 

This flag was flown for the First Evangelical & Reformed Church (UCC).

Signed by: George M. White

Architect of the Capitol

                                                             

Champions for Christ

     For many years our members have enjoyed fellowship through sports, participating in Church Leagues/YMCA/YWCA. This bounty of trophies display outstanding achievements in Basketball, Softball, Bowling, Golf, and various events.  

    

          

Although we cheer for our talented teams earning these earthly rewards...

we've got the ultimate Spirit, knowing true Victory in Jesus!

  

    

First Reformed Church Men's Softball Team - 1930   

                                   Back Row (left to right)- Harold Schaublin, Fred Tschanz, Bernard Wolf, 

                                          ______(?) ______(?) Walter Wolf

                                   Front Row- ______(?) _____(?) Max Casey, Edmund Zapp, _____(?)

Dutiful Daughters

    One of the many early societies in our church was The King's Daughters,  
formed on October 11, 1890 as the Sunday School class of Mrs. F.G. Steuber met in her home intending to organize a Mission Band. This group later joined The National King's Daughters (established 1892); paying annual dues, supporting worthy charitable causes both locally and across the country. 
    Pictured below are First E&R Daughters who served our Heavenly Father. 
       

    Front Row (left to right)-

     Millie Ward, Clara Zimmerman-Means, Bertha Hoffman, Anna Waltz

    Second Row-

     Mamie Zimmerman, Barbara Schulz-Deaubler, Miss Hattie Ramseyer, Eva Dickman, Mayme Remalay

    Third Row-

     Susan Hocker, Anna Klein, Amelia Griebling, Katherine Armbush, Sophia Deaubler-Reed,

     Katherine Feighert, Anna Sonntag

     (photo courtesy Mrs. E.L. Snook) 

     

     We have several pocket-sized booklets in our archives dating from the late 1920's thru mid 1950's documenting the activities and social programs of their monthly meetings; various Committees such as Membership, Kitchen, Entertainment, Sewing; tending to the sick and needy. During the winter months they provided flowers each week to beautify the sanctuary for the worship service.  

The National King's Daughters Motto

"Look up, not down,

Look forward, not back,

Look out, not in,

Lend a hand."

                                                         -Edward Everett Hale

(Although it is not certain when this group of ladies disbanded at our church,

The International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons is a thriving global organization.)  

1887 Cornerstone

     
    

      The small rectangular structure built in 1866 was no longer adequate to serve the needs of the growing congregation.   
      On May 30, 1887, an attentive crowd gathered to witness the laying of the cornerstone of the new German Reformed Church which was about to be erected.
     

   
     The consistory instructed specifications for the vault: six inches wide, eight inches deep, and twelve inches long...inscription  "nur in Deutsch" (only in German).
     This historic stone can still be plainly seen located on the southeast corner of our building, with the engraved abbreviation: 
 "EVANGELISCHE REFORMIERTE KIRCHE - A.D. 1887" 
                                         

     

      Notice of the ceremony published in the Lima Courier (May 25, 1887), translated from German as follows:

     The cornerstone of the German Reformed Church will be laid next Sunday at 2 o'clock. Several good speakers have been invited to take part in the festivities. The choir has been diligently practicing several numbers. The Building Committee will give a detailed report of what remains to be done.
     We invite everybody to help us in the laying of the cornerstone for a Temple of Peace.

In behalf of the congregation,
E. Cantieny
(Secretary of the Congregation) 
                    

Play a Melody

    
     A melodeon (also known as a cabinet organ or American organ) is a type of 19th century reed organ with foot-operated bellows, and piano keyboard. Due to their compact size these musical instruments were often used in small churches, substituting spralling pipe organs. First manufactured in the United States around the year 1812 until the Civil War era they were relatively inexpensive, easy to transport, and required minimum maintenance. But most importantly, perfectly served the purpose accompanying choir anthems and congregational hymns.  
     Pictured below is the the lovely rosewood melodeon measuring 23 x 47 inches formerly owned by  Anna Herold Zimmerman and Margaret Herold Sullivan, which had been loaned to the church for use in the first building. The  Jewett & Goodman melodeon was purchased in Lima about 1862, which was carried weekly to the German Reformed Church from the home of Lewis and Anna (Herold) Zimmerman.
     On October 17, 1955, Mrs. A.N. Bruzelius presented the piece to the Allen County Museum where it was on display for many years. At some point in time the melodeon was moved next door to the The MacDonell House, a gorgeous fully-furnished Victorian mansion. Nestled in the sunny nook of an ornate sitting room, how wonderful our little melody-maker coming from humble beginnings has found such an elegant home!                     

   

I Have a Song That Jesus Gave Me

I have a song that Jesus gave me,

It was sent from Heav'n above;

There never was a sweeter melody,

'Tis a melody of love.

(Refrain)

In my heart there rings a melody, 

There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love.  

                                                                                              Words & Music: Elton M. Roth, 1924     



  

Allen County Museum & The MacDonell House

620 & 632 W. Market St.

Lima, OH 45801

Phone: 419-222-9426

http://www.allencountymuseum.org/ 

Faith Confirmed

    
     Since our earliest beginnings, Confirmation is considered a sacred rite of passage for young men and women. At about 13-years of age, they begin a thorough 2-year instruction in the Bible, the Heidelberg Catechism, and church history.  
     The Heidelberg Catechism dates back to 1563, developed in Germany. But it has been translated into all European languages, as well as some African and Asian. The document consists of 129 questions and answers.
     After completing their studies, the Confirmands stand in the presence of God before the congregation; answering random questions from memory, asked by their teacher. This review traditionally occurs on Palm Sunday. Embraced by the Church body, our newest members receive their first Sacrament of Holy Communion on Easter Sunday.   
      

Confirmation Class

Easter Sunday ~ April 12, 1903

Front Row (left to right) -

Leonard Schanbel, Irvin Clausing, Nina Schulz, Charles Klein, Rev. Paul H. Land, Otto Rhoda, Winnie Rhoda, John Weller. 

Back Row -

Ethel Schaub, Otto Aue, William Kissel, Mary Bacher, Karl Renz, Clarence Frey, 

Charles Tiemeyer, Minnie Heil, Walter Haege.    

THE FIRST QUESTION IN THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM

"Was is dein einiger Trost im Leben und im Stebern?"

(What is thy only comfort in life and death?)

"Dass ich mit Leib und Seele, beides im leben und Sterben, nicht mein, sondern meines getreuen Heilandes, Jesu Christi eigen bin..."

(That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ...)