Consistory - 1915

1st Row (Seated left to right)-

Henry Deisel, Sr. (Elder), Dr. Frederick G. Stueber (Elder), Louis Koch (Elder), Rev. Tillman W. Hoernemann, William Rhoda (Elder). 

2nd Row-

Rudolph Geiser (Deacon), Edward Snook (Deacon), Thomas Schulz (Deacon), Thomas Burkhardt (Trustee and Secretary), Valentine Heil (Trustee), William Wemmer (Trustee). 

3rd Row-

Henry Wemmer (Trustee and Treasurer), Oscar Frey (Deacon), George Klein (Trustee), Philip Dinkel (Deacon).   

Faithful Steward

Mr. George Klein

January 6, 1855 - December 26, 1932

     

     The outstanding record of Mr. George Klein, former Elder and choir member, cannot be erased from the memories of our congregation.  When God called him to a higher service on December 26, 1932, at the age of 77 years, Mr. Klein left an imprint on the life of the church he loved which is still plainly visible...

     The son of Martin and Catherine Herold Klein, George was born at Eubingheim, Baden, Germany on January 6, 1855, and came to the United States in 1872.  He soon became identified with the German Reformed Church of Lima, and as a young man joined the choir and was elected to the consistory. He was a member of the Building Committee for the 1887 church edifice. For almost 60-years he was a faithful member of the choir...and served as Elder of the consistory for about 40-years. Klein's devotion to his duties was unparalleled and he would give much attention to the sick. Often serving as a delegate to the Synod, he was also active in the Men's Bible Class of the Sunday School.  

     In a resolution adopted by the consistory on January 9, 1933, after his departure, it is recited:

     "The congregation will be lonesome without him. He gave to his church the best labor of his heart. In expressing our sympathy in the church's loss, we pray that the youth of the congregation may imitate his steadfastness, his faithfulness, and his loyalty to the cause of Christianity..."

(Information from the First E&R 100th Anniversary booklet)          

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...

  

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



        

Consistory History

    
     Annual congregational meetings of First E&R Church are held in January.
At this time we review highlights of the past year, discuss new business, and elect nominees to the Consistory (Church Board); primarily consisting of Elders, Deacons, and Trustees.           

"Consistories of Yester-year"
100th Anniversary Booklet ~ 1963 
(click on image to enlarge) 

     These photos are an example of "Chairmen of the Board" since women were not permitted to serve as Officers of the Church. It wasn't until 1971, women were nominated for positions on the Consistory. Although they were not elected, this marked a significant step in the history of our Church. Eventually by the early-1980's, women were elected to serve as Deacons and Trustees. Over the past few decades, a multitude of ladies have dutifully fulfilled these offices.
    The most reverent office of Elder remains reserved for men.  
    To serve on the Consistory is regarded as a great honor and privilege. We respect all these leaders following in the footsteps of our founders.