Our Organ Speaks

Sure I can speak! For the past 46 years as a musical instrument I have spoken God's message to members. My church has always been noted for its emphasis on good music. My immediate predecessor was a two manual pipe organ installed in 1891 during Rev. Christian Baum's pastorate at a cost of $1,500. 
Following the close of World War I, it became apparent that a new organ was needed. On June 30, 1920, a special organ committee recommended the purchase of a Skinner organ with chimes and echoes. This committee was composed of: Miss Ella Eysenbach, Mr. Fred Herold, Mr. Oscar Frey, and Chairman Mr. Henry Deisel, Sr. On July 18, 1920 the congregation authorized the committee to purchase the organ.
September 18, 1921 was a great dedication day for me! The renowned organist and choir master Edwin Arthur Kraft, of Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, Ohio, officiated at my controls. And, this article appeared in the Lima News and Times Democrat:

"A new pipe organ, installed in the First Reformed Church at a cost of about $15,000 will be dedicated with appropriate services Sunday.The organ is the largest and most capable of variations of any similar instrument in the city."

(From an article written by past historian Lee Van Blargan- October, 1967)

The above collage of our current three manual console organ, built by the Schantz Organ Co., Orrville, Ohio. Purchased from the Muller Pipe Organ Co., January 24, 1979 at the cost of approximately $20,ooo. And like the echoes of organs past, continues to majestically speak and musically inspire our congregation. 
 

Prominent Citizen

     Henry Deisel, Sr., was born in Gieselwerder, Germany on June 6, 1862. At the age of nineteen, he emigrated to America, coming to Lima in 1881. He had received a good education and was skillfully instructed in the craft of cigar making. In the early days, Henry rolled cigars at his home assisted by his wife, Emma Wolf Deisel, selling the product to the public. 
     He became associated with Henry Sonntag, a local pioneer of the profession. Through this association he met William and Henry Wemmer in 1891, forming the Deisel-Wemmer Co., later known as the Deisel-Wemmer-Gilbert Corporation.  

(Postcard image of the Deisel-Wemmer cigar factory)

     Initially the cigar company operated a small shop at 326 N. Main Street. Later a larger building on Main at the Pennsylvania R.R. was erected, with branches rapidly extending throughout the region. Soon the Deisel-Wemmer establishment became well known throughout the country and eventually worldwide. 
     Henry Deisel was also a deeply religious man. After early joining the German Reformed Church, his musical talents were immediately recognized. He became Choir Director for many decades, leading anthems in both German and English. On January 19, 1911, Mr. Deisel along with Fred Herold and George Urich as assistant directors formed the popular men's singing ensemble "Der Maennerchor" which was highly acclaimed in the area. 
     Blessed with an abundance of material goods and talents, Henry Deisel remained true to his Christian convictions, being a generous benevolent gentleman. 
      Sadly the vibrant life of Mr. Deisel came to a tragic end when he was thrown by his horse while riding on Eastown Road, suffering a heart attack, on November 29, 1932. 

      On the following day, this tribute was published in The Lima News:

"Lima became distinctly poorer yesterday through the death of Henry Deisel, Sr. The passing of this kindly friend and valuable citizen left a vacancy in the community that coming generations will find difficult to fill."

       

     Just a few days before his death, Mr. Deisel was honored at a banquet given in his honor by forty members of the choir. He expressed these humble words of appreciation:

"As long as the Lord gives me strength, I want to continue this work of church music for I have gotten to know the members of this choir and I love them."

[Coincidental note: Twenty-four hours after Mr. Deisel's passing, his associate in the cigar business, friend and fellow church member, William J. Wemmer, also died of a heart attack in Indianapolis...]

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



        

Little Angels

                                                   

First E&R Junior Choir - Christmas, 1960

Mrs. Richard Vitz, Director

(back row, left)



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/