History
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
BOTKINS, OHIO
The formal beginning of St. Paul Lutheran Church as we know it was on June 7, 1896. This day was preceded by the purchase of a small frame church building on the corner of Main and South Streets in 1895.
Among the people who helped to found the village of Botkins there were very few, if any, who were of the Lutheran faith. The church people living in this immediate neighborhood in those days were almost exclusively Roman Catholics or Methodists. There was a little frame church building standing about three miles west of town which had been built by the Methodists soon after the Civil War. In the course of time some of the members of this church died and others moved away, so that the congregation became very weak. The Lutherans rented the church for every other Sunday, while the little band of Methodists still held their services on the alternate Sundays. In 1885 a church was built at Kettlersville, Ohio and most of the Lutheran families west of Botkins began to attend that church. The Methodists built a church further north known as Scott Chapel. About this time the Lutherans were thinking of starting a church in Botkins and the frame church building west of town was being used very little, or not at all. Upon investigation it was found that the building could be purchased. About a half dozen Lutheran families decided to unite their efforts and purchase the building. After the building was purchased it was moved to Botkins in the fall of 1886 and placed upon a lot on the corner of Pike (present day Main) and South Streets. It was not long until a sad dispute arose as to who should serve the little flock at Botkins. Some insisted that it be the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church near Fryburg, Ohio (Sammentinger Congregation), while others determined that it should be the pastor from St. Paul’s Evangelical Church (Rooster Church) of Wapakoneta. The Wapakoneta pastor was too liberal for the conservative Lutherans coming from the Sammentinger church and language was a question also as some wanted all German services while others thought that half of the services should be conducted in English. The bitterness came so intense that the Sammetinger party had service every other Sunday afternoon while the other faction used the frame church on the alternate Sundays. Eventually, the Sammetinger party discontinued its services in town and again began to attend the mother church in the country. The other faction which called itself Zions German Evangelical Church continued to hold services at the frame church until the number that attended were so few and finances became so weak that it was thought useless to continue. Thus, sadly ended the first attempt to start a Lutheran church at Botkins. Discouraging indeed was the outlook, but better days were in store, and perhaps the turmoils of the past were only a blessing in disguise, as from it we believe sprung a purer type of Lutheranism. In the fall of 1895 the officers of the Zions German Evangelical Church (which had not yet disbanded) came to Mr. Philip Sheets and Mr. C. Schurr to offer the church for sale. After consulting with a few of their Lutheran brethren it was decided to purchase the property. Mr. Sheets advanced the entire purchase price of $100.
June 7, 1896 was the beginning of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, as we know it today, when a constitution was adopted. Officers elected were Christian Schurr and J. H. Brockman, elders; Charles Maurer and William Schurr, deacons; Philip Sheets Sr., J.C. Paul and G. Zorn, trustees; J.C. Paul, secretary; and Philip Sheets Jr., treasurer. Rev G. Smogrow was the first pastor and served until 1900. Organizers of the congregation were: Philip Sheets, Sr., C. Schurr, J.C. Paul, J.H., Brockman, Charles Maurer, Wm. Scherer, George Zorn, J.H.M. Schurr, Philip Sheets, Jr., Philip Bonnoront, John Lichtensteiger, Philip Elsass, Edward Brockman and Henry Brockman.
The first Sunday School report recorded was August 1, 1897. The church services were held every two weeks with one German service to every two English services, and Sunday School was held every Sunday. When Rev, Smogrow decided to leave in 1900, St. Jacob (Zorn church), east of Botkins also in need of a minister, met with St. Paul and decided to join parishes and call a full time minister. “Calls” were sent out with an acceptance taken by Pastor E.C. Stellhorn in April of 1901.
In 1901 a committee was appointed to determine the cost of building a 20 foot addition to the church along with an appropriate steeple and a basement. The little congregation decided to drop this project after it was estimated that it would cost $1,000 for these improvements. But at that same meeting a motion was carried to build a small tower on the church and to buy a bell weighing between 900 and 1000 pounds. The entire cost was $312.89. This bell was later moved to the church’s present location and is still in use today. The first parsonage was built in 1902 on Main Street adjacent to the old church in cooperation with St. Jacob. The cost was $1,668.16, one half of which was paid by each congregation.
The corner stone of the present church was laid on June 13, 1915, with the dedication on June 30, 1915. The building committee consisted of Pastor J. L. Sealing, Alfred Hagelberger, J.J. Metz, Samuel Kies, J.H.M. Schurr and H.E. Sheets, Treasurer. The architect was John Chapin of Lima, Ohio. After receiving estimates of approximately $20,000 the committee determined that the building cost could be reduced by being their own contractors, buy the material on the open market and have the work done by day labor. This was followed with the exception of the slate and iron work, windows, furniture and heating system. The cost of construction was $15,247.24, along with many hours of donated labor by many members of the congregation as most of the excavating, concrete work and hauling were done by the members without charge. Most of the windows were donated by individuals. The same is true of the lectern and baptismal font but their cost is included in the above amount. The lot on which the present church stands was purchased from Mrs. Catherine Sheets, the old property was given in exchange for it.[1]
Some time after the new church was in use a ten dollar bill with a note attached saying “Pipe Organ Fund” was received in the collection of the offering and so a fund was born. A pipe organ was purchased in 1919 from the M.P. Moller Company of Hagerstown, MD. at a cost of $3,600. The chimes were presented by Catherine Sheets. Miss Helen Schurr served as organist and Edison R. Paul as assistant organist.
The Ladies Society reportedly began in the 1896-1900 time period, meeting in members homes monthly for a short period of time, and then began meeting for a few minutes after church services monthly to pay their dues and conduct any necessary business. Around 1915 they became quite active contributing to the new church building and other purposeful projects. A Luther League was started in 1916 by Pastor J.L. Sealing and met regularly for several years. World War I Interrupted at this time and with Pastor Sealing being called as a camp pastor to Chillicothe, this organization went quietly out of existence. It was a number of years before it was reorganized on a more permanent basis. With the war over and the post war years leading to the beginning of the depression of 1929, the church moved along as best it could. Sometimes very short of operating funds, but always able to keep abreast of things. The church’s Silver Anniversary was held on June 5, 1921 at the beginning of Pastor Emch’s ministry at Botkins.
The Sidney Daily News reported on January 7, 1942: “Hard of hearing persons will now be able to attend church services at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Botkins, as hearing aid phones were installed recently, according to pastor Rev. Charles Stroh. Twelve phones have been installed in the church and were given their initial test at the Christmas services”.
It was in 1942 that St. Paul adopted a resolution after much discussion, ending her association with St. Jacob congregation and went on its own with a full time minister. This formal document was signed by Edison R. Paul, President, and R.C. Maurer, Secretary on Aug. 17, 1942. Our Golden Anniversary celebration was celebrated at the close of Pastor Stroh’s ministry at Botkins. For this occasion, Rev. J.L. Sealing and Rev. Wm. N. Emch conducted services on June 2, 1946.
There were many references in the church minutes about the possibility of building a new parsonage. A lot for a new parsonage was purchased in 1944 and the present parsonage was built in 1950 for a cost of $16,239.67. With the sale of the old parsonage on Main Street the additional money was raised and final payment made in 1954. The committee for planning construction and fund raising were: Lloyd Gerber, Marcus Hagelberger, Roy Kempfer, Harry Fogt and Kenneth Wilt.
In June of 1956 we celebrated our 60th Anniversary under Pastor Carl A. Roepcke. Rev. Ernest Kempfer was guest speaker for this occasion
The Sunday School class unit was dedicated in May 1963. The construction cost was slightly more than $30,000.
The pipe organ was completely renovated by the Lima Pipe Organ Company and rededicated in 1983. The renovation consisted of removing and cleaning all 844 pipes and replacing the worn leather parts. The smallest pipe weighs one ounce and the largest 40 pounds. The organ had served the congregation faithfully for 60 years and during the rededication event a representative of the Lima Company told the congregation that the organ should last another 63 years without any additional renovation work. Delores Gross was the congregation’s organist at that time and Phyllis (Gerber) Klopfenstein who had been the organist for many previous years performed during the rededication along with other guest organists, Clarence Pfaadt of the Anna Lutheran Church and Doris Kah of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Rev. G. Fletcher Shoup delivered the sermon.
St. Paul Lutheran Church celebrated its 100th anniversary during the entire year of 1996. Special events were held each month including a homecoming worship service on June 16, 1996 with Rev. Dwight Hedrick, assistant to the Southern Ohio Synod Bishop leading the worship service. Events followed each month during 1996 including former pastors Donald Allman, Chris Schwilk, and Andrew Wilch leading worship in July, August and October. A Rally day was held in September and a candlelight communion service ended the year on December 24.
Major projects during the past several years are the addition of a new handicapped–accessible main entrance (1998) with a cost of approximately $150,000; paving of the church parking lot in 2002; repair of the stain glass windows (2004-05), parsonage renovation (2006) and currently a much needed church building renovation project to eliminate the water problems that have affected the building for many years.
Pastors for the church have been: Rev. G. Smogrow 1896-1900; Rev. Ernest C. Stellhorn 1901-03; Rev. C.F. Betz 1904-08; Rev. H.A. Brandt 1908-09; Rev. Adam Pflueger 1909-14; Rev. J.L. Sealing 1914-19; Rev. W.O. Hauck 1919-20; Rev. William N. Emch 1920-28; Rev. A. Knupke 1929-37; Rev. Henry Young 1937-41; Rev. Charles Stroh 1941-46; Rev. Norman Milheim 1946-48; Rev. F.C. Pilch 1949-54; Rev. Carl A. Roepcke 1954-56; Rev. Edward Winter 1957-1960; Rev. Edward Keim 1960-66; Rev. Harry L. Strauch 1966-71; Rev. Andrew Wilch, Jr. 1972-78; Rev. Ralph Hershberger, extended interim, 1977-78; Rev. Donald Allman, 1978-85; Rev. Chris. Schwilk 1985-88; Rev. Linda Hume Skelly 1988-93; Rev. R. Scott Prigan 1994-96; Rev. Al Swartz, 1998-2006, Rev. Donald Hare, extended interim 2006-2007. The present pastor is the Rev. Robert Carter since May 2007.
IN REFLECTION
It is appropriate to use the same closing as used in the 1971 seventy fifth anniversary booklet of St. Paul:
Looking back over these 75[2] years of progress, the accomplishments have been many. We have only touched on a small number. We should also remember those members of the congregation, both living and dead, who have contributed so much time and effort to bring us to this occasion. We should not, however, lose sight of the old adage, that “God’s work is never done” and let us be sure to apply this to the future of St. Paul congregation of Botkins, Ohio. In the words of St. Paul:
“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”.
Philippians 3:1 3b-14
February 2009
Resources: Information for this history has been taken from the 75th St. Paul anniversary booklet published in 1971; the 25th anniversary booklet published in 1921 and archival information. It is not intended to be all inclusive and any omissions are unintended. A detailed history of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church from 1896-1921 was written by Rev. Wm. N. Emch the pastor from 1920-1928 to commemorate the silver anniversary of St. Paul’s June 5-8, 1921. This booklet is in the church archives. Additional historical information about our church is welcomed and encouraged so that our written and pictorial history will be more complete.
[1]Information taken from the 1921 Anniversary booklet written by Rev. Wm. N. Emch
[2]113 years in 2009
BOTKINS, OHIO
The formal beginning of St. Paul Lutheran Church as we know it was on June 7, 1896. This day was preceded by the purchase of a small frame church building on the corner of Main and South Streets in 1895.
Among the people who helped to found the village of Botkins there were very few, if any, who were of the Lutheran faith. The church people living in this immediate neighborhood in those days were almost exclusively Roman Catholics or Methodists. There was a little frame church building standing about three miles west of town which had been built by the Methodists soon after the Civil War. In the course of time some of the members of this church died and others moved away, so that the congregation became very weak. The Lutherans rented the church for every other Sunday, while the little band of Methodists still held their services on the alternate Sundays. In 1885 a church was built at Kettlersville, Ohio and most of the Lutheran families west of Botkins began to attend that church. The Methodists built a church further north known as Scott Chapel. About this time the Lutherans were thinking of starting a church in Botkins and the frame church building west of town was being used very little, or not at all. Upon investigation it was found that the building could be purchased. About a half dozen Lutheran families decided to unite their efforts and purchase the building. After the building was purchased it was moved to Botkins in the fall of 1886 and placed upon a lot on the corner of Pike (present day Main) and South Streets. It was not long until a sad dispute arose as to who should serve the little flock at Botkins. Some insisted that it be the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church near Fryburg, Ohio (Sammentinger Congregation), while others determined that it should be the pastor from St. Paul’s Evangelical Church (Rooster Church) of Wapakoneta. The Wapakoneta pastor was too liberal for the conservative Lutherans coming from the Sammentinger church and language was a question also as some wanted all German services while others thought that half of the services should be conducted in English. The bitterness came so intense that the Sammetinger party had service every other Sunday afternoon while the other faction used the frame church on the alternate Sundays. Eventually, the Sammetinger party discontinued its services in town and again began to attend the mother church in the country. The other faction which called itself Zions German Evangelical Church continued to hold services at the frame church until the number that attended were so few and finances became so weak that it was thought useless to continue. Thus, sadly ended the first attempt to start a Lutheran church at Botkins. Discouraging indeed was the outlook, but better days were in store, and perhaps the turmoils of the past were only a blessing in disguise, as from it we believe sprung a purer type of Lutheranism. In the fall of 1895 the officers of the Zions German Evangelical Church (which had not yet disbanded) came to Mr. Philip Sheets and Mr. C. Schurr to offer the church for sale. After consulting with a few of their Lutheran brethren it was decided to purchase the property. Mr. Sheets advanced the entire purchase price of $100.
June 7, 1896 was the beginning of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, as we know it today, when a constitution was adopted. Officers elected were Christian Schurr and J. H. Brockman, elders; Charles Maurer and William Schurr, deacons; Philip Sheets Sr., J.C. Paul and G. Zorn, trustees; J.C. Paul, secretary; and Philip Sheets Jr., treasurer. Rev G. Smogrow was the first pastor and served until 1900. Organizers of the congregation were: Philip Sheets, Sr., C. Schurr, J.C. Paul, J.H., Brockman, Charles Maurer, Wm. Scherer, George Zorn, J.H.M. Schurr, Philip Sheets, Jr., Philip Bonnoront, John Lichtensteiger, Philip Elsass, Edward Brockman and Henry Brockman.
The first Sunday School report recorded was August 1, 1897. The church services were held every two weeks with one German service to every two English services, and Sunday School was held every Sunday. When Rev, Smogrow decided to leave in 1900, St. Jacob (Zorn church), east of Botkins also in need of a minister, met with St. Paul and decided to join parishes and call a full time minister. “Calls” were sent out with an acceptance taken by Pastor E.C. Stellhorn in April of 1901.
In 1901 a committee was appointed to determine the cost of building a 20 foot addition to the church along with an appropriate steeple and a basement. The little congregation decided to drop this project after it was estimated that it would cost $1,000 for these improvements. But at that same meeting a motion was carried to build a small tower on the church and to buy a bell weighing between 900 and 1000 pounds. The entire cost was $312.89. This bell was later moved to the church’s present location and is still in use today. The first parsonage was built in 1902 on Main Street adjacent to the old church in cooperation with St. Jacob. The cost was $1,668.16, one half of which was paid by each congregation.
The corner stone of the present church was laid on June 13, 1915, with the dedication on June 30, 1915. The building committee consisted of Pastor J. L. Sealing, Alfred Hagelberger, J.J. Metz, Samuel Kies, J.H.M. Schurr and H.E. Sheets, Treasurer. The architect was John Chapin of Lima, Ohio. After receiving estimates of approximately $20,000 the committee determined that the building cost could be reduced by being their own contractors, buy the material on the open market and have the work done by day labor. This was followed with the exception of the slate and iron work, windows, furniture and heating system. The cost of construction was $15,247.24, along with many hours of donated labor by many members of the congregation as most of the excavating, concrete work and hauling were done by the members without charge. Most of the windows were donated by individuals. The same is true of the lectern and baptismal font but their cost is included in the above amount. The lot on which the present church stands was purchased from Mrs. Catherine Sheets, the old property was given in exchange for it.[1]
Some time after the new church was in use a ten dollar bill with a note attached saying “Pipe Organ Fund” was received in the collection of the offering and so a fund was born. A pipe organ was purchased in 1919 from the M.P. Moller Company of Hagerstown, MD. at a cost of $3,600. The chimes were presented by Catherine Sheets. Miss Helen Schurr served as organist and Edison R. Paul as assistant organist.
The Ladies Society reportedly began in the 1896-1900 time period, meeting in members homes monthly for a short period of time, and then began meeting for a few minutes after church services monthly to pay their dues and conduct any necessary business. Around 1915 they became quite active contributing to the new church building and other purposeful projects. A Luther League was started in 1916 by Pastor J.L. Sealing and met regularly for several years. World War I Interrupted at this time and with Pastor Sealing being called as a camp pastor to Chillicothe, this organization went quietly out of existence. It was a number of years before it was reorganized on a more permanent basis. With the war over and the post war years leading to the beginning of the depression of 1929, the church moved along as best it could. Sometimes very short of operating funds, but always able to keep abreast of things. The church’s Silver Anniversary was held on June 5, 1921 at the beginning of Pastor Emch’s ministry at Botkins.
The Sidney Daily News reported on January 7, 1942: “Hard of hearing persons will now be able to attend church services at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Botkins, as hearing aid phones were installed recently, according to pastor Rev. Charles Stroh. Twelve phones have been installed in the church and were given their initial test at the Christmas services”.
It was in 1942 that St. Paul adopted a resolution after much discussion, ending her association with St. Jacob congregation and went on its own with a full time minister. This formal document was signed by Edison R. Paul, President, and R.C. Maurer, Secretary on Aug. 17, 1942. Our Golden Anniversary celebration was celebrated at the close of Pastor Stroh’s ministry at Botkins. For this occasion, Rev. J.L. Sealing and Rev. Wm. N. Emch conducted services on June 2, 1946.
There were many references in the church minutes about the possibility of building a new parsonage. A lot for a new parsonage was purchased in 1944 and the present parsonage was built in 1950 for a cost of $16,239.67. With the sale of the old parsonage on Main Street the additional money was raised and final payment made in 1954. The committee for planning construction and fund raising were: Lloyd Gerber, Marcus Hagelberger, Roy Kempfer, Harry Fogt and Kenneth Wilt.
In June of 1956 we celebrated our 60th Anniversary under Pastor Carl A. Roepcke. Rev. Ernest Kempfer was guest speaker for this occasion
The Sunday School class unit was dedicated in May 1963. The construction cost was slightly more than $30,000.
The pipe organ was completely renovated by the Lima Pipe Organ Company and rededicated in 1983. The renovation consisted of removing and cleaning all 844 pipes and replacing the worn leather parts. The smallest pipe weighs one ounce and the largest 40 pounds. The organ had served the congregation faithfully for 60 years and during the rededication event a representative of the Lima Company told the congregation that the organ should last another 63 years without any additional renovation work. Delores Gross was the congregation’s organist at that time and Phyllis (Gerber) Klopfenstein who had been the organist for many previous years performed during the rededication along with other guest organists, Clarence Pfaadt of the Anna Lutheran Church and Doris Kah of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Rev. G. Fletcher Shoup delivered the sermon.
St. Paul Lutheran Church celebrated its 100th anniversary during the entire year of 1996. Special events were held each month including a homecoming worship service on June 16, 1996 with Rev. Dwight Hedrick, assistant to the Southern Ohio Synod Bishop leading the worship service. Events followed each month during 1996 including former pastors Donald Allman, Chris Schwilk, and Andrew Wilch leading worship in July, August and October. A Rally day was held in September and a candlelight communion service ended the year on December 24.
Major projects during the past several years are the addition of a new handicapped–accessible main entrance (1998) with a cost of approximately $150,000; paving of the church parking lot in 2002; repair of the stain glass windows (2004-05), parsonage renovation (2006) and currently a much needed church building renovation project to eliminate the water problems that have affected the building for many years.
Pastors for the church have been: Rev. G. Smogrow 1896-1900; Rev. Ernest C. Stellhorn 1901-03; Rev. C.F. Betz 1904-08; Rev. H.A. Brandt 1908-09; Rev. Adam Pflueger 1909-14; Rev. J.L. Sealing 1914-19; Rev. W.O. Hauck 1919-20; Rev. William N. Emch 1920-28; Rev. A. Knupke 1929-37; Rev. Henry Young 1937-41; Rev. Charles Stroh 1941-46; Rev. Norman Milheim 1946-48; Rev. F.C. Pilch 1949-54; Rev. Carl A. Roepcke 1954-56; Rev. Edward Winter 1957-1960; Rev. Edward Keim 1960-66; Rev. Harry L. Strauch 1966-71; Rev. Andrew Wilch, Jr. 1972-78; Rev. Ralph Hershberger, extended interim, 1977-78; Rev. Donald Allman, 1978-85; Rev. Chris. Schwilk 1985-88; Rev. Linda Hume Skelly 1988-93; Rev. R. Scott Prigan 1994-96; Rev. Al Swartz, 1998-2006, Rev. Donald Hare, extended interim 2006-2007. The present pastor is the Rev. Robert Carter since May 2007.
IN REFLECTION
It is appropriate to use the same closing as used in the 1971 seventy fifth anniversary booklet of St. Paul:
Looking back over these 75[2] years of progress, the accomplishments have been many. We have only touched on a small number. We should also remember those members of the congregation, both living and dead, who have contributed so much time and effort to bring us to this occasion. We should not, however, lose sight of the old adage, that “God’s work is never done” and let us be sure to apply this to the future of St. Paul congregation of Botkins, Ohio. In the words of St. Paul:
“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”.
Philippians 3:1 3b-14
February 2009
Resources: Information for this history has been taken from the 75th St. Paul anniversary booklet published in 1971; the 25th anniversary booklet published in 1921 and archival information. It is not intended to be all inclusive and any omissions are unintended. A detailed history of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church from 1896-1921 was written by Rev. Wm. N. Emch the pastor from 1920-1928 to commemorate the silver anniversary of St. Paul’s June 5-8, 1921. This booklet is in the church archives. Additional historical information about our church is welcomed and encouraged so that our written and pictorial history will be more complete.
[1]Information taken from the 1921 Anniversary booklet written by Rev. Wm. N. Emch
[2]113 years in 2009