History of Wakeman United Church of Christ
The year 1994 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the religious society known as the Second Congregational Church of Wakeman, Ohio. Its founding members once belonged to the First Congregational Church; therefore, it is important to give a brief account of the history of that church.
The Wakeman area was part of a tract of land now called the "Firelands", given to settlers from the eastern seaboard who had been burned out by British troops. On May 23, 1817, Augustin Canfield, his wife, four children and hired man arrived in the Wakeman area from New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut, and located on Lot 23 northwest of what is now the village. Three weeks later they were followed by Captain Amiel Pierce and his family who settled on Lot 22. In 1818 more families arrived.
The first religious meeting in this area was held at the home of Augustin Canfield on Sunday evening, January 10, 1819. Rev. Lot B. Sullivan, a home missionary, led the service.
The First Congregational Church was organized at the home of Capt. Pierce on October 25, 1822, by Rev, A. H. Belts and Rev. Treat. There were eight members: Barzilla and Mrs. Hendricks, Electa Pierce, Dr. Clark, Sally Sherman, Justin Minor, Mary Barman and Ruth French. During the first year, church meetings were held in the log schoolhouse on the farm of Augustin Canfield with home missionaries as the preachers. In 1829 a new 22 by 26 foot frame building was erected and Rev. Belts was the pastor. He served seven years. The building was a school during the week and on the Sabbath opened to the Congregationalists and Methodists alternately.
Oberlin College was founded in 1834. In 1835, upon the invitation of the First Church, Rev. Finney of the college erected a large tent, or "Tabernacle" as it was called, west of Wakeman. The president of the college and members of the theology class held meetings for several days.
When Rev. Belts left for a new ministry, Oberlin College theology students came to supply the pulpit of the First Church. The doctrine preached by the young men was one of "Salvation" and they sanctioned the reforms of the day in respect to temperance and anti-slavery. The creed of the First Church was strongly "Calvinistic", and no one was admitted to membership unless he avowed this belief in Predestination.
In 1844 a young man from Connecticut was obtained as the minister in the hope that he would be able to compromise the differences and bring about more unity within the church. He failed to accomplish the desired end. When the matter of building a meeting house was discussed, he preached a cutting sermon intimating that if the church couldn't unite enough to build a house of worship, it had better divide. A resolution was passed to give a letter to those who wished to leave: 22 members received a letter of dismissal on August 30, 1844.
On August 31, a meeting was held for the puipose of founding a new church. The charter members were Isaac Todd, C. C. Canfield, Mary E. Canfield, Augustin Canfield, Lemuel B. Pierce, Eunice Pierce, Electa Pierce, Minerva Pierce, Alvan C. Hall, Betsey Hall, Reuben Hall, Cordelia Hall, Amos Clark, Leverett Hill, Esther Hill, Rufus J. Bunce, Mary Bunce, Caroline Canfield Burr, Sophia Wheeler and Ruth A. Clark. On November 24, 1844, Kneeland Todd, Juliette Travis, Amos Pierce and Minot Pierce joined. By December 9, 1844, when the organization was officially in compliance with the statute in force, there were 24 members. Several of the present church members are descendants of charter members.
The following are excerpts from records concerning the founding of the second church: At a legally notified meeting of the Second Congregational Church of Wakeman, Huron Co., Ohio, held December 9th, 1844, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
"Whereas: the cause of Christ and the progress of society and good morals are promoted by the existence of churches and societies for the worship of the Divine Ruler of all things."
"Whereas: it seems to us expedient under the existing state of things, to form a society for the promotion of such worship among us."
"Therefore: in accordance with an act passed by the Legislature of Ohio, March 12th, 1844, entitled an Act to provide for appointment of Trustees for the control of Religious Societies and define their powers and duties."
"Resolved: that we the inhabitants of the Township of Wakeman and vicinity in the State of Ohio, in assembly convened, do form ourselves into a Religious Society." - "This Society shall be called the Second Congiegational Society of the Township of Wakeman."
The forming of the new church made three church societies in the community, the First and Second Congregationals and the Methodist. There were only two school buildings in which to meet. The Second and the Methodist used one building with one having a service in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
When the school was too small to accommodate the Congregationalists who wanted to attend, they built a meeting house near the south edge of the village. This structure was dedicated in 1845; it served until 1879.
The need for an even larger place in which to worship was evident as the membership had grown to nearly 300. In October, 1875, discussion began concerning construction of a new house of worship.
The cornerstone was laid for the brick church on Abbott Street on September 5, 1877. Stone and trim were acquired from a quarry north of Wakeman. The bricks were made on Minot Pierce's farm and the interior trim and pews were built from native chestnut and walnut lumber. There was local help with the construction. The specialty work was done by companies and artisans from as far away as Detroit, Michigan. Amenities such as a wood/coal furnace and an acetylene gas lighting system were a part of this structure.
The last service in the old meeting house was held December 31, 1878, and the new church was dedicated January 1, 1879. Several of the speakers at the dedicatory service were from Oberlin College, which had been a driving force in the establishment of the Second Congregational Church. Arriving by train, horse and buggy, and on foot, 1400 people filled the church, even the balconies. The total cost of the building was about $16,000 and was paid by this time due to the generous contributions and sacrifices of the members.
The size of the building is as follows: the main sanctuary is 40 by 60 feet and 33 feet high in the clear. The side rooms are 18 by 30 feet and the balconies are the same. The spire is 125 feet high.
For the 115 years following the dedication many members and friends have worshipped here. Communion has been served, baptisms and marriages have been performed and last rites said for loved ones. Holy Days have been observed. New members have been welcomed. Youth and adult meetings have been held. At one period in time, graduating seniors from Wakeman High School heard their Baccalaureate message from this pulpit. Pilgrim Hall, in addition to being used for church activities and Sunday School, has been opened for community use, in particular, the scouting program for boys and girls.
As the years have progressed much work has been done to maintain and update this building. The original lighting system which cost $530 was later converted to electricity. In the early 1950's a portion of each balcony was remodeled to accommodate Sunday School classes. In 1966 new floors and carpeting were laid in the sanctuary. The pews were refurbished, and at that time a few of the pews were eliminated making more space between rows. A public address system was installed in 1980. Ceiling fans were provided by the Women's Fellowship in 1987. Chancel and choir railings were added in 1990. In 1991 the old chandeliers were renovated and appropriate glass globes served to authenticate their appearance.
Reconstruction began in the basement in 1949. Wood floors were replaced with concrete. The antiquated frosted glass windows above the serving counter were eliminated and new cupboards were installed in that area.
Major changes were made in 1956 when the old furnace room was converted to the music room, nursery and office. The dining room was enlarged and tile was laid on the floor. A small room was built to house a new oil furnace. At this time the name "Pilgrim Hall" came into existence. The three year "God's Acre" project paid for this remodeling.
In 1965 the furnace was converted to gas. Folding partitions were installed in the dining room in 1983 to provide individual classroom areas. A new gas heating system was procured in 1985. In the kitchen, equipment, cupboards, flooring and lighting have been replaced periodically. In 1991 a center work island was added.
As for the exterior, gone are the horse and buggy sheds that stood to the east and south of the driveway. These were a mark of an era in which this house of worship was first used.
In 1978 the project of roofing the church began. Through cooperation of the entire congregation, the endeavor, at a cost of $60,000 was completed. It was paid in full by the end of 1983. Storm windows were installed in 1982 to protect the stained glass and conserve heat.
Memorial gifts have enhanced the appearance of this fine old building. Landscaping and a bulletin board were installed in 1960. The young people of the congregation aided in the dedication and erection of a Peace Pole. In 1990 an architecturally designed access ramp, stone benches and plantings were completed on the west side of the building. An oak tree in the front yard was a memorial gift in 1993.
The date of the first parsonage is unknown. It is thought that it was provided shortly before the building of the frame meeting house in 1845. A Rev. Van Wagner, whose father was a pastor here, wrote that as a boy he lived in the old, old parsonage. When he came back to visit, it had been pushed to the street and replaced by the new one. The "new" parsonage was built in 1871 at 30 River Street. It served as the minister's home for 118 years. The congregation voted to sell this house in 1989. In 1990 the Vincent house located at 70 West Abbott Street was purchased as the home for the pastor.
It seems appropriate at this time to give an account of this church, as a society, from its beginning to the present.
From the time when a few voices blended in song, music has been a tradition in a church service. The choir grew into a permanent place in the worship of the First Congregational Church. It predated the use of instruments which, when first introduced, caused dissatisfaction in the minds of the older members. Young people had brought with them to church the violin, flute and bass viol. Upon the formation of the Second Church, they took their instruments with them.
Melodians, and later, small organs were used in the Meeting House and for a few years in the new building. The present Hook and Hastings tracker organ was installed in 1883. Prior to 1942, when an electric blower was added, this organ was hand pumped in an area behind the console. It has been refurbished several times and in 1992 was completely restored.
The chancel choir, handbell choir and children's choir provide music for the services today. The handbells were purchased in 1976 and were heard for the first time that Christmas Eve. The Organists/Choir Directors have been Oberlin Conservatory students, area musicians and church members. Adding to the music program have been performances by soloists, instrumental groups and other church choirs which have joined with ours on special occasions.
Mrs. A. J. Burhans' first Sabbath School class started in the old meeting house. It grew to classes of over 300 children and adults. During the 1870's the Sunday School was sixth among the Congregational Churches of the state in membership. It is thought that a "Week of Prayer" followed by five or six weeks of Revival Meetings tended to keep the interest.
For many years Sunday School followed the morning worship: today it precedes. Religious education is an important part of our church history. It has been manifested in the leadership and teachings of the ministers. It has been made evident by the willing response of Church School and Bible School Teachers and Confirmation Class Instructors. Bible Study groups and Lenten Fellowship discussions have been held to share in thoughtful study and prayer. A children's sermon is included in the Sunday worship service.
The women of the church have been giving aid to the local organization and the wider community since before the Civil War. Their first organization was the Ladies Savings Society, in 1879. In time that society was divided into Divisions 1, 2, 3, and 4. By 1944 there were two Divisions and the Talent Guild. The latter was formed to include those who wished to attend in the evening. It led to an additional group, the Junior Talent Guild. This' organization met until 1957. As the two remaining Divisions disbanded, the Ladies Aid Society was established. It continued until 1975.
In 1981 the Talent Guild changed its name to Women's Fellowship. As with their predecessors they have provided fellowship gatherings annually and have given generously to the church and to charities. One of their current fund raising projects is the Community Birthday Calendar which was begun in 1966.
The men shared in the construction of the early meeting houses and today share in the reconstruction and repair of church property. Although there is no documentation that they had an auxiliary organization they have participated in many fund raising endeavors. They were well known for their "Fish Fries" in the 1950's.
For many years the young people's organization was known as Young People's Meeting. It later became Christian Endeavor and now is the Pilgrim Youth Fellowship. With able leadership this group has had social gatherings and has created activities in order to raise money for missions and other charitable causes. They have attended local and association meetings. One important funcdon of this organization is the annual UNICEF drive to benefit needy children around the world.
A tradition is continuing. The church has sponsored the local Boy Scout troop for 26 years. The Council voted again in 1994 to renew this charter.
The monthly "Messenger" keeps us informed of activities within the church. It was established in 1964; former newsletters were the "Hearthstone" (1949-1950) and the "Voice". A pictorial directory has been compiled this year in honor of the Sesquicentennial. Directories were also published in 1976, 1982, and 1987.
In 1951 a permanent Church Council was formed as an advisory and policy making board. It meets monthly and is presided over by the Moderator, It consists of elected officers and representatives of each committee. The staff includes the Minister, Organist/Choir Director and Custodian. Listed under the slate of officers and committees are the Moderator, Clerk, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Diaconate, Trustees, Christian Education, Missions, Stewardship, Music, Pastoral Relations, Memorial and Arts, Social Reception, and Nominating.
As a way of explaining the organizational structure of the church of the present, a brief review of the duties of the officers and committees follows. Each has its own programs and goals that help to strengthen the working church.
The Moderator conducts all congregational meetings; in addition this officer shares with the Minister the responsibility of the general welfare of the church. The Minister is an ex-officio member of all boards, committees and organizations.
As secretary for the council and all congregation meetings the Clerk keeps a record of church proceedings. All statistics regarding membership, births, marriages and deaths are included.
The Financial Secretary collects and records all pledges, deposits funds and forwards to the Treasurer a classification of these funds.
The Treasurer keeps a record of total amounts received from various sources, pays bills for salaries and utilities and disburses all other funds as approved by the Trustees.
The Historian documents activities throughout the year for future reference.
The Board of Trustees has custody of the church property. This involves purchases and repairs. It has general oversight of the church's financial business including the budget.
In 1962 the Memorial and Arts Committee was created. It recommends to the Council the use of specific donations. It records the monies and gifts of the donors and purchases the memorials.
Two or three years after the formation of the Second Congregational Church one Deacon was chosen. When this building was dedicated there were five. Today the Diaconate consists of six men and six women. They cooperate with the Pastor in ministering to the spiritual needs of the church. They supervise the ushering and assist with the Sacraments. An integral part of the Diaconate is the Junior Diaconate, established in 1988. They are very active in the life of the church.
The Christian Education Committee of six supervises the Church School program, procures teachers and approves the course of study for the Church School and Bible School. It coordinates special programs pertinent to Christian education.
The Missions Committee interprets to the congregation the meaning of the mission of the church, at home and abroad. It establishes a missions' goal and plans pursuits which will result in a deeper concern for its work in the world.
The Stewardship Committee explains an understanding of "being stewards" to the corporate church. It implements the procedures of annual solicitation of pledges: several forms of which have been used, but home visitation has been the common method.
The Music Committee has the authority to secure and contract with the Organist/Choir Director. It coordinates the music activities to meet the interests of the church.
In 1985 the Social and Reception Committees were combined into one. It assists in the social life of the church and procures greeters for each service.
A new committee, Pastoral Relations, formed in 1990, is an outgrowth of the Pulpit Committee. It provides a link between the Pastor and the congregation.
The Nominating Committee obtains a slale of officers for the ensuing year.
Changes in the Constitution adopted at the Annual Meeting November 15, 1970, stated that the fiscal year of the church shall begin January I, instead of November 1. The two extra months extended to January 1972. In accordance with the Constitution, the Annual Meeting is now held in January.
In 1960 this congregation voted to join the United Church of Christ, thus we are known as the Wakeman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.
What is the UCC? After a number of years of planning, the UCC was established in 1957 when the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church united. It is unique in that it is a strong common center enriched by diversity: from other denominations that originally joined, from those who have joined from other traditions, and from peoples the world over. There are more than 6,200 local congregations with a total of more than 1 1/2 million members. Each congregation is self- governing, calls its pastor, sets its own budget and practices its own form of worship, education, and mission.
The UCC as an organization is a united and uniting church, believing that cooperation and ecumenical work are the will of Christ and that the Bible is the ultimate rule of faith and practice. Congregations work together through Associations and Conferences of the UCC. Wakeman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is in the Firelands Program District of the Association.
Focusing on the future, retreats were held in 1993 and 1994. The purpose of these meetings has been to seek goals to benefit the church in the areas of planning, communication, and growth. The Sesquicentennial celebration was one of the short term goals decided upon at the 1993 retreat. Now it is a reality.
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| (The first verse of the Dedication hymn sung in 1879) |
This has been a brief look at the first 150 years in the life of the Wakeman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. Through vision, determination and sacrifice; the early members founded this, our religious heritage. Although the planning and implementing of objectives have varied during the generations, there has been a common bond, that of expressing through our Church and individual lives, the love and faith taught by Jesus Christ.
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LIST
OF MINISTERS FOR THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
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| Rev. Jeremiah Butler - 1yr. while building the first church |
| Rev. William A. Westervelt - 1yr. |
| Rev. William F. Clarke - commenced Fall 1846 - 1yr. |
| Rev. Minor W. Fairfield - Nearly three years |
| Rev. James M. VanWagner - first installed pastor - 6 yrs. |
| Prof. Henry E. Peck of Oberlin College - nearly 3 yrs. |
| Rev. Henry S. Bennett - 3 or 4 yrs. |
| Rev. Joseph S. Edwards - nearly 3 yrs. |
| Rev. Levi Loring - 1 yr. |
| Rev. S. Lee Hillyer - 1yr. |
| Rev. Edward B. Payne - 2 - 3 yrs. |
| Rev. C. C. Creegan - July 1, 1875 - 5 yrs. (instrumental in getting new building) |
| Rev. August G. Upton - 3 yrs. |
| Rev. S. W. Meeks - 3 yrs. |
| Rev. D. L. Leonard - 1yr. |
| Rev. W. H. Pound - 2 yrs. |
| Rev. C. A. Gleason - 3 yrs. (Golden Jubilee in 1894) |
| Rev. Jesse Hill - 3 yrs. |
| Rev. William Smith - 9 yrs. |
| Rev. William Flammer - 1yr. |
| Rev. Grover L. Diehl - 2 yrs. |
| Rev. Thomas R. McRoberts - 1yr. |
| Rev. J. C. Townsend - 5 yrs. |
| Rev. Allen Blair - 6 yrs. (Diamond Jubilee - 1919) |
| Rev. Gordon Savage - 2 yrs. |
| Rev. A. F. Lindbeck - 9 yrs. |
| Rev. F. E. Eastman - 1935-48 (100th Anniversary Celebration -1944) |
| Rev. Floyd Bryan - 1948-51 |
| Rev. Howard Houldsworth - 1951-56 (110th Anniversary Celebration -1954) |
| Rev. Boyd Granzow - 1957-59 |
| Rev. John Stohl - 1961-63 |
| Rev. Elwyn Owen - 1963-68 |
| Rev. Frank J. Wright -1969-71 |
| Rev. Peter C. Nichols - 1972-75 (130th Anniversary Celebration -1974) |
| Rev. Dana Welch - 1975-88 |
| Dr. Jeffery S. Atwater 1990 - (150th Anniversary Celebration 1994) |
| Rev. Richard Wierwille |
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INTERIM
MINISTERS SINCE 1956
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| Dr. Fildey - Oberlin School of Theology |
| Dr. Lee - Oberlin School of Theology |
| Dr. Michaelides - Oberlin School of Theology |
| Dr. Hobbs - Heidelberg College |
| Rev. Noss - Heidelberg College |
| Rev. Richard Wolff - 1988-90 (145th Anniversary Celebration 1989) |
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SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
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| Dedicatory Service Program Abbott Street Church, 1879 |
| 75th Anniversary History by W. B. Hall |
| 100th Anniversary History by Evelyn Peck Cooley |
| 130th Anniversary History by Lucille Buckley |
| Publications of the "Hearthstone", the "Voice", and the "Messenger" |
| Annual Meeting Reports |
| Information Pamphlets published by the UCC |
Wakeman UCC © 2000 All Rights Reserved