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This historical account of St. John's was taken from the pages of two booklets: St. John's Church History 1872-1874, written by George R. Schoedinger, Sr. and Helen M Schoedinger (their ancestor, Philip Schoedinger served on the first church council), and One Hundred Twenty-five Years, complied and written by Rev. Donald M. Yaekle and Rev. Paul Baumer.
St. John's Evangelical Protestant Church
United Church of Christ
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St. John's has its roots deep in the soil of the southern edge of downtown Columbus.
Over the past 131 years, its branches have grown to reach around the world.
Even though St. John's has a rich heritage and strong traditions, it strives to
give new bloom to fresh ideas and have a faithful eye into the future.
The St. John's seed was planted in June of 1872 when 20 men met in the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bleile, Sr. to discuss the formation of new German Evangelical
Protestant Church. The records say they "enthusiastically joined hands" to proceed.
These men had been denied the spiritual blessing of other established churches in
Columbus because of the group's membership in secret societies (particularly the Masons).
Word went out to those of German descent, and on July 16, 1872 a larger group met in
the old City Hall (possibly the same building that housed the Central or Old Market).
At this meeting the constitution was adopted and the name "St. John's Evangelical
Protestant Church" was chosen.
Not having any affiliation with any denominational organization, they needed to
advertise for a pastor through the newspapers. The congregation, worshiping in the
Market or City Hall, extended a call to the Rev. Purpus to serve as the first pastor
of St. John's. He began his ministry on December 1, 1872.
For a year and a half, worship services were held at the United Brethren Church at
Town and Carpenter Street. During this time the congregation purchased a lot
on East Mound Street for $5,500 and contracted with Philip Schlapp to draw plans
for a new church building. The cornerstone of the first St. John's church building (see photo)
was laid July 28, 1873. Dedication of the church was on May 3, 1874. This building
had a seating capacity of approximately 800. There were 150 parishioners on the church rolls,100
enrolled in Sunday School, and a debt of $20,000.00 -- a sizable sum for those
days.
Over the next five years little was done to lessen the debt of construction, and
membership had decreased to 119. Rev. Purpus resigned in June of 1879 to return to
Germany. The Rev. J.J. Weiss assumed the duties of pastor in August, 1879. A house
to house canvas was made among the membership to bring the debt to $16,705.
Membership in 1879 was recorded at 210.
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