The Lutherans in Defiance

From the Defiance Democrat, July 26, 1894...an article describing the beautiful churches and cemeteries of Defiance, Ohio

"ST. JOHN GERMAN EVANGELICAL REFORMED CHURCH

The early work in the congregation of the German Evangelical Reformed St. John's church at Defiance was conducted in the old court house.  The congregation was formally organized in 1852.

In 1864, Rev. A. B. Hoplin took charge of the church and was succeeded by Rev. H. Daniel in 1866.  IN 1867, Rev. Daniel resigned and the congregation was without a pastor.  A few of the members remained faithful and a gentleman from New Bavaria ministered from time to time.  In 1869, they succeeded in building a church at the corner of Fourth and Washington streets and in 1871 the parsonage was built.

 Rev. Povermer and Rev. Rheess took charge until 1875 when they were again left without a pastor.  The church was heavily in debt, and the members were unable to pay it and the parsonage was sold.  This was a dark hour for the church and the members were almost discouraged. 

A number of gentlemen visited the parish and then until 1876, when A. K. Heineman was licensed to preach and was ordained to the Gospel ministry and became pastor of the parish.  His labors were rewarded and in 1878, a nice new parsonage, worth $3,000, was completed.  Rev. Schoepfle is pastor at present.

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ST. PAUL

The Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul congregation was organized at the close of the year 1870.  A solid brick edifice was completed and dedicated in February, 1872, at a cost of $6,000, and stands at the corner of Clinton and Arabella streets.  The corner stone was laid in 1871.  The spire is about ninety feet high.  Rev. J. Deindoerfer was the first pastor.

St Paul Lutheran, Historic Homes Calendar 2009.  The old cornerstone is within the present church building.

ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH AT INDEPENDENCE

In 1845, a Rev. Knape was pastor of the English Lutheran church at Independence.  There were a few families of Lutheran persuasion living in Defiance, and Rev. Knape preached here a few times.  In 1850, a number of Lutheran families arrived in Defiance and a congregation was formed.  In 1851, Rev. Detzer was chosen as minister.  He was ordained by Rev. Trautman, of Adrian, Mich.  A new frame church was completed the 9th day of July, 1854, and was dedicated by Prof. Cramer of Ft. Wayne.

In 1856, the parsonage was built.  A nice bell was bought in 1861.  In 1864, a pipe organ, costing $636, was placed in the church.  In 1870, a brick school house, costing $1,153 was built.  For a number of years, at different times, the church was without a pastor.

In 1877, Rev. Zucker, the present pastor was installed, and the church is now in a very prosperous condition."