The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 18, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 June 1987 — Page 46

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. the PAPER — Tuesday, June 16,1987

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AFRICA SCHOOL STUDENTS — This photo was taken of the students at the Africa School, located on the Hazel Gants’ farm at the northeast edge of Tri-County Game Preserve, North Webster. Several years ago, the original school building was moved to Conner Prairie Farm, Connersville. When asked why it was called Africa School, the late Eli Shock was said to have replied, "Because the boys were so wild.” Pictured in front row, left to right, are teacher Lillian Tripp, Caddie Klingaman. Chauncey Shock, Zermah Shock, Mike Klingaman, Lillian Hamman, Elvin Shock and Ona Maggart. In back row, left to right, are Grover Hamman, John Klingaman, Elmo Shock, Martin Rupel, Ezra Shock, Zents and Eva Koher. (Photo provided by Betty Ganger)

Churches established in 1800 s

The known history of four of the North Webster churches date back into the 1800 s, although the congregations have no problems keeping up with the needs of the times. Though there is not a ministerial organization in town, the churches work together in helping the Norfh Webster charities. Methodists In 1840 In 1840 the North Webster United Methodist church had its beginnings in a school-house log cabin. George Warner and his brother Thomas K. Warner began a study group at that time. Rev. Sammuel Young was the circuit rider for 11 churches including Warsaw and Syracuse. Early records are scanty, but it is known that 41 pastors have been appointed to the church in 137 years. In 1862 a small frame church building was erected on the present site for $1,600. The church was in a prosperous condition and had a large membership. The Methodist people erected a nice

parsonage in 1874, at which time Rev. John Pattee was their minister. Due to his energy and the labor of his own hands, the work on the parsonage was accomplished. Rev. T. C. Neal completed his third year on this circuit in 1887. Evangelical In 1864 The Evangelical church was erected in the autumn of 1864. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. George Fischer, May 19, 1865. The church’s pastor at that time was Rev. George Halderman. It was reported that the citizens of Webster were a thriving, intelligent class of people, and the village had an extensive retail trade. Church of the Brethren In 1852 The Church of the Brethren in North Webster was organized in 1852 with 35 members. In the beginning they gathered in various homes of the members, however after nine years the congregation built its first house of God. The structure was built north of town. In 1922 the congregation decid- ■ ed to purchase a facility in town and the country church was closed. Interesting enough, the building they purchased belonged to the Evangelical church which had been built in 1913. It was moved to Main St., a basement and a and chapel added, and it was covered with brick and beautiful stained glass windows installed. The names of persons from the church at that time were imprinted into the glass and are still there today. Church of God In 1897 The North Webster Church of God was also found in the 1800 s, and the exact year was 1897. At that time, Brother Milo and Sister Mary Strombeck held a revival in their home which was

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led by Brother John Freehafer and Brother Milton Gardner of Huntington. It was reported that 12 souls were saved during that time, and services were moved to the Old Salem Church. On December 19, 1990, after three years of struggling to establish a congregation, land was donated to the church for a building site. The land was deeded to them by Henry and Mary Strombeck and Sarah and John Shock. The deed reads, “to the church of God at Wilmot, known as the‘Saints!” Northern lakes In 1983 One qj the newest churches in the areaiis the Northern Lakes Christian Church. The church was established in 1983 by Pastors Thorpe and Karen Mitchell. The church is affiliated with Dr. Lester Sumrall of South Bend, and both pastors are ordained by the LeSea organization. The basic commitment of the church is to preach the uncompromised, word, to praise and • worship the Lord God and to love or.e another. North Webster's first newspaper The North Webster News was printed in 1897. Frank Rudy was proprietor and publisher. It came out every Thursday. Readers were asked to pay $1 per year in advance or $1.25 “if not paid within a year. ” There was little thought given to the composition of this paper as advertising, personal comments, humor and news tumbled out of the reader to make his own selection. Information was obtained from the book, "North Webster: From Boydston's Mill to Camelot Square," by Kip Sullivan.