NOTE: In 1946, the Evangelical and the United Brethren Churches were united, thus constituting the Evangelical United Brethern Church. And then in 1969 the Evangelical United Brethern Church merged with the Methodist Church and the First Evangelical United Brethern Church became Trinity United Methodist Church of Wichita Falls.
Brief History of First Evangelical Church
15th & Broad Streets, Wichita Falls, Texas
Written Aug. 1, 1936 by H.C. Hoesch, Pastor
Wichita Falls, Texas, a city of 10,000 inhabitants (Aug. 1, 1936, there are 50,000), was taken in due consideration by the Texas Conference of the Evangelical Church (Ass'n) at the annual conference session at Bowman, Archer Co., Texas, in Nov. 1910.
The conference voted unanimously to take Wichita Falls up as a new mission, and supply it with a pastor. A motion prevailed, to buy, or build, the cost not to exceed $5000. J. Wellner, C. Bunse, E.G. Johnson, F.J. Schaeffer, John Laukhuf, J.F. Lade, were appointed a committee to transact business. C. Bunse was appointed pastor, and organized a class of 16 members, the date being about Jan. or Feb. 1911.
In the month of February, while Bunse was the pastor, two lots were purchased at the corner of 15th and Broad, with a modern house on the first lot, at a cost of $3000. This house was moved south on the same lot, in May 1911, at a cost of $100.00, to make room far a new church building.
Since the inscription on the corner stone of the church is crumbling rapidly, we herewith give the inscription in full:
First Evangelical Association Building Committee
Rev. J.C. Wellner, P.E. - Rev. F.J. Schaeffer
Rev. C.F. Mayer, P.C, J.F. Lade, Rev. C. Bunse, J. Laukhuf, Rev. E.G Johnson
Erected -- 1911
Jones & Orlopp -- Architects
Ferguson & Hammock -- Contractors
We shall first give a brief history of the various organizations of the church, commencing with the Sunday School:
The Sunday School of First Evangelical Church was organized April 9th, 1911 by Rev. C.F. Mayer, the pastor, with 24 scholars, 5 classes and 5 teachers.
During April 1911, a 20X35-5 ft. wall tent was purchased by C.F. Mayer, the pastor, and F.J. Schaeffer, with personal means to accommodate the Sunday School and other services.
The first part of July, work began on the new church with the corner stone laying service conducted by Rev. J. Wellner, Presiding Elder of the Texas Conference of the Evangelical Church, assisted by Rev. C. Bunse, Rev. F.J. Schaeffer and the pastor, on July 16, 1911. The cost of the church building and fixtures was $2200.00, including the pews, etc.
Records do not show who the first Sunday School Sup't was. But we surmise that it was the pastor, Rev. C.F. Mayer. The first record of a Sup't shows that H.G. Karrenbrock was elected for the year 1913, and held that office for six consecutive years, namely, to Jan. 1st, 1919. John Maier was Sup't for the year 1919 and 1920. R.C McIver for 1921, however, R.C. McIver was licensed for the ministry the latter part of this year, and W.D. Cook served as Sup't the remaining part of that year, and part of 1922. In the Quarterly conference records of July 11th, 1922, W.D. Cook was recommended for the ministry by First Evangelical Church. This making the second minister going out from this church within a period of a few years. John Maier was then elected as Sup't, and served until the close of the year. From 1922 to 1936 the following served as Sup'ts: Alfred Laukhuf, 1923; Rudolph Ermel, 1924; R.C. McIver, 1925; Rudolph Ermel, 1924, R.C. McIver, 1925; Rudolph Ermel, 1926 to 1929, inclusive; Martin Finkler, 1930, and the first half of 1931; Z.W. Heath, the last half of 1931, '32, '33, '34. David D. Decker, 1935; and J.M. Farris, the present Sup't, 1936.
These splendid men of God, with the help of the other officers, teachers, pastors, and the Holy Spirit, have made this Sunday School a success.
The following are the names of the pastors, who have served First Evangelical Church, Wichita Falls, Texas: C. Bunse, Nov 1910 to March 15, 1911. C.F. Mayer, March 15, 1911 to Oct. 20, 1912. C. Ermel, Oct 20, 1912 to Nov. 21, 1915. Geo. E. Alstadt, Nov. 21, 1915 to Oct. 21, 1917. Albert Laukhuf and E. Brundage supplied for a few months. Geo. L. Trabant from early spring of 1918 to April 1923. A.C. Laukhuf from April 1923 to Aug. 26, 1923. F. Doege Aug. 26, 1923 to Nov. 1930, when he became ill and passed to his eternal reward, Feb. 3, 1931. H.C. Hoesch came to Texas, Dec. 12, 1930, commenced his ministry at First Evangelical Church, on Dec. 15, 1930, was appointed pastor, Feb. 12, 1931. And has served this field from that date to this writing, Aug. 13, 1936.
Concerning the progress of the Sunday School; its sudden gains and losses, much could be said, if we knew all the facts which enter into either case. Brother C.F. Mayer, the second pastor, states, " We need more consecrated teachers and workers. God answered that prayer also in time for the progress of the Sunday school.
Sudden increase and decrease in the enrollment, through out the years are some what surprising to us; in one year there is loss of 33%. The Sunday School commenced with 24 scholars, April 9, 1911, and had a steady increase, with the exception of 1912. And that year there was only a loss of 3. But the enrollment of 1916 is 184. The increase of five years respectively, is: 24, 46, 43, 61, 63, 103, 184, 169. In 1918 the enrollment is only 78. Then there is an increase again, so that in 1919 the enrollment is 136. For 1920, it is 193, for 1921, 389. But records show that this enrollment is for two Sunday Schools. It was in the fall of this year, that the Yale Ave. Sunday School was organized, and flourished splendidly for four or five years. But other churches crowding into Sibley-Taylor and neighboring additions, made it difficult for the Yale Ave. Sunday School. The severe depression, commencing in the year 1929, and continuing until the present date, made it impossible for Yale Ave. to carry on. In the fall of 1931, Bishop J.S. Stamm, Bishop of the South West area of the Evangelical Church, Rev. F.J. Winter, District of the Texas Conference of the Evangelical Church, Rev. J. Harbes, pastor of Yale Ave Church, and Rev. H.C. Hoesch, pastor of First Evangelical; the Yale Ave. congregation and the congregation of First Evangelical Church deemed it advisable to merge Yale Ave. with First Evangelical Church. This was accomplished Oct. 1931, and approved by Annual Conference at Lissie, Texas, Nov. 5th to 8th, 1931. Since the merger, almost five years have passed. And looking back, we believe it was a very wise move to merge these two congregations. We believe that God was moving us in this matter.
Let us look at enrollment from 1922 to 1926. The enrollment for 1922 is 180; for 1923 only 84. (In this year there is a loss of 95 scholars, we wonder why such a great loss). For 1924, 149; for 1925, 190; for 1926, 222. Here is another peak in the enrollment. The next two years there is a decrease. Enrollment in 1927 is 213; for 1928, 201; for 1929, 223; 1930, 253; 1931, 254; 1932, 373. (This high peak of enrollment is partly due to the merger of Yale Ave. coming to First Church, and Bowman Sunday School also were in our Sunday School even before the merger was ratified by Annual Conference, Jan. 20th, 1933, in El Campo, Texas) The enrollment for 1933 is 373; for 1934, 340; 1935, 290; Jan. 1st 1936, 272. (The decrease of the last two years is partly due to the severe depression. Some children had no shoes, nor clothes good enough to wear to Sunday School, nor Public School, and partly due to the cause that not all of the Yale Ave. Sunday School scholars remained with us, because of lack of transportation, and other reasons.)
A little more should be said here concerning the Bowman Sunday School, which was organized, we are told by our aged members, in 1887. Thus, next year should be their fiftieth anniversary. It was agreed at the merger that the pastor conduct services at Bowman every Thursday night, namely, league, prayer meeting and preaching, all during one service. This has been faithfully carried out by the pastor and Bowman people with marked success.
Next year a fiftieth anniversary should be observed at Bowman. We are sorry that we have only one Sunday School record, a league secretary book, and the last ten years Quarterly Conference records of Bowman Church. We wish we had all the names of the ministers who served the Bowman Church. The Texas conference journals only go back to 1911. We will give a few who have served before 1911: Rev. Priebe, Rev. C.F. Mayer, Rev. C. Bunse, Rev. F.C. Dissinger, Rev. C. Ermel, Rev. F.C. Schaeffer, Rev. Tampke, (A.W.), Rev. E. Schumm, and Rev. W. Esling was one of the very early ministers. (These are not in the order in which they served the Bowman circuit.) From an early date, we have also the name of Rev. Wismar. From 1911 to date, the following have served Bowman Church: W.H. Bulgrin, 1911 to 1913; W.H. Mahler, 1914 to 1919; Albert Laukhuf, 1920; C. Ermel, 1921 & 1922; J.F. Hoover, 1923 & 1924; R.C. McIver, 1925; C.S. Holley, 1926; W.H. Mahler, 1927 to 1932; H.C. Hoesch 1932; during this year Bowman Congregation merged with the First Evangelical Church in Wichita Falls.
The Sunday School at Bowman was organized in the early part of 1887, and conducted a splendid Sunday School until the merger with First Evangelical Church at Wichita Falls. We thank God for the pioneer work done at Bowman. We are happy to have the second generation in our Sunday School at First Church. May God bless the memory of our good Christian parents. May we be as faithful as they were in attendance and giving to Sunday School.
A Sunday School cannot be carried on without finances. First Evangelical Sunday School did excellently in a financial way in these years. Here the figures are more startling than in any other part of this organization. The common axiom is: "Figures don't lie". But we have experienced that figures are often the biggest liars. In some instances it is hardly plausible that offerings should fluctuate to such a great extent from year to year. The following are the figures from 1911 to date: In 1911 the total amount of offering raised was $11.47; 1912, $28.00; 1913, $38.12; 1914, $49.07; 1915, $42.82; 1916, $51.37; 1917, $150.72; 1918, $59.36; 1919, $117.89; 1920, $595.80; 1921, $685.26; 1922, $502.45; 1923, $285.34; 1924, $198.50; 1925, $450.00; 1926, $901.74. These were oil boom days of Wichita Falls. This is the record of offering to date: 1927, $226.20; 1928, $294.00; 1929, $638.78; 1930, $732.42; 1931, $744.79; 1932, $688.64; 1933, $794.29; 1934, $817.22; 1935, $636.37. We believe 1936 will excel all previous offerings in our Sunday School. We are making rapid progress in offerings.
It should be noted that First Evangelical Church had a part in organizing Scotland Evangelical Church at Wichita Falls. In the Quarterly Conference reports of March 10, 1922, we read as follows: "We have a new Sunday School in the Scotland addition. Reported, 88 members enrolled." Some of the Sunday School officers and teachers went from First Church to assist in Scotland and Yale Ave. Churches. They also may have had some effect upon enrollment, attendance, and offering of these years.
The future of our Sunday School looks bright. Fifteenth and Broad Streets is an excellent location for a church. It is near Austin School, a good grade school, and is also a good residential section. We are planning to erect an education building this year, the dimensions of which shall be 36 X 60 ft., the cost will be about $2000.00 to $2500.00. With this additional room for new scholars, we should be able to march forward quite rapidly in attendance, enrollment, and offerings. We have $700.00 in cash at this writing, and $200.00 more in pledges, also a loan from the Church Extension Society of the Evangelical Church of $1500.00 for four years at 2% interest. We are very grateful for this loan. We say forward in the name of Him, who said: "Lo, I am with you even to the end of the world."
The 25th anniversary of the Sunday School of First Evangelical Church was celebrated on Sunday, May 3rd, 1936. The Sup't. J.M. Farris, opened the Sunday School at 9:40. Dannie McIver, Ass't. pianist of our S.S. was at the piano before class session, and Mrs. L.B. Hodges, S.S. pianist, played for the closing part of Sunday School. After the class session, a picture was taken of the whole Sunday School. There are approximately 250 persons on the picture. We reassembled in the church auditorium for a short program. Brother Farris gave a short address. A. Hastings, Mrs. J.W. Baker, Z.W. Heath, and the Sup't. led in prayer during the program hour. The young people's choir rendered a special number. Miss Dorothy Posey, the S.S. secretary, read the history of the Sunday School, from the time of organization, April 9th, 1911, to date, which was compiled by H.C. Hoesch, the pastor. Mrs. J.A. McLaughlin rendered a solo, accompanied by Mrs. E.J. Fisher, church pianist, on the piano. The pastor preached on the text, 1st Sam. 7:12, "Ebenezer, hitherto the Lord has helped us." Rev. W.H. Mahler led in the closing prayer. The Sunday School offering was $16.59. There were 265 present in Sunday School session. It was a perfect day. The sun shone beautifully. Rain had fallen the preceding night.
The Woman's Missionary Society was organized April 27th, 1911 with five charter members, and was conducted in the German language, until the World War broke lose, and the United States entered into the war in 1917. It was reorganized in the year 1920 in the English language. The organization in 1911 took place in the parsonage, there being no church building at that time. C.F. Mayer, the pastor was chairman. The first officers were: Pres. Mrs. F.J. Schaeffer; V.Pres. Mrs. Helen Schaeffer; Sec. Mrs. Bohrhauer; Treas. Mrs. C.F. Mayer.
A motion prevailed that the Society meet every two weeks, and pay 10� monthly dues. The membership soon grew to eleven, and in the year 1913, two more were added. Records show that on Oct. 4th, 1912, $5.00 was voted to the Texas Conference missions, $2.50 to General missions, and $2.50 for linoleum in the parsonage.
In the annual report of 1913, we read that the total sum of money raised amounted to $30.30.
The last recording secretary's record we can locate of this society in May 12, 1915, at which meeting a letter was read from Bishop Wm. Horn, asking for financial aid for the orphan's home. It was decided that each member pay 25� toward this cause. (The Texas Conference shows that the W.M.S. was carried on after the year 1915, for the 1917 Conf. Journal shows 13 members and a total sum of $48.80 raised). Very likely the records of the W.M.S. of the years 1915 to 1919 are lost.
The Quarterly conference records, Jan. 2, 1920 state that the W.M.S. had been reorganized, and Mrs. W.D. Cook, elected president. She held this office until May, 4th, 1922, on which date Mrs. J.W. Baker was elected president, and held that office until Dec. 1929, when Mrs. E.J. Fisher was elected to that office. Mrs. E.J. Fisher held that office for 1930 and 1931. Mrs. L.E. Hughes was president 1932 and 1933. Mrs. E.J. Fisher was again elected for 1934. Mrs. C.Y. Elliott for 1935, and Mrs. L.E. Hughes for 1936.
A few statistics from the Texas Conference Journals of the Evangelical Church reveal the following: The 1920 Texas Conference Journal shows 11 members, and $12.00 raised during the conf. year. 1921, reports 28 members, and $101.88 raised; of this sum $43.19 was sent to the Texas Conf. Missionary Society. 1922 reports 18 members, a decrease of 10, but a sum total of $90.09 raised. In 1923, the membership dropped to 9. This is a low mark; from this point, the membership increases steadily. In 1924, the membership was raised to 37, and the total sum of $113.33 raised. Henceforth, there was a loss of membership for the next three years, so that 1929 it totaled 51. In 1930, the membership increased to 52, and raised $337.78. (A large part of this was spent locally for poor people.) The finances decreased from this time forth. Membership for 1931 was 55, and raised $121.52. Membership in 1932, 62, raised $73.78. Membership 1933, 74 (the highest peak) raised $128.76. Membership 1934, 74, raised $145.43. Membership for 1935, 58, raised $100.34. This another low mark, the result of which is the severe drought of 1934, many people moving away. Also through the cleaning up of records, taking members off of the roll, who had moved away.
The Golden Jubilee of the Woman's Missionary Society of the Evangelical Church was observed in the year 1934, and our full quota of $63.00 was raised. The Young People's Missionary Circle and the Mission Band also raised their full quotas.
A brief history of the Y.P.M.C., Mission Band and Little Heralds should be given here.
A Young People's Missionary Circle was organized Oct. 23rd, 1931 with 13 charter members. The following have been the presidents of Y.P.M.C.: Albert Reed, Rae Littrell, Evelyn Fisher, Irene Baker, and Dorothy Posey. The present membership is 25. Mrs. L.B. Hodges was first sponsor of this organization.
A Mission Band and Little Herald Roll was organized in Nov. 1931, with Mrs. S.G. Merritt, and Mrs. H.C. Hoesch, Advicors, Respectively. At the end of the first year each of these two organizations could report a membership of 26. After two years, the Mission Band was divided into two divisions, ages 8-12, and 12-15. They are doing fairly good work. The younger groups has a membership of 19, the older, 15. The Little Herald Roll has a membership of 17.
A Missionary Union was organized in Dec. 1930, composed of Yale Ave., Bowman, Scotland and First Evangelical Churches. Mrs. E.J. Fisher was the first president. The annual election was held Jan. 4th, 1932, with Rev. Harry Huscher, chairman. The first anniversary was celebrated with a beautiful three tier cake and birthday ceremonies. It was voted that we pay 25� dues to be used for the Missionary Maintenance Fund of the Evangelical Church. We were to meet four times a year; once in each of the four churches. Officers elected at this meeting for the ensuing year were: Pres., Mrs. E.J. Fisher; V.Pres., Mrs. F.A. Bidelspacher; Rec. Sec., Mrs. Fred Decker; Treas., Mrs. Geo. A. Turner; reporter, Mrs. M.M. Matthis. After Yale Ave. and Bowman merged with First Church, it was decided to meet twice a year.
Yale Ave. and Bowman also had a W.M.S. organizations, until they merged with First Church. Just when Bowman W.M.S was organized, we don't know. But older members claim it was about 1906. The Texas Conference Journal of 1911 reports 12 members at Bowman, and $17.00 raised; $5.00 for the Gen. Missionary Treasury, and $12.00 for the Texas Conference Missions. Through out the years, the membership increased and decreased. Finances always stood pretty high.
On Sunday Night, April 26th, 1936, the Woman's Missionary Society of First Evangelical Church celebrated its 25th anniversary. All of the presidents, were present and were seated on the rostrum, except Mrs. F.J. Schaeffer, deceased. Mrs. E.S. Marshall was in charge of the program. Mrs. Wayne Sommerville was the guest speaker. Mrs. L.E. Hughes led in the opening prayer. Armin Chas. Hoesch gave a trumpet solo, accompanied at the piano by his mother. Mrs. J.A. McLaughlin sang a solo, accompanied at the piano by Mrs. E.J. Fisher. Mrs. W.J. Baker gave a tribute and lighted the candle in memory of the first president, Mrs. F.J. Schaeffer. Mrs. C.Y. Elliott gave the offertory prayer. The ushers, in W.M.S. costume, were Mrs. J.A. McLaughlin, Mrs. I.M. Littrell, Mrs. L.L. Cossey, and Mrs. W.H. Norman. The history of the Society, compiled by H.C. Hoesch, the pastor, was read by Mrs. E. Elliott. The anniversary offering amounted to $2.83. Prayer was offered and benediction pronounced by the pastor. Approximately 150 persons were present.
The Woman's Missionary Society of First Evangelical Church has accomplished untold good for time and eternity. On this 25th anniversary, we want to make a new resolution to go forward in the name of the Lord. We cling to the good slogan: "The Line Shall Not Break Where We Stand!" May the Lord give us greater vision, and a deeper consecration to do more for Him each year.
The Brotherhood of First Evangelical Church was organized Sept. 17th, 1931, with 15 charter members. J.M. Farris was elected as the first president. It was decided to conduct monthly meetings. At the Oct. meeting, Dr. Wolford, a local physician, was our guest speaker, and gave us an instructive message.
The following statistics show in a brief way that this organization had a struggle, as any newly organized society has. But inspite of the struggle, it is doing fairly good work.
| Conf Year | Membership | Money raised |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 | 28 | $25.88 |
| 1933 | 28 | $1.55 |
| 1934 | 28 | $28.64 |
| 1935 | 66 | $34.89 |
J.M. Farris was president for two years. A. Hastings was elected for the year 1934. Z.W. Heath for 1935, and T.F. Sims for 1936.
On Nov. 1st, 1932, the first "Father and Son" banquet was held with great success. There were 57 fathers and sons present. Rev. Bruce Corbin, pastor of the local Grace Methodist Church, North, was our guest speaker. The Sunshine class served a splendid meal.
The next "Father and Son" banquet was still a greater success, held Feb. 18, 1936. Some of the women of our church donated their time, food, and prepared an appetizing dinner. The men sold the tickets, and made a profit of $37.73. The president, T.F. Sims, was the toastmaster. Rev. J.E. Montgomery, pastor of the local Highland Heights Christian Church was our guest speaker. Armin Chas. Hoesch rendered a trumpet solo, accompanied by his mother at the piano. Others on the program were Rev. C. Ermel, Rev. W.H. Mahler, U.W. Forcher and the pastor. Rev. H. C. Anderson, pastor of Scotland Evangelical Church read the scriptures. This was a very blessed evening spent.
It was the Brotherhood, who paid the last amount of $32.30 on the Decker Estate note, on March 1st, 1936. This was also the last remaining debt of the whole congregation. We are now debt free!! We praise God for this achievement, and thank all who helped pay these debts, during these years of severe depression. The Sunshine class started the "ball a Rolling" by paying approximately $60.00 on this debt a few years ago. Others fell into line to help.
There are now 66 members in the Brotherhood. Every male member of the church, above 16 years of age, is automatically a member. We are forward to greater things in the years to come for the Brotherhood. Men, filled with the Holy Spirit, give the church added power. We should ask with a St. Paul: "Lord what wilt Thou have me to do." And with an Isaiah: "Here I am, send me."
A history of the Leagues of First Evangelical Church must include all ages, and is very interesting. A junior league was organized in the late spring of 1911, the same year the congregation was organized, with 23 charter members. This league did good work for 2 years, then from 1913 to 1917 there was no junior league. The reason is not stated. Jan. 17th 1917 it was reorganized with 30 members, and has been doing good work up to the present time. The highest peak in membership came in 1932, when we had 66 on the roll. This league has always been a great help and inspiration to the children of the church and community. Many members have been added to the church membership roll, because of this league. We now have 40 on the roll.
A Young People's Alliance (as it was then called) was organized in Jan. 1913, by C. Ermel, the pastor. The first officers were: Rudolph Ermel, pres.; H.G. Karrenbrock, V.pres.; Anna Ermel, Sec.; Carrie Bohn, Treas. At the end of the conference year, Oct. 1913, there were 20 members on the roll. The first year this alliance raised $40.85 for a new organ for the church, $2.00 was raised for Texas Conference Missions, 50� for Conf. Branch expense, making a grand total of $43.55 for the first year, rather 9 months of existence. Emin Schmidt was elected president for the next year, and Fred Maier, secretary. In the year 1914 the league membership came up to 45. The total amount of money raised during that year was $43.65. But at the close of that year, the conference journal shows that the membership had dropped to 25. This was in Aug. 1915. But the splendid sum of $38.95 was raised. The next year the membership came to 31, and $54.20 was raised. In 1917 the membership dropped to 14, but they raised $40.30. There was no Young People's Alliance during 1918. But it was reorganized in 1919. The conference journal shows 24 members and $58.05. The 1920 journal shows 30 members, junior league 22 members, and the total money raised by the two leagues was $150.22.
The 1921 Conf. Journal shows two senior leagues, with 82 members, and two junior leagues with 50 members, raising a total of $114.48. (We believe that that was Yale Ave. and First Church combined). The senior league at that time was later called the Young People's League, and now Adult League. Thus what is called senior league, in the following statistics, is senior 1. Of today, ages 15-18.
A strictly Young People's League was organized Aug. 18th, 1932, the age for this league to be 18-24. The hitherto Young People's League was now named the Adult League. The six charter members of the Young People's League grew to 21. For two years this organization did pretty good work. Some of the young folks moved away, others married, others became discouraged. The league was reorganized in Feb. 1936. But because of lack of a good meeting place, it didn't meet that often. We look ahead to our new education building, where we will have plenty of room for all the leagues.
An intermediate league was organized in 1927 with 9 charter members, and done good work since that time.
A strictly senior league, ages 15-18, was organized Jan. 1930 and has been doing excellent work up to the present time.
Since the presidents of any organization always play a big roll, we will name some of the presidents of the Young People's Alliance, later called the Senior League, then Young People's League, and now Adult League. They are in order: Rudolph Ermel, Emin Schmidt, Elpa Zimmerman, John Maier, Alfred Laukhuf, Tom Sessamus, Gideon Mahler, Miss Emma Maier, Mrs. S.G. Merritt, Katherene (Ford) McLaughlin, Mrs. Katie Lou Anderson, J.M. Farris, and the present president, David D. Decker.
The Young People's League had the following presidents: Athlea Roberts and Edwin Heath.
Some of the intermediate League president's were: Lillian Hibbs, Helen Baker, Lawson Reed, Kenneth Coulson, Willie Lee Bowden, Armin C. Hoesch, and Edna Marie Forcher, the present president.
The Senior League had the following presidents: Lillian Hibbs, Ruth Fisher, Dorothy Posey, Lois (Posey) Simpkins, Mattie Lou (Heginbotham) Henry, Clyde Marshall, Edwin Heath, and Helen Garner, now president.
Some of the Junior League presidents recorded are: Erma O'Stein, Helen Jane Posey, Dannie McIver, Eliz. Lutz, and Evelyn Forcher, now president of the Junior League.
The Yale Ave. Church had from one to four Leagues organized during their nine years of existence (1922-1931) and did pretty good work.
The Bowman League, we mention last, but is not least. We read in one of their secretary's records (we wish we had them all): "A Young People's Alliance was organized on the camp ground, near Bowman (at that time that was north of Henry Mahler's place, near south edge of the Lake, about one half mile east of Joe J. Decker's place) on the evening of Aug. 27th, 1901, with 27 charter members, with the beautiful name "Emanuel" of the Salem's Congregation of the Evangelical Church at Bowman, Archer Co., Texas. On Friday night, Aug. 29th, 1901, these members met in the Salem's Church at Bowman for the election of officers. Rev. C.F. Mayer was chairman, John Mahler led in prayer. The pastor read Psalm 106, and led in prayer, and also read the constitution of the Alliance, and made remarks. The officers elected were: Pres. U.W. Forcher; V. Pres. John Mahler; Cor. Sec. Rev. C.F. Mayer; Rec. Sec. Carl Schreiwiess; Treas. Chas. Ford; Librarian Mary Krebs. A motion prevailed to order 12 "Voices of Triumph". And each of the members purchase one, also 6 bibles: 3 German and 3 English. The Alliance shall pay for the bibles. Seven "Evangelical Heralds" and 3 "Bundesbore" shall also be ordered and paid by the Alliance. The treasurer's report was that he had $2.50 pledged for these books. It was decided that the Alliance meet every Friday night at 8:00 in the Bowman Church. The next meeting shall consist of Bible Study. John Mahler prayed the closing prayer. (The above minutes were written in German, and signed by Rev. C.F. Mayer, Sec. Pro. Tem.)
Albert Priebe was elected president the following year. The membership of the Bowman League reached the high mark of 35 members during some years. We can only locate on sec. Record book, and that includes the minutes from the date of organization to 1910. In 1909 the platform of the church was extended by the league at a cost of $5.50; the committee consisted of Frank Ford, Fred Decker and Harry Krebs. From the minutes of Feb. 9th, 1910, we take the following: The committee for the carpet collected $5.30 with 50� left for the cost of the carpet. Dues received, $1.20,. $3.80 was taken out of the treasury to pay for song books.
The conference journal of 1911 shows two leagues, with 48 members. This, most likely, includes other field besides Bowman; either Henrietta, Halsell or Atwood. The Bowman league is still carried on, meeting every Thursday night. This means that it has been in existence continuously for thirty five years. Many interesting incidents and valuable history could be given here, if we had all the quarterly conference records, Sunday School, W.M.S. and League records since 1887.
In the year 1925, while F. Doege was pastor at Wichita Falls First Evangelical Church, the annex was built at a cost of $1800.00. Only one half of the money was raised and pledged at the time the building was completed. It took approximately five years more to raise the balance. But this building was a most wonderful help for Sunday School, League and social work. Those were the years of the "Oil Boom" in Wichita Falls and vicinity.
The times have changed so much between 1925 and 1935, that there is no comparison. We want to recall the terrific dust storms of 1934. These storms were over almost the whole United States. But raved the severest in the Midwestern states, viz., from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River, from Canada to the Southern part of Texas. They were so severe, that street lights in the city needed to be turned on during the day. Cars caught by it on the highway had to stop wherever they were, until the storm abated. An April 1935 of the "Evangelical Crusader" gives a picture of a typical dust storm, and Rev. Cecil R. Findley gives a very vivid description of such a storm in that issue. There were not only dust storms in 1934, but also in 1935, and some in 1936. Let me quote what he says of one of the dust storms: "The next really big "Duster" was on March 15th (1935) at night. People were killed on the highway because of poor visibility. A basket ball tournament at Garden City, Kansas, was postponed because of the danger to the players playing in the dust. Trains were "snowed in" by dust piled on the tracks. One family in western Kansas spent the night in the bathroom, that being the only room in the house where the dust could be shut out. Housewives awoke the next morning horrified at the thick covering of dust on the floors and furniture. On Wednesday morning March 20th, there was no day break in many sections of the dust storm plains. The dust clouds rolling in from the west produced a thick darkness that could literally be felt. Schools were closed, and church activities were postponed. Some people were fearful that the end of the world had come." (Rev. Findley is pastor of First Evangelical Church of Hutchinson, Kansas.)
In the year of 1934 the drought was so severe that farmers had no feed for the cattle. The government shot the poorer cattle, gave the meat often to the poor people, and paid the farmer a nominal price for such cattle. The government urged a certain percent of the cotton, wheat, oats, etc. to be plowed under, to get rid of the surplus crops, and paid the farmer a fair price for the crop destroyed. 1935 was a little better year. But this year (1936) the drought is very severe in the Midwestern states. No rain for months, severe heat (118 degrees); grasshoppers; wells, lakes and streams dry. What next!
I wish to give a few statistics of First Evangelical Church at Wichita Falls, from its beginning to date to show the progress made:
|
Year |
Membership |
Pastor salary |
Appropriation |
SS scholars |
EL - CE mem |
WMS mem |
Raised missions |
Avg per mem |
$ Raised all purpose |
Avg. $ per mem |
|
1911 |
16 |
$62.00 |
622.00 |
46 |
23 |
9 |
$52.70 |
$3.29 |
1043.42 |
$65.21 |
|
1912 |
46 |
185.00 |
340.00 |
43 |
23 |
9 |
118.70 |
7.41 |
1316.15 |
28.61 |
|
1913 |
40 |
250.00 |
450.00 |
76 |
20 |
13 |
125.20 |
3.13 |
1087.82 |
27.19 |
|
1914 |
46 |
247.00 |
400.00 |
87 |
45 |
11 |
145.93 |
3.17 |
775.92 |
16.86 |
|
1915 |
51 |
191.00 |
425.00 |
103 |
40 |
11 |
135.15 |
2.93 |
752.93 |
14.76 |
|
1916 |
30 |
244.82 |
400.00 |
184 |
31 |
12 |
69.91 |
2.33 |
783.74 |
25.28 |
|
1917 |
36 |
225.00 |
475.00 |
169 |
44 |
13 |
114.50 |
3.81 |
932.45 |
31.80 |
|
1918 |
30 |
114.70 |
475.00 |
78 |
00 |
00 |
39.42 |
1.09 |
504.78 |
16.69 |
|
1919 |
36 |
250.00 |
475.00 |
132 |
24 |
0 |
267.62 |
8.88 |
1103.02 |
36.73 |
|
1920 |
38 |
650.00 |
650.00 |
197 |
30 |
11 |
173.55 |
4.82 |
2487.07 |
82.97 |
|
1921 |
103 |
650.00 |
650.00 |
389 |
132 |
23 |
273.61 |
7.01 |
2684.99 |
70.65 |
|
1922 |
53 |
950.00 |
150.00 |
180 |
41 |
18 |
99.11 |
1.87 |
2478.09 |
43.49 |
|
1923 |
51 |
881.00 |
0 |
85 |
24 |
9 |
13.93 |
.26 |
1571.48 |
30.81 |
|
1924 |
54 |
1300.00 |
0 |
149 |
55 |
37 |
94.58 |
1.85 |
2907.69 |
57.01 |
|
1925 |
70 |
1300.00 |
0 |
190 |
54 |
50 |
183.60 |
3.62 |
3684.23 |
68.20 |
|
1926 |
82 |
1300.00 |
0 |
222 |
53 |
65 |
147.57 |
2.11 |
3429.53 |
48.35 |
|
1927 |
94 |
1300.00 |
0 |
213 |
42 |
58 |
291.00 |
3.54 |
3874.03 |
46.51 |
|
1928 |
97 |
1500.00 |
0 |
201 |
95 |
51 |
816.00 |
8.75 |
5889.25 |
62.72 |
|
1929 |
102 |
1545.00 |
0 |
236 |
60 |
51 |
272.81 |
2.82 |
3451.62 |
35.58 |
|
1930 |
120 |
1833.00 |
0 |
254 |
102 |
55 |
281.96 |
2.35 |
4350.19 |
36.25 |
|
1931 |
153 |
1361.75 |
0 |
373 |
122 |
61 |
250.00 |
2.11 |
2783.33 |
23.19 |
|
1932 |
180 |
1236.00 |
0 |
373 |
139 |
62 |
426.20 |
2.78 |
2944.72 |
19.25 |
|
1933 |
260 |
954.00 |
0 |
340 |
174 |
74 |
260.33 |
1.00 |
2547.37 |
9.79 |
|
1934 |
273 |
1082.00 |
0 |
290 |
146 |
58 |
504.88 |
1.85 |
2906.18 |
10.61 |
|
1935 |
232 |
1115.00 |
0 |
282 |
123 |
58 |
284.74 |
1.25 |
2828.16 |
12.29 |
The above figures are interesting. They do not reveal all. But they do reveal a great deal. There are always reasons for large gains and losses. We wish we knew all of them. The past five years have been very difficult in church work, in more ways than one. It was hard to raise money, many people, church members were out of work. Some worked half time, some worked for half pay, others for half time and half pay. Wages were low the past five years. Yet the Lord was with us. And is with us still. He will not leave us or forsake us. He helped us thus far. It was also hard for First Church, because of inadequate facilities. We would have a good Young People's League, and more Sunday School scholars, if we had room to house them. Three classes meet on the church lawn these past six weeks; three in the parsonage.
Wichita Falls First Evangelical Church entertained Annual Conference three times: 1927, 1929 & 1934.
We are making plans to build a new Educational Building in a few weeks. We have a loan of $1500.00 from the Church Extension Society, and a cash balance of $700.00, also a number of pledges. The Lord expects greater things from this church in the future. We are willing to help Him at His work. We say with the prophet: "Here am I, send me."
NOTE: The following information is from a 1954 Anniversary Sunday Bulletin
Charter members in 1911 were: Mrs. Minnie Eisler, H.G. Karrenbrock, Mrs. Frieda Laukhuf Krebs, F. Lade, John Laukhuf, Mrs. Will J. Laukhuf, F.J. Maier, Mrs. F.J. Maier, Miss Carrie Mohr, Daniel Oster, Mrs. Daniel Oster, Rev. F.J. Schaeffer, Mrs. F.J. Schaeffer, and Peter Weist.
Mrs. Frieda Laukhuf Krebs is today the only present charter member still a member of the church.
In 1940, the present church building was erected and dedicated. The total cost was $15,000. Bishop C.H. Stauffacher dedicated the church on November 17, 1940. Rev. P.L. Davis was pastor. A $9000.00 debt was held on the church.
In 1946 the church held a note burning ceremony following payment of the debt. Rev. Harry Huscher was pastor.
Pastor of First Church have Been:
C. Bunse - Nov. 1910 - March 1911
C.F. Mayer - March 1911 - Oct. 1912
C. Ermel - Oct. 1912 - Nov. 1915
George Altstadt - Nov. 1915 - Oct. 1917
Albert Laukhuf - Oct. 1917 - Feb. 1918
E.P. Brundage - Mar. 1918 - June 1918
Geo. Trabant - Jul. 1918 - Apr. 1923
A.C. Laukhuf - June 1923 - Aug. 1923
F. Doege - Aug. 1923 - 1931
H.C. Hoesch - Feb. 1931 - Jan. 1937
Francis Bayles, Jr. - Jan. 1937 - Dec. 1938
P.L. Davis - Jan. 1939 - Feb. 1942
Jessie Iwig - Jan. 1943 - Sept. 1944
Harry Huscher - Jan. 1946 - Sept. 1947
Joe Anderson - Sept. 1947 - Jan. 1949
P.L. Davis - Feb. 1949 - Jan. 1953
Robert O. Tupper - Feb. 1953 -
Also in 1954 Bulletin:
In Memoriam
Rev. William Henry Mahler
1873-1954
William Henry Mahler was born in Hanover, Germany and died in Wichita Falls, Texas. Age 80 years, one month and one week.
He came to America when he was 16, settled in Heidenhimer Community, near Temple, Texas, and became a farmer for several years. He married Miss Bertha Zellinger in 1894, both being converted the year previous in the Temple Evangelical Church and uniting with same church.
Brother Mahler made his decision to enter the ministry in 1905 and was ordained in 1907 by Bishop J.J. Escher. During the 25 years of his active ministry he served the following congregations: Post Oak, South Houston, Bowman, Henrietta, Red River and Atwood - the last 4 points near Wichita Falls; and the Scotland Church in North Wichita Falls.
Since his retirement in 1935, Rev. Mahler has been active in the First EUB Church in Wichita Falls; held offices as class leader, Sunday School teacher, and supply pastor. His faithfulness to all church services and his outstanding Christian character made him one of the most beloved men in the church and community. He was the Men's Bible Class teacher at the time of his death.