EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION
BROADWAY MISSION (GERMAN)
From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902
The Tod Street and Broadway Mission was begun in 1886. Brother Joh. Honecker served it, then Father Spies with the aid of C.A. Thomas. In the same year a church was also built. In 1888 Brother E.W. Jaecker served and after him L. Scheuermann, then C.F. Schoepflin, G. Gaehr, M. Koffin, and F. Handke, then J. Wahl for a month. Brother G. Berstecher then took over until he was replaced with Carl Wolgemuth. The latter was born on March 23, 1853 in Ballbronn, district Wasselnheim in Alsace. He came to America in 1872.
1886 – Broadway Mission – Tod near Union, Rev. John Honecker
1888 – Broadway Mission – Tod near Union, Rev. E.W. Jacker
1894 – Broadway Mission - Tod near Union, Rev. Gottlieb Gaehr
1898 – Broadway Mission – Tod near Union, Rev. Frederick Handke
1902 - 1906 – Broadway Mission – Tod near Union, Rev. Charles Wohlgemuth
CALVARY CHURCH
1918 – Calvary Church – 2765 Woodhill, Rev. J.W. Heinihger
1921 – Calvary Church – 2765 Woodhill, Rev. W.L. Naumann
1924 - 1928 – Calvary Church – 2765 Woodhill, Rev. Carl Hirschman
WEST SIDE MISSION (GERMAN) – LATER KNOWN AS EBENEZER CHURCH
From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902
In 1882 the Erie Conference declared a “West Side Mission.” The beginnings were made by L. Scheuermann. In July 1883, a lot was purchased on Swift Street, an old building was moved ther and dedicated as the Ebenezer Church. During the service of J.G. Theuer, the current property at the corner of Gordon Avenue and Sargent Street was obtained. During the ministry of Val. Braun the new church was built. Until now the following preachers have served: L. Scheuermann (twice), Jacob Honecker, T.C. Meckel (twice), B.F. Snyder, J.G. Theurer, Val. Braun, G. Berstecher, G. Schenk, J. Finkbeiner and currently Georg Gaehr.
Miscellaneous Information:
The church was established based on the recommendation of Salem Church (E. 9th and Hamilton) and the Heights Church (now Emanuel), by the Erie Conference of the Evangelical Association in 1882. It was founded as a German Mission in West Cleveland and Rev. L. Scheuerman was assigned to it. Meetings were held in a rented hall on Lorain Avenue and Aspen Street (W. 61st) until a lot was purchased on Swiss Street (W. 53rd), and a frame house was moved onto the lot to be converted into a chapel. The building was dedicated by Bishop William Horn as the “Ebenezer Kirche” on July 15, 1883. In 1890 a site was purchased at Gordon Street (W. 65th) and Sargent Avenue and the building was moved to that location to be used as a church until a new frame church could be built in 1891. The congregation outgrew the new church and in 1917 a red brick church was constructed on the same site. It was dedicated on November 11, 1917 and was the home of Ebenezer Church until December 4, 1966 when the final services were held. The church became a victim of Interstate 90. A new mission was established in south Parma about this time and the members of Ebenezer voted to turn the assets of Ebenezer over to the Ohio East Conference trustees to be used toward the construction of this mission church – The Covenant Church.
1882 - 1884 – West Side Mission – Gordon at Wine, Rev. Leonhard Scheuermann
1884 – 1887 – West Side Mission – Gordon at Wine, Rev. Jacob Honecker
1887 – 1888 – West Side Mission – T.C. Meckel, B.F. Snyder
1888 – 1891 – West Side Mission – Rev. J.G. Theuer
1891 – 1892 – West Side Mission – Rev. Valentine Braun and T.C. Meckel
1892 – 1895 – West Side Mission – Rev. Leonhard Scheuermann
1895 – 1896 – Gordon Avenue Mission – August Peter, G. Barstecker, G. Schenck
1896 – 1897 – Gordon Avenue Mission – Gordon at Sargent, Rev. Gottlieb Schenk
1897 – 1899 – Ebenezer Church – Gordon at Sargent, Rev. J. Finkbeiner
1899 – 1902 – Ebenezer Church – Gordon at Sargent, Rev. Theophilus Gaehr
1902 - 1906 – Ebenezer Church – Gordon at Sargent, Rev. G. Gaehr
1906 – 1906 – Ebenezer Church – W. 65th at Sargent, Rev. Wm. Bade
1906 - 1911 – Ebenezer Church – W. 65th at Sargent, Rev. John Ziegler
1911 – 1914 – Ebenezer Church – W. 65th at Sargent, Rev. Friederich Mueller
1914 – 1915 – Ebenezer Church – W. 65th at Sargent, Rev. H. Wiegand
1915 – 1921 – Ebenezer Church – W. 65th at Sargent, Rev. Robert Thiersch
1921 – 1923 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. Charles Rundt
1923 - 1930 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. Gustave Gratz
1930 – 1939 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. W.L. Seith
1939 – 1947 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. O.R. Swisher
1947 – 1959 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. Aldine L. Riter
1959 – 1961 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. Willard Shawk
1961 – 1962 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. Ernest B. Caplinger
1962 – 1966 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. Earl Goodwin
1966 – 1966 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. Dennis L. Hartman
1966 – 1967 – Ebenezer Church – 2195 W. 65th, Rev. George Schreckengast
EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH (GERMAN)
2536 West 14th and Starkweather
(later became Cleveland Baptist Temple)
(later became El Calvario)
This church was begun in 1863-1865 by a group of German people who lived west of the river. Land was obtained at the corner of Jennings and Starkweather, where the first frame church, built in 1865, was dedicated as a mission. It was known as Emanuel Church of the Evangelical Assn. In 1866, Rev. J.K. Pontius became the first regular pastor. A parsonage was built in 1870. In 1874 a new frame building in Gothic style was completed and dedicated. In 1890-93 a branch mission, Tabor, was established on the Southwest Side. Around 1908 the need for a new church was felt and services were held in another church while the building was being erected. The cornerstone was laid in 1909 and the present church, known as Emanuel Evangelical United Brethren Church was dedicated in 1910. In 1965 the 100th Anniversary of the church was observed.
The architects were Badgley and Nicklas. This church cost $35,000 and features an ornate corner tower with tall slender lancets and a small steeple. The light tan brick and a multitude of stained glass windows are distinctive and unique. Until 1969, it was known as Emmanuel Evangelical Church.
Germans were the first ethnic group to take up the site of 2536 West 14th Street. They made up the congregation of the Emmanuel Evangelical United Brethren Church. Even though the church wasn't completed until 1865, prominent numbers of Germans began arriving in Cleveland during the 1830s. Such unrest in the homeland including the Revolution of 1848 and Prussian domination leading to the formation of the Germanic Empire in 1871 propelled the German population in Cleveland even further during these times. Germans remained the largest group of immigrants in Cleveland up until the 1890s. After this, immigration decreased slightly, then shot back up in the 1910s. The history of this congregation dates back even before the plot of land was purchased. In 1863, the Salem Church located at East 9th Street and Eagle Avenue reached out to the German ethnic groups living to the west of the Cuyahoga River. Outside services were held there every Sunday for this group. In 1865, this group settled into its first structure on the corner of Jennings Avenue and Starkweather Avenue across from Pelton Park. This structure founded by John and Mary Marquard was named the Emmanuel Church of Evangelical Association. This original wooden structure was designed as a mission of the Salem Church. In 1870, a parsonage was constructed onto the side of the building. By 1874, it was apparent that this site was designated for religion, and the first wooden structure was replaced again with another wooden-framed structure. The new structure was a Gothic revival with a tall spire and church bell. From 1890 to 1893 the branch mission, Tabor, was established on the Southwest side of the structure. The church's rapid growth and dedicated congregation called for a permanent building and in 1908 services were held off the property for the construction of the new structure. Architects by the name of Badgley and Nicklas built a structure costing $35,000 that was unique to the neighborhood. In 1909 the cornerstone was laid, and in 1910, the side was dedicated as Emmanuel Evangelical United Brethren Church. This is the structure we see today. The Sanborn Map of 1896 shows the second wooden structure. This structure sits very close to Starkweather Ave., but far back from Jennings Avenue. There is also a small structure situated on the northwest corner of the property. This may have served as a storage garage or the parsonage. From 1912 to 1913, the permanent structure that we can see today is shown. It utilizes the width of the property completely and inches up closer to West 14th Street. The backside of the property is left unfilled for the parking lot. There is no current listing for the Emmanuel Church so it can be assumed that the congregation could no longer support the site. There is no record of why Emmanuel abandoned its site, but a few news articles and an oral history may suggest why. Loss of ethnic identity may not have directly caused the members to leave the Tremont area, but certainly aided as a catalyst. At Emmanuel, German was used exclusively during its services up until the First World War. However, by 1933, only one service is conducted in German, and according to the article, it is "the only trace of the early background". The census tracts showing the German population of Tremont also confirm this. The decline of German population is steady from 162 Germans in 1930 to only 11 in 1970. The Germans moved to more desirable homes in the suburbs which led to the demise of the Germans in Tremont. With the German ethnic group moving out of the area, in 1968, the Emmanuel Evangelical United Brethren Church closed its doors and signed over its deed to the Cleveland Baptist Temple.
Ohio Architect and Building posting in September, 1908:
“Badgley & Nicklas, 6110 Euclid Ave., will receive bids until Saturday on a church to be erected at Jennings and Starkweather avenues, for the Emmanuel Evangelical Church. To be one story, 15 x 120 feet, brick with stone trimmings, structural iron and steel, slate or tile roof, plaster ceilings, plastic ornaments, copper cornice, door hangers, continuation fixtures, art glass and steam heat.”
TODAY THIS CHURCH IS
El Calvario Pentecostal Church
2536 West 14th Street
216-687-1722
CLEVELAND BAPTIST TEMPLE - see Emmanuel Evangelical
From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902
On July 16, 1968, the Germans of Emmanuel Church signed over the deed to Cleveland Baptist Temple. The Cleveland Baptist Temple was formed before the congregation decided to occupy the church. The congregation formed ten years before and was led into their new place of worship by their founder Reverend Cecil Simmons. The Cleveland Baptist Temple remained here for a short 26 years before abandoning the site. Like Emmanuel, there was no new location for the Cleveland Baptist Temple. The Rev. Cecil Simmons was unreachable also. In this case, it can be assumed that like Emmanuel, the congregation of the Cleveland Baptist Temple also dissolved. The treasurer of El Calvario, Sol Rivera, remembers the Cleveland Baptist Temple when they had sold the site: "I think that all the members had left. They only had a couple of members and they couldn't take on the bills. And that's why it was for sale."
EL CALVARIO PENTECOSTAL – see Emmanuel Evangelical
2536 West 14th Street
216-687-1722
On April 15, 1994, Calvary Pentecostal Church gained ownership of the church previously owned by Cleveland Baptist Temple. Calvary Pentecostal Church is primarily of Hispanic heritage and is known to its congregation as ElCalvario. Like the previous churches that occupied this site, the members of El Calvario congregation had formed before moving into the building. The congregation had previously resided at 4505 Bridge Ave. Presently, El Calvario is working to maintain the structure of the building. Many restorations must be done to preserve the building for the future. The current project involves replacing the walls of the sanctuary. The walls have grown a brown layer of mold due to the poor ventilation system. Other plans include repainting where the old paint is peeling, recarpeting the sanctuary, and replacing the old wooden pews. El Calvario Church sits on the corner of West 14th Street and Starkweather. The sanctuary sits under a high dome and is lit by patterned stained glass windows. The pews are made of heavy darkly stained wood and are arranged in a chorus-like curve. There is a balcony above in the same curved fashion giving the sanctuary the feel of a southern courtroom. Wooden paneling closes off an arch to the left. At one time, a pulley could raise the paneling to reveal a room used for overflow. However, now a wall has been put up making the room a place for gatherings and banquets. The front is slightly raised giving it a stage appearance. On the side is a large, carved wooden structure where an organ and choir loft once sat. In the place of the absent organ are a drum set and an electrical keyboard. The service is conducted in both Spanish and English by a translator who dictates in the opposite language of the pastor.
From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902
The first beginnings of the Heights Emmanuel, now Jennings Avenue Church reach back to the year 1863. From 1863 to 1865 there arose a class, and during the summers Brother L. Scheuermann preached under the trees on the same spot where the church now stands. In 1865 this part of the city was received as a mission by the Ohio Conference, overseen by Brother L. Scheuermann together with the Salem Church, and he raised a little church with a membership of 46. Some of the first officers were: J. Marquardt, C. Striegel, J. Herr, H. Brandt, J. Buck, B. Eggert, F. and C. Buck. In 1873 the mission was changed into a station with 26 members under the oversight of Brother J.D. Seip, who built the current church. In 1876 the Erie Conference was organized in this church, and in 1901 during its 26th session it celebrated its silver jubilee in the same place. Since its origin the following brothers have served there: L. Scheuermann, J.K. Pontius, G. Hasenpflug, G.F. Spreng, J.D. Seip (twice), J.G. Theuer, M. Guhl, J.J. Lang (twice), G. Ott, C.L. Witt, F. Mueller, C.F. Schopflin, J.E. Mueller and currently F. Wiegand.
1862-1866 - Emanuel Evang Assn Church (GERMAN) - Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. L. Scheuermann
1866-1868 - Emanuel Evang Assn Church - Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. J.K. Pontius
1871 – 1874 – Emanuel Evang Assn Church - Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. G.F. Spreng
1876 - 1879 – Emanuel Church – Jennings and Starkweather – Rev. Matthew Guhl
1883 – Emanuel Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. J.J. Lang
1887 – Emanuel Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. John D. Seip
1891 – Emanuel Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. Frederick Miller
1894 – Emanuel Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. Charles Schoepflin
1898 – Emanuel Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. Jacob Lang
1902 – Emanuel Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. J.E. Moeller
1906 – Emanuel Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. Henry Wiegand
1908 – Emanuel Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. F. Mueller
1913 – Emanuel Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. Martin Neumeister
1921 – Emanuel Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. G.S. Gratz
1924 – Emanuel Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. Walter Yaecker
1928 – Emanuel Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. W.H. Schuster
FRIEDENSKIRCHE
1874 – Evangelical Church – Brown and Woodland and Platt.
1877 – Friedenskirche – Brown between Woodland and Platt
1879 – Friedenskirche – Brown between Woodland and Platt, Rev. John Seip
1883 – Friedenskirche – Brown between Woodland and Platt, Rev. Adam Bornheimer
1887 – Friedenskirche – Herald near Woodland, Rev. John G. Theuer
1891 – Friedenskirche – Herald near Woodland, Rev. M. Guhl
1894 – Friedenskirche – Herald near Woodland, Rev. Frederick Mueller
1898 – Friedenskirche – Herald near Woodland, Rev. Charles Schoepflin
1902 – Friedenskirche – 24 Herald, Rev. George Goetz
1906 – Friedenskirche – 24 Herald, Rev. Andrew Kaechele
1908 – Friedenskirche – 2620 E. 75th, Rev. Andrew Kaechele
1918 – Friedenskirche – 2620 E. 75th, Rev. John Hoffman
OAKDALE CHURCH
1894 – Calvary Church – Oakdale near Woodland, Rev. L.H. Seager
1898 – Oakdale Church – Oakdale near Steinway, Rev. E.W. Behner
1902 – Oakdale Church – Oakdale near Steinway, Rev. F.C. Neitz
1906 – Calvary Church – Oakdale near Steinway, Rev. Clarence Hensel
1908 – Calvary Church – E. 93rd near Buckeye, Rev. Charles Vandersall
SALEM CHURCH (GERMAN)
From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902
The Salem Church, whose building is currently on Linden Street is the mother congregation of the Community in Cleveland. The first members, the Schnuerer family, came to Cleveland in 1840. From then, there was preaching here until the city was designated a mission early 1841, and in summer a little church had been built. In 1855 a larger church had to be built on Erie Street. But in 1890 this church was sold and a new one built the next year on Linden Street.
1871 - 1872 – Salem Evang. Assn. Church , Erie and Eagle, Rev. C.G. Koch
1874 – Salem Evangelical Assn. Church, Erie and Eagle, Rev. J.G. Theuer
1877 - 1879 – Salem Church, Erie and Eagle, Rev. A. Bornheimer
1883 – Salem Church, Erie and Eagle, Rev. George Hasenpflug
1887 – Salem Church – Erie and Eagle, Rev. J.J. Lang
1891 – Salem Church – 275 Woodland, Rev. G. Gehr
1894 – Salem Church – 116 Linden, Rev. Andrew Woerner
1898 – Salem Church – 116 Linden, Rev. J.E. Moeller
1902 – Salem Church – 116 Linden, Rev. John G. Ziegler
1906 – Salem Church – 116 Linden, Rev. John Hetche
1908 – Salem Church – 2539 E. 33rd, Rev. Henry Wiegand
1913 – Salem Church – 2539 E. 33rd, Rev. Gottlieb Gaehr
1918 - 1921 – Salem Church – 2539 E. 33rd, Rev. J.H. Weigand
TABOR CHURCH (GERMAN)
From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902
This church received the name of Tabor Church at the time of its consecration. The beginnings of this mission were in 1889. In 1890 a church was built. Brother F. Mueller and the Jennings Avenue Church made great efforts for success, and at the next conference he could report that the church was free of debt. The current preacher is J.M. Herter.
1894 – Tabor Kirche – Concord near Evans, Brooklyn Village, Rev. George Walz
1898 – Tabor Kirche – Isabella near Evans, Rev. Theophil Gaehr
1902 – Tabor Kirche – Isabella at Eichorn, Rev. John D. Seip
1906 – Tabor Kirche – Isabella at Eichorn, Rev. John Ziegler
1908 – Tabor Kirche – W. 50th at Eichorn, Rev. John Ziegler
1913 – Tabor Kirche – W. 50th at Eichorn, Rev. Harry Fuessner
1918 – Tabor Kirche – W. 41st and Raible, Rev. J.G. Ziegler
1921 – Tabor Kirche – W. 41st at Raible, Rev. Ludwig Mayer
1924 – Tabor Kirche – W. 41st at Raible, Rev. Henry Fuessner
1928 – Tabor Kirche – W. 41st at Daisy, Rev. William Bennett
TRINITY CHURCH
1877 – Trinity Church – Madison at Woodland and Kinsman, Rev. D. Eckerman
1879 – Trinity Church – Madison at Holden, Rev. W.W. Sherrick
1883 – Trinity Church – Madison at Holton, Rev. J.H. Lamb
1887 – Trinity Church – Madison at Rawlings, Rev. S.S. Condo
1891 – Trinity Church – Madison at Rawlings, Rev. G.W. Miesse
1894 – Trinity Church – Madison at Rawlings, Rev. Peter Conklin
1898 – Trinity Church – Madison at Rawlings, Rev. A.F. Totheroh
1902 – Trinity Church – Madison at Rawlings, Rev. L.B. Myers
WOOLSEY STREET CHURCH (GERMAN)
From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902
In 1893 the Woolsey Street mission was begun under W. Lingelbach and C.A. Thomas. Since those days the following preachers have served: M. Koffin, J.C. Ludwig, C.F. Negele, and J.M. Herter. The founder and current preacher of the congregation is L. Scheuermann, who worked there for four years at the outset and brought the membership up to 35.
Before 1894 – Woolsey St. Church – Woolsey at Korman, Rev. W. Lingelbach
Before 1894 – Woolsey St. Church – Woolsey at Korman, Rev. M. Koffin
Before 1894 – Woolsey St. Church – Woolsey at Korman, Rev. J.C. Ludwig
1894 – Woolsey St. Church – Woolsey at Korman, Rev. C.F. Negele
1898 - 1902 – Woolsey St. Church – Woolsey at Korman, Rev. Leonard Sheuerman
1906 – Woolsey St. Church – Woolsey at Korman, Rev. August Dornheim
1908 – Woolsey St. Church – E. 79th at Korman, Rev. Gottlieb Gaehr
1913 – Woolsey St. Church – E. 79th at Korman, Rev. George Goetz
AARON STREET CHURCH LATER KNOWN AS ZION (GERMAN)
From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902
This church was earlier called the Aaron Street Church. The beginnings of it go back to 1854. In 1856 this area was accepted as a mission and Brother Joh. Walz was the first missionary. The first church was built in 1872 under J.D. Seip, and the present church was built in 1899 under Fr. Mueller.
1871 – Evangelical Assn. Mission – Aaron near Superior, Rev. H.C. Schwan
1872 – Evangelical Assn. Mission – Aaron near Superior, Rev. J.D. Seip
1874 – Evangelical Assn. Mission – Aaron near Superior, Rev. Frederick Heinrich
1877 - 1879 – Zion Church – Aaron near Superior, Rev. C. Hammer
1883 – Zion Church – Aaron near Superior, Rev. Herman Cordes
1887 – Zion Church – Aaron near Superior, Rev. George Ott
1891 – Zion Church – 180 Aaron, Rev. Valentine Braun
1894 – Zion Church – 180 Aaron, Rev. Christian A. Walz
1898 – Zion Church – 69 Aaron, Rev. Frederick Mueller
1902 – Zion Church – Superior at Aaron, Rev. Wm. Lingelbach
1906 – Zion Church – Superior at Aaron, Rev. Ernest W. Yaecker
1908 – Zion Church – Superior at E. 36th, Rev. Ernest Yaecker
1913 – Zion Church – Superior at E. 36th, Rev. J.E. Moeller
1921 - 1924 – Zion Church - E. 105th at Hampden, Rev. George Miller
1928 – Zion Church – E. 105th at Hampden, Rev. Ludwig Mayer