Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1888-05-28
A NEW oHURCH.

The German Lut9efans TO Erect New
Ruildfng-Groxgth of the Church
Under Rev.~Charles HI. S1ebke-TVyo
Thousand Dollars Subscribed-Three
ThOusand Dollars More to be Raised
So0D/
The German Lutheran church in this city
has grown to such an extent that the MEN,
bers some time ago decided that they must
have more room. They did net know
whether to go elsewhere or build on the
present site. Ameeting was held yesterday
afternoon to decide on what course to pur-
sue.
The church as it now is stands on the
southwest corner of Wooster and Brewery
streets. It was formerly dwelling. It is
an antiquated structure, yet it was well and
substantially built and its timbers are nearly
as substantial as when first put up. The
entrance to the church is from the Wooster
street side, the steps leading up directly
from the street. Over the door, large old
fashioned wooden one, is the name of the
church and the pastor in German letters.
The building was not originally intended for
a church and SO no one would take it for one.
At the meeting yesterday afternoon the
question arose as to whether the German
Methodist church on George street should
not be bought. It was thought that as for
many years people had been used to coming to
the present place the new site would be out
of the way for many, and besides, the price
asked was considered rather steep. 1t was
therefore decided to build on the present site.
The members are very enthusiastic over
the new project. Two thousand dollars have
already been subscribed by twenty-four mem
bers. AS soon as the amount reaches So, COG
k11ox @e hr1s1l
meeting will be held four weeks hence, when
the money will probably all be subscribed
and then it will be decided to tear down the
present structure or add to it.
Rev. Mr. Siebke occupies the second story
of the building. Under his guidance the
tlons. Before the war he was pastor of q
church in Rondout, N. Y. When the civil
war broke out he enlisted and served for
some time in the service of the Union Later
he was in charge of church in Poughkeep-
sic, N. Y, after which he came to his pres
emit charge. Pastor Siebke was chaplain OF
the Second regiment, G. N. G., for several
when under Col. S. R. Smith, since Gen.
Smith, it made its famous trip to Washing
ton, D. c., and was reviewed specially by
Gen. Grant, Gen. Hancock, Gen. Sheridan
and others.
When Rev. Mr.. -Siebke first began his
work here there was no German Lutheran
church here, and the call was for him to or
ganize one. By the advice of his fellow
preachers he came, and in December, 1865,
he brought into existence the first German
Lutheran church in New haven. There were
twenty-ax members. Since then he has de-
voted his time and energies to building up
the church, and nothing better could attest
to this success than the fact that larger
quarters must be had. The grand success is
worthy the man. He is pleasant, one of the
kindest hearted of men, whole-souled and
generous. For a time he was teacher of
German in the Hillhouse High school He
has been pastor of churches for forty-two
years all told. The German Lutherans of
this city should be proud of such an able
pastor as Mr. Siebke