The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-09-25

Dut the Dury1ng ground has long since
been abandoned, and many of the
graves removed to larger and more
distant places of burial. Several Of the
pastors were buried on the north side
of the first house described on the
block. I think among these were Rev.
Benjamin Foust, and Rev. Fred Haas,
father Of the late George B. Haas.
After the death Of Rev. Anthony Weir,
Rev. Prof. William Schmidt had charge
of the Lutheran congregation awhile,
and during that time the joint Evan
gelical Lutheran synod of Ohio and
western Pennsylvania, started the pro-
1ect of theological seminary, and
made Prof. Schmidt one of the profess
sors think the first class was organi-
zed in Canton, occupying part Of the
HOLDEN building, in West Tuscarawas
street.-the same building where the
News Exchange Is now located. But
the seminary was finally located in
Columbus.
During Rev. Schmidts residence in
Canton he married Miss Rebecca
Buckius, daughter Of John Buckius, Sr.,
Old Mr.. Buckius was a timer by trade,
and carried on his business for some
years on the lot where Caldwell's store
Is now located, on the northeast corner
Of the public square. John Buckius, Sr.,
claimed he was the last man to look
upon the fact of George Washington.
He was living in Alexandria, Va, at
the time Of Washington's death, and
was called upon to seal the casket which
held the mortal remains of this great
man, before they were laid to rest at
Mt. Vernon.
About 1860 the Reformed congregation
withdrew from the union Of the two
congregations and built a new brick
church on the west end Of the block
Of lots. At that time the late Conrad
Schweitzer, Sr., was one of the most
active and efficient members, and con-
tributed much to the new interest. Rev.
F. c. Naue Is the pastor Of the congrega-
tion at this time, and the house Of wor-
ship has been much enlarged and i'm
proved from what 1t was when first
built.
In 1887, a portion oc the English speak
ing members Of the Lutheran congrega-
tion withdrew to start an English
church of the same faith. Rev. ]. J.
Fast was the first pastor and their
first services and Sunday school were
held in the old town hall, which was
an upstairs room over the old market
house that then stood in the center OF
the north public square. I remember
attending Sabbath school in that place
They afterwards had their place OF
worship in the main downstairs room
of the high school building, in West
Tuscarawas street. This they continu-
ed to occupy until they bought the loi
in West Tuscarawas street, where
| Trinity Lutheran church now stands
and built their first independent house
| Of worship, which was quite neat and
comfortable brick structure for those
times. It has since been" taken dowr
| to make room for the fine stone church
| that now stands on the same spot; ant
the organization Is now one Of the lead
ing ones Of Canton, and probably has
more wealth in its membership thar
any protestant congregation In the city
The Trinity Reformed church Is ar
English offshoot Of the German Re-
formed church. This took place abou
1870, and Rev. J. B. Shoemaker was the
first pastor. His was quite short pas
torate, after which Rev. q. Herbruck
now of Dayton, became pastor. H.
served the church for about sever
years, when, he resigned, and went t.
Dayton and published the christian
World" devoted to the interests of th'
Reformed church, which he continued
for a number of years. In later year.
he has also been connected with the in
terests of the college located at Tiffin
He still resides in Dayton.
JJpon the resignation of Rev. Il