Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1913-08-06
HISTORICAL sKETcH OF RYAN
LUHERAN CHURCH. .5
.CBv Rev Eugene Melchert.)

Give THANKS unto the LOrQ, IOr ne
is good for his mercy endureth for.
ever. With these words greet to-
day our dear Ryan congregation at
the occasion of the 25th anniversary
Of Its organization. 4 3. 4 &
During the summer OF 1888, Rev.
Hansen Of E.-lvllle, Iowa, visited a
small groupe OF German Lutherans.
living in Hazel Green Township,
near Ryan, and gathered them under
the Influence Of the Word and Sac
raments OF God. Services were held
for some time in different school
houses. Then these people were or
ganizeG in August, 1888, as a con-
gregation which adopted the name
'.Friedens ,Gemeinde", Congregation
OF Peace) having adopted the con-
ditions Of Evangelical Luthera
congregations recommended by the
Iowa Synod. H.:
Revs. Romberg and Foedisch servi
ed the congregation for q short time
and then Rev. Melchert was called
in 1892, as resident pastor OF the
small flock. He has served this con-
|gregation for these twenty-one years
At that time the congregation. as
It's members, was In very poor con-
|dition; but 1t was developed by Gods
blessing and by earnest German di-
ligence and perseverance,, into =
fairly strong congregation. At the
time that Rev. Melchert took, charge
| 1t had hardly. 4 dozen members; now
It. has voting membership OF 70,
with 400 3 souls. Though some diff
ferences Of 4 opinion arose in the
first years Of the church, the faith
fnl God helped us and all difficulties
were overcome and under the in
fluence Of Gods Word Il and Sacra-
ments the congregation has steadily
increased in membership and strength
It's work has not been In vain as
the gradual development proves.
~ J 4 = sl H. &. rtg
In the year 1893, a church was
built as the permanent home Of the
congregation. Our English neighbors
most hberally helped to raise the
necessary means and, also afterwards
did much for the benefit OF our or
ganization.
The parsonage was built in 1895,
later on 1t was remodeled and en-
larged. In 1908 the steeple Of the
church was remodeled and bell was
purchased: for this purpose about
$1,000 was raised. Finally cemetery
was acquired. The actual value OF the
poperty amounts to 5000 with no
debts. Further improvements have
been decider upon. :s
The Official records show that dur,
ing these 25 years 1856 childen were
baptised, 203 confirmed, II couples
were united in wedlock, SO persons
were buried and the number OF COM
municants was 4570. The Ladies Aid
Society was organized II years ago
and has at present q membership Of
40. III Il 4. n.
At this occasion Of our anniversary
we should not forget to remember
that our God, the Lord, is the givel
OF all good, the source Of all love
and mercy. How richly has God bles
sed us from the beginning up to this
moment. How has ne helped in the
|yearawhen the harvest failed. And
how sbountifully has he povided for
his children. He granted grace
Land goodness, filled our hearts with
JOY, comforts and hope that our con
ftdence in Him should not waiver
but increase day by day. Until this
moment He has proved Himself tbs
Good Shepherd and led us to be
His obedient followers. Considering
these past experiences, the future
lies bright before us, and neither fea
nor despair shall ruffle our Joy. Nal
1 - t- u =
our songs and hymns and prayers
rise to His heavenly throne! AND
may he graciously look upon those
who follow his guidance from thu
church militant to the church tri
umphant.
"A large crowd was in attendance
and listened to the sermon OF th'
day preached by Rev, Hans Naether
pastor Of the Castle Grove Lutheran
church. At noon dinner was serve,
by the ladies Of the congregation
The afternoon sermon was breaches
in english by Prof, Fritschel o
Dubuque Rev. Melchert also rea'
the history OF the church, showin'
the development OF the congregation
Some features were several duet
|sung by Rev. Melchert and. his wife
Miss Lena Melchert presided a
the organ.
4. Mrs. Jennie Ford was a visito
| in Dubuque Friday.
e Id q y