Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1916-02-11
Rev. J. z. Shcnk Dies
After Lone Illness


Rev. ]. E. Shenk, who recently re-
signed from the pastorate OF the First
Lutheran Church after founding 1t
and serving for five and one-hali
years, died at 2.30 O'Clock Friday
morning Feb'y, 4th, at his home on
West Washington street, Green's
boro, N. c., after an illness OF sew
eral months. For the past several
week his condition had been such that
the end was expected at almost any
hour and, while mis- passing yesterday
morning was distinct shock to the
community, it was not unexpected.
Liter being forced to remain absent
from his pulpit for several months on
account of failing health. the deceas-
ed rendered his resignation to the
members OF the church as their leader
on November %. the statement Of the
minister being read by member OF
the church from the pulpit. Tt was
the intention of the minister and his
family to remove to the western part
of the state, where it was hoped his
strength and health would be bene-
flied. The last illness frustrated these
plans.
Rev. J. E. Shenk was born in
Luray. Va, June Is, 1860, and was.
therefore, lacking but few months IT
being So years old. He was educated
in the Polytechnic institute at New
Market, Va, and at the University
Of Virginia Charlottesville. After
graduation he practiced law IN Luray
for period of five years, during
which he was very successful. He
entered the ministry in 1888 and was
ordained two years later.
From the time he was ordained un-
til the condition of his health forced
him to forego the pleasures he de-
r. we'd from following and idealizing
his calling, he was noted for the earn
estness and zeal with which he de-
livared bis messages. Especially
noted was he for founding churches
and remaining with them until firmly |
then seeking some new
field. he established the Lutheran
church at Norfolk, as he did the First
Lutheran church here in Greensboro
which, during the five and half years
Of its life, has shown wonderful
growth. He preached at Waynes-
ooro, Va, for six years, at Norfolk
or seven and one-half years, at
Woodstock, Va. for three years, and at
Concord for five years before coming
o Greensboro, making record OF a
otal of more than 26 years of activel
md successful service.
He was married to Miss Bertha G.
1enkel On February 5, 1890, and Of
his union eight children were born.
'wo died in their infancy and the rs-I
naming six, together with the widow,
urvive. The children are DR.. Merlin
'henk, of Salisbury, and Anna, Cor
on, Jay, Virgil and Virginia, all OF
Greensboro. His father, John A
;henk and sister, Mrs. D. H.
of Luray, Va, also
urvive.
The remains will be carried to Beth
chem, near Waynesboro, Va this
corning at $40 O'Clock on No. All,
here funeral services will be con. ,
ucted by Rev. j. W. Stricken.
LENDERS of the Greensboro Minis.
erial association will accompany the
emains to the station in body this ,
norning, taking this means OF ex-
PRESSING in small degree their ap-
,reciation of the work done by the
deceased during his ministry, and es-
,ecially of his masterful accomplish.
nents in this city. The entire city
nourns his death. Greensboro N. G.
Daily News.