Shelby County Indiana
Historical Articles
Churches
The Second Presbyterian Church
Historical Articles
Churches
The Second Presbyterian Church
Second Presbyterian Church (German). — Was organized at the instance of the Indianapolis Presbytery New School in 1867. Preliminary meetings, with this purpose in view, were held at the house of Father Shutt early in said year. The organization was effected by Henry Burkher, Sr., Mathias Schoelch, John De Prez, George Posz, Henry Hale, John Maholm, August Schwall, John Mohr, Jacob Stephens and John Shutt; Rev. Francis F. Friedgen was largely instrumental in bringing about the result. He served as pastor until March, 1872, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. I. Eshmeyer, who was educated in Germany and ordained in 1855. Previous to his pastorate here he served as pastor at Titon, O., Toledo, O., and at Indianapolis. Until 1872, services were held in the old Presbyterian Church, which stood on the corner of Harrison and Jackson streets. In said year the brick church on East Washington Street was completed at a cost of $6,500, Henry Burkher being the largest contributor. The church prospered beyond the most sanguine expectations of the members, and in the latter part of the seventies the communicants numbered about 140. Early in 1880 dissentions arose and differences between the pastor on one side and a large number of the most influencial members on the other, having failed to be amicably adjusted, about sixty-five of the members withdrew. The church at present is in a healthy condition and has about forty-nine active members.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, "Religious History," Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887, pages 376-377.
