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Oberholtzer, Jacob (1767-1847)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Sep 26 p. 4
Birth date: 1767
text of obituary:
96-YEAR OLD Samuel Culp of the Columbiana, Ohio community stands beside historical marker dedicated to the memory of Jacob Oberholtzer, pioneer Mennonite minister. The inscription reads, "1957 in memory of Jacob Oberholtzer, the first Mennonite minister who came to Ohio 1806, the donor of this site for Oberholtzer meeting house, a log church 30x36 feet built 1825." The aged Mr. Culp, who attended services in the old church, spoke briefly at the dedication.
Commerate [sic] Coming of Pioneer Minister To Eastern Ohio, 1806
The Midway Church near Columbiana, Ohio was the place of a two-day program Sept. 7 and 8 commemorating the coming of Jacob Oberholtzer, first Mennonite minister to settle in this area, and the founding of the first Mennonite congregation here. It is believed he was the first resident Mennonite minister in Ohio.
Jacob Oberholtzer came to Ohio sometime between August 15 and Nov. 17, 1806. The first log church, a building 30x36 feet, was erected in 1825 on a plot of ground donated by him, just north of the preent church site, and now a part of the church rounds. It was first known as the Oberholtzer Church, and at the turn of the century became known as the Midway Church.
With the coming of other settlers the Mennonites spread out, and distances were too far to maintain only one church, resulting in the building of the Nold Church, now the Leetonia Church; the Metzler Church, now the North Lima Church; and the Wisler Mennonite Church.
A committee composed of members from the Midway, North Lima and the Leetonia churches arranged the commemoration program. Local members had charge of the devotionals and each of the local ministers had a part, with music selections contributed by several quartets. The principal talks were given by John C. Wenger of Goshen College. He discussed some of the underlying principles of the Mennonite faith, and closed with a discussion of "Today's Recovery of the Anabaptist Vision." His messages were helpful and inspiring.
Samule Culp, nearly 97 years of age and the only person living who remembers the old log church, gave his memories of the church and conditions of the day.
There were a number of visitors present. Among them were James Steiner of Wadsworth, Ohio, who gave a short talk, Walter Oswalds and John Steiner from Goshen, Ind., who formerly lived in this area. A number of other former residents who live in surrounding communities came back home for the day. Leo Holloway, a merchant from the town of Columbiana, representing the Historical Society of Columbiana and Fairfield Townships, also gave a short talk.
The perfect autumn weather, the inspirational talks, and the mingling of old and new friends made it a time long to be remembered.
The highlight of the observance was the dedication of a marble marker newly erected on the site of the original log church to the memory of Jacob Oberholtzer 1767-1847, first minister and donor of the site.
Present pastors of the churches are: Midway, Paul Yoder bishop, Ernest Martin minister; North Lima, David Steiner, bishop; Leetonia, David Steiner, bishop, and John Paul Oyer, minister.
Some one has said, "We learn by our failures as well as our successes." Let us profit by the lives of those who have gone before us and be careful that "our footsteps in the sands of time" will make the way easier, and not an occasion of stumbling, for those who follow.
