Buchwalter, Ira J. (1870-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Jan 12 p. 1

Birth date: 1870 May 6

BISHOP WITH LONGEST RECORD OF SERVICE CALLED IN OHIO

Sugarcreek, Ohio. — Funeral services were held at the Pleasant Hill church near Sterling last Friday for Bishop Ira J. Buchwalter, 79, who passed away Jan. 3 at the home of his son, Harry, at Dalton. Bishop A. J. Steiner of North Lima officiated.

Bro. Buchwalter had probably the longest record of service of any bishop in the Mennonite General Conference. He was ordained in 1895 and served until the time of his retirement in 1947, a period of 52 years. He was widely known as an evangelist and Bible conference leader, and at one time was assistant moderator of the Mennonite General Conference.

In addition to his son, he leaves his wife, the former Emma Hurst, whom he married in 1891.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Jan 19 p. 3

text of obituary:

IRA J. BUCHWALTER

Ira J. Buchwalter, second son of Daniel and Sarah Brenneman Buchwalter, was born in Baughman township near Dalton, Ohio on May 6, 1870 and grew up on the farm owned by his brother, Daniel, and lived in the community of Dalton all his life.

For the last few years he had been in failing health. Over a week before his death he became seriously ill and was taken to the Massillon City hospital for an emergency operation which proved successful, but later other complications set in and on Jan. 3, 1950, he entered into his eternal rest, aged 79 years, seven months and 29 days.

At the early age of 17 years he began teaching school and continued in that profession for eight years. He left an excellent record as a teacher, endearing himself to the pupils and the patrons of the community where he taught. After he quit teaching, he engaged in farming and proved himself very efficient and successful in that occupation. At the same time he carried on his ministerial duties with his other work as was the custom of the Mennonite ministers in his day. This meant many sacrifices which he cheerfully made.

On Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day, 1891, he was united in marriage to Emma Horst, youngest daughter of Bishop Michael Horst. Bishop Adam Kornhaus was the officiating minister. To Bro. and Sister Buchwalter were born two children, Harry and Ruth. Ruth died in early childhood, Sept 6, 1903. Today those who remain to share in the sorrow of the passing of Bro. Buchwalter are his afflicted companion; his son Harry and wife: five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Effie Eschliman of Youngstown, Ohio; two brothers, Daniel and Charles, both of Dalton, Ohio. There are many other relatives and friends and many brethren and sisters throughout the brotherhood of the church that share in the sorrow.

In his young manhood he confessed Christ as his Saviour, and was received into the fellowship of the Mennonite Church on May 4, 1889, and continued faithful in the same until death. His wife, then Emma Horst, was received into the church on the same date.

On Sept 16, 1895, he was ordained to the ministry by Bishop John Burkholder and on Aug. 17, 1895, was ordained bishop by Joseph Bixler. At his death he was the oldest bishop in the Mennonite church in the point of time of service as we know the records. He held this office over 54 years. During these years he had charge of a number of congregations in Mahoning, Columbiana, Stark, Tuscarawas, Holmes, Wayne and Medina counties.

He was active in many phases of church work. He conducted Bible conferences and held evangelistic meetings in many churches in the United States and Canada. He served as moderator frequently in church and Sunday school conferences and served as assistant moderator of the General Conference.

He ordained the following brethren who are still living: A. J. Steiner, P. R. Lantz, I. B. Witmer, N. A. Lind, S. D. Rohrer, Alva Wingerd, Peter Baumgartner, David Falb, Paul Yoder. He also assisted in the ordination of Elmer Meyer, David Steiner, Omar Troyer, and Reuben Hofstetter.

During his ministry as reported at the 50th anniversary meeting of his ordination he had preached 2789 sermons, 299 funeral sermons, and performed 84 marriage ceremonies. A few more might be added since that time, but most of his time in recent years was spent in his home on account of poor health and in caring for his afflicted companion, which claimed his daily presence and care for months, even years. Not only his care, but the ministries of Harry and Charlotte were faithfully given in the months and especially so in the last weeks of father's illness. May the Lord bless these labors of love is the wish and prayer of many.

Funeral services were conducted from the Pleasant View Mennonite church at 2:30 o'clock January 6, 1950, with burial in the nearby cemetery. The services were in charge of James Steiner. A short service was held by Wm. Detweiler at the bedside of Sister Buchwalter, who has been an invalid for years. Taking part in the services were D. D. Miller. W. J. Myers, I. W. Royer, A. J. Steiner, E. F. Hartzler, and P. R. Lantz.

Pallbearers were bishops D. D. Miller, Paul Miller, Reuben Hofstetter, and ministers Samuel Rohrer, Wm. G. Detweiler, and Alva Wingard. There were 40 bishops, deacons and ministers present, and a large concourse of friends and relatives.