Hudson and Clearmount

150^th Anniversary ~ Hudson and Clearmount

“I was glad when they said unto me: Let us go into the house of the Lord.” ~ Psalm 122:1

From the completion of the first church in 1862, throughout the years, the congregation showed a steady growth.  As the years passed, it became increasingly necessary to refurbish and add to the original structure in order to provide adequate room for the increased activities of the congregation.  The last of these major improvements was dedicated on September 14, 1913.

Shortly after the completion and dedication of the last improvement to the building at Wood and Champion Streets, the court affirmed the Erie railroad’s plan to eliminate the dangerous grade crossings in the downtown district.  The plan agreed upon necessitated the purchase by the city and the Erie railroad of all the property on the south side of Wood Street, including the site of Martin Luther Church.

In 1917, a call was issued to Rev. F. J. Schellhase, Mt. Healthy, Ohio.  This call was accepted and the new pastor was installed on July 15 of that year.  Under Rev. Schellhase’s inspiring guidance, committees were appointed to acquire a site on which to erect a new church and arrange for its financing and construction.

It was decided since 80% of the membership lived south of the river and many of the other 20% of the church’s membership would also move to the south side, that a location in that direction should be purchased.  Accordingly, a plot of ground nearly one acre in area located on the corner of Hudson and Clearmount Drives was purchased in 1924 at the cost of $11,700.

After many years of delay, the grade crossing elimination program became an actuality.  On September 10, 1930, the congregation approved the proposal to sell their property to the Erie railroad for the sum of $170,000.00.  Steps were taken immediately to build a new church and on Palm Sunday, March 29, 1931, the ground-breaking services were held.  On the festival of Pentecost, May 24, 1931, the cornerstone was laid.

Plans were being discussed for the dedication of the new edifice which it was hoped could be held about January 1, 1932.  It was not to be so.  The depression years of 1929 to 1933, with its bank failures, closed all avenues for financial assistance, and the contractor was forced to abandon the project.  At last, though Lutheran Mutual Aid Society of Waverly, Iowa, the congregation was granted the necessary loan with which to complete the church.  It should be noted that some members borrowed on their life insurance policies and mortgaged their homes in order to assure the completion of our church.  Such was the faith of many of the congregation who look forward and upward in the building of God’s Kingdom. 

Words of Faith from the Past

We are humble in acceptance of the responsibility given us.  It is our sincerest hope that we may leave, to the coming generation, a legacy which will be in keeping with that which was bequeathed us. 

Within our hearts, there is satisfying warmth and a feeling of profound gratitude for the blessings, which have been bestowed upon us.  It is our humble desire not only to share these blessings with others but to use the available facilities which God has placed in our temporary keeping to the utmost furtherance of His Kingdom.

Acknowledgement: The excerpts of this text were gleaned from the 100th Anniversary Book and a Welcome booklet.  Next Month ~ The Building of Martin Luther Lutheran Church