George Immanuel Wurster

Other Events:

• Interesting: military, elected office,
• Military: WW1 - 61st Battalion
• Residence: Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-353686
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Banker
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, 106th Regiment, Service #461084
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Sergeant, 61st Battalion
• Elected Office: 1919, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Township Clerk - Preston

Notes:

PRESTON LOSES ITS TOWN CLERK George Wurster Succumbs to Pneumonia - In His 47th Year.

Town Clerk George Wurster of Preston passed away on Friday evening at six o'clock following an attack of pneumonia. Those who survive to mourn his loss are a sister, Mrs. Percy Atkinson, with whom Mr. Wurster lived: one brother, Harold, of Walkerville; two uncles, Immanuel of Preston, and Christian of Hamilton, and an aunt, Miss Carrie Wurster of Preston.

The funeral was held Monday afternoon, the service being held at Mrs. Atkinson's home, Rev. W. H. Knauff of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, officiating. He was buried with Masonic honors.

The death of the late town clerk removes from Preston a man whose estimable qualities had won him a host of friends in all walks of life. Born in Preston 47 years ago, he was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Wurster. The family is one of the oldest in Preston, and his grandfather, the Rev. Immanuel Wurster, was the founder of the Lutheran church in this part of Waterloo County, organizing St. Peter's church more than 90 years ago. It was in 1915 that Mr. Wurster enlisted in the Great War, joining the 61st battalion of Winnipeg, and accompanying the battalion to Flanders Fields where he was on the front line for more than two years. Shortly after his return from the war in 1919 he was appointed town clerk, a post which he held until his death. A week ago Mr. Wurster was apprised of his appointment as JP. at for Preston and the county of Waterloo. He was a popular member of Preston Lodge A. F. and A. M. He was an accomplished pianst and at was for many years a member of the at Preston silver band.

Waterloo Chronicle 19 Jan 1928, p. 1

_______________

MANY AT FUNERAL OF GEO. WURSTER

LATE TOWN CLERK IS LAID TO REST-MASONS TAKE PART IN SERVICES

Hundreds of Preston's citizens from all walks of life yesterday afternoon paid their last tribute of respect to the memory of the late George Wurster, J.P., late town clerk, at the funeral held from his residence, King street near Argyle, scores of friends being present at the service inside the house, where Rev. W. H. Knauff, pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran church, officiated. The pallbearers were taken from among the most prominent citizens and near relatives, and were Messrs. A. R. Bernhardt, Karl Homuth, M.L.A., Town Assessor Ephraim Reist, Percy Atkinson, Christian Wurster of Hamilton and Fred Shantz.

At the close of the simple but impressive service Preston Lodge A.F. and A.M. took charge of the funeral, and, following the pall bearers, members of the lodge accompanied by eight representatives from the Preston Veterans' Association of which the late Mr. Wurster had also been a very popular member officiated as flower bearers. The officers of the masonic lodge formed a guard of honor as well as the representatives of the P.V.A. All officers of the Masonic lodge wore the time honored insignia of office. The members of the town council, the officers of the corporation and a large number of prominent and public men were among the hundreds present who paid their last respects. Chief Crawford ordered the line of traffic at the corner of King and Argyle streets.

Pays High Tribute

In his address the pastor paid high tribute to the memory of the late Camb clerk, and I am sure he said "that to many of us the question has arisen why God has done this thing. We know that the shadows often flit over us and obscure our path, but, as Jesus said to St. Peter, we may not know now but we shall in due time. We were all shocked Friday evening when our dear brother suddenly passed out. He was a man of illustrious ancestry, he came of a family of pioneers in this county and of this town, whose people were primarily responsible for the establishment of our church of St. Peter's in Preston, a man of Christian antecedents, of a fine Christian spirit. That glorious line of pioneers and representatives of pioneer families is becoming more and more extinct as one by one they are being laid to rest."

"Our brother was a gifted, a talented man, who all his life gave freely and willingly of all he had, a man who I believe was once organist of our church, who in social circles gave of his musical talent generously, who always liberally helped others, always helped to bring sweetness to the lives of those about him. A town official. he is surrounded now, as he is laid to rest, by you town fathers. Only a few short days ago he received the signal honor of the appointment of justice of the peace. A few days ago few thought this was to be his last illness. Having seen service in France on the front line he had still been permitted to give even greater service among his fellow men here in the town where his grandfather, the Rev. Immanuel Wurster, established more than 90 years ago the first Lutheran church. This was an inconsequential illness, but God saw fit to take him. Coming as he did of a true Christian family with its honored traditions, himself baptized in the Lutheran faith, and having in every way become a Christian and lived a Christian he has gone back to God."
More than 25 automobiles followed the remains to Preston cemetery where they were interred as the last rites were carried out, and ....

Other Events:

• Business: 567 King St. E., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; store
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/237164793
• Name: F. G. Wurster
• Name: Fred G. Wurster
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-353684
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Occupation: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Storekeeper
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Frederick married Wilhelmina "Mina" Beck 25 Mar 1879, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Wilhelmina (daughter of John Beck and Rosina Bernhardt) was born 13 Oct 1852; died 30 Apr 1906, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/237164864
• Name: Mena Beck
• Name: Wilhelmina "Mina" Wurster
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-353685
• Birth: CALC 12 Oct 1858, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

DEATH OF MRS WURSTER.

Preston, April 30. - The death occcurred here this afternoon of Mrs. F. G. Wurster, in her 48th year. Deceased had been ailing for some time and her demise was not unexpected. The late Mrs. Wurster is survived by a husband, a prominent merchant here, and three children: George, accountant in the local branch of the Merchants' Bank, and Miss Clara and Master Harold at home. Deceased belonged to the great Beck family, being a daughter of the late Jno. Beck, She was well known to all Preston people and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in distress. Always an active member of the Lutheran church, she, was also greatly interested in the Women's Hospital Aid Society and other charitable organizations. The funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon from the late residence to Preston cemetery.

The Chronicle Telegraph 3 May 1906, p. 1

Other Events:

• Name: Immanuel Wurster
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-351088
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; minister
• Church Membership: 1860, Peace Lutheran Church, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Occupation: 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Occupation: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Peace Lutheran Church

The Lutheran congregation in Breslau is reported to have been organized c.1860 by Pastor Immanuel Wurster of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Preston, who served there from 1854-1881. Pastor Wurster also organized the Lutheran congregations in Hespeler and Shantz Station at about the same time. A church, which was built in 1885, was located on the south side of Mill Street in Breslau. The building was still there in 1969, in use as a residence.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

___________________________________

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church

It is believed that a congregation was formed in the 1850s and that services were held in the Free Church, Bridgeport (built in 1848) prior to 1861 when the congregation's first pastor, the Rev. Jacob Hoelsche (1861-1873), began his ministry. The congregation was regularly organized at that time. Services and Sunday School continued to be held in the Free Church. Rev. Hoelsche was followed by Revs. J.L. Rau (1876-1878) and A.R. Schultz (1878-1882) who were from Elmira, and by Rev. Immanuel Wurster from Preston, 1882-1887.

A church was built at 606 Lancaster Street in 1889; consecration of the new building was held on July 22, 1889. The congregation was on the Conestogo-Breslau Circuit at the time. The church was enlarged considerably in 1939 with basement renovations and the construction of an addition to the back of the church. Dedication for this major task was on October 1, 1939.

The 80th Anniversary of the founding of the organization of the congregation was celebrated on October 19, 1941 with the dedication of a new entrance to the church. Land on Waterloo Road (now Bridgeport Road) was purchased in 1949, with plans to build a newer and larger church. It was not until May 27, 1956 that a ground-breaking ceremony was held to signal the beginning of construction of the new church. The cornerstone was laid July 15, 1956, and on March 31, 1957 the new church was offically opened and consecrated by Dr. A.G. Jacobi, President of the Canada Synod. Final services had been held in the old church one week before, on March 24, 1957. (The old church building had been advertised for sale on February 9, 1957.)

According to Eylands (1945: 92) the church at one time was joined in a parish with St. James in St. Jacobs, and St. Matthew's, Conestogo. Of interest: The hand which was on the steeple of the old church is now on the former Freeport United Church which was relocated in 1962 to Doon Heritage Crossroads.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

_______________________________

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church

A first Lutheran service was held by Rev. Jacob Hoelsche from St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Preston in 1854 in a non-denominational community meeting house located on Cooper Street. Rev. Hoelsche resigned in the same year. Services were held over the following years by various pastors, sometimes those from other denominations. The congregation was formally organized in 1860 by the Rev. Immanuel Wurster, also from Preston, who became the first pastor, serving St. James in a joint Parish with the Preston church. He continued in this capacity for the next twenty-one years, until his resignation on December 1, 1881.

Continuing growth of the congregation made necessary a building with more space. A decision was made on July 26, 1866 at a congregational meeting held in the community meeting house to build a church. The congregation met to choose a building plan for the new stone church on July 15, 1867. Rev. Wurster officiated at the laying of the cornerstone for the church on August 25, 1867. The building was completed in October 1868 and dedicated on November 1, 1868. It was a plain structure at first - the wooden spire was added in 1884.

The congregation, known at first as St. Jacobs German Lutheran Evangelical Church of Hespeler and Vicinity, was served from Preston until December 4, 1886 when the first pastor, Rev. E. Littwien, was called. At that time, the connection with Preston was severed; the parish then was made up of St. James, and the churches at Shantz Station and Breslau. A parsonage was built on Harvey Street in 1892, to be replaced in 1965 by a new one on Elizabeth Street. In 1912 Hespeler became a parish on its own, and in 1913 English-language services were begun. German services were discontinued entirely in 1934. The Church Hall was built in the newly excavated basement of the church in 1947; dedication services for this major task were held on December 14, 1947. The congregation celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the present church building on Sunday, October 18, 1992.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

_______________________________

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church

The congregation was organized on December 1, 1834 by the Rev. F.W. Bindemann (1834-1838). Worship services were held in homes and barns until the Lutheran Rudel brothers erected a stone building for this purpose at the corner of what is now Queenston Road and Montrose Street. The premises were also made available to other congregations when they were first established in Preston. Land for a Lutheran church was purchased in 1837 and a frame church was built in 1839 on King Street on the site of the present St. Peter's. This fifty foot by forty foot church with its sixty foot tower was Preston's first church, called Christ Church, and was free for the use of all denominations. The building was used until replaced by the present-day stone church. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on August 21, 1887. The old frame church had been relocated before then to a lot on the corner of Queen and Church Streets where the congregation worshipped until the new stone church was ready for consecration in 1889. Weekly evening services in the English language began at that time.

A new parsonage was built in 1913 on land behind the church, and renovations and improvements have been made to the interior of the church over the years. A new Christian Education wing was built in 1957 (cornerstone: January 27, 1957) and dedicated in 1958. Pastors who followed F.W. Bindemann were Revs. J. Huettner (1838-1849) who was the first regular pastor, F. Hildebrandt (1849-1850), Jacob Hoelsche (1850-1854), and Rev. Immanuel Wurster who served the congregation from 1854-1881. Rev. Wurster also ministered to St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hespeler.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

___________________________

Shantz Station Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

As the congregation was not organized until 1860, Lutherans from the area worshipped at the Lutheran Church in Preston from c.1855. Rev. Immanuel Wurster of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Preston, conducted the first service in Shantz Station on February 5, 1860 in a school about one mile west of the community. Formal organization of the congregation was on March 25, 1860 by Rev. Wurster. A church was built two years later in 1862 on a half acre of land (German Company Tract, part lot 85) donated by John Galt of the Canada Company. There were 58 charter members listed as of 1862. Of interest is the fact that the church once had a steeple. It was demolished in an electrical storm in 1904 and was rebuilt only to be destroyed again in 1930 by lightning. It was not rebuilt after that.

In 1885 the congregation split from the Canada Synod and joined the Missouri Synod, only to return to the Canada Synod in the spring of 1891. From 1912-1934 Trinity was served by pastors and students from Waterloo College. Rev. Otto Lincke of the College was pastor from 1912-1919, students preached from 1919-1922, and Rev. Professor Henry L. Henkel also from Waterloo College was pastor from 1922-1934. The congregation was joined in a parish with St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Guelph from 1937-1981, and has been on its own since that association ended in 1981.

Pastors who followed Rev. Wurster (1860-1869) were Revs. C.F.A. Kaessmann (February 1869 to October 1869), Hermann Sagehorn (1869-1872), Immanuel Wurster, for the second time (1872-1885), and Peter Andres (1885-1890)..

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

________________________

German Evangelical Lutheran Church

A congregation, to be known as the German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Strasburg, was formed in 1844 by Rev. Wendlin Schuler. The first church (of logs) was built in 1847 or 1848 just south of the Bleams Road intersection. A cemetery adjacent to the church was first used in 1850.

The congregation was formally organized by Rev. Immanuel Wurster in April, 1857. It was part of a Parish with St. James in Mannheim, St. James in New Dundee, St. Matthew's in Plattsville and St. John's in Berlin, as each was established; the congregation later, on April 1, 1893 became affiliated with only St. James, Mannheim. The old church building was dismantled and removed in 1905.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

_________________________

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

The congregation was founded in 1837 by Rev. F.W. Bindemann, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kitchener; early services were held in homes or other suitable meeting places. Property for the first church building was purchased from Jacob C. Snider for 5 shillings (approximately $1.25). The cornerstone was laid in the spring of 1838 and dedication services in the new church at 72 King Street North in Waterloo were held in the fall of the same year. Rev. Bindemann was pastor. He was replaced in 1841 by Rev. Jacob Huettner of Preston who then ministered to both congregations. When the church's first membership list was compiled on October 24, 1841, the congregation numbered sixteen persons.

The frame church was destroyed by fire and replaced by a new, larger one in 1883. This, too, was destroyed by fire - on October 31, 1959. The congregation then built a new stone church at a new location on Willow Street, with dedication taking place on October 14, 1962.

Early pastors except for Rev. Bindemann (1837-1841), who was asked to resign in 1841, were Revs. J. Huettner (1841-1849), F.A. Peifer, Immanuel Wurster (1851-1855), and Jacob Hoelsche who began his ministry in 1855. Rev. Wurster ministered to St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Preston jointly with St. John's for one year until assuming charge of only Preston in 1855.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

Church Membership:
Peace Lutheran Church

Begun: c.1860 Closed: c.1927

The Lutheran congregation in Breslau is reported to have been organized c.1860 by Pastor Immanuel Wurster of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Preston, who served there from 1854-1881. Pastor Wurster also organized the Lutheran congregations in Hespeler and Shantz Station at about the same time. A church, which was built in 1885, was located on the south side of Mill Street in Breslau. The building was still there in 1969, in use as a residence.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Ambrose, Rosemary. Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide to Churches Established Before 1900. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada: Waterloo-Wellington Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, 1993. [used the kind permission of Rosemary Ambrose 2011]

Immanuel — Carolina Huttner. Carolina (daughter of Rev. Jacob Huettner and Christina) was born 20 May 1832, , France; died 27 Sep 1908, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Carolina Wurster
• Name: Carrie
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-351089
• Immigration: 1833, , Canada
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/243318504
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-39674
• Residence: 1858, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1870, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Moulder
• Occupation: 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Moulder
• Occupation: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Stove Moulder
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Moulder

John married Rosina Bernhardt 9 Apr 1867, Doon (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Rosina (daughter of Philip Jacob "Jacob" Bernhardt and Barbara Rupp) was born 6 Dec 1831, Buffalo, Erie, New York, United States; died 28 Dec 1922, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 31 Dec 1922, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/243318617
• Name: Rosina Beck
• Name: Rosina Lang
• Name: Rosina Salyards
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-39563
• Immigration: 1850, , Canada
• Residence: 1858, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1867, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Died In Preston, Thursday Dec. 28th 7 p.m. Rosina Bernhardt Widow of the late John Beck Aged 91 years. The Funeral Will be held from the residence of her granddaughter Mrs. P. Atkinson, King St., at 2.30 p.m. Sunday Dec. 31st. Interment to take place at Preston Cemetery.

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-351084

Christian — Christiana Huttner. Christiana was born CALC 6 Aug 1806; died 20 Feb 1879; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Christiana Wurster
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-351085

Other Events:

• Name: Jacob Hüttner
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-55800

Notes:

A-1-59 Jacob Hüttner: Last Will and Testament of Jacob Hüttner, formerly of the Village of Preston, Minister.

In the name of God Amen! I Jacob Hüttner, of the Village of Preston, in the Township of Waterloo…Minister of the Lutheran Congregation in the said Village of Preston, being weak in body but of strong mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament.in manner following. I will and desire that all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses be paid by my Executrix as soon as conveniently may be after my decease, and as to my wordly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, I give and dispose of the same as follows : I give, devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate, whatsoever and wheresoever unto my beloved wife Christiana Hüttner, her heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns for her own absolute use and benefit, and I appoint my said wife sole Executrix of this my will…

Witnessed by Otto Klotz and Charles Ebert.
Will dated 27 January 1849
Will proven 12 February 1855
Died 10 December 1854?

Surrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 partial transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber.

_______________________

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church

The congregation was organized on December 1, 1834 by the Rev. F.W. Bindemann (1834-1838). Worship services were held in homes and barns until the Lutheran Rudel brothers erected a stone building for this purpose at the corner of what is now Queenston Road and Montrose Street. The premises were also made available to other congregations when they were first established in Preston. Land for a Lutheran church was purchased in 1837 and a frame church was built in 1839 on King Street on the site of the present St. Peter's. This fifty foot by forty foot church with its sixty foot tower was Preston's first church, called Christ Church, and was free for the use of all denominations. The building was used until replaced by the present-day stone church. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on August 21, 1887. The old frame church had been relocated before then to a lot on the corner of Queen and Church Streets where the congregation worshipped until the new stone church was ready for consecration in 1889. Weekly evening services in the English language began at that time.

A new parsonage was built in 1913 on land behind the church, and renovations and improvements have been made to the interior of the church over the years. A new Christian Education wing was built in 1957 (cornerstone: January 27, 1957) and dedicated in 1958. Pastors who followed F.W. Bindemann were Revs. J. Huettner (1838-1849) who was the first regular pastor, F. Hildebrandt (1849-1850), Jacob Hoelsche (1850-1854), and Rev. Immanuel Wurster who served the congregation from 1854-1881. Rev. Wurster also ministered to St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hespeler.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

________________________

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

The congregation was founded in 1837 by Rev. F.W. Bindemann, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kitchener; early services were held in homes or other suitable meeting places. Property for the first church building was purchased from Jacob C. Snider for 5 shillings (approximately $1.25). The cornerstone was laid in the spring of 1838 and dedication services in the new church at 72 King Street North in Waterloo were held in the fall of the same year. Rev. Bindemann was pastor. He was replaced in 1841 by Rev. Jacob Huettner of Preston who then ministered to both congregations. When the church's first membership list was compiled on October 24, 1841, the congregation numbered sixteen persons.

The frame church was destroyed by fire and replaced by a new, larger one in 1883. This, too, was destroyed by fire - on October 31, 1959. The congregation then built a new stone church at a new location on Willow Street, with dedication taking place on October 14, 1962.

Early pastors except for Rev. Bindemann (1837-1841), who was asked to resign in 1841, were Revs. J. Huettner (1841-1849), F.A. Peifer, Immanuel Wurster (1851-1855), and Jacob Hoelsche who began his ministry in 1855. Rev. Wurster ministered to St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Preston jointly with St. John's for one year until assuming charge of only Preston in 1855.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

Jacob — Christina. Christina was born 1805, , France; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Christina Huettner
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-43079
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• House: Beck St., Doon, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Name: Frederick Beck
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-34518

Georg married Barbara Mourloch 8 Aug 1813, Weiler, Baden, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Barbara was born 10 Oct 1791, Sloan, Baden, Germany; died 1 May 1870, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182840169
• Name: Barbara Beck
• Name: Barbara Morlock
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-34519

Other Events:

• Name: Jacob Bernhardt
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-35454
• Residence: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

THE JACOB BERNHARDT FAMILY HISTORY

By Clara Wurster Atkinson

The dates in this history were obtained from the records in German, of Rev. Jacob Huettner (pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Preston, from 1838 - 1849) and records of Rev. I. Wurster (pastor of St. Peter's 1854 - 1881). Rev. Huettner was the great grandfather, and Rev. Wurster was the grandfather of Mrs. Percy (Clara Wurster) Atkinson who completed this account at Preston on April 21, 1952.

Among the early pioneers of Waterloo County, Ontario, were Philip Jacob Bernhardt (known as Jacob) and his wife Barbara Rupp Bernhardt, who came to America in 1831 from Oberhofen, Alsace.

Jacob and Barbara were married in 1817 in Oberhofen and they lived there and also in Steinseltz. Typical of the ambitious, industrious people of those days, they spent happy hours tilling the fertile soil of Alsace and enjoying the exceptionally fine climate of the Rhine Valley.

Following the custom of those southern provinces, they harvested many kinds of fruit, especially grapes and prune plums, and made quantities of wine. Instead of carrying water to men working in the fields, they served them from huge jugs filled with grape and prune wine.

Another quaint custom which they observed on Shrove Tuesday was the making of fried cakes of the yeast variety (a tubful as the tale was told), and in the evening friends gathered to enjoy these large twisted cakes served with coffee. It was a time of feasting, dancing and merrymaking. There appears to have been an abundance of food. However, at that time many people were leaving Alsace for America, the New World.

In the spring of 1831 Jacob and Barbara decided to leave their homeland with its pleasant surroundings and neat farm, for the wilds of America. They set sail from Le Havre, France, with their five children: Catherine, John, George, Henry and Magdalene. After a long, rough voyage they landed at Buffalo, N.Y., on July 4, 1831. Independence Day celebrations were in full swing with fireworks and crackers even at that early date. Barbara, who had been accustomed to war and unrest in her homeland, was terrified. She thought they had landed in the midst of a terrific war, and decided that America was not the peaceful spot she had anticipated.

Barbara refused to settle in Buffalo, so they journeyed on by oxcart to the little town of Hamburg, N.Y. After resting there awhile they again travelled on, finally settling in a rural section near the village of Boston. To be exact, their home was between Boston and Eden, both small New York State villages. Here they cleared the land and farmed until coming to Canada about the year 1841.

Being possessed of strong religious principles, and faithful to the Lutheran church in their homeland, they wanted to settle as near as possible to a Lutheran church in this wild country. While there they were quite close to the little old Evangelical church, which was located on the East Eden Road near Hamburg and was later torn down. The church was founded in 1829 by German emigrants who were on their way to Wisconsin but were marooned by the severe New York State winter.

It is almost certain the Bernhardts attended this church when they arrived in 1831, but unfortunately the church records from 1829 to 1845 were destroyed by fire. It is therefore impossible to obtain records of attendance and christenings of children. However, the records of their confirmation in St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Preston, Ontario, show that the children born in America were christened near Eden, N.Y. Five more children were born to the couple in their American home: Rosina, Elizabeth, William, Jacob, and Philip.

They heard of the fertile lands along the Grand River near Waterloo, Canada, which lured them on to cross the border into the deeper wilderness of Canada. They settled in Waterloo Township north of Kossuth where the farm upon which they settled, now cleared of its forest and in a high state of cultivation, stands as a monument to their industry and patience. Here they lived for some years, until Jacob was in poor health, the work was too strenuous, and the boys were leaving home. They decided to settle in Preston, where they had been faithful members of the Lutheran church since their arrival in Canada. Also, the long drives to attend church had become wearisome.

Arriving in Preston, Jacob became an innkeeper. On April 11, 1855 he purchased Lot No. 17 on the corner of King and Montrose Streets (later the Von Ende property) from Dinah Sidney Smith. Here the Bernhardt tavern was located for many years. After Jacob's death in 1857, his son George carried on at the inn. Incidentally, Jacob's son Henry had purchased Lot No. 14 from Alex. Grant on Jan. 15, 1855.

Jacob and Barbara spent happy days at the inn, but not for long. Jacob died in 1857 at the age of 61 years. He was laid to rest in the old Lutheran cemetery behind the church, with Rev. Immanuel Wurster officiating. Barbara lived with her son-in-law and daughter (Mr. and Mrs. John Beck) at their home which is now 132 Waterloo St. N. in Preston. There she died on Jan. 24, 1881 at the age of 86 years. During a blinding snow storm that drifted the snow so high that a tiny cutter almost overturned, she was laid to rest in the old section of the Preston cemetery (known as The Row) with Rev. I. Wurster officiating. The stone and inscription are still in perfect condition.

At the time of her death there were 84 descendants, but today there are many more Bernhardts.

BERNHARDT FAMILY RECORDS

Philip Jacob Bernhardt (known as Jacob) Born in Oberhofen, Alsace, France, March 29, 1796 Married in Oberhofen in 1817 Died in Preston, Ont., July 23, 1857, of dropsy Age 61 years, 3 months, 25 days Buried July 25, 1857 in the old Lutheran cemetery behind the church by Rev. I. Wurster Survivors: widow, 10 children and 22 grandchildren.

His Wife
Barbara Bernhardt (nee Rupp)
Born in Oberhofen, Alsace, March 28, 1794 Married in Oberhofen, 1817 Died in Preston, Ont., Jan. 24, 1881, of cancerous tumor Age 86 years, 9 months, 7 days Buried Jan. 26, 1881 in Preston cemetery by Rev. Wurster

Survivors: four sons (one son George had died and one son John had disappeared); four daughters; 40 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren. Total of 84 survivors

CHILDREN OF JACOB AND BARBARA BERNHARDT
First five children born in Oberhofen, Alsace. The other five children born near Boston, New York State.
1.Catherine-married (1) Michael Roos in Buffalo, 1833.
(2) John Hinderer in Preston, 1859.
2.John-married Anna Steppler in Preston, 1845.
3.George-married Elizabeth Steppler in Preston, 1845.
4.Henry-married Dorothea Rahn in Preston, 1850.
5.Magdalene-married Hubert Kratzmeier in Preston.
6.Rosina-married John Beck in Preston, 1867.
7.Elizabeth-married Gustaph Kraus, Baden.
8.William-married (1) Isabel Campbell, Galt.
(2) Kate Munroe, Galt.
9.Jacob-married Elizabeth Israel in Preston, 1861.
10.Philip-left Preston about 1881.

Atkinson, Clara Wurster Atkinson. "THE JACOB BERNHARDT FAMILY HISTORY" Forty-Fifth Annual Volume, Waterloo Historical Society., 1957, Annual Report

Philip — Barbara Rupp. Barbara was born 27 Mar 1791, Oberhofen, , Alsace, France; died 24 Jan 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Bernhardt
• Name: Barbara Reul
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-35455
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran