Bertha Mae Gingrich

Other Events:

• Name: Bertha Mae Moyer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-92304
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Maid
• Residence: 1921, 42 Frederick St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Occupation: 1923, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Housekeeper

Notes:

MOYER, Bertha Mae -- At Fairview Mennonite Home, Cambridge, Wednesday, Dec 25, 1985, in her 87th year, Bertha Gingrich. Beloved wife of the late Stanley Moyer; dear mother of Ronald Paul of Kitchener and Robert Stanley of Vancouver, B.C. Predeceased by one daughter, Marjorie (Mrs. Samuel Hoekstra) of Milwaukee. Also survived by eight grandchildren; five brothers, Cecil, Wayne and Clayton of Cambridge, Lorne of Kitchener, Arthur of London Ont. and three sisters, Ida (Mrs. Joseph Cressman), Mrs. Enetta Weber and Mrs. Cora Groh, all of Cambridge. Mrs. Moyer was predeceased by two brothers, the Rev. John Ginrich of Pueblo, Col. and Rev. Arnold Gingrich of London and one sister, Mrs. Mary Austen of London. Mrs. Moyer was born in Waterloo township and was a resident of Kitchener for a number of years, coming to Cambridge in 1981. Friends will be received at the Barthel-Stager Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Rd., Cambridge, Friday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held Saturday, 2 p.m. at the Fairview Mennonite Centre Auditorium, 515 Langs Drive, Cambridge. Interment in Woodland cemetery, Kitchener. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Fairview Mennonite Home or the MCC would be appreciated by the family.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Record 27 Dec 1985

Bertha married Stanley Moyer 27 Jun 1923, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Stanley (son of Abraham Moyer and Mary Ann Daum) was born 20 Jan 1891, Palmerston, Peel Township, Wellington Co., Ontario; died 21 Jun 1981, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Marjorie Carol Moyer was born 1924; died 1969.
2. Robert Stanley Moyer
3. Ronald Paul Moyer

Other Events:

• Name: Enoch S. Gingerich
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5647.4
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennoite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Gingrich, Enoch S., son of Jacob B. and Elizabeth (Sherk) Gingrich, was born in Waterloo Twp., Ont., March 8, 1871; died at Kitchener, Ont., June 15, 1961; aged 90 y. 2 m. 27 d. On Dec. 29, 1896, he was married to Rebecca Witmer, who survives. Also surviving are 7 sons and 5 daughters (John, Cecil, Lorne, Arnold, Arthur, Clayton, Wayne, Ida-Mrs. Joe Cressman, Bertha-Mrs. Stanley Moyer, Annetta-Mrs. Wolfred Witmer, Cora-Mrs. Harold Groh, and Mary-Mrs. Freeman Austin), 44 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the First Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held June 17, in charge of C. F. Derstine and Edgar Metzler.

Gospel Herald, August 1, 1961

Enoch married Rebecca Witmer 29 Dec 1896, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Rebecca (daughter of Isaac Witmer and Leah Bear) was born 8 Nov 1875, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 May 1967, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Rebecca Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00003-605.7
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunkard
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Gingrich, Rebecca, daughter of Isaac and Leah (Baer) Witmer, was born in Wilmot Twp., Ont., Nov. 8, 1875; died at South Waterloo Hospital, Galt, Ont., as the result of a stroke, May 26, 1967; aged 91 y. 6 m. 18 d. On Dec. 29, 1896, she was married to Enoch Gingrich, who died in 1961. Surviving are 7 sons (John, Cecil, Lorne, Arnold, Arthur, Clayton, and Wayne), 5 daughters (Ida--Mrs. Joseph Cressman, Bertha--Mrs. Stanley Moyer, Mrs. Anetta Witmer, Cora--Mrs. Harold Groh, and Mary--Mrs. Freeman Austin), 44 grandchildren, and 54 great-grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of her family being predeceased by 4 brothers and 5 sisters. She was a member of First Mennonite, Kitchener, where funeral services were held May 29, with Robert N. Johnson, Rufus Jutzi, and C. F. Derstine officiating.

Gospel Herald - Volume LX, Number 25 - June 27, 1967--Pages 582-83

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61444702
• Name: Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3178
• Residence: 1863, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1866, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Jacob B. Gingerich, "was born June 13th, 1840. He was first married to Mary, daughter of Rev. David and Elizabeth (Betzner) Sherk. She was born February 4th, 1837. They resided on the old "Sherk Farm" on the east bank of the Grand River, opposite the village of Doon where she died May 3rd, 1866. After her decease he was married to Elizabeth Sherk, sister to his first wife. She was born July 27th, 1845. On July 1st, 1878, he was ordained as a minister of the Mennonite body for the Hagey and Wanner field of labor. He is a good man and a diligent worker for the Master, and is very liberal in his views in regard to the plan of salvation. As a minister he is very popular on his fields of labor. Of first wife there was one son named David (dead). Of second union there were ten children".

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

____________________

Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

The second meeting house in Waterloo County was built, probably in 1814, by John Erb, a wealthy miller of Preston. This brick meeting house served as a community church and was located "near Jacob Hagey's", which was on the road running from the top of the Kress Hill west and "adjoining the Kitchener Highway" (Witmer 1967: 26). Another meeting house, known as the Union Meeting House, was built in the area around 1824. A meeting was held in the Union church on November 20, 1824 to commence recording the accounts of the congregation in Hagey's Deacon Book. The deed of land for the Union Meeting House and burial ground, which was for one acre of part Lot 22, Beasley's Broken Front, was transacted in 1835.

Hagey Meeting House was buiilt of red brick in 1842 on part Lot 23, just north of Preston on the west side of the Breslau Road, and slightly north of the Union Meeting House site. The deed, dated February 2, 1842, recorded the purchase of the land from John Hilborn and stressed that the property was to be for "the purpose of public worship by the Mennonist Society" (Witmer 1967: 28). Joseph Bechtel was the first minister in the area, from 1804-1837; he was followed by David Sherk (1838-1843). Next came Joseph Hagey (1844-1877), who was ordained bishop in 1851, and then Jacob B. Gingrich from 1878 to 1901. Services were held every four weeks until 1890 when bi-weekly services were begun. A Sunday School was established in 1842 with the congregation of Wanner Meeting House near Hespeler, but it was discontinued because of a difference of opinion regarding the need for Sunday Schools. On April 26, 1891 a Sunday School was organized at Hagey's, with deacon Abraham Oberholtzer as superintendent. Five years later, on June 10, 1896, a Sunday School was organized at the Wanner church.

Major changes were made to the church building in 1927-1928 when the basement was excavated, new windows were installed and the roof was raised two feet. Fire on January 15, 1950 caused extensive damage to the interior and furnishings of the church. The building was completely renovated and also enlarged at the same time; dedication was on July 2, 1950. Another fire, on Feburary 19, 1953, completely destroyed the church. A congregational decision was made to build a new church, on Concession Road in Preston, and the cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 1953. Official dedication services in the new Preston Mennonite Church were held on May 16, 1954. The building was enlarged in the summer of 1989.

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

____________________________________

Gingrich - Pre. Jacob B. Gingrich was born in Waterloo Twp., Ont., June 13, 1840; died Oct. 11, 1920; aged 80 y. 3 m. 28 d. He was first married to Sister Mary Sherk, daughter of Pre. David Sherk. She preceded him in death. He was again married to Elizabeth Sherk, sister of his first wife, Dec. 2, 1866. July 2, 1878 he was ordained to the ministry and for thirty years served to the best of his ability in that capacity. He labored with the Wanner and Hagey congregations. Twelve years ago he received a paralytic stroke while in the pulpit from which he never fully recovered. The last four years he has been confined to his home. He was a devoted companion and a kind father, ever willing to help those in need. He was patient in his sufferings. He leaves a loving companion, 4 sons, 3 daughters, and 26 grandchildren. Two sons and 1 daughter preceded him. Funeral services were held at Hagey's Church by Brethren Ben Shantz, Abram Snider, and Jonas Snider. Many relatives and friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect. Burial in cemetery nearby.

Obituary - Gospel Herald, November 25, 1920

Jacob married Elizabeth Sherk 9 Dec 1866, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Rev. David Sherk and Elizabeth B. Betzner) was born 27 Jul 1845, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Nov 1934; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61444742
• Name: Elizabeth Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5647
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1866, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Shirk, "was born July 27th, 1845. She was married to Rev. Jacob B. Gingerich and resides on part of the old "Sherk Homestead." To them were born ten children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

__________________________

Gingrich. - Elizabeth Sherk, wife of the late Jacob B. Gingrich, was born July 27, 1845; died Nov. 12, 1934; aged 89 y. 3 m. 15 d. She became a member of the Mennonite Church in her early years. She was married to Jacob B. Gingrich in 1866, who was ordained to the ministry of the Mennonite Church 12 years later and who preceded her in death in the year 1920. To this union were born 10 children: Mary (Mrs. Martin Boyer), John (who died in infancy), Enoch, Norman, Dilman, Elizabeth (Mrs. W. K. Jacobs), Nancy (Mrs. Levi Hostetler), Jacob, Samuel (died in 1904), Barbara (died, 1911) ; also 24 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren living.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXVII, No. 35 - November 29, 1934 - pages 754,755

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00135-8304
• Residence: 1867, Guelph Township, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunkard
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunkard
• Retired: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Isaac Witmer, "is married to Leah Bear. They reside in Wilmot Township, near Huron Road. He is a farmer."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_______________


Witmer. - Isaac Witmer was born April 3, 1842; died Jan. 10, 1929, at the home of his son J. Wesley, near Petersburg, Ont. On Nov. 5, 1867, he was united in marriage to Leah Baer and to this union were born ten children: Mrs. Wm. Spaetzel, New Dundee, Ont.; Mrs. Jacob Spaetzel, Petersburg, Ont.; Jonas, who died in his fourteenth year; Isaiah, Kitchener, Ont.; Mrs. Enoch Gingerich, Preston, Ont.; Mrs. Samuel Schmitt, Kitchener, Ont.; Mrs. Noah Otterbein, Petersburg, Ont.; J. Wesley, Petersburg, Ont.; Edmund, Kitchener, Ont.; and Mrs. Herbert Herner, who preceded him in death twenty-three years ago. These with 3 brothers (John, Listowel, Ont.; Benjamin of Sask.; Henry, Preston, Ont.), 1 sister (Mrs. Edward Grabiel, Fordwick, Ont.), 72 grandchildren, and 59 great-grandchildren survive. On Aug. 17, 1908, his wife was called to her eternal home. He was married on Feb. 1, 1910, to Elizabeth Doner of Stayner, Ont., who also passed to her reward on May 31, 1918. He was converted when forty-four years of age and united with the Brethren in Christ Church and lived a faithful and consistent Christian life. He served in the office of deacon in the Waterloo, Ont., district for a number of years. Because of a lingering illness he was confined to his bed for the past three years, yet he always bore his suffering with patience and Christian fortitude. Funeral services were conducted at the Rosebank church on Jan. 14, 1929, in charge of E. J. Swalm assisted by Simon Cober and Manasseh Hallman. Text, Psa. 107: 30. Interment in cemetery near by.


Gospel Herald - Volume XXI, Number 48 - February 28, 1929 - page 1005, 1006, 1007

Isaac married Leah Bear 5 Nov 1867, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of Rev. John G. Bear and Anna "Nancy" Pannabecker) was born 2 Sep 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Aug 1908; was buried , Rosebank Community Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Witmer
• Eby ID Number: 00003-605
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1867, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunkard

Notes:

Leah Bear, "was born September 2nd, 1839. She is married to Isaac Witmer. They reside in Wilmot Township, where he is engaged in farming. Their family consists of ten children"


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Other Events:

• Name: John Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3176
• Residence: 1837, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Gingerich, "son of John and Anna (Hackman) Gingerich, was born December 26th, 1814, and died December 11th, 1875. He was married to Anna Burkhard who was born November 1st, 1816, and died October 18th, 1883. They resided on their farm a few miles north of the town of Waterloo where they had a family of twelve children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Johannes married Anna Burkhard 7 Feb 1837, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of Peter Burkhard and Barbara Guth) was born 1 Nov 1814, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 17 Oct 1883; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00019-1502
• Residence: 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Burkhard, "was born November 1st, 1816, and died October 17th, 1883. She was married to John Gingerich and resided about two miles from the town of Waterloo, on the farm now occupied by Moses S. Baumann."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Other Events:

• Interesting: religion, story
• Name: David Schoerg
• Name: David Sharick
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5640
• Historic Building: CA 1830, 330 Joseph Schoerg Crescent, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; brick 2 and 1/2 story house
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Rev. David Shirk, "was born September 9th, 1801. On January 30th, 1827, he was married to Elizabeth Betzner who was born May 10th, 1811, and died at her son Benjamin's place, August 26th, 1894. On July 2nd, 1837, Mr. Shirk was ordained as a deacon of the Mennonite Church and on December 2nd, 1838, he was ordained as a minister of the same body for the Strasburg, Hagey and Wanner field of labor. In his long and dutiful services rendered unto the congregations of his charge he preached many a spiritual and instructive sermon and in his time was considered one of the ablest ministers of the Mennonite body. He died near Doon where he resided on his father's old homestead, (This old homestead comprises lot No. 11, Broken Front, Beasley Block, S. R.) September 19th 1882. His family consisted of ten children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

____________________________


Died, on the 19th of September, near Preston, in Waterloo Co., Ontario, of the infirmities of old age, Pre. David Sherk, aged 82 years and 22 days. He was in the ministry nearly 44 years, and had served as deacon several years previously. He is said to have been the first white child born in Waterloo county. He leaves a widow and two sons and three daughters to mourn his departure. Services were held by A. Hunsperger, Elias Weber and Jacob Mensch, the latter from Pennsylvania. Text, Rev. 5: 5, 10 and I Tim. 1: 15.

He was a faithful laborer in the cause of Christ, using every means at his command to spread the gospel and lead sinners to God. He visited, and preached, and wrote as long as his physical powers permitted him to do so. He was active also in circulating papers, having books and pamphlets printed and circulated which might have a tendency to enlighten the people, encourage the Christian, and awaken in God,s people a more earnest Christian life. His last work in this direct was the compiling and arranging for the publication of the little work recently issued in the German language, "Non-Conformity to the World." The English is now in press and will be out in a couple of weeks. Writing to the Editor he said, he thought this would probably be his last work in this direction, and so it proved as the Lord called him away before the English edition was published.

He was a warm friend of our church paper, the Herald of Truth from its first appearance and labored zealously for its success. Many will long remember the earnest labors of our departed brother, and thank the Lord for his kind admonition and words of cheer on the pilgrimage of life. Peace to his ashes.

Obituary - Herald of Truth, Nov 1, 1882

___________________________

Sherk, David (1801-1882)

David Sherk (1801-1882) was a leading Mennonite Church (MC) minister. He was born in 1801, the sixth child of Joseph Schoerg, who came to Waterloo County, Ont. in 1800 from Franklin County, PA. David married Elizabeth Betzner (1811-94) in 1827. They had ten children. Two of his daughters were successively the wives of Jacob Gingerich (1840-1920), preacher of the Hagey and Wanner congregations. About 1837 David Sherk was ordained deacon for the Hagey Mennonite Church and the following year served as minister for the three churches of Strasburg, Hagey and Wanner. In his time he was considered one of the leading ministers of the Ontario Mennonite Conference (MC). He was the author of Nonconformity to the World (Elkhart, 1882), 72 pp. He died in 1882.

Fretz, Joseph C. "Sherk, David (1801-1882)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1959. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 14 Nov 2005

___________________________________

Wanner Mennonite Church
Begun: 1829

A small wooden meeting house was built in 1829 on a corner of the farm belonging to Samuel Bechtel which was located in the vicinity of the present-day regional headquarters of the Ministry of Natural Resources near the intersection of Highways 24 and 401. The site for this community meeting house, as well as a school and a burial ground, had been chosen on August 8, 1829. The land was donated by Samuel Bechtel and his wife Barbara (Baumann) on March 15, 1830. A new meeting house, of white brick, was built in 1837 on the east side of Henry Wanner's farm, somewhat north of the first meeting house. Meetings at first were held every eight weeks. The deed of land for the meeting house known as Wanner's was dated October 15, 1837. Early preachers were David Sherk, who had been ordained by Benjamin Eby in July 1837, Jacob Bretz, Jr., and Joseph Hagey.

Joseph Hagey was ordained bishop in 1851. During his time divisions occurred in the church by a surge of enthusiasm for a Methodist form of revivalism. Solomon Eby of Port Elgin, who announced his own conversion in December 1869, was leader of a group which believed that members could be converted through participation in revival meetings. John Baer of Wanner's became associated with Solomon Eby, and was compelled to leave the church in the spring of 1874, as were Eby and his other followers. The new church movement resulted in organization conferences which culminated in the conference on March 23, 1875 at Bloomingdale where New Mennonites and Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites joined together as United Mennonites. The United Mennonites favored revival meetings, Sunday Schools and prayer meetings, and were opposed to the use of alcohol and tobacco.

The date of construction of the meeting house which replaced the one built in 1837 is somewhat in doubt. It is possible that a new building was erected in the early 1870s; it is also possible that the 1837 building only underwent extensive renovations at that time. There is no doubt, however, that a new brown brick church was built in 1938. An education wing was added in 1969.

The earliest Mennonite Sunday School in North America was begun in 1842 and was held jointly by the Wanner and Hagey Meeting Houses. It was discontinued after a short time because of a division of opinion within the congregations. An attempt was made later, in the mid-1860s, to begin another Sunday School, but this, too, did not last long. Many years later, on June 10, 1896, a meeting was held to organize a Sunday School. Anson Groh was appointed superintendent..

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

_____________________________

Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

The second meeting house in Waterloo County was built, probably in 1814, by John Erb, a wealthy miller of Preston. This brick meeting house served as a community church and was located "near Jacob Hagey's", which was on the road running from the top of the Kress Hill west and "adjoining the Kitchener Highway" (Witmer 1967: 26). Another meeting house, known as the Union Meeting House, was built in the area around 1824. A meeting was held in the Union church on November 20, 1824 to commence recording the accounts of the congregation in Hagey's Deacon Book. The deed of land for the Union Meeting House and burial ground, which was for one acre of part Lot 22, Beasley's Broken Front, was transacted in 1835.
Hagey Meeting House was buiilt of red brick in 1842 on part Lot 23, just north of Preston on the west side of the Breslau Road, and slightly north of the Union Meeting House site. The deed, dated February 2, 1842, recorded the purchase of the land from John Hilborn and stressed that the property was to be for "the purpose of public worship by the Mennonist Society" (Witmer 1967: 28). Joseph Bechtel was the first minister in the area, from 1804-1837; he was followed by David Sherk (1838-1843). Next came Joseph Hagey (1844-1877), who was ordained bishop in 1851, and then Jacob B. Gingrich from 1878 to 1901. Services were held every four weeks until 1890 when bi-weekly services were begun. A Sunday School was established in 1842 with the congregation of Wanner Meeting House near Hespeler, but it was discontinued because of a difference of opinion regarding the need for Sunday Schools. On April 26, 1891 a Sunday School was organized at Hagey's, with deacon Abraham Oberholtzer as superintendent. Five years later, on June 10, 1896, a Sunday School was organized at the Wanner church.
Major changes were made to the church building in 1927-1928 when the basement was excavated, new windows were installed and the roof was raised two feet. Fire on January 15, 1950 caused extensive damage to the interior and furnishings of the church. The building was completely renovated and also enlarged at the same time; dedication was on July 2, 1950. Another fire, on Feburary 19, 1953, completely destroyed the church. A congregational decision was made to build a new church, on Concession Road in Preston, and the cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 1953. Official dedication services in the new Preston Mennonite Church were held on May 16, 1954. The building was enlarged in the summer of 1989.<sup>5a

5a</sup>Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

__________________________

Pioneer Park (Weber/Strasburg) Christian Fellowship Mennonite Church

Early services were held in the homes of the first settlers, perhaps as early as 1833. Services often were held at the home of David Weber who lived across from where the church would be located. David Sherk was ordained deacon to serve the group in 1837, and in the next year, 1838, he was ordained minister. He was followed in 1840 by John Steckle (Stoeckle).
In 1842, David Weber donated one acre of land for a meeting house and burial ground. The deed was dated March 23, 1854, although the meeting house had been built in 1843. A new yellow brick church was built in 1894 on the same site. Noah Stauffer, who had been ordained in 1876 to assist John Steckle, was minister at the time. A Sunday School was organized in the 1890s; Sunday School records date from 1898. In 1899 the first Bible Conference to be held in an Ontario Mennonite church was held in the Weber church.
In 1971-1972 the church was enlarged and completely renovated. During that time - from October 17, 1971 to January 23, 1972 - the congregation met in the Herbert Feick home on Doon Village Road. On September 24, 1872 the congregation celebrated the 130th Anniversary of the building of the first meeting house. The name of the church was changed to Pioneer Park Christian Fellowship Mennonite Church in 1972.
In 1951 the congregation had purchased from Clifford Snider an additional acre of land located behind the church. In 1976, for the sum of $1, the congregation acquired a sixty-five foot strip of land along the south edge of the church property from Major Holdings & Development Co. A new church was built within several feet of the old yellow brick one which was removed; the date on the cornerstone is 1980. The 150th Anniversary of the construction of the first meeting house is to be celebrated in 1993. <sup>6a

6a</sup>Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

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Partial demo slated for heritage site
Rear annex of 330 Joseph Schoerg Cres. to be demolished in coming months


Owners of the Schoerg farmhouse at 330 Joseph Schoerg Cres., are working on a plan to complete the restoration of the property, which has sat vacant for a number of years. The restoration will include a partial demolition of its rear annex, which is structurally unsound.

Kitchener Post By Laurie Snell


The old Schoerg family farmhouse at 330 Joseph Schoerg Cres. is the next heritage property in Kitchener to face demolition '97 a partial demolition of its rear annex to fix what's currently deemed unsafe.

That's because given the choice '97 to demolish it entirely and build a brand new home, or to spend the time and money to repair the rundown heritage home '97 Pat George and his JHS Properties team opted to save it.

They just didn't think it would take so long, nor did they plan on having to demolish any part of it.

"It's been a long process, that's for sure," George said. "We just thought, it's a cultural area and if we could save the house we would do it."

George's company purchased the property and surrounding land to build the Deer Ridge subdivision in the late 1990s. They have been trying to repair the heritage-designated farmhouse ever since.

The-two-and-a-half-storey, red brick house is a classic example of a Mennonite Georgian style building. David Sherk, son of early pioneer Joseph Schoerg, built the homestead in 1830. It is believed that Sherk was the first non-native child born in what would soon become Waterloo County, and his building it is one reason for the farmhouse's heritage designation.

"Looking back, would I do it again? Probably not, because I didn't realize all of what is involved here and how bad the house was," George said. "At the time it seemed like a worthwhile thing to do."

He added, the company has spent well over $100,000 just to gut the house and temporarily hold up the rear annex, which was a later addition to the house. To fix it, according to City of Kitchener documents from 2007, would cost upwards of $235,000.

"At one point, we had a report that indicated the house was possibly better than what it was," he said. "It was pretty run down."

"When we actually started the process, the house was vacant and the prior owner had applied for a demolition permit. We basically decided we would attempt to save the house, which became a lot longer process and a lot more involved than what we had ever imagined."

The bad news just kept coming.

"There were major problems where roof troughs were collapsing and the wiring was totally shot prior to us taking ownership of the house," George said. "People did interior renovations where they cut through structural beams to put stairs in and create washrooms in different areas, so they structurally had done a lot of damage to the house that wasn't apparent."

So now that the Deer Ridge subdivision around the heritage site is near complete, George said his team is again trying to create a Heritage Kitchener-approved plan that would bring the old farmhouse back to life.

George said the goal is to complete the rest of the project in six to seven months.

"We're still working on it. We've got blueprints being prepared right now that will shortly be submitted to Heritage Kitchener in coming months," he said.

George said because people occasionally break into the property, they regularly check on the property, ensuring it's boarded up and well-secured.

In an interview last month, Leon Bensason, the city's cultural heritage co-ordinator, said properties such as this one continue to be a concern. When it comes to protecting heritage properties, "The city can't do this alone," he said.

"It's been vacant for a number of years," Bensason said, adding that's a red flag.

It's unclear how long 330 Joseph Schoerg Cres. has been unoccupied, but George said it's been vacant as long as they've owned it. Though, he was uncertain of the date it was purchased.

"We've been trying to work with the property owner again, trying to ensure that the property is adequately maintained and hopefully find a tenant or a new owner for the property who wants to restore it," Bensason said.

"A lot of responsibility lays with the property owner.

You have to have a property owner who is willing to maintain the property, and willing to ensure heritage attributes are well cared for."

It's especially difficult for the city to monitor the site if the property is both privately-owned and vacant, he added.

"There is a measure of protection under the property standards bylaw," Bensason said. "That ensures the city undertakes inspections every couple of years to understand which of those designated properties are vacant. Those are the ones that are most at risk."<sup>7a

7a</sup>Partial demo slated for heritage site. (2016). Kitchenerpost.ca. Retrieved 2 June 2016, from https://www.kitchenerpost.ca/news-story/6700522-partial-demo-slated-for-heritage-site/

Historic Building:
The Schoerg Homestead, located at 381 Pioneer Tower Road, is situated on a ridge overlooking the Grand River Valley in Pioneer Tower West, City of Kitchener. The two-and-a-half-storey red-brick building was designed in the Mennonite Georgian style, and constructed circa 1830 by David Sherk.
The property was designated for its heritage value by the City of Kitchener under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (By-law 2003-227).

The Schoerg Homestead is a classic representation of the Mennonite Georgian style. The house is a two-and-a-half-storey dwelling, constructed of hand-made red-brick, with a two-storey wood frame wing to the rear. The structure is in sound condition and has been altered very little from its original appearance. The brick portion of the home is set upon a foundation of rough squared granite stone. The fieldstone foundation of the two-storey rear wing suggests an earlier farmhouse may have existed at this location.

David married Elizabeth B. Betzner 30 Jan 1827. Elizabeth (daughter of Johannes "John" Betzner and Mary Bechtel) was born 10 May 1811, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Aug 1894, Breslau, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Doon Pioneer Tower Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Name: Elizabeth B. Sherk
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0952
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Betzner "the eldest daughter of John and Mary (Bechtel) Betzner, was born May 10th, 1811, and died August 26th, 1894. On January 30th, 1827, she was married to Rev. David B. Sherk who was born September 19th, 1801, and died September 19th, 1882. To them were born ten children, namely: IV Isaac, IV Anna (deaad), IV Maria (dead), IV David (dead), IV Mary (dead), IV Veronica (dead), IV Elizabeth, IV Barbara, IV Benjamin, and IV Leah (dead). See Rev. David Sherk's family."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

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Sherk - On the 26th of August 1894, at the residence of her son, Bro. Benjamin Sherk of Breslau, Waterloo Co., Ont., of general debility and dropsy, sister Elizbeth Sherk, maiden name Betzner, aged 83 y., 3 m., 16 d. Her husband, Pre. David Sherk, died a number of years ago. They lived for many years on the old Sherk homestead opposite the village of Doon, in a neighborhood where almost the first ground was broken for cultivation in the backwoods by our brethren who came from Pennsylvania over a century ago. Sister Sherk seemed like one of the connecting links that bound the past to the present, and her interesting accounts of the pioneer days, the meeting of the Mohawk Indian braves in council on the opposite bank of the Grand River every fall, the gradual settlement of the country, the building of villages that have since grown into towns, the gradual growth of the church from a small body to a large membership, and the gradual disappearance of the red man of the forest, always found ready listeners. Her faith was unwavering, and as she slowly passed down to the river of death she realized the presence of that "one that sticketh closer than a brother," and with such companionship, death had no terrors for her. She leaves 2 sons, Bro. Benjamin and Isaac W. B., and two daughters, sister Gingrich, wife of Pre. J. B. Gingrich, and sister Barbara, who was the constant and loving companion and stay of her mother in her declining years. The burial in the family graveyard, as also the funeral services at the Cressman M. H., Breslau, were very largely attended.


Obituary - Herald of Truth, September 15, 1894

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00135-8295

Notes:

Abraham Witmer, "third son of Abraham and Annie (Eversole) Witmer, was married to Catherine Groh. They resided north of Hespeler, near what is known as "Tuck's Hill" where they possessed a beautiful farm. They are both dead. To them was born a family of fifteen children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Abraham — Catharine Groh. Catharine (daughter of John Groh and Susannah Wanner) was born 25 Nov 1813, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Jul 1891, Howick Twp., Huron Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Holm
• Name: Catharine Witmer
• Eby ID Number: 00045-3408
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunker

Notes:

Catharine Groh, "was born November 25th, 1813. She was first married to Abraham Witmer, a farmer. They resided in Guelph Township, near Waterloo Township line. They had a large family, namely:...Joseph, Polly, Susannah, Abraham, Benjamin, Hannah, Annie, Henry, George, Sarah, Samuel, Elizabeth, John, Isaac, and Moses. After the decease of her first husband she was married to Rev. Peter Holm, bishop of the Dunkard Church."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39053199
• Name: John Baer
• Eby ID Number: 00003-597
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Bear, "was born near Preston, Ontario, May 15th, 1804. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm. When eighteen years of age he commenced life as a builder and contractor. Many a house and barn still standing in this and adjoining counties. were erected by him between the years 1823 and 1835. He was also the possessor of a beautiful farm lying between Preston and Hespeler, now owned by Anson Groh. Here he resided until the death of his wife in 1875. Then he had his home with his youngest son, Joseph, for five years. In 1880 he went to live with his son John, who resides a little west of Doon, where he died happy in the Lord, December 24th, 1894. He was converted unto the Lord when a young man, and in 1833 he joined the Mennonite Church. On December 2nd, 1838, he was ordained as Minister of the Gospel by the late Bishop Benjamin Eby. His field of labor was to be at 'Wanners', for which locality he was ordained. In 1870-71 when the first glimmerings of dissatisfaction were observable among the Mennonites, Mr. Bear was an active worker to keep up the union (The writer heard him advocate strongly in favor of union in 1870-71-72) but the spirit of disunion was carried so far (1873-4), which ultimately caused a division into the old and new communions. Mr. Bear joined himself with the new party and was one of their first ministers. We might add in conclusion that his educational attainments were very limited. Besides the acquisition of the simple elementary branches of reading, writing, and arithmetic, he in his youth was not favored, as the country was new and the schools in their primeval state. Being possessed of a very retentive memory, he exhibited a great taste for reading and was remarkably fond of investigation. He seldom accepted anything without first giving it due consideration and careful study. What little spare time he was able to snatch from the labors of the farm, he studiously devoted to the reading of such works as came within his reach. His library was composed of books pertaining to religious and devotional works. He was well versed in the Bible and works of a religious character. On February 11th, 1827, he was married to Anna, daughter of Cornelius and Anna (Detweiler) Pannabecker. She was born near Hespeler, Waterloo County, Ontario, April 23rd, 1812, and died February 16th, 1875. They had a family of thirteen children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_________________________________


"Bear, John (1804-1894)

John Bear: minister and building contractor; born 15 May 1804 near Preston, Upper Canada to Martin and Catharine (Gingrich) Bear. He was the oldest child in a family of six sons and seven daughters. On 11 February 1827 he married Anna Pannabecker (23 April 1812-16 February 1875); they had ten sons and three daughters. John died 24 December 1894.

By vocation John Bear became a carpenter and builder. One of his projects was the Union Mennonite/Tunker school and meetinghouse of 1829 that predated the Wanner building of 1837. This building was used as a school until 1848. He did much of his construction work between 1823-1835. He also farmed between Preston and Hespeler (both now part of the city of Cambridge).

John Bear was baptized as a member of the Mennonite Church in 1833; on 2 December 1838 he was ordained as a minister by Benjamin Eby particularly for service in the Wanner/Hagey area of the conference. He was widely read, but had only the basic primary education of the day. He was a second generation minister in the conference; his father had been one of the first persons ordained as a minister in the Waterloo region.

When a doctrinal conflict arose in the Ontario Conference beginning in 1869, John Bear led an party of three ministers to investigate revival activities in Solomon Eby's congregation at Port Elgin, ON. Bear's group brought back a positive report in early 1870, but a division ultimately could not be averted. Bear then joined the new "Reformed Mennonites"; a group that ultimately became part of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ denomination (later known as the Evangelical Missionary Church). He served as a minister in that denomination until his death. He was ordained as an elder in that denomination on 4 March 1888 by Menno Bowman.

Bear's departure from the Ontario Mennonite conference was very significant because of his longstanding leadership role in the conference. As leader of the investigation committee to Port Elgin he carried the respect of his fellow ministers, and his loss to the movement was keenly felt."

Mennonite Historical Society of Canada https://www.mhsc.ca/

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Wanner Mennonite Church
Begun: 1829

A small wooden meeting house was built in 1829 on a corner of the farm belonging to Samuel Bechtel which was located in the vicinity of the present-day regional headquarters of the Ministry of Natural Resources near the intersection of Highways 24 and 401. The site for this community meeting house, as well as a school and a burial ground, had been chosen on August 8, 1829. The land was donated by Samuel Bechtel and his wife Barbara (Baumann) on March 15, 1830. A new meeting house, of white brick, was built in 1837 on the east side of Henry Wanner's farm, somewhat north of the first meeting house. Meetings at first were held every eight weeks. The deed of land for the meeting house known as Wanner's was dated October 15, 1837. Early preachers were David Sherk, who had been ordained by Benjamin Eby in July 1837, Jacob Bretz, Jr., and Joseph Hagey.

Joseph Hagey was ordained bishop in 1851. During his time divisions occurred in the church by a surge of enthusiasm for a Methodist form of revivalism. Solomon Eby of Port Elgin, who announced his own conversion in December 1869, was leader of a group which believed that members could be converted through participation in revival meetings. John Baer of Wanner's became associated with Solomon Eby, and was compelled to leave the church in the spring of 1874, as were Eby and his other followers. The new church movement resulted in organization conferences which culminated in the conference on March 23, 1875 at Bloomingdale where New Mennonites and Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites joined together as United Mennonites. The United Mennonites favored revival meetings, Sunday Schools and prayer meetings, and were opposed to the use of alcohol and tobacco.

The date of construction of the meeting house which replaced the one built in 1837 is somewhat in doubt. It is possible that a new building was erected in the early 1870s; it is also possible that the 1837 building only underwent extensive renovations at that time. There is no doubt, however, that a new brown brick church was built in 1938. An education wing was added in 1969.

The earliest Mennonite Sunday School in North America was begun in 1842 and was held jointly by the Wanner and Hagey Meeting Houses. It was discontinued after a short time because of a division of opinion within the congregations. An attempt was made later, in the mid-1860s, to begin another Sunday School, but this, too, did not last long. Many years later, on June 10, 1896, a meeting was held to organize a Sunday School. Anson Groh was appointed superintendent..

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

John married Anna "Nancy" Pannabecker 11 Feb 1827. Anna (daughter of Cornelius Pannebecker and Anna Detweiler) was born 23 Apr 1812, Near Hespeler, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Feb 1875, Near Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39053031
• Name: Anna "Nancy" Bear
• Name: Nancy Panabaker
• Name: Nancy Pannebecker
• Eby ID Number: 00087-5121
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Pannebecker, "was born April 23rd, 1812, and died near Preston, Ontario, February 16th, 1875. She was married to Rev. John Bear."

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.]