The Morriston Church

(written by Marjorie Clark, 1980.)

During its long term of service in the community, the Morriston Church has been rechristened several times as it has adapted to changing congregations, as follows, earliest name first.

Morriston Evangelical Church

Morriston Evangelical United Brethren Church

Morriston United Church

Mount Carmel Zion United Church

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Great Beginnings

In the early years, the German pioneers worshipped in the homes of Nicholas Beaver, John Calfas, John Morlock and John Winer. John Calfas took the part of the minister and usually read a sermon.

The very first minutes of the Christian Community in Morriston read as follows:

“Beginning of the Work for God and Founding of

the First Community in Morriston.”

In the year 1840, Joseph Harlacher, of East Pennsylvania, was sent as a missionary to Waterloo. On the thirteenth of May, 1840 Missionary Harlacher came for the first time to Puslinch and on the same evening he preached for the first time in the house of old father Bieber.

Rev. Joseph Harlacher of the East Pennsylvania Conference was an old friend of Mrs. Nicholas Bieber, formerly Charlotte Yantz.

On the first Sunday in October 1840, the first well‑attended meeting was held in the home of John Calfas. On New Years Day 1841, the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered for the first time by J. M. Sindlinger and Joseph Harlacher and forty-five people joined the church. A series of meetings was held at the Calfas home.

The membership was divided into classes. Some of the class leaders throughout the years were: John Morlock, John Haist, Philip Calfas, Gottlieb Morlock, William Sauder, Mr. Kaechell, George Bernhardt, John Graeb, George Elfner, John Frey, George Finkbeiner, George Brown and John Fahrner.

In 1841, a Sunday School was organized, the third in the Conference, with John Calfas as Superintendent.

For quite a number of years the services were held in the homes of the people. Finally, a log meeting house was erected on a quarter of an acre on the Calfas Farm which was secured by the trustees of the “Evangelical German Chapel”. According to the 1851 census it held one hundred people. This log church was on the Brock Road in the middle of the village block on the west side of the street (behind where Jerry Warner’s house now stands). It was later turned into a stable which was used by the Morriston Hotel.

In 1856, the red brick church was built on its present site on the hill, of brick from the Morriston brickyard. The street leading from the Brock Road to Victoria Street, where the Church stands on the corner, was called Church Street.

There was no resident minister until about 1865. At that time, a frame parsonage was built onto the rear of the church, largely through the efforts of George Barth, Charles Calfas, Christian Morlock and Fred Schultz Sr.

Morriston Circuit, at one time, was one of the strongest and most promising in the Conference taking in Morriston, Ancaster, Waterdown, Beverley, Hespeler, Preston and Galt.

Men who entered the ministry from the Morriston Circuit were: Mr. Kaechell, George Bernhardt, Peter Bohler, Lewis Rothaemal, H. A. Thomas, James Morley, Solomon Graeb, John C. Morlock and John Huether.

In 1881, the church was enlarged and improved.

In 1892, the Young People’s Association was organized during the pastorate of C. S. Finkbeiner.

In 1894, the present brick manse was erected. Rev. Sauer was the first to live in it, in 1895.

In 1906, the church was closed for nine Sundays on account of a flu epidemic and on September 23rd re‑opening services were held. Rev. W. A. A. Fortner of Freelton officiated at 10:15 a.m. and Rev. W. C. Beese at 7:30 p.m. Sunday School was at 2:00 p.m.

In 1911, a system of acetylene gas lighting was installed in the church.

The language in which the service was given was changed from German to English in 1917.

In 1939, the Canada Conference was held in Emmanuel Evangelical Church, Waterloo and it was the first time in history that there was a woman delegate. In 1940, Mrs. A. J. Huether was delegate, being the first woman to attend conference from Morriston.

On September 1st and 2nd, 1940, Morriston Evangelical Church observed its one hundredth anniversary. A large congregation assembled to participate in the service on this auspicious occasion. The activities of the Lord’s Day began with a christening service. Rev. E. H. Bean baptised the twin sons of Mr. and Mrs. David Beaver. These infants were the great‑grandchildren of Nicholas and Charlotte Beaver who on the thirteenth of May, 1840, welcomed Rev. Harlacher to their home. The Sunday School period followed and George Brown of Toronto, a product of this church, spoke to the school. In the afternoon, a Reminiscent Service was held when former pastors regaled the audiences with stories from the past. The speakers were Rev. W. E. Beese, J. H. Grenzebach, J. Wesley Bean and W. J. Zimmerman. Lunch was served in the Hall. On Monday afternoon, there were ball games with local teams participating and a Garden Party in the evening at which John Winer was Chairman. This was a joyous time for Morriston.

The Evangelical Church united with the United Brethren on November 6th, 1946 and the village church was then known as Morriston Evangelical United Brethren Church.

During the pastorate of Rev. Dorsch (1948 ‑ 1951) it was decided, after much planning and thought, to put a basement under the church. With Rev. Dorsch as their leader and organizer, the task of digging began. The work was started by burrowing under the floor and 26,000 cubic feet of earth was dug and passed out bucket by bucket. The new basement contained a Sunday School room and a modern kitchen.

Many people put effort into this project. Included were the Winers, William Rymarzik, Edgar Boucher, Nelson Paddock, Harvey Laking, Bob Penrice, the Huethers, Simon Morlock, and Peck Finkbeiner. The project was sponsored by and assisted to completion by the driving power and financial assistance of two men: Rev. E. F. Dorsch and John Winer.

On Sunday, November 16th 1952, the basement was dedicated by Bishop J. Balmer-Showers of Indianapolis and a plaque commemorating the work of John Winer in the construction of the basement was unveiled by Edgar Boucher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and John Huether, Assistant Superintendent. Miss Martha Debo was soloist. Afternoon service was led by Rev. Dorsch and Rev. Caughell presided at the evening service.

In 1961, the Ladies Aid became the Women’s Society of World Service. Also in 1961, Rev. W. A. Durst (1893 - 1965) organized the Boys and Girls Fellowship with a membership of twelve. The first president was Lynn Slade.

On April 11th 1965, at the Sunday morning service, the Boys and Girls Fellowship presented the church with a lovely hymn board. The presentation was made by their leader, Mrs. W. A. Durst, along with Bud Huether, Robert Williams, Sherry Slade, and Bette Ann Tatum.

On January 1st 1968, the Morriston Evangelical United Brethren Church joined with the United Church and became Morriston United Church.

In 1975, the Morriston and Aberfoyle congregations became one and the Morriston Church became Mount Carmel Zion United Church of Canada.

In 1978, the vestry was renovated into a study for the minister.

In the summer of 1980, Morriston Church received a new and capable minister, Rev. Jessie Jansen. Also, throughout this past (1980) summer and fall the Church was insulated and completely redecorated. A Dedication Supper and Service was held on Sunday December 7th 1980.

“Many people have given their time, money and talents to the “re‑doing” of this sanctuary and we are quite aware that it is impossible to mention them all. We feel, however, that at this time some acknowledgements need to be made. The painting of the sanctuary was paid for by money received from the estate of Mrs. Sophia Yates and several anonymous donations. The pews and the floor were painted by members of the congregation, who also donated the paint. The money for carpeting was raised entirely by the Sunday School. The wrought‑iron railing was made by Mr. Harold Moore. Jim Kitchen did the wiring. The extension of the platform was built by Bill Mast and Jack Bishop. The U.C.W. Morriston Unit paid for the extension of the vinyl floor covering. Our new banners are the work of Mrs. Margie McKay. Hymn books were donated by: Aberfoyle U.C.W., Anna Bill, The Messengers, George Huether, Margaret Patterson, Kathy Huether, Debbie Huether, Harold Moore and Jack Bishop.

Hymn books donated as Memorials were given in loving memory of: Howard Winer by the Choir; Edgar Boucher by Tiny and Gordon Mills; Mary McEdwards by the Robert Penrice family; Madeline Marks by her daughter Carol Gardiner; Arthur Pylack by the McKay family; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Laking by Alma Laking and Rose Patterson and also by Bruce and Helen McLean.”

September 28th 1980, The 140^th Anniversary of the Founding of the Morriston Church. “Today we give thanks for this heritage and we treasure it. With this heritage as the foundation of the present congregation, we look towards the future with hope and new expectations, knowing that we are one in Christ. Let us celebrate.”

Morriston Evangelical Church Membership List April 2nd 1869. Class # 1
Wilhelm Schmidt – Leader Karl Calfas Christian Morlock Christina Winer Frederick Schultz Maria Gayer George Barth Anna Margretha Barth Elizabeth Kannewarf Bernard Mast Katharine Bach Elizabeth Rothaermal Magdalena Martin Fredricka Martin Katherine Braun William Calfas Rachel Calfas Maria Schultz Elizabeth Stein Carolina Hohberger Barbara Elfner Elizabeth Bieber	Maria Schmidt John Calfas Sophia Calfas Fredricka Morlock Heinrich Vetter Maria Schultz Mary Martin Sophia Barth Elizabeth Heitz Wilhemina Schlegel Conrad Rothaermal Andreas Stahl Frederick Martin Susana Martin Luisa Martin Maria Stein Sophia Stahl _____ Rappolt Daniel Stahl George Elfner Frederich Hingleman George Finkbeiner	Paul Winer Maria Vetter John Gayer Wilhelmina Schnepf Maria Morlock Jacob Heitz Sophia Calfas Bernard Braun Valentine Bach Henrietta Kerstoff Mary Mast Katherine Stein Philip Calfas Christian Schultz John Stein George Bernhardt Margaret Metzger Magdalena Stahl Philip Bieber Frederika Bernhardt Margaret Hingleman Margretha Braun

Morriston Evangelical Church Membership List April 2nd 1869. Class # 2
Peter Beiber – Leader Salome Beiber Nicholas Bieber Charlotte Bieber Lydia Bieber Regina Haist Mary Bieber	John Mast Regina Mast Frank Mast Sarah Mast Bernhardt Fahrner Maria Fahrner	Friederich Gregor Mathias Fahrner Katherina Gregor Eva Fahrner Jacob Schultz John Fahrner

Morriston Evangelical Church Membership List February 12th 1895.
George Elfner Margaret Brown George Barth Rebecca Barth Christian Morlock Sr. Christina Morlock Ethelbert Morlock Sarah Bach Bertha Gayer John Frey John Fahrner Wesley Fahrner Louisa Fahrner Fred "Peter" Schultz Mary Schmidt John Schmidt William Fahrner Annie Weekes Mary Beaver Wesley Beaver Mary Fritz Catherine Morlock Auchelina Morlock Mary Schultz Frederick Schultz Sr. John Huether Martha Fowler William Winer Margaret Smith Caroline Brown Henry Beaver Adelaide Ames Susanna Martin George Finkbeiner Catherine Finkbeiner Katherine Gregor Lydia Martin Wilhemina Schlegel Eliza Jacobs Catherine Provan Charles Rothaermal Charles F. Miller Wesley Binkley John Leith Rachel Calfas Emma Beaver	Barbara Elfner Charles Calfas Henry Barth John Barth Mary Morlock Minnie Morlock Simon Morlock John Gayer Lilly Gayer Mary Frey Catherine Fahrner Eva Fahrner Alfred Pernell Louisa Schultz Minnie Schmidt Lydia Fahrner George Weekes Charles Weekes Melvina Beaver Charlotte Beaver Elizabeth Stein Peter Morlock Lovina Morlock William Schultz Wilhemina Harbottle Mary Huether Mary Fahrner Lena Winer Ida Smith William Brown Sophia Beaver John Ames Mary Mast Jacobina Finkbeiner Louisa Finkbeiner Mary Gregor Elizabeth Fritz Otto Rappolt Susanna Martin Emma Gibbon William Rothaermal Clara Bowman Charles Brown Rosa Morris Ida Calfas	Bernard Brown Sophia Calfas Wilhemina Barth Charles Barth Louisa Morlock William Morlock Valentine Bach Mary Gayer Minnie Gayer Laura Frey William Fahrner Mary Fahrner Sophia Pernell John Schmidt Annie Schmidt Martha Fahrner Matilda Weekes William Weekes Lydia Beaver Jacob Fritz Christian Morlock Jr. Mary Morlock Jacob Schultz Mary Schultz William Schultz James Fowler Frank Fahrner William Smith Solomon Brown Martha Brown Victoria Ames Mary Beaver Charles Mast Matilda Finkbeiner Frederick Gregor Charles Gregor Wilhemina Dunkie John Rappolt Ethel Sutherland Maggie Gibbon John Calfas Olie Bowman John Hingleman Philip Calfas Mary Gilmour

Morriston Evangelical Church Membership List April 1910.
John Frey Melinda Frey Jacobina Finkbeiner Catherine Fahrner Mary Fahrner Mary Huether Louisa Schultz Clara Schultz George Elfner William Schultz William Brown James Brown Rebecca Morlock Wealthy Morlock George Kellick Tom Ayres Alice Brown Clara Fritz Otto Rappolt John Hingleman Edward Morris Annie Ames Charles Mast William Winer Mabel Winer Nora Schmidt Christian Morlock Sr. Ethelbert Morlock Christina Leith John Kellerman J. C. Morlock Christal Morlock Jr.	Mary Frey Elsie Frey Lorinda Finkbeiner Pearl Fahrner Lydia Fahrner Fred Schultz Sr. Martha Schultz Mary Gayer Barbara Elfner Fredricka Schultz Martha Brown George Brown Loretta Morlock Beatrice Morlock Annie Kellick Leroy Morlock Jacob Fritz Ida Fritz John Rappolt Rosa Morris Nellie Morris William Ames Mary Kistenmacher Lena Winer John Schmidt Henry Beaver Mary Morlock Simon Morlock Catherine Morlock Minnie Gregor Sarah Kellerman	Christian Frey George Finkbeiner John Fahrner Eva Fahrner John Huether Fred Schultz Jr. Hilda Schultz Minnie Durnin George Barth Margaret Brown Irene Brown Catherine Provan Estella Morlock John Morlock Tom Negro Charles Brown Mary Fritz Wilhemina Dunkie Susanna Martin Thomas Morris Victoria Ames Mary Welsh Wilhemina Harbottle John Winer Mary Schmidt Sophia Beaver Louisa Morlock William Morlock Meta Morlock Mrs. Peter Beaver Lovina Stahl

The Ministers of Morriston Church
Joseph Harlacher Phillip Miller John Staebler J. D. Jenne D. Dippel George Brown J. Wagner William Schmidt H. Holtzman C. A. Thomas Solomon Weber Phillip Winkler W. Schwandt Theobald Houch D. Rider H. Werner E. Eby C. S. Finkbeiner	Jacob Wilhelm A. W. Sauer J. H. Grenzebach S. Krupp J. W. Bean W. E. Beese J. C. Morlock C. R. Kauth S. M. Houch D. Kreh Milton Giel F. A. Lawson J. Hammitt A. T. Nash L. Wittich J. G. Domm W. J. Zimmerman	J. H. Grenzebach E. H. Bean John A. Neill J. W. Siebert J. E. Bender E. F. Dorsch N. H. Reibling John Huether G. L. Gross A. S. Caughell W. A. Durst Peter Tucker E. V. Warren William Boyd Ian Shapter Olga McKellar Jessie Jansen

Morriston Church Organists

The first organ was purchased in 1891 and John Huether was organist for four years. Miss Louisa Morlock then served in this capacity for a remarkable sixty‑three years. Since that time organists have been Mrs. Blanche Chalmers and Mrs. George Sutton. Others have also served for short periods of time.

Morriston Sunday School

In 1841, the Sunday School was organized, with John Calfas as Superintendent. There are no records but according to reliable information others serving as superintendent were: Charles Beese, Lewis Rothaermal, Frank Mast and George Barth. On record are Conrad Rothaermal in 1872, John Frey from 1873 ‑ 1896, followed by John Fahrner for one year and John Huether from 1898 until his death in 1936.

At the Annual Sunday School Meeting on January 10, 1937 a tribute was paid to John Huether’s memory in the following words:

“We hereby acknowledge the faithful and unselfish service of the late John Huether who for the past thirty‑eight years has been Superintendent of our Sunday School. We appreciate all that he has rendered to this Sunday School. May the Lord abundantly reward.”

In 1924, John Winer was elected Assistant Superintendent and in 1936, after the passing of John Huether, was elected Superintendent and served the Morriston Sunday School faithfully until his illness when he was made Honorary Superintendent.

On June 6^th 1926, Edgar and Elsie Boucher joined the Morriston Church. In 1937, J. Edgar Boucher (1890-June 25^th 1965.) was elected Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and on January 11^th 1950 was elected superintendent. He served faithfully until illness in 1961, when he was named Honorary Superintendent.

From 1961 to 1980, William J. L. Huether, grandson of former Superintendent John Huether, was Morriston Sunday School Superintendent.

In 1980, Audrey Mast assumed the position.

Assistant Superintendents have been: John Fahrner, John Winer, J. Edgar Boucher, Simon Morlock, John Huether, William J. L. Huether, Brock Laking, Robert Moore, David J. Thomson, (grandson of former Superintendent J. Edgar Boucher), G. Dyment and Cheryl McLean.

This Morriston Sunday School history would not be complete without mention of Louisa and Simon Morlock. For many years Miss Louisa Morlock was teacher of the Junior Class. Simon P. Morlock was one of the most faithful pupils and a teacher of the Adult Bible Class also for many years.

It is traditional for the Morriston Church to hold its Christmas Concert on Christmas Eve. However, in the years 1980 and 1981 the concert took place on the last Sunday of Advent and a beautiful candle‑lighting service was celebrated on Christmas Eve.

Morriston Sunday School Officials Organists:
Louisa Morlock Pearl Fahrner Minnie Gregor Phyllis Leith Mary Penrice Gertrude Kitchen	Mrs. Ben Wyse Marguerite Boucher Beatrice Winer Helen Laking Mrs. Emily McLean	Isabelle Thomson Marilynne Moore Mrs. George Sutton Donna Milne Lois Winer
Treasurers:
George Brown John Hingleman Wes Winer W. Morlock	Charles Brown Mary Penrice Howard Winer Bill Winer	Martha Debo Harvey Laking Bill Mast Jr.
Secretaries:
Emma Beaver Martha Schultz Wes Winer Bert Ames Norman Beaver Margaret Hingleman Norman Durnin Della Philpott	Evelyn Culp Marjorie Culp William Winer John Huether Patricia Quail Helen Laking Pearl Huether Barbara Pylack	Donna Blacklock Eileen Williams Jean Penrice Martha Debo Pauline Huether Lynn Slade Sandra Dyment Joan Davis

Auditors:
F. Schultz George Finkbeiner Simon Morlock Martha Schultz George Brown William Morris	John Winer W. G. Morlock Charles Brown C. M. Leith John Hingleman Wes Winer	William Huether Lawrence Huether William Winer Harvey Laking Howard Winer
Sunday School Teachers:
Charles Brown Mrs. J. Leith Victoria Ames John Fahrner Kate Fahrner Mrs. Grenzebach Louisa Morlock Mary Penrice Mina Huether Dorothy Mast Edgar Boucher Elsie Boucher John Winer Florence Hingleman Dorothy Huether	Joy Huether Margaret Beese Bill Huether Harvey Laking Mary Huether Winnie Pylack Simon Morlock Marguerite Thomson Mrs. Caughell David Thomson Eileen Williams Eleanor Winer Mary Tatum Carol Smith Margaret McKay	Mrs. Dave Williams Beatrice Huether Rose Williams Mrs. W. A. Durst Marilynne Moore Audrey Mast Cheryl McLean Kathy Huether Debbie Huether Donna Milne Mrs. Langley Ruth Bishop Jane McQuain Jean Corlett Linda Williams

A footnote of concern by the author

As of this date, 1980, the records of the Morriston Church are housed in the United Church Archives, Toronto. Although some of them are in an extremely fragile condition, the Archives presently has no plans to preserve them on microfilm.

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