A Brief History of Plain Lutheran Church
Plain Lutheran Church is currently located on the southwest corner of State Route 95 and South Jefferson Roads. It was founded in 1834 as the German Reformed Church. The original church building was built on the southeast corner of these two roads. George Karns deeded the land to the members of the German Reformed and Lutheran Churches in 1834.
A permanent organization took place November 5th, 1843, with the following officers and members: Elder, Jacob Soliday; Deacons, John Miles and John Soliday; Members, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth and Sarah Smith, Mary Keister, Morgan Doyl, Charlotte Dysert, Marilyn Welty, Catharine Byers, John G and Jacob Welty, Mary and Elizabeth Shelly, Louvina Jones, George Muttersbaugh, Lydia Miles, Catharine and Elizabeth Soliday, Sarah C. Smith, Elizabeth Knox and Mariah Lawrence.
The current cemetery land was purchased from Philip and Elizabeth Rouch on the 16th of May 1879 for $75.00. Moses Eberhart, John Soliday and Abrahm Soliday were trustees at this time. Many of the charter members are buried in the cemetery to the south of the present church. They were moved here from their original internments (east �across the road from today�s cemetery) in 1908. On Sept. 24th, 1909, The Plain Twp. Cemetery Association was founded and incorporated. Abe Eberhard was the first president, serving in this office from 1909 until 1930. In 1988, an additional 1.33 acres was purchased for the Cemetery Association.
In 1853 the current church structure was built. It has been added to and maintained very diligently by a strong local community of active Christians. In the 1920�s, Plain was known as Saint Luke�s Lutheran Church and was served by local ministers who normally served several congregations. It has also been called St. Paul�s Plain Lutheran Church. The church started using the United Lutheran Church in America Book of German Service in July 1951.
Plain Evangelical Lutheran Church was incorporated in 1954 at the recommendation of the Synod of the United Lutheran Church in America .It was incorporated as "Plain Evangelical Church of Plain Township". This is the named now recognized by the State of Ohio. A Church Constitution was adopted at this time also. New chancel furniture was purchased this year and includes the current pulpits and alter.
In 1960 a major renovation took place in which a new basement was dug and cinderblock walls erected and all the current amenities were added. This added valuable social areas, which complemented the family atmosphere of the Church. New padded pews were added, along with new lights for the sanctuary in 1976. In 1980 the fuel oil furnace was converted to natural gas. 1982 had the church sanctuary being painted, fans installed and the ditch filled in along State Route 95 (with the state�s permission and guidelines). Also, two trees were taken down on the north side of the church this year. The basement was remodeled in 1984 with new carpeting, a drop ceiling and wall coverings. Various improvements and upkeep has continued to the present under the constant attention and direction of the church council.
From it�s founding until around 1960 the church shared a pastor with Reedsburg. From 1961 thru 1977 the church was fortunate enough to have it�s own pastor. In 1978, Plain formed a joint relationship with East Union Church so we could jointly call a pastor. This relationship has prospered and enhanced the lives of all members of both congregations and their local communities. Pastor Edward Balint served jointly the congregations of both churches from1978 to 2001. In 2001 both Plain and East Union agreed to call Pastor Rob Moskowitz as their Pastor. He currently serves both congregations as Pastor, Disciple, Teacher and Friend. May God�s Peace be in your soul and on your heart .
Update:
In May 2005 Plain Lutheran church joined the Lutheran Congregations In Mission For Christ. An Association of like minded conservative Lutheran churches focused on mission.
In August of 2005, after 3 years of participating in study and discussion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America, Plain Lutheran voted unanimously to sever ties. The decision was based upon a state of confession that arose from differing understandings of the Word of God and the nature of God's Church.
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