 | A Brief History of Martin Luther Lutheran Church (Adapted from the Centennial History)
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| A Brief History of Martin Luther Lutheran Church (Adapted from the Centennial History)
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Martin Luther Lutheran Church is the English speaking daughter of the German Evangelical Lutheran Jerusalem Church, currently known as First Lutheran Church of Canton. The Rev. George M. Schmucker was called as missionary to organize the proposed congregation by the Joint Synod of Ohio. Pastor Schmucker began his work on April 1, 1893 and preached his first semon at the Jerusalem Church on April 16th of that year. The organizational meeting of the new English congregation was held June 16, 1893 with about two dozen people present.
On June 26th the congregation voted to purchase a lot on North Cherry Ave. The corner stone for the new building was laid Sunday, August 6, 1893. The first congregational constitution was adopted August 20, 1893. There were 119 charter members of the congregation. The new church building cost $5,600 and was dedicated on Nov. 26, 1893.
On July 6, 1893 the first Luther League was founded. The League was the first organization in Martin Luther Church. The organization of the Ladies Aid Society followed on April of 1894. Catechism and Bible History instruction were given every Saturday afternoon. At the turn of the century the Church Directory listed 426 members.
By the end of the third decade of the congregation's existence the church building could no longer house the burgeoning congregation. A lot on Walnut Ave. N.E. was purchased for $16,500. Work began on a new structure in April 1920 and the cornerstone was laid June 6th. The church building at 701 Walnut was dedicated Suday, May 22, 1921.
In 1922 a Sunday School Orchestra was organized and served to accompany Sunday School singing. A pipe organ donated by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Loehr was dedicated June 24, 1923.
The Rev. Oscar C. Mees was installed as the congregation's second pastor on November 21, 1926. Pastor Mees served a parish in the Bronx, New York City, before coming to Canton and was active in the founding of the National Lutheran Commission for Soldiers and Sailor's Welfare, an institution that eventually developed into the National Lutheran Council. After his call to Martin Luther, Pastor Meese served as the Joint Synod of Ohio's represetative on the National Council. In February 1929 Pastor Meese conducted a World Service Appeal from Canton raising $100,000 for work of the Council.
During the 1920's recreation and sports activities flourished for Youth and Adults. Martin Luther Church had teams in both the women's and men's Basketball League as well as the men's Soft Ball League. There were separate teams for men and women in golf as well as a mixed bowling league.
In 1929 the church basement was remodeled to make room for a growing Sunday School program, but the church continued to grow. On August 8, 1937 the congregation voted to purchase the Apartment Building just to the north of the church building for $18,000. The Sunday School Annex was dedicated Sunday, January 16, 1938.
Many members of the congregation served in the military during the Second World War and plaques dedicated to those who served were placed in the church narthex. In 1940 Pastor Meese returned briefly to New York City to head a campaign for Finnish Relief, out of which grew Lutheran World Action.
By 1942 the number of choirs had multiplied. The Carillon Choir was composed of grade school children. The Chapel Choir consisted of High School youth up to 20 years of age, and the Chancel Choir was composed of singers 20 years and older. A number of boys and girls in grades one through four belonged to the Junion Mission Band.
In 1950 St. Luke's Lutheran Home was begun as the result of an idea planted by Mrs. Ida Miller of Martin Luther Church. There has been a long and fruitful relationship between St. Luke's and Martin Luther Church since its incpetion.
In 1954 ground was broken for a Sunday School expansion in the courtyard between the sanctuary and the annex. The construction cost $106,000 and the dedication of the new unit and remodeling of the annex was held Nov. 13, 1955.
Through cooperative planning of the Lutheran Service Society, a Senior Citizens Day Center was founded in April 28, 1964 at MLLC. Pastor Arthur Kettner, who was installed in 1959, along with Viva Barthel, Mildren Miller and Fred Sengleitner were instrumental in the formulation of this organization. Men and women from 16 different congregations gathered to work on various projects every Tuesday morning.
The congregation's first radio ministry, began in 1934, was a daily program of music that was broadcast directly from the church on station WADC. In 1966, the radio ministry took a new turn with the creation of "Conversation" by Pastor Maurice Gold on WHBC. Pastor Gold, who had earlier served as an Intern Pastor, was installed in July of 1965.
In honor of the congregation's 75th anniversary in 1968, $75,000 was contributed to The Lutheran Theological Seminary of Columbus (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) to establish a "Chair of Homiletics." A son of the congregation, Dr. Stanley Schneider held the position of Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics at that time.
In 1979 the pipe organ was rebuilt and enlarged. At morning worship on September 16th of that year a service of dedication was played by Willard Eakin, longtime organist of the congregation. A dedicatory recital was held in the afternoon featuring William Girard a member of the church and nephew of the organist.
In the spring of 1981 the Stark County Welfare Department called and asked Martin Luther Church to ask the members to reach out to families in need. The Social Action Committee appointed Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dodd to chair this project. The Stark County Hungar Task Force was organized with Martin Luther Church as one of the distribution sites.
Starting in September 1987 MLLC became one of the sites for the "Family Literacy Program" of the Canton City Schools Adult Basic Education Program. The church building remains an active setting for an ongoing literacy program.
In October of 1988 the Wednesday noon luncheon program was begun, feeding the professional staff of the downtown area. Carl LaFollette and Jo White inaugurated the program which continues to serve downtown Canton.
The congregation celebrated its 100th birthday in 1993.
History is a living organism. The traditions of this congregation are still being formulted. Our congregation has served the national church as well as local community need. The church has been involved in progams for all age groups and has attempted to reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The fruits of this congregation have touched the lives of thousands. May our commitment to mission and service motivate us as we step into the future.
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