Seattle Wash. Apr. 24, 1935
A short time ago I received a letter from my brother John C. Zehnder telling [me] that on Apr. 28th the Minneapolis and St. Paul churches will celebrate “Founders Day” at our little white church. None can imagine what memories that short sentence brought to me.
I remember well that first little log church with its two small windows, the six benches on each side of the center aisle, unpainted benches they were, a narrow strip for a back-lean, just high enough for me to lean my head against.
The mothers, small children and the big girls on one side, the men and big boys on the other, all solemnly entering, each kneeling in quiet prayer.
The pulpit was just as plain as the benches, room for a big bible – the song book and the discipline, a mourners bench covered with a long cloth, standing just between it and those wooden benches.
To the log walls were screwed a few bracket oil lamps, while the floor always spotlessly clean proved the thrift and devotion of the women worshippers.
The little log church stood surrounded by hazel-bush just across the road and a little south of the present one.
To my mind the building of the present “Little White Church” was a momentous affair as we children listened to the conversations between Rev. Bunse and our father concerning its building.
In the spring of 1875 before the completion of the church Rev. Bunse was transferred by the conference to East Prairie and Rev. E.J. Hielscher stationed at St. Paul who saw the work finished.
To me then just 7 years old that big white church with its three green painted blinds on each side, its tall steeple with the sign in big black letters painted in German by Rev. E.J. Hielscher was an inspiration, and with hushed and quiet demeanor all entered it.
My father Frederick Zehnder always sat on the first bench near the window, and how he would sing, his whole heart in the song. Fred Goldberg’s seat was against the wall on the 2nd bench who always was the leader in singing.
Mr. Laschinger (we called him Daddy) sat on the 2nd bench at the aisle but did not take part in the singing as he was quite deaf.
Mr. Glassing always sat on the 3rd bench near the window, that was his place and no one ever took it.
Mr. Binder sat anywhere on the 4th bench. He was a quiet man, all others took seats wherever they found the room.
On the women’s side none had any particular seat except Mr. Laschinger who sat at the aisle end of the 2nd bench on a cushion made by her daughter Louisa.
And now it is 61 years ago “only a short time looking back.”
But where are those who used to gather there on a Sunday?
Many “most of them” to their final reward. Some of the younger ones scattered to the ends of the earth, now old and gray waiting for the last bugle call=Come Home.
With hearty well wishes to all and glad to say that we are with you in memory today.
Mr. & Mrs. J.F. Hielscher
Nee Leah Zehnder
Note: This letter by Mrs. J.F. Hielscher (nee Leah Zehnder) appears in the Family Legacies Index (1857-2011) of the People & Annals of Salem EV Kirche 1857-2011. A DVD of this book is available for sale.
It was also published the 2015 newsletter, “Old Salem Shrine News 1874-1910”