Dec 12

Christmas Memories–The Sunday School Christmas Program

The children’s Christmas program is an annual event at our church. It is a time of pride for both parents and grandparents as they get to see their little ones dressed in their Christmas finery, nervously saying their “pieces” and singing in front of the congregation.

2013 Christmas Program at Zion Chatt.

2013 Christmas Program at Zion Chatt.

When I was a child our Christmas pageants were usually held on Sunday morning or Sunday evening. We had our rehearsal the Saturday before and afterward there was a big party in the church basement where we had a gift exchange and food. It was a lot of fun.

The first program that I remember participating in was held in our church basement. It may not have been the Christmas program but it was an event held during the holiday season, possibly a New Years Eve service. I was about five years old and I sang the 1950s hit song All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.

I was scared to death to sing in front of people and would never have gotten through that song had it not been for a beautiful pink and blue teddy bear that was propped on top of the upright piano. Our neighbor Cindy had put him up there. I somehow knew that he would be mine if I could just finish the song. So I focused on the teddy bear and somehow got through the song. Cindy gave him to me when it was over and “Smiley” was my cuddly companion for many years after that.

Memorizing and reciting a Christmas piece has always been a part of our Christmas programs. I was never good at memorizing and worried about saying my verse correctly. I don’t think most children are good at memorizing their pieces. The little ones get a lot of prompting from the Sunday School teachers and the older kids usually just read their parts.

Most Christmas programs include a live nativity (sans animals) and the children play the parts of Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds and the wise men. The role of Baby Jesus is usually played by a doll baby but sometimes a real baby is put in the manger if there is a newborn in the congregation.

I never had the major role of Mary in any of our programs. I was usually just in the background chorus. A few years ago my husband Joe and two other men played the roles of the Three Wise Men. [And, yes, I have heard all those “wise men” jokes but choose not to go there.] For his role Joe got to wear a fancy robe and crown and carry a gift for Baby Jesus. It was a proud moment for our family to have one of our very own cast as a major Nativity character.

Joe as a Wise Man, Christmas Program, c2008.

Joe as a Wise Man, Christmas Program, c2008.

Back in 1995 we had an outdoor live Nativity with real animals. Mary and Joseph were portrayed by Michelle Hamrick and Chad Reynolds. The Wise Men were Craig Ripley, Kevin Caffee, and J.R. Brigner. Sue Ann Reynolds was the angel and our son Jeff and Grant Ripley were shepherds. Note the live donkey and goat in the realistic Nativity scene below.

Live Nativity at Zion Chatt, 1995.

Live Nativity at Zion Chatt, 1995.

I guess I have always been a Nervous Nellie. When I was young I was nervous about my part in the Christmas program and years later, when our son Jeff was old enough, I worried about his part in the program. He was a spirited, independent and strong-willed little boy and we never knew what he would do in front of a crowd. It did not matter that the crowd was our church family. It was still a group of people watching—an audience. He had no shame as he rolled around on the floor or ran around the manger. Joe and I held our breath until the program was over. Why are the antics of little ones always more amusing when they are not your own children?

Jeff, about 7 months old.

Jeff, about 7 months old.

When all the characters of the Nativity are all in place the rest of the children usually sing Away In a Manger and Silent Night.

Last year members of the congregation were asked to participate by wearing an ugly sweater to the Christmas program, to go along with the program’s theme. Joe and I are good team players so we tried to comply with the request. I found a moderately ugly sweater selection but Joe found a very good example for himself among some of Jeff’s old clothes. When we got to church we noticed that no one else was wearing an ugly sweater. Not even the person who made the ugly sweater request. Everyone else was dressed in their normal Christmas finery. We looked a little odd. A few people even remarked to Joe about his unusual sweater choice. Did no one else get the memo? Was it some sort of crazy conspiracy to make the Bennetts look like they have no fashion sense? [Moral of the story: Be wary, very very wary of unusual Christmas program requests.]

Three Wise Men, Christmas program, c2008.

Three Wise Men, Christmas program, c2008.

At the conclusion of the program the costumes are put away for another year and another Sunday School Christmas program.

Dec 09

Tombstone Tuesday–Rudolph & Nellie (Deyo) Heffner

Rudolph & Nellie (Deyo) Heffner, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

Rudolph & Nellie (Deyo) Heffner, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Rudolph and Nellie (Deyo) Heffner, located in row 9 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

HEFFNER
Nellie
1885-1974
Rudolph
1886-1957

Christened Georg Rudolph Heffner, Rudolph was born 11 May 1886 in Blackcreek Township, Mercer County, Ohio, to Friedrich and Anna (Merkle) Heffner. According to Zion Chatt’s records his father was also born in Blackcreek Township and his mother was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He was baptized 6 June 1886, with his grandparents Georg and Sophie Heffner as sponsors.

Rudolph grew up in the Chatt area. In 1900, when he was 14, he lived with his family, Fr. [Friedrich], father, 38; Anna, mother, 28; and siblings Ebert, 12; Emma, 10; Herbert, 6; Oscar, 4; and Roman, 10 months. All were born in Ohio. His father Friedrich was a saloon keeper. [1]

Rudolph was confirmed at Zion Chatt on 31 March 1901 by Rev. R.V. Smith. [This surname was sometimes spelled Haeffner in some of the older church records.]

Rudolph Heffner married Nellie Deyo on 1 June 1907 in Adams County, Indiana. They were married by J.H. Stone. At the time of their marriage Rudolph was a farmer and lived in Chatt, likely with his parents. His father still worked in a saloon and his mother kept house. He signed his name as Rudy Heffner on his marriage license application. [2]

Nellie Deyo was born 5 October 1885 in Berne, Indiana, the daughter of William and Bettie (Biddle) Deyo. Nellie did housework at the time of their marriage. Her father was deceased and her mother was also a housekeeper. Nellie’s father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Fleming County, Kentucky. [2]

In 1910 the Rudolph Heffner family lived on Leininger Pike in Blackcreek Township, where Rudolph farmed. In the household were Rudolph, Nellie, and son Luther R. [3]

In 1920 the Heffners were living in Liberty Township and in the household were Rudolph, 33, head; Ella, wife, 34, Luther, 11; Ruth, 7; and Lois, 10 months. All were born in Ohio except the mother Ella, who was born in Indiana. Rudolph’s occupation was given as a pumper in the oil field. [4]

In 1930 they lived in Chatt, where Rudolph still worked in the oil fields, then as an oil well driller. In the household were R.G., Nellie, Luther, Lois, Cleo, and Robert. [5]

In 1940 the family still resided in Chatt, living in the same house as they were in 1935. They owned their home and it was valued at $1500. The highest level of school that Rudolph attended was 8th grade and he worked as a mechanic in a garage at that time. Robert, age 16, was the only child still living at home. [6]

Rudolph Heffner died of a heart attack at 8 p.m. on 28 November 1957 in Decatur, Indiana. He was 71 years, 6 weeks, and 17 days old and was buried on 1 December. Survivors included his wife; sons Luther, Cleo, and Robert; a daughter Mrs. Morris Koch; a brother Vernon; a sister Mrs. Marguerite Roebuck; and 8 grandchildren.

Nellie Heffner died of pneumonia on 3 November 1974 at Shane Hill Nursing Home, near Rockford in Mercer County. She was 89 years old and was buried on the 6th. Survivors included her son Robert, Lima, and daughter Lois Koch, Rockford; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Rev. Ralph Hershberger was in charge of the service.

Rudolph G. and Nellie Heffner had the following children:
Luther Rudolph, (1908-1974), married Mary M. Hiles; married Florence Gunsett
Edna Ruth, (1912-1927)
Louise “Lois” Catherine, (1919-2007), married Morris Koch
Cleo Carl, (1921-1958)
Robert William, (1923-aft 2007), married Patricia

 

[1] 1900 U.S. Census, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 85, p. 10A, dwelling 183, family 188, Fr Heffner; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 December 2014); from FHL microfilm 1241304, from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1304.

[2] “Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959,” index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 5 December 2014), Rudolph George Heffner and Nellie Deyo; citing Adams County Marriage License Applications, Vol 2, p. 273, county clerk offices, Indiana; FHL microfilm 2,321,466.

[3] 1910 U.S. Census, Blackcreek Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 107, p1A, dwelling 3, family, Rudolph G. Heffner; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 December 2014); from FHL microfilm 1375227, from NARA microfilm T624, roll 1214.

[4] 1920 U.S. Census, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 140, p.4A, dwelling 72, family 72, Rudolph Heffner; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (www.Ancestry.com : accessed 29 November 2014); from NARA microfilm T625, roll 1418.

[5] 1930 U.S. Census, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 20, p.10A, dwelling 231, family 231, R.G. Heffner; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 December 2014); from FHL microfilm 2341584, from NARA microfilm T626, roll 1850.

[6] 1940 U.S. Census, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 54-22, house 272, p. 14A, Rudolph Heffner; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 December 2014); from NARA microfilm T627, roll 3114.

Dec 05

Christmas Memories–A Favorite Song

A couple days ago I attended my first Christmas party of this Christmas Season, hosted by the women’s group at St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell. After a delicious meal we had the pleasure of hearing Ryan Hirschy sing Christmas carols and songs while Brad Byerly accompanied him on the piano. Their music put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

As Ryan sang Mary, Did You Know I thought about the first time I heard that song, back in the early 1990s. The first time I ever heard Mary, Did You Know was at a live concert, sung by one of its composers, Buddy Greene.

A friend had asked us if we would like to go to Fort Recovery to hear Buddy Greene, a Christian musician who is known for his harmonica playing. She and her husband had seen him perform several times and she knew that I liked harmonica music. Our son Jeff also went along and he was about 12 or 13 at the time. I would guess the year was about 1994.

I do not even remember where the event was held. I only remember that it was at a church in Fort Recovery. Chairs were set up in their fellowship hall where a small group had gathered that Friday night to hear some Gospel harmonica music. We had seats in the first or second row and we even got to meet Buddy Greene after the show.

Buddy Greene is quite talented and is a very good entertainer. In addition to the harmonica he played his guitar, sang, and talked. He had several harmonicas and played them like I had never heard a harmonica played before.

He played traditional harmonica numbers, such as Orange Blossom Special, as well as hymns, Gospel songs, and even a few classical pieces. I never thought of Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring as a harmonica number, but Buddy played it beautifully on his harmonica.

Toward the end of the evening he sang Mary, Did You Know, a song that he helped compose. That was the first time we had ever heard the song and it immediately became one of our favorite Christmas songs. Buddy explained that his friend Mark Lowry wrote the lyrics and asked him to compose a melody for it.

What a wonderful piece of music that has become a favorite Christmas song for many. I still get chills every time I hear it because the lyrics are so profound and meaningful.

"Mary, Did You Know" by Buddy Greene & Mark Lowry.

“Mary, Did You Know” by Buddy Greene & Mark Lowry.

The lyrics were written in 1984 and Buddy composed the music some time after. Mary, Did You Know was first recorded by Michael English in 1992 and has since been sung and recorded by many others.

So we got to hear it when it was a relatively new song and were privileged to hear it performed live by one of its composers.

Dec 02

Tombstone Tuesday–Edna Ruth Heffner

Edna Ruth Heffner, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Ohio.

Edna Ruth Heffner, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Ohio.

This is the tombstone of Edna Ruth Heffner, located in row 1 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

EDNA RUTH
HEFFNER
1912-1927

Edna Ruth Heffner was born in Mercer County, Ohio, on 15 March 1912 to Rudolph G. and Nellie (Deyo) Heffner. She was baptized at Zion Chatt on 7 April 1912 with her parents as sponsors.

In 1920 “Ruth” was living with her parents and siblings in Liberty Township: Rudoph, 33, head; Ella, 34, wife, Luther, 11; Ruth, 7; and Lois, 10 months. All were born in Ohio except her mother Ella, who was born in Indiana. Her father’s occupation was given as a pumper in the oil field. [1]

Edna Ruth was confirmed at Zion Chatt on 5 April 1925 by Rev. Albrecht. Her confirmation verse was Jeremiah 31:3. She is in the confirmation photo below, but I do not know which one she was.

1925 Confirmation Class at Zion Chatt, with Rev. Albrecht.

1925 Confirmation Class at Zion Chatt, with Rev. Albrecht.

According to Zion’s records Edna Ruth died of heart failure on 18 August 1927 at the age of 15 years, 5 months, and 3 days. She was buried on the 20th. Survivors included her parents, 3 brothers, and 1 sister. Her siblings were Luther, Cleo, Robert, and Lois.

According to her death certificate Edna Ruth was born in Black Creek Township, Mercer County, and her mother was born in Adams County, Indiana. According to this record Edna Ruth died of endocarditis with arthritis as a contributing factor. According to this record she was buried on the 21st, with Egger and Ketcham in charge of the funeral arrangements. [2]

 

[1] 1920 U.S. Census, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 140, p.4A, dwelling 72, family 72, Rudolph Heffner; Ancestry.com (www.Ancestry.com : accessed 29 November 2014); from NARA microfilm T625, roll 1418.

[2] “Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953,” index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 29 November 2014), Edna Ruth Heffner, 18 August 1927; citing Liberty Township, Mercer, Ohio, from FHL microfilm 1985116.

Nov 28

This & That from The Willshire Herald

One of my favorite pastimes is looking through old issues of The Willshire Herald on microfilm at the Van Wert County Library. Below are some interesting articles that I recently found.

Sustains Injured Hand
John Scaer, farmer residing on route 2, Willshire, had the misfortune of cutting four fingers and the thumb off the left hand while operating a buzz saw at his home late Saturday afternoon.

Mr. Scaer was taken to taken to [sic] the Adams county hospital at Decatur that same afternoon, where the injured hand will be given the best of medical care. Although the injury is very painful, Mr. Scaer is getting along as well as can be expected. [1]

The Willshire Herals, 12 February 1925, p.1.

The Willshire Herald, 12 February 1925, p.1.

John Scaer was my maternal great-grandfather, the father of my grandmother Hilda (Scaer) Schumm. He was was 61 years old when this accident occurred.

John Scaer (1865-1940)

John Scaer (1865-1940)

Other injuries and some genealogical information from The Willshire Herald:

Chattanooga—
The daughter of Wm. Becher got her fingers caught in a pulley and was severely injured while her father was making hay.

Geo. Fender was kicked on the arm by a horse, breaking both bones.

Mr. and Mrs. Fogle and Miss Rosa Kuehm visited with their mother, Mrs. Wm. Betzel, Sunday.

John Bollenbacher and family took dinner with Perry Gibbons and family, Sunday.

J.F. Smith and family and Mes Dames Frank Hurl and Clyde Jones of Wren, Ohio, took dinner with H.B. Cowan and family, Sunday.

Ed Merkle of Ohio City, was here over Sunday. [2]

Some entertainment in Willshire in 1928:

An Old Fiddlers Contest will be held at Dull’s Theatre next Wednesday night, which will furnish plenty of entertainment and amusement. Garfield Martin will bring his gang from Neptune, Doc Fetters, Ed Brune and others from Celina and St. Marys. Some of these are well remembered by the entertainment they gave here two years ago. This contest is open to local talent also. The same entertainment will be given at Rockford the following night. [3]

I wonder how just how old you had to be to compete in that fiddlers contest?

Linn Grove Bank Robbed
At 10 o’clock Tuesday morning, four bandits entered the bank at Linn Grove, and took $1900 in cash. Murl Lybarger, formerly of the Willshire bank here, is cashier, and was alone at the time of the robbery. This is said to be the third time for this bank. [3]

Concrete Road Ordered
A concrete road has been ordered from the north line of Liberty township south through Chattanooga. The Willshire road through Blackcreek township has been ordered improved, by grading and the applying the first course of a built up traffic bound road this year. [4]

I wonder if this was the first paved road in Chatt?

One of Zion Chatt’s ministers receives a gift:

Rev. Yahl Surprised by Gift of Radio
Rev. Carl Yahl, pastor of the Zion Lutheran Church at Chattanooga, was the victim of a pleasant surprise recently when he drove his new automobile for the first time and found it equipped with a fine radio.

The radio was the gift of Carl Andrews, the dealer, and a member of his congregation, and the congregation itself, and was a complete surprise to Rev. Yahl. To say that he is proud of the gift and the good will that prompted it is putting the way he feels about it very mildly. [5]

Rev. Carl Yahl, pastor at Zion Chatt 1931-42.

Rev. Carl Yahl, pastor at Zion Chatt 1931-42.

The news was always interesting back then in The Willshire Herald.

 

[1] The Willshire Herald, Willshire, Ohio, 12 Feb 1925, p.1.

[2] The Willshire Herald, Willshire, Ohio, 14 July 1910, p.1.

[3] The Willshire Herald, Willshire, Ohio, 1 March 1928, p.1.

[4] The Willshire Herald, Willshire, Ohio, 16 February 1928, p.1.

[5] The Willshire Herald, Willshire, Ohio, 18 April 1940, p.1.