Crocker Bible Baptist Church History – crockerbiblebaptist.com

1892, August 5 – Wabash Railroad Station

The Wabash railroad company has bought six acres of ground from Fred Lahayne, in west Liberty township, adjoining their right of way, for station purposes, and will locate a station at that point. They will also have a station on Kane’s farm near Burdick. Note: The LaHayne property was located in present day Crocker.

1892, December 9 – The Town of Crocker Platted

Fred Lahayn has laid out a town site at the crossing of the Elgin, Joliet, & Eastern and the Wabash railroads, five miles southwest of Chesterton. Immediately after the plat was recorded, Mr. Lahayn sold twenty lots at $100 a lot. The lots are laid out, 50×122 feet, and lay in a forty acre field south of the crossing. Mr. August Shultz of Chesterton will start a grocery store at once and five other parties from Whiting and other places will start to build yet this fall. Fred Reordans, who adjoins the Lahayn farm sold out to the Belt Line and the prospects are now good for the building of a prosperous town at this point. The boom is on now. Lots in the original townsite of Lahayn are now on sale for $100 each, a plat of which may be seen at The Tribune office, John C. Coulter has the honor of making the deed of the first town lot in Lahayn to Mr. Fred Reordans, a farmer living on land adjoining, which is evidence that home people have faith in the future of the new town.

1892, December 16 – Laying of the Wabash Railroad

A Westville correspondent to Saturday’s LaPorte Herald says: The Wabash track laying outfit consists of twenty-eight box cars converted into dining and sleeping cars, one baggage car for the foreman, two engines and about one hundred and twenty-five men all told. With reasonably good luck they put down two miles of track per day and finish it — that is, put in the full amount of ties and spike it. The track is now as far as Salt Creek, some fourteen miles west of this place and nearly half way to Hammond. At Salt Creek there is a water tank and the grading done for sidings are down the outfit will move to that point. The ballasting outfit consists of three steam shovels, fourteen engines with sufficient number of cars and three hundred men; they are this side of New Paris and coming on at the rate of one to two miles per day. With fairly mild weather they will reach here by January 1.

1893 Town of LaHayne changed to Crocker.

LaHayne the original name of the location now known as Crocker, once its own incorporated village which it is now currently an incorporated area of the Town of Chesterton. Located at the junction of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern (E. J. and E.) Railroad and the Wabash Railroad. The name was used for a very short time period in the 1890’s. The origin of the name is derived from Fred LaHayne, who had the town platted in 1892. On some area maps, the town is labeled as Clahyhan, which is believed to be a misspelling of LaHayne.

The name of Crocker is said to be derived from the surveyor who platted the village in 1892, or from the first railroad engineer to pass a locomotive through the settlement.

1893, March 3 – The Naming of the Village of Crocker

A representative of THE TRIBUNE inspected the new town now being built at the crossing of the E. J. & E., and the Wabash road last Sunday. This point promises to be a thriving town in the near future. The Wabash road began work on its new depot last Monday, and the company is putting a six track yard there now. The Belt Line is putting in four tracks, and Mr. Tansy, the contractor, says he has good reasons to believe that the western yards of the Wabash will be located there. Fred LaHayne on whose lands these roads cross, laid out a town and called it La Hayne, but the railroads refuse to recognize that name, and gave the station the name of “Crocker.”

The new post-office has also been called “Crocker,” so Mr. LaHayne will be obliged to adopt the new name. There is a bunch of woods right at the crossing, and in the timber, Mr. LaHayne has already sold 68 lots. Four new houses built in the latest style have sprung up in the woods and work is begun on four more this week. Mr. Peterson, a renter of the LaHayne farm, is to put up a hotel and restaurant at once, and a man from Whiting has already taken out a government license for a saloon.

This point will be a center for immense railroad work this summer, and over 380 men will be employed there ballasting track on the new roads and fitting up for business. The new town lays four miles from Porter, and three-fourths of a mile south of the Michigan Central. Just west of it the Michigan Central has bought a three hundred and twenty acre tract, and the talk is that this company intends using it for yards and their shops. If the railroads carry out the plans credited to them, and the Wabash, Belt Line and Central locate their shops and yards between Porter and LaHayne we are on the eve of the greatest boom ever heard of in this state.

The heavy investments recently made by outside parties, and the constant inquiries made by strangers for land in that direction gives color to the probability of the move. When it is considered that Crocker is the first station this side of Hammond on the Wabash, and Hammond is its terminus, and that Crocker is at the crossing of the Belt Line near the Michigan Central, and geographically located convenient for the purposes mentioned, the probability of the move becomes more apparent. Then again it is asserted that the Lake Shore intends putting yards just west of Porter, which will relieve their Chicago yards, and enable them to make up through freight bound east or west and send or receive them over the Belt Line. Guess Lee knew what he was doing when he paid Miss Smithells $10,000 for her thirty acres.

1894, June 22 – Construction of the Crocker School House

There will be a Fourth of July celebration at Crocker got up right. There will be a picnic and dance in the grove in the afternoon and evening, and all kinds of amusements.

Liberty township is building a stone foundation, frame school house in Crocker, size 28×38 feet, with a cupola 10 feet square in front. The building is now underway, and will be ready for the fall term.

In 1896 one school with thirty-nine pupils had a set of Chamber’s Encyclopedia and thirty-six books in the library, ten maps and twelve erasers. Quite often at this time the list includes a sprinkler. Best of all in 1896, School No. 8, at Crocker, had an organ and a library of fifty-four books.

1898, December 31 – Fund Raising for Library Books

Woodville. Report of meeting held at Cole’s school house, Dec. 23, to dispose of old organ.

Meeting called to order. On motion F. H. Cole was elected chairman and J. T. McCorkle was elected secretary. Ordered, that all present were legal voters. Ordered, that the organ be sold to the highest bidder. On motion H. C. Biggs was made auctioneer. Ordered that purchaser have privilege of minimum time. Ordered that proceeds from sale of organ be expended in the purchase of an additional library for school dist 3. Ordered that a committee be appointed to purchase library books and present them to the school in the name of the old organ. On motion, H. Biggs, B. Hineline and J. T. Garrison were named committeemen. Ordered that the committee should appoint from that body a chairman and treasurer. Organ was put up for sale and sold to J. T. Garrison for $8.15, he being the highest bidder. Ordered that the accepted report be referred for publication in two county papers. J. T. McCorkle, Sec’y. F. H. Cole, Chairman.

1890’s Indiana State laws passed requiring children between the ages of seven and fourteen to attend school for twelve weeks each year. In 1907, high schools were officially required by the State Legislature as part of the Public School System.

Another factor which played a part in the decision to construct a new facility was the issue of rural school consolidation. State officials strongly advocated the consolidation of rural one-room schools believing it would increase efficiency and improve the quality of education. By the 1927 school year, population shifts resulted in only four schools in addition to Liberty Center being used.

Approval for consolidation of the township’s schools and construction of a new high school facility was granted, and construction of a new high school facility began in 1928. With the opening of the new high school in the fall of 1928, the township schools were consolidated with all students attending school at Liberty Center. Under consolidation, students in the first six grades attended school at the Liberty Center building, and the seventh and eighth grades were housed in the new building along with high school students.

By 1928, the one-room school house which served Liberty’s students for almost a century became a part of the township’s history.

Legal Description:
Book 51; Page 300
Grantors: LaHayne, Fred and wife
Grantees: Liberty Township
Kind of Deed: Warranty Deed
Date of Deed: March 13th, 1894
Amount of Consideration $ Cents: 1
Description of Lots:
Out Lots: Beg 49 feet West (W.) of South East (S. E.) corner of South West (S. W.) Quarter (1/ 4) of North West (N. W.) Quarter and 132 feet etc.
Section 9 Township 36; Range 6
Recorded: June 01st, 1894

This Indenture Witnesseth That Fred LaHayne, and Rosa LaHayne, his wife, of Porter County, and State of Indiana, Convey, and Warrant to Liberty Township, in Porter County, in the State of Indiana, for the summer of One Dollar, the following Real Estate, in Porter County, in the State of Indiana. Beginning forty nine (49) feet West of the South East Corner of the South West (1/ 4) quarter of the North West (1/ 4) quarter of Section number nine (9) in Township Thirty Six (36) North Range six (6) West. Thence running East One Hundred and Thirty two feet (132) thence South Two Hundred and Forty Seven feet (247) thence West One Hundred and Thirty Two feet (132), thence South to the place of beginning, all in Section nine, Township Thirty Six, Range Six West, Said land to be used for school purposes.

In Witness Whereof The said Grantors have hereunto set their hands, and seals, this Thirteenth day of March, 1894
Fred LaHayne (seal)
Rosa LaHayne (seal)
State of Indiana, Porter County, S. S.

Personally appeared before me, Peter A. Hallberg, a Notary Public, in, and for said County, and State, Fred LaHayne, and Rosa LaHayne, his wife, who acknowledged the Execution of the – deed, to be their voluntary act, and deed. Witness my hand, and Official seal, this 13th day of March, 1894
Peter A. Hallberg (seal)
Notary Public (Notarical seal)
Recorded June 1st, 1894 at 11 a. m.
Thos. H. Patrick, Recorder, P. C. I.

July 31^st, 1930 / August 01^st – Deed Record

Beginning Forty-nine (49) feet West of the Southeast corner of the Southwest Quarter (SW. 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW. 1/4) of Section Nine (9), Township Thirty-six (36) North, Range Six (6) west, running thence East One hundred thirty-two (132) feet; thence North Two hundred forty-seven (247) feet; thence West One hundred thirty-two (132) feet; thence South to the place of beginning.

November 01st, 1966 – Quit Claim Deed

Part of the South 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 9, Township 36 North, Range 6 West of the Second Principal Meridian, in Porter County, Indiana, described as beginning 49 feet West of the Southeast corner of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 9 and running thence East 132 feet; thence North 247 feet; thence West 132 feet; thence South to the place of beginning.

Part of the South Half (1/2) of the Northwest Quarter (NW. 1/4) of Section Nine (9), Township Thirty-six (36) North, Range Six (6) West of the Second Principal Meridian, in Porter County, Indiana, described as Beginning Forty-nine (49) feet West of the Southeast corner of the Southwest Quarter (SW. 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW. 1/4) of said Section Nine (9), Township Thirty-six (36) North, Range Six (6) West, and running thence East One hundred thirty-two (132) feet; thence North Two hundred forty-seven (247) feet; thence West One hundred thirty-two (132) feet; thence South to the place of beginning.

Reverend Gilbert Houston Curry
March 10th, 1898 to July 22nd, 1983 (85 Years)
Sunday, February 23^rd, 1930 to June (Wednesday), June (29th), 1932 (02 Years; 04 Months; 06 Days)

Ruth Jane G. {Cain} Curry
September 12th, 1901 to November 26th, 1988 (87 Years)

Reverend Gilbert Houston Curry was a Circuit Rider Minister for the Methodist (now United Methodist) Church from 1928 to 1931.

The Crocker Community Church was started from a small Sunday School group which met in the school building. This was started on Sunday, February 23^rd, 1930 at 2:30 p.m. a group of 20 gathered at the Crocker School House to organize a Church under the directions of Reverend Gilbert Huston Curry from the Methodist (now United Methodist) Church of Wheeler and McCool (now Portage).

The Congregation’s first recorded Pastor was the Reverend Gilbert Houston Curry in 1930. Reverend Gilbert Houston Curry offered his services on Wednesday Nite.

They elected Trustees and Teachers.

It was decided to name the Church the Crocker Community Church.

The Church was founded as Crocker Community Church on Sunday, February 23^rd, 1930 with the first Service held on Sunday, March 09^th, 1930, using the former one-room school.

Officers for Sunday School elected.

On March 09th, 1930 – the hour of Sunday School was changed from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The First Mid-Week Preaching Service was held the last Wednesday Night in May 1930 (Wednesday, May 28^th, 1930).

Notice For Sale: Notice is hereby given that the undersigned Trustee of Liberty Township, Porter County, Indiana, by virtue of authority granted by the Advisory Board of said Liberty Township, will offer for sale at Public Sale to highest and best bidder at the Liberty Center High School, on the 28^th, day of June 1930, at 7:30 p.m., Standard Time, the buildings and grounds known as . . . and the LaHayne School, . . . in said Township, being the property of Liberty School Township; said building and lots will be sold together or separately, in the discretion of the Trustee and Advisory Board; . . . and for all cash in hand; said sale to be made subject to the approval of the Advisory Board of said Liberty Township, authorizing and directing the same. And the Trustee and Advisory Board hereby reserve the right to refuse any and all bids.

June 6-13-20
Vidette-Messenger – Friday, June 06^th, 1930
Later in the same year they heard the building was to be sold by the Township.
The Trustees got busy and soon the whole community was busy with donations.

A Committee of 3 namely Mr. William Zugbaum, Mr. Swan Anderson, Mr. Roy Babcock were appointed to inquire find out about the buying of the school house which would to be used as a Church.

At a Public Meeting held June 26th, 1930 a Motion was made to pay $700.00 for the building and the four lots which were to be sold off at a Public Auction at Liberty Center School Building by County Attorney Mark B. Rockwell Dat.

At the June 26th, 1930 Meeting – it was voted the name of the Church be

The Crocker Community Church

Mr. Zugbaum was elected official bidder and bid $540.00 for the property.

A Public Auction was held at Liberty Center (High) School ([LCHS]) on Saturday, June 28^th, 1930. A bid of $540.00 was made by the Church Committee for the building and 4 lots. The bid was accepted, and in June was sold to the community for $540.00.

Little Brick School Thing of the Past

Three Buildings in Liberty Township Sold, Leaving But Two Modern Plants at Liberty Center.

The little old red schoolhouse is a thing of the past in Porter County as far as Liberty Township is concerned. Three buildings in which many of the older residents of the township acquired their three R’s were sold at Public Auction Saturday night, leaving but two schools, both at Liberty Center, to take care of the educational needs of the township’s 300 or more children of school age. One of the buildings is a new structure completed little over a year ago.

Trustee Edward V. Gustafson, assisted by Attorney Mark B. Rockwell, who acted as Auctioneer, sold the three structures at Liberty Center (High) School. More than sixty persons attended the auction. The aggregate of the sale was $2,286.

The LaHayne School at Crocker was sold for $540 to Church people of that vicinity for a community Church.

Vidette-Messenger – Tuesday, July 01^st, 1930 – Page 1

Ten Years Ago

Three abandoned school houses in Liberty Township were sold at auction Saturday by Trustee Edward V. Gustafson, assisted by Attorney Mark B. Rockwell, who acted as Auctioneer. The aggregate proceeds from the three structures was $2,286. The LaHayne School at Crocker sold for $540 to Church people of that vicinity for a Church.

Vidette-Messenger – July 01^st, 1940 – Page 4

The coal shed was purchased and moved away by Mr. Edgar Gustafson.

Mr. Comber gave an old barn to the church organization – which had been donated, was torn down and moved to the Church grounds where a ‘new’ Coal Shed was erected to be used as a Coal Shed by William Zugbaum, Frank Lind Jr, R. W. Babcock, Clarence Pillman, Swan Anderson.

Seats for church were purchased for $77.00

July 31^st, 1930 / August 01^st, 1930 Deed Record 97 Page 392 Number 30348

Township Deed transferring Crocker LaHayne School to Crocker Community Church.

Crocker Church Notes

Crocker’s new Community Church will be Dedicated Sunday afternoon at 2 O’Clock, Standard Time. The Church was formerly the LaHayne School. It has been remodeled to serve the Crocker /Methodist/ Congregation. Reverend Carl Allinger of Evansville will deliver the day’s address. Reverend Gilbert Houston Curry, Pastor at Wheeler and McCool is the Minister in charge of the Church.

Vidette-Messenger – Thursday, August 21^st, 1930 – Page 4

In August 1930 it was Dedicated as a Church.

Dedication Day (the building was dedicated) for the newly formed Church was held after Sunday School on Sunday, August 24^th, 1930. At 2:00 p.m. the Dedication Services were held – dedicating the Church to the Service of God. It was a beautiful day and a nice crowd was present – including friends from McCool and Porter. A Basket Dinner was served by the ladies on the lawn following the dedication.

The first death in the Church occurred September 15^th, 1930. Little 10-year-old Anna K. Lind died of Dyptheria.

September 21st, 1930 – Sunday School and Mid Week Church Service closed on account of illness.

1931 – Sunday School attendance was very variable but averaged – good.

1931 – Since all money taken in by the Church was given to the Minister.

March 12th, 1931 – It was decided at this meeting that . . . should buy two dish pans, one kettle, and a large coffee pot for the Church.

May 14th, 1931 – It was voted on to buy a Bible for the Church . . .

Fall 1931 – During the fall the Church was given 2 coats of much needed paint.

October 08th, 1931 – . . . for the dinner to be given at the Church for the men painting the Church.

A Bible was given to the Church by Mrs. McGolerick to be used at the Church on condition that if the Church should ever be discontinued she shall receive it back.

A Birthday Club was also started and is to be held at the Church once a month. All are to bring for a pot luck supper except those who have a birthday and they are to bring as many pennies as they are years old. This money is to be used to buy flowers in case of a death.

November 12th, 1931 – Discussions were brought up and motions made and seconded that . . . give . . . five ($5.00) for painting the Church, and one (1) dollar a month for getting tables ready for Birthday Suppers and cleaning Church after the party.

It was moved and seconded that the motion of last meeting where . . . we’re to buy the meat for the dinner at the Church for the painters be withdrawn.

December 17th, 1931 – Ladies Aide appointed . . . to purchase enough lumber and build a table for the Kitchen.

January 14th, 1932 – It was decided that the Birthday Supper be held once every three months instead of once a month and that every body brings for the supper.

In February 1932 a short Revival was held. The first Revival to be held in the Church was February 1932.

The first Revival to be held in the Church was February 1932. It was a short revival.

1932 – Reverend Gilbert Houston Curry – minister at McCool M. E. Church and Crocker Church was with us first half of year.

Reverend Gilbert Houston Curry having finished his school work was removed by the Conference – from Wheeler – and decided to return to his old home in Southern Indiana.

Reverend Carlson

Reverend Carlson of Hobart was with us on several occasions – in absence of regular Minister. Also Reverend Carlson of Porter likewise assisted.

As time went on there were several new ministers.

Reverend Carlson (Karlson) – Hobart

1932

Was with us on several occasions – in absence of regular minister.

Pastor from Augustana Lutheran Church

Hobart IN 46342

Reverend Erick Herman Carlson – Porter

1932

Likewise assisted.

Pastor of Augsburg Lutheran Church Porter IN 46304

Also owner of

Carlson Planetarium

US 20 and Mineral Springs Road

Porter IN 46304

Reverend Vernon L. Palmer

June 1932 to July 1932

A Reverend Vernon L. Palmer of Porter helped out during June and part of July with services and special singing. There seemed to be an increase in interest in the Lord’s work here.

Reverend James Milton Williams

(Sunday), July (03rd), 1932 to Wednesday, February 22nd, 1933 0 Year; 07 Months; 19 Days

Circuit Rider (1932 to 1934) for the Methodist (now United Methodist) Church.

In July Reverend James Milton Williams of Wheeler came as regular pastor.

After Reverend Gilbert Houston Curry came Reverend James Milton Williams.

September 08th, 1932 – A motion was made and carried that . . . and also to have the moving picture “A Trip Around the World” shown at the Church.

Wednesday evening February 22nd, 1933 – Church Services were held, followed by the regular birthday party.

Reverend James Milton Williams was with us for the last time.

Reverend Orville Karl Bosse

Sunday, February 26th, 1933 to (Wednesday), January (30th), 1935 1 Year; 11 Months; 04 Days

Pastor of

Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church

Gary (Glen Park) IN

Crisman Church

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church

Portage Ave

Portage (Crisman) IN 46368

On February 26th, 1933, Reverend Orville Karl Bosse pastor of Crisman Church held first – Sunday Evening – Service.

Reverend Orville Karl Bosse was the First Minister to hold Service on Sunday which was at Nite.

March 1933 – A (the first) Choir was organized in March 1933 under the leadership of Miss Emmie Briggs.

May 24th, 1933 – It was discussed and decided at the Birthday Supper that any one wanting to use dishes from the Church could use them. It was also decided that . . . check the dishes out and in. The person or persons using dishes will be responsible for broken or lost dishes.

In 1934 Reverend Orville Karl Bosse asked the Church to give him a stated amount instead of the Collections. Mrs. E. Pillman and Mrs. Clara Babcock were appointed to solicit pledges – which they did to cover the amount the pastor asked.

Before Mother’s Day in May Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy presented a piano to the Sunday School. It was used in the Mother’s Day program.

Thanks to Mr. Roy W. Babcock for the Register Board – which he made.

In 1934, it was remodeled. The whole community put a basement in the Church.

On Saturday, May 19^th, 1934 a Plat-of-Survey was done.

In August of 1934 remodeling of the Church Building was started in the first part of August was began.

In the first part of August 1934 Remodeling of the Church Building was began Started.

August 03rd, 1934 – the digging an the new basement was started.

The whole Community put a basement in the Church.

The building floor was raised and the basement dug.

The front entrance which was on the West side at that time, was changed moved from the West side to the South end of the building.

All work was donated by the men of the Church and assisted by the women and children. It was the women and children that did the water pumping, carrying boards, picking up nails, painting, and help with the digging out of the dirt, helping in every way possible.

The Ladies Aide cooked dinners.

Messes, Zugbaum, Babcock, Anderson, and Pillman donated some of the lumber.

The cost of the remodeling was paid for by the Ladies Aide and the Sunday School.

$62.76 for stone and cement

$29.11 on furnace repairs

$89.96 for cement to – Rader and Dille

$70.55 for lumber to – Ameling Lumber Company

$37.00 for lumber and cement to – Andersons Lumber Company

$57.89 Paint – Electric wire – Electric fixtures – Hinge and locks for doors, nails – Hauling stone, etc.

Tuesday, September 04^th, 1934 the basement concrete foundation walls were poured, and those involved with work were given the opportunity to carve their names, initials, and such, into the concrete.

Then came fixtures for the Kitchen and chairs.

September 28th, 1934 – Birthday Supper held in the new basement.

Reverend Orville Karl Bosse was being called to a Church in Peoria Illinois – February 03rd, 1935.

Reverend Arnd T. Buckler – Michigan City

1934 to 1935

Pastor of

American Lutheran Church (ALC)

Chenoa

Odis, CO

Michigan City, IN

Shapville

Cullen

Somonauk

Reverend Arnd T. Buckler from Michigan City, Indiana Preached several Sermons for us during 1934 – in the absence of Reverend Orville Karl Bosse.

Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann

Friday, December 05^th, 1902 to Sunday, May 15^th, 1966 (63 Years; 05 Months; 10 Days)

Sunday, February 03rd, 1935 to Sunday, December 31st, 1939 4 Years; 10 Months; 28 Days

Frieda Maria (Margaretha) {Hiller} Grabemann

Saturday, June 16^th, 1906 to Thursday, April 21^st, 1994 (87 Years; 10 Months; 05 Days)

Pastor from

Crisman Church

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church

Portage Ave

Portage (Crisman) IN 46368

February 1935 Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann took Reverend Orville Karl Bosse’s place and served till December 1939. Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann remained the Pastor until 1940.

In 1935, the Church made news. An unusual event took place in 1935, when the Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann became the first minister to (be married/marry) in the Church.

On March 02nd, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann was married to his wife, Frieda Maria Margareta {Hiller} Grabemann.

March 14th, 1935 – A Committee of . . . were appointed to go to Valparaiso to see about an Electric Stove, the same was purchased April 12th. Will be installed as soon as they can get around to.

On March 17th, 1935 a reception was held in Church basement for the Bride and groom – Reverend and Mrs. Carl Henry Grabemann. A gift was presented to them.

April 11th, 1935 – Motion was made that chairs be let out only to those that are interested in the Church or . . . Any one wishing to use paper table cloths is to pay 10 cents each time same is used.

April 12th, 1935 a Committee: Mr. and Mrs. Roy Babcock, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Pillman, and Mrs. Arthur Lehners were chosen to consider buying of an electric stove. It was purchased for $30.00 by Ladies Aide.

In June 1935 – screens for church windows were made by Mr. Zugbaum and Clarence Pillman.

August 06th, 1935 Committee appointed to build partition between kitchen and dining room in basement. Committee members: Mr. H. Holmes, Mr. Zugbaum, Mr. Babcock, and Mr. Clarence Pillman.

September 1935: The cement steps in front of the Church were built by Mr. and Mrs. Babcock, Mr. Anderson, Trank Buss, Victor Crum, Clarence Pillman, Gus Blank, Donald Babcock, Louis and Kenneth Babcock, and Eldon LaHayne.

November 14th, 1935 – . . . and an electric light shade was donated to the Church by . . . are on the Committee to find out what it would cost to put in a in basement and a book case in Church.

November 17th, 1935

A Box Car of Cinders (burnt fire wood?) was donated in 1935 by the E. J. and E. railroad to be used in the making of a Parking Space.

The E. J. and E. railroad donated a carload of cinders to make the parking place in front of church. Through kindness of Mr. V. McCorkel and the County, the hauling of cinders was free of charge. Mr. Harold Wagoner and Mr. Swan Anderson donated their work also.

Mr. Holmes did electric wiring in basement and put in some wall plugs and wiring up in the church.

Mr. Charles Pillman with Mr. Clarence Pillman built the partition in the basement also cupboards in the Kitchen. Some lumber was donated by Mr. Zugbaum and doors, and by Mr. Charles Pillman lumber – Mr. Anderson some lumber and hinges for doors. Clara Babcock, Ada Anderson, and Evelyn Pillman stained and varnished the new work. All work donated and Ladies Aide paid Ameling for material $29.04 and Bartels Hardware $2.92.

1936

A ‘well’ was driven in the kitchen, and a sink – donated by Mr. A. Lehners was put in and a drain board built around it.

Also in September 1936 the sidewalks front and side were made.

In November 1936 Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann started a young folk Bible Class.

January 1937 a Junior Choir organized by Mrs. Mae Althouse.

Church board decided to ask $0.25 a day – rental on chairs.

On Sunday, February 07^th, 1937 the Sunday School Honor Pin System for Attendance was started inaugurated – for perfect attendanc. Anyone having attended 52 Sundays without an absence was entitled to one.

In March 1937 – both Junior and Senior Choirs sang at Liberty Center P. T. A.

A Visiting Minister – Reverend Sheets of – Gary Indiana.

April 1937 Easter Cantata – given and call sent to Muskateen (Muscatine) Orphanage IL (in IA, just over the Illinois border, near Danville, on the Old Burlington Road, just outside the City of Muscatine, Iowa; a Lutheran based Orphanage).

April 18th, 1937 – Minister was Reverend Kinima of Michigan City who also conducted services on May 30th, when the Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann and Junior Choir sang – with Mrs. Grabemann as organist.

June 1937 – Tar paper roof on the Church from Green Interstate Roofing Company Incorporated Chicago IL. – Cost $200.00

In August 1937 – Reverend and Mrs. Carl Henry Grabemann were slightly injured in auto accident.

Visiting Minister was Reverend Shatt of Gary and Mr. Suy Liry a converted Hindu from India.

February 1938, the new song books were dedicated. The new Collection Plates made and donated by Louis Babcock used for first time.

May 1938 – a new lawn mower presented to Church by Mr. and Mrs. F. Hassel.

June 1938 – Church Building was given 2 coats paint, Ladies Aide gave $40.00 with balance paid from Building fund.

Painted the furnace and pipes.

October 09th, 1938 – Edith Carmichael – Killed in Auto accident on Dunes Highway.

Funeral in Crocker Church with Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann officiating.

A visiting minister was Reverend Philip Nash of Midlothian Illinois.

The last Sunday in December (31st), 1939 Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann resigned.

Has been minister since February 03rd, 1935. Mrs. Grabemann did splendid work with the choir.

December (31st), 1939, the last Sunday in December Reverend Carl Henry Grabemann resigned.

New Year’s Day, on Monday, January 01st, 1940 May have prevented the Vidette-Messenger from having the article in on Thursday, January 04th, 1940.

Vidette-Messenger; Thursday, January 11th, 1940; Page 5; Column 2

Crocker

Rev. Carl Grabemann tendered his resignation as Pastor of Crocker Community Church, and will devote all his time to the Hope Lutheran Church of Crisman. Plans will be made shortly to fill his place.

Reverend Walter Ermine Jones

(Sunday), January (07th), 1940 to Sunday, July 21st, 1940 0 Years; 06 Months; 14 Days

Pastor of

Deep River Church of Christ

7500 Grand Blvd

Merrillville (Deep River) IN 46410

1-219-942-6956

1-219-246-1014

http://www.deepriverchurch.com

The Church used to be in the Church building at the corner of County Line Road and 73rd Avenue next to the old Woods Grain Mill, now all a part of Deep River County Park.

Deep River Church started in 1904.

Their Membership Record Book indicates that Reverend Walter Ermine Jones Transferred his Membership to Deep River in January of 1938.

Then Reverend Walter Ermine Jones who served till July 1940.

January 1940 – The Trustees invited Reverend Walter Ermine Jones, Pastor of Deep River Church – to conduct our Sunday Evening services – which he was glad to do.

Sunday, March 24th, 1940

Reverend Walter Ermine Jones conducted the Church’s first Communion Service. On Sunday, March 24th, 1940 a Communion Set for the service was (loaned by / borrowed from) Deep River Baptist Church.

1940 – Mr. Swan Anderson painted the furnace and pipes.

July 21st, 1940 Reverend Walter Ermine Jones resigned.

Reverend Harold Oscar Sandstrom

Wednesday, August 25^th, 1909 to Sunday, September 18^th, 1960 (51 Years; 24 Days)

September 20th, 1940 to Fall 1951

Josephine {Loar} Sandstrom

Sunday, July 29^th, 1906 to Wednesday, April 26^th, 1978 (71 Years; 08 Months; 28 Days)

August 1940 – Letter from Reverend Harold Oscar Sandstorm of Chicago asking to serve our Church. After our offer was explained to him he accepted and spoke for the first time September 20th, 1940.

In September 1940 Reverend Harold Oscar Sandstrom began serving the Church, became the Church’s leader. He served till Fall 1951.

November 03rd, 1940 First Church member – baptized – Mrs. Cleo Holmes. Service conducted in the Christian Church – at Hobart, – which was home church of Reverend Harold Oscar Sandstorm.

In November of that year (1940) Reverend and Mrs. Sandstorm and Joanne Holmes chose the Communion Set for the Crocker Church – which was Mrs. A. Lehners presented the Church with a beautiful Communion Set. First used – December 29th, 1940.

1941 – Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lenburg donated the second sink for the Church Kitchen. Sink installed.

C-pool dug and lined – pipe and fittings and brick – by Mr. James Shaw, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Thure Carlson, Mr. Roy Babcock, and Kenneth, Mr. Swan Anderson, and Mr. William Zugbaum.

In July 1941 – Mrs. Maude Waldick donated the American flag – and Reverend and Mrs. Sandstorm donated the church flag.

A survey was made of the Community – A two-mile square (About: County Road [CR] 50 West; to Airport Road [County Road {CR} 500 West]; Between County Road [CR] 1275 / 1250 North [a little South of US Highway 12]; and County Road [CR] 875 North [between Robbins Road and US Highway Route 6]) was marked off in 1941 for the first Visitation Program to assist the Pastor in social and ministerial calls and also to invite the community to Church and Sunday School. Every one in that area was invited to Church.

1942 – Mr. Lehners, Mr. Holmes, and Mr. Zugbaum were appointed to look for material to reline the walls of the church.

February 22nd, a special meeting called to report and decide on the material. Same to be purchased and work to start at once.

A new 10 x 40 (30) feet addition was built on the North side of the building at this time – also by the usual ones – doing the work – but with addition of Mr. Bert Loar and Clarence Trowbridge. Mr. Henry Halk gave material and laid floor in front vestibule – Members painted outside and the inside trim.

July 1942 – Two dozen chairs bought for the Choir.

A Dedication Service for the new addition to the Church was held Thursday, July 30^th, 1942 (Sunday, August 30th, 1942), and there was a Home Coming Celebration. The Dedication Speaker for the afternoon was Reverend Wilson of Michigan City.. . . sang (Holy City).

February 1943 – A Ping-pong Table was donated by Paul Loar, Mr. R. Pease, Reverend Sandstorm, Mrs. Lehners, and Mrs. Babcock.

July 1943 – Board members decided to get frosted glass for all Church windows, which hitherto – had had colored paper covering the glass.

Frosted windows were installed in July 1943.

Committee – Mr. Lehners, Mr. Pease, and Mr. Anderson appointed to look for siding for Church Building.

When the Reverend Harold Oscar Sandstrom became the Church’s leader, during Reverend Harold Oscar Sandstrom’s Administration, Sunday School Classes and a Cub Scout Troop were added.

He was Pastor of Crocker Community Church for 11-years until he became ill /last year/ – Vidette-Messenger.

Died after a long illness.

. . .

The Reverend Mr. Harold Oscar Sandstrom was Pastor of the Crocker Bible Church until illness forced him to resign. – Chesterton Tribune.

May 26th, 1951

Special Board Meeting held after Sunday School. Opened with Prayer by Mr. Babcock. Meeting was called because Mr. Sandstrom had resigned as Minister of our Church after open discussion – it was decided a letter should be sent to all persons known to the Church members – who might be interested in the continuation of our Church. Committee appointed to have letter composed – Mrs. Pease to act as Chairman – and to ask Rev. Sandstrom to help compose the letter. Same to be brought to Second Special Board Meeting on June 03rd after Sunday School for approval. Closing Prayer by Mr. Coonrad.

Reverend Harold Oscar Sandstrom seems to have continued on, through the Search for a new Pastor.

Reverend Owen Stewart

July 08th, 1951

Reverend David Clarence Trowbridge (Jr)

July 15th, 1951

1 of for men, who in the 1954 Program Booklet for the Homecoming Celebration of what was leading into the 25th Anniversary was Mentioned as: “A special acknowledgement given to those who were once with us and are now in the service for our Lord.

Reverend Richard Meyers

July 22nd, 1951

Reverend Harold Barker

July 29th, 1951

Reverend Leonard Dorman

September 02nd, 1951

Gary (Glen Park)

Reverend David Bruce

September 09th, 1951

Reverend Harold B. Wright

November 11th, 1951

Reverend Harold Robert Brown

(November 1951 [October 11th, 1951 {March 1952}]) to About October 1968

November 1951 Reverend Harold Robert Brown began to serve us.

October 11th, 1951

Rev. Brown East Gary U B Church

Pastor of

United Brethren Church

28th and Elkhart

Lake Station (East Gary) IN 46405

The original building still exists, being used as a house.

This is the United Brethren group (Church of the United Brethren in Christ Liberal [1889] and Evangelical United Brethren [EUB] Church [1946]) that merged with the Methodist Church in 1968, helping to create the United Methodist Church.

Trinity United Methodist Church

3561 Randolph St

Hobart IN 46347

1-219-962-1353

The Reverend Harold Robert Brown followed Reverend Harold Oscar Sandstrom as Pastor and served for more than a decade.

During the /Late-/ (Early-) 1950’s and into the Mid-1960’s Reverend Harold Robert Brown was the Church’s Minister.

In 1952, Crocker Community Church voted to Incorporate and Affiliate with the IFCA (Independent Fundamental Churches of America). It was Incorporated (April 21^st, 1952 and Affiliated on) October 06^th, 1952.

Maintenance of Church Building

August 1953 Church Auditorium painted by young people.

October 1953 Church rewired and new switches installed.

Blower for furnace ($46.28) purchased and installed.

November 1953 Ordered and installed duct work for heating system.

Installed new motor on furnace ($242.39).

February 1954 Lumber ($35.27) for pews were bought and assemblement was started.

June 1954 Flooring for Auditorium and eve Troughts were purchased.

Around 1954 the Church celebrated its 25th Anniversary with one of its Home Coming Celebrations. Visiting Pastor Paul James.

In 1954 the Church supported John Barcus and family, as Missionaries (first to French Morocco), who would later start Emmanuel Baptist Church in Valparaiso (South Haven) in his house and garage.

The rest rooms were installed in 1954. Reverend Harold Robert Brown was the Minister at this time. Under his leadership, new siding was installed on the building, and new front steps were made.

And during in the 1950’s, an addition included the first indoor rest rooms for the first time, (a Nursery), /a Pastor’s Study, Sunday School Classrooms, and a Kitchen/.

In the 1950’s (April 08th, 1958) the Church was renamed Crocker Bible Church.

On April 08^th, 1958 Crocker Community Church Incorporated filed Articles of Amendment to change the Church name to Crocker Bible Church Incorporated.

On December 13^th, 1964 the Congregation of the Crocker Bible Church, by faith ventured into the Radio Ministry.

God has blessed this work and many of our problems have been solved, but as we face the future, we still need the prayers of our listeners. How I wish I could share the testimonies of the shut-ins. The hospitalized, who have told us what the broadcast has meant to them.

Now retired, Reverend Harold Robert Brown was among those who founded the Church’s Radio Ministry, which flourished in the 1960’s.

Broadcast by (the Valparaiso station WAKE (WAYK 1500) AM / WAKE (WAYK 1500) AM, a Valparaiso station), the weekly program of Sermons, testimony, and music was well-received and remained on the air for several years.

October 23^rd through October 31^st, 1966 the 9^th Annual Bible Conference for IFCA (Independent Fundamental Churches of America) was held at the Crocker Bible Church.

November 01^st, 1966 a Quit-Claim Deed was filed to Update the Church name from Crocker Community Church to Crocker Community Church Incorporated.

1967 Shirley Killosky went to Hanau Papua New Guinea for Mission Work. Sepik Iwan language.

During the late-1960’s (Spring of 1968), February 07^th, 1968 to May 05^th (14^th), 1968 Crocker Annexed – Chesterton Tribune. During the Late-1960’s the area known as the Town of Crocker was annexed by the Town of Chesterton and the Congregation chose to leave the Crocker name in the Church’s Title.

Despite any Immoralities of former Pastor Harold Robert Brown.

Although, whatever happened leading up to Reverend Harold Robert Brown’s 1968 departure, for at least 3 years, in 1994, 1995, and 1996 Reverend Harold Robert Brown was invited back to Crocker Bible Baptist Church, as a Guest Speaker for at that time, the yearly, five day (Wednesday through Sunday) November Thanksgiving Homecoming.

Reverend Harold Robert Brown returned to the Church for last year’s (1994) Homecoming, his first return to the Church in more than a decade.

As a Guest Speaker at the 1994 Home Coming, Reverend Harold Robert Brown returned to the Church for the first time in more than a decade.

(1995) Reverend Luis L. Cuellar and the Homecoming Committee have named the Reverend Harold Robert Brown as the guest of honor and principal speaker for the five days celebration. The Reverend Harold Robert Brown spoke during the opening service Wednesday and will be the featured speaker at the Church through Sunday, and Preside over the Mid-Day Homecoming Thanksgiving Feast on Sunday.

(1996) The Reverend Harold Robert Brown has been named the guest speaker for the five day event, which began on Wednesday week before Thanksgiving) at the Church. Activities will continue through Sunday with guest speakers, visits from former members of the Church, and a Thanksgiving Potluck Feast.

Others who have served the Church, also serving as Pastor include was:

Reverend George Nye

Sunday, October 27th, 1968 to Thursday, April 19th, 1973 (4 Years; 05 Months; 23 Days)

He was there for five years and recently resigned under pressure.

Also serving as Pastor was Reverend George Nye in the Late-1960’s to Early-1970’s.

Tuesday, March 11th, 1969

Town Board hears from Crocker group

. . .

This was agreed. There were also requests for street lights, removal of “Crocker” signs and their replacement with “Chesterton” signs on the approaches to town, and speed limit signs. Mr. Bross said the lights were on order, that maybe the Chamber of Commerce could see to the signs, and someone else said the new speed limit sign was installed.

About naming of streets, Chester Stemp, town engineer, had a map of Crocker ready, with names so far suggested for each street. The residents asked for two more weeks to study the names or suggest new ones.

It was agreed that the street names would be the first order of business at the town board meeting, March 24^th, and the names would be decided by majority vote of those present. Everette Witte, board president, explained that the names and numbering system are important for quick police and fire action when necessary.

Tuesday, March 11^th, 1969

Reverend Arthur Austin

About May (13^th, 20^th, 27^th) 1973 to Friday, December 07^th, 1979

In 1973 Brother Reverend Arthur Austin became our Minister.

Reverend Arthur Roy Austin is without Bible education, formerly associated with the Social Brethren Church of Griffith and recommended to them by Lake View Baptist Church of Portage. Practices some Pentecostalism, does not believe in eternal security, does not practice separation having married his daughter knowingly to an unbeliever, and does a lot of stomping and preaching and shouting but is not really preaching the Word.

It is of course only one man’s assessment but he seemed to be a spiritually stable person.

Sunday, June 03^rd, 1973 a Special Meeting to file Articles of Amendment to change the Church name from Crocker Bible Church Incorporated to Crocker Bible Baptist Church Incorporated.

It was voted [to] change the name of the Church to Crocker Bible Baptist Church Incorporated.

The Church received a new paint job inside and out, and the floor was sanded and refinished. A new well was drilled and a new water pump and water heater were installed. New doors have been hung. The wooden pews have been replaced with new padded ones. A new Communion Table and Attendance Board have also been added.

On Tuesday, July 18^th, 1972 (Sunday, July 18^th, 1976) the Church had a Home Coming for former members. Featured singers were the Waylighters. It was an all-day service. Dinner was served in the basement by the ladies of the Church.

Reverend Tommy Abston (Abstent)

Tuesday, December 04^th, 1979 to Thursday, January 17^th, 1980 (01 Month; 13 Days)

Reverend Arthur Austin

Friday, March 21^st, 1980 to Wednesday, March 10^th, 1982 (01 Year; 11 Months; 17 Days)

Reverend Lee Gladden (Gladdin)

Wednesday, May 12^th, 1982 to Wednesday, July 07^th, 1982 (01 Month; 25 Days)

Visiting Pastor from Jack Hyles (Hyles Anderson College; First Baptist Church in Hammond; ?)

Reverend Arthur Roy Austin

Wednesday, July 07th, 1982 to Wednesday, September 08th,1982 (00 Years; 02 Months; 01 Days)

Reverend Norman (Norm) Floyd

Wednesday, September 08^th, 1982 to Sunday, January 16^th, 1983 (00 Years; 04 Months; 08 Days)

Visiting Pastor from Jack Hyles (Hyles Anderson College; First Baptist Church in Hammond; ?)

Reverend Donald (Don) Lewis Slack

Thursday, February 17^th, 1927 to Tuesday, June 22^nd, 1999 (72 Years; 04 Months; 05 Days)

Wednesday, February 16^th, 1983 to Sunday, September 27th, 1992 (09 Years; 07 Months; 11 Days)

Grace L. {Rine} Slack

Friday, March 07^th, 1930 to Thursday, January 18^th, 2001 (70 Years; 10 Months; 11 Days)

Reverend Donald (Don) Lewis Slack used to be Previous a Pastor at

Emmanuel Baptist Church

760 McCool (CR 550 W)

Valparaiso (South Haven) IN 46385.

When he left Crocker, he eventually returned to Emmanuel as an Assistant Pastor.

Reverend Thadeus Peak

Reverend Luis L. Cuellar Sr

Saturday, December 16^th, 1916 to Wednesday, December 15^th, 2004 (87 Years; 11 Months; 29 Days)

October 1992 to October 1997 (05 Years)

Marian Norma (Marm) {Spradling} Cuellar

Saturday, January 03^rd, 1920 to Thursday, May 01^st, 2008 (88 Years; 03 Months; 28 Days)

He worked in the mill (US Steel) to provide for his family while his love was to teach people about Jesus and His loving grace.

In 1992, with no Pastor, 2 to 3 ladies continued to gather in the Church on Sunday Mornings and Pray for a Pastor.

A few ladies remained dedicated to meeting at the Church on Sunday Mornings, despite not having a current Pastor.

The ladies apparently continued to meet, and pray for the Lord to lead a new Pastor to the Church.

Then, one of the Sundays, while they were praying, , the Lord directed Reverend Luis L. Cuellar Sr, who happened to come by the Church, and was led to go walk inside into the Church.

Reverend Robert (Bob) H. Howard

April 1993 to August 1995 (02 Years; 04 Months)

By the Summer of 1993, (the) average attendance at [the] Morning Worship [Service] had dwindled to four. Through prayers, dedication, love, and faith, average attendance has risen to (26 in 1995, a six-fold increase in within 24-months); and to [30 in 1996].

The ICBM has continued to guide the Congregation toward a self-supporting status. The Church has since made extensive improvements to the building, added Nursery Services, a Junior Church Program, and a Women’s Bible Study Group.

In early 1995, the Congregation affiliated with the Indiana Bible Church Mission. The IBCM assisted the Church in its search for a Permanent Pastor, and is responsible for bringing Pastor Reverend Kevin Doll to the Congregation.

First Annual Home Coming Wednesday, November 17^th, 1993 to Sunday, November 21^st, 1993.

Second Annual Home Coming Wednesday, November 16^th, 1994 to Sunday, November 20^th, 1994.

Third Annual Home Coming Wednesday, November 15^th, 1995 to Sunday, November 19^th, 1995.

Fourth Annual Home Coming Wednesday, November 13^th, 1996 to Sunday, November 17^th, 1996.

Independent Bible Mission

Indiana Bible Church Mission (IBCM)

Reverend Kevin Doll

(January) March 1996 to April 1997 (01 Year; (03) 01 Months)

Chaplain in Iraq

After serving as a Candidate in January and February of 1996, he was unanimously voted to the Pulpit of the Church and assumed his duties in March.

Now serving in Iraq as an Army Chaplain.

Others who have served the Church include:

Reverend Jay Wolf

December 1997 to April 1999 (01 Year; 04 Months)

Served as an Interim Pastor

Reverend Jonathan Anderson

May 1999 to Sunday, November 04^th, 2001 (Wednesday, November 07^th, 2001)

A little over a year ago, God saw that Crocker Bible Church was once again dying and He saw fit to remove Jonathan Anderson from the pulpit.

On November 11^th, 2001, we met for the first time again as a Church without a Pastor. We did not flinch, and during the ensuing year, most of us did not waiver or doubt that we were to continue the work here.

God was gracious, He provided us with great men to bring us great messages.

We began Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting with two people, then three people, then four and we prayed and we prayed. Then God sent Chuck Adams t us. Chuck took over the Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting and added a Bible Study. And God heard us, and He answered our prayers and He added to our numbers and then there were eight faithful people who came to study, but most importantly to pray for our Church.

Those who brought messages:

Reverend Chuck Adams