Artistic Tombstone
Along with their Lutheran and Reformed cousins, Mennonites in Ohio erected artistic tombstones to mark burial places. Here is a grave marker with German letters indicating that Johannes Lehman, Jr., was born in 1773 and died in 1849. He was the son of Johannes Lehman, Sr., who was born in Eberstonhoff, Switzerland, and came to America in 1725 and settled near Manheim, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Johannes, Jr., after a brief stay in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he died in 1849. The grave is in Oberholtzer's Cemetery north of Columbiana, Ohio.
From Wilmer D. Swope.
must appear at the last day to give a strict account for the faithful and true performances of the promises you have made to Him.... You are surrounded on every side with snares and dangers; the enemy is crafty, lying in wait to, deceive."
"a great crowd stood upon the shore to witness the solemn ceremony.""
Communion services brought times of soul-searching and
preparation to partake of the sacred emblems. Frequently visiting ministers were present for the occasion. For example, in November 1879, an account of the congregations of Columbiana and Mahoning counties reports communion services with Henry Walters of Columbiana County, Ohio, and Joseph Ziegler of Butler County, Pennsylvania, present. Also present were "brethren and sisters from Wayne County." Over 100 partook of the communion.'' On some occasions the communion service followed baptism. The Salem Church of Elida reported on June 15, 1892, that they had enjoyed a season of spiritual refreshing. Visitors from Virginia, Pennsylvania,
