Transitions, Leaders, and Changing Churches (1865-1900) / 145

of a wise and discerning leader who patiently waited for time to heal the wounds. In due time evangelistic and music teachers visited and ministered to the church. The patience bore fruit. Young people united with the church and its former life was restored. In 1892 a new building was dedicated and for some decades to come the Zion Mennonite Church flourished.

Christian Stucket' (1841-1907)

Changes in the Fulton County church community in the late nineteenth century also came cautiously, for here as elsewhere it was no easy matter to change the convictions and beliefs of a people. Christian Stuckey who was ordained minister in 1872 and bishop in 1878 stands out as the capable leader during the transitional years. Stuckey had gifts of administration in church affairs; he commanded the respect of his fellow ministers, and he showed an alertness to the trends of his time. During his active years D. L. Moody was the foremost American evangelist; Stuckey had a keen interest in Moody and in the literature which his campaigns produced. Stuckey's sermons were evangelistic and "grace" was a common theme in his preaching.

To Stuckey goes much credit for orderly transitions in the church's music, in particular the introduction of four-part singing. Under Stuckey's guidance the English language began to be used in Sunday school. By 1896 the transition was complete and about the same time the Sunday school became year-round in its program.

The importance of these changes stands out when situations of the times are seen clearly. Large numbers of young people were not joining the church of their fathers because they could not read or understand German. They also felt that certain traditions in dress and appearance were no longer necessary. There was dissatisfaction, too, with the centuries-old Amish practice of shunning the excommunicated member. Evening meetings were still unknown, or at least not favored.

As the nineteenth century drew to its close in this community in northwestern Ohio, a marked change took place in the above rigid patterns. From one point of view it was the loosening of restrictions. From another point of view it meant the ingathering of large numbers of young people, some already married. Numerous evangelists visited the community and preached with great benefit