Family

July202008 074
Originally uploaded by kristinafh

So yesterday was a quick in-and-out of Fort Wayne trip. The occasion? Our extended family - the Emmert's - invited us to attend the First Baptist Church (2323 Fairfield Avenue) 10:30 service which was immediately followed by the wedding of Todd Emmert and Amanda Fisher. A reception was held in the basement of the church.

As the crowd was gathering to start the reception, many thoughts were racing through my mind.

This church, as I've mentioned before, is rich with history and tradition. I'm always in awe of entities which have survived and flourished through many centuries. Often, I wonder - was it a fluke? Was it a series of coincidences? How does an entity in ever-changing economic and social climates, adapt and stay relevant?

I pondered this while enjoying a meal with my mom, her husband, my aunt, and her husband.

After the meal, Leon told the crowd about his mother Vida. As I've mentioned before, she and my great-grandfather, were orphaned (16 and 14 respectfully) when their parents were victims of a fire that took place right there on their farm.

Leon said that there was a lot of pressure for his mother and his uncle to be adopted. Vida refused. She had already completed one year of high school and she insisted on completing her education and keeping the family farm alive.

I was more than impressed with this story. Can you imagine?! Early 1900's - a chick - thumbing her nose as society and saying, I'm gonna do things my way?! Frickin' awesome. I am in complete admiration.

Leon went on to tell us about my great-grandfather. He was drafted into World War I and came back injured (something none of us knew - my mom, my aunts). His first wife died (Rosina Breer), and his second wife Helena Starost was "delightful".

While Leon grew up on the Roy Family farm, my grandpa Wayne, lived in the 'big' city. Helena always made sure that her three boys - Wayne, Walter, and Kenny - spent weekends at the Roy Family farm. It was there that they formed a strong, family relationship with their cousins - the Emmert's. Leon mentioned specifically that they spent countless hours, playing in the hay bales, climbing trees and tinkering with odds and ends.

Leon recalled Kenny's unfortunate death. At the age of nine, he had died from some heart ailment. The funeral and service, he said, was held just down the street at St. Patrick's.

I asked him what kind of kid my grandpa was. My grandpa was always a reserved adult - very quiet compared to somone like me :). He said that grandpa knew how to have fun. He wasn't too quiet but he wasn't nearly as ornery as his younger brother Walter.

It was nice to hear all of this about my grandpa.

When the story ended, I looked up, and saw this very simple vase on our table.

RESERVED - Family.

I thought, I am really proud to be part of this family. I took a lot of this for granted for many years. And then, my mind switched back to the first thought I had as I was waiting in line for the food.

"How does an entity in ever-changing economic and social climates, adapt and stay relevant?"

RESERVED - Family

It all made sense to me now.

Martha A. and Leon E. Emmert

Martha A. and Leon E. Emmert
Originally uploaded by kristinafh

So I'm in Fort Wayne today. I'm off to the First Baptist Church on Fairfield Avenue. You see those folks over here? Martha and Leon are phenomenal people. I'm also lucky enough to be related to them.

Leon was cousins with my Grandpa - Wayne Roy. They were the best of friends. Their bond was very strong and one that rolled into future generations.

There were times - in between their missionary work (40 years of it) - they would come and stay at my house on Cedar Crest Circle.

Martha was always so warm and friendly. Leon was just like my Grandpa.

I'm excited to be able to see them again. It's been about (thinks) 20 years. Maybe more. In a few hours, Leon will be officiating at the wedding of his grandson, Todd Emmert as he marries his bride - Angie Fisher.

As my mother reminded me yesterday - he is the last of the Roy family. His mother - Vida and Grandpa's dad - Walter - were sister and brother. They grew up on a farm in LaGrange, Indiana and when they were young teenagers, their parents were killed in a fire. Vida took on the responsibility to continue with the farm and she raised her little brother - Walter too.

Vida when on to marry Leon's father -

Walter (after being widowed from Rosina Breer), married my great-grandmother - Helena Starost.

And that's the back story (at least some of it), of the Roy clan.

First Baptist Church of Fort Wayne

Allen County Public Library CONTENTdm Collection

I just can't seem to get away from history - and you know - that's fine with me.

I'm returning to Fort Wayne this weekend - but just for a handful of hours - specifically - to attend a service at First Baptist Church. More on the "whys" behind that - tomorrow.

Being the Catholic chick that I am (or should I say - sometimes claim to be), I had never heard of First Baptist Church.

When I found this picture on the library's website, my curiosity was peaked.

Gasp! Another Fort Wayne historical figure that I had never heard of before?! How could that be?!

I had to look through my Fort Wayne history books - not much existed. Online, I found many more resources.

From the Fort Wayne Baptist Church website:

Rev. and Christina McCoy with six of their eight children, Johnston Lykins, a teacher, a hired Indian, and a quantity of livestock, arrived at Fort Wayne on May 15, 1820 from Fort Benjamin Harrison via the Wabash Canal.

The first church of any faith or creed in Fort Wayne was the Baptist Church organized August 3, 1822 by the Rev. Isaac McCoy, missionary to the Indians. They were given quarters in the evacuated fort on May 29, 1820. The McCoys established the first school of any nature in Fort Wayne.

Rev. McCoy performed the first Protestant baptism in Fort Wayne and all the surrounding Middle West; Pe-me-zah-quah on June 18, 1820 and her sister Ah-pez-zah-quah on July 8, 1821. These sisters, grand-daughters of Chief Little Turtle, were members of the church organized August 3, 1822 and chartered under the "Articles of Faith".

I noticed that this church on Fairfield wasn't the "original" church. I soon found out that the first building was located on a lot donated by Samuel Hanna (Clay Street) and then, it was moved to the southeast corner of Berry and Clinton Streets. It's last existence before 2323 Fairfield was at 228 West Jefferson Street. Of course nothing exists there - maybe a parking lot now??

Anyway - some fascinating stuff.



I'm not sure if this interior picture is from their current location - or if it is one of the previously demolished churches. I'll find out soon!