Albert and Ida Spoering Elling - Confirmation Certificates

It was interesting to know that my grandparents were confirmed in the same church - St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bartlow and Richfield Townships, Henry County, Ohio, just two years apart.  The name of the church was later changed - keep reading!

The elaborate, colorful certificate marked the confirmation of Albert Elling.  Surprisingly, this paper noted his birthday as 1887, while his baptismal certificate said 1888, which would be correct.  Albert was 14 years old when this
remembrance of his confirmation was presented to him.

The red printing could not be read, but the handwriting said this:

Albert Elling born on the 28th January 1887, 

confirmed on 23rd March 1902,

in the evangelical Lutheran St. John's church of

Bartlow and Richfield Township, Henry County, Ohio

John Boomgarder, Pastor  

The same certificate style was used a few years later for Ida Spoering's confirmation.

 

 Ida Sporing (Spoering) born 5th February 1890, 

confirmed on the 27th day of March

in the evangelical Lutheran St. John's church 

of Bartlow and Richfield townships, Henry County, Ohio

Boomgarder, Pastor

Again, a look at the symbolism on the certificate is worthwhile.  In the top right is the communion cup, carried by the angels to the feast.  A large sidebar on the left shows a pastor confirming three children who kneel at the altar.  A vine travels up the side of the page and leads us to the Lord's Supper at the bottom.  Poppies for remembrance, perhaps, and in the right hand corner I see a chalice with the risen Lord above it.  Maybe you see something different?  Please add in the comments.

**This church is now known as Peace Lutheran Church near Deshler.  In the graveyard near this church, the last child, an infant daughter, of Albert and Ida was buried.  She was stillborn, it was said, and she was unnamed.  Ida was 42 at this child's birth.