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From: "Pat Caswell Cloninger" <>
Subject: Bethel Lutheran Church, Iron Station, NC.
Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 06:56:45 -0500


14 January 2000

Possible information about Bethel Lutheran Congregation in Iron Station, North Carolina.
James Allen Arndt was licensed to preach in 1895 and was ordained by the Tennessee Synod in 1898.
According to the History of the Lutheran Church in North Carolina he was Pastor of St. Lukes (Ore Bank) 1898-1899. Now we know he is a Pastor in the area of Iron Station, NC.


CERTIFICATE OF BAPTISM

This Certifies that,


On the 12th day of November, A.D. 1899




Holy Baptism

was administered by me in the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,

to Margaret Addie Catholine Plonk,

born at the home of her parents

on the 21st day of May, 1899

of Mr. Caswell Plonk

and Mary B. Plonk his wife

Sponsors or Witnesses,

Bethel Congregation




J. Allen Arndt, Pastor

From the first time I saw this certificate I wondered why the Pastor of Bethel in Gaston County came ot the home of Jacob Caswell Plonk and baptized his daughter. My Mother had told me that they attended Philadelphia Lutheran Church but never mentioned that Church was held at her school house, the Stroupe School House. She also told me about attending school at the Stroupe School House through the eighth reader which was all that was available without going away to school. She walked about two miles to school and two miles back home at the end of the day.

The Stroupe School House was located a little over one mile south of Iron Station, on the west side of the railroad.

Of course it has been about one hundred years since the Iron Forges were in operation, but still everyone should know that the closest point on the Railroad to load Iron production on the train was at IRON STATION. The products were hauled to the rail line and loaded on rail cars. The beginning and end of Iron Station. It seems it is trying to die a slow death, but it is still there and has a rather long mail route. The population is increasing with the bedroom of Charlotte expanding in all directions. Homes are springing up like weeds and grass in the garden in the spring time.



Expect to have a great day -- and you will.



Pat C. Cloninger

Newton, NC.



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