Source:
Spruce Street Baptist Church
41 Spruce St.
Buffalo, N.Y.
75th Anniversary Celebration
1849-1924
The Rev. Mr. Grimmell was born in Marburg, Hesse-Cassel, Germany. In Germany his parents lost almost all their goods because of religious persecution. He came to America with his parents and settled in Philadelphia. In 1867 he was a student at the German Department of the Rochester Theological Seminary. While a student he often came to visit the First Church in Buffalo and often preached here. After his first sermon, Rev. Schoemaker, who had been sitting behind him while he preached that sermon, was moved to tears and is reported to have said: "If this young man continues in the right way, he will yet become something." This prediction was fulfilled. In 1868 he became pastor of this Church and was ordained in the same year. Although this was his first pastorate, he undertook the work with great zeal and courage. Alter a short time it was found that the church building was inadequate to meet the needs of the growing Church. Therefore, it was decided to build a new Church. This was an act of great faith by the young minister and the small congregation. The new Church was dedicated February 8, 1870. The cost of the structure was approximately $14,000.00. This building is the present home or the Church. Its erection was made possible through the assistance of Father John Bush and the generous contributions or the members. A Mission Chapel, located at Jefferson and Superior Streets, also supported by Father John Bush, was doing splendid work during his ministry. The young minister and the willing congregation did not rest until the debit had been paid. After five years of useful service, Bro. Grimmell resigned to become pastor of the First German Church in Brooklyn, where he served 19 years. From 1892-1901 he was Editor of the "Sendbote." From 1904-1920 he again was pastor or the First German Church in Brooklyn, N. Y. He was the author and translator of various books, tracts and hymns. His death took place in 1922. A sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary A. Grimmell, and two nieces, Mrs. Mabel Becker and Mrs. Grace Hills, are at present active members of the Church. The widow is also still living. At the time of his resignation the membership numbered 146. We are grateful to God that one ordained by this Church, has, through the grace of our Lord and in the power of the Spirit, been of great service to us and others.