Connecting With Zion’s Past

by Dennis Dugger

Zion’s Ministers: Part V

This installment covers the period from February 1879 to March 1881, and two ministers which largely remain a mystery despite many hours spent on the Internet and going through our records.

Rev. H. Kunkel  (July 1879 – Dec. 1879) After the abrupt 3-month pastorate of Rev. F. B. Cunz ended in Feb. of 1879, Zion was without a pastor for a few months.  During the spring Zion called Rev. H. Kunkel, a minister of which we know little.  We’re not even sure of his given name; our records only show “H”.  He is largely a mystery because he was served us for only about five months.  According to our records, while here he performed no marriages or funerals and baptized no one.  Nor did he have a confirmation class.

He was first mentioned when he was present at a Council meeting on July 9, 1879 and served as Secretary.  The previous Secretary, F. Sommer had resigned; no reason given.  At this July meeting, “the requests of the newly called Pastor were read, and it was decided to lay them before the congregation to get their decision about them.”  We are not able to know exactly what these requests were since they were not recorded in the minutes.

From the minutes, we do know that by July 17 trouble of an unknown nature erupted.  The only hint in the record book is a brief note angrily scribbled by Pastor Kunkel:  “At the murderous testimony of one council member, by the name of Mr. _________, and the ruthless treatment by this man in the congregation, and the arbitrary judgment of the judge, the pastor was displaced on the one hand, and on the other hand in order not to go against the gospel in the work of the Lord, he had to give up his pastorate.  Matthew 10:13-15.  H. Kunkel Pastor.  July 17, Owensboro, Ky.”

What this means is left to our imaginations, but one thing is for sure; Rev. Kunkel was very angry.  It seems that he was comparing Owensboro to Sodom and Gomorrah with the passage he cited.

Some have speculated that Rev. Kunkel was also asked to leave because he defended his predecessor, Rev. Cunz.