USA > Arizona > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 12
USA > California > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 12
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Was born on a farm near Girard, Illinois, April Nicholas J. 23, 1868. He attended the neighborhood school Brubaker. from his sixth year to his nineteenth, but after old enough to work advantageously on the farm, his school year usually consisted of only three or four months.
His father and mother were members and regular atten- dants, of the Pleasant Hill Church, to which he was admitted in 1880. Having been a regular attendant of the Sunday
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School from its organization, he was chosen teacher of a class and elected the following year as Superintendent.
At Mount Morris College, he finished his Classical Aca- demic Course in 1893. In the winter of 1891-'92 he was in California at the Lordsburg College. In the year 1894-'95 he
N. J. Brubaker.
attended the DePauw University at Greencastle, Indiana. In 1898 he returned to California as Instructor in Lordsburg Col- lege.
In 1899 he was united in marriage with Martha Master- son. He taught school at Temecula, California. Though iso- lated from the Church of his choice, he continued actively engaged in Church work as opportunity offered.
At different times he was chosen as "Acting Superinten-
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dent" of Schools under the auspices of the Methodist Church. At times, when no minister was available, he was called upon to officiate at burial occasions.
In 1907 he entered the Los Angeles City School System, thus coming into the confines of the South Los Angeles Church, which called him to the Ministry in 1910. In connec- tion with his public teaching he has completed his university course at U. S. C., taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts and the High School Certificate.
B. S. Haugh. Was born in Allen County, Ohio, December 9, 1873. His father was Jacob Haugh. At ten years of age his parents moved on a farm in Jackson County, Missouri, remaining there six years. He then took residence in Warrensburg, Missouri. Here B. S. Haugh joined the Church of the Brethren at sixteen years of age. He led in the song services of the church and took vocal music in different parts of the country. At twenty years of age he entered Mount Morris, Illinois, College. The second year during the summer he continued his studies in North Man- chester College, Indiana. Through the assistance of Elder S. Z. Sharp he became assistant instructor of vocal music in McPherson College, Kansas, remaining there ten years.
He was married August 31, 1914, to Laura E. Harsh- barger, who also graduated from McPherson College. They have been identified with the Lordsburg College for the past three years. He led the singing service in the Los Angeles Annual Conference in 1907, and of this service the late Bobert Burdette, Pastor of the Temple Baptist Church said, he won- dered why the committee of arrangements had refused the use of the Twenty-five Thousand Dollar Organ, and when he came to hear the singing he said he understood when he heard the Fifty Thousand Dollar voices in song why the organ was refused. Those who attended the conference will remember how the great body of five thousand people was swayed by that beautiful hymn "In the Morning of Joy."
He studied music in the Moody Bible School under Instructors Coffin, Sellers, Dehuarter and Towner.
From Bethany Bible School they went to McPherson
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College, Kansas and remained there two years, giving instruc- tions in music. He is now teacher of music in Lordsburg College.
William Q. Calvert. Born in Adams County, Ohio, August 7, 1851; converted to God by His Truth and Spirit at the age of thirteen, or in 1864. He taught eight terms of school, beginning at nineteen. Was married to Susan E. Couser at the age of twenty-one in Jan- uary 30, 1873. He located in Rice County, Kansas in 1875, and returned to Adams County, Ohio, in 1877, and on April 7th of the same year was chosen to the ministry. Spent twenty-six years in the ministry where elected. To meet his wide circle of preaching appointments he had to travel about two thousand miles annually, mostly on horseback. He had the joy of seeing over two hundred and fifty persons come to the Church of the Brethren under his preaching. In his min- isterial labors, he gave comfort to the living at over one hun- dred funerals, and united in marriage nearly one hundred and fifty couples. He took residence in Covina, California, in October, 1902; went to Allison Prairie Church, Illinois, in October, 1903. In February, 1905, he located in the Panther Creek Church, Illinois. In November, 1906, he became a citi- zen of Inglewood, California. Served as a member of the Standing Committee from Southern California District in 1911. Moved to the Imperial Valley, California, in 1911, where his beloved wife went home to Jesus, February 23, 1912. September 16, 1913, he moved to Lordsburg, California, where he still resides. He was married to Mary V. Ebersole, January 30, 1916.
Brother Calvert is a clear, forceful speaker, a close student of the Bible, a fairly good talker on his feet, and socially strong in helpful qualities.
Harry Brandt. This young Brother in the ministry was born near Hartlan, Iowa, February 5, 1885, and with his parents took residence in Cal- ifornia in November, 1887. He was received by conversion into the Covina Church, December 4, 1904, and elected to the ministry, October 14, 1906 at Covina. On November 30, 1911
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he was given work in the second degree of the ministry. He attended Bethany Bible School at Chicago and is giving good promise of an efficient minister for Christ and the Church.
Harry is a pursuer. He sought spiritual wisdom in Beth- any, Bible School, Scholarship in Pomona College, and in Lordsburg College, and is now hunting some scientific knowl- edge in Yale University. He is trying to achieve what a good achiever desires. While asking questions he does not forget the answers. If he has any misfortunes he does not sit down and deplore them, but flies to things that do not result in mis- fits. At present he is a special contributor to the Gospel Messenger, Elgin, Illinois, and does not hesitate to conduce his best to its readers.
J. J. Was chosen to the ministry in the Tropico Church, December 21, 1913, and at this time,
Reppert. January, 1917, is living on West Third Street, Glendale. He is studying to become an efficient worker in the Lord.
Was elected to the ministry December 21, John H. Getz. 1913, in the Tropico Church. He is a close Bible student and a disciple of great promise, being enveloped in humility. His sermons are well prepared, delivered briefly in a conversational tone.
Was born the 5th of October, 1856, at Bare- ville, Lancaster County, Pa. He attended the
Elias B. Lefever. Primary and Graded Schools of his native place. He lived with his parents on his father's farm until the spring of 1880, when he started farming for himself. His parents were pious people and belonged to the Mennonite Church.
In 1879, October 5th, he was united in marriage to Lydia Ann Martzall. To this union was born one son, who died in infancy.
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On June 13, 1884, E. B. Lefever was baptized by triune immersian and united with the Church of the Brethren. In the spring of 1889 he moved to the historic village of Ephrata, Pa., and lived there for a number of years.
While living in Ephrata he was elected to the Ministry, October 22, 1892. Was advanced to the second degree of the Ministry, April 9, 1898.
On September 13, 1897, his wife, who was also a member of the Church of the Brethren, died. In the Spring of 1899, he was married to Sister Emma I. Welty and to this union was born a son.
In April, 1913, we find him located on South Hancock Street, Los Angeles, California, living there for some time. He finally settled in Pasadena, California, where he helped to organize the Church of The Brethren in Pasadena, being one of its charter members. He was a studious student in Berean Bible School, Los Angeles one year, then moved to Idaho. Like many others, his lines led to Southern California again. .
On April 21, 1907, Brother Lefever was ordained to the Eldership by Brother George Chamberlen and Brother J. S. Brubaker.
Outside of the common school education, he attended a school at Brentsville, Va., under the tuition of Brother I. N. H. Beahm for nineteen weeks, also the Berean Bible School for some time, under the instruction of Brother M. M. Esh- elman.
During his Church life he had the opportunity to attend a special Bible term at Juniata College, Huntington, Pa., as well as one at Elizabethtown, College, Pa.
In the pulpit, Brother Lefever permits the Truth and Spirit to vitalize his sermons.
Born November 13, 1844 on his Grandfather's
John K. (John Kuns) farm, near Delphi, Indiana. He Shively. was baptized in 1861 by Elder John Metzger in the Middle Fork congregation, Indiana. Later he took residence in Cerro Gordo Church in 1868. Here he
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lived for twenty-two years. In 1890 he moved to Lincoln County, Nebraska. Here he was chosen to the ministry in Wallace Church in 1890. He was installed into his office by Geo. W. Stambaugh and David Bechtelheimer. In 1893 moved to Jasper County, Mo., March, 1900, settled in Cavalier County, North Dakota, and in 1905 emigrated to Glenn County, California, and ordained by C. E. Gillette and M. E. Andrews. April, 1905, became a citizen of Butte Valley Church. In 1910, he moved to Lordsburg Church. He is a strong advocate of missions and Sunday Schools. He tried to build up the Cause wherever he lived.
He first came into a new world April 3, 1865, William Stutsman. near New Paris, Indiana. He was brought up a farmer and understands the meaning of hard labor and the value of real industry. He was converted in the Washington Creek Church, Douglas County, Kansas, in September, 1887, and chosen to the ministry at the same place in March, 1889, and put into further responsibilities May, 1906, and ordained September, 1909, at Tropico, Cali- fornia. He had charge of the above-named Church awhile and presided over it with Christian dignity and with a love of souls that meant carefulness and greatness of heart. In discipline he is firm, yet has a love that means high regard for divine principles. Once he understands His Master's truth he adheres to it with a fixed purpose. He was Reading Clerk of the District Meeting 1911, and he did his part quite well. His honesty never fails him as he rests all in his Master.
He moved to Elgin, Arizona, several years ago, and at this writing has charge of the Church at Pierce. He has charge of the work at Pierce and Mountain View, Arizona. At this writing he has returned to Los Angeles County.
Was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, March 6, C. E. Gillette. 1857, and joined the Church of the Brethren in Greenwood, Missouri, in 1881, being baptized by Elder J. S. Mohler, a very devoted man in his day. Brother Gillette was chosen to serve as a deacon the day of his baptism and given the ministry in 1885. He settled
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in Arizona in 1892 and from thence to California in 1906, making his home at Bangor for three years. He became greatly affected by tuberculosis and then sought residence in the Imperial Valley, the climate of which was congenial to him so that he has about fully recovered and has done much for the Cause in his simple way. He preached the second sermon of our Brethren in Arizona, and baptized the first con- vert. During his stay in Arizona he baptized forty-one per- sons. He had the oversight of the Imperial Valley Church. He is direct in speaking, has some native abilities and is fear- less in expression. He now resides at St. David, Arizona.
G. W. Kieffaber.
Son of Adam C. and Rebecca (Hotchkiss) Kief- faber. He was born March 26, 1877, near Cerro Gordo, Illinois. When nine months of age his parents moved to the vicinity of Clay City, Ind., where they still reside. Elder G. W. Kieffaber was married to Eva Emmert, October 17, 1897, at Mount Morris, Illinois. He was immersed into Christ October 3, 1891, in the Lick Creek Church, Indiana, and chosen to the ministry at Mount Morris, Illinois, May 9, 1909, and given additional responsi- bilities at the same place April 15, 1911. He received the ordination to the Bishopric at Inglewood, October 1, 1916.
During three years he took Bible work in Mount Morris College; also completed a two-year Mission Course. In scholarship he holds an A. B. degree issued by Mount Morris College, and a Master's Degree issued by Stanford University. He taught in Canton College, Ohio, for three years; and in Lordsburg College, California, from March 1, 1912 to May 26, 1916. His home is in Inglewood. Brother Kieffaber is a lucid speaker, strong in faith and courageous in gospel sim- plicity. Generous, with a deep spiritual nature, he preaches with a convincing clearness. He is very companionable. He can teach-is apt.
Was born at Mount Jackson, Virginia, January 26,
S. D. 1874. He was united in marriage to Jane C. Harri- Long. son of Washington, D. C., October 24, 1905. They have two children, Carson and Anna. Brother Long was called to the ministry in the Church of the Brethren,
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August 15, 1907, in the Pleasant View Church, Va., advanced to second degree two years later. Came to Glendora, Califor- nia, October 4, 1912, and to Hermosa Beach, April 1, 1914, and took charge of the missionary work under the care and direction of the District Mission Board; services are held each Sunday and a good interest and attention in Sunday School. It is within the bounds of the Inglewood Church.
The subject of this sketch was born in Ottumwa, William M. Platt. Iowa, April 18, 1875. When eleven years of age his parents came to Covina, California. God converted him when he was fourteen years old, under the preaching of Elder Jacob Whitmore of Kansas.
William M. Platt
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January 1, 1898, he was chosen to the ministry and promoted to Godly efforts in the Glendora Church, April 22, 1899. Being faithful to the trust, he was ordained to the Bishopric at Princeton, California, November 9, 1907, by Elders C. E. Gil- lette and M. E. Andrews. He served as a missionary at Col- ton, California, in 1899 and 1900, then took charge of the work in the Imperial Valley in El Centro during 1908-09.
As District Sunday School Secretary for three years he put force and spiritual vigor into the work, from March 17, 1902. Under his efforts the District agreed to support Sister Jessie B. Emmert as missionary in India and this "good work" still continues. It was and is a very worthy missionary effort.
At the organization of the Church in the Imperial Valley, Brother Platt was honored as its first Elder. He is now an active worker in the Santa Fe Mission on Santa Fe Street, Los Angeles. Unquestionably he has directive stabilities and the mission is a striking evidence of the right man in the right place. Brother Platt has fairly good powers of mind concen- tration, is a fine mind-comforter, sympathetic, affectionate and true to his Christ. He served as Secretary of District Meeting in 1916 and as Assistant Secretary in 1901. He is now Sec- retary of the Elder Body. Moderator of Ministerial Meeting, 1915, at Pasadena, and Secretary of S. S. Convention, 1915-16.
. Was born August 31, 1877, at Castine, Darke Elder Wm. H. County, Ohio. He spent his boyhood days Wertenbaker. on the farm, and attended the public schools of Ohio.
He came to Covina, California, in January, 1899, and the fol- lowing July he united with the Church of the Brethren. In September, 1899, he entered Lordsburg College and spent two years in study.
He was elected to the Deacon's Office in March, 1901, and in April, 1903, was chosen to the Ministry. He then spent one year in North Manchester College, completing the two-year Bible Course.
He returned to California in June, 1904, and July 20, 1904, was united in marriage to Sarah R. Horning of Lords- burg. In November of the same year they were employed
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by the District Mission Board to open up a Mission in the Southern part of Los Angeles. This work grew into what is now the South Los Angeles Church of the Brethren. Brother and Sister Wertenbaker had charge of the work for ten years.
Wm. H. and Sarah Wertenbaker.
He, with his wife, was advanced to the second degree of the Ministry in June, 1905, and ordained to the Eldership in May, 1908.
He has served as Secretary of the District Mission Board since November, 1912.
The son of Elder R. H. Miller, was born in Robert North Manchester, Ind., February 9, 1889. Henry Miller. He was the third in a family of four boys. When they were quite young the mother was left a widow. This misfortune brought the children at an
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early age face to face with the problem of finance in securing an education. Robert assumed this burden at the early age of fourteen.
In the year 1898, the mother and family moved to Ladoga, Ind. During the summer the boys worked on the farm of
Robert Henry Miller.
their uncle, Elder S. D. Stoner, learning the lessons of industry that are most effectively taught in intimate touch with nature. In the winter they attended school.
At the age of thirteen Robert united with the church. He was called to the ministry January 1, 1911. Amid the numerous pressing duties of a young man, pursuing an education, for
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which he must furnish the means, he responded to the call of the Ministry whenever it came ..
In the year 1910 he graduated from the Manchester Academy. He spent the following three years teaching in the schools of Indiana. In the year 1913 he entered upon the Liberal Arts course at Manchester College. This he completed in the Spring of 1916, when he received the Bachelor of Arts degree. During the last two years of his stay at Manchester College, he was employed as instructor in history in the Aca- demic Department of the same school.
In the Spring of 1916 he was united in marriage to Maude E. Reiff, a niece of the late Elder J. G. Royer. They came at once to Raisin, Cal., where he held the Principalship of Schools for one year. During this time he performed his part of the ministerial work in addition to directing Bible classes in various books of the New Testament.
Immediately following the close of school in June, 1917, he took charge of the pastoral work of the South Los Angeles Church, to which he had been called.
J. P. Dickey. Born September, 1873. Parents L. H. and Nancy Dickey; grandfather, Elias Dickey, and great grandson of George Hoke of Ohio. Raised on a farm, he received from four to five months' schooling each year from the age of seven to eighteen years, except one year. 1891-92 in Fostoria, Ohio, Academy; in 1892-93 at Ada, Ohio. Taught public school two years, and 1895-96 at University at Ada, Ohio. 1897 in North Dakota and entered a homestead. Again back in Ohio teaching, three winters. Taught school two summers in North Dakota.
Converted and baptized on Christmas day in Ohio, in 1899. On Christmas in 1901, married to Mertie B. New- comer. 1902 spent in North Dakota, until August then back to Ohio. Seven summers were spent working at the carpenter trade, and two years on an Ohio farm.
Chosen to the ministry in June, 1903, and advanced to second degree in the winter of 1904. In 1904, he took resi- dence in North Manchester, Indiana. Began work in the College there in September, 1905. Was at work there more
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or less until 1910. Graduated in three year course in Bible work. Taught in Bible Department two years. In Autumn of 1910 began work in the Bible Department of Lordsburg College, teaching two years; also acting one year as business manager, up to the resignation of P. B. Fitzwater; then took up Bible work again. Spent two years on a ranch at Raisin, California, having charge of the congregation at that place. While in Northern California he spent some time in Bible Institute work and in evangelism. In the beginning of the school year, 1916-17, he returned to Lordsburg College and took charge of the Bible Department. He was ordained to Eldership in Lordsburg in 1910 and served on the Standing Committee at the Annual Meeting in York, Pa. Served in Northern Cali- fornia as Reading Clerk at the 1914 District Meeting and as Moderator of the 1915 District Conference. He is a "busy man" about all the time. As a Bible Teacher he has few equals, making the Doctrine of Christ clear.
Born in Augusta County, Virginia, in 1868, son Joseph W. of Elder John A. Cline and relative of that great, Cline. good man, John Cline, who lost his life during the war of 1861. Graduate of Bridgewavor College, Va .; student of Temple University, Philadelphia. Traveled one year in Europe. Elected to the ministry in Philadelphia, Pa., and placed in the second degree at the same place. Organized the Sunday School now the Geiger Memorial Church in the same city, the building of which cost $50,000. Was Pastor there five years. Married Dora E. Kuns, daughter of Jno. S. and Sarah M. Kuns, in 1899 at Covina, Cal., remaining one year in Philadelphia after his marriage.
Brother Cline came to California in 1900, and was pastor of the East Los Angeles Church for three years, also Superin- tendent of the Sunday School for the same period. Served as pastor of Pomona Church of the Brethren one year. He was ordained to the Eldership in 1909 at Pomona.
For six years he was District Sunday School Secretary. He has completed his fourteenth year as local Sunday School Superintendent and enjoys that line of service. He was dele- gate to the world Sunday School convention at Washington,
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J. W. Cline.
D. C., and served three times at Annual Meeting on Program with addresses. At the present time he is assisting in the work of the Souht Los Angeles Church.
Was born in Preston County, West Virginia, C. W. Guthrie. October 4, 1876, and converted by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Truth, March 4, 1891, in the Sandy Creek Congregation of the same County and State. He took residence near Selma, California, in December, 1893, and in 1896 became a citizen of Los Angeles, making himself useful in the company of the Brethren. Two years were given to the Church in Phoenix, Arizona, under the direction of the Southern California Mission Board.
He was elected deacon in 1899 in the East Los Angeles
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congregation; chosen to the first degree ministry in 1908; given further authority in 1913, and made Bishop in South Los Angeles Church in 1915. In 1901 he was chosen a mem- ber of the Southern California and Arizona Mission Board, serving three terms or about ten years. He did not complete his service on the Board, it being impractical to serve there and be under the direction of the Board as its pastor.
He started on a trip around the earth in 1906, and returned in 1907, being away about fourteen and one-half months and traveled over 42,000 miles. He visited about all the Bible Lands, including a trip up the Euphrates River. He visited the Brethren's Mission Stations in India and China, bringing home a set of stereopticon views taken and developed by him- self ; and by these he has given hundreds of lectures of his world journey. He has made nine trips across the American Continent, the last in 1916 in an automobile with his estimable wife, who was formerly Sister Lulu Trout. As we write, Brother Guthrie is at work lecturing and preaching in West Virginia.
Strictly honest and truthful, Brother Guthrie, when spir- itualized by the Word and Spirit of God, became better equip- ped to delve into the deeps of Scripture and to reach the Divine qualities and powers of spiritual insight. Did splen- did missionary work in Lineville, West Virginia, in autumn of 1916.
This brother was born in Masontown, Pa., August Francis F. Durr. 13, 1866, and gave his life to Jesus in 1896. He was chosen to the ministry in the Geroge's Creek Church, Pennsylvania, in October, 1905. Having proven his worthiness to further confidence he was chosen to eldership and ordained by laying on of hands of D. A. Nor- cross and Peter Forney on November 23, 1912, at Glendale, Arizona. In this place he labored as pastor for a while and quite a number were converted. At present Chas. Ronk is leading the Lord's work there.
Seven years prior to entering the church of the Brethren he spent with the Methodist people. His wife led him to further Bible searchings because she first came to the Breth-
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ren. The more he studied the Bible the more the Light shined into his heart, and that enlightened heart sought more obed- ience to Christ Jesus. He admires changed heart and changed life into the "all things" of his Lord. Prayer and consecrated life begun and maintained by Jesus appeals greatly to Brother Durr.
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