USA > Arizona > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 2
USA > California > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 2
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On December 28, 1903, Ed Shively and wife, William Stutsman, Melvin Stutsman, E. A. Stutsman and wife, S. S. Garst and wife, Sarah Hartman, Oscar Hartman and Joseph Shively and wife arrived from Kansas and assumed member- ship. Aaron Wolfe was the first Sunday School Superinten- dent and Christian Wine and Aaron Wolfe were delegates to the district meeting in 1903. Christian Wine was Elder in charge, but resigned, owing to poor health. December 10, 1904, S. G. Lehmer was chosen. On June 25, 1912, Elder Stephen Yoder placed his membership here.
Those from the city who assisted ministerially were Peter Myers, S. G. Lehmer, G. G. Lehmer, J. W. Cline and J. Z. Gilbert.
One of the most far reaching historic events to the general brotherhood had its origin in Tropico Church. It was the bicentennial of the Church of the Brethren in 1908. Brethren Church reached its two hundredth year at that time. It was fit to celebrate the event in a proper manner. A suggested plan was adopted March 9, 1907, and sent to the District Meeting which seconded it at Oak Grove, March 28, 1907. It was then forwarded to the Los Angeles Annual Meeting of the same year. M. M. Eshelman represented the Church June 6th, 7th and 8th at the General Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Ed- ward Shively and Charles Fishel were called to the diaconate, and William Stutsman ordained to the Eldership, and S. S. Garst was put into the second degree of proficiencies, Septem- ber 25, 1909.
In the winter of 1911 William Stutsman moved into Ari- zona and S. G. Lehmer was called to preside over the church's interest. Later, Elder S. S. Garst took charge. December 21,
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
1913, John H. Getz and J. J. Reppert were chosen to the ministry.
The Tropico Church.
Officers, 1917-S. S. Garst and M. M. Eshelman, joint overseers; J. J. Reppert, minister in first degree; A. E. Stuts- man, Charles F. Fishel and William Mickle, deacons; E. A. Stutsman, treasurer; William Mickle, clerk; Alice Garst, chorister ; William Mickle, Sunday School superintendent ; E. A. Stutsman, assistant; Ivy Garst, secretary and treasurer.
Her Sunday School efforts during the past two years are as follows :
In 1915-Enrollment 50, donations $57.37, teachers 6.
In 1916-Enrollment 73, contributions $63.43, officers and teachers, 10, classes 5.
Tropico church has enjoyed a great deal of systematic Bible study the past twelve years.
Elder Yoder preached up to near the time of his depart- ure for the new realm. His ministry in a long life bore fruit to the joy of many in Christ, and the end was glorious, worthy
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
of imitation. He believed Jesus, hence obeyed him, through all infirmities. He died in triumph of saving faith at the good age of 87 years, 6 months and 8 days.
LORDSBURG CHURCH
November 1, 1891, the following named persons became charter members of what is now known as the Lordsburg Church : Elder John Metzger acted as Chairman. Elders Peter Overholtzer and Peter S. Myers and J. S. Flory were present as helpers. Charter members were T. J. Nair, David Bolinger, M. M. Eshelman, Peter Hartman, Mary F. Nair, Rachel Bolinger, Elizabeth Hartman, E. G. Zug, George W. Mathias, Harvey Myers, Peter Enfield, John W. Hoff, Jerry Cozad, Emanuel Rhoades, Benjamin Zug, Frank Cline, John Swoveland, Charles Hackenburg, Daniel Hackenburg, Mary Zug, Barbara Mathias, Emma Myers, Sarah Enfield, Jennie Hoff, Fanny Cozad, Della Swoveland and Lizzie A .. Eshelman.
Elder John Metzger was chosen overseer, M. M. Eshelman secretary, and E. G. Zug treasurer.
Preaching services were held the first and third Sundays in Gates Hall, and each second and fourth Sunday at Eswena in San Bernardino County.
In January, 1891, the membership was increased by the arrival of H. W. Hufford, Dora Hufford, W. R. Whitesell, G. W. Bishop and wife, Amos and Elizabeth Hartman, William and Alice Hartman, Amos and Susan Wrightman, John and Hannah Cripe and Molly Boon.
At a meeting April 25th efforts were made to employ a missionary, but the local ministerial force was regarded as quite sufficient. The church asked for the district meeting of 1892, to be held here, and the Annual Meeting of 1894. The first love feast was held in Gates Hall, April 25, 1891. In July 16, 1891, eleven members were addded by certificate. In Sep- tember, 1891, B. F. Masterson arrived. A room in the present college building was used for preaching services and Sunday School. In October twenty-one members were added to the body by certificate. F. U. Nofzinger served as Superintendent of the Sunday School and J. F. Neher was Chorister. The
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
oversight of the church was given to Elders John Metzger, J. S. Flory and J. W. Metzger. A love feast was held Decem- ber 25th. On January 10, 1892, began the first series of meet- ings by Elder Andrew Hutchinson. Dr. S. S. Garst and Peter Hartman were delegates to the District Meeting held in 1892. F. U. Nofzinger was re-elected Sunday School Superintendent and S. A. Larkin Assistant Superintendent, W. F. Neher Sec- retary and Lottie Flory, Assistant Secretary, and M. Curtis Masterson became Secretary of the Church. October 3rd, 1892, meetings were ordered to be held in McComas Hall, Pomona.
The Lordsburg Church,
On January 17, 1893, W. H. Neher became Superintendent of the Sunday School. B. F. Masterson and E. A. Miller were delegates to the District Conference.
On June 17, 1893, a love feast was held at Egan, River- side County. On January 7, 1895, J. S. Flory resigned the oversight of the church and J. S. Mohler was selected in his stead. Meetings were held at San Dimas of this year. On
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
March 25th, J. C. Whitmer was selected as Sunday School Superintendent and a request that General Conference be held here in 1896. October 7th Andrew Overholtzer was chosen Superintendent of Sunday School.
January, 1896, Elder A. Hutchinson was engaged to hold a series of meetings. In 1900 a committee prepared a pro- gram for "Young People's Meetings." A local Mission Board looked after Gospel disseminations. Brother W. I. T. Hoover at this time was very active in building up the congregation of believers. Elder William J. Thomas had charge of the church.
In 1902 Brother J. W. Lear settled here and gave his services to the cause of Christ. A building committee consist- ing of Edmond Forney, David Kuns and J. W. Cline erected a church house which since has been enlarged.
On January 5, 1903, steps were taken to revive the preach- ing services in Pomona. It resulted in the present organization. Elder I. J. Rosenburg of Ohio conducted a series of meetings.
January 21st, 1904, Harvey Vaniman was called to serve as a Deacon. October 7th, 1907, Edmond Forney was called to oversee the congregation and held the position for a number of years. The ministerial and deacon force has been quite extensive. The following is a partial list :
Elders-D. A. Norcross, J. K. Shively, S. J. Miller, J. P. Dickey, W. F. England, Edward Frantz, P. B. Fitzwater, Edmund Forney, Samuel Henry, I. J. Harshbarger, George Hanawalt, Stephen Johnson, Thomas Keiser.
Second Degree-H. A. Brandt, J. M. Cox, I. V. Funder- burgh, Ernest Hoff, W. I. T. Hoover, Henry M. Harvey, G. W. Keiffaber, J. L. Lehman, I. N. Miller, A. A. Neher, S. A. Overholtzer, J. E. Throne, Ernest Vaniman.
Deacons-J. M. Miller, C. J. Brandt, David Blickenstaff, C. M. Barnhizer, Isaiah Brenneman, J. H. Brubaker, Peter Dubois, C. E. Dresher, Peter Fesler, M. D. Hershey, David Horning, L. C. Klinzman.
First Degree-Ernest Davis, W. K. Franklin, H. L. Hol- sopple, Harvey Hanawalt.
Deacons-J. L. Miller, John Minnich, J. L. Minnich,
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Jacob Price, Elmer Redman, D. B. Stayer, John Sealer, George Ullery, Harvey Vaniman, J. P. Vaniman.
In 1913 the Lordsburg Church gave for district mission work $341.75; in 1914, $380.00; in 1915, $481.00; in 1916, $623.20, or a total of $1828.95.
Good Works .- In 1914 the membership was 310; Sunday School enrollment 326; offerings $351.80, teachers 15.
In 1915 the membership was 333; enrollment in Sunday School 390; offerings $537.76, teachers 18.
In 1916 membership 341 ; Sunday School pupils 326; offer- ings $359.80, teachers 15. Total offerings in three years $1249.40.
January 21st, 1904, Harvey Vaniman was called to serve as deacon. October 7, 1907, Elder Edmond Forney was called to act as Elder in charge.
Elder George F. Chemberlen held a series of meetings in March, 1913, and eleven were converted.
In February, 1915, in a protracted service by Elder W. F. England, eighteen were added to the church by conversion and two reclaimed.
During December, 1915, Elder Isaac Frantz held services and twenty were baptized and one reclaimed.
Peter Fessler was Clerk during 1913 and I. V. Funderburg for the next three years.
Love feasts are held semi-annually with about 280 com- municants.
One minister chosen April 5, 1916.
Ernest Vaniman and wife are supported by this church as missionaries at Ping Ting, Hsien, Shansi Province, China.
A mission was supported in San Dimas for some time. James A. Sakakura, a native of Japan, was the first convert, admitted September 19, 1909. He was the first Japanese to unite with the Church of the Brethren. The increase from this beginning has reached seven.
Number baptized during the past four years 62; received by letter, 120; members reclaimed, 4.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
GLENDORA CHURCH
Originally Glendora was a part of the Covina Church. In February, 1889, D. A. Norcross came to that village and placed his membership with the Covina brethren and sisters. There were six other members in Glendora at that time; few in num- ber, but by no means lonesome. The attractions and virtues of like precious faith worked out many values to the few. However, in a few months two of the number took train for Indiana, leaving D. A. Norcross, Thomas Trout and wife, and John R. Wolfley and wife as the only disciples.
The Glendora Church.
The first meetings were held in the Christian Church house by Elder J. C. Whitmore of Missouri, in the Spring of 1889. His preaching was unadulterated with world elements. All went well until some neglected truths of the Gospel began to find entrance into the hearts of some of the disciples of the Christian fold, looking to further obedience to Christ, then the doors refused to swing open any longer for the evangelist.
In 1890 other members took residence there. It was named a "dry town," not because of want of sufficient water to immerse believers, but because it was a place of great quietude and anti-saloonism.
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Brother Norcross would not keep quiet, so when series of meetings were to be held he had a Godly fashion of making his right hand print notices in large, beautiful letters, and the trees were utilized to hold them up for people to read. Any one who had "learned letters" could not help reading his adver- tisements. And the attendance at the services showed that the people had read the script printing. A more commendable means to announce preaching services is difficult to find.
Brother Norcross at one time "a single immersionist" himself, and finding out better, he was sincerely willing to announce the more perfect way to others. S. Snyder and wife, Henry Netzley and wife, John Miller and wife and J. E. Bosserman and wife were next his associates.
The same year they asked the Covina church to give them preaching services twice each month, and it was granted. The effort was characterized by much love and enduring fellowship.
Now about this time there was a religious band in Glendora called the United Brethren, somewhat old fashioned in practice and manners. A union of action on plans of services was agreed upon by these people and the few members of the Church of the Brethren. There was a good deal of "Brethren" name among both these people so they concluded to be brethren in part, at least, socially. Each agreed to pay half the expenses of fitting up the Alosta Hall and the rent thereof. Preaching services were held alternately twice each month. On Wednes- day evening a joint prayer meeting was held, D. A. Norcross conducting it one time and Dr. Lesh the next. The Sunday School was also "union." The services were pleasant and agree- able. The United Brethren furnished the zeal and our Brethren and Sisters furnished the doctrine and practices. The doctrine of Christ won the day and the occasion. The Brethren were in the minority, but right living was forcible and effective. The United Brethren have no flock in Glendora; the Brethren number near 188 and some very good works are flourishing for "necessary uses." Members increased, good works grew, and it is to be hoped that in the silence and stillness of Him who sees and does according to His own "good pleasure," found
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that growth in Spirit is far greater than even good works which have been established only for "necessary uses."
Elder S. G. Lehmer held the first series of services, being the first of such meetings available in Alosta Hall by our people. The membership were strengthened and a number added to the church, notably Sister Sarah Morris, who became a very active worker for Christ before she "passed over." She had in her soul a constantly burning fire of love and expressed it on many occasions in her neighborhood and in the church.
The third series of services were held in Alosta Hall by Elder B. F. Masterson in the spring of 1893. Ten were led by the Spirit, through the faith, to lead a new life.
Soon after this gathering Elder J. S. Mohler conducted a number of meetings and God added seven more to the church. All these enriching services brought forth fruit. Those were days of simplicity when those "of like precious faith" clung together as do the oranges upon a healthy tree. There was unity of spirit and grace of love. Services were held in Alosta Hall until the close of 1894, when a house of worship was erected.
Elder D. A. Norcross entered the field to make sure of getting the new house. You who know him realize how difficult it is to pass him when any good work is going forward. He took charge of the subscription paper for the church building and after a brief perambulation over the Covina, Tropico, Los Angeles and Glendora regions returned with $930.00 on prom- ises. Its genuineness was questioned. This challenge quickened the zealous brother and he announced that if not genuine he would meet the issue gracefully and righteously. That took root. The subscriptions took a new start, and met with such a welcome that when the structure was completed, at a cost of $1552.40, it was dedicated with joy. Brethren George W. Mathias, Henry Netzley and John E. Bosserman superintended its construction and every cent was found to have been right- eously applied. County Supervisor Cook donated 30 chairs to the edifice. Elder Enoch Eby of Illinois preached the dedica- tory sermon.
The first notable events in the new building were a series
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
of sermons by Elder I. D. Parker of Indiana, and his discussion with Professor Keith of Kentucky, a minister of the Christian or Disciple Church. Brother Parker came out of the discussion with great credit to himself and the Church of the Brethren. He was assisted in preparation by B. F. Masterson, D. A. Nor- cross and Samuel Urey. Later Elder J. W. Lear of Illinois conducted a very excellent series of meetings. David Hollinger of Ohio and M. M. Eshelman each held Bible Schools after all these preaching services.
Out of "clearing away the brush" or making the pathway straight by the building up process, grew the present church organization. Like all of God's beginnings in evangelization, the preliminary efforts were made by the few, and under very trying circumstances.
October 4th, 1892, the Covina Church took action to put the Glendora members under self government by appointing E. G. Zug, Ira Netzley and William Overholtzer as a committee to report a line between the two congregations. On Novem- ber 22nd the membership embraced within the territory of Glendora met and elected Elder George Shamberger as pre- siding officer, assisted by Elders Edmond Forney, S. G. Lehmer and Stephen Johnson and Daniel Deardorf. Elder J. S. Bru- baker took charge of the church. D. H. Gnagey, Ira Netzley and Oscar Mathias were chosen Trustees, the latter also as clerk. On March 2nd, 1903, the congregation was named the "Glendora Church of the Brethren." A love feast was par- ticipated in May 6 of this year. Elders D. A. Norcross and J. W. Trostle were the first delegates to District Meeting held in Colton, California. At this meeting there were reported three Elders, two ministers, three deacons and eighty-three members.
During the winter Elder D. L. Miller delivered his Bible Land lectures and the church contributed to the cause of missions $78.87. David Gnagey and Oliver Yost were chosen to the diaconate. The first Annual Visit was reported and all members were found in love and union with each other.
From this time on we note the principle working forces were J. S. Brubaker, Elder in Charge; Elder S. W. Funk,
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
and D. A. Norcross for a season until he moved to Newberg, Oregon.
There were ninety-two members enrolled at the organiza- tion. In ten years seventy-eight were baptized, 177 received by letter and 137 dismissed by certificate; five have had fellow- ship withdrawn and fifteen have died. The 1912 member- ship is 188. This is an exceedingly good showing.
The first ministerial meeting was held in Alosta Hall, Glendora.
In 1913 the contributions for missions were $140.00; in 1914, $246.40; in 1915, $231.00; in 1916, $312.80, or a total in four years of $930.20.
In Sunday School work Glendora has been to the fore- front. Brother J. C. Whitmer has been Superintendent for a number of years and has fine organizing powers with his splen- did corps of teachers. The work has resulted in excellent con- structions in the Spirit.
In 1913 there were reported as enrolled 327 pupils ; con- tributions $404.21. The membership was 200.
In 1914 there were 321 pupils, and the collections amounted to $341.90. The membership was 175.
In 1915 the enrollment was 335; offerings $350.70; the membership 167.
In 1916 the number of pupils were 242; offerings $367.72. Eight Sunday School pupils put on Christ this year.
In 1914 one joined the Lord's assembly and in 1913 seven began to serve the Lord.
The church is under the oversight of George H. Bashor, who is giving all his time to the great Cause, much beloved and earnest is he. All the services are largely attended. As help- ers Brother Bashor has a fine band of deacons, E. G. Zug being senior, John Smeltzer, O. P. Yost, Daniel Gnagey, I. B. Netz- ley, Daniel Netzley, John Netzley, M. F. Brumbaugh, J. C. Whitmer, Elmer H. Heisey, Roy Brubaker and John Gnagey.
Brother George H. Bashor completed a revival service in 1916, resulting in eleven conversions.
The Glendora Church stands well in efficiency. It is said that her mid-week prayer services are attended by as many
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
as eighty-five persons. With her splendidly organized Sunday School, her Christian Workers, her teachers' meetings, her Sisters Aid and Japanese work, her occasional Bible Terms, her watchful care, her fixed principles in separation from the world and separation unto Christ, she sheds forth "light to the world," persuading sinners into Christ.
INGLEWOOD CHURCH
The first settlers were W. J. Thomas and several of his children and M. M. Eshelman. The church was organized March 25, 1896, with the following charter members: W. J. Thomas and wife Rebecca, J. S. Thomas and wife Susie, C. F. Ives and wife Katie, Mary Thomas, Percy Thomas, wife Mollie ; Trilly Roush, Samuel Cripe and wife, R. G. McDonald and wife, Isaac Boyer, Charles F. Fishel and wife, Sister Boon. Later Phillip Moore and wife and W. H. Neher and wife. Elder W. J. Thomas had charge of the church.
In 1901 the church house was built. Dedicatory sermon preached by S. G. Lehmer. In 1903 Elder D. L. Miller held a series of meetings. In July, 1903, H. A. Whistler was called to the Eldership, and in January, 1906, A. W. Vaniman held some meetings.
In 1907 steps were taken to encourage the India Mission. In 1910 Dorothy Thomas was assigned work in Redondo and the church house built.
Nineteen hundred and two to nineteen hundred and eleven there were thirty-one conversions. The first sister representa- tive to annual meeting was Salome A. Watkins (now Eshel- man) at Winona Lake, Indiana, in 1910. In Missionary Chris- tian Workers and School enterprises the church has been quite active. Redondo and Hermosa Beach earnest missionary work has been carried on. Inglewood has assisted the District Mission Board in the Redondo Mission.
The Redondo Beach Church House was dedicated July 28th by J. Z. Gilbert, and Oscar Mathias was Sunday School
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Superintendent. In 1911 Elder George H. Bashor held a revival in Redondo and seven were added to the church. B. F. Masterson, H. H. Ritter, W. Q. Calvert and Hiram Smith rendered efficient services in Redondo.
Oscar Mathias was born June 24, 1887, at Virden, Illinois, became a member of the church at Covina in 1894, chosen a deacon in 1888 and elected to the ministry October, 1899.
The church house in Redondo has been moved to Hermosa Beach and the mission is now in the care of S. D. Long.
In Sunday School work and other lines of constructive Christian efforts, Inglewood has been very active. Her minis- terial force, William J. Thomas, Isaac Thomas, J. C. Calvert, W. Q. Calvert, B. F. Masterson and G. W. Kieffaber, who has taken charge of her interests.
In Sunday School work Inglewood has done well; most of the time under the superintendency of Sister Susie Thomas. In 1914 there was an enrollment of 71 pupils, and the offerings were $86.22. In 1915, enrollment 54 and contributions of $106.02; in 1916 the enrollment was 59 and offerings $133.33.
Hermosa Beach Mission being in her territory, the enroll- ment there was 127 and offerings $80.25; the total enrollment in the two schools was 186 and contributions $213.38, a fine showing under the fact that during the past few years quite a number of members have moved to other places.
FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN LOS ANGELES
About 1887 J. E. Megie moved from Tropico into East Los Angeles at Sichel and Main streets and their home soon became a real hospitable stopping place for members of the church. The social elements were strong in Brother and Sister Megie, and the dear members worked this side very freely. Later Elders P. S. Myers and wife took up the re- ligious side and earnestly developed what resulted in the First Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles. Others, namely
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Andrew Emmert, wife and daughters, Brother and Sister Carpenter, Brother and Sister George Miller, S. G. Lehmer and wife Ida, Brother and Sister Buckwalters, all worked to one common end.
This congregation of believers has a most unique begin- ning. It had its origin in the Tropico Church and the develop-
The First Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles. 234 South Hancock Street.
ments were so peculiar that they have a right to the name "peculiar people" in this respect. The first church of Los Angeles came out of the Tropico Church. The membership at Tropico was left to fall into inaction and out of that inaction the first church of Los Angeles was organized. Perhaps it would be nearer the facts to say that the name of Tropico fell into decline and East Los Angeles was substituted, and then seven years later Tropico was revived by infusing a ministerial force rather than reorganization. In truth Tropico was never officially disorganized, but absorbed. The history of the
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Tropico Church shows her activities from her organization in 1891 to 1898 was mostly from a Los Angeles point. Gradually the membership in the city grew until it overshadowed the mem- bership in and around Tropico. However, quite a number of the councils and feasts were held in the Tropico Church. Little . by little the councils were held in a hall on Downey avenue and Tropico lapsed into quietude for a season.
In 1893 Sister Ida Lehmer was authorized to solicit the general church to build a house of worship in Los Angeles. It was the period of transition from unorganized to organized effort in missions in the Church of the Brethren. California was then getting the support of organization also.
From November 21st to 28th, 1898, a great Bible School was held at 234 South Hancock street, Los Angeles. Elder Andrew Hutchinson preached each evening, and during the day E. A. Miller of the Lordsburg College and M. M. Eshel- man did the teaching, the latter doing most of the work. His outlines, a part of which is herein given, are expressive of the first efforts of systematic Bible study among the Brethren in. Southern California.
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