USA > Arizona > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 3
USA > California > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 3
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Books,-Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. (a) Authors. (b) When written. (c) Where written. (d) To whom written. (e) Time covered. (f) Structure. (g) Teachings.
Divisions-(a) History. (b) Prophecy. (c) Precepts. (d) Doctrine.
Origin of the Gospels-John XII:49-XIV:10. XVII:8. Rom. 1:1. Acts XX :24.
Jehovah's love-(a) Its extent. John III:16. (b) Its power. Luke IX:46, John III:17. (c) How manifested. 1 John I:2. (d) How diffused in believers. Romans V :5.
Faith-(a) What it is. Heb. XI :I. (b) By whom given. Rom. V:2. (c) Comes by hearing. Romans X :17. (d) How it works. Gal. V :6. (e) What it secures. Romans III :28, Acts XXVI:19. (f) When dead. James II:17-22. (g) Its unity. Ephesians IV:5-13. (h) Its victory. 1 John V:4-5.
Repentence-(a) What it is. Luke XV:17-18. (b) How produced. Rom. II:4. (c) Comes out of what? 2 Cor. VII:19. (d) Of things done. Luke XIX:8. (e) Of right
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things observed. Acts VIII:30. (f) Act of turning. . Acts XXVI :20, Matt. XXI :29, Rom. VIII:14, Heb. XII:1.
Ordinances-Prayer. Its basic elements. (a) Divine authority. John IX :4. (b) Divine example. Mark I:35. (c) Divine command. Matt: VI:9-13. (d) Divine promise.
Preaching-Its basic elements. (a) Divine authority. Matt. III:17. (b) Divine example. Matt. IV:17. (c) Divine "command. Mark XVI:15. (d) Divine promise. Matt. X :22.
Baptism-Its basic elements. (a) Divine authority. Matt. XXVIII:18. (b) Divine example. Matt. III:16, 17. (c) Divine command. Matt. XXVIII:19. (d) Divine promise. Matt. XXVIII:20.
Feetwashing-Its basic elements. (a) Divine authority. Jno. XVIII:8. (b) Divine example. John XIII:5. (c) Divine command. Jno. XIII:14, 15. (d) Divine promise. Jno. XIII :17.
The Lord's Supper-Its basic elements. (a) Divine authority. Jno. XII :49. (b) Divine example. 1 Cor. XI:25, Luke XXII:20. (c). Divine command. 1 Cor. V:8. (d) Divine Promise. Jno. XIII:17, Luke XIV :15.
The Holy Communion-Its basic elements. (a) Divine authority. Jno. VI:57. (b) Divine example. Luke XXII :19, 20. (c) Divine command. Luke XXII :19:20. (d) Divine promise. Matt. XXVIII :20.
Principles and application were clearly taught, and re- sults pointed out by life and good behavior.
On March 18, 1899, S. W. Funk was authorized to work in the second degree of the ministry. September 30th of the same year Charles Brubaker was chosen to the ministry and later was sent to India as a missionary by the General Mission Board, where he surrendered his present life for the cause, and took up life in Jesus' prepared place. At the same time C. W. Guthrie was chosen to the diaconate.
The year 1900 opened with increased activities. Meet- ings were held a short time by P. S. Myers and S. G. Lehmer in a hall on the second floor at 1191/2 South Spring street, but later moved to No. 2600 Downey avenue, where the church
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worshipped until the church house was completed at 234 South Hancock street, which house stands as a monument to the work and constancy of Peter S. Myers.
The Sunday School and Mission Work were prosecuted with vigor. George Miller, at the head of the Sunday School, gave it his best, and as a leader and singer he placed the Sun- day School on a high plane. Additions by conversion and by letter came numerously. On January 23rd, 1890, S. G. Lehmer was called to the Elder body. In 1901 the Sisters' Aid Society took organized form.
By request of the Egan church the members in San Diego were taken over by the Tropico church. Long had the few members in San Diego battled alone without ministration of the living ministry.
In 1902 came some anxieties. There was no inconsider- able pain over actual and prospective evils arising from lack of one-heartedness on world-separation in life and character. The plea of centering efforts in the city was growing stronger year by year, because the majority of the members lived in Los Angeles. The way out to Tropico was by no means as felicitous as it once was. The road was there as usual, but it had its difficulties of course. J. W. Cline became pastor of the church and he stirred up some inactive forces. The church secured the aid of the District Mission Board in city needs.
P. S. Myers and J. W. Cline represented the church at the Annual Meeting. Steps were taken to secure a lot for a house of worship in Pasadena. Mary, Sarah Gnagey, Fanny Light were active pioneers. They were zealous, devout, liberal with money. The lot was found on the corner of Herkimer and Hudson streets, where now stands a neat church edifice.
Vernon wanted a live Sunday School and got it. This became the nucleus for the South Los Angeles Church. The East Los Angeles Church originated the fourth Annual Meet- ing District. This thought was first cogitated in the fertile mind of P. S. Myers. That idea realized in great form in 1907.
As the membership increased in the city, the exuberances for worshipping at Tropico became less animated. The affec- tions were more upon the city environment. The usual in- sistences of nearer claims and partnerships made those in
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Tropico more remote. Things in East Los Angeles were at hand. Those in Tropico required outstretched arms. To be housed in services in Tropico in 1891 was enjoyable. To be aggregated in Los Angeles in 1903 was felicitous. Five letters of membership were received this year.
A Sunday School and some evangelistic labors by Christian Holsinger at Lacy Street gave spirit and energy to the mem- bers. They all seemed to enjoy that opening, but it failed to keep a living form. The District Mission Board invested some practical sympathy and lifted, to some extent, in the effort. On December 26th Sister Della Lehmer was installed as an Elder's wife. The Mission Board was asked to place a missionary at Vernon, and Wiliam H. Wertenbaker was located there.
Some councils were held out at Tropico. The ministry was still able "to know how to be full and how to be empty," how to be initiated into human experiences and to face humble cir- cumstances. It was during this year that magnetic healing or "absent treatment" for cures was at high tide. Many were affected. Professor Hudson's work on the phenomena of the unseen forces had fallen into some member's hands and read as if a new revelation had dropped from the skies into their laps. They fondled and nursed the teachings until they verily thought they were performing "miracles." The air, yes the very "winds," of doctrine seemed to abound with healing claimants (?) ; some insisted that they were "divine healers," others magnetic restorers to good health. Any one could take his choice at so many ducats per. Like a mighty hypnotic wind this force and teachings pervaded many households and more heads. The market was full of shouters for "good health" their way. All over the land magnetists and necromantic claim- ants had "just the right thing." The nervously inclined and the real nervous were beckoned to come and "get well." And every one should bring the dollars as evidence of "good faith." Even Mrs. Eddy's absent treatment was dragged over from her domicile into the open market out of "love of money." It was held up as a sure wand of hope for every ill, and it was a drawing wand indeed! The United States Mail carried many a dollar for this delusion. No wonder the Church of the Brethren felt this national spasm. Every spasmodic wave
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catches some thoughtless soul. Want of watchfulness, by read- ing the Book, entangles many. It is often a great hardship to become disentangled from erroneous alliances. It is fearful to be entrapped with specious imitations. "Magnetism" and other forms of hallucinations had their day. They left scars, losses, bruises, to what should have been endearing, precious partner- ships. Like other spasmodics and deficiencies they came, screamed, hurt, and then departed. Hence "present and absent treatment" for healing had its day in court and left its defective- ness. Those who rejected it from the beginning never lost any love and grace of God by such rejection. However, real mag- netic force has its uses and abuses. God moves forward to ultimate victory with his own! Will all the dear brethren and sisters learn the lesson of the Book on unseen forces? In olden times the use of necromancy, sorcery, witchcraft, wizard- ism, familiar spiritism had their just dooms; why will not all the believers know and understand that these old elements and works of Satan are sure to come to America under new names and new forms? They are the same old children here with new dresses to deceive! They come in names as "New Thought," "Magnetic Force," "Divine Healing," "Christian Science," "Spiritualism," and scores of other names. Be not deceived, God will not be mocked in vain !
On January 1, 1902, the Tropico people asked that their passive Sunday School be given new impetus. M. M. Eshel- man was given authority to direct it anew and at once brought to it new energy. It had gone to sleep under the virgin mis- sionary impetus in Los Angeles. Aaron and Clara Wolf were active agents in the new order of things. The revived work out at Tropico and Sunday Schools at Vernon and Channing and on the East Side gave plenty of exercise to the working forces of the church. Ella, John and Amanda Buckwalter, P. S. Myers, S. G. Lehmer, Levi Hosfeldt, Claudine Miller, the Evans family, and many others came up with great hearts to prosecute the Lord's work.
During the year of 1904 J. W. Cline, having given several years of pastorate work to the church, resigned. On December 17, 1904, J. W. Trostle and S. G. Lehmer presided over what was considered "a reorganization" of the Tropico church, but
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was likely only a reanimation of the once active Tropico church. It simply claimed its own and started out with felicity and high hopes.
The year of 1906 January 29 found George F. Chemberlen in charge of the church. George Chemberlen has forward im- pulses and forward proclivities all along the way. He has becom- ing pulpit appearances and his word pictures are stretched to their limitations. The humorous side has its attractions for him, and he gives out thoughts with smiles sometimes aromatic and sometimes caustic. George has leadership ability and presiding dignities. He rules with a firm hand, not always with the nicities of the equities, but with becoming firmness to all. Loitering around a question and tarrying or toying with it puts into action some inherent, cloture force in his mind, and he closes a matter with a promptness bordering on the click of a steel joint. He is useful in many ways to God. He was suc- ceeded by S. G. Lehmer, December 27, 1907. For four years the congregation had great variety of experiences. The Chan- ning Street Work was taken over and the local ministry tried to edify and construct as the Conference authorized. The ques- tion of proper apparel-forms to exemplify simplicity of dress was agitated considerably. The General Conference or Annual Meeting in common parlance had given seventy advices upon the subject, and there was a wide margin as to which of the seventy was operative. One would think that seventy was quite enough to bring any one to the degree of simplicity in exemplification and the wonder was that if seventy were not enough, would more help? In cities the display of ungodliness in dress form is so much before the member's eyes that it either brings ahborrence or enticements. This ever present eye- sight is sure to bring inharmonies more or less. But in times of agitation men who seem to be eleven feet tall mentally and spiritually become dwarfs on dress matters, and those who are pigmies on other important questions drift into giantism on dress as it is in the Christian religion. Ought it not to be studied from the viewpoint of holiness of life? The diver- gencies here grew in proportion as time and distance came upon the scenes. Ordinances were a unit in the hearts. The geniali- ties on the fundamentals of the Bible were high enough, but
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the ever present forms came up as a continuous stream of water, often roiled at high degree. All the proofs and evi- dences of the great Brotherhood were helpless to unify the divergencies. Keeping the ordinances here and with others at other points was easy, but keeping "the unity of the Spirit" on simplicity of dress was a most perplexing task. Why? Not because of studied disloyalty, not on account of lack of services, for these were well supplied; not because of lack of places and times to teach others who were yet ignorant of the Christ, for these were legion in this large city. What then caused the lapses into fretting, flurrying and unfelicities? Is it obedience to sound advice? Is it lack of adaptation? Is it factionism? Constructive spiritualities will follow elimination of carnalities. Have the constructives come? We think they have. The mortification of the charity that covers a multitude of sins in the investigation should cease forever in all the churches. True education of heart and soul and head will give their evidences of cessation of infraction of Divine Charity. Judicial bodies, chosen by the highest authority, may bring judicial counsel and decision, but they can never impart "the love of God." This must come from above, must come by adaptation to higher authority ; the grace of penitence and forgiveness in all to- ward all.
The perturbations in this church, reaching out to some others, brought to this place a committee from the Annual Meeting of 1910. It came, opened avenues of proofs and much obiter dictum as well. It took ten days to reach the evidences and a conclusion. As is often the case the judicial body could not bring a decision suited to each one's particular require- ment. Divergence and diversity were thinkable and operative. No committee can abound all the time in the nicities and easy harmonies toward all minds, especially minds that see from angles so diverse. But the mantle of charity, no doubt, will be spread over it all and the oil of gladness will heal all sores. Not how much one can resent, but how much one can endure, and secure the constructives of brotherly love and feeling --- friendship that bounds high. Few have the finest of judicial penetrations. Few can see into the interior of differences and lay them apart so that such a variety of minds can place the
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pieces in happy accord. Few are able to discriminate between the differences so as to give himself the needful charity, and like a wise judge pronounce right! To be a judge of the judges is a very high attainment ! To be able to discriminate between the true and the false conclusion without all the testimony that was in the power of the judicial body, is a marvelous instinct or quality ! Who but God has it? The voice of heaven still rings around this old world, "be careful how and what you hear!" It still comes to the ear, "the measure you mete or measure with or apportioned to others, will be meted or alloted to you." And as if to deter from any evils thrust out of the human mind, He adds: "And more shall be measured to you." Mark iv :24. The very love of God in one's soul should deter from endeavoring to mar the life of a fellow creature! Every soul in Christ ought to allow new and holy impressments and impulses in the behavior. Engraven truths of the Lord are easily erasable. The love of Christ chisels all evils away. Though there may be scores dead to righteousness in business, in order, in excellencies of faith for the want of true shep- herdizing, none will dare to deny ; but losses are no ground for personal decay of faith and love. Penitence must precede for- giveness.
Scores have gone out in faith to work elsewhere from the East Los Angeles Church since her organization. South Los Angeles Church has come from her. Pasadena has been born out of her and her works are many. God knows whether her works are perfect or not, and will never accord her less than the reward she deserves. She has been ever willing to give her help to the sister churches. The grace of God's concords are greater than human discords and weaknesses. Love has its chief values and chastisements are yet grievous, but full of peaceable fruits of righteousness to all who are thereby exercised.
Realizing the values of trained members for missionary purposes in the large city of Los Angeles, permission to organ- ize a Bible School at Santa Fe Mission was given by the East Los Angeles Church. On March 20, 1907, quite a number of people met at Santa Fe House and organized by electing five Trustees, namely : George H. Bashor, G. G. Lehmer, S. S.
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Garst, S. G. Lehmer and William H. Wertenbaker. The body was increased in the autumn of 1907 to twelve by a body of thirty charter members as indicated in the State Charter. On September 27th permission was granted by the Church to use the house at 234 South Hancock street for Bible School pur- poses on the part of the Berean Bible School, as it was and is known, by State authority.
A great and gracious work of salvation lay spread out over this city. Day by day the needs appealed to great hearts. Trained workers were very scarce and trained men and women were greatly in demand. As there are no bounds to Divine teachings, no pent-up preventions to break forth in a land replete with liberty to do good to all men, it came to the hearts of some to erect a school for the sole purpose to train men and women for helps as soul winners. The aim certainly was noble ! Hence the Berean Bible School came into existence as a friend to God and the Church of the Brethren. It took high ground on Gospel and common principles and was willing to teach them because it believed they were founded upon the Truth of God and imbedded in the Church by the Holy Spirit. Its source of inspiration were the Holy Scriptures. It has given instruction to a large number of persons in the school room and in families. It opened one mission at Boyle Heights and turned it over to the Church for care. Its members have received great inspirations and trained experience in visiting the sick and caring for them. God alone understands it all.
The fourth year was characterized by a Chinese class five nights each week. At this writing more than a score have been added to the Church. The devotion of the large body of teach- ers under the superintendence of Clarence Lehmer is praise- worthy. Many sacrifices have been made.
The membership of 1916 reported to Conference was 122. The increase by certificate and conversions were thirty-six. The contriubtions for church purposes were $1236.27, and the number of sermons at all her services was 372. The amount of church activity is commendable.
In two of her Sunday Schools the 1914 report shows that 284 pupils were enrolled and $616.33 contributed for the Lord's work.
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In 1915 her four Sunday Schools enrolled 427 pupils and the offerings to the Lord were $843.94.
In 1916 the enrollment was 464 and contributions $901.16, showing an increase in both enrollment and offerings. The Chinese Sunday School alone gave $144.65 toward the Lord's Cause. They are noted for liberal giving. This church has from its beginning tried to carry the Gospel to its immediate regions with vigor. Her opportunities are many.
CHANNING STREET MISSION, LOS ANGELES, CAL.
This Mission was opened April 5, 1897, in a building 10x12 feet, under the supervision of Sister Ella Buckwalter. There were twenty-four children in attendance. Sisters J. G. Evans, Daisy Evans, Amanda Myer and Mrs. Hoag were the teachers. There were just twenty-four chairs in the building.
This Mission started in a very peculiar manner. Sister Ella Buckwalter was sweeping in front of her residence on West Seventh street when a little girl and boy passed. After going a little ways the girl turned round and came back and asked for clothes as she wanted to go to Sunday School and those she had were not good enough. After questioning the little girl the Sister found that the parents were in need of food. She took the case before the Sisters' Aid Society and this Society furnished the food and clothing. When Sister Buckwalter delivered the garments she asked whether they wanted a Sunday School there and the lady answered, "I have been praying for this." Sister Buckwalter took immediate steps to open the Sunday School and was assisted by Elder Christian Holsinger, who was then employed by the Mission Board to do work in the city. In a few Sundays this building was too small for the increased attendance, so an old tent belonging to the District of Southern California was pitched near the place and the attendance grew rapidly. Mischievous boys and the wind rendered this tent unusable. At the Bible School in East Los Angeles, the same year, the plea was made for money to erect a building. The new buidling was com- pleted and the Sunday School moved into it December 25, 1897. At this time the Mission was under the care of the Mission
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Board. In this case the Board did not give instructions to some- body else, but they appeared on the ground, with other Breth- ren, and with saws and hammers and squares did their part in the erection of the building. The Board was James Thomas and J. C. Whitmer. Sister Ella Buckwalter used to walk six blocks from her home on a warm afternoon, on a hot dusty sidewalk, and was rewarded by pleasant little faces ready to sing their little songs. Her hold upon their hearts was very strong. Brother C. W. Guthrie took a lively interest in plant- ing into his heart the incentive to become a live missionary worker. He kept the building in good condition and was Superintendent of the Sunday School for sometime.
Sister Ella Buckwalter continued to be Superintendent for three years and was then succeeded by S. W. Funk shortly after he had been called to the ministry. He remained there until he was disabled by ill health and after three months' vaca- tion was able to take up the work at Santa Ana. He was at work in the Channing Street Mission over three years. East- side members did considerable teaching here. Several times quite a number of young people were lost to the Sunday School on account of having transient teachers instead of regular ones. The Sunday School grew and prospered, and souls were added to the Kingdom of God until about forty were baptized the last year. Brother Funk should have remained at Channing instead of being transferred to Santa Ana, at least until the work was well established. He was a strong believer in estab- lishing things before it was left to other hands.
Brother Funk was succeeded by Brother G. H. Bashor and his wife. Both were liked by the members and others for their devotion, constancy and indoctrined practices. A great and good Sunday School was conducted by them.
Brother Hewett Taylor and his wife, and Sister Kate New- some and Nanny Murray carried on the work successfully. They were very efficient workers in the Sunday School, Chris- tian workers and preaching services.
The encroachments of manufacturing interests brought about the closing of the Mission and the sale of the building. The work was transferred to 923 Santa Fe street, now under the care of Brother and Sister W. M. Platt.
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BOYLE HEIGHTS MISSION
One day in the Berean Bible School, Los Angeles, the foreman sent two brothers out to the Heights to seek a place for a Sunday School. They found a place on Beacon street and at once organized a Sunday School, and when it was well under way it was turned over to the Church.
Hiram Smith, John H. Getz and others took an active part in the development of the school. Hiram Smith was its first Superintendent. Minnie Watts, Lester Blocher and Esther La Follette, with many others, have given much service to the place.
The Church erected a neat structure for services, which are held twice each Lord's Day. The Sunday School enroll- ment for 1912 was 69, average attendance 48 and contributions amounting to $30.00.
The 1916 report shows an enrollment of 63 pupils and con- tributions of $57.33.
The present Superintendent is Lewis Hyde.
It is the creature of East Los Angeles Church and is still fostered by that body. With three missions under her care for a long time her members were not permitted to become inactive for the want of spiritual effort.
SANTA FE MISSION
Some years ago a union service was held on Santa Fe street, Oliver Megie and Hiram Smith being leaders in the service. Later J. Z. Gilbert and G. G. Lehmer did some preach- in at the same place. Later the tent, chairs and fixtures were turned over to the Church of the Brethren and M. M. Eshel- man held a series of meetings in the winter of 1908. Several were added to the Church.
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