USA > Arizona > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 9
USA > California > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
This was followed by Elder and Sister W. E. Trostle, with another $10,000 gift, and immediately Brethren J. H. Bru- baker and David Blickenstaff gave a gift of $5,000 each.
At the close of the fourth week $53,576.00 was pledged, thus nearly reaching the first call of $60,000.00.
115
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
As this history goes to press the friends of the College feel assured of the success of the plan to build an Administra- tion building to cost about $70,000, and a Ladies' Dormitory to cost about $30,000.00.
Both these buildings are to be built out of reinforced con- crete, as nearly fire-proof as possible.
The magnificent response of the people to this appeal is an excellent tribute to their faith in larger things for the Master's service.
The following is a list of the Presidents of the College :
Dr. S. S. Garst, 1891-1893.
E. A. Miller, A. M., 1893-1899.
I. N. H. Beahm, 1899.
W. I. T. Hoover, M. A., 1899-1901.
W. C. Hanawalt, 1902-1908.
W. F. England, 1908-1912.
J. P. Dickey, B. S. L., 1912-1913.
Edward Frantz, A. M., 1913-1915.
Ş. J. Miller, A. M., L. H. D., 1915.
The following are the present Board of Trustees from Southern California and Arizona :
John S. Kuns, President.
W. F. England, Vice-President.
W. E. Trostle, Secretary.
J. H. Brubaker, Treasurer and Business Manager.
S. W. Funk.
L. C. Klinzman.
I. B. Netzley.
Graduates for 1915:
College-I. V. Funderburg, LeRoy Hoover.
Academy-Catherine Bombarger, Ethel Brubaker, Ruth Blickenstaff, Guy Conrad, Cecil Cox, Benjamin Fisher, Wilma Klinzman, Russel Lichtenwalter, Alberta Neher, Maude Neher, Homer Norcross, John Rhodes, Emerson W. Root.
116
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Expression-Ruth Barnhizer, Gladys Fesler, Esther Funk, Bertha Fike, Harper Frantz, Chressie Neff, Alberta Neher, Mary Taylor.
Graduates for 1916:
College-Vesta Sanger, Mrs. C. H. Yoder.
Academy-Ruth Barnhizer, Raymond Brumbaugh, Isabel Eby, Gladys Fesler, Esther Funk, Mabel Funk, Ina Marshburn, Chressie Neff, John Stover, Mary Taylor, Dee L. Whisler, Selma Zug.
Music-Alice Sickle.
Expression-Wilma Klinzman, Mary Lichtenwalter, Dove Sauble, Roxie Snell.
Joseph H. Brubaker, Business Manager Lordsburg College.
117
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Before the opening of the Lordsburg College in Beautifying 1891, Henry Kuns, father of J. S. Kuns, and the writer collected from the nurseries at Pomona and Claremont a fine lot of shrubs and trees and planted them on the east side campus. In the center was set a fine sequoia gigantia or redwood, with the hope that if God set the time forward one thousand years the inhabitants then would see a mammoth tree; but some foreign thing came into it and killed it.
On the west side of the building, in a little space right up against the structure, Elder John Metzger and his wife, Parmelia, planted nice flowers and with some plants differing the others they set out the words, "OUR COLLEGE." They thus signified that they had part in the institution. That bed of flowers grew for sometime as a memorial of Elder John Metzger's attitude toward the School.
The beautiful fountain in front of the college which has been permitted to go into unsightly decay, was often the scene of gracious induction into the Christ by immersion. One night, amid lanterns and the moon, a great crowd gathered to witness Elder John Metzger baptize Brother George McDonaugh.
Was organized in the Lordsburg College build- The First Chinese Sun- day School ing in the year 1891. George L. McDonaugh and his family took a leading part in the teach- ing. There were about a half dozen pupils. A room in the basement was devoted to that purpose. Since then others have taken increased interest in that people, notably. the Berean Bible School, 3231 North Broadway, Los Angeles. Out of the splendid enrollment under the care of Clarence Lehmer quite a number have been con- verted and united with the Church of the Brethren. At Glen- dora, Covina and Lordsburg the effort to win Japanese to Christ has been very satisfactory. God has people in all nations and the disciples have abilities to give them the knowledge of a living Christ.
118
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
MINISTERIAL MEETINGS
The chief values of spiritual conferences and the mutual interchange of mental equivalents came early in the history of the preachers of this district. An excellent interchange of gracious thought was held in East Los Angeles Church March 24, 1897.
The principal topics were :
"Why have we Ministers ?"
"How to Present the Word of God so as to win those who practice only a part of the Truth."
"Duties of the Minister."
"Duties of the church to the Ministry."
Those discussing these questions were S. W. Funk, W. J. Thomas, B. F. Masterson, J. J. Kindig, Aaron Julius, P. S. Meyers, G. W. Hoxie, George F. Chemberlen, D. A. Norcross, J. S. Flory, P. A. Moore, J. W. Trostle, S. G. Lehmer, Isaac Gibbel and N. J. Brubaker.
In 1903 the Ministerial Meeting was held in Colton Church. S. G. Lehmer, Moderator, and Jesse Overholtzer, Secretary. The spirit of the meeting was excellent.
In 1904 the Ministerial Meeting convened in Inglewood March 23rd, G. F. Chemberlen presiding, and the topics were :
"The Trumpet Blast."
"What a Preacher Ought to Know."
There is no record of the 1905, 1906 and 1907 Ministerial Meetings.
In 1908 the Ministerial Meeting was held in Inglewood Church, March 25th.
D. A. Norcross delivered an address on "The Sacredness of the Ministry."
S. W. Funk-"The Future Minister : How to Get Him."
H. A. Whisler-"How to Prepare Him, How to Use Him."
B. F. Masterson-"The Paid Ministry."
W. H. Wertenbaker-"The Pastor's Duties."
W. F. England-Address to Ministers.
Memorial resolutions upon the death of P. S. Myers and
119
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
A. W. Vaniman were passed and sympathies extended to their wives.
In 1900 Ministerial Meeting was held in the Covina Church. Memorial resolutions upon the death of Elder Joseph W. Trostle were passed.
In 1912 Ministerial Meeting was held in Glendora, Oc- tober 22nd. Topics :
"The Church as a World Force," W. I. T. Hoover.
"Her Opportunities," William Wertenbaker.
"Her Responsibilities," J. W. Cline.
"What Is a Faithful and Spiritual Ministry?" by W. M. Platt.
"How to Obtain It?" by W. E. Trostle.
"How to Perpetuate It?" by N. J. Brubaker.
"The Ideal Ministry," by P. H. Fitzwater.
Elder J. P. Dickey discussed "What Disposition can we make of the surplus Ministry in a Church Employing a Pastor?"
G. F. Chemberlen spoke on "Waiting on God."
W. I. T. Hoover, "The Abiding Inspiration."
W. F. England, "The Secret of Sanctity."
In 1916 the big meeting of the history was held in Long Beach Church during the days of August 27 to September 3. It included Sunday School efforts, Christian Workers reports, Ministerial teachings, preaching and lecturing. The parties participating in the exercises were J. P. Dickey, A. C. Root, W. I. T. Hoover, Mrs. Rose Calvert, Annie Browning, Sister S. W. Funk, Daisy Evans, Sister W. M. Platt, Sister L. A. Blickenstaff, Marjorie Heller, Flora E. Teague, Dorothy Hos- felt, G. W. Kieffaber, G. F. Chemberlen, Silas Lehmer, Ray Olwin, Bab S. Stoner, S. J. Miller, J. Z. Gilbert, L. D. Bosser- man, W. F. England, J. W. Cline, George D. Knights, Alice Vaniman, Hattie Y. Gilbert, H. R. Taylor, Clarence H. Yoder, N. J. Brubaker, Nettie Brubaker, Edna Neher.
The topics discussed were: "The Up-to-Date Sunday School," "The Standard of Efficiency," "The Teen Age,"."How
120
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
May the Aid Society Best Direct Her Efforts for Soul Win- ning," "Some of the Danger Signals in Our Aid Society," "What Relation Does the Aid Society Sustain to the Church ?" "Does Anyone. Care for Father?" "The Value of Mothers' and Daughters' Meetings," "But What of the Wandering Girl," "What Disposition Can We Make of the Surplus Ministry in a Church Employing a Pastor ?" "Waiting on God," "An Abid- ing Inspiration," "How Can Our Christian Workers Societies Become Active Forces in Christian Extension?" "A Well Organized Christian Workers Society," "The Christian Work- ers as a Working Band," "The Obligation of the Church in the Education of Our Young People," "The Outlook for Educa- tion on the Pacific Coast," "The Relation of Education to the Progress of the Church," "A Larger Lordsburg College," "The Secret of Sanctity," "How to Study the Bible," "The Relation of the Pastor to the Church and the Church to the Pastor," "Linking the Home to the Sunday School," "The Teacher's Goal," "Bible Study," "California Dry," "The Gist of the Grist."
In 1916 there were forty-one Elders in the District, twen- ty-one in the second degree of the ministry and three in the first degree, or sixty-five ministers. Ministerially, Los Angeles County is third in the United States, Lancaster County, Pa., being second with 67; Rockingham County, Va., with 75.
There were ninety-one Deacons and 1637 members. In these reports Phoenix is not included for lack of information.
SUNDAY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENTS
As members came from the eastern fields of Sunday School work the members early manifested the desire to culti- vate this line of instruction. There were no concerted congre- gational efforts until at Lordsburg, December 29, 1906, when in connection with the Bible Institute a general meeting was held, J. W. Cline presiding.
Covina, Colifornia, had the first Sunday School, then came the Conejo and Tropico, and these were followed by one in Lordsburg in 1891. The Lordsburg Sunday School Con- vention (December 29, 1906) discussed :
121
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
"The Sunday School and the Church," E. R. Yundt.
"The Proper Use of Sunday School Money," Ida Fessler. "Decision Day," Susie Forney.
"How Better Prepare Our Teachers," Laura E. Haugh.
The second convention was held in Lordsburg, December 17, 1907, J. W. Cline in the Chair. In this convention every Sunday School but one in the District was represented.
E. T. Keiser spoke on "The High Purpose of the School."
W. F. England, "The Bible Our Text Book."
E. R. Yundt, "The Child: Its Problems and Possibilities."
The Sunday School Convention of 1908 was held at Covina, September 25th.
"What Benefit Has the Church Derived from the Sunday School," W. E. Trostle.
"My Plan of Teaching Next Sunday's Lesson in the Primary Class," Sarah Wertenbaker.
"The Junior Class," Margaret Brandt.
"Our Young People," Flora Teague.
"Supplemental Work," Susie Forney.
"Organized Work," W. F. England.
From 1890 to 1900 contributions were freely made by Sunday Schools for good works. If the various Sunday Schools were not aggregated into one body, they still did efficient work. There was less talk and probably more real work. Jesse Overholtzer was the first District Secretary in 1900. In 1901 he reported nine Sunday Schools with an enroll- ment of 633; 44 teachers and collections amounting to $263.71. Seventy-five per cent of the members were attending Sunday School.
In 1901 there were eleven schools, 745 pupils, 53 teachers and $334.01 contributed.
In 1902 W. M. Platt reported 857 pupils, 65 teachers and $515.22 contributed. This was a gain of 16 per cent in mem- bership and 40 per cent in contributions.
In 1903 the enrollment was 1129, a gain of about 40 per cent in enrollment, and donations to the amount of $485.00.
In 1904 the enrollment was 1126, a slight gain. Money received $919.58, a gain of nearly 90 per cent. Eighty-two teachers did excellent service. The missionary sentiment
122
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
throughout the District was greatly increased. The Sunday Schools were supporting Gertrude Rowland in India.
In 1905 J. W. Cline being Secretary reported thirteen schools in active operation all the year. The enrollment was 1016, an increase of 160; 79 teachers and contributions amount- ing to $1253.89 ,a gain of about 30 per cent.
The meeting of 1907 was held in Oak Grove Church. Eighteen schools were represented, a gain of five over the previous year. Pupils enrolled, 1529; teachers, 101 ; collections, $1379.71; of this amount $759.58 were given to missions.
In 1908 Convention showed an enrollment of 1485 in six- teen schools, 103 teachers and contributions of $1659.00.
The Convention of 1909 showed an enrollment of 1645 pupils, including the Home Department and Cradle Roll; the offerings were $1568.93.
In 1910 the report of J. W. Cline shows a total enrollment in all departments of 1910 pupils, offerings $1903.20; $694.98 appropriated for missionary work.
The meeting of 1911 was held in Covina, March 23rd, Harvey Snell being Chairman. Twenty-two schools were re- ported and enrollment of 1941 ; contributions $1990.59, $841.45 of which was given to missions. From March 23, 1905, to March 23, 1911, J. W. Cline was the active Sunday School Secretary. The enrollment grew from 1176 to 1941, or about 65 per cent ; the contributions were from $919.00 to $1900.00, a gain of $981.
The number of conversions reported since the formation of the District is large. Through Sunday School endeavor in 1913 George H. Bashor became District Secretary. Enroll- ment 21 schools reporting 2583 pupils, teachers 150 and con- tributions $2725.98.
In 1914 nineteen schools represented total enrollment of 2194, teachers 155, collections $2944.44.
In 1915, nineteen schools, total enrollment 2357, teachers 155, collections $2523.30.
In 1916 twenty schools reported a total enrollment of 2357, teachers 155, collections $3331.93.
Under Brother Bashor's care the efficiency of the Sunday Schools have made progress in students.
123
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
The collections for 1916 over those of 1913 have increased over 21 per cent.
CHRISTIANS WORKERS' MEETING
The Christian Workers' Convention of Southern Califor- nia and Arizona convened at Long Beach, Cal., August 29, 1916, with Elder G. H. Bashor as Moderator of the meeting.
The meeting opened at 1:45 p. m., with song service led by Prof. B. S. Haugh. Sister Martha Shick, out-going mis- sionary to South China, read I. Cor. 12 for devotional exercises.
Twenty-four delegates were present.
The Program Committee for 1917: Sister Edna Neher and Harvey Snell.
The following program was rendered:
1:45 p. m .- Music and Devotion.
2:00 p. m .- "How can our Christian Workers' Societies Become Active Forces in Christian Extension?" Silas Lehmer.
2:40 p. m .- Reading, Bab S. Stoner.
3:00 p. m .- "The Christian Workers as a Mission Band:" (a) "The Home," Mrs. Rose Calvert.
(b) "Abroad," Miss Edna Neher.
At the close the audience sang "Faith's Prayer," in honor of Sister Shick, whose heartfelt desires are expressed in the song.
Sister Shick gave us a few parting words, after which an offering of $65.00 was raised for her as a gift of encourage- ment.
SISTERS AID SOCIETY
Considerable local work was done in the various churches and no district organization was effected until August 24th and 25th, 1910, Sister W. H. Wertenbaker taking a prominent part in that year. Sister Wm. H. Keim of Los Angeles became President, Sister W. H. Near, Vice-President and Sister Flora E. Teague Secretary. The constitution of the Annual Con- ference Aid Society was adopted.
124
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
On December 26, 1911, Sisters Aid Society was held at Covina. The officers of the previous year were re-elected. Sister J. Z. Gilbert delivered an address, which gave the work a strong impetus. At this meeting Sister Jennie Brubaker, Sister J. Z. Gilbert and Sister Mary Nill Whistler constituted a committee to investigate the opportunity to start a rescue mission in Los Angeles. Each local society was asked to con- tribute $5.00 for the widows home in India.
At the convention in Pasadena August 23, 1912, Flora E. Teague was elected President, Sister J. D. Buckwalter Vice- President and Sister Alice Vaniman Secretary and Treasurer. Sister J. Z. Gilbert reported encouragingly as to the rescue mission in Los Angeles.
One of the first meetings held in the local church was at the home of Sister Magdalena Myers in Los Angeles, March 14, 1895, twelve members being present. The second meeting twenty-three were present. Lily Evans was elected President, Amanda Myer Secretary and Lydia Lehmer Treasurer.
During the year 1895 seventeen meetings were held, $5.75 donated to the Children's Home Society, $13.34 given to the poor. A great many garments were made and given away.
The first meeting of the year 1896 was held January 2nd. Services were opened by prayer and reading of Scripture. Addresses were delivered by P. S. Meyers and J. S. Flory, and short talks by Ella Buckwalter and M. M. Eshelman. A great many garments were made for the poor. Six children were secured for the Sunday School. Clothing, Bibles, shoes and other goods were contributed. A great deal of interesting matter has to be left out here for the lack of space. However, some of the most active members were Elizabeth Gnagey of Pasadena, Salome A. Watkins Eshelman, Della Lehmer, Mag- delena Myers and Sister J. S. Kuns.
Pasadena. This society was organized May 24, 1906, at the home of Sister Ivy Smith. The character of the work was helping the poor both at home and abroad. The members purchased good material and worked them into good wearing apparel and bed clothing.
125
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Lordsburg. This society was organized April 8, 1896, at the home of Sister Jane C. Williams. Officers: Sister George McDonough, President; Sister Jane C. Williams, Vice-President; Sister Jennie Stoner, Sec- retary, and Sister Margaret Horning, Treasurer. A buying committee and cutting committing were appointed. Twenty- four members were enrolled. Members of the society went into homes and sewed for the families. Both money and clothing were given to the poor.
The average attendance the first year was about twelve. The second year the attendance was greatly increased. On September 14, 1897, a constitution was adopted and a store room for the meeting was secured.
On February 29, 1900 the Sisters were given a com- fortable room in the College building.
On October 30, 1907, a new constitution and by-laws were adopted. All day weekly meetings were held. During the spring of 1912 the members pledged $100.00 for five years toward the support of the Lordsburg College. On October 1st of that year $100.00 was turned over to missions and to the poor.
In 1912 the enrollment was thirty-seven. At this time Sister Minnie G. Eby was President, Sister Ida Fesler Vice- President, Sister Jennie Kinsey Secretary and Treasurer, and Lizzie Martin General Superintendent. The various depart- ments were presided over by the following :
Cutting quilt blocks, Lizzie Forney; piecing and tieing comforts, Susan Collins and Sister Wyatt ; small white aprons, Ida Fesler; prayer coverings, Annie Hesp; wall pockets, Sister Daily ; kitchen aprons, Sister Lichtenwalter; bonnets, Sister Barnhizer ; clothespin aprons, Lydia Minnich; scissors chains, Sister Harshberger ; quilting, Francis Miller, and stock- ing bags, Jennie Kinsey.
126
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Biographical Sketches
He was born in Blair County, Pa., December Elder John Metzger. 27, 1807. His father was Jacob Metzger. His grandfather was a native of Holland. From Blair county his parents moved to Montgom- ery County, Ohio. July 31st, 1828, he married Hannah Ulery. Soon after this union they joined the church of the Brethren. In 1838 they settled in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. In 1835 he was chosen to the ministry and soon became a leading min- ister. His life was filled with love and devotion for the cause. He became a pioneer minister in Illinois, and settled in Cerro Gordo. His ministry extended over Indiana, Illinois and Cal- ifornia. He was first a member of the Standing Committee of Annual Conference in 1855 and served in that capacity sixteen times. He had the oversight of many churches and was noted for his love and peace in his rulings. He constructed in his ways. He built a church house in Cerro Gordo, Ills., and made a gift of it to the church. One provision was that a Sunday School must be held therein to teach the Word of God. His last service on the Standing Committee was in 1894 from Southern California at Myersdale, Pa. It rounded out a service of forty years, which indicates grace with revival or completed orderly creations. Blessings were his !
Son of Samuel and Cynthia Hutchinson. Was Andrew Hutchinson. born in Monroe County, West Virginia, Jan- uary 18, 1836. He was called to the ministry October 20, 1860 and given additional work April, 1865. He was ordained to the Bishopric, September, 1870.
During the war of 1860 to '65 he had some sad experiences in his birth place. Once he was ordered to be shot down within five minutes because he refused to go into the military service on the Confederate side. He was arrested a number of times for refusing to enlist in the military service, but out of all the Lord delivered him.
Early in his eighteenth year he fell from a horse and was injured. He is still suffering from it.
127
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
During his ministry over five hundred people were brought into Christ. Owing to his affliction he baptized but few and preached but few times at funerals. At one time eleven couples
Andrew Hutchinson.
called on him to perform marriage ceremonies inside of eight days. This was in Virginia and the state law required a resi- dent minister to perform the ceremony, hence he refused. At one time in a period of a little over eight months he attended thirty funerals. The youngest person interred was a babe and the oldest one was one hundred and nine years of age. It is said that he attended three funerals in one day. The most sermons that he preached in any one year was four hundred and forty. There are very few churches from New Jersey to California, Oregon and Washington that he has not held ser-
128
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
vices in. He has traveled over almost all of the United States and attended nearly all of the conferences since in the ministry. Perhaps no other minister of his age has done as much work in the brotherhood. He is called the walking Bible because he rarely ever reads a passage of scripture in the pulpit, but quotes directly and clearly and perfectly.
Bro. Hutchinson admires a trained mind especially made new and strong from Biblical facts. He has a burning thirst for truth at first hand. He has learned the power and useful- ness of mind concentration. He is affectionate in Christ ; stands firm for principles of high spiritualities; kind, noble, generous, capable of doing big things for the Lord.
At this writing (April, 1917), he is living in Lords- burg, Cal. He is past eighty years of age, yet quite vigorous. His wife departed this life December 19, 1916.
He was born May 16, 1839, near Gettysburg, Elder J. W. Trostle. Pa., and, like many others who carried God into the soul, was raised a farmer. Gettys- burg became famous in 1864 as the turning point in the Confederate rebellion. Bro. Trostle settled in Franklin Grove, Ills., in 1861. His oldest sister, wife of Elder Daniel Deardorf, was living at that place at that time.
Bro. Trostle was united in marriage to Sarah Van Orsdal, Nov. 17, 1864, and to this union were born Viola, Harvey L., Norman E. and Isaac Clayton, now all deceased; Ira D., W. E., Asa J., and Edith E. Trostle, the latter the wife of W. H. Keim.
Elder Trostle was elected to the ministry in 1869 at State Center, Iowa, (then Iowa River Church was presided over by Bishop John Murray), and was ordained to the Bishopric in 1873, serving forty-two years in that capacity. He was a mag- nificent type of kindness, firmness and love as a presiding officer, having held offices of trust several times during his work on earth. Hospitable, kind, graceful and pious that won souls, he spoke his messages well. At one time he had the oversight of six congregations. He was among the first to make practical the missionary faith in the Church of the Brethren. He was a pioneer in the faith in Western Iowa,
129
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
visiting and encouraging the scattered churches in Iowa. He lived to see his efforts blessed in large and prosperous churches. His home church grew from a few members to a body of 200-the State Center Church, Iowa.
J. W. Trostle.
In February, 1884, he became a citizen of Woodberry County, Iowa, becoming again a pioneer in the mission work. With his co-workers, two, known as the East Kingsley and West Kingsley, churches were built up, he presiding over them faithfully.
In 1896 he moved into Los Angeles County, Cal., and became very useful in moulding the membership into Spiritual Unity. He was for a short time a resident of Compton, then located at Glendora. He was Elder in charge at Covina for a while and did his work well.
January 30, 1906, he became a citizen of Pasadena, spend-
130
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
ing his closing days amidst a growing membership and the beauties of nature. Up to the close of his life he was deeply interested in the Master's Cause. His body gave up the spirit the evening of Jan. 24, 1911, going home in ripeness as full grown sheaf. He was loved unto the end.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.