USA > Indiana > History of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana > Part 11
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In the meantime others had been called to official capacity. April 19, 1877, N. B. Heeter and Elijah Stoneburner were elected deacons and H. H. Brallier was called to the ministry, Bro. Brallier was or- dained in 1901 and succeeded Bro. Puterbaugh in the oversight of the church. In 1885 Brethren N. B. Heeter and Levi Stoneburner were called to the ministry. Both were active here for a number of years, Bro. Heeter later moving to the Rock Run Church. Later, Clayton Whitehead and Chester Brallier were elected to the ministry. In 1910 William Overholser came from Nappanee and began pas- toral service here. The work flourished and he was later assisted by Bro. and Sister L. M. Neher, who moved here from Milford; also for a time by C. W. Warstler. Dr. and Sister G. H. VanDyke, also ministers, lived here for a number of years and meant much to the work. Sister Van Dyke died here and Dr. VanDyke continued on for some time. He has since retired.
In 1916 the old house was remodeled and modernly equipped, Bro. Otho Winger preaching the dedicatory sermon. In 1919 the name of the congregation was changed from Washington to North Winona.
During the Annual Conferences of 1916, 1919, and 1922 the church sponsored lunch stands at Winona Lake.
During the later years the following have served the church here as pastors : L. U. Kreider, who soon moved to Blue River Church; Reuben Boomershine, Clement Bontrager, William Overholser, R. C. Wenger, J. S. Zigler, and the present pastor, Lester Young.
Records show the following installed as deacons : Henry Rusher, 1887; John Brumbaugh, 1891; Argus Whitehead, 1900; John Hed- dington and Edwin Piper 1917; Sherman Bryant and Esta Butter- baugh, 1919; Harry Lozier, Glenn Whitehead and Amsey Roose, 1923 ; Russell Hanawalt, 1934, Earl Whitehead and Scott Horn, 1945.
In 1941 arrangements were made for a parsonage in the back part of the church. A new electric organ was installed and dedicated in 1948. Since 1940 a Primary Department of the Sunday School has
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been organized. Among the Sunday School superintendents are : George Sutherlin, Argus Whitehead, Edward Piper, Amsey Roose, Harry Lozier, Mary Bryant, Price Bailey, Ernest Lozier, Earl Whitehead, Alpheus Shambeck, Scott Horn and Wayne Johnson. The present membership of the church is IIO.
OSCEOLA (1895)
The Osceola congregation was organized as a separate church in 1895. It was originally the northern part of the Baugo Church. Ac- cording to an early record of 1895 it appears that elders, Joel Shively, Hiram Krieghbaum and a Bro. Puterbaugh; ministers, Peter Huff- man and. Jacob Bowers; and deacons, Jacob Coacenhour and A. K. Berkey made up the official Board of the new congregation. There had been preaching held in a certain Bowers school house prior to this time, though it was soon discontinued. The property had been pur- chased in 1893, though it seems a house of worship had been erected here as early as 1855. No later records are available until 1919, when there were perhaps 60 members.
From this date Burt Pontius, Harry Simpson and Peter Huff- man served for the next ten years in the free ministry. Earl Nusbaum served two years as a part time pastor. Through the efforts and the support of the District Mission Board the church began full-time pastoral service in 1932 with Ervin Weaver serving until 1938. Fol- lowing this, Harold Myers, Paul Lantis, Clarence Rosenberger, Arno Holderread, Carl Yoder, O. E. Messamer and Earl Nusbaum were pastors, varying in time of service from a few months to three years. Edward Stump, the present pastor, began service here in 1946. The following served as elder here: Hiram Roose, Christian Metz- ler, Bert Pontius, E. C. Swihart, Earl Nusbaum, and Howard Kreider. The district Mission Board served as elder while they supported the work during 1932-1944.
William Anglemyer was elected deacon here in 1919. The present deacons are, Esta Hill, Paul Singery and Marion McClurg, all elected in 1946. Arno Holderread was licensed to the ministry here in 1939 and installed in 1942. He completed his education since then and is a pastor in Middle Indiana now.
There has been a live Sunday School here since the records began in 1919, with the following acting as superintendents: Jacob Motts, Nora Heffner, Harry Simpson, William Secor, David Wisler, Nina Weldy, Carl Messick, Hallie Holderread, Paul Singery, Esta Hill and Howard Stump.
In 1935 the church house was raised and a full basement put in, greatly increasing the capacity for the Sunday School. A parsonage was purchased in 1939, which has later been remodeled. The congre-
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gation is strategically located in a rapidly growing community, near the industrial and railroad centers of South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart, and is enjoying a healthy growth. Its present membership is 180.
PINE CREEK (1854)
During the early part of the last century the Brethren came into the northern part of Indiana. A very large territory, extending from South Bend southward toward Plymouth, was included in what was called the South Bend District. Bro. Abraham Whitmer of Sump- tion Prairie came into this locality on regular dates, and preached in the homes and schoolhouses. In this way the first seed was planted from which have grown North Liberty, Pine Creek, Blissville, Center, Union, Salem and the Plymouth congregations.
They planted better than they knew. In 1852 Bro. Washington Fenson, a minister, moved within the bounds of what is now the Pine Creek Church. The same year Brother David Rupel was called to the ministry. He built his house (still standing) with large double doors, so as to use it for a house of worship as well as a home. In 1854 Pine Creek congregation was organized, with E. Fenson and David Rupel as ministers, and Bro. Abraham Whitmer of South Bend as elder.
In 1856 Brother David Rupel was ordained to the eldership and given the oversight of the church. The first deacons were William Johnson, Abraham and Michael Miller. In 1857 the official force was strengthened by the coming of John Barnhart, and the election of Brethren John Knisely and John Hoover to the ministry; also Brethren J. A. Long and Abraham Stump as deacons. Soon after that Jacob and Isaac Thomas, ministers, moved here. In 1864 Brethren David Clem, A. Abshire and A. M. Rupel were chosen to the deacon's office.
At this time the Union Church with the territory south was divided from Pine Creek. The homes and schoolhouses were too small to accommodate the people in attendance at the services. So in 1866 the East and West houses were built. The East house was built large, and used for holding love feasts.
In 1867 two ministers, Brethren Elias Steele and George Barn- hart came here. Between the years 1870 and 1873 Brethren D. W. Rupel, Samuel Cullar, Jacob Hawblitzel and G. E. Steele were chosen deacons. In 1875 A. B. Peters and A. M. Rupel were elected to the ministry. The Blissville House was built in 1875, and the Center House in 1877.
These facts give evidence of the work our fathers did and the in-
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fluence of the Word of God on the hearts of the people. In 1878 Brethren Allen Maurer and James Brown were chosen deacons. In 1882 Bro. Jacob Summers was elected to the ministry, and Brethren Jesse Thomas and Jacob Jimmerson were chosen deacons. About this time Brethren Jacob Hildebrand and G. M. Armentrout, ministers, moved into the congregation. In 1884 J. G. Wogoman and S. N. Ever- sole were elected ministers.
In 1888 Brethren Jacob Hildebrand and A. B. Peters were ordained to the eldership. Brother Levi Pippenger, a deacon came into the congregation in 1894. The following ministers moved here and remained only a short time: L. E. Miller, in 1891; Lemuel Hillery in 1894; Edward Ruff, in 1896; D. H. Weaver, in 1897; Jacob Heistand, in 1906; and John Markley, in 1912. Brethren William Long, M. C. Morris, and C. F. Rupel were chosen to the deacon's office in 1897.
In 1898 Bro. C. F. Rupel was elected to the ministry; Brethren David Ruff and S. Burkholder were chosen deacons, and A. M. Rupel was ordained as elder. In 1902 Bro. Lafeyette Steele was elected to the ministry; Brethren G. Stump, Jacob Freed and Christian Kilian were chosen deacons. In 1904, C. F. Rupel and Lafayette Steele were advanced to the second degree of the ministry. In 1910 Breth- ren William Summers and William Kilian were chosen to the deacon's office. In 1912 Bro. James Kessler was elected to the ministry and Lafayette Steele was ordained elder.
In June 1912 the southern part of the congregation asked for the privilege of organizing into a separate congregation, which was granted them. The organization became known as the Blissville congregation. This left Pine Creek with but two houses of worship. In 1917 a new congregation was organized in North Liberty, so the West House was torn down and the members in the northwest part of the congregation transferred their membership there. The condition of the East House became such that the congregation decided to remodel it. That was done with credit to everyone that helped in the work.
In January, 1950, an extensive remodeling program was begun. During that year the basement was completely changed and re- constructed to provide 10 classrooms, a kitchen and a furnace room. It is now equipped with suitable furniture, oil-furnace, and fluorescent lighting. Early this year the main audience room was changed about. The pulpit was placed at the east end with baptistry behind; a balcony fitted for class rooms is at the west end, with mother's room and class rooms below. The building is now completely modernized, being remodeled at an approximate cost of $26,000. Eld. Jesse Ziegler, of the Bethany Seminary faculty, delivered the dedicatory address on July 8, 1951.
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In 1913 Brethren Arthur Long and Jacob Gensinger were chosen deacons, and in 1914 Bro. Ira C. Eisenhour, a minister moved here. In 1915 Brethren Arthur Long, Orville Houser, and John Stump were elected to the ministry, Floyd Stump and Floyd Wilson were elected in 1928, being the last ministers elected, and they did not remain, soon moving away and placing their membership in another denomination.
Bro. A. M. Rupel was elder in charge until his death in 1914; Lafayette Steele then was elder till his death in 1918. He was followed by J. F. Appleman. In 1921, Bro. James Kessler, who had been or- dained, became elder in charge. Later the following came in order named: Edward Stump, 1927-28; J. O. Kessler, 1929-31 ; H. A. Clay- baugh, 1932-38; John Stump, 1939-43; J. O. Winger, 1944; Galen Bowman since 1945. The last deacons elected were Brethren Willard Stump, Richard Stump, and Walter Keiser in 1942, and Roy Free- man, Cecil Keiser and Harry Truax in 1943.
The congregation was always served by free ministry until in 1932 when H. A. Claybaugh became pastor. Others since have been : Theodore Miller, 1937-40; J. E. Whitacre, 1941-43; Perry Hoover, 1944; Neils Esbensen, 1945; E. Wayne Gerdes the present pastor, since 1947.
Pine Creek has for many years been much interested in missions. For one year the members supported a native child in China. Winnie E. Cripe went out from this congregation as a missionary to China in IgII, and served until her death in 1934. Her home congregation assumed her support for most of the time she was in the field. Since her death they have contributed liberally to the Brotherhood funds.
For many years the congregation has maintained a flourishing Sunday School. There is no record of those who supervised it until 1920. Since then, Delbert Mangus, Frank Keiser, Reuben Houser, Orla Baughman, Russel Clark, Cecil Keiser, Rollo Manges, Harry Rowe, Willard Stump, Harry Truax and Robert Baughman have served terms as superintendent.
The congregation has always been one of the strong churches in the district, and from a careful reading it will be noted that many strong leaders have served in various capacities. The present member- ship is 359.
PLEASANT CHAPEL (1921)
The Pleasant Chapel Church was originally the north part of the Cedar Lake Congregation. It was organized in 1920 with John Urey elder, Ellis McClish clerk, and S. C. Perkins treasurer, and was rec- ognized as a separate congregation in 1921.
For some years prior to the organization of the congregation, J. H. Elson, Daniel Phillips and others had been preaching in the Putt
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school house and in the nearby Mennonite Church.
A Sunday School was first organized in 1912 with S. C. Perkins superintendent, Sister Verda Myers chorister, Sister Mabel Perkins secretary, Bro. Vern Myers, treasurer. This was on the first Sunday in January and, although the mercury stood at 18 degrees below zero, there were twenty-four members present. During the next eight years several revival meetings were held and more than sixty new members were baptized.
In 1917 the Mennonite Church building was purchased. It was remodeled the next year and several times since. Under the leadership of Joseph Ober, building chairman, the church plant was completely remodeled and enlarged during 1949-50. Dedicatory services were held Sept. 17, 1950. Speakers at the all day meeting were Ivan Fry, R. A. Sherman and Claude Leslie.
Since 1925 the congregation has been under the pastoral care of Clyde C. Cripe, Galen Bowman, Russell Sherman, for more than ten years, and Kenneth Long, all working on a part-time basis. Since 1944 Bro. Claude Leslie has served in the free ministry. Melvin Ritchie served as summer pastor in 1948. Ivan Fry was summer pastor in 1949.
Succeeding Eld. J. H. Urey the elders in charge have been Galen Bowman, Russell Sherman, Kenneth Long, at intervals the District Mission Board, and at present, Bro. Charles Light.
Those who served as deacons in the early years of the congrega- tion were S. C. Perkins and Ellis McClish. Since 1930 the following deacons and wives have been installed: Ernest and Daisy Pairan, Joseph and Alvadah Ober, Carl and Irma Thomas and Ray and Rebah Skelly, Russell Perkins and wife, Dale Thomas and wife, and John Reinold and wife.
Since its beginning the Sunday School has flourished under the leadership of S. C. Perkins, the first superintendent, Ellis McClish, Russell Perkins, Carl Thomas, Walter Eldredge, Ocie Hamman, Russell Hartman, Ralph Kanaga and Dale Thomas. The regular average at- tendance is about one hundred. The Pleasant Chapel congregation has a real challenge for service in the local community. The present membership is 114.
PLEASANT HILL (1873)
The history of the organization and early work of Pleasant Hill is to be found in that of the Cedar Creek Church. It was organized as a separate congregation in 1873, with twenty-five members. In 1875 they built their church house four miles northeast of Churubusco. Jere- miah Gump was their only minister and the presiding elder until 1908. Manford Hufford, Nathan Johnson and William Finney were the deacons at that time. Later on the church called to the ministry
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William Finney, Alda Fisher and Jesse Gump in 1898; Elmer Pepple and Charles Gump in 1910; Russel Pepple in 1942; Arlo Gump in 1944; and Glen Stauffer in 1948. Bro. Jesse Gump has served in the ministry for more than fifty years and still lives in Churubusco. Charles Gump and Elmer Pepple were ordained in 1931, Bro. Gump later moving to New Paris. Russel Pepple was ordained in 1946 and is now a pastor in Southern Illinois. Arlo Gump was ordained in 1948 and served as pastor of the Cedar Creek Church until 1949. He is now Regional Director of the Young People's work in the Central Region. Everett Chapman was ordained here in 1939. David M. Hart who was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1836, and came to Lagrange County, Ind. at the age of three weeks, probably united with the church at Shipshewana. He was called to the ministry here in 1878.
The Pleasant Hill Church has always been served by the free ministry. Since Bro. Jeremiah Gump died in 1912, the following have served as elder in charge at various intervals. Jesse Gump, Hiram Forney, S. J. Burger, Charles Gump, and Elmer Pepple, since 1945.
In the later years Wyland Zumbrum, Roy Gump, Arlo Pepple, Lloyd Pepple, Glen Pepple and Raymond Larue have been called to the deacon's office. In the early part of 1950, Raymond Larue was licensed to the ministry. Two missionaries have gone out from this church, Dr. and Mrs. Howard Bosler, and have served several terms on the African Mission Field, especially at the Garkida Leper Colony, first going to the field in 1931.
The first Sunday School was organized here in 1875 with William Finney as superintendent. Among the later superintendents have been Sister Aldia Disler, Roy Gump, Elmer Pepple, C. O. Gump, Wyland Zumbrum and Everett Chapman. There has been a very active organization of Women's Work here, doing much work for relief and for missions as well as in local projects.
Two important events in recent years were the complete remodel- ing and modernizing of the church basement, and the observance of the fiftieth anniversary in the ministry for Bro. Jesse Gump.
The congregation has been unusually successful in saving their children to the church, which fact has helped greatly to maintain the membership of the church, which at the present numbers 70.
PLEASANT VALLEY (1878)
The Pleasant Valley congregation was once a considerable part of the Rock Run congregation. The early preaching was done by Jacob Berkey and other brethren. The division of territory occurred in 1878. The first minister was Joseph Hoover who had been elected in the Rock Run Church in 1868. A. A. Wise, Richard Hout, David Nihart, Samuel Cripe and Chester Gate were the first deacons. The
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churchhouse, built in 1867, is located three miles northwest of Middle- bury. The dedication services were conducted by Elder Jesse Calvert, who followed with a series of meetings.
In 1876 Elder J. B. Shoemaker of Ohio, moved in and was given the oversight of the church. In 1880 Joseph Hoover was ad- vanced and later given charge of the congregation. Abraham Wise was the first minister elected. He and Levi Dake, who had moved in the congregation, were later advanced. Later ministers elected were: Christian Schrock, J. Edson Ulery, J. H. Schrock, J. L. Mishler, Clyde C. Cripe, Ira E. Weaver and Cyrus Steele. During this time too, thirteen deacons were elected. Resident elders of the congregation have been: J. B. Shoemaker, Moses Weaver, Joseph Hoover, Chris- tian Schrock, J. H. Schrock, J. H. Fike, and J. L. Mishler. Adjoining elders having charge at different times have been Lemuel Hillery, Levi Hoke and I. L. Berkey.
In 1913 the congregation consisting of about 200 members, was about equally divided into two congregations. The south part took the name of Middlebury and the north part retained the original name. In 1916 the membership numbered 83 and J. L. Mishler was the pre- siding elder.
Since then, other names appear on the ministerial list. Galen Bowman and Homer Schrock were advanced in 1918 and ordained in 1923. Noble Bowman was advanced in 1924 and ordained in 1930. Ralph Schrock and Ernest Bowman were licensed in 1942 and ad- vanced a year later. John Tomlonson was licensed in 1948.
The role of deacons elected show the following names: Elvin Leer and Luther Welbaum in 1920; Chester Franks and Kedric Grove, 1942; Harold Hershberger and Stewart McClain, 1945. The church was always served by the free ministry until 1947, when Homer Schrock was called as pastor. T. G. Weaver is the present pastor. Later elders in charge have been J. H. Fike, 1919-22; Homer Schrock, 1922-28; Galen Bowman, 1928-38; Homer Schrock, since 1938.
A good Sunday School has continued for many years. The later superintendents being Ernest Bowman, Leslie Berkey, Lester Franks, Ralph Schrock, Kedric Grove, Don Schrock, Chester Franks and Harold Hershberger.
Organizations of Men's and Women's Work, Young People's Work have continued for many years. The church has a membership of IIO and presents a hopeful outlook.
PLYMOUTH (1916)
The Plymouth Church was organized March 25, 1916. It had been a part of the Union Church before, which in turn, had been part
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of the Yellow River Church (now Mt. Pleasant). In January, 1916, the brethren and sisters living in Plymouth received permission to start a Sunday School for a three month period, with N. O. Troyer in charge. On Feb. 28, they asked the Union Church and the District Mission Board to hold preaching services twice a month, which was granted; the Union Church taking one Sunday and the Mission Board the next. The Church was located in a hall, known as the Dr. Wood Hall, in the 100 block on North Michigan St. N. O. Troyer and wife, Pearl, Ira Mock and wife, Julia, Edith Mock, Edith Troyer and Frederick Marsh were the initial organizers and workers. March 25, 1916 they felt strong enough, and asked to be organized as a separate congregation, which was granted. The organization was effected by elders S. F. Hendricks, J. F. Appleman, John Markley and J. H. Schrock, with 29 charter members. There were two deacons, Ira Mock and Andrew Bottorff. The first officers of the church were: trustees, Ira Mock, Andrew Bottorff and S. E. Ruff ; treasurer, Owen Price; clerk and S. S. secretary, Edith (Mock) Burroughs. The first communion was held in the Wood Hall with the Union Church on a 50-50 basis, being an unusual experience.
On May 18, 1918 the present church site was purchased at the corner of Garro and Water Streets, for $2500. The remodeled dwelling was used for services for two years, when it was sold, services being held in the Gem Theater across the street while a new house was being built. The new house was dedicated in September, 1921. In 1937 the house was remodeled and enlarged to meet the needs of the growing congregation.
The first elder of the congregation was J. F. Appleman. Then followed in the order named; E. L. Heestand, David Metzler, The District Mission Board, Clyde Joseph, C. C. Cripe, James Beahm, Howard Kreider and E. Wayne Gerdes, the present elder.
At first the church was served by free ministry, the following preaching occasionally: N. O. Troyer, Cecil Reed, Theodore Miller, Ben Stoner and Floyd Leeper. In 1916 the Mission Board placed E. L. Heestand there as pastor, who served for two years. Bro. J. F. Appleman served as pastor until his death in 1933. G. G. Canfield served for five years; Arthur Keim served for seven years, during which time he was ordained as elder. Bro. Merlin Cassel has served as pastor since 1946.
A growing Sunday School has continued from the beginning, with the following acting as superintendents at various times: S. E. Ruff, Ivo Weaver, Arthur Miller, Cecil Reed, Howard Dickey, Ray Price, Harry Rohrer, Ray Welborn, Merton Snyder, Emory Reed, Clifford Fish, Harry Cripe, and Ivan Syler.
In 1945 the church felt the need for expansion and a building
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fund was established. In 1946 the trustees were authorized to pur- chase a new building site, which was obtained in January, 1947. It is located on North Michigan Street, where a new and adequate building is being erected. A sizable fund has already been raised for this purpose.
The present force of deacons include, Harvey Markley, Edward Price, Harry Rohrer, Ora Burroughs, Harry Cripe, Cecil Markley Clifford Fish, Harold Markley, Otto Burroughs, Carl Coplen and Earl Nifong. The present membership is 303.
ROCK RUN (1850)
The first members of what is now the territory of the Rock Run congregation belonged to the Elkhart congregation, where Elder Daniel Cripe and others served their people. Most of these had moved in from Ohio. Among others, we have the names of Jonathan Myers, Jacob Bechner, Joshua Perry, Samuel Ulery, Samuel Stutsman, Daniel Stutsman and Samuel Cripe.
In 1848 Jacob Berkey moved in from Somerset County, Pa. The members soon recognized that he possessed unusual ability. In 1850 the church was organized with Elder Jacob Studebaker of Goshen as the first elder. On the same day Jacob Berkey was elected to the ministry and in a short time was advanced and ordained.
In these early days the Rock Run congregation had the services of another able preacher, James Tracy, who had moved in from Ohio to South Bend, and then to Rock Run, where the members assisted him in buying forty acres. He was an able man, but soon sickened and died of typhoid fever, 1857. He is buried in the Dierdorff Ceme- tery at the south end of Goshen.
The first church house was built in 1855. It was a frame struc- ture, 30 by 40 ft. Elder Jacob Berkey who was now in charge of the congregation, lived right across the road from the church, and his home was a kind of hotel to brethren from a distance, and also many of the home brethren.
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