USA > Indiana > History of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana > Part 16
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In 1857 John and Elizabeth Moss gave an acre of ground to be used as a site for a church building. The Warranty deed was made out May 26, 1857, and was entered for record Dec. 30, 1857, at the Recorder's office in Union County, Henry Husted being the recorder at that time. The deed in part reads as follows :
"This indenture witnesseth: That John and Elizabeth Moss, his wife, of Union County, in the State of Indiana, in consideration of the promotion of religion and for a site on which to build a meeting house known as the German Baptist Brethren, to be held by trustees and their successors in office of Union County, in the State of Indiana ; the object whereof is hereby acknowledged; do hereby bargain and convey to the said trustees and their successors in office as long as the same shall be occupied for said use, and in case it is not so occupied, it is to revert back to the original tract ;- "
Upon this ground the present church building was erected in 1857. It has been remodeled twice. The original church had a large fireplace in the north end and here the food for the communion services was prepared. A large crane supported the kettles where the meat was cooked. In 1895 or 96 the church was raised and a basement was put under it. At this time the fireplace was removed and a large brick stove was built in the basement. The food was prepared then on this stove and most of the meals were served in the basement. The com- munion and love feast was held in the main audience room. This room was heated by large wood burning stoves. There were two doors in the south and the pulpit was located between these two doors. People coming in late thus had to face the entire audience as they came in the door.
In 1913 the house was remodeled again. The two doors were removed and a large entrance and vestibule was built. The pulpit was placed in the north end. Sunday School rooms were built in the south end, the church was reseated and furnaces were installed. Thus an old building has been made to meet the changing needs.
The church organization remained as one but the scattered mem- bership caused the building of other houses of worship. In 1875 a house was built just east and south of Cottage Grove about a mile. This replaced the building north of College Corner which had been torn down in 1873. For a time a very active membership lived and
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worked here. In the course of time the work died. This building was finally sold in 1929.
In 1868 a church was built four miles northeast of Connerville, which was known as the Whitewater church house. This is in Water- loo township in Fayette County. The following is taken from the History of Fayette County, published in 1885, which reads thus: "On either side of what is called Four Mile Creek, in eastern Indiana and western Ohio, from 1804 to 1809 settled fourteen families coming principally from the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania. These people were members of the German Baptist church before their mi- gration.
"Elder Jacob Miller, who is thought to have been the first German Baptist minister who preached west of the Great Miami River, came occasionally from Bear Creek in Ohio and here preached for this membership, which was organized by him, with the assistance of John Hart and Mr. Bolton. In subsequent years the church in- creased in numbers, two districts were formed and a second meeting house was erected in the southern part of Union County, this state. Subsequently a membership was formed in Waterloo Township, among whom were John Moyer, Samuel and Elizabeth McLinster, Salome Fiant, Sarah Moyer, Mrs. Daniel Fiant, (the first member of this denomination in the community.) Daniel Jamiey, Susannah Strong, Catherine Priser, Martin Fiant, Mrs. Fiant, John Moss, Eliza- beth Dise, Jonas and Mary Fiant, Samuel and Catherine Crick, Ada Simpson, John Fiant and wife, Hannah, Polly McFerrin, Lewis Payton and wife, Elizabeth, and Susannah Ward."
"Their house of worship, a frame structure, was built in 1868, the building committee being, Jonas Fiant, John Fiant, and Isaac Pritchard. Prior to the building of the church edifice, meetings were held in dwellings and barns. Among the ministers who have served the charge have been John Moyer, William Moss, Abraham Moss, Daniel Miller, Daniel Brown, and Jacob Rife. Preaching was held once in four weeks, the membership being about fifty."
From the time of the writing of this history the church continued to grow and finally in 1913 a separate organization, New Bethel, was formed. Samuel Payton was the minister and Peter and Elmer Fiant were deacons. They had a nice church, well equipped and hope was strong that this might become a permanent church. Reverses came and the work gradually went down until no services were held for a number of years. In 1933 the church was disorganized and most of the remaining members have again placed their membership with the Four Mile Church.
Another church was bought at West Florence in 1886. This house was purchased from the community, it being owned by several
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denominations. There never was a strong membership near this place but work was carried on here for some time. The council meetings alternated between the four houses, there being one quarterly council at each house in a year. Likewise the services were held so that each church had one service a month. In the days of horse and buggy travel it was no small task for the minister to drive from Conners- ville to West Florence, or from Boston to Cottage Grove. Samuel Payton, Jacob Rife, Carey Toney and others made these drives and kept the work going in this way. This house was kept open until 1908 when it was sold.
September 16, 1852, the church called Jacob Rife to the ministry. He was a born preacher and for more than fifty years was a power for good, not only in his local congregation, but also in the District and Brotherhood.
Other ministers who were called during this period are as follows : Alfred Moore, 1862, who later joined the Old Order Brethren; Carey Toney and William McWhorter, 1876; Edward M. Cobb 1891, Samuel Payton, 1892, Frederick Viney and Charles Quick, 1899, and C. C. Petry in 1904. After Elder Rife's death in 1903, Elder Carey Toney was elected elder of the church and served until 1913. Upon his resignation Elder J. W. Rarick of Muncie was elected and served as overseer of the church until 1919. Elder L. L. Teeter of Mooreland served for three years, 1919-1921.
The deacons of the church are found in the following list and the date of their election when it is known. Christopher Witter and Joseph Kingery, 1809; Samuel Kingery, David Rinehart, Henry Eiken- berry, Daniel Eikenberry: Jonas Fiant 1852; John Fiant 1862; Mar- tin Witter 1862; Abraham Rife and Isaac Hart, 1866; Francis Young and John Brower, 1885; David Rinehart 1892; Baltzer Lybrook, Jr., Peter Fiant, Henry Young, Elmer Fiant, Henry Fitzsimmons; John Sheets Sr. in 1896; Samuel Gilmer, Ben Sheets, John Sheets; I. S. Hart 1905; and Joe Brower 1910.
Feeling the need of a full time pastor the first supported pastor was called. For some time most of the preaching had been done by Rev. J. W. Rarick who lived north of Muncie. This did not prove very satisfactory so Rev. A. P. Musselman was called in 1919. He came in the fall of this year and remained five years, when he accepted a call to the Flora Church of Middle Indiana. With the com- ing of a pastor the church now took on new life and was the beginning of a very active period in church work. Upon Elder Teeter's resigna- tion as elder of the church, A. P. Musselman was elected presiding elder which position he filled until 1925. F. E. McCune was the next pastor. He came in the fall of 1924 and remained five years when he resigned and went to Mt. Morris, Ill. Bro. McCune was elder from
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1925 until 1929. Elder L. S. Shively was elected as overseer of the church in 1929. From September 1929 until May 1930 the pulpit was supplied by outside ministers. In May of 1930 the Rev. E. R. Fisher came as the pastor. Upon Bro. Shively's resignation Bro Fisher was elected elder in the fall of 1930. Brother Fisher resigned in 1936 and moved to Trotwood, Ohio. Remembering the good services of Bro. F. E. McCune he was again asked to shepherd the Four Mile church. He remained from 1936 until 1947 when he and his good wife moved to Baltic, Ohio. Brother Raymond Risden accepted the call of the Four Mile church and served from 1947 till 1950.
When the matter of a supported pastor came up there was a need for a parsonage. In order to make this possible four men offered to buy a place for the pastor to live. These brethren were I. S. Hart, S. E. Edgeworth, David Rinehart, and Daniel Brower. A house was bought in Kitchel, 1919, which has since remained the home of the pastors. In 1926 the church assumed the payment of the parsonage and it was then turned over to the trustees of the church.
During most of the history of the church there were a number of resident ministers who took turns in preaching. These men earned a living and ministered to the spiritual need of the church as well. Much honor is due them for this sacrificial labor. After the death of Carey Toney in March 2, 1926 and Charles Quick Feb. 28, 1929, there has been no other minister in the congregation except the pastor.
In about 1905 a Christian Workers Society was organized. This was for many years a very strong and active society. From this many of the present leaders of the church have come as well as some work- ers who have gone out from the church.
The missionary interest of the church has always been strong. Many leaders have gone out from Four Mile and are now serving in other parts of the brotherhood. Out of the missionary spirit fostered in the home and the church has gone one missionary; she is, Sister Sue Rinehart Heisey, daughter of David and Fannie Rinehart who offered herself for the foreign mission field. She and her husband, Walter J. Heisey, have spent 15 years on the China Mission field. They are now located at Grundy Center, Iowa, as pastors of the church there.
Other ministers who grew up at Four Mile are E. M. Cobb, Alexander Stout, Lawrence White, Elmer Petry, and Clarence Gil- mour. E. M. Cobb after gaining considerable prominence in the church joined the Progressive Brethren church, and has held pastorates in Dayton, and California. He later located in Indianapolis, Ind., in interdenominational work, he died July 2, 1941. Alexander Stout was elected to the ministry at Four Mile; after many years away he has returned. Lawrence White grew up in the Whitewater church, and
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was called to the ministry there. He is now teaching school at Nap- panee, Ind. Elmer Petry spent several years in the Four Mile Church. He resided in North Dakota for a period of time, where he was called to the ministry. He is now at Hamilton, Ohio. Others who are filling other places of service might also be mentioned if space permitted. I. S. Hart served for 29 years as treasurer and 30 years as church clerk.
A review of the history of Four Mile records some interesting changes. Indians roved over this territory and often these pioneers were in danger. When the first members came to this country it was all in timber. Bro. Jacob Miller who helped organize the church had some interesting experiences with the Indians. The following is taken from the History of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana, by Otho Winger,-"The land was a dense forest, inhabited by many Indians. Elder Miller visited these children of the forest and sang and prayed for them. He gained not only their reverence and respect, but their promise of protection under all circumstances. They called him The Good Man the Great Spirit sent from the East." No doubt many other interesting stories might be told. Some of the early history of the church was lost when the church records burned about 1899.
Many can still remember, however, some of the big meetings they used to have at Four Mile. These love feasts were attended by many from adjoining congregations and were great times in the social life of the church. Not only was the entire church present but usually the whole community turned out. These meetings usually began in the afternoon with preaching. Visiting ministers came from a distance who took turns preaching. In the evening preparations were made for the love feast and communion service. The seats were rearranged and tables were placed in the audience room for the common meal. Much time had been spent in gathering up food sufficient for the meals that were to be served not only to the guests of the church but to everyone who came. The love feast was for members of the church only. With the spiritual preparations which came from the sermons of the afternoon and the examination sermon before the service of the evening it made the occasion one of great influence.
Visiting members stayed in the homes of the members, sleeping on the floor when the bed space was exhausted. The children looked for- ward to these occasions as one of great joy. For the social occasions were scarce in those days. The next morning breakfast was served at the church to all who cared to come. These meals were free and thus brought many from far and near who were not members of the church. Usually these love feasts were on Saturday evening. Soon after breakfast on Sunday morning the visiting ministers would call the meeting together. Preaching continued until noon, each minister
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taking his turn. These ministers sat on one side of a long table while the deacons sat on the opposite side. These long tables were the only pulpits. Often in regular services the deacons were asked to read the scriptures. Dinners were again served on Sunday, after which those from a distance bade their friends good-bye, and started by horse and buggy to their homes. Many times it was far into the night until they reached home, as some came from twenty to forty miles away.
These were of great value to the church in maintaining the spirit of fellowship and also helped to unify the congregations and make the church really brethren. As we look back on the way they had to do, using the fireplace, candles, traveling by log wagon or horse and buggy, it seemed like real hardships. But in spite of hard work they lived simply and perhaps more happily than we do today with all our con- veniences.
One hundred and forty-one years is a long time for the church to serve in a community. We cannot estimate the good that has been done. No doubt mistakes were made. Perhaps they were at times too conservative and narrow in their views. But in so doing they saved themeselves from many temptations that have been the downfall of many others. We must pay tribute to the sacrifices that were made that the church might be here.
The present membership is one hundred and fifty-four. The Pastor is Brother Pius Gibble.
HOWARD
The first members to settle in Howard County came from Union County, Indiana. Among these were Brethren Hiel Hamilton, David Overholser, Joel Brower, Christian Kingery and their wives. Brother Hamilton having been chosen for the ministry Dec. 1, 1845, began to preach the gospel in some of the wildest parts of Indiana. His strong preaching and his godly life had good effects upon the people and drew many into the kingdom.
Howard County Church was organized as a separate body in 1852. It then included all of Howard and parts of Clinton and Tip- ton Counties. In 1856 Brother Hamilton was ordained and given oversight of the church. Under his active missionary work and leader- ship the church became strong. We have no exact dates for much of its work. Daniel Welty, Christian Kingery, Josiah Woods, and Alvin Eikenberry were some of the early deacons. Joel Brower was called to the ministry in 1853, Christian Kingery, 1854, John Rine- hart 1865, Jacob Hamilton, son of Elder Hiel Hamilton, was called to the ministry in 1865, and later moved to Kansas. Samuel Bock, an elder, from Dayton, Ohio, and his son, Daniel, a minister, moved in in 1874.
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The meeting house was built in 1865. At first it was located south of Wild Cat Creek. Here some of the Musselmans, Cripes and Eiken- berries lived. The place was difficult to reach for those living north of the creek. Then when some of the older ones passed away, it was decided in 1886 to move the church to the present position, eleven miles west of Kokomo and four miles northeast of Burlington.
The division in the church in 1881 struck this congregation hard. The membership was then one hundred and sixty. Two of the min- isters, John Rinehart and Joel Brower, two of the three deacons, Jonas Brubaker and Ephraim Woods and about one third of the membership went with the Old Order Brethren.
Soon after this the church called John S. Brubaker to the ministry in 1883. He moved to California where he died in 1913. Aaron Moss moved to Howard in 1885 and moved away in 1891. In June . 1895 W. L. Hatcher was chosen for the ministry, he later moved to Grant County. John W. Flora and William Burns were elected min- isters in 1900. Wm. Burns later moved to Flora. Chester Poff and Elmer Phipps both served in the ministry here. Dolar Ritchey was elected to the ministry in 1927 and ordained in 1928. Robert Sink was ordained Dec. 5, 1918.
In 1886 Daniel Bock was ordained and succeeded Elder Hiel Hamilton as presiding Elder. He was followed by Elder Jacob Cripe. Brother Peter Houk moved in in 1888 and had the oversight of the church until 1911. He was a native of Germany. He was chosen for the ministry in the Lower Fall Creek Church in 1885. He was ordained by Elders John Caylor and Isaac Branson in 1894. He was presiding Elder for fifteen years until he moved to the Pipe Creek Church in Middle Ind. He helped and encouraged the forming of the Kokomo Church. Elders who have fathered the Howard Church since Bro. Houk are; John W. Flora, 1913 intermittently until 1930, L. E. Ockerman, one year 1920, L. L. Paul, 1932, Gilbert Stinebaugh 1930, Ray O. Shank 1934, Russell Showalter 1937. Thomas Shively is the present Elder.
Brother L. E. Ockerman served in the free ministry as did all the preceding Brethren. Brother Ockerman served from 1918-1926. Dolar Ritchey 1927-1928. Others are: James Hunter, Roy Ritchie, and Paul Kendall. Brother Perry Coblentz is now serving the Howard Church. Much of the Church's success was due to the work and influence of Brother John W. Flora. He served as Elder, pastor, janitor, chorister. Their home was a congenial place and many Breth- ren, evangelists, and young people met there to sing and pray. His first wife passed away in 1922. He was married to Ella Dilling, daughter of Elder David Dilling of Monticello, who was also a good
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wife and helper. He was called to his reward Dec. 23, 1937, following a short illness with pneumonia.
In 1918 the church received nine members by letter from the Old Order Church. In the past year several new members have been re- ceived by baptism and by letter. Brother and Sister Coblentz are serv- ing faithfully and the membership is sixty three.
The deacons elected in the Howard Church are : Everett Lybrook, Everett Henry, and Howard Deardorff who with their wives were in- stalled in 1920. William Brook and wife were elected March 1930. They now have a Board of Deacon Helpers chosen in 1947. They are : Harley Brubaker, Earl Brubaker, and Lon R. Ewing.
INDIANAPOLIS
Unlike many of our Southern Indiana churches, Indianapolis was not started by any one church. P. H. Beery, a teacher, and Charity Himes Brubaker, from the Ladoga Church, with Alice Boone as missionary started the work with their first public service Thanksgiv- ing day, 1901. They met in a rented hall on the corner of State and Hoyt St. One year later the first love feast was held with seventeen members communing. Clara Stauffer (Wolf) was now the missionary and P. H. Beery the pastor, supported in part by Southern Ind. Mission Board.
In 1903 Franklin Hoffert conducted a Sunday School at 57 Ger- mania Ave., which is now Belleview Place. Here a lot was purchased and a building was begun in 1903 and finished early in 1905. The dedication was in Nov., 1905, with Rev. E. M. Cobb giving the dedi- catory sermon. J. W. Rarick was the pastor, and Brother William Harshbarger the Elder. The first minister to be elected was Brother Samuel A. Hylton, Nov. 22, 1906, with Brother George Hahn as the first deacon. The next year, April 1907, Brother George Hahn was elected to the ministry, and Brother Robert Weeks was chosen as deacon. As one looks back over the history of the Indianapolis Church we realize that these three men, Samuel Hylton, George Hahn and Robert Weeks, always faithful in service and stewardship, have been the constant supporters and builders of the church. Brother Hahn moved away in 1936. Robert Weeks was accidently killed Dec. 28, 1938. Bro. Hylton is now an Elder and is active in the work of the congregation.
In 1906 Brother Isaac Branson was made presiding Elder and served until 1910 when Bro. J. C. Murray who had been pastor was elected Elder.
Brother Carl Rarick was elected to the ministry in Jan. 1910. Mary Stoner (Wine) was mission worker June 1909 until 1910.
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During the years 1910 until 1919 Brethren S. A. Hylton and George Hahn served as pastors in the free ministry.
On Feb. 5, 1917, the church was released from the care of the District Mission Board and became an independent congregation. The congregation was designated as the First Church of the Brethren, Indianapolis.
In 1920 the congregation purchased a parsonage near the church on Belleview Place.
In May, 1923, the church property was sold to the City Park Board for park purposes at a consideration of $12,000. On January 1, 1924 the church purchased the building of the Grace Presbyterian Church, located at 3201 North Capitol Avenue. The transfer was made promptly to the new location and formal dedication services were held on May 1I, 1924 with Dr. Otho Winger preaching the dedi- cation sermon.
In order to retain the publicity value of the name so long attached to this church building, the congregation on December 28, 1923 voted to change the name of the congregation to the Grace Church of the Brethren.
In November, 1925, the parsonage on Belleview Place was sold for $3,800. On May 8, 1928, the church letters of Elder and Sister Frank E. Hay were received. Their moving to Indianapolis was a blessing to the work of the congregation. On February 10, 1929, the congregation suffered a great loss in the death of Bro. F. M. Bowers, a consecrated layman of great ability, whose counsel and financial assistance had meant much to the church in its period of moving to the new location on Capitol Avenue, as well as during the many years at the old location.
On April 14, 1935 a new baptistry constructed behind the pulpit was dedicated with Dr. R. H. Miller preaching the dedicatory sermon. Seven persons were baptized on this occasion. A very substantial resi- dence was purchased for use as a parsonage at 3165 Kenwood Avenue on June 12, 1941 (consideration, $3,000).
On May 10, 1943 the name of the congregation was officially changed again to The First Church of the Brethren. The observance of World Communion Day on the first Sunday in October was adopted on April 10, 1945 as a permanent part of the calendar of the congrega- tion.
The congregation has had a Ladies Aid Society from the very beginning. In 1925, under the leadership of Bro. and Sister George L. Studebaker, the women's organization was divided into a First Divi- sion and a Second Division, with some differentiation in the purposes and activities of each division. This continued for one year, and in 1926 the Second Division adopted the name, The Loyal Circle, while
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the First Division used the name, The Sisters' Aid Society. Since 1931 the two organizations have been united under the name of The Loyal Circle and have been maintaining a very effective program.
In 1925 the men organized The Men's Council of Promotion. In September, 1937, the Pastor, Clinton I. Weber, recommended the formation of a men's organization and shortly thereafter the present Men's Work group was established.
On October 24, 1948 the congregation observed a Homecoming Anniversary with a sermon by I. D. Leatherman and talks by former members, including Mary Stoner Wine who served as a missionary in the early days of the work in Indianapolis. The observance of the Fif- tieth Anniversary of the church was held in 1951.
Ordinations of ministers were, S. A. Hylton, 1906; Geo. W. Hahn, 1907; W. Carl Rarick (2nd Degree) 1910; Paul Longenecker, 1920; Floyd McGuire (withdrew, 1936) 1930.
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