USA > Indiana > History of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana > Part 45
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Few Standing Committees ever had more difficult problems to grapple with than did this one. The Old Order Brethren had re- cently left the church. The Progressive Brethren, too, were soon to go. The meeting at Arnold's Grove will ever be remembered as the place where the division in the Church of the Brethren occurred and the Pro- gressive Brethren church was organized. This one question overshad- owed every other here, and so we give an extended account of this.
Trouble had been brewing for years .. It largely centered around Elder H. R. Holsinger, of the Berlin church, Pennsylvania. He had been editor of The Christian Family Companion for years and had come to advocate some very radical measures of church work and polity. This finally led to a committee consisting of John Wise, Enoch Eby, David Long, Joseph Kauffman and Christian Bucher known as the Berlin Committee. They met with the Berlin church to try Elder Holsinger on some of the general charges. In addition to these a dif-
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ference arose as to the method of procedure in the trial. This can best be gleaned from the committee's report to the Conference at Arnold's Grove.
"We the undersigned committee, appointed by Annual Meeting to go to the Berlin church, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, to wait on Elder H. R. Holsinger, and deal with him according to his transgres- sions, do report as follows :
"Met with the Berlin church on Tuesday, August 9, 1881, and were unanimously accepted by the church, H. R. Holsinger included. And upon the question to H. R. Holsinger, whether he would accede to, and accept of, the general usages of the church in conducting this investigation, he declined, whereupon a lengthy discussion followed upon the following departure from the general usages of the church.
"Ist, H. R. Holsinger employed a stenographer to take down and publish the proceedings of the council. 2nd, The Council to be held in the presence of persons not members of the church, which discussion closed by the Berlin church saying that they had passed a resolution in the absence of the committee, that they will have a full report of pro- ceedings taken; and right on this, passed in the presence of the commit- tee, the following :
" 'Resolved that this council shall be held openly, and persons not members of the Brethren church will be considered present by courtesy only, and none but the members of the Berlin church and the commit- tee are invited to participate in the businesss.'
"Wednesday, August 10, met at 9 A.M. according to adjournment. The chairman announced to the meeting that the committee feared that the members did not understand the responsibilities they assumed yes- terday and proposed a reconsideration and rescinding of their deci- sions. After some investigation as to the propriety of reconsideration Brother Holsinger gave liberty for anyone to make a motion to that effect, but no motion was offered. After due time the committee re- tired and decided as follows :
" 'In view of the above considerations, especially in view of the fact that Brother H. R. Holsinger refused to have his case investigated by the committee in harmony with the Gospel as interpreted by Annual Meeting, and the consent of our General Brotherhood, and in as much as Brother H. R. Holsinger and the Berlin church assume all responsi- bility in the case, therefore, we decided : that Brother H. R. Holsinger cannot be held in fellowship in the Brotherhood, and all who depart with him shall be held responsible to the action of the next Annual Meeting.' "
It is doubtful if any other Annual Meeting of the Church of the Brethren was ever awaited with such fearful forebodings as the one of
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1882. Elder Holsinger and those who sympathized with him did not consider the work of the committee legal, while many who did not sym- pathize with him felt that the committee had overstepped its bounds. On the other hand the majority of the church felt that patience with Elder Holsinger had ceased to be a virtue, and that the decision of the com- mittee was the best thing possible under the circumstances. In the mean- time Elder Holsinger continued his work as a minister and bishop; and as an editor he was never more active than during the months fol- lowing his expulsion by the committee. Many articles appeared in The Progressive Christian from his friends, who vigorously lampooned the committee for their action. This only caused the situation to become more intense and all looked forward to see whether the Annual Meeting would accept the report of the committee.
After the above report was read at Arnold's Grove, Elder John Wise made an explanation of their work and gave reasons both from the Minutes of Annual Meeting and the Gospel to uphold the course of the committee. D. C. Moomaw then presented what he termed the Olive Branch of Peace. According to this Elder Holsinger was to make satisfaction for his past offences and promise to conduct himself in the future in harmony with the doctrine and practices of the church. In order that this paper might be examined by Holsinger's friends before they endorsed it, Brother Moomaw desired that final decision be put off till the next day.
Following this, a heated discussion began and continued during most of the day. Holsinger's friends, and even many who had been his greatest opponents, contended that he ought to have one more chance to set himself right. Others believed that the time for this was past un- til the Conference had accepted the report of the committee; then, if Elder Holsinger was sincere in his desire to work with the church, he could be reinstated at any time in the regular way. He, however, said that while he could acknowledge to Annual Meeting that he had made mistakes, he could never acknowledge that the work of the committee was legal. When the motion to accept the committee's report was put to the meeting, it was declared adopted.
"In those days all the members present voted. The vast congre- gation was made to seat themselves beyond the limit of the tent. It was an impressive moment. Nearly one day had been spent in discussing one of the gravest questions of the Brotherhood. And now this vast congregation, being perhaps the largest assembly of members that ever met in America, was about to render a decision that would settle a ques- tion that had been agitating the mind of the Brotherhood for years. There was perfect silence for a few minutes, when the clear, strong voice of the moderator was distinctly heard far beyond the limits
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of the tent, saying : 'All that are in favor of sustaining the Berlin Com- mittee's report, rise to their feet.' Like one solid mass the assembly seemed to rise as one man. It was seemingly a solid vote. After they were seated those who were opposed to receiving the report were told to rise and about one hundred stood up, leaving the report of the Berlin Committee sustained by a most overwhelming majority. By this time it was 4 o'clock."-J. H. Moore.
Immediately after the report of the Berlin Committee was accepted, a meeting was arranged for by Holsinger's friends to consider what steps should be taken. This meeting met at a schoolhouse one mile west of the Conference ground. Elder P. J. Brown was chairman. A resolution of sympathy was extended to H. R. Holsinger. A petition addressed to the Standing Committee was drawn up, to the effect that another effort be made to bring about a reconciliation and prevent an- other division in the church. The Standing Committee refused to con- sider this petition, on the ground that it had not come in a proper way through a District Meeting.
A division, such as the Old Order Brethren had effected some nine months before, was now decided upon. A series of resolutions was passed and a convention was called, to be held at Ashland, Ohio, June 29, 1882. Such was the origin of the Progressive Brethren Church.
ANNUAL MEETING OF 1888 North Manchester, Wabash County
The second Conference held at North Manchester was held with- in the town limits in the west part of what was known as Harter's Grove. This grove lies in the north part of town. The committee of arrange- ments was composed of Daniel Horning, foreman, Abraham Miller, Treasurer, A. L. Wright, secretary, Stephen C. Ulrey, John Miller and Emanuel Grossnickle. A tabernacle was provided to accommodate 4,500 people. Reports showed that the committee did its work well, and that the people were well taken care of.
This meeting will ever be remembered as the time and place where Elder James Quinter, of sacred memory, closed his earthly career. It was known and expected that he would be there. He was to preach in the tabernacle on Sunday morning. He arrived at the grounds on Sat- urday about noon. He called on Brother D. L. Miller at the Messenger office, and then went to listen to a sermon by Elder Daniel Vaniman. He was called on to close this service. This he began to do by reading hymn 810 in the old hymnal. After the singing of this hymn he gave a few fitting remarks and called to prayer. While thus engaged in pour- ing out his heart to God in behalf of this Conference, the heavenly mes- senger gave him the welcome to come home. His voice faltered and ceased. Brethren came to his side, and there amid the tears and sobs of
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that large audience and the tender ministrations of loving hands, his spirit took its flight. After a few appropriate remarks by Elder Enoch Eby, the remains were prepared for its homeward journey. The next morning, at the time Elder Quinter was to have preached, memorial services were held for him, led by Enoch Eby and John Wise.
The report of the business meeting shows that it was a pleasant one. Enoch Eby was moderator, D. N. Workman, reading clerk, and J. G. Royer, writing clerk. Peter Long, Jacob Snell and William Harshbarger represented Indiana on the Standing Committee. Instead of many committees being called for to settle trouble in churches, much time was given to the work of the Mission Board and to the Publish- ing House.
ANNUAL MEETING OF 1893 Muncie, Delaware County
The meeting this year was held in the city of Muncie, Southern Indiana. The meeting was held about a mile from town. The railroad company was very accommodating. Extra efforts were made to com- plete an electric line to the place of meeting. Ample buildings were pro- vided for the various needs.
The first part of the Conference was made somewhat disagreeable by a cold rain. But the good people of Muncie helped to make things agreeable by their kindness. The pastors of the city churches invited the Brethren to fill their pulpits. On the grounds on Sunday excellent ser- mons were delivered by Brethren Enoch Eby, D. L. Miller, John Wise and B. F. Moomaw. On the platform at this meeting were three aged veterans of the cross, Samuel Murray, John Metzger and Hiel Hamil- ton. All three were Indiana brethren, though Brother Metzger had lived thirty years in Illinois and California. At the close of the Confer- ence, Brother Metzger was asked to lead in the devotions. A few words from his address will be interesting :
"We have had an enjoyable meeting. To me it was a feast and I will not forget this meeting till I go to my grave. Sixty-three years ago I traveled through this neighborhood and lodged in the timber here. It rained nearly all night and there was no shelter near where Muncie is now. At that time ravenous beasts and savages were to be seen. Now we are highly favored, brethren and sisters in the Lord, in that God's people can meet here and worship Him in His own appointed way."
This meeting was organized with D. E. Price, moderator, John Wise, reading clerk, and J. G. Royer, writing clerk. W. R. Deeter, D. P. Shively and L. W. Teeter represented Indiana on the Standing Committee. There were able men on the committee from other parts of the Brotherhood. The Minutes of the meeting are long and show the various new questions that were coming before the Brotherhood.
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ANNUAL MEETING OF 1900 North Manchester
For the third time the Annual Conference came to North Man- chester in 1900. After the Conference of 1899 had voted to have the next Conference in Middle Indiana, delegates of the District met in a special District Conference at North Manchester July 27, 1899. The chief work of this called conference was to elect a committee on arrangements. Those elected in order of the vote were: W. S. Toney, Frank Fisher, Dorsey Hodgden, S. S. Ulrey and D. P. Shively. This conference decided that the churches of Middle Indiana should furnish the necessary money to carry on the Conference.
The meeting was held in Harter's Grove again, but this time at the east side, some eighty rods from the site of the previous meeting. It was a very convenient place. The trains could thus bring the people right to the gate of the meeting ground. Homes for lodging were close. The ground was well suited for the buildings that were erected. Every- thing, as regards weather conditions, was favorable for a good meeting. One of the largest crowds, perhaps the largest up to this time that ever met at a Conference, was present on Sunday.
The preaching services were well arranged for. The opening days of the Conference were also the closing days of Manchester College. I. Bennett Trout gave the Baccalaureate address for the school. S. F. Sanger, George L. Studebaker, D. L. Miller, J. G. Royer, I. J. Rosen- berger and others delivered able sermons on the ground. One speaker of note was M. G. Brumbaugh, of Philadelphia. His presence was all the more interesting from the fact that he had just been appointed by President Mckinley as Commissioner of Education in Puerto Rico.
D. L. Miller was moderator of the meeting. This was his first ex- perience in this office, though he had repeatedly served as writing clerk. L. W. Teeter was reading clerk, Daniel Hays, writing clerk, and Elder David Hollinger, of North Manchester, was doorkeeper. L. W. Tee- ter, J. H. Wright and J. C. Murray were Indiana delegates on the Standing Committee. On the committee this year were some men who were younger than was common in those days. George W. Lentz, of Missouri, was only 32.
ANNUAL MEETING OF 1910 Winona Lake
For years the name "Winona" had been well known by the annual Bible conferences held there. It was with general satisfaction that the decision was made to have the Annual Meeting of 1910 at this place. Winona Lake is in Kosciusko County, two miles east of Warsaw. The Pennsylvania Railroad lands the passengers right at the gate of the meeting grounds. The Winona traction line carried passengers to and
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from Warsaw. Perhaps no place has quite the good accommodations for lodging people at a meeting of this kind.
The Annual Meeting was held under the direction of Northern Indiana. Brother W. R. Deeter was foreman of the committee of ar- rangements. He had been foreman of the Conference at Arnold's Grove nearly thirty years before. The committee had their work well in hand at all times. This together with the excellent organization of the meeting gave to the whole Conference an excellent tone. H. C. Early was moderator, Galen B. Royer was reading clerk and J. W. Lear was writing clerk.
There were many excellent addresses during the Conference by such brethren as H. C. Early, I. N. H. Beahm, S. S. Blough, P. B. Fitzwater, D. L. Miller, J. J. Yoder, T. T. Myers and others. J. M. Studebaker, of South Bend, of the famous Studebaker Manufacturing Company, and a trustee of the Winona Assembly, gave an address to the Brethren during the Conference. There was also an address of wel- come by Dr. S. C. Dickey, president of the Winona organization. One of his big surprises had been the large attendance at the meeting. He had heard of large crowds before, but this was beyond his expectation and belief until it was upon him. At a later meeting Dr. Dickey said that they numbered other assemblies by the thousands but had to count the Brethren by the acres.
One large question before the Conference was that pertaining to the dress regulations. This had caused no little anxiety for a few. It was fully discussed here, but carried over to the next year for a decision. This Conference consecrated and sent to the mission field two workers, Minerva Metzger to China and Ida C. Shoemaker to India.
ANNUAL MEETING OF 1913 Winona Lake
The general satisfaction that Winona Lake gave to the Brethren as a place for the Conference, caused many to desire that the meeting be held there soon again. There is no place in the Middle West that is quite so suitable as this. And as one District could hardly take care of the meeting so frequently, a movement was started to get all the dis- tricts in this part of the United States to join in the direction of the meeting. Nine Districts accepted the plan and each appointed a man on the committee of arrangements.
Whatever was said of the preceding Conference, as to large crowds, good meetings, and good impressions made, can also be said of this meeting. Heavy rains during the fore part of the Conference made the meetings somewhat disagreeable, but the excellent accommo- dations at hand offset this. Among the principal speakers of this meet-
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ing were John Calvin Bright, David Metzler, T. T. Myers, J. P. Dickey, Geo. L. Studebaker, Otho Winger, D. D. Culler, J. W. Lear. Much emphasis was placed upon the special meetings such as Mission- ary, Sunday - school, Educational, Child Rescue Work, Peace and Temperance. Excellent addresses were prepared on all these subjects. The child rescue work brought forth much comment because of the presence of a number of children from the orphans' Home at Mex- ico. All of these meetings show that the Brethren are spending more time at the Conference each year dealing with the questions of forward movements for accomplishing things for Christ and the Church.
The missionary meeting this year was one of unusual inter- est. The missionary address was given by Elder Galen B. Royer, of the General Mission Board. A liberal offering was then lifted and a large consecration of lives for the Master was made. This Conference sent forth with its prayers the following to the field : Ida Buckingham, of Oakley, Ill., to Sweden; Brother and Sister A. F. Wine, of Chicago, Ill., to Denmark; Brother and Sister Ira Arnold of McPherson, Kans., to India; Anna V. Blough of Waterloo, Iowa, to China; Brother and Sister Ernest Vaniman of Lordsburg, Cal., to China; Dr. Fred Wam- pler and wife, of Harrisonburg, Va., to China; Drs. A. Raymond Cot- trell and Laura M. Cottrell, North Manchester, Ind., to India; Dr. O. G. Brubaker and wife of Burlington, Ind., to China. The prayers of the Conference were also expressed in behalf of Brethren H. C. Early and Galen B. Royer who were appointed to visit the mission fields of the church.
The business meetings of the Conference were ably directed by the officers chosen: D. M. Garver, moderator, Geo. W. Lentz, reading clerk and S. N. McCann, writing clerk. The Conference left pleasant memories with all who attended, and a general desire to return again.
ANNUAL MEETING OF 1916 Winona Lake
For a third time the Conference was held at Winona Lake. The same Districts and almost the same committee directed the meeting as three years ago. The first session was on Wednesday evening, June 7. The opening address was given by Elder S. Z. Sharp, of Fruita, Colo- rado. He gave a stirring message on the "Triumph of the Kingdom of Christ." It was especially directed to the Standing Committee to im- press them with the large duties and responsibilities. Elder Sharp, though past 80, spoke with the vigor of youth. This was his second time on the Standing Committee at Winona.
On Thursday morning the Standing Committee organized by se- lecting I. W. Taylor, moderator, George W. Lentz, reading clerk; A.
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C. Wieand, writing clerk. Later S. S. Blough was chosen to assist the writing clerk and C. C. Cripe and H. A. Brubaker were appointed door- keepers.
The special Bible work of the first week was given under the di- rection of three colleges, Mt. Morris, Bethany and Manchester, repre- sented by M. W. Emmert, E. B. Hoff and Otho Winger, respectively.
This Conference showed the increased activity of the Breth- ren church along many lines of work. There were many special con- ferences dealing with such questions as Dress Reform, Child Rescue, Sisters' Aid, Historical, Peace, Temperance, Sunday-school, Educa- tional and Missionary. One new feature of the Conference was that when a meeting was being held in the auditorium, overflow meetings were held at different places dealing with the same subject. Many ex- cellent speakers were on the program.
The missionary meeting on Monday was very impressive. Elder Frank Crumpacker, our poineer missionary to China, delivered the principal address. It was a powerful appeal for the consecration of lives and money for the Master's service. Following this was an offering of more than $25,000-the largest offering in the history of our Confer- ences.
Then followed the presentation of the out-going missionaries : I. E. Overholser and wife of Trotwood, Ohio, to China; Laura Shock of Huntington, Ind., as teacher of the children of missionaries in China. To India, A. L. Sellers and wife of Bryan, Ohio; A. T. Hoffert of Carlton, Neb .; Aubrey Coffman and wife of Bridgewater, Va .; Jennie Mohler, of Leeton, Mo .; Goldie Swartz of Ashland, Ohio; H. P. Garner and wife, Union Bridge, Maryland.
The business sessions of the Conference lasted until Thurs- day noon. Discussions of the subject were carried on in a pleas- ant spirit, though it must be said little of definite decisions was made. Three questions of great importance were carried over for next year : The Ministerial Question, Reorganizing of Church Boards, and the Saving of Our Children to the Church.
SPECIAL CONFERENCE OF 1918 Goshen, Indiana
The District of Northwestern Kansas petitioned the officers of last Conference to call a General Conference for the purpose of con- sidering problems of war with the view of outlining a course of pro- cedure for the future. A strong majority of the Standing Committee of last Conference, upon being questioned, favored it, hence the officers called a Special Conference to meet at Goshen, Indiana, January 9, 1918.
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The purpose of the Conference was to consider the draft for Mili- tary Training and Service, and the attitude our drafted brethren should maintain in the training camps, their spiritual care here and in Europe, if any were sent across the sea, relief work, and such other matters as may demand attention.
The representation at this conference included members of Stand- ing Committee, the brethren from the various districts appointed to visit the Training Camps, and the Peace Committee. Anyone was welcome to attend.
The Peace Committee and the Brethren appointed to visit the Training Camps had previously met and prepared a paper for con- sideration at the Conference, a copy of which was sent to President Woodrow Wilson, the Secretary of War, Newton D. Baker, and the Provost Marshall, General Enoch Crowder. In substance the paper included :
I. Appreciation of the laws of our country that afford protection and Civil Liberty ; also a declaration of our loyalty to our country, and our love for and prayers in behalf of our rulers.
2. Acknowledgment of exemption from combatant military serv- ice for us and other religious bodies, because of conscientious convic- tions against taking any part in war.
3. Our church throughout her history has steadfastly opposed tak- ing part in war, and has consistently taught peace and the non-resist- ant doctrine, even though it meant much sacrifice of property, or even meant imprisonment or death.
4. Recognition of the good faith and intent of those who framed the draft law. However the carrying it out in the Training Camps varied. Some followed out the provisions of the law and were consider- ate of conscientious objectors, while others tried to intimidate and ridi- cule them in order to force them into military service. Some of our men were placed in Detention Camps which the Government graciously provided, but with nothing to do it created a grave problem for them. They would gladly work in any productive service if it could have been provided.
5. There is great need for the conservation of men; for the rais- ing of food products, the production of fuel, the manufacture of need- ful articles and the transportation of materials.
6. In view of all these facts, we appeal to the President to assign us non-combatant duties in agriculture and peaceful industries wherein valuable service may be rendered without violation of conscience, non-
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