USA > Indiana > History of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana > Part 6
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 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
59
Congregations -- Middle Indiana
made, sponsored largely by a very active Sisters' Aid group.
Ministers who have labored here in the free ministry (mostly non- resident ) have been George Mishler, Ray Zook, Russell Wenger, R. H. Miller, L. U. Kreider, Frank Weimer, Robert Sink, Mary Cook, Gilbert George, and H. H. Helman. The elders in charge have been George Mishler, J. W. Norris, J. O. Winger, Edward Kintner, Elmer Gilbert, 1948-1950, and A. F. Morris, 1950 -. From 1922 to 1924 Ray Zook served as a part-time pastor, while he was in college at Manchester.
Since 1930 the following have served as pastors: Mark Cripe, 1930-35; Paul Kendall, 1935-42; Leo Miller, 1942-44; Byron Miller, 1944-48; and Vernon Stinebaugh, 1948 -.
In 1922 Arthur Morris was installed into the ministry and Garland Borden in 1943. Paul Kendall was ordained to the eldership here in 1941.
The following have served as deacons: Albert Haller, William Spitler, William Joy, George Baker, Emmit Haynes, J. Homer Stude- baker (1941) and Byron Hollinger (1941). The following have served as superintendents of the Sunday school: Walter McConnell, Frank Huffman, Cyrus Senger, Letha Striggle, J. Homer Studebaker, Firmer Snyder (1945), Ernest Hartsough, 1946-49, Loren Metzger, 1949 -.
This church has come up through many discouragements and trials and owes its existence to those who would not give up. The pres- ent membership is one hundred twenty and is under the able care of Vernon Stinebaugh, a teacher of music in Manchester, son of W. C. Stinebaugh, and grandson of J. G. Stinebaugh.
SPRING CREEK
This church was originally a part of the territory of Eel River and was separated March 26, 1870, when Spring Creek was organ- ized at a meeting in the home of Levi Fox. It was located to the north of Plunge Creek, in both Whitley and Kosciusko counties. The first preacher in this area was probably Elder Isaac Lawshe, who lived south of Pierceton at the time of his death, 1865. Jacob Metzger and John Knisley also preached here by appointment.
Levi Workman was the first resident elder and Jonas Umbaugh and Norman Workman were ministers. The first council chose four deacons. Samuel Bowman, John Shriver, Levi Fox, and Jacob Snell (called to the ministry the following year). The two Workman minis- ters moved to Iowa.
In 1872 Jonas Umbaugh (died 1885) was ordained to the elder- ship, Jacob Snell advanced, and Emanuel Brumbaugh and Jeremiah Flickinger were elected deacons. Peter Bolinger, deacon, moved in
60
History of the Church of the Brethren
and later, 1879, Ezekiel and Daniel Miller were elected deacons and D. H. Connell was elected to the ministry about the same time.
In 1880 the church was doing well, with 100 members. The divisions of the 80's affected this group very little. A characteristic of this church was the interest in missions and Sunday schools. On April 22, 1879 they held a meeting of the district in the interest of these causes.
Since 1880 the following have been called to the ministry : Daniel Snell, 1885; Amos Ross, 1899; Ira Mishler, 1900 (advanced 1902) ; George Snell, 1904 (advanced 1905) ; Leo Miller, 1913; Byron Miller (licensed, 1940, ordained to ministry, 1943); and Hubert Newcomer, licensed, 1946. Ministers who moved in have been James Norris (ordained here, about 1909) ; John Mishler, ordained at Ross- ville, returned here, 1908, died, 1914) ; Chester Brallier (ordained about 1909) ; and George Mishler (ordained previous to 1916). Trude Mishler Irvin was a minister here from 1917 to 1927. Deacons elected, 1885-1913 were as follows: Robert Ross, George Hardman, and Lewis Mishler, 1885; Aaron Mishler, John Ross, and Isaac Con- nell, all in 1889; Willard Radcliffe, 1900; Frank Hardman, Clyde Rusher, and Floyd Rife, 1913. In 1890 deacons John S. Ulrey and Frank Leslie moved in.
Levi Workman was presiding elder from 1870 to 1872, when he moved away; Jonas Umbaugh, 1872-1885; Jeremiah Gump and Samuel Leckrone, joint charge for a short time, followed by Jacob Snell (apparently ordained in or about 1885) who served till 1896; Daniel Snell, 1896-1909; John Mishler, 1909-1913; C. A. Brallier, 1913-15; William Overholser, 1915-16; George Mishler, 1916-1920; George Snell, 1920-1922; J. A. Snell, 1922-25; Moyne Landis, 1925- 44; Edward Kintner, 1944-50; Howard J. Kreider, 1950 -.
Many of the above ministers served long periods as free ministers for there was no regular pastoral arrangement till 1918. It is a pleasure to record the long and able pastorate of Moyne Landis, 1918-1944. He was followed by Leonard Custer, till 1950 when James Tyler became pastor. Carroll Petry is pastor, 1951.
Sunday school Superintendents have been: Lewis Workman, 1892-1895; Daniel Snell, 1895-97; John Ross, 1897-99, 1902-04, 1905-07 ; Daniel Snell, 1899-1902 ; J. W. Norris, part of 1902, 1907-09 ; Ira Mishler, part of 1905; John Mowan, part of 1907; Frank Hard- man, 1909-1917; 1920-21, 1923-27; Floyd Newcomer, 1918-20; Levi Eberly, 1922-23; George Wirth, 1927-29; Walter Warner, 1929-34, 1935-41; 1942-45, 1947-48; Walter McConnell, 1934-35; Wilbur Rusher, 1941-42; Hubert Newcomer, 1945-47; James Miller, 1948.
Amos W. Ross, son of Robert Ross, and called to the min- istry in this church, served on the India Mission field from 1914 to
61
Congregations-Middle Indiana
1922. Elmer and Fern Baldwin, missionaries in Africa, supported since 1944 by this church, have accepted the invitation of the church to become members and have placed their letters with this congrega- tion.
Deacons elected in 1922 were E. P. Tridle, Walter Swartz, Floyd Newcomer, Lee Mishler, and Elmer Ross; in 1946, Donald Swartz, Walter Kiser, and Walter Warner.
Mrs. Frank (Nancy) Hardman, a charter member of the Aid Society, passed away Feb. 22, 1950. Elder George Snell died Dec. 30, 1950.
The first church house was built by this congregation in 1871, about two and a half miles northeast of Sidney. It was 40 x 60, with a basement. In 1900 and 1907 additions and repairs were made. Ten years later, February, 1917, it was completely destroyed by fire. A new house on the same site was completed by November 1917, and Otho Winger preached the dedicatory sermon on the IIth. Recently, 1950, extensive improvements were made.
The Sunday school records only go back to 1892 but one mem- ber now deceased (Sister Hardman) had a prize given her for memory verses in Sunday school in 1876, so it must have begun shortly before that date.
In 1880 it was agreed, upon petition by Jeremiah Flickinger and others, that a church house should be erected three miles north of South Whitley. Flickinger, Jacob Snell and Peter Bolinger were the building committee. Later many moved away from this community and services were discontinued, 1895, and the building sold, 1897.
The present congregation numbers 181 members.
SUGAR CREEK
The Sugar Creek church was organized in 1850 with David Shoemaker as elder and Joseph Hardman an assisting minister. John Mishler, Jacob Metz, Frederick Weybright, and Reuben Long were the deacons. In 1861 a love feast was held in Jacob Metz's barn and twelve were baptized following this meeting. The next presiding elder was Ira Calvert. It was under his direction that the congrega- tion built a large brick house in the village of Tunker, five miles south east of South Whitley, 1867. This house is standing in good condition today. In 1946 the interior was redecorated and re- arranged and a re-dedicatory service was held with Elder J. A. Snell bringing the message, the last Sunday of June. In March, 1948, the roof was largely torn off by a storm but it was repaired and put in first class condition again.
David Kreider had been called to the ministry shortly before the church was built and was ordained to the eldership in 1867 and placed
62
History of the Church of the Brethren
in charge of the church immediately, a responsibility he held till he died April 28, 1909. Other ministers assisting in the work during these years were David Bear, Ozias Metz, ministers, and David Arnett, George Kreider, Jacob Weybright, Joseph Obenchain, Yilson Denick, Joseph Kreider, Peter Ginder, deacons. In n 1878 Rudolph B. Bollinger was called to the ministry, and to the eldership in 1901. In 1891 Joseph Arnett and Jefferson Henline were chosen to the deacon's office. B. F. Emley was called to the ministry in 1898 and Isaac B. Bollinger to the deacon's office. In 1901 L. U. Kreider was elected to the ministry. David Reiff and Lewis Mishler, deacons, moved in about 1907. Roy Wine was elected deacon in 1913.
In 1902 the church built another house, five miles south of South Whitley, the Pleasant View church since 1913, but then known as the West Sugar Creek house.
In 1904 Isaac B. Bollinger was called to the ministry and ordained to the eldership in 1908. After the death of Elder David Kreider in 1909 he was made presiding elder but lived only a few years. In 1906 J. A. Snell was called to the ministry and Harvey Kreider to the deacon's office. Henry Mishler, a deacon, moved in about this time. In 1911 J. Henry Neff who lived here 1903-5, moved out, and later returned, was ordained to the eldership and given the oversight of the church. With the division of territory, 1913, he remained in charge of the Sugar Creek Church. B. F. Emley was ordained just after the division and became the presiding elder in 1916.
Between 1909 and 1916 four elders passed away: David Kreider, Rudolph and Isaac Bollinger, and J. Henry Neff (May 4, 1916). The elders in charge since 1916 are as follows : B. F. Emley, 1916-19; I. B. Wike, 1919-22; C. C. Kindy, 1922-24; V. F. Schwalm, 1924-27; J. Edson Ulrey, 1927-29; L. U. Kreider, 1929-33 and 1938-40; George Deaton, 1933-38; Leo H. Miller, 1940-41; J. A. Snell, 1941 to his death in 1951, when A. F. Morris was chosen.
Pastors have been as follows: H. E. Swihart, 1922-23; Lloyd Blickenstaff, 1923-25; Russell Stout, short time, 1928; (Samuel?) Mohler, part of 1928; George Deaton, 1929-33; Garland Borden 1944-47; Orvin Kilmer, 1947-48; Richard Knarr, 1949 -. Men who have supplied here are J. A. Snell, Paul Milam, Frank Mulligan, Ira Kreider, and others.
Spring Creek
Sugar Creek
Upper Deer Creek
Wabash (City)
Wabash (Country)
West Eel River
West Manchester
I
64
History of the Church of the Brethren
Sunday school superintendents since 1916 have included the fol- lowing : Roy Wine, William Monahan, Orilla Bollinger, Harry Bollinger, Perry Yoder, Harry Yoder, Harvey Arnett, Keith Ross, Edith Monaham, Ida Dimmock, Robert Arnett, Malinda Bruch, Cloe Ott, and Richard Kreider.
The work at this place flourished for many years and then was less vigorous for a while but it has lately taken on new life. At present the membership numbers seventy-seven.
UPPER DEER CREEK
The Upper Deer Creek church was formerly a part of the Lower Deer Creek organization. It was organized September 1, 1854, by David Wise and Henry Metzger, elders of Lower Deer Creek, in the barn of Jacob Smith, in Deer Creek Township, Cass County, Indiana. The charter members were Jacob Smith and wife, Samuel Cripe and wife, John Mummert and wife, Isaac Cripe and wife, John Studebaker and wife and George Countryman. Services were held in private houses, barns, and schoolhouses until 1870, when a frame church, 40 x 60, was erected. This house, the largest building of its kind in that township, was located five miles south and three miles west of Walton.
On the day of the organization, John Studebaker, who had been elected at Mississinewa, was advanced. The church has called the fol- lowing brethren to the ministry: Isaac Cripe, 1855, moved out in 1858; Abraham Rinehart, 1863, moved out 1879; Daniel Cripe, 1870, died 1872; Jacob Cripe, 1872; W. S. Toney, 1875, died 1911; Samuel Bechtelheimer, moved in, 1883, moved out in 1885; Boyd Bechtelheimer, 1906. Elder David Bechtelheimer lived in the congre- gation from 1893 until his death in 1896. Elders in charge have been as follows: David Wise and Henry Metzger, 1854 to 1870; Abraham Rinehart, 1870 to 1883; Jacob Cripe, 1883 to 1916. Brother Cripe's service as presiding elder for thirty-three years has few equals for the length of time served. He was much respected by his people. The mem- bership in 1916 was about sixty-five and in 1949 it stood at fifty-one.
There has been a flourishing Sunday School since 1875, when W. S. Toney was the first superintendent. Later superintendents have been Frank Burrous, Milton Bechtelheimer, John Smith and Grace Walker.
Elders who have served since the long tenure of Jacob Cripe (1883-1916, died 1932) have been Charles Oberlin, Ira Kreider, J. G. Stinebaugh, T. D. Butterbaugh, all from 1916 to 1922. In 1922 Irvin Fisher was elected and served to 1926; Harley Fisher, 1926- 1928; L ... L. Paul, most of the time, 1928-1945; Robert Sink, Clarence
65
Congregations-Middle Indiana
Sink, and Milo Huffman, since 1945. In 1922 Harvey Wolfe was elected and installed into the ministry.
Other ministers who served the church were James Hunter, L. E. Ockerman, B. F. Petry, Otto Larsen, Forrest P. Hostetler and the present minister, Ellis Angle. Many evangelistic meetings were held through the years by a long list of ministers.
The original house was remodeled in 1892 and about 1916-17 it was moved and turned to face the south. A basement was also added. In 1946 and 1947 further improvements were made, including a new rostrum, two Sunday School rooms and a new furnace. In February, 1950, a fire caused considerable damage but the house was repaired and in use again about two months later.
WABASH (City)
The first council meeting of this church was held at the home of Thomas Circle, July 3, 1913. They appointed a committee to secure a site for a tent meeting. It was secured and Brethren D. M. Byerly and J. W. Norris held the meeting with thirteen baptisms and four reclaimed.
At first services were held in the Masonic Temple, then in a room on East Canal Street, and still later above Case's Bakery, at Hill and Wabash streets. In 1920 the present building was purchased, the first service held there being on March 7. In 1937 it was remodeled and rededicated. In 1941 a parsonage was purchased and remodeled in 1947. In 1948 a property adjacent to the church was purchased to be used as a parish house.
This church was under the Mission Board's direction from 1913 to 1944. Elders who served here: J. W. Norris, 1913-15, part of 1922, 1924-25; S. S. Blough, 1915-18; C. C. Weimer, 1918; George Swi- hart, 1919-22; Ira Kreider, part of 1922; Edward Kintner, 1922-23; Amsey Snell, 1923-24, 1929-30; Perry Coblentz, 1925-29; J. O. Winger, 1929-30, 1937-38; Charles R. Oberlin, 1930-35, 1942-44; Roy Teach, 1935-37; George Deaton, 1938-40; Elmer Gilbert, 1940- 42 ; and T. G. Weaver, 1944-1949; Charles R. Oberlin, 1949 -.
The first pastor was William Detrick, a teacher in the Wabash High School, 1916. Others followed : C. C. Weimer, 1917-20; George Swihart, 1920-21 ; Roy Mishler, 1921-23; J. J. Cook, 1923-25; H. H. Helman, 1925-26; Leroy Fish, 1926-1929; John Smeltzer, 1929-43; James Renz, 1943-44; Paul Fike, 1944-47; Grant E. Weaver, 1947-49; W. C. Stinebaugh, 1949.
This church has licensed the following to preach: Eli Gascho, Glen Rohrer, and Dean Rohrer, all in 1943; Gale Crumrine, 1945 (installed, 1950).
The following have been elected deacons: Dorsey Brubaker and
66
History of the Church of the Brethren
Charles Circle, 1914; Glenn Weimer and Charles DeLauter, 1920; Perry Cozad and Roy Crull, 1926; Cecil Lehman, 1928; Carl Mc- Combs, 1932; John Patton, Leon DeLauter, and Irvin Custer, 1948.
The following have served as superintendent of the Sunday school: Dorsey Brubaker, 1913-20, 1921-22, 1925-27; Charles De- Lauter, 1920-21; Noah Buckingham, 1922-24; Charles Circle, 1924- 25 ; Roy Crull, 1927-28, 1947-48; Cecil Lehman, 1928-29; Harry York, 1929-31 ; Carl McCombs, 1931-34; Wilford Crumrine, 1934-38, 1940- 44; Roy Gump, 1938-40; 1944-45; Floyd Mullinix, 1945-47, Irvin Custer, 1948-
The present membership is 142.
WABASH (Country)
In 1859 the Wabash church (later called Wabash Country to avoid confusion with Wabash City church) was organized with forty members and consisted of the Somerset territory which lay north of the Mississinewa River and south of the Wabash.
Just before this event, Elder John Crumrine moved here from Darke County, Ohio, and became the first presiding elder, which posi- tion he held till he died in 1884. His two sons, Jacob and Noah were both ministers. Jacob, much interested in missions died from exposure in the course of his mission work, 1890. Noah was elder of the church for some years and died at a ripe old age in 1916.
For some years the church was quite prosperous. In 1881 there were 120 members. Elder D. S. Caylor lived here a number of years. Ellis Brubaker was called to the ministry in 1888, ordained in 1898, and succeeded Noah Crumrine as elder. W. L. Pulley was elected to the ministry in 1893 and John Frantz in 1898. The former moved out and died in 1897 in North Dakota.
In 1870 a church house was built seven miles south of Wabash. It was damaged by tornadoes in 1879 and 1916. The first Sunday school was organized in 1879 with S. M. Aukerman as superintendent. Some of the deacons here have been: Otis Brubaker, Elias Gray- bill, John Myers, Henry Brubaker, S. M. Aukerman, M. F. Brubaker, C. C. Arnold, Samuel Brubaker, Samuel Frantz, Henry Anstine, Jonathan Adams, William Anstine, Henry Bollinger, William Harris, Alonzo Crumrine, Ira Tinkle, O. O. Brubaker, O. J. Brubaker, Clarence Pulley, Rex Earlywine, Walter Gibbs, John Pulley, and William Knotts.
The Brubaker family have been prominent in this congregation, beginning with Otis and family who migrated from Darke County, Ohio, 1854. They had thirteen children and left behind a hundred descendants when they died. Elder Ellis and two other sons, Noah and Arthur, were ministers, the last two in the West. Ellis Brubaker
67
Congregations-Middle Indiana
married Mary Moore, daughter of William Moore, an early preacher here.
John Frantz was ordained sometime after 1898 and succeeded Elder Ellis Brubaker some years later. He served till 1944, being succeeded by J. Edward Smith, ordained here. Other ministers who have served here were Elzie Weimer and Obed Rife. The church is under the care of J. Edward Smith, pastor and elder.
This is the home church of Mary Blickenstaff, wife of Lynn and mother of Leonard, all missionaries to India.
Sunday school superintendents have been William Livengood, William Hawes, O. O. Brubaker (for many years), Reta Owens, Harry Crumrine, Lowell Frick, and Harry Shaw.
The neighboring Somerset church was disorganized and consoli- dated with Wabash, thereafter called Wabash Country, 1929.
As noted elsewhere, a mission church started in Wabash in 1913 and is today the Wabash City church. This church was partly formed out of territory belonging to Wabash Country, south of the Wabash River.
WEST EEL RIVER
The early history of this congregation is a part of that of the old Eel River church, mother of many congregations, as noted elsewhere. It is an outgrowth of the so-called west house of that congregation built at a rather early date. It was a frame structure built about 1868 and stood on the north side of the road and somewhat east of the present house, built in 1909, two miles east of Silver Lake and three and a half miles west of the Eel River house. The new house, built of cement blocks was dedicated in June, 1910, just after the death of Noah W. Butterbaugh, who so greatly desired to enjoy the use of the new house.
The congregation was organized as a separate church on June 21, 1913, with Samuel Leckrone presiding and the following visiting elders present : J. H. Wright, Daniel Snell, A. C. Young, C. F. Eiler, and George Swihart. (The same year the Beaver Dam Church, to the west, was disorganized. )
Elders ordained in this church were T. D. Butterbaugh, 1913; and Lawrence Goodmiller, 1929. Elders in charge have been George Swihart, 1913-14; J. H. Wright, 1914; Aaron Moss, 1914-15; Emanuel Leckrone, 1915; T. D. Butterbaugh, 1915-19; Abram Miller, 1919-23; George Bridge, 1923; George Mishler, 1923-26; Edward Kintner, 1926-28; Hugh Miller, 1928-35, 1942-47; E. H. Gilbert, 1935-36; Ira Kreider, 1936-42; T. G. Weaver, 1947-49; Leonard Custer, 1949-50; Howard Kreider, 1950 -. Others who served in the ministry included L. H. Eby and Raymond Lantis. Supported
68
History of the Church of the Brethren
pastors included Hugh Miller 1937-38, 1942-46; John Mishler, 1946- 48; Jack Kline, 1948-50; and Leonard Custer, 1950 -.
Deacons installed were Ray Kline, 1915 (elected 1913) ; Emery Metzger, 1915; Clifford Weirick, 1938; and Ben Jontz, 1945 (by letter ).
The following have served as Sunday school superintendents : Emanuel Leckrone, 1909; T. D. Butterbaugh, 1913; Samuel Myers, 1914; Samuel Perry, 1915 and 1921-22; Emery Metzger, 1916-18, 1923-24, 1928-29; Mahlon Roades, 1918-20, 1925-28; Ray Kline, 1920-21; 1929-30; Clarence F. Rush, 1922-23; Marie Metzger, 1924- 25; Dora Helser, 1930-31, 1935-41; R. T. Heckman, 1931-33; Chester Miller, 1933-35; Erbie Perry, 1942-43, 1944-46; Will Stellar, 1943-44; Eldred Metzger, 1946-48; Otto Baldwin, 1948-50; David Morphew, 1950 -.
John Mishler was ordained to the ministry in 1947 and Jack Kline was relicensed in 1949.
This church, under the leadership of Emanuel Leckrone pioneered in opening a Sunday school in 1891. The church has had a long series of revival meetings through the years, including meetings held by Daniel Shively, W. R. Deeter, Daniel Wysong, J. H. Miller, Alex Miller, David Metzler, John Metzler, Sr., J. H. Wright, Jacob Snell, Daniel Snell, D. P. Shively, Moyne Landis, Mary Cook, Edson Ulrey, G. S. Strausbaugh, E. S. Coffman, Hugh Miller, Jesse Whitaker, Brother Hatton, and Joseph Reiff.
The present membership of this church is 98.
WEST MANCHESTER
This congregation was a part of the Manchester church till September, 1911. With the organization of the church Otho Winger was elected elder. Elders in charge since that time have been A. C. Young, 1913-1915; Leslie Cover, 1915; I. B. Book, 1916-1929; Ed- ward Kintner, 1929; J. H. Wright, 1929-1930; A. M. Stine, 1930- 1939; T. G. Weaver, 1939-1943 and 1946-50; Otho Winger, 1943-1945 ; and E. H. Gilbert, 1945-1946, and Leonard Custer, 1950 -. Those who served as ministers were C. F. Eiler, A. R. Bridge, J. P. Dickey, I. B. Book, Aaron Moss, Leslie Cover, George Dear- dorff, Isaac Deardorff, A. C. Young, S. L. Young, Ira Kreider, A. M. Stine, Bertha Stine, T. D. Butterbaugh, and John Dickey. The fol- lowing have served as pastors: T. G. Weaver, 1939-1943; David Studebaker, 1943-1946; Kenneth Hollinger, 1946-1948; and Arno Holderread, 1948 -.
This church installed Charles Boyer and Austin Eiler to the first degree of the ministry, 1920; and Forrest Weller, 1926. Licensed to the ministry were Lester Young, 1940; Leonard Custer, 1943; and
69
Congregations-Middle Indiana
Wayne Miller, 1947. Wilbur Norris was re-licensed in 1940, having been licensed at West Marion, 1937.
Deacons who were called and served in the earlier days were E. M. Grossnickle, Ephraim Wertenberger, Jacob Miller, Samuel Boyer, H. E. Weller, and Nathaniel Miller. Deacons called later have been Russell Miller and Frank Ulrey since 1937, and Noah Shively, Bruce Young, and Guy Cripe since 1950.
The following have served the church as Sunday school superin- tendents : in the earlier days, N. E. Miller, John Grossnickle, and I. B. Book; Edith Miller, 1917-39; Leonard Custer, 1939-42 and 1943-44; Glenn Grossnickle, 1942-1943; Bruce Young, 1944-1945; Homer Hoover, 1945-46, and 1948-1949; Wayne Miller, 1946-1948; Earl Traughber, 1949 -.
The churchhouse, built in 1891, was rededicated in 1926, with Otho Winger preaching the sermons, morning and afternoon. In 1941 the church celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the house. The church is located in a beautiful setting on the highway two miles west of North Manchester. Back of the churchyard is Pleasant Hill ceme- tery, where several well-known leaders of our Brotherhood are buried. Among these are R. H. Miller, Sr .; Otho Winger, and J. Oscar Winger. The present membership is 178.
DISORGANIZED CHURCHES BEAVERDAM
This church was organized about 1856 out of the northern part of the Squirrel Creek (now Roann) church territory. David Bechtelheimer, called to the ministry in 1849 and ordained in 1856, was placed in charge of the church. Associated with him were Samuel Eiler and Noah Heeter. Later Emanuel Leckrone and Samuel Burkett were elected to the ministry. James Warren, Rudolph Hire, Frank Hammond, and Adam Worley were among the early deacons.
A churchhouse was built six miles west and one mile south of Claypool in 1875. In 1881 the membership was 140. The divisions of the 1880's were hard on this church. The church had a long period of struggle and general decline. Samuel Leckrone, from Eel River, was elder for twenty years. Samuel Burkett was ordained in 1898 and died in 1904, after serving the church twenty-five years. I. E. Warren, son of Deacon James Warren, was elected to the ministry in 1894 and advanced in 1898. He later moved to Roann where he was ordained John Kline was elected in 1901 and was for some time the only min- ister. He moved to Pleasant Dale.
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.