USA > Indiana > History of the Eel River Christian Conference, from its organization to the present time--August 15, 1902-- ; also History of all the churches of the Conference from their organization to the present time, together with biographical sketches of ministers and laymen, and much other important matter > Part 2
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The thirty-third annual session was held in the Pleasant Grove Christian church, August, 1876. Address by Peter Winebrenner. At this session the custon of reading the minutes annually was abolished. and the minutes read and corrected each morning. The committee on incorporation of Conference also made its report, as noted in former session. Officers same as previous session.
The thirty-fourth annual session was held in the Sugar Grove Christian church, August 16 to 18, 1877. Address by Elder Thomas Whitman. A session of the usual Conference work, hearing reports of committees, passing resolutions, and planning for the "general welfare" of the work. Officers same as former session.
The thirty-fifth annual session was held in the Murray Christian church, August 15 to 17, 1878. Address by Peter Winebrenner. At this session the custom of voting by proxy was abolished. A very harmonious and profitable session, much good being done in stirring up earnestness and zeal in the churches in general. Officers same as former session.
The thirty-sixth annual session was held in the Millwood Christian church, August 13 to 16, 1879. Address by W. S. Manville. The Sparta church was received at this session. An interesting session of usual Conference business. Officers same as former session.
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The thirty-seventh annual session was held in the Union Christian church, Whitley county, August 11 to 14, 1880. Address by Elder Thomas Whitman. Some important resolutions were passed at this session. We notice the following: "That the churches of Eel River Christian Conference be instructed, by the ministers. not to employ any man, as minister, unless he comes to them recommended by some Christian Conference." "That churches composing this Conference, when recommending candidates for license, show their willingness to support the candidate for at least one year." "That those who rise to speak in open Conference, shall confine themselves directly to the question, and avoid all personalities and everything which is calculated to mar the peace or wound the feelings of any one; and further, it shall be the duty of the President of this Conference to see that the above resolutions be carried out in full, from this time forth and forever." D. W. Jones, President; C. V. Strickland, Vice-President; Peter Winebrenner, Secretary; John P. Kitt, Treasurer.
The thirty-eighth annual session was held in the Merriam Christian church, August 17, 1881. At this session it was Resolved, "That Conference require its members, both ministers and delegates, to remain during the entire Conference session unless excused by the President, and if any objections were offered by any member he must also obtain consent of the Conference before he is legally excused." A session of usual Conference work hearing reports of committees and passing resolutions. Officers same as former session.
The thirty-ninth annual session was held with the Eel River Christian church, Kosciusko county, August 16 to 19, 1882. At this session it was ordered that each male member pay 50 cents and each female member 25 cents annually to the Treasurer of Conference; and further that ministers having charge of churches, solicit the payment of these funds from the members, and pay the same over to the Treasurer. A very harmonious session of interesting Conference work. W. D. Samuel, President; David Hidy, Vice-President; Peter Winebrenner, Secretary; John P. Kitt, Treasurer.
There was a called session of Conference held in the Union Christian church in March, 1883, at which meeting provisions were made for the sale of the Wabash Christian church, and for the payment of the debt on the Leesburg church. This was accomplished later in the same spring, the Leesburg debt being paid in full.
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EXECUTIVE BOARD OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE.
Rev. Dr. G. R. Hammond.
J. F. Barnes.
W. H. LaFong.
Willard Jones.
O. W. Whitelock.
Rev. R. W. Page.
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The fortieth annual session was held in the Six Mile Christian church, August 15 to 18, 1883. At this session a resolution was passed ordering that all ministers laboring within the bounds of this Conference as Christian ministers, to be recognized as such, must hold a membership in this or some other Christian Conference, and to be recognized as ordained ministers must receive ordination by the authority of some Christian Conference. Also a resolution urging that we secure good music, both vocal and instrumental, in our worship. A committee reporting on women's work in the church, extends to women the same rights and privileges to teach, preach or lecture on temperance or literature, in fact, all works of love required in the gospel. This session was full of interest in the cause of the Master. David Hidy was President; W. D. Samuel, Vice-President: Peter Winebrenner, Secretary; John P. Kitt, Treasurer.
The forty-first annual session was held with the Warren Christian church, August 13 to 16, 1834. It was ordered at this session that each minister, who has not laid before his charge and endeavored to collect the Conference Mission Fund. shall be reprimanded. This seems to have been a harmonious and profitable session. Officers same as former session.
The forty-second annual session was held in the Wakarusa Christian church, August 12 to 15, 1885. There was the usual Conference work of hearing reports of churches and ministers, passing resolutions, etc. John Sellers, President; W. Messimore. Vice President; Peter Winebrenner, Secretary: John P. Kitt, Treasurer.
The forty-third annual session was held with the New Madison Christian church, August 11 to 14, 1886. At this session it was ordered that reports of ministers and churches be handed to the Secretary to be read in open Conference during the first and second days of the session. and all reports received after this be placed on file for publication, but not read. Only in case of reports, that have been called for, and have not reported the year before, such reports to be read, if handed in before the close of the session. It was also resolved that each member of each church be assessed 5 cents per quarter, as a missionary fund to be used among the weak churches of Conference. Such assessment to be made on the members and not on the church as a body. Officers same as former session.
The forty-fourth annual session was held with the Broadway Christian church, August 17 to 20, 1837. At this session it was Resolved, That this Conference use the blanks that shall be adopted
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by the American Christian Convention for church and Sabbath School reports, etc. Also that Conference reccommend all the churches and ministers to respond to the call of the American Christian Convention for the following collections annually: 1st, For The Convention, on Christmas. 2nd, For Education, on Easter Sunday. 3rd, For Home Missions, on Children's Day. 4th, Foreign Missions, second Sunday in October. Also Resolved, That we, as ministers, pledge ourselves to take up the collections required by the Quadrennial and this Conference, and failing to do our duty, that we be reprimanded by the President in open Conference. Also resolutions for the establishing of a Sinking Fund. Also, assessing each member 10 cents per quarter for the use of Conference. That in the election of officers, candidates shall be nominated, and not placed on vote by motion and seconded, as the latter is a barrier to fair elections. Also resolutions repealing all former methods of raising finances, except the one adopted at this session. Officers same as the former session.
The forty-fifth annual session was held with the Bluffton Christian church, August 15 to 18, 1888. At this session the following resolutions were passed: That this Conference advise the churches composing its body to close their Chapels against any and all persons, who may desire to occupy their pulpits, who are not known to be of good character, and who do not come recommended by some religious body or denomination to which they belong. Keep them out of our Chapels until they bring letters of recommendation of their good ministerial character and ability to preach the gospel. Also Resolved, That this Conference will not allow any minister of another denomination to hold a lengthy meeting in our Chapels and to organize another church, and then demand of us a regular portion of time, each month, as has been done, and by so doing cause confusion, disturbance and division. Officers same as former session.
The forty-sixth annual session was held with the Sparta Christian church, Noble county, August 14 to 17, 1889. At this session it was Resolved, That no church be allowed to employ a minister until they have made full settlement for the previous year. Also, that no church property in the bounds of this Conference shall be deeded to the Trustees of Eel River Conference, until said property shall be free from all indebtedness. John W. Sellers, President; Robert L. Amber, Vice-President; Frank Shaffer, Treasurer; Peter Winebrenner, Secretary.
The forty-seventh annual session was held with the North
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Manchester Christian church, August 13 to 16. 1890. At this session the following resolution was passed: That the Eel River Christian Conference approves the efforts being made by Rev. E. A. Devore. to secure a permanent endowment for the Chair of Biblical Literature of Union Christian College, and a resident for the incumbent of that chair; we pledge for this purpose the sum of five hundred dollars, with six per cent. annual interest, and that the principal be paid within ten years, in such installments as may suit the convenience of this body. Also ordered that the President of Conference strike a dividend among all the churches in this Conference, and notify each church what her quoto will be in liquidating said debt. Also Resolved, That this Conference raise during the next six months, through the medium of ten cents per quarter, Home Mission Fund, the first half of which will be twenty cents per member, which will consummate the amount of funds for the purpose of establishing one church this year, and that a committee of five shall be appointed to say where such church shall be located. The committee appointed was Jonathan Whitelock. A. T. Studabaker, J. W. Griffith, Samuel Long and Andrew Pence.
At a called session of Conference held in North Manchester, Mas 12, 1891, this committee reported in favor of Huntington as the most favorable location for establishing a Christian church.
The forty-eighth annual session was held with the Collamer Christian church, August 14 to 18. 1891. At this session it was Resolved, That a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society be organized for the purpose of creating a greater interest in missions, and raising funds to promote the same. A motion also prevailed that the Conference mission, 10 cents per quarter, fund shall be paid in November, February, May and August, and that the regular Conference fund of 5 cents per member be paid in July. Officers same as former session.
The forty-ninth annual session was held with the Kelso Christian church, August 17 to 20, 1892. At this session the four annual collections as requested by the A.C.C. were approved by this Conference: First, Foreign Mission, September; American Christian Convention, December; Education, March; Home Mission, June. Eel River Conference collections, for Conference Home Mission Fund, should be collected quarterly. The Conference fund collection should be taken one or two months before the annual session of Conference. Also a resolution that the pledge, to the U. C. C., of $500.00, must be met. Some churches have paid their quota in full, those who have not done so
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are requested to raise their amount severally, during the year, so that this pledge may be paid in full at our next annual session of Conference. Also, committee report on the U. C. C. fund that the Conference should agree to the conditions named in the original resolutions; the money to be placed in the keeping of some responsible person named by the Board of Trustees of the College. No part of this money to be diverted from the purpose named in the resolution, and in case a sufficient amount is not raised for this purpose, that it be added to the Regular Endowment of the College. Also it was ordered, that no money be appropriated for anything it was not collected for. Also that a committee of five be appointed to be known as a Standing Finance Committee; and all applications for aid in Conference be made to this committee, who shall report to this body for its action. Finance and Church Extension Committee to be the same committee. Also, Resolved, That a committee of four be constituted, to revise all motions and by-laws that have been passed from time to time by this Conference, and for the government thereof, and make their report to this Conference at its next annual session; and that the President and Secretary shall be members of said committee, the other two members to be appointed by the Conference. The members appointed were, Elders David Hidy and George Abbott. On the incorporation of said Conference, a constitution and by-laws were adopted, which are set out in full in another part of this History. O. W. Whitelock, President; R. L. Amber, Vice-President; Dr. P. Shaffer, Treasurer; Peter Winebrenner, Secretary.
The fiftieth annual session was held with the Wakarusa Christian church, August 16 to 19, 1893. At this session the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That as a Conference, we demand of every person who applies for a license to preach, that he give evidence of having studied (or that he will study) to show himself an approved workman, by completing a course of reading or study, or its equivalent, as laid down by this body, through a committee to be appointed at this Conference to prepare such course." In the matter of the U. C. college pledge, O. W. Whitelock, A. Bayman and Wm. Perdue were appointed a committee to confer with the Trustees of said College with a view of adjusting matters and report at the next session of Conference. This was an interesting session showing a good interest along all lines of church work. O. W. Whitelock, President; David Hidy, Vice-President; Thomas J. John, Treasurer; Peter Winebrenner, Secretary.
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The fifty-first annual session was held with the Merriam Christian church, August 15 to 18, 1894. Annual address by Rev. D. B. Atkinson. Committee on Course of Study for applicants for license to preach reported a Three Year's Course with annual written examinations. After a spirited discussion the report of the committee was adopted. The committee appointed to settle with U. C. College on the pledge for a Biblical Chair in said college reported that they had settled the same by paying $74.16 which was in the hands of the Treasurer. This amount to be received as settlement in full for all claims of said college. Report adopted. This was one of the most harmonious and profitable sessions of Eel River Conference, all work being done in the spirit of progression and christian love. (. W. Whitelock, President; David Hidy, Vice-President; Thos. J. John. Treasurer; W. D. Samuel, Secretary; D. B. Atkinson, Assistant Secretary.
The fifty-second annual session was held with the Warren Christian church, August 14 to 17, 1895. At this session trial sermons were delivered on Tuesday evening by Rev. W. J. Young. Rev. John M. Miller and Rev. C. H. Marks, who were pursuing the course of study as outlined by Conference. Annual address was delivered by Rev. J. W. Bolton and was replete with good advice to both ministers and laymen. The following resolution was passed at this session. "That the Sunday Schools take up a special collection in the month of October for Franklinton College. The same to be kept account of and reported in the annual Sunday School reports to Conference. But the collection, as soon as taken, be sent to Rev. J. F. Burnett. Secretary A. C. C." The territory of Conference was also apportioned among the members of the Board of Trustees for the purpose of ascertaining how church properties were deeded and to see that such deeds were properly executed and recorded. Reports of various committees were full of enthusiasm and life and taken all in all this was a pleasant and profitable session. Officers same as former session.
The fifty-third annual session was held with the Union Christian church, August 12 to 15, 1896. The following young ministers, who were following the course of study, gave 10 minute sermons on Tuesday evening, J. M. Miller, C. H. Marks, W. J. Young, Jos. Amber and Samuel Frantz. Annual address by Rev. Peter Winebrenner, an able effort from the subject, "Pressing Forward." This was a very pleasant session of work pertaining to the general interest and advancement of the various lines of church activity. O. W. Whitelock. President:
L
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David Hidy, Vice-President; J. W. Bolton; Secretary; J. F. Barnes, Assistant Secretary; T. J. John, Treasurer.
The fifty-fourth annual session session was held with the Paw Paw Christian church, August 11 to 14, 1897. Trial sermons were given on Tuesday evening by W. J. Young, Mrs. M. A. Tompkins and Samuel Frantz. J. M. Miller was sick and unable to respond. Annual address by Rev. W. D. Samuel, subject, "Having a Desire to Excel." This was one among the best addresses of this able speaker. A Sunday School Association of the Sunday Schools of Eel River Conference was organized at this session. Its purpose being ~ to stimulate a greater interest in this important branch of christian work. J. M. Brown, of Bluffton, was chosen chairman, and J. F. Barnes, of Huntington, secretary-treasurer of this association. An Executive Board, consisting of one member from each county, was also chosen. The Conference was divided into six districts for the purpose of local organization, each district to hold at least one session each year, and all districts to meet in union meeting at least once each year. This organization has since been combined with the Christian Endeavor Union of the Eel River Conference in its annual meetings. The committee reports, sermons and addresses all showed marked interest. in the cause, during this entire session. O. W. Whitelock, President; David Hidy, Vice-President; J. F. Barnes, Secretary; W. J. Young, Assistant Secretary; T. J. John, Treasurer.
The fifty-fifth annual session was held with the Pleasant Grove Christain church, August 17 to 20, 1898. Annual address by President O. W. Whitelock, "Some of the Needs and Objects of the Christian Church." This address was full of good practical ideas along the line of progression in church work. An effort was made at this session to establish a State paper. While much support and encouragement was given the movement, it was later abandoned. A good interest was shown in all departments of the work, especially Sunday Schools, C. E. Societies, and Mission work. The following course of study was adopted:
FIRST YEAR.
First Term-Life of Christ, Stalker. Biblical Geography, Hurlbut. Second Term-Genesis. Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation, Walker. Third Term-Christian Evidences, Fisher. Ancient History, Myers.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term-Isaiah. Church History, Fisher.
Second Term-Modern History, Myers. Church History, Fisher. Third Term-Life of Paul, Stalker. Romans.
ยท
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HISTORY OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
THIRD YEAR.
First Term-Homiletics, Broadus. How to be a Pastor, Cuyler.
Second Term-Homiletics, Broadus. Matthew and John.
Third Term-Ethical Science, McWhinney. English Literature, Shaw.
FOURTH YEAR.
First Term-Christian Principles. Acts.
Second Term-The Working Church, Thuring. Theology, Fairchild.
Third Term-Moral Philosophy, Fairchild. Crisis of Missions, Pierson.
The following rules were also adopted to govern the Course of Study:
I. Each local Conference shall appoint a committee of three to be known as the Committee on Education. The chairmen of the Committees on Education shall constitute the State Board of Education.
II. It shall be the duty of the State Board of Education to prepare the questions for examination and have the same printed. The expense of printing the questions shall be borne by the local Conferences.
III. The examinations shall be conducted and the papers graded by the Committee on Education. The examinations shall be conducted as nearly as possible in December, March and July.
IV. Applicants for license shall complete the first year's work before receiving a license.
V. Applicants for ordination shall complete the entire course and also write a thesis of not more than 1,200 words. The subject for the thesis shall be assigned by the Committee on Education upon application by the student.
VI. The local Conferences may grant a diploma to each person who satisfactorily completes the required work for ordination.
Officers same as former session.
The fifty-sixth annual session was held with the Sparta Christian church, August 16 to 19, 1899. Annual address by Rev. J. A. Wood. "The Golden Thread." This was an able address, teeming with elevating and helpful christian suggestions. The Executive Board and Board of Trustees reported the purchase of a church property in the city of Elkhart at a cost of $2725.42. This property was purchased from the Congregational church and was secured at a very reasonable price. It was reported that a Christian organization has been formed and the work already started. Rev. G. R. Hammond was employed by the Executive Board to preach at this point during the next year. devoting one-half his time to said work. Conference to pay him for this service. Much interest was shown, by members of Conference, in the success of the work at this our new mission church. Also a good interest was manifested in C. E. and other lines of church development. Officers same as former session.
The fifty-seventh annual session was held with the Millersburg Christian church, August 15 to 18, 1900. An able welcome address was
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tendered this session of Conference by Hon. B. F. Deal, of Goshen, Ind. Response was given by Pres. Whitelock on part of Conference. The Rock Creek Center church was admitted into Conference at this session. Annual message or address was given by President Whitelock. This address was a review of our accomplishments during the past year, as well as our future prospects for advancing the cause of our beloved church. One of the treats of this session was an eloquent address by Rev. John R. H. Latchaw, D. D., of Defiance Christian College, Defiance, Ohio. Rev. Latchaw had but recently united with the Christian church. A resolution was passed at this session limiting the time of a licentiate in completing the course of study to four years, unless hindered by sickness, and in such cases, the time to be extended equal to the time consumed by such sickness. A committee was appointed to canvass for funds to apply on the Elkhart church debt, Rev. Hammond being chairman of said committee. Rev. Hammond was again employed for the Elkhart work during the coming year. He to devote one-half his time to said work. Rev. Hammond succeeded nicely at this place. This was a harmonious and interesting session, much good work being accomplished. O. W. Whitelock, President; David Hidy, Vice-President; W. B. Knapp, Treasurer; J. F. Barnes, Secretary; W. J. Young, Assistant Secretary.
The fifty-eighth annual session was held with the Six Mile Christian church, August 14 to 17, 1901. The following delivered short sermons on Tuesday evening: A. E. Kemp, Samuel Frantz, Hiley Baker, and Mrs. Mary G. Rheubottom. Revs. Kemp and Rhenbottom having completed the entire Course of Study were granted ordination at this session. Welcome address by Rev. J. M. Miller, pastor of Bluffton and Six Mile churches. Response by President. It was decided at this session to publish a History of Eel River Christian Conference, embodying the most important acts of said Conference, and including histories of churches, and biographies of ministers, officers, etc. Committees were appointed to prepare said work. The Christian Endeavor work of this session was especially interesting, an able program being given by this committee. The work of the Women's Home and Foreign Mission Board was also well presented. Resolutions were passed urging each church to bring up its full 40 cents per member, Conference Mission Fund, as this fund is badly needed. Pastors were required to present this matter to their churches at least once per quarter. The committee on Course of Study reported in favor of a Preparatory Course of work in English Grammar, U. S. History, Physiology, Composition and English Authors, to precede the regular outlined Conference course. This report was approved by Conference and such work outlined. Reports of committees were all encouraging, showing activity along most lines of Conference and church work. A very pleasant and profitable session. Officers same as former session.
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