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 3
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE.
J. M. Brown.
A. J. Mays.
B. F. Humbarger.
John Dorsey.
R. T. Adams.
B. F. Domer.
Rev. W. W. Stuart.
Sylvester Blackman.
W. B. Knapp.
OFFICERS
Who Have Served Eel River Christian Conference Since Its Organization in 1844 to 1901, Inclusive.
PRESIDENTS.
Elder A. Baldwin, 1844.
Elias Baker, 1845.
Joseph Roberts, 1846, '47, '50.
Win. Rodman, 1848.
James Atchison, 1849. Joseph Spencer, 1851, '53.
Cyrus Lowman, 1852.
Thomas Whitman, 1854, '59, '68, '71.
Philip Zeigler, 1855, '60, '63, '67.
J. H. Gregory. 1856, '57.
W. B. Jones, 1858.
M. McDaniels, 1861.
George Abbott, 1862, '64, '69.
Peter Winebrenner, 1865.
Dr. P. L. West, 1866.
J. J. Markley. 1870.
D. W. Fowler, 1872.
D. W. Jones, 1873, '75, '76, '77, 78, '79, '80. '81.
David Hidy, 1874, '83, '84.
W. D. Samuel, 1882.
J. W. Sellers, 1885, '86, '87. '88, '89, '90, '91.
O. W. Whitelock, 1892, '93, '94, '95, '96, '97. '98. '99, '00, '01.
SECRETARIES. W. B. Wade, 1844, '45, '46, '47, '48. John Simington, 1849, '51, '52, '53, '54, 55, '56.
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OFFICERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
F. E. Sparling and B. Benner, 1850.
L. Goodrich, 1857, '58.
J. Cunningham, 1859, '60, '61, '62, '63.
C. Clemmons, 1864, '65, '66, '67, '68.
Peter Winebrenner, 1869, '70, '71, '72, '73, '74, '75, '76,
'77, '78, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '87, '88, '89, '90, '91, '92, '93.
W. D. Samuel, 1894, '95.
J. W. Bolton, 1896.
J. F. Barnes, 1897, '98, '99, '00, '01.
TREASURERS.
The records as to the office of Treasurer are not very satisfactory. But beginning in the year 1863 the following is approximately correct:
Asa Pratt, 1863, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, '69, '70. John P. Kitt, 1871, '72, '73, '74, '75, '76, '77, '78, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '87, 'SS.
Frank Shaffer, 1889, '90. Dr. P. Shaffer, 1891, '92.
Thomas J. John, 1893, '94, '95, '96, '97, '98, '99.
W. B. Knapp, 1900, '01.
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
1885.
C. V. Strickland, Argos. W. Messimore, Sidney.
James Atchison, Pierceton. David Hidy, North Manchester.
Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
1886.
C. V. Strickland, Argos. W. Messimore, Sidney.
James Atchison, Pierceton. David Hidy, North Manchester.
Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
C. V. Strickland, Argos. W. Messimore, Sidney.
Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
1887. James Atchison, Pierceton. David Hidy, North Manchester. J. W. Sellers, Mentone.
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OFFICERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
1888.
J. W. Sellers, Mentone. James Atchison, Pierceton.
J. J. Copeland, Xenia.
J. W. Sellers, Mentone. James Atchison, Pierceton.
J. J. Copeland, Xenia.
J. W. Sellers, Mentone. James Atchison, Pierceton. J. J. Copeland, Xenia.
J. W. Sellers, Mentone.
David Hidy, North Manchester. V. R. Miller, Goshen.
W. D. Samuel, Warren. J. J. Copeland, Goshen. Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
1892.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington.
J. W. Sellers, Mentone.
Geo. Abbott, North Manchester. 1893.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington. Geo. Abbott, North Manchester.
David Werntz, Wakarusa.
W. W. Sutton, Huntington. J. P. Kitt, Merriam. Peter Winebrenner, Argos.
1894.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington.
David Werntz, Wakarusa.
W. D. Samuel, Warren.
J. F. Barnes, Huntington. J. P. Kitt, Merriam. W. W. Sutton, Huntington.
1895.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington.
W. D. Samuel, Warren.
David Werntz, Wakarusa.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington. Peter Winebrenner. Merriam.
David Werntz, Wakarusa.
W. Messimore, Sidney. David Hidy, North Manchester. Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
1889.
W. Messimore, Sidney. David Hidy, North Manchester. Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
1890.
W. Messimore, Sidney. David Hidy, North Manchester. Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
1891.
W. D. Samuel, Warren. W. H. Knepple, Wakarusa.
P. Winebrenner, N. Manchester.
J. F. Barnes, Huntington. J. W. Bolton, Bluffton. W. W. Sutton, Huntington. 1896.
J. F. Barnes, Huntington. J. W. Bolton, Bluffton. W. W. Sutton, Huntington.
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OFFICERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
1897.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington. Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
David Werntz, Wakarusa.
J. F. Barnes, Huntington.
J. M. Rittgers, Huntington. W. W. Sutton, Huntington.
1898.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington. Peter Winebrenner, Merriam.
Alfred Ross, Collamer.
J. F. Barnes, Huntington. David Werntz, Wakarusa.
W. W. Sutton, Huntington.
1899.
J. F. Barnes, Huntington. W. H. LaFong, Kimmel.
W. W. Sutton, Huntington.
1900.
J. F. Barnes, Huntington. W. H. LaFong, Kimmel.
W. W. Sutton, Huntington.
1901.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington.
G. R. Hammond, Elkhart.
R. W. Page, Merriam.
J. F. Barnes, Huntington. W. H. LaFong, Kimmel. A. P. W. Jones, Huntington.
TRUSTEES.
On the incorporation of Conference, October, 1875, the following persons were elected Trustees: Abraham Studabaker, Aaron Simpson, Christian Myers, Miller Morgan, Samuel Ohlwine, John P. Kitt, Robert Gill, David P. Studabaker, and Benjamin Benner. The first three to serve one year, the second three to serve two years, and the third three to serve three years. The election as made at the special session in October, 1875, was confirmed at the regular session in August, 1876. At each annual session thereafter three trustees were elected, as follows:
1877.
Christian Myers, Leesburg.
William Hughes, Leesburg. Aaron Simson, Pierceton.
1878.
Abraham Studabaker, Bluffton.
J. J. Markley, Murray. J. P. Kitt, Merriam.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington. G. R. Hammond, Elkhart.
R. W. Page, Merriam.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington. G. R. Hammond, Elkhart.
R. W. Page, Merriam.
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OFFICERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
1879.
436417
1880.
Jas. Winesburg, N. Manchester. W. Messimore, Pierceton.
Wm. H. Lancaster, Larwill. 1881.
George Ott, Merriam. A. J. Studabaker, Bluffton. J. J. Markley, Murray. 1883.
L. Pullen, Collamer. Aaron Simson, Pierceton. Wm. Hughes, Leesburg. 1885.
Jacob Fry, Majenica. W. Messimore, Sidney. Alexander Bayman, Pierceton. 1887.
Samuel Ohlwine, Collamer. A. T. Studabaker, Bluffton. George McConnell, Sidney.
1889.
R. Walser, Beuna Vista.
L. Pullen, Collamer.
J. Winesburg, New Madison. 1891.
Jacob Fry, Majenica. W. Messimore, Sidney. Alexander Bayman, Pierceton. 1893.
O. W. Whitelock, Huntington. W. D. Samuel, Warren. Thos. J. John, N. Manchester. 1895.
W. W. Stuart, Warren. W. B. Rogers, Millersburg. J. M. Brown, Bluffton.
Aaron Simson, Pierceton. Wm. Hughes, Leesburg.
Christian Myers, Leesburg.
1882.
Jas. Winesburg, N. Manchester. W. Messimore. Pierceton. Win. H. Lancaster, Larwill.
1884.
George Ott, Merriam. A. T. Studabaker. Bluffton. George McConnell, Sidney.
1886.
R. Walser, Buena Vista.
L. Pullen, Collamer. J. Winesburg, New Madison. 1888.
Jacob Fry, Majenica. W. Messimore, Sidney. Alexander Bayman, Pierceton.
1890.
Samuel Ohlwine, Collamer. A. Studabaker, Bluffton. George McConnell. Sidney.
1892.
H. W. Dalrymple, Bluffton. Loyd S. Jones, Warren. W. B. Rogers, Millersburg.
1894. Jacob Fry, Majenica. Win. Perdue. Warren. Alexander Bayman, Pierceton. 1896. O. W. Whitelock, Huntington. T. J. John, North Manchester. Thos. Whitman, So. Whitley.
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OFFICERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERERCE
1897.
1898.
Robert Amber, Urbana.
Jos. Knight, Dunfee.
A. J. Mays, Millersburg. 1899. Sylvester Blackman, Kimmel.
John Dorsey, Oswego.
B. F. Domer, Collamer. 1901.
W. B. Knapp, Cromwell. W. W. Stuart, N. Manchester. J. M. Brown, Bluffton. 1900. A. J. Mays, Millersburg. R. T. Adams, N. Manchester. B. F. Humbarger, N. Manchester.
W. B. Knapp, Cromwell. W. W. Stuart, North Manchester.
J. M. Brown, Bluffton.
OFFICERS OF CONFERENCE.
President, Judge O. W. Whitelock, Huntington.
Vice-President, Rev. David Hidy, North Manchester.
Treasurer, William B. Knapp, Cromwell.
Secretary, J. F. Barnes, Huntington.
Assistant Secretary, Calvin Perdue, Warren.
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
O. W. Whitelock, President, Huntington.
J. F. Barnes, Secretary, Huntington.
G. R. Hammond, Elkhart. W. H. LaFong, Kimmel. R. W. Page, Merriam.
Willard Jones, Huntington.
TRUSTEES.
Sylvester Blackman, Kimmel.
John Dorsey, Oswego.
B. F. Domer, Collamer.
R. T. Adams. N. Manchester. B. F. Humbarger, N. Manchester. William B. Knapp, Cromwell.
A. J. Mays, Millersburg. W.W. Stuart, Hoppertown, Mich.
J. M. Brown, Bluffton.
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR UNION.
. President, Rev. W. J. Young, Huntington. Vice-President, Prof. F. T. Atkinson, Wakarusa. Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Ocee (Carus) Jellison, So. Whitley. Member Executive Board, Rev. Hiley Baker, Kimmel.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
President, W. B. Knapp, Cromwell. Secretary-Treasurer, J. N. Ohlwine, Cromwell.
WOMEN'S HOME AND FOREIGN MISSION BOARD). President, Mrs. M. A. Tompkins, Elkhart. Vice-President, Mrs. Hannah Dohner, Collamer. Secretary, Mrs. Nettie Young, Huntington. Treasurer, Mrs. Mina Young, Merriam.
CHURCHES.
ANTIOCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Was organized at Shepherd's school house, near where the present church stands, in 1862, by Elder George Abbott, with fifteen charter members. The church is located in Chester township, Wabash county, Ind., and is a modern brick structure valued at $1500. The present membership numbers 70. Rev. Samuel Frantz, who now resides in North Manchester, is a member of the church. Rev. John Singer, who is now in Kansas, also formerly belonged here. The church has been served by the following pastors: Geo. Abbott, Thos. Whitman, James Atchison, Wm. Manville, David Hidy, Win. Hefflin. Rev. Dunn, Wmn. McCullough, Mattie Vandevere, William Perdue, David Boswell, V. R. Miller and J. A. Wood. The officers of the church are: John Christman, S. E. Wright and Thos. Hanley, Trustees; Wm. Horniday. Treasurer; Ed. Kitterman, Clerk.
BLUFFTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The First Christian church, of Bluffton, Ind., was organized April, 1883, by Revs. W. D. Samuel, D. W. Jones, Jennie Jones and C. V. Strickland, with sixty charter members. The present membership numbers 130, whose estimated wealth is valued at $50,000, and among whom may be named, John Vore, John Galyean, J. M. and La Verna Brown, J. P. Reynolds and wife, Flora Richey, Jennie Fulton, Henry and Rosa Johnson, Mrs. Hixon, Emma Koch, D. A. Evers and wife, Ellen Whitman, Mrs. Bowman, Florian Heche and wife, and G. F. Markley. The church is a modern frame structure, convenient in size and arrangement and is valued at $3,000. The present officers of the church are Daniel Nestler, J. M. Brown, G. A. Herbst and D. A. Evers, trustees; G. F. Markley, treasurer, and S. E. Whitman, clerk. Ministers who have served the church as pastors are as follows: W. D. Samuel, C. V. Strickland, K. E. West, Thomas Brandon, B. F. Rapp, John T. Newhouse, James Ulery, J. W. Bolton, R. W. Page, G. R. Hammond, J. M. Miller and R. R. Shoemaker.
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MERRIAM CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Merriam, Noble County, Indiana.
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
BEUNA VISTA CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Is located at Linn Grove, Adams county, Ind. It was organized on May 29, 1881, by Revs. W. D. Samuel, David Hidy, and and C. V. Strickland, with seventeen charter members. The present membership is 60, prominent among whom are, John Hall and wife, Lorenzo Dunbar and wife, John W. Christman and wife, J. W. Cowens and wife, Alice Runyon, Ella Linn, Darliska Dunbar, Henry Morrow, Jefferson Dunbar and wife, Margaret Runyon, Anna Miller and Ella Hall. The estimated wealth of the membership is about $30,000. The church building is a comfortable frame structure valued at SS00. The following ministers have served the church, W. D. Samuel. 1881-85; K. E. West, 1885-86; David Davenport, 1886-87; R. L. Amber. 1887-88: Mattie Vandevere, 1888-91; W. H. Turney, June 1892 to August 1894: W. W. Stuart, 1894-95; W. G. Parker, 1895-96; J. M. Rittgers, 1896-99: Samuel Frantz, 1899 to the present time. The present officers of the church are, John Hall, Benjamin Nichols and Jefferson Dunbar. trustees; Henry Morrow and Benjamin Nichols, deacons: Viola Dunbar. clerk.
BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
Elder Philip Zeigler, of Wolfe Lake. Ind., entered Sparta township, Noble county, Ind., to visit some families and take subscriptions for the Herald of Gospel Liberty, and incidentally left an appointment to preach in a small school house in the Ohlwine neighborhood. Other appointments and a protracted meeting at the home of Samuel Ohlwine followed. And on June 5, 1858, the organization of a Christian church was effected, which was known as the Sparta Christian church until July, 1877, when by vote of the church, the name was changed to the Broadway Christian church. The present membership of the church is 75. Rev. A. J. Iden, of Lewistown, Ill., is a member of the church. The estimated wealth of the members is placed at $16,000. The present church house was built in 1872, and is located in Sparta township, Noble county. Ind. It is a substantial brick structure valued at $1500. The present officers of the church are, Samuel Ohlwine, William B. Knapp and Jasper Gerkin. trustees, and Cecelia Gerkin, church clerk. The following pastor's have served the church: Philip Zeigler, 1858-66; Peter Winebrenner. 1866, '71 and '74-79; Thomas Whitman, 1871-74 and '82-98; David Hidy. 1879-80; Jacob Rittenhouse, 1880-92; J. W. Bolton, 1838-90; James
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
Atchison, 1890-92; J. J. Copeland, 1892 to January 1895, the time of his death; W. D. Samuel served from August to December, 1895; C. C. Tarr, 1897-99; Jonathan Dipboy, 1899-01.
BELLVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Located in Jefferson township, Huntington county, Ind., was organized March 5, 1888, by Elders Alvin Morris, Henry Flora and Marvin Ebert with twenty-five charter members. The present membership is 61. Rev. W. W. Stuart, now of Hoppertown, Mich., and Rev. Eli Burkett, of Warren, are members of this church, as are also the parents of the former, Brother and Sister Joseph Stuart. The church property is a frame structure valued at $1000 and upon which needed repairs will soon be made. Ministers who have served the church as pastors are, Alvin Morris, 212 years; Henry Flora, 2 years; David W. Fowler, 1 year; W. W. Stuart and E. First, jointly, 1% years; C. C. Tarr, 1 year; R. W. Page, 2 years; J. A. Wood, 1 year; Mary G. Rheubottom, 2 years; Mrs. M. A. Tompkins, 1 year. C. V. Strickland is the present pastor. The present officers of the church are Emanuel and James M. Hart, deacons; James L. Johnson, elder; Wmn. Dillon, Emanuel Hart and Charles Wiley, trustees; Gertie Ellis, treasurer, and Eli Keller, clerk. This church is one of the smallest bodies of the Conference but is wide awake, nicely located, has large congregations and a hopeful future.
COLLAMER CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Is located in the town of Collamer, Whitley county, Ind. It was organized with ten charter members on January 7, 1877, by Revs. J. R. Hoag and M. R. Zerger. The church building is a modern brick structure, nicely furnished and the property is valued at $2,000. The present membership numbers 109, representing a wealth of about $30,000. Prominent among the membership may be named, Brother Faultner and wife. J. Dohner and wife. J. J. Karns and wife, B. F. Domer and wife, Brother Tresler and wife, and A. Parrett and wife. The church has been under the pastoral care of the following ministers: J. R. Hoag, 1877-80; Thomas Whitman, 1880-81; James Atchison, 1881-82; C. V. Strickland, 1882-83; David Hidy, 1883-87, and 1891-92, and 1895-00; Jennie Jones, 1887-SS; Robert L. Amber, 1889-90; David S. Boswell, 1890-91, and 1893-94; J. J. Copeland, 1892-93; J. M.
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
Miller, 1894-95; Samuel Frantz. 1900 to present time. The present officers of the church are, J. W. Dohner and Brother Faultner, deacons; J. Karnes, treasurer, and B. F. Domer, clerk.
CLEAR CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Was organized July 19, 1856, with about twenty-five charter members. among whom were, Joseph and Lydia Farmer, John, Susan, Abraham. Ann Eliza, Jacob and Lena Kaylor, Hiram and Lucinda Rodgers. Louis and Mary A. Stacker, Abraham and Lucinda Irick, and Martha Gill. The church is located in Clear Creek township, Huntington county, six miles north of the City of Huntington and is composed of 60 loyal members. The church building is a comfortable frame valued at $1200, being the second one built. The combined wealth of the members, who are of the most part industrious farmers, is estimated at $60,000. The present officers are, Reuben H. Gill and Daniel Kaylor, deacons; William I. Steele, Frank Kaylor and Birtus Morrow. trustees; Willard Jones, clerk. Among the prominent members of the church are, R. H. and Martha Gill, Willard Miller and wife, Frank Kaylor, Daniel Kaylor and wife. Win. I. Steele, wife and daughter Nettie, Birtus Morrow, Iva Morrow, M. G. Hubbartt and wife, Willard Jones and wife. The following ministers have served the church as pastors: Geo. Abbott, 1856-60; Philip Zeigler, 1863. The church became somewhat disorganized until about 1870 when Geo. Abbott reorganized the church and preached for it several years. S. McNeely. D. W. Fowler, Elder McGee and Elder Hoag served until 1875; Peter Winebrenner, 1875-1882; David Hidy. 1882-84; Wm. McClurg and Jennie Jones, 1885-86; Jennie Jones, 1886-88; Peter Winebrenner and William Perdue, 1889-90; Robert L. Amber and W. G. Parker. 1890-91: David Hidy, 1891:92; C. V. Strickland and Mary A. Strickland, 1892-93-94: V. R. Miller, 1894-97; W. J. Young, 1897-1901; M. M. Wiles. 1901 to the present time.
DUNFEE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Was organized by Rev. Eliza Robinson, December 6, 1891. by uniting the South Coesse church, which was organized October 29. 1854, with a newly organized class in the village of Dunfee. Whitely county. Ind. There were about thirty charter members, while the present membership is composed of 75 loyal souls, among whom may be
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
named James Robinett, A. H. Bates, S. B. Stonder, James Vaughn, G. L. York. William Dine. H. A. Crawford. Sister Gorham, Martha Emrick, Mrs. Chas. Emrick and the following officers: William McWherter. James Robinett and F. W. Clark. trustees; J. W. Nover and W. J. Esterline, deacons; F. W. Clark, treasurer and clerk; Etta Hickman and Minnie McWhirter, stewards. Rev. Eliza Robinson organized the church and now resides at Ft. Wayne. She is also a member of the church. The estimated combined wealth of the congregation is about $50,000. The church people have a comfortable frame house of worship and is valued at $1000. The following ministers have served the church as pastors: Eliza Robinson. 2 years; J. J. Copeland, 1 1/2 years: C. V. Strickland, 6 months: V. R. Miller, 1 year: J. A. Wood, 4. years: and J. M. Rittgers, the present pastor, 2 years.
EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Was organized with twenty-six charter members by Rev. Joseph Plummer, July 23. 1842. The church, a substantial frame structure, and valued at about $2000. is located north of Eel River in Kosciusko county. Ind. The present membership of the church numbers 121. Irene Brubaker is the church clerk. The following ministers served the church as pastors: John Plummer. Peter Bandy, Joseph Roberts, George Abbott. James Atchison, William Manville, David Hidy, Thos. Whitman. C. V. and Mary A. Strickland, V. R. Miller, David Boswell, W. W. Stuart and B. F. Kemp.
GOSHEN CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The First Christian church of Goshen was organized in the Mennonite hall at Goshen, Ind .. March 26, 1886, with twenty-five charter members. Rev. V. R. Miller was chairman, and O. S. Crompton was secretary at the time of organization. The first trustees of the church were elected at this meeting, and consisted of Frank Burns, W. W. Butts. Solomon Ullery, O. S. Crompton and Win. Miller. Prior to the time of organization, meetings were held in the Court House, Coliseum building and Mennonite hall. In 1886 the church purchased a lot on South Main street and erected an excellent frame structure at a cost of S2000. There has been a steady growth until the membership has reached an enrollment of 86. The church has been served since its organization by the following pastors: Revs.
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
Reason Davis. J. J. Copeland. Peter Winebrenner. David Hidy. V. R. Miller. W. G. Parker, Geo. E. Hicks. W. W. Stuart and G. R. Hammond, the present pastor. The old minutes of the church have been lost and with it many of the struggles and contentions which she has endured. Many of the original charter members of the church are yet living and are faithfully working in the interest of their beloved Zion, seeking the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom in the salvation of precious souls.
ELKHART CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The Christian church at Elkhart, Ind., which is known in that city as the Riverside Christian church, was organized January 1. 1899, by Judge O. W. Whitelock, president of Eel River Conference. Rev. Mrs. M. A. Tompkins, Rev. Mrs. Mary A. Strickland and Rev. Peter Winebrenner with fifteen charter members. This church is a child of Conference, being its chief Conference missionary point. It is gradually becoming stronger and ere many years have elapsed it will be self-sustaining. Rev. G. R. Hammond, the present pastor, and Rev. Mrs. M. A. Tompkins are both members of the church. which now numbers 36 members. The present officers are. Goldie Wilson, clerk: Albert Wilson. H. W. Leininger and Henry J. Stauffer, trustees: M. A. Tompkins, treasurer. The pastors who have served this church are Rev. Mary A. Strickland with Rev. M. A. Tompkins, assistant. from January 1. to August, 1899, and Rev. G. R. Hammond to the present time. The church has connected with it an association composed of persons not members of the church, but who are helpful to the church in even more than a material sense. The church house is a beautiful brick structure of modern and convenient form and is valued at $4000.
HUNTINGTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Was organized by Revs. George Abbott and Peter Winebrenner, May 23. 1891, in the old Tabernacle Baptist church at Huntington. Indiana. with twenty-seven charter members, of whom fifteen are now members of the church. while seven have been dropped from the roll and five have died. The present membership numbers 206, prominent among whom may be named. O. W. Whitelock. president of Christian Publishing Association and Eel River Conference, also ex-president of Indiana State Christian Conference. J. F. Barnes, secretary of Eel River Christian
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
Conference; Revs. C. V. and Mary A. Strickland, W. W. Sutton, Jacob Fry, J. P. Gusman, Jonathan Whitelock, and Rev. J. M. Rittgers. The present place of workship is a very old frame building which stands on a fairly good lot. Besides this, however, the church owns two good lots bought at a cost of $1500 where a new church is soon to be built, and another tract of land which has been deeded the church as a donation. The total valuation of all present property is $2700. The following pastors have served the church: Rev. Geo. Abbott from the time of organization to August, 1891. Rev. M. A. Strickland was then chosen as pastor by the Eel River Conference and was accepted by the church. She was paid by Conference for half time, $250, for one year. She with her husband, C. V. Strickland, remained the pastors until August, 1898, when W. J. Young was chosen pastor and still remains in charge at this date. The present officers are: James P. Gusman, William H. Stewart and O. W. Whitelock, trustees; Jonathan Whitelock and Jacob Fry, deacons; J. F. Barnes, treasurer; John H. Stewart, clerk.
KELSO CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Located in the village of Kelso, Huntington county, Ind., was organized in the Majenica school house, December 31, 1871, by Revs. George and Nelson Abbott with twenty-six charter members. The present membership is about 140, prominent among whom are Levi Craig and wife, Thaddeus Tuttle, James Fellabom and wife, Jerome Minnear and wife, D. F. Ware and wife, Eli Smuck and wife, W. S. Gill and wife, George Poorman and wife, Alpheus Poorman and wife, Alex Waddell, Peter Rittenhouse and Mary J. Broom. The membership represents a wealth of about $58,100 and has a good frame house of worship valued at $1000. The church has an excellent choir under the leadership of Miss Ella Craig, which is frequently called upon to sing for funerals at different churches in the community. The present officers are James Fellabom, D. F. Ware and Jerome Minnear, deacons; Levi Craig, Eli Smuck and T. J. Tuttle, trustees; Alexander Waddell and Geo. W. Gill, Clerk. The pastors who have served the church are as follows: George and Nelson Abbott, 1871-72; Nelson Abbott, 1872-73; Jacob Rittenhouse, 1873-76; D. W. Jones, 1876-77; William Heflin, 1877-79; Jennie Jones, 1879-81-83-86; William McClurg, 1881-83; William Perdue, 1886-88; Peter Winebrenner, 1888-92; W. D. Samuel, 1892-95; R. W. Page, 1895-99; V. R. Miller, 1899-00; M. W. Wiles, 1900-02.
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
LEESBURG CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Located in the village of Leesburg, Kosciusko county. Ind., was organized November 28, 1869, by Revs. George Abbott and David W. Fowler. The church now numbers about 60 loyal members who worship in a substantial brick house valued at about $2500. The present officers of the church are Eli Goshorn, Anderson Stookey and J. W. Hern, trustees. Addie Baxter, Ida Irwin, Eli Goshorn and John Stookey, stewarts; J. W. Hern, clerk and treasurer; Eli Goshorn, deacon; Mrs. Baugher, deaconess; Jessie Whiteleather, organist. and Rosa Goodman, assistant. Among the ministers who served the church as pastors are George Abbott, D. W. Fowler, Thos. Whitman. Wm. Manville, Peter Winebrenner, C. V. Strickland, W. D. Samuel. Rev. Hines, Rev. Mccullough, J. W. Bolton, Robert Amber. V. R. Miller, W. W. Stuart, A. L. West, B. F. Kemp, J. Dipboy and M. G. Rheubottom.
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