USA > Indiana > Henry County > Knightstown > History of the First Friends church, Brown Street between Washington and Adams streets, Knightstown, Indiana, 1876-1976 > Part 2
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).
19
be remembered. His life was filled with Christian love and compassion for others. On February 14, 1938, a regional meeting on foreign policy of the United States was held at Knightstown. Reverend Harold Fey, Executive Secretary of Fellowship and Reconciliation, spoke. He placed much emphasis on the need of all churches to forget their individual differences and to unite in God's work for peace on earth and fellowship for all men worldwide. George Bird resigned at the close of the church year in 1938. The entire meeting soon felt the loss of this devoted friend who had been their pastor in seven difficult years. George Bird answered God's call to eternal life in June 1939. His wife, Christie, continued with her active participation in the meeting, working with the same devotion she had exhibited as a pastor's wife.
Kenneth and Ruthanna Pickering came to Knights- town from Spiceland in 1938 to serve as our minis- ters. Although finances had improved since the middle 1930's, and pastor's and janitor's salaries were able to be met, the meeting was often hard pressed to meet Yearly Meeting stock payments. Kenneth Pickering through his emphasis on steward- ship helped us to gain financial stability. Both he and his wife were talented musicians, and their contributions in this area plus their fervent dedication as young ministers, created a devotional atmosphere for worship. Several young people who had been associate members felt led to give their lives to Christ. The parsonage and church were redecorated and received much needed electrical and plumbing repair. Because of our entry into the war and the consequent draft, the church pledged to be responsible, as far as possible, financially and spiritually, for any young man who was a conscien- tious objector. The local church participated in the Christian Public Service organization, commonly known as C. P. S., an organization which, through the work of Albert Copeland, was formed to be of
20
service to the Friends Church and to the nation in this time of war. Kenneth Pickering accepted a call to a church with a larger membership where he felt he could reach more young people.
Albert Copeland and his wife, Alice, accepted the call to lead our flock in 1943. His zealous interest in the field of home missions and world peace inspired our membership to greater service in these areas. Contributions of money, clothing, and other needed items were collected and several weeks were spent working in the Tennessee mission. The Five Years Meeting voiced a concern over pastors' pensions. The local meeting expressed its agreement and indicated its willingness to cooper- ate whenever plans were formulated.
John Randolph with his wife, Doris, accepted the charge for our meeting in 1945. At this time the parsonage was extensively redecorated and re- modeled, making it far more comfortable and attrac- tive. Much of the work was done by some of our church members indicating improvement in the lay ministry in our group.
Byron Leaser and his wife, Hattie, came to us in 1948. Hattie was indeed an asset to the church and the community. Together they were interested in and successful in promoting church growth both spiritually and numerically. Personal contact by members, rally days, "fill a pew Sunday", loyalty month, bring a neighbor, and contests between classes and individuals, were some of the means used to increase attendance and develop a sense of responsibility for church progress through the work of the laity. Boys' basketball teams, pri- marily of fourth to sixth grade level, were organ- ized and this method used to bring boys into Sunday School. Many of these came from non-church homes and through this activity boys that would not otherwise have received spiritual or moral guidance were reached. Although many left the church later, the teaching received in their impressionable years was of inestimable personal and community value.
21
Interest in special projects sponsored by the Year- ly Meeting was encouraged. : Some of the men donated several days of work in building and remodeling at Quaker Haven. Funds were also raised to aid in the project. The meeting gave money to build a room in the new girls' living quarters at White's Institute. Some individuals also made equal contributions so that our meeting felt that they had indeed shared their worldly possessions with those less fortunate and in doing so had aided in a worthwhile venture in trying to rehabilitate youth who had not had the opportunities our own young people had had. The project to supply mattresses for the living quar- ters was quite successful. Later contributions were made for the building of the chapel at White's Institute so that an atmosphere for a spiritual life might be created and many young people might be inspired to give their lives to Christ and through Christian living their future would be much brighter than their past. Contributions were made for the establishment of Friends Fellowship Home and the promotion of Earlham School of Reli- gion. Under the leadership of Byron Leaser, a Cub Scout Pack was organized and our church partici- pated in this by furnishing a meeting place for some of the dens and also sponsored Cub Scout Sundays to recognize these boys who through scout- ing were learning to help others in need. Economic conditions had improved and now our church was able to make repairs and new additions to our physical facilities. The parsonage was insulated, new siding was installed, redecorating accomplished, and a new electric stove was purchased. The growth of our Sunday School necessitated an addition to the church. Rooms which could serve both as Sunday School rooms and for recreational activities were added to the north of the existing building. A basement was designed so it could be used for opening exercises for the children and also as class rooms. The stone for this addition was
22
hauled by some of the members. Some also donated their labor. This extensive addition created a church building that facilitated the work of the Sunday School as well as making our surroundings pleasant and attractive. The different organi- zations of the church sponsored and helped finance these and other improvements. The women carpeted and refurnished the middle room. The Quaker Men conducted a campaign to remodel the church audi- torium. New pews were installed and the altar and platform were extended to give more space for the choir and organ. Dedicated October 25, 1959, the improvements were designed so that they reflected the simplicity of style in the Quaker tradition and at the same time created an atmosphere that inspired true worship of God.
Among those recognized for outstanding service was Mildred Dreyer who had served for many years as organist and choir director. Emory Cox's resigna- tion, after thirty seven years as treasurer, was accepted with reluctance and our appreciation was expressed for his faithful service. Warren Edward's death came in January of 1958 after having served twelve years as Clerk of the Monthly Meeting which he had conducted in Quakerly manner with much patience and spiritual insight. After sixteen years service to our church and our community Byron Leaser's resignation was accepted with reluc- tance. He felt he had completed his service in Knightstown and could be of greater service in a new community.
Mervin and Elsie Kilmer came to us from a pastorate in Canada in 1964. He was desirous of continuing his education in theology at the Earlham School of Religion. As times have changed, so have church interests and the services of a minister. Mervin devoted much of his time and effort to help- ing those mentally or emotionally disturbed. The contributing social problems so disturbing to young people became an object of prime concern. The high school class was vitalized during his ministry
23
because he talked their language and understood their concerns. Migrant workers, people with marital difficulties, itinerants stranded in the community, the unemployed, and families in need of welfare, all received needed help and encour- agement. His resignation came because of his desire to be more active in community counseling.
In 1972, Keith Mardock and his wife, Joyce Pickering Mardock, accepted Knightstown as their first pastorate. They had served in mission work in Africa and had been active in lay work but felt called upon to enter into the ministry. Both he and his wife were talented vocalists and through the use of this ability an atmosphere for spiritual inspiration and reflection was created. His resig- nation came after three years because of his desire to continue his education in order to more effec- tively promote programs for Christian living.
Gene Lewis and his wife, Carolyn, came to us from neighboring Carthage in July, 1975. In the few months he has served the Knightstown Meeting, church attendance has increased and his policy of monthly Sunday night suppers for fellowship and family worship have been quite successful. It is hoped that the church will grow and move forward spiritually under his leadership.
In 1975 the total membership of the Meeting was 210. The average attendance of the Sunday School was 68. There are four adult classes, the oldest of which is the Quaker Class. Originally this class was organized in 1915 by Elizabeth Woodard and Laura Zion. George Bird was teacher for several years and brought the attendance up to thirty or forty. One present member of the class, Myron Strattan, has been a regular attender since it was founded. The youth Sunday School classes have varied in number and organization according to the number of children enrolled at the time. When the attendance has been large, the boys and girls have been divided into separate classes. Opening exercises for these classes are held in the basement.
24
The music of the meeting has been of the highest quality. The faithful cooperation of the volunteer choir has been remarkable. Many of the high school age have been active in the group. Among the choir directors have been Naomi Pyle, Jessie Pierce, Mary Hartsuck, Mildred Dreyer, and Joyce Wiatt. Accompanists have been Margaret Wood, Lucile Strattan, Mildred Dreyer, Edna Hopkins, Donna Carter, Linda Dukeman, Katherine Waits, and Robin Richey. The meeting has enjoyed and has derived spiritual inspiration from several talented vocalists, instrumentalists, and musical groups. The musical instruments used in the meeting have ranged from a small portable organ purchased before 1914 and still operable to the electric two manual organ of today. The first electric organ was pur- chased in 1947 and was replaced by a Conn organ in 1967. The meeting has had several pianos many of which have been given to the church.
At one time two women's organizations operated in the Knightstown Meeting. One was the Missionary Society, which group even in the depression years through its consecrated work managed to meet the financial assessments placed upon it. The other women's organization was the Ladies Aid which was founded in 1907 for the purpose of aiding finan- cially as well as spiritually the local church and the community. Later in 1948 the two organizations combined to form the United Society of Friends' Women following the pattern established by the Indiana Yearly Meeting and the Friends' United Meeting. The new organization has continued the support of foreign and home missions in addition to placing much emphasis on the work of the local meeting thus generating church growth spiritually. They have paid monthly light and water bills, equipped the kitchen, furnished the fellowship room of the meeting house, and shared in many church sponsored projects. Their funds have been derived from serving dinners for community groups,
25
from rummage sales, membership contributions, and special project sales, including a cook book. There is a Christian service group which meets frequently to sew for missionary projects. Christie Bird needs to be recognized for her work in this group since she was very active in making children's dresses and quilts for those in need locally and in response to calls from the Yearly Meeting.
At one time the men of the church were organ- ized as a Quaker Men's Group. Father and Son ban- quets were held annually, boys' basketball teams were sponsored, and other church activities pro- moted. In 1957 the Quaker Men promoted the project for the improvement of the meeting room. New and more comfortable pews were installed and the old platform and pulpit were replaced with a larger platform and a new pulpit all of matched woods. The project was finished in 1959 and has added much to the beauty and comfort of the church.
There have been many youth organizations in the church. The first Christian Endeavor was form- ed in 1889. A Junior Christian Endeavor was estab- lished in 1892. Many years later Kenneth Pickering started another youth group for high school stu- dents. Since that time the youth of the church have been organized but have been more active at times than at other times. Albert Copeland met with elementary members in 1944. Through stamp collecting he guided them into a better understand- ing of foreign countries.
Several ministers have effectively encouraged young people to attend Quaker Haven Camp and become involved in other state and national religious dominated organizations. As a lay member, Myron Strattan has given his services as a counselor at camp and throughout his life spent many hours pro- moting moral and religious training among our youth. The meeting has attempted to encourage Sunday School attendance and to promote character building among the boys by sponsoring basketball teams. During the ministry of Zeno Doan and under the guidance of Joe
26
Barnard, our boys participated in a local church basketball league. Under the leadership of Byron Leaser, the Quaker basketball team competed against teams of other churches in Knightstown and surround- ing communities. Trophies won by our boys are on display in the church social room. At the present time, our young people are actively encouraging Christian living among their peers and emphasizing recreational activities to promote church interest. They have sponsored events such as hay rides, skating parties, bowling games, and ski weekends. Six attended the National Youth Quake in California in December 1975.
The church has been the recipient over the years of several bequests. Some have been left for specific purposes or current needs. The largest gratuity came from the Katherine Holt estate. Valued at over $35,000, it was invested and only the interest is to be used in the promotion of church activities. Large or small, these gifts have been made in the spirit of the Widow's Mite and attest to a deep spiritual life within the church and the feeling that we are indeed our brother's keeper.
To the best of our knowledge, we have at pres- ent just two active members who are direct descend- ants of a charter member. These are Paul Cox and his son, Richard, who are descended from Rebecca J. (Kearns) Midkiff.
Since this is our nation's bicentennial year, we rejoice in the fact that this is our centennial year and we note with added pleasure that our present building is the original building. Al- though it has had additions and improvements over the years, it still serves our congregation in the same modest manner it did the founders. Erect and firm, the physical structure meets our needs. It is our prayer and concern that we, the members, come to worship and to praise God with the same fervent belief that prompted these early men and
27
women to establish this church. May the blessings of the Lord be with us as we rededicate ourselves in the faith of our charter group.
P.S. -- This history has been written as the Knightstown Monthly Meeting prepares to observe its centennial in April of 1976. The minutes of the monthly meetings since 1911 have been the primary source of our information.
Lucille and Myron Strattan Marian and Joseph White
28
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.