USA > Michigan > The history of the Church of the Brethren in Michigan > Part 20
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
daughters, Ruth Ann and Joyce Carol, moved to Grand Marais, Michigan, where he is serving as superintendent of schools.
SAMUEL B. WENGER was born on July 9, 1897, in Miami County, Ohio. He is the son of John V. and Sarah Wenger. He was united in marriage to Mildred Evelyn Landis on August 10, 1918. He is a graduate of Manchester College and received his master's degree at the University of Ne- braska in 1931. From 1924 to 1926 he was a student at Beth- any Biblical Seminary. In 1911 he united with the church at West Milton, Ohio, and the same church called him to the ministry in 1919. He was ordained to the elder- ship in 1924 at Hutchinson, Kansas. He has served a num- ber of churches in other states, but served the Grand Rap- ids church, Michigan, as pastor for two years. Later he became the chaplain of the state prison of southern Michi- gan, in Jackson County. In Sep- tember 1945 he went to Olivet College, Michigan, as a member of the faculty.
HARRY ARTHUR WHISLER was born on February 15, 1913, at Udell, Iowa, the son of Mer- ton A. and Sadie Whisler. On August 2, 1935, he married Ber- thy Miriana Long. He is a grad- uate of the Washburn high school, Iowa, and received a HARRY A. WHISLER bachelor of arts degree from Manchester College in 1935. He united with the church at Udell, Iowa, in 1922. The Oak Grove church at Lowpoint, Illinois, called him to the min- istry in 1931; the Beaverton church, Michigan, ordained him
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Biographical Sketches
to the eldership in 1939. He served the Midland church on a part-time basis from October 1940 to June 1941. He has also assisted in preaching at the Beaverton church and is now their presiding elder. He points out that he is the seventh in a succession of ministers on his mother's side. He was elected the writing clerk of the district in 1941 and has served in this position ever since.
CHARLES L. WILKINS, the son of Theodore and Malinda Wilkins, was born on July 6, 1860, in Ohio. His marriage to Nettie Baker occurred on December 15, 1883. He received a public school training. He united with the church in Ohio on April 15, 1885, was called to the ministry in Allen County, Ohio, in April 1890, and was ordained to the eldership in June 1896. After locating in Michigan about 1903 he was active in ministerial service both in the churches and in the district. Some of his active service was given as follows: six years on the district ministerial board, sixteen years on the mission board, fifteen years as moderator of district meeting, and ten times on Standing Committee. He preached six dedicatory sermons and held over one hun- dred revival meetings. He died a few years ago.
WALTER EGBERT WILKINS was born on June 23, 1891, and died on June 17, 1914, at the age of twenty-two. The son of C. L. and Nettie Wilkins, he was born in Ohio. His high school training was received at Middleton, Mich- igan. He was a student at Bethany Bible Training School in 1912. He united with the church at Poplar Ridge, Ohio, at the age of eleven, and was elected to the ministry at the New Haven church, Michigan, on May 24, 1912. He always lived a consecrated life, and when he was called to the min- istry in 1912 he was ready to dedicate his life to the work of the Lord. He died of tuberculosis after a struggle of fifteen months. He was patient through it all and never was heard to complain.
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
MERVIN B. WILLIAMS, the son of Paschal B. and Hen- rietta Williams, was born at Bridgewater, Virginia, on April 4, 1886. He was married to Mabel Vayne Beelman, whose father was an elder in our church. He is a graduate of the Centerville high school, Bridgewater, Virginia, attended Bridgewater College two years, and later received the mas- ter of arts degree from Dunsmore Business College, Staun- ton, Virginia. He was convert- ed in the old Glade church, Virginia, on December 18, 1898, and was baptized in Middle River on December 20, 1898. He is one of the faithful offi- cials of the Detroit church, serving as chairman of the deacon board, member of the education board, and chairman . of the service committee. It was under his leadership that the Chinese Sunday school was organized more than twenty- M. B. WILLIAMS seven years ago. He has served as the superintendent since it began, and has been a devoted teacher. He was a repre- sentative on the National Council of Men's Work for sev- eral terms. The District of Michigan has had his loyal in- terest in all of its activities. He is the chairman of the his- torical committee and as such he has been concerned about the historical data of the churches. He has given invaluable assistance in the preparation of this history. He has been a member of the district mission board since 1924, at the pres- ent time acting as the chairman, and is the vice-chairman of the district council of boards. The first Brethren preacher that he remembers hearing preach was Daniel Flory, foun-
315
Biographical Sketches
der of Bridgewater College. He cherishes in his memory prominent leaders of the district who have labored in past years: Samuel Bowser, Samuel Smith, John Smith, Charles L. Wilkins, A. O. Mote, George Culler, and Peter B. Messner, all deceased, excepting Brother Bowser.
JOSIAH G. WINEY was born in Lancaster County, Penn- sylvania, on December 4, 1839. He died on June 26; 1916, after serving the church for twenty-six years. About 1869 he moved to Michigan and located in the Thornapple con- gregation. At the time of the division in the eighties he went over to the Campbell Progressive Brethren church.
LEWIS VAN BUREN WRIGHT was born on January 20, 1892, at Berryville, Ohio, the son of Lewis A. and Nancy I. Wright. He was united in marriage to Nora Mildred Shively on June 29, 1919. He is a graduate of the high school at Lynchburg, Ohio, and took some correspondence work from the American School and the Moody Bible Institute. He united with the church in the Lexington congregation, South- ern Ohio, in February 1904. He was elected to the ministry there on October 8, 1908, and was ordained in January 1919 at the Marble Furnace church, Ohio. His pastoral work in Michigan was at the Grand Rapids church for five years. He is now serving the pastorate of the Fort Wayne church, Indiana.
SAMUEL YOUNCE was born January 11, 1841. He mar- ried Lula Belle Teegarden. Before moving into the Bear Lake congregation near Clarion, Michigan, in 1900 he lived in Indiana. The Mississinewa congregation in Indiana called him to the ministry in 1878, and he was ordained in 1882. He preached in this church for many years and in many other places in Southern Indiana. His labors in the ministry must have covered a period of forty years. His death occurred on January 14, 1921.
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
A. C. YOUNG was born in March 29, 1874, in Tipton County, Indiana, the son of Ellis E. and Barbara A. Young. He was married to Alice Neff on August 12, 1900. His pub- lic school education was received in Indiana. He united with the church at Ladoga, Indiana, in 1900 and was bap- tized by Elder George Stone of Michigan. He moved to Michigan in 1908 and was elected to the ministry in the Crystal church about 1909; in this church he lived and served, until he returned to Indiana in May 1920. His home is now at North Manchester.
DAVID GEIMAN YOUNG was born on April 23, 1919, at Westminster, Maryland. He is the son of Walter M. and Elizabeth Geiman Young. He was baptized by his father at Westminster on August 30, 1929. On May 4, 1941, he was installed into the ministry by the church at Lansing, Michi- gan. Velda Laureen Metcalf be- came his wife May 29, 1941. He graduated from the Mckinley high school, Canton, Ohio, and in May 1941 received a diploma in sacred music from Bethany Biblical Seminary. He pursued his training at La Verne College, La Verne, California, and grad- uated with a bachelor of arts de- gree in May 1944. He served as DAVID G. YOUNG assistant instructor in the mu- sic department. During those years he has directed the chapel choir and taught courses in theory and hymnology. The college chapel choir under his leadership has won recognition in the churches of California. Each year, since its organization in 1941, the choir has gone on a concert tour among the churches, in the interest of bet-
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Biographical Sketches
ter church music. For two years he was minister of music at the La Verne Church of the Brethren. He is a student at the University of Southern California, taking courses in preparation for his master's degree in music. The combined choirs of the La Verne and Pomona churches with the col- lege chapel choir have presented Handel's "Messiah" on several occasions under his direction. His one purpose is to bring inspiration through the best choral and church music. He is enthusiastic and earnest in his work.
WALTER MILTON YOUNG was born in Carroll County, Maryland, August 9, 1895, the son of David M. and S. Alice Young. He was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Gei- man on October 12, 1915. He graduated from Blue Ridge College in 1925 and received the bachelor of divinity degree from Beth- any Biblical Seminary in May 1941. He united with the Pipe Creek church, Eastern Maryland, on Au- gust 24, 1907. A. P. Snader was the evangelist. The WALTER AND MARY YOUNG Meadow Branch congrega- tion, near Westminster, Maryland, called him to the min- istry and installed him in December 1920. He was or- dained to the eldership on November 1, 1931, at New Phila- delphia, Ohio. His pastorates have been: Martinsburg, West Virginia; New Philadelphia, Ohio; Canton, Ohio; and at the present time Lansing, Michigan. He began as a student pastor in September 1938, continued as such dur- ing the three years at Bethany, then began full-time pas- toral work at that church on September 1, 1941. Along with ministerial activities, church music has held a special
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
interest in his life. He has taught church music courses in young people's camp in Northeastern Ohio and in Michi- gan during five summers. He is a member of the district music board of Michigan, and has conducted music insti- tutes in a number of churches. For three years he has served on the public affairs committee of the Lansing council of churches. In May 1945 he was elected president of the Lansing Ministerial Association.
WILLIAM E. YOUNG was born on March 16, 1864. On November 18, 1883, he married Mary E. Flory at Painter Creek, Ohio. He was baptized very early in life: He had no public school training. With his wife and their four children he moved from Ohio to Eaton, Indiana. They attended the Mississinewa church. Three children were born to them in Indiana. His first wife died in April 1896. In 1899 he was married to Minerva Fine. In 1900 they moved to Michigan and located in the Bear Lake church. It is not certain when he began to preach. These few facts were obtained from his daughter, Orpha Young Miller. His trust in the Lord never wavered.
CHAPTER VIII
OBSERVATIONS AND TRENDS
There is still a strong adherence to the doctrines of the New Testament as adopted and practiced by the Church of the Brethren down through the years. The churches are inclined to be true to the ideals and the peculiar doc- trines of the denomination. The conservative element is prevalent in the majority of the churches, especially in the matter of New Testament teaching.
The earnestness of the leaders who were prominent in establishing churches is unexcelled today. There just does not appear to be that same zeal that was manifest in the lives of the early organizers. This particular characteristic distinguishes them quite clearly from the leaders today. There is not quite the same passion in the hearts of min- isters, deacons, and the other workers in our day. The early Brethren in Michigan had an inward passion that caused them to give means and effort in spreading the gospel to the unsaved in out-of-the-way sections of the state and to bring encouragement to members hungry for spiritual help. This passion and fire took them from home to places where people were eager for the preached Word. It appears that other interests are crowding out the de- sire to see the church advance in the same proportion as it did in the first congregations. Those who labored then had, of course, been inspired by the earnestness of their forefathers. There were mistakes, to be sure, but the leaders were very much in earnest to see the church go forward. May the church now catch a portion of their zeal and be willing to go out in our district to places where a few members are struggling and where there is no or- ganized church as yet,
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
Churches are too eager to keep themselves together. Thus, the spirit of wishing to reach others and build new churches is lost. If the same desire to organize a few souls into a working body would be shown in our district now, the number of churches could be increased within a few years. The tendency to think that such an advancement is impossible holds sway in most of the churches. Oh, to be controlled by the spirit and zeal of the apostolic church!
It is an advancement in the right direction for churches to work for more adequate equipment for the teaching and training of our boys and girls in Christian character. The stability of the future Church of the Brethren is going to depend on what we do toward the improvement of our church plants within the next decade. The Church of the Brethren need not wait ten years to plan for better church equipment that will fully meet the improved meth- ods of Christian education. We need not trail other de- nominations in this respect. Why should we be dormant in providing ways and means for a more effective program of holding the youth of the church? Is it because we feel that old ways are sufficient? There should be steps taken now in most of our churches in the district to provide for attractive buildings that will be an inducement for people to be drawn closer to God through purposeful worship. The churches should organize to carry out the objectives of the brotherhood. If churches recognize the program they will organize for action. A more dynamic teaching pro- gram will be one of the goals. Simply to be satisfied to get along with things as they are does not speak well for us in a day of advancement in every other field of progress. So could not the churches of the district prepare for a more united church program by organizing and equipping to build Christian character and to inspire a deeper loyalty to the church and the cause of Christ.
1
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Observations and Trends
There are more churches adventuring on a definite pas- toral program. Such a trend is a step forward. It is en- couraging to see the move in that direction. It should pro- duce a stronger church. It should produce a church eager to see the whole church program advance. It ought to lead to a well-planned program of stewardship which will naturally increase loyalty to Christ and the church. And a body of sincere and loyal Christians will not be satisfied until more of the unsaved are won to Christ and brought into the church for Christian fellowship. Just as soon as the church people will unite on a spiritual adventure, their own lives as well as the lives of others will find spiritual enrichment. This one move to supply more churches with pastoral supervision ought to be supported by every mem- ber. Every church should be getting the best pastoral care in this age of world confusion and unrest. Let the Church of the Brethren measure up to its opportunity and make great advancements in the kingdom's work.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bass, Arthur B., Protestantism in the United States, New York, Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1929.
Beasley, Norman, Michigan the Wolverine State, Garden City, Doubleday, Doran Company, Inc., 1936.
Campbell, James, Outline of the Political History of Mich- igan, Detroit, Shaler & Co., 1876.
Cooley, Thomas McIntyre, Michigan, A History of Govern- ment, Boston, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1885.
Ebey, Robert, Pioneering of the Brethren in Michigan, the- sis presented to Bethany Biblical Seminary, Chicago, in candidacy for the bachelor of divinity degree, unpub- lished, 1945.
Flory, John S., Builders of the Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Brethren Publishing House, 1925.
Flory, John S., Flashlights From History, Elgin, Brethren Publishing House, 1932.
Goodrich, Calvin, The First Michigan Frontier, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan Press, 1940.
Grant, Madison, The Conquest of a Continent, New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1934.
Hemans, Lawton Thomas, History of Michigan, Lansing, The Michigan Education Co., 1927.
Henry, Jerry Maurice, History of the Church of the Brethren in Maryland, Elgin, Brethren Publishing House, 1936.
Holsinger, H. R., History of the Tunkers and the Brethren Church, Oakland, Pacific Press Publishing Co., 1901.
Lewis, Ferris E., My State and Its Story, Hillsdale, Hillsdale School Supply Co., 1937.
Miller and Royer, Some Who Led, Elgin, Brethren Publish- ing House, 1912.
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
Moherman, T. S., A History of the Church of the Brethren- Northeastern Ohio, Elgin, Brethren Publishing House, 1914.
Riddell, William Renwick, Michigan Under the British Rule -1760-1796, Lansing, Michigan Historical Commission, 1926. Sweet, William Warren, Religion on the American Frontier, Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 1939.
Sweet, William Warren, The Story of Religion in America, New York, Harper & Bros., Publishers, 1939.
Turner, Frederick Jackson, The Frontier in American His- tory, New York, Henry Holt & Co., 1937.
Utley, Henry M., Michigan as a Province, Territory and State, New York, The Publishing Society of Michigan, 1906.
Winger, Otho, History of the Church of the Brethren in Indi- ana, Elgin, Brethren Publishing House, 1917.
Winger, Otho, History of the Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Brethren Publishing House, 1919.
Zigler, D. H., History of the Brethren in Virginia, Elgin, Brethren Publishing House, 1914.
Zryd, Dorothy, Prize Essays-Local History Contest, Lans- ing, Michigan Historical Commission, 1920-21, Bulletin N. 15.
PERIODICALS
Brethren Almanac and Year Book, 1875-1941.
Brethren's Annual, The.
Christian Family Companion.
Primitive Christian and Pilgrim.
District Meeting Minutes, District of Michigan.
Gospel Visitor, The, Volumes I-XV, 1851-1880.
Gospel Messenger, The, Volumes 1-89.
Missionary Visitor, The, Michigan Number, May 1907.
APPENDIX I
RECORD OF CONGREGATIONS
Almena
Location-seven miles northeast of Paw Paw, Michigan Started-about 1865 Organized-1870 Church dedicated-(no record)
Congregation went Progressive Brethren about 1884
Charter members-30
Membership in 1882-44
PRESIDING ELDERS MINISTERS AND PASTORS
Walter Clark
Walter Clark
John Stretch
John Stretch
John Shank
Battle Creek
Location-corner Van Buren and Lemont Sts., Battle Creek, Michigan Started-1916
Organized-1918, under the mission board
Church dedicated-1920 New basement dedicated in March 1927 Charter members-26
Membership in 1945-181
PRESIDING ELDERS MINISTERS AND PASTORS
H. V. Townsend H. W. Peters Charles A. Spencer J. E. Ulery
J. S. Burger David O. Schechter
David Ensign David P. Schechter
Herbert Fisher John Smith
Walter Fisher
Harper Snavely
Ted Gandy D. H. Keller
Fred Strohm
H. V. Townsend
Martha Keller
Morris Weisel
Elmer Leckrone
H. A. Weller
Floyd E. Mallott
Russell Weller
John Miller
Bear Lake
Location-eight miles south of Petoskey at Clarion, Michigan Started-about 1880 Organized-
Church dedicated- Bought schoolhouse in 1894
(Picture in Missionary Visitor, May 1907) Charter members-
Disorganized-about 1924
PRESIDING ELDERS MINISTERS AND PASTORS
Samuel Younce
Isaac Hufford
Samuel Younce
Daniel E. Kniesley
Wm. C. Young
Joseph Sala
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
Beaverton
Location-three miles east of Beaverton, Michigan
Started-1898
Organized-August 17, 1901
Church dedicated-June 4, 1905
Charter members-17
Membership in 1945-207
PRESIDING ELDERS
MINISTERS AND PASTORS
Perry Arnold
Perry Arnold John Killian
Samuel Bowser
Samuel Bowser
John Mark
Daniel Chambers
Daniel Chambers
Nathan McKimmy
Perry R. Hoover E. S. Hollinger
Wm. McKimmy
John McKimmy
J. W. Hoover
Elma Rau
Perry McKimmy
Perry R. Hoover Joseph Van Dyke
Wm. Neff
A. J. Kaufman
Arthur L. Warner
Arthur Whisler
George Killian
Arthur Whisler
Black River
Location-Van Buren County, near Bangor, Michigan
Started-1855
Organized-1865
Church dedicated-1898
Charter members-16
Membership in 1882-52
Disorganized-1923
PRESIDING ELDERS
F. P. Loehr
M. T. Baer
Isaac Rairigh
Samuel H. Baker
J. M. Smith
Enos Fisher
I. C. Snavely
William Gephart
Devolt Spillers
F. P. Loehr David Thomas
George Long
Jacob Thomas
F. E. Miller
Cedar House
Location-five miles east of Hart, Michigan Started-(date unknown) part of Hart congregation
Church dedicated-(date unknown) store building
Building sold-1930, district mission board
Coleman
Location-fifteen miles south and three miles west of Beaverton, Michigan Started-(date unknown) part of Beaverton congregation Discontinued-about 1915
Elder George E. Stone ministered here
Crystal
Location-two miles south of Crystal, Michigan Started-1880
Organized-August 15, 1901
Church dedicated-October 6, 1901 (First house destroyed by fire, October 4, 1902, and new house dedicated on January 18, 1903) Charter members-19
Membership in 1945-85
MINISTERS AND PASTORS
George Long
Isaac Rairigh
J. M. Smith
327
Appendix I
MINISTERS AND PASTORS
PRESIDING ELDERS Floyd Bollinger
Floyd Bollinger
Wilmer M. Lehman
J. J. Cook
Samuel Bollinger
David P. Schechter
E. E. Eshelman J. J. Cook
George E. Stone
John Rairigh
Walter S. Coffman
Arthur E. Taylor
Isaiah Rairigh
E. E. Eshelman
J. F. Sherrick
Ernest Jehnsen
C. L. Wilkins
Jacob Kepner
Detroit
Location-East Lafayette at Seyburn, Detroit, Michigan Started-May 1916 Organized-February 2, 1918
Church dedicated-February 3, 1918 Second church building on September 19, 1926 Charter members-41
Membership in 1945-600
PRESIDING ELDERS MINISTERS AND PASTORS
C. H. Deardorff
Garland Borden
L. O. McCartneysmith
Charles O. Forror
Earl Bowman
John Miller
H. R. Hostetler
J. P. Bowman A. O. Mote
A. O. Mote
J. E. Boyd (licensed)
J. Perry Prather
J. Perry Prather
C. H. Deardorff E. C. Reiley
Merlin Shull
J. F. Dietz
Merlin Shull
H. V. Townsend
Charles O. Forror
H. V. Townsend
C. L. Wilkins
H. R. Hostetler
Moy Way
Pearl Jackson
C. L. Wilkins
Durand
Location-at Durand, Michigan Started-part of Elsie congregation No church building
Elmdale
Location-three-fourths mile south of Elmdale, Michigan
Started-1876 (first called West Thornapple)
Organized-June 19, 1914
Church dedicated-1878
Charter members-
Membership in 1945-92
PRESIDING ELDERS MINISTERS AND PASTORS
Daniel Chambers J. F. Baldwin
Wm. H. Rivell
George Long
Samuel Bowser
Martin Scholten
Roy J. McRoberts
Daniel Chambers
David E. Sower
I. F. Rairigh
C. H. Deardorff
E. M. Starbard
Jacob Kepner Wm. E. Tombaugh
S. M. Smith Van B. Wright
Roy J. McRoberts
Stephen A. Weaver
Elsie (First called Saginaw)
Location-two miles north, two miles east of Elsie, Michigan Started-1870 Organized-October 1874 Church dedicated-1900 Charter members-15 Membership in 1945-17
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
PRESIDING ELDERS J. E. Albaugh
J. E. Albaugh
D. P. Schechter
Zachariah Albaugh
Zachariah Albaugh L. W. Shafer
Daniel Chambers
David Baker
J. F. Sherrick
Perry R. Hoover
George Long
Daniel Chambers
George Long
Isaac Miller
Hiram W. Peters
L. H. Prowant
Flint
Location-1200 Stocker Avenue, off 3200 Corunna Road, Flint, Michigan Started-1920 (from Elsie congregation) Organized-October 1928 Church dedicated-June 7, 1928 New church house-1939 Charter members-50
Membership in 1945-107
PRESIDING ELDERS MINISTERS AND PASTORS
Hiram W. Peters
Elmer Dadisman
Elvert Miller
L. H. Prowant
Elmer Leckrone
Ralph Rarick
Walter J. Heisey
H. W. Peters
Arthur E. Taylor
L. H. Prowant
Hugh Warstler
Walter J. Heisey
Grand Rapids
Location-301 Burton Street S. W., Grand Rapids, Michigan Started-January 1910 (from Thornapple congregation) Organized-
Church dedicated-July 6, 1913
Charter members-22
Membership in 1945-154
PRESIDING ELDERS Jonas C. Overholt H. V. Townsend
MINISTERS AND PASTORS
F. D. Anthony John Mishler
C. H. Cameron W. C. Sell
E. F. Caslow
Mrs. Martin Scholten
Harold Chambers Albert Smith
George Culler C. Walter Warstler
Kenneth G. Long
S. B. Wenger
Sarah Long C. L. Wilkins
H. D. Michael
Van B. Wright
Harlan
Location-three-fourths mile northwest of Harlan, Michigan Started-1904 Organized-May 2, 1908 Church dedicated-June 27, 1908 Charter members-38 Membership in 1945-39
Earl M. Starbard
Hugh Warstler
Isaac Miller L. H. Prowant L. W. Shafer
J. F. Sherrick
MINISTERS AND PASTORS
Levi Baker
Charles A. Spencer
329
Appendix I
PRESIDING ELDERS Galen Barkdoll J. Edson Ulery
MINISTERS AND PASTORS
Galen Barkdoll Roy Miller
C. H. Deardorff
Loren Moss
George Deardorff
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