USA > Michigan > The history of the Church of the Brethren in Michigan > Part 4
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The Brethren did not allow the problem of disagreeable weather or bad roads to interfere with their planned meet- ings. Especially was this true of those who attended love feast occasions.
From the Sunfield history we glean that when love feasts were held in the early churches "members came from other congregations as far as fifty to seventy-five miles, taking a whole day in travel each way." When we remember that even today, with the modern mode of travel in the auto- mobile, people are seldom eager to go one half that distance to partake of the communion, it should cause us to be ashamed.
Speaking of cold weather in Michigan, J. G. Winey in his correspondence to the Primitive Christian, January 14, 1881, writes: "The writer rode thirty-one miles that day in a bob sleigh and did not freeze either ears, nose or toes, so you see it is not as cold here as it is farther south. Why is it? Simply because the waters of Lake Michigan and other lakes modify the cold winds."
David White, who had moved from the Black River church, Medina County, Ohio, in May 1879 and had located on a rented farm in Gratiot County, wrote in his correspond- ence to the Primitive Christian and Pilgrim on July 11, 1879,
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
the following: "We with brother George Stone hitched our horses together in a lumber wagon, and went to Eaton County to a love feast, held in the barn of brother Fryfogle, the elder of the Sunfield Church, and enjoyed a feast of Charity indeed."
Another hint of the tremendous hazards which the pioneer ministers had to face is given in an article by Elder George Stone.
I will say first, we as a Church here, are in peace and union for which we feel to thank God. Bro. John Brillhart of Crawford Coun- ty, Ohio, is here visiting friends, also preaching the Word which is an anchor to the soul, both sure and stedfast. It made the little band of brethren here in Gratiot County, to take new courage, as we love to have such brethren come among us. I will try to give you a short history of a trip I made to hunt up some of our members in Montcalm County. Hearing by a Baptist preacher that there were Dunkard people living in the north central part of said Coun- ty, I set forth with horse and buggy, in company with Bro. H. F. Hoffman, in search of the lost sheep, and after driving through mud, and over rough roads, until about noon, when we arrived at a place and enquired for Dunkards, we found we must turn back and go another road. About half-past one we drove up to a log house and enquired, when lo, and behold we were there! We found three- one brother and two sisters-right in the midst of a thick pine forest, where on either side were large trees towering their lofty heads far towards heaven. We were received in love and kindness. Their hearts were made glad, as they did not know there were any mem- bers living here. We tried to comfort and encourage them on their way heavenward, and think our trip was not a vain one. I think good could be done up here if some of our brethren could come and preach oftener. When there are four, five, or perhaps, more, be- hind the stand, remember us here with one speaker and a territory nearly fifty miles wide, and I don't know how long. Remember us in your petitions to God.8
The problems which the ministers and the early churches had to face in the District of Michigan were made known to the entire brotherhood through the church publications of that day. While the people were isolated and could not
8 Primitive Christian and Pilgrim, 1879. Page 286.
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Problems Confronting Pioneer Churches
have preaching very often, they did have the church pub- lication coming to their homes to keep them in touch with others. The pioneer churches in Michigan did not despair over their problems but worked to overcome them.
PART II HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE STATE DISTRICT
CHAPTER IV
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS (Refer to Appendix I)
ALMENA
The Almena church was one of the first churches in Mich- igan. It was situated seven miles northeast of Paw Paw, Van Buren County. This is about four and one-half miles north of Mattawan on the Michigan Central Railway. At the time when the big division occurred, this church decided as a whole to affiliate with the Progressive Brethren. Hol- singer, in his History of the Tunkers, says: "They simply reaffirmed their former vow to take the gospel of Christ for their only law in religion and church government, and they would remain in the Brethren Church. Hence the Almena church was never torn asunder by the Annual Meeting rule. It stood loyal to the Master, and will stand as a beacon light amidst the darkness that surrounds them, ever holding to the teachings of the divine Master, keeping the ordinances of the house of God."1
It is probable that the Brethren families who located in the vicinity of this church influenced others to come to Michigan. Presumably this early church functioned well during the latter part of the nineteenth century. In 1884 the membership totaled about thirty. The property has been sold and the building dismantled.
BATTLE CREEK
The Battle Creek Church of the Brethren can be said to have begun with the visit of Brother Demarest Early to Battle Creek in April 1916 in search of employment. He
1 H. R. Holsinger, History of the Tunkers and the Brethren Church. Page 552.
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
was a molder by trade and came from North Manchester, Indiana. Brother Early found employment for himself and for his brother-in-law, Brother Ira Potter, also a resident of North Manchester. In July 1916 the two families moved their household goods in one chartered car. In the interim, April to July, Sister Goldie Early had come to visit her husband, who was working and boarding. About two years previous to the coming of the Earlys, Brother and Sister Fred E. Strohm had already been living at Battle Creek. They were in training at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, where they graduated from the nurses' course three years later. One day Brother Strohm happened to meet Sister Early on the street. She was recognized by her bonnet. This incident brought the group together for intimate Christian fellowship. In nurses' training at the sanitarium were Brother and Sister David P. Schechter, who were friends of the Strohms. Both families had come from the West. They had both spent some time at Bethany Bible School, Chicago. These people, desiring to promote Breth- ren ideals, started a Sunday school and conducted prayer meetings.
The first service in Battle Creek was undoubtedly an eve- ning or two after Sister Early and Brother Strohm had met. It was a prayer meeting held in the Strohms' room at the sanitarium. The Strohms also knew another member in the city, Mrs. Emma Gardner, who had come from the now- extinct Black River church. At this prayer meeting seven were present. As far as could be ascertained there were nine members in the city at this time.
In October 1916, Floyd and Maurine Kilpatrick moved from Woodland, Michigan. Sister Maurine was a member of the Woodland church. Floyd attended the Sunday school, and in 1919 he was baptized. He was the first one to be converted as a direct result of the work. He was taken
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History of Congregations
forty miles to the Woodland church and baptized by Elder John Smith. A visitation program was directed by Sister Early and Sister Kilpatrick. They canvassed the Springfield Place neighborhood, where the members' families lived. Sunday school was held in the Early home. The first super- intendent was Brother David P. Schechter. For four months it was a local volunteer effort and then it asked to be taken under the supervision of the nearest Church of the Brethren, which was Woodland. It is a matter of vivid memory on the part of several who were present at the first Sunday- school session that there were thirty-two in attendance. After the first Sunday the attendance increased rapidly. The number soon reached about sixty, where it continued, taxing the capacity of the Early home. The first notable public program was on Easter, 1917.
During the summer of 1917 Brother and Sister Peter Mullenix were building a dwelling and in the autumn they moved into it. They were members from Woodland, the parents of Sisters Early and Kilpatrick.
Both Fred Strohm and David P. Schechter were ministers, but as student nurses they had little freedom as to time. Consequently preaching was irregular. After Battle Creek was taken under the jurisdiction of the Woodland church, Brother John Smith made a number of preaching trips. For a time he preached on alternate Sunday mornings.
The year 1918 marked some changes in personnel. Brother and Sister H. A. Weller and family came and the Schechters left. One meeting served as a welcome for the Wellers and a farewell for the Schechters. That was the year Camp Custer was being crowded, and several nurses of Brethren parentage together with draftees filled the occasional serv- ices. In December 1918 one of the much-appreciated fami- lies of the church, Brother and Sister Harley Arnett, moved from northern Michigan.
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
Brother H. A. Weller assumed more or less leadership, for he was an elder. In time, services were transferred from the Early home to the Springfield Place schoolhouse. This was not satisfactory. By advertisement it was dis- covered that Brother and Sister Earl Wolfe, members from Indiana, were in the city. They had been quietly living here for some time. These, too, were a source of strength to the group.
The demand for a satisfactory meeting place led to the building of the first church. The group wrote to the dis- trict mission board. In the spring of 1920 a meeting was held in the home of Mary Arnett. It was here that mem- bers, including soldiers and student nurses, pledged $800.00 toward the building project. The total cost was about $2,000.00, which did not include the large amount of volun- teer labor.
A lot was secured at the present site, the corner of Van Buren and Lemont streets. Brother Demarest Early and Brother C. L. Wilkins of the district mission board staked out the church. Elder John Smith was the carpenter hired by the board. He was boarded by the Earlys. Brother Harley Townsend of Woodland was put in charge of the work by the mission board sometime after 1918.
After the "little white church" was built, Sister Goldie Early was employed by the district mission board as mis- sion visitor. She received $10.00 a month and worked tire- lessly, visiting in the homes.
The church was dedicated in the autumn of 1920. Brother Harley Townsend preached the dedicatory sermon. A week of meetings were held with Brother E. F. Caslow as the evangelist. At Easter, 1921, Brother Townsend held a meet- ing and a number were baptized. In the autumn of 1921 Sister Early entered Bethany Bible School, Chicago, and at the time Brother Russell Weller came as the first full-time
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History of Congregations
BATTLE CREEK CHURCH
pastor. He continued as pastor from 1921 to 1925. Soon after New Year's Day of 1926 John Miller came as pastor and remained till the spring of 1927, closing his work under a dark cloud. But it was during John Miller's pastorate that the present cement basement structure was built. The "little white church" was moved to Graves Avenue and served as both parsonage and church while the present structure was under construction. Brother John Miller had been accepted by the district board as a contractor- builder and proceeded in a manner that alienated many of the people. In March 1927 the basement was dedicated. However, the interior was unfinished at the time. Elder. J. W. Lear preached the dedicatory sermon.
In September 1927 Brother J. S. Burger became pastor and continued one year. He was elderly and retired at the close of the year. Brother Harper Snavely succeeded him but remained only seven months.
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
Brother David P. Schechter had returned about 1922, and Brother H. A. Weller was still a resident in the city. In addition Brother Morris Weisel, a minister, resided in the congregation. In September 1929 D. H. and Martha Keller came to take pastoral charge under a three-year contract. After September 1932 an interim of fourteen months fol- lowed in which the local preachers did the preaching. In November 1933 Brother F. E. Mallott came to take pastoral charge. Being a member of the faculty of Bethany Biblical Seminary, he served on a part-time basis until December 1942. Conditions during the depression had made a mission grant from Elgin necessary. The congregation gradually worked itself free from the old incubus of debt and at Easter, 1940, celebrated the extinction of the locally held portion of the debt. The congregation is now free of all indebtedness. A parsonage fund was started in September 1943, and much has been subscribed to the project. Plans are also underway to erect the remainder of the church building on the basement foundation.
The congregation feels that it owes much to the district and to the General Mission Board in the struggle to build a church of the New Testament pattern in this beautiful southern Michigan city-a typical small American industrial city.
Brother Walter Fisher, with his family, moved into the congregation in the winter of 1938-39. He succeeded Broth- er F. E. Mallott by beginning a full-time pastoral program in 1943. Brother Fisher was advanced to the eldership by the district elders' body and ordained on November 18, 1944, with Elders Arthur Dodge and Walter Young officiat- ing. Brother Fisher served until September 1945. He was succeeded by Brother H. V. Townsend, who began pastoral duties on February 1, 1946.
Brother Ted Gandy, while a student at Bethany Bible
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History of Congregations
Training School in Chicago, was licensed to the ministry, and later was installed. Brother Herbert A. Fisher, son of the former pastor, has been given a ministerial license, and is pursuing his training at Manchester College.
Deacons in the Battle Creek church have included H. A. Arnett, Homer Klingman, A. C. Gorham, Everett Dean, Earl Wolfe, Ollie Hammond, and Lester Hand.
All the phases of the brotherhood program receive good support from the Battle Creek members. They maintain an aggressive program of Christian education for all age groups. They have qualified leadership in the field of church music. Their women's work and men's work coun- cils are very active. All indications point to a stronger Church of the Brethren in this city with a radiant spiritual force going out from it in the years to come.
BEAR LAKE
The name appears in the list of congregations at the be- ginning of the century. One is impressed greatly with the picture of this quaint old church house as it appears in the May 1907 issue of the Missionary Visitor. The data that could be found is not sufficient to permit writing very much.
There is a daughter of Brother Isaac Hufford, of the name of Mrs. Margaret Salah, who is still living in the vicinity where the church was situated. The author is greatly indebted to her for furnishing valuable information. She tells us that the church was situated at Clarion, a small town eight miles south of Petoskey.
Isaac Hufford and family settled near Petoskey in the spring of 1880. They located at Bear Lake (now Walloon Lake). The G. R. and I. Railroad ended at Petoskey. Clar- ion at that time consisted of a small clearing. There were
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
just a few hewn logs beside the track. The post office was in a farmhouse. The lumber industry was beginning to draw people to this section. Soon a mill, several stores and a school were opened. The United Brethren, with the help of the people of the community, built a church, which
BEAR LAKE
was shared by our people for Sunday-school work. In 1894 the schoolhouse became too small for public school purposes and the building was bought for a church. It was in this building that Isaac Hufford preached the first sermon heard in Clarion. This awakened a new religious interest, and the work grew.
Isaac Hufford, Lewis Margerum and Henry Teegarden were the first trustees. Lewis Margerum, Henry Teegarden, Joulas Doerr and Samuel Wallace were deacons.
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History of Congregations
The school building was remodeled and was dedicated by a series of meetings held by Brother John Smith of Wood- land, Michigan.
The Bear Lake church was once a part of the Little Trav- erse church. The distance of twenty-five miles was too great to allow the Bear Lake members to meet with that church often.
There was a missionary spirit manifested by the church leaders here, for we are told that services were held at Wetzel, a place thirty miles away. There was a preaching appointment there once a month. It is amazing to note that Brother Isaac Hufford walked the distance twice in order to fill the appointment.
This church fulfilled a mission of spiritual service in the community for about three decades. Then people moved away, others passed on to their eternal reward, and no one was left to fill the vacancies left by these members. The Sunday school was closed about 1924, and our church activity ceased because of prevailing conditions. It seems evident that the church building was sold to another de- nomination, and it was recently torn down and removed.
BEAVERTON
The history of the Beaverton congregation is the inter- esting story of the progress of a typical pioneer church. The spirit of achievement which united them all in a common purpose in those early years was carried in the church and meant progress from the beginning. The first small group of Brethren families arrived in 1898, and seven years later a church house costing $1,400 was dedicated-no small achievement for those who at the same time were meeting the inconveniences and heavy expenses incident to resi-
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
dence in a new country. Here was a church that was eager to advance.
It had a beginning that assured permanency. Brother and Sister Abiathar Ordiway were the first Brethren settlers
BEAVERTON
in Gladwin County, coming here in 1884. In 1897, under the auspices of the district mission board, Elder Daniel Chambers and wife held some meetings in the territory of Beaverton, and this was made a mission point. However, as new families arrived and the congregation increased, the church soon became a working group. It was then organized as the Beaverton congregation with a membership of seventeen. Elder Chambers was chosen as the elder-in- charge. Elder Perry Arnold, the only minister, then lived eighteen miles distant. In 1902 Elders John and William McKimmy located here.
The Sunday-school and church services were held in the schoolhouse until the church house was completed. The first love feast was held in a tent in Brother Enos Crowel's
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History of Congregations
dooryard. On June 4, 1905, the church house was dedicated. The first trustees were John A. McKimmy, J. S. Whitmer and David B. Mote.
In looking over the church records we can trace a gradual growth in methods and organization. Just as in a home it takes years to become established, so each year the church took a firmer and deeper hold in the community. However, we believe that the spirit of healthy aggression which characterized those first years of this congregation has never been surpassed.
Elder Perry Arnold, the presiding elder for many years, who is still living, is mentioned among the first in the records. During the entire life of the Beaverton congrega- tion he has given his service with a true devotion. For a period of seventeen years, with the exception of one year, 1919, when Brother Samuel Bowser was the elder, he had the oversight of the congregation. This is an eloquent testimony to his ability as a wise leader. Brother Arthur Whisler is the present elder-in-charge. The other elders of the church have been: Perry McKimmy, elected in 1909; William Neff, 1910; William Neff and John McKimmy, jointly, 1915. Other ministers who have lived in the con- gregation and have given valuable service are Nathan Mc- Kimmy, John Killian, and George Killian. All of these are now deceased. A. J. Kaufman and Joseph Van Dyke were called to the ministry here, and Sister Elma Rau was called in 1930.
The Beaverton Sunday school has always been a strong organization. It was early accredited as a Front Line School in Gladwin County. In 1913 a separate primary depart- ment was organized. The primary superintendents have been Olive Miller, Ethel Whitmer, Zepha Hornish, Nellie Rupp, Martha Whitmer, Mary McKimmy, Jessie Hoover, and Grace Ward. Among the general superintendents were
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
the following: Enos Crowel, David B. Mote, J. S. Whitmer, Katie Patterson, A. J. Kaufman, Henry Rau, Jacob Hoover, James Rhinehart, Henry Mishler, Hurley McKimmy and Andrew Long. Sister Elma Rau rendered efficient service as superintendent for a period of many years. In 1931 the intermediate department was organized under the leadership of Sister Jessie Hoover. A fine group of young people is in preparation here for capable leadership in the future.
The Beaverton church has always been a missionary church. Several branch Sunday schools were early or- ganized in various places where members resided, and preaching services have been held at various points when ministers were available. In 1912 a missionary committee was appointed; it continued for some years. The members of the church made definite subscriptions to the missionary fund.
We can say with enthusiasm that the sisters' aid society has ever been a living factor in the life of the church. A report of this faithful band of workers would be interesting and not a little surprising to many of our readers.
The Christian Workers Society had its day of usefulness as a spiritual factor, and many regrets attended its dis- organization in 1919. About fifteen years ago the B.Y.P.D. was organized under the leadership of Sister Ethel Whit- mer. Other leaders have been Joseph Van Dyke, Harold Hoover, Wilbur Whitmer and Wendell Long.
In June 1927 Brother Perry Hoover and wife assumed the pastorate of the church. They continued to serve until 1931; then, owing to the depression, the church could no longer continue the obligation. Brother Hoover's family remained with them until June 1934, when, with many re- grets on the part of the church, they left for Indiana.
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History of Congregations
From 1935 to 1937 Brother Arthur L. Warner served as the pastor. He left to go to the church at Lynchburg, Virginia.
The district, ministerial and Sunday-school meetings were held at this church in 1906, 1911, 1916, 1924, 1929 and 1942. The church building was remodeled to accommodate better the district conference which was held there in August 1942. A new parsonage has been erected since 1940.
Some evangelists who have labored with the church in recent years are R. H. Nicodemus, Charles Forror and Ar- thur L. Warner.
We would greatly desire to elaborate on the loving serv- ice rendered to the church through the years by devoted teachers, officers and lay members, but space forbids. The voices of those who have gone before seem to say, "Press on," and it remains for those filling responsible official positions to continue to make the Beaverton church a center of consecrated effort for the community and for the church at large.
Brother Perry R. Hoover returned to the pastorate in 1939, and served until 1943. He gave one half of his time to the pastoral program of the church and the other half to the district as fieldworker. Brother E. S. Hollinger of Southern Ohio was called to succeed Brother Hoover in the pastorate. He began his work here in January 1944.
BLACK RIVER
The Black River church was in Van Buren County, in the southern part of the state, within eight miles of Lake Michigan. The first members that came to this part of Michigan were Brethren John and Dan Funk and their wives; they settled near Bangor. They had lived in the
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History of the Brethren in Michigan
state about ten years before any active work was started.
The church was organized with sixteen members, and Elder F. P. Loehr was chosen to preside over the congrega- tion. The first love feast was held in October 1865 in Broth- er Christian Funk's gristmill. The territory at the time of the organization comprised the entire state of Michigan.
BLACK RIVER
The first Sunday school was organized in 1869. This prob- ably was held in a home or a schoolhouse. The church house was built in 1898, at a cost of $800.00.
I. C. Snavely, a minister, moved into the Black River church as a total stranger in 1905. Having learned of the pos- sibility of Bethany Bible School opening under the leader- ship of E. B. Hoff and A. C. Wieand, he and his family came from the prairies of Nebraska in order to be close enough to attend this school. He devoted much time in ministering to the needs of the congregation for three years. Brother Snavely says: "We entered heartily into the work in the Black River church. A good Sunday school was maintained, also preaching every Sunday. No one there gave very much
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