USA > Ohio > A history of the church of the Brethren, Northeastern Ohio > Part 13
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Concerning the form or proposing oaths in order to save one's conscience for the Gospel's sake, whether we could answer with yea such a form, "And this you do under the pains and penalties of perjury?" It was considered, if a brother were grieved herein, let him counsel whether there was no other form for us.
Whether a brother might serve in a worldly of- fice or as a juryman. Considered that no follower of Jesus can serve in such, and if he could get re- lieved with money (by paying a fine), he should not serve therein.
Concerning the abuse of tobacco. This has been before the meeting already, and was always con- sidered a shamefully bad habit (German, Untugend), and everything bad, says the apostle, is sin, and sin de- fileth the body; and another apostle says, that your bodies, together with soul and spirit, shall be holy.
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1834 ANNUAL MEETING.
This meeting was held one mile west of Freeburg, Ohio, on the farm then owned by Elder Elias Dick- ey, Stark County. The 1854 Annual Meeting was also held on the farm of Elder Elias Dickey, then in Ashland County. From this Brother Dickey be- came twice honored and blessed.
The reader will note that this is the second An- nual Meeting held within the territory of North- eastern Ohio. A barn was sufficiently large then for the auditorium. The people who attended were fed and lodged free. Hospitality was an overflow to both members and those who were not. The pri- vate conveyance, and other simple means of travel were improvised to make the journey. It was the annual pilgrimage for many then as it is now to meet in a great gathering, to join prayers, songs and discussions on vital questions that the Church of the Brethren may be kept unspotted from the world, and that the unity of the faith might be kept. A sacred past was to be preserved and an uncertain future was to be fortified against, hence the faith that overcame every obstacle that the Brethren might come together in order that the work of God on earth might be properly taken care of.
Since there were but few railroad facilities to accommodate those members who were at a consid- erable distance from the place of the meetings, the business of the Conferences was largely discussed and acted upon by local talent. On account of this we give a gist of the Minutes of the Annual Meet- ings held within the District, for they are an expres-
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sion in a large measure of the membership residing in Northeastern Ohio and not till some time later was the voting confined to the delegate body, when transportation facilities afforded a more represent- ative attendance at our Annual Meetings.
The following is a brief summary of what the faith, hope and love of the 1834 Annual Meeting produced for the Brotherhood :
It was not considered prudent to sing while the bread was being broken at communion occasions, but quite proper while the cup was being passed.
Work on Sundays was considered quite out of place, and a strong exhortation was given to keep the day in stillness and in the fear of the Lord.
As to whether interest should be taken of a brother, the sentiment was somewhat divided, but it finally prevailed that we should be willing to lend to the poor without interest.
Whether a person could be received into the church who had been immersed once backward without baptizing him again. It was considered, though it had been done before, it was best and the safest way to baptize them right, and here- after it should not be done otherwise.
Whether a minister could be given a certificate from one congregation to another without paying his debts. In this case special advice was given, but not noted.
A ministering brother being appointed as an ex- ecutor of an estate cannot use the law without first counselling with the church.
Concerning political offices, it was considered that
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brethren should keep themselves clean of them as much as possible.
Concerning high and fashionable clothing and conformity to the world, it was considered a great evil and should not be tolerated in the church.
It was considered proper for unordained brethren to administer the communion when ordained breth- ren are present. He should always have older ones with him to assist in the work.
Whether a brother could serve on a jury when a man is tried for his life. Considered that it can not be done at all. (Note .- This shows that the Breth- ren were opposed to capital punishment.)
Should a minister transgress and be relieved of his office, and membership, when he is reinstated he may or may not be restored to his office, it all de- pending upon the gravity of the case.
Concerning a sister preaching, it was disapproved on the ground that she would expose herself to temptation, and cause discord and disputes among other members.
By a careful study of the foregoing it can be easily seen that the Brethren on Northeastern Ohio soil were very jealous of the purity and holiness of the membership; that untried methods of church work should be received with caution, and that there should be a distinct line drawn between the church and the world.
After the last prayer was offered and hymn sung, loving good-byes were said, and the homeward journey was taken, feeling that they had been in a heavenly place, and had drunk deep from the ever- lasting fountains of eternal life.
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THE 1843 ANNUAL MEETING Held Within the Bounds of the Mohican Church, Wayne County.
This Conference was held on the farm of Elder John Shoemaker, one mile southwest of where the churchhouse now stands. The business sessions were held in a big barn forty-five by eighty feet. The Annual Meetings at that time were held before Pentecost. The reader will remember that no rail-
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BARN REPLACING THE ONE THE 1843 ANNUAL MEETING WAS HELD IN
roads pierced this section of the country, and but very few within the State. Hence, private convey- ance was the only mode of travel; many walked great distances to the meeting. Our chronicler in- forms us that those more remote from the place of meeting started from their homes as much as ten or twelve days before the time of the opening of the Conference, that they might be there on time. This
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looks like Christian zeal, does it not? You will remember that it took as long to go home as it did in coming to the meeting. As was the custom in those days, all the horses were turned out into a field to graze while the meetings continued. The attendance at the Conference was very large, and on Sunday, to accommodate the people, preaching services were held at three different places on the
RESIDENCE WHERE THE 1843 ANNUAL MEETING WAS HELD The original house was destroyed.
farm: at the barn, the house, and in the orchard. Brother Troxel, now eighty-five years old, states that there seemed to be no end to the crowd of peo- ple, and that he never saw so many horses together at one time.
At the close of the meeting a love feast was held where all the brethren and sisters from all parts of the Brotherhood would participate, thus binding
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more closely fraternal ties, with the hope that the good Lord might give them many more like occa- sions to consecrate their lives anew for the Master's use. Camp fires, and wells of living waters like those that were had at the 1843 Annual Meeting, played no small part in the further development of the church.
An incident occurred at this Conference that will be read with interest. On account of the big crowd at the meeting, some hucksters from Wooster, think- ing that this would be a good place to sell eatables and liquor, pitched their tents a short distance from the meeting grounds. As soon as it was known that they were there selling liquor, some of the young men of the community, not members of any church, protested and ordered the traffickers in liquors to leave the community. They, seeing that these young men meant business, obeyed orders. This speaks well for the kind of young men they raised in that community, and the respect they had for meetings of this kind.
Business of the meeting :
Annual Meeting Minutes.
When a large church, by common consent, has been divided into several districts, and in one of these districts it is found necessary to hold an election for teachers and deacons, whether the mem- bers of such district alone are entitled to vote, or whether the members of the other districts have a right to vote also? Considered that when such a di- vision takes place by common consent, for the great-
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er convenience of members and of meetings, we un- derstand it that henceforth these several districts are to form so many particular churches, though they may be under the superintendence of but one bishop, and that, consequently, when one of these districts, or one of these particular churches, stands in need of laborers and has to hold an election, it would be as improper for the members of the other districts to vote at such an election as it would be for members of other churches that never formed a part of the old and large district. In case there were no express word for such things, we think we may safely follow the apostle Paul, when he says (1 Cor. 11 : 14) : " Doth not nature itself teach you " what is proper ?
How it might be considered when, at an election for teachers and deacons, absent members do send their votes with other members? Considered that since the promise of our Savior is given, " Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them " (Matt. 18: 20), in such important church affairs this promise be- longs only to those that are assembled, and not to those that are absent; the Brethren generally have acted upon that ground, and not taken any vote from absent members.
Is it agreeable with the Word of God for a deacon (visiting brother) to stand up in public meeting and exhort, when sufficient time has been spent already? Considered that, according to the Word of God, " all things should be done decently and in order "; and as teaching is the proper office of the teachers, and not of the deacons, they ought not to go any further
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than their calling requires them, where it is not necessary, and it would not be advisable for a teach- er to urge them (the deacons) any further than duty calls them.
Whether the ordination of a brother can be frus- trated, when the whole church is united on the sub- ject, with the exception of one or a few members? Considered that in case the ordination of a brother is judged as necessary and proper by the church, and the ordained brethren from a distance, and there could be no weighty objection made by those that are of another opinion in this matter, they ought to acquiesce in it, and the ordination might go on according to the desire of the church.
Whether a teacher has a right, in his exhortation to prayer, to give liberty to those who do not choose to bow down with us, to rise up in prayer? Considered that we are to exhort our hearers to hu- mility in prayer, and as is generally the case, to bow down on our knees; but where there is no room, or where the ground does not permit kneeling, the brethren could see no wrong in permitting in such, or another case of necessity, to rise to their feet in prayer.
How is it considered, when one teacher commonly consumes as much time as two, three and four hours in one meeting, speaking continually? The unani- mous opinion of the brethren was, that inasmuch as God is a God of order, and such long-continued dis- courses must needs be fatiguing, both to the teacher and the hearers, cause disorder and deprive other teachers of the opportunity to speak, to the edifi- cation of the church, this conduct is out of all order,
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and ought not to be, and it would always be best not to prolong our meetings beyond the usual time.
Whether a brother may refuse the kiss to a broth- er who has committed a fault-for instance, getting intoxicated-ere he has been brought and judged before the council of the church? Considered that though a member could not be required to salute a brother with the kiss while in the state of intoxi- cation, it is still our duty, first, to tell the fault to the church, and to await its decision, before we withdraw ourselves from a member.
Whether members may take the liberty to go to prayer meetings, etc., of other persuasions, to take part in them, and to permit and invite ministers of other persuasions to hold meetings in their (the members') own houses? Considered that as we have come into very perilous times, according to the Word of our Savior (Matt. 24: 22-26), and of his apostles (1 Tim. 4, and 2 Peter 2, etc.), and we therefore have the greatest reason to be seriously on our guard; that prayer is an important part of worship, which must be performed in spirit and in truth, in order to be pleasing in the sight of God; that consequently true inward union in prayer with such that are not in one spirit and in the same truth with us cannot be thought of ; that, under these con- siderations, it would be the safest course not to go to such places, nor to take part in such exercises, much less to invite or to receive teachers of whom we may know beforehand that they will not bring the whole apostolic doctrine, in order to hold meet- ings in our houses. 2 John 10.
Whether a brother is put into avoidance, accord-
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ing to the words of Paul (1 Cor. 5), and his wife and children, being members in the church, have company with him, as it happens in a family, how the church has to treat them, or whether there is a difference between the wife and the children, who are yet under the lawful age; and how we are to do when there is a difference of opinion about the withdrawing of the hand from those that are in avoidance? Considered, though we are always truly sorry when such a case occurs, where we must put a member into avoidance, and feel sincere compas- sion for those that suffer immediately under it, yet we cannot set aside this apostolic ordinance, and do really believe that the more strictly it is observed by all the members, and especially by the nearest relations, the more powerful it would operate to the salvation of the fallen member; but in case a wife could not withdraw from fellowship with the husband to be avoided, it was always considered that such a member could not break the bread of communion while so doing, and we do conceive that children are in the same predicament, either to with- draw fellowship with the parent in avoidance or not to break bread; and in regard to withdrawing the hand, it was considered that when the church concludes to withdraw even the hand, the members should all unite in observing the same.
Standing Committee.
George Hoke, John Brower, John Hart, George Shively, Henry Metzger, Joseph Showalter, Isaac Beery, John Cable, Daniel Miller, John Shoemaker, James Tracey, Henry Kurtz.
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ANNUAL MEETING OF 1848.
It was on the 10th of June that the Brethren assembled from the four winds in their Yearly Meeting, as it was familiarly known. It was held at the home of Brother Jacob Kurtz, five miles
DWELLING WHERE THE 1848 ANNUAL MEETING WAS HELD
southwest of Orrville, Ohio, in Wayne County, now in the bounds of the Wooster Church.
Public worship was conducted over Saturday and Sunday, and the business sessions were convened on Monday following. It is stated that the attend- ance was quite large, considering the difficulties of travel in those days, since there were no railroads in that part of the State. Besides those who came to the meeting afoot and horseback, there were not a few who traveled in covered wagons, which were so equipped with food, cooking utensils and bedding that they made them their homes while attending
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the meeting. The horses were all turned into a twelve-acre field to make friends the best they could, and for grazing. The local church entertain- ing the meeting placed itself at the service of the big crowd of people, lodging and boarding them free of charge. Some few huckster wagons staked
THE BARN IN WHICH THE 1848 ANNUAL MEETING WAS HELD
Located on the farm of Brother Jacob Kurtz, Wayne County, Ohio, within the territory of the Chippewa Church, about six miles southwest of Orrville.
down along the lane leading to the place of meeting, and relieved the feeding situation somewhat by furnishing lunches at a nominal cost.
The accompanying picture is the house, standing as it was at the time of the meeting. It is twenty-eight by forty feet, being built purposely for church serv- ices. A kitchen ten feet wide is built to the west side. The balance of the house, twenty-eight by thirty feet, was devoted to church services, having a portable partition through the center, as a convenience for
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family use when not needed for public worship.
The house was preserved in its original architec- ture till in 1907, when it underwent extensive re- modeling on the inside.
It was at this Conference that a change was made in holding the business sessions after Pentecost in- stead of before. Representation by delegates from the various churches was here inaugurated.
At the parting meal Wednesday noon, it was pro- posed and heartily responded to by all, to recom- mend every Monday of all future Annual Meetings as a day of general fasting and prayer. As you read the following queries and their answers you will be impressed how careful the Brethren were to keep unspotted from the world, to live closer to the teachings of the Master, and keep peace and har- mony among the members. After singing and prayer, the meeting was adjourned. The adjourn- ment was only a prelude to the most tender and heart-searching part of the occasion, when the good- byes were said, and the salutations of love were planted, and the " God bless you and keep you " was uttered. Under some such showering of divine grace the homeward journey was resumed, and in some cases several weeks were required before the old home could be reached, and the loved ones who were left in charge could be comforted in their long and anxious waiting for their return. But they were soon made to feel that their sacrifice of time and money was worth while when the trip, the meetings, the people and innumerable incidents were related to them.
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The following is some of the business that ab- sorbed the attention of those in attendance, because they had a faith to strengthen and a hope to bright- en :
Annual Meeting Minutes.
Considered that this Yearly Meeting is as anxious and unanimous in the desire of following in the track of the apostles (Acts 15) as our beloved breth- ren were eleven years ago, at the Yearly Meeting in 1837. We find, however, by experience, that the change of the time of holding the council after pub- lic meeting does work well-removing from us the great crowd of strangers. We are also satisfied that the sending of delegates or messengers from all the churches is necessary and proper, as also that all the elders, who come to us, ought to be members of the meeting, whether sent or not. But, as to vot- ing, we hold that it will be best to aim always at unanimity, and dispose of business as hitherto. Should the meeting not be able to agree on any one point, let it be postponed to a future meeting. In addition it was proposed that all the churches should be admonished to use every diligence in sending, every year, two delegates, or at all events, one, to the Yearly Meeting. The above was unanimously adopted.
Lastly, at the parting meal, Wednesday noon, it was proposed and heartily responded to by all, to recommend every Monday of our future Annual Meetings as a day of general fasting and prayer, not only to the members that may be gathered at the place of meeting, but to all the members in every
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part of the Lord's vineyard, who yet desire to be faithful, and to see all the household of faith con- tinue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer.
Would it not be more consistent with the sim- plicity of the Gospel not to use the word " dele- gate " or "representative " in the Minutes? Con- sidered, that as words convey ideas, we should use such as shall best answer that purpose.
Ought not those queries which stand upon the Minutes of 1846, and were considered and decided by the elders in private committee, instead of public council, be repealed? The fact was stated, by im- partial witnesses, that the Council Meeting was broken up prematurely, on account of the multitude gathering in on Saturday, so that the elders had to adjourn to a private room, in order that they might give, as they were requested, their sense on queries yet on docket. These queries were read, with the answers given, before this Yearly Meeting, and all were approved of, almost without a dissenting voice.
With regard to the printing of the Minutes of the Yearly Meetings, it was concluded to have as many printed, as to supply each church with two copies, but that on no condition should they be sold to such as are not members.
How is it considered when a part, say a minority, of a church disowns the other part, or a majority of the members, without taking a legal or Scriptural course, and without giving a legal notice to the body of the church, and not showing or informing the disowned member wherein they transgressed?
(The difficulties in this case occupied the greater
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part of Monday and Tuesday, and lastly were post- poned for decision until Wednesday morning.)
Is it right to admit, or invite, those who do not belong to our church, into our council meetings? Considered that it is not proper to admit, into our council meetings, any person who is not a member of the church.
About the laying on of hands on deacons, it was unanimously considered, to postpone the discussing of this subject indefinitely, until there is reason to hope that it may be done calmly, and without prej- udice.
Whether the brethren in Annual Meeting could not adopt a plan, that small churches, which seem to be on a decline, could be better attended to? Considered that such churches should call on the neighboring churches, and these should attend to them; moreover, it is the advice of this Yearly Meeting, that every ordained brother ought faith- fully to perform his duty in this respect.
Whether a private brother has a right to speak in public meeting? Considered, that, inasmuch as there is a way appointed in the Gospel to enter into the ministry, those who feel an inward desire or call to preach, should patiently wait until the church sees fit to appoint them to the public ministry.
Whether we should give liberty to preachers of other denominations to speak in our stated meet- ings? Considered that it would not be allowed, ac- cording to the Gospel. (See 2 John 9, 10.)
Can it be considered prudent or profitable, for members to frequent camp-meetings, or protracted
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meetings, from time to time ?. Unanimously con- sidered not to be profitable for members to do so.
Can we receive a member into the church by bap- tism without a confession; and if not, what is that confession to be? Considered that we cannot re- ceive a member into the church by baptism without a confession.
Ought we to receive any person into the church without baptism, having been baptized by any other order of people? Considered that this Yearly Meet- ing advise to be very careful in this matter and give it, as their unanimous conclusion, that it would be better to admit no person into the church without first being baptized by the Brethren.
Is the Lord's Supper observed by the Brethren according to the Gospel, or does the Gospel require a supper in holding communion meetings? Con- sidered that we have ample testimony in the Gospel to enable us to conclude that a supper was eaten by the Savior and his disciples in the same night he instituted the communion. And the Apostle Paul, after reproving the brethren at Corinth for their dis- order, in observing the supper and speaking of it as the Lord's Supper, expressly declares that he had received from the Lord what he had delivered unto them, telling them how to observe it in proper order.
Whether the Scriptures require that women, pray- ing or prophesying, should have any other covering than the hair, and whether it includes alike married and unmarried women? Considered, unanimously, that they all should have a covering on their heads.
If a sister marries a man, and gets to know, after-
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ward, that he had already a wife, and she immedi- ately forsakes him, has she the liberty to get mar- ried to another man, while the first man is yet liv- ing? Considered that we submit the case to her own judgment, and advise her that she should, in future, be cautious and take counsel of the church.
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