USA > Ohio > A history of the church of the Brethren, Northeastern Ohio > Part 17
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The needy ones of any community are well taken care of by these societies. The altar fires of the church are rekindled by their personal efforts in both material and spiritual things and homes are made to enjoy a new inspiration of love, which the Master bestowed so graciously upon the lost.
Statistics are not at hand to show how many Aid Societies there are in the District. From what re- ports are at hand it appears that the work of or- ganizing in the several churches did not make much progress till after 1900.
It appears that their work is in such beautiful harmony with the Scriptures, their field of work a veritable harvest field to be both sown and gathered, their courage so invincible, that these organizations have a bright future of possibilities.
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The following form of organization will serve as a fair sample of all the organizations in the Dis- trict.
SISTERS' AID SOCIETY OF ASHLAND, OHIO.
Preamble.
Believing united effort essential in securing more knowledge of missions, greater zeal for the Lord's work and a fuller treasury for carrying on the work, we, sisters of the Ashland (Dickey) Church, or- ganize ourselves into a Society and adopt the fol- lowing Constitution and By-Laws:
Constitution.
Article I .- Name.
This organization shall be called the Sisters' Aid Society of the Ashland (Dickey) Church.
Article II .- Officers.
Sec. 1. There shall be four officers of the Soci- ety : a President, Vice-President, Superintendent, Secretary and Treasurer combined, all of whom shall be members of the Brethren Church.
Sec. 2. The officers shall be elected by ballot at a regular meeting of the Society, to serve a term of six months.
Sec. 3. Vacancies can be filled at any regular meeting of the Society.
Article III .- Duties of Officers.
Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Society, to preserve
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order, to decide what the literary work shall be and who the performers, and to do any other regular duty that may pertain to her office.
Sec. 2. The Vice-President shall perform all du- ties of the President in case the President cannot serve.
Sec. 3. The Secretary and Treasurer shall record the business of each meeting, collect and keep an ac- count of all funds received, pay expenses when bills are presented signed by the President and pre- sent proceeds to such charitable causes as the So- ciety may direct.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent with the advice of the President to make all pur- chases, and to superintend all needlework at each meeting.
Sec. 5. The President, Vice-President and Sec- retary shall constitute an executive committee.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the executive com- mittee to impose fines, and to provide for waiving that By-Law which requires us to meet the first Wednesday afternoon of each month.
Article IV .- Members.
Sec. 1. Any woman may become a member of the Society by paying a membership fee of ten cents and signing the constitution.
Article 5 .- Quorum.
Sec. 1. Seven member of the Society shall be necessary to form a quorum for the carrying on of business.
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Article 6 .- Amendments.
Sec. 1. Any amendment may be made to this constitution by a two-thirds vote of all the mem- bers.
By-Laws. Article 1 .- Meetings.
Sec. 1. The Society shall meet the first Wednes- day afternoon of each month from one to four o'clock.
Sec. 2. Special meetings may be called by the President, at the written request of three members.
MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION.
This organization had its tangible beginning in the following manner: A number of brethren were informally gathered together at a certain place, and of course the burden of the conversation would run along church lines. The ministerial problem seemed to gain prominence over all others. What can be done to improve our ministry? How can they be best made acquainted with each other's work? These and kindred queries were propounded. Some one said, "Would it not be a good thing if we would have a few ministerial meetings? " At this point the sentiment began to focalize. In 1892 Brother John Kahler, of the Canton Church, drew up a paper, presented it to his home church to ap- prove its passage to District Meeting. The church very gladly endorsed the proposition. The paper simply called for the holding of a ministerial meet- ing within the District. Without much discussion
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the paper was approved by the District Meeting. It was then decided to hold the first meeting in the Wooster Church, Nov. 24, 1892. This first meeting generated so much inspiration that it was decided to continue them. The first meetings were held at separate times from any other District gatherings. Along about 1895 this child of the District attached itself to the District Meeting, giving its program the day before the sitting of the District Conference. Sometime near 1900 this body of workers organized into what is now known as the " Ministerial Asso- ciation of the Church of the Brethren, of North- eastern Ohio."
Roll is called each session of all elders and min- isters. Memorials are drawn up and read of any deceased during the year. A general good feeling is built up through the efforts of this body. The programs are practical and are discussed with com- mendable ability. It is come to be known that in this meeting the spirit of the brethren is fitted for the weighty work that usually comes up in the District Meeting the day following.
The officers are: Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Reading Clerk, Writing Clerk and Treasurer. The ministers of Northeastern Ohio are noted for the peace and harmony of their work.
TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATION.
Along about 1907 Northeastern Ohio chose to or- ganize more thoroughly to attack King Alcohol. It is not to be understood that intemperance was creep- ing into the membership of the several churches,
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but that the move was inspired by a long-nourished conviction that "my brother's keeper " idea called for every possible diligence that the sons of men might be saved from the drink viper. The keeping of the membership of the churches free from the pol- lutions of the intoxicating cup has been a faithful and successful effort through all the years of the Church of the Brethren in this section of the State. The general rule has been, through all the years, to tenderly admonish any members who had been tempted, and if they persisted in the habit they would be dismissed from church fellowship. In this way the church has ever maintained a solid member- ship who were opposed to the drink habit. Thus you will see that the church's energies were used in keeping her membership pure, and through the power of example in wielding a like influence upon the world. But it was seen in the fulness of time that example was not enough; that the putting of this fine example into the field of actual demonstrations and attacks upon the alcohol demon was an effectual way to multiply the power of example. When the District became convinced of this fact she was not long in giving every legitimate encouragement to her forces for a forward move. Hence it was a happy day when the churches met in District Coun- cil and unanimously decided to effect temperance organizations in every church.
The committee appointed to do this work was made up of young and wide-awake brethren.
Committee : Dr. H. H. Lehman, Ashland, Ohio, Chairman ; D. R. McFadden, Smithville, Ohio, Sec- retary ; W. D. Fisher, Baltic, Ohio, Treasurer.
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The committee soon began a serious study of the situation and settled on the following lines of pro- cedure : First, to effect a temperance organization in every local church, by choosing a chairman, sec- retary and treasurer. Second, that temperance pro- grams be given quarterly, special speakers be called in upon occasions to give addresses, and that tem- perance literature be freely distributed. Third, that offerings be taken at these special meetings, sixty per cent of which should be used by the home or- ganization to further its work, twenty per cent to be sent to the General Conference Committee, and twenty per cent to be sent to the treasurer of the District Temperance Committee to increase her power to do more work. Along these three channels the work has grown, yet much remains to be done in many places. Strong appeals have been sent out at times to arouse the churches to an appreciation of the supreme opportunities that were theirs to accomplish telling blows against the great evil. The following is a good sample of the kind of live wire the committee is: In the fall of 1912 the State of Ohio submitted to the voters a number of amend- ments to the State Constitution to be voted on Sept. 3. Here is the letter that was sent out to all the churches :
" We urge that each church give at least one Sunday before September 3 to the consideration of the proposed liquor license amendment. The Christian people and es- pecially the voters of the Church of the Brethren should stand to a man against the proposed amendment. It is not a political question; it is a moral issue of great im- portance, and needs the support of the whole Christian church. But if the good people neglect their duty on
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. September 3, when this and other important questions are to be voted upon, there may be added to our constitution such amendments as will greatly hinder the advance- ment of the temperance work as well as other moral problems.
" We have given your names and addresses to the Anti- Saloon League of the State and asked that literature be sent you, which we hope you will study carefully, then present the question to your congregations so that each may see the great importance of his support in the elec- tion on constitutional amendments September 3, for the moral and spiritual welfare of the people of Ohio.
"It is also believed that the adoption of the woman's suffrage amendment will greatly help in bringing about temperance and moral reforms. Of course, the Church of the Brethren should be unanimously in favor of abolish- ing capital punishment.
" P. S. Please do not forget this, but make it a matter of importance."
The following are the churches now maintaining effectual temperance organizations : Ashland (Dickey), Maple Grove, Chippewa, East Nimishil- len, Springfield, Mohican, Akron, Wooster, Baltic, Danville, Black River, Mahoning, Owl Creek.
Who can imagine the results of a perpetual stir- ring at the forces of the several churches, to keep them wide-awake on these live issues? When pre- cept and powerful doing get after the illegitimate business in good earnest, then something will be sure to happen.
DISTRICT MEETINGS.
When we scan the minutes of the District Con- ferences, we begin to realize we are taking the pulse of the churches composing the District; we
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are made to feel also we are studying a very essen- tial part of church work. It was at these meetings that peace and harmony were made to become the forces that have so gracefully held the churches in the bond of union all these years. At these meet- ings drooping spirits were made to rejoice in hope, and take on new zeal for the Master. Expansive measures were inaugurated also and sent to the churches, that they might heed the Macedonian call for help. These were veritable feasts of love, and not a few made their annual pilgrimages to these holy shrines to bathe their souls in the pleasure of renewed fellowships, in the forming of new ac- quaintances and to listen anew to the story of the Cross.
The proceedings of the first years of District Meetings were never recorded. This was due to an order of General Conference to the Districts along in the sixties that District Conferences should not publish their proceedings; hence the first years we are naturally anxious to know the most about are closed chapters. The first District Meeting in North- eastern Ohio was in 1864, and held in the barn of Jacob Brumbaugh, northeast from Canton, in Stark County.
The elders reported to have been present as wit- nesses to said organization were: Henry Davy, Jacob Garver, John P. Ebersole, Henry Kurtz, Con- rad Kahler, Henry Brumbaugh, Henry Browand and Samuel Garver.
Just how the District was formally organized no one remains to tell the story. Not until about 1874 were any attempts made to publish the records of
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the meetings. It seems, however, that the first meetings were held in barns, and that the multitudes were fed free of charge. Not until about 1895 did the free feeding of the multitude cease. Below you will find a brief sketch of each meeting, omitting as far as possible minor details.
1874.
This is the first meeting of the District, so far as known, that attempted to record the proceedings of the sessions. From the records we glean the follow- ing :
" Convened in the Springfield meetinghouse May 13, near 10 o'clock A. M .; opened by singing, prayer and reading the first Psalm. Morgan Workman was then appointed moderator pro tem. He then ap- pointed Jacob Garver moderator; Joseph Ritten- house, assistant; William Shidler, writing clerk; P. J. Brown, assistant ; E. L. Yoder, reading clerk."
The roll call of churches: Rush Creek, Jonathan Creek, Delaware, Owl Creek, Danville, Loudonville, Ashland, Maple Grove, Mohican, Black River, Chip- pewa, Springfield, West Nimishillen, Canton, Tus- carawas, Sandy, Mahoning, Sugar Creek and Co- shocton, twenty in all, and they paid into the treas- ury $62, to cover the expenses of the District for the ensuing year. Two churches were represented by letter, and nine queries on various problems were presented. The following may be of interest: Is it right for members to take part in temperance move- ments? Answer: We are a temperance people and we teach the Gospel of it. How about organ- izing singing classes? Would it not be a good thing
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to allow each church to send one or two delegates to Annual Meeting and each District one elder on the Standing Committee? Where churches have two meetinghouses, should there be two sets of trustees? Should a church pay the doctor bill of a sister whose husband is not a member? Could not some efficient plan be adopted for the spread of the Gospel?
Brethren Glass, Byers and Clement were appoint- ed a committee to procure a home for a minister in the Trumbull County Church. Delegates also were to solicit their home churches for said purpose.
Elder Jacob Garver was elected a member of Standing Committee and Elder Conrad Kahler as delegate. The Springfield Church gave excellent entertainment.
1875.
In the Canton Church, Stark County, on May 5, at 9 A. M.
The fifteenth chapter of Acts was read this time. Jacob Garver was chosen moderator, Joseph Rit- tenhouse assistant, P. J. Brown clerk, and William Saddler assistant.
Sixteen churches were represented, with twenty- seven delegates. Four not represented.
Paid into District treasury $19.
Why hold our council meetings privately, when Annual Meetings are held publicly? Answer: Be- cause our council meetings are more of a personal nature.
How about peddling milk on the Sabbath? Not right.
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The use of what was called the " tune book " was discussed and tabled.
An urgent request was made "for an organized plan for having the Gospel preached throughout the District." A board of managers was appointed as follows: George Irvin, Joseph Rittenhouse and Ja- cob Mishler. The former was to act as treasurer and the last named as secretary. All requests for preaching should be sent to the secretary at Moga- dore, Ohio. Each member in the District is re- quested to pay ten cents quarterly for this special purpose. The reader will note that this is the be- ginning of Home Mission Board work in the Dis- trict.
Jacob Garver was elected to the Standing Com- mittee and Conrad Kahler as delegate.
1876.
Held in the Danville Church, May 24, at 9 A. M. Moderator, George Irvin; assistant, P. J. Brown ; Clerk, E. L. Yoder; assistant, Josiah Keim.
Eighteen churches were represented; three not represented ; twenty-seven delegates were present, and $22.75 paid into the treasury.
What should be done with a church that is inac- tive? Answer : Get it in order.
May the home mission fund be used for foreign missions? Answer: No.
A resolution was adopted to zealously encourage good singing, Sunday-schools, prayer, and series of meetings, to be instant in season and out of season, and to both publicly and privately persuade sinners to come to Christ.
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A query relative to saluting colored members was sent to Annual Meeting.
A committee was sent to the Delaware Church.
George Irvin was chosen to represent on Standing Committee and P. J. Brown as delegate.
1877.
In the Chippewa Church, May 9, at 9 A. M.
Moderator, Morgan Workman ; Assistant, Conrad Kahler; Clerk, Noah Longanecker ; Assistant, E. L. Yoder.
Churches represented, seventeen; churches not represented, four ; money paid to treasurer, $31.
One new church appears on the calendar, viz., Mount Zion.
Are we in favor of District Sunday-school con- ventions? Deferred one year.
Resolution : " We desire that this District Meet- ing institute vigorous measures to carry the mission work into practical effect." Also, " In place of pay- ing ten cents per quarter as heretofore decided, let every member be urged to pay as the Lord has pros- pered him."
Conrad Kahler elected to Standing Committee and Morgan Workman as delegate.
1878.
In the Mahoning Church, May 29, at 9. A. M.
George Irvin was chosen moderator ; P. J. Brown, assistant; Noah Longanecker, clerk; Josiah Keim and E. L. Yoder, assistants.
Churches represented, nineteen; represented by letter, six.
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Orrville, McMahon Creek and Bristolville appear as new churches on the calendar.
Paid into District treasury, $26.50.
The District Sunday-school question was taken up again and tabled indefinitely.
Sisters were encouraged to exercise in public prayer.
Brethren were admonished against talking against the customs of the church.
A change was made in electing members on the Home Mission Board. One, two and three-year terms were adopted.
The Home Mission Board has a right to say when a body of members should be organized into a church.
Feasting at funerals was discouraged.
It is considered right for a sister to draw pension from the Government.
The members are urged to contribute more liber- ally to home missions. Quarterly giving was again advocated.
1879.
Held in the Maple Grove Church, May 21, at 9 A. M.
Moderator, Conrad Kahler; Assistant, George Ir- vin; Clerk, Noah Longanecker; Assistant, E. L. Yoder.
Twenty-one churches were represented; three by letter.
Paid into District treasury, $43.
Ministers promising sisters the privilege to wear hats were admonished to cease such looseness.
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The minority have no right to oppose the majority in questions sanctioned by General Conference.
The Home Mission Board was again reorganized, by having five members instead of three ; also evan- gelists were to be sent out. They were to be in full sympathy with the usages of the church.
It is not right for brethren to take advantage of the Homestead Law to avoid their creditors.
S. Z. Sharp was elected to represent on Standing Committee and P. J. Brown as delegate.
1880.
In the West Nimishillen Church, May 5, at 9 A. M.
Moderator, P. J. Brown; Assistant, Samuel Gar- ver; Clerk, Josiah Keim; Assistant, E. L. Yoder.
Twenty-two churches were represented; four by letter.
One new church, viz., Ashland City, was added to the calendar.
An orphanage and old folks' home received favor- able consideration.
A query was sent to Annual Meeting asking that sisters be allowed to wear plain hats.
Permission was given to instruct applicants for membership before the entire congregation.
District Meeting to convene at 8 A. M. hereafter.
P. J. Brown elected to Standing Committee and Samuel Garver as delegate.
1881.
In the Mohican Church, May 25, at 8 A. M.
Moderator, R. H. Miller; Assistant P. J. Brown ; Clerk, Noah Longanecker ; Assistant, E. L. Yoder.
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Twenty churches were represented by delegates, and six by letter.
Paid to District treasurer, $10.25.
Brethren calling meetings for a certain purpose should not take up personal matters not contained in the purpose of the call.
The District sent a paper to Annual Conference asking for a change from the " double mode of feet- washing to the single mode."
One church reported in favor of the " Orphanage and Indigent Brethren's Home," and ten opposed.
Home Mission Board report: Spent $85.50; bal- ance in treasury, $125.09.
This is the first report made to the District.
R. H. Miller and P. J. Brown were both elected to Standing Committee on a tie vote; S. H. Bashor sent as delegate. P. S. : Standing Committee refused to receive the tie delegates. P. J. Brown withdrew in favor of R. H. Miller.
A new line was determined between the Southern, Northwestern and Northeastern Districts of Ohio. Said change threw the Hilliard Brethren of the Scioto Church to Northeastern Ohio.
1882.
In the Tuscarawas Church, May 17, at 8 A. M.
Moderator, Morgan Workman; Assistant, P. J. Brown; Clerk, Noah Longanecker ; Assistant, J. H. Worst.
Churches present, twenty-three; represented by letter, four.
Scipio appears as a new church on the calendar.
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At this conference it was decided to limit the speeches to ten minutes.
Decided that delegates only may vote on ques- tions.
A paper was passed asking Annual Meeting to adopt the delegate system of representation.
It is all right for brethren to buy and ship stock so long as they conduct their work honestly.
The District should be more cautious in sending committees to churches.
All the churches should observe the National Thanksgiving Day.
D. N. Workman was assigned as elder over the Scipio Church, and the Home Mission Board was to give financial aid.
The Delaware Church was entrusted to the Home Mission Board.
George Irvin elected to Standing Committee and Samuel Garver as delegate.
Received by District treasurer, $10.25; paid out by Home Mission Board, $55; none received ; bal- ance in treasury, $70.07.
1883.
In the Loudonville Church May 3, at 8 A. M.
Moderator, Noah Longanecker ; Assistant, Conrad Kahler; Clerk, I. D. Parker; Assistant, Wm. Sad- dler.
Churches represented, twenty-one ; by letter, four. The McMahon Creek Church was disorganized.
The Home Mission Board paid out $53.30. None received during the year. Balance in treasury, $16.77.
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Noah Longanecker was elected to Standing Com- mittee. The usual delegate member was dropped.
1884.
In the Wooster Church, May 21, at 9 A. M.
Moderator, Noah Longanecker ; Assistant, Samuel Garver; Clerk, Wm. Saddler; Assistant, J. A. Clem- ent.
Churches represented, eighteen; by letter, six.
Paid into the District treasury, $17.50.
A motion to unite the factions of the 1882 division in the Brotherhood was lost.
Home Mission Board received $86.15. Paid out $44.70.
The Ashtabula County churches were placed in the hands of the Home Mission Board.
Noah Longanecker was elected a member of the Standing Committee.
A vote of thanks was tendered the Wooster Church for the excellent entertainment given.
1885.
In the Owl Creek Church, May 13, at 8 A. M.
Moderator, I. D. Parker; Assistant, Noah Longa- necker ; Clerk, Wm. Saddler ; Assistant, Wm. Work- man.
Churches represented, nineteen ; not represented, five.
Paid into District treasury, $19.50.
The Meigs County members were transferred to Southern Ohio District.
The 1881 Ashland Conference deficit was raised.
Assistance was given the Jonathan Creek Church,
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to cover expenses in quieting the title on church property.
Brother Sprankel reports fifteen members in Ash- tabula County.
Received by Home Mission Board, $46.80, six churches contributing ; paid out $76.15.
The Home Mission Board was authorized to make quarterly reports.
I. D. Parker was elected to Standing Committee and Samuel Garver, alternate. This is the begin- ning of the " alternate " delegate idea.
1886.
In the Springfield Church, June 2, at 8 A. M.
Moderator, I. D. Parker ; Assistant, David Young ; Clerk, Wm. Saddler; Assistant, Edward Loomis.
Churches present, twenty ; churches absent, four. Paid into District treasury, $22.50.
The Delaware Church was placed in the hands of the Home Mission Board.
A committee was sent to the West Nimishillen Church.
The churches were requested to assist the Lake Shore Brethren to the extent of the needed shingles, hardware, plaster and paint for the repair of their churchhouse.
Home Mission Board received $89.37; paid out $72.25; ten churches contributed.
The membership of the Home Mission Board was changed from five to three.
The Lake Shore Church was duly organized.
David Young was elected to Standing Commit- tee.
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