USA > Ohio > A history of the church of the Brethren, Northeastern Ohio > Part 2
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In 1876, Sister Margaret Gans donated $500 to the church for the purpose of paying traveling expenses of ministers visiting the church.
John Kurtz was the first treasurer of the church. He served until 1877 when he resigned and was suc- ceeded by Andrew Carper who served until his death in 1900, and was then succeeded by Lundy Miller.
May, 1901, Henry Kinsley and Edwin Steffy were elected deacons.
May, 1902, William Eshelman and Solomon S. Shoemaker were elected deacons.
November, 1902, S. S. Shoemaker was elected to the ministry.
August, 1904, Geo. Goughnour and Uriah Kurtz were elected deacons.
In 1896, Joseph Kimmel moved into the congrega- tion, having received the ministry in Oregon.
The elders who have presided over the congre- gation are: Henry Brumbaugh, John Kurtz, Noah
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Longanecker and Charles Kinsley. Our present ministers are: Noah Longanecker, Charles F. Kins- ley, Joseph Kimmel and Solomon S. Shoemaker. Our present deacons are : Daniel F. Ebie, John Culler, Isaac D. Brumbaugh, Henry Kinsley, Edwin Steffy, Wm. Eshelman, Uriah Kurtz, Cyrus Young, George Carper and Edson W. Wolf.
Present Treasurer, Lundy Miller.
Present Clerk, Edson W. Wolf.
Soon after the present brick church was built, five deacons whose lives were useful and agreeable died. They were, namely, Andrew Carper, Henry Hubley, Andrew Brumbaugh, Samuel Markley and Samuel Young. Michael Gehman, an influential aged deacon, moved into the Canton Church at this time.
Our Sunday-school was organized in 1890, with Daniel F. Ebie as our first superintendent.
Other superintendents were: C. T. Kinsley, Noah Longanecker, Joseph Kimmel, Solomon S. Shoe- maker, Edson W. Wolf, Andrew Kinsley, Geo. Goughnour and Anthony Kinsley.
The church membership at present is 220.
The Sunday-school enrollment is about 150.
A Christian Workers' Meeting was organized in 1911 under the direction of our ministers.
The reader will be impressed with the accuracy with which this church keeps its records, and the fruitfulness of the original Nimishillen Church, when once it is seen that four strong and well-or- ganized churches remain to pay tribute to their ancestor ; and also one grandchild, viz., the Canton City Church, can look back and call her blessed.
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Elder Noah Longanecker. 1839-
The subject of this sketch was born in Columbi- ana County, Ohio, Oct. 1, 1839. United with the church June 6, 1858, when he was but nineteen years old, which was somewhat unusual, because very
ELDER NOAH LONGANECKER
few in those days united with the church so young- there being no Sunday-schools to prepare for church membership.
He and J. H. Kurtz were elected to the ministry
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Aug. 30, 1861, under the supervision of Elders Henry Kurtz and James Quinter, in what is known as the Mahoning Church. A considerable sentiment prevailed at that time, that two brethren should not be elected to the ministry at the same time, for fear that they might become jealous of each other. If such was the tendency we have in these brethren a pleasing exception. Brother Longanecker, being only twenty-two years old when he was called to the ministry, was for a long time known as the boy preacher, for elections in those days generally sought men of middle age, who were thought to be better fixtures in the church.
He was married to Susanna E. Stenger, step- daughter of Elder J. K. Z. Swihart, Sept. 20, 1866. Theirs was always a happy home; seven children came to gladden it at intervals-one son, who died in infancy, and six daughters.
His ordination to the eldership occurred in May, 1881, in the Tuscarawas Church, Stark County, Ohio, under the fostering care of Elders J. H. Z. Swihart and Conrad Kahler. These elders had no fears, when they were calling Brother Longanecker to associate with them in carrying the responsibil- ities of the church, that they were getting too many elders, for there was considerable sentiment in those days that when the number of elders was increased, trouble was also augmented. Here we have an- other happy exception to the prevailing feeling.
In 1891 he moved into the East Nimishillen Church. Here he labors together with Elders C. F. Kinsley, J. T. Kimmel and S. S. Shoemaker, all being on an equality so far as the oversight of the
.
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church is concerned. From this it appears that these elders and the church are faithful to Acts 14: 23 and Titus 1: 5. Since being called to the elder- ship, his ability was much sought to take the over- sight of churches which he has repeatedly refused, presumably on the grounds that elders should be resident in the churches over which they have charge, and to more nearly conform to the idea of the Scriptures.
Brother Longanecker has been sought much in matters of counsel, and his name has become pro- verbial as a wise counsellor. He served on a num- ber of committees to adjust differences throughout the District. At District Meetings he served as writing clerk often, and as moderator ten times, and several times as assistant moderator. His serv- ices on the Standing Committee number eight dif- ferent times. In his younger days he did some evangelistic work. This was a little exceptional, because the evangelistic idea as now understood was not very much solicited.
Though his much-loved companion has gone on before him into the glory world, Brother Noah is still nestled in the love and fellowship of the District as one who is tried and true. His voice has ever borne messages of divine truth, and his pen has in- structed thousands of readers through the columns of the Messenger. Peace and harmony were the inspiration of his soul in all his labors, thus making effectual the angels' song to the shepherds: " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good . will to men."
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MAHONING CHURCH. Mill Creek.
When Ohio was yet classed as a " Western State," when the primitive forests still covered her hills, when the wild beasts of nature were contending with the primitive hunter for supremacy, while the echoes of the "Red Man's" warwhoop were yet echoing upon her eastern border; before his foot- steps had been obliterated from her friendly bosom, immediately in the wake of the intrepid " hunter " and " Indian fighter," in company with the " pros- pector " and " speculator," from beyond the moun- tains of Pennsylvania came the sturdy "Pennsyl- vania Dutch " pioneer to seek a home where he might rear his family, worship his God and peace- fully end his days in luxury.
With these first settlers of Eastern Ohio, in 1808 came a few families of Brethren who settled ten miles west of the Pennsylvania State line, and a few years later formed the " Mill Creek " Church, so called in honor of the creek upon whose hills and valleys they settled. From data recorded by Elder Henry Kurtz, we are informed that among the first settlers here are the names of John Summer, John Shoemaker, his son, Philip Shoemaker, Abraham Myers and Brother John Myers, with their families. They settled in Springfield, Beaver and Fairfield Townships, then all of Columbiana County, but the two former were later ceded to Mahoning County.
These Brethren had occasional meetings conduct- ed by ministers from a distance. They flourished to such an extent that a few years later choice was
MAHONING CHURCH, ZION HILL HOUSE, COLUMBIANA COUNTY Erected in 1872.
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held for officers, when George Hoke and Joseph Mellinger were elected to the ministry, and John Collar and Abraham Hiestand to the deaconship. The church prospered, increased numerically, and others came in from Pennsylvania until there were four ministers located and the church fully organ- ized. A discussion arose between two of the newly- arrived ministers from Pennsylvania, so that in 1820 the church sent a query bearing upon the doctrinal point in question to the "Big Meeting " (as it was then called), which was held that year in Lancaster, Pa. The two contending parties did not accept the decision and " troublesome times " ensued, until the church deposed both of them from office. Immediately following, elections were again held and George Hoke was elected to the office of bishop, and David Shumacher and David Summer to the ministry. The church took on new life and pros- pered until it had a large membership. About this time, or strictly stating, Feb. 4, 1822, Brother John Myers and Susannah, his wife (the great-grand- parents of the writer), donated and conveyed by deed two acres of land to the trustees of the church, for the purpose of a churchhouse, a graveyard and a Brethren schoolhouse (the latter, however, has nev- er been constructed). The trustees appointed to receive this gift were Henry Myers, Abraham Stouf- fer and Daniel Crumbacher. The ground is oc- cupied by the Zion Hill house and is in Beaver Township, Mahoning County. (See cut.)
A few years prior to this Brother John Summer, then quite old, donated to the church a half-acre tract of land in Springfield Township for a burying
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ground, where rest many of the church's loved and respected dead.
In the year 1826, Elder George Hoke moved into the Canton Church district, where he labored many years, but retained the oversight of the Mill Creek Church for some time until his successor was elect- ed. About this time, almost a general exodus oc- curred on account of the United States land laws, which then existed, and which were that not less than one section (640 acres) of government land could be sold to one person. This necessitated the poorer members either to venture into debt or lease from others or buy land at a second price from individuals at a higher figure. A large number moved away and some emigrated to Indiana and perhaps other States.
In the interval from 1826-1835, Elders David Shoemaker, David Summer and Brethren Joseph Mellinger, Abraham Myers and Abraham Hiestand migrated, but the most of them located in the west- ern end of Columbiana County, near the village of North Georgetown. There they founded a new settlement and a new church, afterwards called the "Sandy " Church, including the east end of Stark County, where already some members resided. This materially reduced the membership and left the work in the hands of David Summer, Jr., and Richard Brenneman, ministers of the first degree.
Sometime between the years of 1837 and 1840, Henry Kurtz came to Eastern Ohio from Western Pennsylvania and, being dissatisfied with the church he was serving in a ministerial capacity, earnestly searched for more light. He met with Elder Geo.
MAHONING CHURCH, BETHEL HOUSE, MAHONING COUNTY Erected in 1873.
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Hoke, of the Canton Church, and was by him bap- tized and received into the church. This baptism took place under a large maple on the bank of the creek, upon the Royer farm in Stark County, which tree is still standing, and under whose stately branches and cool shade others have received the sacred rite. In 1841 Brother Kurtz, having been elected to the ministry, was appointed by Elder Hoke to serve the " Mill Creek " Church in her ap- pointments every four weeks. This he faithfully did, making the trip of about forty miles on horse- back once a month, until in the spring of 1842, after a revival in which ten were added at one time. He with five others were added by letter, including Philip Rottenberger and wife, who became special friends of Brother Kurtz.
In 1842, after a special visit to the members by the adjoining elders, pending difficulties were set- tled and a general reconciliation obtained. The congregation was then reorganized as the " Mahon- ing " Church, with Henry Kurtz as overseer, while yet in the second degree. He was ordained Sept. 26, 1844 ; David Summer and Richard Brenneman were assistant ministers; David Hardman, Jacob Shoe- maker and Conrad Hauger, deacons. There were fif .. ty-five members in all. Additions in the thirty years, or to about 1870, numbered 122; removed by death, forty-six ; migrated to other parts, sixty-nine. There then remained but sixty-two members. Here is a church that had more than doubled and yet shows only a net gain of seven. We here quote Brother Kurtz's words of comment upon this matter: " But we grieve not, as we know our loss was the gain of
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our sister churches, and the faithful dead are with God, waiting for us, and with us for the glorious day of the Lord and for the first resurrection of all the saints." The church prospered under the care of Elder Kurtz and by the help of such other min- isters as were called by the church from time to time. Among these we also note the moving in of Brother James Quinter, who came from Fayette County, Pa., in the spring of 1856; he identified him- self with Brother Kurtz's new publishing enterprise in the springhouse loft, near Poland, Ohio, which had been started sometime before.
Brother Quinter's ability and zealous activities gave the church such prominence and prosperity that has not been experienced by many other of the Northeastern Ohio churches. In June, 1857, the office of the Gospel Visitor was removed from Poland to Columbiana. With it came the families of both Quinter and Kurtz. The interests of the church centered about this little village, and in the year 1872 the present " Zion Hill " house was erect- ed and the first services held Nov. 3. The following years " series of meetings " were conducted by E. L. Yoder, P. J. Brown and other notable ministers of the church; accessions resulted and interest contin- ued until the 1882 " division." The church was also greatly helped by visiting brethren from the ad- joining churches, among whom were Elders Swi- hart, Kahler, Shoemaker, Glass and others. In the year 1873 a new house of worship was built at " Bethel," the old one built at the same place in 1849 being inadequate to serve its purpose any longer. This house is still standing (see cut) and
POOLVI TIME
HENRY KURTZ.
lind Jan. 12.7871
Iged 27 years
n
This memorial is important because it marks the last earthly resting place of one who was the beginning of the modern publishing interests of the Church of the Brethren.
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in it regular services are being held. Soon after Brother Quinter's removal from Columbiana to Cov- ington (in 1866), Elder Henry Kurtz remained and gave most of his time to the church and her work. Here he closed his eventful and good life after a service as overseer for thirty years. He died Jan. 12, 1874, and his body was laid to rest near the place where he had given life to the publishing interest of the Brotherhood. After his death other elders were invited to the oversight of the church. The 1882 division soon followed, causing a lack of in- terest, and while not many members were lost to us, yet the work suffered and the church did not gain much numerically. During these troublesome times the church was visited by George Shiveley, Jos. Showalter, Samuel Garver and some of those previously mentioned. The members were much encouraged and very materially assisted.
At a council meeting held on Aug. 30, 1861, Jacob H. Kurtz (son of Elder Henry Kurtz) and Noah Longanecker, then a resident here, were elected and installed into the ministry. Both were advanced to the second degree, Nov. 9, 1867. After serving faithfully for some years in the Lord's cause, Broth- er Longanecker moved away and the burden of the work fell upon Bro. Kurtz, his father being en- feebled somewhat by age. Bro. J. H. Kurtz was ordained to the full ministry Sept. 24, 1881, and on Nov. 18, 1883, was called to the oversight of the church. He gave faithful services, conducting the stated appointments at both houses of worship. He died Feb. 10, 1912, aged seventy-five years and eighteen days.
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Bro. Lewis Glass was closely identified with the church and held the oversight from Oct. 4, 1874, to Oct. 19, 1878, at which time Elder Samuel Garver was chosen, and served the church until Sept. 2. 1882, when he resigned. The District Meeting of October, 1878, was held at the Zion Hill house and again at the same place in October, 1909. During
Over this spring, near Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio, stood the house in which Elder Henry Kurtz first printed the " Gospel Visitor" in 1851. Here the revival of printing
in our Brotherhood took place. The grave of Brother Kurtz is also located near here.
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these years brethren were chosen to the office of minister and deacon. The majority served faithful- ly, but a few failed and drifted. We append a list of the names of these officials at the close of this chapter.
Many successful revivals were held and souls add- ed to the church, so that the membership in 1900 numbered about 135.
On Aug. 22, 1891, A. W. Harrold, the writer of these lines, was called to the ministry. He and his wife were immediately installed, advanced to the second degree Sept. 3, 1893, and ordained to the full ministry Oct. 31, 1903. He was called to the oversight of the church at the first council after the death of Elder J. H. Kurtz in 1912. He with his co- laborers (noted later) are caring for the congrega- tion, filling its appointments and assisting else- where.
The church has now about 175 members, one elder, one minister in second degree, three ministers in first degree (who are now attending school), nine deacons, two churchhouses, both fitted for commun- ion meetings, and cemeteries adjoining. It also maintains two evergreen Sunday-schools, one Chris- tian Workers' Association, one Teachers' Training Class and holds two love feasts annually. While her ship is not always sailing upon smooth waters, while the skies are not always clear, yet we are en- couraged and look forward to and hope for greater things, as great opportunities present themselves in the large scope of territory belonging to us, the thrift of our people, the educational facilities, rail- road conveniences and many other advantages found
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here. Among those who have labored here, besides those already mentioned, are the names of John Clement, Aaron Shiveley, J. J. Hoover, D. M. Irvin, D. N. Workman, J. F. Kahler, Ed. Loomis, N. Long- anecker, S. Sprankel, Geo. Worst, Simon Stuckey, J. Nicholson, G. Bollinger, C. Holdeman, I. D. Park- er, Peter Stuckman, Wm. J. Swigart, J. J. Shaffer, S. Z. Sharp, Wm. Kieffer, J. B. Mishler, David Byers, J. L. K. Swihart, Moses Weaver, F. B. Wei- mer, T. C. Wieand, A. I. Heestand, T. S. Moher- man, Josiah Keim, Wm. Johnson, Jesse Calvert, E. S. Young, John Kurtz, John Metzler, R. R. Shroyer, Wm. Desenberg, D. R. McFadden, and many others rendered valuable assistance. This church was not slow in calling in help to assist in keeping the altar fires burning.
Ministers and Deacons Elected in the Mahoning Church from Its Beginning to August 1, 1913.
Ministers.
1. George Hoke .- Elected, advanced and or- dained. Removed to the Canton Church in 1826, where he resided until about 1844. Removed to the Nimishillen Church and afterward to another church, where he died of old age. He baptized, installed, advanced and ordained Elder Henry Kurtz, who said of him, "A useful man, a servant of God, a loving member of a meeting for many years. Peace be to his ashes ! "
2. Joseph Mellinger .- Brother-in-law. of Elder Hoke and elected to office at same time. Removed to the West where he died.
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3. Abraham Myers .- Moved in from western Pennsylvania some time prior to 1820; he also re- moved to the West.
4. Abraham Heistand .- Elected late in life and soon removed to Knox Township, Columbiana County.
5. David Shoemaker .- Before conversion a Unit- ed States soldier of 1812 and a captain of the State militia. He became a worthy brother. Advanced, ordained and moved to the Sandy Church, where he labored faithfully. He excelled in the Word. Re- moved later to Indiana.
6. David Summer .- Elected and advanced with Brother Shoemaker. Also moved into the Sandy Church, where by a fall he was crippled for life. He and his wife died suddenly with supposed cholera.
7. Henry Kurtz .- Appointed overseer while a member of Canton Church in 1842, while yet in the second degree. Ordained Sept. 26, 1844, and reap- pointed in full charge, becoming the successor of Elder Hoke. He served the church faithfully for thirty years and died Jan. 12, 1874, aged seventy- seven years, five months and twenty-one days.
8. Daniel Summer .- Elected, advanced and moved West.
9. Richard Brenneman .- Elected, advanced, or- dained and died within our bounds at the time when he was the oldest in years and youngest in office. From Gospel Visitor, 1855, Vol. 5, page 48, we quote: " Died Jan. 15, 1855, Richard Brenneman, an exemplary and well-beloved minister of the Word. Aged seventy-four years. Was buried next
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day in our own little church, Mahoning County, Ohio." The first minister to die here.
10. Philip Rottenberger .- Elected, advanced and moved to Indiana, where he was ordained.
11. James Quinter .- Removed from Fayette County, Pa., in the spring of 1856, as minister in the second degree ; was ordained here by request of Annual Meeting. Served with great efficiency and removed to Covington, Ohio.
12. Jacob H. Kurtz .- Elected May 30, 1861, and advanced Nov. 9, 1867. Ordained Sept. 24, 1881. Died Feb. 10, 1912.
13. Noah Longanecker .- Elected May 30, 1861, advanced Nov. 9, 1867, ordained Sept. 24, 1881, and is now living at Hartville, Ohio, within the bounds of the East Nimishillen Church.
14. Jonas Hoke .- Elected Oct. 3, 1875 ; advanced Jan. 25, 1879. Lived near Leetonia, and died April 14, 1908, aged seventy-three years, one month and four days.
15. Daniel Frank Longanecker .- Elected Oct. 4, 1879. Served acceptably and faithfully. Died Aug. 11, 1880, aged twenty-nine years, ten months and one day.
16. Edwin Ruhlman .- Elected Oct. 4, 1879. In- stalled and gave several years of faithful service. He drifted and left the church.
17. Albert W. Harrold .- Born May 18, 1860. Baptized May 11, 1890. Elected Aug. 22, 1891, ad- vanced Sept. 3, 1893, ordained Oct. 31, 1903. Lo- cated on a farm near Columbiana, Ohio, near Zion Hill house, and has the oversight of the church at the present time.
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18. Jonas Horst .- Elected Oct. 13, 1900, installed some time later and advanced. Is living on a farm near North Lima, Ohio, and is ably serving the church in her regular appointment.
19. Harry W. Rohrer .- Elected Oct. 15, 1905. Removed his certificate of membership to Hunting- don, Pa., where he took a course in Juniata College and is at present engaged in temperance work in Pennsylvania.
20. Harvey A. Brubaker .- Came from Virden, Ill., a " Bethany Bible " student. Elected June 16, 1913. An efficient and faithful worker, and with his wife is now preparing for the foreign mission field at . North Manchester College.
Deacons of the Mahoning Church.
Jóhn Collar .- Date not known. Moved to Stark County.
Abraham Heistand .- Also later elected to the ministry. Moved to Sandy Church.
Daniel Hardman .- Died here February, 1867, aged seventy-nine years, one month and twenty-sev- en days.
Conrad Haugher .- Died here March, 1857.
John Shoemaker .- Moved to the West.
Jacob Shoemaker .- Moved to the Sandy Church, and later farther west.
Jacob Summer .- Elected Sept. 23, 1843. Died in December, 1855.
Jacob Longanecker .- Elected Sept. 23, 1843.
Matthias Haas .- Elected Oct. 1, 1856. Died June 16, 1869, aged sixty-nine years, two months and eight days.
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Jacob H. Kurtz .- Elected May 18, 1860, after- wards to the ministry.
George Grove .- Elected May 18, 1860. Moved
west.
John B. Summer .- Elected May 18, 1860. Moved to Canton Church.
Jonas Hoke .- Elected July 7, 1867. Later to the ministry. Deceased.
Fred W. Kohler .- Elected July 7, 1867; also District Meeting Treasurer many years. Deceased.
Levi Summer .- Elected October 13, 1870.
Alfred W. Longanecker .- Elected Oct. 13, 1870. Resigned in 1912.
Eli H. Ruhlman .- Oct. 10, 1876. Moved away, drifted. Deceased.
Solomon Esterly .- Elected Oct. 10, 1876. Still acting at advanced age.
D. F. Longanecker .- Elected Oct. 10, 1876, later to the ministry. Deceased.
Simeon Longanecker .- Elected Oct. 16, 1886. Still active.
Amos Harrold .- Elected Oct. 16, 1886. Moved away, united with other denominations.
Joseph Harrold .- Elected Oct. 12, 1889. Still ac- tive.
George Miller .- Elected Oct. 12, 1889. Still ac- tive.
D. Newton Garver .- Elected Oct. 13, 1900. Still active.
John H. Basinger .- Elected Oct. 13, 1900. Still active.
C. S. Lehman .- Elected Oct. 13, 1900. Moved to Lima, Ohio. Elected to the ministry.
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Henry Rohrer .- Came from the West where he was elected. Still acting.
H. F. Kohler .- Elected June 19, 1910. Still act- ing.
Wm. G. Kurtz .- Elected June 19, 1910. Still act- ing.
The reader will please notice that this is one of the real pioneer churches of Northeastern Ohio,- a veritable incubator of men of worth, who with their families moved into other localities, and with their zeal for the Master became the nucleus of not a few of the well-organized churches of the District.
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