USA > Ohio > A history of the church of the Brethren, Northeastern Ohio > Part 4
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The keeping of the records of the church was not brought about until the year 1870, when Elder Lewis Glass accepted the oversight, being assisted by Elder John A. Clement, S. B. Stuckey and Aaron Shively, second degree ministers; and Eli Stroup, B. F. Bowser and C. Hiner in the first degree. During these years the cause was greatly benefited by the timely visits of Elders Conrad Kahler, David Young, Geo. Irvin, Geo. Worst, Geo. Kollar, Samuel Garver and others of the earlier days. All went well till about 1882, the time of the division in the Brotherhood, when clouds gathered thickly at places. This church was seriously affected and many were lost to the Progressives. The clouds finally cleared away and the altar fires rekindled, souls were born into the kingdom, letters were granted members who moved into other districts, and letters were also received from those who de- sired to move into a real live church. Thus has the good work continued.
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In going over the minutes of the councils, which are reasonably complete, since 1870, we find the following names of those who seemed to have car- ried the burden of the church work : they are Breth- ren Stroup, Shidler, Sanor, Thomas, Hahn, Benner, Roose, Burson, Yeaghley, Riceley, Stump, Keim, Bush, Myers, Newcomer, Neupher, Coyle and Un- ger. The records also show that many of the sisters were just as active as the brethren in the care of the interests of the church. Among them we find the names of Sisters Ella Weaver, Rachael Shively, Martha Shively, Avarilla Hoover, Clementine Hee- stand, Etta Unger, Amanda Culler, Emma Hoffman and others whose cooperation with the brethren in office has been of inestimable value.
The existence of saloons, public dances, county fairs, secret societies, within the church community in the early days, gave the congregation no little concern in keeping the lambs of the fold from con- tamination. At times these enemies were a formid- able foe and some losses were sustained. But with all these troubles, the church bravely contended and gave to us a clean, moral and intellectual commun- ity, and has performed her part well in shaping the lives and destinies of her members.
Among the evangelists who were called to assist at intervals, we find the names of J. K. L. Swihart, Jesse Calvert, Peter Stuckman, I. D. Parker, Pollard, I. J. Rosenberger, F. B. Weimer, N. Longa- necker, S. Sprankel, R. R. Shroyer, Q. Leckrone, Edward Loomis, T. S. Moherman, G. S. Straus- baugh, Wm. Bixler, John F. Kahler and many others whose names we could not learn. One of the first
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ministerial meetings in the district was held in this church May 6 and 7, 1892. A high standard of spirituality and inspiration for better care of souls was set for succeeding meetings. The large church- house afforded ample room for gatherings of this kind. The first minutes actually kept bear date of Aug. 8, 1883, and were written by B. F. Bowser, clerk at that time, who removed and was succeeded by Brother Samuel Heestand, who was succeeded in turn by Brethren John R. Hoffman, O. C. Hahn and Walter Stouffer. The church for the most part has maintained a strong force of deacons, and among those reporting as having been on the annual visit, which has been strictly attended to, are the follow- ing: John Weaver, Wm. L. Myers, D. E. Bowman, D. S. Bowman, David Shiveley, Peter Stouffer, A. Wyman, Eli Thomas, Frank Weaver, A. Heistand, James Benner, Levi Heestand, Samuel Stouffer, John Culler, and the following, of whom some were not deacons but assisted them on the visit: J. W. Glass, Edward Reese, Joseph Hahn, Joseph Shidler and James Burson.
Brother James Benner served the church as treas- urer many years and was succeeded by W. W. Stroup May 6, 1893, and he by Hiram Heestand in 1912. The finances of the church have been skilfully cared for and large sums have been spent in caring for her poor and for local expenses. She replenishes her treasury by a system of taxation based upon tax duplicates, less bona fide indebtedness, and by voluntary donations. The church received from David Morentzest the sum of $500, but on account of reverses of someone, not much, if anything, has
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been realized therefrom. Another gift of real estate from the Dr. Trollinger estate, valued at several hundred dollars, was realized. Also a less amount from the estate of Eli Stroup was received.
In the early history of the church we find the name of Elder David Byers, of whom no authentic account as to where he was from could be found, but his presence at many of the councils and the part taken by him, as shown by the records, indicate the importance of his work. He later removed to an adjoining congregation, but often visited here and assisted in her councils. The list of elders in charge are Elder Abraham Heistand, of 1825, and many years afterward Elder Lewis Glass accepted the oversight, holding the position until he asked the church to be relieved, which was done by the consent of elders of District Meeting of 1889. Elder Edward Loomis was selected for this position on Dec. 3, 1890. He labored efficiently and attended all her councils except three, until succeeded by Eli Stroup, who was ordained and appointed bishop on Nov. 17, 1894, which position he held in honor to himself and to the church until his decease, which occurred early in the year of 1899.
In all this time Brethren Aaron Shiveley and Joe J. Hoover assisted efficiently in the work and in the adjacent churches of the District until the decease of Brother Shiveley and the removal to the West of Brother Hoover and family, their letters being granted them Feb. 16, 1901. Brother Simon Stuck- ey, another worthy brother, identified with the work from 1861, was much appreciated throughout the district because of his ability to lead worship in
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song. He often visited the adjoining churches at communion meetings. He became a leading worker in the Freeburg Church, to which his later history would properly belong. He was quite popular in his community, conducting many funeral services and in the solemnization of marriages. He was elected to the ministry in 1876, advanced and or- dained Nov. 25, 1900. He died Sept. 21, 1904, aged seventy-one years, four months and twenty-six days. He came to Stark County,Ohio, with his parents when but eleven years of age and lived his entire life in the county.
Brother M. W. Hahn, son of Joseph Hahn and Rebecca (Haas) Hahn, also a minister and worker at Reading, but later belonging to the Freeburg, was elected Nov. 18, 1893, and advanced Nov. 24, 1900. He labored faithfully for some years and moved with his family to the State of Delaware, where he at present resides. Since all these changes have taken place, the ministerial help has been ob- tained from adjoining churches, Elder N. Longa- necker often assisting in council and in the regular appointments of the church, and is often invited to her aid for advice and admonition.
Elder John F. Kahler, formerly from the Canton Church and now of the Canton City Church, has supplied several terms, and served for more than a year as pastor while residing at Mt. Union. At present the pastoral work is supplied by Elder A. W. Harrold, of the Mahoning Church, who now has the oversight.
The church maintains a weekly Sunday-school, Christian Workers' Meeting, Teacher Training Class, and has church services every alternate Sun-
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day. She has a faithful membership of more than 150 members. The outlook is bright. Praise God for his blessings of Mercy and Grace !
A. W. H.
OWL CREEK CONGREGATION.
How this church got its peculiar name is not found in print, nor is it treasured in the memories of the people. This place of worship is located one- half mile north of Ankenytown, Knox County, Ohio, on a beautiful knoll overlooking the surrounding country. Its organization was somewhere about 1823. The early membership for the most part came from Bedford County, Pa. This being per- haps the fifth church organized in the District, its territory was necessarily large. The field indeed was large but the laborers were few. Its present area is only about one-half the original on account of other congregations being organized and taking charge of their respective fields.
It was at the home of Brother Henry Hess, soon after the Civil War, that committees from the differ- ent parts of the State met and located the division line that now divides our State Districts.
We are indebted to Brother Henry Hess for many of the data that this church has produced. Brother Hess (deceased March 3, 1913) lived within the bounds of this congregation since 1839. His un- tiring interest in the growth of this part of God's domain contributed much toward the fine church- house they now worship in, and the beautiful
OWL CREEK CHURCH, KNOX COUNTY
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cemetery, begun in 1846, where 325 memorials testi- fy to broken homes and hearts that human sympathy could not comfort.
The first place of worship was built in 1854. Prior to that time services were conducted in private homes and in schoolhouses. At the meetings in the homes both men and beasts were fed, and the hospitality upon such occasions was a well spring- ing up unto everlasting life. The love feasts in the early days were held in homes, barns and on lawns. The conduct of the visiting neighborhood was not very commendable upon some occasions; civil offi- cers had to be called in to keep order. The reader will pause long enough to note that the Sunday- school, Christian Workers' Meetings and Bible classes were not in operation in those days. In 1899 the old churchhouse was replaced by a new and commodious one which was dedicated Oct. 22, 1899. Twenty-five new and well-built sheds reflect the humane spirit that enriches the hearts of the worshipers. The cemetery is under a self-support- ing management. Our chronicler has not informed us as to what adjoining churches were the product of the zeal and fidelity of this one.
It seems that the members did not at all times see things alike ; peace and harmony were put to a test upon occasions. In September, 1858, at the regular council meeting, twenty members became dissatis- fied and withdrew from the church. This sect was commonly known as the Leedyites. In 1881 thirty- five members withdrew and united with the Pro- gressives. The reader will readily see that it re-
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quires a strong body of believers to survive such losses.
The financial side of this church was reinforced by Brother Daniel Hetrick and Elder Maltzbaugh, who willed liberal sums of money for the support of the poor.
Sunday-school work was launched in 1870. Twen- ty-nine years later it became evergreen. It has been a potent factor in the development of the character of both young and old, and many have been directed in the way of holiness through her agencies. The school at the present is enjoying her greatest pros- perity. The teachers, some of them, have graduated from the Teacher Training Course. They use mod- ern methods of teaching. The Home Department and Cradle Roll come in for full consideration. The school is a supporter of missions.
A Christian Workers' Society was organized in February, 1905. It has continued with varied in- terest till the present. The hungry have been fed, the sick visited, and the Gospel has been preached by the perseverance of this little band of workers.
The elders and ministers present an interesting picture. The first in the list is John Maltzbaugh, who presided till his death on Sept. 14, 1858. Jacob Garver, a minister, moved here from the East, died in 1845. The church's membership åt that time was about 200. In 1841 Henry Davy and Abraham Leedy were called to the ministry. Soon after this the Delaware Church was organized ; Brother Davy, living in that locality, became their minister. In 1858 Abraham Leedy was ordained to the eldership.
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He had charge of the church till his death in No- vember, 1869. Morgan Workman, of the Loudon- ville Church, was then called to the bishopric of this congregation, which duties he faithfully per- formed till 1873, when Brethren Henry Keller and William Murray were ordained to the eldership. These men, joined together in the bonds of peace and harmony, knew their flock by name, and the sheep and lambs did follow them. Elder Murray, after a time, removed into the Ashland Church, Ashland, Ohio. Brother Keller, however, moved steadily on with the work till his death, Aug. 31, 1903. His was a life of true piety known and read by all men of his community, as one in whom the Christ spirit dwelt richly. He was a preacher of great earnestness, whose messages were full of per- sonal experiences with the truth he was teaching. Elder Samuel Montis lived within the bounds of the church from about 1892. Being isolated the greater part of the time from the main body of the church, and not being able to get to her services very often, he could not assume very much of the responsibility of the flock. He always had words of encouragement for the church when in attendance at her services.
Upon the death of Elder Henry Keller, Columbus Workman, of the Danville Church, was chosen to shepherd the flock, which he faithfully did for the space of six years. Brother Workman, finding the charge of more than one church at a time too heavy, resigned. The church reluctantly accepted his res- ignation, and proceeded at once to call Brother
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Aaron Heestand to their leadership which he very acceptably performed.
While the last two named elders had charge, we wish to call the reader's attention to two young brethren, whose strength and courage and rich stock of truth has been the means of bringing much new life into this eighty-eight-year-old congregation, viz., Walter Keller and George Strausbaugh. Walter was born both physically and spiritually within the bounds of the congregation. He was advanced to the second degree of the ministry in a short time, graduated in both Science and Bible courses, called to the pastorate of the Hagerstown (Md.) Church in 1906, the Washington (D. C.) Church in 1909, and to the Ashland congregation in 1911, which charge he is still serving. The good Lord brought Brother George Strausbaugh into the bounds of this church through love's highway in April, 1906. He married one of her fair daughters. Besides the domestic felicity which he much enjoys, he is en- gaging himself in a self-sacrificing service for the church. Though a young man, the responsibility of the eldership was placed upon him October, 1906. Not for years has this congregation been so pros- perous. Brother Strausbaugh, prior to his coming to the service of the church, spent a number of years in higher education.
The half has not been told, yet we feel to inform the reader that this church has been a heavy con- tributor to the general growth of the Brotherhood in her means, and members who have moved into other parts to perpetuate the faith of the faithful.
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Henry Keller. 1829-1903.
Elder Henry Keller was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 14, 1829, died in the same county July 31, 1903, aged seventy-four years, three months and seventeen days. He was the son of Benjamin Kel-
ELDER HENRY KELLER
ler, a minister in the River Brethren Church. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm in the county in which he was born.
Like many of the children of his day, his oppor- tunities for securing an education were limited.
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He went to school only six weeks after he was four- teen years old, and never studied history, grammar, geography or any of the more modern branches, except during the last six weeks he was in school.
Early in life he began serving as an apprentice in an old-fashioned tannery and continued at this trade until he became an expert tanner. He often re- marked that he learned the multiplication table while he was grinding bark in the tan shop. As an apprentice, it was his duty to fill the hopper of the grinder with oak bark and then see that the horse kept moving. Later he built a tannery of his own and followed that trade until the more modern methods made it unprofitable, after which he took up the occupation of farming.
Brother Keller was united in marriage to Eliza- beth Grubb Nov. 18, 1850. Four children were born to them. At the time of their marriage neither had accepted Christ. His wife having been raised in a Brethren home she came in touch with the teaching and practice of the Church of the Brethren. These being somewhat different from his early teaching it was difficult, when conviction came, to decide with which church to unite. One of the main points which perplexed him was the purpose of baptism, whether because of the remission of sins or for the remission of sins.
Seeking the True Light he began searching the New Testament. In due time the Light came and he chose to be baptized for the remission of sins, uniting with the Church of the Brethren. In the autumn of 1858 he and his wife were baptized in
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the bounds of the Owl Creek Church by Elder Abram Leedy, and lived and labored in this church until called home.
Soon after his baptism the church recognized Brother Keller as a faithful and willing worker, hence called him to the ministry. Although feeling keenly the responsibility and his inadequate prepar- ation he went to work to do the best he could. He made the Bible a constant study, even studying and memorizing Scripture while working at his trade, placing the open Bible on a small shelf before him. Thus he became well acquainted with God's Word and gathered a rich store of Scriptural quotations which he used with effect in both private conversa- tion and public speaking. Following the advice of Peter he was always prepared to give a reason for the hope that was within.
The exact dates of his election to the ministry, advancement and ordination are not known. He had the oversight of the Owl Creek Church for about twenty-five years. At the time of the division in the Brethren Church he had many trials and dis- couragements to meet, but he remained loyal to the church. He was conservative and firm, yet patient and kind, always exercising much charity and for- bearance toward others. His advice was sought much in the councils of the adjoining congregations. He served the District as member of Standing Com- mittee at the Conference at Naperville, Il1.
During his ministry he performed many mar- riage ceremonies and was called upon to preach many funeral sermons.
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As a public speaker Brother Keller made no at- tempt at oratory. While his sermons were not elo- quent they were clear, spiritual, comforting and abounded with Scriptural quotations.
He was a man of implicit faith and was especially gifted in prayer. He believed that there was much power in prayer and each morning all in the house- hold were called around the family altar.
In appearance and action he was meek and hum- ble and won the respect and confidence of all within the circle of his influence.
Brother Keller made many sacrifices, financially and of personal comfort, for the church and the cause which he so much loved. Although he is gone, yet his influence still lives.
Elizabeth Keller. 1829-1909.
Elizabeth (Grubb) Keller was born in Bedford County, Pa., Sept. 11, 1829. At the age of four years she came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel H. Grubb, to Pike Township, Knox County, Ohio, where she lived the remainder of her long and useful life. Nov. 18, 1850, she was united in marriage with Henry Keller. She was a faithful companion and helpmate, performing well her duties of wife and mother in the home, and doing much to encourage her husband in his ministerial labors.
Their home was blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom are living.
In 1858 she united with the Church of the Breth-
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ren, and continued a zealous and faithful member until called to her reward.
She was a widow for nearly six years, during which time she continued to live on the homestead with her younger son. On Sunday, May 2, 1909,
SISTER ELIZABETH GRUBB KELLER Sept. 11, 1829, May 5, 1909.
while at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. R. Beal, at Ankenytown, she was stricken with paralysis, and on Wednesday morning, May 5, her spirit took its flight. She was aged eighty years. She is dead, but her words and works still live in the lives of those who knew her.
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CANTON CHURCH.
The torch of faith was kindled in Nimishillen, Osnaburg and Canton Townships some time in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. This church territory was originally a part of the old Nimishillen congregation. This was a rich agri- cultural community, and the best of people early settled it, and realized great possibilities for their families, not only in material things, but in schools and churches. The most populous centers were Osnaburg, Louisville and Canton.
The church took its name after the county seat : " Canton." As to the circumstances which led to the cutting off this valuable territory from the orig- inal Nimishillen congregation, the individuals who were present, the songs sung, the prayers offered, the first meetings under the auspices of the new congregation, and the place or places of worship, are a bit of sealed history in the archives of the spirit world. The early days of the church, dating from 1825, must have been fruitful ones, because of the splendid body of believers which grew up on foundations laid in pioneer soil of only fifteen souls. The church grew and in 1868 enjoyed the pleasure of dedicating its first house of worship, and in a short time adding another substantial structure about four miles north of where the Center house now stands. Later a mission point was maintained in the city of Canton, which grew into what is known as the Canton City Church. The details of this
CANTON CENTER HOUSE, STARK COUNTY
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citadel of faith, so far as we have been able to gather from memories yet active, begin with Elder Hoke, whose valuable services began, however, some time on this side of the pioneer days of the church. Fol- lowing Brother Hoke, about 1852, Brethren George Shively and Jacob Snyder were the feeders of the flock, Brother Shively acting as bishop, who, in 1857, moved to Indiana. After Brother Shively's depar- ture to a new field of service, Brother Jacob Snyder faithfully cared for the church till his death. As- sociated with Brother Snyder in the ministry were Jonas Umbaugh, who moved West, John Cross, who was considered a very able speaker for that time, and Daniel Peck, who also proved himself faithful to the cause of Christ. Brother Peck mar- ried a daughter of Elder and Sister Snyder. Soon after the death of Elder Snyder, Brother Peck, in 1865, was ordained to the eldership and placed as overseer of the flock. This took place at a regular business meeting held at the home of Moses and Lydia Keim, in Osnaburg Township. At this same meeting Josiah Keim was called to the ministry of the church. Brethren Jacob Garber and Conrad Kahler were the visiting elders to assist in the fore- going installations.
Some time between 1856 and 1860 Brother Daniel Clapper was called from the deacon's office to en- gage in the larger work of the ministry. He was a faithful servant of the Lord, and closed his labors some time near 1898. Elders Peck, Clapper and Keim were colaborers for a number of years. Upon Brother Peck's death, some time about 1870, John
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B. Shoemaker, of Smithville, Ohio, became the elder of the church for several years. When Moses Weaver moved from Ashland into the Canton Church, Brother Shoemaker resigned his charge in favor of Elder Weaver, who, after a few years, moved to Michigan. Benjamin Bolinger was elect- ed to the ministry in 1871, who, after a few years, also moved to Michigan. After a short vacancy in the matter of a housekeeper, Elder Conrad Kahler was chosen to preside over the flock. Feeling keen- ly the need of living among those whom he would serve he moved from the Sandy Church and be- came a lively and untiring keeper of the saints of God. During his oversight the membership had a leader who knew and loved every one, and who never spared pains to make the work of the church prosper. During his ministration Brethren Jacob Weirich and John F. Kahler were called to the min- istry. In the 1882 division in the Brotherhood Brother Josiah Keim withdrew with the Progressive Brethren, and organized a church in Louisville.
Upon the death of Brethren Kahler and. Clapper the feeding of the flock fell to the lot of John F. Kahler and Jacob Weirich. These brethren filled the full measure of the second degree of the min- istry in their love for the cause of Christ. Brother Samuel Sprankel, of the West Nimishillen congrega- tion, by the voice of the Canton Church, joined with the above named brethren in the care of souls as their spiritual adviser.
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