USA > Ohio > A history of the church of the Brethren, Northeastern Ohio > Part 5
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In 1904 the Canton City Mission was organized into a separate church with a full set of officers, and
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a membership whose zeal is invincible in meeting and overcoming obstacles that would prostrate oth- ers to the earth. With this organization the mem- bership of the church for the most part is confined to the country.
Supplement to the Canton Church.
Elder Daniel Peck, one of the pioneers of North- eastern Ohio, who figured prominently in the organ- ization of many of the churches in the eastern part of the District, and a man who was ever ready to take hold of new methods to perpetuate the work of the church, is much revered in the Canton Church for the valuable services he rendered especially to the local congregation. It was by his untiring ef- forts that the Sunday-school was organized at the Center house, in the days when opposition was expected. So appreciative have the church and Sun- day-school been for the part he played in the organi- zation of the latter school that an endowment fund has been raised to keep his grave in excellent con- dition.
In December, 1911, Brother Jacob Weirich, was ordained to the eldership, Adam H. Miller advanced to the second degree, and in May, 1913, Milton M. Taylor was called to the ministry. The present deacons are Brethren Michael Lehman, Peter B. Snyder, John H. Miller, Wm. Horner, Henry Royer, Wm. B. Royer, Jacob Keim and Wm. Mohn. The church is in a harmonious condition and willing to sacrifice for the cause of the Master.
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Elder Conrad Kahler. 1819-1892.
Brother Kahler began life in Frankfort, Germany, on Oct. 29, 1819. But very little of the Germany childhood experiences were handed down to his posterity. The little boy Conrad, the eldest of a family of three children, passed through the trying experiences that come to not a few children when once they realize that they have to tear away from their playmates and many other endearments, never to see or visit them again excepting through the quiet whisperings of memory. When he was ten years old everything was gotten ready for the voy- age to the New World, as it was then called. Cer- tain personal property was disposed of, but Conrad saw to it that some of the little treasures of his tender life were snugly packed away among the things that were to be brought along. Affectionate good-byes were said and the voyage begun. The trip across the Atlantic was reported as being very stormy, taking six weeks before they landed at New York. The reader will note the hazards that trip must have had to keep the minds and hearts of the passengers in a constant state of tension.
After a few days at New York the Kahler family removed to Bolivar, Ohio. Economies were needed to be practiced, hence Conrad at once sought em- ployment among the farmers, working in the sum- mer time and going to school in the winter. He did this till he reached eighteen, when he hired out as a regular farm hand. He worked a number of consecutive years at Elder Yant's, and it was at this
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home the seeds of truth were sown and cultivated which inclined him to the faith of the Brethren.
Jan. 13, 1844, he was married to Elizabeth Arnold, who with her parents had moved from Rockingham County, Va., to the Bolivar community. Theirs was a happy home to begin with, and was kept a
ELDER CONRAD KAHLER AND WIFE
growing happiness all the way through. Many sac- rifices and hard struggling were bravely endured in order to make secure the home and its comforts. They wrought two years before they became se- riously impressed that the Savior was needed in their home to perfect its joys, hence in 1846 they
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made application to be received into the fellowship of the Brethren. They made strong their vows of obedience to the commands of the Scriptures and the time-honored usages of the church. Their faith and love for the Master became growing pillars of true devotion to God, and the uplift of their fellows.
To them were born seven children : three of them died in youth and four are still living who have brought into the church the zeal and love of their parents. John F. Kahler, the only son, was soon called to the ministry and is now pastor of the Can- ton City Church. The daughters who are still living have expressed their love for the Master as ever- zealous workers in the church, and in bringing up children who are especially known by their devotion to the better things of life.
In 1849, just five years after their marriage, Broth- er and Sister Kahler were called upon to receive the will of God through the voice of the church to en- gage themselves in the work of the ministry. This they did unfalteringly. Though not extensively en- dowed with an education, yet their faith soon brought them to the front ranks of service in North- eastern Ohio. They truly magnified the office, and in 1865 Brother Kahler was ordained to the full ministry. It was by his labors while in this office that he proved his greatest ability as a wise counsel- lor and a leader among those of his class. He was called to his eternal reward in 1892. The churches of Northeastern Ohio lost a true and devout leader in Brother Kahler, yet the fruitage of his labors is still with us to cheer us on upon life's highway.
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Elizabeth, the companion and mother, will never be forgotten, for her labors and faithfulness to every call to duty in the home, community and the church will ever be kept fresh and lively oracles on the tablets of memory of those who knew her. Upon the death of the husband and father she kept the altar fires burning and the children instructed in the ways of the Lord. Hers was a home that never turned the most unfortunate away unwarmed and unfed. Theirs was a true church home where every mem- ber felt perfectly welcome to come and talk of their joys as well as the more serious things of life. Her talks in councils had special weight, for not a few times were the members led out of the mists into the light her mind would shed upon the situation ..
Sister Kahler joined her husband in the glory world at the ripe age of seventy-six. Though dead yet she liveth in the rich memories of the lives of those who survive her.
MOHICAN CHURCH.
This church was organized about 1830, being the first church organized west of Stark County at that time. It took its name after a beautiful stream of water that flows through the community.
Twelve members in all gathered at the home of Brother John Shoemaker. After songs were sung and fervent prayers offered they proceeded at once to resolve themselves into an organization that they might more perfectly carry on the work of the Master, which they so much loved.
The harvest was great and the laborers were few
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and their territory at that time extended from the lakes to the gulf and west to the Pacific Coast. Not all the names of those present at that oc- casion have been preserved. We will give a few that have been handed down by tradition: John Shumaker and wife, Dr. Echer and wife, David Garver and wife. During these early days the meetings were held in the homes of the members, meeting every two weeks. The preaching was in the German language. This continued for a long time, when there was a growing demand for preaching in English; the German then naturally dropped out. The singing was conducted on the style of the min- ister lining two lines and the congregation singing them and then lining two more and singing them, until the entire hymn was sung.
The list of elders who faithfully served the church from its earliest organization down to the present time are the following : John Shumaker, John Martin, Jacob Garver, Elias Dickey, Joseph Ritten- house, P. J. Brown, Henry Worst, D. N. Workman, Tobias Hoover, Samuel Sprankel and James Mur- ray. Elders Joseph Kessler and David Worst being recently ordained are doing faithful service for the church.
Besides those who have had charge of the church at different times, we have a list of very interesting names who have been helpful in the ministry, whose lives and personal service for the church have count- ed much in establishing the faith and perpetuating its influence in the moving-westward spirit : George Fleck, George Worst, Henry Jacobs, Christian Hol-
MOHICAN CHURCH, WAYNE COUNTY Built about 1884.
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terman, William Keiffer, George Kessler, David Worst, Silas Weidman, Samuel Bolinger.
In the deacon's office the chronicler has found the names of twenty-three who have served faithfully in all the departments of their work. Space will not permit the record of these names; suffice it to say that these have felt the call of the Master and have responded without equivocation and performed the duties of their charges as men feeling themselves responsible to the eternal God for their stewardship.
This church has had the pleasure of entertaining the 1843 Annual Conference, held at the home of Brother John Shoemaker. The Conference was re- markable in the number attending it and the means of transportation at that time, the brethren and sis- ters for the most part coming from the east traveling on horseback, afoot and in wagons. This occasion is still a matter of vivid memory in the minds of many of our older brethren and sisters, who found it an occasion of spiritual uplift, intensive fellowship and inspiration looking to a larger brotherhood that has surely followed. These early Conferences built better than they knew. In laying these foundations they were sufficient to support the superstructure which we trust will never cease rising into higher worth.
This church enjoyed its first Sunday-school or- ganization in 1869. Its organization was attended with considerable opposition, but through patience and prayer this soon ceased and commendable work was done from year to year. As an evidence the most of her membership has been received into the church through the Sunday-school.
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The Sisterhood of this church should receive spe- cial commendation for the successful work they are doing in their Aid Society. Many homes have been blessed through their painstaking work. The mem- bership of the society is small; their good work largely makes up for this deficiency.
Another matter of historic importance should be mentioned at this place, and that is, this church, perhaps, more than any other in the Northeastern District of Ohio, suffered from the 1882 division in the Brotherhood. All her ministers as well as some of the deacons withdrew to the Progressives. Were it not for the energetic, persistent and executive ability of Elder D. N. Workman, who came to their rescue, the church would have suffered irreparable loss, but through Elder Workman's sacrifices as well as faithfulness to those who remained true to the church, the lamp of faith was kept burning and continued to be a contributor to the ever-growing Brotherhood.
Supplement to the Mohican Church.
A few belated notes may be of interest to many readers. The first services in this church were con- ducted in the German language, Elders John Shoe- maker and John Martin doing the preaching. Soon there was a demand for English preaching; then Elders Jacob Garver and Henry Worst did the En- glish preaching and the former two brethren the German.
Elder John Martin moved from Bedford County, Pa. Elder P. J. Brown moved into this congrega-
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tion in 1862. He practiced dentistry at Congress, Ohio, when not engaged in ministerial duties. Henry Jacobs and Christian Halterman were elect- ed to the ministry in 1873; William Keiffer, in 1874. Brethren Brown, Jacobs and Keiffer withdrew with the Progressives in the 1882 division of the church.
The church received a severe shock in the sudden death of Brother Shoemaker. Elder Shoemaker was hauling some lumber for the building of the first meetinghouse of the Brethren in this church. On his return home he stopped in Lattasburg a few moments to transact some business. In his starting from the village he attempted to get up into the wagon by stepping upon the doubletrees; his foot slipped, entangling him in the lines and singletrees ; the horses became frightened and ran away, injur- ing Brother Shoemaker so that he lived only a few days.
The esteem in which Brother Shoemaker was held is seen in the very large funeral that was held over his remains. One hundred and eighty wagons, a few other vehicles and many on horseback followed him to his last earthly resting-place. The Mohican cemetery was consecrated by his being the first one buried in it. His work was suddenly ended, but what great work followed him in the church !
Elder Jacob Kurtz of this church also lost his life by accident. The chronicler was unable to give the deails of his death and funeral. For two prom- inent elders to lose their lives so suddenly within the bounds of the same church is quite uncommon.
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Elder Jacob Garver. 1800-1879.
Elder Jacob Garver was born near Hagerstown, Md., June 16, 1800, moving with his parents to Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1802, and in 1812 to Fayette County, Pa. Aug. 22, 1822, he was united in marriage to Mary Lucas, and in 1827 he and his family moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in the bounds of the Mohican Church. In 1830, he and his wife united with the Church of the Brethren and soon thereafter Brother Garver was elected to the deacon's office. In 1837 he was called to the ministry, and in 1855 ordained to the eldership, serving the church in that capacity until his death, May 14, 1879.
Brother Garver donated to the church the land on which the Mohican Church and cemetery are now located. Coming into this part of the District when there were but few members and no oppor- tunity for holding meetings, save in members' houses, caused Brother Garver to become very anx- ious for the erection of churchhouses in which to worship. Some of these churches were first seated with benches without any backs, which were not satisfactory to Brother Garver, he contending for seats with backs. Some of the brethren opposed this, but through continued effort all the churches were provided with seats containing backs. Broth- er Garver was a man of strict integrity and faithful in the various duties he was called by the church to perform. Through his continued efforts the church prospered and the members loved and re-
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vered his name. He was of a very sociable and pleasant turn of mind and had a good word for ev- erybody, and Sister Garver was a real mother to the whole community.
Brother and Sister Garver brought up a family of sixteen children. They labored on for many, many years together for the upbuilding of the church, and the advancing of pure Christian piety in the com- munity in which they lived. Their house was al- ways a Brethren's home. It may be said of Brother and Sister Garver: "Inasmuch as you have min- istered unto the least of these my brethren, you have ministered unto me." Two sons of Brother and Sister Garver were ministers in the Church of the Brethren : Samuel, of the Black River Church, and George, who moved on a farm near Dayton, Ohio.
Mary Lucas Garver. 1802-1881.
Mary Lucas Garver, wife of Elder Jacob Garver, was born in Fayette County, Pa., in 1802, living with her parents until married to Jacob Garver, Aug. 4, 1822. In 1827 they decided to go west. Loading their belongings on a large, four-horse wagon, they started out to try their fortune in the then wild west of Ohio, landing in Chester Town- ship, Wayne County, on the farm where the Mo- hican Church and cemetery are located. Sister Garver was a strong, courageous woman, not afraid to endure hardships and willing to do her part to- ward clearing the forests away that they might pro- duce something on which to live. It is said of her
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that she could use an ax as well as a man and that she with her son, Samuel, then a boy at home, cut the timber off and cleared the land on which the Mohican Church and cemetery are located. With the bringing up of sixteen children and caring for
SISTER JACOB GARVER
Of the Mohican Church, Wayne County. Sister Garver helped to chop down the trees and clear up the ground where now stand the Mohican church and cemetery. Few men could cut a large tree down as quick as she.
an invalid sister-in-law, she yet found time to look after the welfare of the church and to study her Bi- ble, and enjoyed more than anything else to con- verse therefrom. Full of the Spirit, full of love, she did what she could for the church and her God.
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Her spirit took its flight in the month of June, 1881, at the age of seventy-nine, to dwell with him who gave it.
TUSCARAWAS CHURCH.
This church was organized between 1836 and 1840. Brother Abraham Yant, pioneer from Penn- sylvania, minister and elder, settled in Bethlehem Township, Stark County, Ohio, two miles north of Bolivar. His was a pioneering for the Lord.
Prior to the organization, services were held in private homes and schoolhouses. Much interest was taken in these services, which resulted in the organization and the building of places of worship. This territory originally was quite large; two churchhouses were built, the first known as the Zion, erected in 1865, and an addition built in 1871 ; the Eden house was erected in 1873. The former is five miles north of Bolivar and the latter five and one-half miles southwest of Canton.
The records of the membership of this church from its earliest organization seem to have been lost. Present membership is about forty.
Those who followed Elder Yant in the care of his church were: John K. L. Swihart, Conrad Kah- ler and Samuel Sprankel; the latter holds the over- sight of the church at the present time. Other ministers of the church were: Martin Reely (Ger- man), Henry Bender, George V. Kollar, Noah Long- anecker, Reuben Shroyer, Jacob Mishler, Howard Helman, none of whom are now living within the bounds of the church.
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The records of the deacons can only be traced back to 1855. They are as follows: George Hel- man, John Yutzey, Jos. Snively, Chas. Buchman, David E. Garber, Stephen Kocher, Elias Gerber, A. W. Yutzey.
This church was quite flourishing for a number of years and a few names may be mentioned as con- tributors in a special manner to the progress of the work, whose zeal and earnestness left indelible im- pressions upon the memories of those who survive. Brother and Sister Henry Bender were noted for their zeal and liberality ; Brother and Sister Conrad Kahler for their fatherly and motherly care of the tender lambs of the fold; Brother and Sister Martin Reely, who remembered the church financially by bequeathing quite a nice sum of money; Brother and Sister George Helman were untiring and faith- ful, and were present at all services; Brother and Sister Daniel J. Yutzey for the part they played in the Sunday-school and other features of church work; Brother and Sister John F. Kahler were shin- ing lights and contributed much to the encourage- ment and prosperity of the church.
A little bit of reminiscence of Elder Conrad Kahler, who held the oversight of this church, will be read with interest. He emigrated from Frank- fort, Germany, with his parents when eleven years old. They settled in Bolivar, Tuscarawas County, on a little farm one mile north of the village. Elder Conrad worked as a farm hand at Abram Yant's place for a number of years; there he learned the doctrine as taught by the Brethren. He also formed the acquaintance of Elizabeth Arnold, whose par-
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ents came to Ohio from Rockingham County, Va., in 1840, and in 1844 they were married. In 1846 they united with the Church of the Brethren; in 1849 Brother Kahler was chosen to the ministry and in 1865 ordained to the eldership. To him much credit is due for the early growth of this church. He held the oversight until he removed to the bounds of the Canton Church in 1882. He closed his labors on earth in 1892. He had the joy of see- ing all his children unite with the church.
The first Sunday-school in this church was organ- ized in 1879 with considerable opposition. Through patience and perseverance opposition abated and the work was carried on with commendable zeal and success under the leadership of such men as D. J. Yutzey, Reuben Shroyer, William Fetters, A. W. Yutsey, D. F. Helman and John Studer. The num- ber of scholars upon its organization were fifteen. A few years later a Sunday-school was organized at the Eden house. Number of scholars at this organ- ization were twenty-five; the superintendents were the following: John F. Kahler, Abram Sniveley, William Rohn, A. W. Yutsey, William Sniveley, Elias Gerber and Daniel Lantz.
In 1874 this church was divided into two divi- sions: the southern part was called the Mt. Zion congregation. This division was on account of the large territory and the difficulty of the members getting back and forth to the different places of worship. While this church has not sustained the strength of its original membership, yet it has pro- duced within its borders a number of ministers and influential members who migrated to other churches
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and became pillars in building up the faith of the Lord where they did the greater part of their life's work. What is the loss to the Tuscarawas Church was gain in other places.
BLACK RIVER CHURCH.
The history of the Black River congregation dates back to about the year 1846, when Brethren Ephra- im and Joseph Swinehart with their families located near Black River, Chatham Township, Medina County, Ohio. Other immigrant members were Brethren John White in 1849 and Joseph Ritten- house in 1850, who with their wives were included in the first membership. The territory at first was a part of the Mohican congregation in Wayne County, of which Brother Garver was then presid- ing elder, assisted by Brother John Shoemaker. Sept. 30, 1855, the congregation was organized at the home of Brother Joseph Rittenhouse, at which time he was elected to the ministry and Brethren Ephraim Provant and John White were chosen dea- cons. Elders Elias Dickey, of Ashland, Ohio, and Joseph Showalter, of Stark County, Ohio, conducted the organization.
Among the charter members we find Brethren Joseph Rittenhouse, John White, George Heestand, John Robinson, Jacob Provant, Ephraim Provant, Ephraim Swinehart, Gideon Bollinger, Samuel Gar- ver, Frederick Dague, John Werts, their wives, and Sister Mary Pittenger and Brother Nathaniel Rit- tenhouse.
Brethren Samuel Garver and John Werts and
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their wives, Nathaniel Rittenhouse, Frederick Dague and wife were baptized the day of the organ- ization.
On the evening of this memorable day a love feast was held in the same house, which is still standing. Brother Jacob Garver had the oversight of the Black River congregation until about the year 1867, when Brother Joseph Rittenhouse was ordained and given charge of this pioneer flock.
The first members baptized in this part of the state were John Robinson and his wife, Elizabeth (Rittenhouse) Robinson. This occurred in the sum- mer of 1855. Less than two months after the or- ganization Mary Rittenhouse, aged nine years, was also baptized. It is to be observed that this church did not question the fitness of children to enter the Kingdom and be trained for the Master's use.
During the first years the meetings were held in the houses of the brethren; when these were too small, the barn was soon put into condition for serv- ices. The families took turns in entertaining the meetings. It was quite common to serve all who attended the meetings with dinner; in this case services were conducted in the afternoon also. Can the reader imagine what spiritual feasts were had upon those occasions? True, it took work, but the grandmothers knew how to do that.
Before the organization the following ministers kept the lamp of faith burning. Notice what an elect lot they are: Jacob Garver, John Shoemaker, John Martin, George Flack, Emanuel Bughly, of the Mohican Church; Elias Dickey, Isaac Smucker and Moses Weaver, of the Ashland Church ; Chris-
BLACK RIVER CHURCH, MEDINA COUNTY
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tian Wise, of the Richland Church; John Shoe- maker, Sr., of the Chippewa congregation ; and Jacol) Kurtz, of Stark County. Brethren Henry Davy, of Knox County, John Wise, then of Pennsylvania, Peter Nead and James Quinter held series of meet- ings before there was any churchhouse in which to worship. The membership grew rapidly, and it was but a short time till the zeal of this newly-organized church spread over many townships. They did in those early days what is now known as church ex- tension work. Soon the Gospel was being preached in Troy and Sullivan Townships, Ashland County ; in Huntingdon, Harrisville, Chatham, Spencer, Litchfield and Westfield Townships, Medina Coun- ty. Will the reader pause to think how the min- isters and their wives would make these appoint- ments regularly ?
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