USA > Ohio > A history of the church of the Brethren, Northeastern Ohio > Part 6
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The writer remembers with much pleasure how glad we children were when we would see the Breth- ren ministers coming on Saturday afternoon, before the Sunday meeting. They often came on horseback when the roads were bad, fifteen or twenty miles, or more, and how we enjoyed listening to the con- versations on Scripture and religious subjects dur- ing the evening ; and the evening and morning wor- ship, consisting of Scripture reading, singing hymns. exhortations and fervent prayers.
Sister Robinson, in writing to me about the meet- ings held in our parents' home and of the one busy day when the congregation was organized, the elec- tion, the baptisms and love feast, says, " That was a ' Glory' meeting."
In 1867 Joseph Rittenhouse was ordained elder
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and given charge of the church. Also at the same meeting Jacob Shook and D. J. Myers were elected to the deacon's office.
A few years after the organization Brother Sam- uel Garver, son of Jacob Garver, was elected to the ministry. In 1870 Gideon Ballinger was called. He served faithfully until 1880 when he moved to Mis- souri. May 3, 1873, Brethren Tobias Hoover and John Pittinger were called to preach the Gospel. They were advanced to the second degree Aug. 8, 1874. At about this time Brother Samuel Garver was ordained to the eldership and placed in charge of the church, Elder Rittenhouse having moved to Eastern Maryland. Brother Garver kept the over- sight of the church until 1904, when Tobias Hoover. who was ordained in 1893, was placed in charge of the flock which he faithfully shepherded till his death, Jan. 26, 1907. The membership was largest just prior to the 1882 rupture in the Brotherhood, when 132 souls were counted. The division seemed to be more severe here than at a great many places. Fourteen went with the Old Order Brethren, twen- ty-five with the Progressives, leaving ninety-three who remained loyal to the church. The effects of the division continued till 1896, when the member- ship numbered only about fifty. The lamp of the church could not be extinguished, however; with zeal and Christian determination the fires of faith were rekindled and a brighter day dawned upon that which was so beautifully begun.
April 7, 1883, Brethren William Shoemaker and Tobias Prowand were elected deacons, the latter not accepting the responsibilities of the office till
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three years later. Nov. 7, 1887, Brother Charles Woods was called to the ministry. He did com- mendable service for a number of years. Nov. 5, 1892, Brethren Isaac Myers and George Hart were elected deacons. Two years later Brother Hart was killed accidentally. May 1, 1897, Henry Kilmer was elected deacon. From 1896 until 1905 the church grew by receiving nineteen members by immigra- tion and twenty-four by baptism. Levi Dague and Henry Heestand were called to the deacon's office Oct. 14, 1899, and A. B. Horst to the ministry. Brother Horst was advanced to the second degree the following year. Brother John Yoder, who had moved into the church, was advanced at the same time. Sept. 24, 1904, Brethren M. Clyde Horst and S. M. Friend were called to the ministry and in- stalled by Elder T. S. Moherman. The reader will note the part a well-replenished official board plays in piloting a church through turbulent waters.
The first meetinghouse was built in Homer Town- ship in 1867. In the 1882 division this edifice was given over to the Progressives. A second house was built in 1868 in Chatham Township, on a corner of the farm then owned by Joseph Rittenhouse, he donating the land for the churchyard and cemetery. This house remained unchanged until 1900, when it was remodeled, and an addition built for commun- ion purposes. See picture.
The Sunday-school record of the church dates from 1868 to 1869 with Joseph Rittenhouse as the first superintendent, succeeded by the following brethren: W. F. England, Henry Homan, John Dague, J. B. Wine, Tobias Hoover, John Pittinger.
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Charles M. Woods, Simon Garver, S. M. Friend and Henry Kilmer. Brother Charles M. Woods directed the work of the Sunday-school for sixteen consecu- tive years. Why should these names be given? Sim- ply because the work of the Sunday-school is an im- portant department of the church. This was one of the first Sunday-schools organized in Northeastern Ohio.
October, 1902, a Missionary Reading Circle was organized with Sister Mary R. Hoover as local sec- retary. This circle soon merged into the Christian Workers' Society, which is still an active unit in the church.
The church suffered from a few emigrations along about 1906-8. Brother A. B. Horst was ordained in the fall of 1905, and later moved to Bellefontaine, Ohio, to take charge of the first city church. John Yoder moved to Canada. M. Clyde Horst was called to the First South Bend Church, which pastorate he still serves. This big field then fell to Brother S. M. Friend, who was ordained in 1908. He has been assisted in the care of the flock by Brethren A. S. Workman, of Loudonville, and James Murray, of the Chippewa Church. In 1910-11 twenty-one mem- bers were baptized. Brother A. B. Horst returned to this field of labor in 1912.
A few elders' names who served in times of spe- cial crises of the church deserve special comment.
Brother Joseph Rittenhouse, the first resident elder, was a man full of the missionary zeal, was al- ways a liberal giver to the finances of the church, spent much time in laboring for her interests, and always went at his own charges. During the Civil
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War, largely through his efforts, money was raised ($300 each) to save a number of Brethren who had been drafted, from going to the army. The money was raised by taxation, each paying according to his worth. 2 Cor. 8: 12 was Brother Rittenhouse's fa- vorite scripture. Brother and Sister Rittenhouse returned from Maryland in 1876. In the 1882 divi- sion he took a stand with the Old Order Brethren. He died at the age of eighty-two, New Year's Day, 1892, and his wife at the age of. eighty-three, 1893. Both are buried in the Black River cemetery.
Elder Tobias Hoover served the church a number of years as helper. His zeal and wisdom as counsellor soon brought him into much of the re- sponsibility of the church. He and his wife attended regularly three places of worship, two of them eight miles distant. It was but a few years after his or- dination when he was called to the oversight of the Mohican, Ashland and Maple Grove Churches, and to be assistant elder of the Loudonville Church. He served on the Annual Meeting Standing Com- mittee a number of times. His was a service for the good of the church and the glory of God. His last years were made distressing by the dread disease, cancer, which ended his life Jan. 26, 1907, at the age of sixty-five years. He died at the Oncalogie Hos- pital, Philadelphia, Pa. His remains were brought home and laid to rest in the Black River Cemetery.
Brother John Pittinger was a kind and loving husband and worker in the church. His wife being an invalid from rheumatism for a number of years prevented him from engaging in much of the work. His service was largely through his liberality which
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the church so much enjoyed. He survived his wife twenty years, living for the most time with his daughters, Mary and Clara. He died in November, 1907, at the age of eighty years and was laid in the Black River cemetery. Thus in one year's time three of Black River's faithful elders who had la- bored together for over thirty years were called to their reward. This sudden loss was a hard blow to the church, but their labors do follow on.
" Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."
Tobias Hoover. 1841-1907.
Brother Hoover was born on a farm near Smith- ville, Wayne County, Ohio, Oct. 2, 1841. He was the son of Martin and Elizabeth (Miller) Hoover. He was the second of a family of fourteen children.
While in his teens he learned the carpenter trade and worked at it until after his marriage, when they settled on a farm.
Oct. 23, 1862, he was married to Mary Ritten- house. To this union were born four children, one son and three daughters. His married life was spent in Medina County, Ohio, with the exception of five and one-half years spent in Indiana. He united with the Church of the Brethren at the age of nine- teen, and was always an active and faithful member.
The first morning after establishing their home the family altar was instituted and was kept up as long as the home lasted.
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May 3, 1873, he was chosen to the ministry ; Aug. 1, 1874, he was advanced to the second degree, and in 1893 was ordained to the eldership. He was faithful in his calling. He was presiding elder in his home church (the Black River Church) from Feb. 4, 1904, until his death. He also had the over-
TOBIAS HOOVER
sight for some time of the Mohican, Ashland and Maple Grove Churches, and was assistant elder in the Loudonville Church.
He served as a member of the Standing Commit- tee at the Annual Meeting at Lincoln, Nebr. He was often delegate to Annual Meetings, was several
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times Moderator at District and Ministerial Meet- ings, and served on a number of important commit- tees. He was a member of the District Mission Board for a number of years.
He was loved and respected by the entire com-
SISTER MARY RITTENHOUSE HOOVER
Hers was a zeal for the Lord, always abounding in good works. No sacrifice was too great for Sister Hoover to make for the extension of the Kingdom.
Sister (Rittenhouse) Robinson, to the left in the picture, is an older sister of Sister Hoover. She too abounded in deeds of love for the Master.
munity in which he lived and was looked up to as an honest, Christian man. He died Jan. 26, 1907, at the age of sixty-five years.
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Elder Samuel Garver. 1825-1907.
Elder Samuel Garver, son of Elder Jacob Garver, was born in Fayette County, Pa., Oct. 8, 1825, mov- ing with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1827. In 1847 he married Sarah Rice. In 1849 they
ELDER SAMUEL GARVER
moved into the bounds of the Black River Church and in 1854 united with the Church of the Brethren, being charter members of the Black River congre- gation. In 1857 Brother Garver was called to the ministry and later was ordained to the eldership,
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efficiently serving the church in that capacity until near the end of his life, which occurred May 13, 1907.
Brother Garver was ever ready to assist in any movement taken by the church which had in it the uplifting of others or the advancing of Christ's kingdom on earth. The Bible was his principal study, in which he was very proficient. Much of his time was spent for the church he so much loved.
He was a man of sterling worth in the church and the community where he resided. Brother and Sis- ter Garver's home was an ideal one, and a hearty welcome was given to everyone who came.
Sarah Rice Garver. 1823-1891.
Wife of Elder Samuel Garver, was born in Chester Township, Wayne County, Ohio, Nov. 30, 1823, and died Feb. 22, 1891.
Sister Garver was a woman of few words. Her life consisted principally of what she could do for her family of eight children while Brother Garver was out working among the churches, and to help look after the welfare of the home congregation.
She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a faithful member of the Brethren Church. Grounded in righteousness, her voice rang out in no uncertain sound for every good thing. Her Bible was her companion, and in her last days it was her sure comfort, support and stay. How sweetly along life's road have this father and mother traveled their happy way! Self-sacrifice, the rarest flower that
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blooms, crowned and glorified their lives. Their work is done but yet lives on as a monument well built through a life of service and love.
SISTER SAMUEL GARVER
LOUDONVILLE CHURCH, LOUDONVILLE, OHIO.
This church was organized in 1856, at the home of Morgan Workman. The elders present at the or- ganization were Elias Dickey and Joseph Smoker. The organization was effected with four charter members. Prior to the organization the services were held in the barn of Elder Morgan Workman
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every four weeks. Four of his sons-William, Joshua, David and Arthur-became ministers of ability in the church. The membership built up quite rapidly under Elder Workman's management and powerful preaching. He could hold his audi- ences with unabated interest from one to two hours. The membership at his death was 150.
Associated with Elder Workman in the ministry were: David Brubaker, W. T. Workman, Daniel Peck, J. J. Workman, Lincoln Allenbaugh and A. S. Workman. Associated officials in the deacon's of- fice were: Samuel Allenbaugh, George Rosebor- ough, G. V. Smith, M. Teeters, William Bowman, J. H. Fisher, Eli Roseborough and Alonzo Work- man.
This church has two places of worship and inter- est in a Union house. The Plum Run house, located two and one-half miles east of Loudonville, was built in 1863. The Honey Creek house, seven miles northwest of Loudonville, was built in 1873. The Union, or McFalls, house, three miles west of Loudonville, was built in 1870. All these churches at one time were strong and very influential and maintained the highest standard of Christian piety in their several communities.
Elder Morgan Workman, the prime mover in the organization and development of the church, deserves special mention. He and his wife were received into the church at the 1854 Annual Meet- ing, which was held in a barn of Elder Elias Dickey, five miles southeast of Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio. Through their energy and great love for the cause of Christ they were the means of the organi-
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zation of the Loudonville Church. After the death of his wife in 1863 he laid off ground from his farm for a cemetery and churchhouse and in the same year erected a churchhouse, bearing two-thirds of
ELDER MORGAN WORKMAN
He and wife were baptized at the 1854 Annual Meeting. They pioneered the southern end of Ashland County, building up the Loudonville Church. At his death there were three well attended preaching points within the congregation.
the expenses himself. This house is still used for worship and stands as a monument to one whose heart overflowed with love for God and his fellow- men. He was financially prosperous ; he gave liber- ally to the poor and the cause of Christ. At his
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death, in 1886, David Brubaker took charge of the church and served until his death. This church has maintained a Sunday-school for a number of years with varying success. The church has suffered reverses the same as many others. Through internal troubles and through migrations, predominantly through the latter, the membership has been wonder- fully decimated. A few members still convene upon occasions to sing the songs of Zion, and their contem- plations of heaven, to comfort each other's souls in that faith that rises above the gloomy scenes of earth beyond the chilly skies to the haven of eternal rest whence there shall be no parting.
MAPLE GROVE CHURCH, ASHLAND, OHIO.
Along in the forties and fifties the spirit to go west brought a number of very fine families from different parts of Pennsylvania who settled in the beautiful and rich valleys of Ohio. From among them a number settled in Ashland County, ranging from the extreme south to the north. For a number of years this territory was in one congregation, with mission points at Maple Grove, the Dickey Church east of Ashland and the Loudonville, or Plum Run, as it was more familiarly known. These points were well taken care of by able ministers. They grew until it became advisable to divide the terri- tory into three churches, namely: Maple Grove, Dickey, or Ashland, and Loudonville, or Plum Run. The services at these mission points were held in
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MAPLE GROVE CHURCH, ASHLAND COUNTY
MAPLE GROVE PARSONAGE
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private homes and the love feasts in barns; these were some of the good old days when Christian fellowship augmented Christian faith, and those good old brethren increased the Kingdom with courage and zeal.
· The Maple Grove Church was organized in 1860. The elders present upon that occasion were Elias Dickey, of the Ashland Church, Jacob Garver, from Mohican, Joseph Rittenhouse, from Black River, and Morgan Workman, from Loudonville. These were the leading brethren who performed the duties which usually fall upon adjoining elders in the or- ganization of churches. Other elders and ministers present were Joseph Showalter, Isaac Smoker and Moses Weaver. Elder Elias Dickey was chosen the first elder in charge, Jacob Garver succeeding to the oversight of the church upon the death of Elder Dickey, June 2, 1864. Elder John Brillhart, from Crawford County, succeeded Elder Garver, upon the latter's resignation. Three of the resident min- isters at this time were called to the eldership, namely, William Saddler, Alpheus Dickey and George Worst. William Saddler was chosen to the oversight to succeed Elder Brillhart ; upon the death of Elder Saddler, Tobias Hoover, from the Black River Church, did faithful service for five years and upon his request to be relieved, due to increasing responsibilities elsewhere among the churches, El- der W. L. Desenberg was called to the oversight, under whose direction the church has had a com- mendable growth in all departments of her work. The church is in a flourishing condition.
Other ministers residing in this territory for short
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periods were Isaac Rudy, who continued until death, Ely Horner, Elder William Murray and David Sny- der. Charles Helm was called to the ministry in the nineties, but his educational work soon called him into other fields of labor. W. A. Wiley was also chosen to the ministry in this church. His has been a zeal for the Master. Perhaps the pioneer minister and elder was John B. Myers, who moved from Somerset, Pa., in 1853. Meetings were regu- larly held in his home until the first churchhouse was built. In 1860 the members felt that they ought to have a place of worship that would accommo- date the growing membership and the interests of the community to a better advantage than their pri- vate homes. The ground upon which the church- house now stands was given by John Myers; the cemetery was given by Jacob Beeghly. An addi- tion was built to the original house for communion purposes, the barns being inadequate for the care and keeping of the Lord's house as the brethren felt that that service should be observed.
The list of deacons who assisted the elders and ministers in their work, visiting the sick and paying the annual visits and serving in every possible ca- pacity, were the following: John Beeghly, William Ramsey, Jacob Cart, Peter Deshong, Martin Hogue, and George Shideler, all of whom are now dead.
The present deacons are: Jacob Beeghly, Jo- seph Beeghly, Abram Myers, Daniel Martin, Jerry Bowman, William Switzer, Aaron Umbaugh, Zep Shelly, L. C. Hostler and John Beeghly. Samuel Beeghly and John Seibert moved away soon after their call to the deacon's office.
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The services in the earlier days of this church were attended by the membership from different parts of the country. As high as eight or ten min- isters were present upon single occasions. The services in the private homes were about every four weeks; finally, after they moved into the church, they were held every two weeks, and now services are held every Sunday. The older members will remember the long table behind which the ministers would sit; the deacons in the long bench in front of the table would open the services by reading a chapter from which a number of ministers in turn would speak. These were the good old days. The services were usually divided between the English and German-speaking brethren. The singing was conducted by lining the hymns, two lines at a time, and then sung by short or long meter tunes.
The Sunday-school was among the first organized in the District. The date of the organization was not preserved. Elder Alpheus Dickey, now of Oregon, was the first superintendent and Samuel Beeghly, now of California, the assistant. These directed the work of the Sunday-school for a num- ber of years. No Sunday-school helps were used the first ten years. Chapters were read from the New Testament. In fact, this Sunday-school, in all its history, prides itself in having a good, up-to-date school. The first Children's Day exercises were in 1882. In these exercises not many of the children took part. Sister William Shidler read an essay on "Influence " ; Sister Joseph Beeghly, an essay on "Friendship"; Sister Kate Shidler, an essay on " Sunday-school." Several speeches were made
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by the brethren, among whom D. N. Workman, from the Dickey Church, gave an interesting talk. The song book used in those early days was entitled " Imperial Harmony."
The present Sunday-school, under the superin- tendency of W. H. Gerber, supports a Home De- partment numbering seventy members; Cradle Roll, thirty-three; officers and teachers, sixteen; pupils in the main school, 175; average attendance, 140. This is the second largest Sunday-school in the District. The school has been evergreen for years. The Sisters' Aid Society of the church is in a most excellent condition and has extended its influence to homes of the community, especially where there is help wanted. They are generous givers and con- tributors to calls for help from large cities. This · church has built a parsonage and is supporting their pastor.
Maple Grove Aid Society.
A Brief History of the Sisters' Aid Society, of the Maple Grove Church, Ashland, Ohio.
In the year 1894, while husband and I were on our return home from evangelistic work in the Middle District of Iowa, we visited at the home of Brother and Sister Tully Moherman, at Mount Morris, Il1. There I attended my first Aid Society in the old Sandstone. Being impressed with the good work and the much good that was being done at that place, we secured their constitution and by-laws. In January, 1895, we met at Sister Catherine Shid- ler's and organized as a band of workers. At this
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meeting the writer was chosen President, Sister Mell Beeghley, Vice-President. To the best of my knowledge this was among the first Aid Societies organized in the Church of the Brethren in North- eastern Ohio.
Our aim from the beginning was to help in the mission at home and in foreign lands. The Maple Grove Society has supported two orphan children in India until they were married and have now gone out as workers in their home-land. We feel that the Lord has blessed the work of this Society and has been the means of making many a soul happy. God has removed some of our number by death, others have moved to other fields of labor, and still the work of the Society goes on.
Mrs. W. L. Desenberg, Ashland, Ohio.
Uncle George and Aunt Kate Shidler.
The pictures below are household countenances in the homes of the Maple Grove Church. Though not being blessed with children of their own, yet they dearly loved them, and spared no pains at all times to make them happy and useful whenever op- portunity afforded the occasion. Uncle George was born in Washington County, Pa., Oct. 9, 1823; married Catherine Shopbell July 27, 1854; was elected to the office of deacon in 1882, and died Dec. 4, 1911. Brother Shidler was one of those who went about doing good in a quiet way, and whose judgment was considered good counsel by
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all who knew him. He played no small part in making it possible for his wife to do the great work she did in the church. They both united with the Church of the Brethren Oct. 30, 1859, being baptized near the Ashland (Dickey) Church by Isaac Smuck- er.
Aunt Kate Shidler, as she is familiarly known,
UNCLE GEORGE AND AUNT KATE SHIDLER
was born in Ashland County, Feb. 22, 1834. Soon after their marriage, she and her husband became seriously concerned about their souls' welfare and went about earnestly to search the Scriptures and get light on the subject. Being raised under differ- ent persuasions the matter of where to pitch their spiritual tent became a question of great concern. Aunt Kate, of course, consulted her father, and he
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too was interested in getting them his way. So earnest were they that they sat up till after mid- night to clear up the subject of baptism. Her father finally, after failing to find the convincing argument, told her to do as she thought best, that he would not oppose her any longer.
Sister Shidler has ever been a leader in Sunday- school work. She was superintendent of the Maple Grove Sunday-school for two years, and taught in the primary department regularly for thirty-seven years. Her teaching was an earnest and unfailing concern for the soul's welfare of her pupils. Her voice was sweet in spiritual songs, her prayers were persuasive and touching, and her whole soul was an expression of the love of the Savior that every one be saved. No children's program was complete until her part was said and done. Her talks at Sunday-school meetings were tender and full of hope and inspiration.
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