USA > Ohio > Warren County > Lebanon > The Otterbein Home Church, 1968-1977 > Part 2
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CHAPLAIN?
September 26, 1967 at a meeting of the Pastor-Parish committee, the suggestion that Otterbein Home have a chaplain was considered. Present were Frank Robinson, chairman, Mrs. Lena Rabuck, Miss Mary Mckenzie, Miss Florence Clippinger, and Charles K. Dilgard, adminis- trator of the Home.
On November 8, 1967 the matter of chaplaincy was presented to the Local Confer- ence. After a rather lengthy discussion, the matter was put to vote. Of the 19 members present, 10 voted to remain as a church, and 9 voted in favor of chaplaincy.
The church has remained an autonomous organization ever since.
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PASTORS
Rev. Charles W. Peckham, a native of West Lima, Wisconsin, was assigned to the Otterbein Home Church in June 1966. Since 1958 he had been Minister of Christian Ed- ucation at First U. M. Church, Dayton. Pre- viously he had served pastorates at San Bernardino, California and Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was a graduate of Indiana Central Univer- sity. He attended United Theological Semin- ary, Dayton, in 1951-54, receiving a Master of Divinity degree. In 1959-62 he returned to the Seminary and graduated with a Master's of Sacred Theology.
From 1962-67 he taught, part-time, the Christian Education courses at Payne Theo- logical Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio. In .1972 he became adjunct professor of United Theological Seminary courses on Ministering to Aging, and he continues in this capacity.
At the time he came to Otterbein Home Church, he was taking courses at the Univer- sity of Cincinnati. He changed his major to Educational Foundations with emphasis on Gerontology. He graduated in August 1971 with a degree as Doctor of Education.
The Otterbein Home Church Administrative Board had voted in 1966 to allow him to be absent on Wednesday evening and such other times as were needed for him to attend classes. Upon graduation the church members presented him with a robe denoting his pre- sent status.
Dr. Peckham served as part-time program co-ordinator for the Home until February 1972 when Charles K. Dilgard, administrator of the
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Home, proposed that a new pastor be obtained so that Dr. Peckham could become full-time program director. This was granted.
Thruout the years Dr. Peckham has done much counseling with individuals on family, marital, emotional, personal and school pro- blems. He has received national recognition as a leader in the field of gerontology : Ohio State Commission on Aging Community Ser- vice Award, September 2, 1976; and that same month, recognition by the Ohio House of Re- presentatives for Community and Public Service.
He is at present serving as president of Resident Activity Personnel in Ohio, as well as president of the Warren County Council on Aging. In other activities in the field of Christian education and gerontology he has also been honored nationally.
Mrs. Peckham (Arline) is director of Social Services for Otterbein Home, a part of the Program Department of which Dr. Peckham is director. She is co-author with him in writing a book, "Thank You for Shaking My Hand." It is about the contribution of vol- unteers in service to the aged.
At the time the Peckhams came to Otter- bein Home, the old parsonage across the street from Bethany, was much in need of repair. They moved to the second house north of Clip- pinger Street, and continue to live there.
Rev. Marvin Leist came to Otterbein Home Church in July 1972 from New York City where he had been Executive Secretary of the United Methodist Development Fund and Executive Secretary of Church Expansion, for four years. Before the merger of the E. U.B. and Methodist
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denominations he had served in a similar capacity at E. U.B. headquarters in Dayton, for six years.
Previous to entering the ministry, Rev. Leist had been manager of a Credit Corpora- tion having 23 offices in six states, head- quartered in Columbus, Ohio. He prepared for the ministry by studying at Kent State University Western Reserve, and Columbus Business College, at the same time serving Sawyerwood Church at Akron, Ohio.
After two years he became business mana- ger of Malone College, Cleveland, and then returned to the ministry. He was executive secretary of Missions and Church Extension in East Ohio E.U.B. conference for three years before going to Dayton.
In June 1974 he retired and with his wife, Edith, moved to Florida where they still live.
Rev. Gordon Core and his wife, Odessa, came to Otterbein Church in 1974. Rev. Core was born in Richland County, Wisconsin. His conversion to Christ took place at the Boaz United Brethren Church at the age of 12. In 1938, as a result of his having expressed a call to the ministry, the Boaz congregation, in a quarterly conference over which J. Hart Truesdale officiated, voted him a "license to preach."
(Rev. Truesdale was a brother of Mrs. Ethel Gillingham, at present a patient in the Health Center. Mrs. Gillingham and her hus- band, and Mrs. Nell Truesdale, widow of J. Hart Truesdale, all came to Otterbein at the same time. Mrs. Truesdale was a patient in
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the Health Center at the time of her death. Previously she had lived in Phillippi.)
After receiving his B. A. degree at Indiana Central College in 1943, and his Master of Divinity degree from Bonebrake Semi- nary in Dayton in 1946, Rev. Core was ordained at a session of Wisconsin Conference, United Brethren denomination, on August 11, 1946. Bishop Fred Dennis (president of the Board of Trustees of Otterbein Home, 1954-58) and Dr. George McAhren (at present a resident of Dog- wood Court) officiated at the ordination by Dr. Walter N. Roberts, later president of United Theological Seminary.
Rev. Core served 12 years in Wisconsin at Viola, Clintonville and Brillion. In 1958 he and Mrs. Core moved their family to Ohio, where he served at Englewood E. U. B. and Dayton Oak Street E.U.B., now U. M. churches.
He and Mrs. Core hope to retire from cabinet assignment in 1980 and then continue living at Otterbein Home, with Rev. Core serving as an associate to the newly assigned pastor.
ASSISTANT PASTORS
Several assistant pastors have come to the church since 1972. Some of them have been students at United Theological Seminary, Dayton : Paul Kaufman, Bruce Pilcher, Mrs. Patricia Toschak and Mark Jacobs. Other assistants or associates have been Rev. Howard Pettit, Rev. Charles Farthing and Rev. Charles Fox. Rev. Pettit and Rev. Fox have lived on campus .
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Student assistants have been paid an hour- ly rate. Mrs. Toschak received $1080, having worked 20-hour weeks.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Otterbein Home Sunday School is some- what unique in that there is no central organization, but each of the seven classes is an independent group. After children left the Home, adults only were left to attend Sunday School. As expansion began, however, the number of these adults greatly increased, so that more classes were needed.
Cum Join Us. Originally this class was made up of residents of Phillippi, cottages, Bethany and some of the first residents of village apartments. 4
There were several teachers during the first few years. About 1966, however, Mrs. Mabel Sheneman began as teacher and has taught ever since.
For some time the class met in the pastor's study in Phillippi, but became so large that it was divided, and some of the members joined the Good Cheer class taught by Arza Hall.
After the move to the Campus Center, the Cum Join Us class met first in the Marble Room, but later moved to the Gerontology class room in Phillippi where it still meets.
Currently there is an enrollment of 22 with most of the members attending regularly. They enter into discussions with great inter- est.
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Adult Bible Lessons, the International Lesson Series put out by the United Methodist denomination, is used.
Good Cheer class came into being June 6, 1971. Its membership came largely from new Otterbein residents, altho some of these had attended the former classes.
Arza Hall was the first teacher of the "Good Cheer" class and continues as teacher. However, in recent months he has asked some- one in the class to take over the teaching the first Sunday of every month. He initi- ated the change, he says, because this offers a change of approach and adds interest on the part of the membership.
There is a class roster of 40 names with an average attendance of 32 per Sunday. The class has a president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer, each elected in December for one year.
A planned Christmas collection has been taken for the past two years, 1975-6 with $100 turned over to Otterbein Home each year. This is in addition to the regular Sunday School offerings.
Adult Bible Studies are used. Members are urged to participate in discussions and the response has been gratifying.
Lamplighters class originated in Bethany some years before the 1976 remodeling. Mrs. Agnes Myers was the teacher. In 1970 Mrs. Flossie Hutton became assistant teacher. After Mrs. Myers' health failed, Mrs. Hutton became the teacher and has continued ever since.
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Adult Bible Studies are used for the lesson. Before each session a short prayer service is held on behalf of residents of the Home who have special needs. Then comes a hymn followed by a discussion of the lesson, in which there is always good partici- pation. The class meets in Albright Lounge.
Searchers class was organized in 1973 as a discussion group of Otterbein Home staff members. Now, in 1977, it is in its third year. Since the fall of 1974 it has been open to anyone interested in a discussion group . It pursues an independent study course, led by Dr. and Mrs. J.R. (Betsy) Howe, who have been co-leaders from the first.
A list of several possible areas of study is presented to the class each autumn, by an activities committee. From this list the class chooses by vote what subject to take up, with an alternate subject also indicated. Studies of the Prophets, Gospel of Mark, Ten Commandments, courses of theology for laymen, patriotism and the Bible, Advent study, have been some of the subjects pursued.
With an average of 20-22, discussions are thought-provoking as participation is especially good.
The class discontinues Sunday sessions in June and resumes in September, this period corresponding to the calendar of the choir, many of whose members are in the class.
The Open Circle class meeting in Asbury dining area, is usually attended by 12 or more persons. Records show that it first met in April of 1975. "Jesus Loves Me" is a favorite of the members, and has been adopted
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as the class hymn. It is sung at each session. Adult Bible Studies are used.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mckeever, co- teachers, began October 3, 1976. They report good participation in discussions.
Friendship Class was organized by Miss Florence Clippinger and met in the old Phil- lippi chapel from about 1966 to 1973, when they moved to the library in Campus Center. Membership is about evenly divided between village residents and those from the wings. It has no formal organization, and no social meetings.
Keith Crane taught the class from 1973 until June 1977, when he retired. The class then disbanded as of June 1977. Miss Clara Sippel served as secretary as long as her health permitted. Thereafter a different mem- ber served as secretary from time to time.
Newcomer Sunday School Class was formed soon after the first residents moved into that hall. Everett Thompson of Apple Court has been its teacher from the first.
Attendance varies from Sunday to Sunday, depending upon the health of the members. Newcomer is an intermediate nursing area, where residents are somewhat less able to look after themselves than those in the other wings. Rev. Thompson reports, however, that there is good participation by those present.
Adult Bible Studies are used as the basis for study and discussion.
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TV CHANNEL 4
April 1, 1973 the church bulletin con- tained the suggestion that persons unable to attend services in the chapel could listen on closed circuit TV Channel 4. The TV installa- tion was a part of the total expense of equip- ping the chapel.
In Administrative Board minutes of May 14, 1974 there is a note that Mr. and Mrs. Howard Slee of Redbud Court has contributed additional sound equipment to provide better audio in the chapel.
In 1977 the Otterbein Home Auxiliary gave the church a new TV camera. This provides a varied view of the chapel and a much clearer picture. The Auxiliary raised funds for this camera and other audio-visual equipment. The total amount raised was $6500.
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
United Methodist Women is an over-all title. Within its membership in the Otterbein Home unit are five circles named for five women closely associated with the Home, who have been missionaries in foreign lands.
The Otterbein organization, like all U.M. units, can claim membership in a chain of organizations - Wilmington district, the West Ohio Conference, the North Central Jurisdic- tion, and the Women's Division of the Board of Global Ministries, all working in general missionary outreach. Thus it follows the structure of United Methodist women thruout the 35,000 units in all 50 states.
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Mrs. Everett (Ruth) Overturf is president of the Otterbein unit (1977) . She was former- ly vice president of the Wilmington District U.M. Women. Before coming to Otterbein Home she was experienced in United Methodist Women's work in the Western New York conference, as a member of the executive team and in other leadership positions in that organization.
PROGRAM PLANNING
It is a matter of some pride that the Otterbein Home unit U.M.W. has a "maximum .Structure" of officers. Its program always tries to touch on some aspect of the basic purpose -- "to be a community of women whose purpose is to know God -- to develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission thru participation in the global ministries of the church. "
The national office produces a program booklet in which as many as 25 program sub- jects may be suggested. Each local unit is expected to pick a topic and adapt it to local use. "Response, " the national magazine, also offers program suggestions for local adapta- tion.
Co-ordinator for the five programs used by Otterbein Home circles is always the vice president of the U.M.W. of the Otterbein church. Thus a program for one circle may be -- and usually is -- presented to each of the other active circles, making for uniformity of information and participation.
United Methodist Women at Otterbein hold four general meetings per year, with each circle meeting once each month between general
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meetings. The February general meeting is usually about prayer and self-denial; May, fellowship; July, personal appearance of a missionary (usually one home on furlough from a foreign land, and often someone related to a resident of the Home); November, thank offering pledge and installation of officers.
Since most of the women at Otterbein Home have been active in missionary societies in their home churches, they attend circle meet- ings in large numbers, and contribute liber- ally to mission projects. Each U.M.W. unit makes a pledge to the total district budget.
CIRCLES
GLADYS WARD CIRCLE meets in the after- noon. This circle is successor to the origi- nal missionary society formed at Otterbein Home soon after the church was organized in 1914. For a long time there was only one missionary circle at the Home.
Gladys Ward was born in China during her parents' lifetime service there. They were Rev. and Mrs. E.B. Ward. After they retired they lived out their days at Otterbein Home. Gladys Ward has visited here many times.
Gladys Ward followed her parents into missionary service. She lived and worked in Kowloon, China. She "retired" in 1969 but for some time has been teaching and living at Alliance Bible Seminary at Cheung Chau, N.T., Hong King. To her, China is home, since she has lived there all her life.
MARY HOUGH CIRCLE is named for one who was known as the "Great Woman of Missions." She served in Africa with her first husband,
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I.E. Albert, from 1899 to 1903. After his death she returned to the United States, and in 1914 married S.S. Hough, executive secre- tary of the U. B. Board of Missions, and later executive secretary of the denominational Council of Administration.
Mrs. Hough's participation in missionary service included work as editor of the Women's Evangel, later call "The Evangel"; trustee and vice president, then president of the U.B. Women's Missionary Association. She was a member of the U. B. Women's Council, serving as secretary of Spiritual Life after the mer- ger with the Evangelicals in 1946.
For five years she was chairman of the World Day of Prayer committee of the E. U.B. denomination, and president of the Women's Council following her service as its secretary of Spiritual Life.
She wrote "Faith That Achieved," a his- tory of the Women's Missionary Association of the U. B. denomination. It was published in 1958.
Mrs. Hough came to Otterbein Home June 2, 1971 as a patient in the Health Center. She died here December 14, 1973.
NORA VESPER CIRCLE meets in the evening. It was formed some years ago to provide em- ployees of the Home opportunity to participate in missionary study.
Miss Vesper was a registered nurse. She served at Rotifunk, Sierra Leone, Africa, for 20 years. She lived at Otterbein during two different periods. She worked here for 11 months in 1949-50, then returned to Africa.
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After coming back to this country the second time, she lived in Bethany, and in 1959 worked again as a nurse for a short time.
She went to Ashland, her family home, for a visit and decided to move to a new home which had opened in Ashland. 3 She died in Ashland in April 1976.
She and Miss Mary Mckenzie were in Africa at the same time, were friends, and were able to meet occasionally.
MARY MC KENZIE CIRCLE has two chapters, one on second floor and the other on third floor of the Health Center.
Miss Mckenzie served for 20 years in Sierre Leone, and returned permanently to the .United States only because of health problems. She began at Otterbein Home in 1950, as assistant bookkeeper. Later she was treasurer of the Home until 1966, after which she was admissions counsellor until health necessi- tated her complete retirement.
Always active in missionary circles, she was treasurer of the Miami Conference Branch of the W.M.A. (E. U. B. ) for several years.
She lived on campus with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Crites. After the death of both of them, she lived in several locations, in each helping newcomers, during the expansion program, to settle and adjust to the Home.
She is at present (1977) a patient in the Health Center.
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ZORA THOMPSON CIRCLE was formed in 1975 to give patients in Newcomer hall an oppor- tunity to participate, since many of them are unable to attend other circles. This circle meets the last week of each month. Attendance varies according to the health of the members on that day. It is the privilege of any mem- ber to attend another circle if she so desires and is able to do so.
Mrs. Thompson and her husband, Everett, residents of Apple Court, spent 42 years as missionaries and social workers in Japan. During World War II they served in Japanese internment camps in Idaho and as social workers in Vietnam during that war.
Their experiences were recounted August 6, 1977, when their 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated. Altho they had been married in January 1927, the celebration was delayed until August so that their son, Larry, and his family could be present. Other relatives and friends from some distance were also pre- sent. Larry Thompson works in International Relations for the Church and Social Workers in Japan. He has three sons.
UNITED METHODIST MEN
United Methodist Men of Otterbein Home held their first meeting February 21, 1977. They now have a certificate of recognition from the Division of Lay Life and Work, of the Board of Discipleship of Ohio West Conference, U.M.
They initiated a year of monthly programs definitely outlined with some notable speakers including: Hal McCoy, sports writer for the
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Dayton Daily News, who travels with the Cin- cinnati Reds; Bill Haynes, agricultural extension agent of Warren County; Rev. Howard Spitnale, formerly superintendent of Wilming- ton district U.M., now of Troy; Dr. Robert Fugate, Avionic engineer from Wright-Patterson Air Force Laboratory; Torrey Kaatz, nation- ally known lay leader of West Ohio confer- ence; Fred Voekel of Ohio Presbyterian Homes, Columbus, who was an administrator of youth work under Hitler in Germany; Arthur Bauer, Otterbein Home resident, with films of life in India off the tourist track; an appearance of the Scottish Rite choir of Dayton; and on the lighter side, a trip to a ball game at Cincinnati; and a home-made ice-cream social following a talk by Dr. W.E. Chaney. No meeting is scheduled for December.
Clarence Young is chairman of the group. Program committee: Dr. Harry Kalas, chairman, Rev. Gordon Core, Howard Longmire, Dr. George McAhren and Arthur Bauer. Keith Crane is secretary; Warren McMichael, treasurer.
Rev. Glenn Biddle, founder of the Jack- son (Ohio) Area Ministries, was a speaker in the fall. Purchase of a van was made by the Jackson Ministries, on faith, because it was so much needed immediately. The Otterbein U.M. Men pledged $100 toward that project, as part of the contribution made by the church.
United Methodist Men of Otterbein Home is a successor to at least two similar organi- zations which lapsed in former years.
There is a note in some church minutes of October 13, 1968, that the U.M. Men had made the first cash contribution of $10 to a new building fund. Also, that month they had
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sent an assortment of cards costing $70.35 to the Lebanon Correctional Institution, so that inmates could send greetings to relatives and friends on birthdays, Christmas and other occasions.
The present club reflects increased popu- lation of the Home, in that it has an at- tendance between 60 and 80 at each monthly meeting.
RESIDENTS' COUNCIL
Residents' Council, originally called the Resident Members' Council, was organized by the administrator of the Home, Charles K. Dilgard, and the pastor who was at that time part-time program director, Rev. Charles W. Peckham.
The Council has become part of the pro- gram of the Home. Much of the activity of its member-committees centers around volunteer service. There are committees to provide birthday remembrances for patients in the Health Center, birthday parties for those in the various residential areas, observance of wedding anniversaries of 50 years or more, for flower and vegetable gardens, Christmas decorations, clothing "store," library, "The Wood Shed," campus flowers, devotions for meal times, and nominations.
It is not a policy-making body, but a part of the program of the Home.
The Residents' Bill of Rights originated with the Council and has become part of the policy statement of the Home.
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SECOND MILE CONTRIBUTIONS
Besides support of "connectional minis- tries" specified by Ohio West Conference, and the missionary support mentioned, the church has, over the years, made second-mile contri- butions to a variety of causes.
Since 1967 employees and members of the church have contributed the cost of Thanks- giving and Christmas baskets. A special col- lection is taken by means of envelopes distri- buted thru the mail. It is used to provide baskets of food for disadvantaged families in the vicinity of Otterbein Home. A generous offering is usually received, and expressions of gratitude by the recipients indicate the worth of this venture in community outreach.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels is another outreach pro-
ject. Special monetary gifts from residents are channeled thru the church to assist with the cost. A' charge is made for the food to those who can afford it. This gives the recip- ient a degree of independence rather than a feeling of receiving charity.
The meals are prepared in the Otterbein Home kitchen and transported to persons who cannot cook for themselves and are unable to leave home for meals.
Lebanon U.M. church members have been most faithful in providing transportation with- out cost.
APPEALS FOR CHARITIES : UNITED APPEAL
For several years only two appeals for
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contributions to county or national charities have been made thru the church. In April and September envelopes are distributed thru the mail. Each envelope bears a list of the or- ganizations to benefit. The April appeal is for special charities such as Arthritis Foun- dation, Cancer Fund, Crippled Children's Fund, Epilepsy, Heart Fund, March of Dimes and Muscular Dystrophy .
United Appeal in September, includes 14 causes represented in Warren County, some of them of national scope, having local chapters.
By means of these two opportunities, re- sidents can contribute without being ap- proached on numerous occasions by separate appeals. Contributions may be made anonymous- ly, if desired, thru the envelopes, and there is no embarrassment if a resident with limited funds, can make only a small donation.
MISCELLANY
Two services each Sunday were begun De- cember 1, 1974. Attendance had become so great that the chapel could not accommodate all of the worshipers at one time. By 1977 the worship attendance grew to more than 300 each Sunday.
There was also the matter of food ser- vice. Most residents from the village are entitled to eat Sunday dinner in the dining room. Not all of them, plus those from the personal care areas, can be accommodated at one time by food service. Dinner service be- gins at 11 o'clock, after dismissal of the congregation from the 10 o'clock service, and continues until the second congregation is
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accommodated.
Whether or not to return to one service only, has been a matter of discussion in Administrative Board meetings several times. The practical question of seating all at one time in the chapel, as well as those who eat the Sunday noon meal in the dining room, has indicated desirability of continuing two ser- vices.
The choir remains for the second service, until after the anthem, then retires and its members are free to go to the dining room. Since choir members enter the cafeteria line after the 10 o'clock group has been served, and before the 11 o'clock people are dis- missed, the dining room situation is eased.
CAMPUS WORKERS FELLOWSHIP
The first Campus Workers' Fellowship was encouraged by the church. It was later known as the Employees' Fellowship, an inde- pendent organiztion, primarily promoting acquaintance and fellowship among all em- ployees of the Home. The Fellowship in turn made numerous contributions to projects which have added to the convenience and comfort of Home residents. This organization no longer exists.
ADDENDA
Otterbein Home before 1973
First members of Otterbein Home had been church members in their home communities. They had been here no more than three months when they organized a Sunday School in July 1913. The church was organized in June 1914,
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with Dr. J. R. King, superintendent of the Home, as the first pastor. He served for six years.
At the first official board meeting it - was decided to begin weekly collections and to try to raise $50 by the end of the year. Two- fifths of the amount raised was to be used for local expenses, three-fifths to be applied to quotas assigned by denominational headquarters.
Services were held each Sunday in the large living room on second floor of the Cen- ter Brick, now known as Bethany. Chairs were purchased. Pictures in old Annuals of the Otterbein Home show wooden chairs with high, straight backs, such as were used around kit- chen dining tables of that period.
REV. J.P. HENDRIX
It was not until 1920 that a pastor was assigned from Ohio Miami U.B. conference to the Otterbein Home church. Rev. J.P. Hendrix served thru 1923. He received $35 monthly salary at first, but it was increased to $40 the second year.
In addition to his duties as pastor, Rev. Hendrix was principal of the Otterbein Home school. Besides these conventional duties, he coached basketball, and led a children's band. This band achieved considerable re- cognition and once played a concert at Memori- al Hall, Dayton. Some trophies that the ath- letic teams won are on display in a glass case on lower level of Campus Center.
Rev. Hendrix had no automobile. After conducting Sunday evening Christian Endeavor in the Center Brick, he would walk to Good Samaritan to conduct a service for residents
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who were unable to come to the chapel earlier in the day. Good Samaritan stood opposite the present entrance to Armco Park.
When he had business in Lebanon, Rev. Hendrix walked to town. Occasionally when he needed to go to Dayton he walked to Franklin to take the interurban, and walked home after returning to Franklin.
Rev. Hendrix served pastorates at New Madison, Brookville, Oakwood in Dayton, Lewis- burg and Fletcher, after leaving Otterbein Home church. He retired from the ministry about 1960. He returned a few years later to conduct a week-long preaching mission just before Easter.
In February 1970 he and his wife, Martha, moved to Otterbein Home to live. Rev. Hendrix died here July 28, 1970 at age 76. 3
His me- morial service was held at Fletcher with Rev. Murn Klepinger (Buckeye court) officiating, with Rev. Kyle S. Phipps and Rev. Charles Peckham assisting.
Mrs. Hendrix remained at Otterbein Home until her death, January 14, 1973. Both are buried in Roselawn Cemetery, Lewisburg, Ohio.
REV. W.I. COMFORT
Rev. W. I. Comfort, husband of Vivian Comfort, brother of Marie Comfort, was as- signed to the Otterbein Home church in 1930 and served thru 1932.
After serving several other pastorates, and his retirement, he and Vivian came July 7, 1971 to live in Maple Court where Vivian still lives. Rev. Comfort died at Otterbein
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January 10, 1974.
Vivian Comfort is also a minister, hold- ing a certificate from the U.B. denomination. In the pastorates where her husband served she led choirs, played organ and actively assisted in all aspects of church work.
Marie Comfort lives in Asbury Hall. She taught at Roosevelt High School, Dayton, until retirement. She formerly lived at Vandalia, where her father, Rev. M. I. Comfort was pastor for several years.
OTHER PASTORS
Between 1914 and 1966 the church had 21 pastors. Some of them stayed only one year, others two or three years. Longest terms were those of J.R. King, first pastor and superin- tendent of the Home, six years. C.W. Snyder remained for seven years. The longest ser- vice was that of E.S. Comrey, eight years, 1947-54 inclusive.
NEW LOCATION
When the new school building across the road was finished in 1921, church services were transferred. The church again furnished chairs for the auditorium, at a cost of about $1500.
In 1935 Phillippi building was completed, including a new chapel. Services were held there until the move to Campus Center chapel in 1973. Seating in Phillippi was in chairs, then pews donated by Fairview church, Dayton, then in chairs now in use in the Campus
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Center chapel.
By December 1921 the church had 157 mem- bers, and Sunday School enrollment was re- ported as 250, including children, of course.
Originally it was thought that the Otter- bein church would be a center of nearby com- munity outreach, but as the Home grew, the church became almost entirely made up of mem- bers of the Home.
PHILLIPPI WINDOW GLASS
After Phillippi chapel was no longer used and plans were drawn for completely re- modeling the building, colored glass windows in the chapel were removed.
Mrs. R.T. Mowry of Lakewood, Ohio, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Overturf, has made numerous leaded glass window orna- ments from this glass. In addition to human figures and various fruit and flower forms, she has created a clock housing, lamp shades, and other articles from the same material. These items have found ready sale thru the Hobby Lobby and Country Store, and at the annual Fish Fry, and especially around Christmas time.
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