USA > Pennsylvania > A History of the Church of the Brethren in southern district of Pennsylvania > Part 12
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The Lost Creek Congregation is a large territory, com- prised of all of Juniata County east of the Juniata River, the eastern end of Perry County, and the southwestern part of Snyder County. This church is somewhat isolated from the
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
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RICHFIELD CHURCH
main part of southern Pennsylvania, but from its history has been active in the Lord's Work down through the years.
Minister Ira D. Brandt moved into the Lost Creek Congregation in June, 1941. H. D. Emmert became pastor in October, 1941.
The present membership is 453.
THE MARSH CREEK CONGREGATION
In the year 1790 David Pfoutz moved from the State of Maryland to locate on the banks of Marsh Creek, Pennsyl- vania, and there erected a fulling mill on a large tract of land. On part of this tract, donated by him, was built, and still stands, the Marsh Creek Church of the Brethren.
The church was organized in the year 1805, David Pfoutz being the first resident minister and first elder, which office he held until his death in 1849. On same date Jacob Sherfy was elected to the deaconship. Probably twelve would have comprised the membership. From the time of organization until 1830, when the present church was built, they worshipped in their homes.
At the present we have church houses at Marsh Creek, Friends Grove and Gettysburg. The Friends Grove house was built by the Society of Friends and leased by the brethren for fifty years at the expiration of which time they bought it. The lease was made some time after 1838. Services were held
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
MARSH CREEK CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
there until 1935. Recently interest at this place has been revived and church services and Sunday school are held regularly.
The Gettysburg church was formerly a frame house which was built three miles south of Gettysburg by another denomi- nation. In 1904 it was bought by the brethren who moved it to Gettysburg and brick cased it.
In the year 1813 Michael Slothour came to the congrega- tion as minister, and labored in that capacity until 1834, when he was called from labor to reward.
In the year 1830, David Ecker and John Pfoutz were elected to the ministry. John Pfoutz, not feeling able to fill the call, was chosen deacon, and on the same date Samuel Slothour and David Bosserman were elected deacons.
On August 28, 1836, David Bosserman was elected to the ministry.
On August 27, 1841, Daniel Benner was elected to the ministry, and Joseph Kittinger and Samuel Baer were elected deacons.
On May 23, 1845, Henry Bucher (grandfather of C. F. Bucher, of Piney Creek, Maryland) was elected to the ministry.
In December, 1845, Michael Bushman was elected to the ministry.
On February 8, 1851, Jacob D. Trostle was elected to the ministry.
On October 4, 1851, Joseph Sherfy and Jacob Diehl were elected as deacons.
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
On May 29, 1853, Joseph Sherfy was elected to the ministry, and Jeremiah Sheets as deacon.
On November 12, 1854, H. G. Koser and Samuel Hoff were elected deacons.
In the year 1857 Isaac Bucher moved in as a deacon.
In 1861 David Blocher moved in as a deacon.
On May 4, 1863, David Blocher was elected to the ministry.
On November 12, 1863, C. L. Pfoutz and John Trostle were elected deacons.
On August 12, 1869, Ephriam Deardorff was elected deacon.
On November 10, 1870, Isaac Pfoutz was elected deacon.
On September 21, 1872, C. L. Pfoutz was elected to the ministry.
On May 24, 1873, B. F. Kettinger was elected deacon.
On May 11, 1878, John Trostle was elected to the ministry.
On November 9, 1878, J. H. Bosserman was elected deacon.
On November 8, 1884, Cornelius Weaver was elected deacon.
On August 4, 1886, B. F. Kittinger was elected to the ministry, and J. O. Blocher and J. D. W. Deardorff were elected deacons.
On May 18, 1888, Uriah Stremel was elected deacon.
On October 29, 1892, A. D. Taylor was elected deacon.
On August 11, 1894, B. F. Lightner was elected deacon.
On November 13, 1897, E. K. Leatherman was elected to the ministry.
On April 7, 1900, B. F. Lightner was elected to the minis- try and Levi Bushman and Levi J. Diehl were elected deacons.
On August 9, 1903, L. H. Warren and H. W. Weaver were elected deacons. L. H. Warren declined to serve. The vote of the church was again taken, the lot falling on A. E. Harnish, who with H. W. Weaver was installed.
On August 13, 1920, W. B. Jacobs and S. E. Kline were elected deacons.
On March 29, 1913, Ed. Wolfe and John Weaver were elected deacons.
On May 6, 1916, Archie Hollinger was elected to the ministry.
On April 11, 1923, Jacob Mauss and M. L. Keppner were elected deacons.
On April 11, 1925, B. F. Kline was licensed to preach.
On August 22, 1925, John Myers was elected as deacon.
On August 13, 1927, Frank Kline and wife were installed in the ministry.
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HISTORY -- CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
JOHN M. MYERS AND WIFE
On August 13, 1927, Frank Mauss was licensed to preach for one year, on August 18, 1928, he was installed into the ministry.
On April 27, 1929, Elder Charles Flohr and wife presented certificate of membership.
On July 20, 1930, Galen Brindle was elected a deacon.
In 1935, Roy Leatherman and John Wineman were elected deacons.
On February 7, 1937, W. A. Keeney and John Myers were licensed to preach. Both were installed November 23, 1937.
On September 10, 1938, Frank Miller and Paul Kline were elected deacons.
On September 9, 1939, Ray Ogburn and Harry Har- man were elected deacons.
The Elders
David Pfoutz was or- dained as elder in 1821 and was elder of the church until his death in 1849.
David Bosserman was ordained elder in 1848 and was elder until his death, March 29, 1880.
On November 8, 1881, Joseph Sherfy was ordained as elder and had charge of the church until his death on October 4, 1882.
W. A. KEENEY AND WIFE
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
C. L. Pfoutz was or- dained August 14, 1886, and was elder for thirty- three years. Realizing his age he asked the church to relieve him, and in tears the church reluctantly granted his request. He passed over to the Church Triumphant at the age of 86 years, two months, 17 days.
Elder Albert Hollinger was elder from 1917 to 1921.
H. J. Brindle was elder from 1921 to 1923.
W. G. Group is elder at present. Elected April 11, 1923.
D. B. Wineman moved in as elder in 1908. Moved out in 1921.
H. J. Brindle moved in as elder in 1914. Moved out in 1923.
ELDER W. G. GROUP AND WIFE
Ordinations
David Pfoutz 1821
David Bosserman 1848
Joseph Sherfy 1881 I
C. L. Pfoutz 1886 I I
J. D. W. Deardorff
1901
D. B. Wineman 1918
B. F. Lightner 1918
1
ELDER B. F. LIGHTNER AND WIFE
154 HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
The ministers are : B. F. Lightner, Gettysburg ; Chas. G. Flohr, Fairfield; W. N. Zobler, 457 West Middle Street, Gettysburg ; J. G. Miller, Route 3, Gettysburg ; W. A. Keeney, 51 East Stevens Street, Gettysburg ; W. C. Hanawalt, Route 3, Gettysburg ; John Myers, Fairfield.
Deacons are : John Weaver, M. V. Kepner, Roy Leatherman, Frank Miller, Ray Ogburn, and Harry Harman.
Sunday school is held at each of the three houses each Sunday morning. The first Sunday school at the Marsh Creek Church was a summer school in 1878 or 1879. It was reorgan- ized in April, 1894, with B. F. Lightner superintendent and J. O. Blocker assistant.
The present Sunday school officers are: Marsh Creek, Lawrence Hartman; Friends Grove, E. M. Wolf; Gettysburg, Charles D. Weaver.
The present membership is 193.
THE MECHANICSBURG CONGREGATION
The present congregation of the Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren was originally part of the Lower Cumberland Church. In the year 1925 a number of the members in Mechanicsburg asked for the privilege of having a pastor, but this request was not granted. Later, a petition signed by more than 50 members in good standing was prepared and sent to the District Meeting in October, 1925.
A committee was appointed by the District Meeting, con- sisting of Elders Edward Miller, Aaron Baugher, and H. M. Stover. On February 24, 1926, this committee came to a spe- cial meeting of the Lower Cumberland Church. At this meet- ing, the committee gave everyone a chance to present reasons why the petition should or should not be granted. After de- liberation on the information received, the committee decided that for the good of the cause a division should be made.
The committee designated that the official board, consist- ing of 22 members, should take charge of the division. Accordingly, about ten days later, the board met in Mechanicsburg and arranged for the separation. At this meeting a plan was formed and later presented at the regular council meeting for ratification. The plan carried with a vote of three to one.
On May 8, 1926, the committee appointed by the district, again came to Mechanicsburg to organize the first Church of the Brethren in Mechanicsburg. The results of the organiza- tion were as follows: Elder, Charles Steerman; Secretary, Moses Markey; Treasurer, D. K. Miller; and Willis Brindle and G. H. Arbegast, both deacons under the former organization.
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
CHURCH AND PARSONAGE, MECHANICSBURG
Several months later, Wm. Meals and D. K. Miller were elected to the office of deacon and about two years later Wm. Kurtz was elected. Brother Charles Steerman was selected as the pastor, in which capacity he served for about two years.
The next pastor was Brother Jesse Whitacre, who served as both pastor and elder for a period of two and one-half years. He was suc- ceeded by Brother Joseph Rittenhouse who served as pastor for nearly three years. During his pastorate, Brother Clarence Sollen- berger, of Carlisle, Pennsyl- vania, served as elder. Brother John Rowland be- came the next pastor and elder, in which capacity he served until 1940. In 1941 Elder J. Lloyd Nedrow, of Sipesville, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, became pastor.
ELDER J. LLOYD NEDROW, Pastor
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
At the time of reorganization, the membership was 60. The membership in 1941 is 81.
During the pastorate of Brother Jesse Whitacre, in 1921, a parsonage was erected on the church property.
The church activities consist of preaching services every Sunday morning and evening. A Sunday school, Christian Workers' meeting, a Women's Work organization, Ladies' Aid Society, and a mid-week prayer meeting. The home and foreign missions are supported. Representatives are sent to the District Meeting.
MOUNT OLIVET CONGREGATION
The history of the Mount Olivet Church goes back for three score years or more prior to the date of this writing, although the organized church has been in existence only since 1915. In the day when there were no church houses in the community, the Brethren ministers, riding their circuit, held services in houses and barns. When Lower Cumberland was organized into a congregation, the territory around Duncannon and Newport was included. It was decided to put up a house of worship at Duncannon, and an annual Love Feast was held there each year for the members of that section. Some ministers who served at these points were: Elders Daniel Landis, Isaac Barto, Henry Beelman, Levi Mohler, George Lehmer, William Murphy, Adam Hollinger, and William Miller.
Brother John Hammaker was deacon at Duncannon, and Brethren John Gross and John Gabel were deacons at Newport. In the year 1905 Lower Cumberland, having felt for some time that it was becoming too great a burden to keep up the appointments, asked the District Mission Board to take up the work. In 1906 the Mission Board had Brother William Miller move to Duncannon to take charge of the church, and shared the expense with the Lower Cumberland Congregation. Brother Miller also had charge of the mission at New Buffalo where the Mission Board had purchased a meeting house from the Methodist people. It was the material of this church which was later used in the construction of the Mount Olivet church building. Brother Miller did not remain long at Duncannon, but left to become pastor of the Hanover Church and in the succeeding years the appointments were filled by the ministers of the district. Because of the lack of progress of the work in and about Duncannon the church building was sold in 1912 to the members of the Episcopal faith. In January 13, 1913, Brother William Miller, employed by the Mission Board of the Southern District, began his missionary labors at Newport, now known as Mount Olivet.
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
The first services were held in the Mount Fairview school house across the road from the present church building. There were only a few resident members: John Gabel, Sisters Henrietta Potter, Susie Flurie, and Mrs. James Black. The devoutness of these aged pilgrims meant much in reviving and re-establishing the Church of the Brethren in this community. During this year of 1913 there were ten acces- sions to the church and from this grew the idea of the need for a house of worship.
Brother Stroup, one of the converts, offered a plot of ground, free of charge, if the Mission Board would put a
MOUNT OLIVET CHURCH
church building upon it. Since there were no services being held at New Buffalo, they decided to bring the material of that building and rebuild near Newport. The building was torn down and removed almost free of charge. Many helped in this work of transferring the material to Mount Olivet. Brother Solomon McNaughton deserves special mention be- cause of his untiring efforts in hauling by wagon the lumber from the New Buffalo church, the distance being fifteen miles one way. Ground was broken for the building on December 25, 1913, and was finished for dedication January 31, 1915, free of debt: Brother H. J. Shellenberger, of Juniata County, was in charge of the building and the total cost was $946.44. Brother J. A. Long preached the dedicatory sermon.
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
When Brother Miller's health failed, Brother J. E. Rowland had charge of the work from June, 1914, to August, 1915, when Brother C. H. Steerman took up the work. By 1916 there were twenty-five resident members, so the Mission Board decided to form a new congregation. Elders present for the organization, November 4, 1916, were Brethren J. A. Long and C. L. Baker. Mount Olivet was the name given to the newly formed congregation because of its location on a hill. The boundary line was to be as follows: Newport, up the river to Thompsontown; thence southwest with county line to Ickesburg; thence to Loysville and along Sherman's Valley Railroad to Bloomfield included; thence along state road to Newport. Through the courtesy of the Lost Creek Congregation, the members living along the Juniata River from Newport along the state road were granted the privilege of holding their membership at Mount Olivet since this was the nearest point. The following organization was effected at this meeting: Elder, C. L. Baker; Clerk, Sister Elizabeth Strawser; Treasurer, Solomon McNaughton. Brother and Sister S. M. Kipp and Brother Walter Brandt were chosen as
ELDER EARL S. KIPP, Pastor
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
the first deacons. Love Feast was held the day following the organization.
These were days when it took effort to get to church serv- ices and most of the folks walked while some boated across the Juniata River and walked from there to the church. During these early years the church grew slowly and the charter members passed away one by one. As this is written, one member survives, Brother John Gabel, an aged man now living in Juniata County.
Brother William Miller again took up the work from 1919 to 1920. Brother John Hershman, of Mechanicsburg, be- came pastor in 1920 and served until 1926. During this time of service Brethren Earl Kipp and Ira Brandt were installed into the ministry, and Brethren William Burd and William Shuman were called to the office of deacon.
Brother Trostle Dick, of Blain, served from 1926 to 1928, after which Brother Earl Kipp, resident minister, took charge and continues until the present time. In 1928 Brother Edwin Rhoades was installed as deacon. In 1935 Brother Chester E. Shuler was called to a similar responsibility. In this same year of 1935, our beloved elder, Brother C. L. Baker passed away after having served continuously as elder from the beginning of Mount Olivet as a congregation.
Brother J. E. Rowland, of Mechanicsburg, succeeded Brother Baker as elder. When he moved from the district in August, 1940, Brother S. C. Godfrey, of Red Lion, was chosen. It was in council May, 1938, that Brother Earl Kipp was advanced to the eldership. Today the membership of the Mount Olivet Congrega- tion totals approximately fifty.
All those whose names are mentioned here and others unnamed have work- ed hard and each made his contribution to the work of the Lord at Mount Olivet.
We can record names, dates, and facts, but only in the Eternal World is the complete record-of hopes, aspirations, heartaches, dis- appointments, desires, im- pulses, and dreams of all the consecrated men and women who have been the channels through which God has worked. All the time, effort, and money spent in the work
ELDER WM. H. MILLER
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
has been worthwhile, because many souls have been helped into the Kingdom and a wholesome influence has been felt in the neighborhood.
May the good work continue under the guidance of the Spirit of Christ.
Ministers as follows: W. H. Miller, February 2, 1913; J. E. Rowland, June, 1914; C. H. Steerman, 1915; W. H. Miller, 1919; J. R. Hershman, November, 1920; T. P. Dick, 1927 ; E. S. Kipp, 1928.
Deacons as follows : S. M. Kipp, Walter Brandt, William Burd (deceased), Edwin Rhoades, W. C. Shuman (deceased), C. E. Shuler.
Mention should be made of Brother W. H. Miller, now living in the Mount Olivet Congregation, who did much in get- ting the work started. He held two revival meetings in the Mount Fairview school house (across the road from the church) under the direction of the Mission Board of the Southern District and it was through his suggestion that the New Buffalo Church building was brought to the Mt. Olivet site.
NEW FAIRVIEW CONGREGATION
1909-January 1, 1909, Codorus Church met in yearly council. A committee was appointed to locate a place to build a church house at the north end of the congregation. They reported two places as good locations. The first place was on the farm owned by David Markey, the second owned by Mr. Hovis. Committee was discharged.
February 8, 1909, at a special council meeting it was moved to build a church house at the cemetery on the farm owned by David Markey; also moved to appoint a committee of five as a building committee. The committee appointed consisted of Jacob Markey, George Strebig, Daniel Markey, David Markey, Howard Fitz.
This church house and shedding was built at a cost of $4,447.99 and was dedicated October 10, 1909. Dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder Joseph A. Long, of York, Pennsylvania. The new house was called the Fairview House.
1921-August 15, 1921, the Codorus Congregation met in special council at the Fairview House. The meeting was opened by Elder C. L. Baker. The matter of organizing a new congregation was taken up. The boundary line suggested by the official board was accepted by the church by 142 voting for and 12 against. It was decided that the new congregation be called-New Fairview : Elders E. S. Miller, C. L. Baker, and Daniel Bowser held an election for a presiding elder for New Fairview Congregation. Elder D. Y. Brillhart was elected for one year. Ministers were Michael Markey and I. M. Bowser.
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
NEW FAIRVIEW CHURCH AND CONGREGATION, MARCH 2, 1941
162 HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
August 29, 1921, the New Fairview Congregation met in council for the organization of the new congregation. The following officers were elected :
Clerk, Clayton F. Weaver; Treasurer, Jacob Markey ; Trustees, Harry Markey, three years, Howard Miller, two years, Howard I. Fitz, one year; Reporter, Lloyd Chronister ; Missionary Committee, I. M. Bowser, three years, Clayton Weaver, two years, Paul Godfrey, one year ; Child Rescue Com- mittee, Mrs. Harry Markey, three years, Ruth Shearer, two years, Mrs. Howard Fitz, one year.
1922-January 9, 1922, New Fairview Church met in council at 1 P.M The meeting was opened by Elder Daniel Bowser. Elder Brillhart announced there would be an ordina- tion for an elder, and an election for a minister and for two deacons. Brother Michael Markey was ordained an elder.
Elder C. L. Baker spoke of the seriousness and solemnity of the occasion. Brother Bowser read the qualifications of an elder and also of those relating to ministers. Brother Clayton F. Weaver was elected to the ministry. Brethren Harry Markey and Howard Miller were deacons.
In the election of Sunday school officers, the count showed, Superintendent, Brother Howard Fitz; Assistant, Brother Paul Godfrey ; Secretary, Lloyd Chronister; Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, Lester Illyes ; Librarians, Isaac Fitz and Amy Markey ; Assistant Librarians, Elsie Fahs and Lester Markey.
A motion was passed that the chairman appoint auditors. He appointed Lloyd Chronister and David Fitz for a term of three years.
October 2nd, Elder D. Y. Brillhart was re-elected presiding elder for three years.
1923-July 23, a paper was presented to the council asking that an elder be elected to assist Brother Brillhart. Request granted and Brother M. Markey was elected assistant.
July, Brother Howard Fitz was re-elected trustee for three years. Brother Paul Godfrey was re-elected on the mis- sionary committee and Sister Fitz was elected on child rescue committee.
1924-January 7, Ruth Strebig, child rescue committee for three years; Brother Clayton F. Weaver re-appointed on the missionary committee for three years; Brother Lloyd Chronister was re-appointed reporter; Brother Howard Miller was re-elected trustee, by ballot, for three years.
1925-September 28, New Fairview Church met in council at 1 P.M. Services were opened by Brother J. H. Keller. Elder Brillhart stated, Brother Keller was with the church to hold an election for a presiding elder. Brother D. Y. Brillhart was elected for an indefinite term.
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
1926-Brother Robert Kraut was elected chorister; S. A. Myers, assistant.
1927-April 4, Elder D. Y. Brillhart appointed Paul Godfrey clerk for a period of two years. The church decided to elect trustees by ballot. Church trustees elected were Howard Fitz, three years; Harry Markey, two years; David Fitz, one year.
December 26, in the New Fairview council it was decided to elect the Sunday school officers by ballot. This was followed by the election of the church and Sunday school officers : Church clerk, Paul Godfrey, three years ; child rescue, Mary Markey, three years; missionary committee, I. M. Bowser, three years ; reporter, Jacob Miller; church chorister, Robert S. Kraut; assistant chorister, Paul R. Godfrey ; Sunday school superintendent, Howard Fitz; assistant superintendent, Paul E. Godfrey ; Sunday school secretary, Lloyd Chronister; assistant secretary, Jacob S. Miller; Sunday school treasurer, Lester Illyes.
It was also decided that a committee of five brethren be elected for building purposes. They were Brethren Howard Miller, Harry Markey, Michael Markey, Robert Kraut, and Howard Fitz. A soliciting committee of three, Howard Miller, Robert Kraut, and David Fitz, were elected. It was moved to get a blue-print and start building an addition to the church as soon as possible.
1928-July 30, the New Fairview Church met in regular council at 7:30 P.M. The meeting was opened by Brother Aaron Baugher. Elder D. Y. Brillhart stated that his time expired as presiding elder. Brethren Aaron Baugher and S. B. Myer were with the church to hold an election for a presiding elder. Brother Michael Markey was elected for one year.
1929-January 7, in regular council at 1:30 P.M. The meeting was opened by Elder M. A. Jacobs. Next in order
ELDER MICHAEL MARKEY AND WIFE
MINISTERS AND DEACONS, NEW FAIRVIEW CONGREGATION
First row, left to right: Joel Myers, Minister Jacob L. Miller, Presiding Elder Michael Markey, Howard Miller, Harry Markey. Second row: Clarence Keeney, Irvin Myers, David Fitz, Lloyd Chronister, Paul Lehman.
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
was the election of two deacons. A motion was passed to accept the three brethren with the three highest votes. They were Paul E. Godfrey, David A. Fitz, and Jacob Miller. The elder appointed a committee to make arrangements for the ministerial and Sunday school meeting. He suggested, the seven deacons with their wives take up this matter.
A motion was passed that a program committee of five be selected by the church. Committee: Elder Michael Markey, Howard Miller, Paul E. Godfrey, Howard H. Fitz, Jacob Miller.
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