USA > Pennsylvania > A History of the Church of the Brethren in southern district of Pennsylvania > Part 2
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hetfield
zombie Mello
120 Bunkertam
Stalling Planungs 8 Nedad
20 premiers grove 20 manassas (humors) Pleasant Vill 21 pisaronel shei 2: Beaver Creek is the colors
Hanover
1. Nanover
Дарреневичу 23 ДвеТреповка sugar valley
Sumata
" Bunkerhave Free Hlavy * Ruchfall
upher Coders 15 Black Rock 16 malore is Chestand Samme.
after Coneways
14 East Beallen
26 Patimore
200 Manassus (uma)
26 Hampton
. y. miller
Cumberland
york Fuel 19 7 and chinach 20 de cond chiave al
5. Carbale
'90 newvalle
you' in aheal the
30 Banking abranger
110 Huntedale
230 Redige
Patimore
260
Franklin
10 Madison Ave ip second church 29. Final church
150 Friends Grove 260 Trontles 26. Hampton 260 Saat Berlin
8. new Fauntur
260 mummento
ment till 21 .Plsezione Colores.
2. Brandts
21 . Beaver Creek
8. Browns mill
Iso Chestnut have To shrewsbury
so shady trove 2. thanks
210 waynesboro To
100 Black Ruf To New Faladone
I8 Ringgold
250 Melrose
28. Levelly.
maryland Map of Southern Penna District
Congregations are serenged un I alphabetical order place Exit number represents a preaching numbers repeated mean belong to same company atine
york 13 . wohl gemuth
130 Bermudian
6. Chambersburg
8. Falling Change
7. Pleaseat will
1. Coders
adams 15. March Crack so Pattysburg
100 Namalo
30 . Ichwerd have
Perry
franc asthe 1 Shancastle
Huntedale
1. Huntedala
Vil unquestion Welly
chambersburg " chamberthing
Codowe
Peut Fourvieur 18 new taurveur nouvelle. . neuville Perry
clinton
24 . Enstrilla
Vintistam ' Prices
1. Rougeant
CHAPTER II
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
ANTIETAM CONGREGATION
Antietam Congregation, according to the best informa- tion obtainable, existed as a mission of the churches of Eastern Pennsylvania and of York County some years before its organ- ization in 1752. It was then known as the Conococheague District. In 1752, John Price moved to Antietam District from near Philadelphia. About this same time Bishop Abraham Stouffer of Conewago or Germantown, who had been ordained by Peter Becker, moved into this community and effected a church organization. It is said that Geo. Adam Martin assisted in this work for awhile. In a few years because of William Stover was chosen to the ministry and ordained ill health Abraham Stouffer returned to Conewago.
In 1754, William Stover and his family came here from Germantown, having a short time before come from Switzer- land. He took up land about two miles west of the Prices. They soon became connected with the Church of the Brethren. Bishop of the Congregation.
In 1772, Nicholas Martin wrote to Alexander Mack refer- ring to the great revival held in the Antietam District by Brother Martin Urner of the Coventry Congregation, increas- ing the number of disciples many fold. (See Brumbaugh's History of the Brethren.) It is probably after this revival that the Antietam and the Conococheague churches began to function as separate congregations.
"For the first fifty years the brethren suffered many privations on account of the French war in 1755, the Revolu- tion 20 years later, and subsequent Indian wars together with many inconveniences incident to a newly settled country, as our part of the state was at that time. The dread of the Indian's tomahawk and scalping knife, was everywhere felt. In the morning before going to the fields to work, the farmer and his sons often bid good-bye to the balance of the family, fearing they might not return, or if permitted to do so, would find their loved ones murdered by the Indians." (From Brethren Almanac 1879.)
Under the guiding hand of their first resident Elder, Wm. Stover, the congregation worshipped in houses. Brother Jacob Miller was elected to the ministry, and in 1765 moved to Virginia. The congregation prospered until in 1880, when just before the unfortunate division, there were 400 members
8
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
HOME OF "BISHOP" WILLIAM STOVER, ANTIETAM CONGREGATION Services were held in upper rooms of the larger building. The wall around garden was built as protection from the Indians.
on the list. In 1922 just before Waynesboro was organized into a separate congregation, there were 900 members. Be- fore the Welty church was organized in 1933 there were 450 members; after this organization there were 273 members.
As was customary with other congregations, the Elder was elected for life. The seniority in the ministry was very much in evidence, even to the seating behind the table. The next oldest in the ministry always sat next to the Elder and was considered in authority according to his place in the pulpit. The deacons likewise recognized seniority. The oldest in office was seated directly across the table in front of the Elder with the next oldest beside him, and so on to the youngest. This order continued for nearly 100 years.
The Church was democratic in form but when the Elder, after consultation with the other ministers and deacons, made any declaration, it was usually accepted by the Congregation. The members of the Antietam Congregation, being of German decent, all spoke German in the early days. The sermons were all delivered in German until about 1830 after which time both German and English were used. After 1875, all English was used in the pulpit. In making the yearly visit by the deacons confirming the members in the Faith, the language most agreeable to the members was used. In 1900 very few members could even converse in German.
9
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
In 1881 about 100 members withdrew and formed what is known as the Old Order German Baptist Church. A record of events was preserved from this date. All definite records prior to the summer of 1880 have been lost to the Church. At that time Brother D. P. Saylor, of Monocacy Congregation was chosen Presiding Elder and retained this position until 1882 when Brother J. F. Oller was ordained.
In 1885 the Antietam Congregation entertained the Dis- trict Meeting of Middle Pennsylvania. Twenty-two congrega- tions were represented. In 1891 the Antietam Congregation asked the District Meeting of Middle Pennsylvania to grant the Southern part of the District to be formed into a separate district. This was not granted. The Antietam Congregation had District Meetings again in 1898, 1910, 1912, and 1929, either at Prices or Waynesboro.
There were four Annual Meetings held in the Antietam Congregation as follows: 1810-In the Antietam Meeting House; 1829-On a farm owned by Brother George Royer about one mile west of Antietam or Prices Church; 1847-On the farm of Brother Isaac Deardorff, two miles west of An- tietam or Prices; and 1866-On the farm of Brother Jacob Price, one-half mile east of Prices Church. These pioneers were willing to open their homes in a hospitable manner in accord with the teachings of the New Testament. They not only "entertained strangers" but opened their homes to the community where all who would could meet and worship God and study His Word together. During the first 47 years of the existence of Antietam Congregation, all of the public wor- ship and funeral services were held in the homes of the people.
Many of the homes were built to meet the needs. Often the partitions of adjoining rooms were made so that they could be moved. Benches were used for seats. These could easily be stored away when not in use. At very large meetings the services were held in the barn to accommodate more people who sat on the benches without backs, on the hay, or any other available space. Services were held in the open when occasion demanded.
The Charter
Some persons in the Antietam Congregation, were con- cerned about doing things in a legal way. In 1896 they pro- posed to the church that Weltys Church and Graveyard be incorporated according to the laws of Maryland. This was brought up in the Church Council a number of times, until, on April 10, 1900, the Articles of Incorporation presented by a committee for that purpose, were accepted. The committee was told to proceed and have the church property incorpo- rated. This called for a yearly election, instead of appoint- ments, of the Board of Trustees.
10
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
On September 21, 1907, it was decided to incorporate both the church property, and the cemetery at Prices in sepa- rate corporations. The trustees of both Waynesboro and Prices were to look after the incorporation of the church, framing the articles of incorporation, and make the petition to the court. This was done and the Charter duly granted.
The Charter called for six trustees to be elected, no capi- tal stock, to be perpetual, and business not to exceed $5,000.00 a year, except gifts and bequests. 'i'he petition was signed by D. M. Baker.
On December 7, 1752, John Price, recently of Philadelphia County, had purchased land in Antrim township from John Leatherman, George Grubb and Richard Ocain. In the survey- ors description of the 4303 acres "with 13 corners of irregular angles, he specified as land marks black oak, pine tree, marked white oak, and hickory grub and post. The buildings were by the spring near the center of the tract of land."
On October 31, 1765, he procured a patent from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, as is recorded in Deed Book A. A., volume 7, page 80. Through this flowed the west branch of Little Antietam Creek.
On August 8, 1786, he purchased 2843 acres and allow- ances, from William Irwin a part of the tract called "Dry- berry" and by deed of May 6, 1780, William Peterson granted him another tract of land, for, and in consideration of £8,075. This is in what is now known as Quincy Township. See Price Family History, by Wanger.
At a place convenient to a little spring on a gentle grade, sloping towards the sunrise, the Brethren wanted to build a meeting house, and have a permanent place in which to wor- ship God as they saw wise, near by a place which was con- secrated for the burying of their dead. Accordingly, they secured from Brother John Price, for 10£, one acre of land for a church property. The transfer of this land with the appur- tenances was made to Christian Royer and Andrew Friedley as trustees for the First Day German Baptist Congregation in Antietam.
From the date of the deed, March 31, 1797, it would seem that the church was not built until 1797. When we consider the patent for the land was not given until 15 years after it was settled upon, and then changed hands once or twice, it is not hard to believe the tradition true that Brother Price gave the land, and all "having a mind to work" built the house in 1795 as the corner stone designates. Then to make it a per- manent possession of the congregation, they purchased the ground for the amount specified and secured a deed. Some- thing like this was done in later years, by some of his descend- ants, in selling ground for the cemetery. If this is true, then the tradition, the statement on the corner stone, and the deed all agree.
L
PRICES CHURCH-ANTIETAM CONGREGATION First Church of the Brethren built west of the Susquehanna River. Built 1795; enlarged in 1826 and 1830.
12
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
This church was built of stone with a door at the side and a preachers stand or table at the opposite side. The roof was made with home-made split shingles. In 1826 an addition was built to this church. No information is available as to the dimensions of this building. It was in this building that the Yearly Meeting and Love Feast was held in 1810. In 1830 another addition was built to the church.
(In January, 1890, it was decided to build a new church of brick. This building was started and finished inside of five months and dedicated on June 14. It was located on nearly the same spot as the old one.)
The southwest end of the building was divided from the main room by folding doors or removable partition. In the summer time, for Love Feasts and special occasions the parti- tions were removed, throwing the whole into one large audi- torium. On the northeast end was built a kitchen with a large fire-place where the kettles for cooking the meat for Love Feasts and special occasions hung.
A part of the northeast end was divided into a store room for dishes and other utensils not often used. The kitchen was used for a vestibule or cloak room for the sisters.
The church was heated by a large ten plate stove located near the center of the main room. Wood was used for fuel. About 1870 a large egg shaped heating stove for coal burning was installed.
On the northwest side a long table stood back of which sat the ministers with the Elder at the head next to the sisters' side of the church. The wives of the preachers and deacons sat on the front rows on the sisters' side of the house. None of the seats had back rests except those for the ministers.
For lights, tallow candles were used. There were one or more on each of the four walls and one on the preachers table. The preacher would often hold the candle near his book for better light. About 1855, coal oil lights were used instead of "tallow dips". These were thought by some to be an innova- tion. They were soon recognized as a necessity. One of these lamps hung in the basement of the brick church for 48 years until electricity was installed in 1938.
Church Houses
In 1872 there were five houses for worship in the Antietam Congregation: Prices, Snowbergers, Amsterdam, Welty and Waynesboro. (For description of the latter two see Welty and Waynesboro Congregations.)
The Brick Church
After church at Antietam on December 22, 1889, it was decided to hold a special council in the Waynesboro church on
13
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
January 1st, 1890, to consider building a new church house at Antietam, as many believed it was much needed. Several tentative subscription lists had been started, and kept in circulation. At this council, as only $1,751.00 had been sub- scribed, few people being present, it was deferred to the regular Quarterly council at Antietam on January 16. At this regular council, not enough money was subscribed, and a soliciting committee was appointed to canvass the whole dis- trict, and report at a special council in Waynesboro on January 27, 1890. This committee was Daniel M. Baker, Christian Newcomer, Benj. E. Price, Jacob Snider, Isaiah F. Hollenberger, Josiah Burger, and Michael Kriner.
At the council meeting of January 27, 1890, it was de- cided by unanimous vote that the old building should be torn down and a new one built. The following building committee was appointed : Benj. E. Price, secretary-treasurer; Samuel Kauffman, Michael Kriner, Michael Jacobs, and Samuel McPherren.
A paper containing nine paragraphs, defining the work of adopting plans and specifications, passing on work done, letting contracts, receiving subscriptions, issuing receipts, etc., was adopted by the council. The spirit of building ran high.
On February 1, the building committee and others met on the ground, and decided that the new church should be placed a little southeast of the exact spot of the old one, and the work of dismantling the 95 year old house began.
On February 12, 1890, Brother W. J. Swigart, of Hunt- ingdon, Pa., began a series of meetings in the Waynesboro church. All were so well pleased with him, that it was de- cided to have him preach the dedicatory sermon in the Spring.
On Saturday morning, June 14, 1890, the day set for the Love Feast and the dedication of the new church, a large crowd assembled for services; William J. Swigart, of Hunt- ingdon, preached the sermon, and declared the act of dedica- tion. At the noon recess, two persons were received into the church by baptism. On the next morning, Brother Tobias F. Imler was advanced to the second degree of the ministry. At the close of the morning services, two more persons were baptized. This was reported to have been the largest crowd of people ever assembled in Prices church.
The new church-50 by 70 feet-was built of brick, using the stones .of the old church for foundation. The cost was $2,886.37 in cash and $532.70 in donations of material, and labor. The church has a large auditorium, with two doors on the northwest side, and the preacher's table on the southeast side, just the reverse of the old stone church. At the northeast end of the auditorium is an ante room, a hall, and stair-way. The main room was equipped with seats with backs which could be lifted and placed on the arm rests, making tables, or reversed facing the opposite way, for con-
14
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
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PRICES CHURCH-BUILT IN 1890
venience at the Love Feasts. Two long permanent tables were used for the preachers, behind which the preachers assembled at the opening of the services and sat in order of seniority with deacons on the opposite side as in the old church.
The attic was divided into two rooms for sleeping apart- ments, furnished with beds and "chaff ticks" and some clothing. These were usually filled at Love Feast times. Some people sat up all night and talked, others slept on the benches when not disturbed by talking. Mrs. John Burger said she slept on a bench and placed her shoes under her head for a pillow. As the days of automobiles approached, fewer stayed overnight and the attic was not used.
There is a basement under the entire house arranged with a kitchen in one end and the larger part for a dining room for special occasions at Love Feast. on Saturday noon, Sunday morning and Sunday noon. Meals are given free to all who wanted to partake.
On April 28, 1917. the Sister's Aid Society of Waynesboro reported that they had the basement floor cemented at a cost of $165.00. In December, 1890, two large egg shaped heat- ing stoves were put up, and remained in use until 1937 when stoves of the "Heatrola" type were installed. The large "Ten Plate" stove that was formerly used in the parlor of Brother Michael Jacobs was placed in the ante room and is still in use.
In July 1891, rope matting was placed in the aisles, and across the front of the church. This has now been replaced
15
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
by a rubber floor covering. The entire floor was all on one level, indicating the equality of all. In April, 1917, it was decided to place a six inch platform to elevate the preachers for the convenience of both the speakers and the hearers.
In September, 1923, William Shoemaker presented to the church a walnut pulpit desk, in memory of the late Elder J. B. Ruthrauff, with whom he associated for many years in the pattern shop of the Geiser Manufacturing Company.
When this church was built, it was lighted by four large round wick oil lamps suspended from the ceiling. These func- tioned well in their time. In 1916 they were replaced by car- bide lamps. Since the summer of 1938 electricity is used.
When the church was built in the horse and buggy days, thought was also given for the comfort of the horses, and in dismantling the church, they carried the roof and framing to a suitable place just north of the church site, and made a shed large enough for the horses and buggies, feed troughs and grain bin.
This shed continued in use not only for horses, but was much used by wandering vagrants, "knights of the road" or tramps, as a place to congregate. In 1939 it was sold and taken to frame a barn near Shady Grove, by Mr. Frank Welty. One Sunday morning about 1915, the minister came through a steady rain to church and found only four persons there for worship, but a larger number of tramps in the shed; after they refused an invitation to come to the church services, the minister went to the shed, gave the wanderers a talk, and had prayer with them. He then returned to the church and continued the worship in the usual way.
The spring mentioned in the original deed continues to flow, although a very light stream, and wastes its freshness on the nearby meadow.
Business and Church Meetings
There have been no records found of any business or council meetings of the Antietam Congregation prior to 1880. There is a record that shows that Josiah Fahrney was church secretary in 1878 and that he was succeeded in 1881 by his brother, Daniel.
We know, as was the custom with other congregations, that the Elder automatically became the presiding officer by virtue of his seniority when the place was vacated by death or removal of former Elder.
Most of the business of the congregation was done at the close of the regular meetings when the congregation was dismissed and the members asked to remain.
When more important business was transacted a special day was appointed and later regular council meeting days were set. At these meetings the preachers and deacons
16
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
usually met an hour or two before the appointed time to arrange the business for the council. Between 1890 and 1900 the need was recognized for more time for the preparation and systematic arrangement of the business for council. An evening was set about a week before council when the "official board" would meet to arrange for the coming council. These were known as "official meetings". The councils met at 10 A.M., recessed at noon, and continued until business was finished. When problems could not be settled in the local councils they were referred to the "Yearly Meetings" of the entire Brotherhood.
The Antietam Congregation seemed to be able to adjust her difficulties and local business to the satisfaction of all, until in 1866 when the first committee was sent from the Annual Meeting. No report of the committee can be found, but the personnel of this committee was: H. D. Davy, John P. Ebersole, John Wise, John M. Holsinger, and John G. Glock. Since then, there have been committees from the Annual Meeting at various times. Because of their prominence, the Elders of the Antietam Congregation were often among those who formed the committees at the Yearly Meeting to adjust matters sent from the churches.
It will be interesting to note here that there were two definite customs of the church which caused much business at times : That of the doctrine of avoidance, and the manner of receiving again into fellowship, those that were once dis- membered. Avoidance was practiced among nearly all the churches in 1850. Avoidance was the attitude of the church towards one who had lost fellowship because of having com- mitted some sins mentioned in the Bible. In the 1849 Annual Meeting, the minutes show the following: "So they adhered simply to the word, had no intercourse, no dealings of any kind, with such persons and did not eat with them at the same table or out of the same dish, at any common meal, while they were in this state of avoidance. Only acts of charity toward them The companion in marriage was not permitted the communion while the companion was under the ban. This was in accord with Gal. 5:19-21, and I Cor. 5:1-13. The Annual Meeting of 1892, declared that we hold the doctrine of avoidance as heretofore.
In restoring members into church fellowship, after con- fession was made and forgiveness asked, it was the duty of the penitent member to go to each person, in his seat, to receive acknowledgment of forgiveness, and restoration, by the rig. . hand of fellowship. This custom was never repealed by council, but fell into disuse and became obsolete as time passed. This was practiced in Antietam as late as 1880, in major cases.
According to the best information obtainable, up to this date (1940), the following list gives the names of the resident bishops, and the time they served the church in that office.
17
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
This does not include "Adjoining Elders", having temporary charge of the congregation :
Abraham Stouffer
1752-( ?)
William Stover
-1800
Daniel Stover
1800-1822
Jacob Holsinger
1825-1848
Jacob Fahrney
1841-1848
William Bayer
1848-1863
Joseph F. Rohrer
1867-1873
Jacob Price
1867-1880
Jacob F. Oller
1882-1897
Jacob Snider
1897-1900
Daniel M. Baker
1900-1902
John B. Ruthruff
1902-1910
C. Rush Oellig
1910-1919
H. M. Stover
1919-1932
M. C. Valentine 1932-
After the Annual Meeting said the Elders should be elected at least once in three years, it was decided in 1918 to elect an Elder for one year.
The Church decided to close the church house against dissenters except for funeral occasions according to the laws of our country. At least two or three times the privilege of using church house was sought but each time our church decided to stand by her former decisions.
Both the regular church services and the church council meetings have undergone a wonderful change in the last century. A more systematic manner of doing church business was used : not so much trying to accomplish the most good with the least energy expended; not so many compulsory methods as more pleasing persuasive plans; not so much for putting people out of the church as trying to get the church members more active in the progress of the work of the church.
After the new church was built and when they realized that in times past, some of our councils were not as well regu- lated as should be, there was passed in July 31, 1890, the following: "Resolved, that we the Brethren and Sisters, assembled in council, adopt the following rules for the government of our council meetings from henceforth:
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