USA > Pennsylvania > A History of the Church of the Brethren in southern district of Pennsylvania > Part 22
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By September, young men also were taking a prominent place in the class, and the new president was Henry W. Crist.
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In December, 1929, the missionary society was organized as an outgrowth of the Faithful Missionaries Class and their program of activities. The missionary society holds monthly meetings, plans one all-day service each year, and is interested particularly in local benevolent work and arranging of prayer services and meetings in institutions, and in the homes of invalids. The present president is Sister Eliza A. Krape. The society is engaged in useful ministry.
Annual Conference in York in 1912
The committee of arrangements appointed by the Southern District of Pennsylvania to locate a suitable place to hold the 1912 Annual Conference were the following: Elder Joseph A. Long, chairman; Elder Charles L. Baker, Elder Edward S. Miller, Elder J. M. Mohler, and Elder C. G. Trimmer.
The Bureau of Information and Traffic Committee was Joseph J. Bowser, chairman, with Melvin A. Jacobs, H. Mit- chell Stover, and Vernon K. Stover. C. G. Trimmer was the chairman of the Lodging Committee. The chief cook at the restaurant on the ground was Isaac Replogle, of Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
MINISTERS OF YORK FIRST CHURCH AT TIME OF CORNER STONE LAYING OF SECOND CHURCH JUNE 4, 1939
First row, left to right: Ralph B. Lehman, Pastor S. S. Blough, Daniel Bowser, Presiding Elder J. J. Bowser, Elder L. Elmer Leas; second row: Joseph M. Baugher, Arthur Hess, Chester H. Royer.
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
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The conference opened Wednesday, May 29, 1912, and lasted seven days up to June 4, 1912. Sunday, June 2nd, there were 40,000 people in attendance. All Protestant churches invited our ministers to fill their pulpits and a great fellowship was enjoyed by all.
The conference organization for 1912 was as follows: Elder H. C. Early, Washington, District of Columbia, Moderator; I. B. Trout, Lanark, Illinois, Reading Clerk; J. W. Lear, Decatur, Illinois, Writing Clerk, and Carl Rarick, Muncie, Indiana, Door-keeper.
List of Officers, York Church, April, 1941
Presiding elder, Joseph J. Bowser, 518 Madison Avenue, York, Pennsylvania; pastor, Edward K. Ziegler, 830 West Locust Street, York, Pennsylvania; elder, L. Elmer Leas, 746 West Philadelphia Street, York, Pennsylvania; ministers : Chester H. Royer, Manchester; Joseph M. Baugher, 25 North Sumner Street, York ; Arthur R. Hess, 834 West Poplar Street, York ; Ralph B. Lehman, 42 North West Street, York ; John W. Barwick, 14 West King Street, York; deacons: David H. Heddings, John Krape, James Sweitzer, Sanford Trimmer, George Stough, Moses T. Mummert, Granville Burgard, Calvin Lefever, John H. Moser, Lowell A. Landis, Wilmer Markle, Lehman Crist, James Oberdick, John B. Minnich, Wilbert Bohn, Harry C. Miller; church secretary, Roy H. Nicholas; church treasurer, Paul P. Hershey ; superintendent of Sunday schools : First Church, Sanford Trimmer; Second Church, George Stough.
Number of members is 721.
THE MADISON AVENUE CONGREGATION, YORK
The Madison Avenue Congregation was organized January 21, 1936. The original membership was composed almost entirely of members from the First Church in York, who became dissatisfied with conditions existing in the First Church.
The organization was affected by two elders of the dis- trict, after a district committee called to affect an organiza- tion, deferred action. The elders present to organize the new congregation were Brethren Samuel B. Myers and D. Edward Keeney, both of the Codorus Congregation.
Elder M. A. Jacobs, retiring pastor and previously pre- siding elder of the First Church, was elected presiding elder and pastor. Brother Harvey E. Shue was elected secretary, and Brother M. Richard Jacobs, treasurer. Brethren John K. Pfaltzgraff, James R. Smith, and James Edward Hull were
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chosen trustees. Brother Emory P. Trimmer was elected Sun- day school superintendent.
When the church was organized, there was no treas- ury, and no equipment. There was no effort made to obtain any money from the First Church.
Arrangements were made to purchase property on Madi- son Avenue, a purely residen- tial and restricted street. The property purchased has a frontage of 210 feet, nine inches, and a depth of 189 feet. The property had on it a frame building, formerly used as a club house, and valued at from $4,000.00 to $5,000.00. The building has an auditorium ELDER M. A. JACOBS, Pastor capable of accommodating an audience of 400. There is also a kitchen, a men's room and a ladies' room, all on the first floor; in the rear, and part of the building, are two rooms on the first floor and two rooms on the second floor, now occupied by the sexton and his family. In the front part of the building, on the second floor, is a large room used by the Ladies' Aid Society. This property was purchased for $10,000.00, all of which was borrowed from one of our city banks at 4% interest.
The equipment for the building was largely furnished by donations from our own members and friends. The pulpit was donated by a local cemetery association. Much of the material for tablecloths, aprons, and towels was donated by the proprietor of one of our large department stores. Chairs, pulpit furniture, pulpit Bible, song books, offering plates, clock, individual communion set, curtains, floor runners, a beautiful hand-painted pulpit picture, and an outside bulletin board, and many hours of service were among the donations.
In three and one-half years the church was fully equipped, bills paid, and $1,800.00 paid on the purchase price of the property.
Beginning with approximately 175 members, the church in three years had grown to 355. Of this number, 72 were received by baptism; a number of them coming from families not reached before by the Brethren.
The following organizations began to function immedi- ately after the church was organized : Sunday school, Ladies' Aid, Men's Work, and the B.Y.P.D.
MADISON AVENUE CHURCH, YORK
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
MINISTERS OF MADISON AVENUE Left to right, Robert S. Kraut, Presiding Elder M. A. Jacobs, Chauncey Trimmer.
Two deacons, Brethren Michael A. Brown and Eli Wagner, now both deceased, composed the deacon board. Since then Brethren E. J. Meyers and A. D. Hoover became members and deacons of the congregation. Brethren Chauncey Trimmer and Robert Kraut, both ministers, soon became members of the congregation also.
The official board of the church is composed of three ministers, two deacons, secretary, treasurer, and a representa- tive from each of the following organizations: Trustees, Finance Committee, Sunday School, Men's Work, Ladies' Aid, and the B.Y.P.D.
After the property was purchased, work was immediately started to prepare the house for worship. In about two weeks all was in readiness. A service of dedication was held February 9, 1936. Brother Marshall Wolfe preached the dedicatory sermon.
Besides the Sunday school, preaching services are held morning and evening of each Sunday. Two Love Feasts are held each year. At the first Love Feast, 196 communed. The largest number of communicants at any of our Love Feasts to date was 281.
Much interest was manifested by others outside the congregation so that in the first three years, 24 of our own
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CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
ministers and 17 ministers of other denominations either preached for us, or assisted in the services.
The congregation was recognized by the church upon recommendation of a committee from standing committee. This committee, composed of Brethren James M. Moore, Edward Kintner, and M. Clyde Horst, came to our church, December, 1938, and recommended full recognition. This action of the committee was approved by the 1938 standing committee, and by the District Meeting of Southern Pennsylvania on October 25, 1939.
The present number of members is 387.
CHAPTER III
OUR DISTRICT
THE STORY OF THE HISTORY AS RELATED TO DISTRICT MEETING
Queries Concerning History of Southern District of Pennsylvania
D. M. Minute 1917. P. 8. Special Business-
The matter of joining with the Middle District of Pennsylvania in the compiling of a history of the Church of the Brethren in these two districts was presented. A motion was made to defer the matter for one year with the recommenda- tion that it be brought before each congregation during the year. Passed.
Minute 1918. Query 19-
In view of the fact that at our last District Meeting it was decided to bring the matter of compiling a "History of the Brethren" with the Middle District of Pennsylvania before the different congregations of our district, we, the Hanover Church, request this District Meeting of 1918 to appoint a committee of three brethren to cooperate with a like com- mittee from Middle District to compile data for a history to be published after the war, if conditions permit and to present the progress of the work at the next District Meeting. Decided to return the paper. Rereading of old minutes called for. It was decided to reaffirm the decisions of last year's minutes under Special Matters. P. 8.
1933 (P. 36.)-
Request from York and Upper Codorus Congregations that District Meeting elect a Historical Committee (three members) to gather all available historical matter from each of the churches in the district. Passed. Committee elected E. S. Miller, Lineboro, Maryland; Mrs. Annie Sheets, York ; Sudie M. Wingert, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
Report of the Secretary of the Historical Committee
The Historical Committee, composed of E. S. Miller, Mrs. Edgar Sheets, and Sudie M. Wingert, which was elected at the District Meeting of 1933, organized with Sudie M. Wingert as secretary.
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Sister Sheets assumed the responsibility of collecting the historical data of the congregations within the limits of the original Codorus Congregation, which are : Codorus, York and New Fairview. Brother Miller assumed the responsibility of collecting that of the congregations within the limits of the original Little Conewago Congregation, which are: Upper Codorus, Pleasant Hill and Hanover. I undertook the task of collecting the data from the other 21 congregations.
Sister Sheets reports her work almost completed. Brother Miller and myself report progress. I began my work by asking the elders or pastors to appoint local historians in their respective congregations and to report to me of the appointments. The prompt response from most of them was gratifying. The eagerness of some historians to do their utmost was heartening. The apparent indifference of a few was a bit discouraging. Of the 21 congregations two have sent no report. Nineteen reports have been received by me. A few are very complete ; a few are very brief ; several will be revised and completed. We trust that those who have not responded will do so ere long and that all will finish their work as soon as possible.
The question has arisen as to whether we want pictures. We await your advise in regard to the solicitation for them.
Do you desire us to get sketches of the work of the various district organizations ? If so, we will need to have access to the District Conference minutes for the years 1894, 1898, 1899, and 1900. Will some one give or lend us copies of these minutes ? Upon inquiry from the District Conference secre- tary I find that the minutes previous to 1910 are rather incomplete. As secretary of the district historical committee I should like to secure a complete file for the District Confer- ence secretary. Will those of you who have any of these minutes and are willing to give them communicate with me.
Respectfully submitted, 1934,
Sudie M. Wingert, Secretary.
Report of the Secretary of the Historical Committee
In response to efforts during the year the Historical Committee has acquired some additional historical data. This has been obtained from the congregations' historians and from research work in county histories and old "Gospel Messengers". We have been informed that more data is forthcoming.
We commend those congregations which have responded and we solicit a more expeditious cooperation on the part of some. We appreciate that in most congregations the sources of information are meager due to the lack of early written records. Should any additional historical facts be learned
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after sending your records to us we urge you to be not hesitant in forwarding them to us.
Respectfully submitted, 1935,
Sudie M. Wingert, Secretary.
Report of the Secretary of the Historical Committee
On account of a physical handicap we were not able to accomplish as much during the year as we had desired. We have received some additional historical data. The records from some congregations are yet unsatisfactory because of their brevity.
Inquiries have come to us concerning the cost of publish- ing pictures with these records. This committee which was appointed only to collect historical data cannot answer that question. May we suggest that District Meeting consider the advisability of commissioning some one to procure that information for us ?
Respectfully submitted, 1936,
Sudie M. Wingert, Secretary, 112 East Third Street, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
October 28, 1936. Report adopted, request granted. Sister Wingert was authorized to secure information. M. E. Sollenberger and G. W. Harlacher were added to committee.
Report of the Secretary of the Historical Committee
During the past year we have acquired a little more his- torical data. We now have something from each congrega- tion but desire a little additional data from some. May we suggest that this meeting appoint a committee or empower the present historical committee to make plans for the editing of this material, subject to the approval of the next District Meeting.
The new members of our committee have made inquiry concerning the cost of publishing pictures. We find that the prices of cuts vary with the size of cut and quality of paper used. The approximate cost of a cut two by three and one- half inches being $1.50 and of one six by four inches $3.00.
Respectfully submitted, 1937, Sudie M. Wingert, Secretary, 112 East Third Street, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
The report was accepted, the request granted and com- mittee continued with A. S. Baugher elected to fill the vacancy of E. S. Miller, deceased.
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OUR DISTRICT
Report of the Historical Committee
To the 1938 District Meeting of Southern Pennsylvania :
Since our last report we have made little progress. On September 2nd we sent an inquiry to each elder or pastor of the 29 congregations in our district asking how many copies of the History of the Churches of Southern Pennsylvania their individual congregations would desire to purchase, providing the book is published in the next few years. We also stated that we have an approximate estimate of $2.50 for a book of 300 pages 64x9 inches. Replies have been received from 10 congregations with an aggregate estimate of 76 books.
We deem it wise to await a greater manifestation of interest before planning for publication.
Meanwhile we will solicit short biographical sketches (not eulogies) of all the ministers who have served or are now serving in our district. We will also endeavor to obtain infor- mation from the various congregations concerning what pictures of churches and persons they would desire to have published.
We earnestly solicit the hearty cooperation of all the congregations.
Respectfully submitted, Sudie M. Wingert, Secretary.
Report of the Historical Committee
Since our last District Meeting slight progress has been made. Some additional historical data has been received. In March the secretary sent biographical questionnaires to the ministers of our district and to date has received replies from about two-thirds (70). She also sent inquiries to the congrega- tions concerning pictures they desire to have published in the proposed history, to which inquiries less than half have responded. We are grateful for the cooperation given us.
It is the hope of the members of the committee that there can be more intensive work done during the coming year.
Sudie M. Wingert, Secretary.
Report of the Secretary of the Historical Committee
At the District Meeting in 1937 our committee was authorized to plan for the editing of our historical data, subject to the approval of District Meeting.
After much delay we are glad to announce that one who is fully qualified has assented to assume the editorship of our history, namely, Dr. J. Linwood Eisenberg, Ex Dean of Instruction and Professor of Psychology of Shippensburg State Teachers College, and pastor of the Shippensburg Church.
Brother Eisenberg plans, if this meets your approval, to have the books ready for distribution at our District Meeting
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of 1941. In order to do that it will be needful that you and your congregation fully cooperate by bringing your historical data up to date without delay ; by definitely deciding very soon what pictures of churches and individuals you want published ; and by promptly attending to any matter or answering any communication you may receive pertaining to it.
The following probable table of contents has been sub- mitted by Dr. Eisenberg for the History of the Church of the Brethren, Southern District of Pennsylvania :
Index
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Biographical Index
Chapters
I. Introduction
II. Origin of Church
1. Germany
2. Early development in U. S.
3. First developments in Southern District
III. Congregations in Southern Pennsylvania Each congregation listed in alphabetical order
IV. Missionary activities of the District
V. District Meetings
VI. Annual Meetings
VII. Ministerial and Sunday School Meetings VIII. Education
We suggest that the publication of the history be left in the hands of the editor and that this meeting provide some plan for financing it.
It is with much gratification that we present this report. Respectfully submitted, Sudie M. Wingert, Secretary.
October 30, 1940.
Answer: That District Meeting :
a. Authorizes the Historical Committee to proceed to have the History of the Church of the Brethren of Southern Pennsylvania published according to plan submitted ;
b. Authorizes and requests the Board of Trustees of the Brethren's Home to underwrite the project without interest.
OUR DISTRICT
What is now known as the Southern District of Church of the Brethren of Pennsylvania was formerly included in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which district then included all the territory west of the Susquehanna River and east of the Alleghany Mountain. In 1889 a request was made by the
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OUR DISTRICT
Duncansville Church that District Meeting divide the district into two parts, naming the one Southern and the other retain- ing the name of Middle District of Pennsylvania. The request was not granted.
In 1892 a petition was sent by the Codorus Church to the District Meeting asking for a division of the district for con- venience, etc. On motion the vote was taken which resulted in, 19 in favor, nine opposed, and the district was declared divided. (D. M. Minute, 1892.)
"A committee was then appointed to make the division, and the names of the districts to be the Middle District and the Southern District. The Middle District will include the following churches : Aughwick, Altoona, Claar, Clover Creek, Duncansville, Fairview, Hopewell, Huntingdon, James Creek, Lewistown, Snake Spring, Spring Run, Warriorsmark, Woodbury, and Yellow Creek. The Southern District : Antietam, Back Creek, Codorus, Falling Springs, Lower Cumberland, Lower Conewago, Marsh Creek, Ridge, Upper Conewago, Upper Codorus, and Upper Cumberland. This leaves the following churches to be divided after consultation and their choice determined : Buffalo, Lost Creek, and Perry." (D. M. Minutes, May 11, 1892.)
From the registration of delegates at the District Meeting in 1893 we find that Buffalo, Lost Creek and Perry Congrega- tions united with the Southern District. (D. M. Minute 1893.)
The first effort to establish a definite boundary line for our district was made in 1911 when the following petition was presented to District Meeting :
"We, the Missionary Association of the Church of the Brethren, at Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, do petition that the Antietam Congregation shall ask District Meeting of 1911, to confer with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Middle District of Pennsylvania and that they together shall arrange geographically, a boundary line, and give to the Southern District of Pennsylvania that unoccupied territory which lies immediately north of her present territory and west of the Susquehanna River.
"Passed the Antietam Congregation April 15, 1911.
"Decided to appoint the Mission Board to confer with said District Meeting and arrange a boundary line." (D. M. Minutes, 1911, P. 4.)
At the District Meeting in 1919 "Brother Jas. A. Sell of Middle District of Pennsylvania was present, representing the said district, in reference to a permanent boundary line between the districts, and presented the following for approval :
" 'Inasmuch as there was no definite boundary line estab- lished in 1892, when the Southern District of Pennsylvania was divided from the Middle District of the Church of the Brethren, therefor, as a matter of historical record and in
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
order to avoid complications that may arise in opening up new fields of mission work, and to make legal all papers relating thereto, it is mutually agreed by the representatives of the Middle District, and the delegates of the Southern District assembled in conference at Mechanicsburg, October 29, 1919, that the eastern limits of the counties of Fulton, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Center, Clinton and Potter, shall be, when confirmed by the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the boundary line, separating the one district from the other.'
"By motion it was decided that a committee of two be appointed to confer with the representatives of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and arrange a boundary line between the two districts. Committee, H. M. Stover, M. A. Jacobs." (D. M. Minutes 1919, P. 11.)
This committee submitted their report for ratification to District Meeting of Southern Pennsylvania in 1920, "the same having been approved by the Middle District". "The boundary line as presented was accepted." (D. M. Minute 1920, P. 9.)
At the District Meeting of 1921 the committee of district boundary line was asked to make a restatement of the line. "The correct statement reads : 'The district boundary line shall be as follows : Beginning at the Middle District of Maryland, about the middle of Fulton County, thence northward to Huntingdon County, so as not to interfere with territory occu- pied by either the Middle District, or the Southern District in said county, thence along the eastern limits of Huntingdon and Mifflin Counties to the northeastern limits, thence northward through Center and Clinton Counties, adjusting the line so as not to interfere with territory occupied by either district, to the Clinton and Lycoming County line, thence to southeastern limit of Potter County and along the eastern county line of Potter, north to the New York State line, shall be the eastern boundary of the Middle District, and the western boundary of the Southern District of Pennsylvania. Signed, H. M. Stover and M. A. Jacobs'." (D. M. Minute 1921, P. 4.)
DISTRICT MEETINGS
From "A History of the Church of the Brethren in the Middle District of Pennsylvania", page 187, we glean the following which was copied from written records :
"In obedience to the advice of the Old Brethren at several Annual Meetings, the churches of Pennsylvania embraced in that part of the state, lying between the Alleghany Mountain, and the Susquehanna River; did agree, to form a district, to be known and denominated as 'The Middle District of Pennsylvania'.
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OUR DISTRICT
"Accordingly a meeting being called ; and was held in the Aughwick Congregation, Huntingdon County, on Ascension Day, 1891. The proceedings of said meeting were published in the 'Gospel Visitor', to which reference can be had. The brethren attending said meeting were all favorably inclined to continue the 'District Meetings' annually. But as none of the elders had consulted their respective churches, before leaving home, it could not be decided where the next meeting should be. However, a corresponding secretary was appointed, with authority to decide on the place of next meet- ing ; to whom application was to be made by those willing to take the meeting. And the time for holding said meetings was agreed, should be on 'Easter'.
"By virtue of the authority vested in his hands, the secre- tary gave due notice to the churches embraced in the district; that the next meeting (God willing) would be held in Clover Creek church, James Creek meeting house, Huntingdon County. The proceedings of said meeting were likewise in- serted in the 'Gospel Visitor', but also considered necessary to be put on the district church record."
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