USA > Pennsylvania > A History of the Church of the Brethren in southern district of Pennsylvania > Part 25
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Mission work had been done at New Buffalo, Perry County and in 1900 a church was bought. Services were maintained here jointly by the Mission Board and the Lower Cumberland Congregation. Wm. A. Anthony, and Wm. H. Miller rendered service for the board, the former in occasional revival meetings, the latter in a pastoral capacity.
Though much labor through the years was given to this place little numerical progress was made and interest lagged.
In December, 1913, the Mission Board decided to dis- mantle the church and convey the materials to a lot donated for a church situated three miles north of Newport and one mile from the Juniata River. At this point services had been held for some years in a school house variously designated as River Mission, Union, and Newport Mission.
This project was carried out during 1914 and on January 3, 1915, the church house was dedicated. Elder Joseph A. Long, of York, president of the Mission Board, preached the dedicatory sermon, and by unanimous consent the name Mount Olivet was adopted.
November 4, 1916, Elders J. A. Long and C. L. Baker effected an organization of the Mount Olivet Mission. Two deacons were elected and other officers. Elder C. L. Baker was given the oversight. (For further information see History of Mount Olivet.)
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THE MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT
The three congregations-Falling Spring, Back Creek and Ridge-converging in the City of Chambersburg, were asked to grant to the Mission Board the privilege of working in the city as their discretion might dictate.
November 25, 1907, the board convened in Chambersburg in the home of Emory P. Trimmer.
At this meeting the board recommended that members living in and about Chambersburg hold meetings once a week in suitable and available homes and when no minister is present conduct prayer services until the Mission Board can provide a place of worship.
William A. Anthony was appointed to take charge of the mission project. Through the very zealous efforts of Emory P. Trimmer who at that time resided in Chambersburg, the members in the city were located and inspired to fall in line with the instructions of the Mission Board.
To this there was a very hearty response. Church senti- ment began growing, funds for a church building were soon being solicited and within a year the church was erected.
The board had the general supervision and at a meeting November 28, 1908, the building was inspected and accepted, the contract agreement with Abram Thomas closed and the building committee excused with thanks. Cost, $4,631.68. The church was dedicated November 29, 1908. Elder A. B. L. Martin preached the dedicatory sermon.
The church was organized June 4, 1910, and approved by District Meeting in 1911. The board's oversight has terminated. Much commendation is due to Elder W. A. Anthony for his energy and faithfulness in the work carried out as given above.
Mission work in Carlisle was taken up and maintained for a time by the rural congregations whose boundaries extended equidistant into the city. July 22, 1911, at a joint meeting of the Mission Board and the Upper and Lower Cumberland Congregations, the building of a church house in Carlisle was given serious consideration. A tentative under- standing was agreed upon as to what proportion of the expense of building would be assumed by these congregations and the Missions Board.
Later the congregations accorded to the Mission Board such areas of their territory as necessary to establish a boundary line for Carlisle. A jointly owned building lot was also turned over to the board. However, in the spring of 1912 unfortunate conditions existing in Carlisle the Mission Board was called to intervene and "unravel the perplexing problem". This resulted in a request to District Meeting to send a com- mittee of brethren to form a congregation of the Carlisle Mission "as the only remedy for the ills existing". The District Meeting, acting accordingly, appointing Elders C. R. Oellig, E. S. Miller and Peter Lehman with instructions, as soon as in
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
their judgment sufficient harmony exists to organize Carlisle Mission into a separate congregation.
Upon a second attempt to carry out their instructions the committee met January 23, 1913; the elders of Lower and Upper Cumberland Congregations were present. A boundary line was agreed upon, as within a radius of three miles of the court house. Sentiment determined not to organize until after a church is built.
June, 1913, Elder J. A. Long, president of the Mission Board was given the oversight of the Carlisle Mission. The Mission Board presently recommended the building of a "modern and convenient house of worship at a probable cost of six thousand dollars". Elders J. A. Long and C. R. Oellig shall provide building plans and present them to next board meeting. Plans submitted did not meet with general approval and the building project was further delayed. In September, 1913, the board decided to erect a brick structure with a Sunday school annex and a basement.
An architect was employed who submitted plans and specifications which were eventually approved and accepted. A building committee was selected, composed of three members, J. E. Trimmer, Daniel Shank, and Edward Roth. The building contract was awarded Mr. H. A. Lackey at $6,081.65, including bill of extras. It should be stated that the Carlisle church project received the approval of District Meeting.
Elders of the district were requested by the board to have their membership solicited for funds to meet building costs. The building, furnishings and equipment were finally com- pleted and the structure was formally dedicated to the worship of God September 6, 1914. Elder I. N. H. Beahm preached the dedicatory sermon. Carlisle continued under the over- sight of the Mission Board.
Mission Board and Perry Congregation
In the year 1909 at the earnest request of Elder Edmond Book, who was in his declining years, the Mission Board took under its care that area of Perry Congregation situated in Juniata County designated Farmer's Grove. Members of the Mission Board did the preaching here for about a year. B. F. Lightner was then employed to labor in this field, which he did from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 1913. Brother Lightner reported good interest and an organized Sunday school and Christian Workers meeting.
The board provided ministers to maintain the preaching services at Farmer's Grove until September 30, 1916, when it was formally returned to Perry where it had belonged originally. Through these seven years Henry Beelman,
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THE MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT
D. A. Foust, and C. R. Oellig, of the Mission Board, served successively in caring for this point. March 28, 1916, Perry Congregation asked for assistance that they might have more preaching services. The board agreed to provide some ministerial aid and to help bear the expense incurred.
This help continued until September 30, 1916, when the Mission Board placed Elder Charles H. Steerman as pastor of Perry Congregation. He so continued to serve until April 1st, 1923. Trostle P. Dick then became pastor under the Mission Board and continued his pastorate until October, 1928. November 1, 1928, Elder C. H. Steerman again became pastor of Perry, the congregation to bear one-half of the pastoral support.
In 1934 the Mission Board sponsored evangelistic meet- ings in Perry Congregation. Secretary of the board, M. A. Jacobs, did the preaching-resulting in twenty baptisms at the Three Springs house and twenty-one at Farmer's Grove. Elder C. H. Steerman continued his pastorate until October, 1936.
Robert L. Cocklin became pastor of Perry Congregation December 1, 1936, the Mission Board continuing to meet one- half of the pastoral support. Brother Cocklin continued in the pastorate until 1941.
Through the years revival meetings at Farmer's Grove, sponsored by the Mission Board, were conducted by D. K. Clapper, J. E. Rowland, M. A. Jacobs, Robert Cocklin and probably others. Elder S. C. Godfrey, a member of the board, has the oversight of Perry at the present time.
Van Dyke Mission
The work at Van Dyke, which developed into the mission, began as a community Sunday school, sponsored by the State Sabbath School Association, previous to 1933. Interest grew and in 1933 evangelistic meetings were planned. Robert L. Ditmer, who was connected with the school, was selected to conduct an evangelistic meeting. Much interest was mani- fested and at the conclusion of the meeting the number of decisions totaled about thirty.
When it came to choosing church affiliations much the greater number of converts decided for membership in the Church of the Brethren. Others, we trust, found a church home elsewhere. From this time on Brother Ditmer super- intended the Sunday school and held regular weekly preaching services and mid-week prayer meetings.
The next year Van Dyke requested the Mission Board to sponsor a revival meeting. As Van Dyke is within the bounds of Lost Creek Congregation the elder was consulted and there followed an agreement to share with the mission in the expense of a meeting.
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
Lost Creek Congregation, by action of their council September 2, 1935, petitioned the Mission Board of Southern Pennsylvania to care for the spiritual needs of Van Dyke. The board assumed this care. Meetings from the beginning were held in the public school building in Van Dyke which, while commodious for school purposes, was not so convenient for church services, especially for communion occasions, but inconveniences and obstacles were either surmounted or endured and the work went on.
A move for a church house was considered and a three acre lot was purchased from the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Some soliciting was done and more followed, but repeated calls to the congregations have met with meager response. Blue prints for a church are in the hands of a build- ing committee, and as to "counting the cost" the Mission Board has determined that when contributions reach $1,500.00 in cash the erection of a house of worship will go forward.
The Mission Board, January 2, 1937, agreed to give Van Dyke official recognition and appointed the president of the Board, Elder C. R. Oellig, to effect an organization. Accord- ingly Elder H. M. Stover and C. R. Oellig on April 18, 1937, met with and organ- ized the mission.
A deacon and wife were elected, also secretary and treasurer. Brother Robert L. Ditmer con- tinued as pastor, the Mission Board in charge. With ardent zeal for saving lost souls, Brother Ditmer with great personal sacrifice has toiled on until now, supple- menting his faithful ministry with oc- casional evangelistic meetings conducted by himself and other ministers.
The work at Van Dyke is an en- couraging success and deserves a house of worship. Great credit on the part of the Mission Board and all Southern Dis-
ROBERT L. DITMER, Pastor Van Dyke Mission.
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THE MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT
trict of Pennsylvania is gratefully due the school board for per- mitting the use of the fine school building at Van Dyke and in addition without cost for heat and light.
This would indicate that the school board regards religion as a vital part of education and a valuable factor in com- munity uplift. Brother Ditmer, who is quick to observe and to make the best of an opportunity, started a Sunday school at Olive Branch, situated three miles east of Port Royal and some miles west of Van Dyke. This work prospered and in about one year from its beginning Brother Ditmer held a two weeks meeting with remarkable interest and very encouraging results. Toward the close of the second week of the meeting the evangelist called for help and Elder Stover and wife arrived at the place of meeting on Saturday. He found 18 applicants for baptism. These were duly instructed by Elder Stover Sunday morning, March 17, 1940. In the afternoon the applicants were conveyed to Lewistown and baptized in the baptistry of the church.
Pastoral Aid
The transition from a gratuitous to a supported or salaried ministry found some churches in the district unpre- pared to meet it. A number of churches appealed to the Missions Board for pastoral aid. Such aid was given with careful consideration and the number of churches asking grew in number until curtailment became necessary. Aside from mission points only one congregation is receiving pastoral aid at present.
Some mention should be made of brethren who served in the district for the Mission Board in various capacities. As evangelists and field workers Wm. A. Anthony, Wm. H. Miller, C. H. Steerman, Trostle P. Dick, M. A. Jacobs, J. E. Rowland, S. C. Godfrey, J. A. Buffenmyer, Elder I. N. H. Beahm as solicitor, visited the congregations in the interests of mission work in the district with a good degree of success financially.
John R. Hershman and Earl S. Kipp have bestowed much arduous ministerial and pastoral labor at Mount Olivet. The former serving part or full time from 1926 until the present.
Many ministers of the district cooperated finely with the Mission Board in filling appointments for services. Many thousands of miles were traveled in all weathers and all conditions of roads.
The faithful service of some men who served on the Mission Board were outstanding and possibly will receive biographical mention elsewhere.
Past and present members of the Mission Board elected by District Meeting :
334 HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
1892-Jacob F. Oller, Albert Hollinger, C. L. Pfoutz, Andrew Bashore, Jacob Aldinger.
1893-J. F. Oller and Albert Hollinger to serve three years. Jacob Hollinger, C. L. Pfoutz, two years; Andrew Bashore for one year.
1894-John H. Smith for three years.
1895-Jacob Hollinger, C. L. Pfoutz.
1896-Joseph A. Long, Wm. A. Anthony.
1897-Henry Beelman.
1898-Jacob Hollinger, C. L. Pfoutz.
1899-J. A. Long, Wm. A. Anthony.
1900-Henry Beelman.
1901-M. Stouffer, C. L. Baker.
1902-J. A. Long, Wm. A. Anthony.
1903-Henry Beelman.
1904-C. L. Baker, S. M. Stouffer.
1905-J. A. Long, Wm. A. Anthony.
1906-Henry Beelman.
1907-C. L. Baker, S. M. Stouffer.
1908-J. A. Long, Wm. A. Anthony.
1909-Henry Beelman, D. A. Foust.
1910-C. L. Baker.
1911-J. A. Long, Wm. A. Anthony.
1912-D. A. Foust, C. R. Oellig, M. A. Jacobs to fill unexpired term of Wm. A. Anthony, deceased.
1913-C. L. Baker.
1913-October 29, J. A. Long, M. A. Jacobs.
1914-C. R. Oellig, D. A. Foust.
1915-C. L. Baker.
1916-J. A. Long, M. A. Jacobs.
1917-C. R. Oellig, D. A. Foust.
1918-C. L. Baker.
1919-J. A. Long, M. A. Jacobs.
1920-C. R. Oellig, D. A. Foust.
1921-C. L. Baker.
1922-M. A. Jacobs, Jno. H. Keller.
1923-C. R. Oellig, D. A. Foust. 1924-C. L. Baker.
1925-J. H. Keller, M. A. Jacobs.
1926-C. R. Oellig, J. E. Trimmer.
1927-C. L. Baker.
1928-M. A. Jacobs, J. L. Myers.
1929-J. E. Trimmer, C. R. Oellig, S. C. Godfrey, two years.
1930-C. L. Baker.
1931-M. A. Jacobs, S. C. Godfrey. 1932-C. R. Oellig, J. E. Trimmer. 1933-C. L. Baker.
1934-S. C. Godfrey, H. M. Stover.
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THE MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT
1935-C. R. Oellig, J. E. Trimmer, N. S. Sellers (unexpired term of C. L. Baker, deceased).
1936-L. Elmer Leas.
1937-S. C. Godfrey, H. M. Stover.
1938-J. E. Trimmer, C. R. Oellig.
1939-L. Elmer Leas.
1940-S. C. Godfrey, H. M. Snavely.
In all twenty-one individuals have served on the Mission Board.
Presidents of the District Mission Board
Elder Jacob F. Oller
1892-1896
Elder Joseph A. Long
1896-1922
Elder Charles L. Baker
1922-1935
Elder C. Rush Oellig
1935-
Secretaries
Wm. A. Anthony
1896-1911
Charles L. Baker
1911-1914
M. A. Jacobs
1914-1934
S. C. Godfrey
1935-1940
H. M. Snavely
1941-
MISSION BOARD Left to right: S. C. Godfrey, Treasurer; H. M. Snavely, Secretary; C. R. Oellig, President; J. E. Trimmer, L. Elmer Leas.
336 HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
Treasurers
C. L. Pfoutz 1896-1900
Henry Beelman
1901-1912
C. Rush Oellig 1912-1934
H. M. Stover 1935-1940
S. C. Godfrey 1941-
The personnel of the Mission Board now is: President, Elder C. Rush Oellig ; secretary, Harper M. Snavely ; treasurer, S. C. Godfrey ; J. E. Trimmer, L. Elmer Leas, Elder H. Mitchell Stover, solicitor.
CHAPTER VII
OUR MISSIONARY READING CIRCLE
Through the inspiration of Wilbur B. Stover, our pioneer missionary to foreign lands, a Missionary Reading Circle was organized in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, for the benefit of our local group. Because of the interest manifested by this group Brother Stover con- ceived the idea of extending the Circle throughout the brotherhood. "For this pur- pose the following organiza- tion was formed in 1893: President, W. B. Stover, Edgemont, Maryland; Vice Presidents, Mrs. H. M. Stover, Waynesboro, Penn- sylvania; H. M. Barwick, West Alexandria, Ohio; E. B. Hoff, Lamars, Iowa; Sec- retary, Edith R. Newcomer, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania ; Treasurer, Chalice W. Baker, Waynesboro, Penn- sylvania; Librarian, James M. Neff, Covington, Ohio." (Missionary Visitor, March, WILBUR B. STOVER 1906.)
To advertise the Circle the following item was inserted in the Gospel Messenger, November 14, 1893 :
The Missionary Reading Circle is a project set on foot by a number of brethren and sisters who are deeply interested in enlarged missionary efforts. The object is to disseminate among our people a more general knowledge of the work of missions-the fields, methods of work, needs, etc., by a three years' course of reading. The course consists in reading such books as will give the needed information. A full knowledge of the work can be had by addressing the secretary, Edith R. Newcomer, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
The following are copies of letters sent by the secretary to individuals :
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
Our Missionary Reading Circle, John 3:16
Very many of our dear people, both young and old are quite desirous of having a more satisfactory knowledge con- cerning the great work of missions. The peoples, the fields, the methods, the needs, the workers, the opportunities, the costs, the results; these, and many more particulars of missions, are of vast interest to every Christian. In all the churches will come increased liberality, deeper devotion, greater consecration, and a quicker pulse-beat of thirst for souls as soon as the members are better informed on missionary operations.
There is untold pleasure experienced by the converted soul in reading truth which is stranger than fiction, and in realizing how God again and again verifies His Presence in the lives of His most humble followers.
Our Missionary Reading Circle aims to supply, in part at least, this much felt want. The Circle has but one object, and that object is the dissemination of missionary information. The purpose is that as many as possible may know about missions. A three years course of reading has been arranged, four books to be read each year. The first three books of each year will be purely missionary, while the other will be of rather a devotional nature. There is neither thought nor desire that all who take up this work shall become mis- sionaries, but it is the burden of prayer that not one such may fail to partake of the missionary spirit.
The Home Helper, the organ of the Circle, is given the first year free to each member; after that members will subscribe.
The Circle has arranged with the librarian to furnish the course books to members at special low rates.
The books may be read faster or slower according to one's own time. A certificate will be issued to all who complete the course.
There will be no examinations. Members will twice a year report progress to the secretary.
You become a member of the Circle by filling out the promise card below, detaching it and forwarding with entrance fee to the secretary.
You become an honorary member by changing "pursue" to "read two books of". Also "20¢ to $1.00" and filling out as indicated.
Promise Card
189
It is my purpose to pursue the Missionary Course of read- ing. I will make an honest effort to get at least one other person to take up this work.
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OUR MISSIONARY READING CIRCLE
Enclosed find my entrance fee (20¢), to help pay the running of the Circle.
Name
Address
* *
Letter in possession of J. R. Snyder, of Tyrone, Pennsylvania :
Our Missionary Reading Circle Home of the Secretary
Waynesboro, Pa., 189
My Dear Christian Friend :
Your "Promise Card" has been received by me, and I am very glad to enroll you among our many missionary readers. We believe it is a work that will be productive of great good. You will find the books exceedingly interesting.
Please report to me your progress in reading, once a year as near as possible on March 1st. By doing so you will greatly assist me in my work as secretary.
Enclosed is a circular. I hope you will be instrumental in getting others to take up this course of reading. If you need more circulars, write me. For any other informa- tion, enclose stamp.
May the Lord abun- dantly bless you and yours. Edith R. Newcomer,
Secretary. P.S .- Your Circle Num- ber is Please mention it in reporting to me, or in ordering your books from the Brethren Publishing House, Mount Morris, Illinois.
The list of books for the three years as given in Brethren Family Almanac of 1897 was :
First year - "Crisis of Missions" (Pierson), "Life of Adoniram Judson", "Our Country" (Strong), "Non
EDITH R. NEWCOMER, (Mrs. W. M. Howe), First Secretary of Our Missionary Reading Circle.
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
Such Professor"; second year-"Miracles of Missions" (Pierson), "Memoirs of Robert Moffat", "Cannibals of New Guinea", "The Seven Laws of Teaching"; third year-"Divine Enterprise of Missions" (Pierson), "Life of Robert Morrison", "Do Not Say", and "Acts of Apostles, Ch. 13-28", "In the Volume of the Book".
Wilbur Stover was president of the organization through- out its existence. After he had been in India several years John R. Snyder, of Belle- fontaine, Ohio, was made act- ing president. Brother Snyder's work with the Circle dated from 1893 when he assisted the librarian, James Neff, in filling book orders and editing the Reading Circle page in the Home Helper, the official organ of the Circle. In 1895 Brother Neff sold the Home Helper to the Brethren Publish- ing House at Mount Morris, Illinois, and Brother Snyder went with Brother Neff to Mount Morris and continued his work in the Reading Circle department of the Gospel Mes- senger under the supervision of the General Mission Board. The secretarial office of the Circle was in Waynesboro until the secretary married W. M. Howe in the fall of 1898 and left this community. The fol- lowing year the Circle was reorganized.
JOHN R. SNYDER, Bellfontaine, Ohio, President of Reading Circle 1899.
A special committee made this report to the General Mission Board in 1899 on the management of the Missionary Reading Circle :
"That, Inasmuch as the Publishing Department, four years ago, purchased the 'Home Helper', the official organ of the Circle, and has since handled its publication, we recom- mend that the General Mission Board appoint and cause to be perpetuated a committee whose duties shall be as follows :
"a. To organize themselves so as to make the officers of the said circle.
"b. To plan and push the Circle work in the interests of the Church of the Brethren.
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OUR MISSIONARY READING CIRCLE
"c. To revise and enlarge the work as thought best. "d. To confer with and report to the General Mission Board at least once a year.
"The committee elected was Mrs. Elizabeth D. Rosenberger, three years; Otho Winger, two years; John R. Snyder, one year." (From Thirty-three Years of Missions in Church of the Brethren-Galen B. Royer.)
At a meeting held at Brother Snyder's home in October, 1899, the following organization was formed :
President - John R. Snyder, Bellefontaine, Ohio. Vice-President - Otho Winger, Indiana.
Secretary - Treasurer- Mrs. Elizabeth D. Rosen- berger, Covington, Ohio.
"This organization con- tinued until January 1, 1906, when the Circle was discon- tinued by action of the Mission Board, who felt that 'the introduction of the Christian Workers' Move- ment in the church had absorbed the energies of the active young people'." (Thirty-three Years of Mis- sions, P. 243.)
After the reorganiza- tion in 1899 four courses of reading of two years each were offered as follows: Missionary, Young People's, Advanced or Ministerial.
MRS. ELIZABETH D. ROSENBERGER, Covington, Ohio, Secretary of Missionary Reading Circle.
Sunday School Workers',
Missionary Course
First Year:
1. "Introduction to Study of Foreign Missions."
2. "Modern Apostles of Missionary By-ways".
3. "Dawn on the Hills of T'ang". 4. "In the Tiger Jungle".
Second Year : 1. "The Evangelization of the World in This Generation."
2. "Knights of Labarum"-Missionary Biographies.
3. "Protestant Missions in South America".
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HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
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