USA > Pennsylvania > A History of the Church of the Brethren in southern district of Pennsylvania > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
53
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
Conewago Church, he organized his Bermudian brethren in a Seventh Day Baptist organization in about 1758. (York County History.)
When George Adam Martin was disowned in Big Conewago Congregation, he was at a loss to find fellowship. He then journeyed to the Cloister at Ephrata in 1762 and be- came a disciple of Beissel. John Horn was his associate on this visit. Some brethren from the Big Conewago Church were opposed to his excommunication, namely : John Sterner, Peter and Abraham Knipper, Frederick Furhman, George Schleitler, Peter Zug, and a Brother Fink. They were anxious to reinstate him. After hearing of his acceptance of the Ephrata doctrine they dropped the matter. The Bermudian Church was under the control of Beissel and Peter Miller. until Beissel sent Rudolph Naelgle and Jacob Gass to the Bermudian Church in 1762, and ordered the members to receive George Adam Martin as elder and minister. The preaching of Martin drew large crowds. This being right in the center of Big Conewago Church, he might have won many of his former members to the Bermudian Church, but then John Mack, son of Alexander Mack, the founder, and a Brother Staub went among the members and explained to them the error and danger of the new movement. This blocked the way somewhat, for George Adam Martin winning over to his Bermudian Church members from the Big Conewago Church.
In spite of all their misunderstandings the Bermudian Seventh Day Baptist Brethren and the Conewago Brethren worshipped together in suitable houses and barns for quite a number of years.
About 1820 the Bermudian Seventh Day Baptist Church ceased to exist as an organization, having passed under the influence and control of the Brethren.
After the removal of Martin, elder Daniel Leatherman was placed in charge of the Big Conewago Church and on his removal to Maryland, Nicholas Martin was elected elder. He too moved to Maryland and was succeeded by George Brown, grandfather of the late Adam Brown. After the death of George Brown, Isaac Latshaw was placed in charge and after his death, William Trimmer, who remained elder until the congregation was divided in 1849.
At an election held at the house of Brother John Mummert on the 26th day of May A.D. 1847, by the members of the Church of Big Conewago in Adams County, to elect a brother to the word in said church the following votes were cast :
For Adam Brown 33
For Jacob Sower 7
For Daniel Longenecker 5
For Joseph Myers 1
54
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
We the undersigned Brethren do certify that the votes as they stand above were given for the above named Brethren, and it appears that Adam Brown was elected to the word May 26 A.D., 1847. The election by us : Daniel Foutz William Trimmer
Samuel Miller Peter Dierdorff
Andrew Miller
Jacob Brown Andrew Dierdorff
at an Election held at the House of Brothers John Mums on the 26th day of May AS 1847. By the members of the Church at Big Canawage in Adams County, to bleat a Brother to the Mard in Said Church. The following votes were given
For. Adam Brown HH HH TU IN THE INHI III 33
/
/
Daniel Longenecker MH
ยท Laut Sauver
N 11
Me the undernamed Brethren do certify that the votes as the Stand above were given for the above named Brethren, and appears that Adam Brawn was Elected to the word May 26th 12 1847
The Election held by as
David Houtz Samuel Chiller Andrew Miller William Turner Jacob Brown Andrewelt Den dorff Peter burdorf
TELLER'S SHEET-ELECTION 1847
The Big Conewago Church multiplied in membership, and covered such a large scope of country, that a division was deemed feasible.
At a meeting held at Brother Jacob Lerew's in Big Conewago Congregation an election was held for a Brother at the word, in the presence of us the undersigned Brethren this 12th day of May A.D., 1849, and at the same time a division line in the congregation, beginning at Millers line on Forge Road, thence to Kings Tavern, thence to Big Conewago Creek at mouth of Beaver Creek, thence on County line to Abner Binders, thence York and Adams County line to Cumberland County line.
55
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
VOTES
IN PRESENCE OF
Daniel Longenecker 26
Jacob Falkenstine
Joseph Myers 26
Andrew Dierdorff
John Mummert
4
Peter Dierdorff
Samuel Altland
3
William Trimmer
John Hollinger 2
Adam Brown
Manuel Gochenour
Samuel Trimmer
1
Abraham Smith
1
George Dierdorff
1
Daniel Dierdorff
1
The Big Conewago Church was divided at this meeting and named Upper Conewago and Lower Conewago, respectively.
At the time of the division of the Big Conewago Church in 1849, the following were ministers: William Trimmer, Elder in charge; Daniel Longenecker, Andrew Dierdorff, Peter Dierdorff, Joseph Myers, Jacob Brown, and Adam Brown.
The preaching services were held in the houses where they were large enough, and the Love Feasts and the bread- breaking were held in the barns. Services were held in the homes of Isaac Latshaw, William Pickings, Peter Dierdorff, Jacob P. Lerew, Daniel Trimmer, near Kralltown; Christian Raffensberger at Mulberry, and on the Casper Markey farm near Mulberry.
Seven yearly or annual meetings were held within the bounds of the Big Conewago Church. See chapter on Annual Meetings.
Tradition says that all the annual meetings held in the Big Conewago Congregation were on farms located on the banks of Big Conewago Creek, where there was easy access to the stream for watering the horses. During the meeting on the Peter Dierdorff farm, in 1844, the field west of the build- ings, of about 10 or 12 acres was used for the horse pasture during the meeting. At this meeting, a horse had a leg broken from a kick received from another horse and had to be killed.
A solicitation was made and another horse purchased for the Brother who lived in Maryland or Virginia.
It was told by an old brother who attended this meeting : "Es Feld war foll Geil," (the field was full of horses). From the account given in the Pennsylvania Republican, a York County newspaper of 1844, "The weather was fine and the crowd large."
"The religious sect generally called 'Tunkers', we believe held a very large meeting at Peter Dierdorff's, Dover town- ship which commenced on Friday and closed on Monday last. Members of the Society were present from every part of the Union where any of them resided. Religious services were
56
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
held in Mr. Dierdorff's spacious barn and conducted alter- nately in the German and English languages. The occasion attracted a very large concourse of people, and we are not extravagant when we say that at least two thousand persons were present on Sunday last. Every avenue of access to the house was crowded with vehicles and horses but many went on foot."
Divided into Upper and Lower Conewago in 1849. See history of these two congregations.
BOILING SPRINGS CONGREGATION
The church was built in 1875. It is in the territory origin- ally known as the Cumberland Congregation which remained as such until 1836 when it was divided into two congrega-
BOILING SPRINGS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
tions, known as the Upper and Lower Cumberland. Boiling Springs belonged to Lower Cumberland. The Boiling Springs Congregation remained with Lower Cumberland until 1934.
Excerpts from the record of the organization of the Boiling Springs Congregation of the Church of the Brethren at the home of Brother Frank Carr on October 31, 1934. Devotions by Brother Kline; Scripture, I Timothy 6. Our act- ing elder, Brother Frank Lightner, officiated at the election of officers as follows: Secretary, Brother Frank Carr; Assistant
57
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
Secretary, Ida Carr; Treasurer, Brother Charles Trimmer; Chorister, Sister Maud Ditmer; Assistant Chorister, Mary Hassinger; Auditors, Brother Herman Carr and Brother Robert Cocklin.
The Baker house became the property of Boiling Springs Congregation through the separation. This house was razed in the summer season of 1935, and the material was used in
1 1
BAKER'S CHURCH-LOWER CUMBERLAND
the erection of the new addition to Boiling Springs Church which was to provide a preparation room for our Love Feast. The first Love Feast was held in the Boiling Springs house as a separate congregation on the first Sunday in November, 1935. Brother Otho Hassinger and Brother Robert Cocklin were ministers for the Boiling Springs Congregation.
In 1937 Brother Albert Cook became pastor of the church serving under the eldership of Brother J. E. Rowland until 1940 when Brother Rowland moved to New Paris in central Pennsylvania. Elder Henry L. Miller, of Mechanicsburg, succeeded Brother Rowland as presiding elder. There are thirty-five members.
The Boiling Springs Congregation did not organize a Sunday school until November 22, 1914. There was a meeting held after church service for the purpose of organizing a Sunday school. Brother Ira Hart officiated. We then pro- ceeded to elect officers: Superintendent, Brother Elmer Richwine; Assistant, Brother Frank Saphore; Treasurer,
58
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
Brother George Keeny ; Sec- retary, Sister Mary Thrush.
A meeting was called at the home of Brother Michael Landis on Wednes- day evening, November 25th, 1914, for the purpose of setting the hour for our Sunday school and make some plans for literature. The hour was set for 2:15 P.M. for a few Sundays at least, to teach from the Bible until the new quarter when we would get the regular quarterly and have school at 9:30 A.M. There were about twenty-five members. The school ses- sions have been held regular until this time. The present superintendent is Wesley Crusey.
PASTOR J. ALBERT COOK AND WIFE
BUFFALO CONGREGATION
Wendell Becker, now Baker, imigrator from Pultz, Germany, landed at Philadelphia, September 27, 1749. He located at Amwell, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. While there he united with The Church of the Brethren. In 1772 he, with his family, moved into Buffalo Valley. He bought what was known as the George Calhoun Tract of Samuel McClay. After his death he was buried in a private cemetery on his farm, which has since been the burying place of many of his decendants. For a number of years Wendell and his wife were the only members of the Church of the Brethren in the valley.
John Baker, oldest son of Wendell Baker, a mill-wright going from place to place in pursuit of his trade, while at East Berlin became acquainted with a widow by the name of Horlacher, whose maiden name was Mary Lawshe. They were married and for a time lived near the town of East Berlin, on the banks of the Conewago. Brother and Sister Baker united with the Church of the Brethren. To this union was born a daughter, Anna, to whom we shall again call attention. Brother Baker's wife died and in course of time he married Mary Hollinger and moved to Buffalo Valley.
In the year 1816 Elder David Shellenberger and David Smith, of Lost Creek, Juniata County, held a meeting at the
59
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
home of Brother John Baker and after this these brethren and others held meetings at the home of the brethren at various intervals. On one of these early visits to Buffalo Valley it is said that Elder David Shellenberger crossed Penn's Creek, on horse back, when the creek was overflowing its banks.
The first member baptized in the valley was the wife of Jacob Braefogel. Some time later John Eyer united with the church. In 1817 Ester Nickel and Mary Hupper joined. Polly Peters was baptized, by a minister by the name of Stover, in 1821. Sister Peters later became the wife of Abraham Slifer. In 1822 came Michael Peters, John Keister and wife Magdalena Mertz, and Anna (nee Baker) Beaver, already mentioned.
John Royer and wife, Anna, (nee Groff), moved into the valley in 1823, locating on a farm near what is now known as Vicksburg, southeast of the Buffalo Church, about four miles, with him came his son, Jacob, married to Susannah (nee Moyer) now Myers. The sixth of seven children born to this union was John G., well known in the Church of the Brethren. Jacob and his wife are buried in the Buffalo Cemetery. Along with them came Isaac Myers, brother of Susannah, to whom we shall again refer. In 1825 Abraham Slifer, wife and sister united with the church.
In the fall of 1826, under the super- vision of Elder David Shellenberger, of Lost Creek Congregation, and Elder Christian Long, of Huntingdon County, the Church of the Brethren was or- JOHN G. ROYER ganized. The birth of the Buffalo Congre- gation took place at the home of John Royer, located as above stated, east of the Buffalo Church, at the first Love Feast occasion. At this meeting John Royer and David Shellen- berger who had recently moved into the congregation were elected deacons. The charter members with few exceptions were the people mentioned.
In th spring of 1828 Joel Royer and wife, Susannah, with their large family moved into the congregation and in the fall of the same year the second Love Feast was held, at the home of Jacob Royer, son of John. At this meeting David Shellen- berger was elected to the ministry. The following year an- other election occurred and John Royer was called to the ministry and his son, Jacob, and Henry Reubsan to the office of deacon. These brethren labored together until the year 1834, when by another choice Henry Reubsan was called to the ministry and Joel Royer and Isaac Myers, having received about the same number of votes, were installed as deacons.
60
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
H
E
HOUSE WHERE BUFFALO CHURCH WAS ORGANIZED
John Lauber, a minister, moved into the congregation during the fall of 1835.
David Shellenberger moved to Ohio in the spring of 1837 and the following year Henry Reubsan also moved to the same state. During a Love Feast held at the home of John Lauber, in 1839, Isaac Myers was chosen minister, and John Boganrief and Allen Boyer deacons.
In the year 1840 a minister, John Sprogle, with his family moved into the congregation. At this time the ministerium of Buffalo Church consisted of John Royer, John Lauber, Isaac Myers, and John Sprogle. The deacon body were Jacob Royer, John Boganrief and Allen Boyer. These brethren labored together for a space of six years.
John Lauber and Allen Boyer moved to Illinois during the spring of 1846 and the same year Charles Royer and John Shively were chosen deacons. In the fall of this year John Royer died. The official body then consisted of two ministers and four deacons.
In the year 1847 Charles Royer was chosen to the min- istry. This was the fifth ministerial election held in the Buffalo Congregation and gave the church three ministers and four deacons. In this proportion these brethren labored to- gether until 1850. About this time there were many accessions to the church.
During the year John Sprogle and Isaac Myers were or- dained, Elders John Boganrief was chosen to the ministry and
61
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
Robert Badger and Isaac Royer to the office of deacon. This same year Joel Royer and John Shively died. This left the church again with three ministers and four deacons. The following is an extract from the diary of Elder John Kline : "September 28th we got to John Royer's in Union County. On Monday, September 30th, a vote of the church was taken and Isaac Myers and John Sprogle were ordained to the full work of the Gospel Ministry."
About this time, the official brethren extended their activities, usually going on horse back, beyond the mountains into the adjoining valleys. Two ministers, or a minister and a deacon would fill the appointments every eight, or sixteen weeks. This effort was continued for a number of years and resulted in the organization of the Sugar Valley Congregation June 8, 1880 (see history of Sugar Valley Church of the Brethren) with forty members, one minister, and one deacon and Elder Isaac Myers of the mother congregation in charge.
ISAIAH BEAVER AND WIFE
In 1856 Robert Badger was chosen minister and Christian Shively deacon.
June 3rd, 1859, John L. Beaver was elected to the min- istry and the following fall Adam Beaver was called to the office of deacon. May 30th, 1860, Adam Beaver was chosen minister and John G. Royer deacon. In 1863 John G. moved to Ohio. June the 18th, of this year, Jacob S. Shively and George Myers, son of Isaac Myers, were elected deacons. This brought the official number to five ministers and five deacons.
May the 11th and 12th, 1868, the District Meeting for the Middle District of Pennsylvania was held in the Buffalo Congregation. John Beaver and George Myers represented the congregation as delegates.
62
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
JOHN L. BEAVER AND WIFE
In the year 1867 Samuel Longenecker, a minister, moved into the valley from Adams County and on October 8th of the same year William Moore and Peter H. Beaver were called to the office of deacon.
October 9th, 1868, George Myers was called to the ministry. This is the first year that the minutes of the church are available. The official body as recorded were Isaac Myers, elder; Charles Royer, Samuel Longenecker, John L. Beaver, and Adam Beaver, ministers; Jacob Royer, Sr., Isaac Royer, Jacob S. Shively, William Moore, Christian M. Shively, George Myers, and Peter H. Beaver, deacons. Peter H. Beaver was elected secretary.
In 1869 Jacob Royer, Jr., was elected deacon and William Moore moved to Illinois. Jacob Royer, Sr., was excused from active service as deacon. The following year Jacob Boop was chosen deacon. In 1872 Samuel Longenecker moved to Iowa and John Boganrief died. The church now had in active serv- ice five ministers and six deacons, with a membership of about 200.
September 23rd, 1874, Charles Royer was ordained elder. He lived until 1895, serving the church 48 years as minister, 21 as elder, 16 of which he was elder in charge. In 1878 Augustus Pick was elected deacon. The following year Peter H. Beaver was called to the ministry. With this elec- tion the church had three Beaver brothers in the active min- istry, sons of Anna (Baker) Beaver, already mentioned, John, Adam, and Peter. We are indebted to Peter Beaver for much of the data contained in this article, selected from his contribu- tions to the Brethren's Year Books, of 1873 and 1875. During the years 1877, 1878, and 1879, Peter H. Beaver edited and published a paper which he called "The Little Deacon". The mother of the Beaver brothers was present at the first meeting
63
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
held in 1816 and was one of the charter members. In 1876 Jacob Royer, Sr., died, having filled the office of deacon for 53 years.
In 1879 Elder Isaac Myers died, having served the Buffalo Church for a space of four years as deacon and 40 as minister, 29 of which he was elder in charge.
During the year 1881 Howard Miller, later editor of the Inglenook, a native of Buffalo Valley, who had been teaching in Somerset County, where he united with the church and was elected to the ministry, returned to his former home and handed in his letter of membership, and was granted a letter in 1888.
Christian M. Shively died in 1880. George Myers moved to Indiana in 1881. Peter H. Beaver united with the Pro- gressive Movement in 1888. Adam Beaver passed beyond in 1898, having served the church as a minister for 38 years. John L. Beaver died in 1901, after 42 years of faithful service as minister, 10 of which he was elder in charge.
April 25, 1888, another District Meeting was held in the congregation. Isaiah Beaver, son of John Beaver, was elected deacon in 1880, serving a term of nine years, when he was called as a minister, laboring in this capacity until his death in 1921. Simon Showalter was chosen minister in 1883 and ten years later was DEACON JACOB S. SHIVELY AND WIFE granted a letter. John Feese was elected deacon in 1886 and died the following year. David Boop was called the same year as deacon and to the office as church treasurer in 1896, discharging his duties until he affiliated with the Old Order Church in 1907. Jacob S. Shively was elected church treasurer in 1886 and served for the space of ten years. He died in 1912. Jacob Royer, Jr., united with the Old Order Brethren in 1884.
John Krebs, a deacon, held his membership with the Buffalo Church from 1888 to 1898, when he was granted a letter. The same year Daniel Royer and Josiah Boop were elected deacons. Some time later Royer was granted a letter and Boop served until he died in 1917. Isaac Heddings was chosen deacon in 1890 and served the congregation as Sunday school superintendent from 1893 to 1897, when he moved to Virginia. At the same election in 1890 David H. Strickler was also chosen deacon and the following year was called to the ministry, in which capacity he served only for a short time. He was church secretary from 1891 to 1910, and served as treasurer from 1907 to 1921. Brother Strickler was superin- tendent of the Buffalo Sunday School for the years 1892 and 1893, and again served in this capacity from 1920 to 1923.
64
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
He has since been retained as an honorary member of the Sunday school board.
The Sunday school activities of the Buffalo Congregation date from 1856. "Flashlites from History", by John S. Flory, page 158: "The Buffalo Valley church in Pennsylvania organized a Sunday school in 1856 in which J. G. Royer was one of the teachers. This was a union school and was held in a school house." No record of this or other early efforts rela- tive to officers and additional teachers is available at this time.
Henry Royer was chosen deacon in 1892 and served in this capacity until his death in 1900. Samuel S. Starook was elected deacon at the same time and after four years was called to the min- istry (at this writing, he is the oldest minister in the district). Greene Shively, son of Jacob S., was called to the ministry in 1894 and has been in charge of the Buffalo Congregation as elder since 1906. Drawing close to a half century of service as a minister, and 35 years as elder. He served as Sunday school superinten- dent from 1899 to 1905 and from 1914 to 1917.
David Ely was called to the office as deacon in 1896 MINISTER SAMUEL S. STAROOK and served until his death in 1912. David Heddings was elected deacon and granted a certificate that same year. Augustus Nickle was elected church secretary in 1888 and served a term of 13 years, and as Sunday school superinten- dent for the years 1897 and 1898. Elder Edmund D. Book of the Perry Congregation served as elder in charge from 1901 to 1906. His deep concern for the church was greatly appreciated.
Emaus Royer was elected deacon in 1902 and died in 1927. Brother Royer served the church as secretary from 1910 to 1924 and as Sunday school superintendent from 1908 to 1914. John Royer, son of Emaus, was called to the office as deacon in 1906 and the following year was chosen minister. He was granted a letter in 1913. John Trutt was chosen deacon in 1906 and Elias Trutt, his father, was called to the same office a year later and died in 1918. Daniel Boop was elected in 1906 and died in 1933. William Boop was chosen
65
CONGREGATIONS OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
ELDER MERVYN W. MENSCH AND WIFE
deacon in 1907, and also filled the office of treasurer from 1928 to 1932. Arthur Boop was chosen deacon in 1908.
Mervyn W. Mensch was called to the ministry in 1918 and in 1920 was called by the congregation as pastor. For a time he published an interesting church paper called "The Buffalo Messenger". At his request the church relieved him of this obligation in 1929 and by the order of the church the elder in charge assumed this responsibility, continuing to the present with Brother Mensch assisting. Brother Mensch was ordained May 18, 1933.
Winey Mensch and Jacob Shively, son of Greene, were chosen to the office of deacon in 1918. Brother Mensch served as church treasurer from 1921 to 1928 and as Sunday school superintendent from 1917 to 1921. Cloyd Mensch was elected church secretary in 1924 and served until 1934 and was reelected in 1938. Charles H. Keister was elected church
ELDER GREENE SHIVELY AND WIFE, ADDA M. SHIVELY
66
HISTORY-CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA
treasurer in 1932 and to the office of deacon in 1934. Reno H. Hoffman was also called as deacon at the same time and has served as Sunday school superintendent since 1932. Sister Jane A. Boop was elected church secretary in 1934 and served until her death in 1938.
At the beginning of the year 1941 the official body of the Buffalo Church consists of Greene Shively, elder in charge and pastor ; Elder Mervyn W. Mensch, assistant; David H. Strickler and Samuel S. Starook, ministers; John M. Trutt, Arthur E. Boop, William M. Boop, Jacob G. Shively, Winey G. Mensch, Reno M. Hoffman and Charles H. Keister, deacons; David H. Strickler, honorary member of the Sunday school board ; Reno M. Hoffman, Sunday school superintendent, and Robert M. Wert, assistant. Membership 160.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.