USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 13
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 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
THE CHERRY LANE CHURCHI.
1904, Daniel W. Dibert, Andrew Snowberger and Elmer Pittman among those who served; 1904-'11, Daniel W. Dibert; 1912, Roy F. Dibert; 1913, Daniel W. Dibert; 1914-'15, Daniel G. Koontz; 1916, Daniel W. Dibert; 1917-'18, Daniel Steele; 1919, Roy F. Dibert ; 1920-'21, Daniel G. Koontz; 1922, Roy F. Dibert; 1923-'24, Daniel Dibert.
WOODBURY
Present Membership, 323.
The Yellow Creek congregation, in a council meeting held in the Holsinger house, by a vote of 56 for and 35 against was divided in August, 1876, into two congrega- tions. The territory now known as New Enterprise is one part; that included in Woodbury, Claar, Lower Claar, Queen and a part of Clover Creek the other. The
182
Old Holsinger House
New Holsinger House
Snyder House
OLD HOLSINGER HOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1850. THE NEW HOLSINGER HOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1912. THE SNYDER HOUSE BUILT IN 1878.
A History of the Church of the Brethren
following November 11, the members in this new terri- tory, i. e., cut off from Yellow Creek and from Clover Creek, met in the Holsinger house and unanimously voted to become one congregation, and adopted the name Woodbury.
This newly formed congregation included Curryville on the east, to the Allegheny Mountain on the west. The northern boundary was marked by a road leaving Tus- sey's Mountain, thence westward about three quarters of a mile south of Woodbury by Maria and on west across Cove Mountain to the Allegheny Mountain.
The officials of this new territory consisted of
Ministers: Jacob Miller, John B. Replogle, Joseph W. Wilt, John L. Holsinger and John G. Snyder.
Deacons: Alexander Holsinger, Daniel Holsinger, Jacob Kifer, Levi B. Replogle, Simon Snyder, Adam Frederick, Daniel Stayer, Cyrus Over, Henry Brum- baugh, James Brumbaugh, Jacob Claar and Aaron I. Claar.
The church elected Jacob Miller, bishop; Alexander Holsinger, secretary and Jacob Guyer, treasurer. This congregation has a record of its proceedings from the beginning.
One of the first important acts was a decision made November 11, 1876 to erect a church known as the Rep- logle house on a plot of ground belonging to Rhinehart L. Replogle, about one half mile north of the village of Woodbury. Building committee, John B. Replogle, Simon Snyder and Adam Frederick, put up a frame house, 45 x 77 x 14 feet, basement, costing $3,090.00. “ Decided to have backs to the seats." On October 14, 1877, the house was dedicated, James Quinter leading in the ser- vice. Here beginning March 15, 1879, Silas Hoover of Somerset County held a ten days revival and twenty-one were received into the church by baptism.
The congregation, on January 17, 1878, decided to ac- commodate the members living around Snyder cross roads with a place of worship. The building committee, Simon Snyder, John G. Snyder and David M. Replogle, put up a frame structure, 40 x 53 feet, costing $1,050.00. James A. Sell conducted the dedicatory service.
Musical instruments evidently gave concern to the
184
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
congregation, for at a council meeting (March 15, 1880) a "Query was sent to the District Meeting relating to them." Some members had been attending political meetings and instructions were given (Oct. 5, 1880) that "if they justified themselves . .. they cannot commune at the coming lovefeast."
Evidently at some time the taxation system was adopted by the congregation, for at a meeting (March 18, 1882) a number came before the council and were re- leased from paying their levy. At a later meeting the system of taxation is reaffirmed.
The " Record of the Faithful" * states that this con- gregation was organized in 1876 with a membership of 250; that its first house was erected in 1850; that in 1881 and '82 it had five church houses and 388 members. Jacob Miller was bishop; John Replogle, John L. Hol- singer, Michael M. Claar and John G. Snyder were min- isters in the second degree.
In 1882 the influence of the Progressive movement is noted in the deliberations of the congregation. At the last council of that year (Dec. 2, 1882), one of the min- isters was disfellowshiped. At the next council (Feb. 17, 1883), thirteen were excluded from the church on the fol- lowing resolution : " Inasmuch as the hereinafter named members of our church district have identified them- selves with the Progressive brethren and have so de- clared to the brethren who visited them, we therefore ac- cept their declaration as a withdrawal of their member- ship from us and we exclude them from the privilege of communion, church council and the salutation of the kiss." The vote stood 39 for, 3 against and 3 neutral.
A few of those withdrawing returned to the old fold, while a few more from time to time withdrew and joined the Progressive Brethren. Evidently the cleavage at first was not so marked because, for a part of the time up to May 4, 1889, the Progressives had been using the Snyder house in which to worship. At this time some dissatisfaction arose and the house was closed against them for a season.
In 1883, the " dinner after the lovefeast " was discon-
* Published in 1882 by Howard Miller.
185
Replogle House
John Replogle
E
Curryville House
REPLOGLE HOUSE, BUILT IN 1877. CURRYVILLE HOUSE, BUILT IN 1906.
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
tinued, and the next year (May 29, 1884), " decided not to line the hymns before singing them." (June 4, 1885), " matting in the aisles of this house (Replogle) the same as in the Enterprise house " was decided upon. Later still, it was decided to "Have no breakfast at the meet- ing house, the morning after lovefeast" and have a " series of meetings of about a week duration immedi- ately preceding it."
At a council at the Replogle house (Feb. 19, 1887), a vote of the members was taken to change from the double to single mode of feetwashing " which lacked two votes of being unanimous." Then a query was sent to Annual Meeting " asking it to reconsider the minutes of 1887 that the minority should submit to the majority."
After the Annual Meeting the vote was taken again and it showed 118 in favor of single mode while 59 voted for double mode. Then, at the spring council (March 2, 1889, it was " decided to practice feetwashing at our coming lovefeast by the rotation system," meaning single mode.
" The case of brethren going to the election and vot- ing against the prohibition amendment " was considered (Oct. 3, 1889) and decided " that it was wrong for breth- ren to do so, and they shall make acknowledgment to the visiting brethren for doing so." At the next meeting it is recorded that "those members . . . made satisfactory acknowledgment."
For the purpose of assessment on September 20, 1890, the following was recorded :
" Replogle house, value. . $2,200.00 ; seating capacity, 700 Snyder house, value .... 825.00; seating capacity, 400 Crossroads house, value. 600.00; seating capacity, 450 Holsinger house, value .. 500.00; seating capacity; 400
The number of communicants in the Woodbury church, 213."
The wide sympathies of the congregation for the suf- fering is noted in the record (May 5, 1892) of a "receipt for the Russian sufferers for $307.00." At the same meeting a brother at the demand of the church made ac- knowledgment " for signing a license for a certain hotel
187
A History of the Church of the Brethren
keeper in Woodbury," the objectionable part no doubt being " the bar."
The congregation voted (Nov. 19, 1892) against the church purchasing the Brethren Publishing Company. The next year (Oct. 24, 1893) it gives permission to the " Brethren's Insurance Company to hold meetings in this (Replogle) house." Rhinehart Z. Replogle was (April 11, 1894) to "superintend the work of putting in the pool for baptizing " in the yard, and the preachers were "to get a Bible desk on the table " for the Replogle house.
A proposition (May 13, 1899) to have a two weeks " Bible term of school beginning January 1, 1900, was unanimously accepted." It had been the custom that the second person close prayer by using the Lord's prayer. But the congregation decided (Feb. 17, 1900) that the one who leads in prayer should close with the Lord's prayer.
The congregation departed (Aug. 18, 1900) from the rule that the elders in office of the bishopric presided over the congregation and by unanimous vote chose John L. Holsinger as presiding bishop.
" Select singing " was (Oct. 19, 1902) forbidden in any church of the congregation except "by permission of the church."
To comply with the wishes of the members living in or near Curryville the church, in March, 1906, decided to give them a good church house. Building committee, Samuel S. Rhodes, David Burket and George W. Rep- logle, erected a good brick building, no basement, 40 x 60 feet, costing $2,958.02. On December 9, 1906 it was dedicated, Frank F. Holsopple leading in the dedicatory service. Immediately following John Bennett conducted a series of meetings.
The strong band of members located near the Hol- singer church felt the old house no longer satisfied their needs and it was decided to tear down and build larger. The farewell service was held September 9, 1912. John B. Fluck spoke on the sacred past ; James A. Sell on the promising future; George S. Myers gave a historical sketch. Then the building committee,-Adam Frederick, Joseph F. Long, Ferdinand H. Mohr, Adam Z. Pote,
188
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
David Miller, George W. Klouse and Andrew C. Pote began their work. The new brick house, 40 x 60 feet, costing $3,200.00, was dedicated on April 6, 1913, free of debt and a small surplus in the treasury. James A. Sell, assisted by John B. Fluck, conducted the dedicatory services.
Bishops presiding :
Jacob Miller . . Aug. 16, 1876 John L. Holsinger 1900
John B. Replogle. .1890 John R. Stayer 1907
April, 1924 Dorsey I. Pepple was elected presiding bishop and John R. Stayer made senior bishop for life.
Ministers elected :
John L. Holsinger 1876
A. Brown Miller 1906
John G. Snyder 1877
Ferdinand H. Mohr. 1913
Michael Claar 1877
Jesse Stayer 1914
Jacob K. Brown. 1883
Nelson Guyer 1914
Jacob C. Stayer. 1893 * James D. Brumbaughı
John B. Miller . 1888
Clyde E. Stayer 1918
* John R. Stayer.
Howard Kiper 1920
April 1, 1924, John E. Rowland became first supported pastor of this congregation; though Maynard A. Cassady had served as pastor for one summer vacation, one year before.
Deacons, elected : 1877, Daniel Stayer, Cyrus Over, Frederic C. Dively ; 1879, Daniel S. Replogle, John Poter; 1883, Rhinehart L. Replogle, George W. Replogle; 1890, Albert Stayer, David H. Miller ; 1893, James E. Mock; 1895, Isaac D. Snyder, Adam Z. Pote; 1896, Emanuel Guyer, David Pote; 1903, John H. Sell, George Miller ; 1907, George K. Stayer, Ferdinand H. Mohr; 1909, Adam Frederic, Alva S. Brumbaugh; 1911, Adam C. Pote, Joseph Frederic, Andrew Smith, Nelson Guyer, Andrew C. Pote; 1920, John K. Frederick, Galen R. Sell, Paul A. Stayer. Lawrence C. Over moved into congregation in 1913.
SUNDAY-SCHOOLS
Replogle. The Sunday-school was first organized in the Eshel- man house in 1876, with Levi B. Replogle superintendent. In 1877 the school was moved to the Replogle house. Thus writes John R. Stayer.
At the Sunday-school convention held at Spring Run Church October 15, 1878, Levi B. Replogle and Michael Bechtel were dele- gates and this much of their report is preserved: "Organized April 1, 1877 ; 75 on the roll; average, 60; verses committed, 4,814." + The same volume # gives a lengthy "Report of Sabbath School "
* Moved in from another congregation.
t Primitive Christian and Pilgrim, 1878, p. 716.
# Ibid., p. 766.
189
A History of the Church of the Brethren
(Woodbury) from which the following is extracted : "This church is a part of the Yellow Creek and Clover Creek districts, organized in the fall of 1876, and in the spring of 1877 we organized a Sab- bath-school. The school was conducted by the usual officers with the following instructions from the church: To open with singing and prayer, the same as we do our public meetings, and also close after the same manner. Our school seemed to prove a success. The attendance was good on the part of children of parents of dif- ferent persuasions. .. . A leading objection by our dear old breth- ren against Sunday-schools was that they would lead to pride, by each one trying to dress the best, etc. . . . Let me say here that parents can help the cause a great deal by not dressing or putting too much unnecessary clothing on their children before sending them to Sunday-school."
"The church again organized a school this spring (1878) with Levi B. Replogle, superintendent; Cyrus Over, assistant superintend- ent, and Jacob R. Stayer, secretary. These officers then chose three more to assist them. . . . Number on the roll, 75. Average attend- ance, 65. Number of verses committed, 4,814. We closed our school on the 20th of October by presenting the scholars with re- ward and merit cards. There seemed to be rejoicing over these re- wards, but we tried to tell them of a greater reward in the future, if they would be faithful, which we could not give but would be given by the Father in Heaven. We also told them or reminded them that they had now read of Jesus being born into the world, and that he suffered and died and rose again, and then ascended to heaven, where he was now pleading for us all. I saw many tears rolling down over the children's faces. Thus ended our school. We hope some good seed may have been sown." Signed by Levi B. Replogle, superintendent; Cyrus Over, secretary .*
The year following a report states: "School for the summer or- ganized March 16, 1879. . .. Average attendance, 85; enrollment, 122 ; verses memorized, 3,382. The highest memorized at one lesson by one single pupil, 104. At the closing of the school there were three essays read, one by sister Elsie Snyder, subject, "Hope," one by sister Ettie Brown, entitled " Meeting and Parting" and one by sister Anna Brown, the topic being, "How are we spending our lives." The school was addressed by the superintendent and several of the old brethren. . .. We were all very sad to see our school close, for 'tis such a pleasant place to spend the Sabbath after- noon." Signed R. L. Replogle.t
This school has been "evergreen" since 1904. Average attend- ance in 1877 was 65. In 1898, enrollment, 133; average, 107; raised $43.39, of which $17.19 went to missions; 24 conversions; continued nine months of year. In 1904, average, 75; ten teachers; raised $67.12, of which $23.79 went to missions and charity. The school
* Primitive Christian and Pilgrim, 1878, p. 766.
t Primitive Christian and Pilgrim, 1879, p. 733.
The editor's apology for these lengthy extracts concerning the Replogle school and no other thus treated is this: This school was the only one reporting in such detail in these years. The description is a fine picture of the manner of con- ducting the schools in the seventies, the spirit of the work and some of the problems and hindrances the Sunday-school had to meet.
190
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
has maintained a frontline standard during 1914, '16-'20, '22, '23, had teacher training during 1908, '09, '11, '18, '20, '21, and '23, total enrollment of 118; about 60 have received first year certificates.
Superintendents : 1876, Levi B. Replogle; - , Cyrus Over ; 1903, George W. Replogle; 1904-'07, George H. Miller; 1908-'18, John H. Sell; 1919-'24, Paul A. Stayer.
Holsinger. The school was first organized some time along 1880 to '82, with Daniel Replogle, superintendent. The school has been "evergreen " since 1913. The average attendance the first year was 38.
Superintendents : 1882, Daniel Replogle; between that and 1906, Isaac L. Snyder, John L. Holsinger, William Echard; 1906-'11, Joseph P. Long; 1912-'23, Ferdinand H. Mohr; 1924, Isaac Snow- berger.
Curryville. Organized January 6, 1907; John B. Miller, superin- tendent; Ora Stonerock, secretary; Daniel Brown, treasurer. Aver- age attendance, 1907, 65. "Evergreen " from the beginning. It has maintained a frontline standard since 1915; had teacher training during 1908, '09, '13, '23 during which time 59 have enrolled; forty first year certificates have been given.
Superintendents : 1907-'09, John B. Miller ; 1910-'12, Samuel S. Rhodes ; 1913, Simon Zook; 1914, Harry Rhodes; 1916, Simon Zook; 1916, Alice M. Baker; 1917, J. W. Burket; 1918, Ira Burket; 1919-'20, Lawrence R. Over; 1921, - -; 1922-'24, Alice M. Baker.
SISTERS' AID SOCIETY
Woodbury. There was a society started in the early nineties but was of short duration and no record kept of it. February 19, 1913, Lydia, Mary, Esther, Sarah, and Elizabeth Stayer, Mary Miller, Fannie Smith, Ida Leidy, Mrs. John B. Guyer, Maggie Frederic, Nannie Miller, Nannie Replogle, Annie Frederic, Annie Sell, Mrs. Annie Sell, Barbara Johnson, Elizabeth Hoover, Nannie Koontz and Minnie Settle met in the Replogle house and organized by electing the following officers : Lydia Stayer, president; Mary Stayer, assist- ant president; Esther Stayer, superintendent; Maggie Frederic, treasurer ; Fannie Smith, treasurer.
Presidents : 1913-'20, Lydia Stayer; 1921, Barbara Frederic; 1922-'24, Maggie Frederic.
In totals the Society has accomplished the following, besides help in many ways locally :
Juniata Mission Home $10.00
Virginia Home
15.00
Carpet for church. 11.00
Miscellaneous
54.20
$90.20
Curryville Aid Society was organized in the home of Mrs. Dewey D. Kauffman, on March 16, 1922. Charter members: Mrs. Dewey D. Kauffman, Mrs. John Wareham, Mrs. Joseph Hartman, Mrs. John
191
.
A History of the Church of the Brethren
B. Miller, Mrs. Nancy Mock, Mrs. Levi Settle, Mrs. Hiram Replogle, Mrs. Wilmer Hynish, Mrs. Daniel Kauffman, Mrs. Irvin Zook, Rena Stayer, Alice Baker, Mabel Hoover, Sadie Zook, and Mrs. Minnie Forney.
Organization : Mrs. Dewey D. Kauffman, president; Mrs. John B. Miller, vice-president; Mrs. Joseph Harman, secretary ; Mrs. Daniel Kauffman, treasurer.
Presidents : 1922-23, Mrs. Dewey D. Kauffman; 1924, Alice Baker.
Through quilting, making bonnets, aprons, prayer coverings and other articles, and some contributing money, the society has been able to donate $10.00 to the Missionary Home in Huntingdon, $15.00 to the Japanese sufferers, and $90.00 to the Virginia home.
CLAAR *
Present Membership, 160.
The beginning of the Church of the Brethren in the territory now occupied by Upper and Lower Claar and Queen congregations centres around Frederic Claar, born October 30, 1780, who, with his bride of a few weeks, in the fall of 1800 located on a farm on which now stands the Upper Claar house. Their ancestors were not mem- bers of the Brethren Church, but through the preaching of Levi Roberts and Jacob Miller, who for some years came to the neighborhood from Yellow Creek and held services in the home of the young people, they were led to unite with the church in 1816. Others followed and it was not long until their home was too small for the gather- ing of eager listeners. With zeal characteristic of many of the earlier brethren they decided to build a church. Frederic Claar donated the land for the house and ceme- tery and in the summer of 1851 a house 26 x 36 feet was erected and dedicated, brother Jacob Miller preaching the first sermon. Frederic Claar, Jacob Claar and George Lingenfelter were appointed trustees. Regular week-end services were held every four weeks; the preachers, among the more prominent, Jacob Miller, John Hol- singer, Daniel Snowberger and Leonard Furry, came from Yellow Creek.
The earnest little body received a big lift in enthu- siasm in the winter of 1853-4 when, in the new church,
* To Taylor C. Dively the reader is indebted for some of the information of this sketch.
192
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
James Quinter held a debate with Joseph Fichtner, min- ister of the Lutheran church. The subject under con- sideration was baptism and the debate lasted four days.
UPPER : The Old Claar Church. LOWER: The Frederic Dively Home.
So deep was the impression made by Brother Quinter that to this day there are instances of persons uniting with one of the denominations of the community by im- mersion as baptism when the denomination ordinarily does not perform this rite.
But all through these years they held no lovefeasts at home,-they all traveled the long road to Yellow Creek
193
Frederic Claar
Michael Claar
Jacob Claar Barbara lingenfelter C. Clar
Chancey Lingenfelter Rachel Dively Andrew M2Dixon
Edgar Dichm
Clavin & Rose
SOME MEMBERS OF THE CLAAR CONGREGATION.
.
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
for this blessed privilege of communing and how precious were those occasions when they did go. This however, only made the longing for a lovefeast at home the stronger. In 1867 they held one in the home church but the house proved far too small and unsatisfactory. As a result, the next year the members enlarged and fitted up the church for such occasions and from that date they have enjoyed lovefeast occasions every year, some years both spring and fall.
Stephen Hildebrand and James A. Sell held the first revival for this congregation. The blessings were so large that ever since a revival has been held each year. During March, 1877, Joseph W. Wilt held a meeting of two weeks and eighteen accessions were made. This was unusual for those times. In the following spring Brother Wilt accepted the call to be pastor of the con- gregation, receiving support, and was not there long until he organized its first Sunday-school. During his two years in the congregation about fifty united with the church.
The group began to feel they were strong enough to become a separate body and on September 25, 1886, in the presence of Jacob Miller, John B. Replogle, and James A. Sell they were properly organized. In honor of him who was founder and father of the church they called themselves Claar. Organization: John S. Hol- singer, bishop; Frederic C. Dively, secretary.
The charter members were: Frederick Claar, Christian Claar, Rachel Walter, Mathias Walter, Barbara Walter, George Lingenfelter, Barbara Lingenfelter, Samuel Walter, Barbara Claar, John Claar, Jacob Bowser, Mar- garet Bowser, John Claar, Mary Claar, David Gouchen- our, Samuel Roudenbush, Mary Gouchenour, Matilda Claar, Bartholomew Dively, Rachel Dively.
The territory is peculiar in this, the Brethren have been so wide awake to their opportunities that no other de- nomination found it needful to enter. One of the ways of keeping abreast with the times was the building of a new church 38 x 65 feet, costing about $3,100.00 besides donated labor and material, located one and one-half miles east of the old church and now known as the Lower Claar house. It was dedicated on August 6, 1891,
195
A History of the Church of the Brethren
Joseph W. Wilt preaching and using for his text, 2 Chron. 2:4.
But after the dedication it was found far from easy to leave the old place of worship even if the new house was more modern and commodious. Hard by the old church rested fathers and mothers who had given their lives to the cause and it was like forsaking them to go to the new
THE CLAAR CHURCH.
house. Hence it is no surprise to find that next year, 1892, a number of members and friends began the con- struction of a new house on the site of the old one. Brothers Taylor and Moses Lingenfelter, though not members at that time, did more than any other two for the erection of this house. This is the Claar house. Joseph W. Wilt preached in the morning and Frederic C. Dively in the evening of the day of dedication.
Edward Eller, a member of the Progressive Brethren, saw the need of religious instruction in a neglected neighborhood about five miles from the Claar house and began a Sunday-school in 1903 in the Eller school house. The State Sunday-school Association got behind the pro- ject and on May 26, 1906, a union house, 30 x 40 feet, was dedicated free of debt. Irvin Van Dyke, a member of the Church of the Brethren and Field Secretary for the As- sociation, preached the dedicatory sermon. Trustees from four denominations were appointed, the Church of
196
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
the Brethren thereby having a fourth interest. Charles O. Beery held the first revival in the church August 20-31, 1906, and fourteen were baptized. The trustees of the other denominations, seeing the tendency of the work, in a most kindly spirit asked the Church of the Brethren to take full charge and push both Sunday-school and church. Since that time it has been known as the Union Chapel.
In 1903, James A. Sell was called to the oversight of the church and introduced a Reading Course which proved a great blessing. Lower Claar fell heir to the splendid library and the Circle was merged into the Christian Workers meeting.
The Claar house in the course of a number of years proved all too small for the needs of the growing con- gregation and in 1908 an addition 34 x 32 feet, costing $1,500.00, was built. On August 2, 1908, Milton C. Swigart dedicated the house again, using for his text: Psalms 84: 1-2.
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.