USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 16
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ARILOREN
Interior Decorations of a Children's Meeting, held in 1877 or '78, in the First Church, Altoona,-probably the first Children's Meeting held in the Brotherhood.
Thus through help from outside and cheerful though severe sacrifices of the members of the congregation the debt was finally liquidated somewhere near 1879.
By common consent the oversight of the work fell to the Duncansville church. It assumed a very liberal policy of management. James A. Sell, the bishop of Duncansville congregation of course had oversight of Altoona also. He was ably assisted by Graybill Myers, Brice and David Sell. On Saturday evening, September 29, 1877 the first lovefeast was held. The church failed to get a "strange preacher . . . so the labor fell upon " Graybill Myers, David D. Sell and James A. Sell.
* District Meeting Minutes of 1878.
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" The house was crowded to overflowing by attentive listeners." *
Although not an independent congregation till in 1882, because of the freedom granted by the Duncansville con- gregation this arm of the church without formal organi- zation began to hold members meetings and keep record, September 6, 1879. George W. Kephart was made clerk. At the same meeting the congregation decided to elect the officers of the Sunday-school thus bringing it under more direct control of the church.
The next meeting (March 6, 1880) a subscription plan was provided "for the purpose of paying the rent for Brother J. W. Smouse if he continues with us and preaches for us every Sabbath unless unavoidably pre- vented." Also decided that the deacons visit "some members who seldom get to church except on communion occasions."
In 1881 (June 1) quarterly councils were established. Going to shows and places of amusement gave the church considerable concern. It was decided (June 18) " to allow members to go to one animal show, but not oftener." And "members shall not be permitted to go to picnics, circus shows, play parties, theaters and dances." At the next council (December 30) members who failed to pay their monthly dues for six months were to be reported to the church."
Some, however, were not satisfied without independent organization and finally being assured that Duncansville would not neglect them in the ministry of the Word, on July 4, 1882, by a vote 24 to 4 "those inside the city limits " of Altoona became an individual congregation. This was accomplished in the presence of Graybill Myers, John W. Brumbaugh, Samuel Cox, Jacob Miller and James A. Sell. There were thirty-six charter members.
Organization : James A. Sell, bishop; Samuel G. Rupert, clerk (elected September 29, 1881), George W. Kephart, treasurer (date of election not recorded), trus- tees, Robert McFarlin, Joseph Kinsel and Samuel G. Rupert (elected December 30, 1881).
Soon after the organization Daniel Brallier, a minister
* James A. Sell in Primitive Christian, 1877, p. 644.
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from Indiana County, located in the city and gradually the care of the church passed from James A. Sell to him and his assistant, Samuel Rupert.
November 29, 1883, the church decided to ask the min- ority to accept the single mode of feet washing.
The chapel paid for through such a great struggle, in a few years proved far too small for the growing body of believers. All felt the need of a larger house, but many feared to go ahead because of past experience. Finally a special meeting of the members (forty in all) was called. Nine attended. The question of building a new house was duly put to the assembly. Seven voted for and two against building. The majority ruled and the new church project went forward.
Building committee: Daniel S. Brallier, Robert Mc- Pharlin and Samuel G. Rupert, appointed January 7, 1882, let the contract for a complete house for $3,300.00 * and some time during 1883 began building; for at the November 29 meeting it was decided " to occupy the new unfinished Sunday-school room for holding lovefeast and series of meetings provided we agree to continue the meetings." On February 17, 1884, James Quinter led in the dedication of the uncompleted house.t
In the midst of putting up a church home when many perplexing problems confronted the members and they were taxed to the limit for time, they decided (April 5, 1884) to begin a Wednesday evening prayer-meeting.
Lack of funds called forth the best in the supporters of the new house. James A. Sell canvassed the district and raised about $1,000.00. The house was far from complete, when in the early part of May, 1884, Joseph W. Wilt, a minister formerly from Armstrong County, moved from Warrior's Mark and located within the bounds of the congregation. He became active at once in the affairs of the church, and worked incessantly to help lift the church debt.
For some reason a new building committee, Joseph W. Wilt, John H. Law and John H. Shiffler, was appointed (May 27, 2884) to succeed the old one.
* See Minutes, January 12, 1884.
t Gospel Messenger, February 26, 1884, says Brethren Quinter, John W. Brum- baugh, Sells and S. G. Rupert were present on the occasion. Although the day was wet and unpleasant the attendance was encouraging .- ED.
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On October 3, 1885, the members decided to give " the church for the use of the Sisters Mission Society when- ever they have occasion to use it." The next year (November 25, 1886) incorporation papers were ordered out and the trustee board increased to six. Additional trustees : Martin S. Greenleaf, Daniel McFarlin, John Kinsel.
Some time after the church house was completed the District through an arrangement made by representa- tive elders, agreed to pay a certain sum annually to help meet the church's indebtedness. But the District appar- ently failed to support the promise. Then "the Sisters Sewing Society " (March 5, 1887) offered the following : "In view of the fact that the District Meeting is failing to meet its part of the payments on the church debt and inasmuch as the sisters oppose selling the old house and propose borrowing the money and paying the interest until they are through with their share, and then pay off the other half, we therefore decide to give it into their hands until District Meeting and see what can be done for them by District Meeting. We appoint Eliza Freet and Martha Shellenberger and allow them to appoint a third to attend to the matter."
By a vote 11 to 5 (August 6, 1887) the "lower room of the church was rented to the Board of School Direc- tors of Altoona to hold public school in." But for some reason the " old house " was refused the Salvation Army at the same meeting. Later (April 7, 1888) it was rented to the Presbyterians for Sunday-school purposes, reserv- ing the "privilege to use the house for singing school, prayer meeting and other purposes throughout the week." At this last meeting the Gospel Messenger was sent to the Y. M. C. A. reading rooms and a petition went to General Conference asking that the Brotherhood name be changed from " Fraternity of German Baptists " to " Brethren Church."
By a vote, 16 to 2 (July 16, 1889) the congregation " permits the building of a baptistry as soon as the neces- sary funds can be raised," the same to be constructed in the back yard of the church. Seven years later (January 3, 1896) by a vote of 12 to 1 because the frost injured the outside pool, a baptistry was ordered to be built in the
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house. This action was reconsidered the following March 6, objectors pressed their views and again the baptistry, by a vote of 21 to 10 was ordered to be placed in the church. It then was built as decided.
The prayer meeting was changed (July 16, 1889) into a Bible class for "the purpose of studying the Scrip- tures, especially the Sunday-school lesson." Children's Day Exercises evidently had been observed for a little time for (July 5, 1890) the "propriety or impropriety of holding the present form" of such exercises was dis- cussed but no conclusion reached.
" Because it is not customary " it is decided (July 4, 1891) that delegate to Annual Meeting does not make a report of the meeting.
The question of an organ in the Sunday-school room was disposed of (January 2, 1892) by concluding that had the Annual Meeting considered such a question the answer would be much the same as relates to member's homes, and the question was dropped. This did not satisfy those feeling the need of the organ. At the spring council (April 2) it developed that an organ had been installed and was in use. The church established inno- cence of the offense; the Sunday-school officials carried the responsibility and the advice was " that the object of so much trouble be removed from the school." But at a fall meeting in the same year there is no record of its removal. Ushers for the church are elected for one year at the same meeting.
In 1894 the congregation petitioned Annual Meeting to provide a plan and funds that ministers may attend Bible terms at our colleges, but at the same meeting (April 4) refused to let other denominations use the baptistry.
A committee of seven brethren were appointed (Jan- uary 15, 1897) to devise a better plan for taking care of the preaching in the congregation. At their next meet- ing (April 2) this committee brought in a report favor- ing a salaried ministry and it was accepted by the church. But who should serve? The question dragged along through the years till in 1902 a written vote was taken from all the members revealing as reported (No- vember 28, 1902) that an outside minister was desired,
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and that he should have the oversight of the congrega- tion. This report was accepted.
Finally at a "special council held after the morning services " (July 3, 1904) the pastoral committee made a report and it " was accepted and by a large vote it was decided that Brother Long should be our pastor." November 1, following, Walter S. Long and his wife from Philadelphia entered upon their work. They found a few over two hundred members. One hundred and twenty attended the first lovefeast just after they arrived. Frank F. Holsopple of Juniata College who had preached for the church for the previous few months was present and officiated.
Through the years leading up to this transition to a regular pastor Joseph W. Wilt, ably assisted by Daniel S. Brallier, Benjamin F. Ranck and others, did a noble work gratuitously. The membership grew from a hand- ful to upwards of two hundred. Its very growth com- mended the change for the welfare of the individual believers.
The spiritual leadership of the new pastor widened the influence of the congregation in the city. As the years went by men and women flocked to this altar and with- out respect of persons, all were received and blessed.
On June 28, 1914, the splendid brick church known as 28th Street house, costing $4,100.00 was dedicated. This was but a forecast of the energy lying dormant in the congregation.
" The light that shines farthest, shines brightest at home " was now to be realized at First Church. The missionary spirit that erected the 28th Street house had awakened enthusiasm for better facilities at First Church. Already funds for this purpose had been coming in with- out solicitation and were being cared for by a committee -Ardie E. Wilt, Mrs. Harriet Kipple and Walter S. Long. October 1, 1915, a committee was appointed to secure suggestive plans and possible cost and report to the next meeting. January ?, 1916, upon motion offered by Ardie E. Wilt it was decided by an almost unanimous vote to build a new church. Building committee ap- pointed by the pastor,-Ardie E. Wilt, Daniel B. Mad- docks, Rhinehart B. Replogle, Ellis G. Eyer, Robert P.
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The present house of the First Church of Altoona, dedicated November 18, 1917. Building Committee, from left to right: Standing, Ellis G. Eyer, Secretary ; Robert P. Good, Rinehard B. Replogle. Sitting, Daniel B. Maddocks, Ardie E. Wilt, Chairman.
A History of the Church of the Brethren
Good, had their first meeting February 29, 1916. Ad- ditional twenty-five feet on Sixth Avenue were purchased for $4,000.00, making the entire building lot 72 x 120 feet. The old house went for $1,000.00 but not before another lovefeast was held May 14, at which James A. Sell, Brice Sell, Josiah B. Brumbaugh, Joseph W. Wilt, Seth F. Myers, Daniel M. Kreider, Benjamin F. Ranck, and the pastor were present. James A. Sell officiated. Five members, James A. Sell, Lizzie McFarlin, Susannah Rath, Sophiah Fisher and one other were at the table who were present when the first Sunday-school was organized.
During the erection of the new church the congrega- tion had the use of the German Evangelical house. The corner stone of the new church was laid December 17, 1916, William J. Swigart, I. Harvey Brumbaugh and ministers from other denominations in the city speaking fittingly on the occasion.
The world war delayed progress on the construction somewhat, but on October ?, 1917, preaching and Sunday- school began in the Sunday-school section. Then on November 18, 1917 this splendid brick and stone struc- ture, with a main auditorium seating 500, with a Sunday- school assembly room, seating 650, with seventeen indi- vidual class rooms, with every convenience and facility, yet plain and becoming the people of God,-costing, in- cluding the $4,000.00 for the added lot and the splendid parsonage built at the same time, $56,309.65, was dedi- cated. Henry C. Early of Virginia delivered the dedi- catory address, text, Mark 11:17. Charles C. Ellis had charge of the financial part of the program. The new house has proved a great help to a great work in a great city.
On July 6, 1924, the congregation held Jubilee exercises as follows: "Organization in 1874," by Ardie E. Wilt; "Incidents in the History of the School," by Joseph W. Wilt, Jacob C. Kinsel, David S. Miller and Harvey A. Hess : address by Charles C. Ellis. Perhaps the most touching part of this program was the call for all to stand who attended the school a half century ago. Susah Rath, Mrs. Mary Patton, Mrs. Maggie Ross Histler, Mrs. Kate Pherson and James A. Sell stood.
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Then in the evening the building committee came for- ward and in the presence of a full house burned the mortgage, after which Charles C. Ellis spoke, using for his text Psalms 73: 17.
The year 1917 is marked in this church also by intro- ducing the individual communion cups.
During Walter S. Long's pastorate which continues at the present time, 732 have been received into church fel- lowship by baptism.
Bishops presiding :
James A. Sell. . . 1882-'87 No one in charge .1903-'04
George W. Brumbaugh. 1887-'93
Walter S. Long .1904-'24
Joseph W. Wilt. 1893-'03
Ministers elected :
Seth F. Myers. . moved in Abram Hollinger .. April 21, 1883
John Garver moved in Homer Feathers ... Sept. 7, 1921
Samuel G. Rupert .. Dec. 17, 1881
Byron Sell. . Sept. 7, 1921
Deacons : Located before work began, John Ressler; moved in, George W. Kephart; December 17, 1881, John H. Law, Joseph Kinsel; March 12, 1883, Alexander Rath, Abram Hollinger; April 18, 1885, Martin S. Greenleaf, Oliver P. Pherson; March 7, 1890, Daniel M. McFarlin, Allen C. McCartney ; February 22, 1897, David S. Miller, Ardie E. Wilt, Harvey A. Hess; January 17, 1905, Samuel H. Brumbaugh, Daniel M. Sell, Harvey E. Ressler; Sep- tember 2, 1906, George H. Hepner, Cyrus B. Replogle, Harry A. Claybaugh; July, 1908, J. Gilbert Shaw; September 19, 1911, C. Edward Miller, Herman V. Morse, Edgar O. Shaw, Reinard B. Replogle, David H. Glass, Edward L. Barr.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
" By letter " the Altoona Sunday-school reported to the Conven- tion held at James Creek on October 21, 1876 as follows: "The first Sabbath school was organized by the Brethren July 5, 1874, by choosing the following officers: Superintendent, Alexander Rath; secretary, Andrew J. Murray; treasurer, Robert McFarlin. The school is opened by singing and prayer : classes are then arranged, using the Bible, Testament and Spellers. A chapter is also selected and read in the hearing of the school; and also encourage the com- mitting of scriptures to memory. Average number of attendance in 1874, 62; in 1875, 50; in 1876, 86. We have now adopted the Gospel Hymns: first, because they are very cheap; second, because the children from other schools are familiar with them and join us heartily in singing. At present we have no library for distribution. We use tickets, cards, etc., for attendance, good lessons, memorizing, etc." Thus was the record fifty years ago.
At the convention of 1898, when the present pastor was field secre-
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Arminta M.Hostler Sophia Jisher Susan Rath, CHARTER MEMBER CHARTER MEMBER
Kate M Pherson Eliza Freet Mariah Kinsel
Laura B.Jennings Agnes PaybaughCatherineHollinger
Hannah Grabill Mathe Shellenberger Hannah & Brallier
Some members of the Sisters' Aid Society of the First Church of Altoona, the First Organized Aid Society of the Brotherhood.
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
tary and the present superintendent had served four years, this school reported "enrollment, 259; average attendance, 162; raised $147.68 for home supplies, and 17 were received into the church." In 1904 the average dropped back to "123, raised $331.43, of which $90.20 was given to missions or charitable work." The school has been "evergreen" from the beginning. 1911-24 inclusive the school has maintained a front line standard; during 1908-23 teacher train- ing classes were conducted in which 197 enrolled and 40 received first year certificates. Present enrollment, 499; average for 1924, 321.
Superintendents : July 5, 1874, Alexander Rath; January 3, 1875, Andrew J. Murray; January 6, 1877, Joseph F. Emmert; Alexander Ambrose ; ,George Kephart; - -, John H. Law;
Daniel M. McFarlin ; - -, Joseph W. Wilt; -, Daniel S. Brallier ; - , Samuel G. Rupert; -, Jacob Kinsel; January 1. 1891, Ardie E. Wilt; July 1, 1891, David Miller; January 1, 1892, Seth F. Myers; July 1, 1892, Harvey A. Hess; January 1, 1893, Jacob Kinsel; July 1, 1893, David Miller; January 1, 1894, William F. Spidle; July 1, 1894-1925, Ardie E. Wilt.
SISTERS' AID SOCIETY
As early as July 21, 1885, the sisters of the church met in the home of Eliza Freet and organized an aid society by electing Laura Brown, president; Amanda Wilt, vice-president; Minnie Miller, secretary; Susan Rath, assistant secretary; and Eliza Freet, treas- urer. This probably is the first society organized in the brother- hood. They took Galatians 6:9, 10 for their motto. The charter members were:
Laura Brown
ยท Susan Rath
Sophiah Fisher
Pearl Brallier
Hannah Brallier
Eliza Parkhurst
Mary Gearhart Laura Hummelstine
Katie Hollinger
Katie Pherson
Amanda Wilt
Minnie Miller
Sarah Kinsel
Susan Brallier
Martha Shellenberger
Aggie Claybaugh
Eliza Freet
Hannah Graybill
Anna Kinsel
The first sale for the society was on July 30, 1885, a white apron bought by Lydia Greenleaf for 28 cents. A general summary of the efforts of the society since 1905 is as follows :
Towards home church building $750.00
Home Work in congregation. 450.00
Mission work 300.00
Orphan in India. 320.00
Other places helped. 294.00
$2,114.00
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28TH STREET, ALTOONA*
Present Membership, 202.
In the first decade of the present century Joseph W. Wilt, Daniel S. Brallier, Seth Myers and others of what is now known as the First Church in Altoona quickened sentiment for city missions to the point where the dona- tions of one Sunday of each month was set apart for this purpose and on April 2, 1909, appointed Ardie E. Wilt, Benjamin F. Ranck and Samuel N. Brumbaugh a com- mittee to report on a suitable location for opening a Sun- day-school. Difficulty in finding a proper place at reas- onable rent was met and not until April 1, 1910, did they recommend the renting of a hall at 8th Avenue and 23rd Street. The following July a Sunday-school was organ- ized and the new project which in a short time devel- oped into 28th Street congregation, was fostered most vigorously.
July 7, 1911, the church council instructed the trustees to purchase a lot 50 x 120 feet, corner of 6th Avenue and 28th Street. This awakened intense interest in some hearts. George W. Kephart, under August 20, 1913, wrote the trustees thus: "I believe it the right move " and then obligated himself to bear all the cost of excava- tion and construction of the cellar walls.
Ellis G. Eyer, Samuel N. Brumbaugh, Daniel B. Mad- docks, Daniel M. Sell and Harvey A. Hess were appointed a committee on plans and estimates and on September 26, 1913, made report which was accepted. The same Brethren were continued as building committee and in- structed to erect the proposed house at once. On the afternoon of June 28, 1914, a well-planned brick building 50 x 33 feet, annex 14 x 12 feet, including $790.00, the price of the lot, costing $4,488.41 was dedicated. Walter S. Long, the pastor of the church, delivered the dedi- catory sermon. In the evening William J. Swigart spoke to a well filled house.
From the dedication until May 14, 1916, preaching services were held only on Sunday evening, and forty-
* To Benjamin F. Waltz the reader is indebted for much of the information contained in this sketch.
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UPPER : The Parsonage. MIDDLE: The deacons and their wives. LOWER: The Church.
A History of the Church of the Brethren
eight different ministers occupied the pulpit. Since that date services have been held twice each day.
With much activities centering around this new place of worship it was only a matter of time until all saw the wisdom of a separate organization. With the assistance of James A. Sell, Levi Benner and Walter S. Long, com- mittee from the elders meeting "28th Street Church of the Brethren " was organized on June 26, 1919. Charter members : Ministers, none; Deacons, Samuel N. Brum- baugh, Harvey A. Hess, Rinehart B. Replogle, Cyrus B. Replogle, Daniel M Sell, Henry E. Snyder; laymem- bers, 79.
Organization : Daniel B. Maddocks, bishop; Cyrus B. Replogle, secretary ; Samuel N. Brumbaugh, treasurer ; Harry C. Kinsel, Samuel N. Brumbaugh and Wilson Mentzer, trustees.
The parent congregation which built the church house gave the new body full right and title without any con- ditions whatsoever.
Benjamin F. Waltz was called as first pastor on May 3, 1920, and continues. A parsonage was purchased on January 27, 1920 for $6,500.00 and was fully paid Jan- uary 1, 1924.
The educational policies of the church are shaped by a board of Christian Education, consisting of Benjamin F. Waltz, the pastor, Samuel N. Brumbaugh, the Sunday- school superintendent, H. Atlee Brumbaugh, Cyrus B. Replogle and Edgar C. Long. Among the activities for the young people worthy of mention are sermonettes to the Juniors every Sunday morning, two Christian Work- ers meetings,-senior and junior. A Young People's Council to include all between the ages of twelve and twenty-four was organized September 21, 1923. A mid- week service, average attendance 35, is regularly held.
But the growing activities of the congregation have been such that more room must be provided. July 9, 1924, the members expressed themselves unitedly in favor of additional building. Daniel M. Sell, H. Atlee Brum- baugh, Rhinehart B. Replogle, Wilson Mentzer and Henry E. Snyder were made building committee "with authority to formulate plans and bring estimates for an addition to the rear of the church and that they report
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within three months." On October 1, following, this committee reported that it "contemplated building a two story building, 30 x 49 feet, for Sunday-school pur- poses at a cost of $1,800.00.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
This was first organized in the hall at 8th Avenue and 23rd Street. Officers : Edward O. Shaw, superintendent; J. Quinter Replogle, secretary ; Rhinehart B. Replogle, treasurer. The first session was held July 10, 1913. The school was "evergreen" from the start. During 1913 the average attendance was forty-nine; offering, $97.59; during 1922, 158; offering, $1,037.55. In addition to the officers elected at the beginning there have been two more added,-Adult superintendent, H. Atlee Brumbaugh; Junior Superintendent, Martha Mentzer. During the years 1917, 1922 and 1923 the school has maintained a frontline standard, had teacher training and eighteen have received teacher training certificates. Four Vacation Bible Schools have been conducted, the one in 1923 having an average at- tendance of 106 pupils. The school ministered to sixteen congrega- tions of eleven denominations.
Superintendents : 1910, Edward C. Shaw; 1911-'12, George H. Hepner ; 1913-'24, Samuel N. Brumbaugh
SISTERS' AID SOCIETY
The Willing Workers organized August 14, 1917 as a Sunday- school class and included in their purposes the usual activities of an Aid Society. Officers: Samuel N. Brumbaugh, president and teacher; Mrs. Gertrude Graybill, secretary; Mrs. Eliza Replogle, treasurer. Each member was expected to pay five cents per month membership fee and in that way $114.75 has been raised. Total offerings for all purposes amounts to $2,603.00. Public programs are rendered every April and October.
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