USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 25
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BACK POARCH
BEDROOM
KITCHEN
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WASHINGTON STREET. >
+7,7/
1
BATH S
- . 9.21-
BED
ROOM
1
LIVING ROOM
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HALL
- 117"3"
11'6'
1.
FRONT VERANDA
MISSION
HOME AT
18TH STREET.
THE FLOOR PLAN
not quite so large, may be completed in the front part of the basement. The building is forty-eight feet square, brick veneered. A more loving token of appreciation to all the foreign missionaries can hardly be imagined.
Walter J. Hamilton, field secretary of Western District of Pennsylvania for a number of years, has been engaged for the same kind of work for half his time in Middle District. He entered upon his duties March 1, 1925.
348
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONVENTIONS IN MIDDLE PENNSYLVANIA
Field Secretary
1. 1876
Oct. 21 James Creek
2. 1878 Oct. 15 Spring Run
3. 1879 Jan. 14 Leamersville
1. 1896 Nov. 20 Altoona
2. 1897
Sep. 9-10
Everett
3. 1898
Sep. 7-8 Huntingdon
Walter A. Long
4.
1899
5.
1900
6.
1901
Aug.
Woodbury
Jesse B. Emmert
7. 1902
Aug. Spring Run
8. 1903
Irvin C. VanDyke Milton C. Swigart
9. 1904
10.
1905
Aug.
Clover Creek
11. 1906
Aug.
Altoona
Edgar M. Detwiler
12. 1907
Aug. Claar
13. 1908
Aug. Lewistown (Country)
66
14. 1909
Aug.
Curryville
66
15. 1910
Aug.
66
16.
1911
Aug. 30-31 Huntingdon
17. 1912
Aug. 28-30 Altoona
Ardie E. Wilt
18. 1913 Aug. 26-28 Everett
19. 1914 Aug. 25-27 Roaring Spring
20. 1915 Aug. 24-26 Williamsburg
66
21. 1916
Aug. 29-31 Lewistown
22. 1917
Aug. 28-30 Stonerstown
66
23. 1918
Aug. 27-29 Altoona
66
24. 1919
Aug. 26-29 Huntingdon Aug. 24-26 New Enterprise
26. 1921
Aug. 23-25 Woodbury
66
27. 1922 Aug. 29-31 Lewistown
28. 1923 Aug. 28-30 Martinsburg
29. 1924 Aug. 19-20 Spring Run
66
66
25. 1920
Galen B. Royer Kenneth Bechtel Foster Statler
349
THE GROWTH OF THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL IN MIDDLE DISTRICT
In the following table "E" means enrollment, given only because Average was not available. Absence of "E" means "average." "L," the school represented by a letter. "N. R.," school was running but not represented. "D," delegate and number before means number of delegates from the school in attendance. In last four columns, the number after the dash indicates number of months in session.
School
When Org.
1876
1878
1898
1908
1918
1923
Albright.
Aug.
5, 1911
55-12
92-12
Altoona, Ist ..
July
5, 1874
L-86
L-E91
182-12
186-12
269-12
302-12
Altoona, 28th
July
10, 1913
93-12
161-12
Ardenheim.
Late 70ties
65- 9
40- 9
65-12
Artemas
Not Known
63- 6
29- 9
48-12
Aultz. . .
Bannerville .
Jan.
1892
30-12
25-12
25-12
Bellwood. .
Aug.
22, 1894
71-12
60-12
119-12
Bethel, Jas. C.
1D-E45
2D
33- 6
40-12
46- 9
E120-12
Buck Valley.
30-12
Burnham.
Aug.
23, 1898
60-12
53-12
82-12
Carson Valley .
May
5, 1878
L
67-12
55-12
82-12
Claar. . .
May
13, 1877
... .
. . . .
....
75-12
94-12
93-12
Cherry Lane .
55- 6
40- 9
30-12
Clover Creek.
May
23, 1865
N. R.
1D
58-12
E104-12
69-12
73-12
Cold Springs.
June
1854
N. R.
38- 6
50-12
22-12
39-12
Curryville ..
Jan.
6, 1907
40-12
81-12
108-12
Dry Valley ..
1860
and
1868
2D-120
2D
77-12
70-12
68-12
Everett ...
1892
46-12
58-12
151-12
131-12
Fairview ..
1885
E207-12
66-12
104-12
Fairview, Art.
1896
Fairview, Everett.
July
4, 1897
Glendale, Art.
. April
1. 1923
. . .
....
. . ..
Germany Val. Union.
1864
2D
25- 9
39-
Hollidaysburg.
April
26, 1908
. .
..
. .
. .
45- 9
35-12
28-12
Huntingdon ..
Sep. 23, 1877
2D-E63
82-12
209-12
175-12
290-12
..
...
...
. ...
...
47- 9
56-12
110-12
Holsinger, D. Ck
35-12
28-
Holsinger, Wby ..
1880
. ...
....
...
...
-12
30- 9
22- 9
19- 9
....
....
...
.
A History of the Church of the Brethren
350
....
. ...
E73-6
...
...
. ...
Bethel. Yellow Creek
. ..
..
. .
E20-
Cross Roads .
....
...
.
. ...
2D
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
School
When Org.
1876
1878
1898
1908
1918
1923
James Creek.
May
14, 1876
1 D-36
2D-29
38-12
26-12
28-12
40-12
Juniata Park.
.April
2, 1905
....
. . . .
....
91-12
54-12
111-12
Juniata College.
90-10
110- 9
Koontz. .
1875
60- 6
48-12
54-12
74-12
Leamersville .
.May
2, 1875
N.R.
L-68
45-12
90-12
82-12
73-12
103-12
167-12
212-12
Lower Claar
. May
14, 1916
E45-12
52-12
Manor Hill.
1866
1D-E30
Martinsburg
May
1866
40-12
65-12
99-12
218-12
New Paris
22- 9
65-12
New Enterprise.
. April
1866
2D-E122
86-12
104-12
129-12
227-12
Pine Glen. .
E48- 6
42- 9
40-12
56-12
Point ...
20-12
16-12
Queen
74-12
36-12
Raven Run
1885
60-12
70- 9
75-12
Replogle ..
April
1, 1877
2D-E75
107- 9
76-12
105-12
146-12
Riddlesberg.
. Oct.
1, 1908
49- 9
68-12
Riggles Gap
Fall of 1916
30-12
Roaring Spring.
Oct. 24, 1910
162-12
317-12
Roaring Spring City .
Before 1894
57-12
94-12
Rock Hill.
April
1904
E75-12
35-
9
65-12
Salem Valley N. Ent.
1896(?)
30-12
60-
9
48-12
Snake Spring.
Aug.
26, 1878
77- 7
66- 9
76-12
105-12
Snyder, N. Ent ..
26- 6
.. .
Snyder, Wby ...
27- 9
68-12
Spring Mount.
1865
2D-60
34-12
39-12
15- 9
38-12
Spring Run.
Aug.
19, 1866
2D-E125
2D-E95
50- 6
75-12
104-12
163-12
Stonerstown ..
April
1, 1895
161-12
102-12
113-12
Sugar Grove, Ardm.
1875
36- 6
25-
6
.. .
Sugar Run, Augh.
1875
2D-60
2D-E76
E46-
6
40- 6
35-
9
Tyrone. .
1868 and 1894
90-12
201-12
65-12
94-12
Waterside ...
May
14, 1876
2D
2D-43
36-12
. ...
.. . .
30-12
52-12
70-12
Totals.
. . ..
....
1409
2438
3745
4756
.
. ..
.
.
47-12
102-12
Williamsburg. . .
Feb. 18, 1912
....
Yellow Creek.
....
....
35-
8
Smithfield.
18- 6
..:
Lewistown.
Sep.
25, 1892
. ...
.. . .
..
Snyder, Sn. Spg.
65- 3
351
CHAPTER V Ministerial Meetings
At the District Meeting held May 15, 1889, in the Clover Creek congregation, a program committee was suggested (names not recorded), and it had printed the following announcement :
BRETHREN'S MINISTERIAL MEETING For The MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PENNA., To Be Held In The JAMES CREEK CHURCH Dec. 12, 13 and 14, 1889
Wednesday evening, Preaching.
OPENING, THURSDAY MORNING. SESSION AT 10 O'CLOCK.
1. Organization and Statement of Object of Meeting.
2. How Shall We Retain Our Children in the Church? Jacob Hollinger, John Beaver.
3. Methods of Church Work. J. F. Oller, G. W. Brumbaugh.
AFTERNOON SESSION
4. Preacher's Preparation of His Work. S. G. Rupert, D. S. Clapper.
5. The Character and Deportment of the Minister. George Brumbaugh, E. D. Book.
6. Preaching to Preachers. William Howe, J. B. Replogle. EVENING SERMON
FRIDAY-MORNING SESSION
7. Revival Meetings. J. Snyder, James A. Sell. 8. Best Literature for Preachers Who Have Little Time to Read. C. L. Pfoutz, H. B. Brumbaugh.
9. Preachers' Helps, What Should They Be? J. W. Wilt, James R. Lane.
AFTERNOON SESSION
10. What Should Our Ministers T Teach in Regard to Church Finances ? Brice Sell, Thomas B. Maddocks.
11. The Basis of the Preacher's Power. Andrew Bashor, W. J. Swigart.
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in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
12. How to Conduct Church Meetings.
J. W. Brumbaugh, S. S. Gray.
EVENING SERMON
SATURDAY-MORNING SESSION
13. How to Preach. J. B. Fluck, J. A. Myers.
14. What Should Be the Relation of Our Ministers to the Sunday- school and Prayer Meeting? S. F. Myers, J. Z. Replogle.
The Committee said, in connection with the announce- ment, " They did the best they could in having the near surrounding churches represented by at least one on the program from each church. While it was impossible to place all, it is hoped that none on this account will remain away, as there will be general discussion on all the sub- jects named, in which every one can take part. It is de- sired that all of our ministers who can do so will be at the meeting."
The meeting was organized on Thursday morning. The minutes state it thus : " According to previous notice, a Ministerial Meeting was organized by electing Brother William Howe, moderator; H. B. Brumbaugh, assistant moderator ; John B. Fluck, secretary. About twenty-one ministers were present. Brother Howe stated the object of the meeting."
At the next meeting (22 ministers present) the secre- tary, James A. Sell, epitomized what Thomas B. Mad- docks said the object of the meeting was:
First. To bring us nearer to each other in feeling and practice. Second. To raise the standard of holiness among us.
At this meeting "H. B. Brumbaugh made an explanation of the Bible session to be held in the Normal at Huntingdon, January 5, 1891."
It was also unanimously decided to " hold two ministerial meetings each year, one in the east end of the district and the other in the west and extending the same privileges that we now have."
The secretary, at the close, wrote in the minutes thus : "The meet- ing was pronounced by one and all who were present to be the best and most enjoyable meeting they ever attended.
Is this a shadow faint and dim of that which is to come?
What shall the unveiled splendor be of our celestial home Where waves the golden tree of life and all its streams gush free, And all is glowing in the light of immortality."
In 1892, at Hill Valley, there was a departure of un- usual type for those times, when Seth F. Myers made an
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A History of the Church of the Brethren
" address of welcome," and a "Response " was given by J. W. Brumbaugh. At this meeting, too, three of the fourteen topics discussed were on the Sunday-school. Then, in 1896, at Altoona, all of Friday's session,-fore- noon, afternoon and evening, was devoted to the Sunday- school. This, the first all-day session in behalf of Sunday- schools, has continued to the present in the form of our August conventions.
In 1900, the Ministerial Meeting sessions were cut from three to two days. In 1903 they were reduced to a day and a half. In 1910 it united with the District Sunday- school convention, and the two were held in August, instead of November. The Ministerial Meeting had Wednesday evening and Thursday, while the Sunday- school had Thursday evening and Friday for sessions. In 1913 an Educational program was placed between the ministerial and Sunday-school programs, and the min- isterial meeting was reduced to Tuesday evening and Wednesday forenoon.
Because of lack of attendance and interest the Minis- terial Meeting of 1922 thought to better itself by becom- ing a part of the District Meeting Program, and in 1923 held its first session in April.
One cannot go over the annual programs of this organ- ization for a generation without being deeply impressed with the zeal and vision which those attending regularly had. There were a number of faces who were seen at almost every session during these thirty-five years, and these are the ones who have been pillars in the district,- who were known beyond the bounds of the district. The very fact they attended regularly and exchanged thought on the various subjects vital to Christianity made them more efficient at home, and enlarged their usefulness away from home. There have been more real growth and help in the Ministerial Meetings than the preacher, who has not been attending regularly, thought.
354
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
PLACES, DATES, AND NAMES OF MODERATORS OF THE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
Churches
Dates
Moderators
James Creek
December 12-14, 1889
Henry B. Brumbaugh Jacob F. Oller
Clover Creek
November 25-27, 1891
James A. Sell
Aughwick
November 2- 4, 1892
Woodbury
November 22-24, 1893
66
James Creek
October 17-19, 1894
John B. Fluck
Snake Spring
November 20-22, 1895
James A. Sell
Altoona
November 18-20, 1896
William J. Swigart
New Enterprise
November 7- 9, 1897
James A. Sell
Dry Valley
November 18-20, 1898
William J. Swigart
Leamersville
November 22-24, 1899
Everett
November 22-23, 1900
Clover Creek
November 21-22, 1901 November 26-27, 1902 November 18-19, 1903
John Bennett
Roaring Spring
November 3- 4, 1904
James A. Sell
Aughwick
November 15-16, 1905
John B. Brumbaugh
Snake Spring Altoona
November 20-22, 1907
Clover Creek
November 18-19, 1908
Lewistown
November 17-18, 1909
Claar
Aug. 31, Sept. 2, 1910
James A. Sell
Huntingdon
August
30-31, 1911
Altoona
August
28-29, 1912
Everett
August
26-27, 1913
Roaring Spring
August
25-26, 1914
Albert G. Crosswhite 66
Williamsburg
August
24-25, 1915
Lewistown
August
29-30, 1916
Stonerstown
August
28-29, 1917
Altoona
August
27-28, 1918
Huntingdon
August
27-28, 1919
New Enterprise
August
24-25, 1920
Woodbury
August
23-24, 1921
Lewistown
August
29-30, 1922
Spring Run
April
18-19, 1923
Joseph W. Wilt 66 66
Stonerstown
April
8-9, 1924
John B. Fluck William J. Swigart
Fairview
James A. Sell
New Enterprise
November 22-23, 1906
William J. Swigart 66 James A. Sell
Henry B. Brumbaugh
William J. Swigart
66
William J. Swigart Walter S. Long
J. Allen Myers Ira C. Holsopple Charles O. Beery Galen K. Walker
355
Maitland
December 18-20, 1890
CHAPTER VI Sisters' Aid Society
The "weaker vessel," it would appear, the brethren purposed to keep weak. They were in authority and took literally, as well as conscientiously, Paul's words, "let them keep silence " to the extent that the sisters' only function was to cook meals and keep quiet. And what a struggle these "weak ones" have had to wedge them- selves into the recognition they now enjoy.
First, as far back as 1885, at the missionary meeting at Mexico, (Pa.), General Conference, a few fearless ones undertook to do something besides keeping quiet. But in all well-meaning on the part of the Standing Com- mittee, they were forbidden public service, and just per- mitted to give their hard-earned savings to the mission work of the church.
But these " weak ones " had strength, and this quality manifested itself in humble courage to press forward and faith to abide the time when they would come into their own. Their courage was seen in the fact that some of them went home from the Mexico conference and in less than two months organized an Aid Society in Altoona ; and a little later another at Huntingdon. In Altoona they called themselves a Sewing Society, and the first article made and sold was a white apron for twenty-eight cents.
The Huntingdon sisters had been, for four years, work- ing in an unorganized way. Even then, they met occa- sionally and, through committees appointed, visited the sick and helped the poor during the winters. They were party to starting the Huntingdon orphanage in 1881. And finally, in September, 1885, they also organized into an Aid Society.
About this same year,-date not definitely known,-a society was formed at Clover Creek. Then, as far as the District is concerned, these three were the lone societies until 1898, when Tyrone and Leamersville organized.
In the meantime a query from some district went to
356
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
General Conference, and it was answered favorable to the societies. "Is it right," asked the query, "according to the spirit of the Gospel, to have sewing societies in the church?" "Yes!" said the Conference, "if the sisters labor in union with the Church as expressed in the coun- cil and according to the principles of the Gospel."-Min- utes of Conference, Art. 6, 1895. This decision helped where sentiment was favorable to the societies.
In 1912, some sisters gathered at the Conference and elected Mrs. Walter Keller, president, and Mrs. Olive Dupler, secretary, as the beginning of a general organ- ization. Through this secretary a sister was appointed in each district to develop sentiment and take steps towards organization. Esther S. Sell was appointed for Middle District in 1913, and served eight years. During this time no delegate meeting was held, but sometimes the sisters who were at a District Meeting would get together and talk over the work in an informal way.
In 1821, Sister Sell having resigned on account of her health, Mrs. Anna M. Royer was appointed secretary by the general organization. She called a delegate meeting in connection with the District Meeting that year at Twenty-eight Street, Altoona. Mrs. Alice A. Long was appointed secretary for this meeting. The following year, at the Spring Run District Meeting, another delegate meeting was held, at which the following organization was effected : Mrs. Anna M. Royer, president; Mrs. John Breinninger, vice-president; Mrs. Sannie Shelly Beery, secretary ; Mrs. Eleanor J. Brumbaugh, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Viola Myers, treasurer. On April 8, 1924, from 1:30 to 3 P. M., the sisters held their first public program at the District Meeting held at Stonerstown. It was as follows :
Mrs. Anna M. Royer presided.
Mrs. Sarah Shelly, of Fairview congregation, conducted the devo- tional.
The Early History of the Aid Society-Mrs. Eleanor J. Brumbaugh, of Huntingdon.
The Present Day Work and Possibilities-Mrs. Sannie Shelly Beery, of Juniata.
Reading, "The Sisters' Aid "-Mrs. Cora Bennet, of Altoona. Special Music.
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A History of the Church of the Brethren
The treasurer reported that the total receipts from the societies for the District was $3,881.76. There were 419 members in the twenty-two societies of the District.
SISTERS' AID SOCIETIES
Date of Organization according to reports in this History.
1. Altoona, First Church July 21, 1885
15. Fairview.
. Apr. 13, 1910
2. Huntingdon.
. Sep. 18, 1885
16. Burnham
. Apr. 14, 1910
3. Martinsburg
1890
17. Carson Valley . June 22, 1911
4. Tyrone .. . Between 1897-1899
18. Clover Creek.
May 12, 1912
5. Leamersville June
6. Lewistown.
Oct.
1898 1902
20. Woodbury
Feb. 19, 1913
8. Roaring Spring.
May
1903
22. Albright.
Sep.
1913
9. Stonerstown
1904
23. Bellwood.
Mar. 19, 1914
10. Everett.
1904
24. Williamsburg.
Mar. 7. 1917
11. Spring Run Feb. 25, 1905
25. Altoona. 28th St.
Aug. 14, 1916
12. Juniata Park.
Feb.
1908 26. Dry Valley.
Dec. 31, 1912
13. Hollidaysburg.
Dec. 2, 1908
27. Snake Spring.
Apr. 25, 1921
14. Riddlesburg. Jan. 1, 1910
28. Curryville.
Mar. 16, 1922
No Societies in the following:
Augh wick
Cherry Lane
Queen
Ardenheim
Claar
Smithfield
Artemas
James Creek
Warriors Mark
Dunnings Creek
Lower Claar
Yellow Creek
19. Koontz. .
. Oct. 23, 1912
7. Raven Run
Apr. 5, 1903
21. New Enterprise Mar. 22, 1913
358
CHAPTER VII Old Folks' Home
The Duncansville Church, soon after the division of the State into districts was made, asked the District Meeting to consider the propriety of establishing a home for the aged poor of the fraternity. The request received but slight attention, and was deferred indefinitely.
In 1880, the Huntingdon Church sent to the District Meeting the following: "We favor the establishing of a ' Home' somewhere in the West, for the benefit of the poor and infirm of our fraternity, and recommend the project to the favorable consideration of our District Meeting."
The meeting decided "That the delegates take the resolution home with them and submit it to their re- spective churches, and have them consider the subject, and then have the matter more fully discussed at the next District Meeting."
The project did not come up again till 1891, when Lew- istown Church "petitioned District Meeting to take measures to erect a home." Jacob F. Oller, Andrew Spanogle, Michael H. Bashore, John B. Fluke and Henry B. Brumbaugh were appointed a committee " to carefully study the manner of conducting a house of this kind and prepare a plan to complete for its erection and maintain- ance, with constitution and by-laws, and that it be pub- lished before March 1, 1891; and that this report be examined, discussed and acted upon by the next District Meeting, the churches instructing their delegates for or against the measure with suggestions for amend-
ments, etc."
At the District Meeting of 1892 the whole subject was deferred. Representatives from the several districts of Maryland were present "to confer in regard to uniting in the erection and maintaining of a Home, committees to represent the dividing of the Districts were appointed for this purpose, and that arrangements might be made to push the work forward."
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A History of the Church of the Brethren
The Altoona Church sent this resolution to the District Meeting of 1893: " This church is favorable to a Home for Old Folks and willing to contribute to its erection ; but not favorable to uniting with more than one or two other districts." Andrew Spanogle, representing the committee, said "the difficulty in doing anything was the locating, and therefore nothing was accomplished." This meeting appointed Andrew Spanogle, Alfred O. Dilling, Henry B. Brumbaugh, Joseph W. Wilt, and George S. Myers as a committee " whose duty it will be to locate and make all necessary preparations for build- ing and furnishing such a home. The location and build- ing shall be of such a character as will meet the present needs, and so planned that it can be enlarged as the in- creasing wants may depend. And that the funds needed shall be raised by individual subscriptions, donations and endowments."
The committee reported at the District Meeting of 1894 that it had "purchased a large brick house in Shirleys- burg. . . . $2,000.00, which, when built, cost over $6,- 000.00, and as it is in excellent condition the committee feels that they have succeeded in giving the District a very good and cheap home. The Committee also had the District canvassed and raised $2,384.45." The committee was discharged and five trustees were elected, as follows : Andrew Spanogle, five years ; Henry B. Brumbaugh, four years ; Albert O. Dilling, three years ; James E. Long, two years, and Joseph W. Wilt, one year. The trustees em- ployed Seth F. Myers as steward, and the home, called " Rockview Old Folks' Home," was opened. First year expenses were $234.00, and steward's salary, $300.00.
In 1899 the trustees asked "to solicit means looking to the building of such annexes as may be deemed neces- sary," though they would not go ahead and build without further instructions. In 1901 a change of location was considered to such an extent that Henry B. Brumbaugh, Albert O. Dilling, and John S. Hershberger, were ap- pointed as a committee to co-operate "with the trustees as to receiving persons other than our own members . . . so long as it does not interfere with the needs of our own District."
The committee appointed at the previous meeting re-
360
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
ported to the District Meeting, 1902, " that the buildings at Shirleysburg would soon need considerable repairs ; . . no convenient method of supplying water and sewer- age; ... and being three stories was not so well adapted for aged and infirm persons ; neither was the location cen- tral in the District. Therefore, we decided to locate at Martinsburg, if grounds could be secured." It further re- ported that it did purchase a parcel of ground by agree- ment, and sold the Shirleysburg property for $2,160.00 cash. A financial statement "of funds in sight," is as follows :
By Will $300.00
Promised by Harrisburg and
Vicinity 300.00
Promised to solicitors, about .. 900.00
Amount in bank. 2,367.74
$3,867.74
Less indebtedness
746.65
$3,121.09
JOHN BENNETT, Secretary.
At this District Meeting " reason not given, Duncans- ville respectfully request to discontinue the Home." This petition was lost.
The next year the trustees made a report, of which this is a summary, of the cost of the new home; a brick veneered two-story building, 32 x 64 feet :
Cost of grounds $537.97 Basement, walls, heating, plumb-
ing, fencing, etc. 1,814.12
Contract for new building 4,691.98
Other items in total. 101.05
$7,145.12
Total indebtedness on the New Home. . $2,923.76
This new home, to be known hereafter as the "Morri- son's Cove Home," was dedicated August 12, 1903, Wil- liam J. Swigart leading in the services.
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A History of the Church of the Brethren
In 1909 the trustees reported "the pressing need of ability to make room or enlarge their buildings, . . . for,
TWO VIEWS OF THE MORRISON'S COVE HOME FOR THE AGED, AT MARTINSBURG
during the year just closed, fifteen applicants for admis- sion had been turned away." The next year the report says twenty were rejected for want of room. "An en-
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in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
thusiastic discussion followed, . .. the meeting express- ing itself in sympathy with the work, and a motion pre- vailed to solicit funds to justify a forward movement in building."
The following year (1912), the trustees reported the erection of a new building, 32 x 64, costing $4,011.31. The building committee consisted of Aaron B. Mock, James Wineland, Jeremiah Klepser, John B. Miller, Jacob Gal- ley, and Daniel B. Maddock. The last named made the plans for the building. The response from the congrega- tions were so hearty that but $1,650.00 of debt rested on the building when it was occupied, and this was cancelled by District Meeting, 1921.
At the 1912 District Meeting a petition from Western District was presented in which they would unite with Middle in having a home. Brice Sell, William S. Ritchey and Leonard F. Holsinger were appointed a committee to co-operate with the trustees in conference with Western District and report in one year. They reported they saw no way of uniting, and the matter was deferred one year.
Donation day was suggested in 1913, and proved very helpful from year to year. In 1920 Joseph W. Wilt sug- gested a reunion of the churches at the Home. This 'Old Folks' Home Day " proved so enjoyable and profit- able that the District Meeting of 1921 adopted the fol- lowing resolution, presented by James A. Sell: "that this meeting authorized the trustees . . . to arrange an appropriate program, appoint a day and circularize the District, inviting all churches, Sunday-schools, Christian Workers' Meetings and Bible Classes to bring their ala- baster boxes as offerings to pour upon the Saviour in the person of our aged poor."
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