USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 34
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
He was united in marriage with Susannah, daughter of Peter and Nancy Shoop, the union being sol- emnized by Reverend Fitchner, June 1, 1854. To them were born two daughters, Annie E., who married Paul G. Nowag, of Johnstown, (Pa.), and Lottie, who married Samuel J. Holsinger, Phoenix, (Ariz.).
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Clover Creek congregation, George Brumbaugh administering baptism, in the early Spring of 1855. He was "then in full harmony with the teachings of the church, with a few exceptions." He could not see "that edu- cation. was a dangerous thing and had a great thirsting for more of it." He "was never much afraid of Sunday-schools, yet for some reason he never attended one regularly." He "believed in plainness of attire, but never accepted the uniformity theory." The Clover Creek congregation called him to the ministry, October 28, 1866; had him advanced to the second degree a few months afterwards, and ordained, through the laying on of hands, October 21, 1890. He "worked without jarring with the congregation in which he lived or the officers under whom he served for more than fifteen years." The Gospel Visitor, an eight-page monthly, had been published at Poland, (O.), since 1851. During 1856-7, under the direction of Henry Kurtz, he learned the printing business in his shop. In the latter part of 1857, he undertook the publication of the Morrison's Cove Journal, at Martinsburg, (Pa.), but the financial crisis of that year compelled him to abandon the project after he had secured over 500 subscriptions. Thwarted in his printing dreams for a time, he taught school till 1863. Again he opened a printing shop, this one in Tyrone, and published the Tyrone Herald until November, 1864. At the District Meeting of 1864 he received permission to publish, on his own responsibility, "an independent church paper, published weekly."
445
A History of the Church of the Brethren
May 10, 1864,* the first number of the first weekly ever published in the Church of the Brethren, appeared. Thus appears the heading of this humble yet portentous beginning :
CHRISTIAN FAMILY COMPANION By H. R. Holsinger, "Whosoever loveth me keepeth my command- ments." At $1.50, postage prepaid.
Volume I TYRONE CITY, PA., May 10, 1864 Specimen Number.
Thus he spoke, in part, in his introduction : " Believing, as I do, and without a shadow of a doubt, that the Church of the Brethren t is now the only religious organization, in the Western World, which teaches the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, as it is revealed in the New Testament; and which has for its sole object the glory of God and the salvation of the soul. I have often looked forward -- with anxious heart-to the time when no man can say, '1 knew not that such a church was in existence.'" He gives these reasons for sending forth his paper: First, to furnish "my brethren with a weekly journal which shall be free from all vanity, fiction, falsehood, etc. Second, To afford a medium for free dis- cussions, etc. Third, To give wholesome instruction and kindly admonition, etc. Fourth, To give interesting church news, etc.
Disappointment again awaited him. He took sample copies of his new paper to the Hagerstown, (Ind.), General Conference, and advertised through the Gospel Visitor. but received so little en- couragement that he did not begin publication. He issued an- other sample copy in October, 1864, in which he stated he would begin the publication regularly, January 1, 1865. Less than 400 subscriptions began the regular issue. During the first five issues, 252 more subscribers were added. The year closed with over 1,000 subscriptions; second year, 1,500; third year, 2,000; and fourth year, 3,000.
In 1870, he began the publication of the Pious Youth, a monthly paper for young people; but, after two years, it was discontinued for want of patronage.
In 1871 he published the first issue of the Brethren's Almanac, which has grown into our present Year Book.
He continued this weekly, at Tyrone, until 1871, for the October 31 issue of that year is headed " Dale City, (Pa.)." In 1873, he sold his Christian Family Companion and the Almanac to James Quinter, who consolidated the former with the Gospel Visitor. At Myersdale he published the Dale City Record, and compiled our first Brethren Hymn and Tune Book.
About 1874, he sold all his interests in Meyersdale and moved to Berlin (same county), and undertook the task of raising $200,000.00
* In his editorial, " Migration," in October 17, 1871, issue of the Christian Family Companion, Brother Holsinger says: "Over eight years ago we moved to Tyrone and commenced the publication of a secular paper and opened a job print- ing office. . . . After commencing the publication of the Companion we sold out our local paper and job office."
t Let the reader note here perhaps the first use in print of the present name of the Church.
446
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
to endow a Church of the Brethren college, to be located in that city. After two years of self-sacrificing effort, which bore little fruits, he reluctantly gave up the project.
In 1878, he, with Joseph Beer, began publishing the Progressive Christian, at Berlin. Brother Beer soon after became sole owner, and later the periodical was discontinued. In 1880, Brother Hol- singer and Howard Miller revived the paper; but Brother Miller withdrew in two months, and Brother Holsinger continued the pub- lication until 1882, when it was removed to Ashland, (O.), consoli- dated with the Gospel Preacher, published there, and, under the new name, The Brethren Evangelist was begun. This new peri- odical became the mouthpiece of those dear ones who, through the unfortunate division, withdrew from the Church of the Brethren communion.
Some of the underlying issues that brought on this heart-rending division are the following : (1) Missions, Sunday-schools and church colleges; (2) An educated and supported ministry; (3) A church government of a more congregational type; (4) Freedom of con- science in relation to uniformity in dress.
The immediate and outward occasion for withdrawing fellowship from our dear Brother was the following: (1) On the part of Brother Holsinger the employment of "a stenographer to take down and publish the proceedings of the council." (2) On the part of the Berlin congregation the decision that the council shall be "held openly to all members, and persons not members of the Brethren Church will be considered present by courtesy only, and none but members of the Berlin Church and the Committee are invited to participate in the business." *
These procedures of Brother Holsinger and of the Berlin congre- gation were unusual for the Church of the Brethren, and, after some consideration and one night of rest, the committee from General Conference, on August 10, 1881, withdrew fellowship. This action was ratified by the next General Conference.
Brother Holsinger, with the exception of 1884-5, continued to be editor of the Brethren Evangelist, from 1882 until its purchase by the denomination, in 1892.
In June, 1882, Brother Holsinger and those who withdrew with him, held a General Conference at Ashland, (O.). He was moder- ator of that Conference, and the two succeeding ones. In 1897, on account of his health, he went to California, and there completed his History of the Tunkers and the Brethren, in 1901. This, in many ways, is a valuable historical work for the Church of the Brethren. It contains 826 pages, and about 400 illustrations.
During his later years he was afflicted in such a manner that at times he could not talk, but made himself understood by pointing to printed words. From California, he went to his daughter, in Phoenix, (Ariz.), and then back to Johnstown, (Pa.), where, in the home of his daughter, Annie, he died, Sunday evening, March 12, 1905. Funeral services conducted by William S. Bell; interment at Berlin, (Pa.)
* Minutes of the Annual Meeting, Art. 11, 1882.
447
A History of the Church of the Brethren
HOLSINGER, I. EDWARD, oldest of seven children of the family of Levi and Barbara (née Replogle) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near New Enterprise, (Pa.), August 10, 1878. Though reared on the farm, his de- sires were for scholastic attainments. He graduated from the Normal English course at Juniata College, 1902; A.B., 1909; A.M., University of Pittsburgh, 1913. He taught school as follows: South Woodbury Township, Bedford County, from
1896 to 1901; Principal Hopewell
Public School, 1902-1903 ; Saxton Public Schools, 1903-1906; Tyrone High Schools, 1909-1911; Teacher in Mckeesport High School, 1911- 1912; Principal Avalon High School, 1912-1916; Head Teacher Latimer Junior High School, Pitts- burgh, 1916-1918; had charge of Boys' Work in Pittsburgh, 1918-1920; Director of Boys' Work, Elmira, (N. Y.), since July, 1920.
He was united in marriage with Laura Barbara, daughter of Obediah S. and Amanda (née Buck) Ober, the union being solemnized by Charles L. Buck, June 29, 1904. To them are born two sons,-Alden C., February 22, 1908, and Bernard O., June 22, 1911.
He united with the Church of the Brethren while John G. Royer was holding a revival meeting in the New Enterprise congregation, (Pa.), through baptism administered by David T. Detwiler, in the Autumn of 1891. The Huntingdon congregation, while he was at- tending college, called him to the ministry, May 17, 1908. The First Church of Pittsburgh advanced him to the second degree, in 1915, Theodore R. Coffman officiating. He was a member of the Execu- tive Board of Sunday-schools in Western District of Pennsylvania, and served as field secretary, 1914-1917. He is the originator of the circuit idea, worked so effectually in that district. His home is at 709 West Third Street, Elmira, (N. Y.).
HOLSINGER, JOHN, second of five children of Rudolph Holsinger, who came to America in 1731, was born, presumably, in Germany, July 21, 1768, for the family is of German extraction. There was an older son, George. Jacob, next younger to John, was born during the ocean voyage to this country. David and Annie were the other two children.
John was united in marriage with Elizabeth Mack, born October 13, 1776, a direct descendant of Alexander Mack, one of the founders of the Church in Germany. To them were born four sons,-John M., George M., Daniel M., and Alexander M.
He was an elder in the Church of the Brethren and associated with Samuel Ulery in the beginnings of the church in Morrison's Cove. The date of his death is unknown, for his body lies on the old home-
448
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
stead, south of Baker's Summit, marked with a limestone on which are chiseled the letters J. H .*
HOLSINGER, JOHN L., youngest of six children of John M. and Barbara (née Long) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Church of the Brethren, was born on the old homestead farm, near Bak- er's Summit, Bedford County, (Pa.), June 9, 1845. Reared on the farm, he enjoyed the advantages of the public schools and made his living farming. In 1907, with his family, save two children, he moved to Okla- homa, where he has since resided.
He was united, June 1, 1875, in marriage with Esther Ann, daughter of Joseph and Charity (née Whit- field) Streight, then members of the Christian Church, who came from Fulton County, (Pa.). To this union were born eleven children: Abigail, married to David C. Pote; Barbara, married to John K. Frederick; Charity, (Edward and David, deceased), Esther, married to James Crow, Oliver, Melda, married to Frederick Holderead; Joseph, Ralph, a minister, and Julius.
In early life he, with his wife, united with the Church of the Brethren, in the New Enterprise congregation. Here he was called to the ministry, in 1876. In the Woodbury congregation, through the laying on of hands of two of the following: John S. Holsinger, John W. Brumbaugh and Joseph Z. Replogle, he was ordained, December 25, 1886. He succeeded John B. Replogle in the oversight of the Woodbury congregation, August 18, 1900, with Charles L. Buck, Joseph S. Snowberger and George W. Brumbaugh having charge. He usually attended District Meeting; was frequently sent to Gen- eral Conference as delegate. He was called upon to baptize many ; was active in the Sunday-school. He now resides in the Big Creek congregation, in Oklahoma. Address, Agra, (Okla.).
HOLSINGER, JOHN SNYDER, second of six children of George M. and Sarah (née Snyder) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Baker's Summit, Bedford County, (Pa.), September 7, 1829. His father was a bishop and encouraged his son to secure education until he was able to teach a number of years in public school. He made his living principally by farming.
He was united in marriage with Esther, daughter of Ellis Rogers, May 19, 1853, and to them were born a number of children, but only one, Ellis, lived to maturity.
When but twelve years old, his parents moved to Dunnings Creek congregation, where, in 1850 or 1851, he united with the Church of
* Gleaned for the most part from Blough's History of the Churches of Western Pennsylvania.
449
A History of the Church of the Brethren
the Brethren. This congregation called him to the ministry. He moved his family to Tippecanoe County, (Ia.), where he was or- dained, January 15, 1871. He had the oversight of the congregation there till 1893, when he moved to Prince William County, (Va.), and settled on a farm. He attended District Meetings, served as clerk once; three times as moderator, and four times represented his con- gregation at General Conference during the period that Dunnings Creek belonged to Western District of Pennsylvania. He died No- vember 8, 1910 .*
HOLSINGER, LEONARD REPLOGLE, third of seven children of Levi F. and Barbara (née Replogle) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born at Water- side, Bedford County, (Pa.), April 2, 1882. Reared on the farm, yet he completed the common school course at Waterside and New Enterprise, attended one summer normal at the latter place, one year special work at Juniata College, a number of Bible Institutes, and spent two years in Crozer Theological Seminary, and thus prepared himself for life. In recent years, due to a run down physical condition, he changed from pastoral work to fruit farming. He hopes, however, to take up pastoral work again.
He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John T. and Justina (née Berheimer) Hetrick, of Waterside, (Pa.), on August 22, 1906, Harvey S. Replogle officiating. At the time the bride was principal of the Waterside schools. To them are born five children,-Stanford, Freda, Leonard, Irene, and Clyde.
In the Morrelville congregation (W. Pa.) he united with the Church of the Brethren, through baptism administered by Harvey S. Replogle, August 30, 1909. The West Johnstown (W. Pa.) con- gregation called him to the ministry on January 13, 1910; and the Red Bank congregation, same district, through the laying on of hands by Silas Hoover and Harvey S. Replogle, had him ordained, July 20, 1913. He served as pastor in the following congregations : Red Bank, (W. Pa.), February 1, 1911, to September 1, 1914, two years of which he was bishop; Coventry, (S. E. Pa.), September 1, 1914, to April 1, 1920, both pastor and bishop. He has been active in the evangelistic field, holding, on an average, three meetings per year for the last twelve years. He has represented his congregation at Dis- trict Meting twelve times; at General Conference, five times; and has served the Standing Committee at Hershey, in 1918. He served as moderator of the bishops, as well as president of the Sunday-school Association of his District (S. E. Pa., N. J. and E. N. Y.), during 1918-19; was member of the ministerial board of same district dur-
* Gleaned from Blough's History of Western Pennsylvania.
450
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
ing 1918-19; member of the committee from the District to Bethany Church during 1917-18; elected member of the General Ministerial Board when first organized, in 1919, at the Winona Conference, and by it made secretary-treasurer, in which capacity he served for a short time. His address is Martinsburg, (Pa.).
HOLSINGER, LEVI F., the only child of Levi, Sr., and Elizabeth (née Furry) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near New Enterprise, (Pa.), January 23, 1856. His father was accidentally killed when the child was of tender age, and he remem- bers little about him. The son had the advantages of a common school education and has made his living, farming.
He was united in marriage with Barbara S., daughter of Isaac, Sr., and Elizabeth (née Snowberger) Replogle, members of the Church of the Brethren, the union being solemn- ized by Joseph B. Replogle, Septem- ber 25, 1877. To them were born seven children,-I. Edward, Christian R., Leonard R., Elizabeth, Lester H., Iva, and Orville. The mother died November 30, 1922, and is buried in the New Enterprise Cemetery.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the New Enterprise congregation, in 1876, Henry Hershberger administering baptism. This congregation called him to the ministry, March 8, 1884, and had him ordained, by the laying on of hands by James A. Sell, on September 4, 1897. He has represented his congregation at both District and General Conferences a number of times; has been a teacher in the Sunday-school during nearly all of his ministry and has served several years as superin- tendent. He has conducted some sixty-one revival meetings in various congregations in Pennsylvania and Maryland, and 186 have been led to confess Christ in baptism. His home is at New Enterprise, (Pa.).
HOLSINGER, VIRGIL CLAIR, oldest of two sons and two daughters of William W. and Corena Jane (née Gates) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born October 29, 1892, on a Clover Creek Valley farm, about five miles south of Williamsburg, (Pa.). His parents, being in favor of a liberal education, did all they could for their children in that direction. Virgil, after attending common school,
451
A History of the Church of the Brethren
took a pedagogical course at Elizabethtown College, and graduated in 1914. He was principal of East Lampeter High School, Lancaster County, (Pa.), for four years, and then moved to Bellwood. He is continuing his education at Juniata College.
He was united in marriage with Emma Besse, daughter of Samuel Edward and Catherine (nee Stineman) Wright, William H. Hol- singer solemnizing the union, September 6, 1914. To them were born three children,-Virgil Clair, Jr., Catherine May, and Galen Wright.
In August, 1903, when but ten years old, Virgil accepted Christ and was baptized by John H. Brumbaugh, in the stream just a few rods from his home. He was active in Sunday-school work through the years, was called to the ministry in the Fairview congregation, October 15, 1910, and, through the laying on of hands by Walter S. I,ong and Joseph W. Wilt, on July 26, 1923, was ordained in the Bellwood congregation. On September 1, 1920, the young people took the pastorate of the Bellwood congregation on partial support, with the privilege of teaching or continuing his college education. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting twice, and at General Conference, once. June 1, 1924, he resigned his pastorate and is teaching in the Williamsburg, (Pa.), schools. Address, Wil- liamsburg, (Pa.).
HOLSINGER, WILLIAM HENRY, last of four children, all sons, of Joseph H. and Rebecca (née Blackburn) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Alum Bank, Bedford County, (Pa.), March 7, 1872. After spend- ing three years in Bridgewater, (Va.), Academy, he engaged in farm- ing and teaching for eighteen years. For a number of years he devoted his time to pastoral work, but re- cently he has turned his attention to teaching again.
He was united in marriage with Corena J., daughter of Joseph K. and Harriet (née Brumbaugh) Gates, George W. Brumbaugh solemnizing the union on December 6, 1891. To them were born two sons, Virgil and Paul, and two daughters, Freda and Orpha.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Fairview con- gregation, Joseph S. Snowberger administering baptism, on Decem- ber 29, 1888. This congregation called him to the ministry, May 21, 1904; and had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Jacob K. Brown and John R. Stayer, May 30, 1908. He served as bishop and pastor of the Fairview congregation, 1908-19; Williams- burg, 1917-21, and Smithfield, 1917-24. He has been active in Sunday-school work, serving as teacher, superintendent,-as member of the District Sunday-school Board of Blair County, ten years; member of the District Mission Board of the Church of the Breth- ren, ten years, four years of which he was its secretary-treasurer.
452
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
He has represented his congregation at District Meeting sixteen times, and General Conference, six times. His home is in Williams- burg, (Pa.).
HOLSOPPLE, FRANK FERRY, third in a family of eleven children of Joseph and Catherine (née Lehman) Holsopple, was born in a log house on a small farm near Indiana, (Pa.), January 13, 1866. His father was an influen- tial bishop in the Church of the Brethren. After receiving a common school education he attended Indiana Normal, (1884) ; Purchase Line Academy (1885-6), and Penn Run Acad- emy (1887), and during this time and in all six years, he taught country school. April, 1889, he entered upon the Normal English course of what is now Juniata College, gradu- ated in 1891, and continued his studies in
Bible and college one year. Later he did graduate work at the University of Pennsyl- vania and at Harvard. In recognition of his ability as a student and teacher he has re- ceived the following degrees : Lebanon Valley College, M.S., 1906; Juniata College, A.M., 1911; McPherson Col- lege, (Kan.), L.H.D., 1917; Blue Ridge College, (Md.), D.D., 1923. From 1901 to 1914 he was head of the English department of Juni- ata College.
He was united in marriage with Grace, daughter of James and Fannie (née Studebaker) Quinter, at her home, in Huntingdon, (Pa.), on October 5, 1892. To them were born Frances Q., Joseph Q. (deceased), Naomi Q., James Q., Herman L., and Mary C.
In the Manor congregation, (W. Pa.), he united with the Church of the Brethren, through baptism administered by Mark Minser, on February 27, 1887. The some congregation called him to the min- istry, June 2, 1887; the Huntingdon congregation had him advanced to the second degree, November 14, 1891; and the Hagerstown con- gregation (Md.) ordained him to the full ministry, through the laying on of hands by Caleb Long and Samuel F. Hartrauft, June 9, 1920. Besides his untiring efforts in the Educational world he has served as pastor of Sergeantsville (N. J.) congregation, September 1, 1892, to October 1, 1895; Parkerford, 1895, to September 1, 1901 ; from July 1, 1914, till September 1, 1917, he acted in the capacity of District Superintendent of the Pennsylvania Anti-Saloon League, with headquarters at Harrisburg. He served as president of Blue Ridge College, (Md.), 1917-19; and entered upon his present pastor- ate at Hagerstown, (Md.), on September 1, 1919. During his present (1924) pastorate, 361 have been received into the church by letter, confession or baptism.
He has represented his congregation twelve times at District Meet- ing and six times at General Conference. He represented his District on Standing Committee of Conference in 1922, at Winona Lake, (Ind.), and was Standing Committee appointee of the Council of
453
A History of the Church of the Brethren
Promotion at the Calgary Conference, in 1923, and reappointed at Hershey Conference, 1924. Address, Hagerstown, (Md.).
HOLSOPPLE, IRA CALVIN, eighth of thirteen children of Joseph and Catherine (née Lehman) Holsopple, was born in Cherry Hill Township, Indiana County, (Pa.), September 7, 1871. His parents were members of the Church of the Brethren, the father a bishop of influence in his District. Grammar school completed, he attended Greenville Academy and taught public school three years. He spent one term at Juniata, in 1892, and then, on account of ill health, two years on a fruit farm in New Jersey. He returned to Juniata College and completed the Normal English course in 1896, and taught three years after graduation.
He was united in marriage with Amanda, the daughter of Edwin and Mary A. (née Landes) John, of Kenilworth, Chester County, (Pa.), Frank F. Holsopple, a brother of the bridegroom, solemnizing the union at the bride's home, December 27, 1900. To them was born one son, Ira John.
He united with the Church of the Brethren while attending school at Juniata the first term, William J. Swigart administering baptism, May 21, 1892. The Amwell congregation (N. J.) called him to the ministry, June 9, 1895, and on August 19, William J. Swigart, as- sisted by John D. Hoppock and Amos Haines, installed him at Amwell, (N. J.). He preached his first sermon at Juniata College, text John 2: 5, on September 8, following his installation. The Manor congregation (W. Pa.) had him advanced to the second degree, October 29, 1897, Jacob Holsopple, an uncle, officiating. The Everett congregation had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Tobias T. Myers and David A. Stayer, May 5, 1918. He served as pastor of the Coventry congregation (S. E. Pa., N. J., N. Y.), 1899-1914; canvassed for Universal Book and Bible House, of Philadelphia, 1914-15; general merchandising with brother-in-law at Kenilworth, 1915-18; Everett congregation, pastoral work, begun April 1, 1918, where he still is laboring. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting twenty-two times; General Con- ference, eight times; always active in the local Sunday-school in some capacity. He served as secretary three years for the South- eastern District of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York District, and one year in Middle District of Pennsylvania as president of the Ministerial Association, and its secretary three years. He has held twenty-four revival meetings, fifteen of which were in his own con- gregation. Address, Everett, (Pa.).
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.