USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 4
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in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Shaw Avenue. The new house was available for wor- ship, January 3, 1897. By this time the membership had increased to about 70.
For some time before the separate organization was affected, the group living in the city were acting inde- pendent of the mother congregation to the extent that it secured William and Minnie Kinsey for pastoral en- deavor. They entered upon their work May 1, 1915 and served the congregation three years.
The Lewistown (city) congregation, organized March 25, 1916, had 217 members and among them the follow- ing officials :
Ministers : Samuel J. Swigart, William Kinsey, Andrew Spanogle, Albert C. Steinberger, Harry A. Spanogle.
Deacons: Jacob U. Howe, James T. Fisher, John Breininger, James Harshberger.
Organization : Samuel J. Swigart, bishop; William Kinsey, pastor ; John Breininger and Isaac Zimmerman, secretaries; John Brein- inger, treasurer ; Samuel J. Swigart, Andrew Spanogle and Jacob U. Howe, trustees.
One of the first things the newly organized congrega- tion did was to push the remodeling of the church house, plans and probable costs for the same having been ap- proved February 10, 1916 before the organization. The building committee,-Samuel J. Swigart, William Kin- sey, and Harry A. Spanogle had been appointed by the congregation and these three selected John Breininger and James Rothrock,-under the directions of the church, made changes and additions costing $6,200.00. On De- cember 3, 1916 John H. Cassady preached the dedicatory sermon. Special music and other helpful features mark the worship. In the evening William J. Swigart spoke.
For one year after William Kinsey moved from the congregation, Samuel J. Swigart and Harry A. Spanogle occupied the pulpit. In October, 1919 Herman B. Heisey and wife took up the pastorate. The next month the new pastor held a revival and some forty were received into membership by baptism. Brother Heisey continues in the pastorate.
Beginning with January, 1916, the congregation pub- lished a church bulletin which has proved helpful.
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Some present members of the First Organized Adult Bible Class among all denominations in Mifflin County,-a class in the Lewistown
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Sunday-school of the Church of the Brethren.
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in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Bishops presiding :
Samuel J. Swigart, March 25, 1916 to March, 1920.
Herman B. Heisey, June, 1920 to date.
Ministers elected :
Helen Shellenberger, 1924.
Deacons : Dec. 10, 1916, Tolbert W. Filson, Lawrence Zook, Banks Shotsbarger ; Oct., 1920, Charles Hopkins.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
The Sunday-school was first organized September 25, 1892 in the Toll Gate schoolhouse. Officers: Henry L. Harshbarger and Harry A. Spanogle, superintendents; Flo Spanogle, secretary; Christ H. Swigart, treasurer. At the 1898 convention the school reported average attendance, 78; $88.53 raised, of which $29.01 went for mis-
Mary, Sarah, Virginia, Myrtle and Adda, all members of the Church of the Brethren, daughters of David A. and Fannie A. Moist, (deceased). Photo, 1918. Kindness of of D. Banks Moist.
sions and charity ; 3 conversions. In 1904 average attendance had dropped to 59; 11 teachers; $104.97 raised, of which $49.68 given to missions and charity; has teachers meetings. The school has been "evergreen" from the beginning and has had teacher training classes 1905-'24.
Superintendents : 1892, Henry L. Harshberger, Harry A. Spanogle ; , James T. Fisher ; 1904-'06, Harry A. Spanogle; 1907, John H. Cassady ; 1908-'15, James T. Fisher ; 1916-'18, Harry A. Spanogle; 1919, James T. Fisher ; 1920, D. Banks Moist; 1921-'-, Charles Hopkins till July; July, 1921-'23, Tolbert V. Filson; 1924, Charles Hopkins.
SISTERS' AID SOCIETY
The society was first organized in October, 1902, in the home of Mrs. Sarah Howe, on Valley Street. Mrs. Annie Mohler Spanogle was elected president. The records up till October 20, 1909 have been misplaced.
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A History of the Church of the Brethren
Presidents :
Mrs. Annie Spanogle Oct. .. , 1902
Mrs. Caroline Ruble Oct. 19, 1909
Mrs. Sarah Breininger .Oct. 19, 1910
Mrs. Ella Rothrock Jan. 8, 1913
Catherine Spanogle Jan. 7, 1914
Mrs. Minnie Kinsey Dec. 29, 1915
Mrs. Eva. Filson Jan. 10, 1917
Mrs. Annie Spanogle
Dec. 31, 1919
Catherine Spanogle
Dec. 30, 1922
In general totals the society has accomplished the following :
Foreign Missions $787.95
178.75
Home Missions
100.00
Juniata College
Hospital 29.00
Young Men's Christian Association 20,00
Lewistown Church
2,089.24
$3,204.94
BURNHAM*
Present Membership, 100.
When Burnham borough was still a part of Lewistown congregation Maggie Shellenberger, well advanced in years, touched by the need for religious instruction among the lowly of the place undertook a Sunday-school. The first session was held in the fall of 1907 in David Goss' home. Six were present. The next Sunday fifteen were in attendance and in about two months the school was moved to a private two-room house on Pine Top. This growth and interest called for preaching service and in January and February, 1908, a six weeks' meetings (one in the Pine Top house and then the attendance in- creased so that the meeting was moved to John A. Fil- son's home) with forty-seven accessions were the results of John B. Shellenberger's labors, the help of his mother, who started the school and her co-laborers Eva Roth- rock Filson, Catherine Seal Fleming and others.
So responsive were the people to the spiritual uplift that the question of building a house for the Lord was taken before the Dry Valley church and a grant was se-
* To John B. Shellenberger the reader is indebted for most of the information in this sketch.
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M.& Mer & B.Shellenberger
Tine Jop
Burnham Church
Mr. &Mrs MM. Mertz
Filson Home
O
Mr.& Mrs .a. Hummel
Mr. & Mrs. M.R. Lindsey
THE TWO MEETING PLACES BEFORE THE BURNHAM HOUSE WAS ERECTED, THE BURNHAM HOUSE, AND SOME OFFICIALS OF THE CONGREGATION.
A History of the Church of the Brethren
cured to go ahead but with instructions to keep within an expenditure of $2,000.00. Building committee: John A. Filson, John Breininger and John B. Shellenberger. The new building, 35 x 50 feet, basement and first story with proper Sunday-school rooms, cost $2,000.00. On December 20, 1908 Henry K. Ober led the dedication service, using for his text 1 Chronicles 22 : 6-13 and 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17.
A steady growth was manifest through the years. It was not long, however, until it was apparent to the Dry Valley congregation that an organization separate from the mother church would be advantageous. Accordingly on March 26, 1921, with the assistance of Edward M. Howe, Jacob Reichard, John B. Shellenberger and Samuel Stienberger, the members of Burnham, 91 in all, were organized. Officers: John B. Shellenberger, pastor and bishop ; Emma Stuck, church and corresponding sec- retary ; Henry Yeatter, treasurer ; Deacon, Mahlon Lind- sie ; Deacons elected, October 9, 1921, Millard W. Mertz and Henry Yeatter.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
The Sunday-school was the beginning of interest in this borough Its first meeting in the new church was on August 23, 1908, with the following officers in charge: John A. Filson, superintendent; Emma Stuck, secretary; Joseph Hanawalt, treasurer. The average attendance for the full year was thirty-five. During 1923 a teacher training class was conducted and five received first year certificates.
Superintendents : 1908-'10, John A. Filson; 1911-'14, Thomas Arnold; 1915-'24, William A. Hummell.
SISTERS' AID SOCIETY
The Society first met in Catherine Geedy's home and was organ- ized on April 14, 1910. Officers, Emma Arnold, president; Vina E. Shellenberger, secretary; Jennie Reichard, treasurer. Besides the three officers Amelia Harshberger and Catherine D. Geedy helped to make up the list of charter members.
In totals the society has accomplished the following :
Church Building Fund. $100.00
Repairing church 100.00
Pastor's salary 25.00
Virginia Mountain Home 50.00
Communion equipment 25.00
Sewing for needy at home. 25.00
On interest for special purposes. 100.00
For special purpose. 78.00
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in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
AUGHWICK*
Present Membership, 150.
" Samuel Hollinger is said to have been the first brother who preached in this country and this was as much as sixty years ago."} From other sources it is gathered that in about 1802 six members, Christian Long and wife, Daniel Secrist and wife and Peter Secrist and wife, were organized into the Aughwick church, the first congregation of the Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon County. "In the organization, brother Long was chosen minister, his companion giving her voice for him, as she afterwards told her children and her friends.# Daniel Secrist was chosen deacon. Two years later Jacob Lutz was elected to the ministry. Because all these members spoke German, their services were in that language; and being an English community few were added to the church. However, a few members now and then moved in until the brethren were in the majority. Not until after John Hanawalt, who spoke English, was called to the ministry in 1806 were there accessions by conversion. In 1826 according to available records there were about twenty-five members living in the congregation.
At first they worshiped in their own homes,-some of them providing a room for this purpose when they built. Then the schoolhouse was used for a short period. In 1836 § the congregation erected, in Germany Valley, a large but low stone church 40 x 65 feet, costing about $800.00, still standing and in good condition. It is a splendid monument to the devotion, courage and sacrifice of those earlier days.
Somewhere within the bounds of this congregation, probably in Germany Valley, the Annual Meeting of 1839 was held. Those were early frontier days with great difficulties attending the coming and going, and fellow-
* To Alexander M. Stout and Charles H. Morrow the reader is indebted for information in this sketch.
+ J. Q. in Gospel Visitor, 1869, p. 190.
# Ibid., p. 190.
§ In a sketch of the life of Peter Long, Gospel Messenger, May 3, 1887, it is stated the house was dedicated in 1838. In Gospel Messenger, 1911, page 357, C. H. Morrow states " this house was built in 1838. It was the first church in this vicinity."
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A History of the Church of the Brethren
ship was thereby more precious. The records show no action at that conference of special interest, but John H. Umstead from near Philadelphia attended this meeting and afterwards in company with James Quinter the two visited the churches of the valleys of Pennsylvania. It was Brother Quinter's first preaching tour .*
As far as known this congregation has records that date farther back than those of any congregation in the district. From the cash book kept by John G. Glock a few items of interest for these times are copied :
May 16, 1847, 22 lbs. butter @ 121/2c (Later item has 10c per lb.) .. $2.75
June 1, 1847, to Mother Lutz for sweeping the meeting house 4 times. .50
Oct. 23, 1847, 2 bu. wheat. 2.00
Nov. 23, 1847, 4 lbs. coffee. .44
" The amount provided for the lovefeast held on the 3rd and 4th of September, 1847, was ninety loaves of bread, 106 pies, sixty-four pounds of butter, nine pounds of coffee, six pounds of sugar, thirteen bushel oats: also two dozen candles and three and one-half quarts wine."
In 1855 the Annual Meeting was held in Germany Val- ley, this time on the John B. Garver farm, now owned by S. K. McKeehan and Sons. "The meeting was or- ganized by appointing a Standing Committee of thirteen elders with two clerks, and one hundred and ten were representing the churches who were divided into the committees to examine and report on the papers sent in.t
Judging from the custom of these days the local con- gregation provided "lodging, boarding and horsefood " for all who came.
Though no such decision is recorded, it would appear that in 1864 this congregation decided to keep a brief record of its deliberations. No name appears as clerk until 1867 when John B. Garver signed as clerk. The minutes of this first recorded meeting, October 13, 1864 are short but full of interest :
First. Should Brethren be allowed to attend political meetings ? Considered not proper. 1
* The Gospel Visitor, 1849, p. 190.
+ Minutes of Annual Meeting, pp. 147-148.
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Second. How to provide some refreshments for spectators. Agreed that refreshments shall be given out just before evening.
Third. Would it be proper to remove dishes, etc., etc. from the tables immediately after supper is over? Considered the best way.
Fourth. Shall we hold an election for speaker and deacon? Agreed to have an election.
Fifth. Delegates chosen to the district meeting, Christian Myers, Samuel Lutz.
No record appears then until September 28, 1865, when "John G. Glock wished to know the opinion of the church in regard to advice given to an applicant for bap- tism: Is it right to require an applicant for baptism to make reconcilliations when there is a known and serious difficulty existing between him and others, before being admitted?" This and " Is the office of assistant revenue assessor more tolerable in the church than the office of associate judge?" were referred to the District Council.
In 1866 the "brethren are admonished and warned against going to political meetings " while the same atti- tude was taken towards sisters "wearing headnets, hoops, garibalda's, etc."
The record of the meeting held January 1, 1867, re- flects well the congregation in the matter of public pray- ing: "Considered that it is not only the privilege of all the brethren to pray in a public capacity but it is their duty, especially when circumstances seem to demand it." In this connection some plan for reading the Scripture in course was adopted.
The question of going to law perplexed some and on May 23, 1867, this was decided upon: " Is there any dif- ference between using the law ourselves and employing others to act for us? Considered no difference with re- gard to right."
The very perplexing question with members in all periods of the church,-" Unwilling to commune because one communes whom they think is not worthy, and still desires to be in full fellowship with the church" is an- swered, October 3, 1867, " that they should deny them- selves and commune."
A certain brother "asks the church to release him from the ministry on account of mental disability and tem- poral inconvenience." "Considered that the church has
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A History of the Church of the Brethren
no authority to relieve him" and he is "admonished . to be more active in his calling."
Just how District Meeting in those days chose its member on Standing Committee is not revealed but a query went up from the April 4, 1868 meeting "that each District meeting choose its own representative to be a member of the Standing Committee of the Yearly Meeting."
Delegates to District Meeting were instructed, May 13, 1870, to vote against paying a salary to home mis- sionaries."
Agreement could not be reached, September 2, 1870, on the consistency of "members who cannot commune at home to go to other branches and commune." At the same meeting it was thought "right to bring, i. e. to convey preachers of other denominations to our neigh- borhood to preach . .. in certain cases."
In 1872 the congregation instructed the members at the different houses "to decide according to their judg- ment " about observing double or single mode of feet- washing. They decided in favor of mutual fire insurance but brethren did wrong who " sign petitions for license to sell liquor ; " later it was "considered not right . . . to sell intoxicant drinks or liquors to persons who retail or sell them again to drunkards," or "to sell grain to persons who intend to manufacture it into spirituous liquors." The church at the same time did not reach a conclusion on holding "social and special prayer- meetings."
Following the erection of the Germany Valley house a decided increase in membership was realized. The mem- bers spread out into adjoining valleys in spite of the hardships encountered, but for the time continued to gather at the old stone church for worship. But the church was on the eve of a decided advanced step in her life. The spirit of improvement took hold of the mem- bership. Henry B. Brumbaugh, attending the meeting after some improvements were made on the Germany Valley "low stone house " thus writes: "The old stone church which has been standing for several ages, has recently been remodeled and nicely fitted up with seats provided with that very necessary part, 'the back,' well
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painted and elevated at the one side and the ends. The aisles are covered with a plain matting which, though it may be considered an innovation upon our time honored customs, seem to be quite a necessary improvement. . . . We cannot see why a thing of such real benefit is not generally adopted."
The occasion of the gathering was a communion, Thursday, October 10, 1872. Samuel R. Zug of Lan- caster County preached the opening sermon. "The at- tendance was not very good." The editor makes these further significant remarks: "This church is noted for turning out a large number of ministers, many of whom are scattered over the Western States and are doing good service for the Master's Kingdom, but like the mother of many children, she has felt the pangs and being neces- sitated to rally so often for losses, she became somewhat depressed, but we hope her quota is now filled and that the present force may feel content to labor at home." Then the editor relates that "the present ministerial force are as follows: Andrew Spanogle, now superan- nuated, who formerly was acting bishop, but now super- seded by John G. Glock, who of late is assisted by A. L. Funk and John Spanogle, they having been advanced to the eldership. Next in office, James R. Lane, Peter L. Swayne, John B. Garver, Isaac Book and lately R. M. Wakefield .*
Three ministers and a goodly number of members lived in Hill Valley. On May 9, 1873, John Spanogle, James R. Lane, Henry Rhodes, George Garver and Michael Myers were appointed building committee to erect a house for the Hill Valley members with " no re- strictions except that the cost of the house shall not ex- ceed $2,000.00." On Saturday, September 19, 1874, the members and visitors gathered at the new house, a splen- did brick structure 40 x 50 feet, for worship, for it should " be remembered that this was the first preaching in this house and was what was generally termed the dedica- tion." Christian Long of Adel, Iowa, formerly of this congregation and Robert Badger of Dallas Centre, Iowa were unexpected visitors. And being " farthest away " Christian Long "led out " followed by Brother Badger.
* Weekly Pilgrim, 1872, p. 351.
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UPPER : Germany Valley House. NEXT: Hill Valley House. LOWER LEFT: Rock Hill House. LOWER RIGHT : Beach Run House.
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
" The afternoon and evening exercises were largely at- tended and the new house was filled beyond capacity." Seven were baptized that evening. On the next day (Sunday) Christian Long preached, followed by Joseph R. Hanawalt. Other visiting ministers were Jacob Mohler, Andrew Spanogle, George Brumbaugh and John B. Garver .*
April 10, 1875 John Spanogle's "proposition to have Sunday-school in this house (Sugar Run, now Hill Val- ley) the coming summer " was agreed to. At the same meeting lay-members as well as officials were made eligible to serve as delegates to District meeting. While in 1870 delegates were instructed to vote against " pub- lishing a full report of the proceedings of the Annual Meeting," in 1876 this congregation instructed her dele- gates to " favor a report in pamphlet form."
In 1877 the congregation decided "to adopt an equal- izing system to meet current expenses." The next year, six years before Conference laid the foundation for the church's present general missionary organization, “ Jere- miah Messmore, Samuel Lutz, John Shope, Jane Lane, Elizabeth Spanogle and Hattie Dell are appointed a com- mittee to solicit missionary funds" to be paid into a Missionary Union that was carrying on work in the United States.
Evidently some members wanted "the meal on the second day of the Love Feast dispensed with and the cost applied to some other purpose ; " but April 26, 1877, it was " considered not good to make a change at this time."
At the same meeting, the query "What to do with sisters who refuse to wear the cap or a covering on the head in the time of worship" was disposed of thus: " They should be admonished and advised to have their heads covered."
The members scattered farther away, seeking homes in promising valleys. A group settled over to the west in Hares Valley and the brethren were called in to preach. William Spanogle took a special interest in the spiritual welfare of this group. Meetings were held in the Lincoln schoolhouse and members were added. On
* Weekly Pilgrim, 1874, p. 308.
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A History of the Church of the Brethren
January 1, 1879, after the council meeting was " closed with singing and prayer ... John Shope was given the liberty to ask the concurrence of the church in building a meeting house at or near Lincoln schoolhouse in Hares Valley. There was no objection. The following summer a substantial frame house 32 x 36, known as the Beach Run Church, about three miles from Mapleton Depot was erected. Much labor was donated, for the people had a heart to work. In September of the same year James Quinter dedicated the church. Conditions de- veloped soon after through the unfortunate church divis- ion that in twenty years reduced the membership to two. Benjamin F. Ranck of Altoona ministered to them more or less regularly for nearly three years. During the school year of 1922- 23 Alexander M. Stout, a theological student at Juniata gave the group week-end pastoral care and he was followed the next year by Galen Blough. In September, 1923 Charles O. Beery held a revival, at which time nine confessed Christ and the turn upward again appears to be on hand.
Perhaps no more important step in the right direction in handling troubles was taken than the one the congre- gation took, October 22, 1879, when it was decided " that the deacons take written statements of what is to come before the church." At the same meeting the single mode of feet-washing was adopted "by the minority be- ing willing to bear for the present." At this same meet- ing the business work of the church took on a new phase when three were appointed "to audit the accounts of the church."
One is surprised to find that social problems perplexed the church in the form this query of May 17, 1879 re- veals: " Is it right for the brethren to hold dances or parties, brother . . . being charged?" And it is more surprising,-one cannot imagine what conditions existed to delay action, for the record shows no conclusion but " continued."
In 1881 certain brethren who had " withdrawn " from the church and desiring to be received back into fellow- ship refused to have extended to them the right hand of fellowship and the kiss; and the church decided to re- ceive them "upon their confession and acknowledgment."
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Sleigh bells continued to give concern in 1891; espe- cially at funerals for " the church requires . . . all to take their bells off on the way to the graveyard." "Can a brother in the ministry act in a township office consis- tently with the Gospel?" It was thought "better not."
The Record of the Faithful * states that the Aughwick congregation in Huntingdon County was organized in 1802 with six members, that in 1882 it had two church houses, but no date when the first one was built, that its membership was 225. John G. Glock was bishop ; James R. Lane, Robert M. Wakefield, Seth F. Myers, John Shope, were in the second while Thomas Chilcote was in the first degree of the ministry.
On January 16, 1882 George Eby, a deacon who had served this congregation as treasurer for forty years, died at the age of eighty-six.
In 1884 (January 1), a committee of four brethren were appointed to " admonish members attending literary so- cieties." At the same meeting the church took a square stand against members belonging to the Grange.
One gets a little glimpse at the handling of an Annual Meeting when, in 1885 (Mexico, Pa.), this congregation agrees to send their dishes, knives and forks to Annual Meeting providing they are called for." A real practical interest was taken in Annual Meeting those days as seen by the following, answered negatively : "Will this church be willing for the brethren to sell confectionery on Sun- day on the Annual Meeting grounds?" Many people from a distance attended the Lovefeasts and slept in the church on benches or floor beds "up-stairs." Hence it was necessary to "appoint brother with two others to stay in the meeting house the night of the love- feast and keep order."
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