USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania > Part 7
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In 1876 J. B. Wampler took charge, and continued till the division, when about two-thirds of the members went with him to the Progressives. The Glade Run house was used in common for some time after the division, when we came in full possession of it.
The following named deacons have faithfully served the congregation : Jacob Swigart, Samuel Bowser, Daniel Wilcox. James Bowser, William J. Bowser, Jacob M. Bowser, Edward Bowser, A. D. Bowser, A. A. Bowser, Roy Morrison and
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Glade Run Church.
Orman Bowser. The last seven named constitute the present board of deacons.
There have been three houses of worship, all near the same place. The first one was erected in 1861. This was re- built in 1881, and during a series of meetings in 1894 or 1895 was burned to the ground. The present plain, neat and modest structure was erected in 1895. The church cemetery adjoins.
The church maintains a live Sunday-school, which for the past fifteen years, at least, has been evergreen. Most of the thirty additions to the church last year came through the Sun- day-school. The territory is well worked. Every six months a series of meetings is held. Practically all the members' children are in the church. Love feasts are held semiannual- ly. The church is in a flourishing condition and has a bright future ; no difficulties to drag on and on. A strong mutual bond of unity and good will prevails. They stick close to the soil and attend strictly to their own business. The fact that the congregation is so well united speaks well for all who lived and labored here. The members are willing and liberal contributors to both foreign and home mission work.
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Present number of members is two hundred. A good Christian Workers' Meeting, dating from July, 1914, meets regularly every Sunday. It is properly officered and the young folks take a good interest in it.
GREENSBURG CHURCH.
Prior to the coming of the Brethren to the city of Greens- burg, meetings were held by ministers of the Church of the Brethren in a schoolhouse, located on Swede Hill. These Brethren lived in the Jacobs Creek congregation. They made frequent visits to this schoolhouse, bearing the message of the cross to those who were there assembled. Some of these ministers are still living, using the opportunities which come to them, and proclaiming the message of the same sweet story. Others have gone to share the reward of their labors in the glory world. Heaven alone can reveal the good things done by them.
In the year 1903 Brother Homer P. Galentine, then 22 years old, came to Greensburg and began working at the carpenter trade. He did not know of any Brethren in Greens- burg ; neither did he feel satisfied, for he had no church home. He longed to hear the Gospel preached as he had been used to hearing the Brethren preach in Somerset County, where he was born, and where he united with the church in May, 1892, during a meeting conducted by Elder Silas Hoover, of the Middle Creek congregation.
Many people, instead of using what they have, and search- in their own home for the coveted gems, will go to some strange land to find them. But not so with this brother. He searched in his home city to find the gem most precious to him. His coveted gems were others of like precious faith and a church. While at work he would converse with others in regard to their religious belief. One day he was told of a brother who was at work in a planing mill. He at once went to search for him. Here he found Brother Meyers Moore, a young man whose former home was near Trent, Somerset County, having been baptized there by Robert T. Hull.
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These two brethren, as the disciples of old, used the op- portunities which presented themseves to speak to others whom they hoped to influence for Christ. After some per- sonal efforts they found two souls who saw the beauty of the Gospel of Christ as understood by the Brethren, and who asked for baptism. Accordingly, they went to Pittsburgh, where these two sisters were baptized by Brother M. J. Weaver.
This was the beginning of the work of the Brethren in Greensburg. They were hopeful for great things now, with the aid of these additional workers. As yet they had no preaching, but they were beginning to plan for that. As a result of their earnest desires, at the close of a beautiful sum- mer day of 1908, they assembled at Brother Galentine's home to talk the thoughts of their hearts. They talked of their own spiritual welfare and the spiritual welfare of others. "What is best? " " How shall we proceed? " were questions to which they sought answers. Their fervent prayers and earnest hopes were that a Church of the Brethren would be planted in Greensburg.
They realized that they themselves needed to be instru- ments in the Lord's hands to answer their prayers. And as " the Macedonian call " went to Paul, so now the call goes from Greensburg, " Come, brethren, and help us." The call was extended to Brother Robert T. Hull to hold a series of meetings for them. They secured permission to preach in the Union Mission Chapel, on West Pittsburg Street, where Brother Hull preached ten sermons, beginning September 21, 1908. The workers were greatly strengthened by this series of meetings.
After this they secured permission to hold, regularly, twice a month, services in this Union Mission Chapel. Broth- er Whitehead was the next brother to preach in Greensburg. November 22, 1908, he preached two sermons. The attend- ance was seventeen and thirty-five, respectively. The place could not, as yet, be called a mission point of the Church of the Brethren, for it was not recognized by organization, there-
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--
First Greensburg Church.
fore the brethren here were bearing all the financial burden. Brother Hull was secured to preach regularly. There were times, however, when Brother Hull could not be there, and not being able to secure another minister, there were frequent dis- appointments. This, however, did not discourage the mem- bers here. They pushed on and Brother Hull held another series of meetings, which resulted in a number being added to the flock. In December, 1909, Brother W. M. Howe con- ducted another series of meetings, and as time rolled on their labors were greatly blest. In less than another year another series of meetings was held, by Brother D. K. Clapper, of Meyersdale. These meetings occasioned great joy, for many that were dear were made happy in Jesus.
Though these brethren had a place to worship, they felt the need of a church building which they could call their own. They felt the need of having a place where more liberty of speech would be granted them-liberty "to declare the whole counsel of God." Accordingly they purchased three lots on the corner of Mace and Stanton Streets for $2,500, and erect- ed a small building thereon costing $500. Here Brother W.
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M. Howe organized a Sunday-school, October 25, 1910, with an enrollment of twenty. In November, 1910, the little church was dedicated by Elder J. F. Dietz, of Johnstown.
Some time during 1910 these brethren asked the Mission Board of Western Pennsylvania for recognition and for sup- port for a pastor. Both requests were granted by the Board, and Brother M. J. Brougher, of the Middle Creek congre- gation, was called to take up the pastorate January 1, 1911. Another series of meetings was held by H. S. Replogle, in April, 1911, during which twelve souls were added to their number.
To the District Meeting held in the Maple Spring house of the Quemahoning congregation, April 19, 1911, the Mis- sion Board presented the following petition: "We, the Mis- sion Board of Western Pennsylvania, petition District Meeting in behalf of the Brethren at Greensburg, that they be given the privilege to solicit Western Pennsylvania for funds to build a new church at that place." The petition was granted. The meeting also appointed Elders D. H. Walker and W. M. Howe to organize the Greensburg church. This was done May 1, 1911. Of the thirty-two members in the city, twenty-three were present. The church was built in the fall of 1911, and dedicated February 11, 1912, Dr. C. C. Ellis preaching the sermon on the occasion. This is one of the best and most modern churchhouses in the District.
Since that time the church has been moving on in a marvelous way. There has been a continuous growth in mem- bership, sinners being added, not only during revivals, but at the regular services. In August, 1913, the Ministerial Meet- ing and Sunday-school Convention of the District were held here. And in 1914, the Bible, Missionary, and Sunday-school Institute met at the same place.
Brethren who have assisted in evangelistic meetings here since the organization are: Silas Hoover, D. W. Kurtz, J. H. Cassady, P. J. Blough and George W. Flory.
A few statistics will be of interest. Since the organiza- tion of the church, May 1, 1911, to May 8, 1915, the follow-
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HE BRECHAE
APREEN:
Greensburg Church, Pa.
ing are items of work done : Five series of meetings were held, twenty-five business meetings and six love feasts were held, 548 sermons were preached, ten were received by letter and 259 by baptism, nine letters were granted, forty-eight were anointed and nine couples were married. Of deaths within the congregation, including those not members and children, there were twenty-eight. Present membership is 248.
Brethren J. H. Cassady, W. M. Howe and P. J. Blough have assisted Brother M. J. Brougher in the eldership. Since serving as pastor Brother Brougher has been ordained to the eldership. Brother Blough is the present elder in charge.
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The deacons are: H. P. Galantine, James Osterwise, Walter Moore, John Osterwise, William Barnes and Meyers Moore. Their Sunday-school numbers 270, and they have a large, active Sisters' Aid Society. They also have Christian Workers' Meetings, prayer meetings, teachers' meetings and teacher training class.
GREENVILLE.
When on September 18, 1913, the Meyersdale congrega- tion was divided into two congregations, the southeastern part of the county and the adjoining portion of Bedford County were organized into a separate congregation and named Green- ville. The first members to settle here were the Klingamans, Hoclistetlers, Longs and Arnolds, in about 1812. The Klinga- man farm was the one now occupied by Samuel K. Hoch- stetler. Grandfather Klingaman's house was built with a
Hochstetler Church, Greenville Congregation.
large room in which meetings were regularly held. This was prior to 1838. There was preaching before this, probably in the barns.
The first meetinghouse in this section was erected on the George Klingaman, Sr., farm in 1854. For some years pre- vious to this meetings were held in the schoolhouse on the George Arnold farm. The second meetinghouse was built on
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the same site in 1892, and was arranged to hold love feasts in.
Most of the first preaching done here was by Brethren Eli Steele, Jacob Berger, Peter Cober and others. Later on the Elk Lick and Meyersdale ministers filled the pulpit. On July 4, 1879, E. K. Hochstetler was elected to the ministry. He is the only minister to reside in this congregation in Somerset County. At Hyndman, Bedford County, there is a meeting- house and about a dozen members, with Thomas A. Harden as minister and Benjamin Harden and Thomas Lewis deacons.
Deacons who have served this church are: George Klinga- man, Jr., Samuel K. Weimer, Joel Yutzy (1878), Nelson Crissinger, Ed. Myers, William Shultz and A. O. Beal. Samuel Hochstetler moved into the congregation in 1895. In 1865 Brother Klingaman moved out.
The first Sunday-school was organized in 1878. At present they keep a Sunday-school during the summer. Preaching services are held every two weeks and councils quarterly at the Hostetler church.
The present official board consists of : E. K. Hochstetler, Elder; Thos. Harden, minister; S. K. Hochstetler, J. S. Hochstetler, A. O. Beal, Nelson Crissinger, Joel Yutzy, Wil- liam J. Shultz, Benjamin Harden and Thomas Lewis, deacons.
INDIAN CREEK.
Before any organization of the Church of the Brethren existed in the Indian Creek Valley, lying between Laurel Hill Mountains and Chestnut Ridge, prior to 1849, the mem- bers would meet in the homes and hold services. When the weather permitted meetings were held in barns. Love feasts also were held in barns. These love-feast occasions were always of great interest. Services began in the morning. At noon the people were given dinner and the horses were fed. Large kettles of hot coffee were served. In the afternoon more services were engaged in, and in the evening the love feast was observed. This custom of hospitality was maintained many years after the church was built and the organization effected. Elder John Berkley, of Somerset County, seems to have had
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the care of the members and would assist them in their com- munions.
Though there was no organization at first and the meet- ings were irregular, yet the work grew steadily, and in 1849 a site was selected for a church on land owned by Jacob Flack. Where the Indian Creek Road crosses the county line road, dividing Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, the large meetinghouse 40x80 was erected. This house stands on the Fayette County side. It was dedicated by J. S. Hauger and J. Quinter. At this time the congregation extended south- east to the top of the Laurel Hill Mountains, northwest to the top of Chestnut Ridge, west beyond Connellsville, or more than twenty miles beyond the church, and east beyond Ligo- nier, a distance of fifteen or more miles. No established line existed between Indian Creek and Jacobs Creek prior to 1883. In that year a boundary was fixed, making the boundary line between Donegal and Mt. Pleasant Townships, Westmoreland County, and between Salt Lick and Bullskin Townships in Fayette County, the congregational line. In the fall of 1913 Trout Run congregation was detached from the remainder of Indian Creek.
The County Line house, noted before, was in continuous use until 1897, when a larger one with basement under part of it was erected to take its place. In 1870 another church was built about ten miles north of the County Line house. This house was known as the Nicely church. In 1906 a church was erected in the western part of the congregation, on Chest- nut Ridge, called Elbethel. Then, in 1907, still another was built in the eastern part on the Laurel Ridge, called Trout Run. This now belongs to the Trout Run congregation.
In naming the ministers who lived and labored in this congregation, or even long before it was a congregation, in its earliest history, it is impossible to give them in the order, as no records are in existence. It is thought that Elder John Nicholson, Sr., who is said to have been an elder thirty-five years, was among the first ministers to reside there, as he is known to have preached a funeral there about 1838. Jacob
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County Line Church, Indian Creek Congregation.
M. Thomas, Jacob Myers, Samuel Fike, John Berkley, Jacob S. Hauger and Tobias Myers were among the earlier visiting elders. Besides Elder John Nicholson, other resident ministers in the early history of the church were: Emanuel Beeghly, D. Flack, Jacob S. Murray, William S. Murray, Michael Myers, Joseph Berger, Samuel Lohr, Isaac Shoemaker, William A. Murray, James A. Murray, Jonathan Horner, Samuel Deeds, John M. Nicholson, Jacob A. Murray, David D. Horner, Josiah Berkley, Jeremiah M. Miller, Dr. James M. Bennett, F. F. Murray, Jeremiah Foust, N. B. Christner, Amos Christ- ner. From here the dates are known. Isaiah B. Ferguson, September 3, 1892; William Bond, May 1, 1894; Robert A. Nedrow and Herman H. Ritter, November 1, 1897; William Knopsnyder, September 21, 1901 ; Elmer F. Nedrow and Irwin R. Pletcher, March 31, 1906; J. Lloyd Nedrow and Samuel Solomon, October 7, 1911. The latter did not accept yet.
In 1859 a deed was secured for the land upon which had been built the County Line church. An organization was ef- fected with Joseph Berger as elder. The next elder was D. D. Horner, March 29, 1880. When Elder Horner began
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to feel the weight of years he called for the ordination of Robert A. Nedrow, which was done September 21, 1901. He served until he moved to other fields of labor. Since then Elder E. K. Hochstetler, of Sand Patch, has been elder.
As nearly as can be ascertained the deacons who served the church from the beginning to the present time are : Joseph K. Miller, Joseph Berger, Peter Sipe, John Flack, John Hor- ner, George Lepart, Daniel Myers, Eli Berger, Samuel Lohr, Michael Berger, Cain Christner, Robert Ferguson, Daniel Sheets, Samuel Christner, J. M. Miller, William Beal and James Galentine, October 2, 1886; John M. Nedrow, and Jacob Eutsey, September 19, 1896; James Lohr, September 21, 1901 ; I. B. Foust, George F. Miller, J. Lloyd Nedrow, Harry Miller and Ezra Myers, March 31, 1906 (the last two named failed to accept) ; W. E. Barnes, H. W. Ritenour and Benjamin Keefer, October 7, 1911.
JACOBS CREEK.
The Jacobs Creek congregation comprises Mount Pleas- ant, East Huntingdon and Hempfield Townships in Westmore- land County, and Bullskin, Lower Tyrone and Connellsville Township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Its length north and south is twenty-four miles and its breadth east and west is ten miles. The first members located here early in the nine- teenth century. Brother Louis Snyder, Sr., came to Fayette County in 1825 and located near the present town of Dawson, which was then known as "the neck," because of the neck- like shape of the strip of land between the Youghiogheny River and the Jacobs Creek. Brother Snyder, wife and son, being the only members in that locality, he at once arranged to have Brethren ministers make preaching tours to this neigh- borhood, and thus the Brethren began to multiply in Fayette and Westmoreland Counties.
It seems that Martin Stuckman (one authority says his name was Jacob) was the first minister to labor here, and that he alone preached here for several years from 1825. Elders Michael Meyers, Samuel L. Blocher and John Wise
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were strong pillars, who assisted in organizing and working up the membership. The date of the organization is not known. The statement in Brother Howard Miller's " Record of the Faithful " that the congregation was organized in 1811 with thirty members is probably an error.
Following these ministers were Joseph Garver, William A. Murray, who was elected in the Indian Creek congregation, Martin Coder, elected September 21, 1867, but who did not serve, George Shumaker, the founder of the " Shumakerites," or "Georgeites," Isaac Shumaker, John Nicholson, elected in the Indian Creek congregation, Hiram Messenger, David Ober, a Brother McCaddon, Joseph Fulkert, Abram Myers, Frederick B. Weimer, 1873; Abram Summy, Septem- ber 21, 1867; Joseph Myers (never served), Cyrus E. Myers, September 27, 1887; Henry Brooks, March 24, 1888; John K. Eicher and H. Smith Myers, 1877; A. D. Christner, Oc- tober, 1894; Frank B. Myers, November 25, 1909; Harry Meredith, L. R. Fox, Earl Gearhart and Emanuel Neider- heiser, March 27, 1915.
Jacobs Creek Ministers. Front Row, Left to Right, Earl Gearhart, L. R. Fox, B. B. Ludwick, J. K. Eicher. Back Row, E. E. Neiderheiser and Harry Meredith.
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Old Stone Church, Jacobs Creek Congregation.
Ministers who moved into the congregation in recent years were Levi Stoner, 1897; Samuel Cline, 1904; J. J. Rodaheaver, 1907; B. B. Ludwick, 1912. Ministers who are known to have moved out of the congregation: John Nichol- son in the sixties moved West; William A. Murray also moved West in the sixties; Frederick B. Weimer moved to Ohio, 1888; Cyrus E. Myers moved to Plum Creek; H. Smith Myers united with the Progressives; Levi Stoner moved to Ohio; J. J. Rodaheaver moved to Detroit, Michigan; Frank B. Myers moved to Nemadji, Minnesota. Present ministerial force : John K. Eicher, elder; B. B. Ludwick, pastor ; L. R. Fox, Harry Meredith, Emanuel Neiderheiser and Earl Gear- hart, ministers.
Those known to have served in the eldership are: Abram Myers, 1858; John Nicholson, Abram Summy, 1868; H. Smith Myers, 1889; John K. Eicher, 1897. Brother Eicher is the present elder.
Deacons known to have served this congregation are :
ยท
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BRETHREN OF. WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mt. Joy Church, Jacobs Creek Congregation.
Samuel Gallatin, Ludwick Snyder, Jacob Snyder, William Stahl, Daniel Pletcher, Samuel Horner, John Weaver, Christly Wertz, Samuel Garver, Peter Shaffer, Jacob Freed, Joseph Freed, Samuel Christner, who moved in from Indian Creek, Joseph Christner, 1886; Jacob L. Myers, 1875; John Gallatin, Isaac Horner, 1879; John Summy, November 16, 1895; Nor- man Neiderheiser and Esli Coder, June 29, 1901; Lawrence Christner and Frank B. Myers, June 28, 1908; Milton Metz and Peter Shaffer, 1914.
Present board of deacons : Isaac Horner, Jacob L. Myers, Joseph Christner, John Summy, Norman Neiderheiser, Peter Shaffer, Joseph Shaffer, Robert Berg, John Greenawalt, Lawrence Christner and C. Milton Metz.
From the beginning until about 1845 the preaching was done in private homes. At that time several schoolhouses were secured for worship, but the homes were still favorite places for worship for many years later. In 1858 Lewis Snyder, Jr., donated to the congregation a plot of ground for a meetinghouse. Here was erected the same year a stone church, 40x50 feet. This old stone church, two miles north of Dawson, is still in a good state of preservation. At present
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the church is unoccupied, but there is a movement on foot to remodel it, and resume worship there.
It seems that about the time this church was erected, or soon after, the membership shifted northward into Westmore- land County, and Mt. Pleasant became the center of activity. The homes of the members were again opened for worship. Mt. Joy schoolhouse, one and a half miles northeast of Mt. Pleasant, and Laurel Run schoolhouse, five miles northeast of the same town, were occupied every four weeks. In two decades the interest and membership had so grown that in 1878 the Mt. Joy church was begun, and dedicated the follow- ing year. The present places of preaching are Mt. Joy church, Laurel Run schoolhouse, Mammoth Union church, Bridge- port Union Sunday-school chapel, and Wadsworth school- house. The Mt. Joy church was the first Brethren church erected in Westmoreland County. Services were also held in a schoolhouse near Greensburg (now within the bounds of the Greensburg church) many years; also in the White Rock and Bear Rock schoolhouses prior to 1904.
A notable incident occurred in the Mt. Joy house some years ago. While Brother Frederick B. Weimer was reading his text from Matthew 3: 16, a dove flew in the open window and lit on the Bible from which he was reading. Brother Weimer with his hand pushed the dove gently aside and finished reading his text, when the dove flew out the window through which it had entered. The occasion was the usual Sunday service. Brother Weimer seemed to be more than usually endowed with the Spirit that day. At the close of the discourse he gave an invitation and fifteen persons came forward and asked for baptism. Brother Ludwick, who gives this incident, received it from two persons who were eye- witnesses to the scene.
Since Brother B. B. Ludwick became the pastor in Feb- ruary, 1912, the congregation has taken on new life. The present membership is 307. One Sunday-school with an enroll- ment of 261, a Christian Workers' Society, a Sisters' Aid So- ciety, Bible Normals and singing classes are maintained.
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JOHNSTOWN.
As stated in the history of the Conemaugh congregation, the old Conemaugh congregation was divided August 7, 1879, and soon after that the Johnstown congregation was organized. The membership was over 300. Solomon Benshoff was the elder. He was assisted in the ministry by George Hanawalt, Benjaman Goughnour, Stephen Hildebrand, John M. Harsh-
Somerset Street Brethren Church, Johnstown, Pa.
berger, Daniel W. Crofford and W. A. Adams. The deacons were: Stephen Stutzman, Jacob Berkey, Jacob Wertz, Benja- min Benshoff, Samuel Knavel, L. R. Brallier, Daniel Stutz- man, Archibald Wissinger and Jesse Berkebile.
The only meetinghouses they had were the Benshoff Hill and the Giffen Hill. As neither of these was suitable for holding love feasts it became necessary to build a new meet- inghouse where such services could be accommodated.
Now, there being a large membership in and around the city of Johnstown, and no meetinghouse in the city, it was
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