USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Church of the brethren of the Eastern district of Pennsylvania > Part 39
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Elections after Organization .- Joshua King was baptized in July, 1868, and within one year was elected to the min- 6 Up to this time lovefeasts were held at private homes, in the barn. 32
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THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
istry. Later on, he moved to the eastern shore of Mary- land. About the year 1874, Israel King was elected to the ministry. After serving a number of years, he died.
George Hess and John Kline were elected as deacons at the same time. Date unknown.
David Eshleman moved into this church, and was re- ceived as a minister. Later on was ordained. Died and buried at the Mohrsville graveyard.
November 26, 1887, Henry S. Kline and Charles Madeira were elected to the ministry, and Elias Kemerer and Daniel H. Reber as deacons. Elders present : Samuel Harley and John Hertzler.
April 18, 1891, a certificate was granted to Charles Ma- deira and wife, who moved to Chiques Church; also to George Hess (deacon) and wife, who moved to Tulpe- hocken Church.
April 18, 1891, Jonathan G. Reber was elected as minis- ter ; advanced in 1900.
April 24, 1898, Nathaniel Yoder was elected to the min- istry. Believing his ministry was not edifying, he for- warded a petition to Elders' Meeting of the District for a committee to relieve him of his office. Said committee, with the church, granted his request, and he was relieved of his office September 25, 1909.
Spring of 1900, Elder C. Bucher resigned as Elder in charge. His resignation was accepted, and John Herr was elected to take charge of the church.
March 16, 1904, Elias G. Reber was elected as deacon. A certificate was granted to him and his wife in 1907, for Elizabethtown. However, before he left, he took sick and died.
April, 1902, Henry S. Kline moved to Reading Church.
October 19, 1907, lovefeast was held at Mohrsville House. Brethren Edwin Ernst and Benjamin Fox, Junior, were elected to the office of deacon. At the same time John Herr handed in his resignation as Elder in charge, which was accepted, and William H. Oberholtzer was elected in his stead.
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MAIDEN CREEK CHURCH.
In the spring of 1909, Elder Spencer Beaver and wife were received in their office by letter.
The present officials of the church are: Elder W. H. Oberholtzer, Elder in charge, assisted by Elder Spencer Beaver, and Jonathan G. Reber in 2d degree; deacons : Ed- win Ernst, and Benjamin Fox. The present membership is 45. The church is not making much progress; however, the little band of members seem to be in earnest in the cause of the Master, having their regular worship at the Mohrs- ville House, and also at Pricetown, and occasionally at the home of members. They have their weekly prayer meet- ings and a Sunday School at the Mohrsville House with an average attendance of about 30. This Sunday School was organized April 14, 1901, with J. G. Reber as Superintend- ent and Absalom Yoder, Assistant. A sister, whom the Lord has blessed with considerable means, having the wel- fare of the cause of Christ at heart, especially the Maiden Creek Church, bought a property close to the Church, erected a double brick building thereon and donated the whole to the church. At present Elder Spencer Beaver and wife occupy one part of the house, and the other part is rented by the church. Would there were many more members so.
OBITUARIES OF OFFICIALS OF MAIDEN CREEK CHURCH.
Names.
Born.
Died.
Buried.
Deacons:
(1) Adam Godwalt.
Moved to Ohio.
(2) Valentine Hartman
Dec. 7, 1807 Aug. 16, 1867
Mohrsville.
(3) Samuel Kline
Sept. 3, 1819 Sept. 9, 1865
Becker's premises, near Hamburg.
(4) John Kemerer Oct. 3, 180I
Jan. 27, 1882 Mohrsville.
(5) Emanuel Yoder
Feb. 19, 1819 Feb.
18, 1886 Mohrsville.
(6) John Kline
Oct. 28, 1837 Oct. 15, 1894 Mohrsville.
(7) Elias Kemerer.
Aug. 22, 1827 Jan.
14, 1902 Mohrsville.
(8) Daniel H. Reber ..
Apr. 28, 1836
July 6, 1912
Reber Cemetery, near Bernille.
(9) Elias G. Reber.
Dec. 6, 1864 Mch. 28, 1907 Reber Cemetery, near
Bernille.
Ministers:
(I) Jeremiah Rother-
mel.
May 17, 1822 Feb. 12, 1890 Hinnershitz Church.
(2) Jacob Yoder
May 2, 1818 Sept. 26, 1881
Mohrsville.
(3) David Eshleman ..
June 22, 1798 Oct. 4, 1873 Mohrsville.
(4) Israel King
Apr. 10, 1844|Jan. 29, 1888 Mohrsville.
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THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
fully consecrated to the Lord, as to do service unto Him, that will speak after our bodies moulder in the earth!
In 1883 the district meeting of Eastern Pa. was held at the Mohrsville House.
Elders in charge of this church : I. 2. Jere- miah Rothermel, -1890; 3. Christian Bucher, 1890-1900; 4. John Herr, 1900-1907; 5. Wm. H. Oberholtzer, 1907 -.
CHAPTER VI.
SCHUYLKILL CHURCH.
The Schuylkill Church occupies the southwestern part of Schuylkill Co., that section lying between the Blue Mt. on the south, and Second Mt. on the north. It is bounded on the west by the Big Swatara congregation, the line being near Inwood. It extends indefinitely east, its horizon in that direction apparently being Cressona. Tower City (now Shamokin) Mission bounds it on the north; on the south it is bounded by the Little Swatara Church, of which it was originally a part, until 1877, when by mutual agree- ment it became a separate church, and organized under the present name, with Elder Geo. Smith as the housekeeper, and Bro. Joshua Struphaur as one of the ministers, and John Haldeman, Levi Butz, and David Yothers as deacons.
Bro. Smith had charge of the church until 1885, when for some gross charge he was disowned. He was a man of considerable talent, and before he became identified with the Church of the Brethren, he was a prominent minister in the U. B. church. About the year 1879, Bro. Michael Hal- deman was elected to the ministry, in which capacity he served until 1899, when he left the church, and became iden- tified with the Old Order Brethren.
In the fall of 1893, D. C. Kutz was elected to the ministry. After the disowning of Bro. Smith, Elder John Hertzler be- came the Elder in charge, which place he filled until his death in 1901.
In the fall of 1901, Elder J. W. Myer was chosen as their Elder, serving in said capacity until he resigned on account of ill health. Since then Elder E. M. Wenger had charge. Elias Kintzel also served the church in the office of deacon, but is deceased. Other Brethren serving in the deacon's office are Edward Herring, Samuel Zerbe, John Neidlinger, and Frank Haldeman. William Kintzel was elected to the
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THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
ministry in the year 1904, while still unmarried. Another election was held in the spring of 1911, which resulted in the electing of Elias Morgan to the ministry and Frank Haldeman as deacon.
Samuel Haldeman moved to Schuylkill Co. in 1852 and later on moved out west. He was elected to the ministry in the Indian Creek Church in 1847. He was born October 25, 1820, and was married to Harriet Horning August 14, 1842. His wife was born April 24, 1821, being younger by six months. Both have attained the age of ninety-three years. On Aug. 14, 1913, they rounded out seventy-one years of married life. Few, if any, have attained to the age of Elder Samuel Haldeman and wife, who-at present are living at Reedley, Cal. He has been in the ministry sixty-six years. For some years, Bro. Haldeman has been able to use his voice but little in public speaking, but his occasional short talks are much appreciated by the con- gregation, and few are more regular in church attendance than our aged brother and sister. The Wednesday evening prayer meeting finds them often in their accustomed places.
John Holdeman moved here in 1853. The next year he taught school. In 1854 he was married to Sarah A. Strup- haur, whose grandfather, Michael Struphaur, was the first preacher of the Brethren in Schuylkill County.
George Smith was the first Elder of the Schuylkill Church. He joined the Brethren Church about 1870. He was received without re-baptism, having been immersed thrice, in entering the United Brethren Church, where he had formerly been a minister, preaching at Highspire, Pine Grove, and other places. He was an excellent German preacher, well versed in the Scripture, and widely read.
All is well that ends well, but to be true to history we are obliged to put on record that he did not die as a brother. Because of misconduct on his part (see Romans, I : 27), he was disowned by the church.
Meeting Places .- In the early part of this church's his- tory, the meetings were principally held in Struphaur's meeting house. Later meetings were held in several school houses, and some private homes. The church in council
Reedley California october 6. 1913 Dear Brother Elder IR Zug we received a letter from Brother John Haldeman+ he wanted me to write a letter to you to let you know when I was born what year I was born october 25. 1820 Baptised in 18 40D Elected to the Ministry in 1847. Baptised + Elected in the Indian Creek Mountgumery County Pensyl vania + allour Comfort is in our old days to be faithful to the end & we know not how to be thankful enough for the health we have enjoyed & we wish you the blessing of the Lord from your well wishing Brother Elder Samuel Haldeman.
SAMUEL HALDEMAN LETTER.
HARRISBURG BRETHREN CHURCH.
-
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SCHUYLKILL CHURCH.
decided to build a meeting house in Swope's Valley in the summer of 1911. This church was dedicated April 14, 1912.
In the absence of suitable church houses, the lovefeasts were so far held in barns. The principal places for the lovefeasts were: John Haldeman's, William Kintzel's, Widow Elias Kintzel, and Jacob Morgan's. This is the only church in the district where lovefeasts are yet held in barns.
Houses of Worship .- Old Struphaur, built about 1865, frame, about 24 × 30; cheaply built. New Struphaur, built in 1888. Cost $836, frame, 34 X 36. Swope's Val- ley, built in 1911-12, frame, about 32 X 38. Bro. Wolf undertook to build it if church gave $250.
Sunday Schools .- The church early became interested in Sunday Schools. Having at present an interesting Sunday School, a number of the Sunday School pupils united with the Church. Visiting members always feel at home with the saints at Schuylkill. They are especially noted for their hospitality and good will. Probable size of member- ship is 85,
Bishops of this Congregation: (1) George Smith, 1877- 1885. (2) John Hertzler, 1885-1901. (3) J. W. Myer, Sr., 1901-1905. (4) E. M. Wenger, 1905 -.
CHAPTER VII.
HARRISBURG CHURCH.
This church was organized from a part of Big Swatara Church, at a council held in the house of brother and sister Joseph C. Eshleman, No. 340 S. 14th Street, Harrisburg, on the evening of November 19, 1896, by Elders David Etter, Jacob H. Longenecker, and Samuel R. Zug, with three Brethren, and about twelve Sisters.
After the members present had unanimously voted in favor of an organization, with the approval of the Elders present, Elder S. R. Zug was chosen to have charge of the church.
There being then no minister or deacon in the city, it was decided that the officials of Big Swatara Church should be asked to supply them until they are in a condition to help themselves, which was kindly accepted.
The first meetings were held in a hall, on the third floor, at the corner of 13th and Market Streets, but in the spring of 1897, Studebaker Hall, on the second floor, on north 3d Street was leased, where Sunday School and meetings were held, until 1899, when the lot, with an old one story frame dwelling, on Hummel Street, was bought for $3,000. This house was changed, by removing partitions, into a meeting house, and was so used until 1904 when the new church was built, at a cost of over $8,000, on the same lot, large, with movable partitions, which is expected to last for some time, and is all paid for.
In 1897, Frank Haas, minister, moved here, but left again in 1898.
In 1898, Brother John M. Mohler was engaged as Pastor, and labored and cared for the spiritual needs of the little flock for a year or more. After he left, his son-in-law Harry Spanogle came for some time, and by the combined
488
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HARRISBURG CHURCH.
efforts of all concerned, there were soon some additions by baptism, and removals from neighboring churches.
In 1898, A. L. B. Martin was elected a deacon, and in 1900, J. C. Eshleman and A. H. Maugans were elected deacons.
In 1901, A. L. B. Martin was elected a minister, and Aaron H. Hoffer a deacon.
In 1903, J F. Graybill was elected a minister, and in 1906 D. H. Widder.
In 1906, D. E. Miller was elected a deacon, also in 1906 Addison Hoffer. In 1909, Isaac Baker, a deacon, moved here.
In 1906, D. E. Miller, a deacon, in 1907, J. F Graybill, a minister, in 1908, A. H. Hoffer, a deacon, and in 1911, A. L. B. Martin, a minister, all moved away. In 1912, Adam Hollinger and Abraham K. Hollinger moved in.
In May, 1906, a Mission Sunday School was started in the northwestern part of the city, which was kept up since.
In 1905, more territory was ceded by Big Swatara Church to Harrisburg, including Steelton, Highspire and Middle- town, and in 1907, August 4, a regular meeting once a month, in the old Lutheran Church in Middletown, was es- tablished, and has been kept up since.
In 1911, Elder S. R. Zug resigned as Elder in charge, and pressed its acceptance which was granted, with the proviso that he be retained as advisory Elder, and Elder G. N. Falkenstein was elected to have charge.
The officials now are G. N. Falkenstein, Elder in charge; the ministers are D. H. Widder, Adam Hollinger and Abm. K. Hollinger, and the deacons J. C. Eshleman, Addison Hoffer and Isaac Baker, and the membership numbers 90.
CHAPTER VIII.
SHAMOKIN CHURCH (FORMERLY TOWER CITY MISSION).
The work of the Tower City1 Mission, now known as the Shamokin Church, was organized as early as the year 1889. Of course the field had been canvassed a number of years previous to this time by a number of ministering Brethren, Brethren Hiram Gibble and D. P. Ziegler having labored more extensively than any other of our Brethren. Bro. Hiram Gibble, as we will notice later, was Elder in charge for a number of years.
Among some of the first Elders that took an active part in this mission were William Hertzler, John Hertzler, David Etter, J. H. Longenecker, H. E. Light, John Herr, Hiram Gibble, and some Brethren in the second degree. Elders William Hertzler, John Hertzler, and J. H. Longenecker were among the first to have charge of the mission, fol- lowed by H. E. Light, Hiram Gibble, and E. M. Wenger. The last named having charge of the church at the present time, by authority of the church and Home Mission Board.
Bro. D. P. Ziegler was elected as early as 1891, as one of the ministers located in this territory. Later on Bro. William Kopenhaver was elected to the ministry, followed by placing their choice on Bro. Geo. H. Miller, now located at Mt. Carmel, about 8 miles from Shamokin, where his services are rendered. Bro. Kopenhaver is at the present located at Pottsville. The Brethren that served the Church in the capacity of deacons were Bro. Lucas, George Tobias, Geo. B. Mckinney and William Forry. The first two named have died, and the last two in recent years moved to the Midway Church, in Lebanon, Pa.
1 Since there are no members now living at Tower City, from whence the name was derived, it was decided by District Meeting of 19II, to so change the name of the Mission, that hereafter it will be known as Shamokin Mission, or Shamokin Church.
490
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SHAMOKIN CHURCH.
The importance of the work of the Sunday School too was not overlooked by the Brethren, having organized a Sunday School as early as 1896. In the year 1906, the Mission Board decided to locate S. S. Beaver and wife at Shamokin to act as pastor and missionaries, which position they filled for nearly three years. During the greater part of this time, the services were held in Schleif's Hall, at a rental of five dollars a month. Part of this was formerly paid by the Mission Board, but now it is self supporting for the last five years.
This territory formerly belonged to the Schuylkill Church, that is, it was regarded as such. In the year 1897, by a committee appointed by the Schuylkill Church and the Mis- sion Board the Shamokin Church was cut off from the Schuylkill Church, by making as its southern boundary the Sharp Mt., and not making a special line to the east and north.
CHAPTER IX.
READING CITY CHURCH.
While yet belonging to the Maiden Creek Church district, quite a number of members living in the city of Reading, application was made to have regular worship. To this end the old Quaker Church on North 6th Street was rented where for a number of years regular services were held, a Sunday School organized, and other church auxiliaries, giving new life and impetus to the work. Finally the Quaker Church could no more be rented, and the Brethren succeeded in renting the old Baptist Church on Chestnut Street where the work was carried on a few years.
Church House Built .- Through the instrumentality and liberality of Bro. Percival C. Nyce, a lot was bought, and a house built on Church Street, near Greenwich, in the year 1897. The building committee consisted of Elder C. Bucher (who at this time had charge of the Maiden Creek Church), Percival Nyce, and George Sherman.
The church house is a brick building, having a capacity to seat about 400. Valuation $4,000.
A debt of $1,600 remained on the house, due P. C. Nyce, one third to be paid in 1898, one third in 1899, and one third in 1900. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania took hold of the matter and the debt was canceled January 1, 1899. The canceling of the debt of sixteen hundred dollars ($1,- 600) resting on the Reading Church must be credited to Bro. P. C. Nyce, as may be seen by the following proposi- tion :
At a Special District Meeting held in the Mingo Church, October 27, 1898, called by Annual Meeting Committee, the following proposition by P. C. Nyce was presented to the Meeting :
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READING BRETHREN CHURCH.
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READING CITY CHURCH.
"READING, PA. 'Aug. 29, 1898.
"TO THE MISSIONARY BOARD OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, GREETING:
" Believing that it is the will of God that the Reading Church should be credited with a donation of ($500) five hundred dol- lars to the Home for the Homeless at Manheim, Pa .; ($500) five hundred dollars to the General Missionary and Tract Com- mittee as endowment for World wide missions; ($500) five hundred dollars to the Missionary Work of Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and ($100) one hundred dollars to the Brooklyn Mission in New York, care of Alice Boone, therefore upon the condition that these amounts above named, be all paid and re- ceipted on or before Jan. 1, 1899, the claim of ($1600) sixteen hundred dollars, now held by me against the Missionary Board of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania shall be cancelled in full."
"The above proposition was unanimously accepted by the above named Special District Meeting, and a quota of thirty cents per member suggested to be forwarded to Treasurer H. E. Light, and it was also resolved that the above be placed on the District Minutes of 1899.
JOHN HERR, Clerk."
" Treasurer H. E. Light now reports the money was paid to the Home, and Several Missions, and settlements made with Bro. P. C. Nyce, on Dec. 31, 1899, who gave a receipt for the four receipts, and cancelled his claim as per said proposition. "Accepted."
The wisdom and prudence of Bro. Nyce, and the un- assuming manner in which this proposition was made, is verily to be admired. He did not wish to have the credit to himself, but rather that the struggling Reading Church should have the credit for these valuable, and highly appre- ciated donations, "believing that such was the will of God." The Spirit of Christ "Who gave His life for the church."
Organization .- The Reading City Church was organized January 1, 1898. An election was held for a minister and two deacons. The result was no minister, the neutrals hav- ing the majority. A. H. Longenecker and Daniel M. Stouffer were elected deacons. John Herr was elected as
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THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
Elder in charge. Elders present : C. Bucher, Israel Wenger, John Herr. April 8, 1898, the church was placed under the care of the Home Mission Board. At the same time also the single mode of feet washing was adopted. The first love-feast was held May 14 and 15, 1898.
Ministers .- April 5, 1901, John Herr resigned as Elder in charge, which resignation was accepted. However, as the church failed to procure an Elder in charge, Bro. Herr kept the oversight of the church, and finally Elder Jesse Ziegler was induced to move into Reading as a resident minister and took charge of the church. His certificate was accepted March 28, 1902. In the course of a few years, Elder Zieg- ler again moved out of Reading, and his resignation was accepted September 10, 1903.
July 5, 1904, John Herr was again elected Elder in charge.
April 1, 1905, Bro. Herr again resigned and E. M. Wenger, the present Elder in charge, was elected.
July 7, 1902, George Sherman was elected deacon. April 10, 1903, Peter Smith was elected to the ministry. Henry H. Moyer was elected a minister, June 17, 1912. In 1913, Daniel I. Trutt and John King were elected to the office of deacon.
The only resident ministers were: Jesse Ziegler, Peter Smith, Jay G. Francis, and David Weaver. Each one served only for the course of a few years and then moved away again. The remainder of the time the church was supplied by ministerial aid from adjoining churches, as is the case at the present time. Bro. David Weaver held out longest. He was received with his office as minister by letter October 13, 1906. Resigned April 10, 1911. The church granted him leave of absence for one year. Because of having a large family of children, he thought it advisable to move into the country. His heart is still in the work at Reading.
Church Activities .- The church has regular preaching services, morning and evening, each Lord's day ever since its organization. At first the services were conducted in the German language in the morning, and in the English in the evening. At present the services are mostly English, very seldom that a German sermon is delivered. There is a pros-
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READING CITY CHURCH.
perous Sunday School with an average attendance of about 50. Christian Workers' Society meets every Sunday previ- ous to evening worship. There is a Sisters' Aid Society,and also an organized Bible class and a Cottage Prayer Meeting. Thus we see that the church is alive and at work. At times dark clouds gathered over it, but as often disappeared and again the sun shone in all its brilliancy. The present mem- bership is about 75. Not all are active members, but as is the case in all churches, too many only are honorary mem- bers. The active members have stuck to the old ship Zion, through good and evil report. To know the members of Reading means to love them for their zeal and devotion to the Lord's house and cause. I think we are justified in saying that there is hardly a church in the District that is making more sacrifices financially than the members in Reading. Very few are blessed with this world's goods. Bro. Nyce is one of them, and to his honor be it said that he devotes much of his means to the glory of God.
Occasionally when questions arise in the Church requiring money, Bro. Nyce makes the proposition : "I will pay one half if the remainder of the members pay the other half." Many of the members who are employed and work as day laborers pay monthly into the church treasury, and pay more annually than many Brethren in other churches valued by the thousands. At present they are giving full support to two poor members at the "Brethren Home." During 1912, while having a series of meetings more than a dozen confessed Christ and united with the church. This occa- sioned new life and inspiration in the church, looking for still greater things in the future. What is most needed at the present time is a resident minister, to be a shepherd to the sheep. Truly, "Thou Bethlehem in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda."
The present officials are : Elder in charge, John C. Zug of Palmyra ; ministers : Elder D. W. Weaver, Henry H. Moyer, in the first degree of ministry ; deacons : Allen Longenecker, George H. Sherman, Daniel I. Trutt, John King. The fol- lowing constitute the trustees : Emerson Wickle, Allen Long- enecker, George Sherman, Henry Kline and Lovington Royer.
CHAPTER X.
THE MIDWAY CHURCH.
The Midway Church was organized March 24, 1902, at the Midway House. Prior to this, the Midway Church formed a part of the Tulpehocken Church, and owing to the strength of the membership who could not all be accom- modated with seats at the lovefeasts any more and the ex- tent of territory to be worked, it was decided at regular council at the Heidelberg House, December 16, 1901, to divide the congregation; hence the above organization.
The officials at the time of organization were as follows : Elder in charge, Christian Bucher ; ministers, Martin Heisey and Joseph L. Wilhelm; deacons, Nathan P. Gibble and Mohler Bucher; clerk, J. L. Wilhelm.
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