USA > Pennsylvania > Two centuries of the Church of the Brethren in western Pennsylvania, 1751-1950 > Part 36
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Good music is known to be an important factor in the church program. After the congregation moved into the new building, a well-organized choir supplemented the congregational sing- ing. A piano, which proved to be a great help, was placed in the auditorium. It was the desire to secure efficient choir leaders for this part of the program. The following are some who served in that capacity: J. Lloyd Jones, Chester M. Strayer, Ernest Hess, Edward Byers, Sandom Searle, and Marvin Eshelman. After ten years of service, Mr. Eshelman resigned and was succeeded by Ray Berkebile.
There are musical organizations, other than the choir, that have added inspiration to the church program. The Gideon Chorus is a men's group, and the Deborah Singers is a women's group. They both include a few members of other denominations in the community. Both groups have taken charge of services during the pastor's absence, and have rendered well-prepared programs at other times. They assist the choir during revivals and special occasions, and are greatly appreciated. An orchestra and a junior choir have been active at times.
The Juniata College Choir has appeared in the church for a Sunday evening program each year for a number of years. The Iroquois Quartette has also assisted in the music at different times.
In 1935 the church had a pleasant surprise in the form of a gift of a Hammond organ from Brother and Sister W. L. Brougher. This organ is a great asset to the musical program, and the Broughers will always be kindly remembered for their generous gift. Mrs. Leslie Paxson has been the organist for
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the most part since the organ was installed, with Mrs. Clair Musser assisting. After Mrs. Paxson's resignation, Mrs. Musser succeeded her as organist.
In order to give more dignity to the appearance of the choir, the members of it asked permission to secure robes. This per- mission was granted by the council in May 1938; the sisters' veil is used as headdress by the women. The robes were not secured until some time later.
Being interested in home missions as a means of spreading the gospel, this congregation took its place among the others in giving for that purpose. When the Scandinavian mission was begun in 1876, small sums were given for that, mostly by a few members. From this, the interest became more general as publicity was given through addresses and discussions. A number of members belonged to the Brotherhood Missionary Reading Circle (1893). This fact had its influence in cre- ating interest and doubtless in helping to get the congregation into the active work for foreign missions. One of the ministers and his wife, S. S. and Mary Wertz Blough, were called to establish the first city home mission point of the district in 1900, in Pittsburgh.
As the interest in foreign missions in the Church of the Brethren had been growing, Walnut Grove desired to have a part in this great work. In July 1918 the church assumed the support of Samuel Bowman in the China field. When Brother Bowman discontinued his services in 1927, Byron Flory became the representative of the church there. The church continued this support until Brother Flory returned to the States in 1933. The support of Mary Gauntz was assumed in 1936 and continued until she affiliated with another denomination. The church then did not specify any particular person to whom this support should go, but instead contributed that extra amount to the General Mission Board. However, in August 1944, the General Mission Board recommended that the church take over the sup- port of Anna Lichty in India. This was done. The church now supports Clarence Heckman in Nigeria.
In 1929 the church had the additional privilege of assuming the support of their own Lois Detweiler Norris in Sweden. That was continued until she returned from that field of service in 1934. Both the Good Samaritan class and the young people's de- partment contributed to the support of Anna Hutchison in China. Since her retirement, they have supported Velva Dick in Nigeria. The junior and primary departments of the Sunday school sup- port a missionary's child.
For some years the church maintained a scholarship in Juniata College for the benefit of one who was preparing for the ministry or
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for missionary work. This was discontinued in 1925. Later a fund was created for support of individuals who were preparing for ministerial or missionary work. Offerings were taken quarterly. Boxes of clothing and supplies for the mission have been sent to the Greene County Industrial Home, Virginia, and to Ida C. Shumaker for the work in India.
Throughout the years, the church has also endeavored to do some home mission work. The work at Moxham was begun as a mission point. There was some mission work done at South Fork, but no church resulted from the effort, and the work was discontinued. Nanty Glo was thought to be a fruitful field, and the council in January 1922 approved of opening a mission there. Later the work was turned over to the District Mission Board. The latest work of this kind was the opening of the Arbutus mission in 1935. The work continues there under the supervision of the Walnut Grove church.
Among the evangelists in earlier years were: Howard Miller in 1886; John H. Myers and John M. Mohler in 1889; I. D. Parker, I. N. H. Beahm, Peter Stuckman, William M. Howe, and S. S. Blough in 1912. I. J. Rosenberger, being called to counteract an influence which the Seventh Day Adventists had over some of the members, held a debate in a tent in Meadowvale. The result was effective.
The Walnut Grove church has entertained the district Sunday-school and ministerial conventions, and also the District Meeting at various times. The dates are not all available, but in recent years these meetings have been held here as follows: Sunday-school and ministerial con- vention-1916, 1921, 1925, 1930; District Meeting-1934, 1938, 1943, 1945, 1947. The Cambria County Sunday-school convention was entertained here in 1944.
In the recent years, the Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren and the Homestead Avenue United Brethren church conducted union services during Passion Week and special Good Friday services. It is felt that this fellowship with neighboring churches enriches Christian life.
The east-end churches also unite in the Thanksgiving service, the Week of Prayer, and the World Day of Prayer. These churches enjoyed the special privilege in 1945 of uniting their prayers in thanksgiving for the victorious close of the war. Two meetings were held in the United Brethren church for this special prayer service.
The fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Johnstown church was commemorated the week of October 22-27, 1929. The first meeting, on Tuesday, October 22, was community church night, at which time the seven pastors of the east-end churches had part in the program. On another night, the Brethren pastors and choirs had charge of the service. Our former pastors, W. D. Keller and M. Clyde Horst, each delivered a fitting sermon. C. C. Sollenberger, the acting pastor, T. F. Henry, the Roxbury pastor, and the pastors of the surrounding Church of the Breth- ren congregations all contributed to the program of the week. On Sunday afternoon, a number of the older members gave
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reminiscent talks. The climax of the meeting was the following Sunday evening when a sermon was given by J. A. Robinson, who was to be the new pastor.
In September 1927 a Bible institute was conducted with Dr. C. C. Ellis of Juniata College as the instructor. A Bible institute under the auspices of the Johnstown Bible conference was held in 1937.
The twentieth anniversary of the dedication of the new church was observed May 5, 1936, at which time Dr. Ellis gave one of his inspiring messages. On Anniversary Day in April 1945, Dr. Rufus D. Bowman of Bethany Biblical Seminary gave both morning and evening messages. On the thirtieth anniversary of the dedication of our church, Sunday, April 28, 1946, we were happy to welcome back home as our guest speaker George L. Detweiler, now pastor of the Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, church. His message in the morning was on the subject, The House of God, and, in the evening, on Building the Future Church. W. Clay Wertz offered the rededication prayer at the morning services; and the choir sang the anthem, River of Life, by Lacey, which had been rendered by the choir on Dedication Sunday, and has been repeated at many of the anniversary services. Dr. C. C. Ellis was the anniversary speaker in April 1948, and T. F. Henry in 1949. It has been the practice for the past few years to have moving pictures taken on our anniversary day.
In November 1938 this church joined with the churches of the city in launching, under the direction of Dr. Kernahan, a house-to-house canvass with the hope of bringing individuals into fellowship with Christ and the church. A very small increase in membership resulted from this effort.
Our church also entered into the Gypsy Smith city-wide evan- gelistic campaign in 1940. A great deal of interest and enthusi- asm was manifested throughout the city in these meetings. It was a new experience to many, and people were church conscious for a time at least.
M. R. Zigler, recently returned from the European area, gave a report of his findings there on April 20, 1947, in the Johnstown Central high school. After a later return in 1950, Brother Zigler met in a rally meeting at the Walnut Grove church, February 12, 1950.
On April 4, 1948, Leland Brubaker gave a challenging message on missions to the churches of the Western District of Pennsyl- vania, in the Johnstown Central high school.
The sisters' aid society at this place was one of the first in the
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Brotherhood to be organized (January 24, 1895).1 The year 1945 marked the fiftieth anniversary. A special meeting was held at the church in the afternoon of the church's anniversary day in April. At that time, Dr. Rufus D. Bowman gave a timely message and Mrs. Waldo Strayer read an interesting history of the organization.
For some time, there had been considerable pressure for a Boy Scout troop; and, in accordance with this request, the council approved of the movement, May 11, 1942. However, the boys have been at a considerable disadvantage in not having a suit- able place in which to meet. The church granted permission for them to use the Gideon classroom in the basement for the time being, with the hope that soon a more suitable place could be found.
The gymnasium at the Maple Park school was secured for a time for recreation for the young people once a week during the school year. A short devotional period was conducted by one of the ministers at each meeting.
The church has had a recreational center in mind for some time. In the August 29, 1949, council meeting, plans were approved to canvass the entire membership to raise funds for a new building, either a parsonage or a parish house. The aim is to raise $20,000.00 for this project.
In council meeting September 8, 1948, a committee was named to investigate the advisability of maintaining a full-time assistant pastor. E. Eugene Ankeny was elected as the assistant pastor.
Before the coming of the first pastor in 1907, some Bible-study classes were held. The most prominent one was taught by H. S. Replogle, who was then a teacher in the city's public schools. Since then, the pastors have been conducting the weekly Bible- study and prayer meeting.
The first daily vacation Bible school was held in 1920 during Brother Horst's pastorate. Carson Custer, Sunday-school superintendent at the time, was very enthusiastic in the undertaking. Brother Horst, Lois Detweiler, and Elda Wertz were the teachers. They outlined the courses to be taught, and the response was quite satisfactory. With the possible exception of two years, a school has been conducted each year since. In most cases, the pastor or the pastor's wife directed the school.
In the spring of 1946, the school of religion for churches in this district met in our church each Monday evening for eleven weeks. A course in the Old Testament prophets was taught by Dr. T. F. Henry, pastor of the Stone church at Huntingdon, and the class in the history of the Church of the Brethren was taught by Professor H. H. Nye of Juniata College.
This church has tried to do its part in the relief work during and following the war. An offering has been taken once a month for relief and Brethren service. The Sunday school and the church responded generously to the heifer project. A number of blankets were contributed
1 The Conemaughers, by E. H. Detweiler, page 15, says it was in 1893.
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by different classes and groups. The women's work knotted a number of comforts, and collected, cleaned, and mended a great deal of clothing. The BYPD made soap, and the kindergarten presented thirty-three pairs of new mittens and stockings at their Christmas party in 1945.
On July 10, 1948, the men's work, in co-operation with the women's work, sponsored an auction sale for relief. Eight hundred seventy-five dollars was realized from the sale. The work continues and will likely do so as long as the need is so great.
Among the early ministers of the congregation were: George Hanawalt, John M. Harshberger, and David Hilderbrand; Joseph S. Burkhart moved into the congregation in 1888, and George S. Rairigh in 1891. The following ministers were elected later: Ananias W. Myers and Solomon E. Dorer in 1883; Abraham Fyock and Norman W. Berkley in 1887; John F. Dietz and John C. Harrison in 1893; Silas S. Blough and Albert U. Berkley in 1894; Samuel H. Fyock in 1899; Samuel W. Pearce and Cornelius W. Harshberger in 1900; David Riblett and W. Clay Wertz in 1904; John W. Mills, Peter C. Strayer, and James W. Fyock in 1905; David F. Shumaker and Lori B. Harshberger in 1910; William Kinsey in 1908.
The following brought their letters from other congregations: E. F. Clark, 1896; Samuel A. Beeghly, 1899; D. S. Clapper, 1906; Louis G. Shaffer, 1913. C. F. Detweiler and George Hanawalt also moved in.
The deacons were: Stephen Stutzman, Jacob Berkey, Jacob Wertz, Samuel Knavel, L. R. Brallier, Daniel Stutzman, Archibald Wissinger, and Jesse Berkebile. Later, the following were elected: Abraham Fyock and Jacob Mineely, 1883; George Wissinger, David Fyock, and Jerry E. Long, 1887; Ephraim Strayer, Cornelius W. Harshberger, and Benjamin Stewart, 1894. Clayton Berkley and G. W. Zimmerman, both deacons, moved into the congregation in 1884.
Milton Metzger and William Harrison were elected in 1899; Vincent E. Mineely, David Riblett, Peter C. Strayer, and Samuel Brallier, 1904; Lori B. Harshberger, Noah Beeghly, Orlando Harshberger, Michael Kyle, and John Berkebile, 1906; James Wilson, 1907; William Keiper, Samuel Varner, Harvey Shumaker, Harvey Berkebile, and Solomon Harrison, 1910. George B. Wertz, George C. Schmucker, Joseph E. Reininger, and John Hoover, 1913; Logan Gossard and Samuel Gossard, 1914.
The following deacons moved in: John Eckles, Aaron Blough, David F. Shumaker, Joseph Shank, and S. S. Lint. The last two have moved out. Charles Cable, Carson C. Custer, and Gilbert Shumaker were elected in 1915; Frank F. Fyock, William G. Wilson, and William C. Berkebile in 1915. Abram Varner and O. D. Rhodes also served.
The June council of 1930 approved the board's recommenda- tion to adopt the envelope system of offerings for the Sunday school.
Owing to the lack of room for groups to hold certain programs and serve refreshments, the council granted the use of the base- ment in 1931. Sunday-school workers and mothers and daughters organizations were grateful for this permission.
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The board of Christian education is responsible for the print- ing of a monthly paper, The Walnut Grove Visitor. Its first appearance was in April 1944. Although it was designed espe- cially for the servicemen, it is being sent to all the members, and seems to be much appreciated.
A gift in the form of a number of Bibles was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Merle Mineely for use in the prayer-meeting room, in honor of their son, Glenn, who gave his life in the service of his country, February 4, 1945. Glenn was an active Sunday- school and church worker, and this gift in his memory is much appreciated.
The board of Christian education sponsored a friendship banquet for returned servicemen and servicewomen, January 17, 1946. About seventy people were present. It is hoped that this experience will help create a desire for Sunday school and church on the part of these men and women.
Late in 1945, the men's Bible classes sponsored the placing of several billboards in different parts of the city as a means of church advertising. It was hoped that these would help to develop a church- going habit.
In the fall of 1948, amplifiers were placed in the auditorium. To many, this additional equipment has proved a great benefit.
Following each revival during recent years, the church has held a fellowship church night, at which time new members are welcomed and the church people have social contacts by eating together and participating in the program of the evening. It was recently decided that each new convert should be given a Bible.
In September 1935, the council approved of the opening of the Arbutus mission. The first service was held October 6, 1935. Sunday school was conducted before the division in 1881. After services were begun at Walnut Grove and the house of worship was built and dedicated, Sunday school during the sum- mer months was conducted at least as early as 1886, and was a prominent feature of the church interest of the years. After the regular church services began in this newly built church, a full- year school was conducted, which added to the interest of the church.
In its own work of Christian education, this congregation has held a prominent place, having advanced its interests and efficiency as Sunday-school work made progress. Its pastors were active in promoting this work in the district. Its delegates brought home from the district conventions ideas which were put into action, so that the attendance increased and had its part in promoting the work of the congregation. The Sunday-school co-operates with the church in
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financial obligations as well as in educational development. Each year, the Sunday school pays part of the tuition of all campers who attend the Camp Harmony training school. A daily vacation Bible school is held each year, sponsored by the Sunday school, under the direction of the board of Christian education.
The following persons have served as superintendents: Joseph Reighard in 1891, J. C. Harrison in 1892, Frank Berkebile and Jacob Mineely prior to 1892, Ephraim Strayer, Samuel Fyock, Clay Wertz, P. C. Strayer, Roy Wertz, J. A. Wertz, L. B. Harshberger, V. E. Mineely, Chester Strayer, Harvey Berkebile, W. L. Brougher (ten years), Carson Custer, Harry McDowell, Russell Custer, Lowell B. Berkebile, R. G. Williams, Paul Wegley, and Olin Brougher.
According to early records, the average attendance was sixty- seven; it has steadily increased until it has reached over the five-hundred mark.
-Mrs. Elizabeth Wertz Howe
CHAPTER 59. THE WESTMONT CHURCH
Sunday school organized, 1875 Local congregation organized, 1915 Present church membership, 120
The history of the Westmont Church of the Brethren, lo- cated on Menoher Boulevard, Westmont Borough, Johnstown, dates back to 1875, and even beyond, possibly as far as 1845. Originally it was known as the Yoder Hill church, later as the
Westmont Church
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Viewmont Church of the Brethren. As the limits of the borough were extended it became known as the Westmont Church of the Brethren. Services were first held in homes, barns, and the Stutzman school, then in a one-room frame building. The preaching was done by local ministers of the congregation.
In 1896, when the need of a definite place of worship was recognized, the present building was erected at an approximate cost of $2,800.00. The contractors were William Berkey and Harry Gardner. The ground was donated by Crispin Dorer, a lay member and the father of Solomon Dorer. The preaching by the local ministry was continued. Some who served in this capacity were J. F. Dietz, A. W. Meyers, Frank Meyers, Norman Berkley, Albert Berkley, Elmer Blue, Calvin Boehm, H. Q. Rhodes, J. F. Ream, C. A. McDowell, and J. E. Blough. The church was part of the Johnstown congregation until 1899, when it became part of the West Johnstown congregation. In 1908 John H. Cassady became the first pastor of the West Johnstown congregation, which was composed of four churches, and served for more than six years.
Improvements were made in the sanctuary in 1909 and again in 1915 when the building was raised. Ladies'-aid and additional Sunday-school rooms were added and a heating system was installed in the basement.
In 1915 the church became a separate congregation. William H. Rummel served as part-time pastor until April 1917, when D. L. Little became the first pastor of the congregation. At this time the official board was composed of the following: elder, N. W. Berkley; pastor, D. L. Little; minister, W. L. Rummel; deacons, Henry Hofecker and J. E. Long. In the fall of 1918 D. L. Little resigned and the pulpit was supplied by the pastoral board until January 1, 1920, when L. B. Harshberger took over the duties as pastor of the church, which he fulfilled until August 1930, having served the church for a period of ten years and eight months. During this time, A. L. Rummel was called to the ministry and installed and William H. Rummel was or- dained to the eldership.
After the resignation of Pastor Harshberger, the pastoral board again supplied the pulpit until August 1931 when A. C. Miller accepted the pastorate; Brother Miller continued in this capacity until 1935, when he was succeeded by Charles W. Blough. After seven years, Brother Blough resigned to accept another charge. He was followed by S. Boyd Dickey, who served for two years. Following Brother Dickey, the services were con- ducted by Harold Bomberger, John Brumbaugh, and John Hop- kins until Charles W. Blough returned in the spring of 1946, as supply pastor, in which capacity he served until David H. Markey,
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then of Reading, Pennsylvania, was elected pastor. He took over his duties on September 1, 1948, and is currently serving in this capacity.
In January 1945 the church purchased a plot of ground im- mediately adjoining the present church site with plans to move the church building back from the highway and enlarge it.
On July 29, 1945, in a special Sunday morning service con- ducted by C. W. Blough of the District Ministerial Board, John Hopkins was ordained to the full ministry and Paul Alwine was called to the ministry and licensed to preach.
On October 13, 1946, the church observed its fiftieth anni- versary, at which time Dr. C. C. Ellis, who had delivered the address at the original dedication services of the church, was the speaker of the day.
From time to time, improvements had been made and equip- ment added that might help in the worship services. In April 1947 an electric organ, with chimes, was purchased and installed.
Recognizing the need of a parsonage, in February 1948 the church purchased a home at 158 State Street at a cost of $13,000.00.
The present membership of the church is approximately one hundred twenty, with active men's work, women's work, and young people's groups.
Time has made marked changes in the community surround- ing the church. From a definitely rural section, it has grown into a popular residential area, which is still growing.
The Westmont Sunday school is now seventy-five years old, having been organized in 1875, under the leadership of William Ramberger.
-Florence E. Head
CHAPTER 60. THE WINDBER CHURCH
Sunday school organized, July 14, 1901 Present church dedicated, 1923 Present church membership, 366
The Windber church, like Scalp Level, Rummel, and the present Shade Creek, was a part of the original Shade Creek congregation, and was one of the early German Baptist congre-
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gations of the area. It was the parent religious organization of the Shade-Paint Creek Valley, as Fred C. Doyle1 says. It was therefore the oldest of all denominations of the immediate area and was originally an outgrowth of the Conemaugh, Brothers- valley and Morrison's Cove organizations.
Before taking up the story of the development of the con- gregation in its modern church plant, it might add interest and understanding if some observations were made about the general conditions and early experiences of the congregation.
The town of Windber itself took on a rapid mushroom growth. It was the result of the development by the Berwind White Coal Mining Company of rich coal deposits of the area, and the lumber operations of the Babcock Lumber Company. The former, especially, had a direct bearing since the town and its major interests were established by the coal company in 1897. The lumber activities added indirectly to the growth of the community at about the same time. The story of this growth cannot be told here. It has been well told in regular and special issues of the Windber Era, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and also in the writer's thesis2 and the above-mentioned booklet.
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