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Stephenson County
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Stephenson County
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WADDAM'S GROVE
CHURCH Of The BRETHREN
The Annual Meeting of 1856
The Yellow Creek Church having previously made application for the Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren this year, and the request being granted, the Annual Meeting was held at the residence of Brother Michael Reber (now the Ernest Look home, near the Waddams Grove or Louisa meetinghouse) on May 10 to 14, 1856. The large barn and house, still in use, and also a tent were used for the purposes of the meeting. Some matter relative to the 1856 Annual Meeting has been gathered together, which will perhaps be interesting to the reader.
In the “Life of John Kline,” (see end of chapter) the martyr missionary of the Church of the Brethren, there is given a brief record of his attendance at this meeting, as he noted it in his diary, May 5 to 14, 1856, as follows:
Monday, May 5. This day I start to the Annual Meeting, which is appointed to meet about fourteen miles from Freeport, in Stephenson County, on the extreme north border of Illinois, and about three miles from Brother Young’s. After being exposed to many dangers and detentions, and one wreck on the way, I arrived safe at the place of meeting on
Saturday, May 10. Stay at Brother Young’s first night. A great concourse of people on the ground.
Sunday, May 11. We have a very fine day. Preaching at several points. An immense assembly today.
Monday, May 12. Meeting is organized. Committees formed. Go to rooms and take in queries. Stay all night on the meeting grounds. Rain all day and cold.
Tuesday, May 13. Begin to discuss questions. Rain all day and night, and unpleasant. Stay all night on the meeting grounds.
Wednesday, May 14. Continue the discussion of questions. Close at half-past five o’clock. Stay again on the meeting grounds. Although we have some differences of opinion among us on minor points of order and usages, I am happy to know that in all great matters of doctrine and practice we are one. Whilst the meeting was in progress I was made to think of what Solomon says in the book of Proverbs about the locusts. “The locusts,” says he, “have no king, yet go they forth, all of them, together in bands.” We have no human king over us as pope, cardinal or bishop, with self-assumed authority and dignity; yet we hold together. We acknowledge allegiance to but one King, and He is out of human sight. He is the King of glory. But of Him we can say with an apostle: “Whom having not seen we love; in whom, though now we see Him not, yet believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
In The Gospel Visitor the church periodical of 1856, the following write up of the Annual Meeting of 1856 is given soon after the meeting, by Brother Henry Kurtz, one of the editors of the paper at the time:
In Illinois? Who would have thought twenty or ten years ago, that such a meeting of our Brethren would take place so far in the West? “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” He has planted churches, where there had been none; He has blessed them from heaven above and from the earth beneath, and has made them willing to receive in their midst the great congregation from the far East and South, from the still farther West, and from the North, and to provide for it in the kindest and most plentiful manner. The Lord bless them for their love, and unto Him be thanks and glory for all things.
It is indeed no small sacrifice, which our loving members in Stephenson County rendered to brotherly love by taking up the Annual Meeting this year. The long, cold winter and the late spring as well as the early occurrence of the feast of Pentecost had caused vegetation in that northerly region to be yet far backward. Fruit-trees and the forest stood yet bare and leafless; but little pasture for creatures had made its appearance at the time. By the preparations for the meeting the brethren there had been prevented to do their work in field and garden. Yet with joy and gladness they denied themselves, and their own interest, and welcomed their brethren from far and near with true hospitality.
This was not all. The members who out of love gave up their home for the time being to the church, and under whose roof the yearly meeting was held, were themselves rather afflicted. The dear sister was in delicate health, and at first scarcely able to be up and about, and finally had to retire into her bedroom, and was most of the time compelled to keep her bed. What she must have felt and suffered by the unavoidable noise of a crowd of people being around and above her day and night, we leave to the imagination of those who have been ill. The loving Brother, too, though in good health otherwise, had met with an accident while preparing for this meeting, shortly before it took place, and had broken his arm. Yet, with arm in a sling, he never wearied to attend, wherever his presence was needed, and forgetting self he tried constantly to make others comfortable. In these kind endeavors other brethren and sisters assisted, and nothing was wanting but favorable weather to make this first yearly meeting in what was once called the Far West as pleasant as any we have attended.
But the weather proved to be another trial of the faith, the love and patience of our dear members. Never before, at least within our recollection and we have attended more than twenty-five of such meetings, was the weather so unpropitious and inclement, as during the time of our council meeting this year. It was a great mercy that for the few days before the meeting commenced the weather was pleasant, while so many were on their way to the meeting. It was a greater mercy still, that on the Lord’s Day, while thousands were gathered to hear the Gospel preached in its original simplicity in the barn, the tent, and the open air, we were blessed with a clear shy, as well as with spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, and that the multitude from the surrounding country could return home before the weather changed.
For towards the Lord’s Day evening the heavens lowered, and soon after night a thunder storm arose with heavy rain, and from that night on till Wednesday morning or nearly noon scarcely the sun was seen, and more or less rain almost incessantly poured down. Besides the air was so damp and chilly, that those who had no overcoats suffered from cold. On Tuesday morning I had a headache and felt so bad that I thought I should have ague, or, what is call in the West, “the chills.” Our revered and beloved senior Bro. Geo. Hoke, was unwell, too, and though it was the first day of council meeting (Monday having been consumed with the preliminary business) for the first time in many years, neither of us could attend that day.
This was indeed a gloomy and dreadful time for such a meeting. The rich black soil by constant rain was so softened, and by the moving to and fro of so many people so much tramped and loosened, that every vestige of grass disappeared, and one step from the door a person would sink in the mud ankle deep, while the rain continued to pour down. It was impossible for people coming in the house to clean their shoes sufficiently, and so the mud was carried into the house, up stairs, and everywhere in such quantities, that it became difficult to walk up and down stairs without slipping. I never saw a house in such a condition before. That all who attended the meeting suffered more or less during this time was a matter of course, and in consequence many left on Tuesday.
Here I cannot withhold a suggestion, which I would present to the consideration of our Brethren. Pentecost, the usual time for our yearly meeting from time immemorial, is what is called a movable feast like Easter. It will fall sometimes as early as May 10, and sometimes as late as June 13. Hence it appears that there is more than one month difference in the time our yearly meetings have been held hitherto. Its early occurrence this year was evidently the cause of much inconvenience, suffering, discomfort and loss to our beloved members, and therefore we propose the following query for the consideration of all:
“Would it not be best, instead of having a movable feast for the time of our yearly meeting, to appoint either the last Lord’s Day in May, or the first Lord’s Day in June for said meeting?”
We do not propose the question because we are fond of change, nor because we have a selfish motive. We have nothing in our eye but what might be best for all. But enough of this.
Of the transactions of the last yearly meeting the minutes will speak for themselves. We have before observed that on account of illness we with others could not attend the first day. The first 15 articles were transacted that day, of which we have only the papers, but did not hear the discussion. The last day we attended. Upon the whole, there was a spirit of love and harmony prevailing, and we hope and trust and pray, that all what was done will be so ruled and so overruled by the glorious Head of the church, for the salvation of sinners and the everlasting glory of our God and Redeemer.
We have said above so much about the gloomy time of the meeting, and we must also say, that towards noon on Wednesday heaven began to smile again upon our meeting, things had a more cheerful aspect, and while on Tuesday and Wednesday forenoon candles had to be used in meeting all the time, by the glorious light of heaven the meeting could be finally closed. And should it be that our experience at this meeting were a token of a coming storm, of gloomy dark times, of times of affliction, and temptation (and methinks I can see and hear signs of it in the present aspect of things in the East and in the West, in the Church and in the world), may we, each and all, only endeavor to be faithful, to watch and pray, and do and suffer as the Lord sees fit to lay upon us, and we may rest assured of a happy end of all our trials; and if the Lord should frown for awhile upon His people because of their sins and shortcomings, He may also smile again upon them, when they return penitent, and will be with them always, even unto the end of the world.
(Signed) H.K.
(Held with Brother Michael Reber, Stephenson County, Ill., on Pentecost, May 10, 14, 1856.)
As usual there was public worship not only on the Lord’s Day but also before and after, as opportunity offered at different places. Monday morning the council meeting was opened, a Standing Committee nominated, and to this the papers were handed in, and distributed among ten other committees. On Tuesday morning after opening the meeting with singing and prayer, the Committee reported the following points and queries together with their answers which were then further considered in the fear of the Lord.
What is to be done according to the Gospel with brethren who take more than lawful interest, and are not willing to be subject to the decision of the Annual Meeting in 1836? The Gospel directs the subjects of Christ’s kingdom to be subject to the laws of the land; therefore no brother should take more than the law allows. If he doth, he should be dealt with according to Matt. 18 and required to restore what has been taken unlawful.
Is it proper for brethren to have their property insured by insurance companies? Considered to leave it as the brethren made it in 1847 (Art. XI), but we would in addition advise all brethren not to unite or bind themselves with or to any company or society of this world.
If members commit gross sins, such as fornication, etc., and there is no ordained brother in such district, and the church sends to the nearest adjoining district for ordained brethren, who with the full consent of the church place such members under the ban of avoidance, as the apostle saith, “not to keep company if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator,” etc. (1 Cor. 5:2), and afterwards the oldest minister of such church turns round and tells the members, and even those who were placed in avoidance, that the brethren had no right or authority to do so and by so doing creates considerable uneasiness in the church? Considered that such a brother has done wrong, and that he should be corrected.
How is it considered when a church unitedly agrees not to use ardent spirits except for medical, mechanical or communion purposes, and a member of said church and a member will not comply with the above decision? Considered that such member be dealt with as in other offenses.
Would it not be best in holding elections for the purpose of choosing ministers or deacons, that none of the ministering brethren of such district should take any part or even be in the room, where the votes of the members are received, but that brethren of other districts should be called for said purpose? Considered that every member should have an equal privilege of giving their voices, and that the remainder of this query were best left to the strange brethren.
A request by the Elk Creek church, Somerset County, Pa., for the Yearly Meeting in 1859. Granted, provided the request be renewed and Providence will allow it.
A request by the church in Carroll County, Ill., for a committee to settle difficulties existing there. Granted and referred to the Standing Committee to make the appointment. This appointment was made and Brethren Andrew Spanogle, Samuel Garber, Daniel Frey, Joseph Emmert, and Samuel Lehman nominated for this business.
How is it considered when a brother of another district is solicited to preach a funeral and fails to attend and the brethren who reside in the district attend and preach the funeral and afterwards the elder, who is a relative of the deceased, has the funeral preached over again? Considered that elders ought to be careful not to wound the feelings of their fellow-laborers by sending for others to do their work over again.
How is it considered, where there is a church with a bishop and two speakers, one authorized to baptize, etc., and the other not, and a case of difficulty occurs between two members and is brought before the church, those three members being present: but the first two being relatives to the parties they authorize the third to attend to the case and present it before the church – the question is would it be considered legal? – Considered legal.
Is it agreeable with the Gospel to make public collections at public meetings before the world for our laboring brethren? Considered not agreeable to the Gospel to hold collections before the world for the above purpose.
Is it becoming for a brother, especially an ordained brother, to have strings of bells on their horses in sleighing? Considered not becoming, unless where it is required by the law to prevent accidents, it cannot be avoided.
If a member is sued by a member of the world may he appear and show his cause? If so how far may he proceed with the law? Considered that he may, but if judgment is given against him he should proceed no further.
If a brother is sued for an unjust debt, and it being out of his power to attend, yet judgment is given against him, may he take appeal to court for greater of less amount? Considered that in such cases brethren have a right to a hearing to bring matters to light; yet in all such cases brethren should ask counsel of the church to avoid difficulties to which they might subject themselves by taking their own course.
The Committee appointed at last Annual Meeting to visit and confer with far western brethren, or a committee of them to investigate the differences in doctrine and practice existing between them and us, submitted the following:
May 8, 1856. We, the brethren who constitute the committee appointed by the German Baptist church at our last Annual Meeting to visit the western brethren who recognize Brother George Wolfe of Illinois, as their bishop, by the grace and favor of God were permitted to meet at their meetinghouse where we were received on the most friendly and Christianlike terms and after different queries were proposed for our deliberation, the tree or four following being considered the most important, we proceed to make our report accordingly as follows:
The question concerning the reality of a devil was considered, and after comparing opinions and sentiments on the subject of the reality of such a being and his nature we agreed upon the following view, that the Scriptures recognize a devil or an evil spirit manifests itself in the flesh.
On the doctrine of universal salvation, which denies punishment hereafter, we cordially agreed with Brother Wolfe that all men shall receive hereafter according to the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad.
On the subject of feet washing Brother Wolfe is firm in the opinion that one person should both wash and wipe the feet of a number of brethren and then another and so on until all are washed, but he is willing to conform to the practice of the Brethren in general when in communion meeting with them, and begs for forbearance on the part of the brethren in general until they all come to see alike.
Brother Wolfe is likewise strongly of the opinion, that no time should be spent between the eating of the supper and the breaking of the bread (the communion), but that the whole ceremony should be prosecuted without intermission or delay.
It is the sincere desire of Brother Wolfe that however these sentiments may clash with the general practice of the Brethren, they may not be considered a sufficient cause why they should not be received in communion and fellowship with the brethren, with which views we the committee unanimously agree, and present this our report to the Brethren, in general council met, for their deliberation and concurrence. (Signed) David Hardman, J. H. Omstad, J. H. Tracey, A. Mow, John Metzger, S. Lehman, C. Long.
Can a brother or one that calls himself one, be a witness in church matters, without bringing a certificate of membership from the church whence he came? Considered that members should always have letters of membership or be known as full members.
A request for the Yearly Meeting 1858 in the Wabash Valley, Indiana. Granted, unless unforeseen providence should prevent it.
How far may brethren go in trading or trafficking without transgressing the limits of the Gospel, and what is to be done with brethren who will not comply with the counsel of the church in such cases? Regarding the first point considered dangerous and brethren should not engage in it; as to the latter point see Matt. 18:17.
How are we to hold a brother and sister, who lived together for some years in lawful matrimony, but not very agreeably, and now they are separated, the brother living with his children in Iowa, and the sister living with her friends in Ohio? The church or churches where such members live should investigate the matter, and judge according to the Gospel and the circumstances or facts in the case in the fear of the Lord.
Would it not be nearer the Word to have the supper prepared and on the table before commencing to wash feet? Referred to Minutes of 1849, Q. 19.
Is it the rule and order among the Brethren to forward a brother to baptize the same time he is put in the ministry? Answer: No.
How is it considered when a branch of a church separates itself from the main body, forwards it ministers without a bishop being present, and pretends to act independent of the counsel of the church, and the Yearly Meeting? Considered that such proceedings are wrong and highly dangerous, so that love induces us to charge a committee to visit that church and branch.
A letter from Virginia, urging that this Yearly Meeting devise a plan, how the church could fulfill the command of the Savior, Matt. 28:19, more effectually, so that the Article 8 on our Minutes of 1852 should not remain a dead letter. This meeting recommends the subject to the serious consideration of all the churches.
A proposal of forming districts of five, six or more adjoining churches for the purpose of meeting jointly at least once a year, settling difficulties, etc., and thus lessening the business of our general Yearly Meeting. We believe this plan to be a good one, if carried out in the fear of the Lord.
If a man shall put away his wife for the cause of fornication, procuring a bill of divorcement, and marrying another, has he committed the sin of adultery, or could he be received into the church, all the parties still living if he in all other respects brings forth fruit meet for repentance? After a lengthy discussion this matter was referred to next Yearly Meeting.
Would it be proper to reconsider the 7th query of 1851 concerning the putting up of lightning rods? We would not advise brethren to put up those rods, but that the brethren should bear with one another in love in such matters.
Would it be proper to reconsider the 6th query of 1848? Seeing it is admitted that sisters should wear a covering, what should that covering be according to the Gospel? We are satisfied with our ancient brethren, that the plain cap worn by our dear aged sisters is a covering, as required by the Scripture according to Paul.
Does Christian fellowship according to the Gospel forbid, or require, or leave it optional for brethren, when meeting in cities, towns or at public gatherings, when extending the salutation of the hand to accompany the same with the salutation of the holy kiss? Considered optional.
A request from the church in Fayette County, Pa., to have our dear brother, James Quinter, ordained for the office of an overseer at this Yearly Meeting. Considered that inasmuch as this brother had not been able to be present here, Brother Joseph Showalter of Stark, and Henry Kurtz of Mahoning, Ohio, be appointed as a committee to attend to this business.
In relation to the brethren in Germany it appears from all documents and information, presented to us, that they differ with us on baptism, feetwashing, and other points of faith and practice; hence until he have a better evidence of their agreement with us in sentiment, and of their willingness, to receive the doctrine of Christ as we have received it, we cannot acknowledge them yet as brethren of the same faith with us; and inasmuch they expressly refuse to accept of our charity, it should be reserved for future use. The letter of these brethren to be published in the Gospel Visitor.
Request from the church, on Owlcreek, Knox County, for a committee to settle some difficulties. Concluded that Brethren Geo. Hoke, Elias Dickey, Jacob Gerber, H.D. Davy and J.P. Ebersole should be that committee.
Request from Hunterdon County, N. J., for a committee to investigate certain matters in the church there. Considered that Brethren Andrew Spanogle and Peter Long of Pennsylvania, and John Kline, John Wine and Martin Miller of Virginia should visit that church and try to settle their difficulties.
In regard to the still existing difficulties in the Coventry Church, Chester County, Pa., we could see no other remedy in the present lamentable aspect of things than that either the whole church unite sincerely to submit to the advice given by the yearly meeting and the committee sent there in 1854, or to establish that part of the church which is so inclined as a separate body or church, and in order to accomplish either a true reconciliation or peaceable separation that last named committee is also appointed for this business and likewise for that on Indian Creek. Referred to Article 21 above.
By request of Brother Geo. Hoke, who wishes to resign his agency of the Garber charity fund, it was concluded that Brother Elias Dickey should take charge of the same.
An appeal from a number of members in Story County, Iowa, to send brethren to them for the purpose of organizing a church. Left to those ordained elders, who contemplate a journey to that new and growing State.
A number of papers were handed in concerning difficulties in Covington Church, Miami County, Ohio, which contain as many queries as would occupy a meeting for several days, and inasmuch as the settlement of the difficulties having been tried again and again by able and impartial committees and agreed to by the church, yet without the desired effect, also inasmuch as said church is excessively large and numerous we would advise the church to be divided into two districts, hoping and praying that his may issue in a peaceable settlement and reconciliation. For this purpose the following brethren were appointed as a committee: George Shively, James Tracy, Jacob Miller, John Metzger, George Hoover, Jacob Metzger, David Hardman, all of Indiana, and Peter Nead and Daniel Miller of Ohio.
A request from the church in Highland County, Ohio, for a committee to visit said church. Granted and the committee last named also appointed for this business.
A renewed invitation from our beloved brethren in Washington County, Md., for next Yearly Meeting on Pentecost, to be held at their meetinghouse where the Yearly Meeting in 1838 had taken place, eight miles south of Hagerstown and 13 miles northeast of Kearneysville, Jefferson County, Va., at both of which places brethren traveling by public conveyance will be able to procure public conveyances to the place of meeting, as there will be arrangements made accordingly by the resident brethren. Brethren at a distance desiring further information by addressing Elder Daniel Reichard, Sen., College of St. James, Washington County, Md., will be promptly and cheerfully attended to. This invitation was gratefully accepted and hence our next Yearly Meeting appointed to take place on Pentecost, 1857, God willing, at the Brethren meetinghouse above designated, in Washington County, Md.
Brethren Henry Kurtz and James Quinter were appointed as a committee to enter into arrangements with the railroad companies for next Annual Meeting.
Signed by the following brethren:
George Hoke, Geo. Shively, John Leatherman, Jacob Long, Peter Nead, James Tracy, Joseph Emmert, John Berkley, Andrew Spanogle, John Kline, Joseph Arnold, Daniel Miller. Henry Kurtz, Clerk
Transcriber’s notes: The rest of the chapter lists the accounts of the Annual Meeting. This includes the receipts and expenditures per individual or church. It is not being included at this time because of its length. Most names listed have been reported in previous chapters. However, there may be names that do not appear anywhere else.
John Kline – From information provided by other sources, John Kline attended nearly all the Annual Meetings prior to his death. He was active in committee meetings and reports attempting to involve the Brethren in home mission work. He was the moderator of Annual Conference the last four years of his life. At that time, being moderator was the highest post or office in the German Baptist Brethren. Another source said that he was killed at the hands of bushwhackers during the Civil War near his home in Broadway, Va. Elder Kline was something of doctor and would give aid to whoever needed it, regardless of their loyalities in the Civil War. This caused him to be viewed with suspicion along with the fact that during the war, Kline worked to keep the Brethren on both sides united. He traveled across the lines many times to hold preaching services wherever there was a need. It was when he returned from one such meeting that he was killed. More can be read about Elder John Kline by Benjamin Funk, published by the Brethren Press, 1900.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Its Beginning
Waddams Grove Church
Ministers and Deacons
A List of the Members of the Church
The Annual Meeting of 1856
Enoch Eby and Daniel Fry’s Mission to Denmark in 1877
District Meeting Preceedings for 1862,
1871 and 1882
Every Name List
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
The Yellow Creek Meeting house in 1910
Waddams Grove Meeting house in 1910
Chelsea Meeting house in 1910
Where the Annual Meeting of 1856 Was Held
Brother Enoch Eby’s Photograph
