Chapter V

UNDER PRESIDING ELDERSHIP (Cont.)

Young People's Work—Women's Missionary Association and Otterbein Guild Work. YOUNG PEOPLE'S WORK

No department of church activity has contributed more to the development of the whole church than has the Christian Endeavor department. It is natural that this should be so in Allegheny Conference because of the part her representatives have had from the beginning of the movement. Because of the loyalty of our conference to the denominational program, it has been natural to change from the Young People's Christian Union to the Young People's Christian Endeavor Union and later into the department of Christian Education. The following pages will record the activities and the accomplishments of the local societies and of the Branch Union.

During the latter part of the nineteenth century, the young people's movement took active form and resulted in the organization of the "Young People's Society," a Christian agency for the training of the youth of the Church in the life and duties of religion. Societies were organized in the various churches of the denominations.

The bringing together of these societies into denominational, national, and world organizations has been the great achievement of the "Young People's Movement" in its organized form. The United Society of Christian Endeavor includes all the societies of Christian Endeavor the world over. In our own denomination the "Young People's Union," organized in 1890, included all the young people's societies of our Church. In 1909, the name of the organization was changed to the "Young People's Christian Endeavor Union," and the local societies were requested to change to Christian Endeavor societies. In 1929, in harmony with the newly created "Department of Christian Education" the "Christian Endeavor Union" became the "Young People's Union," which includes all forms of young people's organizations within the Church.

In the promotion and development of the young people's work, the Allegheny Conference has been progressive and outstanding. In the early stages of the movement our conference was well in the lead.

The distinction of having organized the first Christian Endeavor Society in the United Brethren Church is claimed by Allegheny Conference. In March, 1883, a Christian Endeavor Society was organized at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, by the pastor, Rev. L. R. Jones. Rev. J. N. Munden organized a society along Christian Endeavor lines in 1885, at Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

In 1887, by the action of the annual conference, the young people's

DR. T. D. GOOD
Director Young People's Work

societies were banded together into an organization called "The Young People's Christian Association of Allegheny Conference." This was nearly three years before the denominational organization was effected. A constitution was adopted in 1888, and went into immediate effect. Rev. J. N. Munden presented the interests of the Young People's Association, showing the importance of Christian Endeavor among the young people.

The first anniversary of the Young People's Association was held September 18, 1889, at Altoona, Pennsylvania, in connection with the annual conference. Rev. H. F. Shupe gave an address on "The Principles and Permanency of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor," and Rev. J. N. Munden spoke on "The Objects and Departments of Christian Endeavor."

The officers of the association were: President, Rev. J. N. Munden; vice president, Rev. H. T. Denlinger; secretary, Rev. H. F. Shupe; treasurer, Miss Markle. These officers all served during the three years of the existence of the association. In 1891, the organization became the Young People's Christian Union, as a part of the denominational union. At this time there were 28 societies with 1,017 members, an increase of 9 societies and 360 members for the year.

The movement spread very rapidly and societies were organized in most of our churches. Wherever they functioned under competent

leadership, they were the source of great blessing and the agency of much good. The high-water mark of the organization in our conference from many standpoints was in 1916-1917, when over 10,000 members were reported, with 154 Senior and 65 Intermediate and Junior societies. In 1930, there were reported 134 Senior, 25 Intermediate, and 67 Junior societies with a combined membership of 8,357.

Junior societies were organized in our conference as early as 1894, and the Intermediate societies were first reported about 1900. There is no record of the first Junior superintendent. Mrs. Anna Wharton was chosen in 1901 and served four years. She was followed in order by Mrs. Mary G. Funk, four years; Miss Lizzie Ashburn, three years; Miss Naomi Wilson, six years; Miss Lois Biddle, eight years; Miss Kathryn Lohr, four years; and Miss Armead Queer, the present superintendent, since 1930.

MISS ARMEAD QUEER
Allegheny Conference Union, Junior Superintendent

The Junior superintendent had charge of the Intermediate work in connection with her own until 1901, when a separate superintendent was elected for the Intermediate work. Rev. W. W. Williamson was elected and served two years, Rev. T. M. Sharp served one year, and Miss May Whitehead served one year. In 1905, the plan of having only one superintendent for both the Junior and Intermediate work was adopted and continued until 1925, since which time Rev. A. J. Orlidge has been superintendent of the Intermediate work.

During the years there has been a healthy growth and a marvelous development in unity, intensity, purpose, and achievement within the society. The outstanding features are many, among which the following are especially noted:

1. The Scheme of Credits with its System of Rewards. This plan was introduced in 1912 and was used in developing a large degree of efficiency with fine results. This was the forerunner of the denominational "Scheme of Credits and Efficiency Chart."

2. The District Organization and Work. The plan was started in 1902, but was not developed in its present form until 1914. It has proven to be of great value in intensive work. The District Rally has become a feature and is an efficient promotional agency.

3. The Annual Convention. The first four conventions were held in connection with the annual conference and consisted of an anniversary service and a business session. The first separate convention was held in 1893, at Coalport, Pennsylvania. These annual gatherings became a great yearly event and did much to foster the Christian Endeavor spirit, increase interest,

REV. A. J. ORLIDGE
Allegheny Conference Union, Intermediate Superintendent

and promote the work. These conventions have always been well attended by the young people, the programs have been of a high order, and many denominational leaders in young people's • work have appeared as instructors. In connection with the regular convention, separate Junior and Intermediate conventions are now held. In harmony with the action of the last General Conference, the convention at Youngwood, in 1930, marked the introduction of the combined convention idea, embracing the Sunday school as well as the Christian Endeavor work, with delegates from each. Practically a new organization was effected and "The Allegheny Conference Young People's Union" fairly launched. Mr. Chalmer Wisegarver, of Johnstown First Church, was elected president.

4. The Branch Objective, later known as the Conference Union Objective. The Allegheny Union cooperated in the denominational projects as promoted during the early history of the movement. In 1902, the plan of supporting, financially, some special project was introduced and this became known as the "Objective." The first project was the part support of the pastor at Beaver Falls. The total given for this purpose was $1,300.00. Later it was decided to make the new church at Beaver Falls a Young People's Memorial Church

ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE CHILDREN NOW IN QUINCY ORPHANAGE

and the union pledged $3,000.00 to be paid in six years. The amount was paid in full but it was not accomplished until 1912. At the convention of 1912 held at Youngwood, Pennsylvania, the Objective Plan was put on a sound basis and it was decided to raise $500.00 a year for some special purpose to be selected by the convention. In 1901, the amount was changed to $1,000.00, and the surplus accumulated made it possible to raise the amount of three objectives to $1,500.00 each.

Beginning with 1913, the Branch has had the following objectives: 1913, a scholarship at Bonebrake Seminary, $500; 1914, a scholarship at Otterbein College, $500; 1915, furnishing the living room of the Old People's Home at Quincy, $500; 1916, Conference Preachers Permanent Aid Fund, $500; 1917, church building at Kiu-Chau, China, $500; 1918, Conference Church Extension Young People's Fund, $500; 1919, General Church Erection Fund, $500; 1920, industrial equipment at Quincy Orphanage, $1,000; 1921, Quincy Orphanage industrial building, $1,000; 1922, hospital equipment at Kono, Africa, $1,000; 1923, a memorial suite of rooms at Bonebrake Seminary, $1,000; 1924, increased scholarships at Bonebrake Seminary and Otterbein College to $1,000 each; 1925, purchased lots for Juniata Church, $1,500; 1926, purchased lots for Grace Church, Altoona, $1,500; 1927, scholarship at Lebanon Valley College, $1,000; 1928, ministerial scholarship with the Board of Education, $1,000; 1929, printing equipment for the Philippines, $1,000; 1930, Preachers Pension Fund, $1,000; 1931, scholarship at Shenandoah College. The total amount raised for objectives up to 1931 has been $20,468. These objectives are perpetual and stand as memorials to the zeal, energy, and devotion of the young people of Allegheny Conference.

Among the leaders of the Young People's work of the conference, many names are outstanding. The pastors generally manifested a keen interest and gave full cooperation in the work. The young people themselves have been enthusiastic and aggressive and many of them became active leaders in the movement. The officers of the conference organization were generally well-fitted for their task and were recognized leaders in the field of Christian Endeavor.

The list of presidents follows: 1888-91, Rev. J. N. Munden; 1891-93, Rev. H. F. Shupe; 1893-96, Rev. J. N. Munden; 1896-98, Rev. L. F. John; 1898-99, H. D. Thomas; 1899-1902, Rev. T. W. Perks; 1902-08, Dr. G. W. Miller; 1908-11, H. H. Baish; 1911-18, Rev. C. W. Winey; 1918-22, Rev. G. R. Strayer; 1922-26, Rev. J. D. Good;

1926-28, Rev. E. B. Learish; 1928-30, Rev. W. H. Hayes; 1930, Chalmers Wisegarver.

The following have served as corresponding secretary-treasurer and because of the character of the office were closely connected with the work. Rev. H. F. Shupe, 1889-91; Rev. W. H. Mingle, 1891-93; Rev. S. S. Hough, 1893-96; Rev. I. P. Truxal, 1896-98; Rev. O. M. Wilson, 1898-1900; Rev. W. H. Blackburn, 1900-1901; Rev. J. L. Leichliter,

DR. E. B. LEARISH
President Conference Board of Christian Education

MR. CHALMERS WISEGARVER
President Allegheny Conference Young People's Union

1901-1909; Rev. W. G. Fulton, 1909-29; Rev. J. D. Good, 1929-31; and since June, 1931, Rev. E. R. Schultz.

Rev. H. F. Shupe, who was one of the leaders in the beginning of the work and the first president of the Young People's Union, resigned the presidency to assume the duties of Editor of The Watchword, which position he held until his death in 1926. Doctor Shupe was a trustee of the United Society of Christian Endeavor for many years and a member of the Board of Control of our denomination from the time of its origin.

Dr. W. G. Fulton was elected corresponding secretary-treasurer in 1909, and served continuously for twenty years, the longest term of

continuous service in the Young People's Work in the denomination. He served as a member of the Board of Control from 1917 to 1929.

DR. W. G. FULTON
Secretary-Treasurer Board of Christian Education

The Young People's work is now under the control of the Conference Board of Christian Education. This Board elects a General Director of Religious Education and departmental directors to promote the various phases of the work.

The present board is composed of Dr. E. B. Learish, president; Rev. M. M. Snyder, vice president; Dr. W. G. Fulton, secretary-treasurer; Rev. W. H. Hayes, M.A.; Rev. E. C. Weaver, D.D.; Rev. W. S. Wilson, D.D.; and Mrs. W. G. Fulton. The General Director is Rev. W. H. Hayes, with H. C. Cridland, Director of Adult Work; Dr. J. D. Good, Director of Young People's Work; Miss Gaynell Ardell, Director of Children's Work; Rev. E. C. Schultz, Director of Leadership Training; Dr. W. A. Sites, Christian Endeavor Efficiency Superintendent; and Rev. M. M. Snyder, Promotional Superintendent of Sunday-school work.

women's missionary association

Early History. Organized work for missions among the women of the United Brethren Church was begun in 1872, anticipating by three and a half years the forming of the General Society, in 1875, in the First United Brethren Church, Dayton, Ohio, and was known as the Women's Missionary Association. In their preamble to the constitution, they say, "Believing that the promulgation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world depends upon the success of Christian missions, and that the responsibility for this success devolves upon all Christians, we, therefore, do, in obedience to the commands of our risen Lord and Savior . . . hereby in the name of the Divine Master, and moved, we trust, by the Holy Spirit, organize ourselves into a missionary association."

This association has grown and multiplied its influence until now it is one of the most effective organizations of the Church.

The year 1878 marks the beginning of the work of the Women's Missionary Association in Allegheny Conference. Mrs. J. K. Bilheimer, the first woman of the United Brethren Church to do mission work in Africa, came to Pennsylvania to promote the work among women, and after organizing the women of East Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania conferences she came to Allegheny Conference, to do likewise. Johnstown was selected as the most suitable place to launch the project. We are indebted to Mrs. W. H. Miller for information of the first meeting. "Through Rev. and Mrs. N. J. Walker and Rev. and Mrs. George Wagoner an invitation was sent to Mrs. Bilheimer to come to Johnstown and invitations were sent to other out-of-town churches. Mrs. Bilheimer spoke on 'Africa' the evening before the scheduled meeting. Rev. W. A. Jackson announced the meeting for the next day and urged the women to attend as there was something of special interest to women to be presented.

MRS. N. J. WALKER
First President Allegheny Conference Branch W. M. A.

"From out of town came Rev. and Mrs. Walker of Conemaugh; Mrs. McLaughlin, of Altoona; Miss Katie Hinderer, of Braddock; Mrs. Fisher, of Mount Pleasant, who with Mrs. Bilheimer and about fifteen local women formed the company. Mrs. Bilheimer presided and Miss Mary Waggoner was the secretary. After instruction had been given the following branch officers were elected: President, Mrs. N. J. Walker; first vice president, Mrs. Jane McLaughlin; second vice president, Mrs. Francis Fisher; third vice president, Mrs. A. H. Kohr; secretary, Mrs. A. L. Mason; treasurer, Mrs. Martin Spangler. Delegates to Board Meeting, at Dayton, Ohio: Mrs. Kohr and Mrs. Fisher. Previous to the organization of the branch, locals were effected at

Greensburg, April 1, 1878; Mt. Pleasant, April 8; Johnstown First, April 10, with the branch organized April 11, 1878."

Conventions. The first branch meeting after the organization was held in Johnstown, May 1, 1879, at which the former officers were reelected with Mrs. J. I. L. Ressler, acting secretary. During the year, locals were organized at Conemaugh, Altoona, Mt. Nebo, Mount Union, and Wilmore. The convention of 1885 was held at Braddock. To the locals named above had been added Black Oak, North Brad-dock, Scottdale, Mars Hill, Madison, Bellefonte and Houserville, making fifteen in all, but only eight were active. The churches with the number of times they entertained the branch convention follows: Johnstown First, six; Altoona First, six; Mt. Pleasant, four; Conemaugh, one; Port Matilda, one; Braddock, four; Pringledale Camp, three; Greensburg, five; Wilkinsburg, three; Scottdale, four; Tyrone, two; Johnstown Park Avenue, three; Altoona Second, two; and the following, one each: Bell-wood, Huntingdon, Coalport, Johnstown Homestead Avenue, McKeesport Kephart Memorial, Punxsutawney, Youngwood, Johnstown Barron Avenue, Philipsburg.

MRS. W. G. FULTON
Secretary Allegheny Branch W. M. A.

Statistics. The early records are very incomplete but the following is fairly accurate. The attendance at the early branch meetings were from five to eighteen during the first ten years. In 1888, there was reported an attendance at the branch meeting at Pringledale Camp of nineteen delegates representing nine locals and more than one hundred visitors. There were reported ten locals with a membership of 331; three Young Ladies' Bands with twenty-eight members. Sixty-two Evangels were taken in the branch and the total money collected in the ten years was $2,491.52. At the end of twenty-five years there were reported twenty-nine locals with 805 members; seven Gleaners' Bands with 390 members; three Young Ladies' Bands with

53 members; 149 Life Members; 3 Life Patrons, and total funds collected up to this time of $18,268.41. At the end of fifty years there were sixty-two locals with a membership of 3,487; forty-seven Otterbein Guild Chapters with 1,538 members; total funds collected during the last year, $17,541.91, and the Evangel subscriptions were 1,952. In 1931, there are seventy-one locals with 3,741 members; fifty-five Otterbein Guild Chapters with 1,451 members; 345 Life Members; 481 Life Directors; 179 Life Patrons, and an Evangel list of 1,876.

The first recorded election of a secretary for the Young Women's work was in 1910 when Miss Agnes Miller was elected. She served two years. Miss Elsie Hall was elected in 1912 and served two years. In 1913, the name was changed to Otterbein Guild Chapter. The colors chosen were royal purple and violet and the flower chosen was the violet. The covenant of the Otterbein Guild reads as follows: "Grateful that 'I know that my Redeemer liveth,' Mindful that vast millions can never know the 'tidings of great joy' unless a Christian messenger be sent to them; Remembering that Jesus made loving obedience the supreme test of discipleship, and that His last, most solemn command was 'Go teach all nations,' I gladly enter into this covenant of obedience, that I will not cease to make offerings of Prayer, Time and Money to the end that people in all lands may know and follow Jesus."

Miss MARIAM THOMPSON
Allegheny Conference Secretary Otterbein Guild

Miss Elizabeth Ashburn served as secretary from 1914 to 1920, when Miss Bertha Cowling was elected, serving until 1930, when Miss Mariam Thompson was elected her successor. In 1913, there were eighteen chapters with 450 members while there are in 1931, fifty-two chapters with 1,451 members.

Gleaners' Bands. As early as 1879 work was begun among the children. At Mount Union, a children's missionary society was organ-

ized in 1879, with seven members. In 1903 there were seven Gleaner's Bands with a membership of 390 reported. In 1913 the General Conference ordered that the Junior Christian Endeavor societies should be made auxiliary to the Women's Missionary Association "for missionary instruction." It was agreed by the Branch Christian Endeavor and the Women's Missionary Association that the Glad Chest offerings of the Juniors should be given to the Women's Missionary Association for distribution. The offering of the thirty Junior societies in 1931 was $240.58.

Allegheny Herald. In 1889, Mrs. E. A. Zeek was elected to edit a column in The Allegheny Herald in the interest of the Women's Missionary Association. She was followed successively by Mrs. G. W. Sherrick, Mrs. J. S. Fulton, and Mrs. Mary G. Funk, who served from 1901 to 1907, when the Herald was discontinued.

The presidents who have served the Branch with their term of service were Mrs. N. J. Walker, 1878-82; 1884-85; 1887-93; Mrs. Francis Fisher, 1882-83; Mrs. A. L. DeLong, 1883-84; Mrs. Mary G. Funk, 1884-87; Mrs. L. H. Leitzell, 1893-1919, continuously, and Mrs. A. D. Shaffer, 1919 until the present time.

General Officers. Allegheny Branch has given to the general work three trustees—Mrs. L. H. Leitzell, who served as vice president of the general board, Mrs. Albert Keister, and Mrs. A. D. Shaffer. Miss Elsie Hall served as general secretary of the Otterbein Guild and was active in field work. Mrs. Albert Keister has filled the office of Thank Offering secretary since 1915, when this department was instituted. It was largely through her efforts that the Thank Offering department was created.

Missionaries. The following persons, who in various ways were connected with the Branch, served as missionaries on the foreign field: Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Lesher, Africa; Rev. and Mrs. J. R. King, Africa; Rev. and Mrs. F. A. Risley, Africa; Rev. and Mrs. W. H. Hayes, Japan; Rev. and Mrs. A. H. Sholty, Japan; Miss Naomi Wilson, Lillian R. Harford School for Girls, Moyamba, Sierra Leone, West Africa; Mrs. B. F. Shively, Japan; Mrs. Don Shumaker, India. The latter two being daughters of Dr. and Mrs. J. I. L. Ressler.

Ten or more years of official service. Mrs. L. H. Leitzell gave the longest term of official service to the Branch, having held the presidency for twenty-six consecutive years. Mrs. J. S. Fulton follows with twenty-two years of service, two years as editor of the women's column of The Allegheny Herald, and twenty consecutive years as vice

MRS. L. H. LEITZELL
President for Twenty-six Years

president. Mrs. H. C. Kearns served one year as organizer and twenty consecutive years as treasurer. Mrs. Albert Keister gave twenty years, thirteen years as recording and corresponding secretary and seven years as Thank Offering secretary. Mrs. W. G. Fulton held office eighteen years, six years as vice president and is in her twelfth year as recording and corresponding secretary. Miss Emily B. Neff gave sixteen years, retiring in 1906, after thirteen years as acting secretary. Mrs. A. D. Shaffer served four years as Thank Offering secretary and is now serving her twelfth year as president. Mrs. R. F. Grantham, for fifteen years has been musical director of the branch. She also served four years as Thank Offering secretary and in 1930 was elected treasurer. Mrs. M. Elizabeth Spangler served nine years as vice president and one year as field director. Mrs. N. J. Walker gave thirteen years of official service; Mrs. L. A. Garman, thirteen years; Mrs. Mary G. Funk, twelve years; Miss Katie Hinderer, eleven

THOSE WHO SERVED TEN OK MORE YEARS
Mrs. W. G. Fulton, Mrs. R. F. Grantham, Mrs. M. E. Spangler, Mrs. J. S. Fulton, Mrs. H. C. Kearns. Mrs. A. D Shaffer, Mrs Albert Keister

years; Mrs. L. F. John, eleven years; and Miss Bertha Hepler, ten years.

Among others who have been prominent in the work are: Mrs. W. H. Miller, Mrs. Martin Spangler, Mrs. J. I. L. Ressler, Mrs. J. A.

MRS. A. D. SHAFFER
President Allegheny Branch W. M. A.

Loar, Mrs. L. W. Stahl, Mrs. A. E. Roose, Miss Elsie Hall, Mrs. W. H. Harpster, and Mrs. George C. Blair. There are a host of others without whom the achievements of the Branch never could have been accomplished.

The members of the present (1931) executive board are: President, Mrs. A. D. Shaffer; first vice president, Mrs. I. J. Spangler; second vice president, Mrs. F. B. Hackett; recording and corresponding secretary, Mrs. W. G. Fulton; treasurer, Mrs. R. F. Grantham; secretary of Otterbein Guild, Miss Mariam Thompson; secretary of Literature, Mrs. W. H. Werkman; secretary of Thank Offering, Mrs. E. A. Schultz; secretary of Stewardship, Mrs. J. Roy Weaver; Junior Missionary superintendent, Miss Armead Queer.