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TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOTICE OF ATTRIBUTION Work originally published in 1887. Scanned, proofed and minor spelling corrections by the United Brethren Historical Center. Electronic edition ©2007 United Brethren Historical Center Suggested Citation:
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History of the Sandusky Conference by W. M. Mathers |
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On the 8th day of September 1880, the conference convened at Rising Sun, Wood Co , and was opened by Bishop Dixon reading the scriptures, singing and prayer. The following applicants after examination were licensed to preach the gospel: M. M. Marshall, R. Trask, H. Doty, J. W. Hippie, G. W. Welty, S. Hall and I. L. Miller. The committee on memoirs reported as follows. The report was adopted : REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MEMOIRS. John Bell was born July 2, 1809, in Belmont Co., Ohio. He was soundly converted to God in his sixteenth year, and maintained his Christian integrity until his death, which occurred October 14, 1879; his age being 70 years, 3 months and 7 days. Soon after his conversion he felt divinely impressed to preach the gospel. He was then a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they gave him authority to preach. His labors were wonderfully blessed. During the slavery agitation of those days he felt it his duty to join the Wesleyan Church, and was an itinerant in that body for twenty years; and p69 did much to educate the public conscience on the great crime of human slavery. Fifteen years ago he united with the Sandusky 'Annual Conference, but he remained in a local relation in the ministry, his age and infirmities forbidding his entering the regular work. As a citizen he was a patriot; as a man, dignified; as a husband and father, filling the Scripture model; as a friend, fast and true. In character he was of the positive type, and had clear conceptions of truths and doctrines. The Bible was his standard for fifty years. He was on the alter of consecration, and cultivated a conscience void of offense toward God and man. Among his last words were, "I am in peace with God and with all men." His victory over the last enemy was most signal and triumphant. He leaves a wife and seven children, and also many friends, who expect to meet him in the better land. Rev. R. K. Wyant died Aug. 23, on his work on Hamler Mission. He preached on Saturday night, and on Sabbath twice. He stayed over night at Bro. Young's, and was not able to leave the place again. On the next Friday he died. For forty-eight hours, during his illness, he was speechless, but before he died his speech returned. From that time until he died he praised the Lord. His last words were, "Praise His holy name, He has come!" He was buried at Kansas, on the 24th, Bro. Ramsey preaching the funeral sermon. p70 Bro. Wyant joined our conference at Fostoria some years ago, and had long felt it his duty to preach the gospel. He was a man of wonderful tenacity of purpose, and in his youth, even amidst neglect and discouragement, became a fair scholar. As a minister in this conference he did its bidding without murmuring, going upon barren fields, consulting only his duty, and humbly holding forth the word of life. He was a man of principle and conscience, and many and great sacrifices were made by him to fulfill what he felt to be the direction of his heavenly Father, and his last preaching was with unction and power. With reference to the names of Wm. Miller and Fought, we can write nothing on account of lack of information. Rev. W. McDowell, an aged minister of this conference, who died during this conference year, was born in Scotland, and reared in the Covenanter Church. He came to this country and located in Wyandotte County, Ohio, in about the year 1834, and joined our church soon after. He sustained a local relation as a minister for over forty years. He died in peace at the residence of his daughter in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio.
Bro. McDowell was a man of great energy and native force of character, a
leader of men. He was an ardent lover of God's word, and a giant in defense
of Christian doctrine. He highly prized his relationship to the ministerial
brethren, and was practically
p71
interested in all the varied forms of our church work.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS. We, your committee on resolutions, beg leave to report as follows: Resolved, That it shall be our aim to enlarge the borders of our Zion, build up the waste places, and strengthen all our churches by every laudable means in our power; and try more than ever to utilize all our forces, that our churches may become numerous, permanent and strong, furnishing places for every approved worker in the vineyard. Resolved, That we earnestly advise all persons called of God to the ministry, to thoroughly qualify themselves for the sacred work, either by private p72 study, or a course at Otterbein University, Union Biblical Seminary, or Fostoria Academy. Resolved, That we hereby pledge to each other fidelity to our own principles and historic life; that we will not needlessly try to mend or trifle with our organic form as a christian body, and that we can not hope to permanently succeed nor fully accomplish our missions in opposition to our own recognized principle and policy, and that whatever success may attend us in diverging lines of thought is but ficticious, temporary and dangerous. Resolved, That the Chair be instructed to appoint a committee of three on statistics, who shall meet one half day in advance of the conference session and receive the reports from the preachers, record the same in regular order for conference use, and report the same at the opening of the conference. Resolved, That the preachers of this conference be required, if they cannot be present at the time specified in the above resolution, to send a correct statement of the statistics required. Resolved, That the practice of many of our fields of labor in paying to their ministers less than they agree, is a crying evil, which we sincerely condemn as a grievous wrong, to be carefully avoided in the future. Resolved, That this conference gives its unqualified disapproval to the practice of some who withhold their quarterage on account of disagreement with the p73 pastor in charge, there being ample provisions for obtaining justice. Resolved, that we set ourselves in opposition to all Sunday excursions, that our people be earnestly entreated to refrain from them, as being a sin against God and society ; that we also condemn any method of proceeding at any time whereby the people are led into infidelity. Resolved, That we consider intemperance arising from intoxicants, narcotics, and sensuality as the crowning and crying sin of our age, and that the laws of our church in this regard should be vigorously enforced. Resolved, That in view of the cordial reception, Christian courtesies, and kind entertainment of the conference by the people of Rising Sun, we hereby tender to them our sincere thanks, and pray that the spirit of God may abide with them forever. D. S. Caldwell.
The forty-ninth session of the conference was held in Sycamore, Wyandotte
County, September 21st, 1881, and was opened by Bishop Glossbrenner by the
usual services. At this time the nation was draped in mourning for the loss
of her chief magistrate, James A. Garfield, whose death was caused by the
bullet of a cruel assassin The conference appointed a committee to draft
resolutions, expressive of the
p74
feelings of the conference, in this, the time of the nation's REPORT ON THE DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT OP THE UNITED STATES. Whereas, The Supreme Ruler of Nations has suffered the blow of an assassin to cause the death of James A. Garfield, President of the United States, Therefore, Resolved, 1. That in this act of the assassin is manifest the evil fruit of the increasing unkind, false and malicious assaults upon the character and acts of the country's public servant, and those who are brought before the people for positions of honor and trust 2. That in the death of President Garfield, the nation suffers the loss of a public servant, distinguished for scholastic ability, intelligence, pure and able statesmanship, and Ohio one of its brightest stars 3. That the church has lost a noble public example of piety, humility and devotion to our holy Christianity. 4. That while we would not attempt the interpretation of this afflicting providence, we with satisfaction recognize the truth so heroically and pertinently uttered by our now deceased President on receiving the news of the assassination of the lamented Lincoln, viz.: that "God Reigns; and p75 though the Chief of the nation is dead the government at Washington still lives." 5. That we tender to the bereaved family of the deceased our heartfelt sympathy and pledge them our prayers. 6. That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the widow of the deceased. Respectfully,
Again the conference was called up on to pass up on the names of three of its number who had been called to join the army on the other shore. A committee on memoirs was appointed who made the following report: Rev. Alvin Rose, was born in Concord Township, Delaware County, O., Nov. 1st, 1827. He died at his home in Findlay, Hancock Co. O., September 6th, 1881, at the age of fifty-three years ten months and five days. Being early left an orphan, he was cared for by an aunt until he reached the age of fourteen years. From that time he was compelled to rely upon his own exertions for a livelihood. During this period of his life he endured many hardships with a fortitude and patience which fitted him p76 for the eventful career which followed. He early received religious impressions which were deep and lasting. But he did not become a subject of regenerating grace until he arrived at manhood. In the year 1858 he commenced his ministerial work, receiving his first license at the hands of Rev. A. Biddle. The year following he joined the Sandusky Conference of the United Brethren Church, from that time until his death he was never without a field of labor from the church. As pastor he officiated first upon his home circuit, afterward upon the following circuits of this conference: Flat Rock, Findlay, Van Buren, Carey, Tawa and Salem. He served seven years as Presiding Elder, which office he held at the time of his death. He was four times elected to represent his" conference in the General Conference of the Church, the last time being unable to attend because of the sickness which resulted in his death. At the time of his death he was a member of the board of trustees of Fostoria Academy and of Otterbein University. In all the positions to which he was called by the voice of his brethren he never betrayed their trust He was a man of firm convictions of right, bold and outspoken in the expression of his sentiments and unflinching in his determination to do his duty. The last year of his life was one of great physical suffering, that terrible, fatal disease, consumption was slowly but surely bearing him to the tomb. At p77 first it was very hard for him to consent to be taken away from his family, his church and the work of . his Divine Master in the prime of life, and at a time when his services were so much needed. The fact disturbed the tranquility of his spirit for a time, but as the days and months passed away, he settled into a calm unwavering trust, in the goodness and wisdom of God's providence. His last hours were hours of struggle and triumph. Shortly before his death he remarked to his wife "Now I am in the valley, but not through yet," in a few moments a bright, happy expression overspread his features, and uplifting his hands, he said, "It is all bright now! It is all glory! glory! glory!" Then he sank into an unconscious state and softly, gently and peacefully his spirit was borne to the bosom of the Eternal Father. Thus passed away a man whose grandest monument, than which none can be grander is the testimony of all who knew him. "He was a good man." Rev. F. N. Clymer, of Sandusky Annual Conference was converted many years ago at a camp meeting held by the United Brethren in Fairfield County, O., and united with the church. He moved to Hancock County and joined the church on Tawa Circuit. This Circuit gave him a quarterly conference license to preach the gospel and recommended him to the Annual Conference, where he was received and licensed. p78 Bro. Clymer was a good man and always ready for work when duty called him. He died in great peace in January, 1881. Rev. T. J. McCurdy united with the United Brethren Church on Bucyrus Circuit. He received quarterly conference license to preach from the same Circuit in the autumn of 1876, when L. Moore was pastor, and A. Rose presiding elder. After this he moved to Flat Rock Circuit In September, 1879, his Circuit recommended him to the Annual Conference which met at Columbus Grove where he was licensed to preach by the Annual Conference, and went to Ottawa Station. The conference at Rising Sun sent him to Dupont, where he was engaged in his Master's employ when death met and claimed him—April 11, 1881, aged about thirty years. Brother McCurdy followed teaching as a profession for several years before he entered the ministry. He was a young man of fair promise. His call was very sudden, but there is no doubt he was prepared for the summons. In view of the departure from our midst of these our brethren and fellow workers, we recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : 1. That, while we deeply feel their loss, we meekly bow to the providence of our God, who doeth all things well, praying him to endow us with his holy spirit that we may imitate their virtues. p79 2. That we tender to the families of the deceased our heartfelt sympathy, and pray God to comfort their hearts, and sustain them in the midst of the' troubles and the responsibilities of this life. We recommend that W. Martin make some remarks in the case of F. N. Clymer; L. Moore, in the case of T. J. McCurdy; and I. Crouse, A. W. Holden, and E. A. Starkey in the case of A.. Rose. Respectfully submitted,
The following brethren were admitted to membership : W. J. Easterbrook and C. F. Hill; W. T. Jackson was received on his transfer. The next conference was held by Bishop Glossbrenner, in North Baltimore, Wood Co., commencing September 13th, 1882. The bishop's sermon on Sabbath, from the text, "Sow Beside all Waters," was one of exceeding beauty and power. He scarcely knew whether he was in the body or out of the body. The holy ghost fell on the congregation somewhat like unto the day of Pentecost Many thought it would be his last visit to the conference, but God ordered it otherwise; he visited us once more before passing to his eternal rest We were all so favored with the presence of Brother Gomer, our missionary p80 from Africa, who gave us a fine lecture about the country, customs, and manners of life in Africa, exhibiting articles of idolatry and superstition He told us of the wonderful influence of the gospel in evangelizing the heathen world, the blessed results already secured, the wide openings before the Christian church, and the Macedonian cry, "Come over and help us." Bro. Gomer's visit to our conference awakened a new interest in the minds of many in regard to our work in Africa, causing them to give more liberally for its support J. R. Osburn, W. R. Arnold, E. D. Price and W. P. Bender were received into membership in the conference. The conference held its next session at Helena, Sandusky Co., commencing September 19th, 1883. On the calling of Bishop Glossbrenner's name, the following paper was presented and adopted by a standing vote: In view of the long, extensive, and faithful life of Bishop Glossbrenner in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and especially his untiring labors and efforts to build up and extend the interests of the United Brethren Church, as well as his unfaltering loyalty to her polity and peculiarities; therefore, Resolved, 1. That we hereby express our heartfelt gratitude to our heavenly father in permitting him once more to visit this conference in his official capacity. p81 2. That in adopting this paper we hereby express our entire satisfaction with his official labors as far as known to us, and especially in this conference. 3. That we will pray that God may continue to give him sufficient health to labor for many more years in the cause of the Master. The following brethren were received into the conference: G. W. Taylor and G. W. Clymer; J. Park and W. S. Sage on their transfers from Auglaize. Bro. Sage had been converted and licensed to preach in our own conference, but while attending Union Biblical Seminary joined the Auglaize conference as a matter of convenience. He being under appointment as a missionary to Africa, was ordained to the office of an elder in the church, by laying on of hands by the bishop and two elders. Mrs. Sage being under appointment, was also set apart for the missionary work by laying on of hands, as a helper. On calling the name of S. Hall it was stated that he had died within the year. The following paper was adopted by the conference : REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MEMOIRS. The subject of this paper, Rev. Samuel Hall, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in the year 1848, June 2d. He was converted when sixteen years of age and become a member of the M. E. Church, and finally in p82 the year 1879 became a member of the U. B. Church at Honey Creek Chapel. He was received into this conference at Rising Sun, Wood County, O., September, 1880. He was a man of deep spirituality. His last words to his pastor were, "Tell the people at Harmony that I am still trusting in Jesus." His last words to his wife were, "There is not a shadow in the way." He died peacefully, Dec. 29, 1882. Resolved, 1. That our loss is his eternal gain, and therefore we submit to the will of Him who is too wise to err and too good to do wrong. 2. That we as a conference extend our sympathies and prayers to his bereaved wife and three children. 3. That a copy of these resolutions be published in the Religious Telescope. That the Rev. L. Moore and his pastor be requested to make remarks. Respectfully submitted.
The following excellent report on missions was adopted: REPORT ON MISSIONS. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Faith cometh by hearing and p83 hearing by the preaching of the word. The church is the agent through which God would speedily effect the evangelization of the world. The command comes ringing down through the ages from the lips of the blessed Master, "Go work to-day in my vineyard." To the inquiry, where shall we work, his answer is, "The field is the world." We, as a denomination, believe in the divine authority for missionary work; therefore, Resolved, 1. That we are grateful to our heavenly Father for the success attending our labors thus far. 2. The success attending our efforts in Africa and Germany. 3. The successful trip accomplished by our Secretary, D. K. Flickinger, to Europe and Africa; also the transfer of Mendi Mission and appropriations thereto. 4. We bid Brother Billheimer Godspeed in his mission to England, and hope and pray that he may be successful in his work there. 5. We express our confidence in our missionary Board that they have and will continue to judiciously manage the affairs connected with our missionary work in appointments and appropriations for the best interests of the cause. 6. We pray our Father in heaven to give grace and faithfulness to the workers in the foreign and frontier fields; and may the presence of the Master p84 go with Bro. Sage and wife, who have recently been appointed to Africa. 7. We are gratified for the measure of success attending our efforts to liquidate the debt resting upon our missionary society. 8. We advise that the fields which have not reported full in the debt assessment be urged by the preacher to raise the amount as soon as possible. 9. We look with pride upon the continued and increasing success of the Woman's Missionary Society and in every way we can bid them Godspeed. 10. With increasing opportunities, and increasing facilities for work, we will give ourselves to prayer and deeper consecration of the work, believing for a greater baptism of missionary fire and the future success of our several fields of missionary work. A. B. Leonard, Committee. The following reports on resolutions and temperance was adopted: REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TEMPERANCE. Whereas, The opportunity of a lifetime has come to the people of the commonwealth of Ohio, to express their feelings on the traffic in intoxicating liquors; therefore, Resolved, 1. That we return thanks to the p85 legislature for giving the people of this state an opportunity to vote untrammelled by partisan politics. 2. That we consider the first proposed amendment as unwise, as uncalled for, and as a step backward, and as such unworthy the support of christian and temperance men. 3. That we are in favor of constitutional prohibition, and believe it to be the only effective antidote from the gigantic curse of intemperance arising from the use of intoxicating liquors. 4. That we will support the second or prohibitory amendment, and urge all our people to give it their unwavering support. 5. That we as ministers will not move, if it will prevent us from voting, until after the 9th day of October. G. P. Macklin. A. B. Leonard. N. S. Long. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS. Resolved, 1. That it is fitting that we return our sincere gratitude to almighty God for the manifestations of his goodness to us during the year that is" past, and bestowing his blessing upon us in our special work as ambassadors of his ; and that we will now covenant anew to apply ourselves more diligently, if possible, to the work committed unto us. 2. That we hail with delight the providential p86 forecasting of an opportunity to slay within the border of our commonwealth, the monster demon intemperance. 3. That we believe the command, "Speak not evil one of another, brethren," is as binding upon us as it was upon those to whom it was addressed by the apostle; and by its strict observance we may promote the happiness of one another, and advance the interest of the kingdom of our Redeemer. 4. That we take great pleasure in giving expression to our appreciation of the services rendered so excellently and in such strict keeping with the polity of this church, by Bishop Glossbrenner, during the present session of this conference. 5. That we are greatly pleased at the manner in which the citizens of Helena have extended the courtesies and freedom of their homes to the members of and visitors to this conference. Respectfully submitted, W. A. Keesy. J. W. Eastman. E. B. Maurer. The increase in membership the past year was 104, the whole number being 6851. Missionary money collected $3,011. 90. The next session of the conference was held at Columbus Grove from September 17th to the 22d p87 1884. Bishop Glossbrenner having been taken sick while on his district, was under the necessity of returning to his home in Virginia. Rev. D. K. Flickinger was elected to preside over the conference, assisted by Rev. D. R. Miller. In calling the names of certain brethren it was stated they belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. The conference passed the following resolution by a vote of 57 to 2: "That it is the sense of this conference, that the Grand Army of the Republic is not strictly a secret society and that membership in the same is not by us as a conference, considered to be a violation of our rule on secret societies." M. V. Davis, J. H. Arnold, G. L. Bender, L. T. Hanawalt, M. B. Lanker and D. K. Steiner were licensed to preach. R. Rock, was received on transfer from Muskingum. The next conference was held by Bishop J. Weaver at Rawson, Hancock County, commencing September 23d, 1885. The Woman's Missionary Society was represented in the conference by sister Jennie Cramer of Bowling Green. She presented their Chinese mission in Portland, Oregon, as a special -interest. Bishop Weaver, spoke on woman's work in the cause of mission and especially the good work they are doing on the coast, after which a collection was taken for the benefit of the Portland mission house amounting to $32.84. The following applicants after examination were licensed to preach the p88 gospel: I. E. Barnes, I. E. Ingle, J. P. Marshall, T. H. Sonedecker, and F. E. Fitzwater. Death had once more invaded our ranks, and the name of W. K. Leonard must forever drop from the roll of members. The following report was made and adopted by the conference: REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MEMOIRS. We, your committee on memoirs, respectfully submit the following: The great enemy and the last to be destroyed, has again invaded the rank and file of the ministry of this conference, and it hath pleased our Heavenly Father to remove from our ranks Rev. -W. K. Leonard, who became a member of this conference held at Columbus Grove in 1879, who died June 14, 1885. Bro. Leonard served but a few years in the ministry, as you know, yet he was permitted to lead quite a number to Christ and unto the church. He possessed a spirit of perseverance to a large degree, and was a diligent student. While possessing peculiarities he was large hearted, and from his life there went forth the testimony that Christ lived in him the hope of glory. When nearing the time of his departure he said to a brother minister, "I can say like the sainted Otterbein: 'O, Jesus, I die, but thou livest, and soon I shall live with thee.'" p89 In his death the conference sustains a loss, yet we are thankful to God; to Brother Leonard it is infinite gain. As a conference we extend to Sister Leonard our sympathies, and pray that the comforter of hearts may sustain her in her severe affliction, and that she may fully trust in him who doeth all things well." Respectfully, J. French. A. Powell. A. B. Leonard. We believe it to be the duty of the conference to remember tenderly those that fall in its ranks, but is not the faithful itinerants wife, who has fallen by his side, in the battle for souls, equally worthy of recognition, so it thought at this session, and passed upon ' the name of one whose sun went down before it had reached the meridian, being but twenty-seven years of age. IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF HATTIE BENDER. Inasmuch as our Heavenly Father has called from labor and suffering to rest, reward an immortal youth, health and unspeakably joy, Hattie, the p90 faithful and affectionate itinerant wife of Rev. W. P. Bender and daughter of Rev. Wm. and Mrs. C. Mathers, and a noble and earnest Christian woman and worker of unusual piety, intelligence and efficiency, therefore. Resolved, 1. The cause of Christ sustains a loss incalculable, and because of this we are sad, but rejoice in her exemplary life and her unfaltering faith in Jesus and the gospel from childhood to the end of life's journey and in her triumphant death. 2. That we deeply sympathize with Bro. Bender in the so early loss of his wife and with Bro. and Sister Mathers and her brothers and sisters in their sore bereavement. 3. That these resolutions be recorded in the conference "journal" in affectionate token of our high appreciation of Hattie and all the faithful and sacrificing wives of our itinerants. R. Rock. A. B. Leonard. The following report on temperance was adopted: REPORT ON TEMPERANCE. Whereas The rum power is being felt in the cottage of the indigent, and in the parlors of the opulent. Seemingly abrogating the labors of the philanthropist; thus sacrificing the efforts of the best minds the world has ever produced. And, p91 Whereas; Temperance work is becoming general all around us, yet we are not unconscious of the fact that the rum power claims to be gathering new strength and is fortifying against every means used for its suppression. And,
Whereas, The Supreme Court of Ohio has decided that we have a right to
prohibit the manufacture and sale of alcoholic poison within the States
Therefore, Resolved 2. That we recognize as auxiliaries in this work, moral and legal suasion, the church, the college and the district school, and while we stand in the front of the battle these will support upon our right and left. Resolved 3 That we will continue our united efforts with firm determination, with individual and organized effort, to storm the bulwarks, of appetite and law until this gigantic evil is removed and victory manifests itself to us in the establishment of constitutional prohibition. Respectfully submitted, S. A. Myers, Committee. p92 CHURCH COMMISSION. Whereas, Our general conference, at its last session appointed a church commission to prepare improvements in our constitution and confession of faith, and, Whereas, Said action of the conference has caused some dissatisfaction; therefore Resolved, That we, as a conference, regard said action as legitimate, and further, that said commission shall have our prayers and co-operation so for as their work may harmonize with the word of God. On the 15th of September, 1886, the conference met in Bascom, Seneca County, to hold its fifty-fourth session, and was opened by Bishop J. Dixon by the usual services. One of the most important acts of this conference was, the adopting of lay delegation, which it did by a vote of 47 to 20. At a number of conferences the subject had been brought up but hid failed to receive the necessary majority, but from this time forward the laity are to be represented in these annual gathers, and may we not hope that this action of the conference will bring about increased interest and liberality upon the part of the laity to the various interests of the church. The following brethren were licensed to preach: T. H. Ketring, J. Shelter, W. C. Needles, E. R. Horton, A. J. Burket, C. Steffy and J. E. Alspaugh; J. T. Reynolds on transfer. p93 Again, we were reminded of the fact that death was thinning our ranks by the removing of two of our aged brethren, F. Clymer and E. M. Bell. The committee on memoirs made the following report which was adopted by the conference: REPORT ON MEMOIRS. We your committee on memoirs, submit the following report: Death has again invaded our ranks, and two of our number Rev. F. Clymer and E. M. Bell have passed from labor to reward. Rev. F. Clymer was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and died at his home in Galion, Ohio. May 9th, 1886, aged 72 years, 4 months, and 24 days. He was blest with a Christian home; his father Rev. John Clymer being one of the pioneer ministers of the church, where he received those religious instructions, which laid the foundation for the success that attended his labors in future life. At the age of 14 was converted to God and joined the church, which relation remained unbroken until called to join the church triumphant At the age of 18 he entered the work of the ministry, and until disqualified by age and infirmity continued to preach the gospel, either as an itinerant or in a local relation. He was an exemplary Christian and a faithful and able preacher of the word; as a revivalist few men will have more sheaves at the harvest home than he. As he approached the valley of the shadow of death he realized that the p94 Savior which he so often recommended to others proved to be his comfort and solace in death. Rev. E. M. Bell died at his home, near Cardington, Oct—, 1885, at the age of 72 years. Of this dear brother we can say but little, for want of proper statistics. He received his early religious training and entered the ministry in a sister church from which he came to us and was received into the Sandusky Conference, held at Gilboa, Putnam County, Oct. 1849 He entered at once the itinerancy receiving as his first appointment Salem Circuit, and become one of our most efficient and successful revivalists, receiving as high as one hundred into the church in a single year. He filled some of our most important stations, and that of Presiding Elder with great acceptability to the people. He was a man of undoubted piety, an agreeable companion in the work of the ministry, a wise counselor, and a liberal supporter of the church. Life's battles have been fought, her victories won, and he has entered into rest A degree of sadness comes over us as we see our ranks depleted by this common destroyer; but we hope to meet them again when life's short day shall have closed. In view of the departure from our midst of these fathers and fellow workers, we recommend the adoption of the following resolutions: First—That while we deeply feel their loss we meekly bow to the providence of God who doeth all p95 things well, praying him to endow us with His holy spirit that we may imitate their example. Second—That we tender to the aged companions of our deceased brethren our heartfelt sympathy, and pray that God may comfort and sustain them in this, the hour of their bereavement. We recommend that some suitable remarks be made by brother's Biddle and Martin as to the life and labors of the deceased. Wm. Mathers. A. Biddle. Remarks were made on the life and death of the deceased members of this body by A. Biddle and W. Martin. After the remarks the Conference joined in singing: "Sweeping through the gates," etc. The conference met to hold its fifty-fifth session in Bloomville, Seneca Co., September 29th, 1887. Bishop N. Castle being present opened the conference by singing, prayer and appropriate remarks. The following brethren were received: Henry Snyder and Joseph Losh, and H. S. Shaffer on his transfer from Michigan Conference. Thirty three lay delegates answered to their names who took a lively interest in the business, showing their appreciation of the privilege granted them by the conference. The following report on memoirs was adopted after appropriate remarks were made by those appointed. p96 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MEMOIRS. We your Committee on Memoirs would submit the following report: Death has again invaded our ranks and three of our number, viz., John Powell, Elias Rex and Samuel Long has fallen as his victims. Rev. J. Powell died at the age of sixty-six years, on the 29th of November. He moved from Fairfield Co., to Hancock Co., in 1844. At the early age of eighteen he was converted to God and two years later was licensed to preach the gospel of Christ. For a number of year, he was a faithful and successful itinerant preacher. For the few last years of his life he was disqualified, by bodily infirmities for preaching, or to take any active part in church work, yet we cherish the hope that that gospel which he so faithfully preached to others, proved to him a solace in the hour of death. His death was somewhat sudden yet we have reason to believe that it found him ready to enter the rest prepared for the people of God. Rev. E. Rex was born in Cumberland Co., Pennsylvania, May 11th, 1826, and died in Allen Co., April 17th., 1886, aged sixty years, eleven months and six days. He was converted when about fifteen years of age and was brought into the spiritual kingdom of Christ, and in 1851 identified himself with the church of the United Brethren in Christ. He p97 was impressed soon after his conversion that he ought to enter the ministry, but was deterred from following out his convictions by want of suitable qualification until in 1863 on the death of Rev. T. T. Rose, he was appointed by the Presiding Elder to serve out the remaining part of the year. He continued to travel up to 1876, the last two years of which were spent on Bluffton Mission, where by the blessing of God he was successful in bringing about eighty into the church. The remaining years of his life were spent in a local relation; he did not lose his interest in the cause of Christ, and from the testimony of living witnesses, we know that he passed away with the full assurance of a blessed immortality. Rev. S. Long was born September 22d, 1801, and died at his home near Kansas, Seneca Co., September 2d, 1887, his age at the time of his death being eighty-five years, eleven months and ten days. He was converted when about eighteen years of age, and entered the itinerancy in the Muskingum Conference in 1830. He moved into the bounds of the Sandusky Conference in 1843 and the following year entered the itinerancy in this conference and was elected Presiding Elder which office he held for four years. He continued to travel up to 1856, from which time he sustained a local relation until called to his home on high. He was reserved in conversation, a man of deep piety and was recognized by all who knew him as an able preacher and most p98 devoted servant of God, although for eight years a constant sufferer unable to converse with his friends or feed himself, during all these years of suffering he was never heard to murmur or complain but waited patiently the Lord's own time. In the removal of these dear brethren and fathers from our midst, we fully recognize the hand of our Heavenly Father and bow with humble submission to His divine will saying with his servant of old: "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away and blessed be the name of the Lord." We also extend to the families of our deceased brethren our heart felt sympathies, and shall pray that when life's work is over they may be united in that place prepared by the Savior for all that love him. We recommend that some suitable remarks be made by the following brethren In the case of J. Powell, T. J. Harbaugh; in the case of E. Rex, A. W. Holden; in the case of S. Long, Wm. Mathers. J. French. Wm. Mathers. The conference now numbers 90 preachers and 7762 members an increase over last year of 212. Collected for missions $2,824.85 and total for all purposes $4,5164 46. Since the organization of the Sandusky conference we have had enrolled upon the conference journal 376 names, but where are they now? Many of them p99 have fallen in the midst of the battle for souls, to receive the victor's crown. "After life's fitful dream they sleep well" Some have gone to labor in other departments of the Lord's vineyard, while a few have made shipwreck of faith to mingle again with the enemies of Christ Death has not confined its ravages to the old, but many in the midst of their years and usefulness have fallen, such as Bright, Bowser, Rose, Coulter, Casy, Bevington, Faus and Clippinger. Their exemplary lives, and triumphant deaths, give to us new inspiration to toil on in the vineyard of the Master until called to join the immortal throng in the city of our God, to enjoy forever, that rest which remains for the people of God. I verily believe, that when the books shall be opened the record will show, that this United Brethren Church has won as many souls to Christ according to her numbers as any other church in the land. It is a source of comfort and joy to us whose sun is rapidly sinking behind the western hills to know, that God is filling up the depleted ranks with a class of noble young men; young men that promise grand results for the church and for God. If they continue as they have begun, the future prosperity of the church will not be a matter of uncertainty, but a positive fact In the hands of such we can die without anxiety, knowing that our church is safe. p100 And now, dear brethren, may we not hope that with the increased facilities for doing good, that you will carry forward the work with increasing success, commenced by the Fathers, proving yourselves worthy sons of such noble sires. "Oh, let us still proceed In Jesus' work below; And following our triumphant Head, To further conquests go." "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." |
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