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History of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Virginia Conference

by A. P. Funkhouser

CHAPTER VIII

EXTRACTS FROM NEWCOMER'S JOURNAL

Christian Newcomer was of Swiss descent and was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1749. His parents were Mennonites and the son was reared in their faith. He learned the carpenter's trade from his father, but when he was about twenty years old the parent died. At the deathbed request of the latter, he took upon himself the care of the farm and thus provided a home for the mother and a sister. After a year the sister found a husband, and as the mother was a midwife and much away from home, Christian was married in 1770 to Elizabeth Baer. Not long afterward he was converted at home as a result of personal seeking. Thinking he should become a preacher, he took counsel with one of the Mennonite preachers, a person who stood high in the young man's' estimation. But this elder could not comprehend the experience his friend had undergone, and cast doubts upon it. However, when stretched on a bed of sickness, the older man became convinced that the younger man was in the right. Newcomer removed to Maryland, where he found that his neighbors, though well-meaning and friendly, were unacquainted with experimental religion. He had long continued misgivings with respect to becoming a preacher. It was not until he had overcome this reluctance, through recourse to earnest prayer, that Newcomer found restoration from what he regarded as a backslidden state.

He had already listened to Otterbein and Geeting. Finding that he and they were in entire harmony in the matter of experimental religion, he joined a society of what were then called Otterbein's people, and in 1777 became a preacher among what were derisively called the "Dutch Methodists." Newcomer continued to preach very nearly to the end of his long life. In 1813 he was made a bishop and thenceforward he led a particularly active career. He

crossed the Alleghanies thirty-eight times and rode on horseback six thousand miles a year. When nearly eighty years of age he thus traveled to Ohio and Indiana, held several conference, and returned in his usual health. A little later he made a similar trip to Virginia, where he held a great meeting near Swoope's. These trips were kept up till 1828.

There is a striking parallelism between Christian Newcomer of the United Brethren Church and Francis Asbury of the Methodist Church. The former has very justly been called the Asbury of the United Brethren. Both men were bishops in the pioneer period of their respective organizations. Each was an empire-builder in the ecclesiastical sense. Each was an indefatigable worker. Each was a prodigious traveler, spending so much time on horseback that it is small stretching of the fact to say that he lived in the saddle. Each of these early bishops kept a journal and each journal has been published.

Newcomer was tall, commanding in figure, and robust in physique. No portrait is in existence. In 1828 he held a camp meeting near Crider's store in Brock's Gap, at a spring still known as the "camp spring." Seventy years later, Mrs. Maria Paul remembered seeing him there. Her description of him as a tall, slim, smoothly shaven man of serious appearance tallies with other accounts.

The bishop was not a great preacher except in earnestness of purpose. He had a slight impediment in his speech and his voice was but moderately strong. Yet he was a successful evangelist, and as a superintendent he was fearless as well as diligent. He was a firm believer in the itinerant system, perceiving that it is peculiarly adapted to new and sparsely settled districts.

Newcomer's journal, written in German and translated by John Hildt, was published at Hagerstown in 1834. It is prefaced with an autobiography, this dealing almost wholly with his religious experiences. The journal begins October 27, 1795, and continues until March 4, 1830, only eight days before his death. To many persons it has been

a matter of regret that most of the entries are so brief and fragmentary. This brevity impairs the historic value. But it is highly probable that the bishop never thought his manuscript would ever appear in book form. Perhaps his notes were regarded by himself as little more than an aid to his memory.

With a view of allowing the journal to throw all the light possible on the history of the Virginia Conference prior to 1830, we now present the following extracts.

1795

Preached at Virumbach's in Virginia from John 2:14.

1796

Preached at Henry Crum's Thursday, October 13. (Note: Henry and Christian Crum were twin brothers who went to Winchester from near Frederick, Md. They strongly resembled one another. Both were very useful preachers.) Preached Friday at Millers-town. Next day a sacramental meeting began at Stony Creek. I gave the first discourse,—from Psalm XL. On Monday, the last day, many sinners were converted. Tuesday, preached at Snider's near Linville Creek, and in the evening came to the home of a Mennonite uncle, a preacher, where I spoke from Psalm XXIV, 15. Wednesday, though afflicted with a severe toothache, I preached twice at J. P.'s near Smith Creek. Thursday rode to Massanutten and preached there Friday at Mr. Hiestand's but found the people of that neighborhood rather hardened. Saturday, rode to the forks of the Shenandoah and lodged with Jacob Weaver, a very sick man. Sunday morning, preached at the house of J. Fa— from "It is time that judgment should begin at the house of God," and in the afternoon the Lion roared wonderfully. A meeting Monday at the home of a widow whose husband had lately died, but the people seemed cold and lifeless. Tuesday spoke in Newtown from Hebrews XII, 15, and found the Lord present. In the evening preached in Winchester to a large congregation. Next day, before returning home, visited two criminals under sentence of death. Seemed to make some impression on one but none on the other.

1797 Met Mr. Geeting at Newtown, September 20, and preached in the evening. Next evening (Thursday) preached at Woodstock from Revelations III, 19, 20. Friday there was a meeting in New Market, where the Lord was present with saving power. A meeting at Mr. Steffy's and lodged with him. Spoke first Saturday

morning at eleven in a three days meeting beginning at Peter Meyer's in Rockingham. Sunday morning Geeting preached with remarkable power from, "Whosoever will be my disciple let him take up his cross and follow Me." Exhorted after him and then followed the Lord's Supper. Candle-light meeting at Mr. Klein's several young people prayed for salvation. At the close of the meeting (on Monday) there was a glorious time, and the people were so much affected that most of them cried aloud. Tuesday, an appointment with Henry Geeting, son of George, and lodged with Mr. Brunk. Wednesday morning preached to a large assembly in a schoolhouse near Shenandoah River, and then rode to the home of a relative who entertained me in a very friendly way but cared very little about religion. Thursday, preached at a widow's to a sympathetic congregation that included two German Baptist preachers. Friday, visited Mr. Zehrung in Woodstock, and then rode to John Funkhouser's, staying there all night. Next day a sacramental meeting began in Frederick county. The people were uncommonly affected. An aged man came forward with tears trickling down his cheeks. Monday evening preached from Psalm I.

1798

August 10, an uncommonly warm day with a torrential rain after crossing the Potomac. Lost my path in the woods and had no other light than the occasional flashes from another thunderstorm. Got off my horse and prayed for protection. On rising from my knees, I saw the path only a few yards away, and soon reached the house of Mr. Ambrose, where I dried my clothes and had a comfortable rest. The next day was Saturday and a sacramental meeting began here, Christian Crum and Dr. Senseny preaching with power. Among the seekers was a native of Germany, who praised God he had come to America, and to a people from whom he had learned the way of salvation. The people around here generally poor but concerned for the salvation of their souls. Sunday a great many people were present. Monday, rode to Warm Springs (Berkeley Springs) and crossed to Hancock, Md.

Wednesday, September 26, stayed with my daughter, Mrs. Jacob Hess, near Martinsburg. Next morning preached at Bucklestown and at night at Winchester. Friday evening preached at Millers-town to a little flock. Saturday, spoke first in a sacramental meeting with warmth and feeling. Preached at eleven, and after the sacrament exhorted in English. Monday, visited an uncle and aunt on Linville, and rode on lodging with Henry Huber. Tuesday morning preached at the widow Brunk's and lodged at Mr. Grove's. Wednesday evening, spoke in a schoolhouse, and at night at the widow Kegis's on Smith Creek. Thursday, preached at Mr. Meiles's, a few miles from Millerstown, and the next day came to John Funkhouser's. Saturday, October 6, a sacramental meet-

ing at Abraham Niswander's near Middletown. Felt so stripped of all grace that I did not know what to say, but at night there was a glorious time. Sunday I spoke after Geeting, and next day preached at Henry Crum's. At this meeting a Quaker sister was moved by the Spirit and gave an exhortation and prayer with astonishing power.

1799

Wednesday, May 1, the first appointment at Henry Crum's. Next day attempted to speak after Geeting at Jacob's church in Frederick county, but because of a leg bruised by a falling crowbar, I had to desist, and Friday I had to stay at Crum's starting home Saturday.

Thursday, July 25, preached in Winchester, and Friday came unexpectedly upon a meeting held by Henry Crum, after whom I spoke to an attentive audience. Then rode with Crum to Stovers-town (Strasburg), visiting old Mr. Stauffer, a man of 83. Preached next morning at Jacob Funkhouser's. Sunday, preached to a little flock in the old church at Woodstock, and at night held a class-meeting at Zehrung's. Monday, reached Henry Geeting's. His house was struck by lightning a few days ago, but no one injured although the whole family were inside. Next morning preached at Andrew Kauffman's, and in the afternoon at the house of Mr. Renker, a justice of the peace. Wednesday morning preached at Stony Creek, and in the evening at Niswander's, where there was a small but attentive congregation. Thursday, preached at Jacob Funkhouser's on Mill Creek and lodged at S. Peter's in Rockingham. Friday morning preached here to as many people as the room would hold, and put up with Mr. Brunk in Brock's Gap. Saturday, arrived at George Homan's where a great multitude were assembled for a sacramental meeting. Sunday afternoon I spoke from Hebrews II : 3. Geeting and Strickler were here on the whole we had a blessed time. Tuesday preached at Christian Kauffman's. Wednesday I lodged with Mr. Weber and next day reached Niswander's, whence I rode with Geeting to Winchester and was the guest of Mr. Kurtz. Friday morning I went into a drugstore to purchase some medicine. The druggist then took me into an adjoining room, called the family together, and requested me to hold family worship, which I did. Among those present was an intelligent young man, a son of the Rev. Mr. Hinkle. After breakfast I went with Geeting to visit Dr. Senseny, who had been taken very ill. Nine miles beyond we held a meeting at Mr. Sweyer's and then went to Ambrose's, where a two-day meeting had been appointed. Saturday the assemblage was so large that I could not see how so many people could live in such a mountainous region. Sunday, a Methodist brother preached in English.

1800

Thursday, August 7, Geeting and myself had an appointment at Shepherdstown. Friday I lodged with Mr. Duckwalt, and Saturday began a meeting on Sleepy Creek, which lasted through Sunday. Monday I preached at Berkeley Springs and stayed with Mr. Grammer.

Monday, September 1, came to Christian Crum's where a great congregation assembled the following day. Father Boehm preached first, and at night with great power at Dr. Senseny's in Winchester. A Methodist followed him in English. Thursday there was a meeting at Niswander's, the people being very attentive. Also preached at A. Boehm's and was followed by Henry Boehm. Friday a meeting at Jacob Funkhouser's, and visited old Mr. Yager at Woodstock. Father Boehm preached here in the church. I rode on to Rhinehart's and preached there, speaking Saturday at the widow Kegis's. Sunday, Father Boehm preached in German, and his son Henry followed in English. The grace of God seemed visible in almost every countenance. The people were so reluctant to go away that we prayed once more for them. I rode with Henry Boehm to Mr. Bender's, where we preached but to all appearance without any effect. Monday morning we came to the home of John Peters, where a houseful of people were already gathered. Myself and the Boehms preached. At the close the people would not leave, so we began again and prayed with them. Bode thence to Homan's, where many young people had collected, and whom Father Boehm exhorted. Tuesday morning a great many people gathered within a short time. I spoke after Father Boehm. The whole congregation shed tears and we had to break away to go to the next appointment, leaving them praying. Mr. Strickler had come as a guide to his home, 16 miles distant. Passing into Rockingham we visited Mr. Welch, a Methodist preacher and most excellent man. There was a great crowd Wednesday. Father Boehm, following me, had not spoken long until several persons rose to their feet, striking their hands and shouting in an ecstasy of joy. The evening meeting lasted till midnight and the house could not hold all who were present. Thursday we rode to Peter Biber's in Augusta, where I preached and was followed by Father Boehm, but the word seemed to make little or no impression. Friday we came into Staunton, where we called on Mr. King, a sincere and affectionate Methodist preacher, took some refreshments, and then rode on to Christian Hess's, where we lodged. A great meeting began Saturday at Henry Mengen's. I addressed a large audience and was followed by King and Henry Boehm. After Boehm had spoken a few7 words, the power of God seemed to pervade the whole congregation. There was prayer and class meeting, at night. Parents shouted for joy to see their children

converted to God. Father Boehm was followed by King Sunday morning. After a sacramental service we rode to Mr. Harr's, where I was followed by King in English, but nothing would touch these people. Monday we returned to Staunton, dined with King, and rode on 17 miles to one Widore's, where Father Boehm spoke with wonderful power to a great many people. Tuesday morning, Henry Boehm and myself preached at Zimmerman's in Keezeltown. We went on 16 miles to John Peters's, where Father Boehm spoke to a numerous congregation. Wednesday we preached at Mr. Harshbarger's. and lodged with Christian Fori at Massanutten. He does not seem concerned about religion. Thursday morning Henry Boehm preached in English in an old church near by. Many accompanied us after the meeting and we had to tear ourselves away. Some rode with us across Three Top Mountain. We passed the night at Mt. Stover's, and reached Woodstock next day, where Father Boehm preached the funeral sermon for a Mr. Grove, using this text: "Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die and not live." At John Funkhouser's I preached from Romans VIII, 17. Saturday a sacramental meeting began at Niswander's in the open air. I was followed by Crum. At night I preached at Senseny's and met the class. Sunday, September 21, I delivered an opening discourse to a vast multitude, but the word had not the desired effect. I preached in the afternoon, and was followed by Henry Boehm, who made some impression. We had to leave them to meet an appointment at the Methodist church in Winchester. Father Boehm spoke first and in German. Henry Boehm and myself followed in English. There was a blessed time. Lodged with Mr. Lauck. Monday I passed through Shepherdstown on my way home, lodging with John Mumma.

1801

Sunday, August 2, I heard Enoch George, a powerful speaker, preach in Shepherdstown. (George was a Methodist bishop.) August 26 I was told by Bishop Whatcoat (Methodist) in Hagerstown that at different places in America powerful revivals had taken place. Next day I reached Berkeley Springs, lodging with Mr. Kremer. The second day (Friday) a blessed meeting at Duck-wait's began. Saturday it was protracted till late. Sunday I spoke in both languages and went home with a Mr. Frosh. Monday crossed North Mountain to Martinsburg, stopping for a lunch at Mr. Winter's on Back Creek.

1802

A sacramental meeting begins Saturday, June 12, at Jacob Funkhouser's in Shenandoah, Otterbein delivering the first sermon. Eight were converted at night at Christian Funkhouser's. Sunday there was a great congregation, Otterbein speaking first,—from

Daniel VII :13, 14. I cannot but be always astonished and lost in amazement at the power and energy with which this old servant of God declares the counsel of his Master. The people were very attentive. We rode on to Niswander's and tarried. Otterbein preached at Newtown on Monday. At night I spoke in the Methodist meeting house and lodged with Mr. Bush. Tuesday Otterbein preached in the Reformed church at Winchester. At night we heard Enoch George and Quinn, the Methodist brethren. Wednesday Otterbein preached again and I followed him.

Thursday, August 26, I came to John Miller's in Berkeley, and at the Springs next day met the English brethren (Methodists), Mitchell and Pitts. Saturday, Geeting, Crum, Geisinger, and Senseny arrived before me at a sacramental meeting at J. M.'s, many bringing their children for baptism. I baptised a child belonging to an English lady, using the English language. (Newcomer only means that he used the English language). Lodged at J. Funk's.

Wednesday, October 13, preached at Christian Crum's, next morning at Dr. Senseny's in Winchester, and at night to a large congregation in the Methodist church at Newtown. Friday, Geeting spoke in Stoverstown, and at night there was a meeting at John Funkhouser's. Saturday the preaching by Geeting and myself at a great meeting at Andrew Kauffman's did not appear to make much impression. Monday there was a meeting at John Funkhouser's on Mill Creek. Tuesday, Geeting and myself had a very good meeting at Henry Huber's. Wednesday, a quarterly meeting began in Hoffman's barn in Rockingham. Never have I witnessed the power of God in so great a degree among so many people. The meeting was protracted till late at night and many found peace. I was entertained by the Meyers, a godly pair. Next day the crowd was still greater. Lutherans, Presbyterians, Mennonites, Baptists, and Methodists all drew near the Lord's table. Many were not able to avoid shouting. With difficulty we parted from the people to meet an appointment at Mr. Hivener's 10 miles away. Friday morning there was a meeting at J. Darner's and at night at Lewis Shuey's. 10 miles beyond. Saturday, a sacramental meeting begins at Mengen's, some coming more than 50 miles. Parents and children were together on their knees. I went home with Mr. Brobeck. Sunday many came to the Lord's table with streaming eyes. Preached at night at Staunton and lodged with Mr. Falker. Monday I rode 42 miles, preaching to a small assembly at Mr. Mertz's in Rockingham. Tuesday morning I preached three miles from Mertz's, then rode 23 miles to Woodstock, where the people had been some time waiting for us. Wednesday I preached in Stoverstown, and had a meeting Thursday in Middletown at the house of Senseny, a tanner. Preached at night on the same day in the Methodist church at Winchester.

1803

Preached in both German and English at a sacramental meeting at Sleepy Creek, beginning Saturday, August 27. Tuesday, spoke to a large congregation in Newtown. Wednesday, James Smidt exhorted in English at Niswander's. Thursday I spoke at Kauffman's and Friday at Funkhouser's on Stony Creek. A quarterly meeting began Saturday at Homan's. Wednesday, September 6, spoke at Hoffman's and rode 12 miles to Mr. Dider's. Wednesday, I preached at Heffner's, and Thursday to a large congregation in a mill. The people entreated us to stay, but we had to leave to hold a class-meeting at Lewis Shuey's 12 miles distant. Many people here next day. A quarterly meeting began Saturday at Brobeck's in Augusta, a great multitude being present next day. Sunday night I preached in a schoolhouse, where a great number were in distress and the meeting lasted till daybreak. Many were converted. Monday I preached at Strickler's Tuesday at Zimmerman's and a point 15 miles beyond, and Wednesday in New Market, where four preachers were in the large audience. The people desired another visit. But at Woodstock, the following day, while preaching in the Reformed church, one of two ministers hastily withdrew. Saturday a two-day meeting began at Senseny's in Middletown. Sunday night I preached in Winchester.

1804

A quarterly meeting began at J. Funkhouser's, Saturday, May 26. Sunday, Otterbein preached again from Matthew III, 12, and was followed by myself and Strickler. Monday I rode through New Market to the house of Mr. Huff, who would not let me go any farther. Next day I lodged with Mr. Kreiner beyond Keezeltown. Thursday, I dined at Harrisonburg with Mr. Sala, a bookbinder. Friday I preached at New Market, Sunday in an old chapel at Massanutten. I had colored as well as white hearers and they were well satisfied. Having preached in both languages, my strength was all gone, and a lady closed with prayer. Monday I preached at Woodstock in the English (Methodist) meeting house. A minister sitting just in front of me suddenly fell, but I did not know why. Tuesday I preached in German and English at Senseny's near Middletown. Thursday, June 7, Henry Smith and myself addressed the people at Henry's Crum's.

Saturday, August 11, 1 arrived at a camp meeting held in a beautiful grove in Berkeley county. I could hear the people singing some distance away. In a circle around a large, open space, a number of tents were pitched, inclosing the area where were the stand for the preachers and the seats for the people. In and around the tents and all over the ground were men, women, and children in swarms, busily preparing for the occasion. My heart was filled with gratitude that I live in a land where every indivi-

dual is permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience and no one dare disturb him. The brethren in the preachers' tent gave me a cordial welcome. In the large circle encompassed by the tents were board seats under the shade of the trees, where many hundreds of people could be accommodated. An audience was assembled by blowing a horn. After dark it was a beautiful sight to see the whole circle, and especially the preachers' stand, illuminated with lamps. All around, before the tents and on the trees, lights were in contrast with the starry firmament above. The concourse on Sunday was estimated at 4,000, about. 300 partaking of the Lord's supper. Monday morning at daybreak I could hear the people in every tent singing and praying, and offering up family worship. In a short while the people assembled for a general prayer meeting. Preaching was at 10 A. M., 3 P. M., and candle-light. The meeting lasted the whole week, and daily more people assembled. The second Sunday 6,000 were present. Toward evening the people were dismissed, but many remained till morning. Daniel Hildt, McDonald, Roszel, Jefferson, Welsh, Swift, Pannel, and some other preachers were present. It was a harvest time.

September 8, I learned of the death of Dr. Senseny at Winchester.

December 22, I paid 25 cents at Berlin (now Brunswick, Md.) to have my horse led across the Potomac on the ice, myself following. That night I preached at J. A.'s, and next day twice in Loudoun county.

1805

Preached at Harper's Ferry, January 13.

1806

Sacramental meeting eight miles from Berkeley Springs, August 30. Strawbridge, a Methodist, following Hershey. At night a man fell to the ground and lay a considerable time without the least sign of life. When he came to himself, he praised God saying he never in all his life felt so well.

Though unwell, I preached at Christian Crum's, Tuesday, Septemper 23. The perspiration brought out by the exercise of speaking was beneficial. Wednesday there was a meeting at J. Senseny's, and Thursday I preached 10 miles beyond. Friday I preached at Crangdorf's, but was too unwell to meet the next appointment, 12 miles beyond. A quarterly meeting began Saturday at Gotlieb Homan's. Monday night I had a severe fever, but rode 33 miles the next day.

Preached in Loudoun, Sunday, December 8.

1807

Tuesday, June 3, there was a meeting at Senseny's, near Middletown, where Eberhardt and Holmes, an English brother, spoke.

Wednesday we preached to a large congregation at Funkhouser's, 10 miles away. Thursday, I rode 40 miles to Roman's finding the house full of people. Saturday, I opened a quarterly meeting at Peter Meyer's, and at night preached at Kauffman's in English. Many people were present Sunday. Rode 15 miles to Jacob Brunk's. Monday there was a meeting at Mr. Shauter's Tuesday one at Rhinehart's, Wednesday one at Woodstock. Saturday and Sunday there was a quarterly meeting at Niswander's and at night I preached in Winchester.

Thursday, August 27, I reached a camp meeting near Cram's. Saturday and Sunday there was a quarterly meeting on Sleepy Creek. Monday, at the camp ground, we had the most powerful time I ever beheld. September 2, I lodged with Joseph Crisop beyond Frankford. A thunderstorm at night was so severe that the family got out of bed and spent some time singing and praying.

Preached at Mr. Roth's and at Christian Funkhouser's, Wednesday, September 30, and next day at A. Kauffman's. Friday I heard the celebrated Lorenzo Dow in Woodstock, and rode 25 miles with him to a camp meeting, where he preached at candlelight and at sunrise next morning. A quarterly meeting at Roman's, Saturday and Sunday. Return to the camp ground, where the singing, praying, and shouting continue all night. Preaching at Shangpeter's Tuesday, at Peter Meyer's Wednesday, and at Dider's Thursday. Quarterly meeting begins at John Shuey's Saturday. October 10. Lambert, a Methodist, preaches Sunday. At night I preach in Middlebrook and lodge with Bernard Lauman. Sacramental meeting at Senseny's, near Middletown, Sunday, October 18, and same night I preached in Newtown.

1808

Monday, May 23, 1 lodge at Shepherdstown on my way to conference, and see an elephant for the first time. I am 59 years old. Conference began Wednesday and closed Friday. The brethren were assembled at Senseny's. A quarterly meeting on Sleepy Creek, Sunday, September 18. Ride home with Henry Reiner.

Preached in German and English at Henry Frey's in Loudoun, December 31. The meeting (a watch-night) continued till after midnight. On New Year's day, preached at Philip Frey's.

1809

Arrived at Harrisonburg, Sunday, March 5, where a thousand people were attending the Methodist conference. Henry Boehm preached in German after Bishop Asbury, and was followed by Jacob Gruber and myself. Next day a committee was appointed to consult with me to see whether any union could be effected between the two churches, and it met the day following. We discussed many and different subjects, but had nothing else in view than the furtherance of the cause of our Master. In the afternoon

I was invited to attend the conference, and received a resolution in writing which I was to deliver to William Otterbein. Sunday, March 12, I preached at Middletown in both languages, and rode to Winchester, where Roberts and Henry Boehm preached at night. Preached in Loudoun at Frey's and Philip Eberhardt's, March 24-26.

Sacramental meeting in same county, July 29-30. Camp meeting at Smithfield, August 25-29, about 6,000 being present. Spoke at Winchester last day of meeting, then go to Harrisonburg, where there is a large congregation, Sunday, September 3. After the Lord's supper an old Methodist named Greaves spoke in a most wonderful strain. Monday, a meeting at Shuey's, where one person fell to the ground with the jerks and shook in every limb in a very remarkable manner. Tuesday, a meeting at John Peters', and Friday one at David Funkhouser's, where I spoke in English. Quarterly meeting at Stony Creek Sunday. Preaching in Woodstock Tuesday, September 12, and Wednesday at Huddle's schoolhouse and Christian Funkhouser's. Sacramental meeting at John Senseny's Thursday and Friday. Saturday, preached at Winchester in the German Presbyterian (German Reformed) church. A very large congregation here Sunday, Hinkle, a Methodist, closing the sacramental service. A two-day meeting began at Duckwalt's on Sleepy Creek, October 14, Hinkle preaching Sunday. .

1810

Preached at Frey's in Loudoun, September 22. Preached at Mr. Evans's near Shepherdstown, December 3.

1811

Meeting in Shepherdstown, March 3, at John Funkhouser's, March 10.

April 22, my wife dies and I break up housekeeping, moving to my son Andrew's where I have my own room and my board when I am at home with him.

Preached in Shepherdstown, Tuesday, June 4, and at John Senseny's Friday. Quarterly meeting began at Jacob Funkhouser's Saturday. Preached at Woodstock Sunday night, and at Michael Homan's Monday. A two-day meeting began at Peter Meyers's Tuesday, June 11. Preached at Peter Rider's Thursday. Sacramental meeting began at Lewis Shuey's Saturday, Christian Smidt being present. Preached at Altdorfer's Monday, at Henry Huff's Tuesday, at John Peters's Wednesday, at George Funkhouser's Thursday, at Henry Geeting's Friday, and Sunday at Abraham Funkhouser's and Niswander's. At Shepherdstown, Wednesday, June 26, I exhorted after Enoch George. A young woman was converted and next morning we learned that her father cow-hided her for going to a Methodist meeting.

Saturday, August 3, a two-day meeting began at Philip Frey's in Loudoun.

August 31, reached a quarterly meeting on Sleepy Creek, Crum, Duckwalt, and Reiser being present. Next day, Strawbridge, a Methodist, preached with great effect, some coming forward with streaming eyes, while others stood giggling and laughing.

1812

Preached at Henry Frey's March 22.

1814

Preached at Henry Frey's January 9.

March 23, heard Asbury's funeral discourse on the late William Otterbein. The church was much too small to contain all who came, among them being Methodists, United Brethren, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians. Bishop McKendree (Methodist) closed the service.

June 4, sacramental meeting at Mt. Artz's in Shenandoah. The people could not leave, but continued to sing and pray all night. Sacramental meeting at Lewis Shuey's, June 11-12, James Sewell, a fine young Methodist, assisting. Two-day meeting began at Peter Meyers's, June 14. Night preaching in English at Zimmerman's near Keezeltown. Rode more than 40 miles and preached at Millerstown, June 17. Sunday, June 19, preached at the widow Funkhouser's and at Niswander's.

1815

Preached at Henry Frey's, September 17.

1816

Quarterly meeting began at the widow Funkhouser's, Saturday, April 13. Spoke at Mr. Hay's Monday.

1817

At a camp meeting August 22-26, where more than 120 tents were up and many thousand people present. Great good was done. Preached in Stoverstown, Wednesday, August 27, Thursday at Melchor's on Stony Creek, Friday morning at Yellow Springs, Friday night at the house of John Matthias in Hardy. Sacramental meeting at Frederick Doubs, August 30-31, at Niswander's September 3, next day at Bear's. One at Swoope's, September 6-7.

1818

Preached to a large congregation at John Senseny's, March 12.

1819

Preached at Christian Crum's, Wednesday, September 1. Sunday, preached at Mill Creek in both languages. September 8-14, a camp meeting in Rockingham, one of the best I ever attended.

1820

Rode to Winchester, July 30, finding Christian Crum very near the end. Preached the funeral discourse.

Camp meeting at George Hoffman's in Rockingham, August

2-8. with delightful weather the whole week. Meeting in the schoolhouse near the widow Funkhouser's, August 8.

1821

Preached in Winchester, Sunday, August 12. A meeting Monday at Mr. Blind's. Camp meeting at George Hoffman, August 16-21. Many will remember it. Exhorted in Stoverstown, August 22.

1822

Sacramental meeting at William Smidt's in Newtown.

1823

I attended the dedication of our new meeting house at Littles-town, Pa. (This is the first dedication mentioned by Newcomer.)

1828

Attended a Sunday School with the children, June 22, and closed it with prayer. (This is Newcomer's first mention of a Sunday School.)

Preached Saturday, August 30, at a camp meeting in Shenandoah from Psalm XL, 3-5. Sunday, preached from John V, 6-8. Lodged at Jacob Weitzel's in Rockingham, September 4. I had married him to Peter Brown's daughter, September 5, 1820. Monday, came to a camp meeting in this neighborhood. It closed September 10, then rode to Mr. Weitzel's and preached there at night in English. Next day a meeting at Lauman's. September 12, came to a camp meeting at Jacob Lentz's in Brock's Gap, the seventh I have attended this summer. Many people present, but most of them hard and unaffected.



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