January, 2000
Y2K has come and gone. For those of us who get our kicks out of the past, the clock turned with hardly a blink from us. After all, we have been aware of the Y1.9K turnover for years. It came and it went. Yes, I know there were no computers nor electronic equipment to break down. Yes, I know there were no missiles pointed at Russia nor satellites with sophisticated communications. Here we are. The K of significance to us is the one that Jesus will bring when He comes to establish His kingdom.
This is my annual sad edition. I am sad because some of you may not have signed up for the coming year to maintain your membership. This will be your last issue. Sometime in the next month, I will open my computer files and hit the delete button on a number of names which did not send back their renewal. Don’t make me do it. I like adding people, not deleting them. You can turn my despair to joy if you renew your membership. You can turn my joy to ecstasy if you give a gift membership to someone who is not now a member.
Before I present this issue’s selections, I would like to remind you how much I enjoy receiving mail from you. Questions, stories, memories … all are welcomed and add so much to what we present to people. I would love for you to share a story – memories of a favorite Sunday School teacher, a pastor who made a special impact, an event that meant something to you, special things your family did at your church. These are just some of the ideas you could write about. I’ll be checking my mail box. Don’t forget to use email if it is more convenient for you.
Daniel Brenneman
I have been skimming the Gospel Banner and pulling out stories and news relating to the Pennsylvania Conference. Obviously, I have come across many things to share with you. For the presentation of this issue, I want to share Daniel Brenneman’s account of his trip to Pennsylvania in 1879. You can see a snatch of life in our churches at this early time.
The following is the biography of Daniel Brenneman as it appears in the History of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, J. A. Huffman, Editor-in-Chief. [New Carlisle, Ohio: The Bethel Publishing Company, 1920]
Daniel Brenneman was born near Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio, June 8, 1834. He was the son of Henry (1791-1866), the son of Abraham (1747-1815), the son of Melchior, a Mennonite exile from Switzerland, and one of the first settlers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 1715.
At four years of age Daniel had a narrow escape from death by the small pox. His mother, a brother and a sister died of this dread disease at the same time (March, 1838). He grew to manhood on the farm, and although deprived of a loving mother’s care, under the influence and teaching of a godly father he was kept free from the vices so common to youth. His father frequently read aloud to his children from a mammoth German edition of the Martyr’s Mirror, and by this means helped to instill into the hearts of his children a love and respect for the precious doctrines of the Mennonite Church, for which she has suffered so much persecution; and as a result they all became active and influential members of that body, three of the sons becoming ministers and one a deacon.
He was converted in 1856, and soon after joined the Mennonite Church in Fairfield County, Ohio.
In March, 1857, he was married to Susannah Keagy, of Augusta County, Virginia, which union was blessed with ten children, five sons and five daughters, all of whom are still (1920) living and all of whom profess the Christian religion–all, except two, being of the Mennonite faith. One daughter, Phoebe [ed. – married to Calvin Snyder, serving in China], is in the foreign field.
In March, 1908, he lost his faithful companion after fifty-one years of married life. This was his first and, until his death, the only funeral in his family. In April, 1910, he was married to Della Troyer, with whom he lived happily until the close of his life. His death occurred on September 10, 1919, after a short illness, in his eighty-sixth year.
He was ordained to the ministry in the Old Mennonite Church in 1857. Concerning his ordination and the early events in his ministry, we quote from the Kauffman-Hartzler Mennonite History: “He entered upon his work at once with great vigor, and soon rose to prominence, his services being called for far and near. In March, 1864, he moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, where his ministry was noted for the intense interest stirred up among the people and for his conflict with Jacob Wisler.” From the same history we quote: “As time passed on, the necessity and demand for English preaching became more urgent, and the body of members became more and more convinced that this want should be supplied. About this time Daniel Brenneman, a minister from Ohio, appeared on the field. In the eyes of many he was the man for the place. He was orthodox in his views, though inclined to be radical on some questions. He could handle both languages excellently. He was eloquent, aggressive, a good singer, and full of life. The church revived, and crowded houses greeted him wherever he went. His services were demanded frequently at funerals and on other occasions.”
After ten years of active service with the old church,in Elkhart County, Indiana, circumstances, which are elsewhere more fully stated, led up to his separation from that body and the organization of the Reformed Mennonites (now Mennonite Brethren in Christ), of which body he was one of the principal founders.
In July, 1878, he established, on his own responsibility and by the permission of conference, the Gospel Banner, which has ever since been the church organ. He served as editor and publisher until October, 1882.
For many years he served as pastor and Presiding Elder in the Indiana and Ohio Conference, and was a member of every General Conference held during the period of his active ministry. He was eloquent and powerful in his pulpit ministrations and an aggressive and capable organizer. For many years he served as Presiding Elder of the whole Indiana and Ohio Conference, doing the work later requiring two men. He preached with surprising vigor and great earnestness down to the close of life. Even after having no regular charge of his own, he frequently preached two or three times on the Lord’s day, as opportunity offered or necessity demanded. He retained his mental alertness to the end, and took great pleasure in seeing the church which he had helped to found and to which he had given practically his whole life, prosper. He never missed an Annual Conference during his entire career.
From his youth he sought to honor, respect and obey his father, who at one time testified concerning his son Daniel that “he was always obedient.” His eighty and five years are an illustration of God’s faithfulness to His promise to give long life to those who obey their parents and serve Him.
[From The Gospel Banner, November, 1879, Volume 2 #12, page 4.]
Daniel Brenneman’s Trip to Pennsylvania
On Thursday evening, Oct. 2d, having sought to set our house in order , as regards our family, committing the oversight and management of the office work, generally, to T. H. Brenneman, the oversight of German department, to Bro. B. Bowman, and committing the whole matter to the gracious care and guidance of Him who controls, governs and directs all things according to the good pleasure of his holy will. After once more meeting with the dear brethren and loved ones in the capacity and pleasure of public worship, after extending the parting hand to many and receiving their hearty well wishes, and God’s speed, we were accompanied by quite a little company to the station to whom as the train came along, we were constrained to say hurriedly, Farewell. God bless you, and with an inward feeling of love to God, and a desire for the salvation of precious souls, we proceeded on our mission as delegate to attend the semi-annual conference of the Evangelical Mennonites to be held in Quakertown, Pa., Oct. 6th. We came vis. Erie, Harrisburg & Philadelphia, arrived at our destination on Saturday about noon, where we found a warm and brotherly reception, at the house of Bro. J. Snider, living within a short distance from the station. The afternoon was spent in visiting and forming acquaintances, which we found to be an easy matter here with these dear Zion pilgrims. In the evening we met for the first time together in public worship in Quakertown, where we were permitted to address a very earnest congregation, who were evidently hungering for the truth as the hearty amens testified and the power of God was obviously manifested in the uniting together of the hearts of his children in love.
On Sunday forenoon the conference sermon was preached by the president of the conference, Eld. Wm. Gehman, from Acts 20:28. We want to say to the glory of God, that we enjoyed the sermon very much, and appreciate very highly the wholesome admonition and instruction received. The Elder was very definite and pointed in regard to the duty of God’s servants in taking heed to themselves, that in every deportment of life, they may be an example worthy to be imitated by the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers &c.; and also spake very feelingly in reference to the flock intrusted to their care and oversight. In the afternoon the ordinances of the Lord’s supper and feet washing were observed, much after the same manner as they are with us; so much so that we could indeed feel quite at home, realizing that we were certainly amongst our Father’s dear children. The Lord manifested himself in his Spirit’s power in the meeting; besides a number of shouts of victory, many were heard to praise God with a loud voice.
So far as we could judge nearly if not all the brethren and sisters participated, which is certainly praiseworthy. It is indeed just as it ought to be, and may be in every church, where Bible discipline is lived up to and enforced.
Quakertown is a rather interesting though quiet country town on the North Pa. R.R. about 36 miles north of Philadelphia, with a population of 2,500. Our Evangelical Mennonite brethren have here quite a commodious brick church edifice, in which they hold regular services every Sabbath; have also a Sabbath school and prayer meeting once a week, and from what we have learned since here, have an earnest membership, not easily excelled in point of kind hospitality and friendship, amongst themselves as well as toward strangers. May the Lord bless and reward them.
The brethren met in conference at the appointed time (Monday, 6th), and we were indeed highly pleased with the noble kindly spirit of love which universally prevailed during the several sessions. After transacting the necessary business of the conference a special conference was appointed to meet on the first Thursday in Nov. for the express purpose of taking into consideration and deciding the question of uniting together as one body, at which time Bro. S. Eby as delegate from the Canada conference will be expected to be present. The union question simply touched upon by the conference here and we are happy to say that a very warm feeling in favor of union was expressed.
In view of the necessity that a minister be supplied to assist Bro. Sherk on the north Michigan circuit, we presented this matter to the conference, which consented, though with a deep sense of feeling, evinced by the flowing of tears, to grant a transfer to Bro. George Lambert to the Indiana and Michigan conference in view of supplying this want, and we are happy to say that the dear young Brother manifested a willingness by the will of the Lord to respond to the call.
[Take a break – here are the minutes of the meeting Brenneman attended as they are recorded in our book, Verhandlungen 1859-1895, pages 123-124.]
THE FORTY-FIRST SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October, 1879
Proceedings of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Held In The Quakertown Church, In Bucks County, Pennsylvania
On the previous Saturday, evening, there was a worship service. Elder Daniel Brenneman from the United Mennonites, Indiana, also editor of Gospel Banner and Evangeliums Panier preached on I Peter 3:15 and E. Hershey admonished. This meeting ended with a testimony hour. On Sunday morning, the Conference Sermon was preached by the Chairman, W. Gehman, on Acts 20:28. D. Henning admonished. In the afternoon, S. Frey preached on Hebrews 12:22-24. D. Brenneman admonished and commented on John 13:1-17. A communion service followed and the practice of Feet-washing was observed. In the evening, D. Brenneman preached on Genesis 3:9. Brother A. Kauffman admonished.
First Meeting
Monday, October 6, 1879 – Morning
On Monday morning, the members of the Conference and brethren and sisters from far and near came together. W. Gehman, Chairman, opened the Conference with singing, prayer and the reading of Psalm 124. Then the following business was attended to:
1. William Gehman, elected to be Chairman and S. Musselman, Secretary.
2. Advisory members present –
Preachers: W. Gehman, A. Strawn, J. Musselman, A. Kauffan,S. M. Musselman, E. Hershey, S. Frey, D. Henning.
Absent: S. Lambert.
Deacons present: D. Gehman, M. Landis, D. Koch, J. Ruch, W. Yeakel, J. Schneider.
Also present were: George Lambert, probationary preacher, and D. Brenneman, who were accepted as advisory members.
3. The moral and pastoral conduct of the members was examined.
4. The reports of the preachers for the last six months were presented as follows:
W. Gehman — preached 45 times, families visited 67, miles traveled 1700, expenditures $36.20.
Joel Rosenberger — preached 24 times, miles traveled 508, expenditures $7.88.
Abraham Kauffman — preached 30 times, families visited 50, miles traveled 1600, expenditures $34.08.
Jonas Musselman — preached 35 times, families visited 31, miles traveled 560, expenditures $4.35.
Samuel Musselman — preached 40 times, families visited 44, miles traveled 433, expenditures $6.97.
Abel Strewn — preached 33 times, families visited 29, miles traveled 200, expenditures $1.32.
Samuel Frey — preached 10 times, families visited 22, miles traveled 273, expenditures $1.53.
David Henning — preached 33 times, families visited 26, miles traveled 335, expenditures $5.35.
E. Hershey — brought in his report but it was lost.
5. W. Yeakel, Treasurer of the Mission Society, handed in his six months’ report:
Amount in the treasury on October 6, 1879 $136.98
Paid out as travel expenses to preachers $92.98
Distributed to preachers by committee 39.00
131.98
Leaves a balance of $5.00
Second Meeting
Monday, October 6, 1879 Afternoon
6. The afternoon meeting was opened by the Chairman. Then it was realized that Brother Levi Schimmel, a Mennonite preacher from Philadelphia, was present and therefore he was recognized as an advisory member.
D. Brenneman (from Indiana) gave an address to the Conference and made known the reason why he had come. He also expressed the desire of the Mennonites from the Northern Michigan district asking if it would be possible to send a preacher to them.
The Conference decided to send Brother George Lambert to them.
The matter of joining together with the Mennonites of Indiana, Michigan and Canada was briefly discussed and it was decided that there shall be an extra Conference to consider this on November 16, 1879, in the Upper Milford Meeting House, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
7. Thanks were expressed to the brethren and sisters and to the neighbors and friends for the love which they have demonstrated during the Conference session.
All meetings were opened and closed with singing and prayer.
William Gehman, Chairman
Samuel Musselman, Secretary
It was decided that the meeting at Quakertown be protracted at least one week. A deep interest seems to pervade the minds of the church and people of the place generally and we are anticipating good results by the help and grace of God. [end part one]
[The Gospel Banner, volume 2, number 13, November, 1879, extra, page 4.]
Conference over, it was announced that a protracted meeting would be held in Quakertown. It was our happy privilege to attend the meetings each evening during the week. In consequence of a lady temperance lecturer giving lectures in the same place, the attendance was to an extent lessened for several evenings: notwithstanding, the dear Savior verified his gracious promise each evening, visiting his people with the gracious outpouring of his Holy Spirit. His power was wonderfully manifested. An eager desire was felt on the part of the dear brethren and sisters, for full salvation, and several soon entered by faith in the “Promised Land,” and were permitted to feast upon the good things which abound therein. The interest of the meeting at once began to increase, and eager souls apparently from all quarters, commenced gathering in to hear the word. It was decided to continue the meeting a week at all events. Although we had intended to proceed further on our visiting tour, by the earnest solicitations of the brethren, consented to stay during this week also, and can say that we enjoyed much our protracted visit at this place. We were permitted to hear not only the earnest groans and petitions of the humble penitents at the altar of prayer, but thanks to the Lord, could also hear their living testimony of sins forgiven. At the close of the second week, the interest rather increasing than otherwise and a number of souls being deeply convicted, the brethren decided to continue the meeting whilst we, according to previous announcement, proceeded to Upper Milford, Lehigh Co.
During our stay at Quakertown, we were permitted to visit the printing establishment of J. G. Stauffer at Milford Square, whence issues the “Mennonitische Friedensbote” and “The Manna.” (Each find a welcome on our table of Exchanges.) The former is published semi-monthly in the [G]erman language, edited by Eld. A. B. Shelly, and is the organ of the New Mennonites, a religious body, which sprang from the original body of Mennonites, about forty years ago, and numbers at present nearly two thousand.
We in company with Eld. J. Musselman, attended their conference near Milford Square, Oct. 9th. We were received by them in kindness and friendship as brethren, and each admitted to an advisory seat with them. At their kind request, we consented to meet with them in public worship, on Sunday, Oct. 12th, and were permitted to address a large and attentive audience, and we could highly appreciate the privilege of meeting with them in public worship.
Their confession of faith does not materially differ from other Mennonites, only that they do not observe the command of feetwashing We cannot well avoid the desire that a union might yet be effected with these dear people upon “gospel principles.”
In point of dress, the elderly members generally retain simplicity, whilst the younger have measurably adopted and are following after the fashions of popular Christianity, with the world, which we were sad to notice. How sad that so much means should thus be worse than wasted, which would be greatly needed to spread the gospel, feed and clothe the destitute, and further the glorious cause of the Redeemer. We say this, not by any means from a feeling of disrespect, but much rather if possible, to stir up our minds with these dear people to beware, lest being led away through the subtlety and deceit of the “wicked one,” we might have much to regret when it is too late.
There being a society of Friends or Quakers in and around Quakertown (whence doubtless the name of the place originated), we Oct. 16th, for the first time attended a “Quaker meeting,” and not to say anything disrespectful of these unassuming, no doubt well-meaning and otherwise entirely harmless people, we must say that of all the different religious gatherings which it has ever been our privilege to attend, this seemed to us the most peculiar. There we sat for more than one solitary hour, in eager suspense; expecting, hoping, wishing and earnestly desiring to hear some one give expression to the emotions and feelings within, but as we waited and looked, or perhaps rather gazed with astonishment over our mute if not weary and sleepy congregation, what will our readers think when we tell them the truth that not a single word was heard until the congregation arose from their seats and commenced shaking hands? Possible you say, perhaps the “Spirit did not move them.” Admitting the fact that it did not, does not argue satisfactorily to us in favor of that sort of meeting. We cannot be reconciled in our mind that this is the way meetings were conducted in the days of the apostles, of whom it is said, that in their gatherings together, “every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”
Even were it true that Quakers did not discard water baptism as well as all the outward ordinances so plainly taught by the Savior, we think we could yet not be prevailed upon to be a Quaker, because of their silent mode of worship. We are more than ever inclined to cling to the apostolic mode of the “whole church” coming together and “all prophesying;” for it is declared by the blessed Savior that “from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.”
We think that of Christians, when coming together for the express purpose of worshiping God, of edifying one another and building one another up in the faith of the gospel, it should never be said, “Mouths have they but they speak not. May God give enlightened eyes to all who are sincere in their desire to serve him. [end part two]
[The Gospel Banner, Volume 12, number 14, December 1879, page 4.]
From Quakertown, we went Saturday 18th to Lehigh Co., where in the vicinity of Vera Cruz we held during the week a number of meetings at the following places: Ev. Mennonite church, Baptist church; also Baptist church in Millerstown, and at the Luther[a]n church in Berks Co., at all of which place we could realize to a greater or less extent the presence and blessing of the Lord.
The Baptist brethren here, are a common plain people who observe the command of feet-washing. We could feel quite at home among them, and whilst sitting together with them in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, the question too come up in our mind, why should we not be joined together in church fellowship as one body in Christ. But whether or no such a union might not yet in due time be brought about, we will allow the Lord to determine. We also spent one night in Freemansburg, with the parents of the brethren Lamberts and enjoyed our visit quite well.
From here we went to Coopersburg, Saturday, the 25th, where we tarried with the brethren and held meetings in their church each evening during the week, although no visible results were specially noticeable, we yet believe the efforts were not in vain; the seed thus sown will doubtless produce fruit in due time, for it is said, “My word shall not return unto me void.”
From here, Nov., the 1st, we went on the train to Fleetwood, where over Sunday we met with the people for public worship in the Ev. Mennonite Church three times. The Lord manifested his power each time. We felt quite at home here, were only loathe to leave so soon again. According to previous arrangements, we went to Hatfield on Monday the 3rd. Here we learned that the meeting at Quakertown was still in progress and that ten persons had been baptized there the day previous, whilst still others were seeking the dear Savior. At Hatfield, the Ev. Mennonites are busily engaged in erecting a new brick church, which they expect to have completed soon. We held here two meetings, which seemed to be to all, a source of profitable enjoyment, and we could indeed feel that it was good to be there.
From here we came to Quakertown again, where unexpectedly we met brother and sister Troxel from Canada, attended the meeting in the evening; three seekers came to the altar, one of whom found peace in the same evening. From here in the morning, being the day of the special conference, a number of us went to Upper Milford, the place appointed for the conference, found here among the rest, the brethren Baer, Eby and Moyer from Canada. Here it was our pleasure to spend three days in peaceable sessions of conference resulting in a union of the two bodies. Public worship was held each evening. On Thursday evening, Bro. Eby preached from Rev. 2:17. By request on Friday evening we sought by divine help in view of the bright prospects of succeeding in the attempt to effect a union to speak from Ruth 1:16, “Thy People shall be my people.” On Saturday evening, Eld. Baer from Canada, delivered an instructive and interesting discourse on Rev. 10.
[Take another break – the minutes of the Uniting Conference which Brenneman attended – From Verhandlungen, pages 125-126.]
SPECIAL CONFERENCE
November, 1879
Proceedings of the Special Conference
The Evangelical Mennonites of Pennsylvania
and
The United Mennonites of Canada, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio
November 6-8, 1879
Upper Milford, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
CONFERENCE MEMBERS-
Preachers: W.Gehman, D. Brenneman, D. Henning, A. Kauffman, J. Rosenberger, A. Strawn, S. Eby, S. M. Musselman, S. Frey, S. Lambert, J. Musselman, G. Lambert, E. Hershey.
Deacons: D. Gehman, W. Yeakel, J. Ruch, D. Koch, J. Schneider, M. Landis (not present because of sickness).
The Conference was called to order and opened with singing and prayer. The Chairman read Psalm 127:1-2, and mentioned some thoughts about it. S. Eby was elected Assistant Chairman and D. Brenneman, Assistant Secretary. J. Baer was accepted as an advisory member.
Then, the matter of unification was taken into consideration and the Church Disciplines were read to see how they conform to each other. It is indeed marvelous, that both are extracts from the Bible and the doctrines (are) so much alike.
Now a union was formed from the two bodies and when they touched, they ran together like two drops of water. All went down on their knees to thank the Great Shepherd that He has brought two flocks of sheep into one fold. The whole experience was a soul refreshing time. Many were praising God with loud voices. Many hopped or skipped about and others clapped their hands to praise God in the highest.
We, the signatory members of the Evangelical Mennonites of Pennsylvania and the members of the United Mennonites of Canada, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, attest herewith that we, in authority and in the name of the different conferences and in consideration and examination and in mutual agreement have united in the fear of God as a body and in the name: EVANGELICAL UNITED MENNONITES.
signed: William Gehman, Solomon Eby, Daniel Brenneman, John Baer, Eusebius Hershey, David Henning, Jonas Musselman, Abel Strawn, George Lambert, Joel Rosenberger, Abraham Kauffman, Sidenham Lambert, Joseph Schneider, Jacob Ruch, Daniel Koch, William Yeakel, Michael Y. Landis, David Gehman.
The different work areas in Pennsylvania shall form a Conference in itself and shall have the name Pennsylvania Conference.
Then the following business matters were taken care of:
John B. Gehman and John Traub were appointed as a committee of the managing committee for our printing shop.
A. Kauffman, M. Winch and D. Gehman were appointed as a committee to gather songs for our hymnbooks.
RESOLVED: That the next Conference shall be held the first Monday in March, 1880 in Coopersburg, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The preachers were placed as follows:
1. William Gehman and A. Kauffman — Upper Milford and Fleetwood district.
2. J. Musselman and J. Rosenberger — Hatfield and Quakertown district.
3. A Strawn and S. Musselman — Coopersburg and Springtown district.
4. D. Henning — Banger and Richmond district.
5. S. Frey — Lancaster district.
6. E. Hershey — to continue as evangelist
7. S. Lambert — transferred to Indiana, Michigan and Ohio Conference.
Resolved: That these proceedings be published in the Panier [Gospel Banner]
Thanks were expressed from the Conference members to the brethren and sisters, neighbors and friends for the love and hospitality they have shown during the session.
All meetings were opened and closed with singing and prayer.
Samuel M. Musselman, Secretary
Now that the conference was over, and the union complete the brethren parted from each other inspired seemingly with a new zeal and courage to serve the Lord. On Sunday morning the ministering brethren went forth to attend the meetings at the various regular appointments. Our privilege was to meet with the brethren in the forenoon at Coopersburg, and in the evening at Springtown, at both of which places there was leaping and shouting and praising the Lord.
From Springtown, we came to Quakertown again, and attended two meetings; still seekers at the altar; one more found peace through faith in Jesus. Went from here to Hatfield, from whence Bro. John Krupp accompanied me nearly two days visiting amongst the Old Mennonite brethren. In the vicinity of Deep Run church we learned that about forty-four persons were being catechised preparatory to baptism and church membership. We had a pleasant visit and we trust profitable interview at the house of Bro. A. Krupp, where we met and formed an acceptable acquaintance with the brethren J. Alderfer and R. Yoder; the evening was pleasantly spent until a late hour in religious conversation and devotional exercises. We went home with Bro. A. L. Moyer, and tarried for the remainder of the night.
From here accompanied by Eld. Jonas Musselman and the brethren from Canada, we went to Philadelphia spent over a day in the city, visited among other places the Zoological garden, where it would seem as though almost all the different species of animals and birds on the globe were to be seen. We were entertained in a very Christian like way at the house of Bro. John Frick. We had in view visiting yet other brethren and friends who had invited us but time would not permit.
On Saturday Nov. 15th, we went to Coopersburg, attended meeting in the evening and on Sunday, where God permitted us to realize his blessing upon us once more before leaving these dear people. Bro. A. Strawn took us to Bethlehem where we found comfortable entertainment at Bro. Owen Heller’s residing in the city. Bethlehem seemingly is a lively prosperous place with a population of about 8,000. In the evening we accompanied the Bro. and sister to meeting at the Evangelical church where we expected, being wearied and much worn, to have the pleasure of listening to the word: disappointed however in this, we by request endeavored to present the truth of the gospel, to a large and very attentive audience.
Having now been from home over six weeks, we felt anxious to return again, took the night train and came to Goshen, via., Buffalo and Cleveland, Tuesday morning; found family and friends usually well, for which in connection with the blessings and privileges enjoyed during our absence, we could feel truly glad and thankful to God. With many thanks and well-wishes to those from whom we received may tokens of love and Christian friendship, we bid adieu to all, in the hope of meeting again, if not on earth, in Heaven.
I must stop for this issue. I hope you have enjoyed the trip to Pennsylvania and meeting Daniel Brenneman. Two items for you “to do” list:
1. Send your stories to me-
2. Renew your membership and enroll a new member to share the joy.
Dick Taylor