People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — CHURCH OF CHRIST. [ARTICLE]

CHURCH OF CHRIST.

The congregation of the Church of Christ was permanently organized April 16, 1887, by Elder E. O. Sharpe with for ty-four charter members, of whom eighteen still remain identified with the congregation. Benjamin E. Utz was the first pastor. His pastorate was from 1891 to September, 1893. He was succeeded by Jesse L. Brady, October, 1893, whose pastorate closed with the year 1895. The house of worship was dedicated the first Lord s day in January, 1891. The officers of the congregation have been as follows: Elders -W. H. Jl. Graham, 1877 to 1893; George H. Brdwn Sr., 1887: I. B. Washbujii, 1887; J. H. Cox, 1892. J Deacons—l. C. Ruebelt, 1887 to 1893; Lewis Day 1887, to 1890; R. F. Priest, 1887 to 1889; Charles W. Coen, 1892; T. F. Clarke, 1892; W. H. Coover, 1895; Charles E. Hershman, 1895; George S. Day. 1892 to 1893. Deaconesses —Julia A. Healey; Belle Kerr. The present membership is two hundred. and eleven. One hundred and one were added during Mr. Brady’s pastorate. The Bible School was organized April 19,1887, and Dr. I. B. Washburn has been superintendent continuously. The present enrollment is 143. The first Y. P. S. C. E. was organized in May, 1892, George H. Healey, president. Clyde Reeve is the present president. The Junior Endeavor was organized in April, 1893. Mr. Charles W. Coen is the superintendent.