The Mail-Journal, Volume 19, Number 51, Milford, Kosciusko County, 5 January 1983 — Page 11

Church seniors provide strength

By GAIL WIDMOYER According to Rev. Paul Tinkel, pastor at the Milford First Brethren Church, “A church without our senior citizens does not have. the wisdom and gindance of many years experience which is needed for our younger generation." For the First Brethren congregation, Dorothea Kerlin offers years of experience and guidance. Mrs. Kerlin has spent most of her life in the Milford area and

HU I"* llgj. SENIOR DISCIPLE AWARD

* * * ■ ■i .■ w ♦ w '' * ftjwai \ 0 COMPILING A HISTORY— Dorothea Kerlin, 84-year-oH member of the First Brethren Church in Milford, is in the final stage of compiling a history of the local church and national denomination. The history will be completed sometime this summer, just in time for the national church and the local congregation's centennial celebration.

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has been a member of the Milford First Brethren Church for 75 of her M years. “I couldn’t live without it,” said the past Milford public librarian. “During the winter, there is only one day of the week when I’m not involved with the church.” \ Charch Activities Since she has been a member, Mrs. Kerlin has participated in many avenues within the charch. She has devoted time as Sunday School and church pianist; church organist; financial secretary for 20 years; a member of the church choir; and a total of 45 years as a Sunday School teacher, one interest she still holds. Currently, Mrs. Kerfin is the corresponding secretary for the Women’s Missionary Society and was named Senior Disciple to the church for 1982, a recognition that was “such a surprise. ” Mrs. Kerlin s concern for the church was evident as she said, “I can’t think of any other way to spend my time.” To further illustrate her interest in the church, Mrs. Kerlin is compiling a concise history of both the national denomination and the local congregation of the First Brethren Church. Material for her book came from back

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GRACE BRETHRENCHURCH LEESBURG Howard Dawning, Pastor Tim Hood. Sunday School Supt. Sunday School 9:X-10:Xa.m. Morning Worship 10:35a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Prayer Service, Wednesday 7 p.m. SYRACUSE UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHU RCH (Corner Harrison A Pearl St.) □avid Hudson, Pastor Sunday School 10a.m. Praise and Worship, Sunday 7:X p.m. Youth Service, Tuesday 7 p.m. Bible Study, Thursday 7:30 p.m. WAWASEE LAKESIDE CHAPEL Harlan Steffen, Pastor Francis Denton, Adult Supervisor Marge and Roger Kryder, Primary Supervisors Warship Service 10a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. CLUNETTE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Karen Weaver, Pastor Warship Serv ice9a.m. Sunday School 10:20a.m. FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHdRCH Barbee Community Church (Kuhn Drive, Little Barbee l£»ke) William L. Hutchins, Pastor Sunday School 10 a.m. Warship Service 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 4 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study And Prayer 7 p.m. MORRIS CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST (County Roads 1 SON and 375E) Charles Taylor, Pastor Don Conley, Supt. Sunday School 9:30 a. m. Worship 10:30 a.m. SAINT ANDREW'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SYRACUSE Rev. Philip Frew, Pastor Church School 9:15a.m. Worship Hour 10:30 a.m. UMYF4p.m. ZION CHAPEL U.B. CHURCH (Comer Syr. Web. Rd. and ioooN) Rev. Don Ross, Pastor Eric Kolberg, S.S.Supt Sunday School 9a.m. Worship 10 a.m. Evening Warship 7 p.m. GOSHEN FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Service 7:45p.m.

records, rehgious encyclopedias and personal records kept by Mrs. Kerlin and her mother. Mrs. Kerlin has worked on the history since last summer and expects the completion date to be sometime this coming summer - in time to help the First Brethren Charch celebrate its centennial. Community Interests Mrs. Kerlin is most noted in the Milford community for serving 47 years as librarian at the Milford. Public Library. She is also the first person to receive the Milford Area Development Woman of the Year Award in 1971 for outstanding and dedicated service. “I thank God every day for my good health and I never have time to sit down and feel sorry for myself,” she commented. Personal interests include knitting, crocheting, reading, special programs and working on her Sunday School lesson. Even many of these interests involve the church since items she made were donated to the annual church bazaar. Mrs. Kerlin also enjoys patronizing local restaurants and classified herself as an “eater outer. ” ‘ 'Anytime someone wants to go somewhere, my car’s always in the track,” she said. I just keep busy.”.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH (Armstrong Road) OSWEGO DaleW. Parker, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7 p.m. AwanaClubs Wednesday 4:15p.m. SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES CATHOLIC CHURCH SYRACUSE Father Robert Hammond Sunday Mass 7:15a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Saturday Mass 6:30 p.m. Confession Before Masses Holy Days 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. I HASTINGS ISLAND CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DavidWidmoyer, Pastor Mike Zimmerman, Jr., Supt. Kendall Biller. Supt Sunday School 9:30a.m. Worship 10: X a.m. Prayer Meeting Thursday 7:30 p.m. APOSTOLIC CHRISTI AN MILFORD Dale Strassheim, Jesse Beer, Elmer Hartfer and Walter Steffen, Ministers * Morning Worship 10 a.m. Afternoon Warship 12:30p.m. CHRISTIAN CHURCH MILFORD Carl Shearer, Minister Fred Walls. Associate Minister Bible School 9:30 a.m. Warship 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m. TURKEY CREEK CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN GRAVELTON Dorotha and I van Fry, Team Pastors Church School 9:30a.m. Warship 10:30 a.m. CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH (ill W. Orange St.) CROMWELL Frank Barcus, Pastor Sunday School 9:30a.m. Worship Ser vice 10:45 a.m. NEW SALEM CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN • (MONA2ME) Glenn Byers, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Warship 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 7 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.

The role of semor citizens in the church is important and reciprocal according to Mrs. Kerfin, “We give the young people a little stability and we need them to give us pep and First Brethren list opportunities Many activities are scheduled for the rest of this week and the beginning of next week at the First Brethren Church of Milford. On Saturday, Jan. 8, the Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will beheld at 7:30 a.m. at the church for any interested fellows. Sunday is the date set for installation and dedication of all elected church officers during the regular worship service. That evening, the Brethren Youth will meet at6p.m. at the church. The Ministry of Education meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. in the church and on Tuesday, the women’s ‘prayer group will meet at the home of Inge Mathews at 9 a.m. Also on Tuesday, the Ministry of Property will meet at the church at 7 p.m. Then on every Wednesday evening, the Midweek Family Bible Study begins at 7 p.m. with groups for preschoolers, gradeschoolers and an adult Bible study group. On Wednesday, Jan. 12, the Ministry of Home and Family will meet at the church at 8:10 p.m. The public is invited to all events. BIBLE VERSE ” Whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ” 1. Who is the author of the above advice? 2. To whom was he writing? 3. Upon what occasion? 4. Where may this verse be found? Answers Io Bible Verse Z.IT smnssopj > qojnqo oqi ojui ouioa peq oq.M sjopeo( aspj jo oouo -nyui oqi pwjunoj oj *£ •ossofoj j< qomqj aqi ui sumjsuqj oqj j opsodv aqj pej <

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UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NORTHWEBSTER Rex Lindemood, Pastor Warship 8:30 a. nv and 10:45 a.m. Church School 9:30a.m BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH NORTHWEBSTER ’ Dean McFadden, Pastor Sunday School 9:30a.m. Warship 10:30a.m. 4p.m. Wednesday Services 7 p.m. CHURCH OF GOO NORTHWEBSTER Charles E. Towriss, Pastor Henry R. McCray, Associate Pastor Men's Prayer Breakfast 7:30a.m. Worship9:3o a.m. Sunday School 10:40 a.m. Sunday NightLiveyouth4p.m. . Evening Service of Praise 7p.m. OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH (4th And Main Streets) MILFORD Bro. James Linscott, Administrator Sunday Mass 10:30a.m. CHURCH OF GOD SYRACUSE Rev Michael Johnson, Pastor Tom Stiver, S.S. Supt. Sunday School 9:30a.m. Morning Warship 10:30 a.m. Junior Worship 10:30 a.m. „ FIRST BRETHREN CHURCH MILFORD Paul Tinkei, Pastor Church School 9:30 a.m. Morning Warship 10:30 a.m. BYCSundey4p.m. Mid week warship 7 p. m. BETHEL CHU RCH OF THE BRETHREN MILFORD Roger Eberiy, Pastor Nancy Snider, Bd. Chm. Sunday School 9:30a.m. Warship 10:30 a.m. BETHANY CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN (US4) F. Wayne Lawson, Pastor Morning Worship 9:30 a. m. Sunday School 10:30a.m. Wednesday Activity Night7:oß burroak UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Lawrence Byrnes, Pastor Sunday School 9:38a.m. Worship 10:38 a.m. CHURCHOF THE BRETHREN SYRACUSE John McFarland, Pastor Junior Blough. Supt. Sunday School 9:38a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Bible Study 7pm.

History of Lutherism in and around Syracuse

(EDfTOTS NOTE. The following artkfo to toa M-J by Evara#t Motoring of Syracuse and is from toe JUy 12. 19M. issue of toe SyrocuK By a treaty with the Indians, which became effective in 1833, the land of this section was thrown open to settlers, hi 1832 Henry Ward and Samuel Crawson built a dam across Turkey its outlet, intending tn build a grist mill, as soon as the treaty with the Indians became effective. In 1833 tins min and a dwelling for Mr. Crawsun were erected and were the first buildings in the town of Syracuse. The town of Syracuse was laid out August 11, 1837, by Crawson and Ward who were t£e proprietors of the land upon which the first plat was located. William Kirkpatrick was the first merchant of Syracuse. Among the names of business men of an early date we find J. W. Stetler. Isaac Kindig, J. A. Kindig, Eli Holloway. William Wallace and others. Schools We have no record of the first public school, but in 1874 under the leadership of J. A. Kindig, township trustee, a new school house was erected, and the school graded. This building is still standing and is commonly called the old school house on the hill. The school building which it also still standing, a part of it was converted into a dwelling and is now occupied by William Rothenberger and his daughter Catherine The other part was converted into a barn and is now the property of Dr. Hoy. Mr Kindig was severely criticised for the erection of so large and expensive a building, but his sound judgment has been shown by the fact that the erection of two school houses has since been found necessary. In 1875 J. P. Dolan was secured as a teacher in the Syracuse schools and was for many years the leading factor in moulding the policies and educational activities of the town. The Churches of Syracuse The Church of God in Syracuse was organized in 1863 by the Rev. George Thomas, who became its first pastor. The Brethren or Dunkard Church was organized in the county as early as 1851 but we have been unable to learn the date bf its organization in Syracuse. The Progressive Brethren Church was organized

GRACE BIBLE CHURCH SYRACUSE Dr. David R. Half ley, Pastor Sunday School 9:45 a: m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Evening Service 7 p.m. Wednesday Evening Service 7 p.m. JEHOVAH'S WITNESS KINGDOM HALL (East Papakeechie Lake Drive) Sunday: PublicLectore9:3oa.m. Watchtower Study 10:30a.m. Tuesday, Study of Prophecy 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Ministry School 7p.m. SAL EM COMMUNITY CHURCH (!•/, Mile Southeast Os Wilmot) Pastor Elmer Miller Sunday School 9:30a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Service 7 p.m. Prayer Bible Study Wednesday 7 p.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (2ME. Main St.) SYRACUSE Frank Barcus, Pastor Worship9:lsa.m. Sunday School 10:15a.m. CHURCHOF THE NAZARENE SYRACUSE Harold Barton, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 a. m. Morning Warship 10:30a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 4pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7 p.m. CHURCHOF THE BRETHREN NORTHWEBSTER Paul F. Shrider. Pastor Morning Worship 9: X a.m. Sunday School 10:30a.m. FAITHWAY BAPTIST CHURCH (Kuhn Drive, Litfte Barbee Lake) William L. Hutchins. Pastor Sunday School 10a.m. Warship Service 11 a.m. Sunday Evening4p.m. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7p.m. CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY (OMSRTS) MILFORD JUNCTION Pearl Avalos, Pastor Sunday Service 10:00a.m.. 4:30p.m. Midweek Worship Wed.. 4:30p.m. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LEESBURG Dale Mendenhall, Pastor Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Church School 10:38a.m. FIRST CHURCHOF CHRIST SCIENTISTS (T7SN. Detroit) Sunday School 10-a.m. Sunday Service 10a.m. Wednesday 7p.m.

about 1901 and a church building erected oatbe bank of the race It was disbanded a few years after its organization. The Baptist Church, probably the first church organized m Syracuse, was organized in 1843, continued for about 10 years and was finally disbanded. The Methodist Episcopal Charch was organized at an early date but-the exact figures are is of interest to note that the dwelling house occupied by L. N. Kitson just across the street from the Lutheran Charch was the first Methodist Church building of Syracuse. The United Brethren Church of Syracuse was organized in /1 896. The Evangelical Church of Syracuse was organized in the fall of 1897 and is an outgrowth of the old Evangelical Church at Solomon's Creek. Rev. L. Newman was its first regular pastor. Grace Lutheran Church As early as 1858, Lutheran ministers visited and held services in Goshen. In 1861. through the labors of the Rev M M Bartholomew, Trinity Lutheran Church of Goshen was organized In addition to his labors in Goshen Rev. Bartholomew also organized and served a church in Syracuse, the exact date of the organization being unknown. The membership was quite small. Among the members wore Mrs. Rebecca Kindig, who later became Mrs. Weybright, mother of J. A. Kindig, and greatgrandmother of Miss Catherine Rothenberger of our church; Mrs. Preston Miles, mother of Mrs. Minerva Benner and grandmother of Miss Mary Miles; Mrs. Elhannon Miles; Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Kettring; Mr and Mrs. Isenhaur. We do not know where they worshipped at first but a few years later they joined in the erection of the Church of God on the hill and for many years worshipped there. Rev. Bartholomew resigned the pastorate in J 866 and was succeeded by Rev. J. Webber, who served until 1872. Not much is known of Rev. Webber’s activities. Mrs. Jane Bachman has a confirmation certificate made out for her by Rev. Webber and dated 1869. It is a valuable record and keepsake. After the resignation of Rev. Webber in 1872 the little congregation was without a pastor for 11 years. In 1883 Mr. Jesse Dunn, a student of theology, was supplying the Lutheran Church at

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Benton. Learning of him Mrs. Rebecca Weybright and Mrs. Benton and prevailed upon Mr. Dunn to come and take up the work at Syracuse. At first he preached only every four weeks, but later every two weeks. Mr. Dunn completed his studies and was ordained to the ministry in 1885. He then became the real pastor and the Charch was formally reorganized May 17, 1885. The following persons signed the Constitution: Mrs. Rebecca Weybright. Mrs Preston Miles, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Kettring, Mrs. Isaiah Kettring. Mrs. Jane Bachman and a Mr Henderson. A little later Mrs. Catherine Kindig also signed, making in all nine charter members. Shortly as ter Mr and Mirs. Snader were received. Mrs. Minerva Benner was received by baptism Dec. 19, 1886. and Mrs. Joan Holloway Dec. 2.1888. List of Pastors M. M. Bartholomew .... 1861'66 J Webber ‘ 1866-72 Jesse Dunn 1883-’97 William Hall 1897 ’9B A. H. Arbaugh 1899-02 S. D. Myers 1902- 04 T. F. Weiskotten 1904- 06 H. N. Th0mp50n......... 1907-’lO I. R. Ladd 1910-12 E. F. Valbracht 1915-17 R. E. M. Engers 1917-18 William Boatman 1918-’2O R. D. Heim Summer ’22 R N. McMichael 1923 ’26 A. H Arbaugh 1927C’hurch Building and Parsonage During the pastorate of Rev. T. F. Weiskotten the beautiful new church building was erected. The privileges enjoyed by the Lutherans in the Church of God were not conducive to aggresive church work. No Sunday School was possible. So with many misgivings the building of a new church was undertaken. It was tremendous undertaking for such as small group but the faith and zeal of the pastor' lead them on to victory. At this time several Lutheran families came to Syracuse and lent encouragement to this undertaking As a result we have this beautiful churchly practical building. Since the erection of the church the property adjoining on the west has been acquired and after two remodelings has been converted into an ideal parsonage. Union Lutheran Charch How many remember Old Union Church, a mile and a half north of town? This church was

ALL SAINTS' EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOU TH SHORE LAKE WAWASEE Vicar: Rev. David L. Hyndman Holy Eucharist: 9a.m. QUAK ER HAVEN FRIENDS CHURCH (sOOEand9l»N) DEWARTLAKE Sunday School 9a.m. Warship 10a.m. (Quaker Hail) WAWASEE HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH (Across From High School) Norman D. McVey, Pastor Jon Rumley, S.S. Supt. Sunday School 9:30a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. amt 7 p.m. Mid-Week Wed. 7 p.m. AWANA Clubs Thurs. 6:30p.m. CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH • (SR 13 South) SYRACUSE David C. Maish, Pastor Arlen Bobeck. Sunday School Supt. Church School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:40a.m. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MILFORD Kenneth Greenwood. Pastor Mary Duncan, Lay Leader Church School 9:15a.m. Worship io:Xa.m. UMY F Sunday 4 p. m. Bible Study Sunday 5: 30p.m. LAK ELAND COMMUNITY CHURCH OSWEGO Rev. Roy Mickley, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 a. m. Warship Service 10: Xa. m. Evening Service 7 p.m. SOLOMON'S CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. DonSheline, Pastor Worship 9 a.m. Sunday School 10a.m. MILFORD CHAPEL (Boer Road) William Yoder, Pastor Mylin Hooley, Lay Leader Weldon Yoder, Supt. , Sunday School 10a.m. Warship Serv ice 11 a. m. Wednesday Service 7p m. ROCK CHURCH (Turkey Creek Conservation Chib) Dr. Gary M. Tuttle, Pae tor Morning Worship 10a.m. » Evening Worship 7 p. m Wednesday Bible School 7p.m. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH » MISSOURI SYNOD LIGONIER Don Fischer, Vicar Church- Serv Ice 9 a. m. Sunday School 10:15a.m.

located on the farm j»w owned by Mr. Guy Ott, and stood at the southeast comer of his farm, one hundred feet from the cement road and thirty or forty feet from his south line. When was this Lutheran Church organized’’ The Synod of Northern Indiana was organized at Columbia City in T 855. Among the clerical delegates was the Rev. G. Walker, Syracuse, Ind., and among the lay delegates was the name of I. W. Kitson, also of Syracuse. This shows that the congregation must have been organized about 1855. At this convention a young man. John G. Biddle, was licensed to preach and assigned to the Syracuse and LaGrange parish. Rev. Biddle served this pastorate two years. Who the later pastors were we have no sure way of knowing, but Rev. J. H. Hoffman. Rev. James Cather, and Rev. William Waltman frequently preached in this old church. Among the members of this church were the following heads of families: David Frey. Joe Benner, I. W Kitson. Jacob Rentfrow, Henry Rentfrow. Solomon Juday. Peter Darr, and George Unrue. It is of especial interest to note that Mrs. Nicolai and her sister Mrs. Ott. daughters of David Frey and who are still living, were members and attendants of this old Union Church. They called themselves "new Lutherans” which indicated their revivalistic tendencies. They were noted for their loud revival meetings. With the 1 organization of the Evangelical Church at Solomon s Creek this Church began to dwindle and died. MUford UM continues weekly events Members and interested people are reminded of the morning Bible Study of Proverbs through the United Methodist Church of Milford under the pastorate of Kenneth Greenwood from 9:30 until II am. On Wednesday nights from 7 until 8:30 p.m., adult choir practice is held at the church and more members for the choir would be welcomed. • For the youth, the Junior and Senior United Methodist Youth Fellowships meet on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p. m.

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