Page 121 - United Brethren Virginia Conferences 1800-1946
P. 121
Volume 7 History of Virginia Conferences of United Brethren December 26, 2024
is growing and the pastors’ reports will probably show an increase in contributions for missions this
year. Church Erection. This important part of the general work has received attention, and when I
presented the matter, our people responded cheerfully.
Education. Our people are increasingly interested in the education of their children and as a
result a number of their children are now in Shenandoah Collegiate Institute. The work in the past year
has been good, and—with Prof. E. U. Hoenshel at the head of the School as principal and Profs. J. H.
Ruebush and C. A. Funkhouser as his immediate associates and a number of efficient teachers—the
Institute has taken high rank and is successful, as is shown by the fact that the present attendance is the
largest in the history of the School. The school and board of trustees were made to mourn the loss by
death of Dr. C. M. Strickler, the efficient president of the board of trustees. Young People’s Christian
Union. This strong arm of the Church should receive more encouragement by some of our pastors.
There are some good societies in the district. Staunton having the largest senior and Harrisonburg the
largest junior. Sabbath Schools. There have been many excellent Sabbath schools during the year that,
have added to the membership of the Church, as well as helped to advance the Master’s kingdom in
other lands. The interest manifested by way of contributions is an encouraging feature of this work also;
for illustration, Harrisonburg raises on an average of $2.50 per Sabbath, while Staunton has raised
$51.75 for missions. Our best Sunday schools are in the towns and run all the year, and I note with
pleasure that the sentiment in the country is growing in favor of continuous work. Prayer and Class
Meeting. I regret to note that a large majority of our people do not attend these services. Some who are
interested in the Sabbath schools and Young People’s Meeting, seldom attend the Social Mid-week
Meetings. This may be accounted for, in part, by the number of services being held; and yet it is a fact
that the Church cannot do without the old-time prayer and class meetings.
Finances. While there was an increase in the salaries of some on the district, the salaries are still
too low. Our people are coming to see, that the times and men demand better ministerial support. The
conference collections are not full. We will have to blame it on the weather. Improvements:
Pendleton Circuit—The new church at Crabbottom completed last year was dedicated this year by
Rev. A. P. Funkhouser.
Broadway Circuit—A new church is nearing completion on this charge, which will be a credit to
the pastor, Rev. T. C. Harper, as well as the members of the congregation; value $650.
Churchville Circuit—The parsonage at Churchville has been beautified by paint and paper, by
Rev. G. B. Fadeley, pastor.
Elkton Circuit—Through the efforts of Rev. J. H. Brunk and the good people of Salem, a
beautiful church has been built, the cost of which was $800. The same was dedicated November
16, 1902.
Franklin Circuit—Rev. L. A. Racey has built a parsonage at Upper Tract; value $625.
Rockbridge Circuit—A beautiful frame church is now completed at Mt. Zion, and will be
dedicated in the near future. This church was begun while Rev. W. S Rau was the pastor, and was
completed by brethren of the appointment, led by Bro. C. S. Yago. Value, $1,000.
Shenandoah Circuit—A parsonage is being built at Shenandoah City, by the pastor, Rev. J. W.
Stearn.
Literature. The Religious Telescope has been receiving special attention. I have sought to have
our people take it, as no better paper can enter our homes. The Review, Search Light, Woman’s
Evangel, Watchword and Sunday school literature are circulated to, some extent on the district.
Boundaries. There should be some changes in the boundaries in order to make the charges stronger
1903 Reports 111
is growing and the pastors’ reports will probably show an increase in contributions for missions this
year. Church Erection. This important part of the general work has received attention, and when I
presented the matter, our people responded cheerfully.
Education. Our people are increasingly interested in the education of their children and as a
result a number of their children are now in Shenandoah Collegiate Institute. The work in the past year
has been good, and—with Prof. E. U. Hoenshel at the head of the School as principal and Profs. J. H.
Ruebush and C. A. Funkhouser as his immediate associates and a number of efficient teachers—the
Institute has taken high rank and is successful, as is shown by the fact that the present attendance is the
largest in the history of the School. The school and board of trustees were made to mourn the loss by
death of Dr. C. M. Strickler, the efficient president of the board of trustees. Young People’s Christian
Union. This strong arm of the Church should receive more encouragement by some of our pastors.
There are some good societies in the district. Staunton having the largest senior and Harrisonburg the
largest junior. Sabbath Schools. There have been many excellent Sabbath schools during the year that,
have added to the membership of the Church, as well as helped to advance the Master’s kingdom in
other lands. The interest manifested by way of contributions is an encouraging feature of this work also;
for illustration, Harrisonburg raises on an average of $2.50 per Sabbath, while Staunton has raised
$51.75 for missions. Our best Sunday schools are in the towns and run all the year, and I note with
pleasure that the sentiment in the country is growing in favor of continuous work. Prayer and Class
Meeting. I regret to note that a large majority of our people do not attend these services. Some who are
interested in the Sabbath schools and Young People’s Meeting, seldom attend the Social Mid-week
Meetings. This may be accounted for, in part, by the number of services being held; and yet it is a fact
that the Church cannot do without the old-time prayer and class meetings.
Finances. While there was an increase in the salaries of some on the district, the salaries are still
too low. Our people are coming to see, that the times and men demand better ministerial support. The
conference collections are not full. We will have to blame it on the weather. Improvements:
Pendleton Circuit—The new church at Crabbottom completed last year was dedicated this year by
Rev. A. P. Funkhouser.
Broadway Circuit—A new church is nearing completion on this charge, which will be a credit to
the pastor, Rev. T. C. Harper, as well as the members of the congregation; value $650.
Churchville Circuit—The parsonage at Churchville has been beautified by paint and paper, by
Rev. G. B. Fadeley, pastor.
Elkton Circuit—Through the efforts of Rev. J. H. Brunk and the good people of Salem, a
beautiful church has been built, the cost of which was $800. The same was dedicated November
16, 1902.
Franklin Circuit—Rev. L. A. Racey has built a parsonage at Upper Tract; value $625.
Rockbridge Circuit—A beautiful frame church is now completed at Mt. Zion, and will be
dedicated in the near future. This church was begun while Rev. W. S Rau was the pastor, and was
completed by brethren of the appointment, led by Bro. C. S. Yago. Value, $1,000.
Shenandoah Circuit—A parsonage is being built at Shenandoah City, by the pastor, Rev. J. W.
Stearn.
Literature. The Religious Telescope has been receiving special attention. I have sought to have
our people take it, as no better paper can enter our homes. The Review, Search Light, Woman’s
Evangel, Watchword and Sunday school literature are circulated to, some extent on the district.
Boundaries. There should be some changes in the boundaries in order to make the charges stronger
1903 Reports 111
