Page 131 - United Brethren Virginia Conferences 1800-1946
P. 131
Volume 7 History of Virginia Conferences of United Brethren December 26, 2024
to quit his work the last month of the Conference year. I am glad to report that he has partially
recovered, for which we are thankful. Sister C. H. Crowell, whose sickness was mentioned in my report
last year, continued ill until a few months ago when she began to improve; and she is now regaining her
health rapidly for which we rejoice. Sad affliction came to the homes of Brother S. E. Boyd and wife of
Roanoke in the death of his bright daughter, and to Brother W. B. Keeley and wife of Harrisonburg in
the death of their darling boy.
The District. The district, remains as it did one year ago. I have sought, during the year, in
preaching the word as well as in directing the work of the Church to give my best talent and strength.
Salaries. An effort was made on the first round of quarterlies to increase the pastors’ salaries. On each
field of labor this was accomplished with but three exceptions. The increase ranged from $5 to $100
[per year] and will be largely paid. The increase of last year has prepared the way for a still larger
increase next year. Our people are, more and more realizing the fact that our salaries are too small, and
[they] are becoming more willing to pay larger salaries. This is as it should be. Conference
Assessments. The brethren in the main have been faithful in looking after the various conference
[obligations]. Nearly all the fields will report full in missions and church erection and some more than
full. And so with the; other assessments. Some of the brethren object to so many offerings; I would
suggest the finance committee provide a plan by which our assessment chart might be condensed, fewer
offerings and larger offerings. I would further recommend to the pastors a closer observance of the
envelope system. My observation has been that the best results have come when the envelopes have
been properly used.
Improvements. This church in which we are now assembled [Dayton U.B. Church], and to
which I referred in my last report, was completed and dedicated last September by Dr. W. M. Weekley.
Cost of building $6,100. Our church in Staunton was sold during the year to the German Baptists for
$3,000, and work was immediately begun on the remodeling of the Baptist church purchased by our
people at a cost of $4,000. This church when completed will be the best and finest we have in the
Conference, and our people deserve great credit for the earnestness exhibited. The estimated cost of the
lot and building complete will be about $12,000. Bethlehem church on Rockbridge charge has been
beautifully papered, painted and carpeted at a cost of $160. It was reopened by Brother A. P.
Funkhouser, free of indebtedness. A parsonage was purchased at Shenandoah City by Brother J. W.
Maiden, cost $600. The parsonage and properties on Churchville Charge, Brother G. B. Fadeley, pastor;
Singers Glen Charge, Brother J. H. Brunk, pastor; and Elkton Charge, Brother E. A. Stanton, pastor—
have each been improved and beautified. Brother S. K. Wine has paid the remainder of the debt on the
Lacey Springs parsonage. The remainder of the debt on the parsonage at Pleasant Valley has been
provided for by Brother T. J. Feaster. Arrangements have been made to build a chapel at Stokesville
and work will begin soon after Conference. An effort is being made to sell our church property at
Roanoke and to secure a more desirable location. This matter will be referred to later during this session
of the Conference.
Ladies’ Aid Society. The Ladies’ Aid Societies are doing noble work at different places in the
district. Special mention should be made of the Society at Harrisonburg, where they purchased a
parsonage lot for $700 and have made their last payment. The society at Dayton paid $500 on this
church at the dedication and assumed $500 more. The Society at Staunton is working earnestly to aid in
the completion of their church. Other societies are doing their share of the work as necessity demands.
Educational. Shenandoah Collegiate Institute and School of Music [at Dayton] is now enjoying
its most prosperous year. It shall be your privilege to look in upon our school and to learn more about it
1905 Reports 121
to quit his work the last month of the Conference year. I am glad to report that he has partially
recovered, for which we are thankful. Sister C. H. Crowell, whose sickness was mentioned in my report
last year, continued ill until a few months ago when she began to improve; and she is now regaining her
health rapidly for which we rejoice. Sad affliction came to the homes of Brother S. E. Boyd and wife of
Roanoke in the death of his bright daughter, and to Brother W. B. Keeley and wife of Harrisonburg in
the death of their darling boy.
The District. The district, remains as it did one year ago. I have sought, during the year, in
preaching the word as well as in directing the work of the Church to give my best talent and strength.
Salaries. An effort was made on the first round of quarterlies to increase the pastors’ salaries. On each
field of labor this was accomplished with but three exceptions. The increase ranged from $5 to $100
[per year] and will be largely paid. The increase of last year has prepared the way for a still larger
increase next year. Our people are, more and more realizing the fact that our salaries are too small, and
[they] are becoming more willing to pay larger salaries. This is as it should be. Conference
Assessments. The brethren in the main have been faithful in looking after the various conference
[obligations]. Nearly all the fields will report full in missions and church erection and some more than
full. And so with the; other assessments. Some of the brethren object to so many offerings; I would
suggest the finance committee provide a plan by which our assessment chart might be condensed, fewer
offerings and larger offerings. I would further recommend to the pastors a closer observance of the
envelope system. My observation has been that the best results have come when the envelopes have
been properly used.
Improvements. This church in which we are now assembled [Dayton U.B. Church], and to
which I referred in my last report, was completed and dedicated last September by Dr. W. M. Weekley.
Cost of building $6,100. Our church in Staunton was sold during the year to the German Baptists for
$3,000, and work was immediately begun on the remodeling of the Baptist church purchased by our
people at a cost of $4,000. This church when completed will be the best and finest we have in the
Conference, and our people deserve great credit for the earnestness exhibited. The estimated cost of the
lot and building complete will be about $12,000. Bethlehem church on Rockbridge charge has been
beautifully papered, painted and carpeted at a cost of $160. It was reopened by Brother A. P.
Funkhouser, free of indebtedness. A parsonage was purchased at Shenandoah City by Brother J. W.
Maiden, cost $600. The parsonage and properties on Churchville Charge, Brother G. B. Fadeley, pastor;
Singers Glen Charge, Brother J. H. Brunk, pastor; and Elkton Charge, Brother E. A. Stanton, pastor—
have each been improved and beautified. Brother S. K. Wine has paid the remainder of the debt on the
Lacey Springs parsonage. The remainder of the debt on the parsonage at Pleasant Valley has been
provided for by Brother T. J. Feaster. Arrangements have been made to build a chapel at Stokesville
and work will begin soon after Conference. An effort is being made to sell our church property at
Roanoke and to secure a more desirable location. This matter will be referred to later during this session
of the Conference.
Ladies’ Aid Society. The Ladies’ Aid Societies are doing noble work at different places in the
district. Special mention should be made of the Society at Harrisonburg, where they purchased a
parsonage lot for $700 and have made their last payment. The society at Dayton paid $500 on this
church at the dedication and assumed $500 more. The Society at Staunton is working earnestly to aid in
the completion of their church. Other societies are doing their share of the work as necessity demands.
Educational. Shenandoah Collegiate Institute and School of Music [at Dayton] is now enjoying
its most prosperous year. It shall be your privilege to look in upon our school and to learn more about it
1905 Reports 121
