Page 55 - United Brethren Virginia Conferences 1800-1946
P. 55
Volume 7 History of Virginia Conferences of United Brethren December 26, 2024
cheerfully and wrought faithfully and earnestly, with varied success, to the end of the year. Four of
them were afflicted much of the time and one of their families. Camp meetings were held on three of
the charges, and were attended with financial success in each instance, and while there was some
spiritual interest manifested, the results were not highly gratifying. Revivals were enjoyed on eight of
the charges, promoting a healthy increase. On one charge there were many penitents with comparatively
but few conversions.
The literature of the Church has met with great favor and consequent success. All the charges
have done well in this regard. Notably among them are Berkeley Springs and North Fork circuits. On
the first-named charge there is little doubt that we have a larger circulation than all other churches in the
entire county. Salaries have been meager, notwithstanding the most vigorous efforts to secure them.
This was largely attributable to the extreme drought and consequent failure of crops. In some instances
our people are not disposed to pay in proportion to their ability. Benevolences have, on most of the
charges, met with favor, but on some with indifference. Church erection on the district has been a
partial success. One house of worship has been erected, paid for, and dedicated. One repaired,
ornamented, paid for and reopened. Another has been projected, a good lot of ground, and a
subscription adequate to its completion secured. Others still are in contemplation, but owing to the
scarcity of lumber had to be deferred. An encouraging feature of this department is that our people are
building much better houses than formerly. Several troublesome and long-standing church debts have
been canceled. It was our ardent hope to present the district without a penny of debt; in this we nearly
succeeded. The parsonage at Berkeley Springs has been painted, freed from debt, and partly furnished.
The one at Winchester has a small debt, but is secure. Sabbath schools have received special attention,
and in many instances where they suspend during the winter season, healthy Bible classes have been
organized and continued. Our literature has a good circulation and meets with favor. Quarterlies, 38;
fields of labor, 10; salary, $349.23; presents, $16.67; time, 12 months; total, $365.90. J. E. Hott, P.E.
Potomac District. Dear brethren: By the mercies and blessings of our kind Heavenly Father, I
have the pleasure to present today an account of the past year’s work on said district, which is composed
of 7 circuits, 1 station, 2 mission stations, and 4 missions—14 charges in all. One mission organized
this year south of Winchester, along the S.V.R.R., which I recommend to the consideration of this
Conference. 50 quarterly meetings held in person and by proxy, 5 Sabbaths missed on account of family
affliction. This year has been one memorable in the history of the Potomac District, on account of the
changes in the Ministry by death and resignations. W. O. Grim resigned Mechanicstown Circuit March
21st, 1881, which was supplied by W. L. Martin and S. K. Wine. J. L. Grim resigned by a mutual
agreement with the members at the first quarterly conference of Boonsboro circuit, to take effect at the
end of the first quarter, which was supplied by the appointment of J. D. Donovan. They have done good
work, as their reports will show.
Rev J. Ruebush, after serving the people of Hagerstown Circuit for nine mouths faithfully and
acceptably, died in peace, lamented by all; work supplied by J. Harp. Rev. J. Zahn died in peace at his
home. Rev. W. R. Coursey died suddenly at Benevola. He assisted at many of our quarterly meetings
with great acceptability. We mourn him as one of the fathers in this Conference gone home. Bro. G. W.
Tabler, a local preacher, a good man, preparing himself for the work of the Ministry, contemplated
joining the Conference at this session and taking a thorough course in Union Biblical Seminary, after a
lingering illness of several months died in peace. The preachers on the entire district have been faithful
in their duties. In many localities the work was hindered by sickness—chills and fever along the
Potomac and its branches, and scarlet fever in the hill country; these were providential and all right.
1882 Reports 45
cheerfully and wrought faithfully and earnestly, with varied success, to the end of the year. Four of
them were afflicted much of the time and one of their families. Camp meetings were held on three of
the charges, and were attended with financial success in each instance, and while there was some
spiritual interest manifested, the results were not highly gratifying. Revivals were enjoyed on eight of
the charges, promoting a healthy increase. On one charge there were many penitents with comparatively
but few conversions.
The literature of the Church has met with great favor and consequent success. All the charges
have done well in this regard. Notably among them are Berkeley Springs and North Fork circuits. On
the first-named charge there is little doubt that we have a larger circulation than all other churches in the
entire county. Salaries have been meager, notwithstanding the most vigorous efforts to secure them.
This was largely attributable to the extreme drought and consequent failure of crops. In some instances
our people are not disposed to pay in proportion to their ability. Benevolences have, on most of the
charges, met with favor, but on some with indifference. Church erection on the district has been a
partial success. One house of worship has been erected, paid for, and dedicated. One repaired,
ornamented, paid for and reopened. Another has been projected, a good lot of ground, and a
subscription adequate to its completion secured. Others still are in contemplation, but owing to the
scarcity of lumber had to be deferred. An encouraging feature of this department is that our people are
building much better houses than formerly. Several troublesome and long-standing church debts have
been canceled. It was our ardent hope to present the district without a penny of debt; in this we nearly
succeeded. The parsonage at Berkeley Springs has been painted, freed from debt, and partly furnished.
The one at Winchester has a small debt, but is secure. Sabbath schools have received special attention,
and in many instances where they suspend during the winter season, healthy Bible classes have been
organized and continued. Our literature has a good circulation and meets with favor. Quarterlies, 38;
fields of labor, 10; salary, $349.23; presents, $16.67; time, 12 months; total, $365.90. J. E. Hott, P.E.
Potomac District. Dear brethren: By the mercies and blessings of our kind Heavenly Father, I
have the pleasure to present today an account of the past year’s work on said district, which is composed
of 7 circuits, 1 station, 2 mission stations, and 4 missions—14 charges in all. One mission organized
this year south of Winchester, along the S.V.R.R., which I recommend to the consideration of this
Conference. 50 quarterly meetings held in person and by proxy, 5 Sabbaths missed on account of family
affliction. This year has been one memorable in the history of the Potomac District, on account of the
changes in the Ministry by death and resignations. W. O. Grim resigned Mechanicstown Circuit March
21st, 1881, which was supplied by W. L. Martin and S. K. Wine. J. L. Grim resigned by a mutual
agreement with the members at the first quarterly conference of Boonsboro circuit, to take effect at the
end of the first quarter, which was supplied by the appointment of J. D. Donovan. They have done good
work, as their reports will show.
Rev J. Ruebush, after serving the people of Hagerstown Circuit for nine mouths faithfully and
acceptably, died in peace, lamented by all; work supplied by J. Harp. Rev. J. Zahn died in peace at his
home. Rev. W. R. Coursey died suddenly at Benevola. He assisted at many of our quarterly meetings
with great acceptability. We mourn him as one of the fathers in this Conference gone home. Bro. G. W.
Tabler, a local preacher, a good man, preparing himself for the work of the Ministry, contemplated
joining the Conference at this session and taking a thorough course in Union Biblical Seminary, after a
lingering illness of several months died in peace. The preachers on the entire district have been faithful
in their duties. In many localities the work was hindered by sickness—chills and fever along the
Potomac and its branches, and scarlet fever in the hill country; these were providential and all right.
1882 Reports 45
