Page 65 - United Brethren Virginia Conferences 1800-1946
P. 65
Volume 7 History of Virginia Conferences of United Brethren December 26, 2024
The church literature has been kept before the people. We have not met with the success that
should have crowned our efforts. Some say they are too poor, others say, “I will let you know when you
come around again.” It seems to me that, if they had a little more love for the Church, all excuses would
vanish away. The Sabbath school papers are taken I believe in all of our school. I hope we will show an
increase over last year. Our church house in Westernport is still in debt. Some money has been
collected and paid over to the creditors. If some plan could be devised by which the house could be
freed from debt, I feel sure of our success there as a church. We have a respectable class, and a good
Sabbath school. We can read Discipline and be respected. In addition to the churches already built,
seven lots have been procured, Trustees and Building Committees elected, material furnished, and
money subscribed. They will be built the next ensuing year.
The preachers have done good work on the entire district. I have no complaint to bring to this
Conference against any. Their salaries are too small, yet they work, preach, and pray, bringing many
souls to Christ. Peace among ourselves has been our aim, and by the help of Divine grace feel that we
are one in Christ, and members one of another. The educational interest is not forgotten. Some of our
young brethren and sisters are attending the schools of our church—some preparing for the Ministry,
others for future usefulness in the church and society. We are represented in Lebanon Valley College,
Union Biblical Seminary, and Shenandoah Seminary.
Our highly esteemed and worthy brother in the Ministry Rev. Zimri Umstot, died August 26th,
A.D. 1883. His end was peaceful and happy. He embraced religion December 18th, 1860; licensed to
preach the gospel June 6th, 1863. Faithful to every trust, an earnest and eloquent preacher, a kind
husband and father. He left his family well provided for with all the necessary comforts of life. His life
was a grand success. One camp meeting was held on the district, at Seymoursville, Grant county,
W.Va., which resulted in much good spiritually and financially, at the close of which the people voted
unanimously to have another on the same ground in August 1884. Thanks to my brethren in the
Ministry for kind words and acts, and to all for kindness shown. Salary, $400.71; presents, $102.30.
Respectfully submitted, J. K. Nelson, P.E.
Conference School. The following is from the Report on Education (J. N. Fries, pp. 7-8): The
present advancement of society brings to the church an imperative duty along the educational line. Will
we let the world lead us in the ways of the world, or will we step to the front and lead the world in the
way of righteousness? If we would lead, we must know how to lead aright, or we will have no
followers. Surely we cannot afford to stand back and do nothing when there is so much to be done. We
ought to bring within the reach of every one the advantages a liberal education. We are able to do it.
And now, recognizing the success of the past, and with confident hope for the future, be it Resolved:
(1) that we express our thankfulness to God for His guidance in the educational work of the church;
(2) that we give our influence and aid in favor of a higher education for the rising generation, especially
the young of the church; and (3) that Union Biblical Seminary is the Theological school of the church,
and as such we commend its work, and urge upon our young men the importance of preparing
themselves in our own institution. WHEREAS, The Virginia Conference has declared its purpose to
establish an institution of learning, appointed a Board of Trustees, and authorized and sent out an agent
who has secured donations in notes, stocks, bonds, etc., and whereas a large portion of said donations
consist in stock in Shenandoah Seminary, which stock will be forfeited unless the proffer is duly
respected, therefore, be it Resolved: (1) that we authorize the Board of Trustees to purchase the above-
named institution, that is, the remaining or un proffered portion thereof; (1) that an agent shall be elected
by Conference who shall procure donations for said institution, [and] his remuneration shall be decided
1884 Reports 55
The church literature has been kept before the people. We have not met with the success that
should have crowned our efforts. Some say they are too poor, others say, “I will let you know when you
come around again.” It seems to me that, if they had a little more love for the Church, all excuses would
vanish away. The Sabbath school papers are taken I believe in all of our school. I hope we will show an
increase over last year. Our church house in Westernport is still in debt. Some money has been
collected and paid over to the creditors. If some plan could be devised by which the house could be
freed from debt, I feel sure of our success there as a church. We have a respectable class, and a good
Sabbath school. We can read Discipline and be respected. In addition to the churches already built,
seven lots have been procured, Trustees and Building Committees elected, material furnished, and
money subscribed. They will be built the next ensuing year.
The preachers have done good work on the entire district. I have no complaint to bring to this
Conference against any. Their salaries are too small, yet they work, preach, and pray, bringing many
souls to Christ. Peace among ourselves has been our aim, and by the help of Divine grace feel that we
are one in Christ, and members one of another. The educational interest is not forgotten. Some of our
young brethren and sisters are attending the schools of our church—some preparing for the Ministry,
others for future usefulness in the church and society. We are represented in Lebanon Valley College,
Union Biblical Seminary, and Shenandoah Seminary.
Our highly esteemed and worthy brother in the Ministry Rev. Zimri Umstot, died August 26th,
A.D. 1883. His end was peaceful and happy. He embraced religion December 18th, 1860; licensed to
preach the gospel June 6th, 1863. Faithful to every trust, an earnest and eloquent preacher, a kind
husband and father. He left his family well provided for with all the necessary comforts of life. His life
was a grand success. One camp meeting was held on the district, at Seymoursville, Grant county,
W.Va., which resulted in much good spiritually and financially, at the close of which the people voted
unanimously to have another on the same ground in August 1884. Thanks to my brethren in the
Ministry for kind words and acts, and to all for kindness shown. Salary, $400.71; presents, $102.30.
Respectfully submitted, J. K. Nelson, P.E.
Conference School. The following is from the Report on Education (J. N. Fries, pp. 7-8): The
present advancement of society brings to the church an imperative duty along the educational line. Will
we let the world lead us in the ways of the world, or will we step to the front and lead the world in the
way of righteousness? If we would lead, we must know how to lead aright, or we will have no
followers. Surely we cannot afford to stand back and do nothing when there is so much to be done. We
ought to bring within the reach of every one the advantages a liberal education. We are able to do it.
And now, recognizing the success of the past, and with confident hope for the future, be it Resolved:
(1) that we express our thankfulness to God for His guidance in the educational work of the church;
(2) that we give our influence and aid in favor of a higher education for the rising generation, especially
the young of the church; and (3) that Union Biblical Seminary is the Theological school of the church,
and as such we commend its work, and urge upon our young men the importance of preparing
themselves in our own institution. WHEREAS, The Virginia Conference has declared its purpose to
establish an institution of learning, appointed a Board of Trustees, and authorized and sent out an agent
who has secured donations in notes, stocks, bonds, etc., and whereas a large portion of said donations
consist in stock in Shenandoah Seminary, which stock will be forfeited unless the proffer is duly
respected, therefore, be it Resolved: (1) that we authorize the Board of Trustees to purchase the above-
named institution, that is, the remaining or un proffered portion thereof; (1) that an agent shall be elected
by Conference who shall procure donations for said institution, [and] his remuneration shall be decided
1884 Reports 55
