El Centro Church

(Imperial Valley)

(1909-21)

The Gospel Messenger Oct. 16, 1909 page 668 Vol. 48 No. 42

 Imperial Valley. – Oct. 3 marks an important epoch in the history of the Brethren located I the great Imperial Valley of California.  Eld. W. E. Trostle, of San Gabriel representing the Mission Board of Southern California and Arizona, was with us and delivered an address at the 11 o’clock appointment. After a lunch served at the place of meeting, we again convened for the purpose of effecting a church organization, Bro. Trostle having charge of the work.  The organization will be called the Imperial Valley church of the Brethren.  We number thirty-four members and four ministers, three of whom are elders, and one deacon.  Bro. W. M. Platt, who has been laboring under the instructions of the Mission Board since last December, in this part of the Valley, was elected as elder in charge for one year. Bro. W. F. Gillett, of Holtville, Cal., was chosen clerk.  A movement has been place on foot for the purchase of a church site in El Centro, the county-seat of Imperial County.  Preaching appointments at various points will be maintained.  There is much room for a vast number or workers. All correspondence may be addressed to the writer or Eld. W. E. Trostle, San Gabriel, Cal. – W. M. Platt, El Centro, Cal, Oct. 4.

The Gospel Messenger  Jan. 14, 1911 page 28

Imperial Valley. – Our church met at this place Dec. 30 at 10 A. M., with a good representation of our scattered membership.  Much bushiness was disposed of in a Christian spirit. The Brethren of the East Side, know as the Alamo District, called for a separate organization, which was granted.  They have a commodious house of worship there, almost competed.  Their organization will probably be effected in the near future. The church on this side, near El Centro, Elected new officers for the ensuing year, as follows; Bro. W. M. Platt, elder in charge; Bro. E. S. Strickler, clerk; Bro. L. M. Van Horn, Trustee; Bro. John Woodard, Messenger agent; the writer, church correspondent.  A board of five trustees was also elected.  Sunday-school officers were elected for six months, with Bro. Arthur Hoffman as superintendent.  The work is progressing here, and several new members have located with us since our last report. – Emma E. Platt, El Centro. Cal., Jan. 4.  

The Gospel Messenger March 11, 1911 page 155

El Centro Church, Cal.

   Not long since it was reported that the new organization at Holtville, Cal., would assume the old name of “Imperial Valle” church, thus leaving the mother church at El Centro to choose a new name.

  At our called council, Feb. 18, a unanimous vote was cast in favor of the name “El Centro” church. this specifies our location also, El Centro being the county-seat of Imperial County.  Bro. W. M. Platt was chosen delegate to District Meeting; Sister Nellie Huff, alternate.

  Arrangements are made for a series of meetings, to be held as soon as an evangelist can be secured, after which we expect to hold our spring love feast. The exact date will be announced later.  Sunday, Feb. 19, Bro. Cline, our District Sunday-school Secretary, was with us conducting both the morning and evening exercises. He gave us valuable thoughts and suggestions along Sunday-school lines and Christian Endeavor work; also delivering an address on the subject. “Going on to Perfection.”

  We would greatly appreciate more calls from ministering brethren who are visiting California from the East and other parts. We feel that the Lord is blessing the efforts put forth in this great valley, where so much still remains to be done. May we give him all the praise!    El Centro, Cal.  Emma E. Platt