Keuka Church

(1884-1926?)

The Gospel Messenger  Dec. 23, 1884 p. 790 Vol. 22, No. 50

Thanksgiving Day at Keuka, Florida—Organizing the First Church of Brethren in the State—The Members—Climate, Etc., Etc.

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It is now two weeks since I have made this place my home, and expect to sojourn here until spring. The brethren and friends have built a neat, plain house of worship at this place, and it has been my pleasure to worship with them a few times already.—Yesterday was the day of National Thanksgiving, and in pursuance to the call made by our Chief Executive, and our love for the Master's cause, the brethren here thought it well to observe this day of Thanksgiving.—We had an interesting congregation, and were pleasingly and profitably entertained in a discourse, by elder J. H. Moore, from Prov. 3: 5, 6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." We heard much to think about and upon which to reflect.

The speaker dwelt mainly upon the acknowledgement of God in all our ways. We were taught to acknowledge God in the family, society, church, in our government and in our business and every-day life. And as a result, God would direct our paths, and success would be ours, and the blessings would follow. The services were closed by Rev. Bowers, a Baptist minister, by a very appropriate and feeling prayer in behalf of us all, the church, and of the government and its officials. Thus ended the Thanksgiving services in the first Brethren's church, at Keuka, Fla., and we hope will be a precedent for the future worshipers in all times to come.

After dinner, we re-assembled at our temple of worship, for the organization of a church, a local branch of the Brotherhood at large. The services were introduced by singing and prayer, after which we entered upon the duties of "adjoining elder," and proceeded to the work of organization. The vote of the members was taken, and received a unanimous expression in favor of the work before us. The church letters were then called for and read, by which we learned we had four ministers present, two of whom are bishops in office, and two deacons, and in all, twenty-six members. In our usual manner of procedure, J. H. Moore was declared bishop presiding. The financial report was then made, and though not all is paid yet, the brethren feel that the amount can mostly be collected here, and the balance, I think it would be well for the Missionary Board to liquidate. The building is about all completed, save the plastering and one more coat of paint. I think the brethren deserve marked credit for their untiring efforts in building this house of worship, and finally organizing themselves into a local church. The church then decided to hold a love-feast several weeks hence, and made the necessary appropriations for the same. After singing and prayer, we adjourned and returned to our homes. Thus is the work done, and the first Brethren's Church at Keuka established. The branch is now planted, and we trust, into the living vine. We humbly pray for the successful growth of this band of worshipers, in the far-off land in the Sunny South.

The members are from the Western and Northern states, and all seem to be full of energy and zeal, and are willing to endure separation from home and friends, for the sake of health and for the cause in this part of the states. A number of them are here permanently; others, only for the winter.—Others contemplate coming, so we feel safe in saying that this will, in the future, be a haven or retreat for our brethren, and soon more churches will be established in this country.

The climate is mild, like perpetual spring, and we think, healthful. Mercury, at this writing, 74°. During the holidays, we may expect some frost, I am told. The country through here is quite new and primitive looking, yet has a peculiar attractiveness about it which most seem to admire, and our stay, thus far, is quite pleasant.

S. T. Bosserman.    

The Gospel Messenger Feb. 7, 1914 page 96 Vol. 63 No. 6

WABASSO, FLORIDA.

Jan. 12 wife and 1 came to Wabasso, on the East Coast, and are now situated very comfortably in the home of Brother and Sister Elmer Smith. Since my arrival in Florida I have received letters from members in different Stales, asking questions, and wanting me to give my, candid opinion about Florida. They usually want to know about church privileges, and I am glad for that evidence of their concern. The lack of preaching services is one of the drawbacks of this State. Here, at Wabasso, there was, about ten years ago, an organized church, but it died out. At present there are about ten members here, and they are representative members too, but they have no church privileges. There was, at one time, an organized church at Keuka.  If I am informed rightly, there is at present an organized church at Herndon, with a few members.