Blue Ridge Church

(1878-1928?)

Brethren at Work June 13, 1878 Vol. III No, 24

Dear Brethren: -

May 3rd, had been appointed for organizing, a church in Bro. John Barnhart's neighborhood, Piatt Co., ILL, and according to appointment I met Bro. John Metzger at the house of Bro. John Barnhart. By ten o'clock the brethren and sisters had come together, and proceeded to hold a choice for a deacon, which choice fell on Bro. John Horsh, who accepted the position and was duly installed into the office of deacon.

    The organization stands as follows: John Barnhart, minister in the second degree; Christian Barnhart in the first degree; John Horsh, deacon. This congregation is to be known as the Blue Ridge church, Piatt Co., 111. May the great head of the church work mightily through those instrumentalities to the building up of a Large church in Piatt and Champaign counties! Take courage, brethren, and not only preach, but live out the principles of our holy religion, and God will bless you.

  The same evening, myself, Bro. John Metzger, John Barnhart and Christian Barnhart, went to the Urbana church, and on the 4th met the brethren in church council. Considerable business was before the meeting, which was disposed of harmoniously. One was baptized. Myself and Bro. John Barnhart went to Ogden, while Bro. Metzger and C, Barnhart stayed at the Urbana church, conducting the services on the 5th, and in addition anointing with oil, sister Bishop, who was very low at that time, but has since recovered. We found large congregations at Ogden, who gave due attention to the Word preached. Had four meetings in town and one in the country; made some acquaintances and were pleased with the prospects generally, God bless the people; may they take Christ's yoke upon them and find rest for their souls. T. D. Lyon.

Primitive Christian and Pilgrim June 25, 1878 page 395

 A new church has been organized in Piatt Co., Ill., now known as the Blue Ridge church.  The Officials are John Barnhart, Minister in the second degree, Christian Barnhart in the first degree, and John Horsh deacon.