Fortville Church

(1874 - ?)

The Pilgrim Jan. 19, 1875 page 46 Vol. VI No. 3 

Dear Editors:

  Thus early in new year I greet you, hoping you may bear the good news of “Peace,” good will and salvation, “to many households, as well as isolated pilgrims, during the ensuing year.

  As Church news I offer the following:

  The Stoney Creek church in which I reside, is moving on in the even tenor of its way, without any great seasons of excitement, receiving now and then, an accession, and although they are not as numerous as could be desired, or as are reported from other parts of the brotherhood, still we feel to thank God for what we do receive, and labor, hoping for better times in the future.

  Some months ago the Brethren organized a church in Hancock Co., Ind., which is under the care of this church, and is the special field of the writer. Said church in called the Fortville Church, and although the Baptists have contested every inch of ground, we have the pleasure of bearing witness to the truth of the proverb, “Truth is mighty and will prevail.”  This is manifest from the fact, that several have been baptized by the Brethren, and others have withdrawn from the Baptist Communion with the avowed intention of joining in with us in practicing the primitive doctrines of Christianity while others still are counting the cost; so that viewing the present prospect, we think the hope, of seeing a goodly church grow up in that vicinity, is well grounded and a subject of rejoicing.

  I returned a few days ago, from a second visit to the Church in Wells Co. Ind., having been called to assist in reconciling difficulties existing there and failing in the first visit a second was called, at which time I met brethren Jacob Metzgar of Kosciusko Co., and W. M.  Hamilton of Allen Co.  We three forming a committee, succeeded in arranging matters to the satisfaction of the Church and I hope to the satisfaction of our Master.

  This Church known as the Walnut Level Church is under the care of Eld. G. W. Studebaker, but has no resident minister, and although composed of kind loving, and generally, zealous brethren and sister and located in a good part of the country, the members must depend upon visits of other ministers for all their preaching.  When on goes, the hungering after righteousness is do great, that half the calls cannot be filled.  Bro. Studebaker’s labors are so extensive, that he can only give half of his time to this church.

  Bro. Lair seems to invite criticism on his article in No. 1 and may be he will get it.  More anon.

Martin J. McClure.

Fortville, Ind.