Little Saint Joe Church

(1873-1914)

The Gospel Messenger April 15, 1911 page 228 Vol. 50 No.15

Pleasant Hill Church Indiana.

BY GEO. L. STUDEBAKER.

It has been my pleasure to be associated with the above-named-church several times invarious meetings. We have just enjoyed another series of meetings beginning March 11, and closing April 2. Some sickness and unfavorable roads and weather militated much against the success of the meetings. Three were baptized, others were near. May God's Spirit continue to strive with them!

  This church has been in charge of Eld. Jeremiah Gump since its organization. On account of age, he resigned its care about one year ago. A brief history of this little band of faithful members will, perhaps, be of interest to many.

  This church was once a part of the Cedar Creek church. As early as 1853 some of the Gumps, with a few families of members moved from Miami County, Ohio, to Allen County, Indiana. Eld. Geo. W. Studebaker, of Delaware County, Ind., began preaching among them in their homes and schoolhouses, making these trips, some seventy miles, in a buggy or on horse. One time, as he was making his way to his appointment at this place, he overtook a little girl carrying a Testament, trudging along through the rain. He invited her to ride, which she, childlike, accepted. He asked, "Where are you going?" She answered, " To church." "What, going to church through the rain?" he said. " Oh, yes," she answered, " I am one of them." Our services would be much better attended and greater interest taken, if all members would only look at the matter as did the little girl, and say, " I am one of them."

  Among the number who had moved from Miami County, Ohio, to Allen County, Indiana, were Jacob and Jeremiah Gump. Jeremiah settled on the farm on which he still lives. June 21, 1854, Jacob and Jeremiah Gump, with their wives, were baptized by Eld. Geo. W. Studebaker. There being no organized church and no resident minister, the Brethren met in their homes, and had prayer and social meetings. The same fall Brethren James Tracy and John Miller, of Goshen, Ind.. came among the few scattered members, and organized them into a congregation known as the Cedar Creek church. An election was held, and Brethren Jacob and Jeremiah Gump were elected to the ministry, and Brethren Samuel Snider and Jonathan Wolf to the deacon's office. Eld. Studebaker, as long as he resided in Indiana, took great pleasure in visiting these members and breaking unto them the Bread of Life.

  In 1874 the Cedar Creek church decided to divide her territory, which resulted in four separate congregations: Cedar Lake, Little St. Joe, Pleasant Hill and Cedar Creek. Bro. Jacob Gump was given the care of three, and to Bro. Jeremiah Gump was given the care of Pleasant Hill. Since then another organization has been effected in Ft. Wayne.

   Eld. Jacob Gump died March 13, 1896. He, with his brother. Jeremiah, was elected to the ministry in the fall of 1854, forwarded to the second degree in 1857, ordained in October, 1862. They were faithful workers in their holy calling in the Northern District of Indiana, Eld. Jeremiah having had the oversight of eight different congregations during his active service. He will be eighty-two years old, should he be spared until May 7.

   He did not attend all the services during the series of meetings, but was present, with his companion, several times. They have journeyed together for over sixty-one years. Sunday, March 26, feeling somewhat indisposed, he called for the anointing. In the presence of his wife, several of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and neighbors, he was permitted to enjoy this most sacred service. Brother and Sister Gump are quite active, considering their age. They live alone on the same farm upon which the settled over fifty-eight years ago.

  The Pleasant Hill church is an interesting place to go. The members are active in God's service. It is now in care of Eld. J. A. Gump, the youngest son of Eld. Gump. Bro. D. M. Hart is a minister in this church, but, on account of advanced age, lives somewhat retired. Two young brethren, grandsons of Eld. Gump,—Chas. Gump and Elmer Pepple, have lately been called to the ministry. These, with four deacons,— Albert Gump, Martin Jackson, Burt Bosler and Chas. Myers,—compose the official hoard. To meet with these old veterans of the cross, and hear them tell of the hardships of the frontier life, is interesting. It encourages one to greater zeal in the Master's service.

  May God bless them all, and may we, who are younger in years, and upon whom the work of our forefathers is falling, " study to be workmen approved of God.

North Manchester, Ind.