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Pleasant Dale Church (1889-)
The Gospel Messenger May 21, 1889 page 331
In the Field.
The Gospel Messenger June 26, 1909 page 414 Vol. 48 No.26 PLEASANTDALE CHURCH, INDIANA. BY MURL E. FULK. (Data furnished by Eia. Jrae W. Stoneburner.) Near a small stream, in the central part of Kirkland Township, Adams County, Ind., is situated a large church, beautiful in structure, yet not so well known as some other churches. It has a history, however, that may be interesting to contemplate. In the autumn of 1844, when part of Indiana was yet a vast wilderness, unknown to civilization, a brother by the name of Philip Hartman, with his family, emigrated from Westmoreland County, Pa., to what was then known as the Far West. The only mode of conveyance, at that time, was the wagon. Many days they traveled through dismal swamps, fording swollen streams and facing many hardships, going through rain and storm, until, finally, they landed on the banks of what is now known as " Peterson Creek," three and a half miles northeast of the church's present location. Bro. Hartman cheerfully set to work on his little farm, felling the huge trees of the forest, and preparing the ground for the sowing season. But after a year's toil he took sick and answered the call of his Master, to come up higher, thus leaving his wife and family at a time when his help was most needed. Left in the wilderness in a desolate condition, Sister Hartman kept up courage, trusted in the Lord, and put forth her earnest efforts to rear her children under Christian guidance. Her noble work was ended in 1871, when she, too, passed into the better land. In 1860 Israel Stoneburner and family moved from Hocking County, Ohio, to Adams County, Ind. Catharine Stoneburner was the third member to locate at this place. She was a consistent member, strong in her faith, and lived until December, 1870. At the time of their arrival here, her husband was not a member of the church, but a few years later he came out on the Lord's side. As no preacher had yet arrived, the few members were without services until June, 1868. Bro. Samuel Stump, a minister of the Church of the Brethren, residing in the northwestern part of Wells County, Ind., about twenty miles from here, hearing of the isolated members, paid them a visit and commenced holding meetings once a month. The place of worship was in Israel Stoneburner's barn during the summer months, and in an old schoolhouse during the winter. Bro. Stump was assisted in his ministerial work by Bro. John Metzer, a German preacher, of Huntington County. German preaching was preferred by the members, as they were more familiar with that language. These meetings continued until the latter part of August, when Henry Billman and wife were baptized by Bro. Metzger, in St. Mary's River, close to where Decatur now stands. After another interval of two months William Brown and wife united with the church. Some of those who did not see as the Brethren do, said it was not necessary to have a supper, called " The Lord's Supper," in connection with the loaf and cup. The community called for a debate to discuss the question more fully, and to gain a better understanding. Eld. Geo. W. Studebaker, of the Brethren, and Christian Stalter of the Brethren in Christ were selected as the speakers. Each speaker was assigned a half hour and he could give as many speeches as he wished. Bro. Studebaker affirmed that it was essential to have a supper called " The Lord's Supper," in connection with the bread and wine. Christian Stalter had the negative side of the question. When the time arrived, the house was crowded, and many waited eagerly for the outcome of the debate. Both ministers were present, and each one, of course, presented his best arguments. But after a few speeches it became evident that Bro. Studebaker was too much for his opponent. In fact, the negative surrendered the question. After the debate, eight souls came forward to be received into the church. This greatly inspired the members. Three weeks later, in the latter part of June, these fourteen members held the first love feast ever held in Adams County. Bro. Samuel Stump visited some isolated members, about twenty miles southwest of this place, and commenced holding meetings as he had done here. In later years Bro. Geo. W. Studebaker organized a church at that place and called it the Walnut Level church. The organization included the members at this place. In time more Brethren emigrated to this locality, and in 1899, Bro. Samuel Neher, an elder at Walnut Level, organized a church at- this place, Bro. D. M. Byerly being elected to the ministry at the time. The next summer a churchhouse was built and in October, 1890, the first love feast was held. Samuel Neher moved from Allen County, Ohio, to the southern part of Wells County, Indiana, in the Walnut Level district, in 1876. Shortly after his arrival he assisted Bro. Studebaker in his work and began holding meetings at different places, such as Camden, Blue Creek, and -at this place. He made his rounds every month. When a month had five Sundays, he filled calls from other places, even going as far as Greencastle, Ind. He made his trips on horseback, never stopping for rain or storm. After the organization here, the members selected him as their elder, and he continued in charge until 1899, when Bro. D. M. Byerly succeeded him. As a minister and elder, he faithfully endeavored to be true to his charge. He had the courage of his convictions, and as an open book his faith and principles could be known and read by all men. He had a very good memory, with fine descriptive powers. His mind had much of the poetical cast. On arising in the morning his first duty was given to the reading of the Bible, on which he would meditate throughout the day, forming and arranging his discourse for his appointment. We have no other information from October, 1890, to October, 1892, than that regular services were held twice a month. In October, 1892, Bro. David Caylor held a series of meetings at this place. Three were baptized. Thus the church has grown from a small beginning until it has reached its present size and influence. The Sunday school has an average attendance of ninety. Decatur, Ind.
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