Meadow Branch Church

(1885-)

The Gospel Messenger  Sept. 15, 1885 page 589 Vol. 23 No. 37

From Union Bridge, Carroll Co., Md.

The Pipe Creek church (Carroll Co., Md.), the oldest organized in the State, had become large and unwieldy as a separate organization, and some of us have thought for some time, as did some of our brethren that came to us, that it should be divided. We have six meeting-houses, consequently we met in council for that purpose March last, and agreed to divide into three congregations, and also upon the lines of division between the three, and appointed a council to complete the work on the 1st day of August at Pipe Creek, on the 3rd at Meadow Branch, and on the 4th at Sam's Creek, and invited Bro. David Long and Jacob Shamberger to be with us and assist as necessary. Accordingly met for council in the Pipe Creek meetinghouse on the day named. Elders Shamberger and Long present. Also Elders Brindle, Flory, and Beahm from Virginia. After an understanding was had, and an interchange of opinions, it was agreed unitedly by the church to accept the division, and that the writer should be ordained, which was accordingly done. On the morning of the 3rd we had a flood, and on this account and also a little misunderstanding the Elders invited left for home. Some of the Brethren, however, met in the afternoon of the day, and concluded among themselves to become organized as the Meadow Branch church, and not to have an ordination at present; but continue Bro. Solomon Stoner as overseer.

  On Tuesday morning, Aug. 4th, met in council at the Sam's Creek meeting-house for the purpose of fully organizing, if possible. Elders Lemuel Hillery and the writer being present by invitation; also Bro. John Flory and Beahm from Virginia. It was agreed by the church to accept the division and organize. Also agreed to ordain Bro. William H. Franklin, which was accordingly done, and as he is the only speaker, the church decided to hold an election for speaker on the 15th of September. Each congregation will have two meeting-houses. Pipe Creek will have three speakers; viz : Solomon Stoner, the writer, and Joel Roop; Meadow Branch, four; namely Amos Caylor, Emmanuel Babylon, Uriah Bixler and David Bonsack.

E. W. Stoner.