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Pecos Valley (1906-19?)
The Gospel Messenger May 19, 1906 page 318 The Pecos Valley Church The members of the Brethren church in New Mexico how look forward hopefully to a future such as will render of special historical significance a little meeting that was held in an upper room in Lake Arthur, April 22, 1906. It was then and there that the first church of the Brethren was organized in the Territory of New Mexico and was named the Pecos Valley Church. While the Local significance of the name selected applies to but a comparatively small corner of New Mexico, yet by the decision of the Brethren in council upon the day named, the entire Territory is comprised within the bounds of the this congregation, which gives us an area of 122, 580 square miles over which are scattered a diversified population representing a considerable variety of Languages and national peculiarities; but among them thousands of Mexicans, perhaps the most conservative, exclusive and un-American of all who enjoy the blessings of our citizenship. There are nineteen members, including one elder, there other ministers and two deacons, residing in the Pecos Valley within easy reach of the points where services are now regularly held. But in selecting the name :Pecos Valley Church” we were not unmindful of the few scattered members who may reside among the mountains, upon the mesas or in other valleys of New Mexico, and we hereby invite any other members of the Brethren church who may reside within the Territory of New Mexico, though Hundreds of miles away, to come to the Pecos Valley and settle sufficiently near us that we can enjoy each other’s fellowship; or if this is not possible, we shall be glad to have them send us their certificates of membership and have their names recorded and become members of the Brethren’s only New Mexico household. In our organization Bro. C. H. Brown was chosen elder, Bro. M. M. Brunk Secretary, Bro. C. c. Hoyt treasurer and the writer correspondent. The Sunday following we met in the hall and organized a Brethren’s Sunday School, electing Bro. D. A. Gordon Superintendent and Sister Nora Brown secretary and treasurer. Already we are equipped with Brethren’s literature, and the first Brethren’s Sunday School in New Mexico is launched, and under the blessing of our heavenly Father we hope for a most gratifying success. On the first Sunday in May, 1905, one week less than an year previous to the organization of the Brethren’s Sunday school, Bro. D. A. Gordon gathered together all he could of the few families of the then newborn town of Lake Arthur and organized a union Sunday school, the first of any kind attempted in the place. A part of the time was held in private houses, and even with the help of the good people lf all other denominations here represented it was with difficulty that it was kept alive during the first few months of its existence. Now the Baptist people have erected a churchhouse and to this the union Sunday school and the preaching services of the other denominations have been moved, leaving the hall to the use of the Brethren, where we can have Sunday school and preaching services of our own every Sunday. On the day of the Sunday-school organization (April 29), the writer immediately after Sunday School left the further service in charge of Bro. Brown and drove fifteen miles, where at 3 P. M. in a new schoolhouse, which for size, finish and equipment would be a credit to any country, surrounded by waving alfalfa field almost ready for harvest, young orchards and a most magnificent country, he preached to an intelligent and appreciative studious. Returning, we reached home in time to enjoy the night services a Lake Arthur. This Little by little we are invading this great land for the Lord and endeavoring by his help to extend the borders of Zion. Pray with us for his blessing upon his workers in all fields. James M. Neff. Lake Arthur, N. M. May 1,
Peco Valley had to church houses. One at Lake Arthur and the other at Dexter |