Charleston Church

(Chestnut Hill)

(1893 - )

The Gospel Messenger Aug. 1, 1893 page 477 Vol. 31 No.  30

When we had arrived at the Donnel's Creek church, July 9, an old lady, over eighty years old, said she was ready to come to the church, and was baptized. May God bless her! She waited long. Oh, how dangerous it is to wait for old age! Someone says, What is the danger of los.ing the soul?

  On last Friday 0. M. Smith and wife, and yourelf and wife, set out for what has been known as Oak Shade, a mission point at Chillicothe. We met Eld. Jonas Horning and wife en route for the same place. After a ride of fourteen miles in the hot sun, we arrived, and an evening meeting was held. Next day we went three miles to preach in a school house. It could hold only about half of the people. After services we went to the water, where two old men were baptized. In the evening we were seated around the Lord's table in a private house. Nine brethren and nine sisters communed.

  We had preaching on Sunday morning and evening. On Monday morning we. met at 8 o'clock in church council. After doing some business in setting things in order, the little band was organized. They number seventeen. One was baptized and one reclaimed on the day of organization. Bro. Manly Gilpan was chosen to the deacon's office and the church decided that the name should be Chestnut Hill. So we now have another local church in Southern Ohio, but it can not live and prosper without help. They need much good advice and encouragement. To start a mission point and then let it do the best it can, will avail but little. The people must be fed and nourished, so they can grow and bring forth much fruit.  This means labor and money. Brethren, let ns be ready with both. It is something over three years singe the Brethren first preached here. May God bless, and we work till the Chestnut Hill church will be a strong local church, is my prayer. We returned home last night, somewhat fatigued on account of five days' hard work over hills and very rough roads. To go three and one half miles, mostly on foot, to baptize, means work.

Henry Frantz.