Lake Shore Church

(1886-1907?)

The Gospel Messenger Feb. 16, 1886 page 102 Vol. 24, No. 7

BY NOAH LONGANECKER.

   THE Committee appointed by the "Home Mission Board of the North-eastern District of Ohio," to organize a local church of the scattered members living in the Lake Shore counties, met with the Bristolville church on Dec. 5th and 6th for public preaching.  Although the weather was cold, and a severe snow-storm prevailed without, yet the love and peace that prevailed in the hearts of the members of said church, more than made amends for the cold and storm without.  The third Epistle of John, second verse, expresses our prayer in part, for said church.  If we were to report all about said church, the readers would have reason to remember verses three, four and five, of said Epistle.  God bless them.  On the 7th, we met with some of the scattered members in Ashtabula Co.  Found them no less zealous and faithful than the members at Bristolville church.  Labored with them as opportunity afforded on the 7th, 8th and 9th.  On the 10th met for council.  Committee met at 8 A. M. to organize. D. N. Workman was appointed Moderator, and N. Longanecker, Secretary.  A programme of business for council was then prepared.  At 10: 30 A. M. the members convened for council.  Council was opened by singing hymn 103, followed by prayer. John 10: 1-16 was then read, followed with remarks from Committee.  Remarks were then made as to the object of council.  After due consultation with members present, it was unanimously decided that a local church be organized.  It was then resolved that the following be the boundary-line of said local church: Starting at the State-line on the east with the boundary-line between Ashtabula and Trumbull counties; thence running due west with said line through Geauga and Cuyahoga counties, terminating at a point on the west of the city of Cleveland; thence north-east to the State-line, with lake Erie on the west and north; thence south with state-line to place of beginning,—containing the whole of Ashtabula and Lake counties, and part of Geauga and Cuyahoga counties.  It was then decided that the following members, with others that may live within said boundaries, belonging to the German Baptist (or Brethren) church, constitute said local church: Jacob Kittinger and wife; Henry Martin and wife; Geo. W. Keener and wife; Frank Lilly and wife; John Kreger and wife; Jacob Pinkerton and wife; Ellen B. Smith, and Catharine Richard.

   It was then decided that said local church be known as the Lake Shore church.  D. N. Workman was unanimously chosen as presiding elder of said church.  By the earnest entreaty of Bro. Workman, the decision was so modified as to extend only to time of the next District Meeting of North-eastern Ohio.

   Geo. W. Keener, Jacob Kittinger, and Henry Martin were chosen as a Committee to secure a place in which to hold public services.

   It was then decided to hold a choice for one deacon.  Jacob Kittinger was chosen and installed into office.

   It was then unanimously resolved to render heart-felt thanks to the North-eastern District of Ohio, for sending help in this, their time of need, by responding to their prayers and appeals in unmistakable expressions of regard for them.

   A charge was then given by the Committee to said church, to conform to the order of the general Brotherhood, as taught by the Word of God. After singing and prayer, the council adjourned.

D. N. WORKMAN,

SAMUEL SPRANKLE, Committee.

NOAH LONGANECKER,

   Having received a message to return home to attend a funeral, the secretary left on Thursday eve.  Brethren Workman and Sprankle labored with the church until the 14th.  Quite an interest prevailed toward the close of their labors.  Although the Brethren of the Lake Shore church are few in number, as yet, but judging from their love, zeal, and faith, we cannot see why the good Lord will not multiply their number exceedingly.  May they never leave their first love.  Brethren and sisters of North-eastern Ohio, remember the members of the Bristolville and Lake Shore churches in your prayers, and hack up your prayers by Christ^'s "go.^"

   A wealthy farmer who had his bins filled with corn, was earnestly praying for the poor.  His little son said to him, "Father, I wish I had your corn-crib." "Why, sonny?"  "Then I would answer your prayers."  The application is plain.  May the good Lord bless Bro. Workman in his new field of labor, and give him souls for his hire.

   With this the committee sends their thanks to the members of the church they visited, for the care and respect that was manifested to them.

   Isa. 54, comes to our mind, but we dare not comment here.  Fare ye well; good bye!  God be with you!