Painter Creek  Church

(1914-)

The Gospel Messenger Feb. 28, 1924 page 139 Vol. 63 No. 9

PAINTER CREEK, OHIO.

Feb. 7, 1914, will ever be a memorable day for our Painter Creek congregation. It was the day of the organization of a new local congregation out of the north half of what has been known as the Ludlow congregation for more than two-thirds of a century. The weather was somewhat inclement, but the membership was largely in attendance. Bro. D. H. Keller, of West Dayton, was with us. Bro. Jesse Stutsman, the elder in charge, presided until a new organization was effected.

  The first business was to name our new organization. Two names were suggested—" Painter Creek" and “ Younce." The latter was proposed in honor of Eld. Philip Younce, who did the first preaching in this vic about seventy-five years ago. "Painter Creek," is a name derived from a corruption of the word " panther." In an early day panthers were frequently found along the stream, which later on caused it to be known as Painter Creek. Now we have a stream, a village and a churchhouse,— each more than a half mile from the other,—bearing the name Painter Creek. Because of this name being so well-established, our local congregation was named 'Painter Creek" by an almost unanimous vote. This includes the Red River house, over four miles distant. The following committees were elected by ballot: Finance Committee, Brethren Hanford Honeyman, John W. Fourman and H. C. Groff; Missionary Committee, Sisters Susie F. Minnich, Jennie S. Miller and Bro. Roy Honeyman; Temperance Committee, Brethren Wm. Royer, Ed. Miller and Roy Honeyman. Bro. Ed. Miller was elected clerk; Bro. John Rhodes, treasurer; Bro. D. F. Eikenberry, Messenger agent.

   Last, but not least important, was the electing of an elder for two years. Bro. D. H. Keller directed this part of the business in a very impressive manner. After a season of prayer and meditation, each member was requested to cast his vote and the lot fell on Eld. Wm. Royer. Bro. Stutsman gave a brief review of his services as elder of this part of the church, and in well-chosen words and a commendable spirit gave the charge to his successor. A committee was appointed to present a plan for the enlarging and remodeling of our churchhouse, so as to make it convenient for holding love feasts, and to provide better Sunday-school facilities. Bro. T. S. Eikenberry was elected correspondent. Levi Minnich. R. D. 2, Greenville, Ohio, Feb. II.