Ardenheim Church

(1896-)

The Gospel Messenger April 9, 1898 page 235 Vol. 36 No. 15

The Ardenheim Church.

This is the name of the congregation that was organized recently from a part of the Huntingdon, Pa., church.

   For more than twenty years the Brethren from Huntingdon have been preaching in this community. A number of years preaching was done in a schoolhouse near the village. In the fall of 1834 it was decided to build a churchhouse, which was finished and dedicated in the following spring. Preaching services were held in the church every Sunday, and also in the Sugar Grove schoolhouse-, about four miles from the church, A Sunday school was also conducted in the schoolhouse and in the church since it was built. The school has been very successful during these years, being well attended. It has been superintended by Bro. D. Y. Swayne, of Huntingdon, from its start.

  Since the churchhouse was built, we have held our own Communion services and church meetings twice a year, For some time the thought has prevailed that it should be organized into a separate congregation. A special church meeting was appointed for March 6, at which time the following persons were elected deacons: Brethren D, H, Foust, Charles Rupert, John S, Long and Thos. E. Woods. The church was then fully organized, to be known as the Ardenheim congregation, with a membership of fifty-three. Bro. W. J. Swigart was elected elder, Sister Mary Rupert was appointed to report from the Sugar Grove part, and Sister Bessie Woods from Ardenheim.

  The following persons were appointed as a soliciting committee, to collect funds to remove a small debt which remains on the church: Brethren Samuel Eby, John Long, D. H. Foust, Charles Rupert, Bently English and Thos. E. Woods. Our love feast is to be held May 1.

   On the evening of March 1 a number of the members and friends of this locality called at the home of Bro. W. J. Swigart, bringing with them many tokens of regard from their material and substantial things. All of this was entirely unexpected by him, and was highly appreciated. After some singing and social intercourse, very earnest prayers were offered in behalf of preacher and people, and the work they represent, when all retired, feeling it was a happy occasion.

  The Brethren's cause in this community is comparatively new, as only a very few members had lived here until within four or five years. The people are earnest and sincere in their desire to keep the flame of true Bible piety aglow in their hearts, and we shall labor and pray for divine guidance.

Bessie M. Woods,  March 21.