Manvel Church

(Alvin)

(1892-1958?)

The Gospel Messenger April 12, 1892  235 Vol. 30, No. 15

From the Lone Star Stats.

 The colony from Kansas, now located near Alvin, Tex, desiring to be organized, to more fully carry on the work, the Mission Board of Texas requested me to go there; hence, March 14, I hoarded the train, in the company with Bro. Philip Eby, for Alvin.  We arrived on the evening of the next day, and found, on arrival, that Bro. S. A. Honherger, of Esterly, La. Had been preaching there for one week. On the evening of my arrival, the weather turned cold, so we could not have any more services until the evening of the 10th. There was not stove In the church they were using, hence they could not hold services.  On the evening of the 19th we met at Bro. J. J. Wasam’s house to organize. Seven members met, all with letters of membership and all desiring to be organized.  They presented certificates of eight more members living about thirty miles north-west of them. These also wanted to unite with the new organization. One minister in the second degree and two deacons are among the number.  all unanimously agreed to work in harmony with the Word of God and the counsel of the Brotherhood.  They are taking hold of the work with a commendable zeal, and I ask the prayers of the church in their behalf.

  There is great work and field at that place with almost unlimited bounds.  The distance is so great between then and other organized churches that we did not limit the bounds.  The work is truly hopeful, and the people seem to welcome our doctrine.  They are mostly northern people, and they have a fruitful country and fertile soil.  Best of all, I think the climate is healthful.  Bro. Gish, of Fort Scott, Kans, arrived there March 21, with his family.  He is a minister, and his wife and daughter are also members.

  A commendable feature in their town, Alvin, is, that they have local option, and, consequently, a temperate town.  I hope they will so continue.  Tropical fruits, as far as has been tried, do exceedingly well, blackberries and strawberries grow wild and are quite public.  Strawberries, pears, plums, grapes and preaches also so finely.  Corn and oats are said to do well.  Vegetables of all kinds produce largely. On Monday, March 21, three other disciples and I went to Galveston for sight-seeing.  The Gulf is indeed a grad sight for one how has never seen it.  Oh the wonderful works of God!  Vast Sums of money are spent here on the jetties, to procene deep water. In the evening we returned to Alvin and stayed over night.  March 23 I bade farewell to the faithful of Alvin and started for home, where I arrived March 24 and found all well, accepting sister Molsbee, who was suffering severely from a second attack of La Grippe.  May the Good Lord bless and restore her to health again.

Henry Brubaker.

Nocona, Tex., March 25.

The Gospel Messenger May 17, 1892 page 316 Vol. 30 No. 20

From the Alvin Church, Texas.

  We came here from Kansas to seek a home in a mild climate, and to remain until the Master calls us home.  Our doctrine is entirely new.  We meet many who say they never heard of Trine Immersion.  Many of our other practices are new to them also.  Many of our other practices are new to them also.  We find this a good field to work in for the Master.  On the second Sunday of April one dear brethren gave his heart to God and was baptized.

  As noted in the Gospel Messenger some time since, we organized with seven members at Alvin and eight at Richmond, which territory we included.  Last Sunday we received Bro. Rufrus G. Gish, his wife and their oldest daughter, by letter, we now number eleven.  Two more are here who have not yet handed in their letters.  Two more are coming next week.  We are much pleased with our new home.  It even more than fills our expectations.  Brethren, who want a home in a summer climate, will do well by coming to see this place.  We expect to have a churchhouse by fall, and a school in the new town.  We are told tht some of our brethren from Pennsylvania have purchased land at Arcola.  This point is only seven miles from us. Many more are wanting to come.  Help us with your prayers to light this place with the lamp of God.

W. H. Leaman