DEAR BRO. FORNEY: We have held eight ordinance meetings up to this time, on the Wyandot circuit, and have had good times. One of the eight meetings, however, was held during the protracted meeting at Rock Run. The second meeting was held with the church at Bruce school house. This was the first meeting of the kind ever held in the school house, and we had a time long to be remembered on account of the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Since we had the ordinance meeting, one has been fellowshiped with the church at that place, giving us an organization of thirty-one members, and I am glad to say they are good workers. Here they have a good Sabbath-school, superintended by our much esteemed Bro. T. Wagers.

      The third meeting was held with the church at Rock Run. During the progress of this meeting the weather was very inclement. However the members turned out well and we had a glorious time--one we will not soon forget, if ever. Here we have a good Sabbath-school, taking all things into consideration. Our good Brother D. Hale is the superintendent; also elder of the church. Truly those that get to heaven from this place will be able to say, "We come up through great tribulation." Here we have excellent members, some of whom, according to the course of nature, will soon be permitted to unite with the Church of God triumphant. Among them is Father Fernbaugh, who perhaps has done as much, if not more, for the up-building of the Church of God than many others in this country. May God bless him abundantly for his labor of love. Besides him there are Father Wagner, Mother Fernbaugh and Mother Huffman. These have all lived to see their children become honorable members of the Church of God.

      Our fourth meeting was held with the church at Kirby. At this meeting it rained very much, consequently there were many kept away who would have been there if it had been otherwise. However, we had a good attendance and a good time. Our good Brother J. M. Cassel was with us, and did the preaching, which was highly praised and appreciated by all. Thanks to Brother C. for his help. Here we have a good Sabbath-school, superintended by Brothers Kingman and Shriner. During this meeting we fellowshiped three and baptized some. God poured out his Spirit upon us here; to him be all the honor and glory forever. Amen.

      The next we held at Center, in the grove which these dear brethren fixed up in good order. Truly the Lord has a working church at this place. A people zealous of good works. It rained much during the progress of this meeting, yet it rained as a general thing between meeting hours. Here we have an excellent Sabbath-school, superintended by Brothers John H. Ahlefelt and M. Smith. This is the first school ever held at this place. At first some thought it could not be held successfully, but we advised them to try it. It cannot help but be a success with such workers as Brothers Haas, Houf, Heavener, Smith, Ahlefelt, Hawk, Rollers and Beery. God bless the Sabbath-school and church. I am glad to say they are both in a very prosperous condition, and are Church of God through and through. On Lord's day we delivered some speeches to the school, interspersed with music by the choir from Indian Mills, led by Brother Coalder, a music teacher. Had a glorious time attending to the ordinances in the evening.

      We held one ordinance meeting with the church at Salem. Had a good attendance and a glorious time.

      Held another with the church at Whortonsburg, in the grove. Here we had the assistance of Brother J. M. Cassel. He preached three excellent sermons. Thanks to Brother C. again. Here we had a large turnout and a good time.

      The next meeting, and last, up to this time, was with the church at the Indian Mills. Had two food sermons from Elder J. Little, and the same by Brother C. N. Belman. These are excellent men. The Lord bless them. Here we have a flourishing church and Sabbath-school. It seems that all, saints and sinners, are interested in the good work. The Sabbath-school is superintended by Brother Joseph Fernbaugh, who also is the ruling elder. He is loved by all. Brother Morrel is assistant. Both are excellent me. On Lord's day afternoon, July 18th, had a good time. Had meeting for the benefit of the Sabbath-school. Speeches were delivered by Brothers Belman, Little, Smith, and the writer, interspersed with excellent music by the school, conducted by Brother Coalter, teacher, led by Leefez Fernbaugh and Sister Mary Beam, organists. We must say that this school has the advantage of some of the rest in this respect. However the Bruce Sabbath-school and Rock Run Sabbath-school have good music. After our Sabbath-school meeting we baptized one happy believer. In the evening we had a glorious time, attending to the ordinances. Thanks to Brothers Little and Belman for their assistance. By this, those interested in the progress of the Church of God, can see that the cause in this country is onward.

      I would add in behalf of the churches that peace and harmony prevail throughout. Thus far eighty-seven have made the good profession. Seventy-six have been baptized, and one hundred have been fellowshiped, and we expect to fellowship others before our time is up. By the help of God we have tried to preach the doctrine of the Church of God as best we could. Many are getting tired of sectarianism and say you cannot stuff us with creeds and catechisms. Give us gospel. Pray for us.

[The Church Advocate 40 (August 11, 1875): 2.]

      Jacob Van Updike's "From Wyandot Circuit, West Ohio" was first published in The Church Advocate, Vol. 40, No. 15 (August 11, 1875), p. 2. The electronic version has been transcribed from a copy of the article printed from a microfilmed edition of the newspaper held by the State Library of Pennsylvania. Thanks to Adams Memorial Library for arranging for the interlibrary loan, and to St. Vincent College Library for the use of its microfilm reader/printer.

      Inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and typography have been retained.

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 24 May 1999.
Updated 15 July 2003.