Elm Creek Church

(Mingona)

(1886 - ?)

The Gospel Messenger May 4, 1886 page 296 Vol. 24 No. 18

From the Elm Creek Church, Barber Co., Kan.

  Thinking a few thoughts from these parts might be acceptable, I would say, the Brethren here met on the 19th of March, to organize our little band.  Elder John Wise was called on to oversee the organization.  Bro. Wise was also chosen as our Elder.  A choice was also held for deacon, and the lot fell on Bro. Daniel Firestone.

  Our church now numbers twenty-five, and we expect others soon.  Bro. Silas Gilbert, of Ohio, has purchased land within our limits.  Also Bro. Blickernstaff, of Indiana, has located here, and expects to come out West in the fall.

  The Brethren here, are located in the northern part of Barber county, and the southern part of Pratt county.  We desire Brethren going West, to stop off here and see our country. We have some of the very nice country, and the very best of soil, sub-soil, plenty of good water, and considerable timber.

  The Brethren here seem to be in perfect love and union one with another, and we desire the prayers of the Brotherhood that we may so remain, and grow stronger in the Lord as we grow older in days and years, that when we meet on that great day, we may appear spotless and without blemish, even as our meek and lowly Jesus; then we will hear that welcome applaudit, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.”   Emanuel Smith.   Clerk.

Mingona, Kan.

The Gospel Messenger April 13, 1886 page 236 Vol. 24 No. 15

Notes from the Field

  On the 13th of March I boarded the train for Towanka, Butler Co., Kan., to attend a council-meeting in the Wichita congregation.  After disposing of the special business, the propriety of dividing the district was taken up, and by the unanimous consent of the members in both ends of the congregation, it was agreed to make the county line between Sedgwick and Butler counties the division of the congregation.  The members in the west end, Sedgwick county, retain the original name, those in Butler county are to be called the Butler county church.  The Brethren in each congregation number about fifty members.  In the east, or Butler county church, they have a good meeting-house in the city of Augusta.  Ministering brethren traveling on the Frisco line of railroad, will be made to welcome by stopping at Augusta.

  The brethren in the Wichita district have a good meeting-house at Ritchie Cemetery, five miles east of Valley Center, on the A. T. & Santa Fe R. R., leading from Newton to Wichita, and ten and one-half miles northeast from Wichita.  Brethren, who want good homes in this part of Kansas, will find themselves among the Brethren here.  Come and see.

  On the 18th on March, I boarded the brain on the Southern Kansas railroad, for Medicine Lodge, Barbour Co., Kan. Was met by Bro. Jacob Root, and taken eight miles north to the Mingona school-house. Where the brethren had meeting appointed. Had a crowded house, there being some that could not get in; we had very attentive audience.  After meeting I was taken four miles north to Bro. Daniel Firestone’s where I was entertained kindly for the night.

  On the 19th, met the member here in council, for the purpose of organizing.  The organization was effected unanimously. The members decided to call the church the Elm Creek church.

  There are thirty-five members here, and three speakers, viz. Bro. Joseph Glick, from Holt Co., Mo., Bro. Wm. Smith, from Marshal Co., Kan., and Bro. M. Ennis, from Arkansas.

  These brethren are all in the second degree of the ministry, and all good workers. May our heavenly Father bless their united efforts in the vineyard, and may much good be done in their field of labor.

  There being but one deacon in number, it was decided to hold a choice for one deacon.  The lot fell upon our beloved brother, Daniel Firestone.  May the Lord help him to “use the office of a deacon well, and gain a good degree, and great boldness in the faith.”

  They chose your correspondent as their organization.  I have attended within the last seven months.  May the good work continue in southern Kansas, and throughout the Brotherhood.

  On my return home, I stopped at Crisfield, Harper Co., Kan., and was met by Bro. w. R. Rowell, and taken to this home. Held three meetings in the school-house near Bro. R’s. Bro. R. is a minister in the first-degree, who moved from this (Slate Creek) church. Two years ago.

  Arrived home safely and found all well. Thank God for his goodness.  Many thanks to the dear ones who so much to make me comfortable while among them.     John Wise.