Grenola Church

(Cana)

(1873-1938)

Christian Family Companion Dec. 9, 1873 page 780 Vol. IX Nov. 49

From Howard County, Kansas

Dear Brethren Editors :

 I will try by the grace of God, to give the readers of the C. F. C., a sketch of church news, and how we are prospering in this part of God’s moral vineyard.  We number, in all, about twenty-eight members at present, with very fair prospects of more coming in next spring.  Among the rest, one speaker, Ephraim Shuck, who has been here and has taken a claim.  We had a lovefeast of love.  The laboring brethren who were with us, were from Franklin, Anderson and Neosho counties of this state. There was an election held at the meeting on Saturday for one speaker an two deacons; but there was three run almost together, there was three chosen to the office of deacon: brethren Jacob Ulery, Jeremiah Hollinger and your unworthy writer.  The lot fell on brethren Byron Mahorney for speaker, so that leaves us at present with two speakers, and four deacons. We intend, the Lord willing, to hold a series of meetings sometime during the winter.  Would like for the brethren to come and be with us, during the meetings. The doctrine of the Brethren is a new thing to a great many here, especially to the Seven-day Advents, as there is a settlement of them living right in our vicinity.  They are an upright, honest kind of people – very strict in keeping the seventh day in place of the first, which commences with them, on Friday evening about sundown, and ends on Saturday at about the same time. 

  Something about our temporal affairs of this life, land, corps, &c.  Any of the brethren who contemplate coming west to obtain homes, will do well by coming here, as we have a good country.  Crops do well here.  Wheat, on bottom land, averages about 25 bushels to the acre; corn, about 40 bushels per acre; potatoes, was pretty good corp.  We have had scarcely any cold weather yet, but is very dry and windy.  Cattle look well and have not been fed anything yet.

  P. S. Claims, improved can be had at from $200.00 up to 700.00.  Claims in this section of country are about all taken.  Any further information concerning the country, will be cheerfully given by addressing the undersigned.  Yours in love.  John A. Studebaker.   Greenfield, Kansas

The Pilgrim May 18, 1875 page 317 Vol. VI No. 20

Graystone, Wilson Co., Kan

  Bro. Brumbaugh: -

   Agreeably to previous announcement the brethren of Fall River met on the 20th of October to celebrate the death of Christ, and brother George and Daniel Barnhart being present, they being elders, there was a move made to divide Fall River church into two organizations, Howard county becoming the new organization known as Kanah church.  That being done the brethren proceeded in to proper order with the ordinance of the house of God and truly it was a feast of fat things.  There was love among the members and the best of order, and it seemed as if each spectator wanted to show the most respect for the house of worship. The ministers present were George and Daniel Barnhart, Franklin Co., Kan., brother Jesse Studebaker, Anderson county, Kan., Jacob Rock, Lion Co., Peter Strubel, Garret, Kan., Jacob Kime, Franklin Co., Kan., Jacob Flory, Sentevil, Ind., brother Mikels Howard Co., Kan., Lanoih Church, Sidney Hodgdon and son, Neotia county. on the morning of October 21st we met for morning worship. After breakfast the brethren proceeded to hold a choice, the call being on minister and two deacons. The lot for minister fell on brother John Ress and brother John Klingenpeel for minister, they being a tie.  Next in order came the lot for two deacons and three were elected, there being a tie.  Brother George Fefley, brother John Magee and a brother Bailey. They were installed in their offices and it truly was a solemn occasion. Now may God bless this church, officers and members in my prayer.

    In the afternoon of the 21st, started for the Kanah Church, their being 6 person in the company 21 members and 5 ministers, Camped for the night on Crooked Cree, Howard Co., Has evening and morning worship in a beautiful grove. The camp fire illuminated the heavens and the young folks made the beautiful grove resound with their sweet songs of praise to the giver of all good.  Morning came, we had worship, then breakfast, then on our way to the place of meeting.  meeting at brother Hadsels at the foot of the Flint Hills, preaching the 24th and 25th. Observed the ordinances of the house of God on the night of the 24th.  Order good. Love and affection strong and large attendance.  Exercises over.  In the morning the brethren and friends in the tent and vicinity met for morning worship, then breakfast, next preaching, after tha dinner. Then the members of the Kanah church came together and advanced Bro. Joseph Mikles to the eldership, Brother Mikles presiding over the Fall River and Kanah church. Next in order was baptism. Six precious souls being made willing were taken into the stream and baptized trine immersion.

  This church has about thirty members as nearly as I can ascertain.  About the same minister were present.

  P.S.  I forgot to say that Kanah church had three speakers. Bro. Hiram Mahony in the first degree, and brother Shuck in the second, and brother Mikles elder, but recently Hiram Mahony has moved away.

John Spangle.