Claar Church

(1886-1916)

The Gospel Messenger Oct. 12, 1886 page 636 Vol. 24 No. 40

A New Church in Middle Pennsylvania.

The Brethren settled in Morrison's Cove, gradually grew and spread all over that fertile valley, and in process of time, perhaps away back in the days of the old Holsingers and Millers, seventy- five years ago, they pushed their way westward across the Cove Mountain to the hilly country along the Alleghany. Among the first to embrace the truth were the Claars and Goughenours. At a choice for a minister, the lot fell upon a Bro. Goughenour, who was the first one elected on this side of the mountain. For many years meetings were held in houses and barns. Some thirty or forty years ago they built a small house for worship, which answered the purpose until eighteen years ago, when it was necessary to enlarge it. After the two churches in the Cove were divided into three, this place fell into the bounds of the Woodbury church. The ministers from this church served them, with the occasional help of some who moved in, and others elected of late years.

   The Bro. Goughenour, alluded to above, long since was gathered to the fathers. J. B. Sell moved in, remained a few years, and left for other parts. Michael Claar was elected, and is a promising brother. J. W. Wilt moved in and tarried with them about two years. Other elections were held for ministers, but proved to be rather unfortunate. The last effort, however, seems to be more successful. James Brumbaugh was chosen, and is a promising young brother. At different times, out of their number, six deacons were chosen. Of late years prosperity and general peace have attended them, and their number has swelled to about one hundred and thirty. There seemed to be a general feeling throughout that they should be organized into a church. Initiatory steps were taken; and the adjoining elders notified to appear there on Sept. 25, 1886. When the time came, the writer was the only stranger present, but Bro. Jacob Miller and J. B. Replogle, from the Cove side, being present, we decided to proceed. After disposing of some local business, the organization question was taken up, and much freedom and liberty was given and taken in discussing the propriety or impropriety of the movement. After all explanations were given which were called for, all seemed satisfied to submit it to a vote, which resulted in an organization. Out of respect to the old fathers, the new organization was called "Claar." A boundary was agreed upon. Eld. J. S. Holsinger, of Dunning's Creek, was invited to take charge of them for one year.

  They unanimously agreed to be loyal to the general Brotherhood, and be governed by the usages of the church in all their business. Everything passed off in good feeling, and the final decision seemed to be quite satisfactory. Bro. Jacob Miller has crossed and recrossed the mountain every hour of the day and night for forty-two years, to serve the members on this side in the ministry. He has broken to them the bread of life in the sanctuary, presided at the marriage altar of many of their children, stood by the bed-side and ministered to the sick and dying, officiated at the open grave of many of their dead, and now, full of years and honors, he lays his mantle down, to be taken up by others. The little band here parted with their aged father reluctantly and with tender feelings. Thus is added to the Middle District of Pennsylvania another church.

Jas. A. Sell.