East Wenatchee Church

(1908-22)

The Gospel Messenger May 30, 1908 page 349, vol. 47 No, 22

East Wenatchee. – A number of the brethren and sisters, including Elders A. B. and Jesse Peters, of the Wenatchee church, came across the Columbia River, May 16, for the purpose of organizing a church which is to be known as the East Wenatchee congregation.  There are fifty-three members located on this side of the river, including five ministers and one deacon.  We have Sunday school and preaching at two different points each Lord’s Day.  At one of these points we have organized Christian Workers’ meeting, which is having a telling effect on our young people.  Our newly-organized congregation chose Eld. A. B. Peters as shepherd for the present year.  Bro. M. B. Frantz was elected church treasurer; Bro. W. B. Buntain, Clerk; Sister Evaline Frantz, solicitor; the writer, correspondent.  Brethren A. E. Bolen, C. E. Inks and J. C. Buntain were elected to the deacon’s office, and, with their wives, were duly installed.  Bro. W. W. Slabaugh was chosen delegate to district meeting, Bro. J. J. Filbrun, alternate.  Brethren A. E. Bolen, C. E. Inks and M. D. Frantz were elected church trustees.  We have a large field of labor.  Pray for us that the work here may prosper and that many souls may be won for Christ. – Jennie Frantz, R. D. 3, Wenatchee, Wash.,

The Gospel Messenger Sept. 14, 1912 page 580 Vol. 61 No. 37

History of the East Wenatchee Church

District of Washington.

BY OLIVE FILBRUN.

  It was about Dec. 1, 1907, that the first members of the Brethren church settled in the vicinity, now called East Wenatchee. Then the more commonly used name was " across the river," for thus the members of Sunny Slope would refer to the sections being gradually opened up by those whose ambition and enthusiasm were launching out on faith, toward building up homes and establishing a second Wenatchee church.

   Among the first were the Buntain, Rhodes, and Frantz families, who came in the order named. Others joined their number, but only the first two mentioned now remain. Services were attended at the Wenatchee church by some, until they secured the privilege of using the schoolhouse for services. This building was situated on the Canyon road (now replaced by a bridge, just below Mr. Stoker's home)  and was a frame structure, about 16 by 20, unpainted and crude in appearance. But such conditions little restrained those eager hearts from using it for a house of worship and union Sunday-school. Ellsworth Buntain was, at that time, the public school teacher, and the Sunday-school's first superintendent filling the place faithfully for two years.

   Many enjoyable services were thus held,—the sermons being delivered by Bro. G. W. Buntain, the only minister present. Soon the spirit for organization prevailed, consent was secured from the mother church, " Wenatchee," and on May 16, 1908, Brethren A. B. and Jesse Peters, with others from the Wenatchee congregation, came to the little brown schoolhouse for the purpose of assisting in organizing. There were fifty-three in number, old and young being interested alike. Bro. A. B. Peters was Moderator for the day, and was chosen elder of the new congregation, called "East Wenatchee church." He served in this capacity until 1911. To him the church owes much, for he was most faithful during trying times. Though not in the congregation, he often favored us with a sermon, and also put forth an effort toward pastoral visitation, in connection with his numerous other duties.

   At the organization the need for more deacon was felt, and three,—Brethren C. E. Inks, A. E. Bolen. J. C. Buntain,—were elected and duly installed that day. There were then four ministers, but others have come and gone since, so that there has been a total of nine ministers in our congregation so far.

  Services were continued in the Pioneer schoolhouse until the fall of 1908, when the " Valley View " schoolhouse was built, and its use most readily granted by the Board for services. Some very inspiring and helpful meetings were there enjoyed, among which was the first series of meetings, conducted byJ. U. G. Stiverson. The first love feast was held just previous to these meetings, in the barn of Bro. B. W. Eikenberry, the last of October, 1908. C. H. Maust of Seattle, officiated, and over sixty members communed.

  As time went on, the need of a church house was felt so keenly that an ardent effort was put forth for its possession.  A building was erected in  spring of 1909, and dedicated in June, - Bro A. B. Peters delivering the sermon to a large audience.

   During the winter of 1910 the church was helped by series of discourses by Bro. J. S. Secrist, of Olympia. Soon thereafter an appointment was commenced at Majestic Flat school-house, where a Sunday school was organized by District Secretary, Sister Faidley, in April, 1910, with Mayme Bro. J. C. Buntain first superintendent. With continuous faithful effort the attendance has increased, and through a series of meetings in February of 1912, by Bro. C. N. Stutsman, impetus was given for still greater effort. In January, 1911, a series of meetings was held by Bro. W. H. Eikenberry, of Barnum, Minn., and in November, 1911, another was held by Bro. John Streeter. of Chewelah, Wash. Besides these sermons of special effort, approximately 360 sermons have been given since the organization of the congregation. There have been thirteen conversions, so that there are now sixty-five members (four of whom are deacons, and six are ministers) with Elder J. J. Filbrun in charge.   Our efforts are far from having reached their limits, as individuals as well as a whole. Though some goals have been reached, others rise above, and much still lies before us. To gain some heights, much has been the cost in various ways. If we have achieved any success, it is because some one labored to that end. Will our work of the present prepare the way for others to succeed ?

"Our work is in the future,

The past,—let it sleep.

The lessons alone are the things we should keep.

Throw overboard useless regretting

And deeds you cannot undo,

And let us learn the art of forgetting

The things which embitter the new."

Wenatchee, Wash.

Note:

Merge with the Wenatchee City church to form the Wenatchee Valley Church.

Also go to East Wenatchee for more information on this church.