Keyser Church

(1924-)

The Gospel Messenger Feb. 2, 1924 page 80 Vol. 73 No. 5

Keyser.—During the closing months of 1923 the Church of the Brethren in Keyser enjoyed a number of interesting experiences. The Vacation Bible School conducted by our pastor and wife. Brother and Sister West, August 13-26, was the first to be held here. Compared to its membership our church is blessed with a large number of children, especially from the junior ago down—bright and promising. The Bible School was well attended and we believe great good was accomplished. On the closing night of the school a public program was rendered by the children. The program was composed, for the most part, of songs, scriptures, stories and exercises learned in the school work. The whole program was so filled with the spirit of youth that it was an inspiration to all. Sept. 2-18 we enjoyed a real heart- striring revival. Bro. John T. Glick, pastor of the Timberville church, assisted by Bro. Nelson T. Huffman, of Bridgewater, as director of music, conducted our services. It was a Spirit-filled meeting. Bro. Glick's sermons were drawn deep from the wells of living water. But a revival service would lose much of its effectiveness without the inspiration and pulling-power of the sacred songs. Bro. Huffman's service in directing the music was a great power from beginning to end. As a direct result of the meetings, thirty were baptized, four reclaimed and six more are to be taken in later. On Oct. 29 we held our first love feast and communion service. This service was probably one of the most enjoyed 'since the dedication of the church. The services were conducted by Bro. West, assisted by Brethren Harvey Arnold, Otis Johnson, I. F. Roberts and Walter Whittaker. Every seat in the church was taken and many were compelled to stand. It was a service that we had long looked forward to, and it was a great source of blessing for all. On Jan. 1, 1924, the New Creek congregation met in council at the Keyser church. Our elder, Bro. B. W. Smith, assisted by Eld. Geo. S. Arnold, was in charge. The chief purpose of this meeting was to divide the New Creek congregation and organize the church in Keyser. This purpose- was accomplished and the following officers were chosen: Bro. B. W. Smith, elder; Bro. Ernest A. See, clerk; and Bro. Otis W. Johnson, " Messenger " correspondent. This, we believe, is another great landmark in the history of the work of the Brethren in Keyser, and the outlook for the future is exceedingly fine—Otis W. Johnson, Keyser, W. Va„ Jan. 18.