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From: "Nancee Seifert" <>
Subject: [IADECATU] FRANKLIN Church of The Brethren - CENTENNIAL - l856-l956 (Part 3)
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 17:31:08 -0500


'Traditional Meetings'

THE BIG MEETING OR COMMUNION MEETING
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The big event of the church year during the first 50 years or more, was the Big Meeting or Communion meeting when friends and members came from far and near on Friday evening for the candle lighting service, the communion and Lord's Supper. This was observed just as they felt Christ and his apostles observed it in the upper room, with supper, communion, and the washing of feet, along with the singing of a hymn.

The church was usually packed with friends who came to see the service, and the homes of The Brethren were filled with members who lived too far away to return home so stayed for the two nights with members who lived near the church. On Saturday, the deacons of the church and their good wives got dinner at the church for all who would come. Usually a whole beef was cooked for this occasion, with potatoes and vegetables, and the broth of the beef poured over bread was placed in small bowls around the tables. There was always apple sauce and apple butter. Some stayed for supper, while others went home to do chores and come back for evening service. Services were held Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening, and on Sunday morning. In the afternoon all would depart for their homes.

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'Community Day'

Shortly after the new church building was erected, the custom of observing the last Sunday in June as Community Day was established. At this time all the churches in the surrounding territory (of all denominations) were invited to come and join in the services, stay for basket dinner, and contribute one or more numbers to the afternoon program. These services were held every year for some 25 years or more.

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'District Meetings Held At Franklin'

FRANKLIN CHURCH served as host to the annual meeting of the Southern Iowa District three times since l900. It was held at Franklin in l92l, the year after the new church was dedicated, again in the fall of l929, and again in the fall of l937.

All members who attend district meeting from a distance are entertained in the homes of members during their stay. Meals are served at the church to all who come. The meeting lasts from Friday until Sunday, a total of seven meals being served and two nights lodging being provided.

When a congregation is small, it makes a great deal of work for the families involved. Usually some of the women have to stay at the church during the time the meeting is in progress to be sure the meals will be ready on time.

In l929, Franklin had a very active young people's group and a very nice pageant was presented on Saturday night. It was a missionary theme with an Oriental setting, and the local group received many compliments from the visitors for their splendid performance.

In l937, Mary and John Baker, and Virgil and Irene Starry set up a tent on the church grounds, and the four of them did the cooking for those attending. Of course, much food was brought already prepared by other ladies of the congregation. Dorothy Sears Harger also stayed with them and was in charge of the dining room.

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'The Sunday School'

The first Sunday School Superintendent was Jacob Castor. His assistant was Dock Dilsaver. The song leader was Ephraim Green and they used the song book entitled "Pure Gold". He was Superintendent from the time the first church house was built until his death in l888. The average Sunday School attendance at this time was l00. Mr. Castor was a very good business man, one of the best, in the early days of the county, and he was equally good in his church work.

He organized the Sunday School Picnics that were held for many years across the road from the church. He died at an early age, leaving a family of two sons and three daughters, and his good wife Katie Castor to carry on and raise the family. He was truly a great church worker and was greatly missed by his church.

In the second half of the century, many have served as Supt. of the Sunday School. Brother A.L. Sears taught the young people's class for many years, and in the late l920's this class alone numbered near thirty members when they were all present. Anna Long taught the adult class at that time, and she too was very faithful in her services in this capacity as well as being pianist for both Sunday School and Church Services. Sister Myrtle Hughes has served as Sunday School Supt. for a number of years.

A history of the Sunday School would certainly not be complete without making mention of the contribution of Jemima Kob. She was born in l860 and died in l937. She became a member of the church at the age of l7, and was a 60 year member at the time of her death. She taught the primary class at Franklin for the most of her life. Aunt Jemima, was loved by all who knew her, young and old alike. She was always ready to help anyone in need, and took no credit for anything she did. She cared for her mother and father as long as they lived, and spent several months at different times in Indiana caring for aged relatives, there. She was also Church Clerk for a number of years.

Vacation Bible School was held at the church at least two summers, possibly more, in the late l940's.

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Contributed by Barbara J. (Petticord) Whitsitt
November 3, 2002


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