Countdown to the 175th Anniversary

1832-1947

1947-1973

 

1832-1947

(This account of the history of the church from its founding in 1832 until 1947 was compiled by Mr. William A. Koehnline on the observance of the one hundred and fifteenth anniversary of the church. With respect to Mr. Koehnline's efforts, the account was transferred to the website exactly as it was orginally written and filed with the Ohio County Public Library on March 7, 1978.)
 

The Earliest Days of the Congregation

On a day not known to us, in the year 1832, about forty persons met at the home of Charles Ensell in East Wheeling for the purpose of organizing a congregation. During the next several years, this group, and a number of others, met regularly at various private homes. The first regular place of meeting, located on the east side of Market Street between Jefferson and Adams Streets, near Eighth and Ninth Streets, was the school room of William McKay, familiarly known as "Father" McKay, who may be regarded as the first elder to minister to the congregation.

After two years in McKay's school room, the church moved to the Lancasterian Academy, Market House Hall, next to the hose house in the rear of the building now occupied by the Victoria Theater, and thence to the hose house that was occupied by the hook and ladder company on Twenty-First Street.

The first recorded action of this congregation was a special meeting to be held in Wellsburg in conjunction with the Wellsburg Church on April 12, l834. Alexander Campbell and Robert Richardson were among the messengers sent to the meeting by thirteen congregations to contribute to the threefold purpose:

1. The systematic cooperation of the churches for the conversion of the world;
2. to be able to secure and use good sound proclaimers of the Gospel of Christ;
3. that there should be a concentrated effort to set the churches generally in better order.

According to information obtained from the late Dr. Goodnight of Bethany College, the discussion was frank and rather thorough, "but withal, Christian." Although many were afraid that the pro posed cooperation would result in an ecclesiastical organization that would seek to throttle the local congregations, this fear was resolved and a program of work was decided upon, in which funds were to be collected and disbursed by a central treasurer, from which, "two worthwhile proclaimers were to be employed as soon as funds would justify." J. Hogue of the Wheeling Congregation was selected as a member of the committee which was to direct the work.

The First Building
A modest frame church building was erected in 1855 on the southwest corner of the alley between Twenty-first and Twenty-second Streets.Alexander Campbell is said to have made the dedication. Mrs. Mary V. Hamilton and Mrs. Emma Schul are the only living members who worshipped in the church, which is still standing today and is occupied as a dwelling.

The elders who ministered during the early days of the church were Father McKay, Father Huff, John Mendel, William R. Holliday, Charles Ensell, Luther Rice, James Campbell, Albert Law, and Thomas Wilson. The first regular pastor of the church was Dr. Jabez Hall, who came in 1866 to what was then called the Disciples Church as his first pastorate.

The earliest original record in the files of the church is a Regis ter which contains an entry for the baptism of Mary Wright, No. 74 in the register, on April 18, 1869, with reference to a later page whereon is indicated her death on the following day, April 19, 1869.

The first record of a meeting of the governing body of the church is dated November 13, 1871, and from that time more facts are available. The group which met to discuss church business at that time did not have any specific name, but it seems to have consisted mainly of the elders of the church, and it is this organization which later developed into the official board as we know it today. The earliest minutes are full of the desire of the congregation to build another church home and to change their location. A committee was appointed to investigate the purchase of a lot on Fourth Street, owned by a Mrs. McElhinney, but they advised against it and asked instead to be empowered to purchase a lot on Union Street between Market and Fourth. The same committee was instructed to sell the property then owned by the church and to raise funds for the new church building.

On December 11 of the same year it was announced that Dr. Hall had accepted a call from the Euclid Avenue Church at Cleveland, Ohio. Efforts were made to pay the pastor's back salary, and a letter was to be written to "Brothers Belding and Munnell...or whomsoever Brother Campbell may think best," in regard to recommending a suitable preacher. Professor Loos of Bethany said that he would keep the church in mind and do his best to locate a suitable man for the job.

On January 2, 1872, it was moved that each member of the church be assessed the sum of "One Dollar per year to be paid to the treasurer of the church for the current expenses of the church...for gas, coal, wine, sexton's salary ..."At the same time it was reported that the building committee had thought it to be best not to buy the Union Street lot. As an alternative, it was suggested that a new building be built on the lot then occupied by the church. Letters were received from Brother Frazier of Dayton, Ohio and Ira. Chase of Pittsburgh, who were considered as possibilities for the Wheeling pulpit.

A formal resolution was made as a call to Ira G. Chase at the salary of $1,200.00, but he declined the offer. A letter was then sent to Carrol Churt of Allegheny City, requesting that he visit the church as a prospective pastor.

Dr. Hall went to Cleveland in 1873 and lived a full life of service to the church, being at that time of his death the Dean of the Uninersity at Irvington, Indiana. The next record is for a congrega tional meeting held after the service on May 16, 1875, at which time it was reported that H. A. Pallister, who had preached several times for the congregation, and was known to most of the church, was ready to come if called. After the service the following week, it was decided, by a vote of 21 to 13, to call the proposed for a period of one year.

As his first duty, the new minister was called upon to visit "every person whose name appears on the Church Register as soon as possible, and especially those who have been absenting themselves from the regular meetings of the congregation." A budget of $1,400.00 was adopted on the "Weekly Contribution" plan, with a goal of $27.00 per week. The baptistry was found to be leaking and was to be repaired "if not more than $12.00".

When the pastor's first year of service came to an end, it was recognized that the church was unable to raise the sum of $1000.00 for his salary for the following year and he was requested to remain, provided he would accept as his salary just what the church could raise, no stipulated sum named." (Actually, there is some confusion as to the entries dated 1875, there being two sets, one of which obviously refers to a period either one year earlier or one year later, there being no way to determine which at the present time.)
At any rate, Rev. Pallister refused to accept such indefinite terms and terminated his service as of the first of June, one year after his arrival.

On July 6, 1875, a business meeting was convened, "looking to the purchase of the church property known as 'St. John's Episcopal Church', which is to be offered at public sale...terms of sale...are one fourth cash and the balance in three equal payments with interest six, twelve, and eighteen months from date of sale."
It was decided to raise the down payment of $2,500.00 within the membership of the church, and a committee was authorized to bid as high as $10,300.00 if necessary. As it turned out, the property was sold to Mr. John P. Gilchrist for the sum of $10,100.00 and arrangements were made with him for repurchase at the same rate as of August 14, 1875.


The Second Building

On October 4, 1875, the first meeting was held in "Our New House, late St. John's Church." At that time the final payment of $50.00 was made on Rev. Pallister's back salary and the search for a new pastor was formally begun once again, attempts being made to secure the services of George Darsie of Ravenna, Ohio, and of E. V. Dollars of Bethany, one of the leading educators in the Brotherhood for many years, but both refused.

In that same month it was suggested that some uniform attitude in prayer be adopted during the public worship. At that time it was stated that some of the members stood and some knelt, and that' visitors were often at a loss to know what was expected of them, consequently they remained seated. No action was taken in regard to this matter, however, it was thought to be a matter for the individual conscience.

B. W. Johnson of DeSoto, Iowa, proposed to preach for the church for an annual salary of $1,200.00, which proposition was to have been accepted, but the committee did not feel sufficiently sure of the church's ability to raise such a sum in addition to the payments on the new building, and consequently asked to be discharged from the duty of communicating with the applicant.

Immediately after the morning service of May 21, 1876, the question of calling 0. P. Miller of Louisville, Kentucky, to be pastor of the church resulted in a unanimous decision to do so. He was to receive $20.00 per week and was to be allowed two weeks at three different times during the year, a total of six weeks, for the purpose of holding meetings elsewhere to supplement his salary. His term of office was to be counted from May 13, 1876.

When the third payment on the property came due, an emergency arose.
J. E. Wilson, who was then just recently deceased, had made a personal pledge upon which the financial committee was counting heavily. It became necessary to ask Mr. Gilchrist for an extension and finally to borrow $1,825.00 for six months at 7% interest. In February of the following year it was found necessary to issue bonds to the amount of $4,500.00 in order to meet the next payment. These bonds were to be payable as of March 1, 1887. At any rate, the building and lot were paid for and total indebtedness concentrated in the bonds. Throughout the year 1877, the problem of spending more than was received was facing the church.

On January 7, 1878, the pastor found it advisable to present his resignation in order to release the church from the burden of paying his salary. A committee was sent to Rev. Miller to offer him $900 per year, with no time to be allowed for special meetings; but he felt compelled to decline and the further alternative was an offer of a salary of $1,000.00, with any proceeds from outside meetings to be deducted from this amount. This compromise was the basis for a contract for another year, at the end of which time it became unavoidable to accept another resignation offered for the same reason as before; it was decided to employ no regular minister until the claim of Rev. Miller had been satisfied.

In spite of this decision, arrangements were made on September 2, 1878 for Rev. W. B. Thompson of Wellington, Ohio to visit the church as a prospective minister. A committee to raise funds was appointed when it became known that, "he will be with us on or about the first of May, 1879." In October of that year we find Rev. Thompson acting as chairman of the monthly business meeting and suggesting that, "three Brothers be appointed who, with the Deacons and Elders and Treasurer and the Clerk, shall be known as the 'Official Board', and whose duty it shall be to look after and attend to all the business matters of the church". Allen Brook, George F. Irvine, and George H. Parks were appointed to fill these positions, and the first meeting of the newly constituted board was held on Oct. 17.

In October of the following year (1800) Rev. Thompson was granted a leave of absence to hold a meeting for the Pigeon Creek Church in Washington County, Pennsylvania. In April 1881, the second group of bonds were destroyed by burning, leaving only those numbered 26 to 45 in the hands of the creditors. In 1882, when the pastor's contract was renewed, it was for the first time made to read for an indefinite term, "subject to notice of sixty days for termination from either party." In July of that year the time and the place of the quarterly meetings of the board was established as, "the first Monday in October, January, April, and July at the office of T. H. Higgins on Twelfth Street".

Rev. Thompson resigned as of June 1, 1883 in order to accept a call from the church at Detroit, Michigan, and was honored by a resolution of the congregation as a whole because he, "came here at a time when he was most needed, when this beautiful edifice was about to be swept away from us, on account of the heavy debt hanging over it, and when the members were becoming discouraged and almost ready to give up...he soon had the debt lifted and the church put in a flourishing condition."

In that same month the official board was reorganized with the addition of new elders and a motion was adopted that, "hereafter five members of this Board shall constitute a quorum to transact business...that meetings shall be held monthly on the first Friday of the month at the office of T. H. Higgins...Treasurer shall read report of all funds received and disbursed during the preceeding month at each meeting." A permanent vice-president and secretary were then elected and the pastor was designated to act as president.

At that time E. J. Hart was recommended as pastor at a salary of $1,000.00, to commence October 1. Rev. Hart, who came from Minerva, Ohio, was chosen by a unanimous vote of the congregation on July 1. A "tax" of $0.10 per member per month was levied for church upkeep. No record of the new pastor's first appearance was made, but he is listed as being among those present at the regular meeting in November 1883.

The first mention of the Sunday School is made in December 1883, when the eighth place on the normal order of business was devoted to "S. S. Work - What it Needs". In November of the following year it was decided that the church could not afford to pay a salary greater than $800.00 and Rev. Hart was given the usual two months' notice of this reduction. In consequence of which he was forced to resign. This resignation was retracted when the church offered a salary of $800.00 and sufficient time off to earn $200.00 elsewhere. This arrangement was eminently unsatisfactory to both parties and notice was again given in April 1885. Attendance at board meetings being poor, three members were said to constitute a quorum. When Rev. Hart's services were abruptly terminated on May 3 the church was compelled to borrow $200.00 to pay his back salary.

In April 1886, the date of the monthly meeting was changed from the first Friday to the first Tuesday.

On June 15, 1886, a special meeting was held to consider presenting the name of Harry F. Simpson of Toledo, Ohio, to the church for pastor, which was done on the following Sunday. At that time he was declared called to this pastorate, where his official tenure of office began July 1. His sermon was extremely short, as a resignation, "to take effect immediately," is dated February 1, 1887, and was accepted by the board. At this time the bonds on the church building became due and a committee was appointed to request an extension on them.

Nathan I. Atwood of Oil City, Pennsylvania, was elected to the pastorate for one year to begin February 1, 1887, at a salary of $800.00. Bonded debt as of the expiration date of the bonds was $1,200.00 and the time extension was for two years, at the end of which time further extensions were necessarily granted. Church repairs to the extent of $724.07 were made by borrowing an additional $750.00. At the end of the year, the church also owed $200.00 to the preacher and the treasurer. The number of deacons had been reduced to two.

In March 1888, the church obtained a loan of $200.00 to meet some very pressing debts. Rev. Atwood presented his resignation to take effect when a successor could be secured. About this time a pamphlet was published under the title, "The Working Committees of the Disciples Church, Market Street between 21st and 22nd, Wheeling." It listed the Spiritual Committee and the Finance and Charity Committee, and then went on to explain the "Mutual Watchcare System," under which the city was partitioned off into six divisions, each under of which was to have committees on attendance, unidentified members, visiting, literature, the sick, the poor, the indifferent, our friends and finance. This system was set up and in operation for some time.

Rev. Atwood's service with the church was formally terminated as of March 31, 1889. A congregational meeting was called to devise a more efficient method of raising money to meet the expensea of the church before employing a successor. The district system was re emphasized with some degree of success, judging from the fact that on October 1 the elders reported that they had secured the services of J. A. Hopkins of Bellaire, Ohio, as pastor for an indefinite period at a salary of $50.00 per month for the first six months and subsequently at the rate of $800.00 per year, his labors to begin the first Sunday in October 1889. His first report to the board was made just one year later.

In October 1892, a plan was presented by Rev. Hopkins whereby the debt could be paid off, in addition to the regular church expenses, within a year from that date. A congregational meeting was held in January 1893 to discuss the matter, the plan being unanimously adopted. In February 1893, a proposal to purchase St. Luke's chapel in the Seventh Ward was brought forward and investigated, but was tabled as inexpedient.

The first record of a payment to the organist is made in February 1893, when Brother Sherratt agreed to play for the morning and evening services for $1.50 per week. At the same meeting, Rev. Hopkins presented his resignation, asking to be released from the 90 days' notice to which he had agreed, as he had accepted a call to California and wished to go as soon as possible.

On May 2 of that year, the matter of securing a place for the Sunday School on the Island was taken up and a committee was directed to report any suitable place that came to their knowledge. In June of 1893, the regular meeting night was changed to Monday. On September 4th it was moved that efforts be made to ascertain whether or not Rev. W. H. Hayden could be employed on a temporary or permanent basis as pastor. The following month he was engaged on a temporary basis at a salary of $20.00 per month.

In November, the matter of converting the basement of the church building into a Sunday School was discussed. One of the new minister's first suggestions was for the adoption of pledge cards for missions instead of taking that collection in the usual way. 'From November 6, 1893, we can date the name of our present church, for it was on that day that the board resolved, "That the name by which the church shall hereafter be known shall be 'The First Christian Church' instead of 'Disciples Church' as heretofore."

The church showed signs of growth. The sign in front was changed the board found it necessary to order two additional sets of utensils for communion services. On December 4, it was reported that the building on South Broadway, Wheeling Island, which had formerly been used by the Episcopalians as a mission school, could be had for a monthly rental of $10.00. A committee was appointed to rent and have charge of this property. This committee arranged to sublet to the Women's Christian Temperance Union for one day each week at a rate of $5.00 per month. They bought a load of coke and 48 chairs.

Sunday school work was making great strides. Another committee, appointed earlier to report on the building of an addition to the church for this purpose, had had plans drawn up for construction work at a total cost of $2,981.00, this work to proceed as soon as funds could be raised.

The trustees, J. B. Somerville, Alex Morrison, and. T. H. Higgins, met in Mr. Somerville's office and authorized the church board to issue bonds to the amount of $4,000.00. The board took upon itself the appointment of Sunday School superintendents, each of whom selected his own teachers. Sunday Schools were then being held in the church building, at the LaBelle Mission on Thirty-first Street, and on the Island property mentioned earlier. The new bonds were to cover the final $800.00 still due on the earlier issue and were to be payable on or before March 1, 1904.

While the church was expanding its own plant, it was extending every aid to the two branch Sunday Schools, as is evidenced by its promise to furnish 60 papers weekly and 25 song books to the school on Thirty- first Street. The formal opening of the church with its new improvements was held May 20, 1894. At this time it was customary to hold the communion service before the sermon.

Another hopeful sign was seen in July of the same year when the board was able to see its way clear to vote the pastor a salary of $100.00 per month. For the first time in the history of the church, the pastor was granted a month's vacation in August The first com mittee to compile a church directory for publication was formed in October 1894. At the same time a new group of district committees was set up. On October 11, Rev. Hayden presented his resignation to the church and his salary was again raised, this time to $1,300.00 per year for a period of from 18 months to 2 years, with the month of August to be granted as a vacation.

The salary of the janitor, which had been a subject of frequent discussions in the official meetings of the church, and which had commenced at $1.75 per week, was established at $20.00 per month from December 1894 to May 1895. A need for a permanent organist was felt and the church was even willing to pay for instructions on the organ for one of its members. In April 1895, the time of the regular meeting was again changed to the first Tuesday of the month, and has remained so for 52 years.

In September 1895, the LaBelle Mission Sunday School was closed on account of a smallpox epidemic and the advisability of suspending church services for the same reason was considered. In October, the first mention is made of the choir, for whom the music committee was authorized to purchase such books as were needed. In November, the same committee reported hiring a choirmaster, Professor William Clemens, for $8.00 per month. In January of the following year he was given full power to select the members of the choir.

In March 1896, a committee consisting of H. C. Connelly, T. H. Higgins, and a Mr. Simons was appointed to collect facts concerning the early history of the church. The facts collected were used by Mr. Connelly in an article for the "West Virginia Christian," Volume 7, Number 4, published at Parkersburg, West Virginia June 15, 1906. This article was the source of all information used in compiling this present history for the years 1832 through 1868.

A novel method of raising funds for repairs to the organ was proposed in March 1897, when a sale of tickets at $0.50 was conducted, each ticket to furnish one admission to an organ recital to be held after the repairs had been completed. Five hundred copies of the church directory were printed at no cost to the church. The first mention of a parsonage is made in the same month at a special meeting, but no action was taken. In July it was necessary for the church to borrow $250.00 to obtain medical treatment for the pastor, who was, "in all but prostrate condition." On September 23, Rev. Hayden presented his resignation and it was regretfully accepted due to his failing health.

On October 4, 1897, the board appointed Rev. E. J. Hart, who had been the pastor of this church the fifth time, to canvass the Island membership as to the feasibility of establishing a church there. This inquiry met with so much encouragement that a building site or place of meeting was considered to be needed. On November 2, a committee was instituted, "to formulate and present what ways and means can be made available to establish a church on the Island, to be known as the Second Christian Church of Wheeling..." This committee presented the idea of selling 10,000 bonds at $1.00 each. It also presented a draft of a bond, which was corrected and approved.

The secretary was instructed to draw up an endowment plan of giving money to the work of the second church. A formal resolution was drawn up... "That this board proceed to adopt measures to establish a church on the Island to be known as the Second Christian Church of Wheeling," and was passed by a vote of 11 to 2. The Second Christian Church was then organized with trustees W. H. Colvig, W. H. Anderson, and J. B. Somerville.

On February 1, 1898, the elders reported that they had decided upon Rev. C. M. Oliphant of Niles, Ohio, as pastor on terms of $1,100.00 for the first year and $1,200.00 for a second year, should he be reengaged. He was to be granted two weeks' leave of absence in the summer and two in the winter, and to be recuired to fill the pulpit during such periods at his own expense, to begin April 1. In March of 1898, the Second Christian Church reported a Sunday School of 90 and a Ladies Aid Society of 24. It was the opinion of that body that they shculd employ a preacher. A representative group from the newly organized church in Martins Ferry reported a membership of 59 and hoped to arrange with the Island congregation to hire a joint preacher who would give half of his time to each church.

A reception was held for Rev. Oliphant on May 3, and it was observed in the minutes that, "A general feeling of harnony exists and a desire to push forward."

On February 7, 1899 it was decided to build an additional classroom on the south side of the rear end of the Sunday school wing. Throughout the minutes of quite a few years, references were made to a Water Motor for the organ. On July 3, 1899, a fund to be known as the "Water Motor Fund" was established.

The Turn of the Century

At the first meeting of the present century, on January 2, 1900, it was recorded that, "interest has grown and the outlook for the future is encouraging. Audiences have improved." The first Union service at which a representative of this church was called upon to preach was held November 29, 1900 at the English Lutheran Church. On February 5, 1901, the water motor was installed, "and Brother Connally congratulated on the success which crowns his long years of efforts in this direction." This success was not longlived however, for it was just one month later when the water motor froze and burst.

As a move to strengthen the Sunday School and church it was agreed, "that the Elders and Deacons meet the pastor in the study every Lord's Day morning at 10:15 for a fifteen minute service of prayer and consecration." On July 2, 1901, the resignation of Rev. Oliphant was read and accepted, to take effect the last Sunday in September. At that time a question arose, "regarding our paper, 'The Christian Times', from the management of which is removal from the city would necessarily sever him. The paper is selfsustaining and he hoped it would be continued." This is the first mention of a regular church paper published by this church. Unfortunately, no copy can be found and we cannot otherwise be sure of its dates of publication.

In October, the secretary recorded that fact that notice had been served on the Trustees to remove the LaSelle Mission School building by November 23, the lot having been sold. The building was subsequently sold to the Brown Coal and Coke Company for $75.00. In December, the elders were instructed to invite Rev. A. E. Zeigler, of the Hazelwood Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to preach a trial sermon.

In January 1902, the Christian Endeavor Society desired permission to introduce electric lighting in the Sunday School room. In February the church ratified the action of the board in calling Rev. Zeigler at a salary for the first year of $1,203.00, and in March we find him present at the regular monthly meeting. In that month it was announced that the Board of Education was considering the purchase of the church property for the erection of a "New High School," and a standing committee was appointed to ask a price of $35,000.00 or better. At a special meeting the church agreed to donate a window to the new Island Christian Church.

One of the first concerns of the new pastor was to ensure better order and decorum between the closing of Sunday School and the opening of the church service. His degree of success is not recorded. An offer of $30,000.00 cash was made for the church property by the Scottish Rite Masons in June 1902. Seven months later the asking price for the church property, including organ, was set at $32,500.00.

On August 2, 1902, a notice was posted in regard to church letters, wherein the board resolved to, "declare in said letter the true standing of said member...in a kind and Christian manner...to correct the negligence and indifference of those who constantly absent themselves from the house of God." This must have done some good, for the Sunday School attendence reported for the following month was the highest in the history of the church school up to that time. Electric lights were installed and by November the Sunday School was reported as, "in flourishing condition and fast outgrowing its present accommodations."

Annual congregational meetings were evidently held in some years and omitted in others On February 4, 1903, a roll call" meeting was held at which reports for the past year were read and pledges were secured. On March 31, 1903, Rev. Zeigler proposed three reforms:

- that the Chairman of the Board be elected for a one year term;
- that the elders organize in a separate body to have spiritual control over the order and method of public worship and special meetings, the minister being their representative;
- that a proper effort be made to pay the bonded debt, that reports be made periodically by the treasurer to the congregation, that an assistant church clerk be elected, end that all matters of interest be placed before the congregation on the first Wednesday night after their passage in board meeting.

These resolutions were ratified in full on May 5, 1903 and the Board of Elders made its first report in June.

In July, a reception was held for the first pastor of the Island Church. In August the church was closed for repairs and renovation, amounting to $1,971.85. to be opened September 6. The pastor took his annual vacation at this time. On November 5, 1903, the use of gas for illumination was discontinued and electricity was used instead. A Union Thanksgiving service was held with the Island Church with Rev. Scholes, their pastor, officiating. No morning service was held on February 14 due to a fire in the church.

In January 1904, the Sunday School obtained permission to elect its own officers. In February, it was decided that a quorum should consist of eight of the fifteen members of the board. On March 1, the bonded debt of $2,575.00 became due and a loan was floated from the Center Wheeling Savings Bank through the efforts of Elder Dr. J. A. Monroe, who was a director. In April the pastor's contract was renewed and he was granted the priviledge of rearranging the order of worship and changing the invitation hymn, provided that he announced the hymn in time for the choir to be prepared.

The minutes for June 1904. reveal that a choir director and a soprano leader were both being paid by the church. On June 13th, the pastor took a week's leave of absence to help in organizing the churches in Reedsville, Ohio, and Bethany and Ravenswood in West Virginia. In August, the services of the choir director had to be curtailed due to lack of sufficient funds to pay his salary.

On December 6, 1904, we find the last of the minutes written by T. H. Higgins, of whom Rev. W. H. Fields said, "He was one of the church's most faithful servants." The next record available is the article written in 1906, which was mentioned earlier in this history, and tells us that, "...W. H. Fields of Beaver, Pennsylvania was called to succeed Brother Zeigler in 1905...a graduate of Bethany College, and has met with great success in his chosen calling. He was born in Washington (Fayette) County, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1869."

The first official meeting of the Deacons of the church was held September 13, 1907. At that time the deacons organized, elected a chairman and a secretary, and decided to hold monthly meetings and report to the official board. Early in 1908, it was decided that the Deacons should meet in regular session on the last Thursday of each month. On March 1, 1909 this was changed to the last Monday of the month. On March 5, 1910 a standard order of business was adopted by this body. At that time the city was again divided into districts for the purpose of canvassing for church subscriptions. On April 29, 1910, the date of the meeting of the deacons was changed to the last Tuesday of the month. In May it was decided that seven members should constitute a quorum for this meeting. In August, the meeting date was again changed to 7:30 on the first Tuesday of each month. In December 1911, it was moved that the matter of retaining an assistant pastor be left to the church at the annual meeting.

The Sunday School flourished, and the church auditorium was filled for both Sunday services. Additions to the membership were made at the regular services, and especially during protracted meetings, when they literally came by the score. The Billy Sunday campaign brought 475 names to the church and so crowded the building that in 1912, the present edifice was begun. The Masonic dining hall and Second Presbyterian Church were used as meeting places during the interim period when construction was going on. At this time, the Deacon's meetings were held the last Thursday of the month at the Second Presbyterian Church.

The Present Building

On October 19, 1913, the Present church building was dedicated. A bulletin board for the front of the church was ordered on February 26, 1914. In February, 1915, it was decided that Deacons be selected to serve for three months at a time. Records for March of that year indicate that it was then the custom for the deacons to take the offering to the pulpit before retiring. In March 1916, a general canvass of the church membership was made for the purpose of urging the heads of families to pledge $4.00 per year to be paid quarterly. Throughout the year 1916 the financial problems of the church seemed to be especially burdensome. All sorts of ways and means were devised for improving the condition of the budget, but little progress was made. A "Ministerial Cabinet Plan" was put into effect, abandoned, and later revived.

Printed ballots for the year 1917 were used at the congregational meeting. The Pastor's report for that year is on file.. Many of the young men had joined the armed forces, and two of the young women had gone to join the Red Cross nurses. Wheatless, meatless, and coalless days were in full effect. Church attendance was the smallest that year of any of Rev. Field's twelve years of ministry up to that time, but in spite of this, a total of $13,000.00 was raised. Mrs. Hall began work as pastoral helper in that year and did much social service work in the factories.

In April 1918, Mrs. Hall resigned her position and was honored in a resolution of the Official Board. It proved to be another discouraging year as far as attendance was concerned. The church was closed for a period of three months due to an epidemic of influenza. There were many funerals and fewer weddings than during any year of Rev. Fields' long and active ministry. Many boys joined the church before leaving to go to the army. The church raised over $11,000.00.

The next two years were equally difficult and the statement that 1920 had been a banner year had to be qualified as being in every thing except attendance. There seems to have been a feeling that the spiritual side of life had been crushed out. Many weddings were performed for the returned veterans who were ready to set up housekeeping. The church raised almost $25,000.00, the greatest amount brought in during any of the first 88 years of the church.

On April 15, 1921, the Official Board off the church was defined as consisting of the regularly elected Deacons and Elders of the church, and a quorum was defined as consisting of fifteen members. The board was to elect annually a chairman, vice chairman, recording secretary, financial secretary, assistant financial secretary, and to hire an assistant pastor. A complete set of rules was drawn up and printed for each member of the Board. The Deacons were re organized on April 28. On June 7, 1921, a committee reported that it would take $5,000.00 to place the parsonage in proper condition and was recommended that $300.O0 be spent on temporary repairs. A vacation was enjoyed by the pastor during the month of August. Mrs.Ha11 had again assumed the duties of pastoral assistant, but was compelled to resign them in January of the following year on account of ill health.
The year 1923 was a prosperous one for the country at large, but was not such a good one for the church. Rev. Fields was laid up for three months after an operation and was ready to go to work just as the summer slump came on. Even autumn brought no apparent revival of interest. Meetings during the week fell off almost completely. On the good side of the ledger, the Christian Endeavor Society was able to make a favorable report on the year's efforts, and Sunday school managed to present five cancelled bonds to the church.

The presidential and congressional elections offered distraction to serious church work in 1924, and the problems of being a downtown church, away from the residential districts of the city, first began to dawn upon the more active membership. Money raised, "would not run a cent less than $20,000.00" according to the Pastor's report. First mention is made in this year of the Week day Bible School, "so efficiently superintended by Brother Turnbull and his wife, Mrs. Witzberger and Mrs. Giesey."

No big things were accomplished for or by the church in 1925. The tendency for the people to move to the suburbs was still growing. Mrs. Witzberger is mentioned at this time as a very efficient church secretary. Miss Rebecca Wilson and Mrs. Arm strong, Mrs. Coe, and Mrs. Koehnline are listed as being helpers in the Weekday Bible School. Mr. Turnbull was serving as assistant pastor.

In the report for 1927, the Pastor makes mention of a proposal that the church should buy property between the city proper and E1m Grove, as a site for future building. It was in that year that we, in conjunction with the First Christian Church of Cameron, borrowed money from the Board of Church Extension of the American Thristian Missionary Society for the purpose of paying off the indebtedness on the church building at Beech Bottom.

The next two years passed rapidly and the report for 1929 is full of the three-month tour of the Holy Land that Rev, and Mrs. Fields made. Attendance at all services was beginning to improve and a spirit of greater enthusiasm seemed to be in the air. The year was unique in that the church was free of debt and the parsonage debt was entirely paid. When Rev. Fields had come, 24 years earlier, the church had been under the burden of a $2,500.OO debt for renovating the old building. That debt was paid off, as was the debt on the new building. In addition to his regular 7 duties, Rev. Fields delivered many talks on Palestine that year.

On October 5, 1930, Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Fields celebrated their silver jubilee, at which time the beloved pastor preached an anniversary sermon on "My Aim Through the Years," commemorating a quarter century of service to the church here.

In 1931, the church was feeling the adverse effects of the depression and was being called upon repeatedly to render financial assistance. Debts were again beginning to accumulate, but attendance appeared to be on the increase.

In 1932, the church celebrated its centennial and published a booklet to commemorate the occasion. For this booklet, Rev. Fields wrote an account of the church and its missionary outgrowth. Facts not covered by other records of the church were printed therein, particularly the organization of Sunday Schools at Warwood and Elm Grove. The church bought two lots in Warwood which it turned over to that church when it was ready to organize. Sixty six members went to the Warwood church, and the same number to the church in Elm Grove when it was organized. In this same article, Rev. Fields gave credit to the Women's Missionary Society for supporting Stanley Weaver in Africa for many years.

On October 3, 1937, a service was held honoring Rev. Fields who had retired from the active ministry at the end of the previous month after having "served this congregation from September 1905 to September 1937 with inspiring vision, persistent labor, countless deeds of love, prophetic courage and steadfast faith. Mrs. Fields has been a faithful co-laborer." A reception was held for William Haney McKinney, the new pastor, who had been called from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on October 28 of that year.

Included in the recommendations of the nominating committee on January 19, 1938 was the following:
To the Office and Title of Pastor-Emertus of
First Christian Church of Wheeling
Brother W. H. Fields

This action was ratified by the congregation at its annual meeting.

Easter week in 1939 was a busy and memorable time for this church. A service of preaching was held each night and all other organizational meetings were postponed. Rev. McKinney began Easter morning by being the speaker at the Oglebay Sunrise Service. The special offering was collected with the purpose of removing $850 of the most pressing debts. Over $700.00 was raised and the ap peal was continued to raise the remaining $l50.O0.

On October 6, 1940, this church held a celebration of its one hundred and eighth anniversary, and a booklet was printed for the occasion. Under the title, "What Has Been Done," a brief review of the church history was presented which included the following:

The renovation of our present building...received its initial "push"...about two years ago when Brother W. B. "Uncle Billie" Jones, who visits us annually from Charlottesville, Va...stopped and left a check for $500.00 as a "nest egg" to attract money for the needed renovation...the church board adopted two big aims for the year.
1. To finish paying off the mortage on the church.
2. To redecorate the church.

The Thanksgiving offering for 1939 helped to make the final payment on the $4,300,00 mortgage in favor of the Beech Bottom Church. Starting with a fund of $790.88, a goal of $9,000.00 was set for renovation. At the time of the rally Day Celebration in 1940, $7,800.00 had been received. R. P. Truxell and Phil Miller were accordfed special thanks for their shared in the project. In August, 1941, a circular letter went out to those who had donated $100.00 to the Renovation Fund, giving each donor the right to select a name to be carried on a bronze placue, to be known as the Memorial Plaque. On October 7,8, and 9 of 1941 the church was to host the State Convention of Christian Churches. That was the last big activity before the declaration of World War II.

The war brought to the Pastor's mind his own experiences in the former conflict and he felt that he could be of greater service to God and to his fellowmen as an Army Chaplin. Consequently, he volunteered his services to the Chief of Chaplins and was one of the first ministers from our entire district to go, though many who stayed at their pulpits were younger. The church was $400.00 behind on salary agreements at this time, and a special offering was held on Friday evening, June 12, at the church. Rev. McKinney delivered his last sermon as pastor of thIs church on June 14, 1942, reporting to Camp Lee, Virginia, on the following day.

Dr. Boothe was employed as interim pastor until the arrival of Rev. Maurice W. Fogle, who was called from the church in St. Louis, Missouri. Arriving in the fall, the new pastor was rushed almost immediately into two major undertakings. . . the fall finance campaign and the Weekday Bible School. Rev. Fogle helped to reorganize the Sunday School, and was also busy as a writer for the Bethany Church School Guide and the Christian Evangelist. writing an article as well as the Sunday School lesson for one quarter in the latter.

The Easter season of 1943 is still remembered for a series of sermons on "Opening Doors for God," and the fall of that year found good attendance for a series on the principles of church membership. Interest was shown in the midweek prayer meetings for a series of talks "The Meaning of Christian Experience." In addition to these spoken messages, the Pastor continued to write and contribute weekly meditations to Hearthstone, and a series of Sunday Schbol lessons for the Bethany Quarterly. A new Living Link Missionary was secured in the person of Miss Betty McCaw. Between $3,000.00 and S3,500.00 was removed from the church debt, over and above running expenses.

As the third year of the war dragged on, the church maintained an even keel. Additional pledges were made to the church, and the Thanksgiving offering brought in over $1,000.00. A series of sermons on dedication and one on stewardship may be considered as partially responsible for this additional giving.

As chairman of the Department of InterChurch Cooperation for the Greater Wheeling Council of Churches, Rev. Fogle led that body in an effort to reform the city in regard to gambling and drinking. He also was chairman of the International Convention, and of a Board of Fifteen which was appointed to study the problem of Christian education. The church contributed nearly $400.00 to special war work.

In the year l945 the church was served by three different ministers: by Maurice Fogle until March 15; by Dwight Stevenson of Bethany from Narch 15 to July 15; and by the present minister, Rev. Hubert L. Barnett, who was called from the church in Yarion, Illinois. He is the sixteenth regular, fulltime minister of this congregation. It was during the interim period that Pastor-Emeritus W. H. Fields went to join his master, and the funeral sermon was preached at the church on Sunday, June 4, by Rev. Stevenson. Considering the difficult time through which the church was passing, a high level of attendance was maintained, also interest and general participation. The end of World War II brought the return of many men from the armed forces.

A citywide religious census was conducted by the Greater Wheeling Council of Churches on February 20, 1916. This resulted in a great program of evangelism too recent to have been forgotten. A total of 70 new members were received during that year. Rev. Barnett accepted additional responsibilities as chairman of the State Adult Work Committee for the Brotherhood and Chairman of the Department of Christian Education of the Greater Wheeling Council of Churches.
 

1947 until June 17, 1973

(This account of the history of the church from 1947 until June 17, 1973 was compiled by Dr. Hubert L. Barnett with assistance by Mrs. John W. Blazier, and Mrs. Eugene V. Sloan on the observance of the cornerstone laying of the church building at 1343 National Road Wheeling. With respect to the efforts of Dr. Barnett and his assistants, the account was transferred to the website exactly as it was originally written and filed with the Ohio County Public Library on March 7, 1978.)

1946 was a busy year, starting with our participation in a Brotherhood Planning Conference held in Huntington. In February, the Greater Wheeling Council Of Churches conducted a city-wide religious census, and First Christian Church received more cards than any one other church. In March, a new class for older young people was organized, with Mrs. Irvin J. Koehnline as its first teacher. This filled a big hole in our church school program.

The church Finance Committee took a good look at our stewardship and recommended to the Board that we make plans for increasing the strength of this part of the church life. The Win-A-Couple Class held a well-remembered Calendar Party, where the program was a miniature wedding, with small children of the church taking the leading parts.

In the summer, Dr. William A. Shullenberger, pastor of Central Christian Church of Indianapolis, Indiana, came to be the Oglebay Vesper speaker and also preached at our church in the morning. At a Men's Fellowship Dinner, Dr. B. R. Weimer, professor of biology at Bethany College was the speaker. Near the end of the year, the Christian Youth Fellowship presented a three-act mystery comedy, "Three Bright Girls" to a large and appreciative audience.

The first order of business in 1947 was a visit by Ralph E. Valentine, State Secretary, made at the request of our board. He and the minister visited every home in the church over a two-week period, challenging the members to make new pledges that would provide a comprehensive program in the church. The budget was thus doubled in this two-week period.

Wheeling was asked to host a special area meeting for the presentation of the national program, "Crusade for a Christian World". Over 800 attended from Christian Churches in the Panhandle District. In the Fall, Dr. Harry Ice of Bethany College started a "Timothy Program" whereby churches contributed toward the college expenses of pre-ministerial students. Vernon Blankinship of Huntington was in Wheeling one Sunday and was introduced as our "Timothy" for the year.

In June, Mrs. J. A. Baughman resigned as church secretary, and in her place we called Miss Sylvia Wolford of Cleveland to serve as Director of Religious Education, with certain secretarial duties included. A Bell and Howell movie projector was purchased and dedicated. From October 26 to November 2, the 115th anniversary of the church was celebrated, with William H. McKinney, former minister of the church returning for the final service on Sunday.

An important event in 1948 was the return of Miss Ruth I. Mitchell from India where she serves as a missionary nurse and head of the Nursing School in Jackman Memorial Hospital at Bilaspur.

The Board of Elders drew up a "Message to the Congregation", choosing to emphasize our participation in The Crusade For a Christian World. The church set a goal of $11,748.00 for itself, to be raised in several years.

The member who had been in First Church the longest, Mrs. Emma Schul, passed away. Shortly thereafter, we received 10 shares of U. S. Steel stock. This was the start of a permanent fund in the church.

Miss Sylvia Wolford resigned her position in May to take work in Cleveland. Miss Lois Murrin, daughter of our Elder, John Murrin, became church secretary, a position which she held with distinction until her marriage in 1953.

At this time the Women's Missionary Society was growing weaker, and a big step forward was taken by the organizing of a Women's Council, with Mrs. M. B. Hamilton as the first president. Later on, in keeping with the national pattern, the name was changed to The Christian Women's Fellowship. The Council helped greatly in entertaining the annual State Convention of Christian Churches which was held in our church in October. The Island Christian Church cooperated with us in preparing for the convention.

At this time there was a national movement on foot to bring a union of the Christian Churches and the Northern Baptist Churches, so on November 14 the ministers of the two churches in Wheeling exchanged pulpits. This was repeated the following year, but ultimately the national movement failed to bring about a union and the project was dropped.

Early in 1949, the men of the church reported that they wanted to purchase an automatic gas conversion burner. They had quick success in raising funds and installed the best equipment avail able at a cost of $1,270.00. Miss Ruth Mitchell made a final appearance in our church in April before returning to India. The Women's Council assisted in the farewell by holding a reception in her honor in Fellowship Hall. The Women's Council adopted a project of establishing end furnishing a church parlor.

Over the years, First Church was blessed by visits of many of our great national leaders. On Woman's Day the speaker was Mr. John McCaw, national Director of Student Work.

By l950 a general annual program had come into being, which included the following:

A Week-day Bible School from September to May. This has been a part of our church life for years.
Also continued were four special offerings for world out reach on Easter, Children's Day, Thanksgiving, and also on Christmas Sunday.
An evangelistic emphasis, with calling by the laymen between January 1 and Easter.
The celebration of Youth Week
Spiritual Life services in Lent
A pastor's class for children and youth in preparation for church membership.
Candlelight Communion service on Maundy Thursday. A Good Friday service in cooperation with the Fourth Street Methodist Church.
Stewardship emphasis from Easter to Pentecost, including the annual every member canvas for pledges.
Sending delegates to the summer camps and conferences for Junior High and Senior High students.
Using the summer months to make plans for the church program from September to June.
Celebration of World Wide Communion Sunday.
Rally Day and Christian Education Weak in September.
Laymen's Day in November.
Women's Day in December.
Gathering The Gifts of food in the Christmas season for needy families.
Christmas Eve service, with candle lighting.
Student recognition Sunday on last Sunday of the year.
Church Family Dinners held at intervals through the active season, mostly with covered dish style meals.
An annual all-church and church school picnic.

A city-wide Preaching Mission was sponsored by the Council of Churches in January 1950, with outstanding preachers of several denominations. First Christian Church cooperated. The State Convention was held in Boyd Memorial Christian Church, Charleston, with our minister, Mr. Barnett, as president.

In the Fall, Dr. L. N. D. Wells, retired minister of the East Dallas Christian Church, came for a preaching mission. The purpose was not evangelistic in terms of new members, but in terms of reactivation and rededication. Our Women's Day speaker was Dr. James A. Cram, head of the Department of Social Service of the United Christian Missionary Society.

In 1951, another city-wide preaching mission was held, with our minister serving as president of the Council of Churches at the time. In March, the Christian Women's Fellowship renovated the pastor's study. In December, the C.W.W. purchased a davenport and two overstuffed chairs for the church parlor.

In April, a Panhandle District Men's Rally was held in our church with Mark Rutherford, national men's work leader, as speaker. In May, we received 15 shares of Southern Pacific Railroad stock from the estate of Miss Etta N. Roberts. This was added to the Permanent Fund. In October, a goal of $1,500.00 was set for our contribution to the restoration fund of the Alexander Campbell Home in Bethany. One later report shows that $636.00 had been received, and there may have been more added later.

In 1952, C. W. F. announced an ambitious program, including the completion of the church parlor, which was accomplished. A strong evangelistic program resulted in the receiving of 23 new members on Palm Sunday.

In October, a Chi Rho Fellowship for Junior High students was organized, and George M. Miller served as adult counselor. A 120th Anniversary Celebration was held on November 19. Our Timothy at Bethany College this year was Merrill Specht. Mrs.W. H. Fields, wife of a former minister, passed away in December.

1953 started out as a clean-up year. The sanctuary was completely redecorated in January, and later, volunteers from the membership painted several church school rooms. C. Y. F. and Chi Rho (Senior High s and Junior Highs) took care of their own large assembly room and classrooms. Christian Women's Fellowship had an active year with too many interests to be listed. Among them were the holding of a book review program when Rabbi Joseph Wagner of the Synagogue of Israel reviewed "Adventure in Two Worlds"; the sending of monthly boxes of bandages, children's clothing, etc) to our living link missionary, Miss Ruth Mitchell in India; (This program continued for many years until Miss Mitchell closed her work at Jackman Memorial Hospital in Eilaspur in 1973); and the holding of a public dinner in the fall.

Miss Lois Murrin resigned as church secretary in the summer, when she was married to Richard Fawcett. Another of our members, Miss Patricia Martin, became secretary. The church celebrated the 25th anniversary of Mr. Barnett's ordination in October, with Dr. Ralph Valentine, State Secretary, and Dr. Lester McAllister of Bethany College as speakers. Mrs. Russell Putnam of Cleveland, Ohio, president of International C.W.F. was Women's Day speaker.

First Christian carried on a strong youth program for many years as these items for 1954 will show. Chi Rho Fellowship carried through on a project of collecting books for the Hazel Green Academy, a Christian Church School in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Our youth groups hosted the Panhandle Youth Rally in January, with over 300 young people present from Christian Churches. C.Y.F. held a Parent's Night which was an annual event for several years. We entertained a State Youth Workshop in April, and in the same month our C.Y.F. spent an inspiring and happy weekend in cabins at Oglebay Park. This too was an annual event for several years. Chi Rho made a visit to the Alexander Campbell Home in Bethany. Miss Foresta Flouhouse, one of our young women, was appointed as our "Timothy" for the year at Bethany College. The church Junior Choir appeared on WTRF-TV Chapel of the Air and sang several times in Sunday morning worship services.

In the Fall of l954. our church was host to a large Ohio Valley Christian Church Rally. Over 500 members of churches on both sides of the Ohio River were in attendance. Also in the Fall, the minister was elected to membership on the board of Trustees of The College of the Bible, our seminary at Lexington, Kentucky. A Christian Men's Fellowship was organized and the first meeting was held in November. This venture was difficult to maintain however, as it was hard to get men to attend another night meeting, and after a year or two it became inactive. Our interest in State and National Men's Work was maintained by appointing a Men's Work Committee.

Early in 1955, two new Church School Classes were formed to fill a void in our program. One was for graduates of high school to age 24, which took the name, Young Disciples. The other was for young adults and they selected the name Merri-Mates. Their progress was slow at first, but they gained momentum as time went on and became important groups in the church. The Win-A-Couple Class of adults took on the project of improving and redecorating one of the baptismal dressing rooms

For sometime the leaders had been aware of the need for a written church constitution, so a special Constitutional committee was appointed to draw up such a document. The committee held many meetings and worked very hard on the project and it was two years before the results were presented to the congregation.

In November 1955, the church secretary, Mrs. Russell Snodgrass (nee Patricia Martin) resigned and was replaced by Miss Jo Ann Crawford, who was to hold this position for over eleven years. In December, our church hosted the city-wide Junior Choir Festival sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. The large combined Junior Choir sang a program of Christmas carols, and this too was an item that was repeated many times.

In January 1956, the Official Board appointed a Committee on Advance Program to make a comprehensive study of the needs of First Church on all fronts. This representative committee held many meetings, and here really, was the start of the movement which finally led to the erection of a church building on the site at l343 National Road. In February the church ordained Richard Laslo of Bethany College to the ministry. Mr. Laslo came to Bethany from Pennsylvania and made decision for the ministry under the influence of the school. Therefore, the school asked us to be the ordaining institution, which we were glad to do after thorough investigation.

In May, Miss Ruth Mitchell came home for another furlough from her work in India. In the Fall, the church requested the help of the Board of Church Extension in the study of our needs, and Mr.Rollin Mosher, architect, came to assist us.

In 1957, the West Virginia Christian Missionary Society, our state organization, brought Dr. Bayne Driskell of Oklahoma to the state for a series of Evangelistic Campaigns in our churches. The Wheeling program got under way in January when Dr. Driskell visited us and a goal of 66 new members was set. A definite program of preparation was followed, and in March Dr. Driskell spent a week with us conducting a visitation campaign, and on March 24, eighty-four new members united with the church.

In February 1957, George M. Miller, our Sunday School Superintendent, sold his Crystal Springs Water company and entered the ministerial training program at Bethany College. He was appointed our "Timothy" by the college. Also in February, Mr. Philip Miller, our custodian for 18 years, retired, and Mr. David Greer took over the work. In May, the work of the Constitution Committee was finished, and the new constitution which they had developed was adopted by the congregation. Also, three church school adult classes, the Willing Gleaners, the Loyal Women, and the Men's Class united to become the United Adult Class.

On October 3rd and 6th, the 125th anniversary of the church was celebrated with a large dinner on the 3rd, and special worship services on the 6th. Dr. A. Dale Fiers, President of the United Christian Missionary Society, was the speaker. At this time, the church received a bequest from Miss Elizabeth Higgins in the form of 100 shares of American Gas Transmission stock, all of which was added to the permanent funds.

The General Board took two important steps in October, authorizing the Department of Christian Education to seek a Director of Religious education for the church, and establish a special Building Fund to which any member could make gifts as they desire.

In 1958, Christian Women's Fellowship was host to the meeting of the State Board of Directors of C.W.F. On May 13 they sponsored a "Family Night" at the church, announcing a "Miscellaneous Program". It was actually a surprise "This Is Your Life" program honoring the minister, Hubert L. Barnett.

On July 1, Miss Foresta Flouhouse, one of our own who had finished her studies at Bethany College, was called to be Director of Religious Education. This summer brought an end to an era in the musical life of the church when Mrs. Robert Upton resigned as our Organist-Director. She was followed by Mrs. Albert M. Erickson. The Young Disciples Class was reorganized and changed its name to Disciples Fellowship Class. George H. Miller, our Bethany "Timothy" became student minister of the Island Christian Church. Under his leadership the church enjoyed an effective program, and grew in membership and power.

Inasmuch as the first State Convention of West Virginia Christian Churches was held in Wheeling, our Board extended an invitation to the State Organization to hold the Centennial Convention here in 1959. This invitation was subsequently accepted. The Island Church cooperated in this endeavor.

In 1959 the big event was preparing for the Centennial State Convention. Dr. Earl Core of Morgantown was president. Speakers included Dr. Jesse M. Bader of the National Council of Churches; Dr. A. Dale Fiers; Dr. Perry Gresham, President of Bethany College; and Dr. Mae Yoho Ward of the United Christian Missionary Society. In the Fall, a Self-Study Program was started under the director ship of Arthur Stanley, National Director of Urban Work.

In 1960 the church sent the minister and wife to the World Convention of our churches in Edinburgh, Scotland. They decided to join the Bethany College European Studytour, and toured several countries in Europe before getting to the convention, On returning to the United States, they attended the International Convention of Christian Churches in Louisville, Kentucky, where the "Decade of Decision" was launched. This was a comprehensive program of church service and development. Our "Timothies" at Bethany College were Miss Flo Anna Ross of our church, and Larry Grimes of Russellville, Indiana.

In January, 1961, Mr. Roland Shafer of the Coard of Church Extension in Indianapolis, Indiana, visited with us to help develop plans for the future of the church. It had appeared for some time that the day must come when the church should relocate to an area closer to our membership, and where the congestion and parking problems would not be so great; also to provide more desirable and adequate church school facilities. Later in the year, on September 17, the congregation voted to accept the recommendation of the General Board, that the church decide to relocate and search for a suitable site. Mr. James D. Drum was appointed chairman of the committee. Its work was very difficult, however, as adequate ground was hard to find in Wheeling. After an initial search, the effort died down, though never quite stopped, until a special opportunity presented itself in l964.

In 1962, the sanctuary was redecorated in the Fall. The Board voted to establish a new organ fund, as our 1913 Estey Organ was deteriorating badly. It is one of the very last pneumatic organs manufactured and needed to be completely electrified. Mr. Kenneth G. Marsh constructed a beautiful stand for our Book of Memory. The 130th was marked by a special Sunday Service in of gold anodized aluminum communionware was presented to the church, and the young people presented a portrait of the minister which was hung in the vestibule, along with that of Dr. William H. Fields and Miss Ruth Mitchell.

1963 brought two bequests to the church: $100.00 from the family or John Plunkott in his memory, and $500.00 from the estate of William J. Stone. On March 17, our "Timothy", George M. Miller, was ordained to the Christian Ministry, with elders of the Island Church also participating. Mrs. Eugene V. Sloan joined the staff of the church as a part-time worker, especially in the field of directing the Weekday Bible School and as editor of the "wheeling Christian", our parish paper. Miss Ruth Mitchell came home on furlough from India. The minister was appointed to the National Commission on Restructure of the Christian Churches. In November a special service was held to honor those members who had been in the church 50 years or more.

The year 1964 started out with a special dinner honoring the teachers, officers and assistants of the Church School and the Weekday school. It was soon followed by the 'Ruth Mitchell Night", when out Living Link Missionary was honored and spoke. In March the church participated in the nation-wide program of Chain of Prayer for Evangelism. On Palm Sunday, designated as "Decision Day", 27 new members were received into the church.

On February 23, 1964 the New Site Committee reported that it had found a possible location, and the church voted to take a 90-day option on the Wilson property in Highland Park, Elm Grove. A representative of the Board of Church Extension came and looked it over and decreed, "You will be one block from success in this location since it is not on a heavily traveled street." The option was not exercised.

On June 7, 1964, Bethany College conferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity upon the minister Hubert L. Barnett, Dr. Perry Gresham making the conferral as president of the college. On June 27, the church held one of a series of all-church picnics at Wheeling Park.

A very historic event occurred on Sunday, July 12, 1964 when the congregation, in a special business session at 7:30 P. M., voted by a large majority to purchase "The old Stifel home and property" at 1343 National Road, from the present owner, Dr. Linton, at a cost of $67,000.00. This property comprises 13 acres which extends from the "Pike" to the very top of the hill, and has long been one of the show places of Wheeling. On the following Sunday a special "Thank Offering" of $4,535.00 in cash was received from members of the church. Dr. William T. Pearcy, President of the Board of Church Extension met with our leaders, approved the site, and its purchase was completed on September 1. Dr. Pearcy was our guest Director of a building Fund Finance Campaign which started on October 30 and climaxed on December 13. The goal was $54,600.00. Pledges received totaled $61,347.00 to be paid over a three-year period - a great victory. Two brothers, John B. Cole and Fred F. Cole, were co-chairmen of the campaign.

1965- The finance campaign having been a success, a new Study Committee and a Building Plans Committee were appointed, with Mrs. Richard Kinder and Mr. James D. Drum serving as chairmen. In April, Mr. Charles J. Betts, of the Board of Church Extension, visited us, surveyed the property, and made general recommendations for building plans, and a schedule. The plans included a sanctuary, a fellowship hell, and offices in the first stage. They were to be one-story buildings. Church School classes would meet in the fellowship ball, and in the mansion that stands on the property. The property was designated as Christian Acres. It was soon rented to a doctor at $250.00 per month.

In the summer, 1965, Mr. Charles E. Crank, who had recently succeeded Ralph E. Valentine as State Secretary, or Executive State Minister as he is now called, preached for the first time in our church. Another summer guest was Maurice Fogle, former minister of the church, speaking both at our morning worship service and at the evening Oglebay Vesper Service.

A Photo Directory of the church membership was published, a copy of which is placed in the cornerstone of the building at 1343 National Road, along with this history.

In September l965, the church received a magnificent gift from Mr. and Mrs. John N. Miller, now residing in Sarasota, Florida. They presented their Wheeling home, located on Chapel Road in Bethlehem, to the church. It was valued at $26,500.O0. After careful discussion, the church decided to sell the home and have the proceeds for investment, which it did soon, receiving $23,000.00 from the sale.

Early in 1966, a special "Fill A Pew Sunday" was a success, with practically every pew in the church filled. In March, the firm of Kerr, Knapp and Crawfis, architects of New Philadelphia, Ohio, was engaged t make plans for the new building at Christian Acres. About the same time, the building at 2112 Market Street was put on the market for sale, with Mr. Robert Cren as realtor. In May, Mrs. Eugene V. Sloan closed her work as Pastor's Assistant, due to the fact that Mr. Sloan had been transferred to Baltimore, Maryland by the B & O Railroad. In September, Mrs. Richard Kinder became editor of "The Wheeling Christian". In November, the Building Plans Committee started visiting new churches with Mr. Marr, to get ideas for our own structure.

Early in 1967, Christian Women's Fellowship published a special cook book of recipes submitted by women of the church. Price, $l.50. In March a Deputation Team from Bethany College visited our church one Sunday and the students taught youth and adult classes. In the worship service, our "Timothy" and fellow church member, Norman Witthuhn, preached the sermon. On April 2, the congregation met to receive and act on plans developed by Mr. Marr for the new building. The general plans were accepted and authority given to proceed with making working plans and blueprints.

A subject of national interest in the Christian Churches at this time was that of Restructure. Dr. Barnett was a member of the National Commission, and on April 23, an open meeting was held in First Church to hear about and discuss the whole idea. There were many questions asked, some objections, but on the whole, general acceptance of the plans as developed to that time.

On June 30, 1967, Mrs. John Blazier (Jo Ann Crawford) closed her work as office secretary after ll 1/2 years of excellent service. It should be mentioned that Mr. Blazier is the person who put us in touch with Dr. Linton in 1964 when the property at 1343 National Road was to be sold. Had it not been for his quick thinking, the property would probably have gone to commercial developers. In deed, they had the realtor ask if we would accept $100,000.00 for it not very long after we purchased it.

For the first time, the International Convention was to be a delegate convention for voting. Our church was entitled to voting delegates, so it decided to pay the expenses of such delegates. They were Mr. & Mrs. Clarence H. Harris and the minister. The Harrises and the Barnetts attended the convention in St. Louis.

Since Building Fund pledges would expire December 31 this year, a second campaign was held in October for pledges to Start January 1. John and Fred Cole were again the co-chairnen, and James Drum was chairman of the important Advance Pledges Committee. Mr. Harold Watkins was our guest Director. The goal was $55,000.00. The campaign resulted in pledges totaling $50,400.00, with promise of more to come, which did happen.

On April 15, 1968, final paymetn was made on the $60,000.00 note at Wheeling Dollar Bank & Trust Company. This was the amount borrowed to pay for Christian Acres, and the church did a fine job in paying for it in just a little over three years.

It now appeared that construction of the new building would begin in the near future, perhaps by the middle of 1969. Dr. Barnett did not want to leave the pastorate in the midst of the construc tion process (He would be 65 years old in August 1969), so on June 16, 1968 he announced that he would retire on January 1, 1969. On July 1, Nrs. Margaret Denney Hociota became church secretary.

A Pulpit Supply Committee was appointed, with Mr. Robert Jarrett as chairman. On November 24, 1968, it was recommended to the church that a call be extended to Thomas G. Kerns, minister of the Bethany Christian Church in Richmond, Virginia. The vote was completely favorable and Mr. Kerns accepted the call, saying he would come on March 1, 1969. On December 31, 1968, Mrs. Albert Erickson closed her work as choir director, after eleven years of fine service to the church. Mrs. Robert Upton agreed to return to the organ console for a six-month period.

In 1969, Dr. Barnett continued to serve as minister until March 1. At a farewell dinner the last of February, he was honored with the title Minister Emeritus, and presented with a purse of $l,ll7.O0, plus $100.00 from the Island Christian Church. On March 1, Dr. and Mrs. Barnett went to Clarksburg, West Virginia for a six-months interim ministry. They had served First Church for 23 1/2 years.

A very interesting event took place on February 1, 1969. The Barnetts, having decided to reside in Wheeling after retiring, had a home built in the new subdivision known as North Park. A dozen select men of the church, under the leadership of Clyde Hudson and Richard Kinder, appeared at the parsonage at 8:00 A. M. with a rented truck and their personal cars. In less than three hours, these men had moved all of the belongings to the new home, set up the appliances, and had things in operation. The Barnetts ate breakfast in the parsonage and lunch in their new home!

On March 1, 1969, Thomas G. Kerns, with his wife Barbara and five children, took up residence in the parsonage at 6 Laurel Avenue. The church gave them a warm welcome. Shortly, all were involved in entertaining the Centennial Convention of the Christian Churches, which was held April 24-26. In early October Mr. Marr delivered blue prints and specifications for the new building and these were put out to contractors fcr bids on the project. In November, Rick Hall, a senior at Bethany College, began work as Student Assistant to the Minister, an arrangement worked out by Mr. Kerns.

On November 5, bids on the building were opened, with disappointing results that brought great discouragement to the church. The architect had estimated that the cost would be about $175,000.00. The bids ranged from $236,000.00 to $287,000.00. The plans were returned to the architect who was requested to see if anything could be done to bring the cost down to an acceptable level. Late in the year the church received a bequest of $2,000.00 from the wills of Mrs. James Z. Baker. Because of the Baker's interest in and faithfulness to the church choir, the money was placed in the New Organ Fund.

On January 21, 1970, a special Board meeting was held to hear a report from the Building Plans Committee. The architect's changes had not reduced costs substantially, so the committee recommended that all bids be rejected, the committee be dissolved, and the Board re-evaluate the whole program of relocating. This recommendation was adopted, and sincere gratitude was expressed to the committee for its long and arduous labors. The committee was composed of James Drum, chairman, John Blazier, Fred Cole, John Cole, Mrs. Richard Kinder, Kenneth Marsh, Robert Meador, Gene Murrin, Wat Neuhart, Ned Sheats, Mrs. F. E. Spear, and Mrs. Louis Rapp.

In January Miss Ruth Mitchell left for India, for what would probably be her last term of service before retirement. In March there was much emphasis on the national program of Reconciliation and plans were made for our participation in raising money to effect better relationships with minority groups. Also, in March, Mr. Vernon Blankinship of the Board of Church Extension came to meet with a special committee to discuss the future program and direction of the church. Out of the conference came a recommendation that a new Self Study Committee be appointed. This was done, with Mrs. Richard Kinder as chairman.

In July Mrs. Margaret Hociota resigned as Church Secretary to take a trip around the world, visiting many of our mission stations, after which she became Associate Executive Minister of The Christian Churches in West Virginia for Women's Work. Mr. John Whiteside, a Junior Pre-ministerial Student at Bethany College began his work as a summer assistant. Later, David Murray, a "Timothy" of First Christian was ordained at the church he served in Joliet, Montana. In September, Miss Jan Campbell, a Junior at Bethany came to the church staff for part-time work, and shortly thereafter the church newspaper noted that "Youth work is buzzing in First Christian". A Constitution Committee was appointed, with Robert Reeves as chairman, to make suggestions for amending the document.

In October, Christian Women's Fellowship presented a set of liturgical cloths and stoles which the women had made in the appropriate seasonal colors. In November 1970 a very significant step was taken when the church Board authorized the appointment of a committee to enter into talks with the Island Christian Church to consider what we might do for the betterment of both of the churches. Several meetings were held, including one which was attended.by the Executive Minister, Charles E. Crank.

1971. The joint First Church -Island Church Committee soon began to think in terms of the two churches uniting in a ministry to the total community, with a new man to be called to help with the work. At the March 1971 Board meeting, the special committee recommended that we begin such a joint ministry at a cost of approximately $12,000.00, each church to provide about $6,000.00 of the fund which would bring another minister on the field. The Board approved the recommendation, and the committee was authorized to proceed.

Another very important event was a special meeting of the congregation on Sunday evening, May 18. On recommendation of the Self Study Committee, the church voted to appoint a new Building Plans Committee to draw up plans for a new building at Christian Acres which would cost about $200,000.00. The committee was composed of Thomas Lantz, chairman, Larry Baker, Carson Cox, James Drum, Eileen Kibby, Elwood Beihl, Mrs. Barbara Kerns, Thomas Kerns, and Judy Reeves.

In April 1971, Mrs. John E. Cole became the organist for the church, and Mrs. Donna Jancura the Choir Director. On Sunday, June 6, another special meeting of the congregation was held at 7:30 P. M. to act on the report of the Constitution Committee. The new constitution was adopted. It was a document "which provides for more flexibility in the work of the church and shows a willingness on the part of the congregation to enter more fully into the ecumenical area". This last referred to the new provision for receiving persons into the membership who were actively related to churches of other denominations. In October the Department of Membership revised and updated the church roll, finding that there were 437 families represented with a total membership of about 900, including both participating and non-participating. A bequest of $3O0.00 was received from the estate of Mrs. Lorena Johnson and added to the permanent funds.

On November 28, the congregation of First Christian and the congregation of Island Christian held separate business meetings, and both approved a call to the Rev. D. Jack Myers of Lebanon, Indiana to form a team ministry with Rev. Thomas G. Kerns in the two churches.

On January 1, 1972, Mr. and Mrs. Myers and their two children arrived and took residence at 986 National Road. The team ministry is unique in that both men serve both churches, and only one minister is involved in sermon preparation each week. The Island Church changed their worship time to 9:30 A. M. and First Church changed to l0:50 A. M. A Joint Committee on Ministry met re gularly to assess the program and keep the two churches working in harmony.

On February 16, 1972, the congregation received details of a new building from Mr. Marr, the architect, and voted to accept it. In the new plan, the building would be two-storied instead of one, with ground level access to each level. A fellowship hall with some classrooms would be on the lower level, and the sanctuary and offices would be on the second. The approximate cost-$2l5,0O0.

At a later date, it was decided to place the offices on the first floor so that classrooms would be available on the sanctuary level for adult classes. This would be an aid to adults who have difficulty climbing stairs. Classes for children and youth would meet in the mansion. At this time the Board voted to put the Market Street building up for sale again, together with land at Christian Acres which will not be used, principally land above the Carmel Road junction with our property.

At the suggestion of Mr. Marr, the Board decided to employ a "Construction Co-ordinator' - a person qualified in the building field who would secure bids directly to the church, and not to a general contractor. Mr. Marr explained that such a plan would save at least 5%. The Board was fortunate in securing Mr. Willard Postlewait to assume this function. A Construction Committee was appointed to act for the church in the building process. Its members were: Tom Lantz, chairman, James Drum, Thomas Kerns, Everly Crouser, and Carson Cox. Much credit goes to this committee for its tireless attention to numberless details - a work which goes on at the time of this writing and cornerstone laying.

On May 14. the congregation voted approval of the final building plans. Since there had been no Building Fund pledges in force since December 31, 1970, they voted also to hold a pledge campaign. This was done with Mr. Harold Watkins of the Board of Church Extension as Director. The goal was $45,000.00. A victory was achieved, with pledges totalling $51,116.00.

On September 29, 30, and October 1, 1972, a Lay Witness Mission was held, with men and women of other churches and denominations coming to give their witness for Christ and his church. The Mission had a pronounced effect upon the life and faith of our church, and resulted in the forming of several small sharing groups which continue to meet.

Actual construction was started at 1343 National Road, "Christian Acres", in the fall of 1972, with the L. W. Postlewait & Sons Company as the general building contractors. However, the weather all fall and winter was very wet and cold, and much less was accomplished than had been hoped. On December 10, the ministers and their families held an Open House for the congregation at the home of Rev. D. Jack Myers.

1973. Shortly after the first of the year the old cornerstone at 2112 Market Street was removed by the Postlewaits. The Special Cornerstone Committee opened it and found the contents in very poor condition as the box had not been thoroughly sealed. It contained such things as a Bible, a hymnal, newspapers with stories about the church, coins, etc. The contents were put on display for the congregation to see.

Due to the need for additional funds in the Local Expense program, a stewardship Campaign was held in February, which resulted in many increased pledges and many new pledges. The young people of the church held a retreat at Christian Acres on March 3 and 4.

In April, Mr. Wren, our rea1tor, brought good news in the form of an offer from the Eagle Aerie No. 344 to purchase our market Street building for $55,000.00. On Sunday, May 20, the congregation held a special meeting and voted 115 to 21 to accept the offer. We were to give possession to the Eag1es on June 25, 1973.

The church decided to hold its last service in the old building on Sunday, June 17; then to move symbolically to the new location that afternoon for the cornerstone laying. A service of deconsecration was conducted by the ministers at the morning service on the 17th. Members of the church will move most of the possessions to the mansion at Christian Acrea the week of June 18-25. It was agreed with the Eagles that we will take four of our five stained glass picture windows, and the small picture window of "The little stone church" which was on the Market Street property prior to 1912. We also will move the organ but have contracted for the building of a new electrified organ console and complete rebuilding of essential parts of the organ.

At this point we have 464 participating members and 367 non participating members-total 831. We will hold our Church School and worship services in the mansion at Christian Acres until the new building is completed. At this point, there is no indication of when that will be accomplished as materials are coming very slowly, and the weather is an unpredictable influence.

"May the Lord bless us and keep us,
The Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious to us;
The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon us,
And give us peace."