Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage TELESCOPE-MESSENGER United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio I Vol.l8No.2 Summer2008 Asked for of God by Jarvis L. Spreng Samuel Peter Spreng was born on February 11, Samuel's grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all 1853, on the family farm in Clinton Township, lived in close proximity. As he grew older, he Wayne County, Ohio, several miles southwest of accrued more responsibility on the family farm, Akron. He was the long-hoped-for first child of learning how to plow, harrow, cultivate, and harvest, Christian and Julia Grimm Spreng. For the first 11 thus making a valuable contribution to the family years of their marriage, the couple was childless. enterprise. Although the birth surprised others, Julia announced Religiously, the family was associated with the that his name would be Samuel because, like Hannah Evangelical Association. The Spreng home was close of old, he had been "asked for of God." to Hope Church (now McZena Hope UMC). The Young Samuel's first language was German, the family maintained a "preacher's chamber" upstairs language his parents spoke at home. When he was that was used by circuit riding preachers. These less than five years old, he started school, walking frequent guests had a profound effect on young one mile every day to the school house. The learning Samuel as he was growing up. was, of course, in English. Those were the days of the Julia had dedicated her son to the ministry from dunce cap, the dunce block, and the hickory rod. It his birth with his father's hearty approval. They did was a rare child who escaped an occasional not force this career choice on Samuel, but made him switching-but they took book-learning seriously. aware that they did not expect him to be a career Farm children only got a few months of school each farmer. Further they let him know of their belief that year. After the age of 12, work on the farm took he belonged to God and the church in an unusual precedence over school. They learned the famous way. Samuel knew this before he was converted and "three R's"-"readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic." They his mother was never surprised at the direction of his learned more-they learned spelling which was ministerial calling. She seemed to take his rapid always competitive. Every Friday students were ascent in the church as if she expected it-and she divided into two groups to spell against each other. did, because she had dedicated him to the ministry. Samuel later understood that spelling bees were a Samuel felt a call to preach from early childhood. good way to learn how to spell English words with Speaking in public held few terrors for him; in fact he all their irregularities and peculiarities and he profited took great delight in it although such opportunities in greatly in later life from the school experiences of rural Ohio were rare. Through his teen years, those early years. however, he struggled, seeking somehow to evade the One of Samuel's teachers was a cousin, Philip call to ministry. But whatever else he tried turned "to Keiser, and he induced Samuel to engage in a public dust and disaster" before his eyes. Finally, when he debate with him. Samuel, who was about 17 at the was 21 he surrendered his life to God and said: time, hesitated because Philip was older and more "Lord, there isn't any other way. Here I am, send experienced, but finally agreed. They each made two me." speeches of 30 minutes before a crowded house. In December, 1872, at the age of 19, Samuel was Samuel made his two speeches without notes. It was sent to North Western College in Naperville, Illinois, a valuable experience for him. already in those days a Mecca for Evangelical youth. Apart from his school experiences, Samuel grew It was his first trip so far away from home and he had up on a farm, had chores to do, and had a younger never been in a big city before. On the way to brother and sister with whom to play. The family Naperville he had to travel through the great city of lived in a comfortable, well-built, weather boarded Chicago. It was a little over a year after the great fire log house. They had extensive woods and fields to of October 1871. Downtown Chicago was still, for explore and they enjoyed the company of neighbors. the most part, a vast and desolate ruin. Broken walls, scattered bricks, and heaped up ashes were Cleveland. Established in 1862, Calvary was the first everywhere. Although rebuilding had begun, it was a English speaking Evangelical Church in Cleveland- all dismal sight for the young man. the others conducted services in German. By the time of Samuel's arrival the congregation was in its third building North Western College (now North Central completed in 1870 at a cost of $6,000. College) had moved from its original location in By 1876 Calvary Evangelical Church was one of the Plainfield two years earlier. Old Main had been largest in the denomination and the largest in Cleveland. completed in October 1870 and the Rev. Augustine Most of the denomination's general church officers A. Smith was president. Samuel attended the school attended this church. Two bishops- Reuben Yeakel and for three years (December 1872-June 1875) and Rudolph Dubs-attended regularly. It was an absolutely while there became a charter member of the college stupendous promotion- from the pastor of a new mission YMCA founded in March 1873. Solomon J. church in a small town to the pastor of a highly visible Gamertsfelder [subject of an article in the previous large-city church in the state's biggest city. And Samuel issue of the Telescope-Messenger], who later married was only 23 years old! By all accounts Rev. Spreng's ministry at Calvary was Samuel's sister, Emma, graduated from North successful. From a personal standpoint it resulted in Western in the class of 1878, so Samuel and S.J. were meeting Margaret Ann Beck, a charter member of the probably in school together for one year at least. church. She was a Sunday school teacher as well as a In the summer of 1875, Samuel found himself pianist, organist, and singer. She sang frequently for pulled in two directions. Professor H.H. Rassweiler, evangelistic meetings and served as an assistant to Dean and Registrar at North Western, urged him to evangelists. In due course Samuel and Margaret fell in return to college for at least one more year. love and were married on September 18, 1878. The Meanwhile events were taking place in Bellevue, ceremony took place at Calvary to a packed house. The Ohio, a town of 3,000 located about 65 miles officiating clergyman, Rev. Charles Hammer, had performed the marriage ceremony for all of Margaret's southwest of Cleveland. Bellevue did not have an brothers and sisters over a period of 25 years going back to Evangelical Church, but did have five or six the time the family lived in York, Pennsylvania. Evangelical families living there. During the winter A rule in force at that time limited pastors to three of 1874-1875 a great revival had taken place at the years on a charge. So, in the spring of 1879, Samuel was Pike Church near Bellevue involving some of these moved to Napoleon, Ohio, located about 40 miles families. With the enthusiasm built by the revival southwest of Toledo. Apparently, it was a difficult these six Evangelical families purchased a building assignment. Samuel is quoted as saying: "I went from the from a defunct Baptist congregation for $3,000. The top to the bottom. It was the most irreligious place I ever church building was paid for, but it had no pastor. In knew of. There were three English churches, ours, April 1875 the Ohio Conference established a new Methodist and Presbyterian-a combined membership of mission in Bellevue. 140. Ours was 40, the smallest. Then to cap the climax there was a debt of $7,000 on our buildings. It was the The first Sunday after his return from college, largest church [in terms of buildings] in town." Samuel was asked by the presiding elder (district superintendent) to preach at a meeting near his home. Samuel only had an afternoon to prepare for a sermon in which he was obviously being "checked out." Telescope-Messenger Subsequently the presiding elder of the Bellevue area invited him to take up the new Bellevue mission. Is published twice yearly by the Center Samuel was persuaded to do so and became the first For the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage fulltime pastor preaching his first sermon on August 9, United Theological Seminary 1875. He was 22 years old. 450 I Denlinger Road Trotwood, OH 45426 His new charge at Bellevue was replete with hard work. Preaching twice each Sunday to the same Editor: Robert L. Frey congregation was no small task for a novice. It meant Compositor: Patricia Frey much study and prayer. A revival series that lasted Printer: Mound Printing Company, Inc. six weeks without any outside help was strenuous, even for a young man. The church was crowded night Correspondence should be sent to the editor at after night and often people were turned away for 1356 Hidden Creek Drive want of seats. By the end of the revival there were Miamisburg, OH 45342 about 75 conversions and 60 new members, a notable success for a young preacher and a new church. [email protected] To Samuel's great surprise the annual conference session in April 1876 moved him to Calvary Church, 2 But things changed. A Miss Cora Huddle wrote "grossly immoral conduct unworthy of a preacher of later: "Spreng did wonders for our church. Had it not the gospel and Bishop of the Evangelical been for him we as a church, with a load of Association." This involved, among other things, indebtedness, would have swamped. One-half of the whether or not a certain incriminating telegram had debt was paid during his stay and he attracted the best or had not been falsified and had or had not "been people of our town." laid before General Conference." It also involved In 1881 Samuel was assigned to Emanuel Church certain events that may or may not have taken place in Columbus, located in the center of the state and the at a conference in Germany that affected the number site of the Ohio state capital. He served there only of delegates to be elected to the General Conference. one year and then was assigned to the church in Why is all this important in the story of the life of Circleville, 27 miles south of Columbus. Circleville S. P. Spreng? Because he was one of the secretaries had been a prominent town in the early history of the of the General Conference at which the crucial Evangelical Church in Ohio. On May 30, 1882 a telegram played a pivotal role. Samuel had to testify Women's Missionary Society was formed at the at the trial regarding whether or not the telegram had Circleville Church and Margaret was elected its first been "laid before the Conference." Bishop Dubs was president. found guilty, deposed as a Bishop of the Evangelical At the annual conference of 1883, at the age of Association and was instrumental in founding a new 30, Samuel was elected a presiding elder of the denomination called the United Evangelical Church. Columbus district. The family moved to Lancaster, In 1902 Henry B. Hartzler, who had been replaced by 31 miles southeast of Columbus. Here he stayed for Spreng as editor of the Messenger, was elected a four years, a relatively long tenure in the Evangelical bishop in the United Evangelical Church. Church of that day. Thus, Samuel was in the middle of the breakup of In 1887 Samuel was assigned for a short time to the Evangelical Association as secretary to the the Madison A venue Mission in Cleveland. Elected General Conference and as editor of the church to be a representative to the General Conference held paper. Near the end of his life, in the early 1940s, his that same year in Buffalo, New York, he was elected daughter Ethel found Samuel at the backyard the English secretary of the conference (there was a incinerator, burning two boxes full of letters and corresponding German secretary as well). This was papers. She asked what they were and he replied that Samuel's second General Conference and many years they were papers from the time of the church split. later in 1942 when he was 89 years old he was When Ethel protested that he was burning documents honored for attendance at his l61 general conference. that might have historical significance, he responded, h For some years prior to 1887 there had been "No, it's better all forgotten." disagreements over the doctrine of Christian During the two decades while Samuel was editor perfection within the denomination. It is hard for us of The Evangelical Messenger he was in much today to appreciate how such a disagreement led to demand as a preacher. He preached at summer camp the bitterness, recrimination, and schism of that day. meetings, conferences, and special church events. As Furthermore, the disagreement became personalized a result, he became well known and admired between two bishops- J.J. Esher and Rudolph Dubs. throughout the denomination. In addition to his many The editor of The Evangelical Messenger since 1880 editorials, he authored the following books: The Life was Henry B. Hartzler. He was a major player in the and Labors of Bishop John Seybert (1888); Rays of dispute and, as a result, was voted out of his Light on the Highway to Success (1890); The Sinner editorship at the 1887 General Conference by a 57-47 and his Saviour (1906); History of the Evangelical tally. That works out to about 55% to 45%, a ratio Association (1913); History of the Evangelical that indicates how things went from then on. Church (1927); and What Evangelicals Believe Samuel Spreng was elected editor to replace (1929). Hartzler. This was an important position, given the It is interesting to note that Solomon J. circumstances, because of the influence the editor Gamertsfelder was assistant editor of The would have over the editorial content and the Evangelical Messenger from 1887 to 1895. Solomon opinions in the paper read by many Evangelical was also Samuel's brother-in-law because he married Church members. Samuel moved his family to Samuel's sister Emma, as mentioned earlier. In 1895, Cleveland where the denominational publishing Solomon moved to Naperville to teach at Evangelical house was located. Theological Seminary and later became its By 1890 the situation within the denomination distinguished first fulltime president, although he is had deteriorated significantly. In a sensational perhaps best known as the predominant systematic ecclesiastical trial Bishop Dubs was charged with theologian of the Evangelical tradition. 3 Samuel was once again a delegate to the 1907 General speaker. He also submitted a weekly commentary to The Conference. At that time there were three bishops in the Evangelical Messenger for many years for a page titled denomination: Thomas Bowman, William Horn, and "As We See It." For some years he traveled to Chicago to Sylvanus Breyfogel. When the Conference approved the record a religious radio broadcast. He was faithful and election of a fourth bishop, Samuel Spreng, because of his regular in attendance at his church- First Evangelical visibility as editor of the denomination's paper, was Church (now Community UMC) in Naperville. He usually elected. He was 54 years old at the time. His mother did attended the German worship service at First Church. The not live to witness this event, dying in 1898, but his father Evangelical Church was initially all German speaking and did. He died a year later. the use of English began only a few years before Samuel's Up to this time bishops lived at a place of their ministry began. choosing traveling to their various conferences and church Margaret Beck Spreng, as she entered her 80s, looked responsibilities. About 1911 it was determined that bishops back on an interesting and fulfilling life. Margaret was a should be assigned geographical territories and should live city girl, growing up in Cleveland. Thus she had many in their assigned area. Samuel was assigned to the Midwest experiences unavailable to girls from rural areas. From a and Naperville was the logical location for his residence. young age she was active in her church, being involved in Not only was it the location of the denomination's music and evangelistic efforts. Imagine the excitement seminary and one of its colleges, but its proximity to among the young ladies of Calvary Church when they Chicago allowed easy travel via the vast railroad network learned that a young, good-looking, bachelor was coming emanating from the city. to be their new pastor! At the time of Samuel's Samuel Spreng was well equipped to handle the duties appointment, Margaret was 26 and Samuel was 23. We do of bishop when he came to the episcopacy. He had been a not know the details of their developing relationship, but successful pastor, a district superintendent, editor of the undoubtedly they found occasions to be together at church denomination's weekly publication, a member and events, discovered they had many common interests, and secretary of the General Conference, and a forceful and were attracted to each other. In any event, we know they effective preacher. He could preach in either German or were married on September 18, 1878. English and visited the European Conference five times. Life for a pastor's wife had its difficult moments in He also visited missions in Japan and China. It is said that the early years of their marriage. Parsonages were modest, in all of his travels, he traversed a million and a quarter . conveniences few, and budgets tight. After Samuel was miles without mishap or injury. He also boasted that in all elected district superintendent, Margaret was frequently his travels he never missed a meal or gave one up alone with the responsibilities of family life because he afterwards. In addition to his activities on behalf of the was tending to the work of the church. This was also the Evangelical Association/Church, he was a vice-president case during the years when Samuel was a bishop, but for of the National Anti-Saloon League for 20 years and a much of this time their children (three sons and one member of the Administrative Board of the Federal daughter) were grown. We do know that over the years Council of Churches for a number of terms. Margaret performed her wifely and motherly duties with At the time of the 1930 General Conference held in dispatch, energy, and love. Milwaukee, Bishop Spreng had been ordained for 54 years In 1938, Samuel and Margaret celebrated their 601h and had served as a bishop for 23 years. He was then 77 wedding anniversary. Shortly thereafter, on March 20, years old. Apparently, to everyone's surprise, his 1939, she died at the age of 88 after a brief illness related colleague, Bishop Sylvanus C. Breyfogel (who was 79), to heart problems that had bothered her for some years. On rose and asked to be relieved of his duties so that he could Good Friday, April 19, 1946, Samuel died at his home in retire. At the time there was no set retirement age for Naperville at the age of 93. He had been born before the bishops. They were elected for four-year terms and often Civil War and lived to see the end of World War II. served until death. Samuel thought and prayed overnight Samuel had been reared on an Ohio farm, went to a about this astounding event and the next day he also rose country school, had a few years of college, and devoted his and asked to be retired. Both bishops were granted their entire life to his Lord. He had a distinguished career as a requests and were given emeritus status. preacher, editor, author, and bishop, thus completely It was 1930 and the nation was in the early stages of a fulfilling the promise his mother made at his birth. serious economic depression. The General Conference, faced with two retirements, decided to save some money Notes: by electing only one new bishop- George Edward Epp. Some of the information contained in the above narrative Epp had been executive secretary-treasurer of the was taken from personal recollections of the author. Other Missionary Society. He was known as a forceful preacher sources include: and upon his election he was asked to say a few words. But he was so overcome by the surprise of suddenly and Emma D. Gamertsfelder, "A Short History of the Family unexpectedly being elevated to the episcopacy that he was ofJohn Jacob Spreng (1831-1931 )." rendered speechless until the next day when he was able to Roy B. Leedy, The Evangelical Church in Ohio (Dayton, give a suitable response. Ohio, 1959) Spreng spent the next 16 years in quiet retirement at Samuel P. Spreng, "A Bishop's Confession" published in his home in Naperville. At first, he was in demand as a the The Evangelical Crusader. 4 United Brethren Ecumenism by Edwin Schell M y friend, Pennsylvania Conference did merge in 1934 as the Evangelical and historian, Paul Holdcraft of Old Otterbein Reformed Church.10 Church said to me of impending Methodist-BUB Were all these negotiations signs of union: "I'm all for it. I married a Methodist wife, "ecumania?" What was going on here? Later, went to a Methodist seminary, and never did so most Methodists were startled in 1966 to learn few have a chance to swallow so many." Paul that a Methodist-BUB union might occur.11 Most might have added that the Methodist Publishing former United Brethren and Evangelicals had House had issued thousands of copies of become comfortable by 1964 after 18 years as practical churchmanship pamphlets of his EUBs, but as a non-national church it was losing authorship. members as a result of an increasingly mobile Were the United Brethren "ecumaniacs?" U.S. population. When merger was approved at They and the Baltimore Methodist Episcopal Chicago in 196612 and Dallas was chosen as host Conference courted from 1809 to 1813. 1 for the 1968 unifying conference, some EUBs Evangelicals and United Brethren discussed exclaimed: "We haven't a church within a amalgamation in 1813 and 18172 and formative hundred miles of Dallas." 13 Methodist Protestants proposed union with the The 1785 covenant of Old Otterbein Church United Brethren in 1829, but were refused.3 In in Baltimore was almost unique in providing for 1913 the United Brethren General Conference welcoming any Christian at the Lord's Table in a unanimously voted to become the United day when "Communion" vied descriptively with Protestant Church by merging with the "denomination" because of Lord's Supper Methodist Protestants4, having spurned a 1909 exclusivity.14 Not until 1846 when the Methodist Episcopal Church invitation to discuss Evangelical Alliance was founded in England union. 5 No less than six Methodist Protestants did general Protestant denominational wooed that United Brethren General Conference "standoffishness" begin to diminish. After the and Methodist Protestant president, Lyman American Evangelical Alliance was begun in Davis, said of UB Bishop emeritus Thomas Coke 1867 the United Brethren sent a delegation to the Carter: "Send him as Bishop at large to us so we 1873 session. The 1873 United Brethren General can get used to bishops. "6 Yet in 1917, the Conference also exchanged greetings with United Brethren hesitated and delayed a General Methodist-Episcopals, Evangelical Lutherans, Conference vote until "The bishops decide and Presbyterians.15 In 1877 the AME, conditions for union are favorable. "7 By 1921 the Methodist Protestants, and the Evangelical only fruit of the proposed merger was the United Association were also saluted 16 and the United Brethren takeover of Kansas City University Evangelicals were added in 1897.17 In 1921 from the Methodist Protestants. 8 fraternal delegates to General Conference Conversely, at the 1929 General Conference included Congregational, Independent Baptist, the United Brethren voted unanimously to create Disciples of Christ, and Reformed.18 That same the United Church in America by merging with year Warren A. Candler (the Coca Cola bishop), the Calvinist and Arminian traditions of the a traditional opponent to Methodist union, sent Evangelical Synod of North America and the the United Brethren a gracious fraternal Reformed traditions.9 But the 1933 United address.19 Such fraternity, however, could only Brethren Coriference Journal is silent on this go so far. United church proposal and the longstanding When invited to appoint delegates to the first Church Union Commission disappeared. Ecumenical Methodist Conference in London in However, the Evangelical and Reformed groups 1881, the United Brethren said "We're not Methodists" but finally sent two delegates who 5 felt they benefitted by attending?0 The 1891 Ecumenical to get the Old Constitution Church declared the true United Methodist Conference in Washington, D.C., had Brethren church. Although in 1909 United Brethren representation from both the United Brethren and the UB delegates were received politely by the Old Constitution Old Constitution churches?' But between 1901 and 1961 General Conference,37 the subsequent 1917 telegram to the no United Brethren attended the Conference with the UB General Conference from the Old Constitution group exce~tion of 1947 when "fraternal messengers" were bid " .. . Godspeed in evangelism, His word must be sent. 2 fulfilled."38 That wire marked the end of exchanged The United Brethren, however, did enter into the work greetings for decades. of many interdenominational organizations. Christian But the 1913 UB-MP merger proposal came to Endeavor was endorsed in 1905 and United Brethren youth naught-at least until 1968-with the 1917 UB General were directed into its programs in 1909.23 United Brethren Conference declaration that due to "serious objection in delegates attended the International Sunday School both denominations ...f urther agitation on the question of Convention in 1884 and UB Sunday School Editor Daniel organic union cease. . ."39 So far the United Brethren Berger was repeatedly elected to the International Lesson appeared to be more adept at schism than ecumenism. Committee, a position later filled by Bishop C. J. Yet in 1921 the Reformed Church 40 sent greetings and Kephart?4 The World's Parliament of Religion in Chicago later invited merger talks with the United Brethren and the in 1893 was attended by Bishop Jonathan Weaver25 while Evangelical Synod of North America (not the Evangelical two Japanese UBs were at the 1937 Faith and Order Association). Eventually a plan of union was Conference in Edinburgh.26 The Young Peoples "unanimously approved" by the 1929 United Brethren Missionary Movement was commended by the United General Conference41 only to be wholly ignored by the Brethren in 190127 as was the Layman's Missionary 1933 United Brethren General Conference when a new Movement in 1909.28 suitor appeared in the person of Bishop Matthew T. Maze Maximum ongoing interest and anticipation was of the Evangelical Church. He informed the UB General granted to the Federal Council of Churches from its Conference that the Evangelical Church was ready to inception in 1908. Not only was the Social Creed adopted negotiate union.42 After all the courting and several broken immediatell9 but the successive General Conferences engagements, the United Brethren had at last found a received reports from the Federal Council, usually from suitor with whom a marriage eventuated in 1946. high-level executives of the organization. Although the I once asked Paul Holdcraft why it took from 1946 to United Brethren consistently voted encouragement to the 1964 to merge the three EUB Conferences with churches Federal Council, it provided little in the way of funding. in Baltimore, and the sage replied: "We had to have some United Brethren office holders in the Federal Council funerals first." Even the 1946 union required working out cannot be determined because they were not reported in some compromises and leftover feelings between former United Brethren Yearbooks. Evangelical and United Evangelical pastors and people in The first Twentieth Century ecumenical courtship Baltimore. This delay was in total contrast with Methodist grew from a tri-Council of Congregational, Methodist Union in 1939 when all conference mergers were Protestant, and United Brethren churches as approved by a concluded within a year with the exception of ethnic and 251-5 vote in the 1905 UB General Conference.30 Shortly, racial conferences.43 however, the Congregational church dropped out of this The most unusual aspect of UB ecumenism began in council leaving the DB-Methodist Protestant (MP) 1892 when an Iowa UB preacher, Rev. W. M. Breadshear, federation which the 1908 MP General Conference trekked to Omaha and addressed the Methodist Episcopal approved.31 MP General Conference President Thomas H. General Conference as a fraternal visitor. He extolled Lewis made a powerfully persuasive speech in favor of Methodism, recalling Abraham Lincoln's wartime this union to the 1909 UB General Conference. UB Bishop tribute- more Methodists to the front, more prayers to W. M. Weekley's optimistic reply characterized the heaven- and noted Bishop Matthew Simpson's role in Twentieth Century as one of religious reconciliation, not of Lincoln's funeral.44 This Victorian oratory so excited division, and claimed: "There is only one Methodism."32 Holston Conference delegate, Thomas Coke Carter, that he The Church Union Commission was made permanent with left the Methodist Church and became a fervent UB in 15 members including all the UB bishops.33 1894. The DePauw graduate, former college president, and Meanwhile, United Brethren relationships with the Methodist editor was viewed by UBs as a Godsend to win Methodist Episcopal Church were not hostile. In 1905 the Methodists and to build a strong UB presence in the South. UBs handed over their missionary work in Germany to the After superintending that work, Carter was elected bishop ME Church.34 But it was with the smaller MP in 1905 for a new Southern District.45 When growth did not denomination that the UB bishops recommended union take place Carter was not reelected in 191346 and, curiously and it was so voted at the 1913 General Conference. The enough, was made emeritus without salary, although not of name of the merged denomination was to be the United retirement age. It was he that MP President Davis asked Protestant Church.35 for as mentioned above. Some years earlier, in 1889, a "walkout" led by When United Brethren ecumenism is assessed, it Bishop Milton Wright (the father of Orville and Wilbur) appears to be genuine. There was outreach to Lutherans, produced the United Brethren (Old Constitution) Church.36 Calvinists, and the host gathered into the Federal Council This "walkout" was followed by unsuccessful legal efforts of Churches after 1908, although one does wonder at UB 6 disinterest in the World Methodist Conferences. I have 15. UB GC Journ. 1873, pp. 65, 164, 203. found this review of UB efforts at union to be a 16. UB GC Journ. 1877, pp. 168-172. worthwhile topic as a confirmed "ecumaniac" active in 17. UB GC Journ. 1897, p. 508. many ecumenical groups over a long period and owing 18. UB GC Journ. 1921, pp. 353-355, 369, 966-968. much to brothers and sisters of other names than 19. Ibid., p. 363. Methodist. It was this involvement that cured my racism, 20. UB GC Journ. 1881, p. 224 and UB GC Journ. 1885, taught me much about prayer, and instructed me as a p. 7. neophyte Christian in Washington, D.C. How fortunate we 21. Proceedings of the Second Ecumenical Methodist are to be part of a tradition that considers our Master and Conference 1891, (New York, 1892), p. xix. His love to be of more value than partisan creeds of 22. World Methodist Conference Proceedings, 1947, p. cherished polity. Otterbein and Boehm would approve of XXXIX. this part of our makeup. 23. UB GC Journ. 1909, p. 31. 24. Paul R. Koontz and Walter E. Roush, The Bishops II Notes: (Dayton, 1950), p. 219. 25. UB GC Journ. 1893, p. 149. 26. UB GC Journ. 1937. (unlocated). 1. Edwin Schell, Early Methodist-UB Relationships in 27. UBGCJourn. 1901,p.172. Maryland (Baltimore, 1924), pp. 2-6. 28. UB GC Journ. 1909, p. 835. 2. Paul Holdcraft, History of the Pennsylvania UB 29.lbid., pp. 23, 398, 403. Conference (Fayetteville, PA, 1938), p. 55. 30. UB GC Journ. 1905, p. 533. Votes listed by annual 3. Bruce Behney and Paul Eller, History of the EUB conference and delegates. Church (Nashville, 1979), pp. 128, 168. They note that 31. Methodist Protestant General Conference Journal, anti-slavery Wesleyans and UBs contemplated union in 1908,pp.21,38-40. 1855. 32. UB GC Journ. 1909, p. 372. 4. United Brethren General Conference Journal 1913, p. 33.lbid., pp. 391-393. 659. (Hereafter referred to as UB GC Journ. [year]). 34. UB GC Journ. 1905, p. 237. 5. UB GCJourn.1909,p. 812 35. UB GC Journ. 1913, pp. 557-560. 6. UB GC Journ. 1913, p. 403 36. Berger, op. cit., pp. 382-384. 7. UB GC Journ. 1917, pp. 327-328. The union was 37. UB GC Journ. 1909, p. 670. approved by the majority of conferences, but the vote of 38. UB GC Journ. 1917, p. 576. the entire membership was delayed until the bishops 39.Jbid., p. 658. decided conditions were favorable for a union. 40. UB GC Journ. 1921, p. 468. 8. UB GC Journ. 1921, p. 369 41. UB GC Journ. 1929, p. 544. 9. UB GC Journ. 1929, pp. 500, 543ff. 42. UB GC Journ. 1933, p. 453. 10. Samuel M. Calvert, Church Cooperation and Unity in 43. MethodistDiscpline, 1940, pp. 502-532,715-719. America, (New York, 1979), p. 27. 44. Methodist Episcopal General Conference Journal, 11. Methodist General Conference Journal, 1964, pp. 1892, p. 597. 449ff. 45. UB GCJourn. 1905,p. 424. 12. Daily Christian Advocate, 1966, p. 991. Debate ceased 46. UB GC Journ. 1913, p. 402. when it was revealed that EUB support of education, and so forth, exceeded that of the Methodist Church. 13. Overheard by author in the press corps of the Uniting Conference, Dallas, April 23, 1968. MEMBERSHIP FORM 0 I wish to establish my membership ($10- $24.99) 0 Renew my membership in the Center for the. Evangelical United Brethren Heritage. ($10- $24.99) 0 Newcomer-Seybert Associate ($50- $99.99) D Supporting Member ($25- $49.99) 0 Albright-Otterbein ($100- $499.99) D Life Member ($500 or more). Membership includes a subscription to the Telescope-Messenger. Amounts in excess of$10 are tax-deductible as charitable donations for IRS purposes. Name Address ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------- City _________________ State ______ ZIP -------- 7 NON-PROFIT United Theological Seminary ORGANIZATION Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage U.S. POSTAGE 4501 Denlinger Road PAID Trotwood, OH 45426 DAYTON, OH PERMIT No. 579 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED From the Editor Within several weeks a new exhibit on Jacob Albright will be mounted at United Seminary. If you About the Authors are in the area, please stop by to see this impressive exhibit. As noted in the last issue of the Telescope Rev. Edwin Schell is executive secretary Messenger, we are still accepting gifts for the of Lovely Lane Museum in Baltimore, refurbishing of the Funkhouse organ. Md. He was pastor of Old Otterbein It is time to renew your membership in The Center Church in Baltimore from 1980 - 1987. for the EUB Heritage. A form is provided at the bottom of page 7 for this purpose. Please return the Jarvis L. Spreng is the grandson of form and your check (as well as contributions for the BishopS. P. Spreng. A longtime member Funkhouser organ) to: of First EUB Church, Naperville, Ill., Mr. Spreng lives in retirement in Grand The Center for the EUB Heritage Rapids, MI. United Theological Seminary 4501 Denlinger Road Trotwood, OH 45426