The Semi-weekly Madison County Democrat. (London, Ohio) 1923-19??, 1933-03-21

The following history of the Chris
] tian church of Summerford, which was
destroyed by fire on June 3, 1928, has
been prepared by Mrs. Mary carson
Dhume, church clerk, and is being re-
printed by request of many interested
! in the church history:
This church was organized on May
| |, 1847 with six members, Daniel and
Rachel Somners, John and Martha
Zimmerman, John and Judy Bradley.
These six adopted the following COW
enant: We the Christian church take
no other name but that was given the
disciples, for our rule of faith and
i practice, but the word of God, which
we do sincerely and firmly believe to
/ be an all efficient rule for all to be
governed by. That all Scripture is
profitable for doctrine for reproof, for
construction, for instruction in right
eousness, that the man of God may be
perfect and thoroughly furnished unto
all good works.
/ For three years, services were held
in private homes, but in 1850 house
of worship was built which was re-
placed by a new building in 1899. In
1898 under the pastorate of Rev. H. A.
Smith, preparations were made for. a
new house of worship which was dedi-
Gated on Sunday, June A, 1899, by Rev.
D. A. Long, d. D. Our building was
remodeled in 1914 and on Thanksgiv-
ing Day we met in our homecoming
and rededication. On that day we
greeted many former members and
friends came from their homes in 9TH
er communities and states to clasp the
hands of friends of former days. 1t
was q well remembered day in the
hearts and minds of US ALL 1t was
day CT rejoicing, yet a sadness was
cast over us for many of cur friends
faces were absent, they having an
swered the final roll call and are safely
housed in their heavenly home.
In looking over the church records
of the early fifties, we see the names
Of the Wilson's, Prughs, Markleys, AL
lens and Hornbecks, whose descendants
are living in our neighborhood today.
The records show the names of Mich
ael Wilson, George w. Prugh, Andrew
Sommers, Gabriel Prugh and Isaac
Hornbeck as committee to solicit
funds for new building in 1849. Geo
W. Prugh, mentioned, was the grand
father of our county commissioner,
Harry Fauver, Mrs. Edward Helfley
and Mrs. Anna Gist Of this township.
Gabriel Prugh was the grandfather Of
Prugh Overturf, and Thomas and Will
liam Prugh. Judge Hornbeck, Of Lon
don, is descendant of the above
named Isaac Hornbeck.
We also note in the expenses of
1854 that the treasurer was ordered
tc pay 75c for tallow for the making
of candles. Uncle Gabriel Prugh was
the first superintendent of the Sunday
school but it is not recorded in what
year it was organized. 1t is very
amusing to look over the records of
the early years. A member moving
out of the neighborhood and not ask
ing for a letter to some other church
either dropped" or "gone to parts un-
known" were written opposite their
names. If the young folks attended
party, opposite their names is written
dropped for discrderly conduct" or
the hand of fellowship withdrawn un-
til they come and apologize to the min
ister and elders" And in several in
stances it is recorded where some were
restored the hand of fellowship. The
minutes of a meeting on Dec. 6, 1851,
read: After preaching services, Broth
Ts Chas. Roberts and Geo. w. Prugi.
were set apart to the office of dea
cons by prayer and the laying of
hands by Rev. Samuel Wilson and
John Zimmerman and followed by
communion and washing of feet. This
is the only record that mentions the
washing cf feet. No bell was in the
old church until 1858 when belfry
was built and bell placed in it, the
same bell being used throughout the
years. The first conference of this dis
trict was held in this church on Aug.
%, "a and rs, 1850. In the minutes of
that meeting we note. "At candle
lighting sermon by Bro. Ellis" Sew
eral who have served as pastors were
of unusual ability. From 1847 to 1849
Daniel Sommers and John Zimmerman
served as pastors and met in private
homes. Rev. Zimmerman is said to
have been half breed Indian: 1t is
told that he was very tall, straight