Fairview Church May 1956
Digging the basement under the church building.
Date on photo is 1932
HISTORY OF FAIRVIEW CHURCH OF GOD
In northeastern Indiana near Sheldon, a group of Christian brothers and sisters began a congregation of what was to become the Fairview Church of God. This church is located 2 miles west of Yoder (formerly Sheldon). The land, 200 feet along the road and 107 feet deep, was deeded to the church by Jacob Smith, Sr. The trustees were Henry Reed, Ben Kumfer and A.P. Woods. Rev. Miller organized the church. In 1881, they raised $1500.00 to build this church, which they planned to dedicate in October of that year. The building took much longer than they had planned on to build, but was finished and dedicated on Christmas day of 1881.
The church, when built, had a rostrum across the south end with a main aisle leading straight from door to pulpit. In the southwest corner were choir seats running north and south, and the southeast corner was the same arrangement of seats for what was known then as an “Amen Corner.” This building was heated by two wood box stoves, one on each side of the aisle, and lighted by kerosene burning lamps. Some of these lamps hung by brackets on the wall, while two chandeliers hung over the main aisle, and a larger and more fancy one hung over the pulpit.
W.W. Lovett was present to conduct the dedication service. Fairview was placed on the Zanesville Circuit of the Indiana Eldership of the Churches of God. In 1882, the official list of churches on the circuit were Fairview, Buzzard, Little River, Trinity, Zanesville, Union and Hoagland. The number of churches on this circuit varied from time to time.
The Indiana Eldership wasted no time in involving the new church in their activities. During the 37th Annual Eldership in November of 1882, Fairview was chosen as the location of the next Sabbath School Convention. That Eldership also assigned the first apportionment to the church, which came to $5.00.
During the next 40 to 50 years of the history of Fairview, we find the most information through reports to the Church Advocate, which was a weekly newspaper in those years. Most reports from the Fairview Church and Zanesville Circuit were concerning revival services and baptismal services.
Elder N.W. Fuller reported to the Advocate that an Ordinance Service including feetwashing was held on May 26 and 27 of 1883. The report included the news that Elder Fuller was very optimistic about the entire Zanesville Circuit.
The Sabbath School Convention was held on June 22, 1883. People from around the Eldership were directed to find the church by taking the train south out of Fort Wayne to Sheldon on the Muncie Railroad. Records are available to show what was included in all the sessions of the convention.
Revival meetings during the early years of the church were referred to as protracted meetings. The first recorded protracted meeting for Fairview was begun on December 16, 1883. Elder Fuller led the church in a series of meetings that lasted 19 days. The result was that four were converted. Another revival followed just two months later in February of 1884. This series of meetings lasted ten days and was very successful. There were 19 conversions and 23 were fellowshipped into the church. One of the converts, it is recorded, was 85 years old. Even though the temperature of the air was only 20 degrees, there was a baptismal service to follow the revival on February 24. Also reported was that a number of Methodists had begun to attend the church.
Fairview met frequently for revivals and ordinance services with other churches in the area. They joined in a revival in 1886 with the Zanesville, Union and Trinity churches at Trinity. This meeting was so large that they needed a building four times as large. A testimony service was held in which 93 testimonies were given.
In June 1887, the Church Advocate testified to the generosity of the Fairview Church. Elder Miller reported that he received pounds of the various necessary items of life from the congregation and that he was very grateful.
The church's apportionment had gone down by one dollar and was listed as $4.00. This is part of a very small amount of information available during a period extending almost to the beginning of the new Century.
A revival was reported during April of 1889. There were no visible results and many felt that the revival was ended too soon.
In August of 1895, Elder Bloyd reported on a number of ordinance services. An additional comment was that Fairview had a great Christian Endeavor Society.
The Missionary assessment for 1896 was set at $8.00, which was quite a high figure compared to earlier.
Fairview was host to a special program on January 3, 1897. Brother H. N. Gladuis, who was an Egyptian student attending Findlay College, traveled to Fairview to speak.
Rev. G. E. Komp reported to the Church Advocate in March of 1900 noted that Fairview being specially blessed was able to give the Eldership a gift of $9.30. Rev. Komp also reported later in the year of a 2-½ week protracted meeting, which he considered “good” and which resulted in one conversion and the reclaiming of three who had strayed away.
Rev. B.D. Eden reported in August of 1902 on a children’s day program held at Fairview. The program was considered by everyone to be the best they had ever had.
Revivals continued to be part of the way of life at Fairview. In January 1903, a revival brought three conversions. Rev. E.M. Love arrived at the Zanesville Circuit that same year. By November 18, he had just had time to preach at each of the churches one time. He reported then that he liked them all so far.
Rev. Love found that things in the Fairview community could sometimes be more difficult than at other times when he began a revival there in March of 1904.
La Grippe [influenza] struck every home and they found from one to seven sick in every household. Still Rev. Love termed the people of Fairview as a band of noble brethren and sisters. Still the problems continued to mount. It was an exceptionally wet time of the year and the road between Zanesville and Fairview was a five-mile mess of muck. Buggies sank in the muck up to their axles. If that were not enough, Rev. Love also was warned to be prepared for trouble from Sheldon. It was easy for boys to get drunk in Sheldon and then being drunk, they would sometimes come to Fairview during a meeting and disturb the meeting. They would often steal whips and capes out of the buggies parked outside the church. Rev. Love being warned of this, decided to give the boys the benefit of the doubt and left his whip and cape in his buggy. They were not disturbed. The revival saw much hard conviction, but no converts. Still Rev. Love was very encouraged about the Fairview Church. In describing them, he noted that the brotherhood were at peace among themselves. He also complimented the Sunday School and described it as very interesting. Another compliment he paid to the church was that they had some of the finest singers among their little folk in all the country.
Rev. Love was much more successful in leading another revival of four weeks in January of 1906. There were four converts and the church received five new members. In May of that year, they met for a baptismal service. There were 18 baptized and a collection of $5.00 was taken which was sent to Findlay College.
Fairview undertook a building project in March of 1907, but it was not a very large project. A building for storing coal and wood was erected at a cost of several dollars. At about the same time, they traveled to Zanesville to surprise their new Pastor, Emma Isenberg, with goods that were valued in excess of $24.00.
Jones Creek was the scene of a baptismal service in 1908. In September of 1908. Rev. Isenberg wrote the Church Advocate reporting that Fairview had a live, active Women’s Missionary Society. At about that time, they also had a Sunday School Picnic complete with a parade and class banners. Everyone enjoyed the event very much.
Rev. Isenberg called the church extremely kind and appreciative following a November revival in 1908. The church took an offering of $1.50 and presented it to her. The revival was very successful. There were 14 conversions and 11 new members added to the church. This revival had a great impact on some of the young people who were found still to be working hard in January of 1909. At that time, the Fairview Sunday School was the largest in the township with a membership of 89. On January 28 of 1909 an offering for Rev. Isenberg was taken which totaled $35.25.
Bad news again was heard in 1909. It was reported on April 29 that a revival at Fairview had to be canceled due to smallpox, but by October, things were much better. That is when the Indiana Eldership met at Fairview. The missionary assessment was lowered to $3.00 at that Eldership. This Eldership was followed the next year by one that met in Southern Indiana. That was due to the merging of the Indiana Eldership with the Southern Indiana Eldership.
As time went on, the church building has been remodeled many times to meet the need and progressiveness of the congregation. The year 1910 saw some very good times for the Fairview Church of God. The church building was remodeled and rededicated that year. A cement block foundation was added, the pulpit was changed from the south end to the west side, new leather chairs were added behind the pulpit, new circular seats were bought, a new carbide lighting system was installed, new carpet, new interior decorations, also stained windows replaced the original ones, the walls were painted, papered and woodwork varnished, and at this time, wood burning stoves were replaced by a furnace, which was placed in the southwest corner. This furnace was replaced on November 16, 1916, by another one and this one was placed in the northeast corner. It was reported that some of the congregation wanted to repair the old facilities, but being kind liberal hearted people, the congregation was able to buy the new fixtures. The money had all been raised prior to the dedication except $300.00. The $300.00 was raised on the day of the dedication. The total cost was almost $1200.00.
Rev. H.H. Spiker, the pastor of a church in Fort Wayne, spoke at the dedication. The only sad part of the day was a funeral at 2:00 p.m. for a man who had been killed by a car on the interurban at Sheldon. The dedication was August 18, 1910.
At about the same time, the church voted to have Rev. Isenberg return to Fairview and the Zanesville Circuit, but the Eldership decided to send her to a new field.
In 1911, the church at Fairview was found to be thinking about Findlay College. They sent $1.50 to the college on one occasion and $.50 there on another occasion.
On October 25, 1912, a Ladies Aid was organized with 15 charter members of which three are still living; Edna (Woods) Davidson, Edith and Lucy Woods. The officers elected were Willmetta Greek, president; Eda Woods, vice president; Eva Clark, secretary; and Sophia Baker, treasurer.
The next reference to be found concerning Fairview brings something new into the church. A revival was held in April of 1914 and the Fairview Orchestra played as part of the services. A drive also was on at about the same time to get the Church Advocate into every home of Fairview.
In 1915, Rev Primrose reported that a baptismal service was held in June in which six men and six women were baptized. These included a 75-year old woman and a 79-year old man.
The Fairview Orchestra was in the news again in 1916. In May of that year, the Orchestra traveled 12 miles to Fort Wayne to play at a Christian Endeavor Meeting there. The Fairview Christian Endeavor was considered to be a strong one itself.
In October 1918, Fairview became involved in the General Eldership’s “Forward Movement.” The “Forward Movement” was an 8-year campaign of spiritual and material advancement that would climax with the 100-year Celebration of the General Elderships beginning in the United States. A centennial fund was to be raised of at least $35,000 per year for each of the eight years. The aim for Sunday School was to be an increase by one-third of the present enrollment. The Christian Endeavor membership also was to be increased by onethird. Each church was to canvas its entire community. An additional 500 families were to be added to put Church of God literature in every Sunday School. Every church was urged to adopt as soon as possible, the budget system for raising Pastoral salaries and local expenses. A field secretary was to be appointed to visit all the churches and encourage them in this forward movement.
The Women’s Missionary Society was reported to be doing very well in April of 1919. They were now said to be 29 years old after having been founded in 1890.
1920 was a time when progress came to Fairview in the form of electric lights which were installed that year. Indiana Electric Company built a line past the church, causing the church to change lights again to the electric and in February of 1984 to fluorescent, which is our present lights.
The Ladies Aid of Fairview surprised Mrs. Tracey in January of 1922 by giving her a $10 bill. In March of 1922, a revival was held. There were 21 conversions and 15 new members for the church as a result of this revival. In December of the same year, a ten-day revival was held. It had to be shut down after 10 days because of scarlet fever. Things were much happier in a report by Rev. Tracey in January of 1923 as he reported that a deacon of the Fairview church drove to Zanesville with his car loaded down to overflowing with all kinds of good things.
In the very bad weather of February in 1924, the church held a revival. No cars could get through the snow drifts so horses and mudboats were used instead. The revival resulted in 20 conversions and 12 new members. The Ladies Aid gave Rev. Isenberg who had now returned to Fairview and the Zanesville Circuit, a gift of $5.00.
In 1925, a four-week revival was held in April. There were 8 conversions and 8 new members added to the church. The Mission Circle at that time was referred to as live and offered to pay for some necessary repairs on the church.
Revivals at Fairview attracted people from around the community. A December 1925 revival had visitors from the Zanesville Church of God, The Ninemile United Brethren Church, the Yoder Methodist Church, and a United Brethren Church north of Zanesville.
A major step in improving the Fairview facilities was completed in 1931. This project was the building of a basement under the church. When this project was completed, there was more room for classes to be held.
In 1931, a Fall Festival first sponsored by a Sunday School Class, now by the entire church, was started down at the red schoolhouse nearby. This has grown to be an annual fair. Always being held the second Saturday night in August, many people attended, coming from far and near. They liked the homecoming very much. The proceeds go into a building fund.
Also in the fall of 1931, the congregation saw the need of a basement, a place for classrooms and a place to hold dinners and suppers. A new furnace was installed in the northwest corner, with a kitchen built back and to the side of it. Also at this time, a new outside door was cut on the east side of the auditorium.
In February 1931, Rev. Manes reported on a revival in which there were eight conversions and six new members added. In March, the decision was made to wait until July and then organize a Christian Endeavor. Also of concern at that time was the loss of the church record book and the need to buy a new one to begin with new records. May 21-24 was a busy time at Fairview. The Annual State Mission Circle Bible School Convention Pentecostal Meeting of the Indiana Eldership was held at Fairview.
Rev. B. T. Yeager reported to the Church Advocate in 1932 that the wood and coal house had been sold for $25.00. The church also was building toilets which were expected to cost $17.00. Another interesting item in this report was that a broom would be purchased with the cost being evenly split between the church and Sunday School. On June 28 of 1932, the church made the decision to discontinue having a number of small social events and have one big social in August. The first big social brought in $75.34. It is recorded also that as part of the social, they read scripture and sang hymn number 36. The church bought 100 new hymnals at about that time. On October 19 it was reported that Rev. B.T. Yeager had been assigned to Fairview, Little River and Zanesville for the coming year.
John W. Wishler reported to the Church Advocate on February 19, 1993, that a revival had been held at Fairview and that a $10.00 offering had been taken for the mission fund.
Several items of church business in July of 1933 included songbooks, wallpaper and the social. The songbooks had just been paid off with a payment of $12.50. The walls of the church were to be papered at a cost of $43.00. Rev. Yeager was elected as the chairman of the August 26 social. It was decided that profit from the social would be divided with two-thirds going to the Ladies Aid and one-third going to the church’s Eldership Budget.
In October of 1933, it was found that the basement needed to be sealed. The job was done at a cost of $10.00. The Junior Endeavor was organized with Artista Yordy as the leader.
Rev. Yeager reported in February that almost all was going well The Sunday School was averaging 100. The Junior and Senior Endeavors were active. A revival had just concluded with 15 converts. But the one problem that existed was that the church was struggling financially.
A revival held in February of 1935 lasted for four weeks. It resulted in 14 conversions. Two months later in April, Rev. Yeager reported that all departments of the church were moving along well, but all had room for improvement.
In 1942, additional ground east of the church was purchased. The total cost was $173.00 for 1.73 acres. A deed was made and signed by Harley and Etna Somers for this land. By this purchase, the church lot is 660 feet one way and 107 feet deep. The church trustees at this time were Roy W. Speas, James Guilford Logan and William C. Johnson. To beautify this lot and around the church, evergreen trees were donated by Marvin Donaghy.
In the year of 1945, we felt the urge of doing something to our walls and ceilings. After looking around, we decided to use celotex planking for sides and tile celotex for ceiling. By all our help, old varnish was removed from windows, doors, etc. and new put on, and floors sanded and refinished. All this was done at a cost of $1,195.83.
On September 5, 1947, an electric organ was purchased for $1,300.00 and chimes for $289.00 which added to our worship.
In the summer of 1949, the C.G.Y.A. of the church built an outside fireplace a little south and east of the church, which adds beauty to the property, as well as a place for entertainment.
In the fall of 1951, the furnace was torn down and replaced by an oil burning furnace. It was placed in what formerly had been used as a coal bin. At this time, the kitchen was moved to the south end of the basement. In January of 1952, it was finished in knotty pine. This was done by the Ladies Aid at a cost of $444.45. With this improvement, it made our basement ceiling look bad, so early in March, we had it plastered at a cost of $251.00.
In 1956, restrooms were added to the church. The cost of this project was $1,290.00. Also added was a new section to the church which increased the sanctuary and classroom space. The cost of this project was $13,000.00.
A decision was made in 1959 that the Fairview Church of God would become independent and leave the Zanesville Circuit, which by then included only the two churches. With the completion of a $12,000.00 parsonage in 1960, Fairview was able to hire and support a pastor on its own. The parsonage was dedicated on April 23, 1961.
In 1965, the ladies of the Fairview organized themselves into a local group of the Women’s Christian Service Council. This was done on December 1. In the next two years, this group bought children’s books for the church library. In September 1966, the Young Peoples class bough the church an electric typewriter which made possible a much easier job in keeping church records and history. The church records were carefully examined and updated in January of 1973.
In September of 1973, a building fund was established for the purpose of financing a new addition to the church. In November of that year, the church met and decided to begin the building project.
Services on Sunday morning had been started for some time at different hours in the summer and winter. In December of 1973, the church voted to set a time for services to begin all year round. The times set were 9:00 a.m. for Sunday School and 10:00 a.m. for Morning Worship.
In 1974, a Lay Witness Mission was held with great impact on many of the people of the church. The Ladies Aid that same year paid $1,445.00 for a new oil furnace for the church.
Construction on the new addition to the church began in May of 1974. When the project was completed, the cost was $39,654.00. The addition included new classroom space, office space and a large hallway approaching the church sanctuary.
1975 was the year when the church began two new programs to help children learn more and enjoy more about being at church. This was when the nursery and the Beginner Worship Departments were organized. In March of 1975, Fairview won the Farm Bureau Award for the most improved church in the district.
The church adopted a new constitution at a congregational meeting on March 28, 1976. This constitution is the one the church presented is operating under.
The church purchased a new organ in April 1976, which is presently being used. Among the special activities of 1976 was a Marriage Enrichment Workshop in September.
In 1977, an offset printer was purchased and in February on the 20th new hymnal books were dedicated.
Fairview joined an organization in 1978 called the Tri-Township Relief Fund Organization. This is made up of Fairview and churches from Zanesville and Ninemile. The group provides financial assistance to people of any of the member churches or anyone living in the same township as one of the member churches.
In April 1979, new pews were delivered and while the building was without pews for a while, the floor was resurfaced and the carpeting was repaired and some replaced.
May 20, 1979, was the day of the Mortgage Burning Ceremony for the new addition of the church.
Other improvements and various new facilities have been added in the past several years. The church parking lot was blacktopped. The church has purchased an overhead project, film projector, and various other aids to improve the teaching and learning that takes place in our Sunday School classes.
Discussion began in October 1979, concerning the purchase of new additional property south of the present church property. The transaction was completed on March 11, 1980, with three acres being purchased at a total cost of $6,608.00.
Due to improvements and the state of the economy, the value of the church and its contents have risen sharply. In May of 1980, the value of the church and its contents was set at $164,000.00.
In January of 1981, a steeple was ordered and has since been placed on the roof at the east end of the building.
A special Congregational Meeting was held on April 21, 1981, to discuss the possibility of erecting an allpurpose building to house recreational, fellowship, and other lay activities, as well as possible Sunday School classes. The congregation voted to establish a building fund to support this as a possible project for the future.
On August 25, 1981, a local chapter of the Church of God Winebrenner Brotherhood was organized at Fairview. With such things as the Brotherhood and the new Building Fund being recently begun, it is clear that the Fairview Church of God is working toward the future. One hundred years of ministry have come to this community from the Fairview Church of God. Let us all submit to the will of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may continue to minister faithful to this community until Jesus comes and Fairview’s job is done.
The pastors who have served this church so faithfully are: Reverends Miller, Newton, Fuller, Markley, McClellan, Bloyd, McColley, Eden, Comp, Love, Isenberger, Horendeen, Primrose, Wise, Tracy, Isenberger, Charles Manes, B.T. Yeager, Gilliland, James C. Manes, Victor Yeager, Sanford Fugerson, Harold Mishler, Lloyd Harlan, Dick Van Horn, Tom Coltrain, Jim Leichleiter, Larry Davis, Lloyd Harlan (Interim Pastor), Dan Horwedel, Josh Arthur (Interim Pastor), Kenny Speakman, and Scott Kling.
In northeastern Indiana near Sheldon, a group of Christian brothers and sisters began a congregation of what was to become the Fairview Church of God. This church is located 2 miles west of Yoder (formerly Sheldon). The land, 200 feet along the road and 107 feet deep, was deeded to the church by Jacob Smith, Sr. The trustees were Henry Reed, Ben Kumfer and A.P. Woods. Rev. Miller organized the church. In 1881, they raised $1500.00 to build this church, which they planned to dedicate in October of that year. The building took much longer than they had planned on to build, but was finished and dedicated on Christmas day of 1881.
The church, when built, had a rostrum across the south end with a main aisle leading straight from door to pulpit. In the southwest corner were choir seats running north and south, and the southeast corner was the same arrangement of seats for what was known then as an “Amen Corner.” This building was heated by two wood box stoves, one on each side of the aisle, and lighted by kerosene burning lamps. Some of these lamps hung by brackets on the wall, while two chandeliers hung over the main aisle, and a larger and more fancy one hung over the pulpit.
W.W. Lovett was present to conduct the dedication service. Fairview was placed on the Zanesville Circuit of the Indiana Eldership of the Churches of God. In 1882, the official list of churches on the circuit were Fairview, Buzzard, Little River, Trinity, Zanesville, Union and Hoagland. The number of churches on this circuit varied from time to time.
The Indiana Eldership wasted no time in involving the new church in their activities. During the 37th Annual Eldership in November of 1882, Fairview was chosen as the location of the next Sabbath School Convention. That Eldership also assigned the first apportionment to the church, which came to $5.00.
During the next 40 to 50 years of the history of Fairview, we find the most information through reports to the Church Advocate, which was a weekly newspaper in those years. Most reports from the Fairview Church and Zanesville Circuit were concerning revival services and baptismal services.
Elder N.W. Fuller reported to the Advocate that an Ordinance Service including feetwashing was held on May 26 and 27 of 1883. The report included the news that Elder Fuller was very optimistic about the entire Zanesville Circuit.
The Sabbath School Convention was held on June 22, 1883. People from around the Eldership were directed to find the church by taking the train south out of Fort Wayne to Sheldon on the Muncie Railroad. Records are available to show what was included in all the sessions of the convention.
Revival meetings during the early years of the church were referred to as protracted meetings. The first recorded protracted meeting for Fairview was begun on December 16, 1883. Elder Fuller led the church in a series of meetings that lasted 19 days. The result was that four were converted. Another revival followed just two months later in February of 1884. This series of meetings lasted ten days and was very successful. There were 19 conversions and 23 were fellowshipped into the church. One of the converts, it is recorded, was 85 years old. Even though the temperature of the air was only 20 degrees, there was a baptismal service to follow the revival on February 24. Also reported was that a number of Methodists had begun to attend the church.
Fairview met frequently for revivals and ordinance services with other churches in the area. They joined in a revival in 1886 with the Zanesville, Union and Trinity churches at Trinity. This meeting was so large that they needed a building four times as large. A testimony service was held in which 93 testimonies were given.
In June 1887, the Church Advocate testified to the generosity of the Fairview Church. Elder Miller reported that he received pounds of the various necessary items of life from the congregation and that he was very grateful.
The church's apportionment had gone down by one dollar and was listed as $4.00. This is part of a very small amount of information available during a period extending almost to the beginning of the new Century.
A revival was reported during April of 1889. There were no visible results and many felt that the revival was ended too soon.
In August of 1895, Elder Bloyd reported on a number of ordinance services. An additional comment was that Fairview had a great Christian Endeavor Society.
The Missionary assessment for 1896 was set at $8.00, which was quite a high figure compared to earlier.
Fairview was host to a special program on January 3, 1897. Brother H. N. Gladuis, who was an Egyptian student attending Findlay College, traveled to Fairview to speak.
Rev. G. E. Komp reported to the Church Advocate in March of 1900 noted that Fairview being specially blessed was able to give the Eldership a gift of $9.30. Rev. Komp also reported later in the year of a 2-½ week protracted meeting, which he considered “good” and which resulted in one conversion and the reclaiming of three who had strayed away.
Rev. B.D. Eden reported in August of 1902 on a children’s day program held at Fairview. The program was considered by everyone to be the best they had ever had.
Revivals continued to be part of the way of life at Fairview. In January 1903, a revival brought three conversions. Rev. E.M. Love arrived at the Zanesville Circuit that same year. By November 18, he had just had time to preach at each of the churches one time. He reported then that he liked them all so far.
Rev. Love found that things in the Fairview community could sometimes be more difficult than at other times when he began a revival there in March of 1904.
La Grippe [influenza] struck every home and they found from one to seven sick in every household. Still Rev. Love termed the people of Fairview as a band of noble brethren and sisters. Still the problems continued to mount. It was an exceptionally wet time of the year and the road between Zanesville and Fairview was a five-mile mess of muck. Buggies sank in the muck up to their axles. If that were not enough, Rev. Love also was warned to be prepared for trouble from Sheldon. It was easy for boys to get drunk in Sheldon and then being drunk, they would sometimes come to Fairview during a meeting and disturb the meeting. They would often steal whips and capes out of the buggies parked outside the church. Rev. Love being warned of this, decided to give the boys the benefit of the doubt and left his whip and cape in his buggy. They were not disturbed. The revival saw much hard conviction, but no converts. Still Rev. Love was very encouraged about the Fairview Church. In describing them, he noted that the brotherhood were at peace among themselves. He also complimented the Sunday School and described it as very interesting. Another compliment he paid to the church was that they had some of the finest singers among their little folk in all the country.
Rev. Love was much more successful in leading another revival of four weeks in January of 1906. There were four converts and the church received five new members. In May of that year, they met for a baptismal service. There were 18 baptized and a collection of $5.00 was taken which was sent to Findlay College.
Fairview undertook a building project in March of 1907, but it was not a very large project. A building for storing coal and wood was erected at a cost of several dollars. At about the same time, they traveled to Zanesville to surprise their new Pastor, Emma Isenberg, with goods that were valued in excess of $24.00.
Jones Creek was the scene of a baptismal service in 1908. In September of 1908. Rev. Isenberg wrote the Church Advocate reporting that Fairview had a live, active Women’s Missionary Society. At about that time, they also had a Sunday School Picnic complete with a parade and class banners. Everyone enjoyed the event very much.
Rev. Isenberg called the church extremely kind and appreciative following a November revival in 1908. The church took an offering of $1.50 and presented it to her. The revival was very successful. There were 14 conversions and 11 new members added to the church. This revival had a great impact on some of the young people who were found still to be working hard in January of 1909. At that time, the Fairview Sunday School was the largest in the township with a membership of 89. On January 28 of 1909 an offering for Rev. Isenberg was taken which totaled $35.25.
Bad news again was heard in 1909. It was reported on April 29 that a revival at Fairview had to be canceled due to smallpox, but by October, things were much better. That is when the Indiana Eldership met at Fairview. The missionary assessment was lowered to $3.00 at that Eldership. This Eldership was followed the next year by one that met in Southern Indiana. That was due to the merging of the Indiana Eldership with the Southern Indiana Eldership.
As time went on, the church building has been remodeled many times to meet the need and progressiveness of the congregation. The year 1910 saw some very good times for the Fairview Church of God. The church building was remodeled and rededicated that year. A cement block foundation was added, the pulpit was changed from the south end to the west side, new leather chairs were added behind the pulpit, new circular seats were bought, a new carbide lighting system was installed, new carpet, new interior decorations, also stained windows replaced the original ones, the walls were painted, papered and woodwork varnished, and at this time, wood burning stoves were replaced by a furnace, which was placed in the southwest corner. This furnace was replaced on November 16, 1916, by another one and this one was placed in the northeast corner. It was reported that some of the congregation wanted to repair the old facilities, but being kind liberal hearted people, the congregation was able to buy the new fixtures. The money had all been raised prior to the dedication except $300.00. The $300.00 was raised on the day of the dedication. The total cost was almost $1200.00.
Rev. H.H. Spiker, the pastor of a church in Fort Wayne, spoke at the dedication. The only sad part of the day was a funeral at 2:00 p.m. for a man who had been killed by a car on the interurban at Sheldon. The dedication was August 18, 1910.
At about the same time, the church voted to have Rev. Isenberg return to Fairview and the Zanesville Circuit, but the Eldership decided to send her to a new field.
In 1911, the church at Fairview was found to be thinking about Findlay College. They sent $1.50 to the college on one occasion and $.50 there on another occasion.
On October 25, 1912, a Ladies Aid was organized with 15 charter members of which three are still living; Edna (Woods) Davidson, Edith and Lucy Woods. The officers elected were Willmetta Greek, president; Eda Woods, vice president; Eva Clark, secretary; and Sophia Baker, treasurer.
The next reference to be found concerning Fairview brings something new into the church. A revival was held in April of 1914 and the Fairview Orchestra played as part of the services. A drive also was on at about the same time to get the Church Advocate into every home of Fairview.
In 1915, Rev Primrose reported that a baptismal service was held in June in which six men and six women were baptized. These included a 75-year old woman and a 79-year old man.
The Fairview Orchestra was in the news again in 1916. In May of that year, the Orchestra traveled 12 miles to Fort Wayne to play at a Christian Endeavor Meeting there. The Fairview Christian Endeavor was considered to be a strong one itself.
In October 1918, Fairview became involved in the General Eldership’s “Forward Movement.” The “Forward Movement” was an 8-year campaign of spiritual and material advancement that would climax with the 100-year Celebration of the General Elderships beginning in the United States. A centennial fund was to be raised of at least $35,000 per year for each of the eight years. The aim for Sunday School was to be an increase by one-third of the present enrollment. The Christian Endeavor membership also was to be increased by onethird. Each church was to canvas its entire community. An additional 500 families were to be added to put Church of God literature in every Sunday School. Every church was urged to adopt as soon as possible, the budget system for raising Pastoral salaries and local expenses. A field secretary was to be appointed to visit all the churches and encourage them in this forward movement.
The Women’s Missionary Society was reported to be doing very well in April of 1919. They were now said to be 29 years old after having been founded in 1890.
1920 was a time when progress came to Fairview in the form of electric lights which were installed that year. Indiana Electric Company built a line past the church, causing the church to change lights again to the electric and in February of 1984 to fluorescent, which is our present lights.
The Ladies Aid of Fairview surprised Mrs. Tracey in January of 1922 by giving her a $10 bill. In March of 1922, a revival was held. There were 21 conversions and 15 new members for the church as a result of this revival. In December of the same year, a ten-day revival was held. It had to be shut down after 10 days because of scarlet fever. Things were much happier in a report by Rev. Tracey in January of 1923 as he reported that a deacon of the Fairview church drove to Zanesville with his car loaded down to overflowing with all kinds of good things.
In the very bad weather of February in 1924, the church held a revival. No cars could get through the snow drifts so horses and mudboats were used instead. The revival resulted in 20 conversions and 12 new members. The Ladies Aid gave Rev. Isenberg who had now returned to Fairview and the Zanesville Circuit, a gift of $5.00.
In 1925, a four-week revival was held in April. There were 8 conversions and 8 new members added to the church. The Mission Circle at that time was referred to as live and offered to pay for some necessary repairs on the church.
Revivals at Fairview attracted people from around the community. A December 1925 revival had visitors from the Zanesville Church of God, The Ninemile United Brethren Church, the Yoder Methodist Church, and a United Brethren Church north of Zanesville.
A major step in improving the Fairview facilities was completed in 1931. This project was the building of a basement under the church. When this project was completed, there was more room for classes to be held.
In 1931, a Fall Festival first sponsored by a Sunday School Class, now by the entire church, was started down at the red schoolhouse nearby. This has grown to be an annual fair. Always being held the second Saturday night in August, many people attended, coming from far and near. They liked the homecoming very much. The proceeds go into a building fund.
Also in the fall of 1931, the congregation saw the need of a basement, a place for classrooms and a place to hold dinners and suppers. A new furnace was installed in the northwest corner, with a kitchen built back and to the side of it. Also at this time, a new outside door was cut on the east side of the auditorium.
In February 1931, Rev. Manes reported on a revival in which there were eight conversions and six new members added. In March, the decision was made to wait until July and then organize a Christian Endeavor. Also of concern at that time was the loss of the church record book and the need to buy a new one to begin with new records. May 21-24 was a busy time at Fairview. The Annual State Mission Circle Bible School Convention Pentecostal Meeting of the Indiana Eldership was held at Fairview.
Rev. B. T. Yeager reported to the Church Advocate in 1932 that the wood and coal house had been sold for $25.00. The church also was building toilets which were expected to cost $17.00. Another interesting item in this report was that a broom would be purchased with the cost being evenly split between the church and Sunday School. On June 28 of 1932, the church made the decision to discontinue having a number of small social events and have one big social in August. The first big social brought in $75.34. It is recorded also that as part of the social, they read scripture and sang hymn number 36. The church bought 100 new hymnals at about that time. On October 19 it was reported that Rev. B.T. Yeager had been assigned to Fairview, Little River and Zanesville for the coming year.
John W. Wishler reported to the Church Advocate on February 19, 1993, that a revival had been held at Fairview and that a $10.00 offering had been taken for the mission fund.
Several items of church business in July of 1933 included songbooks, wallpaper and the social. The songbooks had just been paid off with a payment of $12.50. The walls of the church were to be papered at a cost of $43.00. Rev. Yeager was elected as the chairman of the August 26 social. It was decided that profit from the social would be divided with two-thirds going to the Ladies Aid and one-third going to the church’s Eldership Budget.
In October of 1933, it was found that the basement needed to be sealed. The job was done at a cost of $10.00. The Junior Endeavor was organized with Artista Yordy as the leader.
Rev. Yeager reported in February that almost all was going well The Sunday School was averaging 100. The Junior and Senior Endeavors were active. A revival had just concluded with 15 converts. But the one problem that existed was that the church was struggling financially.
A revival held in February of 1935 lasted for four weeks. It resulted in 14 conversions. Two months later in April, Rev. Yeager reported that all departments of the church were moving along well, but all had room for improvement.
In 1942, additional ground east of the church was purchased. The total cost was $173.00 for 1.73 acres. A deed was made and signed by Harley and Etna Somers for this land. By this purchase, the church lot is 660 feet one way and 107 feet deep. The church trustees at this time were Roy W. Speas, James Guilford Logan and William C. Johnson. To beautify this lot and around the church, evergreen trees were donated by Marvin Donaghy.
In the year of 1945, we felt the urge of doing something to our walls and ceilings. After looking around, we decided to use celotex planking for sides and tile celotex for ceiling. By all our help, old varnish was removed from windows, doors, etc. and new put on, and floors sanded and refinished. All this was done at a cost of $1,195.83.
On September 5, 1947, an electric organ was purchased for $1,300.00 and chimes for $289.00 which added to our worship.
In the summer of 1949, the C.G.Y.A. of the church built an outside fireplace a little south and east of the church, which adds beauty to the property, as well as a place for entertainment.
In the fall of 1951, the furnace was torn down and replaced by an oil burning furnace. It was placed in what formerly had been used as a coal bin. At this time, the kitchen was moved to the south end of the basement. In January of 1952, it was finished in knotty pine. This was done by the Ladies Aid at a cost of $444.45. With this improvement, it made our basement ceiling look bad, so early in March, we had it plastered at a cost of $251.00.
In 1956, restrooms were added to the church. The cost of this project was $1,290.00. Also added was a new section to the church which increased the sanctuary and classroom space. The cost of this project was $13,000.00.
A decision was made in 1959 that the Fairview Church of God would become independent and leave the Zanesville Circuit, which by then included only the two churches. With the completion of a $12,000.00 parsonage in 1960, Fairview was able to hire and support a pastor on its own. The parsonage was dedicated on April 23, 1961.
In 1965, the ladies of the Fairview organized themselves into a local group of the Women’s Christian Service Council. This was done on December 1. In the next two years, this group bought children’s books for the church library. In September 1966, the Young Peoples class bough the church an electric typewriter which made possible a much easier job in keeping church records and history. The church records were carefully examined and updated in January of 1973.
In September of 1973, a building fund was established for the purpose of financing a new addition to the church. In November of that year, the church met and decided to begin the building project.
Services on Sunday morning had been started for some time at different hours in the summer and winter. In December of 1973, the church voted to set a time for services to begin all year round. The times set were 9:00 a.m. for Sunday School and 10:00 a.m. for Morning Worship.
In 1974, a Lay Witness Mission was held with great impact on many of the people of the church. The Ladies Aid that same year paid $1,445.00 for a new oil furnace for the church.
Construction on the new addition to the church began in May of 1974. When the project was completed, the cost was $39,654.00. The addition included new classroom space, office space and a large hallway approaching the church sanctuary.
1975 was the year when the church began two new programs to help children learn more and enjoy more about being at church. This was when the nursery and the Beginner Worship Departments were organized. In March of 1975, Fairview won the Farm Bureau Award for the most improved church in the district.
The church adopted a new constitution at a congregational meeting on March 28, 1976. This constitution is the one the church presented is operating under.
The church purchased a new organ in April 1976, which is presently being used. Among the special activities of 1976 was a Marriage Enrichment Workshop in September.
In 1977, an offset printer was purchased and in February on the 20th new hymnal books were dedicated.
Fairview joined an organization in 1978 called the Tri-Township Relief Fund Organization. This is made up of Fairview and churches from Zanesville and Ninemile. The group provides financial assistance to people of any of the member churches or anyone living in the same township as one of the member churches.
In April 1979, new pews were delivered and while the building was without pews for a while, the floor was resurfaced and the carpeting was repaired and some replaced.
May 20, 1979, was the day of the Mortgage Burning Ceremony for the new addition of the church.
Other improvements and various new facilities have been added in the past several years. The church parking lot was blacktopped. The church has purchased an overhead project, film projector, and various other aids to improve the teaching and learning that takes place in our Sunday School classes.
Discussion began in October 1979, concerning the purchase of new additional property south of the present church property. The transaction was completed on March 11, 1980, with three acres being purchased at a total cost of $6,608.00.
Due to improvements and the state of the economy, the value of the church and its contents have risen sharply. In May of 1980, the value of the church and its contents was set at $164,000.00.
In January of 1981, a steeple was ordered and has since been placed on the roof at the east end of the building.
A special Congregational Meeting was held on April 21, 1981, to discuss the possibility of erecting an allpurpose building to house recreational, fellowship, and other lay activities, as well as possible Sunday School classes. The congregation voted to establish a building fund to support this as a possible project for the future.
On August 25, 1981, a local chapter of the Church of God Winebrenner Brotherhood was organized at Fairview. With such things as the Brotherhood and the new Building Fund being recently begun, it is clear that the Fairview Church of God is working toward the future. One hundred years of ministry have come to this community from the Fairview Church of God. Let us all submit to the will of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may continue to minister faithful to this community until Jesus comes and Fairview’s job is done.
The pastors who have served this church so faithfully are: Reverends Miller, Newton, Fuller, Markley, McClellan, Bloyd, McColley, Eden, Comp, Love, Isenberger, Horendeen, Primrose, Wise, Tracy, Isenberger, Charles Manes, B.T. Yeager, Gilliland, James C. Manes, Victor Yeager, Sanford Fugerson, Harold Mishler, Lloyd Harlan, Dick Van Horn, Tom Coltrain, Jim Leichleiter, Larry Davis, Lloyd Harlan (Interim Pastor), Dan Horwedel, Josh Arthur (Interim Pastor), Kenny Speakman, and Scott Kling.