Excerpt from Historical Sketch of the Vandalia, Ohio, United Brethren Church, 1838-1912

Istory has always been educational. It has shaped the destinies of 'nations and individuals. By means of it many have achieved greatness, and others have been inspired.

Human intellect wants to know things for itself. It reaches back into the past in order that it may bless the future. We profit by the mistakes of the past, and build better than our forefathers.

This little historical sketch is sent forth with the hope that it may inspire the people of our church to do and dare for God, that which our fathers never dreamed could be done. They builded well. They laid an abiding foundation. God bless them! But to-day the call comes for more efficient leaders in all departments of the church. With this call comes the demand for better equipment of church buildings. Let us pray the Lord to open our eyes to the needs of this optimistic hour and hasten to strengthen the walls of Zion.

I want to acknowledge the aid given by Rev. A. W. Drury, D.D., my esteemed friend, and professor of Bonebrake Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, for many facts prior to 1859. Also Rev. J. C. Miller, Lebo, Kansas; Rev. J. L. Swain, Germantown, Ohio; Joseph Wilhelm, Muscatine. Iowa, (now 97 years of age); Mrs. Elizabeth A. Brandenburg, Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Maria Taylor, Arcanum, Ohio; C. W. Eby, Corbin, Kansas; together with those of this community who have given me many interesting facts. In the compiling of this history the question was not, What have I to write, but what things are of the greatest importance?

HE history of United Brethrenism in the Miami Valley had its origin in 1805 when Martin Shuey and Andrew Zeller came into Montgomery County and located south of Dayton.

It was on July 22, 1810, that Christian Newcomer came to Lewis Kemp's home. Bro. Kemp was a United Brethren and lived four miles east of Dayton. He had come into the Miami Valley to find out the condition of the United Brethren people. On Aug. 6, 1810, a Conference was held in Mont gomery County, in German Township, at Bro. Andrew Zeller's home. Thirteen preachers and exhorters were present. Here it was resolved that a circuit be formed, and Thomas Winter, Henry Evinger and Samuel Man gave themselves up freely to travel it. This was the first session of the Miami Annual Conference. In 1811 there was no Conference. But on Aug. 23, 1814, there were two districts instead of one in the Conference. Bro. Andrew Zeller was the Presiding Elder in the Miami District.

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