Get to Know Us: Highland Brethren Church
On January 12, 1885, the members of the Highland Brethren Church, an offspring of the Ten Mile Dunkard Church, met and signed the following: “Whereas the German Baptist Church in annual meeting has departed from the time-honored usage of the church in declaring the decisions of said annual meeting mandatory, and whereas they have disfellowshipped many members and even churches because they could not conscientiously support such usurpations and assumptions of arbitrary power as the decisions of 1881 and 1882 of said annual meetings, and whereas they have locked the meeting houses of the Ten Mile district; unite in maintaining principles of the early Fathers of the church by meeting, worshiping and practicing the ordinances of the Gospel, strictly contending for all that is in the Gospel and absolutely rejecting all that is not in the Gospel.”
Thus, the above record indicates the first departure from the original Dunkard Church and the beginning of the Brethren Church. On January 24, 1885, the church convened at the present Highland Schoolhouse under the name Ten Mile Brethren. The first officers elected were: Secretary, S. A. Grable; Treasurer, Jonathan Moore; Deacons, Carson Holder, Solomon Tombaugh and Jonathan Moore. The subject of a meetinghouse was discussed, and the building committee appointed was: Solomon Tombaugh, S. A. Grable and James Grable. Added later were: Jonathan Moore and Henry Hathaway. Abraham Smith was the contractor.
Highland Brethren Church 1939
A one-acre plot of ground on Highland Ridge was donated by Jonathan Moore for the church and cemetery, with the right to reserve for cemetery lots. In the spring of 1886, a lime kiln was burned on this ground and stone for the foundation was quarried on the Jonathan Moore farm. Logs were donated by several members and sawed in a mill nearby. Wood for the seats, floor and weatherboard was purchased in Washington. The interior was plastered by Downey Reese. The members worked in harmony and gave long hours of free labor. In the fall the building was completed.
On October 1, 1886, the Highland Brethren Church was dedicated to the Service of the Lord. Rev. Henry Holsinger preached the Dedicatory Sermon. Rev. Henry Wise, who frequently gave sermons at the Highland Schoolhouse, was called to become pastor.
Highland Brethren Church
Present Day
Celebrating over 135 years of history, Highland Brethren Church stands as a testament to enduring faith, resilience, and the transformative power of the Lord. Throughout the years, our church has undergone several renovations, adapting to the changing times while preserving the sacred essence that defines our identity. These renovations are not just physical enhancements; they symbolize our commitment to ensuring that Highland Brethren Church remains a vibrant and welcoming place of worship.
The architectural transformations echo the spiritual growth and renewal that our congregation has experienced over the years. As the physical structure evolved, so did our ministries and outreach efforts, always in alignment with our mission to serve the Lord and be a beacon on a hill. The renovations reflect our dedication to creating a space where individuals can encounter the presence of God, find healing, and build lasting connections within the community.
Highland Brethren Church continues to shine as a beacon on a hill, its light cutting through the darkness and providing guidance to the lost and the sick. In a world often marked by uncertainty, our church stands as a source of hope, compassion, and unwavering faith in Christ Jesus. The guiding principles that have defined us for over a century remain central to our identity, inspiring us to extend Christ's love to all who seek refuge and salvation.
Highland Brethren Church's Three-Fold Communion service is a profound expression of our faith, encompassing the multifaceted dimensions of remembrance, fellowship, and anticipation within the context of communion with God and one another. Rooted in biblical teachings and traditions, this comprehensive service invites our congregation to engage in a transformative worship experience that spans past, present, and future aspects of our Christian journey.
The first element of the service involves the act of footwashing, symbolizing our present condition and serving as a poignant reminder to obey Jesus' command as articulated in John 13:14. This humble act of service holds profound significance, representing the ongoing opportunity for God's children to seek forgiveness and restore fellowship with Him. Drawing inspiration from Exodus 30:17-21, the practice of foot washing as a means of approaching God underscores the enduring relevance of this symbol in our spiritual journey (John 13:1-17, 33-35 & I John 1:9).
The second dimension of the Three-Fold Communion service revolves around the Lord's Supper, symbolizing our future with Christ. This sacred meal not only represents our anticipation of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, as prophesied in Revelation 19:5-9, but also provides a unique opportunity for our congregation to serve and wait upon one another. Grounded in the teachings of 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 29-34, the Lord's Supper becomes a tangible expression of community and shared purpose in Christ's kingdom.
The third element, the Eucharist, represents Christ's past sacrifice for us. The bread symbolizes Christ's broken body, fulfilling the old covenant (the law), while the juice symbolizes His shed blood, which established a new and better covenant for us through grace and faith. This living memorial for Christ, as seen in Luke 22:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 11:23-30, enables us to express gratitude and thankfulness, as the very term "eucharist" implies – a continual act of thanksgiving for the profound sacrifice that forms the core of our Christian identity.
In embracing the Three-Fold Communion service, Highland Brethren Church seeks to create a holistic worship experience that transcends time, providing a sacred space for our congregation to connect with God and each other through remembrance, fellowship, and anticipation. Through this comprehensive approach, we strive to embody the teachings of Christ in a tangible and transformative manner, fostering a deeper sense of spiritual communion within our faith community.