The fiftieth session of the West Pennsylvania Eldership of the Church of God was held in October of last year. This semi-centennial point in our history naturally suggested many thoughts in reference to the past, the present and the future. And it occurred to my mind that a brief history of the work of the past fifty years might be interesting and profitable.

      Brother S. Arnold, of Pittsburgh, Pa., generously agreed to bear the expense of publication, with the understanding that the income from the sale of the books be added to the Superannuated Fund of the West Pennsylvania Eldership. As a result this sketch was written, and I very cheerfully donate the time and work required in its preparation.

      This is in no sense a treatise on the doctrines of the Church. Such information can be found in other works published for the benefit of the General Body. It is simply a brief history of our local work as an Eldership, written for those who are supposed to be acquainted with our doctrines and methods of work.

      The information contained in the following pages was obtained from the records of the proceedings of the Eldership, from the volumes of The Church Advocate, and from conversations with the older brethren. [3]

      As the consideration of the causes which led to various effects and changes is not within the province of a small publication of this kind, I have been content to give a brief outline of historical facts, leaving the philosophizing largely for others of the present and future generations.

      We now present this edition, hoping that it may be of some interest to the reader, and that the proceeds may, in a small measure at least, benefit those whose sacrifices have assisted in securing our success as an Eldership.

S. G. Y.    

    Mount Pleasant, Pa., August, 1893. [4]

[OFHC 3-4]