The Byrneville Church History

A History of the Byrneville Branch

Published June 27, 2010

Updated June 2020

"History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates

reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life,

and brings us tidings of antiquity."

Cicero

Byrneville's First Pastor who at the beginning 1888 he was a Teacher.

{June 11, 1888  - April 1892}

 

 

Table of contents

 

Page 1	Dedication to Alma Louise Byrn Utz
Page 1	Preface (History of Byrneville)
Page 3	Byrneville Branch History
Page 5	Date of Organization
Page 6	Tribute to Sister Perla Maymon
Page 8	Building of the Church
Page 9	Dedication of the Building
Page 9	Conference & Institute
Page 11	Ordination of John R. Byrn
Page 13	Who's Who of the Church
Page 14	Byrneville Chronology - Priesthood
Page 15	Significant Events
Page 21	Byrneville Reflections
Page 23	My Testimony of Jesus Christ
Page 31	Sissy's Poetry
Page 32	Thank You to Douglas Byrne
Page 37	Byrneville Info-Bits
Appendix	Early Experiences As A Missionary
	Florence Byrn's Baptismal Certificate
	John R. Byrn's "Two Reasons"
	Genealogy of John, Linda, Beverly, & Judy

 

 

 

DEDICATION

 

       This history is published June 27, 2010 to mark the Byrneville Community of Christ’s 122nd birthday as a Branch of the Reorganization. It is presented, as all histories are, as a glimpse from a present moment seeking to capture that which is past.  It is a work in progress, with gaps, uncertainties and unintentional mistakes but it captures our best effort to present the knowledge and understandings we have today about the  Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the village of Byrneville, Indiana. This edition is based primarily upon the excellent core research of one of our branch historians, Sister Irma Maymon Finn. We honor her memory, her work, her service, and miss her gentle and loving spirit so much. This history is dedicated with love and deep appreciation to the memory of Alma Louise Byrn Utz who more than anyone epitomized to me what it means to walk selflessly the path of a disciple of Jesus Christ.  She trained, motivated, inspired and nurtured so many of us to lead by example and be stalwart and valiant in our witness for Christ.  Great souls, like hers, have helped shape the Byrneville Branch’s effective witness in this community and round about. This edition of its history was compiled beginning with Sister Irma’s work, adding contributions from our own experience, from former and present members and friends of the Branch as well as recollections from our oral history.  It is edited and is humbly presented in this format by the current branch historian, Elder John Aldon Utz.

 

PREFACE

 

       In his classic "Alice in Wonderland" is found a favorite Lewis Caroll quote: "The White Rabbit put on his spectacles. `Where shall I begin, please your Majesty?' he asked. `Begin at the beginning,' the King said gravely, `and go on till you come to the end: then stop.'  That is precisely what we hope to do in this writing.  Our story actually begins in or near Dublin, Ireland in 1731. Charles Byrn is born there, grows to manhood, marries his sweetheart Ann and sometime around 1760 they immigrate to America in search of a better life.  They establish their home on Hamby Creek in Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina. Here, in the new world, they prosper and were blessed with a large family including two brothers of particular significance to our story.  Charles Byrn dies at home July 27, 1797 and wife Ann outlives him another 24 years, passing March 12, 1821.  The two notable brothers were Charles Leason, born about 1777, and his brother Temple Cole born on September 9, 1778 at the Byrn homestead in Rowan County, North Carolina.  These boys grew up as brothers often do with more than their share of sibling rivalry.  When they reached maturity they agreed to go inland to homestead but promised each other that they would not homestead in the same location.  Charles Leason Byrn migrated to Indiana at the age of 29 and settled in 1806 on a farm, later to be known as the Keisler farm, 1 mile N.E. of what eventually would be the village of Byrneville, on the east side of Little Indian Creek. He traveled from Rowan County by covered wagons, pulled by 3 horse teams and came via the Flower and Cumberland Gaps.  They literally cut a road through the wilderness as they came during the 5 week trip, having crossed the Ohio River in flat boats.  Temple Cole Byrn left Rowan County when he was about 31 following a path similar to what his brother had taken 3 years before and he arrives in Indian Territory in 1809.  The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, a paraphrase from a Robert Burns poem “To A Mouse” applied to that day.  The Byrn history suggests that when Temple Cole drove his team into the territory he went to the nearest settled area which happened to be a farm lot.  When he stopped he looked up and saw and heard his brother Charles Leason playing his violin. Temple Cole was quoted as saying, "I came a 1000 miles to get away from that fiddle, but it has followed me here".  Temple Cole would settle south of what would eventually become Byrneville near the Cave Spring , later called Potter's Cave.  He set up his livelihood as a blacksmith and established a combined Grist and Saw Mill.   Pioneer life continued for the brothers along with friction between them which eventually became so pronounced that Temple Cole changed his name by adding an "e" to distinguish him and his progenitors from Charles Leason's.  The rivalry, perhaps not as bitter as the Hatfields & McCoys still continued between Charles Leason Byrn and the now Temple Cole Byrne.  There were other problems more pressing and severe, however. The white settlers of the Indiana territory were disturbed by the increasing activities and power of the Shawnee Indian Tecumseh's followers. Tecumseh’s younger brother, Tenskwatawa, the Prophet, helped Tecumseh to unite the Indians together at a new village called "Prophet's Town", the capitol of a great Indian confederacy.  It was located at the junction of the Wabash / Tippecanoe Rivers, near what is now West Lafayette or Purdue University.  In the late summer of 1811, the governor of the territory, General William Henry Harrison, organized a small army of 1,000 men, hoping to destroy the town while Tecumseh was on a southern recruitment drive.  Charles Leason and Temple Cole forgot their squabbling and came together with many other settlers between October 23, 1811 and November 18, 1811.  They made their way up the Wabash River to gather at Fort Harrison.  The regiment moved from there and arrived at Prophet's Town on Nov. 6, 1811, and upon meeting with representatives of the Prophet, it was mutually agreed that there would be no hostilities until a meeting could be held on the following day.  However, the Indians launched a surprise attack early November 7, 1811. Two hours later, thirty-seven soldiers were dead, twenty-five others were to die of injuries, and over 126 were wounded, including Charles Leason of a wound in the leg. The Indian casualties were unknown as they carried their wounded away, but their spirit was crushed. Following this Battle of Tippecanoe, the brothers return to their settlements, with far less worries for their and their families' safety. For our purposes in this writing, the next milestone occurs when Temple Cole Byrne had the town called Byrneville laid out on his land north of Cave Spring, including his cabin site as well as some of his family’s plots.  Byrneville is founded then in 1837.  Nine years later in 1846 the Byrneville Cemetery was set aside on the southwest corner of the town.  Temple Cole's granddaughter was the first of the Byrn/Byrne family to be buried there.  Interestingly though a group of gypsies had passed through the area in 1820 and had lost a daughter to cholera. Tradition has it that they buried their daughter in the heart of what became the Byrneville Cemetery and planted a small cedar tree on the grave.  The cedar now 190 or more years old stands as a present memorial to those hardy souls.  There is a 2nd cemetery called the Pioneer Cemetery which is on the limestone bluff across Little Indian Creek overlooking the valley.  Charles Leason Byrn saw the Village that bears his name founded before he passed Nov. 18, 1837.  Temple Cole Byrne lived on to further develop it and enjoy the fruits of his labor until he passed almost 20 years later June 4, 1857.  Both are buried in the Pioneer cemetery. Temple Cole's gravestone reads B 1778 D 4 June 1857 Age 78 years, 8 months, 26 days, A Mason.  My Lineage, however, is through Charles Leason Byrn: Beginning with my mother Alma Louise Byrn (Utz), then John Ransom Byrn, then Newton Byrn, then Ransom Newton Byrn, then Charles Leason Byrn and finally Charles Byrn.                                                                                

       When I moved back to Byrneville in 2000 I found by looking on the map that the Little Indian Creek no longer existed.  Oh the Creek was there still running though the heart of the valley but it was now called Corn Creek.  Some things change and some things stay the same.  The Byrneville Branch History is inseparable from the History of the Village of Byrneville.  This is why this short history of the Village has been given and why in the remaining sections of the Byrneville History attempts have been made to record events from both histories.  The Byrn family has survived and its surviving members remained consistent with the Byrn family motto: Certavi Et Vici  "I have fought and conquered". Byrneville, nestled in its own valley off the main roads, was fertile soil in which the gospel of Jesus Christ  could take root and grow.   The Bible says to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.  A short 50 years after the founding of Byrneville the message of the Restoration comes to these simple, hard working Irish folk.

 

BYRNEVILLE  BRANCH

       Only fifty-eight years after the organization of the church in Upper New York State the Gospel had spread to the tiny village of Byrneville Indiana, which is nested among the hills in the southern part of the State (Harrison County).  Early in 1888 Bro. Thomas Wheeler and his good companion, Nancy, were the first Saints to settle in Byrneville. Bro. and Sr. Wheeler moved to Byrneville from a small community in Clark County, Indiana, called Pull Tight, where they had been active members of the Mt. Eden Branch which was located in Clark County, near Borden, Indiana.  That same year Harbin and Ellen Kepley and their family had moved to Byrneville. Shortly after the Kepley family's arrival Bro. Wheeler extended an invitation to the priesthood members at the Mt. Eden Branch to come to Byrneville and hold some meetings there. They did so, meeting in a building which was called the "Union" church, which was on the land that would be owned by Gayle and Ruth Smith.  Later on the Saints took possession of that building, made some major repairs to it, and worshipped there for several years. The first sermons preached in "Union Church" were in April of 1888 by Brother James M. Scott the first night, then Elder Moses R. Scott of Mt Eden continued for several evenings after;  Elder Moses R. Scott had a brother, James G. Scott, who was also an Elder in the church. Bro. James G. Scott had a son, James M. Scott (more commonly known as Monroe), and a grandson, Samuel Scott, who both held priesthood offices. This Scott family is primarily responsible for the early church work at Byrneville. Not only were these men very able ministers but they were also gifted singers. Harbin and Ellen Kepley and Charles and Ida Sappenfield were the first people of the community who were baptized. 

       Brother George Jenkins was born in Byrneville April 1, 1862, grew up there, married in the spring of 1884 and united with the United Brethren Church in town. In the winter of 1887, he was taken sick very suddenly with what he and others thought would be the end of his days - hemorrhages of the lungs. He secured the best doctor that he could but with no benefit to him and he grew worse and worse.  He believed that God would hear and answer prayer and he began to pray earnestly for God to heal him. It is his testimony that this experience along with the intense Bible preaching of the Brothers Scott that convicted him to accept the Reorganized Church  He attended the meetings held by the Scott family in April and was also baptized as a result of their efforts on May 25, 1888. His testimony tells that after he was confirmed, he went home and threw all his medicine away and went to the Lord in prayer, telling Him that he would do anything He wanted him to do. 

       The Wheelers transferred their membership from Mt. Eden to Byrneville and it is believed that the Wheelers, Kepleys and Sappenfields constituted the six memberships required for branch organization at that time.  We now know of George Jenkins and also know of the F. L. Sawleys, who lived in what we referred to as the "pink house" and of J. W. Wight (Jack's father).  Brother John Byrn has told us that when he was young he remembers attending a service in the old church where Brother Wight spoke in tongues. He was not a member of the church at that time but this left an impression on him that he has never forgotten.  Everyone who was there, member and non-member alike, could sense that the power of God was really present. 

       Persecution of the Saints in those days was not unheard of, even in this area.  A most interesting story is taken from Church History, Vol. 4, P. 617, and is as follows: "On January 21, 1889 Elder M. R. Scott wrote from Byrneville, Indiana, giving an account of a peculiar experience. While assembled for meeting a card was handed him reading as follows: "Mr. M. R. Scott, I am going to send you these cards until the white caps (Indiana Klan) take you out and beat all the hide off of your back. If they don't I will address the next one in their name. You are a thief and a dead beat." Another card was handed him reading as follows: "You are hereby notified to stop your services immediately, without any hesitation whatever. We have endured your conduct as long as we can. Take fair warning and walk out of this house right now, or take what will certainly follow if you do not. By order of the community." No attention was paid to these warnings, nor was there any attempt to execute the threats."

       It had been thought that the date of organization of the Byrneville Branch was June 21, 1889, mainly because of a notation in Church History. (Vol. 4 P. 642 of Church History records an April 6, 1890 annual conference convened at Lamoni, Iowa, the church recorder's report shows twenty-three new branches, and among them is listed Byrneville in Indiana).  However, just this month I have received a copy of an article from Irvin “Jake” Maymon, Irma’s twin brother that adds new light on this subject.   George Jenkins wrote an article called "Early Experiences As A Missionary" that was published in the Autumn Leaves May, 1920 Vol 33, No. 5.  It was from this article that we learned of his birth in Byrneville, his marriage, his union with E. U. B. and his illness and we are also told the date of his baptism May 25, 1888.  He continues saying "On June 11, I was ordained a Teacher; a branch was organized and I was chosen to preside.”

{Editor’s Comment:  because the June 11 reference comes 11 lines below and in the next paragraph from his comment that he was baptized on May 25, 1888, it seems reasonable to suppose that the June 11 date is also in 1888.  In the very next sentence a new year is referenced  “On June 21, 1889,  I was ordained an elder." }

       This new evidence suggests that the Byrneville Branch was actually organized earlier than we had thought on June 11, 1888 and that Teacher George Jenkins was to preside as its first pastor.  This would fit into the pattern of what we have understood and is certainly consistent with the way the Church operated in those early days.  Bishop John Corrill, a counselor to Edward Partridge, the Bishop in Zion, wrote "A Brief History of the Church" which states on page 25 that "The high priests, elders, and priests, were to travel and preach, but the teachers and deacons were to be standing ministers to the Church. Hence, in the last organizing of the Church, each branch of the Church chose a teacher to preside over them, whose duty it was to take particular charge of that branch, and report from time to time to the general conference of elders, which was to be held quarterly." That the Teacher was to govern is confirmed in the 1838 Far West Record pages 100-101 and also in The Book of Mormon in Mosiah 11:97-99 and 113. 

       It is this writer’s as well as Brother Jake Maymon’s opinion that the Byrneville Branch organization must be changed to June 11, 1888.  It was probably organized with the same 6 charter members (the Wheelers, Kepleys and Sappenfields) as previously noted.  What is most important is to note that the work did begin and the people responded and the presence of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Byrneville has been felt and continues to be felt in this community and round about for these 122 years.

       Between 1890 and 1900 several others joined the church in Byrneville. Sisters Perla Hollowell and her Aunt Goss moved into Byrneville because of the Church.  Sister Perla went to a church conference and met Brother Columbus Maymon from Oriole, Indiana, Perry County and they soon married and established their home in Byrneville.  Their home was across the street from the E. U. B. Church. God blessed them with 5 children - Virgil, George, Eugene, Lois and Cletus. George would eventually serve as Pastor of the New Albany Branch in the 1950s.  Brother Virgil was called to the priesthood but never accepted the calling, but chose to serve God in other ways. 

       My mother Alma Louise Utz wrote a tribute to Sister Perla and arranged a special program at the church in her honor.  It was printed in the April 1950 District news edited by Chester Metcalf. " "Sister Perla was 11 years old when she joined this church. With several others she rode in a wagon to a place near Borden where she was baptized by Elder Monroe Scott in the back water of a frozen flooded stream -they cut a hole in the ice to make the baptism possible. They then went back to the Scott home where the confirmation took place. This was February 2, 1892.  She was at that time the only member left of the old Mt. Eden Branch.  After this brief biography was given, her two daughters, two of her sons and their wives, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, then marched to the platform and sang the song which was sung at the baptism, "Lo, in the Water's Brink We Stand".  This service was an inspiration to those present. Truly Sister Maymon's life and work in the church which started that day is bearing fine fruit. Sister Utz wrote the following poem in her honor."

Days and months of service have lengthened into years.

Years of love and laughter, years of smiles and tears.

Half a century of service to Jesus Christ our Heavenly King;

58 years of tributes only a humble heart could bring.

Sister Perla, today we offer you our love and honor too,

And pledge to carry forward this work to which you've been so true.

May your days on earth be lengthened

and your strength in service spent,

And the blessings of your Father, bring you peace and sweet content.

~Alma Louise Byrn Utz

       Brother Jenkin’s testimony in Autumn Leaves notes that “the Lord had spoken to him and made known that He had called him to preach this gospel. He felt that he lacked moral courage but said that he continued to improve every opportunity afforded him, the Lord blessing him in all his efforts to present the angel’s message.”  In addition to his duties at Byrneville, in February of 1891 he opened up the work near Augusta, Pike County, Indiana.  He continued to labor locally until April, 1892, when he said unexpectedly he received an appointment to labor in Southern Indiana. He said, “I made up my mind that I would give my entire life to this work.”

       At the conclusion of his Autumn Leaves article, George Jenkins writes, “Dear Saints, I rejoice in this work. It grows brighter to me every day of my life.  I want to say to the young, there is no higher calling in life than to be a true Saint of God.  There is no greater asset that the young man or woman can gather to help them through life than living a devoted life to God.  To do this we must study to know what God’s law is and then make it the discipline of our lives.”

       Sister Florence Byrn, wife of Newton Byrn united with the church March 9, 1894, being baptized by Elder George Jenkins and confirmed by Elders M. T. Short & George Jenkins.  All of their children would eventually join the church: Howard, Ben, John, and Edith.  My grandfather John born  May 29, 1890 would  later write "My mother was a Latter Day Saint. She took me to Sunday School when I was a boy.  I thought Sunday School was for small boys."  He would not unite with the church for another 36 years.  Perhaps he had reservations like his father Newton who did not join the RLDS until Nov 7, 1926 about 18 days after John R & Hazel were baptized October 24, 1926. 

       As time went on some of the priesthood members who were in roles of leadership in the branch were called away to different fields; some going to other places for employment, and some moving to what they hoped was a better land (referred to by them as "Zion").  Eventually the work of the Church dwindled, the building deteriorated into a deplorable state, and finally was confiscated by another organization and sold.  Despite all of this, in the years that followed there were several members who remained steadfast to the faith, but the church as a functioning unit was gone.

       It was not until 1926 that regular meetings were started again. These services where held in the home of Bro. Columbus Maymon and his family.  Bro. Maymon had attended a district church conference in Louisville, Kentucky, and while there met and talked with Elder 0. J. Hawn, a church appointee who had come from Independence, Missouri, for the conference. Bro. Hawn spoke with Bro. Maymon and told him that the time had come for the work to be revived at Byrneville, and that he would be coming out there to hold some missionary services. He told him that he would help them in the building of a church for the people of that community. Bro. Maymon felt at that time that this was an utterly impossible task, and under the circumstances it did seem so. But, there is no doubt that the Hand of God can accomplish great and marvelous things. And so it was that Bro. Maymon and his good wife and companion, Sr. Perla, opened up their home and services were held by Bro. Hawn for a period of six weeks. Their home was a beautiful setting for the preaching of the gospel because Bro Columbus took special care with his gardens and always had a big row of dahlias growing.  At the close of that six-week series numerous baptisms were performed. 

       One of those baptisms was my grandfather John Ransom Byrn.  I have in his hand writing the 2 reasons he gave for joining the church.  The first I have already noted was that his mother Florence took him to Sunday School as a boy. As to the 2nd he wrote "But I think the big reason is that O. J. Hawn preached over in Sister Maymon's house for six weeks. I went every night but the first night. So I was converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And I can say as did Paul, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." John Ransom Byrn and his companion Lily Hazel Leffler Byrn were baptized and confirmed October 24, 1926 by Elder O. J. Hawn.  They opened John Byrn General Merchandise in 1927 and this General Store would be their livelihood and ministry for 30 years.  It became the local gathering point of Byrneville located between the E.U.B. Church on one side and their 2 story home on the other just opposite from the town well and pump. The home that exists today, owned by Jerri Lynn Mosier, opposite the church is constructed from the A-frame portion of the original Byrn home.  It was in that home that I was born and first experienced the saving grace and blessings of the Restored Gospel.

       The main thought of these Saints was that a church building from which the Gospel could go forth was the major thing that was needed. So, this little group of believers, without money, or influence, or fear of involvement, began the actual construction of the building which was completed and dedicated within a year's time.  Work on the project began in August 1926 and the building was up, painted, paid for, and ready for dedication on October 30, 1927.    Although Byrneville was a small village and the branch there, though one organized many years ago, was still small, yet by a fine bit of teamwork and pulling together a very neat and commodious church home was built. In size it was sufficient to seat about two hundred and twenty-five or two hundred and fifty people. It was neat in appearance and was built at an expense of money surprisingly small. Less than $1500.00 in cash was paid out. Work and working together told the story of the accomplishment.  The land upon which the building was erected was donated by Bro. Ozro Byrn, one of the members.  The planning and construction was directed by Jack Dewitt, a non-member friend of the Saints.  Bro. Steve 0. Mosier who was a member of the building committee had a sawmill which he loaned to the men and together they went into the woods nearby which were owned by Bro. Mosier, felled the trees, and sawed the lumber for the pattern of the church building.  Doris Byrne shared that her grandmother, Sister Perla Maymon, had told her that as the men worked side by side to saw the lumber they sang the hymn "Oh, For A Faith That Will Not Shrink".  Not only did they saw lumber for the Church, but they also sawed a carload of lumber which they sold and the proceeds were used to help defray the cost of their building project. Brother Mosier could not write but his own name but he had a gift to calculate things out in his mind. He could beat anyone around in figuring things. He used this gift daily as he had a contract with Hillerich & Bradsby Co who make the Louisville Slugger baseball bats.  He bought tracks of lumber for them and cut stock for the bats in his mill and then shipped the stock by railway to Louisville. Hillerich & Bradsby often advanced him as much as $1000 to do this work for them as their confidence in him was high. So needless to say his contribution to the building project was indeed a God send and a rich blessing indeed. There were so many people who helped that the only thing we want to stress is that it was a group affair. Men, women, and children of the community, in a spirit of unity, shared the physical labor which was necessary to complete the building.

       Sunday, October 30, 1927, was a gala day for the entire Southern Indiana District as the Saints gathered from Louisville, Indianapolis, New Albany, Derby, and other areas throughout the district. The church was filled to capacity and overflowing. The morning hour following Sunday School was given to a sacramental service. President and Prophet Frederick Madison Smith was present and delivered the sacrament remarks. Dinner was served on the church lawn to a crowd of approximately 300 people. Thereafter, at 1:30 p.m. the dedication service was held. It was estimated that about 300 people filled the church building and quite a number who could not get in stood outside, at the windows.

       District and branch authorities arranged a program which took about two hours to complete: History of the building, list of donors of work and money, and the passing of the deed to the general church. President Smith received the deed for the bishopric and the keys from Bro. John A. Robison for the Branch. President Smith in turn presented the keys to Bro. Columbus N. Maymon for the branch, with the admonition to see that the building was used for the people and the church. Special music was rendered by a choir of young people from the branch under the direction of Sister Keo Robinson. An offering of about $150.00 was subscribed and taken up for additional improvements, etc.

       After the dedicatory sermon by President Smith and a dedicatory prayer by Bro. Robinson the service closed about 3:45 p.m. But that did not close the day's work, for after supper they met again in the evening and President Smith spoke to an audience which nearly filled the house.  What a day of rejoicing it must have been!  Truly, the Spirit of God like a fire was burning all throughout the day's celebration.

       The Saint’s Herald for October 3, 1928 records the next significant thing to come to Byrneville: Southern Indiana Conference and Institute.  Page 1158 of the Herald tells us the story.  “Byrnville was selected by the previous conference as the place for the 1928 Southern Indiana conference because it is located in a section of Southern Indiana, where the church work used to be very strong and where in the last few years the interest has seemed to be not of the best.  This choice of conference site proved to be a good one, because the conference held on August 30, 31 and September 1 and 2, fulfilled all expectations.

       Previous to the business sessions, the Sunday School of the district, through the able superintendent, Sister E. Houston Glenn, had arranged to have present General Superintendent of Sunday Schools Charles B. Woodstock.  Not only in the Sunday school institute work did Brother Woodstock do his part and do it well, but all through the other services; especially in our sacrament service on Sunday did everyone enjoy the association of our brother.  He said that everyone in the church should give his or her contribution.  Surely on this occasion Brother Woodstock gave his.

       Sister Woodstock in the girls work and the Department of Women, was a wonderful help, and all the girls and women in attendance went away revived in spirit, strengthened in the work, and imbued with a greater determination to do their part in the time before us.

       Missionary Jasper O. Dutton was also in attendance, and as co-helper in charge of the conference he rendered valuable service.  His words of counsel in prophecy Sunday at the sacramental service were very timely, as well as his sermon delivered Sunday evening at the close of the conference.  His testimony at the sacrament service was impressive, thanking the Saints for their loyal support this conference year and expressing how happy he was to have been a coworker with us.  We can all say we appreciate the services Brother Dutton has rendered.

       District President John A. Robinson was in charge, and his able leadership in the transaction of business was complimented.  Though we were not all permitted to attend the meetings for a few nights previous to the conference, we are sure the way was ably prepared for the successful conference by the timely sermons delivered by Brother Robinson.  His leadership was attested to by his unanimous choice for the presidency of the district for the coming conference year.  Here is a list of the officers selected to serve for the coming year: President, J. A. Robinson, counselors to Brother Robinson, H. W. Burwell, Louisville, KY and Charles A. Nolan, Indianapolis, Indiana; Secretary, Arthur W. Gage, Indianapolis; Women’s Department head, Katherine Schmidt, Louisville, Kentucky,  with Hazel Burwell, Louisville, assistant; Sunday School Superintendent, Sister E. Houston Glenn, Derby, Indiana, with Sister Keo Robinson, Indianapolis, assistant; Department of Recreation and Expression, Clark Glenn, Derby, Indiana,with Harold Martin of Louisville, assistant; W. O. Robertson of Louisville was sustained as Bishop’s Agent; Margaret Stacy, of Louisville was elected the new treasurer for the three departments: Sunday School, Department of Recreation and Expression, and Women’s Department.  The auditing committee for all the financial work of the district: Katherine Schmidt, Mary N. Hanner, and Nita Mae Ferguson, all of Louisville, Kentucky.

       One service we must not forget - the baptism after the morning services Sunday, when District president John A. Robinson led into the waters of baptism Rose Baylor, of Crandall, Indiana, a small town near Byrnville.  Sister Baylor is the daughter of Brother and Sister Kiethly, Saints of long and honorable standing in the church.  Our elderly sister and mother struck a responsive chord in the hearts of all when she said that seeing her daughter baptized after years of investigation made her feel, to a certain extent, as if the mission of her life had been fulfilled; that she had not spent her life in vain.  This is the kind of spirit that makes for accomplishment.  This is the kind of spirit that was enjoyed at our late conference.  This is the kind of spirit we hope will govern us in our future efforts and prompt us to want to do more in the time that is allotted to us to work.  We are sure if we can all feel this way we shall be happy in the service we shall render and the contribution we will give to the church.

       We appreciated to the fullest extent the hospitality of the Byrnville Branch.”

                                                 Arthur W. Gage, Press Committee.

       Sister Doris Maymon Byrne of New Albany was born May 2, 1928 in Byrneville and was blessed at this conference by Apostle D. T. Williams.  Bro. J. O. Dutton baptized her in 1937 and Evangelist Fred A. Smith gave her Patriarchal Blessing when she was 15 in 1943.  Doris married Jack Byrne on June 23, 1950 and moved to New Albany and has been faithful to the New Albany Branch since serving as organist.

       Brother John Byrn was called to serve as an Aaronic Priest Sept 29, 1929 and  the Byrneville Saints gathered together for their first business meeting in their new church building on August 12, 1930. At that meeting Priest John R. Byrn was elected to serve as Pastor of the Byrnevllle Branch.  Thus began an extraordinary period of ministry and growth not only for Brother Byrn but the church and community as well. In a small country church like Byrneville the duties of a Pastor are very broad. Besides the spiritual work of overseeing the ministries of the church, providing preaching, teaching and pastoral ministry, counseling when needed and always welcome and friendship toward all,  there were the physical things such as the janitor work, law mowing and care of the building as well as providing bed and board for the visiting ministers became a part of a Pastor's duties.  Because of his faithfulness, the Lord called Bro. John to the office of Elder Sept 20, 1936.  He was ordained and set apart under the hands of Evangelist H. W. Burwell and district president Elder J. O. Dutton.  The content of that ordination is memorable:

 

ORDINATION  OF  JOHN R. BYRN  TO  OFFICE OF ELDER UNDER  THE  HANDS   OF  ELDERS  H.   W.   BURWELL  AND  J. O. DUTTON AT THE CHURCH IN BYRNVILLE,   INDIANA  SEPT 20, 1936

 

       “Brother  John Byrn,   as  officers  of  the  church of God,  we  lay our hands  upon  your head  this  morning  In  pursuant   to the  call  that  has  come to  you,  setting  you apart  to  function  In the  Holy order  of God  as  an Elder  of the  Melchisedec  Priesthood, praying God  that  He  shall recognize this  act and  that His  Holy Spirit may ratify unto  you  and unto each of  us  the divinity of  this  Call.  We  pray that God may  send His  Spirit on you that  it  may give  unto you those  characteristics  necessary  to carry out  the  obligations  that  shall  rest upon  you from this  tine  on.  We  full well  know the  responsibilities,  brother,   that  shall be  yours and we ask  God to guide  and direct  you  in every step of  your official life  that  you may be  able  to do  those  things  that   shall bring blessings unto  those  over whom you are  placed  as  a  shepherd,   that  your life  and your walk may be  such that  they will  be  an honor and a glory to the Cause.   Remember  as  the  days  of discouragement  and  trial  come  to  you that there  is  one  to  go  to who will never  leave  nor  forsake  you,   and we  beseech you  to  remember  Him in the  days  of  trial  and  tribulation and He who has called and  set  you apart  this day shall  be with you to  bring unto  you the  rest  and  peace  and  instruction that  is  needed  to  carry out your  work.  Remember  thou hast  now entered into  a  more  full  relationship with God and much shall be required  of  thee,  and as  you  step forth in the  performance  of  those duties  devolving  upon  you,  you  shall be blessed with the  presence  of the  Holy Spirit.  As  you  shall  go  into  the  homes  where there  is  sickness  or  sorrow the  Spirit  of  God  shall  accompany you and you shall  be  able  to bring  peace  and  comfort  to those  in trouble.     As you are called to minister  to the needs  of  those  in darkness  the  way shall be  opened  so  that  they  shall understand  and  know the message  thou hast  in  thy keeping to give  to  them.  And so Father, in the sacred name of thy son Jesus  Christ, we  confer upon our brother all  the  rights  and privileges  of  this  Holy  Priesthood asking thee  to  seal  upon him those  special  blessings which he   shall be in  need of.  May the Spirit of Wisdom be his as president of this group that thy people shall draw closer together. Direct in all his activities that his life shall bring honor to  thee and his  labors bring  forth much fruit  acceptable  unto thee,  we ask  in  Jesus'   name,  Amen.”

      

       The General Store proved to be just an extension of Brother Byrns ministry. Folks would come from miles around to trade there for the staples of life.  Oh, the memories of the potbelly stove in the center of the store, Old time scales for weighing Wenning’s meats and cheeses, rolls of butcher paper and small paper bags, curved glass display cases with glass trays filled with candies, the merchantiles organized into drawers that lined one wall from floor to ceiling - the ladder that moved along a track on the wall so you could climb to reach the highest drawers, the cubical Kerosene dispenser just inside the door where one revolution of the handle was one quart of fuel, . . . just the smells and sights made the store a significant part in my growing up. When mother was not home we would get off the school bus at the store and hang out and play till mother got off from work. Grandmother’s hard fast rule was that she must be able to see our heads from the front porch of the store, and if not, we were sure to get a lickin’.  We were not to be out of her line of sight.  One of my early goals was to grow tall enough so that I could see over the tall counter and would then be able to help out in the store.  Brother and Sister Byrn extended credit to ever so many who could not pay cash for food when purchased. It was agreed that you settle your bill at the end of the week or month and usually folks were able to stay current or at least pay something on their tabs. I remember the wooden box tray that held the credit pads.  When purchases were made on credit they were written into the pad - carbon paper was slipped between the sheets so the customer got a total for the purchase and the store retained the copy to match with for later payment. I eventually learned that hundreds of dollars, perhaps more, would be written off or forgiven for some who just could not pay anything at all.  Bro and Sister Byrn were often called out at all hours of the day and night to give help and comfort to folks in or near the Byrneville community. They were called for illness, accidents, deaths, funerals, weddings and when there was no one else to call. The position of Pastor or any other office in the local RLDS church is not a paying job in terms of cash and benefits.  The Pastor at times might receive some reimbursement as part of his Elder's expense but I dare say that Brother John used little of these funds. The feeling of trying to do God's work is of the utmost importance and this is a job which calls for the best in a man, or anyone for that matter.

       The Scripture says that called of God, a man must walk the path God trod;

       Not for praise or worldly fame, just knowing that God called his name. 

       And so God calls man to live anew, to toil and love and strive to do;

       The work that He, though called apart, has implanted in man's heart. 

       Now, as in the days of old, Bring lambs and sheep into His fold;

       The Good News must indeed be told, the Gospel preached to young and old,

       To each one comes a time to serve!

       One of the upstairs rooms at Brother John & Sister Hazel's home was set aside as the Preacher's room.  The traveling missionaries and other men of the Church knew that day or night they would be welcome and would find safe-haven, food and lodging in the Byrn home. I remember walking up the narrow stairway up to the Preacher’s room and seeing there the well- made bed, and chair and wardrobe with a large pitcher for water and a big basin with wash cloths and towels where the visitors could freshen up.  This was a treat to go up there as it was a holy place really, made so by the many who found sanctuary there. The roster of church men spending some time in the Preacher's room or visiting in the Byrn home reads like a Who's Who of the Church:

President and Prophet Frederick Madison Smith, Israel A. Smith and W. Wallace Smith;  

Bishops Hunt, G.L. DeLapp, O.Kenneth Byrn;

Evangelists F. A. Smith, Harold I. Velt, Irvin Maymon;

Apostles Myron McConnelly, Clyde Ellis, Paul Hansen, D.T. Williams, Charles Hield, Percy Farrow, Maurice Draper, Duane Couey, and Roscoe Davey;

Seventies Lester Tacy, Joe Baldwin, Ernie Ledsworth, Don Harvey, Alan Breckenridge, John "Jack" Wight, Jimmy Renfroe, Les Gardner, Paul Booth, Z.Z. Renfroe, C. F. Davis, Oscar Case, Richard Reed, Joseph Yager, Ronald Freeze, Arthur F. Gibbs, Virgil Billings and Ralph Bobbitt

Elders J. O. Dutton, John A. Robison, E. F. Robertson, Mel Henderson, Blair Jensen, Merle Harford

       Bro. John Byrn served the Byrneville Branch in a very humble and able manner as its pastor for a period of almost twenty three years. On Sept 4, 1952 he wrote to District President Chester Metcalf requesting that he be relieved of the responsibility due failing health.  In his words, "Since I have not been so well, it has been harder at times, to carry on and I think it best to be relieved of this responsibility.  Sincerely Your brother in the work, John R. Byrn".  He remained active in the work and faithful throughout the remaining years of his life until the Lord called him home Dec 26, 1972.  Brother Floyd Gatrost was elected pastor when Bro. Byrn was relieved.  On May 6, 1954, Brother W. O. Robertson wrote from Louisville to Bro. Floyd indicating acceptance of Brother Virgil Maymon to replace Brother Byrn as solicitor for the Branch.  I mention this letter because of the very complimentary words he wrote about my grandfather.  "I am sending Brother John Byrn a copy of this letter and hardly know what to say in way of thanks, as he has been so long and faithful in caring for the solicitor's work there, that he is entitled to more than just simply "thanks" for all the services of both himself and wife.  However, I will state that his services as both pastor and solicitor well entitles him to the "well done thou good and faithful servant' - not only from the church, from the Bishop and your humble servant, but he and his beloved wife will hear it again from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when we all meet to account to Him for our stewardship. Those words will be most pleasant to hear and will be proof of all the work done in this Southern Indiana District over the years from the Most high, who will take into account every effort we make here to assist in the building up His Kingdom here on this earth."

       Since then Brothers Warren Brunson, Ronald Ross, Harlan Maymon, William “Bill” Raine,  Don Hileman and David Maymon pastored the Branch. Their terms of service are noted in the Chronology that follows. We would be remiss if we did not note Brother Bill’s service as pastor spanning 2 different time periods and a total of 22 years and Brother Warren’s service spanning 3 different time periods and a total of 14 years. Today Elder David Maymon serves as Pastor, supported by his loving companion Lori. We are indeed blessed and fortunate to have and to have had stalwart men of such caliber and dedication to lead us. Greater yet, a small group of faithful and devoted Saints continue to worship in Byrneville, filled with the love of God and a spirit of unity and humility. The same Spirit that blessed those early Saints.

       Byrneville was the fertile home which made possible the spread of the Byrn/Byrne families and also the sharing of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ with nearby communities and the world. The attraction of other places, jobs and situations as well as marriage and missionary work pulled many from this tiny village.  Just as ministers of the Gospel came from Mt. Eden, IN to share the Gospel in Byrneville, so would the ministry and Saints from Byrneville share the Gospel in other communities outside their village.  Brother George Jenkins, Byrneville’s first pastor would within 3 years go under appointment with the World Church to minister in the Southern Indiana District.  Other individuals and families moved locally to nearby communities and some “gathered” to Independence to assist in bringing forth and establishing the cause of Zion, God’s Kingdom on earth.  The New Albany Branch was organized because of the efforts of many of those Byrneville Saints.  Some 50 years later, Brother O. Kenneth Byrn would follow in the footsteps of George Jenkins by going under appointment with the Church after he finished his military service and degree at Kansas University at Lawrence.  His lifelong commitment of service as a Bishop included Center Stake, Detroit International Stake, World Headquarters, and Kirtland Stake and then back at World Headquarters.  His service was a source of pride to his older sister Alma Louise as well as all who knew him and he became yet another Byrneville Boy who, from these humble beginnings, successfully served the cause of the Kingdom.

 

BYRNEVILLE  CHRONOLOGY

 

Branch Pastors

  George Jenkins June 11, 1888  - April 1892

{Editor’s Comment: It is probable that Brother Columbus Maymon, a Teacher also, served as pastor after Brother Jenkins.  Members of the M. R. Scott family who provided leadership during this period, could have pastored though I have not found any documentation of this.}

 John R. Byrn August 12, 1930 - September 4, 1952

 Floyd A. Gatrost September 1952 - 1958*

 Warren F. Brunson 1958* - 1962*

 Floyd A. Gatrost 1962* - 1968*

 Warren F. Brunson 1968* - 1974*

 Ronald Ross 1974 - 1980

 Warren F. Brunson 1980 - 1981

 William G. Raine November 1982 - 1996

 Harlan Ray Maymon 1997 - 2000

 William G. Raine 2001 - 2008

 Donald Hileman 2009 - ?

 David Maymon ? - Present

*Dates are Approximate

 

List of Priesthood Serving the Byrneville Branch

(not listed in order of service)

Teachers

 George Jenkins, David Maymon, Frank Martin, Columbus Maymon,

Joe Summers,  Leonard Scott

Deacons

O. Kenneth Byrn, Ernie Palm

(Charlie Tretter has accepted a calling and is completing the Temple School requirements)

Priests

J. W. Wight (Jack’s Father), John Utz, Willard O. Smith, Harlan Maymon, Lee Francis Byrne (Jack  Byrne’s father), Willy Maymon, Irvin Maymon, Warren Brunson, Bobby Maymon, Denise Palm, Darrell Smith, Don Hileman

Elders

George Jenkins, John R. Byrn, Roland Prather, Floyd Gatrost, Warren Brunson, Ron Ross, William Raine, Joe Summers, Harlan Maymon, John Utz, Don Hileman, David Maymon

 

Significant Events

1862 - April 1, George Jenkins was born in Byrneville and grows up there

1884 - Spring, George Jenkins is married and  in the Fall, he unites with the United Brethren Church in Byrneville

1887 - Winter, George Jenkins was taken sick with hemorrhages of the lungs

1888 - April,  First sermons preached in "Union Church" by Brother James M. Scott first night, then Elder Moses R. Scott continued for several evenings; Harbin and Ellen Kepley and Charles and Ida Sappenfield were the first people of the community who were baptized.     

1888 - May 25, George Jenkins was baptized

1888 - June 11, George Jenkins is ordained a Teacher and the Byrneville Branch was organized and he was chosen to preside. . .First Branch Pastor 

1889 - June 21, George Jenkins was ordained an Elder

1891 - February, Brother George Jenkins opens the work near Augusta, Pike County, Indiana and there does his first baptizing     

1892 - April, Brother Jenkins received an appointment to labor in Southern Indiana.  He traveled with a more experienced Elder V.D. Baggerly. The May, 1920 Autumn Leaves, Vol 33, No. 5 gives his personal account of "Early Experiences as A Missionary"   

1893 - Bro Jenkins labors in the Southern Indiana District. Our way of travel then was not so speedy as at the present, as we then had no automobiles, neither had we the airplanes. In a few places we had crosstie tickets but few coach tickets; however, we made the best use of the ways we had. On traveling from one appointment to another I went by boat 115 miles, train 215, wagon and horseback 247 and on foot 439 miles.

1914 - June 23, Aldon Davidson Utz is born in Mot Town, near New Salisbury.  I idolized my father because of his athletic abilities in basketball and track and as a man of great strength both physical and spiritual with a very humble way about himself.  His love for the Lord came across when he sang, a ministry that touched the lives of so many.  I remember that his prayers at our evening meals were simple, meaningful and they always ended the same way: “We beg the Christ, Amen”

1916 - July 27, Alma Louise Byrn Utz is born in Byrneville.  She grew up as the belle of Byrneville and the pride of her father’s eye, gifted in music, learning and writing, learned to play the piano and accompany the local musicians.  She excelled in school, graduating valedictorian of her class, was very athletic and she played on the 1933 New Salisbury High School, Harrison County Championship Girls Basketball Team.

1920 - December 30, Owen Kenneth Byrn, brother of Alma Louise, is born in Byrneville.  Like Alma Louise, he was good looking, very athletic, studious and very popular. He is called and ordained a deacon September 20, 1936, during his New Salisbury High School days.  After graduation, he then worked for a time before joining the Signal Corps and served for 3 years in Germany during World War II, with several decorations.  When he returned, he went to Graceland College from 1946-48 and while there met his beautiful bride-to-be Norma Jean Sintz from Middletown, Ohio. They would marry August 15, 1948 with both families in attendance, a very memorable day for this 7 yrs old lad. They go to Lawrence, KS and he attends K. U. to earn a Master’s Degree in Business.  Almost immediately he becomes a partner with the Norris Brothers Business firm (includes son Larry) and works for them 9 months before he is asked to go under Church Appointment.  He is ordained as an Elder January 7, 1951, a Bishop in April of 1951 and then a High Priest June 29, 1953.  Like George Jenkins he would literally give his life in service to the Church, serving a period of 32 years under appointment plus 2 additional years working out of the Central Professional building on development concerns.  He fought the good fight and I am certain received the same “Well Done, like his Father John before him” as he finished his life on earth October 9, 2001.

1926 - October 24, John R. & Hazel Byrn are baptized and confirmed by O. J. Hawn. John Byrn born May 29, 1890 and died Dec 26, 1972; Lilly Hazel Leffler Byrn born Jan 1, 1898.  Their pride and joy were their children Alma Louise and Owen Kenneth.

1926 - November 7, Newton Byrn is baptized. He was born September 15, 1860, son of Ransom Newton and Ruth Jeffers Byrn.  He well known in the area for his skill and musicianship with the fiddle, and he wins a fiddling contest in Michigan when he is 80.  He and wife Florence have 4 children John Ransom, Ben Ovea, Howard Willard and Edith May. He dies at the ripe age of 93, October 5, 1953.

1940 - July 14, Aldon and Alma Louise are married by Elder E. F. Robertson (June Wright’s uncle), in Bedford, IN at a park where an all-day meeting of the Church was being held. It was both a festive and highly spiritual setting for the beginning of their married life. Owen Kenneth, Alma Louise’s brother, was best man and Alma Louise’s best friend and co-worker from New Albany, Laverne Arnold, was bride’s maid.  Sister Harriet Smith shared a memorable ministry of music at the wedding, singing, “I Love You Truly”.  The Maymon family as well as many of the Byrneville Saints attended the wedding.  A Shower for the couple was held, as was the custom, instead of a reception.  Aldon & Louise’s love was real and lasting and their happy marriage would span the next 35 years, the birth and raising of 4 children John, Linda, Beverly and Judith Rose, until cut tragically short by Louise’s illness. They set a standard of excellence for us to follow which led all 4 of us to achieve as valedictorians of our classes to join Mother’s superb achievement. She was 55 when the symptoms of Olivo Ponto Cerebellar Atrophy began and by the grace of a loving God 3 years later she passed into the everlasting arms, in her sleep, the night of Valentines Day 1975.  Mother was always our greatest Sweetheart.

   1941 - June 30, John Aldon Utz born on an early Monday morning in grandfather John Byrn’s home; Dr. G. D. Baker from neighboring village, Crandall, IN, was in attendance at my birth. Doctor Baker told my father that my lungs were not fully developed, though I was 10.5 lbs. and he feared that I would not be able to hold onto to life.  When he said that I would die before sunrise, my parents asked my grandfather to administer to me.  Bro John gave me the anointing of olive oil as a newborn, laid his hands on me and prayed that God would spare my life. This blessing, a real and measurable healing, re-reoccurred many times in my life. . .because of those weak lungs I suffered pneumonia 10+ times before I was two years old as well as other bronchial-sinus infections later in life.  God was gracious to me though because of my parent’s great faith, my own desire to seek the Lord and He preserved me through many afflictions and accidents many of which rendered me unconscious. Perhaps I was accident prone but I know that He had another plan for my life.

1943 - Iona Mosier and Edna Womack are baptized by Elder Chester Metcalf.  Sister Edna and her husband P. H. were our immediate neighbors behind our broiler house and we maintained friendship and fellowship over the years.  Sister Edna passed to her blessed rest June 16, 2010.  Iona prepares herself and serves as a registered nurse and many of the town’s people come to her for help, including my father.  Her counsel was always wise and she helped where she could.  She meets Hewett Mosier in 1944.  Hewett distinguished himself, serving in the Pacific War theater at Morati, Luzon, New Guinea, Philippines with the 1876 Aviation Engineers from 1943-46, participating in 3 invasions.  He and buddy Gillam received 2 Bronze Stars for using their mortars to kill 160 Japanese.  Hewett is but one of several Word War II vets that honor Old Byrneville.

1943 - March 5, Linda Kay Utz David is born, baptized after her 8th birthday by grandfather Elder John Byrn.  Linda and husband Alfred David are both Professors of English Literature living now near their son Benjamin in Portland, OR.  I was privileged to perform their marriage ceremony June 10, 1968 in a yard wedding at our home on Tinker-Hill.  Linda has been very ill since the days we shared as students at Indiana University Bloomington...She suffers from P. O. E. M. S. Syndrome, an auto immune complex, requiring experimental treatments.  Linda has suffered so much pain but has endured so graciously that her doctors have marveled at her inner strength and grace.  Yet, in spite of this adversity, she has accomplished such remarkable things over the years, authoring books, showcasing exhibits, and editing work for herself, her husband Al and her son Ben.

1944 - June 11, Beverly Ann Utz Kelly is born, baptized after her 8th birthday by grandfather Elder John Byrn.  Beverly married Dorrance “Dee” Kelly and they live in Indian Hills off Brownsboro Rd in Louisville.  Beverly, a Kentucky Colonel and an R. N., continues to work in administration at Brown Cancer Center, in spite of suffering all her life with Lupus and degenerative disk disease.  The Kelly’s had one daughter Missy (married Mike Sealey) and a grandson Brady Braxton Sealey and granddaughter Bella Grace Sealey were born.

1946 - February 1  Judith Rose Utz Gettlefinger is born, baptized after her 8th birthday by grandfather Elder John Byrn.  Judy was a superb scholar with a straight A average.  She fell in love with a classmate from Depauw, IN and asked me if I would perform their marriage.  I did so on June 23, 1966, in the back living room of our home on Tinker-Hill, using a white bed sheet draped over the freezer as the altar. Ron and Judy Gettlefinger live in Canton, MI where he for many years, though now retired, was President and Chief Negotiator for the United Auto Workers Union.  They had 2 children Dawn and Darin and now several grandchildren.

{Editors Comment: My sisters are remarkable people for having endured me growing up, as I realize that I was not always the best of brothers. . they have borne my being ‘John Aldon’ with a great deal of grace and dignity and for that I am grateful though at times I have not felt worthy of their love and generosity.  To say they are my favorites is an understatement for I have learned so much from them and see them as my heroes in many ways, for they have encouraged and inspired me to reach for a better life and to be better than I naturally am.}

1947 - June, Mary Lois Smith and Paul Harrison are baptized and confirmed by Seventy Alan Breckenridge

1949 - June 30, John Aldon Utz baptized after morning service in Little Indian Creek and confirmed at 6 pm on his 8th birthday by his grandfather Elder John R. Byrn

1950-51 - Evangelical United Brethren Church burned.

1957 - March 3, Work begins on the Church basement, digging it out further. . .I remember that an outside wall caved in and almost buried my father Aldon and the men feared the church structure itself would collapse and Warren Brunson says they rushed to shore up the foundation of the building with timbers and supporting posts.

1960 - 1992, Byrneville Women offer Chicken Suppers as a fund raiser during this time period, many, many people attended from all over and they looked forward to coming year after year to Byrneville for the Chicken and homemade noodles.  Alma Louise Utz, provided the leadership and vision of what this could mean for the Branch.  She sacrificed, organized, delegated and worked alongside the other women to set the menus, make the homemade noodles, bake and debone the chicken, bake the desserts and prepare all the other needful things.  She served with great zeal at least those first 12 or so years until so became so ill. I know it was a group effort and those Suppers were Zion in action in the Byrneville Branch.

1993 - 1994, “Byrneville Days”, is an all village festival sponsored by the Byrneville Branch.  It is set on a Saturday and Sunday in August both years and draws people from all over the area.  Booths and vendors line the main and only street, and there are musical groups playing.  Church prints caps with Byrneville Days to sell as a fund raiser.  Sherrill Wolfe from Depauw brings his matched team of horses and gives wagon rides.  Bill Raine and others assemble and man a hot air balloon ride and have it on a tether so that rides can be given upward to 100 feet.  Bill said he really like his ride, though others said they would never get on such a thing.

1966 - June 1-10 Priest John Utz preaches his first Missionary Series at the Church.  Warren Brunson presided and Judith Rose Utz was Director of Music. The days/topics were as follows:  1st “What am I doing here?”  2nd “God is dead?”  3rd “Is the church really necessary?”   5th “A sermon for sidetracked Saints”  6th  “Spirituality in the space age”  7th “The scandal of being a Latter Day Saint”  8th “The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ in America”  9th “The paradox of salvation”  10th  “John Doe, be my disciple”

1969 - May 27, Ramsey Water was connected to the Church

1971 - February 17, Organ purchased from Conrad’s Music Store for $326.00

1972 - January 25-26, Seventy Arthur F. Gibbs speaks

1972 - July, Jerri Lynn Mosier, Lori Brunson and Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith baptized by Elder     Warren Brunson and confirmed by Elders John Byrn and Floyd Gatrost

1975 - April 27, Seventy Joseph Baldwin speaks

1975 - May 27, Older pews purchased from Woods Chapel for $1276.00

1977 - October 31, Seventy Alan Breckenridge speaks

1980 - September 5, Brother Mel Henderson speaks

1982 - 1988, Branch sponsors youth for church camping by paper & aluminum recycling

Mid 1980s - Pastor Bill Raine calls Darrell Smith to the office of Priest.  He serves diligently until his health issues overtake him

1986 - July 18, Brother Mel Henderson speaks

1990 - Bathrooms are installed at the Church; Vinyl Siding installed on Church

1991 - 1992, The church doors were redone and the roof was repaired/painted. Saints came from all over to help, Bill Poore, Tom McGahey are remembered

1993 - 1994, On a Saturday & Sunday in August each year the Byrneville Branch sponsors town festivals called “Byrneville Days”

1992 - 2000, Byrneville Saints take tickets at the Harrison County Fair as a fund raiser

1994 - A window air conditioning unit was given to the church by a friend of JoAnn (Annis Raine’s sister) who lived in Elizabethtown

1996 - June 14, Present furnace was purchased and installed by Lambs Heating & Air Conditioning. . .they gave us an air conditioner which they had taken in trade from another church.

1986 - Carpet was installed in the Church by Richard James, Lois Tretter’s sister Stacie’s son and he was a carpet layer by profession.  He got our carpet as a trade-in from another church and he gave it to us and laid it for us for free.  The Church women however made him take $200 for his generosity and hard work.

1997 - September, Robert L. “Bob” & Jo Ann Harrison are baptized in Big Indian Creek by Elder Richard Harrison; Bob is confirmed by Harlan Maymon and Jo Ann is confirmed by William Raine, Richard Harrison assisting.  Special Note: This baptism was a miracle of faith 15 years in the making. Richard had been encouraging his brother Robert, working toward, hoping and praying for this day to come.  Richard always brought his “whites” (baptismal outfit) with him every time he came home from Seattle, WA to visit.

2008 - For the first time the church has a mailing address. 4360 Whiskey Run Road, Georgetown, IN 47112. We are not lost any longer, we know where we are!

2008 - Waterproofed and painted the Basement walls; Installed a new Sump Pump April 22

2008 - Handicapped accessible ramp added to the front entrance of the Church.  A grant was written to the World Church for the funds to underwrite this needed addition to the church; steps were also built for the back door of the sanctuary

2009 - Replaced ballasts in lights Jan 26, Purchased Hot Point Electric stove from Kidd Appliance May 26, Paint the Basement July 17, Purchase Sears Refrigerator Aug 20, Replace 4 more light ballasts Sept 29 and install a set of Goodman 5pc Stainless Burners in the furnace Dec 5

2010 - August 14, Fred & Audrey Huelson’s 50th Wedding Anniversary

         

          BYRNEVILLE  REFLECTIONS

 

from Alma Louise Byrn Utz

 

“Symphony in White”

Lacy white fingers against a blue sky,

Nature’s own artwork sent down from on high.

Tall, dark green cedars, shimmering white,

Covered with diamonds, fragile and bright.

Enchanted skaters on the mill pond below,

Its mirrored surfaces embanked now with snow.

Snowy white flakes, drifting slowly to rest,

Lightly as feathers, on nature’s own breast.

Shimmering, glistening, sparkling bright,

The mantle of winter brings joy and delight.

©1950 Alma Louise Utz

 

“Our Baby”

Sugar and spices from faraway lands,

Squeezed tightly as treasures in baby’s wee hands.

Gooey brown chocolate, so yummy and sweet,

Covers our baby, her head and her feet.

Sticky but happy, she coos with delight;

God, please bless our baby, and make her days bright.

©1950 Alma Louise Utz

 

“Long Day Darlin’”

Close your eyes, my wee one, stars now shine on high,

While your loving mummy, sings your night-time lullaby.

It’s been such a long day, darlin’, for such a little girl;

It’s been such a bad day, darlin’, first Johnny pulled your curl.

Next you dropped your dolly, broke your curly sheep;

Then you cried your heart out, until you went to sleep.

But when Linda shouted, “Here’s a big surprise”,

“Wanna see s’prise”, said our baby, opening wide her sleepy eyes.

Now the night has come at last, and the day is through.

Close your eyes, my wee one, Mummy’s watching you.

As you drift to dreamland, May the God above,

Set His Angels round you, Shield you with His love.

©1950 Alma Louise Utz

 

“Mummy, Can I”

Through the dark stillness of nighttime, Comes the patter of tiny feet

And a whisper comes with the footsteps, So soft, so gentle, and sweet.

Mummy, can I get in your bed?” I’ll hear it throughout the long years,

And wish it were always so easy, to comfort a little one’s fears.

For before I can tuck in my blanket, Ore that tiny pajama-clad form,

My baby has gone back to dreamland, securely protected from harm.

If in these dark times of disaster, The world in its sorrow and strife,

Would turn as a child to its mother,

Seeking comfort from Him who gives life.

The voice that o’er Galilee answered: “Be not afraid”, I am near,

Would bring peace and comfort and beauty

to a world lost in darkness and fear.

©1950 Alma Louise Utz

 

{Editor’s Comment: These poems are treasured memorials to my mother who in her humility and meekness only signed them Jan. 31, 1950, Alma Louise Utz, Route 3, Georgetown, Indiana}

 

from Denise Jean Scott - Palm

“4th Generation Member of the Church”

       Robert Blaine Byrne and Ruby Violet Harrison Byrne are my Great Grandmother and Grandpap. They were both born and raised in Byrneville. They were married on January 1, 1901 by James P. Sappenfield. They had 9 children. The 1st one died at birth and the 8th child Agnes was killed in an auto accident in front of the Byrneville Church. The 6th child, Robert Emzley Byrne, died February 1, 1973. In Great Grama’s Patriarchal Blessing it says that she is the Vine and many branches there will be in the church because of her. They attended the Byrneville Branch until around 1945 when they moved to New Albany for Granpap’s work in the Mill Yard. They are both buried in the Byrneville Cemetery.  Denise has taken over for her mother bringing flowers to their graves.  Remembrance and honor does strengthen us to stay the course.

 

from John Aldon Utz

TINKER-HILL

       It was only a rustic and crude tar paper shack on the top of the ridge overlooking the village of Byrneville all but choked out by a dense thicket of wild blackberry vines and sassafras saplings, honeysuckle and you guessed it, poison ivy, but it must have looked like a dream come true indeed to my parents Aldon and Alma Louise, newly wed a few short days, but eager and ready to carve their own slice from life's pie. My father was a bit rugged himself, a tough minded and strong bodied German lad, 2 years older than Alma, and definitely not the first choice for a suitor by any means for my deeply Irish and very religious grandfather John Ransom Byrn.  I am sure when it was known that dad smoked and danced, perish the thought, that it raised alot of eyebrows around the church going folks in the village. One can almost hear the conversations on the stoop of John R's General Merchandise, "such things just ought not to be", "Alma deserves much better than him" or "I can't imagine what she sees in him". There was not much to talk of on long dusty days at the store so anything happening with the families was fair game.   Alma Louise, you see, was the pride of John R. and Lilly Hazel, firstborn to her only younger favorite brother Owen Kenneth. She was a popular high achiever, valedictorian of her class, a star athlete and pretty as the proverbial wild Irish rose. It was common thinking that she was going to do great things and go far beyond the confines of the small village that had been her home.  Their meeting outside school is shrouded in mystery. There's many a conjecture but few facts to support the time or place when she saw the twinkle in dad's eye and resolved that there was "something" very good about this young man, even apart from his bad habits, that set him apart from all others. Oh yes, she had followed his superlative achievements on the basketball court, all the points scored and awards won and had even caught his eye as he watched her play basketball as well, she watched him hit the baseball and slide home with winning runs and even admired his form in track and field on that special day when he threw his 5 foot 8 in frame high into the air over a 6 foot high jump bar. She could not have known that he was falling for her also and that when their love grew to commitment that he would love her with all of his being more than his life itself for all of her life and would grieve her passing 14 long sad years till he could join her. She could not have known what a love story they would create. No one could have known or even dreamed such a thing in the seemingly sleepy hamlet of Old Byrneville.  The early days were long and hard, sunrise to sunset and beyond. To earn a living Mother worked out in New Albany and later at the local Martin's Hatchery in Ramsey. Father worked at Ford Motor plant in Louisville and Dupont’s Powder plant in Charlestown as well as the state and county highway departments.  For that work he would be known as the Bridge-Builder as he rebuilt so many of them in Harrison County.  In the precious freetime they literally grubbed their home from the dense wilderness. Working side by side each berry vine and sassafras sapling had to be grubbed out by the roots and burned. Blisters and aching muscles produced results ever so gradually in the birth of an actual yard materializing out of those long hours of back-breaking work.  Soon the weeds and wild grasses would yield to a turf type fescue and flowers and beauty would grace their hilltop home.  The front door of the house faced the setting sun and on the little concrete slab porch one had a satisfying view of one of the most beautiful sunsets around.  There was so much going on, so much tinkering to get this or that to work that their home came to be known around the area as Tinker-Hill.  I would learn later that Tinker-Hill got its name properly from itinerant peddlers called tinkers that would stop there atop the ridge to repair pots and pans and all things made from metal for the locals.  I myself came to tinkering at an early age, as a shadow to my father, a skill that has seen many applications over the years.  What can’t you accomplish with duct tape, WD-40 and a little ingenuity.

 

MY TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST

       My religious faith and trust in the goodness and mercy of God has not come easily. From accepting early on that perfection was what God wanted of me and eventually finding that perfection was a struggle I could not win, I retaliated not against God but against myself. I self-talked myself into the failure that I "knew" I was, repeating over and over that I was inferior, unworthy, dirty, abased, repulsive, and deserving of punishment. With that war waging within me there was also the germination of seeds planted early on that I was a unique child of the King and that I would be His servant one day. This powerful innate drive caused me to "prepare" for what seemed then as impossible, something that I questioned would ever come. But come it did, not at my own choosing or in my timing but at God's.  I feel that more hearts are healed by acceptance and helping people come into the presence of the Lord and by being there with them than by most other approaches. I have seen the ways the Lord has used me change or deepen over the years, a gift of prayer and preaching came with increasing earnestness and preparation on my part, the sensitivity to annoint with oil and lay on hands for blessing the sick (James 5) and the willingness to make myself vulnerable in bearing burdens has been part of my growth. It has been a long road in ministry for me since 1963. I began my walk as His servant purely in faith praying that he would lead and provide the victory and allow me to be an instrument in His hands. We RLDS are called to priesthood ministry by the Hebrews 5:4 pattern (no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron).  Aaron was called of God by the administrative authority of that day or Moses, God's prophet.  He was called to "speak" for Moses, because Moses was slow of speech and had a slow tongue (Ex 4:10).  This is what Hebrews 5:4 means.  No matter how badly I might have wanted to be a minister for God, I could not take this honor unto myself. . . my calling had to wait for several years until an experienced presiding elder/pastor in my local church was convicted of my calling into the service of the Lord.  The calling to ministry came finally through an older pastor Brother Floyd Gatrost , more experienced in the ways of the Lord. It was 1963 at an early Sunday morning Prayer Service, this pastor rose and looked at me and said that God had a calling for me to minister as a priest in His church and would I accept this calling? I see that moment in my mind's eye as vividly as if it were yesterday. I had to choose. Because of that war which was within me I had a clearer choice. I was 22 and had suffered a lifetime from self-abasement and inferiority and I knew its end was despair and death. I had also experienced the Spirit of God as it worked in the lives of others that I loved and as it prompted me to do good, walk humbly and judge righteously. I knew that His spirit brought forgiveness and new life so I accepted the calling, not from knowledge but from faith.  I was voted on by my home church (common consent is necessary) and was accepted by them as an Aaronic Priest, to minister for the Lord Jesus Christ. Shortly thereafter I was set apart or ordained by the laying on of hands of those in authority to serve as a priest in His church. That calling, accepted on faith, lead me to pray to God for a confirmation or a testimony of the rightness and divinity of my calling.  By that time I had the support of a whole faith community of family and friends who had always "known" that I would someday be a minister in the Church of Jesus Christ.  This coupled with my own longtime desire to serve the Lord combined to give me the courage to exercise what Pascal called "faith, the great wager of betting one's life on God". I still did not have a personal testimony of the rightness or divinity of my calling.  But, perhaps that is how it always is...you move out in faith and meet the fact that God is there.  I have learned that there is a definite order in spiritual things.  It is little understood by many who believe that if they feel something deeply, they should act on that feeling. I have come to understand that always there is God, He is Alpha and Omega.  Call Him Nature, a Higher Power, the Universe or Innate or Inborn Goodness if you must. . .there is still the FACT that God Is and that, for me, is the beginning of spirituality.  I believe FAITH always comes next, it follows by our betting our very existence on God. Always, lastly comes FEELING. . .or the blessing, the testimony, the sense of rightness or confirmation of the fact.  My search for confirmation lead me to serve in a variety of ways; as a youth minister, a counselor, a teacher, pastor and a friend of the saints. God never answers us on our timetable but always on His. We forget that we are limited and boxed in by time but He knows no past or future, He is eternally present and one eternal round.  That confirmation came to me finally, but only after 10 years of "faithing", falling at the Master's feet, bearing others burdens and flinging myself onto the frontiers of ministry, for youth, in music and pastoral care and the cause of seeking first the Kingdom of God. I had come near to the end of my strength spiritually, when my testimony came. It is said that 'man's extremity is God's opportunity'. And then it came to me not in the form I had expected but as an open vision, rather than in a dream or by hearing the still small of God speak audibly to me. In 1973, I had developed a high fever 103+ and the doctor sent me on to the hospital in LaGrange, IN and I was put in isolation in an oxygen tent suffering from horrible pneumonia. Remember those old plastic tents, moisture condensed on them and ran down in streaks. Some would say that what soon followed this Good Friday afternoon was just delirium, a simple delusion because of the fever.  I prefer to believe that God allowed the high fever to get my attention, to cause me to put total trust in Him. I remember that I felt no pain, no coughing, no aching or malaise. I was aware of the number of doctors, nurses and others who came in and out of my room.  There was obvious concern that something was badly wrong.  I felt no concern and no fear.  I remember laying on my side in the darkened room and looking through the plastic at the open doorway and the light of the hallway. The edges of the doorway began to blur and widen and my view became as if it were a movie screen. I saw what the Spirit confirmed was the face of my Lord Jesus Christ. His long hair was parted down the middle and his beard was forked in the manner of the Nazarites that I had read about. I was filled from head to toe with His love and acceptance and at the same time His Spirit impressed itself upon my spirit and my mind and caused me to remember Mathew

25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

25:35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink?

25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]?

25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

Matt 25:40 penetrated my very soul. . .in all of that I had done for the Lord, I had been doing that to the Lord Jesus himself and I finally understood that He had accepted me, that He always had with all my imperfections, struggles and desires and the tears of joy flowed as freely from my eyes as the moisture did condensing on the inside of the plastic tent.  I knew now that my adventure in faith was acceptable in my Lord's sight, that my calling to minister for Him was divine and that all of the youth, men, women, babies that I had cared for in Jesus' name were each one a symbol or representation of Jesus Christ and that I had by ministering to them been ministering to Him. What marvelous peace I felt. What tears of joy I wept. The open vision continued as His image soon divided into two images and those divided into two and they continued to so divide so that my full range of vision was small images of the face of Christ, what I felt to be pinpoints of light.  The screen, my whole range of vision, was white in its brilliance. The Holy Spirit brought to mind John 4:35 "There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."  I was caused to understand why the Lord commanded his disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". (Matt 28:19)  I saw for the first time that the world lies waiting to be harvested for the Lord and that it was my opportunity as well as any who would minister for the Lord, to thrust in our sickles and reap while the day lasts. I cannot nor do I ever want to deny this experience for it brought me the peace that passeth all understanding and it convinced me that when I committed to practice my faith and trust only in God and live the gospel of Jesus Christ that what I had embraced was truly the power of God unto salvation!     God has revealed Himself to me many times through the power and means of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus Christ...through this His Holy Spirit, I have received comfort and direction and many times spiritual insight. This often came in the form of spiritual psalms or songs, often both words and music. This is in harmony with Scripture:  Colossians 3:"16": Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.   Ephesians 5:"19": Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

       Here is the text of one particularly meaningful experience.  It is an autobiographical song the Lord gave me, both words and music, and how it is to be performed accompanied on the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer.

 

Corn Creek

Chorus:
Corn Creek ripples by our village,
listens as we live each day;
hears the songs sung, sees the deeds done
in its water’s memories stay!

1. Down by Corn Creek where I was born
quite early one dark summer's morn,
old Doc' Baker told dad I'd die before the sunrise caught his eye.
2. Growing up here in our small town
with one street and dogs all around,
a sawmill too and general store
we had fun 'mid kinfolks galore!
3. The town folks were of Irish stock
descended from Dublin's sure rock.
Those pioneers saw Corn Creek flow
and knew this was where they must go!
4. In those waters, we fished and swam
and baptized in Jesus the Lamb
and we peered from the Byrneville bridge
to catch a glimpse of lover's ridge.
©August 31, 2002 John Aldon Utz

 

The Old Man

“Colbert Jenkins”

       One June day my friends and I were playing in the street we saw someone coming in the distance.  He walked very slowly, and with each step, tapped his cane on the road.  We couldn’t see his face but we knew who it was, it was the old man coming to town.  He came in almost every day to buy food and rest at the General Store.  Today was no different.  We saw him go into the store and heard the screen door bang behind him.  Then as was our custom we gathered outside and peeked in at him through the window.  It was not that he was mean or harsh with us, he wasn’t.  But he was so strange looking, so different.  He looked like he was the product of someone’s weird imagination.  His hair was long and white with grayish streaks.  He hadn’t shaved.  He wore some raggy, dirty clothes and an old hat.  His outfit was complete with the old muddy hip boots that he had on.  Looking at him now, we could hardly believe what was told about him. . .  “He was considered a genius.  To be sure, he was the most highly educated man in the community.  He was once a School teacher, an accomplished musician and a writer of some note.  But now, instead of hearing the inquiring questions of his pupils, he heard only the bellowing of the few Dutch belted cattle he had on his farm.  His farm was in no better condition than he was.  His cattle lived on a few bales of rotten, moldy hay and on brewers slop purchased in bulk from the breweries in Louisville.  His big barn had long since decayed, and had partially fallen down, and the red tile silo beside it looked as if it would fall any day.  The house in which he lived was in worse condition.  Some years back, the house had sagged because of rotting supporting timbers and now we all supposed it remained standing only by the grace of God.  The inside of the house made each of us thankful for what we had.  It was carpeted, wall to wall, with at least a foot of newspapers, rags, tin cans and books.  The house was lighted by a single kerosene lamp, sitting on a crowded table in the corner of the room.  There wasn’t a clean thing in the house.  The old man’s bed was a pallet of rags in a dark corner and his pillow was a volume of Paradise Lost.”

       We wondered about these things we had been told as we watched the old man head out of the store.  More times than not before he would reach the door he would stop, lay his butcher paper wrapped package and can of beans on the Kerosene drum by the door and turn to finish his conversation with grandfather.  His package would always soak up the kerosene that inevitably had spilled on the top.  It did not seem to matter at all to him as he tucked the package under his arm, pushed open the door, nodded to us standing by and began his long walk uphill to his home.  After all, supper was waiting. . .a can of pork and beans, a couple slices of Bologna and cheese. When he passed out of sight we back to playing for we knew that the old man was happy, and that he would come into town again.    

 

The Demons On The Table

 

       When I was three or four, Sister Iona “Oney” Mosier was babysitting me, Linda and maybe Beverly up on Tinker Hill, our hilltop home.  I was an inquisitive youngster and apparently got into everything, even somethings I should not have.  This day I had climbed up on the kitchen table and was busy mixing mustard into the sugar bowl, just because I could. Oney saw me, came into the kitchen and asked, “John Aldon? What are you doing?”  She says I replied, “The demons on the table”.  I had apparently been listening more than was thought in Church and Sunday School and even at that young age I understood that demon was not a good word but it described what I was doing.  That phrase became a catch phrase that has followed me all my life.  I came to be called “Demon” by Charles Smith and other older town boys and eventually when I began playing my ukelele and singing Homer & Jethro songs wearing red check Bermuda shorts, white shirt with red tie and white knee socks they called me “Grandpa Snazzy”, both of these more tolerable than what my peers called me in junior high, namely “sugar-belly”.

 

       The Fire

 

       The Utz family home burns on a Sunday morning. I was in the 1st grade and we were at church for Sunday school about 9:15 A. M. and someone said there’s black smoke rolling from up on the ridge. I remember seeing it from the front step of the church. Mother asked for help in watching the 4 of us and she hurried home. My father had stayed home that morning because he was smoking bacon and hams. I suppose shortly after mother packed the 4 of us in the car and drove away for the short drive down to the church, sparks from the smoke house must have caught the roof of our home afire. Our home was just a tar paper covered farm shack by today's standards and because of that it was like gasoline to the fire. By the time Dad realized it was burning, in the panic to try and save something, he ran in the house and his eye fixed first on our Frigidare Refrigerator. Dad was an extremely strong man physically even though 5' 8"” tall and had a Charles Atlas type body.  He picked that refrigerator up and carried it about 500 feet to neighbor Frank Martin’s front porch. By the time he got back, the house was an inferno and all he and mom could do was hold onto each other as their dreams and memories went up in smoke. I remember like it was yesterday, mother taking us “home” after church and us standing by the edge of the cellar (the basement was not completely dug out) and looking down at those red hot smoldering embers, feeling the intense heat on our faces, the remains of all that we had known gone to ashes, except for my little red wagon, which somehow had been spared. My sister Linda, though only 4 years old at the time, remembers seeing in the ashes the 2 halves of a set of Auditorium shaped Church Headquarters book ends that Mother and Dad had bought in Independence on their honeymoon.  She says that she remembers mother saying that what hurt her the worst of all the heartache from this experience was seeing all the broken Ball and Mason jars containing all the wonderful foods - the green beans, tomatoes, corn, etc that she had so painstakingly canned and put away for the families food use during the long winters.  I remember going to school and seeing the large boxes the teacher had placed in the back of the first and second grade classrooms for my classmates to bring things and share them with us. And I remember the many men and women from  Byrneville and round about coming without being asked.  I remember particularly Earnest Byrne laying blocks and Clarence Harrison, using his equipment to dig out the basement.  I remember Earl Cline helping with electrical work and many more whose names escape me who worked alongside my father, volunteering their time and resources so unselfishly to help Dad rebuild, a new concrete block home, much better than the first, back upon the same foundation.    

 

from Patty K Cline Burton

(Granddaughter of Martha Leffler Resch, Lily Hazel Leffler Byrn’s sister)

       I remember going to Church and the Sunday School classes being divided into sections in the Sanctuary. There were no dividers, just your little section, then afterward was church with Uncle John preaching. When I was there, we generally had a picnic afterward.

{Editor’s Comment: Above the railing of the rostrum, a heavy wire was hung about 7 foot above the stage floor from one side of the sanctuary to the other.  A light brown burlap type drapery was suspended from this with rings like a shower curtain so it could be drawn to isolate the stage from the main part of the room.  There was 1 or 2 subdivision of this platform area to provide classrooms for the children while the adults held class in the main sanctuary.  I have a memory of class as a young boy with my Grandma Hazel in the right corner. }

 

from Richard C. Harrison (Good boy Hooten)

 

       Memory is a strange thing, especially as we get older.  Experiences, whether good or bad, seem to grow in magnitude.  Imagined things become real.  Even buildings and lad masses are larger in our memory than in reality.  With this in mind, I would like to share some of “my memories” of the Church at Byrneville.  If my memory does not coincide with yours, it’s not that I am trying to change history, or that mine is right and yours is wrong.  It is just - - -well, that is how I remember it.

       I was born October 21, 1932.  On the 8th day (Oct 29) I was blessed under the hands of Elder J. O. Dutton at the Byrneville R. L. D. S. Church.  The cornerstone of my faith foundation was set in place.  (Honestly, I have no memory of this part.)  Byrneville, like most every other church relied on a core group of people.  Those people heard the gospel, received the gospel, and committed their lives to live out, as best they could, the gospel imperatives.  I remember one of those people as being Sister Louise Utz.  My very first memory of church was as a participant in a Sunday School Christmas pageant directed by Sister Louise.  I remember her nudging me out from behind the bed sheet curtains, at the front of the church, where I recited my practiced lines:

“Christmas comes but once a year, I think it best that way.

What would poor Ole Santa do if Christmas every day?”

       Sister Louise spent untold hours and boundless energy working with the youth; from kindergarten to junior high to senior high, involving them in music drama, Sunday School classes, Zion’s League activities, etc.  In Zion’s League at times, there were only two or three of us at the meetings.  But she was still there working, nurturing, teaching.  It was not until I was many years older, and more involved in congregational life, that I could fully appreciate he commitment and dedication.  Of course, there were others, the Maymons, Smiths, Mosiers, Byrns, all contributing to my growing and learning experiences.  And there was my own family.  My mother Josie was part of the “Women’s Department”.  This was the group that, in my opinion, was and is the heart and soul of every congregation.  By and large, the “social ministry” of the congregation was in their hands.  They handled the Cradle roll, they were the Welcome Wagon, they provided food for the sick and shutins.  They organized bazars and bake sales, ice-cream socials and fish fries, quilting parties and friendly visiting.  They made the Church a living experience.  One authority on church growth has stated that is the socialization of the church is successful, the congregation will thrive.  If it is not, the congregation will wither.  Enough said. 

       I was born baptized May 29, 1949 by Elder J. H. Yager and confirmed a member of Christ’s Church by Elders J. H. Yager and Chester Metcalf.  I was sixteen years old and the good folks at Byrneville had done their job of establishing my faith foundation.  At age nineteen, I joined the U. S. Navy. and the first year or so of service, I began to drift away from that which I had been taught in church and at home.  One night upon returning to my barracks after a weekend of liberty in Hawaii, I was caused to think - “What would those good folks at the Byrneville Church and my own family think if they saw me now?  How disappointed would they be?”  I determined then and there that I could not let that happen.  I terminated the association with my circle of Navy buddies, began attending the Makiki congregation in Honolulu.  The Hawaiian people welcomed me with open arms, open hearts and open homes.  I was back on the path of learning what the Lord had in mind for my life.  As a side note, one of my buddies wanted to know “why the change”.  I shared my testimony with him and he was baptized in Hawaii, returned to the St. Louis area and served as a pastor for many years.

       I have only fond and grateful memories of all the folks at Byrneville who set forth a true compass heading for me to follow on my faith journey.  Though I live many miles from here in Seattle, Washington, Byrneville will always be home!

 

from Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith

       Sissy was born July 10, 1925 daughter of Ben & Myrtle May Martin Wise Byrn and still lives a couple of city blocks down but opposite the church in the family home.  Her brother Morris still lives near, across the Creek.  She married a Byrneville boy Darrell Smith, son of Jesse & Ruth Smith July 6, 1946 and they had 50 happy years before Darrell passed of kidney disease in October 1996. They had two children Diana and Kevin. Sissy united with the church when she was 47 yrs. old, perhaps waiting that long because she was deathly afraid of water, feared getting it in her ears. Jerri Lynn Mosier and Lori Brunson probably helped talk her into it and all three were baptized at the same time in July 1972.  Sissy is well known for her quilts and crochet work.  One of her crochet masterpieces, a 5’x3’ wall hanging “Mary Holding Jesus” was sold for $100, though Sissy knew she should have asked $500 and is mounted and displayed at the Hancock’s Chapel Church near Central Barren; another major work on the “Last Supper” was sold to Caesar’s Funeral Home in Corydon.  Her work is exquisitely beautiful in all details, befits her gentle spirit and her use of the gifts of patience and perseverance that God has given her in abundance.  It is her humble testimony of the Lord who she loves dearly and serves in the best ways she can as a shut-in.

       When Douglas Byrne made the present Pulpit Stand and Communion Table, the Church asked Sissy, who is the resident Poet Laureate of Old Byrneville, if she would write a Thank You to him and that is what she did.  I am including just a few of Sissy’s very best here, all written in the heart of Byrneville.  She is a keen observer of even the day to day activity of this small village. A prolific poet is Sissy Smith, my first cousin, once removed. What follows is but a sampling of her many works and she continues to write even now in her 85th year.

      

Douglas Byrne

D & C 46:5b "for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God"

A good man, out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things.  Matt. 12:30

     

From the little town of Byrneville,

Comes a great big Thanks to you,

For the beautiful expression of your love.

We want you to know for a fact,

We aren't putting on an act.

We Thank You & Our Father up above.

The beautiful wood you chose Is expensive, Heaven knows.

And the work you did was really unique.

All your corners fit so well, And the trimming is really swell.

It is out of this world, so to speak.

The time that it took, you could have read a large book,

But who could see your talent if you had?

And to know that it's free, the price we all have to agree,

isn't really what you'd say, all that bad.

Then to have it delivered at the door was quite another chore,

I'm sure that bringing it so far was quite a trick.

Which saved us a lot of dough, but we all want you to know,

You're a SuperDuper real St. Nick!

Please accept this Thank You from me,

for the gift you gave us free, and for the talent God gave you to learn.

We will use the stand & table, just as long as we are able,

Thank You Very Much Douglas Byrne.

©Sept 24, 1981 Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith

 

A Prayer

Heavenly Father forgive me when I can't pray                                                                                   

and say the things as others do.                                                                                       

Thou knowest the things that are in my heart                                                             

Although I can't make my words come through.                                                                                     

My tongue is tied when I stand to pray                                                                            

Aloud so others may chance to hear.                                                                                                     

But thou knowest deep inside my soul                                                                                   

I hold your blessings to me most dear.                                                                                                       

I thank thee, Lord, for simple things                                                                                 

That others may not even ken.                                                                                          

The things where I may be close to you                                                                              

A piece of paper, pencil, or pen.                                                                                                                  

I have words when it's time to pray

But they never come out as I'd have them do.

I'd rather take this moment to write

A little note or word to you.                                                                                               

When others pray and take a part

At meetings where they are close to you.

I am very close to Dear Lord,

But not by words, just close in heart.                                                                                   

So heavenly Father when I don't speak                                                                                                  

As others with bowed head in prayer                                                                               

And say the Thanks they speak & say                                                                                

Just know that my heart is there.

©1975 Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith

 

Communion

It was not just a piece of bread I took from off the tray                                                           

It was not just a glass of wine as it was passed my way.                                                   

It was the body and the blood of Jesus Christ our Savior                                                         

Who came to earth to pay the price for all our misbehavior.                                                   

I sat there meditating as the others took communion                                                   

and wondered if I they too as I had experienced a new reunion.                                                      

I know each month when each of us join in sacrament                                                      

We make vows we fail to keep which is not our intent.                                                        

So help us Lord, we humbly pray until our next communion                                            

And keep us in your power until our next reunion.                                                              

©1975 Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith                                                                                                                            

 

Aunt Edith

l remember my Aunt Edith, as she did each manly chore                                                                       

And people saying things as, "At housework she was poor! "                                                                   

But I'd like to see the ones that said it, get behind a team and plow                                        

A job that was hard to do, they use a tractor now.                                                                  

I can see her harness up the team and start to plow the field                                             

Stopping only long enough to cook the noon day meal.                                                                         

And then go back and start again just where she'd stopped at noon                                            

Sometimes humming to herself a jaunty happy tune.                                                                                

I doubt when she was on the farm, she had 2 dresses to her name.                                       

Old bib overalls was what she wore                                                                                    

But she was happy just the same.                                                                                      

And the kids were always asking for a poem she'd recite.

Darius Greene in his flying machine, was one that was pure delight,

Or maybe a story she would read just to catch her breath,

Or maybe one she'd just make up that would scare you half to death.                                   

Not like women that cleaned all day,

But always time to hear every little thing that each child had to say.                                 

What do you think in your own mind those kids will remember most?                                      

A story or a poem, or a house as neat as toast?                                                                       

I know what I remember I wish I could tell her so                                                                           

But I'm sure that where she is she is sure to already know.                                                                       

I remember her not having everything that most folks had                                                 

but she kept on a smiling, but you knew when she was mad.                                                               

Boy'. Did you know it and almost everyone around,                                                            

Within a mile or more both up the creek and down,                                                              

but after she had said her piece and each one put in his place                                                               

She would start to humming, a smile upon her face.                                                                                                              

I sure miss my Dear Old Auntie, she was my favorite one, you see.                                          

I hope that when I'm dead & gone someone can say that of me.

©1975 Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith

 

The Doily                                                                                                                                        

There is a lovely doily on the table it is spread                                                                                   

Made from an old, old, pattern and a lot of crochet thread.                                                  

But to look at its beauty no one can ever know                                                             

All the happiness or the sorrows that are hidden in each row.                                                                                                                          

All the thoughts that are released as the needle each stitch makes                                             

All the heart aches or the joys relived in each stitch one undertakes.                                                                                  

Wouldn't it be wonderful if our troubles could be shed                                                                   

as pulling on the end of this piece of crochet thread?                                                                                                                                

All the troubles would unravel, all the sorrows and the care                                            

as the thread is pulled from the spread and the table is left bare.                                                                               

When I look at a doily, the work I not only see                                                                 

I can feel that in there hidden, is a part of you & me.                                                                                                                                       

Whether it is quilting, weaving, knitting, or such thing                                                            

There is a lot to be accomplished with a little piece of string.                                                                                                   

Don't just admire the beauty, try to fathom, if you will                                                   

of all the action that took place in this doily that lies still.                                                                                                  

All the joys, all the sorrows. that this piece tries to impart                                             

All the love & understanding as the heart strings of one's heart.                                                                                      

©April 28,1981 Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith                                                                                      

 

Hands

 

Little dimpled hands, so brown from the sun                                                                    

Playing in mud pies, where they have so much fun.                                                                          

Patting each cake till it's just the right size                                                                 

Hardening, almost before your eyes.                                                                               

Small lovely hands, wearing a ring                                                                                                            

A wedding band, betrothed, in the Spring.                                                                                             

The same hands that just a few years ago                                                                       

Made the mud pies that lay in a row.                                                                               

Small lovely hands with a trace of wear,                                                                                          

Caressing a babe with loving care,                                                                                                         

And dreaming if these chubby hands too,                                                                                            

Would make mud pies as hers use to do.                                                                                   

Weathered hands from toil & pain                                                                                     

Never to make mud pies again.                                                                                                           

Folded & laying across the breast                                                                                                       

Worn, weathered hands at last at rest.                                                                                 

©1975 Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith    

 

Diners

A couple of gentlemen went to dine and ordered a steak, just right                                 

but as one forgot to take his teeth, he could take nary a bite.                                      

So the other reached into his pocket and came out with some dentures,

And said, "Here try these, they're sure to fit I venture."                                                       

But the other man said with a sigh "No, they are too large for me."                                                 

The other guy had him to try several pair and one pair fit him to a "T".

The man said to him, "I never knew that you were a denture maker"

But the other guy said, " I'm sorry, I've mislead you. You see, I'm an Undertaker."                   

©April 8, 1981 Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith

 

The Slop Bucket

Sissy recounted to me the Saga of the Slop Bucket.  For those not in the know, we always kept a slop bucket to keep food scraps and waste or anything that the pigs would eat.  And now the rest of the story.  Brother Roland Prather was known for pranks he pulled on local boys.  When they went “skinny-dipping” in the creek he would tie their pants legs together or hide their shoes. . .just a little fun in his mind but pure meanness in the minds of the boys.  Well, Darrell Smith was one of those boys and he was of a mind to get back at Brother Roland.  One day Roland came walking down to the store carrying his Slop Bucket and the scene is set for some Small Town mischief.  Darrell hung the bucket up on one the curls which was an ornamental part of the frame of the store’s Gasoline sign & pump.  Another Byrneville poet, Guy Summers, son of Florence Harrison Summers, wrote this humorous memory.

“It was on a Wednesday evening, when the hills have hid the sun                                    

Brother Prather brought his bucket as he many times had done.                                            

He set it down not thinking that it wouldn’t be there long                                                   

but when our good friend Prather returned - he found it gone.                                              

So first he hunted here and there                                                                                      

but after all his hunting, it wasn’t anywhere.                                                                       

So, he wheeled and on poor Darrell, with all his wrath he spat:                                           

You dirty little sneaking thief, where did you hide it at?                                                    

Darrell said he hadn’t hid it, as he let the curse words fly                                                  

And I know he didn’t hide it, cause he would not tell a lie.                                                 

They wrangled on a little while and started up the way                                                       

and what he said between them I’m not in shape to say.                                                 

Father Smith came bouncing right out that high front door                                                     

a ripping and a snorting, you should have heard him roar.                                                      

I guess he would have killed him but the good wife held him there                                     

She held him back quite easily as he kicked and pawed the air!

So young men, Please, take warning, to this one thing, your tip                                        

don’t hide your neighbor’s bucket, you might get your Pappy whipped.”                          

 

Twins: Sissy & Hewett

Sissy Byrn and Hewett Mosier were twins born July 10, 1925.  Though born into different families they have remained as close as natural born.  Some years ago, Sissy determined to write a poem to mark their birthdays, this is this year’s poem, a work in progress:

“84 has come and gone, we made it to 85,

But we made it by the skin of our teeth but at least we’re still alive.

We may as well try for another year, if you try, then I will too.

As long as there’s a breath of life, it seems the thing to do.

Just blunder along as usual, as long as the old heart ticks,

Maybe if God doesn’t want us yet, we make it to 86.”

©June 20, 2010 Zelma “Sissy” Byrn Smith

 

BYRNEVILLE  INFO-BITS

 

       “Byrneville Days” was sponsored by the Byrneville Branch on a Saturday & Sunday in August 1993 and 1994.  This was a festival set up to celebrate life in old Byrneville and involved the whole village.  Vendors and booths lined the main and only street, musical groups played, all the Saints were involved and everyone was welcome.  Sherrill Wolfe from Hancock’s Chapel brought his matched team of horses and provided wagon rides.  A hot air balloon was inflated, one year in the goat pasture behind Grandfather John’s and the next year down by the creek. It was held to the ground by a tether rope but would rise upwards to a height of 100 feet in the air and rides were offered and enjoyed by many, including Bill Raine, who said he enjoyed it immensely.  Caps were Printed with “Byrneville Days” and sold for extra income.  All in all, it was a resounding success in bringing people into Old Byrneville and into close contact with the Church and the Saints.

~~~~~~~~~~

       Lizzie Anna Byrn Smith, daughter of Ransom Newton & Ruth Byrn, was born near Byrneville Oct 8, 1856 and died at age 93 Oct 8, 1949. She was married to Hiram Smith who passed Feb 2 1936.  They had 9 children including Jess, Oral, Kenneth, Celesta, Mary, Fanny, Florence, Millie, and Charles M Smith. . .Charles marries Cletis Maymon (March 1919) and they have 3 children Mary Lois, Charles and Donald Smith.

~~~~~~~~~~

       There were a lot of children in the Byrneville Branch in the 1940s and 1950s and many of the good sisters were involved in teaching and caring for them...Among those who served in this way was Alma Louise Utz, Hazel Byrn, Alma Harrison, Josie Harrison, Betty Collard, and Irma and Myrtle Maymon.

~~~~~~~~~~

       Sister Alma Louise Utz prepared herself for her service in the church by much study and prayer. Sometime before 1947 I know she took home study courses from Independence and that she studied extensively with Thelona Stevens of Independence. Thelona is well known as a master teacher of the Gospel as well as the author of many “study” books on the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine & Covenants. I know Thelona & Mother developed a rich & wonderful friendship, corresponded frequently, and had deep appreciation for each other’s strengths in the Gospel. When I moved from Howe Military School to Grandview, MO after mother’s death in 1975, I sat in on several of Sister Stevens’ classes that she taught at the Stone Church. On one such occasion I asked her if she remembered my mother and she very sincerely said yes, and with great appreciation and was saddened at her passing. Since I have taught myself, I can appreciate now my mother’s sacrifice and preparation which was always ongoing as she ministered for the Lord in the Branch, teaching Sunday School, directing the choir, playing piano for church services, working with the Youth, leading the Women’s Department and accompanying the Bowtie Gospel Quartet on the piano. My father Aldon Utz was the lead singer, Harlan Maymon, bass, Doris Maymon, alto and Leroy Maymon the tenor and Linda Kay Utz David, was the MASCOT, 6 years old, wearing the same costume as everyone else with a bowtie ... I have been told that I slept on virtually every church pew in the area as I would tire listening to them sing and fall asleep. That was, in Linda’s opinion, why she got to be the MASCOT and sit on the piano bench with mother!  I would give anything to have just one of those moments back. . .perhaps in Zion. They recorded some of their favorites on 78 speed vinyl records but unfortunately those were lost in the fire that took our home, perhaps those sweet sounds are recorded in Paradise.

~~~~~~~~~~

       My Great Grandfather Newton Byrn was someone not to be messed with. He didn’t just “fiddle” his days away.  Some of the local boys took delight in pushing over outhouses.  They thought it was great fun.  Well, Newton was tired of this behavior so he dug a new pit for his outhouse and covered the old pit with just a little dirt.  The next day you could tell who had been pushing over outhouses.  Can you imagine the surprise? (I have heard that Virgil Maymon did this as well.)

       Newton & Florence Byrn’s children were all unique and distinctive in their own right. We have spoken much about John Ransom. Ben Ovea was born July 3, 1889 was just as distinctive.  I remember him as a gentle soul, near the end of his life when he was so crippled due to hip degeneration.  Sissy tells me that he worked for many years with bone grating on bone and endured the pain by sheer grit.  To make a livelihood early on he was a cook on a train.  Eventually I remember him running a steam engine and he did custom threshing and shredding.  It seems only yesterday that I was standing in the hay field near Byrneville watching the long belt from the steam engine powering the thresher.  Sissy tells me that he ran a clover huller as well and that one day while he was working on it and she decided to have some fun.  Every time he would bend over she would grab his cap and he would have to stop and put it back on, with increasing aggravation. The last time he put it on with such force that he pulled the bill off the hat.  Ben also ran the sawmill in town and Donald Smith worked for Ben in the mill.  I remember when the mill was in production that you could hear the sound of the saw against the wood most everywhere.  After the day’s work was done we kids would play on the huge pile of sawdust that was created over the hill behind the sawmill...great times except for the one day that I came rolling down the pile and stubbed my big toe on the splintered end of a lightly buried board.  I hobbled up to the store and Grandma Hazel and she knew just what to do. . .she sat me down on the bed in the back room took a razor blade, tweezers and picked out all the splinters and then doused it good with iodine - ouch!  Sissy tells of one day when Donald came to the family home looking white as a sheet, asking for a new pair of overalls for Ben.  Seems that an accident had happened and a tooth of the giant saw blade (approx. 5 foot diameter as I recall) caught Uncle Ben’s overalls and literally ripped them off him, only by God’s grace was he not cut to pieces.  Sissy tells me that her dad would make tables of saw horses topped with lumber from his mill for the socials and one time even fried pan fish from the creek for a Missionary series. . .they apparently had lots of social get-togethers often in the area between the general store and the E.U.B. Church, fish fry's, oyster suppers etc.  The Byrn family were unselfish and very giving people.  I remember my Uncle Howard Byrn, as Dr. Howard W. Byrn.  He was college educated and had gone to medical school when he was 60 years old and was practicing at age 72.  He had an office, 3rd floor, in the Elsby Building in New Albany. . .we would get shots for a few dollars and most things he would not charge us.  Sometime after he started doctoring he decided he want to fly a plane and he bought a piper cub and taught himself how to fly.  When I was around 15 he flew out to Byrneville and landed in Ralph Smith’s recently combined wheat field across the road from the end of our lane.  I remember seeing him land and meeting him at the plane and carrying his medical bag as we walked in the long lane to our home.  After seeing to my families’ needs we walked back to the plane and he noticed that the stubble from the wheat had poked holes in the fuselage of his plane.  Completely unabashed, he opened his medical bag, took out 2 band aids and placed them over the holes that had been poked. He got in the plane and took off for New Albany, where he lived.  No big deal!  Uncle Howard took out my tonsils when I was 16 and I still remember the local anesthetic, laying reclined in a stainless steel chair with him kneeling on my chest pulling as hard as he could on the loop attached to my tonsil. . .he finally got them out and the black blood just poured out of my mouth.  I was really thankful when he said my adenoids had been absorbed by my body so they would not have to be removed also.  Uncle Howard and Aunt Annis lived on Beharrell Avenue in New Albany.  It was Aunt Annis that gave me piano lessons when I was 8 years old as she was very musical. . .played a harp and piano so well...I remember how “proper” and artistic their home was.  Sadly, I stopped the lessons but retained a great love and appreciation for music.  I did retain the ability to play one song, BEETHOVEN’S ODE TO JOY and can play it to this day.  Other than the Byrn Family reunions I don’t have many memories of Aunt Edith, at least no personal ones.  I am told that she first married Clifford Langford. She named her children often from words that she read: Jean Capitola; Freeda LaVerne (Tuny) who married Russell Harrison and had a daughter Sandra, Tuny later married Carl Hartman and had three more children.  And still later she married John Franklin.  When Freeda Laverne died she was not married; Jack Sheldon, Mary Juanita (Mickey) who would marry Charles Huffman, Harry Dale and James Richard (Jimmy Dick) who would marry Elfie.  Edith May Byrn suffered with heart dropsy later in life and it was hard for her to get around.  She loved the Church and often said “I go up to the church for the singin’, I like to make a joyful noise.”

~~~~~~~~~~

       Sanford “Sampy” Engleman believed the Bible and took it very literally.  He had read Matthew 5:29-30 "If your right eye offends you, [then] cut it off and throw it from you... If your right hand offends you, [then] cut it off and throw it from you." He was out in the woods one day and something happened and he felt his right hand had offended him . . . so he used a contraption he had made with an aaxexe and cut his right hand off and came walking into town.  Elsie Harrison tied her apron around the stub to stop the flow of blood.  He was Floyd Engleman’s Uncle.  He eventually became a Hobo and visited back from time to time when he was near.  One of the remarkable things noticed about this one-handed man was that he could roll a cigarette with one hand.  For those who have ever observed this, it is pretty hard to do with two good hands.

~~~~~~~~~~

       Elder Roland and Josephine Prather lived in Byrneville with daughters Betty and Doris Elaine during the 1930s at least from 1935 but moved away to Lamoni by 1939. They lived in the home down by the Creek and also up on the hill opposite my Grandfather Leffler.  I remember them because when I went off to Graceland College from 1959 - 61 they had a little bungalow home on the very edge of the Lamoni, IA campus. I spent many a pleasant hour with them, enjoying Josephine’s Sunday dinners and in many enlightening discussions with Roland about scriptural and spiritual things. I was at Graceland when their daughter Carolyn was there.

       Ben Byrn enjoyed hearing close friends Doris Elaine Prather & Irma Maymon singing “Happy little birds are we”.  He thought it was so cute!  Doris Elaine and Irma remained close all of their lives.

~~~~~~~~~~

       Mildred Byrn (father Ben, sister Catherine) and Alma Louise Byrn (father, John R) were fast and best friends growing up.  They developed their maternal instincts early by caring for the Virgil & Myrtle Maymon’s twins Irvin & Irma.  They would take them into the loft above the back of the General Store and there play with them making believe they were the parents, feeding them, changing their diapers, singing to them and would pass joyfully many hours providing Virgil or Myrtle almost a built in baby- sitting service.  Perhaps that early care and nurture gave them the foundations for caring and ministry that so characterized their later lives.  I know that Irma took especially good care of me and my 3 younger sisters much in the same way as my mother took care of her.

~~~~~~~~~~

       The Maymon family is as much at the heart of the Byrneville story as the Byrn/Byrnes or any other family. This history if anything is about families who were touched by the Gospel Of Jesus Christ and who responded by walking the path of a disciple and sharing it with others.  Our knowledge of the Maymon family begins with William Maymon who lived in Oriole, Indiana, Perry County.  He had 4 sons who were in the priesthood of the Church.  Columbus, a Teacher; Joe, a Teacher; Harvey, a Priest and Willy, a Priest. At least some of the family attended Church at a branch in Marengo, Crawford County. Willy eventually married Lola and pastored the Leavenworth Mission of the Church, a few years. They were also members of the Byrneville Branch, during a time when I remember them as a small boy.  I remember an eccentric thing about Brother Willy’s preaching. Remember what very young boys do, they find interesting things to look at, do or focus on, everywhere, even in Church. When Brother Willy read from the Revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants given through Joseph Smith, Jr, he would often pronounce it Joseph Smith J R, not Joseph Smith Junior as we more often heard it read.  You have read of the significant part Columbus played in the beginning of the Byrneville Branch.  It is my belief that he took over as pastor of the Branch for Brother George Jenkins when he went under appointment with the Church in 1892.  That part of history is probably lost to us now. Eventually his work with the Highway department took him and his family to Henryville.  It was there that he suddenly grew ill and walked to the doctor’s office and died in his son Eugene’s arms.

~~~~~~~~~~

 

Byrneville Branch Homecoming

June 27, 2010

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Celebrating 122 Years of Service to Jesus Christ"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

10:00 A.M. Welcome to the Service of Remembrance

Elder John Aldon Utz, Presiding

 

Scriptural Focus

Psalms 31:23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints; for the Lord preserveth the fait  hful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.  Alma 20:68 Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion.

Hymn of Remembrance*

"Oh, For A Faith That Will Not Shrink"

 

"Oh, for a faith that will not shrink, though pressed by every foe;

That will not tremble on the brink of any earthly woe,

A faith that shines more bright and clear when tempests rage without,

That when in danger knows no fear, in darkness feels no doubt;

Lord, give us such a faith as this, and then,  whate'er may come,

We'll taste on earth the hallowed bliss of an eternal home."

 

*This hymn was sung by the men as they sawed the lumber to build this church building..

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Elder Harlan Maymon

 

Celebrating through Memories

Audio File of some of the sharing, the first 40 minutes is good, after that the recording got only bits and pieces

 

 

 

 

 

This is your time for

A Season for Sharing

about the

Byrneville

Branch or Community:

Experiences, Recollections, Memories, Humor,

Things You Learned Here,

Things You'll Never Forget,

Strength You Gained Here,

and/or

Your Dedication or Re-dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ

because of Byrneville's influence upon your life.

 

 

Celebrating through Prayer

"A Psalm for the Latter Days"

Tune: Dedicare L.M. Hymn 417

O Lord of Life, that we might be

reflections of the light we see;

Give us the strength to spread abroad

the fullness of Thy hallowed word.

O Holy Savior, just and sure,

we pray Thy banner long endure;

That Thy great church effect Thy will

and thus its destiny fulfill.

Our witness, Master, we shall give,

we pledge our lives to Thee to live;

In faith we serve with a common mind,

the cause of Zion for all mankind.

©Spring 1960 John Aldon Utz

Benediction

 

11 A.M. Celebrating through the Spoken Word

Quietly use this break between services

 for personal needs, reflective meditation, and prayer.

Please, postpone visiting until the fellowship hours after the service.

Audio Sharing in 2 parts, Listen to the first, then the second file