This is a section of country in the southwestern part of Shenandoah
County, Virginia. In early days it was very densely timbered, and its
few scattered inhabitants were said to live in the forest or woods. In
this way they were locally distinguished from those living in the
eastern part of the county, along the North Fork of the Shenandoah
river. At present it is one of the wealthiest and most highly
cultivated sections of the county. The population is largely composed
of German Baptist Brethren. Many of these are now distinguished for
piety and usefulness. In this number we find the names of Peter Myers,
Benjamin Wine, Daniel Wine, Christian Haller, Samuel Garber, Martain
Garber and others, with their descendants, many of whom are church
members. Brother Daniel Hays married in this section, and formerly
resided there; but he now lives near Broadway, in Rockingham County,
Virginia.
Among the deceased from this section, posterity will long remember
the name of Jacob Wine, who was, for many years, so noted for his
liberality and activity in the ministry. His uncle, Michael Wine, was,
perhaps, no less distinguished for his outspoken opposition against
everything he did not like, as well as for his earnest defense of what
he believed to be good and true. Such men, by force of character in
the direction of right, secretly carve their names upon the rock of
memory, where they defy the surges of time.
Here may be seen the old Flat Rock meetinghouse, a substantial brick
structure, so-called from the rock on which it stands. This is
limestone, and presents a comparatively smooth and level surface,
probably two hundred and fifty feet in length, by two hundred feet in
breadth. The formation is wonderful, and affords a striking emblem of
the Rock of Truth on which are founded the doctrines and practices of
the Brethren.
May 10, 11 and 12 were spent by Brother Kline in visiting, mostly with
a view to religious conversations and instructions. In these three
days he visited Martain Good's, Abraham Glick's, Christian Garber's,
David Wampler's, Peter Nead's, George Kline's and Daniel Glick's.
THURSDAY, May 13, there was council meeting at Christian Garber's.
John Wine, John Harshberger and Joseph Miller were elected for
speakers. Martain Miller and Solomon Garber were elected for deacons.
SUNDAY, June 6. Meeting at the Flat Rock. I baptized Emanuel Grabil
and Christian Funkhouser. John 3 was read.
SUNDAY, June 13. Meeting at our meetinghouse. Matthew 3 was read. I
baptized James Mauck and Susanna Shull.
SUNDAY, July 18. Meeting at Jesse Whetzel's on Lost River. Acts 3 was
read. Brother Daniel Miller is with me. In the afternoon we had
meeting again, and Brother Jacob Motz was baptized.
_Sermon by Elder John Kline._
_Preached at William Fitzwater's,
August 8._
TEXT.--We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to
God.--2 Cor. 5:20.
Every chapter and every verse of Gospel Truth discloses the love of
God in one way or another. Our Lord came into the world, not to
condemn the world, but to save the world; and all the words that make
that salvation known to men are words of love. I am sure we think too
little upon