History of Creekside Church and the former Elkhart City COB

1897 - 1900

At the time of the establishment of the Elkhart City congregation on July 27, 1897, Elder J. H. Miller was Moderator. Elected officers were: Trustees - Levi Ulrey, John Barthel and Joseph Roose; Clerk - John Felthouse; Treasurer - Frank Paulmer. The deacons were Frank Paulmer and A. C. Kindy. Membership at the time of the dedication of the church was probably not more than 12 families; however, it is said that over 60 members were added the following year. Baptismal services were held in the Elkhart River; on several occasions ice had to be cut before baptisms could be held.

At the time of the new congregation's organization, Brother Isaac Parker was the part-time pastor from March 1893 until October 1897. During these early years the church had many definite rules and prohibitions which the members had to observe lest their church membership be removed. It is said that Amsey Puterbaugh was the first elder of the Elkhart City church.

In 1898, John Barthel and Levi Ulrey were granted the privilege of putting up sheds for horses.

In 1899 P. B. Fitzwater became the first full-time pastor and served until June 1900; Eli Heestand came to serve as part-time pastor in September 1900 and served until 1904.