The following letter was sent to congregations in 13 COB districts (where John Kline traveled), inviting them to contribute to preserving John Kline's homestead. Thank you to the following congregations for the donations we have received.

As of April 23th we have received a total of $57,440 from:

Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, Fort Wayne, IN
Cedar Run Church of the Brethren, Broadway, VA
Coulson Church of the Brethren, Hillsville, VA
Fairview-Endless Caverns Church of the Brethren, Timberville, VA
Hagerstown Church of the Brethren, Hagerstown, MD
Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, Broadway, VA
Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren, Vienna, WV
Salem Church of the Brethren, Englewood, OH
Sunnyside Church of the Brethren, New Creek, WV
 

March 1, 2008

Dear Brethren,

In this 300th anniversary year of the Brethren, we remember many significant leaders whose discipleship to Christ and commitment to the Church modeled core faith values we cherish. One of those leaders is Elder John Kline, whose missionary travels helped form several congregations, and whose wisdom as Annual Meeting Moderator guided the Brethren during the turbulent Civil War. We invite you to join in commemorating Elder Kline’s life and leadership in the church this year.

The John Kline Homestead is in danger of being sold to developers. We have formed a Board of Directors to coordinate preservation efforts and development of the homestead. So far, we have raised over $103,000 in gifts and pledges toward our $600,000 goal.

We encourage your congregation to join in these funding efforts by planning a special offering, financial pledge, or a fund-raising event toward the purchase and restoration of the John Kline Homestead. Sunday School classes, fellowship groups, or Church Boards may wish to design their own activities to raise funds (see enclosed form).

The April issue of Messenger will feature an article about Elder John Kline’s life and ministry. You can also view our web-site for more information (www.johnklinehomestead.org). As other background, here is an update on activites related to the homestead:

Two James Madison University classes are gathering data from the house and outbuildings, as well as research, in preparation for application to list the property on both national and state historic registries. A Brethren horticulturist has reviewed the site and is making suggestions for landscape, orchard and gardens, and is also donating his time and plants. In addition, a Brethren grant-writer is preparing applications for grants from three foundations which support historic preservation. And, a Church of the Brethren Senior High Workcamp will be hosted on the John Kline homestead June 16-22, cleaning buildings and the grounds, relocating shrubbery and painting metal roofs.

Several congregations have contributed or pledged toward the preservation of the John Kline homestead. We ask you to consider an anniversary contribution in honor of Elder John Kline to preserve for his homestead and legacy of faithfulness for present and future generations.

Sincerely in Christ,

 

Paul W. Roth, president

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The Homestead./ Board of Directors /Progress of Project/ How you can help/ John Kline Memento Sales

Church of the Brethren Shenendoah District/ Brethren Encyclopedia / CrossRoads Valley Heritage Center