The Homestead

John Kline constructed his house in 1822. Today it is in very good condition and worthy of preservation.

The John Kline farm has been owned by the Alger family for six generations. There are two adjoining lots for sale. One lot (about four acres), recently purchased by Park View Federal Credit Union (PVFCU) from Curtis and Jeannie Alger Stutzman, contains the John Kline house and several outbuildings. PVFCU plans to build a branch office on about one acre of this land. The adjoining lot (about five acres) will be sold by the Alger family in the near future, but the timing of this sale is not as pressing as it was for the Stutzman property.

Schematic Drawing of the

John Kline Homestead

The John Kline Homestead property is in a rapidly developing area within the town limits of Broadway. Property around the John Kline Homestead is currently being developed. The neighbor to the east is the new Broadway High School. To the west is a developing medical complex.

PVFCU is holding three acres of the Stutzman property including the house and outbuildings for sale to the Brethren at a cost of about $600.000. The actual cost will depend on the size of lot needed for the PVFCU branch office. While purchase of this property by October 2007 is highly desirable, at that time a two-year lease may be arranged with PVFCU, but the price will be higher due to interest. If the property is not purchased by October 2009, it will be sold for commercial development, and the John Kline Homestead will no longer exist to inspire Brethren and others.

The John Kline Homestead Preservation Fund is an organization being established to manage funds and administer the John Kline Homestead. Representatives of major Brethren bodies serve on the Board of Directors.

John Kline devoted his adult life in service to others and to the German Baptist Brethren Church and he fulfilled that devotion in a tireless, loving and understanding manner. The purpose for preservation of the John Kline Homestead will be to inspire Brethren and others to live their lives following Jesus' example and teaching as did Elder Kline.

The house and property would be ideal as an interpretation center where visitors could learn about the story of John Kline, life in the Shenandoah Valley during the 19th century, history of the Civil War as it affected the Brethren. Visitors could thereby learn about the guiding Christian principles of the Brethren.

As funds permit, a John Kline Museum could be built on the property. The museum would be a teaching museum that would tell the story of Brethren attitudes toward war, slavery, government, and the dedication as John Kline lived them.

For additional information contact:

Pastor Paul Roth

Linville Creek Church of the Brethren

PO Box 274

Broadway, Va 22815

Phone: 540-896-5001

Other pictures of the Homestead and of the John Kline Anniversary Celebration

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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