110 / The Rise of the Sunday School

own Amish church? The church services of his congregation were lengthy and adapted to adults. The younger members were inattentive and restless. The future welfare of the church, he became convinced, called for change-the introduction of a Sunday school.

The manner in which Plank introduced this new institution against opposition makes a story of genuine interest and one which Umble records in detail. Fortunately Plank's bishop, Jacob C. Kenagy, was favorable to the idea. On June 7, 1863, the Sunday school began. A translation of Plank's recording of this event reads: "J. C. Kenagy and D. Plank, ministers of God in this vicinity, have decided with the counsel [ of the church ] to organize a Sunday school in the name of God, for we believe quite confidently that if the fathers and mothers give us their support much good will arise out of it."

Progress of Sunday schools in Logan and Champaign counties took place in the midst of a general transition in the life of the churches and frequently in the midst of tensions and divisions.' Already in 1860 a difference of opinion had grown up between Bishop John Warye and Bishop John P. King, both of Champaign County. But they continued working together even after the erection of meetinghouses a few years later. However, after Bishop Kenagy moved to Missouri in 1866, and Bishop John P. King moved to Logan County new difficulties arose between the leaders, and in

1868 the group in Logan County divided. Those following Bishop King remained in possession of the meetinghouse in Logan County. Those following Bishop John Warye worshiped in Champaign County, Preachers David Plank and Samuel Headings of Walnut Grove being sympathetic with this group.

Thus there were three Amish Sunday schools in the West Liberty community. Soon after 1870 all three of these needed more room and built three new meetinghouses. One became the Oak Grove Church in Champaign County with Bishop John Warye as pastor. Another was the South Union Church where Bishop John P. King was leader. The third was Walnut Grove (abandoned in 1929) where David Plank and Samuel Headings were preachers.

It is noteworthy that the three congregations prospered. The Warye-Plank group of Oak Grove and Walnut Grove were less strict in discipline and so attracted certain numbers from South Union. Despite this the South Union Church grew and developed a strong Sunday school.