YODER, Eld. Stephen

YODER, NOFZIGER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/4/2016 at 07:59:49

THE PASSING OF ELDER STEPHEN YODER.

Another defender and proclaimer of the doctrine of Jesus Christ has gone from among us. Eld. Stephen Yoder was born in Center County, Pa., Jan. 14, 1821, and lived to the good old age of eighty-seven years, six months and eight days. His ministry was given mainly in Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and California. He left a devoted little band of children, and a large number of grandchildren, to whom he was very attached. Nearly all of his children have an excellent understanding of teaching. Two of his sons now occupy high positions as teachers in two of our cities. The love of Jesus was taught to his children, and they give evidence of having received this love.

Bro. Yoder was an earnest and, in some respects, an able preacher. Without any school training, he gave the Word his constant attention. His Bible was his sole textbook, and the Spirit the sole Teacher or Guide. At the pleasant home of his daughter, Sister Maggie Nofziger, he had a study room, where he and his friends often held sweet converse upon the great things of God. He gave his latter years wholly to the cause of Christ, and rarely missed any church service. He preached nearly every Sunday in one of the churches of Southern California. On can reach, from Los Angeles, eight churches any Sunday morning in time for services.

Nearly twenty of his colaborers were present at the funeral services, held at the home of Frank Nofziger. A large concourse met for the occasion, which was improved by his chosen text, Psalm 17:15, by the writer. We loved our brother, and he loves us. His last message was, "Tell all the people to love each other."
Gardena, Cal., July 26.
M.M. Eshelman.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 131, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA