Joseph Bella

The life and spiritual work of Bro. Joseph Bella is an irony. While he traveled extensively to establish many of our churches, and was notable and well known among the early American brethren, he is little known today.

Bro. Bella was a single man; he had no family here in the United States. He is buried in the South Side Cemetery southeast of Fairbury, IL. His remains lie in obscurity, but his earthly life remains forever etched in the mind of God.

A Hungarian Previous to coming to America, he was among the early converts in Hungary and had been influenced and nurtured by Bro. Samuel Froehlich. He had endured the rigors ofwalking and traveling throughout Europe, working as a locksmith; and as one who promoted the Faith.

A Single Man His remaining single is an interesting story. Elder Bro. Rudolph Graf, Akron, OH, related this true account in the early 1980's: Back in Europe, as a young man, Bro. Bella had a great burden. For some reason, he prayed that if God removed the burden, he would never marry. Over time the burden was lifted. As life progressed, he felt moved to take a wife and intended to do so. His previous promise to God apparently became clouded. Some brothers in faith reminded him of his previous vow, and subsequently he held to it. He did, however, send alms to this sister in Hungary. His singleness allowed him to devote himself almost exclusively to God's work. Although having the oversight ofmany new congregations, he did not settle at one.

A Roving Elder He was known as a "roving" Elder because he traveled so much; and gave guidance to several newly established churches. His base was at Sardis, OH, the second of our churches in America (established in 1848). He shared duties with Elder Isaac Gehring. Bro. Bella lived in a small dwelling consisting of a woodshed "lean-to" on one side and a two-room, two-story section on the other. He repaired watches for his livelihood in one room and lived in the other part.

Bluffton, Indiana When serving at Sardis with Bro. Gehring, he helped instruct two Mennonite boys from Bluffton, IN, who came to inquire about the new faith. They were Ulrich Kipfer and Matthias Strahm. These boys were converted and walked back to Bluffton and told about their new faith. In time, Bro. Bella traveled to Bluffton and 18 souls were ready for baptism. They were baptized in a pond caused by heavy rains the previous evening. This was the start ofthe Bluffton Apostolic Christian community which now has two churches numbering 1,340 members (re. 2002 Ministers Book).

Leo, Indiana Joseph Bella was also instrumental in helping nurture the believers at Leo, IN. When Elder Henry Geistlich of Switzerland visited in 1866, a brother meeting was held at Leo. Bro. Bella was present.

Mansfield, Ohio He was active in initiating the Mansfield, OH, church. During his tenure there he made his home with Sis. Mimm Yoder. This, according to Sis. Christine Engwiller (Marching to Zion, page 97).

Rittman, Ohio When visiting at Rittman, OH, Bro. Bella often stayed in the home of Bro. Daniel M. Steiner. The family had a special bedroom always ready for him. It was called the Bella Stubbe.

The South Side In his declining years, he lived in the home of Elder Christian Gerber, who served the South Side Church (south of Fairbury, IL). He had become quite feeble due to a stroke and could not walk without assistance. He lived to be 89. His life was one of devotion to the Lord, and to His holy church. Bro. Bella served a glorious cause.

By: Perry A. Klopfenstein