February 24, 1811 marks the birth date of Jacob Wine who ministry was focused in Virginia. He provided much of the early history of the first settlers among the Brethen in Virginia, and especially near Flat Rock, much of which was published in the Brethren Almanac.
While his education was equally divided between German and English, he preferred to speak in German during the early part of his ministry. However, he did not speak the German proper - he used the "Valley Dutch" and his sermons were said to be the finest specimens of the dialect known in that day. It is said he would later preach a sermon in English after rehearsing it briefly in German. As a speaker he was prompt, ready and fervent. When he arose to speak, he commanded attention at once often opening with this phrase: It will not be long till you and I will have to stand before that Great I Am.
During his ministry he performed nearly 300 weddings between 1849 and 1880 along with a great many funerals. He was especially active in preaching the Gospel in new fields making many journeys through the scattered membership in West Virginia on horseback. In August 1863, during the Civil War, he joined John Kline on the yearly visit to several West Virginia counties that resulted in their arrest and taken before military authorities. After giving a satisfactory account of their journey they were released. Shortly after the death of John Kline in an ambush, Jacob Wine also received a note warning him not to attend church on Sunday.
Jacob Wine born on February 24 would die nearly 69 years later on February 21, 1880 and was buried in the Flat Rock cemetary, a beautiful elevation overlooking the surrounding country, the place of his birth and the scene of his labors.
Adapted from Some Who Led
