USA > Idaho > A brief history of Idaho and western Montana: as settled and district organized by the Church of the Brethren > Part 1
USA > Montana > A brief history of Idaho and western Montana: as settled and district organized by the Church of the Brethren > Part 1
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A Brief History of Idaho and Western Montana
As Settled and District Organized by the Church of the Brethren
1
1
Flathead
Coeur d'alene
+
Moscow
Clearwater
OWNezperce
Winchester
WESTERN MONTANA.
and
IDAHO
Salubria
Weiser
Payette Y
Lost River V
Boise V.
Boise
OYampa
Idaho Falls
Bowmont
· Organized Congregations.
0
Twin Falls
+ Mission Stations.
. Preaching Points.
A Brief History of
IDAHO
and
Western Montana As Settled and District Organized By the Church of the Brethren
Published by the MISSION BOARD of IDAHO AND WESTERN MONTANA By Order of District Meeting 1914
PREFACE
This little booklet is the outcome of a demand, which has been developing all over the great Brotherhood, that a record of the settling and establishing of the several congregations of the State Districts be made and preserved for the workers of the coming church.
This demand so grew in Idaho that the District Meeting took up the proposition and appointed a committee to gather the data. In this early stage of the growing churches of Idaho and Western Montana it was not an impossible task to get nearly all of the earlier facts, and also the pictures of many of the mem- bers who, by settling in frontier territory, made an open way for Brethren to follow, until now well-organized and active con- gregations occupy this goodly land. Thus the booklet becomes an important historical record, an album of the pioneer workers of the church, and the expositor of the missionary endeavor of the great Northwest.
It was at the District Meeting, held at Portland, Oregon, that a committee was appointed to gather from the various churches accounts of the first settlement by Brethren, that the same might be published in convenient form for reference. Of this committee A. I. Mow was appointed the Idaho member. The question was again considered by the District Meeting of Idaho and Western Montana at its meeting at Nampa, Idaho, April 16, 1913, and the following resolution was passed :
" The Weiser church, in council assembled, March 15, 1913, asks District Meeting to authorize the publication of the matter relative to the early settlement and organization of the several congregations of Idaho, also including the organization of the State District of Idaho and Western Montana.
" (Signed, D. H. Holl, Clerk.)
"Answer: Passed; and committee of two appointed to act in this matter, to collect data as to cost, compilation, and pub- lishing of same.
" Committee, A. I. Mow, B. J. Fike."
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The committee has proceeded to revise matter already on hand and to collect what more it could and compile the material in the booklet herewith.
At the District Meeting held at Twin Falls, April 22, 1914, the committee reported its work. The report was so well re- ceived that District Meeting ordered the booklet published, and for that purpose placed all the work into the hands of A. I. Mow.
It seems good to us to take up the respective churches in the order in which they are enrolled in the District organization, and not in the order of their priority. We also include a map of Idaho and Western Montana, indicating the location of the congregations and points of mission work. The boundary lines are not easy clearly to define; but if we conceive that the organ- ized churches occupy the territory of Idaho and Western Mon- tana we will find nearly all with vast frontiers. We have not succeeded in getting as many good pictures as we would like to have. A. I. M.
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SETTLEMENT AND GROWTH OF THE CHURCHES
BOISE CITY.
The first services held at Boise by the Brethren were on Sunday, June 28, 1907, at the home of Bro. D. I. Stover, with sixteen present. Eld. Samuel Click conducted the services, as- sisted by M. R. Weaver, a young minister, who, with his wife, had a few months previous to this moved to Boise from New- berg, Oregon. Assisted by the Nampa brethren he continued to hold regular services each Sunday.
Other members present at this first meeting were: Brother and Sister Lewis Heaston, Brother and Sister Isaac Barklow, Brethren D. I. Stover and Elmer Redmon, Grandpa Beyer and Sister Grandma Stover.
At first the services were held in the different homes of the brethren, till in the fall, when a store building was rented in which to meet. At this time an evergreen Sunday-school was organized, with Bro. D. I. Stover as superintendent, Bro. Bark- low assistant, and Bro. Redmon secretary.
April 12, 1908, eight were added to the little mission band by baptism. Those received into the church at this time were Brother and Sister George Stover, Brother and Sister Anderson and daughter Gladys, Sisters Kittie Stover, Lucy Mclaughlin and Mae Weaver. In April of the same year Eld. J. A. Weaver and wife moved from Lordsburg, Cal., and helped with the work during the summer, but moved to Fruitland, Idaho, in the fall. In July the District Mission Board was petitioned to take this work in charge, which it did in August. Under the direction of the Mission Board Eld. L. E. Keltner and family moved from Twin Falls and aided in the work.
This group of members was regularly organized into the first church of the Brethren at Boise, Sept. 8, 1908. At this meeting an election was held for two deacons, the lot falling on three
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brethren-D. I. Stover, Isaac Barklow and Elmer Redmon-who were regularly installed. This propitious beginning was favor- able for happy progress. But many reasons appeared which obtruded in the way of success. In October, 1910, Eld. J. H. Graybill, under the auspices of the old Mission Board, took charge of this mission. But many of the members moved away, and the work lacking financial support, he resigned, and the organization was soon without a minister. After the segrega- tion, and organization of the District of Idaho and Western Montana, the new Mission Board concluded to suspend that work for a while. This is sad, as there are still enough eager mem- bers there to form a good basis for continuing operations. Dur- ing the five years of effort to maintain this work there was ex- pended, approximately, two thousand dollars, besides much personal labor, time and expense. We pray the Lord that the good brethren may soon see fit to prosecute this work.
District Meeting of April 22, 1914, resolved to disorganize this church and sent a committee to carry into effect this deci- sion.
BOISE VALLEY.
Boise Valley has her origin in the Nampa church; some of the brethren being among the founders of both churches. Her territory was segregated from that of the Nampa church June 30, 1906, and her members were organized July 2, with sixty- five charter members.
Eld. C. J. Fogle and wife came to Nampa in the fall of 1899, and located in the vicinity of the present Boise Valley church in the spring of 1900. He did the early preaching in the school- houses of this neighborhood. He closed his earthly ministra- tions May 4, 1902, and the services were continued by the min- isters from Nampa until the new churchhouse was built.
Six ministers moved into this territory: David Betts, in the spring of 1900; Jacob Betts and family and S. S. Redmon and family, in the spring of 1901, and Eld. J. B. Shank settled at Notus in 1904. S. F. Brower and family in 1905 located at the place where the church was built the following year. J. F. Ul- lery came Feb. 2, 1909. These ministers and members labored faithfully, and their church work grew encouragingly. In 1906 they erected a modest and substantial churchhouse, 32 x 42 feet,
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Sister Fogle.
Wife of Elder Caleb J. Fogle, and her granddaughter, Edna Betts. She was a pioneer with her husband in this great work of claiming the best of Idaho for the Brethren.
with a good basement. The lot on which it is built was the gift of a very generous brother, William Hollenberg, from Indiana, who also gave liberally toward its construction. Its cost, about two thousand dollars, was promptly paid, and the house was dedicated June 17. Regular preaching, Sunday-school and Chris- tian Workers' Meeting services were at once installed.
Four deacon brethren moved in: Joseph Brown, William Stoner, David Gray and C. G. Stahl. Besides, Sept. 26, 1908, Bro. S. F. Brower was ordained to the eldership and S. A. Rhodes and G. W. Flory were elected and installed in the dea- con's office. As members moved in and out it left the member- ship standing at about eighty.
This congregation had an enthusiasm for healthy progress, and labored prayerfully for spiritual growth. Besides their regular annual series of meetings they availed themselves of three special Bible terms. The first two were conducted by A. I. Mow and the third by Ellis M. Studebaker. They are ener- getic in Sunday-school work, studying and employing the latest
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Boise Valloy Brethren Church, Fo sho
Boise Valley Churchhouse.
and best methods, keeping abreast with the best of Sunday- school movements.
Bro. J. F. Ullery was ordained to the eldership July 6, 1912, and this added much encouragement to the work. But to the disappointment and grief of this membership, May 9, 1913, as the result of a sudden attack of illness, Eld. S. F. Brower passed from these scenes of earthly labor to his rest above and crown of glory.
Eld. Ullery was asked to take charge of the church, which he did, and continues faithfully to discharge his duties.
CLEARWATER.
The Clearwater church, the house of which is located about five miles north of the station of Peck on the Clearwater River, had her beginning with the remnant of what was known as the Grafton church, early in 1903, when the following families from Illinois settled near the site of the present church: P. E. Carson (deacon) and wife, William M. Harlacher, wife and son, Sher- man Stookey (minister, second degree) and wife, J. L. Carson and P. E. Harlacher and wife.
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Brethren Churchhouse, Clearwater.
These found the membership (about fifteen) of what was Grafton very much scattered. This included Eld. J. N. Gwin, of Lewiston, about forty miles away, who then was in charge; and also A. H. Carson (deacon) and wife. As soon as all were settled they proceeded with regular services, and organized a Sunday-school.
The Clearwater church is on the Boise meridian, between Lewiston and Moscow. The boundary lines are not very well defined, as she is environed by great areas of unworked territory. This church has her early history in two periods.
First as Grafton Church.
April 10, 1890, Enoch Faw and wife, and their children, Sarena A. and Jacob W., pioneer members, settled at a point thirty-five miles southeast of Moscow. As a missionary, in the fall of 1892, Eld. Sidney Hodgden delivered the first sermon that was preached in this locality. Regular monthly meetings were now held here by ministers from Moscow. July 4, 1895, when, by baptism and immigration, the number was increased to twelve, the Moscow church held an election for a minister, re- sulting in the call of Enoch Faw, who, the following October,
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was advanced. Early the next year Moscow gave permission to form this body of members into a separate organization.
The organization now comprised two ministers, two dea- cons and eleven other members. Eld. S. S. Barklow was asked to take charge. In the spring of 1897 all the ministers but one moved from this territory, thus leaving this whole field to but one minister, who, however, maintained appointments at four places. Members continued to come and go till, in 1902, most of the officials and many of the members had received their let- ters and moved away, leaving Eld. J. N. Gwin, a deacon, and his wife, and fourteen others.
There being no churchhouse at this time their services were conducted in a schoolhouse.
At the first council meeting, which was held in the spring of 1903, it was decided to change the name from Grafton to the Clearwater church. The first love feast was held in a school- house July 4, 1903.
Oct. 20, 1904, one member was received by baptism. The same summer arrangements were made to build a churchhouse, which was dedicated Oct. 21, 1904. At a series of meetings, held in January, 1905, fifteen joined the church. In April, the same year, Bro. J. A. Harlacher was elected to the deacon's office.
Eld. Gwin in 1906 resigned the charge of this church, after which Eld. Johnson presided till in 1908, when Eld. N. S. Gripe, moving in, presided. Members came and went. Meetings were held, the Sunday-school flourished and the church grew and prospered. Our membership in 1908 rose to forty. Since that time, however, members have moved away, including the min- isters, until at present our number is reduced to thirty-four and the preaching has to be supplied from elsewhere.
FARGO VALLEY.
The Fargo Valley church lies west of township three west, and south of the first standard parallel north, till to Snake River. The first members of this vicinity located in the Fargo Valley in 1907. Others have moved in each year since. In October, 1909, the building of a new churchhouse was begun. It was fin- ished during the winter and spring and was dedicated April 24, 1910. Among the first members to settle were Samuel Bollinger,
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a minister, wife and family, Jacob Wohlgamuth (deacon) and wife, O. E. Frank (deacon) and wife, Richard Evans and wife, George Zepp and wife, Ralph Evans, Lydia Bollinger and Cath- rine Bollinger. Bro. Bollinger worked diligently to keep this membership together, and to build up a healthy nucleus for an organized congregation. This effort was very much encouraged by the addition to the membership of seven who were baptized and one reclaimed. The preaching services and the Sunday- school are well supported by the people. They still, however, feel the need of more help, especially in the executive depart- ment, to make their work a complete success.
FLATHEAD VALLEY.
This church is situated in the northwest portion of Mon- tana, on the forty-eighth parallel, and between the crest of the Rocky Mountain range and the eastern boundary of Idaho. It is the only congregation of the District outside of Idaho. It in- cludes the towns Kalispell and Creston.
Members had moved in there, and a church was organized, probably as early as 1900. Several ministers took part in the work. Their labors consisted largely of holding the fort, which is a very important part in this frontier world, where members come and go. Eld. John Early was the pillar. He was the faithful shepherd to the flock, but has passed from this stage of mortal activities to the joys beyond. Bro. Levi Learn is the only minister-elect remaining in that territory. While the work had many discouragements, on account of members being wide- ly separated, they proved very faithful in holding the organiza- tion together.
IDAHO FALLS.
Idaho Falls congregation lies between the Boise base line and the first standard meridian north, and between ranges 35 and 40 east.
The first members to settle in that part were O. W. Leavell and wife, W. D. Byer and wife, and Wm. Sutter and wife.
The first services were held by O. W. Leavell in the Swedish Mission church. Later services were held in the Swedish Li- brary Hall. The congregation was organized in the Swedish
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Brethren Churchhouse, Idaho Falls.
Sister S. I. Driver.
Mission house in the fall of 1904, with eleven members, includ- ing two ministers and two deacons, who were put into office that day. The membership grew till there were thirty, including the two ministers and seven deacons. This church built a fine new house in 1905 and at once paid for it. They conducted a flour- ishing Sunday-school and an interesting Christian Workers' Meeting. They progressed splendidly for five years.
But incident to the disposition to move on, the ministers and many of the members left and the work immediately declined, so that in 1909 only two very disheartened members remained. That is the sad ending of a great and good work.
Some of these members (Bro. Sutter, joined by S. I. Driver and R. I. Troup), in company with some from other places, moved into the Lost River country, farther west, and formed the Lost River congregation, with Bro. S. I. Driver as minister, and the churchhouse was receded to the Mission Board.
LOST RIVER.
Lost River lies between the sixth and seventh auxiliary meridians east, and between the Boise base line and the second standard parallel, north.
This church was organized in 1911, with Bro. S. I. Driver
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First Congregation of Lost River Valley Church.
Their meetings were first held in the cabin back of the congregation. Bro. S. I. Driver, the minister, and his wife are seen in the doorway.
as minister and Wm. Sutter and R. I. Troup as deacons; thirteen members in all. The organization is at Leslie, where they have Sunday-school and preaching regularly ; also preaching at Dar- lington, and a union Sunday-school.
The early Lost River services were for two years held in a log building, the very interesting picture of which is herewith given, when they were moved into the public schoolhouse, newly erected at Leslie. Bro. Driver was a faithful and efficient min- ister and leader till he recently left, when Bro. Isaac Thomas, from California, came to the brethren's assistance.
MADDEN VIEW.
Madden View congregation lies west of the Boise meridian and between the southern bounds of the Nampa church and Snake River.
C. A. Williams, a minister, and his wife were the first mem- bers to settle within this territory. They located there in No- vember, 1908. During 1909 D. K. Hassock and wife, W. W. Parkerson and wife, Hunter Wesson and wife, E. M. Wine (deacon) and wife, and some others settled in this locality.
On the second Sunday in October, 1909, C. A. Williams, in
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FLOWER
Brethren Churchhouse, Bowmont.
the Burnette schoolhouse, preached the first sermon and organ- ized a union Sunday-school, of which Bro. E. M. Wine was elect- ed superintendent. The services were continued there till the members succeeded in erecting their new churchhouse at Bow- mont, which was dedicated March 24, 1912.
During the first year services were held twice a month, but since then regularly every Lord's Day. The Sunday-school is “ evergreen."
This congregation was organized May 22, 1910, at the home of Bro. C. A. Williams. The charter members were: C. A. Williams (minister) and wife, E. M. Wine (deacon) and wife, W. W. Parkerson and wife, D. K. Hassock and wife, J. W. Blickenstaff and wife, P. C. Johnson and wife, J. H. Wesson and wife, E. J. Swartz (deacon), Ernest Fike, Rush Williams, Elan Williams, Ada Wine, Ernest Wine.
The congregation was enrolled at District Conference July 13, 1910. Bro. Williams, being the only local minister, attended to all the regular services until Eld. J. L. Thomas moved into the church, January, 1914.
The first love feast was held at the home of Brother and Sister Williams Oct. 12, 1910. No other ministers having come to their assistance, all the services were conducted by the home minister, which was most gratifying to all.
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C. A. Williams and Family.
The erection of the churchhouse was a great joy to these brethren. The lot was donated by Mr. J. F. Baw. The members contributed liberally, and by doing their own work and solicit- ing some donations from the other churches the house was early and easily paid for, to the great happiness of the minister, who so faithfully gave himself to the cause. Late in June, 1914, this congregation passed a resolution, to be known as Bowmont church.
MOSCOW.
Moscow was the site of the first Brethren settlement in Idaho. As early as 1876 Thomas Stewart, his wife and three children, Abraham Stewart, wife and daughter, and William King (deacon) and wife located at Moscow. Two years later Eld. Isaac Hirshy and wife moved in, and the Moscow church was organized that year, by the assistance of Eld. David Brower, with seventeen members.
The members were happy and the church prospered. They built a house of worship in 1884 and strengthened their organi- zation by calling more laborers to official positions.
The evil day, however, overtook them, when men of diverse opinions came in. The confusion wrought mischief and the sheep were scattered. In the year 1908 (?) the District Meet- ing of Oregon, Washington and Idaho sent a committee to
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Moscow and disorganized the church. The house was sold for $750 and the money was given to the Mission Board.
In 1909, according to a letter from a remaining deacon, there were still four members of the church dwelling there.
But other members soon appeared on the scene. They be- gan to look each other up and to form some association, and the number grew. In 1911 Idaho was segregated from the combined District, and organized into a separate District. The commit- tee on negotiation for Idaho agreed to assume for Idaho and Western Montana the payment of $750 to the Moscow church when she should be reestablished and wanting a house of wor- ship. We little thought then how soon such a possibility might come about.
In 1911 there were found to be eleven members in and about Moscow. In February, 1913, the Mission Board employed Eld. Chas. M. Yearout as a missionary, to work several of the north- ern settlements, and among the rest, Moscow. At this writing, a year later, with those who came in and those who were bap- tized, there are twenty-five reported, and an organization is urgently prayed for. This shows well, and it is good. Moscow is a thriving, prosperous city of over five thousand population. They have no saloons, and they are a church-going class of people. The climate is salubrious, and splendid for grain, hay, fruit and cattle. The people are doing well, temporally and spiritually.
THE NAMPA CHURCH.
The Nampa church is located in the southern end of Can- yon County, Idaho. Boise Valley church joins it on the north and west. Her churchhouse is in the city of Nampa.
Some time in the late nineties Sister Christena Fike, whose excellent photograph we have the pleasure of presenting here- with, settled in the vicinity of Nampa, she being the first of our members to move here. Others soon followed, among them J. H. Graybill who, in a rented house, in March, 1899, did the first preaching for the Brethren at this place.
Nov. 13 of the same year the Brethren met to organize. The following members were included in the organization: Eld. Caleb Fogle and wife, J. H. Graybill (minister, second degree) and wife, Geo. D. Fike (minister, first degree) and wife, C. V.
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Nampa Churchhouse.
Whallon and wife, Harvey Hatfield and wife, Joseph Crill and wife, Christena Fike and Edna James.
Eld. Fogle was selected to take charge, and Brethren C. V. Whallon and Harvey Hatfield were chosen deacons. They and their wives were regularly installed.
The membership increased very rapidly and soon a church- house was being erected. It was filled to overflowing when it was, dedicated in the spring of 1901. In 1904, the membership having increased to 200, and larger room being needful, the churchhouse was remodeled and extended, as seen in the ac- companying picture. As a number of members settled to the north in the Boise Valley, additional meeting places were taken in and services were held at Franklin and Fairview, six and eight miles, respectively, out of town.
Soon these points became sufficiently strong, and it was considered well to segregate them and organize them into a separate church. (See Boise Valley.) This still left the mother church with a strength of 125 members, and a good constitution for work.
Again, two years later, another segment of twenty mem- bers of this church was organized in the city of Boise. (See Boise City.)
Nampa church is prospering. Notwithstanding many have
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Sister Christena Fike.
First member of the Brethren to locate at Nampa. Her life of faith- fulness was a benediction to her family and community.
moved away and some have died, she still has a strong corps of members. She ordained two elders, J. H. Graybill and J. C. Neher, who in turn for several years served the church. Besides, they had three ministers-J. K. Waltman, Geo. D. Fike and C. A. Williams-and the following deacons: Hatfield, Whallon, Neher, Wolf, Wine, Emmert.
She carries on all the active services and church work of the Brethren, and enjoyed, in 1905, the luxury of a special Bible School, conducted by A. I. Mow.
NEZPERCE.
The territory of the Nezperce congregation lies between the Boise meridian, Clearwater River and Lawyer's Canyon. Physically it is a magnificent location for the Brethren. There are vast plains of the finest of agricultural lands in all the above- described territory and for miles adjoining it.
Bro. G. W. Thomas and wife were the first members to settle in this locality. They, with the following, were the seven-
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Nezperce Churchhouse. Their early churchhouse, becoming too small, was sold and this larger one built.
teen charter members of the organization, which was effected at the residence of Bro. G. W. Thomas, Nov. 17, 1897: Stephen Johnson and wife, Edith Johnson, Z. A. Johnson and wife, C. J. Fike and wife, Fannie Fike, Orpha Edmister and son, J. M. Cox and wife, C. F. Thomas, Levi Thomas and Sister Green.
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