USA > Kansas > Fifty years in the Kansas Conference, 1864-1914 : a record of the origin and development of the work of the Evangelical Association in the territory covered by the Kansas Conference > Part 1
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Gc 978.1 EvF EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA. KANSAS FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE, 1864-1914
BISHOP J. LONG
FIFTY YEARS
IN THE
KANSAS CONFERENCE
1864-1914
A Record of the Origin and Development of the Work of the
EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION
In the territory covered by the
KANSAS CONFERENCE
PRESS OF EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION, CLEVELAND, OHIO C. HAUSER, PUBLISHER.
Fort Wayne, 1.1 40001-2270
INTRODUCTORY
The deeds and experiences of the early path-finders in that particular field which now comprises the Kansas Conference form a volume in the history of those sturdy pioneers which continues to increase in interest as the years pass by. Theirs was the work which forms the foundation upon which succeeding generations have been enabled to build an abiding structure.
How we wish we knew more about their feelings and what they did when face to face with the arduous task confronting them. Here and there we catch a glimpse of the primitive con- ditions existing among the early settlers as they occupied their humble cabins, equipped with home-made furniture, as they broke up the virgin soil and planted the seed from which they antici- pated a crop, only to be frequently disappointed in the harvest because of drought and grasshoppers. We see the lonely circuit- rider traveling from place to place on his long and oft-times dangerous journeys. He is seeking to find the scattered members of the Evangelical Association who have emigrated to the western country in quest of a home, that he may bring to them the con- solation of the gospel. We also see him offer the Bread of Life to those who are yet strangers to the household of faith, and in many instances deep in sin and dissipation, only to have them many times refuse to hear and obey the gospel message.
These were some of the hardships and privations endured by the intrepid heroes of the cross. But on the other hand there was also the enjoyment of typical frontier fellowship and pioneer sympathy. We see the missionaries persistently battering the bulwarks of sin and unrighteousness until the walls are broken down and gospel light streams into the hitherto benighted soul, creating unbounded joy in the heart of the servant of God as well as in the new convert. Now a class of praying Christians is formed, prayer-meetings are being held, the family-altar is erected, and regular services are conducted in the absence of the pastor who could only visit his little flock every two, three, or perhaps four weeks to preach to them. Great was the joy when the "preacher" would come to fill his appointment, and encourage the little band, which was sometimes severely tried and even per- secuted, but now through the ministry of their shepherd again cheered and encouraged to press on.
Our hearts have been touched, and our sympathy aroused, by what we have seen of the pioneer preacher and his heroic
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flock, and we long to know more about the interesting story as we proceed, but, alas! we are doomed to a measure of disap- pointment, since our store of information fails to give us all we desire to know, and we wonder what the culmination of the nar- rative might have been.
The founders of our Conference were great history-makers, but not history-writers. They abounded in service, but took neither time nor interest in recording their deeds, and now, since they have gone to their heavenly reward, we have only a meager record of their experience in blazing the way through the primi- tive forest, or erecting landmarks on the wild prairie, where they traveled and labored. Many times, when brought in touch with some thrilling event in their labors, we are constrained to exclaim : "Oh, what a pity that we cannot find out more about this inter- esting occurrence."
In early days the local records were very imperfectly kept at best. The books were usually small in size, and, when filled with records, were either lost or destroyed, hence it has become impossible to obtain a reliable account of the beginning and de- velopment of many works in the Conference. From some none at all. Several fields of labor have preserved their records intact, and have furnished the committee valuable and reliable informa- tion. This has been highly appreciated by the committee which has done its best in collecting data under existing conditions.
An effort has been made to procure a brief account of each local work in the conference, but in many cases the pastor, who was appealed to for this information, reported: "It is impossible to find the old records and the data which I send you are, I fear, not altogether reliable, but I have done the best I could." Some- times data were procured from a surviving veteran who depended on memory only. While this information has been highly appre- ciated by the committee, still, we are aware of the fact, that mem- ory alone, as, a rule, is very unreliable, especially when the occur- rence is so far in the past. When possible, such information was compared with the written Conference records, and necessary corrections made accordingly, and where this could not be done the information was accepted as given.
The committee is under great obligation to the pastors serv- ing the various fields of labor for their assistance in securing the material at hand. In nearly every instance they responded as best they could considering the meager source of information many of them had at their command. Without their co-operation this project could not have been carried out.
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INTRODUCTORY
Furthermore the committee would express its appreciation to the various brethren who so kindly responded to the request made for reminiscences of their experience in the Kansas Con- ference during the early period of her history. We regret that not all who were asked to contribute responded. Some hesitated because of extreme modesty, as it seems, who might have fur- nished interesting and valuable incidents from their early ex- perience in the ministry in Kansas.
On various occasions Conference ordered the collection of historical data at a time when it would have been much easier to gather the facts than at this late date when nearly all of the early ministers are gone, and have left no written journals behind from which facts might be gleaned. Unfortunately the matter was neglected, or the material gathered lost, so that when the commit- tee began its work it had to begin empty-handed. Fortunately access was granted to the old files of the Christliche Botschafter, and Evangelical Messenger, in the Publishing House at Cleveland, Ohio, from which much valuable information was procured re- garding the period between 1858, when the first missionaries were sent to Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and the organiza- tion of the Kansas Conference in 1865. We are indebted to our Publishing Agent at Cleveland, Ohio, for permitting us to copy such data from the files kept there as were of interest and value to the committee.
The idea of printing the Appointments in double-column form in smaller type, as well as the tabulated form for recording the names of deceased ministers, was suggested by the "Evan- gelical Landmarks."
At the Conference session in 1878 the brethren C. Berner and J. Wuerth were appointed a committee to gather data and compile the history of the Kansas Conference. However, it seems there was nothing done in that direction by the committee ap- pointed. Perhaps the brethren did not realize how interesting the early history of the pioneers of the Conference would be to the coming generations. Also because of many other duties, this matter was laid aside and neglected, until finally the pen was laid down for the last time, the lips were sealed, the eyes closed in death, while we are left without the heritage we now wish we might possess.
Again, in 1896, Conference appointed a committee consisting of J. Wuerth, J. H. Tobias and C. Linge as "Conference His- torians," with instructions to write the history of the Kansas Conference. P. Schuman, the Conference secretary, was later
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INTRODUCTORY
added to the committee. In due time this committee submitted a brief sketch of the origin of the work in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and the organization of the Kansas Conference, which was spread on the records of Conference. The report consisted of about 1,500 words, and was published in the printed journal of 1899. This seems to be all the material gathered and pre- served, and the committee ceased from its labors. Nothing fur- ther was done in the matter till 1910, when H. Mattill was added to the committee with instructions to procure the history of the Conference prior to 1888. Unfortunately the physical condition of Bro. Mattill was such that he could not devote his attention to the project, and the matter was again deferred. Still the com- mittee realized that further delay only intensified the difficulties already prevailing and repeatedly urged the importance of not waiting longer. Conference coinciding with this view, again, in 1913, urged that the matter receive attention, so that the history of the beginning of the work in Kansas might be preserved. The committee was strengthened at this time by the addition of M. C. Platz.
This committee met in the home of Rev. J. H. Tobias, 2614 Park Ave., Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 3, 1913, and organized by electing J. H. Tobias president, and M. C. Platz secretary. On this occasion M. C. Platz submitted preliminary work done by him during the summer, which met the approval of the committee, and he was instructed to proceed along the line begun, securing all the historical material possible before the next session of An- nual Conference. In compliance with these instructions the sec- retary continued the work, and at the Conference session, held at Newton, Kansas, in March, 1914, the committee reported manu- script prepared to the extent of about 60,000 words, covering the first 20 years of the Conference organization, including seven years preceding. A specimen of the work done was submitted to and approved by Conference, and the committee requested to proceed with its work and as far as possible prepare the manu- script covering the first 50 years of the Conference history ac- cording to the plan adopted by the committee, which provided for a condensed form, yet sufficiently elaborate as not to destroy the connection of the historical narrative, having the same ready to submit to Conference at its next session.
C. L. Sorg and C. F. Kliphardt were added to the historical committee at this time, to assist in the work ordered by Con- ference.
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INTRODUCTORY
During the ensuing Conference year the secretary continued his work, and at the next session of Conference, held at Leaven- worth, Kansas, March, 1915, submitted the following report:
"Your committee desires to report that the instructions given by Conference a year ago have been carried out, and the manu- script for the first Fifty Years' History of the Kansas Conference up to the session of 1914 has been prepared and corrected relative to data and arrangement of plan by the sub-committee, composed of C. L. Sorg and C. F. Kliphardt.
"The plan adopted provides for a record of the ministry of the Conference: when and where licensed to preach, reception in Conference, advancement to orders of deacon and elder, retire- ment from active work, and relation assumed, whether local, supernumerary, superannuated, or remaining in the itinerancy without appointment. Also the granting of credentials, with- drawn, expelled, or died. A brief biographical sketch of the de- ceased ministers of the Conference is given, and in addition to this a complete list of appointments of the ministers from the first missionaries sent to the West, in 1858, to the Conference session held March, 1914, according to the records at hand.
"The time, place, chairman and secretary of each Confer- ence session is indicated from the beginning to the spring of 1914, embracing such items and events contained in the Con- ference journal as seemed of interest and value to the history. This includes the election of presiding elders, Conference trustees, statistical secretary, Conference treasurer, trustee to North-West- ern College and Theological Seminary, delegate to the Board of Missions, delegates to General Conference, etc. Also the names of lay-delegates to Annual and General Conferences.
"The change of boundary is indicated annually, by which means the formation of districts and fields of labor and their various changes, can be followed. The condensed statistics of each year is given and the work of the Conference Missionary Society, with its officers, is noted.
"A short sketch of nearly every local work in the Conference existing at present is given, based on the information which could be obtained, though, in some instances very brief, and in some respects not fully reliable.
"A number of interesting reminiscences from the older brethren in the Conference have been inserted, which, we believe. will be read with interest. Recognition is given to the origin and development of the Woman's Missionary Society, and the Young People's Alliance in the Conference, and, as far as possible, the
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INTRODUCTORY
time of the organization, with the name of the first president is given. Also the cost of new churches, with the time and person dedicating them, wherever possible.
"With this report the committee leaves the matter in the hands of Conference for further instructions concerning the dis- position of the manuscript in hand."
In response to this report Conference took the following action : "Historical committee reported, and upon motion Con- ference ordered the manuscript published in book form, also the continuation of the committee, to which were referred all matters pertaining to its publication. Resolved, also, that we hereby express our thanks and appreciation to the historical com- mittee, and especially the secretary, M. C. Platz, for their untir- ing labors in regard to the history which they are compiling."
After repeated sessions of the sub-committee to prove and correct the manuscript, the work has finally been carried to com- pletion. No claim is made to any literary merit, nor perfection in construction, but strenuous efforts were made to make the con- tents as reliable as circumstances and material at hand would admit.
We now submit the work with the earnest desire and prayer that hereby the sacred memory of the fathers who hazarded their lives as pioneers for the gospel may be perpetuated, the origin and development of the Conference through the first half century of her history may be preserved, and loyalty to Christ and the Church be cultivated among the present and future generations.
COMMITTEE, M. C. PLATZ, Secretary.
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1857
BEGINNINGS
Kansas was organized as a territory in 1854, and became the scene of violent contests on the question of slavery between settlers of Northern and Southern affiliations. After much con- troversy between opposing parties to make Kansas a free or slave state, it was admitted to the Union on Jan. 29, 1861, under the Wyandotte Constitution, prohibiting slavery. During these days of agitation many were emigrating to the Territory of Kansas in search of a home which the Government offered on liberal terms under the homestead law.
However, the hardships and privations were such as to ex- clude all ease and luxury. Many and thrilling were the experi- ences those early pioneers made when they came west to find their fortunes. Poverty was great, and privations intense. Most of the early settlers paid a dear price for the homes they secured, and well deserve the comfort which may have come to them in later life because of the increased value of their homesteads.
Among the early settlers were also some families of the Evangelical Association from the Eastern States, who came west to find homes. They were of the best and bravest type of early pioneers. They were people who came to stay, and did stay, through storm and sunshine, through flood and drought. Neither failure of crops nor grasshoppers could force them to retreat. That was the character of the material the Kansas Conference used in laying the foundation for her operations in the cause of the Great Master and the Evangelical Association. This strain of loyalty and heroism has been handed down to their posterity and accounts for the splendid progress made and victories 'achieved during the past half century, in spite of the most dis- couraging circumstances, which made ultimate success seem al- most impossible.
The Evangelical pioneers were among the most unselfish and courageous people to be found. The one desire they had in con- nection with finding a home for their families was, to also have the church of their choice located in the new country to which they had come. With this end in view many appeals were made to the church, through the Evangelical Messenger and the Christ- liche Botschafter from the scattered members of the church in Kansas and Missouri. Repeatedly those papers called atten- tion to the great need and the opportunity in the far West. How-
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1857
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
ever, for a long time those appeals for various reasons remained unanswered.
In the first place, suitable men for this kind of work were limited, and, wherever found, they were in demand at home. Secondly, funds for this kind of work were not available. Most of the Conferences were taxed to their limit with work and de- mands for missionary money at home. Then, also, the constitution of the Missionary Society made no provision for supporting mis- sion work of this kind. The Conference sending out men must make provision for their support. In addition to this some of the older and stronger Conferences were not in sympathy with mis- sion work in Kansas and were not willing to render assistance in taking up and carrying on work in the West.
The aggressive Illinois Conference, which was noted for her missionary spirit, located two missions in the West as early as the spring of 1857, one in Kansas and one in Nebraska. but did not supply them till the following spring, when the following action was taken at the session held at Spring Creek, Stephenson County, Ill., April 21, 1858: "Resolved, That Kansas Mission shall be supplied with two and Nebraska Mission with one preacher." George Fleischer and C. Berner were stationed on Kansas Mis- sion, and J. F. Schreiber on Nebraska Mission. Both missions belonged to Iowa District of the Illinois Conference, of which William Kolb was presiding elder.
The circumstance which at this time gave new impetus to the missionary project in the West, was a private letter written to Rev. T. G. Clewell, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, by Jonas G. Ettinger from Leavenworth, Kansas Territory, which the editor took the liberty to publish in the Messenger of Jan. 8, 1858. This letter created such a stir and enthusiasm for mission work in the West that action was taken in the matter by several of the conferences at the spring session of this year. We here produce Brother Ettinger's letter as it appeared in the Messenger :
J. G. ETTINGER
KEYSTONE FARM, LEAVENWORTH, K. T., Dec. 9, 1857. Rev. and Dear Sir :-
"Our son, C. H. W. Ettinger, subscribed for the first volume of the Evangelical Messenger and continued until the last num- ber of last year (1856), when we resolved to emigrate to the far West, but not knowing at the time where we should locate, he
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1857
BEGINNINGS
discontinued. Being now permanently located three miles west from the city of Leavenworth, K. T., and all of us wishing to read the Messenger again, I send the subscription price for one year, beginning with the ensuing year.
"We live in a delightful country and have 160 acres of as good land as can be desired. Myself, wife and children (three in number) enjoy good health. My dear friend, here would be a good field for missionaries of the gospel, for whom I have already written to the Rev. Adams of the East Pennsylvania Conference, who is in charge of Lancaster Circuit. It is true the Methodists, both North and South, have preaching in the city, but we cannot feel at home as we could in our own society. Remember me and mine at the throne of grace. JONAS G. ETTINGER."
To this appeal the editor of the Messenger wrote the follow- ing editorial: "Here, brethren, is another Macedonian call. Why can we not have a mission in Kansas, or in any of the Western States? Calls upon calls are coming, and we are turning a deaf ear to them all. Are we to leave this matter rest until these fields are occupied, we, as a church, are excluded, and then, with ten times the expense and trouble, commence the work when the auspicious moment is passed ?"
After inviting a free and open discussion of the matter in the columns of the Messenger, he alludes to a previously discussed plan for a "Frontier Mission" or a "Frontier Department," which resulted in nothing but discussion. He further suggests the idea that each Conference send out one or two missionaries to Kan- sas, and each Conference stand good for the support of its man, and these men form a "Mission Conference" at once, and let them work for one year till General Conference meets and recognizes them as a sister Conference.
Bishop Long, in an able and earnest communication to the Messenger of Feb. 4, 1858, calls attention to the needed change in the constitution of the Missionary Society, so that the Board of Missions or an Executive Committee may be authorized to dis- burse the funds of the society in the interest of frontier work, but, in the meantime, he endorses the plan of the editor of the Mes- senger as a "temporary arrangement" only.
In the Messenger of Feb. 18, 1858, the editor makes what he calls a "final appeal" before the spring Conferences open, for a mission in Kansas. He devotes two and a half columns of the Messenger to the importance of acting in the matter without de-
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FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
lay. He pleads that it may receive proper attention at the various Conference sessions. He also commends the interest manifested from various sources throughout the church in the project, and calls attention that now is the time to act.
The editor of the Christliche Botschafter, Rev. C. G. Koch, also urged the matter of taking forward steps in spite of some difficulties in the way, feeling assured that things will work out satisfactorily in the end. The matter should not be longer de- layed. In the Botschafter of Jan. 16, 1858, an earnest appeal is also made for Kansas in a lengthy communication by one who signs himself a "Friend of Missions." He, too, considers this the op- portune time and urges no further delay, since this will mean only loss to the church.
At this time there appeared in the Evangelical Messenger a correspondence from E. C. Duth of Greenston, Mo., in which he urges the Conference to send missionaries to Missouri, as well as Kansas. He pleads for men who can preach English and German, stating that many of our people have already drifted into other churches, while others are anxiously waiting for the Evangelical Association to send preachers to them, assuring them of success in their undertaking.
JAMES EPLEY
The Messenger of March 4, 1858, contains a letter from James Epley, Franklin, Douglas County, K. T. This letter, writ- ten Feb. 9, 1858, is as follows :
"Bro. Clewell :- I am truly thankful to see that you have taken it in hand to call the attention of our church to the im- portance of establishing a mission in Kansas. I hope and pray they will take it into serious consideration. Oh, what a field there is open for our church in this territory! There are large settlements of Germans here, both foreign and native born, who are destitute of preaching and preachers, and if our church does not send us preachers this coming spring we will lose ground on all sides. Here is, I think, the most favorable point at present for western church extension.
"I assure you, brother, the inhabitants of Kansas are inter- ested in building it up in the right way, and if we only had 8 or 10 preachers of our church who can exercise in English and Ger- man, I think their efforts would be crowned with abundant suc- cess. A few of them, at least, should be able to preach in English.
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1858
BEGINNINGS
Please, brethren, keep on urging the Eastern Conferences to bear the West in mind. It is, indeed, a great pity that our church could not send us a few men last spring and give our church an oppor- tunity to build up with her sister churches in this beautiful coun- try. Whatever is done, let it be done soon. JAMES EPLEY."
These few communications, culled from the many appeals received by our editors, indicate how desirous the first settlers were for the church of their choice. These appeals, supplemented by the earnest words from the editors of our church papers, as well as letters of approval and encouragement from various parts of the church, had a wholesome effect on most of the Annual Con- ferences which were held during the spring months of 1858.
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