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History of THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH of Stafford, Kansas
From It's Beginning to May, 1965
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014
https://archive.org/details/historyoffirstme00firs
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History of THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH of Stafford, Kansas From It's Beginning to May, 1965
A most sincere "Thank You" is hereby awarded to Miss Brunetta Jimison, Mrs. Benj. E. Evans, Mrs. Frank Hawver and Mrs. A. L. Soice for their long hours of research and other effort that has made the publication of this history possible.
Table of Contents
Church History, 1877-1965 Pg. 1
List of Ministers Pg. 12
Sunday School Pg. 12
Epworth League Pg. 13
Book of Remembrance, Gifts and Memorials Pg. 14
Ladies Aid Pg. 17
Women's Foreign Missionary Society
Pg. 20
Young Women's Foreign Missionary Society Pg. 22
Woman's Society of Christian Service Pg. 23
Community Revivals
Pg. 25
In the pioneer days we find that there were many consecrat- ed Christian men and women among the people who settled in and near Stafford. Coming to a new country with only the bare necessities of life, homes to build of sod or materials hauled from a long distance, and a living to wrest from virgin soil, they were very busy people. Yet the Christian people felt the need of worship together and so planned for services. There was no public building in which to hold their meetings, so they met in the homes of Daniel Pound and Caleb Peacock southwest of Stafford (then familiarly known as "Sod-town").
The pioneer fortunate enough to own a good team of horses and a wagon was generous with his less fortunate neighbors, and on Sunday morning stopped at the various homes that he passed and took with him as many as his wagon would hold. Even then many walked across the plains to the church services.
The Pilgrim Fathers found it necessary to carry a gun for protection. It was just as necessary that the early settlers of, this part of the country carry their "Snake Sticks" for safety; and it was a common sight to see a number of these "dogwood" sticks lined up along the side of the house where services were being held.
Since chairs were not numerous in pioneer homes, dry goods boxes and sideboards of the lumber wagon, padded with folded comforts, enlarged the seating capacity nicely.
Years later S. S. (Sam) Peacock often told this interesting story of those early days to his children. His daughter, Mrs. El- bert Weir, repeats this story:
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"There were no regular ministers for this struggling prairie congregation - but traveling or circuit riding preachers often made extra sacrifices to meet with these earnest Christians.
Having little money, these preachers were entertained in the homes of the members and quite frequently they spent the night at the sod home of Caleb and Phoebe Peacock two and one-half miles southwest of town. When the preacher came, Sam, then a young man, had to sleep on a pallet on the floor-a common custom of the time.
One summer night, Sam woke in a panic as he felt some- thing cold and slimy crawling across his body. Being prairie trained, he froze - holding his breath as the snake slithered across his body. Then he roused his parents. In the darkness, it was dangerous to put a foot on the floor, but a lamp was lighted and the family and the visiting preacher armed them- selves and hunted out and killed the deadly rattler. A snake bite in those days was often fatal. There were no hospitals - no modern drugs - and if a doctor was available he was often on a case miles away."
In the spring of 1877, the Methodists banded together, holding their services in the home of Caleb Peacock, two and one-half miles southwest of Stafford. Wm. Wallace and I. L. Ross (local preachers) were in charge of most of these earlier services. A few months later (in the spring of 1878) the organization as a Methodist class was effected by Rev. Schnell.
On April 18th, 1879, a Certificate of Incorporation, as per state law, was issued to this Methodist organization, permitting it to hold property. The first Trustees were: J. B. C. Cook, Wm. Wallace, Chas. W. Cronk, S. Grant, E. B. Crawford, E. Crane and John Self. (At this time Stafford was a part of Pratt County.)
The stock was not to be over $10,000 and the expiration date was to be 100 years, or 1979. On April 22, 1879, it was signed by James Smith, Secretary of State.
The first Methodist services in Stafford were held in Hadlock's Hall. This was above Mr. Hadlock's store, which was located on the west side of Main Street in the block south of Broadway. Mr. Hadlock had, as a part of his merchandise, a stock of caskets which were stored in the back of the hall where church services were held by the Methodists and other church organizations of the town. This undoubtedly added to the solemnity of the services.
Later, services were held in the old frame schoolhouse (the first school building in Stafford), located where the present High School building stands. Services were held in the schoolhouse until a church home was built in 1883. This was a frame building stand- ing on the present church site. We were unable to find the ap- proximate cost of the building, although subscription lists show $1646.00 pledged. This (our first church building) was dedicated October 12th, 1884, by Rev. T. C. Miller, Presiding Elder.
B. E. Evans found the following interesting facts concerning the buying of the lots on which the first church was to be built. E. B. Crawford, president, and R. M. Blair, Secretary, of the Stafford Town Company (city not organized until Sept. 1885) trans- ferred to the following trustees of the Stafford First Methodist Episcopal Church lots 20-21-22 in the Baumgartner Addition, for a consideration of $1.00. (The trustees were: Rev. W. W. Wallace, Dr. W. S. Tyrrell, William Horn, Frank Cox and Alva Peacock.
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In the winter of 1884, before their own church was built, the Baptist worshipped in the Methodist Church, holding their ser- vices on Sunday afternoon.
In March, 1885, Rev. J. F. Clark was appointed at conference to serve the Stafford charge, which was then on a circuit. Pre- vious to this, services in Stafford were conducted by Guy Hamilton, A. C. Taylor, and Rev. Rolingson, who were serving other charges, and also helping keep this young organization going.
In March, 1886, Rev. H. E. Fleming was appointed to Staf- ford. He had a circuit of five churches. With the aid of missionary money, he was to receive $650.00 salary. On April 19th of this year, work was begun on the parsonage which was built north of the church.
At this time, the Presbyterians were given permission to have the use of the church twice a month, and bear their share of the expense (about 85c a month).
Rev. J. L. Stratford came to us in March, 1887. He was ill for some time and had to leave the charge in October of that year. Rev. G. W. Akers supplied for him during his illness and until Rev. C. H. McMillan was appointed in December to finish out the year.
The Christian Church was organized in March 1887, and held their services in the Methodist Church on Sunday afternoons, un- til the late winter or early Spring of 1888.
From March, 1888, until December, 1897, the following pastors served the Stafford charge: Jeffery Martin, S. S. Sulliger, J. N. Howard, J. W. Pruen, and H. E. Swan.
On April 16, 1889, while S. S. Sulliger was our pastor, lightning struck the steeple of the church causing about $200.00 damage to the building.
About this time an event took place which caused consider- able dissension in the congregation. The barker of a Medicine Show came to town and contacted the Board of Trustees. Usually these shows were held on street corners, but for some reason (probably weather conditions) he asked to rent the church. The trustees rented the church to him. In a few nights the show be- came exceedingly popular. Young and old rushed, to attend the free performance, and of course bought the medicine. Many mem- bers thought the "carryings-on" at the church were disgraceful- for some of the songs, jokes and dances were "off color" for that time,-the mid nineties. Finally, opposition became so strong the Medicine show's contract was broken, and the so-called Doctor was asked to leave town - much to the chagrin of the younger crowd.
In December, 1897, W. M. Runyan came as our pastor working with us 'until March 1900. (For several years after 1903, he did evangelistic work, and having a talent for music, has written, composed and published a number of sacred songs and tunes since then.
J. L. Patterson was our pastor for the two years following. In March, 1902, Rev. Geo. H. Parkinson was appointed to Staf ford. He was in an eastern school and Rev. J. A. Anderson supplied the pulpit for him until the close of the school year. In June he came to Stafford, bringing with him his bride (the former Ora Pollard of Sterling). An opportunity came for him to take up
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student pastoral work, while he continued his studies in Evanston, Illinois. So in September, 1903, he was released to go to this work.
In October, 1903, Rev. E. N. Cunningham became our pastor, remaining with us until March, 1906. By this time the old frame church had become inadequate for the needs of the larger con- gregation, and a movement was started to build a new church. In October, 1904, it was reported that $6700.00 had been raised in twenty-four hour's time toward the building of the church.
The next spring the frame church was moved to one side far enough to permit the building of the new church while using the old one for services. After the new building was completed, the old one was sold.
The afternoon of October 15, 1905, was a happy one when Rev. Thomas Corwin Iliff, of the Methodist Episcopal Board of Church Extension, dedicated the fine new brick building which was to be our church home for several years. Rev. W. J. Martindale, our Presiding Elder was with us and assisted in the services. The cost of the building was about $9,000.00.
In the early days, travel was by horse and buggy or wagon and team. So we find among old records where contracts were made for the erection of hitching posts on the church lots for the convenience of those attending services in our first two church buildings.
For most of the years since the organization of the church, Eureka was on the charge with Stafford. At Conference, March, 1906, they were placed on a circuit with Union Center, and since that time Stafford has been a separate charge (as has Eureka for several years now).
Rev. R. L. George became our pastor at the next conference. It is interesting to note that at the end of the first quarter, Mrs. George reported 102 members in the Junior League, and they used the regular studies for the four grades. The average attendance was fifty. As the services were held on Sunday afternoon, number of her members were from the other churches, who did not have such a Junior organization.
(Collected from old sources written by Mrs. Emma Rasmussen, E. A. Briles of The Courier, old documents, county files-personal stories of Mrs. Lucy Jenkins, Mrs. Marie Weir and others.
Brunetta Jimison, May, 1965)
Rev. George was followed by Rev. A. E. Kirk, Rev. L. G. Mulhollen, and Rev. L. R. Hoff. Rev. Hoff remained with us about seven months. He desired to become a minister in the Holiness Church, and was released to take up his work with that church.
E. F. Buck 1912 - 1916
It was during Rev. Buck's pastorate that a new parsonage was completed east of the church. It was a two-story building, now moved to West Broadway, just east of the Missouri Pacific crossing. /The approximate cost of the parsonage was $3100. Much labor was donated by men of the congregation.
By 1915, the church was becoming crowded, so the Men's Bible Class had to find a place to meet. A few years later, a small frame building was built north of the church, costing about $650. The Sunday School Primary Department and the Junior League were moved into the new building thus relieving the congestion in the main church.
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Many records have been lost-evidently in one of the moves. According to records of the Ladies' Aid, it was during the period 1918 - 1924 when it was discovered that the walls of the church were badly cracked. Contractors advised against attempting to remodel, so tentative plans for a new building got under way.
J. C. Fisher 1916 - 1918
This was during World War I, and the minister and his wife were busy with community affairs, as well as those of the church. The Fishers had both been missionaries in India, and had travel- ed extensively. They had collected many interesting articles and were glad to show them to friends.
A. H. Ponath 1918 - 1919
In the fall of 1918, churches and all meeting places were closed for a number weeks, because of the great influenza epidemic. A union revival with the United Presbyterians was planned for this time. The services were to be conducted by Rev. and Mrs. Flower, but the union service idea was given up and Rev. and Mrs. Flower left to take up the work as evangelists elsewhere. Service had been missed, as the increased attendance proved after the churches were opened once more.
Guy E: Spear 1919 - 1924
The Spears had several small children and often when Mrs. Spear could not be in church, Mr. Spear seated the children near the front where he could keep an eye on them. The second girl was unusually active. One morning she was more disturbing than usual. Rev. Spear stopped in the midst of his sermon, and said more sadly than sternly, "Daughter, how can daddy think what he is saying when you are so naughty?" Once he even brought her up and made her sit in a chair near him.
New Church Planned
As peace came to the nation, church building plans were brought out again and by 1923 the congregation was ready to take steps. A whole chapter might be written on the planning, building, dedication and final payment of our present church. The depres- sion hit before all pledges could be met. After that, money was so scarce that the members of the church did well to pay the minister and keep the church open.
By June, 24, 1923, feeling was so strong for the building of the new church that the Official Board elected the following building committee: H. L. McCurdy, F. G. Smart, and George Dale. These men and others who served on various committees, spent much time studying structure-design and materials before choosing a plan. They visited many new churches but according to B. E. Evans, they chose as their plan, one based on the Riverside Chris- tian Church at Wichita. This church had recently been completed. These men, of course, took much criticism because it was im- possible to please the entire congregation. Shuler and Company, architects, of Wichita, worked closely with the committee, giving suggestions and advice on many points.
Don Shuler of the Shuler Co. came to Stafford and helped make the final plans. (Total subscriptions at this time were $18,940.
A. N. Smith 1924 - 1927
The change of pastors did not lessen the building zeal. Rev.
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and Mrs. Smith threw themselves whole -- heartedly into the work. They offered advice when asked, helped to raise funds, and did all they could to push forward the building plans. Mrs. Smith was active in the church organizations and was one of the original mincemeat ladies.
Rev. Smith had served as a Chaplain in World War I, and one of the Smith's children had died while he was in Europe. The Smiths had one older son, Warren, not at home, Paul in high school and Dorothy several years younger.
Feb. 16, 1925, Ed Heimiller was hired as Superintendent of wrecking the old church. Also, he was to move the primary build- ing. He was to be paid 75c an hour and his helpers 30c an hour. Mrs. Joe Spickard and Mrs. H. L. McCurdy were to oversee the stor- ing of all church furniture, etc. W. L. Taylor was hired to build the church. Finally, after years of planning, things were moving.
H. L. McCurdy Lumber Co. was appointed as purchasing agent for the Building Committee. He was to receive approximately one- half the regular commission, or 10 per cent on materials handled through his yard. Mr. McCurdy was to order other materials his yard did not handle, such as steel, brick and sand, free of charge.
By July, 1925, the following contracts had been let: Joe Dale electrical contract-he was to receive $1.00 per hour and his help- ers 75c. The Stafford Plumbing Company was awarded the con- tract for plumbing with regular wages and helpers at 75c an hour. The committee had long, tiresome meetings during this time, mak- ing decisions and dealing with heating, roofing and glass companies.
The cornerstone of today's church was laid Sept. 6, 1925, with Rev. A. E. Kirk, a former pastor of the church, and at the time President of Southwestern College, and C. M. Gray, District Super- intendent, in charge of the services.
When the old building was torn down, the congregation used the High School Building for services. But when the basement was completed in the fall of 1926, it was immediately put into use.
New Church Dedicated
Our present building was dedicated May 22, 1927 by Bishop Ernest Lynn Waldorf. Its cost was approximately $30,000. The pipe organ was not installed until later, and was dedicated May 10, 1931, by District Superintendent J. W. Abel.
The first mortgage was for $30,000 and was dated Aug. 27, 1927. It was reduced to $20,000 by Oct. 1931. Failure to make pay- ments after that date increased the indebtedness to $23,407 by October 1935. At that time, $743.00 remaining unpaid on the pipe organ was added and a new mortgage negotiated for $24,150. Dur- ing the first seven years after the dedication the ladies of the church paid $9,043 on the debt.
C. F. Hestwood 1927 - 1928
Rev. Hestwood started his work off with much zeal. But he became ill in the summer of 1928, and was taken to Wichita for an operation. Complications set in and he did not recover. His funeral was held in the church with J. W. Abel in charge. He was assisted by W. W. Owen of Halstead, W. F. Danner of Hutchinson, C. E. Williams of Kingman, F. D. Womeldorf of Kingman and Otto T. Wolkman of Valley Center. The choir was made up of sixty of his minister friends. Ministers and friends from all over
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the state were present. Services were carried out as much as possible as Mr. Hestwood had wished.
T. F. Rudisill, Supply 1928
T. F. Rudisill of the Eureka Church supplied the Stafford church until the next conference and worked valiantly to fulfill his service to both churches.
E. M. Fly 1928 - 1931
Mr. and Mrs. Fly had one son, Elbert, who was graduated from Stafford High School. He is now Instructor of Music in the \To- peka schools, and also director of the First Methodist Church choir there. Mr. Fly worked hard to get new blood into some of the organizations that needed change.
W. W. Owen 1931 - 1934
Rev. Owen came in the early days of the depression when banks were closing and dust storms swept across the plains. The Owens had two small children- a boy, and a girl named Juanita who often sang for church programs. She had a sweet, clear, strong, voice for a child.
In 1932, by Aug. 1, only one-half of the budget had been sub- scribed. People hesitated to make promises they might not be able to fulfill.
Mr. Owen suggested a plan to help raise interest money- which was carried out. He also asked to have a minister ex- change for the spring revival, and to ask the services of Miss May Faulkner. Miss Faulkner, a deaconess, did notable work with the children.
All accounts of the church organizations were combined into one fund under one Treasurer. Russell Hibbs was appointed as Treasurer.
Mr. and Mrs. Owen now live in Wichita (1965).
R. L. George 1934 - 1938
Rev. George came back for his second ministry with the Staf- ford church after almost thirty years. After the death of his first wife, he had married Bernice Pafford, who, for a number of years had taught music in the Stafford High School. Much work was being done to make payments on the mortgage but little progress could be made. Special collections were made for new hymnals during January and February 1938-$153.00 was raised.
A Junior Choir was started by Mrs. O. W. Longwood during this time.
Mrs. George was quite active in all phases of church work.
R. F. Morgan 1938 - 1940
One of the congregation stated that Rev. Morgan was sent to Stafford to help pay off the church debt, but times were still dif- ficult. There were 451 on the church roll at this time-and the re-organization of the M. E. Church was completed in 1940.
Rev. Morgan took the Junior League delegates to the Institute in Salina. This was the first time for our intermediates-and they were thrilled! Especially because Rev. Morgan drove so fast. Mr. Morgan is not now living, but Mrs. Morgan is living in the Methodist Home in Topeka (1965).
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H. P. Woertendyke 1940 - 1945
The family in the parsonage was active in church, school and community. One son, Ralph, was in high school, but the Woerten- dykes also had a son and daughter who were married.
Again, it was war time. Many from our church were in ser- vice. A plan to keep the church in the minds of our men and women who were away fighting was started. Members were given addresses and a constant stream of letters went out to all parts of the world.
The Woertendykes organized the first Menninger Bible Classes in Stafford. Afternoon classes met in the church and were taught by the pastor's wife and he taught the evening class. At present (1965) though retired from active ministry, they are still teaching Menninger classes at Garden City, Kansas. Rev. Woertendyke died September 1965.
A Red Cross class met regularly in one of the class rooms and was taught by Dr. J. J. Tretbar.
Period of Indebtedness
From 1935 to 1940 interest payments were made and $2000 paid on the principal. In November of 1940 arrangements were made with the holder of the mortgage to amortize the loan on a month- ly payment of interest and a small amount on the principal. The "Build the Other Half" program was instituted and had brought in about $1900. The W.S.C.S. paid $1240, and the budget provided $800 during this period.
The final payment on the debt was $18,237.58, of which $18,200 was in war bonds. Payment at this time saved about $6,890 in interest which would have been paid if the monthly amortization plan had been continued. The contributions made by church mem- bers and others in the recent campaign had provided about $2000 extra which was used for repairs and improvements.
But the thirteen years from 1931 until the mortgage burning were trying ones. Money was scarce, crops were bad and to keep up running expenses, pay interest and the pastor, sometimes seem- ed impossible. At times bills piled up, for example the electric bill. The city had been patient but they were pressing for at least a token payment. Mr. F. G. Smart, as financial secretary, told the following story: The Official Board was troubled. They had prayed collectively and individually, but had helped all they could per- sonally.
One evening on the way to a meeting of the Official Board Mr. Smart stopped by the Postoffice and found an envelope with a check that made a substantial payment on the bill and kept the lights on.
Many years later, he talked to the writer of that check and she confessed that she had not wanted to send it. She was so short of money, but her conscience kept nagging at her until finally she hastily stuffed the check in an envelope and sent it off before she could change her mind. Mr. Smart's son, Arville, stand- ing by, remarked: "That's Dad's favorite story of the power of prayer.'
Doubtless there were many such untold stories of those diffi- cult times. During this period all the pastors who served here, al- though handicapped by the lack of money, tried to help ease the
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financial load by personal sacrifices and willingness to help in various ways.
The Boy Scouts met in the church two hours weekly.
In spite of the troubled times the church carried on, looking toward the day when the mortgage could be paid. Crops were better, war work was bringing in ready cash and the congrega- tion looked forward eagerly to wiping out the church debt.
Mortgage Burning
On Feb. 27, 1944, the long awaited day arrived. After a 12:30 dinner for the congregation the following mortgage burning cere- mony was held.
2:00 AFTERNOON SERVICE. S. F. Peacock, Chairman Official
Prelude, "The Church's One Foundation"
Lee Rogers
Scripture Lesson: Psalms 19.
Prayer
Anthem, "Break Forth Into Joy" Simper
Soprano Solo, Miss Gloria Soice
Greetings from Former Pastors
Mixed Quartet, "My Faith in Thee" O'Hara
Mrs. Wright Taylor, Mrs. Jack Warnock, Walter Ewy, D. D. Drews
Presentation of Mortgage, A. L. Soice, Chairman Board of Trustees
The Burning Ceremony
Doxology
Closing Message
Dr.
Mulvaney
Hymn No. 255-"True Hearted, Whole Hearted"
Benediction
Postlude, "We Give Thee Thanks"
M. F. Lawrence
One interesting feature of the afternoon was the participation of Mrs. Mary Crawford, then 95 years of age, the only living charter member of the church.
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