USA > Kansas > A history of Methodism in northwest Kansas > Part 18
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agreed that Lyle should again be united with Norcatur. So Brother Allen took up the work of the entire charge in January, 1910. The new parsonage at Lyle had not been occupied, nor has it yet been occupied by any pastor. In March, 1911, Brother Allen was succeeded by Rev. M. G. Terry. He served the charge one and one-half years, leaving in September, 1912, for better pasture. There were still no crops. Rev. M. F. Loomis was the district superintendent, and there was never a more faithful man at his job. He felt that a new man could not take up the work and get the necessary support for the rest of the year, so he arranged for the pastor at Jennings, Rev. Edwin F. Sitterly, to serve both charges the rest of the year.
In the spring of 1913 T. J. Nixon was appointed to the Norcatur charge, which was made to include what had been the Kanona charge. It consisted of Kanona and Olive Chapel. This made Brother Nixon a circuit of five points, spread over a part of two counties. The arrangement was very necessary, in order that the burden of support might not be too heavy upon the several points, and that the pastor might have an ade- quate support. Brother Nixon served this united charge two years. During his second year "the seven years of famine," as the people call it, was broken by a big wheat crop, and big prices, wheat being as much as $1.50 per bushel. At the Conference of 1915 the two charges were separate\' again, and C. H. Cow- man was put in charge of the Norcatur work. He is serving his second year at this writing.
The statistics for 1917 are as follows: Three churches, worth $9,500; two parsonages, $1,800. Mem- bership, full members. 193; expenses, $281. Minis- terial support: Pastor, $1,100; district superintend- ent, $76; Bishop, $19; Conference claimants, $48. Benevolences, $1,071. Three Sunday Schools: Enroll-
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ment, 239; officers and teachers, 36. Three Epworth Leagues, with a membership of 65. Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORTON, KANSAS.
What is reported to have been the first Methodist sermon in Norton was preached by Rev. Mr. Vance, a superannuated minister, in 1874. Irregular services followed this until in 1875, when Rev. R. H. Seymour and others established a regular preaching appoint- ment in the village. In March, 1876, the Norton Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Rev. Seymour with the following charter members: David Close, Ellen Close, Eli Dopps, Lizzie Dopps, D. M. Rob- inson and Mrs. D. M. Robinson, and possibly others. At the annual session of the Kanas Conference, held in the same month, Norton was made the head of a circuit, and Rev. R. H. Seymour was appointed preacher in charge, and continued as pastor until July, 1878.
On October 9, 1879, the organization was duly in- corporated, according to the laws of the State of Kan- sas, as "The Norton Methodist Church and Parsonage Association," with D. M. Robinson, David Close, Eli Dopps, J. H. Phelps and J. R. Hamilton trustees. On January 14, 1902, an amended charter was issued, changing the official name to "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Norton, Kansas," and specifying that the purposes for which the corporation was formed were to buy, sell and lease real estate for church, parsonage and library purposes, and to estab- lish and maintain libraries and reading societies." The number of trustees was increased to seven, and the names of those serving for that year were D. M. Rob- inson. David Close, F. M. Snow, J. G. Stapp, T. I. Foster, M. P. Ward and L. J. Holcomb.
The first regular preaching place was in a log building on the west side of State Street, north of
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Washington. This was followed with services in the rear of the postoffice in a building owned by W. B. Rogers. After the erection of the school house serv- ices were held in it, until the Presbyterians built their new church, on the corner of Wabash and Lincoln Streets. Through their kindness the Methodists shared with them in the use of the splendid structure. In 1881 the need of a permanent church home was felt by the membership, as well as the leaders of Norton Methodism, and a site was secured on North Norton Avenue. By the untiring efforts of all interested, "The Stone Church" was finished and dedicated in 1882. P.ev. H. G. Breed, the Presiding Elder, and Rev. W. J. Meredith, the pastor, officiated at the dedication. This building served its purpose well for more than twenty years, and not until 1905 were plans perfected for a more modern and commodious structure. On July 1, 1904, lots were purchased on North State Street as a site for a new church. In the spring of 1905 plans were selected and arrangements made for a more mod- ern building. Work progressed rapidly, and on August 10 the corner stone was laid, with appropriate cere- monies by Rev. W. J. Meredith, Presiding Elder ; Rev. H. J. Lorenz, pastor, and Hon. George E. Griffin, mayor of the city of Norton, in charge of the service. The building was hastened to completion, and on De- cember 17, 1905, was dedicated to the service and wor- ship of Almighty God. Mr. J. M. Powell of Buffalo, N. Y., had been secured to manage the financial claims of the day, and the building was dedicated by Rev. W. J. Meredith and Rev. H. J. Lorenz, amid the rejoicings of a happy people.
Since the organization of the charge the following pastors have served the work: In 1876-1877, R. H. Seymour; 1877-1878, Allen Enyart; 1878-1879, W. A. Saville; 1879-1880, R. Bisbee and S. Crouch ; 1880, for
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three months, J. T. Britain ; 1880-1882, J. W. Graham; 1882-1884, W. J. Meredith; 1884-1885, H. M. Mayo; 1885-1887, E. H. Fleisher; 1887-1889, L. O. Housel; 1889-1891, W. R. Pierce; 1891-1896, J. L. King; 1896- 1898, A. N. See; 1898-1900, S. L. Semans; 1900-1906, H. J. Lorenz; 1906-1908, L. A. Mckeever; 1908-1912, B. F. Thomas; 1912-1913, W. G. Smith; 1913-1914, W. B. Read; 1914-1915, C. A. Fellows; 1915 to the pres- ent, U. S. Brown. Many changes have been made in district boundaries and Norton has been identified with five districts and has had the following Presiding Elders and district superintendents: 1876-1878, W. J. Mitchell, Beloit District; 1878-1882, R. A. Caruth- ers, Kirwin District; 1882-1886, H. G. Breed, Kirwin District; 1886-1890, S. A. Green, Norton District; 1890-1896, E. W. Allen, Norton District; 1896-1898, M. M. Stolz, Norton District; 1898-1904, L. O. Housel, Norton District; 1904-1909, W. J. Meredith, Norton District; 1909-1910, C. W. Wynant and L. E. Rockwell, Belleville District; 1910-1916, M. F. Loomis, Colby District; 1916 to the present time, M. G. Terry, Colby District.
Norton charge has been well organized from its early history, maintaining one of the best Sunday Schools in Northwest Kansas. The organization of a Methodist Sunday School was perfected in the early eighties, and for years the superintendents were such splendid church workers as C. D. Jones, Frank Baker, L. H. Thompson and G. C. Wright. In 1907 John H. Bailey was elected superintendent and served for eight years, being succeeded by Guy H. Jaggard, who served for one year and was succeeded by the present super- intendent, Mrs. C. B. Walker. The school now num- bers thirty officers and teachers and a total enroll- ment of 415. The Epworth League was organized October 3, 1893, and has a membership of forty-two.
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A well organized Junior Church is maintained and has an enrolled membership of forty-seven boys and girls between the ages of eight and sixteen years. Two active Ladies' Aid Societies are doing splendid work. The Ladies' Aid Society is composed of the older ladies of the church and is under the presidency of Mrs. Alice Campbell. This organization has contributed to the various departments of church work an average of about $150 per year. The Methodist Episcopal Guild is composed of the younger ladies of the church and has been active in church and community interests. Mrs. J. M. Scott is president, and the contributions of this organization exceed those of the older society by a small margin. For many years the church has main- tained a strong Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, the beneficial influences of which have reached to many foreign lands. Mrs. C. D. Jones is the president and the offerings of this society in 1916 amounted to $135. One of the most helpful organizations of the church is the Methodist Social Club, which is composed of all the members of the church, and is in charge of one of the regular prayer meetings each month. It is a thor- oughly organized plan for the development of the social life of the church and has been most helpful.
Norton has entertained the Northwest Kansas Con- ference twice, in 1891, with Bishop S. M. Merrill pre- siding, and in 1907, with Bishop Luther B. Wilson pre- siding. The Conference session of 1891 is remembered on account of the snow blockades, and the fact that Bishop Merrill was detained at Mankato and did not reach the seat of the Conference until Saturday eve- ning. From the organization of the society to the present time, Norton has been recognized as one of the important churches in Northwest Kansas Meth- odism. Her pulpits have been supplied by the strong- est men of the Conference, her growth has been steady
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and continuous, until with her present membership of 330 her future is full of promise. The following notes are worthy of record:
April 3, 1895, J. L. King reported that he closed his pastorate of four years. The year just closing had been a good one; seventy had joined the church during the year.
March 4, 1908, L. A. Mckeever had enjoyed a good revival. Presiding Elder Meredith preached three ser- mons at the opening of the meeting, and J. P. Brush- ingham spent two weeks on the charge, with gracious results. Fifty-five members of the church took the "win one" pledge. Eighty were converted or re- claimed, and sixty-six united with the church. There were sixteen men over forty years old.
The minutes of 1917 give the following church property: Church, $8,000; parsonage, $2,000; current expenses, $396; full members, 321; preparatory, 15; salaries pastor, $1,500; D. S., $104; Bishop, $26; C. C.'s, $65; benevolence F. M. S., $185; H. M. S., $92. Grand total, $1,146. Sunday School: Officers and teachers, 30; enrollment, 412; average, 161; expenses, $274. Epworth League: Senior, 391; Junior, 46. W. F. M. S., $135.
OBERLIN.
He was followed by W. J. Meredith, who for some years had been a student in Baker University. He did good work. A church was built at Lyle that summer. It was built of sod, but was plastered inside and was comfortable and commodious. It was dedicated by Rev. C. W. Caseley, who said of the building, it is a perfect gem.
Meredith had some peculiar experiences that year. At his first wedding the bridegroom fainted. Still he got the knot so securely tied that it did not slip. He received but $75 for his year's work, but he got a wife,
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who has been a faithful and efficient helper through all the years.
The Presbyterian Church was organized in Ober- lin January 11, 1880, and the Baptist January 31 of the same year.
Dr. Caruthers was followed on the district by H. G. Breed, and I. L. Day was appointed pastor at Ober- lin. This was in the spring of 1882, when the North- west Kansas Conference was formed by the division of the Kansas Conference. Brother day served the charge but one year, and was followed by C. P. Stayton.
It has been said, "It takes all kinds of people to make a world, but it would be a better world if there were not some kinds." We had one of this kind at Oberlin. He always took every possible opportunity to make a speech. One night the pastor opened the doors of the church and invited people to unite with it. This man came forward and gave his hand to the preacher, but before the pastor had time to say anything, the candidate for membership waved his hand to the audi- ence for silence and began to talk. His remarks were designed as an explanation as to why he proposed to unite with the Methodist Church. He said he did not approve of some of her rules, and could not subscribe to all of her doctrines, but he had decided to have his name enrolled among the members. The pastor spoke up and said: "Brother, I have no authority to receive any one who does not believe our doctrines and will not consent to be governed by our rules." The man again waved his hand and was about to talk again, but the' pastor pronounced the benediction and the service closed.
In the spring of 1884 Rev. George Nulton was sent to Oberlin. He was a devout and faithful servant of God, and an ardent lover of his home. He habitually drove from Oberlin to Lyle on Sunday morning, a dis-
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tance of twenty-five miles, reaching there in time for Sunday School at 9:30. Even at that time he was a silent sufferer from the cancer that finally caused his death.
The Presbyterian Church was built in '83, and the Methodists held their services in it till they built their own church, three years later. The corner stone was laid August 8 by the Masons. Dr. Bariteau had charge of the ceremonies, the pastor conducting the devotions. Among the deposits in the stone was a Methodist hymnal, with the name of Mrs. A. E. Bariteau en- graved on the clasp.
The church was dedicated by Rev. H. D. Fisher De- cember 19, 1886. The church cost over $5,000; $1,900 had been secured previous to the dedication, and $1,500 was pledged on that day, leaving $1,600 still unpro- vided for. As is always the case, part of that which was pledged was not paid, so that when everything was cleared up, as far as it could be, July 9, 1887, the society was in debt $2,000. This was borrowed from the Board of Church Extension. Five hundred dollars had been borrowed from that board previously, making a total debt of $2,500. The church languished under this burden for years.
W. K. Loofbourrow was the next pastor and re- mained three years. Lyle was connected with Nor- catur, thus leaving Oberlin a station. There were classes, however, at Bethel, Cedar Bluffs and Faw- cetts, which were served at times by the Oberlin pas- tor. This year, 1887, the Ladies' Aid Society was organized, with Mrs. Loofbourrow president. The society has been maintained ever since, and has been a great help to the church. Mrs. George Robinson, who was president for many years, is deserving of special praise. The old parsonage was sold this year and a new one built. Mr. Loofbourrow was one of
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the best sermonizers Oberlin ever had. He was fol- lowed by C. N. Cain, who came from the East, bring- ing his Eastern ideas and usages with him, which did not at all harmonize with our Western notions. He stayed with us but four months. A. M. Lott filled out that year and the next.
S. A. Green closed his term on the district and was succeeded by E. W. Allen. G. W. Hood became pastor in 1892. The Junior League was organized by him soon after it had been endorsed by the General Con- ference. Its life has been somewhat intermittent, but is at present (1912) a decided success, under the lead- ership of Mrs. Emma Huddle, who has been president for five years. W. A. McWright came in '93, and re- mained two years. He was followed by J. W. Snapp. He either organized, or reorganized, the Epworth League, and it has been kept up ever since, and has been a real help to the young people. I. S. Hall came to the charge in 1896. His sermons evidenced deep thought, and it was a pleasure to hear him. He was followed by J. N. Clark, who soon after disgraced him- self and the church and withdrew from the ministry.
In the spring of '98 L. O. Housel became Presiding Elder of Norton District, and Rev. A. N. See became pastor at Oberlin. See and his estimable wife were highly esteemed by the people, and did much to restore to the church the prestige it had lost in recent years. In September the church debt was readjusted. The trustees at this time were I. G. Parker, W. H. An- drews, Alonzo Smith, J. A. Hughes and D. S. Bryan. The debt had been outlawed, but the trustees were not willing that the church should be disgraced by the society's fraudulently evading its responsibility. J. C. Postlathwait of Jewell . City was attorney for the church Extension Society. That organization is bound by its charter to preserve its loan fund sacred. By
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donating any part of that to the church, the society would forfeit its charter. It can donate interest. When this was made plain to the board, they were quite will- ing to adjust the debt. The interest was all donated, and the loan was extended for five years at six per cent.
In 1902 the sum of $55 was raised by contribu- tions and placed in the hands of J. J. Jackson, James Leak and W. H. Andrews, to be used in growing wheat for the liquidation of the church debt. Mr. Leak was entrusted with the whole matter, and in five years the $55 had increased to $1,000.
In 1901 Rev. See was placed on the Ellsworth Dis- trict and J. M. Miller became pastor at Oberlin. He remained five years, and proved himself to be an earn- est, faithful and wise preacher, and administrator.
In 1904 W. J. Meredith was made Elder. Soon after taking charge of the district he arranged to have Dr. W. A. Quayle come to Oberlin to assist in raising the debt. He preached on a Sunday morning, and in about twenty-five minutes secured enough pledges to cover the indebtedness. There was great rejoicing among the Methodists that night. However, the debt was not all cancelled till 1910. On February 11th of that year the Ladies' Aid Society paid the last $5 and the burden was lifted. Owing to the floating popula- tion, the average resident membership of the church for sixteen years had not been more than fifty, and the pastor's salary for twenty years had been $500, with an addition from the Missionary Society of from $75 to $150.
In 1903 the Herminston Union revival was held. This was a great benefit to all the churches. G. L. Rarick became pastor in 1906 and remained two years. Since that time the average salary of the pastor has been $800. M. J. Mumford became the pastor in 1908.
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In his first year the Oliver meetings were held. There was a great religious awakening; 1,000 conversions were reported. There were many accessions to all the churches. The Methodist received 182.
C. W. Wynant took the district in 1905, and served it a little over three years, when he was called to his reward. L. E. Rockwell was appointed in his place. The next year Oberlin was placed in the Norton Dis- trict, and M. F. Loomis was the superintendent, and W. E. Scott was pastor.
During these years there were five local preachers living at Oberlin who are worthy of mention: Silas Spear, Lewis Barr, W. R. Carlton, B. F. Hutchins and James Leak. James Leak, J. W. Rea and Mrs. Amy Huddle were the class leaders. Trustees were C. J. Raymond, C. S. Maddox, C. Fowler, George McMullen, G. H. Shaw and W. H. Andrews. Mrs. A. A. Grindle was president of the Ladies' Aid, and L. E. Darrow recording steward. In 1912 Scott was succeeded by W. A. Dick, a very faithful successful pastor, who re- mained till 1916. M. F. Loomis, a faithful and much loved district superintendent, also closed his term of service at the same time.
The present membership (1916) is 170, fifty of whom are non-residents. The Sunday School enroll- ment, including Home Department and Cradle Roll, is 152. Average attendance, 80. Expenses last year, $100. O. E. Furman is superintendent. Have a nor- mal class and use the graded lessons. Epworth League has a membership of twenty-eight. Hazel Hurst is president. The Home Missionary Society numbers twenty-two, and Mrs. Abigal Maddox is the president. Has been organized nine years. The Ladies' Aid So- ciety was organized in 1887; Mrs. J. W. Rea is the very efficient president. Present trustees, C. S. Mad- dox, L. M. Parker, George McNullem, J. Corrall, C. J.
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Raymond and George Shaw. Recording steward, J. W. Rea. James Leak, local preacher and class leader.
Last year the charge pledged $600 to the Kansas Wesleyan end wment fund. Statistical report for 1917 is as follows: Church, $3,000; parsonage, $1,250; ex- penses, $100; members, 160; preparatory, 20; support of pastor, $1,050; D. S., $80; Bishop, $23; C. C. S., $46; F. M. S., $28; H. M. S., $24. Grand total, $335. Sunday School: Officers and teachers, 17; enrollment, 167; average, 90; expenses, $100. Epworth League, Senior, $40; W. H. M. S., $43.
PLAINVILLE.
The Plainville class was organized in the open air, in front of the G. S. Slossons sod house, the people sitting on boxes, trunks and the ground, on March 24, 1878, Rev. L. W. Mickey pastor. The members were C. R. Durfee, leader; May E. Durfee, G. F. Slosson, A. M. King, Sarah King, E. M. Gales, L. W. Mickey, and S. L. Mickey. R. A. Caruthers was the Presiding Elder and appointed L. W. Mickey, a local Elder, Pas- tor of the Plainville circuit.
The pastor preached his first sermon on the charge, April 23, 1876. The first class meeting was held March 31. The members of the class were nearly all from Vinton, Iowa, and had been members of the church there. The first Quarterly meeting was held in the Slosson home, May 5, 1878.
The Sunday School was organized with E. M. Gale Superintendent and H. D. Lackore Secretary. H. C. Miller, of Hays City, presided at the first Quarterly Conference. The first funeral was of a boy named Conger, who died from the bite of a rattle snake. The first wedding was on March 29, 1879, R. M. Rouse and Matilda McClay were the happy pair.
There were six appointments on the charge: Maple Grove, Paradise, Pleasant Ridge, Eureka and Webster.
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The pastor's salary was fixed at $150.00, but it was not paid. The first church was of sod and was on the cor- ner now occupied by the First National Bank. It was built in 1879. It was without a floor. The Trustees permitted the School Board to use the room for school purposes and the board put a floor in the house. Later a frame school house was built, and as a reciprocal favor, the church was permitted to use the school house for sometime.
When Rev. Mickey quit the charge in the spring of 1880 there were 98 full members and 20 probationers.
E. G. Gray was the next pastor and served one year, when he was succeeded by M. J. Bailey, who re- mained two years, '82 and '83. The society was char- tered in 1882 and in '83 lots were secured, on which they attempted to build a parsonage, but did not suc- ceed. In 1885 another effort to build was undertaken but again it failed. In 1886 these lots were sold for $500.
G. L. Rarick became pastor in 1887 and at once applied himself to the task of building a parsonage. A. M. King gave a site, and in due time the house was erected at a cost of $700. In April of the next year, the trustees determined to build a church. The con- tract was let to Ashbury Evans for $1,040. The house was finished and dedicated, December 25, 1887. The estimated value of the property was $1,911. A dona- tion of $300 was received through the Church Exten- sion Society, from Mrs. Webster. A loan of $300 was also granted by the Extension Society. Friends in Ohio, contributed funds for the pulpit and chairs. The dedication was followed by a gracious revival, in which 100 souls were converted. A good subscription list for the Central was also secured.
In 1894 a revival was held by the pastor, W. M. Sedore, when 120 bowed at the altar, and at the Com-
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munion service shortly after, 100 partook of the ele- ments.
In 1903-05, Rarick was again pastor. The charge having outgrown its parsonage, he again applied him- self to the building of a house, adequate to the needs of the place, on another and better location, consisting of a quarter of a block.
The present church was begun in 1906 during the pastorate of R. E. Dunham, but was not completed till 1908, when J. C. Helmick was pastor. The build- ing is 60x84, with basement 30x60, and a furnace room. The foundation is of native lime stone. The walls are brick, faced with Chamute pressed brick. The windows are Cathedral glass, of beautiful de- sign. The building cost $20,000, and has a seating capacity for 700. The parsonage is a well constructed, ten room residence. The church was dedicated March 22, 1909, by Dr. T. C. Iliff. Two thousand five hun- dred dollars were needed on the day of dedication, to clear the building of indebtedness. Three thousand dollars were pledged in a short time. Helmick was succeeded by M. F. Loomis, on May 12. A warm re- ception was given the new pastor.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1888. In the early years, the society busied itself much, in do- ing charity work, for the community; but since the new church was built, the Aid has devoted itself, al- most wholly, to work for the church. At first they pledged $600, which was promptly paid. Then $50 were added for a memorial window. Later the base- ment was finished, to which the Aid contributed $100. When the church was completed, this Society furnished carpet for the pulpit and aisles, and chairs for pulpit and choir, and an individual communion set.
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