USA > Kansas > A history of Methodism in northwest Kansas > Part 28
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Report for 1917 as follows: Church, $2,000; par- sonage, $1,000; expense, $80; members, 108; superin- tending pastor, $544; district secretary, $40; bishop, $9; conference claimants, $19; benevolences, foreign
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missions, $10; home missions, $8; grand total, $179; three Sunday schools, officers and teachers, 22; enroll- ment, 236; average, 175; expenses, $85.
Randall.
Like many other classes the early history of Ran- dall is not known, either when the class was organized or who were the charter members. There was no regular meeting place, consequently the services were held in a store building at one time, at another in a hall until the school house was built. The first record of services was in 1885. G. H. Woodward who was pas- tor of the Scottsville charge at the time. Randall was served for a time by the pastor at Scottsville when it was changed to the Jamestown circuit and remained so connected till it became the head of a charge in 1894. H. G. Breed was the first pastor to live at Ran- dall. He was succeeded by the following pastors: E. R. Price, 1895; Thomas Muxlow, 96-7; Grant Mann, '98-9; H. A. Manker, 1900-01; J. M. Rush, '01-02; G. J. Winslow, '03; G. S. R. Pierce, '04; W. A. Pierce, '05-6; W. W. Herrington, '07; C. E. Carpenter, 08-12; E. E. Gunckel, '13-14; D. H. Colvin, '15; J. F. Johnson, '16; E. O. Harbour, '17.
The church was built in 1897. Thomas Muxlow was the pastor. The early records of the charge were deposited in the corner stone, but unfortunately the receptacle was not carefully closed, so when it was opened they were found to be illegible. This accounts for the absence of the early history in this sketch. There have been several good revivals in the church which helped to advance the cause. When B. T. Stauber was pastor at Jewell he held a revival in the spring of 1895 which resulted in great good to the society at Randall. Sixty-five were added to the church and a Sunday school was organized of which Dr. L. A. Fairchild was chosen superintendent, Wil-
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liam McIntyre, assistant; Miles Billings, treasurer; Earl Kendall, secretary, and Bertha Morris, librarian.
The society was chartered March 10, 1897. In the central of September 9, 1896 was an appeal from F. D. Baker, presiding elder of the Concordia district for help to build a church at Randall, to which Bishop Vincent added a note.
The edition of December 12, 1897 stated that the church at Randall had been dedicated November 28, B. T. Stauber preaching at 11 and the elder at night $600 were raised to pay the debt. James Kerr and E. R. Zummerman assisted in raising the money and in the dedication. The trustees were John Lorimer, J. F. Trueblood, V. Vance, Jr., W. F. Morris, W. S. Taylor, William McIntire and A. Easter, Sr. From later editions of the Central the following notes were gathered.
In December 1904, G. C. R. Pierce, pastor, a revival was held with the assistance of V. A. Nanna of the W. Virginia conference. Thirty were converted and 28 united with the church. Rev. Jeffries of the Baptist church and Breed of the Texas conference assisted at the beginning of the meeting. W. E. Gross and T. J. H. Taggart each spent a day on the charge. On Mon- day night following the meeting a class of 18 pro- bationers was baptized. In January, 1913, C. E. Car- penter, pastor, reported a successful revival held with the assistance of I. N. Parvin and C. A. Kempsinger. In March, E. E. Gunckel reported a successful four weeks' meeting.
In 1909 a parsonage was bought, one block north and one west of the church. Twenty years later the church was remodeled, a basement constructed, a fur- nace installed and other improvements made at a cost of $2,000.
The trustees at present are A. O. Smith, A. E. Shoe- maker, G. Barrett, and Charles Zimmer. These with
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the pastor, E. O. Harbour, constituted the building committee.
The Sunday school superintendent is A. O. Smith; recording steward, G. A. Bruch ; president Ladies' Aid, Mrs. A. O. Smith.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: Church, $2,000; parsonage, $1,200; members, 145; current ex- pense, $95; pastor, $1,000; district superintendent, $60; bishops, $11; conference claimants, $33; foreign missions, $28; home missions, $26; grand total, $272; Sunday school officers and teachers, 22; enrollment, 238 ; average, 89; expenses, $141.
Reamsville.
Reamsville, like most of the charges in western Kansas is an example of the survival of the fittest.
Smith Center was the head of a circuit which at first included the greater part of the county. This name first appeared in the Conference Minutes in 1880 and E. H. Fleisher was pastor.
Allen Enyart and other local preachers had pre- viously established classes at different places through the county. There was a good class at Brocouis school house, two miles east of Reamsville. Another was at Mt. Hope in the home of Mr. Hutchives, the father of E. H. Hutchives of our conference. This was a sod house with a dirt floor. Within a short time a sod school house was built with only a dirt floor and a scant supply of benches. The Sunday school met each Sun- day and they had a preaching service once in four weeks, usually by W. R. Bennett, a local preacher, who lived on a homestead not far from Brown's school house.
In 1881 H. G. Miller was the pastor. He preached at Mt. Hope every two weeks. In the fall he held special services in the home of brother and sister Wiley. This was a two roomed sod house. The meet-
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ing lasted six weeks. Night after night, the house was crowded. The entire community felt the influence. A young man reported to his teacher that they could not get up a dance any more. Another said swearing had been largely stopped, even among those who seldom attended church. The class was greatly strengthened. Two whole families were added to it.
In 1885, Reamsville was made the head of a circuit. The Brown's class was moved to Reamsville and Mt. Hope was changed to the Tyner class.
Thomas Muxlow was the pastor who lived on a farm near Cedar.
The record of the members shows that it was evi- dently made up from different classes for more than 100 names have no statement as to when or where or by whom they were received. Following up the record from 1892 it is found that of 100 members, 14 have died, 52 removed by letter, 25 withdrew or removed without letter or joined another church. The Tojner class met at the Wiley house for a while, then built a small school house, and later built a sod church with a floor and full sized windows and benches with backs, in which they took no little satisfaction. This was one and a half miles south of the Tyner school house.
Unfortunately for the class, a tract of land was fenced by the owners throwing travel on the section line which was in such condition that it caused a divi- sion, some going to the Sawyer class.
In the meantime, Reamsville had built a sod church and a frame parsonage 16 x 24, without the aid of other appointments. The Germantown and Tyner classes united and formed the Middle Cedar class.
It prospered for a time but finally went down. Reamsville being a village ten miles or more from a railroad, it was not subject to the changes of the places of meeting as other points were. In 1896 they began the erection of a frame church which was dedicated
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the next year. Later a kitchen and pantry were added to the parsonage which contributed much to the com- fort and convenience of the pastor's family, E. V. Allen.
In 1901 the Ohio and Prairie Center classes united and built the Beulah church. Since that time Reams- ville has been a two point charge, Kernz having been dropped. The results of the work of the several pas- tors was as follows: Thomas Muxlow received 10 on probation, 3 into full membership, baptized 5; B. R. Prather, 1886-87 received 41 on probation, 12 into full membership, baptized 13, married two couples ; E. Zim- merman, 1888-9 received 103 on probation, 51 into full membership, baptized 22; M. O. Mayer, 1890-91, 24 on probation, 10 into full membership. W. R. Bennett, 1892-96, 57 on probation, 36 into full membership, baptized 42, married 83 couples ; J. H. Hoff received 5 on probation, 1 into full membership, baptized 2. E. V. Allen, 1897 to October, 1900, on probation 51, into full membership 31, baptized 1, married 2 couples. C. H. Cowman, October, 1900 to April, 1902. On proba- tion 31, full membership 27, married 2 couples. D. E. French, 1902-03 on probation 20, into full membership 9, baptized 27, married 1 couple. J. E. Brown, 1904-07 on probation 6, into full membership 5, baptized 1, mar- ried 10 couples; H. J. Kernz, 1907-08. With the aid of an evangelist held revival services, 35 on probation, 16 into full membership. In 1805-06-07-08, Camp Meetings were held in the Beulah neighborhood. Three of them were under the leadership of a man who be- longed to the National Holiness Association. While much of the teaching was good, harsh and unwise criticism did harm and the next pastor, H. C. Harris, remained on the charge only till January. Received on probation 2, whom he also brought into full mem- bership, baptized 2 and married 2 couples.
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J. R. McCrosby, 1909. His health failed and he stayed but six months, recording only his own name and one marriage.
C. E. Tinker, 1910. Found hard work to which he applied himself faithfully and prayerfully for two years. He received 4 by letter, 2 on probation, 1 into full membership. Nine withdrew or took letters to another church and 3 died during his pastorate.
W. J. Meredith 1912-13: On confession of faith and by letter 12. Married one couple. W. W. Hend- rickson, on probation 5, into full membership two, long time probationers, baptized 7. William Michels, 1914- 15 received 2 into full membership, married two couples. R. Bisbee 1915, on probation 5, by letter 9, one has been received into full membership. The other four are ready to be.
Since 1902, 8 have died, 12 withdrew, 59 moved away, 52 have joined other churches.
The Conference Minutes of 1917 give statistics of the charge as follows: Two churches valued at $3,200; parsonage, $600. Two Sunday schools total enroll- ment, 146; officers and teachers, 25; membership, full members, 66; probationers, 5; children under instruc- tion, 7 ; ministerial support, pastor, $722; bishops, $12; district superintendent, $55; conference claimants, $30. The pastor is U. S. G. Chandler.
Republic City.
This city has the distinction of occupying the site where Zebulon Pike camped before he crossed the river to the camping grounds of the Pawnee Indians when he was on his way to the famous peak which bears his name. Today a park with flagpole and monument be- longing to the state of Kansas, marks the immediate site of this camp. This was ceded to the state by Mrs. George Johnson.
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In 1883 a Methodist class was organized here by J. W. Manners, consisting of the following persons: Mr. and Mrs. Cronkilton, Mr. Noyers, Mr. Mosher, Mrs. Charles Elliott, J. S. Price, Miss Kate Price and Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Brumbaugh. This organization was short lived. Rev. Moore succeeded Manners as pastor and at the close of his pastorate the class was dis- continued. Mrs. Cronkilton went into the United Brethren Church when the Methodist Class broke up. They are the only members of the Methodist organ- ization now living at Republic.
Two points, Prairie Dell and Washington united for a time with Byron and was known as Warwick charge. Byron being on the state line was drawn into a charge in the Nebraska Conference; but War- wick continued to be a charge in this Conference, though there was left to it, but the two school house appointments. The name was retained in the Min- utes till 1900, and during those years was served by the following pastors: '91 and '92, James Kerr; '93, J. M. Steeley ; '94, W. E. Jenkins; '95, E. R. Zimmer- man ; '96, E. V. Allen; '97, A. A. Nichols; '98-99, A. C. Finch; 1900, W. Drajman. The post office was Republic. The statistical report for '99 is 3 Sunday Schools, 28 officers and teachers and 150 scholars; a parsonage worth $323, and $67, paid for improve- ments; $430 salary and $25 for Missions.
Brother Moore was appointed to Warwich in 1900 but he was afflicted with consumption and remained on the work but a short time, and died before the year closed. Drayman finished the year.
In 1901 W. A. Pierce was appointed pastor and re- mained two years. The class was reorganized with nine members. D. E. Foristall was the Class Reader and O. A. Thropp was Superintendent. Services were held in the school house. In due time a board of trustees was elected and steps taken for building
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a church. The trustees were J. W. Boughner, presi- dent; O. A. Throop, secretary ; D. E. Foristall, treas- urer; J. A. Hall and J. W. Albertson.
A. B. Conwell was pastor, who at the close of the year took the Superanuate relation. G. M. Burnett was the next pastor, 1904. On the 21st of the month of August the church was dedicated by Dr. C. B. Spencer, editor of the Central Christian Advocate.
The following items appeared in the Central. In the issue of November 21, 1892: the church at White Rock was dedicated by E. P. Michener, assisted by James Floibers, G. K. Rarick and S. J. Gossard. Was a debt of $475. Five hundred and forty-six dollars were raised, three joined the church. December 3, 1902, W. A. Pierce reported a revival that stirred the community. There were 10 conversions. In 18 months a newly organized class had grown to 25 members. A League had been organized.
The historian, Dr. Foristall, reports that during E. C. Rath's second year, a basement was put under the entire church, it being raised several feet for that purpose. It was partitioned thus affording rooms for S. S. classes and a kitchen and a dining room for church socials.
An electric light plant was installed thus making it a very convenient and commodious church for a small town.
The following pastors have served the charge in recent years: 1905, J. A. Shular; 1906-7, C. E. Jor- dan; 1908, A. J. Neil; 1909-11, O. Gessell; 1912a-13, E. C. Rath; 1914, W. W. Hurlbut; 1915-16, G. W. Hall, 1917, A. M. Misel.
Church, $5000, Exp., $95; F. members, 77; Prep., 10; salaries, pastor, $772; D. S., $55; bishop, $16; C. C's., $45; Benev. F. Ms., $26; H. Ms., $15; Gd. total, $261; S. S. O's. & T's., 32; Enrl., 215; Av., 90; Exp., $131.
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Rice.
Rice became a charge in the Conference in 1885. J. W. Sligair was appointed pastor; but James Flow- ers reported the work at the next session of the Con- ference. He reported a church worth $1200 and a parsonage valued at $300. It would be of interest to know what became of the church, but having had no report of the charge, this writer has no means of knowing; but infers that it must have been destroy- ed either by fire or storm, as no church was reported from 1887 to 1899. In the latter year, a building was reported worth $1600. In 1907 an additional church was reported, valued at $1100. In 1913 only one church was reported, which was estimated to be worth $1600.
The first pastor was allowed a salary of $400, but only $235 were paid. The salary of the last pastor was $675 and a house, all of which was paid. During the years the charge has paid salaries ranging be- tween these extremes. The membership has fluctu- ated, even more than the salaries paid. In 1902 a membership of 120 with 10 probationers was re- ported, while in 1906 there were only 50 members and two probationers.
Two Sunday Schools were reported part of the time, but for the greater portion of the time, there was but one, having an enrollment varying from 50 to 100. There has been an effort to maintain an Ep- worth League. Some pastors reported a league, others did not. Some years there were but ten mem- bers in it, while one pastor reported 23.
The following men have been pastors: '86-7, A. J. Marley ; '88, J. W. Edgar; '89-90, W. A. Watson; '91-2, J. B. Lewis; '93-5, Ja's Kerr; '96, M. J. Bailey ; '97-8, F. A. Colwell; '99-1900, D. R. Laport; 1901, H. A. McKiddy ; '02, J. A. Templin; '03, W. C. Bray-
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man; '04, I. L. Mckean ; '05, L. A. Dugger ; '06-7, D. R. Laport, '08-9, O. N. Wiles; '10-11, J. K. Hunter; '12- 13, W. C. Greene; '14, M. L. Kerr; '15-16, D. R. La- port; '17, P. H. Smith.
Two rooms were built on the parsonage last year and it was painted inside and out. The church has also been papered and varnished and painted through- out. A concrete walk has been built in front of the church and steps built. A new pulpit and carpet grace the platform, and a new heater warms the building. The choir has been gladdened by a new piano and the pastor has been cheered by the building of a new gar- age.
The charge consists of three preaching appoint- ments, Rice, Fortney and Enterprise. The pastor is paid $675, of which Rice pays $250, Fortney $250 and Enterprise $175.
Enterprise has adopted the financial plan recom- mended by the discipline. The official members are as follows : Rice : trustees, A. J. Hadley, Martin Copper, Samuel McGraw, David Delforge, Leon Legasse.
Stewards: Martin Copper, Wm. McCarthy, J. D. Garlow, E. E. Moberly, David Delforge, Mrs. A. J. Hadley; S. S. Supt., Martin Copper; Class Leader, Leon Legasse; President Epworth League, Nellie Henry; President Ladies' Association, Mrs. Hadley.
Fortney: Stewards, Thos. Day, Harrison Cook, S. S. Supt. Theodore Oliver, Class Leader Wm. Mor- gen.
Enterprise: Stewards: Mrs. H. E. Pearse, Sim- mon Vignery; S. S. Supt., A. B. Reyell. Report for 1917 gives the following figures: Church, $1000; parsonage, $800; members, 139; current Exp., $125; pastor, $735; D. S., $54; bishop, $11; C. C's., $24; F. Ms., $240; H. Ms., $21; Gd. total, $990; 2 S. S. O's. & T's., 21; Enrl., 173; Av., 86; Exp., $74.
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Scandia.
The date of the organization of the first Metho- dist Society in Scandia is not known. The name ap- pears first in the Conference appointments in 1881, at which time Scandia and Republic City together constituted one charge. The next year Scandia and Onia were put together. In 1881 C. D. Day was ap- pointed pastor. The next two years G. H. Woodward was the pastor; but in 1883 Scandia is alone, and it has retained that dignity. In the history of Repub- lic county Rev. J. H. Lockwood furnished the fol- lowing notes. "It would be impossible for me to write a correct history of the Scandia Church. It has been too long ago and I have no record to refer to. I was presiding elder of the Beloit District when the ap- pointment was established. I have a very distinct recollection of Brother Albro who was on the street with his dray. He stopped me as I was driving through from Beloit to Bellevill; and holding my horses by the bits said when are you going to send us a preacher. The church was bought from old Father Marks of Reynold Nebraska.
I met him on my way to Bellevill. We were not acquainted, but introduced ourselves, and I bought the church before we parted; and Brother Woodward completed the contract."
Rev. J. M. Ream an early settler in this part of the state says, Marks was a Free Will Baptist, he built this church with his own funds for the use of his denomination; but when the Baptists failed to use the building, Marks advertised it for sale. It was purchased by Rev. Woodward the Methodist pastor and reported in the 1884 Minutes as worth $1000, though that must have been a misprint, as the value was put at $500, the next year.
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Brother Ryan relates an incident in connection with this purchase, which shows that those who de- vote themselves to the interests of the church, some- times have reverses themselves. As Dr. Lockwood was nearing Scandia he missed his way, turning on a by road, his buggy was upset, and the team took fright and ran away, smashing the buggy and bruis- ing the Dr. A lady seeing his predicament came to him and asked if she should not go for a doctor. The elder replied that he was not much hurt. What he needed most was a wagon maker.
H. E. Pickle was the next pastor at Scandia, and a parsonage was built which was reported the next year as worth $300. G. W. Winterburn was the pas- tor in 1885-6; W. A. Watson, 1887-8; Stratford, '89; Wheat, '90; Ryan, '91-2; Jenkins, '93; Osman, '94-5; Ellvell, '96; Vanderwort, '97; Nichols, '98; J. Kerr, '99; Moyer, '02; Raby, '04-5; Semsus, '96; Craven, '07; Jordan, '08, '09, '10; Clark, '11; Van Gundy, '12, '13, '14; Rarick, 15-16; L. C. Hicks, '17.
In 1890 G. W. Wheat reported Children's Day observed June 15 and a program at night. The 22nd, three county appointments observed G. A. R. day in the forenoon and had own program at night. Col- lection was $5.40. In 1894, October 4th, J. O. Osman reported the church repaired at a cost of $1200. De- cember 23, 1896 Elwell held revival with the help of G. H. Moulton resulting in a revived church and num- bers converted and reclaimed.
James Kerr at the close of his third year, report- ed a five weeks' meeting with the assistance of W. H. Kane a superanuated member of the Illinois Con- ference. Twelve joined the church.
The Central of September 22, 1909 stated that at the close of prayer meeting, church members and other friends surprised the pastor, W. C. Jordan by calling at the parsonage on the night of his birth-
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day and presenting him with a sectional bookcase. The presentation was made by Rev. Nichols, of the United Brethren Church. The spiritual condition of the charge was good. The S. S. Epworth and Ju- venile League were all in good condition.
In 1917 the church was remodeled and enlarged, the seating capacity being increased 140. There are three fine class rooms on the main floor. The base- ment is well fitted up to meet the social needs of the church. There is a reception room 16x24 and a din- ing room 24 x 40, which is light and airy. The kitch- en 14x20 is equipped with range, cupboards, shelves and drawers, and is connected with the dining room by double doors. There are also a furnace room, two fuel rooms, and a cloak room.
The cost of the improvement was $3000. The amount needed on day of dedication was $1400. The day was very stormy and the congregation conse- quently small but Doctor J. F. Harmon, who was in charge proved himself equal to the occasion. With only 62 present in the morning he raised $1203 in 17 minutes.
The 1917 statistics give the following: 2 churches, $5100; parsonage, $1200; full members, 117; Prep., 8; Exp., $200; Supt. pastor, $1000; D. S., $72; bis- hops, $16; C. C's., $45; F. Ms., $29; H. Ms., $28; Gd. total, $420; 2 S. S's. O's. & T's., 37; Enrl., 286; Av., 158; Ep., $125; Ep., S. Sr., 50.
Scottsville.
The first religious service in the territory now included in the Scottsville charge was a S. S. in a dugout, with stone walls, a dirt covered roof, and a floor, with a considerable pool of water in the middle of it. The historian remarks it was no wonder that many of the pupils became Baptists. J. H. Morrison was the superintendent of the school. People came
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on foot, in farm wagons and on horse back, some coming 8 and 10 miles. This was a Union Summer School, running only in the warmer months.
There was preaching in the neighborhood at the home of Mandred Cliner, about one and one-half miles from where the Meeville Church stands. This was in 1876.
Scottsville like many other communities was in- debted to local preachers for its early church priv- ileges.
G. W. Scowton was the first man to maintain regular services. He served the people from 1876 to 1879. He preached at three school houses, West Hope, Rosedale and Cross Roads. Prayer meetings were held at private houses. Some of the people who have been prominent in helping on the interests of the community were Mrs. Goodrich, Mrs. Loop, Thucis Brant, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce, Mr. and Mrs. Neswender, Mr. and Mrs. Winterburn, Wm. Winter- burn, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Shook, Wesley McPeek, R. Sellers, W. Bower, M. Motes, H. Moe, J. Shum, Mr. and Mrs. J. McCauley, R. Sellers, J. Gardonier, A. Sherk. Pastors who served the charge from 1876 to 1889 were G. W. Scowton, B. B. Newell, J. S. Harner, H. E. Pickle, G. H. Woodward, 1889-91 Jamestown and Scottsville were united, W. E. Jenkins pastor 1891-93. Scottsville and Solomon Rapids were to- gether '93-95, J. B. Lewis pastor.
Left without pastor till 1899. F. D. Funk pastor at Jamestown took up Scottsville, '99 to 1901; F. A. Colwell pastor 1901-02. C. A. Davis 1903-04, C. E. Carpenter 1904-07. While Carpenter was pastor Meevill was brought into the Scottsville Circuit, since that time the charge has been served by the following pastors: Carpenter, '03-05; Gessell, '05-08; Hunter, '08-09; Johnson, one-half year; Porter, one-
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half year, '09-10; Williams, '10-11; Rarick, '11-13; Van Gundy, '13-17.
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