USA > Kansas > A history of Methodism in northwest Kansas > Part 6
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thought it could not be done, but they were persuaded to try.
In one day we raised between $1,400 and $1,500 in subscriptions and soon had a church underway. We got it up and enclosed, and were finishing up the in- side and had enough money in sight to furnish the church and buy an organ, when one morning I received a telegram from Agra stating that the church had been blown away.
The parsonage at Cedarville had been badly racked during the night and crops had failed, dried up and blown away.
I drove to Agra, eighteen miles from Cedarville, to find the church utterly ruined and scattered for a mile over the prairie. The brethren and sisters were standing around, and strong men were weeping. The trustees said, "Bro. Bisbee, our church is gone, and we cannot rebuild." I replied, "We must rebuild, w. are like the Irishman with the 'bear, we have to hold and can't let go. We must build. We cannot collect our subscriptions except we build, and you have $750 to pay or build a church." So we went and ordered another bill of lumber and rebuilt.
In 1894 Bisbee was returned to the Marvin Cir- cuit which had been enlarged by two new appoint- ments on Bow Creek. All went well until June of the next year, when the Presiding Elder asked him to go to Logan. There with the help of M. L. Haney he held a splendid revival. But, in the battle against wrong, which was being waged there he nearly lost his eye- sight. So upon the advice of his physician, who told him that he would have to stop preaching and rest. he consulted with Bishop Andrews and aswed for a super- annuated relation.
After resting for six years he took work in Okla- homa in 1902.
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W. A. Saville says of his work in Kansas. My ministry in what is now Northwest Kansas Conference began in 1877. I was anxious to see the real western life: I had been troubled with chills and fever, while in school at Drew Seminary, and had been advised to go west. I was, therefor, willing to accept what was proffered me. W. J. Mitchell was the Presiding Elder of the Beloit District, and asked me to take Kirwin, in Phillips County. Of course, I consented.
At that time the Central Branch Railroad was com- pleted to Beloit, but that left me sixty miles from Kir- win. I determined to go by way of Russell, which is a little nearer Kirwin than Beloit is, and my college friend W. H. Simmerman, was pastor there.
After a pleasant visit with him, we (wife and baby), started with teams across the prairie for our new home, which we reached in due time, and met a cordial welcome. There was no parsonage, so we had to rent a house. The charge consisted of the following points, Kerwin, Bow Creek, Martins, Plum Creek, Ger- mantown, and Snows.
The land office was here, which brought many peo- ple, and made lively times. I was the farthest west of any Conference man. But I remained at Kerwin, only one year.
In 1878 the Kerwin district was formed and Dr. R. A. Carruthers was appointed Presiding Elder over it. I was sent to Norton. Dr. Carruthers gave the following description of my circuit; from Kerwin Cir- cuit on the east to the Colorado line, and from the Nebraska line on the North to the Wa Keeney charge in the south. He added, "I give you a roving commis- sion. Go up and possess the land for Methodism."
My early desire for frontier life was to be fully gratified. I had promised to go where I was sent. I soon realized if I did that, the pastor's study would have to be in a buggy, behind a span of Texas ponies.
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As soon as I could reach home and pack our goods, we were off for another sixty mile move across the prairie.
The first man I met on the new charge was David Close, who was a merchant in Norton, and a trustee of the church, and a steward of the society. He in- formed me there was no parsonage, and he did not know of a vacant house. A contest was on between Keota and Norton for the county seat. I determined to use this as a lever to secure a house for the preacher. The town counsel was called together and it was pro- posed that they build a house and let the preacher have the use of it free of rent and he and the church would work for the county seat at Norton. This was done, and in a short time they had a three-room house ready for our use. This may have been politics, but as we had no members at Leota, it did not seem wrong. As the charge had been, there were six or seven preach- ing places, but through the year calls came to me from different places, to hold services, till at the close of the year I had seventeen appointments, viz .: Norton, Long Island, Almena, Leota, Bisbees', Spring City, Golomon Valley, Slab City, Jennings, Gilvers, Bow Creek, Hig- ginsons, Lower Solomon, Cactus, Deer Creek, Ken-
I was away from home most of the time. I was re- turned to the same charge in 1878 and Rueben Bisbee and E. G. Gray were sent to me as junior preachers. With these to assist me, I was greatly relieved but still we were at it, all the time. Whenever a few settlers could be brought together, we started preaching.
I was much among the cowboys and always found them respectful and considerate. Once they asked me to preach to them. They were orderly and gave good attention. At the close I was about to dismiss them, when one rose and said, "We are not ready to be dis- missed. We have not had the collection, and we do not want you to preach to us for nothing." He took his
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hat and started around. One fellow was not inter- ested in that part of the exercises. The collector stood a moment looking at him, then drew a revolver and pointing it at him said, "Put in a dollar." Futher per- suasion was not needed.
Prohibition was being agitated that year, and I took an active part in the campaign. I was warned several times to desist or harm would come to me. I continued, however, without regard to the warning. One night as I was going home from church, I was fired at. Fortunately the shot missed its mark. I have always been proud of what I did for Prohibition. On this occasion and another, which I now relate, I felt that the Lord's care shielded me from death.
I was called some miles from home, to perform a marriage ceremony January 1st, 1877. I went to the home of the groom, December 31. The ground was covered with snow, and that night, it snowed several inches more. Next morning it was very clear and cold. We drove about four miles farther, performed the ceremony for which I received $1.00, and I started home. Along in the afternoon I was very cold, then began to feel warmer, and drowsy and was inclined to sleep, when it came to me, as if a voice spoke in my ear: "You are freezing." I was aroused, got out of the buggy, though it was difficult for me to stand, at first, but I persisted till I could run, then ran, till I was thoroughly warm. I have always believed if I had yielded to the inclination to sleep, it would have been my last sleep. As it was, I suffered much, and was laid up for several days.
We had good revivals all over the charge.
Once, when I was going to the Jenning appoint- ment, there was a covered wagon near the road. I stopped and engaged the man in conversation for a short time, then told him who I was. He exclaimed, a Methodist preacher! Why, I left Ohio to get rid
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of you fellows, and now here you are before I get un- loaded. I suppose I'll have to go to h-l to get away from you." I told him I feared he might find some of them there. I invited him to our services. He finally came, and before I left the charge he was happily con- verted and was loving the Methodists.
Another incident may be worth relating. Rumors came that the Indians were coming. Day after day, they were said to be coming nearer, and headed for Norton. Finally it was thought they might reach us before the next day. A council was held, and it was decided that all the women should go to the hotel, which was a stone building. Accordingly they were all gotten in; but they were packed so close they could neither sit nor lie down. Then the men did scout and guard duty. I was chaplain, of course. It was a night of great anxiety. Scouts reported Indians within four miles. They did not reach Norton, but several men were killed and women and children outraged and abused. When the scare was over and the women came out of the hotel Mrs. Saville said she would rather be scalped than spend another such night. The next day the settlers who came into town amused us. Some stayed, but most of them went farther east. One man with his family, came with the horses on the run. I asked him where he was going. I hardly caught his reply as he hastened by: "To New York." Never heard whether he arrived there or not. A few days after I took Dr. Caruthers to Devizes. Upon the divide we saw one good Indian but he was dead.
Many of the people were very poor and their ac- commodations the crudest, but their hospitality was so generous that we were willing to put up with incon- veniences.
There was one family from Tennessee, who were very ignorant as well as poor; and yet it was a pleas- ure to visit them. When we would drive up, she would
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say : "Brother Brazill, you and your wife get out and bring your police (valise) and come right in." Their bedstead was made of cottonwood poles; and one night when we were there a sow with pigs was under one bed, and one or two hens with chickens under the other. A herb doctor lived a short distance from them. We stayed at their house one night when the doctor was not at home. They had but one bed. I insisted on the old lady sleeping with my wife, in the bed, and I would sleep on the floor; but she would not listen to it. After we retired, she put chairs together, then brought a buffalo skin that had not been tanned, but suffered to dry and it rolled up at each end like a barrel. She fixed it on the chairs then crawled in. She was completely enveloped, so needed no covering.
The second year on the charge, we built a four- roomed parsonage, and moved out of the town com- pany's house. Several sod churches were built. At some places I preached in dugouts. At one point the people had determined to build a sod church, but could not agree as to its size. Some wanted to build simply for the present. Others wanted to build with a view to future needs. The quarterly meeting was near at hand, so I suggested that they leave it to Dr. Caruthers to decide. At the close of the quarterly conference, I laid the case before the elder. He stood up and in his droll way said, "What has posterity ever done for us, that we should look after them?" That settled it. We built for present needs.
At the conference of 1880 I was sent to Cedarville and Germantown. Gaylord was one point on the charge, and a larger town than Cedarville. Here were the walls of a church which had stood for some time. I at once applied myself to the task of fitting up this for our services. This I found to be a larger un- dertaking than I expected. The membership was small, and all were poor. But, we got busy and before
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the next Conference we were able to hold one service in the new church, though the people had to sit on boards laid on store boxes, and I had only a dry goods box for a pulpit. At Cedarville we worshipped in the school house, which took fire and burned to the ground. There was a man in the town who kept a billiard hall. and it was generally believed he also kept liquor; but I went to him, and asked him for the use of his room for our services, and to my surprise he gave his con- sent. A school house much better than the old one was soon built, which we were glad to occupy.
Here a great bereavement overtook us. Our darl- ing daughter, three years and nine months old, took the scarlet fever. After twenty-one days of great suffering, her spirit took its flight to be with God and the angels. She was our only child, and had through these months, been the light of our home, and delight of our hearts. The trial was severe, but through grace we were able to say, "Thy will be done."
Owing to the nature of the disease, the people could not come to see us, but they were very kind, and showed us every consideration possible.
A difficulty developed in reference to the parsonage property. It was discovered that the trustees had never had a deed for it. The man who held it, began to tell the preacher what he might do, and what he could not do, or he would put him out. At first I thought he was bluffing, but on investigation found he was correct; but he finally deeded it to the church; but not until he was paid a price that he exacted.
Our friends learned that our fifth anniversary was approaching. So on the 19th of January they came in from all parts of the circuit till the parsonage was crowded to overflowing. They gave us several articles of furniture, and wood enough to last all winter.
It was this year that the preachers sent Dr. Caru- thers east to solicit supplies for the preachers and peo-
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ple. Our house was made a distributing point. There was surely need enough. Some were almost barefoot- ed and very thinly clad; much of the aid sent was very good but part of it was not worth the freight.
Here as it had been on other charges, invitations came to establish preaching in new communities. I accordingly added Bull City to the charge, preaching there at night. In the Hawkeye neighborhood, I held a four weeks' meeting, resulting in twenty-four con- versions and twenty-eight accessions to the church. A new society was organized, at the Highland appoint- ment, where we held a two weeks' meeting and had twenty-five conversions. This brings us to 1882. When the Conference was divided, I was sent to Solo- mon City. By the action of the Conference the 6th Principal Meridian was made the dividing line. . Solo- mon is situated on this Meridian; part of the town be- ing east and part on the west of that line, but by a vote of the Conference, Solomon was placed in the new Con- ference.
The people of Ellsworth, some of them at least, had their hearts set on another man for their pastor, but he found he could go to Salina, and was therefore appointed there. This need not have hindered the work at Solomon, but it did greatly; for two men had determined that I should not succeed, so blocked my way completely, in everything I undertook.
My next appointment was Ellsworth. Brother McDowell my predecessor had started a subscription amounting to $1,000. I soon discovered two things, that the building proposed was larger than the com- munity needed, and would be much more expensive than the society was able to build, without burdening themselves with a debt they could not afford to under- take. I did my best to have them change their plan for a smaller and less expensive church, but they had their hearts set on this, and would not be disuaded. I
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think I could have brought them to my way of think- ing, if it had not been for one trustee. He was not a member of the society, but kept the largest general store in the town, and had succeeded in getting elected treasurer of the board. A donation was secured from the Board of Church Extension, and when the money came, instead of depositing in the name of the trustees, he deposited it in his own name. This aroused my sus- picion, that he had some sinister motive in view. So I made it so uncomfortable for him, that he finally re- signed his position. After that, everything moved on harmoniously. But he had succeeded in getting the society under a burden of debt that they bitterly re- gretted.
The town paper gave the following report of the laying of the corner stone. "The corner stone of the Methodist Church was laid Saturday, July 28th, 1883, by the Rev. E. W. Van Deventer, of Abilene, assisted by M. M. Stolz, of Brookville, Rev. Sea, of Ft. Harker, and Saville, pastor of the church. The people were called together by the Knights of Pythias band.
Van Deventer made an able address. Stolz made a brief talk. The ceremony used was that of the M. E. Church, and was very impressive. Many articles were placed in the stone which will be of value fifty years hence, as matters of history concerning the city, coun- ty and church. When completed this edifice will be a credit to the city as well as to the church. The bene- diction was pronounced by the Rev. Dr. Sternberg, of the Lutheran Church, the oldest minister in this country."
We moved along well till the building was enclosed. Then the funds ran low and one after another of the workmen was laid off till only one man was left, an Englishman, an excellent carpenter and a reliable man. We paid him $2.00 a day. It fell to me to provide the money. So week after week I started out Monday
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morning soliciting. Little by little, funds were collect- ed, and this one man kept at work, till the building was ready for dedication. W. H. Adams, D.D., of Illinois, was secured to be with us on that day, Decem- ber 7, 1884. Three thousand dollars were needed to meet the claims on the church. The Doctor proved himself a successful general, for such an undertaking. Before the services of the day closed we had in good, reliable subscriptions $3,400.
The Ladies Aid proved to be most efficient helpers, in all this work. Up to the time of dedication they had paid $300. On that day they assumed $400 more.
Soon as the funds for the building were provided for, I started out to collect money for the purchase of a bell, which was accomplished in a short time. The bell weighs 1047 pounds and cost $245.
The following poem published in the town paper, was written by a man claiming to be a skeptic.
"How glad is sound as it echos around, 'Mongst hills and valleys and dells, It cheers up the hearts of both young and old The tones of this Methodist hell.
Rejoice all ye men, that came long ago, When the town was not ruled so well.
When rowdyism held superior sway, Then there was no Methodist bell.
But time that changes all things below,
Has changed this city as well; ..
And a sense and a feeling of tranquil repose,
Pervades at the sound of this bell.
That beautiful spire which is raised so high, And adorns the structures so well, Long may you point to the etherial sky, To uphold this Methodist bell.
As the groom and his bride through your petals glide And the organ its harmony swells When two hearts beat as one How glad are the tones of the bell
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And when the sad end of this mortal coil Receives nature's mandate, death's knell, Tho doleful the sound, yet it is found, That there's rest at the sound of the bell.
My next charge was Russell, where I remained three years, and these were among the most enjoy- able years of my ministry. During the first year, there was raised on the charge, about $2,000. a con- siderable part of which was for church improvement. But I recall that we reported for missions nearly three times the amount reported the previous year. A Nor- mal Bible Class was organized in which much interest was shown, and it was very helpful to both teachers and students. Soon after we came to the charge, the daughter of William Farusworth, one of our most use- ful young lady members, was struck by lightning and instantly killed. She was a most estimable young lady, and her sudden taking off made a deep impression on the community.
In December, 1888, Russell had a fire which de- stroyed about $40,000 worth of property.
On our return to Russell for the third year the peo- ple gave us a complete surprise. We returned from Conference in the night. There were none of our friends at the station. We thought this was strange. We thought somebody would certainly come to meet us. I told my wife I guessed our coming back was a mis- take, as they evidently did not want us. When we reached the house, all was quiet and dark; but as we stepped into the hall, we heard voices and presently, out of the darkness, in the parlor, were greeted with the words, "Blest be the tie that binds." The house was full and a most delightful evening was enjoyed.
Goodland was our next charge. This had previ- ously been a circuit, but this year two points, Lamborn and Muldrow, were taken off, thus reducing the mem- bership forty-nine. A church had been built under
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difficulty, it having been blown down when it was nearly completed, and had to be rebuilt. It was dedi- cated the first Sunday after Conference, by Rev. J. D. Knox. The day was stormy and some who would have given were not there. However, the amount asked for, $1,000, was raised and the church was dedicated.
The Official Board was organized and also an Ep- worth League. A revival meeting was held with the assistance of Thomas Muxlow, resulting in eighteen conversions. My record shows there were fourteen re- ceived by certificate and ten on probation.
My next charge was Ellis, where I spent three de- lightful years. Each year the Lord blessed us with a gracious revival. An Epworth League was organized which was a great help to the young people. I have always felt that the best thing I did at Ellis was bring- ing C. W. Talmadge into the church, and then into the Annual Conference.
I closed my pastorate here with real regret. I be- lieve we did a work there the results of which can be told in eternity alone.
David Harrison was another local preacher who did efficient work in the vicinity of Jewell Center. He says of his work:
"In 1879 a part of the Mankato Circuit was left without a pastor and the Presiding Elder asked me to supply it. I went to find my work. Enterprise, a small sod school house, was five miles from Mankato. The class was small but the house was full every Sunday. A protracted meeting was held, resulting in nineteen conversions. Eighteen united with the church. Mt. Zion Class was twelve miles from town. This was a dugout school house. A heavy rain in the summer caused the roof to fall in. We then went to the tim- ber and made a pulpit and fixed seats under an elm tree, and held S. S. and preaching services there till the school house was built.
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In 1881-2 I served the Sweet Home Circuit. There were five preaching places, and I walked the Circuit. The distance of 7-5-5 miles. A good sister said you can not walk the circuit. I said, "If the Lord wants me here I'll stand it all right." In June, a man, not a member of the church, loaned me a horse for the summer. When I rode up to the home of the sister, she said, "Where did you get the horse?" I said, "The Lord sent him." So the Lord will provide.
"The Sweet Home" Church was a sod with a dirt floor. Chalk Mound was a sod church; Porter's Ranch, a stone church with sod roof. Allen appointment a frame school house; The County Line Church was a sod. Most of the people lived in sod houses.
Our home was a frame house fourteen feet square with a small stone kitchen, with a sod roof. We never lacked for anything to eat.
The Harrison circuit, my next charge, was about sixteen miles north of Mankato. At Harrison there was a sod church; at Rubens a school house. Most of the school houses in this country were frame, and many of the dwellings were frame also.
A man came to me on this charge, who was not a member of the church, and said to me, "Come to our school house and hold a revival; there is nothing going on there, but fiddling and dancing, and somebody will be killed." I said to him, "If you will come and keep order, I will come and hold a meeting." I went; the whole community was stirred. One man wanted his children baptized. Said he did not want to name his children as men named their cattle. I went and chris- tened the children and a class was formed.
While on this work a young lady, living ten miles away, was very sick with the white plague. She sent for me to come and baptize her. I got the word about four o'clock. It was a cold spring day, snowing and sleeting. I reached the home at dusk. The family
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were not Christians, and did not think it best that she should be baptized; but she called the family in and asked that the baptism be attended to. So it was done. When I went to bid her good-bye, she said to me: "I want you to preach my funeral." In a few weeks after I was called on to perform that sad duty.
Later I served the Bird City circuit. Here I found a Western town sure enough, horse racing, teachers taking their pupils hunting on Saturdays, etc. When I first went to a point nine miles in the country, they told me I should have to take a lunch in my pocket, but I never went hungry.
On this charge I had very long drives. I was once called on to attend a funeral in the winter, sixteen miles away. I went part of the way the day before. When I reached home the next day, I was so cold I could not stand still. The second year the crops failed and nearly all the pastors of the other churches left the country. One sister said, "Brother Harrison, it will be so bad to have no preaching, for we can not support you." I said, "I am not going away, sister ; the ravens are not all dead yet." The Lord did pro- vide, and we had a good year.
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