USA > Kansas > Jewell County > Burr Oak > A pictorial history of the Methodist Church of Burr Oak, Kansas > Part 4
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Methodist Men
Borr Oak Borr Jak, Kansas
Charter
Customer det late.
Shown below is the altar in Fellowship Hall. The beautiful tapestry was a gift to the church school by Shelly Harris.
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"GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD"
Nine persons have gone from the Burr Oak church into Christian service.
Miss Lillian Judy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.S. Judy, served as Deaconess. She was graduated from the Burr Oak schools and from Kansas City National Training School. During her years of service she was particularly successful in raising funds for church and mission projects.
Miss Nellie Noyes, a very active member of the church while in Burr Oak, served as a Missionary to the Indians in the Dakotas.
Rev. Don Allen received his license as a local preacher from this charge in 1883. J. H. Lockwood was Presiding Elder. Mr. Allen served in this con- ference for sixteen years, during which time he led in the building of the Belleville church. Later he served in California, where he organized three chur- ches in the mountains near Fresno.
Rev. James Kerr was licensed to preach from this charge in the early '80's. He spent all of the active Kansas Conference. He is married to Roberta .Collins, years of his ministry in this conference.
' Rev. Lawrence Hucksoll attended this church in his youth, later becoming a minister of the Gospel.
Dow Ross, District Superintendent of the Daichur District in South India, grew to manhood northeast of Burr Oak. He was a menber of the Rubens Class which was absorbed by this charge.
Rev. Cyrus Pangborn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Halsey Pangborn, grew up in the Burr Oak Methodist Church. He was graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1932 as Salutatorian of his class. He attended Kansas Wesleyan University at Salina, and Yale Divinity School, winning an impressive record of honors in both schools. After serving churches in New York City and Providence, R. I., he went to Columbia University where he obtained a Ph. D. in 1951. He has written articles for Christian Century, Journal of Bible and Religion, AAUP Bulletin, and other pub- lications. He was a Fulbright Scholar doing re- search in India in 1962-63. He married Roberta Nor- thrup of Ft. Dodge, Ia., in 1944. They have three children, Wendy, Richard, and Robert.
Rev. Don Shoup received a license to preach in 1963 and served as pastor of the church at Webber for 15 months. In September of 1964 he entered Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., where he is studying for the ministry in 1965 as this book goes to press. He was ordained a deacon June 4, 1965, Admission on Trial, Central
granddoughter of R. R. Richardson, and has two chil- dren, Tommy and Linda.
Rev. Olin Belt was licensed from this charge in 1962. In 1965 he is serving the Bennington-Wells charge in this conference and attending Kansas Wes- leyan University at Salina. He is the son of Mrs. Dan Pettit. His father, Dean Belt was the son of India Dick Belt, mentioned elsewhere in this book. He is pictured below with his wife, Helen and his daughter, Alicia Kay.
CYRUS PANGBORN
REV. & MRS. DON SHOUP AND CHILDREN
REV. & MRS. OLIN BELT AND ALICIA KAY
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Guy Wellman
Few can equal the record of Guy Wellman in service to the church. Brought up by parents who helped to establish a church in Burr Oak in the seventies, he became a member at a very early age. He served as treasurer of the Sunday School from 1909 until ill health forced his to turn the task over to someone else in 1962. When the interior of the church Was re- modeled in 1953, Mr. Wellman paid one- tenth of the total cost. His father, G. R. Wellman had shown the same gener- osity in the building of both church structures.
(Picture contributed by Jack Wellman)
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Modlin, Mr. and Mrs. Don Modlin, Jerry Sue, Don Char- les, Mike and Sylvia. The Modlin fam- ily is one of the few which decended from the original twelve members and are still active in the church.
Mr. and Mrs. John S. Gleason, with- out whose help and encouragement this book might never have been written. They are shown on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary in their home in Burr Oak on Oct. 9, 1957.
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Scene of Many Sunrise Services
The cross pictured above stands on the Laurel Pixler farm southwest of town. High on a hill overlooking the beautiful White Rock Valley, the spot has been the scene of many inspiring Easter morning services. Members of several local chur- ches gather at the foot of the cross to greet the sunrise with hymns of joy and praise, proclaiming "He Is Risen".
The Laurel Pixler Family
Pictured are Mr. and Mrs. Laurel Pixler, Mrs. Pixler's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Pangborn, and the three Pixler daughters, Cecilia, Olive, and Norma.
The Pixler family transferred their membership from the Otego Methodist Church to the Burr Oak Methodist Church on Nov. 13, 1931 when Rev. F. N. Stelson was pastor. After joining at Burr Oak each member of the family gave of their time and talents to the work of the church, Epworth League, Gospel Team, music, teaching, and stewardship. Laurel ser- ved on the church board for many years. Serving on the Finance Committee, he was instrumental in help- ing to finance the remodeling and redecorating pro- gram in 1952.
Mrs. Pixler is a charter member of the W.S.C.S. Laurel was a faithful attendant at all services until he was called "home" Sunday, Dec. 30, 1956.
(Contributed by Florence Pixler)
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"Nelt" (Nelson) Harris Family
Nelt joined the Methodist Church at a very early age. He was the son of Nelson and Lacy Ann Harris. He was a member of the Union Army.
In 1885, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Margaret Wishart of Montana township, Jewell county, Kansas. Ten childred were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris: Willard, George, Mary (Mrs. Earl Shaffer), Cephas, Mckinley, Seth Hoag (who died in infancy), Ernest, Virgil, Margaret, and Samatha.
The candleholders, offering plates, and vases were given in loving memory of Margaret and Nelson Harris by Mr. and Mrs. Mack Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Harris, Margaret and Manty Harris, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Nel- son Harris, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harris.
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The choir which sang on Easter Sunday in 1963
Back Row, left to right, Rev. Howard Sanders, Mrs. Sanders, Lucile Hutchins, Mrs. Roscoe Wrench, Mrs. Keith Terrill, Mrs. Olin Belt, Mrs. Stanley Johnson, Mrs. Em- mett Lewis, Olin Belt, Don Shoup, Joy Hruza, James Geiger, Stanley Johnson, Don Modlin, Bill Oidfield, Peter Cordel. Front row, left to right, Mrs. Geo. Cordel, Lynda Harris, Peggy Huntsinger, Larkie Ann Korb, Jerre Lou Lewis, Bonnie Johnson, Judith Callahan, Jerry Sue Modlin, Sherry Fearing. (Contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Johnson)
Rev. and Mrs. Howard Sanders, who served in the Burr Oak church from 1960 to 1964, were both accomplished musicians, Rev. Sanders having been a former director of the choir at Baker University at Baldwin, Kansas. During their years in Burr Oak the musical program was a vital part of the church. Rev. San- ders also organized and directed a community choir during one year of his pas- torate in Burr Oak. This group's singing will be long remembered.
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Memorial Gifts
The most prized possessions of the church are the beautiful windows, which would be a credit to a church in a much larger community. These were given when the church building was erected in 1912. They are:
1. Christ in the Garden, given in memory of Mahlon Berkeley.
2. The Good Shepherd, in memory of Rev. J.M. Willis.
3. Angel and Two Children, given by Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Wellman.
4. One window placed in memory of Abbott Olney.
5. One window placed in memory of Susannah Skeels.
6. One window placed in memory of Wm. Riner.
7. One window placed in memory of Mary Grace Walker.
8. One window placed in memory of former pastors of the church.
9. One window placed by the Ladies Aid Society.
Other memorials and gifts given to the church through the years:
1. Sallman's "Head of Christ" in the Upper Room, memorial to Frances Davis by Dallas Davis.
2. The silk flags, the Christian flag and the flag of the United States, placed in the sanctuary by Katie Robertson in memory of Frank Robertson.
3. A pulpit light for Beth Ladwig given by Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Skeels.
4. The Bible in Fellowship Hall, given by Mrs. Mack Harris after she had served four years as Super- intendent of the Children's Department.
5. The piano in the Upper Room in memory of Annie Barnett by Mattie Decker.
6. Pulpit light in memory of Mrs. Ethel Silsby by her children.
7. Many hymnals have been given as memorials by relatives of deceased persons.
8. A framed copy of the charter of the W.S.C.S., chosen by the Society as a fitting memorial to by purchased with money given in memory of Maude Fogo by the Loren Fogo family.
9. An undesignated memorial for Alice Fogo by fri- ends in Concordia, received as this book was going to press.
10. The refrigerator in the church kitchen, given in memory of Katie Robertson by Mrs. Lyle McCammon.
The gifts listed here are in addition to those pre- sented to the church at the time of the remodeling in 1952, which are listed elsewhere.
SPECIAL CASH GIFTS TO BENEVOLENT CAUSES
In 1920 when Kansas Wesleyan was making a campaign for a million dollar endowment, G. R. Wellman and wife gave $5000 in government bonds to the college. At another time Mr. Wellman gave $9,700 to the Board of Foreign Missions on the annuity plan.
Mr. A. S. Judy gave $1000 to found the June Judy Chapel in India. Later Mr. and Mrs. Judy gave $1000 to name and equip a room in the Kansas City National Training School building.
Many cash gifts ranging from $500 to $2500 have been given the Burr Oak church by loyal members and friends over the years.
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Anniversaries
The 50th anniversary observance was held on June 27 and 28, 1923. The program: Wednesday, 2:00 P.M.
Music Address of Welcome, Mrs. Ida Epperson Early Reminiscences of the church in Burr Oak, by Dr . J. E. Hawley Roll call of former pastors and district super- intendents Statistics, Rev. J. C. Walker Singing of old hymns Benediction
Wednesday, 5:30 P.M.
Basket supper in the church basement at 5:30 Special music at 7:45 Sermon, Rev. J. C. Borton Benediction
Thursday, 2:00 P.M.
Music Invocation Address, Rev. W. A. VanGundy Historical Address Benediction
Thursday, 7:45 P.M.
Special Music Invocation Address, Rev. D. B. Magee Benediction
"The Jubilee services were a success throughout. A splendid spirit characterized all the sessions. Despite the busy season the attendance was good. Let- ters were received and read from the following former pastors and members: Mrs. Della Cox Washburn, Mrs. J. N. Hotchkiss, Rev. Don Allen, Rev. J. W. Adams, Rev. James Kerr, Rev. D. D. Campbell, Rev. H. J. Lorenz, and Rev. Samuel Barber. Portraits of our honored dead were shown which numbered sixty-two. With grateful hearts for a significant past we trust that we may be of even larger and greater service to the Kingdom of God in the years ahead." At the time of the 50th anniversary Rev. T. H. Parrott was pastor. The plan- ning committee was: Rev. J. C. Walker, Mrs. Ida Epper- son, and R. R. Skeels. **
The 75th anniversary was observed on Nov. 21, 1948. The pastor, Rev. Henry Murray. In spite of the bliz- zard of that weekend, Rev. W. W. Owen, Dist. Super - intendent, was present to bring the morning message. Following a noon dinner a recognition service was held honoring former pastors and members. As few could be present, a large number of letters and greet- ings was read from: Mrs. Ruby Ensign, Rev. and Mrs. T. H. Parrott, Rev. and Mrs. C. R. Vasey, Mr. C. L. Carpenter, Miss Lillian Judy, Mrs. A. W. Mann, Mrs. Nettie Green, Mrs. Christine Modlin Dye, Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ross, Alene Hoyt, George Bentley, Ralph Hansen, John Smith, Delia Gil- lett Shertzer, Rev. Harry Riley and Rev. O.G. Greene.
An heirloom was presented to the church on its 75th anniversary by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Kiser. It was part of the first communion set used after the founding of the church. Another addition to the property of the church at this time was a new pul- pit Bible.
Special musical numbers were given by Mrs. Darrell Wininger, Newell and Violet Alexander, and a quartet composed of Don Modlin, Scott Harmon, Newell Alexan- der, and Rev. Henry Murray. Committee in charge of arrangements : Mrs. Elmer Alexander, Mrs. Elton Gil- lett, Mrs. David Demaray, Clarence Fearing, Clarence Pixler, and Otis Beenblossom.
Mrs. Mack Harris and Mrs. Katie Robertson prepared the anniversary cake.
The 50th anniversary of the dedication of the pre- sent church building was held on Dec. 2, 1962. The pastor was Rev. Howard Sanders. A large crowd atten- ded the simple ceremony observing the anniversary. Three new hymnals were presented to the church by Guy Wellman, and one of his favorite hymns, "O, Could I Speak the Matchless Worth" was sung at his request. Those present who had attended the dedication in 1912 were: Guy Wellman, Elmer Alexander, Otis Beenblossom, Mrs. W. G. Decker, Mrs. Homer Grubbs, Wesley Green of Jewell, Mr. and Mrs. John Gleason, Mrs. Glee Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Modlin, Riley Richardson, Mrs. El- eanor O'Neal, and Florence Lewis.
Mrs. Mack Harris brought a review of the 1912 ded- ication day and the minister spoke on the subject of "God's Building". Mrs. Harris also presented the mem- bers who had been present fifty years before.
The 90th anniversary of the organization of the church was celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 1963. The actual anniversary date was June 28, but the observ- ance was held on the 16th in order that Bishop Eugene Slater of the Kansas area might be present as the guest speaker. Rev. Howard Sanders, the pastor, ap- pointed Mrs. Mack Harris, Mrs. A. D. Aspegren, Mrs. Elton Gillett, and Stanley Johnson to plan the event. The sanctuary of the church was full at both the morn- ing and afternoon services, with the Upper Room holding the overflow. Nearly a hundred remained for the bas- ket dinner at noon.
Bishop Slater brought the message at the morning service. Dr. O. Ray Cook, Superintendent of Concor - dia District introduced the bishop. Mrs. Cook sang in the thirty-one voice choir. Bishop Slater, who spoke on the subject "Looking Backward and Forward", paid homage to the courage and sacrifice of the pio- neers and stated that the church faces an equal chal- lenge today.
Jerre Lou Lewis played the organ, Bill Oldfield sang the solo part in the anthem, and Mrs. Don Shoup played "The Lord's Prayer" on the violin, accompanied by Mrs. Ralph Cummings.
The Bishop addressed the assemblage again at the 2:00 P.M. service. Mrs. Janet Knight Hancock and Mrs. Howard Sanders played an organ duet and also accompanied the choir when it sang.' Songs sung by the choir were "The Battle llymn of the Republic" and the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah".
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Mrs. Mack Harris gave a brief history of the church. Copies of the history were handed out at the close of the meeting. Other specials of the afternoon were a violin solo by Mrs. Don Shoup, accompanied by Mrs. Howard Sanders, a vocal solo by Gary Hancock, accom- panied by Mrs. Hancock, and an original poem by Edna Masters entitled "New Church at Elm Creek".
Rev. Sanders gave special recognition to the min- isters and out-of-town guests present. Ministers were: Rev. Don O'Hara of Luray, Rev. and Mrs. G. R. Alsobrooks of Courtland, Rev. Ray Hodgell of Topeka, and Rev. and Mrs. Isham of the Burr Oak Church of the Nazarene.
Another special guest was Wesley Green of Jewell who was the choir director at Burr Oak when the church
was built in 1912. Mrs. Tana Sabin, who was organist for his choir and Mr. and Mrs. John Gleason, who sang in it, were introduced with Mr. Green.
Several former ministers and friends of the church sent letters, which were presented by Stanley Johnson. Letters were received from Rev. W. E. Dunlap of Winona Rev. J. O. Borton of Hiawatha, Rev. and Mrs. Harry Riley of Concordia, Rev. and Mrs. Ellsworth Hughes of Red Cloud, Nebr., Rev. and Mrs. F. M. Bishop of Hill City, Rev. Loren Silsby of Republic, Rev. Thomas H. Parrott of Baldwin, Rev. and Mrs. Lyle Miller of Bel- bit, Rev. and Mrs. C. R. Vasey of Belle Plain, Rev. W. W. Owen of Wichita, Rev. Don O'Hara of Luray, Rev. B. G. McCormick and Dr. Everett Freeman of Hutchinson, and Rev. Marshall Stanton of Jewell. Rev. Henry Mur- ray of Wichita had planned to fly up, but phoned that he was grounded by rain.
On Easter morning, April 18, 1965, the Junior Hi Lites asked the congregation to pause on the church steps for a picture after the morning service. Most of those present did so. Those present on this occa- sion were: Mr. and Mrs. John Abel and Elizabeth Mrs. Elmer Alexander Wade Alexander Wes Alexander Wray Alexander Rev. and Mrs. G. R. Alsobrooks and Faye Mr. and Mrs. Art Aspegren and Eric Mrs. Jack Baker and Kelly Lee Otis Beanblossom Mr . and Mrs. Delmar Boyles, Douglas, Marvin, Bryan, and Elaine
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Brandon Mr. and Mrs. Jack Byers, Pat and Jackie Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Caldwell Mrs. Ina Cause Mr. and Mrs. Arby Cole Mr. and Mrs. Bill Decker
Mrs. Derald Decker and Cheryl Mr. and Mrs. David Demaray Mr. and Mrs. Gary D. Dillon Lela Dillon Mary Dillon Mrs. Sam Ernst Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Fearing Mrs. Jean Fearing and Randy Sherry and Dave Fearing Mr. and Mrs. Dan Franco and Cindy
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Garman
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Garman, Bob, Terry, and Carla Mr. and Mrs. John Gates. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gates, Cathy, Lorie, Byron, and Jonie
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Gillett and Larry Mr. and Mrs. John Gleason Mr. and Mrs. llomer Grubbs Shelly llarris Glee Howard
Mrs. Jennie Huntsinger and Peggy Goldie Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Johnson, Bonnie, Kathy, Julie, and Roy
Mr. and Mrs. Wylie Knight, Cynthia and Kitza Mr. and Mrs. Robert Korb, Larkie and Bob
Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Lamb, Mitzi and Melodie
E. E. Lewis
Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Lewis and Jerre Lou
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Lewis
Verna Loomis Mrs. T. J. Louder
Edna Masters Mrs. Etta Masters
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle McCammon and Robert
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Modlin
Mr. and Mrs. Don Modlin, Jerry Charles, Mike, and Sylvia
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Mullins Mrs. V. L. Oldfield
Eleanor O'Neall
Mr. and Mrs. Arden Ost, Lavon and Diana
Mr. and Mrs. Milford Ost, Audra, Mike, Brad, and
Larry
Mrs. Glenn Paul Florence Pixler
Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Renner
Carol Roe Mr. and Mrs. Gary Roe
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Russell
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schmidt, Kenton and Dana
Mr. and Mrs. Gale Tegley
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Terrill, Kathy, Becky, and Marium Mrs. Lula Walden
Mrs. John Williams
Mrs. Guy Williamson
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wilsman and Elizabeth
Mrs. C. F. Zoberst Patty Spatz Luanne Olena
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EASTER MORNING-1965
THE OFFICIAL BOARD AND COMMISSIONS OF THE BURR OAK METHODIST CHURCH 1965-1966
TRUSTEES: John Abel, Delmar Boyles, L. M. Wood, Jack Byers, Roy Brandon, Stanley Johnson, Don Modlin, Arden Ost, Earl Mullins.
STEWARDS: Mrs. Earl Mullins, Mrs. Roy Brandon, Mrs. Clayton Walker, Mrs. Stanley Johnson, Mrs. Geo. Cordel, Mrs. Douglas Gillett, Mrs. Elton Gillett, Mrs. Emmett Lewis, Boyd Silsby, Clarence Fearing, Mrs. W. G. Decker, Mrs. Joy Michael, Miss Edna Masters, Mrs. Robert Korb, Jr., Elmer Alexander, Roger Decker, Mrs. John Gates, Carl Stepp, LaVon Ost.
HONORARY STEWARDS: Clarence Pixler, Riley Richardson, Mrs. Goldie Johnson, Ed Wilsman, Mrs. Mack Harris, C. C. Modlin, John S. Gleason.
COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES: Mrs. Elton Gillett, Mrs. V. L. Oldfield, Mrs. Glenn Paul, Mrs. L. M. Wood, Clarence Fearing, Elmer Alexander, LaVon Ost, Kathy John- son, Mrs. Carl Stepp, Mrs. Richard Gates, Mrs. Jack Byers, Mrs. H. L. Grubbs, Mrs. C. W. Harris, Mrs. Boyd Silsby, Mrs. Roger Decker, Mrs. Gale Tegley, Mrs. Elmer Alexander, Mrs. Delmar Boyles, Mrs. Emmett Lewis, Mrs. Glenn Fearing, Mrs. Clarence Blew, Richard Gates, Jack Byers, Elmer Alexander, Luther Wilson, Gale Tegley, Milford Ost, Mrs. C. W. Fearing, John Abel, Mrs. Clarence Pixler, Mrs. Keith Terrill, Mrs. Lester Bausch, Mrs. Jean Fearing, Don Modlin, Robert Korb, Jr., Mrs. Dallas Caldwell, Mrs. Milford Ost, Mrs. Roy Brandon, Mrs. Derald Decker, Mrs. Lee Garman, Mrs. Mack Harris, Mrs. A. D. Aspegren, Mrs. Don Modlin, Mrs. Clayton Walker, Stanley Johnson, Don Modlin, Richard Gates, Carl Stepp, Mrs. Earl Mullins, Mrs. Claude Gutscher, Mrs. John Abel, Mrs. Joy Michael, Earl Mullins.
Pictured here are Rev. and Mrs. G. R. Alsobrooks and daughter Faye. They came to the Burr Oak church in June of 1964. Miss Faye Alsobrooks plans to become a Deaconess after college.
WE DISCOVER HISTORY
While studying about the church one day One of our students she did say, "It's so crowded, let's build a room." "But we have no money, so we're doomed." Then our teacher again did say, "A church history might just pay." So that is what we finished today. By Cynthia Knight and Luanne Olena
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CAWKER CITY LEDGER LITHO
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