USA > Kansas > Stafford County > Stafford > History of the First Methodist Church of Stafford, Kansas : from it's beginning to May, 1965 > Part 2
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Arlon Ebright 1945 - 1948
Rev. Ebright came to the church from the Methodist Church at Ellinwood. He was well known over the conference for his work with the youth. Rev. Ebright came from a long line of active ministers, and had served during the war with the Navy. Most of his service was in Texas. His discharge came shortly after he came to Stafford. The Ebrights had three small children, a son, Arlon, a daughter, Marcia Ann, and a baby daughter, Dorothy, who was born here. Rev. Ebright died at Hays, Kansas, October, 1965. He was at the time, Superintendent of the Hays Conference.
Clyde Brewster 1948 - 1952
The Brewsters served the church four years and were sent from here to the larger pastorate at Hays. They had two children, Richard and Betty, who were both in college while their parents served here. They had served as missionaries in Peru for many years.
Rev. Brewster used a more formal service than previous minis- ters. The robed choir used the processional and recessional to help the audience enter into spirit of the service.
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Board, Presiding :
Anthem - Junior Choir, "Others"
Arthur A. Penn
Glenn Palmer 1952 - 1955
The Palmers had one son, Warren, who was in Kansas State University.
Rev. Palmer was also active in other phases of community work and served as an active member of the Library Board. He was much disappointed, when because of illness, he could not help in the Dedication of the new balcony at the Library as he had planned. Mr. Palmer died in 1964.
R. P. Crawford 1955 - 1958
Rev. Crawford came to Stafford after eight highly successful years in the Great Bend church. Many improvements were made during his pastorate. The dining room was tiled and redecorated, a complete new heating and air-conditioning unit was installed at the approximate cost of $13,000 - the church sanctuary and foyer were re-decorated, and the lot north of the church was graded and graveled for parking. New hymnals were placed in the sanctuary, new folding chairs were purchased, and a new re- frigerated drinking fountain was installed. Also an A.B. Dick mime- ograph and cabinet were purchased for the church office.
Rev. Crawford retired June 1, 1958 and moved to Wichita to become Associate Pastor at Trinity Methodist Church.
Gilbert Peters 1958 - 1962
Rev. Peters came to Stafford from Lincoln, Kansas. There were four children in the family: Jean, who graduated from Stafford High School and went on to Kansas Wesleyan at Salina. She is now doing Missionary work in Liberia, West Africa, and was as- signed from the Concordia District; Paul and Mark are in school at Kansas Wesleyan, and Elaine is a Senior at Smith Center (1965).
The carpeting for the sanctuary was laid while Rev. Peters was serving here.
Cautious Choate 1962 - 1965
Dr. Cautious A. Choate and Mrs. Ruth Choate came to the Staf- ford Church June 1962 from the Trinity Methodist Church in Wich- ita. Rev. and Mrs. Choate have two grown children, a son, C. Arthur Choate Jr., and daughter Phyllis. Arthur and his wife Mary are the parents of three children, Lisa Suzanna, Laura, and Paul Arthur. Arthur is an Instructor in Psychiatric Social Work in Columbia, Missouri. Phyllis is the wife of Rev. R. Bruce South- ard, pastor of the Methodist Church in Burns, Kansas. The South- ards are the parents of two small daughters, Suzanna Weslie and Melody Lynn. Both families have visited their parents and grand- parents in their parsonage home in Stafford.
Dr. Choate is Chairman of the Interboard Council, is on the Southwestern College Board of Trustees, and Chairman of Person- nel Committee of Southwestern College, a member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of Philander-Smith College, Fort Smith, Ark. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Council of Churches.
Under the heading "Other Ministries" on a conference report, Rev. Choate stated, "Probably the closest to this category I have come is the fact that I have been faithful in attendance at Wed- nesday coffees downtown and Chamber of Commerce meetings, and a service club, Rotary ... If the price of coffee goes up, I can give you one good reason for the rise."
The preaching schedule at Stafford and Eureka being as it is, has kept the pastor busy at the Sunday School hour and he has not
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been able to participate in the Sunday School program as he might have liked. However, he has kept in touch with the Youth by helping in the Senior MYF when he could, with his preparatory classes and helping the Girl Scouts with their God and Commun- ity Award program, and the Boy Scouts with their God and Country Award program. Mrs. Choate has been sponsor of the Junior High group in their active program of study, and also has chaperoned many lively times, such as Hayrack Rides and Wiener Roasts and Watermelon Feeds. Adult sponsors help them with sug- gestions and guidance.
Church Progress and Improvement
Much improvement of the church plant has been accomplish- ed during these three years. During the year 1963 the church building was cleaned by the process of re-mortaring and sanding of the stone work. Since CHECK program was retired that year, it was hoped this would make it possible to pay for the cleaning project. The annual Every Member Visitation dinner was held a- mid the dust of re-sanding the church, but the spirit of the meeting was fine and plans were made for 1964-65 in spite of the dust. Trees that had fallen prey to the elm beetle and other decrepitudes of age, were removed and two new Pine Oaks were planted later. The old sidewalks in front of the church were removed and new ones put in. Work was done by members of the Methodist Men who have done much of the work of improving our church this J'ear.
The September, 1963, Messenger stated how wonderful it was to have the choir back with an anthem after summer vacation. Dr. Brown and Mr. and Mrs. Whaley of the schools here in Staf- ford will lead the choir again this year. Our Youth and Children's Choirs are in capable hands. We are thankful for this part of our worship services. Larry Hartsell and Dale McCune gave Mrs. Warnock a vacation at the organ during the summer. We are always thankful that our music program is in capable hands, and we do appreciate the special number given by our choir under Dr. Brown's leadership.
1964 - 1965
Our church joined with three other churches of the community in a Community Breakfast held at 6:50. This usually falls on the second Tuesday of each month at one of the churches. Each church takes a turn at being the hostess church. These break- fasts originated during the Dr. Roy L. Smith meetings of 1961.
Our church joined with the other churches of the community in opposing the proposal for the establishing of a liquor store in the city of Stafford. Women of all ten churches in the community conducted a prayer vigil during the voting hours on April 16th, be- tween the hours of 8:00 and 6:00 p.m. Men of the church spoke out against the liquor interests, and the result of the vote was two to one against the establishment of the store in Stafford.
During these three years we were privileged to have three outstanding evangelistic meetings led by Rev. Pegura of Argentina and in 1964 Dr. Charles W. Koller of Chicago, Ill., with Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hasse in charge of Music.
In March 1965, Dr. C. Ralston Smith, outstanding Presbyterian Pastor, Traveler, and Conference Speaker held a week of meet- ings in the High School Auditorium. Dr. Smith spoke in our church at the Spiritual Life Breakfast March 23, 1965.
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A statement was made at the Quarterly Conference that the church is now in the best condition it has ever been. The church itself has had many improvements-the finances have been met with the least effort, all records are up to date and there is a most harmonious feeling among the members, all of which has been brought about by the splendid leadership of the pastor and his wife.
Reverend Choate resigned from the Conference after 45 years. Rev. and Mrs. Choate will serve churches in Alaska Mission from August 22 to October 31, at Nome, Alaska and Kenai which is southwest of Anchorage. In November they will return to their home at 526 North Poplar, Wichita, Kansas.
A basket dinner by all members of the church was held May 16th after the morning services honoring the pastor and Mrs. Choate.
Brunetta Jimison and Mrs. A. L. Soice, May 1965
Stafford Methodist Ministers
Previous to 1885, the supply ministers were: Wm. Wallace,
local preacher, I. L. Ross, local preacher, Rev. Schnell, Guy Hamilton, A. C. Taylor, Rev. Rolingson.
J. F. . Clark, 1885-1886
H. E. Fleming, 1886-1887
J. C. Fisher, 1916-1918
A. H. Ponath, 1918-1919
Guy E. Spear, 1919-1924
A. N. Smith, 1924-1927
C. H. McMillan, 1887-1888
C. D. Hestwood, 1927-1928
Jeffery Martin, 1888
S. S. Sulliger, 1888-1891
J. N. Howard, 1891-1892
J. W. Pruen, 1892-1894
H. E. Swan, 1894-1897
W. M. Runyan, 1897-1900
J. L. Patterson, 1900-1902
J. A. Anderson, supply 1902
G. H. Parkinson, 1902-1903
Clyde Brewster, 1948-1952
Glenn Palmer, 1952-1955
R. P. Crawford, 1955-1958
Gilbert Peters, 1958-1962
Cautious A. Choate, 1962-1965
H. J. Sterling, 1965
WAYNE KENYON 1968
Sunday School
In the winter of 1879, A Union Sunday school was organized and met in a little sod school-house called Pleasant Valley. Once in awhile they had church services-when a minister was avail- able.
Fuel was scarce and each Sunday someone was appointed to feed the corn stalks into the stove. It must have been a good corn year-for many years there would have been no stalks big enough to burn. Then they resorted to "prairie coal" or dried buffalo dung. But when cornstalks were available, they made a quick, hot fire if the stoker stayed on the job.
We are quite sure there was a form of Sunday School after the Methodists moved into town for services but the official or- ganization came in 1884 according to the records of the M. E. Historical Society at Southwestern College. This was when the congregation moved into their own new church. At that time there were 112 church members and 99 enrolled in Sunday School; by
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L. R. Hoff, 1913
T. F. Rudisill, supply 1928
E. M. Fly, 1928-1931
W. W. Owen, 1931-1934
R. L. George 1934-1938
R. F. Morgan, 1938-1940
H. P. Woertendyke, 1940-1945
Arlon Ebright, 1945-1948
E. N. Cuninngham, 1903-1906
R. L. George, 1906-1907
A. E. Kirk, 1907-1909
L. F. Mulhollen, 1909-1913
E. F. Buck, 1913-1916
J. L. Stratford, 1887
G. W. Akers, supply 1887
1899 some of the new seemed to have worn off, for although there were 200 church members, only 50 were enrolled in Sunday School.
Space will not permit enrollment for each year. In truth, records are not available; by February 1938 there were 37 of- ficers and teachers in the Sunday School, 248 of all grades, 19 in the Home Department and 21 children on the nursery roll. Count- ing teachers and officers there was a total of 325. October 1, 1944 the active enrollment was 235, officers and teachers 30, total at- tendance for the year 9401. That year the Sunday School paid $100 on the church debt.
May, 1965, Marion Hearn, Sunday School Superintendent re- ports 196 enrolled, 155 average attendance and average collection $19.50.
By May, 1919, a strong Men's Bible Class was meeting in the High School Building. On April 16, 1919, Mrs. J. L. Spickard, teacher of the Ladies Class brought her class to visit the Men's Class; that day there were 23 present. On May 18th of that year the attendance was 42.
In August 1919, a contest was started with the St. John's Men's Bible Class. After the specified time the attendance win. ners were to be entertained by the losers. Mrs. Lucy Jenkins, speaking of her husband remarked, "Will was much interested- and never missed a Sunday. Excitement and interest ran high but after the contest was over, he, like many others lost in- terest." But Stafford won.
Later the Men's Class and the Ladies Class united to form the popular 50-50 Class.
There have been many dedicated workers in the Sunday School and still are. But two names are usually mentioned when speak- ing of those who have given so much time and energy to this service. Mrs. Hulda Gerdes of the Primary Department and Bob Everett, teacher of the older boys. When Mrs. Gerdes was honor- ed in 1952 for her thirty years work with the little people, many men and women attended who had been in her classes. It was war time, Korean, and one soldier present, Howard Soice was happy to be there to thank her for her work.
The late Bob Everett (1965) worked with the boys for years. While they were away in school or service, he kept in touch with letters, pictures, clippings and often little gifts. But he never for- got one of his "boys" even when they grew into late middle age; he always had an active interest in all they did.
A constant effort is made to make the Sunday School rooms attractive, to furnish needed equipment and to interest vital teach- ers. The special program given by the children is always a high light of the year. The children feel needed and wanted in the church-and this is as it should be-for they will be the future workers and leaders in the church. Each year a church school is held in June for the lower grades-and the attendance is usually high-sometimes almost 100-varying from year to year. Brunetta Jimison, May, 1965.
Epworth League
We have no record of the first organization of the Stafford Epworth League-only a slight reference in a written article which says-"the local Epworth League is only two years younger than that of the Mother League." According to the Encyclopedia, that
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was in 1889-thus the Stafford League would have started work in 1891.
The purpose and aims of the League were mainly four- spirtual, missionary, social service and recreation. No records are extant but through the years the League worked hard in all fields. There were many workers in the field but the name of Hazel Akers stands out. She practically dedicated her life to the young people of the church until about 1930.
The League did many things; religious booths at the State Fair, collection of canned goods and non-perishable food to be sent to institutions, collecting old clothes and numerous other things.
The members had good times also. In the late twenties an event happened that shows how ideas and times have changed. Mrs. Burdean Soice tells this story. Then Burdean Falen, now of Wichita, she was acting as entertainment chairman. Having at- tended several play parties, she thought to spur lagging interest, the League would give such a party. They invited guests, young people from other groups; the interest proved so great they de- cided to have the party in the church basement. Just when the party was at its noisy height, the pastor at the time rushed into the room. He was very angry and accused them of desecrating the House of God, and ordered them out at once. He would not allow them to serve their refreshments and even turned out the lights to hurry their departure.
In 1940, the re-organized Methodist Church changed the name of Young Peoples Society to Methodist Youth Fellowship, but the work goes on much the same. Mrs. Earl Hayes has spent many years with the MYF and has gained much attention through the work of her group presenting religious dramas. Groups trained by her have received high commendations for their plays which they have presented not only locally, but to many church groups in other towns and cities of the Conference.
Other dedicated workers in recent years are Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gee and Mr. and Mrs. Leland Sloan.
Members of the Stafford MYF have held offices in the Dis- trict Organization and are a live wire group. Brunetta Jimison, May, 1965
The Book of Remembrance
The title of the book "The Book of Remembrance" indicates its purpose. It is designed to be a book of remembrance. This book will be in the Pastor's Study at all times.
First Methodist Church, Stafford, Kansas, desires to remem- ber the gifts and deeds of its members and friends as they are expressed in donations for material improvement and beautifica- tion of its properties.
(a) In some instances, gifts have been made as specific memorials to loved ones;
(b) In other instances, individuals have made presentations because of a sense of the need, or simply out of love for the church;
(c) Still others prefer that the "left hand not know what the right hand doeth", and have given anonymously.
Regardless of the type of the gift, the church desires that, where violence is not done to the wish of the donor, some record
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of major gifts be kept. It only regrets that the practice was not begun earlier and the origin of some significant gifts may have been forgotten. For this fact, apologies are due and are hereby made.
The church realizes, furthermore, that many persons contri- bute equal or larger sums of money, with equivalent or greater sacrifice, to the program of the church. These gifts are equally appreciated, although, obviously, they are more difficult to record and remember.
Thanks are hereby given to all those who have expressed their love to the church through the sharing of their resources.
I. Memorial Gifts
Furnishings for pastor's study - J. T. Lear and T. C. Reid families in memory of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Lear.
Piano in Sanctuary -family of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Porter. 1962 Altar Set - family of J. A. Falen
Altar Set - Mrs. Cora Crawford
Folders for choir music - family of Gladys Harrison. 1955
Furnishings in MYF room - Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Peacock, in memory of son Sam Peacock. 1949
Outdoor Bulletin Board - Gladys Peacock, in memory of hus- band Floyd Peacock. 1960
Red Altar Cloths (Paraments) - Mr. and Mrs. Paul Whitsell in memory of daughter Betty.
Baby-grand piano in 50-50 Room - Mr. and Mrs. Keith Johnson in memory of daughter Marilyn.
Picture in Foyer (east) - Church, in memory of Owen Hawver, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hawver, World War II casualty. Picture in Foyer (west) - Church, in memory of Dale Mc- Cune, son of Mrs. Carl McCune, World War II casualty. Picture in Junior Department Room - in memory of Bob Everett. 1963
Carillon Bells - Mrs. Hughes, in memory of husband Charles Delmer, and daughters Mary Elizabeth Hughes, and Olga Russell. 1947
Silver Tea Service - family of Ida Hagenmaster. 1946
Set of Altar Cloths (Paraments) - Gertrude Piepmeier in memory of husband Milton Piepmeier. 1964
Hand Rails at rear door of church - Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Garey, in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Garey, and Mr. and Mrs. Harve Crawford. 1965
Drinking Fountain in basement - Stanfield Tretbar, in memory of uncle, Dr. F. W. Tretbar. 1958
Remodeling of Secretary's Room - inspired by gift from Mrs. Gladys Byer in honor of daughter Hattie, and completed by W.S.C.S. 1964-65.
Folding tables in Fellowship Hall - Mabel Butler, in memory of her mother, Mrs. Josephine Newbill. 1957
Portable Communion Set - Ina Hawver, in memory of son Owen. 1963
II. Love Gifts
Cross above choir - Rev. A. O. Ebright
Prie Dieu - Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson. 1963
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Surplice collars for choir robes - Mrs. W. F. Sandifer. Mimeograph Machine - Mrs. Carl McCune, Mr. and Mrs. Eldwyn McCune, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd McCune. 1962 Electric cook unit in kitchen - Gladys Tretbar, Pearl Brown, I. N. Giles. 1964
Brass railings in foyer - Mr. and Mrs. Harold Jenkins. 1960 Memorial Book - Dr. and Mrs. O. W. Longwood. 1964 Mirror in Foyer - Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Teichman. 1965
Flags in Sanctuary - W.S.C.S. Circle (Mabel Butler, circle leader).
Four flower stands by Chancel - made and given by Reuben Bowman. 1965
Guest Book Desk in foyer - made and given by Reuben Bow- man. 1965
Record Player (console) - given to M.Y.F. by Gladys Peacock. 1965
Pulpit Light - Mr. and Mrs. Harold Jenkins. 1961
Metal filing cabinet - Mr. and Mrs. Dick Darnall. 1962
Organ Light - Dr. and Mrs. O. W. Longwood 1947
Row of Arbor Vita trees - Mrs. Elsa Tretbar
Children's Nursery - Mr. and Mrs. Milton Piepmeier, and Elbert Weir.
Carpeting for Sanctuary - W.S.C.S. and many donors (33 al- together). Mrs. O. W. Longwood, President of W.S.C.S. 1961 Early plantings for church grounds - Dr. and Mrs. J. G. Tretbar
Picture in ladies Parlor - Dr. Paul Harrison. 1955
Illuminated picture in Ladies Parlor - Service Class. 1955
Fluorescent light in M.Y.F. Room - Mr. and Mrs. Louis Thole, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Kates. 1965
Light over Secretary's Desk - Leona Masten. 1964
Front Porch Lights - Mr. and Mrs. Fred Paulsen. 1965
W.S.C.S. Library and File - W.S.C.S. 1965
Four table - chair trucks - Jerry Gee, Harvey Crabb, George Irvine, O. W. Longwood.
Long mirror in choir room - Reuben Bowman. 1965
Painting of 50-50 Room (first time) - Zelma Bieber
Desk and chair in Ladies Parlor - Mrs. Frank Hawver. 1961 Light on west side of church - Kate Paulsen, Roy Russell, O. W. Longwood, J. J. Tretbar, Lee Soice, W. F. Sandifer. 1959
Baptismal Bowl - Mr. and Mrs. Alton Dale. 1946 Collection Plates - Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Dale. 1943
Piano in Sanctuary - Mr. and Mrs. Roy Russell
Chair by organ - Mrs. Elmer Dale and children. 1950
Picture (head of Jesus) - Charlotte Dale Heide
Clock in Fellowship Hall - Mr. and Mrs. Walter Koontz. 1965
III. Anonymous Gifts
New Refrigerator 1964 Outside landscaping Two Coffee Makers for kitchen. 1964
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Four small bulletin boards 1965 Donations and gifts for repair of Fellowship Hall: Celotex ceiling, mahogany paneling on north wall. 1965
Donation to repair church roof. 1965
Stafford Methodist Ladies Aid
The Ladies' Aid Society was evidently organized and went to work in the very early days of the church. Mrs. Lucy Jenkins re- calls hearing her mother talk about going to the Aid Society. Little Lucy always thought her mother said she was going to the "Egg" Society.
Our first authentic record of the Society is contained in the Secretary's book of 1903-1912. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. J. B. C. Cook on July 9, 1903. (The Society had re- cently been re-organized, new by-laws written, and they were approved and accepted at this meeting. Mrs. Matthias was Pres- ident, and Mrs. Lillian Griffith was Secretary.
As usual, they were involved in making money, and planning what they could do to help raise money for the new church then in the planning stage-and which was completed and dedicated in 1905.
The product they were pushing then and until 1911 was "Stain- Off." Evidently this was for pots and pans, and must have been a good product because it had such a steady sale for the next eight years. At this first meeting the agent, a Mrs. Carver, turned in $6.95, the society's commission on previous sales. The ladies vot- ed to make another order, and also put the product on sale at the Baugh Drug Store and advertise it in the local paper.
The Society operated successfully the first year, and went into 1904 with Mrs. Magill as President. Mrs. A. B. Akers as Vice-Pres- ident, Mrs. Elizabeth Floto as Secretary and Mrs. H. L. McCurdy as Treasurer.
From 1903, we have records that showed the Aid has always been a strong support for the Church, and a pleasant fellowship for the Methodist women of Stafford.
The first existing Secretary's book covers the period from July, 1903 to October, 1912, and has a complete record of the work being done. The Society pledged $1000 to the church fund, and raised $333.35 the first year the pledge was made. The Aid did many other things also. The Ladies built a new porch for the parsonage bought new carpeting for the parsonage-in fact all the necessary repairs, such as screen doors, wallpaper etc. They also bought blinds for the church at a cost of $71.22, and each year the Aid made pledges to the church budget-averaging $100 to $150.
The Ladies also sold magazine subscriptions to Woman's Home Companion, shaving soap, toilet soap, flower seeds and a dozen other articles. It was about 1907 when they published the first Methodist Cook Book. It was a good, practical book, and was used for many years. No proof of the number printed or sold can be found, but during the meeting of April 9, 1908 the Society voted to order another 100 books. The price of the Cook Book must have been fifty cents, judging from the amounts turned in for 6 books, total $3.00. At this meeting the Aid voted to pay $25 on the Minis- ter's salary. The church budget must have been empty.
It is interesting to note that during this period covered by the first book, certain names occur frequently-Akers, Mary Crawford,
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Matthias, Peacock, Larabee, Riegel and many others. When the next book opens, the older women drop out and new names ap- pear. It is the same of course in each period.
The second book covers the years Dec. 12, 1912 to Feb. 14, 1918 and includes the trying days of World War I. The Aid promised to help the Red Cross, to faithfully observe rationing laws, not to pay dues or have refreshments at the meetings in order to help the war effort. In spite of strict rationing, by personal sacrifice the ladies went on serving dinners, having food sales, etc. Food sales were popular because flour and sugar were rationed and people were glad to buy-thus saving their own supply.
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