USA > Kansas > Stafford County > Stafford > History of the First Methodist Church of Stafford, Kansas : from it's beginning to May, 1965 > Part 3
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Still making money. the Aid was selling a new product "Peer- less Stain Remover", but it never attained the popularity of the old "Stain-Off", and was soon dropped from the Record. The Ladies were still selling subscriptions, Japanese toweling, and some kind of a cloth-spelled a dozen different ways-but several times as "Danglo" cloth. No idea what it was, or how used.
Rather an unusual note-In the spring of 1913, the Aid voted to serve the Alumni Banquet for $10.00. The location was the dining room of the Brinkman Hotel and the decorations were evidently supplied by the Association-but $10.00 for a full-course banquet for 19 seniors, school board and their wives, and various and assorted members of the Association-that must have been around twenty cents a plate. The food was probably all donated and of course the women did the work gladly.
New names prominent in this period-Spickard, Daniels, Mrs. J. C. Butler, Rippey Hagenmaster, F. G. Smart, Hanback-Many of the older ladies were still active but taking a less prominent part.
'The Secretary's book covering the years 1918 to 1924, is miss- ing. But it was now that it was discovered that the church walls were defective and could not be profitably repaired, so agitation was started for a new, larger church.
The third book covers the years 1924 to 1928, and it was during this time that the present church was planned, built and dedicated. It was a period of untold hours of hard work and intense dedication for the Aid. Four presidents led the group during these crowded days-Tanner, Smart, Crawford and Harbeson. The first pledge was for $2000. By now the Aid was divided into three divisions and there was a sharp rivalry to see which could make the most money.
One job everyone helped with, was serving meals at the Coun- ty Fair. A building was constructed at the Fair Grounds-a roof, sides, and partly screened. It was furnished with stoves, rough tables and benches-sort of a make-shift affair, but the ladies made it do for several years. Some of the entries that showed amounts made-1926. Total Receipts $573.30-Expenses $236.36 - Net Prof- it - $336.94.
By checking the records we find the eating house at the fair was operated until the fall of 1934, when the profit was only $151.82. No report was found as to whether they served in the fall of 1935, but March 14 of that year a motion was made and carried, to advertise the M. E. Building at the Fair Grounds for sale.
Another venture that paid off well was the second cook book. This was the project of the Second Division, with Mrs. Ruth Boyd
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as leader, Mrs. A. E. Tanner as vice, Mrs. J. H. Falen Chair- man of printing, Mrs. Harve Crawford, Chairman of the Adver- tising-and Mrs. W. D. Baxter, Chairman of Recipes. Still active in the church (1965) Mrs. B. E. Evans, Mrs. Frank Hawver, Miss Mary Fee and Mrs. F. D. McMillan, all of whom added their services to complete the book.
It was published in 1926-copies sold for $1.00 each. Some of the unsold copies were reduced in price and by 1934 had been sold out.
Another division started an adventure in mince-meat making. Mrs. Elizabeth Soice, using an old family recipe, was Chairman. She and Mrs. A. N. Smith, the minister's wife, worked out a recipe for 50 quarts. Elmer Dale donated a quarter of fine beef, others donated apples, which were plentiful that year-still others raisins, spices etc. All the division members donated work and glass jars and helped with the making. The first batch sold out at once at 25c a quart, and more was made. The project was carried on each fall for years, and was still being made in the fall of 1935. By then it was selling for 35 cents a quart. In the year 1933 mincemeat sales were $21.90.
Of course the Aid was still serving dinners, banquets etc., still taking subscriptions, and selling everything.
Mrs. Ida Hagenmaster and Mrs. E. Soice being master pie bakers, often spent an entire day in the church kitchen, making pies to serve at bazaars, food sales, etc.
The ladies raised the $2000 in a short time and then pledged $3000 more. A poem, evidently written by the husband of one of the members (a P. S. Ingalls) follows:
When this building was only a fancy A mirage in the distance, it seemed, We thought of it just as a vision,
And a Hope of which we had dreamed.
But when the plans were made for its structure
And the Cornerstone finally was laid, There were none in the Congregation As rejoiced as The Ladies Aid.
And we wanted to help in the project And give you our bit with the rest, For we know that only in giving Can we hope to be happy and blest. So we promised "Two Thousand Dollars On this Building, God's House - Holy - Grand,
For we want it to stand as His Monument And the finest through out the land.
And we've toiled and planned and labored
And done the things that have been hard to do,
But the money has been forth coming, And now we present it to you.
The rest of our pledge on the Building,
We have worked with will and with vim,
And tonight our hearts are rejoicing For we've given it all for Him.
Members prominent in those crowded days were Mrs. Harve Crawford, Mrs. F. G. Smart, Mrs. Ida Hagenmaster, Mrs. A. E. Tanner, Mrs. Edith Harbeson, Mrs. Elizabeth Soice, Mrs. A. H. Watson, Mrs. E. Brown, Mrs. Pearl Brown, Mrs. Will Garey and many others. It is worthy of note that in training at the time
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were names of those prominent in the W.S.C.S. of the present- Mabel Butler, Juanita Soice, Grace Evans, Mary Fee, Marie Sand- ifer, Ruth McMillan, Ruth Boyd and many others.
By May 14, 1926 the first pledge was paid, the next $3000 by Sept. 14, 1928. Then it took longer to raise the amount promised, but from Feb. 3, 1925 to June 9, 1932, the Aid paid $9043 into the building fund. Their efforts did not stop-the Ladies worked valiant- ly until the mortgage was paid.
The book from 1928 to 1933 cannot be found. For the next ten years it was a terrible struggle for the Great Depression had clamped down on the nation. The Aid struggled along-serving banquets, holding bazaars. As noted before, they quit serving at the Fair in 1934 because they were barely making expenses and in Feb. 1937 the Fair building was sold for $50.
But in spite of hard times, the Aid made annual contributions to the budget, to Mrs. Nanny Cook's Annuity Fund, made repairs on the parsonage, and kept the Society solvent-but it was no easy struggle.
One major project was serving the German Baptist Church State Conference. The congregation of the Baptist Church rented the M. E. Church to hold their meetings-and paid the Aid for serving meals. The members of the Baptist congregation furnish- ed the food. Dan Meschberger and Mrs. Henry Wendelburg were in charge. Food was brought in trucks- 100 lb. sacks of potatoes and sugar, dressed chickens by the dozens, whole quarters of beef, cut and ready for roasting, and everything else in proportion. The Conference lasted from Wednesday evening dinner to Sunday eve- ning supper. About 800 meals were prepared and served for which the Aid, was paid. According to Mrs. Henry Wendelburg this was in 1930, and although there is no record of price paid per meal- it was so low, the Baptist committee paid what they had collected for the service.
The book covering 1937 - 1940 carried on the struggle. Times were only slightly better. For the year 1937, a total of $368.92 was taken in. This represented a lot of sweat and worry. In 1938, the Aid's pledge to the budget was $500 and the Aid usually paid some other bills. The Society was optimistic to pledge $500 but it was quite certain if that was the goal-it would be reached.
The Aid served the Alumni Banquet in 1939 and cleared $53.50. And the minutes stated that all who were asked for donations gave cheerfully-and there was no complaining, so this shows times were more prosperous. At the last meeting of the M. E. Ladies' Aid as a separate organization Sept. 5, 1940, there were 37 present. The financial report for 1939-Receipts $464.65, Dis- bursements $457.50, leaving a balance of $7.15, and a note was made that they paid the last of the pledge to the church budget.
After long years of service the Ladies Aid bowed out. New Times - new problems - new and old faces - but the work goes on.
Brunetta Jimison, May 1965
History of Women's Foreign Missionary Society of Topeka Branch
A report was published in 1883, the year the Branch was divided and enlarged into three Branches - the Minneapolis, the
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Des Moines, and the Topeka. The towns were far apart, lines of communication were few, but there was sublime faith, wide vision, and tireless zeal to match the wide open spaces, traveled by ox cart, wagon and passenger train.
The first Quarterly meeting was held in Topeka in March of 1884; the first Annual meeting was held in Salina in October with forty-one delegates present, and enough money in the treasury to meet all necessary expenses. Many new auxiliaries and 750 new members had been secured during the year. A deeply spiritual atmosphere pervaded the meeting.
In 1893, the first ten years had passed. Cash was not plentiful, and the drouth had tried the courage of the stoutest hearts, but the missionary women having done the best in their power to keep, maintain and advance their cause, learned how to stand, to leave it to God to fulfill His promise and bring to pass - Psalms 37:5.
During the so-called "Gay Nineties" there were some des- perate years when the fields were as bare as a desert, and more than once the treasury was down to the last dollar, but God's promise held true and there was still a wonderful spiritual bless- ing at the Annual Meetings.
1900 saw a definite brightening of the skies. Several influen- tial people raised $2500 for a Girls School in China. The Confer- ence voted to start the United Study for everyone who would take part, and an organization for young people was formed call- ed the Standard Bearers, then later the King's Heralds and Light Bearers for the children. During this period of 1903, some of the Stafford ladies were helping, but the records are misplaced, so to state who they were or exactly what they did is impossible.
In September of 1909, Stafford organized the Woman's For- eign Missionary Society with the following 16 charter members: Laura Akers, Lizzie Brown, Nannie Cook, Bertha Crawford, Lizzie Everhart, Pearl Larabee, Olive Magill, Lizzie McCurdy, Bertha Mc- Millan, Nina Millholm, Anna Peacock, Olive Potter, Naoma Reigel, Nellie Roberts, Emma Spickard, and Minnie Holmes, with dues of 30c per quarter. They held many interesting meetings, and the W.S.C.S. owes them a debt of gratitude for the start of this won- derful organization.
They soon felt the need of a local organization, so organized the Aid Society, which was later called "The Woman's Home Missionary Society". They later formed an organization for work- ing ladies; this was called the Young Ladies Missionary Society.
The Women's Foreign Missionary Society seemed to be the most active. They had different projects to raise money to help build a school in China, and on March 2, 1916 a check for $500.00 was sent to the Conference Treasurer to help build this school, in Dak Long, China; and each year money was sent to help sup- port teachers and missionaries. This cancelled check has been retained in one of the record books, also a picture of the school hangs in the room to the east of the foyer of the Church.
In 1940 the Foreign and Home Missionary Societies were com- bined and became the Women's Society of Christian Service; and the Young Ladies became the Wesleyan Service Guild.
Mrs. Frank (Ina) Hawver
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Young Woman's Foreign Missionary Society
The first record we have of the Y.W.M.S. shows that it met October 1st, 1928 with Ruth Evans as President.
Once a month about 35 young women met in the homes for evening meetings. The dues were $1.30, one dollar of which was sent to the Hutchinson District.
The programs consisted of devotionals, review of Chapters from Study Books and Mystery Box Questions taken from the magazine "Womans Friend".
.To promote interest members were divided into two groups. Points were given for a contest. The winners were given a dinner in the spring by the losers. The contest was based on points :- subscription to the "Friend" - 5 points; new members-5 points; attendance-2 points; magazine read-3 points.
A mystery box question was given each member. They were enclosed in peanut shells, valentines, Japanese fans or under tur- key wings of a Thanksgiving turkey. Mrs. Hibbs and Mrs. Unruh were inspiring senior members in the organization.
The first meeting was a picnic in the park held in September with guests, whom the society hoped would become members.
The apportionment for 1930 was $150.00 and for 1939 was $229.00. A collection was taken at each meeting, mite boxes were given out and a special program was given in the spring for a Thank Offering.
Refreshments consisted of candy, ice cream bars, pop corn balls or something similar for which no dishes were needed.
In 1931 a very interesting and inspiring meeting was given by Miss Jean McCrory a missionary from Egypt. She later died of cancer while in service there.
Quilts were made and sent to missionaries. The young women took over the sponsorship of Junior missionaires from the senior organization. These were "The Little Light Bearers", "The Kings Heralds", and the "Standard Bearers".
In about 1936 this Society and the older organization com- bined into "The Foreign Missionary Society". Some of the older members were classed as Extension Members who paid dues and sometimes attended the meetings.
In 1938 about 50 members met at the church where $70.00 was given the 70th Anniversary Fund, honoring Mrs. E. B. Lear and Extension Member. That same year Mrs. Elbert Weir was elected District Stewardship Secretary.
For several years the McCalls magazine was sent Alice Wil- cox a missionary in China. Dr. Edna Wallace addressed the group on her experiences as a missionary in China.
At one of the meetings about 30 met in the home of Juanita Soice for an Indian Banquet. They sat on the floor and began eat- ing with their fingers but were later given forks and spoons.
Mary Louise Boyd and Mary Ellen Martin attended a weeks church camp at Palmer Lake, Colorado.
The roster of Presidents: Ruth Evans 1928; Gladys Peacock 1931; Juanita Richardson 1933; Ruth Boyd 1934; Gladys Harrison 1935; Mabel Butler 1937; the last president was Ernestine Hayes who served until the Woman's Society of Christian Service was or- ganized September 12, 1940.
Mrs. Benj. E. Evans, May 1965
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Woman's Society of Christian Service
The Woman's Society of Christian Service was organized Sep- tember 12, 1940. The pastor Rev. R. F. Morgan presided with Mrs. Grace Watson acting as temporary secretary.
The secretary read the purpose and plan of the new organi- zation. The call for members was extended. Mrs. Bertha Craw- ford, presided during the enrollment during which fifty-five (55) Methodist women became charter members. Mrs. Russell Hibbs, reporting for the nominating committee submitted the following names as officers: President - Gladys Peacock; Vice President Grace Evans; Corresponding Secretary-Marie Sandifer; Recording Secretary-Charlotte Jones; Treasurer-Gladys Harrison. The mem- beship roll was kept open until Sunday October 10th, so that others who wished to become charter members, could sign. Fifty- two (52) members were added, making a total of 107 charter mem- bers.
The first budget was $1000.00. $500.00 was pledged to the building fund. A banquet at 50c per plate netted $40.00.
Mrs. Howard Woertendyke was very active in social work. She found work for those needing it. Eleven mattresses and clothing was given to ten needy families. Vegetables and fruit were can- ned for the Booth Festival in Hutchinson. The Red Cross asked for articles of furniture needed to furnish rooms at the Great Bend and Pratt Army Air Bases.
Gladys Tretbar was formally installed as President January 14, 1943. A box was sent to the Mexican Mission in Lyons con- sisting of 100 used garments, some new material and $5.00 in cash. Mabel Butler and Gladys Peacock gave interesting reports on E. Stanley Jones lectures at the Annual Conference in Hutchin- son. An exchange sale at the Brinkman Hotel netted $162.44. At the District Meeting Lola Thole was elected Treasurer and Mabel Butler, Young Women and Girls Secretary.
Grace Evans was installed as the third President January 13, 1944. A shower of fruits, vegetables and preserves was given the Wortendykes on their 29th wedding anniversary. Bishop William C. Martin attended the Mortgage Burning Day February 27, 1944. Rev. Mulvaney the District Superintendent conducted the morning service, followed by a basket dinner. Floyd Peacock, Chairman of the Official Board, presided during the afternoon program. This $66,000.00 church was dedicated May 22, 1927, seventeen years earlier. In September the WSCS met for a covered dish luncheon. 140 members were seated with their hostess at beautifully deco- rated quartet tables, laid with the hostesses loveliest silver and china. The Wesleyan. Service Guild was organized in October. O. B. Baugh gave Mrs. E. B. Lear a life estate in property on South Main Street in Stafford, which at her death became the property of the WSCS. The $750.00 derived from this was sent to a girls school in West China. This money was to be used for something suitable for a memorial, not for food or clothing. $25.00 was allow- ed Ernestine Hayes for use in attending the National Convention in Columbus, Ohio.
Ernestine Hayes, as President in 1945 conducted a beautiful memorial service honoring Mrs. Ida Hagenmaster. An original poem by Mrs. Marie Sandifer was read when she presented a Silver Tea Service as the gift of the children of Mrs. Hagenmaster. An emer- gency food collection was taken to relieve mass starvation in the Phillipines, also clothing made by the circles was sent to them.
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Letters were sent to Russian women, telling them something of our way of life, and that we want to be friendly with them.
Mrs. Collins Thole was elected as Conference Spiritual Life Chairman.
Mrs. Lloyd Powell was installed as President in 1947. A re- ligious survey was made. Circles met the last Thursday of the month doing supply work with a ten minute program. Gladys Harri- son gave a lovely silver pitcher to add to the tea service.
The 1948 president was Jane Johnson, who with Ernestine Hayes served a Chinese luncheon at which Miss Eunice Braden taught a course on China "Twilight or Dawn." A tile floor costing $306.84 and new drapes costing $133.00 were put in the downstairs parlor. Mrs. Floyd Peacock in behalf of the Past Presidents, pre- sented the Women's Society with a beautiful lace tablecloth.
1949 saw Marie Sandifer installed as President. Betty Corbin reported $291.00 was cleared on banquets in November. The Women's society voted not to allow the kitchen equipment to be taken from the kitchen. A policy of giving $5.00 as a memorial for a departed member was instituted. Mrs. Foster reported that 1774 plates were sold during the year with a profit of $800.00.
President Dean Schrag (1950) announced that a piano had been given by Jane Johnson in memory of her daughter, for use in the ladies parlor. Edith Baxter gave a used gas range and Mabel Butler an electric refrigerator.
Gertie Piepmeier served as President for 1952-53. Adelaide Thole reported that 1029 garments and $156.66 had been sent on various clothing appeals. Rev. and Mrs. Harold Soulen spoke at the Octo- ber 4th Sunday Evening Service and showed pictures of their European Tour. $400.00 was spent on the parsonage which included a cooking stove, wall paper, light fixtures, gas logs and andirons.
Mrs. Evelyn McCandless (1954-55) was installed as President by Mrs. Olive Palmer in a very appropriate service. No records can be found for the term of Mrs. McCandless.
For the period of 1956-57 Mrs. Elma Ewy served as President. 1000 cook books compiled by a committee of Mabel Butler, Ruth Boyd and Juanita Soice were sold. Later 200 more were ordered. Mrs. Ewy initiated the practice of having the executive meeting the first Thursday of each month in the homes. Mrs. Betty Soulen of Hutchinson was the thank offering speaker. A Golden Age party for the over 70's was given, also a valentine tea and birthday tea. In April a local officers Work Shop was held with Mrs. George of St. John presiding. This was followed by a luncheon in Mrs. Ewy's home.
President Adelaide Thole (1958-59) announced that $96.00 was received in the world banks and at 32 cents per second our Womans Society can carry on work around, the world for five minutes. 150 more cooks books were ordered. Total disbursements for the year 1958 was $3235.14. Guests were invited to a special meeting 29th January at which Mabel Butler told of her trip to the Holy Land. $261.47 was the profit from a chicken dinner. Elizabeth Singleton of Sylvia taught the study course on Luke. Six tables were ordered costing $142.00.
Mrs. Muriel Longwood was elected President for 1960-61. Profit from the Fall Festival and Bazaar was $639.48. Foreign students were entertained in the homes during the Thanksgiving Holidays. Spring Rummage brought in $107.00. Contract for the sanctuary
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carpet was given to Gladys Peacock for $2000.00. This was $12.50 per yard. Mabel Butler's Circle gave two flags for the sanctuary. The church was filled when the District Meeting was held March 23rd. Luncheons were served by the different churches at $1 per plate. During Holy Week Dr. Roy Smith held evening services in the High School. Different churches served breakfast from 6:50 to 7:50 in the Presbyterian Church each morning. Dr. Smith gave in- spiring talks at these breakfasts. Elizabeth Singleton presented the Thank Offering Service. $103.38 was given for missionary work. A gift of $30 from Harold Jenkins was for a pulpit light. W.S.C.S. spent $357.54 on the parsonage.
Mrs. Lucile Tucker was installed as President June 14, 1962 and also served in 1963. Used commemorative stamps were collect- ed. Each stamp represents 15 cups of milk for needy children. Rev. Choate announced the Evangelistic Missions for week of No- vember 4th, with Rev. Pagura from Argentine as the evangelist. Mrs. Ina Hawver presented a communion service to be used at the hospital and for shut ins. W.S.C.S. gave $800.00 toward the in- stallation of a Public Address system. 108 books "Women of the Bible" were ordered. World Bank collection was $156.69 which means that our local Society supported the total Womans Missionary Program around the world of 7 minutes and 42 seconds. Missionary Pledge to the Hutchinson District was $1575.00. Gladys Tretbar sub- mitted a plan for new ovens, cook tops, coffee bar and a new re- frigerator, the cost being about $1659.00.
Mrs. Mabel Butler, President for 1964-65 presided at the Sep- tember meeting. The society voted to use the $500.00 given by Mrs. Albert Byer in the name of her daughter, Hattie, for the remodeling of the church office. The bazaar proceeds in October were almost $600.00. About 125 ladies of the community, Sylvia and Eureka at- tended a special Christmas Program in December. Fruit baskets were given the Golden Ages at Christmas. W.S.C.S. and W.S.G. met on Sunday January 17th. Mrs. Burton Black of Wichita lectur- ed on "Crosses". She told of the significance of the 100 crosses displayed. Miss Hazel Fee collected library books and recorded them, to be kept in the new shelves in the 50-50 room. Adelaide Thole is a District Officer, "Membership Cultivation in the District."
Dated May 1, 1965. Mrs. Benj E. Evans
Community Revivals
The Stafford Methodist Episcopal Church has always been one of the foremost in any move for co-operative effort, for the purpose of bettering the religious life of the community.
Ever since its beginning as the oldest church in town, it has been a leader. Through the years, many movements have spon- sored this friendliness among Stafford Churches. For many years the churches worshipped together on Sunday evenings in the City Park. Holy Week has become a regular habit. Services being held in first one then another of the churches, whose pastors and con- gregations decided to co-operate. Each year in the fall all or nearly all unite in the World Day of Prayer. This service is rotated among the churches.
And then there is the Ministerial Association which brings the pastors of the various churches together. Here they talk over problems, and make certain decisions. But of primary important they learn to know and respect their brother pastors.
This association has been the prime boosting force of the city-
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wide union evangelistic meetings. Since the beginning of the cen- tury there have been many of these great revivals.
The first of these was the French E. Oliver Revival which be- gan Jan. 24, 1905. A tabernacle 60' x 90' was constructed on West Broadway where the City Office was formerly located. It seated over 800 and was heated by big old coal burning stoves. As I re- member it, straw was placed on the ground to reduce the chill from the ground for it was a very cold winter.
French E. Oliver, a Baptist, was a well known evangelist of the time. He had conducted meetings over most of the United States. Word had come from Kansas towns where he had worked of his great ability. At Marion, Kansas, 500 had been converted, and in North Topeka over 500. The ministers of the town talked it over and decided to put the question of a community revival up to their congregations, and the decision was unanimous.
The following congregations and their ministers agreed to be- gin preparation for the city wide revival:
United Presbyterian - Rev. Elliott
Baptist - James Harvey
Methodist - E. N. Cunningham Christian - G. W. Alford Congregational - Mrs. Lydia Mayos
If there were other churches in the town at that time they did not choose to join in the campaign.
French E. Oliver was an especially attractive young man prob- ably in his late 30's-and a dynamic speaker. Not a "Fear of hell" speaker-rather calm with no gestures, but a compelling personality. His song director was an able man by the name of Jones-always spoken of as Prof. Jones.
During the first week there were about seventy conversions. Then Rev. Oliver was called home by the illness of his wife- but he promised to return later, and he did.
But in the meantime an event took place that shocked the town-the fire that wiped out the block south of Broadway on East Main. The Farmers National Bank and all the other buildings were destroyed. It was one of the coldest nights of the year, and there was no fire department-and of course at that time no city water.
The town was stunned but the churches had promised to keep the tabernacle intact and hold union services Sunday morning and night, pastors alternating to handle the services. This they did until Rev. Oliver returned February 28.
The next big union evangelistic meetings were planned by the following churches in the fall of Oct. 1920.
Baptist - W. R. Briggs Christian - E. G. Anderson Friends - Carl Cox Methodist - Guy E. Spear Reformed Presbyterian - J. G. Reed
By this time the Congregational Church in Stafford had disbanded.
For weeks before, the congregations held prayer meetings and made extensive preparations. A tabernacle was erected on South Main-just south of where the Giles Service Station now stands. A big advertisement in The Courier of October announced the "Go
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to Church Sunday" and there was later publicity with a picture of James Rayburn who was to be the evangelist, and his music directors Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Wickland.
The tabernacle was built and the first service was held Nov. 7, 1920. Almost from the first there was intense interest and the crowds were big. Cottage prayer meetings, talks at the high school etc. produced the proper emotional climate. Meetings were held at 7:30 each evening except Monday-Bible Study at 2:30 p.m., cottage prayer meetings 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. were held the second week. The last two weeks special services were held for men at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. so no man had an excuse for not attending at least one of these services.
Rev. Rayburn promised a different type of preaching-a down to-earth variety-and he certainly delivered. He and Mr. and Mrs. Wickland were great favorites in Stafford, and the tabernacle was filled to capacity every night. They used as their slogan or motto -Hebrew second chapter, first verse and asked the converts and other Christians to use the verse as a sort of guide line for daily living.
The crusade was a great success as there were 450 converts. Each person was to choose the church he wished to become a member of. Shortly after the revival ended 156 members were added to the Methodist Church roll. Others came in later.
But the big result was the sense of unity and good-will that the meetings developed in the town. Rev. Rayburn stressed this and put aside the old bias that had grown up among the Protestant congregations. He preached brotherhood in a wide sense.
The effect of the Rayburn meetings was so great that three years later, in the fall of 1923 another crusade was planned E. M. Pratt was to be the evangelist, and Ed L. Crain of Denver and Chester R. Guthrie were to be in charge of the music. Mr. Crain was a splendid soloist and added much to the interest of the revival.
The publicity was not quite as extensive as for the Rayburn meetings, but still there was much interest in the community. A tabernacle was built on the same spot as the 1920 one-and of much the same construction.
The revival started Sunday Nov. 18 and ran four weeks. But the weather was bad. Roads at that time were in bad shape- little paved or even graveled. So there was not as many from the rural sections as had been expected; yet the crowds were big and enthusiastic and 120 converts were added to the churches of the town.
Perhaps the big boost came to those Christians in the town- especially those who had entered the churches in 1920. At least there was a good feeling of comradeship fostered in the town and the religious spirit in all the churches was definitely improved.
One thousand dollars was raised to pay the expenses-the tabernacle was torn down and the lumber sold. On the last Sun- day, a collection was taken for the evangelist and his helpers and over $1,000 was raised in a few minutes.
Early in 1961 the Ministerial Association began to make plans for the Community Holy Week Services. It was suggested that an outside minister be selected to give the sermons. The congrega- tions of the various churches agreed.
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Roy L. Smith a Kansas man who had spent his early years in Nickerson and had graduated from high school there was contact- ed and agreed to come.
The Reverend Smith had wide experience in many fields. Not only was he an outstanding clergyman of the Methodist Church but he had success in many other lines of work. A great scholar and author of religious books and essays, he was also well known as an editor and world wide traveler. He used many of his pic- tures during his Crusade here.
Assisting in this Crusade for Christ was a well known singer Bernard Vessey of Colorado Springs. Vessey had wide experience in conducting the music for the services and was a great favorite with the audience.
The Crusade date was March 26-31 with all the local churches, minus one, assisting in necessary arrangements. Local ministers took charge during each service.
The meetings met in the high school auditorium and the at- tendance was excellent. At the opening meeting there were 500 present.
Round the clock prayer meetings had preceded the Crusade, and engendered an emotional atmosphere that added much to the success of the Holy Week Service. Perhaps the greatest good was to the congregations of the various churches-a revival of the Christian spirit and brotherhood of man.
During the meetings the first Community Breakfast was held at the United Presbyterian Church. About 100 attended and the service was so inspiring it was decided to continue them after the crusade was over. Each church was to be responsible. At the present, almost five years later, they are still being held, but this winter 1965 only bi-monthly.
About two years later Roy L. Smith died and his body was brought back to Nickerson for burial. Many from Stafford attended this service.
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