USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people > Part 28
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The church whose fostering care adopts it has shown by the history of hundreds of institutions like that which this is to become, that she knows how to be christian and not sectarian in their management; that she knows how to exercise the largest toleration; that she would not only "live, but let live;" that she appreciates and can command, and is satisfied with nothing but the highest culture; that the work to-day commenced is a work to be carried on always; that every institution that is her pride had a commencement of less promise, perhaps, than this of ours. And so her honored representatives stand here to- day equipped with testimonials giving them the best of authority to call upon all good citizens for their continued interest and benefactions, and upon all true christians for their gifts and their prayers.
As I look forward into the future years I see this beautiful campus covered with buildings devoted to high culture, filled with eager students and wise pro- fessors; I see our citizens bringing strangers here and pointing with pride to the then present, and with greater pride to the sacrifices through which the great things have been accomplished; I see pleasant homes all through this section of our state; I see better schools in every village-a high tone of intellectual life on farm, in workshop, store and office. I see our Sabbaths honored; I see a higher type of citizen, and all this because upon every building erected and upon the heart of every student educated there has been written the words so glowing with light and so full of holy uplifting power, pro Christo et humanitate.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The First Methodist church, during the 'eighties, as in the pioneer days, continued to be a great power in Carthage, and closed the decade with the building of a magnificent house of worship, costing $24,000. Dr. Stewart, who was assigned to the Carthage charge in 1881 con- tinued until 1885, when the Rev. Dr. George H. Hughey of St. Louis was sent to the First church and remained until 1888. Dr. Hughey was a splendid Christian gentleman, kind and pleasant in manner and elo- quent in speech. During Dr. Hughey's pastorate the membership of the church was greatly increased. During 1881-2 additions were made to the church as a result of his earnest work.
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Rev. Dr. A. R. Cronce was assigned to the church in 1888 and during his pastorate the handsome church edifice was built.
A farewell meeting was held in the old church building March 7, 1889, and was attended by seventeen members who were present at the dedication twenty years before : R. H. Rose and wife, Mrs. J. J. Hall, D. A. Harrison, Mrs. Sandige, Mrs. Ragsdale, John Easton, Bennett Hall, R. G. Seawell, Amelia Haughawout, Mrs. Hanna Potter, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Fosdick, A. B. Parkell, Mrs. J. N. Stephenson and Nelson Damon and wife.
The dedication of the new church took place Sunday, May 5th. The Right Reverend Bishop Bowman, of St. Louis, bishop of this diocese for seventeen years, came out from St. Louis to dedicate the church and oc- cupied the seat of honor in the pulpit. At his right sat Rev. Dr. Miller, of Kansas City, one of the most prominent and eloquent divines in the west and whose reputation as an orator, as well as a Christian worker is such that his church is always filled to overflowing. On the left of the Bishop sat Rev. Dr. Tuttle, of Sedalia, a venerable gentleman who two years ago celebrated his half century in the Methodist ministry and has since been superannuated. Presiding Elder Hamel and Rev. A. R. Cronce, pastor of the church, also occupied chairs in the pulpit. The benign countenance of Rev. Dr. Hughey beamed upon his congregation from the platform and an expression of pardonable pride was visible on his face as he viewed the grand building which his efforts and influence had done so much toward securing for Carthage. To the Doctor's in- domitable energy, more than any other one thing, are the Methodists of this city indebted for their magnificent building.
There were present to assist in the services, Rev. J. J. Martin, of Marionville, Rev. C. V. Criss, of Lamar, and Rev. H. M. Hackney, of Joplin.
The dedicatory address was delivered by Rev. D. Miller of Kansas City and his address was pronounced by many to have been the ablest sermon ever delivered in Carthage.
The vast congregation sat as if spell-bound for over an hour and were so en rapport with the speaker that when at his final outburst of glorified eloquence, a genuine Methodist shout was heard from a happy, sympa- thetic old man, the majority of the congregation felt as though they would like to join him in his hallelujah.
THE INFLUENCE OF JESUS
Dr. Miller said in part on this topic, to which his sermon was devoted :
"His name shall be called wonderful."-Isa. 9:6
More than eighteen hundred years ago there was born in Bethlehem, of Judea, a being who has shaped the progress of the centuries until now-a being sustaining the most marvelous relations to all things. Let any one read the bio- graphical sketches as given by the evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and then let him say whether Jesus of Nazareth is not the most wonderful per- son of history. But the wonder lies deeper. It is not merely the historical
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Christ that engages the world's attention. It is the perpetually present Christ; the Christ who went away from the outside only to come back on the inside.
After discussing with great vividness and power the energy, extent and variety of Christ's influence in the world, Dr. Miller said :
Christ's influence is as permanent as it is varied. If we test the continued potency of the influence which has come down to us from Bethlehem and Calvary by the extent to which they have become incorporated in the thought and life of our times, we shall be compelled, whether disciples or critics, to recognize in the teachings and example, and above all the death of Jesus of Nazareth the reser- voir of moral and intellectual force from which mankind have been continually drawing their highest forms of energy, and on which the whole world is becon- ing more and more consciously dependent for its renewal and reformation. I know that social and national ethics are still as far from the gospel ideal as is the practical morality of every day life. But I know, too, that both social and national standards tend to approximate that ideal, and that men, whether in public or private life, are commended or censured just in proportion as they con- form to it or depart from it. The critics and enemies have been at work like sappers and miners to subvert the truth on which the church is founded; but they have only disclosed the Gibraltar like strength of her foundations. I would as soon fear the digging down of the Rocky mountains, with their hundreds of miles of granite base, with a penknife, as to fear for all the petty assaults of infidelity on the mount of God's revealed truth.
"Immovably founded in grace She stands as she ever hath stood, And brightly her builder displays And flames with the glory of God,"
while the more portentous but foundationless structure which her enemies have tried to rear in her stead have been swept, one after another, by the tempests of a common sense judgment out of existence. According to all rules and logic, the church, as a mere human institution should long since have disappeared from the earth, destroyed, if in no other way by the weakness and infidelities of her own children. But of all powers, whether of light or of darkness, she remains the . perpetual and immortal mistress. Statesmen must heed her voice, philan- thropists must invoke her aid and follow her as an infallible guide; moralists must recognize her ideals and standards, and reformers must draw the support of their cause from her ample and exhaustless bosom.
The influence of Jesus never grows old. It is as young as the sunshine, which is no older this morning than when it brightened on the hill-tops of Judea on the morning of the nativity. Look at the ship on yonder ocean; the toughest oak will rot and the staunchest ships will lay their decayed timbers on the strand. That is the fate of all human systems, but the religion of Christ is like the ocean itself, stretching away to the far shores of an eternity and bearing all ships, whether little or large, that venture on its sunny bosom, to the desired haven.
The dedicatory services were brief and to the point and in a fervid prayer the venerable Bishop dedicated the handsome structure to the Glory of God.
MAJOR COLE'S REVIVAL
In February, 1888, Major Cole, a noted revivalist of the 'eighties, be- gan a series of meetings in Carthage, which stirred the county seat to great religious activity. His meetings were held in the skating rink and the first one for men was attended by 800. Before the close of the
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UNIFORMED MEMBERS OF THE OLD "FIFTH"
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revival the great audiences which nightly gathered at the rink taxed its capacity and overflow meetings were necessary to accommodate the throng who came to hear the gifted preacher. Many united with the several churches as a result of these meetings.
THE CARTHAGE LIGHT GUARD
It would hardly do justice to the splendid military organization which Carthage maintained during the 'eighties to pass it with a formal mention of its officers and the several military encampments which the company attended; for the Light Guard, during the 'eighties, was not - only the pride of all Carthage on account of its military achievements, but it was the center of the social life of the county seat.
On the retirement of Captain Tuttle, in 1880, the following officers were elected : Captain, W. K. Caffee; first lieutenant, C. O. Harrington; second lieutenant, Charles Brown; first surgeon, A. M. Hurty.
The company now procured new uniforms and equipments and their fine appearance excited the admiration of every one. During July 3-5, 1881, the company went into camp at Cassil's Place, with two com- panies from St. Louis and the Fort Scott Company of the Kansas State Guard as their guests. On July 5th a sham battle was fought to com- memorate the battle of Carthage on July 5, 1861.
Washington's birthday was the time set apart for the company's annual military ball and it was the society event of the year in Carthage. Preparations were made weeks in advance for these functions and the memories of those happy occasions are pleasant recollections to this day. We describe at length the Light Guard ball of 1884, as it will give an idea of the Company in a social way. We print here the Banner's ac- count of the affair:
"ON WITH THE DANCE."
THE LIGHT GUARD BALL, A COMPLETE SOCIAL VICTORY FOR OUR SOLDIER BOYS. Washington's birthday was never honored by a more brilliant and enjoyable occasion than the Light Guard ball at the Opera House last night. The gas jets of a military ball at the Nation's capital could scarcely have lighted up a more bewildering array of "fair women and brave men." The room was very hand- somely decorated and in the best of taste. The columns and chandeliers were draped with bright colored decorations artistically blended. The walls were cov- ered with evergreens, mottoes and flags. Every point of advantage was occupied by something bright and beautiful and the scene was brilliantly lighted by numer- ous gas jets under red, white and blue shades. There were upward of one hun- dred guests present, comprising large delegations from Joplin, Springfield, Lamar, Peirce City, Nevada, Neosho and Kansas City. The large number in attendance forbids even an attempt to name all, or to describe the many rich and beautiful costumes. It was made a full dress occasion and there were numerous magnifi- cent toilets. Bright silks and satins, gauzy laces, gold, pearls and the sparkle of diamonds.
The gentlemen were in conventional black excepting that large proportion of the company whose manly forms were covered by the gray uniforms of the Carthage, and Springfield Light Guard, or the blue and gold of the Joplin Rifles,
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Peirce City Guard and Lamar City Guards. The grand march began at nine o'clock and was participated in by at least one hundred couples. This was fol- lowed by the regular program of dances. At half past ten o'clock the Carthage Light Guard entered the hall, led by the L. G. Band and gave their
SILENT MANUAL DEILI ..
They went through the manual of arms and all the evolutions without a word of command and with the utmost precision. The performance was repeatedly and enthusiastically cheered and even our own people who know so well the pro- ficiency of the Guard were surprised and felt a new pride in our "crack military company," and many were the words of praise and commendation from the visitors from neighboring towns.
At 11 o'clock, supper at the Harrington was announced and for an hour or two the ball room divided the attractions of the evening with the banquet hall. Mr. Criley, of the Harrington, had prepared an elegant oyster supper, with all its un- usual accessories, and presented the homely but popular bivalve in its most attrac- tive forms. Mr. Criley is always equal to the occasion whether it be of a special nature or merely the provision of the every day comfort of hotel life. When the more sedate and elderly people had taken supper, they called it quits and went home, but those who attend a ball to dance had merely been taking their pre- liminary exercise, and as the departures left a good free space in the hall, the business of the evening began in good earnest, and as nearly as we can learn the musicians earned their money before their night's work was over. The music by the way is worthy of special comment.
The L. G. Band played excellently, and the music furnished by the Kansas City Orchestra was an entertainment in itself. This orchestra has the reputation of being one of the best in the state, and the reputation is deserved.
THE FLOOR MANAGERS.
Messrs. A. M. Hurty, A. B. Deutsch, Ben Allen. J. D. Perkins and C. O. Har- rington were ubiquitous throughout the evening and untiring in their efforts to make the occasion enjoyable for everybody. Too much cannot be said of their skillful and energetic work, to which the splendid success of the ball is largely due.
Besides nearly all the society people of Carthage, too numerous to name, we noticed,
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James Bolen and wife, Mrs. Bennett, Mr. Stockton and Lew Miller, of Kansas City.
Harry Moore and wife, E. Wilcox and Frank Morse, of Nevada.
John H. Taylor, Miss Marcie Webb, Miss Bertha Brader and Miss C. Good- win, of Joplin. Also Lieut. F. E. Williams, Sergeant F. A. Franklin, Lee Carerter, E. C. Summerfield, Harry Laudback, Ben Landauer, L. G. Houard, W. W. Pate, Jr., and Arthur Leonard, of the Joplin Rifles.
Miss Hayes, Arthur J. Weir and Falcon L. Weir, of Neosho.
Mr. Chas. Neiswager and wife, Miss Addie Boyden, Mr. Dan Herman, of Springfield, besides Capt. Geo. Townsend, Lieut. J. Hastings, Lieut. R. C. McMil- lan, Gus Clements, S. McGregor, A. B. Diggins, W. S. Purcell, Chas. H. Hanan and Pratt Saylor, of Springfield Light Guard.
Capt. Bennett, Elmer Tomlinson and Charlie Stevenson of Lamar.
Mrs. J. Gillette, Mr. Ben LaFayette, and Lieut. J. Gillette, J. L. Johnson, Albert Newman, R. S. Crebs, W. A. Duncan, F. C. Stellhorn, Jas. B. Davis of the City Guard, Peirce City.
Miss Peachy Railey, of St. Louis, Miss Marsh, of Wisconsin ; Miss Campbell, of Clarksville, Tenn.
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BALL NOTES.
They all say it-that the ball last night was the finest thing of the kind that ever occurred in Carthage.
There were costumes at the Opera House last night that would have graced the President's reception or Vanderbilt's ball.
Thomas Summerfield, the irrepressible of the Joplin Herald, enjoyed him- self among the Carthaginians at the Opera House.
The Joplin Rifles in their blue uniform with gold lace trimmings presented a fine appearance and were much admired.
The Springfield Light Guard sent up a delegation whom the girls declare, first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of their country women.
A lady, who last year witnessed the prize drill in Chicago, was heard to re- mark last night that she saw nothing there to equal the silent drill of the Carth- age Light Guard.
Col. C. C. Allen of the "Gallant Fifth" made his first public appearance in his new uniform last night. He looks every Inch a soldier which gives him more soldierly inches than many a bigger man.
Mr. Arthur J. Weir and his brother, Falcon L. Weir, of Neosho, who were at the ball, are connected with the Scotch Land Company of Newton county, the former being assistant manager and acting superintendent of the company. He has been a commissioned officer in the British army, and says he has seen a good deal of fine drilling but that the performance of the Light Guard will compare favorably with any of it.
THE LIGHT GUARD'S TENTH ANNIVERSARY
On January 5, 1886, the Light Guard celebrated the tenth anniver- sary of its organization with a banquet at the Harrington Hotel which- was a brilliant success. The arrangements had been placed in the hands of a competent committee consisting of Lieutenant Ed. P. Cassil, Ser- geants G. H. Thomas and A. B. Deutsch, Corporal R. G. Smith and Priv- ate A. H. Miller, and nothing had been omitted which was calculated to increase the enjoyment and success of the occasion. The tables in the spacious dining room of the Harrington Hotel were very handsomely arranged, and the supper, under the liberal and skilful direction of Mr. Fabyan, the courteous landlord, and his efficient lieutenant, Mr, Foss, left nothing undone to make it the crowning event of the Guard's ten years of success.
. Among the guests were Governor John S. Marmaduke, Labor Com- missioner O. Von Kochtisky, R. Roche, of the adjutant-generals' depart- ment. The field officers of the Fifth regiment, namely, Col. C. C. Allen, Maj. Clark Craycroft, Adjutant Harrington, Surgeon Crebbs and Quar- termaster Hillyer; Ex-mayors Harding, Caffee, Harper, Luscombe and Moore, Mayor O'Keefe; ex-officers Capt. Tuttle and Lieut. Cahn; mem- bers of the press, A. W. St. John, A. F. Lewis, and S. D. Carpenter; vocal quartet consisting of Dr. L. I. Matthews, Geo. Blakeney, S. S. Wells and W. Mitchell, with Mr. Cort Hill as accompanist. Prof. Dumar and his orchestra were also in attendance and furnished some excellent music.
The most interesting feature of the evening was the after-dinner speeches. "Sketch of Our Ten Years' History" was responded to by Capt. W. K. Caffee, in the following able and interesting speech, which is given in full.
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Our company is, I believe, the out-growth of a convention held between Mr. Deagan and myself upon a Sunday in December, of the year 1875. The interest we excited communicated itself to others and upon the 3d of January, 1876, in the then Regan's Hall, was held the meeting whose tenth anniversary we are commemorating so pleasantly tonight.
The Carthage Light Guard, though a ten years' existence is but a compara- tively brief one, is venerable in the roll of similar organizations in our state, for change has so wrought among them that we now rank as the oldest.
Our earlier years were uneventful beyond the incidents, which we still par- tially experience, of a struggle for existence. Our first and most ambitious trip was to the Grant reception at Kansas City in 1880; it is now most memorable to many of us as our last sight of the grand commander, whose honest simplicity of character, inflexible purpose and military genius, carried him up to and through the honorable and glorious career which is so bright a page in the country's history. To that trip we are indebted for the impetus which has carried us through the succeeding years, for comparing our uniforms, worn, seedy and shab- by, with the bright and handsome outfits of so many other commands we were spurred to the exertion which made us equal in appearance at least, to any other.
We have visited Fort Scott twice; Cherryvale, where we found it possible to provide too liberally against suffering from the peculiar draught supposed to exist within the borders of our sister state, and in consequence the unwise amount of preventive absorbed caused the introduction of many startling and unknown manoeuvers in our exhibition drill to the astonishment of a few posted, but to the wild delight of the greater number of uninitiated spectators; twice Nevada, whose whole-souled hospitality and cordial welcome yet warms our hearts and claims from us a fitting requital in the future; Springfield twice; Joplin, whose kind citizens have entertained us more than once; twice Peirce city, whose people proved to our regiment, as well as ourselves, their right to be numbered among the most genial and capable of hosts, and last Pittsburg.
Our camp in Cassil's Place was one of the pleasantest events of our history ; we there first had the happiness of the presence of this evening's most honored guest ; the warm expression of appreciation from our St. Louis visitors, so often since extended to us Individually, has amply repaid us; that they were sincere in their declarations the beautiful medal presented to us through Capt. Bull and Sergeant Gareschie amply testifies. There crosses my mind a faint recollection of an entertainment offered these gentlemen on the banks of Spring river, but the details are obscured beyond the memory that the affair was wildly-joyful.
To the ladies we owe as an organization, what all men do as individuals, much of that inspiration, which leads to success. Our flag ia their gift, and the graceful act was worthy of their tender hearts. Their bright smiles and approba- tion are prizes we have ever striven for, and from our rapidly increasing number of Benedicts, I think not altogether in vain.
Of the gentlemen who have officered the company, our first Captain, Garrison, lives far away. My predecessor, Capt. Tuttle, ex-Lieutenants Cahn, Brown, and Deagan, the latter now through modesty most faithful of privates, we have with us to-night. Hardin, the faithful and efficient officer, the courteous and polished gentleman, is no more.
We have borne upon our roles the names of two hundred men. Of these forty-eight are now active members; fifty are still our townsmen, but no more of us; five have joined that greatest army, and "Bivouac with the dead;" the re- mainder are scattered, many, I know not where.
Through all our existence we have enjoyed the well wishes of our people. At first many smiles greeted our awkwardness, but increased proficiency brought its corresponding respect, and I believe few of our citizens but think we have measurably succeeded in our endeavor to build up an organization, which, by its efficiency in drill and the conduct of its members, redounds to the credit and honor of Carthage, we all love so well.
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My sketch would hardly be complete without allusion to the phenomenally small amount of friction which has existed among us. Other companies in the state have had much larger membership, more money, more elaborate equip- ments and better armories, but have lacked that something, I know not what, to preserve their existence. Dissensions have arisen, factions formed, disgust fol- lowed and then, the end. Even in our own regiment, organized but two years ago, there is but one company, besides our own, in which as great changes have not occurred in that time as in our ten years' life. We have had our little do- mestic quarrels and strife, but have gotten bravely thro' or over them. We have never had factions; we could not even stay mad at our state long enough, when the last legislature failed to "appropriate," to stick out our intention of dis- banding; but are here tonight celebrating the completion of one decade of our company's being, and looking forward to unnumbered ones to follow.
Governor Marmaduke answered to the toast, "The State of Missouri," in a very interesting manner. He complimented the Light Guard, and expressed the hearty wish that the state of Missouri might come to ap- preciate its gallant militia, by making a proper appropriation for its support.
"The Fifth Regiment" was the topic to which Colonel Allen re- sponded with all his characteristic ability, and his remarks were among the best and most entertaining of the evening.
"The Rank and File" was the sentiment which Private Ed. Crow was allotted. He made an eloquent and able speech, and concluded with the presentation, in behalf of the company, of a magnificent sword to Captain Caffee, accompanied with the roster of the company handsomely written out and framed.
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