USA > Missouri > Vernon County > History of Vernon County, Missouri : past and present, including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county Vol. I > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
Our first pastor's name was Robinson. Then followed Harris, Lambkin, Collup, Post, Brown, Carmichael, Maiden, Wolfolk, Wester, Rogers, Best; Inlow, Virgin and Wright, who is the pres- ent pastor and doing a great work. While Brother Best was our pastor we built a beautiful and commodious house of wor- ship on West Hunter street. The following are some of the breth- ren who at different times held meetings for us: Warder, Hil- dreth, Hickman, Letts, Tutt, Inslow, Dew, Taylor, Dawes and Virgin. We have a large membership, a large and interesting Sunday school and a noble band of workers, hoping for great things in the future.
Mrs. D. W. Graves owned the first piano in town, having moved hers to this country, but afterwards sold it to Mrs. C. O. Graves, who still has it at her home on North Washington street. She and Judge Emerson used to give us some sweet music after the day's work was over, when he came to circuit court, he on the violin and she the piano. Some of those musicales were hard to beat. That piano and an old building between Wash- ington and Cedar in the fourth north block are about all there is left of the good old days. Nearly all the old inhabitants are gone, and soon there will be none left to tell the story. Game was abundant in those days-deer, prairie chicken, quail, etc. One day during one of the sessions of the circuit court four lawyers came down in double buggy from Fort Scott with sixty- three prairie chickens which they had shot on the way for us to cook for their dinner, which we did in good style. Soon after we built our house on the farm, three miles north of town, just about sundown one day thirteen deer came leisurely up in front and looked as if to interview the new house. Some one in the distance fired a gun and they bounded off in their proverbial grace and beauty to a nearby hillside to lie down and rest. I
463
CHURCHES
could fill a book with interesting incidents of those early days. As I think them over, how softly does each joy advance and leave the woes behind. For a long time a first class hotel was kept in an old, long log building across the street north of the Thorton bank, and many good meals were served there. D. W. Graves taught the first public school and during the years fol- lowing did much for the progress of educational and musical circles. C. O. Graves thought out and developed a plan that made our water works, lighting and beautiful Lake Park possible.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1858-68, 1910.
Some Mileposts Along the Way.
Fourteen persons came together in Nevada in the good year 1858 and organized the New Hope Baptist church.
In 1868, just ten years later, eight faithful ones came together and reorganized the Nevada Baptist church. Of these eight charter members we are permitted to have Sister M. J. Tillot- son with us and as a member of the general association.
The little band grew from the start. Other Baptists heard of the organization and came into its fellowship. The first church home was in a schoolhouse, located on the lot now occupied by the high school building. In 1871 the brick building on East Walnut street was erected, and became the home of the church for thirty years. There the membership faithfully toiled and sowed in tears and reaped with rejoicing. The band of eight grew to be a strong church of 400.
In the year 1900 the church moved into the present home. These past ten years have seen rapid growth in every way. As the eight had become 400 in the old house, the 400 has now be- come more than 800 in the new church.
This church honors the memory of its pastors. The first under- shepherd was Brother Robinson. Then followed in order Breth- ren Lambkin, Harris, Collup, Post, Brown, Carmichael, Wolfolk, 1883-86; Maiden, 1886-89; Plannett, 1889-93; Wester, 1893-96; Rogers, 1896-99; Best, 1899-01; Inlow, 1901-04; Virgin, 1904-06; Wright, 1906-11.
In addition to the faithful work of the pastors, the church has had the efficient labors of evangelists, who have come as helpers at the harvest time. Among these were Brethren Ran-
464
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY
dall, Hurlbert, Tutt, Setts, Warder, Hickman, Hildreth, Brown, M. P. and H. A. Hunt, Daws, Dew, Stewart, Taylor and William- son. Many seasons of refreshing has God sent upon the church.
From the first this has been a church giving honor to the teaching service. On the first page of the records we find, "Re- solved, that we recognize the Sunday school organized by mem- bers of this church and give it every possible assistance."
Brother T. B. Farmer was the first superintendent. Through the years the school has lived and wrought, and God's own rec- ord knows the good accomplished by the faithful teaching of the word. The school now fills every part of the building and grows with each passing year.
CHURCH OFFICERS.
Pastor, E. F. Wright, 319 West Walnut street; clerk, Clark McDonald; treasurer, Don D. Graves, 245 North Lynn street ; choir director, D. B. Bowman, 424 North Cedar street; organist, Miss Flora Dulin, 427 North Main street; president Woman's Missionary Union, Mrs. R. L. Wardin; president Ladies' Aid So- ciety, Mrs. M. J. Tillotson; president B. Y. P. U., Miss Mary Miller ; leaders of Junior B. Y. P. U., Mrs. W. R. Haddock, Mrs. J. H. Berghauser.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
T. J. Dean, H. E. Williams, W. A. Bowden, Dr. E. A. Dulin, Dr. W. T. Bohannon, S. C. Bewick, Don D. Graves, J. R. Davis, J. H. Berghauser, J. M. Smith, H. L. Williams, Dr. J. M. Yater, C. W. Wolf, L. P. Wade, E. B. Vallette, R. A. Perry.
TRUSTEES.
W. F. Norman, J. W. Russell, Dr. E. A. Dulin.
OTHER MEMBERS OF ADVISORY BOARD.
Dr. J. F. Robinson, R. L. Wardin, J. K. Hill, R. F. Lancaster.
The following is a list of the Baptist churches in Vernon county with the present pastors, clerks and membership:
Avola, E. M. Lockhart, pastor; E. A. Misener, clerk; mem- bership, twenty-one. Arthur, G. W. McClannahan, pastor ; W.
465
CHURCHES
B. Armstrong, clerk; membership, fifty-six. Bethel, G. W. Mc- Clannahan, pastor; E. L. Hedden, clerk; membership, 172. Blue Mound, J. G. Barnes, pastor; Josie Carlson, clerk; membership, twenty-nine. Bronaugh, C. C. Yancy, pastor ; George R. Butcher, clerk; membership, fifty-two. Bethlehem Valley, no pastor ; Emma Ozenberger, clerk; membership, eighteen. Deerfield, - C. C. Yancy, pastor; A. B. Halcomb, clerk; membership, sixteen. East Nevada, F. McClellan, pastor; Hattie White, clerk; mem- bership, fifty-seven. Harwood, J. G. Barnes, pastor; Mrs. Lois Sharp, clerk; membership, ninety-three. Milo, S. B. Moore, pastor ; D. M. Banta, clerk; membership, fifty-six. Montevallo, S. B. Moore, pastor; Hester Kokendoffer, clerk; membership, 105. Metz, G. W. McClannahan, pastor; Mary E. Cox, clerk ; membership, twenty-one. Oak Grove, Ben Zener, pastor; J. B. Smart, clerk; membership, 108. Olive Branch, F. G. Mcclellan, pastor; Nate Hayner, clerk; membership, seventy-one. Pine Street, no pastor; E. F. McFarland, clerk; membership, 141. Sulphur Springs, L. L. Tucker, pastor; H. L. Hargrove, clerk ; membership, seventy-eight. Schell City, J. G. Barnes, pastor ; Miss Mollie Reyburn, clerk; membership, 125. Sheldon, no pastor; Miss Ethyl Purcell, clerk; membership, 106. Timber Hill, no pastor; Jesse Hoffman, clerk; membership, fifty-eight. Walker, E. E. Howe, pastor; Wilbur N. Vass, clerk; membership, seventy-two.
Pine Street Baptist Church. The constitution and growth of the Pine Street Baptist Church. August 29, 1902, the follow- ing named Baptists, regularly lettered from East Nevada Baptist Church of Nevada, met in regular session. By motion, Rev. I. F. Shurley was elected moderator, and Dr. I. W. Amer- man clerk protem. The following were constitutional mem- bers: I. F. Shurley, W. E. Todd, Mrs. W. E. Todd, Mrs. I. F. Shurley, Granes Pace, Mrs. Woodford Gardner, Mrs. May Thomas, Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. T. T. Taylor, Woodford Gardner, Mrs. Ed. Pace, T. T. Taylor, Mrs. M. E. Amerman, E. Noris, Grace Dean, I. W. Amerman, Mrs. Lizzie Bell, Etta Roark, Mrs. Vic Simon.
These nineteen elected I. F. Shurley their pastor, who served them until September 13, 1905. They then remained without a shepherd until February 6, 1907, when Rev. W. E. Davis was
466
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY
elected pastor, and served them until April 15, 1908. On August 12, following, they elected Rev. J. F. Moore as pastor, and he served the congregation until July 13, 1910. On October 12, of this year, Rev. J. G. Barnes was elected and is still serv- ing as the pastor. At this date, July 24, 1911, the church has had a steady growth under the leadership of these men and the co-operation of the church, until at the present time, the enrollment is 153. May God's blessing rest on these people. J. G. BARNES.
East Nevada Baptist Church. There is some confusion in regard to this church, growing out of the fact that there are no records of first organization, and the recollection of parties and the records available do not exactly agree, but the follow- ing is supposed to be substanially correct :
Some Baptist brethren in 1886, felt that conditions were such that a church ought to be organized in East Nevada, so that those inclined would have religious advantages more con- venient than what was afforded them up town, nearly a mile distant. So they got together and without organizing a formal church (although it was called the Second Baptist Church) began to hold regular services generally at V. S. Prewitt's home, and in a nearby grove in warm weather, but in 1887 the present house of worship was built at a cost of about $1,000, which is located at 1231 East Austin street. This effort seemed to exhaust the zeal and interest of the congregation and it lapsed into a state of lethargy and inactivity, until a meeting was held on September 13, 1889, to revive interest, and organize in a regular and formal way, the East Nevada Baptist Church and as a result of this meeting, Rev. Plunket was moderator and Dr. I. W. Amerman was secretary and the East Nevada Baptist Church was organized with the following membership: Mary E. Purney, Annie and Sarah Seaver, Alice Dunnavant, Jennie and T. J. Canterberry, W. L. Hunter and John Lyons.
The first pastor was George W. McClannahan. Other pastors have been A. K. McGruee, M. A. Wolf, T. F. Sharley, J. M. Clark and the last pastor to serve regularly was G. W. McClana- han. The membership at one time reached 287 with a good Sunday school, but upon the establishment of Pine Street Baptist
467
CHURCHES
Church quite a lot of people on account of its being more con- venient went to that church, reducing the membership of the East Baptist Church, but it still has a goodly number of faith- ful and zealous members, and an interesting Sunday school.
Christian Science Church. It was in the spring of 1906 that the Church of Christian Science was first established in Vernon county in the home of a resident of Nevada, Mo., located at 218 North Washington street. There were only five adherents at these first services.
In the year of 1907 the attendance had increased to about twenty people so that new quarters were considered necessary. The old Armory on East Walnut street was procured and oc- cupied by them for a season for public service. Finally, in the year 1910, after several changes a room in the "Hotel Mitchell Annex" was fitted up for a free reading room where divine services and Sunday school, together with the regular weekly Wednesday testimonial meetings were held, and this place con- tinues to be the home of the Christian science cause in Nevada.
The immediate cause for the establishment of this church service was the healing of several individuals living in Nevada, one being a lady who was suffering from a very severe lung trouble, while another lady was cured of a very aggravating case of catarrh, also a case of erysipelas was healed in three days' time. Again, a small boy who had temporarily lost the use of his eyesight from a growth upon it, was cured and the eyesight was fully corrected so that he saw perfectly. These, and many other healings, were experienced through the practice . of healing as taught by Christian Science. This beautiful re- ligion has found favor not only with those living in Nevada, but also with many living far into the country who are unable to actually participate in its services.
It has ever been said that man's extremity is God's oppor- tunity, and Christian Science came as a special messenger to show this opportunity and taught that it is ripe for use, and at hand. The first chapter of the Gospel of St. John says: "Christ Jesus came unto his own, but they received neither him nor his message, but unto as many as received him, gave he the power to become the sons of God;" and our Master afterwards said : "They that believe on Me shall do the works which I do." Thus
468
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY
Christian Science teaches that one must strive to emulate our Savior's life in his own daily experience and that this moral and spiritual force rightly directed corrects and heals all moral and physical ills which mortals are heir to.
It was the great necessity in the life of mankind for a re- liable and safe curative that led to the discovery by Mary Baker Eddy of how to apply our Savior's teachings to human experience and escape its ignorance and sin. This revelation she named "Christian Science," and her text-book styled "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," contains a carefully prepared method of how to understand and practice this beautiful gospel of healing in absolute and full accord with Christ Jesus' teachings. Briefly stated, therefore, Christian Science teaches us how to obey Paul's injunction, to have "that mind which was also in Christ Jesus," because the spirit of Christ Jesus' teachings is the Comforter promised by our Savior which he said: "Should teach us all things and bring to our remembrance whatsoever He has taught us." This fulfills the law and gospel in the lives of those adherents who keep themselves unspotted from the world.
Catholic Church. The Catholic church was organized in Ver- non county in 1879, with four families-Lewis Boehm, Walter Johnson, David Daly and Michael Jordan-few in number in- deed, but each a zealous, practical Catholic.
Through the efforts of David Daly the first mass in Nevada, and in all probability the first in Vernon county, was celebrated at his own home, the Rev. Dr. John Daily having been secured to officiate. Thus Nevada became a mission parish, with Father Daily as its first pastor. Services were then conducted regularly once a month at private residences until 1881, when, with much help from non-Catholics of the city, the congregation built their first church, located on Pine street, between Locust and Walnut streets. The site for the church itself was donated by a non- Catholic, Dr. Dodson, of Nevada, and subscriptions were solicited from all citizens by Father Daily. Among the Catholics who were here at that time were Patrick McEniry, James Moore, Michael Reedy, John Shea, Michael Theno, Joseph Carr, Patrick Garvey, Patrick Sheedy, Michael Riley, William Peters and John Casmaer.
469
CHURCHES
Soon after the erection of the church Father Daily was re- moved and was in turn succeeded by the Rev. Fathers Daugherty, Caul, Connelly, Riley and Walsh.
In 1892 the Rt. Rev. Ignatius Conrad, abbot of New Subiacco abbey, Spielerville, Ark., took charge of the parish, and on July 12 appointed Rev. Father Basil, O. S. B., pastor, he being Ne- vada's first resident priest, and for more than nineteen years guided the destinies of St. Mary's. During his pastorate the church flourished and ere long it became possible to erect a larger and more pretentious place of worship. A site was therefore pur- chased February 26, 1897, located at the corner of Main and Allison streets and on August 7, 1899, the contract to erect the new church was awarded to F. Dye, of this city. September 17 of the same year marked the laying of the cornerstone, and by the dawn of Christmas morning the church was completed and services were conducted for the first time on that day.
The congregation now numbered eighty families and the need of a parochial school had long been felt; in fact, became a ne- cessity. It was decided that the school should be built on the lot adjoining the church and work was commenced April 3, 1905. The school was called St. Joseph's and opened the following September. With the sisters of St. Joseph, of Wichita, Kan., as instructors and under the ever-watchful eye of its director, Rev. Father Basil, the school prospered, now numbering among the best educational institutions in the state and is a source of pride to all Nevada.
The growth of the Catholic church in Vernon county has been truly wonderful, and through all the years of progress has shown the personality of Father Basil. With a nature self-sac- rificing to a fault, a kind, generous heart and with sympathies as broad as humanity itself, he became the idol of his flock and won, and indeed well merited, the admiration and highest es- teem of all our citizens. Little wonder, then, that his removal to a new field of labor in February, 1911, caused such widespread and deep regret to Nevadans in general. Father Basil was suc- ceeded as pastor of St. Mary's by Rev. Father Boniface, O. S. B. Father Boniface is a polished orator and has taken up the work of his predecessor in a manner which cannot but bring many to the mother church.
420
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY
REORGANIZED CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER- DAY SAINTS.
By C. W. KECK.
The local branch of the above church which does not believe in polygamy and other ungoldly doctrines believed and practiced by the dominant church in Utah who call themselves Latter-Day Saints, but commonly known as Mormons, was organized No- vember 23, 1890, seven miles northwest of Nevada with seventeen members who lived in that vicinity. The first officers of the branch were: H. E. Goff, president; C. F. Belkhanı, priest; C. H. Belkham, teacher; John Hennings, deacon, and Addie Goff, clerk. Meetings were held in private dwellings and schoolhouses in that vicinity until the membership was increased to about sixty-five. In February, 1900, a small hall in the rear of the old rink build- ing in Nevada was secured, where regular services were held for about one year, when the old Baptist church on East Walnut street was occupied for another year until this building was wanted for public school use and was given up, and again meet- ings were held in private dwellings until the completion of the church building on the corner of Elm and Allison streets. Pre- liminary steps were taken in October, 1902, for the building of this church and in February, 1903, the lot was purchased and in June actual work begun on the building, which was completed sufficiently so that the Clinton district conference was held in it in October, 1903. The building is of frame, forty-two by sixty- eight feet, and cost a little more than $3,000. All but $165 of this amount was donated by the seventy-five members then be- longing to this branch. The present membership is 101 and offi- cers as follows : C. W. Keck, president ; John Noyes, priest ; A. L. Crocker, teacher; Warren McElwain, deacon, and Mabel Braden, clerk.
Christian Church. The first organization of this church was effected in the fall of 1857 by Rev. Thomas German. The con- stituent members numbered about twenty, some of whom were W. W. Prewitt, Samuel Thomas and his wife, Amanda; D. C. Hunter, Henry Hunter and Joseph Stapp. The first meetings were held in the old courthouse. Up to the outbreak of the war
471
CHURCHES
the preaching was done mainly by Elders Thomas German and William Sargent; the latter died in Illinois a few years since at the extraordinary age of 104. The war entirely destroyed or broke up the organization; even the records were lost. But Sep- tember 12, 1868, the church was reorganized, chiefly through the efforts of Elder H. J. Speed, who gathered up about forty mem- bers and formed the organization of which the present is the successor. In February, 1869, W. A. Poindexter and Peter Rex- rode were chosen elders, and W. W. Prewitt and Jacob Craft were elected deacons. From 1869 to 1878 the elders were W. W. Prewitt, A. Cummins, W. H. Blanton and Ashby Gray ; the dea- cons were P. J. Bond, J. M. Liddil, A. Cummins, Ashby Gray, W. D. Howard, W. S. Clack and J. A. Williams. Meetings were held successively in the little frame schoolhouse, the new court- house and Cummins' Hall. Regular preachers during this period were Elders W. W. Warren, H. J. Speed, J. W. Mountjoy, J. A. Graves, - Watson, William Matthews; irregular ministers who did much good for the congregation were Elders C. W. Sherwood, G. W. Longan, W. W. Carter, A. Proctor, Robert Nor- ville, S. K. Hallam, J. H. Hughes, M. M. Davis and G. R. Hand. Some time after the reorganization an unfortunate dissension arose in the church, resulting in its division into two bodies, one called the Washington Street church, the other the Cherry Street church, each congregation having at last a separate house of worship. November 2, 1877, largely through the efforts of Elder M. M. Davis, the congregations agreed to submit their grievances to a commission and to abide by its decision and award in the premises. The commission was composed of Elders L. B. Wilkes, J. M. Wilkes and J. K. Rogers, all men of eminence in the Chris- tian church. The decision, which took effect May 19, 1878, was that there was no cause for the existence of two Christian churches in Nevada and the award directed them to reunite upon fair and equitable terms. A complete reconciliation was effected and since that date the church has greatly increased and pros- pered. Elder M. M. Davis served as pastor of the church from January, 1880, until May 23, 1884, when he tendered his resigna- tion. Elder E. B. Cake assumed the pastorate in January, 1885. The church building, on the southwest corner of Washington and Austin streets, was built in 1877; since that time it has been con- siderably enlarged and improved.
472
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY
The preaching was mainly done by Thomas German and Will- iam Sargent. The terror of the Civil War brought destruction to the organization and no church records of these four years can be found. On September 12, 1868, H. J. Speed organized a band of forty members which is now represented by the pres- ent church. In February, 1869, the following officers were elected : Elders, W. A. Poindexter and Peter Rexrode; deacons, W. W. Prewitt and Jacob Craft. During the period between 1869 and May, 1878, the following regular preachers served the church : W. W. Warren, H. J. Speed, J. W. Mountjoy, J. A. Grover, - Walton and William Matthews. The irregular preachers were C. W. Sherwood, G. W. Longan, W. W. Carter, Alexander Proc- tor, Robert Novelle, S. K. Hallam, J. H. Hughes, M. M. Davis, G. R. Hand and others. Since 1878 the ministers have been M. M. Davis, E. B. Cake, L. H. Early, R. H. Love, D. D. Boyle, J. J. Lockhart, A. C. McKeener, B. F. Hill, G. D. Edwards, W. W. Burks and Levi Marshall, the present incumbent.
The present beautiful and commodious edifice was erected in 1896. The church has prospered greatly in recent years and now has a resident membership of over 700. There is a very active Ladies' Aid Society. The C. W. B. M. (Christian Wom- an's Board of Missions) is one of the largest in the state, hav- ing a membership of over 100. The Sunday school has an en- rollment of 350, with an average attendance of 225. There is a prosperous Y. P. S. C. E. The church enjoys a steady and healthy growth.
Seventh Day Adventist. This church was organized on Jan- uary 10, 1874, with the following members: Washington Boggs, Mary Boggs, Jacob Craft, Rosanna Craft, L. I. Shaw, Mary E. Wright, D. C. Hunter and Matilda K. Hunter. In 1881 a frame church building was erected.
The United Brethren church was organized in Nevada in 1905 with eight charter members. The present building (on corner of Arch and Pine streets) was erected during the summer of 1906 at a cost of $1,600, under the direction of the presiding elder, Dr. D. C. Warren. The first pastor, J. W. Yeater, was appointed October 7, 1906. H. W. Harrison was the first super- intendent of the Sunday school. The second pastor, W. M. Petti- bone, served two years. The present pastor, Rev. Joseph Dohmer, is serving his second year. U. S. G. Prowell is the present super-
473
CHURCHES
intendent of the Sunday school. Present membership of the church is fifty-six.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NEVADA, MO.
By THE EDITOR.
The Presbyterians were pioneers in religious work in this county, three of the company that established. Harmony Mis- sion in 1821 being ordained Presbyterian ministers, to-wit : N. B. Dodge, Jr., of Underhill, Vt .; Benton Pixley, of Williams- burg, Vt., and William B. Montgomery, of Danville, Pa., and Amasa Jones, another of the company, was licensed to preach November 7, 1826. N. B. Dodge organized some churches in the early days in the territory now embraced in Vernon county. On June 16, 1872, in pursuance of appointment by the Ozark Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. W. R. Fulton, of Greenfield, Mo., held a meeting in the courthouse in Nevada, Mo., and organized a Presbyterian church, the organization com- prising ten members, as follows: James M. Brown, Ruling elder ; Galvin Bicket, Ruling elder; Mary L. Brown, Mary Ann Bicket, Sr., Mary Ann Bicket, Jr., John A. McLean, James A. DePay, Charlotte F. DePay, John W. Cleland and Celinda J. Cleland.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.