USA > Missouri > Presbyterianism in the Ozarks : a history of the work of the various branches of the Presbyterian Church in Southwest Missouri, 1834-1907 > Part 24
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
DAVID N. ALLEN.
Received from the Presbytery of Sequoyah April 10th, 1894; returned to the same September 23d. 1897. Mr. Allen served as stated supply of the Eureka Springs Church. He was a man of native gifts and wit, an interesting expositor of the word and a valuable helper in evangelistie services, though these gifts were not exercised much in this Presbytery.
BURTON H. GRAGG.
Ordained in the M. E. Church, South, October 7th. 1888. Mr. Gragg entered the Presbytery September 27th, 1894: supplied the Ash Grove Church and was dismissed to the Presbytery of
244
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
Larned April 22d, 1896. As Financial Agent for Emporia Col- lege and as pastor-at-large of Topeka Presbytery his most ef- ficient services have been rendered in the Synod of Kansas.
JOIIN T. CURTIS.
John T. Curtis was ordained by the Presbytery of Ozark November 1st, 1894, and served the churches of Jasper, Irwin and Preston. He was dismissed to the Presbytery of Neosho September 22d, 1897, and returned to the Presbytery April 5th, 1898. After a little more than two years' service in the Eureka Springs Church. he was dismissed to the Presbytery of Platte July 28th, 1900.
JOHN N. McCLUNG.
Rev. John N. MeClung was received from the Presbytery of St. Louis November 1st, 1899. A call from the Monett Church was placed in his hands and he continned as pastor-elect and pastor of that church until September 17th, 1896. A few weeks before the close of this pastorate he was stricken with paralysis just before he had finished his sermon. and fell back in his pulpit chair. On the 7th of December he passed to his reward. Until he was about forty years of age Dr. McClung practiced dentistry. With a liberal literary education and a wide knowledge of men and affairs, he took a private course in theology. He became mighty in the Scriptures and his preaching was with denenstra- tion of the Spirit and of power. His Bible readings in connec- tion with evangelistie services were remarkably helpful and he was permitted to lead multitudes to the Saviour. Seldom has a pastorate in this Presbytery had a more promising ontlook than did his in the Monett Church. During his brief service there the church had a ret increase of more than 100 per cent., and for the first time reached the stage where it became a desirable pas- terate. His last days were spent in Springfield, and it was my high privilege to minister to him in spiritual things and to con -. ·inet his funeral services. In his death as in life we felt con- strained to say. "He was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith."
JAMES E. SENTZ.
On the same day that the subject of the last sketch was re- ceived the Presbytery received James E. Sentz, and that evening
-
245
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
he was installed pastor of Calvary Church. The pastoral relation was dissolved and Mr. Sentz was dismissed to the Presbytery of Denver September 21st, 1897. Possessed with some of the graces of oratory, a striking appearance, a well modulated voice, grace- ful bearing and a beautiful flow of language, probably no pastor of Calvary Church has made better audiences than Did Mr. Sentz. His whole strength was devoted to his pulpit ministrations, which were brilliant rather than profound, and therefore he was less identified with the work of the Presbytery than any pastor of that church since the beginning of Ozark Presbytery.
WARREN MOONEY.
Received from the Congregational Association of Kansas City November 1st, 1894. Served the churches of Buffalo and Conway; dismissed to the Presbytery of Neosho September 17th, 1896.
CHRISTOPHER VINCENT.
Mr. Vincent was a member of this Presbytery just long enough to get his name in this volume. Received from the Pres- bytery of Cimmaron December 27th, 1894; served the South Jop- lin Church; dismissed to the Presbytery of Fargo September 17th, 1895.
EDWARD W. CLIPPINGER.
A student under the care of this Presbytery, Mr. Clippinger was educated at Drury College and McCormick Seminary. He was licensed and ordained by the Presbytery April 17th, 1895. and was immediately dismissed to the Presbytery of Kansas City.
GEORGE M. BONNER (COLORED).
Received from the Presbytery of White River April 17th, 1895. Engaged in secular occupations most of the time.
WILBUR F. GRUNDY.
If there is one man in the Presbytery who loves the Presby- terian Church and the Presbytery of Ozark that man is Wilbur F: Grundy. Ordained in the Methodist Church in 1885, he was received from the Nebraska Conference April 18th. 1895. For
246
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
a short time he served under the Home Board on a mission field in Arkansas, but was soon transferred to the work under the Sabbath School Board. His headquarters were at Mammoth Springs, Ark., until the work of the S. S. missionaries was redis- tricted, when he moved to Fayetteville, Ark. He is thoroughly en rapport with this frontier work, for which he is admirably adapted. His visits in the homes of the people are greatly appre- ciated, and when they see him on the highways they are thrilled with the thought that the man of God is drawing near and he is entreated to stop. Into these homes he brings friendly counsel, good cheer and a message from his Master. And in them he leaves the printed page and the memory of an earnest petition offered at the throne of Grace.
Mr. Grundy is one of the most faithful Presbyters I have known and no one seems to enjoy the fellowship of the brethren with a keener relish than does he. His one regret when the union was consummated was that it would throw him out of eccles- iastical fellowship with Ozark Presbytery. He has tried faith- fully to keep abreast of the Sabbath school movements. and since his reception by the Presbytery has studied our theology, polity, history ; has taken the Teachers' Training Course and Semelroth's Bible Course.
JAY B. FISHER.
Ordained by the Presbytery of Ozark April 18th, 1895. Mr. Fisher had been engaged in various kinds of religious work and was past threescore years of age when ordained. He served the Mount Zion Church for a time, but was soon honorably retired. The date of his death is unknown to the writer.
EDWARD LEE RENICK.
I will venture the assertion that the record of the labors of Edward Lee Renick occupies a larger place in the book on Jligh than it does in the annals of the Presbytery. He came to this Presbytery direct from Princeton Seminary in the spring of 1895, and since that time has labored in our bounds as a Sabbath school missionary. The Presbytery ordained him September 18th, 1995. He has left the beaten paths and pressed out into the most neody sections of the Presbytery. Six feet in height and 235 pounds in weight, he has a heart as big as his body. The children greet him with a warmth of affection ordinarily reserved for the fabled Santa Claus, and hardened old sinners say there goes one minis- ter who is a man. Traveling over a dozen counties in the Ozarks
247
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
in the course of years hundreds of men ride in his buggy, and he makes it a rule never to let a man sit beside him there without finding out something of his spiritual condition. It has been my privilege to go with Mr. Renick through the mountainous regions of the Presbytery three times-twice on camping trips-and I confidently affirm that in the last quarter of a century no man in the Presbytery has endured the hardships and privations that. his work has necessitated. He is specially gifted as a personal worker and has been used by the Spirit of God in bringing many souls into the kingdom.
JAMES C. SEFTON.
Received from the Presbytery of Cimmaron October 18th, 1895; served the Presbytery as pastor-at-large, and later as the supply of varions churches; dismissed to the Presbytery of Aiton February 12th, 1900.
CHARLES MEMMOTT.
Received from the Presbytery of Palmyra April 21st. 1896: supplied the churches of Ash Grove and Bolivar; dismissed to the Presbytery of Cedar Rapids April 5th, 1899.
J. G. KNOTTER.
Ordained by the Presbytery of Ozark April 23d, 1896; served the Waldensian Church; dismissed to the Brookfield Conference (Cong.) April 4th, 1900.
JACOB B. WELTY.
Of the men who laid hands on my head in ordination no one made a more lasting impression on my life than Jacob B. Welty. At that time he was pastor of our church at Moberly. He was ordained by the Classis of Westmoreland (Reformed Church) in 1872, but for some years prior to 1890 had been in the Preshy- terian Church. "He was born in the State of Pennsylvania, preached in several States and was known as a minister whose work was always marked with growth. He figured in several important movements for righteousness, one being the national lecturer of the White Cross movement."
On the 15th of May, 1896. Mr. Welty began his pastorate with the First Church of Joplin-a pastorate that was termi-
248
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
nated September 17, 1892. Mr. Welty reaconed this the most successful pastorate of his life, though he said he had never served a church that he did not double its membership during his stay. The first year of his ministry in Jopiin the house was filled to its capacity and chairs were placed in every available space. In the autumn of 1837 a lot was purchased for a new church. Mr. and Mrs J. H Taylor gave the church the adjoin- ing lot. "Upon this property a parsonage, modern in its ap- pointments, * * was erected in the winter of '97-'9S." "A sale of the property at Seventh and Main streets was effected in the year 1899. Preparations were immediately set on foot for the building of a new house of worship. It was decided to make it large, modern and ample for institutional work. # The
structure was built during the summer and autumn of 1900 at a cost of $28,500." In this church was placed an $1,800 pipe organ. With this new and commodious building Mr. Welty began insti- tutional work. During his six years' pastorate the church raised for benevolences $3,866, and for current expenses and improve- ments $31.905. He received 190 members by letter and 153 on profession of faith. In 1899 the church secured an assistant pas- tor and a mission work was developed which culminated in the organization of the Bethany Church. In June, 1902, Westmins- ter College conferred the degree of D. D. on Mr. Welty. To those of us who knew him and loved him best a minor note appeared in this melody of progress. For a time amidst the perplexities of a trying pastorate and the unusual calls for attention to ma- terial progress it seemed that he was drifting from evangelical moorings, and I have not the slightest doubt that this had some- thing to do with the termination of a remarkable pastorate. It was with great pleasure that I afterwards learned from a reliable and deeply sympathetic source that he turned again to the "old paths," from which it is true he had not wandered far. Dr. Welty died in Kansas City, Mo., August 3d, 1907, aged-sixty-one years. The preceding April he had fractured his limb, which was slow in knitting and death was the result. One who knew him intimately for twenty years said: "As a Christian we con- fided in him ; as a preacher we were helped by him; as a teacher we learned of him; as a pastor we loved him." "His sufferings were great, but patient, and when one of the nurses reminded him it was Sabbath morning, his reply was, 'I can't go to church. but I can suffer for Christ's sake.' "
J. A. GEHRETT.
Received from the Presbytery of Palmyra September 16th,
H. O. SCOTT
249
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
1896 ; pastor Mount Vernon and Ozark Prairie churches; clerk empowered to dismiss him September 23d, 1897.
WILLIAM L. SCHMALHORST.
As a candidate under the care of the Presbytery Mr. Schmal- horst graduated in Drury College in 1893 and in Princeton Semi- nary 1896. A part of his theological course was taken at McCor- mick. He was ordained by the Presbytery September 17th, 1896, and was immediately dismissed to the Presbytery of Chili, where he entered the service as a foreign missionary. As a student Mr. Schmalhorst had supplied the churches of Conway and Buf- falo during the summer of 1894.
FREDERIC G. KNAUER.
The Presbytery laid its hands in ordination upon Mr. Knauer at the same time that it ordained Mr. Schmalhorst. Both of these young men passed excellent examinations. Mr. Knauer served the Westminster Church of Carthage for a short time, then went as a missionary to Africa. He was dismissed to the Presbytery of Corisco September 22d, 1897.
CHARLES P. SPINNING.
Received from the Presbytery of North Texas April 20th. 1897; honorably retired: dismissed to the Presbytery of Iowa April 6th, 1898.
HARRY OMAR SCOTT.
Dr. Scott was born at Latrobe, Pa., August 5th, 1854. He graduated at Lafayette College in 1877 and at Union Theological Seminary in 1880. The Presbytery of Redstone licensed him in the antumn of '79, and on October 15th, 1880, he was ordained by the Presbytery of Nebraska City. His pastorates prior to entering this Presbytery were Brownville, Neb., July 1, 1880, to Angust 15th, 1883; Hiawatha, Kan., August 16th, 1883, to April 15th, 1891; Hastings, Neb., April 16th, 1891, to January 31st, 1879. During his second pastorate he was elected Moderator of the Synod of Nebraska and President of the Y. P. S. C. E. State Union. With characteristic vigor he traveled all over the State and became a dominant factor in the Y. P. S. C. E. of Nebraska. One of the intensely interesting questions before the Assembly of
250
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
1896 was the question of ecclesiastical relation to the Young Peo- ples movement. Dr. Scott was a Commissioner to that Assembly, and his Nebraska training had fitted him for a position where he could at least "see the wheels go around." He stood steadfastly with those who contended for the minimum of ecclesiastical con- trol. In 1894 the college of his home town honored him with the title of D. D. He was received by the Presbytery of Ozark April 20th, 1897, and was installed pastor of the first church of Car- thage in June of that year. The pastoral relation was dissolved June 15th, 1905, and Dr. Scott was dismissed to the Presbytery of Oklahoma, where he took charge of the church of Guthrie. This eight years' pastorate was marked by a constant and healthy growth. Dr. Scott was the father and Chairman of the Commit- tee on Aggressive Work in the Presbytery, and he infused some of the aggressiveness applied on his own field into the general work of the Presbytery. In addition to this he was Presbyterial Chairman of Foreign Missions, and generally found a place on judicial committees and commissions. I was with him on two important commissions of this character and found that his knowledge of Presbyterian law and usage is wide and accurate. In all my Presbyterial relations I have never formed so warm an attachment for any man with whom I so frequently disagreed as with Dr. Scott. We frequently lined up on opposite sides, but mutually recognized the sincerity of each other and contended as friends. On the question of more rigid adherence to the stand- ards in the requirement of ministerial education we usually stood shoulder to shoulder. Such, too, were our experiences in judicial cases. When Dr. Scott addressed the students of Drury College at a time when Presbytery was meeting in Springfield he began by asking, "If the animals should all go to school, which one would you put in the geography class?" To this question he replied, "The sheep." Then he told how hard it is to lose a worthless dog, and said that if you tied a number of cats in a sack and let them loose miles from home some of them would beat yon back. "But," said he. "if yon take a sheep around a corner it is likely to get lost." This illustration was used as an introduction to a practical talk on the theme, "Perfect that which is lacking." It is given here as a characteristic of Dr. Scott's preaching, which was neither expository nor theological in the ordinary acceptation of the term. By reason of this fact Dr. Scott scarcely receives the credit for theological knowledge to which he is entitled. During the first part of his Carthage pas- torate the Westminster Church had two men of no mean pulpit attainments, and the rivalry of the churches, cirenmscribed as they were, was inevitably intense. Dr. Scott threw his whole vigor
A. T. ALLER
W. C. TEMPLETON
251
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
into his pastoral work, maintained an equinamity truly com- mendable for one of his temperament and so comported himself that he was subsequently enabled to bring the two churches into an harmonious union and remain pastor of the United Church. This happy consummation was more difficult and delicate than one on the outside might suppose.
In the spring of 1903 I learned by "grape vine" communi- cation that efforts were being made to convey the Westminster Church to the Congregationalists. I immediately informed Dr. Scott and he replied, thanking me for suggestions and stating that the time had come, he believed, for the First Church to make overtures to the Westminster Church. The result has been indi- cated. The union gave the church two houses of worship-the one old and antiquated, the other newer and more modern, but scarcely large enough for the united body. Dr. Scott felt con- strained by the equipment. But Carthage has not yet seen fit to erect a house of worship commensurate with their needs. At the time of the union the first church reported a membership of 415 and the Westminster Church 133. Allowing even for this union the growth of the church in this pastoral was of no mean pretensions, i. e., during the eight years from 295 to 538.
Dr. Scott is an exemplary Presbyter, making it a rule to be at the first session of Synod or Presbytery and to remain to the final call of the roll. The Synod of Missouri elected him Mod- erator in 1902.
WILLIAM C. TEMPLETON.
On the day that Dr. Scott entered the ranks of the Presby- tery the name of William C. Templeton was enrolled. He came from Neosho Presbytery, which had licensed him October 8th, 1890, and ordained him April 15th, 1891. He was born in Pinck- neyville, Ill., August 15th, 1863; received the degree of A. B. from Park College in 1888, and A. M. in 1890. For two years he studied theology in Princeton Seminary. Later he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from McKendree College. Be- fore entering this Presbytery he was stated supply of the church at Quenemo, Kan., '91-'94. and pastor of Chanute '94-'97. He was pastor-elect and pastor of the Monett Church for nearly five years. The pastoral relation was dissolved, and he was dismissed to the Presbytery of Palmyra January 16th, 1902. There he be- came pastor of the Kirksville Church, with which the Cumber- land Church of that place has united, and Dr. Templeton has continued pastor, greatly useful and beloved. To Ozark Presby- tery belongs the credit of training him in the Chairmanship of
252
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
Home Missions-a training that has been a boon to that section of the State, both before and since the union. In this Presby- tery I found myself lined up with Dr. Templeton on nearly every important issue. In theology and in administrative affairs we usually agreed, though he is the more rigidly theological of the two. One time Dr. Scott was preaching before Presbytery. He was making a characteristic plea for the allowance of considera- ble latitude to young people, and compared the young to colts that gambol across the green and spend their growing period in play. By and by their necks will become inured to the collar and they will pull with the steadiness of draft horses. I whis- pered to Templeton: "Nevertheless I believe in haltering the colts occasionally." To this he nodded his hearty approval and added: "Yes, yes; and throwing them down, too, if necessary." During his Monett pastorate Dr. Templeton took the church off of the Home Board and procured a commodious parsonage. His work among the railroad men was signally successful, and to him and the men in his church is due the credit for securing the rail- road Y. M. C. A. of that place. He was an efficient helper in evangelistic services in a number of the churches of the Presby- tery. The Synod of Missouri elected him to the Moderatorship in 1908.
JOHN WESLEY CRAWFORD.
Dr. Crawford was received from the Presbytery of Platte April 21st, 1897. At that time he was honorably retired, and died May 13th, 1897.
WILLIAM G. MOORE.
Born at Ava, Mo., July 25th, 1868; studied at Morrisville Col- lege and at Pleasant Hope Academy. The Springfield Presby. tery of the. C. P. Church licensed him March 3d, 1892, and or- dained him March 2d, 1895. In 1896 Mr. Moore placed himself under care of this Presbytery. He was assigned a course of study and took charge of the Mount Zion Church. On the 21st of April, 1897, the Presbytery enrolled his name and placed in his hands a call from the Conway Church. He was installed Decem- ber 13th, 1897, and served the Buffalo Church in connection with Conway. December 4th, 1899, the pastoral relation was dissolved in order that Mr. Moore might accept a call to the Ebenezer Church. This pastorate was consummated January 13th, 1900, and terminated December 18th, 1892, at which time Mr. Moore went to a pastorate in Iowa. His work in the Presbytery was a
253
1
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
fitting preparation for the larger work he has been permitted to do in the State of his adoption.
ASA LEARD.
Rev. Asa Leard. D. D., was born in Berksville, Ohio, May 13th, 1851. Lafayette College and MeCormick Seminary gave him his training in literature and theology. From Lafayette he received the degree of D. D. in 1892. Ordained by the Presbytery of Rock River in December, 1879, he served as follows: Braid- wood, Ill., 1879-81; Farmingdale, '82-'89; Synodical Evangelist of Illinois, '89; Knox Church, Omaha, Neb., '89-'97. He was re- ceived by this Presbytery September 22d, 1897, and was installed pastor of Calvary Church September 23d. 1897. This pastorate was terminated by his death, which occurred November 19th, 1900. F
Dr. Leard entered upon this pastorate at a time when it would have taken an immense stretch of the imagination to char- acterize the conditions in that church as like unto "the precious ointment that ran down Aaron's beard." But he lived to see dis- cordant elements vanish like mist before the morning sun, and under his leadership the church made provision for the liquida- tion of a debt that had assumed considerable proportions. He was made Chairman of the Presbyterial Committee on Home Missions, and immediately the neglected and unchurched masses in the hills of Southwest Missouri and Northern Arkansas be- came special objects of his solicitude. I spent two summer vaca- tions camping with him'in the Ozarks and know whereof I speak in asserting that he had a statesmanlike grasp of the Home Mis- sion problems of this Presbytery. Nor were his labors confined to his church and Presbytery. The trustees of Drury College. the Charity Board of the city and the Ministerial Alliance paid touching tribute to his memory, and passed resolutions that were by no means stereotyped. It was largely through his efforts that Mayor Cole was brought to this city for that remarkable evan- gelistie campaign of 1900. In the resolutions offered by the Charity Board was incorporated this letter written by Dr. Leard some time before his death :
"My Dear Brother :- Has the relief officer sufficient supplies to meet the urgent needs of the poor this bitter cold day and night ? Has he sufficient wood to keep some of the most dis- tressed from freezing? If not, kindly go to the nearest supply, and if we have not funds to meet the demand I will be person- ally responsible. As I lay upon my bed last night and heard the wail of the bitter cold wind I thought of the fireless stoves and the empty cupboards. O. God bless the poor."
254
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
Dr. Leard said to me one time: "My brother Tom cannot understand why I am about as hard pressed as he is. He gets a thousand dollars and I get $1,800. When I got a thousand I was about as well off as I am now, for a congregation knows how much a pastor gets and usually see that he spends accordingly." It may be the above letter throws some light on the subject. A church that is able to do so ought to make it possible for a min- ister to use considerable money in benevolent works. Because some of it at least is good reading and because it is a fair esti- mate of the worth of this brother beloved I will close this sketch with an article taken from the Springfield Republican of No- vember 25th, 1900:
REV. ASA LEARD.
EULOGIES DELIVERED OVER THE DEAD CALVARY CHURCH PASTOR-DELICATE TRIBUTE BY REV. H. 0. SCOTT-REMARKS OF REV. STRINGFIELD.
The funeral service was held in Calvary Presbyterian Church on Thursday, November 22, at 11 o'clock. His body lay in state in the church in which he closed his life's work for Christ during the two hours preceding the funeral service. A, most touching scene was that of about forty children from the Mission Sabbath school, which was under the direction of Dr. Leard, waiting at the church doors to take farewell of one who had been their true friend and benefactor. A great concourse of people viewed his remains with manifest feelings of appreciation and love for one whom they should see no more in the flesh. The church was tastefully and becomingly decorated with flowers, and his pulpit and chair veiled with emblems of mourning, and on his casket above his breast lay his Bible containing the words of Him whom he loved, whom he taught the people and whose spirit was mani- fest in his life. When the hour for service arrived the large auditorium was filled to its utmost capacity. Rev. E. E. String- field, of the Second Presbyterian Church, was in charge of the services. "Sweet Hour of Prayer," a favorite hymn with Dr. Leard, was sung. Rev. J. T. Bacon, of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, read a Scripture lesson touching the "reward" -- heaven. Dr. J. W. Long, of the United Presbyterian Church, led in the opening prayer. Rev. Dr. H. O. Scott, of Carthage Pres- byterian Church, and a fellow student in college and a very inti- mate friend of Dr. Leard, delivered an address. He said in sub-
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.