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 32
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
In the heat of controversy men are sometimes arrayed on the side with which they have little natural affinity. Some have been deluded by the charge that we were trying to coerce them. Others have fancied that to surrender the separate existence of the denom- ination in which they were born, together with their distinctive name, would be a reflection upon their fathers. Time alone can vindicate the oft-repeated assertions of leaders in the reunited church, cherished by the rank and file, that those opposed to the union will not be deprived of any possessions to which they are legally or morally entitled.
And time alone can tell whether the opposition will be alike generous where they receive favorable court decisions. It may seem like presumption for a stranger to attempt to say what the fathers of the church in Southwest Missouri would have done had they continued until this day. And yet from what I know of their sterling regard for the Superior Courts of their church, I verily be- lieve they would have been with us on this issue. The Nestor of them all, Rev. A. A. Young, is on record as to his attitude to the Superior Court. I quote from his biography: "Ozark Synod met in the town of Verona. Lawrence county, Missouri, on Friday pre- ceding the fourth Sunday in October, 1872. *
* Ozark Presbytery, at some of its past sessions, had received some preach- ers from the Methodist Church without requiring them to adopt the Confession of Faith. At this meeting of the Synod Ozark Presbytery was called on to give an account for their work, and were ordered by the Synod to require those brethren who had come from the Methodist Church to adopt the Confession of Faith at their next regular meeting. Out of this grew considerable de- bate. Some of the brethren were of opinion that it was wrong to make such a requirement, but, after sometime spent in debate, Mr. Young, who was a member of Ozark Presbytery, arose and said :
330
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
'Brethren, we have done wrong in this matter, and over this wrong done by the Presbytery, some bad blood has developed itself among some of the brethren, and as we have done wrong in the whole matter, let us now repent, and undo what we have done wrong. Let us obey the behests of our Synod, correct the wrong, and be more careful in the future not to do wrong.' "
From the grave in fancy I can hear the voice of Mr. Young saying: "The Cumberland Church first proposed this reunion. The constitutional number of Presbyteries ratified the terms. Our highest church court declared the union effected. Let us obey the behests of our General Assmebly."
Doubtless our eyes will see the day when some of these old Cumberland strongholds will awaken to the facts that we have no inclination toward coercion, that the things in which we agree are incalculably greater than our imaginary differences, and that we belong to one Presbyterian household, dismembered for a time by reason of family dissensions, but reunited forever for the glory of God and the extension of His Kingdom. Then, as we shall review the labors of Young. Johnston, the Buchanans, Montgomery, Amos, Burton, Garrett, Sims and Browne in the ministry, and of Dan- forth, Ritchey. Dysart, Holland, the Gibsons, MeCanses, Fuller- tons, Alsups, Hillhouses and Perkins in the laity, we will exclaim : "Forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit."
Of the four Presbyteries in Southwest Missouri, Neosho alone entered the union in possession of the records and with previously elected officers. The vote stood 17 to 4 in favor of union. All the ministers present voted in the affirmative. One minister who was absent when the vote was taken subsequently refused to answer to roll call because the Presbytery acknowledged allegiance to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
Ozark Presbytery voted against the union. The Presbytery met at New Bethel, Dade county, August 28, 1906. When the re- tiring moderator, Rev. W. E. Shaw, asked for the calling of the roll, the stated clerk "challenged the right of the following-named ministers to seats in the Presbytery on the ground that they had withdrawn from, and renounced all allegiance to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and had joined the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A .: The Revs. C. J. Allen, J. E. Johnston, W. C. Mahr, W. R. Russell, R. J. Sims, C. W. Smith, J. S. Stapleton, D. N. Woods, G. F. Harbour and T. S. Brown. The moderator sustained this challenge, whereupon Rev. J. E. Johnston made a statement to the effect that the aforesaid ministers and a number of elders were present for the purpose of organizing and proceeding with the business of the Ozark Presbytery 'A' of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., and requested the privilege of a few minutes in which to effect the organization. This was refused. He then called upon
331
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS .
all who were determined to abide by the action of the church in consummating the union with the Presbyterian Church to meet him immediately in the church yard for the purpose of organizing the Presbytery." To this call there was an immediate response by Revs. C. J. Allen, G. F. Ilarbour, J. E. Johnston, W. C. Mahr, W. R. Russell, C. W. Smith and J. S. Stapleton, and Elders J. W. Mc- Donald, J. A. McConnell, J. M. McCall, H. H. Steele, T. E. Bell, L. B. Doran, J. C. Turk, W. M. Hayter, S. W. Barker, M. C. Riggs, D. H. Paul and C. F. Wheat. There in the twilight they assembled and proceeded to organize by electing Rev. W. C. Mahr moderator and Rev. W. R. Russell stated clerk. It is evident that three of the challenged ministers were not present at this session, and there were on the roll two aged ministers and one out of the state who were not challenged by either side. After organization the Presbytery adjourned to meet in Golden City. The next morning at Golden City this resolution was adopted :
"Whereas. The following ministers, to wit, J. F. Daughtrey, G. T. Jeffers, J. T. Jones, C. G. L. McMahan, R. S. Ramsey, W. E. Shaw and I. V. Stines, have renounced the action of the late General Assembly of the C. P. Church at Decatur, Ill., and the au- thority of the united church, which is the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A .. and organized a separate Presbytery.
"Resolved, That their names be dropped from our roll."
At the time of this disruption Rev. R. J. Sims was making some historical investigations and had in his possession certain minutes of the Presbytery embracing as late as the spring session of 1900. These have fallen into my hands, and through the kind- ness of Mr. T. E. Whaley I have also secured the volume contain- ing the minutes of 1847-1856. so that I have had access to the min- utes from the organization of the Presbytery in 1837 (then called Neosho) to 1900.
One volume of the minutes of Springfield Presbytery, 1846- 1872, and a few loose minutes have fallen into my hands. The rest were retained by those opposed to the union.
The Springfield Presbytery voted against the union by a ma- jority of one. The fall meeting of the Presbytery, 1906, convened in Seymour. When the time came to call the roll the question was raised as to whether or not this Presbytery would abide by the Decatur Assembly. The moderator declared that he was con- vening a Cumberland Presbyterian Assembly. Those who ad- hered to the decision of the Decatur Assembly then asked for the privilege of organizing as a Presbytery under the united church. This request was denied. They then asked: "May we have the privilege of quietly withdrawing?" This request was granted, and as they left the room those who remained sang the Doxology. The ministers who walked ont were: J. T. Bacon, W. J. Bruce,
332
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
J. H. Doran, A. J. Graves, W. C. Hicks, J. A. McCroskey, G. W. Plummer and J. E. F. Robertson. Rev. J. B. Lemmon, D. F. Royer and E. W. Sage were not present, but abided by this action. The Presbytery was then constituted in the Methodist Church and this resolution was adopted :
"Whereas, The retiring moderator, the Rev. T. C. Newman, declared that it is his purpose and the purpose of the brethren whose names are hereinafter given to repudiate the action of the General Assembly of the C. P. Church, meeting at Decatur, Ill .. May, 1906, on the question of union with the Presbyterian Church. U. S. A.
"Resolved. That the names of the following ministers be dropped from our roll : J. H. Barnett, Joseph Davis, A. B. Moore, T. C. Newman, J. A. Russell and M. F. Wells."
As to the West Plains Presbytery I have had access only to the minutes after the disruption. The Presbytery convened at Alton September 6, 1906. The stated clerk, W. S. Kincaid called the Presbytery to order, thus challenging the right of the moder- ator, Rev. J. D. White, to act. In the colloqny which ensned an appeal was made to the trustees of the church and they decided that those opposing the union should have the use of the building. 'The moderator called on union men to retire to the church yard, and in the street by the light of a lantern the moderator called the Presbytery to order." Rev. J. D. White was continued as moderator and Rev. J. M. Glick was elected stated clerk. The roll call showed the following ministers present: J. M. Glick and J. D. White. Absent: W. A. Denly and H. W. Rose. Congrega- tions represented : Hickory Grove, by A. L. Gifford; Mammoth Spring, Elmer Cooper; Mountain View, C. E. Fillman; Pleasant Valley, H. T. Snyder; West Plains, J. W. Hill. Congregations not represented : Alton, Bennett, Cabool, Elk Creek, Eminence, Lib- erty, Little Springs, Mountain Grove, Peace Valley, Pine, Willow Springs, Winona."
The following resolution was adopted:
"Whereas, The following ministers, W. S. Kincaid, J. H. Martin and L. L. Whitehead declared themselves out of harmony with the higher courts of the church and refused to have their names enrolled with the united church. Therefore be it
"Resolved, That the names of the above ministers be dropped from the roll of the West Plains Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., subject to the approval of the Cumberland Synod of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., of Missouri."
333
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
The ministerial roll of 1906 as reported to the Assembly, and according to alignment at the fall Presbyteries, was as follows:
Presbytery
Whole Number
With the Union
Against Retained on both rolls
Neosho
9
8
1
Ozark
20
10
7
3
Springfield
17
11
6
West Plains
7
4
3
-
Totals
53
33
17
3
Of the three ministers retained on both rolls one is a non-resi- dent and I have not been able to reach his by mail. The others are unable to attend Presbytery by reason of the infirmities of age. Thus it will be seen that while only one Presbytery voted for the union, the union forces had a majority of the ministers in each Presbytery.
Both sides adopted the policy of retaining all the churches on their respective rolls, and the final alignment of some of the churches is yet indefinite. The membership in many of the churches is sadly divided, and I have no way of determining ac- curately the relative strength of the two sides. But as the united church is ministering to the churches in all of the cities and larger towns, with only a small remnant in these places opposing the union, it is probably a conservative estimate to say that two thirds of the membership is now co-operating with the united church.
-
334
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
HISTORIC CHURCHES.
The early Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Southwest Missouri were sometimes the progeny and sometimes the progen- itors of camp meetings. They were organized in the country, covered a large extent of territory and became the rendezoon for the faithful for miles around. The oldest organization to which I have found any trace is
CENTER CREEK. (JASPER COUNTY.)
The sessional records state that this church was organized September 17, 1834, by Rev. A. Buckhanon, B. L. Pearson, J. Blair and A. A. Young. Mr. Young was at this time only a licentiate. When he settled on Spring River in 1837 according to his biography "the nearest church was about eighteen miles from where Mr. Young lived. This church was on Center creek in what is now Jasper county. * * * Out of Center creek congregation has grown the following churches viz. Clear Creek, Peirce City, Ritchey, Mt. Comfort, Newtonia, Sarcoxi e, Bethel and Spring River." The churches enumerated are in at least three different counties and I am unable to state just how close was their relation to the Center Creek church but doubtless the Sarcoxie church at least was originally within the confines of the Center Creek church. Indeed Sarcoxie was first called Centerville. The county hostorian says: "Why it was so called we could not as- certain unless it was because it was half way between Springfield and the end of the world. It is the oldest town in Jasper county and was the hottest point in Southwest Missouri at the outbreak of the Civil war. Prior to the war it was of more political im- portance than Carthage. It has always been and is still the gate-
335
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
way to Jasper county." The first church edifice in the township. according to this same authority, was erected by the Cumberland Presbyterians in 1867. But too much reliance must not be placed on this statement for he confesses his lack of acquaintance with early ecclesiastical conditions in these words: "The religions history of Jasper county, so far as concerns the organization of churches and the erection of houses of worship may properly be said to have begun at the close of the Civil war. Existing organ- izations had become so scattered that reorganization became necessary." I am unable to say whether the Center Creek church had a house of worship before the war or not. But there are evi- dences that it was a tower of strength in early days. The church was reorganized by Rev. A. A. Young in 1867. Like many of its contemporaries its glory is largely of the past and it now main- tains a struggling existence.
KICKAPOO-MOUNT COMFORT. (GREENE COUNTY.)
"Sometime during or immediately after the war of 1812, a band of the Kickapoo tribe of Indians built a town on the present site of Springfield, which they occupied for several years. The population of this town at one time was abont 500-at least it num- bered 100 wigwams. The Kickapoos ranged north and northeast of this town principally, and the large prairie sonth of Springfield was called for them. and the 'Kickapoo prairie' was more widely known in 1824 than it is now. This portion of Southwest Missouri was afterwards often called the Kickapoo Country.' "-His. of Greene County, p. 126.
On the 27th of July, 1835, Rev, Andrew Buchanan organized a Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which was named Kickapoo. The articles of agreement, names of the charter members and his- toric statements are given elsewhere in this volume. This entry in the sessional record is headed "Kickapoo Prairie," but doubtless the name designated a much larger territory then than it does now. However, from the distant congregations that were "stricken off" from Kickapoo. it is not nnreasonable to conjecture that the orig- inal congregation covered half a county. Springfield was yet in swaddling bands. Nine days before the organization of this church the County Court had appointed a commissioner "to lay off the town and sell lots." The county seat had previously been located here, but as there were grave doubts as to the final boundaries of the county. lots were rather a drug in the market.
According to the Greene County History (p. 899) : "The first church building was a log honse erected in 1837. The present one is a frame structure, costing $800, built in 1859." But this sketch places the organization in 1834 instead of 1835, as per the records,
336
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
and gives a list of charter members very different from that in the records. This old church was the scene of the labors of such pio- neers as Revs. Andrew Buchanan, T. M. Johnston, A. A. Young, C. C. Williamson, W. J. Garrett and D. W. Amos. The New Provi- dence Church was "stricken off" in 1837, and in 1844 the Spring- field Church was organized. The name was changed to Mount Comfort in 1847(?). Mr. Williamson appears as moderator of the session from the 3d of July, 1846, to the 16th of September, 1864. Doubtless his was the longest term of service of any minister who has shepherded this flock. From its eldership this church sent Rev. R. J. Sims into the ministry, and in this old church B. P. Fullerton practiced his gifts in the tender years of his ministry. Let me commend to the present generation the following sessional record :
"April 23d, 1841.
Session of Kickapoo congregation met at the houst of David Headlee, composed of the following persons (to wit) : Brothers Wm. Dysart, David Headlee and S. G. Headlee, and was examin- ed on the Book of Discipline and Confession of Faith. The ses- sion was examined by C. C. Porter, minister.
The session then elected S. G. Headlee their stated clerk of said session. Session then adjourned."
NEW SALEM-NEOSHO. (NEWTON COUNTY.)
At the first session of the Presbytery of Neosho in the spring of 1837, arrangements were made for the organization of the New Salem Church by Rev. J. W. McCord. It was formed by striking off the sonthwest section of the Center Creek congregation. The name of this church was changed to Neosho after a few years.
WASHBURN'S PRAIRIE. (BARRY COUNTY.)
At the same session of the Presbytery that provided for the organization of New Salem congregation provision was made for the organization of Washburn's Prairie by striking off the south- east part of Center Creek congregation. This church may be called the mother of Barry county churches.
SHILOH-POMME DE TERRE-PLEASANT HOPE. (POLK COUNTY.)
Organized the 15th of July, 1837, and having successively borne three names, this church has probably withstood the ravages of time better than any other country church in the Cumberland
337
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
annals of Southwest Missouri. The name of William A. Allen heads the list of the elders of this church, as it does also that of the Kickapoo Church, and among the eldership at least three have answered to the name of Fullerton and two to that of Alsup. From time to time the church has been served by such men of apostolic fervor as Revs. J. D. Montgomery, A. A. Young, R. J. Sims, D. W. Amos and J. B. Fly. Here, too, Rev. R. D. Smith preached and founded a school, 1849-53, and Rev. B. P. Fullerton spent some of the days of his early ministry. In 1840 the name was changed from Shiloh to Pomme de Terre. and forty-five years later the name was changed to Pleasant Hope. Among the most pleasant associations of the church are the old Pomme de Terre camp meeting grounds and the Pleasant Hope Academy. "In 1868 the old shed was re- moved from the camp ground and placed west of the old Acad- emy, and a great revival was soon held." This was under the min- istry of Rev. R. J. Sims. The educational interest of the congrega- tion and community were conserved for many years and a num- ber of Cumberland Presbyterian ministers, some of them of con- siderable ability. received their first taste of a higher education here.
NEW PROVIDENCE. (GREENE COUNTY.)
At the second session of the Presbytery, September 27, 1837, it was "Resolved, That a new congregation be stricken off from Kickapoo congregation, to be known by the name of New Prov- idence congregation, to embrace all that part of Kickapoo congre- gation lying east of the line dividing ranges 22 and 23 west, and that Brother J. W. McCord attend to the organization of it." The Presbytery was then in session in the house of Josiah F. Danforth, and on the same day the church was organized. For more than the allotted span of a human life the church has been teachnically known by its christening name, but the rank and file of the people to this day call it the Danforth Church. Whilst the Danforths and the earlier Dillards lived the old church was the scene of precious spiritual manifestations; but for years a feeble remnant have sighed at the mention of former glory.
SPRING RIVER-ZION. (LAWRENCE COUNTY.)
In a record made September 25, 1874, this statement occurs: "Zion is a part of Spring river." I have beeen involved in no little perplexity in my efforts to determine whether or not the two are identical. Persons with whom I have consulted have not been as clear in their minds as I could have wished they were. But personal interviews, the records of the Presbytery and the
338
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
biography of A. A. Young have led to this conclusion : The church was originally organized under the name of Spring River. The congregation was scattered over a large territory. Great camp meetings were held on the old Spring River camp grounds. Subsequently a house of worship was erected somewhat remote from the hallowed spot where these camp meetings were held, and in this new location the name of Zion was adopted. The biography alluded to in an appendix treating of the Monument Association heads the minute, "Zion Church, May 8th, 1880," and continues: "Pursuant to a call of Spring River congregation," etc. The new Presbytery of Carthage started out with the name as Spring, but in 1908 passed to Zion. Rev. A. A. Young organized this church October 9th, 1837, and preached there nearly forty-three years. It is called the mother of the Mount Vernon, Big Spring, Verona, Aurora, Mars Hill, Marionville, Ozark and Prairie churches.
GREENFIELD. (DADE COUNTY.)
Before the town of Greenleld was in existence the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church now being that name was organized in the vicinity of where the town now stands. In 1839 Rev. J. D. Montgomery gathered the congregation. "with A. M. Long and wife, Joseph Le Master and wife, M. H. Allison and wife, J. L. Allison and wife, Rev. J. Weir and wife, Leann Dycus and Rev. J. D. Montgomery and wife as constituent members." In 1866 the church was reorganized, the members having been scattered by the war, and a house of worship was erected in 1868-9 at a cost of $2,500. This church has been intimately associated with the educational interests of the denomination located at this place. It was long the scene of the labors of Rev. W. J. Garrett.
CUMBERLAND UNION-BROOKLINE (GREENE COUNTY.)
On the 10th of March, 1841, "a petition was presented from a portion of the members of New Providence congregation pray- ing to be stricken off and organized into a new congregation. to be known by the name of Cumberland union, which prayer was granted, and Brother C. C. Porter was ordered to the organiza- tion of said congregation."-Minutes of Presbytery. The first church building-a frame structure-was erected in 1867 about a mile or two from where the town of Brookline now stands. Sub- sequently a house of worship was erected in town and the name of the organization was changed to Brookline. A quarter of a century ago this church was self-sustaining and employed is pas- tor for full time. Among those who have ministered to this flock
FIRST C. P. CHURCH, SPRINGFIELD
339
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
in earlier days are Revs. C. C. Williamson, R. J. Sims, D. W. Amos. J. N. Edmiston and J. B. Fly.
SPRINGFIELD. (GREENE COUNTY.)
The First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Springfield was organized May 19, 1844, by Rev. S. J. Carthel and T. M. John- stone. During the civil war it became practically extinct, and was reorganized in 1868. Its struggles to secure a house of wor- ship are alluded to elsewhere. Among its former pastors are two who have had a national reputation and have been moderators of the General Assembly-Revs. J. B. Logan, D. D., and M. B. De Witt, D. D The General Assembly was entertained by this church in 1874 and again in 1902. The present commodious house of wor- ship was erected in 1892. Rev. J. T. Bacon, D. D., has been pastor for the last ten years. At the time of the union the church was decidedly the strongest Cumberland Church in Southwest Mis- souri.
MOUNT VERNON. (LAWRENCE COUNTY.)
At the meeting of the Presbytery April 4th, 1848, Revs. A. A. Young and Abel Burton reported the organization of a church at Mount Vernon. It was an offshoot of the Spring River congrega- tion, and attained considerable influence prior to and during the civil war. It was admirably located in a strong belt of Cumber- land Presbyterianism, and had for its early neighbors the mother church on the south and the Oakland church on the west, within whose confines was the Spring River Academy. William Mc- Canse has been an elder in the Mount Vernon Church for many years-how many I cannot say-but before the civil war his benefactions blessed his denomination in this region of country.
340
PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE OZARKS
CHAPTER VI.
-
SKETCHES OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS.
ALEXANDER ANDERSON YOUNG.
For the materials of this sketch I am indebted almost solely to a little volume published in 1881, entitled "Life and Labors of Rev. A. A. Young," by Revs. J. B. Fly and L. A. Dunlap. The preface of this volume indicates that at the earnest solicitation of Mr. Dunlap Mr. Young started an autobiography, which the in- firmities of age and the approaching dissolution prevented him from completing. Realizing his condition, he committed the ma- terial to Rev. J. B. Fly, with the request that he prepare the same for publication. Mr. Fly took charge of the papers and called to his assistance the prime mover in the undertaking, Rev. L. A. Dunlap. There are a few discrepancies between the volume and the records as to dates, etc., and I infer that the authors relied upon the memory of Mr. Young in these instances and did not consult the records. The story of Cumberland Presbyterianism in Southwest Missouri in its beginning and in its rise from the ruins of the civil war is more firmly interwoven with the story of the life of this servant of God than with that of any other man- mayhap than with that of any other three men. His parents were converted under the ministry of Rev. Alexander Anderson in the great revival in 1800. When a son was born to them April 10th, 1805, they named him in honor of their spiritual father, and in keeping with this propitious beginning they kept the heavenly fires burning on the altar and indoctrinated the future minister in the Scriptures and the Catechism. When the Cumberland Church was organized they became identified with the same and shared its privations and its fortunes. In 1819 they moved from their Tennessee home to the Territory of Missouri and settled in what is now Saline county. Here there were no churches and no Sab- bath Schools, but the residents solicited ministers from a distance to hold a camp meeting. Hither a few families gathered and
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.