USA > Missouri > Pettis County > The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches > Part 58
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 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH; SEDALIA, MO.
During the Civil War the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York was steadily engaged in watching over and developing Bap- tist interests in Missouri wherever it was possible. Of course the possi- bility of successful work in a thriving, vigorous young town like Sedalia could not fail to attract its attention. Rev. E. T. Brown was appointed the Society's Missionary to this district. The individual history of the First Baptist Church begins upon Oct. 20, 1865, when, at the call of Rev. Mr. Brown, a meeting was held in the house of worship of the O. S. Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Second and Lamine streets. Rev. E. T. Hiscox, D. D., of New York' City, a scholarly and affable Christian gentleman, well known in the denomination and acting at that time as Gen- eral Superintendent of the Home Mission Society's work in the West, delivered a sermon on the words, " Ye are the light of the world." Matt. 5: 14. At the close of the sermon nineteen persons came forward and, having given evidence of good standing in the Baptist Churches of their former homes, proceeded to organize as a church by unanimous assent to the Articles of Faith as published in J. Newton Brown's Encyclopædia of Religious Knowledge, and by hearty and devout acceptance of the Covenant. The new organization was then formally recognized as the First Baptist Church of Sedalia, Mo., and the Rev. Dr. Hiscox, in behalf of the Council of Recognition and of the Baptist denomination, extended to the Church the right hand of fellowship.
The following are the names of those who entered as constituent mem- bers: John Q. Bridges, Mrs. Martha Bridges, George Galliher, Mrs. Melinda Galliher, Rachel A. Bridges, Melinda J. Jennings, Mrs. Sabina Boyer, Barbara A. Kean, Elizabeth Tapman, John McKennan, Sarah J. Hansford, James M. Patterson, Mrs. Sallie Patterson, John Hubbard, Jennie Hubbard, J. A. Mitchell, Miles W. Barnard, Mrs. Elizabeth Barn- ard, Rev. E. T. Brown. Of these original members only three still remain with the church.
The new church elected Rev. E. T. Brown Pastor, and John Hubbard Church Clerk, before adjournment on the day of organization.
The first necessity was, of course, a home, and the members set them- selves vigorously to work to provide a house of worship. On Nov. 3,
ALLEPERO CHIESA
OLD SCHOOL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SEDALIA, MO.
543
HISTORY OF SEDALIA.
1865, John L. Hall, John Hubbard and J. A. Mitchell were appointed trustees, and instructed to borrow $1,000 from the American Baptist Home Mission Society, to aid in the erection of a meeting house. On January 4, 1866, two of the trustees having resigned, a new board was appointed, consisting of John L. Hall, E. T. Brown and Geo. Galliher, who were also authorized to act as the building committee of the church. Two lots were obtained on the corner of Fourth and Lamine streets-one lot being a present from Gen. Geo. R. Smith. The loan had been secured from the Home Mission Society, materials were rapidly put upon the ground-and in May, 1866, the house was completed at a cost to the church of $5,500. The dedication services took place May 13, 1866, Rev. A. C. Osborn, D. D., of St. Louis, preaching the sermon upon the occa- sion. The same day a sister McClellan was welcomed to the new home by the ordinance of baptism, and upon next Lord's day sister Mary Neet was baptized into the fellowship of the rejoicing church, which was glad to see in these successive baptisms an omen of happy years of fruitful labor in the Lord's vineyard. And in spiritual things these expectations have been largely realized. But in temporal affairs the members were doomed to some disappointments. At the dedication the church was supposed to be clear of all encumbrance, but an unexpected collapse of subscription lists left the young organization under the galling bondage of heavy indebtedness, and it was not until Jan., 1882, that the church by a resolute effort finally freed itself from all claims upon its property.
The property is admirably located, facing the northeast corner of the Public Square. The tide of business may ultimately set so strongly in that direction that the church will be compelled to seek a refuge from the clat- ter of traffic farther up town, as some other churches have already done. For some years to come, however, the members expect to cling to the old house, with its sacred memories of bridal and burial, prayer and praise. It is a plain, old-fashioned frame meeting house, fifty by thirty-six feet, hori- zontal dimensions, and twenty-four feet from the floor to the highest point in the ceiling. When fully seated, the auditorium will accommodate three hundred persons. In the summer of 1874 the building was greatly improved by the addition of two rooms, in the rear of the auditorium, for pastor's study and Sunday school purposes, though the improvement in point of convenience was counterbalanced by the addition of about $300 to the already heavy debt which the congregation of 1881 had to pay. In the fall of 1876 a further improvement was effected by the erection of a pipe organ worth $1,200, an instrument of sweet tone, which, under skill- ful hands, contributed no little to the pleasure of those who love the musical features of Divine worship. During the spring of 1882 the house under- went a thorough renovation. Roofing, painting and papering have made
22
544
HISTORY OF SEDALIA.
the old house a sufficiently pleasant looking place of worship until the demands of the growing town shall necessitate a new and more elaborate edifice.
As we have already stated, the first pastor of the church was Rev. E. T. Brown, who served from Oct. 20, 1865, to June 15, 1867, when his res- ignation was accepted by the church. As his record is mentioned else- where in this volume, it is unnecessary to speak particularly of his work at an important and critical period of the church's history. Of the pastors who have served the church, he is, as yet, the only one who has passed from the field of earthly labor. Some time elapsed before the pulpit was again filled. A call was extended to Rev. J. B. Fuller, which he was compelled to decline, on the ground of the reluctance of his existing charge to accept his resignation. But on June 5, 1868, the church, governed by the clear indications of Providence, as it devoutly believed, called to the vacant pastorate Rev. John Letts, of Ohio, a man of singular strength and sweetness of character. His term of service was a short one, for in June, 1869, against the strongly expressed wish of the members, he insisted upon the acceptance of his resignation. Though since that time he has had the care of other churches continually, he has retained his residence in Seda- lia, where, for his powers and virtues of mind and heart, sound judgment, genial kindness and Christian charity, he is respected by all and held in most affectionate esteem by those who know him best. For more than a year there was that most disastrous of churchly conditions, a pastoral interregnum. Calls were extended in succession to Rev. C. W. Whiting, of Boonville, Rev. C. C. Chaplain, of Virginia, Rev. J. B. Fuller and Rev. Elihu Gunn, of Iowa, and Rev. Green Clay Smith, of Kentucky, men of ability and experience. But none of them, by some singular fatality, could accept the charge. Failure after failure had sorely discouraged the church when light dawned upon the confusion of the scattered congrega- tion. On March 1, 1871, Rev. Robert H. Harris, a genial, active, elo- quent preacher, well known to every church of Central Missouri, accepted the long vacant post. His administration was profitable to the church, though of no long continuance. In April, 1873, he was succeeded by Rev. Judson Carey Davidson, of Virginia, a young man of brilliant prom- ise and poetic imagination. His pastorate was the longest in the church's history, cotinuing six years and a half. He was universally liked, and especially popular among the younger people, but being very impressible he became almost too readily discouraged when affairs were not progress- ing as he wished. On four different years his resignation had come before the church, before it was finally accepted, Oct. 5, 1879, when the connec- tion of pastor and people was dissolved. Another considerable interval followed to dishearten the church and scatter the congregation, before the present pastor, Rev. J. B. Fuller, took charge, March 20, 1880. Under
545
HISTORY OF SEDALIA.
Mr. Fuller's care the church has gone forward very quietly, increasing in numbers, but best of all, taking in hand to clear off old debts and improve its property. Gas has replaced the old kerosene lamps, inside and outside the house has been repainted and beautified, making a neat and comforta- ble home. In meeting these heavy financial demands the church has resorted to none of the popular but doubtfully moral ways of raising money so common in modern times. Rich and poor have joined heart and hand to pay as their ability allowed. The pastor is proud of his peo- ple and delights to tell how they have paid their expenses upon the old- fashioned scriptural plan. The church, at present numbering 151 mem- bers, seems to be in a condition of harmonious, healthful activity-doing a solid work in an unostentatious fashion, looking for the praise of God rather than of man.
The clerks who have served the church from the beginning are John Hubbard, George Galliher, E. W. Bixby, John Stryker, J. H. Barley, W. A. McNees, Charles E. Gunn, William H. H. Hill, William N. Graham and Albert F. Whipple, who is now on duty.
The church had been in existence a year before any deacons were elected, a most unusual circumstance. But on Oct. 13, 1866, James P. Leake and George Galliher were elected to that office. On Aug. 30, 1871, David Hills and D. A. Waterman were added to the board. Sept. 27, 1876, the board of deacons was re-organized by the election of James P. Leake, John Stryker, W. A. McNees and J. H. Barley, who continue to officiate.
The present board of trustees is composed of J. P. Leake, J. Stryker, John L. Hall and W. A. McNees.
J. P. Leake, the present excellent treasurer, has served in that capacity during the greater part of the church's existence.
Owing to the non-existence of the early records of the Sunday School, it is impossible to say just when or by whom that usual adjunct of a church was organized. It is known to have been in existence very soon after the church began its work-but from the memories of those engaged we can glean but little concerning its development and usefulness. From the church records we learn that the following named have filled the office of superintendent: Rev. E. T. Brown, J. P. Leake, John Stryker, D. A. Waterman, Rev. J. C. Davidson, Wm. H. H. Hill, Robert Zener, James Peabody, Ira C. Hubbell, C. M. Jacobs, R. H. Allison. The present officers are Col. J. D. Crawford, Superintendent; Rev. J. B. Fuller, Assistant Superintendent; A. W. Hawks, Secretary and Treasurer; Miss Mary Leaming, Organist. Teachers-Mrs. E. Lamy, Miss Kate Bis- comb, John Stryker, Albert F. Whipple, Prof. LeRoy Birchfield, Mrs. Josephine P. Hatch, Mrs. Carrie Tomlinson, Mrs. M. E. Donahoe, Mrs. Julia Sinnett, Mrs. L. A. Tucker, Mrs. W. A. McNees, and Prof. F. A.
546
HISTORY OF SEDALIA.
North with the following class: Mamie Leaming, Dovie Barley, Mamie Neet, Mattie Letts, Flora Hatch, Susie Hawks, Florence Tucker, Flor- ence Lamy, Sarah Walker and Minnie White. The school has an enrolled membership of 145, and meets every Sunday at 9:30 A. M. This school, though not large as to numbers, is doing a good work and its future is a promising one.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Probably no church that has attained to such a position of influence, started from smaller beginnings than the First Congregational Church of Sedalia. Only one member of a Congregational Church lived in Sedalia when it was proposed to organize the society and build a church. Rev. E. B. Turner, the Home Missionary agent, seeing the prospect for an important town here, came twice in the summer of 1865 to confer with J. H. Mertz, the only Congregationalist in Sedalia, and was advised that a minister should be sent into this field. Accordingly Rev. J. M. Bowers came and at once began active operations to organize a church. The church was organized, April 12, 1866, with the following original mem- bers: Rev. J. M. Bowers, J. H. Mertz, Aaron Brown, Mrs. Aseneth C. Brown, Thomas Tracy, Mrs. Sophia Tracy, H. L. Maynard, Mrs. Sylvia Maynard, Mrs. E. R. Newcomb. The call for a council to aid in the organization of this church was made, March 10, 1866, and articles of faith were adopted at that meeting. The following named ministers and delegates responded to the call and aided in the organization: Rev. T. M. Post, D. D., St. Louis, also Mr. S. B. Kellogg and Mr. C. M. Saxton; Rev. L. Bartlett, Kansas City; Rev. E. B. Turner, Rev. M. H. Smith, Warrensburg; Rev. L. Newcomb, Syracuse, and Rev. L. Jones.
Rev. J. M. Bowers was ordained the first pastor of the church on the evening of April 12, 1866, at which the services were conducted by the following named persons: L. Jones, reading hymn; L. Bartlett, reading scriptures; M. H. Smith, opening prayer; Dr. T. M. Post, ordination ser- mon; E. B. Turner, ordaining prayer; L. Newcomb, hand of fellowship; L. Bartlett, charge to pastor; L. Jones, charge to church; J. M. Bowers, the benediction.
Mr. Bowers presided over this church till his resignation, which occurred Nov. 1, 1869. During his pastorate the church was placed on a firm basis, the house of worship was erected, the bell was purchased and the. most important revival in its history was experienced. The revival meet- ings were led by Rev. John Montieth, of St. Louis, in the spring of 1868, and were undoubtedly the most powerful ever held in the city; many of the prominent members of this and other churches professed conversion at these meetings. Rev. Bowers was a young man just from Oberlin Theological Seminary, and his ministrations and labors here were crowned
547
HISTORY OF SEDALIA.
with great success. He was untiring in his duties both in heart and hand. He is now at Chandlerville, Ill.
The house of worship was built and dedicated in the spring of 1867, and its whole cost, including the lot on which it stands, was $8,000. It may be interesting to state in this connection that when this church was built, if the entire wealth of its members had been estimated in one sum, it would have fallen far below the cost of the church. At the present time the membership includes a fair share of the financial standing and business enterprise of the city. The church is sixty-two by forty feet, twenty-six feet ceiling and sixty feet tower, and will seat three hundred and fifty persons. The bell, the first in the city, made by Jones, of Troy, N. Y., weighs one thousand and one hundred pounds, and cost $600. A good cabinet organ, pulpit, carpets and upholstery are among the conveniences for worshipers here. Material aid in building the church was obtained through the efforts of the pastor and his friends, at Mansfield, Ohio. The Mansfield Church gave $1,500, the St. Louis Churches gave between $500 and $1,000, the Congregational Union gave about $1,000, the American Home Missionary Society mostly supporting the pastor for about two years, and aid was obtained from other friends in the east. Of those who constituted the first membership, nearly all have moved away. J. H. Mertz, one of the leading members from its organization to the present time, is one of the prominent druggists of the city. Aaron Brown came to Sedalia for the purpose of engaging in the hardware business, but soon commenced preaching, and in 1867 organized the Congregational Churches at Pleasant Hill and Greenwood. He subsequently removed to Indiana and, then to Ohio, where he now resides. Thomas Tracy, another of the original members, and its first deacon, now lives at Windsor, Mo., where he recently celebrated his golden wedding. Mr. H. L. May- nard kept a livery for sometime, and about five years ago removed to Wisconsin. Mrs. E. R. Newcomb remained with the church only one year, when she removed to Nebraska, where her husband was preaching. Rev. W. B. Seaver was the second pastor, and commenced his labors, March 23, 1870, resigning, July, 1872. During his pastorate about $2,000 was expended in improvements of the church, for gas, frescoing, carpeting, painting, &c.
The pastorate of Rev. J. M. Van Wagner, which commenced in October, 1872, inaugurated a new epoch in the history of the church. His personal characteristics, original style of preaching, social manners and general intercourse with the world, from the very beginning attracted the attention of the people and filled his church with earnest hearers. He served the church four years, and resigned to accept a unanimous call from the Congregational Church of Paris, Texas. There were seasons of revival meetings each winter, but during the winter of 1872-3 the largest
548
HISTORY OF SEDALIA.
of his pastorate occurred. During these four years one hundred and one members were added, fifty-two by profession and forty-nine by letter, and the strength and influence of the church was much improved. The fol- lowing was sent to the General Association of the State in the fall of 1873: " Sedalia has been the recipient of marked favor from the Lord of the harvest. The membership of the church has been more than doubled, the gain being chiefly by conversions." His influence over the masses was very great and salutary. One day during the summer of 1877, when the great railroad strike was at its height in this city, Mr. Van Wagner was called upon by the officials to address the large and turbulent mob. His impromptu remarks were well received by the excited crowd, and it was said that they had more influence in restraining the strikers from violence than all other influences combined. At one time during his ministry here he was invited and accepted a request to supply the pulpit of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, while the latter was away on a vacation.
Rev. Charles L. Mitchell, a graduate of Yale College and Andover Theological Seminary, commenced his pastorate with this church, Jan. 1st, 1877, and resigned in May, 1879. During his pastorate a parsonage cost- · ing $1,000 was built in close proximity to the church on the west.
Rev. Allen J. Van Wagner, son of J. M. Van Wagner, commenced his labors here, Nov. 23, 1879, and still continues a most acceptable pastor. In January, 1881, he was invited to be installed as permanent pastor, and accordingly was installed the February following. Rev. Dr. Goodell preached the sermon and acted as moderator of the council. Rev. Robert West, now of Shawmut Church, Boston, gave the charge to the pastor, Rev. Henry Hopkins, of Kansas City, gave the charge to the people, and Rev. S. G. Bailey gave the right hand of fellowship to the pastor.
The church is in good condition, both spiritually and financially. The following was reported in October, 1881, to the General Association of the State, which met at Springfield, Mo. "Sedalia has enjoyed a marked degree of prosperity. A much needed revival followed the week of prayer; souls were quickened and many born into the kindom of peace. The clerk writes: 'The church is in the best financial condition in its his- tory; more money raised than ever before; audiences very large; prayer- meetings well attended; harmony and brotherly love prevail. The out- look is most encouraging.'" The present officers of the church are: J. H. Mertz, G. L. Shepard, B. F. Dean, Geo. H. Sanford, Deacons; G. H. Scott, H. L. Berry, J. G. Sloane, J. R. Webber, E. W. Sinclair, Trustees; A. E. Whitney, Clerk; E. W. Sinclair, Treasurer:
The quartette choir is composed of excellent singers: J. B. Wilcox, tenor, chorister; Morris Barrett, basso; Mable VanCamp, soprano; Mrs. J. B. Wilcox, alto; Prof. A. A. Gifford, organist.
The Sunday School, with an average attendance of one hundred, is in a
549
HISTORY OF SEDALIA.
flourishing condition. Superintendent, H. L. Berry; Assistant Superin- tendent, Geo. H. Sandford; Secretary and Librarian, Charles West; Teachers: Rev. A. J. Van Wagner, Geo. H. Sandford, Mrs. A. E. Whit- ney, Dr. Geo Shepard, Mrs. H. L. Berry, Mrs. A. C. Ainsworth, J. H. Mertz, Mrs. J. B. Wilcox, Miss Minnie Fenwick, Mrs. Roll, Mrs. Evans, Miss Mary Goodell and Miss Sylvia Sheldon.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Soon after the beginning of the war, in 1861, Rev. John Montgomery, D. D., walked from Georgetown to Sedalia and preached one of the first sermons ever delivered in the town, in a small wooden house that had been brought up on the Mo. Pacific R. R., then being constructed. The audience consisted of a few citizens and quite a number of U. S. officers and soldiers.
Dr. Montgomery continued to preach occasionally in Sedalia as did also Rev. Mr. Barbee. The latter induced the friends to buy a house that had been used as a church in Syracuse, and remove it to Sedalia. This building was moved and rebuilt in the spring of 1865. This was the first house of worship erected in the town, and is the same now occupied by the O. S. Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Second and Lamine streets. The population of the place was then about 1,000. It was built for a Presbyterian Church, but for several years was occupied by the dif- ferent denominations. The First Presbyterian Church was not formally organized till Aug. 11, 1865. This was effected in a school room situated north of the Mo. P. R. R., back of the present Garrison House, Dr. Montgomery presiding.
The following persons were enrolled as members: Dr. Thos. J. Mont- gomery, John S. Brown, J. J. Monahan, Abram Meyer, Julius Huffman, Mrs. R. Monahan, Mrs. Adaline Meyer, Jos. P. Landes, Mrs. Sarah E. Staley, John F. Philips, P. G. Stafford and Wm. B. Wallace.
The following were elected elders: Abram Meyer, W. B. Wallace and J. S. Brown.
Dr. Montgomery continued to preach for the church till Feb. 25, 1868, when, on account of bodily injuries received, he resigned as stated supply. In Sept., 1866, a call was placed in his hands, but he was never installed as pastor.
When Dr. M. resigned, he recommended the church to engage as sup- ply Rev. C. H. Dunlap, who had previously assisted him in a protracted meeting. Mr. Dunlap was employed and began his labors, April 5, 1868, and closed them, March 3, 1872. The church up to this time had no connection with any Presbytery. At a church meeting held, Feb. 4, 1870, the elders were advised to send a representative to Osage Presbytery of the General Assembly, when forty-one members asked for their letters
550
HISTORY OF SEDALIA.
and organized what has since been known as the O. S. Presbyterian Church. At this time the Church numbered about 120 members. A division of the property was made according to the membership. The out-going members agreed to keep the church property and pay those who remained in the organization about $2,500.
Sept. 30, 1872, a call was made for Rev. J. H. Miller, and he was installed the first pastor of the church, Oct. 20, 1872. Rev. Timothy Hill, D. D., of Kansas City, presided; Rev. C. H. Foot, D. D., of St. Louis, preached the sermon; Rev. D. C. Milner, of Kansas City, charged the pastor; and Rev. R. Irwin, D. D., of St. Louis, charged the people. April 12, 1876, this relation was dissolved by the Presbytery at Osage.
Rev. H. M. Shockley was called as pastor, Dec. 1, 1876, and served the church till June, 1880. He was succeeded by Rev. George A. Beattie, who began his labors the first of July, and was installed pastor, Sept. 29, 1880. Rev. Chas. H. Fuller, of Warrensburg, preached the sermon; Rev. R. H. Jackson, of Appleton City, presided and charged the pastor; and Rev. J. S. Page, of Centerview, charged the people.
At this date, Jan., 1882, all who have ministered to the church are still living. Dr. Montgomery resides on his farm near Longwood in Pettis County; Rev. C. H. Dunlap is the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Newcastle, Pa .; Rev. J. H. Miller is supply to the pulpit of the Second Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, and also in charge of a mission in the same city; Rev. H. M. Shockley has charge of the Presbyterian Church at Hutchinson, Kan .; Rev. G. A. Beattie is the present pastor.
There has been an annual average addition to the church of twenty- one; on examination fourteen, and by letter seven. There have been sev- eral marked revivals.
On Feb. 23, 1867, there were thirty-two additions, of these twenty- three on profession. In the winter of 1868 there was another revival. Again, in 1869, when twenty-three were added, thirteen on profession. In the winter of 1881 the church was much quickened, and on the follow- ing communion twenty-three were publicly received, fourteen on exami- nation. The church has recently been much revived and quite a number have been added, with "more to follow." Since 1876 the membership has more than doubled. Whole number added to the church is 347, on examination 121, and by letter 226. There have been added under the different ministers as follows:
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.