USA > Missouri > Johnson County > The history of Johnson County, Missouri : including a reliable history of the townships, cities, and towns, together with a map of the county; a condensed history of Missouri; the state constitution; an abstract of the most important laws etc > Part 39
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When Rev. Fuller assumed charge, the church was greatly embar- rassed with a heavy debt on their new and elegant house of worship. Many of the best supporting members had united with churches more convenient to their homes. Congregations attending divine service were small, and there was in fact, very little to encourage the heart of a faith- ful preacher. But now the financial affairs of the church are improved, and only $500 of church debt remains unpaid, and the healthy condition of the spiritual interests of the body have become a subject of just pride to
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the whole community. May the self sacrificing and ardent christian labors of him who presides over this branch of Zion continue to be blessed with the most approved results.
Before the war most of those belonging to the Presbyterian Church, in Johnson county, lived in, and about Warrensburg, but since the war other organizations have been effected.
About thirteen years ago a little band of Presbyterians organized into a church at Knob Noster, afterwards erecting a nice little house of worship. Christian zeal and fervency are commendable everywhere, but we doubt if Johnson county can furnish another purer example and more single- hearted devotedness than was manifested by that little band of a dozen Presbyterians at Knob Noster. The ministers of the Warrensburg church often preached at Knob Noster, and aided that struggling Spartan band.
The Centerview Presbyterian Church was organized in 1873 by Rev. W. H. Hillis, with about ten members. They have erected a church. A church was organized at Kingsville, but soon went down. The Presby- terian church at Holden was a new school from its organization till the union of the two branches, in 1868. It has a large and active membership with a magnificent house of worship in process of building. A more par- ticular mention is made of this church in connection with the history of Holden.
During the early history of the Warrensburg church a few of the members came to attend. service from quite a distance. Mrs. Cornwall, wife of L. S. Cornwall, resided at Columbus, and came regularly to church on the Sabbath. Alfred Duffield, another member, lived some dis- tance west of Warrensburg, and Judge J. J. Welshans lived east.
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
About the year 1830 or 1831 several families settled in what was then known as the Blackwater country, now the Columbus neighborhood. Among the heads of these families were Nicholas Houx, Pleasant Rice, Robert Craig and James Harris, members of this denomination. Their nearest place of public worship was either Green Valley, or the "Old brick church," near Lexington. Some of these men often mounted their horses on Sabbath morning, and rode to church, returning home in the evening. In summer they would leave their homes, taking their families in their wagons, and attend the several camp-meetings held at a distance.
Full of energy, and devoted to religion, they soon located a camp- ground, on the site where Columbus now stands. Erecting the customary log camps, so arranged as to form a hollow square, in which stood the rude pulpit, surrounded by seats, all covered above with a brush arbor,
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under which the usual four days and nights were devoted to the solemn and devout worship of Almighty God.
Those who were in attendance from other settlements, and from other counties were all abundantly provided for by the resident campers. The custom of a free entertainment of all the people and their horses was uni- versal. There was bread and bacon-hams; there was fine beef, and, some- times, venison, together with the labor of preparing the meals, and in every way providing for the comfortable entertainment of these worshipers, were all given by these good men and women with all the hearty willing- ness of true worshipers. These occasions, in many respects, were not un- like the "Feast of Tabernacles," among the Israelites. The decorum observed by all in attendance can scarcely be realized by the people of the present day. Disorderly conduct by day or by night, on the part of any, was generally considered highly reprehensible. These assemblies were grave and thoughtful, and the services solemn and deeply impres- sive. The ministry who served on these occasions were men of gravity and intelligence, and greatly in earnest. Their spirit and methods were strikingly after the style of John the Baptist in the wilderness, nor were the results that followed greatly dissimilar. These men often came from a distance of fity or one hundred miles to preach to the people, many of whom they never saw before, and to whom they expected never to preach again. Many of the hearers were not accustomed to hear the gospel often. The effect was to strongly impress the ministry with the thought that they were doing a work for eternity.
Under such impressions their sermons had a point and a pathos not usually witnessed, and the result was large numbers of conversions dur- ing these solemnities. These returning to their several homes in the various settlements whence they had come, served as allies to the coming "circuit preacher," and as a nucleus in their several communities for the organization of new churches.
As early, perhaps, as the year 1832 the Columbus community suc- ceeded in inducing the Rev. R. D. Morrow to settle among them to serve as their pastor. Mr. Morrow was the first missionary his denomination sent to the territory of Missouri. He had spent several years visiting and preaching to the inhabited portions of the territory, beginning this work in 1819. He usually traversed the country lying between Cape Girardeau and Pike county, along the Mississippi river, and up the Missouri, as far as the settlements extended. He, though not exceeding 22 years of age, when he began this work, proved himself to be a very suitable exponent of his denomination in so responsible a position. His scholarly attainments commended him to the most intelligent, his exceedingly simple and clear method of presentation made him easily comprehended by all, and his fine
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physical development fitted him for performing a wonderful amount of service, and enduring the severest hardships. His great devotion to the cause put all his powers to the severest test. These endowments together, made him among the foremost pioneer missionaries Missouri could ever boast. The church at Columbus and the people of the county were peculiarly fortunate in having such a man settle among them. Here he lived and labored for nearly 40 years; his influence went far to establish the tone of intelligence and the morality of the county as well as its reli- gious convictions. The church at Columbus had in him their first and only pastor, until the infirmities of age retired him from their active ser- vice.
In the early history of this country there were three distinct methods by which the people were supplied with the gospel.
1. There was the ubiquitous "circuit preacher," who formed a series of appointments, by going from one settlement to another, often extending through several counties. These he filled, usually in a month, by preach- ing almost every day in the week. These week-day appointments were attended, generally, by almost every one in the neighborhood. They were not too busy, even in harvest times, to attend preaching. In this way the people heard the gospel, when, otherwise, it would have been impossible. This method gave an opportunity for much visitation by the preacher, and for general acquaintance with the people. This system was Presbyterianism adjusting itself to circumstances. These circuit services were generally the fields of the younger ministry, but not exclusively só. The amount of good thus accomplished was very great. Conversions and accessions were numerous. . The foundations for many permanent con- gregations were thus laid, of which the circuit preacher often became the permanent pastor. The remuneration for such services was very trifling. The preacher's expenses were very light, however. He usually had his: clothes and a little money given him.
2. Another method of supplying the people with preaching was this: The older men generally settled in some congregation on a farm. They would serve, with monthly preaching, several contiguous congregations" while they, by their own industry, would make the major part of their own living, by cultivating a crop during the spring and early summer months, and during the winter they usually taught a school, in which they became prime factors in directing and developing the social and intellect- ual cast of the country. Their regime allowed them altogether too limited opportunities for reading, and for the needed visitations of a pastor ; but, everything considered they did a valuable work.
Of some of these men, and of their operartions we may speak more definitely. In the southern portion of the county, near where Shiloh
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church now stands, settled Rev. Samuel King, also his son, Rev. R. D. King. The former was a man of fine ability, as a preacher, and of emi- nent standing in his denomination, he being one of the three men who organized thls church into a separate denomination. Though advanced in life, when he settled here, he did a valuable part in preaching the gos- pel and organizing the work in this county. Prominent in his efforts was the work of organizing Sabbath schools, and other systems of Bible instruction in his community. His later services were given to traveling tours, extensively through the denomination, under the direction of the general assembly, accompanied by his son, soon after which he closed his eventful life, at his home, where his grandson, Rev. S. F. King now resides. A tall marble shaft at Shiloh church, a contribution by the mem- bers of the general assembly convened at Warrensburg, to his memory, marks the spot where rest his remains.
The son named above was a man of remarkable endowments, of great resources, both as a preacher and a presbyter, ever showing great strength in the forms of business and church law in the judicature of his church
The Shiloh church, in its earlier history, owes much to his labors. He laid the foundation for the subsequent organization of the Pisgah congre- gation near Chilhowee.
Much of his time, however, was given to the field in Henry county, at Clinton and other points. He, about twenty years since, moved to the state of Texas, where he still labors with vigor, though about eighty years old.
Next came the labors and characteristics of the Rev. John B. Morrow, brother of the Morrow formerly mentioned. He first settled near Col- umbus, perhaps in '36, serving several churches, among which were Rock Church and Mt. Moriah, both of which were eminently prosperous under his ministrations. In about the year '43 he removed to Walnut Creek, in the eastern portion of the county, where he built up the Bethel congrega- tion (now Knob Noster), which became so strong as to command almost that entire section. He also organized the Pleasant Grove congregation, south of the Knobs, and the Mary's chapel, now at Montserrat. After staying here for many years he removed to Chilhowee, where he ended his days. Here he organized the Pisgah church, which under his minis- trations grew very strong and flourishing.
He was an active presbyter, and contributed largely to the establishing of the church in the county. As a preacher he ranked quite above the average, and in some of his characteristics excelled all others. He was emphatically the people's man. Among the young he had almost unbounded influence. He was free and sociable and entertaing to all. Being an unusually sympathetic man, he was always very tender and
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touching in his address. His appeals came with great motive power. He overwhelmed them by his love, and wooed men to christ, and the church to active work. He had great power in song, and often after preaching a warm sermon, he would go through the congreation singing and shaking hands with all, and dropping words of encouragement or of admonition to his hearers, as he deemed necessary. He was emphatically a revivalist. The account of Barnabas well applies to him. "He was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith, and much people was added to the Lord." His remains rest at Pisgah church.
At Shiloh, has long resided the Rev. B. F. Thomas, a solid and good man, of universal good influence, who is now the only survivor of the older class of preachers in the county. This church he served with abil- ity and success, for a number of years, and to his labors that people are much indebted for their present prosperity.
Much of his time has been devoted to Henry and Cass counties, where under his labors several good churches have taken existence.
We cannot do justice to this department without a reference to the Rev. John R. Whitsett, through whose agency, mainly, the Centerville church took existence and position, and who was a very important factor for many years in the work through the county.
He, having entered the ministry late in life, was destitute of many of those attainments of education, which fit the minister for his work. But, notwithstanding, he became in many important respects a superior man, and minister. He was well versed in the scriptures, of which he made a liberal, and an intelligent use in all his labors. He was safe, in that he did not venture beyond his depth. He possessed, to an unusual degree, the elements of an orator, even he seemed never to rise to the proportions of his full strength, until he stood before an audience. When he became impassioned, he used, tastefully, the boldest imagery, and became abso- lutely sublime. His natural gifts, and gracious endowments, at times would enable him to overleap his lack of advantages, and to lift his audience into new and strange realms of thought and interest. As a pastor, he was superior to almost any man of his day, in the country. He kept himself familiar with all the status and conduct of his charges. He was much among his people, and sympathized deeply with them in all their circumstances, and had the nerve to say to any one what he thought should be said, either in public or private.
He began his labors at Centreview neighborhood in, perhaps, the year '43. There, and at other points, he continued to labor, until, by a stroke from lightning, which struck his house, he was largely disabled from activeness during most of his remaining years. During about three years after the close of the war, in the great destitution of ministers, he
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recovered strength to render the most valuable services of his life. In prayer he possessed a power rarely witnessed. He seemed to bring his auditors right face to face with the Deity. Several others might be men- tioned if space would allow.
A third method of supplying the gospel to all, in the early days, was the already mentioned camp-meeting. From the last of July to the first of October, the country was greatly at leisure. Their small crops were matured and secured, and their stock were all growing fast on the range, and but little was being done in the industrial pursuits.
The pastor of each church arranged to hold one of these meetings in his charge. The regular services of the several congregations were merged into the camp meetings, and the membership induced, as far as possible, their irreligious neighbors to accompany them to these meetings. Even the circuit rider, when these seasons arrived, suspended his regular appointments to attend these special services, inducing as many as possi- ble of the people of his friends to attend some of these meetings. These occasions were scenes of concentrated influence, and generally of intense interest, and also of large results. There was large preparations made for these occasions on the part of the working membership. Earnest prayers could be frequently heard, during the spring and early summer, offered in their prayer meetings and their family worship, for the Divine Being to attend these coming meetings in the salvation of the people. Much was done also by inviting and urging their neighbors to accompany them to the meetings, and to attend to the matter of their soul's salvation. The people generally came up earnestly praying for, and expecting large results.
The greatest efforts of the ministry of that day were put forth on these occasions. Grave responsibilities were known to rest upon them. The people then, more than now, obtained their information on all great ques- tions from their public speakers rather than from books and papers. The ministry knowing that the people had come to hear and learn, felt the great responsibilities of the occasion. As a rule, their sermons partook more of a doctrinal type than is the present custom, and were very elabo- rately prepared, so as to embody the two elements of strength and sim- . plicity.
The themes on which they mainly dwelt, were the basal truths of christianity, as the character of the Deity, the nature of His righteous government, and the nature and extent of man's obligations. His condi- tion of ruin and utter helplessness as a sinner. God's ample and gracious provision for his recovery, the terms of salvation, and man's personal responsibility in its acceptance or rejection. The necessity of a radical
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change in his moral nature, and how effected together with the evidences of such a change having been wrought.
Prominent among some men showing decided ability on such. themes was the Rev. R. D. Morrow, D. D., whose fine analytical powers, and short logical method of reasoning made his positions so evident, that his conclusions were unresistable. His strength and clearness as a theologian had been much inhanced by this, and the training of the rising ministry from an early date had been mainly committed to him. This led him to become very critical, systematic, and thorough in his investigations, and added greatly to his simplicity and perspicuity in his presentations. He became, using the language of Paul: " A wise master builder, laying the foundations." In the beginning of his discourses he manifested the dis- passionate self-possession of the philosopher, though not wanting in evi- dence of deep interest, which gradually warmed with the advance of his argument, until he had created a tower of truth to a collossal hight, he, imperceptibly to themselves, bore the interest of his auditors along with him in his ascent, to the close of his investigation, after which, at times, his appeals were of the most stunning character, all the more forcible because based upon the rational presentation of the theme he was closing. His greatest influence was over men of decided intellect, not one of whom could follow him through these heavy investigations without being pro- foundly impressed.
The stirring pathos which, at times accompanied his appeals in connec- tion with these clear demonstrations of truth, were simply irresistable and overwhelming. Men have been known to fall from their seats under the weight of their convictions of truth, or to fall to the ground off their feet as they would walk away from the congregation. But oftener they would sit after the sermon had ended, in profound meditation, indisposed to any action whatever until the impressions made had matured into a spirit of submission to the claims of the gospel. Hours, and even days after these heavy efforts, there would be a general turning to the Lord, on the part of the unconverted, and generally those the most intelligent. Nor was the county then destitute, by any means, of men capable of appreciating these strong reasonings. The large proportion of the pio- neers were men of force of character and of strong intellects, for imbe- cility and stupidity generally prefer remaining at home.
The church was favored with other styles of ministers with their char- acteristic manners of address, who, together, were found to be happily adapted to the wants of the entire people.
For example, there was the Rev. J. B. Morrow, who, taking such a theme as the " prodigal son," would cause the sinner to see his own pro- totype in the wanderings and want, the return and gracious reception of
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this once lost one, but now saved; or a Whitsett presenting the admira- tion and astonishment of the new born soul expressed by the surprise of the queen of Sheba as she gazed on the temple of Solomon, and exclaims, " the half has not been told;" or a severe Sloan, as he dissected the human heart and detected its hidden iniquity concealed in all its secret windings with whom men would often become deeply offended, alleging that he, was personal and was exposing them; or a Wm. Horne on some startling theme, as " the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?"
As the people of the entire country so generally attended these meet- ings, during which time they were so thoroughly cut off from every other subject of thought and interest, a very large proportion of all the people accepted the Christian religion, and the major part of the intelligent and influential became church members. Not unfrequently there would be as many as fifty, and at times one hundred conversions during one such meeting. This all contributed to strengthen the religious and moral senti- ment of the community to that degree, that this country has never since had the same moral tone as then.
The necessity for such meetings was judged to pass away, as churches, houses, and other facilities for worship were multiplied. Also, the pro- priety of continuing these style of meetings was thought questionable, as the country became more densely settled, and so many began to attend through motives of curiosity and for pleasure, while others came for spec- ulation, selling their confectioneries, and not a few their liquors.
The Chalybeate Spring camp-ground, situated seven miles south-west of Warrensburg, held out longer than any other. It was located contig- uous to four different congregations, the majority of whose members were accustomed to camp there. This became the rendezvous, not only for the churches of Johnson county, but owing to the very intimate relations existing between this and the other churches of the county, almost the entire country attended these meetings each summer. These continued to prove very successful as long as they were continued, there being over one hundred professions at the last one held, which was in the year '58. 4
It was thought best to abandon this place of resort, for this purpose, because the immense crowd which attended was constantly on the increase, and was growing quite unwieldy, and because the liquor sellers and drinking persons were constantly on the increase in their attendance and in their annoyance. The meeting just preceding the last gave the campers much trouble. At the last one held, the Rev. J. B. Morrow, pastor of the church there, being sick, requested another man to take the supervision and management of the meeting, who fell upon the following expedient, to forestall the disturbances of the liquor trade: Going to some
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young men, not members, but friends of the church, and ·of good order, he requested them to take the entire department into hand, which they readily consented to do. About twenty of these men formed a patrol in the several roads, found, perhaps, every jug and keg on sale, which would soon be spirited away so mysteriously that no one could account for it. Meantime, no one seemed to be giving themselves any concern on this question. This last meeting was very orderly, and impressive, and suc- cessful. This one ended camp-meeting scenes in Johnson county, so far as Cumberland Presbyterians are concerned.
Between the years 1840 and 1860, a large number of young men, of ability and promise, entered the ministry, but few of whom remained within the county, to serve its churches. Some left to occupy newer fields, and some older ones. Prominent among the causes leading them to other fields, was the consideration of the very meagre support given to the ministry.
In 1861 the war was upon the people, which resulted in the removal of every minister of this denomination from the county except two. Indeed, it resulted in stopping the operations of all the churches in all their work, with very little exception. An army chaplain at Warrensburg, as a min- ister under the protection of the soldiery, for a time did all the preaching in the county, except the Rev. J. H. Houx, then living near Centreview kept up, with little interruptions, regular services at Columbus and Oak Grove, with occasional appointments in different parts of the county, though at times at great hazard. The anxiety of the people to hear the gospel, induced them to come from every direction, for a distance of ten miles, and his congregations were composed of fragments of all denomi- nations, and of persons of all political convictions, except the most extreme and bitter. The services manifested "how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." They seemed to do good in preventing evil, and by keeping the people in rememberance of their obligations to do good. During the year '64 and '65 two meetings were conducted, one at Columbus, the other at Oak Grove, each of which resulted in something near forty conversions.
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