Early history of North Dakota: essential outlines of American history, Part 69

Author: Lounsberry, Clement A. (Clement Augustus), 1843-1926
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Washington, D. C., Liberty Press
Number of Pages: 824


USA > North Dakota > Early history of North Dakota: essential outlines of American history > Part 69


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).


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Hebron, First ..


H. R. Lyou ..


.. J. H. Watts.


238.449


25.000


8,000


1,415


121,590


82,443


Hettinger, First.


.C. E. Batcheller.


. A. G. Newman


208.480


25.000


8,000


1,223


75,572


73,685


Hillsboro, First.


E. Y. Sarles.


E. R. Sarles.


550,378


50,000


10.000


7,973


149,112


280,016


Hillsboro, Hillsboro.


J. H. Hansoo.


. Ole Arnegard


551.465


50,000


13,000


7,489


125,320


308,656


Hope, First


J. D. Brown.


. F. W. Ehred ...


353,792


50,000


10,000


70,743


158,218


Hope. Hope


. Ole Arnegard.


Geo. A. Warner


50.000


10,000


2.508


34,693


91.014


Jamestown, Citizens ......


J. J. Nierling.


C. R. Hodge.


342,501


50,000


12,500


7.782


166,168


33,509


Jamestown, Farmera sod Merchants


Michael Murphy


R. R. Wolfer.


363,917


50.000


2.500


192,751


103,991


Jamestown, James River. . H. T. Graves.


A. B. De Nault.


851,20G


100,000


80,000


7.883


365,341


227,354


Keomare, First


. Charles J. Weiser


David Clark, Jr.


284,483


25,000


15,000


97,552


139,797


Keomare, Kenmare


.. J. N. Fox. .


H. P. Thronson


299.272


25,000


25,000


124,597


92.529


Kramer, First.


H. Thorson ..


H. O. Lyngstad.


173,134


25,000


5,000


1.914


35.737


90,983


Lakota, National


. G. W. C. Ross.


R. D. Swengel.


150.499


25,000


5,000


723


51,527


34,162


La Moure, First.


David Lloyd.


Paul Adams


347,619


25,000


15,000


1.580


117,810


159,893


La Moure, Farmers


H. Neverman.


T. N. Hunt


276,243


50,000


10,000


24,262


80,879


Langdon, First


C. B. McMillan.


J. H. Bain.


377,196


50,000


20,000


3,321


57.554


203,335


Langdon, Cavalier County. W. F .. Winter.


.John Sbeehan


324.539


25,000


5,000


838


79.424


179,278


Lansford, First ..


. John S. Tucker.


A. G. Adams


178,911


25,000


5,000


1.095


46,869


94,447


Larimore, National.


. F. E. Kenastoa.


.O. A. Hazen ..


152,437


25,000


5.000


1,393


43,436


68,679


Lidgerwood, First.


E. A. Movius.


.M. O. Movius. .


544,521


50,000


20,000


156


160.485


249,764


Lidgerwood, Farmers.


. M. Lynch ..


J. W. Stiteler ..


419.491


50,000


9.000


108,665


194,414


Lintoo, First ...


. Frank Chesrown ..


F. J. Pietz ..


328.865


25,000


10.000


105,418


182,197


Lisboa, First .. .


. R. S. Adams ..


W. S. Adams.


GS1.786


50,000


25.000


1,456


260,059


275.271


Litchville, First.


A. P. Hanson.


S. J. Sundet.


225,099


25.000


5,000


63.600


96,499


Mandan, First


H. R. Lyon ....


.J. B. Racek.


1,277,445


50,000


85,000


414,267


548,470


Mandan, Merchants


. F. S. Graham ..


L. S. Royer. ..


241.663


50,000


10,000


2.775


70,644


135,778


Marmarth, First.


J. E. Phelan.


P. J. Hackl. .


193.155


25.000


19.000


4.128


46,998


64,651


Mayville, First


K. G. Springeo.


Geo. O. Stomner


324,429


50,000


10,000


73,912


164,953


McClusky, First.


J. A. Beck ..


. A. Espeseth


141.178


25,000


2.150


1.542


37.735


67,751


McHenry, First.


H. S. Halvorsoo.


.. G. P. Cross. Jr.


97,656


25,000


272


17,000


10,423


McVille, First


C. H. Simpson. .


A. O. Moen ..


164,969


25.000


. . ....


71,057


100,999


Milnor, First


E. B. Johnson,


. A. W. Eastman.


147,348


23.000


5.000


299


34,745


71,440


Milnor, Milnor


F. W. Vail ..


. H. J. Edmon.


251,271


30.000


6.000


759


74,823


113,891


Milton, First


John Wild ...


H. G. Halverson.


137,740


25.000


5,000


20,503


78,887


Minnewaukan. First


O. I. Hegge.


. C. F. Pierson. .


253.250


25.000


5,000


2.695


83.694


103,034


Miaot, Second


R. E. Barron.


. H. E. Byorum.


1.239,849


100.000


50.000


51.641


455,778


407.705


Minot, Union.


E. S. Person ..


. Jas. S. Flatland.


560.745


50,000


30,000


1,546


193.656


113,457


Mohall. First


H. H. Steele ..


.. P. A. Benson. .


164,595


25.000


5.000


384


77.115


27,506


Mott. First ..


R. E. Trousdale.


.. E. H. Trousdale.


275.616


25,000


12,500


1.048


92.711


138.097


Munich, First ..


David H. Reecher.


.. O. A. Drews.


156,113


25,000


5,000


1.180


12.406


106,027


New England. First.


Ang. Peterson.


Schroeder.


219.806


25,000


5,000


9,572


56,410


85,824


New Rockford. First.


W'm. Roberts.


H. F. Rivedan.


261,259


25.000


6.000


73,432


131,442


New Salem, First


Chas. F. Kellogg.


233,339


25,000


4,650


962


106,517


190,392


Northwood. Citizens


K. G. Springen


A. S. Ell:ogsoo.


199,210


25,000


5,000


84,286


54,924


Oskes, Firat


T. F. Marshall.


J. E. Bunday.


409,223


25,000


15,000


1,136


147.532


135,881


Oakea. Oakes


Chas. S Brown.


. Hans Lee


153,509


25,000


10,000


3.543


28,271


79,696


Oanabrock, First


John Trotter.


T. L. Tillisch.


229.086


25,000


7.500


4,051


108,239


59,996


Park River. First


Karl J. Farup


. K. D. Bennett.


355,156


25,000


30,000


2.670


70.482


213,325


Plaza, First. .


Roht. W. Akin.


. L. E. Linder.


224,216


25.000


10,000


8,879


80.797


80.240


Portland. First


.G. A. White.


P. M. Paulson.


173,364


25.000


5,000


83


34.031


30.082


Rock Lake, First.


W. J. Lichty


. H. R. Gray


143,416


25,000


6.000


.......


52.675


39,500


Rolla, First.


.W. N. Steele.


Robt. Fraser


220,633


25.000


25,000


4.213


41,944


100,076


Ryder, First.


Ang. Peterson.


C. H. Christiansen.


186,399


25,000


5,000


10.844


62,764


50,262


St. Thomas, First.


E. T. Thompson. .


. H. L. Barnes.


150.018


25,000


10,000


7,544


49,330


83,218


Scranton, First.


W. A. Shaw.


R. J. List. .


171,922


25,000


7.500


1,680


80,783


41.819


Sentinel Butte, First ..... E. J. Curtin.


170,997


25.000


2.500


1.290


41,042


79,805


Sharon, First ..


Alexander Curry.


200.343


25,000


6.000


1.876


33,746


105,676


Sheldon, First.


Gus O. Erstt ..


155.952


25,000


5.000


3,589


41,989


42,874


Sheyenne. First.


D. N. Taliman.


213.889


25,000


8.000


46,557


85,956


Starkweather, First.


T. J. Dougherty. .


173.090


25,000


5.000


9.791


49,720


52,079


Steele, First.


.Ino. F. Robinson . .


. F. D. Jones. .


232.420


25,000


15,000


2.559


110,891


47,195


Streeter, First.


F. S. Graham ..


139,880


25,000


5.000


465


42.345


77,349


Tower Citv. First


A. M. Voorhees.


338.657


50,000


15,000


4.572


87,852


92,733


Towner. First ..


J. R. Carley.


.J. N. Kuhl.


181,552


25,000


3.200


2.635


128.188


197,422


Wahpeton, National


.Joseph Patterson


.W. F. Eckes.


135.18$


25.000


2.500


63


26,772


28,542


Washburn. First.


Geo. L. Robinson.


. Aug. E. Johnson


370,565


25,000


15.000


193


127.312


167.462


Williston, First.


.O. I Hegge.


W. S. Davidson.


937,102


75,000


25,000


720


253.662


344.619


Willow City, First. .F. M. Rich


. C. W. Wilkins.


214.529


25,000


10,000


2,448


53,980


99.906


Wimbledon. First


.F. C. Lovell.


H M Stroud.


225,391


25,000


9,000


93


67.301


88.907


Wimbledon, Merchants


J F. Fox.


C. C. Beers.


C. B. Paulson,


125,935


25,000


5.000


.....


42.006


29,929


. . E.


. . H.


A. Merrifield


216.106


30.000


6.000


60,154


$9,952


Hannaford, First.


.O. E. Thoresoo.


.. R. L. Jones. ..


172,730


25,000


10.000


50,046


78.476


Hunter, Fırat.


J. H. Gale.


Peter MeLachlin.


184,215


30,000


6.000


.......


24.760


39,839


Wyndmere, First


H H. Bug.


... John Tracy


977,330


100.000


100,000


2.023


334,978


406,445


Valley City. American. .


.James Grady. .


. H. C. Aamoth


505,682


55,000


20.000


9,449


150.423


165,188


Wahpeton, Citizens


E. R. Gamble ..


. J. P. Reeder.


411,000


50.000


10,000


...


105.778


128,914


Walhalla, First ...


.C. W. Andrews


1. F. Lepage


137,355


25.000


3.000


22,327


57,007


Valley City, First ..


. Hermen Winterer ..


497.948


50.000


50.000


1.326


28,114


65,578


Sanborn, First ..


. E. A. Engebretsoa.


.. . Louis Malm


. B. W. Taylor


146.463


25.000


3.000


.....


48.416


45.733


Tolley, First ..


J. I. Mathews ..


. W. E. Hynes.


166.409


25,000


2.979


45,240


160,038


Page, Firat. ..


L. B. Hanna ..


M. N. Mallory.


250,079


25,000


10,000


80,501


128,319


Reeder, First ..


. Aug. Peterson


. A.


S. N. Thompson.


. Wm. F. Huck.


85.673


25,000


2.750


34,597


48,419


Rolette. First.


A. Eyeland


C. O. Myhre ..


166,349


25,000


5,000


78


41,217


143,172


Northwood, First


A. R. Landt ...


. W. E. Johnson.


368,363


25,000


25,000


5,000


....


86.032


83,826


Omemee. First.


D. Mckinnon ..


A. R. Batie ..


262.557


25,000


5.000


115


69,434


46.726


Medina, First.


Michsel Murphy.


. Wm. F. Stege.


218,531


25,000


4.000


63,570


78,289


Marion, First.


Wesley C. McDowell. . Lewis Baertsch


256,297


25,000


60,831


40,106


Lecds, First.


.0. I. Hegge.


N. H. Story.


168.008


25,000


4.500


Undi- vided Surplus. profita.


Demand


Time


Total resources and liabilities.


Capital.


25,000


5,000


43.188


98.841


Willow City, Merchants .. J. S. Odland.


· Geo. B. Werdel


197.090


114.163


25.000


5.000


54,814


73,195


Turtle Inke, First.


Wm. Llerhoe ...


. R. T. Lierboe.


25.000


5,000


37,986


117,903


Stanley, Firat.


T. 1. Beiseker.


. R. E. Kratt.


. S. G. Severtson


... Chss. A. Potter.


223.272


.. W. C. Stuhr ..


. O. H. Olson.


. R. J. Hneschen


. S. F. Sherman.


E. Johnston


13.316


56,482


Reynolds, First.


H.


. J. Henry Kling.


244.736


10.000


Hankinson, First ...


.. E. L. Kinney ..


61,693


118.400


Hatton, Farmers and


. S. S. Titus. .


294.492


CHAPTER XXXV HISTORY OF METHODISM IN NORTH DAKOTA


BY WILLIAM H. WHITE


The history of the first Methodist Episcopal Church of Fargo is, largely, the history of early Methodism, in that part of the great Northwest north of the forty-sixth parallel of latitude and west of the Red River of the North. Long before the Indian title to the lands in the Red River Valley was extinguished, the pioneer Methodist preacher took up his work of laying the foundation of our great church in this country.


In the omniscient mind of the Master nothing is left to chance.


As we witness the unfolding of His plans, we realize how for generations unborn His loving thoughtfulness provides.


In the early history of Methodism in the little town of Adiz, Ohio, over seventy years ago, our sainted Bishop Simpson grew up with, and by his pure life was the means of the conversion of, a young man by the name of Gurley. While subse- quently associated with him in Allegheny College, he was instrumental, through divine direction, in young Gurley's entrance into the ministry, who, later, became the father of Methodism in this portion of the Northwest.


Rev. James Gurley, better known by the affectionate title of Father Gurley, took up his residence at Brainerd, Minn., as a missionary of the Methodist Church, in the fall of 1871, his mission extending from Duluth, on Lake Superior, to the entire then inhabited portions of Northern Minnesota, and what is now known as North Dakota.


The beginnings of Methodism in Northern Dakota, under the direction of Father Gurley (like that movement under the direction of Wesley), had its origin in the prayer and exhortation meetings held in the shanties of the pioneers. Through the years of 1871 and 1872 no church organization was effected in all of Northern Minnesota and Dakota, except at Duluth and Brainerd. Fargo being but one of the many appointments upon a circuit of 150 miles, could claim only a portion of Father Gurley's time, and great were the sacrifices he made to reach it. He, however, laid the foundations of the church in this state, strong and deep, and upon this foundation, since 1872, Methodism has been building.


No official local organization was effected in Northern Dakota during the year 1873, but Methodism assumed more permanency and a nucleus was definitely formed at Fargo, of which the legal existence of the Fargo church was the out- growth in 1874.


During 1873 Northern Dakota was joined to the Northwest Iowa conference and was known as the Northern Pacific Mission. The Rev. John Webb was


554


555


EARLY HISTORY OF NORTH DAKOTA


regularly appointed by that conference as general missionary west of the Red River, Rev. Gurley retaining the work in Northern Minnesota. Mr. Webb's residence was at Fargo and his circuit comprised the district in which now are situated the towns of Jamestown, Caledonia, Grand Forks and Abercrombie, but no churches were officially organized at any of these points at this date.


Church services during 1873 were regularly held at Fargo in what was known as Pinkham's Hall, located on the corner of Front and Fifth streets. Rev. Mr. Webb officiated when in Fargo, his place being supplied during his absence by Father Gurley or by services conducted by some of the laity.


While no official membership existed, the church affairs were generally looked after by Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Plummer, Miss Emma Plummer and William H. White. A Sunday school of about twenty scholars was formed with Wm. H. White as superintendent and with Mrs. Plummer and Miss Plummer as teachers. These informal organizations existed in Fargo throughout this year, Rev. Mr. Webb fostering them and giving them the larger portion of his time in connection with his duties at other points on his circuit.


A church building was talked of and some funds raised, but nothing further done except to select and solicit from the railroad company a donation of two of the lots upon which our present church stands.


Early in the year 1874 energetic steps were taken toward collecting money and laying plans for the erection of the first Methodist Church in North Dakota.


Through the kindness of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company in giving free rates for freight on building material, and the generosity of merchants and business men generally, irrespective of denomination, a subscription sufficient for the commencement of a small church was raised and active operations toward its erection were begun early in the spring.


The church building (the dimensions of which were about 30 by 50 feet) was completed and ready for occupancy by the Ist of July.


On the 20th of July the legal existence of the First Methodist Church and Sunday school of Fargo may be said to have begun, although for nearly a year prior to this date an organized Sunday school and services under the auspices of the Methodist Church had been held with such regularity as the opportunities and circumstances of the time would permit.


The meeting was held in the church building, the Rev. H. J. Christ of Brainerd, Minn., presiding. Those present were Rev. John Webb, missionary to the Northern Pacific mission, James Douglas of Moorhead, Minn., Alonzo Plummer, Mrs. Alonzo Plummer, Miss Emma Plummer and Wm. H. White. A board of trustees was elected consisting of N. K. Hubbard, Geo. I. Foster, Alonzo Plum- mer, secretary, and Wm. H. White, president.


There was no board of stewards formed at this time, as the membership consisted of but one person (Wm. H. White), who was continued as Sunday school superintendent, the school at that time consisting of about twenty mem- bers. After determining the cost of the new building to be $1,200, upon which had been paid about $800, a canvass of subscriptions showing a deficit of $200, and after devising plans for the support of Rev. Mr. Webb as missionary, the meeting adjourned.


While the church was started practically without a membership, according to the church records, its membership comprised the entire town as far as


556


EARLY HISTORY OF NORTH DAKOTA


sympathy, interest and aid were concerned, and the interest manifested by the congregation insured success from the beginning; and for several years after it was the church home for all denominations until, with the incoming of new people, these organizations were of themselves sufficiently strong to build their own houses of worship. The first loss of this nature occurred December 30, 1877, when the Presbyterians, who had worshipped with us, went off to form a society of their own denomination. These were followed September 22, 1878, by the Baptists, who had erected for themselves a church building. Later, November 2, 1881, the Congregationalists likewise erected their own church edifice. These repeated drains upon our working membership were felt, but those of our own, with renewed energy and added zeal, taking up the work, no serious drawbacks attended these repeated withdrawals. In the fall of the year mentioned (1874) our church was dedicated. At this time a subscription was taken sufficiently ample to free it from debt. During this year Missionary Webb had also formed a nucleus for a church at Grand Forks fostered by the Fargo church by dona- tions of books, etc. In the fall of 1874 the Northwestern Iowa Conference returned the Rev. John Webb to the Northern Pacific Mission, with headquarters at Fargo, and, as an assistant, the Rev. Mr. Curl was appointed, with headquarters at Grand Forks.


During the spring and summer of 1875 the Fargo charge was one of a circuit as in former years, the Rev. Mr. Webb giving most of his time to this part of the work, but also laying such foundations throughout the territory as were afterward developed, largely through the instrumentality of the Fargo church.


In the fall of 1875 the Northwestern Iowa Conference established a district of Northern Dakota, calling it the Northern Pacific District. Rev. Mr. Webb was appointed presiding elder and Rev. J. T. Walker pastor at Fargo. This was the first appointment made directly to Fargo. On account of ill health Mr. Walker was unable to take the appointment and the Rev. J. B. Starkey was transferred from Onawa, Iowa, and appointed to Fargo in Mr. Walker's place. Brother Starkey arrived in Fargo on November 13th.


On Sunday, November 14th, he preached his first sermon in Fargo, being the first sermon preached by a regularly appointed pastor at Fargo.


The congregation numbered twenty-three people. The membership at this date, according to records now in Rev. Starkey's possession, consisted of five persons, namely : Miss Alvira Pinkham (now Mrs. Geo. Cooper), Mrs. E. A. Grant, Mrs. Geo. I. Foster, Mrs. E. A. Atkinson and Wm. H. White. The Sunday school at this date was reorganized under the Sunday School Union with the same officers and teachers. The first prayer meeting held by the new pastor was in the church on the evening of November 18th, four persons being present. Revival meetings were planned by Reverend Starkey shortly after his arrival and continued for two weeks. While no additions were made to the church, the influence for good on the town was marked, and the church as an institution was strengthened thereby.


During the spring and summer of 1876 Rev. Mr. Starkey, in connection with his pastoral work, was very energetic in his efforts to advance the cause of temperance in the town, lecturing and organizing a temperance band which had a marked influence on its temperance principles.


In the fall of 1876 North Dakota was placed in the Sioux City district, with


557


EARLY HISTORY OF NORTH DAKOTA


Rev. T. M. Williams presiding elder. He visited Fargo but once during the conference year, having to travel by the way of St. Paul, Northern Pacific Junc- tion and Brainerd, a distance of-600 miles, to reach the district. Rev. Mr. Starkey acted in the double capacity of pastor at Fargo and presiding elder, rendering faithful service in enlarging the plans started by the Rev. Mr. Webb throughout North Dakota, and in addition to his faithful service at Fargo he completed a church at Grand Forks.


Mr. Starkey's pastorate in Fargo terminated in the fall of 1878.


As a pastor he was a man of influence in Fargo, not only in the church, but throughout the town and at adjacent points. His untiring efforts and fervent zeal placed the church upon a permanent foundation with opportunities for rapid advancement under subsequent leadership.


On September 28, 1878, at a meeting held at Cherokee, Iowa, by a joint com- mission from the Northwest Iowa Conference and the Minnesota Conference, it was decided to attach to the Minnesota Conference all the territory north of the forty-sixth parallel of latitude, and the presiding bishops of each conference, con- curring in this decision, completed the transfer, thus making North Dakota and Fargo charge at this date in the Minnesota Conference, and designated as the Red River district. Later, in the fall of 1878, the Minnesota Conference appointed the Rev. Mr. Starkey presiding elder of this district, and Rev. Mr. Barnett, a transfer from Kentucky, as pastor at Fargo. Rev. Mr. Barnett failing to meet the appointment, Presiding Elder Starkey appointed the Rev. H. B. Crandall, from Alexandria, to Fargo. Mr. Crandall served this charge as pastor during the conference year of 1878 and 1879, enlarging the membership of the church, organizing its societies and rendering efficient service during his pastorate.


On October 6, 1879, Rev. C. F. Bradley was transferred from Duluth to serve the Fargo charge, Rev. Mr. Starkey being reappointed presiding elder. Mr. Bradley's pastorate was of only a year's duration, but it was a year crowded with improved opportunities and rapid strides in the development and extension of the interests of the church, and through the Fargo church to the entire district. During this year Mrs. S. M. Stiles, of Hartford, Conn., solicited in Eastern cities and shipped to the Fargo church nearly a ton of Sunday school books and church literature, which in turn, through the wise management of Rev. Mr .. Bradley and officers of the Sunday school, were reshipped to the various new towns springing up about Fargo, and were an incentive to the beginning of new Sunday schools, which have developed into what are now our neighboring Meth- odist churches.


The gift also formed the basis of our present Sunday school library. Mr. Bradley's pastorate was also characterized by an unprecedented religious growth in the church. The membership numbered about one hundred.


A literary society of unusual interest was formed. The class meeting was well attended and every department of the church showed the favorable results of sympathetic interest and effort between pastor and people. His ripe scholar- ship, judgment and dignified christian bearing drew many outside of any church relationship and, by enlarging our congregations, benefited those who came and contributed to the material interests of the church From these conditions our church soon proved inadequate to our needs, necessitating action with reference to a new church building. Late in the summer of 1880 Mr. Bradley received a


558


EARLY HISTORY OF NORTH DAKOTA


call to a professorship in Hamline University, which he accepted, after a vacation, at the end of the conference year; the church being supplied by Rev. C. N. Stowers, of the Wisconsin Conference. On October 11, 1880, Rev. C. N. Stowers was regularly appointed to the Fargo charge and served as its pastor until the summer of 1881, at which time he was obliged to resign on account of ill health occasioned by overwork, and the Rev. S. B. Warner was transferred from the Upper Iowa Conference to finish the year. The fall of 1880 and the winter of 1881 under the pastorate of Brother Stowers were busy seasons for Methodism in Fargo. The little church which had accommodated the society for six years became entirely inadequate to the needs of the growing congregation, and it was sold to the Catholics. It was not without great regret that the members saw the building which had so long been their church home, mounted on rollers and slowly moved from the location upon which it had been of so much influence. In its place was erected a building better adapted to the convenience and comfort of the growing society, at a cost of $5,000. Subscriptions had been taken but the funds realized were insufficient to free it from debt, and most heroically did the membership at repeated times respond to the call for financial aid and, for the reason that we prize those things which cost the greatest struggle to acquire, the new church soon began to be recognized and appreciated as the church home in the same sense as was the little old church which had been so deeply seated in the affections of the people. By Christmas, 1880, the new church was finished, and pastor and people devoutly returned thanks for the divine aid which had enabled them to construct, for His worship, a building so commodious. At this time was placed in the tower the first bell that proclaimed protestant christianity to the people of North Dakota, and, being the first member of any protestant church in North Dakota, Wm. H. White was called upon to first send its tones vibrating through the air.


About this time the membership numbered 125 and the Sunday school 150.


On September 29, 1881, the Minnesota Conference convened and was enter- tained at Fargo, its sessions being held in the Fargo church. At this time the Rev. J. B. Starkey, who since November 30, 1875, had served the people so faithfully, closed his relations with the district to take work in another field. Largely through his self-sacrificing and energetic labors the Fargo membership had grown from 5 to 125, and the district from two churches to over two dozen churches, nearly all of which owe their start and success to him.


At this conference (September 29, 1881) the Rev. S. B. Warner was appointed pastor and Rev. G. R. Hair presiding elder of the Fargo district.


On December 31, 1881, Wm. H. White resigned the superintendency of the Sunday school, after a service of eight years dating from its beginning. He was succeeded by T. S. Quincy, who served until September 1, 1882, and who was in turn followed by Smith Stimmel, who acted in the capacity of superintendent until May 1, 1883.


The church under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Warner, during the conference year of 1881 and 1882, rapidly increased in numbers. Being at a period of great influx of people to Fargo, the interests of the church were stimulated by the acquisition of new members, and under the careful and painstaking supervision of Rev. Mr. Warner the spiritual, social and financial interests of the church received a great impetus. The pastorate of Rev. Mr. Warner closed October




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