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"In September, 1855, Rev. Reuben Gaylord came across the state on a vacation tour. I went with him to. Omaha
4Dated July 5, 1904.
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CONGREGATIONAL PIONEERS
and we called upon Governor Richardson and made ar- rangements for Brother Gaylord to preach in Omaha the next Sabbath afternoon. Sabbath, after morning service in Council Bluffs, we rode down to the river, tied our horse in the willows, and were conveyed across the river in a canoe. At the close of the (afternoon) service several per- sons expressed the wish that Mr. Gaylord would come and be their minister. After considerable correspondence he resigned his charge in the eastern part of this state, and came to Council Bluffs with his family, December 22, 1855, on his way to Omaha, where he at once commenced mis- sionary labors. . . The slow movement of Congrega- tional ministers into Nebraska was the cause of some Con- gregational settlements being organized into Presbyterian churches, yet Congregationalism has flourished and been a power for good in Nebraska."
Mr. Gaylord's visit to Omaha in September, 1855, was for the purpose of learning the particulars in reference to the last sickness and death of a nephew who had lived in Omaha, and while in Omaha he consulted with Dr. Miller, who was his nephew's family physician. We may rest as- sured that their conversation was not limited to family mat- ters, but included the pressing needs of a new town and growing territory. "Being invited to preach the next day he consented, but returned to Council Bluffs and officiated for Rev. Mr. Rice on Sabbath morning as he had promised. In the afternoon he recrossed the river and preached in the old state house."5 In his congregation that day was Gov- ernor Richardson whom he had met the day before, and who, with others, gave him the call to Nebraska ; and it was Governor Richardson's earnest appeal that led him to con- sider the question of leaving Iowa for this land of promise, to which he finally came, as related by Mr. Rice.
" Life of Reuben Gaylord, p. 167. 2
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Mr. Rice had already written the A. H. M. Society6 of the needs of Omaha, that he held the deeds for lots there for a church, and said of Governor Richardson, "He is now a member of the council of Nebraska, is a member of the Congregational church, and probably would do what he could to aid and sustain the minister you may send them."
Others also were looking toward the setting sun, and seeing visions of future states, of the growing kingdom of God.
"In the latter part of June, 1855, Rev. John M. Ellis, D.D., came to the territory to select a site for a Congrega- tional colony. June 24 he preached for Rev. G. G. Rice, pastor of the Congregational church in Council Bluffs. Crossing the Missouri at that point he spent several weeks in explorations along the river, and finally chose a location for his colony. The land chosen lay between Omaha and Florence, at that time hardly more than names upon the map, and extended some distance north of the latter place.""
The death of Dr. Ellis, August 6, 1855, was the deatlı also of his enterprise. What missionary work he may have done, and where he preached while making his explorations, are left unrecorded so far as the writer can learn. No rec- ords of other Congregational ministers visiting Nebraska at this early date can we find. Other men had done valu- able preliminary work for the future state, but to one man belongs the honor of laying deep and strong the foundation walls of our Congregational Zion, and that man was
REUBEN GAYLORD
Reuben Gaylord was born in Norfolk, Connecticut, April 28, 1812; graduated from Yale College in 1834; taught in Illinois College from the spring of 1835 to the autumn of
6 See Gaylord's Life, p. 176.
" Education in Nebraska, p. 162.
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CONGREGATIONAL PIONEERS
1837 ; returned to Yale Seminary for further study in 1837; was ordained in Plymouth, Connecticut, August, 1838, as a Congregational minister, and the same month left New England for his life work in the West. He first settled in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and afterward located in Danville, where he lived during the larger part of his residence in Iowa.
THE CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF IOWA
In November, 1840, Rev. Harvey Adams, Rev. Reuben Gaylord, Rev. Julius A. Reed, and Charles Burnham, a licentiate, organized the Congregational Association of Iowa. The association was composed of three churches, Denmark, Danville, and Fairfield, and the three ministers just mentioned.8
OMAHA IN 1854
Reuben Gaylord was one who helped organize Iowa Col- lege and was one of its trustees until after his residence in Nebraska in 1855. It was very natural, then, that he should interest himself in Christian education as soon as he found himself settled in his new home in Omaha. This part of his work will be considered in a later chapter.
8 See Gaylord's Life, p. 109.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
III
DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH LIFE
Of the hardship of Mr. Gaylord's journey to Nebraska we need not write; but it is well to note that the winter of 1855-56 was intensely cold, the thermometer ranging from 25° to 32° below zero. It is no wonder, then, that in the house, or partial shelter we may better say, which our mis- sionary found, water froze within a foot of the stove, which was heated as hot as the best fuel could make it.1 It surely took courage and a warm heart to withstand the cold. But how shall a missionary live on $600 a year when he pays $21 a month rental for a two-room house, $7 to $8.50 for 100 pounds of flour, and 1212 cents a pound for sugar ? This was the munificent salary granted by the Home Mis- sionary Society, and but little was added on the home field. Our pioneer fathers and mothers knew the meaning of sacrifice, and the minister's wife more than anyone else entered into its sterner experience.
But severe though the winter was, it soon passed, and our missionary was visiting his large field and organizing churches.
Mr. Gaylord was a man who could never be content with a single parish. The "regions beyond" were his also. When he reached Omaha he found a Rev. Isaac F. Collins, M. E. minister, a Methodist class of six members, and a Baptist minister by the name of Rev. William Leach. With these he took turn in holding services in the council chamber of the old state house, and "Sunday was brought into Omaha."
1 Gaylord's Life, p. 179.
2I
DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH LIFE
HISTORIC DATE
It was May 4, the year 1856. On this date, which was the Lord's Day, Mr. Gaylord organized the First Congre- gational Church in Omaha with nine charter members. This was the first church of our order in Nebraska, not large in
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, OMAHA, 1855
numbers, but strong in faith and good works. A vigorous weekly prayer meeting was established, a flourishing Sun- day school was maintained, woman's work in the church inaugurated, and in due time a new church building erected, affording seats for 225 persons, and costing $4,500, ex- clusive of furnishings.
.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
The week following the organization of the church in Omaha Mr. Gaylord organized a church in Fontanelle, where he found quite a number of Congregationalists from the First Church in Quincy, Illinois. This church had
..
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, OMAHA, 1905 Corner of 19th and Davenport Streets. Rev. H. C. Herring, D.D., pastor. Erected in 1888 at a cost of about sixty thousand dollars
twenty-three charter members, and it was in Fontanelle that the first educational work of the denomination was undertaken. The settlement began in 1854 and was named for Logan Fontenelle, a chief of the Omaha tribe of Indians.
23
. DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH LIFE
TEMPERANCE WORK
In the very beginning we find temperance work taken up, and every effort made to stem the tide of intemperance
REV. ISAAC E. HEATON
which was coming like mighty billows upon the land. From that day on our churches have ever taken a strong and de- cided stand against intemperance and kindred vices.
THE FREMONT CHURCH
"In 1856 the Rev. Isaac E. Heaton came with his family from Wisconsin to Nebraska and located in Fremont, then
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
a mere hamlet. He came to teach, but seeing the great need of ministers he began preaching, and with the few others shared the trials and experiences of pioneer life on the fron-
MRS. ISAAC E. HEATON
tier. Within a few months he succeeded in gathering a church."2
The Fremont church was organized August 2, 1857, with seven charter members.
2 Gaylord's Life, p. 197.
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STATE ASSOCIATION
IV
THE STATE ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES IN NEBRASKA
The organization of the General Association was an im- portant event for Congregational Nebraska. It occurred on the 8th of August, 1857.
REV. SILAS J. FRANCIS
Three churches, Omaha, Fontanelle, and Fremont, met in Omaha through their representatives and perfected the organization. The roll call as found in the manuscript minutes is of historic value.
Omaha: Rev. Reuben Gaylord, minister; O. B. Rich- ardson (evidently O. D.) and A. R. Orchard, delegates.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
Fontanelle: Rev. Thomas Waller, Rev. Silas J. Francis, ministers.
Fremont : Rev. Isaac E. Heaton, minister ; E. H. Bar- nard, H. A. Pierce, delegates.
E. H. BARNARD, FREMONT
A constitution was adopted, and Rev. Reuben Gaylord was elected moderator and Rev. Isaac E. Heaton, stated clerk.
After appointing committees to notify the Congregational Herald, Independent, and the city papers of the new state association, the meeting adjourned for the day, and, the next day being Sunday, "met and spent an hour in devo- tional exercises. Adjourned to perform the service of ded- ication (evidently of the Omaha Church), and the com-
27
STATE ASSOCIATION
munion service in the afternoon. At the close of the service the association adjourned."1
October 30 of the same year the association met in Fre- mont in its "first annual meeting."
Mr. Gaylord was again elected moderator and I. Gibson stated clerk, pro tem. A strongly evangelical confession of faith was adopted, rules of business were formulated, and a committee of three was appointed to "take into con- sideration the location of the literary institution" provided for in a preceding resolution.
Mr. Gaylord and P. Allen of Ft. Calhoun were two of the committee, and Mr. Gaylord was authorized to select the third member in Omaha.2
A special meeting of the association was held in Fonta- nelle, January 5, 1858, to consider the report of this com- mittee, which will be considered in another place.
At this time special meetings of the association were not unusual, and semi-annual meetings were held for a number of years. The next annual meeting was at Ft. Calhoun, October 1, 1858. Rev. I. E. Heaton was chosen moderator, Rev. E. B. Hurlbut is subscribed as stated clerk, and the roll of churches is increased so as to include Omaha, Fre- mont, Fontanelle, Platford, Decatur, and Ft. Calhoun.3 Congregational Nebraska is becoming already an important factor in the development of a state. The State Association of Congregational Churches is already considering ques- tions of grave importance in the development of church life and educational work.
1 Manuscript Minutes, August 8, 1857.
2 See Manuscript Minutes, October 30, 1857.
3 Manuscript Minutes, October 1, 1858.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
V
SOME DISCOURAGEMENTS
It was not all fair sailing for the pioneer churches of Ne- braska. The discovery of gold in the Rocky mountains almost led to the depopulation of hamlets and seriously
SITE OF NEBRASKA UNIVERSITY, FONTANELLE, 1905 Photo. by M. R. Gilmore
affected the growth of churches. Bank failures crippled the work; the breaking out of the Civil war distracted the people, the grasshoppers destroyed crops; the Indians at times were troublesome; and when in later days railroads were projected, the routes passed by some towns to their great disappointment and eventual death, while other towns and churches sprang up in unexpected places.
This in part explains the loss of some churches like Fon- tanelle, whose early history was bright; whose subsequent
29
SOME DISCOURAGEMENTS
disappointments were many; Fremont secured the county seat, and its name appears in another county ; Lincoln was awarded its hoped-for capitol; Crete its college; and the open fields its once ambitious town. The loss of other churches was due to a lack of men and means at the criti- cal times in their development. The Home Missionary Society either lacked the foresight or the money to come to their rescue. Strategic points of strength and oppor- tunity were lost beyond recall.
Some of these churches were turned over to the Presby- terians, because we had not the men and money to man them. This loss was keenly felt and called forth bitter lament on the part of Mr. Gaylord.1
His work was constantly growing. He was acting as superintendent of Nebraska long before he gave up the pastorate in Omaha for the general work of Home Mission- ary Superintendent in the state.
Churches were growing, new ones were being organized, and the pioneers of Nebraska met discouragement with brave hearts and faced the future with hope.
1 Gaylord's Life, pp. 211 ff.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
VI
EARLY DECLARATIONS
Congregationalists in Nebraska were keenly alive to the stirring events of the times. At the May meeting, 1860, we find a resolution urging the A. H. M. S. to send "ministers and the Gospel" to the people in the gold fields of the West.
Home evangelization received considerable attention in 1862. At the annual meeting of the association held in Nebraska City, October, 1864, we find this report from the Committee on "The State of the Country":
"Resolved, Ist, That the only way to secure for this gov- ernment true and permanent peace and prosperity is to prosecute this war to the complete suppression of the Rebellion.
"2d, That the earnest efforts of the government to this end meet our decided approbation.
"3d, That we thankfully recognize the gracious provi- dence of God in the recent victories that have so thrilled every loyal heart."
A year later, September, 1865, the committee, consisting of Rev. Reuben Gaylord, Rev. Isaac E. Heaton, and Deacon J. J. Hawthorn, reported as follows :
"Resolved, Ist, That we gratefully acknowledge the kind providence of God in the final victory obtained over the armed forces of the Rebellion.
"2d, That we shall fully secure the legitimate results of this great struggle only by administering equal justice and giving the rights of citizenship to those who have been
3[
EARLY DECLARATIONS
lifted out of bondage, and inflicting suitable punishment upon the leaders of the late Confederacy."
Again in 1866, at the annual meeting held in Fontanelle, the Committee on the State of the Country, consisting of Rev. F. Alley, Rev. E. B. Hurlbut, and Bro. G. Gaylord, made the following stirring report :
"Whereas, Our country is now in a very disturbed state, lawlessness and bloodshed deplorably increasing, and
"Whereas, The unreasonable prejudice against and op- pression of the colored race are hindrances to our peace and the progress of civilization among us, therefore
"Resolved, That we deeply regret the present unhappy disagreement between the legislative and executive depart- ments of our government.
"Resolved, That in impartial suffrage and impartial justice to all classes we recognize the only permanent basis of the peace and prosperity of this nation.
"Resolved, That we regard the course of the President of these United States in his general policy, and especially in his late speeches, as opposed to the peace and prosperity of this nation, and derogatory to the dignity of the high position in which he has been placed."1
In expressing itself on local conditions in 1865 the asso- ciation put itself on record as follows :
"New fields are opening and demanding culture, and laborers are needed to go in and possess the land. A large increase of material prosperity has characterized this year, and we enter upon the year before us with new encourage- ments and hope. While we rejoice that so much has been done, we feel humbled that no more has been accomplished, and desire humbly to beseech a larger measure of divine influence and a higher spirituality."
1 Manuscript Minutes for years noted.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
A declaration on temperance in the same year is of interest :
"In view of the alarming prevalence of intemperance in our land, and especially among the newly settled portions of our country,
BELLEVUE, NEBRASKA, 1856
No. 1 (near center), old home of Peter A. Sarpy; No. 2 (in fore- ground), Sarpy's new home; No. 3, Indian mission; hill 011 extreme right, present site of Bellevue College.
"Resolved, That the Association of Nebraska hereby declare,
"I. That the chief instrumentality upon which temper- ance men must rely in their struggle to put down the great evil is the education of the people to the appreciation of the evils and dangers of intemperance.
"II. That solemn obligation is laid upon the church to take a foremost part in the work, and that all Christian men and ministers must let their influence be felt decidedly against this evil.
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EARLY DECLARATIONS
"III. That the only platform on which this struggle can be carried to a decided issue in our country is total ab- stinence from all intoxicating drinks.
"IV. That we decidedly disapprove of the use of beer, ale, and all malt liquors or domestic wines, whether manu- factured from grapes, currants, or any other fruit, except for medicinal purposes."2
In 1868 the association says that :
"The use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and the present popular uses of tobacco, are spots upon the Chris- tian character, examples pernicious to society and the Church of Christ; that they greatly impair personal use- fulness, and are to be discountenanced and avoided by every professed follower of Jesus. That extravagance and intemperate habits in any sphere whatever are opposed to the spirit of the Gospel, consequently wrong, and the money thus expended ought to be consecrated to the service of Christ's cause."3
It will thus be seen that our Church fathers were prompt in taking advanced positions on all great moral questions in Church and state, not forgetting that they were citizens as well as Christians.
2 Manuscript Minutes, 1865.
3 Printed Minutes, 1868, pp. 7, S. 3
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
VII
A NEW ERA IN CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
The advent of railroads, in a new country especially, means a revival of industry, the building of towns, the settlement of the country, and a larger opportunity for church extension.
The Union Pacific, Burlington & Missouri river, Mis- souri Pacific, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, and Chicago & North-Western railroads have covered the state with a net- work of iron rails. Their lines extend not only across the state as part of great trunk systems, but the Burlington especially has established lines all over the state with the capital city as a center, and has brought remote regions into easy communication with the great centers of trade, Omalıa and Lincoln. The Missouri Pacific has developed a part of the richest portion of the state. The Rock Island railroad crosses a rich portion of the state. The North- Western extends up the Elkhorn valley and on into the northwest. These roads, built for the commercial develop- ment of the country and as money getters for the com- panies controlling them, stand also in close relation to the growth of the kingdom of God in the state.
What would become of the cattle industry in the sand- hills and the mission churches established therein without the Burlington railroad? The beautiful Elkhorn valley and the regions beyond would not be nearly so attractive without the North-Western railroad, and two at least of our Christian schools would cease to be. The Union Pacific has made the Platte valley a rich part of the state. What- ever else they may be, these roads are the agents of the
35
A NEW ERA IN CITURCH DEVELOPMENT
churches in the development of new life. It meant much then to Congregational Nebraska, and especially to Omaha, when in November, 1863, President Lincoln designated Omaha as the location for the entrance of the Union Pa- cific railroad into the state.
The announcement of this was received in Omaha by telegraph the second day of December, and the grading of the road in eastern Nebraska began in the spring of 1864.1 Towns sprang up; churches were multiplied; new fields called loudly for more attention than could possibly be given by one or several men who had pastoral charges. It was a situation very similar to the more recent one in Oklahoma. The King's business required haste; we needed missionaries to "ride on the cow-catchers," and get in a town ahead of the saloon, and there must be some man to look after the work. Who should do it? There was one man so well qualified with native endowment and by ex- perience for this general work that no one else was thought of. This man was Reuben Gaylord.
1272748
1 Gaylord's Life, pp. 258 ff.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
VIII
GAYLORD AS HOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT
The state superintendent was then called "the agent," and Mr. Gaylord's field was Nebraska and western Iowa.
REV. A. F. SHERRILL, D.D.
He, however, ministered to the First Church in Omaha till the middle of November, when Rev. A. D. Stowell as- sumed the pastorate, which he held only a few months,
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GAYLORD AS HOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT
when he was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Rose, who remained two years. Rev. E. S. Palmer then served the church two years, and after a few months' interval Rev. A. F. Sherrill began his long and successful pastorate, which left its im- press for good on the city and state. He was ordained in Omaha in 1870 and remained with the church eighteen years.
It was in 1867 at the Weeping Water meeting that the Secretary of the A. H. M. Society, Rev. Dr. A. H. Clapp, visited the association and greatly encouraged the brethren. · The association said: "We have been greatly interested, cheered, and encouraged by the attendance with us at our associational meeting of one of the secretaries of the A. H. M. Society, Rev. A. H. Clapp. This, the first visit of the kind we have ever received, a visit that we expect to be productive of great good to the general cause of home missions in the new state of Nebraska."1
In this period of our work the churches were feeling the need of larger evangelizing forces within the state. The work of the American S. S. Union in part produced this need, for the statement is made that "in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa more than two hundred and fifty Sab- bath schools were organized, comprising over thirteen hundred teachers and more than nine thousand scholars."2
Other denominations were active, but in the rapidly grow- ing state there was work for all. The demand for workers exceeded the supply. We could not ignore our responsi- bility. We bravely tried to meet it, a responsibility not only for the incoming settlers and their families but for the Indians of the plains as well. We inherited the mis- sionary spirit which moved our fathers to noble deeds in behalf of others.
1 Printed Minutes, 1862, pp. 9, 10.
2 Minutes, 1868, p. 6.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
In 1869 the State Association met in Fremont, and Rev. Charles Little, first pastor of the First Congregational Church of Lincoln, was the moderator. This meeting is noteworthy because of two strong appeals in behalf of the Indians within the state. One is to President U. S. Grant ; the other to the American Board.
The memorial to the President, though long, is of such historic interest that we reproduce it. It is another illustra- tion of the fact that Nebraska Congregationalists were men of patriotism, strong convictions, and courage.
"To His Excellency, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States:
"The General Association of the Congregational Churches of Nebraska, now in session at Fremont, Dodge county, Nebraska, send greeting.
"Honored Sir-Believing that you are heartily interested in the temporal and spiritual interests of Indians; as a re- ligious body in the immediate presence of these Indians, we venture, unasked, to make to you a few suggestions, as to what,-from our standpoint,-seems a practicable, just, and Christian method of dealing with them. You are doubtless aware that a strong political pressure is now being exerted to remove the Indians from our state, and plant them on lands further removed from white settle- ments ; and to this end strong arguments are found in the following facts :
"Ist, The Indian reserves in Nebraska are now nearly surrounded by white settlers.
"2d, These reserves embrace some of the best lands in the state, and their opening for the settlement by whites would add somewhat to its wealth, population, and pros- perity.
"3d, The Indians are unpleasant neighbors even when at peace.
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GAYLORD AS HOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT
"4th, Their national feuds are continually provoking bloody conflicts among themselves, even in the case of those Indians who are located on reserves, and in these quarrels the rights of adjacent white settlers are often too little respected.
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