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"5th, The proximity of the reserve Indians to the white settlements gives a plausible excuse to the wild Indians of the plains to come within a striking distance of white settlers, thus producing continually a feeling of distrust and danger, which is very prejudicial to the rapid increase of population through immigration.
"While these facts above stated are indisputable, we would request your careful consideration of the following statements, which we believe to be equally true and indis- putable :
"Ist, The reasons above given for the removal of the Indians are all the natural results of the heathen character and customs of these uncivilized peoples, aggravated largely by the vices contracted and exasperations received at the hands of unprincipled white men.
"2d, The vices contracted and exasperations received have been so productive of fatal results, because thus far the motives which have prompted intercourse between the whites and Indians have been so largely of a mercenary and vile character ; and because the extreme border settle- ments are not often a fair representation of the words or manners of our professedly Christian nation.
"3d, If these Indians are now removed for reasons given above, it will be but a short time before advancing immigra- tion will again bring about the same state of affairs, and with equal force call for another removal.
"4th, It is manifest that might does not make right in our dealing with the Indians any more than with any other people; and as a powerful Christian nation, while giving
Dr. Geo. L. Miller Deacon Geo. T. Lee
Hon. H. H. Shedd Deacon Geo. S. Harris
SOME PROMINENT LAYMEN
41
GAYLORD AS HOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT
them every just due, we should also manifest such a spirit of true benevolence as to lift them up to a Christian civili- zation.
"5th, It is a fact that the present position of these Indians is becoming every day more favorable for their evangelization and civilization; and that this work is al- ready being prosecuted with some success among the Oma- has, the Pawnees, and some bands of the Sioux.
"6th, It seems possible to obviate almost entirely the difficulties, certainly all the dangers, already spoken of, which by stringent laws keeping them on their reserves, forbidding all warlike and thieving demonstrations by one tribe on another, and by the occupation of the country by such posts of cavalry as shall form an efficient protection from all evil disposed persons.
"In consideration of these things we ask Your Excel- lency to pass by all arguments for the removal of these unfortunate people, based on selfish, territorial, financial, or political reasons.
"We believe that the new system which Your Excellency has recently inaugurated will succeed, if it be supported by a military arm sufficient to awe down the dissatisfied and lawless, and if the policy be held without wavering for a time sufficient to show the reasonable results.
"To this end we pledge ourselves as a religious body to cooperate, so far as we can, in every effort for the evangeli- zation and civilization of these Indians.
"Praying that the Lord would guide Your Excellency to adopt and execute the best plans for the welfare of all races found within the borders of our nation; and that He will keep you and strengthen you to acomplish all His holy will, with great joy to yourself, and a full assurance of everlasting life; we have the honor to remain,
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
"Your true friends and staunch supporters. In behalf of the General Congregational Association of Nebraska.
"[Signed ]
J. B. CHASE, JR., "CHARLES LITTLE, "J. J. HAWTHORN,
"Committee."
SIOUX CHIEF SPOTTED TAIL
This same committee, authorized by the association, sent a most earnest appeal to the American Board for mission- aries to the Indians, especially the Pawnees in eastern Ne- braska.3
3 Minutes of 1869, pp. 6-10.
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GAYLORD AS IIOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT
In this appeal to the American Board the committee speaks of the Pawnees as being on their reservation within seventy miles of Fremont to the number of twenty-five hundred, and that one of their number had recently been on the reservation. Mr. Albert Watkins in the article on Nebraska in the Encyclopedia Americana says that the Pawnees ceded all their lands south of the Platte river in 1833, and the rest of their possessions north of the Platte in 1857. It is, however, evident from the minutes of the association that the Pawnees were in 1869 on a small reservation, a part of the larger one north of the Platte. They were removed to the Indian Territory in 1876.
There is one Indian reservation in the northeastern part of the state occupied by the Omahas, 1200 in number, and the Winnebagos, 1100 in number. The lands of the reser- vation have been allotted to the Indians in severalty, and they are all citizens of the state.4 There is also the Santee agency.
It would be interesting to know how the memorial to President Grant was received, but we have failed to find anything bearing on the matter beyond what is here stated. Nebraska Congregationalists, however, made very plain their position in this whole matter, and stood manfully for the protection of the weaker race, true to the historic spirit of the denomination.
' Article "Nebraska," Encyclopedia Americana.
LINCOLN IN 1870, LOOKING NORTHWEST FROM CAPITOL X=FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
A SECTION OF MODERN LINCOLN, LOOKING NORTHWEST FROM CAPITOL
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CONGREGATIONAL. NEBRASKA
IX
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL
The removal of the capital to Lincoln in 1868 (the en- abling act was June 14, 1867) turned the tide of immigra- tion to that part of the state, and Superintendent Gaylord, whose hard work began to tell upon his health, found the de- mands upon his strength were increasing with each year. The opportunity for establishing churches in southern Ne- braska was increasing each year. The Union Pacific railroad was extending its line westward up the Platte valley, and settlers were following in its track. The Burlington railroad was planning to cross the state, thus making the new capital city easy of access, and in time a railroad, as well as political and educational center. Southern Nebraska in prophecy and in reality was calling loudly for mission- aries and churches.
In Omaha and surrounding country the work was in- creasing rapidly. Mr. Gaylord in 1868 reports to the na- tional society : "The past year has been one of constant and increasing activity in respect to all material interests. Our great railroad (the Union Pacific) is extending its iron arms toward the Pacific, and even now is reaching to em- brace the mountains with their hidden treasures, which are soon to be laid at the feet of the nation. The popula- tion is increasing; capitalists are constructing railways ; farms are brought under cultivation; towns and cities are springing up ; and now is the time to lay the foundations of Gospel institutions for future generations. We must repeat here the experience and policy of the early settlers of New England, if we would see a prosperous and glorious future.
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REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL
Along the whole river front of this new and rapidly de- veloping state your society has but two missionaries. We need a large reinforcement of laborers without delay. Situated as we are, in the very heart of the continent, on the great highway of nations, destined to become the chief source of supply to the mountain territories, how impor- tant it is that this valley should be thoroughly evangelized, not only for its own sake but for the regions beyond."1
If our National Society could only have sent the needed men and money into Nebraska at that time, and stood by the work through that period of foundation laying, our con- stituiency would be vastly larger than it is to-day. Much was indeed done, but eastern men did not have the large vision of opportunity for church extension which the men on the frontier had, and when the vision did come. other denominations had seized the opportunity. But our men on the field were active and the work was constantly grow- ing. There is still a great opportunity in Nebraska. We need more men and money to develop our work.
April 6, 1896, Mr. Gaylord alludes to the coming resig- nation of Rev. I. F. Heaton, the second Congregational pastor in Nebraska, and says, "This church [Fremont] furnishes a beautiful illustration of the fruits of patient, persevering labor in planting and watering the institutions of the Gospel on new ground."2 The Fremont church is to-day one of the strong churches in the state and has been fortunate in the able mien chosen for pastors. The list in- cludes Rev. I. E. Heaton, Rev. J. B. Chase, Rev. Rosewell Foster, Rev. George Porter, Rev. Albert T. Swing, Rev. Loren F. Berry, Rev. William H. Buss, and the present pastor, Rev. John Doane.
1 Gaylord's Life, p. 295.
? Gaylord's Life, p. 296.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
X
REV. O. W. MERRILL, SUPERINTENDENT
Mr. Gaylord resigned the superintendency of home mis- sions in Nebraska, March, 1870, and Rev. O. W. Merrill of Anamosa, Iowa, was appointed in his place. In his letter of resignation, Mr. Gaylord says: "As I now lay down my work, I look out upon a goodly family of churches, eigh- teen in number, the way to organize others preparing, and Gospel influences extending more rapidly than ever be- fore. There remaineth yet much land to be pos- sessed, and in view of the present outlook of this frontier field, I earnestly hope that the resources of the society will enable it to enter and occupy the new openings for the Gospel that are constantly coming to our knowledge."1
As Mr. Merrill could not enter upon his work imme- diately, Mr. Gaylord continued to act for some time longer, and afterward took a trip to the Rocky mountain region in the interests of home missions. He later served the church at Fontanelle for a time, and finished his work in the state whose foundations for a great commonwealth he had helped to lay. He was a sturdy, active, wise, and consecrated man. Congregational Nebraska owes much to "Father Gaylord," his devoted wife, and their noble and heroic work in the state.
The State Association in its annual meeting 1870 passed the following resolution :
"That this association tender to Rev. R. Gaylord our gratitude for all the wisdom of counsel and effective aid he has rendered to the ministers and churches of our order
·
1 Gaylord's Life, p. 303.
REV. O. W. MERRILL Second State Superintendent of Home Missions
4
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
as agent of the A. H. M. Society, and we pray the Great Head of the church to bless and direct him in the future in the paths of usefulness and pleasantness."
THE PRAYER-MEETING
This same association of 1870 gave expression to the views of the churches on one of the most practical and helpful institutions of the church-the prayer-meeting :
"Resolved, That we deem the prayer-meeting of the highest importance to the Christian church; that we deem it very desirable to have all the members of the church take part in the meeting, be they old or young, male or female, and that all professing Christians should come from their closets to the meetings, and that they should have special subjects for prayer."3
It also declared :
"That the Pilgrim's idea and practice, religiously based and built upon the great doctrine of justification by faith, and governmentally upon the free, equal, and inalienable rights of all men before God and among themselves, de- serve and should receive the warmest gratitude to God from all their natural and spiritual descendants, and the most earnest and whole-hearted extension."+
These expressions show the trend of thought in the form- ative period of our church life, and illustrate the sound evangelical position of Congregationalism in the state. The Narrative on the State of Religion in the Churches, which was a special feature of the early meetings of the association, shows that there had been precious revivals dur- ing the year, and several new churches added to the list.
2 Minutes, 1870, p. 7.
3 Minutes, 1870, p. 8.
4 Minutes, 1873, p. 9,
5 [
REV. O. W. MERRILL, SUPERINTENDENT
There were then twenty-three Congregational churches in the state.
In 1871 the association met for the first time in Lin- coln, and Rev. Amos Dresser was chosen moderator.
REV. AMOS DRESSER Better known as "Father Dresser"
"Father" Dresser was a man who threw his whole life into the home missionary work of the state. He was a veritable circuit-rider, worked largely in rural fields, was beloved by all the churches, and filled a large place in the work
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
of the state. Rev. A. F. Sherrill, D.D., writes of Father Dresser :5
"He was pretty near to pure stuff. I never rode with him over the prairies to his appointments without profit. He kept up his studies and thinking as long as I knew him. With a very tender and solicitous heart always for the people in his parish. He used to own Butler county, as to religion."
At the time of the Lincoln meeting-1871-thirty-two churches were represented. Among these was Crete, des- tined to become allied with the Congregational educational center, and a church of commanding influence. There were then only two churches, Omaha and Fremont, that were self- supporting. The history of the churches is largely the history of home missions in the state. In his annual report Superintendent Merrill made a plea for the missionary spirit, and uttered these significant words :
"We are laying the foundations of churches and of a work that is to be among and for millions, instead of thousands, and these foundations must not be laid in 'un- tempered mortar.' Permeating our work must be a Bible- instructed conscience, and outgrowing in our lives must be a deep sympathy with that redemption which Christ brought to our world. We can not afford to be narrow in our views of our duty, or to isolate ourselves from the great world-wide work of Christ through our great so- cieties."G
Reviewing the work from the beginning Mr. Merrill alluded to the fact that forty men had labored in the state, nineteen of whom were then in active service, and five were still residing in the state but not in regular service. This year and the next were especially noted for the dis-
3 Letter, August 10, 1904.
" Minutes, 1871, p. 8.
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REV. O. W. MERRILL, SUPERINTENDENT
cussion and final action on the location of the Congrega- tional college. The growth of Congregational churches in southeastern Nebraska was a large factor in that issue.
Before another year had rolled by we find Superintend- ent O. W. Merrill prostrated with sickness and unable to continue his work.
Rev. J. B. Chase assumed temporarily a part of the bur- den and made the report for 1873. From this report we take the following passage which shows the rapid develop- ment of the state :
"There is at the present time much work that needs to be done by us to fill up the demand made by the unparal- leled immigration of the past year. The frontier has been crowded along toward the setting sun from fifty to one hundred miles. There are some counties which had scarcely a settler one year ago, that to-day are so fully occupied that there is scarcely a good homestead of government land that is not occupied. The counties north of the Platte need immediate visitation by the superintendent, and pro- vision for spiritual necessity. South of the Platte, especially in what will be the garden of the state-the Republican val- ley-there are as many more."7
The work was growing.
This association also resolved that "God's work would be honored and advanced by the organization of a woman's board of missions," and appointed Mrs. J. E. Elliot, Mrs. A. Dresser, Mrs. A. B. Pratt, and Mrs. R. C. Birge a com- mittee to "initiate the matter." Steps were taken to se- cure a "compact" with the Presbyterians to prevent fric- tion in the development of home missionary work.
.
" Minutes, 1873, p. 6.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
XI
REV. H. N. GATES, SUPERINTENDENT
During the year 1873, Supt. O. W. Merrill was called to his eternal home and Rev. H. N. Gates of Minnesota was appointed to fill the office of home missionary superin- tendent.
His first report shows that he was a man of intellectual strength, broad vision, and keen spiritual perception. He already had his work well in hand. The Association in 1874 said :
"It is with devout thanksgiving to God that we record His goodness to us the past year. While we lament the ab- sence of our late beloved superintendent, a feeling of sad- ness comes over us that we shall hear his cheerful voice and listen to his wise counsel no more. We at the same time re- joice that his place is so richly filled by one in whom we find our hearts so readily and easily to confide. With this exception death has not been permitted to enter our ranks. While some who came with us last year have found fields of labor elsewhere, their places have been more than filled, so that our present working force is greater than it was a year ago. There has been a steady and, we trust, a healthy growth of churches and members."1
We begin to feel that we are reaching modern times, for already such names as D. B. Perry, H. A. French, and H. Bross are becoming familiar on the printed page. We note also that "The Ladies'" Association for Home and Foreign Missions is organized with Mrs. A. Farwell of Ashland as president, Mrs. G. W. Hall of Omaha secretary, and Mrs. H. M. Bates of Omaha treasurer.
1 Minutes, 1874, p. 14.
.
REV. H. N. GATES Third State Superintendent of Home Missions
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
THE RAVAGES OF LOCUSTS
It was a trying ordeal through which Nebraskans passed. Crops devastated by the locusts ; people reduced to poverty ; many leaving the state; many more unable to leave; some resolving to remain at any cost, believing in the future of the new state. These had their reward. What kind of a
GRASSHOPPER SCENE, PLATTSMOUTH, NEBRASKA, 1876
report should we expect from the home missionary super- intendent ?
"I have to record the mercy of God to both churches and ministers during the past year-a year of unprecedented hardships and suffering to the people of the state, in con- sequence of the ravages of the locusts during the last sea-
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REV. H. N. GATES, SUPERINTENDENT
son. I would also put on record the wonderful interposition of Providence in shielding our state during the past summer from the ravages of the locusts, which, for several months, hung over us in numbers sufficient to have devoured every green thing; but by the hand of God we were protected from the evil, and instead of devastating fields and suffering families, our people are rejoicing in bountiful harvests and a plenty of all the necessaries of life. To God be all the praise."2
This year some eleven new churches were organized, among them Hastings and Neligh. The work was strength- ened throughout the whole state. Superintendent Gates reported eighty-one churches in all.
We find in the minutes of this year the name of the Rev. Lewis Gregory, whose twenty-three years service as min- ister to the First Church, Lincoln, has made his name a household one in the state, and won for him the title of "The Nestor of Congregationalism in Nebraska." He has filled a large place in the state and has helped in large measure to make its history ; a man of rare wisdom, devo- tion, and loyalty to the churches. Retired from the active ministry, but active in business circles, he still lives among us, a help and inspiration to all who learn to know him.
2 Minutes, 1875, p. 12.
·
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
XII
SUNDAY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
The period of the 'zos witnessed a steady development of church life and the beginning of systematic state Sunday school work, which has been so ably carried on by Rev. J. D. Stewart, the only state superintendent of Sunday school work Nebraska has had, and the first superintendent appointed by our National Sunday School and Publishing Society, though preceded by Superintendent Maile in actual service.
Superintendent Stewart, formerly minister at Hastings, was called to the state Sunday school work in 1882; but it was in 1879 that resolutions calling for a national Sunday school secretary, and for Sunday school institutes, normal classes, and greater efficiency in Sunday school training in our Nebraska churches were passed.1 These were the initial steps which led up to the present system of Sunday school work in the state. A letter2 from Superintendent Stewart telling of pioneer experiences may well be introduced here:
"Pioneer work, laying foundations for Christian institu- tions and character, mostly on the frontier and in new towns, leaves fragrant and lasting memories. To preach the gospel of good citizenship to new communities, while enterprising business men sit on improvised seats in un- furnished store buildings; to return after the women and children arrive, organize Sunday schools and develop them into churches, visit their homes, baptize their children, marry their young people, and bury their dead, is to estab- lish enduring relations with a multitude of families. To
1 Minutes, 1879, p. 11.
2 June 30, 1904.
. REV. J. D. STEWART
First State Superintendent of Congregational Sunday School Work under the C. S. S. and P. Society
6c
CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
travel in the country and find Christian women, mothers of large families, living far away from all Christian privi- leges, waiting anxiously for the missionary to come and start Sunday schools, to hear their earnest prayers and see the tears in their eyes when their children are brought to Christ during special evangelistic meetings held with the mission Sunday schools, is enough to gladden any Christian heart.
"To cooperate with pastors and superintendent, gather the people into churches, schoolhouses, halls, or tents, hold normal institutes, conventions, and grove meetings, teach Bible lessons, discuss the best way to make the Sunday school successful, to see the children and young people take notes, all anxious to learn 'more about Jesus,' is the most satisfactory work a man can be engaged in. This has been our experience for twenty-two years."
In this realistic pen picture of missionary life we see how the Sunday school missionary is intimately connected with the home missionary superintendent in upbuilding Christian work in pioneer fields.
The development of the state called for such help, and it was provided. The work continues. The railroad de- velopment in the state has enlarged the pioneer work of the missionary. There are whole counties with but few gospel privileges. The demand for more mien is urgent. Telephones are preceding the missionary in the sandhills and ranches of the West.
TRANSLATION OF REUBEN GAYLORD
January 10, 1880, witnessed the translation of the pioneer preacher and founder of Congregational churches in Ne- braska. A brief service was held in Fontanelle where he dicd, conducted by Rev. I. E. Heaton of Fremont, and more extended services were held in Omaha. At the fol-
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SUNDAY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
lowing state association held in Hastings, October, 1880, appropriate memorial services were held. "The service was conducted by 'Rev. A. F. Sherrill, and after the me- morial paper prepared by Rev. Julius A. Reed, remarks were made by Rev. J. G. Spencer, Rev. A. Dresser, and Rev. Dr. (1I. M.) Storrs. Extracts were read from letters written by Rev. Dr. Salter of Burlington, Iowa, Rev. Dr.
SUNDAY SCHOOL, AMITY, GREELEY COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Magoun of Iowa College, and Rev. Daniel Lane of lowa."3 In this service Nebraska paid loving tribute to the memory of the man who has done more than any other one man to build up our Congregational Zion in the state.
This year also Supt. H. N. Gates made his last report as superintendent of home missions. He returned to pastoral 3 Minutes, 1880, p. 29.
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CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA
work, taking charge of the church in David City for a few years, and then went to New England, where he passed the last years of his life. His sister, Mrs. A. N. Goddard, of New Britain, Connecticut, writes :
"His work to a great extent was organizing and encour- aging feeble churches, traveling some ten thousand miles a year in that state [Nebraska]. He spent the summer of 1876 at the East, preaching in many city churches, in the interest of home missions, and induced a number of theo- logical students to go west to work through their long va- cation, guaranteeing them $100 each, and the money was raised. Another time, when the home society could not meet the quarterly payments of the needy missionaries, he advanced the money to them, taking no interest, until they could repay. At the time of the grasshopper scourge, great quantities of clothing were sent to them, and he, with the help of his wife, distributed not only to missionaries, but other destitute families. He helped in founding Gates Col- lege, named for him contrary to his wishes, and felt a great interest in it, doing all by his influence for it in his power, and when it seemed best no longer to keep it as a college, was disappointed. His last years were quietly spent in Medford, Massachusetts, reading much, keeping up with the times, and waiting the Lord's time to take him. He talked much of the future and had no dread of the end."4
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