History of South Dakota, Vol. I, Part 79

Author: Robinson, Doane, 1856-1946. cn
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: [Logansport? IN] : B. F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 998

USA > South Dakota > History of South Dakota, Vol. I > Part 79

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At the beginning of the first decade, in 1868, there were only two Baptist churches, at Yank- ton and Vermillion. At its close there were eighteen churches. They began their existence with the opening of newer settlements north and northwest from the early starting points. Among the oldest of these were Big Springs, July 1, Elk point, March II, and Bloomingdale (now Spirit Mound), October 15, 1871; Canton, March 18, Lincoln, March 18, Lodi, March 25. Dell Rapids, July 21. Hurley, December 24, Parker, December 25. 1872. Daneville, December 31. 1873, and Sioux Falls, July 4, 1875. Rapidly increasing immigration led to the establishment of flourish- ing villages and ambitious young cities. New churches were organized at Centerville and Madi- son in 1878, Goodwin in 1879. Huron, Brookings, Watertown and Big Stone City in 1880, Mitchell 1

and Montrose in 1881, Aberdeen, Arlington, Egan and Chamberlain in 1882, Armour, DeSmet and Estelline in 1883, Ipswich, Parkston and Pierre in 1884, and Elkton in 1885.

The official relation of Rev. G. W. Freeman as superintendent of missions ended October I, 1873. In February, 1875, Rev. J. N. Webb, D. D., was appointed district secretary for Ne- braska and Dakota territory. Most of his time was necessarily devoted to Nebraska, but he made a number of visits to Dakota, assisting the pas- tors, encouraging the churches, and occasionally exploring the regions beyond. His appointment continued until October 1, 1877. From that time until August 1, 1880, there was no one who could be constantly engaged in personal oversight of missionary work. This led to the discourage- ment of pastors who were practically alone, and most of them on very large fields, which required all their time and labor. Some important cen- ters of influence, where churches ought to have been planted, were not occupied at all, or not until the favorable time to take possession had passed by.

Early in the second decade railroad companies were extending their lines in nearly every direc- tion, and the abundant crops, especially from 1880 to 1883, encouraged immigration. Under these favorable conditions the number of churches in- creased, pastors were secured, and houses of worship were built. The personal oversight of a superintendent of missions was essential, and Rev. Edward Ellis entered upon his work with characteristic enthusiasm and zeal, August I, 1880. A majority of the pastors were young men thoroughly educated and devoted to their work. Many of them have left their impress on the state whose character they helped to mould and shape. Among those who came during that pe- riod in the work of church organization, securing church homes and training their people in Chris- tian service, were E. B. Meredith, S. G. Adams, H. E. Norton, S. J. Winegar. J. Edminster, C. N. Patterson, George A. Cressy. L. M. Newell, M. Barker, C. G. Cressy, Edward Godwin, S. S. Utter, E. M. Bliss, F. M. Horning, C. H. McKee. George H. Parker, C. W. Finwall, Andrew John-

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son, J. B. Sundt, O. Olthoff, B. Matzke, J. Engle- man, and others who came later in the decade.

Among the early German settlers in Dakota territory were some German Baptists. In order to minister to their spiritual needs, and to evan- gelize others, Rev. J. Wendt came from Minis- tzita, Minnesota, in 1875. As a result of this movement the first German Baptist church was organized at Emanuel Creek, April 26, 1876. A German-Russian colony came to Yankton early in 1877. A church was organized there and a chapel built. Soon after most of the colo- nists removed to Bon Homme and Hutch- inson counties, and the identity of the church was lost. A German church was organized at Big Stone City, May 9, 1880, under the leadership of Rev. J. Engler. In 1881 and 1882 Revs. F. Reichle and J. Croeni came as missionaries to several of the southern counties. They first established mission stations. The sta- tion at Plum Creek was organized into a church June 9, 1883. The church at Madison was organ- ized May 1, 1883. After this period the organ- ization of German churches was more rapid. Rev. O. Olthoff, who came in 1884, was a leader in organizing several churches, and later co- workers helped to increase the number.

German missionary work in this country is directed primarily towards the evangelization of Germans who came from Germany, but in South and North Dakota it is devoted largely to Ger- mans who came from Russia. The term German- Russians, which is in common use, ought to be changed to Russianized Germans. The people referred to are the descendants of a large body of Germans, who, at the request of Russian rulers, emigrated to Russia during the reigns of Cather- ine and Alexander I (1776-1818). Those Ger- mans at first enjoyed unusual privileges ; they were exempt from service in the army, and were permitted to use their own language, and con- tinne their own religious beliefs and forms of church government. When these privileges were withdrawn, in 1874, they rapidly came to Amer- ica, and thousands of them settled in the two Da- kotas. Several hundred of them have been gath- cred into Baptist churches.

The number of German and Russianized Ger- man Baptist churches in South Dakota is fifteen, with a total membership of eleven hundred and thirteen. The valuation of their church property is forty thousand six hundred dollars. The num- ber of churches would be larger if American plans of organization were carried out. They pursue a rigidly conservative and careful policy. They are very particular in the reception of new members, watchful in oversight, and strict in.dis- cipline, yet they increase, relatively, more rapidly than American churches. Each church has its central headquarters, with several outlying sta- tions varying from three to six or more. At one time the Eureka church, covering a field over seventy-five miles in length, had twelve different stations. The number of members at these sta- tions is often large, but they are usually held as stations or branches of the parent church until they are strong enough to be set apart as self- supporting churches. At some of the stations chapels have been built, and in some cases each church has from two to four houses of worship. The parental oversight of the mother church is such that some of the new churches, when or- ganized, have their religious home already pre- pared for them.

According to statistics, official and estimated, the total Scandinavian population of the state, both native and foreign-born, is about sixty-three thousand. Many of these people were among the earliest pioneers. Some of them were Baptists before they left their Fatherland. True to their convictions, they early sought to establish churches in their new homes. The first known Baptist religious service held by them was at Bloomingdale, at four o'clock on Christmas morning. December 25, 1868. A colony of Swedes settled at Big Springs in 1868, and early in July, 1869, a Swedish Baptist church was organized there. The first Scandinavian converts were baptized at Bloomingdale, June 14, 1871, where a church was organized October 15, 1871, and at Big Springs July 14, 1872. A Danish church was organized at Lodi, March 25, 1872, and an- other at Daneville, December 31, 1873. These four churches have long been strong and influ-

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ential organizations. Their existence, however, during several years of their early history, was imperiled by the pernicious activity of Scandi- navian Seventh-Day Adventists, who sought to destroy them.

In the summer of 1884 Rev. Jacob Olsen was appointed Scandinavian missionary. He had rare elements of leadership, and served successfully fourteen years. More than a dozen churches were organized by him, and all were prosperous under his careful oversight. His successors have been Revs. Andrew Swartz, Isaac Hedberg and C. H. Bolvig. In 1886 the Scan- dinavian churches organized the Scandinavian Baptist Association of South Dakota. In this as- sociation there are now twenty-two churches, designated according to the nationality most largely represented in each. Of these ten are Swedish, six are Danish, two are Norwegian, and four are Dano-Norwegian churches. In all other states there are separate state organizations for the Swedes and for the Norwegians and Danes. It is only in South Dakota that all these three nationalities work harmoniously and suc- cessfully in one organization. These twenty-two churches have eleven hundred and eighteen mem- bers, sixteen houses of worship, and six parson- ages. The total valuation of their church prop- erty is over thirty-two thousand dollars. In addi- tion to the number of members here reported, in many localities there are Scandinavian Baptists who are members of American Baptist churches. As a general rule they are in fullest sympathy with every department of evangelical work. They are characterized by an earnest devotion to the church, deep spirituality and unstinted liberality. Church discipline is carefully maintained, and an intensely devotional spirit pervades their meet- ings.

The appointment of Rev. Edward Ellis as superintendent of missions, August 1, 1880, nom- inally continued five years, but his relation to the general work practically ended a year earlier, August 1, 1884, to enable him to serve as financial agent of Sioux Falls College. He came with the rapidly increasing tide of immigration. It was the period of greatest activity in both secular and

religious work. Any enterprise, religious or otherwise, that gave promise of helping to build up a community, received hearty support. The spirit of the times was in sympathy with the zeal of this earnest leader in missionary work. It was easier then than in the later period of financial distress and crop failures, to establish churches and secure the needed funds for building shelters for their comfort and protection. He led in the organization of twenty-six new churches, thir- teen of which in a few years became extinct, and in the erection of sixteen houses of worship. After several years of active service in other states, he died suddenly at Hudson, Wisconsin, October 6, 1892. He was descended from an eminently religious family. Some of his ances- tors were among the best known ministers in Wales. As a preacher he was enthusiastic, forci- ble and evangelical. He was a genial friend and companion, an inspiring co-worker and a suc- cessful leader.

The last half of the second decade witnessed the reaction that followed the overdoing of its earlier years. Their experience taught the people that booms are never permanent. Business en- terprises, begun under encouraging conditions, were left unfinished. Young cities whose en- thusiastic founders predicted for them rapid growth and metropolitan dignity, are now older and wiser, and are still far from the promised goal. The wonderful tide of immigration in the earlier years brought many thousands of people to establish homes in South Dakota. Its refluent wave took back with it the restless spirits who are always at the front of every new movement, but never remain to do the hard work and make the sacrifices necessary for its permanent accom- plishment. The workers in some of the years following have had to labor under less favorable conditions, and make slow progress, though with greater effort than is necessary with those who catch the rising tide and are borne along on the crest of the wave.

After a period of four years, during which missionary work was without any general super- vision, Rev. T. M. Shanafelt. D. D., became superintendent of missions and entered upon his

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work in April, 1888, and is now in his seventeenth year of continuous service. At that time there was not a single self-supporting Baptist church in Dakota territory. Up to that period nothing had been done to establish Baptist churches in the Black Hills. Other denominations had been occupying the ground there since 1876. The first Baptist church in the Black Hills was organized October 31, 1888, at Deadwood. Others fol- lowed in rapid succession and there are now nine churches, eight of which have houses of wor- ship. The present number of members of churches comprising the Black Hills Association is four hundred and seventy-five.

The first Baptist house of worship was dedi- cated at Vermillion June 4, 1872. It has been stated elsewhere in this chapter that the first church bell ever brought to Dakota territory was secured by Father Belcourt for a Roman Catholic church at Walhalla, in 1846. The first protestant church bell was placed in the tower of the Bap- tist church at Vermillion in 1872. * It was the ringing of that bell during the night of the memorable flood, in March, 1881, when the waters poured through the streets of Vermillion, that saved many lives by arousing the sleeping citizens in time to realize their danger and escape to the bluffs. The church building, one of the few that were saved, was afterwards removed, with others, from the lowlands to the bluffs.

On the day following the dedication of the house of worship the nine existing churches, through their pastors and delegates, organized the Southern Dakota Baptist Association. These churches were mainly in or near the valley of the Missouri river. Ten years later the num- ber of churches had increased to nearly thirty, some of them located two hundred and fifty miles north. The second association, known as the Sioux Valley Baptist Association, was or- ganized at Brookings, June 9-1I, 1882. Two years later a third one became necessary and the James River Association was organized at Co- lumbia, October 10, 1884. After a few years it

became evident that the area of each of these as- sociations was entirely too large, and a re- organization was necessary. The superintendent of missions led in a successful movement, in 1893, to create five new associations out of the territory hitherto occupied by three. They were constructed along geographical lines, and are known as the Southern Dakota, Sioux Falls, Central, Northeastern and Northwestern Associa- tions. These, with the Black Hills, the Scandi- navian and the German, constitute the eight as- sociations within the state.

Associations have an important mission, to render assistance to neighboring churches and promote Christian fellowship. A state conven- tion, on a larger scale, unifies the work, and se- cures the consideration of the important ques- tions of missions, education and church exten- sion. It draws together all of the workers within the sphere of its operations, thereby securing unity of plan and effort. In 188r there was a general rally of Baptists on the shore of Lake Madison. The meetings began June 30, and were held in Baker's new barn, which was spe- cially fitted up for the occasion. In changes of later years the main portion of that barn became the dining room of Lake View Hotel, now be- longing to the Lake Madison Chautauqua As- sociation. After a full discussion of the subject, it was decided to organize the South Dakota Baptist Convention. Officers were elected and standing committees were appointed. A year later, at Sioux Falls, the organization was com- pleted by the adoption of a constitution and by- laws. The annual meetings of the convention have been regularly held, with increasing attend- ance and interest. At these meetings all the lead- ing objects of benevolence are fully considered and encouraged.

In the state organization of the Baptist Young People's Union, in 1891, a new element of strength and helpfulness came into auxiliary relationship with the state convention. Many good results have followed the application of the consecrated energy of the young people. Their sympathy has been enlisted and their practical co-operation assured, in the increasingly import-

*Rev. C. D. Martin secured a bell for the log church at Ver- million in 1860, so that the Baptist bell was really the second Protestant bell .- DOANE ROBINSON.

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ant work of evangelizing the state. During this period women's mission circles were organized in the church. The study of missionary literature and plans of work have increased the efficiency of the Christian women of the churches, and they have been faithful helpers in promoting the primary object of a state convention, which is the development of missionary resources, and the prosecution of missionary work within the state.

The first Sunday school was organized at Vermillion. June 14, 1861, by Rev. C. D. Martin. The first denominational Sunday school was a Baptist school organized in June or July, 1864, by Rev. L. P. Judson. The first Sunday school that has maintained a continuous existence was organized March 26, 1871, in a log house on the west bank of the Sioux river, a few miles north of Elk Point. Dr. John Tremaine was its first superintendent. Other schools were organized at Vermillion in 1871 and Elk Point in 1872. The first Danish Sunday school was organized at Lodi, March 25, 1872, the first Swedish school at Big Springs, in June. 1872, and the first Nor- wegian school near Oldham, in July, 1882. The first German school was organized at Emanuel Creek, near Tyndall. in 1878. With the be- ginning of the work of establishing Baptist churches the organization of Baptist Sunday schools and the distribution of Baptist literature became necessary. The following state Sunday school missionaries have served under the ap- pointment of the American Baptist Publication Society : George T. Johnson, 1880; B. S. Wales, 1881-1887: David P. Ward. 1888-1895 ; Frank D. Hall. 1895-1902; Thomas H. Hagen, since Sep- tember, 1902. There are now nearly one hun- dred Sunday schools, seven hundred officers and teachers, and a total membership of six thousand five hundred.

The subject of Christian education was among the important matters that received care- ful consideration in the early days. The pioneers, with far-reaching forecast of the future, knew that they were laying the foundations of a com- ing state, and they desired, at the beginning. to

make arrangements for the education of their children and of the generations that should fol- low. When there were only nine Baptist churches in all the territory, on the first occasion for the assembling together of their pastors and other representatives, at the time of the organiza- tion of the Southern Dakota Baptist Association, · at Vermillion, June 5, 1872, a committee on Chris- tian education was appointed, consisting of J. J. McIntire, S. A. Ufford and Martin J. Lewis. The association adopted strong resolutions, recogniz- ing the intimate relation of higher education and evangelization, urging that immediate steps be taken for the establishment of an institution of learning, and the selection of a location, eas; of access, healthy and surrounded by helpful moral, social and intellectual influences. Though un- able to carry out their cherished plans at once. the subject was annually discussed, and when, in later years, the time for action came, they were ready to render prompt and willing assist- ance.

At the organization of the state convention, at Lake Madison, in 1881, a decision was reached, and a school was established at Sioux Falls in 1883, and the present buildings were completed the following year. It was first called the Dakota Collegiate Institute. In 1885 the school was re- organized and, at the earnest request of the citi- zens, became known as Sioux Falls University. Like nearly all western schools of higher learn- ing, it was for several years handicapped by an overshadowing name it ought never to have borne. Finally better judgment prevailed and the name was changed to what its founders and friends intended it to be, Sioux Falls College. Though laboring under the disadvantage of in- sufficient endowment, it has rendered excellent service. The first class graduated from the academic department in 1886. Each succeeding year the graduating class has ranged in number from three to twenty-two. These students have reflected great credit on the institution, and many of them are filling places of honor and responsi- bility in the various professions which they have adopted, or in business life. Several graduates

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have entered the ministry, and are preaching the gospel successfully in South Dakota and other states.

While Baptists founded a Baptist College in Sioux Falls, representatives of the denomination have been prominent in the establishment and administration of some of the state institutions of learning. A Baptist, Dr. Ephraim M. Epstein, laid the foundation of the State University, lo- cated at Vermillion. He was thoroughly edu- cated, a linguist of the highest order, and an en- thusiast in matters pertaining to education. The territorial legislature, in 1862, passed an act lo- cating a university at Vermillion, but it was twenty years before it was put in operation. Early in 1882 Dr. Epstein resigned as pastor at Yankton, and spent several months traveling over the southern counties of the territory. By pub- lic addresses and personal interviews, he awakened an interest among the people in the contemplated university.

Its first session opened October 16, 1882, and he was its first president. Through his great energy and zeal he conducted it successfully to the end of its first year. An official report con- cerning the work done includes this statement : "The trustees are entirely satisfied with the school. It has been successfully managed. The students also showed their satisfaction by return- ing in large numbers at the opening of the fol- lowing school year." While the citizens of the territory and the students were satisfied with the administration of Dr. Epstein, there was even in that early period an exhibition of the peculiar methods adopted by managing boards of state in- stitutions. The one to whom, above all others, credit was due for the successful establishment of the school, and its first prosperous year, was re- moved from the office of president, and another one, a stranger from the east, was chosen in his place. Many friends of the institution deeply regretted the discourtesy and ingratitude ex- hibited towards its founder.

Edward Olson, Ph. D., the third president of the university, was a Baptist. He was elected in June, 1887, and served until his untimely death, by accident, in Minneapolis, November 3. 1889.

His profound scholarship and great administra- tive ability placed him in the highest rank among the leading educators of the northwest. The of- ficial report of the board of regents makes this declaration concerning him: "Edward Olson was remarkable in personality and scholarship. He was a natural leader and a born teacher. His character was Christian, inspiring and uplifting. His work for the university will be lasting in its results. The progress made in the brief period of its administration is, in many respects, without a parallel in educational annals." President Olsen's successor, Rev. Howard B. Grose, D. D., was a Baptist. J. W. Heston, LL. D., who was for several years president of the State Agri- cultural College, at Brookings, is a Baptist : so also is Professor J. S. Frazee, president of the State Normal School, located at Springfield.

Among the Baptists who have been elected or appointed to important public positions in the ter- ritory and state are the following: Rev. J. J. McIntire, superintendent of public instruction, Dakota territory; Hon. Charles M. Thomas, justice of the supreme court, Dakota territory ; afterwards elected district judge, Black Hills district; Rev. George H. Parker, deputy state superintendent of public instruction : E. F. Swartz, for ten years deputy state anditor ; mem- bers of the territorial legislature; Rev. Albert Gore, William Shriner, Dr. E. O. Stevens, Joseph L. Berry, C. D. Mead, A. C. Huetson, Rev. N. Tychsen, A. S. Jones, Isaac Atkinson, C. D. Austin and H. H. Keith (the last named was elected speaker) ; state legislature-Senators I. H. Newby, Carl Gunderson, D. O. Bennett, C. C. Wright, T. C. Else, George W. Case and John F. Schrader; representatives, C. R. Wescott, George Watson and R. J. Odell. The following Baptist ministers have served as chaplains in the legislature : L. P. Judson, Albert Gore, T. H. Judson, J. B. Coffman, James Buchanan, D. R. Landis, G. S. Clevenger, D. C. Smith, Edker Burton and C. F. Vreeland.

When the writer's official relation to the work in South Dakota began, in April. 1888, he found on the rolls of the associational records the names of seventy-one churches, having a reported

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membership of two thousand eight hundred and sixteen. Twenty of these churches were then extinct, and soon after several others were stricken from the list, leaving about forty-two nominally live organizations. There were at that time thirty-one houses of worship and three par- sonages. The total value of church property was ninety-eight thousand dollars. Since then seventy-three new churches have been organized, and fifty-six houses of worship have been built or secured by purchase, and thirty-one parson- ages. At that time there was not a self-support- ing church in Dakota territory; now there are thirty-six in South Dakota. There are now one hundred and five churches, having over six thousand members, eighty-seven houses of wor- ship and thirty-four parsonages. The total value of church property, not including the property of the college at Sioux Falls, is two hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars.

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History of South Dakota, Vol. I, Part 79

Author: Robinson, Doane, 1856-1946. cn Publication date: 1904 Publisher: [Logansport? IN] : B. F. Bowen Number of Pages: 998

Author: Robinson, Doane, 1856-1946. cn
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: [Logansport? IN] : B. F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 998