USA > South Dakota > The Baptist history of South Dakota > Part 14
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Salem, in McCook county, became the third station. At the organization of the church at Emery, we made the acquaintance of brother Stark, delegate of the American church at Freedom. Brother Stark informed us that there were five German sisters besides himself in that district, and that there were many Germans who ought to be looked after. He requested the church at Emery to give me a week's leave of absence for this work. This was in March, 1887. We did some house to house visitation, and I preached twice on Sunday, and on the following Monday and Tuesday evenings. Wednesday night we had a cottage praver meeting in the house of non-members. The family consisted of the father, mother and two sons. The younger son was much opposed to conversion, but that same night
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he was under deep conviction and sought and found peace. The other members of that family followed, and in that night this whole family and four others who had met with us found peace and rejoiced in the Lord. Six weeks later these new converts came to Emery to be baptized. On that dav, the 29th of May, 1887, the church at Emery extended the hand of fellowship to fourteen new members. Eight were received by bap- tism and six by letter. This station at Salem I could only visit six times in the year, as my work was getting too great, and extended over too large a field. On December 4, 1890, this station also organized and was recognized as a church, with a membership of twenty- four. As there was no one found to take charge of this field, it was still supplied from Emery. In September, 1891, Rev. E. Wolf took charge of the work. The church then numbered twenty-nine. Rev. A. Mar- quardt became his successor. The church now has no pastor.
Lennox became the fourth station. In 1889 eighteen persons around Lennox applied for membership in the Emery church. As the whole community is composed of people from Ostfriesland, Germany, it was thought best that the church take up this field, as the writer is himself an Ostfreisian. My church allowed me one Sunday per month for this work. In 1892 this station also organized as a church, and the recognition took place July 15, 1882, with twenty-eight members. I was permitted afterwards to baptize other new converts. Others are near the Kingdom. It is a time of refresh- ing for the church in Lennox, afterwards called Ger- mantown, and now Chancellor. has been started near Lennox.
Another Sunday school We have four stations where we have preaching on Sunday, but the main station is best attended by strangers.
My health was very poor for a whole year, and the work of supplying Emery and stations at Monroe, Avon and Lennox became too much for me, and I requested the church at Emery to get another pastor, promising to help until someone should be found. Brother A. F. Brauns assisted me three months, from September to
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December, 1892. During this time my health began to improve, and the church at Lennox gave me a call as their pastor alone, but Avon insisted that I remain their pastor also, so I continued for a time to supply these two churches. Emery is a thriving town with a thrifty German population. The church has a house of wor- ship 26x40 feet, which is well filled every Sunday.
To the Lord be the glory for the blessings He has bestowed upon us in the past years. From the small beginning of my report, four churches have sprung up and other stations, which justify us in looking hope- fully to the future.
As has been stated the number of German and Rus- sian Baptist churches in South Dakota is fifteen. The number would be larger if American plans of organiza- tion were adopted. Each church has its central head- quarters, with several outlying stations, varying from two or three to six or more in number. At one time the Eureka church had twelve different stations. The number of members at these stations is often large, but they are usually held as stations or branches of the parent church, until they are strong enough to be self- supporting, when they are urged to organize as sep- arate churches. At some of these stations chapels have been built, and the result is that in some cases each church has at least two or three houses of wor- ship. The parental oversight of the mother church is such that some of the new churches, when organized. have their religious home already prepared for them. Another result of this policy is that only a small per- centage of German Baptist churches ask for or receive assistance from the American Baptist Home Mission Society, in the support of their pastors. If any assist- ance is needed, it is more frequently a gift or a loan from the church edifice fund, to aid in building houses of worship.
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The following list gives the names of most of the stations maintained by each church. Beside the house of worship owned by the parent church. each station marked (*) has a chapel:
EMANUEL CREEK .- Tyndall", Danzig".
BIG STONE CITY .- Holloway", Minn.
PLUM CREEK .- Bridgewater". Menno", Alexandria".
MADISON .- Farnsworth, Holland. Wentworth, Ro- mona.
EMERY .- Monroe, and three other stations.
EUREKA .- Spring Creek". Dolzer, Stein, Martel, Long Lake.
SALEM .- Canova.
CHANCELLOR .- Lennox, and two other stations.
CHOTEAU CREEK .- Four or five stations.
PARKSTON .- Friedensthal *. Dry Creek". Schulz, Tripp.
FAIRFAX .-- Kaul. Wetzal.
MOUND CITY .--- Pilgerheim#, Kramlich, Matthews. Bender. Weisenburger.
More than one-third of the German speaking citizens of this state came from Russia. Nearly all of them are the descendants of the south German people, who, sev- eral generations ago, during the reign of the Empress Catherine, were encouraged to settle in southern Rus- sia. They were needed there because they were fam- iliar with many of the arts of which the Russian peas- ants were ignorant. As they helped to develope the resources and revenue of the empire, their intense religious convictions. and simple Christian manner of living, which were so different from the cold formalism of the established state religion, the Greek church, were at first overlooked, but later Russian rulers per- secuted them without mercy. They carried with them
REV. O. OLTHOFF.
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from Germany their religion, and their only rule of faith and practice, the Bible. They were active in their efforts to spread the Christian faith among their Russian neighbors. They met for praver and confer- ence at stated times and places, called stunden; hence the name which soon came to be applied to them, Stun- dists. The lowest estimate of the number of Stundists now in Russia is 250,000. A large proportion of these are Baptists. They are intensely in earnest in holding and disseminating their religious opinions. They are so far in advance of the unthinking and ignorant native Russian serf, that their superiority in belief and life long ago aroused the bitter hatred of the authorities of the state church. The relentless persecution of these people has called out the sympathy of Christian people in Europe and America.
It is not surprising that thousands of Stundists have fled from oppression in Russia to the enjoyment of religious freedom in the United States. Many of them are in South Dakota. A large number of these are in Russian or German-Russian Baptist churches. During all of the generations of their sojourn in Russia, they retained the knowledge and use of the language of their fatherland. Religious services conducted in the Ger- man language are therefore understood, not only by the Germans, but also by their German-Russian breth- ren. On numerous occasions the author has had oppor- tunities to study the religious life and devotion of these godly people. While no longer compelled to worship God in secret, at the risk of imprisonment, they still maintain their long-accustomed simplicity of living and intense religious devotion. In Russia all attempts to break their spirit and compel them to renounce their faith were in vain, and here "there are none to molest or make them afraid."
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One of their pastors, Rev. August Liebig, was for many years a missionary among the Stundists of Rus- sia. He was remarkably successful, though he endured innumerable hardships, was several times imprisoned, and was finally banished from Russia. Soon after his coming to America, and his settlement in South Dakota, the writer was invited to join with him in the services at the dedication of one of their houses of worship. An immense congregation assembled, many more than could find even room to stand in the building. Many of them drove with their families from thirty to fifty miles across the prairies, to once more see and hear this faithful servant of God. It was through his instrumentality that they were converted and baptized, from ten to twenty years before, in Russia, the meet- ings being held secretly, in out-of-the-way dwellings, and the baptisms administered in retired places in the darkness of the night, to avoid being interrupted, or put in prison, by the relentless officials of a cruel des- potism. It was interesting to study the faces of these people as they once more heard the voice of their former leader, and were contrasting their changed condition from religious intolerance to religious liberty.
An intelligent and commendable zeal characterizes the work among the Germans and Russians of the state. They are making encouraging progress. They are very particular in the reception of new members, watchful in oversight, and strict in discipline, yet they increase relatively more rapidly than American churches. The most cordial relations exist between them and their American brethren. The last reported membership in their churches is twelve hundred and eighty.
CHAPTER XIX.
ASSOCIATIONS.
SOUTHERN DAKOTA ASSOCIATION.
The first Baptist house of worship in Dakota Terri- tory was dedicated at Vermillion, June 4, 1872. On the following day the first Baptist association was organ- ized, by pastors and delegates from nine churches, com- prising all of the Baptist churches in the territory. Of these churches six were American -Vermillion, Elk Point, Yankton, Leroy, Lodi, and Canton; two were Swedish -- Big Springs and Bloomingdale; and one Danish -- Lodi. With the exception of Chaplain G. D. Crocker, at Fort Sully, all of the Baptist ministers in the territory were present: Revs. G. W. Freeman, E. H. Hurlbutt, J. J. McIntire, J. H. Young, J. L. Coppoc, P. A. Ring, and J. Peterson. The last two were Swedes. The total membership of these nine churches was one hundred and fifty-seven.
The following officers were elected: moderator, Rev. G. W. Freeman, general missionary; secretary, Martin J. Lewis, Vermillion; treasurer, Deacon M. D. Weston, Elk Point; corresponding secretary, Rev. E. H. Hurl- butt, Vermillion. The constitution adopted was broad and comprehensive. Though a little band, in a new country, the organization put itself on record as favor- ing heartily all of the benevolent objects of thedenomina- tion, and pledging to them active sympathy and financial
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support. In that day of small things, the need of lav- ing the foundation for Christian education was care- fully considered. The committee on education, of which Rev. J. J. McIntire was chairman, presented a report which was adopted, urging the importance of taking immediate steps for the establishing of an institution of learning. During the first few years the needs of the great field, gradually opening, received earnest consideration, and at the annual meeting in 1877, it was decided. as an association, to aid at least one ch'irch each year, in the building of a house of wor- ship. At this anniversary grateful recognition is given of the organization of woman's mission circles, which were beginning to prove a helpful ally in the prosecu- tion of missionary work.
In 1880, the committee on obituaries record the death. at Goodwin, of Rev. L. Ross. aged sixty-nine vears. He had been for many years a pastor in Minne- sota and but a little while before his death he came to Dakota, in poor health, for a home among his chil- dren. This is the first mentioned death among the Baptist ministry in the territory. The appeals, sev- eral times repeated, for the appointment of a Sunday school missionary and colporteur are now answered by the appointment of Mr. Geo. T. Johnson. In view of the immense field now covered by the association, a division was considered and approved.
When the association was organized in 1872. the nine churches then existing were mainly in or near the valley of the Missouri river. Ten years later the num- ber of churches belonging to the association had in- creased to twenty-two, including Watertown and Good- win, extending north nearly two hundred miles. Ser- eral new churches were so far distant that they were
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still unassociated. The total reported membership of the association was 679. The time had come for a division. The association, in 1881, recommended such action, and proposed that a line drawn due west to the Missouri river, beginning with the north boundary of the second tier of townships in Minnehaha county, be the dividing line between the southern Dakota associa- tion, and the proposed new association. Another matter of importance at this annual meeting was the appointment of a committee of eleven brethren, to confer with a similar committee, appointed at a Baptist camp meeting, and preliminary organization of a state convention, held at Lake Madison in July, 1881.
At the first meeting of the Southern Dakota Associa- tion, following the division in 1882, the number of churches belonging to it was fifteen, with a membership of 601. With the addition of new churches and increase 'in membership, it grew until it had, in 1893,
twenty-three churches and 1,112 members. During that year a re-construction of all the associations was made and five new ones were formed. This organiza- tion, which still retains its old name, was then reduced to twelve churches and 798 members. Since 1893, it has had only one addition to its churches, but its mem- bership has increased to 1,098. The twenty-fifth anni- versary of the original organization was held at Ver- million in June, 1896. It was an occasion of unusual interest. At the historical session historical addresses were delivered by Rev. J. E. Rockwood, who organized the Vermillion church, February 16, 1868; Rev. J. J. McIntire, Rev. T. M. Shanafelt, Rev. R. N. Van Doren, and others, and a history of the association was pre- sented by Rev. T. M. Coffey.
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SIOUX VALLEY ASSOCIATION.
By previous arrangement a meeting of pastors and other delegates, representing sixteen churches, most of them new organizations, was held at Brookings, June 9-11, 1882. for the purpose of forming a new association. Rev. Edward Ellis led in the work of organization. It was called the Sioux Valley Baptist Association. Its first officers were Rev. Walter Ross, moderator, and Rev. F. H. Newton, secretary. Its membership at the beginning was 275. It occupied an immense field, reaching south as far as Madison and Dell Rapids, westward to Huron, and included all the territory north. It was a most important missionary field, and the association did not neglect its mission. New churches were added to it, and most of the churches comprising it grew, until in ten years from its organi- zation, it had on its roll twenty-three churches, with 1,017 members. It continued to exist under its origi- nal name, until the general re-organization of associa- tions in 1893.
JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION.
Almost immediately after the organization of the Sionx Valley Association, in 1882, it became evident that another association must soon be formed further north. Among its constituent churches were Baptist churches as far north as Aberdeen, Ordway, and Big Stone City. Other churches soon came into being in the northern counties, and some of the counties near the Missouri river. With the hearty approval of the Sioux Valley association, and its benediction on some of the northern churches that were dismissed, under the leadership of general missionary Ellis, an associa- tion was organized October 10-11, 1884, at Columbia, in connection with the dedication services of the Columbia
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Baptist church. A constitution was adopted. commit- tees were appointed, and the following officers were elected : Moderator, Rev. C. H. Woods, Columbia; secretary. Rev. E. M. Bliss, Aberdeen; treasurer, Deacon Wm. P. Brown. Ellendale. Five churches only were represented in this organization. Their member- ship was not reported. Insufficient notice had been given of the proposed meeting, and the movement was not a success. The Columbia church soon after became extinct, and its excellent house of worship was secured by another denomination.
The organization begun at Columbia in October. 1884, adopted as its name the James River Baptist Associa- tion. It soon went into a state of suspended animation. Efforts to arouse it failed until January 1-2, 1886. Through the active efforts of Rev. F. M. Horning and others, some of the churches were led to send delegates to Aberdeen, at the time of the dedication of the new Baptist house of worship in that city. Fourteen churches were represented by delegates or letters. Their total membership was 291. The following officers were elected: Moderator. Rev. C. C. Marston. Beulah: secretary, Rev. F. M. Horning, Blunt; treasurer, Dr. O. M. Heustis, Aberdeen. Sermons, were preached, several addresses were delivered, some good resolutions were adopted, and the association adjourned, to meet at Ellendale. June 15, 1886. No meeting was held. The association was dead.
After the resignation of Rev. Edward Ellis there was no one to take the general oversight of missionary work for nearly four years. until the present state superintendent of missions came to South Dakota. early in 1888. Some of the pastors took a fostering care of neighboring pastorless churches, but on
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account of necessary financial retrenchment there were fewer laborers on the field, and many were dis- couraged. He endeavored to pick up the lines of work over the entire field. On investigating the condition of things in the northern part of South Dakota, he found only two or three pastors, and several weak churches without leaders. There was a memory of an associ- ation that had once existed, but the churches and pas- tors knew little or nothing of each other. He made arrangements for the churches, including four or five new ones, to send delegates to a meeting held at Aber- deen, September 5-6, 1888. The meeting was well attended, new interest was awakened, the old name was resumed, and on the recommendation of the super- intendent of missions, instead of a new association, it was agreed to regard it as a resurrection and continu- ation of the old organization. Ten churches were rep- resented, with a membership of 276. The association continued a vigorous existence, with interesting and profitable annual meetings, until the general reorgani- zation of the associations of the state in 1893. At that time it included fourteen churches, with 394 members.
GERMAN ASSOCIATION.
An association representing the people of any special race or language cannot be organized along geograph- ical lines. The first few churches among the Germans and German-Russians of Dakota were scattered over the territory. They were too far apart to successfully maintain an association. Occasionally some would be identified, temporarily, with one or more of the Amer- ican associations. After 1884 the number of churches among these people increased more rapidly, and a Ger- man Baptist association-or conference, as they term it- was organized June 17, 1887, at Plum Creek, near
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Bridgewater. For several years it included all the German and Russian Baptist churches in both South Dakota and North Dakota. Since 1894 the association includes only their churches in South Dakota. Their annual meetings are always largely attended, full of enthusiasm, intensely devotional and spiritual, and continue three and four days, or even longer. All lines of business are carefully attended to, but devo- tional meetings and preaching services are numerous. In connection with the annual meeting's of their associ- ation a pastor's conference is usually held. They also hold semi-annual meetings. They now have fifteen churches, with a membership of twelve hundred and eighty.
SCANDINAVIAN ASSOCIATION.
At the organization of the Southern Dakota Associ- ation in 1872, three of the nine churches composing it were Scandinavian. As Scandinavian churches were organized in later years, they identified themselves with this association, and some of them, after 1882, with the Sioux Valley Association. In 1874 the Scan- dinavian Baptists organized a missionary conference. It was not intended at first to serve as an association, but a meeting for conference on missionary and other topics, where there was the larger freedom of speak- ing in their own language. As a matter of informa- tion their statistics were reported annually at these conferences, but for ten or twelve years they continued as members of the associations named. As the num- ber of churches increased, the need of a separate organ- ization led them to withdraw, and after 1886 the origi- nal missionary conference, organized in 1874, became the Scandinavian Baptist Association of South Dakota.
This organization is a tower of strength for the Bap-
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tist cause in this state. For many years it has fur- nished one-half or more of the support of its state missionary. The large annual contributions for all benevolent objects indicate the deep and increasing interest of the churches in missions, christian educa- tion, and all departments of religious work. In the association are nineteen churches. with eight hundred and ninety-seven members.
BLACK HILLS ASSOCIATION.
This association was organized by the state superin- tendent of missions, at Rapid City, September 12, 1890. At its organization it included the Baptist churches at Deadwood, Rapid City, Lead City, Hot Springs, Custer City, and Hill City; also the church at Sundance, Wyoming. The churches at Beaver Basin and Oel- rich were received into the association in 1893. The last reported membership was three hundred and eighty-three.
FIVE NEW ASSOCIATIONS ORGANIZED.
By reason of the annual addition of new churches, the territory of the Southern Dakota, Sioux Valley and James River Associations became too large to promote the interests and serve the needs of the churches com- posing them. The Southern Dakota Association extended from Elk Point and Akron on the Sioux river, to Chamberlain, on the Missouri river, a distance of one hundred and seventy-five miles. The James River Association, in its greatest length reached from Pierre to Pierpont, in Day county, a distance of two hundred and forty miles. The Sioux Valley Asso- ciation was one hundred and fifty miles long and about one hundred miles wide. It had become impossible for most of the weaker churches to be represented by dele- gates, unless all of the annual meetings were held at
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some central point. The formation of a larger number of associations, geographically smaller, became a necessity.
On the recommendation of the state superintendent of missions, the three associations above mentioned, at their annual meeting's in 1891, appointed a joint com- mittee to carefully consider the situation, and recom- mend such action as they should deem wise and neces- sary. While waiting for the devolopment of some projected lines of railroad, in 1892, it was thought advisable to delay making any recommendations for definite action until the following year. At the annual meetings held in June, 1893, the joint committee reported that in their judgment there should be five associations organized, that each one should cover a considerably smaller area than any of the three hitherto existing, and that they should be formed with reference to present and prospective lines of railroad, in order to make attendance at the annual meetings as easy and inexpensive as possible. Beginning with the southern portion of the state, where our denomination in South Dakota had its origin, they recommended the formation of the following named associations the area of each to be the counties named under its heading:
SOUTHERN DAKOTA ASSOCIATION .- Union, Clay, Yankton, Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Douglas, Hutch- inson, Turner and Lincoln.
SIOUX FALLS ASSOCIATION .- Minnehaha, McCook, Hanson, Davison, Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Jerauld, Sanborn, Miner, Lake and Moody.
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