USA > South Dakota > The Baptist history of South Dakota > Part 15
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CENTRAL ASSOCIATION. - Kingsbury, Beadle, Hand, Hyde, Hughes and Sully.
NORTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION .- Brookings, Deuel, Hamlin, Clark, Codington, Grant and Roberts.
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
NORTHWESTERN ASSOCIATION .-- Marshall, Day. Brown, Spink, Faulk, Potter, Edmunds, McPherson, Walworth and Campbell.
In the foregoing arrangement as to new associations, the churches, including some. new ones added since, according to their location were naturally grouped together as follows:
SOUTHERN DAKOTA ASSOCIATION .-- Akron, Armour, Beresford, Bloomingdale (now Spirit Mound), Canton, Centerville, Delmont, Elk Point, Hurley, Lincoln, Parker, Parkston and Vermillion .- 13
SIOUX FALLS ASSOCIATION. -- Beaver, Beulah, Blen- don, Chamberlain, Dell Rapids, Egan, Flandreau, Kimball, Madison, Mitchell, Montrose, Plankinton, Salem, Sioux Falls, Spencer, Woonsocket and Zion .- 17
CENTRAL ASSOCIATION .- Arlington, DeSmet, Het- land, Huron, Lake Preston, Onida, Pierre and Old- ham .-- 8
NORTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION. Bradley, Brookings, Bruce, Bryant, Bushnell, Clark, Effington, Elkton, Estelline, Goodwin, Troy, Watertown, Windom and White Rock .- 14
NORTHWESTERN ASSOCIATION .- Aberdeen, Conde, Faulkton, Gem, Gettysburg, Groton, Hecla, Highland, Huffton, Ipswich, Pierpont, Rose, Verdon, Warner and Washington .- 15
The report of the committee, which was not author- itative but advisory, was heartily adopted. The churches, without a single exception, endorsed the recommendations made. To avoid the overlapping of dates, a schedule of dates for the annual meeting's was submitted and approved. The committee recom- mended a form of constitution and by-laws which was adopted by each association. This served to unify
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, DELL RAPIDS. CHURCH ORGANIZED JULY 21, IS72.
FIRST HOUSE OF WORSHIP DEDICATED JULY IS, 1890. PRESENT HOUSE OF WORSHIP DEDICATED JUNE S, ISS7-
THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA. 209
plans of work throughout the state, and has resulted in saving annually considerable expense in the printing of the minutes of the various associations in the State Convention Annual. The annual meetings of the old associations were held, as usual, in 1893, at which time the churches that were to form the new associations, through their delegates and members present, held one or more sessions for the formal ratification of the contemplated organizations, adopted the proposed con- stitution and by-laws, elected officers for the ensuing vear, appointed the necessary standing committees, and selected the place and preacher for the annual meetings to be held in 1894. The composition of the Scandinavian and German Associations is not affected by geographical boundaries, except so far as they are included within the state, but is regulated by the question of race and language. They were therefore not included in the foregoing plan. Neither was the Black Hills Association, which being isolated from the eastern half of the state, through lack of railroad con- nection, has a field of operations exclusively its own.
In order that those who shall read this history in the coming years may be able to trace the statistical pro- gress of our own denomination from the beginning, and from the records of the present have a starting point from which to begin their study of future growth, there will be found at the end of this volume statistical tables giving the associational summaries, membership and financial-for 1898; the tables of anniversaries of the state convention and the associations, and also of former associations to 1893, when they passed out of sight, giving way to associations now in existence.
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CHAPTER XX.
SOUTH DAKOTA BAPTIST CONVENTION.
The association is an important factor in rendering assistance to weak and struggling churches, and pro- moting Christian fellowship and brotherly love. The state convention, on a larger scale, unifies the work, and in the consideration of the important questions of missions, education, and church extension, encourages and stimulates each local worker to a larger vision of the great field of Christian activity, and a broader view of methods and plans of work. As the necessity arose, new associations were organized, but these organiza- tions, notwithstanding their size, were local in their scope and mission. There was a conscious need of an organization that would draw together, for a common purpose, all of the workers within the sphere of its operations, that there might be unity in plan and effort.
This feeling found expression in the call issued to all of the churches, early in 1881, to send their pastors and other delegates to a general rally of Baptists, to be held on the shore of Lake Madison. There was a grat- ifying response to this appeal. The gathering was somewhat in the nature of a camp-meeting. It began on Thursday, June 30, and continued four days, clos- ing on the following Sunday evening. The meetings were held in Baker's new barn, the largest one in Lake county, which was fitted up for the occasion. In the
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changes of later years, the main portion of that barn became the dining room of the Lake View hotel, be- longing to the Lake Madison Chautauqua Association.
The leader in this movement was Rev. Edward Ellis, then general missionary. With him were associated some who had been pioneers in religious work in Dakota, Revs. T. H. Judson, A. W. Hilton, J. P. Coff- man, Walter Ross, and others. Representative Bap- tists from abroad were present and assisted greatly in inspiring and encouraging the workers. Rev. William M. Haigh, D. D., gave an address on "Missionary Work in Dakota Territory;" Rev. H. O. Rowland, D. D., then of Oshkosh, Wis., gave helpful addresses; Mrs. C. Swift, of Chicago, gave an address on "Woman's Missionary Work." Various devotional meetings were held. Sermons were preached by Reys. J. Edminster. Walter Ross, J. P. Coffman, A. W. Hilton, H. O. Row- land, and others. During the services on Sunday morning, announcement was made of the assassination of President Garfield. Various topics of importance were fully considered. A resolution was adopted urg- ing the importance of the establishment of a Baptist school of learning in the territory; another was adopted recommending the immediate formation of woman's mission circles in all the churches, to co-oper- ate with the woman's home and foreign missionary societies.
After a full and animated discussion of the subject in all its bearings, it was unanimously voted that the time had come for the organization of a convention. Some at first favored the idea of organizing a convention for all of Dakota Territory, but the conclusion was reached harmoniously that the proposed convention should be for South Dakota. A committee on organization was
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appointed, consisting of Revs. J. P. Coffman, J. Ed- minster, Walter Ross, E. M. Epstein and A. S. Orcutt. The committee reported in part during the meetings, and were authorized to prepare a constitution and by-laws for adoption at the next meeting, to be held at Sioux Falls. The following officers were elected: President, Rev. Edward Ellis; secretary, Rev. J. P. Coffman; treasurer, Mr. D. P. Ward. The choir of the Madison Baptist church, and the Madison cornet band, furnished inspiring music during several of the sessions of the convention. The devotional meetings were con- ducted by Revs. J. P. Coffman, F. H. Newton, N. Tychsen, E. M. Epstein, H. E. Norton, A. S. Orcutt, and brethren B. S. Wales and D. P. Ward. In addition to the ministers in attendance at the convention, who have already been named, there were present a goodly number of consecrated laymen, from different churches, "and of honorable women, not a few." The convention adjourned to meet at Sioux Falls, in 1882.
While the origin of the convention is usually regarded as dating from the meetings held at Lake Madison in 1881, its organization was perfected at Sioux Falls, November 1-3, 1882. The date of the meeting was arranged to suit the convenience of the Baptist church at Sioux Falls, who were hastening the preparations for the dedication of their house of worship. The first three sessions were held in the Congregational church. The minutes of the preliminary meetings, held at Lake Madison, were read, and the committee on organization presented a constitution and by-laws, which were adopted. The following officers were elected: Presi- dent, Rev. J. P. Coffman; vice presidents, Revs. G. W. Freeman and Walter Ross; recording secretary, Rev. Geo. A. Cressey; corresponding secretary, Rev. A. S.
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Orcutt; treasurer, George Morehouse. A board of fifteen managers was elected, divided into three classes, of five each, to serve one, two and three years.
Instead of an annual sermon, several addresses were delivered. Among these was an address by Rev. Marsena Stone, D. D., on "The Needs and Benefits of a State Convention," and one by Rev. Wm. M. Haigh, D. D., on "New Developments in Western Missions." All of the usual objects of Christian beneficence were fully considered. The Baptist house of worship was dedicated on Wednesday evening, November 2. The sermon was preached by Rev. P. S. Henson, D. D., of Chicago. On the day following the dedication, the sessions of the convention were held in the Baptist church. The committee on obituaries announced the death, September 20, of Rev. A. W. Hilton, one of the pioneer missionaries, the second death among Baptist ministers since the beginning of missionary work in Dakota. An interesting session, devoted to a consid- eration of woman's work in missions was held. The closing session was in the interest of Christian educa- tion. The long cherished desire for the establishment of a Baptist institution of learning seemed about to be realized, in the prospective opening, at Sioux Falls. of the "Dakota Collegiate Institute." Several earnest addresses were delivered by members of the conven- tion and citizens of Sioux Falls. Rev. Jacob Olsen was ordained by a council held during the sessions of the convention.
The South Dakota Baptist Convention was now fully organized. It had a constituency of thirty-two min- isters, thirty-one churches, including several Scandi- navian but not including three or four German churches recently organized, and a total reported membership
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of 846. Of the thirty-two ministers only twenty were pastors, the others not being in active service on account of age and infirmities, or living on claims to establish homes. The annual meetings of the conven- tion have been regularly held. On account of the extensive area of its field of operations, over seventy- six thousand square miles, and the high rate of fare for travel by railroad lines, for several years the aver- age attendance was not large, but interest in its object and work was maintained and gradually increased. Within recent years there has been a gratifying increase in attendance, and every department of its work has received careful and earnest attention. In 1884. the South Dakota Baptist Ministerial Union was organ- ized, and its annual meetings, increasingly interesting and profitable, are always held in connection with the annual meeting's of the convention. The growing interest in woman's home and foreign missionary work has been helpful in securing the attendance of conse- crated workers. All of the leading objects of benevo- lence are fully considered and encouraged. The repre- sentatives of our denominational societies are cordially welcomed, and in their absence their causes are not overlooked.
The fundamental and primary idea of a state conven- tion is the development of missionary resources, and the prosecution of missionary work, within the state. This has never been forgotten, and in more recent vears it has been kept conspicuously prominent. For many years the small number of churches, and their weakness, rendered it necessary that a large propor- tion of the amount needed for the support of pastors should come from the American Baptist Home Mission Society. This condition of dependence continued
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longer, in the case of some of the older churches, than was anticipated, on account of trying local conditions, and the hardships and disappointments incident to the developement of a new country. The small contribu- tions of the churches, as compared with the large amount annually appropriated by the society, did not furnish a very satisfactory basis for a plan of co-operation.
To co-operate is to act or operate jointly with another or others. It is concurrent effort on the part of two or more parties to accomplish a desired end. The plan of co-operation between the state convention and the Home Mission Society, generally adopted in the older western states, was frequently considered, and in 1891 it was adopted. For a year or two it was more nominal than real, but as the churches came to under- stand its necessity, and the advantages that would result from it. in cultivating a spirit of self-reliance, and developing systematic and scriptural habits of benevolence, they accepted it as something not only needed, but to be desired. The churches of South Dakota are rapidly coming into a closer understanding of the duty resting on each state to foster its own needy fields, by increasing its own resources; each year gradually releasing its claims on the Home Mis- sion Society, until finally the society can transfer its beneficence to newer and more needy fields in the regions beyond. Each year, by the action of the con- vention, a specified amount for the state convention fund, or state missions, reasonably larger than in the preceding year, is apportioned among the churches. The churches generally have accepted their apportion- ment, and raised it with commendable promptness, as a duty that should be performed, in grateful recognition
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of generous assistance rendered to them in the past. In meeting these increased obligations, though it involves some sacrifice and effort, more has been accomplished than merely to raise a specified amount of money. It has had an educating effect on the churches, and led to broader views of benevolence, and impressed on many minds the truth of that saying of Christ, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
HON. HOSMER H. KEITH, PRESIDENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ISS4-199.
PRESIDENT SOUTH DAKOTA BAPTIST CONVENTION, ISS3-4 5-
CHAPTER XXI.
RELATION TO MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
It was the day of small things when missionary work was first undertaken in South Dakota, but in the found- ing of pioneer settlements, and the establishment of churches, those who came first to this new field did not forget the necessity for evangelizing America, and preaching the gospel throughout the world. For the success of these objects they prayed, and out of their poverty they made annual offerings for missions. At the organization of the first association at Vermillion, in 1872, the following preamble and resolution were adopted:
Whereas, We recognize that we, as a part of Christ's working force on the earth, are responsible for the execution of his command to disciple all nations; and recognizing in the different societies of the denomina- tion, efficient agencies for the accomplishment of this work; therefore,
Resolved, That we extend our hearty sympathy to and pledge our hearty co-operation with the American Baptist Home Mission Society, the American Baptist Missionary Union, and the Publication Society, and that we will support them by our influence, our con- tributions and our prayers.
This action was taken when the ability to assist in the general work of these societies was limited, but the disposition to give, and the practice of benevolence, have grown with each succeeding year.
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AMERICAN BAPTIST HOME MISSION SOCIETY.
To the foster mother of nearly all of the Baptist churches in South Dakota, a lasting debt of gratitude is due. If it had not been for her assistance rendered from the beginning, and continued with a liberal hand, and her fostering care in aiding to support pastors and to secure homes for the churches, the Baptist cause in South Dakota could never have grown and reached its present position of influence and power among the religious forces of the state. At the same associational meeting referred to, this resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That in the American Baptist Home Mis- sion Society we recognize our kindest and best friend, and that she has claims upon us above all others; and we extend to her our heartiest thanks for the interest manifested in lengthening the cords and strengthening the stakes of our Zion in this territory.
To the extent of her ability the society rendered assistance to struggling churches in existence, and made it possible to organize new ones, with a superin- tending missionary to care for their interests. The following persons have represented the society on this field as general missionaries, or state superintendents: Rev. G. W. Freeman, two years and seven months, from March 1, 1871 to October 1, 1874; Rev. Edward Ellis, five years, from August 1, 1880, to August 1, 1885; and Rev. T. M. Shanafelt, nearly eleven years, from April 1, 1888, to the present time, January, 1899. This work of a superintending missionary has covered eighteen of the thirty-five years since missionary work was first begun in Dakota Territory. If there could have been a superintendent of missions during the seventeen years when no such service was rendered, our denomination would today hold a position in advance of that which it now occupies. The fields of most of
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the pastors were too large to enable them to take advantage of favorable opportunities. and seize stra- tegic points, and plant churches, at the times when local conditions were most favorable for organization and rapid growth.
After Rev. G. W. Freeman's personal oversight of the work ended. Rev. J. N. Webb. D. D., who had been general missionary for Nebraska. was appointed district secretary for Nebraska and Dakota Territory. The building of the Union Pacific railroad had led to the rapid development of Nebraska. This rendered it necessary for him to devote most of his time and labor to that portion of his district. Though only one or two new churches were organized on this field during the term of his appointment, vet he rendered such service as he could. and helped to encourage the workers. and strengthen the churches then existing. Through his personal efforts. and the agencies that he set in motion. he did much to prevent permanent dis- aster to the early Scandinavian churches, whose growth was checked. and their existence imperiled. by the per- nicious activity of Seventh Day Adventists, in 1874-5-6. His term of service as district secretary for Nebraska and Dakota Territory began February 1. 1875. and ended October 1. 1877.
In 1877. Rev. Wm. M. Haigh. D. D .. was appointed western general superintendent of missions. His headquarters were at Chicago. In the course of time South Dakota was included in his district. He made his first visit to the field at a time of great need. in August. 1879, and occasionally thereafter. as the over- whelming cares and duties of his office would permit. His watchful eve. however, was constantly overlooking all the fields in his district, and his superintendence
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was helpful and inspiring. Owing to the immensity of his district it was divided in 1887, and Rev. H. C. Woods, D. D., was appointed district secretary and general superintendent of missions for a large district west of the Missouri river, including South Dakota. The genial spirit and helpful counsel of Dr. Woods, at the annual meeting's of the convention and associations, and other important occasions, will always be grate- fully remembered. In 1892, a re-adjustment of dis- tricts, with a view to increase their number, so changed their boundary lines as to sever his official relations with South Dakota.
For two years this state was not included in any dis- trict. In 1894 a new district was formed, consisting of Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota, to be known as the Red River District, and Rey. T. R. Peters, D. D., was appointed to take its superintend- ence. He had just entered upon its duties, and was about to begin his official relation to South Dakota, when he was suddenly called away by death. After several months of waiting, his successor, Rev. O. A. Williams, D. D., was appointed. He began his work as district secretary and superintendent of missions, September 1, 1894. His wise counsel, and gentle spirit, and brotherly kindness, have caused him to be held in the highest esteem by the churches of the four states of which he is the efficient superintendent. With the addition of Wisconsin in 1898, the name of the district was changed. It is now known as the Upper Mississippi District.
The number of commissions issued to missionaries in Dakota Territory from the beginning to its division in 1889, was 392. It is a fair estimate that three-fifths of these, or 235, were for missionary labor in South
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Dakota. Since statehood the number of commissions issued to South Dakota to the present time is 384, a total of 619.
The appropriations for missionary labor in Dakota Territory to the beginning of statehood amounted to $93,028.65, and to South Dakota since that period, S91,000. Estimating three-fifths of the first-named amount, $55,817.19, as appropriated to missionaries in South Dakota, it is safe to say that the total amount of appropriations for missionary aid in this state, from the beginning, in 1864, to the present time, is $146,817. From the church edifice fund Baptist churches in South Dakota have received generous assistance in building houses of worship -in gifts, $19,096.90; in loans, $12,825.00; total, $31,921.90. Of this amount the present state superintendent of missions, in 1890, secured in Michigan and Ohio $2,600.00 as a special church edifice fund for the Black Hills. This desig- nated fund was forwarded to the treasurer of the society.
The total amount of aid received by South Dakota from the American Baptist Home Mission Society for missionary support and in building homes for the churches since 1864 to January, 1899, is $178,739.09. As compared with the wonderful generosity of the society, the contributions sent to it for its general work by the churches of the state have been very small, amounting to $11,229.79. In the statistical table giving the reported benevolence and expenses from 1864 to 1898, the total reported contributions for home mis- sions amount to $15,972.81, but this includes the con- tributions of the women's mission circles sent to the treasurer of their society, at Chicago. Since 1894 there has also been raised by the churches in the state
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for state missions $6,071.50, under the existing plan of co-operation between the society and the state conven- tion. The foregoing statements as to the number of commissions issued, and the amount of missionary aid and church edifice gifts and loans received, are accu- rate and official, the details having been obtained through requests for information sent to the officers of the society, after an examination of the books and rec- ords covering a period of thirty years.
AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONARY UNION.
Though the first obligation resting upon the churches has been to assist the society that made their existence possible, and has helped to maintain that existence, the cause of foreign missions has never been overlooked. The first churches that were organized, in their early struggles to become firmly established, manifested by resolutions and contributions their sympathy for the nations that are without the gospel. All have done what they could to assist in evangelizing the world. The Scandinavian and German churches have made specially generous offerings for this cause. In addi- tion to their contributions for foreign missions, during the famine in Russia in 1894, the German-Russian Bap- tists of South Dakota sent over $1,500 to relieve the wants of the destitute. The total reported contribu- ยท tions for foreign missions from the churches is $13,- 250.94, from women's mission circles, $4,989.43. Total, $18,230.37.
Five representatives from South Dakota Baptist churches have labored on foreign mission fields. Rev. C. B. Antisdell, of Vermillion, went as a missionary to the Congo region in Africa, in September, 1892. Rev. S. A. D. Boggs, and his wife, of Akron, went to Assam, in 1893. Rev. P. Weddel, a German Baptist, went
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
to Africa in 1892, and died there in 1897. A. E. Saba, a native Syrian, born near the forests of Lebanon, was converted and became an active member of the Baptist church at Deadwood. He graduated at the Southern Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky., in 1896, and returned to Syria as a missionary. He died there in the summer of 1897.
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