USA > South Dakota > The Baptist history of South Dakota > Part 3
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The first known religious organization in any of these settlements was a Baptist church established at Yankton, in the summer of 1864, by Rev. L. P. Judson. Its existence continued until the end of 1865, when, on
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account of the disturbed condition of the settlement, the members were scattered and it became extinct. The first Methodist Episcopal churches were organized at Yankton in the autumn of 1865; at Elk Point in Jan- uary, 1867, and at Vermillion, September 11, 1871. The earliest organization of Congregational churches was at Yankton, April 6, 1868; at Vermillion, September 11, 1870, and at Elk Point in 1872. Leaving out of con- sideration the temporary organization at Yankton in 1864-5, the first Baptist churches were organized at Yankton, February 3, 1867; at Vermillion, February 16, 1868; at Big Springs early in July, 1869. A prelim- inary organization was began at Elk Point, April 26, 1868, but it was not completed on account of sickness. The present Baptist church in that city was organized March 11, 1871.
The first missionary work done by the Presby- terians in South Dakota was among the Sioux Indians. It was under the supervision of Rev. J. P. Williamson, D. D., and was began in July, 1863. Within three vears the number of members had grown to 236. The mission was then transferred to Niobrara, Neb. The oldest continuous Presbyterian organization is an Indian church, at Long Hollow, near Sisseton. It was established Angust 21, 1868. It is in charge of an Indian pastor, Rev. Isaac Renville. Another Indian church called Ascension, near Sisseton, organized August 27, 1868, is distinguished for having had only one pastor, Rev. John B. Renville, an Indian. He has served as pastor of this church over thirty years, and still abides in strength and efficiency, and unwaning favor among his people. The first missionary work done in South Dakota among white people was by a pastor in Nebraska, who made occasional visits to Ver-
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million in 1862. The first Presbyterian church organ- ized among the white settlements was at Canton in the summer of 1872. A few years later this church be- came extinct. The first white organization to maintain a continuous existence is the church at Dell Rapids, since August 18, 1872. The first Presbyterian house of worship was built by the German church of Turner county, in 1880.
The early churches found it necessary for a time to meet in private dwellings and schoolhouses, but as soon as it was possible they responded to the call to "arise and build." The first house of worship was erected by the Episcopal church at Yankton in 1866. and at Elk Point in 1868. The Methodists dedicated their earliest church homes at Elk Point in 1870, and at Yankton and Vermillion in 1873. The Congrega- tionalists dedicated their first three church homes at Yankton July 17, 1870, at Canton in March, 1872, and at Vermillion in 1873. Their house of worship at Elk Point was not completed until 1889. The first church buildings erected by Baptists were dedicated at Ver- million June 4, 1872, at Elk Point in October, 1873, and at Yankton in 1879.
Putting the foregoing facts in chronological order. we find that the denominations named rank as follows:
First, Organization of Churches .-- Baptists lead all other evangelical denominations in Dakota, if we take into the list the temporary organization of 1864-5, at Yankton. Omitting this from the list, since it became extinct. the order is as here given. At Yankton -- Methodists, 1865; Baptists, February 3, 1867; Congre- gationalists, April 6, 1868. At Vermillion -- Baptists, February 16, 1868; Congregationalists, September 11. 1870; Methodists, September, 1871. At Elk Point-
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Methodists, January, 1867; Baptists, April 26, 1868; Congregationalists, 1870. At Big Springs-Baptists. July, 1889.
Second, Dedication of Houses of Worship .--- At Yank- ton-Episcopalians in 1866; Methodists, 1868; Congre- gationalists, July 7, 1870; Baptists, 1879. At Ver- million-Baptists, June 4, 1872; Congregationalists in 1873, and Methodists, August 31, 1873. At Elk Point --- Episcopalians, 1868; Methodists, 1870; Baptists, Octo- ber, 1873; Congregationalists, 1889.
The first Baptist minister who is known to have lived or labored in Dakota was Rev. L. P. Judson. He came under appointment of the American Baptist Home Mission Society as missionary "at Yankton and vicin- ity." He served nine months and left Dakota January 24, 1865. His successor was Rev. Albert Gore, whose appointment was for twelve months from February 1, 1865. He remained until the following December. Neither of these men lived at Yankton, but on claims located some distance from their designated field of labor. While doing more or less missionary work at Yankton, and among the scattered settlements, they were both interested in other matters. Mr. Judson was identified with what was known as the New York colony and was active in advancing its interests. Mr. Gore had been engaged for a time in secular business and politics. He was a member of the territorial legis- lature in 1863-4.
The annual report of the American Baptist Home Mission Society for 1864-5, makes the following state- ment: "In Dakota a Baptist church and Sunday school have been organized at Yankton, the capital of the ter- ritory." This movement, which dates from the sum- mer of 1864, was the pioneer religious organization
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among evangelical denominations. How long it con- tinued to exist after Mr. Gore left the field, at the close of 1865, is unknown. It was a period of trials and hardships in those pioneer settlements. The privations of the early settlers, and the dread of In- dian hostilities, which had not yet entirely ceased, caused frequent removals, and many becoming dis- couraged, returned to their former homes in older and safer communities. Under such conditions, a new and feeble organization, having limited pastoral oversight, could hardly be expected to maintain its existence. After much difficulty, detailed information has recently been secured concerning the labors and experiences of the first two Baptist missionaries in Dakota. These are fully recorded in Chapter VI.
The first Baptist missionary whose work in Dakota left a permanent impress, was not a resident of the territory. In October, 1864, Rev. J. E. Rockwood became the first pastor of the Baptist church in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the only Baptist pastor in a large region of country in northwestern Iowa. While re- sponding to appeals for help from many sources, he felt deeply moved to ascertain the needs and prospects of the opening fields in Dakota Territory, along the valley of the Missouri river. Missionary tours up the river to Elk Point, Vermillion and Yankton, which began March 25, 1866, were continue'd as frequently as practicable, until failing health compelled him to cease this work in August, 1869.
During this period churches were organized, converts - were baptized, scattered Baptists were gathered to- gether, and foundations were laid for future work by those who were to come at a later period. The first Baptist church organized by Mr. Rockwood was at
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Yankton, February 3, 1867. The second organization was effected at Vermillion, February 16, 1868. The services were held in the historic log schoolhouse at the foot of the ravine. Each of these churches were fully organized, and they became members of the Northwestern Iowa Baptist Association. An organi- zation was also begun at Elk Point, April 26, 1868, but this, owing to failing health, was not completed. A detailed report of the missionary work done in Dakota by Mr. Rockwood will be given in Chapter VII.
For a year and a half there were no Baptist minis- ters in Dakota except Chaplain G. D. Crocker, of the regular army, who was stationed at Fort Sully, and Rev. P. A. Ring, who, with a colony of Swedes, had settled at Big Springs. The Swedish Baptist church at Big Springs was organized early in July, 1869. In December, 1870, Rev. George W. Freeman visited Dakota. He had been in charge of missionary work in Nebraska and along the rapidly extending lines of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads, following them to the coast. He reported to the Board of the American Baptist Home Mission Society the result of his study of the needs of this field, and soon after he was appointed general missionary for Dakota Terri- tory. His appointment continued a little more than two years and a half, from March 1, 1871, to October 1, 1873.
For the first time Baptist missionary work in Dakota had a superintendent who could devote all his time to the field, and minister to its rapidly growing needs. He began his work at Elk Point, where he established his home. In place of the incomplete organization begun there by Mr. Rockwood, he organized a church March 11, 1871. A few days later, March 25, he organ-
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ized a church at Sioux Valley. This was at first called LeRoy. Afterwards the location was moved further north. and the name was changed to Portland- ville. This was a small village started on the Dakota side of the Sioux river. When the railroad was after- wards built from Sioux City to Sioux Falls, a station named Akron was established opposite Portlandville, on the Iowa side of the river. As Akron grew the location and name of the church were changed to Akron. During the term of service rendered by Mr. Freeman as general missionary, ten or more churches were organized, some of them by others. but most of them by himself.
Pastors and houses of worship were becoming nec- essary. The first Baptist pastor in Dakota was Rev. P. A. Ring, at Big Springs, July, 1889. The first American pastor was Rev. J. H. Young, who settled at Elk Point in October. 1871. He was ordained there January 7, 1872, and soon after became pastor at Yank- ton. This was the first Baptist ordination service in Dakota. Before the end of the year he proved to be unworthy of a place in the ranks of the ministry, and was deposed November 12, 1872. Other pastors came in rapid succession. Rev. E. H. Hurlbutt settled at Vermillion in September, 1871, and remained on that field one year and a half. Rev. J. J. McIntire reached Dakota October 17, 1871, and settled where soon after the Swan Lake and Finlay churches were organized. The names and locations of these two churches were changed, in later years. to Hurley and Parker. A church was organized at Lodi July 23, 1871, and in the following November Rev. J. L. Coppoc became the pas- tor. The Bloomingdale Swedish church was organized June 25, 1871. Its pastor was Rev. J. Peterson, who
BLOOMINGDALE SWEDISH BAPTIST CHURCH, DALESBURG. CHURCH ORGANIZED OCTOBER 15, 1571.
HOUSE OF WORSHIP DEDICATED NOVEMBER, IS7S.
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was soon after ordained. The Bloomingdale American church, now known as Spirit Mound, was organized July, 1871. Rev. T. H. Judson became pastor at Elk Point October 23, 1872, and a year later settled at Ver- million. He was succeeded at Elk Point by Rev. J. P. Coffman, January 9, 1874. Danish churches were or- ganized at Lodi March 25, 1872, and at Daneville, De- cember 31, 1833.
Church organizations followed the establishment of settlements north and northwest from the early start- ing points. A church was organized at Canton March 18, 1872. Its first pastor was Rev. J. J. McIntire, who supplied that field in connection with several other points. He was succeeded at Canton October 1, 1872, by Rev. V. B. Conklin, who became missionary for Lin- coln county. The church at Dell Rapids was organized July 15, 1872, and its first pastor was Rev. Wm. T. Hill. Churches were organized at Swan Lake (now Hurley), December 9, 1872, and at Finley (now Parker ), December 25, 1872. The leading spirit in these organi- zations was Rev. J. J. McIntire, and he became their pastor.
Beginning with the organization at Big Springs in July, 1889, the Scandinavians were early on the field at other points. They had four churches, at Big Springs, Bloomingdale, Lodi and Daneville, with numerous out- stations. In later years some of these stations became separate churches. There were German Baptists among the pioneer settlers in South Dakota, especially in Yankton, Hutchinson, Hanson and Bon Homme counties. In different sections of the state they have now fifteen strong and influential churches. A de- tailed account of the work done among and by these nationalities will be recorded in later chapters.
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For two or three years the progress of the work was encouraging. During most of this period it was under the careful and experienced leadership of Rev. G. W. Freeman, as general missionary. Under his super- vision was a band of faithful and self-sacrificing pastors. But discouragements were coming in the approaching financial crisis, which began in 1873, and swept over the country. With this was associated the "grasshopper raid," which was so destructive to all kinds of vegetation in 1874, and returned, with some- what diminished force in 1875. In a country where almost the only dependance for support was upon crops, when these were totally destroyed, the outlook was disheartening. The heroic spirit with which the people endured these hardships and privations, the courage exhibited in remaining on their newly acquired homes, and their unfaltering faith in the future of Dakota are deserving of the highest praise.
The first Baptist house of worship built in Dakota was at Vermillion. It was dedicated June 4, 1872. It cost $2,200. On the day following the dedication, the first Baptist association was organized at Ver- million. Pastors and delegates were present from the nine Baptist churches then in existence in the terri- torv. Rev. G. W. Freeman was elected moderator, Deacon M. D. Weston, treasurer; Martin J. Lewis, secretary; and Rev. T. H. Judson, corresponding sec- retary of the new organization, which was henceforth known as the Southern Dakota Baptist Association. The second Baptist house of worship dedicated was at Elk Point, in October, 1873.
The church at Yankton, the first one organized in Dakota, ought to have become a tower of strength. It started under favorable conditions, but it was unfor-
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tunate in the selection of some of its pastors. After a few years it contained in its membership elements of weakness. A rule or ruin policy actuated some of its members. Its first pastor, Rev. J. H. Young, was deposed from the ministry. One or two others were unfit to be chosen as spiritual leaders and guides. A majority of the members were devoted and faithful, and the church had some good consecrated pastors. A house of worship was completed after a long and hard struggle. There were occasional indications of a spir- itual uplift, but there was a disturbing element often in control, and the general tendency was downward. The church has been extinct for several years. The house of worship is used by the German Baptist church of Yankton. The title of the property is in the Amer- ican Baptist Home Mission society.
Rev. William M. Haigh, D. D., of Chicago, who was for many years western superintendent of missions, early became interested in the progress of Baptist mis- sionary work and workers in South Dakota. A few days before his sudden death the writer of this history wrote to him requesting him to furnish a statement of his early relation to the field and his observations con- cerning it. He evidently began its preparation, but had got no further than a report of his first visit to South Dakota in 1879. From an unfinished letter to the author, found on his desk, the following extract is given :
"In accordance with the resolution of the Board, I made arrangements for an early visit to Dakota. reached Yankton Saturday evening, August 9, 1879. Rev. J. P. Coffman, who resides forty miles away, was unable to be present on account of sickness, but Rev. A. W. Hilton met me in his place, and aided in laving out a brief tour to the principal points, to end in a
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general meeting at Sioux Falls. The Sabbath was spent at Yankton, services morning and evening, and a protracted conference in the afternoon. On Monday I visited Elk Point, where Rev. G. W. Freeman, form- erly our general missionary for the territory, is pastor. Then I proceeded to Portlandville, Vermillion, Bloom- ingdale, Finley, Lincoln Centre, Sioux Falls, and Dell Rapids, where I spent the second Sabbath. A visit to Flandreau was prevented by unavoidable causes. On Tuesday I went to Sioux Falls, spent the day in conference with the pastors, reviewing their fields and expressing their views of the work to be done. At night I preached.
"The next day I came down to Canton, where I was met by Rev. V. B. Conklin, and after surveying the new town. I took the cars at midnight for Chicago, having traveled in the territory 300 miles, chiefly by stage and private conveyances, -- preached six times, held and addressed several conferences with churches and brethren, and studied as thoroughly as circum- stances would permit, the condition and necessities of our churches and the cause in Dakota.
"To appreciate the condition of these churches, it is necessary to consider the method by which most of them have been built up. Southeastern Dakota has been largely settled under the homestead and timber culture laws, and of course chiefly by persons of very limited means. Almost every minister who has come here has found it necessary, even if he did not come on purpose, as most have done, to take a homestead and a claim, and working as hard as the people during the week, has preached for them on the Sabbath. Many of these men have thus endured a great deal of hard- ship, receiving very little help from the church, and that little very irregularly. Of course they look to the valuable farms they will have by and by as their ma- terial compensation. It is evident, however, that such a process, going on for a few years, will produce a secularized ministry and a non-contributing people. To a certain, and in some cases, a material extent,
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this has been done, and of all the pastors in Dakota, not more than one or two even profess to derive their sup- port exclusively from the ministry. The grasshopper scourge which has afflicted the region so grievously in past years has of course aggravated the hardships of the situation, and checked the progress of both church and people. The recent visitation has extended to Union and Clay counties wholly, and Yankton, Turner, and Lincoln, partially; about equal to four whole coun- ties. The wheat in these parts was utterly destroyed, and vast fields, except where the people have taken fresh heart, and put in late corn, are now one stretch of towering weeds. Some are becoming so discouraged that they are leaving these parts, and some would leave if they could sell their property. But the most of the people are confident that they can rise above their trouble, and by giving themselves to the raising of stock, instead of grain, will ultimately win a victory over this enemy of their progress.
"The immigration of course is in the direction of government lands, on which claims can be made. Most of the land between the Sioux and Vermillion rivers is taken up; between the Vermillion and James it is being rapidly taken. In the western part, especi- ally, the people have not vet come on, but they will do so next spring, so as to make good their claims. Settlements are also rapidly projected beyond the James river towards the Missouri, and will soon be made. Further north, brought in through Minnesota by the Southern Minnesota & Northwestern railroads, the people are pouring into the country between Minnesota and the James.
"The Northwestern railroad is moving to Lake Kampeska .- the Southern Minnesota is just being com- pleted to Flandreau, and is laid out and is to be com- pleted to Sioux Falls by November, from which a branch is projected to Yankton."
This chapter has been devoted to a history of early beginnings in missionary work. It began with a rec- ord of the earliest known religious organization in the
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entire field embraced in what afterward became known as Dakota Territory. It was a small Roman Catholic church established nearly a century ago at Pembina, in the northeast corner of the present state of North Dakota. The chapter will close with a mention of the earliest known religious movement by Protestants in North Dakota.
Reference has been made to a mission established among the Indians at Walhalla, by missionaries Barnard and Spencer and their wives in June, 1853. But an earlier movement for their evangelization was begun by Baptists. In 1852 there were two Baptists in what is now Pembina county. They were Benjamin Terry and James Tanner. The former was a member of the First Baptist church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The lat- ter was a half-breed, whose father was stolen in child- hood by a band of Shawnee Indians, in Kentucky, in 1789. Having been adopted into their tribe, he mar- ried an Indian, and spent his life among them. His son, James Tanner, was educated in the best schools available for Indians. He served for several years as interpreter and assistant in Methodist missions at Sandy Lake and other stations among the Indians along the upper Mississippi river.
As the result of a careful study of the Bible, he became a Baptist. During a severe winter he walked to the nearest Baptist church and minister, probably at St. Paul, in order to be scripturally baptized. He then went east, and by his earnestness and zeal he enlisted the interest of some wealthy Baptists in Phil- adelphia and elsewhere, in his desire to give the gospel to the Indians. On his return Benjamin Terry accom- panied him to Walhalla. It was their plan to erect a log building in which they could both teach the Indians
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and half-breeds, and conduct religious services. While Mr. Terry was entering the woods to cut down some trees for the proposed building, he was killed and scalped by a company of Sioux Indians.
He was an educated young man, and an earnest Christian worker. He deserved a better fate than to suffer martyrdom at the beginning of a promising career. It was with difficulty that his survivor secured permission from the Catholic priest to have his remains buried in the only cemetery then in the settlement. A few years ago they were removed by the Baptists of North Dakota, and a suitable monument placed over his grave in the Presbyterian cemetery at Walhalla. In the same enclosure other monuments mark the graves of Mrs. Barnard and Mrs. Spencer, who, with similar devotion, gave their lives in the cause of Indian evan- gelization. On account of the continued hostility of the Indians, James Tanner abandoned that station. The cruel death of his co-worker and his own disappoint- ments disheartened him. He roamed about from place to place trying to accomplish good, but with discourag- ing results. In 1864 he lost his life in Manitoba.
The first known religious organization by any evan- gelical denomination in North Dakota was a Presby- terian church, established in 1876, at Pembina. A couple of years later the first Baptist church in that state was organized at Fargo. January 27, 1879. A Congregational church was located at Mandan, July 26, 1880. This was the first Congregational church organ- ized in North Dakota, and the first church organiza- tion of any denomination in the state west of the Mis- souri river.
CHAPTER IV.
PROGRESS OF THE WORK.
We have thus far traced the progress of Baptist missionary work from its begining along the Missouri river, until it reached the nearer settlements further north and west. Eighteen Baptist churches had been organized, and most of them were under the care of faithful pastors. They had passed through all of the trying experiences common to pioneer life. After the hard struggle to establish homes, the discouragements that follow a financial crisis, and the unexpected blight- ing of abundant crops by repeated invasions of grass- hoppers, better times were beginning to dawn.
Rapidly increasing immigration led to the opening of many new settlements, and added strength to those al- ready existing. Several lines of railroad were pro- jected, and some of them were in successful operation. Along these new railroads flourishing villages and am- bitious young cities grew up with wonderful rapidity. In many of these localities churches were soon organ- ized. Among these new organizations were Centerville and Madison in 1878, Goodwin in 1879, Huron, Brook- ings, Watertown and Big Stone City in 1880, Mitchell and Montrose in 1881, Aberdeen, Arlington, Egan and Chamberlain in 1882, Armour, De Smet and Spencer in 1883, Ipswich, Parkston and Pierre in 1884, and Elkton in 1885.
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