USA > South Dakota > The Baptist history of South Dakota > Part 8
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
at Flandreau, conducted by the Presbyterian board. The Swan Lake church, now Hurley. was organized December 9. 1872, as the result of revival meetings conducted by Rev. J. J. McIntire. He was called as its pastor on the day of its organization.
The Baptist church of Finlay, now Parker, was organized by the general missionary and Brother McIntire, December 25, 1872. The services were held on the evening of Christmas day, at the residence of Rev. J. J. McIntire. This organization occupies an important field. The Gavville church was organized June 7, 1873. with nine members. This field was early occupied by Rev. E. H. Hurlbutt. through whom the organization was effected, assisted by Rev. J. J. McIn- tire. Initial steps were taken to erect a chapel at this place. No chapel was built, and for several years the church has been extinct. Sioux Falls has been visited from time to time and services held by the general mis- sionary. Frequent conferences have been held with the few Baptists in that place with reference to an organization. On the 29th of June. 1873, a service was held there. This was followed by a canvass of the community. Ten Baptists were found, willing to enter into an organization, but as others hesitated, no church was organized at that time.
The Southern Dakota Baptist Association was organ- ized at Vermillion, with nine churches and seven min- isters, including the general missionary, and 157 mem- bers. The date of its organization was June 5, 1872. on the day following the dedication of the new house of worship erected by the Vermillion church. The officers elected were the following: Rev. G. W. Free- man, moderator; Martin J. Lewis. clerk: Rev. E. H. Hurlbutt, corresponding secretary; and Deacon M. D. Weston, treasurer. This gathering was fully attended. and was characterized by a unity of purpose to go forth and occupy this fair country for Christ.
The first Baptist house of worship dedicated in Da- kota was the one at Vermillion, June 4, 1872. At the
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laving of the corner-stone of the present house of wor- ship October 8. 1889. a brief historical sketch, having special reference to the first building, was read by Rev. G. W. Freeman. From that paper the following ex- tracts are taken:
"At a meeting of the church held December 20, 1870, plans for building a chapel were examined and dis- cussed. It resulted in the adoption of a resolution to build. at an early dav, after the model of the house which has been in use for more than seventeen years. During the winter material for building was secured. On a careful survey of the townsite it was decided that the most central location, and easiest of access to the people both in the village and the country was at the mouth of the large ravine. through which passed nearly all who traveled to and from the table lands. At that time only a few people were living on the bluffs.
Captain Nelson Miner offered the Baptist church a deed of three full lots on the west side of the street at the mouth of the ravine. This gift was gratefully ac- cepted. For ten years it seemed to all, and was in fact. the most central location for a church. up to the dis- astrous flood in March. 1881. A young Baptist brother. of limited means. named A. T. Force, subscribed one hundred dollars towards the erection of the building. Being by trade a carpenter. he was chosen to take charge of the work, which was begun May 1, 1871. and completed in the spring of 1882. It was dedicated free from debt. on the evening of June 4. 1872, Rev. T. H. Young, preaching the dedication sermon. The actual cost of the building was $2,200. If donations of labor and materials were included the total valuation could not be less than $2,500. About four years later a lec- ture room was added, costing about S400.
"Soon after the dedication Mr. Chas. H. True, editor and proprietor of the Vermillion Republican, led in an undertaking to secure a suitable bell for the church building. The effort was successful. This was the first Protestant church bell in the Territory of Dakota.
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In the darkness of that sad night in March, 1881. when the flood waters of the American Amazon poured through the streets of Vermillion, that bell rang out the warning of danger, and awakened the sleeping citi- zens so that they could flee for safety to the bluffs. If it had not been for the warning tones of that church bell, by which the people were aroused to know their danger, many of them would undoubtedly have perished in the flood which carried away one hundred and eighteen buildings. The Baptist church building was
saved. The location of Vermillion was at once changed from the low lands to the bluffs overlooking its former
site. The church building which had for years been centrally located, was now out of the way. and not
easily accessible to the people. An unsuccessful effort
was made to sell the property. It was then decided to move it up the long ravine to the bluffs on which Ver-
million was rapidly being rebuilt. The lecture room was first taken away and moved to its present location as a part of the present parsonage. The church build- ing was then removed in September, 1881, to its pres- ent site, greatly to the joy and satisfaction of the church. For more than three years there had been no pastor to lead and feed the flock. Since the removal of the building and the improvements and additions made. there has been almost continual pastoral work on this field, and a good measure of prosperity as its fruitage."
CHAPTER X.
REV. E. H. HURLBUTT.
The first general missionary Rev. G. W. Freeman, was six months on his field before the first English speaking pastor was secured, Rev. E. H. Hurlbutt. He came from Jefferson City, Mo., and settled as pastor of the church at Vermillion, September 1, 1871. He was an active force among the pioneer workers in Dakota Territory. He served as pastor of several churches, some of which he organized. His daughter became the wife of Mr. D. P. Ward, who was for several years State Sunday school Missionary for South Dakota. After seventeen years of pioneer service and hardship, on account of failing health, Mr. Hurlbutt removed, in 1888, to Oilville, Virginia. He has fur- nished the following statement of his Dakota experi- ences and labors. It is very brief on account of a disabled hand, which makes writing painful and diffi- cult.
During a successful pastorate at Jefferson City, Mo., I was invited by Rev. G. W. Freeman, general mission- ary, to come to Dakota Territory. I came, and accepted the call of the church at Vermillion, September 1, 1871. I was the first American Baptist pastor settled in the Territorv. A Swedish pastor, Rev. P. A. Ring, was already settled at Big Springs. This pastorate at Ver- million lasted a year and a half. It would have con- tinued longer but for outside interference. While serving the church there their house of worship was completed, and dedicated free from debt, June 4, 1872.
REV. E. H. HURLBUTT, ISZ1-ISSS.
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On the following day the first Baptist association was organized at Vermillion.
During 1873-4 I supplied some out-stations, including one near Gavville, which culminated in the organization of a Baptist church there, June 7, 1873. The prospects for this church were at first very encouraging. A lot was donoted, and most of the lumber was secured for building a house or worship, when the mill and lumber interests just above were moved elsewhere. With that removal followed the scattering of nearly all the active elements in the church. The church clerk, with his family, returned to Iowa. Only one Baptist family was left, Deacon Langdale and his wife. The Gavville Baptist church thus passed out of existence. One had been baptized there, and others were expecting to unite with the organization. From this time forward services were transferred to the new railroad station at Meck- ling, and several of our people there later became members of the church at Vermillion. I baptized one at Lodi.
During 1874-5, other stations were occupied. Mean- while I had been induced to file upon a homestead in Lincoln county. In the spring of 1876 I was called there to attend a funeral. This was on Saturday. Being informed that the recent high waters had carried away many of the bridges, and that it would be impos- sible for me to reach my appointment at Meckling, on the following day, I yielded to their earnest entreaty to remain and preach on Sunday. This appointment was continued through the summer every four weeks, and through the winter with rapidly increasing interest, until special meetings became necessary. Later in the winter souls were coming into the kingdom, until in the spring of 1877, we felt warranted in organizing a church, which later became known as the Centerville Baptist church. The town of Centerville was not then in existence. The services were held, part of the time, in a small school house, but generally in the home'of Deacon B. F. Putnam. The family cheerfully arranged the house to accommodate these gatherings. which were then held once in two weeks.
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THE BAPTIST HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
During this same winter, 1877, I had been prevailed upon to fill appointments every two weeks in Deacon Kinsley's neighborhood, west of Canton, during Rev. V. B. Conklin's absence in the east. This was the east branch of the Lincoln church. A deep religious inter- est was soon developed. I was responsible for the work there and at Deacon Putnam's neighborhood, nearly twenty miles away, and at the same time I was teaching school. On Brother Conklin's return several converts were baptized by him. I baptized two, one of them being my own daughter. Soon after the organi- zation of the church at Deacon Putnam's, now Center- ville. I was invited to divide my time as pastor equally between the Centerville church and the Baptist church of Sunnyside. This latter church some years after became extinct. Some who had once been enrolled among its members entered a new organization at Beresford in 1890. Baptisms during that pastorate numbered twenty or more. I resigned as pastor at Sunnyside in November, 1881, and at Centerville in July. 1882. During this period I spent the winter of 1879-80 in the east, engaged in evangelistic work, and visiting my mother, and the scenes of my childhood davs. This was the first real vacation I had had since entering the ministry in 1864.
After my return I was called to the pastorate of the church in Akron, which continued through 1882 and 1883. While pastor there a parsonage was built. I did a large proportion of the work on it myself. Again I was absent from Dakota in the spring of 1884, serving for three months as supply for the Baptist church in Judsonia, Arkansas. Thenceforward my labors were increasingly interfered with by the growing serious effects of an accident which came near costing me my life, having been thrown from a loaded wagon. One wheel passed over my breast and left lung, and I was picked up as one supposed to be dead. As the years passed by, on the approach of cold weather, my side troubled me more and more each winter. In the spring of 1880 we turned southward to seek a milder climate, and since then my health has gradually improved.
REV. J. J. MCINTIRE,
IS71-19.
TERRITORIAL. SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, 1575-6. PRESIDENT SOUTH DAKOTA BAPTIST CONVENTION, 1595.
CHAPTER XI.
REV. J. J. MCINTIRE.
The oldest surviving pioneer missionary who yet remains in South Dakota, is Rev. J. J. McIntire. After graduating at Rochester University and Rochester Theological Seminary he came to Wisconsin. Several years were spent there as pastor and teacher. In Oc- tober, 1871, he came to Dakota and engaged actively in missionary work. In the early days of the territory he was Territorial Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion, and afterwards served several years as a teacher. Most of the time, however, has been devoted to the active work of the ministry. He is the oldest pastor in the state. He has been prevailed upon to record some of the many trying and interesting experiences of pioneer missionary life. The following historical paper furnishes a valuable and interesting chapter in the early Baptist history of South Dakota.
THE PIONEER BAPTISTS OF DAKOTA. '
I have consented, after urgent solicitation, to give a brief sketch of the early history of the Baptists of Dakota. This paper will include references to some of the personal labors and experiences of the pioneers who led the way in planting churches, and laying the foundations of our denominational work.
On the 17th of October, 1871, we reached our location on the Vermillion river, ten miles from the nearest settler. Our first Sunday was spent in Vermillion,
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where we found the Rev. E. H. Hurlbutt. He had pre- ceded us by eighteen days, and had just become pastor at Vermillion. Rev. G. W. Freeman had visited that place in December, 1870, and on the 20th day of that month, he revived the organization of the Vermillion Baptist church, which was begun by Rev. J. E. Rock- wood, February 16, 1868. Of churches now existing that stands recorded as the first American Baptist church organized in the Territory of Dakota. Two months later, on the first of March, 1871, Rev. G. W. Free- man came to Elk Point, and became general missionary for what was then the Territory of Dakota. These two brethren, Freeman and Hurlbutt, were at that time the only English speaking Baptist ministers in the terri- tory, with the exception of Rev. G. D. Crocker, chap- lain in the regular army, who was then stationed at Fort Sully.
We learned that Baptist churches had been organized at Yankton, February 3, 1867, and at Vermillion, Feb- ruary 16, 1868, and in April, 1868, a preliminary organ- ization at Elk Point, by Rev. J. E. Rockwood, missionary pastor at Sioux City. Mr. Rockwood is still living at Peru, Nebraska. His name should go down to history as that of the first Baptist minister who did successful religious work here in the planting of churches. The faithful labors of this self-sacrificing man of God should not be overlooked in the truthful history of our denomination here, in the days of its infancy. We doubt not that the book in which the recording angel writes, contains a record of trials and sufferings expe- rienced 'by this brother, as he pushed his way from settlement to settlement, in search of the scattered ones whom he desired to gather up, and to whom he gave the bread of life; but the story of his difficulties and hardships in fording streams, wading through deep snows and breasting severe storms, can never be told on earth except by himself. His visits to the new set- tlements along the Missouri river began in March, 1866, and ended in August, 1869. In July, 1869, Rev. P. A. Ring, a Baptist minister from Sweden,
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organized a Swedish Baptist church at Big Springs, in Union county. This church has been greatly blessed as a source of spiritual power, and a center of religious influence, among the numerous Swedes and other nationalities in that thickly settled region.
In the summer of 1872, by the aid of Prof. Alva Bush and Rev. H. J. Parker of Iowa, the church at Dell Rapids was organized. Rev. Win. T. Hill became its first pastor June 7, 1872.
On March 18, 1872, Rev. G. W. Freeman opened preaching stations in Lincoln county, and organized the scattered Baptists into a church, with headquarters at Canton. Most of the preaching was done in private houses throughout the county. At that time there were no school houses except in the small towns along the river. There were no railways, and no means of travel except by private conveyance. There had been no advantage gained to relieve the tediousness and suf- fering of long rides across the prairies, since the time when Rev. J. E. Rockwood left Dakota. What we have said of the trials and sacrifices of that brother, must therefore be equally true of Rev. G. W. Freeman. But his faith in God, and his love for pioneer work, urged him on, and he lived to see the wonderful success of the cause, in the introduction of which he acted so con- spicuous a part.
In June, 1872, the writer, under the advice of the general missionary, received from the American Home Mission Society, a commission to labor in Turner, Clay and Lincoln counties. His preaching stations were at Canton, Lodi, Finlay, Swan Lake, and two outstations, one west of Canton, and the other northwest of Lodi. Starting from Finlay, in Turner county, his field re- quired a ride of from seventy-five to one hundred and fifty miles each week. At times, when the streams were swollen after heavy rains, or the roads drifted on account of snow, it was necessary to go a long way around in order to reach these stations. This caused much more travel some weeks than others, yet not more than one appointment was missed during two years of
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labor. We will relate two or three incidents which will show something of the difficulties, and sometimes dan- gers, to which those who were determined to be prompt and faithful were exposed.
On one occasion, in the summer of 1872, the writer was at Meckling, five miles west of Vermillion, late on Saturday afternoon, on his way to fill an appointment at Swan Lake, near Hurley. He must travel thirty- five miles to the north before 11 o'clock the following dav. It was at that season of the year when the melted snows on the Rocky Mountains were pouring down the Missouri river, and overflowing its banks. The river bottom, or valley, was covered, most of the way, with water from one to four feet deep. It was three miles from the hotel where the missionary stopped to feed his horse and rest, to the table land. On the north side of the river, near this table land, is Clay Creek. This stream, which was then from five to ten feet deep, must be crossed in going to Swan Lake. The mission- ary was hitching up his horse when the hotel proprie- tor, not knowing the name or business of his guest, said: "My friend. you cannot cross the creek tonight. For three miles you will have to wade in water two to three feet deep. It will be dark before you can get to the creek, and its waters are so deep that you will be drowned if you attempt to cross." "But I must go," was the reply, "for the people who live several miles away will be at the meeting tomorrow, and I must not disappoint them." "A preacher, hey? Well, that won't save you from being drowned. If you are short of money, as most preachers are, you are wel- come to the best that we can give you, if you won't attempt to cross that creek tonight.
Just as the missionary was ready to start two men, drove up who had crossed the stream. They assured him that what the hotel keeper had said was true, and stated that they and their horses had to swim across the creek after drawing their wagon over by means of ropes. This statement led him to accept the invitation to remain at the hotel until morning. As soon as day-
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light appeared, he arose and started. After driving in water axle deep for nearly two hours he reached the creek. Finding near its banks a knoll which was out of water, he drove his carriage upon it, and divesting himself of all of his clothing, he plunged into the stream to ascertain its depth. He found one place that he could ford by holding his head back and walk- ing on tiptoe. He returned, and holding his clothing at arm's length above his head, took it across. Then, in like manner, he took over his robe, cushions, horse feed, etc., until he had made five trips across the stream. Then he led his horse, which being of the pony order, had to swim and draw the submerged buggy with him. In a little while the man whose motto was, "Never disappoint a congregation," was on his way. Just as the people had gathered in the first school house ever built in Turner county, he entered the house, strong in faith, and though weary and hungry, experienced, with the congregation, the fulfillment of the promise: "Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."
At another time, in March, 1873, the melted snow filled the small streams and valleys, and rendered it both difficult and dangerous to cross the prairies. The missionary, who had an appointment at Canton, twenty- five miles southeast of where he lived, was obliged to go south forty miles to Bloomingdale, where there was a bridge across the river. This brought him below where Saddle Creek and other streams, which were not then fordable, empty into the river. Then he must go forty miles northeast in order to get to Canton. Sun- day was a fair day, and there were good congregations, several of the people coming a long distance, but best of all Jesus was there. All thanked God and took courage.
On Monday, as the waters had settled somewhat, the missionary thought that possibly he could return to his home by going across the prairies. On reaching Sad- dle Creek, he found that it contained a solid bed of unmelted snow, at least three feet deep, which had been
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blown into the bed of the stream by the fierce winter winds. Over this snow was flowing from three to four feet of water, making the depth of both snow and water from six to seven feet. Finding what he supposed was a comparatively shallow place he rode in, but the depth was much greater than he expected. When about half way across his horse was unable to go further. To turn around was impossible. In horror he dismounted, and settling in the snow above his knees, and in the water to his shoulders, though in danger of being trampled under by the struggling horse, he succeeded in removing the saddle, bridle and blanket, and getting them safely across the stream. He then returned to the discouraged horse, and held his head out of the water until sufficiently rested to make a powerful effort, which was successful. Twelve miles must vet be tray- eled to reach the nearest house, which was home. Wet to the shoulders, and with boots filled with ice cold water, against a bleak March wind, the missionary rode over the trackless prairie. When he reached home he called for help, and was assisted from his horse into the house in an almost helpless condition.
At another time, during the same year, in the month of October, on his way to an appointment, after wander- ing many miles in the darkness, he had to lie all night on the prairie. He did not have even an overcoat for a covering, but he had his buggy cushion for a pillow. The next morning he found himself fifteen miles from any settlement. About ten o'clock he reached the place of his appointment, in time to relieve his hunger before the services began. On another occasion, on a foggy day, he described two entire circles of about fourteen miles each, as nearly as he could judge from the time occupied in driving.
The relation of these events may seem strange to those who have had no such experience, but at the time of which we write, in this then new country, there were no roads to follow, no bridges over streams and rivers, and only a few houses, and they were mainly sod shan- ties, to serve as waymarks. Even at midday one was
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liable to lose his way if the sun was concealed by clouds. How different now ! Surely we may exclaim : "What hath God wrought as the result of the pravers and tears and labors of his people here!"
Let us return and trace our Baptist cause in its infancy a little further. In the fall of 1872 the labors of the writer, who was missionary at Swan Lake and Finlay, were greatly blessed, and the general mission- ary was invited to assist in a series of meetings. As a result a church was organized by Brother Freeman and the writer on the 24th day of December. On the following day (Christmas) the Finlay church was organ- ized by the same persons in the home of J. J. McIn- tire. Soon after several were added to the church by baptism. A few years later the Swan Lake church was removed to Hurley, and is now known as the First Baptist church of Hurley. The Finlay church was removed to Parker, and is now known as the First Bap- tist church of Parker. This has become one of the strongest and best churches in the state.
In the autumn of 1872 Rev. T. H. Judson settled at Elk Point, and rendered valuable assistance to the gen- eral missionary in his work in Union and Clay coun- ties. He afterwards removed to Turner county, and preached at Swan Lake, Finlay, and other places. He traveled extensively as missionary along the Vermillion river, as far north as Montrose and other points, and did excellent work in the Master's vineyard until 1884, when he was called to his reward. In January, 1874, Rev. J. P. Coffman came to Dakota to identify himself with our cause. He also settled first at Elk Point. He did faithful service during that most distressing period, the "grasshopper raid." He, too, after a few years, settled in Turner county, preaching here and there, wherever he found an open door. From the time he joined us, for many years he was in the front rank of our standard bearers, battling for the cause of God and truth. The hearts of the few leaders who were here were made glad when this zealous brother came to help us.
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