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A HISTORY
OF THE
Evangelical Luthera'n
Synod of Kansas
(General Synod)
Together with a Sketch of the Augustana Synod
Churches and a Brief Presentation
of Other Lutheran Bodies
Located in Kansas
BY J.
REV. H. A. OTT, D. D.
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY OF KANSAS SYNOD
1907
PRESS OF
F. M. STEVES & SONS
TOPEKA, KAN.
Table of Contents
PAGE.
Foreword 4
The Pioneer Days 7
Early Conferences 26
Organization of Kansas Synod . . 30
Charter Members 33, 34
Travelling Synodical Secretaries 36
Kansas Home Missions and the Western Secretaries 43
History of Church Organizations 51
German Synod of Nebraska Churches in Kansas 181.
Churches no Longer Existing, or Dismissed to Other Synods 189
Change of Name of Kansas Synod and Incorporation 215
Kansas Synod and the Growth of Her Benevolences 217
The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society 219
The Young People's Society Movement 225
Kansas Synod and Prohibitory Temperance Legislation. . . 227
Carthage College as Related to Kansas Synod 229
Midland College 230
Bethany College 239
St. John's College 244
The Western Theological Seminary 246
The Ev. Lutheran Children's Friend Society of Kansas. . . 255
History of Kansas Conference of Augustana Synod 258
Orphan's Home at Mariadahl, (Augustana) 274
Young People's Organizations, Augustana Synod 276
Augustana Synod Woman's Aid and Missionary Society. . . . 278
Biographical — Charter Members, Pioneer, and Present
Members. • \ 280
Summary by Synods 290
First Parochial Report, Kansas Synod 29"1
Statistical Tables, The Lutheran Church in Kansas. .292-301
Thirty-Nine Conventions, of Kansas Synod.. 301
Clerical Members, Kansas Synod, 1868-1907 302-5
Index 307-9
FOREWORD.
In the earlier days of Kansas Synod historians were appointed
to collect data especially covering its pioneer history. This collec-
tion of documents was deposited in St. John's church at Welling-
ton when the terriffic cyclone of May 27th, 1892, swept over that
unfortunate city, tearing down the church and scattering these pre-
cious papers to the winds, a loss over which the writer has mourned
as an irretrievable one. At a later period other matter had been
gathered by Rev. J. B. McAfee, and this likewise perished in the
burning of his home at Prospect Farm near Topeka. After this
Revs. David Earhart and J. B. McAfee prepared brief statements
of their earlier experiences. Shortly before his death the former
sent out statistical blanks all over the state and gathered consider-
able congregational data. This he was unable to edit owing to
the infirmities of old age. In 1901 the Synod appointed a Histor-
ical Committee composed of Revs. H. A. Ott, J. B. McAfee, David
Earhart, Holmes Dysinger, D. D., J. W. Ball and R. B. Wolf, and
instructed it to prepare a manuscript history of Kansas Synod.
This committee outlined such a work and apportioned its several
parts among its members. At the convention of the Synod at
Salina in 1902, the writer read an extended sketch of the pioneer
history preceding the organization of Kansas Synod. Aside from
this nothing was done for the two following years save to gather
material. The removal of Dr. Dysinger and Rev. Ball, and the
death of Father Earhart, resulted in adding to the committee, Drs.
H. L. Yarger and M. F. Troxell and Rev. E. E. Stauffer.
The committee agreed that the work of writing the History could
be done satisfactorily only by delegating the entire labor to one
man. The writer was chosen editor and instructed to enlarge the
scope of the work taking in other Kansas Lutheran bodies as large-
ly as possible. The Synod authorized its publication. Thus given
free rein the author set himself to the task. The preparation not
only involved the careful reading of the minutes, both general and
synodical, covering a period of forty years, and cataloguing the
information, but also the tedious and laborious reading of the
Lutheran Observer from 1854 to the present time, as well as the
Missionary Journal from 1885 to the present date. The sketches
necessarily had to be abbreviated owing to the financial risk in-
volved in the publication of a work the sale of which would natural-
ly be limited, and much interesting detail had to be stricken out.
The book is far from being complete and satisfies no one so little
as its author. However in its preparation no pains or effort has
been spared to make it touch upon all the important events which
have gone to make our history. Practically every line has been
the result of careful investigation and verification. The author
wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the assistance of the various
members of the committee in critically reviewing the manuscript,
and of Rev. R. B. Wolf, who prepared the statistical tables, and of
the writer's old parishioner and friend Mr." William G. Reinoehl of
Quincy, Illinois, who designed and contributed the gold side-stamp
of the cover. All told, it has been a labor of love, occupying prac-
tically all of the author's spare time during the years of its prepara-
tion, but given gladly with the pleasing thought that it would add
to the welfare of our beloved church in Kansas.
With the prayer that God may use this little volume in stimulat-
ing the glorious work of extending His Kingdom, it is sent forth
on its mission.
H. A. G-tt, "I
R. B. Wolf,
J. B. McAfee, [ ... . . _
E. E. Stauffer, > Historical Committee.
H. L. Yarger,
M. F. Troxell, J
A PIONEER SOD PRAIRIE HOME SUCH AS SHELTERED MANY
EARLY PIONEERS.
LUTHERANISM IN KANSAS
A History of Kansas Synod
THE PIONEER DAYS.
The history of Lutheranism in Kansas is very closely allied to
the history of the state itself. In all the struggles and hardships
through which the early settlers passed the Kansas Lutheran parti-
cipated. The noble prairies and the finely wooded valleys along the
winding creeks of Eastern Kansas, as locations for future homes,
appealed to the sturdy Lutheran of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and
Virginia, as strongly as they appealed to the Puritan of New Eng-
land. The time had gone by when Kansas was considered by the
East as "The Great American Desert." However very few settlers
had crossed the Missouri river to live upon Kansas soil, owing to
the governmental restrictions. It was not until the passage of the
famous Kansas-Nebraska Bill May 30th, 1854, that immigration
turned its tide toward this fair land. According to this bill Kansas
was outlined as a Territory 408 miles long and 208 miles broad,
containing 82,080 square miles. The burning question of slavery
or no slavery, a slave state or a free state, was left to be decided
by the incoming settlers thereon. The effect of the bill was to
tremendously quicken the flood of immigration into the new terri-
tory. The pro-slavery people of the South, quick to see the ad-
vantage of a residence near the new Territory, hastened to send
into it across the Missouri and Arkansas borders thousands of
slavery sympathizers. The ardent abolitionists of New England,
none behind in a keen insight into the prevailing conditions, pro-
ceeded to send whole colonies into Kansas. In this they were
8 EARLY RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS.
greatly hampered by the pro-slavery Missourians, who hindered
them from freely crossing Missouri. However thousands poured
into the country by the way of Iowa and Nebraska. From 1854 to
1860 one hundred thousand people entered Eastern Kansas, and
homesteaded large tracts of land, so that in the short space of six
years after Kansas had been organized as a territory, it was ready
to be admitted into the Union as a state, and was regularly received
on January 29th, 1861.
The early settlers were poor, very poor, but appeals were made
to their friends in the East, and help came. The Methodist church
was early on the field and the Presbyterian closely followed. Of
the latter denomination, Rev. Dr. T. Hill, says, "Of the whole num-
ber of the Presbyterian church in Kansas up to 1882, only two were
founded without aid from the mission boards." This was the experi-
ence of other denominations working in Kansas. Those who en-
tered the field early are the ones who have kept the lead ever since.
It is impossible to gather any reliable religious statistics of church
membership in the Territory up to the time it became a state. At
most churches were really few in number, as the first years were
devoted to anything save planting the Church of Jesus Christ.
It was no easy matter to establish churches in the new Territory
owing to the real poverty of the people, who were unable to either
support a ministry or to build churches, as well as to the almost
universal eagerness of the population to make money; so much so
that people religious in their former homes in the East seemed to
neglect every religious instinct, sacrificing them to the god of mam-
mon. Then the reign of terror which prevailed in the Territory,
because of continuous outrages perpetrated by the border ruffians,
had a tendency to un-Christianize the populace. In the midst of
such environment religion could not flourish. The heart of the peo-
ple became callous, and the moral soil was a thorny soil indeed in
which to sow the seed of the Word. While a large contingent of
those who entered the Territory were rough and lawless, it must
be said that a much larger number were intelligent, earnest and
honest men and women, who had emigrated from churchly and
pious communities in the East.
In telling the story of the beginnings of the church in Kansas,
it might be well to state that no railroads had penetrated Kansas
prior to its becoming a state. Railroads had reached the eastern
border line; St. Joseph, Mo., and Atchison, Kan., had been con-
nected with an iron highway on Missouri soil. Many railroads had
been projected during the war; however, little was done in the real
EARLY TRAILS AND RAILROADS. 9
building, until the war was ever. By the time the Synod of Kansas
was organized in 1868, the Central Branch had been completed as
far west as Waterville; the Union Pacific had been finished to a
point within thirt-five miles of the Colorado line; a railway con-
nected Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Ottawa; and the great Santa
Fe System was mainly on paper, having only a short stub from
Topeka to a point thirty-five miles southwest.
Travel in those days was necessarily slow and painful. The
hardships and deprivations in carrying personal effects into the
West, and grain products from the "West to the Missouri river on
the East, with nearly all water ways without bridges, were such
that few of us of a later generation are prepared to appreciate the
pioneer conditions. In the earlier days the travel westward into
the Territory, was along two principal trails or highways. Lead-
ing out of Missouri at Independence and Westport, towns in Jack-
son county, near where Kansas City is now located, a main road
entered Kansas branching into two trails. One of these bent slight-
ly to the southwest, and was the noted "Santa Fe Trail," which
after striking the Arkansas river followed it for some distance and
then struck across the country to the old Spanish settlement at
Santa Fe, New Mexico. The other, after crossing the Shawnee
Reservation, ran up between the Kaw and Wakarusha rivers, cross-
ing the former below Ft. Riley, then led out toward Ft. Laramie.
This latter was the famed "California Road" along which in the
early fifties streams of gold-seekers plodded westward to win for-
tunes in the Pacific gold fields, or to miserably perish on the way.
Besides these two great highways there were two other main roads
or trails starting westward from Leavenworth, which in those early
days was a more promising town than Kansas City. One of these
trails went toward Fort Laramie, and the other traversed the rich
country by Fort Riley in the direction of the great Santa Fe Trail.
It is interesting to note that these trails hovered near the Forts
which afforded the traveller protection from the Indians who often
massacred whole colonies. Along these trails the first settlers
located, and here were established the earliest white churches.
In the Fall of 1854, among the young men who had been licensed
to preach the Gospel by the Maryland Synod, was a bright young
man, an undergraduate of Gettysburg College, who had taken a
private course in theology under the tutorship of Rev. Fr. Anspach.
His health was poor and a change of climate was absolutely nec-
essary, and he chose the new country which that same year had
been thrown open for settlement. On the first of April, 1855, with
10 REV. J. B. MCAFEE STARTS TO KANSAS.
his wife and little daughter, he started on his long journey. The
Baltimore and Ohio railroad carried him as far as Wheeling, Vir-
ginia. Here he boarded an Ohio river steamer for Cincinnati, as in
those early days few railroads existed west of Pittsburgh. At Cin-
cinnati he changed boats, taking another bound for St. Louis down
the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers. At the latter point he took
another steamer which plied between St. Louis and Leavenworth,
on the eastern line of the State of Kansas which was to be his
future home.
The journey upon the bosoms of these mighty rivers, of over fif-
teen hundred miles, occupying fourteen days enroute, was full of
interest to the young preacher. The magnificence of the scenery
was all that the heart could desire. The streams flowed full at this
spring-tide and dangers from stranding were very slight. In the
warmth of his heart he held a series of religious services on the
boat enroute. In the earlier portion of his journey his fellow trav-
ellers were people largely of his own sympathies; however when
he entered the waters of the Missouri he began to come into contact
with the disagreeable snags of slavery. An aged man on board the
boat desired to have religious services held, but found several
elderly clergymen on the boat unwilling to conduct them, and learn-
ing that this young man from Maryland had held services on the
Ohio river asked him to take the helm, which he did. After an-
nouncing the hymn,
"Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb,"
he preached from the text, "Ye are my witnesses," taking advantage
of the occasion to exhort all believers to fidelity to Christ and His
Gospel.
On the fifteenth of April, 1855, his boat moored at a rude wharf
at Leavenworth, a small pro-slavery settlement on the banks of
the river near the fort of the same name which had been laid-out
only a few months previous. At this time the town had only a few
buildings, and it was known as the home of a rank pro-slavery
paper called the Leavenworth Herald. Every passenger almost as
soon as he had alighted was interviewed as to his position upon
the subject of slavery. A man could not honestly state his con-
victions if they were anti-slavery without having a torrent of per-
sonal abuse poured out upon his head, and every possible effort
was made to brow-beat him, even threatening his life, finally telling
him to get out of the country and right quick at that. Our friend
shortly after this was waited on by a committee and asked to
FIRST LUTHERAN ORGANIZATION IN THE STATE. 11
preach a sermon on the subject, "Slavery is a divine institution
and ordained of God." He replied respectfully that he could not
do that because he did not believe it. They insisted and argued
and finally he said he would as soon undertake to prove that his
satanic majesty was still an angel of light as to prove that slavery
was a divine institution. Then they peremptorily notified him to
"leave or hang."
This was certainly a very uninviting field for a young, out-spoken
abolitionist in which to establish a home, and begin life with a wife
and family, and especially as a preacher of the Gospel. However,
on Sunday one week after his arrival, we find our young hero mani-
festing a zeal worthy of the calling to the office of which he had
been set apart. A room was secured, a service announced, and the
Gospel preached, and this he kept up, preaching twice every Sun-
day as long as he made Leavenworth his home. In his work his
labors were shared by two ministers of another denomination, and
between them they kept the Gospel fires burning in what was then
regarded as the most wicked settlement in the new Territory. On
May 13th he assisted in organizing the first Sunday school in the
Territory aside from those established at Government posts or
Indian schools. That young pioneer of the Gospel, as preached by
the Lutheran church, was Rev. Josiah B. McAfee, now residing at
Topeka.
On May 14th, 1855, he opened a small private school, in a small
wooden building which he erected through a generous loan of $200
made him by Judge S. N. Latta, which he called the Leavenworth
Collegiate Institute. This school doubtless was the first opened
on Kansas soil aside from the mission Indian schools. The enter-
prise was humble enough, the room being 16 by 16 feet, and par-
tioned off from it was another 10 by 16 feet in which he and his
wife and child resided. It was a day of small beginnings but the
room was soon filled and afforded him enough of an income to sup-
port his family. While conducting this school he continued to
preach every Sunday, and for this service he refused any com-
pensation, a rule to which he adhered all his life, even refusing
wedding fees.
In August, 1855, he organized the first Lutheran church in the
Territory. Among the charter members of this church were a Mrs.
Garno and daughter, a Mrs. Grant, John W. Barber and daughter,
Miss Jennie Lyon, and Mr. and Mrs. Elbert, the pastor and wife
and one other, thirteen all told. During the same month he suc-
ceeded in erecting a small union church building by selling shares
12 LOSS OF THE LEAVENWORTH CHURCH.
to various residents, the building costing about $1500. In July the
following year he turned his school over to a Professor Strong.
About that time the pro-slavery people made existence about as mis-
erable as could be to him, and at times he felt that his very life was
in jeopardy. Leaving the settlement he went to Ohio to interview
Gov. Salmon P. Chase about the Kansas troubles, afterward pro-
ceeding to Maryland, where he was ordained to the ministry. Upon
his return in November, he found his home in possession of a stal-
wart Georgian, and his church and school house occupied by gov-
ernment stores, the school closed and Professor Strong a fugitive
from the anger of the pro-slavery people. Unfortunately for the
church, the deeds for the land on which the school and church
stood were not finally executed. The lots had been donated by the
Town Site Association, but as later some lots were needed for a
public school site the Association cancelled the donation, and pre-
sented the lots to the town, which resulted in the removal of both
the school building and the church, and the selling of the latter and
the returning of the money to the share holders. A Rev. A. Reuter
served the congregation for a short time, but after his removal the
congregation disbanded, the German portion in later years uniting
with a Missouri Lutheran church which had been organized in 1862,
and which possibly was the first Lutheran church of that Synod in
the state, a congregation which remains to this day in Leavenworth,
a healthy congregation of over four hundred communicants.
Thus began and ended, in the most promising and populous
center in the new Territory, the first Lutheran church organized
west of the Missouri river, which certainly would have remained to
this day, a monument to the zeal and self-sacrifice of its founder,
had it been backed up with sustaining help from a home mission
and church erection board. Unfortunately at that early date the
General Synod was doing very little home mission work and had
very little mission money to spend on the West. In fact at that
time we did not have a Home Mission Board to administer the
money the church might have raised. Thus our opportunities for
the planting of our beloved church at an early date. in this splendid
territory were lost because we were poor and also because we failed
to appreciate fully our responsibilities as a church in caring for
our common Lutheran heritage.
The next effort to establish a church was at Grasshopper Falls,
now Valley Falls, a small settlement thirty-five miles west of Leav-
enworth, to which Rev. McAfee had removed and where he had
purchased 290 acres of land and proceeded to till the soil for a liv-
FIRST PERMANENT LUTHERAN CHURCH BUILDING.
13
ing. Here he organized a Sunday school on the 7th of June, 1857,
of which Mr. Samuel Shirck became the superintendent. Encour-
aged with his success he at once advocated the organization of a
church, which was accomplished one week later in the dining room
of a rude hotel in the village, as the English Lutheran church of
Grasshopper Falls. Services were held in this dining room for a
few months but the quarters were both undesirable and inadequate.
Lots were secured in a central location and that fall steps were
taken for the erection of a church building. A little frame church
was planned, 24 by 30 feet, to cost about $1,000, and pastor and
people set themselves to the task with a will in the erection of the
first permanent Lutheran church building on Kansas soil. The logs
were hauled from the woods to a neighboring saw mill with the
pastor's ox team, and the stone to the church from the quarry. The
lime for the foundation and the plastering was burned by the pastor
FIRST (G. S.) LUTHERAN CHURCH WEST OF THE MISSOURI RIVER
LOCATED AT VALLEY FALLS, KANSAS.
in an improvised kiln in the ground upon a hill side. For three
days and nights he sat by that home-made kiln and fed. the fires
with dry wood gathered from the creek bottoms. He hauled the
sand and carried every pound of the mortar for the mason and the
plasterer. In the absence of lath he nailed thin boards to the stud-
14 THE GRASSHOPPER FALLS CHURCH.
ding and joists, then splitting them made cracks to receive the
plastering, and in many ways aided in the carpenter work, showing
in himself the true elements of a loyal missionary. Before the
winter set in the happy congregation was worshipping in their own
building. The first building has been supplanted at Valley Falls
by another, and the old structure is now owned and used by a
negro M. E. congregation.
While Rev. McAfee was preaching at Grasshopper Falls he was
waited on by Mr. S. J. H. Snyder and Mr. John Helwig, two earnest
Lutheran laymen, living at Monrovia, a small settlement located
about fifteen miles to the north-east. These brethren invited him
to preach in their village which he consented to do once in every
two weeks. On the 16th of January, 1858, he organized there a
Lutheran church. In this itineracy he established preaching points
at Pardee in Atchison county and Crooked Creek in Jefferson
county, and in June, 1858, he organized a Lutheran church in the
former place, and in July, one in the latter place. To this charge
of four churches he preached for three years, and to serve it he
was obliged to travel on horse-back a circuit of forty-five miles on
every other Sunday. A little later he became financially able to
invest in a rude two wheel springless sulky in which he and his
wife would often make the round. At one time one of his congre-
gations raised fifty dollars for their salary-less pastor and offered
it to him as compensation for his services. He positively declined
to receive it. His wife not sharing his peculiar views about a sal-
aried minister though sharing his hardships, pleaded with him to
take the money, and use it for the purchase of a more comfortable
conveyance, even with tears, still he refused. After a continuous
service at Grasshopper Falls of five years he resigned his charge
in 1862 and entered the army as a lieutenant, and this ended his
work as a pastor, as thereafter he devoted his life mostly to secular
pursuits. During his later years he greatly prospered in material
things, and out of his earnings has given most liberally to the sup-
port and extension of the Lutheran church in Kansas. There are
very few Lutheran churches of the General Synod erected in Kan-
sas in which he has not some money. His hand was open as day
to every appeal. His gifts to the Topeka church alone amounted to
over $5,000. It was a common thing for him to send his check
for $100 when appealed to for aid in the erection of a new church.
His total gifts including the increased value of property purchased
by him for church purposes exceed $10,000, and possibly reach
$15,000. Pastors likewise have had occasion to remember him with
SOLOMON J. H. SNYDER.
15
gratitude for substantial help while passing through the seasons of
drouth and plague in later years.
Allusion has been made to Mr. Solomon J. H. Snyder, of Mon-
rovia. Mr Snyder was without doubt the first Lutheran to enter
the new Territory or to pre-empt a homestead there. His entrance
and that of Mr. John Helwig of Canal Dover, Ohio, antedates,
that of Rev. McAfee by nearly a year. The records of the Effing-
ham church tell the story of Mr. Snyder's trip west, written by Mr.
Snyder himself. In it he tells how he emigrated from Wells county
MR. JOHN HELWIG.
HON. SOLOMON J. H. SNYDER.
Indiana on account of the prevailing ague and fever. Leaving his
family there he began his journey to Kansas on foot, in April 1854,
traversing through Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, Iowa and into the
then Indian Reservation at Council Bluffs. Thence he journeyed
southward where the whole country was wild, where the wigwam
of the Indian could be seen, and not a dwelling house in all the
prairie wilderness. When the night came he would build a fire
under the shelter of a friendly tree, and after he had made supper
upon some crackers which he carried with him, he would pull off
16 THE FIRST LUTHERAN TO PRE-EMPT LAND.
his boots using them for a pillow, and there all alone, after com-
mitting his soul to the care of his Heavenly Father, would lay him-
self down to sleep, while the wild animals of the forest and prairie
were howling about him. Morning coming he would again resume
his journey, over-hills and through valleys, across prairies and
through woodlands, and thus day after day he pursued his course
covering the nearly two hundred miles which lay between Council
Bluffs and Fort Leavenworth. Arriving at the Fort he was permit-
ted to lodge with the soldiers. Here he was directed to a mission-
ary among the Indians located about three miles from the Fort.
The missionary received him kindly and together they examined the
land in that section and Mr. Snyder selected some of the most val-
uable land known to the missionary. All this was before the Kan-
sas-Nebraska act had been finally promulgated. That bill was
passed by Congress on the 27th of May and was signed by Presi-
dent Pierce on the 30th, and the day before it went into effect Mr.
Snyder made his selection of land. At the same time he purchased
another quarter section from an Indian by the name of Killbuck.
Having complied with what he understood to be the requirements
of a squatter he requested the missionary to watch his claims while
he returned to Indiana for his family, and this the missionary
agreed to do. Then he resumed his painful journey homeward ar-
riving in due time after a journey of over 2,000 miles on foot. Then
in company with his wife and two children, Mr. and Mrs John Hel-
wig of Canal Dover, Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Stauffer and
three children, with three wagons, he returned overland to Kansas,
arriving on the 24th of November. Alas! He returned onlv to
have his hopes blasted, and his cup of bitterness filled to the brim.
All the labors of his two thousand mile journey on foot were lost.
His missionary friend had departed with his Indians for Texas, and
pro-slavery ruffians had jumped his claims, and knowing him and
his friends to be "free state" men these fellows of the baser sort
proceeded to make their lives miserable, even threatening to kill
them. So they abandoned their claims and proceeded up Stranger
creek following an old Indian trail until near its head. Here ihey
took up claims where Monrovia now stands. However they were
"singled out to be destroyed." Scarcely had they become located
when a terrible internecine war broke out over the slavery question
and the newly settled trio were ordered out of the country. But
amid trials hard for us to apprciate now, they stood their ground.
Snyder's two children died, his wife lay at the point of death from
dropsy, and he himself was almost helpless for a while with a di-
BORDER RUFFIANISM. 17
s:ase jf the hip. For weeks they were obliged to live on grated
green corn. Stauffer died suddenly with "billious colic," which
left a widow and three children as an additional care to the two
remaining devoted men, Snyder and Helwig. These men had been
loyal and earnest members of the Lutheran church in the East and
very naturally now hungered for the Gospel. Hearing of the ar-
rival in Leavenworth of a Lutheran minister they concluded to try
to get him to come to Monrovia and preach occasionally. Late in
the fall of 1855, Mr. Snyder journeyed down "Stranger creek to
Leavenworth City" for his man. He was kindly met by Rev. Mc-
Afee. As Mr. Snyder was a "marked" man it was thought best to
keep him out of sight. He was concealed in Rev. McAfee's school
room, given a blanket and locked up for the night with the bene-
diction, "God preserve you." Rev. McAfee agreed to give them a
service every two weeks, "God willing." However unforseen events
made it impossible, owing to the stirring times and opposition by the
border ruffians. Divine services were however held at the Monrovia
settlement several times by a Methodist minister by the name of
Knox and by "Pardee Butler" a noted local character. Finally
Messrs Snyder and Helwig appointed prayer meetings to be held
in Mr. Snyder's cabin; but few attended "amidst the increasing
troubles, pillage and murder, and religious meetings were danger-
ous as they were accounted 'abolition meetings,' and were at last
forbidden under penalty of death." After Rev. McAfee had settled
in Grasshopper Falls these two loyal men again visited him to ask
his services in breaking the bread of life to them, and this time
with success as related here-after. Mr. Snyder came manfully out
of these tribulations, and in later years was honored with various
public offices, having twice been elected to a seat in the State Legis-
lature and once to its Senate. He was one of God's true laymen,
a most intelligent and upright Christian man. His literary produc-
tions embrace a Sunday school work, "Lost Children," and "Scenes
in the West," the latter book being issued by the Lutheran Publica-
tion Society. At the time of his death, November, 1873, he
had almost completed the manuscript of a work on "Infidelity"
written in dialogue style, in which he figured the meek and lowly
Christian fighting against the infidel. Mr. Snyder died at the age
of 62, November, 1873.
The second Lutheran clergyman who came to Kansas with the
thought of making his future home there was Rev. David Earhart.
This earnest and loyal Lutheran labored incessantly for thirteen
years in the pioneer days of Kansas, preaching the Gospel and
18 REV. DAVID EARHART.
seeking to establish the Lutheran church in this new country.
Eleven years of the thirteen were years prior to the organization
of Kansas Synod. He should be styled the Nestor among our
sturdy pioneers. None labored so long as he in this pioneer work,
and none endured such trials, hardships and privations, none sacri-
ficed as freely in time and physical labor, and none left such per-
manent results of his labors as he. He arrived in Kansas in June
1857, two years after the arrival of Rev. McAfee. His trip from
Pennsylvania was largely by steamboat. His objective point was
Ozakee, in Jefferson county, where a land sale had been advertised,
and he was very desirous to get a good farm upon which to live
while he was doing mission work in the Territory. He came also
as the special agent of the Pittsburg Synod, to which he belonged,
and was authorized to secure lots for churches and parsonages in
the promising towns. He was successful in securing a number
upon certain conditions, but owing to the terrible drouth of 1860,
and the Civil War following, and the discouraging grasshopper
plague following the latter, the conditions could not be complied
with, and the lot enterprise failed.
In April, 1860, Rev. Earhart with his family located at Sumner,
a small town three miles south of Atchison, where he preached for
one year, effecting a partial organization of a Lutheran church. In
the summer of the following year one of the cyclones so common
in Kansas in those early days, struck the town and destroyed it in-
cluding the building in which the congregation worshipped, and
this calamity sealed the doom of the church. In the month of May,
1860, he was elected pastor, at the request of Rev. McAfee, of the
churches at Pardee and Monrovia, which the latter had organized.
Finding them rather loosely organized from a doctrinal standpoint,
he at once proceeded to re-organize them under a constitution which
recognized the Augsburg Confession as the doctrinal basis. In his
memoirs Rev. Earhart tells of the opposition he met to this re-or-
ganization, and that the people thought him decidedly too much of
"the old measure" type to suit them and had him on the rack sev-
eral times. However they soon found that he was planted on the
universally received confession of the Lutheran church, and that
they were standing on nothing, and accordingly rallied to his sup-
port in a most loyal manner, and his long popularity with this peo-
ple showed that his strict teaching was most timely and effective.
In May, 1860, he organized Christ's Ev. Lutheran church with
twenty-four charter members, in the home of Father Joseph Eber-
hard, now known as Vineland, in Douglas county, located nine miles
REV. DAVID EARHART'S CHURCHES. 19
south of Lawrence. This church was far to the south of Monrovia
with a whole county lying between. He served these two charges
for a number of years. In 1861 he organized another church of
twenty charter members at Brush creek, in Doniphan county, seven
miles from Moray, and twenty miles from St. Joseph, Missouri, and
this congregation he served for seven years. However owing to
removals it went to pieces before the organization of Kansas Synod.
As early as 1862 he began preaching in the home of Osel Nelson,
a loyal Lutheran living in Doniphan county, where off and on he
held services for a number of years, later transferring the services
to the Prairie school house, where on the 24th of May, 1866, he
organized a Lutheran church, which is now known as East Norway,
or Moray. Here he preached until 1871. While preaching here he
also held services at different points in Brown county, just west of
Doniphan county. Here on the 23d of December, 1866, he organ-
ized a church of fifteen members, which he served until 1871. This
church is now a Norwegian church and is in a flourishing condition.
While this intrepid pioneer was preaching for the churches in
Doniphan and Brown counties adjoining the Nebraska line, he
began to hold services in the city of St. Joseph, Missouri, and after
a time perfected an organization with twenty members. After
preaching there two years, for want of a building the services were
transferred to a school house in the country, a short distance from
the city. This was a grave mistake, as the attendance fell off and
the services finally were given up and the congregation became ex-
tinct.
The territory covered by this undaunted and tireless preacher of
the Gospel in his itineracy over Northeastern Kansas, is such as to
amaze one of the present generation. To illustrate this one need
but note that while he was preaching at these points in Doniphan,
Brown and Atchison counties, the three Northeastern counties of
the state, and also in St. Joseph, Missouri, he was filling a contin-
uous engagement as pastor at Vineland in Douglas county, and
largely from 1860 to 1868. These widely separated charges com-
pelled him to travel from these northernmost counties, across Atch-
ison and Jefferson counties, and almost across Douglas county in
order to reach Vineland. a distance as the crow flies of almost sev-
enty miles, and taking a side trip via Topeka or Stranger creek as
he now and then did, required a circuit ride of about one hundred
and fifty miles, and this he did for a long time every three weeks.
These trips he took in a two wheeled springless cart drawn by a
tough wiry pony. Many of the old settlers still remember this
20 REV. DAVID EARHART.
grand pioneer missionary, whose figure became quite familiar to
the settlers enroute as he made his weary rounds. In fact Father
Earhart's labors from 1860 to 1873 were full of severe toil which
was borne cheerfully for the Gospel's sake. Often did his friends
remonstrate with him over taking such long drives when the
weather was stormy, but the courageous missionary would reply,
"When I get there it will be fine weather and the service will then
REV. DAVID EARHART. REV. J. B. MCAFEE.
go on." In order to fill an appointment on Sunday he would usual-
ly have to start on Friday previous, and so he could not anticipate
the weather at the end of his journey. It is a pleasure to note that
such labors have not been in vain. Churches to this day abide to
testify to the value of his efforts. Rev. J. B. McAfee, in his mem-
oranda on early Lutheranism in Kansas says, "To good Brother
Earhart is due the credit of re-organizing on a strictly Lutheran
basis, as well as keep together the early Lutheran churches of Kan-
sas." In the Lutheran Era for July 1893 the same writer says,
"Brother Earhart was not only a most excellent preacher but an
indefatiguable worker. His work was always well and systemat-
ically done and thoroughly organized." In another issue of the
same paper he again writes, "Although Brother Earhart was the
REV. DAVID EARHART. 21
second Lutheran minister to locate permanently in Kansas, he was
second to none in faithful, efficient, self-sacrificing labors for the
Master and His church, and when he shall cease from his labors
his good works will follow him." It is related that on one of his
long weary itinerant trips over the pathless prairie and through
deeply wooded valleys, with only here and there a settler along the
way, he took seriously ill, and tethering his horse, lay down on the
prairie and for a time was unconscious. Upon coming to himself
he again hitched in his pony and strapping himself to his cart let
him go home, where after a long ride, loving hands helped him out
and cared for him as he passed through a hard attack of billious
fever. For a number of years Rev. Earhart was one of the regents
of the Kansas State Agricultural college located at Manhattan, dis-
tant from his home eighty or ninety miles, yet he was one of the
most punctual in his attendance and in the discharge of his duties,
and in those early days of no railroads he was compelled to travel
by horse-back or in his springless gig. Rev. Earhart also preached
at Holton in Jackson county, Highlands in Doniphan county, Mc-
Kelvy's in Jefferson county, and at the home of Mr. Ernest and Mrs.
Collins in Atchison county, for a while, but the work did not seem
to justify organizations. In 1870 he organized a church on Stran-
ger creek in Atchison county, to which he ministered for a season
and which came into Kansas Synod but which did not live long
owing to some feuds which arose among the members. During
these years of severe toil this pioneer missionary received very
small compensation for his services. It was in the day of begin-
nings, when the people were very poor and he was not backed up
by mission boards. Aside from what the people paid him he re-
ceived at one time SI 00 from Dr. Passavant in 1860-1, and $150
per year from the old Home Mission Society during 1862-3. Other
than this he supported himself in a way by tilling the soil, when
time would permit, giving him a scanty support for his family of
eight souls.
Before speaking of the organization of Kansas Synod it will be
necessary to give an account of the churches and pastors entering
into its organization, of which as yet no mention has been made.
At this early day the missionary interests were poorly organized
and inadequately supported. The society known as the "Home
Mission Society" had been in existence since 1845, but as yet it
was a society separate from the General Synod, and not officially
under its direction, and most of the district synods declined to
pledge definite support for it. It could not therefore gather much
22 THE HOME MISSION SOCIETY.
money. Indeed most of the district synods preferred to carry on
missionary operations of their own, and largely on their own terri-
tory. In 1866 the Home Missionary Society was re-organized on
a new basis which brought it in a nearer relation to the General
Synod; however it was not as yet the child of the latter as many
synods neglected to send it contributions. It was not until 1869
that the Home Mission Society was merged into the Board of Home
Missions, under the appointment and direction of the General
Synod.
Although hampered by its loose organization the old society was
able to accomplish much good. In the Fall of 1864, feeling the
need of someone in the field to direct its work in founding missions
and collecting funds, it secured Rev. Morris Officer, late returned
Missionary from Liberia, Africa, as its field secretary. He at once
took up the work and throwing into it his whole soul, began the
canvass of the field with an activity and earnestness rarely equalled
in the annals of missionary work. In May and June of the follow-
ing year he came to Missouri, and spent six weeks in personally
canvassing St. Louis. Under the date of May 22, 1865, in the
Lutheran Observer he writes, "A great deal has been recently said
and written on the importance and necessity of planting missions
in the large cities of the great West . . . but our experience
has taught us that such a work is a serious undertaking requiring
years of the most efficient and faithful labor and a large expendi-
ture of money." Upon his first glimpse of St. Louis he writes,
"About noon May 10th I stood on the upper deck of the ferry boat
and gazed upon the great city stretching several miles along the
opposite bank and reflected that we had no English or German
church in the city." While here he secured a pass from the
"Pacific Railway" and penetrated the west almost to Kansas City
visiting Sedalia and Pilot Knob in the hopes of finding a point where
he might establish a Lutheran mission. Returning to St. Louis he
assiduously sought for a suitable hall where he might open ser-
vices but found none.
In the spring of 1866 he made a second visit to St. Louis, but
finding an epidemic of cholera along the wharf he again deferred
action and took his way to points further west including St. Joseph.
In August he again went west. At Tipton, Missouri, his canvass
resulted in his finding sixteen Lutheran people willing to enter
an organization. Not having a man at hand he deferred organiza-
tion till a later date. At Kansas City he had a similar experience.
During the first week in September he entered Kansas, visiting
REV. MORRIS OFFICER IN KANSAS. 23
Lawrence, Topeka, Atchison, St. Joseph, Mo., and Grasshopper
Falls. At the latter place he attended the Second Conference of
Lutheran ministers, to which allustion will be made later. Besides
these trips he made several other journeys riding in a pony rig.
Dr. Imhoff in his "Life of Morris Officer" touches on this trip, ob-
serving :
"The opportunity and importance of at once occupying these im-
portant cities so exercised his earnest soul that he could not rest.
He would betake himself to prayer and letter writing until, exhaust-
ed, he would break down. He wrote letters to all of the synods
which were in session during his tour, to leading men in the
church, and to such pastors as he deemed eminently qualified to
occupy these important centers of growing wealth and power. . .
. . He had all along felt the necessity of having good and suit-
able men in the missionary charges. But now, more than ever, there
was an imperative demand for men of experience and large influ-
ence. ... He came home on the 5th of October all alive with
interest in his work. Its magnitude had opened anew his mind and
baptized him with fresh zeal. He applied himself earnestly to
secure services of men who had been successful as pastors and
were known in the church at large. But when he failed here, he
went to the theological seminaries, and found good and promising
young men, but they were untried, unknown, and inexperienced,
and his heart sank within him. He knew and felt that the most
important missions in western cities would after all be regarded as
experiments, and though the mission and missionary might be well
enough, the contributions would be too small to carry on the work
in any way to equal the demands."
Pastor after pastor refused to give up his charge and go west
into the mission field. Could these have read the journals of Offic-
er they would hardly but feel reproved for their want of courage
and self denial. One such pastor, located in a fine eastern church,
wrote the secretary as follows:
"I do not remember that I informed you that we collected in my
church last Fall $143 for one of the missions of which you spoke.
The money is at your disposal. . . . The difficulty you have
in getting a suitable man for one of those missions in Missouri and
Kansas has been weighing on my mind. It seems to me that the
only solution is that some of us young men cut loose and go there.
I feel as concerns myself in this way, if I am fit for this kind of
work, a point I sometimes question, and you think I would do, I
am ready to go. There are plenty of men who would jump at the
chance of getting my church here. They pay me SI 800, . . .
If no one else will go into the breech, why then some of us easy
berthed fellows must lead the forlorn hope. I am ready to go."
The fact remains that this brother did not go. There were many
like him. When the time came for them to make the needed sacri-
fice., they were not willing to make it. Then the rough conditions
24 A RIPE HARVEST AND FEW LABORERS.
in Kansas were not conducive to persuading men in the East to
come into the new state. Rev. S. P. Harrington, writing in the
Observer, under date of March 8, 1865, says,
"There is a prevailing idea in the East, that the people of this
state are a set of cut-throats and horse thieves, but there are more
good citizens here than we have credit for. That there are bad
men here, and that they are dealt with severely, are two facts. But
the severe policy adopted is rapidly cleaning out the hard material.
. . . We have here representatives from almost every Northern
state and a large proportion of them are men of the most sturdy
habits."
The compensation at that time in the mission field was discour-
aging. The men who had been on the field received but a pittance
for their labors. If in those times of beginnings more men of ex-
perience had taken the helm and been backed up with sufficient
support from the established East, Kansas Synod might have had
a much better start. It is easy to see how the lack of both men
and means confronted this earnest Secretary, enough to appall the
bravest heart. It is no wonder that his heart ached for the oppor-
tunities which were passing by unimproved because the frontier
was raw, and willing men and adequate means were lacking. After
many rebuffs and refusals among the eastern established pastors,
Rev. Officer turned to the theological seminaries and naturally
enough looked first to the one farthest west, Wittenberg. Here he
found two young men, about to graduate in the spring of 1867, will-
ing to listen to his offers, in the persons of Rev. A. W. Wagenhals
and Rev. E. J. Keplinger, both licentiates of the Synod of Central
Pennsylvania. These two young men agreed to take missions in the
West as soon as the term closed.
After this he set himself to the task of securing pledges and rais-
ing money for the purpose of establishing two or three extra mis-
sions. In Baltimore he found one man willing to give $600 for
the support of a missionary in Kansas City. In some places he
succeeded in persuading a single congregation to undertake the
support of a western mission. It taxed his ingenuity to devise ways
and means and success began to come as a result of his concen-
trated efforts. In February, 1867, he started west again and arrived
in St. Louis on the 13th and spent several days looking up people
with whom he had been keeping in close touch through the mails.
Finding conditions there not ready for organization he proceeded
to Tipton and Versailles, Mo., at which places he organized church-
es, comprising a pastoral charge with churches eighteen miles
apart. Here in April he located Rev. E. J. Keplinger, as mission-
REV. MORRIS OFFICER. 25
ary. From Tipton he went back to St. Louis, where he finally ef-
fected an organization, took a subscription for a church lot and
promised them $600 per year in support of a pastor and $1000 to-
ward the erection of a chapel. Early in March he arrived in Kansas
City, and preached in the Congregational church on a Sunday morn-
ing and lectured on "African Missions" in the evening. Here he
met Rev. Wagenhals, and a service was arranged for, and the young
missionary preached, a sort of trial sermon. The Secretary gave
him the hint not to say anything about slavery or the late Civil
War, as the people were sensitive on those points. The committee
who heard him praised his discretion telling him that he preached
about "love and did not refer to politics." On the 4th of April they
together organized a church, adopted a constiution, elected officers,
and cast about for ways and means for the purchase of a church
lot.
During this time Rev. Officer made a number of side trips to
Lawrence, and Topeka, Kansas, where he canvassed the Scandi-
navian population finding at both places enough people to justify
the organization of churches. On March 19th he organized a con-
gregation at Lawrence of twenty-seven members. In his Journal
he says, "I recorded the proceeding. May God bless this infant."
On the 7th of April he organized a congregation at Topeka of fifteen
members. This was effected in the office of the Governor of the
state, as the Private Secretary of the Governor at that time was
Rev. J. B. McAfee. He promised to send them a missionary soon
and to encourage them to go ahead in the purchase of a church
site, he agreed to raise for them $100 toward the lots and $2000
toward the erection of a building. Rev. A. J. Hesson, a young man
then just entering the ministry, was commissioned as missionary,
taking charge in August following. Ten months later a church was
erected and dedicated. In May that year he succeeded in complet-
ing the organization at St. Louis, in the home of Mr. J. A. J.
Schultz, renewing his promise to them of $600 toward the support
of a pastor and $1000 toward the erection of a chapel. In October
that year Rev. S. W. Harkey, D. D., took charge as missionary.
The skies were beginning to look brighter. The Synod of Central
Pennsylvania agreed to look after Kansas City, Tipton, and Ver-
sailles; West Pennsylvania Synod, after Topeka and Lawrence; and
Maryland Synod after St. Louis.
Lutheranism at Atchison was being fostered with jealous care
by a warm hearted layman, Mr. J. H. Talbott, in whom a strong
love burned for the church of the Reformation. This Brother had
26 THE FIRST CONFERENCE.
sent to the Home Mission Society a strong request for a mission-
ary. Rev. Officer made several visits to Atchison while he was in
Kansas but was unable to secure a man for the place. However
at the convention of the General Synod at Harrisburg in the spring
of 1868, he induced Rev. M. G. Boyer, of Marklesburg, Pa., a li-
centiate of Allegheny Synod, to take up the work at Atchison. On
the 30th of July he and his young bride landed at Atchison, and
after holding services for three months in Price's Hall, he organ-
ized with twenty-three members. This was the last church organ-
ized prior to the organization of Kansas Synod.
EARLY CONFERENCES.
The ministers and pastors residing in Kansas and Western Mis-
souri retained their membership in various Eastern synods as this
portion of the country was not regarded as being on the territory
of any particular synod. They were serving congregations which
were widely separated, and it was very natural that they should
hunger for that mutual fellowship and kindred feeling which binds
so closely together the ministers of a synod. Some of them held
their membership in synods a thousand miles away and distance
made it impossible for them to meet with their brethren at the an-
nual conventions. Now and then they would meet each other in the
exchange of pulpits and in their travels over the field. The great
need of a closer union was felt on every hand. Accordingly a few
of them got together and planned a conference to be held in the
newly erected church at Monrovia at the occasion of its dedication,
and published a call for the same in the Lutheran Observer, to be
held on the 26th of May, 1865, and all Lutheran ministers in Kan-
sas, Nebraska and Missouri were invited to participate. There
were present at this conference, Revs. H. W. Kuhns of Omaha,
Nebraska., J. F. Kuhlman, of Fontenelle, Nebraska, S. P. Harring-
ton, the local pastor, John G. Ellinger of Pardee, Rev. J. B. McAfee,
of Topeka, and David Earhart of Pardee. Various subjects
kindred to the pioneer work being performed by these brethren
were discussed, and a general good time was had by all present as
the conference afforded a very agreeable social reunion of brethren
not often accorded such a privilege. Rev. Kuhns preached the
THE FIRST CONFERENCE. 27
dedicatory sermon. Of the occasion Rev. Harrington wrote in the
Observer, "It was truly a solemn meeting." Rev. Earhart was
chosen President and Rev. Kuhlman, Secretary of the conference.
The question which most engaged their attention was how to
meet the demands of the great field in which they, a hand-full,
were laboring. They resolved to appeal to the East for help and
put their plea in a set of resolutions. They also placed on record
a desire for a form of distinctive Lutheran worship. The advisa-
bility of organizing a synod was discussed but no action was taken.
The trip to attend this conference made by Revs. Kuhns and
Kuhlman possibly surpasses that of any other clergymen in the
General Synod in the matter of miles, travelled. Rev. Kuhlman
left his home in Fontanelle at 2 A. M., of May 22nd, and rode in
his buggy 35 miles to Omaha. There hitching his pony with that
of Rev. Kuhns to a two horse buggy, these two brethren started on
their long trip together. Crossing the Missouri at Omaha they rode
southward through southwestern Iowa and into Missouri. Rev.
Kuhlman's diary relates that they spent the night of the 24th at
Oregon City, Mo., and early in the forenoon of the 25th crossed the
Missouri at Iowa Point near White Cloud, and into Kansas at its
most northeasterly corner. Here they took dinner with a contra-
band negro, and after crossing Doniphan county and a part of
Atchison county, they arrived at Monrovia late in the evening after
a weary ride of from 175 to 200 miles, having been on the way for
three days and a half. Dr. Kuhns oftimes in later years regaled
his friends by telling them extravagant stories of this memorable
trip to a conference, over swollen streams, across pathless prairies,
and among the scattered but hospitable settlers.
The Lutheran Observer in its issue for August 10th and 17th,
1866, contained a call for a conference to meet at Monrovia, at 2
P. M., September 6th, for the purpose of considering the propriety
of organizing a synod, and the interests of the Lutheran church in
Kansas generally." The call was signed by Rev. S. P. Harrington,
and urged all to be present with their lay delegates. Although the
call made Monrovia the place of meetings, it appears that the con-
ference was really held at Grasshopper Falls, the other church
comprising the Monrovia charge of which Rev. Harrington was then
pastor. There were present Revs. J. G. Ellinger, S. P. Harrington,
J. B. McAfee, David Earhart, and Morris Officer the Secretary of
the Home Mission Society, besides possibly a lay delegate or two.
They thoroughly discussed the advisability of organizing a synod
covering the states of Kansas and Missouri. They felt that there
28 THE SECOND CONFERENCE.
were churches enough on the field to justify such an organization,
and Rev. Officer assured them that it was the intention of his Board
to institute movements which would add at once to the number.
The neighboring synods were too far away, the nearest being that
of Iowa to the northeast, and the Illinois Synods beyond the Missis-
sippi. While there was unanimity as to the advisability of having
a new synod, it was not altogether so when the basis was present-
ed upon which the new synod was to be planted.
When it is remembered that this conference took place the same
year that some district synods withdrew from the General Synod
soon after its convention at Fort Wayne, and also during a period
in which the church papers were full of discussions which indicat-
ed a condition of decided doctrinal unrest, it is not surprising that
out in a mission field the brethren should be influenced by these
conditions. The fact is, nearly all the ministers present were in
sympathy with that portion of the General Synod which was in-
clined to reject a part of certain articles of the Augsburg Confes-
sion which had been under fire for some time in the church press.
These articles were mainly those in which the Lutheran church
differed from the so-called Reformed churches with which it was
surrounded. Many in it had been yielding to the pressure of the
out-numbering denominations about them. The "Definite Synodical
Platform" had been before the church for ten years and had pretty
thoroughly leavened the West with its doctrines. Dr. S. S.
Schmucker, who at that time had championed the "American Re-
cension of the Augsburg Confession," (The Definite Platform)
which, while not adding anything to the Augustana, was very de-
sirous of having the church leave out certain parts of it, was very
popular in Ohio, Indiana, and the West. The unaltered Augustana
consequently was a very delicate subject, at most, with many of
the Kansas ministers. In fact a number of the churches on the
territory had been organized without any direct reference to the
Augsburg Confession in their constitution. Dr. Schmucker averred
in an article in the Observer that the Definite Platform was pre-
pared for our western churches. In its preface it seems the west-
ern ministers are held more or less responsible for its formation,
being a response to the demands of the times. Many of the western
synods narrowly escaped adopting it. In 1867 when the Synod of
Northern Illinois revised its constiution, by a very narrow margin
it escaped making the basis a conditional acceptance of the Augus-
tana. When in 1868 the Wittenberg Synod revised its constitution,
while accepting the basis of the General Synod with a very small
THE "DEFINITE PLATFORM" SCHISM. 29
majority vote and after a long and spirited debate, it immediately
resolved, that "This act will in no sense disturb our cherished posi-
tion taken in years that are past on the "Definite Synodical Plat-
form." The obnoxious portions were especially Art. X on "The true
presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament of the
Altar;" Art. XI on "Private Confession and Absolution;" Art.
XXIV, relative to the "Ceremonies of the Mass.;" and Art. XXVIII,
relative to the "Divine Obligation of the Sabbath," and those parts
of Luther's Catechism which teach that forgiveness of sin, life and
salvation are conferred through the sacraments, and some other
points.
After some discussion pro and con it was evident that all but
Rev. Earhart were agreed to organize the conference into a Synod
upon the basis of the Definite Synodical Platform. The latter con-
tended that the unaltered Augustana was the only proper basis,
that the Definite Platform was new, untried, and in conflict with
the doctrinal history of the Lutheran church since its foundation.
Finally, without any amendment to the first proposition, Rev. J. B.
McAfee offered the following resolution,
"Resolved, That we organize ourselves into a Synod on the basis
of the Definite Synodical Platform, provided Rev. Earhart will
unite with us, and that if he does not, we do not."
Rev. Earhart declined to unite on the basis proposed, and the
effort failed. It may seem strange that one man should defeat the
wish of the others, even including the advice of the missionary
Secretary, but when we take into consideration the intense mission-
ary activity of Rev. Earhart's life at this time in preaching and
founding churches, his dogged perseverance where others had
given up the fight, as well as his all absorbing earnestness and posi-
tive Lutheran character, there is not much occasion for surprise at
the decided deference paid to his convictions. In fact a very large
percentage of the churches which would be expected to enter the
new synod had been founded by him. At most it was a very nar-
row escape for Kansas synod.
30 THE ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS SYNOD.
THE ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS
SYNOD.
During the following two years no efforts were made either to-
ward holding a conference or organizing a synod. With the start-
ing of churches at Kansas City, Lawrence, Tipton, Versailles, Atch-
ison, St. Louis, and Topeka, the existing churches on the territory
were so manifestly strengthened that the necessity of a Synod be-
came imperative. Accordingly there was published in the Lutheran
Observer for October 23, 1868, signed by S. P. Harrington, the fol-
lowing call for a convention:
"There will be a meeting of Lutheran ministers of Kansas and
Missouri, (D. V.) at Topeka commencing on the 1st Thursday even-
ing of November (5th) 1868, for the purpose of organizing a synod.
All Lutheran ministers and their lay delegates, who will unequivo-
cally endorse the doctrinal basis of the General Synod, are invited
to participate in the convention.
By order of the majority of the ministers in Kansas and Mis-
souri. Dated September 9th, 1868."
This convention met according to the call, in the newly erected
church on Topeka Ave., in said city, of which Rev. A. J. Hesson
was pastor. The following ministers and laymen were present and
participated in the organization: Revs. J. B. McAfee, Topeka, S. P.
Harrington, Monrovia, A. W. "Wagenhals, Kansas City, A. J. Hes-
son, Topeka, E. J. Keplinger, Tipton, M. G. Boyer, Atchison, and
Messrs A. P. Benson, Topeka, J. G. Schmucker, Lawrence, G. W.
Householder, Kansas City, J. H. Stover, Tipton, and G. W. Crotzer,
Grasshopper Falls.
The convention was opened with earnest prayer that they might
be adequately guided in their efforts to lay well the foundations of
Lutheranism in the first synod to be organized west of the Missouri
river. They were liberal minded men, filled with a warm love for
the church of the Fatherland. They had no sympathy with dead
formalism on the one hand, nor were they willing to be led by an
ignorant fanaticism which ignored orthodxy, on the other. The
publicity given to these extremes in the church press of the day
had rather broadened their views, and they were ready now to enter
upon the organization of a synod, the basis of which was to be that
upon which all other synods connected with the General Synod
stood, viz., the unaltered Augustana and Luther's Small Catechism.
Prayer meetings, Sunday schools, and catechetical classes were to
THE ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS SYNOD. 31
be encouraged as specific methods through which the development
of the church was to be effected.
The absence of Rev. D. Earhart was deplored by all present, as it
eliminated from the organization one of the most active and influ-
ential men in the previous history of the church in Kansas, as well
as the churches which he represented. After his experience in the
former effort to organize a synod, and his being at this time in
connection with the General Council, and the new synod to be
without doubt General Synod in kind, and at this time there not
being very cordial relations between these two synods owing to the
recent withdrawal of General Council church from the General
Synod, he felt somewhat delicate about coming to this convention,
unless he should be specifically invited by some of the more influ-
ential men on the field, and he so informed them. After the organ-
ization a fraternal letter was sent him in which his absence was
regretted, and it was stated that the printed notice in the Observer
was the only invitation issued to any one, and that no slight was
intended, and that if he felt he could unite upon the basis adopted,
they would be glad to have him do so, and that the Secretary of
the Synod was empowered to enroll his name. This overture was
accepted and at the second convention of the Synod Rev. Earhart
was present, and united with the Synod. Letters of regret for
absence were received from Rev. F. R. Scherer of Waterville, and
Rev. S. W. Harkey, of St. Louis, both of whom hailed with joy the
organization of a new synod and promised their warm prayers and
co-operation.
Both the minutes of the first convention and other early data
preserved in the historical archives, all of which was very limited,
fail to name the churches which formally entered into the new or-
ganization. It is impossible at this time to make out' a roll of
churches and in fact the writer is of the opinion that the organizers
did not give that matter much thought. From incidental data and
interviews with members still living, we subjoin a roll which com-
prises most likely the ones who are entitled to the honor of being
charter members.
32
DOCTRINAL BASIS.
Pastor.
Churches.
Lay Delegate.
Address.
John G. Ellinger,
J. B. McAfee,
S. P. Harrington,
No Charge,
No Charge,
St. Paul's
Ev. Lutheran,
1st Lutheran,
1st Lutheran,
Ev. Lutheran,
Ev. Lutheran,
Ev. Lutheran,
Ev. Lutheran,
Pardee, Kan.
Topeka, Kan.
Monrovia, Kan.
A. W. Wagenhals,
A. J. Hesson,
E. J. Keplinger,
M. G. Boyer,
G. W. Crotzer,
G W Householder,
A. P. Benson,
J. G. Schmucker,
John H. Stover,
Grasshopper Falls.
Kansas City, Mo.
Topeka, Kan.
Lawrence, Kan.
Versailles, Mo.
Tipton, Mo.
Atchison, Kan.
Rev. J. B. McAfee was chosen temporary chairman and Rev. E.
J. Keplinger, secretary in the preliminary organization. The fol-
lowing resolution was adopted:
Whereas, The time has come when the wants of the Lutheran
church in the states of Kansas and Missouri demand that there
should be some efficient agency within these states, which shall
more successfully look after and promote the varied interests of
our western Zion, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a convention proceed to organize a new
synod, and that a committee of three clerical and two lay members
be appointed to draft a constitution for said synod and report."
This latter duty devolved upon Revs. Wagenhals, Hesson and
Ellinger and Messrs Schmucker and Crotzer. At the second ses-
sion the following resolution on the doctrinal basis of the new
synod was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That this synod declare its doctrinal position to be that
of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church in the
United States of America, receiving and holding with the Evangel-
ical church of our Fathers, the Word of God as contained in the
canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as the only
infallible rule of faith and practice, and the Augsburg Confession
as a correct exhibition of the fundamental doctrines of the Divine
Word, and of the faith of the church founded on that Word, and on
this basis desires a constitution to be formed.
Owing to the need of more time in which to prepare a constitu-
tion the committee recommended that the entire constitution of the
Eastern Pennsylvania Synod be temporarily adopted, making such
changes as might be necessary in transferring the location from
Pennsylvania to Kansas. This recommendation was adopted, and
Rev. S. P. Harrington was chosen permanent president and Rev.
E. J. Keplinger, secretary, and Rev. A. W. Wagenhals, treasurer.
Among the items of business disposed of at this convention was an
33
REV. M. G. BOYER, D. D. MR. A. W. WAGNALLS, LITT. D.
REV. A. J. HESSON.
SOME CHARTER MEMBERS.
REV. S. P. HARRINGTON.
34
MR. A. P. BENSON.
MR. G. W. HOUSEHOLDER.
REV. E. J. KEPLINGER. MR. J. G. SCHUMCKER.
SOME CHARTER MEMBERS.
THE FIRST SYNOD. 35
expression of sympathy with those who were seeking to establish
Mendota (Illinois) college and a regret of their inability to furnish
any financial aid owing to their imperative needs at home. In or-
der to promote the cause of home missions more fully the Synod
organized itself into a Home Mission Society, in which every mem-
ber was to consider it his duty "to canvass as much of the un-
occupied territory as possible, to seek out scattered Lutherans,
look out for important fields, and report interesting facts as they
may develop." A standing Executive Committee was appointed,
and a resolution adopted asking that a day of prayer be appointed
in which the church in the East should be asked to remember the
missions and missionaries of the West. Rev. M. G. Boyer, a licen-
tiate of the Allegheny synod was set apart to the Gospel ministry
in a very impressive service on Sunday evening at the close of the
convention. A simple form for parochial reports was adopted, al-
though no reports were submitted at this synod. The total member-
ship aside from the churches under the pastoral care of Rev. Ear-
hart were as follows: Topeka, 20, Monrovia, 104, Grasshopper
Falls, 30, Kansas City, 20, Lawrence, 27, Tipton, 20, Versailles 15,
Atchison, 25, total 261. It was indeed a day of small beginnings
and humble enough. Feeling the need of another meeting soon,
the synod adjourned to meet six months later, the first Tuesday in
April of the following Spring, at Atchison.
At a subsequent convention Rev. Earhart brought his congrega-
tions into the synod which at that time embraced a congregation at
Vinland, one at Osawkee, one at East Norway (Moray) and prob-
able one other of which the records are very uncertain. For sev-
eral years following the organization of Kansas synod it was all
the Home Mission Board could do to take care of the missions
planted by Rev. Officer. In the following spring a church was or-
ganized at Waterville by Rev. F. R. Scherer, and no other was or-
ganized for the following five years save one by Rev. Earhart,
Christ's, at Stranger creek. Although a number of Lutheran
clergymen came to Kansas during this time they were rather in-
clined to pre-empt land, or speculate in land, than preach the Gos-
pel. Rev. Hesson in his report as President of Synod in 1870 said,
"I cannot help but deeply and sadly regret that so many able and
acceptable ministers of the Gospel, within the bounds of our synod
are content to remain idle, while around them the harvest of the
Lord is perishing for the want of laborers." Now and then one of
these ministers feeling that he was missing his calling by devoting
his time to secular affairs would attempt to combine farming with
36 PREACHER OR FARMER.
preaching the gospel and sought to organize a church near his
farm. His compensation from his church usually was very meager,
probably all that it was worth, considering the pastors divided in-
terests, but the results from these attempts were so small that in
after years when the Mission Board took hold of extending the
church on this territory it made it a rule not to grant help to a mis-
sionary who tried to farm and also preach the Gospel. The story
of the further development of the church in Kansas Synod will be
found under the chapters relating to the Travelling Missionaries
and the general church Secretaries.
A PERIOD OF EXPANSION—TRAVEL-
LING SYNODICAL SECRETARIES.
Early in the seventies the work of planting and maintaining our
church in Kansas became quite critical. The frequent drouths and
consequent crop failures had thoroughly disheartened the faithful
working force in the field, and the indifferent ones allowed the
cause completely to languish. Pastors, in order to provide for their
families, were obliged to supplement their, sacred calling with sec-
ular work. In 1874 only three pastors devoted themselves exclu-
sively to the work of the ministry. Rev. Reuben Weiser that year
writing to the Observer said, "Our church in Kansas is not making
any progress, it seems rather going backwards. The causes of this
retrogression are in the fact that there is not one self-sustaining
charge in the state, and the pastors receive so small support that
they are all, I believe, without a single exception, obliged to labor
with their own hands to support their families." About this time
the various denominations in the East began to pour men and
money into Kansas for the planting of churches of their respective
faiths. Our pastors with sorrow beheld our people taken into these
denominations and forever lost to the Lutheran church. They real-
ized too that the early planting of the church in the crude and
rapidly building towns meant strong and influential churches when
these towns became cities, but their hands were tied. They had
neither men nor money, with which to go in and reap the harvest.
The influx of immigration at this time was quite extensive, such as
had rarely been witnessed in the settlement of any state previous
THE CRY FOR ENLARGEMENT. 37
to that time. The Union Pacific and Santa Fe railroads began dis-
posing of their government land grants to foreign and domestic
immigrants, and thousands of families poured into the new state
and among these were many Lutherans. The problem of adequate-
ly caring for this heritage was too great for a struggling synod
which spread over the entire 82,0000 square miles of the state. Up
to 1875 Kansas Synod had but twenty organized churches, with
fifteen un-organized preaching points. The cry of enlargement
was heard at every convention of synod, but it was a despairing
cry, because the country was new, the expense of living high, the
people poor, crop failures common, men willing to make the need-
ed sacrifices very few indeed, and thus every disposition to ad-
vance was checked by lack of means. After considerable agitation
the synod began to declare itself on the matter. The first occurred
in 1873, when the following resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, The territory of our synod has suffered greatly already
from the lack of missionary effort, by the members of the Lutheran
church in different portions of the state uniting with sister churches,
or becoming utterly indifferent to all church relation, and,
Whereas, The history of our church in the past proves the vast
benefit derived from the efforts of travelling missionaries, and in-
asmuch as other influential and powerful denominations by the use
of such missionaries have met with the most encouraging success
upon our territory; therefore,
Resolved, That as a synod, convinced of our neglect and conse-
quent loss in the past, we feel this important means can be dis-
pensed with no longer; that we instruct the ministers within our
bounds to devote at least one Sabbath in each quarter to mission-
ary effort at the most important points within their reach; that we
appoint one travelling missionary, whose duty shall be to visit cer-
tain points at least once in three months; that we respectfully ask
our Board of Home Missions to appropriate funds for the support
of our travelling missionary, and that we will aid them to the
utmost in raising funds for the same.
Following up this action one of their own number was appointed
Travelling Missionary, but owing to lack of funds he was not able
to accomplish much. At the following convention of synod, and in
the presence of Rev. J. W. Goodlin, the Secretary of the Home
Mission Board, the subject was quite thoroughly discussed. It was
then discovered that the rules of the Home Mission Board would
not allow the appointment of district travelling missionaries. The
convention then resolved to memorialize the next General Synod
to pass such a rule as to empower the Home Board to take favor-
able action on their requests. This memorial was duly presented
but the General Synod failed to take favorable action on adopting
38 REV. S. P. HARRINGTON, COMMISSIONED. x
such a rule but referred the matter to their Home Board and the
latter declared they were ready to occupy Kansas points as soon
as men and means were available.
The President of Kansas synod in his report for 1876 said, "We
must have in each synod in the West a Superintendent of missions
. . . who will give his entire time to looking after our vacant
churches and promising points, who will be supported in part by
our Board of Home Missions." At the same convention the Kansas
Advisory Board was directed to employ a suitable person for the
ensuing year to serve as a Synodical Missionary at a salary of
$800, raising the salary as largely as possible on the field of his
operations, the synod assuming the deficiency. His duties were to
visit destitute points, vacant congregations, and churches needing
encouragement, preach the Gospel, organize churches, assist in
supplying vacancies with pastors, and to report to the President
once a month.
On the 9th of August, Rev. S. P. Harrington was commissioned
as Travelling Missionary serving for six months. While he was
reported as meeting with "marked success," yet owing to the lack
of funds the commission was recalled. He reported as having visit-
ed 35 points, travelled 2581 miles, preached 78 sermons, supplied
two vacancies, made collections on the field of $191, and incurred
travelling expenses in the sum of $48, the Santa Fe railroad giving
him free transportation. During this time he also organized Mt.
Zion church at Dillon and Ebenezer church in Liberty township,
both churches being in the southern part of Dickinson county, of
which he became pastor upon relinquishing his office. The actual
results of this effort were meager indeed, but what could be ex-
pected with so little actual support aside from the man himself.
It was like sending a laborer into the forest to get material out for
a mill, without axe, or saw, or team. The synod was not ready to
back up the measure with men or money.
The General Synod at its 1877 convention authorized the Board
of Home Missions to appoint travelling missionaries in the West
whenever it deemed it practicable, but the Board for lack of funds
to follow up such an effort did not see its way clear to do so. How-
ever the failure spurred up the friends of the measure and a "Joint
Home Mission Convention" representing the synods of Iowa, Kan-
sas and Nebraska, was called to be held in Kansas City on the 4th
of December, 1877. This convention was held although for lack
of proper advertising it was very slimly attended. Rev. W. A. Lipe
was chosen the President, and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, Secretary.
SECOND WESTERN MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 39
The subjects discussed were, "The Field," "Course and Character
of Immigration," "Ratio of Increase in Population," "Best Methods
of Cultivating the Field," "Ministerial, Lay, and Financial Help,"
"Peculiarities and Difficulties of the Work," "Christian Culture,"
and "Our Work Among the Germans and Scandinavians." No
definite action was taken excepting to call a "Great Western Home
Mission Convention" to be held at Omaha, May 13-15, 1878, and
to which prominent men from the East were to be invited, that they
might see the immense field for themselves.
This latter convention was a decided success, over fifty delegates
being present. Many of the most prominent men of the church
were there taking part in the discussion, such as Rev. J. W. Good-
lin, Secretary of the Home Mission and Church Extension Boards,
Drs. F. W. Conrad, H. Ziegler, L. E. Albert, S. A. Ort, J. G. Butler,
J. H. W. Stuckenberg, L. A. Gotwald and Samuel Aughey, and Pro-
fessors H. L. Baugher, J. W. Richards, and F. W. E. Peschau. Pas-
tors were present from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana,
Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. From Kansas synod there
were present Revs., A. A. Trimper, D. Harbaugh, A. J. Kissell, S. P.
Harrington, L. C. Grosclose, J. G. Groenmiller, Charles Martin,
and C. F. Kaesmann. Secretary Goodlin gave the opening address
on the subject of the convention, viz., "The Development of the
Home Mission Field in the West." Papers were read on "The
Claim of Home Missions," "Lutheran Immigration in the West,"
"Cities and Centers of Influence," "The Germans and Scandinav-
ians," "The West and Her Institutions," and "The Cultivation of
the Field." The main question around which all discussion cen-
tered was the advisability of appointing travelling home mission-
aries in the western synods. The resolutions adopted touched upon
the numerous difficulties in establishing the church in the West and
the firm belief that these could be surmounted; upon the claim of
this field being of the highest importance to every member bearing
the Lutheran name, commending it to the East, the church press,
the pulpits, and the Boards. As to the wisdom of appointing travel-
ling missionaries, the following action was taken.
Resolved, 1. That as the sense of this convention, the Board of
Home Missions be respectfully requested to appoint a travelling
missionary for each of the states of Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska.
Resolved, 2. That a committee be appointed to devise a plan to
be laid before the Board of Home Missions by which these mission-
aries can be successfully put in the three fields and sustained.
Resolved, 3. That it is the sense of this convention that in order
to accomplish only a small part of the missionary work, the im-
40
REV. T. F. DORNBLASER TRAVELLING MISSIONARY.
mediate wants of the West demand that at least $50,000 should be
raised for Home Missions each year.
This convention greatly encouraged the western synods, and none
more than the Kansas synod, which followed up the advantage thus
gained by pressing their claims upon the General Synod. At its
fall convention Kansas synod pledged itself for $400 toward the
salary of a travelling misisonary, and requested the Home Board
to pay the balance, and appoint the missionary who was to be un-
der the direction of the Board. However the Board had no funds
with which to supplement the offer of Kansas synod, but it recom-
mended that this work be taken up by some eastern synods. The
Maryland and Western Pennsyl-
vania synods responded, offer-
ing to add $600 to the $400 of
Kansas synod. This resulted in
the appointment of Rev. T. F.
Dornblaser, as Travelling Mis-
sionary for Kansas synod, the
Board offering to pay his travel-
ling expenses besides, and the
commission dated from Decem-
ber 1, 1878.
The missionary entered upon
his duties with marked enthus-
iasm. His instructions required
him to visit and canvass towns
and communities, with a view
of ascertaining the number
of Lutherans and the char-
acter of the material that could be reached by our church,
to organize the members collected into congregations, to visit and
preach to those organized, and to secure through the assistance of
the Board a pastor when needed, and to render monthly reports
of his operations, and see that every church organized was planted
upon the basis of the General Synod, adopting the Formula for the
Government and Discipline of the church.
During the first year, 1879, the missionary organized congrega-
tions at Halstead in Harvey county, State Center and Pride in Bar-
ton county, Lone Tree in Ellsworth county, Delight in Lincoln
county, Americus in Lyon county, and in 1880 in Pleasant Valley
in Dickinson county, and Lincoln Center in Lincoln county. These
all were what was called in those days, "school-house" churches.
REV. T. F. DORNBLASER^ D. D.
THE HOME BOARD GIVES IT UP. 41
Their history constitute a dark side of missionary effort. After be-
ing admitted into synod and served intermittently by a pastor or
supply, one by one they disintegrated until nothing was left of
them. The Missionary devoted his attention to Atchison, Valley
Falls, Monrovia, Ottawa, Eureka, Waterville, Peabody, Topeka,
etc. At the last named place he spent three months in trying to
revive the work started by Rev. A. J. Hesson, which had been pas-
torless for eight years. The church was practically dead, and only
awaited a decent burial. Rev. J. B. McAfee, Hon. Lewis P. Fiery,
and Elias Shull, Esq., rallied to his support. Nineteen names were
signed to an application to the Board to re-undertake the work
after eight years of hopeless abandonment. McAfee and Fiery
came to the synod that fall and asked that the Travelling Mission-
ary be assigned to Topeka as missionary pastor. The inability or
neglect of Kansas Synod to promptly pay its part of the expenses
of maintaining this secretary in the field led the two Eastern synods
to decline to grant help for a third year. The Home Board accord-
ingly notified Kansas synod that the commission would not be re-
newed. The Advisory Board feeling that the work was too import-
ant to drop asked the newly organized Woman's Home and Foreign
Misisonary Society to contribute $250, which it did, and Rev. Dorn-
blaser continued his work until the end of the synodical year, Octo-
ber, 1880. At this convention Kansas synod pledged $369 to keep
a Synodical Missionary in the field. Rev. J. H. Harpster was elect-
ed to the position, but he declined the office and no other one was
chosen. In the meantime the Home Mission Board created the
office of Western Secretary and placed Rev. S. B. Barnitz in the
field, which so thoroughly satisfied Kansas synod that the matter of
an individual missionary was promptly dropped. Rev. Barnitz was
warmly welcomed in the West as a co-laborer, and for twenty-one
years thereafter, he labored most successfully in planting the
church through the great Middle West.
For a period of six years the question of a Synodical Missionary
was permitted to rest. However, in 1887, the subject was again
agitated, and the Advisory Board was authorized to employ district
missionaries just as soon as money could be provided and men se-
cured, and demanded that the Home Board co-operate. But noth-
ing was done. In 1889 the synod again took up the matter and de-
cided to go ahead and act independently. A Board of seven men
was appointed consisting of Revs. G. D. Gotwald, T. F. Dornblaser,
F. M. Porch, J. M. Cromer, W. M. Sparr, and Messrs A. E. Wagner
and C. H. Lebold. This Board at a meeting held in April, 1890,
42 RESULTS.
appointed Rev. T. F. Dornblaser as Synodical Missionary at a salary
of $100 per month and travelling expenses. He began his work on
the 1st of June, and continued it until the 21st of October. The in-
come was quite precarious, and besides many of the pastors felt
that this work could be done by the Western Secretaries of the
Home Mission and Church Extension Boards. Owing to division
in opinion and lack of support the special board decided to dissolve
and the movement came to an end.
When one attempts to get some tangible evidence of the ultimate
successful results of the labors of the Synodical Missionary dur-
ing the succession of efforts he finds it quite difficult to obtain it.
From the standpoint of real organizations of congregations it must
be considered a failure. Besides the congregations specified here-
tofore, the synodical minutes indicate two others as having been
effected by the Travelling Missionary, one at Pontiac, in Butler
county, and one at Garnett, in Anderson county. Of these eight or
ten congregations none are in existence at present excepting that
at Garnett. The causes of this failure cannot altogether be laid
at the feet of the missionary. Many of these organizations were
at points where there were not many Lutheran families, and where
a little moving away would greatly affect the prosperity of the
church. Had more of them been in populous centers instead of at
country cross roads the result might have been different. Then in
these early days the railroads often made and unmade towns by
organizing towns on their lines with no regard to existing towns,
with the result that the people moved their small houses miles over
the prairie to the new site leaving the old one to languish and die.
Then the Home Mission Board did not always come to the help of
the new organization. The drouths against which no missionary
could guard, drove thousands back to their old Eastern homes.
Besides the Kansas churches were so weak and ofttimes down un-
der the distress of a drouth that they could offer but little help.
However the Travelling Missionary was a God-send to the weak
and vacant churches which he visited and encouraged and fostered,
tiding them over critical periods until they were again on firm
ground. Then it must be acknowledged that some of the efforts
were more or less spasmodic and uncertain, and consequently
short-lived. Such efforts in the very nature of things could not
be permanent. Viewing it as a whole, we are satisfied were it not
for the frequent crop-failures which brought untold suffering and
extreme poverty on the people, the results would have measured
up with those which have been made in our Eastern synods where
similar movements prevailed.
KANSAS HOME MISSIONS AND WESTERN SECRETARIES. 43
KANSAS HOME MISSIONS AND THE
WESTERN SECRETARIES.
The planting of our church in this great state, in its very incep-
tion, was made possible by aid from the old Home Mission Society.
There are only two or three churches in the Synod which have not
received aid from one or another of our mission boards. The first
missionary to be commissioned on the territory of Kansas Synod
was Rev. David Earhart located at Monrovia, and who preached at
several other points, who received in 1862-4 the sum of $150 per
year. Although this indefatigable worker labored in Kansas for
nearly twenty years, other than this, he never received aid from the
mission boards. Rev. Earhart was followed at Monrovia by Rev.
S. P. Harrington, who received help during 1864-5-6 of about $150
per year. In the fall of 1864 Rev. Morris Officer became Secretary
of the newly re-organized Home Mission Society. He was the first
Lutheran missionary officer to penetrate the West, which he did that
year, coming as far as Sedalia, Missouri, and in so doing he saw
its great opportunity and was thrilled by it. In 1866 he came again
this time visiting St. Louis, Tipton, and Kansas City, Missouri, and
Lawrence, Topeka, Monrovia, Atchison, and Grasshopper Falls,
Kansas. During this visit he carefully examined these points with
the view of stationing missionaries in them as soon as he could
raise the money and get the men, for in that day of beginnings the
Secretary had to expend a great deal of personal energy to get
either men or money. In 1867 he had been successful enough in
raising funds that he felt the time was ripe for organizing. That
year he made a trip westward organizing churches through his per-
sonal efforts at St. Louis, Tipton, Versailles and Kansas City, Mis-
souri, and at Lawrence and Topeka, Kansas. This was all done
after he had personally made tedious house-to-house canvasses.
At Topeka and Lawrence he located as missionary Rev. A. J. Hes-
son; at Kansas City, Rev. A. W. Wagenhals; at Tipton and Ver-
sailles, Rev. E. J. Keplinger; and at St. Louis, Rev. S. W. Harkey.
During the ensuing year he located at Atchison Rev. M. G. Boyer
as pastor. All of these points as yet were in territory which had
no synodical connection until the organization of Kansas Synod in
November, 1868. The particular work he did for these churches
is described in their local history found elsewhere in this volume.
44 REV. MORRIS OFFICER, FIRST SECRETARY.
The influence of these visits in the great and growing West set
his earnest soul on fire. The opportunity and importance of oc-
cupying these promising centers so occupied his mind that he could
not rest. The expense of maintaining men in these new fields, and
of giving necessary and adequate help in erecting church homes,
laid upon him a responsibility which greatly tried him. He had
personally pledged himself to raise among his friends and the
synods in the East several thousand dollars, a task in those early
days not easily accomplished. This struggle is graphically de-
scribed in Dr. Imhoff's Life of Morris Officer. To bring it about
he would set himself to prayer and letter-writing until compelled
to rest from utter exhaustion. Even while he rode over the coun-
try his versatile pen was busy laying these western mission fields
upon the hearts of synods in the East. He obtained specific pledges
from synods for individual churches. Then after he had the money
question settled he found it difficult to obtain competent men for
the work. Able men located in comfortable charges in the East
shrank from going into mission work in the West and at the same
time taking a reduced salary with an element of uncertainty in it,
and at a distance of a thousand miles from home at that. After
several failures he concluded that he must take young men, who
as yet had not been located. So he went to the theological semin-
aries using his eloquence in persuading young men there to enter
the mission field. The West had a bright side and he was not slow
in presenting it. By dint of hard work, such as possibly will not
be fully understood or appreciated, he not only secured the men
but raised the money for their sustenance.
When the present Board of Home Missions was organized at
Washington, D. C, in 1869, taking over the assets and liabilities of
the old Home Mission Society, Rev. Officer became its General
Secretary, and at the same time assumed the secretaryship of the
then very young and as yet inefficient Board of Church Extension.
Now he felt he was backed up by the General Synod. Before this
his backing was a society which had no official connection with the
General Synod, save as a missionary organization within it, sup-
ported by some of its leading spirits, but to which it was not pledged
for any definite work or funds. In mid-summer that year he again
visited Kansas Synod missions counselling with the members and
seeking to promote the interests of these new organizations, and
in mid-winter he again came West, travelling on free transportation
furnished him by the Missouri and Union Pacific railroads, and this
latter time he penetrated further west, touching Emporia, Abilene,
DEATH OF OFFICER.
45
Salina, Junction City and other points, impressing every one with
whom he came into contact with the work which lay so warmly
upon his heart. During this trip he purchased a farm in Ottawa
county through Dr. J. E. Tressler, of Peabody. Becoming discour-
aged owing to poor health and doctrinal unrest, he resigned his
office in June, 1871, and immediately started for Kansas with his
family to live on his farm, thinking he could support them easier
as a farmer and at the same time recuperate his shattered health.
In October that year he left the Lutheran church and united with the
Congregationalists, serving for them several unimportant congre-
gations. His health continuing to fail him, and bereaved of two
of his children, he removed to Topeka where he died November 1,
1871. On the day of his funeral Rev. J. W. Goodlin, his successor
— h
i^L
\ 1
.,_ . ,
REV. J. W. GOODLAND, D. D.
REV. MORRIS OFFICER.
in office, happened, providentially it would seem, to stop off in
Topeka, and hearing of the death and funeral, attended, and was
invited to speak, and gave to the deceased such a tribute as only
a Lutheran could give him.
Rev. J. W. Goodlin, the new Secretary of the Boards did not give
Kansas the attention that Rev. Officer did, in personal visits. In
1871 Grasshopper Falls and Randolph (Swedish) received help
46
REV. S. B. BARNITZ WESTERN SECRETARY.
from the Home Board and Lawrence received a loan of $1500. In
1873 missionaries were located at Salina, Waterville, Bunker Hill,
Abilene, and Grantford (Swedish). During the following bi-en-
nium no new missions were taken by the Home Board although the
Church Extension Board loaned $2,045 to the Kansas City mission.
During 1876-7 no new missions were located; however in 1878-9
Eureka, Dillon, and Hays City were given help, and in 1880-1
Greenleaf and Atchison were enrolled as missions. During this
latter biennium the Church Extension Board donated $4,500 to
Salina and $150 to Hays City, and loaned $200 to Bunker Hill.
The General Secretary did not make any visits to Kansas that bi-
ennium depending possibly on the travelling missionaries of Kansas
Synod to do the work.
The fall of 1881 opens a new era of missionary activity in the
West, owing largely to a change of policy in the management of
missionary work. For some time it had become the settled con-
viction upon the part of the Home Board that one secretary in
charge of the entire Western District would subserve the interests
of western missions as a whole better than a number of synodical
travelling missionaries. In harmony with this idea Rev. Samuel B.
REV. L. P. LUDDEN, D. D.
REV. S. B. BARNITZ, D. D.
REVS. BARNITZ AND LENKER. 47
Barnitz was placed in the field as Western Secretary of Home Mis-
sions with headquarters at Des Moines, Iowa. At the same time
some definite rules were adopted which declared that no support
would be given a country congregation which could possibly be or-
ganized into a self-sustaining charge by combination with other
congregations, or to a pastor who operated a farm in connection
with his church.
During 1882-3 new missions were organized at Peabody and Ells-
worth, and the Church Extension Board gave donations to Green-
leaf of $78, and raised its donation to Salina through the personal
efforts of Rev. Hartsock to $6,500, and loans were made of $300
to Peabody, $500 to Hays City, $200 to Bunker Hill, $300 to Green-
leaf, and $400 to Eureka, the last named loan being however re-
turned unused, as the church at Eureka successfully raised all the
money they needed on the day the church was dedicated. At this
time the latter Board adopted the rule that no donation should ex-
ceed $500, and no donation should be given to a church costing
over $5,000, and that no loans should exceed $5,000.
In the fall of 1883 the secretaryship of the two boards was sep-
arated. Rev. Jacob A. Clutz was chosen General $ecretary of the
Home Board and Rev. S. B. Barnitz, Western Secretary, and Rev.
J. W. Richards, was made General Secretary of the Church Exten-
sion Board. In July, 1886, Rev. J. N. Lenker became the Western
Representative of the latter Board. This arrangement placed two
men in the Western field, and Revs. Barnitz and Lenker set them-
selves to the task with most commendable zeal, and together they
soon began to see good fruits from their efforts. Rev. Barnitz was
very active in promoting the work in Kansas and Nebraska. He
carefully informed himself as to the needs and prospects of every
mission on the territory, and did this by visiting the missions,
preaching in their churches, and visiting in their homes. He trav-
eled the state north and south and east and west many times over
until he was without doubt as fully familiar with his territory as
ever was a home mission secretary. Not only did he know the men
as pastors, but he widely became acquainted with the lay member-
ship, and by letter and otherwise kept himself in constant touch
with the missions themselves. His work may be regarded as most
successful.
Rev. Lenker, the Western Representative of the Church Exten-
sion Board conceived the idea of the purchase of church lots in
all the new towns in the West in which Lutheran families could
be found and deeding them to his Board for future use. In this
48 LOANS AND DONATIONS.
he was encouraged, and throwing his whole soul into the effort he
succeeded in purchasing many lots in Kansas towns which were
largely paid for by Lutherans residing there through the the assist-
ance of Mr. Lenker, costing the Board only a trifle. During the
Biennium of 1886-7 he secured seventy-five such lots, aided in
starting six new churches, two parsonages, and in raising funds
for them and turning over to his Board property valued at $8,000.
So he did year after year, his work largely covering Kansas and
Nebraska. Just how much of this was strictly upon Kansas Synod-
ical territory we cannot determine. This will however give the
scope of his work. The results, as we sum them up today are not
so roseate. At the time the plan seemed really very feasible, but
experience proves that the investment was not very profitable. Most
of the lots were never built upon. Some were located in boomed
towns, and others were not favorably situated when the time came
for the erection of the church, and a great many are located in
towns in which there is no open door for our church. Really there
are only two or three Kansas churches built upon these lots. How-
ever the work of Secretary Lenker cannot be judged from the suc-
cess or failure of the church lot enterprise. He proved himself very
valuable in raising church debts, serving weak churches, and in
other ways. Among other church missionary officers the President
of the Board Rev. Chas. S. Albert came to Kansas a number of
times. He with Secretaries Barnitz and Clutz composed a trio
which soon became known as the "A B C" of Home Missions.
During the Biennium of 1884-5 new missions were opened at
Ottawa, Emporia, Denver, and Kansas City (The Children's Mem-
orial), and loans were made to the Memorial of $875, to Topeka
of $5,000, and a donation to the Memorial of Kansas City of $2,125,
and to Topeka of $200. During 1886-7 Banner City and Valley
Falls became missions and loans were made to Denver of $5,000,
Minneapolis of $300, Emporia of $3,000, Long Island of $300, and
Valley Falls of $500. Donations were made to the Memorial of
Kansas City of $1,400; Denver, $7,262; Minneapolis, $60; Emporia,
$504; and Ottawa, $74. During 1888-9 Hutchinson, Leavenworth,
Minneapolis, Wellington, Perth, and Portland were enrolled as new
missions. Loans were made to Kanapolis, of $50; Valley Falls,
$500; Oberlin, $300; Perth, $300; Ellsworth, $400; Norway, $200;
Norcatur, $300; Manchester, $300; Atchison, $1,000; Wellington,
$500; and donations to Perth, $200; Ellsworth, $200; Manchester,
$100; Kanapolis, $100; Memorial of Kansas City, $411; Emporia,
$190; Oberlin, $319; Perth, $10; Ellsworth, $20; and Atchison,
LOANS AND DONATIONS
49
$25. During 1890-1 new missions were established at Manchester,
Garnett, Washington, and Wichita, and loans were made to St.
James church, Dickinson county, $300; Oberlin, $500; Chapman,
$300; Hutchinson, $1,000; and donations were made to Effingham,
$250; and Topeka, $400; and small sums under one- hundred dol-
lars to Emporia, Norcatur, Ellsworth and Hutchinson. During
1892-3 Norcatur was given aid and loans were made to Garnett,
$800; Kansas City Memorial, $3,000; Valley Falls, $200; Wichita,
$2,000; Leavenworth, $1,000; and donations were made to Garnett,
$325; Kansas City Memorial, $60; Leavenworth, $225; and Well-
ington, $439. During 1894-5 Chapman and St. Joseph were en-
rolled, and loans were made to Hutchinson, $500; St. Joseph,
$3,000; and donations, to Wichita, $300; Hutchinson, $300; and
Ottawa, $300. During, 1896-7 Beloit and Sedalia were given help
and loans were made to Sedalia of $3,000 and a donation of $100.
During 1898-9 Jerico was the only new mission. In 1900-1 no new
missions were undertaken and loans were made in small sums to
Thomas, Kansas; First church, Kansas City; and donations, largely
in settlements, to Lawrence, Russell and Wellington. During
1902-3 Perth was again enrolled as a mission and new missions
REV. J. N. LENKER, D. D.
REV. H. L. YARGER, D. D.
50
LOANS AND DONATIONS.
were opened at Oklahoma City, Okla., and Kansas City, Kansas.
Loans were made to the last named points and donations largely
in settlements to Eureka, Russell, Barnes, Hays, Emporia, Hutchin-
son, Kansas City First, and straight loans to Kansas City, Kansas
and Oklahoma City. During 1904-5 no new points were opened.
Loans were made to Kansas City, First, $3,000; Kansas City,
Grace, $300; and Kansas City, Kansas, loan and donation of
$1,740. Donations were made to Russell, Ottawa, $100; Hays,
$250; Emporia, $125, and Oklahoma City loan and donation $1,270.
The present secretaries operating in Kansas $ynod are Rev. H.
L. Yarger, D. D., and Rev. L. P. Ludden, D. D. Dr. Yarger succeed-
ed Rev. J. N. Lenker, January 1, 1895, and for twelve years he has
shown himself a very efficient and intelligent worker. He has re-
sided on the territory of Kansas $ynod all this time and has super-
vised the later operations of the Board of Church Extension in this
$ynod. Dr. Ludden succeeded the late Dr. Barnitz, in February,
1903, with headquarters at Lincoln, Nebr., and is at present in
charge of all home missionary developments on this territory.
$od houses and sod churches were not uncommon in the early
days of Kansas and Nebraska. The above engraving is from a
photo of a sod Lutheran church in Nebraska.
HISTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS. 51
HISTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS.
It has been quite a difficult task to definitely locate a number of
the early churches, especially the "school house" organizations.
The early minutes of the Synod do not name or locate the various
congregations of a pastoral charge in the parochial reports. Quite
often simply the name of the pastor is given, omitting even his
residence, and a figure to indicate the number of congregations
he served, but no separate statistics relative to the individual
churches of his parish or the precise location of the same. Some
of these school house churches shifted from one school district to
another, and went by the name of the school house for the time
being, so that in the course of a number of years two and even
three names become attached to the same congregation, and these
finally find place in the minutes, which in turn led the historian a
merry chase in his work with the possible danger of his making
the mistake of entering more organizations than really existed.
Then in the early minutes a school house church would be aban-
doned and the only reference to the fact would be a numeral, less
by one unit, but nothing to show which of the various congrega-
tions of the charge had disbanded. The sketches of the pastorates
following were written from data largely furnished by the pastor-
ate. The information from some charges being much fuller than
others. Errors will be found doubtless in these sketches because
statements oft-times were furnished from memory rather than from
recorded data. Owing to the limits of this volume they have had
to be necessarily condensed to simply an outline history with no
room for the recording of the many struggles necessary in the
founding of some of the organizations.
ABILENE, TRINITY.
"It is now thirty-four years since I was at Abilene," writes Rev.
W. E. Crebs, our first pastor there, in response to our request for
early reminiscences. "It had just been located as the county-seat
of Dickinson county. Up to that time it had been the shipping
point of the great Texas cattle trade. Here the cowboys were in
great evidence and especially when they were paid off. Then usual-
ly followed a couple weeks of revelry ending generally in debauch.
52
TRINITY CHURCH, ABILENE.
They were hundreds of miles from home and free from all restraints
as there were no civil officers to look after them of whom they were
afraid. It required more than ordinary prudence to be safe among
them and murder was a common occurrence. There was but one
church building in the place, a union chapel. It was common fish-
ing ground, and the man with the longest line or the strongest net
and most skilled in the casting, would make the biggest haul."
TRINITY CHURCH, (OLD BUILDING.)
PARSONAGE, ABILENE.
After making a canvass of the place Rev. Crebs effected an or-
ganization on the 22nd of October 1870. A constitution according
to the Formula of the General Synod was adopted, and officers
elected. The church was named "The First English Lutheran
church of Abilene." This name was retained until February 18th,
1879, when the church was incorporated under the laws of the
state as "Trinity Lutheran Church." The charter members were
the following: J. M. Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Lebold, Mr.
and Mrs. W. H. Eicholtz, Mrs. W. E. Crebs, J. E. Tressler, M. D.,
TRINITY CHURCH, ABILENE. 53
Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Nixon, G. Strome, Mr. and Mrs. J. Johntz, and
M. Senn. The first Church Council was composed of J. M. Shep-
herd and J. Johntz, elders; C. H. Lebold and J. E. Tressler, dea-
cons; and W. H. Eicholtz, W. L. Nixon, and M. Senn, trustees.
The church was placed on the roll of Kansas Synod in the Fall of
1871. At the first congregational meeting Mr. J. Augustine was
chosen president and Mr. C. H. Lebold, secretary. At this meeting
a building committee was appointed and instructed to "proceed at
once to the erection of a parsonage and to secure funds to erect
a church the following summer." Lots were donated for both the
church building and parsonage by Messrs Lebold and Augustine,
and by the middle of the following year the parsonage was com-
plete. This was erected on a lot immediately west of the present
church building. For the first year and half services were held
in the old Baptist church, then in the old Metropolitan Hall, a
building destroyed by fire since then. Here the congregation reg-
ularly worshipped until they entered the new church building. The
Board of Home Missions at first granted the church aid to the ex-
tent of $300 a year and this was diminished year by year until 1878
when the church became self sustaining.
Rev. Crebs was followed by Rev. S. P. Harrington in August,
1871, who served the church nearly five years. From September,
1876, to April of the following year, Rev. W. H. Lilly was pastor.
In September, 1877, Rev. A. J. Kissell took charge. It was at this
time the congregation began to grow and assume permanent estab-
lishment. Self support was one of the first positive moves under
the new pastor. Plans were next adopted for the erection of a
church building. These called for a brick building 40 by 60 feet.
The building was dedicated August 18, 1878, Rev. Joshua Crouse,
D. D., preaching the sermon, assisted by a number of Lutheran
brethren from neighboring places. The building cost with furnish-
ings $5,500 having after dedication some indebtedness; however
no assistance was received from the Church Extension Society.
This debt was carried until 1883 when it was entirely wiped out,
though to do it required the selling of the parsonage.
Prior to the time the church entered into its own building it unit-
ed with the Methodist and Presbyterians in conducting a union Sun-
day school. In 1878 it organized its own school, and this, owing
to the good fortune of capable leadership, has been a great factor
in the efficiency of the church and its growth. On the 16th of June,
1880, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was or-
ganized, the earliest among our Lutheran churches in Kansas save
54
TRINITY CHURCH, ABILENE.
those at the Waterville and the Hebron churches of the Waterville
charge which were organized the fall previous. This society has
been a very helpful one in this Synod setting a noble pace for those
organized later. In 1882 a Ladies' Aid Society was organized and
this also has been a very helpful factor to the church. Among the
■ good works of this society was the purchase in October, 1897, of
the property at 514 West Third street for $1,350, and the presenta-
tion of the same to the church, free from all debt, to be used as a
parsonage. Since then this property has been greatly improved and
modernized and is worth $4,000. Another good work of this so-
ciety was the installing in 1901 of a fine Moller pipe organ in the
church at a cost of $1,500. Early in May 1907 ground was broken
for the erection of an addition to the church building for the better
accommodation of the Sunday School and for the promotion of the
social life of the church. The building is according to plans pre-
pared by W. E. Harris, Architect of Kansas City, Kansas, is mod-
ernly equipped, 56 by 37 feet, constructed of pressed brick with
Strong City stone trimmings. On the first floor is a vestibule en-
trance 16 by 15 feet, a primary room 19 by 16 feet and a main
room 36 by 36 feet. This Poor is finished in hard pine and seated
with chairs. There are two sets of the Wilson vertical rolling par-
TR1NITY CHURCH, (NEW BUILDING.)
TRINITY CHURCH, ABILENE. 55
titions enclosing the openings between the rooms. In the basement
there is a dining hall 36 by 36 feet, a kitchen 18 by 15 feet and
toilet rooms. The basement has a high ceiling, is well lighted, has
a concrete floor and three exits. The approximate cost of the im-
provements, including the contract price of $5,211, art glass win-
dows, plumbing, steam heating plant, lighting and furnishing was
$7,500. The building committee was C. Johntz, H. L. Humphrey,
H. Johntz and the pastor. The finance committee was J. E. Brewer,
J. E. Keel and G. C. Sterl. J. L. Kruger, of Abilene, contractor.
The church has a strong Luther League composed of upwards of
a hundred young people. It has at present 200 communicant mem-
bers and property to the value of $18,000 with some indebtedness.
It has the strongest working force of any of our Kansas church,
is the leading church in the city, and among its members are some
of the wealthiest and most influential of its citizens. Its pastors
following Rev. A. J. Kissell, were Rev. G. A. Bowers, D. D., Octo-
ber, 1882, to October, 1886. Rev. E. B. Killinger, (supply) Octo-
ber, 1886, to April, 1887. Rev. F. M. Porch, May, 1887, to October,
1890; Rev. W. L. Seabrook, December, 1890, to June, 1894. Rev.
H. C. Haithcox, D. D., November, 1894, to May, 1899. In October,
1900, Rev. Fuller Bergstresser, the present pastor took charge.
ATCHISON, ST. MARK'S.
The history of the Lutheran church in Atchison comprises a suc-
cession of efforts which finally culminated in the organization of
the present congregation. The original effort antedates the organ-
ization of Kansas Synod. Early in 1867 Mr. J. H. Talbott, an
ardent member of the Lutheran church, called attention through
the columns of the Lutheran Observer, to Atchison as a splendid
point for a Lutheran mission. He induced some thirty families to
subscribe for the Observer. Through correspondence he solicited
the interest of Rev. Morris Officer, then Secretary of the Home
Mission Society. At the meeting of the General Synod at Harris-
burg in 1863 Rev. Officer persuaded Rev. M. G. Boyer, then a li-
centiate serving a church at Marklesburg, Pa., to become a mis-
sionary at Atchison. He and his young wife arrived on the 30th
of July. He was not very favorably impressed with the town, it
"Presenting a rough and un-inviting appearance." Price's Hall,
then located on South Fourth street, between Main and Commer-
cial streets, was rented and fitted up and services begun and a Sun-
56
ST. MARK'S CHURCH, ATCHISON.
day school organized. An organization of a church of twenty-
three members was effected on the 20th of September. The first
Church Council consisted of Messrs C. Weber and H. Gehrett,
elders; J. H. Talbott, J. Beamer, H. Snyder, and F. Brendt, deacons.
On the fifth of November this congregation through its pastor
participated in the organization of Kansas Synod.
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ST. MARK'S CHURCH.
In the spring of 1869 bright hopes were entertained of having
a chapel. Arrangements were made to meet all of the expenses
and the Church Council was about to take the necessary steps
when a damper was put on the effort by an aged minister who ad-
vised delay on account of the financial stringency of the times, and
the numerical weakness of the church. In the mean time the Board
of Church Extension granted them a loan of S500 which was in-
vested in the purchase of an excellent lot on Kansas Avenue, and
the propriety of erecting on it a frame church 35 by 55 was care-
fully discussed.
Among the members at this time was Rev. A. W. Wagenhals who
was engaged in the real estate business. At the latters suggestion
ST. MARK'S CHURCH, ATCHISON. 57
the mission purchased a fifteen acre tract of land adjoining the
town on the northwest, which they platted and offered for sale hop-
ing to make enough in profits with which to erect the church. In
this they were greatly disappointed barely selling enough to pay
for the land, however holding the balance for future use. After this
the congregation used the Congregational church. Then many
moved away. To add to their troubles, Rev. Boyer resigned at the
end of the year, (1869). After this Rev. Wagenhals supplied the
congregation with preaching now and then, during his brief resi-
dence in Atchison. For ten years the church was pastorless and
a victim of all the disintegrating influences of a shepherdless
church. The lots of the church were sold for taxes and the time for
their redemption had about expired when Mr. Talbott wrote the
state of affairs to Rev. J. B. McAfee, who redeemed the property
and had the lots deeded to the Board of Church Extension subject
to the call of Kansas Synod.
In 1880 Rev. W. I. Cutter, a returned missionary from India, with
the assistance of Rev. David Earhart and his daughter Mrs. H. E.
Monroe, gathered together the remnants of the old organization
with the thought of re-organizing. Mrs. Monroe was then conduct-
ing a private school known as "The Atchison Institute," and offered
her school room for a place of worship. On the 8th of August the
re-organization took place with the following elected as Church
Council: Elders, J. H. Berlin, W. H. Kuhns and N. D. Kistler;
Deacons, J. L. Heisey, \V. D. Kistler, and John Tusselman; Trus-
tees, J. H. Talbott, W. D. Smith and S. J. Clarke. During a part
of the time aid was received from the Board of Home Missions.
The new congregation was admitted into Kansas Synod that fall.
The church was served in connection with another congregation.
In 1882 the missionary aid was withdrawn and Rev. Cutter resigned
and for two years the congregation again languished. In Novem-
ber, 1884, Rev. George S. Diven was commissioned by the Board
to take up the work at Atchison. Interest was revived, and the old
membership was rounded up, and another re-organization was
effected. This congregation worshipped in the old Odd Fellows
Hall. A wide awake Sunday school was organized and a great
effort put forth to sucessfully plant a church there. The Presi-
dent of Synod (1885) reported that this field was "growing in mem-
bers and influence," and that year the pastor reported sixty mem-
bers. The "boom" season occurred during Rev. Diven's pastorate
when everything was rushed along at a tremendous pace. Rev.
Diven fell in with the movement and when the cry for a college at
58 ST. MARK'S CHURCH, ATCHISON.
Atchison was made by the "Boom Syndicate" the pastor promptly
began the agitation for a Lutheran college there. The success of
this endeavor upon his part will stand as a monument to the heroic
efforts of Pastor Diven and his people. Midland college once estab-
lished in Atchison, the future of the church was assured. In Feb-
ruary the church was incorporated as "St. Mark's English Evangel-
ical Church." Rev. Diven resigned in 1887, and in April the fol-
lowing year Rev. W. F. Rentz was called and commissioned mis-
sionary. He set himself to work at once to establish the church
and secure a building. The present location was purchased for
$5,000. The south part with the dwelling on it was sold to the
pastor, for $1,750. Plans were at once adopted for the erection of
a chapel 32 by 60 ft. The corner stone was laid on the 1st of Sep-
tember, and on the 16th of December the church was formally ded-
icated, Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., preaching the sermon and Rev. A.
M. Geiger making the appeal for money. The building and equip-
ment cost $4,010. The auditorium was seated with assembly chairs.
The Church Extension Board loaned them $1,000. For nine years
pastor Rentz led his flock into larger fields of success. In Novem-
ber, 1897, Rev. L. S. Keyser took charge, serving the church most
acceptably. He relinquished the field in April, 1903. Dr. Keyser
was very helpful to the college during his pastorate. From Septem-
ber 1st, 1903, to January 1st, 1905, Rev. R. W. Hufford, D. D., was
pastor of the church. After a vacancy of nine months Rev. A. E.
Renn took charge.
This church received aid from the mission board for fifteen years.
It became self-sustaining on Nov. 1st, 1902. It now ranks among
our most loyal churches. It is free from debt, has a good Woman's
Home and Foreign Missionary Society, a Luther League and a
strong Sunday school. It reports 160 members and property valued
at $7,000.
ATCHISON COUNTY, MISSOURI CHARGE.
In 1869 Rev. J. G. Groenmiller and three congregations came
into Kansas Synod with a membership of 110 communicants, Ger-
man congregations, located at Rockport and Dry Creek in Atchison
county, Mo., and at McElroy in Richardson county. Neb. In the
same year a church building was erected at Rockport, which was
dedicated on Reformation Day (Oct. 31), Revs. Carlos Martin and
E. Huber assisting in the dedication. The McElroy congregation
ZION CHURCH, BELOIT.
59
built a church in 1871. When the Nebraska Synod was organized
in 1871 these churches transferred their membership to that synod.
BELOIT, ZION.
During the summer of 1886 while Rev. J. G. Trefz was preach-
ing near the Blue Hills community in Mitchell county he found
better material in and about Beloit for a permanent organization
and turned his attention to that point, and began to hold German
services regularly in the Presbyterian church at that place Sunday
afternoons. On the 1st of September the same year he organized
Zion church with the following charter members: John Brown, F.
Gladow, Chas. Franz, Andrew Range, Carl Spreuger, Edward
Schwarz, Jacob Eberle, Gust. Eberle, Fred Glauser, S. Scheriff,
Geo. Freyder, Katie Flenner, John Sturve, Edw. Stuerve, W. F.
Gabe, A. W. Boiler, F. Freyder, Chas. Ade, George Leitter, Wm.
J. Franz, Gottlieb Hodler, John Eberle, John Freyder, G. H. Franz,
Chas. Fiedler, George Mathis, W. C. Hoffmeister, Otto Stueve and
Carl Racky. A constitution was adopted and officers elected. The
language was to be German, and the church decided to remain in-
dependent of any SynodiGal connection. Realizing that little perm-
anent progress could be made without a building they decided at
once to proceed with the erection of a church. Plans adopted called
zion's church and parsonage.
60 MT. ZION CHURCH, BUNKER HILL.
for a stone building 32 by 60 feet with vestibule and belfrey, which
complete and furnished cost some over $3,000. The dedication took
place on the 23d of July, 1887, the pastor preaching the sermon.
During the pastorate of Rev. Trefz, Zion's church and St. Paul's
of Glasco were united into a pastoral charge. In the fall of 1894
the pastor, with a lay delegate, Mr. J. S. Grau, made application
for the reception of the congregation into Kansas Synod, and it
was duly received. Rev. Trefz resigned in December the same year,
and was followed the following June by Rev. P. G. Tonsing who
remained with the congregation until February, 1901. During the
pastorate of Rev. Tonsing the congregation received aid from the
Board of Home Missions, and also for some time after 1903. In
July, 1901, Rev. G. Wenning took charge remaining till the follow-
ing spring. In June, 1902, Rev. Nielson became pastor. He at
once began a movement looking toward erecting a parsonage. In
this he was successful, erecting a comfortable building of seven
rooms, with bath, and other conveniences, costing $1,500. During
the pastorate of Rev. Tonsing services were held alternating in Ger-
man and English. The Luther League holds its services in the Eng-
lish language. The property is well equipped with walks, fences,
a stable, and is kept up in first class shape. One of the young lad-
ies, Miss Louisa Runft presented the church with a fine bell. The
church at present has 110 members enrolled, no indebtedness, and
property valued at $6,000. Rev. Nielson resigned this charge April
14, 1906 and Rev. John Utesch accepted a call December 1st of
the same year, and is now pastor.
BUNKER HILL, MT. ZION
Through the efforts of Rev. J. B. Corbet in the Spring of 1871,
the first Lutheran preaching services were held in Russell
county. On the 21st of December that year he wrote to Rev. D.
Harbaugh, the President of Kansas Synod, urging that an organiza-
tion be effected, and in the spring of 1872 this was accomplished
by Rev. G. A. Exline with nine charter members. Rev. Exline be-
coming the pastor. The new charge was taken on the funds of the
Mission Board June 1st, 1872, the Board giving $300 per year of
the salary. The church was admitted into Kansas Synod the same
fall. Rev. Exline resigned in 1874 and was succeeded by Rev. J.
B. Corbett who remained during 1875-6. On the 20th of March
the latter year Rev. A. K. Felton took charge as missionary. The
MT. ZION CHURCH, BUNKER HILL.
61
latter was succeeded in March, 1879, by Rev. H. F. Long, a veteran
of the Civil War, whose evidence of loyal service to his country was
shown in the absence of one arm. Up to this time the church had
worshipped in the school house. He at once instituted a move-
ment for the erection of a building for the mission, in which move-
ment the women of the congregation were the moving spirits. Lots
were secured and a loan promised from the Board of Church Ex-
MT. ZION S CHURCH.
tension of $400. The corner-stone was laid on the 25th of April,
1880, Rev. J. H. Harpster preaching the sermon, and Revs. T. F.
Dornblaser, G. A. Exline and J. B. Corbett assisting the pastor in
the ceremonies. The plans called for a substantial stone structure
33 by 53 feet. The building was completed and ready for the con-
vention.of Kansas Synod which met at Bunker Hill on the 5th of
October, 1881. The formal dedication took place on the following
Sunday, the 9th, when Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., preached the ser-
mon. The appeal added $741 to the $1200 needed and the short-
age was assumed by the Church Council. Rev. S. S. Waltz, the
President of Synod, conducted the consecration services assisted
by Rev. S. B. Barnitz. The church is a gothic structure with a
seating capacity of 300 and cost $3,000. This church is a monu-
ment to the devotion and energy of its women. Through their ef-
forts $600 was raised at home and over $800 through appeals in
the church papers during the course of the year prior to the dedica-
tion. Rev. Long resigned in April, 1883, and was succeeded by Rev.
N. A. Whitman who remained only a few months. After a vacancy
of over a year Rev. Jacob Schauer became pastor in which he was
62 EXCELSIOR CHURCH, BUNKER HILL CHARGE.
ably assisted by a most excellent wife. A Woman's Horns and
Foreign Missionary Society was organized soon after and it con-
tinued a very helpful organization till 1897. In July, 1889, Rev.
Schauer resigned and was succeeded in 1890 by Rev. H. A. Koogle
who remained until June, 1893. After a vacancy of three years
Rev. B. F. Kistler a licentiate of the Western Theological Seminary,
took charge July 1st, 1896. On April 1st, 1900 he was succeeded
by Rev. J. N. Zimmer, who served the pastorate until June, 1903.
Rev. Oscar Ostrom, a member of the Augustana Synod, supplied
them in 1904, and after this they were supplied from the Seminary
at Atchison. On January 1st, 1907, Rev. J. M. Barnes, the present
pastor took charge. This church and Excelsior church comprise
the Bunker Hill pastorate. The church reports 30 members and
a property valued at $2,000 with an indebtedness of $400 to the
Church Extenrion Board.
BUNKER HILL, EXCELSIOR.
The pioneer work resulting in the organization of the Excelsior
Ev. Lutheran church, located a few miles north of Ellsworth, was
done by Rev. John A Bright between 1882 and 1886. The church
was organized by him on the 3d of October, 1886, in the Buffalo
school house with thirteen charter members. At the meeting of
Synod the year following an application for membership was pre-
sented signed by the following members: Jacob Bowers, Samuel
Weinhold, Fred Langermann, A. Weinhold, John Camber, Frank
Hallman, Lucy A. Cline, B. D. Cline, Catharine Weinhold, Sarah
Sanford, Mrs. Susan Camber, Ella Weinhold, Sophie Hohl, Susie
Camber, Minnie Camber, Chas. Langermann, Hattie Langermann,
John Langermann, Chas. R. White, Carrie A. White, Mary Langer-
mann, Sophia Langermann, Louise Langermann, David Dague, Lillie
Bowers, Hattie Bowers, Louise Weinhold, Carrie Weinhold, and
A. S. Hunter, and the pastor, Rev. H. L. Yarger. This application
was favorably acted upon and the congregation enrolled. Rev.
Bright was succeeded by Rev. H. L. Yarger and the church was
served in connection with that at Ellsworth until 1892 when it was
connected with the Mt. Zion church of Bunker Hill as a pastoral
charge. Rev. Yarger was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Krebs who took
charge of the Ellsworth pastorate, then composed of Trinity, St.
Paul's and Excelsior, on the 10th of September, 1889, but resigned
in a few months. He was succeeded in February, 1890, by Rev.
EXCELSIOR CHURCH, BUNKER HILL CHARGE.
63
E. S. Rees, who also remained but a few months. The church was
then supplied by Rev. H. A. Koogle. Rev. E. B. Killinger followed
resigning June 12, 1892. During 1893-6 as a part of the Bunker
Hill charge the church was pastorless. On the 1st of July, 1896,
Rev. B. F. Kistler of the Theological Seminary at Midland took
charge. He at once advocated the erection of a church building
and his advances were favorably received. The congregation ral-
lied faithfully around their young pastor and ways and means were
soon provided. In this effort they were assisted by the Bunker Hill
church and also from the sale of the Kanapolis church. The corner-
stone was laid on the 26th of October, 1897, and the building was
EXCELSIOR CHURCH.
dedicated on Easter following, April 10. The sermon was preached
by Rev. H. L. Yarger. The building is situated on the highest point
of land in that vicinity and is a conspicuous object seen miles away.
It is a frame structure 30 by 40 feet having a tower 10 by 10 feet
in the center front, 56 feet high. The furniture is oak and walnut.
The ceiling is of hard pine. The entire money cost was $1,800 all
of which had been provided before the dedication with the excep-
tion of $160 which was more than met with the free offering on
the day of dedication. The building is a credit to the energy and
wisdom of its young pastor. Rev. Kistler resigned October 1st,
1900, and on April 14th following Rev. J. N. Zimmer took charge,
retaining the pastorate until June, 1903. Mr. Oscar Ostrom sup-
plied them in 1904, and Rev. Lebbeus Woods, a theological student,
64 st. Paul's church, brown county.
during his vacations in 1905-6. The church reports a membership
of 31 and a property valued at $1500, with no indebtedness. Rev.
J. M. Barnes at present is pastor, who took charge January 1, 1907.
BROWN COUNTY, ST. PAUL'S.
The initiative in organizing a Lutheran church in Brown county
was taken by Rev. E. S. Reese who came to Kansas in 1879 and
began preaching for a few Lutheran families who had settled in
Morrill township, in the extreme northwest corner of the county.
Here he organized a church with nine charter members and opened
a Sunday school which for a while greatly flourished having at one
time an enrollment of 145, both services being held in a school
house. He served them for three years. In the mean time because
of repeated refusals to attend synod or give an excuse for his
absence, his name was dropped from the roll of Kansas Synod, and
in consequence of this he resigned. At this time the congregation
reported forty-six members. No services being held for the two
ensuing years the organization languished.
In 1884 this neighborhood was visited by Rev. J. W. Kimmel of
Auburn, Neb., and in May a service was held in a school house
located two miles from the residence of Mr. A. J. Kreger. Rev.
Kimmel, in accordance with his impetuous nature, urged the im-
mediate re-organization of the church. This was done and a con-
stitution adopted, and six elders and six deacons were chosen.
Among the leading members were, Father Kreger, A. J. Kreger, E.
Kein, the Hoover Bothers, and Messrs Raunald, Ringer, Weimer,
and Betner. After the organization Rev. Kimmel advocated build-
ing a church at once which was agreed to. A splendid lot was donat-
ed by Mr. Ringer which was located about eight miles northeast of
Sabetha, and seven miles northwest of the town of Morrill. The
next visit of Rev. Kimmel was on Thursday evening, May 29th,
when he preached his set sermon, "Arise and Build," Neh. 2:18.
He writes of this visit in the Lutheran Observer, "They looked
amazed, though they agreed to build when I was there before, but
I suppose they thought they would do so in the fall or in the next
spring; but when I took out a subscription book and called for $100
subscriptions, their astonishment could not find expression. I told
them I was there to build and if they would not, early next morn-
ing, I would head my ponies northward. This they did not want,
and the work began, and at Monday noon I left for home with
65
REV. E. E. STAUFFER.
REV. R. B. WOLF.
REV. GEO. BEISWANGER.
REV. J. C. SCHINDEL.
REV. C. W. SIFFORD, D. D. REV. A. M. REITZEL.
66 zion's CHURCH, NEMAHA county.
$1,000 subscribed for the church, plans decided upon, arrange-
ments made for putting in the foundation the following week, and
the future of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Brown county is bright
and promising." This was certainly like a church extension cyclone
striking a staid farming community, but the building was completed
in accordance with the energy with which it was started. It was
dedicated August 31st the same year. It was a frame structure 28
by 44 feet, with a pulpit recess 6 by 1 1 feet, and a belfrey tower
above, and cost all told $1,600. The dedicatory sermon was
preached by Rev. S. B. Barnitz, and all indebtedness raised on the
spot. As was Rev. Kimmel's custom at that time, he remained only
long enough to get the building erected when he was ready to turn
over the work to another. The church was supplied for several
years by pastors from Kansas and Nebraska. In 1885 Rev. A. B.
Kirtland was called as a stated supply, and in 1887 Rev. Enos
Rees became pastor. In 1888 the name of the church was stricken
from the roll of Kansas Synod on the ground that it was a part of
Nebraska Synod. For three years it was served by Rev. B. F. Pugh,
however in 1895 it was replaced on the Kansas roll, the synod
granting that the former action was an error. The same year Rev.
J. W. Buzzard became pastor. The church was vacant during
1896-7-8-9. In 1900 Rev. C. N. Swihart supplied the church and
in the following year Rev. B. F. Kistler became pastor. Since 1902
the church has been without a pastor. In its best days it reported
about forty members, nearly all of whom have now moved away.
NEMAHA COUNTY, ZION'S.
In 1886 Rev. Enos Rees began preaching for a few Lutheran
families in the "Ladwig" school house near the village post office
of Clear Creek, Saunders county, Nebraska. About the same time
he was approached by some Lutheran families by the name of Kerl
residing over the line in Nemaha county, Kansas, requesting his
services in their neighborhood. Accepting the invitation he preach-
ed for a season in the "Allison" and the "Prairies Grove" school
houses. After a while these services were moved four miles north
to the "Prairie Star" school house, located in Nebraska. Here on
the 4th of July, 1886, he organized "Zion's Ev. Lutheran church"
with the following charter members: Lewis Kerl, Martha Kerl, J. F.
Kerl, Mary Kerl, William Kerl, Charles Kerl, M. E. Kerl, I. C. Kerl,
David Wishard, Jane Wishard, Margaret Meiers, Charlotte Meiers,
ZION'S CHURCH, BROWN COUNTY. 67
John E. Meiers, Fr. W. Meiers, Chas. F. W. Meiers, Albert Ladwig,
Sarah Ladwig, Catharine Rees, John A. Long, and Eliza Long. The
church made formal application for admission into Kansas Synod
that fall and was duly admitted. It is referred to in various min-
utes as "Zion's," "The Prairie Star," and the "Kerl" church. A
site for a church and cemetery was donated by Mr. Lewis Kerl and
steps were taken for the erection of a church. The corner-stone
was laid August 19, 1888, and a short time after that the building
was completed and dedicated. While serving this church Rev. Rees
preached at Clear Creek and Pawnee, Neb., and in order to do this
was obliged to drive a circuit of about 40 miles. He resigned on
January 20, 1889, and was followed some time later by Rev. J. F.
Kuhlman, under whose pastorate the congregation was transferred
to the Nebraska Synod.
BROWN COUNTY, ZION'S.
Zion's Ev. Lutheran church of Sabetha, Kansas, was organized
by Rev. B. F. Pugh on the 14th of April, 1892, with sixteen mem-
bers. The elders elected were Mr. Abbott G. Rees and Mr. J. M.
Shenkleberger, and the deacons were Mr. M. M. Schultz and Mr. S.
H. Hoover. The congregation worshipped Sunday afternoons in the
Baptist church. In October it was formally admitted into Nebraska
Synod, of which Rev. Pugh was a member. Failing to get a dona-
tion from the Church Extension Board in order to aid them in erect-
ing a church, the congregation became discouraged. After making
several unsuccessful attempts to secure a location Rev. Pugh re-
signed after having preached for them a little over two years. This
was followed by a period of vacancy, owing to which the congre-
gation became scattered and having no property it soon disinte-
grated. Mr. Hoover and wife united with the congregational church
and Mr. and Mrs. Rees continue loyal to their Lutheran faith.
CAMPUS, ENGLISH LUTHERAN.
In the summer of 1906 some of the enterprising citizens resid-
ing in a splendid wheat section of Gove county about the post
office of Campus, feeling the need of a church in their neighbor-
hood set themselves to the task of organizing one. The majority
of these were Lutherans and so they decided to organize a Lutheran
63
THE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, CAMPUS.
church. Not having any Lutheran pastor near to advise with, they
concluded to proceed to erect a building and organize the church
afterward. A building committee composed of Messrs J. A. Don-
ielson, H. W. Ottken, James Rickley and A. L. Miller, was appointed.
These decided to erect a frame building 28 by 40 feet with a large
vestibule in addition in the front 12 by 14 feet, and a pulpit recess
EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH.
5 by 10 feet. The contract was awarded to Mr. W. A. Baker for
$1,697. Messrs Ottken and Donielson started the subscription
with S100 each. Over $500 was raised as a starter.
The building was completed early in the
spring of 1907, and word was sent to the
President of Kansas Synod, Rev. H. A. Ott,
D. D., asking him to come out and dedicate
it. Dr. Ott visited the place on the 3rd of
March holding three services, and advised
them to let him send them a minister for the
purpose of conducting a three weeks series
of services preliminary to organization. This
was agreed to and Rev. John A. Bright of
Topeka was called, who assisted by his wife,
held daily services over three Sundays and
gathered a list of thirty-eight charter
rev. j. a. bright. members. On Sunday the 7th of April
THE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, CAMPUS. 69
Dr. Ott again visited the place, conducted an appeal for the
SI, 207 remaining indebtedness, raising SI, 250 with the assistance
of Rev. Bright in the audience. The church was then duly dedicat-
ed after which the "Evangelical Lutheran Church of Campus" was
organized with the following thirty-eight charter members: H. W.
Ottken, John A. Donielson, Mrs. Ida Ottken, Miss Adelia Ottken,
Walter Ottken, James Rickley, Mrs. Amelia Rickley, Miss Ruby
Rickley, Elmer Rickley, B. F. Jennings, George Jennings, Miss
Ruth Jennings, Miss Grace Jennings, Henry Homm, Mrs. Harriet
V. Homm, Miss Minnie Homm, Miss Annie Homm, George Homm,
John Homm, Frederick Kayser, Mrs. Carolina Kayser, Miss Lena
Kayser, John Kayser, Mrs. Zora Doering, Mrs. Sarah E. Mallory,
Miss Merle Mallory, Jesse Mallory, Abram Flipse, Mrs. Betty
Flipse, Daniel Flipse, Albert L. Miller, Mrs. Minnie C. Miller, Miss
Bessie Miller, Miss Ethel Miller, Carl Kuhl, Mrs. Johanna Kuhl,
John Stensaas and Nels Steanson. A constitution was adopted and
the following officers were elected: Elders, H. W. Ottken and Henry
Homm; Deacons, J. A. Donielson and Abram Flipse; and Trustees,
James Rickley, Nels Steanson, and A. L. Miller. The Sunday school
was made a strictly Lutheran school and Mr. A. L. Miller was elect-
ed superintendent.
Rev. Bright also held services at Orion, a point twelve miles
south of Campus, and made preliminary arrangements for the or-
ganization of a church there. The Campus church and leading in-
dividuals at Orion decided to pledge themselves for $700 salary for
a pastor with the understanding that a parsonage be built at once
at Campus. They extended a call to Rev. Bright which he accepted
agreeing to take charge in the fall of 1907. The ground, on which
the church stands, was donated by Mr. Henry Doering.
CHAPMAN, SCHERER MEMORIAL.
While Rev. J. F. Scherer was pastor of the Ebenezer church
south of Chapman, he began a series of meetings in a school house
in the town of Chapman in February, 1889. The result was a num-
ber of conversions and a good prospect for the organizing of a
church in the town. On the 15th of March following he organized
the Scherer Memorial church with fifteen charter members. Be-
cause a number of his relatives were members of the congregation,
the church was named after the Rev. Jacob Scherer, the pastor's
father, who had been an honored pioneer Lutheran clergyman in
70
THE SCHERER MEMORIAL CHURCH, CHAPMAN.
Central Illinois. Mr. E. J. Earle and Mr. M. M. Hewitt were elected
elders and C. F. Randall and George E. Scherer, deacons. The
church was admitted into Synod that fall. The congregation was
made up largely of people without means. However they bravely
decided to build at once. Lots were secured and plans were adopt-
ed calling for a substantial stone building 30 by 44 feet. To en-
courage them to go ahead Rev. George D. Gotwald and Mr. C. H.
Lebold each gave them $100, the Board of Church Extension loan-
SCHERER MEMORIAL.
ed them $300, and the balance was pledged on the ground. The
building was completed the same year and dedicated on the 22nd
of December. Rev. J. A. Clutz preached the sermon and the pastor
was assisted also by Rev. C. W. Maggart. The structure cost
$2,300, all of which was provided excepting the loan referred to.
A parsonage was erected during the pastorate of Rev. Scherer. (The
Ebenezer church of the same charge assisting,) a two story frame
building 24 by 30 feet with a one story addition 12 by 16 feet, cost-
ing $1,100. The funds for the erection of it were secured partly
by subscription and partly from a building and loan association,
making the latter payments annually until 1902 when it was finally
all paid. Rev. Scherer resigned in 1890. From that time until
April, 1892, the church was without a pastor excepting a couple
months when it was served by Rev. W. J. Kuntz. From this time
the church received aid till 1898 from the Home Mission Board.
EBENEZER CHURCH, CHAPMAN CHARGE. 71
During 1892-3 Rev. H. A. Koogle served as pastor, Rev. J. A. Lowe
from 1893 to August 1894, and Rev. A. Sell from January 1895 to
March 1896. Beginning in September the latter year Rev. H. A.
Koogle again took charge for one year. Following him Rev. G. O.
Ritter assumed the pastorate November 1, 1899, remaining three
years. On January 2nd, 1904, Rev. H. H. Hall, D. D., became
pastor and is serving the church at the present time. The church
is served in connection with Ebenezer church as a charge. The
church has 36 members and property valued at $2,000. A W. H.
& F. M. S. was organized in 1889 but allowed to lapse. It was re-
organized in 1892 but again lapsed. The church has 36 members,
and property valued at $2,500, with a small debt of about $300.
CHAPMAN, EBENEZER.
Among the pioneer clergymen living in Kansas prior to the or-
ganization of Kansas Synod was Rev. F. R. Scherer who had come
from Illinois and located on a farm near Waterville. Here he
preached in various country school houses, being in fact the only
Lutheran preacher in these parts. In February, 1874, he visited
his brother, Mr. Ralph Scherer residing nine miles south of Chap-
man, and while there he preached in the Hiawatha school house,
where a precious revival broke out and many were converted. He
made a partial organization of a church but did not complete the
same until January 15, 1875, when twenty-one charter members
were enrolled, and a constitution was adopted. The church was
named "Ebenezer" in recognition of the hand of God in the revival,
"Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." The first Church Council was
composed of Messrs R. C. Chambers and R. Scherer, elders, and
C. A. Scherer and S. L. Graham, deacons. The congregation was
admitted into Synod in the year of 1876. In 1878 Rev. Scherer
moved to McPherson county. From 1877 to April 1880 Rev. S. P.
Harrington served the church in connection with the Spring Valley
church, a church north of Abilene. In June, 1881, Rev. B. F. Gren-
oble, a licentiate was called to the pastorate of the Pleasant Valley
and Ebenezer churches. He threw his whole soul into the work
raising the cry, "a church at Ebenezer." The building was begun
1882 and completed and dedicated April 29th, 1883. The building
was frame 28 by 45 feet and cost $2,700. Rev. Geo. A. Bowers,
D. D., and Rev. S. B. Barnitz preached at the dedication. Rev.
F. R. Scherer and Rev. S. P. Harrington were present .besides the
72
REV. J. F. CRESSLER.
REV. S. HENRY.
REV. H. ACKERS.
REV. A. B. WHITEHILL.
REV. J. A. LOWE.
REV. S. PALMER.
st. Paul's church, Denver, colo. 73
pastor. Eleven hundred dollars were raised on the day of dedica-
tion, providing for all indebtedness. This church seems to enjoy
the distinction of being the first Lutheran church belonging to the
General Synod, erected in a country district in the state. At that
time it was called the Hiawatha church, after the school house in
which it was organized. Later it was named Ebenezer. Rev. Gren-
oble resigned in June, 1883. After a vacancy of a year, Rev. N. A.
Whitman became pastor serving the charge until January, 1887.
During the pastorate of Rev. Whitman he also served a church at
Keystone, a few miles east of Manchester, in the northern part of
the county. Rev. J. F. Scherer took charge of the church on the
18th of March, 1888, serving the church in connection with that at
Chapman as a pastoral charge. He resigned in December, 1890.
After that date the pastors were the same as those of the Scherer
Memorial, which see. The church at present has a membership of
30, property valued at SI, 500, with a half interest in the parsonage
at Chapman. It has no debt.
DENVER, COLORADO, ST. PAUL'S.
The first effort to establish a Lutheran church in Colorado was
made by Rev. Ruben Weiser in 1876, then residing in Georgetown
and editing The Colorado Miner. The attempt was made both at
Denver and Georgetown, but the enterprise failed. In 1884 the
Executive Committee of the Woman's Home and Foreign Mission-
ary Society decided to plant a mission at Denver and commissioned
Rev. P. A. Heilman as missionary. On the 19th of October the
same year, St. Paul's church, (The Woman's Second Memorial)
was organized with eighteen charter members, among whom were
Rev. Reuben Weiser and wife, E. L. Cree, Geo. L. Sheets and wife,
A. B. Middlemarth and wife, Mrs. Hildebrand, Mrs. Dumans, Miss
Jennie Fischer, Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Exline, Mr. Jenkins, and Benj.
Sadtler. The first elders were R. Weiser and G. L. Sheets, and the
first deacons were, J. W. Exline, M. D., and James Lyson. The
congregation at first worshipped in a hall. In a short time a build-
ing site was purchased at the corner of 22nd and California streets
at a cost of $5,000, and plans were adopted for the erection of a
brick gothic structure. The corner stone was laid on the 18th of
October,' 1885. The main room is nearly square, 55 by 57 feet and
the lecture room, 35 by 45 feet, and a primary room 15 by 20 feet,
all connected with folding doors. Joining the church and attached
74 THE EFFINGHAM CHURCH.
to it a comfortable parsonage was erected. In February 1886 the
congregation moved into the Lecture room, and the dedication took
place on the 21st of March the same year. Rev. F. W. Conrad, D.
D., preached the sermon. Addresses were also delivered by Rev.
M. F. Troxell, President of Kansas Synod, Rev. Henry Stauffer,
of Denver, and Rev. S. B. Barnitz. The day brought in $1,700 in
cash and subscriptions, leaving $1,800 debt on the building aside
from the Church Extension Loans. The building cost $13,910. The
congregation was formally admitted into Kansas Synod in the fall
of 1884. In 1889 Rev. Heilman was succeeded by Rev. C. J. Kiefer.
In 1891 the church was dismissed to the newly organizing Rocky
Mountain Synod, at which time it reported 100 members, property
valued at $30,000, and an indebtedness of $6,000. In 1895 a mis-
sionary society was organized which affiliated with Kansas Synod-
ical society until 1903 when it was transferred to a similar society
organized within the bounds of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Since
leaving Kansas Synod this church has been served by Dr. C. W.
Heisler, Dr. E. W. Simon, Rev. R. H. Williams and Dr. R. B.
Peery.
EFFINGHAM, FIRST LUTHERAN.
While Rev. M. G. Boyer was serving the congregation at Mon-
rovia, he began preaching in a school house at Effingham, a small
town three miles to the west. Here in the summer of 1870 he or-
ganized a Lutheran church of twenty-five members which was duly
enrolled that fall as a component part of the newly organized Kan-
sas Synod, and united as a pastoral charge with Monrovia. This
church he served about a year. After his resignation the work
languished, not being able to give adequate support to a pastor,
and through removals soon disintegrated until nothing remained
and the congregation was dropped from the roll of Synod.
Early in 1889 a request was made by some of the Lutheran fam-
ilies at Effingham to the brethren at Atchison and Midland college,
for services. As a result of this request Rev. W. F. Rentz held
a series of meetings there resulting in a goodly number of conver-
sions, and this encouraged him to proceed with the organization
of a church, which was duly accomplished with the following
charter members: Benjamin Wallack, Mrs. Mary Wallack, H. C.
Snyder, Mrs. Caroline Snyder, J. H. Horn, Mrs. Sarah Horn, Sam-
uel Reichman, Mrs. Caroline Reichman, Daniel Hawk, Andrew
THE EFFINGHAM CHURCH.
75
Harman, Mrs. Evaline Harman, L. T. Hawk, Mrs. L. T. Hawk, A.
Keplinger, Mrs. A. Keplinger, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hawk, Mr.
and Mrs. B. F. Snyder, Effie M. Snyder, Elizabeth Kirkpatric, Wil-
liam Kirkpatric, Eliza Snyder, Jacob Harman, Mary J. Harman,
Mrs. Addie F. Cummings, Margaret J. Hawk, Mary J. Hawk, Mrs.
Eliza McCormack, and George Hawk. A constitution was adopted
and the following officers elected: Elders, B. Wallack and H. C.
Snyder; Deacons, Daniel Hawk, Andrew Harman and J. H. Horn;
Trustees, A. Keplinger, L. T. Hawk and B. F. Snyder. That fall
the congregation, then
composed of 31 mem-
bers, was received into
Kansas Synod. This
church was not a re-or-
ganization of the old
congregation effected by
Rev. Boyer nor was it
the Monrovia congrega-
tion moved to Effingham,
for both of these con-
gregations as such had
long since passed out of
existence and had been
erased from the Synod's
roll. Quite a number of
the old Monrovia con-
gregation had united
with the Presbyterian
and Methodist churches,
and when the Effingham
church was organized
some of these came
back but handed in denominational letters of another faith. The
old Monrovia church had been sold to a son of the venerable Hon.
S. J. H. Snyder, and was used as a hay barn. Rev. Prof. J. H.
Stough, Ph. D., took charge of the new organization as supply.
For the first year they worshipped in a very small building that
had belonged to a defunct Baptist church, but in the spring of 1890
it was felt that a new and larger house was a necessity. Father
Benjamin Wallack with several others, took the matter in hand,
raised the money, let the contracts, and supervised the erection of
the church. The Board of Church Extension made a donation of
FIRST LUTHERAN.
76 ST. MARK'S CHURCH^ EMPORIA.
$250 towards the building. The plans called for a frame structure.
32 by 56, and cost $2,500. The building was dedicated September
28th, Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., preaching the sermon. The entire
structure was new except the pews and pulpit furniture, which
were brought from Monrovia, having been saved from the old
church there. Prof. Stough continued to serve them until January,
1893, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Umberger. At this
time the Effingham and Valley Falls churches were united into a
pastoral charge. Rev. Umberger relinquished this pastorate in
June, 1895, and a month later he was succeeded by Rev. S. M.
Lesher. The latter remained until 1898. After this Rev. F. D.
Altman, D. D., served them as supply for two years. On the 1st
of June, 1901, Rev. J. M. Herbst became pastor, serving the charge
until the fall of 1906, when the Effingham church asked the Synod
to allow them to become a separate charge, in the hope of devel-
oping a more rapid growth. This was allowed and Rev. Herbst
remained their pastor. He resigned in February, 1907. He was
followed July 1st the same year by Rev. Edw. Bollman, the present
pastor. The church reports 64 communicants, a Sunday School of
the same size, and property valued at $1,500 with no indebtedness.
The church at present is a mission.
EMPORIA, ST. MARK'S.
Possibly the earliest record looking toward planting a mission in
the growing town of Emporia is found in the minutes of Kansas
Synod at its second annual convention in 1869, when it was
"Resolved, That the President of this Synod be authorized to
visit the town of Emporia, and organize the members of the Luth-
eran church into a congregation, and endeavor to procure for them
a ministerial supply."
The President, Rev. A. J. Hesson, in his report the following year
said, "Complying with a resolution passed by this Synod at its
last convention, I visited Emporia to organize a church. I found
twenty-five members there, but thought it not advisable to organize
because the Missionary Board could neither furnish aid nor a min-
ister to take care of the field." Thus because of the poverty of our
church in both men and money our opportunity to plant a church
in this section in the earlier days passed unimproved, and we were
compelled to witness other denominations build up with our mater-
ial. However in 1883-4 the Synodical pressure on the Mission
ST. MARKS CHURCH, EMPORIA.
77
Board to send a man into this city became so imperious that the
Board acted, commissioning Rev. J. A. Hartman, of Lamertine, Pa.,
as missionary, who began his work in June, 1884. He held services
every two weeks in the Reformed church, morning and evening,
and shortly afterward organized a church, electing as Elders, J.
Fulmer and Wm. W. Kremer, and Deacons, Alfred Nicholas and
George H. Bainer. Rev. Hartman not liking the West resigned
after a short stay of five months and returned to Pennsylvania. In
April the following year a call was extended to Rev. F. D. Altman,
of Tippecanoe City, O., as missionary, who began operations June
1st. It was soon evident that a man was now at the helm who
would stick to the work. On the 21st the congregation was reor-
ganized with the following members: Rev. F. D. Altman, pastor,
Mrs. F. D. Altman, Mr. and Mrs. George H. Bainer, Mrs. C. Boory,
Amanda Boory, L. T. Boory, Mr. and Mrs. J. Fulmer, Mrs. J. C.
st. mark's church.
Helt, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Kremer, Mr. and Mrs. A. Nicholas, Mr.
and Mrs. M. F. Rinker, Rev. and Mrs. W. M. Sparr, Mrs. E. Shep-
herd, and three children, confirmed the same day, Charles and Amy
Sparr and Jacob Boory.
A Sunday School was organized on June 14th, 1885. The Re-
formed church was again rented and services held twice every Sun-
78 ST. MARK'S CHURCH, EMPORIA.
day and on Wednesday evenings. This congregation was admitted
into Kansas Synod the following October. On the 16th of Novem-
ber two very desirable lots 100 by 140 feet, were purchased for
SI, 500, the Board of Church Extension granting a loan in the sum
of $600. While the young congregation was paying for its lots it
was growing and husbanding its strength for the erection of a
building. In the following fall ground was broken and the founda-
tion laid. In the meantime the ladies were working for a fund to
carpet the new church, the young people were doing the same for
the chancel furniture, and the children for the organ. The corner-
stone was laid on the 10th of April, 1888, after a number of delays
occasioned by copious rains, said to have been the finest and most
helpful rains in three years. Thus the foundation of this mission
was consecrated in a gracious baptism and "showers of blessing."
Revs. S. B. Barnitz and W. M. Sparr delivered the sermons. The
plans called for a substantial structure 56 by 74 feet built of
dressed stone. The building was brought under roof that fall,
floored and seated with chairs, but was unplastered. Here the first
service was held on the 9th of September. One year later the
building having been completed, was dedicated November 3d, Rev.
George A. Bowers, preaching the sermon. Western Secretary
Barnitz, in one of his reports, described this church as " a very
gem of beauty and strength, being built of stone with great care
and marked economy." The building is Gothic in architecture
with a commodious auditorium sealed overhead, and a lecture room,
pastor's study and primary room. The Board of Church Extension
in addition to its lot loan granted a loan of $2,400 on the building.
It also gave a donation of $534.75. The church soon cleared away
all debts incurred in this building with the exception of the loans
mentioned. The carrying out to so triumphant an end the erection
of this beautiful building reflects great credit on the zeal and good
judgment of the pastor. Rev. Altman resigned April 18th, 1890,
and was succeeded by Rev. S. G. Dornblaser on June 1st the same
year, who remained with the mission four years. During the years
1895-6-7 the mission was supplied by Rev. G. A. Bowers. In Nov-
ember the latter year Rev. G. C. Cromer was called, remaining
but eleven months. He was succeeded by Rev. C. E. Wirick who
remained two years. On the 31st of March, 1901, Rev. Henry Zim-
merman, took charge, serving until March 25, 1906. On the 1st of
January, 1907, Rev. G. G. Clark, the present pastor, assumed the
pastorate.
A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized
Christ's church, eureka. 79
in 1885 which has continued down to the present time a very use-
ful factor in the congregation. The church became self-sustaining
June 1, 1894, during the pastorate of Rev. Dornblaser. Its loans
from the Board of Church Extension having become due, it has
been loyally attempting to pay the same off in installments. At the
present writing there remains yet a balance on these loans unpaid
of $2,100. The church reports 75 communicant members, a good
Sunday School, Young People's Society, and property to the value
of SI 3,500.
In 1907 a beautiful Altar and Baptismal Font were installed, also,
a reading desk, when the church resolved that its pastor should
wear the historic Lutheran vestments. It has taken the initiation
in this respect among the Kansas Synod English speaking churches.
EUREKA, CHRIST'S.
The beginning of the Lutheran church in Eureka dates from the
arrival in that city of the family of Jacob Rizer, who came from
Cumberland, Maryland, in 1871. Mr. Rizer was a man of advanced
age and had been all his life an active member of the Lutheran
church. He had come to Kansas to spend the evening of his days
because his children had all come, and he at once set himself to
work to provide for his children and his children's children a church
home. Several other Lutheran families arrived during the same
year and these with some already on the ground were gathered
together by Mr. Rizer, after repeated efforts, and on October 26.
1873, an organization was effected with seven charter members.
These were Jacob Rizer, A. B. Norberg, S. A. Peterson, Jacob Knud-
sen, J. M. Seidel and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Wright. Just why
there were so few at this initial service does not appear. Of these,
all but the first two are still living and are members of the. con-
gregation.
Mr. Rizer was at this time already 71 years of age. His was the
first name on the charter roll and he was elected the first Elder.
He was untiring in his efforts and seemed incapable of discourage-
ment. There were years of disappointed hopes before him and it
was not until ten years later that he saw the desire of his heart in
the erection of a church building, and this octogenarian was the
most active and enthusiastic person connected with the enterprise.
He was privileged to enjoy this church home for more than four-
80
Christ's church, eureka.
teen years, and was buried from it in 1879 at the age of ninety-
six years.
The first Lutheran minister to visit Eureka was the Rev. T. W.
Sargent, an aged pastor who lived at Emporia and was doing work
Christ's church.
as "missionary in southern Kansas," largely at his own expense
and long before railroads entered the district. At the invitation of
the newly organized congregation at Eureka he visited them sev-
eral times during the latter part of 1873, and for six months begin-
ning February, 1874, preached for them regularly in a school house,
driving from Emporia, a distance of over fifty miles each way.
Immediately when regular services began new members were re-
ceived, and at a service held February 15, 1874, twenty-eight names
were added to the roll. On account of age and infirmity these long
trips soon had to be given up by pastor Sargent. However with
his lay delegate, Jacob Rizer, he carried the application of this in-
fant congregation to Synod at Abilene, October, 1874, and was form-
Christ's church, eureka.
81
ally admitted. Pastor Sargent died as the result of an accident on
the 5th of February following. That same year Mr. Rizer attended
a meeting of the General Synod at Baltimore, where he made an
eloquent plea for the appointment of a missionary for Eureka. This
was before the days of the Board of Home Missions and such mat-
ters were largely attended to by the General Synod in convention,
but at this time it had neither a man nor money for Eureka. Mr.
Rizer was assured that if the congregation would secure a pastor
some help would be forthcoming toward his support. The Rev.
A. E. Gift was called from the Seminary at Columbus, Ohio, but
after a pastorate of six months he resigned.
The Rev. L. C. Groseclose undertook the work of this charge in
February, 1877. On his arrival he found a rather discouraging out-
look. But little wonder! This congregation had been in existence
four years and of that time had a resident pastor only six months,
and for another six months only occasional services. The meet-
ings were held in an abandoned store-room in Eureka and in two
school houses in the country. The congregation now claimed the
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PARSONAGE.
promise of the General Synod to assist in the support of the pastor
and aid was given in the sum of $250 dating from April, 1877.
Pastor Groseclose's health failed and he resigned in July, 1879.
Then followed another interim without a pastor, this time for
82
CHRIST'S CHURCH, EUREKA.
three years. In 1882
the Rev. M. F. Troxell
was called. A wonder-
ful impetus was given
the work by the hope of
securing a regular pas-
tor again and before his
arrival steps were taken
toward building, and
after his arrival the
work was rapidly push-
ed to completion. Dr.
Barnitz visited the con-
gregation about this
time and promised a do-
nation from the Board
of $300 toward the
building. A frame struc-
ture was erected, 35 by
55, costing $3,250, on a
lot donated by Mrs.
Julia B. Barger, a
daughter of Jacob Rizer.
In September, 1882, the
feast of dedication was
held, the Rev. Dr. F. W. Conrad preaching the sermon. Over $1,400
was raised on the day of dedication, more than enough to complete
the payment for the work, and the unusual feature of the day was
the return to the Board of Church Extension of their draft for $300
unused. One year later Kansas Synod met in this church.
Immediately after the completion of the church a parsonage was
started and finished like the church, without debt. A church bell
was procured through contributions from personal friends of the
pastor and in his honor was hung and dedicated. In March, 1884,
pastor Troxell resigned and was succeeded by The Rev. H. Max
Lentz, who served the congregation but one year. He was follovved
by the Rev. W. M. Sparr who built up the church in influence in the
community during the eight years of faithful service.
The Rev. R. B. Wolf took charge August 1, 1894, continuing for
eight years, resigning November 8, 1902. During the latter's pas-
torate a pipe organ costing $1,100 was installed. The organ is a
memorial to Miss Louise J. Errickson an esteemed member of the
REV. L. C. GROSCLOSE.
st. paul's church, garnett. 83
congregation, who died about that time, and was contributed large-
ly by her immediate family and friends. The church was also re-
modeled at an additional cost of $1,250 and memorial art glass
windows inserted, one of them fittingly inscribed to Jacob Rizer.
The auditorium though small is large enough for the purposes of
the congregation and is one of the most chaste and churchly in the
Synod. The Rev. D. H. Cramer took charge January 23, 1903 and
resigned August 31, 1906. He was succeeded in June, 1907 by the
present incumbent Rev. Oliver MacWilliams. There are now about
70 communicants.
GARNETT, ST. PAUL'S.
Among the early Lutherans who came to Anderson county was
Mr. Peter Engleman, who warmly cherished the hope that the
Lutherans in and about the thriving little town of Garnett, might
have a church home of their own faith. Finding others sharing his
longing, he opened correspondence with Rev. S. B. Barnitz, West-
ern Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, asking that a mis-
sionary be sent to open operations in Garnett. The place was vis-
ited by Rev. J. N. Lenker, Western Secretary of the Board of
Church Extension, and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, Synodical Mission-
ary of Kansas Synod. The names of Lutheran families residing in
the place were carefully collated. The result materialized in the
organization of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church of Garnett at a
meeting held on the 10th of August, 1890. A couple of months
later the new organization was formally admitted as a part of Kan-
sas Synod. The mission not being able to sustain a pastor, it was
advised to seek an arrangement whereby the pastor at Ottawa
might serve both points. This was consumated and Rev. J. F.
Scherer was called as pastor taking charge December the same
year. The congregation immediately began to plan for a church
home. A well located lot was selected, and the Board of Church
Extension was solicited for a loan and a donation. The sum of
$600 was loaned and $200, donated. The lot cost $1,000 upon
which the loan and donation were expended, leaving but very lit-
tle with which to begin building. Plans were adopted calling for
a brick Gothic structure, 30 by 60 feet, and the foundation was at
once put in, but the people again found themselves out of funds.
However they pressed bravely on, laying the corner stone for the
superstructure on the 30th of May, 1891, when the Synodical Mis-
84
REV. H. A. OTT, D. D.
REV. B. R. LANTZ.
REV. A. E. RENN. REV. J. M. CROMER, D. D. REV. F. BERGSTRESSER.
▲\k
REV. CEO. S. MURPHY.
REV. C. F. WEIST.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, GARNETT. 85
sionary, Rev. T. F. Dornblaser gave the address. At this time a
supplemental loan of $200 was made from the Church Extension
Board. The heavy debt incurred greatly distressed the congregation
and was a fruitful source of contention, so much so that the pastor
resigned that spring. The building remained for a year incom-
plete. In June, 1892, Rev. J. N. Lentz assumed charge and at once
began the work of completing the building. The prospect gave new
life to the disheartened congregation. On the 4th of December the
building was complete enough for use and was accordingly dedicat-
ed. The pastor was assisted by Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., and Rev.
S. B. Barnitz, D. D., and the occasion was one of great joy to the
Garnett people. Dr. Barnitz conducted the plea for funds and $500
were secured in cash and subscriptions. The structure is substan-
tial and commodious, well worthy of the noble efforts of the con-
gregation and their friends in the city. However a heavy debt re-
mained on the building. They owed the Board $800 without inter-
est, a local loan from Mr. J. F. Furguson of $600, at 7 per cent in-
terest, and a loan from the Anderson county Bank, for $310 run-
ning at ten per cent. The last named was a loan for unpaid pas-
tor's salary. The building all told had cost $4,675. The pastor
bravely carried the work on year after year, gradually completing
his building and equipping it. When he resigned in June, 1895,
the mission had a membership of 28 and a debt of $1,650. The
next pastor was Rev. J. B. Umberger, who assumed charge in
August. He at once set himself to the task of raising the bank
debt for unpaid salary, and after a hard pull succeded. During his
pastorate pews were placed in the church, a good chandelier and
other appointments very much needed. In the fall of 1898 Rev.
Umberger resigned and was succeeded in April following by Rev.
J. L. Hammond. The latter remained but one year. He was fol-
lowed by Rev. J. F. Petticrew in December, 1900, who also re-
mained but one year. A congregation having been organized at
Bush City, that church and Garnett were united in a charge and
Rev. N. W. Lilly became pastor at the opening of 1903. After
serving them eleven months he resigned and the charge was vacant
for a year. In the opening of 1905 Rev. B. F. Pugh was commis-
sioned missionary and took up the work and is the present incum-
bent. This church has been aided continuously ever since its or-
ganization by the Mission Board, never having really gotten on its
feet. At the present time it has a debt of $1,300, and $500 of this
is interest bearing. It has 25 members and a property valued at
S5,200. While it has a young people's society it never has had a
missionary society.
86 st. paul's church, glasco.
GARNETT, GRACE, (Haskell.)
Early in the year 1902 Rev. J. F. Petticrew of Garnett began to
hold occasional services in a school house at Bush City some six
or seven miles southeast of Garnett. On the 5th of October that
year with the assistance of Rev. N. W. Lilly, he organized Grace
Lutheran church, with the following charter members: Daniel
Smith, Mrs. Mary Smith, W. H. Smith, Mrs. Mabel Smith, Mr. and
Mrs. H. K. Fearing, John Hapgood, Emma Hapgood, M. Matilda
Myers, Max Myers, Martha Myers, Mr. and Mrs. M. Doll, Anna
Doll and Will Doll. A constitution was adopted and the following
officers elected: Elders, Daniel Smith and M. Doll, Deacons, W. L.
Fearing and W. H. Smith. The church was connected with the
Garnett pastorate, and was admitted into Kansas Synod the same
fall. Rev. Petticrew served them until December. Following him
Rev. N. W. Lilly served them for one year. After a period of va-
cancy Rev. B. F. Pugh began to preach for them every two weeks
and still supplies the pulpit. The church at present has scarcely
a dozen members.
GLASCO, ST. PAUL'S.
In 1876 Rev. William C. Seidel resigned his pastorate at Davis,
Illinois, with the thought of doing missionary work in Kansas. In
April that year he located at Minneapolis, in Ottawa county, and
began preaching in the various school houses wherever opportunity
was afforded. He was able to do this owing to the generosity of
Mr. and Mrs. John Wolfensperger of Sterling, Ills., who furnished
the financial help. This movement originated in the warm heart
of this aged and devout couple whose love for the church prompted
them to place a missionary in Kansas. Twenty miles to the north
of Minneapolis is the little town of Glasco, and here was located
a goodly German settlement. Rev. Seidel being able to speak in
both tongues began to preach in the school houses and the homes
of these Germans where his services were welcomed. These pious
people although they did not have a pastor were, accustomed to meet
in each others' homes on the Lord's day, when one of their number
would read to them a German sermon and conduct a brief prayer
service. Pioneer work here soon materialized in a desire to organ-
ize a church. After a year's ministrations this was realized on the
8th of April, in the old school house diagonally across the street
ST. PAUL S CHURCH, GLASCO.
87
from the present church site, and St. Paul's church became a real-
ity. Among these organizers were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Grittman,
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Dershner, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Horn, Mr. and
Mrs. Martin Hersher, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Krenkle, and Mr. Philip
ST. PAULS CHURCH AND PARSONAGE.
Studt. After occupying the school house for a season the services
were transferred to the Presbyterian church and held in the after-
noons. On the 18th of May, 1878, Rev. J. Bond succeeded Rev.
Seidel, serving the church until October, 1881. After that for sev-
eral years the church was without a pastor, being served by Revs.
Seidel and John A. Bright as supplies. In the fall of 1885 Rev.
J. G. Trefz was called, remaining as pastor the following nine
years. In the winter of 1892-3 the congregation decided to build
a church. A visit from Rev. John N. Lenker had inspired them to
buy a lot and proceed to make for themselves a church home.
Ground was broken in the spring of 1893. The plans called for a
frame structure 30 by 50 feet, with a tower and bell, and vestibule
in the corner. The auditorium was seated with rich oak pews.
The dedication took place on the 19th of November, 1893, Rev. J. F.
Sponseller preaching the sermon, assisted by Rev. J. N. Lenker.
The cost of the building including the furnishings was S3,000, and
all debt was provided for on the day of dedication. It was a great
day of joy to both pastor and people. Noteworthy, it may be re-
88 TRINITY CHURCH,, GREENLEAF.
marked just here, that while this church was full of joy over its
acquisition, Zion's Lutheran church at Whitewater, the same day,
was passing through the deep waters, its building having burned to
the ground.
Shortly after the dedication the church took out incorporation
papers signed by the names of the trustees, Charles Horn, Jacob
Studt, Charles Henning, Adam Studt, and August Pinkall. During
the pastorate of Rev. Trefz the church was connected with Zion's
of Beloit as a pastoral charge. In the spring of 1894 a Sunday
school was organized which has continued "green" to the present
time. In the fall of 1894 Rev. Trefz resigned and during the two
following years the church was supplied, mostly by Rev. John A.
Bright. In May, 1896 Rev. Julius Paetznick took charge, remain-
ing until July, 1897. During the following three years Rev. E. F.
Hantel was pastor. In April, 1901, Rev. E. V. Nusbaum became
pastor, serving until October of the following year. In February,
1903, Rev. S. Knudten was called, remaining one year. On the
1st of August, 1904, Rev. R. P. Schimmelpfennig, Ph. D., the pres-
ent pastor, took charge. In 1903 a comfortable parsonage of seven
rooms was erected at a cost of $1,600 and with no debt. The ser-
vices at the present alternate in English and German. From its
organization the church has been without synodical relation, choos-
ing to remain independent, but it has been served by General Synod
pastors. In 1893 it applied for admission into Kansas Synod and
was duly admitted. The church at present has 120 communicant
members and property valued at $5,000 with no indebtedness. It
has the distinction of being one of the very few churches in Kan-
sas Synod which never received any aid from either the Home Mis-
sion or Church Extension Boards, if we except the voluntary ser-
vice of Secretary Lenker. The church has a cemetery of its own
near Glasco.
GREENLEAF, TRINITY.
Trinity Ev. Lutheran church was organized in a school house in
Greenleaf, by Rev. J. Schauer in 1882. Securing a loan of $300
from the Board of Church Extension he at once began the erection
of a church, frame in structure, 30 by 50 feet, to cost $1,700. This
building was dedicated on the 2nd of September, 1883, Rev. S. B.
Barnitz preaching the sermon. There were present also Revs. A.
Lane, D. Harbaugh, F. R. Scherer, H. Heigert, and the pastor. This
ST. JOHN'S GERMAN CHURCH, CREENLEAF.
89
REV. JACOB SCHAUER.
TRINITY CHURCH.
was the first church erected in the town. All money needed was
raised on the day of dedication excepting $200. The congregation
was received into Kansas Synod the same fall and was connected
with the churches at Barnes and Waterville as a pastoral charge.
In 1885 it was separated from the Waterville church and in 1891
for a while it was connected with the church at Washington, Kan-
sas. For a list of the pastors see the sketch of the church at
Barnes. In 1906 the church at Barnes was abandoned and Trinity
church was connected with St. Paul's, a German church at Green-
leaf and an independent German church in the country, all three
churches being served by Rev. R. Richter. The church has 40
members and property valued at $2,500.
GREENLEAF, ST. JOHN'S GERMAN LUTHERAN.
St. John's German Lutheran church was organized in 1876, in a
section of country at that time but sparsely settled. Some four
miles west of Greenleaf a number of German families had ob-
tained homes in that then new country. Althought they were scat-
90 st. paul's german-english, greenleaf.
tered over a wide section, that did not deter them from holding a
German service whenever they could secure a preacher. Among
the first to officiate for them was Rev. J. G. Groenmiller then
preaching at Hanover. The services were held in the "Bell" school
house. After a period of supplies by ministers, some of which
were independent in their synodical relation, Rev. Groenmiller ar-
ranged with them to hold services regularly. 1888 lots were se-
cured in the town of Greenleaf, upon which they decided to erect
a church. Cornerstone was laid on the 5th of August that year,
Rev. O. L. Luschei being their pastor. The dedication took place
early the following year when the pastor was assisted by Rev. J.
G. Groenmiller. The building cost $1200, and was dedicated free
of debt. On this dedication day a parsonage was presented to the
congregation, the gift of Messrs, H. Hattesohl, D. Lane, F. Lane,
D. Nuttlemann, C. Hink, and F. Oestreich. These brethren had
purchased this private home and in turning it over to the church
on that festal day made glad both the heart of pastor and people.
Later under the pastorate of Rev. L. Horn two rooms were added
to the parsonage, the labor for the same being donated by various
members of the church under the supervision of Mr. H. Hattesohl,
the son of Mr. F. Hattesohl, who had superintended the erection
of the church. At the present time this congregation has an ar-
rangement with Trinity church of the same town, to have the same
pastor serve them although the charge is not united in any specific
way. The congregation has a membership of fifty. Its pastors
have been Revs. C. Gade, . . Hafenstein, H. Schwartz, O. L.
Luschei, C. Henning, L. Horn, G. Endrulet, and R. Richter. At
present the church has no synodical connection.
GREENLEAF, ST. PAUL'S GERMAN-ENGLISH.
This church is located in Logan township four miles from Wash-
ington, Kansas, where a sprinkling of Germans attracted Rev. J. G.
Groenmiller on his rounds of missionary labor, and where he or-
ganized St. Paul's church in 1879, with a membership of about
eighteen. Shortly afterward they worshipped in the Watermann
school house. In 1906 the congregation concluded to build a
church. The soul of this movement was Mrs. M. Stamm, a lady
who had been deaf for about twenty years, and one who loved the
church dearly. The corner-stone was laid October 14, 1906, and
the structure dedicated June 23, 1907, Revs. H. L. Yarger, D. D.,
K. Klinger and J. G. Groenmiller assisting the pastor Rev. R.
UNION CHURCH, HARDY, NEBRASKA. 91
Richter in the services. The structure cost $2,000 and is free of
debt. Its present membership is 32. Prior to 1905 it had been
served in the German language, but since then partly in English.
It has always been connected in a pastoral charge with St. John's
church in Greenleaf, and has had the same succession of pastors
as that church has had. Its pastor usually belonged to the German
synod of Nebraska. For a long time it was independent of synod-
ical relation, but during the pastorate of Rev. R. Richter it was
enrolled in Kansas Synod.
HARDY, NEBRASKA, UNION.
This congregation was organized by Rev. J. A. Lowe while he
was serving the White Rock Charge in Kansas. When the Bur-
lington and Missouri river railroad was pushed through and the
town of Hardy was laid out, so anxious was Rev. Lowe to get a
Lutheran church located there that he took $50 out of his meager
salary of $300 per year and purchased the lot, and in 1881 organ-
ized the Union Ev. Lutheran church, which was received into Kan-
sas Synod the same year. With a nucleus of $400 received from
the Smicksburg charge in Pennsylvania, he began the erection of
a building which was completed and dedicated in May, 1883, with
all indebtedness provided for in good subscriptions. Dr. F. W.
Conrad preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. Lowe was followed
in 1885 by Rev. J. E. Maurer, who in 1891 was succeeded by Rev.
Jonas Freet. In 1894 Rev. P. J. Spraker took charge. Rev. C. J.
Ringer took charge in 1895 when the congregation, in connection
with the Jewell City church, and the NuckalPs Co. Bethel church,
were received into Nebraska Synod, as a charge, one congregation
being in Kansas and the other in Nebraska and the members living
on both sides of the state line.
The Hardy church is valued at $3,000, and has sixty-two mem-
bers. A new church costing $5,000 has been recently built under
the pastorate of Rev. Roy Marion Badger. The church was dedicat-
ed in January, 1907.
HAYS, TRINITY.
The founding of a Lutheran church at Hays City has some feat-
ures which cannot be said of any other of our Kansas churches.
It was organized and erected its church building before it called
a pastor. The pioneer work was done by Judge D. C. Nellis, who
had come from Palatine Bridge, N. Y., settling in Hays City in
92
TRINITY CHURCH, HAYS.
1873. He brought with him a warm love for his church. Being
Judge of the District Court he possessed considerable influence in
the new town of Hays. He set himself to the task of organizing
a Lutheran church there as the place was poorly churched from a
Protestant standpoint. After a canvass of the place was made,
Rev. A. J. Hartsock of Salina was invited to complete the organiza-
tion which was accomplished on the 10th of November, 1878, with
the following forty-eight charter members: D. C. Nellis, E. V. M.
Nellis, H. Grueger, Martha Grueger, M. G. Huntington, Amelia
Huntington, John T. Huntington, John Fogel, Henry Reemsnyder,
Charles Wentz, Lewis E. Frank, H. D. Shaffer, Addie Shaffer, S. M.
Yost, Sallie T. Yost, Kate Miller, Louise Boun, Jennie Seipe, Henry
O'Shant, Fred Krueger, Stella Robins, I. F. Eggars, T. B. Garner,
Ella Jane, Henry M. Schall, Eva C. Kinney, Edgar S. Beach, Mary
A. Beach, Annie Gilkerson, J. B. Milner, Eva Osterstock, Ruth E.
Christian, Jane E. Carl, Emma Ake, May E. Schmucker, R. B.
Spitler, Sue Spitler, Jacob Moser, Mrs. J. H. Downing, Mrs. Jacob
Moser, May Bailey, A. D. Bailey, Mrs. A. D. Bailey, J. L. Ginther,
Jacob Fogle, Savilla Fogle, and Kate Fogle.
A building committee was
at once appointed, lots pur-
chased, and plans adopted
for the erection of a frame
chapel 28 by 40 feet with
a small belfrey. The build-
ing was completed in the
fall of 1879 and furnished
with handsome pews and
pulpit furniture, costing all
told about $3,000. The
Board of Church Extension
gave them a donation of
S125. On the 1st of Dec-
ember, 1879, Rev. J. H.
Harpster was called as
pastor, who began holding
services in the new church.
However the dedication
was deferred until October
3d of the following year, at
which time the pastor was
trinity church, (old.) assisted by Rev. A. J.
TRINITY CHURCH, HAYS.
93
Kissell and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser. Rev. Harpster remained with
them until the spring of 1882. During his pastorate the Home Mis-
sion Board assumed a part of his support and upon his resignation
the Church Extension Board loaned the church $500 on their build-
ing which had not yet been paid for. In November Rev. Henry
Sharp became pastor, remaining two years. During 1884 and 1885
the church was pastorless, being occasionally supplied. In April,
1886, Rev. J. G. Graichen became pastor and remained less than
a year. On May 1, 1887, Rev. E. B. Killinger took charge remain-
ing until November, 1891. During the second year of Rev. Killin-
ger's pastorate the congregation erected a parsonage costing $1,700
upon which a mortgage of $1,000 was placed. Six years later be-
cause this mortgage could not lifted the property was sold. Rev.
M. F. Good, a student of the Gettysburg Theological Seminary, sup-
trinity church, (new.)
94 ZiON's CHURCH, HUTCHINSON.
plied them during the summer of 1892. Rev. E. E. Shantz, of the
same school supplied them the following summer. In June, 1895,
Rev. Henry Zimmerman became pastor remaining four years. He
was followed in November 1899 by Rev. D. H. Cramer who re-
mained until May 1, 1902. That same year Rev. J. F. Grueger sup-
plied them, during his summer vacation, and in November Rev. C.
F. Wiest, the present pastor, took charge. After one year's ser-
vice the church assumed self support, having been for many years
a beneficiary of the Home Mission Board.
On the 17th of August, 1902, the church was struck by lightning
and burned to the ground, scarcely anything being saved from the
building. The blow was a hard one on the mission. They had
just expended several hundred dollars on improvements and still
owed Si 00 on the same when the fire occurred. They received
SI, 500 insurance and with this sum as a starter went bravely to
the work of re-building. The Church Extension Board came to
their help with a donation of $250. Rev. Wiest showed himself to
be a worker not easily daunted. He came to the church with cheer-
less prospects, a pile of ashes, a $100 debt, and $1,500 as a nucleus
for a church building fund. However he went to work with a will.
Plans were adopted calling for a stone structure with an auditorium
40 by 60 feet, an annex 28 by 40 feet, and a stone tower 14 feet
square and 52 feet high. The floor was inclined, pews ordered of
dark oak, and windows of beautiful stained glass, one of the largest
of which was furnished by the pastors of Kansas Synod. The
building was dedicated on the 28th of February, 1904, Rev. Fuller
Bergstresser and Rev. H. L. Yarger, D. D., preaching the sermons.
The cost of the structure was $8,000 on which only a small debt of
$400 remains. The success of the enterprise reflects great credit
on the young pastor's efforts. This church organized a Woman's
Home and Foreign Missionary Society in 1888 which existed for
six years. At the present time the congregation reports 93 members
and church property valued at $10,000.
HUTCHINSON, ZION'S.
The pioneer work in the organization of Zion's church at Hutch-
inson, was done by Rev. J. N. Lenker while he was Special Repre-
sentative of the Board of Church Extension. At various times he
visited Hutchinson, gathered together a number of Lutheran fam-
ilies, preached to them and strongly urged them to organize a
ZION'S CHURCH, HUTCHINSON. 95
church. In 1888 he reported to Kansas Synod as follows: "It is
our conviction that there is no more promising field for this special
work of the Board of Church Extension, than that of Kansas Synod
and our great Southwest, especially the Arkansas Valley, where
during the past year desirable lots were secured through us in
Wellington, Hutchinson, Kinsley and Syracuse." At the time the
Hutchinson lot was secured the boom was on and prices were quite
high and the lot obtained was not in a very good location and the
work of collecting the money for the same on the ground was a
difficult task. The work of Rev. Lenker was followed up by the
ZION'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Home Mission Board commissioning Rev. J. A. Lowe as missionary
who entered the field in October, 1888. On the 2nd of December
following he organized Zion's Ev. Lutheran church with seventeen
charter members. The church was admitted into Kansas Synod in
the fall of 1889. Rev. Lowe at once set himself to the task of rais-
ing money for a building. Plans were adopted calling for a frame
chapel, 30 by 50 feet, to be located on the lot owned by the Church
Extension Board. The corner stone was laid on the 5th of Decem-
ber, 1889, when the pastor was assisted by Rev. F. D. Altman.
During the winter the work was pushed and by the following spring
95 BETHEL CHURCH,, JERICO.
it was ready for occupancy. The dedication took place on the 25th
of May and the sermon was preached by Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D.,
from Luke 17:5 as a text. Rev. John A. Bright preached in the
afternoon and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser in the evening, and Rev. Wm.
Sparr, the President of Kansas Synod, conducted the consecration
services. The cost of the building was $3,253, with $865 needed
on the day of dedication, which was raised in full at the three ser-
vices. The building is a Gothic structure 30 by 50 feet, with a re-
cess 6y2 by \2y2 feet, and a tower 75 feet high. The windows
were of cathedral glass, the ceiling was of corrugated iron, and the
seating and pulpit furniture were rich and comfortable. The Board
of Church Extension made them a loan of $1,000. Rev. Lowe was
succeeded by Rev. J. G. M. Hursh in May, 1891, who remained two
and a half years. In March, 1894, Rev. A. J. Hesson became pas-
tor. It was felt that the church was badly located, being on th2
edge of a creek, and in an inferior locality. Its removal to a better
location was agitated. Two fine lots were purchased, and in the
summer of 1895 and the church was removed to its present loca-
tion. This necessitated the removing of the tower and its rebuild-
ing. The church was also overhauled, repaired and improved, the
total cost being nearly $2,600, of which the Church Extension
Board came to the rescue with an additional loan of $500. Rev.
S. B. Barnitz preached the sermon at the re-opening, on which oc-
casion Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Wherfel presented the church with a
silver communion set. Rev. Hesson resigned in March, 1896. After
this Rev. A. M. Reitzel supplied the church for a season, and in
the summer of 1897 he became pastor, remaining in charge for the
following seven years. He was succeeded in March, 1904, by Rev.
J. K. Rizer, who remained till the fall of 1905. Rev. F. S. Delo is
the present pastor. The church is still a mission. It reports 36
communicants, and church property valued at $5,000, with an in-
debtedness of $1,500. A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary
Society was organized in 1889 which continues to this day a very
helpful factor in the benevolent work of the church.
JERICO, BETHEL.
Prior to the organization of Bethel Lutheran church in Jerico,
Mo., there had been another which held its synodical connection
with the English Synod of Missouri of the Synodical Conference.
The membership became dissatisfied with the restrictions of the
97
REV. I. B. HEISEY.
REV. S. M. LESHER.
REV. F. R. SHIRCK.
REV. F. S. DELO.
hlI^.
REV. H. ZIMMERMAN.
REV. G. G. CLARK.
98 BETHEL CHURCH, JERICO.
Misouri Synod as to close communion, non-fellowship with other
churches, and other forms of exclusiveness. They invited Rev. M.
L. Melick, to visit them and help them into the General Synod,
where such exclusiveness did not prevail. As the congregation
was worshipping in a school house and did not own any property,
it was decided to reorganize, which was accomplished in April,
1894. The principal families entering into the movement were the
following: John C. Flohr, Anton Klever, J. H. Ekin, Adam H. Mil-
ler, J. A. Johnson, Mrs. J. W. Jones, J. A. Burnside, William Hill,
T. N. Woodruff and Elijah Kirksey.
During the summer of 1894 Rev. E. P. Schueler, from the West-
ern Theological Seminary, supplied the congregation. On Septem-
ber 1st Rev. J. A. Lowe took charge as pastor, and in the fall of
1895 it was admitted into Kansas Synod. At that time the members
of Bethel church held a controlling interest in the Jerico Educa-
tional Institute building. An agreement was entered into with Rev.
Lowe by which the property was transferred to him on the condi-
tion that he would conduct school therein for three years and pay
$200. He conducted a private school here for one year when all
interested parties agreed to sell the property to the town of Jerico
for public and high school purposes. At this point Rev. Lowe be-
came principal of the High School and at the same time continued
to preach for the church and this he did for the period of eight
years. During this time his salary from the church was merely a
nominal sum, not reaching $200 per year. In Mar., '97, he resigned
the church. In June following the congregation in connection with
St. James Lutheran church of Barton Co., called Rev. J. J. Cham-
bers. Rev. Chambers gave them very acceptable service, but owing
to the exceedingly small salary he was obliged to relinquish the
work in October, 1898.
At first the congregation worshipped in the Baptist church paying
a rent. Later they used the M. E. church South. On the 1st of
May, 1898, while a service was being held in this church conducted
by the Methodist pastor, many of the Lutherans being present, in-
cluding Prof. Lowe, a cyclone destroyed the building. By the great
mercy of God none of the congregation was killed although many
were injured. After this the congregation worshipped in the Chris-
tian church. In February, 1899, the Lutherans purchased a half
interest in the Baptist church. At this time Rev. Lowe began to
serve the congregation again, and under the circumstances, owing
to the expense of the purchase of a church home, agreed to serve
them without a stipulated salary, receiving only the voluntary offer-
ST. JAMES' CHURCH, JERICO. 99
ings. He resigned in 1902. Rev. J. F. Petticrew became pastor,
July 1, 1903, remaining one year. The church at present is with-
out a pastor. It reports a membership of 18 and property to the
value of $300.
Recently the congregation sold its half interest in the Baptist
church and practically disbanded.
JERICO, ST. JAMES'.
St. James Lutheran church of Milford, Barton county, Missouri,
was organized by Rev. Andrew Rader, a member of the English
Conference of the Missouri Synod, on the fourth Sunday in May,
1873, with fourteen charter members. He was succeeded by Rev.
R. L. Goodman, Rev. M. L. Thornberg, Rev. J. I. Goodman, and
Rev. I. E. Rader, all Missouri Synod pastors, who served the church
for short intervals. The membership of this church had come
mainly from East Tennessee during the years 1870-3. They had
been accustomed to open communion and Christian fellowship with
other denominations as prevailed in the Holstein Synod with which
they had been connected. The restrictions of the Missouri pastors
greatly annoyed them and finally it became unbearable. In 1897
they withdrew from the Missourians and invited Rev. J. A. Lowe
to preach for them. In June the same year Rev. J. J. Chambers
became pastor. At this time suit was brought against them in the
courts by a few Missouri members who refused to join in the move-
ment. The suit was thrown out of the court because neither party
was incorporated. Later suit was again brought in the court of
equity for possession of the property by the Missourians. This
was finally compromised in giving up the property. St. James'
church, newly incorporated, moved a half mile to the west and
erected a church of their own, a building 24 by 38, frame, costing
$600, which was dedicated on the 11th of November, 1899. The
great devotion of Mr. William Winters and Mr. Jason Williams to
the congregation during these struggles is to be commended. It
was admitted into Kansas Synod in 1898. In the calling of a pastor
it was united with Bethel church at Jerico as a pastoral charge.
Rev. Chambers resigned in October, 1898. He was succeded July
1, 1903, by Rev. J. F. Petticrew who remained one year. The church
is without a pastor at present. It reports thirty members and prop-
erty valued at $800.
100 FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY.
KANSAS CITY, FIRST LUTHERAN.
While Rev. Morris Officer was the Secretary of the old Home
Missionary Society, he made a visit to Kansas City on the 1st of
September, 1866, and at once began looking up the Lutherans of
the place. On the following day he attended services in the Pres-
byterian church on Wyandotte street near ninth and preached in
the evening. He met a number of Lutherans who pleaded for a
church in this rising city of the West, which at this time had a
population of 25,000, and was enjoying quite a boom. Rev. Officer
was greatly impressed with the opportunities offered here for the
founding of a church. He considered it the entering wedge for
future operations in the rapidly developing state of Kansas. He
hastened back to Baltimore, planning as he went, how he might be
able to secure the necessary money with which to open work. At
the close of an impassioned appeal in the First English Lutheran
church of Baltimore, he was delighted to find one member who was
willing to pledge $600 for the support of a missionary in Kansas
City. This over enthusiastic brother failed to keep his pledge and
Rev. Officer had to look elsewhere for aid. Attending the conven-
tion of the Central Pennsylvania Synod he sought with eloquent
words to persuade that synod to take care of Kansas City. The
Synod consented, and levied an apportionment of twenty-two and
a half cents per member, raising $1,200 for the support of the pas-
tor for two years, and $1,500 toward the erection of a building. At
this time this Synod had two licentiates attending Wittenberg Theo-
logical Seminary, and it was very desirious of having them enter
the mission field in the West. These two theological students were
Mr. E. J. Keplinger and Mr. A. W. Wagenhals, (the latter now of
the New York publishing firm of Funk and Wagnalls. Mr. Officer
opened correspondence with these young men and persuaded them
to become missionaries in Missouri, the first named to be located
at Tipton, and the latter at Kansas City, in the spring of 1867. Mr.
Wagnalls writes the editor, "I arrived in Kansas City, March 25th.
On the following Sunday I preached in the Congregational church
a sort of a trial sermon. There was no organization at that time,
but a committee attended that service. In a letter from Brother
Officer I was cautioned to say nothing in my sermon referring to
slavery or the late civil war as they were sensitive on that point.
I heeded the hint, and I distinctly remember the committee was
pleased and told me so saying I preached about love, and did not
say anything about politics."
FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY.
101
On Tuesday following, Rev. Officer arrived from Topeka, and on
Wednesday April 4th, they "organized a church, elected officers,
and resolved to purchase a church lot." As to officers, there being
a scarcity of male members, Mr. Officer received a member by con-
firmation, and he was at once elected as an elder and installed with
the other officers. The charter members were the following:
Edward Stine, Emma L. Stine, Jacob S. Schell, Mary F. Schell,
Jacob W. Keefer, Miria J. Keefer, Edward Dively, Eliza Dively,
Solomon Tholander, Malinda Tholander, Mary Meiley, Malinda J.
Hendricks, Daniel Schroll and Aaron Raub.
As yet there was no synod organized in the West, and this church
through its pastor and a lay representative in the person of Mr. G.
W. Householder, participated in the organization of the Kansas
Synod at Topeka in November the following year. The young con-
gregation found it very difficult to find a hall in which to hold ser-
THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, (NEW.) THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, (OLD.)
102 FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY.
vices owing to the great boom on at that time in the city. One of
the members having a suitable lot offered it temporarily for this
purpose, and in a single day a shed called "The Tabernacle" 20 by
30 feet, was erected, with no floor other than the virgin sod, and
used for Sunday School and church purposes for a year. In the
meantime lots were purchased on Baltimore Avenue, (lots 1018
and 1020), between Tenth and Eleventh streets, about where the
Home Telephone Building now stands, and plans were adopted for
the erection of a brick building 29 by 50 feet, with a parsonage in
the rear. This building was completed and dedicated the following
year. The total cost of the property aggregated $7,772, including
$1,850 spent on the parsonage. This was all provided for on the
day of the dedication save $500 advanced by the Church Extension
Board, afterward paid by subscription.
Here the congregation worshipped happily for twenty years
through all of which there was considerable struggle to exist.
Rev. Wagenhals resigned in 1869 and was succeeded in 1870 by
Rev. W. H. Steck, who remained three years. Rev. T. F. Dorn-
blaser was called in 1874, remaining until 1878. In 1879 Rev. S.
S. Waltz took charge, continuing as pastor till December, 1883.
On the 1st of April that year the congregation assumed self sup-
port. Prior to that time it had been a mission supported at first
by the Synod of Central Pennsylvania until the 10th of June, 1869,
when the newly organized Boards of Home Missions and Church
Extension had the Central Pennsylvania's interests turned over to
them. From the latter date till April 1st, 1884, the Home Mission
Board granted aid annually on an average of from two to three
hundred dollars. When the transfer was made a mortgage for
$1,000 was turned over to the Church Extension Board. On the
16th of May 1884, Rev. J. M. Cromer became pastor. Two years
later steps were taken to secure a better location and a more ade-
quate c/iurch home. On March 1st, 1886, the old property was
sold for $10,000 and the present site at 14th and Cherry streets,
99 by 132 feet, was bought for $9,500. As the boom was on in
Kansas City at that time this selling and buying were both at boom
prices. The plans adopted for a new building comprehended a fine
structure of pressed brick, gothic in style, two story and with a
commanding steeple, at an estimated cost of $55,000. The found-
ation, 64 by 84 feet, was completed in the fall of 1887 and the cor-
ner stone laid on the 6th of December, Rev. S. A. Ort, D. D., as-
sisting in the ceremony and preaching the sermon. Rev. M. F.
Troxell and Mr. Robert Weidensall were also present. By Easter
FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 103
the following year the basement was completed, temporarily roofed,
and the interior handsomely furnished, making a very cozy church
home. Here they worshipped for five years. In the spring of 1892,
after a modification of the plans to an estimated cost of $45,000,
work was resumed on the superstructure, and by winter it was un-
der roof. On April 9th of the following year it was dedicated.
Drs. Rhodes, Barnitz, Clutz, Wynn, Bowers, Geiger and Dysinger,
and Revs. McAfee, Rentz, Ruthrauff, Altman and Cromer (J. B.),
were present to take part in the dedication feast. This was a great
day for the First Church. The building was now complete, furn-
ished with a fine auditorium, chancel, pipe organ, and a well equip-
ped Sunday School room, in keeping with the best of the Kansas
City churches.
In order to accomplish these ends $15,000 was borrowed on the
church building. This was accomplished by the issue of bonds with
interest bearing coupons at 6 per cent, which were sold to friends
in the East. At the time the basement of the church was construct-
ed, the sum of $3,500 was borrowed on the ground upon which the
parsonage was built to aid in finishing the parsonage. The carrying
of this tremendous debt was a factor which tried the patience of
the people. For a while it was cheerfully done, but later it be-
came a positive burden, and toward the last so much so that the
interest was allowed to lapse. These financial troubles came to
a head in 1899 when those who had advanced money in the pur-
chase of the bonds despaired of getting their money and both pastor
and people seemed helpless in paying. The church became divided
in its relation to the pastor, and Rev. Cromer resigned to take effect
November 1st. The resignation was accepted by both Council and
the congregation. Soon after that about forty members withdrew,
but the Church gathered itself together and promptly called Rev.
Holmes Dysinger, D. D., of Polo, 111., formerly President of Carth-
age College, as its pastor, who accepted the call taking charge in
January, 1900. He found affairs in a very chaotic state, but gave
himself to the work of reconstructing with remarkable energy. His
first task was the raising of nearly $2,500 to pay on a large floating
indebtedness which had been accumulating for a number of years.
This he accomplished, besides serving the church faithfully until
it had in a large measure recovered from the shock resulting from
internal strife and division. On August 1st, 1902, he was succeed-
ed by Rev. John A. M. Ziegler, D. D.
Dr. Ziegler soon came to the conclusion that the salvation of the
church depended upon the payment of its enormous debt, which
104
FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY.
had now grown to $22,570, and the interest on which was eating
the life out of the congregation. It required a brave heart and a
consecrated man to undertake such a task in a church which had
but recently suffered terribly from strife and schism until it was
scarcely able to support its pastor. It would appall an ordinary
man. For one year he gave it his most profound thought. His
plans were carefully laid and
^2^
every possible contingency was
provided against. Then he inaug-
urated such a debt cancelling
movement as has never been wit-
nessed in the General Synod. A
date was finally set for the wip-
ing out of the entire indebted-
ness, Church Extension loans in-
cluded. By skillful and tactful
management his plans were all
fulfilled and on the 13th of Nov-
ember, 1904, all indebtedness was
removed, the mortgage burned,
and a magnificent Jubilee Ser-
vice held, the occasion being
honored by the presence of Rev.
rev. j. a. m. ziegler, d. d. E j \y0\ft D. D., LL. D., Presi-
dent of the General Synod,
Rev. H. L. Yarger, D. D., Western Secretary Board Church Exten-
sion, Rev. L. P. Ludden, D. D., Western Secretary Board Home
Missions, Rev. R. B. Wolf, President of Kansas Synod and Pastor
First Church, Kansas City, Kansas, Rev. Frank Heilman, of Mem-
orial Church, and Rev. A. W. Lindquist, of Swedish Lutheran
Church, and other prominent clergymen. Just how this was all
accomplished can best be told in an editorial "After Two Years"
taken from the November issue of "The Wartburg," Pastor Ziegler's
parish paper:
"It was apparent that unless the debt could somehow be gotten
rid of, the future of the Church was exceedingly uncertain. The
position was soon taken that the only thing to do was to get rid of
the entire debt, and to do it at once. The first encouragement came
from Mr. E. Stine, the only living male charter member. He ex-
pressed himself as ready at any time to give $1,000, on the sole
condition that the entire indebtedness be cancelled. In a trip to
the East in August, 1903, I went to York, Pa., to consult with Dr.
H. H. Weber, Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, and with
our worthy friend, Jere Carl, Treasurer. In conversation with Mr.
THE CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL, KANSAS CITY. 105
Carl, I remarked that I was not willing to return to Kansas City
to fiddle at the debt for the next five or ten years. With some con-
siderable concern, he asked what I intended doing. When I replied
that I was going back to clear off the entire debt and to do it at
once, he said, "I will start the subscription with five hundred dol-
lars."
From that moment I was confident of success. I was sure the
Lord and the Church were with us. The outcome justifies the con-
fidence.
I should like to mention all the dear friends who so generously
came to the rescue, but modesty forbids, for their sakes as well as
for our own. When, however, in order to make our effort a sure
success, Mr. Carl increases his already liberal offer to more than
SI, 600, and Mr. Gladfelter donates $750 of his holdings, and Mr.
Denhart offers to pay the one-tenth of about 313,000, and Mr. Pore
writes, "I will give $1,000," our joy and gratitude will not allow us
to pass them by in silence. Nor would we forget the more than
ordinary support of the Board of Church Extension, in caring for
interest until it amounts to $2,000, and now generously cancelling
the entire obligation, and adding thereto a final cash contribution
of $500."
Unfortunately in the following June Dr. Ziegler was disabled
from over work, and was obliged to rest. After six months of pa-
tient waiting for complete recovery, he resigned on the 1st of May
1906. Rev. M. J. Firey, D. D., for a while supplied the congrega-
tion. On the 13th of January a call was extended to Rev. J. C.
Schindel.
A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organ-
ized in 1884 which has continued to the present time. The church
reports 140 communicant members and property to the value of
$50,000. It disposed of its parsonage to assist in cancelling its
debt.
KANSAS CITY, CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL.
This church is the outgrowth of a 'mission Sunday School started
at No. 810 Independence Avenue, September 22, 1882, under the
direction of Rev. S. S. Waltz, then pastor of the First church.
Later the school was transferred to a store room at the northwest
corner of Harrison street and Independence avenue. Here Rev.
M. F. Troxell, then pastor at Eureka, Kansas, preached the first
sermon on the 9th of December, 1883. It was not until April the
following year that he accepted a call and was commissioned mis-
sionary there under the auspices of the Home Mission Board. With
the full consent and co-operation of the Council of the First church
106 THE CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL, KANSAS CITY.
Rev. Troxell canvassed the neighborhood, and on the first of June,
1884, after a suitable sermon and services there was organized the
Children's Memorial Church with the following eleven members:
Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Briggs, Mr. and Mrs. David Rine, Mr. and Mrs.
P. Preston Newhard, Miss Anna Clatanoff, Mrs. J. A. Robinson,
Mrs. A. Sherer, Mrs. E. E. Emig, and Mr. S. L. C. Rhodes. On the
15th of the same month the following officers were elected: Elder,
E. P. Briggs; Deacon, P. P. Newhard; Trustees, Messrs Rhodes
and Rine.
This mission was the first home mission station to receive sup-
port from the Sunday schools of the General Synod on Luther day,
in November. The offerings then first begun were only about five
hundred dollars the first year, but the movement was a popular
one and the income of the Home Board grew rapidly from that
source year by year. It was the fact of receiving aid in this way
for the founding and support of the mission from the children of
the church and Sunday schools that gave the pastor, Rev. Troxell,
the idea of naming the organization the "Children's Memorial,"
and of securing funds for a permanent church home through the
offerings, in Ten-dollar shares, from the Sunday schools of the
General Synod.
The congregation asked permisison of the Board of Home Mis-
sions and the Board of Church Extension to make an appeal to
the Sunday schools of the General Synod for the building of a
house, and this consent was obtained. The pastor at once set him-
self to the work using the columns of the church papers through
which to present his plans, asking all the Sunday schools to take
one or more Ten-dollar shares of stock in the new spiritual enter-
prise. The Children's Memorial Church of Kansas City soon be-
come well known all over the General Synod. The success of the
plan was evidenced from the way in which shares were rapidly sub-
scribed for the new Kansas City mission. The popularity of the
mission led to the regular appointing of Luther Day as a day in
which our Sunday schools took offerings for the Board of Home
Missions.
Through the general appeal to the Sunday schools help was given
sufficient to warrant the purchase of a church site, and in the
spring of 1885 lots were purchased at the northwest corner of Sixth
street, (now Admiral boulevard) and Tracy avenue, at a cost of
S3, 100. Upon the lots purchased a chapel was erected during the
summer of 1885, and dedicated November 8th of that year. The
cost of the chapel was about $3,500 and the church was grateful,
THE CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL, KANSAS CITY.
107
both to the schools of the church at large, and also to
the Board of Church Extension for timely aid in securing
their church home in the rapidly growing commercial metropolis
CHILDREN S MEMORIAL CHURCH.
of the southwest. Great joy filled the hearts of the members and
faithful workers of the Children's Memorial on the day of dedica-
tion of their new chapel. Revs. Jacob A. Clutz, Samuel B. Barnitz,
S. S. Waltz and James M. Cromer of the Lutheran church, and Rev.
D. Schley Schaff of the First Presbyterian church of the city as-
sisted the pastor in the dedicatory exercises. Rev. Troxell resigned
in September, 1888.
Rev. George Daniel Gotwald, of Salina, Kansas, was elected as
108 THE CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL, KANSAS CITY.
the second pastor, and took charge December 1st, 1888. Before
his arrival on the field the congregation paid off a note of one thou-
sand dollars held by the Mutual Building and Loan Association of
the city. In March, 1889, full settlement was made with the Board
of Church Extension. The fifth annual congregational meeting
showed a membership of 115 and the yearly contributions amount-
ed to $1 ,688.48. During five years death claimed but one member.
In the fall of 1889 a furnace was installed at a cost of $115, and
paid for. The congregation also co-operated with the First church
in publishing a parish paper, "The Lutheran Banner." Plans were
also discussed looking toward the building of the main auditorium.
These were halted by the sudden death of the pastor which oc-
curred January 12th, 1890. A cold contracted in attending to pas-
toral duties developed into pneumonia which proved fatal. This
sad event deeply affected the members who were closely attached
to their pastor. Rev. Gotwald carried an Insurance Policy in favor
of Midland College, which yielded about twenty-five thousand dol-
lars to that institution for the endowment of the presidential chair.
After a short vacancy, Rev. Frank De Graff Altman was chosen
pastor and took charge April 16th, 1890. In the annual congrega-
tional meeting held June 1st, the Secretary reported 98 resident
and 36 non-resident members, with the yearly contribution amount-
ing to $1,046.56. Of this amount $180 was for benevolence. Work
on the main building was begun the following year and on August
23d, 1891, the corner stone was laid. Dedication took place Feb-
ruary 14th, 1892. On the first of August Rev. Altman resigned
as pastor and Rev. J. S. Detweiler, of Omaha, was chosen
as his successor. He took charge October 15th, 1895. This rela-
tion continued until July 20th, 1896, when the pastor resigned, but
continued to act as supply, receiving only the voluntary freewill
offerings of the people as support. This arrangement lasted only
until October, 1896. It was decidedly un-Lutheran, as were other
methods and views into which Rev. Detweiler had developed, so
much so that he received a dismissal from the Lutheran ministry
by the action of the Kansas Synod, at his own request, and made
an effort to establish himself in an independent way as a holiness
and faith-healing leader, in a location not far from the Memorial
church which he had been serving as pastor in Kansas City. His
efforts there finally failed, and he left for Texas and other parts of
the country; but the reader may imagine what a hard and trying
experience it was for a comparatively young city church to stand
the strain of his vagaries and near-by association in the very vicin-
GRACE CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 109
ity where he had been called and supported as a pastor and a sup-
posed loyal leader in the Lutheran church.
After this hard strain Rev. Edward P. Schueler was called and
installed as pastor and served the congregation from June, 1897, to
June, 1900. Out of the previous period of discouragement the
church under his ministry came again into hope and activity.
In July, 1900, Rev. Jesse W. Ball, became pastor. During April
of 1903 application was made for aid a second time from the Board
of Home Missions, and aid was granted. There was also an effort
made to sell the property and move the church to the eastern part
of the city, into a supposed better resident district. This effort
was not successful and the pastor resigned.
Rev. Frank Heilman became pastor June 15th, 1904, and retired
May 1st, 1905.
On August 1st, 1905, Rev. A. B. Shrader took charge and con-
tinues as pastor up to the present time, 1907. The church reports
80 members, a property valued at $20,000 and a debt of $5,500.
KANSAS CITY, GRACE.
Grace Lutheran Church was organized on the evening of Decem-
ber 14th, 1899, with persons who, for the most part, had been mem-
bers of the First church and who had withdrawn on account of dif-
ferences which had arisen between the council of the First church
and the pastor, claiming that they could not remain and enjoy peace
and spiritual profit. A constitution was adopted and the proper
officers elected. Rev. J. M. Cromer, their former pastor, received
a call to become pastor of the new organization. He accepted the
call and became pastor at once. The officers elected were: Elders,
M. C. Ross, W. J. Fulmer; Deacons, Fred Panschert, Dr. L. Lever-
ich, Fred Averill; Trustees, Prof. P. K. Dillenback, George G.
Croner.
The following is a list of the charter members: W. W. Morgan,
Hannah E. Morgan, Valentine Archer, Frederick Panschert, Anna
C. Panschert, Peter Sondberg, Peter Jacobson, Cora A. Pauschert,
Katherine Jacobson, John Andlauer, Lena Andlauer, Will Andlauer,
W. J. Fulmer, Viola L. Fulmer, Alice Hughes, M. C. Ross, Wini-
fred E. Ross, Jacob Lauffer, Saidie Lauffer, Fannie Patton, Ruth
E. Moroe, Katharine Monroe, Elinor Pierson, Nannie Pierson, Ther-
esa Pierson, Artee Pierson, Lillian Pierson, Charles H. Pierson,
Katharine Springer, Alice Springer, William Becker, Mrs. Wm.
110
REV. CARLOS MARTIN, M. D. REV. W. C. SEIDEL, D. D.
MR. J. E. HERBST, M. D.
MR. J. H. TALBOTT.
REV. WM. KELLEY.
REV. GEO. D. GOTWALD.
GRACE CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. Ill
Becker, Mabel Durker, Mattie B. Jones, Johannah Sperling, J. J.
Roerness, Dr. L. L. Leverich, Mattie Leverich, Fred W. Averill,
Mattie Froehling, Mary F. Stone, Emma D. Webb, Ada Sleek, Mary
Sleek, Hattie S. Cromer, Bryant S. Cromer, J. M. Cromer, Prof.
P. K. Willenbeck, Lillie Dillenbeck, George G. Croner, J. Z. Easter-
day, Millie Easterday, Sophia Wittman, Emma M. Lang, Elizabeth
Herman, Laura Whitehill, Gertrude Whitehill, Mrs. A. R. Haskins,
Mrs. M. B. Behney, Bertha Hilgren, Bengta Sloan, Emma A. Mink,
Anna L. Mink, Amanda Davis, Christine Shultz, Dr. John W.
Shultz, Mrs. J. W. Shultz, Emma Mohn, Sophia Kahman, Marie
Kahman, M. S. Bell, Mrs. George Horst, Ellen G. Scofield, Louisa
Piercy, Margaret Vollrath, Miss Julia Geiger, Ralph E. Scofield,
Mrs. C. G. Butterfield, Mrs. Hilma Ferris, Mrs. Flora Sutherland,
Cora E. Averill, Julia Averill, Mrs. E. Sleek.
Meetings were held for a short time in the home of one of the
members, but the room soon proved inadequate and inconvenient;
a committee was appointed to select and secure a satisfactory place
of meeting. This committee secured a German M. E. Church at
No. 1418 Oak street. However, owing to the close proximity of the
place to the mother church, strenuous objections were raised by the
council of the First church for this and other reasons, when Grace
church sought admission to the Kansas Synod. The Synod there-
fore advised that because of the danger of constant menace against
the peace of the First church, which was a member in good stand-
ing of the Kansas Synod, Grace church should withdraw its appli-
cation until the congregation could remove as far from the First
church as the First church is from the Children's Memorial.
Such a move was not accomplished until the summer of 1902
when fortunately a church building owned by the Second U. P.
church, located at the corner of Fourteenth street and Euclid av-
enue, became available. This was leased and finally purchased in
the spring of 1905 for the sum of $6,300, the original cost having
been close to $15,000. In addition to a loan of $800 from the
Board of Church Extension $2,800 remains to be paid. The loca-
tion is in a most beautiful resident portion of the city, convenient to
several of the principal street car lines. The building is a brick
with red limestone trimmings, in good repair, and will seat 300
people. The congregation was received into Kansas Synod in the
fall of 1903.
The last report to Synod shows a congregation with 150 com-
municant members and a Sunday school numbering 134 teachers
and scholars.
112
TRINITY CHURCH, KANSAS CITY.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, TRINITY.
Although Kansas City, Kansas, is the largest city in the State,
no effort to start an English Lutheran church there was made until
in 1902. A few of the Lutheran people were connected with
churches in Kansas City, Mo., but the greater number were given
the option of going into some other denomination or of letting their
membership lapse. The pastor of the Memorial church in Kansas
City, Mo., the Rev. J. W. Ball, brought to the attention of the Board
of Home Missions the fact that there were people on the Kansas
side who desired a mission started, and after a personal investiga-
tion, the President of Synod, Dr. Yarger, advocated the movement
so effectively that the Board authorized a formal canvass of the
city to be made. Mr. C. E.
Sparks, a theological stu-
dent, was appointed to
make the preliminary can-
vass and he enlisted a
number of families in the
enterprise. The organiza-
tion was effected on Sep-
tember 14, 1902, at which
time thirty-three members
signed the roll and elected
officers. The following Sun-
day the Rev. R. B. Wolf,
of Eureka, installed the
first Council after admin-
istering the rite of baptism
to one of the Deacons and
receiving an Elder by pro-
fession of faith. A call
was extended pastor Wolf on that day, which call was later accept-
ed and the pastoral relation was begun November 1st following.
The Charter Members were, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson, Geo.
Bemarkt, Mr. and Mrs. C. Bohl, J. A. Cable, Mr. and Mrs. H. A.
Crandall, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Dengel, J. Decker, Mrs. E. M. Fisher,
Miss Leo Frain, Mrs. K. Gauch, Mr. and Mrs. C. Kopp, Mr. and
Mrs. C. A. Kopp, Mrs. G. B. Lemon, Mrs. A. W. Myers, Mr. and
Mrs. B. Nelson, Mrs. F. A. Peterson, Mrs. C. Shipley, Miss Nellie
Shipley, Miss Martha Shipley, Mr. and Mrs. G. Stine, Mrs. P. Weid-
lein, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Wall, George Wall and Sophie Wall.
TRINITY CHURCH.
TRINITY CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 113
For nearly two years services were held in the Knights of Pythias
Hall, 624 Minnesota avenue, on the third floor of a business block.
There were many disadvantages connected with this place of meet-
ing, among which were its elevation from the street and without an
elevator, the fact that it was away from a residential section, but
most of all because the hall was in continuous use day and night
and could not be secured for an extra service, not even on Christ-
mas Eve. However during the year twenty-six additional members
were secured and there abide many precious memories of the life
in the hall.
During the Summer of 1904 an opportunity arose to purchase
outright from the mortgagee a substantial brick church building in
a favorable location and the offer was quickly taken. Possession
was immediately given and the first service was held there on the
third Sunday in July. The building was originally built by a con-
gregation of the Disciples at a cost of over twelve thousand dollars.
The whole plant with seating, lighting and heating was purchased
for $3,750. It has a seating capacity of 400 and a Sunday school
room accomodating 150 more, and other convenient arrangements.
About $500 were spent in repairs and the church dedicated Septem-
ber 25, 1904. Dr. Yarger of the Church Extension Board, Dr. Lud-
den of the Home Mission Board and Mrs. K. B. Shaffer, of the
Woman's Executive Committee assisted in the services. In the
purchase of the building, the Board of Church Extension made a
loan of $500, and donated $120 toward the payment of interest.
The Woman's Executive Committee made a loan of $750 and a
donation of $250. The present indebtedness of all character is
$2,500.
Of the original 33 members, sixteen are still in connection with
the congregation. A number of members have been lost by re-
movals, and a few have become a part of the Church Triumphant.
The congregation became a Woman's Mission on July 1st, 1904,
and is the only one in the Kansas Synod supported by the Woman's
Home and Foreign Missionary society. The present membership
of the congregation is 79.
Officers: Elders, P. Jacobson and P. D. Schall; Deacons, H. E.
Dengel, H. A. Crandall, H. C. Bennetzen and R. Anderson; Trus-
tees, Geo. Bemarkt, J. M. Mailand and C. Kopp; Pastor, Rev. R.
B. Wolf. The church is located at 712 Tauromee avenue. It has
had but one pastor, the Rev. R. B. Wolf, who is still in charge.
The Sunday school has flourished from the beginning and now en-
rolls 85. The auxiliary of the W. H. & F. M. society has been one
114 LANCASTER CHARGE, ST. JOHN'S.
of the effective agents in developing the local church life. It has
a membership of 9. Especially helpful has been the Woman's so-
ciety, which in the four years of its organization placed more than
$900 in the church treasury, and has been the avenue through
which a number of members have been added to the congregation.
It started with a membership of 7 and now numbers 35.
LANCASTER, ST. JOHN'S.
While Rev. Carl Kreuger was preaching at St. Paul's church
three miles to the northwest of Lancaster, he began to hold ser-
vices in the Union church in the town of Lancaster, and in March,
1905, effected the organization of Zion's English Lutheran church
with the following charter members: K. G. Gigstad, George Dors-
som, Adam Dorssom, John Dorssom, Fred Matthias Sr., Fred Mat-
thias, Jr., W. H. Graner, H. A. Dorssom, Ole G. Gigstad, Mrs. M.
Petersen, Harold Olson, Sr., Ellrig Olson, Emil Hinz, Herman
Hinz, Sr., Henry Buttrow, Henry Bodendoerfer, R. C. Jahne, Geo.
Matthias, Sophia Merkel and William Matthias. Officers were elect-
ed and constitution adopted and the church resolved to attach itself
with the St. Paul's church as a pastoral charge. As the Union
church in which they organized was erected in 1877 largely with
contributions from Lutheran families, it was thought best to use
that building instead of erecting another. The church has a Sun-
day school with an enrollment of 34, and at the present time the
church has grown to a membership of 49. Altho this congregation
is enrolled in the parochial report of Kansas Synod (1906) it has
not as yet been formally admitted.
LANCASTER, ST. PAUL'S, (German.)
About ten miles northwest of Atchison, and in Atchison county
there is a German neighborhood to which Rev. Carl Kreuger of
Midland College began preaching in the fall and winter of 1904-5
The result was the organization in January, 1905, of St. Paul's
German Lutheran church by Rev. Kreuger assisted by Mr. Fried-
erich Schwartz. There were eighteen charter members, as follows:
Christ Brun and family, Christ Kloepper and family, Wm. Kloep-
per and family, Fred Kloepper and family, Fred Rathert and fam-
ily, Herman Rathert and family, Mrs. Lisette Rathert, Arnold Lange
THE LAWRENCE CHURCH. 115
and family, Dietrich Kruse and family. According to the loyal
German idea, they began at once to plan for the erection of a
church edifice. A location was selected three miles northwest of
the town of Lancaster, and plans adopted calling for a wooden
structure 24 by 32 feet, which when complete cost $1,400. The
cost was entirely provided for at the dedication and at the present
time there is no indebtedness. The church is served in connec-
tion with Zion's church as a pastoral charge with Pastor Kreuger
in charge. The membership is forty with a Sunday school with an
enrollment of sixty. The congregation was formally admitted into
Kansas Synod in the fall of 1905.
LAWRENCE, ENGLISH LUTHERAN.
The English Lutheran church at Lawrence was the first Lutheran
church established on Kansas soil under the direct auspices of the
Home Mission Society. The Secretary, Rev. Morris Officer, had
made a number of visits to Lawrence prior to the time of its or-
ganization. In the fall of 1866 he visited Lawrence, which place,
he says, in one of his letters to the Observer, "Is perhaps the most
beautiful little city in all this western region," and made a careful
canvass of the town, but owing to a severe storm was unable to
organize. However, he left the work in the hands of Mr. J. G.
Schmucker and Mr. Christian Frederickson, who kept up the in-
terest and gathered the Lutheran families together. When the
Secretary returned the following March he found his original list
of names considerably augmented. Rev. Officer spent several days
working up matters, and held a meeting on Saturday afternoon,
March 16th, in which preliminaries were arranged. On the follow-
ing day he "preached both morning and evening in the Old School
Presbyterian Church." At the latter service the Holy Communion
was administered, after which the organization was effected. In
a historical sketch of the church written at a considerably later
date it says:
"The organization was effected with eight charter members. The
following are the names of these members: John Nelson and wife
Sophia, O. Brodin, P. Enquist, John Johnson, E. J. Anderson, Mrs.
Anna Rodell and Miss Mary Rosell." However, Rev. Officer writ-
ing under date of March 18th to the Lutheran Observer says: "This
evening" — he writes at the close of the Sunday evening services — "
"we met again, organized with twenty seven members, most of
116
THE LAWRENCE CHURCH.
whom are Anglicised Scandinavians in the prime of life. Mrs.
Mary Rocklund, Nee Rosell, a surviving charter member says, that
except for Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Schmucker the organization would
never have been accomplished. The Sunday School, for quite a
while was held in their house; a stone house which is still stand-
ing on the corners of Rhode Island and Lee streets. From this it
would appear that other names should be added to the above list,
among which are Mr. J. G. Schmucker and wife Martha, Christian
FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE.
Frederickson and wife Matilda, Miss Matilda Kellman, Miss Sophia
Fritzell, and Mrs. Anna Kellman, as well as a number of others
whose names have been lost with the early records. The arrange-
ment for a pastor contemplated uniting this church with one which
was about to be organized at Topeka, as a pastoral charge, which
later was accomplished.
While Rev. Morris Officers effected this organization it is but
just to say that much of the pioneer work was done by Rev. David
Earhart, who had been preaching at Vinland, nine miles south,
since 1860, and who had frequently held services at Lawrence for
the Lutheran families.
The Home Mission Society at once sent Rev. A. J. Hesson to
THE LAWRENCE CHURCH. 117
Lawrence as misisonary who was duly elected pastor, preaching
alternately at Lawrence and Topeka. This arrangement lasted for
eight months but was found to be unsatisfactory. Rev. Hesson
therefore decided to give his entire time to the Topeka congrega-
tion. Rev. H. B. Belmer took charge of the mission in March,
1869. He began at once to secure a suitable church building. The
site for a church was purchased immediately, and on the 22nd of
July the following year the contract was let for the erection of a
stone church thirty by fifty feet, which cost when completed $5,500.
So rapidly was the work carried on that by December of the same
year the building was ready for dedication. This ceremony took
place on the 18th, the Rev. Levi Sternberg, D. D., of Ft. Harker,
Kansas, delivering the sermon, Rev. H. W. Kuhns, of Omaha, as-
sisting the pastor in the dedicatory ceremonies. The Board of
Church Extension assisted in the work by making a donation of
S130 and a loan of $1,500. On the day of dedication it was sup-
posed that sufficient money had been pledged to pay all bills, but
the day after it was discovered that the secretary had made a mis-
take of $700 in adding up his columns of figures. This debt was
on the church for many years. Rev. Belmer resigned in December,
1872.
In January following Rev, A. A. Trimper became pastor, and
served the congregation in connection with the one at Vinland, as
a pastoral charge, as did Rev. Belmer before him. He continued
his work until April, 1882; serving the church faithfully with the
exception of one year 1883, during which he supplied the church
as his health would permit. In June of the latter year, Rev. J. E.
Maurer became pastor, serving the Lawrence congregation only,
one year. After his removal to another field, he purchased and
presented to the congregation a bell for the church. Following Rev.
Maurer, Rev. I. J. Delo began to serve the congregation in Septem-
ber, 1884, and continued as pastor until 1887, when he was suc-
ceeded in August of the same year by Rev. S. B. Hyman who re-
mained one year. A vacancy of five months followed.
Up to this time the congregation had followed the un-Lutheran
practice of electing the pastor and "hiring" him each year. This
was the occasion of much strife, those who did not like the pastor,
voting and working against him and making it very unpleasant.
The annual congregational meetings were not the most harmonious.
In 1886, Rev. Delo at Synod reported that Lawrence had just had
"Its annual earthquake." Under the pastorate of Rev. S. B. Hy-
118 THE LAWRENCE CHURCH.
man, serious difficulty arose, and a number of families left the
church.
On May 1st, 1889, Rev. H. L. Yarger became pastor and mis-
sionary. He found a small band of members, weakened and dis-
heartened, with a church poorly heated and lighted, and badly in
need of repairs. With the coming of the new pastor, new life was
infused into the hopes of the congregation. The first year a new
roof was placed on the building, a cellar dug and furnace put un-
der, and a better system of lighting introduced. Bro. Yarger soon
began an agitation for the paying off of the loan made by the
Board of Church Extension when the church was built. A pay-
ment of six hundred dollars was made in the earlier part of his
pastorate, and the balance on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary
of the organization of the church, which celebration was held on
March 18th-20th, 1892, at which time also the congregation re-
solved to become self sustaining. Drs. Clutz, Barnitz and Rev.
Altman were present sharing the joy of the congregation in the
remarkable progress which had been made. On October 31, 1893,
Rev. Yarger presented his resignation, and was succeeded on Dec-
ember 15th by Rev. J. G. Griffith who remained until April 1st,
1897. During the summer of 1897 Rev. B. R. Lantz, a student
from Gettysburg, Pa., supplied the congregation. In September
Rev. W. E. Brehm became the pastor. During the spring of 1900
the congregation decided to build an addition to the church thirty
by forty feet for a Sunday school room, pastor's study, and a
primary room in the basement. At the same time the whole prop-
erty was greatly improved by new pews, paper and paint, at an
entire cost of $2,800. The re-opening took place November 3-6,
and was an occasion of great rejoicing. Drs. Clutz, Barnitz and
Altman were present. All indebtedness was fully met. Early in
1901 the congregation bought and paid for a lot upon which to
erect a parsonage. Rev. Brehm resigned in September of the same
year, and was succeeded by Rev. A. B. Shrader, who served the
congregation for nearly one year.
Rev. E. E. Stauffer took charge as pastor on January 1st, 1903.
During the summer of 1905 a commodious parsonage was erected
on the lot adjoining the church. The building is frame, containing
ten rooms including the reception hall and bath rooms. The cost
was $3,000, half of which amount was raised when the building
was completed. A complete heating plant was installed in the
church during the fall of 1905.
This church is well equipped with a full complement of societies.
ST. PAUL'S, LONG ISLAND. 119
Its missionary society ranks among the oldest in the Synod, having
been organized in 1886. The church reports 156 communicant
members, and property valued at $11,000, with indebtedness, part-
ially provided for, amounting to $2,100.
LAWRENCE, ST. PAUL'S, (German.)
In 1879 this church was served by Rev. C. F. W. Treptow, who
applied for membership in Kansas Synod at its second convention
in the spring of the same year. He was admitted upon the strength
of his own statements and without letter. At the October conven-
tion of the Synod, the same year, his congregation was admitted.
The following year the church erected a building, and a delegation
came from the church charging the pastor with mis-appropriating
building funds. The pastor was deposed from the ministry and
later the church withdrew from the Synod.
LONG ISLAND, ST. PAUL'S.
This church was another organized by Rev. J. W. Kimmel while
he was serving as "Home Missionary for the Republican Valley."
He made his first visit to Long Island in March, 1886, and on the
25th of the same month organized St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church
with nine charter members. A few weeks later it was decided to
erect a church building, and ground was broken at once. The cor-
ner stone was laid on the 24th of June, and by September the
church was ready for occupancy. It was dedicated on the 5th of
September amid great rejoicing, as it was the only church building
in the town and surrounding country. At the last moment a tele-
gram brought the unpleasant news that the preacher who was to
have delivered the dedicatory sermon would not be present. This
greatly disconcerted the pastor, but as if to compensate for his ab-
sence "The Franklin Cornet Band" from a neighboring town came
as a surprise to furnish the music for the occasion. It was the first
band to play in the town and shortly seemingly every soul in the
village was snugly in place in the church, and pastor Kimmel was
inspired to preach his own dedicatory sermon. The building was of
wood 28 by 50 feet with a pulpit recess 4 by 9 feet and a vestibule
6 by 9 feet. It was erected at a cost of $1,200. The very generous
contributions of Messrs A. A. Mischke and A. C. Hayes together
120 st. paul's, long island.
with a loan of $300 from the Church Extension Board was a key to
the financial success of the enterprise. The entire debt was pro-
vided for on the day of dedication with the exception of the loan
referred to. This church was referred to in the Missionary Journal
at that time as a model of an inexpensive chapel for the frontier.
The Church Extension Board was very willing to put $300 into
such buildings to make the enterprise a success. It certainly was
a God-send to the Short Grass Country in a time when there were
no churches at all in which the people might gather for worship.
Rev. Kimmel supplied the church till April, 1887. He was follow-
ST. PAULS CHURCH.
ed by Rev. Peter Ewald from May, 1887, to December. Rev. J. W.
Kimmel became pastor from Jan., 1888 to Sept., 1889. He was fol-
lowed by Rev. J. B. Umberger for one year, and then he returned
and served the church till May, 1890. Rev. M. L. Kunkleman was
a supply for a few months between 1891 and 1894. Rev. Jonas
Freet was pastor from August, 1894 to Oct., 1893, and again from
May, 1899 to July, 1900. Rev. J. T. Miller took charge in 1900,
serving it till Sept., 1904, and in February following Rev. M. F.
Rinker took charge, who remained until April 1, 1906. On the 1st
of October the present pastor, Rev. J. B. Grove, took charge. The
church at first was alone in the support of a pastor but in 1895 it
was united with Norcatur in a pastoral charge. Its loan to the
Church Extension Board was returned in 1905. The congregation
reports 38 members and a property valued at $1,200. It was ad-
mitted into the Synod in 1886.
ST. PAUL'S, MANCHESTER. 121
MANCHESTER, ST. PAUL'S.
While Rev. N. A. Whitman was serving the Ebenezer charge
south of Chapman his attention was called to a community in the
northwest corner of Dickinson county about the town of Keystone
where some ardent Lutherans resided. He visited the section and
arranged for the holding of services in the Keystone school house
during the summer of 1886. On the 15th of August he organized
St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church with twenty-two charter members,
adopting a constitution and electing officers. This congregation
formally made application for membership in the Kansas Synod
that fall and was admitted. The church had no building of its own
and worshipped in the school house during its entire existence at
Keystone. Rev. Whitman was succeeded in 1888 by Rev. Jonas
Freet, who served the church as pastor while conducting a small
general store in the village of Keystone. When the Santa Fe rail-
road built its Superior branch northwest from Abilene the new town
of Manchester sprang up located on the railway, a movement which
practically killed the village of Keystone and eventually wiped it
off the map. The congregation was accordingly moved to the rail-
road town in the fall of 1887 and in the following spring the pas-
tor started in to raise funds for a church building. The enterprise
was made possible by Mr. C. H. Lebold of Abilene who gave $500
and paid one-half of the pastor's salary. As there was as yet no
church in the town he met with encouragement on every hand. One
of the best building lots in the place was secured. In a day and
a half he had secured over $500. Parties who could not contribute
cash gave their negotiable notes. A visit from Rev. J. N. Lenker,
Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, greatly encouraged
them. The latter promised them a loan of $300 from his Board.
Plans were adopted for the erection of a modest chapel 28 by 46
feet, with a vestibule 7 by 9 feet, and on the 2nd of September,
1888, the church was dedicated to the great joy of both pastor and
congregation and community. Rev. S. B. Barnitz, preached the
sermon, Rev. N. A. Whitman was also present. The church cost
$1,615. The Church Extension Board loaned them $300.
The church not being able to support a pastor was given aid by
the Mission Board beginning in November, 1889. Rev. Freet re-
signed May 31st, 1891. On January 1, 1892, Rev. W. J. Kurtz was
commissioned missionary, but he remained only a few months.
Following this the church was vacant for over twelve years, and
with this vacancy went all the disintegrating influences of a pastor-
122 ST. JAMES', MANCHESTER.
less church. In 1901, at the urgent request of Rev. H. L. Yarger,
Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, Rev. Peter Bergstres-
ser, D. D., then living at Abilene began holding services in the old
church and on June 16th, 1902, re-organized the scattered congre-
gation, and continued to serve them with acceptance until April,
1903. Rev. J. N. Zimmer served the church after this for a time.
The loan of $300 for the building of the church is yet due the
Board of Church Extension: For a while the charge was connec-
ted with St. James church south of Abilene. It reported in 1905
eighteen members. No services are being held there at present.
In May, 1907, the property was deeded to the Board of Church Ex-
tension and the congregation disbanded as only three possibly four
Lutheran families remained in the church.
MANCHESTER, ST. JAMES'.
Early in the Eighties a colony composed of a number of families
from in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and who were mem-
bers largely of St. James Lutheran church there, settled in George's
valley on farms about five miles south of Abilene. At the sugges-
tion of Mr. C. H. Lebold, an ardent churchman of the Trinity church
at Abilene, this field was canvassed by Rev. S. Palmer and Messrs
G. F. Minter and A. Heindel. Mr. Lebold offered to bear half of
the expense in the support of a pastor, and in the summer of 1888,
Rev. R. B. Whitehill began preaching in one of the school houses.
Shortly after this he organized a church of twenty charter mem-
bers, and named the church after the spiritual mother of most of
those who entered the organization, St. James' of Gettysburg. Steps
were at once taken for the erection of a church building. Mr. A.
Heindel donated an acre of land, and Mr. Lebold, who oft-time was
present in the congregation, and whose carriage very frequently
brought the preacher out to his appointment, offered to give $500
toward the erection of a building. The building was pushed to
completion at once. It was composed of wood, 30 by 40 feet, and
was dedicated on the 8th of September, 1889, Rev. F. M. Porch
preaching the sermon. On the day of dedication there was $450
to raise all of which and more was raised. The entire cost of the
building was $2,145.60. The church at that time was served in
connection with the New Cambria church, in 1889-90, and with
St. Paul's and Banner City in 1891-92, with Rev. B. F. Hills as
pastor, and with Mt. Zion church with Rev. H. A. Koogle as pastor
ST. PAUL'S, MINNEAPOLIS. 123
in 1893-4-5-6-7. In 1898 and 1899 the church was vacant but was
supplied now and then by Rev. H. C. Haithcox, D. D., of Abilene.
Rev. J. F. Petticrew took charge in 1900. In 1901 it was united
with St. Paul's of Manchester with Rev. Peter Bergstresser, D. D.,
as supply. The latter was followed by Rev. J. N. Zimmer in 1904.
At present the church is without a pastor. It reported twenty mem-
bers in its last report to Synod and has property valued at $1,500.
MINNEAPOLIS, ST. PAUL'S.
The long residence of Rev. W. C. Seidel in Minneapolis from
1876 to 1887, preaching over four counties, made him a spiritual
father in that community. He was stationed here by Mr. and Mrs.
John Wolfensperger of Sterling, Illinois, as a western missionary,
and largely supported by them. After preaching in school houses
for several years he organized St. Paul's church on the 21st of
November, 1879, with forty-three members. This church had a
great struggle for existence. It was unable to build a house of
worship for itself and the Extension Board at that time was unable
to give it necessary aid. For a number of years it held its services
in various school houses. Then came the drouth seasons which
greatly impoverished the people causing many to move away. The
church languished and finally ceased to exist although a few mem-
bers were still left there. For several years Rev. Seidel continued
to preach in a school house two miles southeast of Minneapolis.
There is no record of this earlier church ever being received into
Kansas Synod, possibly an omission on the part of the secretary,
for it was on the roll and was regularly apportioned and contribut-
ed accordingly.
The church was re-organized under the same name November 10,
1884, with twenty-five charter members by Rev. Seidel, and read-
mitted into Synod. They began at once to buiTd a church home,
Pastor Seidel donating the lots for the same, and his relatives giv-
ing S800 towards the building. The Church Extension Board do-
nated $460 and loaned $300. The corner stone was laid October
4, 1885, and the structure dedicated March 28th, 1886, Rev. Dr. F.
W. Conrad, preaching the sermon, assisted by Rev. S. B. Barnitz.
The building is a frame Gothic structure, 36 by 46, with a tower
65 feet high, and a pulpit recess. The windows are of stained
glass. The interior is ceiled with yellow pine and the seating and
chancel furniture of good order. The cost including the lot was
124 st. john's, Minneapolis.
$3,735 all of which was provided for on the day of dedication save
the Church Extension loan. This latter loan was partly liquidated
some years after. The church is a momument to the zeal and faith
of the pastor and his devoted wife. For a while this congregation
enjoyed an unusual degree of prosperity, however in later years,
owing to the removal of members and some strife over politics and
secret society matters, the congregation has languished. Rev.
Seidel resigned in June, 1887, after ten years of faithful service,
during which time the church received no aid from the Home Mis-
sion Board. Two months later he was succeeded by Rev. C. A.
Eyler who was commissioned pastor by the Home Mission Board.
He was succeeded in May, 1890, by Rev. M. F. Rinker who re-
mained a year. After a vacancy of a year Rev. J. F. Sponseller
fook charge Dec, 1891. Under his pastorate the church again
flourished. A parsonage was bought with the aid of St. John's
church. He remained almost eight years. In March, 1899, Rev.
J. F. Scherer took charge dividing his time between preaching and
organizing secret societies. Difficulties arising he served a part of
his time preaching to but one of the congregations of the charge,
namely St. John's. He resigned May 30, 1901. After a vacancy
of two years Rev. W. F. Poot took charge, remaining a year and
a half. The charge is at present without a pastor. St. Paul's
church was united with St. John's church as a pastoral charge.
Since the pastorate of Rev. Seidel the charge has been continuously
aided by the Mission Board. A Woman's Home and Foreign Mis-
sionary Society was organized in 1885, which was maintained until
1904. At the present time St. Paul's church has scarcely a dozen
members. Its property is valued at $5,000.
MINNEAPOLIS, ST. JOHN'S.
The pioneer work in establishing St. John's church was done by
Rev. W. C. Seidel while he was residing at Minneapolis. For a time
he held services in the Summerville school house located four miles
south of Delphos, and finally on the 26th of May, 1878, he organ-
ized with the following charter members: John D. Stetler, Henry
Stetler, Margaret Stetler, Henry Stetler, Sophia Stetler, Fred Stet-
ler, Sophia Stetler Jr., Herman Stetler, Kati Stetler, Mrs. Anna
Kahli, John Kahli, Fred Hoesli, Anna Hoesli, Henry Hoesli, Henry
Muller, Maria Muller, and Mr. and Mrs. John Schailler. This con-
gregation was admitted into Kansas Synod the same year. Some
GRACE, MINNEAPOLIS. 125
time later the Summerville school district was divided and the house
sold. The congregation was first moved to the south part of the
district, but later to the more convenient Locust Hill school house
where they are to this day. Through a mistake this church was
called "St. James" church in some of the later minutes of the Kan-
sas Synod, confusing it with a church organized by Rev. J. F. Spon-
seller.
St. John's congregation owns jointly the parsonage at Minne-
apolis and always has been a part of that charge. For a list of its
pastors see the sketch of the Minneapolis church. It was supported
by the Mission Board from 1887 to quite recent times. At this writ-
ing St. John's report forty members, and although it has no build-
ing it is most decidedly the stronger church of the charge. Part of
the time recently it has been supplied by Rev. Dr. R. P. Schiemmel-
pfennig of Glasco.
MINNEAPOLIS, GRACE.
While Rev. J. F. Sponseller was pastor at Minneapolis he was
requested by Mr. George Scherer to come out to the Ohio Grove
school house and preach for them because they had "such poor
sticks of preachers there." Arrangements were made for the hold-
ing of a service on Sunday afternoons every two weeks. This was
followed in the winter of 1893-4 by the holding of a two weeks'
gospel meeting which resulted in twenty-seven making a profes-
sion of faith. Although there was at that time an M. E. congrega-
tion meeting in this school house these converts preferred to unite
with a Lutheran church, and accordingly in the spring he organ-
ized a congregation with 29 charter members among whom were the
following: George Scherer and wife, fm. Farnsworth and wife,
James Farnsworth and wife, Howard Snooke and wife and two
sons, Mrs. A. B. Rousch, Rollin Kresky, Maggie Kresky, Oscar Mc-
Clintock, Mrs. Anna Lapshire and daughter, and Mr. Henry Kan-
aar and wife. A constitution was adopted which gave the church
the name "Grace." Shortly after this a large Christian Endeavor
society comprising about seventy members was organized out of
the people of both churches which worshipped in that school house.
The congregation was received into Kansas Synod in the fall of
1893, and was served in connection with the Minneapolis charge.
It remained on the roll of Synod till 1899. Having no property and
owing to removals the congregation disintegrated .
126
THE MORAY CHURCH.
MORAY, EV. LUTHERAN.
The Ev. Lutheran church of Moray enjoys the distinction of be-
ing one of the Kansas churches organized prior to the founding of
the Synod. While Rev. David Earhart was residing on his farm on
Stranger creek in Atchison county and preaching for Christ's Luth-
eran church there, and also for a church he had founded at Vin-
land in Douglas county, and at Brush creek in Doniphan county,
and also serving as a supply at couple other points, congregations
in a circuit of some over one hundred miles, he began to hold ser-
vices in the house of Mr. Osul Nelson, a loyal Lutheran, whose
heart always warmed at the sight of a Lutheran pastor. After
preaching here for several years, he finally organized an Ev. Luth-
eran church in the Prairie Grove school house on the 24th of May,
1866.- The following were the charter members: Charles Lad wig,
Caroline Ladwig, Albert Ladwig, Caroline Albers, Osul Nelson,
Mollie Nelson, Gunil Nelson, Gurina Nelson, Nels Nelson, Hans
Nelson, Asa Nelson, Gullorm Steanson, Christian Turkleson, Aug-
usta Nelson, and Sarah Wilson.
The congregation worshipped for a while in the Prairie Grove
EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH.
THE MORAY CHURCH. 127
school, house, and afterwards transferred the services to the Rock
Creek school house, and later to that located at East Norway.
While this congregation was not represented by either its pastor
or a lay delegate at the organization of Kansas Synod in 1868, be-
cause of a misunderstanding, it was represented at the second con-
vention and both pastor and congregation were duly received after
the Synod had given assurances that it was "planted squarely on
the Augsburg Confession and Luther's Small Catechism."
Rev. Earhart served this congregation until October 1, 1871. On
the latter date Rev. N. C. Brun became pastor, serving the church
until 1874. While the church at this time was a member of Kan-
sas Synod its pastor belonged to the Norwegian-Danish Synod. On
the 14th of November, 1875, he was succeeded by Rev. Peter Hend-
ricksen of the Norwegian Synod of North America. In April, 1878,
Rev. Prof. Charles Martin, M. D., Principal of the St. Joseph
Young Ladies' Institute, became pastor. For about four years Dr.
Martin held services in the East Norway school house. However
as the congregation was growing stronger and the people more
well to do and the school house furnishing ill-adapted quarters, the
congregation decided late in the fall of 1882 to undertake the erec-
tion of a church building. A subscription was taken, funds being
liberally subscribed, and the work pushed at once to completion.
The corner stone was laid on the 14th of April following. The
plans adopted called for a neat frame structure, 32 by 50 feet, with
a tower and belfrey. The exterior presents a pleasing appearance
the architecture being Swiss. The acoustics of the interior are ex-
cellent, and the furnishing and seating in good taste. The entire
cost was $3,049. The building was dedicated on the 26th of Aug-
ust, 1883, Rev. S. B. Barnitz, Western Secretary of the Board of
Home Missions, preaching the sermon from Psa. 50:2, "Out of
Zion the perfection of beauty ,God hath shined." No appeal was
made for money, all liabilities having been provided for. Dr. Mar-
tin served the church until June, 1894. la April of the following
year President Clutz of Midland College began to preach for them
and continued as pastor until February, 1904. Since that time Rev.
F. D. Altman, D. D., President of the Western Theological Semin-
ary, has served this church.
The Moray church is one of the very few of our churches in
Kansas Synod which has never received any aid from the Home
Mission Board or the Church Extension Board. It has been fort-
unate in being able to secure pastors whose salaries were assured
by the educational institution over which they presided, thus not
128 THE NEW CAMBRIA CHURCH.
being obliged continuously to provide the entire living of a pastor.
The church has a good Woman's Missionary Society organized in
1881, also a very efficient young ladies' society of "The Kings
Daughters." Late reports give it 102 communicants, and property
valued at S3,000. This church rarely if ever failed to raise its en-
tire apportionment for the synodical benevolences, now and then
doubling it. Being near Midland College, and having no compet-
ative institutions near it, it has sant a large number of students to
Midland, the total being between thirty and forty. The member-
ship consists of sturdy farmers whose loyalty to the church of their
fathers has made this church one of the most efficient for its size
within the bounds of Kansas Synod.
NEW CAMBRIA, FIRST ENGLISH.
What is now known as the First English Lutheran church of New
Cambria had its origin in a small school house near the junction
of the Saline and the Smoky Hill rivers about six miles east of
Salina. Services had been held here now and then inaugurated
by Messrs S. P. Donmyer, Lewis Donmyer, Sr., Jacob Donmyer
and John Shank, great hearted Germans, with a loyalty to the
Lutheran church which could not be doubted. Rev. Charles Young
of Salina was invited to conduct services for them which resulted,
on April 20th, 1873, in the organization of a church. Rev. Young
was the chairman of the meeting, and Mr. S. P. Donmyer was sec-
retary. A constitution was adopted, and the following charter mem-
bers enrolled: S. P. Donmyer, Wm. Vaupel Sr., Lewis Donmyer,
Sr., Jacob Donmyer, Lewis Donmyer, Jr., G. B. Donmyer, J. R.
Stiffler, Mrs. A. E. Vaupel, Mrs. Sarah Donmyer, Mrs. Susan Don-
myer, Mrs. Elisabeth Donmyer, Mrs. Lovina Donmyer, Mrs. Eliz-
abeth Slonaker, and Mrs. Mary C. Stiffler, all coming from Cam-
bria county, Pennsylvania; also John Shank, Henry Shank, Henry
Burr, Wm. Megran, Lewis Bucher, Frederick Shank, Charles C.
Hahn, Rose E. Bean, and Catharine Link. The following officers
were elected: Elders, Lewis Donmyer, Sr., Wm. Vaupel, Sr. ; Dea-
cons, Jacob Donmyer and John Shank; Trustees, S. P. Donmyer,
Chas. C. Hahn, and Lewis Donmyer, Jr. The church was named
by Lewis Donmyer, Jr., the "Lutheran church of the Saline River,
Saline county, Kansas." When it was admitted into synod that fall
it was called "The Peace Ev. Lutheran church of New Cambria."
The first communion service held by the young congregation was
PEACE CHURCH, NEW CAMBRIA. 129
in the barn of Lewis Donmyer, Sr., in June following its organiza-
tion, when twenty-four partook of the Holy Sacrament. After a
season the services were held in a school house near the village
of New Cambria. For the first three years Rev. Young preached
for them regularly every two weeks. He was succeeded by Rev.
W. C. Seidel in June, 1876, who continued as a supply for a year
ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.
and a half. The work of Rev. Seidel was largely a labor of love
for he received very little salary and even less support of a spirit-
ual nature. These were dark days but the faithful pastor regularly
attended to his ministry which was not at all in vain. In 1877 Rev.
A. J. Hartsock became pastor serving them about ten months in
connection with the Salina church. He was followed in October,
1878, by Rev. A. B. Kirtland who served the New Cambria con-
gregation and St. Paul's church in Walnut township, some eight
miles to the south. He had many dark days in his school house
ministrations, with small audiences and an indifferent people, but
he continued faithfully sowing the seed for four years. Rev. S. P.
130 THE NEW CAMBRIA CHURCH.
Harrington was called in November, 1882, remaining for a year,
but was not able to make much progress. Then the congregation
recalled Rev. Kirtland, in 1883, who at once began the agitation of
erecting a building believing that could he get the people to doing
something it would be the salvation of the church. He started the
ball to rolling at once, purchased lots for a site and on the 17th
of May the corner stone was laid for a substantial stone building
36 by 54 feet. Mr. S. P. Donmyer gave $1,000 toward the build-
ing, and had the others given as liberally the church could have
been furnished and dedicated without delay. However it was part-
ly completed and used but with a distressing debt hanging over it.
It remained for another pastor to finish the building. Rev. Kirtland
was succeeded by Rev. A. J. Hartsock who supplied the church
during 1887, and through th3 following year Prof. O. G. Klinger
performed a similar service. Rev. R. B. Whitehill took charge in
the latter part of 1888 who lived at Abilene and served the St.
James church in Dickinson county in addition to this charge. The
Sunday school up to this time had been a "union" affair. This was
not thought to be conducive to Lutheran success, so the pastor set
forth a movement to re-organize it, as a strictly Lutheran school.
Although it made a little stir in the doing, the change was entirely
effected. In 1891 Rev. J. B. Umberger was called. The following
year a movement was inaugurated for the completion of the church.
It had been standing since 1885, somewhat unfiinished, and with
a crushing debt of $1,000. Rev. Lenker the Western Secretary of
the Board of Church Extension was asked to come and talk Ger-
man to the people and make a house to house canvass for the pur-
pose of raising money for the day of dedication. Mr. Lenker per-
suaded Mr. Donmyer, who had given $1,000 when the building was
first erected, to give $250, in addition, and so from others good
help was obtained, and on the 17th of July, 1892, amid a magnifi-
cent wheat harvest, the building was dedicated. The dedicatory
sermon was preached by Rev. S. B. Barnitz, and all indebtedness
wiped out between the appeals of the two secretaries. Rev. Um-
berger was succeeded in September, 1894, by Rev. J. M. Long who
remained until the fall of 1898. Rev. J. J. Chambers took charge
in November the same year, serving the charge until 1903. During
the latter's pastorate a comfortable parsonage of six rooms was
purchased. It has a large lot 100 by 330 feet, is conveniently locat-
ed and well appointed, with a small indebtedness of $400 remain-
ing on it. In December 1903 he was succeeded by Rev. J. F. Cress-
ler who remained on the field until the 31st of October, 1906. The
ST. PAUL'S, NEW CAMBRIA CHARGE.
131
church reported 75 communicant members in 1906, and property
valued at $4,500. In January, 1907, all remaining indebtedness
was liquidated. This church for a while was known as the Don-
myer church.
NEW CAMBRIA, ST. PAUL'S.
Among the good Lutherans who resided in Walnut Township,
Saline county, was one Charles Shirar, in whose heart warmly
burned the love of God, and being anxious for the good of his fam-
ily, his own soul and the neighbors about him, urged upon the
community the need of a church where the Word could be preached
and the Holy Sacraments administered according to the gospel.
At that time Rev. Charles Young was pastor of the Salina mission,
and to him Mr. Shirar went with the request that he take up work
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ST. PAUL'S (THE "OLD STONE CHURCH.")
in Walnut Township in addition to his regular work. This the mis-
sion board would not permit on account of the advanced age of
Rev. Young, then in his sixty-ninth year, however he occasionally
preached for them in a small school house to the southeast of
where the church now stands. His ministrations were not without
fruit and in the fall of 1874 the organization of St. Paul's Ev. Luth-
eran Church of Walnut Township, sometimes called "The Shirar
church," was effected by Pastor Young, with the following eight
132 ST. PAUL'S, NEW CAMBRIA CHARGE.
charter members: Charles and Lucinda Shirar, Riley Shirar, Wil-
liam Shirar, Samuel and Mattie BatdorfT and George and Mary E.
Bull. For three years Rev. Young supplied them with preaching
once a month. The compensation was necessarily small. The
records show that he received $31.45 for the first year and $96.00
for the third year. During the year 1878 Rev. A. J. Hartsock sup-
plied the church, and that fall it was formally received into Kan-
sas Synod. In October, 1878 Rev. A. B. Kirtland became pastor
of the New Cambria charge and served St. Paul's church faithfully
for twelve years, during which time the little church was greatly
strengthened in membership and a church building erected. In
1883 a site was secured and plans adopted for the erection of a
building 30 by 50 feet, to be constructed of stone. The corner
stone was laid in May, and in August the structure was completed,
at a cost of $2,675, in cash and labor, and dedicated on the First
of January, 1888, Rev. George D. Gotwald preaching the dedica-
tory sermon, when all indebtedness was provided for. This church
never received any aid from either the Home Mission or the Church
Extension Boards. It is a great monument to the fidelity of the
pastor and the loyalty of the people who freely contributed of both
their means and labor in making the end possible. Soon after came
drouths and hard times which led many to remove from the county
leaving the church very weak and greatly discouraged. Rev. Kirt-
land served this church in connection with that at New Cambria,
although it was not united with it as a pastoral charge. In 1891
this charge was formally effected and Rev. J. B. Umberger was
called as pastor, remaining two years. He was succeeded in May,
1894, by Rev. J. M. Long, who continued to serve them about three
years. During the vacancy that followed they invited their old pas-
tor Rev. Kirtland to supply them. On November 1st, 1898, Rev.
J. J. Chambers took charge and remained with them as pastor for
five years. In December, 1903, he was succeeded by Rev. J. F.
Cressler, who remained until October 31, 1906. In its parochial
report this church now (1906) reports 21 communicants, church
property valued at $2,000 with no indebtedness. It is still connect-
ed with the New Cambria church as a pastoral charge. In 1888 a
Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized
which for a time flourished. It became extinct in 1895.
ST. MARKS, NORCATUR.
133
NORCATUR, ST. MARK'S.
The pioneer missionary work in the "Short Grass Country" along
the southern branches of the Republican river in Decatur and Phil-
lips counties, was done by Rev. J. W. Kimmel in the latter part of
the Eighties. This indefatigable worker saw many opportunities,
and had the church the men and the money with which to follow
up the openings he found doubtless many more churches would
have been founded in this part of the state. Having an occasion
to perform a marriage ceremony in Norcatur in February, 1888, he
saw an opportunity there for a church and at once began to hold
services, and on the 17th of June following he organized St. Mark's
Ev. Lutheran church with twenty-six charter members. He laid
plans at once for the erection of a church. Ground was immed-
iately broken and the foundation put in for a building 28 by 40
feet, with a pulpit recess and a vestibule in the tower. The church
was frame and was completed at a cost of $1,600. The dedication
took place on the 16th of December, and Secretary Barnitz preached
the dedicatory sermon and made the appeal. On this occasion Dr.
st. mark's church and parsonage.
Barnitz says in his report, "Another of the neat, handsome and in-
expensive churches aided by the Board was dedicated yesterday.
The entire debt save the loan from the Extension Board $300 was
provided for. "Oh for more money for Church Extension." The
church was received into Kansas Synod that fall.
134 FIRST CHURCH,, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
In 1897 this church bought a lot for a parsonage, and in the
spring following, a one story parsonage, 24 by 24 feet, with an an-
nex, was erected at a cost of $600. During the previous year im-
provements were made on the church building costing $300. This
was all accomplished through the tireless activity of Rev. Jonas
Freet, who turned the property over to the trustees free from debt.
The loan to the Board of Church Extension has been returned in
full. The succession of pastors were as follows: Rev. J. W. Kim-
mel, June to December, 1888; Rev. C. W. Maggart, supply, Dec,
1888 to April 1889; Rev. J. B. Umberger, Sept. 1889 to Jan. 1891;
Rev. M. L. Kunkleman, a few months between 1891 and 1894; Rev.
C. J. Ringer, supply, three months 1894; Rev. Jonas Freet, Oct.
1894 to Oct. 1898, and from May 1899 to July 1900; Rev. J. T.
Miller, Sept. 1900 to Sept. 1904; Rev. M. F. Rinker, Feb. 1905, to
Feb. 1, 1906; Rev. J. B. Grove is the present pastor taking charge
Oct. 1, 1906. This church was connected at first with Trinity church
at Oberlin as a pastoral charge and continued so until the practical
abandonment of the church at Oberlin about 1892. In 1895 it was
connected with Long Island as a pastorate. This made a hard charge
to serve as one whole county lay between the two churches. The
charge assumed self support during the pastorate of Rev. Miller.
The church reports a membership of 43 and property to the value
of $2,500, with no indebtedness.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
The fact that the rich Territory of Oklahoma was filling up with
thousands of people and as yet scarcely a single Lutheran church
planted within its borders, led to a very spirited discussion at the
convention of Kansas Synod in 1900. It was unanimously agreed
that steps should be taken at once by the Advisory Board of Home
Missions looking toward planting a church in some of its populous
centers. Official attention was called to this promising South-land
and our Boards of Home Mission and Church Extension were urged
to aid in the work. The Advisory Board issued an appeal to the
Kansas churches for funds to start the enterprise. On December
1st, 1901, the home Board commissioned Rev. R. H. Williams as
missionary. The mission was styled by Kansas Synod as the First
Twentieth Century Mission and the sum of $300 was given for the
support of its pastor by the Synod.
The first service was held in the Court House in the latter part
FIRST CHURCH, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. 135
of December, and the church itself was organized there on the 12th
of January, 1902, with the following charter members: Mr. and
Mrs. Andrew Goodholm, Mr. and Mrs. George G. Sohlberg, Mr. and
Mrs. John Wetzel, Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Kramer, Mr. and Mrs. J. H.
Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. John Trout, John
Forsberg, Mrs. Nettie Gates, J. F. Eyster, Mrs. R. H. Williams, F.
C. Seeger and Mrs. Heyler. A constitution was adopted and the
following officers were elected: Elders, John Forsberg and Andrew
Goodholm; Deacons, Geo. G. Sohlberg, P. C. Kramer, F. C. Seeger
and J. F. Eyster.
Services were held in the Court House until March, 1902. In
the mean time negotiations were completed in January the same
year for the purchase of a brick Campbellite church on Third street
near Harvey street, for $3,000 including all the furnishings. The
Board of Church Extension aided in the purchase by granting a
loan of $1,000 for five years without interest, and by agreeing to
pay the interest on a note for $1,500 for three years. The property
was repaired and refitted at a cost of $800, and on the 6th of April
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH.
136 ST. PAUL'S, OTTAWA.
it was re-dedicated as the First Lutheran Church of Oklahoma
City. The morning sermon was preached by President, Carl Swen-
son, D. D., of Bethany College, who spoke on the "Principles and
Mission of the Lutheran Church." In the evening President F. D.
Altman, D. D., of the Western Theological Seminary preached a
strong discourse. The church is well appointed and fully adapted
to our needs at present and well worth the price paid for it. After
a pastorate of twenty months Rev. Williams resigned and was suc-
ceeded on the 1st of January, 1904 by Rev. William Kelley. The
health of Rev. Kelley was not very good in his last charge and he
was in hopes the Oklahoma climate would benefit him. In this
hope he was disappointed. On the 25th of June, 1906 he passed
away. On February 1st, 1907, Rev. Geo. Beiswanger the present
pastor took charge. Kansas Synod is still assisting in its support,
but its plan is to assume this burden itself at the close of the pres-
ent year. In the brief period of less than four years this mission
had 92 members, and while its growth has not been rapid it has
been substantial. Its location however is not very desirable and
the congregation is in hopes of being able to sell its present prop-
erty and locate in a more desirable part of the city, and if this is
done it is thought its growth will be more rapid. Recently a hand-
some Altar, Baptismal Font and Reading Desk were installed.
OTTAWA, ST. PAUL'S.
The county-seat of Franklin county had been regarded by the
Synod as a fruitful place in which to plant a mission long before
the work was actually accomplished. For twelve years it had been
the place of residence of a retired minister, Rev. D. S. Altman who
never ceased to plead for a church there. The town already had
two Swedish churches, and as there were quite a number of Ger-
mans living there, the opportunities seemed more than ripe. It
was visited by the Synodical Missionaries and by the new Western
Secretary Rev. S. B. Barnitz, all of whom united in asking the
Board of Home Missions to send a man into the field. In 1884
Secretary Clutz invited Rev. Samuel Henry of Mifflinburg, Penna.,
who was able to preach in both German and English, to become
missionary at Ottawa. In the fall of 1884 he entered the work un-
der the direction of the Home Board. At first, services were held
in the Second Swedish Lutheran church, and later these were trans-
ferred to the First church. On the 5th of December he organized
ST. PAUL S, OTTAWA.
137
the congregation as "The English-German Ev. Lutheran St. Paul's
Church," the following comprising the charter membership: Wm.
Altman, L. Altman, Mrs. Jane M. Altman (wife of Rev. D. S. Alt-
man), Henry K. Muth, Minnie E. Muth, Amanda E. Eggers (wife
of Rev. L. G. Eggers), F. G. Sehnert, Christian Sehnert, Geo. Wip-
pert, Catharine B. Wippert, John Bohnet, Caroline Bohnet, S. P.
Cameron, Mariah Cameron, G. W. Snyder, Mattie Snyder, Dr. Sallie
Kleckner, J. W. Henry, Lizzie Henry, Albert Heidegger, Frank Mil-
ler, Emma Miller, Mary A. Esterly, Mary A. Ellinger, (wife of Rev.
st. Paul's church, (old.)
J. G. Ellinger), Mrs. T. Castle, George F. Lehr, Catharine Sleeder,
and two catechumens, William and Caroline Bohnet.
This church soon after was received into Kansas Synod. Fol-
lowing up the advantages he had gained, Pastor Henry began to
take steps for the erection of a building. The question of location
became a serious one, as the congregation became divided on the
site. The German portion, living mostly in the country favored a
location in the western suburbs of the city. The residents of the
138 st. Paul's, ottawa.
city felt that it was all important that the church should be in the
central part. The differences were so marked that it seemed for
a while the whole enterprise would fail, as there were differences
also on the language question. Finally through the visit of some
of the synodical brethren th^ site was agreed upon, lots purchased,
and the foundation of the church was laid. The corner stone was
laid on the 9th of August, 1885, Rev. M. F. Troxell, preaching the
sermon. The plans adopt:d called for a frame building 24 by 40
feet, with a tower eight by eight and of proportionate height, the
entire cost including the lots amounting to $3,000. The Board of
Church Extension gave a donation of $1 10 and a loan of S800. The
church was finished and dedicated on the 4th of October, Rev. T. F.
Dornblaser preaching the sermon. All bills with the exception of
this loan were provided for at the dedication. A Woman's Home
and Foreign Missionary Society was organized by Rev. Henry the
same year. He resigned April 1st, 1886. Soon after this, dissatis-
faction arose anew over the unfavorable location of the church.
The Committee on Vacant Congregations at the Synod of 1886 re-
ported, "It will be generally conceded that a mistake has been made
with reference to the location of the Ottawa church." The presi-
dent of Synod was directed to visit Ottawa and admonish the con-
gregation to harmonize its differences and call a pastor. After a
vacancy of over a year and the disintegration resulting therefrom,
Rev. P. Ewald was commissioned missionary. He remained there
only three months. On May 1st, 1887, Rev. W. C. Seidel took
charge, preaching in both German and English, however remaining
but one year. The work then was suspended and letters of dismis-
sal were granted to the members which practically disbanded the
organization.
In 1891 Rev. J. F. Scherer, while serving the church at Garnett,
twenty-five miles south of Ottawa, determined to attempt the re-
viving and reorganizing of the church at Ottawa. This he was able
to accomplish on the 28th of March, organizing it with 25 mem-
bers as a strictly English church and retaining the name St. Paul.
It was re-admitted into Synod that fall. It was served in connec-
tion with Garnett. Rev. Scherer resigned January 1st, 1892, and
was succeeded in June following by Rev. J. N. Lentz, who also serv-
ing both points mentioned. During his pastorate the congregation
succeeded in paying off the S800 due the Board of Church Exten-
sion, the Board donating $300. A property located on the north-
west corner of Third and Elm streets was purchased for a parson-
age, December 1st, 1894, at a cost of $1,600. He resigned in June
ST. PAUL S, OTTAWA.
139
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, (NEW. I
1905 and in August following Rev. J. B. Umberger was called to
the pastorate, serving it until September 1st, 1898. One month
later he was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Pugh. The same year Ottawa
-was separated from Garnett as a pastorate.
The unfortunate location of the church in the suburbs of Ottawa
140 st. paul's, peabody.
militated against any permanent success. The agitation for a re-
moval was kept up continually until 1902, when it was decided to
sell the parsonage and purchase lots for the central location of
the church. Four lots were bought on Locust St. between 4th and
5th streets, and plans were about completed for the erecting of a
new church, when the M. E. congregation deciding to build offered
their church property to the Lutherans at the latter's own price.
An offer of $1,800 cash and the four lots on Locust street was made
and accepted. The structure is centrally located and of imposing
appearance. It is built of stone. The basement has a main Sunday
School and two class rooms, besides library and furnace rooms.
The auditorium has 480 sittings besides the gallery which will ac-
comodate 150 more. The congregation then sold its old church for
51,500. The last service in it was on September 28th, 1902, and
on the first Sunday in October following, the congregation worship-
ped in its new home, but could only use the afternoon for service
until the next year when the M. E. church was completed. About
$700 were spent in frescoing and repairs, the Church Extension
Board coming to their help with a donation of $100. The re-dedica-
tion took place on the 28th of June, 1903, when Rev. H. L. Yarger,
D. D., preached the sermon and made the appeal. He succeeded
so well in the appeal that $800 were raised over the amount they
were aiming at, which was set aside for a parsonage. This move-
ment placed the Ottawa church on its feet, and with it there was
ushered in an era of prosperity. The movement for a parsonage
was followed up at once and the "chain letter scheme" was launch-
ed which added about $1,000 to the parsonage fund. A good sub-
stantial parsonage of eight rooms with all modern conveniences
was erected adjoining the church, costing $2,400. This was ready
for use in 1904. During 1906 all indebtedness was liquidated.
While the church is still a mission it will soon assume self-support.
Its present pastor is Rev. C. W. Sifford, D. D., who took charge
October 1st, 1904. The church reports 60 communicants and prop-
erty valued at $12,000, a good Sunday school, young people's so-
ciety, a strong missionary society, and a Ladies Aid society.
PEABODY, ST. PAUL'S.
The activity of Kansas Synod and its missionary president, Rev.
S. P. Harrington, during the year 1876, resulted in the organization
of what has become one of our best churches. During one of the
ST. PAULS, PEABODY.
141
missionary journeys of Rev. Harrington, Peabody was visited, a
preliminary canvass made, a Lutheran service held, and the place
reported about ripe for organization. The commission of Rev. Har-
rington expiring about this time organization was deferred. Mr.
David H. Bauslin, a theological student of Wittenberg Seminary,
spent the summer of 1877 with his parents at Peabody. He began
holding services every Sunday afternoon in the M. E. church, and
soon had affairs in shape for organization. However, not as yet
being licensed, he requested the President of Synod, Rev. T. F.
Dornblaser, to complete the organization. The latter preached on
Sunday August 4th, and on the 7th an organization with 24 char-
ter members was effected in the Baptist church. Among the char-
ter members were the following: Jacob Keller, J. Stewart, Miss
M. F. Stewart, Geo. M. Miller, Margaret Miller, Philip Weidlein,
H. S. Weidlein, Andrew Shank, Sarah Shank, Miss Hannah Hunt-
st. paul's church.
er, Jos. Bongart, Stephen Dardinger, C. H. Rahe and Eliza Rahe.
A constitution was adopted, naming the church St. Paul's, officers
elected, and a call extended to Mr. Bauslin to become pastor, not-
withstanding he had one year yet in the seminary. Three weeks
later the congregation was received into the Kansas Synod at its
142
st. Paul's, peabody.
convention at Salina. Mr. Bauslin served the congregation until
his return to the seminary in the fall. Rev. R. B. Whitehill, having
moved to Peabody, was engaged to supply the church, and soon
after he was formally elected pastor. In the spring and summer
of 1878 they erected a frame church 30 by 60 feet, costing $2,650,
and which was dedicated on the 15th of December, when all debt
was provided for with a sufficient excess for the purchase of an
organ.
Kansas Synod at its fall convention that year adopted the follow-
ing resolution:
"Whereas, the Ev. Lutheran congregation of Peabody, during the
first year of its existence, has in course of erection a new house
of worship, without aid from the church at large, to the happy sur-
prise of the members of this Synod, therefore,
.
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Sk
ST. PAUL S INTERIOR.
Resolved, that we are highly gratified with the progressive spirit
exhibited by this congregation, and that we commend its zeal and
self-reliance to all of our western missions."
After a lapse of about four years an obligation reverted to the
church in the sum of $925, which had been assumed by one of the
members, but which he could not pay owing to financial reverses.
In 1883 this had grown to $1,200. The Board of Church Extension
granted them a loan of $300 and the balance was paid by the
church. Rev. Whitehill resigned in 1880. After a vacancy of 21
months the Home Mission Board granted the church aid to the ex-
ST. PAUL S, PEABODY.
143
tent of $300, and on the 16ih of December, 1882, Rev. A. J. Hes-
son became pastor. Rev. Hesson served one year as pastor and
nine months as a supply. In October, 1884, Rev. H. B. Belmer
took charge. During his pastorate extensive repairs were made to
the church, the building being lengthened 14 feet, the improve-
ments all told costing $1,800. The church was re-dedicated on the
24th of March when all indebtedness was provided for including
the loan from the Church Extension Society. Interest in improve-
ments continued to manifest itself, and in the following spring a
commodious parsonage of eight rooms was erected costing $2,000.
Assistance from the Home Mission Board continued until 1886
when the church assumed self support. Rev. Belmer resigned in
1888 when the church reported 95 members. On the 16th of Sep-
tember, the same year, Rev. G. A. Bowers, D. D., took charge and
for four and a half years served the congregation very acceptably.
Mr. E. F. Trefz, a theological student, supplied the church during
the summer of 1893. On the 1st of October Rev. S. S. Kauffman
became pastor for a year and nine months. He was followed by
Rev. R. H. Williams, as a supply, and finally as pastor, serving
from 1895 to September 1, 1898. During the latters pastorate a
Moller pipe organ was installed costing $1,000 and other improve-
ments made costing $500 more. In January, 1899, Rev. G. W.
Amick became pastor, remaining two years. On June 1, 1902, Rev.
C. N. Swihart took charge, resigning on Nov. 1, 1904. He was
succeeded on January 1st by Rev. T. P. Skovgard, who remained
st. paul's parsonage.
144 ST. JAMES', PERTH.
pastor for one year. In April, 1906, Rev. Geo. S. Murphy was
called as pastor being the present incumbent.
The Peabody pastorate of late years has attained a reputation
for benevolence which ranks as one of the very best in this Synod.
At present the church has 155 members and property to the value
of $6,500.
In 1885 a Woman's Missionary Society was organized which is
one of the most liberal contributors in the Synod, reporting in 1906
31 members and $137 contributions.
As this volume goes to press the St. Paul's congregation, having
decided to build a new church are studying plans calling for a fine
modern structure costing $15,000.
PERTH, ST. JAMES.
This church had its origin in a letter written by Mr. Henry Jacobs
of Perth to Rev. Dr. Joel Swartz, of Gettysburg, Pa., his former
pastor, pleading for the planting of a Lutheran church at Perth.
This letter was sent to the Home Mission and Church Extension
Boards which culminated in arrangements for a visit to Perth by
Secretary Lenker. The ripeness of the field was at once apparent.
A canvass of the town and surrounding country was made result-
ing in the organization of St. James church, so called after the St.
James church of Gettysburg, in the Perth school house, on the 6th
of March, 1887, with the following charter members: Mr. and
Mrs. H. H. Jacobs, Annie Jacobs, Mrs. Sallie Erhard, Mr. and Mrs.
George Erhard, Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Mickley, Mr. and Mrs. Fritch-
man, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mickley, Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Fuss, Mr.
and Mrs. A. D. Spangler, Allen and Emory Jacobs, Wesley Mickley,
Geo. W. Gelback, Samuel A. Shriner and H. S. Miller. Most of
these good people had come from in and around Gettysburg. The
new congregation was regularly admitted into Kansas Synod in the
fall of 1887. Rev. J. G. M. Hursh at that time preaching at Port-
land, a point eighteen miles southeast of Perth, was invited to give
them a visit, resulting in his being called as pastor in April fol-
lowing. The services were held at first in the school house where
the new pastor organized a Sunday school. In September the same
year he was commissioned by the Home Board as missionary, serv-
ing Wellington, Perth and Trinity church at Portland. On All
Saint's Day Secretary Lenker again visited Perth, this time to in-
spire the congregation to go ahead and build a church. All fell
ST. JAMES, PERTH.
145
in with his proposition to proceed at once to build. The same day
they assembled on the lot, which had already been obtained, and
broke ground. Plans were adopted calling for a frame building
with an auditorium 30 by 40 feet, a class room 12 by 24 feet, and
a tower 8 feet square. Willing hands made light work. The stone
was secured free, and it was hauled and put into the foundation
with labor all donated. Indeed the labor of erecting the entire
structure was donated with the single exception of the building of
the chimney. The cost of the church all told amounted to $1,800,
of which the Church Extension Board donated $200 and loaned
$300. The building was dedicated on the 28th of April, 1890, some
ST. JAMES CHURCH.
time after it was built. Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., President of Mid-
land College, preached the sermon. Rev. Hursh was present at the
dedication although he had resigned the church some time prior
to give his whole time to Wellington. On February 1, 1889, Rev.
Jacob $chauer became pastor and served the church till June, 1890.
He was followed by Rev. A. H. Burk, who was pastor from Octo-
146 st. john's, salina.
ber till the following March. Later he supplied the church in the
latter part of 1891 and the fore part of 1892. Owing to the in-
ability of either the Wellington or the Perth congregations to sup-
port a pastor the two congregations decided for a time at least to
unite in calling a pastor and co-operate with the Home Mission
Board in sustaining the same. Under this arrangement Rev. R. B.
Whitehill served them as pastor from May, 1892 to May, 1894. On
the 1st of October the same year Rev. B. F. Pugh took charge serv-
ing the two congregations till April 1st, 1898. On July 1st, Rev.
E. E. Stauffer became pastor of the two churches continuing until
June 1, 1901, when it was deemed best that each congregation, with
assistance from the Mission Board, secure a pastor for itself. On
August 1, the St. James church called Rev. W. A. Livers. During
most of its history this church received more or less aid from the
Mission Board but on the 1st of August, 1902, it became self-
sustaining. In the fall and winter of 1901-2 the members and
pastor united in building a comfortable six room parsonage on two
large lots donated by Mr. Emanuel Wynn. After a ministry of two
years Rev. Livers resigned and was succeeded on the 1st of Nov-
ember, 1903 by Rev. J. J. Chambers who served the church until
April 1, 1907. The church at present has a membership of 77 and
property to the value of about $3,000. At the present writing,
(1907) the congregation is remodeling its building. In 1889 a
Woman's Missionary Society was organized, and is still in fine
working condition.
SALINA, ST. JOHN'S.
Rev. Charles Young, after doing efficient pioneer work in the
Synod of Northern Illinois at Dixon and various points in Stephen-
son county there, came to Kansas in 1872, broken in health, and
settled on a farm near Salina. Not content with farm life while
mission fields lay about him which ought to be occupied, he ap-
plied to the Home Board for aid in establishing a mission in the
young and growing town of Salina. In the Spring of 1873 he was
commissioned, the Board allowing him $300 the first year. He set
himself to the work at once and on the 30th of March organized
St. John's Ev. Lutheran church with the following charter mem-
bers: T. F. Garver, Mrs. T. F. Garver, R. H. Dihle, Mrs. Joanna
Dihle, B. B. Stimmel, Mrs. M. Stimmel, Jacob L. Gebhart, Mrs.
Julia Gebhart, Mrs. Elizabeth Young, Josie Young, C. W. Tressin,
ST. JOHN'S, SALINA. 147
Mrs. Minnie Tressin, and Miss Ida Tressin. Rev. Young at this
time was also preaching at New Cambria six miles east, on the
newly constructed Kansas Pacific railroad. Here in April he or-
ganized a church which with the Salina church constituted a pas-
toral charge. In 1874 they purchased a small M. E. church 24 by
st. john's church, (old.)
35 feet in dimensions, with appointments intact, paying $800 for it.
The same building is still standing and is used by the colored
M. E. church. They spent $200 more in repairs. This afforded
the church a home of its own, however humble, and soon better
days began to dawn upon the mission. On account of the infirm-
ities of old age, being seventy-two years, Rev. Young resigned May
1st, 1876. For about fifteen months succeeding, the church was
supplied by Rev. W. C. Seidel. On the 1st of August, 1877, Rev-.
A. J. Hartsock was commissioned missionary, the Board appropri-
ating $300 per year. The new pastor threw his whole soul into the
task of building up his church. He soon had the little church filled
with people. In less than two years he had added 100 new mem-
bers to his "Little mission 'round the corner" as he loved to call
it. Sometime in 1879 a parsonage was built which was used for
a season and later was sold. Soon it became necessary that a new
church be erected, but where to get the money was a problem, for
the country was new and the people were passing through seasons
of drouth which made it almost impossible to raise money locally.
Under his inspiring cry, "God helps those who help themselves,"
he set himself to the task. "We must have a church or die," he
wrote to the Lutheran Observer, in 1879. The General Synod met
148
st. John's, salina.
at "Wooster, Ohio, that year, and it authorized the Brooklyn, N. Y.,
and Salina, Kans., missions to appeal to the church at large for
funds for the erection of buildings. Rev. Hartsock acted promptly
and immediately laid his plan before the Sunday schools of the
church through the columns of the church papers, proposing that
they, the scholars, buy the brick for the new church. He had
about 50,000 red paper bricks printed which he sold for ten cents
each. The church papers during 1879 and 1880 were full of ac-
counts of the sale of bricks for the Salina church. The plan was
new and took well and money flowed in from every quarter. This
congregation and pastor suddenly became widely known all over the
church. When the enterprise lagged the indefatiguable pastor,
leaving his field in the hands of a resident minister, would make
his round of the synods in the East, visiting Sunday schools en-
route, always with his one cry, "Buy my bricks." It was a spec-
tacular erecting of a church indeed. On these trips he scattered
st. john's church, (new.)
ST. JOHN S, SAL1NA.
149
30,000 bricks. He labored incessantly day after day until it is safe
to say that one-half of the children of the Sunday schools of the
General Synod had invested a dime in- Salina bricks.
In the spring of 1880 two well located lots were purchased and
deeded to the Board of Church Extension, the purchase price be-
ing $600. Brick was contracted for and plans adopted for the
erection of a building but the work was not begun until the fol-
lowing year. The corner stone was laid on June 18, 1881. Up to
that time the splendid sum of $6,591 had been collected, largely
by the sale of the red bricks, and given to the congregation by the
ST. JOHNS PARSONAGE.
Church Extension Board as a donation. The dedication took place
on the 10th of December, 1881. Dr. Conrad was to have preached
the sermon, but he failed to arrive, and the pastor was obliged to
preach it himself. Revs. Charles Young, M. Stolpe and A. B. Kirt-
land, were present during the day and assisted the pastor. As
there was no debt to lift there was no plea for money.
The building is a Gothic structure of native brick, 43 by 75
feet, with a handsome tower 90 feet high and bell porch, vestibule,
organ loft, and a Sunday school room 20 by 40 feet off from the
auditorium and connected with sliding doors. The ceiling is in
the form of a canopy neatly and tastily finished. The floor is in-
150 st. John's, sauna.
clined and seated with elegant pews in amphitheater style, accom-
modating about 400 people. A one manual pipe organ was install-
ed, the first placed in a Lutheran church in Kansas. This was plan-
ned and built in Salina, and was probably the first pipe organ made
in Kansas. The entire cost of the structure was $10,000, a mon-
ument to the tireless energy of the pastor.
Rev. Hartsock resigned October, 1882, and was succeeded soon
after by Rev. A. J. Kissell, who remained as pastor of the mission
until March, 1885. In July that year Rev. George D. Gotwald was
called. During his pastorate the church assumed self support. In
April, 1889, Rev. C. W. Maggart became pastor. During the lat-
ter's pastorate an eight room parsonage was erected. In May,
1892, Rev. L. C. Routzahn became pastor, remaining one year.
From December, 1893, to April, 1898, Rev. H. M. Oberholtzer was
in charge. On July 1st, 1898, Rev. J. A. McCulloch was called re-
maining over two years. On the 1st of December, 1900, Rev. C. E.
Wirick took charge, remaining until June, 1906. Early in the lat-
ter's pastorate the church was repaired and renewed at a cost of
$600. The old parsonage again having been sold, in 1902 a lot
was purchased adjoining the church on the south on which during
the year following a commodious parsonage was erected, having
ten rooms, with modern conveniences, gas, bath and furnace, and
at a cost of $3,200. In 1882 a Woman's Home and Foreign Mis-
sionary Society was organized which is a prominent agency for
good in the congregation to this day. The church is well equipped
with a fine Aid Society and is one of the best in the Synod. During
the pastorate of Rev. Gotwald a Young People's Society existed,
which, though short lived, left as a monument of their interest and
zeal a beautiful white marble baptismal font. During the same
pastorate a fine bell was installed and entirely paid for. These
monuments of the labors of this now sainted pastor still remain,
after the lapse of over twenty years, one serving as a means of
grace and the other still calling the people to the place where the
means of grace are dispensed. Rev. H. A. Ott, D. D., became pas-
tor on the 1st of February, 1907. At present the church reports
250 communicants, with no indebtedness and properties valued at
$15,000. Recently an electric motor for the organ was installed.
FIRST CHURCH, ST. JOSEPH, MO. 151
ST. JOSEPH, MO., FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN.
The effort to organize a church of the General Synod in St.
Joseph, Mo., dates back to the days when Rev. David Earhart was
preaching in his great circuit of fully one hundred miles in Doni-
phan and Brown counties along the Nebraska line and in Vinland
in Douglass county south of Lawrence. On June second, 1866, he
crossed the Missouri river paying the rising town of St. Joseph a
visit. He found a few Lutheran families in and around the city
and preached the gospel to them for the first time on June 3d,
1866. He visited the "long-scattered membership" again on July
15th and entered into an agreement to preach for them every two
weeks on the Lord's Day. On September 23d, "Christ's Ev. Luth-
eran church" was organized with fifteen charter members. Anders
Nelson was elected Elder and O. O. Stinson, an Elder emeritus of
the present church, was elected Deacon. The Holy Communion
was administered for the first time to nine sheep of the little flock
on November 4th, 1866. The Rev. Mr. Earhart writes, "It was ad-
ministered with feelings of much gratitude to God for His good-
ness." After preaching in the old court house in St. Joseph for
about two years, for want of a building the services were trans-
ferred to Oak Hill school house a short distance from the city.
Most of the members lived close to this school house. This was
a fatal mistake. Continuance of the organization in St. Joseph
would have insured a strong church in due season. On March
27th, 1870, Rev. Earhart administered the Lord's Supper, commend-
ed the church to the Grace of God, and resigned. The little com-
pany disbanded. Its members, a majority of whom were Scandi-
navians, were served from time to time by a pastor of their own
nationality. No one deplored the failure more than Rev. Charles
Martin who, in the year 1866, had founded "The Young Ladies'
Institute" of St. Joseph, and who had hoped for a church home for
his family and his school.
Nothing further was attempted for almost twenty-five years.
After the founding of Midland College at Atchison the need of a
church became more imperative. The college people aided in lay-
ing the matter before the Mission Board. Rev. Edward F. Trefz
was commissioned missionary June 1st, 1894. He entered upon
his work with an energy and devotion which insured success. The
Unitarian church was rented and services held in it for three
months. On August 26th the First English Ev. Lutheran church
was organized with fifty-seven charter members. Rev. Charles
152
FIRST CHURCH, ST. JOSEPH, MO.
Martin, M. D., presided at the meeting. Peter Stinson acted as
Secretary. Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., President of Midland College,
made a short address and assisted in the organization. A consti-
tution was adopted to which the following names were inscribed
as charter members: Rev. Charles Martin, M. D., Pastor Emeritus,
FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Mrs. E. T. Nelson, Mr. George Nelson, Miss Lenore Nelson, Miss
Cora Nelson, Miss Pearl Nelson, Mrs. M. O. Plowman, Mrs. Cath-
arine Cox, Miss Rena Nelson, Mr. Newton Nelson, Mr. Thomas
Nelson, Mr. Orion Nelson, Mr. Fred Weddle, Mrs. Fred Weddle,
Miss Ella Weddle, Miss Lottie Weddle, Mrs. Chas. Spalsburg, Mr.
Fred Weddle, Jr., Mr. Peter Weddle, Mr. Harry Weddle, Mr. Wallie
Weddle, Mr. O. O. Stinson, Mrs. O. O. Stinson, Mr. Peter D. Stin-
son, Mrs. R. E. Henderson, Mrs. H. C. Varner, Mrs. Frank Hanna,
Miss Eudora Martin, Miss Christine Johnson, Mrs. Clara B. Kelley,
FIRST CHURCH, ST. JOSEPH, MO. 153
Mrs. Sarah E. Peters, Mr. J. M. Priest, Mrs. J. M. Priest, Mrs. Clara
Hillix, Miss Lulu Senter, Mr. Karl Fiedler, Mrs. Karl Fiedler, Mr.
Henry Marquard, Jr., Mr. H. J. Tritchler, Mrs. Gotfried Zunkle,
Mrs. John Nelson, Mr. Hans Holms, Mrs. Hans Holms, Mrs. J. M.
Hague, Miss M. Hendolite, Miss Hannah Thompson, Miss Addie
Thompson, Mrs. A. M. Spencer, Mr. Julius Trefz, Miss Emma
Trefz, Mrs. Elsie Marnell, Mrs. W. L. Eshelman, Miss Allie Spen-
cer, Miss Mamie Spencer, Mr. Josiah Cobaugh, Mrs. Josiah Co-
baugh, Mrs. Robert Schatz, Mrs. Leontine Johnson.
On the 1st of September the congregation moved into the Y. M.
C. A. building and continued to worship there for a little more than
a year, paying a rental of forty dollars per month. The congre-
gation was received into the Kansas Synod in October. Shortly
after its organization the congregation began to arrange for the
building of a church home. A lot was purchased i.iarch 7th, 1895.
Plans were adopted for the erection of a brick structure two stories
high with a corner tower. The corner stone was laid on Wednes-
day, September 25th, 1895. Rev. W. F. Rentz of Atchison had
charge of the ceremony. The first service was held in the base-
ment of the new church December 15th, 1895. The congregation
worshipped in the auditorium for the first time February 2nd, 1896.
The common service was introduced and rendered. The formal
dedication took place on November 15th, 1896. Rev. J. A. Clutz,
D. D., preached the sermon. Rev. H. L. Yarger, D. D., made the
appeal for money, and $4,000 were raised that day. The King's
Daughters Circle subscribed SI, 000 dollars in addition to the SI, 000
previously contributed. $500 were contributed by the church at
Moray, Kansas. The Board of Church Extension loaned S3,000
The building cost $7,000, is constructed of pressed brick and fin-
ished in polished oak with furniture to match. Among the appoint-
ments of the church are numerous memorials, among the most
beautiful being the large west window and the altar, gifts of Mrs.
E. T. Nelson and children who have done so much for the church.
Rev. Trefz resigned August 2nd, 1898. He was succeeded by
Rev. H. F. Schale who remained until September 1st, 1899. Rev.
Millard J. Troxell, D. D., became pastor November 15th, 1899.
In 1900 extensive improvements were made in the Sunday school
room. Rev. S. B. Barnitz, D. D., assisted in the re-opening ser-
vices in August- of that year. In 1903 a fine pipe organ was in-
stalled and the church renewed and frescoed throughout. On Aug-
ust 1st, 1904, the call of Midland College for a President removed
from the church the pastor. Rev. Benjamin R. Lantz, the present
154
TRINITY, SEDALIA, MO.
pastor, entered upon his work November 6th, 1904. A W. H. and
F. M. society and mission band were organized in 1905. The last
interest bearing note was canceled in March, 1906. The church
reports 260 members and property valued at $15,000 on which re-
mains an indebtedness of $3,000 to the Board of Church Extension.
SEDALIA, MO., TRINITY.
The planting of an English Lutheran church in Sedalia was due
largely to the interest of Messrs A. F. Dressel, M. D., J. F. Geis-
chen, and H. H. Kroencke, who laid the matter earnestly before
the western representatives of our Missionary Boards. After a
careful canvass of the place Rev. C. T. McDaniel, of St. Louis,
Mo., was invited to consummate the organization. A meeting to
this end was duly advertised to take place in the parlors of the
Baptist church on the 28th of November, 1894, when the Trinity
Ev. Lutheran church was organized, a constitution and by-laws
TRINITY CHURCH.
TRINITY, SEDALIA, MO.
155
adopted, with the following enrollment as charter members: Mr.
and Mrs. Fred Luecking, J. F. Geischen, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Kro-
encke, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. A. F. Dresel, Mrs. F. Buske, and J. H.
Meyer. To these names were added a little later, Catharine L. and
Bettie E. Bremer and A. Dexheimer. Messrs Luecking and Kro-
encke were elected Elders and Geischen, Meyer, Dexheimer and
Dresel were elected as Deacons. A Sunday school was organized
on the 17th of February following, with Dr. Dresel as Superinten-
dent. After advising with the Home Mission Board a call was ex-
tended to Rev. John F. Seibert, who took charge of the mission on
\S
a m frfy
ii mil e J
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TRINITY PARSONAGE.
the 1st of July. The first services and Sunday school were hsld in
the Advent church, a small frame building on the corner of Tenth
street and Missouri avenue. Rev. Seibert was formally installed
on the 21st of July by Rev. F. D. Altman and Rev. H. L. Yarger. At
first the congregation thought to hold its connection with the Synod
of Central Illinois, but owing to the near proximity of Kansas
Synod it united with the latter in October, 1895. A central lot was
purchased on the corner of Tenth street and Osage avenue for
$3,300, on which stood a good two-story ten-room frame house
well adapted for a parsonage. The house was moved to the in-
side of the lot, and in the following spring ground was broken for
the chapel and the foundation put in. The corner-stone was laid
on the 12th of July, 1896, when the presence of Drs. Barnitz and
Yarger added greatly to the joy and success of the occasion. Work
156 ST. MARK'S, ST. LOUIS, MO.
was pushed forward on the building until its completion and dedi-
cation on the 29th of November. Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., preached
in the morning and Rev. J. M. Cromer in the evening, Rev. H. L.
Yarger making the appeal for funds. Good subscriptions and cash
were taken aggregating $1,636. The chapel is about 38 by 65 feet,
with tower on the corner, faced with pressed brick, with seating
room for 250 people. The windows are all memorial, the furniture
is of solid oak, and the walls and ceiling frescoed to match. The
entire cost of the building and appointments was $3,000. The cost
of the moving of the house and repairs was $700. This made the
total expenditures $7,000. While the Home Mission Board aided
in the support of the pastor the Board of Church Extension came
to their help with a donation of $300 and a loan of $2,000. In
the summer of 1899 an addition was built to the chapel for the
prayer meetings and the primary department of the Sunday school
at a cost of $325, which was all provided for before the day of the
opening, December 3d, 1899, when Dr. Yarger preached the sermon.
Owing to ill health and over work, Rev. Seibert resigned on the 1st
of November, 1900, after a very successful pastorate, his little
band of a dozen charter members having grown to 96, and in addi-
tion to this his congregation were worshipping in a comfortable
chapel of their own and the pastor was nicely housed in a com-
modious parsonage, although there remained a debt on the property
as a whole of $3,355. On January 1st, 1901, Rev. J. C. Jacoby,
D. D., became pastor serving the congregation until November 1st,
1904. He was succeeded in April by Rev. S. M. Lesher, the present
pastor. A Ladies' Aid Society was organized on the 2nd of August,
1895, and a Luther League on December 4th of the same year.
According to its last parochial report the church has 70 members,
and property valued at $8,000, with $2,700 indebtedness. The
church is still a mission.
ST. LOUIS, MO., ST. MARK'S.
The first steps looking toward establishing a mission of the Gen-
eral Synod at St. Louis were taken in May and June, 1865, when
Rev. Morris Officer, Secretary of the Home Mission Society, visited
the place, made a canvass of the city, and tried in vain to secure
a place in which to hold services. In 1866 he visited St. Louis but
did not remain long as the cholera was prevalent along the wharf.
In February, 1867, he returned and after spending a week canvass-
ST. MARK'S, ST. LOUIS, MO. 157
ing the city called a meeting at the home of Col. H. C. Creveling,
1425 Lucas Place, on the 6th of March. On account of a violent
snow storm but few were present but they decided to proceed to
organize and submit their action to the absent ones for their signa-
ture. Rev. Officer presided, and Mr. J. A. J. Schultz acted as sec-
retary. There were present Geo. W. Berry, Mrs. Ann M. Berry,
Mrs. H. Creveling, William D. Gantzhorn, Miss Mary Gantzhorn,
J. A. J. Schultz and Mrs. Mary E. Schultz, and subsequently the
following names were signed to the proceedings: Louis Gantz-
horn, Clara Gantzhorn, R. R. Honeyman, Elizabeth Honeyman,
Simon Durst, John Miller, Geo. L. Fell and Emily B. Fell. On
Tuesday, May 14th at the home of Mr. Schultz a congregational
meeting was held with Mr. Officer present when a constitution was
adopted and half of the officers were elected, as follows: Elder,
Mr. J. A. J. Schultz; Deacon, Geo. L. Fell, and Trustees, Louis
Gantzhorn and R. R. Honeyman. On the 20th following twenty
united by letter, and two by confirmation. The sum of $1,240 was
subscribed toward the purchase of a lot and the erection of a
church building.
Rev. S. W. Harkey, D. D., took charge as pastor the First of
October and began holding regular services in a hall on Tenth and
Carr streets, organizing a Sunday school at once with the follow-
ing officers: Superintendent, Jas. Garnett; Asst. Superintendent,
G. W. Berry; Secretary, N. Brown; Treasurer, J. A. J. Schultz;
Librarian, E. D. Flora. At a subsequent meeting Mr. G. W. Berry
was elected (additional) Elder, James Garnett and J. J. Conklin,
Deacons, and D. C. Siegrist, Trustee.
In the spring of 1868 Dr. Harkey raised in cash and subscrip-
tions in the East $1,874, and this encouraged the Church Council
to purchase a site for a church, located at the corner of Wash
street and Elliot avenue, costing $4,600. On the 1st of July the
church was incorporated, and in August plans for a building were
adopted. Messrs Schultz, Berry and Garnett were appointed a
building committee. The corner stone was laid on the 6th of Sep-
tember. In February the following year they began to worship in
the Lecture Room of the new structure, renting the pews for in-
come.
The church was a mission under the auspices of the Maryland
Synod. In October, 1869, Dr. Harkey resigned, and was succeeded
by Rev. Prof. J. B. Corbett, who was installed in February follow-
ing, Rev. J. B. Helwig, D. D., and Rev. G. A. Bowers officiating.
The Ev. Lutheran Synod of Kansas and adjacent states having
158 FIRST CHURCH, TOPEKA.
been organized the congregation decided to withdraw from the
Synod of Central Illinois at a meeting held February 2nd, and in
October it was enrolled in the new western Synod. Prof. Corbett
was succeeded in 1871 by Rev. M. Rhodes, who found a congre-
gation of about thirty members, none of whom were property own-
ers, and with a debt of about $12,000 running at 10 per cent, on
the property. He at once set himself to work at completing the
church main room, which was accomplished at a cost of $3,500.
In the fall of 1872 the congregation at its request was again en-
rolled in the Synod of Central Illinois. This ended its relation to
Kansas Synod. Later Dr. Rhodes sold the old church for $7,250
and erected the present St. Mark's, at Cardinal and Bell avenues,
at a total cost of $65,000, including a debt of $32,000, every dollar
of which as the years went by was paid by annual Easter Offer-
ings.
TOPEKA, FIRST. EV. LUTHERAN.
The church at Topeka is one of the churches organized before
the founding of Kansas Synod. Among the Lutherans residing in
the city was Rev. J. B. McAfee who had it in his heart to organize
a church there ever since the close of the Civil War. He opened
correspondence with Rev. Morris Officer the secretary of the old
Home Mission Society inviting him to Topeka. This resulted in the
latter making a trip through the West in 1866 when he visited among
other Kansas points the Capital City, with no other results than
gathering information. In March the following year he again came
to Kansas this time organizing Lutheran missions, the first to be
organized in Kansas under the direct agency of the Society; one
at Lawrence and one at Topeka. The Topeka organization was ef-
fected on April 7th in the Executive office of the Governor of
Kansas, at 427-9 Kansas avenue, Rev. McAfee at that time being
the Private Secretary to Governor Crawford. The charter members
were Rev. and Mrs. J. B. McAfee, Mr. and Mrs. John Guthrie, Mr.
and Mrs. C. H. Ellison, Hugo Kullah, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Benson,
A. S. Holmburg, John Ruble, Mary Ruble, John Lind, Charles Moser
and Charles Smith. Officers were elected and steps taken toward
securing a house of worship. To encourage them Rev. Officer
pledged his society for $100 toward the purchase of a lot and
$2,000 toward the erection of a church. Rev. A. J. Hesson was
chosen pastor arriving August 15th, and for the year following
FIRST CHURCH, TOPEKA.
159
served the congregation in connection with that at Lawrence as a
pastoral charge under commission of the Home Mission Society.
The first services were held in the Methodist church, the preaching
being of a union nature, the two pastors alternating in holding ser-
vices. On January 28th the services were transferred to the Ger-
maia Hall located on lower Kansas Ave. Soon after the organiza-
tion three lots were purchased for $500, located on Topeka avenue,
FIRST CHURCH, (OLD.)
between Fifth and Sixth streets, by Rev. McAfee, and presented
by him to the congregation. In the winter plans were adopted for
a frame church 25 by 40 feet and to cost $3,500. The Home Mis-
sion Society gave $2,100 toward this, which had been raised by the
West Pennsylvania Synod, and the balance was provided by the
congregation. The building was dedicated on the 21st of June,
1868, Rev. Levi Sternberg preaching the sermon from I. Tim. 3:15
"The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth."
Rev. S. P. Harrington and Rev. J. B. McAfee were present assist-
ing the pastor. The building was a plain Gothic chapel boarded
and battened up and down, with a small cupola upon the roof. It
was seated with pine painted pews, with walnut arms. On the day
of dedication a Sunday school was organized with D. W. Nellis as
160
FIRST CHURCH, TOPEKA.
FIRST CHURCH, (NEW.)
Superintendent and Mr. A. P. Benson as librarian. Topeka at that
time had 6,000 population and it was thought that the pastor ought
to give his entire time to this point, instead of dividing it between
this city and Lawrence. The division was made the following year.
In this church Kansas Synod was organized on the 5th of Novem-
ber, 1868. Rev. Hesson resigned August 31, 1871, at which time
the church reported a membership of 46. In April, 1872, Rev. B.
F. Alleman became pastor who remained seven months. For the
next eight years the church was without a pastor, during which
time the pulpit was supplied irregularly and a Sunday school main-
tained, and although the membership was augmented now and then
FIRST CHURCH, TOPEKA. 161
it dwindled down to 22 and presented a rather forlorn hope. Upon
the return to Topeka from Leavenworth of Rev. McAfee in Decem-
ber, 1879, after an absence of seven years, he set himself to the
task of resuscitating the sleeping church and agitated the calling
of a pastor. Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, then Traveling Missionary of
Kansas Synod, had visited Topeka at various times with the same
thought, at one time remaining for three months on the ground.
When the Synod met at Lawrence in 1879 Rev. McAfee and Mr.
Lewis P. Firey of Topeka, requested that it endorse an application
from Topeka for missionary aid from the Board of Home Missions.
This was done and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser was commissioned mis-
sionary at Topeka the Board appropriating $500 a year toward his
salary and the congregation $300 more. On February 1st, of the
following year, he entered upon the work. One of the first move-
ments was the erection of a small 6 room parsonage on the north
lot of the church property, at a cost of $800. In 1884 the pastor
began the agitation looking for a better church home. Early that
year their property was sold for $4,500 and the present site at the
corner of Fifth and Harrison streets was purchased for the same
sum. Later the eastern half was sold for $2,200 which gave the
congregation a nest egg for its new building. The Board of Church
Extension loaned them $5,000. The plans called for a brick veneer
building, the auditorium of which was 48 by 60 feet and a lecture
room 26 by 48 feet, with two other entrances making the outside
dimensions 65 by 90 feet. The structure was to be Gothic with a
mixture of the Romansque. Rev. J. B. McAfee, L. P. Firey, H. C.
Brown, C. K. Felton, F. S. Stumbaugh and Elias Shull were the
building committee. The cost was a little over $16,000. The corn-
er-stone was laid on the 15th of June, 1884, and on the 30th of
November the building was dedicated, Kansas Synod meeting in it
at that time. Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., preached the sermon, from
Isa. 2:3. In February, 1888 the congregation assumed self-sup-
port. Rev. Dornblaser resigned on the 1st of June, 1890, and in
August following he was succeeded by Rev. F. M. Porch who re-
mained a little over four years. During the latter's pastorate in-
ternal dissension greatly weakened the church. On the 1st of May,
1895, Rev. A. E. Wagner became pastor, the Home Mission Board
again coming to the help of the church, appropriating $300 per year
for the support of the pastor. This continued for four years with
decreasing amounts. Rev. Wagner resigned in February, 1900.
He was succeeded in the following June by Rev. H. A. Ott, then
of Quincy, Ills. During the pastorate of Dr. Ott of nearly seven
162
TOPEKA PIPE ORGAN AND CHANCEL.
FIRST CHURCH, ORGAN AND CHANCEL.
years over $3,000 was expended in overhauling, repairing and re-
roofing the church. An elegant two manual pipe organ was installed
at a cost of $1,200, two new furnaces, a piano, a beautiful altar,
ST. PAUL'S, VALLEY FALLS. 163
baptismal font, and fine chancel railings, new carpets, wall decora-
tion, etc., making the interior rank with the very finest of the Kan-
sas Synod churches. In 1881 a W. H. & F. M. S. was organized
which has always been a great help to the church and at present
is one of the most efficient in the Synod. Dr. Ott resigned Feb-
ruary 1st, 1907. The church has 203 communicant members and
property valued at $16,000. In July Rev. W. W. Horn was called
to take charge October 1, 1907.
TOPEKA, FIRST SWEDISH LUTHERAN.
The First Swedish Ev. Lutheran church of Topeka was organized
in 1870, some of the members coming out of the English Lutheran
church. In the fall of the same year it was received into the Kan-
sas Synod while Rev. C. J. Sheleen was pastor. The church re-
mained in this Synod until 1873, when it called a pastor who be-
longed to the Augustana Synod. This brother persuaded the con-
gregation to withdraw from the Kansas Synod and unite with the
Augustana Synod. As the church had received considerable help
from General Synod people in Topeka in securing a church home,
the transfer was resisted until some satisfactory settlement or re-
turn of money was made. This made the separation rather an un-
pleasant one as the settlement was not made or satisfactory ex-
planation offered. The church united with the Augustana Synod
in 1872.
VALLEY FALLS, ST. PAUL'S.
Were it not for a succession of re-organizations, the St. Paul's
church of Valley Falls would enjoy the positive distinction of be-
ing the first permanent Lutheran church established on Kansas
soil. Some do view it to be such notwithstanding the long periods
when no Lutheran services were held in that village and no pre-
tensions made toward maintaining a church there. The town does
however have the honor of possessing, still standing, the oldest
Lutheran church building west of the Missouri river. The first or-
ganization at Valley Falls, then Grasshopper Falls, was effected
on the 14th of June, 1857, by Rev. J. B. McAfee, a full account of
which is found in the sketch of the pioneer work and workers in
the opening chapters of this volume. Rev. McAfee served this
164
ST. PAUL'S, VALLEY FALLS.
church in connection with one at Crooked Creek, one at Pardee,
and one at Monrovia, preaching at two of them every other Sunday.
When the civil war broke out he became very anxious to enlist,
finally resigning his field and entering the army in the summer of
1862. It was the rule of Rev. McAfee not to accept any compen-
sation for his services as pastor or preacher. At one time he re-
fused a purse of $50 which had been collected for him. The result
st. Paul's church.
of this policy very naturally was to cripple the charge when it call-
ed a pastor who devoted his entire time to preaching the gospel
rather than sharing it with farming. This was evident soon after,
when the congregation at Grasshopper Falls sold some of its prop-
erty to pay the pastor's salary. In June, 1864, Rev. S. P. Harring-
ton began holding an occasional service in the little walnut church
erected with much personal toil by Father McAfee. In his church
record at that time he says there were only five members residing
there, and this seemed so small a number that it was not regarded
as an organization. However in 1866 there came a number of sub-
ST. PAUL'S, VALLEY FALLS. 165
stantial Lutheran families from Ililnois, who wanted regular stated
services. Rev. Harrington was then serving the Monrovia church
as missionary under the appointment of the Home Mission Society,
and getting the consent of that society and the church at Monrovia,
he decided to give Grasshopper Falls regular services and to re-
organize the church there. This was done on the 7th of October,
1866, and the church named, "The Grasshopper Falls Ev. Lutheran
church." The following charter members were enrolled: Abraham
Hosier, Martha Hosier, Martha Rectorl, Catherine Vandenberg,
Emily Divelbiss, G. W. Crotzer, Mary E. Crotzer, Levi Zimmerman,
Lucinda Zimmerman, Sarah Beegle, Elizabeth Beegle, Anthony
Walters, Michael Senn, Mary Crotzer, Anton Reichard, Sr., Fred-
erick Reichard, Margaret Reichard, Frederick Doelfelder, Anna
Doelfelder, Joseph Hilty, Barbara Hilty, Philip Reichard, Anton
Richard, Jr., Rev. J. B. McAfee, Anna McAfee, Rev. S. P. Harring-
ton and Hannah Harrington. The first Church Council was com-
posed of Abraham Hosier and Anton Reichard Sr., Elders; G. W.
Crotzer and Michael Senn, Deacons. The church record states
that a regular call was not extended to Rev. Harrington until April
1868. In the spring of 1869 a Sunday school was organized under
the auspices of the American Sunday School Union, which, in the
following year, was re-organized as a strictly Lutheran school. In
1870 plans were adopted for the erection of a brick church and a
building committee appointed but owing to the stringency of the
times the project was abandoned. In August, 1871, Rev. Harring-
ton resigned. He was followed for a short time by Rev. S. N. St.
John. Then the charge for ten years was vacant, of which the re-
cords say, "Owing to removals and for other reasons all former
organizations of the Lutheran church at Valley Falls, failed or
were disbanded. Sometime in 1874 the church building passed into
the hands of the Presbyterian church, and there was no preaching
service held by any pastor of the Lutheran church from 1874 until
June, 1885."
At the last named date Rev. A. M. Geiger went to Valley Falls,
commissioned as a missionary by the Board of Home Missions, and
on the 1st of August organized "The St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran
Church," with forty-two souls, among whom were, G. W. Crotzer,
Edw. Snyder, Mariah Snyder, Jonathan Kramer, Alice Kramer,
Thos. Swab, Susan Swab, J. M. Dornblaser, Mrs. Amelia Dorn-
blaser, E. W. Benedix, Elizabeth Benedix, Edw. Martin, Kate Mar-
tin, Philip Klebenstein, Elizabeth Klebenstein and Hannah Stock-
well. Messrs Crotzer and Benedix were chosen Elders, and Messrs
166 ST. PAUl/S, VALLEY FALLS.
Snyder and Swab were made Deacons, and J. Kramer and E. W.
Benedix, Trustees.
The church at once prospered under the wise direction of Rev.
Geiger. In his second quarterly report to the Mission Board he
said, "We have now secured a veiy well located corner lot, 150 by
150 feet, and have started a subscription to pay for the same."
They had been worshipping in a Methodist church, taking the build-
ing when not in use by that denomination. Plans for the erection
of a brick building 34 by 55 feet were adopted and the enterprise
was rapidly pushed to completion. The dedication took place Jan-
uary 23d, 1887, Revs. S. B. Barnitz and J. M. Cromer assisting the
pastor in the ceremonies. The structure was Gothic, one story, with
a commanding tower 94 feet high, and was quite churchly both as
to its interior and exterior. The room was lighted with a Bailey
reflector and seated with 300 assembly chairs. The pulpit was
made from California red wood. The total cost was $5,733, and
on the dedication day $1,318 were needed which was partially pro-
vided. The Board of Church Extension loaned them $500 and do-
nated $200.
On Friday morning August 5th, a little over six months after the
church was dedicated, it was struck by lightning and consumed by
fire. By almost superhuman efforts the organ, the chandeliers,
most of the chairs, and windows were saved, in the midst of a ter-
rific storm, the determined people battling with both elements, fire
and water. A debt of $600 still remained on the structure aside
from the Church Extension loan, and there was no insurance. For
a while it seemed very dark to both pastor and people. But undis-
mayed by the fire disaster they set to work to rebuild as soon as
material could be obtained. Help began to pour in from many
sides. The Church Extension gave them another loan of $500, and
a donation of $566.96 which latter was largely the gift of Kansas
Synod which subscribed $503 at the fall meeting. The re-built
structure was ready for dedication on the 18th of December of
the same year when the pastor was assisted by Revs. J. M. Cromer,
T. F. Dornblaser, and J. B. McAfee. Rev. Geiger resigned Decem-
ber 1st, 1889, and was followed by Rev. J. W. Thomas in June, who
remained but four months*. After another vacancy of nearly six
months Rev. Geiger was recalled, remaining as pastor until March,
1893, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Umberger. At this
time the Valley Falls and Effingham churches united as a pastoral
charge. About the middle of 1895 Rev. Umberger was succeeded
by Rev. S. M. Lesher, who remained until the spring of 1898. Dur-
ST. JOHN'S, VINLAND. 167
ing the latters incumbency, $800 was paid on the interest bearing
debt on the new building. From this time until June, 1901, the
charge was vacant, being supplied occasionally. At the latter date
Rev. J. M. Herbst took charge, and served until December 1st,
1906, when he resigned to devote all his time to the church in
Effingham. At present the church reports 37 members, and a debt
of $1,900. Rev. Holmes Dysinger, D. D., of the Western Theolog-
ical Seminary, now supplies them regularly, the congregation hav-
ing been separated by the Synod from Effingham.
VINLAND, ST. JOHN'S.
Among the sturdy Lutheran laymen who came to Kansas in the
pioneer days, there were none who loved the church more loyally
than Father Joseph Eberhard, who had emigrated from the East
in 1854 as soon as the territory was opened, and pre-empted land
in the southern part of Douglass county. Here he felt the isola-
tion keenly for there were no Lutheran churches in the state as
yet. He felt the need of the means of grace for his family and soon
began to cast about in search for a Lutheran minister. Soon after
the arrival of Rev. David Earhart, the second Lutheran minister to
enter the state of Kansas, Father Eberhard heard of him and earn-
estly invited him to visit Douglass county and preach for them.
The invitation was accepted and the services were held in the hos-
pitable home of Mr. Eberhard. On the 29th of May, 1860, he or-
ganized Christ's Ev. Lutheran church with about twenty-four char-
ter members. He served this church for eight long years, and its
service was possibly the most strenuous in its exactions on a pas-
tor's strength of any in Kansas. During a part of this time the
pastor was living near Atchison and serving a church at East Nor-
way, another in Brown county, and still another in Doniphan
county much of the time. He would occasionally preach at Pardee,
his old home, and so, to make the itineracy, a tremendous circuit
would have to be ridden sometimes involving over 100 miles. He
resigned the Vinland church in 1868, and was succeeded by Revs.
H. B. Belmer, 1869-73; A. A. Trimper, 1873-4; D. S. Altman, 1874-
9; D. Scholl, 1880-93, and since then Rev. R. B. Whitehill supplied
the church for a year, and afterward students from Midland Col-
lege and Baker University.
While Rev. D. Scholl was pastor a church was built. It is a
frame structure, 24 by 42 feet and at a cost of $1,500, and was
168
THE WATERVILLE CHURCH.
dedicated on the 18th of November, 1883. Rev. T. F. Dornblaser
preached the sermon and was assisted by the pastor and Rev. D.
Scholl. A remaining debt of $233 was not only raised but enough
in addition to purchase an organ for ihe church. The church at the
present time is supplied occasionally by students, and reports about
25 members.
Sometime during the long history of this church the name was
changed from "Christ's" to "St. John's." Just when this was done
we cannot determine. Rev. Earhart in his historical data furnished
Kansas Synod says he organized the church as "Christ's and possi-
bly at a later date it was re-organized by some other pastor.
WATERVILLE, EV. LUTHERAN.
The pioneer work in the establishment of the Lutheran church
of the General Synod in Marshall and Washington counties was
done by Rev. F. R. Scherer who emigrated from Illinois and Iowa
to Waterville in 1868 and who combined preaching and farming
in his efforts to secure a livelihood. The Central Branch of the
Union Pacific railroad had just been completed to this village which
was destined for a while to be the terminus of the road. This
EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH.
THE WATERVILLE CHURCH. 169
opened the beautiful valley of the Blue for settlement. Among the
thrifty immigrants were German and Swedish Lutherans from the
Fatherland as well as quite a colony of Danes who settled to the
north of the village. Among these good people Father Scherer be-
gan to preach, in the spring of 1869, and after rather loosely or-
ganizing sixteen of them into a congregation on Saturday, April
12th, he began to agitate the erection of a building. But they were
all very poor, lumber was scarce and railroad rates were almost
prohibitive. They decided to do the work themselves. Tuesday,
May 11th, 1869, was appointed as the day to begin. The pastor
set a good example by laying hold with his own hands. They hewed
logs for the sills as well as for the frame-work. The sides were
covered with rough un-planed cottonwood boards, up and down,
and without battens. Loose boards were laid for a floor and temp-
orary seats were constructed out of the same material. By Satur-
day night of the same week the structure, rough and rugged and
furnitureless, was completed, and on the following day it was ded-
icated, Rev. M. G. Boyer of Atchison assisting the pastor in the
consecration. The church was 20 by 30 feet, and cost $350, of
which $110 remained a debt to be carried for a while. The sum-
mer sun soon played havoc with the green cottonwood siding, which
curled and warped leaving great open cracks in the walls which un-
fitted it for use during the following winter. After this services
were held in the school houses, private homes, and now and then
in a passenger coach should any happen to be in the village over
Sunday. Having no home this congregation soon disintegrated.
The present Waterville church dates from Jan. 21st, 1871, when
the church was re-organized in the new frame school building, a
constitution adopted, and the following charter members enrolled:
Christian Shirck, Mrs. Mary Shirck, J. H. Reitzell, Mrs. Emma
Reitzell, Geo. M. Kindel, Mrs. Eliza Kindel, Isaak H. Flook, Mrs.
Ruth, F. B. Flook, Aug. Frahm, Mrs. Sophia Frahm, Daniel Reitzell,
Mrs. Melvina Reitzell, Jacob Baker, Mrs. Magdalena Baker, James
Smith, Mrs. Maria Winklepeck, Mary E. Winklepeck, Saml. L.
Shirck, and Mrs. Mary E. Shirck. Mr. C. Shirck and Mr. J. R
Reitzell were elected elders; Jacob Baker and Aug. Frahm, dea-
cons; and Geo. Kindahl, Dan'l Reitzell and Samuel Shirck, trustees.
On February 12th, 1871, Rev. D. Harbaugh was elected pastor.
At the same time steps were taken to secure a lot for the location
of a church. The railroad contributed one on the condition that
it be properly fenced, which was duly complied with. A month
later it was decided to "arise and build" and a committee was ap-
170
THE WATERVILLE CHURCH.
pointed to proceed, but the
coming of the great swarms
of grasshoppers that year
made this step impossible.
From November, 1872 to
November, 1873 the Home
Mission So. aided to the ex-
tent of $200. As the Ken-
yon school house 3 miles
westward was located near
a large Lutheran settle-
ment, the services were
transferred there. After
seven years of faithful ser-
vice Rev. Harbaugh was
succeeded on the 28th of
September, 1878, by Rev.
Jacob Schauer. In this
church the first Woman's
Home and Foreign Mis-
sion Society in Kansas was
organized on the 7th of
September, 1879, and by Mrs. J. Schauer, while the congregation
worshipped in the Kenyon school house three miles out of Water-
ville. This society is still in existence. Mrs. Schauer also organ-
ized a Missionary Society at Hebron.
Rev. J. A. Lowe became pastor in September, 1883. He at once
inaugurated a movement which transplanted the congregation from
the country to the town. The Baptist church was rented and here
services were held until the new church was built. In the fall of
1884 a building committee composed of Rev. Lowe, J. B. Livers,
M. L. Reitzel, Henry Brammer and J. H. Reitzell, was appointed.
Plans were adopted for a frame structure 28 by 44 feet with a
tower 8 by 8 feet. The corner stone was laid on the 23d of Nov-
ember, 1884, Rev. W. C. Seidel assisting the pastor. The church
was dedicated on the 26th of July, 1885, Rev. J. M. Cromer preach-
ing the sermon. There were present, also, Rev. I. J. Delo, of Law-
rence, Dr. Charles Martin of St. Joseph, and the local ministers
who assisted the pastor in the consecration. The building had cost
$2,525 of which $700 remained unprovided for on the day of ded-
ication. This was all raised, the Board of Church Extension donat-
ing $200. The church was furnished with ash pews trimmed in
REV. D. HARBAUGH.
HEBRON CHURCH, WATERVILLE CHARGE. 171
walnut and walnut pulpit furniture. On the same day Rev. Lowe
closed his ministry, December 15, 1888, he was succeeded by Rev.
J. F. Sponseller who remained on the field till December 15, 1891,
doing good work. Rev. I. B. Heisey was called June 5, 1892, and
is the present pastor. The following year a movement was inaug-
urated for the erection of a parsonage. The initial steps were taken
by the missionary society which secured a site 88 by 150 feet. The
stone for the foundation was quarried under the supervision of the
pastor, the stone and hauling being donated, as was also the exca-
vating for the cellar and walls and the laying of the foundation.
The house in which the congregation originally had been organized
was purchased and moved upon this foundation. After some re-
pairing and overhauling it resolved itself into a very comfortable
parsonage. The money cost to the congregation was $800, and
the property today is valued at $2,000. The pastor being a car-
penter made this possible by toiling with his own hands. The
church reports 121 members and property valued at $4,000 with
no indebtedness. The church is connected with the Hebron and the
Walnut Township churches in a pastoral charge.
WATERVILLE, HEBRON.
The initiatory work in the establishment of the Hebron Ev. Luth-
eran church was done by Rev. David Harbaugh while he was ser-
ving the Waterville church. To this end he labored in season and
out of season, never seeming to measure his services by the pay
he received. At a point five miles south and two miles east of
Waterville is Pleasant Hill school house and around it quite a Luth-
eran community. Here Rev. Harbaugh began his work at first
teaching the catechism to the children and later holding a series
of gospel meetings which resulted in a marked religious awakening.
Here on the 8th of June, 1878, he organized the Hebron church
with the following nineteen charter members: Margaret Harbaugh,
F. J. Falkner, Sallie C. Falkner, Charles F. Dietelback, Wm. Kistler,
T. K. Kistler, Sarah A. Dietelback, Saddy A. Dietelback, Arabella
A. Kistler, Mrs. Ellen Webber, William A. Kistler, Margaret Mac-
Donald, Angeline O. Harbaugh, George W. Harbaugh, William M.
Harbaugh, Charles A. Harbaugh, Michael Vernson, Sarah J. Kistler
and Helen Vernson. A constitution was adopted and the following
officers elected: Elders, C. F. Dietelback and W. K. Smith; Dea-
cons, F. J. Falkner and L. K. Kistler; Trustees C. F. Dietelback,
172
HEBRON CHURCH, WATERV1LLE CHARGE.
F. J. Falkner and L. K. Kistler. Rev. Harbaugh was called as pas-
tor remaining until he was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Lowe. The
latter began to hold services at the Keystone school house in the
Kistler neighborhood, where he preached alternating with the Pleas-
ant Hill school house. During the pastorate of Rev. J. F. Spon-
seller steps were taken to unite the two points and erect a church
building. This movement while agreed to in the main caused some
estrangement on the part of a few. However the Swedish church
in that neighborhood was rented for a time. In 1891 a building
lot was secured at Cottage Hill and the work started. The plans
HEBRON CHURCH.
called for a frame chapel 28 by 36 feet, with an addition 16 by 24
feet, and a tower eight feet square. While the church was begun
under Rev. Sponseller it was completed under Rev. Heisey. Much
of the work was donated, the outlay in money amounting to $2,400.
Of this sum the Board of Church Extension donated $100, and all
the balance was raised on the day of Dedication, September 11,
1892. Revs. J. A. Clutz, D.D., J. F. Sponseller and J. A. Lowe
assisted the pastor in the consecration services. Hard times fol-
lowing the building of the church some shrinkage took place in
THE WALNUT TP. CHURCH,, WATERVILLE CHARGE.
173
the subscriptions given, and the church found itself $300 in debt
a year after the dedication. The Church Extension Board made
them a loan of $250 to be paid back in $50 installments. All this
loan has been repaid. Rev. Sponseller was succeeded by Rev. I.
B. Heisey the present pastor. The church has been greatly weak-
ened by recent removals. It has 22 communicant members and
property valued at $2,500. It is a part of the Waterville charge.
WATERVILLE, WALNUT TP., EV. LUTHERAN.
The community in which this church is located is eight miles
north and one mile east of Waterville. Here a frame church 24
by 36 feet had been erected by the Scandinavian Ev. Lutheran
church. A well kept cemetery is located by the side of the church.
Rev. Heisey was called as early as 1893 to conduct a funeral and
the place had been visited by other pastors previously, but the field
did not seem ripe for our work until later. In 1894 Rev. Heisey
began holding services in a school house three and a half miles
northeast of Waterville where a Sunday school was organized.
This work was successfully carried on until it was greatly hindered
by the moving to other parts of the young people. In 1895 another
point was opened four miles farther north at a place known as
Blanchville. Here a catechetical class was conducted for a season
WALNUT TOWNSHIP LUTHERAN CHURCH.
174 WALNUT TP. CHURCH, WATERVILLE CHARGE.
and Sunday evening services held. These services were largely
attended by both young and old from a Danish settlement. It was
not long until the desire was expressed that the pastor preach in
the Danish Lutheran church four and a half miles northwest. This
request was complied with and in the fall of 1897 a catechetical
class was conducted, and on the 1st of January, 1898, the English
Ev. Lutheran church of Walnut Township was organized, with the
WATERVILLE CHARGE PARSONAGE.
following charter members: George Eddy, Susan Eddy, Peter Lar-
son, Albert Larson, Albert Peterson, Laura Peterson, Martin Scott,
Mrs. Martin Scott, Peter Anderson, Adolph Giffert, Minnie John-
son, Gertrude Behm, Delia Behm, Nora Livene, Emma Livene,
Marie Lavine, Hans Hanson, Henry Hanson, Peter Peterson, Anna
Peterson, Lena Blasser, Clara Blasser, Lucy Scott, Clara Scott,
John Blasser, Andrew Peterson, Otto Giffert, Louis Nelson and
Marie Nelson. A constitution was adopted, and two young men
were elected Deacons, J. P. Larson and George Eddy. In the win-
ter of 1903-4 the old Danish organization was consolidated with
the new one and the church is now known as the English Ev. Luth-
eran church of Walnut Township. The present membership is 60
and the officers are as follows: Elders, Paul Peterson, and Martin
Scott; Deacons, James Nielson, and Albert Peterson; Trustees,
Peter Christianson, Hans Hanson and Albert Peterson. The church
has a property valued at $2,500 and no indebtedness. It is a part
of the Waterville pastorate.
ZION'S CHURCH, WHITEWATER.
175
WHITEWATER, ZION'S.
In the year 1879 Rev. Henry Acker emigrated from Ottawa, Illi-
nois, to Newton, Kansas, pre-empting a quarter section of land to
the southeast of that city. After preaching in school houses
wherever opportunity afforded, he organized a Sunday school in the
Richland school house in the neighborhood of Annelly. Finding
people here willing to enter a church organization, he effected the
organization of Zion's Ev. Lutheran church on March 20th, 1881.
At that time the nearest town was the county seat, Newton, 13 miles
distant, and from this point for a while Rev. Acker served the little
congregation, maintaining himself with his farm. The charter
members of the church were, Rev. Henry Acker, Mrs. Martha A.
Acker, Mr. and Mrs. A. Hanstein, C. C. Acker, J. L. Gorman, A. M.
Gorman, Margaret Schriver, Sallie Overholt and Ada Worthington.
Services were held in this school house until the fall of 1885. At
this time the Missouri Pacific railroad was built and a station
Annelly located. The M. E. church people at this station kindly
permitted the use of their church by the Lutherans and the school
house was abandoned, and for the next three years the congrega-
zion's church.
176 zion's church, Whitewater.
tion worshipped in this church. In the meantime the Rock Island
railroad had pushed its way southward and crossed the Missouri
Pacific just over the line in Butler county where the new town of
Whitewater sprang up. The congregation having no property de-
cided to move four miles to the east and build a church in White-
water. Ground was broken early in 1889, and by the middle of
June a neat frame structure, 30 by 40 feet was completed and furn-
ished, costing $1,400, which was dedicated with great joy on the
part of the people on the 9th of June. The dedicatory sermon was
preached by on which occasion all in-
debtedness was cancelled. This church was burned to the ground
on the 19th of November, 1893, from unknown causes. Happily
it was insured for $940, which gave the little band a nest-egg with
which to rebuild. Plans were adopted for a larger building, which,
while located on the old foundation, had a smaller room attached,
15 by 21 feet. This building was dedicated on the 17th of June,
1894, when Western Secretary Barnitz and President Clutz assisted
in the dedication and added vastly to the joy of the occasion by
their sermons. The entire debt was provided for. One of the Pres-
idents of Synod in his annual report says of the Whitewater con-
gregation, "Wise management, faith and benevolence, have char-
acterized pastor and people throughout their history." Pastor
Acker deserves great credit for his loyal work in establishing this
church. He never received any aid from either the Home Mission
Board or the Church Extension Board. For over sixteen years he
faithfully preached the gospel to this people and administered the
holy sacraments. On account of the infirmities of old age he re-
signed on the 27th of April, 1897. He died on the 13th of June
the following year, greatly loved and lamented. Rev. M. D. Berg
was called, taking charge in June, 1897, and served the church
until June, 1900, when he was succeeded by Rev. Elmer H. Combs.
During his pastorate a comfortable parsonage was bought located
only a short distance from the church building. Rev. Combs re-
signed in February, 1905. During the latter part of 1905 and the
first half of 1906 the church was supplied by Rev. F. R. Shirck. At
the close of his seminary course in May he became pastor, when
the Mission Board granted the congregation some aid. This church
reports a membership of 64 and property to the value of $3,500.
It has the reputation of being the most benevolent church in the
synod in proportion to its membership, a record it has maintained
for a number of years, all of which speaks volumes to the wisdom
of its founder.
st. john's, Wellington. 177
WELLINGTON, ST. JOHN'S.
The pioneer work in establishing the English Lutheran church
in Sumner county was done by Rev. J. G. M. Hursh, who went on
a visit to the southeastern part of the county in the spring of 1887.
After establishing a church at Portland in a school house, and
erecting a building at Perth, he came to Wellington in February,
1888, canvassed the place, rented a store room, and announced ser-
vices, soon finding enough material to justify the organization of
a church. Services were held in a rickety old store room every two
weeks, and a Sunday school of fifty members built up. The or-
ganization was effected on the 8th of July with twenty-seven mem-
bers. A constitution was adopted and a full complement of officers
elected and installed, and St. John's Ev. Lutheran church of Well-
ington, became an assured fact, however, little dreaming of what
an experience they were to pass through. At the same meeting a
building committee was appointed and instructed to push matters
as rapidly as possible in the erection of a church home.
Rev. J. N. Lenker, western secretary of the Board of Church
Extension, visited the place and aided in the solicitation of funds
and made the church a loan of $300 from his board. The corner
stone was laid on the 16th of September, Rev. S. Henry preaching
the sermon in the M. E. church. The superstructure was pushed
rapidly to completion, and on the 24th of October the building was
set apart for the worship of God, Rev. W. M. Sparr, the President
of the Synod, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The Church Ex-
tension Board gave them $200 in addition to their loan, and $323,
were raised on the day of dedication. When the church was set
apart it had a debt of $1,500. About the same time a parsonage
one story high, 34 by 24 feet adjoining the church, was built, cost-
ing $1,000. The congregation was on a good footing, when Rev.
Hursh receiving an urgent call to Hutchinson, accepted the same,
leaving Wellington on the 17th day of April, 1891. He was suc-
ceeded immediately by Rev. R. B. Whitehill, who, having a large
family, finding the parsonage too small, at once set about adding
another story. This improvement, together, with a new front and
back porch, gave the building a much finer appearance.
The church building was found in an unfinished condition espe-
cially in its furnishings, without pews, pulpit furniture or carpeting,
lit up by kerosene lamps arranged around the room. The new pas-
tor at once began the securing of funds with which to modernize
things a little. Over one hundred letters were written to churches
178
ST. JOHNS, WELLINGTON.
and friends at a distance, and solicitations made at home, until it
was thought a sufficient amount could be counted on, and the work
of transition commenced. New pews were put into the audience
room, and the room carpeted, new pulpit furniture installed, walls
neatly papered, while gas light was thrown from lamps and chand-
eliers over all. These improvements cost about $500 and were paid
for at the time. How true however that "Man proposes, but God
disposes", for the congregation had worshipped in the renovated
building but a very few Sabbaths until all was carried away by the
dreadful cyclone which visited Wellington on the 27th of May,
1892, at 9 P. M. Thus in a few moments perished the fond hopes
of the mission for it was still a mission regularly aided by the
Home Board. The day had been warm, the atmosphere very close
st. john's church after the cyclone.
and sultry, with scarcely a leaf moving. Dark clouds had been
gathering off and on through the day, the sun going down with
everything still and hushed. The night following was pitch dark
and as the hour of 9 neared, a terrible storm was heard coming
from the southwest. It struck the town full force, and in a few
awful seconds, swept the streets with death and destruction. Three
hundred buildings, by actual count, business houses and residences,
ST. JOHN'S, WELLINGTON. 179
were totally destroyed, or so badly wrecked that they had to be
torn down. The Lutheran, Presbyterian and the Episcopal churches
were utterly destroyed. The Congregational, Christian and the
Baptist churches were more or less severely damaged. The Luth-
eran parsonage, however, located within ten or twelve feet, was
somwhat shaken up, but not particularly damaged. The chimney
was blown off, some of the door frames a little twisted, and a few
joints opened by the sudden jar. The end of the barn was blown
up against the pastor's buggy, and the buggy pressed against the
stall in which his pony stood, but providentially all were held back
from becoming a mass of ruins by a strongly erected coal bin at
the other end of the barn. The pastor was in the act of getting
his family of seven into the church cellar for safety, when his
church was picked up bodily and smashed into pieces, some of it
carried far away. A remarkable feature of the storm was that
while the three churches were destroyed, their parsonages adjoin-
ing them were left intact, the pastors and families remaining in
them in safety, momuments of a kind Providence.
Fifteen people were killed outright, and about seventy were more
or less injured. Property to the value of $250,000 in these few
seconds of time was destroyed. Rev. Whitehill lost his library and
all his private records, besides the data which had been gathered
by the various historians of the Kansas Synod, he being elected to
that office only a short time before. The writer feels this to be his
personal loss for in his search for facts in the early history of Luth-
eranism in Kansas he has been brought face to face with a blank
dating beyond the time of this fearful cyclone. The news of this
sad visitation spread like a flash all over the land, and sympathy
was wired from a hundred points, and the universal offer was, "We
want to help you" — Money running up into thousands of dollars,
flowed into the stricken city, to feed the hungry, and help them to
rebuild their homes. The Lutheran church received from the Re-
lief Committee, $1,000 and the pastor $250 to assist them in get-
ting on their feet. While none of the church people were killed or
injured, the loss was a great one for them and they were thorough-
ly discouraged, and more so from the fact they still owed $1,500
on the destroyed building. Many felt like giving up the battle.
Never was a pastor compelled to face a more distressing state of
affairs in view of the fact, that he was a missionary and his church
a mission. With a courage and a hope that inspired all whom he
met, he bade them to be "strong and of good courage." He felt
that God would help them out of their troubles. He made the
180
ST. JOHN S, WELLINGTON.
proposition to them that if they would take care of the old debt, he
would see that a better church would be erected in place of the
one destroyed, and that it should not cost the local church a cent.
The proposition was accepted and the agreement was kept to the
letter. The courageous pastor took off his coat and went to work.
He became architect, boss carpenter and day laborer. Through the
hot summer he put on that church 1 10 days of manual toil, besides
soliciting funds far and near, and keeping up all regular church
services in the charge. Funds came in every mail. The new build-
st. john's church and parsonage.
ing rose like magic from the surrounding ruins, and by the 15th of
January, 1893 was ready for dedication. The new church is more
beautiful and better arranged than the old one. It has a main
audience room 28 by 48 feet with a pulpit recess 5 by 12 feet. It
has a Sunday school room 12 by 28 feet connected with the main
room by sliding doors, a pastor's study 10 by 10 feet, and a tower
10 by 10 feet and 46 feet high. The church is seated with pews,
newly carpeted, and the walls nicely papered, save in the main
room, where the ceiling is panelled after a very neat design. The
total cost was $3,050. To offset this cost $1,000 came from the
cyclone Relief Fund, $1,400 from churches and friends at distant
GERMAN SYNOD OF NEBRASKA. 181
points, $350 gathered by committees of the young people, and $300
from salvage of the old building. With the completion of the church
new life was infused into the congregation, and both pastor and
people were grateful and happy. Rev. Whitehill deserves great
credit for his courage and perservance in bringing his beloved
church out of the gloomy shadows, and placing it again in the glor-
ious sunshine of prosperity. His work will long abide as a mon-
ument to a sturdy faith and a loyal heart and hand in the time of
need. In May, 1894, he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. B. F.
Pugh, who served the charge faithfully until succeeded by Rev. E.
E. Stauffer in July of 1898. After the resignation of this brother,
there was a vacancy with an occasional supply for over a year.
The congregation then called Rev. C. F. Schultz who assumed
charge on the 1st of April, 1904, and remained pastor until July
1st, 1905. Rev. A. M. Reitzel accepted a call in December and on
the 1st of January, 1906, took charge, and is the present pastor.
The church has 57 members, and reports property to the value of
$5,000. It is still a mission receiving a small remittance every
year from the Home Board. A Missionary Society was organized
in 1889 which continued for a while and then disbanded. Later
it was reorganized and at present is a helpful factor in the church.
GERMAN SYNOD OF NEBRASKA
CHURCHES IN KANSAS.
While the churches connected with the German Synod of Ne-
braska, (G. S.) are mainly in Nebraska a number are located in
Kansas as follows: Trinity church, in Russell county; Immanuels,
in Barton county; Friedens, in Russell county; St. Paul's at Dor-
rance; Imamnuels, in Russell county; one at Hanover; one at
Home, Kansas; and one in Marshall county.
HANOVER, GERMAN EV. LUTHERAN.
The German Ev. Lutheran church of Hanover, Kansas had its
organization in 1874, when thirty-five souls incorporated among
themselves a congregation and proceeded to erect a small brick
church, doing this before it had called a pastor. In 1882 under the
pastorate of Rev. P. Groenmiller the church was enlarged to the
182
HANOVER, GERMAN EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH.
dimensions of 26 by 60 feet. A school building was also erected
and a frame parsonage 20 by 36. The cost of these improvements,
all told, was $5,500. At present the congregation has about 75
heads of families and 200 communicant members. It sustains a
parochial school with an enrollment of 28. While the congregation
does not belong to any synod, by the provision of its constitution its
pastor must belong to the General Synod. It never received any aid
from the Mission Board. The pastors have been as follows: P.
Groenmiller, 1876-88; J. Bond, 1891; C. RumfT, 1892; L. Schab-
inger, 1894; . . . Rudolph, 1896; J. Paetznick, 1896-1900; K. Kling-
er, 1907.
GERMAN EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH.
RUSSELL, ST, JOHN'S.
Russell county as well as its county seat, Russell, was the ob-
jective point of many German settlers, who true to their fatherland
instincts, were not satisfied until they had church privileges in their
own tongue. This resulted in the location of churches in Russell,
in Dorrance, at a point 12 miles south of Russell, and two others
south of Dorrance. St. John's church in Russell was organized on
RUSSELL, ST. JOHNS.
183
the 10th of June, 1900, by Rev. G. F. Muller. The following charter
members were enrolled: Henry Frier, Alex. Reinhardt, Jacob
Strecker, Carl Millberger, Jacob Deines, Aug. Reiff, Andrew Ruff,
Henry Strecker, Jacob Stenzel, Herman Luck, with their families.
After worshipping in quarters other than their own for a season,
they decided at a congregational meeting held on the 4th of Novem-
ber following, to erect a building of their own. Plans were soon
adopted for a frame structure 30 by 50 feet with a tower 12 by 12
feet and 80 feet high, and an altar nave 12 by 18 feet. Lots locat-
ed on Main street just north of the court house were purchased at
a cost of $1,000, and ground was immediately broken for a church
building. The structure was dedicated on Sunday Rogate, May 12,
1901, when all indebtedness was provided. The building cost $5,000.
st. john's church and parsonage.
It is seated with solid oak seats and lighted with incandescent gas-
oline lights. A beautiful high altar, finished in white enamel and
gold, was placed in the nave back of the pulpit. A pulpit in sim-
ilar finish was placed to one side. The entire interior presents a
very churchly appearance, in harmony with Lutheran ideas of
church architecture. The congregation has a membership of 212
184 DORRANCE AND HOME CHURCHES.
communicants with a good Sunday school of 115 enrolled. The
church is a member of the German Synod of Nebraska. In Octo-
ber, 1906, the congregation decided to erect a parsonage on the va-
cant lots adjoining the church. The plans called for a ten room
house including the halls, at a cost of $2,500, which was completed
by Christmas that same year. It is said to be one of the nicest resi-
dences in Russell. The pastors were as follows: Revs. G. F. F.
Muller, organizer; R. P. Schimmelpfennig, 1902-4; A. Mennenoeh,
1904-6; and Paul V. Toerne, 1906, who is the present pastor. This
church is connected with that at Dorrance as a pastoral charge. It
owns a four acre cemetery located just east of Russell.
DORRANCE, GERMAN EV. LUTHERAN.
The German Ev. Lutheran church of Dorrance was organized in
1904 by , when the congregation pur-
chased a small house and lot as a place of worship. This soon
proving too small and inconvenient, in September, 1906, the con-
gregation decided to erect a more commodious building. Plans
were adopted for a structure 24 by 40 feet, to cost $2,000, which
was finished and dedicated on the 9th of June, 1907, Rev. H. L.
Yarger, D. D., delivering the sermon, when all moneys needed were
raised excepting $300. At this service the pastor was assisted by
Revs. J. Holzberger and H. Lenser. The building has a small
tower in the front 12 feet square and sixty feet high. As yet the
congregation is not connected with any synod. It has a member-
ship of nineteen families, a small Sunday school, and has services
once a month by the pastor who serves St. John's church at Russell.
HOME, KANSAS, FRIEDENS.
Among the churches to the credit of Rev. J. G. Groenmiller as
organizer, is that of the Friedens Ev. Lutheran church of Home,
Kansas, which was organized in August, 1885, with 25 charter mem-
bers. Rev. Groenmiller was followed in 1886 by Rev. Chr. Thorn-
sen (1886-1889) and during the latter's pastorate a frame church
was erected 28 by 45 at a cost of $2,500. A small loan was made
them by the Board of Church Extension. The church is free from
debt. Later a neat frame parsonage 20 by 28 feet was erected and
paid for. The church is German. It has a parochial school in
HOME, ST. JOHN'S AND RUSSELL, TRINITY. 185
which the teaching of the German language is made a prominent
feature in its catechetical instruction. The congregation has been
served by Revs. J. G. Groenmiller, Chr. Thomsen, Fr. W. Kitzki,
J. Guteleben, F. W. Steffens, H. W. Fricke, and Rev. J. A. Hansen.
The last named is the present pastor. The charge is served in con-
nection with another congregation as a pastoral charge. The church
reports 45 members, and the charge property valued at $5,000 with
no indebtedness.
HOME KANSAS, ST, JOHN'S.
To the north of Home City, Marshall county, in Balderson town-
ship, late in the sixties a number of German families settled.
Among these were the families of Mr. P. W. C. Hahn, D. Brums-
back, W. Brumsback, and P. Merklinghaus, who were impressed
with the need of a church in which the Gospel would be preached
in their native tongue. Here Rev. Bathe began to hold services re-
sulting in the organization of St. Johannes church in 1869 with
eight families. For a number of years they worshipped in a school
house. In 1883 during the pastorate of Rev. Barkmann they erect-
ed a frame church 24 by 36 feet, with a tower 10 by 10 feet, cost-
ing $1,200. The dedication sermon was preached by the pastor and
all indebtedness was raised on the day of dedication. Later a
steeple was placed upon the tower. The church for some years
was independent and was served by independent pastors. Under
the pastorate of Rev. Fr. W. Kitzke, about 1892-3, it became a part
of the German Synod of Nebraska. It has been served by Revs.
Barkmann, Guteleben, Fr. W. Kitzke, F. W. Steffen 1893-1903, H.
W. Fricke, 1903-7, and J. A. Hansen the present pastor who took
charge in 1907. The church is connected with Freidens church at
Home City, as a pastoral charge. In 1869 the church laid out its
own cemetery which it sustains to this day.
RUSSELL COUNTY, TRINITY.
The pioneer work in laying the foundation for the establishing
of a German church in the southern part of Russell county 12 miles
south of Russell, was done by Rev. G. F. F. Muller, who was in-
strumental in doing much missionary work preparatory to establish-
ing a number of German churches in Kansas. The church was
186 RUSSELL COUNTY, FRIEDENS.
organized in October, 1900, by Rev. E. Pfeiffer with the families
of the following: Mr. Jacob Meier, Mr. Geo. Dietz, Jacob Blohm,
Mr. Jacob Krug, Mr. Heinrich Krug, and Mr. George Bender. For
a season the congregation worshipped in a public school house.
However in 1902 and during the pastorate of Rev. Weimken plans
were adopted for the erection of a substantial stone church 28 by
42 feet and at a cost of $1900. During the same year a house was
bought for the pastor and enlarged by the addition of two rooms,
which is also constructed of stone, and cost $600. All debt on
these properties has been liquidated. The church has a parochial
school with an enrollment of twenty-four. It also has a cemetery
200 by 200 feet, which was laid out in 1893. For a time this con-
gregation was connected with Immanuel church at Stickney, Kan-
sas as a pastoral charge. But since July, 1906 it has been served
separately having its own pastor. The pastors have been as fol-
lows: Revs. E. Pfeiffer, 1900; H. Weimken; C. F. Duecker, 1903;
and since June, 1906, Rev. J. Holzberger. The church is connected
with the German Synod of Nebraska and has property valued at
$2,500 with no indebtedness.
RUSSELL COUNTY, FRIEDENS.
The pioneer work in the establishing of Frieden's church,
(Church of Peace) located in the southern part of Russell county,
was done by Rev. B. R. Huhn, of the German Iowa Synod. This
soon resulted in the organization of a congregation in 1904 with
twelve families. Rev. Huhn set himself to the task of erecting a
building at once. Plans were adopted for a structure 24 by 40 feet,
of wood, which when completed cost $1,400, all of which was paid
by the congregation. The lot on which the church stands was do-
nated by Mr. John Jacob Michaelis. The church at present has a
small parochial school with an enrollment of sixteen. Rev. Hahn
served the church during 1904-5; Rev. C. F. Duecker, German
Synod of Nebraska, 1905-6; Rev. Herman L. Lenser, the present
pastor took charge in April, 1906. The pastor resides at Hoising-
ton, Kansas. The church is enrolled in the parochial tables of the
German Synod of Nebraska, and is served in connection with Im-
manuels in Barton county, as a pastoral charge. The church owns
a cemetery located by the side of the church.
STICKNEY, IMMANUELS — DUBUQUE, IMMANUELS. 187
STICKNEY, BARTON COUNTY, IMMANUEL'S.
Rev. G. F. F. Muller, while he was pastor at Russell began hold-
ing services in the small inland town of Stickney, Barton county,
in 1898. In a short time he organized a congregation known as
ImmanuePs church, with nineteen families. He was followed as
pastor by Rev. H. Wiemken in 1899 who remained till 1900. In
April that year Rev. R. Schimmelpfennig took charge. During his
pastorate plans were adopted for the erection of a wooden church
26 by 40 feet, which was completed at a cost of $1,800 and dedicat-
ed free from debt. The lots for the church were the gift of Mr.
Philip Schneider. The church owns a parsonage 18 by 28 feet,
frame, which cost $700. It has a parochial school at present with
an enrollment of forty, and also maintains a Sunday school. The
pastors have been as follows: Rev. G. F. F. Muller, 1898-9; Rev.
H. Wiemken, 1899-1900; Rev. R. Schimmelpfennig, 1900-1; Rev.
E. Pfieffer 1901-3; Rev. C. F. Duecker, 1904-6, Rev. H. L. Lenser,
1906. The congregation owns a cemetery located near the church.
The church is served in connection with the Frieden's church in
Russell county, as a pastoral charge. It is enrolled in the German
Synod of Nebraska.
DUBUQUE, IMMANUEL'S.
Just north of the southern border line of Russell county a colony
of Germans settled in the seventies. Among these Rev. R. Erdt-
mann began preaching as early as 1879. On the 19th of October
that year he organized ImmanuePs church at the small inland town
of Dubuque. The charter members consisted of Messrs Robert
Janne, George Kastorf, August Kluesener, Hermann Lucemann,
Heinrich Knabke, Hermann Kluesener, Eduard Rahenkampf, Chris-
tian Hilgenberg, George Ansehutz and George Buhler and their
families. The first trustees were August Kluesener, Christian An-
sohnictz and Dietrick Knabke. At first services were held in the
homes of the members. Shortly afterward and during the pastor-
ate of Rev. Erdtmann ground was obtained for a church and a
cemetery. Plans were adopted for a structure 23 by 43 feet, of
stone, and with a wooden tower, which was completed and dedicat-
ed. The building cost all told $2,000 and is without debt. In Nov-
ember, 1900 the congregation built a parsonage 28 by 30 feet,
frame, and at a cost of $1,200. This was all paid for when com-
188
EMPORIA, ST. MARK'S CHANCEL.
pleted. The congregation has a parochial school with an enroll-
ment of 30 and a Sunday school with a similar enrollment. The
cemetery is located opposite the church. The pastors have been
as follows: Revs. R. Erdtmann, 1883-93; Bracuhahn, 1893-6; H.
Westphal, 1896; John Kleinhaus, 1896-1901; C. A. Mennenoh,
1901-4; Carl Martin, 1904-7; Friedrich Kasten, 1907. For some
time the church was independent served by independent and Mis-
souri Synod pastors. In 1901 it came within the influence of the
German Synod of Nebraska in which it is at present enrolled.
It has 104 communicant members and property valued at $2,675.
CHANCEL OF ST. MARK'S CHURCH EMPORIA, REV. G. G. CLARK, PASTOR.
DEDICATED AUGUST 25, 1907. SEE PAGE 76.
BARNES, MESSIAH CHURCH. 189
CHURCHES ORGANIZED AND ADMIT-
TED INTO KANSAS SYNOD—
Now No Longer Existing, or Dismissed To Other
Synods.
Barnes, Messiah — In 1878 Rev. Jacob Schauer emigrated from
Ohio to Greenleaf, where he purchased a farm and immediately
began mission work in Washington county preaching in the school
houses in that neighborhood. On the 3d of August, 1879, he or-
ganized the Messiah church at Barnes in the school house. He serv-
ed this congregation in connection with one at Waterville, and the
same fall reported the new church to the Synod when it was en-
rolled having with the church at Waterville a combined membership
of 37. Wishing to build a church at Barnes he asked the synod to
recommend his church to the Church Extension Board for a loan
of $200. With this encouragement he began to prepare for build-
ing a church. As the place was new and the crops poor this was
a large undertaking. The building was dedicated on the 19th of
February, 1882. The day was noted for its bitter cold and blustery
weather. There were present Revs. J. Schauer, D. Harbaugh and
Henry Heigard. The building was a comfortable frame structure
24 by 36 feet, and cost $1,100, and was the first church in the town
or neighborhood. All indebtedness was provided for excepting
$141. After the organization of the Greenleaf church this congre-
gation was united with the latter as a pastoral charge. In this
church one of the earliest Woman's Missionary Societies was or-
ganized by Mrs. Schauer, (1885).
In January, 1886, Rev. Schauer resigned and was followed by the
following pastors: Rev. M. F. Rinker, 1887; Rev. E. S. Rees, 1889-
90; Rev. H. Zimmerman, 1893-4; Rev. J. N. Lentz, 1895; Rev. D.
H. Cramer, 1898; Rev. G. W. Livers, 1900; B. F. Kistler, 1903;
since that time Rev. R. Richter preached a few times. Only a few
famlies remain there and the building has been allowed to run
down and decay. A wind storm blew off a part of the tower which
was never repaired. Only seventeen members were reported in its
last synodical report. From the first the church was on the funds
of the Mission Board.
190 THE LEAVENWORTH MISSION.
Leavenworth, First English Lutheran Church. — That we do not
have a church to-day in the splendid city of Leavenworth, with its
20,000 population, after spending years of hard labor and not a
little money, is without doubt the result of blunders on the part
of pastors, congregation and boards. The first Lutheran church
in Leavenworth, in fact the first Lutheran church in Kansas, was
erected by Rev. J. B. McAfee, as related in the pioneer portion of
this history. The organization took place in August, 1855. The
pastor sold shares in the building which entitled the holders to a
vote in the management. With the proceeds he erected at once a
wooden building 30 by 50 feet. Here the congregation worshipped
for the space of two years. The lot was donated by the secretary
of the Town Site Association. A deed could not be given at once
owing to the fact that two years must pass before the government
would issue it. In the meantime the town needed lots for a school
site, and as by that time other denominations were demanding the
donation of lots, the Town Site Association refused to issue the
necessary deed and the lot was given to the town for a school site.
Those holding shares or stock in the building sold them to the
Land Commissioner and the church in spite of all efforts to the
contrary was robbed of its home. After the removal from Leaven-
worth of Rev. McAfee, the congregation was served by Rev. A.
Reuter, a pioneer from the Pittsburgh Synod, who was probably
the third Lutheran minister to come to Kansas. He gave up the
charge in 1860, and the little band became discouraged and soon
disbanded. Thus perished our first attempt to found a church in
Kansas, and with it the first Lutheran church building likewise
passes out of existence as such, becoming a school building.
During the period of the expansion of Kansas Synod under the
activity of Missionary Presidents Harrington and Dornblaser, Lea-
venworth was considered as a ripe place for the founding of a mis-
sion, but one requiring considerable outlay in its establishment.
Several canvasses were made by various ministers, all coming to
the same conclusion as to the ripness of the field. The Synod
through its officers and Advisory Board strongly presented the
claims of Leavenworth to the Boards of Home Missions and Church
Extension. Secretaries Barnitz and Lenker visited the field as well
as President Sparr of Kansas Synod. Finally on the 1st of Jan-
uary, 1889, an organization was effected with 24 members and a
Sunday school planted with fifty members. Rev. S. B. Hymen was
chosen pastor, but resigned within six months. After this the
young church was supplied more or less, still actively maintaining
THE LEAVENWORTH MISSION. 191
its Sunday school in a rented hall. In the fall of the same year it
was admitted into Kansas Synod. On November 1, Rev. C. A.
Eyler was called as pastor, and commissioned by the Home Mis-
sion Board, and served the church till April 1, 1891. On December
1, the same year the Board commissioned Rev. S. C. Chatham who
had been called as pastor by the congregation. Soon after a well
located lot was purchased for $2,500, the Board of Church Ex-
tension paying $1,000, the congregation $500, and the remainder
was covered by a mortgage. Before plans could be carried out
Rev. Chatham resigned, December 1, 1893, although he continued
to supply the congregation for several months thereafter. In the
choice of a successor there seemed to be a difference of opinion
between the western representatives of the Board of Home Missions
and the Board of Church Extension. Rev. J. N. Lenker of the lat-
ter Board strongly recommended Rev. J. W. Kimmel, as a capable
man to erect a church at Leavenworth owing to his extensive ex-
perience in church building. Without ascertaining whether this
selection was agreeable to the Board of Home Missions who would
have to pay a part of the salary, the congregation invited Rev. Kim-
mel to spend a few Sundays with them, and he was unanimously
elected pastor. The Home Mission Board did not concur in the
choice because of some trouble they had in former missions with
Rev. Kimmel, and refused to commission him. This refusal was
resented by some pastors in the West and under this pressure the
Board finally yielded, granting the commission for one year. The
new pastor at once set himself to the task of erecting a building
with his old-time enthusiasm. To begin he had a debt of $1,000
on the lot and a small congregation of about thirty souls, nearly all
of small means. Plans were adopted for the erection of a beauti-
ful Gothic brick structure with stone trimmings, to cost including
furnishings, $10,000. The contracts were let, the pastor and secre-
tary signing the same, assuming, as pastor Kimmel declares, all
responsibility for the debt, with but $1,000 subscribed. It was a
very small nucleus, to say the least, with which to erect a $10,000
church, and evidenced great faith on the part of the builders. Be-
fore the building was completed the lack of money made the situa-
tion very embarrassing. It was then apparent that they had great-
ly over-reached themselves. Dissatisfaction arose in the congre-
gation. Some advocated the boarding up of the windows for the win-
ter and selling the property. The pastor advocated the completing
of the structure and furnishing it and then selling it if that had to
be done. The little band was appalled at the tremendous task im-
192
THE STARCH CHURCH, LEAVENWORTH.
posed upon them. They felt they would have to give it up before
they had a chance to worship in their new home. The pastor, more
hopeful, then proposed to raise money by selling a starch which
seems to have been invented by Rev. Chatham. The church papers
as well as the Missionary Journal were soon flooded with notices
of this starch proposition. Kansas Synod at its fall convention in
1884, resolved, "That the members of Synod be requested to try
to induce their grocers to sell 'Silver Shield Starch,' and thus as-
sist the Leavenworth mission." The boards of the church protest-
ed against building on such terms, but no attention was paid to
their protests. Endorsed by the local synod, and by many leading
pastors and educators, the pastor bravely put his shoulders to the
task of raising nine or ten thousand dollars by selling starch. The
Mission became known all over the church, as the "Starch Church."
Church loving house-wives in our church demanded of their groc-
ers Silver Shield Starch, while the pastor incessantly travelled,
selling starch. Although his sales were large his expenses were
great and after a fair trial it was found the starch enterprise did
k * m
THE "STARCH" CHURCH.
THE "MATCH" PROPOSITION, LEAVENWORTH. 193
not bring in much money to the church. By the 1st of January
the building was completed and about furnished, but there was no
money to pay for the same. Mechanics liens were already filed on
the building in the sum of $4,000. The Church Council was thor-
oughly discouraged. They were in favor of giving it up. On the
other hand the courageous pastor believed he could pull it through.
A motion was made in the Church Council that no more money be
paid for bills against the church. This meeting was suddenly term-
inated by the pastor blowing out the lamp. On the following Sun-
day the first service was held in the church with but one member
of the Council present. It was indeed a dark day for the pastor.
Division in his congregation greatly weakened his cause. The
shadows were growing thick and fast on every hand. With but a
small band of helpers back of him pastor Kimmel faced conditions
which would appall the ordinary man.
A proposition from a match factory in Pennsylvania to furnish
pastor Kimmel with matches for sale, the profits to go to the
church, was accepted. Calling the creditors together he asked
them to stay the execution of their liens and he would pay them
off by selling matches, making a ten per cent payment every month.
Knowing the foreclosing and a sheriff sale would result in great
loss to themselves, they accepted his proposition. Then was in-
augurated a battle against fearful odds such as has rarely been
witnessed, where one man, like Atlas of old, placed upon his
shoulders a world of burden. A picture of the church was printed
on each box of matches and a car-load was shipped to Leavenworth,
with $225 freight charges on it and no money in hand to pay it.
The pastor called on the president of a local bank, stated his plan,
borrowed the necessary money, and in two days sold $300 worth
of matches. Then over the state from town to town with indefa-
tigable energy went this hopeful man selling matches, carrying the
burden alone, and turning the profits, often amounting to $200 a
month, over to his wife, who was his treasurer, and who in turn
meted them out in small dribs to the clamorous creditors.
Finally money enough was borrowed from the Phoenix Loan Co.,
of St. Joseph, Mo., to liquidate the bills, and the pastor undertook
by the sale of matches to meet the monthly dues of this company.
In the mean time the commission of the pastor had expired, and
both the Home Misison Board and the Church Extension Board
had come to the conclusion that a divided Council and Congrega-
tion, an almost hopeless debt, and the use of methods for raising
money, not in keeping with their advice and which necessarily in-
194 ABANDONED BY THE MISSION BOARDS.
terferred with the preaching of the Word and the spiritual minister-
ing to the congregation, required a different pastor. Twice the pro-
position was made to the congregation that if they would take an-
other pastor, the Boards would help them out of their troubles. A
congregational meeting was called and the pastor was sustained by
a vote of 17 to 12. The Home Mission Board declined to re-com-
mission the pastor and he decided to proceed alone. The match
business was pushed for all it was worth. With tireless energy
he went up and down the land travelling thousands of miles selling
matches, often travelling by night to sell matches by day, truly,
"in weariness and painfulness," but with a grim determination,
characteristic of the man, which would not brook defeat. It was
also a struggle for bread. His property was consumed in the effort.
For four years he kept up this strain, preaching as best he could,
editing his paper, "The Lutheran Era," with no relaxation. He had
signed the notes and contract and felt he must pay. No one can
tell the sacrifices necessary to be made to pay the $6,000 which he
did on the debt of that church. But the strain was too much for
him. Nature rebelled from the over-work and before the fourth
year was over he was a physical wreck. The congregation gave
him a mortgage on the furnishing of the church which was not
covered by the first mortgage, for unpaid salary. He resigned on
the first of May, 1899. The parting was affecting, the pitiful condi-
tion of the pastor, appealing through tears, to every one. Thus
ended one of the most spectacular efforts to build a church within
the annals of our church history.
Rev. A. F. Dressel, a student from the Western Theological Sem-
inary, was called as a supply soon after, and in June, 1900, became
pastor, serving the church faithfully until July, 1901, having been
commissioned missionary by the Home Mission Board. Later Mr.
Roy Badger and other Seminary students supplied the church ir-
regularly.
About the time Rev. Dressel took charge, the Phoenix Loan Co.,
from whom the money had been borrowed, failed, and all their
assets in Kansas were placed in the hands of an assignee. Re-
peated attempts were made by the Board of Church Extension to
buy the church property from this assignee, but the reply always
was that it could not be sold until the Federal Court had so order-
ed. Without any notice to any one interested, all the assets of the
Company were sold to a company in Chicago dealing in such prop-
erties, and they disposed of the church before the congregation or
boards knew it was in their hands.
RANDOLPH, FONTANELLE, OSBORN AND ENTERPRISE. 195
In 1905 the building was purchased by a Christian Science so-
ciety and is being used by them for services. The congregation has
not disbanded, and to this day its faithful missionary society, con-
tinued all through its years of trial and trouble, meets as a mis-
sionary society, and lives in the hope of a church of its faith yet
being founded permanently in that city.
It has been a sad task for the historian to tell this lamentable
tale. We have tried to give it faithfully from both standpoints.
We have no judgment to render but will leave that to the reader.
That this story has its lessons no one will deny and doubtless it
will be of value in future missionary enterprises.
Randolph, Riley County, Swedish Lutheran. — The Swedish Luth-
eran church of Randolph, Riley county, Rev. C. Hawkins pastor,
was admitted into Kansas Synod in the fall of 1870. It withdrew
in 1873 to unite with the Augustana Synod.
Fontanelle, Nebraska, German Lutheran. — While being served by
Rev. A. G. B. Buetow, in 1870, the German Lutheran church of
Fontanelle, Nebraska, was placed on the roll of Kansas Synod. One
year later both pastor and congregation were dismissed to the new
Synod of Nebraska.
Osborn, Osborn County, Ev. Lutheran. — This church was organ-
ized in 1873 and was admitted into Synod in 1874, but owing to
inability to connect it with another church as a pastoral charge it
could not support a pastor and soon lapsed.
Enterprise, Dickinson County, Ev. Lutheran. — This church was
organized by Rev. F. R. Scherer in January, 1876, with twenty-two
members in a country school house. It never had a church build-
ing and later was merged into a Swedish Lutheran church connect-
ed with Augustana Synod.
Wichita, St. Paul's— To tell the story of the attempt to establish a
church in Wichita is to tell the story also of the great boom in real
estate values which swept like an ungovernable prairie fire over the
state of Kansas, and when the collapse came it carried down with it
many churches as well as commercial institutions. The eyes of the
Synod had been upon Wichita prior to 1887 for some time as a point
where by all means a church should be planted. Field Secretary
Lenker wrote in the Missionary Journal for May, 1886: "This city
(Wichita) is growing beyond all expectations, even of its most
sanguine friends. We ought to establish a mission in it at once.
196 THE GREAT BOOM IN WICHITA.
It is destined to be a city of 50,000 to 80,000 people, full of public
spirit, full of Lutherans." The President of Synod, Rev. M. F.
Troxell, in his report (1886) said that persistent efforts had been
made to organize in Wichita and urges the Synod to take steps at
once to enter that city. The president was directed to visit Wichita
with other brethren and make an effort to organize.
On the 4th of March, 1887, Revs. F. D. Altman and H. B. Belmer,
inaugurated a canvass of the city extending through several days,
preaching on the following Sunday in the Garfield opera house.
On Monday they were joined by Rev. J. M. Cromer, then president
of Synod. On Monday evening the organization of St. Paul's
church was effected, with twenty charter members. These brethren
worked hard early and late first to get members and then to get
subscriptions for the purchase of lots and the erection of a building.
A fine corner lot, 70 by 140 feet, was purchased at a cost of $13,000
and this liability was assumed by two laymen, Messrs Blackwelder
and Eicholtz, each subscribing $6,500, deeding the lot to the trus-
tees and giving their notes in payment for it.
Messrs Blackwelder and Jack were elected elders, Miller, Cress,
Zeininger and Yoe, deacons; and Eicholtz, Blackwelder and Dick-
son, trustees. At the same time a subscription of $3,250 was rais-
ed toward the erection of a church. Following up the great victor-
ies which they had gained so far, though largely only on paper, the
congregation voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. W. H.
Singley, D. D. The church papers contained fulsom accounts of
the vast promise of Wichita.
However Dr. Singley did not see it as did the friends who gave
him the call. He saw that the people were going wild with specu-
lation. A church lot costing $13,000 in a prairie town in central
Kansas, was certainly estimated at a fancy price, and it was "paid
for," as the Observer correspondent stated, but with the subscrip-
tions of two men who were so loaded with boomed real estate
bought at fancy prices, that should a collapse come, they would
be utterly swamped with financial obligations which they could
never meet. Dr. Singley declined the call. Later came the collapse.
Everything was swept away as if by a cyclone. The two men who
donated the lot could not pay for it, one of them becoming abso-
lutely penniless. The building subscriptions likewise largely be-
came worthless. All this had been done exclusive of the General
Boards of the church. Still the Synod was anxious to go into Wich-
ita to plant a church, and pressed its claims upon the Home Board.
In August, 1889, Rev. W. L. Sealrook was commissioned mission-
THE WICHITA MISSION. 197
ary and at once went to Wichita and began to canvass the city for
members, at the same time hunting up the fragments of the other
organization which had been allowed to disintegrate. On the 6th
of November he organized "The First English Ev. Lutheran church
of Wichita," with 38 members, adopting the constitution of the
Home Board, and electing three elders and three deacons. This
church was admitted into Kansas Synod in 1890. He continued
his work until December 1, 1890 when the mission reported 63
communicants and a Sunday school of 58 members, and no prop-
erty or debt.
In April, 1891, Rev. J. A. Lowe took charge of the mission, which
as yet had no assets save its membership, faith, and a fairly good
Sunday school, all worshipping in rented quarters. In February,
1892, the Board of Church Extension loaned them $2,000 and to
this the congregation added $2,800, a third of which was raised
mostly from outside the city. A lot with 50 feet front on Topeka
avenue, two blocks north of Douglas street, containing a five room
house, was purchased for $1,875. The house was removed and
plans adopted for a church building. Almost the very day when
the contract was to be closed the great financial crash of 1892-3
swept over the entire country, making it impossible to collect
money. The contract signing was delayed. In the meantime they
waited, putting their money in what they supposed to be the safest
bank in the city. The bank collapsed but later paid about 40c on
the dollar. Following this the treasurer of the church used the
money rescued from the bank in his private business and failed.
Some of this money was afterwards paid in way of taxes and street
improvements. The Board finally recovered $164 which was con-
sumed for taxes, and street improvements. In September, 1893,
Rev. Lowe became so discouraged that he resigned the field. The
financial crash had involved everybody there. The members who
had any property had it so heavily mortgaged from the days of the
boom that they had all they could do to save it from the Nemesis
which had swept over their city. During the last year the mission
paid but $115 toward the pastor's salary and $97 toward current
expenses, while the mission board paid $500. The conviction grew
on pastor Lowe that he ought not to take any more money from
the Board for what he felt was a hopeless cause. He had himself
been making heroic sacrifices for the cause which in so expensive
a city he could not maintain. Dr. Barnitz alludes to this in a re-
port quoted in Dr. Parson's "Life of Dr. Barnitz," "The Mission-
ary is making great sacrifices. The family are evidently doing
198 OBERLIN, TRINITY.
without many things on the table and in the way of clothing to
make ends meet and keep up the work and their own reputation
for honesty."
The mission was dropped by the Home Board, and all properties
were turned over to the Church Extension Board who sold the lots.
The last report to Synod submitted by Rev. Lowe indicated 24
communicants, 30 Sunday school scholars, property valued at
$2,500, and $2,000 indebtedness (B. C. E.) The failure can be
attributed more to adverse circumstances, the fickleness of the
fancy prices at which properties sold, and the creation of condi-
tions impossible for a little band of workers to overcome. This
great boom has its lessons, and of its depressing effect, hindering
all kinds of church work, this example of Wichita is only one of
many and among all denominations.
Oberlin, Trinity .—Trinity Lutheran Church of Oberlin was or-
ganized in 1887 with ten charter members, by Rev. J. W. Kimmel,
appointed "Missionary of the Republican Valley." It was admitted
into Kansas Synod in October the same year. A building was erect-
ed 28 by 40 with a tower and belfrey. A loan of $300 was granted
the church and the chapel was dedicated in the fall of 1887, Rev.
S. B. Barnitz, Western Secretary, preaching the sermon. This con-
gregation passed through many trials and discouragements owing
to removals and inability to secure a pastor. After the removal of
Rev. Kimmel in December, 1888, it was served a short time by Rev.
C. W. Maggart as supply. For a couple years Rev. J. B. Umberger
was pastor, in 1889-90. Then it was vacant for a number of years.
Dr. Yarger in the Missionary Journal for September, 1898, says,
"This place has not had a pastor for ten years or more; in fact, it
never had a regular pastor for more than six months in its history."
In 1890 the Church Extension Board came to the rescue and
granted another loan in the sum of $500, to save the property.
The struggle, notwithstanding, was too great and it was finally
given up. The church never had more than 20 members. Three
years after the completion of its building the membership through
removals dwindled down to five. In 1891 six were reported. The
The few families that were left went to the Presbyterians. The
property was reported as valued at $2,200. For a number of years
it was rented to the Baptists and finally sold to them, the proceeds
going to the Board of Church Extension. The Hon. A. T. C. Geiger,
who comes from a loyal Lutheran family in Iowa, made a brave
struggle to establish this church. The writer of this history furn-
BANNER CITY AND OSAWKEE CHURCHES. 199
ished the bell that went in the tower while he was pastor in Ohio.
All told the chapter is a sad one, and we cannot tell who is respon-
sible for its failure.
Banner City, Mt. Zion.— Early in 1876, Rev. S. P. Harrington,
then President of Kansas Synod, conducted preaching services at
the "Seidel" school house five and a half miles west of Hope and
near Dillon. Here in the spring of the same year he organized the
"Mt. Zion Ev. Lutheran church" with eighteen charter members,
and in his report to the synod described the outlook as "very hope-
ful." It was received into the Synod that fall. The congregation
was served for several years by its founder. In 1879 it received
aid from the mission board, but never succeeded in getting out of
its school house environment. Later it was served by Rev. B. F.
Hills, who re-organized it and moved it to Banner City where four
lots were donated by the town site company and services were
held also in a school house. It was connected with the Ebenezer
church as a pastoral charge. In 1887 Rev. Hills made the attempt
to raise funds for the erection of a church securing all told about
$1,600 in subscriptions. The building was to have been placed on
four fine lots purchased by the Board of Church Extension. How-
ever owing to a series of drouths and removals to other parts the
enterprise was abandoned. It was connected for a time with St.
Paul's church a few miles to the southwest, also a school house
church. In 1891 St. James church south of Abilene was added to
the charge for two years. In 1893 Rev. Hills was succeeded by
Rev. H. A. Koogle, who served it until 1898. It was without a
pastor until 1900 when Rev. J. F. Petticrew took charge remain-
ing but six months. The many removals from the charge almost
destroyed the church, and in 1901 it had but two families remain-
ing, and having no building the work was discontinued and the
church dropped from the roll of the Synod.
Osawkee, Jefferson County, St. John's.— This church, of which
we have but little account, was probably organized by Rev. David
Earhart in a school house on Grasshopper creek, eight miles south
of Valley Falls, the date of which antedated the organization of
Kansas Synod. It was served in 1863-9 by Rev. S. P. Harrington
and later by Rev. G. A. Exline. It was also supplied by Rev. S. N.
St. John, while he was pastor at Valley Falls. Later it grew so
weak from removals that it was finally dropped from the synodical
roll.
200 STRANGER CREEK AND KANAPOLIS CHURCHES.
Stranger Creek, Atchison County, Christ's. — After preaching for
a considerable length of time in a school house on Stranger creek
in Atchison county, Rev. David Earhart, in 1870, organized a church
known as Christ's Ev. Lutheran church. It was the last church
organized in Kansas by this pioneer worker. In 1872 it applied
for membership in Kansas Synod but was not admitted owing to
its constiution not being so framed as to bind it to the General
Synod. This was corrected and in 1874 it was formally admitted.
In July the same year Rev. Earhart resigned and removed to Penn-
sylvania. During 1875-6 the church was irregularly supplied with
preaching. In the winter of 1876-7 the school house in which they
met burned down. In 1877 it was united with Monrovia as a pas-
toral charge. Later owing to two feuds which arose among the
members it disintegrated and finally disbanded.
Kanopolis, Trinity. — While Rev. H. L. Yarger was preaching at
Ellsworth in the summer of 1886, he began to hold services at the
new town of Kanopolis four miles to the east. In his report to the
Mission Board soon after he wrote, "I hope soon to go to Kanopolis
every two weeks. We hope to get a church there soon
The Lutheran church has an awful responsibility in the western
country, greater than can well be conceived." In this hope he was
successful, organizing with thirty-two charter members that winter,
although we cannot find the date. In the spring of 1887 he began
to raise funds for the erection of a church. The lots had already
been secured from the Kanopolis Land Company. The cornerstone
was laid on the 1st of May, Revs. M. F. Troxell, and G. D. Got-
wald assisting in the ceremony, and on the 3d of July following,
the chapel was dedicated, Rev. S. B. Barnitz preaching the sermon
from the text, Neh. 10:39. The church received $100 from the
Church Extension Board, half loan and half donation, and was able
to dedicate free from debt. The building cost furnished $1,200
frame, 28 by 38 feet, with a pulpit recess and a tower entrance 8
by 8 feet. It was the first church built in the town. In the fall of
1887 it was received into Kansas Synod, the application for this
being signed by the pastor, H. S. Ehrenfeld, S. Eighinger, J. M.
Hawkins, August Feirstel, and Mrs. Ellen Buffington. This church
was served in connection with Ellsworth, and received aid from
the Home Mission Board for a number of years. In due time its
church extension loan was returned. Fcr its succession of pastors
see the account of the Ellsworth church. In later years, with the
collapse of the salt industries of that section, and the removal of
ELLSWORTH, ST. PAULAS CHURCH. 201
so many members, it became necessary to discontinue services.
The property was sold to the Presbyterians in 1898 and the pro-
ceeds were used to help erect the Lutheran church at Excelsior.
Ellsworth, St. Paul's. — The earliest preaching services of a Luth-
eran character in Ellsworth county were held by Rev. Levi Stern-
berg, D. D., of Ft. Harker, and in a rude "dug-out" with common
board slabs for seats. In 1878 Rev. A. Essick located at Ft. Harker
(Kanopolis) about six miles east of Ellsworth. He held services
in the school house at Ellsworth and was followed by Rev. S. P.
Harrington. An organization was effected sometime in 1878, and
Rev. Essick writes in the Lutheran Observer saying that "Mr. J. G.
Schmucker is a member of my church." (This brother had taken
part in the organization of Kansas Synod ten years previous, rep-
resenting the Lawrence church.) The organization began with
22 members, and was duly admitted into Synod. Rev. Essick was
followed by Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, in 1879, who had been commis-
sioned by the Home Board as missionary and who served the con-
gregation in connection with his duties as Travelling Missionary.)
The church was pastorless in 1880-1. In April, 1882, Rev. John
A. Bright accepted a call to the pastorate then composed of Ells-
worth, Lincoln Center, the county seat of Lincoln county, Pleasant
Valley school house five miles south of Lincoln Center, State Center
and Whaley school house, four preaching points, the Home Board
continuing mission aid. It is related that during one of Rev.
Bright's itinerant journeys when he arrived at Wolf creek he found
it so swollen from rains that he could not ford it, while his congre-
gation was on the other side. He invited them to bring their wagon
seats down to the bank of the creek and be seated and he would
preach for them "across the waters." Backing his own rig down
to the brink and improvising a pulpit, he let his strong clear voice
ring out, sending across to the other side his gospel message. It
was indeed a most unique service in which the preacher's usual
hand-shake had to be omitted. Rev. Bright resigned the Ellsworth
church in February, 1884, continuing, however, to supply the
preaching points at Lincoln Center and Pleasant Valley. During
1884-5 the church was vacant, suffering all the consequences of
a shepherdless flock, and through a series of short crops and
drouths which caused many to remove from the place. During
this period the church was occasionally supplied by Rev. A. B.
Kirtland and others, but so thoroughly discouraged were they that
they sold their church lots and practically quit.
202
RE-ORGANIZATION AT ELLSWORTH.
In April, 1886, Rev. H. L. Yarger, visited Ellsworth, canvassed
the town and gave such a glowing picture of the bright prospects
there, that the Home Board commissioned him as missionary in
August following. On the 5th of September the church was re-
organized under the name of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church, and
at the meeting of the Synod that same fall it was re-admitted. In
the following year through the influence of a gift of fifty dollars
from a friend a lot was secured for $110 and paid for and plans
made for the erection of a church. The cornerstone was laid on
the 10th of June, 1888, the service being held in the Baptist church,
Rev. M. F. Troxell preaching the sermon. The building was dedi-
cated on the 17th of February, when the pastor was assisted by
Revs. G. D. Gotwald and T. F. Dornblaser. Although the day was
cold and a deep snow lay on the ground a large audience assem-
st. paul's church, Ellsworth.
bled. During the day $575 was raised and later the balance of the
debt amounting to $175 was secured. The Extension Society loan-
ed them $400 and donated $220. The cost of the structure com-
plete was $3,300. It consisted of a frame building 30 by 56 feet,
with a corner tower 12 feet square, and a pulpit recess 8 by 14 feet.
It was seated with 250 chairs and lighted with an oil chandelier.
Rev. Yarger served this church, and one at Kanopolis and Excel-
sior, and the two preaching points in Lincoln county, until April,
WHITE ROCK, KANSAS AND HARDY, NEBRASKA. 203
1889. He was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Kribbs, who after a year
was followed by Rev. E. S. Rees, who also remained but a year.
Rev. E. B. Killinger served the church for six months in 1892, and
Rev. E. E. Schantz supplied for a few months in 1893. For the
next eight years the church was pastorless suffering the usual dis-
integration of a church without a shepherd. In March, 1901, the
few remaining members met and instructed the trustees to deed
the property to the Board of Church Extension, and then disbanded.
This was a sore trial to some of those faithful pastors who served
it in success and prosperity in its earlier days. At no time did the
church report more than 42 members. In 1886 a Home and Foreign
Missionary Society was organized and which continued until 1892.
In the summer of 1901 the building was sold to the Synod of N.
America by the B. C. E.
White Rock, Ev. Lutheran, Hardy, Nebr.—On the 28th of May,
1872, Rev. G. Walker, after preaching in a school house at White
Rock for some time, organized the Ev. Lutheran church of White
Rock. The town was located in the N. E. part of Republic county
where a large colony of Scandinavians had settled. It was admit-
ted into Kansas Synod the same fall. During 1873 the charge was
pastorless, and during 1874 it was served jointly with the Osborn
congregation by Rev. J. K. Ekman which service continued until
1876. For the following four years the charge was without a pas-
tor because of inability to support one. During the winter of 1879-
1880, Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, travelling missionary held a series
of meetings there resulting in 30 additions. On Easter day, 1880,
Rev. J. A. Lowe was secured as pastor through the efforts of Mr.
A. Lowe, who at a previous meeting of Synod, when Rev. Lowe
was ordained, laid hands on him and said, "We want you to be our
minister." In the following spring after he had fulfilled his en-
gagement as a teacher, Rev. Lowe took charge on the humble sal-
ary of $300 a year. The Mission Board declined to grant help and
the young pastor was obliged to bear the burden alone. The salary
was so scant and living expenses so large that ends could be met
only with the most rigid economy. No matter where the Synod
met if Rev. Lowe was there it was because he came overland in his
buggy for he had no means with which to pay his fare. He began
with one preaching point at White Rock, but to this he soon added
five others in the surrounding school houses. In the following year
he added churches at Republic City and Hardy, Neb., still preach-
ing at several school houses in the country. In 1880 White Rock
204 REPUBLIC CITY, NUCKOLLS AND STATE CENTER CHURCHES.
was a booming town feeling confident that it would get the new
railroad which was building north through Scandia, but the road
finally passed through Republic City, and the new Burlington and
Missouri River line went through Hardy, leaving White Rock
stranded, and in a short time it was a deserted place, with the
prairie grass again growing where once was a promising town.
When the town of Hardy was laid out Rev. Lowe, out of his meagre
salary of $300 paid $50 for a lot for a new church. Here he or-
ganized "Union" Ev. Lutheran church. The church at White Rock
naturally perished and the members who lived to the north and east
united with the church at Hardy, or that at Republic City, or the
Jewell church.
Republic City, Ev. Lutheran. — The Ev. Lutheran church of Re-
public City was organized in 1881 by Rev. J. A. Lowe at the time
the new branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad was pushing north-
ward up into Nebraska through the Republican valley. The preach-
ing was held in a school house, but the congregation was never
able to secure either a lot or a building. The church was admitted
into Kansas Synod in the fall of the same year it was organized,
upon the condition that it adopt the constitution recommended by
Kansas Synod. No record exists that this was ever complied with.
The church continued for a time connected with Hardy but finally
went to pieces.
Nuckolls county, Nebr., Bethel. — Rev. J. E. Maurer, while pastor
at Hardy, Neb., began preaching at the Weimer school house locat-
ed five miles north of Hardy, in May, 1888, and on January 12th
the following year organized a church of ten charter members
among whom were Mr. and Mrs. John R. Weimer, Mr. and Mrs.
Peter A. Weimer, and Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Phillippi. This church
was admitted into Synod the same fall as the "Nuckolls county Ev.
Lutheran church." During the pastorate of Rev. J. E. Maurer it
was served in connection with the Hardy pastorate. Later owing
to removals, and the absence of a church building, the congrega-
tion disintegrated and finally was dropped from the roll of Synod,
in 1894.
State Center, Barton county, Ev. Lutheran. — Organized by Trav-
elling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser, May 18, 1879, and was admit-
ted into Kansas Synod that fall. Never had a regular pastor and
failed. It was a school house church, located in the northeast part
of the county.
HALSTEAD, PRIDE, LONE TREE, PARDEE AND CROOKED CREEK. 205
Hcdstead, Harvey county, Ev. Lutheran. — Organized by Travel-
ling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser, December 29, 1878, and admitted
into Kansas Synod in 1879, and served for a season by Rev. D. H.
Randall. It never had a regular pastor and continued for a few
years as a school house church. It was dropped from the synod-
ical roll in 1886.
Pride, Barton, county, Ev. Lutheran. — Organized in the home of
James Welty by Travelling Missionary Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, June
15th, 1879, in the midsf of a colony of Lutherans, with 20 mem-
bers. Admitted into Kansas Synod same year, never had a perm-
anent pastor and failed. It was a school house church.
Lone Tree, Ellsworth county, Ev. Lutheran. — This church was or-
ganized by Synodical Missionary T. F. Dornblaser while residing
on his farm near Ellsworth, June 29th, 1879, and assisted by Rev.
A. Essick. It has been a preaching point. It was served by Rev.
J. A. Bright in 1882-3-4. There is no record that it was ever ad-
mitted into Synod. It likely perished from long vacancy.
Pardee, Atchison county, English Lutheran. — After preaching for
several months in the Campbellite church at Pardee, located seven
miles southeast of Monrovia, Rev. J. B. McAfee organized an Eng-
lish Ev. Lutheran church, in June, 1858, which he served in con-
nection with Monrovia and Grasshopper Falls until the fall of 1861
and without compensation. At one time he refused the gift of
fifty dollars which the members had collected for him feeling that
their pastor was worthy of compensation «fter his long trips over
the prairie to bring them the gospel. After he resigned preaching
was held now and then by Rev. J. G. Ellinger and later by Rev. S.
P. Harrington, but the congregation which was small soon scat-
tered and finally ceased to exist long before Kansas Synod was or-
ganized in 1868.
Crooked Creek, Jefferson county, Ev. Lutheran. — While preach-
ing at Pardee Rev. J. B. McAfee also opened a preaching point at
the Lillie and the Hall school houses on Crooked creek in Jeffer-
son county. Here he organized a Lutheran church, serving the
congregation with preaching every two weeks, alternating in the
two school houses which were located two miles apart. After he
resigned in the fall of 1861 to enter the Federal army the congre-
gation soon went to pieces.
Delight, Lincoln county, Ev. Lutheran. — This congregation was
organized by Rev. J. H. Harpster on the 27th of July, 1879 in the
206 LINCOLN CENTER AND MONROVIA CHURCHES.
home of Wm. Stover. It was known also as the Madison church.
It was admitted the same year. It was a school house church. It
never materialized.
Lincoln Center, Lincoln county, Ev. Lutheran. — This church was
organized September 27th, 1880 by Travelling Missionary T. F.
Dornblaser, who served it off and on while residing on his farm
near Ellsworth. The church contained a number of very substan-
tial families among whom were, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Stover, Mrs.
J. D. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Judge Artman, and Mr. and Mrs. Wycoff.
The church was formally admitted into Synod the same year. It
was served from 1882 to 1884 by Rev. John A. Bright. After a va-
cancy of three years Rev. H. L. Yarger took charge, who reorgan-
ized the church, and at which time a lot was bought for $250 and
deeded to the Board of Church Extension. A building was never
erected, services being held in the school house. In the spring of
1887 Prof. O. G. Klinger of Salina re-organized the church, but
soon leaving the interest lagged, and the work finally ceased.
Monrovia, English Ev. Lutheran. — During the early part of 1855,
Mr. S. J. H. Snyder an ardent Lutheran and anti-slavery sympath-
izer who had emigrated from Wells county, Indiana, and Mr. John
Helwig, another settler of similar inclinations though not so out-
spoken, who had come from Canal Dover, Ohio, considered at var-
ious times how they might obtain preaching in their community.
During the winter of 1857 they heard of a Lutheran minister living
at Leavenworth, Rev. J. B. McAfee, whom they tried to get, but in
vain. They had preaching several times in 1856-7 by a Methodist
preacher by the name of Knox and later by a noted character known
as "Pardee Butler," a Campbellite minister. However it was not
until the latter part of 1858 that they secured Rev. McAfee, who
at that time was preaching at Grasshopper Falls. The latter or-
ganized the Monrovia Lutheran church on the 16th of January,
1858, and thereafter preached every two weeks for them. The
charter members consisted of S. J. H. Snyder and wife, and daugh-
ter, John Helwig and wife, J. H. Talbot and wife, Mother Hippie
and her son Samuel Hippie, and some little time later a Mr. Kirk-
patric and wife, a Mr. Winklepeck and wife, Father Brown and wife
and Benj. Wallack and wife, were added to the original number.
Mr. Snyder was chosen an elder and Mr. Helwig a deacon. The
organization was of a simple character with no particular refer-
ence to the confession of the Lutheran church. The first commun-
ion service was held on the 18th of January, 1860, when, accord-
THE MONROVIA CHURCH. 207
ing to Mr. Snyder's "Private Journals," "The members all partook
of the Holy Sacrament with the pastor, and it was a blessed season,
and the spectators looked upon the solemn scene with reverence
and awe. Blessed be our God."
Rev. McAfee served this church in connection with that at Pardee
and at Crooked Creek until early in the fall of 1860. Then noting
in the "Lutheran Observer" the arrival of Rev. David Earhart at
Sumner, Atchison county, he wrote him inviting him to take charge
of the pastorate, which he did, as the move met the approval of
the congregations. Finding the churches quite loosely organized
with no adherence to any creed, he re-organized them under a con-
stitution which recognized the Augsburg Confession, thus making
them Lutheran churches not only in name but in belief. In the
fall of that year Rev. D. S. Altman arrived from Illinois to assist
the pastor in a series of gospel meetings. The result was a grac-
ious revival in which thirty-seven united with the church, thus
greatly strengthening them. At this time Rev. Earhart was serv-
ing several other churches in distant counties, and the work was
too hard for one man. Correspondence was entered into with the
Home Mission Society, which resulted in the Monrovia church be-
ing placed on the funds of that society which sent them a mission-
ary in the person of Rev. S. P. Harrington who took charge on the
17th day of June, 1864. The new pastor set himself at once to the
task of erecting a church. At a congregational meeting held on
the 1st of July that year a resolution was passed deciding at once
in favor of erecting a church building. A subscription was taken
and labor and materials volunteered and the enterprise started with
quite a favorable outlook. Not long afterward the work was in-
terrupted in a manner and from a source unlooked for. About this
time the dread rumor had reached Kansas that General Price with
40,000 confederate troops was marching toward Kansas and would
likely invade it. The state militia was called out and many men
in the Eastern part were impressed into service, and among these
was Rev. Harrington. Both Rev. McAfee and Rev. Harrington
were among the Union forces. A series of skirmishes and battles
took place. Rev. McAfee relates that the first time he saw Rev.
Harrington was when the latter was flying at the top of his speed,
without gun, or hat, and his horse bleeding profusely at the nose,
having been shot in the skirmish. It was quite a novel meeting of
two ministers who were to labor for so long a time thereafter in
the spread of Lutheranism in Kansas, the one as a pastor and mis-
sionary, and the other as a business man, fortunate in his invest-
208 THE MONROVIA CHURCH.
ments, and thus able and willing to lend the efficient financial help
without which missionary operations in a new state are impossible.
The repulse of the Confederates removed the martial law which
had been declared in the state, and the impressed pastor was per-
mitted to return to his charge. The new church was completed in
the following spring and arrangements were made for its dedica-
tion at a meeting of a Lutheran Conference composed of Lutheran
ministers in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri to be held on Sunday,
May 28th, 1865. This was the first Conference of Lutheran min-
isters west of the Missouri river. Rev. H. W. Kuhns of Omaha
preached the sermon. In the "Lutheran Observer" under the date
of July 7, 1865, Rev. Harrington writes, "We needed $300 on the
day of dedication." Among those present at this dedication was
Rev. J. B. McAfee, the first pastor of the Monrovia church. He
had just returned from a long eight-day trip by the overland stage
coach from Topeka to Lamed, where he had married Mr. and Mrs.
Jesse Crane. The doughty Colonel handed the minister $30 for
his expenses, $87 for his stage ticket, and $50 for his fee. That
$50 fee was laid on the plate at the Monrovia dedication, and with
other offerings enabled the mission to dedicate free from debt.
The pews of the church were made from black walnut which had
been hauled from the Kaw valley above Lawrence. At this writing
these pews are still doing good service in the Effingham church.
The ministers, after the dedication, organized the first conference
held on Kansas soil in this church the following days of which the
report says, "The interests of the church were discussed and I
hope with good results. It was truly a solemn meeting. This
closes my first year's labor in Kansas. God bless the Home Mis-
sionary Society."
Rev. Harrington resigned in 1869 and was followed in 1870 by
Rev. M. G. Boyer, and he in turn in 1873 by Rev. S. N. St. John.
Rev. D. Harbaugh was in charge in 1874, when at a joint meet-
ing of the charges at Monrovia, Grasshopper Falls, and Christ's
church on Stranger creek, a school house church three miles east
and a little south of where Farmington now stands, a church which
had been organized in September, 1860, by Rev. D. Earhart, the
three were united into a pastoral charge. Rev. W. I. Cutter became
pastor in 1877, remaining until 1881. From this time on until the
church was organized at Effingham in 1887 they had no pastor.
Much of the membership moved away and the remainder became
greatly discouraged. The synodical minutes of 1883 states, "Val-
ley Falls and Monrovia are still vacant and the membership is dis-
THE PORTLAND AND PLEASANT VALLEY CHURCHES. 209
banding and uniting with other churches." A few of the members
united with the church organized at Effingham in 1889. The old
building was sold to a son of Mr. S. J. H. Snyder and transformed
into a barn, and the pews and pulpit furniture donated to the Effing-
ham church.
Trinity Church, Portland, {Sumner Co.) — In the Spring of 1887,
Rev. J. G. M. Hursh came to Sumner county as a missionary in the
Southwest. Finding a number of Lutheran families in Walton
township he began preaching for them in a school house. A can-
vass of that section revealed the presence of forty-seven confirmed
Lutherans. A meeting for the purpose of organizing a church was
held in the Baptist church of Portland on the 22nd of June. Thirty-
three members signfied their willingness to enter an organization.
A constitution was adopted naming the church "The Trinity Ev.
Lutheran church of Portland." Officers were elected and arrange-
ments made for holding regular services with Rev. Hursh as pastor.
At this meeting eleven children were baptized, this feature reveal-
ing the fact that the means of grace had been wanting in that com-
munity for some time. On the 29th of October application was
made for membership in Kansas Synod signed by James Janson,
S. Krout, Eckard Peters, and A. Wolf, elders and deacons of the
new congregation. It was duly received and enrolled. The church
was served in connection with that at Perth until after this con-
vention of Synod when the pastor decided to give all his time to
the work at Wellington. Rev. E. E. Schantz who had just been
licensed was called to Portland as pastor. His pastorate was very
short. While there he attempted to develop a field at Augusta,
Butler county, residing at that point, but the movement failed.
After a pastorate of six months he resigned. Rev. A. H. Burk tak-
ing charge of Perth spent six months at Portland, during which
time he made an effort to build a church there raising a subscrip-
tion of $500 for the same. Owing to the long distance from Perth
to Portland, (eighteen miles), and other obstacles, the movement
failed. Members moved away, and having neither preaching nor
building, the movement languished, and finally about fifteen years
ago, the point was abandoned.
Pleasant Valley, lion's. — A couple hours ride northeast of Chap-
man brings the traveller to a beautiful stretch of country known
as Pleasant Valley. In this section preaching services had been
held in school houses for some time conducted by various brethren.
The field was reported to Travelling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser,
210 THE WASHINGTON, PONTIAC AND LOST SPRINGS CHURCHES.
who in 1880 visited the place, held services, and finally on the 29th
of February, 1880, organized the Pleasant Valley Zion's Ev. Luth-
eran church with twenty-three charter members. The services took
place in the Pleasant Valley School House hence the name of the
church. It was received into Kansas Synod at its next convention,
and before the close of the year it had reported 35 members. It
was attached to the Ebenezer charge in June, 1881, and Rev. B. F.
Grenoble became its first regular pastor. He was followed in
December, 1884, by Rev. N. A. Whitman. In the summer of 1886
the charge was enlarged by the organization of a third congrega-
tion at Keystone, a point still further northwest from Chapman and
where the pastor resided. In 1888 it was united with St. Paul's of
Manchester as a charge. Rev. Whitman was succeeded in 1889
by Rev. Jonas Freet, and in 1891 it became pastorless, and con-
tinued so until it disintegrated, going into that sad experience found
so generally in the "School-House-Church" where the movement
did not soon crystalize into the erection of a building.
Washington, Washington county, St. Paul's. — This congregation
was organized by Rev. M. F. Rinker March 10th, 1888, and was
admitted into Kansas Synod in the same year. A good building
lot was secured through the help of Rev. J. N. Lenker, valued at
$925, but no definite attempt was ever made to erect a building.
It was served by Rev. Rinker until 1890. For a while after this
Washington, Barnes and Greenleaf, were placed in one pastoral
charge and served by Rev. J. E. Maurer during 1891. This ar-
rangement was not acceptable to the other churches, and as a re-
sult the church never after that had a pastor and soon disintegrated
and was dropped from the synodical roll in 1893.
Pontiac, Butler county, St. Paul's. — This church was organized
by Travelling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser on the 23d of August,
1891, and the same year it was received into Kansas Synod. For
a while it was served by Rev. H. Acker. It being far from other
churches could not be united with another church as a charge, and
as a result it soon disbanded. It never erected a building.
Lost Springs, Marion county, St. Paul's. — After preaching in the
neighborhood of Lost Springs for some time Rev. B. F. Hills gath-
ered together a number of families among which were Joseph
Shields and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Rishel, Father Jacob Wise and wife
and son Jacob, Jr., and Elmer Wise, and Emanuel Wise and wife
and Mrs. Allen, and organized the St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church
SPRING GROVE, CRAWFORD, CEDAR VALE AND WINFIELD 211
of Lost Springs, September 23d, 1888. The church worshipped in
the school house and was served for two years by Rev. Hills.
Many of the principal families moving away the church finally dis-
banded. It was admitted into Kansas Synod the same year it was
organized.
Spring Grove, Doniphan county, Ev. Lutheran. — A congregation
was organized here by Travelling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser, in
a school house located ten miles north of Atchison, and with twenty
charter members. For a season it was supplied by a student, Mr.
E. E. Schantz, but it never became established.
Crawford county, Swedish Lutheran. — Two Swedish Lutheran
congregations located at and in the neighborhood of Girard, Kan-
sas, called Rev. V. G. Hoag as pastor in 1870 and the reports of
these congregations were incorporated in the Kansas Synod min-
utes although no record exists that the congregations were ever
formally admitted. The charge was very weak and could scarcely
support a pastor. Rev. Hoag resigned in September, 1873, and the
congregations a little later went into the Augustana Synod.
Cedar Vale, Chautauqua county, Ev. Lutheran. — An Ev. Luth-
eran church was organized here on the 1st of April, 1888, by Rev.
H. A. Koogle. The organization was small but the outlook seemed
sufficiently encouraging for the purchase of four centrally located
lots for a church. At the first services were held in a school house.
Later Rev. S. Henry was secured for a short season as pastor or
supply. However the movement never advanced far enough to
warrant an application for membership into the Synod and the
movement finally failed. Lots were purchased and held for a num-
ber of years, but finally sold by the Board of Church Extension.
W infield, Kansas. — Quite an earnest effort was made to locate
a church in this fine city in 1887 while Rev. J. N. Lenker was Field
Secretary of the Board of Church Extension. Several canvasses
were made by him and services held, resulting in the finding of a
number of good Lutheran families among them Hon John A. Eaton,
who was formerly a fellow member with the writer of St. Paul's
church at Bucyrus, O. Mr. Eaton offered to stand one third of the
cost of any lot that might be purchased for a church site. After
a partial development of the field it was left in the hands of Rev.
J. G. M. Hursh of Wellington. Owing to the persistent opposition
of the Missouri Lutherans of the city and St. John's college located
212 NORWAY AND GEORGETOWN, (COLO.), CHURCHES.
there, the attempt was finally given up, much to the delight of the
Missourians as is indicated in a sketch of theirs of St. John's col-
lege.
Norway, Republic county, Norwegian Lutheran. — We do not have
any information when this church was organized, probably in 1886
or 1887. The pastor in 1888 was Rev. H. C. Roernaes, who at that
time held his membership in Nebraska Synod. His parish con-
sisted of English-Norgewian churches located in Norway, Republic
county, another 31 miles west in Jewell county, and Spring Creek
31 miles north in Nuckolls county, Nebraska. The charge was
poor and the pastor illy supported. On the 19th of April, 1888, the
corner-stone of a new church was laid at Norway and a service
was held in both English and Norwegian, Rev. J. E. Maurer, of
Hardy, Nebraska, assisting. After a painful struggle the church
was completed and was opened for use for the first time on the
day of Pentecost, May 28th, 1888. While the audience was as-
sembling a frightful hurricane came up and tore the building into
pieces. The church was an humble one costing, not counting the
help of the people, about $600, and its erection after the loss of
the crops during the year previous, was one of great sacrifice. Al-
though the church did not belong to the General Synod, Rev. J. N.
Lenker secured for it a donation of $200. Surrounding churches
lent a helping hand and the brave Norwegians set to work erecting
a still better church. This was dedicated in the spring of 1889,
when Rev. C. Huber preached the dedicatory sermon and so well
managed the finances that the debt was all raised.
Georgetown, Colorado, St. Paul's. — The residence of Rev.
Reuben Weiser, D. D., at Georgetown, Colo., in the heart of the
Rockies could not long continue without an effort to organize a
church there. After preaching for some time to the many foreign
speaking miners there while he was editing and publishing "The
Colorado Miner," he finally effected the organization of St. Paul's
Ev. Lutheran church with twenty-five charter members, on the 27th
of August, 1877. This congregation was received into Kansas
Synod the same year, when it was, Resolved, "That we rejoice in
the fact that we have now one General Synod Lutheran church in
the growing state of Colorado." In a letter at the same time sent
the Synod Dr. Weiser said, "There are 250 or 300 members of the
Lutheran church in Georgetown. I preach for them for nothing,
am my own sexton, and furnish the house. I raise some money
AMERICUS, JOHNSON CO., TIPTON, MO., ETC. 213
for missions ($10) and officiate in three languages." This church
later became Scandinavian, and now belongs to the Augustana
Synod.
Americus, Lyon county, Ev. Lutheran. — At a point about ten
miles northwest of Emporia a goodly company of settlers from
Perry county, Pennsylvania took up lands and at once began to
look out for a church of their own faith. Travelling Missionary
Dornblaser visited the place and after preaching for them, with
the assistance of Rev. L. C. Grosclose, organized an English Luth-
eran church on the 24th of August, however not completing the
details. This was accomplished on the 21st of September, when
nineteen members were enrolled. At this time a Church Council
was elected and installed. Among the prominent families identi-
fying themselves with the new church were the Swarners, the Has-
singers, the Leshes, the Barclays, the Shoops, the Havers, the Ma-
hans, and the Herbersels. The congregation was admitted into
Kansas Synod that fall. Services were held here for a season by
Rev. Grosclose as supply, but the church never built, and never
succeeded in getting a regular pastor. The enterprise finally failed.
Johnson county, St. Paul's— A preaching point was located five
miles south of Gardner, which was organized into a church in 1872
known as St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church of Johnson county. The
same year it was admitted into Kansas Synod. It was supplied
occasionally by Rev. D. S. Altman, but it was seemingly not able
to pay even all his travelling expenses. It had about a dozen mem-
bers but no building. It disappears from the minutes during the
later seventies.
Franklin county, St. Matthew's. — This church was organized and
admitted into Synod in 1872, a "school-house" church which never
became permanent and never had a regular pastor.
Kansas City, Kansas, Swedish Lutheran.— This church was or-
ganized about 1878, and was given aid in the sum of $60 by the
Board of Home Missions. The church however never came into
the General Synod and is probably now in the Augustana Synod
if in existence.
Tipton, Missouri, English Lutheran.— Tipton, Missouri, was visit-
ed a couple times by Rev. Morris Officer during his western mis-
sionary trips. It was located on the line of railroad which connect-
ed St. Louis with the young town on the Kansas border, then known
214 TIPTON AND VERSAILLES, MO., CHURCHES.
as Westport or Kansas City. On the 22nd of February, 1867, he
effected an organization with twenty charter members. In the lat-
ter part of April he succeeded in installing Rev. E. J. Keplinger as
missionary, serving the church in connection with one at Versailes.
In November, 1868, these two churches through their pastor and
a lay delegate participated in the organization of Kansas Synod, at
Topeka. The church was never able to erect a building, though
the pastor issued an earnest appeal in the Lutheran Observer of
April 30th, 1869, for assistance, and had a building committee ap-
pointed composed of Messrs Jacob Crone, L. M. Culler, T. Parkins,
A. T. Swarner, and G. Rosenhahn, but the movement failed, and
the congregation continued to use the town school house. The
church really never became strong. After three years Rev. Kep-
linger resigned. After that the charge was supplied with preaching
occasionally, but owing to its inability to support a pastor it soon
languished. In 1872-3 Rev. W. H. Steck of Kansas City supplied
them off and on. Finally some of the members moving away, the
others went into other churches, and the effort failed.
Versailles, Missouri, English Lutheran. — While visiting Tipton,
Missouri, during his western missionary trips Rev. Morris Officer
went across the country to the county seat of Morgan county some
eighteen miles to the south of Tipton and a hundred and thirty
miles from Kansas City. Here he held services in the county court
house, preaching several days, "A blessed work," as he writes in
his diary as quoted in Imhoff's "Life of Morris Officer." On Thurs-
day the 21st of February, 1867, he organized a church, "received
members, four by letter, two by profession of faith, and two by
confirmation." They adopted a constitution and elected church of-
ficers. Among the members were two brothers Geo. H. and John
H. Stover. The church here was rather stronger than that at Tip-
ton. In April Rev. E. J. Keplinger was installed as pastor. This
church with that at Tipton reported in 1869 a combined member-
ship of fifty-five. While Rev. Keplinger was here he was assisted
in several protracted meetings by his colleague in Kansas City, Rev.
A. W. Wagenhals. After the resignation of the pastor in 1870 the
church was never able to get another and as a result languished
until it ceased to exist. (See Tipton.)
INCORPORATION OF KANSAS SYNOD. 215
CHANGE OF NAME AND INCORPORA-
TION OF KANSAS SYNOD.
When Kansas Synod was organized in November, 1868, in the
absence of a prepared constitution, it resolved to be governed by
the constitution of the Synod of East Pennsylvania, substituting
the word "Kansas" for that of "East Pennsylvania." On April
2nd, 1869, at a special meeting of Kansas Synod at Atchison, a
constitution was formally adopted in which the name of the synod
was specified as, "The Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Kansas and
Adjacent States." The basis of this constitution was stated to be
that of the General Synod as held and published at that time. At
this same convention the officers were instructed to "procure an act
of incorporation for the Synod." This was not done and at the next
convention of Synod the matter, although brought up, was allowed
to lapse. There is no record of any incorporation papers taken out
until 1886. However in 1883 steps were taken through which the
name of the Synod was changed to "The Ev. Lutheran Synod of
Kansas," by legally dropping the words, "And Adjacent States."
Under signature of A. J. Kissell, President, and M. F. Troxell, Sec-
retary, articles were filed with the Secretary of State from Shawnee
county, on the 28th of November, 1884 certifying to this change
of name. On the 17th of November, 1886 application was filed for
a state charter from Lyon county, and this document was issued
with an expiring limit of twenty years. From this time on a Board
of Trustees was annually elected and duly qualified by making
affidavit of their election and promising to perform the duties of
the charge faithfully. In 1887 the Synod instructed its Trustees to
adopt a code of By-Laws for the purpose of governing the secular
transactions of the Synod. At the convention of the Synod at To-
peka in 1906 the Trustees were instructed to allow the old Charter
to expire by limitation, November 17th, 1906, and immediately take
out a new Charter with a ninety-nine year limitation. This was
accordingly done and on the 30th of November it was issued. The
document is as follows:
Office of the Secretary of State. I, J. R. Burrow, Secretary
of the State of Kansas, do hereby certify that the following and an-
nexed is a true and complete copy of the Charter of the Evangel-
ical Lutheran Synod of Kansas, filed for record in this office Nov-
ember 30, 1906. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed
216 KANSAS SYNOD CHARTER.
my name and affixed my official seal, this 30th day of November,
A. D., 1906, (Signed) J. R. Burrow. (Seal.)
The Charter.
The Charter of the Ev. Lutheran Synod of Kansas.
The undersigned citizens of the state of Kansas, do hereby vol-
untarily associate ourselves, together for the purpose of forming
a private corporation under' the laws of the state of Kansas, and
do hereby certify,
First, That the name of this corporation shall be The Evangelical
Lutheran Synod of Kansas.
Second, That the purposes for which this corporation is formed
are to promote the worship of Almighty God under the Formula for
the Government and Discipline of the Evangelical Lutheran church
as adopted by The General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in the United States of America: to discharge all the func-
tions arising under the rules and regulations of said church; to
advance the temporal interests of said church in Kansas by taking,
holding and disposing of such property, personal and real, as it
may acquire by gift, devise, purchase, or otherwise.
Third, That the places where its business is to be transacted are
at Topeka and such other places where said synod meets in An-
nual Convention, and other places arranged for by its Board of
Trustees.
Fourth, That the term for which this a corporation is to exist is
ninety-nine years.
In Testimony whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names,
this 17th day of November, A. D., 1906.
H. A. Ott,
J. B. McAfee,
C. W. Horn,
J. B. Wherfel,
H. G. Licht.
State of Kansas, Shawnee County, S. S. Personally appeared
before me, a Notary Public in and for Shawnee county, Kansas,
the above-named H. A. Ott, J. B. McAfee, C. W. Horn, J. B. Wher-
fel and H. G. Licht, who are personally known to me to be the same
who executed the foregoing instrument of writing, and duly ac-
knowledged the execution of the same.- In Testimony Whereof, I
have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my notarial seal this
17th day of November, A. D., 1906. (Signed) Elias Shull, (Seal)
Notary Public, Shawnee county, Kansas. (Term will end March 16,
1908.
Filed for Record, Nov. 30, 1906.
J. R. Burrow, Sec'y of State.
BENEVOLENT WORK OF KANSAS SYNOD. 217
KANSAS SYNOD AND THE BENEV-
OLENCES OF THE CHURCH.
Kansas Synod at its second convention, a special session held
at Atchison in April, 1869, elected, Rev. A. J. Hesson and Hon.
S. J. H. Snyder as its delegates to the Twenty- fourth Convention
of the General Synod which met in May following, at Washing-
ton, D. C, giving them instruction to make formal application for
membership. The Synod was duly received at this convention and
committed itself to support the missionary and benevolent opera-
tions carried on by the General Synod. Its first contributions the
following year were small indeed, consisting of $112 for home mis-
sions, and $50 for foreign missions. During the first ten years
of its history the total contributions of Kansas Synod to the Gen-
eral Synod averaged less than $250 per year. This need not seem
strange when one takes into consideration the struggle of the peo-
ple amid drouths and grasshopper plagues to maintain a church
service of their own from year to year.
However at the close of the second decade, 1888, the Synod
showed decided gain, as is seen in the following report: General
Synod, $61; Home Missions, $92; Foreign Missions, $100; Church
Extension, $128; Pastor's Fund, $17; Ministerial Education, $327;
Orphan's Home, $25; W. H. & F. M. S., $917.
Ten years later, 1898 the growth is seen in the following report:
General Synod, $45; Home Missions, $574; Foreign Misisons,
$432; Church Extension, $387; Board of Education, $199; Board
of Education, $199; Ministerial Education, $210; Orphan's Home,
$142; Pastor's Fund, $115; Deaconness Board, $55; Home for the
Aged, $64; Synodical Treasury, $175; W. H. & F. M. S., $613;
External Benevolence, $164; Total, $3,150.
The latest report shows the following benevolence, an increase
of over 100 per cent: General Synod $44; Synodical Treasury,
$190; Home Missions, $836; Foreign Missions, $779; Church Ex-
tension, $643; Board of Education, $473; Ministerial Education,
$315; Pastor's Fund, $175; Orphan's Home, $190; Deaconness
Board, $139; Home for the Aged, $102; Woman's Missionary So-
ciety, $1469; External Benevolence, $750; Total, $6,376.
Kansas Synod does not have any orphan's home upon its terri-
tory. For many years it supported that at Loysville, Penna., but
218 THE NACHUSA AND TABITHA ORPHAN'S HOMES.
when the Nachusa Orphan's Home, located at Nachusa, Illinois,
was established (1904), the Synod decided to withdraw its support
from the Loysville Home and give it to the Nachusa Home, be-
cause the latter was nearer its own territory. Since 1904 the Synod
has elected representatives on the Board of Trustees of the Nach-
usa Home. The Home has 46 acres of improved land and a large
house valued all told at $6,000.
Recently there came into the possession of the combined synods
of Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and the German Nebraska, what was
known as The Tabitha Home, consisting of fifteen acres of land in
the suburbs of Lincoln, Nebraska, having two large buildings, one
164 by 64 feet and four stories high, containing 75 rooms, and the
other a large structure used for hospital purposes, besides other
improvements. The Synod in session at Topeka, 1906, instructed
a committee, consisting of Dr. H. L. Yarger and Revs. R. B. Lantz
and I. B. Heisey, to investigate the proposition and cooperating
with the other synods, purchase if deemed best. This committee
has acted and the property has come into the possession of the
synods named. The new Board has decided to open the institu-
tion as a hospital and home. The larger building as a hospital and
the smaller one as a home for the aged and orphans. Plans look-
ing for the completion of this work are now being submitted. At
best the institution is only in its formative state. The property is
worth, at a fair estimate, fully, $50,000. It is possible Kansas
Synod will set aside a specified sum year after year for its main-
tenance.
Aside from what the Synod did specifically for the development
of its own home mission field through the travelling missionary
secretaries, as related in another section, it has during the past
five years been endeavoring to plant some new missions, and has
raised a special fund for this purpose. In 1902 that at Oklahoma
City was undertaken, and a good church established there. The
Synod is now ready to take up another important field.
THE W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY. 219
THE WOMAN'S HOME AND FOREIGN
MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
Active interest in the cause of missions has always characterized
Kansas Synod, and especially was this seen among the women, and
at a time when nearly all of the churches were as yet but missions
themselves. This interest bore fruitage at a very early period when
the movement of woman's missionary societies was scarcely
launched. It is an interesting fact that the movement which cul-
minated in the organization of the Lutheran Woman's Home and
Foreign Missionary Society had its birth on Trans-Mississippi ter-
ritory, when Rev. J. K. Bloom introduced in Iowa Synod at its con-
vention at Tipton in 1875 a resolution to appoint a committee to
consider and report upon the propriety and feasibility of forming
a 'Woman's Missionary Society' of the Lutheran churches of Iowa."
The first auxiliary society was formed that year at Tipton on the
23d of August, and that same year the Iowa society was organized.
Out of this humble movement other Iowa societies were organized.
Other denominations had already taken up this kind of work. In
the East auxiliaries sprang up in large numbers. Various synods
agitated the same end, resulting finally in the call for a convention
at Canton, Ohio, June 9-11, 1879, at which place the General W.
H. & F. M. S. was organized, with a working Executive Committee
located at Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. S. S. Waltz of Kansas City was
made a member of this committee. During this period the church
papers were full of glowing accounts of the new movement. These
earnest appeals stirred the hearts of some of the Kansas women,
and among these was Mrs. Jacob Schauer, whose husband was pas-
tor at Barnes and Greenleaf. Mrs. Schauer had the honor of or-
ganizing the first auxiliary society west of the Missouri river, which
was effected on the 7th of September, 1879, in the Kenyon school
house, which was located about three miles from Waterville. Here
a congregation worshipped to which Rev. Schauer preached, as a
missionary commissioned by the Board of Home Missions. The
congregation did not even own a church building. Besides it was
composed of a few families living out on the raw prairies, and con-
tent to worship in a country school house. On this occasion the
pastor sought to prepare the way by preaching an earnest mission-
ary sermon. After this service the organization took place with the
220 KANSAS SYNOD W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY.
following officers: President, Mrs. J. Schauer; Vice President, Mrs.
William Reitzel; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Sarah Heckert; Cor-
responding Secretary, Mrs. Emilie Reitzel; Treasurer, Mrs. H. M.
Shirck. This society was reported to the then newly constituted
Executive Committee at Springfield, Ohio, and thereafter reported
to that center until the Kansas Synodical Society was formed.
Six weeks later at the convention of Kansas Synod at Abilene,
the subject of woman's missionary societies was discussed, result-
ing in the offering of the following resolutions by Rev. Charles
Martin, M. D., which were unanimously adopted:
"Resolved, That this Synod recognizes the importance and value
of the Women's Missionary Societies in carrying forward the var-
ious denominational operations and that we hail with pleasure the
efforts of the energetic women to establish auxiliary branches of
the society throughout the church.
"Resolved, That we appoint five Lutheran women within the
Kansas Synod, to take charge of this interest, with a view to the
establishment of the society throughout our border."
The committee appointed consisted of Mrs. S. S. Waltz of Kan-
sas City, Mo., Mrs. O. J. Peters of Abilene, Mrs. J. Schauer of
Greenleaf, Mrs. M. E. Smith of White Rock, and Mrs. Ira Fleck of
Bunker Hill. This committee had truly a great undertaking be-
fore it, considering the material out of which to originate a Synod-
ical Missionary Society. Kansas Synod at that time was practically
a missionary synod in which every congregation was receiving mis-
sionary aid more or less, excepting only that at Abilene and that
at East Norway, (Moray), a congregation near St. Joseph and
served by Dr. Martin in connection with his school. Shortly after
the adjournment of this Synod the second auxiliary society was
organized in the Pleasant Hill school house, in Marshall county
near Waterville, in which the Hebron Lutheran church worshipped,
and which was served by Rev. David Harbaugh. The organization
took place on the 9th of November and started out with nine char-
ter members and the following officers: President, Mrs. D. Har-
baugh; Vice President, Mrs. Frank Falkner; Recording Secretary,
Mrs. George Kistler; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Floyd Kistler;
Treasurer, Mrs Deistelbach.
The committee appointed by Kansas Synod being so widely sep-
arated could co-operate only by correspondence. Mrs. Waltz be-
came president and Mrs. Peters secretary of the committee.
The committee was not able to effect any new organizations dur-
ing the year; however it called a meeting of interested workers to
KANSAS SYNOD W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY. 221
be held in conjunction with the next Synod at Lawrence on the
14th of October, 1880. When the time arrived only three of the
committee were able to be present, on account of the distance, the
prevailing poverty of the people, and the few railroads which then
existed in the state. The experience of Mrs. Schauer in getting to
this convention may be related as an illustration of the dfficulties
which had to be overcome in those early days in establishing any
concerted movement of the churches. Rev. and Mrs. Schauer were
the faithful missionaries laboring on the frontier line of Kansas
settlements on the northwest, located near the terminus of the Cen-
tral Branch railroad, a line which led direct into Atchison. Once
in Atchison they were still a long way from Lawrence. Besides
they did not have the money with which to pay car fare. So they
decided to drive across the country, hitching their two nimble pon-
ies to their carriage. En route they took aboard Rev. D. Harbaugh
and his lay delegate to the Synod. Leaving their children in the
care of a house keeper they started on their long journey of at
least 140 miles, stopping at nights with hospitable people though
utter strangers. It took three days to make the drive, but they ar-
rived there in time and none the worse for their long journey. This
overland trip of nearly 300 miles by carriage to attend a mission-
ary convention is doubtless a unique experience in missionary cir-
cles within our church.
At the appointed hour seven women met in the parlor of the pas-
tor, Rev. A. A. Trimper, composed of, Mrs. S. S. Waltz, Mrs. O. J.
Peters, and Mrs. J. Schauer of the original committee, and Mrs.
H. F. Long of Bunker Hill, Mrs. T. F. Dornblaser of Ellsworth,
Mrs. A. J. Kissell of Abilene, and Mrs. A. A. Trimper of Lawrence.
Besides these Revs. Waltz and Long were present to advise and
counsel. Here the Kansas Synodical W. H. & F. M. S. was organ-
ized and a constitution adopted. Mrs. Waltz was chosen President;
Mrs. Schauer, Vice President; Mrs. A. J. Kissell, Recording Secre-
tary; Mrs. Peters, Corresponding Secretary; and Mrs. Long, Treas-
urer. Little was done save to pray for the cause which they had
launched, and adopt some resolutions urging pastors to preach on
the subject, and plan for the organizing of new socities. On the
following day the Synod gave them an hour, for a meeting with
the Synod. Mrs. Waltz presided, Mrs. Peters read a Scripture les-
son, and Mrs. Schauer led in prayer. The newly elected President
addressed the Synod making an earnest plea for a missionary so-
ciety in every charge, and closed by declaring the Kansas Synod-
ical Missionary Society organized. The new society was duly en-
222 KANSAS SYNOD W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY.
rolled in the General Society at its next convention at Altoona,
Pennsylvania, the following spring, at which time the Kansas Aux-
iliary Societies had increased from two to five.
This was indeed a very humble beginning of woman's missionary
work in Kansas. Seven women, six of whom at that time were not
as yet connected with any Auxiliary Society, and two Auxiliary So-
cieties on the territory, began the work out of which to start a
movement which finally would sweep through nearly all of our
churches. During the following year societies were organized at
Topeka, White Rock, Hays City, Abilene, and East Norway. The
first Annual Convention was held in connection with the Synod at
Bunker Hill, October 7th, 1881. Although the place was on the
extreme western boundary of the Synod, the attendance was very
encouraging. The Synod adjourned some of its sessions and gave
the time to the woman's meeting. At this time the Corresponding
Secretary reported seven societies, eighty-eight members, and con-
tributions amounting to $123. At this convention by-laws were
adopted and the work of extending the organizations more fully
planned, and the success of the future became more bright and
promising.
Other societies were organized as follows: In 1882 at Eureka,
Salina, and Greenleaf; in 1884 at Kansas City, First church and at
the Children's Memorial; in 1885 at Atchison, Emporia, Minneap-
olis, Ottawa, Peabody, and Bunker Hill; in 1886 at Lawrence,
Barnes, Ellsworth, and Hardy (Neb.); in 1887 at Minneapolis
(Young Peoples) ; in 1888 at Salina (St. Paul's) and Hays City; in
1889 at Perth, Denver, Wellington, Hutchinson, Whitewater and
Peabody (Children's) ; in 1890 at Chapman, Lawrence (Children's)
Salina, (Children's), Atchison (Young People's), and Ellsworth
(Children's); in 1891 at Atchison (Children's), and Garnett; in
1892 at Leavenworth and Kansas City Memorial (Children's); in
1893 at Effingham (Woman's and Children's). For the next ten
years no new organizations were effected. In 1903 one was or-
ganized at Oklahoma City, Okla., and in 1905 one at St. Joseph,
Mo.
A number of these societies have disbanded, finding the work
difficult under their environment. But after the society once was
fairly launched the contributions increased year after year until
the climax was reached in 1889-90. After that date the work some-
what declined, both in interest and in receipts, until 1900, when the
trend again was upward, and in 1906 the receipts passed the high-
est previous mark, the total reaching $1469.33. In 1889 the so-
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224 KANSAS SYNOD W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY, 25 YEARS EXHIBIT.
ciety was duly incorporated under the seal of the Secretary of
State as "The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of
the Ev. Lutheran Synod of Kansas." In 1890 the officers began
the publication of a sprightly eight-page quarterly paper called
"The Synodical Reporter," which was edited by Mrs. Alice G.
Bond, the President. This little publication was continued through
four years, and at the time exerted a good influence among the so-
cieties.
At the present time the society reports 26 Auxiliaries, 591 active
members, and a total contributions for the year 1905-6 of $1469.
The officers are, President, Mrs. H. L. Yarger, Atchison; Corre-
sponding Secretary, Mrs. Fuller Bergstresser, Abilene; Recording
Secretary, Mrs. B. R. Lantz, St. Joseph, Mo.; Treasurer, Mrs. R. B.
Wolf, Kansas City; Historian, Mrs. Olive J. Peters, Abilene.
W. F. & F. M. SOCIETY EXHIBIT, 26 YEARS.
Place of
Convention
Name of
President
ft
si
*£ ^
<& u
o ce
O &
m
<
§
2
20
7
88
11
144
13
209
10
190
15
209
20
320
22
506
25
492
27
650
34
648
34
772
33
755
82
667
30
581
27
511
28
513
2fi
429
24
399
25
526
24
475
23
430
25
461
26
532
28
527
26
534
26
591
o
1880
1881
1882
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1SNS
1889
189(1
1891
1892
In:i:!
1894
1895
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
1901
L902
i9o::
1904
1905
loot;
Lawrence
Bunker Hill
Salina
Eureka
Topeka
Peabody
Waterville
Abilene
Lawrence
Atchison..-.
Salina.'
Emporia
Kansas City Mem
Kansas City 1st. .
Topeka
Peabody
Lawrence
Peabody
Hutchinson
Atchison
Waterville
Wellington
Salina. ... .
St. Joseph
Eureka.7.'.
Emporia.
Topeka. . . . '.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
S. S. Waltz
S. S. Waltz
T. F. Dornblaser
T. P. Dornblaser
A. J. Kissell
M. J. Schauer. . .
O. J. Peters
L. L. Belmer. . . .
J. M. Cromer
X. L. Bond
T. L. Bond
T. L. Bond
T. L. Bond
J. Schauer
E. C. Beegle
E. C. Beegle
T. L. Bond
T. L. Bond
John Hoffer
L. S. Keyser
L. S. Keyser
L. S. Keyser
T. L. Bond
T. L. Bond
T. L. Bond
H. A. Ott
H. A. Ott
$25.00
123.00
210.61
95.00
196.61
205.40
493.95
754.55
887.63
1124.63
835.57
955.82
824.8S
902.63
705.37
760.73
698.42
582.69
646.40
649.46
626.45
568.00
651.94
666.68
968.76
1157.21
1469.33
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES. 225
THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY MOVE-
MENT.
The earliest organizations of young people's societies in our Kan-
sas Synod churches were of the Christian Endeavor kind. This
movement had its origin in a congregational church in Portland,
Maine, in 1881, and before a decade had passed the movement had
found its way into possibly every Protestant denomination in this
country. About the middle of the eighties several societies were
organized in Kansas. In 1889 Kansas Synod took official action
in passing the following resolution:
Whereas, The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor
has become a power for the advancement of our Redeemer's King-
dom throughout the whole country, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Synod recommend to, and urge upon,
our congregations the formation of such societies, and thus en-
courage an agency which is of untold benefit to the development
of our young people in church work.
No definite action was taken by the pastors other than to or-
ganize local societies. Aside from Christian Endeavor societies
other organizations such as "The Luther Alliance," "The Kings
Daughters," and various "Clubs," found place in some of our
churches. About this time the Luther League movement was in-
augurated in the East, and quite a number of our Christian Endea-
vor Societies were merged into either Luther Leagues, or Luther
Leagues of Christian Endeavor. At this writing fully half of the
societies are straight Luther Leagues.
In 1893 a movement was started for the purpose of ef-
fecting a general union of all the young people's societies. A call
was issued to the local societies inviting them to send delegates to
Kansas City when Kansas Synod met there in October. This call
met with a fair response when a temporary organization was affect-
ed. Mr. E. P. Schueler of Atchison was chosen President; Rev.
I. B. Heisey, of Waterville, Vice President; Mrs. A. S. Harlan, of
Salina, Secretary; and Mr. A. L. Selig of Lawrence, Treasurer.
A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and report
at the next convention of the synod at Topeka in the fall of 1894.
The Synod again endorsed the movement and assigned the evening
and a day preceding the opening of the next Synod for this special
effort.
226 THE LUTHER LEAGUE OF KANSAS.
The next fall thirty-two delegates reported at Topeka when a
constitution was adopted and a permanent organization was effect-
ed. The name adopted was, "The Luther League of Kansas and
Kansas Synod." All young people's societies of whatever name,
connected with a Lutheran church or college, were eligible to mem-
bership. The object was declared to be to encourage the formation
of young people's societies (not any one particular kind), stimulate
the societies to greater activity, to assist in keeping the young peo-
ple confirmed in the church true to their vows, etc. The future con-
ventions were to be held annually. At the close of the convention
Rev. I. B. Heisey, was elected President; Mr. Theodore Sheffer,
Miss Bessie Maxwell, and Mr. D. N. Anderson, Vice Presidents;
Mrs. A. S. Harlan, Secretary and Mr. A. L. Selig, Treasurer. Dele-
gates were reported from the churches at Abilene, Atchison, Barnes,
Beloit, Banner City, Chapman, Emporia, Eureka, Hardy (Neb.),
Kansas City, First and Memorial, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Minne-
apolis, St. Paul's and St. John's, Moray, New Cambria, Norcatur,
Ottawa, Peabody, St. Joseph, (Mo.), Salina, Topeka, Valley Falls,
Vineland, Waterville, Wellington and Whitewater, with a combined
membership of 960.
Later conventions were held at Abilene in 1895 and Lindsborg
in 1896. At this time efforts were made to induce the Luther Lea-
gues of the Swedish Augustana churches to unite with the organ-
ization which was now called simply "The Luther League of Kan-
sas." This met with fair success. However during 1896-7 no con-
ventions were held. In 1900 a good convention was held in Topeka
in the First and Swedish churches there. In 1901 another good
convention was held in Abilene. During the following year a move-
ment developed in the Swedish churches to hold a convention strict-
ly of their own. This was held in Topeka about two months before
the next united convention was to have been held at Osage City in
the Swedish church there. The Executive Committee finding a dis-
position upon the part of Swedish pastors not to co-operate in the
making of the program, the Osage convention was withdrawn.
Since then the Kansas Synod societies have not held any conven-
tions aside from having their work presented at several of the
spring conferences in a half-day session. For the late reports of
the young people's work see the parochial tables of Kansas Synod
in another part of this volume.
KANSAS SYNOD AND TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 227
KANSAS SYNOD AND TEMPERANCE
LEGISLATION.
The records of Kansas Synod have always shown a decided op-
position to the liquor traffic and a strong leaning in favor of prohi-
bition as a constitutional provision. While now and then a pastor
would be found to be lukewarm on the latter subject, the Synod
as a body has always been in line with the Protestant churches in
the fight for State Prohibition. The first formal resolution was
passed in 1869, at its second annual convention, as follows:
Whereas, Intemperance is a great and growing evil, extending
its baneful influence to all conditions of society, bringing sorrow
and affliction upon the innocent, reducing its victims to wretched-
ness and want here, and eternal misery and ruin hereafter, there-
fore,
Resolved, That it is the sense of this Synod that the Scriptural
doctrine with reference to the use of spirituous liquors is total
abstinence as a beverage and that we as ministers of the truth in-
culcate the same from the pulpit, through our Sunday schools, and
by all wise and proper measures, seek to promote the same results.
In 1870 other resolutions were passed in which the Synod took
"The high and only position, that of total abstinence from the use
of all intoxicating liquors as a beverage," and it further resolved
that its ministers use every means to prevent the increase of this
crying evil, and call upon all Christian friends of humanity to
unite their efforts to the same end.
In 1871 the former sentiments were re-affirmed. In 1873 it
touched the subject politically, pledging its efforts "in firing the
temperance reform into the political arena and there defending and
sustaining it until the triumph is complete." In 1877 the Synod
set apart an hour for the consideration of temperance, heartily en-
dorsing the "Murphy Movement" which was then sweeping over
the land. In 1879 the state legislature yielding to the persistent
demands of the people voted to submit an amendment to the state
constitution forever prohibiting the manufacture and sale of in-
toxicating liquors as a beverage. Among the most influential and
successful advocates of this measure in the Legislature at that time
was Rev. M. J. Firey, a member from Lyon county, who did much
in the way of preparing the Legislature for the movement. At the
fall convention of Kansas Synod, seventeen days before the elec-
228 THE PROHIBITION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
tion at which this amendment was to be voted upon, the Synod
adopted the following pointed resolution:
Resolved, That the rum traffic is the prolific source of most of
the crimes committed in this country, and the source from which
the poor house, the asylums and our penitentiaries are filled, and
one of the greatest hindrances to the spread of the Gospel, There-
fore,
Resolved, That this Synod recommend that each of its ministers
preach at least one sermon before the vote is taken in November
on the proposed amendment, .... and that we urge our peo-
ple to use all possible means in suppressing this nefarious traffic.
The amendment was carried by a majority of 7,998 votes. When
following the adoption a movement was instituted to over-ride the
constitution, the traffic dying hard, the Synod again adopted strong
resolutions calling for the enforcement of law. During the score
of years after the adoption of constitutional prohibition, the Synod
again and again declared itself, and later when the movement was
started to have the question re-submitted, the synodical declara-
tions evince no middle ground in planting itself against the obnox-
ious proposition.
In the great fight which secured the adoption of the amendment
referred to, no Lutheran minister in the state proved himself such
an efficient helper as Rev. J. B. McAfee. At that time he was re-
siding in Leavenworth and engaged in a business which permitted
much personal freedom, and when the time came for action he
plunged into the battle with his whole soul. He asked from the-
Santa Fe railroad free transportation which was granted, and then
he went up and down the state, at his own expense, speaking in-
cessantly in favor of the amendment. Few clergymen of any de-
nomination worked more heroically than he. It was the one reform
above all others in which he was interested, and as the opportunity
presented itself, he left no stone unturned to bring about the end
for which he pleaded. The final victory constituted one of the
crowning experiences of his life and placed him among the pioneer
heroes of Kansas in effecting prohibitory legislation under which
the state has prospered and profited for the past quarter century.
CARTHAGE COLLEGE. 229
KANSAS LUTHERAN EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS.
CARTHAGE COLLEGE.
The earliest official recognition of any of our educational institu-
tions by Kansas Synod was at its first session in Topeka in 1868,
when a communication was read from an official of Mendota Col-
lege, located at Mendota, Illinois, an institution somewhat related
to the Synods of that state, asking financial aid from the newly or-
ganized synod. It was regretted by the Synod, that, owing to the
numerous and imperious demands for money in the establishing
of churches in this territory, very little financial aid could be prom-
ised for a while at least. The failure of the Mendota College soon
after that divorced Kansas Synod from any effort looking toward
any material union with that institution either in the way of money,
or in being represented on its board of trustees.
The organization of Carthage College, located at Carthage, Illi-
nois, in the fall of 1870, under the conduct of Prof. L. F. M. Easter-
day, brought an educational institution much nearer to Kansas.
Kansas Synod at once decided to co-operate and elected two of its
members to represent it on the Board of Trustees. In this move-
ment the Synods of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Northern Illinois,
Southern Illinois, and Central Illinois, co-operated. -In the distri-
bution of the shares of capital stock of the college, representing a
nominal value of $18,000, Kansas Synod received forty-two shares,
as did likewise Nebraska Synod, the remainder of the 180 shares
being distributed among the Iowa and the three Illinois Synods.
Kansas Synod elected Rev. S. P. Harrington, Rev. M. J. Firey and
Mr. J. H. Schell as its first trustees, co-operating from the first in
contributing money for its contingent fund and its sons for the in-
stitution. This it continued till 1888. However upon the incorpor-
ation of Midland College, in 1886, by ther Board of Education of
the General Synod, thus founding an educational institution upon
the territory west of the Missouri river, the synods of Kansas and
Nebraska transferred their stock, consisting of eighty four shares,
through their respective attorneys, to the Synod of Iowa and the
three Illinois synods, in proportion to the amount then held by each
of these synods. After this was done, and duly reported by the
Kansas Synod trustees, the latter were discontinued, and Kansas
Synod's relation to Carthage College, in an official way, ceased:
230
MIDLAND COLLEGE.
MIDLAND COLLEGE.
Scarcity of men for the ministry willing to work in the great and
growing fields of the West, as well as Lutheran facilities for the
collegiate education of our children in this section, gave birth to
the cry for a college west of the Missouri river, a cry which was
heard at every convention of our western synods early in the eight-
ies. The creation of the Board of Education by the General Synod
at Harrisburg, Pa., in 1885, made this object possible. This Board
held its first meeting in Kansas City on the 10th of November,
1885, electing Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., President, Rev. J. S. Det-
weiler, Secretary, and Hon. Geo. H. Maish, Treasurer, the other
members being Mr. Robert Weidensall, Mr. Augutus Kountze, Rev.
J. H. Culler, Rev. S. B. Barnitz, Rev. L. M. Heilman and Rev. T. F.
Dornblaser. Through the observations and travels of Rev. Samuel
B. Barnitz, a member of this Board and then Western Secretary
of the Board of Home Missions, quite a number of desirable loca-
tions were suggested. At the meeting of the General Synod at
Omaha in the spring of 1887, liberal propositions for the location
of a college were made by the cities of Grand Island, Beatrice and
Lincoln, Nebraska, and Beloit, Topeka, Parsons, Leavenworth, Min-
neapolis and Atchison, Kansas. The propositions of Atchison and
REV. J. A. CLUTZ, D. D.
REV. M. F. TROXELL, D. D.
MIDLAND COLLEGE. 231
Beatrice were regarded with most favor, and the matter of choice
was placed in the hands of the Board of Education, with instruc-
tions to proceed at once to found a college in the West and to go
before the entire church for the help necessary to sustain it. The
Board as nominated at this convention consisted of Revs. M.
Rhodes, D. D., S. B. Barnitz, J. S. Detweiler and F. D. Altman and
Messrs Augustus Kountze, Robert Weidensall, Dr. J. E. Herbst
and Hon. Amos Miller.
This Board carefully canvassed the matter of location, consider-
ing the best point relative to the location of our churches, the dis-
tance from competing institutions, facilities for access, moral sur-
roundings, patronage, future prospects, as well as the tempting
material offers. The choice fell upon Atchison, which had offered
to give $50,000 for buildings, twenty acres of land in Highland
Park for a campus, five acres for professors' homes, a half inter-
est in the sale of 500 acres of land, and a promise of 200 students.
The twenty-five acres of land were donated at once to the Board.
During the summer of 1887 a faculty was selected consisting of
Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., President pro tern, Rev. W. H. Wynn, Ph.
D., Rev. W. B. Glanding, Rev. J. S. Detweiler, Mr. E. S. Earhart,
Mr. F. A. Lemme, Gertrude Dubois Wynn, Miss Phoebe Clark and
Mrs. Harriet E. Monroe. The Atchison Institute building was fitted
up temporarily, and on the 15th of September the college was
opened formally for the reception of students.
The opening program really began on the Sunday previous when
a half dozen of the city pulpits were filled by Lutheran ministers
and in the evening at an immense union service held in the Presby-
terian church, Dr. M. Rhodes delivered an impressive sermon on,
"Midland College, the Grounds of Its Claim."
On Monday, Mrs. Monroe gave a reception to the Faculty and
Board of Education, when brief addresses were made by Dr.
Rhodes, Mrs. Monroe, Revs. Barnitz, Altman and Cromer, Mrs.
Judge Webb and others. A union prayer service for Midland was
held on Wednesday evening in the Congregational church. Prayer
seemed to fittingly prepare for the opening of the college on the
following day when the Institute room was crowded to its utmost
capacity. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The beautiful order
of service of the Lutheran church was used in the introduction of
the exercises led by Dr. Rhodes. Remarks were made by Revs.
Barnitz, Detweiler and Profs. Wynn and Glanding. Letters of con-
gratulation were read from Dr. Conrad of the Lutheran Observer,
Dr. Singley of the Lutheran Evangelist, Dr. H. L. Baugher, of
232 MIDLAND COLLEGE.
Gettysburg College, Prof. E. F. Bartholemew President of Carth-
age College, Chancellor Lippincott of Kansas State University, the
Presidents of the synods of Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, and many
others.
The opening of the college was all that could have been expected,
there being enrolled during the first year a total of 101 students,
with twelve in the Freshman class. The institution was given its
own Board of Trustees, two-thirds of whom had to be members of
the Lutheran church. This body was self-perpetuating. Later
there were added two trustees from the Alumni Association, and
two from each of the Lutheran Synods of Kansas, Nebraska, and
German Nebraska, and one from the Rocky Mountain Synod. The
Board of Trustees was organized by the election of Rev. S. B.
Barnitz, President; Senator A. J. Harwi, Vice President; Rev. F.
D. Altman, Secretary; and J. H. Berlin, Treasurer. The future of
Midland seemed bright and most promising.
The first serious hitch in the completion of the arrangements for
the erection of a building occurred when it was learned that the
promised $50,000 from the city of Atchison would have to be raised
by tax levy, the very payment of which in law would have to be
entirely voluntary on the part of the tax payer, and in three annual
installments at that. This introduced such an uncertain factor in
the securing of funds that the Board hesitated very much in going
ahead in the erection of the college building. However about forty
of the leading business men of the city had previously signed a
bond agreeing to stand back of the city in the payment of the
promised help, and the tax plea was their method of raising the
money, and the Board accordingly decided to leave the securing of
funds with them, although the tax idea was not especially pleasing
to the Board. After the original Board of Trustees had been in-
corporated under the laws of the state of Kansas, the internal man-
agement of the college was formally turned over to them in March,
1888, by the Board of Education.
The location of the grounds was all that could be desired, sit-
uated in the southern suburbs of the city and upon a high bluff of
the Missouri river, overlooking the city itself and many square
miles of picturesque scenery on both sides of the river. On this
ground the first building, "Atchison Hall," was erected, the archi-
tecture of which is Roman-Gothic, 106 by 64 feet in ground di-
mensions and four stories high, costing all told about $28,000,
which was entirely paid for by the city of Atchison. This building
contains a chapel, six recitation rooms, a museum, chemical labor-
MIDLAND COLLEGE. 233
atory, two libraries, a reading room, about thirty dormitory rooms,
and a presidents office, besides some basement rooms, and is heated
by steam throughout. It was formally turned over to the college
in the spring of 1889. This structure is a noble monument to the
liberality and interest of the citizens of Atchison. The equipment
and furnishings were supplied largely by the congregations on the
territory. Meanwhile owing to the collapse of the boom which had
been prevailing in the city, the latter pleaded inability to raise the
balance of the $50,000 it had promised the college. The Board
finally agreed to remit this under certain conditions and limitations.
During the first two years the affairs of the college were directed
by Dr. W. H. Wynn as acting president. In the meantime the
Board elected Rev. S. B. Barnitz to the Presidency, believing his
capabilities fitting him eminently for the office, especially in the
beginning when the raising of money was such a positive factor.
Mr. Barnitz did not see it so and frankly pleaded that he was not
fitted to take the responsible position. In the spring of 1889 the
Board of Trustees unanimously elected Rev. Jacob A. Clutz, D. D.,
then General Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, President
of the college, and on the 1st of August he assumed full charge.
The informal opening of the new building took place on the 10th
of January, 1889, when a stream of visitors poured through the
building all day long. Various rooms in the building had been
furnished by churches and individuals, this having been done large-
ly through the activity of Secretary M. F. Troxell of the Board of
Education. The formal dedicatory services began on Monday, Sep-
tember 30th, when representatives from the Synods of Iowa, Ne-
braska and Kansas assembled for prayer and conference on behalf
of new Midland, the meeting being led by Rev. W. M. Sparr. The
occasion was livened by the presence of Kansas Synod which
opened its Twenty-second Convention in Atchison at the same time.
The dedication proper took place on Tuesday. A special service
of prayer was held at the Lutheran church at 11 a. m. At 2 p. m.
the formal dedicatory service was begun in the Presbyterian church,
Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., presiding. Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., LL.
D., delivered the address, a scholarly and eloquent presentation,
emphasizing the true elements of education. Rev. S. B. Barnitz
read a large number of telegrams and letters of congratulation.
Following this the audience formed in line and marched to the col-
lege building in Highland Park, where the special service of dedi-
cation was conducted by Rev. J. S. Detweiler, President of the
Board of Education. Short addresses were made by Mr. A. J.
234
MIDLAND COLLEGE.
Harwi, Rev. M. F. Troxell, Rev. S. B. Barnitz, and Hon. John J.
Ingalls. A dedicatory poem written by Rev. M. Sheeleigh, D. D.,
was read, which was followed by kind letters from many promin-
ent officials and citizens, including the President of the United
States, the Chief of the National Bureau of Education, and the
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Governors of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri. In the even-
ing the Annual Convention of Kansas Synod met in St. Mark's
church. Dr. Conrad preached the opening sermon at the special
request of the President, and afterward, Rev. Jacob A. Clutz, D.
D., the newly elected President of Midland was formally installed,
the charge being delivered by Rev. F. D. Altman, and the obliga-
tion read by Rev. George D. Gotwald, President and Secretary re-
spectively of the Board of Midland Trustees.
Dr. Clutz set himself to the task of getting the college on a good
footing, laboring incessantly, with much sacrifice and toil, until he
began to see order coming out of chaos. For fourteen and one-half
years he filled this responsible position during which time he tided
the college through many most discouraging and trying experiences,
laying the foundations well and preparing the way for future sue-
MIDLAND COLLEGE.
235
cesses. Indeed many of the bequests which came to the college
after his departure from the institution were secured during his
administration, and the same can be said as to quite a number of
students. Dr. Clutz resigned on the 31st of January, 1904, to be-
come pastor of St. James' Lutheran church of Gettysburg, Pennsyl-
vania. During the last four years of his Presidency the college
was represented in the field by Rev. J. N. Lentz, as General Solic-
itor. Rev. Lentz did splendid work for the college in securing
money and students. Not only was much of the money for the
annex to Oak Hall raised by him but he secured the promise of a
MIDLAND COLLEGE MAIN BUILDING AND TENNIS GROUND.
number of legacies from which the college some day will reap con-
siderable benefit. Dr. Clutz was succeeded by Rev. M. F. Troxell,
D. D., who had been the first Secretary of the Board of Education
in the days of the early development of the institution. Dr. Troxell
took charge during the mid-summer vacation of 1904, and is the
present incumbent.
Oak Hall, a dormitory for girls, was erected in 1891, to which
an annex was added ten years later, the completed building costing
about $10,000, and having accommodations for thirty young ladies.
In 1893 a fine Gymnasium was erected mainly through the efforts
236 MIDLAND COLLEGE.
of the students and at a cost of $2,000. In 1899 an excellent six
inch refracting telescope was installed in a wooden observatory
erected for the same, through the efforts of Dr. Clutz among per-
sonal friends in the East. Five professors houses have privately
been built in close proximity to the campus. That erected by Dr.
Clutz was purchased as a permanent President's home for $4,000,
of which Dr. and Mrs. Clutz had donated $500.
Along with Dr. Barnitz, among those who took a deep and abid-
ing interest in the founding of a Lutheran college on western soil,
was Rev. George D. Gotwald, who shortly before the establishing
of Midland had graduated from Gettysburg Theological Seminary,
and promptly chose the Kansas frontier as his field of labor, locat-
ing at Salina. He at once became intensely interested in the col-
lege, was chosen Secretary of its Board of Trustees, and was soon
carrying his "Beloved Midland" on his heart night and day. It
found always an inmost place in his prayers, labors and gifts. He
firmly believed that the founding of this institution was an abso-
lute necessity for the welfare and advancement of our church in
this section. When the responses for its support did not come in
as he felt they should he became worried. In conversation with the
President of the college and the President of the Board of Trustees
in 1889, he expressed the desire to do something for the Institu-
tion. He did not wish to take any funds from his wife's estate,
but thought he might take out endowment policies on his life, hav-
ing them mature in twenty years, and be able to keep up the prem-
iums. In this his wife heartily joined him. He accordingly placed
two such policies on his life of $12,000 each. In accordance with
this thought he made his will, bequeathing this insurance to the
College for the purpose of endowing the President's chair. It was
simply a wise foresight on his part. At the time the thought was
expressed by those of the college about him that his life would be
more valuable to the Institution than the money, and the hope was
entertained that he would live to see the policies mature and be
able himself to hand over the funds. When his sickness which
proved fatal was upon him, and something was mentioned about
the College, he said to his wife, "Maybe it will be better for Mid-
land if I die than if I live." On the 12th of January, five months
after he had taken out the policies, after a brief illness from pneu-
monia, he passed away. The splendid bequest was duly paid over
to the college. In this noble and thoughtful act this sainted brother
has engrossed his name in letters of love upon the pages of Mid-
land's history and he will ever be remembered as a friend indeed
MIDLAND COLLEGE.
237
because he was a friend in the time of need. At the present time
the productive endowment of the college amounts to $37,000. Ninety
graduates have gone forth from the institution, twenty of whom
have entered the ministry, and practically all of these have located
in the West, besides a number of other young men now in the min-
istry who took partial courses in the college. A larger number have
graduated from the Academic, Musical and other departments of
the institution. Many young women as well as young men have
graduated from all the various departments of Midland.
At present the college has an enrollment of 175. It embraces
SECTIONS OF THE LIBRARY.
a Collegiate, Academic, Elocutionary, Music, both instrumentation
and voice, and Domestic Science departments. It has been enrolled
among the Kansas colleges whose graduates, provided they take
the prescribed course in pedagogy, are entitled to state certificates
to teach without examination. The present faculty consists of Rev.
M. F. Troxell, D. D., President and Professor of Philosophy and
Christian Evidences; Rev. J. H. Stough, Ph. D., Professor of Greek
and Latin; Rev. Carl Kreuger, Professor of German and French;
Mr. Robert J. Peters, A. M., Professor of English Literature; Mr.
238
MIDLAND COLLEGE.
Wm. E. Anderson, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Astron-
omy; Mr. D. W. Crouse, A. M., Professor of the Natural Sciences;
Mr. Harold W. Focht, A. M., Principal Preparatory Department;
Miss Mary Levinah Murray, B. L., Instructor in the Academy and
head of department of Public Speaking; Miss Elizabeth Martin, A.
B., Academy Instructor in Science and Mathematics; Miss Maria
Linley, Instructor in Domestic Science; William Davies, Instructor
on Piano, Organ and Harmony; Mr. John H. Davies, Instructor in
Violin and Cornet; Miss Lucile McAfee, Instructor in Vocal Music;
Prof. H. W. Focht, A. M., Military Drill and Tactics; Miss Mary
L. Murray, B. L., Instructor in Physical Culture.
MIDLAND COLLEGE CAMPUS.
Midland ranks high among the colleges of Kansas as a school
of unusual ability and success. It strongly appeals to our Luth-
eran constituents in the great Missouri Valley for encouragement
and support in both material aid and students. Our young people
will find its courses of study adapted to the needs of higher educa-
tion. At present the college is on the up-grade and the outlook is
more promising year by year for growth and increased endowment
and equipment. Under the present administration a new professor
has been added to the faculty by the division of one of the chairs,
two departments have been added, full recognition of the work done
has been secured from the state board of education for the benefit
BETHANY COLLEGE.
239
of teachers, and $30,000 has been added to the value of the col-
lege plant, half of it for a library building and half for endowment,
the building being donated by Mr. Andrew Carnegie, on the condi-
tion that a similar amount $15,000 be raised to maintain it. This
affords a fine home for the institution library of 6000 volumes.
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BETHANY COLLEGE.
The cause of Christian education has always been one of prime
concern to that body of our citizens that hail from Lutheran
Sweden. The establishment of parochial schools for the religious
nurture of the children has been coincident with the organization
of churches in new territory. The necessity of training its own
ministry independent of the Fatherland early became a question of
signal importance with the Swedish Lutheran immigrants. It is a
characteristic fact that Augustana College and Theological Semin-
ary, the mother institution of the Swedish Lutheran Schools in the
United States and the Augustana Synod, which comprises the Luth-
eran Churches of North America, date their existence from the
same year, 1861.
In the sixties and seventies several Swedish colonies were estab-
lished throughout the state of Kansas. To these people the need
of a school to meet the special requirements of the Southwest was
quite patent and from the time of their coming to Kansas the sub-
ject was freely discussed. The first step to the realization of this
240 BETHANY COLLEGE.
plan was taken in 1879 when Bethany Church of Lindsborg set
aside a tract of land, which should be used for educational pur-
poses. In the summer of that year, Rev. Carl Swensson, at that
time a youth of twenty-two, became the settled pastor of Bethany
Church and the successor of Dr. O. Olsson, who had been called
to fill a Theological Professorship at Augustana College and Theo-
logical Seminary. With the zeal that belongs to early manhood and
believing firmly in the future of the Southwest, he immediately set
about to crystalize the plans of the early settlers and on the 15th
day of October, 1881, without funds, without Faculty and without
the required facilities, Bethany Academy was launched. During
the first year the sessions were held in the vestry of the church and
the instruction imparted by Rev. Swensson and Prof. J. A. Udden,
now of Rock Island. Not a single student reported on the open-
ing day. Before the end of that season, however, twenty-seven
students had enrolled. The gross receipts were $299 and the dis-
bursements $277. The annual budget of last season exceeded $60,-
000 and the enrollment 948. The Faculty has grown from two per-
sons to a teaching force of 50.
In the spring of 1882 an old Public School building was pur-
chased from the city and moved to the college campus. This un-
pretentious frame structure furnished the nucleus of the plant, now
consisting of four buildings, well equipped with the necessary ap-
paratus and valued at $200,000.
The institution was begun as a private venture, but in the sum-
mer of 1882 it received its first Charter and the McPherson Dis-
trict of the Kansas Conference assumed control. Two years later
that Conference made the institution its own and has since stood
responsible for the undertaking. This church body, which includes
the Swedish Lutheran communities of Kansas, Colorado and Texas,
has during a quarter of a century raised enormous sums for the
equipment and support of the college. In 1884 a male dormitory
was erected. In 1887 the Main Building followed. In point of at-
tendance the institution had grown faster than its financial re-
sources. The new buildings together with existing hard times
brought the College into an indebtedness of about $80,000. Num-
erous efforts were made to liquidate this indebtedness, which were
only partially successful. On the 1st of January, 1906, about
$32,000 remained. During the past year this money has been
raised and Bethany College begins the present year without fin-
ancial incumbrance. Hon. Frank Nelson, in the capacity of Fin-
ancial Secretary, deserves in the first place the credit for the ac-
BETHANY COLLEGE.
241
complishment of this task. Through the generosity of Mr. C. A.
Smith of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the institution has an endow-
ment of $50,000, which according to present plans, will gradually
be increased to $175,000.
The original intention of the founder was a school to supple-
ment the meager educational opportunities of the Public Schools
of the early days, incidentally to train teachers for service in the
public and parochial schools, and to prepare students for college.
The dearth of properly trained teachers for elementary schools
brought the normal work of the institution into the foreground and
the name was changed to Bethany Normal Institute, afterwards
REV. CARL SWENSSON, PH. D., D. D.
242
BETHANY COLLEGE.
to Bethany College and Normal Institute, and finally to Bethany
College. These names in themselves imply the changes which from
time to time took place in the policy of the school. To the original
preparatory school the four collegiate years were gradually added
and in 1891 the first class was graduated with the degree of A. B.
The first college graduates of Bethany were, Ernest F. Pihlblad,
Julius Lincoln, E. Glad and John Westerlund.
Early in the history of the college a Music Department was ad-
ded, which has grown into Bethany College of Music and Fine
Arts, and is recognized as the strongest institution of its kind in
the Southwest. Its faculty consists of seventeen teachers and the
enrollment last year was about 400.
Side by side with the
Academy a Commercial
Department was organ-
ized to meet the needs of
young men and women,
who, at the most, could
spend only from one to
two years on their edu-
cation, and whose pur-
pose in life was a busi-
ness career. From time
to time new departments
have been organized. The
institution now comprises
twelve distinct depart-
ments.
A sketch of Bethany College without reference to the character
of the late President Swensson will be quite incomplete. To his
dominant and versatile personality more than to any other factor
it owes its unique development. Dr. Revere F. Weidner, President
of the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, applied to Presi-
dent Swensson at his funeral the statement of Paul, "I am become
all things to all men that I may by all means save some." He says,
"These words, indeed, describe very forcibly the character of our
dear brother, who lies before me. But he is still living and of all
men I have ever known, he has reminded me most forcibly of St.
Paul. He was at home with the religious and was also at home
with those who were not religious." In many respects President
Swensson was a pioneer in educational matters, as far as these
concerned the Swedish Lutherans, and his ideas, though often
BBETHANY COLLEGE.
BETHANY COLLEGE. 243
severely criticised at the outset, have been gradually appropriated
by other institutions of the denomination. To the fathers the
founding of an institution of learning implied simply the training
of the clergy. Swensson would extend his influence to all walks
of life, realizing that if we as Lutherans should exert any influence,
an educated laity was as necessary as an educated clergy. To him
education implied preparation for life, and he, therefore, insisted
upon its being practical and effective without the sacrifice of thor-
oughness. Though he always believed in the traditional classics
as mental discipline, he urged that the training of every young man
and woman should be in line with their natural tastes and ability,
with the view of fitting them to do the work which they had made
their own. He believed in the Fine Arts as the handmaids of Chris-
tianity. This fact explains the importance that is attached to these
at Bethany College.
The great "Messiah" festivals, which take place annually at the
institution and which attract thousands of people every season,
were a creation of his spirit. They have proven a potent factor in
the intellectual and artistic uplifting of the community where the
institution is located.
Though dead now three years, President Swensson's influence
remains unabated at the college and the splendid growth of the
last years is the reaping of his sowing.
As successor to Dr. Carl Swensson, the Conference called the
Rev. Ernest F. Pihlblad, who also accepted. Dr. Pihlblad is a grad-
uate of Bethany College. He belonged to the first college class.
In the fall of 1891 he entered the Augustany Seminary at Rock
Island, Illinois, and was ordained as minister at the meeting of the
Synod in St. Peter, Minnesota, 1894. His first charge was at Pat-
terson and Passaic, New Jersey. After eighteen months of labor
in this field, he was called to take charge of the Latin Department
at Bethany College. He accepted the position and at the same time
he served as assistant pastor of the Bethany church. For a num-
ber of years he was Vice-President of Bethany College and upon
the death of Dr. Swensson, he was immediately elected acting
president. The Rev. Prof. Philblad received his Master of Arts in
1895; and in 1906 Augustana College and Theological Seminary
conferred the degree Doctor of Divinity upon him.
Rev. A. W. Lindquist.
244
ST. JOHNS COLLEGE.
ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE.
The Ev. Lutheran Synod of Missouri, and other states has one
college in Kansas, The St. John's Lutheran College located at "Win-
field. While the Missouri Synod was not the first to enter Kansas,
at the present time it has more churches in this state than any other,
and accordingly it felt the need of a college of its own to equip its
ministry and parochial schools. The churches were mostly poor
and the founding of an institution of learning was almost a forlorn
hope when the late Mr. John Peter Baden, an intelligent and large
hearted laymen, came to the rescue and offered to give the munifi-
cent sum of $50,000 for (he purpose of founding a college to be lo-
st. john's college.
cated at Winfield. Mr. Baden was a prosperous merchant who
dearly loved his church and had been largely instrumental in erect-
ing a Lutheran church and parsonage at Winfield. His offer was
promptly accepted, and in June, 1893, the corner stone of the new
college was laid amid much rejoicing. During the summer of the
same year the college was organized and a faculty elected and in
September the first enrollment of pupils took place in rented quar-
ters. By the 1st of March, 1894, the new building was completed
and duly dedicated.
The building is a fine Gothic stone structure 60 by 100 feet, three
stories high, surmounted in the center with a tower 75 feet high,
and with a good basement under the entire building. The interior
is finished in hard wood and divided into class rooms, study rooms,
st. john's college.
245
dormitories, a reading room, library and a commodious chapel two
stories in height. In the basement is a gymnasium, laboratory, lav-
atory, baths equipped with hot and cold water, a dining room and
a kitchen. It is heated with a fine hot water plant. It has a library
of 2,000 volumes. The school is open for both sexes. It offers
three complete courses of study, viz. The Ministerial Course, The
Classical Course, and the Scientific Course. To this it has added
MR. JOHN PETER BADEN.
PRESIDENT A. W. MEYER.
the following Departments: Commercial, Phonography and Type-
writing, Music, Oratory, and Correspondence in New Testament
Greek. The alumni from its foundation in 1893 number 97, of
whom 19 are ministerial. The faculty at present comprises the
following: Rev. A. W. Meyer, President and Professor of Religion,
Hebrew and Greek; Rev. H. Stoeppelwerth, Professor of Latin,
German and History; Rev. Chas. Scaer, A. M., Professor of Eng-
lish and Mental Science; Mr. Lewis Steiner, B. S., Professor of
Natural Science and Mathematics; Mr. R. Hilgendorf, Professor
of Phonography; Mr. Th. Talla, Principal Commercial Department;
Mr. F. L. Gilson, Professor of Elocution and Oratory. The college
had an enrollment for the year of 1906 of eighty. It has no debt,
and finds its support mainly among the German Lutheran congre-
gations of the Kansas District.
246 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
Mr. John Peter Baden was born March 24th, 1851, at Elsdorf,
Hanover, Germany. He was nurtured in a Christian school and
at the age of fifteen came to this country locating at Hannibal, Mo.,
where he went to school mainly to acquire the English language.
Later he graduated from the Jones' Commercial College at St.
Louis, Mo., coming to Kansas in 1870. He located first at Colum-
bus, then at Independence, working early and late in his efforts to
save his first thousand dollars. In 1879 he located at Winfield
opening a store. Here he was phenomenally successful, owning
at his death a large flouring mill, large ice plant and cold storage
building and other interests. He died suddenly from pneumonia
on the 3d of March, 1900, deeply mourned by all who knew him.
Mr. Baden was exceedingly liberal. For years he practically main-
tained the Winfield Lutheran Church and the College. In 1898 he
contributed 10,000 pounds of flour to the starving Cubans. His
benefactions were always on a large scale. His widow and two
grown sons survive him.
THE WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
The need of a Theological Seminary in the middle West became
imperative as soon as our mission churches began to be planted
to any great extent in the wide-spreading Mississippi and Missouri
valleys. Ministers born and educated in the East hesitated to ac-
cept calls to our necessarily small and struggling congregations in
the West. Occasionally missions had to be abandoned for the lack
of pastors to care for them. Our two Western Secretaries became
greatly alarmed and accordingly ceased not to appeal for a theo-
logical seminary located on this territory as a base of ministerial
supplies.
The earliest official action looking towards establishing a semin-
ary in the West, was taken at the great Missionary Convention held
at Omaha, Nebraska, in May, 1878, when the positive needs of the
mighty trans-Mississippi country were spread out in panoramic
view before many of the leading men of the East. Here it was re-
solved that three synodical missionary secretaries were necessary,
one each, for the Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas Synods. Then the
lack of men willing to work in this new field was apparent. This
prompted the following action:
"Resolved, In the matter of schools for theological instruction,
we record it as our conviction that while, in view of the vast ex-
WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 247
tent of our territory, two seminaries seem to be needed in the Gen-
eral Synod — two are sufficient if they are properly located. It is
the judgment of this convention that one of our schools of theology
should be centrally located in this great valley, and we, therefore,
respectfully present this action, as a memorial to the Board of
Directors of the seminary located at Springfield, Ohio, requesting
that body to consider at an early date the feasibility of removing
the same to some suitable central point in the great valley of the
Mississippi."
Kansas Synod that fall passed a similar action. Wittenberg Sem-
inary, however, was not inclined to look with favor upon the propo-
sition. The General Synod then discussed the advisability of locat-
ing a seminary in Chicago, and invited Wittenberg Seminary to
consider the proposition of moving to Chicago. The Board of Di-
rectors replied that there were legal barriers affecting the funds
of Wittenberg College, of which the Seminary was a department,
that rendered it impracticable for them to encourage the removal.
The whole problem seemed to be most providentially solved when
Mr. Augustus Kountze, on July 1, 1889, submitted a proposition
to the Board of Education for the founding of a theological semin-
ary at Omaha, Nebraska, agreeing to give for that purpose a tract
of land in that city valued at $100,000.00 and to pay in cash for
endowment $50,000.00, provided the General Synod would raise
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, two thirds of which should
.be used for a building and the remainder set apart for Endowment.
At the meeting of the General Synod in Lebanon, Pa., in 1891 an
effort was made on the floor of the convention to meet the propo-
sition, and amid considerable enthusiasm the splendid sum of
$20,710.00 was subscribed. The Board of Education, at a later
date, asked Mr. Kountze to submit his proposition in writing, which
he did, and then it was discovered that certain conditions, not made
public before, rendered it impossible for the Board to accept his
proposition. Pending an adjustment of the differences Mr. Kountze
suddenly died, and the enterprise failed.
The Board, however, not discouraged by these adverse circum-
stances, decided to establish a Theological Seminary on an humble
scale at Omaha using the Kountze Memorial church for recitation
rooms, provided a suitable man could be secured to take charge of
the work. The way not being clear to take this step at the appoint-
ed time, another plan seemed practicable to meet the emergency.
Previous to this time theological instruction had been given by
some of the professors of Midland College, which prepared the
248 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
way for temporarily locating the institution at Atchison, Kansas.
Arrangements were then made to provide for theological instruc-
tion temporarily at Midland College under the direction of Presi-
dent Clutz and the Executive Committee of its Board of Trustees.
The teaching was done by Dr. J. A. Clutz, Rev. J. H. Stough, Ph.
D., Rev. W. F. Rentz and Rev. Jacob Schauer, with annual lectures
by Dr. M. Rhodes and Prof. W. F. Eyster, D. D. During the second
year six young men were enrolled. At the General Synod in 1895
it was decided to continue the Seminary at Atchison until it seemed
best to locate it elsewhere, and three thousand dollars were raised
by special subscriptions to pay a teacher for the first two years.
The Board following the instructions of the General Synod duly
organized "The Western Theological Seminary of the General
Synod," and unanimously elected Rev. F. D. Altman of Kansas
City, Mo., as its President. The founding of a Theological Semin-
ary marked a most important epoch in our church and educational
work on this territory. The installation of its first President furn-
ished an opportunity for a grand rally of Lutheran forces at Atch-
ison. A two days program was arranged, and Dr. H. L. Baugher,
of Gettysburg, Pa., President of the General Synod, honored the
occasion with his presence and made the opening address on the
subject, "The Lutheran Church." His visit was greatly appreciated
and added much to the inspiration of the occasion. Interesting and
instructive addresses were made on "Our Church Work in the
West; its Needs, How Best to Meet Them;" "Our Educational
Work in the West and How Best to Develop it." A large delega-
tion of visiting friends, ministers and laymen, imparted enthusiasm
to the services. The feast of good things closed on the evening of
November 13th, 1895 with the installation proper. Rev. M. Rhodes,
D. D., President of the Board of Education, delivered an address
on "The Function of the Christian Teacher," gave the charge to
the President-elect, receiving the obligation and duly installing him,
after which the new President delivered an inaugural address on
"The Office of the Christian Preacher." Under the new admin-
istration, Drs. J. A. Clutz, J. H. Stough and Rev. W. F. Rentz as-
sisted in teaching in the seminary.
The General Synod at its convention in 1897 by resolution, form-
ally located the seminary at Atchison, Kansas, until in the judg-
ment of the Board another location might be more desirable. At
the same convention of the General Synod, it was proposed -by the
Board of Directors of the German Theological Seminary of Chi-
cago to transfer their property to the Board of Education for the
WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
249
use of the contemplated German Department of the Western Theo-
logical Seminary, or such other institution as might be a agreed
upon by the Board. At the meeting of the Board of Education in
August, 1898, at Dixon, 111., assurances were given that the Wart-
burg and German Nebraska Synods would support a Professor in
the Western Theological Seminary. A German Department was
accordingly created and Rev. J. L. Neve, of Bremen, 111., was elect-
ed professor of the same. The German Synods approved the
choice and Prof. Neve accepted the call to the new work.
On September 23d, 1898 in St. Mark's Lutheran church, Atch-
REV. F. D. ALTMAN, D. D.
Dean English Department.
REV. J. L. NEVE, D. D.
Dean German Department.
ison, in the presence of the members of the German Nebraska
Synod, (then in session at St. Joseph, Mo., having adjourned for
the purpose of attending in a body) and representatives of the
Wartburg Synod and of the Board of Education, the second regular
professor of the Western Seminary was duly installed and delivered
his inaugural address.
The creation of the German Department brought to the Semin-
ary young men from Germany anxious to prepare for the special
250 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
fields of missionary activity on this territory. Pastor C. Jensen,
President of the theological school at Breklum, Germany, made a
visit to Atchison, and spent several days in getting acquainted with
the teachers and in carefully examining the methods of work and
the outlook for the institution. He seemed pleased with the im-
pression made and gave assurance that he would do all in his
power to furnish students from the Breklum Seminary after
their graduation there, that they might spend at least a year or two
in the Seminary at Atchison. He has been faithful to his promise
and Breklum has furnished the seminary the majority of students
for the German Department.
With the increased enrollment of students and the growing de-
mands of the work it soon became evident that a larger teaching
force was imperative. On September 26th, 1905, the Board of Edu-
cation elected Rev. Holmes Dysinger, D. D., of Vandergrift, Pa.,
as Professor of Exegetical and Practical Theology and he entered
upon the duties of this chair November 6th, 1905. On May 23d,
1906, during the evening session of the Northeast Conference of
the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Kansas then in convention at
Atchison in St. Mark's Church, Dr. Dysinger was formally installed.
Dr. A. J. Turkle of Allegheny, Pa., delivered the charge to the new
new Professor upon "Teaching the Bible." Dr. M. Rhodes, the
President of the Board of Education administered the obligation,
and Dr. Dysinger delivered his inaugural address upon, "The He-
brew Scriptures: Their Place and Function in Ministerial Train-
ing."
Rev. M. F. Troxell, D. D., the successor of Dr. J. A. Clutz, as
President of Midland College, has been continued as Professor of
Christian Ethics.
With experience and close observation the needs of the field have
become more apparent, and it has been the aim of the Seminary
to met the requirements. The Germans needed a pro-seminary de-
partment where they, in connection with Midland College, could
give such preparatory instruction as was necessary to students not
ready for the regular seminary course. In the fall of 1905, Pro-
fessor F. Rohner was employed as an assistant in the German de-
partment and pro-seminary work with the German students. At
the close of the school year he returned to Germany. Rev. A. W.
Hildebrandt of Greenfield, Mass., was called as instructor of the
pro-seminary department and entered upon the duties of the posi-
tion December 1, 1906.
At present the Seminary has about $14,000.00 of invested endow-
■JBUBBB
252 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
ment funds, and $3,000.00 of scholarships. The late Mr. Elias
Hahn of Owatonna, Minn., gave the first $1,000.00 for a scholar-
ship in honor of his friend and early acquaintance, Rev. David
Harbaugh. This generous friend has given the Seminary all told
$4,500.00. The late Rev. Geo. H. Schnur, Sr., deeply interested in
the new seminary, by bequest, left $2,000.00 for a scholarship, the
interest to be used in aiding worthy and needy young men in their
preparation for the gospel ministry. Three more names should
have a place on the roll of special benefactors, namely: Rev. J.
G. Groenmiller, D. D., of Accident, Md. His offering was $2,500.00.
Mr. Geo. H. Knollenberg of Richmond, Ind., gave $1,500.00. Mr.
J. Conrad Rice, of Elvira, la., in making a distribution of some of
his means during his life time remembered the school with a draft
for $1,000.00. These gifts were for endowment.
In its early years, the Seminary has had some difficulties to face
and some. hard problems to solve, and it has sincerely and courag-
eously tried to meet the former and afford a proper solution for the
latter. The first great task was to furnish supplies for the many
vacant congregations on the field and thus strengthen the things
that remained. The second undertaking was to prepare some men
to canvass and open up new and promising points that an advance
might be made in church work upon the territory. The third em-
barrassment was to equip a German-English minister to hold our
Lutheran element in its transition period on the language question.
It requires patience and good judgment to wisely direct with these
problems pressing for solution, and time alone can reveal the
strong foundations that are being laid for our theological work in
the middle west. God has signally blessed it. The concentration
of our English and German forces will encourage mutual sympathy
and confidence by affording a better knowledge of one another and
thus strengthen the bond of cooperation. With this year's enroll-
ment, 1906-1907 over one hundred young men have pursued full
or partial courses of study in the Seminary. Over sixty of this
number have regularly graduated and are serving the church, with
but few exceptions, in the West. Owing to the urgent calls from
the field some were compelled to accept work before completing
their studies. At present twenty-seven students are enrolled.
ARTICLES OF GOVERNMENT.
We give a few of the important Sections of the Articles of Gov-
ernment for the Western Theological Seminary.
doctrinal basis and government. 253
Doctrinal Basis.
The Doctrinal Basis of the Western Seminary shall be the Doc-
trinal Basis of the General Synod, namely: "We receive and hold
with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of our fathers the Word of
God, as contained in the Canonical Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments, as the only infallible rule of faith and practice, and the
Augsburg Confession as a correct exhibition of the fundamental
doctrines of the Divine Word, and of the Faith of our Church
founded upon that Word," and it shall be the abiding purpose of
this Seminary, to educate men for the Christian Ministry and to
provide our Churches with pastors, in harmony with the above
basis.
Government.
The Board shall inspect the fidelity of the professors, as well
with regard to the doctrines actually taught, as to the manner of
teaching them. If any just reason be given them to suspect either
the orthodoxy, or piety, or habitual diligence, or capacity of the
professor, or his devotedness to the Lutheran Church, it shall be
their sacred duty to institute an investigation at the next regular
meeting; or, if deemed necessary by the Officers, at a special meet-
ing. In the case of the impeachment of any professor, notice must
be served upon him by the Board, at least thirty days before his
trial.
Departments.
(a) There shall be an English Department, a German Depart-
ment, and such others as the Board may in the future establish.
Each Department is to be of equal and co-ordinate standing, hav-
ing its own Dean, and any special regulations pertaining to matters
peculiar to itself.
(b) The President of the Seminary shall be Dean of the English
Department. The Dean of the German Department shall be nom-
inated by the German Seminary Committee. The Deans shall be
charged with the internal administration of their respective De-
partments; the recommendation of students for admission and grad-
uation; their registration and classification; the arrangement and
co-ordination of the courses of study; and the government and dis-
cipline of the students.
Faculty.
Every theological professor shall, on his inauguaration, in the
presence of a representative of the Board, make the following
declaration: "I do solemnly declare, in the presence of God and
this Board, that I do sincerely believe the Scriptures of the Old and
254 the seminary's curriculum.
New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God, and the only in-
fallible rule of faith and practice; and I believe the Augsburg Con-
fession to be a correct exhibition of the fundamental doctrines of
the Divine Word, and of the faith of our Church founded upon that
Word; and I promise to teach and defend these doctrines and prin-
ciples in opposition to the views of Atheists, Deists, Socinians, Uni-
tarians, Arians, Universalists, Antinomians, Pelgians, Anabaptists,
Papists and all other errorists, as long as I remain a professor in
this Institution."
Curriculum.
(a) The regular course of study shall embrace the following
branches: Propaedeutic, Biblical Introduction and Criticism, Bib-
lical Archaeology and Geography, Hebrew, New Testament Greek,
English Bible, German, Hermeneutics, Church History, Biblical
Theology of the Old and New Testaments, Hebrew and Greek Exe-
gesis, History of Doctrine, Systematic Theology, Ethics, Homiletics,
Pastoral Theology, Church Polity, Catechetics, Symbolics, Litur-
gies, Missions, Sunday Schools, and such other branches as may
be added from time to time.
(b) The time required to complete the regular course of studies
shall be three years. Exceptions to this rule may be made, when
recommended by the Dean of any Department, in the case of a stu-
dent who has pursued an equivalent course elsewhere; provided
that he shall have attended recitations in the English Department
for at least six periods per week, for one scholastic year.
(c) At the close of each year, or at the completion of any branch
within the year, there shall be an examination of each class, con-
ducted in writing. An average grade of seventy-five (75%) per
cent must be maintained through the entire course by the candidate
for regular graduation. For this he shall be entitled to a diploma
with the degree of "Graduate of the Western Theological Seminary
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church." This must be certified to by
the Faculty before the graduation is authorized by the Board.
(d) The Senior class shall present theses at the close of their
course upon subjects which shall be assigned by the Faculty three
months in advance.
(e) If the student has been a graduate in a classical course of
a regular college, and if, at the end of each year of his Seminary
course, he has presented a satisfactory thesis on some subject ap-
proved by the faculty, and if, during his Seminary course, he has
received an average grade of ninety (90%) per cent, and a grade
of not less than eighty-five (85%) per cent in any branch, he shall
be given the degree of "Bachelor of Divinity."
children's friend society. 255
THE EV. LUTHERAN CHILDREN'S
FRIEND SOCIETY OF KANSAS.
Is one of the many Children's Friend Societies of the Missouri
Synod. Lutheran congregations of the Synod in Wisconsin, Minne-
sota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa and South
Dakota have organized societies and support this mission. The
method of carrying on this work is comparatively new and differs
from the one our people are accustomed to, viz., the rearing and
educating of orphans in orphanages. For this reason and also on
account of the wonderful spread of the movement these societies
are of more than passing interest. There is a movement on foot
to unite the different state societies under the name of the National
Children's Friend Society.
The Ev. Lutheran Children's Friend Society of Kansas was char-
tered under the laws of Kansas in 1902. The purposes for which
this corporation was formed are: "To search after and receive or-
phans and homeless, dependent, neglected or grossly ill-treated
children and to procure for them homes in private Christian fam-
ilies, to bind out by contract any such children during their min-
ority, to give away any such children by adoption, to maintain in-
spection over any and all such children during their minority; to
buy, lease, sell or exchange all kinds of property, real and per-
sonal, for the purposes of this corporation, and to do all such acts
and things necessary or convenient to be done in carrying out such
objects and purposes in accordance with the provisions of the
statutes of the state of Kansas."
Parents, contemplating the adoption of a child are given a list
of questions to answer and return to the superintendent. Upon
receipt of this sheet the superintendent has all desired informa-
tion, such as name, age, address, occupation of applicant. He
also knows how far the applicant lives from the parochial and pub-
lic school, e.tc. etc. For obvious reasons this is very important.
Every application is signed by two witnesses. In order to find the
proper parents for the right child and to give the proper child to
the right parents, it is given out on trial. After a stipulated time
the superintendent calls on the family and ascertains these facts.
After he has satisfied himself that the child has found the right
home, the parents sign a contract in which they promise to bring
256
CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY AT WINFIELD.
up the child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, educate it
in the Lutheran parochial school, have it confirmed, admonish it
to attend church regularly after confirmation and to partake of the
Lord's Supper, in short to lead a Christian life. Furthermore they
promise to clothe it, give it food, nurse it when ill, never to mis-
treat it, but to look upon it as their own child. After the time
stipulated in the contract has expired and the child is ready to
leave its foster-parents, they agree to give it two suits of clothes and
HOME OF THE EV. LUTHERAN CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY OF KANSAS,
AT WINFIELD. PRESENTED BY MRS. J. P. BADEN OF WINFIELD.
pay the society a certain sum of money which is kept for the child.
Parents wishing the society to take their children are required
to sign a release in which they relinquish all right and claim to their
children and expressly request the society to secure legal adoption
for them by persons chosen by the corporation or its agent.
The success which this society has achieved in Kansas the fol-
lowing table will show:
In May, 1903, the superintendent reported 5 children found.
In May, 1904, the superintendent reported 5 children found.
In May, 1905, thfe superintendent reported 28 children found.
In May. 1906, the superintendent reported 23 children found.
In May. 1907, the superintendent reported 11 children found.
The original idea was to find the child and place it immediately
into a home, already in waiting. At times applications for children
were plentiful, but children could not be found to supply the de-
children's friend society at winfield. 257
mand. Later children were plentiful, but there were no applica-
tions in for them. Now when children come so fast and no homes
for them secured, a temporary home had to be provided. The chil-
dren were cared for in different private families. Now they are in
our magnificent and commodious home in Winfield, Kansas. This
home was presented to the society by Mrs. J. P. Baden, of Winfield.
The present occupants of the home are the superintendent, the
matron and her assistant and several children. Eventually this home
which should be but a temporary abode for children, awaiting
permanent homes, may change into an orphanage.
Wm. H. Steinkamp, Sec'y-
258 AUGUSTANA SYNOD.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SWEDISH
EV. LUTHERAN KANSAS CONFER-
ENCE OF AUGUSTANA SYNOD.
Rev. Albert W. Lindquist, A. M., B. D.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
Swedish immigrants began to settle in the state of Kansas in
1855, but it was not until about ten years later that the emigra-
tion from the "Land of the Midnight Sun" became regular. Since
then a steady stream of the thrifty sons and daughters from Swed-
en have settled in the state; they have founded flourishing colon-
ies; they have built churches; they have worked with interest for
higher education and have been full of works of mercy and good
deeds in general. As citizens they have been loyal, intelligent, and
law-abiding from the very beginning. Both in the church at large
and in the state they have held positions of honor and trust. At
present some over twenty thousand Swedes born in Sweden reside
within the boundaries of the Sun-flower State.
The late John A. Johnson of Mariadahl, Kansas, is undoubtedly
the earliest Swedish settler who came to the state. He arrived in
1855. His brother, the Hon. N. P. Johnson, who is yet living, comes
in the next place. He arrived one year later. Mr. P. J. Peterson
came to Lawrence, Kansas, June 10th, 1858. In the same year but
a few months later, Mr. Palm of the same city arrived. During
1858, Mr. L. A. Jaderberg and John Swanson came to Enterprise,
Kansas.
Among the oldest Swedish colonies in the state may be mentioned
Mariadahl, Salemsburg, Lindsborg and Lawrence. Other colonies
were founded almost simultaneously. To give the full facts con-
cerning these early settlements is utterly impossible. It is also
difficult to determine the causes which have been operative in di-
recting the Swedish immigration so far west at this early period.
No doubt it was the guiding hand of God who directed many to the
far away prairies of the West. It was destined for them to take
part in the upbuilding of the great central state of our union. Some
peculiar and very interesting facts center around some of the early
settlements. We shall mention one, namely, Lindsborg, or the
Smoky Valley, today the largest and most influential Swedish col-
REV. J. B. MCAFEE HELPS SWEDES. 259
ony in the state. Rev. J. B. McAfee, one of the pioneers in the
state relates the following: "In the spring of 1863 I saw in the
Lutheran Observer that a great number of Swedes were being tem-
porarily located in the suburbs of Chicago until their agents could
locate them in the southwest states and territories. I wrote at once
to Editor Cervin of Hemlandet, a Swedish newspaper published in
Chicago, asking him to have their agents come to Kansas. He re-
plied, 'It is too expensive.' When I received the letter, James F.
Joy, general manager of the C. B. & Q Railroad System was in my
office in Topeka. After reading the letter I handed it to Mr. Joy
and asked him to read it. After reading it, he asked me what I
wanted. I told him I wanted a certain number of passes from Chi-
cago to Kansas City. He gave me' what I asked for. I sent these
passes at once to Editor Cervin. I also wrote Mr. Bartholow, Land
Commissioner of the Kansas Pacific R. R., for an equal number of
passes from Kansas City to Salina. He asked at once to be put in
communication with the parties in Chicago and he would send an
agent to meet them at Kansas City and pass them to Salina and
show them the company's lands south of Salina."
"After the agents had inspected these lands, they reported to me
that everything suited them except the fare was too high, that their
people could not afford to pay it. I then went to Chicago and in
company with Hon. Thadeus H. Walker, made arrangements where-
by in companies of not less than five they could go from Chicago
to Salina or Waterville for $10.50, instead of $29.50. Sometime
in the fall I received a letter from a Mr. Larson (Rev. S. G. Lar-
son), informing me that under the arrangements made, there would
be a great number of Swedes in Kansas within three months. One
year more or less after buying the railroad lands in the neighbor-
hood of where Lindsborg now is, a committee of three waited on me
in Topeka and told me their people could not meet the payments
on the land coming due and asked me to see if the quantity of land
could not be reduced and money already paid applied on the small-
er quantity of land. Still they would prefer to keep all the land
if time would be extended. I went to Mr. Bartholow, who told me
that if they extended for one party, all others would demand the
same extension, but that I might make the extension and he would
see that it was carried out. The extension was verbally made and
fully carried out. I think Revs. S. P. A. Lindahl, A. W. Dahlsten and
S. G. Larson were the three parties with whom I became acquaint-
ed during these transactions. I think these arrangements had much
to do with the settlements about Lindsborg and Scandia."
260 PIONEER WORK.
THE FIRST MISSIONARY WORK IN KANSAS.
During the early period when the life of the immigrants was
chiefly migratory, religious affairs were naturally in a similar un-
organized and unsettled condition. All were poor and the work in
the East was yet in its infancy so much aid could not be expected
from other congregations and pastors. Still it did not take long
before ministers from Illinois and other places made missionary
journeys to Kansas. Rev. John Johnson from Illinois was the first
one to look after the religious needs of his people. He visited
Mariadahl in October, 1863. On the 14th day in the same month
and year, he organized a Swedish Lutheran Church at the above
mentioned place. About this one first church more will be related
when we come to the history of our different congregations.
Among other ministers who came to proclaim the glad tidings
of salvation, to console and encourage our early Swedish settlers
may be mentioned the Revs. S. P. A. Lindahl, D. D., and S. G.
Larson. Pioneer work was also done by the Revs. A. W. Dahlsten,
D. D., J. Seleen and S. J. Osterberg. To the pioneer workers we
also count the Rev. O. Olson, D. D., who came to Lindsborg in
1869, accompanied by a great number of his countrymen.
The struggles and vicissitudes that the early settlers and the mis-
sionaries had to pass through were many and varied. Many, both
stirring and pitiful stories are related about the troubles and sacri-
fices they had to encounter. The means for livlihood were often
scarce and the communications were poor. In the midst of all this
they seemed to exercise a wonderful amount of patience and cour-
age. They had placed their trust in God, worked faithfully and
looked towards a time when the wilderness would bloom. We, who
enjoy the blessings of the present day, surely have many a lesson
to learn from these sturdy and God-fearing pioneers.
THE ORGANIZATION OF A CONFERENCE.
Gradually more people came to the different settlements already
founded; more churches were organized, and the future began to
look brighter. Soon it became evident that a better and stronger
church organization was essential for the welfare of the work. For
this reason the Augustana Synod at its meeting in Andover, Illinois
in 1870 decided to allow the organization of a Kansas Conference,
and that this Conference should comprise the states of Kansas and
Nebraska. A meeting for this purpose was held in Lawrence, Kan-
sas, August 4th, 1870, when a regular conference was organized.
It then comprised the following congregations:
PRESIDENTS AND SECRETARIES AUGUSTANA SYNOD. 261
Mariadahl, Kansas; Salemsborg, Kansas; Free Mount, Kansas;
Salina, Kansas; Lindsborg, Kansas; Topeka, Kansas; Osage City,
Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Oakland, Ne-
braska; Alma, Nebraska; Edenborg, Nebraska; Swedesborg, Ne-
braska; and Lincoln, Nebraska.
The following ministers were present at the meeting: Revs. S.
G. Larson, S. J. Osterberg, and A. W. Dahlsten. Rev. A. Andreen,
from Illinois, who was on a missionary journey in the state, also
attended. The officers elected at this conference were: President,
Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, Secretary, Rev. S. J. Osterberg. The follow-
ing have served as presidents and secretaries in the conference:
Presidents. Year. Secretaries.
Rev. A. W. Dahlsten 1870-71 Mr. S. J. Osterberg.
Rev. O. Olsson 1872 Rev. S. P. A. Lindahl.
Rev. O. Olsson 1873 Rev. J. Seleen.
Rev. A. W. Dahlsten 1874 Rev. O. Chelleen.
Rev. O. Olsson 1875 Rev. O. Chelleen.
Rev. O. Olsson 1876 Rev. C. V. Vestling.
Rev. O. Olsson 1877 Rev. C. V. Vestling.
Rev. O. Olsson 1878 Rev. A. Rodell.
Rev. J. Seleen 1879 Rev. A. Rodell.
Rev. J. Seleen 1880 Rev. C. A. Swensson.
Rev. J. Seleen 1881 Rev. C. A. Swensson.
Rev. J. Seleen 1882 Rev. C. A. Swensson.
Rev. J. Seleen 1883 Rev. J. P. Nyquist.
Rev. J. Seleen . 1884 Rev. E. A. Fogelstrom
Rev. J. Seleen 1885 Rev. C. J. E. Haterius
Rev. J. Seleen 1886 Rev. G. A. Brandelle.
Rev. J. Seleen 1887 Rev. G. A. Brandelle.
Rev. J. Seleen 1888 Rev. G. A. Brandelle.
Rev. E. M. Erickson 1889 Rev. J. E. Floren.
Rev. E. M. Erickson 1890 Rev. J. E. Floren.
Rev. M. Noyd 1891 Rev. A. Norrbom.
Rev. M. Noyd 1892 Rev. A. Norrbom.
Rev. M. Noyd 1893 Rev. F. A. Bonander.
Rev. M. Noyd 1894 Rev. F. A. Bonander.
Rev. M. Noyd 1895 Rev. F. A. Bonander.
Rev. J. E. Floren 1896 Rev. F. A. Bonander.
Rev. M. Noyd 1897 Rev. F. A. Bonander.
Rev. Carl Walleen 1898 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
Rev. Carl Walleen 1899 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1900 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D. ... 1 90 1 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1902 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1903 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1904 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1905 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1906 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
262 AUGUSTANA SYNOD CHURCHES.
Later Nebraska separated from Kansas and organized a Con-
ference of their own. By some this was considered to be a wrong
and unwise move. It may have been at that very time. Still the
change would have occurred sooner or later and under such cir-
cumstances there is nothing to regret. The Nebraska Conference
has a large field, and the same is true of the Kansas Conference,
perhaps in a still greater degree.
At present the Conference comprises the states of Kansas, Colo-
rado, Texas and Kansas City, Mo. It has 78 congregations and
forty-six ministers. It has an extensive mission field, a good or-
phans' home and a great institution of learning.
BRIEF SKETCHES OF THE DIFFERENT CONGREGATIONS IN
THE CONFERENCE.
MARIADAHL.
The congregation at Mariadahl is the oldest Swedish Lutheran
Church in the state. It was organized the 14th of October, 1863
by Rev. John Johnson, who no doubt is the first Swedish Minister
that visited Kansas. The following persons became members: J.
A. Johnson, C. A. Dahlberg, Peter Johnson, David Johnson, N. P.
Axelson, J. Anderson, N. Kristenson, Melker Falleen and their fam-
ilies. During Rev. Johnson's visit Mr. John A. Johnson's mother,
Maria (Mary) Johnson died and was buried by him. She was an
elderly and very pious lady. She was the first person buried in
Mariadahl and perhaps the first Swede buried in the state. It is
from her name the congregation got its name.
During the first years the spiritual needs of the congregation
were looked after by travelling missionaries. Among these may be
mentioned Rev. H. Olson and B. M. Halland. In 1866 Rev. A. W.
Dahlsten made several visits to Mariadahl and neighboring places.
It was not until in the year of 1867 that our church at Mariadahl
was able to call a regular pastor. Then a call was issued to the
Rev. J. P. Lundblad, who also accepted. He was the first Swed-
ish Lutheran Pastor in the state, who held a regular charge. In
1869, Rev. Lundblad left. After him the following have served the
congregation; Rev. J. Seleen, 1872-76; Rev. H. Olsson 1876-89;
and Rev. O. W. Mefferd from July 1891 until his death, May 14th,
1892. Rev. L. J. Sundquist was in charge of the congregation until
in 1905. At present Rev. C. J. E. Haterius is pastor at Mariadahl.
The church property including parsonage is valued at $7000.00.
SALEMSBURG, FREMONT, LINDSBORG. 263
The membership is three hundred and five. In the Sunday School
there are one hundred and twenty-five scholars.
SALEMSBORG.
The Swedish Lutheran Church at Salemsborg, Kansas, was or-
ganized in 1869 by the Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, D. D. In 1874 a
church building was erected, but after some time this edifice be-
came too small and in 1893 a new and modern church was built,
costing about ten thousand dollars. In 1906 a new and modern
parsonage was erected. The church and parsonage is valued at
about twenty-five thousand dollars. At present the congregation
has six hundred and one members. The Sunday School numbers
one hundred scholars. Dr. A. W. Dahlsten was the regular pastor
of the church from its organization until 1888. Since then the Rev.
C. Walleen has labored in this field.
FREMONT.
Our Church at Fremont was organized in 1869 by the Rev. A.
W. Dahlsten, D. D., who also had charge of the work for some
time. Rev. J. Seleen was pastor for this church during fifteen
years, or until 1894 when he moved to Sweden where he is still
residing. He was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Danielson. The pres-
ent pastor is the Rev. J. P. Aurelius. The first church building was
very small, but in 1881 a large and commodious edifice was erect-
ed. The church property is valued at twenty thousand dollars.
The numerical strength of the congregation is 345 members and 90
scholars in the Sunday School.
LINDSBORG.
The history of our church at Lindsborg has a long and interesting
story. We only wish space would allow us to go into details, but
we cannot. In June 1869 the Rev. O. Olsson, Ph. D., D. D., and a
large number of his countrymen came to the Smoky Valley with
the intention of organizing an ideal congregation. Only true Chris-
tians were to belong to this body. To this end great strictness was
shown. It is even related that the minister's wife had to stand a
strict examination before the council before she was admitted as a
member. After some time, however, they became more liberal in
their views, especially after joining the Augustana Synod and after
becoming acquainted with the church work in this new and strange
land.
The Swedish Ev. Lutheran Bethany congregation was organized
in 1869 by Dr. O. Olsson. The house in which this was done is
still standing. A church, if so it may be called, was soon built.
264 TOPEKA., ST. MARYS.
It was located in section seven, a little northwest of where Linds-
borg now is. It was a very simple affair. No floor, four windows
and with a hay roof. A big stone was used as a lock for the door.
In 1874 a stone building was erected in Lindsborg. An addition
and other improvements were made in 1880. In 1904 still another
addition to the church was built, a new pipe organ was bought, and
other improvements made. The church property is valued at thirty-
five thousand dollars. The Bethany parsonage is the largest and
costliest in the Conference.
Dr. O. Olsson served the congregation until 1879. In June the
same year the Rev. Carl Swensson, Ph. D., D. D., K. N. O. (Knight
of the North Star) entered upon the duties as pastor of the church
and served until his sudden and unexpected death at Los Angeles,
Cal., February 16th, 1904. Rev. Julius Lincoln and Prof. Earnst
Pihlblad, D. D., have been assistant pastors in the Bethany church.
As successor to Dr. Swensson, the congregation called Rev. Alfred
Bergin, Ph. D.
The Bethany Church at Lindsborg is our largest Swedish congre-
gation in the conference, and no doubt also the largest Lutheran
church in the state. It numbers eighteen hundred and ten mem-
bers and has six hundred and eighty-five pupils in the Sunday
School.
TOPEKA.
The Swedish Lutheran Church in Topeka was organized in 1870.
At first the congregation belonged to the General Synod but in 1872
it united with the Augustana Synod. The following have served as
pastors of the church. Rev. C. J. Scheleen, one year; Rev. C. V.
Vestling, 1873-75; Rev. J. F. Seedoff, 1888-1890; Rev. J. Holcomb,
1883-1887. In 1875 Rev. Vestling moved to Osage City but he
continued to serve the church in Topeka every other Sunday until
1877 and afterwards every fourth Sunday until 1882; Rev. A. Norr-
bom, 1890-1899; Rev. C. A. Engstrand, 1897-99; Rev. A. M. L.
Herenius 1900-1905. Rev. D. J. Nordling is the present pastor of
the church.
In 1885 a new church was erected. The property is valued at
ten thousand dollars. The present membership is one hundred and
sixty-seven. The Sunday School numbers fifty children.
ST. mary's.
Our Swedish church at St. Mary's was organized in 1872. In
1877 a church building was erected, valued at $1000.00. Rev. C. J.
Scheleen has served the congregation since its organization, which
OSAGE CITY, SALINA, WATERVILLE. 265
at present numbers seventy-three members. Ten scholars attend
the Sunday School.
OSAGE CITY.
The congregation was organized in 1870. Four years later a
church building was erected. The valuation of the property is five
thousand dollars. Present membership is two hundred and twenty-
six. Eighty children are enrolled in the Sunday School. Pastors
who have served this church are: Rev. C. V. Vestling, until 1883.
Rev. O. F. Thorell, 1884-85; Rev. L. J. Sundquist, 1888-91; Rev. J.
A. Holmen, 1891-99; Rev. G. A. Ekman has charge of the work at
present.
SALINA.
A church organization was formed in 1870 by Dr. A. W. Dahl-
sten. In 1871, Mr. A. W. Phillips, an American, donated two lots
and on these a church was erected the following year. Still it took
some years before it was fully completed. The church property is
valued at five thousand dollars and the congregation numbers two
hundred members. In the Sunday School fifty-five pupils are en-
rolled. The following pastors have served the church: Dr. A. W.
Dahlsten, 1870-79; Rev. Lagerman, 1879-80; Rev. A. M. LeVeau,
1880-84; and Dr. J. E. Floren since 1887.
WATERVILLE.
Our Waterville congregation was organized in 1871 by Dr. S. P.
A. Lindahl. A church was erected in 1886. Rev. J. Seleen was the
first regular pastor. He took charge of the work in 1873 and re-
mained four years. After him the congregation has been served
by the following; Rev. H. Olson (three years), Rev. P. J. Sanden
(five years), Rev. L. A. Edman (two years), Rev. N. Ohslund, Rev.
C. J. Damstrom, Mr. S. J. Odell, (a school teacher), Rev. F. A.
Bonander, Rev. J. A. Johnson and Rev. Svante Udden. Rev. J.
Holcomb is now in charge of the congregation.
The church property is valued at thirty-five hundred dollars. The
congregation has one hundred and seven members and twenty-
seven children in the Sunday School.
friend's home.
The congregation was organized in 1872 and the church was
erected in 1879. The property is valued at eight thousand five
hundred dollars. The membership is four hundred and fifty and
the Sunday School has one hundred and twenty-five scholars. The
congregation was served for some time by Rev. S. J. Osterberg and
during 1882-90 by Rev. P. A. Cederstam. He leaving, the congre-
gation was vancant until 1893 when Rev. O. Moren arrived, who
266 VILAS, NEW GOTLAND, OTTAWA.
served the church as pastor until in 1905. Rev. R. P. Acsell is the
present pastor.
VILAS.
The Swedish Lutheran Bethel Church at Vilas, Wilson county,
Kansas, which was organized in 1872, has no regular pastor. Rev.
O. Moren and other pastors in the district have for several years
looked after the spiritual needs of the church. The property is
worth twelve hundred dollars. Congregation numbers eight-eight
members. Forty-five children attend the Sunday School.
NEW GOTLAND.
Our Swedish Lutheran Church at New Gotland, McPherson coun-
ty, Kansas, was organized in 1872. Student J. P. Sanden preached
there several years. Rev. P. M. Sannquist served as pastor until
1883; Rev. E. M. Erickson, 1884-86 and A. Wahlin, 1886-1904;
Rev. G. A. Dorf succeeded Rev. Wahlin.
The church property is worth eight thousand dollars. The mem-
bership is four hundred and sixty-six and the Sunday School has
eight-five scholars.
SWEDESBURG.
Congregation organized 1872 by A. W. Dahlsten, D. D., and
church erected 1876. Valued at eight thousand dollars. The mem-
bership is two hundred and forty-three. In the Sunday School sixty
five pupils are enrolled. The congregation was first served by Rev.
O. Chilleen, then by Rev. C. J. Damstrom until 1883. After-
wards by Rev. A. Holmer, 1884-87, by Rev. J. Holcomb, Rev. J. A.
Holmen and Rev. G. Franzen. At present the congregation is va-
cant.
WALSBURG.
The Swedish Lutherans organized a church at Walsburg in 1873.
In 1877 the church was erected. The property is worth six thous-
and five hundred dollars. The congregation has three hundred and
thirty members and one hundred and eighty scholars in the Sun-
day School. The following pastors have worked in this field. Rev.
H. Olson, 1876-84; Rev. L. A. Edman, 1884-86; Rev. J. A. Hem-
borg and C. A. Engstrand.
OTTAWA.
The congregation at Ottawa was organized in 1873 and the
church built in 1879. Membership forty five, scholars in Sunday
School, fifteen. Value of property (no parsonage), twenty-five
hundred dollars. As a rule this congregation has been served by
neighboring pastors.
SCANDIA, KACKLEY, BRANTFORD. 267
SCANDIA.
The Swedish Amana congregation in Scandia was organized in
1873. The church was built in 1878 and the property is valued at
five thousand two hundred dollars. Membership one hundred and
eight, scholars in Sunday School twenty-two. Rev. Nels Ohslund
was the first pastor. Since he left, Rev. L. A. Edman had charge
of the work, after him, Rev. C. J. Maxwell served the congrega-
tion until his death in 1905. Rev. H. E. Sandstedt accepted a call
to the church in 1906.
KACKLEY.
The Swedish Lutheran Ada congregation in Republic county,
Kansas, was organized in 1873 and the church building erected in
1882. Value of property, eight thousand dollars. Membership
three hundred and fifty. Scholars in Sunday School sixty. Until
1886 the congregation was served by Rev. Nils Ohslund; after-
wards by Rev. J. A. Holmen, 1887-92, by Rev. F. W. Bergquist and
at present by Rev. M. P. Oden. The church has been renovated
since then and this year (1907) a new parsonage will be erected.
MARSHALL COUNTY.
The Swedish Lutheran Salem congregation in Marshall county,
Kansas, was organized in 1874 by the Rev. J. Seleen. No church
was erected until in 1883. Rev. J. Seleen, who was pastor in Maria-
dahl also tended to this charge. After him, Rev. H. Olson looked
after the spiritual needs of the people until 1878, when they got a
regular pastor, namely Rev. P. J. Sanden. He stayed until 1887
and was succeeded by Rev. F. A. Bonander. At present Rev. A. S.
Segerhammer is pastor in Salem.
The church property is valued at seven thousand dollars. The
congregation has four hundred and eighty-four members and one
hundred and seven children in the Sunday School.
BRANTFORD.
In 1874 the Zion congregation was organized. A church valued
at two thousand dollars was built in 1882. The membership is
ninety-six and the Sunday School has twenty-eight scholars. The
following have been pastors in the congregation: Rev. C. J. Dam-
strom, Rev. F. W. Bergquist and Rev. Swante Udden. Rev. J. Hol-
comb has charge of the work at present.
LAWRENCE.
The congregation was organized in 1869 and a church valued at
nine hundred dollars was erected in 1884. During 1884-87, Rev.
J. A. Hemborg was pastor in Lawrence. Since then Rev. E. Glad
268 ASSARIA, ENTERPRISE, GARFIELD.
and others have looked after our church at Lawrence. Member-
ship twenty; no Sunday School.
ASSARIA.
A congregation was organized in 1875. The church was built
in 1877 and the property is valued at six thousand dollars. The
membership is five hundred and twenty-five. In the Sunday School,
one hundred and three pupils are enrolled. The following pastors
have had charge of the work; Dr. A. W. Dahlsten, Rev. A. M. Le-
veau, Rev. J. T. Kjellgren and Rev. J. Wilkstrand. Rev. Wikstrand
resigned his pastorate January 1st, 1907.
MARION HILL.
The Marion Hill congregation was organized in 1876 and the
church erected in 1879. The church property is worth twenty-six
hundred dollars. Membership one hundred and seventy-five,
scholars in the Sunday School, forty. Revs. J. A. Rinell and A. E.
Johnson have been pastors at this place. Rev. A. J. Borgstrom has
charge of the congregation at present.
ENTERPRISE.
At Enterprise a religious society was formed as early as 1874.
It was a sort of a union church but it was not satisfactory to a
good many and in 1879 a Swedish Lutheran congregation was or-
ganized, the union church was bought and admission into the Synod
asked for. Dr. J. E. Floren of Salina, has been in charge of this
congregation. Prior to his service the following pastors visited En-
terprise: A. W. Dahlsten, Rev. A. M. LeVeau, N. Nordling and
E. M. Erickson. The Bethlehem church is worth two thousand and
fifty dollars. The membership is seventy-five, Sunday School en-
rollment twelve.
GARFIELD.
The Garfield congregation was organized in 1879. Its member-
ship is eighty-five. Only twelve pupils are enrolled in the Sun-
day School. The church is worth three thousand dollars. The fol-
lowing have served the church: Rev. A. Lindholm, Rev. P. M. Sann-
quist, Dr. A. W. Dahlsten and Rev. A. A. Leksell. Rev. V. E.
Holmstedt is pastor of the congregation at present.
NEW ANDOVER.
In 1879 Rev. J. Seleen organized a congregation at New And-
over, McPherson county, Kansas. The Church was erected 1883
and the property is valued at fifty-five hundred dollars. Two hun-
dred and seventy-seven members belong. In the Sunday School,
sixty scholars are enrolled. The following pastors have looked
MANHATTAN, MCPHERSON, MARQUETTE. 269
after this charge: Rev. J. Seleen, Rev. A. Lindholm, 1881-86, and
Rev. N. Nordgren, 1886-88. He leaving, the congregation had no
regular pastor until 1892 when Dr. A. W. Dahlsten accepted their
call. During the vacancy of the church, Revs. P. M. Sannquist
visited the congregation.
MANHATTAN.
At Manhattan a Swedish Lutheran congregation was organized
in 1879. The church valued at twelve hundred dollars was built
in 1885. Membership seventy-three and scholars in the Sunday
School, fifteen. Rev. C. J. Scheleen, who preached at this place
several years before an organization was affected, is pastor of this
congregation.
MCPHERSON.
A congregation was organized at McPherson 1881 and a church
built in 1883. The church property is worth eighty-five hundred
dollars. Number of members, three hundred and ninety-seven.
Scholars in Sunday School, sixty-four. The congregation has been
served by the following ministers: Rev. P. M. Sannquist, 1882-88;
Rev. J. Wikstrand, 1889-92; Rev. C. P. Edlund, 1892, 1900; Rev.
J. A. Engwall is pastor of the church at present.
OLSBURG.
The congregation was organized in 1881 under the leadership of
Rev. H. Olson. It has three hundred and five members and eighty
children in the Sunday School. The church built in 1883 is worth
six thousand dollars. During the first years Rev. H. Olson of Mar-
iadahl also attended to the work here. He was succeeded by Rev.
O. E. Mefford. Others who have labored in this part of the vine-
yard are: Rev. C. O. Granere and J. A. Johnson. At present Rev.
F. N. Anderson is pastor at Olsburg.
BURD1CK.
The Swedish Lutheran Hebron congregation in Burdick, Morris
county, Kansas, was organized in 1884 and has two hundred and
nineteen members with a Sunday School of sixty-eight pupils. The
church erected in 1887 is valued at fifty-two hundred dollars. The
following have been in charge of this congregation: Rev. E. M.
Erickson and P. A. Malm, G. A. Dorf, Rev. C. A. Peterson is the
present pastor.
MARQUETTE.
The Elim congregation at Marquette was organized 1878. A
church was erected the same year. In the spring of 1905 the church
building was totally destroyed by a tornado. Work on a new house
270 HUTCHINSON, FALUN.
of worship was commenced immediately and the building was com-
pleted last year. The church property is worth fifteen thousand
dollars. Prior to 1887 Rev. J. Seleen had charge of the work. The
first regular pastor was Dr. E. P. Olson, who in 1889 was succeed-
ed by Rev. E. M. Erickson. After his resignation Dr. Emil Lund
has been in charge of the work until March 1st, 1907. The new
pastor Rev. C. E. Bengston has already taken charge.
The congregation at Enne, Rawlins county, was organized in
1885. It has forty-seven members. Rev. A. Holmer was its pastor
1887-1890. Since then it has been vacant.
HUTCHINSON.
The Immanuel congregation in Hutchinson was organized in
1886. The church building worth one thousand and thirty-four
dollars was erected in 1888. Present membership is one hundred
and fifty-seven, scholars in the Sunday School number thirty. For
some time Rev. C. P. Edlund visited this place. After him Rev.
A. A. Leksell was the regular pastor, until 1904. Rev. V. E. Holm-
stedt is now pastor of the church.
GOVE COUNTY.
The Saron congregation at Gove was organized in 1886 and a
church built the following year valued at six hundred dollars.
Membership sixty. Has never had a regular pastor.
PAGE COUNTY.
In 1887 the Bethesda congregation at Page was organized. The
following year a church was erected costing five hundred dollars.
Present membership fifty-six. Rev. E. Glad had charge of this
congregation for some years. Rev. J. Holcomb has also been pas-
tor of this and other churches in Western Kansas.
FALUN.
Under the leadership of Rev. P. M. Sannquist and Dr. Carl
Swensson a congregation was organized in 1887. The church was
built the same year. Rev. P. M. Sannquist was the first pastor and
served until his death, December 21st, 1891. Afterwards Mr. K. J.
Sterner had charge of the work, until Dr. J. Ekholm took charge.
He left in 1906 and was succeeded by Dr. E. P. Olson. Present
membership is two hundred and twenty-three and eighty children
are enrolled in the Sunday School. The church property is valued
at four thousand dollars.
STOCKHOLM, DELMORE, TREGO. 271
SHARON SPRINGS.
The Sharon congregation at Sharon Springs was organized in
1888 and the church erected in 1900. Its value is five hundred dol-
lars. Membership is eighteen. Sunday School scholars number
six. Rev. E. Glad was pastor here for some time, also Rev. J. Hol-
comb. The congregation is now vacant.
STOCKHOLM.
The Swedish Lutheran Bethany church at Stockholm was organ-
ized by Dr. J. A. Stamline in 1888. The following year a church
was built costing five hundred dollars. Present membership is one
hundred and fifty-one and twenty-eight scholars in the Sunday
school. The following have served this church: Revs. J. A. Stem-
line, L. J. Sanden, E. Glad, C. E. Olson and J. Holcomb.
DELMORE.
The Kristvalla congregation in Delmore, McPherson county, was
organized in 1887. Membership is thirty-five and ten scholars in
the Sunday School. Rev. A. Wahlin has preached at certain times
for this congregation. Now Rev. G. A. Dorf has charge of the
work.
PITTSBURG.
In 1890 the Lydia church at Pittsburg was organized. A church
was erected the following year costing twelve hundred dollars. A
student, Mr. E. P. Wardeen worked here for some time, also, Mr.
A. J. Borgstrom (now pastor). As most of the people have moved
away, no work among our people is done at present.
TREGO.
The Immanuel church five miles from Ellis, was organized in
1900. A church costing two thousand dollars was built in 1902.
Membership is seventy-one, Sunday School scholars seventeen.
Rev. Carl Walleen, the organizer of the church frequently visits
this place.
SARON.
The Saron church at Concordia, Kansas was organized in 1881.
A church building was erected in 1888, value of property is one
thousand and five hundred dollars.
CUSTAFS LUND.
Gustaf's congregation, Lund, was organized in 1884. It is very
small and no report has been rendered for years.
SMOLAN.
A Swedish Lutheran annex congregation to Salemsburg was or-
272 KANSAS CITY, KANSAS — SUMMARY.
ganized in 1893. In 1904 a church building was erected. It is
worth two thousand three hundred dollars. Present membership
is forty-five. The Sunday School has ten pupils. Rev. Carl Wal-
leen has charge of the work.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
The Swedish Lutheran church at Kansas City, Kansas was or-
ganized in 1894. Prior to that time people of our Lutheran faith
belonged to the First Swedish Lutheran church, Kansas City, Mo.
For several years missionary work was done by Revs. C. J. E. Hat-
erius, E. Nelander and other pastors who had charge of the first
church. Rev. M. Noyd organized the new congregation and was
its first pastor. As his successor Rev. E. Glad was called. He ac-
cepted and is yet in charge of the work. A church was built in
1896. The congregation has one hundred and ninety members and
ninety scholars in the Sunday School.
TOTAL STATISTICS KANSAS CONFERENCE. 5"
Number of congregations 78
Number of communicants 9340
Number of members 14714
Number of pastors 46
Number of scholars in Parochial schools 1567
Number of scholars in Sunday schools 4024
Value of church property $459,284**
Debts on church properties 22,277
* According to annual report 1905.
** To this may be added the value of Bethany College. $170,000
and the value of the Orphan's Home 20,000
For full Statistical Exhibit for 1906 see Augustana tables at the
end of this volume.
MISSOURI, TEXAS, COLORADO. 273
CONGREGATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE STATE BELONGING TO
THE KANSAS CONFERENCE.
I.
MISSOURI.
Property Commun- S. S.
Name of Church. Organized. Value. icants. Scholars
1st Luth. K. C, Mo 1869 $44,000.00 452 135
Immanuel, K. C, Mo 1899 38,000.00 180 133
II.
TEXAS.
Gethsemane, Austin 1875 $15,000.00 172 55
Brushy 1875 15,000.00 515 130
New Sweden 1876 9,000.00 449 67
Bethel, Georgetown 1892 500.00
Hutto 1892 4,500.00 190 46
Moline, Elroy 1897 1 ,200.00 63 25
Bethlehem, Lund 1897 5,000.00 244 72
Emaus, Manor 1 905
Gustavus Adolphus, Ft. Worth. . 1905
Immanuel, Dallas 1906
Bethel, Ericksdahl 1906
Zion, Galveston 1892
El Campo 1893
Eden, Olivia 1893
Salem, Granado 1895
III.
COLORADO.
Golden 1873
Augustana, Denver 1878
Georgetown 1880
Elim, Longmont 1887
Bethesda, Boulder 1892
Tabor, Pueblo 1892
Starkville 1891
Bethania, Las Animas 1894
Zion, Idaho Springs 1896
Colorado Springs 1897
Nebo, Victor 1902
Cripple Creek 1903
Immanuel, Greeley 1905
Zion, Loveland
40
12
25
1,000.00
43
7,000.00
98
40
4,500.00
222
39
200.00
61
26
1,100.00
26
5
$1,500.00
13
60,000.00
528
225
1,000.00
16
2,800.00
85
23
3,500.00
78
26
9,300.00
135
50
900.00
20
3,500.00
89
12
3,000.00
90
44
1 ,500.00
84
26
3,000.00
72
45
49
20
50
25
100
35
274 MARIADAHL ORPHAN'S HOME.
THE ORPHAN'S HOME AT MARIADAHL, KANSAS.
The Orphan's Home of the Evangelical Lutheran Kansas Con-
ference of the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North
America, situated on the eastern bank of the Blue River in the
western part of Pottawatomie county, Kansas, is a beautiful mon-
ument of Christian piety and love.
Its history really begins with the year 1873 when the U. P. Ry.
Co., by the influence of Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, donated one hundred
and sixty acres of land in McPherson county, Kansas for the bene-
fit of a future Orphan's Home.
At the conference meeting at Mariadahl, Kansas, in 1875 the
first board of directors was appointed and comprised of the fol-
lowing persons: Rev. O. Olsson, Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, Mr. C. J.
Brodine (Salemsburg, Kansas), Mr. J. Rodell (Fremont, Kansas),
and Mr. J. A. Nelson, (Lindsborg, Kansas). On account of lack
of means and uncertainty as to the best location for such a home,
the question was postponed for a few years. At the conference
meeting at New Gottland, Kansas, in 1878 a committee was ap-
pointed, comprising the Board of Directors and Mr. John A. John-
son of Mariadahl, Kansas. This committee was to find out the
most suitable place for an Orphan's Home.
The Committee reported at the conference meeting at Scandia,
Kansas, that it thought best that the Orphan's Home ought to be
located in the oldest congregation of the conference, which is
Mariadahl, Kansas, where a well improved farm of two hundred and
eight acres could be purchased for the sum of $5,520.00. After a
lively discussion the conference decided to purchase said farm and
thus the Home was located in Mariadahl, Kansas.
By the liberal subscriptions of the members of the church peo-
ple at Mariadahl and other congregations in the Conference, and
by the Sunday Schools, and by selling the land afore-named, at
$2,000.00, funds were secured to pay off a great portion of the
farm at Mariadahl. On March 22, 1880, the Home was dedicated,
and already enabled to admit children. Since this time many im-
provements have been made. The various congregations and Sun-
day Schools have annually contributed by subscriptions and col-
lections.
Through the last will of Hon. John A. Johnson, one of the pio-
neers of Mariadahl, (he came to this place 1855), the home re-
ceived not less than eight thousand dollars. A beautiful example
of charity and love!
MARIADAHL ORPHAN'S HOME. 275
At the present time the property of the Orphan's Home consists
of five hundred acres of land; the main building of stone, 40 by 40
feet, three stories high with addition of kitchen and laundry; a very
pleasant school house (frame); barn (stone); smoke house, cribs,
sheds, etc. The present value, (including real estate, live stock,
implements, household goods, etc.), is nearly thwenty thousand
dollars and without debt.
The purpose of this institution is that it be a home for destitute
orphans, where they are supported and receive a Christian educa-
tion in accordance with the Lutheran faith and confession; although
when children are to be admitted, no reference is made as to the
creed or nationality of ancestors of same.
Devotional exercises are held each morning and evening by the
superintendent and the children as well as employes are requested
to attend, thus keeping them under religious influence.
The Home has a school of its own where the children are in-
structed in all the branches of public schools by a competent teach-
er. In the summer, two months Parochial school (in the Swedish
language) is held.
All the children unless too young, attend the Sunday School at
Mariadahl and at the usual age are confirmed by the pastor at
Mariadahl in the regular classes of the congregation. At the age
of sixteen, they leave the home prepared to take up the tasks that
come before them for self support.
The management of the Home is intrusted to a Board of Directors
composed of four ministers and three laymen.
This Board is elected by and responsible to the conference. The
superintendent and matron are elected by the Board, and take the
place of parents to the children; no one being elected to this place
who is not known as a true Christian and otherwise have the nec-
essary qualifications. Mr. and Mrs. Bengt Berg served the institu-
tion faithfully and satisfactorily as superintendent and matron for
nearly nineteen years, beginning the fall of 1880. They were suc-
ceeded in March, 1899 by Mr. and Mrs. Amel G. Johnson. At pres-
ent Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Youngberg have charge of the work.
Ninety-seven children have been adopted and at present thirty-
nine children are at the Home, which number is as many as the
Home can comfortably lodge.
The present Board of Directors is as follows:
Rev. C. J. E. Haterius, Mariadahl, Kansas, President and Treas-
urer; Rev. F. N. Anderson, Rev. J. Franzen, Mr. G. O. Maxell, Mr.
Chas. Classon, Rev. A. S. Segerhammer, Mr. C. J. Holt.
276 AUGUSTANA LUTHER LEAGUE.
WORK AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE ORGANIZA-
TION OF A CONFERENCE LUTHER LEAGUE.
When and where the first Young People's Society was organized,
I have not been able to ascertain, but no doubt the first beginning
was made by Dr. O. Olsson in the Bethany congregation at Linds-
borg, Kansas, who it is related, met with the younger people for
Bible study and singing. Of course no definite organization was
formed until several years later. In this connection it may be in-
teresting to know that the first choir was started by Dr. O. Olsson,
who was a great lover of music.
Now, and for several years an extensive work has been going
on among the young people in the conference. All the churches
of any size have Young People's Societies, now usually called
Luther Leagues.
A great and important move among our young people was the
organization of a Conference Luther League. Of this work Prof.
Frank Nelson has kindly furnished the following sketch:
At the thirty-first annual meeting of the Kansas Conference of
the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod held in Denver, Colo-
rado, in May, 1901, a movement was inauguarated for a closer or-
ganization of the young people's societies of the Conference. A
committee consisting of Rev. G. E. Youngdahl, Colorado Springs,
Colorado, Rev. C. A. Engstrand, Walsburg, Kansas, Frank Nelson
and Carl Johns, Lindsborg, Kansas, was appointed to outline a plan
of organization and report same to the conference, at its next an-
nual meeting. A number of circumstances made it impossible for
the committee to hold a meeting and hence no report was made at
the conference meeting in Friends Home, Kansas in 1902. The
committee appointed at the Denver meeting was dismissed and it
seemed for the time being as though nothing would be done. How-
ever, at the next annual meeting of the conference held in Kansas
City, Missouri, in April, 1903, another effort was made by the
friends of the movement to secure action by the conference. There-
fore, the conference again appointed a committee to outline a plan
of organization for the young people's societies. The committee
consisted of Frank Nelson, Lindsborg, Kansas, Rev. Earnst Phil-
blad, Lindsborg, Kansas, Rev. C. A. Engstrand, Walburg, Kansas,
Rev. A. W. Lindquist, Kansas City, Missouri, and Mr. J. A. Jacob-
son, Clay Center, Kansas. This committee proceeded at once to
the work. As a result, the first annual convention of the Kansas
Conference Luther League was held in the Swedish Lutheran
AUGUSTANA LUTHER LEAGUE. 277
Church, Topeka, Kansas, October 16, 17 and 18, 1903. The fol-
lowing officers were elected: President, Frank Nelson, Lindsborg,
Kansas; Vice President, Dr. J. Ekholm, Falun, Kansas; Secretary,
Miss Serephine Erickson, Kansas City, Missouri; Treasurer, Mr.
Emil Cederberg, Walsburg, Kansas. The first convention was
largely attended both by the ministers of the conference and by
delegates from a great many of the local Luther Leagues. It was
felt from the beginning that the League had a place to fill and a
work to perform. The young people manifested an unusual degree
of interest in the organization and the pastors assisted in a very
cordial and generous spirit.
The second annual convention of the Kansas Conference Luther
League was held in the Swedish Lutheran church at Kackley, Kan-
sas, August 19, 20 and 21, 1904. The following officers were elect-
ed for the ensuing year. President, Frank Nelson, Lindsborg, Kan-
sas; Vice President, Rev. G. A. Dorf, Burdick, Kansas; Secretary,
Miss Seraphine Erickson, Kansas City, Missouri; Treasurer, Mr.
Frank Lann, Axtell, Kansas. The convention was largely attended
and was in every respect a decided success.
The third annual convention was held in Kansas City, Missouri,
September 22, 23 and 24, 1905. The attendance was unusually
large and the interest at all the sessions were such as to inspire
hope and confidence for the future. Twelve ministers of the con-
ference attended the convention and participated in the programs
and business sessions.lt was the universal opinion that the conven-
tion was the best of its kind in the history of the young people's
work of the southwest. It is not necessary to add that all the con-
ventions were marked with a strong religious and Lutheran spirit
and the part taken in the programs by the young people reflected
great credit upon them and upon the conference as a whole.
At its annual meeting at Fremont, Kansas in April, 1905, the
Kansas Conference officially and unanimously endorsed and accept-
ed the Kansas Conference Luther League. A report of the work
of the League is presented each year to the president of the con-
ference and the League is in all respects under the direction and
control of the conference.
The object of the Kansas Conference Luther League is to interest
the young people in the work of the Lutheran Church and to bring
them in closer touch with the conference work. Experience has
fully demonstrated that our Swedish Lutheran Young People do
not affiliate with the English State Luther League or with the Na-
itonal Luther League. It is believed that through the Conference
278 AUGUSTANA LADIES AID AND MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
Luther League it will be possibly eventually to secure representa-
tion from our young people to the State and National Luther
League. We desire to make our contribution to the strength and
power of the Lutheran Church of America.
LADIES' AID SOCIETY AND THE WOMAN'S HOME AND
FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
The first Aid Society among the women of the Kansas Confer-
ence was no doubt organized in Kansas City, Missouri. Records
show that the ladies interested in church work met and organized
a so-called Sewing Society in the winter of 1869. Later similar
organizations were formed in Mariadahl, Lindsborg, Salemsburg,
and other places. One and two societies are now found in almost
all congregations. They are doing a great and noble work for the
church. Thousands of dollars have been raised by these organiza-
tions for church and benevolent purposes. At present the various
ladies societies of the conference have a Woman's Conference So-
ciety.
The Woman's Missionary Society of the Kansas Conference was
organized at Lindsborg, Kansas, in the Spring of 1901. Mrs. Ellen
Wikstrand was elected President and Mrs. Hannah Granville Ander-
son, Secretary. The meeting bespoke of hope and inspiration for
future work. Missionary songs were sung interspersed with greet-
ings and short addresses.
The next meeting was held at Friends Home in 1902. In 1903
the society convened at Kansas City, Missouri. This was a large
and interesting meeting. Several very good papers were read by
our women at this meeting. Mrs. Wikstrand was reelected Presi-
dent and Mrs. A. W. Lindquist, Secretary.
No meeting was held in 1904 owing to the fact that the Synodical
Society was to convene at Lindsborg a month later.
In 1905 the meeting was held at Fremont and in 1906 at Assaria.
Mrs. Wikstrand continuing as President and Mrs. Hannah Gran-
ville Anderson elected Secretary. Both of these meetings were in-
teresting and inspiring and well attended.
Aside from the regular contributions to the various funds of the
Synodical Society, this society decided to support the Missionary
on the Conference Mission Field at Fort Worth, Texas.
May God's richest blessing rest on this little branch, "The Wo-
man's Missionary Society of the Kansas Conference" — may it grow
AUGUSTANA HOME FOR AGED. 279
and become a still greater power for good, and may it be the means
of bringing many souls into the fold of God's kingdom.
HOME FOR THE AGED.
As yet the conference has no home for the aged, but the matter
was discussed at the meeting in Fremont, Kansas, 1905. Then it
was also announced that a certain man had donated some money
for this cause and that he would do more. The prime mover in this
work is Mr. Francis Johnson, Treasurer of the Conference.
CONCLUSION.
In presenting this brief history of the Swedish Lutheran Church
in Kansas and in the Kansas Conference, we have not gone into
detail. It is merely an outline of the work. In the future we trust
this sketch may be augmented. To all who have assisted in pre-
paring this history we extend our sincere thanks.
And now unto Him that loves us, and washes us from our sins in
His blood, and maketh us kings and priests unto God and His
Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever!
Good Friday, 1907.
280 BIOGRAPHICAL — CHARTER MEMBERS.
BIOGRAPHICAL— CHARTER MEMBERS,
PIONEERS and PRESENT MEMBERS,
KANSAS SYNOD.
CHARTER MEMBERS.
Mr. Andrew Peter Benson of Topeka, was born in Falshepen,
Sweden, June 24, 1832. O.me to the U. S. in 1851, residing at
Boston, Chicago, Lexington, Mo., Leavenworth, Kan., arriving in
Topeka in 1866, and is still living there, a member of the First
church. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod.
Matthew Garner Boyer, D. D., was born in Huntington Co., Pa.
Mch. 10, 1839, graduated by Gettysburg 1865, enlisted in Union
army to drive rebels from Pa., and Md., graduate of Gettysburg
Theol. Sem., licensed by Allegheny Synod, and was the first ordina-
tion of Kansas Synod in 1868, a charter member. He served charges
at Marklesburg, Pa., Atchison, Kan., Sand Lake, N. Y., New Haven,
Conn., is now retired in Philadelphia. He received the M. A. and
D. D. degrees from Penna. College.
John G. Ellinger, was born in "Welzheim, Germany, March 16,
1811, a graduate in Germany and a student of Gettysburg, ordained
in 1839, pastor at New Berlin, of York, Pa., in Stark and Mahoning
Cos., Ohio. He came to Kansas in 1864, resided at Pardee and
died at Ottawa, Feb. 25, 1875. He was a charter member of Kan-
sas Synod.
Simon Peter Harrington, was born at Spruce Creek, Pa., Nov.
27, 1827. After a course in private tutorship was ordained in 1859
by East Ohio Synod. After serving pastorates in Ohio he came to
Kansas in 1865 taking charge at Monrovia and Valley Falls. He
was pastor at Peabody, Abilene, Banner City, and for a time Trav-
elling Missionary of Kansas Synod. In 1889 he joined the Reform
Church holding pastorates at Maquoketa, la., and Dakota, Ills.,
and Imogene, la. In 1900 he retired at Kansas City dying there
Jan. 14, 1901. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod.
Rev. A. J. Hesson, was born in Adams Co., Pa. in 1839, was
graduated by Wittenberg in 1865, by Gettysburg Theol. Sem. in
1867, ordained by Miami Synod in 1868, pastor at Topeka, Law-
rence, Kans., Mercersburg, Pa., Peabody and Hutchinson, Kans.,
and at present Rogers Park Mission, Chicago. He was a charter
member of Kansas Synod.
George Washington Householder, was born Sept. 1, 1825, at
Rays Hill, Pa., came to Kansas City in 1867, and at once identified
himself with the newly organized church there. He established
the "Daily Evening Bulletin," which later became the "Star." He
died at Kansas City July 5, 1906. He was a charter member of
Kansas Synod.
BIOGRAPHICAL — CHARTER MEMBERS, PIONEERS. 281
E. J. Keplinger, was born at Osborn, O., Octo. 9, 1841, grad-
uated by Wittenberg in 1866 and that Seminary in 1867, ordained
in 1867, served pastorates at Tipton and Versailles, Mo., engaged
in business at Valley Falls. He was the first secretary of Kansas
Synod at organization. He was dropped from roll of Kansas
Synod in 1886. For 28 years in business, Pueblo, Colo., where
he died Nov. 17, 1878.
Josiah B. McAfee, D. D., was born at Port Royal, Pa., in 1830.
He took a special course in Gettysburg College and a course in
Theology under a private tutor. He was ordained in 1856 and a
pastor at Leavenworth and Valley Falls. Since 1862 he has been
without a charge. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod.
He received the A. M. degree from Wittenberg and D. D. from Mid-
land College in 1907.
John George Schmucker, was born at Cove Forge, Pa., in 1825,
a grandson of Rev. John G. Schmucker, D. D., of York, Pa., nephew
of Rev. S. S. Schmucker, D. D. Took partial course at Gettysburg
College. Lived at Tipton and West Liberty, la., came to Lawrence,
Kansas, 1866. Moved to Ellsworth in 1878, dying at ElDorado,
Aug. 18, 1898. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod.
Adam Willis W agnails, was born at Lithopolis, O., in 1843, was
graduated by Wittenberg in 1866, Wittenberg Theol. Sem., in 1868.
His only pastorate was Kansas City where he remained one year.
After a residence in Atchison he moved to New York in 1876, and
became one of the founders of the great publishing house of the
Funk & Wagnalls Co. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod.
SOME PIONEERS.
Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., was born at Gettysburg, Pa., 1846, grad-
uated by Penna. Col., 1869 and Sem. 1872, ordained by Md. Synod,
1872, served charges at Newville, Pa., Baltimore, Md., and Moray,
Kan. Sec. Board Foreign Missions, 1877-83, Secretary Board
Home Missions, 1883-88. Pres. Midland College, 1888-1905. D.
D. in 1889, Penna. College.
T. F. Dornblaser, D. D., was born at Clintondale, Pa., in 1841,
graduated by Wittenberg in 1871, Sem. in 1873, served pastorates
at Lucas, O., Kansas City, Mo., Topeka, Kan., Bucyrus, O., Dixon,
and Chicago, Ills. He was Synodical Secretary of Kansas Synod
1878-80, and for a few months in 1887. A. M. and D. D. degrees
were conferred by Wittenberg College.
David Earhart, was born in Indiana Co., Pa., in 1818. His edu-
cation was mostly by private tutors, classical and theological. He
was ordained by East Ohio Synod in 1844. He served pastorates
at Leechburg, Pa., at Forks church, St. Matthews, St. Lukes, in
that neighborhood where he built substantial churches. He was
a charter member of Pittsburg Synod in 1845. He built churches
in Armstrong and Westmorland Cos. In 1860 he came to Kansas.
282 BIOGRAPHICAL — SOME PIONEERS.
For his work in Kansas see the Pioneer chapter. He published
two excellent booklets on Baptism and the Lord's Supper. He died
in Kansas City, Aug. 14, 1903.
George D. Gotwald, was born September 18, 1862, at Shippens-
burg, Pa., graduated by Gettysburg in 1882 (Highest Honors), by
Gettysburg Theol. Sem. in 1885. He served pastorates at Salina
and Kansas City Memorial church, died at Kansas City, Jan. 12,
1889. See Sketch of Midland College.
Levi C. Grosclose, was born June 6, 1820, in Wythe Co., Va.,
took a partial course at Gettysburg, was licensed by the old South-
west Va., Synod in 1849. His pastorates were, in Davidson and
Stokes Cos., Salisbury, Gold Hill and Mt. Pleasant, N. C; Jones-
horo and Irving, Ills.; at Eureka, Kan., where he died May 2, 1905.
David Harbaugh, was born at Waynesboro, Pa., took a partial
course at Wittenberg, ordained by Wittenberg Synod, 1851, served
charges at Charleston, Noblesville; Bakers and Mt. Zion churches
near Springfield, Ohio, Boon Co., Ky., Dixon, Ills., was connected
with Mendota College 13 yeaps, came to Waterville in 1869 serving
Waterville and later Monrovia and Valley Falls, and since 1890
retired, Colorado Springs, Col.
J. E. Herbst, M. D., was born at Gettysburg, Pa., in 1825, grad-
uated by Penna. College in 1846, instructor in Virginia Collegiate
Institute, graduated in medicine in Penna., surgeon in U. S. A.,
came to Kansas in 1879 locating at Abilene. Was Treasurer of
Kansas Synod three years. Died in Kansas City June 19, 1898.
James Angus Lowe, was born in Smicksburg, Pa., in 1851, grad-
uated from Glade Run Academy, and Wittenberg College, 1875.
After a seminary course he was licensed in 1876. He came to
Kansas in 1879 locating at White Rock, Waterville, Hutchinson,
Wichita, and Chapman, Kan., Jerico, Mo., and Beatrice, Neb.
Charles Martin, M. D., was born at Norristown, Pa., in 1812,
graduated in medicine by University of Pa., in 1833, in Theology
at Gettysburg in 1837. For ten years he was pastor of St. James
New York City, then at York, Pa., principal of Lutherville Female
Seminary,and Kee Mar Sem. In 1866 he came to St. Joseph, found-
ed St. Joseph Young Ladies Institute, remaining with it till 1894,
served as pastor at Moray, Kan., died at St. Joseph, Mo., 1896.
Jacob Schauer, was born in Green Co., O., in 1823, took partial
course at Wittenberg and Seminary, served pastorates at Upper
Sandusky, Hamilton, Tiffin, Tippecanoe City, West Brookfield, and
Tarlton, Ohio coming to Kansas in 1878, organizing churches at
Greenleaf and Barnes, also serving charges at Bunker Hill and
Perth. He died at Topeka, Oct. 14, 1905.
F. R. Scherer, was born in North Carolina in 1822, educated at
Hillsboro College, ordained in Ohio, pastor at Lyons, Dewitt, Lost
Grove; and Zions near Davenport, all of Iowa, and at Walnut Grove
Scott Co., Rapids City, Mt. Pleasant, and Morristown, Ills., came to
Kansas in 1870 locating at Waterville, where he preached in a pas-
BIOGRAPHICAL — SOME PIONEERS, PRESENT MEMBERS. 283
senger coach for a season, organized Ebenezer church, died at
Waterville, Sept. 11, 1889.
William C. Seidel, D. D., was born in Germany in 1843, took
partial courses at Mendota and Gettysburg colleges, and full theol.
course at Gettysburg, 1873. Ordained by N. Ills., Synod, 1873,
served pastorates at Davis, Ills., came to Kansas in 1876 locating
at Minneapolis, as a home missionary supported by his father-in-
law, John Wolsfensperger, of Sterling, Ills. For eleven years he
did missionary work over several counties about Minneapolis. Serv-
ed Ottawa one year, Carlisle, Pa., Cairo, Ills., and Nashville, Tenn.
Midland College gave him the D. D. degree in 1907.
A. A. Trimper, was born at Claverrack, N. Y., Feb. 17, 1810.
graduated by Mt. Union College, Gettysburg Theol. Sem. in 1840,
pastor at Hillsboro, Ills., Indianapolis, Ind., Lena and Dixon, Ills.,
and Lawrence, Kans. In 1858 he was President of Mendota Col-
lege. He united with the Presbyterian church for a short time,
soon returning to his mother church, and died at Lawrence, Dec. 28,
1884.
Joseph H. Talbott, was born at Canal Dover, O., in 1832, lived at
Des Moines, la., and in 1857 came to Monrovia, Kan., and to Atch-
ison in 1862. At these places he was closely identified with church-
es organized there. His services were valuable in bringing Mid-
land College to Atchison. See sketch, Atchison.
Charles Young, was born at New Oxford, O., educated at Gettys-
burg, served charges at Dixon, Davis, Rock Grove, and Cedarville,
Ills., and came to Kansas in 1872, organized church at Salina and
New Cambria, and the Shirar church. He died at Salina Feb. 20,
1889.
PRESENT ROLL OF MEMBERS.
Frank Degraff Altman, D. D., President of the Western Theo-
logical Seminary, Atchison, was born at Richmond, Ind., in 1855;
graduated from Wittenberg College, 1880; Witt. Theol. Sem., 1882;
ordained, 1882. He served pastorates at Tippecanoe City, O., Em-
poria, Kan., and Kansas City, (Memorial) Mo. His Alma Mater
gave him the M. A. degree in 1883, and Bethany College, the divin-
ity degree in 1897. In 1895 he became President of the Western
Theological Seminary.
George Beiswanger , was born at Baltimore, Md., took partial
course at Penna. Col. and graduated at Seminary, 1895, ordained
by Md. Synod, served charges at Sparrows Point, Md., Baltimore,
Md., Vandergrift Heights, Pa., and at Oklahoma City, his present
charge.
James M. Barnes, was born at Butler, Ills., 1875, was graduated
by Witt. Coll., 1902, Witt. Sem. 1905, served as pastor at Slater,
la., and Bunker Hill Kan. A. M. degree, Wittenberg, 1905.
284 BIOGRAPHICAL — PRESENT MEMBERS.
Fuller Bergstresser, is a native of Pennsylvania, a graduate of
Gettysburg, 1891, of the Gettysburg Theological Sem., 1894, was
ordained 1894, when he became pastor of Bethel church, Allegheny,
Pa. In 1900 he became pastor at Abilene. He is a son of the late
Dr. Peter Bergstresser.
Edwin Bollman, was born at Dixon, Ills., in 1858, graduated by
Carthage in 1886 and by Witt. Theol. Sem., in 1889. He served
pastorates at Forreston, Ills., Pearl City, Ills., Davenport and Wil-
ber Nebr., and Effingham, his present charge.
John Adam Bright, was born at Aaronsburg, Pa., in 1845; took
a special course at Gettysburg College, a private course in theology
was ordained in 1875, and served pastorates at Nittany and Jersey
Shore, Pa., and Ellsworth, Kan. He has been without a charge
since 1885. For four years he was Sec'y Kansas State S. S. Ass'n,
and is now an evangelist. He expects to take charge of the Cam-
pus charge Oct., 1907.
G. Gerlau Clark, was born at Casstown, O., 1864, graduated by
Wittenberg, 1890, Sem., 1893, served charges at New Castle, Ind.,
Bellevue, Ky., Lynchburg and Lucas, O., and Emporia, Kan. In
1887 he published a History of Wittenberg College.
James Monroe Cromer, D. D., pastor of Grace Church, Kansas
City, was born in 111., graduated from Carthage College in 1875,
and from Wittenberg Theol. Sem. in 1877, in which year he was
also ordained. He served pastorates at Hillsboro and Washing-
ton, Ills., and at First and Grace churches in Kansas City. He
also was a professor in Carthage College for a while. He received
the degrees of M. A. and D. D., from his Alma Mater.
./. F. Cressler, of New Cambria, was born in Franklin Co., Pa.,
in 1845, graduated from Gettysburg College in 1869, and from that
Seminary in 1872, when he was also ordained. He served pastor-
ates at Maysville, and Millertown, Pa., New Franklin, O., Break-
abeen, N. Y., Lisbon, la., Tekamah, and Rising City, Neb., and New
Cambria, Kans. He received the A. M. degree from Gettysburg
College.
Frank S. Delo, was born at Elkhart, Ind., in 1865, graduated by
Wittenberg, 1891, same Sem. 1894, ordained by Miami Synod, 1894.
Pastorates, Xenia, O., Pleasantville, and Roaring Springs, Pa.,
Orangeville and Mt. Morris, Ills., and Hutchinson, Kan. He de-
livered his lecture illustrated, "Our Missions in India and Africa,"
over 200 times, and for a season edited the Children's Missionary.
M. L. Exline, was born in Tuscarawas Co., O., in 1853, took a
theological course in Susquehanna Univ., ordained by Susquehanna
Synod, 1888. Served charges in Ohio and Indiana coming to* Kan-
sas in 1904, engaging in secular business at Stafford.
/. B. Grove, was born in Tarlton, O., took partial course at Witt.
College and full seminary course there 1898, served charges at
Tiro, O., Canon City, Colo., and Norcatur, Kan., his present charge.
BIOGRAPHICAL — PRESENT MEMBERS. 285
Henry Hosea Hall, D. D., is a native of Ohio, a graduate of Wit-
tenberg College, 1867, of Witt. Theol. Sem., 1868. He was or-
dained in 1870. His pastorates were, Leechburg and Mongahela
City, Pa., Canal Dover, Millersburg, and Van Wert, O., Tipton, la.,
Litchfield and Fillmore, Ills., and Chapman, Kan. He received the
doctorate from Wittenberg in 1894.
Israel Bucer Heisey, is enjoying the longest pastorate of any
Kansas pastor. He was born in Elizabethtown, Pa. He took a
special course at Midland, was a graduate of the Western Theol.
Sem. 1892, and ordained that year when he took charge of the
Waterville pastorate, of which he is still pastor.
Samuel Henry, retired, Independence, Kansas, was born at Ab-
bottstown, Pa., in 1828, took a special course at Gettysburg College
graduating from that Seminary in 1850. He was ordained in 1852
and served pastorates at Dillsburg, Pa., Westminister, Md., Phillips-
burg, N. Y., Mifflinburg, Pa., and Ottawa, Kansas. He retired in
1886 owing to ill health.
W. W. Horn, the new pastor at Topeka, entered the Lutheran
ministry in 1901 uniting with the Iowa Synod as pastor at Lisbon.
In September, 1902 he took charge of the Princeton, 111., church,
and on Oct. 1, 1907, that of Topeka.
A. B. Kirtland, of Salina, (Retired since 1891), was born in Con-
necticut in 1832. He took a special course in Wittenberg College
and was graduated from that Seminary in 1857 and ordained the
same year. He has served pastorates at Upper Sandusky, Nevada,
and Crestline, O., Waterloo City, Ind., New Lisbon, O., and New
Cambria, Kan.
Henry Adam Koogle, of Chapman, was born in 1847, took four
years course at Wittenberg College, was ordained in 1889, and
served pastorates at Bunker Hill, Chapman, and Banner City. Fail-
ing health compelled him to relinquish the active pastorate several
years ago.
Benjamin R. Lantz, pastor of the First English church at St.
Joseph, Mo., was born at Hagerstown, Md., graduated from Gettys-
burg College in 1894, and from the same Seminary in 1898, or-
dained 1898. He served charges at Millerburg, Pa., and St. Joseph,
Mo.
Samuel Martin Lesher, was born at McConnelsburg, Pa., a grad-
uate of Midland College 1892, Gettysburg Theol. Sem. 1895, and
ordained the same year. His pastorates were at Effingham, Kan.,
Dakota City, Nebr., and Sedalia, Mo.
William A. Livers, was born at Waterville, was graduated from
Midland College in 1901, and Western Theol. Sem. in 1901 and or-
dained the same year. He served at Perth and on account of fail-
ing health is obliged to live in the Rockies.
N. W. Lilly, was born in Northumberland Co., Penna., graduated
from Gettysburg in 1857, ordained in 1858. After serving several
charges in Pa., he took charges Millersburg, Washingtonville, and
Letonia, Ohio, Forreston, Ills., -and Haskell, Kans.
286 BIOGRAPHICAL — PRESENT MEMBERS.
George S. Murphy, was born at Reedsville, Pa., in 1865, grad-
uated from Wittenberg College in 1893, tutor in Greek at same in-
stitution 1893-5, ordained 1905, Professor at Wittenberg 1895-1903.
Pastor at Mt. Zion Charge Lucas, O., and Peabody, Kan. He re-
ceived the A. M. degree in 1896 from Wittenberg.
Oliver MacWilliams, was born in % in
graduated by Wittenberg, 1899, by Witt. Sem. 1903, licensed by
Wittenberg Synod, 1902, ordained by same, 1903. Served charges
at Bellville, O., and Eureka, Kan.
Hamilton A. Ott, D. D., was born at North Washington, O., grad-
uated from Wittenberg College, 1879, Witt. Theol. Sem. in 1881.
He served pastorates at Xenia and Brookville, O., and at Free-
port and Quincy, 111., Topeka and Salina, Kan. He received from
his Alma Mater the degree of Master of Arts in 1882 and Doctor
of Divinity in 1905.
Samuel Palmer, of Lawrence (Retired) was born in Franklin
county, Pa. He served three years in the Civil War, after which
he was graduated from Gettysburg College and Seminary and later
was ordained by a Pennsylvania Synod. He served the Pikeland
and Phoenixville charges in Pa.
Boaz Franklin Pugh, was born in 1847, graduated from Selins-
grove Institute in 1874, and the Seminary at the same place in
1877, in which year he was ordained. He served pastorates at
Orangeville, 111., Rising City, and Tekamah, Nebr., Sabetha, Well-
ington, Ottawa and Garnett, Kan. He was in the Union Army and
is a great friend of the G. A. R.
Alva Morton Reitzel, was born at Pecksburg, Ind., in 1865, a
graduate from the Stockton, Kan., Academy, 1891, admitted to the
bar in 1892, graduated from Western Theol. Sem. in 1897, ordained
1897, served as pastor Hutchinson, Kan., Mendon, Ills., and Well-
ington, Kan.
Ambrose Ellsworth Renn, pastor of St. Mark's at Atchison, was
born in Lycoming Co., Pa., graduated from Wittenberg College,
1893, Witt. Theol. Sem. 1896, ordained 1896. His pastorates were
Urbana, Arcadia, and Mansfield, O., and Atchison, Kan. His Alma
Mater gave him the M. A. degree.
Richard Richter, pastor at Greenleaf, was born in Berlin, Ger-
many, in 1874. One year was spent in a special school preparatory
for missionaries to foreign lands; in this country he took a special
course of three years, in Wartburg College and two years at the
German Synod of Iowa Seminary at Dubuque, graduating from the
Western Theol. Sem. in 1902. He was ordained in 1902. He
served congregations at Albuquerque and Belan, N. M., Benning-
ton, Neb. and Greenleaf, Kan.
M. F. Rinker, of Stockton, Cal., was ordained by Kansas Synod
in 1886, and was pastor at Greenleaf, Washington, and Minneap-
olis, Kan. He resided after this at Orkney Springs, Va., Cross
Roads, Ind., Beach City, O., McComb, O., Grandview, Ind., Utan
Nebr., Denver, Colo., and Norcatur, Kan.
BIOGRAPHICAL — PRESENT MEMBERS. 287
Ralph Paul Schimmelpfennig, Ph. D., was born in Germany, a
graduate from Breklum in 1891, and from the Breklum Sem. later.
He was ordained by the German Synod of Nebraska in 1897. He
has served charges at near North Platte, Phillips, and Humphrey,
Nebr., and Russell and Glasco, Kan. The Central University of
Indianapolis, Ind., gave him the Ph. D., degree.
Albert B. Shrader, was born at Mt. Carroll, Ills., graduated by
Carthage College in 1879, and Gettysburg Theol. Sem. in 1882, and
ordained the same year. He served charges at Ponca and Grand
Island, Nebr., Cedar Rapids and Nevada, la., Lawrence, Kans.,
Shelby, O., and Kansas City, Mo., (Memorial). He also served
as field Sec'y for Carthage College. He received the M. A. degree
from Carthage College.
James C. Schindel, was born at , graduated by
Susquehanna University and same Seminary, 1886, ordained by
Susquehanna Synod, served charges at Mt. Carmel, Pa., Fayette,
N. Y., Dumontville, Circleville, and Newark, O., and at present has
charge of the First church at Kansas City, Mo. He was also army
chaplain in the Phillipines.
Fred Ross Shirck, was born in Washington Co., Kan., in 1876,
graduated from Midland College in 1903 and from the Western
Theol. Sem. in 1906, and was ordained at Topeka, October 19, 1906.
He is located at Whitewater as pastor.
Calvin W. Sifferd, D. D., was graduated -by North Carolina
College and from the same in theology. He was ordained in
1875, and served charges at Anna, 111., Newark, O., Carthage, 111.,
and Ottawa, Kan. He received the degrees of A. M., and D. D.,
from his Alma Mater.
Ezra Eugene Stauffer, was born at Naperville, Ills., graduating
from Midland College, 1896, and from the Western Theol. Sem. in
1898, during which year he was ordained. He has served pastor-
ates at Wellington and Lawrence.
J. Howard Stough, Ph. D., Professor of Greek and Latin in Mid-
land College, was born in Richland Co., O., graduated from Wit-
tenberg College in 1871, and from that Seminary in 1872. He
served pastorates at Letonia, O., Knoxville, la., Plymouth, O., Tip-
ton, la., and Lena, Ills. He was Professor of Ancient Languages
and Mental and Moral Philosophy at Carthage College 1883-4, and
has occupied his present position since 1888. Wittenberg College
conferred upon him his A. M. and Ph. D., degrees.
Paul G. Tonsing, of Atchison, was graduated from Midland Col-
lege in 1893, and from the Western Theol. Sem. in 1895, ordained
in 1895. Was pastor at Beloit, Kan., and Hardy, Neb.
/. H. Utesch, of Beloit was born in Germany, received his class-
ical training at Brecklum, graduated from Western Theol. Sem.,
1904. Was pastor at Liberty, Ills., and Beloit, Kan.
288 BIOGRAPHICAL — PRESENT MEMBERS.
Robert Berry Whitchill, retired, of Wellington, was born in 1837,
a graduate from Selinsgrove Institute in 1862, taking a divinity
course there. Pastorates: Lock Haven, Pa., Yellowcreek, Mt. Mor-
ris, Litchfield, and Mendon, Ills., and Peabody, St. James Abilene,
New Cambria and Wellington, Kan.
Charles Fisher Wiest, was born at York, Pa., in 1873, a graduate
of Gettysburg, 1895, Gettysburg Seminary 1898, and ordained the
latter year. His first charge was at Milroy, Pa., second at Hays,
Kan.
Robert Bruce Wolf, was born at Center Hall, Pa., in 1870. He
was graduated from Gettysburg College in 1891, and from the same
Seminary in 1894, ordained in 1894, located as pastor at Eureka
and Kansas City, Kan.
Harry Lee Yarger, D. D., Field Secretary of the Board of Church
Extension, was born at Hartleton, Pa., in 1862, was graduated from
Gettysburg College in 1883, and from the Seminary of the same
in 1886, when he was ordained. His pastorates were Ellsworth,
and Lawrence, Kan., and Braddock, Pa. He assumed his present
office in 1895. He received the divinity degree from Carthage in
1898.
John N. Zimmer, of Abilene, was ordained in 1878, and has serv-
ed charges at West Point, Nebr., North Hope, Pa., New Spring-
field, O., Elk City and Gelso, Nebr., Sabetha, Kan., Rising City, Elk
City, Benson, and Millard, Neb., Wilson and Manchester, Kan.
Henry Zimmerman, was born at Golden, Ills., graduated from
Midland College, 1893, the Western Theol. Sem. in 1895, and was
ordained the latter year. He served pastorates at Hays City, Kan.,
Stella, Neb., and Emporia, Kan.
PAROCHIAL REPORTS
OF
Kansas Synod
AND OF THE
Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod
for 1906
Together With a Series of Statistical Tables Covering
All Lutheran Bodies in Kansas
COMPILED BY
REV. R. B. WOLF
290
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH IN KANSAS.
1907
Embracing Congregations of Every Synod and Language in the
State of Kansas.
317 Congregations.
30307 Communicants.
45490 Baptized Members.
SUMMARY BY SYNODS.
SYNOD
-a -°
,53 D
a
The Synod of Kansas
The German Nebraska Synod
The Swedish Augustana.
The Joint Synod of Ohio
The Synodical Conf. (Missouri)
The Norwegian Synods
The Danish Synods
The German Synod of Iowa
The German Evangelical of N. A
Grand Total
3798
1588
11119
1375
18910
840
350
4110
3400
45700
291
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300
Congregations in Kansas belonging to the Missouri Synod, and inde-
pendent congregations served by Pastors of that Synod, with com-
municant members.
Afton, 44, Aliceville, 17, Albert 110, Alma 325, Alta Vista 60, Argen-
tine 93, Atchison 250, Bonner Springs 15, Barnes 99, Batesville 27,
Bazine 82, Bellefonte 77, Bern 32, Beverly 35, Brazilton 205, Bushton
117, Bremen 318, Bremen rural 193, Bucklin 25, Chase 65, Cheney 70,
Cimarron 11, Clay Center 56, Clay Center rural 38, Claflin 59, Council
Grove 29, Coffeyville 129, Deerfleld 28, Dighton 21, Dodge City 24,
Downs 76, Ellinwood 238, Ellsworth 21, Ellsworth rural 284,. Fairview
80, Fair West 107, Germantown 59, Grand River 177, Garden City 20,
Goffs 24, Hanover rural 193, Haven 213, Herkimer 97, Herndon 51,
Hillsboro 166, Hope 254, Horace — , Hiawatha 53, Herington 287, Hum-
boldt 142, Independence 188, Iola 25, Junction City rural 117, Kansas
City, Kansas 127, Kensington 68, Kinsley 20, Kill Creek 11, Lakin 40,
Lang 14, Leavenworth 425, Leoti 16, Lincoln 333, Lincolnville 188, Linn
194, Linn rural 145, Ludell 119, Luray 10, Lydia 32, Madison 10, Mil-
berger 141, Monument — , Mound Ridge 45, Mulberry 14, McFarland
123, Natoma 135. Natroma 82, Netawaka 93, Newton 184, Nortonville
rural 71, Olpw 20, Onaga rural 157, Onaga 80, Oswego 22, Palmer 161,
Paola rural 240, Pierceville 13, Pittsburg 194, Plevna 35, Potter 122,
Prarie Grove 48, Ramona 61. Red Pluff 134, Riley 30. Rosenberg 76,
Russell Springs 11, Sabetha 33, Scott City 15, Shady Bend 70, Shady
Brook 207, Shockev 18, Spring Valley 138, St. Francis 60, Strong City
60. Stuttgart 94, Svlvan Grove 40S, Sylvan Grove rural 15, Tampa rural
65 Templin 140, Topeka 257, Traer 55, Vassar 36, Walula 70, Wake-
field 13, Wathena 148, White City 53, "Wilson rural 54, Winfleld 50,
Winkler 56. Witrup 47, Yates Center rural 64.
A total of 120 congregations, 11,650 communicants, 18,910 baptized
members.
Congregations in Kansas belonging to the Joint Synod of Ohio, etc.,
and independent congregations served by pastors of that Synod.
Barnes 69, Brookfield 132, Cheyenne 140, Fairview 51, Lenexa 160,
Morrowville, Monument, Mulberry, Palmer 122, Sycamore Springs, St.
Francis, Tescott, Thomas, Washington, Wamego 52, Wells Creek,
(above without numerals are parts of charges and included in other
figures.)
A total of 16 congregations, 616 communicants, 1375 baptized members.
Congregations in Kansas belonging to the German Nebraska Synod.
Dorrance 104. Greenleaf 110, Glasco 120, Home 175, Hanover 218,
Lancaster 27, Russell 150, Russell rural 25, Stickney rural 62, Stickney
rural 30. General Synod churches. See churches loci.
A total of 10 congregations, 1021 communicants, 1588 baptized members.
Congregations belonging to the Ev. Lutheran Synod of Iowa and other
States, and independent congregations served by pastors of that
Synod.
Albert 122, Athol 111. Ellis (2) 300, Gaylord (2) 100, Herington (2)
100, Kensington 160, Logan 100, Lydia 100, Otis (4) 325, Pittsburg (2)
156, Philipsburg 60, Russell (2) 230, Stuttgart 195, Tipton (2) 150, Wa-
keenov (2) 110.
A total of 27 congregations, 2375 communicants, 4110 bapt. members.
Danish Congregations in Kansas.
Kansas City, Kansas 60, Glasco 35, Oak Creek 40, Randolph 40,
Yuma 55.
A total of 5 congregations, 230 communicants, 350 baptized members.
301
Congregations in Kansas belonging to the German Ev. Synod of North
America, and independent congregations served by pastors of that
Synod.
Alma 170, Alida 75, Atchison 132, Berne 16, Eudora 130, Ellsworth
38. Ellinwood 125, Great Bend 14, Herndon 180, Herkimer 100, Holy
Rood 175, Highland 60, Hudson 160, Inman 39, Junction City 55, Kan-
sas Citv, Kansas 200, Lawrence 45, Lawrence rural 23, Leavenworth
110, Linn 117, Lincoln 85, Marysville 140, Manhattan 60, Nickerson 75,
Nickerson rural 61, Newton 80. Paola 92, Powhattan 50, Salina 75,
Topeka 75, Willow Springs 190, Wichita 123, Wells Creek 294.
A total of 32 congregations, 2910 communicants.
Norwegian Congregations: Atchison Co., 19, Brown Co., 90, Butler
Co., 20, Doniphan Co., 190, Greenwood Co., (3) 210, Jefferson Co., 30,
Jewell Co., 40, Norton Co., 35, Phillips Co., 25, Wilson Co., 20.
A total of 12 congregations, 679 communicants.
THE THIRTY-NINE CONVENTIONS OF THE KANSAS SYNOD.
Year. Place.
President.
1868 Topeka,
S.
P. Harrington,
1869 Atchison,
M
. G. Boyer,
1869 Kansas City,
A.
J. Hesson,
1870 Lawrence,
A.
J. Hesson,
1871 GrasshopperFalls D.
Harbaugh,
1872 Monrovia,
D.
Harbaugh,
1873 Kansas City,
R.
Weiser,
1874 Abilene,
S.
P. Harrington,
1875 Lawrence.
S.
P. Harrington,
1S76 Kansas City,
A.
A. Trimper,
1877 Salina.
T.
F. Dornblaser,
1878 Peabbdy,
T.
F. Dornblaser,
1879 Abilene,
T.
F. Dornblaser,
1880 Lawrence.
S.
S. Waltz,
1881 Bunker Hill,
S.
S. Waltz,
1882 Salina,
S.
S. Waltz,
1883 Eureka,
A.
J. Kissell,
1884 Topeka.
A.
J. Kissell,
18S5 Peabody.
M.
F. Troxell,
1886 Waterville,
J.
M. Cromer,
1887 Abilene.
J.
M. Cromer,
1888 Lawrence,
W
. M. Sparr,
1889 Atchison,
W
. M. Sparr,
1890 Salina,
F.
D. Altman,
1891 Emporia,
F.
D. Altman,
1892 Kansas City,
J.
A. Lowe,
1893 Kansas City,
J.
A. Lowe,
1894 Topeka.
W.
F. Rentz,
1895 Abilene,
W,
F. Rentz,
1896 Lawrence,
A.
E. Wagner.
1897 Peabody,
A.
E. Wagner,
1898 Hutchinson,
H.
C. Haithcox,
1899 Atchison.
H.
C. Haithcox,
1900 Waterville,
H.
L. Yarger,
1901 Wellington,
H.
L. Yarger,
1902 Salina,
I.
B. Heisey,
1903 St. Joseph,
I.
B. Heisey,
1904 Eureka, -
R.
B. Wolf,
1905 Emporia,
R.
B. Wolf,
1906 Topeka,
H.
A. Ott,
Secretary.
E. J. Keplinger,
E. J. Keplinger,
S. P. Harrington,
S. P. Harrington,
S. P. Harrington,
H. B. Belmer,
S. P. Harrington,
D. S. Altman,
T. F. Dornblaser,
T. F. Dornblaser,
A. K. Felton,
A. K. Felton.
S. P. Harrington,
J. H. Harpster,
J. H. Harpster,
J. A. Lowe,
J. A. Lowe,
M. F. Troxell,
J. A. Lowe,
F. D. Altman,
F. D. Altman,
G. D. Gotwald,
G. D. Gotwald,
H. L. Yarger,
H. L. Yarger,
W. L. Seabrook,
R. B. Whitehill,
R. B. Whitehill,
H. M. Oberholtzer,
H. M. Oberholtzer,
J. F. Seibert,
J. F. Seibert,
J. F. Seibert,
R. B. Wolf,
R. B. Wolf,
R. B. Wolf,
E. E. Stauffer,
E. E. Stauffer,
E. E. Stauffer,
J. J. Chambers,
Treasurer.
A. W. Wagenhals
J. G. Groenmiller.
J. G. Groenmiller.
D. Earhart.
J. H. Schell.
J. H. Schell.
J. H. Schell.
J. B. Schell.
J. B. Schell.
J. B. Schell.
P. Weidlein.
C. H. Lebold.
J. E. Herbst.
L. P. Firey.
J. E. Tressler.
J. E. Tressler.
J. E. Tressler.
J. E. Tressler.
J. E. Herbst.
J. E. Herbst.
A. L. Selig.
A. L. Selig.
A. L. Selig.
J. H. Berlin.
J. H. Berlin.
J. H. Berlin.
A. L. Selig.
A. L. Selig.
A. L. Selig.
J. E. Brewer.
J. E. Brewer.
J. E. Brewer.
J. P. Burtis.
J. P. Burtis.
J. P. Burtis.
H. L. Humphrey.
H. L. Humphrey.
A. T. Olson.
A. T. Olson.
302
Clerical Members of Kansas Synod from 1868 to 1907
No. |
Name.
Charges Served.
Ent | Dismissed to
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
17
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
G. Ellinger
B. McAfee
P. Harrington..
W. Wagenhals
J. Hesson
J. Hesson
J. Keplinger. . .
G. Boyer
Earhart
R. Scherer. . . .
G. Groenmiller.
F. W. Treptow
B. Belmer
returned.
Martin
Ricksecker
Harbaugh
W. Sargeant. ..
Heigerd
H. Steck
B. Corbett
E. Crebs
G. Haag
J. Scheleen. . . .
G. Nordengren
Hawkinson
G. R. Buetow.
J. Lindahl
S. Altman
N. St. John
F. Alleman. . .
A. Exline
Weiser
"Walker
J. Firey
G. Bergenskold
K. Eckman. . . .
Young
Cook
A. Trimper. . . .
returned.
F. Dornblaser.
C. Seidel
Valley Falls, Monrovia..
Valley Falls, Abilene. . . .
Kansas City First
Topeka
Peabody, Hutchinson. . . .
Tipton, Mo
Atchison, Monrovia
Effingham
Vinland, Moray, Pardee.
Marshall Co
Rockport, Mo
Lawrence, (Ger)
Lawrence
Peabody
East Norway
Waterville
Eureka
Effingham
Kansas City First
St. Louis, Bunker Hill...
Abilene
Geo. Sanderson...
W. H. Lilly
returned.
N. W. Lillv
A. K. Felton
L. C. Groseclose.
A. J. Hartsock. . .
A. Essick
J. A. M. Ziegler. .
returned.
D. H. Snowden...
D. H. Bauslin
A. J. Kissel
A. L. Anderson. . .
John Bond
R. B. Whitehill.. .
returned.
returned.
W. I. Cutter
J. H. Harpster. . .
1868
1868
I8i;,s
1868
1868
1882
1868
1868
Topeka (Swedish)
licensed.
Randolph licensed.
Fontanelle, Neb
Brantford ,
Ottawa
Valley Falls
Topeka
Bunker Hill
Georgetown, Colo
White Rock
Bellville, Beattie.
Osborne
Salina
Garnett
Lawrence
K. C. First, Topeka
Minneapolis, Salina, Ot-
tawa, Solomon
(Licentiate)
Abilene
Garnett, Haskell..
Bunker Hill
Eureka
Salina
Ellsworth
Abilene
Kansas City First.
Peabody lie.
Abilene. Salina
Georgetown, Colo
Glasco
Peabody
St. James, "Wellington —
Monrovia, Effingham,
Atchison
Hayes
1869
1869
1869
1869
1869
1SS4
1869
1869
1870
1870
1S70|
1870
1870
1S70
1870
1870
1870
1870
1870
1S71
1871
1872
1872
1872
1872
1872
1873
1873
1873
1873
1873
1874
1877
1874
1876
1876
1876
1879
1S99|
1877
1S77
1877
1877
1877
1902
1877
1877
1877
1878
1878
1878
1888
1896
1875
1S89
1876
1872
1899
1886
1890
1873
1889
1871
1870
1872
1888
1896
1871
1890
1875
Died.
Charter member
Ger. Ref. Ch.
demitted minis.
W. Penn. Svnod
N. 111. Synod.
Dropped.
First Ord.
Alleg. Synod.
Alleg. Synod.
Died.
Neb. Synod.
Deposed.
Md. Synod.
Miami Synod.
Died.
Moravian Ch.
Rocky Mt. Synd
Died.
1905|Died.
1874
1892
1870
1874
1877
1871
1874
1871
1875
1893
1S73
1872
18S1
1886
1S80
1875
1876
1876
1889
1875
1876
1884
1892
1888
1899
1876
1S80
....|
1879
1905
1907
1SS3
1878
1907
1877
1878
1885
1880
1880
1884
1895
E. Pa. Synod.
Dropped.
Pitt. Synod.
Deposed.
Sw. Aug. Synod.
By exp. of lie.
By exp. of lie.
Neb. Synod.
Sw. Aug. Svnod
Died.
Presby. Ch.
Md. Synod.
Dropped.
Died.
Died.
C. Pa. Synod.
Sw. Aug. Synod
Cong. Ch.
Died.
Neb. Synod.
Presbv. Ch.
Died.
Wittenberg Syd.
W. Pa. Synod.
By exp. of lie.
Iowa Svnod.
C. 111. Synod.
Active.
Alleg. Synod.
Died.
Calif. Synod.
West Pa. Synod
Iowa Svnod.
Cal. Synod.
E. Ohio Synod.
Witten. Synod.
Iowa Synod.
Iowa.
Neb. Synod.
Presbv. Ch.
Cent. "111. Synod.
Active.
lS79|1S86(Drooped.
1879 1882 N. Y. & N.
J. S.
303
Name.
J. Schauer.
E. S. Reese
H. F. Long-
S. S. Waltz
A. B. Kirtland. . .
D. Scholl
J. A. Lowe
P. C. Holler
M. Stolpe
R. A. White
R. F. Hassinger. .
B. F. Grenoble
J. A. Bright
G. A. Bowers
M. F. Troxell. . . .
returned.
H. Acker
H. Sharpe
J. E. Maurer. . . .
H. Max Lentz. . . .
J. A. Hartman. . .
I. J. Delo
N. A. Whitman..
J. M. Cromer
G. S. Diven
P. A. Heilman. . . .
S. Henry
F. D. Altman
B. F. Hills
A. M. Geiger
J. P. Schnure
G. D. Gotwald
M. F. Rinker
returned.
W. M. Sparr
P, S. Nellis
J. G. Graichen
H. L. Yarger
returned.
J. G. M. Hursh . .
C. A. Eyler
S. Palmer
F. M. Porch
S. B. Hyman
returned.
E. B. Killinger. . .
J. Freet
P. Ewald
B. F. Newton
W. M.B. Glanding
W. F. Rentz
J. F. Scherer....
returned.
E. E. Schantz
J. Auerback
H. A. Koogle
J. H. Hanstine. . .
J. F. Sponseller. .
J. H. Stough
C. W. Mag-gart.. .
W. W. Kribbs.. . .
W. H. Wynn
J. B. Umberger. . .
W. L. Seabrook. .
Charges Served.
Greenleaf, Waterville,
Bunker Hill, Perth
Sabetha, Barnes
Bunker Hill
Kansas City, First
New Cambria
Vinland
White Rock, etc. . . lie.
lie.
Marquette
lie.
Pleasant Valley
Ellsworth
Abilene, Peab'dy, Emp'ra
Eureka, Kansas City
St. Joseph
Whitewater
Hays
Lawrence, Hardy, Wash.
Eureka
Emporia
Lawrence
Bunker Hill
Kansas City
Atchison
Denver
Ottawa
Emporia, Kansas City. . .
Mt. Zion. Banner City...
Valley Falls
Morrill
Salina. Kansas City
Greenleaf, etc. . lie.
Long Island
Eureka
Hayes
Ellsworth, Lawrence.
Wellington Hutchinson.
Minneapolis
Abilene. Topeka.
Lawrence
Hayes. Ellsworth
Manchester, Hardy,
Norcatur lie.
lie.
lie.
Atchison
Chapman, Ottawa.
Minneapolis
lie.
lie.
Bunker Hill, Etc lie.
Waterville, Minneapolis.
Salina. . .
Ellsworth.
Oberlin, New Cambria.
Ottawa
Wichita, Abilene
Ent I Dismissed to
1879
1879
1879
1879
1879
1879
1879
1879
1880
1880
1881
1882
1882
1882
1882
1899
1882
1882
188:;
1884
1884
1884
188 i
1884
1884
188 1
18 84
1885
1885
1885
1885
18 85
1885
1905
1885
188.;
1886
1886
1895
1887
1887
188 7
1887
1887
1890
1887
1887
1887
1887
1887
1888
1888
1898
1888
1888
1SS8
18SS
1889
1889
1889
1889
1889
1889
1889
1905
1S91
1SS4
1884
1902
1882
1SS4
ISSfi
1888
188 1
i903
1SS9
1904
1898
1884
1891
1885
1885
1S87
1887
isss
1890
1904
1904
1SS5
1890
1891
1900
1901
1889
1894
i894
1S93
iS94
1889
1891
1892
1905
1888
1888
1889
1S9S
1892
1904
1SS9
1889
iS89
1898
1892
1892
1896
1899
1895
Died.
Cen. 111. Synod.
Cen. Pa. Synod.
Olive Br. Synod.
Active.
Active.
Neb. Synod.
Lie. Exp.
Aug. Synod.
Neb. Synod.
Cen. Pa. Synod.
la. Synod.
Active.
So. 111. Synod.
Cen. 111. Synod.
Neb. Synod.
Died.
Hartwick Synod
Pbg. Synod.
Iowa Synod.
W. Pa. Synod.
Iowa Synod.
N. 111. Synod.
Active.
N. Y. & N. J. S.
Susq. Synod.
Active.
Active.
Rky. Mt. Synod.
Died.
Aleg. Synod.
Died.
Olive Br. Synod.
Active.
Died.
Died.
S. Car. Synod.
Pbg. Synod.
Active.
S. 111. Svnod.
N. Y. & N. J. S.
Active.
Olive Br. Synod.
M. E. Ch.
Deposed.
Cen. 111. Synod.
Died.
Neb. Synod.
Lie. Exp.
E.' Pa. Synod.
E. Pa. Synod.
N. 111. Synod.
Presb. Ch.
Lie. Exp.
Mis. to India.
Active.
Lie. Exp.
Neb. Synod.
Active.
Calif. Synod.
Alleg. Synod.
Iowa Synod.
Miami Synod.
Va. Synod.
304
Name.
Charges Served.
Ent | Dismissed to
C. J. Kiefer
S3. G. Dornblaser.
J. W. Thomas....
W. J. Kurtz
L. C. Routzahn...
S. C. Chatham...
I. B.- Heisey
J. N. Lentz
S. S. Kauffman.. .
J. G. Trefz
H. Zimmerman. . .
returned.
H. M. Otaerholtzer
J. G. Griffith
J. M. Long
P. J. Spraker
J. W. Kimmel... .
E. P. Schueler. . .
R. B. "Wolf
B. F. Pugh
E. F. Trefz
P. G. Tonsing. . . .
returned.
J. M. Buzzard.. . .
returned.
A. E. Wagner. . . .
H. C. Haithcox...
A. Sell
S. M. Lesher
returned.
J. M. Seibert
R. H. Williams...
returned.
B. F. Kistler
J. S. Detwiler
J. Paetznick
A. M. Reitzell
returned.
M. D. Berg
J. J. Chambers. . .
E. F. A. Hantel..
G. C. Cromer
D. H. Cramer. . . .
E. E. Stauffer
J. A. McCulloch..
L. S. Keyser
W. E. Brehm
C. E. Wirick
H. F. Scheele
G. W. Amick
J. L. Hammond..
A. F. Dressel
G. W. Livers
W. A. Livers
E. H. Combs
1 1. Dvsinger
G. O. Ritter
J. F. Petticrew...
TT. A. Ott
.1. W. Ball
J. T. Miller
F. Bergstresser. . .
J. C. Jacoby
P. Bergstresser. . .
G. Wenning
Denver
Emporia
Valley Falls
Manchester lie.
Salina
Leavenworth
Waterville ord.
Ottawa, Greenleaf. . ord.
Peabody
Beloit
Greenleaf, Hays, . . . lie.
Emporia
Salina
Lawrence
New Cambria
Hardy
Leavenworth : . .
Kansas City ord.
Eureka. K. C. Ks. . . ord.
Wellington, Ottawa,
Garnett
St. Joseph lie.
Beloit
Morrill lie.
Topeka ord.
Abilene
Chapman
Effingham ord.
Sedalia
Sedalia
Peabody lie.
Oklahoma City
Bunker Hill, Morrill, ord.
Kansas City
Glasco ord.
Hutchinson lie.
Wellington
Whitewater lie.
Jerico, New Cam- lie.
bria, Perth
Glasco
Emporia ord.
Greenleaf, Hays. Eureka.
Wellington, Lawrence lie.
Salina lie.
Atchison •.
Lawrence '
Emporia, Salina
Peabody
Garnett
Leavenworth lie.
Greenleaf lie.
Perth lie.
White water lie.
Kansas City, First
i h:i pman
Banner City, Etc
Topeka, Salina
Kansas City
Long Island ord.
Abilene
Sedalia
Beloit.
1889
1890
1890
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
1892
1893
1901
1894
1894
1894
1894
1S94
1897
1894
1894
1894
1894
1903
1894
1897
1894
1894
1895
1895
1905
1S95
1895
1901
i so*;
1896
1896
1896
1906
1896
1896
1S97
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
1899
1899
1899
1899
1900
i:
1900
1900
1900
1900
1 900
1901
1901
1901
1891
1894
1891
1892
1895
1899
i89S
1S95
1894
1898
i89S
1897
1898
1898
1900
1900
1899
1900
i896
1897
1900
1900
1896
1898
i900
1898
1903
1905
1896
Lion
1903
1900
1907
1901
1898
1906
i900
1902
1901
1906
1899
1902
1!
1901
1903
1905
1902
1903
1906
i903
1905
1905
1903
1902
Rky Mt. Synod.
Miami Synod.
Cen. 111. Synod.
Lie. Exp.
Calif. Synod.
Dropped.'
Active.
Neb. Synod.
E. Ohio Synod.
Wartburg Synod
Neb. Synod.
Active.
Frankean Synod
Susq. Synod.
Iowa Synod.
Dropped.
Neb. Synod.
C. & S. 111. Syn.
Active.
Active.
Neb. Synod.
Neb. Synod.
Active.
Neb. Synod.
Rky. Mt. Synod.
Alleg. Synod.
N. Ind. Synod.
C. 111. Synod.
Neb. Synod.
Active.
Neb. Synod.
Iowa Svnod.
Rky. Mt. Synod.
Iowa Synod.
* (see foot note)
Wartburg Svnod
C. 111. Synod.
Active.
Neb. Synod.
Calif. Synod.
Ger. Neb. Svnod
C.&S. 111. Synod
Presby, Ch.
Active.
Iowa Synod.
E. Ohio Synod.
Cong. Ch.
N. 111. Synod.
Va. Svnod.
Wittenb. Synod.
Neb. Svnod.
C.&S. 111. Synod
Neb. Synod.
Active.
Neb. Synod.
Pbg. Synod.
N. Ind. Synod.
Miami Synod.
Active.
Neb. Synod.
Active.
Cen. 111. Synod.
Pbg. Synod.
Olive Br. Synod.
Dismissed without recommendation.
305
No.
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
1S3
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
Name.
Charges Served.
Ent I Dismissed to
J. N. Zimmer
J. M. Herbst
E. V. Nussbaum. .
A. B. Schrader. . ..
returned.
C. N. Swihart
C. G. Nielsen
R. M. Badger
C. F. Wiest
W. F. Poot
S. G. Knudten
J. F. Krueger. . . .
A. R. Betz
J. H. Utesch
returned.
J. F. Cressler
H. H. Hall
Wm. Kelly
J. K. Rizer
R. W. Hufford....
C. F. Schultz
R. Schim'elpfnnig
F. Heilman
C. W. Sifferd
B. R. Lantz
M. L. Exline
A. E. Renn
T. P. Skovgard. ..
R. Richter
O. C. Miller
F. R. Shirck
F. S. Delo
G. S. Murphy
J. B. Grove
G. G. Clark
J. M. Barnes
Geo. Beiswanger..
J. C. Schindel
O. MacWilliams. .
Edw. Bollman. . . .
W. W. Horn
Bunker Hill
Effingham
Glasco
Lawrence
Kansas City
Peabody
Beloit ord.
lie.
Hays
Minneapolis
Glasco ord.
lie.
lie.
lie.
1901
1901
1901
190
1903
1901|1902
1905
New Cambria.
Chapman
Oklahoma City.
Hutchinson. . .
Atchison
Wellington. . . .
Glasco
Kansas City. . .
Ottawa
St Joseph
Atchison
Peabody
Greenleaf
U. S. Army. ...
Whitewater. . .
Hutchinson. . .
Peabody
Norcatur
Emporia
Ellsworth
Oklahoma City.
Kansas City. .
Eureka
Effingham
Topeka. . .■
1902
1902
1902
190:
1903
1903
1903
1903
1903
1907
1903
1904
19(14
1904
1904
1904
1904
1904
1904
1904
1904
1905
1905
ion-,
1905
1905
1906
1906
1906
1906
1907
1907
1907
1907
1907
1907
1904
1906
1903
i904
1904
19U3
1904
1904
1906
1906
1905
1906
1906
1906
1906
1907
Active.
Rky. Mt. Synod.
Ger. Neb. Synod
Wittenb. Synod.
Active.
Rky. Mt. Synod.
Miami Synod.
Cen. 111. Synod.
Active.
Neb. Synod.
Died.
Ger. Neb. Synod
S. 111. Synod.
S. 111. Synod.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Died.
Iowa Synod.
E. Pa. Synod.
Cen. 111. Synod.
Active.
E. Ohio Synod.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Rky. Mt. Synod.
Active.
Died.
Neb. Synod.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Active.
Active.
INDEX.
Page.
Abilene 51, 55
Acker, Rev. H 72
Altaian, Rev. F. D. . .77, 108, 126,
24$, 249,-283.
Amerieus 213
Assaria 268
Atchison 25, 55-8
Atchison Co., Mo 58
Augustana, Recension of . . 28
August ana Synod Report. . . 296
Baden, J. P 245
Banner City 199
Bamitz, Rev. S. B 46,233
Basis, Doctrinal 32
Barnes, Rev. J. M 62-4, 283
Barnes, Messiah 189
Beiswanger, Rev. Geo. .65, 136, 283
Beloit 59
Benson. A. P 34, 280
Benevolence, Synodical .... 217
Bergstresser. Rev. F. ..55,84,284
Bethany College 240
Biographical Sketches. . . . 280-8
Bollman, Rev. E 76,284
Boom Days 196-7
Border Ruffianism 10, 17
Boyer, Rev. M. G 30, 33, 280
Bright, Rev. J. A 68, 284
Brown Co., St. Paul's 64
Brown Co., Zions 67
Brantford 267
Bunker Hill 60
Burdick 269
California Trail 9
Campus 67
Carthage College 229
Cedar Vale 211
Chapman 69
Charter, Synod 216
Page.
Children's Friend Soc 255
Church Extension 43-49,50
Ch. Extension Lots 47
Change, Name of Synod... 215
Charter Members. ..... .32, 33, 34
Clutz, Rev. J. A.. 47, 48, 230-5, 281
Clark, Rev. G. G.. .78, 97, 188, 284
Conferences, Early 26
Conventions, Kan. Synod. . 301
Corporation, Synod 215
Crawford Co. Swedish 211
Cressler, Rev. J. F 72,284
Crooked Creek 14, 405
Cromer, Rev. J. M. 84, 102, 109, 284
Cyclones 18,180,212
Danish Churches 300
Definite Platform 28
Defunct Churches 189-214
Delight - 205
Delmore 271
Delo, Rev. F. S 96,97,284
Denver 73
Doctrinal Unrest. 28
Dornblaser, Rev. T. F. ...40,281
Dorrance 184
Dubuque 287
Earhart. Rev. D. ...17-21,29.281
Effingham 74-76
Ellinger, Rev. J. G 280
Emporia 26-79, 188
Enne 270
Enterprise '. 195
Enterprise, Swedish 268
Ellsworth 201
Eureka 79
Excelsior 62'
Exiine. Rev. M. L 284
Expansion, Period 36
Page.
Failure to Organize Synod.. 29
Faulun w. . 270
First Luth. Ch. In Kan.T.. 11-13
First Clergyman to Kan 9
First Ordination 35
First Parochial Report 291
First School in Kan 11
Fontanelle, Neb 195
Franklin Co 213
Fremont 263
Friend's Home 265
Garfield 268
Garnett 83
Georgetown. Col 212
German Neb. Synod 181, 300
Glasco 86
Goodland, Rev. J. W 37, 45
Gotwald, Rev. G. D. 107, 110, 236,
282.
Gove Co 270
Grasshopper Falls 12
Great Western Home Mis-
sion Convention 39
Greenleaf, Trinity 88
Greenleaf , St. John's 89
Greenleaf, St. Paul's 90
Groseclose, Rev. L. C 82, 282
Grove, Rev. J. B 120, 134, 284
Gustafslund 271
Hall, Rev. H. H 71, 285
Halstead 205
Hanover 181
Hardy, Neb 91, 203
Harbaugh, Rev. D 170,282
Harrington, Rev. S. P. 32, 33, 38,
280.
Haskell 86
Hays 91
Heisey, Rev. I. B. ..97,171-4,285
Henry, Rev. S 72, 285
Herbst, Dr. J. B 110,282
Hesson, Rev. A. J 25,32,280
Helwig, John 15, 16
Home Missions 43
Home Mission Conv 38-9
Home Mission Soc'y 21, 22
Home Mission Soc'y Aid.. 21
Home, Friedens' • 184
Home, St. John's 185
Horn, Rev. W. W 163, 285
Page.
Householder, G. W 34,280
Hutchinson 94
Hutchinson, Swedish 270
Incorporation of Synod. . . . 215
Iowa Synod, German 300
Jerieo, Bethel 96
Jerico, St. James 99
Johnson Co., St. Paul 213
Joint Home Mission Conv. . 38
Joint Synod, Ohio 300
Kackley 267
Kanopolis 200
Kansas City, Miss. Conv. ... 38
Kansas City, First 100
Kansas City, Grace 109
Kansas City, Memorial 105
Kansas City, Kan. Trinity. 112
Kansas City, Swedish 213,272
Kansas Synod Organization 30
Kansas Synod Parochial 292-5
Kansas Synod Conventions. 301
Kansas Synod Clerical Mem. 302
Kansas Con. Statistics 272
Kan. Con. in Colo. & Tex... 273
Kelley, Rev. Wm 110,136
Kimmel, Rev. J. W 189-194
Kirtland, Rev. A. B., 129, 132, 285
Keplinger, Rev. E. J. ..32,34,281
Koogle, Rev. H. A 63,285
Kountze, Augustus 242
Kuhlman, Rev. J. F 27
Kuhns, Rev. H. W 27
Lindsborg 263
Long Island, St. Paul's 119
Lancaster, St. Johns 114
Lancaster, St. Paul's 114
Lantz, Rev. B. R 84,153,285
Lawrence, First 115
Lawrence, German 119
Lawrence, Swedish 267
Leavenworth Mission 190-4
Lenker, Rev. J. N 47
Lesher, Rev. S. M. ...97,156,285
Lilly, Rev. N. W 86,285
Lincoln Center 206
Lindquist, Rev. A. W 258
Page.
Livers, Rev. W. A 285
Lone Tree 205
Lost Springs 210
Lowe, Rev. J. A 72,91,282
Ludden, Rev. L. P 46
Luther Leagues 226, 276
Manchester, St. James 123
Manchester, St. Paul's 121
Manhattan 269
McPherson 269
McAfee, Rev. J. B. 11, 29, 229, 281
Mariadahl Church 262
Martin, Rev. Charles 110,282
Marshall Co 267
Marion Hill 268
Marquette 269
Match Church 193
Mc Williams, Rev. 0 83,286
Messiah Festivals 243
Meyer, President A. W 245
Midland College 230-9
Midland Campus 238
Midland Cadets 239
Midland Library 237
Midland Residences 234
Missionary Soc. Synodical. . 219
Minneapolis, Grace 125
Minneapolis, St. John's. . . 124
•Minneapolis, St. Paul's. ... 123
.■Missouri Synod 300
\loray 19, 126
. Monrovia 14,206
Murphy, Rev. G. S. ..84,144,286
Nachusa Orphanage 218
Nehama Co., Zion's 67
Neve, Rev. J. L 249
New Cambria 128
New Cambria, St. Paul's... 131
New Andover 268
New Gotland 266
Norway 212
Norcatur 133
North American Synod 301
Norwegian Churches 301
Nuckolls Co., Bethel 204
Oberlin 198
Officer, Rev. Morris, 22-26, 44, 45,
101, 115.
Page.
Oak Hall 235
Oklahoma City 134
Oldsburg 269
Omaha Missionary Conv. ... 39
Opinions of Early Kansans. 24
Organization, Kansas Syd.. 30
Organizations, Hist. of. ... 51
Osborn 195
Osawkee 199
Orphan's Home, Augustana. 274
Orphan's Home, Missouri.. 255
Ott, Rev. H. A... 5, 68, 84, 150, 163,
286.
Ottawa, St. Paul's 136
Ottawa, Swedish 266
Page Co 270
Pa lmer, Rev. S 72, 286
Pardee 14, 205
Parochial Report, First. . . . 291
Parochial, Kans. Synod 292-5
Parochial, Aug. Synod 296-9
Parochial, Missouri 300
Parochial, Synod Ohio. . . . 300
Parochial, Ger. Neb. Synod 300
Parochial, Ger. Iowa 300
Parochial, Danish 300
Parochial, Ger. Ev 301
Parochial, Norwegian 301
Peabody 140
Perth 144
Pihlblad, President E. F 243
Pioneer Days 7
Pittsburg 271
Pleasant Valley 209
Pontiac 210
Portland 209
Pride 205
Prohibition Amendment. . . 228
Pugh, Rev. B. F 85,86,286
Railroads, early .-.. 8
Radicalism 28
Randolph Church 195
Reitzell, Rev. A. M.. . 65, 177, 286
Renn, Rev. A. E 58,84,286
Republic City 204
Richter, Rev. R 88,90,286
Rinker, Rev. M. F 286
Russell, St. John's 182
Russell, Friedens 186
Russell Co., Trinity 185
Page.
Salemsborg 263
Salina, St. John's 146
Salina, Swedish 265
Santa Fe Trail 9
Saron 271
Scandia 267
Sehauer, Rev. J 61, 189,282
Scherer. Rev. F. R 35,282
Schmucker, J. G 32, 34, 281
Schmucker, Rev. S. S.; 28
Schindel, Rev. J. C 65,105,287
Schimmelpfennig, Rev. R. .88, 287
Seidel, Rev. W. C 110, 283
Shrader, Rev. A. B 109, 287
Sifferd, Rev. C. W 65,140,287
Slavery Problem 7
Sedalia 154
Sharon Springs 271
Shirck, Rev. F 97, 287
Smolan 271
Snyder, S. J. H 15
Sod Church . . .- 50
Sod House 6
Spring Grove 211
St. John\s College 244
St. Joseph 151
St. Louis, Mo 23,25,156
St. Mary's 264
Statistical Tables 289
Statistics, First Synod 35
State Center 204
Starch Church 192
Stauffer, Rev. E. E. ..65,118,287
Stockholm 271
Stough, Rev. J. H 237,287
Stickney 187
Stranger Creek Church. ...21,200
Summary by Synods 290
Swedesburg 266
Swensson, Rev. Carl 241
Synodical Secretaries 36-42
Tabitha Home 218
Talbott, J. H 25,55,110,283
Temperance Legislation. .. 227
Tipton 24, 213
Tonsing, Rev. P. G 287
Topeka, First 25, 158
Topeka, Swedish 163,264
Trails, Early 9
Page.
Travelling Synodical Sec... 36
Trego 271
Trimper, Rev. A. A 117,283
Troxell. President M. P., 82, 105,
106, 230, 234.
CJtesch, Rev. John H 60,287
Valley Falls 12, 163
Versailles, Mo 24,214
Vilas 266
Vinland is, 167
Wagnalls, A. W. ..25,33,100,281
Walsburg 266
Waltz, Rev. S. S 102
"Washington 210
Waterville, First 168
Waterville, Hebron 171
Waterville, Walnut Tp. ... 173
Waterville Swedish 265
Wellington 177
Western Theol. Sem 246-253
Western Secretaries 43,46,47
W. H. & F. M. S 219-224
W. H. & F. M. S. Statistics 223-''
Whitehill, Rev. R. B. . .72, 177, 288
White Rock 20;
Whitewater i7f
Wichita, St. Paul's 195-
Wiest, Rev. C. F 84, 94, 2f
Winfleld 21
Wolf, Rev. R. B... ..5, 65, 112, 288
Woman's Miss. Soc. Aug. Sn. 278
Yarger, Rev. H. L 49,50,118,
202, 288.
Young, Rev. Charles 146,283
Young People's Societies... 225
Y. P. S. C. E 225
Ziegler, Rev. J. A. M 104
Zimmer, Rev. J. N 63,288
Zimmerman, Rev. H.,. . 78, 94, 97.
288.
m
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